MILITANTPLATYPUS

The structure opened in 1969, replacing 17 locks to provide for a change in level of 44.55 metres (approximately 138 feet). The inclined plane comprises a single chamber, reminiscent of a giant bath tub, which is called a caisson and slides laterally up or down the hillside on rails set at an angle of 41 degrees. The caisson is counter-balanced by two weights each of 450 metric tons, and the length of the lifting ramp is 108.65 metres (about 335 feet). The design is believed to be unique in Europe.

Prior to the construction of the incline, barges needed 8 to 13 hours to traverse the 17 locks and 10,200 cubic metres of water was needed to operate the series of locks. The incline can be traversed in 4 minutes and requires only 40 cubic metres of water. Because the design uses counterweights to balance the weight of the caisson being moved, the entire operation can be run by two 120 horsepower electric motors, which causes a surprisingly small energy consumption.

pantherhouse.com

official site: plan-incline.com

One of the most stunning features of the IL Centre is it’s 3-story Biowall. More that a conversation piece, it helps remove VOCs from the building which can contribute to ’sick buildlings’.

queensu.ca

In Trondheim, Norway they have an easier way to get up the hill

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I have seen some pretty cool fish tanks in my day. Some are big, some are magnified, some have little treasure chests the blow air bubbles. This, I have not seen before.

fishighway.com

Holy stackable furniture Batman!

This stuff is cool. Way, way overpriced, but still cool.

hgtv.com

via gl

I don’t know if you have tried a Magic Eraser yet, but I have, and they really do live up to their name. I have been consistently astounded by what it will remove, and the ease with which it does so. In addition to being astounded, I have been creeped out a bit. There is no detergent with the product, and it dissenegrates as you use it. The whole process is a bit odd.

Wikipedia to the rescue! Wikipedia has a break down of what the Magic Eraser is, and how it works.

wikipedia.org

via d

For the long version, follow the link below. For the short version: It is an MP3 that sends the correct wavelength to your brain to stimulate you. Kind of like the opposite of muzak.

anabubula.com

local copy of Mp3 - please be kind, it is an 18mb file..

via d

Flexfix is an integrated bike rack for the new Opel Antara. It is a pull out drawer that allows to you easily carry two bikes. For those who are not aware of the extent of inbreeding in the auto industry, the Opel Antara is essentially the Saturn Vue, which gives those of us in the States some hope.

autoblog.com

I am not sure what has me on the kid production kick, but here we are..

Inchworms, the shoes that can grow with your child. Each shoe can grow up to two additional sizes. Neat trick, as long as the prices isn’t three times as much!

Tip for the people at inchworm: Create an adult line that allows you to custom fit your shoes to your feet. So instead of making the adjustments full shoe sizes, make them quarter shoe size adjustments. I foresee a great market for those who spend a lot of time on their feet.

inchwormshoes.com

via ur

Tired of vaccuuming the house yourself?
Got a kid running around with a little too much energy?
Why not combine the two?

Sure beats the small dog dustmop concept..

redhousedesign.blogspot.com

via og