🌞 Brought to Life

Daily Upsider - September 12th, 2024

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

Good Morning! 🌞 

Here’s a freaky fact: A human could swim through a blue whale’s arteries!!

The arteries of a blue whale are so large that a full-grown human could theoretically swim through them. Blue whales are the largest animals to have ever lived on Earth, growing up to 100 feet long.

Today’s Upside

Culture

Historical Figures Brought to Life

History has many interesting aspects. One I always found interesting, but unsatisfying, was the idea of making a realistic digital reconstruction of a historical figure’s face. Unfortunately, those reconstructions never actually looked like real people.

However, recently I encountered this video that took paintings of historical figures and used ai to to make a realistic looking image out of it. Obviously, they are not perfect, but some seem to be strikingly similar.

Here is the video for you to check out if you want:

World News

Tuscany's Strange New Airport Terminal

The Florence Airport International Terminal – credit, Rafael Viñoly Architects.

The new airport terminal in Florence will have a green roof with a vineyard, reflecting Italy's commitment to sustainable architecture. The Amerigo Vespucci International Airport will feature an eight-hectare vineyard on its roof, managed by a local wine company that will also produce wine on-site in a cellar.

The redesign, led by Rafael Viñoly Architects, addresses the airport's current runway issues and incorporates linear precast concrete structures to support the vineyard. These structures, held by branching columns inspired by grapevines, provide shade and reduce energy use. Skylights will bring natural light into the terminal.

The firm emphasized that this green roof will blend with the city's historic landscape and serve as a symbol of Italy's blend of tradition and innovation. The roof's soil will also be used for low-emission heating and cooling through heat exchanger technology. This sustainable approach is rooted in Italy's long history of green roofs, dating back to Roman times.

It’s certainly a cool idea but I’m not sure if I would want to drink that wine…

Innovation

Michigan's Wind and Solar Powered 1 Million Homes in 2023

credit – Anthony Tran Unsplash

Michigan, once known for its carbon-heavy automotive industry, is now making strides in renewable energy. In 2023, the state added 350 megawatts of solar power, boosting its renewable resources by 10%. With a total of 3,500 megawatts of solar and wind power, Michigan's green energy met the needs of 944,000 homes last year.

Though Michigan isn’t a top player in renewable energy nationwide, it aims to improve, currently ranking between 15th and 25th for renewable capacity. The state heavily depends on wind power, especially from turbines along Lake Huron’s coast, where strong winds provide consistent electricity.

Midwest Today reports that another 630 megawatts of solar energy is planned for installation by 2025. This growth is part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Clean Energy and Jobs Act, signed in November 2023, which aims to expand green energy and lower utility bills. While electricity and gas costs have stayed the same, more renewable projects are expected to help in the future.

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🧠  Trivia Thursday 🧠 

  • The name “Thursday” is derived from the Old English word “Þunresdæg,” which means “Thor’s day.”

  • In Hindu mythology, Thursday is associated with the planet Jupiter, which is believed to be a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, and good fortune.

  • In astrology, Thursday is associated with the planet Jupiter, which is considered to be a lucky planet.

    People born on Thursday are said to be optimistic, adventurous, and driven by a desire for knowledge and success.

Mind Stretchers

⁉️

A bus driver goes the wrong way down a one-way street. He passes the cops, but they don’t stop him. Why?

Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:
What do you buy to eat but never consume? - Cutlery

Linda Runatz got the answer first!

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to[email protected]or reply to email.


From the Community

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