all world architecture

Your stylish terrace

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 6 May 2012 05:11:00 -0700

“Out of Africa” is still one of the most romantic movies ever made. The lovely romance that took place of the loveliest African air is surely something any woman would like to take and bury inside her heart.

If you are a fan of native designs, wide open eyes dreaming and cool nights spent on a terrace filled with Africa air then making such a dream come true is a few decoration ideas away.

Africa style has been a common presence in the home decoration ever since the colonial era and since the native patterns is a huge comeback of this year, decorating your terrace using African patterns and furniture style is a very good idea.

Mainly this decoration style focuses on introducing a close to nature concept, the usage of natural fabrics, raw wood, basic furniture, cotton curtains and colorful hemp rugs.

Consider this style for a vacation home with a wide terrace where you would like to welcome your guests during the hot summer evenings because the laid back colonial style is fitted especially for older residences that the owner might want to keep looking vintage but also offer them a welcoming touch.

Colonial furniture with a white birch table on a roughly finished deck, surrounded with willow wood or rattan chairs will for sure make your guests enjoy the relaxation moments.

You may be tempted to add a touch of classic and that would be a good idea. A stylish cabinet in a matching tone with the rest of the furniture will surely make an impression especially if you pick one with antique metal details that have a “used” look.

Choose a rattan armchair or sofa decorated with a cotton mattress or pillows for adelicate island look or even a hammock to hang on the terrace’s pillars.

Pick some large luxuriant plants in pots and post them on the corners of the terrace. You can also add a lovely touch with a copper candle lantern and a wood fruit bowl in the middle of the table.

Keep in mind that all your decoration must retain a vacation country style look and such a look would be enhanced by a ceiling fan you may find for a very good price in any used electric gear shop.

Botanical details on chair pillow and terrace cotton curtains are very good looking and enhance the island air of your terrace.

The most important thing is that any items you might need to create such a romantic summer retreat are available in both new and second hand shops so you must be aware that with a bit of imagination and not necessarily lots of cash you can create a piece of stylish African paradise.

Revamping a Patio

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 4 May 2012 23:45:00 -0700

Bring your patio alive! In case you have a patio, but you aren’t satisfied with it, for example because it is too small, there are some good ideas through which you might make a change.

The size of the patio shouldn’t be a problem. In order to save some money, you might use what you have, and make some extensions. If you have to deal with sloping surface then you might have to create a retaining wall.

This might cause some problems when raining, so you should place plastic flexible tubing along the wall to drain the water.

Increasing the size of the patio means that you will have to excavate a certain amount of dirt and then to place the new concerte patio surface.

To do a high quality job, it might be a good idea to fill the excavated surface with crushed limestone and with paver base. In order to achieve a smooth finish, you could rent a hamper and run over the new patio.

The next step is to lay down the concrete pavers and it might be a nice idea to fill the crack between the tiles with river rock. In case you have to cut the tiles to a certain size, you might find a stone dealer to do this job for you.

All there is left to do at this moment is to add a personal touch to the patio. You might do this through adding a wooden table and maybe some plastic chairs. The different materials will add depth to the look of new patio.

You might use any items that you have in order to personalize the space. For example you might turn an old potting bench into a buffet. Such ideas will add personality to your new porch and it will be a joy to spend some time outside.

Luxurious outdoor shower designs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 3 May 2012 03:30:00 -0700

Showering is perhaps one of the most basic activities anybody does daily. With the summer here and all the heat in the air, it feels natural to want to shower outside. Also, you can install vanity sinks outside for convenience.

Come, have a look at the coolest shower designs that make showering an exclusive experience.

Cascade Shower

The Cascade outdoor shower is versatile, functional and aesthetically pleasing. It features a base made from acacia wood that makes it comfortable to stand on.

There is a tube connected to the base that carries water to another, horizontal tube which then drops the water down onto you in a waterfall like style.

If you tap on the vertical tube, it will regulate the pressure of the water coming from the horizontal tube.

This is a wonderful shower for a garden, a terrace, deck, or even out by the pool or Jacuzzi. It is easy to both assemble and use. To connect water to it, simply attach an everyday garden hose to the base.

