Odd - Interesting - Bizzare - Strange

This Prototype Hoverbike Could Land In A Year!

2011-07-05T16:30:00.001-07:00

It was bound to happen sooner or later and we’re so happy it finally has. An Australian man by the name of Chris Malloy has built a functioning prototype of what can only be called aHoverbike. It may not be the Speeder or Swoop bike Star Wars had us fantasizing about all these years, but there’s no denying the cool factor.

According to a recent article over at Gizmag, the Hoverbike sports an 1170cc 4-stroke engine. Its 10-feet long, weighs 231 lbs and will supposedly travel 92 miles on a single tank of gas. The frame is made of kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber and while it hasn’t taken to the sky yet, its creator plans on running the first true test flight in a couple of months. Just like a certain "jetpack" we’ve seen recently, lift comes from two ducted fans. The rotor blades spin in opposite directions, eliminating the need for a tail-rotor while providing some slick visual appeal.

Malloy still has a lot of work ahead of him and he is currently looking for investors to help get his Hoverbike off the ground. He wants it to go into limited production within a year and full scale production about 2 years after that. If all goes well, the first batch could cost about $40,000. However, Malloy claims full-scale production could lower the cost into the high-end sport bike range.

Another interesting thing the Hoverbike has going for it is the ultralight rating. With that, anyone (at least in the U.S.) interested in picking up one of these futuristic toys wouldn’t be required to have a full-fledged pilot’s license -- making it much more accessible.

What do you think? Is this the Hoverbike we’ve all been waiting for? Hit the comments section below and share your thoughts.

