Thursday, October 31, 2013

North Korean Charm Offensive

It sure LOOKS like a fun place to be! North Korean charm offensive shows country as the leisure capital of the world

  • Pictures released by the North Korean state press agency show locals having fun at theme parks and swimming pools
  • Authorities have introduced a new 'leisure drive' in a bid to 'energise and mobilise' the country's populace
  • But many of the pictures still show the sinister shadow of the country's military lurking in the background

Carefree and beaming with joy as they make their way around the lazy rapids sat on an inflatable ring, these two young girls look like they are having the time of their lives at the water park.
With high colorful slides towering above the horizon in the background, it could be a scene from any thronged tourist attraction on a holiday island in Greece or Spain.
The sinister presence of soldiers dressed in full military regalia lurking around in the background is the only giveaway that this is in fact North Korea - a land not exactly renowned for it's laid back, fun-filled atmosphere.
The pictures - released by a state news agency - are the latest attempt by Kim Jong Un's propaganda machine to convince the rest of the world that the secretive communist state is a wonderful place to live.
Having a ball: Smartly dressed spectators gather on a bridge and watch three swimmers frolic with inflatables at a water park in Pyongyang
Having a ball: Smartly dressed spectators gather on a bridge and watch three swimmers frolic with inflatables at a water park in Pyongyang
A fun place to live: North Korean soldiers play an arcade game at the Pyongyang Pleasure park
A fun place to live: North Korean soldiers play an arcade game at the Pyongyang Pleasure park
Sit back and relax: A group of North Koreans don't look entirely comfortable as they watch a 3D film at the Rungna People's Pleasure Park in Pyongyang
Sit back and relax: A group of North Koreans don't look entirely comfortable as they watch a 3D film at the Rungna People's Pleasure Park in Pyongyang

Milk Dresses

Incredible pictures show calendar girls wearing dresses made of MILK

  • Amazing shots are not digitally altered, simply layered individual pictures
  • Work of Polish born, London based photographer Jaroslav Wieczorkiewiz
  • Each image requires around 200 frames
  • Model is covered in pints of milk, captured in fast exposure shots
  • 1950's inspired photo set is set to become a calender

Milky Pin-Ups is a photo series of old-fashioned, 50s-style glamour girls - dressed entirely in dairy produce.
The incredible fluid shots are the work of photographer Jaroslav Wieczorkiewicz, who specialises in working with liquid.
Unbelievably they are not created using any tricks or computer imagery - each girl is actually covered in pints and pints of milk to create the shots.
Dream Girl: Milk pin ups, created by Jaroslav Wieczorkiewicz, in which dairy produce is used to create the 'dresses'
Dream Girl: Milk pin ups, created by Jaroslav Wieczorkiewicz, in which dairy produce is used to create the 'dresses'
The photos are based on the pin ups popular in the 1950's and have a fun flirty feel to them
The photos are based on the pin ups popular in the 1950's and have a fun flirty feel to them
Each picture is the result of numerous different shots layered together
Each picture is the result of numerous different shots layered together

Storm Rider

Woman surfer nearly drowns as St Jude's gale creates off Portugal some of the biggest waves to ever be conquered by boards

  • Father-of-two Andrew Cotton, 34, took on the monster waves at Praia do Norte, near Nazare at 8am yesterday
  • Beach known among surfers for huge waves because it picks up full brunt of violent Atlantic storm swells
  • Maya Gabeira, from Brazil, nearly drowned and had to be resuscitated on the beach after falling on a wave

Surfers could have ridden one of the biggest waves in history yesterday as waves of up to 100ft created by St Jude's storm battered the European coast.
Father-of-two Andrew Cotton, 34, of Croyde, North Devon - who is a part-time professional surfer, plumber and lifeguard - took on the monster waves off the coast of Portugal at Praia do Norte, near the sleepy fishing village of Nazare at around 8am yesterday morning.
Married Mr Cotton, whose wife Katie and two children Honey, six, and Ace, one, are currently braving the storm at home on the Devon coast, was towed into the waves by his US surfing partner Garrett McNamara.
Big waves
Daredevil surfer Carlos Burle rides down what is believed to be one of the biggest waves ever conquered at Nazare, Portugal. The exact size of the wave Burle rode is yet to be determined, but it is believed to be close to challenging McNamara's feat from earlier this year. The incredible moment was captured from the hillside overlooking the bay by Portugese photographer To Mane.
Andrew Cotton
English surfer Andrew Cotton rides an 80ft wave at the Praia do Norte, north beach, at the fishing village of Nazare in Portugal
Andrew Cotton
The married father-of-two took on the monster waves caused by Atlantic Storm St Jude

Tree and flower lined avenues and roads

 Tree and flower lined avenues and roads
A flower lined street (Eldorado Drive) in Indian Wells, near Palm Springs, California  





Stunning Photos - FOTOS INCRIVEIS



Jupiter and it's moon, IO
Stunning Photographs That Will Leave                                                            You in Awe

Dubai bathed in Sunlight
Stunning Photographs That Will Leave                                                            You in Awe

