ellergy

THE AMAZING CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE

2012-01-18T23:07:00.000-08:00

Photos via Visboo

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a simple suspension bridge crossing the Capilano River in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The current bridge is 136 metres (446 ft) long and 70 metres (230 ft) above the river. It is part of a private facility, with a charge for admission, and draws over 800,000 visitors a year.

The bridge was originally built in 1889 by George Grant Mackay, a Scottish civil engineer and park commissioner for Vancouver. It was originally made of hemp ropes with a deck of cedar planks, and was replaced with a wire cable bridge in 1903. In 1910, Edward Mahon purchased the Capilano Suspension Bridge and then sold it to "Mac" MacEachran in 1935. MacEachran invited local natives to place their totem poles in the park, adding a native theme. In 1945, he sold the bridge to Henri Aubeneau. The bridge was completely rebuilt in 1956. In 1983 the park was sold to Nancy Stibbard, the current owner.

The bridge has been featured as a setting in episodes of several television series, including MacGyver, Sliders, The Crow: Stairway to Heaven, and Psych.

(via Wikipedia)

UNUSUAL ANIMAL FRIENDSHIPS

2012-01-04T04:24:00.000-08:00

Friends will be friends...

These are just some of the very unusual friendship between animals and just shows that friendship is not confined to any specie or race.

Tarra and Bella

The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee –Tarra the elephant had been best friends with a dog named Bella, a mutt who wandered onto the sanctuary grounds and into the heart of the gentle giant. Tarra clearly loved her little dog and Bella obviously bonded right back.

Unfortunately in November of 2011, sanctuary workers found Bella's body. By all indications she'd been attacked by coyotes. Whether Tarra witnessed it, tried to intervene or was too late - no one knows. All they do know is that where they found Bella is not where she was attacked. Read the full article here and here.

Suryia and Roscoe

One was an outgoing orangutan, the other an underfed stray dog, but since the moment they met, Suryia and Roscoe have been inseparable. These two met when Roscoe, a Bluetick Coonhound, followed Bhagavan Antle, the founder of The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S) in Myrtle Beach, S.C him, through one of the parks gates. As soon as Suryia the orangutan saw Roscoe, he ran over to him and started playing. After a few unsuccessful phone calls to find an owner, Antle decided to let Roscoe stay. Now, the pair has a ball frolicking around the park (via abc news).

For more pictures see the SkyNews gallery.

Owen and Mzee

In December 2004, a frightened young hippo, separated from his family by a devastating tsunami, bonded with an Aldabra tortoise named Mzee. The 130 year-old tortoise accepted Owen as his own, and an inseparable bond was forged (via OwenandMzee). Read more here.

Themba and Albert

Eight-month-old orphan elephant Themba, whose name means 'hope' in Xhosa, who has struck up a friendship with a sheep called Albert at the Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa.

Read more here.

Bea and Wilma... I'll stick my neck out for you anytime!

Something magical has brought Bea the giraffe and Wilma the ostrich together at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida. According to zookeepers, the two young creatures just can’t seem to get enough of each other. Bea, 3, and Wilma, 10, live on the 65-acre Serengeti Plain, an exhibit filled with giraffes, zebras, rhinos, African elephants and birds. Though most animals tend to hang out with their own species, Bea and Wilma – who were both born and raised on the theme park grounds – have reached out to each other (via JustOneMorePet).

Watch the video clip here.

Snowy and Gladys

Tiny chick Gladys was rescued by its owners and brought into the house. Snowy the cat took over the job of looking after the traumatised chicken and now the pair are inseparable (via the Telegraph).

Brock and Bumble Bee

Orphaned cubs Brock the otter and Bumble Bee the badger have formed an unlikely friendship at the Secret World Wildlife Centre in Somerset (via VirginMedia).

Falstaff and Chino

This is the story of a fish named Falstaff and Chino, the dog who loved him. The two met three years ago, when Chino’s owners, Dan and Mary Heath, traded Portland for Medford and a house with a backyard pond.

Falstaff, a 15-inch orange-and-black koi, lived in the pond. Chino, a 9-year-old golden retriever, did not. But every day, Chino would pad out to the pond and peer into the water, waiting for Falstaff to appear. Falstaff would swim to the surface, offering what seemed like a finny greeting. Together, the inter-species pals forged a strong bond. Read more here.

Aochan and Gohan

When the snake keeper at the Tokyo Kingdom Zoo put a hamster in a rat snake's cage, he didn't expect the two animals to be become friends. But the odd couple are roommates, living together in a heated glass box. Read more here.

Finchen and Rabbit

In May 2005, a lactating doe was severely injured in a car crash and died shortly afterwards. Walkers found the orphaned fawn a few hours later and brought it in for bottle-feeding to make sure it survived.

The fawn was given the name Finchen and lived in a garden at the edge of the small village. Finchen was growing and developing very well, but was probably lonely without other deer around.

One day, a wild rabbit showed up and stayed near the fawn. At first, the two were only observed together at dusk or at night. They always grazed in the same corner of the garden, but kept a certain distance from one another

After a few days, the distance between the two animals became increasingly smaller and soon the two also were seen together in the daytime. After another week, Finchen and her wild rabbit were inseparable (via preposterousornot).

Billy and Lilly

A paternal dog has adopted an abandoned baby goat as his surrogate child. Billy the boxer has become the constant companion of the 12-day old kid called Lilly. He sleeps with the goat, licks her clean, and protects her from any dangers at Pennywell Farm wildlife centre at Buckfastleigh, near Totnes, Devon (via).

Cashew and Lilly

Cashew, the 14-year-old lab is blind and deaf. Her best friend is 7-year-old Libby, her seeing-eye cat. Libby steers Cashew away from obstacles and leads her to food. Every night she sleeps next to her. The only time they are apart is when Cashew goes for a walk. Without this cat, Cashew would be lost and very, very lonely (via).

Baloo, Shere Khan and Leo

All three were rescued as two month old cubs during police drug raids in Atlanta, Georgia. They were meant to spend their lives as status symbols for drug barons, but instead got a new chance in an animal rescue center in Locust Grove, Georgia, where they decided to keep them together.

BLT, as zoo keepers call the strange group, are now 8-year-olds living in a spacious custom made habitat as siblings. Baloo and Shere Khan are early risers that like to lounge in a creek, whilst Leo sleeps most of the day – and visitors are able to witness how this unusual family functions. Read the full article here.

CALIFORNIA BOAT HOUSES

2011-09-15T00:06:00.000-07:00

"Although technically a block away from the beach and not right on it, these boat houses in Encinitas, California certainly embody the beach culture. Plus, the story behind how they got there is pretty interesting in itself. Entrepreneur and businessman Miles Minor Kellogg was ahead of his time in the 1910s and 1920s, building structures from recycled and reclaimed materials. After building a small silent movie theatre from the discarded top story of a hotel, Kellogg set his sights on building a home from reclaimed material. Since he’d always had an interest in boats, they became the focus of his project. He and his son, Miles Justin Kellogg, worked on the houses together until they were completed in the late 1920s. Both houses are 15 feet tall and 20 feet long with a total space of 2,190 square feet. Each home has ship-like features such as plaster hulls with 19 portholes, two decks, large flat-roofed pilothouses (these are the bedrooms), a galley, dining and living rooms and a bathroom below deck. Recently, the Encinitas Preservation Society purchased the property; they are currently renting them out as apartments in order to raise funds to turn one into a museum" (Gizfactory)

A GREAT DAY FOR FISHING!

2011-09-14T23:23:00.000-07:00

O Deer!

I've heard of salmon jumping into boats but... Four deer were pulled from the icy waters of Stephens Passage, Alaska by a group of locals on Tom Satre's 62-foot charter vessel. Four juvenile Sitka black-tailed deer swam directly toward the boat.

Once the deer reached the boat, the four began to circle the boat, looking directly at the humans on board. Clearly, the bucks were distressed. With help, the typically skittish and absolutely wild animals came willingly onto the boat. Once onboard, they collapsed with exhaustion, shivering.

Here the rescued bucks rest on the back of Tom Satre's boat, the Alaska Quest. All four deer were transported to Taku Harbour . Once the group reached the dock, the first buck that had been pulled from the water hopped onto the dock, looked back, then leapt into the harbour, swam to shore, and disappeared into the forest. After a bit of prodding and assistance from the humans, two others followed suit, but one deer needed more help.

Tom, Anna and Tim Satre help the last of the "button" bucks to its feet. They did not know how long the deer had been in the icy waters or if there had been others who did not survive. The good Samaritans (humans) describe their experience as "one of those defining moments in life." I'm sure it was for the deer as well!

