The podcast highlights the incredible story of a Filipino kayaker who spotted a nuclear submarine during its historic global circumnavigation mission.
Listeners learn about the challenges faced by early nuclear submarines, including limited life-support systems and the necessity for innovative waste management techniques.
The discussion also connects the production delays of Disney's The Little Mermaid to the Tiananmen Square protests, showcasing the impact of real-world events on creative processes.
Deep dives
The Unseen Submarine Voyage
The first submarine to complete a circumnavigation of the globe was only spotted by one civilian, a kayaker from the Philippines. This kayaker, who initially mistook the submarine's periscope for a sea monster, later became a subject of interest when a National Geographic team traced him down for an interview. Interestingly, this submarine, which went on its mission during the height of the Cold War, began and concluded its journey at the Saint Peter and Paul Archipelago, a remarkable coincidence given the kayaker's saintly sentiments for protection against perceived dangers. The mission, conducted secretly under the codename Operation Sandblast, was showcased by the U.S. as a demonstration of naval power without drawing attention, underlying delicate geopolitical tensions of the era.
Submarine Operations and Challenges
During the submarine's voyage, there were unique challenges that tested the crew's endurance and operational protocols. Notably, a crew member developed kidney stones, necessitating an emergency extraction without surfacing, which required devising a method to get him off while remaining submerged. The captain had kept the specifics of the mission a secret from the crew until they were already at sea, leading to a mix of surprise and confusion among the personnel about their extended mission. Additionally, the submarine required old-fashioned methods for managing air supply, having to surface periodically to maintain breathable conditions, which demonstrated the limitations facing earlier nuclear submarines.
Life on a Nuclear Submarine
Modern nuclear submarines have advanced capabilities for sustaining life underwater, including systems for producing oxygen from seawater. However, early models faced constraints, requiring innovative waste management strategies to cope with limited space and resources. Submarines today recycle materials by transforming metal sheets into compact bins for garbage, which are then ejected deep underwater, although this raises concerns about environmental impact. Additionally, the need for stealth underwater has led to meticulous control over sound and movement; even breaking an eggshell is done with care to ensure submarines remain undetectable.
Animation's Unforeseen Delays
A surprising fact discussed is how production delays for Disney's classic, The Little Mermaid, were influenced by the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, impacting the animation of the film's iconic bubbles. Instead of using photocopying techniques to animate the bubbles, Disney opted for hand-drawn frames, which were outsourced to a company in Beijing right near the square. When chaos erupted, the delicate frames were locked away, threatening the film's completion and showcasing how real-world events can significantly impact creative processes. Ultimately, the frames were smuggled out, allowing for the integral animation to make it into the final film, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of art production.
The Health Benefits of Walking Backwards
Walking backwards has been shown to provide various health benefits compared to traditional forward walking, including increased calorie burn and improved muscle engagement. Studies have documented substantial increases in oxygen intake and heart rates, suggesting a higher metabolic cost for backwards walking, making it a useful technique in rehabilitation and exercise. Anecdotal evidence from individuals who have practiced walking backwards note experiencing less strain on areas like the knees and heels, indicating a shift in pressure distribution. Furthermore, this unique movement can stimulate brain activity differently, as it requires enhanced focus on spatial orientation and hazard awareness.
