While the Wright brothers are widely credited with inventing the airplane, in Brazil, Alberto Santos-Dumont holds that honor. Brazilians argue that Santos-Dumont's 14-bis, unlike the Wright Flyer, achieved sustained, controlled flight without the assistance of launch rails or catapults, making it the first true airplane. This national pride is reflected in official records, educational materials, and public monuments, solidifying Santos-Dumont's legacy as the aviation pioneer in Brazil.
A Brazilian Supreme Court justice ordered internet providers to block access to the video platform Rumble within 72 hours. The platform is accused of failing to remove content promoting January 8th riots in Brasília and spreading disinformation about the Brazilian electoral system. Rumble was given a deadline to comply with removal orders, which it missed, leading to the ban. Justice Alexandre de Moraes argued that the platform's actions posed a risk to public order and democratic institutions.
Hacker News users discuss the implications of Brazil's ban on Rumble, questioning the justification and long-term effectiveness. Some argue that the ban is an overreach of power and sets a dangerous precedent for censorship, potentially emboldening other countries to follow suit. Others point out the technical challenges of enforcing such a ban, suggesting that determined users will likely find workarounds through VPNs. The decision's impact on Rumble's user base and revenue is also debated, with some predicting minimal impact while others foresee significant consequences, particularly if other countries adopt similar measures. A few commenters draw parallels to previous bans of platforms like Telegram, noting the limited success and potential for unintended consequences like driving users to less desirable platforms. The overall sentiment expresses concern over censorship and the slippery slope towards further restrictions on online content.
Giant tunnels known as "paleoburrows" in South America, some exceeding a meter in diameter and tens of meters long, were likely dug by giant extinct ground sloths (specifically, scelidotheriines and mylodontines). Researchers used a variety of evidence, including claw marks, sediment analysis, and the burrows' size and shape, to rule out other potential excavators such as armadillos or humans. These immense burrows, which represent the largest ichnofossils (trace fossils) on the continent, provide insight into the behavior and ecology of these megafauna and demonstrate a unique adaptation not seen in extant sloths.
HN commenters discuss the likelihood of the giant paleoburrows being created by giant ground sloths, expressing skepticism due to the sheer size and complexity of some tunnels. Several suggest the possibility of multiple generations of sloths expanding the burrows over time, while others question the practicality of such large burrows for creatures needing to escape predators. The lack of claw marks in some sections is noted, prompting speculation about other unknown extinct creatures or even geological processes. Some commenters focus on the implications for understanding megafauna and past ecosystems, highlighting the surprising scale of these ancient burrows and the need for further investigation. One commenter humorously links the lack of clear answers to the enduring mysteries of Göbekli Tepe.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43442588
Hacker News users discuss the cultural and historical context around the invention of the airplane, acknowledging Brazil's strong belief that Alberto Santos-Dumont is the rightful inventor. Several commenters point out that the criteria for "invention" are debatable, with some emphasizing controlled, sustained flight (favoring the Wright brothers) while others prioritize public demonstrations and reproducibility (favoring Santos-Dumont). The complexities of patent law and differing standards of evidence also enter the discussion. Some users mention Santos-Dumont's open-source approach to his designs as a contributing factor to his popularity, contrasting it with the Wright brothers' more secretive approach. The general sentiment reflects an understanding of Brazil's perspective, even if not everyone agrees with it, and highlights how national narratives shape historical interpretations.
The Hacker News post, titled "The Wright brothers invented the airplane, right? Not if you're in Brazil," which links to a Washington Post article about the same topic, has generated a significant number of comments discussing the controversy surrounding the invention of the airplane.
Several commenters point out that while Santos-Dumont achieved significant feats in heavier-than-air flight, particularly his public demonstrations in Europe, the Wright brothers were the first to achieve controlled, sustained flight with a heavier-than-air powered aircraft. They highlight the importance of the Wright brothers' three-axis control system, which allowed for maneuverability and stability, a crucial element lacking in Santos-Dumont's early designs, which were essentially dirigibles with wings attached.
Some comments delve into the nuances of the debate, acknowledging Santos-Dumont's contributions while maintaining that the Wright brothers deserve the primary credit. They point to Santos-Dumont's later acknowledgment of the Wright brothers' priority. One commenter even quotes Santos-Dumont as saying, "They are the fathers of the aeroplane, as I am the father of the dirigible." These commenters highlight the importance of differentiating between controlled and uncontrolled flight, arguing that while others may have briefly gotten airborne, the Wrights were the first to truly master the principles of flight.
Another line of discussion revolves around the nationalistic undertones of the debate. Some commenters suggest that Brazil's claim for Santos-Dumont is rooted in national pride and a desire to celebrate a homegrown hero. They argue that this nationalistic sentiment sometimes overshadows the objective historical record. Conversely, others argue that the narrative around the Wright brothers has also been influenced by American exceptionalism.
A few comments discuss the role of publicity and documentation in shaping public perception of the invention. The Wright brothers initially flew in relative secrecy, concerned about patent protection, while Santos-Dumont conducted his flights very publicly. This difference in approach, some suggest, contributed to Santos-Dumont's greater fame in Europe, especially in the early years of aviation.
Finally, some commenters offer more technical insights, comparing and contrasting the designs of the Wright Flyer and Santos-Dumont's 14-bis, highlighting the technical advancements made by the Wright brothers in terms of wing warping and propeller design. They also debate the significance of taking off from a rail, as the Wright Flyer did, versus taking off from a flat field. The discussion generally concludes that the Wright brothers did build and successfully fly a controlled and steerable heavier-than-air powered aircraft first, but it's a complex subject with room for nationalistic interpretations and technical nuances.