Month: December 2016

Star Wars fans certainly have it better than they did back in 1977, when Kenner sold an empty box containing gift certificates for action figures they had underestimated the demand for. Today, there are so many options for Jedi-related gifts that it can be overwhelming. We’ve curated some of the newest, best options in the galaxy.

Mental Floss has affiliate relationships with certain retailers and may receive a small percentage of any sale. But we only get commission on items you buy and don’t return, so we’re only happy if you’re happy. Thanks for helping us pay the bills!

1. MOMA DESIGN STORE R2-D2 3D MODEL KIT; $15 

It can be hard to balance Star Wars fandom with design aesthetics: A lot of the mythology’s characters might look out of place in a sparsely-decorated room. The Museum of Modern Art’s 2.75-inch tall R2-D2 glue-free model kit keeps it basic, offering a steel-sheet finish for those who prefer a more subtle form of droid worship. 

Find It: MoMA

2. AIR HOGS REMOTE CONTROL MILLENNIUM FALCON QUAD; $68

We’ll spare you the Kessel Run jokes: Just know that Air Hogs’ Falcon is one of the few toys based on a space fantasy vehicle that can mimic its onscreen counterpart by taking flight—thanks to four motored fans and a wireless remote that controls its direction. If it happens to get shot down by an enemy craft (or a dog) don’t sweat it: The light, foam-like material is impact-resistant.

Find It: Amazon 

3. INTERATECH IMPERIAL STORMTROOPER; $20

Your giftee can terrorize Jedis with this 13-inch Stormtrooper that boasts a surprisingly robust personality for an emotionless foot soldier. The Imperial grunt will make noises when locked in combat with other figures, shooting a blaster, or taking to the skies. A Hasbro app helps program a variety of sounds.

Find It: Walmart

4. STAR WARS: SECRETS OF THE GALAXY DELUXE BOX SET; $80

Guide to the galaxy: Help a loved up brush up on their Star Wars mythology with this illustrated collection from New York Times-bestselling author Daniel Wallace. The set features The Jedi Path, Book of Sith, The Bounty Hunter Code, and Imperial Handbook, all annotated by characters from the saga.

Find It: Amazon

5. STORMTROOPER WAFFLE MAKER; $40

There’s no reason a person’s love for Star Wars needs to lack nutrition. This waffle maker imprints an image of a foreboding Stormtrooper head on anything you put into it, including flour, brownie mixes, or sandwiches. The non-stick surface wipes clean with a damp cloth.

Find It: Amazon

6. BB-8 APP CONTROLLED ROBOT WITH FORCE BAND; $200

Sentient ball droid BB-8 was the breakout star of 2015 fim The Force Awakens, and he’s gotten an upgrade. The robot can be moved with the included wrist band that senses the direction of the wearer’s arm. Don’t have the band handy? You can still have him do your bidding with Sphero’s phone app.

Find It: Amazon

7. GEEK TIKIS; $15 EACH

These 14-ounce ceramic tiki mugs have been molded to resemble Boba Fett, R2-D2, Darth Vader, and several others—blending Star Wars with the craftsmanship expected from a fine tiki bar. The set of all 6 options is priced at $80.

Find It: ThinkGeek

8. LEGO STAR WARS KRENNIC’S IMPERIAL SHUTTLE; $76

Director Orson Krennic of the upcoming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story promises to be a rightful heir apparent to Grand Moff Tarkin. (Even though he’s technically occupying the same time frame—just go with it.) LEGO’s 863-piece play set shows off his space transport vehicle, complete with folding wings and a five-figure cockpit.

Find It: Amazon

9. STAR WARS SOCKS; $20 EACH

Did Darth Vader wear socks? The world may never know. But your favorite fan can wear Darth Vader on their socks thanks to Stance, which uses premium combed cotton to deliver a warm, comfortable fit.

Find It: Stance

10. NIXON WATCHES; $400 AND UP

Keep time in style with Nixon’s line of Star Wars-inspired watches. Available in Stormtrooper white, or Vader black, these timepieces are stainless steel and feature Imperial or Rebel logos on the face. The back features art and lines from the films.