UNUSUAL HOTEL #4: Kenya's Magnificent Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge

2011-06-28T02:23:00.000-07:00

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UNUSUAL HOTEL #3: Kenya's Amazing Giraffe Manor

2011-06-28T02:06:00.000-07:00

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A manor of fact

Giraffe Manor in the Lang'ata suburb of Nairobi, Kenya is famous for much more than their highly trained and friendly staff, breathtaking surroundings and amazing cuisine. What keeps this hotel at its peak is the 20 feet tall locals who frequently pops in, whether out of curiosity or to mingle with the guest. Travelers all over the globe make The Giraffe Manor part of their Kenya safari holiday – the only place in the world where you can enjoy the company of a herd of endangered Rothschild's giraffe while feasting on a superb meal. What makes the experience even more memorable is that visitors are encourage to engage with the giraffes by touching, feeding and photographing them. Besides the dinner table they also like to pop in through the front door or your bedroom window.

The Rothschild Giraffe is among the most endangered giraffe subspecies with only a few hundred members in the wild. In comparison to other species of giraffe, The Rothschild Giraffe is paler in colour, have less jagged orange-brown patches and has no markings on the lower leg. The hotel itself was originally a hunting lodge built on a giraffe sanctuary by Sir David Duncan in 1932 and was turned into a hotel by new owners Betty and Jock Leslie-Melville in 1983.

The Leslie-Melvilles realised that their estate may be the only habitat left for The Rothschild Giraffe due to a compulsory purchase by the Kenyan government of an 18,000-acre (73 km2) privately owned ranch, resulting in the land being sub-divided into smallholdings, and the giraffes being slaughtered. Since then the Manor, in conjunction with Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire, England, has run a breeding programme to reintroduce the Rothschild giraffe into the wild and expanding the gene pool. Today Giraffe Manor is also home to many characters including warthogs, bushbuck, dik dik and more than 180 species of birds and has a striking view of the Ngong hills. For more information visit www.giraffemanor.com.

MOST RIDICULOUS MOVIE MONSTERS EVER

2011-03-30T23:44:00.000-07:00

Death Bed: The Bed That Eats
A movie about a flesh-eating bed.

Black Sheep
A movie about killer sheep in New Zealand.

Slugs: The Movie
A movie about killer slugs.

The Mangler
A movie about a killer laundry folding machine, fueled by virgin-blood.

The Stuff
A movie about strange yummy goo that erupts from earth. The goo tastes good but turns out to be deadly...

Shakma
A movie about a killer baboon driven mad by experimental injections.

The Blob
A movie about a giant amoeba-like creature that likes to eat humans.

Frogs
Giant Frogs? Who would have thought?

Night of the Lepus
4 Words: Giant carnivorous mutant bunnies.

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!
Once again...need I say more?

The Gingerdead Man
The ashes from an executed killer are mixed into some cookie dough and naturally the killer comes back as a giant knife wielding murdering Ginger Bread Man.

Rubber
When Robert, an inanimate tire, discovers his destructive telepathic powers, he soon sets his sights on a desert town.

Monsturd

25 INCREDIBLE INFINITY POOLS

2011-03-04T00:02:00.000-08:00

1. Golden Triangle Resort - Chiang Rai, Thailand

2. Murni's Villa - Ubud, Bali

3. Lake Manyara Serena Lodge - Tanzania, Africa

4. Kandalama Hotel - Dambulla, Sri Lanka

5. Tuscany, Italy

6. Tat Kuang Si Waterfall - Luang Prabang, Laos (natural)

7. Alila Ubud Hotel - Bali, Indonesia

8. Sheraton Waikiki - Hawaii

9. Hotel Villa Mahal - Turkey

10. Rangali Island - Maldives

11. Kempinski Hotel Ishtar - Dead Sea, Jorda

12. Divi Little Bay Beach Resort - St. Maarten

13. Phuket, Thailand

14. Los Cabos, Mexico

15. North Narrabeen Tidal Pool - Sydney, Australia (natural)

16. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

17. Intercontinental Hotel - Fiji

18. Dreams Resort - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

19. Unknown

20. Turkey

21. Mes Amis Resort

22. Ubud Hanging Gardens - Bali, Indonesia

23. Infinity Falls (natural)

24. Unknown

25. Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino - Singapore

YOSEMITE'S FIRE FALL

2011-02-24T21:51:00.000-08:00

The waterfall on the rock El Captain in the Yosemite National Park, USA, seems to be 'on fire' when sunlight hits it at specific angle.

This happens only in 2 weeks at the end of February.

Some photographers may have to wait several years before capturing the
fire fall on film as shown in the following pictures

UNUSUAL HOTEL #2: The Quaker Inn Hotel, Ohio, USA

2011-02-14T22:12:00.000-08:00

Silo night...

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The Quaker Square Inn in Akron, Ohio was originally a set of grain silos. Dating back from the 19th century, the silos are 36.5 meters in height and once held 1.5 million bushels of the Quaker Oats Co.'s inventory (via).

Each room conforms perfectly to the round shape of the silo and is decorated with traditional furnishings. The hotel is sitsuated just 4o minutes from the worlds largest Amish community.

Official website

SHIP DESIGNED TO LOOK AS IF IT IS SINKING

2011-01-25T01:12:00.000-08:00

The Love Love was built to look as if it is sinking

French artist Julien Berthier has designed a fully functional boat to look as if it is sinking. The 6.5m (21ft) yacht was cut in half with a new keel and motor added so it remains in the sinking position while being fully functional. He describes it as "the permanent and mobile image of a wrecked ship that has become a functional and safe leisure object."

Berthier has taken the boat (or should I say half-a-boat) across the English Channel to London and has toured it around Europe, getting plenty of offers of assistance from unwitting good Samaritans, who would presumably be either very annoyed or rather bemused by the contraption. The designer and artist designed and built the floating installation in 2007. He named his creation Love Love.

SOME OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST/TALLEST TREES

2011-01-24T23:46:00.000-08:00

General Sherman, Kings Canyon National Park, USA

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General Sherman is the name of a extremely huge Giant Sequoias tree in the Sequoia National Park. The tree is 83.8 m high and weights over 6000 tons. General Sherman is approximately 2,200 years old.

Hyperion, Redwood National Park, USA

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The Hyperion, a Coast Redwood in Northern California, at 115.5 m tall is the tallest tree in the world, but not the largest.

Lost Monarch, Grove of Titans, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, USA

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The Lost Monarch, also a Coast Redwood, is measured at 7.6 meters in diameter and 98 in height. Some biologists believes that the Lost Monarch is the largest single-stem tree in the world. The Lost Monarch Tree was discovered in 1998 and is located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. The exact location has not been revealed to the public out of concern that excessive human foot traffic may upset that ecosystem.

Arbol del Tule, Oaxaca, Mexico

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Santa Maria del Tule is a small town in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico with its famous Arbol del Tule (tree of Tule), a ancient Cypress tree, in the chuchyard. The tree is between 2000 and 3000 years old and is approx 48 m in diameter. Arbol del Tule is Mexico's most famous tree, and some say the world's largest single biomass.

The Sunland Baobab of Limpopo, South Africa

This giant and ancient baobab at the Sunland Nursery, between Duiwelskloof and Ga-Kgapane, is the biggest specimen in the world. It has a circumference of 46,8m and carbon dating has determined its age at an astronomical 6000 years.

See THE WORLD'S ONLY 'TREE BAR'

UNBELIEVABLE SAND ART

2011-01-18T01:52:00.000-08:00

In the Tibetan Gaden Shartse Monastery, located in India, four of the seven Tibetan monks make traditional sand paintings that are known as a sand mandala. This is a way for the monks to raise money to educate the locals about their monastery and Tibetan and Buddhist cultures. You must definitely have a steady hand for this kind of job (via).

UNUSUAL HOTEL #1: The Cap Rocat Boutique Hotel, Spain

2011-01-04T23:12:00.000-08:00

From rags to riches

Once a 19th-century military fortress, the classic structure situated off the southeast coast of Spain, was recently transformed by Spanish architect Antonio Obrador into a beautiful, adult-only luxury hotel. This hotel, named the Cap Rocat boutique hotel is a stunning example of historic adaptive reuse.

The hotel features 24 luxury bedrooms, open air terraces, patio's and restaurants and has a private coastline of more than 2 km. The hotels also boasts a natural salt water swimming pool and also highlights some of the original defensive strategies, like a drawbridge, bunkers, and trenches that you can explore on your holiday.

Read more

ERITREA'S DEBRE BIZEN MONASTERY

2010-12-13T00:10:00.000-08:00

Debre Bizen is the best-known monastery of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church, located at the top of the Debre Bizen mountain near the town of Nefasit. Debre Bizen was founded in the 1350's by Abba Filiposwho was a student of Abba Absadi.

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Pictured above is the dwellings of monks perched on the mountain of Debre Bizen

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Pictured above is the misty path leading to the monastery.

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Pictured above is a small winding street in the monastery compound.

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Pictured above is one of the storage towers of the monastery.

