Where is the line between art and design? If “function” is the word that comes to mind then there are many works which fall somewhere in the gray area between extremes. Perhaps the most engaging works to exist on both sides are architectural and interior art installations - those works that are interactive and spatially complex but are still more about aesthetics and experience than a strict singular function. The Dollhouse was once a modest two-story farmhouse, abandoned decades ago to the elements but left remarkably intact with furniture, furnishings and fixtures on the inside. One artist, however, envisioned a new function for this abandoned building - a hyperbolic showcase of interior space frozen in time. What does one do to transform a bland space into something engaging for employees who toil in their offices day in and day out? One way to enliven a space is through art. This staged architectural explosion literally lights up the central courtyard of this office building but also provides something of visual interest from every possible angle. There is no reason to let a soon-to-be-demolished building go to waste - at least that was the viewpoint of the artistic talent behind this exploding house art installation. More than merely something for spectators to gawk at, this design invites participation by allowing visitors to move through the vortex to the other side. While some architectural installations address buildings as a whole or simply from the outside in, others rework with existing spaces to create interior experiences. One group of artists took buildings abandoned after Hurricane Katrina and breathed new life inside of the deserted structures. Regular readers may recognize the work of one Robbie Rowlands, an installation artist with a different way of looking at the world of architecture and urban design. His works literally (and otherwise) break down conventional aspects of buildings, pealing, bending, and twisting them in unique ways. Walls are what hold a building together, define its spaces and are reliably located in conventional places throughout - particularly in traditional old buildings, right? This artist comes into existing architectural interiors and adds offbeat elements that turn conventional spaces into paradoxical interior designs. As the previous example demonstrates, the starkness of contract between new elements an old spaces can have a profound aesthetic impact on the person experiencing a hybrid interior. These glowing arrows draw visitors into an old mansion and through it in ways that defy the traditional layout of the building interior. This rain art installation project goes against two basic associations we have with rain: that it falls only on the outside of buildings and that it is always in motion and difficult to see while moving. By contrast, people can walk through this controlled space and see, feel and push each individual drop of rain.
The building envelope is what defines the difference between interior and exterior, public and private. This moving building wall project contorts and distorts that strict boundary, literally spinning a section of wall visible to pedestrians passing by on the street below.
Over 1600 chairs went into making this incredible urban art installation project. The chairs are aged, each with its own history that contributes a piece of the story of the overall installation. The sheer volume and time associated with placing these chair-by-chair in place is impressive enough, regardless of intention.
Antarctica's Dry Valleys, with their barren gravel-strewn floors, are said to be the most similar place on Earth to Mars. Its fascinating landscape, located within Victoria Land west of McMurdo Sound, get almost no snowfall, and except for a few steep rocks they are the only continental part of Antarctica devoid of ice. The terrain looks like something not of this Earth; the valley’s floor occasionally contains a perennially frozen lake with ice several meters thick. Under the ice, in the extremely salty water, live mysterious simple organisms, a subject of on-going research.
Socotra Island (Indian Ocean)
This island simply blows away any notion about what is considered “normal” for a landscape on Earth, you’d be inclined to think you were transported to another planet - or traveled to another era of Earth’s history. Socotra Island, which is part of a group of four islands, has been geographically isolated from mainland Africa for the last 6 or 7 million years. Like the Galapagos Islands, the island is teeming with 700 extremely rare species of flora and fauna, a full 1/3 of which are endemic.
The climate is harsh, hot and dry, and yet - the most amazing plant life thrives there. Situated in the Indian Ocean 250 km from Somalia and 340 km from Yemen, the wide sandy beaches rise to limestone plateaus full of caves (some 7 kilometers in length) and mountains up to 1525 meters high. The trees and plants of this island were preserved thru the long geological isolation, some varieties being 20 million years old.
Rio Tinto (Spain)
The giant opencast mines of Rio Tinto create a surreal, almost lunar landscape. Its growth has consumed not only mountains and valleys but even entire villages, whose populations had to be resettled in specially built towns nearby. Named after the river which flows through the region-itself named for the reddish streaks that colour its water-Rio Tinto has become a landscape within a landscape. The river red water is highly acidic (pH 1.7—2.5) and rich in heavy metals.
Kliluk, the Spotted Lake (Canada)
In the hot sun of summer, the water of Spotted Lake, located in British Columbia and Washington, evaporates and crystallizes the minerals, forming many white-rimmed circles: shallow pools that reflect the mineral content of the water in shades of blues and greens. It contains one of the worlds highest concentrations of minerals: magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts), calcium and sodium sulphates, plus eight other minerals and traces of four more, including silver and titanium.
The Indians soaked away aches and ailments in the healing mud and waters. One story cites a truce in a battle to allow both warring tribes to tend to their wounded in the Spotted Lake, "Kliluk".
Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia)
Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni is perhaps one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. A magnificent area with an impressive salt desert (the world's largest), active volcanoes, tall cacti islands and geyser flats, it exists like an alien mirage, something completely out-of-this-world.
Vale da Lua (Brazil)
Vale da Lua (Moon Valley) is a water eroded rock formation with natural swimming pools, placed on a river in the brazilian cerrado forest. Located at Chapada, 38 km from Alto Paraíso de Goiás, it’s rock formations are one of the oldest on the planet, made of quartz with outcrops of crystals.
Blood Pond Hot Spring (Japan)
Blood Pond Hot Spring is one of the "hells" (jigoku) of Beppu, Japan, nine spectacular natural hot springs that are more for viewing rather than bathing. The “blood pond hell” features a pond of hot, red water, colored as such by iron in the waters. It’s allegedly the most photogenic of the nine hells.
The Stone Forest (China)
The Shilin (Chinese for stone forest) is an impressive example of karst topography. Its rocks are made of limestone and are formed by water percolating the ground’s surface and eroding away everything but the pillars. It’s known since the Ming Dynasty as the 'First Wonder of the World.'
The Richat Structure (Mauritania)
This spectacular landform in Mauritania in the southwestern part of the Sahara desert, called the Richat Structure, is so huge with a diameter of 30 miles that it is visible from space. The formation was originally thought to be caused by a meteorite impact but now geologists believe it is a product of uplift and erosion. The cause of its circular shape is still a mystery.
Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves (Austria)
Ice caves are very different from normal caves. They have a strange feeling about them, as though they are not from this planet, and one has just temporarily stepped into their world when spelunking their depths.
There are many ice caves throughout the world, but the Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves in Austria are some of the largest known to man. They are located within the Tennengebirge Mountains near Salzburg and stretch for a remarkable 40 kilometers. Only a portion of the labyrinth is open to tourists but it's enough to get a taste of what the remaining network is like: a truly mesmerizing palate of Mother Nature's handicraft.
Never Surrender: The Eight Greatest Technical Submissions of All Time
It takes a special kind of cojones to stare down permanent injury and say "Eff it, I ain't tappin'."
We decided to pay tribute to the technical submission — that thrilling moment when a fighter is caught in a health-threatening submission hold, but is too stupid much of a warrior to concede defeat, so the referee has to do it for him. Because as a wise man once said, "Tapping out is for bitches." Enjoy...
#8: Daniel Gracie vs. Wes Sims IFL Championships 2006, 6/3/06
After their first chaotic mess of a bout was ruled a “Technical Draw,” Gracie and Sims met again in the IFL for another technical ending. Though Sims has always had a hazy understanding of the rules in any given MMA bout, he got taken down too quickly to launch any illegal stomps in this one, and had to settle for giving up his back and then trying to grab on to the ropes (thankfully Stephen Quadros reminds him that he can’t do that) as Gracie stayed on him like a backpack and choked him unconscious. There’s nothing quite like seeing a 6’10” guy drop to the canvas like somebody just pulled his plug. Sleep well, buddy.
#7. Frank Shamrock vs. Phil Baroni Strikeforce/EliteXC: Shamrock vs. Baroni, 6/22/07
(Choke starts at the 8:35 mark.)
Thanks to Shammy’s pioneering work in video trash talk, this fight was epic before it even began. Strikeforce’s first middleweight title fight paired two loud-mouthed badasses who would never admit defeat — but unfortunately, there could be only one champion. After battering the NYBA with punches for almost two full rounds, Shamrock took Baroni’s back, wrapped an arm around his neck, and squeezed. While most men would tap to the hold, Baroni went out like a warrior, throwing punches into Frank’s mug until he lost consciousness. Shamrock celebrated his win by shoving Baroni’s lifeless body then kicking him in the ass, proving that he wasn’t just the better fighter that night, he was also the bigger asshole.
#6: Marcus Aurelio vs. Takanori Gomi Pride: Bushido 10, 4/2/06
Gomi was riding an impressive ten-fight win streak in Pride when he came up against American Top Team’s Marcus Aurelio. Gomi had just beaten Hayato “Mach” Sakurai in the 2005 lightweight Grand Prix, and seemed to be near unstoppable. That is, until Aurelio got him on his back. Aurelio passed his guard without much trouble and locked up an arm triangle. Though Gomi’s hand seemed to want to tap, his spirit wouldn’t allow it. Instead his arm fell limply to the canvas, forcing the Pride ref to try the old pro wrestling resistance test before concluding that “The Fireball Kid” was really out. For weird reasons that only made sense in Pride, this wasn’t a title bout. Gomi not only woke up feeling refreshed and ready to start the day, he also woke up still the champ. How often does that happen?
#5: Demian Maia vs. Ed Herman UFC 83, 4/19/08
Did you know there was a time when not everyone in the UFC was aware of what a jiu-jitsu badass Demian Maia is? It’s true, but his complete domination of Ed Herman helped educate the masses right quick. Herman was coming off three straight wins, including a knockout of Joe Doerksen and a submission victory over Scott Smith, but he soon discovered it was a bad idea to be on the ground with Maia. Herman spent most of the first round trying, without success, to stay on his feet. After narrowly avoiding a few submissions, Herman powered his way right into a triangle choke in the second round. When he wouldn’t tap, Maia flipped him over and pounded on him a little while waiting for him to give up or lose consciousness. Herman chose the latter, though it was all the same to Maia.
#3: Steve Cantwell vs. Razak Al-Hassan UFC Fight For The Troops, 12/10/08
Right away something about this fight seemed strange. The last WEC light heavyweight champ, Cantwell made his UFC debut at the benefit show for injured U.S. troops against newcomer Razak Al-Hassan, who may or may not have been chosen because he had a foreign-sounding name (despite fighting out of Iowa). Al-Hassan began the fight by walking straight into Cantwell’s punches with his chin held high, further suggesting that maybe he wasn’t quite ready for the UFC, but was ready to spot incoming aircraft.
After stinging him with a few good shots, Cantwell got him down, passed his guard and mounted him, then locked in a tight armbar. Apparently nobody bothered to tell Al-Hassan that he could tap out if he was in trouble, because he never seemed to consider it. Instead he let Cantwell crank his arm until it made everyone feel a little sick just to look at it. Afterwards Cantwell was a little too excited about injuring another human being, saying he’d “been waiting so long to do that.” Let’s dial it down a notch, Steve.
#2. Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Renzo Gracie PRIDE 10, 8/27/00
(Sakuraba vs. The Gracies. Saku sets up the kimura on Renzo at the 1:44 mark, and the nasty aftermath is at 2:55.)
Gracies don’t tap — especially not to the armlock that has haunted their family for decades. Kazushi Sakuraba had already beaten Royler and Royce Gracie in PRIDE matches, picking up the nickname “Gracie Hunter,” before his classic fight with their cousin Renzo. In the closing seconds of the battle, Sakuraba latched a standing ude-garami onto Renzo’s left arm. The ude-garami, of course, has been commonly known as the “kimura” ever since Masahiko Kimura used it to defeat Helio Gracie in 1955 (Helio didn’t tap, by the way), and coincidentally, Sakuraba used the lock to score a technical submission over Helio’s son Royler the year before he faced Renzo (Royler also didn’t tap).
Anyway, Renzo’s elbow snapped as Sakuraba pulled him to the ground, and as Kazushi continued to extend the lock, the break became ghoulishly visible. In true Gracie fashion, Renzo refused to surrender. The referee stopped the match, and an unaffected-looking Renzo got up, put his arm in a sling, took the mic, and made a congratulatory speech to his opponent. Renzo later called out his refusal to tap during the fight as his greatest achievement in mixed martial arts. What the hell is wrong with these people, anyway?
#1. Frank Mir vs. Tim Sylvia UFC 48, 6/19/04
It remains the most famous bone-breakage in UFC history — and the Maine-iac still wanted to fight through it. Less than a minute into the heavyweight title match at “Payback”, stripped ex-champion Tim Sylvia slammed rising hotshot Frank Mir onto his back, where Frank immediately snatched one of Timmy’s meathooks in an armbar. He cranked it until Sylvia’s forearm visibly snapped, but Tim wasn’t ready to give up so easily. In fact, the fight might have had a completely different outcome if Herb Dean hadn’t stopped the fight in horror.
Though Sylvia claimed he was okay to continue, an x-ray performed later that night showed that his radius bone was indeed broken. Mir’s legendary technical submission over Sylvia earned him the UFC heavyweight strap (and a BJJ black belt from Ricardo Pires), and cemented his rep as a terror on the ground, while Tim gained some grudging respect as a tough son-of-a-bitch who wouldn’t quit over something as insignificant as a destroyed limb.
The humans that designed the following monsters should be commended. I say that because it really can’t be easy making a building so disgusting and I actually think it takes more brainpower to make something this hideous than it does to come up with a stunner. So for effort i’d give them all a 10. Artistic merit?
So well done chaps. Really well done.
In No Particular Order…
Torre Velasca, Milan, Italy
Architects - Belgiojoso, Peressutti And Rogers
An absolute eyesore, this hulk of a building can be found in the centre of milan, just opposite milan cathedral. look at it. It has no grace. It’s colour (i think it’s officially called ‘muddy puddle brown’) is depressing and the top-heavy shape confusing. The struts half way up make it look like some kind of insect and if fangs suddenly appeared one morning i wouldn’t be shocked.
Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan
Architects - C. Y. Lee & Partners
The tallest building in the world also happens to be one of the ugliest. First of all, it looks cheap. The staggered effect makes it look like a massive child has just plonked each of the sections on one by one in a matter of minutes. Secondly, it’s wearing a belt that in turn makes the building look like an enormous, armless, useless, kilt-wearing robot.
Hotel Piccadilly, Manchester, United Kingdom
Architects - Covell, Matthews & Partners
I come face-to-face with this despicable, shitty building on a daily basis and i’m still shocked by its hideousness each time.
I used to think that a good scrub to the exterior with some soap might give it some hope. I quickly realised that this would be the worst possible course of action due to the fact that a clean and shiny hotel piccadilly may stand out more, thus catching more pedestrians’ eyes, in turn causing more offence.
Russian Embassy Building,Havana, Cuba
Architects - Unknown
What the hell is this meant to look like?
I can’t even begin to fathom the thought process behind this design. Remember, this was created by (hopefully) people with qualifications. The thin tower at the top looks pathetic, as if it got lost on its way to a castle - it’s proper home. The locals call it ‘the vodka bottle’.
The Whole Thing just looks like a building where punishments are handed out, the most severe at the top.
Hotel Sofitel, Tokyo, Japanarchitects - Kikutake Architects
Horrific.If you asked a child to draw a white christmas tree using a bbc micro computer they’d possibly come up with something similar to this. It stands out like a sore thumb and looks like some kind of high-rise detention centre and how is it a good idea to have practically no windows on one side of a massive building? I hope to god sofitel don’t print photos of this monstrosity in their brochures.
Ryugyong Hotel, Pyongyang, North Korea
Architects - Baikdoosan Architects
This disgraceful creation has stood unfinished since 1992, the year construction stopped, and the crane still stands at the top. Unbelievably it wasn’t based on a young child’s space rocket sketch. The fact that it is incomplete still doesn’t save it as i can’t see what further developments would make this even slightly attractive.
Tuk Chang, Bangkok, Thailand
Architects - Arun Chaiseri Group
‘Tuk Chang’ translates as ‘elephant building’. However, instead of a tusk it seems they decided to give it a beak. Either way, objects resembling animals should not exceed a certain size. of course, none of this matters in the grand scheme of things. The main thing to remember is that the building is a man-made stain on our planet. The fact that the elephant is thailand’s national symbol makes no difference, I just know that i’d be thoroughly ashamed to live anywhere near it, let alone be responsible for its design.
Westin Hotel, New York, United States
Architects - Arquitectonica
This building makes me angry.Ok, so it’s situated in times square and if it had to be built then that’s probably the only home for it, but leave the gaudiness to the neon signs and electronic billboards. For $300 million i’d expect a building that turned heads for a positive reason. The shapes, angles, colour scheme… all badly designed. awful.
Green Citadel, Madgeburg, Germany
Architect - Friedensreich Hundertwasser
Absolutely Disgusting.If i saw this at disney world i’d let it go. I’d be slightly repelled but yeah, I wouldn’t feel wronged. To see it in a town centre and learn that it’s an accommodation block really really concerns me. Witnessing crap like this truly makes me want to start a petition to enforce some kind of public jury system to greenlight proposed constructions because the current system is obviously not working.
Gone are the days of the simple wooden roller coaster and the secluded theme park. Amusement parks are constantly in competition, aiming to provide the best in entertainment, quality, and adventure. Their rides are climbing higher, dropping further, and flying faster than ever before. It’s tough to choose from amongst the hundreds of theme parks in existence, but we narrowed the staggering list down to our favorite nine.
Parc Asterix
Parc Asterix in Plailly, France is home to two of the most stomach-flipping roller coasters on the continent. The two main roller coasters are Tonnerre de Zeus and Goudurix. The first raises riders 30 meters before flipping riders through two loops, while the other flips riders over a stomach-churning seven times. The park is also full of artisans and craftsmen, providing plenty of entertainment for everyone.
Cedar Point
Located in Sandusky Ohio, Cedar Point was built in the late 1800’s and is the second oldest amusement park in the world. As the oldest park, Cedar Point has had plenty of time to collect rides, making its 17 roller coasters the largest collection in the world. Get started with rides on the Maverick, Blue Streak, and Wildcat. Young riders will particularly enjoy the Woodstock Express. Visit the amusement park, the Soak City water park, or check out the rip roaring bungee adventures or golf outings in Challenge Park - there’s something for everyone!
Tivoliland
Tivoliland is one of only four amusement parks in Denmark. While it’s not the largest or most crowded, it is known as the home of Scandinavia’s largest roller coaster, the Boomerang. After the Boomerang throws you around, be sure to head on over to Gravity Tower for a quick 55 meter drop!
Universal Studios
In Orlando, Florida you’ll find the ever popular Universal Studios. The resort is home to some of the hottest themed roller coasters you’re going to find. Join the Simpson’s on a ride through Krustyland or help defend the country in a Men In Black style alien attack. A ride on the Dueling Dragons roller coaster will leave you feeling as if you’ve been suspended in a real battle 125 feet above the ground. In the actual Universal Studios park you’ll have the chance to experience special effects, like tornados, first hand!
Coney Island / Astroland Amusement Park
Combination board walk and amusement park, New York’s Coney Island opened in the early 1900’s. The Cyclone roller coaster tends to appeal to those seeking thrill rides, while the Freakshow Hall of Fame, Mermaid Parade, Coney Island Museum, Burlesque at the Beach, and dozens of side shows promise to entertain and educate the rest of us. The boardwalk was first known as an affordable place that anyone can visit, and it still is!
Busch Gardens
Williamsburg, Virginia is home to more than historical sights and Water Country USA. Busch Gardens. The grizzly Griffon carries riders to an astounding 205 feet before beginning the ride with a 70mph drop. The Big Bad Wolf drops 99 feet, but leaves riders wondering if they’re going to end up in the river! The park boasts dozens of shows and animal attractions as well. Not up for the rides? Take a leisurely stroll through Aquitaine, the quaint replica of a French village.
Kennywood
In the rolling hills just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania lies Kennywood Amusement Park. There aren’t many parks where you’re going to find three old-fashioned wooden roller coasters. Those looking for an added thrill will enjoy The Exterminator which throws riders around twists and turns in a dark environment designed to make you feel as though you’re the rat attempting to get away from the exterminator - a clever and fun concept for a thrill ride!
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool, England claims to be the roller coaster capital of the world and Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the city’s main attraction. The park boasts roller coasters for everyone, from the youngest child to the mature thrill-seeker. Valhalla is one of the newest and scariest coasters in the park, boasting three full minutes of terrifying twists and turns in complete and utter darkness. Not for the weak of heart or mind!
Six Flags Magic Mountain
While Six Flags has amusement park locations throughout the country, the Six Flags Magic Mountain Park in California is home to some of the finest thrill rides in the United States if not the world. The Riddler’s Revenge is the tallest stand-up roller coaster in the world, while Tatsu is one of the longest and fastest. Arrive prepared for some of the wildest rides of your life!
Each of these parks is packed with thrill rides and adventures for children and adults of all ages. Find the park closest to your home and hit the road - these are coasters you won’t want to miss!
Laconia Motorcycle Week is one of the oldest and largest motorcycle Festivals in the country, taking place each year at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Between 300,000 and 400,000 bikers attend the weeklong event for camping, vendors, racing, and so much more! The 2008 event will be held from June 14 - 22nd and marks the 85th anniversary of Laconia Motorcycle Week!
Laughlin River Run
Out west and along the banks of the Colorado River, the Laughlin River Run is the destination for Harley riders. The festival features concerts, a bike show, gaming, and several rides designed to support major charities such as the Easter Seals, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Susan G. Komen Brest Cancer Foundation. Ladies are especially welcome in Laughlin, especially if they’re riding their own bikes!
The Rock Store
The Rock Store isn’t so much a festival as it is a year round destination for bikers. Located in Los Angeles, California, a trip to The Rock Store requires a trip through the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains. Almost every biker in the area knows about this amazing destination - including hotshots like Jay Leno. Drop by one weekend for a drink or a burger!
Girl Power Run
The annual Girl Power Run takes place in San Francisco, California every year and is for girls only! Sponsored by the Devil Dolls, it’s a short, three-hour ride designed to give biker girls a chance to bond without being overshadowed by the concept of women on the back of a bike. While the Devil Dolls is one of the most well known female bike clubs, there are certainly others. As a matter of fact, all-women biker clubs have been around since the 1940’s. The girls let the guys join in on the fun later on for contests and food!
Route 66
Route 66 runs from Chicago, Illinois through to Santa Monica, California. Stops along the way include Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The AMA runs regular motorcycle tours along Route 66, allowing you to ride and enjoy some of the country’s most beautiful and historic scenery without worrying about the route you’ll take or where you’ll be able to stop to eat and sleep. If you’re traveling from a distance and can’t bring your own, you can rent a cruiser in Chicago and then hit the road!
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is another one of the largest bike festivals conducted each year, with anywhere from 450-800,000 riders flocking to the hills of Sturgis, South Dakoka. The 10-day festival takes place every August - this year from the 4th through the 10th. The rally started out almost 70 years ago as a small race and has evolved into an amazing event, chock full of bikes, rides, camping, and entertainment you won’t want to miss!
Daytona Bike Week
Bikers itching for the winter months to end flock to sunny Daytona, Florida every month for one of the earliest bike festivals of the year. Almost 500,000 bikers will visit Daytona over the course of the week for races at the Daytona International Speedway, bike and merchandise displays, crazy parties, food, fun, camping, and entertainment. Looking for a unique wedding experience? Dozens of couples get married on the beach during the Daytona Bike Festival every year!
Rolling Thunder
The Rolling Thunder festival is held on Memorial Day weekend every year as thousands of bike riders and military veterans travel from across the country to Washington, DC to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to pay tribute to our country’s finest military members and those who gave their lives. The ride actually forms in areas all across the country, but the original ride started in New Jersey.