Find It: Nixon

11. R2-D2 DOME PURSE; $60

R2 doesn’t always need to be smuggling information that could alter the fate of the galaxy. Sometimes you just need him to carry your e-reader. ThinkGeek’s faux-leather droid bag is durable, cavernous, and a great way to tote the rest of your Star Wars gift collection around.

Find It: ThinkGeek

Microwave Memories. In the early days of “microwave ovens,” the hype was way above reality.
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Here’s what the apocalypse will look like, according to the movies. The future’s so bleak, I’d rather wear shades.
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Scientists Find Signs of Intelligent Tool Use 300,000 Years Ago. People left their tools behind in a cave in Israel.
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Watch historical photographs being brought to life with the addition of color. People of the past suddenly look much more real.
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Here’s one plausible reason why Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 phones kept exploding. You cannot push performance beyond the limits of physics.
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Mediocre Beasts and Where To Find Them. It’s Funny or Die’s parody of the JK Rowling movie.
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George Takei Comments on Those Angry at Mall of America. There’s no valid reason why Santa Claus needs to be white.
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6 Cats Who Made a Mark on the Silver Screen. As if a feline cares about fame and fortune.

For all you shoppers in search of the perfect nerdy stocking stuffer: look no further. As DesignTAXI reports, online novelty retailer ThinkGeek has created an officially licensed Back to the Future-inspired wall charger shaped like the flux capacitor from Dr. Emmett Brown’s time traveling DeLorean.

For the uninitiated, the flux capacitor is the key device that allows the car to journey across different eras. It’s crafted from three flashing tubes, and shaped like an inverted “Y.” True to the films, ThinkGeek’s charger— which can power two devices via USB cord—begins flashing once your phone hits 88 percent juice.

The charger costs $25 and is available for purchase online. And if you want to turn your car into a make-believe time machine, ThinkGeek is also selling the same design in USB car charger form. (It’s currently out of stock, so we’d go with the wall charger if you’re looking to get your Christmas shopping done early.)

[h/t DesignTaxi]

Japanese architect Yusuke Oono is known for his 360° books that bring images to life in 3D. Colossal recently highlighted his take on our solar system—a laser-cut portrait of our world called Earth and the Moon.

As you rotate the book to get a full look at the scope of the image, you’ll see clouds, stars, and even UFOs beaming up cows from the Earth. It fans out to stand on its own, or it can be flipped through like a traditional book.

It’s available from several different sellers for $29 and up.

[h/t Colossal]

All images courtesy the Colossal Shop

As the least visited continent in the world, Antarctica is an unknown, mysterious place to most people. Although there are dozens of scientific bases on the White Continent, you don’t have to be a scientist to travel to the remote land. Tens of thousands of tourists travel to Antarctica to see its breathtaking views and wildlife. Read on for just a few of the adventures you can have in Antarctica.

1. RUN IN THE ANTARCTIC ICE MARATHON.

Each November, runners gather at Union Glacier, Antarctica for the Antarctic Ice Marathon and Half Marathon. Runners endure strong winds and cold temperatures to compete in this race, which is the southernmost marathon on Earth. To prepare for the extreme conditions, some runners exercise on treadmills in walk-in freezers or run on sand. And if you’re up for an even more extreme challenge, the Antarctic 100k (approximately 62 miles) is held each January.

2. GO SNORKELING IN THE SOUTHERN OCEAN.

Before you go snorkeling or diving in Antarctica, make sure you’ve got the right gear. Polar snorkelers must receive cold-water certification and wear insulated suits and masks. The water is cold, but the pay-off is incredible. Snorkelers can see icebergs, swimming penguins, shipwrecks, and all kinds of underwater wildlife.

3. KAYAK PAST ICEBERGS AND PENGUINS.

While it can be breathtaking to witness the wonders of Antarctica from a ship, kayaking puts you directly in the middle of the action. Kayakers have the chance to see floating icebergs, leopard seals, penguins, and whales up close and personal. Depending on the weather, the water can be rough and choppy, so wait for a calm day to break out the kayak, and bring a waterproof and freeze-proof camera.

