Thursday, 3 January 2013
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
Top 10 Rock Formations
10 Captivating Rock Formations
Enjoy these fascinating rock formations, including the Golden Rock (Burma), The Wave (Arizona, USA), Ayers Rock (Australia), Stone Tree (Bolivia), Mushroom Rock (Egypt), Melting Shadows (Utah, USA), Split Apple Rock (New Zealand), The Pinnacles (Australia), Perce Rock (Canada) & the Delicate Arch (Utah, USA).
Golden Rock (Burma)
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as Golden Rock, is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site in Mon State, Burma. A small pagoda (5.5 m - 18 ft) sits on top of the "golden rock," a granite boulder covered with gold leaves pasted on by devotees. The rock itself is precariously perched and seems to defy gravity as it perpetually appears to be on the verge of rolling down the hill.
The Wave (Arizona, USA)
This spectacular sandstone formation called “The Wave” is located on the slopes of the Coyote Buttes, Arizona. The formation can be reached by hiking approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) across rugged, trail less landscape, making the round-trip to and from The Wave a nearly 6-mile (9.7-kilometer) hike that climbs about 350 feet (107 meters) in altitude.
Ayers Rock (Australia)
The large sandstone formation of Ayers Rock (also known as Uluru) rises 1,142 feet from the desert. Its sheer size — with a circumference of 6 miles — dwarfs everything around it. This iconic monolith of Australia is one of the largest in the world. From dawn to dusk, it takes on a stunning range of red to brown shades with the changing light. Ayers Rock is sacred to the Aborigines of the area, who are known as the Anangu. In recent years, Uluru has also become popular with New Age practitioners.
Stone Tree (Bolivia)
A stone sculpted by wind and sand, the "Stone Tree" is located high on the Bolivian Altiplano, one of the world's most beautiful landscapes.
Mushroom Rock (Egypt)
This is one of the world's most famous mushroom rocks, located in Egypt. Also called "rock pedestals," they are one of the most striking manifestations of the processes of erosion and weathering. Usually found in desert areas, they are formed over thousands of years when erosion of an isolated rocky outcrop progresses at a different rate at its bottom than at its top.
Melting Shadows (Utah, USA)
Stone vertebrae snag morning's light along the northern tip of Utah's Bridger Jack Mesa (foreground), leaving Lavender Canyon hidden in a cold, purple shroud. Upper layers of the mesa are composed of what geologists call Wingate sandstone, deposited about 200 million years ago when sand dunes hundreds of feet thick carpeted the region. Weird and wild rock formations abound on the 130,000-square-mile (340,000-square-kilometer) Colorado Plateau, prompting one early settler to describe it as "the roughest country you or anybody else ever seen; it's nothing in the world but rocks and holes, hills and hollows."
Split Apple Rock (New Zealand)
The
interesting formation of the famous Split Apple Rock on the South
Island of New Zealand looks exactly as the name suggests. Split Apple
Rock, situated near Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park, Tasman District,
is a very popular tourist destination.
The Pinnacles (Australia)
The Pinnacles (Australia)
These beautiful limestone formations called The Pinnacles are contained within Namburg National Park in Western Australia. The Pinnacles were formed from lime leaching from the sand and by rain cementing the lower levels of the dune into a soft limestone.
Perce Rock (Canada)
This rock formation is one of the largest natural arches in the world. The pierced rock used to have two arches until one of the outer arches collapsed in June 17, 1845. Despite the loss of one arch, the Perce Rock is still tagged one of the valued seven wonders of Canada. The rock gets its name from a large 15 meter (50 ft) high arch near its seaward end.
Delicate Arch (Utah, USA)
A world famous arch located in Arches National Park (Utah, USA), the Delicate Arch is a mysterious lone-standing arch that has become a symbol of the state.
Top 10 Diving Sites
( 12 Votes )
Deep Sea Diving, or even snorkeling is
the closest most of us will get to making contact with an alien
civilization. The marine world seems to work on different laws than the
world we inhabit and are used to, and taking a trip down to see what our
fellow aquatic earth-dwellers can be an unforgettable experience. Here
is a list of the 10 most amazing Diving Sites in the world:
#10 Little Cayman, West Indies
Little Cayman is home to only about 200 people, and that is probably the primary contributing factor to it being a lot cleaner and less explored than its other cousins in the indies. The water is very clean, and the excellent views can be enjoyed in relative privacy. Little Cayman is not very well known for having a large oceanic population, it is on the other hand, a destination for the more inexperienced diver, and has a lot to offer in terms of easy diving conditions and warm waters, as well as the classic west indian hospitality.