Harley-Davidson USA
The Harley-Davidson factory in Milwaukee is an incredibly popular destination for bike enthusiasts, and for obvious reasons. Harley-Davidson festivals and rallies form all year round, all over the world and the company also sponsors it’s own Rolling Thunder Ride each year. Eat in the Harley-Davidson restaurant in New York, visit the factory in Milwaukee, or locate any of the Harley-Davidson stores throughout the country and stop in on your next ride. You’ll be greeted with a warm biker welcome!
It doesn’t matter where you ride, as long as you get there safely and have fun. Enjoy the summer on your bike - especially as you take advantage of the incredible gas mileage those of us without bikes are NOT getting these days!
Evel Knievel Days
The Evel Knievel Days festival is held in Butte, Montana - the home of the legendary Knievel himself. The festival is only 7 years old, and is designed to catch the attention of bikers on their way to the Sturgis Festival. This year’s event will be held from July 24th through the 26th. There will be races - there will be rides - and there will be dozens of crazy stunts crammed into this short event. Everything is Evel Knievel style. Don’t miss out!
From modern skyscrapers like the John Hancock Center and the Sears Tower—the world’s tallest high-rise building for more than 23 years ending in 1997—to earlier icons such as the 1895 Reliance Tower and 463-foot-tall Chicago Tribune Tower, completed in 1925, Chicago boasts a skyline of monumental proportions. Says Andres Lepik, “As far as great American skylines go, for me it’s mostly New York and Chicago.”
Sydney
More people recognize the glorious Sydney Opera House than have probably ever been to an opera. A protected park behind the iconic structure serves to frame the modern skyline behind it, and there’s the expansive blue of Sydney Harbor in the foreground. “Sydney has one of world’s most fascinating skylines,” according to Andres Lepik, author of Skyscrapers. Star architect Renzo Piano added the 44-story Aurora Place to Sydney’s downtown mix in 1996.
Dubai
It was clear with the erection of the 1,053-foot-tall Burj al Arab Hotel in 1999 that the sheikdom of Dubai was bent on stealing the global skyline spotlight. Lest there be any doubt, consider that this year Dubai will be home to the tallest skyscraper in the world: the 1,900-foot Burj Dubai tower. It already soars above the rather dismally named Business Bay district. Though Andres Lepik, author of Skycrapers and architecture curator at MoMA, says he wouldn’t call Dubai’s skyline beautiful because “it’s grown too fast, without a general idea of what they’re trying to achieve,” Dubai makes it on this list by dint of sheer boldness. In the pipeline: Zaha Hadid’s “Dancing Towers,” the Da Vinci Rotating Tower and 0-14 Tower.
Seattle
Seattle’s location between Puget Sound and Lake Washington lends an impressive backdrop to its central skyline, of which the Space Needle has been the most recognizable feature since its completion in 1962. Though it isn’t the city’s tallest structure—that distinction goes to the 76-story Columbia Center—it often appears so because of its position on a hill some four-fifths of a mile northwest of most of the skyscrapers downtown. With Mount Rainier in the distance, Seattle’s skyline comes with a romantic frontier feel.
Paris
It’s an absence of skyscrapers that defines the French capital’s skyline (with no usable surfaces, the Eiffel Tower doesn’t count). Thanks to its concentration of historic slate gray-roofed six and seven-story buildings, many of which date from the mid-19th century and before, Paris has a remarkably uniform skyline for a city of its size. Lending romance to the cityscape are the familiar historic monuments such as Notre-Dame, the domes of Sacre-Coeur and the Sorbonne and the grandiose roof of the Palais Garnier opera house.
London
London’s Parliament and Big Ben “were skyscrapers in their time,” say architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat. “And today London has some amazing modern buildings, such as The London Eye and the Norman Foster-designed ‘Gherkin’ building, which looks like a giant pickle. So you have these contemporary pieces punctuated against the fabric of an old city that make it recognizable and also very romantic.”
Houston
“Houston has the Transco Tower and also Pennzoil Place, two towers that kiss,” say New York architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat, “and all three are Philip Johnson buildings.” They add, “the bizarre thing about Houston is that you can have a 50-story building next to a one-story building, for an entire city block, so you have these sort of large holes that exist between the towers.”
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has one of America’s great unsung skylines. The reason? According to architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat, it’s because Pittsburgh is “right at the intersection of three fairly large rivers, and you approach it through a mountain, so you arrive completely deprived of a view, through a tunnel. And then you’re on a bridge looking at the city. It’s very beautifully proportioned the way it starts fairly low at the river and then climbs to the U.S. Steel building, which is the tallest there.”
Hong Kong
Whether you’re gazing at Hong Kong’s brash skyline from Victoria Peak or across the harbor from the Kowloon side, you’ll be taking in one of the most spectacular urban landscapes in the world. Says Andres Lepik, author of Skyscrapers, “Hong Kong decided in the ‘80s to redesign the image of the city. In the run-up to Hong Kong’s reversion to China, it was decided to give the city a strong image to command world attention and make it an attraction. It started with Norman Foster’s Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Headquarters, then I.M. Pei’s Bank of China building, which was a reaction to that one.”
Toronto
The Canadian metropolis on the shore of Lake Ontario is recognizable around the world thanks to the presence of the CN Tower, which soars 1,815 feet above the city. (As a freestanding structure, the only thing taller in the world today is the Burj Dubai). It has neither office nor living space, but there is a restaurant with a killer view near the top. With more than 2,000 towers that exceed 300 feet, verticality is a distinguishing feature of the varied Toronto skyline. Canada’s largest aggregate of skyscrapers is located in downtown’s Financial District.
San Francisco
“San Francisco can be easily recognized by the the mountainous topography and the Transamerica Pyramid,” say Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat, partners in Stamberg Aferiat Architecture in New York. Its skycrapers are nowhere near as numerous or tall as Manhattan’s, but in light of the waterfront setting, famous bridges and interplay of old and new, the City by the Bay is easily one of the world’s most photogenic.
Frankfurt
They call it “Mainhattan,” a reference to the River Main and the high-rises of Frankfurt’s city center. “You can hardly talk about skylines in Europe except maybe for Frankfurt, which started in the ‘80s and ‘90s to develop a skyline,” says Andres Lepik, author of Skycrapers and architecture curator at MoMA in New York. “It was a political act to allow high-rise buildings in the center, for the economic and business image of the city,” he adds. Landmark towers in the German financial powerhouse include the pyramid-capped Messeturm and the Norman Foster-designed Commerzbank building.
New York City
Take iconic skyscrapers from the 1920s and ‘30s such as the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building and American Radiator Building, add plenty of sleek new ones, and splay them all out on a long narrow island, and you’ve got the world’s most famous skyline. Says Paul Aferiat of Stamberg Aferiat Architecture, “the agglomeration of New York skyscrapers has as its centerpiece the Empire State Building, which is such an iconic romantic building, and through the accidents of economics and zoning, it stands alone.” Manhattan’s skyscrapers are clustered around lower Manhattan, Midtown and Midtown South.
“The first thought that comes to mind while gazing at the surrounding scenery from Uma Paro is ‘Oh my God, I’m in the Himalayas,’” says Bobby McGovern. “It’s something that only a handful of travelers ever get to experience. After spending hours on winding mountain roads or hiking the surrounding hillsides, coming back to the hotel is true heaven.” Perched on the side of a hill at 7,550 feet, five-star Uma Paro offers views up to the Himalayas and down to a valley below. The 29 rooms reflect the parent company’s philosophy of quiet comfort in inspiring, culture-rich locations. The hotel sits on 38 acres in the town of Paro, surrounded by pine valleys, terraced hills, towering peaks, cliff-clinging monasteries, and orchards lining pristine rivers.
The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera, Cordillera, Colo.
Located on a private mountaintop, the Lodge boasts many of the features of the best mountain hotels, from great views to outdoor pursuits to luxurious appointments, from remote privacy to access to culture, cuisine and camaraderie. Guests can pursue world-class, golf, fishing, skiing, hiking and other activities and return to one of only 55 extraordinary rooms in a hotel built in the style of a Belgian chateau. Rooms feature fireplaces, patios, feather down comforters and Anichini sheets. The hotel has been ranked among the best anywhere by golf, spa, travel, and ski magazines. Guests craving a bit more action can drop down into the world-renowned resort town of Vail.
Hotel Ancora, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
Located in a valley ringed by the Dolomite Alps, and originally constructed in 1826, the Hotel Ancora combines the best of outdoor activities, a great town, mountain views, and extreme luxury. From the hand-painted gothic arches in the dining room, to the guest rooms with Jacuzzis and wooden balconies, to the pedestrian mall just outside, Hotel Ancora epitomizes life at the top. Ski journalist Charlie Leocha says, “This hotel nestled in the Olympic resort town of Cortina is one of the most luxurious in the region. Cortina is the ski and snowboard resort of Italy’s beautiful people, and the passeggiata each evening outside the doors of this hotel offers a fashion show on parade. During the summer the town hosts Italy’s upper crust, who come to enjoy the mountain beauty, hiking, and top-notch regional cuisine”
Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada
Originally constructed to evoke a Scottish baronial castle in the Chateau style, and created to house upscale guests of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888, the hotel currently offers 768 rooms in a wood and stone palace. Its public spaces can provide an entire evening of wandering between fireplaces, secret nooks, hardwood-floored ballrooms with giant beams, and galleries full of artwork. The 38,000-square-foot Willow Stream Spa provides a hideout within this luxurious hideout. Hal Phillips says, “The scale and look of the place are truly castle-like. The hotel sits on the Bow River where it cuts through the Canadian Rockies. But it’s also on the edge of a really kicking arts and ski town.”
Grand Dragon, Ladakh, India
Located in the very high desert between the Himalayas and Karakorum Mountains in India, at an altitude of over 11,000 feet, Grand Dragon is the only luxury hotel in an area rich in both culture and adventure sports. Wangchuk Kalon, Director of Snow Leopard Trails tour company, says, “I give full marks to the Grand Dragon since it is the first hotel at this height to have all rooms centrally heated and remains open throughout the year, keeping in mind the conditions we face in winter. What makes the hotel so great is that it’s so far above other hotels in the area.” Nearby sites and activities include Buddhist monasteries, rafting on the Indus and Zansker Rivers, and trekking to mountains and lakes. As an added bonus, the hotel pursues an environmental ethic which includes the incorporation of 95 solar panels.
Arlberg Hospiz Hotel, Arlberg, Austria
Originally constructed in 1386 by monks as an outpost to aid people crossing the mountains, the Hospiz and its chapel now rescue guests from more mundane hotel stays. The hotel’s largest suite holds up to 12 people. Ski journalist Charlie Leocha says, “The Arlberg Hospiz Hotel sets top international standards for quality, taste, and style. The setting, beneath the towering Valluga peak, is surrounded by flower-strewn pastures in summer and snowfields in the winter. It’s considered one of the most luxurious in Austria, houses one of the country’s top spas, three restaurants that rank among the top mountain restaurants, and one of the best Bordeaux wine cellars outside of France.”
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, Peru
Whether your journey to the 15th-century ruins of Machu Picchu takes five days by foot along the Inca Trail or three hours on the train from Cuzco, the Lodge is the only hotel adjacent to the Lost City of the Incas. The 31 rooms and suites—many with startling mountain views—provide guests with an opportunity to visit the site early in the morning and late in the afternoons, before and after visitors who are staying elsewhere. Interior gardens feature orchids and other local flowers, and two restaurants serve Peruvian and continental cuisine. Bobby McGovern says, “There’s no better way to begin or end your day at Machu Picchu than by relaxing in the garden surrounded by mountains and local flowers. And a sunset here is one you’ll never forget.”
Sofitel Dalat Palace Hotel, Dalat, Vietnam
This posh hostelry and former French colonial hill station offers 43 rooms at nearly 5,000 feet of elevation in the Vietnamese hill country, surrounded by restored villas in the style of the French gilded age. It serves the same function that it did when the French built it the 1920s—to provide an escape from the heat and humidity of Saigon. Hal Phillips says, “You look at the hotel from the remade Art Deco exterior and think, 'Okay, South Beach, Miami.' Then you go inside, and it's the 18th Century, and you're in a Loire Valley château—chandeliers in the lobby, chandeliers in the chambers, and chandeliers in the bathrooms. Heavy drapery. Colonial-era phones. Oriental rugs on polished wooden floors. It’s the most comfortable place to be in Vietnam.”
Les Fermes de Marie, Megeve, France
“This old-world French resort is the favorite of the country’s super rich,” says Charlie Leocha, “and provides a luxurious French country experience whether during summer or the winter ski season.” The hotel’s 71 guest rooms, two restaurants, and award-winning spa all have a rustic mountain ambience, if anything so rich can still be called rustic. Facilities include a beautiful bar, library, and gorgeously appointed rooms and private chalets. Leocha adds, “What makes this very special other than the cuisine and service is that the lodging is in old farm houses from across France that were dismantled and then reassembled into a hamlet outside of Megeve.”
Mt. Washington Hotel, Bretton Woods, N.H.
Opened in 1902 as a summer retreat for wealthy New Yorkers and Bostonians, the hulking edifice in the Spanish Renaissance style still boasts Tiffany stained glass and crystal chandeliers, and an orchestra accompanies the nightly four-course dinners. Presidents and celebrities have enjoyed the ambience at the base of the highest Eastern U.S. peak for more than a century. Media and travel consultant Hal Philips calls it “the prototypical New England summer hotel, an enormous, sprawling white monolith with a red roof in the shadow of the tallest peak on the east coast—an incredible setting. It’s a mecca for hikers, leaf peepers, skiers, and golfers—the Donald Ross design here was just restored. It’s the kind of place where, back in the day, you’d bring a trunk and stay for a month. Today it’s a four-season affair with a new spa, and the rooms are big and quite classy. The porch doesn’t quit; it wraps all the way around the hotel.”
This mile-high tennis match looks like some cheesy special effect from a Nike commercial. But no, it's just Dubai, whose entire economy seems to be based on building enormous things that exist only for the purpose of not making any goddamn sense. In that spirit they hosted this tennis match between Andre Agassi and Roger Federer on a helipad located on top of the Burj Al Arab skyscraper.
The "Everything We Could Find" Pizza
This seems to be a Photoshop with some Japanese text thrown on, to mock a culture whose major export seems to be insanity. But the product is real and oh by the way, it's from Pizza Hut. It's the Double Roll Pizza and comes with a pigs-in-blankets crust. The only thing it's missing is some pork rinds. Maybe sprinkle some tiny cans of beer on there.
"Looks Like Another Neighborhood Got Sucked Into the Vortex Yesterday."
It looks like a city about to get drained out of a giant's bath tub, but it's actually a picture of the world's largest diamond mine outside of Mirny, Russia. This mine is actually so large that air currents prevent helicopters from flying over it. By the way, the title of World's Second Largest Hole still belongs to your mom.
Freudian Gummy Candy
As you can see from the package, these are supposed to be lighthouses but may in fact be the most unfortunately shaped product of all time.
Body Builder, With Flesh Puppet Yes, the proportions are correct. The tiny man is Aditya "Romeo" Dev, the world's smallest bodybuilder. He stands a towering 2 feet 9 inches tall and weighing in at a whopping 20 pounds. We'd love to see him and Vern Troyer go at it in a no holds barred cage match. Or, see two huge men get into a cage match using this guy and Vern Troyer as weapons.
"Damn Kids!"
At first sight, this appears to be a home improvement project that accidentally tapped into Stephen Hawkings' most abstract theories on space and time. But then you notice that the kid who is right next to the portal to another dimension isn't disintegrating into millions of pieces, or even looking up from his goddamn cellphone. So it must be a photoshop right? Wrong again. The Inversion House is an art project that answers the pressing question: what would your neighbor's place look like if it was sucked through a straw in the Looney Tunes universe? The answer is pretty cool, though apparently not nearly as cool as whatever 13 year-olds are texting each other these days.
If Dogs Played Major League Baseball
This cartoonish muscle-dog is Wendy, a whippet with a genetic disorder causing ridiculous muscular growth. While Wendy's condition is sure to have many medical applications to various muscle development disorders, we're still hoping Disney casts her as the bad guy in Air Bud 4.
A Splotch From God's Paintbrush This Mark Rothko-looking blotch of color is the Grand Prismatic Spring, which supposedly gets its colors from bacteria that grow around the water. Since this explanation seems far too simple for something so brilliant, we'll go ahead and assume it's really an alien spacecraft landing site being covered up by the government.
We're Moving. It's the Crab's House, Now." Holy crap, look at that thing. We were hoping that was just a tiny trash can but, no, it's a coconut crab, which is the biggest arthropod that lives on land. We like how they chose the innocuous name "coconut crab" to describe something that can only be killed with a flamethrower. If these things were called "Skull Crabs" or "Under Your Bed Crabs" mankind would have declared war on them long ago.
If You Look Past The Unsettlingly Tiny Speedo, You'll See a Huge Freaking Airliner
This apparent disaster-waiting-to-happen is on the Island of St. Maarten. The airport has a particularly short runway that ends just 40 feet from beach, leaving large planes just barely enough room to land. So they have to come in low, directly over the beach, making it a prime destination for an afternoon of quiet, relaxing sunbathing.
"Do You See Those Letters, Uh, Floating There?"
Yes, if you stand in this spot in the parking garage shown in the photo, the word "DOWN" is just floating there. The sign was designed by an artist who won an award for it, because there are apparently awards for making innovative signage in parking garages. He created the effect of continuous letters by adjusting the angles for appropriate perspective as they reached walls, just like in those incredible chalk sidewalk drawings that are all over the web.
These sorts of illusions are great when they appear on sidewalks, and probably much less entertaining when you ram straight into the wall of this Wile E. Coyote-inspired parking garage after swerving to avoid the giant DOWN sign that materialized in midair in front of your car.
Giant Table or Tiny Bicyclist?
This humongous table and chair is a sculpture in England. The artist wanted to build a monument to the privacy and loneliness of writing. And by that we assume he means the loneliness of being a writer who is also a giant that eats passing bicyclists.
"AAAAARRGGHH! EDDIE MURPHY HEAD!" This giant, terrifying Eddie Murphy head that looks like a badly photoshopped and probably racist 4chan meme, was actually part of an enormous bust they were building to promote the movie, Meet Dave.
Incidentally, the only thing that would scare us more than driving next to Axl Foley's humongous noggin on the highway is being forced to see the movie.
Macaroni Push-Pop
Yes, this push-pop made of "Macaroni & Cheese in Chili Sauce With Beef" is very real, part of a "convenience meets nausea" movement to provide your favorite foods on the go in a microwaveable, cardboard tube. Scrambled eggs are also available. Here's a tip for all you potential consumers: if you want macaroni and cheese so badly that you're willing to eat it in a push pop, you have an illness and need to reach out to a professional.
The Machine Apparently Made to Saw the World in Half
What appears to be some normal-sized machine cropped and pasted onto a skyline is actually a gigantic machinized monstrosity designed for excavation by some Germans. Those things that look like saw teeth big enough to cut down the Empire State Building are actually buckets, each of which could pretty much scoop up your whole house. If this thing's secretly a transformer, we're screwed.
"Our Top Notch Security Will Find the Cock in Your Luggage" If you're not sure what's so funny about the above image taken from a public Birmingham International Airport report, look in the lower left hand part of the suitcase.
Actually, a Translation Error Would Have Improved This One
Man, just imagine all of the uses. Wait, do dogs even sweat? We smell bullshit here. This is actually a spinoff of a popular Japanese drink called Pocari Sweat. We don't know who Pocari is either, but we're going to go ahead and assume he's a Sumo wrestler.
Home of the 404 Burger Something this groan-worthy can only be real. A photo of this restaurant in China made the rounds over the summer during the Olympics. Apparently restaurants there made a big push to get English on their signs to cater to tourists, but at least one business didn't have a single English-speaking friend they could ask. So they plugged it into Babelfish and ... you can imagine the rest of the story, which must involve at least one sign company who just didn't give a shit.
If a Million Raccoons Rummage Through a Million Trashcans... From the "holy shit that must have taken forever" category, this sculpture is by some inventive artists making shadow art using garbage, carefully positioned to form the silhouette. We're sure the rats living in the pile see the whole thing as evidence of intelligent design.
A Water Park Designed by MC Escher
What sucks about magic is the tricks are always incredibly lame once you know how they're done. This one is no different: it's supported by a pipe running up through the water.
The Miracle of Creation (During God's Teenage Years)
It's a real iceberg shaped like a pecker. We're going to leave it at that.
The Jeff Foxworthy Estate
This mess of tacky trailer homes isn't a Photoshop, but it's not a living complex either. It's a set for a play in Amsterdam. We were going to question the sense of using a trailer park for Anton Chekov's Ivanov, a 19th century Russian tragedy, until we read a synopsis. The play features down on their luck peasants, gun violence at weddings and a main character who's deep in debt and has some spousal difficulties. The only thing missing is stock car racing.
German Figures Out the Secret to Levitation, Refuses to Share
This seemingly faked photo can easily be explained away as sorcery. Unfortunately, it's actually a street performer named Johan Lorbeer, who stands in a harness hanging from a fake arm that's attached to the building.
The real magic is that the support system up there doesn't crush his nuts.
A Rare Shot of the Endangered African What the Fuck is That
That dayglo smiley hovering in the air in the middle of the jungle is actually a Bird of Paradise engaging in a completely ridiculous mating ritual. The markings are actually on the bird's chest feathers, which it can puff up to display the pattern.
It'd be like being born with a shitty fad t-shirt permanently stuck to your body.
Recommended by Four out of Five Dentists to Ward off Attacks by Giant Asian Men
This billboard from Indonesia is a creative effort by the Formula Toothcare company to illustrate the fact that their toothpaste builds strong teeth, though there's a special bonus message for very young children: people in pictures can only come alive if they're very big and hungry enough to eat you.
The Penis Extension Most Likely to Accidentally Castrate You
While this looks like a pretty ingenious photoshop mocking the Swiss Army Knife manufacturers, the reality is far, far stupider: it's an actual Swiss Army Knife so huge as to be utterly useless for any task. It features a whopping 85 tools, including something that looks like it's for circumcising a baby. On whole, the knife is nine inches wide and weighs two pounds. Here's an important outdoorsmen tip: When your knife has a handle three times wider than the blade is long, you're not carrying a knife, you're carrying a paperweight. One that's far more likely to stab you than anyone else.
The Streets As Seen by Salvador Dali
This melting building is actually just a regular building covered in a huge tarp with the Dali-esque design painted on it. It's covering an apartment building undergoing renovation in Paris.
Hats off to the French. In a single stroke they hide unsightly construction and fool all passersby into thinking someone spiked their espresso. Now if they could only figure out why people keep plowing their cars into buildings undergoing renovation in Paris.
Miners from Lilliput Explore the Interior of a Geode
Okay, that doesn't even look like a good Photoshop. Yet, it's a real photo, taken in the Cave of Crystals in Mexico.
It's believed that the combination of mineral rich water and high temperatures resulted in super charged growth of the crystals. So Lex Luthor's plan in Superman Returns wasn't retarded after all.
Hannah Montana Gummi Cocks
Speaking of disturbing food, what is clearly a gummi dong to our eyes is supposedly a guitar. But yes, the candy is real and yes, the flesh-colored phalluses are in every bag.
Night of the Lepus We couldn't tell if this was the most horrifying or most adorable thing we'd ever seen, until we learned the backstory. First terrifying detail: it is real. This species of giant gray bunnies are bred by a guy in Germany ... for food. Look people, we're going to say it extra slow this time, and we're going to link every word to evidence: Germany. Is. Freaking. Weird. If you choose to travel there, please don't return with photographs.
Lovely Phallic Innuendo Bridge So ... how long after construction did it take for the public to notice the shafts of sunlight through the railing of this bridge forms dongs on the street? You can't tell us nobody noticed this, either. This is Westminster Bridge in London...
...and we're going to assume that the architect figured this out at the planning stages. They were making dick jokes in 1750, right? If you think about it, those shadows are just going to get longer and longer as the sun goes down. So if you're an insecure dude, stay away from Westminster Bridge at sunset. Unless you're not one of those people who just see dongs everywhere.