4. TAKE A POLAR PLUNGE.

Although many ships have a plunge pool onboard, filled with cold ocean water and located next to a hot tub, some visitors in Antarctica make a bold statement by taking a polar plunge directly into the icy ocean. Wearing only their swimsuits, people jump into the water, which is often below freezing, and spend a few seconds in the water before getting out. Polar plungers describe the moment their bodies hit the water as an exhilarating rush of adrenaline. For safety, make sure to be tethered to a boat and warm yourself up gradually after the plunge with warm liquids and blankets.

5. CAMP UNDER THE STARS.

Antarctica offers a unique set of challenges—and dangers—to people who want to camp under the stars. Although campers must sleep on the snow in sub-zero weather, they’re not necessarily shivering all night. Campers in Antarctica wear layers of warm clothing and may sleep in a sleeping bag on top of a foam mattress, which provides an extra layer of insulation from the snow. Campers may also sleep in bivy sacs to protect themselves from the wind and cold. Due to Antarctica’s rules aimed at preserving the pristine landscape, campers aren’t allowed to eat, drink anything but water, or go to the bathroom on the land, so be sure you’ve eaten your fill beforehand and packed receptacles for your waste—all of it.

6. TRAVEL IN A SAILBOAT.

Most cruise ships that travel to Antarctica offer luxury amenities, but consider traveling in a sailboat for a more extreme mode of transportation. With fewer passengers and a smaller size than a cruise ship, a sailboat built to navigate polar conditions allows travelers to encounter nature up close and experience the silence and stillness of Antarctica. In a sailboat, you’ll feel more like a part of the landscape rather than an interloper.

7. TAKE A VOLCANIC BATH AT DECEPTION ISLAND.

At Deception Island, tourists can see a former whaling station—complete with abandoned boilers, rusted boats, and decomposing whale bones—located on an active volcano. As you take a thermal bath in one of the island’s natural hot springs, you’ll probably spot several chinstrap penguins. Just be aware of Deception Island’s volcanic alert scheme, which ranges from green (an eruption is unlikely) to red (a major explosive eruption is expected within 24 hours).

8. GO HIKING AND SLEDDING.

The payoff at the mid-point of a steep hike is getting to enjoy the views at the top, and Antarctica’s mountains provide particularly majestic views. As you hike through the snow, you may battle fierce winds and difficult terrain as you encounter polar plants and muskoxen, a type of Arctic mammal. After you reach the top, you can hike or sled down the slope. For safety, consider wearing snowshoes or hiking boots and using trekking poles.

9. EXPLORE THE SOUTH POLE ICE TUNNELS.

Since 1956, scientific researchers have worked at Antarctica’s Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station. Besides housing a runway for aircraft, the station has a network of underground ice tunnels containing the station’s utility lines. Although the temperature in the tunnels is negative 60 degrees Fahrenheit, some researchers have gone underground to create shrines by carving into the ice. As you walk through the tunnels, you might spot a dead fish, a pig’s head, and a sled. Tourists can visit the station, but getting access to the ice tunnels isn’t guaranteed.

10. BRAVE THE DRAKE PASSAGE.

As the shortest route by ship to and from Antarctica, the Drake Passage is the body of water between Antarctica and the southernmost part of South America. Known for its danger and unpredictability, the Drake Passage can be extremely turbulent due to its bottleneck position between the Pacific, Southern, and Atlantic Oceans. Unless you fly to and from Antarctica, you’ll probably have to face it. Although not every trip across the Drake Passage is tumultuous, travelers frequently deal with violent waves, strong winds, and changing currents. If you’re up for the extreme nature that is crossing the passage, be sure to take motion sickness medicine and protect your body from plates, bottles, and chairs that might fly towards you when the journey gets rocky.

The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” But in practice, not everyone agrees on what abiding by that clause means in real-life situations. For instance, can a courthouse or a public park feature a nativity scene?

