Saturday, October 31, 2009

The White Pass - Yukon Railway

The White Pass - Yukon Railway
Amazing Railway Routes

If you have never seen this railway before, it runs from Whitehorse, Yukon to Skagway, Alaska.


It is a fantastic sight in real life.

For those of you who have been there you will know what I am talking about.

























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The Best Place for Lunch










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Snow in Dubai

During the construction phase...


All finished. Notice to the palm trees outside...


Remember, this is in the middle of the desert....

The very HOT desert where temperatures get up to 120 degrees...




The interior part view












Unbelievable! But true...

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Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah


























Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

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World's Best Awards: Top 10 Hotels

1. Oberoi Udaivilas; Udaipur, India: Perched on the banks of Lake Pichola in the heart of Rajasthan, the Oberoi Udaivilas gives guests the royal treatment. Choose your level of luxury: perhaps a room with a private terrace overlooking the hotel’s moated pool, or the 2,650-square-foot, fit-for-a-maharaja Kohinoor Suite, with fireplaces, a private pool and a wooden sauna. Top it all off with an afternoon in the hotel’s Oberoi Spa by Banyan Tree, where treatment suites look out onto the cream-colored walls of the grand 16th-century City Palace.


2. Singita Sabi Sand/Kruger National Park, South Africa: Four lodges inside Sabi Sand Reserve and the Kruger National Park offer guests a perfect vantage point for spotting game or simply enjoying the surrounding landscape. Survey the savannah for buffalo, elephant, lions, leopards and antelope from the open-air lounge of Singita Boulders Lodge, or take in a view of the Sand River, and perhaps also see some game, from your private plunge pool at the Singita Ebony Lodge.


3. The Oriental, Bangkok: Having recently undergone a $75 million renovation, each room and suite in this hotel, which claims a 130-year history, is designed with traditional Thai sensibilities. Across the Chao Phrya River, the hotel’s Oriental Spa offers distinctive touches as well, such as heated scrub tables and an herbal steam bath.


4. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet: This hotel has had an unusual past: It was fashioned from a century-old neoclassic Turkish prison. Conditions, though, are far from austere. Conveniently located near the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, this intimate property’s 65 rooms and suites—each decorated to blend with the architectural heritage of the city—surround an open courtyard and combine ancient charm with modern comfort.


5. The Milestone, London: Overlooking Kensington Palace, this hotel’s property has been the site of a private dwelling, an academy for young gentlemen, a Jesuit school and an insane asylum. The current structures, built in the 1880s and restored in 1999, now house 45 bedrooms, 12 suites and six two-bedroom apartments, all boasting five-star comfort and easy access to attractions such as the Royal Albert Hall, Harrods and the West End.

6. Relais Il Falconiere; Cortona, Italy: This Relais & Chateaux hotel offers guests a Tuscan vacation to remember with themed stays. You can opt for a cooking school experience, a wine tour-focused trip or a hunting holiday.


7. Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve; Sabi Sands, South Africa: The Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, inside South Africa’s Sabi Sand Reserve, boasts four luxury lodges, not to mention “Big Five” game: elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffalo. Each lodge is designed around a different theme, from Selati Cam, which pays homage to Africa’s colonial days, to the more modern-in-theme Earth Lodge, which boasts an eco-harmonious design (the lodge is sculpted into a slope in the earth).


8. Mandarin Oriental, Munich: This hotel offers 73 luxury rooms and suites in the heart of the city’s action. A five-minute walk will take you to Munich’s Old Town square (the Marienplatz), where you’ll find caf?s, bars and designer shops. Even closer: Maximilianstrasse, a mecca of high-end fashion and jewelry, as well as Renaissance and Gothic architecture. End your day with a dip in the Mandarin Oriental’s rooftop pool, where you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding city.


9. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii: Located on the Kona-Kohala Coast, on the Big Island of Hawaii, this hotel offers an elegant home base from which to see the island’s diverse offerings. Take a day trip to see active volcanoes, tour a nearby coffee plantation or stay close to home and just relax on the beach or play a round on the resort’s private Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.

10. Oberoi Amarvilas; Agra, India: The sight to see here is, of course, the Taj Mahal—and the Oberoi Amarvilas delivers. The hotel offers views of the monument (built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan to honor his late wife) from each of its 102 rooms and suites. For a closer look at the world’s most famous shrine to love, the resort offers guests complimentary transfers to and from the Taj in environmentally friendly, battery-operated buggies.

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Celebrity Wedding Locations

Princess Diana & Prince Charles, July 29, 1981: The "fairytale wedding" of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles took place at London's St. Paul's Cathedral, a departure from the traditional location of royal weddings, Westminster Abbey. Famous for its magnificent Baroque architecture by Sir Christopher Wren, St. Paul’s is notable for having survived the bombings of World War II virtually undamaged.





Michael Douglas & Catherine Zeta-Jones, Nov. 18, 2000: One of Hollywood's power couples, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones tied the knot at The Plaza Hotel, a New York City landmark that hosts numerous lavish weddings and high-society social events. After the star-studded party, Douglas and Zeta-Jones reportedly spent their wedding night in the Astor Suite, overlooking Central Park.