30 Watergate Witnesses Have Met Violent Deaths

2011-07-05T16:24:00.001-07:00

The CIA is behind it all. That's the conclusion of Mae Brussell — one of America's foremost assassination experts — a researcher who has collected every pertinent newspaper story, every book, every document since the Watergate break-in four years ago on the night of June 17, 1972.
    Miss Brussell is the only person in America who perceived the gruesome string of deaths that stretches from Watergate to now.
    She believes that a faction within the Central Intelligence Agency is responsible not only for Watergate, but for the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy.
    She believes, as President Nixon stated on the Watergate tapes, that everything horrible that's happened in American politics is connected, starting with the Bay of Pigs.
    Some of the 30 people who died, she says, knew only about CIA involvement in Watergate. Some of them knew much, much more.
    A few of the dead, like Martha Mitchell, Lyndon Johnson, Congressman Hale Boggs and Mafia hoodlum Sam Giancana, are well-known. Others might have been — if they had lived and told their stories.
    But 30 are dead. And there's no reason to believe that there won't be more.
    1. Beverly Kaye, 42, died of a "massive stroke" in December, 1973, while riding in the White House elevator. She was Secret Service agent John Bull's secretary and her job included the actual storing and preservation of the White House tapes.
    It is almost without question, says Mae Brussell, that she knew what was on those tapes, including the 18 minutes of recorded conversations which were mysteriously erased.
    As reported in the West Coast news service, "Earth News," on June 5, 1974, from the stories she told her friends and neighbors, she was convinced that the president and his aides were involved in the Watergate bugging and cover-up.
    2. Murray Chotiner, a long-time friend of Nixon's was killed when a government truck ran into his car on January 23, 1974. At first it was reported that Chotiner suffered only a broken leg, but he died a week later.
    According to a March 31, 1973 article in the Los Angeles Times, Chotiner may have been one of the people who received the tape recordings made inside the Democratic campaign headquarters in the Watergate building.
    3. William Mills, the Congressman from Maryland, was found shot to death — an apparent suicide — one day after it was disclosed that he failed to report a $25,000 campaign contribution given to him by President Nixon's re-election finance committee. Mills, 48, was discovered with a 12-gauge shotgun by his feet and an "alleged suicide note" pinned to his body. In all, seven such notes were found, apparently written by Mills, although this was never verified.
    According to Miss Brussell, the $25,000 came from the $1.7 million dollar secret fund for "dirty tricks" used by the Committee to Re-Elect the President.
    4. and 5. James Webster and James Glover, key men in Congressman Mills' campaign, were killed in a car accident in February of 1972. Another campaign worker stated in the Washington Post on May 23, 1973, that the illegal $25,000 contribution was delivered to Mills' campaign manager James Webster.
    6. Hale Boggs, the Congressman from Louisiana and a member of the Warren Commission, died in July of 1972, one month after the Watergate arrests. Boggs and two other men disappeared when the light aircraft in which they were flying crashed in Alaska.
    The Los Angeles Star, on November 22, 1973, reported that "Boggs had startling revelations on Watergate and the assassination of President Kennedy."
    Richard Nixon made some unintelligible remarks about Congressman Boggs which were recorded on the White House tapes, just seven days after the Watergate break-in.
    7. Dorothy Hunt, the wife of convicted White House "plumber" E. Howard Hunt, was killed, along with 41 other people, when United Airlines Flight 553 crashed near Chicago's Midway Airport on Dec. 8, 1972.
    Mrs. Hunt, who, like her husband, had worked for the CIA, was allegedly carrying $100,000 in "hush" money so her husband would not implicate White House officials in Watergate.
    The day after the crash, White House aide Egil (Bud) Krogh was appointed Undersecretary of Transportation, supervising the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Association — the two agencies charged with investigating the airline crash.
    A week later, Nixon's deputy assistant Alexander Butterfield was made the new head of the FAA, and five weeks later Dwight Chapin, the president's appointment secretary, was dispatched to Chicago to become a top executive with United Airlines.
    The airplane crash was blamed on equipment malfunctions.
    8. and 9. Ralph Blodgett and James Krueger, attorneys for Northern Natural Gas Co., were killed in the same airplane as Mrs. Hunt.
    The two men, Miss Brussell contends, had documents linking Attorney General John Mitchell to Watergate, and documents of a secret transfer of El Paso Natural Gas Co. stock made to Mitchell after the Justice Department dropped a $300 million anti-trust suit against the company.
    The money from these stocks may have been used for political espionage.
    Blodgett told friends before boarding the plane in Washington that he would "never live to get to Chicago."
    10. and 11. Dr. and Mrs. Gary Morris died in March of 1972 when their boat mysteriously disappeared off the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia. Their bodies were never found. But their names were on the dead body of Mrs. Dorothy Hunt, according to an article in the Oct. 3, 1975 Washington Post.
    "The plane crash that killed Mrs. Hunt in Chicago has now been officially ruled an accident," the story stated. "But there's one bizarre coincidence that may never be explained.
    "Her red wallet at the time of her death had a slip of paper with the name of a Washington psychiatrist, Dr. Gary Morris, on it."
    Neither Howard Hunt nor his wife were patients of the doctor, who was already dead at the time of the plane crash.
    It is interesting to note, Mae Brussell says, that Dr. Morris was an expert in hypnosis and that Mr. Hunt used "mind control" in his espionage work.
    12. J. Edgar Hoover, head of the FBI, died on May 1, 1972, a month before Watergate. There is considerable evidence that he may have known about the White House "dirty tricks."
    An article in the Harvard Crimson quotes Felipe De Diego, a Cuban exile who took part in the break-in at psychiatrist Daniel Ellsberg's office, as saying:
    "Two burglaries took place at Hoover's Washington home. The first was in the winter of 1972 to retrieve documents that might be used for blackmail against the White House.
    "After the first burglary," according to Diego, "a second burglary was carried out; this time, whether by design or misunderstanding, a poison, thyonphosphate genre, was placed in Hoover's personal toilet articles. Hoover died shortly after that."
    Thyonphosphate genre is a drug that induces heart seizures. Its presence in a corpse is undetectable without an autopsy. No autopsy was ever performed on the body of J. Edgar Hoover.
    13. Sam Giancana, the Mafia chief, was murdered on June 22, 1975, as he was about to testify before Sen. Frank Church's Senate Committee, investigating the use of underworld figures by the CIA, for the purpose of assassinating foreign leaders. Giancana had ties to E. Howard Hunt and the CIA.
    His murder is unsolved, although police say "it didn't look like a Mafia hit." His former girlfriend, Judith Campbell Exner recently revealed her secret romance with JFK.
    14. Lyndon Baines Johnson, the former president, died on January 20, 1973, in a helicopter ambulance en route to San Antonio, Tex.
    Three months before his death, Johnson was quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle as saying, "We've been running a damn Murder Inc. in the Caribbean." This was two years before Sen. Church's committee revealed the plots to assassinate foreign leaders.
    "Coincidentally," Mae Brussell says, "Johnson died in the arms of a secret service agent Mike Howard, who in 1963 had been assigned to protect Marina Oswald after her husband was killed."
    15. George Bell, assistant to Charles Colson, special counsel to the White House, died of unreported causes on June 30, 1973. When questioned about President Nixon's infamous "enemies list," Colson told the House Subcommittee Investigating Watergate that the "late George Bell" was responsible for the list of 200 celebrities and politicians whom the President considered dangerous.
    16. Lee Pennington, Jr., a CIA agent, died of an apparent heart attack in October of 1974. Immediately after the Watergate arrests two years earlier, he had been sent to ransack burglar James McCord's home. Richard Helms, the CIA chief at the time, did not reveal this fact to any investigators.
    It was not until June 28, 1974, four months before Pennington's death, that the new CIA director, William Colby, reported to Sen. Howard Baker:
    "The results of our investigation clearly show that the CIA had in its possession, as early as June, 1972, information that one of its paid operatives, Lee R. Pennington, Jr., had entered the James McCord residence shortly after the Watergate break-in and destroyed documents which might show a link between McCord and the CIA."
    17. J. Clifford Dieterich, a 28-year-old secret service agent assigned to Nixon, was killed when the president's helicopter crashed off the Bahamas in May of 1973.
    Dieterich was one of seven men in the helicopter, but the only one to die. Miss Brussell believes that in guarding Richard Nixon, he may have come to know too much.
    18. Clay Shaw, who years earlier had been acquitted of conspiracy to kill John F. Kennedy, died of a heart attack, on August 16, 1974.
    His death came just weeks after Victor Marchetti, author of "The Cult of Intelligence," revealed that Shaw had worked for the CIA. He had been on assignment in Mexico in 1963 at the same time as CIA agent E. Howard Hunt and Lee Harvey Oswald.
    Shaw was cremated. There was no autopsy.
    19. Merle D. Baumgart, an aide to Rep. Peter Rodino of the House Judiciary Committee on Impeachment, was killed in a traffic accident on May 20, 1975. Washington police described his death as "a routine traffic accident" — until they received an anonymous call to "look into it."
    According to the Portland Oregonian of June 30, 1975, U.S. agents joined the probe but kept it secret because of the "stature of some individuals who might be involved."
    Miss Brussell speculates that in his work to impeach Nixon, Baumgart may have come across some dangerous information.
    20. Nikos J. Vardinoyiannis, a Greek shipowner who contributed funds to Nixon's presidential campaign, died of undisclosed causes in 1973. Watergate prosecutor Leon Jaworski was investigating Vardinoyiannis when the Justice Department declared that the Greek's contribution of $27,000 was not illegal.
    The Department reached this conclusion, Mae Brussell says, even though the contribution was made after one of Vardinoyiannis' companies was contracted to supply fuel for the U.S. 6th Fleet, and even though federal law bars foreign contractors from contributing to U.S. political campaigns.
    21. Joseph Tomassi, the 24-year-old head of the American Nazi Party in California was shot to death on the front steps of his Los Angeles headquarters, on August 15, 1975.
    Two years earlier, the Los Angeles Times had reported that "the Committee to Re-Elect the President gave $10,000 in undisclosed funds to finance a surreptitious campaign to remove George Wallace's American Independent Party from the 1972 California ballot."
    The Times went on to say that "$1,200 of the fund found its way to Joe Tomassi, head of the Nazi Party in California."
    22. Mrs. Louise Boyer, Nelson Rockefeller's assistant for 30 years, fell to her death from a 10th story New York apartment on July 3, 1974.
    At the time, as a consequence of Watergate, Rockefeller was being considered for the vice-presidency. Accusations had been made that he had been involved in the illegal removal of gold from Ft. Knox. It's believed that Mrs. Boyer supplied the investigators with this information.
    23. Jose Joaquin Sangenis Perdimo, a Cuban exile who worked with the CIA at the Bay of Pigs, died mysteriously in 1974. Code-named "Felix," he had worked with Watergate plummers Hunt and Barker. In 1972 he was awarded a secret merit medal by the CIA.
    24. Rolando Masferrer, another Cuban exile employed by the CIA, was blown blown to bits when his car exploded on October 5, 1975. Masferrer had worked with "plummers" Hunt, Sturgis and Barker.
    According to Miss Brussell, "He would have been investigated for his activities in connection with assassination attempts on foreign leaders, had he not been killed."
    25. Lou Russell, an old friend of Nixon's from the "Red Scare" days, died of natural causes on July 31, 1973.
    In testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, Nixon's secretary Rosemary Wood stated: "I met Lou Russell once when he came to the office. He said he worked on the old House Un-American Activity Committee and that he needed a job."
    Russell found a job alright, with "McCord Associates," a CIA front run by Watergater James McCord.
    26. Jack Cleveland, a partner of the president's brother Donald Nixon, died in Canada in November of 1973. At the time he was wanted for questioning in connection with a possible government pay-off to Howard Hughes.
    Cleveland was suspected of being a go-between in a deal whereby Nixon's brother gained an interest in a large Nevada ranch allegedly in exchange for the president's clearing the way for the billionaire's takeover of Air West.
    "When Watergate came apart," Miss Brussell says, "this deal came under investigation."
    27. Richard Lavoie, chief of security for International Telegraph and Telephone, died of a heart attack on December 27, 1972.
    At the time Lavoie was guarding Ditta Beard, an ITT secretary who claimed she had a memo that her company had contributed $400,000 to Nixon's campaign fund so that John Mitchell would not bust up some of ITT's holdings.
    When columnist Jack Anderson broke this story, Miss Beard was moved from Washington to Denver, Colo., where she was hospitalized for an apparent heart attack. She was whisked away, Anderson claimed, so that she couldn't testify.
    Miss Brussell suspects that Lovoie may have heard too much from Dita Beard.
    28. Mrs. Andrew Topping, the wife of a man arrested for plotting to kill Nixon, died of gunshot wounds on April 6, 1972, two weeks after the Watergate break-in. Her death was declared a suicide.
    Andrew Topping told police that "pro-rightist forces" beyond his control caused his wife's death.
    29. James Morton was President Gerald Ford's campaign treasurer. According to a New York Times report of November 2, 1973, Ford was being questioned by a senate committee prior to his appointment as vice president, and was asked about a secret sum of $38,000 used in his campaign for the House of Representatives.
    The Times story stated, "Ford confirmed under questioning that a committee organized in Washington raised $38,216 for his re-election in 1972... but Ford said he did not know the names of the donors because the committee treasurer, James G. Morton is now dead."
    Like so much of the Watergate money, Miss Brussell notes, no records were kept.
    30. Martha Mitchell, estranged wife of the former attorney general, died on Memorial Day, 1976. A constant "pain in the side" of the Watergate conspirators, she was the first person to point the finger at Richard Nixon and suggest he resign.