Myyour Dyno

Myyour has seen the new outdoor showers. Some of them are too pretty to use, somelook like modern art, all of them are seemingly out of place beside your everyday run of the mill pool.

Taking all of that into account, MyYour has come up with a funky fun looking outdoor shower that is versatile enough to be used both in your backyard as well as by the seaside or at a hotel, condo or even campground.

The Dyno is made from polyethylene and comes in a plethora of colors. The shower head has silicon nozzles and the handles are chromed.

Natural Wicker

Are you in the market for a high end outdoor shower that has more of a natural look? If you are, then look no further than the Wicker shower and towel rack by Horchow.

They are both lightweight and portable because they are made from aluminum and resin wicker.

The shower is functional once attached to a garden hose. It dispenses a natural type spray of water as opposed to the pressurized spray you get in an indoor shower.

It also has a soap rack integrated into the design. The towel rack is made to resemble a tree and the towels are to be hung on the ‘limbs’.

Garden Shower Ocean

Well, doesn’t this look like an interesting shower design? It looks kind of a sickle. The small part has a control panel on it that activates and controls the shower in the tall part. Garden Shower Ocean is made from steel and is another addition to the Designerzeit family of outdoor showers.

They are known for the style and grace of their outdoor showers and this one does not disappoint. Place it poolside for a contemporary look or enjoy one at a hotel or condo. This design might also appeal to children who like to play in the water in the summertime.

Odalo Teak Solar Outdoor Shower

So you are looking for an outdoor shower, but you want to retain the ability to have temperature regulations in your water flow.

This is apparently a concern shared by many and the designers from Les Jardins au bout monde have heard the consumers’ plea and responded by creating the Odalo Teak Solar Outdoor Shower. Made from teak, it has a simple, sleek curved look and a camel back reservoir attached to the back of it.

Water is stored in here and heated by the sun. Mix in a little cold water from the garden hose that feeds water to it anyway and you have the perfect temperature in an outdoor shower. Perfect for the beach, pools, gardens, terraces and condos.

Bridge in Steel

This innovative shower is good for use at any location. The Bridge is made of galvanized steel tubing and has three distinct shower heads to completely drench the body in a soft spray.

The water is heated by a hot water regulator that can be installed either at the base of the shower or upstream near the source of the water flow.

Water is supplied to the Bridge by way of either a garden hose or a fixed installation somewhere near the placement of the shower.

This shower is available in a variety of colors to suit the needs of the landscape or your particular taste.

Solar Outdoor Shower

This is a really neat little shower! The Solar Outdoor Shower is a portable outdoor shower. It connects to an ordinary garden hose and stores up to 6 gallons of water in its base.

It comes complete with wheels for easy portability, a tray to hold your personal shower products and a hand held shower head. There is also a slide bar to adjust the height.

Stilla Outdoor Shower

The Stilla Outdoor Shower by Ceadesign is a very unique piece and could actually double as a piece to be added to an art collection. Place it in the sun and you can imagine it as being raising its arm to welcome the attentions of the sun.

Very contemporary, it was designed by Girogio Parisse and is a glorious combination of style and functionality.

Its use as an outdoor shower is facilitated by the hydro-progressive mixer that regulates the temperature of the water. Two people can utilize this at once with the double shower heads.

Viteo Shower

The Viteo shower is an interesting one. It can be used to get salt and sand off you at the beach, to rinse off before or after swimming in the pool, or even just to cool off on those scorching hot days.

After connecting the device to a water hose, simply step on it. The weight of your body will activate it and you will immediately feel the refreshing coolness of water as it jets up, meeting over your head and gently falling back down on you like a cool, refreshing rainstorm.

Elegant Outdoor Showers

This is a simple yet elegant outdoor shower. Wait, when did outdoor showers become elegant? Apparently they are now.

This shower is all black and has classic straight lines and a clean and sleek look. This shower is suitable for condos, hotels, poolside and gardens.

Minimal Shower

Newform has made an innovative new outdoor shower called Minimal. This looks more like a piece of modern art than a shower.

