Portraits Created from Love Letters

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."

Living Root Bridges of India.

Root Bridges of India In the depths of northeastern India, in one of the wettest places on earth, bridges aren't built -- they're grown.

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

Kurt Wenner: The Father of 3D Street Art! Kurt Wenner produced his first commissioned mural at the age of sixteen and by that time he was already earning his living as a graphic artist. With the ever increasing popularity of Wenner's images, hundreds of artists around the globe became inspired to create their own versions of three-dimensional pavement art. Artists such as Julian Beever, Manfred Stader, and Edgar Muller as well as others can trace their roots back to his invention in the early 1980s. By using computer programs or a simplified geometry to create their illusions they are able to approximate the effect of Wenner's three-dimensional illusion.  In the 2000s Wenner first introduced 3-D pavement art at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Shortly after that he founded the first street painting festival in the United States at the Old Mission in Santa Barbara, California. The Old Mission festival, also known as I Madonnari, continues to this day as do many of the festivals and events Wenner started throughout the country. One often-overlooked fact of Wenner's career is that he dedicated one month every year, for ten years, to teach more than 100,000 students from elementary through university level how to work with chalks and pastels. For his dedication, he was awarded the Kennedy Center Medallion for his outstanding contribution to arts education.  In an interview to Business Insider, Kurt Wenner said: "The three-dimensional street painting is my own invention. I created it by studying a type of anamorphism that existed in the 17th century. For several decades artists designed large works to be seen from one specific point of view.

He Visit 60 Countries For?

He visit 60 countries in search of the perfect corn flake Englishman visited 60 countries in search of the perfect corn flakes. On his travels man spent 36,800 pounds (58,000 dollars), but says it has no plans to complete the search. At age 10 a resident of Hampshire Mick Hobdey first tried cornflakes, served on the breakfast his mother. Product of corn so pleased the boy that he would not imagine my life without crunchy breakfast. Every year the favorite became desirable for Mika, who started using cereal for lunch and dinner, adding milk or sugar bowl. Egypt Croatia In September 2002, an avid traveler Hobdey, who is on vacation in Mexico, wanted to try local cereal and thus combine their passion - the journey and the constant absorption of cereal. Mali

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. 

02. Ravello, Italy

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.

Fotos antiguas / Old photos

Himalayan Highway Cycling In Northwest India

Himalayan Highway Cycling In Northwest India A road carved through mountains Carved through the Himalaya mountain range in 1987 and opened to foreign travellers in 1989, the 500km highway between the towns of Manali and Leh in northwest India has become a premier mountain challenge for intrepid cyclists, presenting one of the highest and most starkly beautiful rides in the world. Blanketed by snow for most of the year, the road is accessible for just three or four months – around June to September – when makeshift villages, such as the prayer flag-strung Marhi, 50km north of Manali, materialise The route, which takes cyclists seven to 10 days to complete, crosses five Himalayan passes between Manali and Leh, ranging in altitude from 3,978m to 5,350m. The first and lowest is Rohtang La, a name that translates as "Pile of Corpses", in reference to the number of early travellers who died from the cold and bleak conditions. Typically, the climb from Marhi to Rohtang La is through deep mud, caused by snow melt and monsoon rains, creating kilometres-long traffic jams in which a bicycle can prove to be the most efficient vehicle. The monsoonal greenery of the Himachal Pradesh foothills ends at Rohtang La, from where the highway enters the barren Chandra Valley. Cut into steep and, at times, unstable slopes, the highway is in constant flux. It is prone to landslides, and sections of the road are destroyed each year by the brutal winter conditions.

Celebrity Pencil Portraits By Rik Reimert

Celebrity Pencil Portraits By Rik Reimert Bruce Willis All artist Rik Reimert needs to create these detailed illustrations is some paper and some ink. The rest is a series of lines and hashmarks that Reimert builds, from light to dark, with Rotring Rapidographs—a variety of technical writing devices that provide consistent ink flow. The artist begins with pencil and then fills in the lines with his pens that vary in thickness from 0.2 to 0.8mm tips. Most of the illustrations take an average of 6 to 8 hours to complete and feature famous celebrities like Benicio Del Toro, Bruce Willis, and Jaime Foxx. The artist says he chooses ink and paper because "Analog, that's my thing. From music to photographs to art. Yes, of course we use computers and cellphones, but isn't it great to put on a record on your turntable on a Sunday morning and just enjoy the cracks in the music and the great artwork on the cover?" Benicio Del Toro Charles Bronson

~!~!~ The best illusions for 2012~!~!~!~!

The best illusions for 2012

10. Collapsing Elevator Floor

9. Floating Street Art

8. Humongous On/Off Switch Mural

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.

