The 'glass slipper' of Cinderella fame, was in an earlier form a fur slipper, which, when you think about it, makes a whole lot more sense. But the word for 'glass' and the word for 'fur' in French are very close, and apparently there was a mis-transcription.
Darwin was a minister.
VERY strange, but very true.
So here in Namibia, you'll find one of the oldest deserts in the world, and one of the most picturesque in the world, called Sossusvlei. Look it up - its the red desert.
Anyway, if you stand between any of the dunes, you'll hear a low rumbling. A humming.
After a long conversation with a geologist (Namibia is a geologist's heaven,) it turns out its the sand itself that causes the humming.
Because the desert is so old, the sand was allowed to fully oxidize and turn red. The iron in the sand, causing the redness, can possess an electrostatic charge. As wind blows across the dunes, they build up this charge. Once the individual grains build up sufficient levels, they discharge amoungst one another - grain to grain. This continual discharge causes each dune to shake, causing vibrations in the air.
And there you have it.
Singing Dunes.
The problem with this feature, Steve -- which I think you'll forgive me for sharing, because you KNOW I love the sort of ephemera you're digging for -- is that these bits of information are best enjoyed when the arise in conversation naturally, not when they're purposefully sought.
I thought Darwin was only studying to be a minister, when he left early to go on the Beagle? Still noteworthy, no doubt.
On Sept. 1, 1971, the Pittsburgh Pirates became the first MLB team to field and all Black and/or Latino lineup, including the pitcher. I'm guessing it's been done several times since, but don't have that info.
To go from good old news to bad new news for the Pburg Pirates, they are about to break the record for most consecutive losing seasons in any of the four major American sports--this will be the 17th, eclipsing the Phillies from middle of last century.
Yes, I am a Pittsburgh sports fan!
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