It has elegance and style that normally wouldn’t equate with a shower of any type. It consists of two pieces of cross mounted steel that are mounted on the floor.

It can be operated by way of a floor control or a mixer that is concealed – minimalistic. It is also available in a solo model. This would look fabulous in a garden, or in a contemporary setting.

Waterfall Outdoor Shower

Jane Hamley Wells has created an outdoor shower that is both functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. Made from highly polished teak wood and cold, hard metal, this would be the perfect addition to your outdoor spa.

When you turn the shower on, the water flows from the top of this 7 foot tall structure in a sheet to cool you off completely. Use it for that purpose or to wash the sand away from your body at your beach house.

You could even use it to rinse off either before or after swimming in your pool, lake or any other water. This would make an interesting conversation piece for your garden as well.

Energy D270

Arkema Innovation and Technology has designed a new kind of shower to be used on beaches and at hotel pools that actually uses the power of the sun to heat the water. Not only is it based on green technology, but it also has a stylish design.

The Energy D 270 uses a system of microchips and tokens to control the showers. For example, a paying guest at a hotel or condo might have a certain number of showers included in the price of their stay, but other users would have to go in and buy tokens to partake of the shower facility.

Under Tree Outdoor Shower

At some point, if you get this shower for your backyard, someone will mistake it for a coat rack. It was actually designed this way by Conmoto for a reason.

The shower water actually comes out of one of the branches while the others are there for the purpose of hanging towels, washcloths and your clothes. This is a light weight, portable shower system.

It is made from two pieces of stainless steel that can be taken apart for ease of portability and simply connects to a garden hose to become operable. With the simplistic design, it can be functional in even the smallest of spaces.

Shower Wave

Designerzeit has a unique new outdoor shower. Designed for use by a pool, the Wave brings a touch of the contemporary outdoor art world right to your poolside.

Now the kids can wash off the sweat and dirt from playing in the yard before getting it in your pool. With Shower Wave, you can turn your ordinary pool into an extraordinary one.

Most unique bookshelves

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 2 May 2012 04:21:00 -0700

No matter how much the electronic media progresses, it can never replace books as they are still the most stable and suitable form of knowledge preservation known to mankind.

Even though books are interesting themselves, it is more interesting to observe the designs of the bookshelves they are kept in.

Coffee Table Bookshelf

The Coffee Table bookshelf is perfect for coffee-loving readers. Store it all at one place and read or drink whenever you like.

Cave Bookshelf

Designed by Sakura Adachi, this womb-like structure of a bookshelf aims to keep the relation of a reader and the books as intimate as possible.

Folding-Bed Bookshelf

This is a multi-purpose bed-cum-bookshelf designed by Karen Babel which saves a lot of room and is recommended for the money savers.

Elastic Bookshelf

Don’t worry it won’t break! the Elastic bookshelf is made with wide conveyor-belt like elastic bands stretched between two pegs on a wall perfect to keep books or CDs inside.

Toolbox-like Bookshelf

This perfect little Toolbox-like bookshelf will let you save books inside in a complete ‘fit-in’ state. Ideal to store a collection of books on a specific topic.

Wooden Chair Bookshelf

Read, sit or sleep! This multi-purpose Wooden-Chair bookshelf makes sure you never have to walk again to a bookshelf.

Stack Bookshelf

The Stack bookshelf gets a five-star for its functionality. It makes sure your books never displace from their position, not even an inch.

Wall-Wave Bookshelf

The wall-wave bookshelf can be used to keep books, study newspaper or work on an assignment. It is another example of great multi-purpose bookshelves.

Tangram Bookshelf

If you are a Lego fan, you simply can’t miss this. Tangram makes book-keeping more fun through its artistic structure adapted from the Lego blocks.

Splitwood Bookshelf

When you want more room for your books, the Splitwood bookshelf is the thing to go far. The amazing geometry of this shelf enables it to store more books in very less space.

Unbelievable Eiffel Tower

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 1 May 2012 05:17:00 -0700

The Eiffel Tower – I don't consider it to be the most beautiful piece of architecture, but I can assure you it is one of the most interesting ones.

