Van Walt Archives | Page 2 of 4

Why do Bees Build Hexagons?

23rd September 2021

Mathematician Thomas Hales explains the Honeycomb Conjecture in the context of bees. Hales proved that the hexagon tiling (hexagonal honeycomb) is the most efficient way to maximise area whilst minimising...

Connection types and the Hex Quick Pin

4th May 2021

There are straight threads and there are tapered threads, some are metric, some are imperial and some are bespoke to a particular manufacturer or organisation; the pitch of the thread can be all over the...

Van Walt Ireland

14th January 2021

“When we are old and grey, what will we look back on and wish we did differently? What memories will we cherish, what choices (or lack thereof) will we regret?” (J.R.R. Tolkien)

Project Gotham

27th November 2020

It is to my shame that I must confess that in the year prior to the pandemic I clocked up 116,000 airmiles. It would seem logical to assume that as a seasoned traveller a short hop to the south of Spain...

Of Data Collection and Procrastination

25th October 2020

“Be wise to-day; ’tis madness to defer;

LevelSCOUT Four Years On

4th June 2020

I’ve been reviewing some LevelSCOUT pictures. Clearly I was trying to find the fusion of a jewel and elegance and "tough as old boots". Hmmmm. Perhaps I didn't quite succeed but they reminded me...

Van Walt SA (Pty) Limited

18th April 2020

The girl behind the Avis desk at Cape Town Airport sported intimidatingly large breasts and couldn’t find my reservation. It happens a lot; the not finding the reservation I mean. I am an Avis preferred...

Jaume Ampuy 1920-2019

14th December 2019

It is with great sadness that I let you know that Jaume Ampuy died peacefully, today, Saturday 14th December 2019 at the age of 99 in Sant Cugat Hospital near Barcelona. His daughter Montse, grandson Miguel...

Travels with Tracey

9th December 2019

The Nevada section of the interstate from Los Angeles to Las Vegas takes you through the Mojave Desert. It runs straight and is totally uninspiring and there’s little to recommend it apart from Peggy...