THE UNIQUE TURTLE ANT

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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

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

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

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

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