Madonna & Guy Ritchie, Dec. 22, 2000: Away from the prying lenses of the paparazzi, pop icon Madonna and movie director Guy Ritchie exchanged their vows at secluded Skibo Castle in the romantic Scottish Highlands. Formerly owned by Andrew Carnegie, the 200-room estate is home to one of the world’s most exclusive private clubs — the Carnegie Club. The happy couple is set to renew their wedding vows this summer in a ceremony at their estate in Wiltshire, England.



Donald Trump & Melania Knauss, Jan. 22, 2005: After a ceremony at Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Palm Beach, Fla., real-estate magnate Donald Trump and his bride Melania Knauss moved the party to Trump's world-famous Mar-a-Lago Club, an 18-acre golf resort. A National Historic Landmark, the former Marjorie Merriweather Post estate was acquired by Trump in 1985 and restored to its original splendor.



Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott, May 7, 2006: After eloping to Fiji, Hollywood couple Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott held an extremely small ceremony with no guests in attendance. The wedding for two took place on the beach of the exclusive Wakaya Club, an idyllic island hideaway. After exchanging their vows, the two reportedly built sand castles to kick off their honeymoon at the resort.



Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban, June 25, 2006: Actress Nicole Kidman and country music singer Keith Urban exchanged vows at sunset during a traditional Catholic ceremony in Sydney’s Cardinal Cerretti Chapel. The Aussie power couple’s reception was held on the grounds of the former St. Patrick's Seminary, overlooking iconic Manly beach.



Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes, Nov. 18, 2006: Since the media-darling couple was first photographed together in Rome in 2005, the ancient city was a likely spot for their wedding location. The 15th-century Odescalchi castle offered a fairy-tale setting for the highly publicized union, which brought A-list celebrities to the shores of Lake Bracciano, a short distance from Rome. After the spectacular wedding, Tom and Katie traveled to the Maldives for a dream honeymoon.



Elizabeth Hurley & Arun Nayar, March 2, 2007: A grand party at Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, India, marked the culmination of a weeklong celebration of the marriage of actress Elizabeth Hurley to businessman Arun Nayar. The couple first exchanged vows at Sudeley Castle in the English countryside, before heading to Nayar’s native India to finalize the union with a traditional Hindu ceremony.


Eva Longoria & Tony Parker, July 7, 2007: “Desperate Housewives” star Eva Longoria became a newlywed when she and NBA champion Tony Parker were pronounced man and wife in France, the country in which Parker was raised. They exchanged vows during a Catholic wedding ceremony at the Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church across from the Louvre, which was followed by a reception at Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a 17th-century villa on the outskirts of Paris.



Kate Walsh & Alex Young, Sept. 1, 2007: “Grey's Anatomy” star Kate Walsh and movie executive Alex Young were married in Ojai, Calif. The tranquil crescent-shaped valley just north of Los Angeles is famous for representing Shangri-La, the legendary utopia, in the classic movie "Lost Horizon". Walsh and Young’s post-ceremony reception was held at Casa Elar, a Spanish-style estate at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.

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World's Top Power Dining Spots


01 - Maison Blanche, Paris

Positioned on the top floor of the Art Deco-style Theatre des Champs-Elysées, on the fashionable Avenue Montaigne, this glassed-in rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of and across the Seine. International bankers, models and actors flock here for the setting, the crisp, clean design and the cutting-edge seasonal cuisine: partridge with caramelized turnips and Szechuan-style spicy peppers, doused in licorice-blackberry syrup, anyone?

02 - Antica Trattoria della Pesa, Milan, Italy

Tourists run for the Tuscan hills, but high rollers head straight for Milan, Italy’s capital of commerce, finance, fashion and media. In the heart of the city, this 100-year-old trattoria caters to A-listers in every category. Its fin-de-siècle furnishings, dark-wood paneling and authentic menu smack of old Milan. Try the polenta or riso al salto con rognone trifolato--fried rice with thinly sliced kidney, a house specialty.


03 - NoMI, Chicago

Sometimes it’s all about seducing the client. The dramatic views of Chicago’s skyline from NoMi, high up in the Chicago Park Hyatt, will do the trick, which is why movers and shakers are willing to leave “the loop” to dine here. Named for Chicago’s renowned North Michigan Avenue, which it looks out on, NoMi features French-inspired cuisine in a 120-seat Tony Chi restaurant appointed with museum quality art.


04 - Cepe, Beijing, China

Here fancy hotels are going up faster than you can say “pass the torch.” Cepe, at the Ritz-Carlton Financial Street, in the heart of the Beijing’s central business district (CBD), serves up haute Italian for those business meals when you want to focus on the conversation, not on your chopsticks. Cepe (that’s French for porcini) is close to the Intercontinental Hotel, popular with the Goldman Sachs crowd. After dinner, you can celebrate your coup at the Ritz’ Crystal Bar, a champagne and cigar lounge.


05 - Pizzeria Mozza, Los Angeles

Where else but in L.A. can a breezy pizza and salumi joint become the hottest place in town to take a meeting? Co-owned by Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton, the restaurant has been on fire since it opened in November when agents in Armani started lining up for fennel sausage pies and cured meats. Some Hollywood honchos make weekly appointments. Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg avoid the insanity and order takeout.



