AllYouCanTech

“Lidar Technology Reveals Historic Elevated Cities Along the Silk Road”

### The Neglected Cities of the Tien Shan: Revealing Concealed Urban Centers Along the Silk Road

The Silk Road, an extensive web of ancient and medieval trade routes, bridged the East and West, connecting cities like Beijing with Constantinople, and Hangzhou with Cairo. Although much of the historical interest has been concentrated on the network’s endpoints—China and Europe—numerous other cultures and urban areas played essential roles in the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies. One such disregarded region is the Tien Shan mountains, which, contrary to being a mere hurdle for traders to navigate, were home to vibrant cities that greatly enhanced the Silk Road economy.

Recent archaeological finds, supported by advanced technology such as drone-based lidar, have uncovered that the Tien Shan mountains were not simply a hindrance but a thriving center of trade and culture. Cities at these high altitudes, like Tashbulak and Tugunbulak, were more extensive and intricate than many contemporary European cities, reshaping our understanding of medieval commerce and urban development.

### The Tien Shan: A Mountainous Crossroads

The Tien Shan, the largest east-west mountain range on Earth, extends across present-day Central Asia, encompassing areas of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. For centuries, these mountains were viewed as a daunting barrier that Silk Road traders needed to navigate, circumventing the perilous Taklamakan Desert. However, recent investigations led by anthropologist Michael Frachetti from Washington University in St. Louis have overturned this belief.

“People believed these mountains were merely obstacles the caravans traversed and not significant contributors to commerce themselves,” asserts Frachetti. His team’s findings have shown that the Tien Shan hosted large, advanced cities, some of which were situated over 2,000 meters above sea level, akin to renowned high-altitude cities like Machu Picchu or Lhasa.

Among the most astonishing discoveries is Tugunbulak, a city that surpasses Siena, one of the most significant city-states in medieval Italy. Tugunbulak, along with cities such as Tashbulak, was vital in aiding Silk Road merchants as they navigated the dangerous mountain pathways.

### Into the Mountains: A Revised View on the Silk Road

The Silk Road was not a singular, well-established route, but rather a convoluted network of trails that enabled the exchange of goods between East Asia and Europe. While the roots of this trading system can be traced back to the Bronze Age, it reached its zenith during the medieval period, between the 6th and 11th centuries.

For merchants of the medieval era, the journey along the Silk Road was challenging and could span up to a year. One of the most difficult segments of this journey was navigating the Tien Shan mountains. Nonetheless, these mountains were not merely a blockade; they housed prosperous cities that offered crucial resources and services to merchants.

Frachetti’s team has dedicated years to examining the Tien Shan, viewing the mountains not solely as an obstruction but as a source of social and economic interaction. This research led to the identification of Tashbulak, a medium-sized settlement situated at the western edge of the Tien Shan range in modern-day Uzbekistan. Tashbulak, sitting at an altitude of 6,500 feet, featured a citadel, dense urban structures, and city walls surrounding 98 buildings.

### Tugunbulak: An Uncovered Metropolis

Although Tashbulak was an important find, it was merely the beginning. In 2015, while analyzing pottery shards at the Tashbulak site, Frachetti encountered a local forest inspector who mentioned discovering similar pottery near his residence. This led to the revelation of another medieval city, Tugunbulak, hidden beneath the rugged landscape.

Utilizing lidar-equipped drones, Frachetti’s crew mapped the region, unveiling a vast city with walls that encompassed 120 hectares—nearly five times the size of Tashbulak. For perspective, the medieval walls of Siena enclosed an area of 105 hectares at the peak of its influence, while Genoa’s walls safeguarded only 20 hectares during the same time frame.

Tugunbulak emerged as a sprawling urban center with hundreds of buildings, streets, palaces, plazas, and even industrial complexes that may have been involved in iron or steel production. The city’s magnitude and sophistication indicate that it was a significant political and economic hub in the area, playing a pivotal role in the larger Silk Road economy.

### A City of Iron?

One of Tugunbulak’s most fascinating elements is its possible involvement in iron manufacturing. The nearby mountains are plentiful in iron ore, and Frachetti’s team suspects that the city served as a center for blacksmithing and metalwork. However, many questions persist regarding the lives of the city’s residents and their lifestyle.