According to the Supreme Court, maybe not—or at least not unless it includes a menorah and a plastic reindeer, too. In the 1984 case of Lynch v. Donnelly, the court established a precedent that became known as the “reindeer rule,” a legal standard that has governed public displays of holiday cheer ever since.

The case hinged on a Rhode Island display that was owned by the city of Pawtucket but was located in a park owned by a nonprofit organization. The annual display, which dated back 40 years, included a nativity scene (also known as a creche or crèche) in addition to other Christmastime symbols like reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh, a Christmas tree, and a “seasons greetings” banner. The justices ruled in favor of the nativity scene, arguing that there was a secular argument to be made about including the religious reference:

The display is sponsored by the city to celebrate the Holiday recognized by Congress and national tradition and to depict the origins of that Holiday; these are legitimate secular purposes. Whatever benefit to one faith or religion or to all religions inclusion of the creche in the display effects, is indirect, remote, and incidental, and is no more an advancement or endorsement of religion than the congressional and executive recognition of the origins of Christmas, or the exhibition of religious paintings in governmentally supported museums.

In the case, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor put forth a legal rule of thumb called the “endorsement test,” writing that governments can run afoul of the Establishment Clause by appearing to endorse a specific religion or a belief, rather than being inclusive of a variety of beliefs. “Endorsement sends a message to nonadherents that they are outsiders, not full members of the political community, and an accompanying message to adherents that they are insiders, favored members of the political community,” she explained. According to the National Constitution Center, “Court observers at the time saw the presence of the reindeer as broadening the purpose of the display.” And so the reindeer rule was born.

Then, a 1989 Supreme Court ruling in reference to two holiday displays inside and outside the Allegheny County courthouse in Pittsburgh made this standard even more clear. A nativity scene inside the courthouse that prominently displayed a banner that read, in Latin, “Glory to God for the birth of Jesus Christ,” with no secular objects on display, was ruled unconstitutional. Meanwhile, a display outside the courthouse with a menorah, a Christmas tree, and a sign that declared the city’s “salute to liberty,” as the case ruling puts it, was allowed to stay. With the overtly Christian indoor display, nothing counteracted the government endorsement of “a patently Christian message.” As Justice Harry Blackmun wrote in his opinion, “Although the government may acknowledge Christmas as a cultural phenomenon, it may not observe it as a Christian holy day by suggesting that people praise God for the birth of Jesus,” while the menorah display combined “with a Christmas tree and a sign saluting liberty does not impermissibly endorse both the Christian and Jewish faiths, but simply recognizes that both Christmas and Chanukah are part of the same winter-holiday season, which has attained a secular status in our society. The widely accepted view of the Christmas tree as the preeminent secular symbol of the Christmas season emphasizes this point.” This ruling only applies to government property and government sponsored displays, though, which is why it’s completely fine for private entities like churches to erect public displays of nativity scenes on their property.

Though the reindeer rule seems pretty clear, it hasn’t stopped towns from testing the boundaries of the court’s ruling over the decades since it was established. In 2014, Cherokee County, Texas, for instance, got into a spat with the American Humanist Association over the constitutionality of a nativity scene in front of the county courthouse. The state attorney general publicly supported the county, and there was no forced removal of the display. That same year, similar controversies took place in towns in Virginia and Arkansas. Some cities have groups like the Thomas More Society and the American Nativity Scene Committee, which work to get Christian displays erected in public places across the country, to thank for their nativity scenes. The former calls nativity scenes “classic free speech.”

But some towns have proven to be a little more inclusive of other holiday decor—or at least wary of litigation. The Florida Capitol building in Tallahassee, for instance, has approved holiday displays that include not just nativity scenes, but privately funded decorative contributions from the Satanic Temple, Seinfeld fans (a Festivus pole), and Pastafarian followers of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

But the U.S. remains a very Christian country, despite its longstanding religious freedom laws, and according to a 2014 Pew Research Center survey, 44 percent of American adults think Christian symbols are OK to display on government property, even in the absence of symbols from other faiths. It should be noted that a Pew survey that year on religion found that 71 percent of Americans identified as Christians, though the percentages of residents practicing other faiths or identifying as atheists has been rising. Still, that doesn’t mean that nativity scenes get total respect in America. Plenty of baby Jesuses get swiped out of their mangers every year.