06 - The Oval Room, Washington, D.C.
A current favorite of Karl Rove, Condoleezza Rice and other executive branch politicians, this elegant, nonpartisan restaurant one block from the White House was also a Bill Clinton hangout. General Manager Rob Almaraz says servers are asked to leave their politics at the door and, of course, discretion is key given the weighty table talk. Chef Tony Conte, ex- of Jean Georges in NYC, does his best to distract politicos from working lunches with inspired dishes like maple-orange glazed skate with escarole and grapefruit.


07 - The Ivy, London

After all these years, The Ivy still reigns supreme as the power dining spot in media, publishing and showbiz circles. And though everyone is treated the same, some, like Harvey Weinstein, get better tables. Reservations must be made months in advance, and the décor is wood-column clubby, but the ambiance is refreshingly laid-back. The menu is decidedly British (think blackface mutton and turnip pie) with the occasional Asian nod.


08 - The China Club, Hong Kong

Executives flock to this exclusive businessman’s haunt secreted away on the 14th floor of the Bank of China building. The restaurant, known for its distinctive dim sum, resembles a Shanghai gentleman’s club circa 1930. It is, in fact, a “members’ only” club, but any savvy hotel concierge can get you a table. Linger at the stretch art-deco bar or on Winston Churchill’s tattered old leather couch in the library.


09 - Four Seasons, New York City

Captains of just about every industry gather daily in the Grill Room at this midtown Manhattan institution, from Michael Eisner to Sony CEO Howard Stringer to Cathleen Black, head of Hearst Publications. The cuisine is contemporary Continental, but, as managing partner Alex von Bidder points out: “Regulars hardly ever order off the menu.” Indeed, loyal A-listers are lavished with personal attention.


10 - Jamavar, Bangalore, India

Bangalore, India’s third-largest city, has morphed into a hip, global technology center, attracting CEOs from Google, Yahoo!, IBM, Honeywell and, of course, Bill Gates. He and other technology titans like to talk shop and ink deals at Jamavar, an opulent restaurant in the luxurious Leela Palace, with dripping chandeliers and exquisite Jamavar textiles. Spiced lobster neerulli, a lobster curry with tomatoes and shallots, is the crown jewel of this North Indian menu.


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Top 10 Bath Styles

01 Clay Bath

02 Petroleum Bath


03 Wine Bath

04 Curry Bath

05 Beer Bath

06 Black Mud Bath

07 Milky Bath


08 Chocolate Bath

09 Tomato Bath

10 Creamy Cream Bath

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Top 10 U.S. Shores of 2009

01 - Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii

The white-sand, crescent-shaped beach of Hanalei Bay in Kauai, Hawaii, (above, a woman dips her feet in the surf) has earned the title of best American beach in 2009, a coastal expert announced.

Stephen Leatherman, better known as Dr. Beach, has compiled his annual list of the top ten U.S. beaches for the past 19 years, rating coastlines on 50 criteria that include the presence of native plants, water quality, and overcrowding.

The 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) strand of Hanalei Bay--lined with palm trees and set against a backdrop of waterfalls and 4,000-foot (1,219-meter) mountain peaks--"is one of those places that people say is one of the most beautiful areas in Hawaii," said Leatherman, of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research.

Well off the beaten path, Hanalei Bay gets more rain than other Hawaiian islands and has "spectacular" plant and animal life, Leatherman added. Hanalei Bay moved up from second place in Dr. Beach's 2008 top ten ranking.

02 - Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida

With some of the finest, whitest sand in the world, Florida's Siesta Beach (above) came in second among this year's top ten beaches in the U.S., a coastal expert announced on May 22, 2009.

The beach's unpolluted sand and recreational opportunities--including unique underwater formations that attract snorkelers and scuba divers--led Stephen Leatherman, or Dr. Beach, to add Siesta to his annual list.

Leatherman judges beaches on 50 criteria, rating each variable on a one-to-five scale, with five being the highest. He takes off points for exotic plants, overcrowding, and too much development near the shoreline, among other factors.

03 - Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York

On the south shore of Long Island, New York, Coopers Beach (above) is surrounded by large sand dunes dotted with American beach grass.

The beach, made of grainy white-quartz sand, was selected as the third best U.S. beach of 2009 according to the Laboratory for Coastal Research's annual Top 10 Beaches ranking.

Each year 85 percent of people in the U.S. who go on vacation visit a beach, said coastal expert Stephen Leatherman, making the shore the number one recreational destination.

04 - Coronado Beach, San Diego, California

A "veritable oasis by the sea," San Diego's Coronado Beach (above, a man searches for sand dollars) has lush subtropical vegetation, a Mediterranean climate, and a warm and mild surf, according to coastal expert Stephen Leatherman.

A local landmark, the Hotel del Coronado, was built more than a hundred years ago and offers "spectacular" architecture, he added.

Leatherman rated Coronado as the fourth best beach in America in his list of the top ten beaches of 2009. The annual ranking, now in its 19th year, has a positive impact on the managers of poorer-quality beaches, he said.

"We're recognizing those great-quality beaches, and it's something for the others to aspire to."



05 - Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Ernest Hemingway once said that Hamoa Beach (above) was the world's best beach--so it's no surprise the coral-and-lava-sand shore made it on to the list of America's top ten beaches of 2009.