JET OFF TO AUSTRALIA’S PRETTY BEACH HOUSE

2011-07-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

Nothing could be more relaxing than a secluded, waterfront getaway to a surreal tree house. The private vacation home situated on the Bouddi Peninsula, just north of Sydney, is actually called The Pretty House, because it sits perched atop Pretty Beach (We couldn’t make this up if we wanted to).

The exclusive seven-acre property encompasses three one-bedroom pavilions that surround the main home. The pavilions are rented out to guests who are lavished with an in-house chef, treetop views of the sparkling Brisbane waters, private decks for sunbathing, a wine cellar, heated pool, and a stunning 38 foot yacht to explore the waters.

The pool is sunken below a surrounding teak terrace, which has openings for tree trunks to pass through to avoid disrupting their natural trajectoryThe modern and functional architectural approach to The Pretty House allows the residence to fit snugly into the natural cultivation like a sophisticated tree house.

The interiors are modern and saturated in warm, earthy color tones. It’s as if an old world traveler visited once and left his 1930?s travel trunks, hand crafted tables, and fine Belgium linens behind. The Pretty Beach House is truly a place of reflection and relaxation, to get away from the chaos and live it up in the trees.

Spectacular and See-Through: Dude, Where’s My Canoe?

2011-07-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

Spectacular and See-Through: Dude, Where’s My Canoe?

Glass-bottom boats are nothing new on scenic tours, but with a see-through canoe you can go wherever you want and have a personal up-close view of whatever is below you. Lighter than a wood or aluminum canoe, tough as bullet-proof glass and entirely transparent on the bottom, these designs provide a completely new way to experience water life around you.

It gets better: the kayak equivalent to the transparent canoe is a carbon kevlar frame design that has a military-grade transparent urethane skin – and it folds up small enough to carry with you in a backpack. Setting it up to be water-worthy takes about a half an hour but the lightweight portability means you can bring it virtually anywhere.

Whether you choose the canoe or kayak these are both ideal for wide ranging travels and potentially challenging water conditions as well as brief vacation jaunts. And no, they do not come equipped with any of the toned and tanned people you see in the promotional photographs, sorry.

10 Phrases You Won’t Learn in Spanish Class

2011-07-05T16:10:00.001-07:00

studied Spanish for years and taught it for several as well. The problem with formal education of a foreign language is you never get to learn the good stuff. Now that I am no longer on any education-related payroll, I can finally impart my knowledge of malas palabras en Castellano, Castellano being the type of Spanish spoken in Argentina. Remember,these are just for Argentina, many of these won’t have the same or any meaning in other Spanish speaking countries. Here are my top 10, use them carefully and have fun!

Andáte a la mierda
Literal translation: ”Walk yourself to the shit”.
Practical use: Use it the same way you would use “Go to hell.” This is a handy phrase in the streets and the clubs when creepsters attempt to converse with you.
Sos un forro
Arm yourself with angry words for crazy cab drivers.
Literal translation: ”You are a condom”.
Practical use: Use it like you would use “You’re an asshole/jerk/idiot”. Excellent for cab drivers who almost run you over.
La puta madre
Literal translation: ”The mother slut”.
Practical use: Something to say when you are frustrated or angry. For example, if you are arguing with someone and get really exasperated you can say “¡La puta madre!” to show your frustration.
Maldito
Literal translation: ”Cursed”
Practical use: You can throw “maldito/a” in front of nouns, such as “malditas llaves“, which means “the damned keys”. You can also say “maldita sea” to simply say “Damn it”.
Pelotudo
Practical use: Dickhead, asshole, jerk
Gil
Practical use: Idiot, moron
La concha de tu madre
Literal translation: “The shell of your mother”
Practical use: “The cunt of your mother”. This is pretty strong. You can throw this one out there if someone has truly pissed you off. All you have to do is yell the phrase and your anger will be heard, loud and clear.
Mandar fruta
Literal translation: ”To send fruit”
Practical use: Use in the same way you would use “bullshit”. For example, “No me mandes fruta” means “Don’t bullshit me”
_____de mierda
Literal translation: ”_____ of shit”
Practical use: Use this to call anything a piece of shit or shitty, such as “auto de mierda” (piece of shit car) or “día de mierda” (Shitty day).
La puta que te parió
Photo by Jorge Farah
Literal translation: ”The slut/bitch that birthed you”
Practical use: This is one of my all time favorites. This is an excellent thing to yell at jerks on the street, cabs that clearly see you but pass you up anyway, and basically anyone who you has pissed you off.

Rease Kirchner a staff writer/Travel Adviser for Travelated. She is a US citizen currently living the ex-pat life in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is bilingual and an experienced traveler. She loves gaining and sharing knowledge of local cultures, customs and adventure. Her blog Mi Vida en Buenos Airesdocuments her life as a foreigner.

This Cube Transforms Into A Working Gun

2011-07-05T16:06:00.000-07:00

This is a gun. Or rather, a 125-piece cube that transforms into a gun, the Intimidator. Here’s what it looks like disassembled:

And finally, in gun form:

It’s pretty remarkable. Now, not all the peices of the cube go into making the gun, but the others aren’t a waste — they’re the bullets, custom tools to assemble it, a standard sight, a laser sight, a canister containing black powder pellets, a storage area, a spent primer removal tool and a ramrod. So, are you intimidated yet?

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

2011-07-05T16:01:00.000-07:00

Credit: Jack Brauer

The stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park lies in the Lika region of Croatia. The park is surrounded by the mountains Plješevica, Mala Kapela, and Medveđak, which are part of the Dinaric Alps. The 16 blue-green Plitvice Lakes, which are separated by natural dams of travertine, are situated on the Plitvice plateau. Waterfalls connect the lakes, and the tallest waterfall is Veliki Slap at 70 meters (230 feet) tall. The Plitvice lakes area boasts a large variety of interesting and colorful flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy walking and hiking the many pathways and trails, or exploring the lakes by boat. The park itself has 3 hotels and a campsite, otherwise visitors can find accommodation at any of the number of villages and cities nearby.

Credit: Jack Brauer

Small as your finger but they are not insects but monkeys

2011-07-05T14:46:00.001-07:00

they are fully grown these are the smallest monkeys they live in amazon, small body, big brain ;))

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Friday the 13th History, Health and Origin

2011-06-23T16:36:00.001-07:00

For those afflicted with friggatriskaidekaphobia, it's going to be the worst day of the year. But, take heart, for in 2011, only one day of sweaty palms, jumpy nerves and other assorted angst-driven stuff will have to be endured.