Little Cayman is home to only about 200 people, and that is probably the primary contributing factor to it being a lot cleaner and less explored than its other cousins in the indies. The water is very clean, and the excellent views can be enjoyed in relative privacy. Little Cayman is not very well known for having a large oceanic population, it is on the other hand, a destination for the more inexperienced diver, and has a lot to offer in terms of easy diving conditions and warm waters, as well as the classic west indian hospitality.
#9 The Maldives
The Maldives are one of the most popular and well known island/beach destinations, but dont get as much recognition as they deserve for being a perfectly beautiful diving destinations as well. Both North Male and South Ari atoll, offer amazing diving opportunities as well as wonderful opportunities to have a close look at sharks, turtles and a myriad other tropical fish.
The Maldives are one of the most popular and well known island/beach destinations, but dont get as much recognition as they deserve for being a perfectly beautiful diving destinations as well. Both North Male and South Ari atoll, offer amazing diving opportunities as well as wonderful opportunities to have a close look at sharks, turtles and a myriad other tropical fish.
#8 Barracuda Point, Sipadan Island
Being the only Malaysian Oceanic island, Barracuda Point at Sipadan Island gets a lot of attention from divers in the area. The reef is especially known for its incredible beauty and rich marine life. The island itself is a living coral rising 600 metres above sea level, with Barracuda point being its best diving zone. Barracuda point, as the name implies also offers a good vantage point for watching barracudas, turtles, and sharks. Less experienced divers though must beware, as the waters around the island are known to have strong currents.
Being the only Malaysian Oceanic island, Barracuda Point at Sipadan Island gets a lot of attention from divers in the area. The reef is especially known for its incredible beauty and rich marine life. The island itself is a living coral rising 600 metres above sea level, with Barracuda point being its best diving zone. Barracuda point, as the name implies also offers a good vantage point for watching barracudas, turtles, and sharks. Less experienced divers though must beware, as the waters around the island are known to have strong currents.
#7 Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands
More famous for the nuclear bomb testing and radiation contamination, the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands are located between Australia and Hawaii and offer stunning and relatively unexplored diving opportunities. An added attraction to divers who brave these waters are the large number of shipwrecks, that are always fun to explore.
More famous for the nuclear bomb testing and radiation contamination, the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands are located between Australia and Hawaii and offer stunning and relatively unexplored diving opportunities. An added attraction to divers who brave these waters are the large number of shipwrecks, that are always fun to explore.
#6 Rocktail Bay, South Africa
This one is more for the thrill seekers, as South African waters and Rocktail Bay in particular are known for their large shark population, and are a great diving destination for those unafraid, or even seeking a close encounter with these magnificent creatures. Whale sharks and Tiger sharks are more usual in this cool water bay. Leatherback Turtles make a cameo appearance on the bay between the months of November and February and are a great added attraction for visitors.
This one is more for the thrill seekers, as South African waters and Rocktail Bay in particular are known for their large shark population, and are a great diving destination for those unafraid, or even seeking a close encounter with these magnificent creatures. Whale sharks and Tiger sharks are more usual in this cool water bay. Leatherback Turtles make a cameo appearance on the bay between the months of November and February and are a great added attraction for visitors.
# 5 Rangiroa, Polynesia
Rangiroa is world’s second largest atoll in a region widely recognized to be one of the most beautiful marine environments on the planet. At the edge of map, Polynesia is also not teeming with crowds, and offers a calmer more relaxed vacation Meanwhile under the water, there is an unbelievable burst of activity, with the beautiful corals, and teeming marine life. Grey reef sharks, Hammerhead sharks, manta rays and dolphins are some of the species you can expect to catch when diving here.
Rangiroa is world’s second largest atoll in a region widely recognized to be one of the most beautiful marine environments on the planet. At the edge of map, Polynesia is also not teeming with crowds, and offers a calmer more relaxed vacation Meanwhile under the water, there is an unbelievable burst of activity, with the beautiful corals, and teeming marine life. Grey reef sharks, Hammerhead sharks, manta rays and dolphins are some of the species you can expect to catch when diving here.
#4 Red Sea, Egypt
The Red Sea is known for being a marvelous sight to behold due to its turquoise clear water. However, those who venture underwater are in for a treat. The single factor that sets the Red Sea apart from other diving spots is the fact that its clear water presents a better opportunity to enjoy the vast diversity of marine life than most other diving spots in the world. There’s also an opportunity for wreck diving at Sha’ab Abu Nuhas.