Hamoa is rimmed by cliffs and covered with coconut palms and "beautiful" flowering vegetation, said coastal expert Stephen Leatherman.

In judging a beach, Leatherman first examines whether there is clean sand and water. He uses U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data, for example, to determine a coastal area's water quality.


06 - Main Beach, East Hampton, New York

A 300-year-old conservation agreement has protected East Hampton's Main Beach from overdevelopment, earning it a spot on the 2009 Top 10 Beaches ranking.

Coastal expert Stephen Leatherman, who researches the annual list, takes points off for overdevelopment and overcrowding.

If beach blankets must be placed side-to-side - creating a patchwork-quilt effect - the beach is deemed overcrowded. Likewise, beaches with high-rises or buildings close to the water don't rank highly, Leatherman said.

Some resorts provide an "ecological buffer zone" between the hotels and the natural beach, he said, allowing native coastal vegetation to thrive.


07 - Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, North Carolina

The barrier island of Cape Hatteras was the first U.S. National Seashore, designated as part of a program that sets aside coastal areas for preservation.

With its historic fishing villages and some of the best surfing along the East Coast (above, surfers walk through beach grass), the cape was included in the 2009 Top 10 Beaches ranking, as judged by Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research.

Coastal expert Stephen Leatherman, who researched the list, plans to launch a new program that will allow beaches to become certified as environmentally safe destinations.


08 - Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida

A large offshore sand shoal makes the emerald-colored waters off Cape Florida State Park ideal for swimming for humans and sea life alike (above, two Atlantic green sea turtles are released into the ocean in 1983).

The park was designated as the eighth best U.S. beach on the 2009 Top 10 Beaches ranking.

The Cape Florida Lighthouse (above, in the distance) allows for a "breathtaking view of this beautiful beach," added coastal expert Stephen Leatherman, who helps compile the annual list for Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research.


09 - Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Accessible only by bicycle or shuttle bus, Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has coarse sand that creates steep slopes down to the water's edge.

Swimming is only possible during the summer, when water temperatures hover around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 to 21.1 Celsius). At other times visitors can explore the old Coast Guard station atop the bluffs, which offers a sweeping view of the barrier islands and the bay.

Coastal expert Stephen Leatherman, who chose the beach as the ninth best in the U.S. for 2009, said that the overall popularity of beaches in general makes their conservation crucial.

"We're trying to [strike] a delicate balance between making the resource available and preserving the environment," he said.


10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

South of Charleston, Beachwalker Park (above) is a public beach with plenty of recreational opportunities.

Visitors can canoe and kayak through tidal inlets - home to thousands of birds - or bike along the compact sand of the 10-mile (16.1-kilometer) barrier island.

The park was ranked tenth in the 2009 Top 10 Beaches list, compiled by coastal expert Stephen Leatherman of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research.

"I'm still in search of the perfect beach," Leatherman said. "The good news is I've found a lot of good ones in the U.S."

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20 Natural Wonders of the World

More than 300 sites have been nominated as part of a three-year contest to name the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Here are 20 among of my favorites (arranged randomly).


Grand Canyon: One of the United States’ top tourist attractions, the canyon is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep. The immense and powerful landscape, carved by the Colorado River, awes and inspires many of the nearly 5 million people who visit each year.

Erg Chebbi: The only Saharan erg in Morocco. Ergs are large and relatively flat areas of the desert that are covered with wind-blown sand, forming dunes; Erg Chebbi’s dunes can grow to nearly 500 feet high.


Niagara Falls: Known for their massive beauty that lures people from all around the world (especially newlyweds!), Niagara Falls separates Ontario, Canada, from New York state. Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side, is about 2,600 feet wide, while the American Falls is 1,060 feet wide.


Ayers Rock: A natural icon of Australia, Ayers Rock (also known as Uluru) is one of the largest monoliths in the world. The sandstone formation, which appears to change colors with different amounts of light, was once an island in a large sea. It rises 1,142 feet from the desert floor and has a circumference of about 6 miles; much more of its mass remains underground.

Okavango Delta: The world’s largest inland delta supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including large numbers of crocodiles, wild dogs, elephants and hippos. Seasonal flooding expands the delta’s area from fewer than 3,500 square miles to more than 6,500 square miles; about 95 percent of its water evaporates in the Kalahari Desert.

Great Barrier Reef: The planet’s largest coral reef system, which can be seen from outer space, comprises 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands, with a total area of about 14,300 square miles. Some 1,500 species of fish and 30 species of whales, as well as dolphins, sea cows and giant clams, are found here, off the coast of Australia.
Pamukkale: The name of the hot springs in southwestern Turkey means “cotton castle.” At 8,900 feet long and 525 feet high, Pamukkale can be seen from the town of Denizli, 12 miles away on the opposite side of the valley. Flowing water from the springs leaves limestone deposits down the mountain slope, forming what appears be a frozen waterfall.
Giants Causeway: Science says that this fascinating site on Northern Ireland’s northeast coast was created by a volcano that erupted in ancient times. But imagination says that giants built a road to Scotland with stepping stones that lead from the foot of the cliff into the sea. The causeway consists of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, most of them hexagonal, ranging as tall as 20 feet.