The aforementioned malady is fear of Friday the 13th, a day that has been dreaded for its reputation for generating bad luck all over the world for centuries. It's been called the most prevalent superstition in the United States.

Take a look at the number 13. It's just not a likeable number like 4, 7 or 22; bad vibes emanate from it. No wonder many tall office buildings and residences don't have a 13th floor. In professional sports, the 13 is considered an oddball number to wear (though it's a good bet that many who do consider it a "counterculture" act), and there are probably a few teams that refuse to issue it. However, it worked out for Wilt Chamberlain, Alex Rodriguez and Kurt Warner.

Folks have been known to stay home from work, not leave their homes, not fly, not eat out and bypass many generally normal activities on Friday the 13th. Of course, it's not a coincidence that the horror movie franchise carried that name. "Monday the 7th" just doesn't issue the same juice in terms of being scary.

Number 13 has been associated with bad luck since the time of Christ, when the Last Supper was held by Jesus and his 12 apostles. Judas the betrayer? He was the 13th member of the party, sullying that number's reputation forever.

How did Friday join force with the 13th in this ghastly picture? It's not quite clear, but one theory is that it was on that day in the Garden of Eden that Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit. Other events, such as the Temple of Solomon being destroyed, the crucifixion of Christ and the Great Flood, happen to occur on a Friday. This was also Hangman's Day in Britain and execution day in Pagan Rome.

So much for "Thank God It's Friday.''

A 1993 study in the British Medical Journal was called "Is Friday the 13th Bad for Your Health?" The study said that the ratio of car accidents on Friday the 13th was higher than on Friday the 6th, even though fewer people drove on the former day, fearing for their well-being. "Friday the 13th is unlucky for some,'' the study said. "The risk of hospital admission as a result of a transport accident may be increased by as much as 52 percent. Staying at home is recommended.''

Where will the San Diego Padres be on Friday the 13th? At some point, they will board the team bus en route to their game against the Colorado Rockies in Denver, transport accident possibilities be damned. For the record, the Padres do have a player who wears No.13, outfielder Chris Denorfia.

So, maybe the Padres aren't scaredy cats, but there are plenty of passengers on the anti-Friday the 13th bus. And it's not just the wacky British get all bent out of joint on this dreaded day.

Donald Dossey, founder of the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, NC, once said, "It's been estimated that $800-900 million is lost in (American) business on this day because people will not fly or do business they would normally do.''

Dossey has estimated that between 17-21 million Americans are stricken with Friday the 13th phobia. And through all this fear, gloom, doom and paranoia, more bad news: Yes, this is the only Friday the 13th of the year, but there will be three such occurrences next year and two in 2013. The last time there were three in a year was 2009.

As a way to give number 13 some positive public relations, eliminating the Friday the 13th stigma in the process, several hundred people formed The Thirteen Club, which eventually included five US Presidents as honorary members. That was in 1881, so it obviously it didn't work. To this day, friggatriskaidekaphobia just hasn't gone away.

Spontaneous Human Combustion

2011-06-23T16:33:00.001-07:00

Spontaneous human combustion (SHC) is the alleged burning of a person's body without a readily apparent, identifiable external source of ignition. The combustion may result in simple burns and blisters to the skin, smoking, or a complete incineration of the body. The latter is the form most often 'recognized' as SHC.
There is much speculation and controversy over SHC. It is not a proven natural occurrence, but many theories have attempted to explain SHC's existence and how it may occur. The two most common explanations offered to account for apparent SHC are the non-spontaneous "wick effect" fire, and the rare discharge called static flash fires. Although mathematically it can be shown that the human body contains enough energy stored in the form of fat and other tissues to consume it completely, in normal circumstances bodies will not sustain a flame on their own.

History of Spontaneous Human CombustionMany people believe that Spontaneous Human Combustion was first documented in such early texts as the Bible, but, scientifically speaking, these accounts are too old and secondhand to be seen as reliable evidence.
Over the past 300 years, there have been more than 200 reports of persons burning to a crisp for no apparent reason.
The first reliable historic evidence of Spontaneous Human Combustion appears to be from the year 1673, when Frenchman Jonas Dupont published a collection of Spontaneous Human Combustion cases and studies entitled De Incendiis Corporis Humani Spontaneis. Dupont was inspired to write this book after encountering records of the Nicole Millet case, in which a man was acquitted of the murder of his wife when the court was convinced that she had been killed by spontaneous combustion. Millet, a hard-drinking Parisian was found reduced to ashes in his straw bed, leaving just his skull and finger bones. The straw matting was only lightly damaged. Dupont's book on this strange subject brought it out of the realm of folkloric rumor and into the popular public imagination.
On April 9, 1744, Grace Pett, 60, an alcoholic residing in Ipswich England, was found on the floor by her daughter like "a log of wood consumed by a fire, without apparent flame." Nearby clothing was undamaged.
In the 1800's is evidenced in the number of writers that called on it for a dramatic death scene. Most of these authors were hacks that worked on the 19th century equivalent of comic books, "penny dreadfuls", so no one got too worked up about it; but two big names in the literary world also used SHC as a dramatic device, and one did cause a stir.
The first of these two authors was Captain Marryat who, in his novel Jacob Faithful, borrowed details from a report in the Times of London of 1832 to describe the death of his lead character's mother, who is reduced to "a sort of unctuous pitchey cinder."
Twenty years later, in 1852, Charles Dickens used Spontaneous Human Combustion to kill off a character named Krook in his novel Bleak House. Krook was a heavy alcoholic, true to the popular belief at the time that SHC was caused by excessive drinking. The novel caused a minor uproar; George Henry Lewes, philosopher and critic, declared that SHC was impossible, and derided Dickens' work as perpetuating a uneducated superstition. Dickens responded to this statement in the preface of the 2nd edition of his work, making it quite clear that he had researched the subject and knew of about thirty cases of SHC. The details of Krook's death in Bleak House were directly modeled on the details of the death of the Countess Cornelia de Bandi Cesenate by this extraordinary means; the only other case that Dickens actually cites details from is the Nicole Millet account that inspired Dupont's book about 100 years earlier. book about 100 years earlier.
In 1951, the Mary Reeser case recaptured the public interest in Spontaneous Human Combustion. Mrs. Reeser, 67, was found in her apartment on the morning of July 2, 1951, reduced to a pile of ashes, a skull, and a completely undamaged left foot. This event has become the foundation for many a book on the subject of SHC since, the most notable being Michael Harrison's Fire From Heaven, printed in 1976. Fire From Heaven has become the standard reference work on Spontaneous Human Combustion.
On May 18, 1957, Anna Martin, 68, of West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was found incinerated, leaving only her shoes and a portion of her torso. The medical examiner estimated that temperatures must have reached 1,700 to 2,000 degrees, yet newspapers two feet away were found intact.
On December 5, 1966, the ashes of Dr. J. Irving Bentley, 92, of Coudersport, Pennsylvania, were discovered by a meter reader. Dr. Bentley's body apparently ignited while he was in the bathroom and burned a 2-1/2-by-3-foot hole through the flooring, with only a portion of one leg remaining intact. Nearby paint was unscorched.