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THE FANTASTIC PIT IN ELLISONS CAVE

2010-12-12T22:25:00.000-08:00

The Fantastic Pit in Georgia's Ellisons Cave is 586' deep (179 m), which is the deepest known cave pit in the United States. This pit is big enough to hold the Washington Monument.

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FRUIT FOR THOUGHT: The Brazilian Grape Tree

2010-12-07T23:17:00.000-08:00

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The Jabuticaba, also known as the Brazilian Grape Tree is a unique fruit-bearing tree native to Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. The tree has purple fruit similar to plums that develops, not at the end of smaller branches, but straight from the trunk of the tree, a truly peculiar sight. Each fruit is about 3-4 cm in diameter, contains four seeds and has sweet rose-coloured flesh. Because the fruit ferment quickly – about three to four days after being picked – it is most often eaten raw, but is also used for making liqueurs, strong wines, baked products and jams.

The tree has evolved its unique fruit-bearing manner to enable animals that can’t climb trees, to access the succulent fruit. In return it ensures that the seeds get scattered via animal droppings over a wide stretch of forest. The fruit are known to have various medicinal uses such as aiding in the treatment of tonsillitis, asthma and diarrhea, compounds of the fruits are also used in the battle against cancer. The Brazilian Grape Tree is yet another example of how beautifully quirky mother nature can be, and how much we still have to learn.

AWESOME PHILIP TREACY HATS

2010-12-06T01:39:00.000-08:00

Philip Treacy's work is clearly part of the fashion world, but his 'unlikely' sculptures crosses the boundary into visual art. Born in County Galway, Ireland, Philip Treacy studied fashion design in Dublin before winning a place at the Royal College of Art.

Here are some of my favourite Philip Treacy 'head art'.

THE FAST WAY TO MAKE BRICK ROADS

2010-12-06T01:31:00.000-08:00

The Tiger-Stone is a six meter wide machine that easily creates brick roads. This is another machine that replaces human labour. I still think it is very impressive.

WHEN A SEA DISAPPEARS...

2010-11-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

The Aral Sea was once the world's fourth-largest saline body of water. It has been steadily shrinking since the 1960s, after the rivers that fed it were diverted by Soviet Union irrigation projects. And now it's gone leaving a dessert full of old shipwrecks.

COLOURFUL & UNIQUE-SHAPED SPIDERS

2010-11-04T02:12:00.000-07:00

There are about 40,000 known species of spiders in the world and a lot more are waiting to be discovered. With this very large number, there’s no doubt that spiders are amongst the most popular insects in the world.

The Horned Spider (Gasteracantha arcuata)

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Horned spiders, also known as curved spiny spiders or wishbone spiders, belong to the spiny orb-weaver family of spiders. They are native to southeast Asia, however, they are a rare sight. Presumably the horns and spines that these spiders possess make it harder for birds and other predators to swallow them. They are sexually dimorphic, the males are much smaller and lack the giant horns.

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The Arrow-shaped Micrathena Spider (Micrathena sagittata)

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The Arrow-shaped Micrathena spider is found in the eastern United States and throughout Central Amrica. The female has spiney ridges that is said to ward off predators. Males do not have spines and are mostly black with white edges. This is a striking spider with a distinctive arrow-shaped abdomen which is largely yellow, with black depressions above and variable red and black patterning. This species forms orb webs that are low to the ground in both open and dense woods. Spiral strands allow the spider to tread easily on its web.

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The Venusta Orchard Spider (Leucauge)

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The Venusta Orchard spider, whose Latin name venusta means beautiful, is a small (7mm) orb weaver spider that has bright green and silvery-white markings on its body. Some specimens have yellow, orange, or reddish markings. Males are half the size of females. They are known to carry their egg-shaped abdomens proudly in the air.

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The Jumping Peacock Spider (Maratus volans)

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Jumping spiders are often very colourful spiders. The Jumping Peacock spider is not an exception. Male spiders have an iridescent colouring of red, green and blue. Females and the immatures of both sexes are dull, brown drab coloured creatures. Mature spiders are small with a length of between 4 and 5 mm. The male spider has two rounded skin-like flaps on either side of his abdomen that are folded down close against the sides of the body, like a shawl, when not in use. The flaps are used for courtship, he then displays them similar to a peacocks feathers. The spider can be found in Queensland and New South Wales.

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The Marbled Orb Weaver (Araneidae)

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The unique 'marbling' pattern of colors on the abdomen, the orange head and black and white legs make this spider visually stunning. Females are twice the size of males and generally stay hidden at the web's perimeter in a mess of leaves. This spider has many color varieties. Other color varieties include one that is very pale tan or yellow, sometimes with a black spot in the middle of the abdomen.They can be found all over North America.

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Ladybird Spider (Eresus sandaliatus)

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The numbers of the Ladybird spider had shrunk to just 56 in 1994 but now there are about 1,000 in an area of managed heathland in Dorset. The males have a bright orange or vermilion back with four large black spots and two smaller ones, and superficially resemble a ladybird. Females and juvenile males are black and velvety. The attractive ladybird spider is one of the rarest in the UK. Both sexes and immature individuals have obvious large bulbous heads.

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SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST UNIQUE RIVERS

2010-10-20T00:16:00.000-07:00

1. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Phillipines

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (aka St. Paul Underground River) and its surroundings form the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The park is located about 50 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. The river flows underground before emerging into the South China Sea. It is the world’s longest navigable underground river. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the 28 finalists for the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” competition. The site contains a full mountain-to-the-sea ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia. It was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site on December 4, 1999.

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2. Rio Tinto, Spain

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The Rio Tinto, originating in the Sierra Morena mountains of Andalusia, Spain, has an unusual blood red hue due to its high iron content. The site along the river has been mined for copper, silver, gold and other metals for over 5 000 years. However strangely beautiful it may be, this river is actually an environmental disaster due to its heavy metal contamination. This river has gained recent scientific interest due to the presence of extremophile aerobic bacteria that dwell in the water. The rocks on the river bed contain iron and sulfide minerals on which the bacteria feed. Scientists compares the extreme chemistry of the river to the liquid water found on Mars.

3. The Caristales River, Columbia, South America

The Caristales, which is located near the town of La Macarena in Colombia, is world famous for its colourful display and have been called the most beautiful river in the world. During Columbia’s wet season the river flows fast preventing the mosses and algae on the surface from receiving the necessary sun to flourish. During the dry season there is not enough water to support the variety of life in the river. However, there is a brief time span, between the wet and dry season, when the water level and consistency is just right, that the algae and moss in the river bloom in a dazzling display of colours. Blotches of amarillo, blue, green, black and red – and a thousand shades in between – coat the river. The part of the river where the coloration occur is quite isolated and only accessible by plane.

See The World's most colourful river

4. The Yarlung Tsangpo River, Tibet, China

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The Magnificent Yarlung Zangbo River, known as the roof of the world, is the highest major river in the world, with an average elevation of about 4000 meters. The Yarlung Tsangpo River originates from a glacier on the northern side of the middle Himalayas, over 5,300 meters above sea level. It runs across the south of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from west to east, through India and Bengal, and finally flows into the Bay of Bengal. Since the 1990s the Yarlung Zangbo River has been the destination for a number of people that engage in exploration and whitewater kayaking. The river has been called the “Everest of Rivers” because of the extreme conditions of the river.

5. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona, USA

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Arizona’s Horseshoe Bend, a meander of the Colorado River is situated slightly downstream from Lake Powell within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. From the steep cliff above, some 305 metres higher up, it makes a breathtaking sight.

AWESOME UNDERWATER SCOOTERS

2010-10-19T02:07:00.000-07:00

Travel underwater on the award winning HydroBob – It maneuvers effortlessly where you want to go, without any gear in your face and it allows for over 180 degrees of clear view in every direction. Described as an underwater scooter, the HydroBob is a 'Breathing Observation Bubble' designed to allow non-divers the opportunity to enjoy the full experience of life underwater. There is no need for lengthy and expensive dive courses, just a 10 minute briefing and you're ready to go. You don't even need to know how to swim. Pop your head into the bubble, settle down onto the seat, squeeze the trigger and away you go.

MONKEY ADOPTS KITTEN

2010-10-15T02:24:00.000-07:00

Bali, Indonesia – A long tailed macaque monkey adopts a kitten. A young long tailed macaque monkey has been spotted in a forest protectively nuzzling and grooming a ginger kitten and making sure no harm came to it. The extraordinary sight was captured by amateur photographer Anne Young while on holiday at the Monkey Forest Park, in the Ubud region of Bali, Indonesia.

During the remarkable moments the monkey would become agitated if Anne ventured too near to take pictures and at one point used a huge leaf to try and cover the kitten from view. The monkey was even wary of other macaques and would not allow other young males to get too close. Throughout the session the kitten enjoyed the attention being lavished on it by its protective carer and made no effort to leave. It is not known how the cat came to be in the company of the macaques.

The reserve is inhabited by about 340 monkeys in four groups. It is considered sacred by locals and visited by about 10,000 tourists each month.