Amazon River: The massive Amazon River dumps between 9 million and 32 million gallons of water per second into the Atlantic Ocean. It has more than 1,000 known tributaries, and 17 of those are at least 1,000 miles long. No bridges cross the river, whose main stream is 50 miles wide.


Franz Josef Glacier: One of the world’s steepest and fastest flowing glaciers, the Franz Josef plunges more than 8,000 feet in six miles. Located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island, it is also unique in its descent through a temperate rain forest.

Yellowstone National Park: The world’s first national park, established in 1872, is known for its geothermal features, most notably Old Faithful Geyser. Located in the central Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone features more than 300 geysers, along with hot springs, mud volcanoes (also called paint pots) and fumaroles (vents that release gas and steam).

Mount Kilimanjaro: The tallest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa is a dormant volcano with two peaks. Kibo, the higher peak, looms over northeastern Tanzania at 19,341 feet above sea level; the summit of Mawensi is seven miles away and rises to 16,893 feet.


Milford Sound: The centerpiece of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park on the country’s South Island, Milford Sound stretches nine miles inland from the Tasman Sea with sheer rock faces that rise 3,900 feet or more on each side. Residents of the sound include seals, penguins and dolphins.

Redwood National and State Parks: The coast redwood, the world’s tallest tree and one of its most massive, is protected in these four parks, which comprise 112,613 acres along the Pacific Ocean in northwestern California. One of the world’s tallest trees, 378.1 feet, is found here in the virgin forests of ancient redwoods, along with ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and Sitka spruce.

Great Blue Hole: This underwater sinkhole, a system of limestone caves that was flooded after the last ice age, lies 60 miles off the coast of Belize in Lighthouse Reef. The almost perfectly circular hole is more than 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep, with otherworldly stalactites and limestone formations along its walls.


Flaming Cliffs: The rock formation in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert is best known as the site where dinosaur eggs were first discovered. The site is named for the orange glow that bathes the rocks.
Victoria Falls: Located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the mighty Zambezi River, more than a mile wide, falls 360 feet - noisily - down a series of basalt gorges. An iridescent mist that rises from the falls can be seen more than 12 miles away.


The Everglades: Known as the "River of Grass," this Florida park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. Some 15 threatened and protected species live within the Everglades, including the American crocodile, Florida panther and West Indian manatee.


The Camargue: France’s brine ponds are one of the few habitats for the greater flamingo in Europe (and for some of the most voracious mosquitoes in France), and are also home to wild bulls and white horses. At 360 square miles, this region of marshes, lagoons and farms in southern France is Western Europe’s largest river delta.

Mount Everest: The highest mountain on Earth (29,035 feet), and perhaps the peak most shrouded in mountain-climbing lore, Everest is part of the Himalaya range, located on the border between Nepal and Tibet.


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Most amazing places on the Earth
















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Clouds


A "mackerel sky" adds to a striking sunset scene in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England. Ripples of altocumulus or cirrocumulus clouds ”resembling the markings of a king mackerel” give the phenomenon its name.

Fluffy altocumulus undulatus clouds stain the sky red above a row of trees. These mid-level clouds, which form above 6,500 feet (2,000 meters), often herald an approaching storm.


San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge appears to float on a sea of surrounding clouds. Such low-level clouds, called stratus clouds, occur below 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) and often bring rain or snow. Clouds that touch the ground are known as fog.


The summit of Washington's Mount Rainier lies hidden beneath a stack of horizontally layered lenticular clouds. These clouds are formed by high winds blowing over rough terrain and are sometimes described as a "stack of pancakes."


The beauty of a Tassajara, California, sunset is enhanced by towering cumulonimbus clouds but they will likely spoil the serene scene. These tallest of all clouds often produce violent storms of rain, thunder, lightning, hail, and high winds.


Cumulonimbus clouds are the highest of all clouds and may soar above 50,000 feet (15,000 meters). Their distinctive anvil-top shapes occur because of the high lateral winds encountered at such altitudes.


The bright lights of Tucson, Arizona, are more than matched by a flash of lightning far above the city skyline. The sunset scene shows a classic cumulonimbus cloud formation.


Cumulonimbus clouds, which are associated with severe storms, build in the skies above Mitchellton, Saskatchewan, Canada. Clouds form when warm, humid air cools enough that water vapor condenses around tiny particles to form water droplets or ice crystals.


Colorful clouds and calm water create a striking sunset scene for canoeists on Winisk River in Ontario, Canada. A single cloud may hold billions of pounds of water but not all clouds bring rain.


A horizontal bank of cloud cover enhances an aerial view of Crater Lake, Oregon. Clouds appear white because they reflect sunlight.


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Faces in the Sky


2nd December 2008


The rare positioning of Venus and Jupiter, combined with a crescent moon, made for some intriguing images in night skies around the world. Skywatchers in the Philippines saw a bright smile.

In the Israeli coastal city of Netanya, the moon and planets formed more of a triangle, but a smiling face could still be identified if one looked hard enough.


Houses in Hong Kong could see a face in the sky smiling down.


Observers of the night sky in the U.S. could also see a face, but not a happy one.


Cars in Dodge City, Kan., didn't get much encouragement from the sky, either.