Built in 1889 for the International Exhibition of Paris in order to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution, the tower was hardly accepted by many people. The tower was met with resistance from the public when it was built, with many calling it an eyesore.

It is even said that the novelist Guy de Maupassant claimed to hate the tower. Despite that, he usually ate lunch at the Tower's restaurant. When asked why, he answered that it was the one place in Paris where you couldn't see the Tower.

But in time it became part of Parisian life… "During its lifetime, the Eiffel Tower has also witnessed a few strange scenes, including being scaled by a mountaineer in 1954, and parachuted off of in 1984 by two Englishmen. In 1923 a journalist rode a bicycle down from the first level. Some accounts say he rode down the stairs, other accounts suggest the exterior of one of the tower's four legs which slope outward." But although its birth was a little rough, today it completely accepted and must be listed as one of the symbols of Paris itself and as the most visited monument in the world.

Gustave Eiffel about his tower:

"Now to what phenomenon did I give primary concern in designing the Tower? It was wind resistance. Well then! I hold that the curvature of the monument's four outer edges, which is as mathematical calculation dictated it should be (…) will give a great impression of strength and beauty, for it will reveal to the eyes of the observer the boldness of the design as a whole."

Winning architectural designs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:45:00 -0700

An architect is a designer whose capabilities are best exploited in a competitive environment. Over the past, various contests have been held around the world for designing many an important structure. These designs are unique in one way or the other, either being related to some big event, or subject to heated disputes, or intended, but never implemented.

Boston City hall

In 1962, a nationwide contest held for designing the headquarters of the municipal government of Boston saw the entry of 256 different designs. Out of these, the prize-winning entry was presented by a group of three Columbia professors, the theme of which revolved around civic

monumentality. Even though it garnered praise the first time around, and was voted the “sixth greatest building in American history,” it was, and is, quite unpopular with Bostonians, who consider it a “dark and unfriendly eyesore.”

Bird’s Nest

In 2001, even before it was awarded the rights to hold the 2008 Summer Olympics, a confident Beijing invited design entries from across the globe for a brand new National Stadium. A joint collaboration between Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, China Architecture Design and Research Group (CADG) and artist Ai Weiwei presented its design, along with twelve more entries. Out of the final thirteen entries, the ‘Bird’s nest’ design won the contest, hands down, after it received two thumbs up, one from a professional panel and the other from the general public. In 2008, the year of its opening, it met with great success and the Bird’s Nest became the cynosure of all eyes at the Games. However, after the Games, it has somewhat lost its purpose after failing to attract major events, which has led the venue owners to mull over turning it into a shopping and entertainment complex in the years to come.

Helsinki Central railway station

This railway station, an important landmark in Helsinki, was built as a result of the growing popularity of the railways in the early 1900s. In 1904, Eliel Saarinen, father of to-be US architect Eero Saarinen, gave a winning entry for a contest held to design the new station. His design, a pure national romanticist design, which was picked out of a total of 21 design entries, was rubbished soon after demands of a more modern design cropped up in heated debates. Saarinen gave up the idea of romanticism and came up with an altogether new design, which was finished in 1909, and the station finally opened in 1919.

Vilnius Guggenheim Hermitage Museum

In 2011, Lithuanians were to become the proud owners of a unique museum. In 2008, three renowned architects gave their submittals in an international contest held for designing a Guggenheim at Vilnius, namely Massimiliano Fuksas, Daniel Libeskind (winner of the WTC rebuilding contest) and Zaha Hadid. Pritzker prize-winner, British-born Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid won the evenly matched competition for her unique “mystical object hovering over spindled artificial landscape strip” concept. On February 5th 2011, the Guggenheim Museum initiative passed over Vilnius and gave the honor, instead, to Helsinki.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

In 1949, four years after the bombing of Hiroshima city, an architecture competition for the design of a memorial park was held. Winner of the 1987 Pritzker Prize, Kenzo Tange won the competition, in which he envisioned the Peace Memorial Park as the city’s ‘spiritual core.’ The park remains as the most popular destination in Hiroshima for visitors from all over the world.