Unfortunately, we are.
Mountain Does Marilyn Monroe Impression
No need to avert your eyes, you are not in fact witnessing the world’s largest up-skirt. These bizarre, lens shaped lenticular clouds form in upward gusts of wind that naturally occur around mountains. These winds, known as "wave lifts," are so powerful that sail plane pilots have used them to glide 1,864 miles without a motor. Venticular clouds are often mistaken for UFOs, which sounds retarded until you see one of these hovering over your town ...
Scientists Combine Human and Slinky DNA What appears to be a simple application of the "blinds" effect in Photoshop is actually the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, decorated for the Dali exhibit and to terrify passers-by. Wait, Philadelphia Art Museum? Where's the Rocky statue?
If There's One Sport You Just Have to Try Before You Die ... Once more we are presented with a photo that not only appear to be a Photoshop, but a bad one. But, no, Ostrich racing is an all too real sport in several countries, though we admit these photos seem to portray frat guys enjoying the sport ironically.
Ostriches have a reputation for being ornery sons of bitches, so we're guessing that half of the excitement is watching to see which jockey gets his eyes pecked out mid-race.
Some Creatures Get Scarier as They Get Smaller
If The Daily Mail can be believed, the Dwarf Gecko up there only grows to be a half inch or so long. And that's really gross for some reason. We realize there are lots of insects that size, but for some reason it's weirder when it's an actual animal with a tiny little skeleton and everything. Like if you looked down at your kitchen counter and found a horse the size of a pea standing there. It'd be time to move out of that shit.
"Sir, Did You Not See That Signal Back There?"This has gotten passed around the internet with titles like WORST INTERSECTION IN THE WORLD OMG. While it's not Photoshop, it's not a real traffic signal either. It's a sculpture found in a roundabout in England. The sculpture obviously means, "We hate out-of-towners, and wish to distress them."
On the Set of For Your Ass Only
At first glance it would appear to be your 13-year-old brother's first attempt at photo manipulation. But it is in fact an actual event from last year when Gary Kasparov (yes the chess dude) was attacked by a peniscopter during a press conference.
Christmas Tree Decorations in Morocco
This might look like a lazy father's hastily photoshopped answer to the question "Where do baby goat's come from?" But in fact, it's a real photograph taken of real goats in in Morroco. When food became sparse on the ground, the hoofed creatures simply learned to climb trees. Pretty cool, though we'd imagine it loses some of its luster the first time you park under a tree and your car gets crapped on by a goat.
What Icebergs Do to Hide Their Holiday Weight
Yes, that's a real iceberg and no, it hasn't been painted. These icebergs were observed off the coast of South Africa. It turns out those stripes are caused by sediment or even dead krill getting trapped in the ice in layers over time.
We'd like to think of the process as deliberate, with the krill submitting themselves for cryogenic freezing until somebody invents a cure for being a tiny little shrimp. Hopefully technology won't let them down.
The Reason Your Car Insurance Rates Keep Going Up Behold The Uno: a one-wheeler motorcycle invented by an 18-year-old. That's right, while you spent your senior year of high school trying to get a peek up the cheerleaders' skirts at basketball games, this dude went out there and completed some engineering slick enough to make every Segway owner jealous. It operates just by tilting your weight forward or back to accelerate. Now we'd just like to see him pop a wheelie.
I Didn't Want "Instant," That's Gross
Despite our desire to keep our lunches down, we looked into this one a little further and discovered that it's a real product, made in China and elsewhere. It turns out that Jew's Ear is a colloquial (and somewhat politically incorrect) name for a fungus also known as "jelly ear," which doesn't sound any more appetizing. We've squinted at the window in the packaging to figure out what the hell that stuff actually looks like. All we know is it doesn't make us want to eat it more.
Yes, That's a Dog
Yes, an actual living dog. The above monstrosity is from the Super Groom competition, where the boundaries of animal abuse get relaxed, if only for a day. It's basically the Ace of Cakes of dog grooming, complete with what appears to be an airbrush paint job.
"Screw Your Boat Race, I'm Outta Here"
We'd like to think that if you were in a speed boat race and Jesus called you to walk out on the water, he'd be cool with you slowing down first. At least for the safety of the other drivers. Of course, in reality, the photo just captured this guy a split second before tumbling horribly into the water at inhuman speeds. According to a source that talked to the dude in the hospital afterward, all he was concerned about during his recovery was how to make one of his friend's speed boats go faster. Way to learn from your mistakes there, buddy.
We Can't Stop Staring at the Huge Shoes
Sadly, this is a woman in England with a growth abnormality causing her legs to reach enormous size. It's a debilitating condition and we're not going to make fun of her. But still, look at those shoes.
The Scene of the Most Hardcore LARP in the World
This looks more like a painting than Photoshop, but it's actually an enormous, elaborate set from the opera Ein Maskenball with a scene depicting Death reading from the book of life. Have you seen Quantum of Solace? Remember the opera scene where they're on that huge set shaped like an eyeball? That's from the same opera. So is this inexplicable image of naked, fat and very old actors in Mickey Mouse masks. Man, why couldn't they have shown Bond chasing bad guys through that?
The Predator Checks a Map
This undoctored photo is part of an art project--and possibly also an awesome assassination scheme--where they meticulously paint clothing to match the surroundings.
We can't imagine how much time they must have put into creating photos that, after all that effort, will be dismissed as Photoshop by nearly every single viewer.
God Declares the SUV to be Gay
It's the end of the rainbow! Wow! The above photo got spread around the Internet earlier this year with that exact title, claiming the photographer had found the exact spot the rainbow "landed" on the highway, as if it's a goddamned stationary structure rather than a play of light and water particles that changes depending on where you're standing.
"Hey Steve, You Remember That Scene in Independence Day..." Come on! Look at the way the ground is perfectly cropped out at the horizon, so that stupid cotton candy-looking stuff could be pasted in! This isn't Photoshop, it's MS Paint! Actually it's one of a series of real photos from Iraq, taken during a sandstorm in 2005 (the photographer says it took about three minutes from spotting it on the horizon to engulf him completely). So parts of Iraq apparently look a lot like some crappy pre-CGI shot from the latest Mummy sequel.
"What's that White Stuff on the Trees? It Almost Looks Like Some Kind of Web... OH SHIT-"
If you're arachnophobic and are getting short of breath looking at what looks like the work of a giant spider, don't worry. It's actually a freak massive spider web created by millions of spiders working together in ways science previously did not think was possible. Sleep tight.
COCKS
This image is a message board staple and easy to confuse with something that's been manipulated lolcat-style. But it is in fact just a cheerleader at the University of South Carolina, home of the the Gamecocks. The girl is leading the crowd in the official school cheer of "GAME!-COCKS!" with each word printed on one side of the card. We would say here that they named the team during a more innocent time, but we're having trouble believing such a time ever existed. And you'd think after discovering their faux pas, they'd find a cheer that didn't require a young girl in a skirt to carry around a foot-tall dick euphemism on a sign.
The Ent Nursery
These laughably fake-looking tree men are in fact made using a technique called arborsculpture. The trees are bound and grafted as they grow, forming them into all kinds of ridiculous shapes. If you're curious what a typical day looks like for the guy behind these painstaking sculptures, the answer is: exactly what you think.
That Thing That Nobody Understood in the Ending of 2001: A Space Odyssey
In a classic example of "You won't believe it's not Photoshopped," this 1965 cover to LIFE magazine was initially doubted as fake by the Editors. It's one of the first pictures ever taken with an endoscope and is of a living fetus inside the uterus. It's really amazing to realize that the beginning of every human life starts with a swim for your life to escape from an interstellar jellyfish.
Documentation of Man's First Attempts to Win a Penis-Measuring Contest
Hey, remember that news story from a while ago where that kid drew a giant penis on his parents' roof so it'd be captured on Google Earth? Well, it turns out that tradition goes back a long way. The Cerne Abbas giant for instance has been around for centuries (nobody is sure who made it). It's formed out of a trench that uncovers the chalk under the soil, creating a permanent drawing of a dude with a huge dong. Wikipedia thoughtfully includes a close-up of his nuts.
It's common to catch sight of couples fucking, as doing so is rumored to prevent infertility. We'd prefer to think the drawing is less about fertility and more about the medieval custom of going into battle with a huge boner.
It's Raining Asses
These are Mammatus clouds, aptly named for their resemblance to udders. It's still not well understood how they actually form, so in a sense, these sky-butts (as we like to call them) represent the cutting edge in our meteorological knowledge.
The Mensa Headquarters has an Entrance Exam
This building in Ukraine does in fact have a gigantic, 100-foot-tall, crossword puzzle on the side. Yes, you can actually work it, though we assume if you try to do it with some rope and a can of spray paint, some guys will shoot you. The clues are hidden around the city, and each night the answers are projected onto the side with lights.
The town did this to give people another reason to visit the Ukraine, bringing the total number of reasons up to... no, it's still at zero.
"You Need to Disguise Your Truck. Use This Giant Afro."
This ridiculous photo has been bouncing around the internet for years, and simply looks like a semi-competent attempt to make a normal truckload of corn husks look ridiculous via Photoshop's Clone Tool. But unless Reuters got really, really bored one day, it's a genuine pic from Somalia. They basically don't have a government there so no traffic laws are enforced (you can seriously drive on whichever side of the road you want). With the oppressive "limit how much corn you cram into your truck" regulations off the table, the locals cheered and said, "Yeah! Just cram all the corn on there! Keep going!"
More Nightmare Fuel for Kids Who Are Scared of the Bathtub
OK, this one just looks like some joker practicing their reflection effects by cutting and pasting this ridiculous rubber ducky into a harbor full of boats. But, no, artist Florentijn Hofman did it the hard way, creating an actual 100-foot long rubber ducky and sticking it in the water like God's bathtub.
Why? According to the artist, "The friendly, floating Rubber Duck has healing properties: it can relief mondial tensions as well as define them. The rubber duck is soft, friendly and suitable for all ages!" In other words, "To terrify children."
And Its Second Victim... If you're not clear what's so remarkable about this triangle sculpture thing, look closer and follow the surfaces from one angle to the next. That's right, it's utterly impossible, with its MC Escher design that seems to break all laws of the known universe. When this sculpture--located in Perth, Australia--is viewed from another angle you can see the complicated way it manipulates perspective to get the effect...
...but what we love about it is there's no plaque explaining what the sculpture is all about either, so nobody knows what the fuck it's supposed to be unless they're standing in exactly the right spot.
The Large Hadron Collider's First Victim
The lady whose midsection appears to be in the process of getting sucked into a black hole is Cathie Jung, who, as you can see, has an entire website based around the fact that her body is terrifying to look at. Thanks to a lifetime of wearing increasingly smaller and more ridiculous corsets, she has a 15-inch waist and presumably a liver that's been flattened to the thickness of a Fruit Roll-up.
"But This Store Goes to 11..." There are marketing geniuses, and then there are the kind of visionaries who look at the ugly security fence on their storefront and decide it sort of looks like a guitar amp. Thus the Guitar Store in Southampton just went all the way with that idea, complete with big-ass knobs and everything. We want to hire that guy to decorate our adult book store.
God's Sand Art
Take the people out of this photo, and it looks like a bad painting. It's the wave rock formation in Arizona, formed out of ancient sand dunes and creating that crazy depth perception-destroying optical illusion. We're not kidding, every damned picture of this thing looks fake. Including some that look like freaking finger paint.
And in Season 6 of Lost, They Reveal That the Island is Actually an Ocean What appears to be the background for a cheesy 80s album cover is actually an untouched photo from Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, the largest salt flat in the world. It frequently floods with a shallow layer of water, allowing that dude pull off the Jesus move in the picture. Apparently it's a popular tourist site for the natural beauty, leading to construction of a salt hotel, which we suppose makes it the worst vacation destination in the world if you're a slug.
A Glitch in the MatrixThat car rendered from what looks like vector graphics from an old-school arcade game is a wire-frame sculpture by artist Benedict Radcliffe. And we mean an actual frame made of wires. Reportedly, it received a ticket for being illegally parked, though if we had been there we'd have quickly gotten another ticket for climbing inside, picking it up and running down the street making engine sounds.
If you’re one of those people with a strong heart, looking to get some thrills out of visiting a museum, you are going to love these macabre places. Dissected bodies soaking in formaldehyde, haunted objects and spooky ventriloquist-dolls, these creepy museums have them all.
One of the most disturbing places in North America, the Mütter Museum is definitely not a place for the faint-hearted. Most visitors describe it as creepy, morbid, cool, strange or gross, but the most important thing is none of them forget their experience. The strange museum, located in Philadelphia, houses one of the greatest anatomical and pathological collections in the world.
Founded by Dr. Dent Mutter, who managed to piece together a collection of over 1,700 items throughout his career, the Mutter Museum features some of the weirdest exhibits you could find in a museum. The Soap Lady, an obese woman whose fat condensed into pure soap and the Eye Wall of Shame, a display of wax models depicting horrific eye injuries, are the Mutter’s most popular exhibits. If these aren’t enough to satisfy your bizarre cravings, you can also admire 900 fluid-preserved specimens and 139 human skulls.
Bangkok Forensic Museum
You could say we’ve kept the “best” for last. With bodies of some of Thailand’s most dangerous criminals preserved in paraffin and set on display, Bangkok’s Forensic Museum is by far the creepiest and freakiest museum in the world. Located inside Siriraj Hospital, the Forensic Museum houses the body of Si Ouey, Thailand’s most ruthless serial killer, who kidnapped and murdered several Thai children and ate their internal organs. He was captured in the mid 1900s and his body preserved.
The giant testicle of a man suffering from elephantiasis, several human limbs blown-off by hand grenades or crushed by machinery, dead babies and Siamese twins preserved in jars with their stomachs cut open, so people can see the internal organs, are just few of the morbid exhibits that are bound to freak and gross you out.
Vent Haven Ventriloquist Museum
Do you find ventriloquist dolls creepy? If your answer is yes, you may want to stay as far away from the Vent Haven Museum, in Kentucky. Don’t be surprised if you hear spooky voices and see some of dolls’ mouths moving, after all these little guys used to talk for hours, and now just sit quietly in silence. Many of the visitors often freak out about the ventriloquist dummies staring at them, and to tell you the truth, I don’t blame them. Ignoring 1,000 creepy eyes, all looking at you, can be pretty difficult.
Vent Haven Ventriloquist Museum, known also as one of the strangest museums in the world, is the legacy of W.S. Berger, a businessman who fell in love with ventriloquism after watching a show, in the early 1900s. He dedicated his life to collecting ventriloquist dolls and memorabilia, and succeeded in gathering 500 dummies and thousands of items. Vent Haven also hosts and sponsors an annual ventriloquist convention, if you want to see the little guys in action.
Monaco National Museum: Automatons and Dolls of Yesteryear
A small paradise for doll collectors, the dolls and automatons exhibit at the Monaco National can seriously give ordinary people the creeps. The thousands of dolls housed at the Monaco National Museum were collected by Madame Madeleine de Galea, during the 19th century. She had gathered so many of them, that at one point her mansion was no longer large enough and she had to buy the house next-door for extra space.
If being surrounded by an army of spooky, white dolls isn’t enough to freak you out, maybe the fact that some of them actually breathe, sigh, play the piano and read books, will do the trick.
John Zaffis Paranormal Museum
People interested in the paranormal believe spirits can end up possessing objects, through witchcraft or other occult practices. As an active member of the paranormal community, for the past 30 years, John Zaffis has been collecting these objects and put them on display for the world to see.
The items’ appearance is not particularly scary, but the stories associated with them will send cold shivers down your spine. Most of the hundreds of haunted objects found at the Paranormal Museum have been retrieved from peoples’ homes, following strange, negative phenomena. Zaffis says some of the objects still retain some of their spiritual power, and sometimes people experience strange feeling when entering the museum.
Humans are not the only species to create art. You can argue all day about what is art and what isn’t, but some animals are selling their creations, which puts them a notch closer to being true artists than most of us! Here are six different species of professional artists.
Koopa the Turtle
Koopa is a turtle belonging to artist Kira Ayn Varszegi. Kira taught Koopa many tricks over the years, such as standing on his hind legs and painting. During a 5-year painting career, Koopa produced 827 paintings, which you have to admit is fast work for a turtle! He is retired now due to some health issues, although some of his paintings are still for sale.
Stewie the Tamandua
Stewie the tamandua was what most of us would call an anteater. Stewie and his companion Pua (also a trained tamandua) appeared in one of the Dr. Dolittle sequels. In addition to acting, Stewie had a talent for painting. Unfortunately, Stewie died of an autoimmune problem in February of 2008.
Cheeta the Chimpanzee
It’s no surprise that many apes, our nearest relatives, create art. Probably the most famous simian painter is Cheeta, the retired star of many Tarzan movies. Cheeta, now 76 years old, lives at the C.H.E.E.T.A. Primate Sanctuary in Palm Springs, California, and his main hobby now is painting.
Smithfield the Pig
Smithfield the Vietnamese potbellied pig always showed an aptitude for learning new things. A resident of Richmond, Virginia, he paints pictures by holding a brush in his mouth. In addition to painting, Smithfield makes personal appearances for groups and on TV, where he performs his repertoire of tricks like posing for pictures and playing musical instruments. He has survived two bouts of cancer, which left him with a hole on the top of his snout. .
Cholla the Horse
Cholla is a mustang-quarter horse mix who displays an unusual talent for painting -for a horse, that is. Cholla was 19 years old before he took a brush in his mouth. He was distrustful of humans for many years until his owner Renee won him over and he began to follow here everywhere, even watching her as she painted the fence. When Renee gave him paintbrushes and a heavy-duty easel, his art career took off.
Hong the Elephant
Hong is one of many elephants involved with the Asian Elephant Art & Conservation Project. Rescued from an abusive owner, she lives at the Maetaman Elephant Camp in Thailand, where a total of nine elephants have learned to paint. Unlike other animal artists, the elephants produce representative paintings instead of abstract art!
Originally, Khun Anchalee Kalmapijit, the Operations Director, learned elephant painting from the Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang. Khun Anchalee initiated elephant artists learning to paint for the first time ever in Chiang Mai in 2000. At the beginning, she and the mahouts trained the elephants to hold the brush by putting it into their trunk. For a while, the elephants refused to hold the brush, they were uncomfortable with the strange brushes placed in their trunks and let them fall to the ground. It took some time for them to accept it because elephants naturally pick up things by rolling their trunk and holding. After the elephants could hold the brush by their trunk, they were given brushes with color. Then, the elephants chose to draw lines up, down or put dots on the paper. Their practice compares to how a human first learns to write – practice, practice, practice. The elephants keep doing these until they have the skill to draw a proper line. This step takes many months depending on how often they practice. Some time later, when the mahouts want the elephants to paint a portrait or flowers, they put the lines that elephants can do together and train them to remember with lots of practice, bananas and sugar cane.
For some, snorkeling is a passive activity that one might participate in while on vacation or on a cruise. For others, snorkeling is a serious sport. The thrill of finding and then exploring new and uncharted waters is incredible; certainly worth every moment and penny spent in traveling to each destination.
We’ve searched the world’s finest waters for the best spots to mingle with aquatic wildlife. If you’re an avid snorkeling fanatic, or even have a budding interest in the sport, grab your gear and head on out to one of these amazing blue destinations. We guarantee you won’t be sorry!
Stingray World, Moorea
Moorea is located within the lagoons of Tahiti. There you will find Stingray World, aptly named because of the incredible population of stingrays found within the shallow waters off of the sandbanks. Your snorkeling experience will have you staring right into the eyes of some of the friendliest stingrays on earth and, if you play your cards right, you’ll get to touch them as they carefully eat squid right out of your hands! .
Red Sea, Egypt
Off the coast of Safaga, Egypt you’ll find one of the hottest destinations for both snorkelers and divers. Visitors will travel to Soma Bay where they can trek to the end of the pier for snorkeling and diving adventures. The Red Sea, surprisingly, houses quite a few of the same species you’ll find in the tropics, as well as some more unique ones. Look carefully and you may even see a lionfish!
Bonaire, Caribbean Islands
Off the coast of Bonaire in the Dutch Antilles you’ll find one of the most beautiful snorkeling destinations on earth. The inhabitants of the reef off the shores of Bonaire are protected, as the coastline has been named an official marine park. Here you’ll see a variety of coral species, including elkhorn, brain coral, and even staghorn. Relax and enjoy the view as you watch millions of fish flutter about the reef.
Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia has always been an incredibly popular snorkeling destination. Enthusiasts from all over the year travel to Heron Island each year to snorkel and explore the beautiful reefs. Those who prefer to stay on ground will enjoy the resort’s famous reef walk, while those who want to snorkel won’t have to venture far from shore to marvel at the green sea turtles, sting rays, and beautiful aquatic reefs. Prepare to be amazed!
Norman Reef, Australia
Norman Reef, off the coast of Cairns, Queensland, is another popular Great Barrier Reef destination. This reef is only accessible by boat, which will drop you off on a large covered platform complete with a dive shop and restaurant. Snorkeling fans can swim out to the coral shelf to explore the incredible fish and clam species. Those who want to stay dry can visit the underwater observatory!
San Blas Islands, Panama
There are over 365 islands in the archipelago known as San Blas, but visiting these islands is a unique experience. You’ll have to fly in from Panama City, and each day the Kuna Indians who live on the islands will take you to some of the other uninhabited islands for snorkeling and exploration in the incredibly clear waters! Find incredibly discounted Panama hotels.
Huahine, French Polynesia
The island of Huahine in French Polynesia is also referred to as the “Golden Island” because of its incredible and colorful tropical plants. Off the coast of the white sandy beaches you’ll find incredible snorkeling destinations. Simply walk off the beach, or find a boat to take you to some of the outer reefs where you can simply go with the flow and enjoy mingling with the fish.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji Islands
Located on Vanua Levu, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is one of the best destinations for snorkeling and diving (as if the name didn’t give that fact away). Spend your nights in a private bungalow and then spend your days snorkeling off of the pier at the front of the island. A boat is available to take those who would like to explore the waters further out. There aren’t many resorts that will equip guests with flashlights and a guide for an evening snorkeling adventure - an experience you’ll never forget!
Kealakeua Bay, Hawaii
There are dozens of beautiful Hawaiian snorkeling destinations, but Kealakekua Bay off of the Big Island. The only drawback is that it’s difficult to access - you can hike 2.5 miles, kayak, or have a Dive Cruise take you out to the reef. The trip is worth the effort, though - depending on the season, you are more likely than not to see spinner dolphins, humpback whales and more!
La Jolla Cove, California
Believe it or not, you don’t even have to leave the continental United States to go snorkeling. The La Jolla Cove Park in San Diego, California is actually part of an ecological reserve in order to protect the cove’s wildlife. Simply walk off the beach to visit the spectacular varieties of tropical fish, orange garibaldi, smelt, opaleyes, bass, and shovelnose guitarfish, amongst others. There are plenty of incredible caverns and coves to keep you busy at La Jolla.
Beginners, advanced snorkelers, and even land lovers are guaranteed a magnificent and unforgettable experience at each of these amazing spots. Mother nature has blessed us with some beautiful wildlife and sceneries - relax and enjoy the experience!
World's Biggest Sweet Potato (24.9 Lbs or 11.2 Kg)
Lebanese farmer Khalil Semhat, from the southern city of Tyre, couldn't believe his peeled eyes when he discovered he had grown a massive potato weighing 11.3 kilos (24.9 pounds), setting a record for the world's largest potato.
Worlds Largest Marrow (113 Lbs or 65 Kg)
Grown by Ken Dade in Norfolk, the 65kg (113lbs) vegetable needed two men to carry it to a stand at the National Amateur Gardening Show in Somerset. The voluptuous vegetable has entered the Guinness World Records book, beating the previous world title holder by 3kg.