In 1931, British aristocrat and naturalist Lord Lionel Walter Rothschild sold his extensive bird collection to the American Museum of Natural History for the bargain price of $225,000. The acquisition of the roughly 280,000 birds—estimated to have been worth as much as $2 million—was a great coup for the museum, and it took curators years just to unpack it. Many fellow ornithologists were surprised that Rothschild, an obsessive bird collector, had been able to part with his specimens, but the public wouldn’t learn the reason behind the sale until after his death.

Walter Rothschild was born in 1868, the scion of the extremely wealthy Rothschild banking family. From a young age he was obsessed with animals, and spent hours observing the insects in the family garden. His family encouraged his passion and gave him funds to start collecting a menagerie, which by the time he went off to university included kangaroos, cranes, storks, zebras, wild horses, emus, a spiny anteater, and a pangolin.

 
Once Walter’s studies were over, he was expected to go into the family business, which he did dutifully, but his heart wasn’t in it. Although he stayed at his desk for 15 years, his focus remained on curating his animal collection. Bankrolled by his parents, Walter employed numerous people to collect exotic specimens from remote parts of the globe, which he kept at his private zoo in Tring (about 40 miles northwest of London) or had stuffed for his collection. Walter eventually compiled what is said to be the largest collection of animal samples ever amassed by a private individual, with over 300,000 bird skins, 200,000 bird’s eggs, 30,000 beetles, and numerous mammals and reptiles.

Despite being very shy, Walter was a determined character, a fact evidenced by his quest to prove that wild zebras could be tamed. Having rejected the consensus that the animals were untameable, Walter employed a horse trainer who worked with a number of zebras in his collection until they were sufficiently cowed to be tethered to a cart. Walter then drove a carriage pulled by six tamed zebras across London and up to the gates of Buckingham Palace. 

 
Although Walter was an eccentric—he also liked to ride on the back of his giant tortoise, dangling a lettuce leaf in front of the creature to inspire movement—he was deadly serious about collecting and recording exotic species. Due to his family’s vast wealth, he was able to search far and wide for new and exciting animals. As a result, he was responsible for identifying and naming 153 new insects, 58 types of bird, and three spiders, and perhaps most famously for identifying a sub-species of giraffe, the Rothschild giraffe, during a trip to east Africa in the early 1900s.

Although Rothschild loved all nature, his chief love (some might say obsession) was the cassowary, a giant flightless bird with a colorful neck that’s native to Papua New Guinea and the surrounding islands. Rothschild obsessively collected cassowaries both alive and dead, studying their habits, plumage, and behavior. In 1900 his efforts came to fruition when he published his magnum opus, A monograph of the genus Casuarius, complete with numerous beautifully illustrated color plates of the birds.

But as meticulous as Walter was about his collecting, his personal life was messy. For 40 years, he kept a secret that eventually drove him to despair and forced the sale of a large portion of his life’s work.

That secret? He was being blackmailed. For many years Walter supported two demanding mistresses—aspiring actress Marie Fredensen and Lizzie Ritchie, both of whom he met at a party held by King Edward VII. He set both women up in London apartments and juggled spending time with them, until Lizzie found out about Marie. She began threatening Walter, and attempting to confront his mother. Walter found the pressure unbearable, and resorted to ignoring her pleading letters. It took his younger brother Charles to negotiate terms, ultimately buying off both women with property and cash.

However, Lizzie and Marie weren’t directly responsible for the sale of the bird collection. Walter also allowed himself to be blackmailed for 40 years by a third former lover. The increasing demands for money, and his desperate desire to keep his scandalous love life secret, exerted huge pressure on him. By 1931, he was desperate for cash to silence his blackmailer. The easiest way to obtain money was to sell off his beloved bird collection, and the AMNH—with readily available money and with a strict promise to keep the collection intact—offered a speedy and secret sale. This was the beginning of the end for Walter; his health began to fail soon afterward, and within a few years he was dead.