INCREDIBLE CATERPILLAR CONVOY

2010-10-15T01:52:00.000-07:00

This is the moment a group of tiny caterpillars formed an incredible 17ft long convoy to cross a road. Some 136 caterpillars made the single line and wriggled top-to-toe across the road, linked by a thin silk thread which set their path. Their safety-in-numbers approach had the desired effect as the slow-moving convoy was easily seen by motorists, who were held up for 20 minutes as it made its way across.

The spectacle was captured on camera by British tourist Jamie Rooney, who was visiting the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa. Rooney stated that they were out on a safari, when all of a sudden the driver shouted out and slammed on his brakes. Luckily he managed to stop just in time.

This amazing trail of caterpillars, was stretching across the road. The guide had never seen it before and explained it as being similar to the migration of bigger game like wildebeest but just on a tiny scale. When the catepillars reach their destination – most possibly the bushes on the other side of the road – they would pupate and turn into butterflies.

Conservation is a massive deal in South Africa and you should stop for any living creature crossing the road.

FISH WITH HUMAN-LIKE TEETH

2010-10-14T05:21:00.000-07:00

Pacu fish, cousins to the piranha and known as "frugivores," have human-like teeth that can crack nuts and fruits. Pacu and piranha – both native from South – have similar teeth, although the difference is jaw alignments; piranha have pointed, razor-sharp teeth in a pronounced underbite, whereas pacu have squarer, straighter teeth in a less severe underbite. Pacu, a safer alternative to meat-eating piranhas, is a popular aquarium fish world-wide (via).

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS OF DIGA DEL CINGINO

2010-10-06T03:50:00.000-07:00

These pictures shows Alpine Ibex mountain goats at the Diga del Cingino dam in Italy, licking the minerals off the dam wall.

THE WORLD'S MOST COLOURFUL RIVER

2010-09-29T04:09:00.000-07:00

The river shown in the photographs above is the Caristales, which is located near the town of La Macarena in Colombia, South America. The river, world famous for its colorful display, has been called ‘the river that ran away to paradise’, ‘the most beautiful river in the world’ and ‘the river of five colors.’

During Colombia’s wet season, the water flows fast and deep, obscuring the bottom of the river and denying the mosses and algae the sun that they need. During the dry season there is not enough water to support the dazzling array of life in the river. But during a brief span between the wet and dry seasons, when the water level is just right, the many varieties of algae and moss bloom in a dazzling display of colours. Blotches of amarillo, blue, green, black and red – and a thousand shades in between – coat the river.

The part of the river where the colourful blooms occur is quite isolated and is not accessible by road. Adventurous tourists can now fly into La Macarena and then make their way to to the river site on foot as part of guided tours. The site was effectively closed to tourists for several years because of guerrilla activity in the region along with concerns about the impact of unregulated tourist traffic. However, the site was reopened to visitors in 2009.

GOING UP? OLD WATER TOWERS CONVERTED INTO MODERN HOMES

2010-09-16T23:48:00.000-07:00

Chateau d'eau

Built to last, the original 7-story water tower was constructed nearly seven decades ago in Belgium and turned out to be the perfect basis for an amazing home! It was the task of Bham Design Studio to bring this old tower back to life.

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The house embodies a complex system of stairs leading all the way to the seventh floor loft that offers a panorama view of the sky and surroundings. The first story has double garage and an main entrance, the second level is a storage zone, the third and fourth are work and meeting areas, the fifth has a master bedroom with a spiral staircase that leads up to the kitchen, living and diningroom.

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'The preservation of existing concrete elements such as the main water conduct, concrete ceilings, concrete stairs and the 250.000 liters concrete water basin were essential to preserve the strong identity of the building (via).'

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Click here to see more.

Jaegersborg Water Tower

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This water tower in Copenhagen, Denmark was converted into a multi-use building by Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter Aps. On the upper floors, student housing units mark the perimeter of the existing structure. Each unit has a a protruding crystal-like add-on that brings daylight into the apartment and offers unobstructed views to the surrounding landscape. The lower floors embodies a youth center, and contain several large multipurpose rooms. Large garage-style doors on the ground floor open up to extend the active indoor space into the outdoor playground.

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Click here to see more.

Watertower of Living

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Zecc Architects converted this concrete water tower – which dates from 1931 – in the Netherlands, into a modern nine-stories home.

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The aesthetic appeal to the building was due to maintaining the interior's industrial characteristics by working with materials like steel, concrete and glass. Inside the tower, several small, round rooms lay on top of one another, while preserving the tower's spaciousness.

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Sky-High House

This actually was a water tower that was originally designed to look like a house on top. After the water tower was decommissioned as such nearly a century later the top part was converted into an actual house – though it always looked like one

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Umbau Wasserturm

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Essen-Bredeney in Germany, home of an untouched watertower protected by Germany's historic building and culturally significant landscape protection, recently became a imaginative space for living and working. Architects from the Madako group have transformed this historic water tower into an eight-story, multi-use building. The ground level space serves as an office and the lofty top level unit offers conference space with views of the surrounding natural landscape.

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Lymm Water Tower House

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Lymm Water tower house is an awesome and unique family house, designed by Ellis William Architects, it has a stunning design for the interior and exterior, a perfect combination of form and function. The Harris family commissioned EWA to convert a derelict water tower into a contemporary family home. The product was a minimalist interjection within the former tower and a circular extension housing the main living spaces (via).

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Moereels House

Moereels House, located in Brasschaat, Belgium designed by architect Jo Crepain of Crepain Binst Architecture, represents a wonderful use of the existing to create something new, unique and totally modern. The original concrete tower has an authentic, industrial look.

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On the ground floor is a six meter high volume dropped around the four feet of the tower. Industrial u-glass covers three sides of the tower and clear glass with small balconies on the south side. Steel stairways connect the different levels inside the tower. At night fluorescent lamps behind the glass light the water tower in the forest of Brasschaat, Belgium (via).

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Pasadena Water Tower

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This exceptionally unique home was converted from a water tower to a residence in 1924. Architect Frederick Roehrig designed this property to match the adjacent mansion. Tree-top and city views are included in the 360 degree view from the top floor and other floors. Its located on a woodsy lot. The house is currently on sale.

Click here to see more.

Victorian Water Tower Home

Robert Williams has converted the former Victorian water tower in Staffordshire into a home for himself, his wife Becky and son Luke, 14. They have to climb 157 steps to get to it but the stunning 360-degree panorama of moorlands from the top is worth the effort. They can see the town of Leek nestling to the north and, beyond it, sheer crags known as The Roaches.

Click here to see more.

EVER SEEN A LAVENDER FARM?

2010-09-14T01:12:00.000-07:00

'The lavenders (Lavandula) are a genus of 39 species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. An Old World genus, distributed from Macaronesia (Cape Verde and Canary Islands and Madeira) across Africa, the Mediterranean, South-West Asia, Arabia, Western Iran and South-East India. It is thought the genus originated in Asia but is most diversified in its western distribution.

The genus includes annuals, herbaceous plants, subshrubs, and small shrubs. The native range extends across the Canary Islands, North and East Africa, Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, Arabia and India. Because the cultivated forms are planted in gardens worldwide, they are occasionally found growing wild as garden escapees, well beyond their natural range. However, since lavender cross-pollinates easily, there are countless variations within the species. The color of the flowers of some forms has come to be called lavender' (via).

Here are some beautiful photographs of Lavender farms.

BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS OF THE NETHERLANDS' TULIP FARMS

2010-09-14T00:50:00.000-07:00

At first glance, it looks like a giant child armed with a box of crayons has been set loose upon the landscape. Vivid stripes of purple, yellow, red, pink, orange and green make up a glorious Technicolor patchwork. Yet far from being a child’s sketchbook, this is, in fact, the northern Netherlands in the middle of the tulip season. With more than 10,000 hectares devoted to the cultivation of these delicate flowers, the Dutch landscape in May is a kaleidoscope of giddy colors as the tulips burst into life. The bulbs were planted in late October and early November, and these colorful creations are now ready to be picked and sold as bunches of cut flowers in florists and supermarkets. More than three billion tulips are grown each year and two-thirds of the vibrant blooms are exported, mostly to the U.S. and Germany.

Their dazzling colors are thanks to the years in the 17th century when Tulip mania swept the globe and the most eye-catching specimens changed hands for a small fortune. But like a rainbow, this colorful landscape is a short-lived phenomenon. When the flowers are gone, the land will be cultivated for a rather more mundane crop of vegetables. The Netherlands produce more than nine million bulbs a year.

THE WORLD'S SMALLEST FROG DISCOVERED IN BORNEO

2010-08-26T23:20:00.000-07:00

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A new species of micro-frog, dubbed Microhyla nepenthicola, were discovered in Borneo – the tiny amphibians only grows to the size of a pea. Newslite states that 'while specimens are already held by many museums around the world, they have previously been misidentified as juveniles of other species' and that they were so small that the frogs were only found when researchers heard their "harsh rasping note" call at sundown.

