Views: British Steam Yacht Gondola In Lake District

Set sail over Coniston Water with the National Trust in this behind-the-scenes video of Steam Yacht Gondola, one of the only steam-running gondolas remaining in the Lake District. In this video, find out about the work that goes into every voyage, and hear the stories of the gondola from the boat’s Manager, Julian. He’ll show you how he stokes the fire and what he and the team do to prepare the gondola before setting out for a journey. You’ll also hear about the traditional methods that are still used to this day to dock the boat. The history of Steam Yacht Gondola reaches as far back as the Victorian period, and to step aboard is to step back in time. Sir James Ramsden, Director of the Furness Railway Company, saw an opportunity to bring a pleasure cruise to Coniston Water after being inspired by a trip to Venice in 1850. Out of his vision, Steam Yacht Gondola was borne.

Aerial Views: Los Angeles, Southern California (4K)

Los Angeles is a sprawling Southern California city and the center of the nation’s film and television industry. Near its iconic Hollywood sign, studios such as Paramount Pictures, Universal and Warner Brothers offer behind-the-scenes tours. On Hollywood Boulevard, TCL Chinese Theatre displays celebrities’ hand- and footprints, the Walk of Fame honors thousands of luminaries and vendors sell maps to stars’ homes. 

Insect Views: The Kung Fu Mantis (BBC Earth Video)

Is this the world’s bravest mantid? Nick Easton recalls the amazing story of capturing this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Northern Praying Mantis is a style of Chinese martial arts, sometimes called Shandong Praying Mantis after its province of origin. It was created by Wang Lang and was named after the praying mantis, an insect, the aggressiveness of which inspired the style.

Morning News: Military Issues With Russia, South Korea Politics, Haircuts

As both summitry and military near-misses proliferate, some want measured dialogue while others want markedly tougher talk. Our defence and Russia editors discuss world leaders’ diverging views on handling today’s Russia.

South Korea’s new opposition leader is giving voice to many young men who rail against the country’s feminist values. And what lies behind professional footballers’ frequent, flashy haircuts.

Political Analysis: Tamara Keith & Amy Walter On Biden Infrastructure Bill

NPR’s Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report join Amna Nawaz to discuss the latest political news, including the bipartisan infrastructure plan, and a select committee to investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

Hikes: Cache Lake In Yellowstone Park (4K)

Cache lake is a small and picturesque lake at the base of Electric Peak in the Gallatin BMA area of the park, and it is a short, roughly 12-mile round-trip hike to the lake and back.

This is a nice day hike that most people can do if you want to try experiencing the backcountry. You will see other people and horses on this hike but you can also see wildlife, including bears, if you hike the right way. I saw lots of grizzly tracks and saw a black bear on this hike. This hike is around 13 miles round trip and only about 1,000 vertical feet elevation gain. There is water all along this hike.

Music: Elton John Went From Rockets To Riches

In this episode of Building Fortunes, we look how Elton John became one of the best-selling artists of all time. In 2020, Elton John’s yearly earnings amounted to $81 million. His Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour grossed $212 million in 2019, the second-highest tally in the business. With the pandemic postponing his North American tour dates in April, the Rocket Man will have to wait to complete his 300-show, five-continent tour. In April, the Rocket Man’s Elton John AIDS Foundation announced a $1 million emergency fund to help those with HIV maintain their care amid Covid-19.

Views: Dominican Republic Shifts Into Green Energy

Small solar panels are to be installed on the roofs of houses in the village of Sabana Real, Dominican Republic. The local project is part of a major plan: By 2025, the country hopes to generate a quarter of its energy from renewable sources.

News, Views and Reviews For The Intellectually Curious