forwards4all - fun 'n' masti

New Year 2012: London Fireworks Display

2012-01-05T16:06:00.003+05:30

London's new year fireworks dazzled their way into 2012 in an "awesome" display that has been widely hailed by both the media and public as a stunning success.

It was the 11-minute fireworks spectacular that wowed the world. More than 250,000 revellers watched the breathtaking display, of more than 12,000 fireworks producing 50,000 projectiles lit up the sky which cost £274,000 and demonstrated that London is the best in the world at putting on a show to celebrate the New Year.

Google ad based on real story of an Indian

2011-12-30T15:59:00.005+05:30

Inspired by the real story of G. Rajendran, an artist from Tamil Nadu (Southern India) who used the web to bring the dying art of "Tanjore" paintings back to life and became a successful businessman in the process. The art is supposed to have originated in 1600 A.D and is an important part of the local social and cultural heritage.

Indian Grand Prix 2011 winner [video]

2011-10-31T03:18:00.002+05:30

South Sudan - World's Newest Country

2011-09-08T16:03:00.004+05:30

South Sudan, officially the Republic of South Sudan, is a landlocked country in East Africa. It separated from Sudan and became an independent state on 9 July 2011. On 14 July 2011, South Sudan became a United Nations member state and also joined the African Union on 28 July 2011.

South Sudan is one of the poorest countries with possibly the worst health situation in the world.

Protesters in cities across Isreal.

2011-08-25T11:24:00.003+05:30

Thousands protest in Israel over house prices and low salaries.Over 150,000 protesters took to the streets in cities across Isreal on last Saturday night in the biggest demonstrations the country has seen in decades to demand action on rising house prices and rents, low salaries, the high cost of raising children and other social issues.

The Largest Ancient Temple in the World The Karnak Temple

2011-08-22T11:53:00.007+05:30

The Karnak temple is the largest ancient religious site in the World. This is because every pharaoh contributed to it as it was probably the most important temple in Egypt.Every pharaoh raced to show his respect to the supreme gods and also earn the appreciation of the clergymen. So every pharaoh built a pylon or obelisk or sphinx or an entire complex within the temple.

Sphinx at the Luxor Temple.

Obelisk in the Luxor Temple.

Entrance to the Karnak Temple.

Part of the Sphinx Avenue.

People Walking Down Sphinx Avenue.

The Hypostyle Hall 1.

The Hypostyle Hall 2.

The Hypostyle Hall 3.

Calendar of the Temple’s Festivals.

Beautiful Inscriptions in One of the Shrines in the Karnak Temple.

Obelisk in the Karnak Temple 1.

Obelisk in the Karnak Temple 2.

Tut Ankh Amun’s Contribution to the Karnak Temple.

Who is Anna Hazare? [Must Watch]

2011-08-17T17:47:00.002+05:30

Many of you must have seen Anna Hazare and his struggle to fight against corruption and implementation of Jan Lokpal Bill. Here's a video of Anna Hazare himself explaining about himself, his achievements and the importance of Jan Lokpal Bill. A must watch for all Indians :)

12 tallest buildings in the World

2011-08-16T11:28:00.010+05:30

The Kingdom Tower coming up in Saudi Arabia will displace the Burj Khalifa to take top spot in the list of tallest buildings in the world. But now let's take a quick look at the top 12 tallest building in the World.

1. Burj Khalifa: Dubai's Burj Dubai is currently the tallest building in the world. Height: 2,716 ft.

2. Taipei 101: The Taipei 101 in Taiwan is the second tallest. Height: 1,671 ft.

3. Shanghai World Financial Center: The Shanghai World Financial Center is third. Height: 1,614 ft.

4. Hong Kong's International Commerce Center: Hong Kong's International Commerce Center is fourth. Height: 1,588 ft.

5/6. Petronas Twin Towers: The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur are tied for fifth and sixth tallest. Height: 1,483 ft.

7. Nanjing Greenland Center: The Nanjing Greenland Center in China is the seventh tallest. Height: 1,476 ft.

8. Chicago Willis Towers: Chicago's Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, is the eighth tallest. Height: 1,451 ft.

9. Guangzhou West Tower: The Ghuangzhou West Tower is the ninth tallest. Height: 1,435 feet.

10. Shanghai's Jinmao Tower: Shanghai's Jinmao Tower is the tenth tallest. Height: 1,380 ft.

11. Hong Kong's Two International Financial Center: Hong Kong's Two International Financial Center is the eleventh tallest. Height: 1,362 feet.

12. Chicago's Trump International Hotel and Tower: Chicago's Trump International Hotel & Tower is the twelfth tallest. Height: 1,326 ft.

Jana Gana Mana - National Anthem of India

2011-08-13T23:46:00.002+05:30

Happy Independence Day!

Here's the national anthem of India sang by Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Kavita krishnamurthy, Hariharan, S.P. balasubrahmanyam, Asha Bhonsle, Saddiq Khan Langa, Jagjit Singh, Dr. Balamuralikrishna, D.K.Pattamal, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Jasraaj and Bhupen Hazarika.

Strongest Egyptian Man with the Strength of 30,000 Men

2011-08-10T22:36:00.003+05:30

Bulldozer rampage [video]

2011-08-03T21:16:00.002+05:30

An angry man named Mark Hemier from a small town of Colorado went on a rampage to destroy buildings and vehicles with his bulldozer. His main targets - a bank, a hardward store, a concrete factory, town hall , police department and home of former mayor.

Hemier was a skilled welder and had armoured his bulldozer with half inch thick dual iron sheets and concrete in between them.

After destroying property worth US $7,000,000, his bulldozer got stucked under a steel structure and he committed suicide before the police could catch him.

10 Most Amazing Ancient Ruins

2011-07-30T12:30:00.003+05:30

Whilst you can learn a lot about a country's past from history books, nothing brings it to life more than walking around the ghost towns that represent once real and prosperous sites and cities. Here are some of the most fascinating ruins on the planet.

1. Angkor, Cambodia

Made by the Khmer kings in a process taking almost four centuries, Angkor was abandoned and hidden by the forest before being rediscovered by a Frenchman about 150 years ago, and restored into one of the most visited archaeological and artistic sites in the world. Its a breathtaking complex consisting of hundreds of temples, covering 500 acres. You wont get around them all, but don't miss the main Temple of Angkor Wat, which has five main towers reaching 215 feet into the air from its mile-long base, and Angkor with its imposing statues of 54 gods and 54 demons leading up to the temple.

2. Ephesus, Turkey

The best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean, Ephesus is as close a taste you'll find as to what life was like in Roman times it was both a great trading city back in its day and a center for the cult of Cybele, the Anatolian fertility goddess. The impressive Magnesia Gate provides the main entrance to the ancient city, where you'll walk along marble streets grooved by chariot wheels and see beautiful temples, porticoes, fountains and frescoes as well as the three-storey Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Odeum, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theater.

3. Pompeii, Italy

Arguably Italy's most popular tourist attraction, this city was buried beneath 66 feet of pumice and ash during a long disastrous outbreak of the volcano Mount Vesuvius that continued for almost two days in the year 79 AD. It was then lost for almost 1,600 years before being randomly rediscovered in 1592. Walking the streets of this former city gives you a glimpse of the lives of the people that once inhabited it, complete with homes, theaters, shops and temples.

4. Great Pyramids Memphis, Egypt

Of the seven wonders of the ancient world, only the Great Pyramid of Giza remains, and 4,000 years since they were built, it is still being debated by experts how the builders managed to place more than two million stone blocks so perfectly. Since 1979 they've been classed as a World Heritage Site along with Memphis - the capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt. Its ruins live on as an open-air museum, with extraordinary funerary monuments, including rock tombs, temples and pyramids.

5. Sanchi, India

The best-preserved group of Buddhist monuments in India sits on a flat-topped sandstone hill, 90 meters above the countryside, near the Betwa River. Its major attractions include a number of Buddhist stupas - mound-like structures containing Buddhist relics (including the aptly named Great Stupa) - monasteries, temples and pillars. The structures date back to somewhere between 3rd century BC and 12th century AD. The artistic imagery carved on the pillars and stupas tell stories of Buddhas life.

6. Machu Picchu, Peru

Built in the 1400s at the height of the Inca Empire, this complex was abandoned in 1572, as a belated result of the Spanish Conquest. But after being rediscovered in 1911 by an American archaeologist, it is considered today as one of the world's most spectacular and fascinating marvels. Its 200 buildings surrounded by tropical jungle are nestled a staggering 2430 meters high in the Andes Mountains of Peru and its a wonder how the Incas managed to build such an incredible complex so high on the side of a cliff.

7. Ayutthaya, Thailand

Founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1350, Ayutthaya was once the country's capital and an internationally renowned bustling metropolis, whose progress is said to have rivaled that of European capitals at the time. That was until the Burmese army burned down the city in 1767. In 1969 the Fine Arts Department began renovating the ruins, and today the debris of the empire's glory forming part of what is now known as the Ayutthaya Historical Park.

8. Acropolis, Greece

Translating to The Sacred Rock, the high city, the Acropolis in Athens has retained its splendour; despite its once-pristine temples and gates being battered with thousands of years of wear and destruction. Its prominent architectural landmarks include its monumental entrance the Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike, which is the earliest Ionic temple on the Acropolis, the Erechtheum (an unusually designed temple located on the north side) and most famously, the Parthenon, considered to be the most significant structure of Classical Greece and one of Europe's most recognizable landmarks.

9. Mohenjo daro, Pakistan

Some have suggested ancient technology classified these Indus Valley ruins but electricity is a more plausible explanation. Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent region are thought to be the birthplace of civilization and the central focus for human culture dating back to the beginning of recorded history. The oldest sites is located in the Indus Valley of Pakistan and appears to date from around 3000-2500 BCE.

10. Petra, Jordan

Petra is a historical and archaeological city in the Jordanian governorate of Ma'an that is famous for its rock cut architecture and water conduits system. Established sometime around the 6th century BC as the capital city of the Nabataeans, it is a symbol of Jordan as well as its most visited tourist attraction. It lies on the slope of Mount Hor in a basin among the mountains which form the eastern flank of Arabah (Wadi Araba), the large valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba.

Top 10 Most Intriguing Historical Facts

2011-07-29T11:31:00.006+05:30

There are various historical events that are constantly projected in textbooks and on the news. Some f the facts presented are not legit or correct. There is more to the story than what meets the eyes.