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The miniature frog species Microhyla nepenthicola uses Bornean pitcher plants for breeding.

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The miniature tadpoles within a pitcher of the Bornean pitcher plant.

COOL STUFF MADE OUT OF RECYCLED PAPER

2010-08-22T23:09:00.000-07:00

Pencils:

These pencils from TreeSmart are made out of recycled newspapers and are available from Abe's Market.

'Pencils aren't as earth-friendly as we would like to think. In fact, parents might be shocked to find out that the yellow pencils they grew up using are made out of the 4 billion trees cut down worldwide for paper industries -- which leads to deforestation and habitat loss.

They are also harmful because they are processed with toxic chemicals in factories which pollutes our air.'

Beads:

See how to make your own beads out of recycled newspaper here

Yarn:

With enough time, patience, and newspapers you can create newspaper yarn. Newspaper yarn can be woven into varying degrees of complexity to construct anything from curtains, to rugs, netting throws, or even upholstery.

USB stick:

This origami USB stick 'Boardy' are made with with recycle paper.

Coasters:

These recycled newspaper coasters are made by woman in the Phillipines, read more here.

Handbag:

This unique woven recycled newspaper handbag is available here.

Shoes:

'Designer Colin Lin hit upon a very exciting idea by using recycled newspaper to create an environmentally friendly ballet flat. These adorable flats are crafted from recycled Chinese language newspapers that are woven into a lattice pattern, then dipped in plastic for weather protection and durability (via).'

Universal World House:

This remarkable prefabricated house is made from recycled paper and can be built for less than $5000. 'The Universal World House is light, cheap, well-insulated, and remarkably strong, making it an incredible asset to developing countries, the homeless, and those displaced by disasters.'

20 MORE UNIQUE BATHTUBS

2010-08-19T01:12:00.000-07:00

1. The Red Diamond bathtub

This unique and very luxurious – one of the most expensive tub in the world – by Water Games Technologies was designed by Aldo Pulielli and can comfortably accommodate two people. The bathtub features: a waterproof HDTV on a mobile console that disappears when not in use by pressing a button, a champagne holder encrusted with swarovski crystals, multicolor lightning, a massager, a self extracting hand-held shower unit, an automatic disinfectant system, electronic controls that automatically fill the tub with just the right temperature water and to top it all, a GSM module that lets you control the tub from a distance, it can be filled while your stuck in traffic so that you have the bath ready to relax in when you get home (via).

2. The Sigma Whirlpool bathtub

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This extravagant tub by Jacuzzi Morphosis is loades with features 'rotating microjets providing you soothing back massages, classic jacuzzi whirlpool massage with electronic adjustments, stereo radio with sharp loudspeakers, remote control to adjusts the massage cycles, not to forget the stunning shape of the tub itself. Lights are perfectly placed in the tub with a programmable cycle to add to its mystic look. The stunning arch above the bathtub gives you a feeling of being treated royally' (via). 'It also includes a sanitizing system function, as well as a Cromodream one, the induction charged remote control allowing you to choose your favorite chromotherapy cycle and select amongst 7 different intensities for your whirlpool massage that includes hydromassage, hydrotherapy, and chromotherapy (via).

3. Energy Balance Cocoon bathtub

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This is your personal spa in the comfort of your own home. 'For those who are inseparable with
their iPods, Jacuzzi offers a tub that allows you carry it along while enjoying a hydrotherapeutic session in your mini spa at home. Jacuzzi extends its hot tub line with their new J400 collection that features new Aqua Sound Audio System with iPod docking station besides the illuminated jets, elevated waterfall, various massage therapies, CD player, AM-FM radio, 4 waterproof micro-speakers, floating remote control and MP3 jack with stereo option. For luxury comfort it includes adjustable pillows, water fall and Illuminated IX jet spa (via).'

4. The Inside bathtub

The Inside bathtub – with its modern eclipse shape made to stand in the center of the room – by Gruppo Treesse was designed by Fabrizio Batoni and has a variety of unique features: A waterfall faucet, soft cushions, lift up panels to hide the hardware, hydrotherapy, chromotherapy, an air jet system and a MP3 player.

5. The GEN X bathtub

This asymmetrical walk-in corner tub, also by Gruppo Treesse, is multi-functional to accommodate different user types. The tub has a transparent acrylic door in one corner that opens inwards to safe space in the bathroom. It also features a hydromassage blower, color therapy, heater, light, radio and a force drain system that allows the tub to empty quickly.

6. The Sub-Tub Whirlpool Bath & Washbasin unit

'Although it may seem that the trend in bathrooms is toward bigger, even the most cramped bathrooms can be given the most luxurious makeover. This is precisely what the Sub-Tub Whirlpool Bath & Washbasin Unit aims to achieve with its innovative design that incorporates a damping device allowing easy rising and lowering of the washbasin unit. Featuring a bathtub under its washbasin along with an OLED Screen, featuring whatever image the user uploads. While you might be cozy and intimate with your small bath space, we are sure that the Sub-Tub would be a great retreat when it comes into production (via).'

7. Illuminated Hi Density Polyethylene baths

These Hi Density Polyethylene tubs are available in white, orange, green, pink or red and are each fitted with with an LED-light-device, programmed in time, intensity and color.

8. The Glass bathtub

This bathtub by Wasauna is ultra-luxurious, features a well-crafted faucet stand with a hand-held shower nozzle. Definitely a jewel for any bathroom.

9. The Hot-Rod bathtub

Tetsuya Nakamura created this unique bath – as part of her premium series – from fiber-reinforced plastic. She painted it with colorful, fluid patterns to evoke a sense of speed.

10. The Amaltea bathtub

This classic opulent bathtub by Baldi is a stand-alone tub made of amethyst, one of the most precious stones and is based on a stand with golden accents to add to the grandeur.

11. The Rock Crystal bathtub

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This is another decadent bathtub by Baldi. It is made from a single giant quartz rock crystal, and took 6 months to complete.

12. Japanese 'Ofuru' tubs

'The ofuro has been used by the Japanese for centuries to alleviate both physical and spiritual maladies. This ancient technique of immersion in hot water takes away tensions and stress, soothes muscular pains, and stimulates the blood's circulation. Due to its ability to increase the quality of one's life and health, this oriental bathing tradition has been gaining popularity here in the west (via).' The ofuro has many differences from western style bathtubs: the tub only gets used for soaking and relaxing and not for actual bathing, using soap will stain the wood. The baths is also deeper than average baths and overflows over the top onto the floor. This requires that the floor where the ofuro is placed is completely waterproofed with a central floor drain installed. RH Tubs manufactures modern ofurus that comes with a circulation system, including filtration and heating components (gas or electric), as well as therapeutic jets.

13. The Archeo Copper bathtub

'Archeo' – the greek word for ancient and beautiful – perfectly describes the handcrafted detail of this solid copper bathtub by Kallista. Copper is a great conductor of heat, therefore feels warm to the touch. An elegant, fluted-shell copper bathtub faucet set with handshower complements the bathtub. It also features a turn knob finely etched with a starfish sitting on a seashell.

14. The Tub-E

The Tub-E by Wild Terrain Designs is available in stainless steel or copper and cradled by a luxury swirl staircase. The tub has pinhole LED lights embedded into the perimeter, and a heater built in under the seat. With one touch programming, it's not only auto fill, auto empty and auto clean, but can also be programmed to add any essential oils during the filling of the tub.

15. Conca bathtubs

These hugely oversized conca bathtubs by Vaselli really play up the potential of bold and beautiful, large bathtubs. As an expert in stone designs, Italian company Vaselli takes this material and plays up the subtle nuances of raw nature, refined and polished into a stunning sculptural piece (via).

16. The Concrete Mussel Shell bathtub

This tub by HighTech embraces the sim the simple shapes found in nature and is perfect for people with a refined style.

17. The Leggera bathtub

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This bathtub from Ceramica Flaminia is a designed by Gilda Borgnini. A stainless steel shower pole pierces through the porcelain effortlessly, as if it were indeed cloth. The outside and inside of the bathtub are less marked, melting into one another with a sensation of airy relaxation (via).

18. Teak tubs

These wooden teak tubs are made from teak that is harvested using environmentally friendly and sustainable forestry techniques.

19. The Amalfi bathtub

These bathtubs from Victoria & Albert ultimate in modern 21st century bathtubs. The Amalfi bathtub transforms the period look into sexy sleekness.

20. The Vascabarca boat shaped bathtub

This unique bathtub called Vascabarca can be the center of your bathroom. Each of them are carved from a single monlithic block of stone, they can be personalized with your name on the stern (via).

See also:
Bathtubs that's beyond beautiful

PICTURES OF CUTE AND UNUSUAL ZOO-BORN BABIES

2010-08-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

Baby Tapir:
The male baby Malayan tapir called Kamal, whose name means ‘perfection’ were born at the Edinburgh Zoo.