World’s Heaviest Jackfruit (76 Lbs or 34.4 Kg)
The sweet tasting fruit weighed 34.6kg (76lb 4.4oz), measured 57.46 cm (22.625in) long and had a circumference of 121.28 cm on 8 August 2003. It was grown by George and Margaret Schattauer of Captai Cook, Hawaii, USA. Native to Western India, the fruit spread throughout South East Asia and first came to Hawaii in 1888.
World's Largest Green Cabbage (76 Lbs or 34.4 Kg)
John Evans, a mechanical designer who lives 40 miles north of Anchorage in Palmer, Alaska, holds seven world records for giant vegetables. One of them is this Green Cabbage, who weighted over 76 lb, making it a world record in 1998. World's Largest Watermelon (268.8 Lbs or 122 Kg)
Weighting 268.8 pounds, this watermelon made the cut as the world's largest watermelon. Grown at the Hope Farm Store by Lloyd Bright, his family has a long history with watermelons: they set world records in melon size in 1979 with a 200 pound melon and again in 1985 with one that weighed 260 pounds.
World's Heaviest Carrot (18.9 Lbs or 8.5 Kg)
Presented by John Evans in 1998, this 18.985 pound (8.61 kg) carrot is the heaviest ever.
World’s Largest Pumpkin (1689 Lbs or 766 Kg)
Grown in Rhode Island, the world’s biggest pumpkin was shown at the Topsfield Fair of Massachusetts in 2007, weighing 1689 lbs.
World’s Longest Cucumber (36.1 in or 0.9 mts)
The 36.1in cucumber was grown by Alf Cobb who beat his own record of 35.1in at the National Amateur Gardening Show, from the Bath and West Showground in south-west England.
World's Largest Cauliflower (31.25 Lbs or 14.1 Kg)
Also grown by Evans, this Cauliflower weighted 31.25 lb, making it Alaska's largest one in 1997.
World's Heaviest Broccoli (35 Lbs or 15.8 Kg)
In what was John Evans' first World record in 1993, this Broccoli weighted over 35 lb, making it a world record.
The concept of “a cruise” vacation elicits passionate debate and a wide range of opinions. People either love or hate the cruise. Detractors compare them to amusement parks; mere fabrications of a vacation and far from authentic. Others swear by the cruise, appreciate the all-inclusive nature of the experience and ability to kick back and do virtually zilch for the duration of the trip.
A good compromise between a traditional Caribbean-type cruise on a massive ocean liner with every possible amenity and way, way too much food and a country expedition that requires another vacation once you return home, is a river excursion. River cruises offer a level of intimacy, not to mention scenery, simply unavailable at sea or on the ocean. They provide a quasi-eco-tourism angle to a trip, albeit from a comfortable, watery distance and the ports of call are far more diverse and rich in terms of culture and history.
From Asia to Europe, Africa to South America, here are 10 of the Best River Cruises in the World.
Mississippi River, United States
The history of the Mississippi River in many aspects, mirrors the history of America. From Hernando de Soto’s first brush with the river in 1541 to the French explorers Joliet and Marquette and their navigation of the river with Sioux guides over a century later, the Mississippi has always been a focal point in the development of the country. The river was a vital cog in the slave trade - as a means of transport and escape - and before the advent of trains and motor vehicles, steamboat commerce on the Mississippi was one of the main engines of the U.S. economy. The river has also had a star turn in American literature, most notably in Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn.
A Mississippi River cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the romance and lore of America’s Old South. Most excursions pass through such notable and historic stops as New Orleans, where one can sample authentic Cajun cuisine and jazz, St. Louis and Nashville, otherwise known as Music City.
Yangtze River, China
China conjures much trepidation among potential travelers. With a massive population and recent development of mainstream tourism, the country is complex, big and scary for many. These impressions fade upon first visit however, especially on a ride down the mythical Yangtze. A cruise on the third-longest river in the world offers a vast array of sights and attractions at stress levels far below Beijing or Shanghai street traffic. To amble down the Yangtze is to trace the development of China and indeed, a crucial piece of human civilization.
From ancient treasures that include the Great Wall and Imperial palaces and temples, as well as modern wonders like the controversial Three Gorges Dam and major city stops such as Wuhan, Wuhu and Nanjing, the river has a myriad of choices on tap.
Discover great Shanghai hotel deals and explore the city before you set out on the Yangtze.
Danube River, Europe
The second-longest river in Europe is perhaps the most romanticized waterway in the world. Long a favourite subject in literature, music and folklore, the Danube snakes through some of the most beautiful natural scenery on the continent. Some of the most ancient townships and settlements in Europe dot the river’s shores, as it meanders through Germany, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania and the Ukraine. For medieval architecture, vineyards and pristine valley landscapes, a cruise along the Danube has to be to best method to discover Europe.
The highlights are too numerous to mention. From historic Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Belgrade, to the Iron Gates, a gorge between Serbia and Romania, as well as countless Basilicas, Cathedrals and monastic structures, the Danube River is a phenomenal experience.
Douro River, Portugal
The hallmark of the Douro River is charm. Intimate, cozy and leisurely, a cruise along the Douro is a fabulous way to enjoy Portugal’s beauty. A major river within the Iberian Peninsula, the most accessible areas of the Douro lie within the borders of Portugal. The river system boasts a unique mini-climate where olive, almond, wheat and grape cultivation is plentiful, as are sheep farms. Though towns are sparse along the Douro, the river is has a picturesque, idyllic quality, even if it cannot compete in terms of size and abundance of historic sites with other European rivers.
The city of Porto is the best reason to cruise on the Douro. A real gem, Porto has none of the pretension of Lisbon but all of the charm and more. The city is of course, world famous for the production of Port wine and a Douro cruise will normally feature extensive tours of some of the best houses. A foray into the historic city is an absolute must as well.
Oder River, Europe
With so much to see in Central Europe, a ride down the Oder River affords a complete experience that combines some of the best of Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany. If hidden gems are what you live for, explore the Oder. With a trade history that harkens back over a thousand years, there is a surfeit of little towns to explore and document. Part of one of the least understood areas of Europe, the Oder landscape is a wonder to discover.
The Old World settlements along the shores in Poland and Germany in particular are simply remarkable and not available in traditional, mainstream tourism. In addition to cultural landmarks and national parks, a cruise on the Oder is sheer delight. From Hanseatic towns in northern Germany to pristine Szcsecin and old Wroclaw in Poland, as well as the Bay of Pomerania and Baltic Sea region, the Oder hits all the right spots in Central Europe.
Rhine River, Europe
One of the most popular river cruise destinations in the world, the Rhine evokes much emotion and passion from natives along her shores and tourists alike. Many momentous events in Europe’s history have gone down here, as the Rhine represents one of the most geographic features on the continent. For Germans, the river is the symbol of the country and the historic heart of commerce, industry and trade.
In terms of significant port towns, the Rhine is king and not confined to Germany. Stops may include Strasbourg in Alsace, France; Rotterdam, Netherlands or Basel, Switzerland, all wonderful destinations on their own. But the best of the Rhine is in Germany, as some of the most exquisite architecture in Europe unfolds along the way. From ancient Bamberg to Dusseldorf, Cologne, Mainz and Bonn, the Rhine cruises through the best of Germany.
Saone River, France
For Francophiles and wine connoisseurs, a cruise on the Saone River is a must. From Burgundy vineyards to old Gallic towns, the Saone affords some of the best views in the country and also presents a nice break from Paris and the Cote d’Azur. In terms of great food, wine, architecture and culture, the Saone may be the best cruise excursion in Europe.
Perhaps the most notable city on the way is Lyon, which to many, is the culinary heart of France. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is splendid and virtually unmatched in France. A cruise in the Saone may also meander by Macon, site of several monuments and with a lineage that dates back over 2,000 years. The area also produces some of the best Chardonnay in the world. Another vital town on the Saone is Beaune, home to some of the most famous wine producers in all of Burgundy.
Volga River, Russia
To explore Russia is a venture of incomparable scope. The country is a gargantuan beast that stretches from Europe to Asia and from the Pacific to the Arctic. If you want a taste of Russia as a whole, a Volga river tour might be your panacea. A cruise here will include the all important big two of Moscow and St. Petersburg but also many other sites unfamiliar to many neophytes.
As the watery heart of this massive land, the Volga holds much mystery and history to the people of Russia. Eleven of the country’s twenty largest population centers are situated on the mighty river’s shores. Needless to say, the Volga and her confluents provide a way of life to millions upon millions of Russian citizens. As a result, a cruise here represents the ideal way to explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of Russia. Aside from the obvious Moscow and St. Petersburg, one can also explore the historic towns of Nizhni Novgorod, Kazan, Volograd and Kostroma.
Amazon River, South America No river inspires more mystery, folklore or awe. The Nile may have the Amazon beat in terms of length but in every other category, the natural wonder of record in South America reigns supreme. With a total flow that surpasses the next ten competitors combined, the importance of the Amazon basin and river system to the world cannot be overstated. We all know about the precarious position the Amazon rainforests find themselves in. As a result, the time is ripe to visit the area and take a cruise along this spectacular waterway river.
The beauty along the Amazaon, visible from your watercraft, is lush, gorgeous and simply not in existence anywhere else on Earth. While the most beautiful parts are probably not accessible by standard cruise operators, most will nonetheless take you to the Upper Amazon. From here, ports like Iquitos, Peru and Leticia, Colombia await discovery, not to mention a dizzying array of exotic wildlife, flora and hospitable local people. When available, tributary cruises are a must and reach some of the most pristine and ecologically rich nether-regions of the Amazon landscape.
Explore magical Peru hotel before you venture out into the Amazon wilderness.
Nile River, Egypt
A visit to magical Egypt would not be complete - not by a longshot - without a cruise down the Nile River. A journey by which to measure all others, it remains the hallmark feature of any vacation to the area. The simple fact remains the when on the Nile, you are nestled in the cradle of human civilization. In many respects, it all begin here, in this part of Africa. Remarkable developments in cultivation, science, mathematics, architecture and much more. Indeed, a cruise on the Nile is more than just an idyllic way to relax. It traces vital roots of human development that go back five millenia.
All the inherent sites are ancient and deeply spiritual. From the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and Temple of Karnak in Thebes, to the nearby Valley of the Kings, where dozens of pharaohs were entombed, a Nile cruise visits unforgettable locations. The Temple of Horus, over 2,000 years old and in astounding condition, and the prodigious dam at Aswan are major highlights as well. Most Nile tours include the best of Cairo, as well as the major Pyramid attractions.
The sport of fishing certainly doesn’t have to be a summer event only. Ice fishing enthusiasts all over know that it’s just as fun to score a fish in the middle of a frozen lake as it is to cast a fly into the bay during those warmer months.
While ice fishing requires a different set of skill and some specialized equipment, it can be just as fun and productive as any other winter sport. Besides, even in the dead of winter the best fresh fish to eat is the one you caught yourself!
Lake Michigan Harbors - Illinois
Southern Illinois most likely won’t get cold enough for good ice fishing this season, but the lakes of northern Illinois will be frozen solid and waiting. Lake Michigan is pretty vast, but some of the best ice fishing spots can be found along the harbors at Burnham, Montrose, and Belmont.
The thickness of the ice here changes depending on how cold the winds make the water. If the waters are safe you’ll find plenty of rainbow trout, brown trout, and even coho salmon.
Lake Champlain - New York
Lake Champlain in New York is usually full of a unique variety of both cold and warm water fish. One of the best places for ice fishing in the state, you’re likely to find a pretty wide variety of choices. During the winter months you can usually find perch, landlocked salmon, smelts, lake trout, and almost a dozen other varieties.
Strawberry Reservoir - Utah
The lake at Strawberry Reservoir tends to freeze early, but also tends to freeze unevenly, so take caution when approaching this lake. Once you find a safe place to fish you can start by drilling holes out by the weed beds (if there are any). The shallow waters here are the best place to find rainbow trout that are attempting to feed, especially in the earlier winter months.
Later in the winter you’ll want to move further out on the lake. Not catching any fish? Try moving a couple of feet over and drilling a new hole. Sometimes the difference of only a few feet can make a huge difference when ice fishing.
Caples and Silver Lakes - California
When people think of ice fishing they don’t usually think of Northern California, but there are plenty of great ice fishing spots here, including both Caples and Silver Lakes. The best places to fish are along the highway, but the waters are drawn down before they have a chance to freeze, so make sure you venture far enough out on the lake before you start drilling.
Drill several holes in the area you wish to fish. Drilling holes will allow sunlight to penetrate the ice, drawing fish looking for a bit of warmth towards the surface.
Chequamegon Bay - Wisconsin
Just off of Lake Superior you’ll find the often stormy waters of Chequamegon Bay. If you do choose to fish here, make sure you take properly functioning communication equipment with you, as the weather tends to change very quickly.
The only real way to catch any fish here is if you are able to take a snowmobile or ATV out to some of the subtle humps. You’ll find plenty of salmonids, walleyes, and pike in these waters - all perfect for the frying pan.
Caspian Lake - Greensboro, Vermont
Anglers in Vermont aren’t quick to put their gear away after the summer months draw to an end. They wait with baited breath for the lakes to freeze over so that they can get back out on the water and start fishing again.
Perch are a common catch during ice fishing months in Vermont. As with many other locations, it’s best to spend only a short amount of time at each hole before moving on to a new one if you aren’t getting any bites. Secret sources tell us that perch are attracted to brightly colored lures, too!
Higgins Lake - Michigan
There are dozens of incredible lakes for ice fishing in Michigan, but for a true cold water ice fishing experience you need to head on over to Higgins Lake. The waters here are much deeper, supporting more cold water fish than you ever dared dream.
Proceed with caution at Higgins Lake. The lake does freeze, but slowly, so ice fishing isn’t usually safe until mid to late January. Watch out for yellow perch on both the northern and southern shores with lake trout towards the deeper centers.
Of course, testing the ice is essential, no matter where you decide to fish. Never take a flying leap out onto the ice without looking at where you’re going first. Ice near the shoreline of any body of water will always be thinner than further out, so make sure you take a deep enough step onto the ice to get started. Poke holes in the ice every few yards to test the thickness before moving forward as well. Ice fishing is a tremendous sport but is best done with a buddy so that one can act quickly if there is ever an ice-driven emergency.
Once you’ve found a safe place and taken all of the necessary precautions you can start fishing. Enjoy, and good luck!
The Lymantrid moth (Calliteara pudibunda) is widespread in Danish beech (Fagus sylvatica) forests. The species has one generation in Denmark, with the dull grey moth flying during June. Each female can lay 300-400 eggs which she normally does very near the place where she emerged from the pupae. The small caterpillar is very hairy and can easily be transported by the wind. In late autumn the caterpillar is fully grown, is about 5 cm long and is very beautifully coloured. Pupation takes place among leaves on the ground where a silken cocoon is made.
Devil's Flower Mantis (Idolomantis Diabolica)
The Idolomantis Diabolica is sometimes known as the "King of all mantids" for the obvious reason: it's beauty, size and rarity, is one of the largest species of praying mantis that mimic flowers.
Damselfly (Ischnura heterosticta)
Damselfly is the common name for any of the predaceous insects comprising the suborder Zygoptera of the order Odonata, characterized by an elongated body, large multifaceted eyes that are widely separated, and two pairs of strong transparent wings, which at rest typically are held folded together above the abdomen or held slightly open above the abdomen. They commonly fly in tandem during mating. For humans, they are a popular subject of art and culture in various nations, and their grace, often striking colors, and unique mating behaviors add to the beauty of nature.
Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia)
Also known as the "Robin Moth", Cecropia moths are the largest moth found in North America, often achieving a wingspan of six inches. They range across the entire eastern two-thirds of the continent to the Rocky Mountain range. They are a member of the Saturniidae family, or giant silk moths. Females with a wingspan of 130 mm or more have been documented. The larvae of these moths are most commonly found on Maple trees, but they have been known to feed on Wild Cherry and Birch trees among many others.
Calleta Silkmoth (Eupackardia calleta)
The Calleta Silkmoth (Eupackardia calleta) is a moth of the Saturniidae family. Found in Mexico, Guatemala and the southernmost part of the United States, it’s the only species in the Eupackardia genus. The larvae mainly feed on Fraxinus species, Leucophyllum frutescens, Sapium biloculare and Fouquieria splendens.
Orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatu)
The Hymenopus coronatu, aka Orchid mantis, is a variety of flower mantis usually found in Malaysia and Indonesia. Doesn’t the mantis pictured look just like an orchid? They hide in the flowers they resemble, waiting for other delicious insects to alight.
Hercules Beetle (Dynastes Hercules)
A species of rhinoceros beetle that lives in South America, the Hercoles Beetle can grow to over 6 inches in length (counting its horns), but its claim to fame is its strength: it can support 850 times its own weight on its shell! This beetles eats only vegetation and is not aggressive, except to other Hercules beetles, when males fight each other over females.
Giant Camel Spider (Arachnid Solifugae)
Perhaps we would never --or rarely-- have heard of such a creature if it was not because of the tales and photos the United States Servicemen in the Persian Gulf War and afterwards the Iraq War carried back home. It was said that a giant camel spider crawled into the sleeping bag of a soldier, biting the man while he was asleep. Fortunately, the giant desert camel spiders native to Iraq aren't venomous. It uses its claws to catch its prey, which is never bigger than the arachnid itself. They are also known for being fast. Giant Camel Spiders have been known to run around 10 MPH. This creature real name is Arachnid Solifugae. "Solifugae" means, in Latin, "flee from the sun".
Giant Water Bug (Belostomatidae)
Belostomatidae is a family of insects better known as "giant water bugs" or "toe-biters." Most species in the Belostomatidae family are relatively large and nearly reaching the dimensions) of some of the larger beetles in the world. All of them are fierce predators which stalk, capture and feed on aquatic crustaceans, fish and amphibians. They often lie motionless at the bottom of a body of water, attached to various objects, where they wait for prey to come near. They then strike, injecting a powerful digestive saliva and suck out the liquefied remains. Yum! Their bite is considered one of the most painful that can be inflicted by any insect. The saliva liquefies muscle tissue. In rare instances, their bite can do permanent damage to humans. So don't get drunk and pass out with your face near one of these guys. Occasionally when encountered by a larger predator, such as a human, they have been known to "play dead" and emit a fluid from their anus to make them look less appetizing.
Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia)
The Giant Leopard Moth or Eyed Tiger Moth (Hypercompe scribonia) has a distinct pattern of black rings, reminiscent to those found in its namesake the leopard. The moth’s unmistakable colorings is aposematic, meaning that they are actually "advertising" the bug’s unpalatability to potential predators.
Today is Earth Day, a day set aside for awarenesss and appreciation of the Earth's environment, and our roles within it - this year marking the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. As a way to help appreciate and observe our environment, I've collected 40 images below, each a glimpse into some aspect of the world around us, how it affects and sustains us, and how we affect it. Happy Earth Day everyone
This view of Earth, featuring North, Central and South America was taken by the NASA probe called Messenger, while conducting a fly-by of our planet in order to pick up a gravity-assist boost on its way toward Mercury
A farmer tends to his blooming rape seed field in the hills above Burford in the Cotswolds on April 21, 2009 in Burford, United Kingdom. This undated handout photo provided by the journal Science shows Iron oxides staining the snout of the Taylor Glacier, in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, forming a feature commonly referred to as Blood Falls. The iron originates from ancient subglacial brine that episodically discharges to the surface. Outflow collected at Blood Falls provides access to a unique subglacial ecosystem that harbors a microbial consortium which actively cycles iron, sulfur and carbon for growth. Sprinklers water a field at sunset on April 16, 2009 north of Buttonwillow, California. Central Valley farmers and farm workers are suffering through the third year of the worsening California drought with extreme water shortages and job losses. Local miner Cesar Abac uses a wooden bowl and mercury to pan for gold near at the village of Las Cristinas, southern Bolivar State, Venezuela on January 30, 2009. Four centuries after the lure of Venezuelan gold brought ruin to English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh, the riches at one giant mine some say is cursed still haunt treasure hunters from across the globe. But the Las Cristinas saga, involving a ghost town, environmental devastation and fist-sized nuggets, underlines the risks of business in Venezuela, where the draw of natural wealth has been dulled by rule changes and economic turmoil. This photo from 1997, released by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution shows the robotic arm of a three-person submersible aquatic vehicle reaching toward a hydrothermal vent in the east Pacific Ocean far off the coast of Chile. New technology and worldwide demand for metals have combined to make deep ocean mining of the mineral-laden liquid spewed from these vents a possibility. A humpback whale raises its tail as it prepares for a deep dive in the Santa Barbara Channel off the coast of Oxnard, Calif. on Sunday afternoon, April 19, 2009. The offshore oil platform "Gail" is seen in the background Ferid Sinan, a 40-year-old Bosnian man, carries a bag of coal out of an illegal coal mine, where he lives and works, near the central Bosnian town of Kakanj,30 kms north of Sarajevo, on Friday, March 13, 2009 . Sinan lives and works in the improvised mine which he dug himself, collecting low quality coal with his hands and primitive tools to make a living earning less than 5 euros per bag. Sunrise in windy Langdon, North Dakota, where the Langdon Wind Energy Center can be found. The center produces 159 megawatts with over 100 turbines. Workers stand by to mount a propeller as a crane lifts it to the top of a power-generating windmill turbine in the northern German city of Hamburg on March 20, 2009. This single turbine can produce 6 megawatts of energy and is the first of two new power-generating windmills, built in the harbour area of Hamburg A silhouette of a single snow goose is seen as it flies beneath the moon at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Kleinefeltersville, Pa. Snow geese are on their spring migration north to their nesting habitats in arctic tundra regions Analyzing a variety of samples from the atmosphere above the Amazon, Ilan Koren and colleagues at the Weizmann Institute in Israel, show in the journal Science that smoke and other so-called "aerosol" particles can encourage or discourage cloud formation, depending on the conditions, and a their new scientific model shows how these two processes produce a joint effect on climate An Afghan man mines rock to make sand for use in construction in Kabul, Afghanistan on April 13, 2009 Snow-covered pine trees sit in flood water March 31, 2009 near Moorhead, Minnesota. A snowstorm had slowed recovery efforts as residents of Moorhead and neighboring Fargo, North Dakota returned to their homes as the Red River slowly receded A North Dakota Air National Guard helicopter carries six 1,000-pound sandbags to the edge of the Clausen Springs dam Wednesday, April 15, 2009, as an attempt was being made to control the erosion of the emergency spillway This undated photo provided by BrightSource Energy shows their Luz Power Tower in Israel's Negev Desert (mirrors concentrate sunlight on the tower at center). BrightSource has proposed building three solar-energy generation complexes in the eastern Mojave Desert several miles from an old mining and railroad townsite called Ivanpah, Calif. A westward dash to power electricity-hungry cities by cashing in on the Mojave's most abundant resource - sunshine - is clashing with efforts to protect species like the tiny pupfish and desert tortoise. Solar panels stand in a field of flowers at Acciona SA's solar power station in Amareleja, Portugal, on Tuesday, April 14, 2009. The 46-megawatt facility, has a production capacity of 93 million kilowatt-hours a year, and is the world's biggest photovoltaic electricity plant An enormous iceberg, right, breaks off the Knox Coast in the Australian Antarctic Territory on Jan. 11, 2008 An aerial photograph shows a wall being built by Rio de Janeiro city hall to limit the expansion of the Santa Marta slum and stop encroaching on the neighboring forest in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on March 28, 2009. Stars in the night sky rotate above the distinctive chimney stack on the top of Cape Cornwall near St. Just on April 12, 2009 in Cornwall, England. The landmark, orginally built for the Cape Cornwall Mine in 1850 and was recently damaged when it was struck by lightning, was bought, along with the rest of Cape Cornwall, for the nation by Heinz in 1987 and given to the National Trust to mark Heinz's centenary Minnows are deposited through a tube from a tanker truck into Lake Delton as area officials take the first steps in restocking the lake, Monday, April 20, 2009, in Lake Delton, Wisconsin. The minnows will serve as food for larger game fish to be stocked in June. A section of the manmade lake's shore washed away during thunderstorms last June, and the entire lake drained through the opening A Kenyan fisherman holds a fish that had escaped from his fishing net, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 in the waters of Diani on the Kenyan south coast. Plastic fishing nets, some bought for poor fishermen with American aid money, are tangling up whales and turtles on Diani, one of Africa's most popular beaches A plant stands in front of piles of waste paper being shipped to mainland China for recycling, at a collection site in Hong Kong on Earth Day April 22, 2009. A bird flies past dumped plastic bottles and other garbage on the bank of the river Sava in Belgrade, Serbia on April 22, 2009 The Llaima volcano spews smoke and lava some 850 km (528 miles) south of Santiago, Chile in this January 2, 2008 Residents walk in debris after a dam burst in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, March 29, 2009. Attention shifted to caring for homeless and hungry survivors after the dam burst outside the Indonesian capital, sending a wall of water crashing into homes and killing at least 91 people, and leaving more than 100 others missing. A red-tailed hawk uses its talons to to grab a meal of Brazilian free-tailed bat as a cloud of the bats emerges from Frio Cave near Uvalde, Texas, during an evening hunt for insects. Work is underway at a new oil well seen Tuesday, April 21, 2009, in the Sakhir, Bahrain, desert oil fields of the Persian Gulf. Lebanese workers use water pressure to clean-up the oil spill which polluted Rabbit Island, offshore the Nothern Lebanese city of Tripoli, on March 31, 2009. The oil spill was caused by the explosion of fuel reservoirs stationed in the southern coastal town of Jiyyeh during the Tropical Cyclone Billy, off the coast of Western Australia on December 25, 2008 Russian Emergency Ministry staff watch a blast ripping through the ice covering the Kan river in the town of Kansk some 220 km (136.7 miles) from the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk April 4, 2009. Explosive experts used dynamite to break the ice cover to ease pressure that could cause floods as melting snow increases the river's water volume A Polish seasonal worker takes part in the asparagus harvest in a field near the eastern German town of Klaistow on April 13, 2009. Hundreds of seasonal workers travel to Germany every year from eastern European countries to help out with the asparagus harvest Green glass bottles are piled up high over an area estimated to be the size of a soccer field, near a recycling plant in the southern Israeli town of Yeruham, Israel, Wednesday, March 25, 2009. The green bottles are from all types of bottles and are separated for recycle purposes near to the processing plant A male Asian Longhorned beetle, held up to the camera. A recent infestation of the Asian Longhorned beetle in central Massachusetts has mobilized forestry officials and lawmakers to rein it in. The beetles are wood-boring insects that attack a variety of native hardwood species, their larvae tunnel through the heartwood of a host tree until fully grown, then they burrow out of the trunk as an adult, weakening the wood Elang, an Indonesian student, swims in foamy, polluted waters after school, at the Pluit Dam in Jakarta, Indonesia on April 20, 2009 A wolf walks on an empty road in a forest inside the 30 km (18 mile) exclusion zone around the Chernobyl nuclear reactor near the village of Babchin, Belarus, some 370 km (217 miles) southeast of Minsk, February 2, 2009. Still inhospitable to humans, the Chernobyl "exclusion zone" is now a nature reserve and teems with wolves, moose, bison, wild boars and bears.
