Catalogue

1. Global Energy Transition: The ongoing challenge of moving away from fossil fuels, highlighted by recent sales trends in electric vehicles.

2. Historical Context of Transportation: The early exploration of steam power as an alternative to fossil fuels for car propulsion.

3. Steam Car Development: The invention of the first steam car in 1815 and the subsequent popularity of steam cars in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

4. Performance and Advantages: Steam cars' ability to reach high speeds, quiet operation, and lower fossil fuel dependence compared to petrol cars.

5. Decline of Steam Cars: Factors contributing to the decline of steam cars, including their heavy weight, high costs, and the rise of affordable petrol-powered vehicles like the Model T Ford.

6. Technological Advancements: Improvements in boiler technology that could potentially revitalize steam cars, making them lighter and more efficient.

7. Commercial Viability: The skepticism around the future of steam-powered cars in the market, largely due to the influence of petroleum companies and societal attitudes towards pollution.

8. Environmental Concerns: The broader implications of pollution and energy choices on transportation innovation and sustainability.

1. Maiden Flight: The Airlander 10 had its first flight in August 2016, marking a significant development in aviation.

2. Design: It is a unique combination of an aeroplane, helicopter, and airship, making it the largest flying machine in the world.

3. Uses:
- Cargo Transport: Can fly for up to five days without refueling, ideal for global cargo transport.
- Disaster Relief: Capable of carrying heavy cargo to disaster areas.
- Tourism: Offers luxury travel experiences.

4. Military Applications: Some funding for development has come from military sources.

5. Safety and Environment: Uses helium as fuel, making it safer than hydrogen and more environmentally friendly.

6. Versatility: Designed to fly in various weather conditions and can hover over land or water.

7. Cost Efficiency: Less expensive than traditional large aircraft, with a projected cost of HK$238 million compared to HK$2.9 billion for an Airbus 380.

8. Future of Aviation: Potential for ten Airlanders to operate commercially, changing the landscape of air travel.

1. Parenting and Independence: The mother's attempt to teach her 13-year-old son a lesson about independence and responsibility.

2. Ground Rules: The conflict arising from Aaron's failure to adhere to his mother's established rules and expectations.

3. Financial Accountability: Estella's decision to outline the costs of living and expect Aaron to contribute financially for items she provided.

4. Communication Breakdown: The argument over Aaron's dishonesty regarding his homework and his assertion of financial independence through YouTube.

5. Viral Content: The letter's unexpected viral spread, leading to widespread public debate and discussion on parenting.

6. Relationship Dynamics: The evolving relationship between Estella and Aaron, described as improving but still a "work in progress."

7. Social Media Influence: The impact of social media in amplifying personal family disputes and the public's reaction to them.

1. Origins of Philately: The beginning of stamp collecting in the early 19th century with the introduction of adhesive postage stamps.

2. Penny Black: The world's first postage stamp, issued in the UK in 1840, which sparked public interest in stamp collecting.

3. Notable Collectors: Early collectors like John Edward Gray, Otto von Bismarck, and Napoleon III, who helped popularize the hobby.

4. Global Expansion: The spread of stamp collecting to the United States and Europe, particularly in the 1860s and late 19th century.

5. Stamp Collecting Clubs: The emergence of clubs and societies dedicated to philately, fostering community among collectors.

6. Valuable Stamps: The increasing value of rare stamps, with some reaching millions at auction, highlighting the investment aspect of the hobby.

7. Cultural Significance: The joy of discovering stamps, completing collections, and exploring the history behind postal systems, emphasizing philately's enduring appeal.

8. Commercialization: The transition of stamp collecting from a casual hobby to a serious pursuit, reflecting its impact on collectors and the market.

1. Location and Names: Hashima, also known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) and Ghost Island, located near Nagasaki, Japan.

2. Historical Significance: The island's transformation from a densely populated coal mining community to an abandoned ghost town.

3. Coal Mining Industry: The establishment of coal mines by Mitsubishi in the late 19th century and the harsh working conditions faced by miners.

4. Population Dynamics: The peak population in 1959, influenced by the demand for coal and the forced labor of Koreans and Chinese.

5. Abandonment: The decline of coal mining leading to the island's abandonment in the 1970s, leaving it a relic of its industrial past.

6. Tourism and Heritage: The resurgence of interest in Hashima as a tourist destination and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

7. Cultural Reflection: The island's dark and sad history, representing both the achievements and the struggles of Japan's industrialization.

1. Fundraising: The innovative initiative by the Bronx Zoo to raise money for wildlife conservation.
2. Madagascar Hissing Cockroach: Information about this unique species, including its habitat and characteristics.
3. Public Engagement: How naming a cockroach can attract interest and participation from the community.
4. Humour and Relationships: The playful aspect of naming cockroaches after loved ones or even disliked individuals.
5. Conservation Awareness: Raising awareness for wildlife conservation efforts through creative promotions.

Here are the key concepts of the article:

1. Introduction of the Octopus Card: The launch of the Octopus Card in Hong Kong in 1997 marked a significant shift towards convenience in public transport payments.

2. Modern Technology and Convenience: The article highlights how technological advancements simplify payment systems, making transactions easier and more efficient.

3. Cashless Society: It discusses the transition to a cashless society, exploring the benefits and implications for individuals and institutions.

4. Spending Behavior: The ease of using cards may lead to increased spending and potential debt, as people may spend beyond their means.

5. Privacy Concerns: The article raises issues about privacy, suggesting that electronic payments can reveal personal information and influence future opportunities.

6. Global Trends: It notes the global movement towards cashless transactions, citing examples from Sweden and China, and questions the progress of Hong Kong in this context.

7. Balance of Convenience and Risks: The article emphasizes the need to consider both the convenience of cashless systems and the potential downsides, such as financial irresponsibility and privacy issues.

1. E-book Sales: E-books account for around $1 billion in global sales annually.

2. Predictions of Decline: Experts previously anticipated that printed books would become obsolete with the rise of digital readers.

3. Tianjin Library Opening: A new library in Tianjin, China, opened in October 2017, featuring 1.2 million printed books.

4. Location and Design: The library is located in Tianjin, a city near Beijing, and was designed by MVRDV and the Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute.

5. Architectural Features: The building resembles a three-dimensional eye and includes floor-to-ceiling bookcases and artistic metal plates.

6. Book Mountain: A unique feature that allows visitors to sit and read while providing access to higher shelves.

7. Visitor Popularity: The library attracts up to 18,000 visitors on weekends, showcasing its appeal to locals.

8. Cultural Significance: The library is part of the Binhai Cultural Centre, a new recreational district in Tianjin.

9. Reading Promotion: The library aims to encourage reading, though its aesthetic may also attract visitors seeking selfies.

10. Future of Print: The success of the Tianjin library raises questions about the enduring popularity of printed books versus digital formats.