Baby Fennex foxes:
These adorable creatures were born at the Everland Zoo in Seoul, Korea:

And these are from Germany's Zoo Darmstadt:

© Joachim S. Müller

© Joachim S. Müller

Rare white otter cubs:
These adorable rare white otter cubs were born at the Blue Planet Aquarium:

Baby Aardvark:
This baby Aardvark was born at the UK's Colchester Zoo:

And this one at the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo:

Baby Tenrecs:
These baby Tenrecs were born at the WCS Bronx Zoo :

© Julie Larsen Maher / WCS Bronx Zoo

© Julie Larsen Maher / WCS Bronx Zoo

© Julie Larsen Maher / WCS Bronx Zoo

Baby Mouse Deer:
This tiny bay mouse deer was born at the Paignton Zoo:

Baby Sloths:
These photos of mother sloth Alba and her daughter, were taken at the Singapore Zoo:

© Shirley Ng

© Shirley Ng

© Shirley Ng

The Aviarios Sloth Sanctuary cares for injured and orphaned sloths in Costa Rica. They also lead sloth education efforts to improve the plight of wild sloths. From time to time, they even have a captive birth, including this baby three-toed sloth called a bradypus or pale-throated sloth:

Baby Wombat:
This baby Wombat was born at Australia's Toronga Zoo:

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Baby Pigmy Hippo:
This baby pigmy hippo was also born at the Toronga Zoo:

MINIATURE SCULPTURES ON PENCIL TIPS

2010-08-10T04:12:00.000-07:00

Ghetti's art makes a point

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Dalton Ghetti creates intricate detailed miniature sculptures on the tip of a pencil. Ghetti, who works as a carpenter uses simple tools like razor blades and needles to create delicate his tiny works of art. He states that he refuses to use a magnifying glass and that he doesn't sell any of his work. Ghetti – who grew up in Brazil and now lives in Connecticut in the USA – have been carving since he was a schoolboy; he used to sharpened his pencil with a razor or a pocketknife. He started sculpting with wood and stone, and then moved to carving soap, candles and even broom handles before he found his niche about 25 years ago. At the moment Ghetti is busy with a project that entails carving a pencil for each victim of 9/11 – he states that he carves one each morning before he goes to work and that it would take him up to ten years to complete the project. He plans to exhibit all the pencils together as one artwork.

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YOUR BEAUTIFUL EYES

2010-08-10T03:44:00.000-07:00

These micro-photographs by Suren Manvelyan reveals the magnificent detail that is responsible for our sight.

INDIA'S ROYAL ELEPHANT STABLES

2010-07-22T03:35:00.001-07:00

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Hampi, a UNESCO heritage site, is a village in the south of India, located within the ruins of the ancient Vijayanagara. The village boasts with magnificent ancient temples, palaces and other monuments as well as a unique set of structures that used to be elephant stables. These stables are made from brick and mortar and are an example of Indo-Islamic architecture. There are eleven large stables, each covered with a unique-shaped dome. The centre stable is larger and more decorated than the others, the reason for this still remains a mystery. It is said that during its peak, the Vijayanagara empire had over 10 000 elephants. Only ten of the best elephants were chosen to serve the royalty and were kept in these elaborate stables.

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RARE BEES MAKE NESTS FROM PETALS

2010-07-13T03:47:00.000-07:00

A bed of petals

It was recently discovered that the female bees from a rare species of solitary bees, found in the Middle East, use petals from pink, yellow, blue and purple flowers to construct their nest chambers. The female of the Osima avosetta, builds one or two vertical nests, close to the surface of, or between 1.5 and 5 cm below, the ground. Starting at the bottom, she lines each chamber with a layer of overlapping petals, she uses a thin layer of claylike mud, about 0.5 mm thick, as plaster and then adds another layer of petals. When the structure is completed, a sticky mixture of pollen and nectar is placed on the chamber’s floor that secures the egg that she is about to lay. Afterwards the chamber is carefully closed, by folding the petals at the top and capping it with a mud plug. The nest, often referred to as a ‘petal sandwich’ is built in complete darkness. Besides providing nutrients for the larvae to grow and eventually spin a cocoon, the petal chamber offers protection during their 10 month-long hibernation period. The nests need to be protected against molds, viruses, bacteria and predators, such as parasitic wasps and from physical factors like excessive heat.

via eurekaalert.com

MIND CONTROLLING MUSHROOMS

2010-07-13T00:35:00.000-07:00

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The parasitic fungus, cordyceps unilateralis, has a unique – and somewhat wicked – way of reproducing by means of manipulating the behavior of their host, usually an ant. The spores of the fungus attach themselves to the external surface of the ant, where they start to germinate. Minute fungal filaments called mycelia grows inside the ant’s body, absorbing its soft tissues but avoiding its vital organs. Eventually the mycelia grows into the ant's brain, producing chemicals which ‘brain washes’ the ant by altering its perceptions. The ultimate goal of the brain washing – that takes anything between four to ten days – is to lead the host to its final resting place, like the top of a plant, where the conditions are ideal for sporulation. As soon as the ant sinks its mandibles firmly into the stem, the fungus starts to devour the ant's brain, killing it. The fruiting bodies of the fungus sprout from the ant's head, and once mature, release airborne spores that, in turn, infect other insects, completing its life cycle. Other insects vulnerable to its infection includes dragonflies, beetles, cockroaches, butterflies, and bees. However brutal an attack by this fungus seem, scientists have studied their positive effects. Cordyceps fungi are used in pesticides and as agents against malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

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See also Mind-blowing Mushrooms

THE UNIQUE TURTLE ANT

2010-06-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

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These rare species of ants, Cephalotes varians, better known as the turtle ant has tank-like workers with heavily sclerotized head shields. They inhabit pre-existing cavities in trees and branches, a limiting resource that spurs intense competition among colonies of various tree-dwelling species. Turtle ants aren't fighters. Rather, they're all about defense. If a colony gets hold of an old beetle burrow, the heavily armored majors will plug the entrance with their head shield and sit tight, budging only to let their nest mates pass. They are literally living doors.

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AN UNBELIEVABLE AUSTRALIAN CATTLE FARM

2010-06-22T00:53:00.001-07:00

These pictures shows one of Austalia’s biggest meat producers, S Kidman & Co Ltd, loading cattle at the Helen Springs Station, one of the company’s 13 farms. The trucks are known as ‘Road Trains’ because some of them have up to three carriages. The farms are situated in three different states and stretch over a area of 124 000 square kilometers. Kidman has up to 200 000 cattle and exports meat to Japan, America and Asia.

LEXIAGUO: AN AMAZING PLACE IN CHINA

2010-06-22T00:14:00.000-07:00

Lexiaguo is located in the southwestern part of Kunming, 2600 f above sea level in a remote area. Because of its lack of infrastructure and inadequate transportation and lodging, most travel agencies would not think of going there. But for those who have seen the pictures of the Red land, no one can resist being attracted to its beautiful scenery. In order to promote tourism it was named Lexiaguo, meaning ‘the place where beautiful colors set.’

This extraordinary reddish brown soil is a result of oxidized iron (and various other oxidized metallic minerals). In these mountains and hills every inch of land is cultivated to the maximum causing unwanted damage to the place through erosion. That's why returning to forestry is being advocated. Different seasons, different time, different sunlight, produce different colors. The most dazzling color is just before the sun sets.

Each family owns different sizes and shapes of land and each plants its own preference of crops, creating this beautiful tableau is produced. During harvest time, the soil is turned over and exposes this unusually red color. Early in the morning, donkey-ridden carts full of harvest is transported to the town, while children are walking in the opposite direction to school.

CREATIVE CONTEMPORARY CARPETS

2010-06-03T03:22:00.000-07:00

RECYCLED BELT RUGS

This rug is made out of vintage leather belts. Each Vintage Belt Floor Mat is a one-of-a-kind creation, and as such, colors and characteristics will vary slightly from those pictured.

ZIP RUG

The Bouroullec's have created an 'expandable' rug for Vitra comprised of zippered felt panels that enables users to aler the length, color and pattern.

RIVER BED PEBBLE MODERN RUG

This modern rug by 2Form design, Norway imitates natural stones as close as possible by means of color and shape. I have to mention that its made out of Merino wool.

LAMA FELT RUGS

Yvonne Laurysen from Lama designed these cool rugs – strips of thick felt that were assembled to make random patterns. Some even contains LED that makes the carpet shine.

PACHANAMA LEATHER RUGS

This beautiful circular genuine leather rug is just one of the many from Pachanama’s Living Collection.

ARCHIPEL CARPETS

Textile designer, Laura Kasiers' archipel carpets represent small islands, the coloured strap emphasizes the movement of the waves and produces a luminous surface. The carpet is part of a collection made from trimming fringes which are rolled up and glued.

www.laurekasiers.com

FLOOR TO HEAVEN CARPET

This carpet by german label Floor to Heaven looks like being made of a big old oak tree. But indeed the carpet is made of wool with a wonderful fluffy touch.