The Red Sea is known for being a marvelous sight to behold due to its turquoise clear water. However, those who venture underwater are in for a treat. The single factor that sets the Red Sea apart from other diving spots is the fact that its clear water presents a better opportunity to enjoy the vast diversity of marine life than most other diving spots in the world. There’s also an opportunity for wreck diving at Sha’ab Abu Nuhas.
#3 Kailua Kona, Hawaii
While Hawaii is far more popular as a beach destination, it is also one of the most beautiful places in the world underwater. Kailua Kona is particular stands out as it offers the out-of-the-world experience of night diving. Lights placed at the ocean floor provide visuals and experiences that are truly breathtaking and impossible to forget.
While Hawaii is far more popular as a beach destination, it is also one of the most beautiful places in the world underwater. Kailua Kona is particular stands out as it offers the out-of-the-world experience of night diving. Lights placed at the ocean floor provide visuals and experiences that are truly breathtaking and impossible to forget.
#2 The Blue Hole, Belize
The famous Jacques Cousteau named it as one of the best diving sites in the world and that should be reason enough to make it to this list. With crystal clear water and a wide variety of sharks including grey reef sharks, bull sharks and hammerheads - The Blue Hole is one of the premier diving destinations in the world, especially for those who are unafraid of sharks.
The famous Jacques Cousteau named it as one of the best diving sites in the world and that should be reason enough to make it to this list. With crystal clear water and a wide variety of sharks including grey reef sharks, bull sharks and hammerheads - The Blue Hole is one of the premier diving destinations in the world, especially for those who are unafraid of sharks.
#1 Great Barrier Reef, Australia
At 1200 miles long, a figure almost impossible to fathom, Australia's great barrier reef is the definitive diving experience on the planet, with something to offer somewhere on this watch stretch of coral for divers of every appetite. The reef is populated with over 1500 species of fish and other forms of marine life.
At 1200 miles long, a figure almost impossible to fathom, Australia's great barrier reef is the definitive diving experience on the planet, with something to offer somewhere on this watch stretch of coral for divers of every appetite. The reef is populated with over 1500 species of fish and other forms of marine life.
Top 10 Dangerous Cities
( 19 Votes )
Some of the most breathtaking areas of
the world are unfortunately riddled with crime, conflict and violence.
It is therefore practical for travelers to investigate the crime status
of various locales around the world before getting tempted by what you
perceive to be adventure and unexplored beauty. With this in mind we
have compiled a list of the 10 most dangerous cities in the world as of
the end of the year 2012.
1. Grozny, Chechnya, Russia
The never ending Chechnya - Russia conflict has left Grozny in tatters after missile and artillery strikes bombarded the city for years on end - with the death toll running into the thousands, and untold economic damage. Even after the official ceasefire in 2006, it is still a very dangerous place with an economy thats left in ruin, and a citizenry willing to go to any means necessary to mend their wounds. Its high kidnapping rates especially pose a threat to western tourists.
The never ending Chechnya - Russia conflict has left Grozny in tatters after missile and artillery strikes bombarded the city for years on end - with the death toll running into the thousands, and untold economic damage. Even after the official ceasefire in 2006, it is still a very dangerous place with an economy thats left in ruin, and a citizenry willing to go to any means necessary to mend their wounds. Its high kidnapping rates especially pose a threat to western tourists.
2. Bogota, Colombia
Illegal drug trade and extremist groups trying to overthrow the Colombian government make Bogota a city where you are always on someones radar, and spontaneous violence a highly likely occurrence Since the 90's, certain safety measures have been enacted making the north side of the city a relatively safer region, and it is advisable to stay within its confines. Bogota is otherwise a great tourist destination.
Illegal drug trade and extremist groups trying to overthrow the Colombian government make Bogota a city where you are always on someones radar, and spontaneous violence a highly likely occurrence Since the 90's, certain safety measures have been enacted making the north side of the city a relatively safer region, and it is advisable to stay within its confines. Bogota is otherwise a great tourist destination.
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Picturesque landscapes and breathtaking sights hide a brutal urban battleground and one of the highest crime rates of any metropolitan area in the world. With one-fifth of its population living in slums, and most of the economic activity in these areas based around contraband, Rio is a city that sees increasing police-mafia conflicts, and gang related violence. Tourists and travelers are advised caution at nights, and to absolutely stay clear of the poorer regions and the shanty towns.