Cordon del Caulle erupts in Chile
Stunning Photographs That Will Leave                                                            You in Awe

Chinese stone masters of the scrumptious trinkets

Chinese stone masters of the scrumptious trinkets
Courtsey
From: Zuhal Schubbe 



Breathtaking Landscapes

Earth's most breathtaking landscapes: Unforgettable photographs capture a new perspective on the world's most magnificent scenes from Bryce Canyon to Big Ben

A new pictorial volume from the world travel experts at Lonely Planet puts a new and unique perspective on some of Earth's most inspiring scenes.
Looking up from the bottom of Utah's majestic, rust colored Bryce Canyon National Park shows the park, for those who've been there, as its never been seen before.
Among striking shots of an ocean feeding frenzy and Aurora Borealis is a panoramic view of London and Big Ben at dusk that proves human landscapes can be just as breathtaking as those from mother nature.
The title of the book, Lonely Planet's Beautiful World, does not disappoint.
This sampling of the book's 200 or so scenes that depict precisely what makes Earth a living masterpiece is sure to leave you wanting more.
Bryce Canyon:
Bryce Canyon: Photographed from below looking up, Bryce Canyon makes Bryce Canyon appear all the more spectacular. This masterpiece of natural erosion in southern Utah's most striking feature is its amphitheater, a multicolored 6-square-mile collection of awe inspiring slopes and spires
London calling: While perhaps not as sublime as Bryce Canyon, a panoramic view of Big Ben, the London Parliament, and Westminster Bridge evokes an undeniable appreciation for man's ability to produce beauty to rival nature's splendors
London calling: While perhaps not as sublime as Bryce Canyon, a panoramic view of Big Ben, the London Parliament, and Westminster Bridge evokes an undeniable appreciation for man's ability to produce beauty to rival nature's splendors
Later, troubles: Held on the full moon night in the month of November, Thailand's Floating Lantern festival in Chiangmai sees the release of thousands of tiny Lanna-style hot air lanterns believed to rid the people of their troubles
Later, troubles: Held on the full moon night in the month of November, Thailand's Floating Lantern festival in Chiangmai sees the release of thousands of tiny Lanna-style hot air lanterns believed to rid the people of their troubles

Royal Family

A portrait of a modern monarchy: Informal picture shows happy and relaxed Royal Family rubbing shoulders with the Middletons
  • Official photography has a relaxed and happy ambience at odds with formal portraits of yesteryear
  • Middletons - the descendants of coal miners - stand side-by-side with Dukes, Princes and the Queen
  • They were taken by celebrity photographer Jason Bell

It is a fascinating blend of well-trodden history and social mobility.
Clustered around a Chippendale sofa in the sunbathed Morning Room of Clarence House, this new group photograph of the Windsor and Middleton dynasties is arguably the most intriguing of the christening portraits released yesterday.
Despite the Queen's presence and the rather Victorian familial grouping, there is a decidedly relaxed air to the picture, a portrait of a Royal Family for the modern age.
Indeed, aside from the Queen, the most magisterial figure is the Duchess of Cambridge's younger brother James, whose beard makes him look uncannily like his nephew's great, great, great-grandfather, King George V, or even a younger looking Prince Michael of Kent.

The official portrait for the christening of Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge, photographed in The Morning Room at Clarence House in London yesterday
The official portrait for the christening of Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge, photographed in The Morning Room at Clarence House in London yesterday

Joyful: Prince George appears happy and healthy with his mother and father, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Joyful: Prince George appears happy and healthy with his mother and father, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Kate's family - her former air hostesses turned multi-millionaire entrepreneur mother, Carole, genial father Michael, and scene-stealing sister, Pippa - are positioned around Prince William.
In contrast Kate, whose ancestors were Durham coal miners and men of the soil, is grouped with the rest of the Royal Family - a dapper-looking Duke of Edinburgh, belying his 92 years and recent ill-health, grandparents Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, and a cheeky-looking doting uncle Prince Harry.


Regal: (back row L-R) The Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry of Wales; (front row, L-R) Queen Elizabeth, the Duchess of Cambridge holding Prince George with the Duke of Cambridge
Regal: (back row L-R) The Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry of Wales; (front row, L-R) Queen Elizabeth, the Duchess of Cambridge holding Prince George with the Duke of Cambridge

EcoFriendly Computer Mouse

  • AlestRukov computer mice are eco-friendly alternative to harmful plastic gadgets polluting our world. The idea behind the product is to get the maximum out of natural materials and extend lifetime warranty. AlestRukov computer mice have warranty coverage of over 5 years and can be upgraded to extend the service.


  • Our primary intention was to create the best ecologically sustainable design. AlestRukov mouse body is safe for the environment in manufacture, use, and utilization.Valuable types of wood cultivated only for industrial use are used in the mouse body manufacture. Natural linseed oil and carnauba wax are applied as a finishing protective coat.


  • Internal circuit board  with electronic components is of a minimum possible size and is covered mask.