1. Pope Benedict IX – the youngest pope:

The youngest ever pope was Pope Benedict IX, who arguably began his papacy at age 11. He is the only pope to rule more than once and to have sold his papacy. He sold his position to his godfather when he decided to get married. He later would regret that decision and gain power once again.

2. Kaiser Wilhem II’s lack of accent:

Although German born, Kaiser Wilhem II spoke English without a German accent despite popular beliefs, especially in the film the Red Barron (2008). Although his policies were anti-British, he was part of the British Monarchy. His mother, Victoria, Princess Royal, was the daughter of Queen Victoria. When Queen Victoria was on her death bed, Kaiser Wilhelm II was one of two people at her bedside.

3. Napoleon’s height:

Napoleon was always known as the “Le Petit General.” At the time of his death, he measured 5 feet and 2 inches in French measurements. In English measurements, this equated to 5 feet and 6 inches or 169 cm. Thus Napoleon was not really of small stature. Many would thus argue that was quite normal for his size at that time.

4. George Washington – the first president of the independent United States:

George Washington was the first president of the independent United States but NOT the first president of the United States. There were 14 other leaders before Washington, including John Hancock who was the most popular.

5. The death of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams:

America lost two of its notable presidents on its 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: 1) Thomas Jefferson and 2) John Adams. Both died within hours of each other leaving Charles Carroll of Carrollton the only surviving signatory of the Declaration of Independence.

6. Ham – the first chimpanzee in space:

In 1961 Ham was the first ever chimpanzee to go into space. The United States called the chimp Ham after the Holloman Aerospace Medical Center.

7. Curse of Tippecanoe:

When an American president is elected into office in the year that is divided by 20, there is a curse. Every president from Harrison to Kennedy died while in office because they were all elected in a year that is a common multiple of 20. Reagan, who was elected in 1980 and George W. Bush, who was elected in 2000 are the only two president to have survived this curse.

8. Sir John Thompson’s death:

Sir John Thompson, a former Prime Minister of Canada died on a heart attack while visiting Queen Victoria at the Windsor Castle. He is one of 3 prime ministers to die outside of Canada and one of two to die in office.

9. Lina Medina – the youngest mother:

In 1939, Lina Medina became the youngest mother to ever successful give birth. Her child, who lived till the age of 40, was born when Medina was 5 years old.

10. Egyptians’ death:

3000 years ago, most Egyptians died by the age of 30.

Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand : The World's Steepest Street

2011-07-28T11:41:00.003+05:30

Initially, Baldwin Street slopes gently from the valley floor, then climbs steeply to its intersection with Buchanan Street at the top.

Over the 161.2 metre length of the top section, it climbs a vertical height of 47.22 metres, which is an average gradient of 1 in 3.41.On its steepest section, the gradient is 1 in 2.86.

Every year, during Dunedin's Festival, large numbers of athletes, including family groups, take part in social and competitive foot races to the top of the street and return. These races are known as the "BALDWIN STREET GUTBUSTER".

The street is named for William Baldwin, who carried out the original subdivision. Baldwin was a member of the Otago Provincial COuncil and founder of the "Otago Guardian" newspaper in 1873.

Top 10 Mysterious World Landmarks

2011-07-27T12:40:00.005+05:30

The world is filled with ancient monuments built by master craftsmen in order to honor everything from kings and presidents to religious figures. And although most of these landmarks have been carefully studied and researched by scientists and historians, some are simply so old, incomplete, or obscure that we still don’t know very much about why they were built or what purpose they served. The following are 10 world landmarks that, whether by intention or simply due to the passage of time, continue to baffle the people who study them.

1. Stonehenge

Stonehenge has been inspiring debate among scholars, scientists, and historians since the Middle Ages. Located in the English countryside, the landmark is believed to date back to 2500 BC, and consists of several mammoth pieces of rock arranged and piled on top of one another in what appears at first to be a random design. The site is surrounded by a small, circular ditch, and is flanked by burial mounds on all sides.

2. The Great Sphinx of Giza

The figures are found all over the world in different forms, but they are most commonly linked with Egypt, which features the most famous example in the form of the Great Sphinx of Giza.Egyptologists might have a small understanding of why the statue was built, but when, how, and by who is still shrouded in mystery. The pharaoh Khafra is the main suspect, which would date the structure back to around 2500 BC, but other scientists have argued that evidence of water erosion of the statue suggests that it is much older and perhaps even predated the dynastic era of the Egyptians.

3. The Georgia Guidestones

While most of the mysterious monuments on this list only became that way as centuries passed, the Georgia Guidestones, also known as American Stonehenge, are one landmark that was always intended to be an enigma.The monument was built during the height of the Cold War, one popular theory about the group’s intentions is that the Guidestones were to serve as a primer for how to rebuild society in the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust.

4. The Easter Island Moai

One of the most iconic series of monuments in the Pacific islands is the Moai, a group of huge statues of exaggerated human figures that are found only on the small, isolated island of Rapa Nui, or Easter Island. The average Moai weighs several tons, and for years scientists were at a loss to describe how the monuments were transported from Rano Raraku, where most of them were constructed, to their various locations around the island. In recent years, the most popular theory is that the builders used wooden sleds and log rollers to move the Moai, an answer that would also explain how the once verdant island became almost totally barren due to deforestation.

5. Sacsayhuaman

Not far from the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu lies Sacsayhuaman, a strange embankment of stone walls located just outside of Cuzco.The strange shape and angles of the wall have led some speculate that it may have had a more symbolic function, one example being that the wall, when seen next to Cuzco from above, forms the shape of the head of a Cougar. Even more mysterious than the monument’s use, though, are the methods that were used in its construction. Like most Inca stone works, Sacsayhuaman was built with large stones that fit together so perfectly that not even a sheet of paper can be placed in the gaps between them.

6. Goseck Circle

One of the most mysterious landmarks in Germany is the Goseck Circle, a monument made out of earth, gravel, and wooden palisades that is regarded as the earliest example of a primitive “solar observatory.”The monument’s careful construction has led many scientists to believe that the Goseck Circle was built to serve as some kind of primitive solar or lunar calendar, but its exact use is still a source of debate. Evidence has shown that a so-called “solar cult” was widespread in ancient Europe.

7. The Nazca Lines

The Nazca lines are a series of designs and pictographs carved into the ground in the Nazca Desert, a dry plateau located in Peru.The most popular and reasonable hypothesis is that the lines must have figured in the Nazca people’s religious beliefs, and that they made the designs as offerings to the gods, who would’ve been able to see them from the heavens.

8. The Yonaguni Monument

Of all the famous monuments in Japan, perhaps none is more perplexing than Yonaguni, an underwater rock formation that lies off the coast of the Ryuku Islands.Scientists have long argued that millennia of strong currents and erosion have carved the formations out of the ocean floor, and they point to the fact that the monument is all one piece of solid rock as proof that it was not assembled by a builder.They often cite one formation in particular, a section of rock that resembles a crude carving of a human face, as evidence.

9. Newgrange

Considered to be the oldest and most famous prehistoric site in all of Ireland, Newgrange is a tomb that was built from earth, wood, clay, and stone around 3100 BC, some 1000 years before the construction of the pyramids in Egypt.It consists of a long passage that leads to a cross-shaped chamber that was apparently used as a tomb, as it contains stone basins filled with cremated remains. The most unique feature of Newgrange is its careful and sturdy design, which has helped the structure remain completely waterproof to this day.

10. The Cahokia Mounds

Cahokia is the name given to an Indian settlement that exists outside of Collinsville, Illinois. Archeologists estimate that the city was founded sometime around 650 AD, and its complex network of burial grounds and sophisticated landscaping prove that it was once a thriving community.

The 'Other Women' of Bollywood

2011-07-26T12:19:00.006+05:30

When steady relationships go awry, it is mostly due to the involvement of a third person i.e. the 'other woman', especially in Bollywood.

There have been innumerable instances when one individual strays from a rock solid relationship. Men in particular, find it hard to keep maintain their fidelity, which becomes twofold when it is a hot Bollywood actress on the other side. Here are some of the 'other women' of Bollywood.

Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif apparently got cosy with Ranbir Kapoor on the sets of their film while Ranbir was still very much with Deepika Padukone. Deepika kept no secrets about Ranbir's wayward ways and after Katrina's break-up with Salman Khan, the Ranbir-Kat romance was pretty much confirmed.

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra reportedly evoked the wrath of Twinkle Khanna owing to her alleged affair with Akshay Kumar. Twinkle was so miffed with Priyanka that she banned her husband from signing any other films with her. The pair hasn't worked with each other since.

Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor is currently dating Saif Ali Khan. Khan married actress Amrita Singh in October 1991.After thirteen years of marriage and two children (son Ibrahim Ali Khan and daughter Sara Ali Khan), the couple divorced in 2004.

Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa Shetty was blatantly charged by Raj Kundra's ex wife for breaking her home. The ex-Mrs Kundra alleged that he was so besotted with Shilpa that their reconciliation became impossible. Shilpa, however denied being a home-breaker and that Raj was already divorced when she started dating him. Controversies apart, the couple are now happily married.

Kiran Rao

Aamir Khan reportedly started seeing Kiran Rao in 2001, on the sets of 'Lagaan', where Kiran was an assistant director. Technically speaking Aamir was still married to Reena Dutta at that time and they got divorced only next year. Aamir got married to Kiran three years later and are going pretty strong till date.

Rani Mukherji

Rani Mukherji has been linked to Aditya Chopra since a very long time now. Aditya Chopra divorced his wife Payal Chopra after seven years of marriage with industry insiders blaming the 'other woman' for the breakdown of their marriage. Rumours about the two getting married have been doing the rounds time and again, but both Rani and Aditya have maintained a dignified silence regarding the whole 'affair'.

Lara Dutta

After a long silence, mahesh Bhupathi's ex-wife, Shvetha Jaishankar, claimed that the relationship between Lara and Mahesh started while he was still married to her. She slammed Mahesh for treating her like a trophy wife and even said that Lara would fit in with his "ambitious streak".

Preity Zinta

Shekhar Kapur's ex-wife, Suchitra Krishnamoorthy shocked everyone when she cited Preity as the cause of her divorce from Shekhar Kapur. She even wrote a poem titled 'Maneater' directing it towards Preity which raked up a major controversy.