This timed exposure shows a jet streaking across the night sky as it comes in for a landing at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, giving the face formed by Venus, Jupiter and the moon one heck of a mustache.


This is the picture taken by me with using my Canon Digital Camera with 5x zooming. The image is not very clear compare when i see with my bare eyes! Such an amazing image!!
Location picture taken: Kenthao, Sayaboury of Laos.



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Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)


The location of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) in Norway.

Situated at Stavanger.


The road map location.


Preikestolen seen from a boat on the Lyslfjord.


This is at Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).


Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) from the far view.


The tourists at the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).


A very beautiful view from the top of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).


Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is one of the tourists attraction.


The big crack (red lines) separating the distal part of the rock from the proximal one.


better be careful... else...!!


The big crack bisecting the stone all the way down to the Fjord.


Hmmm... When can I have a change to be there...?!! LOL!!


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Interior Design












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Le Vrai Hiver (Part 1)
















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Le Vrai Hiver (Part 2)




I like this one... coooool...!!











Oppps... be careful...!!

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Solar eclipse in Asia 2009



This photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, total solar eclipse is seen in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, at 9:16am on Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Asia witness 21st century's longest eclipse on Wednesday.

This photo released by Xinhua News Agency, the Baily's Beads of solar eclipse is seen in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, at 9:16am on Wednesday, July 22, 2009.


A total solar eclipse is seen in Baihata, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) west of Gauhati, India, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century pitched a swath of Asia from India to China into near darkness Wednesday as millions gathered to watch the phenomenon.


The eclipse as seen from Terengganu (Malaysia) at 9.45am.


A Thai Buddhist monk watches the solar eclipse through special filter at Dhepsarin school in Bangkok, Thailand , Wednesday, July 22, 2009.


A young boy watches the solar eclipse at the astrological museum Wednesday, July 22, 2009, in Taipei, Taiwan.


A photographer uses an X-ray to take photos of a partial eclipse of the sun, at the Great Wall of China at Badaling, north of Beijing.


South Korean students watch the solar eclipse through special filters at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea.


Visitors observe the darkness during the total solar eclipse in Yanguan town, Haining City, China.

A woman, center, watches the solar eclipse through a coated glass by Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam.


A temporary campsite on Amami Oshima, Japan, Wednesday. Space enthusiasts gathered on this southern island to witness the longest total solar eclipse of this century.


Visitors try out solar view goggles after a demonstration on safely watching a solar eclipse at the Science City in Ahmadabad, India.


A partial solar eclipse is seen in Yanguan town, Haining City, China, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Hundreds of millions of people across China, India and Japan will witness the longest solar eclipse of the century.


The sun emerges after a total solar eclipse seen in Varanasi, India.


A partiall solar eclipse is seen in Yanguan town, Haining City, China.



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Total Eclipse of Moon











Total Eclipse of Moon


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Beautiful Earth's Crust









Beautiful Earth's Crust

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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Top Places to Visit in 2008

Beijing: The city that is hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics has been recently abuzz with construction, including the "Bird's Nest" stadium seen here. Beijing is putting on its best face for the event, which will see all of China on the world stage.


Quebec City: This Canadian city, celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2008, is one of the world’s most enchanting destinations. Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City on the St. Lawrence River in 1608, establishing the first permanent French settlement in North America.

Liverpool: The European Capital of Culture for 2008 is hosting a variety of arts-related events, including a comprehensive exhibit of Gustav Klimt's work, Theatre in the Park, the start of the Tall Ships Race 2008, and a once-in-a-lifetime concert featuring one of the “lads of Liverpool,” Sir Paul McCartney.

Bhutan: If the lush valleys and snowcapped mountains, ancient temples and monasteries, and expansive markets full of cheerful locals haven’t lured you yet, reconsider: In 2008, the 101st anniversary of the country’s monarchy will be commemorated by a yearlong celebration.

Greenland: The midnight sun practically guarantees encounters with reindeer, seals, and narwhals, but it's the Arctic island's Ilulissat ice fjord, which has retreated six miles in just a few years, and Warming Island, which was thought to have been part of mainland Greenland until the connecting ice thawed, that tend to leave visitors dumbstruck.


Lisbon: The cheapest capital in Western Europe is worth a visit not only for its affordability but for its dramatic hillside villages, fashionable cobblestone enclaves and innovative cuisine.


Mozambique: This country is poised to become Africa’s next big tourist destination. Its recent economic success allows its natural assets—including 1,500 miles of unspoiled tropical shoreline and pristine reef-fringed archipelagos—to shine, and the government is restoring the million-acre Gorongosa National Park.


New Orleans: Combine a rebuilding boom with powerhouse couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie moving to the French Quarter, and a revitalized Canal Street beckoning musicians and ramblers back to its pretty riverside promenade, and you've got the makings of a fully revitalized city.

Okanagan Valley: Its landscapes are dotted with verdant fields, cascading hillsides and ample lakes, leaving no question the area makes for a great wine-country getaway. This area boasts the climate for traditional grape harvesting and the production of Canada's famous ice wine.


Quito: The capital of Ecuador is coming into its own, thanks to a burgeoning culinary and nightlife scene, new attractions ranging from botanical gardens to cultural heritage museums and the opening of several luxury hotels.