Inocencia / Innocence

Royal Air Force Flight Formations

The diamond nine is back! The Red Arrows famous formation is complete once more after an 18 month suspension following the death of two pilots The team have flown with all nine members for the first time since 2011 The Display Team have been awarded a 2013 Public Display Authority (PDA) for 2013 They have been training at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus practicing for a summer of displays The team had been suspended after the death of  Flight Lieutenants Sean Cunningham and Jon Egging By JAYMI MCCANN The Red Arrows famous diamond nine formation have been given the all clear to fly again after the deaths of two of their pilots. The display team had been grounded following the deaths of Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunnigham due the failure of his ejector seat in November 2011 and that of Flight Lieutenant of Jon Egging at the Bournemouth Air Show in August 2011. However, they've now been given the nod to fly again after being handed a Public Display Authority (PDA) by The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton. The Red Arrows finally had all of the members of the diamond formation back as they trained in Cyprus The PDA, which it must get each year, confirms that the display proposed for the year is safe and meets the standards expected of a team that represents the Royal Air Force and the UK. The team were spotted honing their skills on a training mission in Cyprus - training at RAF Akrotiri, in the Mediterranean, in preparation for a summer of displays. Sir Stephen said: 'The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, have designed a display of precision formation flying that encapsulates the agility and demonstrates the pure flying qualities required in the Royal Air Force. 'The Reds are an iconic symbol of the United Kingdom and their displays are vividly demonstrating excellence in precision, teamwork and dynamic flying.' The Chief of the Air Staff , Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton and Air Officer Commanding 22 Group Air Vice-Marshal M Lloyd watch the display The Red Arrows Display Team will be back in the skies after being awarded a 2013 Public Display Authority

TRANSPORT IN JAPAN MORE THAN HUNDRED YEARS AGO

Top 10 Brutal civilizations in the history

There have been many civilizations in the history of the world, but here this article discuses the most feared and prospering ancient civilizations in the history of the world. Here is a list of the ten most terrifying civilizations, from bad to worst in the human history.  10. The Spartans The Spartan family was quite different from that of other Ancient Greek city-states. The word "spartan" has come down to us to describe self-denial and simplicity. This is what Spartan life was all about. Children were children of the state more than of their parents. They were raised to be soldiers, loyal to the state, strong and self-disciplined. Despite their PG-13 portrayal by Hollywood in the movie '300' that didn't do their civilization justice, the Spartans were actually pretty hardcore. Just to get a basic understanding of their culture think about this – Every single Spartan male was a soldier. Every other job was done by slaves; the Spartan men were warriors and that was that. They fought until they could finally retire at the age of 60. And if that wasn't enough dyin didn't earn him a headstone, he didn't deserve it. The only Spartans who got marked headstones were the ones who died in battle, during victory. In those times as only the ones who perished in battle got to have their graves marked for the future generations to marvel at their heroism. And if someone lost his shield during battle, he got the death penalty. A true soldier would have gone back to get it, or died trying. 9. The Maoris The Māori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. Being the first settlers of New Zealand, they had made quite a reputation for themselves by virtually consuming all unwelcome guests until the 18th century. They believed devouring their enemies' flesh made them stronger by acquiring their strength and combat skills. They had been known to practice cannibalism during warfare. In October, 1809, a European convict ship was attacked by a large group of Maori warriors, in revenge for the mistreatment of a chief's son. The Maori killed most of the 66 people on board, and carried dead and alive victims off the boat and back to shore to be eaten. A few lucky survivors, who were able to find a hiding spot inside the mast of the boat, were horrified as they watched the Maori devour their shipmates through the night and in to the next morning. 8. The Viking The Vikings were seafaring northern Germanic people who raided, traded, explored, and settled in wide areas of Europe, Asia, and the North Atlantic islands from the late 8th to the mid-11th centuries. Notorious for terrorizing and pillaging through Europe, they were ferocious warriors who never shied away from battle. Their physical strength was only outmatched by their skills on the battlefield and the use of diverse weapons such as axes, swords and spears. Perhaps the only civilization whose religion was also about war, the Vikings firmly believed that all people had a purpose in this life and theirs was to fight to the death. They were all you would want in a soldier and proved it on the battlefield by destroying all in their paths.

Portrait Made Of Thousands Of Fingerprints

Portrait Made Of Thousands Of Fingerprints "Fanny/Fingerpainting" represents one of the largest and most masterly executions of a technique Chuck Close developed in the mid-l980s. That technique involved the direct application of pigment to a surface with the artist's fingertips. By adjusting the amount of pigment and the pressure of his finger on the canvas, Close could achieve a wide range of tonal effects. Typically, he worked from a black and white photograph which he would divide into many smaller units by means of a grid. He then transposed the grid onto a much larger canvas and meticulously reproduced each section of it. The result is a monumental, close-up view that forces an uncomfortable intimacy upon the viewer