Located in New Delhi, India is the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets. This museum was created to help spread the not only history of the development of the toilet, but also to promote its use in a country where open defecation is still practiced by millions. Granted, toilets are only available to about two thirds of the population. We just hope that the other third won’t use the ones on display at the museum!
Goreme UFO Museum, Turkey
In Goreme, Turkey you’ll find the Goreme UFO Museum. The people in Goreme live in homes located in rock formations and caves. One cave is dedicated to UFOs and UFO sightings. You’ll find a gigantic collection of newspaper clippings and articles that talk about UFO sightings along with a full-size depiction of an alien examining a human that has been taken hostage.
The Paris Sewer Museum, France
In Paris, France you’ll find a museum dedicated to the sewer system. The Paris Sewer Museum seems weird (and it is) and may not smell so great (the museum isn’t that bad), but it’s also rich with history. Paris began to build its sewer system in the 13th century, making it the oldest in the world. Choices, choices - will you visit an 800 year old sewer pipe or stick with the Parisian art?
The Museum of Questionable Medical Devices, United States
The Museum of Questionable Medical Devices is located in Minnesota, United States. It used to have a private location but is now located within the Science Museum of Minnesota. Here you will find a collection of contraptions once believed to cure headaches, fight heart disease, cure prostate problems (guys will not be amused by the Rector Rotor), and study the skull!
Icelandic Phallological Museum, Iceland
Let’s face it - not everyone on earth is scrambling to visit Iceland. Those that do will be either intrigued or disgusted by what they find. The Iceland Phallological Museum in Husavik houses an incredibly large collection of animal penis specimens. If the animal can be found in Iceland, its penile tissue will be on display. Judging by the numbers, there are quite a few animal species in Iceland.
The Cat Museum, Malaysia
Kuching, Malaysia is named to honor cats so we weren’t surprised to find a museum dedicated to the furry critters. In The Cat Museum you’ll find historical displays and information about cats being mummified with their owners in Egypt. Browse the museum’s gigantic collection of cat memorabilia or learn about all of the cat species in the world - it’s up to you!
Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, Russia
Located in Kunstkammer in St. Petersburg, Russia, the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography is not for those with weak stomachs. There is a lot of freaky stuff floating in formaldehyde in this museum, ranging from brains to deformed fetuses and human body parts. Apparently Peter the Great had an unusual penchant for flesh. The building is beautiful, but the inside? Just a tad bit curious.
The Museum of Witchcraft, England
Opened in 1951, the Museum of Witchcraft in Cornwall, England is dedicated to all things magic and witchcraft. Here you’ll find a collection of artifacts and books second to none. Controversial? Yes. Dangerous? Let’s just say you no longer have to worry about being burnt at the stake or drowned, but casting spells in public is not recommended.
Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments, Czech Republic
In Prague you’ll find the Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments. There were times throughout Europe’s history where slow and painful deaths were the norm. If you’re interested in seeing some of the devices used to make those deaths happen, this is the museum for you. There are over 5 dozen devices on display. If it makes you feel any better, admission is free!
The Meguro Parasite Museum, Japan
The Meguro Parasite Museum in Tokyo will certainly interest you anyone curious about the ickier side of science. It’s the only museum in the world dedicated to parasites, including tape-worms and other creepy crawlies. On the flipside, the museum explains the parasite/host relationship as it applies to all creatures on earth.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to check out one of these museums if you find yourself nearby. They’re strange, weird, and bizarre, but they each have something unique to offer the world. Enjoy!
Sometimes we travel to attend a big event, like a rock concert, festival or football game, and by the time the we get back to the hotel, we wonder what the fuss was all about. Unfortunately, some events are more enjoyable on television, from the comfort of our own couch. Take the Super Bowl for example. Sold out every year of course but more hype surrounds the television advertisements than the actual game, which usually turns out to be a dud from a pure football vantage point. Rather than fans of the game, the seats are full of corporate fatcats who seldom have any allegiance to either team.
Thankfully, there are some events well worth the price of admission. Best of all, several require no payment at all. You simply have to show up and applaud from the sidelines. Without further ado, we present the Top 10 Races in the World.
The Great Tibetan Marathon
Remote? Yes. Good chance of high altitude sickness? Yes. Unparalleled beauty amid a dense backdrop of spirituality? Indeed.
The Great Tibetan Marathon presents unique challenges to runners more familiar with the urban confines of London and New York City. Smack in the middle of the Himalayas in the area famous as the “Top of the World”, the marathon takes participants through scenery heavy with natural splendor and spiritual import unlike anywhere around the globe. The ancient Tibetan Buddhist monuments and monastic shrines that line the route within the Indus Valley lend a quality of mysticism to this annual race. Runners must contend with incredible distractions here. For one, the view. On the one hand, the Himalayas loom large in the distance. That alone is cause to lose focus. The lack of oxygen however, reminds the athletes that the conditions can be deadly. The Indus Valley on the other hand, is one of the most pristine in the world. No wonder that the gurus of yore found enlightenment here and chose the location for their precious monuments.
M?doc Marathon
The region of Bordeaux in France evokes one image and one image only: wine. In a quest to consummate a most unholy marriage, somebody in 1984, perhaps after a blow to the head, thought it would be fun to combine the heritage of Bordeaux with a marathon. Thus, the M?doc Marathon was born.
With a limit of 8,500 participants, the convivial race is a conventional marathon in every sense except one. The route runs past some of the most famous Ch?teaux in France, with names that drip from the mouths of wine connoisseurs. As such, participants who want to make the most of the event slake their thirst not with water, but much more importantly, with wine. A lot of wine. Hardcore veterans of the event measure success at M?doc with how drunk they are at the finish. The revelry that surrounds the marathon is legendary, with elements of Mardi Gras and Halloween that together, make for one raucous weekend in Bordeaux. Definitely one for both Dionysus and Pheidippides to enjoy.
The Dakar Rally
A rare event where the mantra “only the strong survive” is not hyperbole, the Dakar Rally is thrill ride of epic proportions. The annual off-road race, whose organizers - the Amaury Sport Organisation - also put together the Tour de France, epitomizes the word endurance. Participants race for pride, as Dakar is seen by enthusiasts as the most brutal rally test in the world. For the teams that invest in Dakar, a win here is the ultimate ego boost.
The terrain is the problem. Whether the race starts in Paris or Lisbon, it ends past the Sahara and in Dakar, Senegal. As such, teams have to supply drivers with mechanical support the likes of which do not exist in conventional rally events. Vehicles typically drive up to 900 km a day through treacherous sand dunes, camel grass and desert erg. Death is almost inevitable for some, which makes the race even better from a bloodlust tourism standpoint.
Daytona 500
For fans of open wheel sports and rally, a dissertation on the mass appeal of NASCAR is problematic. To outsiders, it looks like a pack of cars going around a large oval track. Which in essence, sums up the sport. But for some reason, NASCAR has become the most popular spectator sport in America, even more than the NFL. Attendance for major events runs in the hundreds of thousands and the television audience now eclipses the NBA and baseball. Baseball! Imagine that. NASCAR has beat out the national pastime.
The preeminent event on the NASCAR calendar is also the first of the season, which is weird. But then again, this is a sport where drivers have names like Cole, Chip and Bo. Sure, the Deep South vibe of NASCAR is not quite as pure now that corporate America runs the show but still, the sport is redneck at heart. The scene in Daytona for the 500 is pure entertainment and good times.
Kentucky Derby
Another great tradition of the South in America is the Kentucky Dery. Of course, the origins of this race are far more genteel than NASCAR. If you consider a horse race genteel that is. The annual thoroughbred event at legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville, a great town by any measure, is a grandiose spectacle. Although it culminates with a race that takes place on a 2 km track, the build up the week before is part of the attraction.
Since 1875 the Run for the Roses, as people call the Derby, has a number of traditions that go along with the pomp and circumstance of the event. If you go and you happen to be female, lavish and elaborate dress is important. A big hat is essential. Spectators drink Mint Juleps, a popular beverage in the South, and eat burgoo, a thick, meat stew native to Kentucky. Of course, strains of “My Old Kentucky Home” resonate everywhere you walk around Churchill Downs.
Royal Ascot, England
A mere six miles from Windsor Castle in Berkshire is the Ascot Racecourse, a fine segment of Crown Estate land. If you want the very height of supercilious snobbery, Royal Ascot is the supreme race event of the year. In fact, the event illustrates the very origin of the term “The Sport of Kings”.
Since 1711, Ascot has been the major event on the royal social calendar in England. The 16 races that comprise Royal Ascot week draw more than 300,000 spectators and lay in excess of ?3,000,000 on the line in prize money. Nobody cares much about who wins however. The real event is in the stands and luxury suites, where the most garish and ostentatious attire known to man or woman is on display. Subtle the clothes are not. While organizers have made every effort in recent years to stem the tide of fashion gone awry, the very rules they enforce result in ensembles that would be cause for embarrassment in the real world. But lest we forget, this is not the real world. This is the realm of royalty and aristocracy, celebrity and old money. The spectacle they put on is more than enough to make you forget that Royal Ascot is a horse race.
Indianapolis 500
The state of Indiana in America is famous for fierce loyalty to two sports: basketball, where at the high school and college level the interest borders on maniacal, and IndyCar. Known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, the Indy 500 has been a Memorial Day weekend staple since 1911. Although squabbles between the two main open wheel associations in the U.S. have been harmful to the event in recent years, a new agreement promises to bolster the competition once again.
Nonetheless, the 500 has always been a thrill ride and draws the best drivers from around the world. For them, participation at legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a feather in their cap. Legends have been born here and careers have come to a fiery end. For spectators, the traditions that go along with the actual race are almost worth the price of admission. The crowds alone for the pre-race practice sessions the week before the 500 dwarf those for other events held the rest of the year. As the first row of cars approach the pole position and the Speedway announcer makes the famous call “Gentleman, start your engines!”, you may just feel a shiver run down your spine.
Without the Christian church of the Middle Ages, Sigmund Freud of the 19th century would have been out of work. Many of the deepest ideas and notions of sex that we hold today were formulated and laid down in the Middle Ages, especially by the Church’s sometimes confused and other times severe pronouncements.
The Church had opinions and laws about every aspect of sex. Adultery and fornication in some cases were sins punishable by death, but for a time the Church actually condoned prostitution, admitting that it was a necessary evil. And in the early part of the Middle Ages, priests were actually allowed to marry and have children.
But despite the Church’s overall opposition to sex, it appeared to be very interested in the subject. Descriptions of sex acts were often described in great detail that sounded as if they were written with some enjoyment. One wonders whether if these early theologians were just a little titillated by the subject as they wrote their long polemics on sexuality.
Courtly Love: You can look, but you’d better not touch
The Church forbade open expression of sexual desire, but the medieval notion of “courtly love” suggested that love and admiration could exist somewhere between erotic desire and spiritual attainment. One writer defined courtly love as something "at once illicit and morally elevating, passionate and disciplined, humiliating and exalting, human and transcendent".
Courtly love is associated with the Knight who falls in love with the married woman – or at least the idea of the pure woman. He admires her from afar, goes to war for her, and sacrifices his life.
Troubadours, medieval singers who went from town to town, singing love songs, often represented this idea of courtly love, with an undercurrent of sexuality. An example is a Spanish song about a young woman visiting a nearby stream: Her adoring boyfriend meets her there: a mountain stag makes the waters stir. Happily in love, in love she’s happy. (from Song About a Girl at a Spring)
Adultery: Keep your pants on, mister!
For anyone serious about Christian morality, sex was not an option. Celibacy was the ideal way to conduct one’s life and sex was condoned only as part of a marriage. Pre-marital or extra-marital sex was a serious risk, if you had to “scratch an itch.” Priests were required to report adulterers and fornicators (those having sex outside of marriage) and punishments could range from years of doing penance to death.
But it wasn’t just the Church that disapproved of adultery and fornication, it was also noblemen, who wanted to be certain that any children of their marriage were, in fact, their own. One real life story of courtly love gone wrong involved King Phillip of France (also known as “Phillip the Fair”). He discovered that his three daughters were having intimate relations with some of his knights and had the men publicly disemboweled. His daughters were then sent to monasteries and one of them was possibly murdered.
In reality, there was a more lenient attitude, especially in rural populations where sexual dalliances were routine. Often the priests would try to force the “sinners” to marry, and all would be forgiven. If marriage was out of the question, punishments could involve years of penance.
Sexual Positions: Insert tab A into slot B
The Church even dictated how you were supposed to have sex. Anything other than the common “missionary position,” for example, was considered unnatural and therefore a sin, according to the Church. The woman on top position, or entering her from the rear (sex a tergo) were not favored because they interfered with the natural order of male-female roles. Anal and oral sex were sins because they could only be practiced for pleasure, not procreation, which for the purists was the only purpose of sex.
Punishments for those using “deviant” sexual positions could be very harsh: three years' penance for the woman on top and the same for both oral intercourse and sex a tergo, which was generally seen as the most sinful position ... with the possible exception of anal intercourse.
These were the official ideas of the Church, but some “progressive” theologians began to question these ideas. Albertus Magnus named five sexual positions and ranked them from most acceptable to least acceptable: 1) missionary, 2) side-by-side, 3) sitting, 4) standing and 5) a tergo. Magnus said the missionary was the only completely "natural" position; the others were "morally questionable but not mortally sinful. In certain situations, however, (such as extreme obesity), these other positions could be not only acceptable but even practical.
Homosexuality: Psst! Come into my closet, brother!
The Church’s stand on homosexuality was bluntly stated by the Catholic theologian, Peter Damian in his Book of Gommorah. Sodomy was defined as “acts against nature” and included the following: solitary masturbation, mutual masturbation, copulation between the thighs (interfemoral sex), and copulation “in the rear,” or anal sex (the last phrase was so upsetting to some readers, it was often left out). St. Thomas Aquinas expanded the definition of sodomy to include all acts other than vaginal intercourse. He also named lesbianism a sin.
The church began to prosecute sexual sinners in the 12th and 13th centuries. Sodomy was punishable by death, which could involve mutilation, burning at the stake, hanging, and, in the case of priests caught in the act, being hung in a suspended cage until they starved to death.
There is, however, evidence of highly placed figures that were homosexuals. King Richard I (the Lionheart) of England was thought to be homosexual; it is rumoured that he met his wife Berenegaria while in a sexual relationship with her brother, the future King Sancho VII of Navarre. It is also reported that he and King Philip II of France were sexually involved. An historian of the time said they “ate from the same dish and at night slept in one bed” and had a “passionate love between them”.
The Fashion of Virility: Is that a codpiece, or are you just happy to see me?
One of the most popular fashion accessories of the Middle Ages was the codpiece – a flap or pouch that attached to the front of the crotch of men's trousers and accentuated it in such a way as to emphasize or exaggerate the genitals. They were stuffed with sawdust or cloth and held closed by string ties, buttons, or other methods. The crotch was often extremely large or gave the idea of an erect penis. The word, codpiece, comes from the Middle English word, cod, which means scrotum.
Another symbol of virility in fashion was a style of shoe called the poulaine. These were long, pointy-toed shoes, that were also meant to suggest the size of the wearer’s penis – the longer point, the more virile the man.
Codpieces and poulaines are frequently seen in the paintings of the Dutch artist, Pieter Breugel. There is a portrait of Henry VIII, one of the great “fashion horses” of the later Middle Ages, wearing both.
Understandably, the Church did not appreciate these articles of clothing, calling them “fashions of the devil.”
Dildos: “A size to match your sinful desire”
There are some references to the use of dildos by women in the Middle Ages, in particular, this one in a Church “penitential,” a book that prescribes punishments for sins.
“Have you done what certain women are accustomed to do, that is to make some sort of device or implement in the shape of the male member of a size to match your sinful desire? If you have done this, you shall do penance for five years on legitimate holy days.”
The word dildo was not actually used until the Renaissance period, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, but one fanciful explanation of its origin was a small elongated loaf of bread flavored with dill, thus “dilldough.”
One writer in the renaissance period referred to the popularity of dildos imported from Italy: You ladies all of merry England Who have been to kiss the Duchess' hand, Pray, did you not lately observe in the show A noble Italian called Signor Dildo? ...
A rabble of pricks who were welcomed before, Now finding the porter denied them the door, Maliciously waited his coming below And inhumanly fell on Signor Dildo ...
Virginity and Chastity: Jumping off the sex wagon!
The medieval Church’s belief that celibacy was the only way one could worship God was embodied in the Virgin Mary. In the Middle Ages, virginity would have been an ideal to aspire to, but it was rarely achieved by commoners and nobles alike.
But it was possible to become a “born-again” virgin. The Church made it possible for women who not only had had sex, but who had mothered children, to confess their “sins,” perform years of penance and spend their remaining years in a convent. Women who chose this path renounced their so-called role in the “original sin” (of tempting Adam with the Fruit of Knowledge) and joined what was known as the Cult of the Virgin.
Chastity has almost the same meaning as virginity. Many believe the “chastity belt,” a belt worn by women over their vaginas to prevent penetration, was a medieval phenomenon. In fact, it was an invention of the 19th century.
Prostitution: Looking for a good time?
Prostitution thrived in the Middle Ages, whether it was approved by the Church or not. In larger towns, prostitutes could practice their trade in anonymity and it was regarded as an honest and essential profession.
For a time, the Church actually approved of prostitution. Ironically, the practice was regarded as a way of preventing adultery and homosexuality on a larger scale, so it was viewed a necessary evil. St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the sterner theologians, wrote: “If prostitution were to be suppressed, careless lusts would overthrow society.”
The most respectable prostitutes worked in brothels, or “stews.” Most villages had one. In some villages, prostitutes had to identify themselves by particular pieces of clothing, such as a veil with a yellow stripe. Women who practiced outside of a brothel were often exposed to the harsher elements of society. Some were imprisoned, tortured or mutilated.
Contraception: If the dam breaks ...
Throughout the Middle Ages, the Church was more concerned with the sins of pleasure resulting from “unnatural” sexual acts than with the issue of contraception. Theologians disagreed with contraception then, as now, but the Church appeared to be less concerned about it than denouncing the many other sinful practices. Contraception was viewed as a minor moral problem, not a mortal sin.
Apart from the practice of coitus interruptus, there are some references to condom use by men. Condoms, then, consisted of animal bladders or intestines tied with twine and were reused many times. It appears they were used more as a way of preventing venereal diseases, such as syphilis. Later versions of the condom were made with linen. The first contraceptive use of the condom was not until the mid 1600s.
Women sometimes used pessaries, concoctions of a variety of ingredients that acted as a kind of spermicide. They were applied inside the vagina. One pessary recipe consisted of ground dates, acacia bark, and a touch of honey mixed into a moist paste. The wool or cloth was then soaked in this mixture and inserted inside the vagina.
Sexual Dysfunction: Wake up and make love with me!
If a man could not perform sex, the Church brought in a special group of “private investigators” – wise village women who would examine the husband’s penis and assess their general health to determine if they were capable of performing sex for procreation (and pleasure). If the penis was deformed, or if there was some other reason he could not consummate the marriage, the couple would be separated.
Many medieval physicians in Europe were great followers of Islamic medicine. Muslim physicians and pharmacists were the first to prescribe medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, including drug therapy combined with diet. Most of these drugs were oral medication, though a few patients were also treated through topical and transurethral means.
The Woman Who Swallowed the Engagement Ring Hidden in a Milkshake
When Reed Harris asked Kaitlin Whipple to marry him, he didn’t plan it out that well. First he took to her a Wendy’s to do it. Second he hid the ring her Frosty milkshake. Third he invited her friends and one of them challenged to a race to down the Frosty. What happens next makes you wonder why she said yes. She swallowed the ring whole. Reed drove her to the hospital to find out if she did indeed swallow the ring and she did. Two days later she got her ring and the two are set to marry around early June when it is warm and Frostys melt! Although she said she would have felt it. Frostys numb your tongue and she probably didn’t feel it. Poor Katilin but at least she will remember it always.
The Engagement Ring that Took Off Inside a Helium Balloon
A London man named Lefkos Hajji, wanted to "pop the question" to his fiancee, Leanne, literally. His idea was to hide her $12,100 diamond engagement ring inside a helium balloon. Then, he would present it to her and "pop" the question. Now, some of us see the obvious danger in hiding a ring inside a helium balloon. Lefkos didn't. After leaving the balloon store, a gust of wind swept the balloon out of his hand. Like a bad dream, Lefkos saw her ring (and his money) floating calmly away in a balloon. He tried to chase it in his car for two hours, but it soon became a mere dot vanishing on the distant horizon. "I just watched as it went further and further into the air. I felt like such a plonker," said Lefkos. Leanne, 26, has shown what a worthy bride she will be. She is not speaking to Lefkos until she gets a new ring.