Slovenia: Though Slovenia was one of the first Eastern European countries to adopt the euro, the country’s hesitance to adapt to modern times has made its Venetian-era squares and tiny Alpine cities a fantastic bargain for the buck.


Tobago: New flights allow visitors to bypass Trinidad and reach Tobago's secluded and romantic shores, where an unpretentious, slow-paced and eco-friendly atmosphere prevails, relatively free of tourists and overdevelopment.


Tunisia: Visitors can see the ruins of the ancient Phoenician city of Carthage and historic sites like the coliseum at El Jem; relax and rejuvenate at one of several beach resorts; venture through the Sahara on camelback or 4x4; or camp out in the desert in luxurious linen tents.

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7 Wonders of the World (New)

The New 7 Wonders of the World were announced during the Official Declaration ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday, July 7, 2007 - 07.07.07.

Even the announcement has past for almost a year, but I believes, its still worth a review and see again once in a while...



THE WINNERS


Great Wall of China: The 4,160-mile barricade running from east to west is the world's longest man-made structure. The construction of the wall took place over hundreds of years, beginning in the seventh century B.C.

Petra, Jordan: This ancient city in southwestern Jordan, built on a terrace around Wadi Musa, or Valley of Moses, was the capital of the Arab kingdom of the Nabateans. The city is famous for water tunnels and stone structures carved in the rock.


Christ Redeemer Statue, Brazil: The outstretched arms of the 125-foot statue of the Christ the Redeemer overlooks Rio de Janeiro from atop 2,343-foot Mount Corcovado.

Machu Picchu, Peru: Built by the Incan Empire in the 15th century, Machu Picchu's walls, palaces, temples and dwellings are perched in the clouds at 8,000 feet above sea level in the Andes.


Pyramid at Chichen Itza, Mexico: This pyramid was part of a sacred site in an important Mayan center on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. Built according to the solar calendar, shadows at the fall and spring equinoxes are said to look like a snake crawling down the steps, similar to the carved serpent at the top.

Colosseum, Italy: The 50,000-seat amphitheater in Rome was inaugurated in A.D. 80 and served as the backdrop for thousands of gladiators who dueled to the death.

Taj Mahal, India: The white marble-domed mausoleum in Agra combines Indian, Persian and Islamic styles and was built by a 17th century Mogul emperor for his favorite wife, who died in childbirth.




THE 14 FINALIST


Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: These three pyramids, built as tombs for pharaohs 4,500 years ago, are the only surviving structures of the ancient seven wonders. No longer standing today, the other original wonders were: The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes and the Pharos lighthouse off Alexandria.

Acropolis, Greece: This set-in-stone wonder attracts millions of visitors each year to its famed Parthenon and statues of Greek gods and goddesses.

Alhambra, Spain: The palace and citadel - once the residence of the Moorish caliphs who governed southern Spain - feature mosaics, arabesques and mocarabe, or honeycomb work.

Angkor, Cambodia: The archaeological site in Siem Reap was the capital of the Khmer (Cambodian) empire from the ninth to 15th centuries. The 12th century ruins include Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.


Easter Island, Chile: Hundreds of massive stone busts, or Moais, are all that remains from the prehistoric culture that crafted them between 400 and 1,000 years ago as an homage to deceased ancestors.

Eiffel Tower, France: The 985-foot tower, built in 1889 for the International Exposition, symbolizes Paris. The open-lattice iron icon is the City of Light's tallest structure.

Hagia Sophia, Turkey: Also called the Church of Holy Wisdom, the soaring cathedral was built in 537 A.D. at Constantinople, today's Istanbul. In 1453, Constantinople fell to the Ottomans and the church became a mosque. Not until the landmark became a museum in 1935 were the Christian mosaics revealed.

Kiyomizu Temple, Japan: Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera, which means Clear Water Temple, was founded by a Buddhist sect in 798 and rebuilt in 1633 after a fire. A drink from its waterfall is believed to confer health, longevity and success.


Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral, Russia: Domes with golden cupolas surrounded by red brick walls are at the heart of Moscow's Kremlin. The Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed on adjacent Red Square features nine towers of different colors.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany: The inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, Neuschwanstein is a creation of 'Mad King' Ludwig II of Bavaria. Perched on a peak in the Alps, the gray granite castle rises to towers, turrets and pinnacles.

Statue of Liberty, New York: A gift of the French government, the 305-foot statue in New York Harbor has welcomed immigrants and symbolized freedom since 1886.
Stonehenge, Britain: How and why this circular monument of massive rocks was created between 3,000 and 1,600 B.C. is unknown, but some experts say the stones were aligned as part of a sun-worshipping culture or astronomical calendar.
Sydney Opera House, Australia: With a roof resembling a ship in full sail, the opera house is situated on Bennelong Point reaching into Sydney's harbor. It was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973.

Timbuktu, Mali: Two of West Africa's oldest mosques, the Djingareyber, or Great Mosque, and the Sankore mosque built during the 14th and early 15th centuries can still be seen here in the northern Sahara Desert. Founded about A.D. 1,100, Timbuktu was a flourishing caravan center and a leading spiritual and intellectual center.