July 1, 1951 -- Perhaps the most famous case occurred in St. Petersburg, Florida. Mary Hardy Reeser, a 67-year-old widow, spontaneously combusted while sitting in her easy chair. The next morning, her next door neighbor tried the doorknob, found it hot to the touch and went for help. She returned to find Mrs. Reeser, or what was left of her, in a blackened circle four feet in diameter. All that remained of the 175-pound woman and her chair was a few blackened seat springs, a section of her backbone, a shrunken skull the size of a baseball, and one foot encased in a black stain slipper just beyond the four-foot circle. Plus about 10 pounds of ashes. The police report declared that Mrs. Reeser went up in smoke when her highly flammable rayon-acetate nightgown caught fire, perhaps because of a dropped cigarette. But one medical examiner stated that the 3,000-degree heat required to destroy the body should have destroyed the apartment as well. In fact, damage was minimal - the ceiling and upper walls were covered with soot. No chemical accelerants, incidentally, were found.

In 1944 Peter Jones, survived this experience and reported that there was no sensation of heat nor sighting of flames. He just saw smoke. He stated that he felt no pain.

Theories About Spontaneous Human Combustion- Alchoholism - many Spontaneous Human Combustion vicitms have been alcoholics. But experiments in the 19th century demonstrated that flesh impregnated with alcohol will not burn with the intense heat associated with Spontaneous Human Combustion.
- Deposits of flammable body fat - Many victims have been overweight - yet others have been skinny.
- Devine Intervention - Centuries ago people felt that the explosion was a sign from God of devine punishment.
- Build-up of static electricity - no known form of electrostatic discharge could cause a human to burst into flames.
- An explosive combination of chemicals can form in the digestive system - due to poor diet.
- Electrical fields that exist within the human body might be capable of 'short circuiting' somehow, that some sort of atomic chain reaction could generate tremendous internal heat.
No satisfactory explanation of Spontaneous Human Combustion has ever been given. It is still an unsolved mystery.

What Remains After a Spontaneous Human Combustion Event- The body is normally more severely burned than one that has been caught in a normal fire.
- The burns are not distributed evenly over the body; the extremities are usually untouched by fire, whereas the torso usually suffers severe burning.
- In some cases the torso is completely destroyed, the bones being reduced completely to ash.
- Small portions of the body (an arm, a foot, maybe the head) remain unburned.
- Only objects immediately associated with the body have burned; the fire never spread away from the body. SHC victims have burnt up in bed without the sheets catching fire, clothing worn is often barely singed, and flammable materials only inches away remain untouched.
- A greasy soot deposit covers the ceiling and walls, usually stopping three to four feet above the floor.
- Objects above this three to four foot line show signs of heat damage (melted candles, cracked mirrors, etc.)
- Although temperatures of about 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit are normally required to char a body so thoroughly (crematoria, which usually operate in the neighborhood of 2,000 degrees, leave bone fragments which must be ground up by hand), frequently little or nothing around the victim is damaged, except perhaps the exact spot where the deceased ignited.

Types of Spontaneous Human CombustionSome events of Spontaneous Human Combustion are witnessed but some are not.
All reported cases have occurred indoors.
The victims were always alone for a long period of time.
Witnesses who were nearby (in adjacent rooms) report never hearing any sounds, such as cries of pain or calls for assistance.
In the witnessed combustions - people are actually seen by witnesses to explode into flame; most commonly. Here the witnesses agree that there was no possible source of ignition and/or that the flames were seen to erupt directly from the victim's skin. Unfortunately, most of the known cases of this type are poorly documented and basically unconfirmed. Sometimes there are no flames seen by the witness.
Non-fatal cases - Unfortunately, the victims of these events generally have no better idea of what happened to them than do the investigators; but the advantage to this grouping is that a survivor can confirm if an event had a simple explanation or not. Thus, there are far fewer cases of Spontaneous Human Combustion with survivors that can be explained away by skeptics without a second look.
Sometimes victims develop burns on their bodies that have no known external cause. These strange wounds commonly start as small discomforts that slowly grow into large, painful marks.
Sometimes the victim will exhibit a mysterious smoke from the body. In these odd and rare occurrences smoke is seen to emanate from a person, with no associated fire or source of smoke other than the person's body.

2011-06-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

Now, scroll down for the answers

You hang in there Sunshine...
I didn't pass either!

10 Best Places to Live for Escaping World Conflict

2011-06-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

Where would you be the safest if World War 3 broke out tomorrow? Perhaps it’s a grim subject, but safety and distance from world conflict can be a motivating factor in your choice to expatriate. At the very least, conflict around the world can weigh heavy on the soul, and it’s nice to know there are some places still left in the world where you might be left in peace. Thus, we’ve assembled a list of the 10 best places to live if you want to escape world conflict.

10. Switzerland

Switzerland’s long history of neutrality and its tucked away location among the valleys of the Alps still make it a safe bet, even despite having a high number of bordering nations. It helps that neighboring Austria is also considered a neutral nation.

9. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a stable democracy, a disbanded military and a national policy of neutrality. It also ranks highly on the Global Peace Index, Happy Planet Index, and Life Satisfaction Index. Although it sits in the middle of a tumultuous region, there are far worse places to sit in peace as the world goes down in flames all around.

8. Papua New Guinea

There are regions of Papua New Guinea that are still being discovered for the first time. The canopy covered, mountainous nation contains some of the most isolated places in the world. Tuck yourself away in a nook here and it may be one of the few places left where you can completely insulate yourself from the outside world.

7. Canada

Canada is the second largest nation in the world, yet it only shares a land border with one other country– the U.S.A.– and it is a peaceful border. That means there is a great expanse to escape to, if need be. Furthermore, Canada has few world enemies, ranks consistently high on the Global Peace Index, and is relatively homogeneous.

6. Seychelles

Aside from being safely isolated from the rest of the world in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this beautiful island nation is a great place to forget about your worries. Isolation is the key here. And conflict is as transparent as the water.

5. Finland

Finland has a long history of desiring to stay out of international conflicts, is recognized as neutral and always ranks in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index. It’s northerly location also typically means the remote areas of this country are a perfect place to disappear.

4. Tuvalu

Isolated in the middle of Micronesia, Tuvalu is among the safest and most remote places in the world. It is the third least populated country on Earth, and the forth smallest. There are only a few places more distant from the world’s strife than Tuvalu.

3. Iceland

Iceland, of course, has no borders, has remote locations, is stable as a country and has virtually no world enemies. Its people are happy and the nation always ranks highly on the Global Peace Index. If world conflict erupts, Iceland is one of the few stable nations in the world unlikely to get caught up in the middle.

2. Bhutan

Landlocked among the Himalaya mountains, Bhutan is one of the most isolated nations in the world. It also showcases one of the most stable balances in the world between moderization and retention of ancient culture. Its religious population believes in peaceful resolution to all conflict, and although it sits in a troubled region, it remains protected by its geography.

1. New Zealand

New Zealand might be the most isolated and expansive fully developed nation in the world. It shares no borders, sits relatively distant from any other nation, has no real national enemies, has a safe democracy and a diverse landscape with many remote places to hide away within. Furthermore, it ranked #1 on the Global Peace Index in 2009.

Europe’s Top 25 Castles

2011-06-23T06:26:00.001-07:00

There is something about castles that inspires awe and at the same time touches a gentler, more romantic side in each of us. And if you want to visit some of the best castles in the world, then Europe should be your destination as this continent certainly has more than its share. Here are the top 25 castles in Europe, in no particular order.

