Factoids - useless but interesting snippets

[Ron]

2 hours ago, Page Scrawler said:

You could have the entire tree cut down.

Here in the States that would not be allowed. We are allowed to trim any overhangs but you can't impinge on another's property.

 

[Page Scrawler]

2 hours ago, Ron said:

Here in the States that would not be allowed. We are allowed to trim any overhangs but you can't impinge on another's property.

 

I'm perfectly aware, Thank You. I was referring to ancient Rome.

[Ron]

On November 18, 2026 Voyager 1 is expected to reach one light-day from Earth, about 25.9 billion kilometers.

[Zombie]

Speed - the original bus jump 

 

In December 1952, Albert Gunter (a very experienced driver) was driving his usual route on the Number 78 double-decker red London bus, travelling from Dulwich to Shoreditch. It was late in the evening, dark, freezing, and shrouded by the London smog

 

Approaching the iconic Tower Bridge at about 12 mph, the traffic light was green, the security gates were open, and no warning bell was sounding

 

But unbeknown to Albert, a newly hired watchman had made a catastrophic error, instructing the bridge engineer to open the steam engine powered bascules (the levered spans) for a passing ship without shutting down the road

 

As the bus moved onto the bridge, Albert suddenly noticed the road ahead was "falling away" and the southern bascule he was driving on was tilting upward. Realising the top-heavy double-decker would easily flip backward or slide into the icy River Thames if he slammed on the brakes, Albert dropped down two gears and slammed his foot on the accelerator

The 7.5-ton bus launched off the road edge, cleared the now 6-foot central gap, and crashed heavily down onto the north bascule, which had not yet begun to rise. Realising the northern span would start lifting next, he kept driving and managed to get the bus safely clear under the bridge's stone archway even though the impact had destroyed the bus's suspension and snapped an axle,

 

The 20 passengers and conductor were thrown to the floor. Amazingly there were no fatalities - 12 passengers suffered minor injuries and the conductor a broken leg

 

For his extraordinary action, Albert became an overnight folk hero and was  rewarded with:

• a day off work from London Transport and a £10 bonus. When asked what he would do with the money, he famously quipped, "Five for me, and five for the missus."
• The London City Corporation (which accepted full liability for the staff ‘error’) presented him with an official commendation, a £35 reward, and a fully paid week's holiday - in Bournemouth 

https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/stories/bus-jump

 

[Zombie]

the naked Olympics