Goodbye my friend

Goodbye my friend: Photo captures the rare and heart-wrenching moment an elephant bids farewell to her fallen companion 
  • John Chaney, 63, took this image of a female elephant performing a standing vigil by the carcass of her dead friend
  • The female elephant can be seen holding on to the tusk of the dead male with her trunk
  • She had to scare off surrounding vultures and hyenas to get to the body in a wildlife park in Botswana
  • All those who witnessed the emotional scene during a tour of the wildlife park in Africa were brought to tears
This heart-wrenching image has captured the incredibly rare moment a mourning elephant says goodbye to her fallen friend.
John Chaney, 63, was on a safari trip in Botswana with his wife Diane when they came across the carcass of a dead elephant surrounded by vultures and hyenas.
As their guide called park rangers to come and remove the tusks so they wouldn't fall into the hands of poachers, another elephant charged over to the body.
The female elephant scared off the animals surrounding the carcass before tenderly placing her trunk around the tusk of the dead male.
Mr Chaney revealed how the group were then brought to tears as the female elephant stood guard over the body of her friend for several hours in what appeared to be a moving vigil.
A female elephant holds on to the tusk of a fallen friend with her trunk during a moving vigil which lasted several hours at a wildlife park in Botswana
Emotional moment: A female elephant holds on to the tusk of a fallen friend with her trunk during a moving vigil which lasted several hours at a wildlife park in Botswana. She had to scare off vultures and hyenas, pictured to the right of the carcass, to get to her friend's body 
The amateur wildlife photographer from Houston said he has never witnessed anything like it in all the years he has visited Africa and has never seen anything like it since.
He explained: 'We were on a game drive when the park ranger explained one elephant had migrated away from its herd so that it could die. This is typical of elephants when they get too old.
'He said he hadn't seen the elephant in several days when we came across the carcass of a male elephant. It had been there for two or three days.
'There were about 20 vultures and 10 hyenas surrounding it but you could still clearly make out the head and tusks of the elephant.
'The park ranger who was taking us around the reserve called for backup so that the tusks could be removed to prevent them from falling into the hands of poachers.
'As we waited, another elephant charged out of the bush and scared off the vultures and hyenas.
Amateur wildlife photographer John Chaney, 63, captured the emotional moment while on holiday with his wife in Botswana
Amateur wildlife photographer John Chaney, 63, captured the emotional moment while on holiday with his wife in Botswana
'She then tentatively wrapped her trunk around the tusk of the dead elephant in a slow and graceful movement and remained perfectly still in that position.
'We watched her for about 20 minutes and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
'It was an emotional sight and touching moment, watching this elephant saying goodbye to her friend, paying her respects much like we would.'
Mr Chaney and those in his tour group continued their trip around the park before coming back to the spot where the animal carcass had been several hours later.
To their amazement, the female elephant had remained in exactly the same position they had left her in.
He said: 'When we came back two or three hours later she was still in exactly the same place, holding the tusk of her friend.
'I have no idea how much longer she stayed there but it was highly unusual behaviour.'
While this particular elephant's behaviour is unusual, elephants are known to pay their respects to their dead.
Mr Chaney said: 'When a herd of elephants pass a skull of a dead elephant, they have been known to pass their trunks over it as they pass.'
He added that the obvious emotion of wild animals in Africa is one of the reasons he and his wife try to visit the region every two or three years.
'You see a lot of human emotions in the magnificent animals of Africa.
'I think Africa is the last place on earth I've seen where animals are still very much in the wild.
'If you go to a zoo the animals are in cages and not acting normally. But if you go on Safari in a range rover in Africa, you're the one in a cage and you can see the animals acting normally.'
The picture, taken in 2007, had to be discounted from the 2012 National Geographic Traveler photo contest because of the date it wa staken but received a special commendation.
To view more of Mr Claney's photography, click here.
Animal behaviour: While the female elephant's standing vigil was incredibly rare, elephants are known to brush their trunks over the skulls of dead elephants as they pass
Animal behaviour: While the female elephant's standing vigil was incredibly rare, elephants are known to brush their trunks over the skulls of dead elephants if they pass by one

Volcano that ......................................Jodi Peters


Kilaue is a volcano located on Hawaii. It has been erupting for 27 years since 1983. It's hard to believe, but it's true. Its lava has already destroyed numerous homes and scared local residents away.

Kilauea. Volcano That Has Been Erupting For 27 Years (22 pics)

Kilauea. Volcano That Has Been Erupting For 27 Years (22 pics)

Kilauea. Volcano That Has Been Erupting For 27 Years (22 pics)

LETHAL LAKE IN TANZANIA

Any Animal That Touches This Lethal Lake Turns to Stone



There's a deceptively still body of water in Tanzania with a deadly secret—it turns any animal it touches to stone. The rare phenomenon is caused by the chemical makeup of the lake, but the petrified creatures it leaves behind are straight out of a horror film.
Photographed by Nick Brandt in his new book, Across the Ravaged Land, petrified creatures pepper the area around the lake due to its constant pH of 9 to 10.5—an extremely basic alkalinity that preserves these creatures for eternity. According to Brandt:
Any Animal That Touches This Lethal Lake Turns to Stone
Any Animal That Touches This Lethal Lake Turns to Stone