White house

In 1791, when tragic architect Pierre L’Enfant drew out plans for the new capital of America at Washington D.C., the Presidential House was chosen to be the main feature of the planning process. A design competition saw nine entries being submitted, which also included a design by the third president to-be, Thomas Jefferson (though he submitted it anonymously). George Washington was quick to deliver his judgment and gave Irish architect James Hoban the green light to go ahead with his project. However, he did not entirely like it and added to it his own suggestions, in order to make it fit the bill for the President of the United States. But the first president never went on to inhabit it as his term ended in 1799, and in 1800 John Adams became the first one to reside in the White House.

Palace of Westminster

Originally the palace of the Kings of England in the 11th century, it became the house of parliament in the 13th century. A slew of fire incidents resulted in the setting up of a Royal Commission, which looked into the process of its reconstruction. At a time when neoclassical design was the flavor of the time, the commission decided to go on with a conservative Gothic style design amidst heated public debates. The commission invited proposals from architects and got 97 of them. Architect Charles Barry’s Gothic-style design was finally chosen to become, what is today known as, the Houses of Parliament.

World Trade Center

In 2002, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation released designs for rebuilding the World Trade Center. The designs, which were thought too timid and unambitious evoked negative response from the public. A design competition was thus thrown open to all architects over the world. Polish-born American architect Daniel Libeskind’s Freedom Tower won the contest. Like his Jewish Museum, he used symbolism for emotional impact. The building’s height, 1776 ft, reflects the date of American independence, and a spire atop the building resembles the raised arm and torch of the Statue of Liberty.

Later another design competition was held, in 2003, for a memorial. This time the winning design, Reflecting Absence, was submitted by architects Michael Arad and Peter Walker. Furthermore, in 2006, British architects Norman Foster and Richard Rogers as well as Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki designed three additional glass towers which descend in height from Freedom Tower and, together with Freedom Tower, encircle the planned memorial.

Palace of Soviets

The newly formed Soviet Union decided, in 1922, to build a congress ‘palace’ which would serve as their administration headquarters. In February 1931, a contest was held for architectural firms, but failed to yield any result. On July 18th, 1931, a much publicized second contest was held, attracting famous architects like Le Corbusier. But for a conservative decision by the jury (of which Stalin was part), which caused an uproar amongst the avant-garde architects, unfortunately, this time too there was no clear winner. This was followed by two more rounds, which respectively invited fifteen and then five design teams. Finally on May 10th, 1933, Architect Boris Iofan’s neoclassicist design was chosen and he was declared the winner.

The Cathedral Church of Christ the Savior, which stood on the site, was demolished on orders of the Soviets and work began on the foundations, until war broke out in 1941, and work never resumed. Later, in 1958, the foundations were converted into an open air swimming pool, and, in the year 2000, life came to a full circle when the Cathedral was rebuilt at the very site.

Flinders Street Station

Flinders Street in Melbourne saw its first railway station, a collection of weatherboard train sheds, called Melbourne Terminus, in 1854. To do away with this makeshift construction, a worldwide design competition was held in 1899, which saw 17 entries. Interestingly, the contest was won not by an architect, but by two railway employees of the same railway station. They named their French Renaissance style design Green Light.

Marvelous Route 66 stops

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:38:00 -0700

U-Drop Inn

Shamrock, Texas

By far, one of the most recognizable structures on the route. In the 1930′s, the owners of the lot were approached by some investors and offered a custom designed building in order to cash in on the coming flood of travelers. The owner of the land grabbed a stick and drew in the dirt his idea for the building, and the U-Drop Inn was born! The U-Drop Inn functioned as a gas station and cafe and is currently being restored.

Cozy Dog Drive In

Springfield, Illinois

The birthplace of the corndog- the original hot dog on a stick. The Cozy Dog Drive In was founded by Ed Wildmire, father of eccentric artist Bob Wildmire, who is best known for his map murals depicting Route 66. According to their website, if you can’t make it to the Cozy Dog, for $20 they will ship you 5 pounds of Cozy Dog flour, instructions, and sticks to make delicious Cozy Dogs at home!