Rekha

Their's was the most celebrated romance on-screen. Off-screen too, the two reportedly had a torrid affair, very much on the lines of 'Silsila', which Yash Chopra termed as "real life coming into reel life". Amitabh apparently set his priorities right and returned home to wife Jaya Bachchan leaving the world in fancy of the short-lived but amazingly mysterious love story.

Madhubala

Legendary actress Madhubala was also seeing Kishore Kumar, whom she eventually married, when he was still married to Ruma Guha Thakurta.

Hema Malini

Dharmendra had to convert to Islam so that he could marry Hema Malini, while remaining married to Prakash Kaur

Sridevi

Sridevi has had the tag of 'the other woman' applied to her more than once. Firstly, she started dating Mithun Chakrabarty even though he was still married to Yogita Bali. It is said that when Sridevi found out that he had not divorced Bali, she got the marriage annulled. Later, she married producer Boney Kapoor while he was still married to his first wife Mona Shourie Kapoor. Strangely enough, Mona continued to live in Boney Kapoor's house for ten years after him and Sridevi tied the knot.

Karisma Kapoor

Karisma was engaged to Abhishek Bachchan. The engagement was announced in October 2002 on the 60th birthday of Abhishek's father, Amitabh Bachchan. Four months later in February 2003, they split up.[12] On 29 September 2003, she married industrialist Sanjay Kapur, CEO of Sixt India.Karisma married Sanjay while he was getting a divorce from his first wife Nandita.

Top 10 Deserts in the World

2011-07-25T11:49:00.004+05:30

The usual words that one naturally associates with the term – deserts are; sand, heat, dry, utter chaos! Here you can take a look at all the reasons why some of these beautiful, amazing and sometimes downright lovely deserts should not give you the sinking feeling inside.

1. Salar de Uyuni

This desert, located in Bolivia would change your conception of the idea of deserts completely. It happens to be the largest salt desert in the world but the beauty of the place is exceptional. The desert is completely flat and the so large and crystal in its salty nature that the whole sky seems to be reflected in it creating the ground in different shades of blue.

2. Sahara Desert

This is the world’s largest desert and could very well be termed as the most impressive desert in the world as well. Only one single country cannot be allocated with the desert, but it includes the countries of Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, Morocco and several others.Miles and miles of sand with very little rainfall and slight plantation and creatures; however the Sahara desert is definitely an icon for the African continent and a brilliant natural phenomenon.

3. Gobi Desert

This desert is located in Mongolia and stands for one of the most incredible sights in the world. The desert is also often called “The Flaming Cliffs”. This term originates from the fact that the desert is covered in sand dunes with the existence of a lot of orange high rocks and cliffs.

4. Wadi Rum

This desert located in Jordan is claimed by many to be one of the most beautiful and un spoilt deserts in the world. The desert is covered with huge sandstone mountains and granite rocks giving one breath taking views of 1700 meters of large rocks and canyons in depth.Here too one finds evidences of ancient people having lived in the desert caves and in fact there are still some tribes who still live in the desert.

5. Thar Desert

This desert is located in India and is also very often known as the Great Indian Desert. This desert too has the conventional feature of miles and miles of sand under the burning eye of the Sun, however the beauty of the desert perhaps lies in the colorful people who inhabit the land along with all the different kinds of animals you will encounter there.There are small hillocks and gravel plains that are found all over but the biodiversity of this desert is very rich.

6. Patagonian Desert

This desert is located in Argentina and is also among the list of some of the largest deserts in the world though it is the largest desert in South America. The desert is actually a cold desert but a visit would betray to you the ancient mystique about the desert with lots of caves and ancient man made paintings inside them.As expected the desert is vast with brownish red earth and the foxes that one encounters in the desert make a travel to the desert rather fascinating.

7. Atacama Desert

This desert is one of the biggest icons of Chile, apart from the fact that almost the entire country is nearly covered by the desert itself. The area of the desert which is closest to Africa is considered to be the driest area on earth, so this land can be said to be completely synonymous with all the adjectives of sand sand and only sand and the dryness that is associated with the term desert land.

8. Antarctic Desert

Located in Antarctica, this is one of the most fascinating desert lands in the world. Completely white in appearance this land is one the world’s driest desert in the world along with being the wettest deserts in the worlds.This is because, Antarctica happens to be the land of extremes, as there is hardly any rainfall here the land is naturally the driest place on earth, while because of the freezing climate the land is constantly covered with ice which also makes it the wettest land in the world as well. Another feature to add to all this is the fact that it is also one of the coldest places on earth!

9. Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert is again one of the most fascinating destinations in the world and is located in Botswana. Many might not even call it a true desert in the way that most deserts are described. The Kalahari experiences lots of rainfall but what makes it a desert is that the rainfall is sporadic and it never settles on the surface making vegetation and the survival of the tribes of the Kalahari and animals a grave challenge.

10. Mojave Desert

This desert covers a large part of the USA and also happens to form some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the country. The desert has typically the mountain topography with sparse population, but the mountain vegetation that the desert supports is quite unique and varied in its species. The Mojave Desert has some breathtaking views with four national parks and which includes the Grand Canyon and also numerous pretty lakes but the Desert has become quite urbanized and is not an untouched desert.

Bodyguard Movie -First Look [Trailer]

2011-07-22T08:57:00.001+05:30

Tsaparang Site of the Lost Kingdom of Tibet

2011-07-21T11:53:00.006+05:30

Tsaparang was said to be found in Guge kingdom and it was also its ancient capital. A place called Garuda valley lies in the Western Tibet’s Ngari province used to have this remarkable lost kingdom which ranged and expanded from the upper area of Sutlej River to the modern Ladakh border.

Historical accounts say that after the assassination of the anti-Buddhist Tibetan king Langdharma in the 9th century, one of his two sons named Namde Wosung had established Tsaparang as the Guge capital. Other accounts claim that Guge came into prominence when Langdharma’s grandson Nyima Gon fled to Western Tibet and subsequently distributed his kingdom among his descendents by the names of Maryul (modern Ladakh), Purang and Guge. Soon Guge acquired a powerful position by 10th century CE when it started controlling the India-Tibet trade route.

7 Weirdest Museums of the World

2011-07-20T15:59:00.005+05:30

Just like your wish to visit seven wonders of the world. Here are seven weirdest museums of the world that you must visit once in your life.

1. Mutter Museum – Philadelphia, USA

Full of macabre medical oddities, the Mütter Museum takes the cake for weirdest museums. But remember, these are human remains that have been donated, so be as respectful as possible in your ogling.

2. Icelandic Phallological Museum – Húsavík, Iceland

All giggles aside, the Icelandic Phallological Museum is the world’s first education center devoted to the ancient study of phallology (the scientific study of phalli). And with the most recent Homo sapien specimen donation, members from all 46 different species of Icelandic mammals are on display.

3. Gopher Hole Museum – Torrington, Alberta, Canada

Technically, the models at the Gopher Hole Museum aren’t gophers – they’re stuffed Richardson’s ground squirrels — but that’s beside the point. These adorable critters attracted negative press from the notorious animal rights group PETA in the 90s. But the mudslinging plan backfired; the Gopher Hole Museum is now a world famous landmark in Torrington, Alberta.

4. Meguro Parasite Museum – Tokyo, Japan

A strong stomach is a requirement at the Meguro Parasite Museum in Tokyo, Japan. Each prized specimen was actually extracted from either an animal or human — like the infested dolphin stomach shown here.

5. Museum of Broken Relationships – Zagreb, Croatia

Shards of glass in a jar, mannequin hands and even a broken garden dwarf are among some of the more interesting donations at the Museum of Broken Relationships. Donors fill out note cards telling the story behind the object.

6. Paris Sewer Museum – Paris, France

Keep your eyes peeled when visiting the Paris Sewer Museum: Parisian phone, electric and gas lines are run through the underground sewer system. And although most tour-able sections are drained of their contents, the sewers are prone to flooding after heavy rains.

7. Currywurst Museum – Berlin, Germany

Tease your taste buds at the German Currywurst Museum. You can even sample some of Germany’s favorite sausage in the snack lounge, including the museum’s innovative creation, currywurst-in-a-cup.

Infosys mysore campus

2011-07-19T11:52:00.004+05:30

Infosys built the world's biggest training centre in Mysore. The USD 60 million training centre is housed in a 270 acre campus at Mysore. The campus earlier this week was renamed as the Narayana Murthy Centre of Excellence.

Grand view from the entrance.

Infosys’ main building designed to resemble a Roman Colosseum.

Inspired by the White House.

Buildings at the center are designed to disperse maximum
day light.

All work and no play make Infosians dull -- Rock climbing wall
for all hiking enthusiasts.

If sports aint up your alley, you could just catch the latest
movie at the Infy multiplex

Pearl Carpet of Baroda

2011-07-16T14:37:00.004+05:30

The famed Pearl Carpet of Baroda has become world's most expensive carpet beating the record of a silk Persian rug, sold last year. It has also set the record of a work sold at auction in the Middle East.

Embroidered with as many as one-and-a-half million of the fabled Basra pearls, harvested in the southern Gulf region and along the coasts of Qatar and Bahrain, the bejeweled masterpiece is traditionally believed to have been created as a gift for the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad in the holy city of Medina in Saudi Arabia and was commissioned by the Maharaja of Baroda, Gaekwar Kande Rao.

The intended gift was clearly never delivered as the Maharaja died before he made the donation and the carpet therefore remained in his family collection for more than 100 years.

The Pearl carpet broke the record held by a silk Isfahan carpet, Silk Safavid Carpet, which went under hammer for $4.45m at Christie's auction, last year.

At the Arts of the Islamic World session, a Safavid work, exhibited for the first time after having resurfaced from a private collection, went under hammer at US $3,442,500.

Top 10 Best Luxury SUVs

2011-07-15T12:01:00.006+05:30

Luxury SUVs are typically characterized by many features that set them aside from non-luxury vehicles. Luxury SUVs may be of any size from compact to large and are distinguished by top design and quality interiors made of premium materials. More high-technology and comfort-and-convenience features may be included such as voice-activation systems, ventilated seats, sophisticated climate controls, leather seats, power windows, door locks and mirrors, and a top-of-the-line audio system.