The story of the blackmail wasn’t revealed until 1983, when Rothschild’s niece and biographer Miriam Rothschild published her account of her uncle’s life, Dear Lord Rothschild. But although she revealed the existence of the blackmail, she didn’t name the blackmailer. Miriam says she knows who it is, but will only describe the individual as “charming, witty, aristocratic and ruthless.”

It is difficult not to feel pity for poor Walter, but some comfort can be taken in the knowledge that when he came to sell his extensive bird collection, he was able to negotiate keeping the most precious part—the 65 cassowaries he had expertly stuffed. So today, when you stroll around the American Museum of Natural History, or the Natural History Museum at Tring—where the rest of his collection was gifted to the nation after his death—take a moment to enjoy the extraordinary diversity of bird and animal life represented there, and whisper a little thanks to this great Victorian eccentric.

As the temps continue to drop, your loved ones will probably start reaching for something to snuggle up with. Why should they settle for a plain old teddy bear when there are stuffed dragons and giant isopods? Here are some untraditional plush to give to your geekier friends and family members.

Mental Floss has affiliate relationships with certain retailers and may receive a small percentage of any sale. But we only get commission on items you buy and don’t return, so we’re only happy if you’re happy. Thanks for helping us pay the bills!

1. DROGON; $36

This Game of Thrones-inspired plush toy resembles Daenerys’ fearsome companion, Drogon. While the dragons in the award-winning HBO series don’t look very welcoming, this 16-inch tall stuffed animal version is decidedly a lot more huggable. The polyester dragon has a wingspan of 4 feet, with poseable wings, thanks to embedded wire.

Find It: ThinkGeek

2. MICROBES; $10-$14

Germaphobes, take note: When you enlarge microbes, they look a lot more appealing. The otherwise invisible organisms were scaled up over 1,000,000 times, in order to create these 18- to 24-inch wide toys. Choose from infectious diseases, a strand of DNA, a neuron, and more.

Find It: Amazon

4. ORGANS; $22

The extensive catalog of unconventional plush toys from I Heart Guts includes the heart, uterus, colon, gallbladder, and other smiling organs. Unlike real organs, these plush figurines are stored in biodegradable plastic sleeves.

Find It: Amazon

5. RICK AND MORTY; $13

Adult Swim-favorite Rick And Morty is slated to come back for a third season in early 2017, so what better time to snag a couple of plush toys that look like the titular characters of the cartoon? Now, your friend or family member can watch the new episodes with Rick and Morty sitting on either side. The toys, which are sold individually, are made with velboa fabric and are officially licensed.

Find It: ThinkGeek

6. R2-D2; $7

Everyone needs a helpful droid to get through the holidays, whether it’s for patching up the ship or creating a distraction when hiding Brussels sprouts under the mashed potatoes. A part of Hallmark’s “Itty Bitty” collection, R2-D2 is just over 4 inches tall—and a good fit for a stocking. The collection also includes miniature versions of Yoda, Captain Phasma, Chewbacca, BB-8, and more.

Find It: Amazon

7. CHESTBUSTER; $21

If you know someone who delights in all things gory and macabre, they’ll probably enjoy this 10-inch replica of a chestbuster from the Aliens franchise. With a torn up shirt and some fabric dye, it’ll be easy to recreate the movie scene right on Christmas morning. (Grandma will love it!)

Find It: Amazon

8. POKEMON STARTERS; $19

The Pokemon franchise has been around since 1996 and spawned seven generations of Pocket Monsters in the time. But purists claim that the first wave is the best. This plush threesome of Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any Pokemon lover, regardless of which version the fledgling trainer started with. Each plush toy is a little under 6 inches tall and made with a soft material.

Find It: Amazon

9. BLOBFISH; $26

Is there any creature in the ocean more fantastically ugly than the blobfish? This stunning fish sports a droopy nose, beady eyes, and a permanently scowling mug—and was named the “World’s Ugliest Animal” by the Ugly Animal Preservation Society in 2013. Now, your loved one can cuddle with a 9.5-inch stuffed animal version of the unfortunate-looking fish.

