Portraits Created from Strips of Paper Cut from Love Letters — U.K. based artist Jamie Poole creates large scale portraits using strips of paper cut from poems and pieced together with painstaking precision. For his latest project Jamie used love letters and poems that his fiancé wrote to him over the last 2 years to create this incredible life-like self portrait. Jamie says of his work, "As text is layered the words, lines and phrases are repeated and embedded into the work creating a unifying physicality."
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Sunday, May 26, 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Behold the world’s smallest remote controlled helicopter toy
Behold the world's smallest remote controlled helicopter toy
Bandai Ltd, the creators of Space Invaders will be launching the world's smallest Infrared Remote controlled helicopter early next month. Nana Falcon as it is officially called had entered the Guinness Book of Records last month as the smallest Infrared controlled Helicopter toy. The Nano Falcon is unbelievably tiny with a length of 65mm it can stand easily on a finger. The company used high precision components used in mobile phones to achieve the small size and a mass of just 11 grams (Just to put in perspective the iPhone 5 weighs 112 grams).
The Nano Falcon is equipped with a high precision gyro sensor which is combined with a dual contra rotating blades for added stability. The teeny flying wonder will go on sale from June 7th in Japan for ¥4,704 ($ 48).
Kurt Wenner: The Father of 3D Street Art
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Friday, May 24, 2013
He Visit 60 Countries For?
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Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort
Starwood Hotels and Resorts is looking to grow its Sheraton brand aggressively during 2013, with 30 planned openings, predominantly in the Asia Pacific region. — Sheraton will open 15 new hotels across China over the next 12 months, including the striking Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort (pictured below), moving Starwood closer to its target of 80 properties in China by the end of 2015.
Expansion for the brand will also extend into Africa and The Middle East with the addition of four new hotels, including the Sheraton Medina Hotel in Saudi Arabia, Sheraton Dubai Mall of Emirates and the first in Tajikistan - Sheraton Dushanbe Hotel. Sheraton will also open two new hotels in Turkey, in the cities of Adana and Bursa.
In Latin America Sheraton will open its ninth property in Argentina with the Sheraton Tucuman Hotel. There will also be two openings in Brazil as it ramps up preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, with the Sheraton da Bahia Hotel in Salvador and Sheraton Reserva do Paiva Hotel and Convention Center, located 30 minutes from Recife, opening in early 2014.
Hoyt Harper, global brand leader for Sheraton Hotels and Resorts said, "Sheraton is anticipating record-breaking growth, putting us on track to open our 500th hotel in 2015. The majority of our new hotel development is taking place in the world's fast-growing economies, while in North America, Sheraton remains one of the most sought-after brands for conversion opportunities." Images © MAD architects/Sheraton Huzhou
Photographer's Girlfriend Leads Him Around the World
01. Hong Kong
Photographer Murad Osmann creatively documents his travels around the world with his girlfriend leading the way in his ongoing series known as Follow Me To. Chronicling his adventures on Instagram, the Russian photographer composes each shot in a similar fashion. We see each landscape from the photographer's point of view with his extended hand holding onto his girlfriend's in front of him.
With her back turned, never revealing her face to the camera, Osmann's girlfriend guides us all on a journey across the globe to some of the most beautiful, exotic, and radiant environments. There are also comforting and familiar settings mixed in for good measure. Whether the couple is spending a romantic night in Moscow, having an exotic adventure in Asia, or simply going bowling, Osmann keeps a visual record of their escapades as he trails behind his beloved.
03. Ravello, Italy
Pamban Bridge - India
The Pamban Bridge is a cantilever bridge on the Palk Strait connects Rameswaram on Pamban Island to mainland India. It refers to both the road bridge and the cantilever railway bridge, though primarily it means the latter. It was India's first sea bridge. It is the second longest sea bridge in India (after Bandra-Worli Sea Link) at a length of about 2.3 km. The rail bridge is for the most part, a conventional bridge resting on concrete piers, but has a double leaf bascule section midway, which can be raised to let ships and barges pass through. The railway bridge is 6,776 ft (2,065 m) and was opened for traffic in 1914. The railroad bridge is a still-functioning double-leaf bascule bridge section that can be raised to let ships pass under the bridge.