The engine in most luxury SUVs is a V8, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than six or seven seconds. The ride in a luxury SUV is typically smooth and comfortable and the vehicle should be able to handle curves in the road and corners with distinction.

1: Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is one of the best luxury SUVs, a large SUV with seating for eight in a roomy and luxurious cabin. The vehicle includes a strong list of standard features and performs well on the road with its truck-based construction, standard V8 engine and adjustable suspension that optimizes ride and handling. Highlights of the interior cabin include supple leather upholstery and faux wood and alloy trim.

2: Infiniti QX 56

The Infiniti QX56 is another of the best luxury SUVs, with a powerful engine and an interior cabin that is complete with many high-tech standard features such as intelligent cruise control and vehicle-speed sensing power steering. The interior is of high quality, done with premium materials and superb craftsmanship.

3: Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Diesel

The best luxury SUVs is the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Diesel, powered by a turbocharged V6 diesel engine that provides excellent driving performance, confidence on the road and smooth handling. Inside, the vehicle can accommodate up to seven people in comfort with the typical Mercedes-Benz quality interior.

4: Land Rover Range Rover

The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV, known for its tremendous off-road capabilities and perhaps less known for its tradition of interior opulence. The interior cabin is swathed with leather coverings on the seats, dashboard, door panels and consoles. Complementing the leather are finishes in premium black satin and natural wood trim finishes. The vehicle is powered by a supercharged V8 that can go from 0 to 60 mph in only 6.9 seconds.

5: Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the luxury SUVs that features interior comfort and a long list of standard features, conveniences and safety equipment. The engine is a powerful V8 that not only provides a smooth ride around town but offers exceptional off-road capabilities.

6: Lexus LX 570

The Lexus LX 570 is another luxury SUV that is a combination of a vehicle that competent off the road yet spacious and sufficiently comfortable as a family vehicle. A powerful V8 engine makes for excellent road handling capabilities as well as a large towing capacity.

7: Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes Benz G Class is a luxury SUV with its roots as a vehicle of favor for military outfitters that still maintains its over-engineered and virtually indestructible tank-like design. Strangely enough, this very design makes for an endlessly capable and opulently luxurious well-appointed cabin that is unmatched by any other vehicle in its class.

8: Lincoln Navigator

Another of the luxury SUVs is the Lincoln Navigator with eye-catching style and a luxurious ride. The interior cabin is also upscale, luxurious and roomy offering standard features such as Ford’s own entertainment system and a navigation unit. Seating is comfortable in all three rows and the cabin is lined with leather and wood trim.

9: Land Rover LR2

The Land Rover LR2 is a luxury SUV that is the company’s entry point into the luxury SUV market. As such, its off-road abilities can to some extent compromise its abilities on the pavement with a standard V6 engine that is unlike its class. These drawbacks are compensated by a luxury interior, surrounding passengers with wood trim and supple leather.

10: Porsche Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne is another luxury SUV that drives like a sports car. Its invigorated V8 makes a powerful alternative to other vehicles in its class. It handles well on the road and provides a solid and confident ride. The inside cabin is finely crafted with high quality materials that include wood, alloy trim and leather upholstery.

Serial Blasts Hit Mumbai City (Photos)

2011-07-14T01:07:00.002+05:30

Serial blasts struck Mumbai on the evening of 7/13, less than three years after the 26/11 terrorist attacks of 2008. The three blasts, in sequence, were timed at 6.30 pm, 6.45 pm, and 7 pm IST, and targeted in that order Zaveri Bazaar, Opera House and the Kabutarkhana area of Dadar West.

At least 20 people died and 113 were injured in these blasts. An unexploded device was also said to have been discovered, according to local reports. "There were no other immediate threats, but all metro cities have been put on high alert", Union Home Minsiter P. Chidambaram said.

In the United States, President Barack Obama condemned the attacks. “India is a close friend and partner of the U.S. During my trip to Mumbai, I saw firsthand the strength and resilience of the Indian people, and I have no doubt that India will overcome these deplorable terrorist attacks", he said in a statement.

World’s First Dual Screen Laptop Toshiba Libretto W100

2011-07-13T12:04:00.004+05:30

This tablet has two touchscreens, each with LED backlighting and 1,024 x 600 resolution. You will note the virtual keyboard, and it is billed as the world's first dual touch-screen Windows mini-notebook PC. It can be used both vertically and horizontally, thanks to a built-in accelerometer.

The battery life is good for 2 or 4 hours with high-capacity battery.Other features include Intel Pentium U5400 CPU , 62GB SSD, 2GB RAM, WiMAX, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, Micro SD/SDHC slot, USB port, and Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit.

Top 10 most dangerous cities of the world

2011-07-12T12:13:00.005+05:30

Imagine what it would be like to live in a city full of danger. The many risks that plague some of the cities of the world are terrifying indeed as the dangers vary. It is also saddening to see that there are places in the world where people go to bed really not knowing if they will wake again the next day.

10. Rio de Janerio (Brazil)

Violent crimes are very much a part of what the city which is also home to the world’s largest carnival offers. There are strict instructions on carrying as little money as one can and also wearing no jewelry once on the streets of the city. Drugs are also available freely throughout the city and gang violence is also well known.

9. Cape Town (South Africa)

This South African city has seen a sudden spike in the crime rates in the last few years. A hot travel destination otherwise for people from all over the world, the last few years has promised to change that. The rates of robberies, burglary and rape among other offences have skyrocketed and this can’t be good for a city that once prided itself on being one of the upcoming cities of the nation.

8. New Orleans (United States of America)

It has among the highest crime rates in the US. The majority of the crimes are murders which makes things scarier. The city has also been affected by poverty which has led to a rampant rise in violence in the ranks of the city. Once a prospering city, New Orleans is no longer the city it used to be with a very high murder rate.

7. Caracas (Venezuela)

This Venezuelan city is often known as the murder capital of the world has created many records for the number of people being murdered. The city is also pronged by significant amounts of drug and gang violence which has remained a major worry. Poverty is also a cause for the city folk turning to crime. Things have gotten especially worse as today there are sections of the city that are completely cut off.

6. Ciudad Juarez (Mexico)

This Mexican city on the US Mexico border is a major center for drug activity. There are frequent clashes between different drug related cartels and the authorities. The non local violence that has managed to localize itself over the city has affected the residents of the city in a big way and life is never the same for the people of this city.

5. Port Au-Prince (Haiti)

The largest city of Haiti and also the capital city lack a real police force as the entire sections of the city are taken over by criminal groups. There are a large number of drug, gang and other violence related issues throughout the city and even UN forces seem to be clueless as to how they can stop the violence. Traveling in the city is extremely treacherous as the criminals will take anything you got.

4. Bogota (Columbia)

Columbia has always been plagued by violence of different kinds especially violence related to drug gangs. The worries don’t just stop at violence as there are a large number of extortion groups in the city too. The city has one of the highest violence rates in the world and living here is like living next to danger and death.

3. Karachi (Pakistan)

The city of Karachi is frequently subject to bombings which makes it one of the most dangerous places in Asia. Different types of terror attacks have plagued the city since a long time now. Suicide bombers, car bombs and even fully fledged terrorist attacks have been happening in the city on and off which have managed to give the city a very dangerous reputation.

2. Grozny (Russia)

This city was once known as the most destroyed in the world. The violence here ranges from mobs, drug and terror related violence. The city has always been plagued by rebels and their frequent destructive outbursts and it also does not help that most of the cities in the area are controlled by the Russian mobs. There is hardly any authority left in the city but a lot of people still continue to fight for their home and keep rebuilding the city while some have fled away to nearby countries.

1. Baghdad (Iraq)

Easily one of the most violent centers on this planet, the city of Baghdad has been plagued by this cycle of violence since a long time now. The city faces several threats domestic and foreign. The US occupation which was allegedly a bid to make things better has made things a lot worse. Again the resilience of the people comes too be seen as they continue to live in their homeland with the greatest passion. The city decimated by war overnight has been rebuilding itself as one part gets destroyed simultaneously.

Pyramid's Inside - Rare Photo Collection

2011-07-11T11:37:00.004+05:30

PEPCON Disaster - The Greatest Chemical Explosion in American History

2011-07-09T13:36:00.003+05:30

The PEPCON disaster was an industrial disaster that occurred in Henderson, Nevada on May 4, 1988 at the Pacific Engineering Production Company of Nevada (PEPCON) plant. The chemical fire and subsequent explosions claimed two lives, injured 372 people, and caused an estimated US$100 million of damage. A large portion of the Las Vegas metropolitan area 10 miles (16 km) away was affected, and several agencies activated disaster plans.

Pepcon was one of the only two American producers of ammonium perchlorate, an oxidizer used in solid fuel rocket boosters, including the Space Shuttle and military weapons. The fire and explosions were caught on videotape by television engineer Dennis Todd, who was on Black Mountain performing maintenance on a television tower.

Top 10 Miss India Winners of All Time

2011-07-09T12:51:00.007+05:30

Girls who have won the coveted title have gone on to live glamorous lives with most of them opting for modelling or acting.

1. Leela Naidu

The beautiful Leela Naidu won the Miss India title in the year 1954. She featured in the list of the "World's Ten Most Beautiful Women" as named by Vogue magazine. She starred in a few Hindi and English films and passed away in the year 2009.

2. Rita Faria

Rita Faria was the first Indian woman to bring home the Miss World Crown in 1966. However after the completion of her one year tenure as Miss World, she refused all modelling and film offers and opted, instead, for medical studies.

3. Zeenat Aman

Actress Zeenat Aman found fame after being declared the second runner up in the Miss India contest.She was later crowned Miss Asia Pacific in 1970. Aman, then, embarked on a journey of modelling and films and was one of those actresses who helped change the perception of Indian women as meek and submissive in the country.

4. Juhi Chawla

Juhi Chawla won the Miss India crown in 1984 and she is considered to be one of the finest of the lot. Juhi moved to a filmy career, during which, she captured the imagination of millions of fans.

5. Madhu Sapre

Madhu Sapre came close to winning the Miss Universe crown in1992 but she claims she could not do so because she wasn't politically correct and or proficient in English. She was crowned the second runner up and Madhu went on to become one of the most bold and iconic model.