The Quirky Marriage Proposal That Triggered an UFO alert
A young man's creative marriage proposal apparently triggered several UFO reports in a small town in Germany. Bavarian police say several people called during one night to alert them to strange lights floating above the sleepy town of Plattling. It turns out the lights were 50 paper lanterns sent aloft by a 29-year-old man proposing marriage to his girlfriend. Neither the man nor the 27-year-old woman were identified. However, police reported the woman did say "Yes."
The Man Who Dropped The Ring On Brooklyn Bridge
Imagine saving enough money to buy the love of your life a beautiful diamond ring, only to drop it off the Brooklyn Bridge just as she agrees to marry you. Teacher Don Walling planned to propose to his girlfriend, Gina Pellicani, on the Brooklyn Bridge's pedestrian walkway with his family looking. But at the moment of truth, Walling dropped the ring through a crack in the pedestrian bridge and into traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge roadway below. But he didn't let his shock sway him for long. He kissed the bride to be and said he was going to get the ring back. The groom-to-be jumped onto the bridge's roadway and began looking for the ring.
Miraculously, he found it. The ring is now being repaired and will be restored to its former luster, but Walling said the next time he gives it to his fiance it will be in the safety of his home.
The Woman Who Was Swept Out To Sea Before Proposal
A romantic marriage proposal on the Oregon coast turned deadly for the bride-to-be when a wave swept her out to sea. Scott Napper had taken 22-year-old Leafil Alforque to Proposal Rock near Neskowin Beach to pop the question at a place that got its name from couples ready to marry. Napper and Alforque had been dating since they met on the Internet in 2005. Napper said the tide had receded around Proposal Rock on Saturday when the couple began to walk to it. He planned to propose and give her the ring he carried in his pocket. About 10 feet from the rock, a wave about 3 feet high suddenly came toward them. By the time he turned to find Alforque, only 4-foot-11 and 93 pounds, she had been caught by the receding waters. She was never seen again.
The Woman Who Swallowed her Engagement Ring Hidden in a Cake
Remember that woman who swallowed her ring on a milkshake? Well, she's not alone. A Chinese woman passed out in after accidentally swallowing an engagement ring her boyfriend had hidden in a cake. Mr Chen, of Xinyan Town, Fuqing City, said he was inspired by romantic movies in which leading men hid rings in cakes and gave them to their girlfriends. "I imagined the surprise on her face, mixed with happiness," he regretfully told the Southeast Morning Post.
Instead, his girlfriend Wen fainted when she saw Chen get down on one knee. "I realized I had just swallowed the ring with a full mouth of cake," she said. Chen called the police, who immediately sent Wen to hospital. Doctors used a catheter to retrieve the ring from her stomach.
On waking up, Wen accepted Chen's marriage proposal.
Looking for something different to do on a lazy weekend? Perhaps a trip to the nearest park or forest to explore the terrain is in order. Imagine the look of wonder on your child’s face as he stands next to the trunk of one of the largest trees in the world, suddenly realizing how tiny he is in comparison. The biggest and best trees can be found all over the world. Check out a few of these incredible species.
Douglas Fir
Deep within Point Reyes National Seashore park in California, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the Douglas Fir tree. Simply look up and you’ll see that the fir trees stand taller than most of the other trees on this side of the Inverness Ridge. A Douglas Fir is a coniferous tree that can range from anywhere between 20 and 120 meters, or 394 feet, tall. This makes it one of the tallest tree varieties in existence.
Mountain Ash
The Mountain Ash tree, also known as eucalyptus regnans, is most commonly found in Southeastern Australia. There are a number of different trees that use the name “mountain ash” and none of them are related. This particular tree, however, is a different species of Eucalyptus that can grow up to 230-400 feet tall. The tree is known for being the tallest flowering plant in the world. The ones pictured were seen outside of Marysville in Victoria, Australia.
Karri
A Karri tree is yet another species of Eucalyptus and is also most commonly found in Western Australia. Its 90-meter height ranks it amongst the tallest trees in the world. The Karri tree is usually only found in high rainfall zones. Due to its brilliant colors, and because termites don’t like the taste, the wood of the Karri tree is often used in building homes and roof tops. In Gloucester you’ll find a tree that was pegged so that visitors could climb it to watch for brushfires. Don’t climb if you’re afraid of heights!
Kauri Pine
The Kauri Pine tree, also known as the agathis, can be found across a number of Pacific countries and islands, including Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, and Malayasia. These trees have existed since the Jurassic period and usually feature incredibly wide trunks. The trees grow tall, but normally don’t have branches until high up in the tree itself. Look south of the equator for these monstrous trees, especially in places like Waipoua Forrest in New Zealand.
Turkey Oak
The Turkey Oak tree is also known as the Turkish Oak. This specific variety of oak tree can usually be found in the southern portions of Euripe and Asia. These gigantic trees grow up to 40 meters tall and features trucks up to two meters in width. If you thought the acorns falling in your backyard were huge, imagine having one with a 2 centimeter (almost a full inch) cup fall on your head? Keep your eyes peeled for these trees in places such as the Croome Landscape Park in Worcestershire, England.
Coast Redwood
Coast Redwood trees are part of the Sequoia family and are also commonly referred to as California Redwoods. These amazing trees live over 2,000 years each and grow to incredible heights (380 feet) and widths (26 feet in diameter). Coast Redwoods can be found along the Pacific Coast of North America and are most well-known in California. Popular places to see these trees are in Redwood National Park and in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Sitka Spruce
The Sitka Spruce tree can be found along the west coast of North America, ranging from Kodiak, Alaska all the way down to Fort Bragg, California. The Sitka is the largest variety of spruce tree and the third largest conifer tree species in the world. These trees grow anywhere from 50-100 meters tall, with trunks in diameter from 5-7 meters. The tallest Sitka trees can be found in Pacific Rim National Park in Canada, in Olympic National Park in Washington, and in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in California.
Montezuma Cypress
The incredible Montezuma Cypress tree is native to the southern portion of Mexico, but can be found in the southern part of Texas as well. The tree grows incredibly fast and is very tolerant to droughts, perfect for the weather in the Mexican highlands. These trees average heights up to 40 meters tall with a 3 meter diameter, but often grow even larger. We’ve spotted them all over southern Mexico, especially in places like Oaxaca.
Jarrah
The Jarrah tree is one of the most popular eucalyptus species. Found in Western Australia, this tree grows up to 40 meters tall and 3 meters in diameter. It is unique in that its roots reach almost as far into the ground as it is high, giving the Jarrah the ability to find water during droughts. These trees also store carbohydrates that allow them to rebuild if they are damaged in wildfires. The flowers are great for making honey, and the wood is excellent for cabinets and furniture. Watch for these trees on your next trip through Australia - they’re difficult to miss.
Giant Redwood
The Giant Redwood, otherwise known as Giant Sequoias and Sierra Redwoods, are classified as one of the three types of redwood trees in existence. These trees are not known as one of the largest simply due to their height, but because of the combination of height and width. The average tree grows up to 280 feet tall but can also have a width of up to 24 feet! The bark itself is often up to three feet thick. The best place to see the biggest Giant Redwood trees is in Sierra Nevada, California. You may also find some protected trees in Kings Canyon National Park and at the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
Remember, when it comes to trees, the tallest trees aren’t always the biggest. Don’t forget to check out both the height and width of the trees you choose to explore. If you should happen to find a tree trunk that’s been cut, remember to count the rings to figure out how old he was. Enjoy!
The United Nations is more than just an organization whose objective is to uphold international law and security. The U.N. is also a source of untold statistical data about our world, with a slew of adjunct associations that cover a vast array of relevant material, from natural resources to economic and social development.
Take the Food and Agricultural Organization on the U.N. for example. Since 1945, the FAO has led efforts to combat global hunger and mitigate the destructive consequences of famine. As a result, the organization is heavily invested in techniques to modernize the overall food production and agricultural landscape of nations around the globe, in order to achieve proper and sustainable nutrition standards.
The FAO also employs a slew of experts in the fields of agronomy, forestry, livestock, fishery, economics and much more, who, in order to devise formulas to improve the lot of the poor and hungry, collect, analyze and disseminate data about, in effect, our world.
With a copious database of statistics on hand, one of the more remarkable figures the FAO keeps tabs on is a list of the most forested nations in terms of percentage. Although subject to change from year to year, recent results may actually surprise you. Here then, are the top 10.
Swede
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With half of net national income in direct relation to the export of forestry products, Sweden is without a doubt, a forest nation. Over 66% of the country is in fact forest, in the form of Norway spruce and Scots pine for the most part. As a result, the populace of the progressive nation have a deep and almost spiritual connection with the land.
North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or North Korea, is not just the stronghold of comical and enigmatic dictator Kim Jong-il. The nation between China and the Republic of Korea is also rich in temperate forests, with over 1,100 species of flora, from medicinal plants to conifers.
Finland
Another area of Scandinavia with a surfeit of forest cover is Finland. The majority of the country is awash in boreal coniferous forest and as a result, forestry is the lynchpin of the national economy. The foremost social democracy has a love affair with nature and the land. Private citizens account for over 60% of forest land ownership and access, for the most part, is free for all.
Discover beautiful Finland with superb deals on Helsinki hotels.
Palau
The island nation 800 km east of the Philippines is a young country and relatively rich in natural resources. Once subject to a fierce tug-of-war between the United States of America and Japan, the Republic of Palau’s vast archipelago is over 85% forest and rich in mineral deposits.
Brunei Darussalam
The powerful sultanate of Brunei Darussalam is in northwest Borneo. Independent from the United Kingdom since 1984, the home of the Sultan of Brunei, who at one time or another has had the most colossal personal fortune in history, is not unlike the rest of Borneo. In other words, replete with natural wonder, in the form of a wild, dense network of rainforest canopy.
Guyana
With estimates of tree cover that run in excess of 94%, Guyana is indeed rare in the world of forestation. On the tip of South America, the only former British colony on the continent has more in common with proximate neighbor Trinidad from a cultural standpoint than with border nations like Venezuela and Brazil. The vast river systems of the Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice provide Guyana with a lush, verdant and relatively unexplored landscape.
Gabon
The equatorial nation of Gabon in west central Africa has a diverse network of ecosystems in play, with rainforest cover throughout much of the land. With coastal plains, savanna and mountains, Gabon’s biodiversity is almost peerless on the continent and government efforts in the realm of preservation have been notable. Over 11% of the country is under the domain of a national park system.
Suriname
Guyana’s neighbor to the east, the Republic of Suriname shares to a great extent, the fluvial and tropical landscape typical of the north coast of South America. The lush rainforests of the country are fed by a system of six major rivers that flow from south to north. Like Guyana, the nation once known as Dutch Guiana is for the most part, untamed and uninhabitable, which makes it a favorite with eco-tourists.
Solomon Islands
Just east of Papua New Guinea, in the Oceania subregion of Melanesia, are the Solomon Islands. The archipelago nation of more than 1,000 islands is home to two rainforest ecoregions that support a wide range of exotic flora and fauna.
French Guiana
Again, the north coast of South America proves to be the leader in the world when it comes to forestation. Along with Suriname and Guyana, French Guiana helps form a triumvirate of nations with wild, uncultivated swaths of land that comprise over 95% of the entire country. The overseas department of France, between the Atlantic Ocean and Brazil, is within the equatorial zone of South America, with vast alluvial plains and a wet, tropical climate. New construction links underway between the capital Cayenne and the province of Amap? in Brazil will hopefully usher in a bountiful era of tourism to the country.
Nature is at its blooming best and you find the most romantic, soothing and stunning settings as shades change and bright colors start to appear. It’s spring. Fresh green grass carpets, lovely flowers and buzzing life make sure that there is no better time to take a vacation, but traveling in spring is also about staying dry and keeping away from the wet spots. Let’s get started on the dreamy-eye journeys across the planet’s very best …
Paris— The city of love
April and May are the most wonderful months to tour Paris, our first and arguably most-loved spot on spring sojourn. A cool and magical trip through the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Cemetiere du Pere-Lachaise and the Louvre is only the beginning of the many, Paris has to offer. Fashion capital of the world and host to the French Open tennis tourney and Paris marathon, there is plenty to do in the city of lights.
Sydney
When it’s spring in the Northern hemisphere, then it’s fall in Australia, and there is plenty to do when you head south there. And as you read this, the 2009 National Trust Heritage Festival is on— a celebration of Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. Then there is the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House to enjoy, and if you have more time the the beaches will offer you more than you would bargain for.
Cape Town
Once again in the Southern hemisphere, Cape Town has a bundle of varied delights to offer no matter which time of the year you head there. With the Table Mountain, its national park, Shark Bay, the meeting of Pacific and Atlantic oceans, the great wineries, sumptuous food and shopping malls to spend your money, the largest city of South Africa will keep you on your toes and thoroughly entertained.
Amsterdam
This is one spot on your spring journey, that epitomizes one of the popular symbol of spring time— tulips. Dressed in its finest best in April and May with millions of graceful flowers blooming, Amsterdam welcomes you with a lovely warm atmosphere, thousands of bridges and canals to take a stroll and amazing architecture, Amsterdam will put up its charms to make sure you come back.
Singapore
If you go for shopping and a green environment in the heart of a well-connected and sophisticated South East Asian city, by all means your spring vacation should not miss Singapore. With plenty of ultra-modern fun activities on offer, close proximity to nature and even a dazzling Spring Festival sponsored in a huge way by the nation’s tourism board, you will always feel welcome here. The warmth of the people, the fun rides in the theme parks and odd trek into wilderness should make for a perfect holiday.
Acapulco
There is almost an unanimous agreement that this sandy paradise in Mexico is one of the hottest spring destinations in the world, if not the hottest! Beaches, bikinis, skirts, girls, parties, nightclubs, cruises and more hot girls… this is a heaven for those single gangs. Known for its sun-filled shoreline, high fashion consciousness and always on lifestyle, Acapulco is an irresistible stop.
Tokyo
Tokyo would probably rank a lot higher on this list if it were not for the city’s scorching heat at times. Despite the hot outdoors, Tokyo is still a wonderful spring spot with a variety of Asian delights on offer— lots of electronic gadgets, busy streets, ancient history and modern parks. If you wish to experience the ancient orient in spring time, then Tokyo is the city that meets your needs perfectly.
Malta
Crystal waters, magnificent beaches, hilltop bastions, colossal temples, limestone cliffs and the Mediterranean climate that will put you at ease, Malta is an amazing destination for the true traveling enthusiasts. And with the best time to visit the small island, between April and June, Malta should definitely be on your list if you’re planning to leave this month.
Daytona Beach
So who loves to go to Florida and Daytona Beach during the spring break? Well, almost everyone. Considered a top destination in spring time not just in the US, but all around the globe, Daytona Beach is all about life in the fast lane. With beach parties, dancing, music, spas, luxury cruises, sexy sirens and fast cars, there’s a spring flavor attached that you shouldn’t miss.
Negril, Jamaica
Talking about spring break and missing the Caribbean? A large beach resort town, Negril is Jamaica’s hottest spring spot with beach bonfires, waterfall trips, parties and more parties included. Definitely a tropical paradise with stunning cliffs that get the eye, that should be enough to convince you to sail to Negril.
Often referred to as the most controversial and dangerous zoo in the world, Lujan Zoo is one of the few places in the world where you can have a relatively safe close encounter with some of the most vicious wild animals on Earth.
For an entrance fee of $7 you can observe all the wild animals just like you would at any other zoo in the world. But for an extra $50 and a signed document, stating that, if you get attacked by any of the wild beasts the zoo takes no responsibility, you’re free to get up close and personal with whatever animal you want. All visitors, even kids, can pick up smaller animals and manhandle them at their own risk.
Safety regulations aren’t very popular at the Lujan Zoo and while you feed, pet, stroke or ride on the backs of lions or tigers, the only precaution is an unarmed zoo attendant keeping an eye on the animals. Clearly he wouldn’t be able to help you in any way if the animal should attack, but it gives visitors a sense of security.
2 Cango Wildlife Ranch, South Africa
An important animal shelter and breeding facility for endangered species, Cango Wildlife Ranch gives tourists the opportunity to get close to crocodiles in their own environment.
Crocs might seem sluggish and lazy on land, but in water they become perfect predators. That is what people at the Cango Wildlife Ranch are trying to show the world, through Croc Cage Diving. Anyone over the age of 12 can enter the cleverly designed cage and get lowered in the crocodile’s pool. The cage has an opening big enough for the giant reptile to get its nose in for people to touch, but not big enough to open its mouth.
There have been a lot of complaints from animal activists, regarding the way crocodiles are treated here, but the Cango Wildlife Ranch says all the crocodiles featured in Croc Cage Diving were born in captivity and are used to being surrounded by people.
3 Sriracha Zoo, Thailand
Just as controversial as Lujan, the Sriracha Zoo in Thailand claims to have a population of 400 Bengal tigers and over 10,000 crocodiles. But that’s not what it is most famous for. This is probably the only place where you can see tigers and pigs living together as families.
These “happy families” of mixed species are amazing to look at, and people come from all over the world to see tigresses nurturing piglets as if they were her own. The experts at Sriracha Zoo have so far succeeded in building “happy families” with tigers, dogs and pigs.
There has been a lot of criticism surrounding Sriracha Zoo, as activists claim the animals are mistreated, often beaten and tortured to put on a show for the tourists. Others say taking the tigers cubs away from her mother and giving them to a surrogate pig-mother, has serious health implications on the tigress.
4 The Tiger Temple, Thailand
If there is such a thing as a place where humans and tigers can interact in…more natural conditions, it has to be Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua temple, also known as the Tiger Temple. Those who have visited this special holy place says the tigers seem really happy to find themselves surrounded by people everyday, and the fact that there have been no accidents in the ten years of the temple’s existence, stands as proof.
Established in 1994, when an orphaned tiger cub was brought by villagers, the Tiger Temple now has 34 big cats living in harmony with the monks. The head abbot says he considers the tigers his family, one is his brother, another his sister and so on.
As you might expect, there have been voices that accused the monks of drugging the tigers, but the temple denied these allegations and invited anyone to spend some time at Tiger Temple and film whatever they wish, to convince themselves and the world of the natural harmony between humans and tigers.
5 Maetaman Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, Thailand
A recent article stated there are now six elephant centers in northern Thailand, where elephants have been taught to paint. I’m sure every one of them is very talented, but the most famous painting elephant, Hong, lives at the Maetaman Elephant Camp, in Chiang Mai
Hong was featured in a video that became very popular on the internet, in which she painted an elephant holding a flower, using only her trunk. It took years of practice but Hong proved animals do have an artistic side. Even if they are just reproducing the paintings learned in years of training, you have to admit the elephants’ feat is nothing short of extraordinary.
Thanks to Hong and her brethren, elephant art has become very popular and paintings are reportedly being sold for as much as $25,000. The money raised go to supporting the elephants and funding new projects.
“Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” – so goes this age-old proverb. However, it is not just uneasiness in store for a monarch. Emperors globally have enjoyed and continue to enjoy luxurious lifestyles. Some even have 13 brides. The best levels of comfort that money can fetch are in store for the emperors globally. Be it the Sultan of Brunei or Queen Elizabeth, plush lifestyle is the mark of monarchy. There are currently 44 monarchies in the world and their combined royal wealth has shot up over US $10 trillion. One of the royal attractions is the palace of the King or the Queen. In this article, we will try to catch a glimpse of royal residences of some of the richest ruling monarchs in the world today along with a brief introduction about them.
Bhumibol Adulyadej – King of Thailand
Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej (L), Queen Sirikit (C) and Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn greets a crowd from the balcony of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall at the Grand Palace on December 5, 2007, in Bangkok, Thailand.
King Bhumibol, the 80-year-old king of Thailand, is worth US$ 35 billion. He is the longest serving monarch in Thai history. He has benevolently used his royal wealth in over 3,000 rural development projects in the country. He has a world record in having the highest number of honorary university degrees (136). The royal palace in Bangkok was built in 1782. The palace consists of an aggregate of buildings on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. The total area is 218,400 sq. m. The palace has a sacred Buddha temple. You have to follow a strict dress code to enter the royal palace (this is applicable for both men and women).
Official residence: Grand Palace - Bangkok
Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud – King of Saudi Arabia
The 84-year-old king of Saudi Arabia is worth over US$ 21 billion. King Abdullah is known for his benevolence. He bore the entire expenditure of operation of Polish conjoined twins. He was reciprocated with “honorary citizenship” of the Polish town where the twins were born. The King’s palace in Riyadh is more than 1 sq. mile in area. The palace has polished stone walkways and serene water bodies. The pink palatial buildings are true architectural marvels.
Official residence: King’s Palace in Riyadh
Haji Hassanal Bolkiah – Sultan of Brunei
The 62-year Sultan of Brunei, the 29th heir to the throne of an unbroken 600-year-old Muslim dynasty, has a net asset worth of $20 billion. The Sultan has anything between 3000 to 6000 cars in his collection. The Istana Nurul Iman palace, the Sultan’s official residence, provides visitors a spectacular sight. It is the biggest palace in the world, much bigger than the Vatican palace. US$ 350 million was spent in erecting the palace. It has 1788 rooms, 257 bathrooms and the total floor area is 2,152,782 sq. feet.
Official residence: Istana Nurul Iman Palace
Hans-Adam II – Prince of Liechtenstein
The 63-year-old prince is the 15th in succession to the throne of Liechtenstein. His net worth is 5 billion US$. Castle Schloss Vaduz is his official residence. The palace overlooks the town of Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. The main alter has a late-gothic architecture. The original entrance of the spectacular palace has a height of 11 m.
Official residence: Castle Schloss Vaduz
Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani – Emir of Qatar
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and his daughter and chief of staff Sheikha (Princess) Hind Bint Hamad Al Thani
Sheikh Hamad, Emir of Qatar is aged 56 and worth 2 billion US$. Sheikh Hamad is instrumental in developing Qatar’s oil and natural gas resources. His fame is also attributed to the modernization of the country’s armed forces. His Royal Palace is in Doha. He does not live there. The palace is mainly used for parliamentary affairs and for receiving guests.
Official residence: Royal Palace in Doha
Mohammed VI – King of Morroco
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and Princess Lalla Salma
The 46-year-old Moroccan king has asset strength of 1.5 billion US$. The king is reputed for his drive to modernize the society and inject a culture of accountability. He has tried to eradicate poverty from Moroccan society. The Royal Palace in Rabat is open to the public. The king has a personal mosque within the palatial complex. The palace is famous for its lush green gardens and the entrance gates are truly majestic.
Official residence: Royal Palace in Rabat
Albert II – Prince of Monaco
Prince Albert II, aged 50, is the current ruler of the Principality of Monaco. His net worth is 1.4 billion US$. He is the first head of state to have visited the North Pole. He is also the Global Advisor to Orphans International. His palace remains open to the public during the summer. The palace hosts many functions ranging from open-air concerts to children’s Christmas parties. It has an Italian-styled gallery and lot of awesome salons. The palace has several attractions. Among them the Throne Room, which overwhelms you with memoirs of the Renaissance period, and the Sainte-Marie Tower are notable.
Official residence: Prince’s Palace of Monaco
Qaboos Bin Said – Sultan of Oman
Qaboos Bin Said, the Sultan of Oman, has royal properties worth $1.1 billion. The 67-year-old Sultan captured the throne after overthrowing his father. His riches are accounted to surplus oil production. He owns a 500 ft yacht. The Al Alam Royal Palace, the residence of the Sultan, overlooks the serene Muscat harbour. The regal palace is an exquisite marvel of art and architecture. Simply stated, the palace seems to be taken out of a fairy tale book.
Official residence: Qasr al Alam Royal Palace
Prince Karim Al Husseini Aga Khan – leader of 15 million Ismaili Muslims
Prince Aga Khan, aged 71, is the spiritual leader of 15 million Ismaili Muslims. Aga Khan, worth 1 billion US$, chairs the Aga Khan Development Network that invests in Asian and African development projects. He donated his palace to India in 1969 in the honor of Mahatma Gandhi and the Gandhian philosophy. The palace, located in Pune, India was built in 1892. The main aim behind construction of the Aga Khan palace was to provide employment to local people hard-hit by famine.