Photo — Link
The railway bridge historically carried metre-gauge trains on it, but Indian Railways upgraded the bridge to carry broad-gauge trains in a project that finished Aug. 12, 2007. Until recently, the two leaves of the bridge were opened manually using levers by workers. About 10 ships — cargo carriers, coast guard ships, fishing vessels and oil tankers — pass through the bridge every month. From the elevated two-lane road bridge, adjoining islands and the parallel rail bridge below can be viewed.
After completion of bridge metre-gauge lines were laid by them from Mandapam up to Pamban Station, from here the railway lines bifurcated into two directions one towards Rameshwaram about 6.25 miles (10.06 km) up and another branch line of 15 miles (24 km) terminating at Dhanushkodi. The section was opened to traffic in 1914.
Photo — Link
Photo — Link
Children's organs aging ahead of time
Children's organs aging ahead of time
Ekatha Ann John TNN
Chennai: Toddlers with greying hair, an eight-yearold with high blood cholesterol, a pre-adolescent who has the physique of a 20-year-old — the signs are ominous. Biological clocks in children are ticking rapidly, and the rate at which their organs are aging is faster than their chronological age.
The country's medical fraternity may take pride in improved life expectancy, but the spurt in lifestyle diseases, especially among children, has resulted in premature aging. This means that the increased life expectancy doesn't necessarily translate into improved quality of life.
"Every organ in the human body has an age. When a child suffers from lifestyle diseases like cholesterol and diabetes, his or her organs take a beating. So, the functionality of an eight-year-old child's organs is that of a 30-year-old," said Dr Kousalya Nathan, a lifestyle and antiaging consultant, who is undertaking a study on premature and adolescent aging.
Doctors say premature aging begins from the molecular level with wear and tear being witnessed in the DNA of children.
"Cells of children are aging. This, in turn, is affecting their organs. The main cause is obesity, while the second is the sedentary lifestyle children lead," said Dr Nathan.
Manifestations of these problems are evident with children as young as three sporting glasses, early signs of facial hair in boys, and early attainment of menarche. But doctors say there are no studies in India to establish it. "We are certainly treating more children with ailments usually associated with adults. Conditions such as cholesterol, type-2 diabetes and hypertension were seen in adults before. This could lead to stress on organs, but we are yet to do a comprehensive study on whether it induces aging," said Dr S Balasubramanian, senior paediatrics consultant, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital in Chennai.
WORRYING SIGNALS
A Number Of Conditions Point To The Fact That Children's Organs Are
Aging Faster Than Their Years
Hypertension, high blood cholesterol in children Early onset of type-2 diabetes Wearing glasses at an early age Greying hair Earlier signs of facial hair in boys Age of attaining menarche
down to 7-10 years from 10-13 years a decade ago
YOUNG IN AGE, OLD AT HEART
Children's Organs Are Aging Faster As Stress And Changing Lifestyles Take A Toll
Vignesh's parents took pride in their "cute" son, while his friends poked fun at his rotund figure. When the nine-year-old suddenly began to lose weight and his visits to the restroom became more frequent, they began to worry. He was taken to M V Hospital for Diabetes, where he was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes, a condition normally seen in adults.
"When diabetes sets in at such an early stage the child's blood vessels start stiffening, which happens only in older people. Technically, we are staring at a scenario where the child is aging much faster than his chronological age," said Dr Vijay Viswanathan, managing director of the hospital.
Doctors say that children's bodies and organs are aging though they may be young in terms of years. Genetic factors account for a meagre 20% of premature aging, they say. The main reasons are environmental and dietary. Paediatric obesity, which is reaching epidemic proportions in the country, high stress levels, sedentary and changing lifestyles, and various chemicals used in food contribute to premature aging.
"We live in an 'obesogenic' world (an environment that tends to make people fat). Lifestyle diseases which stem from obesity result in premature aging of organs in children," said Dr Kousalya Nathan, a lifestyle and anti-aging consultant. Dr Nathan and her team are working on a project to study premature and adolescent aging.
Experts say they are noticing premature aging at the molecular and hormonal levels, which have an adverse impact on the organs. "For instance, the organs of an eight-year-old have the functionality of those of a 45-year-old," said Dr Nathan.
Eating junk food or intake of reheated food results in toxicity in the cells, which shortens the telomeres (stretches of DNA that cap and protect the ends of chromosomes). When the telomere becomes shorter, the cells age faster.
There is also evidence to show intrauterine stress can lead to earlier onset of chronic ailments. "The onset of complications relating to these problems occur earlier than normal, which is why we see people as young as 25 dying of heart attack," said Dr S Suresh, director of MediScan Systems, a centre for foetal care and genetics.
