Where Is the Birthplace of Humankind? South Africa and East Africa Both Lay Claims

If you drive into the high veld country an hour northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, you might not even notice when you cross into the Cradle of Humankind. The reason 180 square miles of open grasslands and scattered acacia and stinkwood trees have been given such a resonant honorific—it’s a World Heritage site, no less—lies mostly hidden underground, in the fossil-rich labyrinth of caves and sinkholes that riddle the limestone bedrock. On Thursday, scientists announced a new offering from the Cradle of Humankind: an ancient species called Homonaledi.

ZIP OVER THE WATER LIKE A BOSS IN YOUR OWN PERSONAL HYDROFOIL

As we’ve established, things that levitate, hover and float are innately cool. Of course, all boats (and the occasional motorcycle) float on water. But only some boats are able to rise above the surface, as with Quadrofoil‘s hydrodynamic and aerodynamic electric two-seaters.

Microsoft to Offer Software for Local Governments to Regulate and Tax Legal Cannabis

Microsoft has quietly entered into the cannabis business, partnering with a California software company to offer governments a system that tracks marijuana sales and compliance issues.

Here’s What Would Happen If a Giant Asteroid Struck the Ocean

Seventy percent of Earth’s surface is covered by water, meaning if we were unfortunate enough to be struck by an enormous asteroid, it’d probably make a big splash. A team of data scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory recently decided to model what would happen if an asteroid struck the sea. Despite the apocalyptic subject matter, the results are quite beautiful.

Lucid Motors unveils its 400-mile range luxury EV

After a few sneak peeks during the LA auto show, Lucid has finally ripped the camouflage off its luxury electric sedan: the $100,000-plus Air. The luxury vehicle is taking aim not only at Tesla’s Model S but also traditional gas-powered cars like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The company is expected to start production in 2018 at its Arizona factory.

Facebook—Not a Media Company—Will Bankroll Original Video

Ask Mark Zuckerberg, and he’ll tell you “Facebook is not a media company.” So it’s especially peculiar that the company is now talking to video producers and TV studios about licensing shows, according to a new Recode report.

The EPA Finally Admits That Fracking Contaminates Drinking Water

A new report by the US Environmental Protection Agency concludes that hydraulic fracturing is capable of contaminating drinking water at virtually every stage in the process. The admission won’t sit well with President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to expand the controversial practice.

Lupe Fiasco – AUTOBOTO

Benny The Butcher – Bust A Brick Nick

Tory Lanez – Mucky James

Lupe Fiasco – 100 Chicagos

Sauce Walka – “Mirror Effect”

21 Savage – “No Debate” / “Big Smoke”

Flamingo at the Cincinnati Zoo

Mt. Gang Rinpoche (Tibet)

Smithsonian.com

Morning Hour

The first one

POLAR BEAR ON ICEBERG

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