Big Texan Steak Ranch

Amarillo, Texas

The long-legged cowboy has beckoned travelers off Route 66 since 1960. If you can eat all 72 ounces of a top-sirloin steak, as well as a baked potato, salad, roll, and shrimp cocktail in one hour- it’s free! According to the Big Texan’s website, 60,000 people have attempted the feat and about 8,500 have succeeded. The youngest to do it was an 11 year old boy, and the oldest was a 69 year old grandmother!

Wigwam Villages

Holbrook Arizona and Rialto, San Bernardino California

At one time, there were seven Wigwam Villages, but only three survive. For a while, the one in Rialto, San Bernardino was very run down and rented by the hour. They even had a sign that read “Do it in a Tepee”. After an extensive restoration, it is family-friendly once again. The other Wigwam Village is in Cave City, Kentucky. I have stayed there, and it was a blast from the past!

Round Barn

Arcadia, Oklahoma

In 1898, William Odor and his family built an architectural wonder. To achieve the barn’s unique round shape, green lumber was soaked in water and molded to fit the exact curve of the roof. The lower level was used for animals, and the loft was host to dances and social events. In 1988, the barn was donated to the local historical society, who restored it. Today it is a visitor’s center.

Wonderful roller coasters

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:29:00 -0700

Goliath – Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, USA

Top Speed: 85 mph / 136.7 km/h

Not only is the Goliath the 9th fastest roller coaster, but it also has the third highest drop and is the seventh tallest (standing at over 20 stories high). It includes a 255 foot drop, at 85 miles per hour, leading to a tunnel full of smoke. It also includes camel-like humps and an amazing bunny hop in which riders float off their seats due the force. It is recognized as one of the most entertaining roller coasters in the world.

Titan – Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas, USA

Top Speed: 85 mph / 136.7 km/h

The Titan was built by the same Swiss designers that built the Goliath but includes extra twists. It has 5,280 feet of track, allowing for more drops, loops, and corkscrews. After dropping from the 255 foot hill, you are plunged in to a dark tunnel at the speed of 85 miles per hour. Titan includes a spiral that creates forces of up to 4.5gs.

Millennium Force – Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, USA

Top Speed: 93 mph / 149.7 km/h

Debuting in May, 2000, the Millennium Force is one of the highest roller coasters in the world. It boasts 10 world records. It rises to a height of 310 feet and travels through Cedar Point Park before crossing on to an island. During the trip you experience corkscrew turns in dark tunnels, 300 foot drops, and an 80 degree plummet down its highest point. The 2 minute 20 second ride covers 13 acres of track.

Superman: The Escape – Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, USA

Top Speed: 100 mph / 161 km/h

Superman: The Escape, is probably the most hair-raising of the coasters listed here. Instead of looping and twisting, the Escape is a straight track that rises to 41 stories in a matter of seconds and then, after pausing, drops back down. The ride is L-shaped and accelerates to 100 miles per hour (the first roller-coaster to reach that speed) in 7 seconds. The drop involves 6.5 seconds of weightlessness and when you drop, you drop backwards.

Tower of Terror – Dreamworld, Coomera, Queensland, Australia

Top Speed: 100 mph / 161 km/h

Tower Of Terror is a steel reverse freefall coaster. The six ton passenger vehicle, is electro-magnetically powered, accelerating its passengers rapidly to 160.9 km/h (100 mph) in seven seconds. The track then turns skyward, with the passengers pulling 4.5 G’s. The car climbs to almost 38 stories high. Following the climb, there is a 6.5 second free-fall before the 90 degree turn is executed in reverse. The vehicle then hurtles into the station where it comes to a rapid stop.

Dodonpa – Fuji-Q Highland, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan

Top Speed: 106.9 mph / 172 km/h

Dodonpa opened in 2001 and is a steel sit-down roller coaster with a compressed air launch. It is 52 metres (170 feet) tall, and has a launch speed of 172 km/h (107 mph), which is reached in less than 2 seconds. The launch is followed by a huge, sweeping, overbanked curve, giving riders a chance to catch their breath back, before they hit the 170 foot top hat; an element with some extreme negative G forces. The name ‘Dodonpa’ comes from the musical sound which is played to customers waiting to board it.