6. Sushmita Sen

Sushmita Sen was the woman who ended India's drought at the Miss Universe contest in the year 1994. The first Indian to win the title, Sush was a cut above the rest from the very start. She not only established herself as an actress but also showed her mettle as a woman by single-handedly taking care of her two adopted daughters.

7. Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai was the second woman to win the Miss World crown. After coming second to Sushmita Sen in the Miss India contest, Ash did not let that happen again and brought the title home. Today, Ash is one of the most recognized Indian faces on the global platform and has lived yp to her title of being a 'Miss World'.

8. Diana Hayden

Diana can be termed as one of the most charming Miss India winners with her perfect poise andcrisp diction. She was also the only Miss World contestant to score a hattrick at the Miss World contest in 1997- Miss Photogenic, Miss Beachwear and Miss World.

9. Lara Dutta

Lara Dutta is the only other woman after Sushmita Sen to win the Miss Universe title. Lara won the title in the year 2000. She is, today, an actress, a producer and a very supportive wife to husband Mahesh Bhupathi.

10. Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka was the last Indian who won the Miss World title. Its been over ten years that India has returned empty handed from the international contests. Priyanka has created a niche for herself in the industry with spectacular performances in various films. At present, she is amongst the top actresses in bollywood.

Fireworks seal July 4 celebrations in US ‎

2011-07-08T12:39:00.005+05:30

The U.S. celebrates its 235th Independence Day in Washington July 4, 2011.

A view of the 2011 Macy's 4th of July Fireworks on July 4,2011
in New York City.

Fireworks explode over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The Empire State Building, illuminated with red,white and blue lights,
is seen from across the East River in the Queens borough of New York.

Fireworks explode over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Fireworks light up the sky over the United States Capitol dome and the Washington Monument.

Fireworks explode over the Hudson River on July 4, 2011 in New York City.

Fireworks light up the sky over the United States Capital
dome and the Washington Monument.

Fireworks explode over the Hudson River and the skyline of New York.

Actresses and their Royal Affairs

2011-07-07T12:19:00.004+05:30

Actresses, whether from Bollywood or Hollywood, are like ordinary women when it comes to falling for royal men. Listed are some of the actresses from around the globe who have been romantically involved with men from royal families.

Jacqueline Fernandes - Sheikh Hassan bin Rashid Al Khalifa

Jacqueline Fernandez dated the Bahraini prince for two years before parting ways with him. After carrying forth their long distance relationship for a long time, the couple called it quits over the lady's reported ambitiousness. Irrespective of rumours linking her to the not-so-royal Sajid Khan, it is sad that Jacqueline couldn't be tagged a princess, at least in this lifetime.

Grace Kelly - Rainier III

The woman who has captured the imagination of millions worldwide, lived a fairytale story before it was cut short by a tragic accident. Celebrated American actress and fashion icon Grace Kelly became Princess Grace after her marriage to Ranier III, Prince of Monaco. Despite giving up her acting career post marriage, she played the role of a princess to perfection.

Kareena Kapoor-Saif Ali Khan

Kareena Kapoor dumped her chocolate boy lover for the suave heir apparent to royal houses of Bhopal and Pataudi, Saif Ali Khan. From what Kareena has to say, she and Saif will be tying the knot soon enough which will make her a part of the royal family.

Zsa Zsa Gabor - Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt

American actress, Zsa Zsa Gabor, who passed away recently, found love in the arms of Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt, who was the adopted son of Princess Marie Augusete of Anhalt. Frederic was her ninth husband and they married in 1986 when Gabor was 58 and Frederic was 43. It was probably true love for both of them as the marriage lasted the longest.

Sharmila Tagore - Mansoor Ali Pataudi

Sharmila Tagore's marriage to Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was also like a fairytale. While she was a successful Bollywood actress, he was the dashing captain of the Indian cricket team. Their union was magical and many looked up to them in awe throughout years of their marriage.

Florence Brudenell - Prince Harry

The woman who seems to have scored over 'Her Royal Highness' Pippa Middleton with regard to, the exceedingly cute, Prince Harry. Florence is the girl that we saw in 'Love Aaj Kal' opposite Saif Ali Khan. She has been in the news, of late, for being Prince Harry's current love interest. Irrespective of whether this romance stands the test of time or fizzles out is insignificant in comparison to their liaison

World's 15 least visited countries

2011-07-04T11:37:00.007+05:30

It might be hard to believe in this globalised world but some countries - whether for reasons of isolation, war or just a lack of obvious things to do - have slid completely off the tourism map.
So, if you like the idea of boasting that you've been to places your friends haven't even heard of, we've hunted down the world's 15 least visited countries for you. Take a trip to any of these places, and it's a fair bet you won't see too many umbrella-wielding tour guides

15: Mauritania

14: Guinea-Bissau

13: Bhutan

12: Chad

11: American Samoa

10: Comoros

9: Solomon Islands

8: Central African Republic

7: Sao Tome and Principe

6: Turkmenistan

5: Moldova

4: Marshall Islands

3: Tajikistan

2: Kiribati

1:Tuvalu

China’s New High-Speed Rail takes off at 300 km/hr

2011-07-03T15:33:00.002+05:30

China launched it's new bullet train on Beijing- Shanghai track which travels at an average speed of 300 kilometers (186 miles) an hour, more than double the average speed of America's fastest train.

The shiny CRH380 model serves the new 1,318-kilometer (819-mile) Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway network - completed in just three years - and cuts journey time between China's political center and commercial hub in half to under five hours.

At $85, a roomy second-class seat from Beijing to Shanghai costs less than half of a full-fare economy-class air ticket, almost guaranteeing the new service's popularity in China's richest region.

Find the Cat (visibility test)

2011-07-02T15:45:00.004+05:30

Friends, it's time for you to test your visibility and analytical skills.

Can you find out the cat in the below pics?

Hmmmm.. Didn't find it?

Try a little harder..

No luck?

Scroll down to see where the cat is..

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Antarctica Warming

2011-07-01T09:31:00.004+05:30

A team of National Geographic explorers will begin a five-week expedition across the continent's Larsen ice shelf to study how global warming is changing the topography of Antarctica.

Larsen B Ice Shelf Breakup

Over a 35-day period in early 2002, Antarctica's Larsen B ice shelf lost a total of about 1,255 square miles, one of the largest shelf retreats ever recorded. This image, captured by NASA's MODIS satellite sensor on February 23, shows the shelf mid-disintegration, spewing a cloud of icebergs adrift in the Weddell Sea.

Glacier Advance

A stark white lobe of a glacier advances across Antarctica's dry valleys region, so called because of its scarcity of snow. Earth's fifth-largest continent contains more than two-thirds of the world's freshwater in the form of ice, yet some areas receive less than two inches (five centimeters) of precipitation a year.

Penguins on Shore

A group of gentoo penguins nests on an icy shore of Cierva Cove, Antarctica.

Large Iceberg

Global warming is forcing ice shelves to calve, producing icebergs like this monolith jutting into the waters of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Penguin and Chick

An Antarctic gentoo chick stays near its parent for warmth. Gentoos are the fastest underwater swimming birds and can reach speeds of 22 miles an hour

Leopard Seal

A leopard seal plunges through Antarctic waters. Swift and stealthy, adult leopard seals tend to be solitary creatures, hunting alone at the fringes of pack ice.

Neumeyer Channel

Icebergs drift across Antarctica's Neumeyer Channel. The Larsen Ice Shelf Expedition team predicts melting Antarctic shelves and bergs will raise sea levels around the world, flooding hundreds of thousands of square miles and displacing tens of millions of people.

Item Boys of Bolllywood

2011-06-30T11:15:00.005+05:30

A new era seems to have dawned upon the Hindi film industry as more and more men have started grooving to the so-called ‘item songs’ which have, for long, been ruled by women.

With major Bollywood actors jumping in at the prospect of performing in an item number, no one seems to want a Munni or a Sheila anymore.

Aamir Khan

The actor is the latest and probably the hottest item boy in the list. He appears in a funky retro look in the track I Hate You from the film ‘Delhi Belly’. Aamir’s look and his moves have been heavily inspired by the Mithun and Amitabh Bachchan dance tracks of the 70s. The item number is cool, hilarious, and crass; all at the same time.

Salman Khan

Salman Khan has shown that nothing compares to him when it comes to performing in dance numbers. He has constantly created waves with his dance performances in films like ‘Dabangg’ and ‘Ready’. He also jived to an item song in the film ‘Tees Maar Khan’ alongside Akshay Kumar and ex-girlfriend Katrina Kaif.

Ranbir Kapoor

Relatively a newcomer for the senior actors in the list, Ranbir Kapoor already has an item number to his credit. The actor has donned his father’s look from the film ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ for his item song in the film ‘Chillar Party’ which, co-incidentally, is Katrina Kaif’s ex-boyfriend Salman Khan’s first production

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan has quite a number of item numbers to his credit. In fact, he can be said to be the first item boy in Bollywood. His Dard-e-Disco was quite a rage as was Ishq Kamina. His latest item number was for his own home production ‘Always Kabhi Kabhi’ which generated more buzz than the movie itself.

Hrithik Roshan

Despite being considered the best dancer in the industry, Hrithik Roshan has only one item number to his name. Hrithik put on his dancing shoes for his home production ‘Krazzy 4’ in which even SRK had performed an item number.

Abhishek Bachchan

Last, and surely not in the least, is AB’s baby and the father or of Ash’s would be baby, Abhishek Bachchan. Abhishek showed his hotness quotient in the song ‘One Love’ from the movie ‘Rakht’. The song became an anthem for the youth and also made Abhishek Bachchan a style icon in his own right

Epekuen - The Lost City of Argentina

2011-06-28T11:45:00.002+05:30

Epekuen is a lost city in Argentina. Its construction began in 1920 on the shore of the lagoon hot springs, and it was intended for the tourist paradise of rest. Now Epekuena not on any map, and none of the tourist trail, since it was completely destroyed by flood; and wiped off the face of the earth.

This is another proof of how magnificent force of nature.

10 Strangest Laws around the World

2011-06-27T11:18:00.004+05:30

01. Singapore

In a bid to keep the streets of this super-efficient city clean, the authorities in Singapore decided in 1992 to ban chewing gum completely. Stick to a mint. 09 More after the break...

02. Eraclea, Italy

Many holidaymakers head to the sandy beach at Eraclea to escape the hordes of tourists in nearby Venice. Unfortunately, those who enjoy building sandcastles can think again – it’s forbidden.