1. Castle Neuschwanstein in Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle

For many of those that see this castle for the first time, they get a niggling feeling that Castle Neuschwanstein looks so familiar. The reason for this is that the castle looks so much like the Disney castle in Florida! Indeed, some have speculated that that castle was modeled after the “real thing” in Germany. One thing is for sure, this massive castle is quite breathtaking! Built in the 1800s, the castle can be found in Schwangau, in the Bavarian Alps.

Photo: visbeek

2. Peles Castle in Romania

Peles Castle

Known as one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, Peles Castle can be discovered in the majestic Carpathian Mountains, near the town of Sinaia, Romania. There are 168 rooms in the castle and only 35 are accessible to the public. Recommended rooms include Holul de Onoare, Sala Mare De Arme, Sala De Teatru and Salonul Turcesc . Unfortunately, guided tours are only available of the ground and first floors. Peles Castle is a must-see destination in Romania.

Photo: Nice2Beat

3. Bojnice Castle in Slovakia

Bojnice Castle

Bojnice Castle is located in Bojnice, Slovakia and is one of the most delightful romantic castles in Europe. The castle dates back to the 12th century and hosts one of the most popular museums in Slovakia. The castle also offers other interesting attractions and hosts many festivals. It is also possible to get married at Bojnice Castle.

Photo: gaga_hifi_nutter

4. Castle of Coco in Spain

Castillo de Coca

Built in the 15th century by the Archbishop of Seville, the incredible Castle of Coca or Castillo de Coca is considered to be one of the best castles in Spain. An excellent example of the Gothic and Mudéjar styles, Coca Castle can be found in the town of Coca in the Segovia province in Spain. Guided tours of the interior, exterior and museum are available and highly recommended.

Photo: karaco1971

5. Brodick Castle in Scotland

Brodick Castle

Situated in the Isle of Arran in Scotland, this castle is one of the oldest. Its roots can be traced back to the time of the Vikings and was in fact built as protection against them. It was the English Dukes of Hamilton that had the fortress built, and over the centuries, generations of the family added on the castle. In 1957, the last Hamilton heir gave up the castle, and visitors can now tour this historic site. Aside from the art collection, there is a rhododendron collection in the garden, which is famous worldwide.

Photo: ayrshireroots

6. Veliki Tabor Castle in Croatia

Veliki Tabor Castle

Built in the 12th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site member, Veliki Tabor Castle is located in beautiful region of Zagorje, Croatia. The castle was once owned by the noble Ratkaj family and the painter Oton Iveković. The castle is now owned by the state and is used as a tourist site, museum, the venue for the Tabor film festival and other cultural and leisure events.

Photo: Tracey & Doug

7. Ksiaz Castle in Poland

Ksiaz Castle

Also known as the Pearl of Lower Silesia, Ksiaz Castle was built in the 13th century by Bolko I the Strict. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years. It was once confiscated by the Nazis and then occupied by the Red army. Guided tours of the castle for tour groups and individual tourists are available in the spring and summer between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday.

Photo: ukaszSie^back

8. Bran Castle in Romania

Bran Castle

Originally built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order in 1212, Bran Castle is located just outside of Bran, in the Eastern European country of Romania. Set in the hills, this picturesque castle has close ties to the legend of Dracula, and has been converted into a museum popular with tourists visiting the area.

Photo: bugaboy00

9. Lincoln Castle in England

Lincoln Castle

Lincoln Castle is in Lincolnshire and was built in 1068. As with many other European castles, Lincoln Castle is steeped in history, but it has the additional distinction of being one of only two castles in the country that were originally built on two mottes. More than this, Lincoln Castle used to be the home of William the Conqueror.

Photo: ricklus

10. Eltz Castle in Germany

Burg Eltz Castle

Eltz Castle is situated in the hills between Koblenz and Trier in West Germany. It is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Germany and has been owned by the same branch of family for over 800 years. Guided tours of the castle are recommended and cost € 8.00 for adults and € 5.50 for children. Eltz Castle is open from April to November and can be visited daily between 9.30am and 5.30pm.

Photo: estebanl

11. Mont Saint-Michel in France

Mont Saint-Michel

Another striking European castle, Mont Saint-Michel near Normandy never fails to impress. It is actually considered to be a medieval wonder, because of the fact that it is built on a rocky peak. Mont Saint-Michel was originally an abbey and served as a popular destination for pilgrims. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in France.

Photo: mbell1975

12. Malbork Castle in Poland

Malbork Castle

Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1997, Malbork castle was founded in Prussia in 1274 by the Teutonic Order. Today, this beautiful Gothic brick castle complex can be visited by taking a short 60 minute trip from Gdansk, Poland. Malbork Castle offers excellent guided tours, permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as archival exhibits.

Photo: Kittroid

13. Castle Frankenstein in Germany

Castle Frankenstein

This castle is so famous because of it’s the myths and stories surrounding in. More than these legends, Frankenstein’s Castle has its own real history. Discover this mysterious castle on your own, and enjoy Frankenstein come to real life.

Photo: fluffisch

14. Castle of Eger in Hungary

Castle of Eger

Castle Eger is one of Hungary’s most popular tourist attractions and is well worth a visit. The castle is about a 90 minute train ride from Budapest. The castle dates back to 13th century and is famous for fending off the massive Turkish army invasion in 1552. There are four excellent museums in the castle as well as other interesting exhibitions for you to see.

Photo: Azulao

15. Windsor Castle in England

Windsor Castle

Who has not heard of Windsor Castle? Located in the English county of Berkshire, Windsor Castle is one of the most perfectly maintained castles in the world. Of course, the renowned guards who do not flinch are also present here. Even better, the castle is in a quaint little town with everything “English-quaint” to be found here.

Photo: gaga_hifi_nutter

16. Trakai Castle in Lithuania

Trakai Castle

Situated in the town of Trakai in Lithuania, Trakai Castle is a brilliant example of Gothic architecture. There are actually two castles to see at Trakai – one on an island, and one on the shore of Lake Galvė. The castle hosts an excellent museum that is filled with Lithuanian artifacts and other interesting objects that were discovered on the castle grounds. A day trip from Vilnius to Trakai castle is recommended.

Photo: AnyMotion

17. Spis Castle in Slovakia

Spis Castle

Dating back to the 12th century, Spis Castle is one of largest medieval castles in the Central Europe and is situated above the town of Spišské Podhradie. The castle was declared a national monument in 1961 and was once owned by the Royal Family. Spis Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photo: nikkaa

18. Hohensalzburg Castle in Austria

Hohensalzburg Castle

Built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard, Hohensalzburg Castle is located in the picturesque Austrian town of Salzburg and is Salzburg’s most popular tourist attraction. This massive fortress sits over the city on Festungsberg hill and is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. Guided tours with audio in eight languages are available or you can tour the castle at your own leisure.

Photo: kjoch

19. Canterbury Castle in England

Canterbury Castle

Another really really old castle, the Canterbury Castle was built in the 3rd century. As with other castles, Canterbury Castle was added on to over the centuries. And while the castle is not intact anymore, it still is a wonder to behold.

