Month: January 2017

The sounds of the Stone Age may have been even less dignified than we thought. A vocal expert working with the BBC suggests that Neanderthal vocalizations may have sounded less like low grunts and more like high-pitched shrieks.

Patsy Rodenburg has dedicated her career to understanding and exploring the sounds we make. As vocal coach for Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Nicole Kidman, and Daniel Day-Lewis, Rodenburg is used to coaxing round vowels and resonance out of the human body. But Neanderthal noises required something a little different.

Working from a Neanderthal’s skeletal remains, a team of scientists created physical and virtual models of our prehistoric relative. They used these to extrapolate measurements and estimates of the Neanderthals’ abilities and traits. They also created a model of a Neanderthal throat and showed it, along with the skeleton, to Rodenburg.

She concluded that the shape of the throat, combined with the dimensions of the Neanderthal’s skull and chest, would have produced some very unusual (and “very, very loud”) noises indeed. Check out the video below to see one patient actor re-creating these bizarre sounds.

Rodenburg’s hypothesis has yet to be supported by additional research, but the shrieking-Neanderthal theory is not out of the question. This certainly wouldn’t be the first time we’ve been wrong about Neanderthals. Recent studies have shown they were at least as intelligent as any Homo sapiens they encountered, and that the two species intermixed. They buried their dead and taught their children how to make tools. (All, presumably, while screaming at each other.)

[h/t Atlas Obscura]

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to take more vacations in 2017, the U.S. Virgin Islands are offering potential travelers some extra motivation. According to Condé Nast Traveler, anyone who books a three-night stay on one or more of the islands will receive $300 to spend during their trip.

The generous deal comes with a few caveats. One, the $300 gift isn’t a stack of cash visitors can use however they please. The rebate equals $300 in credits that recipients can put towards “Historical/Cultural Tours and Activities.” Fortunately, St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix each have a rich history and a vibrant recreation scene, so visitors should have no problem finding ways to spend the money. Snorkeling, kayaking, or touring one of the islands’ several museums are just a few of the options that are available.

To redeem the voucher, tourists can take it to wherever they’ve booked their stay—which is part of the second catch. Travelers are only eligible to receive the gift if they stay at one of the 27 participating locations, which include resorts, hotels, and campgrounds. They have until October 1 of this year to book arrangements and until December 31 to use the spending credits.

The promotion is being offered in celebration of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Centennial Commemoration. One hundred years ago, the United States paid $25 million in gold to acquire the three islands. To arrive in time for Transfer Day festivities on March 31, you can reserve your stay now (and check out other current promotions) on USVI’s tourism website.

[h/t Condé Nast Traveler]