03. Amsterdam, Netherlands

A curious loophole in the law means that smoking tobacco in a public place such as a coffee shop in Amsterdam is banned, while puffing away on pure cannabis is entirely legal.

04. South-East Asia

The durian, a fruit native to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, has a smell so incredibly strong that it is banned from many public places in South-East Asia.

05. Florida, USA

For those who are young, free and single and enjoy jumping out of planes in their spare time, be careful if you’re in Florida – unmarried women who parachute on Sundays can be jailed.

06. Switzerland

Bizarrely, flushing the toilet in a Swiss apartment is illegal after 10pm. It is also against the law for a man to relieve himself while standing up after 10pm.

07. Eboli, Italy

Honeymooners might be best to avoid hiring a car in Eboli, just south of Naples. Kissing in a moving vehicle here can carry a fine of up to €500.

08. Capri, Italy

Locals in Capri, northern Italy, must value their peace and quiet – a couple were arrested recently for wearing excessively noisy flip-flops, following the introduction of a ban on ‘noisy footwear’.

09. Alabama, USA

The Southern American state has a quite superfluous law in place which states that it’s illegal to be blindfolded while driving a vehicle.

10. Dubai, UAE

Dubai’s luxurious resorts and stunning beaches may seem like the ideal place to spend a romantic holiday, but don’t get too affectionate – kissing in public here is illegal, and many tourists have fallen foul of this law in recent years.

Desert Black Stone

2011-06-24T13:02:00.003+05:30

Desert Black Stone is an arid region in northern Nevada, where lies the great swimming pool with the remaining foundation pit dry lake Lahontan. In the desert there are numerous volcanic and geothermal education, particularly in the north-eastern part of the volcanic region of Nevada, including two peaks of the Black Stone, where the Permian volcanic rocks form a natural dam in Lake Nevada.

Hamboldt County, Pershing and Vashoe that relate to the Nevada border to the desert of the Black Stone.

This place is famous for its paleologicheskimi features, as well as the fact that in the XIX century there were ways of migration to California, and the fact that at this point is often measured by the rate of ground and missile technology.

Also here is annually held event called “Burning Man”.

There are several opinions as to what, in fact, take the Black Desert Stone.

Some are here only a very pit, while others called the desert and that territory, which can be seen from the dry pit.

Most large-scale concept of the Desert Black Stone includes the watershed basin, which drains into the pit.

Bangalore city created in Canada for Mission Impossible-4

2011-06-23T16:58:00.002+05:30

Crew of the popular action film series Mission Impossible are working on their 4th film Mission Impossible-4 (Ghost Protocol) in which the recreated a Bangalore street setup in Vancouver (Canada) for hero Tom Cruise to run through. It couldn't have been easy for Hollywood to build an Indian street in Canada but the pictures speak about their dedication and how well this task was completed.

Apart from Tom Cruise, Anil Kapoor is another notable actor in the movie is who became star through his performance in Slumdog Millionaire movie.

Take a look at these pictures of Bangalore street in Vancouver:

Rs.1500 Indian iPad launching in June 2011

2011-06-21T15:46:00.004+05:30

The Sakshat tablet, which was once launched as the 1500 Rupee laptop will be launched sometime in June 2011. This has been termed the "Indian iPad".

While the Indian media is huffing up the desi-pride angle with talks of "Indian-iPad". there's very little for a complete tablet experience. And there's nothing desi about it; the tablet is made by Canadian firm Datawind Ltd.

The7-inch touchscreen tablet features a inbuilt keyboard, video conferencing facility, multimedia content, Wi-Fi, USB port, 32GB hard drive and a 2GB RAM. There's support for Open Office, SciLab and Internet browsing.

10,000 Sakshat tablets will be shipped to IIT Rajasthan by June-end, following by the launch of over 90,000 tablet units in the next 4 months.

Specifications of Sakshat Tablet:
- QWERTY keyboard, mouse and a minimum display of 7” colour LCD/TFT (touchscreen optional)
- 2 USB 2.0 ports and USB hosts
- Three hours batteryless device
- SD card slot (8GB expandable memory)
- Support to connect LCD projector
- Support for external hard disk drive (Minimum 32 GB)
- Ethernet port
- WLAN
- 80% shock resistant

While the tablets will be priced at Rs 2,200, there are reports of plans for later subsidies of 50%. The 1500 Rupee tablet might go for Rs. 1100, and has been developed as a part of the National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology to bring together 25,000 colleges and 400 universities in the Asian subcontinent in an e-learning initiative.

Top 10 Dangerous Mountains to climb

2011-06-21T12:07:00.007+05:30

Climbing a mountain is one of the best experiences to have in a lifetime. Being higher up than any soul around for miles and miles is a great experience which everybody should try and enjoy. The tiresome climb will all vanish away in the few moments that you are atop the behemoth of rock which towers above its contemporaries and give you a feeling nothing short of being royalty in your own right.

10. Damavand in Iran

The Damavand is a part of the Elburz range and is one of the most amazing mountain ranges to climb. The mountains are laced with many hot springs which let out an endless supply of steam which come from a dormant volcano. One of the most exquisite climbs at around 5800 meters above sea level, this one is not to be missed.

9. Annapurna in Nepal

The Annapurna is one of the best scenic views that you will find anywhere in the world. The geological diversity that the mountains offer is one to be experienced as you span a section of the great Himalayas which are the highest places on the planet. The sun rises over the mountains and shows off all its grandeur.

8. Denali in Alaska

This Mountain is one of the finest you will ever climb if you do. This giant is the highest peak in North America and stand at around 6200 meters. The ascent offers many challenges but is completely worth it as the horizon keeps changing into many beautiful forms most people only get to see on wallpaper.

7. Citlaltepetl and Iztaacihuatl in Mexico

The two volcanoes stand together to offer the nature’s greatness in its best forms. The twin peaks are a treat to climb and a treat to watch too. The snow capped mountains look like a woman sleeping from afar and is also known as the Sleeping Woman. A relatively easy climb as compared to some others, this one should give you a good boost if you are looking for one.

6. Mount Elbrus

This Russian giant is the watchtower in between Europe and Asia. The climb can get very difficult in some areas as the terrain changes a lot over in some parts. The challenging terrain however is all worth it once you get to see entire countries as you go higher.

5. The Matterhorn

This Mountain is in the Alps in Switzerland and is very well known to climbers. It is the modern day Mecca of the sport of climbing and has a lot of traditional climbs that you can hop along with to the top. The mountain offers the unique experience to be able to climb a huge inverted rock shaped like a cone or a pyramid.

4. Mount Everest

This is the highest place to be. Mount Everest or Sagarmatha as it is known to the locals in Nepal was climbed for the first time in 1953 and since then thousands of people have climbed this mountain. The south face of the mountain is known to be easy to climb and should be a treat to climb too as it offers many amazing views along the ascent.

3. The Andes

The Andes in Peru is one for the geologist. The climbs are all laced with great biodiversity and the views make it all the more better. The Inca trails also fall along the range and are a bonus with the climb if you decide to do it. Incredible river valleys pleasure you all along the way as you walk into a different world in our world.

2. Kilimanjaro

The flat top mountain is the highest on the African continent and offers a unique experience. One of the most exotic climbs is made up of volcanic terrain and the mountain is very big if you consider how large the top is once you get to it. The climb has many different ecosystems all along its way and you will definitely enjoy this one.

1. Mount Khuiten

This is a mountain that is very easy to get lost on. Not because the climb is difficult in any way or not because there are any confusing trails but the views that it offers are so amazingly beautiful. Easily one of the most serene rendezvous with nature this mountain in the Atlai Range in Mongolia is an easy climb as compared to some others on the list but is certainly one of the best.

The Ten Most Live-able Cities in the World

2011-06-20T12:13:00.005+05:30

In an annual survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, four Australian cities are listed in the top ten of the most liveable cities in the world. Living conditions in these cities were analyzed according to several factors like political stability, environment, health care, culture, education, and infrastructure.

In this beauty contest for cities of some sort, Vancouver emerged as the world’s most liveable city in 2011. If you are looking to find a perfect place to live at Odusee then it would make sense to choose the world’s most live able city.

1. Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) – 98.0

The 2010 Winter Olympics host grabbed the gold medal for an unprecedented fifth straight time by beating other cities as the world’s most liveable city. Despite having murder rate higher than the national average, the hosting of the Olympics may have provided the big boost in the city’s infrastructure and tourism thereby helping Vancouver retain the title.

2. Melbourne, Victoria (Australia) – 97.5

Melbourne, the most liveable city in Australia for the second straight year, has edged out rival Sydney for the top spot. From politics to sports, both cities have vied for Australia’s best but the city still managed to cling into its Marvellous Melbourne heritage by becoming one of the “best” cities in the world.

3. Vienna (Austria) – 97.4

Vienna is the top European city to be included in the list because of its old-world charm and sophistication. If you take a walk into the city’s fairy tale streets and buildings, not to mention the unforgettable sights and sounds, then you will know why Vienna is one good place to live.

4. Toronto, Ontario (Canada) – 97.2

Being one of the most ethnically diverse urban centres in the world, Toronto has emerged as one of the favourite places to live. Unlike their American counterparts, Canadian cities like Toronto have vibrant downtown communities that encourage people to live peacefully.

5. Calgary, Alberta (Canada) – 96.6

Calgary may not a typical large North American metropolitan city but it is the most favoured tourist destination for people who are into winter sports and ecotourism. With a number of major mountain resorts in the city and suburbs.

6. Helsinki (Finland) – 96.2

The picturesque city of Helsinki made it to the top ten most liveable cities in 2011 because of its friendly and hardworking people that made it an interesting place to live. It is a modern city that pride itself for its rich cultural heritage

7. Sydney, New South Wales (Australia) – 96.1

Despite being Australia’s largest city, Sydney has fallen behind Melbourne in the rankings. Unfortunately, the city’s growth was hampered by the policies of the New South Wales government such as the restrictions imposed on land release for housing.

8. Perth, Western Australia (Australia) – 95.9

Being the most populous city in the western end of Australia, Perth has emerged as a surprising entry in the list. It is the country’s fastest growing city brought about its growing tourism sector and music and performance arts scene.