Picturesque landscapes and breathtaking sights hide a brutal urban battleground and one of the highest crime rates of any metropolitan area in the world. With one-fifth of its population living in slums, and most of the economic activity in these areas based around contraband, Rio is a city that sees increasing police-mafia conflicts, and gang related violence. Tourists and travelers are advised caution at nights, and to absolutely stay clear of the poorer regions and the shanty towns.
4. Cape Town, South Africa
Similar to Rio, Cape Town while being a major tourist attraction and a shoppers paradise, is also known for its extremely high crime rates. Unlike Rio though, the criminal activity does not involve contraband, but is statistically primarily petty crimes incited by the ever-widening income gap between the spectrum of socio-economic groups in the city. Tourists are advised caution on dimly lit streets, poorer neighborhoods and while operating ATMs.
Similar to Rio, Cape Town while being a major tourist attraction and a shoppers paradise, is also known for its extremely high crime rates. Unlike Rio though, the criminal activity does not involve contraband, but is statistically primarily petty crimes incited by the ever-widening income gap between the spectrum of socio-economic groups in the city. Tourists are advised caution on dimly lit streets, poorer neighborhoods and while operating ATMs.
5. Baghdad, Iraq
After the trauma of the iraq war, Baghdad finds itself mired in political turmoil, with opposing parties resorting to even openly violent displays to assert their authority. The pathetic state of infrastructure, destroyed by various wars over the years leaves little hope for economic activity to offer a way out atleast in the near future. Domestic Hostilities escalated after the city was factionalised by US military strategy during their war on Iraq.
After the trauma of the iraq war, Baghdad finds itself mired in political turmoil, with opposing parties resorting to even openly violent displays to assert their authority. The pathetic state of infrastructure, destroyed by various wars over the years leaves little hope for economic activity to offer a way out atleast in the near future. Domestic Hostilities escalated after the city was factionalised by US military strategy during their war on Iraq.
6. Caracas, Venezuela
Venezuela is a well known drug trafficking haven, and Caracas is invariably the hotspot for illegal activity. Criminal activity has become so much an everyday feature of the city that petty crimes and robbery are a common sight, and so is retaliation for such crimes. The police are virtually invisible, and most locals point the finger at the government which is far more concerned about enriching its coffers from its foreign exchange and oil revenues, than it is with the state of the domestic economy and security.
Venezuela is a well known drug trafficking haven, and Caracas is invariably the hotspot for illegal activity. Criminal activity has become so much an everyday feature of the city that petty crimes and robbery are a common sight, and so is retaliation for such crimes. The police are virtually invisible, and most locals point the finger at the government which is far more concerned about enriching its coffers from its foreign exchange and oil revenues, than it is with the state of the domestic economy and security.
7. Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
Ciudad Juarez takes the biggest hit from the drug cartel activity in mexico.The proximity to the USA, makes mexico the primary source of illegal drugs crossing the border, and competition is intense among rival groups. A corrupt and ineffective police force, turns that illegal competition into brutal bloodshed and many compare the city to a war zone. Local residents blame both the inaction of the Mexican government and the hard-line stance that the US government takes on its war on drugs that has a cascading effect across the border.
Ciudad Juarez takes the biggest hit from the drug cartel activity in mexico.The proximity to the USA, makes mexico the primary source of illegal drugs crossing the border, and competition is intense among rival groups. A corrupt and ineffective police force, turns that illegal competition into brutal bloodshed and many compare the city to a war zone. Local residents blame both the inaction of the Mexican government and the hard-line stance that the US government takes on its war on drugs that has a cascading effect across the border.
8. Mogadishu, Somalia
Somalia was always a country that respected its traditional legal system, called the Xeer, which created multiple centers of power spread across many villages. While infighting was common, and civil wars did erupt, the brutal violence that is now characteristic of this once peaceful country began as the UN made efforts to centralize the region. Immediately the various chiefs in the area saw a threat if the other was allowed to ascend to power, and the capital city of Mogadishu in particular has since degenerated into a perpetual battle zone. A lack of understanding of Somalian traditions and culture, and increasing foreign pressures and intrusions on domestic soil as well as its coastline, originally led renegade Somalians to take up arms to protect themselves. This has slowly created an atmosphere of violence and hostility, with a winner takes all mentality.