Top Thrill Dragster – Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, USA

Top Speed: 120 mph / 193 km/h

Top Thrill Dragster was the first “Strata Coaster,” loosely defined as a complete circuit coaster that is 400 to 499 feet tall. It was the last one to use lapbars instead of over-the-shoulder restraints due to mechanical problems. Shortly after reaching its maximum velocity in less than four seconds, the train begins its ascent up a 90-degree incline that has a 90-degree counter-clockwise twist that takes the train straight over the top of the 420 foot hill, where riders will experience significant airtime (zero g-forces). On the way down the other side, there is a 270-degree clockwise twist that leads into the magnetic braking section that brings the train to a swift but comfortable stop.

Kingda Ka – Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Township, New Jersey, USA

Top Speed: 128 mph / 206 km/h

Kingda Ka is not just the fastest, but also the tallest roller coaster in the world. A hydraulic launch mechanism rockets the train from 0 to 128 miles per hour (206 km/h) in 3.5 seconds, pulling about 1.67 g’s. At the end of the launch track, the train climbs the main tower, twisting 90 degrees to the right before reaching a height of 456 feet (139.5 m). The train then descends 418 feet (127 m) straight down through a 270-degree spiral. Finally, the train climbs the second, 129 foot hill, producing a moment of weightlessness before being smoothly brought to a stop by the magnetic brakes. Due to the high speed and open nature of the trains, this ride will not operate in even light rain, as rider contact with rain drops can cause discomfort.

Phantom’s Revenge – Kennywood, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, USA

Top Speed: 82 mph / 131.9 km/h

In 2001, the Phantom’s Revenge was built to replace the Steel Phantom, which had consistently been ranked in the top five roller coasters in the world. It includes a 228 foot drop, subterranean tunnel, and reaches a maximum speed of 82 miles per hour. For the sake of tradition, some of the features of the Steel Phantom were retained, including the steel track. Replacing the loops and corkscrew, it now offers an array of hills and drops.

World's most unusual hotels

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:05:00 -0700

Tired of the same boring hotels? Me too… I’m not talking about ordinary Jamaica hotels or ones you would see on your Dominican Republic vacation. And there are plenty of weird hotels around the world that could provide for any tourist a more interesting and special accommodation. Some of them are finished and just waiting for you, others are projects or in construction. But all of them are amazing…

Beckham Creek Cave Haven

Capsule Hotel

Dubai Underwater Hotel – Hydropolis

Hilton Maldives Hotel – Undersea Restaurant

Poseidon Resort – Bahamas

Exploranter – Overland Hotel

Hotel Puerta America – Spain

Wild Canopy Reserve

Whitepod – Swiss

Maya Hotel Floating Pyramid Island In Caribbean Sea
“The $209 million Maya Hotel located south of Cancun, slated to open in 2010. This pyramid-shaped hotel will float in the crystal clear Caribbean waters with the help of a new composite material, normally used in the defense industry, which is billed as six times lighter and ten times stronger than steel.”

Ice Hotel – Sweden
Every year the ice hotel is redesigned. All of the furniture, from the chairs to the bedroom furniture are carved from ice. Due to the extreme cold weather, guests wear beaver nylon jumpsuits to protect them from the elements. A unique experience to be sure. This hotel books up more quickly than you can imagine.

Three Camel Lodge – Mongolia

Ariau Towers Hotel

The world's deepest swimming pool

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 21:50:00 -0700

So this is the world's deepest swimming pool. I don't really like swimming and for me would be a true nightmare… but for others looks like fun. It seems it is located in Brussels, Belgium inside a recreational diving center and almost anyone is allowed to dive as long as he or she is accompanied by a professional instructor. The pool itself consists of a submerged structure with flat platforms at various depth levels. The pool has two largeflat-bottomed areas at depth levels of 5m (16 ft) and 10m (32 ft), and a largecircular pit descending to a depth of 33m (108 ft).It is filled with 2,500,000 liters of non-chlorinated, highly filtered spring water maintainedat 30°C.