“Did they live

NASA’s Most Durable Active Astronaut Renowned for Remarkable Curiosity

**Delving Into the Marvels of Space with NASA Astronaut Don Pettit: An Expedition of Inquiry and Enlightenment**

NASA astronaut Don Pettit transcends the typical space explorer. At 69 years, he holds the title of NASA’s oldest active astronaut, currently engaged in his third extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). His relentless curiosity, merged with a fervor for science and a desire to disseminate knowledge, has distinguished him in the realm of space exploration. Pettit’s distinctive methodology in space science, merging formal research with spontaneous experimentation, provides an intriguing insight into the life of an astronaut who regards the universe as his experimental arena.

### The Scientist with a Tinkerer’s Spirit

Pettit’s voyage into space involves more than merely achieving NASA’s programmatic research objectives. While he is tasked with executing meticulously planned, peer-reviewed experiments, Pettit also partakes in what he terms “science of opportunity.” This type of science arises when curiosity ignites, frequently during his limited downtime aboard the ISS. His explorations span a variety of scientific fields, including fluid physics, biology, chemistry, and Earth observations.

One of Pettit’s most renowned spontaneous experiments included Lego blocks. During his mission from 2011 to 2012, after utilizing the blocks for educational demonstrations, Pettit creatively transformed them into a Van de Graaff generator—an apparatus that generates static electricity. His pioneering work on electric fluids, utilizing these improvised tools, garnered recognition and was subsequently published in the esteemed journal *Physical Review Letters*. Pettit’s knack for converting everyday items into scientific apparatus serves as a testament to his ingenuity and creativity.

### Swapping Coffee for Gelatin: A Dedication to Science

For his latest mission, Pettit made a surprising selection. Rather than packing coffee or another personal beverage in his allocated “personal drink bag,” he chose bags of unflavored gelatin. This decision was not culinary but scientific in nature. While many would hesitate to forgo coffee, Pettit’s choice highlights his profound dedication to science. His readiness to forgo personal comforts in pursuit of discovery exemplifies his philosophy toward space exploration.

### Where Art Intersects with Science: Ice Wafers in Space

Recently, Pettit’s scientific curiosity drove him to investigate the behavior of water ice in the cosmos. With access to a freezer maintained at -95 degrees Celsius (-140 F), Pettit opted to cultivate thin wafers of water ice. His objective was to study how the freezing front operates in a microgravity environment, specifically how it interacts with tiny bubbles unencumbered by gravitational buoyancy.

The outcome was not only scientifically captivating but also visually remarkable. The ice wafers, captured between crossed polarizers, exhibited intricate patterns and textures that Pettit referred to as “surprising beauty.” This experiment, which fused art and science, underscores Pettit’s talent for discovering wonder in nature, even in the most extreme settings.

### Encountering the Aurora: A Moment of Wonder

Among Pettit’s most unforgettable experiences during this mission took place when he and fellow astronaut Matthew Dominick endeavored to photograph the auroras triggered by recent solar flares. After several days of underwhelming views, the two astronauts were prepared to conclude their night. However, they made what Pettit termed the “mistake” of glancing out the Cupola windows of the ISS.

What they witnessed was breathtaking. Rather than soaring above the aurora, they found themselves enveloped by it. The aurora was not merely green, but blood red, creating the illusion that the ISS had shifted into a neon-lit realm. Pettit and Dominick swiftly set about capturing this awe-inspiring spectacle with their cameras.

This serendipitous moment perfectly embodies Pettit’s “science of opportunity” ethos. While astronauts’ primary mission is to engage in planned research, there are instances when the cosmos offers unanticipated chances for discovery and marvel. Pettit’s capacity to grasp these moments and communicate them to the world is a significant aspect of what renders him such a captivating personality in space exploration.

### The Significance of Curiosity in Space Exploration

As humanity persists in exploring space and expanding the scope of our knowledge, curiosity continues to be a motivating factor. Pettit’s endeavors aboard the ISS illustrate the necessity of preserving a sense of wonder and a readiness to probe the unknown. His experiments, whether structured or spontaneous, enhance our comprehension of the cosmos and the exceptional conditions of space.

Despite the ISS being continuously inhabited for more than 25 years, we are still in the early phases of discerning the effects of weightlessness and extraterrestrial living on humans and other life forms. Pettit’s curiosity-driven scientific approach serves as a reminder that there remains much to discover, and that often, the most significant revelations emerge from keeping an open mind to the opportunities that present themselves.