"Even excessive use of shampoos and soaps, which have endocrine disrupting factors, could result in toxicity of cells," said medical geneticist Priya Kannan who works at Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University.
Some doctors, however, say it is difficult to call this "premature aging" as there are few scientific studies. "We do see children with grey hair, but I don't think it has anything to do with aging. We don't have hard evidence or data to prove it. If children are getting lifestyle diseases early it is because of environmental reasons and stress, but I can't say they result in premature aging," said Dr Guna Singh, National Coordinator of Indian Academy of Pediatrics in Chennai.
Most doctors pinned the blame on diet and chemicals used in food products. "The food we eat has various chemicals that could adversely impact children and result in increasing toxicity," said Dr Swathi Padankatti, consultant pediatrician at Sundaram Medical Foundation.
The country's medical fraternity may take pride in improved life expectancy, but the spurt in lifestyle diseases, especially among children, has resulted in premature aging. This means that the increased life expectancy doesn't necessarily translate into improved quality of life.
"Every organ in the human body has an age. When a child suffers from lifestyle diseases like cholesterol and diabetes, his or her organs take a beating. So, the functionality of an eight-year-old child's organs is that of a 30-year-old," said Dr Kousalya Nathan, a lifestyle and antiaging consultant, who is undertaking a study on premature and adolescent aging.
Doctors say premature aging begins from the molecular level with wear and tear being witnessed in the DNA of children.
"Cells of children are aging. This, in turn, is affecting their organs. The main cause is obesity, while the second is the sedentary lifestyle children lead," said Dr Nathan.
Manifestations of these problems are evident with children as young as three sporting glasses, early signs of facial hair in boys, and early attainment of menarche. But doctors say there are no studies in India to establish it. "We are certainly treating more children with ailments usually associated with adults. Conditions such as cholesterol, type-2 diabetes and hypertension were seen in adults before. This could lead to stress on organs, but we are yet to do a comprehensive study on whether it induces aging," said Dr S Balasubramanian, senior paediatrics consultant, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital in Chennai.
WORRYING SIGNALS
A Number Of Conditions Point To The Fact That Children's Organs Are
Aging Faster Than Their Years
Hypertension, high blood cholesterol in children Early onset of type-2 diabetes Wearing glasses at an early age Greying hair Earlier signs of facial hair in boys Age of attaining menarche
down to 7-10 years from 10-13 years a decade ago
YOUNG IN AGE, OLD AT HEART
Children's Organs Are Aging Faster As Stress And Changing Lifestyles Take A Toll
Vignesh's parents took pride in their "cute" son, while his friends poked fun at his rotund figure. When the nine-year-old suddenly began to lose weight and his visits to the restroom became more frequent, they began to worry. He was taken to M V Hospital for Diabetes, where he was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes, a condition normally seen in adults.
"When diabetes sets in at such an early stage the child's blood vessels start stiffening, which happens only in older people. Technically, we are staring at a scenario where the child is aging much faster than his chronological age," said Dr Vijay Viswanathan, managing director of the hospital.
Doctors say that children's bodies and organs are aging though they may be young in terms of years. Genetic factors account for a meagre 20% of premature aging, they say. The main reasons are environmental and dietary. Paediatric obesity, which is reaching epidemic proportions in the country, high stress levels, sedentary and changing lifestyles, and various chemicals used in food contribute to premature aging.
"We live in an 'obesogenic' world (an environment that tends to make people fat). Lifestyle diseases which stem from obesity result in premature aging of organs in children," said Dr Kousalya Nathan, a lifestyle and anti-aging consultant. Dr Nathan and her team are working on a project to study premature and adolescent aging.
Experts say they are noticing premature aging at the molecular and hormonal levels, which have an adverse impact on the organs. "For instance, the organs of an eight-year-old have the functionality of those of a 45-year-old," said Dr Nathan.
Eating junk food or intake of reheated food results in toxicity in the cells, which shortens the telomeres (stretches of DNA that cap and protect the ends of chromosomes). When the telomere becomes shorter, the cells age faster.
There is also evidence to show intrauterine stress can lead to earlier onset of chronic ailments. "The onset of complications relating to these problems occur earlier than normal, which is why we see people as young as 25 dying of heart attack," said Dr S Suresh, director of MediScan Systems, a centre for foetal care and genetics.
