Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it's Skywhale!
A $170,000 hot air balloon called the Skywhale has been unveiled to mark Canberra's centenary.
At 34 metres long and weighing half a tonne, it is at least twice as large as a standard hot-air balloon.
It took 16 people seven months to make, using more than 3.5 kilometres of fabric and 3.3 million stitches.
It can carry a pilot plus two passengers to an altitude of 3,000 feet.
But Canberrans are divided over the balloon's design, with Twitter users and talkback callers to 666 ABC Canberra expressing dismay and delight.
Artist Patricia Piccinini says her inspiration came from the wonder of nature.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-09/is-it-a-bird-is-it-a-plane-no-its-a-skywhale/4679676
At 34 metres long and weighing half a tonne, it is at least twice as large as a standard hot-air balloon.
It took 16 people seven months to make, using more than 3.5 kilometres of fabric and 3.3 million stitches.
It can carry a pilot plus two passengers to an altitude of 3,000 feet.
But Canberrans are divided over the balloon's design, with Twitter users and talkback callers to 666 ABC Canberra expressing dismay and delight.
Artist Patricia Piccinini says her inspiration came from the wonder of nature.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-09/is-it-a-bird-is-it-a-plane-no-its-a-skywhale/4679676
2 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
Her artwork involves grotesque breasts on human/animal hybrids.
Kick in to the DU tip jar?
This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.
As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.