Official residence: Aga Khan Palace
Elizabeth II – Queen of U.K.
Queen Elizabeth II is the oldest living emperor in the history of United Kingdom at the age of 82. Her net worth is 650 million US$. She plans to rule until she becomes physically unable. The Buckingham palace is the official residence of the royals. It is also a site for hosting state occasions and welcoming international guests. The palace, having 775 rooms, is kept open for visitors on a regular basis.
Official residence: Buckingham Palace
Sheikh Sabah Al-Sabah – Emir of Kuwait
It is interesting to note that Sheikh Sabah Al Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, does not have a royal blood. He was the foreign minister of Kuwait and ascended to the throne in 2006 after the crown prince became too ill to rule. The royal wealth is estimated at 500 million US$. However, his wealth comes in the form of a stipend. He is promoting economic reforms in Kuwait currently. Dar Salwa palace is the official residence of the Emir.
Official residence: “Dar Salwa” Palace
Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard – Queen of Netherlands
Queen Beatrix Armgard, the queen of Netherlands, has a net asset worth of 300 million US$. The queen is rumoured to have stepped down so that his eldest son can ascend the throne. This will make her son the first Dutch king in over a century. Huis ten Bosch Palace is the official royal palace of the queen.
Official residence: Huis ten Bosch Palace
Mswati III – King of Swaziland
King Mswati, the king of Swaziland, has a net worth of 200 million US$. The king, ascending to the throne at a tender age of 18, has reportedly spent 2.5 million US$ to celebrate 40 years of his country’s independence along with his 40th birthday. He leads a lavish lifestyle and has 13 brides. Lozitha Palace is the official residence of the king.
Official residence: Lozitha Palace
Albert II – King of Belgium
Albert, the king of Belgium, is the titular head of state. He symbolizes the entire nation and appoints the Belgian cabinet after an election. The Royal Palace in Brussels, known as Palais Royal, is the King’s palace. However, he prefers to live in Chateau de Laeken. The Royal palace is a neo-classic architectural marvel. It is open to public during summer.
Official residence: Royal Palace in Brussels
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Mizan Zainal Abidin – Sultan of Terengganu, Malaysia
Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al Wathiqu Billah, Al-Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Al-Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Al-Haj (Center)
Yang Zainal Abidin, the Sultan of Terengganu, is the youngest Malay ruler. There are six sultans in Malaysia. One of these six, in this case Yang Zainal Abidin, has been elected as the King of Malaysia. He is the constitutional head of the country. His official residence is Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur. The palace has a ground area of 28 acres. It overlooks the Klang River.
Official residence: Istana Negara - Kuala Lumpur
Margaret II – Queen of Denmark
Margaret II, the queen of Denmark, is a great painter. She is also known for her addiction to tobacco. The queen has multiple palaces. The winter residence is at Amalienborg palace; the summer residence is at Marselisborg palace (or Graasten Palace or on the royal yacht); and the spring and autumn residence is at Fredensborg Palace.
Official residence: Amalienborg Palace ( winter )
Akihito – the Emperor of Japan
Emperor Akihito is the 125th emperor of Japan. His rule is now merely ceremonial. The king is considered to be a direct descendent of God. The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is the official residence of the emperor. It is open to the public on just two days of the year – January 2, when the king wishes New Year to his subjects, and on December 23rd – his birthday.
Official residence: Imperial Palace in Tokyo
Abdullah II – King of Jordan
King Abdullah is the constitutional head of Jordon and retains substantial power. He has contributed greatly to the economic revival of the country and he is applauded for his pro-reform outlook. He is an alumnus of the Oxford University. The Raghadan Palace is the official residence of the King.
Official residence: Raghadan Palace
Henri – Grand Duke of Luxemburg
Henri, the Grand Duke, is the head of the state of Luxemburg. He is known for his anti-euthanasia stands. Interestingly, he is a member of the International Olympic committee. The Grand Ducal Palace is his official residence. It is an awesome palace, located in the middle of the city. Built in 1572 as a town hall, it has become a palace replete with history.
Official residence: The Grand Ducal Palace
Harald V – King of Norway
Harald V is the king of Norway. The king has no real powers, but only ceremonial authority. He resides in the Royal Palace in Oslo. The palace was built in the first half of the 19th century.
Official residence: Royal Palace, Oslo
Juan Carlos I – King of Spain
Juan Carlos I, the king of Spain, is highly popular among his subjects. He helped in establishing democratic governance in Spain. The Royal Palace in Madrid is the designated residence of the King, although the king prefers to live in a smaller palace on the outskirts of Madrid. The Royal Palace is still used for state occasions. It is the largest palace in Western Europe. It has a total area of 135,000 sq. m and has over 2800 rooms.
Official residence: The Royal Palace of Madrid
Carl XVI Gustaf – King of Sweden
The present monarch of Sweden is King Carl XVI Gustaf. He is the seventh king in the Bernadotte dynasty of Sweden. The Royal Palace of Stockholm is the official residence of the king. However, the private residence of the royal family is the Drottningholm palace. The palace has 609 rooms and is considered as one of the largest royal palaces in the world.
Official residence: Royal Palace of Stockholm
Norodom Sihamoni – King of Combodia
Norodom Sihamoni is the king of Combodia, although under the present constitution, he has no real power. The royal palace of Phnom Penh is his official residence. The palace was constructed over a century ago and it hosts all major ceremonial functions of the country. Foreign dignitaries also stay here.
Official residence: Royal Palace of Phnom Penh
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk – The Dragon king of Bhutan
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchukm is the Dragon king of the secluded Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. The Oxford-educated bachelor of 28 years is the youngest reigning monarch in the world. The Tashichoedzong Palace is the official residence of the royal family. The palace houses the government and the central clergy of monks. It remains open to the public during festivals, weekends, and after office hours.
Official residence: Tashichoedzong Palace
George Tupou V – The king of Tonga
George Tupou V is the ruler of the Polynesian archipelago that consists of 150 islands. The king lives in the royal palace of Nukualofa, the capital. The palace is wooden and is not open to the people. The king made strong fencing arrangements after some people broke the old, sacred fence after 1990.
Official residence: Royal Palace, Nuku’alofa Tonga
Letsie III – The king of Lesotho
Letsie III is the king of Lesotho. Interestingly, Lesotho is the only independent state in the world that lies over 1000 meters above sea level. The Royal Palace in Maseru is the official residence of the king.
Official residence: Royal Palace in Maseru, Lesotho
Individuals or couples used to traveling solo may find that planning a family vacation throws a monkey-wrench into their usually fast-paced or ultra-romantic routine. Are there really any hot vacation destinations that not only tolerate but encourage the attendance of young children?
Believe it or not, there are! These family vacations are perfect for families who want to spend some time together and some time apart - no matter what age the kids are when you embark on your journey.
Hotel Hershey (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
A vacation at Hotel Hershey is a favorite amongst travelers of all walks of life - both with children and without. Who wouldn’t want to spend a day in a chocolate
And a chocolate paradise it is. The staff here is especially attentive to young guests, making sure they know they’re welcome t the Cocoa Clubhouse anytime - where scheduled and supervised activities run each and every day. Let the kids play while you relax in the chocolate spa!
Chatham Bars Inn (Cape Cod, Massachusetts)
The Chatham Bars Inn, located right on the beach at Cape Cod, is the perfect destination for those seeking a luxurious vacation destination. The children’s programs here are magnificent, running each morning, afternoon, and evening - making it easy for you to decide when it’s appropriate to go your separate ways.
The childrens programs are split into four age groups, so your child will never be exp’osed to entertainment or activities that aren’t age appropriate. Categories range from ages 4 through 16, so even the most mature teenager will find himself faced with a schedule jam-packed with fun!
Cheeca Lodge and Spa (Islamorada, Florida)
There’s plenty to do in Islamorada, Florida - but not everything is child appropriate. While mom and dad spend a day in the spa or at the adults-only pool the kids will enjoy participating in Camp Cheeca, which runs from 9am until 1pm each day.
Your little ones, ages 5 through 12, will enjoy learning to snorkel, fishing, and participating in arts and crafts projects. They’ll also enjoy a made-to-order lunch cooked especially for them. Camp Cheeca costs a mere $40 per child - small price to pay for a few hours of peace and quiet. .
Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, Michigan)
Guests under the age of 11 stay and eat at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island for free. This delightful rate is only made better by the wide variety of kid-friendly activities offered by the hotel on a daily basis.
Children will enjoy special children’s meals, exploring the butterfly house, and touring the fudge factory, amongst many other activities. The only drawback is that kid’s activities at the Grand Hotel are only available between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Rancho de los Caballeros (Wickenburg, Arizona)
The folks at Rancho de los Caballeros take a different approach to family vacations. Each afternoon between 2pm and 6pm the hotel has a designated “family time” where all activities should be done in the spirit of togetherness.
There is, of course, the Caballeros Kid’s Program, which is available for the rest of the day. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 will be occupied with fun activities while their parents go golfing or simply spend some quality time alone.
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa (Ojai, California)
Children participating in Camp Ojai will have a vacation jam-packed with exciting activities. They’ll get to visit the Inn’s working ranch, take pony rides, and visit the animals in the petting farm.
The kids will also enjoy arts & crafts, outdoor sports, and tons of other activities. While the kids are busy mom and dad will enjoy driving into Ojai to dine at one of the area’s fine dining establishments or to explore one of the many galleries and museums.
Kona Village (Big Island, Hawaii)
Kona Village is an incredible destination for families of all sizes. Not only is Kona Village set in a beautiful atmosphere, but families tend to reconnect with each other while they’re here as well. There are plenty of activities for the entire family, but the children’s programs are simply spectacular. The kids will have the chance to participate in contests, make crafts, or swim in the hotel pool. Teenagers will enjoy learning to kayak or participating in beach sports, too. The kids clubs are offered year round except for the months of May and September, so plan accordingly.
Family vacations bring children and parents together, sure - but having a little bit of time alone is just as important. Choose a vacation destination that is kid-friendly and you’ll never return home feeling as though you spent your entire trip herding the children instead of enjoying your destination. Guaranteed!
Bungee jumping - dive from the giddy height of a towering fixed structure while an elastic cord secures you and keeps you suspended just inches above the ground level at the end of the leap. What leaves most people breathless during a bungee venture are the rebounds that occur due to the stretching and snapping of the cord. Bungee jumping was first practiced as a rite of passage for the youths of Pentecost Island in Vanuatu. Since the modern times, several records have been made and broken by bungee-jumpers world over. The Guinness Book of World Records of the highest bungee jump was by AJ Hackett from Macau Tower of China from an altitude of 233 meters.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - 120 ft ( 37m )
Puerto Vallarta is more than a resort with its countless scopes for adventure sports in its jungles, beaches and cultural getaways. You can accept the allure of the lush-green waters of Banderas Bay by taking a bungee jump from the adjacent cliffs for $55.00 between 10 am to 6 pm. The superior quality of the jumping equipments allows you to enjoy a safe thrill.
Queenstown offers a perfect combination of wild adventures and serene beauty. The Ledge Urban site is known for its unique runaway jumping style whereby you can catch a glimpse of the nighttime beauty of Queenstown. The bungee harness helps you to adopt any posture during the free fall and enjoy a maddening rush of adrenaline.
Longqing Gorge Bungee, China - 164 ft ( 50m )
With its green mountains, caves and clear water, Longqing Gorge of northeast Yanqing County is an amazing natural spot for trekking and cruising. However, nothing matches up to bungee jumping. Just gear up some courage and take the plunge. Let your friends capture your action in a camera that you can treasure for a lifetime.
Graskop Gorge, South Africa - 197 ft/262 ft (60 m/80 m)
As a potential bungee jumping site, Graskop Gorge offers you a peerless freefall from a height of 18-19 stories of Foefie slide. As you leap off, the cord will take you across the entire width of the gorge in a single sweep. Catch the spectacular beauty of the Graskop Falls as you trail across in the super-fast zipline like a bird.
AltaVila Tower, Brasil/BH - 233 ft (71 m)
The Alta Vila Tower of Nova Lima attracts site seers and bungee jumpers alike since it commands a breathtaking view of the mountain-surrounded Belo Horizonte.
Corinth Canal, Greece - 260 ft (79 m)
The Corinth Canal works as a connector between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese. If you like to plunge down to the canal’s depth, just take a bungee jump from the bridge. This is a regular weekend sport organized by the Zulu Bungy in the summer months.
Colorado River, Costa Rica - 279 ft (85 m)
The Colorado River is chiefly the haunt of the hobby fishers though its bridge is an excellent bungee jumping site as well. There are both normal and special all-day long bungee jumping schedules offered by Tropical Bungee to give you diverse ranges of experiences at the highest safety levels.
The Pipeline Bungy, New Zealand - 335 ft (102 m)
As you undertake the four seconds of free fall from the longest single span suspension bridge over the raging Shotover River, your heart skips a beat. At the close of these four second, you hang dangerously close to the foamy waters only to be secured in a boat and brought to the shore at the end of the oscillations.
Pont de Ponsonnas, France - 338 ft (103 m)
If you deem suspension bridges as the most exciting bungee jumping spots, this is something you can positively rave about. The old dilapidated Pont de Ponsonnas Bridge has been now replaced by concrete-built arch Ponsonnas Bridge to give you an even safer bungee jumping experience.
Nevis Highwire Bungy, New Zealand - 440 ft (134 m)
The jump pod overlooking the roaring Nevis River holds an irresistible attraction for the lovers of bungee jumping. This incredible 8.5 seconds of freefall offers you an exciting scope to span the Nevis Valley. Nevis Highwire Bungy shuttles the jumpers to the glass-paneled jump pod to help them have an unforgettable experience.
Navajo Bridges, USA - 467 ft (142 m)
Navajo Bridge of Marble Canyon spans across the Colorado River right over the Grand Canyon. The autumnal beauty of its natural setting makes it a lovely bungee jumping spot in late September. The advantage of the superb elevation of the Navajo Bridge is coupled with a unique sense adventure that you associate with bungee jumping.
Perrine Bridge, USA - 486 ft (148 m)
You do not need a permit for year round bungee jumping from this bridge connecting the Twin Falls area to the Jerome County. You can find several BASE jumping compeers to share the excitement.
Victoria Falls Bridge, Zambia - 500 ft (152 m)
The Victoria Falls Bridge over Zambezi River connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia is reckoned a perfect spot by bungee jumpers to get a close brush of the spraying falls. Once you jump off, the fall may seem to rush up to you at a maddening pace but you can trust the ankle and body harnesses for their full-proof security.
Ponte Colossus, Italy - 500 ft (152 m)
You will find this 350 m long bridge awe-inspiring and an inspiring spot for an energetic sport like bungee jumping. It will take you an average of almost 4.5 seconds for the first fall. You need a lot of nerve power to sustain the 100 km/hr vertical velocity of the free fall.
The Last Resort, Nepal - 525 ft (160 m)
It gives you a scope to look and jump off from the longest Nepalese suspension bridge across one of the scariest tropical gorges, with the Bhote Kosi River rumbling below. You can remain in air for a long time during your free fall amid the charming valley sights.
Niouc, Switzerland - 623 ft (190 m)
Niouc holds the record for the highest bungee jumping spot in Europe. Discover the wild side of Switzerland as you go for an entire array of holiday activities, with bungee jumping topping the list.
Bloukrans Bridge, South Africa - 710 ft (216 m)
This unique highest single span arch bridge adds much to the giddy raptures of bungee jumping. Look ahead to the instructions by the jump experts, the tantalizing countdown before the plunge and the smoothest recoils owing to the pendulum bungee technology that makes it the highest commercial bungee jumping venue internationally.
Verzasca Dam, Val Verzasca, Switzerland - 721 ft (220 m)
Ever since the famous James Bond stunt in the movie ‘Goldeneye’, this high arch hydroelectric dam has been one of the favorite haunts for bungee jumpers. You require an advance reservation, a medical check and of course, the proper height and weight proportions for stepping into the shoes of 007.
Macau Tower, China - 764 ft (233 m)
This 338 m tall tower holds the provisions for an observation deck for relaxing as well as for undertaking daring sports like bungee jumping or ‘sky jumping’ as it actually feels like. It counts among one of the giddiest entertainments that Macau has to offer to its visitors and locals.
Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge, USA - 1053 ft (321 m)
Hanging above the Arkansas River, this suspended bridge is an all-time favorite bungee-jumping spot because of its amazing height. It spans over the Royal Gorge Route Railway and has a wooden plank-way for a breathtaking walk across the river.
If the above 20 spots are not exciting enough for you, then choose the Volcano Bungee near Pucon, Chile. Here, you are flown into an active smoking volcano in a helicopter and you can dive for about 450 feet towards the molten lava. Then you take a long line ride back to the airport at around 130 kph being suspended 450 feet below the helicopter. All this for just $9995, it includes other activities and accommodation.
Thomas Beatie, a former Hawaiian beauty queen, was born female but underwent sex change surgery in order to wed his partner Nancy legally. As part of the reassignment procedure, the former Tracy LaGondino took male hormones, inducing a beard and an outwardly masculine appearance. He kept his womb and ovaries intact in the hopes of one day having a child. Wife Nancy is infertile.
So when Beatie announced he was expecting the child, of an anonymous sperm donor, a backlash ensued. Critics claimed that as a natural-born woman Beatie was not in fact a man but was merely masquerading as one. But the state of Oregon legally recognizes him as one, and his marriage to Nancy is official and the couple enjoys all the rights and privileges of typical married pairs. He gave birth to his first kid naturally following a 40-hour labor. And now he's pregnant again; his second baby is due June 12, 2009.
The Twin Brothers who don't know which one is the father, as they were having sex with the same woman
Twin brothers, Raymon and Richard Miller, are the father and uncle to a 3-year-old little girl. The problem is, they don't know which is which. Or who is who. Ramon and Richard have been fighting in court for four years over the paternity of a child; the identical Missouri twins say they were unknowingly having sex with the same woman.
According to the woman's testimony, she had sex with each man on the same day, within hours of each other. When the woman in question, Holly Marie Adams, got pregnant, she named Raymon the father, but he contested and demanded a paternity test, bringing his own brother Richard to court. But the paternity test in this case could not help, as it showed that both brothers have over a 99.9 percent probability of being the daddy— and neither one wants to pay the child support.
The Man who hired his neighbor to get his wife pregnant, but he was sterile too
In Stuttgart, Germany, a man hired his neighbor to get his wife pregnant. It seems that Demetrius Soupolos, 29, and his former beauty queen wife, Traute, wanted a child badly, but Demetrius was told by a doctor that he was sterile. So, Soupolos hired his neighbor, Frank Maus, 34, to impregnate her. Since Maus was already married and the father of two children, plus looked very much like Soupolos to boot, the plan seemed good. Soupolos paid Maus $2,500 for the job and for three evenings a week for the next six months, Maus tried desperately, a total of 72 different times, to impregnate Traute.
However, when Traute failed to get pregnant after six months, Soupolos was not understanding and insisted that Maus have a medical examination, which he did. The doctor's announcement that Maus was also sterile shocked everyone except his wife, who was forced to confess that Maus was not the real father of their two children. Now Soupolos is suing Maus for breach of contract in an effort to get his money back, but Maus refuses to give it up because he said he did not guarantee conception, but only that he would give an honest effort.
The Man who fathered a child from a 22-year-old sperm sample
In June 2008, Chris Biblis, a former leukaemia patient who had his sperm frozen as a teenager, fathered a baby after doctors successfully thawed his sample a record 22 years later.
Chris was 16 when doctors told him that he needed radiotherapy that would leave him sterile and recommended before going ahead with the life-saving treatment that they put a sample of his sperm into cryogenic storage for future use. Now aged 38, he is celebrating the birth of a healthy baby daughter, Stella, who was conceived after scientists injected a defrosted sperm into an egg from his wife, Melodie, and implanted it in her uterus.
The 22-year lapse between storage in April 1986 and conception in June 2008 is a world record, according to specialists at the US fertility clinic who carried out the procedure.
The President who admitted to be the father of a child conceived while he was still a Catholic bishop
In April 2009, Paraguay's president and former bishop, Fernando Lugo, admitted he is the father of a child conceived while he was still a Roman Catholic bishop. Lugo, 57, renounced his status as bishop in 2006 to run for president but it was not until July 2008 that Pope Benedict XVI gave him unprecedented permission to resign, relieving him of his chastity vows.
The president admitted he had a relationship with Viviana Carrilllo, 26, which began when she was 16 and the paternity of her son Guillermo Armindo, 2, born when he was still the bishop. He finally came out five days after lawyers for Carrillo announced they were filing a paternity suit against him.
The Man who paid $20k on child support over a daughter he never had
In New Mexico, Steve Barreras was forced to pay a total of $20,000 for a daughter that never existed. After getting divorced to Viola Trevino, Viola claimed to be pregnant with Steve's child. This was in spite of the fact that Barreras had a vasectomy in 1998 and claimed that Trevino had tubal ligation in 1978.
Trevino fabricated a daughter named "Stephanie Renee", who she claimed was born in 1999, and obtained a baptismal certificate, birth certificate, Medicare card and Social Security card for the fictitious girl. Mr. Barreras' adult daughter, Eve Barreras, assisted her mother in the scam by filing a fraudulent birth certificate for the phantom daughter with Vital Statistics while she worked at St. Joseph's Northeast Hospital.
In 2002, Trevino was able to persuade a court to order Steve to pay child support for the fabricated daughter, by falsifying DNA evidence. When the judge demanded to see Trevino's daughter in December 2004, she went to a local mall where she persuaded a grandmother and her 2 year old granddaughter that they were "going to go see Santa Claus", but instead went to the courthouse with the 2 year old girl and attempted to pass her off before the judge as her own.
Mr. Barreras, the paternity fraud victim, successfully sued blood laboratory Mobile Blood Services for their role in the DNA hoax. The DNA came from adult daughter Eve Barreras with help of lab employee Pamela Flores. Viola Trevino was sentenced to 16 months in a federal prison in Arizona for claiming the "girl" on tax returns. Trevino owes the IRS over $2200 for the fraud and Barreras $26,000 in child support and lawyer's fees.
Britain's youngest dad... NOT!
Meet Alfie Patten, the British schoolboy who became famous for being "Britain's youngest dad" at the age of 12, then found out he's not the baby's father.
“I take responsibility and will look after baby Maisie like a grown up father. I am the only one who slept with Maisie's mother Chantelle," Alfie told the media whilst holding what he then thought was his baby daughter. But a British tabloid reported the results of a DNA test that showed that he was in fact not the father of Chantelle Stedman's baby girl.
Chantelle had insisted that she was in love with the babyfaced schoolboy and that he had taken her virginity. However, half a dozen boys from Eastbourne in England claimed to have slept with the 15-year-old, who fell pregnant at the age of 14, and prompted Alfie to take a paternity test, with humiliating results.
Anna Nicole's million dollar baby, and the four men who claimed paternity
At least four men filed petitions claiming to be the real father of the Anna Nicole Smith's baby, who stands to inherit many millions of dollars.
These are as follows: Howard K. Stern (Anna's long time lawyer, friend and lately lover), Larry Birkhead (a celebrity photographer who was linked to the glamour girl for almost two years), Zsa Zsa Gabor's former husband (who, out of the blue, decided to come clean about his 'amorous' relationship to Anna) and one of her bodyguards. And another man with whom Anna was linked in the past and who stands equal chances of having fathered Danni: a man who is now spending the last months of his sentence in prison - Mark 'Hollywood' Hatten. Mark stated that he could be the father of Anna's child, since she once asked him to make a 'sperm donation' to the 'Anna Nicole Smith sperm bank', a thing to which he immediately complied since there wasn't anything he wouldn't have done for her. As a consequence of this battle, even Anna Nicole's burial had to be put on hold.