Photo: john stanbridge

20. Predjama Castle in Slovenia

Predjama Castle

Built into a natural rock formation in Slovenia, Predjama Castle is a popular destination for visitors of the area. Now a museum showcasing the life of various medieval lords, Predjama Castle has been rebuilt twice, after experiencing war and natural disaster. This remarkable Renaissance castle is unassuming in its beauty, but is a must-see for enthusiasts

Photo: JumpinJack

21. Pembroke Castle in Wales

Pembroke Castle

Situated on the banks of the River Estuary, Pembroke Castle has tunnels, passageways, and stairways that one can explore. Tudor buffs will also love the fact that Henry Tudor was born here. Another plus: the castle is mostly intact.

Photo: richpix

22. Hunyad Castle in Romania

Hunyad Castle

Said to be the home of lingering spirits, Hunyad Castle is a relic of the Hunyad dynasty, and situated in Romania. Also known as Hunedora Castle, this magnificent structure was built in the 14th Century in Gothic style, and is famous for supposedly being the home of imprisoned Vlad III for 7 years, before he was dethroned in 1462.

23. Chateau de Versailles in France

Chateau de Versailles

Chateau de Versailles was built as a hunting lodge by Louis the XIII. Soon after, the lodge was upgraded to a castle and became the official residence of the Court of France. Over the years, and many monarchs later, the castle evolved into what it is today.

Photo: Girardon

24. Kyrenia Castle in Cyprus

Kyrenia Castle

Located on the picturesque northern coast of Cyprus, Kyrenia Castle was built on the eastern side of the village’s harbour. Surviving several small sieges, and a four year long war, this 16th Century castle is one of the main tourist attractions for the area, rich in diverse history.

Photo: Jungle_Boy

25. Prague Castle in the Czech Republic

Prague Castle

This castle is the pride of the Czech Republic’s capital. Prague Castle has been at the center of the country’s history for the longest time, and continues to be a symbol of its struggles. The castle, which is known as one of the largest in the world, was built in the ninth century and stands majestic till today. You can take a guided tour of the Prague Castle every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours are offered in six languages: Czech, English, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.

Photo: Captain Chaos

Eco-friendly Porsche

2011-06-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

The world's ten creepiest abandoned cities

2011-06-22T18:51:00.001-07:00

The world's ten creepiest abandoned cities

by Justin Delaney (RSS feed) on Apr 27th 2011 at 11:00AM

Some cities die. The people leave, the streets go quiet, and the isolation takes on the macabre shape of a forlorn ghost-town - crumbling with haunting neglect and urban decay. From Taiwan to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, these abandoned cities lurk in the shadows of civilization. Their histories are carried in hushed whispers and futures stillborn from the day of their collapse. Some have fallen victim to catastrophe while others simplyoutlive their function. I think we can all agree on one thing - they are all very creepy.

allery:Ten abandoned cities

Pripyat
Location: Pripyat, Ukraine - 100km from Kiev
Story: On April 26, 1986, the Chernobyl reactor began its tragic meltdown. The incident was a huge blow to the viability of the nuclear energy platform, and still today, the town of Pripyatis an abandoned shell of a city frozen in a 1980's Soviet time-warp. While the failed reactor has been entombed in a an appropriate sounding casing called a "sarcophagus," the area remains unsafe for human life. The town has thrived in one aspect though. Wildlife has returned to the area in droves. Wolves silently hunt among the towering apartment buildings, and boars forage for food in the abandoned amusement park - which strangely opened the day after the reactor explosion in the midst of evacuation.
Abandoned since: 1986

Sanzhi
Location: Sanzhi district, New Taipei, Taiwan
Story: This area called Sanzhi was originally a vacation resort catering to U.S. servicemen north of Taipei. The architecture could be called UFO futuro chic, and the abandoned resort community had difficulties from the beginning. During construction, many workers perished in car accidents, and other freak accidents were common. The urban legend online search trail places the death count close to twenty. The deaths were attributed to supernatural causes. Some speculated that the resort was built on a Dutch burial ground while others attributed the misfortunes to a dragon statue destroyed during construction. Either way, the ruins never took their first guest, and the stillborn project was abandoned.
Abandoned since: 1980

Craco
Location: Craco, Basilicata, Italy
Story: Built on a summit, Craco's utility was initially derived from its ability to repel invaders. The town's placement on a cliff precipice also threatened its integrity. After being rocked by a number of earthquakes and subsequent landslides, Craco was abandoned for lower ground. Today, the empty village is great for exploration and houses a number of interesting old world churches such as Santa Maria della Stella.
Abandoned since: 1963

Kolmanskop
Location: Kolmanskop, Namibia
Story: Once a successful diamond mining community, Kolmanskop is now a desert ghost town where the houses welcome only sand. The desert city was originally built when Germans discovered great mineral wealth in the area. They built the town in an architecturally German style with a ballroom, a theater, and the first tram system in Africa. The desert reclaimed the town when the miners moved on. The sands have filled houses, covered the streets, and slowly erased most signs of civilization aside from the towering homes and public buildings. The sight of a decaying German town in the shifting sands of the Namib desert is anachronistically delightful.
Abandoned since: 1954

Ghost Island
Location: Hashima Island, Nagasaki, Japan
Story: During the industrial revolution in Japan, the Mitsubishi company built this remote island civilization around large coal deposits in the Nagasaki islands. The island is home to some of Japan's first high rise concrete buildings, and for almost a century, mining thrived on the island. At its peak, the 15 acre island housed over five thousand residents - coal workers and their families. Today, a post-apocalyptic vibe haunts the abandoned island and the dilapidated towers and empty streets exist in a creepy industrial silence. In 2009, the island opened to tourists, so now you can take a trip to explore the Ghost Island's abandoned movie theaters, apartment towers, and shops.
Abandoned since: 1974

Oradour-sur-Glane
Location: Oradour-sur-Glane, Limousin, France
Story: During World War II, the Nazi troops came upon Oradour-sur-Glane and completely destroyed the village, murdering 642 individuals. The burned cars and buildings remain frozen in time as they did in 1944, a reflection of the monstrosity of war and a memorial to the villagers who lost their lives. The massacre was one of mankind's most vicious moments. All visitors to the "martyr village" are asked to remain silent while wandering the melancholy streets of tragedy.
Abandoned since: 1944

Centralia
Location: Centralia, Pennsylvania, United States
Story: The entire city of Centralia was condemned by the state of Pennsylvania and its zip code was revoked. The road that once led to Centralia is blocked off. It is as if the city does not exist at all, but it does, and it has been on fire for almost fifty years. In 1962, a fire broke out in a landfill near the Odd Fellows cemetery. The fire quickly spread through a hole to the coal mine beneath the city, and the fires have been burning ever since. Smoke billows out from cracks in the road and large pits in the ground randomly open up releasing thousand degree heat and dangerous vapors into the air. The city has been slowly evacuated over the years, though some residents have chosen to stay, believing that the evacuation is a conspiracy plot by the state to obtain their mineral rights to the anthracite coal reserves below their homes. Smells like lawyers to me.
Abandoned since: still marginally occupied by 10 or so brave souls

Humberstone
Location: Northern Atacama desert, Chile
Story: Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 2005, Humberstone was once a bustling saltpeter refinery in the desert of northern Chile. Life on the moonscape of the Chilean pampas is extremely sparse, and outposts like Humberstone served as work and home for manyPampino miners. The hostile environment proved a menacing part of everyday life for Humberstone residents. Their efforts to extract nitrates from the largest saltpeter deposit in the world transformed farming in Europe and the Americas in the form of fertilizer sodium nitrate.
Abandoned since: 1960

Bodie
Location: Bodie, California, United States
Story: The poster boy for a ghost town, Bodie is absolutely stunning in its dereliction. The boom-town over 8,000 feet up in the Sierra Nevadas was a gold rush outpost, and, at its height in the 1880's, allegedly one of the largest cities in California. 65 saloons lined the dusty mile long main street, meaning the saloon to resident ratio was definitely high enough to keep the sheriff busy. Beyond the swilling of brews though, Bodie developed into a city filled with big town characteristics like churches, hospitals, four fire departments, and even a Chinatown district. Today, visitors are free to to walk the deserted streets of this town built on gold and hope.
Abandoned since: 1942, though the last issue of the local newspaper, The Bodie Miner, was printed in 1912.