"Even excessive use of shampoos and soaps, which have endocrine disrupting factors, could result in toxicity of cells," said medical geneticist Priya Kannan who works at Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University.
Some doctors, however, say it is difficult to call this "premature aging" as there are few scientific studies. "We do see children with grey hair, but I don't think it has anything to do with aging. We don't have hard evidence or data to prove it. If children are getting lifestyle diseases early it is because of environmental reasons and stress, but I can't say they result in premature aging," said Dr Guna Singh, National Coordinator of Indian Academy of Pediatrics in Chennai.
Most doctors pinned the blame on diet and chemicals used in food products. "The food we eat has various chemicals that could adversely impact children and result in increasing toxicity," said Dr Swathi Padankatti, consultant pediatrician at Sundaram Medical Foundation.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
Some Helpful Flight Upgrade Tips
Some Helpful Tips In Getting A Flight Upgrade
Traveling by air can be a very uncomfortable experience if you have to travel in economy class. Unfortunately, however, the difference in cost between economy and first class can be in the thousands of dollars. In order to have a more comfortable journey, you can try to get a free upgrade to first class. Quite often this does not happen, but sometimes it does.
Travel Alone
While this is not always possible, your chances of getting an upgrade are much higher if you are traveling alone. If you are traveling as part of a group – even if it just a small family – the airline is not likely to upgrade you because it means upgrading everyone.
Take Advantage of Special Events
If you have just recently been married, or are having a birthday or other celebration, be sure to tell the airline staff. They may be willing to upgrade you to make your event more special. Take a Wedding Certificate with you if needs be.
Book a Full Plane
If you can, try to book yourself on to a flight that is going to have a very full economy section – this is much easier during holidays than other times of the year. You can figure out the numbers by going through a false booking on your airline's website (make sure you don't book by mistake!) The reason for this is that if the economy class is full, the airline is more likely to try to squeeze passengers in to first class rather than turn them away. In some cases, however, if they can't upgrade, they might offer travel at a later date with an upgrade or an overnight stay in a nice hotel for free. The more flexible you are, the better.
Be Sneaky
When you are booking your flight through a travel agent, be extremely friendly to them. If they like you, they may be willing to mark you as a CIP (Commercially Important Passenger) or SFU (Suitable for Upgrade). The airline can ignore this information, but it is worth a try – the more effort you put in to getting your upgrade, the greater your chances.
Pick your Plane
If it is possible, you should try to pick a flight that will be using a plane with a large first class cabin. There are many sites on the Internet that let you see the layout of different planes and the configurations that the various airlines use. Take advantage of these. Not only are these sites useful for finding a good "upgrade" plane, but you can also pick the best seats in economy in case you don't get upgraded. I would strongly recommend using Seat Guru – I have used this site on virtually every flight I have taken since I discovered it – it is an excellent resource for travelers.
Avoid Business Hours
Try to fly outside of business hours as the first class cabin is likely to be full on these flights. Try flying at odd hours of the day and on the weekends.
Be Polite
Be very polite to all of the staff you are dealing with at the airline. Quite often the decision about upgrades is left to the check-in staff. If they don't like you, you won't get upgraded. Smile when talking to the staff but don't be so overly friendly that you frighten the staff.
Dress the Part
Dress like you are a first class passenger. You don't have to go overboard by wearing a suit and tie, but do not wear tattered jeans, dirty shoes, a tee-shirt with Che Guevara on the front, or any other obviously "non-first-class" clothing. Also, because of the unfortunate situation with terrorism at the moment, you should probably be clean shaven.
Join the Frequent Flier Program
By joining the frequent flier program of your airline, you are showing loyalty to the airline. In addition, you get the obvious benefits of being a member such as free flights if you earn enough points. If your airline have different levels of membership, buy the most expensive one you are able to afford – unfortunately money talks, but the extra cost of the program may be well worth the improved comfort on future flights.
Ask
A lot of people tell you not to do this, for a variety of reasons, but in my own experience, this can work. I have been given upgrades twice in the last year for asking if the airline needed volunteers. If you have followed all of the previous rules, you have a very good chance of getting the upgrade if there are seats available. Incidentally, ask very quietly – if other customers hear you get an upgrade they will ask as well – so the airline is less likely to give you one if you broadcast your request.
Royal Air Force Flight Formations
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Sunday, May 19, 2013
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Most of the contents are published here were collected through email and Internet. I bear no responsibility for these contents.