Finally, after all the noise and DNA tests, ex-boyfriend Larry Birkhead was proven the father of the baby girl, although his rival, Howard K. Stern, had been caring for 7-month-old Dannielynn since the former Playboy Playmate's sudden death, and his name is on her birth certificate.
The Twins kids who came up from different parents after test tube mix-up
Wilma and Willem Stuart are a Dutch couple who had been, unsuccessfully, trying to conceive for years, before they decided to try IVF. They soon learned they would be parents of twins.
But when the two boys were born, Koen had blue eyes, dark hair and pink skin, Tuen had dark eyes dark hair and brown skin. A DNA test revealed that Koen was the Stuarts child but Tuen was not Willem's. The report of the investigation has not been made public, but speculation is that a piece of lab equipment called a pipette, like a large eyedropper, had been used twice, causing another man's sperm to be mixed with Willem's.
The hospital called it a “deeply regrettable mistake”. The Stuarts remembered there was a black couple in the waiting room the same day during the IVF process. The hospital located the man and confirmed he was Tuen's biological father. Although he was under no obligation to meet his son he never knew he had, he did when Koen was 18 months old. The biological father only looked at him from a distance and didn't try to claim him and was comfortable that the Stuarts loved the child, and let them continue raising him.
The Man who has to pay child support, but he's not the father
Sixteen months after his divorce, Richard Parker, a Florida resident, discovered the child he was paying support for was not his via DNA testing. Florida justices ruled 7-0 against him, stating that Parker must continue to pay $1,200 a month in child support because he had missed the one-year post divorce deadline for filing his lawsuit. His court-ordered payments would total more than $200,000 over 15 years to support a child she had with another man.
Last September, less than a month after the end of the Beijing Summer Olympics, about 40 parents materialized in front of the Bird's Nest stadium. Somber and silent, they stood in a row; each one carried a large poster with photographs of their missing young children.
"Doesn’t this society have a responsibility? Why let these parents suffer?" a young college student who appeared to be the parents’ spokesman shouted out to the gathering crowd of onlookers. "Our Chinese government could do something as big as the Olympics, but they cannot find these kids? Why not?"
Parents publicize the plight of their missing children in Beijing.
One of those parents was Peng Gaofeng, a handsome 30-year-old from originally from Hubei province in central China. His poster bore photographs of his son, Peng Wen Le – nicknamed Le Le.
"My son was taken away by a [child] smuggler so ruthlessly," said Peng. He had come to the Chinese capital with the other parents in the vain hope that they could gain an audience with Premier Wen Jiabao. They had heard that, months earlier, Wen had ordered an investigation into a case of eight children who had disappeared from Henan province, and a week later they were found.
"We thought if [Wen] knew…if we could see him, he would help us and know how much we suffer," Peng recalled.
Instead he and the other parents were rounded up by the authorities, detained for a couple of days, and sent back to their home provinces.
Eight months later, Peng is still searching for his son.
Xiong Yini with her son, Le Le, before he disappeared.
A shattered life
Peng and his wife, Xiong Yini, moved with Le Le to Shenzhen three years ago. Like many migrants, they planned on a better future for themselves and their only child in the booming border city of 14 million people in southern China. Within months they had set up their own phone shop, and Le Le was thriving in his local school.
But their new life came to a standstill when Le Le, then 3-years-old, was taken from the square in front of their home one evening in March of last year. Security cameras from surrounding buildings show an unidentified man picking up the little boy and carrying him off across the street, away from his parents and his home.
Le Le is one of thousands of children who go missing in China every year. Law enforcement authorities say they don’t keep track of the numbers, and independent researchers say they can only go by the number of children recovered to guess at the scale of the problem.
"In 2006, 1,500 children were found. The real figure of missing children is unknown," said Professor Pi Yijun, who teaches at the China University of Political Science and Law.
Statistics in local media reports vary wildly, with some estimating as many as a quarter million children disappearing every year in China. But in a country with such a large population, even the most conservative approximation still sounds high – 20,000 children a year.
"Smuggling women and children is a very serious social problem, a problem all of us hate to see," said Wang Dawei, a professor of crime studies at the China People’s Public Security University. "But this is not just China’s problem."
Wang has a point. Like other countries that have human trafficking, some of the children in China are forced into labor. Two years ago, the country was rocked by a series of scandals involving hundreds of adults and children as young as 8 years old forced into slave labor at mostly illegal brick kilns in the north-central provinces of Shanxi and Henan.
But child smuggling in China does have a unique dimension.
Parents try to draw attention to their plight outside the Bird's Nest stadium.
A preference for boys
"The main reason is gender," said Pi. "In the traditional Chinese mind, only boys carry the bloodline of the family. So if a family only has girls, they will want boys…There is a big market for baby boys.
"So much so that boys sell for twice the price of girls. The average price for boys, said Pi, starts at 500 yuan ($73) but can climb up to several thousand dollars by the time the child has been traded by several tiers of middlemen.
The crimes appear to be confined mostly to the countryside, according to law enforcement officials, where cultural values are still conservative, espousing a preference for males. But the trend of buying boys is also exacerbated by China’s strict family planning policy, which limits couples to having only one child in most instances.
"A lot of people can only have one child, but they want to keep the family name going," said Liu Xiaoyuan, a lawyer. "When they have a girl, they still want a boy. But they can’t have another. So they just buy [a boy]."
So authorities have begun cracking down on buyers. "Not only do we strike the smugglers [and the middlemen], now we strike customers," said Pi. "This is a good change, and I think it will help curb the crime."
Officials have also tried to enforce the strict monitoring of children being registered (China has a rigorous household registration system) and urged people to be vigilant. "If someone suddenly gets a new child, neighbors should report it to the police and have it checked out. Did the child come legally?" Liu suggested people ask.
Wang, the crime studies professor, pointed out that there is a lot more information about the issue now. "We do a lot of publicity to educate parents on how to protect their children," he said, "and how to look for them once they are lost."
In fact, the Ministry of Public Security recently announced a national campaign to crack down on human trafficking that would last from April to December. No other details were given.
The search continues
Peng isn’t waiting around for changes to the law.
"I’ve been living this life of looking for my son," he told us during a recent visit to Guangzhou, where he was giving a talk about child smuggling. He has organized an informal group of parents of missing children and helps run a Web site on the subject called "Baby Come Home."
When we last spoke to him, he had just returned from a town in Fujian province, where someone claimed to have seen a little boy that resembled Le Le. "He was very specific about the location," said Peng, who regularly receives tips and has learned to try to distinguish between real and fake leads. "You have to prepare yourself."
Peng is so often on the road, chasing leads on his son that he and his wife have thought about closing up their business and moving home. But "our son has a memory of this place," she said, clutching a photo album full of pictures of Le Le.
"I really liked looking at this album. Now I don’t dare," Xiong continued. "The biggest responsibility as a parent is to look after the child, but I failed… I didn’t look after my child."
Protecting the world’s wildlife has become a more pressing concern in recent years, as people started to understand their progress comes with a great price for Mother Nature. Unfortunately, except for experts, no one really cares if a “disgusting” species of insects goes extinct. So it falls upon the cute animals, those that can appeal to our soft sides, to raise awareness and fight the animal kingdom’s battle for survival.
Here are seven of the cutest animals on the endangered animals list:
Giant Panda
These furry guys are so cute and lovable they’ve become a symbol of the world’s endangered wildlife. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many of them in the wild anymore, due to excessive hunting and human expansion.
Unlike other bears, Giant Pandas only feed on bamboo, and as the forests areas shrunk, so did the number of bears. Now the bamboo forests have been reduced to discontinuous patches surrounded by inhospitable environment, and Pandas can only be found in reserves protected by the government.
There are reportedly around 2,000 Giant Panda’s in the wild today, and although it’s yet too early to take them of the endangered animals list, their numbers are on the rise.
Tree Kangaroo
The tree kangaroo is a close relative of the kangaroo and the wallaby, which at some point developed an arboreal lifestyle. It can be found in some rainforests across Australia and in Papua New Guinea and the islands that surround it.
The Tree Kangaroo is an amazing creature that can leap down from a height of 10 meters with ease and spring into trees, using its strong legs and its tail, as a rudder. It is also pretty damn cute, but, unfortunately, that didn’t stop man from destroying its habitat and putting it on the endangered animals list.
There are 10 different species of Tree Kangaroos and they are all critically endangered.
Mandarin Duck
You’ve probably seen Mandarin Ducks at more than just zoos, and are wondering why it made the list. It’s true that this beautiful bird is well represented in captivity, but their numbers in the wild are fast declining.
Native to Eastern Siberia, China and Japan, the Mandarin Duck is, without a doubt, the most beautiful of all ducks. The males have particularly bright-colored feathers, especially during the mating season.
There are fewer than 20,000 Mandarin Ducks in their Asian habitat, but a new population is forming, from released captivity-bred specimens.
Sea Otter
Perhaps the cutest sea creature in the world, the sea otter is also one of the most vulnerable. In a competition with humans for seafood, the sea otters stood little chance and they were driven to near-extinction until the 20th century. Fortunately, in one of the greatest marine conservation successes, the sea otters were saved.
They remain however on the endangered animals list, with many of them dying as a cause of oil spills. Their oil-soaked fur can no longer keep them warm and they die of hypothermia. Also, the ingested oil quickly affects their kidneys, liver and lungs.
Sea otter hunting is limited to the indigenous population in the United States.
Black-footed Ferret
The only species of ferret native to North America, the black-footed ferret is also one of the most endangered animals on the continent.
Loss of their prairie grassland, the declining number of prairie dogs and disease, all acted together to bring the number of black-footed ferrets to an all time low of 50, in 1986. The 18 remaining in the wild were all taken in captivity and became part of an extensive breeding program. It was a success and, as a result, the numbers of black-footed ferrets in the wild, in 2007, was over 750.
The furry critters were reintroduced to their old habitats and they seem to have adapted very well, but they remain on the most endangered animals list. Experts hope to have 1,500 black-footed ferrets living in the wild, by 2010.
Jackass Penguin
Once the most common sea birds on the African coast, the Jackass Penguin is now one of the 10 most endangered animals on Earth. The only penguin native to the African continent faces multiple threats like: extensive fishing in their habitat, oil spills, and depriving them of their eggs.
Unfortunately not much is being done to save these beautiful creatures from extinction. They just die, one by one, unable to adjust to the hostile conditions forced upon them by humans.
Salmon-crested Cockatoo
Endemic to the south Moluccas, in Indonesia, the Salmon-crested Cockatoo is one of the most beautiful and smartest birds in the world. Unfortunately those are the qualities that put in on the endangered animals list. Illegal traders trap them and sell them off for profit.
Their numbers have been going down since 1989, and although a safe-haven has been set-up in Manusela National Park, trapping still continues. They can be extremely social and cuddly as pets and that’s what makes them so desirable. Still, people need to stop being selfish and put wildlife ahead of their petty interests for a change.
The good people over at UNESCO have been like the modern-day equivalent of the Knights Templar: a protective order with a sacred duty. Bound to safeguard the natural and architectural treasures of the world, the international body has a ceaseless mission.
Every new member of the World Heritage club is special in a singular fashion. Here are 20 recent additions however, that are spectacularly unusual.
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain, Vanuatu
Roi Mata, a legendary 17th century chief of the South Pacific archipelago nation Vanuatu, whose reign was marked by landmark social reforms and a relative era of peace and prosperity, spawned a rich oral tradition that endures to this day. His domain complex spans three islands and is one of the best examples of Pacific tribal systems left.
Fujian Tulou, China
Inland from the Taiwan Strait in China is a curious network of 46 earthen homes built between the 12th and 20th century that span over 120 km. Part agrarian communal quarters and part defensive fortifications, the unusual homes blend seamlessly with a landscape that includes rice, tea and tobacco plantations.
Historic Centre of Camag?ey, Cuba
One of the first Spanish settlements in Cuba, the town of Camag?ey was built in 1528 to support the cattle and sugar industry. The exceptional and unorthodox urban plan features small and large plazas, labyrinthine promenades and alleys and architecture from various periods. The historic heart of Camag?ey is the focal point for cultural events in the town to this day.
Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes, Italy and Switzerland
Not many railways around the world draw the attention of UNESCO. But when you bridge two historic lines in the Swiss Alps, exceptions are made. For sheer landscape obstacles overcome, the Rhaetian Railway is superlative, with a wondrous network of tunnels, viaducts and covered galleries.
Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests, Kenya
On the coast of the Indian Ocean, the Mijikenda Kaya Forests of Kenya are a wonderful complex of sites that span 200 km. With traces of bulwark villages from as far back as the 16th century, the forests are venerated by local tribes as a sacred ancestral home and remain vital today for cultural and spiritual reasons.
The Archaeological Site of Al-Hijr, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s first entry on the UNESCO World Heritage list is a network of sandstone tomb monuments that date back to the dawn of the modern age. Incredibly, the Al-Hijr site, at over two millenia old, is rather well-preserved, with Assyrian, Egyptian, Phoenician and Hellenistic design influences still in evidence.
Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran
Iran, no stranger to UNESCO, contains some of the most ancient treasures in the world. The Armenian Monastic Ensembles in the northwest of the country date as far back as the 7th century. Three distinct sites bear witness to the vitality of the Armenian Orthodox Christian faith, with Byzantine, Muslim and Persian influences.
Kuk Early Agricultural Site, Papua New Guinea
Perhaps the best example that to change the world for the better, we can learn from the past, the Kuk site in Papua New Guinea is a wetland reclamation project that has been worked over a period of 10,000 years. Excavation by archaeologists unearthed traces of agricultural development and advances that led to a seismic shift in practices over time.
Le Morne Cultural Landscape, Mauritius
Mauritius was once a major stopover in the eastern slave trade from Africa to India and Southeast Asia. From the 18th century to the early 19th century, runaway slaves hid out in the vast and rugged terrain of the island’s southwest. Known as the Le Morne Cultural Landscape, the site is a powerful symbol today of the brave resistance of slaves who were able to esape and their subsequent fight for freedom.
Stari Grad Plain, Croatia
The Adriatic island of Hvar is part of Croatia but maintains a strong historic bond with Greece. Parts of the island were first colonized by Greeks from Paros in the 4th century, with fortress walls, stone abodes and other remains relatively pristine all these years later. People who dwell in the fertile Stari Grad plain still cultivate the same crops 2,400 years after the Greeks first built up the agricultural base on Hvar.
Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun, Bahrain
Known as Qal?at al-Bahrain, this paramount excavation mound in the oil rich Persian Gulf nation displays traces of human settlement from as far back as 2300 BC. With not even half of the site uncovered, only time will tell how many inherent treasures rest under the ground of what was once a vital civilization. The most notable landmark is a Portuguese fort from the colonial era.
Tiwanaku, Bolivia
Though Bolivia is not always the safest and most stable destination to visit, the South American country has a wealth of wonders to explore. The ancient pre-colonial city of Tiwanaku is one of Bolivia’s veritable jewels and was a de facto base of power for an empire that virtually ran the Andes between the years 500 and 900.
The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, La Louvi?re and Le Roeulx, Belgium
Industrial landmarks are not a favorite with UNESCO but every once in a while, the World Heritage team finds a diamond in the rough. Hydraulic boat-lifts are not everyone’s idea of a tourist attraction but the four you find near the town of La Louvi?re in Belgium are stellar examples of innovative 19th century engineering and industrial design.
Historic Centre of the Town of Goi?s, Brazil
Imagine what in essence is a town built to support a mine industry that at first glance, appears completely European in nature. But then upon closer inspection and with the greater landscape in mind, you realize that you are in fact, in South America. The spectacular old town of Goi?s is just that. On one hand an 18th century colonial outpost but on the other, with the use of endemic raw materials and craftsmanship, wholly Brazilian.
Rideau Canal, Ottawa, Canada
Canada’s capital city is replete with charm, which for many, is most emblematic in the iconic Rideau Canal. People who come to skate on and walk along the canal often forget or remain oblivious to the fact that Rideau is one of the most historic canals in North America. It spans over 200 km and contains many pristinely preserved fortress landmarks that hint at the engineering feat’s initial purpose. Rideau is also the only 19th century canal left on the continent still in commercial service.
Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, Chile
Under threat because of human and natural interference, the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works in Chile dates back to a time when laborers in the harsh Pampas environment processed the land to produce fertilizer sodium nitrate for South America, North America and Europe. The communal culture that evolved over the decades from 1880 to 1940, with migrant workers from all over the continent, makes this area significant, unusual and completely unique in the world.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam
With a phenomenal city like Saigon, beautiful countryside and sites like Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam has become a dominant player in Southeast Asia. The park is unusual for several reasons, but chiefly for macabre layers of limestone, fossil remains and a network of caves and subterranean rivers that span 65 km.
Cornwall and West Devon, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Back in the 19th century, the area of Cornwall and West Devon produced more than 66% of the world’s copper. The prolific industrial output of the region was the result of stupendous innovations in the mining and metallurgical manufacturing sectors. The foundries, mines, engine houses and ports that stand to this day were deemed by UNESCO to be incredibly rich in historical value and in need of preservation in what remains one of the predominant cradles of the Industrial Revolution.
Ancient Merv, Turkmenistan
Central Asia is a vast cultural panorama, awash with hidden treasure troves and ancient towns. The old city of Merv in underappreciated Turkmenistan, a country with a checkered past but phenomenal GDP growth in recent years, is perhaps the best-preserved Silk Road oasis in the region. With monuments and excavated traces from as far back as 4,000 years ago, Merv is certainly the oldest in all of Central Asia.
West Norwegian Fjords
With some of the most dramatic and awesome scenery in store for visitors, the Geirangerfjord and N?r?yfjord of west Norway are the archetypes of typical fjords. The twin natural wonders span over 500 km of pristine wilderness and feature classic fjord details like mammoth steep rock walls that plunge over half a kilometer below sea level and rich biodiversity. Land and marine mammals that depend on the fjords for sustenance abound and old farm settlements, no longer in use, add a subtext to the environment.
I’ve never been a huge fan of the taxi. I’d much prefer the ability to rely on my own two feet, a car, or even public transportation over putting my life in the hands of one stranger - one on one - with no witnesses. That may seem a bit over the top, but I’ve heard too many horror stories about taxi rides at different locations around the world to rest comfortably during even the shortest of rides.
Our imaginations may be getting the best of us most of the time, but we’d certainly hate to have a terrible taxi experience while attempting to enjoy a spectacular foreign vacation. Therefore, we recommend making alternative travel arrangements in the following areas!
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh is a friendly and laid back tourist destination, but hailing a taxi is an experience you won’t particularly enjoy. You won’t have as much trouble getting a taxi as you will getting rid of your driver once you reach your destination. Many drivers insist on becoming your personal tour guide, of course collecting fares for each destination they deliver you to along the way. Before you head to Cambodia ask your travel agent to recommend a few good transportation companies or you might want to try a rickshaw. You can easily hire a driver for an entire day for a minimal cost and without the scary stalker experience.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Imagine hopping into the back seat of your Indonesian taxi cab to head back to your hotel after a day of exploration to find yourself being mugged - not by a random thief, but by the taxi driver himself. Taxi drivers in Jakarta are known for leaning their seats back to pin you in the car while their partners jump in the other side to search your body for valuables and hidden money. No thanks!
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We thought big oil was bad in the US. In Kuala Lumpur most of the taxi companies are somehow affiliated with one politician or another, all of which are greedy, rude, or simply unethical. Even if you can get a taxi you won’t have the luxury of a working meter and there’s no guarantee you’ll make it out of the cab having paid a fair price. No use calling the authorities, either - they’re not usually around.
Mexico City, Mexico
Do not be fooled by the apparently popular fleet of green VW Beetles that masquerade as taxi cabs. Mexico City taxi drivers are famous for taking you not to your destination, but to the nearest ATM. Taxi thefts are so popular even the Department of State has issued a formal warning.
Bangkok, Thailand
It’s not that the taxis in Bangkok are unsafe. You probably won’t even get robbed like you would in many other areas. The problem is that the roads here are so congested with cars, buses, and bikes you’ll probably never make it from point A to point B within a reasonable amount of time. You’d probably get to your destination faster on foot, though the waterways traveling north and south are a viable alternative.
Moscow, Russia
There’s really no excuse for hailing a cab in Moscow. The city has such a well-mapped public transportation system, with both Russian and English signage, you shouldn’t need a cab. If, for some reason, you have no other alternative, make sure you are getting an authentic cab and not one run by a gypsy. They’ll take their time getting across town and their inability to speak English will make it difficult for you to haggle when they try to charge you an extraordinary rate.
Sao Paulo, Brazil
The city of Sao Paulo is three times as crowded as Los Angeles, so attempting to reach any sort of destination during peak travel hours will leave you with one vision - stopped traffic. There are plenty of taxi cabs available and they have a reputation for being safe, but you’ll be stuck in traffic for a very long time unless you travel early or late in the day. A fun alternative, if you can afford it, would be an ATM Helicopter ride.
Manila, Philippines
The taxi cabs in Manila have meters, but you’re going to have a problem getting your driver to turn his on. Instead he’s going to attempt to negotiate a flat fee to take you to your destination, and more often than not that flat fee is going to be unfair compared to what you would pay if he turned the meter on. Don’t even get in the cab unless the meter is turned on.
New York City, United States
New York City is famous for its taxi drivers, who are usually friendly and know the area well. Problems occur when you have to hail a taxi to take you from JFK Airport to - well - anywhere. The airport dumps traffic on to the Van Wyck Expressway which is a notoriously crowded six-mile stretch of road. The only upside is that all of the cabs leaving JFK charge a flat $45 rate so you won’t be penalized for sitting in traffic - and you will definitely sit in traffic.
As terrible as these taxi rides may seem, there are usually safe and pleasant alternatives. Most areas have legitimate taxi cab operations that you can make arrangements with before your trip even begins. In some countries you can hire a private car with a driver on a daily basis for less than it would cost to take a cab. No matter where you go, keep your eyes peeled and listen to your gut. If something doesn’t seem right, wait for the next cab and try again!
Where is the line between art and design? If “function” is the word that comes to mind then there are many works which fall somewhere in the gray area between extremes. Perhaps the most engaging works to exist on both sides are architectural and interior art installations - those works that are interactive and spatially complex but are still more about aesthetics and experience than a strict singular function.
The Dollhouse was once a modest two-story farmhouse, abandoned decades ago to the elements but left remarkably intact with furniture, furnishings and fixtures on the inside. One artist, however, envisioned a new function for this abandoned building - a hyperbolic showcase of interior space frozen in time.
What does one do to transform a bland space into something engaging for employees who toil in their offices day in and day out? One way to enliven a space is through art. This staged architectural explosion literally lights up the central courtyard of this office building but also provides something of visual interest from every possible angle.
There is no reason to let a soon-to-be-demolished building go to waste - at least that was the viewpoint of the artistic talent behind this exploding house art installation. More than merely something for spectators to gawk at, this design invites participation by allowing visitors to move through the vortex to the other side.
Regular readers may recognize the work of one Robbie Rowlands, an installation artist with a different way of looking at the world of architecture and urban design. His works literally (and otherwise) break down conventional aspects of buildings, pealing, bending, and twisting them in unique ways.
Walls are what hold a building together, define its spaces and are reliably located in conventional places throughout - particularly in traditional old buildings, right? This artist comes into existing architectural interiors and adds offbeat elements that turn conventional spaces into paradoxical interior designs.
As the previous example demonstrates, the starkness of contract between new elements an old spaces can have a profound aesthetic impact on the person experiencing a hybrid interior. These glowing arrows draw visitors into an old mansion and through it in ways that defy the traditional layout of the building interior.
This rain art installation project goes against two basic associations we have with rain: that it falls only on the outside of buildings and that it is always in motion and difficult to see while moving. By contrast, people can walk through this controlled space and see, feel and push each individual drop of rain.
Mütter Museum