70F CARPET

These carpets that resemble old doily patterns are transformed to become modern pieces of furniture that will look great in any room. Each carpet is hand made out of black rock climbers rope (on demand only).

70f.com

GRAND GRAND SPLATCH RUG

This rug was designed with the idea to imitate an indoor pool with a concrete edge and a large splash effect but the only maintenance it requires is a good vacuuming every so often.

maad.fr

PUZZLE PERSER

Katrin Sonnleitner transformed the serious conventional Persian rug into something fun and whimsical. It is actually a jigsaw puzzle that ends up being a floor rug, the puzzle pieces are made from a mixture of synthetic and natural ribber. Definitely the only Persian rug that I will ever buy. I want one!

TAPETE BAND AID

Ricardo Garza Marcos designed this tall and skinny rug to resemble a band aid. This rug will lift the mood of any space. It will also display fell in narrow hallways.

LAND CARPETS

Florian Pucher's Land Carpets are modern rugs inspired by nature and designed to look like aerial images of farmed landscapes. There are different carpet designs; each represents a different country and shows each’ unique farmed landscape. Each is hand-tufted from pure New Zealand wool.

THE UNBELIEVABLE FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

2010-06-02T01:59:00.000-07:00

The Ferrari experience

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – this extraordinary architectural feat, located on Yas Island, Saudi Arabia, is said to be the world’s largest indoor theme park. People like me, who can’t afford a Ferrari can now get a taste of what it feels like to drive one (that is if you can afford the airplane tickets and entrance fee). There are over 20 rides and attractions – including the world’s fastest roller coaster – all part of the ultimate Ferrari experience.

The shape of the 45 m high building resembles the classic double-curve body shell of a Ferrari. The enormous exterior Ferrari logo measures 65 m by 48.5 m and is said to be the largest ever to be created. The park will opens on 28 October 2010 (a day before my birthday). Guess where I want to go then?

www.ferrari.com

PICTURESQUE MEDIEVAL EUROPEAN TOWNS & VILLAGES

2010-05-17T01:20:00.000-07:00

I love Europe, and these pictures make me love the continent even more.

1. EGUISHEIM, Alsace, France

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Who could fail to fall under the spell of this charming village in France, where it almost seems like time does not exist? Eguisheim, with its winding cobbled streets and its flower-decked traditional medieval half-timbered houses, is one of France's most idyllic villages. This mostly German-speaking village in the Haut-Rhin country of Alsace, France is notable for, and largely devoted to, producing high-quality Alsace wine.

Eguisheim is also known for its round layout with the famous statue of Pope Leo IX in the central main square. Pope Leo IX was born in Eguisheim, and was Pope from 1049 until 1054. Leo or Leon is still a popular name in Eguisheim, and there are many wine makers with the name: Leon Beyer, Leon Baur, and others.

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Official site of the village of Eguisheim

2. COLMAR, Alsace, France

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Colmar, the capital of central Alsace, with its ±67,000 inhabitants – much larger than the ±2000 of Eguisheim – still, despite its size, retains a 'country town' atmosphere which contributes so much to its charm. Colmar offers visitors a glimpse into a 1000 years of European history. Amazingly preserved from the ravages of time, its homogenous historical centre is classed as a 'protected area' and has benefited from careful restoration and ongoing improvements for more than 20 years (via).

Colmar's secular and religious architectural landmarks reflect eight centuries of Germanic and French architecture and the adaptation of their respective stylistic language to the local customs and building materials (pink and yellow Vosges sandstone, timber framing). The medieval centre of this historic town has fine overhanging timber-framed buildings, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, a dream for the keen photographer.

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Official site of the village of Colmar

3. PYRGI, Chios, Greece

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The village of Pyrgi, a fortresslike complex of narrow streets, tightly packed houses and arches, with a ruined tower-dungeon at its center is one of the most beautiful villages of Chios Town in Greece. It has a population of about 1200 inhabitants. It was named after the central medieval tower that still stands in the village and has maintained its traditional architecture.

Pyrgi is also called the ‘painted village’ because of the superb decoration of its houses: grey and white geometrical shapes decorate the facades of the houses, in a style originating from Italy, when Chios was under the occupation of the Franks. The outer layer of cement is painted white and then geometric shapes (triangles, chevrons, circles, etc.) are scraped away.

Like in the other medieval villages of the island, the stone houses of Pyrgi are built close one to each other, forming a defensive wall. Narrow stone-paved streets, superb churches, unique architecture and balconies full of flowers and sun-dried tomatoes are composing the magical scenery of the village of Pyrgi.

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4. STEIN AM RHEIM, Schaffhausen, Switzerland

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Stein am Rhein, with its 3,182 residents, is a municipality in the state of Schaffhausen in Switzerland. The town has a well-preserved medieval centre, retaining the ancient street plan. The site of the city wall, and the city gates are preserved, though the former city wall now consists of houses. The medieval part of the town has been pedestrianized and many of the medieval buildings are painted with beautiful frescoes.

Stein am Rhein is home to a number of buildings that are listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance. There are three churches on the list; the former monastery church of St. Georg, the former Benedictine monastery church of St. Georgen and the Castle Church (Kirche auf Burg). Stein am Rhein received the first Wakker Prize for the preservation of its architectural heritage in 1972. The award noted that Stein am Rhein was nearly unique in Switzerland and rare in all of Europe for the number of notable buildings in a compact space. It also noted the excellent care with which the city was preserved.

Stein Am Rhein official site

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© Pamela Henwood

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5. ROTHENBURG, Bavaria, Germany

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The Altstadt (old town) of Rothenburg Germany is a patchwork of winding cobbled lanes lined with picturesque half timbered houses. No other town in Germany brings you closer to the spirit of the Middle Ages - especially the medieval festivals like the so called "Master's draught" let you truly get in touch with its moving history.

What makes Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany even more exciting is its reputation as town of eternal Christmas. All year round lots of shops offer beautiful handcrafted Christmas gifts and souveniers. In December the town gets realy crowded, because nobody wants to miss the famous Christmas Market, one of the most romantic ones in Germany.

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Official Rothenburg tourist site

6. BIBURY, Gloucestershire, England

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Bibury, a small village in England’s Cotsworlds – with its weavers cottages, Saxon architecture and trout farm – is one of the most romantic villages in the world.

The Cotsworlds Hills is not only a beautiful natural sight but the oolitic limestones they are formed from was the was the ideal building material during the medieval times. The Cotsworlds divides the heart of England from the North Sea, stretching through the counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.

Bibury, with its honey-coloured 17th-century stone cottages with steeply pitched roofs, was once described by William Morris as "the most beautiful village in England”. The cottages were built by weavers who supplied cloths for fulling at nearby Arlington Mill. Bibury is in fact two small villages separated by the River Coln. On the one side Bibury and on the other, Arlington. The history of Bibury dates back to at least the Iron Age and there are remains of a hill fort above the village.

Bibury's most popular tourist attraction is the row of weavers cottages in Arlington Row. Henry Ford once tried to buy entire row and transport it to a theme park in Michigan. In 1929 the row was purchased by Royal Society of Arts and it has now been restored by the National Trust.

Rooftop Repetition by Pam Brophy

Arlington Row by Cameraman

Tiny cottage near Arlington Row by Katy Walters

Arlington Mill in Bibury by Steve Daniels

The Swan Hotel Bibury by Pam Brophy

FAMOUS CARTOON CHARACTERS IN REAL LIFE

2010-05-06T00:06:00.000-07:00

It is the first post of its kind on my blog, I just think these pictures are quite amazing and worth sharing...

Ever wondered how some famous TV cartoon characters will look like in real life, well something like this:

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Mr. Burns from the Simpsons

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Jessica Rabbit

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Popeye

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Buzz Lightyear

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THE AMAZING SNOW PLANT

2010-05-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

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The Mycotroph family of plants manages to somehow survive without chlorophyll and photosynthesis. The strange looking snow plant (Sarcodes sanguinea), a red and fleshy parasitic plant, gets its nutrition from the fungi in the soil below it and its water from nearby confiners – therefor it is able to survive without doing the hard job of photosynthesis itself.

The snow plant is found in the western United States, including the Sierra Nevada range of California. Its name derives from the striking red flower that emerges from the sometimes still snow-covered ground in early spring (mid-may in the Sierra Nevada) (via). Scientists are not sure why the flower has such a bright red colour, presumably the bright red attracts pollinating insects in the rather shady forest floor areas where the snow plant grows.

The flowers of the snow plant point downwards once they open. The inside of a snow plant flower contains a large white ovary, which contains seeds when it matures. The plant also develops fruit that are colourful and fleshy when mature, but afterwards they dry out and fall off.

