When you first hear of a shrimp breaking out of it's tank, the prospect isn't really frightening. But when you learn that the mantis shrimp has punched through the glass container, it becomes a little more serious. [more inside]
posted by thatbrunette on Jul 20, 2008 - 68 comments

Eejanaika the world's tallest, fastest [video] and longest 4th Dimension roller coaster. Google video. Stats.
posted by nickyskye on Jan 13, 2007 - 39 comments

the mile of the century Fifty years ago today, Roger Bannister, the first man to break the 4-minute mile, and John Landy, who beat his record a month-and-a-half later, squared off in Vancouver BC to determine who was the fastest runner in the history of the world, in what is arguably the most dramatic sporting event of the 20th Century. The record for the mile has gone down astonishingly through the years, but are there limits on how low it can go? (View video of the historic Bannister vs. Landy matchup here.
posted by F4B2 on Aug 7, 2004 - 11 comments

Is there a Moore's Law for roller coasters? Ohio's own Cedar Point has announced it's newest record-breaking roller coaster - the Top Thrill Dragster. Here are the high points (pun intended):

• a 420-foot tower - the first coaster ever to top 400 feet
• top speed of 120mph - in 4 seconds
• a 90-degree turn at the top of the tower and an almost vertical drop back down

Downside - the whole thing lasts a mere 30 seconds. But I bet it's a fun 30 seconds. Can't wait to go.
posted by starvingartist on Jan 9, 2003 - 58 comments