The weekly weird

Published August 15, 2015

Plastic roads are the future!

CRUMBLING and neglected roads can lead to dangerous potholes and agonising delays as a result of costly road works. But a new design could mean when a section of road gets damaged, it can easily be removed and replaced, after a Dutch company announced their plans to build prefab plastic roads that could slot together like Lego bricks.

The project, dubbed PlasticRoad, would see Rotterdam become the first city in the world to lay down plastic road tiles made in a factory in advance. The idea has been put forward as a greener alternative to asphalt, as each module will be made from recycled plastic bottles.

The company behind the idea, VolkerWessels, said that the surface would require less maintenance and could withstand more extreme temperatures — between -40°C (-40°F) and 80°C (176°F). Also, the roads would be quicker to build, taking weeks instead of months.

The plan could also be more environmentally friendly, as asphalt is responsible for 1.6m tonnes of CO2 emissions a year globally, making up two per cent of all transport emissions, according to the firm. So far the project is still in a conceptual stage but the company say they will be ready to lay down the first plastic roads within three years.


enter image description here
enter image description here
The wonderful pink lake

PHOTOGRAPHER Sergey Anashkevych, took the snaps, of this glistening pink water washing over golden brown rocks that penetrate its shimmering surface and can be found in Ukraine.

In different lights, the shallows of Koyashskoye Salt Lake — an unofficial natural wonder — shine from a dusky pink to deep scarlet. The shores of the lake consist of the crystallised salt with the scent of viola.

The water is red because of Dunaliella algae, which lives in very salty water and in some conditions starts to multiply rapidly which makes the water really red. Sergey said: “In the spring the lake colour is tenderly pink — and bright-red during the summer hot pink.

“The air is very humid and very salty your skin, clothes and equipment end up covered by this sticky, thin film.”


enter image description here
enter image description here
Artist paints striking portraits on his palm

WHO needs canvas when you have your own palms? Well certainly not Russell Powell, who has a talent for painting beautiful detailed portraits on to the palm of his left-hand.

Russell works full time as a teacher in San Jose, California. When he make portraits he has to work quickly, as once his portrait is complete he stamps it on to paper.

The resulting print has a ghostly feel, with the lines on Russell’s hands merging with the faces he’s drawn. But the art is still the extraordinary!

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...