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10 Incredible Underground Lakes and Rivers

Far below the Earth's surface, where the sun rarely penetrates, is a world of twinkling glow worms, precious gems and limestone caves and mountains, a land inhabited by nature alone. Within this world are visions to rival many landscapes decorating our horizon; lakes lie still and calm, great networks of caves know no borders and rivers and rivulets carve an ever-evolving terrain.We invite you to explore this remarkable subterranean domain through these incredible images we've complied for your viewing pleasure.

01 Reed Flute Cave in Guilin, China was discovered during the Tang Dynasty almost 1,300 years ago. (Image by Ian Sewell)


02. Cheddar Gorge is Britain's biggest canyon and is found within the Cheddar Caves, where the UK's oldest complete human skeleton was found in 1903. Known as the Cheddar Man, the remains were estimated to be 9,000 years old.



03. Snowman-1

Hamilton Pool Preserve, in Austin, Texas, was created quite naturally when the dome of an underground cave collapsed revealing this stunning natural pool. It is now frequented by day-trippers and naturalists. That's naturalists not naturists, although no doubt someone has tried to go skinny dipping at one point!

Van Sutherland - Hamilton Pool from another perspective. When there's been heavy rainfall, 45ft waterfalls cascade from the rim of the cavern. It must be pretty spectacular when you're bathing.

04. Stuck in Customs

Stalagtites adorn the roof of Luray Caverns, Virginia, the still waters throwing a perfect reflection.

05 Ashley Dinges

Legend has it that early cavemen inhabited Wookey Caves in Somerset, England.

06 Wookey Caves

This underground lake in Mellisani Caves, near Kefalonia, was found when the roof of the cave collapsed after an earthquake in 1953.

07. Lechuguilla Cave, in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico is the fifth longest cave discovered yet at 120 miles (193 km) long and measures 489 metres (1,604 ft) deep, making it the deepest in continental United States.

08 Dave Bunnell

This underground lake near Macan Ché on the Yucatán Peninsula is one of many that are considered to be gifts from the gods by the Mayans, and therefore sacred.

09 Sanghavedanta

The limestone flow feeding into this underground lake in Mexico resembles a waterfall turned to stone. Maybe the Ice Queen is privy to this particular cavern?

10 Adam

How long must it have taken for this little waterfall in Banff, Canada, to make this underwater lake?

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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

INNOCENT NATURE OF GOD



Frosty's Cousin - 1600x1200

Frozen Moose Lake at Sunset

Full Moon over Edwin Warner Park

Golden Trees in the Snow

Country Retreat - 1600x1200


Crater Lake National Park, Oregon


Docked in Winter Harbor


Eagle River, Alaska - 1600x1200


Eastern White Pine Trees, Pocono


Emerging Winter, Yosemite


Evening Freeze - 1600x1200


First Snowfall, Snake River


Fresh Fallen Snow, Arctic Valley


Frosted Rocks, Red Rock Cliffs

A Comforter of White, Hurricane


Alder Trees, Merced River, Yosemi


An Everclear Afternoon - 1600x1200


Avalanche!, Denali National Park


Awaiting the Spring Thaw


Brokeoff Mountain, Lassen Volcani


Cabin Glow, Alaska - 1600x1200


Cabins at Mt. Assiniboine Lodge


Caples Lake, Sierra Nevada, Calif


Change of Season, Sommer-Linde

Super Nature Wallpapers With Amazing High Definition Quality Resolution !

3008x200 - wire HD Wallpaper


Mushroom & acorn HQ Wallpaper


Green Landscape HQ Wallpaper


Pink Flower HD Wallpaper


Australia Sydney Bridge HQ Wallpaper

This is the first release on this HD Wallpapers Series in 1080p resolution , hope you like it , it really amazing !




















Kangaroo Conversation, Australia

Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) at Sunset, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell National Park, Australia

Lord Howe Island, Australia

McArthur River, Northern Territory, Australia

Morse's Creek, Bright, Victoria, Australia

Murphy's Haystacks, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

Old Spinifex Rings, Little Sandy Desert, Australia

Penny Royal Gunpowder Mill, Tasmania, Australia

Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park, Australia

Aerial of Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Queensland, Australia

Beauchamp Falls, Victoria, Australia

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Bungle Bungle Massif, Kimberly Plains, Purnululu National Park, Australia

Coral Reef, Torres Strait Islands, Australia

Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, Australia

Eroded Granite, Cheynes Beach, Australia

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Hopetoun Falls, Aire River, Otway National Park, Victoria, Australia

Hopetoun Falls, Otway Ranges, Victoria, Australia

Leeds Castle Grounds

Mountain House

New York City

Rosewood Canvas

Sea Of Sand

Silence II

Storm

Trafalgar Square

Wanchai, Hong Kong

Working Under A Golden Sky



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WORLD BEST NATURE OF GOD

Tree and the sunset 1080p HD
Transatlanicism 1080p HD

Tide Power 1080p HD

Thats Country 1080p HD

sandi lands lookout sunset
summer storm
sunday morning
sunrise on the water
sunset at the bay

paradise
pinkbee
plumeria after morning rain
private docks unset
just another sunset

Good Morning - HD Wallpaper
a Dreamy Beach