9. Adelaide, South Australia (Australia) – 95.9

Adelaide is a new entry in the list because of its notable festivals and sporting events. Famous for its food and wine, the city remains one of the most liveable cities in the region according to the Property Council of Australia in 2011. Aside from being home to numerous educational institutions and research centres, it is also has leading defence industry complexes.

10. Auckland (New Zealand) – 95.7

Auckland, New Zealand’s capital has been a favourable destination for people who live the peace and serenity of the countryside and the wild and breathtaking outdoor attractions of nature.

Top 10 Young and Happy Singles of Bollywood

2011-06-17T12:02:00.007+05:30

We all are always curious about what’s going on in the lives of all the Bollywood stars out there. We are going to enlist some of those singles of Bollywood who are happy to maintain their 'I'm single' status.

1) PRIYANKA CHOPRA

Priyanka Chopra is, for sure, one of the most eligible women whom most Indian men want. There have, of course, been rumors about her being in relationship with Harman Baweja, Shahid Kapoor and Gerard Butler but she has never conformed to any of these speculations and has always maintained that she is single and is happy to maintain this status of hers.

2) RANBIR KAPOOR

Ranbir Kapoor, in complete negation to his infamous Casanova image, says that he is single right now. After being in numerous relationships, Ranbir says that he is definitely not looking for love right now and is happy with his singlehood.

3) KATRINA KAIF

We can’t really say if Katrina is a happy single but according to those rumors regarding her split with long time beau Salman Khan, we can say at least she is single, which would probably make many others happy.

4) SHAHID KAPOOR

After being in a long relationship with Kareena Kapoor, the media is still looking for clues about his relationship status. Post his break-up with Kareena Kapoor, he has been linked with stars such as Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra and Sania Mirza but Shahid has never let go of his 'available' status

5) SONAM KAPOOR

Sonam Kapoor seems to be a completely chilled out single who knows how to have fun! At times, she has been linked to various actors such as Ranbir Kapoor but i guess nobody could break her Happy Single Stage.

6) BIPASHA BASU

Well well well, you heard it right. She is finally single.Bipasha Basu has confirmed the rumors about her split with long time boyfriend John Abraham and says she is happy to be single after 17 years!

7) SHAZAHN PADAMSEE

She recently got linked to cricketer Sreesanth but she slashed all those speculations by saying that he is only a friend. She is single and likes it that way. Look's like being single is more than acceptable and, in fact, the latest trend amongst these Bollywood youngsters.

8) SONAKSHI SINHA

Sonakshi got out of a serious relationship with Aditya Shroff, before her sparkling debut in 'Dabangg'. Well, she looks pretty happy with the way her career has shaped up after she dumped her man. She too is made a scape-goat by the media and linked to various actors every now and then but then, that's what most single people have to endure most of the time.

9) KANGANA RANAUT

After reportedly ruining the career of Adhyayan Suman, Kangana seems to be happier than ever with the chunk of movies and roles she is getting. Look's like single status can bring more success to her career at least.

10) NEIL NITIN MUKESH

Neil, recently took to Twitter in order to turn down false rumors about his relationship with Asin. He says that he is single and has got no love right now but truly looking for one.

Top 10 Most Powerful Countries In The World

2011-06-16T10:14:00.008+05:30

A number of surveys have said that the following countries are the most powerful today:

1. The United States of America

This country is the largest economy today and has the strongest army as well as a very powerful democracy. It is also said to be a superpower and its media is very influential as well. It has built itself and its power ever since it gained independence and is only getting more powerful. The country controls international relations and is a part of a number of influential bodies.

2. Russian Federation

The Russian Federation has the second most powerful army and controls a number of states in the Central Asian area. It has a very large population and immense world area. These factors allow it to stay independent and prevent external forces from meddling in the political, economic and financial issues of the country. Because of its size, Russia has the resources to become a superpower.

3. Peoples Republic of China

Peoples Republic of China is said to have the 4th largest GNP in the world. It has gained supremacy only recently over Britain and France. It has a large army and immense potential to become the most powerful country in the world.

4. France

France is a part of the UN Security Council and is said to be the fifth most powerful country in the world. It is a great nuclear power and influences many African nations. The French have a large army which helps in maintaining law and order. It is a G7 economy and part of the European Union.

5. Britain

Britain is part of the UN Security Council as well. It has powerful nuclear weapons and the democracy is considered to be the most stable as well. As a G7 economy and as a leading country in areas like music, films and media, the country has immense influence when it comes to world politics. It is a part of the European Union as well

6. Japan

Japan has an extremely large economy and is a leading democratic power. The population of the country is large but since the competition is intense, it features below USA, China, France and Britain.

7. India

India is very populous and has a well-known democracy which gains its power from the detailed Constitution of India. The economy is growing at a staggering rate and the nuclear weapons are becoming more and more powerful.

8. Germany

Germany has the third largest economy in the world and features in the list of the most powerful European Union members. However, it was greatly affected during the two World Wars which hampered its influence over the world.

9. Pakistan

Pakistan has a very large Muslim population and powerful nuclear weapons. It is a united country but since it spends a hefty sum on military dictatorship, it has not become truly powerful. In addition to that, even though it has good resources, the battles with India have made the country very weak in these terms as well. Therefore, if it can replenish these resources and find a way to balance its political standing, it will be able to become more powerful.

10. Brazil

The Republic of Brazil is very large and is part of Latin America. It is said to hold the largest Portuguese speaking population in the world. In addition to that, the media of the country is quite stable and its relations with the rest of the world are quite secure.

Nokia Oro: A Gold-plated Smartphone with Sapphire

2011-06-15T13:02:00.003+05:30

Nokia has recently launched Nokia Oro, a gold-plated smartphone with sapphire and leather. Oro is an expensive sibling of C7. The Finnish mobile phone company launched this premium smartphone which comes with 18-carat gold plating, a sapphire crystal and Scottish leather.

Powered by Nokia's Symbian OS, the phone has the latest Symbian Anna update. The Nokia Oro has pentaband radio connectivity, HSDPA 3G and WiFi.

According to Nokia the phone will not make a hard spec vs price comparison but instead focusses on build quality and materials.

The luxury phone has 3.5-inch AMOLED display and an 8-megapixel camera with 720p video recording.

Nokia Oro will start selling in selected countries across the Europe, Eastern Europe, China and the Middle East in Q3 2011.

The phone will cost EUR 800, approximately Rs 51,000 (before taxes and subsidies).

"Bodies" Fill Underwater Sculpture Park

2011-06-13T09:15:00.007+05:30

The installation is the first endeavor of a new underwater museum called MUSA, or Museo Subacuático de Arte.

Created by Mexico-based British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, the Caribbean installation is intended to eventually cover more than 4,520 square feet (420 square meters), which would make it "one of the largest and most ambitious underwater attractions in the world," according to a museum statement.

Visitor From Above

More than 400 of the permanent sculptures have been installed in recent months in the National Marine Park of Cancún, Isla Mujeres, and Punta Nizuc (map of the region) as part of a major artwork called "The Silent Evolution."

"Lucky" Statue

The people in "The Silent Evolution" were created from live casts of a wide sample of people, most of them locals—including Lucky, a Mexican carpenter (center).

School of Rock

The sculptures (pictured in December) are made of a special kind of marine cement that attracts the growth of corals, according to creator Taylor. That in turn encourages fish and other marine life to colonize the reef.

Blowing Bubbles

"The manifestation of living organisms cohabiting and ingrained in our being is intended to remind us of our close dependency on nature and the respect we should afford it," according to a museum statement.

Face-to-Face

An activist comes face-to-face with an underwater "Silent Evolution" statue in December during a campaign for action on global warming.

Deep in Thought

Already the exhibition (pictured in December) is drawing more divers, and area dive-tour providers are hoping the underwater museum boosts business and supports reef health, according to a museum statement.

Work in Progress

Taylor works on a cast of Charlie Brown, a 67-year-old Mexican fisher with Chinese ancestors, at the sculptor's studio in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, in February 2010. The sculptures are made from cement, sand, micro silica, fiber glass, and live coral.

Casting Call

Portraits of Puerto Morelos, Mexico, residents hang on the wall of Taylor's studio in February 2010. To make the Caribbean underwater sculptures, Taylor is choosing a wide variety of local residents and creating molds of their bodies.

Sculptures-in-Waiting

Before being taken underwater, "Silent Evolution" sculptures stand on a Cancún, Mexico, beach in September 2010. Upon the installation's completion, the total weight of the statues will total more than 180 tons, according to a museum statement.

Into the Drink

Silent Evolution" sculptures are lowered into the waters off Cancún in late 2010. Along with creator Taylor, a team of artists, builders, marine biologists, engineers, and scuba divers are working together to complete the installation.

Bottom Dwellers

Silent Evolution" sculptures (pictured in October) sit in just 30 feet (9 meters) of water, which allows visitors in glass-bottomed boats to also observe the artwork, according to a museum statement.

Caribbean Cancún

Placing the statues (bottom) off the shores of Cancún (above) was a strategic move, according to a museum statement.

Heavenly Plea

"Kelly," modeled from a U.K. social housing officer (pictured in December 2010), was rendered looking up, with his hands open to symbolize questioning or prayer, according to Taylor. MUSA, the underwater museum, plans to add sculptures as funding becomes available.

Protecting Canada’s ‘Blue’ Forest

2011-06-10T08:58:00.006+05:30

Forest of Blue

World's Largest Carbon Storehouse

Precious Water Reserves

Boreal Impact on Global Climate and Food Supply

Earth's Largest Freshwater Ecosystem

Iconic Threatened Species

Moose in Boreal Forest

Boreal Forest

Boreal Forest

Map of intact forests of the world

JR-Maglev - World's Fastest Train with Top Speed of 581km/hr

2011-06-09T20:10:00.004+05:30

JR-Maglev is a magnetic levitation train system developed by the Central Japan Railway Company which holds the world record of reaching a maximum speed of 581 km/hr (361 mph) in a manned vehicle run. More amazingly, this train has a capacity of achieving a jaw-dropping speed of 3,500km/hr. Check out this amazing video!

Places on Earth Aliens Could Thrive?

2011-06-08T11:46:00.005+05:30

Shark Bay, Australia

For about 85 percent of the history of life on Earth, only microbes existed. The only large-scale evidence of their activities is preserved by stromatolites, ancient structural records of life on Earth that hold evidence both of the biology of the microbial mat communities that created them and the nature of the environments in which they grew. They are rocky, dome-shaped structures formed in shallow water through the trapping of sedimentary grains by communities of microorganisms.