### Conclusion: A Legacy of Exploration

Don Pettit’s journey as an astronaut is a

Google Reportedly Engaging in Secret Initiatives to Redirect Antitrust Attention Toward Microsoft

### Cloud Provider Allegedly Contacted by Google Exposed Dubious Group to Microsoft

In a significant escalation of the ongoing competition between two of the globe’s foremost tech titans, Microsoft has accused Google of executing “underhanded tactics” aimed at sabotaging its cloud services. These allegations came to light in a blog entry by Microsoft attorney Rima Alaily, who asserted that Google has been secretly financing organizations to tarnish Microsoft’s reputation and mislead both regulators and the public.

The latest twist in this narrative involves a cloud provider that was reportedly solicited by Google to become part of a newly formed group known as the **Open Cloud Coalition**. Alaily claims this coalition, which is anticipated to be launched soon, is ostensibly headed by smaller European cloud service providers. Nonetheless, Microsoft contends that these companies serve merely as the visible front of the coalition, while Google remains the actual architect behind it, providing financial rewards or discounts to enlist members.

### The Open Cloud Coalition: A Disguise for Google?

The **Open Cloud Coalition** represents just one instance of what Microsoft characterizes as a widespread pattern of “underhanded campaigns” financed by Google. According to Alaily, the coalition is crafted to seem like a grassroots initiative championing a “fairer, more robust cloud market.” However, Microsoft asserts that Google is employing the coalition to target its cloud services in the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK).

Microsoft’s blog suggests that Google is incentivizing smaller cloud providers to participate in the coalition, making them its public representatives, thereby hiding Google’s true involvement. Alaily argues that this is part of a more extensive strategy by Google to sway regulatory authorities and detract attention from its own antitrust challenges.

### Fabricated Support Allegations

The term **astroturfing** denotes the act of creating a false impression of grassroots backing for a cause, while the movement is actually orchestrated by a larger organization. Microsoft claims that the Open Cloud Coalition exemplifies astroturfing, with Google clandestinely maneuvering behind the scenes.

Beyond the Open Cloud Coalition, Alaily pointed to another entity, the **Coalition for Fair Software Licensing (CFSL)**, as part of Google’s larger strategy. The CFSL has criticized Microsoft’s cloud computing operations in the US, UK, and EU. Microsoft states that the CFSL is led by **Ryan Triplette**, a former Google lobbyist, although the organization does not publicly reveal its connections to the tech giant.

### Google’s Retort

Google has rejected the accusations, asserting that it has openly supported the CFSL for over two years. A Google representative dismissed Microsoft’s assertions, contending that it’s common for individuals in law, policy, or lobbying to have affiliations with various tech firms, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.

Google also defended its criticisms regarding Microsoft’s cloud licensing approaches, alleging that Microsoft employs anti-competitive strategies to bind customers and suppress competition. In a blog entry, Google claimed that Microsoft’s licensing conditions create hurdles for clients wishing to migrate their workloads to rival cloud platforms, enforcing hefty price surcharges for those who seek to do so.

### The Wider Context: Antitrust Conflicts

The dispute between Google and Microsoft arises at a moment when both firms are undergoing rigorous regulatory examination. Google, in particular, is under scrutiny from at least 24 antitrust probes globally, as noted in Microsoft’s blog post. Alaily proposed that Google’s assaults on Microsoft are efforts to divert regulators’ attention from its own legal predicaments.

“At a juncture where Google should concentrate on rectifying valid inquiries concerning its operations, it is instead diverting its considerable resources towards undermining competitors,” Alaily remarked. She contended that Google is utilizing its cloud service, **Google Cloud Platform (GCP)**, as a vehicle to target Microsoft’s **Azure** cloud services instead of competing fairly based on the merits of its offerings.

### Microsoft Alerted by Would-Be Recruit

The crucial moment in this escalating confrontation seems to have transpired when a cloud provider, reportedly approached by Google to affiliate with the Open Cloud Coalition, cautioned Microsoft about Google’s motives. According to Alaily, the cloud provider informed Microsoft that the coalition would be “guided and predominantly funded by Google with the intention of undermining Microsoft’s cloud computing endeavors” in the EU and UK.

Microsoft maintains that this disclosure fits into a broader behavioral pattern by Google, which has been accused of leveraging its financial capabilities to sway regulators and malign competitors. Alaily also highlighted that Google previously attempted to “weaponize” the **Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers in Europe (CISPE)**, an organization that lodged an antitrust complaint against Microsoft in the EU.