Somalia was always a country that respected its traditional legal system, called the Xeer, which created multiple centers of power spread across many villages. While infighting was common, and civil wars did erupt, the brutal violence that is now characteristic of this once peaceful country began as the UN made efforts to centralize the region. Immediately the various chiefs in the area saw a threat if the other was allowed to ascend to power, and the capital city of Mogadishu in particular has since degenerated into a perpetual battle zone. A lack of understanding of Somalian traditions and culture, and increasing foreign pressures and intrusions on domestic soil as well as its coastline, originally led renegade Somalians to take up arms to protect themselves. This has slowly created an atmosphere of violence and hostility, with a winner takes all mentality.
9. San Pedro Sula, Honduras
With the highest murder rate in the world, and a track record for violence that will make the middle east, and Afghanistan feel a lot better about themselves, this is one city that should not even figure on your to-do list. All disputes, whether major inter-group violence or minor disputes, are settled at gunpoint, with illegal gun ownership a given for every citizen who cares to protect himself. Foreign tourists, in particular, have been known to be a target.
With the highest murder rate in the world, and a track record for violence that will make the middle east, and Afghanistan feel a lot better about themselves, this is one city that should not even figure on your to-do list. All disputes, whether major inter-group violence or minor disputes, are settled at gunpoint, with illegal gun ownership a given for every citizen who cares to protect himself. Foreign tourists, in particular, have been known to be a target.
10. Guatemala City, Guatemala
Guatemala city displays all the characteristics of the cities mentioned above in one place - illegal drug trade, inter-gang violence, ineffective police, uncaring government, wide gap between rich and poor resulting in petty crime and spontaneous violence. The streets of Guatemala city are a dangerous place to be, with both government and mafia equally capable of putting you at risk. A pity, for what is otherwise a beautiful country.
Guatemala city displays all the characteristics of the cities mentioned above in one place - illegal drug trade, inter-gang violence, ineffective police, uncaring government, wide gap between rich and poor resulting in petty crime and spontaneous violence. The streets of Guatemala city are a dangerous place to be, with both government and mafia equally capable of putting you at risk. A pity, for what is otherwise a beautiful country.
top 5 Biggest and Smallest dogs
Biggest Dogs, Smallest Dogs!
A collection of the dogs from the biggest to the smallest, from the Chihuahua to the English Mastiff and the Great Dane! Eisenhower said, "What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight — it's the size of the fight in the dog." So very true!SMALLEST
"Danka", a long-haired Chihuahua from Revuca, Slovakia, weighed in at just 27 oz (7.4" long). Danka is very small even for a Chihuahua! "Danka who isn't that keen on dog food only eats a small amount of dry food crushed up", Owner Kvetko said.
Smallest - Chihuahua Danka
Smallest - Chihuahua Danka
BIGGEST (LIVING)
"Hercules", an English Mastiff with a 38" neck, is the current record holder at 282 lbs. His guardian John Flynn (who ain't so shabby himself at 270 lbs) says he once saw a bird roosting on Hercules' head. Hercules just sat there blinking, says Mr. Flynn. "He's not the smartest dog in the world, that's for sure."
Biggest - English Mastiff Hercules
SHORTEST
Brandy", a Chihuahua from Florida, weighs 2 oz more than Danka but measures only 6" from the tip of her nose to the end of her tail. Now there's a dog who has a good reason to be afraid of the vacuum cleaner.
Shortest Chihuahua Brandy
Shortest Chihuahua Brandy
BIGGEST (EVER)
In 1989, an English Mastiff named "Zorba" tipped the scales—or should I say demolished the scales—at a whopping 343 lbs at the age of 8.
An English Mastiff
TALLEST
Try telling a 7 ft tall dog not to drool on the dinner table. "Gibson", a Harlequin Great Dane from Grass Valley, California, is 42.2 inches when standing on all fours, and when he's on his hind legs he's positively stratospheric. This dog is so tall he has to bend down to howl at the moon. He's so tall he doesn't drink out of the toilet; he drinks from the bidet. He's so tall he doesn't understand "heel". You have to say, "Skull!" He's so tall... ok I'll stop now
Tallest Great Dane - Gibson
Tallest Great Dane - Gibson
LARGEST
"Moose" weighed in at 286 lbs when he was named "largest dog in America" on Live with Regis & Kelly in Nov 2001. Moose's guardian Donna Vazquez considers that to be a low estimate because his butt wouldn't fit entirely on the scale.
Largest Dog Moose
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