Yellowstone National Park

What is causing the beautiful colors in this hot spring in Yellowstone National Park? Life, that’s what! Many microorganisms live in the pools there, and because the temperatures of the springs are so hot (most are well over 100 degrees F, or 37.7 degrees C), they are called extremophiles (extreme-loving). They contain molecules that absorb the damaging rays of the sun, protecting their DNA. Those same molecules are also pigments that cause the different colors we see. Different extremophiles thrive in different temperatures, so the color of a particular area is determined by which organisms are living in it. A veritable rainbow appears as the water temperature decreases as it flows further and further away from its superheated source.

Mono Lake, California

Calcium carbonate formations called tufa give California’s Mono Lake an otherworldly feel. Mountains surround the lake, forming a closed hydrological basin—water flows in, but it doesn’t flow out. Because the only way for water to leave Mono Lake is through evaporation, it is naturally hypersaline—roughly two to three times saltier than the ocean. Freshwater streams and underwater springs have brought trace amounts of minerals into the lake over the eons, including arsenic. Recently, bacteria which appear to incorporate arsenic rather than phosphorus into their basic biological molecules were found living in Mono Lake

High Lakes, South America

The highest volcanic lakes in the world are located in the Andes Mountains of South America. Their elevation and isolation make them some of the least understood lakes on Earth and excellent analogs for lakes that existed on Mars 3.5 billion years ago. Simba Lake, at an elevation of 19,265 feet (5,872 meters) in the Chilean Andes, is red because of algae that developed pigments to protect themselves against high UV radiation. They float in the water near the surface, not deep enough to use the water column as a natural protection.

Pilbara, Western Australia

Created in a shallow pool on early Earth more than three billion years ago, these stromatolites represent a record of the most ancient life on Earth. They formed because colonies of microbes, as they grew, incorporated sediments from the water to create rocky structures. Found in Western Australia, the stromatolites take several different forms, including the slightly cone-shaped ones seen here resembling an egg carton. The structures shown in this picture are each about half an inch (1.2 centimeters) high.

Rio Tinto, Spain

Cloudy with particulates and flowing along terraces made of iron oxides, the Rio Tinto in southwestern Spain stretches for more than 62 miles (100 kilometers) before reaching the Atlantic. Despite its acidic waters and high concentrations of iron and other heavy metals, the river supports an incredible diversity of extremophile microorganisms, including algae and fungi. Microbial biofilms colonize the riverbed and are covered with yellow iron oxide precipitates, seen here. Because of geological similarities with Mars, the Mars Astrobiology Research and Technology Experiment (MARTE) team tested equipment at Rio Tinto in 2005 for drilling on Mars in search of subsurface life.

Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard is a remote archipelago in northern Norway, deep within the Arctic Circle. Scientists with the Arctic Mars Analog Svalbard Expedition (AMASE) traveled there to test the protocols, procedures, and equipment needed to detect traces of organic chemistry and perhaps life on Mars. Instruments that will fly onboard NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory and ESA’s ExoMars missions were tested in Svalbard by the AMASE team. With a unique combination of volcanoes, hot springs, and permafrost, the Bockfjord Volcanic Complex on Svalbard is the only place on Earth with carbonate deposits identical to those found in the famous Martian meteorite ALH84001 (aka Allan Hills).

Flinders Range, South Australia

Piece of upturned sandstone in the Flinders Range of South Australia shows ripple marks of an ancient sea bed. This area of Australia hosts fossils of the first complex, multicellular organisms, which began to emerge on Earth about 600 million years ago. The study of these early fossils, known as the Ediacaran Fauna.

Ellesmere Island, Canada

Borup Fiord Pass Glacier on Ellesmere Island in Nunavut is a site in the Canadian High Arctic where astrobiologists study the potential for life on Jupiter‘s moon Europa. Water rich in sulfur-containing compounds flows from the top of this 656-foot-thick (200-meter-thick) glacier, a chemical mix that is capable of supporting microbial life. Europa’s icy surface is similarly stained with sulfate salts.

English Coaching Class [Funny Video]

2011-06-06T14:38:00.001+05:30

Mona Lisa recreated with 3,604 Coffee Cups

2011-06-05T00:05:00.003+05:30

The Mona Lisa, one of the world's most famous paintings, has been recreated with 3,604 cups of coffee - and 564 pints of milk.

The different colours were created by adding no, little or lots of milk to each cup of black coffee. It measures an impressive 20 feet high and 13 feet wide and took a team of eight people three hours to complete.

It was created for The Rocks Aroma Festival in Sydney, Australia, and seen by 130,000 people who attended the one-day coffee-lovers event.

Elaine Kelly, from event organizers the Sydney Harbor Foreshore Authority, was delighted with the result. She said: "Each coffee cup was filled with varying amounts of milk to create the different sepia shades of the painting."

Caribbean Photos

2011-06-03T09:15:00.014+05:30

Underwater Sculpture, Grenada

Pitons, St. Lucia

Carnival, Colombia

Eden Rock, Grand Cayman

Jet Landing, St. Maarten

Beach Soccer, St. Lucia

St. Kitts

San Miguel Arcángel Church, Puerto Rico

Sperm Whales, Dominica

Shoal Bay Beach, Anguilla

St. George, Grenada

Belize Waters

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Iguana, Grand Cayman

Pitons, St. Lucia

Diving, Little Cayman

Jawfish, Little Cayman

San Cristobal Fort, Puerto Rico

Thunderstorm, Montserrat

Beach, Anguilla

Cane Garden Bay, Tortola

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia

Fort Christiansvaern, St. Croix

Shells, Costa Rica

Flamingo

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

Green Sea Turtle, Venezuela

Ani - City of 1001 Churches [Turkey]

2011-06-01T01:15:00.001+05:30

Ani is a ruined and uninhabited medieval Armenian city-site situated in the Turkish province of Kars, beside the border with Armenia. It was once the capital of a medieval Armenian kingdom that covered much of present day Armenia and eastern Turkey. The city is located on a triangular site, visually dramatic and naturally defensive, protected on its eastern side by the ravine of the Akhurian River and on its western side by the Bostanlar or Tzaghkotzadzor valley. The Akhurian is a branch of the Araks River and forms part of the current border between Turkey and Armenia.

Called the City of 1001 Churches, it stood on various trade routes and its many religious buildings, palaces, and fortifications were amongst the most technically and artistically advanced structures in the world.

Top 10 Beaches in the World

2011-06-01T00:26:00.006+05:30

10. Kauna'oa Bay, Hawaii

Located on the Kohala Coast of the Aloha State’s Big Island, Kauna’oa Bay is the quintessential Hawaiian spot. The 0.25-mile-long (0.4-kilometer-long), crescent-shaped beach has plenty of white sand, palm trees, and calm, clear, blue water. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, beachgoers here can snorkel or ride boogie boards. (Be careful swimming, however, because there are no lifeguards on this public beach.) At night, nestle into the sands and peer out into the water to see if you can catch a glimpse of manta rays swimming.

9. Langkawi, Malaysia

The name “Langkawi” translates into “the land of one’s wishes,” a welcoming concept that somewhat belies the island’s historic origins as a reputed refuge for pirates. Langkawi has since become a modern hideaway for the traveler seeking an escape. If your vacation wishes extend from uncrowded white sands and clear waters to lush green forests, you will find yourself content here. Datai Bay, located on Pulau Langkawi, is a heavenly retreat on the Andaman Sea.

8. St. Bart's

One of many islands in the Caribbean Sea, St. Bart’s stands out with its blend of French chic and island relaxation. With beautiful secluded beaches, fine French cuisine, and gracious hotels, this tropical playground is popular with the Jet Set. The 8-mile-long (13-kilometer-long) island is edged by 20 beaches and small coves for swimmers and sunbathers, with sparkling water and white sand.

7. Fraser Island, Australia

Perched on the sunny Queensland coast 161 miles (259 kilometers) northeast of Brisbane, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and home to a wonderful beach. This World Heritage Site is an ecologist’s dream, with 640 square miles (1,664 square kilometers) of unspoiled natural paradise. Rain forests with 1,000-year-old trees sprout from the sand. Lodgings here accommodate a wide range of tourists, from the backpacking ecology lover to pampered resort fans.

6. Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

The most popular beaches on this island in the North Atlantic are Surfside and Children’s. The waters here are relatively calm, and there’s plenty of sand to use for sunbathing or castle-building. Madaket Beach is known for its rougher surf and not-to-be-missed sunsets. Quidnet Beach provides great views of Sankaty Head lighthouse.

5. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii

Half a mile of sparkling sand, palm trees swaying over a white beach, lush tropical plants, and endless sunshine make Lanikai one of Hawaii’s most scenic beaches. The shore is protected by a nearby coral reef, which keeps the surf relatively calm. The water is always deep green and postcard-perfect.

4. The Hamptons, New York

One of the hip spots for the air-kissing, well-heeled set, the Hamptons boast some of the prettiest beaches on Long Island. The unspoiled shoreline begins around Southampton and runs east to the end of the island at Montauk. Windswept dunes and waving grasses border the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Bora Bora, Tahiti

This is one of the magical islands that make up French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Just 18 miles (29 kilometers) long, this lush little slip of land lies in a protected lagoon edged by white sandy shores, the best being at Matira Point. Bora Bora boasts the nickname the “Romantic Island,” a moniker easy to appreciate with its isolated beaches, intimate hotels, and quiet atmosphere.

2. Maldives

Whether your dream beach trip consists of spending a few pampered nights in a four-star resort or swimming among tropical fish some 80 feet (24 meters) underwater, the Maldives are the sort of islands where either—or both—can come true. Straddling the equator southwest of Sri Lanka, the 1,102 islands that make up the Maldives form 26 atolls. The soft air enveloping the archipelago blends into a beautiful palm-fringed haze.

1. Seychelles

One of the most photographed beaches in the world, the pale pink sands of Anse Source d’Argent unfurls across the island of La Digue, one of the 115 components of this archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The sands sparkle against a backdrop of towering granite boulders, worn by time and weather. The turquoise water is relatively shallow and protected from the ocean’s waves by a reef.

From the National Geographic book "The 10 Best of Everything"