### The $500 Million Proposition

In a particularly remarkable claim, Alaily asserted that Google had proposed a mix of cash and credits amounting to $500 million to CISPE to obstruct a settlement between Microsoft and European authorities. However, CISPE is said to have turned down Google’s proposal, leading Google to establish its own consortium of cloud providers—the Open

Apple to Transform Iconic Game “The Oregon Trail” into a Full-Length Movie

# Apple to Transform Classic Game *The Oregon Trail* into a Musical Comedy

Apple has officially approved a film adaptation of the cherished educational game *The Oregon Trail*, as reported by *The Hollywood Reporter* (THR). However, fans shouldn’t anticipate a serious historical drama regarding the hardships of 19th-century pioneers. Instead, the new film will be a comedy—and not just any comedy, but a musical comedy, reminiscent of the recent *Barbie* film.

## A Fresh Perspective on a Classic

The film will be directed and produced by Will Speck and Josh Gordon, the team behind wacky comedies like *Blades of Glory* and *Office Christmas Party*. This choice of directors indicates that the film will adopt a lighthearted, humorous take on the source material, which differs greatly from the game’s original educational purpose. The decision to incorporate musical elements adds another layer of enjoyment to the project, with original songs being created by the award-winning pair Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, recognized for their contributions to *La La Land* and *The Greatest Showman*.

Though the movie is still in the early stages of development, the creative team suggests an innovative mix of comedy, music, and nostalgia. The script will be written by Kenneth and Keith Lucas, who are well-known for their accomplishments on the 2021 drama *Judas and the Black Messiah*, for which they earned an Oscar nomination. This blend of comedic and dramatic skills implies that the film may skillfully balance humor with emotional or touching moments, despite primarily aiming for entertainment.

## An Iconic Cultural Touchstone

For those who are not familiar with *The Oregon Trail*, the game was originally developed in the early 1970s as an educational resource to teach schoolchildren about the obstacles encountered by American pioneers journeying westward in the 19th century. Players portrayed a wagon leader directing a group of settlers from Missouri to Oregon, making choices regarding food, supplies, and travel routes. The game gained notoriety for its difficulty, often resulting in players losing party members to illness, hunger, or accidents. The notorious phrase “You have died of dysentery” became a signature element of the game’s dark humor.

Throughout the years, *The Oregon Trail* has established itself as a cultural phenomenon, particularly among those who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s. It was a common presence in classrooms and households, and its combination of education and entertainment left a memorable mark on a generation of gamers. The term “The Oregon Trail Generation” has even been coined to describe individuals born in the early 1980s, who exist between Generation X and Millennials and grew up alongside early personal computers.

## A Musical Flair

While the original game was recognized for its serious themes—survival, disease, and the brutal realities of pioneer existence—the forthcoming film will adopt a distinct tone. According to THR, the movie will showcase several original musical pieces, akin to the recent *Barbie* film, which fused humor, music, and social commentary. With Pasek and Paul collaborating on the music, viewers can anticipate catchy, unforgettable songs that will playfully engage with the absurdity of the game’s grim themes in a comedic manner.

Turning *The Oregon Trail* into a musical comedy is a daring choice, yet it is also logical considering the game’s long-standing reputation for being both educational and inadvertently amusing. The game’s grim outcomes, such as succumbing to dysentery or being swept away by a river, have frequently been the foundation for jokes and memes. By embracing this dark humor and incorporating a musical dimension, the film has the potential to resonate with both nostalgic fans of the game and a younger audience.

## What We Know So Far

While specifics about the film remain limited, several key details have been disclosed:

– **Directors**: Will Speck and Josh Gordon, noted for their work on comedies like *Blades of Glory* and *Office Christmas Party*.
– **Writers**: Kenneth and Keith Lucas, who were nominated for an Oscar for their contribution to *Judas and the Black Messiah*.
– **Music**: Original compositions will be created by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the award-winning duo behind *La La Land* and *The Greatest Showman*.
– **Tone**: The film will be a comedic musical, likely combining humor with some of the more somber aspects of the game’s storyline.

Given that the film has received the green light from Apple, it is anticipated to stream on the Apple TV+ service, though a release date is yet to be announced. Casting news is also still a mystery, leaving fans to wonder about who might portray the game’s iconic figures.

## A Nostalgic Expedition

For many, *The Oregon Trail* is more than