Find It: Firebox

10. GIANT ISOPOD; $75

Know someone who is enamored by the isopod, an armored crustacean that can grow up to 2.5 feet long and survive for up to five years without eating? Indulge their fascination with one of these plush toys.

Find It: Amazon

11. FINN; $6

The cartoon Adventure Time is coming to a close in 2018, but that doesn’t mean Finn and Jake don’t have some more quests and journeys in the future. This polyester Finn is up for any new adventures your friend can think of. For added fun, have some of the other characters join in, like Jake, Beemo, and Princess Bubblegum.

Find It: Amazon

Flying cars have been zipping through our science fiction films and TV shows for decades, but in the real world they’ve yet to take off. It’s not that the technology isn’t there—flying cars that utilize vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) technology have been a possibility for years. But there are many roadblocks, like safety and cost, that have prevented them from becoming mainstream. Despite all the barriers, at least one group of venture capitalists still believes that flying cars are the future. As TechCrunch reports, the venture firm Atomico is investing €10 million (about $10.7 million) in a German vertical take-off and landing plane developer called Lilium Aviation.

Lilium cites several reasons why their concept will succeed where others have fizzled out. Their vehicles will be relatively cheap, for one, with the cost of a commuter trip comparable to that of an Uber ride. They also claim that their product will be safer and more energy-efficient than other VTOL passenger drones in development.

When they’re commercial-ready, the electric-fan powered pods will be presented as an alternative to helicopters and conventional planes. The aircraft will eventually have a range of 185 miles and reach speeds of 185 MPH. Lilium writes on their website:

“What if the way you thought about distances radically changed? Imagine, you could have breakfast in Munich, go shopping in Milano and enjoy dinner in Marseille […] Commuters will use VTOL aircrafts to land directly on landing pads extending from their balconies, on rooftops and assigned landing areas. No need to wait for the bus, no need to conform with plane and train schedules.”

Founded in 2015, this latest investment marks a major step forward for the company. After expanding their team of specialists and engineers with the new funds, they plan to begin full-scale test flights within the next year.

[h/t TechCrunch]

“Arbeit Macht Frei“—”Work Sets You Free.” This chilling slogan was welded into wrought iron, and suspended over the entrances of Nazi concentration camps like Auschwitz and Dachau. For decades, these gates served as a lasting reminder of the Holocaust’s horrors—but in late 2014, a replica of Dachau’s infamous entry sign was stolen. Now, to the relief of historians and survivors, The New York Times reports that the marker has been recovered near Bergen, Norway.

Last week, Norwegian police received an anonymous tip regarding the gate’s location. Authorities discovered the historic ironwork outside, in a village called Gaupås, Kari Trones, a prosecutor for the Bergen police, told Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK).

“It was found in the open air,” Bergen police spokeswoman Margrethe Myrmehl Gudbrandsen told AFP. “You can tell that it’s been outside but it’s in good condition.”

It’s believed that the gate was pilfered in an organized crime effort. The 220-pound landmark was originally reported stolen in November 2014. It disappeared on a Saturday night, between security guard shifts. (At the time, Dachau had no video surveillance.) Piotr Cywiński, the director of the Auschwitz Foundation, called the crime “an attack on a symbol, an attack on remembering,” in a statement quoted by the Detroit Free Press. “The history of the Nazi concentration camps began in Dachau,” he said.

No arrests have been announced, but in a gesture of support, Norwegian officials let the crime’s original investigators—the Bavarian police—announce the gate’s discovery. “We understand this gate is an important monument for Germany,” Gudbrandsen said, as quoted by The New York Times.

While symbolically important, the gate isn’t the original one that hung in Dachau’s entryway. Prisoners crafted the first gate in a labor workshop, but when the camp was liberated in May 1945, it was removed. A replica was installed in 1965, when Dachau opened as a memorial site honoring the estimated 41,500 people who died there before World War II’s end.

The gate has been returned to Germany, and once it’s restored, it will be publicly displayed in either its original location or as part of a permanent exhibition.

[h/t The New York Times]