Nerd Blergs

theatlantic:

An Epic Time-Lapse Map of Europe Over the Past 1,000 Years

YouTube user harrunostasj has created a fascinating look at European history in fast forward using the Centennia Historical Atlas. The mapping software is a “dynamic, animated historical atlas including over 9,000 border changes,” tracing the rise and fall of empires from 1,000 C.E. onward. Make sure to watch the video full screen in HD to see the year in the top left corner and notes on historic events in the bottom left corner (and turn up the volume to appreciate the dramatic soundtrack from Inception).

thedailywhat:

Heartbreaking Tearjerker of the Day: In 1988, Nicholas Winton’s wife revealed to the BBC his long-kept secret: He’d saved 669 children from the Nazis at the dawn of World War II through his organization of the Czech Kindertransport. (This clip is from a BBC program that honored the “British Schindler” by inviting some 80 of the children he saved to surprise him in the audience.) In all, more than 5,000 people owe their lives to Winton.

In the more than two decades since the media got wind of his humanitarian exploits, Winton has been knighted, had a minor planet named after him, been commemorated by two statues — one each in Prague and London — and been the subject of three films and a play.

Winton still wears a ring given to him by some of the children he saved. It is inscribed with a line from the Talmud, the book of Jewish law: “Save one life, save the world.” He celebrates his 103rd birthday this week.

[reddit]

(via postcardsfromtinyislands)