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Read more:
www.botany.org

PICTURESQUE VILLAGE IN HOLLAND (WITH NO ROADS)

2010-05-04T04:45:00.000-07:00

The Venice of the north

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Roads will get you nowhere in this picturesque village. Giethoorn, a village in the Dutch province of Overijssel, is an international tourist attraction in the Netherlands. The old part of the village has no roads and all transport is done by water. All visitors are welcome to enjoy the beautiful scenery while on a Whisper Boat (a special electric powered boat, which makes no noise). Other activities tourists can enjoy are picnics, swimming, sailing and windsurfing.

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Read more

THE WORLD'S HEAVIEST INSECT

2010-05-04T01:25:00.000-07:00

The Heavyweight champion of the insect world

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What is worst than coming face to face with a creepy crawly? Coming face to face with a giant creepy crawly!

New Zealand’s Giant Weta is the heaviest insect on the planet; weighing more than 71 g, this arthropod is heavier than a swallow. There are eleven species of giant weta, which are significantly larger than other weta or any other insect. The largest species of giant weta is the Little Barrier Island giant weta also known by the Maori name ‘wetapunga’, which means ‘god of ugly things’. These heavyweights have a body length of up to 10 cm, excluding their lengthy legs and antennae. They often live under rocks and bush floor debris and prefer a vegetarian diet.

At approximately two years of age the female will lay anything between a hundred and three hundred eggs. Unfortunately, the parents of the ‘little giants’ will die before the eggs hatch three to five months later. However spine-chilling they seem, they are in actual fact gentle giants and need to be respected and protected. Weta are at risk from being eaten by rats, trampling by stock and killed by forest fires.

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via

THE WORLD'S LARGEST SNAIL

2010-05-04T00:14:00.000-07:00

Ghana's snails in the spotlight

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The giant African land snail (Achatina achatina), also known as the giant Ghana snail or giant tiger land snail, is the largest snail specie in the world. You would not want to catch one of these slimy creatures in your garden, they reach up to 30 cm in length with their shells measuring up to 18 cm and can produce up to 1200 eggs per year. However, the chances are very slim for one of these slippery fellows to end up in your garden, since they are only native to Ghana.

In Ghana’s tropical forests were they live, they have no natural enemies. These pest consumes about 500 plant species, they also cause damage to the homes of people –the snails are found to eat the paint of the walls of the local people’s homes.

In the Western world they are kept as pets, where people admire them for their large size, distinctive markings and exoticism. Unfortunately, they are also considered a tasty delicacy in many countries.

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Sources:
www.petsnails.co.uk
planetoddity.com

10 UNBELIEVABLE SEA SLUGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW EXISTED

2010-04-26T03:59:00.000-07:00

Sea slugs, more formally known as nudibranch, are some of the most beautiful and colourful creatures on earth. Here are only a few of the hundreds of species of nudibranch that adorn our oceans.

1. The Glaucus atlanticus

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The blue ocean slug (known by various names including blue lizard and blue dragon) is a specie of medium-sized (about five to eight centimeters in length) nudibranch. It has an awkward appearance and looks as if it could be a creature out of a sci-fi movie with its appendages, anatomical structure and flat blue and silver body. This nudibranch is pelagic, and is distributed throughout the world's oceans, in temperate and tropical waters. Regions include the east and south coast of South Africa, European waters and Mozambique.

This species floats upside down on the surface tension of the ocean. The blue ocean slug can feed on a variety of larger predators, such as the Portugese Man-O-War, the Blue Sea Star and the By-The-Wind-Sailor, because of its immunity to their venom. When feeding upon these cnidarians it transfers its prey's stinging cells into its own cerata (or appendages) and then utilizes them for its own defence. It is also a hermaphrodite which means that it has both male and female reproductive organs. The cerata (tenticle-like appendages) are used in respiration, defense and digestion.

More photos of the blue ocean slug:

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2. The Nembrotha kubaryana

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The Nembrotha kubaryana, also known as the variable neon slug, is a species of colorful sea slug that can reach a total length of more than 120 mm. It is a large dark-bodied nudibranch which have green stripes running down the length of the body or green raised spots. The foot and head are a vivid red-orange. Nembrotha kubaryana uses the toxins in its prey to defend itself against predators. It stores their victim's toxins in its tissues and then releases them in a slimy defensive mucus when alarmed (via).

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3. The Cyerce nigricans

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Also known as the Sacoglossan sea slug – it is one of the 'icon' species of the Great Barrier Reef – often being used in tourist posters and brochures. As with many brightly coloured sea slugs this species produces distasteful secretions that are easily cast through the cerata (appendages) when the animal is disturbed.

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4. The Chromodoris annae

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This colourful group of species is characterized by black longitudinal lines, bluish backgrounds and orange borders. They inhabit the waters of the tropical western Pacific.

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5. The Elysia crispata

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The lettuce sea slug or Elysia crispata is a herbivore (that feeds of algae) that reaches up to 5 cm in length. They are native across the Caribbean. The lettuce sea slug is not a true nudibranch, as it is often referred, but a ’sacoglossan sea slug’. Sacoglossans feed by sucking out the chlorophyll contents of algae, and then incorporate that chlorophyll into their own tissues. Thus the slugs themselves become 'solar powered' (via).

More photos of the lettuce sea slug:

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6. The Phyllidia ocellata

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Phyllidia ocellata is a species of sea slug that can measure up to 60 mm in length. This nudibranch has a yellow body with a dorsum covered in yellow or white tubercules. Its bright coloration is a perfect example of 'warning' coloration that advises wandering predators to stay away because they give off noxious chemicals if disturbed or eaten. They feed by secreting digestive enzymes into sponges afterwards they suck the partially digested tissue into their gut.

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7. The Hypselodoris apolegma

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This odd colored sea slug is found in the Western Pacific. They are a pinkinsh-purple color and they have a white border on their mantle. Their rhinophore clubs (appendages) are an orange-yellow color that is a startling juxtaposition with the rest of their bodies.

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8. The Chelidonura Varians

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The hammerhead nudibranch or Chelidonura Varians is also referred to as the ‘prince of darkness’ of the nudibranch world with its black colour and neon markings around its mantle.

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9. The Janolus barbarensis

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10. The Glossodoris atromarginata

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BRUSSELS' VERY CREEPY CEILING...

2010-04-26T03:07:00.000-07:00

A ceiling that will give you the creeps

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This ceiling that is found at the Royal Palace in Brussels, resembles a kind of enigmatic shimmering moss-covered green world. This incredible ceiling art, known as Heaven of Delight, was created by the controversial Belgian artist Jan Fabre. The ceiling was left blank until 2002, when Fabre was commissioned to finish it. Fabre and his assistants used 1.6 million Buprestidae or Jewel beetles to create the masterpiece. Jewel beetles are known for their luminous colour. Assistants were assigned to various parts of the artwork and each artist contributed to the overall impression and harmony of the work.

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via killerdirectory

See Spanish artist Miquel Barcelo CONTROVERSIAL CEILING ARTWORK

A LOOK AT GERMANY'S FAKE SUPERMARKET

2010-04-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

Germany's fake supermarket is a reality check for many people.

A one-of-its-kind superficial supermarket in Hamburg, Germany, uses articles such as inflatable blocks of cheese and plastic money, to teach job skills to the long-termed unemployed. The trainees have to partake in a fourty-hours-per-week training session for up to six months. During this time they will be introduced to the supermarket world and will be assisted by proffesionals such as social workers and group leaders. The trainees will spent their days sorting 'fake' stock, operating fork-lifts, taking orders and pushing around packed shopping carts.

Unfortuanteley, it seems like the uneager trainees are just as fraudulent as their surroundings. The minority states that partaking in the training is better than sitting at home, but the rest seems to be much more content living of their monthly unemployment benefit than working. Since October of 2009, only 14 participants have moved on to work in the warehouse industry and so far none has recieved jobs in the retail trade. However, it should be kept in mind that the supermarket simulation is only in its early days and a proper success rate can only be determined after at least two years.

Inflatable blocks of cheese

An example of fake packages of seafood

Some goods are real, but there are also empty or fake packages.

via spiegel

THE WORLD'S LARGEST BIG CAT

2010-04-07T07:01:00.000-07:00

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Hercules, a 900-pound-heavy, 6-feet-tall and 12-feet-long liger holds the Guinness World Record for the largest cat. Born from a lion father and tiger mother, Hercules the liger (tiger & lion cross) is an impressive creature who got the best genes from both parents. Hercules is able to run at speeds of up to 50 mph and eat up to a 100 pounds of food in one sitting. Despite his gigantic size, Hercules' caretakers at the Freestyle Music Park in Myrtle Beach, Southern California, states that he is very tame.

The pictures below may lead you to believe that they are taken in London, but the series of photographs were taken not far from Hercules' home in SC. The aim of the pictures was to portray Hercules against famous landmarks – such as the Londen bus and Abbey Road – in order for viewers to experience the hugeness of this magnificent creature.

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