The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, is renowned across the US for exhibits like the largest cat complex in North America, the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp, and the world’s largest indoor rainforest.

The reason we’re here today however, is that under the world’s largest glazed geodesic dome we find the world’s largest indoor desert, which is home to plants and animals from the Namib Desert, the Australian Outback, and the Sonoran Desert.

The dome has two interior levels covering 7,800 sq m (84,000 sq ft), and rises nearly 42 m (137 ft) above ground. True to the form of the best geodesic domes, there are no internal supports, with the structure’s 1,760 triangles providing all the strength it needs to remain standing.

Dubious claims to fame aside, the zoo does fantastic work in animal conservation and research, and was voted Best Zoo in America 2004 by Reader’s Digest.

Thanks to Juicio.

There’s more information at the Henry Doorly Zoo Official site and Wikipedia page.

Locations: Nebraska / Categories: Animals, Buildings, Deserts

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Thankfully, you have been gamely notifying us of all the Vulcans you could find, and we have built up quite a collection. There are currently less than 20 survivors, mostly in the UK.

Firstly, at Southend Airport, the Avro XL426 was the 44th of the 88 delta-wing bombers that were built, and this one entered service in August, 1962.

Since 1986, this model has been taken under the wing of the Vulcan Restoration Trust, who dutifully care for the old bird, and occasionally taxi her up and down the runway to stretch her legs. According to submitter Mark, the best view is to be had from the train line that runs right beside the airport.

The XM603 sits rather forlorn at Woodford Airfield, near Manchester, the once gleaming paint tinting to a lifeless green hune.

Information on this one seems difficult to come by, but message board chatter from 2006 suggested that the relic was to be broken down to parts. In fact, her death only served to make others stronger, including the XH558! This photograph shows her final resting place.

Once the United Kingdom’s main deterrant against Cold War threat, armed with nuclear and, presumably, nerve pinch weaponry, the XL391 stands guard at Blackpool airport¹.

It was bought in 2004 on eBay for £15,102, but when the buyer realised he would have to pay another £20,000 to move it anywhere, they abandoned it where it was, sniff, scrapped in 2006.

If you live in the United States, there is one at Castle Air Museum in California, a roofed one at the Air and Space Museum in Nebraska² and finally one snuggled up next to a B-52 at Barksdale AFB, which also shows just how deceptively huge they are:

If you want to see the Vulcan flying, and happen to live near an airshow, there’s still a chance this year!

Thanks: Eddy Rhead, Adam Sadler, Steve Wrona, Tim and Mark

Locations: California, England, Louisiana, Nebraska / Categories: Aircraft

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I’m not sure of the exact meaning of this cryptic message, I guess the most likely translation is “You nice folk make our country proud, cheers lads” but it could be more of a demand, such as “Oi! You there! Make the country proud or we’ll be mightily upset!”.

Either way, I’m sure the author’s English teacher isn’t very proud.

Thanks: Gearth Hacks

Locations: Nebraska / Categories: Large Type

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OK, I didn’t do very well with the research; I must a bit rusty after my week off! Anyone know anything more?

Thanks: Dave Atkin

Locations: Nebraska / Categories: Large Type

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Thanks to Michelle, and apologies to Joe, who doesn’t like weirdness.

Locations: Nebraska / Categories: Weirdness

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A little to the west is the very colourful Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium which is the home of the College World Series. The 2005 College World Series runs June 17-27 and will be the tournament’s 59th year.

Thanks: Larry Hammond, seamus, Chad

Locations: Nebraska / Categories: Stadiums and Sport

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Union Pacific’s classification yard in North Platte, Nebraska is the world’s largest railroad classification yard. The yard is made up of 315 miles of track, and up to 10,000 railroad cars are handled here each day. Wikipedia says:

Because of the enormous amount of products traveling through Bailey yard each and every day, the yard is sometimes referred to as being an “economic barometer of America”

Thanks Jeff Jones and dan.

Locations: Nebraska / Categories: Other Vehicles

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Locations: Nebraska / Categories: Large Type

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