Kayaköy
Location: Kayaköy, Muğla, Turkey
Story: Thousands of Greek speaking Christians lived in this town just south of Fethiye in southwestern Turkey for hundreds of years. The rather large village has been a virtual ghost town since the end of the Greco-Turkish War. Over 500 houses and several Greek Orthodox churches populate this garden of decaying structures. Some hope exists for a resurgence of this old city, as organic farmers and craftsmen have began to trickle in to this fringe community.
Abandoned since: 1923

MacGyver Was Here

2011-06-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

Proof of the existence of God set down on paper

2011-06-22T18:44:00.001-07:00

Kurt Gödel was best known as a mathematician and secondarily known as an extreme eccentric. After his death, he became known for something else: creating an ontological proof of the existence of God.

While some branches of reasoning are meant to start with observable phenomena, ontological proof doesn't grow out of earthly proof. What heavenly thing could? Sure, things might look bleak on earth, but there could be other worlds where things always go swimmingly. Or perhaps in this world everything is going the only way they could possibly go, under the watchful eye of a loving God, but us humans are too blind to see that. Observation can't prove what is supposedly unprovable. Instead of detective work and evidence, ontological arguments are derived from reason alone. A set of assumptions, or axioms, are combined to prove a larger truth.

Gödel finished the proof in the early 1940s, but the proof was not copied by peers until the 1970s. He didn't let anyone know about it until he believed that he was dying. It wasn't finally published until the 1980s. Let's take a good look at it:

Well this clears everything up, doesn't it?

Gödel based his argument on an early argument of St. Anselm's. St. Anselm defined God as the greatest being in the universe. No greater being could be imagined. However, if God did not exist, then a greater being had to be possible to imagine - one which exists. Since it wasn't possible, by definition, to imagine a greater being than the greatest being imaginable, God had to exist.

Gödel twisted this argument a little. He used modal logic to prove his point. Modal logic distinguishes between certain different states that certain suppositions have. Some suppositions are possible in some worlds, some possible only in a certain world, and some true in all possible worlds. If they are true in all possible worlds, they are considered to be always 'necessary'.

God can either necessarily exist, or necessarily not exist. If God is an all-powerful being, and he exists, he necessarily exists in all possible worlds. If he doesn't exist, he necessarily doesn't exist in any possible worlds. It is not possible to say that God does not exist in any possible world. No matter how slim the chance is, God might exist. That means that God can't necessarily not exist. Since the choices are either God necessarily does exist, or necessarily doesn't, and we have eliminated the possibility that he necessarily doesn't, the only possibility left is that he necessarily does.

Start prayin'.

Or maybe not. There's no doubt that Gödel was a brilliant man - he was a good friend of Albert Einstein's, who admired him greatly. It is also thought that, during his life, he had certain religious and mystical convictions. However, he specifically held the proof back during his lifetime because he didn't wish it to be taken as 'his proof that God exists'. He, in fact, didn't want people to think he believed in God at all. He was clear that the entire proof was simply an exercise in modal logic, derived from a certain set of assumptions. Those assumptions can be questioned. For example, Gödel's definition of God didn't have anything to do with the behavior of a deity, it was just a variation on St. Anselm's 'greatest imaginable being'. In other words, it was an axiom specifically chosen for both a vague sense of religion and the ability to make the rest of the proof work. If someone defined God differently - the being that made the world in seven days, for example - then the proof no longer applies. There have plenty of atheist thinkers knocking down the proof. And plenty of theist thinkers expanding on it.

New estimate for alien Earths: 2 billion in our galaxy alone

2011-06-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

Scientists are seeking out worlds that are roughly the size of Earth and are the right distance from their suns to have liquid water on the planet.

UNEXPLORED FRONTIERS: An artist's illustration of the extrasolar planets discovered around the star Kepler 11 by NASA's Kepler Space Telescope. (Image: Nature)

Roughly one out of every 37 to one out of every 70 sunlike stars in the sky might harbor an alien Earth, a new study reveals.

These findings hint that billions of Earthlike planets might exist in our galaxy, researchers added.

These new calculations are based in data from the Kepler space telescope, which in February wowed the globe by revealing more than 1,200 possible alien worlds, including 68 potentially Earth-size planets. The spacecraft does so by looking for the dimming that occurs when a world transits or moves in front of a star.

Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., focused on roughly Earth-size planets within the habitable zones of their stars — that is, orbits where liquid water can exist on the surfaces of those worlds. [The Strangest Alien Planets]

After the researchers analyzed the four months of data in this initial batch of readings from Kepler, they determined that 1.4 to 2.7 percent of all sunlike stars are expected to have Earthlike planets — ones that are between 0.8 and two times Earth's diameter and within the habitable zones of their stars.

"This means there are a lot of Earth analogs out there — two billion in the Milky Way galaxy," researcher Joseph Catanzarite, an astronomer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, told SPACE.com. "With that large a number, there's a good chance life and maybe even intelligent life might exist on some of those planets. And that's just our galaxy alone — there are 50 billion other galaxies."

After three to four years of Kepler data are investigated, the scientists predict a total of 12 Earthlike worlds will be found. Four of these have already been seen in the four months of data released so far, they added. Kepler mission scientists have estimated that, altogether, there could be 50 billion planets in the Milky Way, though not all would be Earth-size worlds within the habitable zone of their local stars. [NASA's Kepler Telescope By-The-Numbers]

When it comes to the 100 nearest sunlike stars within a few dozen light years, these findings suggest that only about two might have Earthlike worlds. Still, Catanzarite did note that red dwarfs might host Earthlike planets as well, and that such stars are far more common than sunlike stars.

Although researchers will find it much harder to detect an Earth-size planet transiting in front of dim red dwarfs, scientists are currently trying to detect such planets around these stars by the gravitational tugs they would exert on each other.

"I'd expect to hear one day about habitable Earth analogs around these stars," Catanzarite said.

Catanzarite and his colleague Michael Shao detailed their findings online March 8 in a paper submitted to the Astrophysical Journal.

Nature’s Stone Giants

2011-06-22T18:34:00.001-07:00

Stonehenge is impressive, but pales in comparison to the massive stone pillars Mother Nature gave us. The real stories of how they came to be are as fascinating as the legends that people use to explain unusual rock formations.

England: Brimham Rocks

The Brimham Rocks near Nidderdale, Yorkshire Dales, England are said to have been carved by druids, but they date back to around 320 million years ago when the Yorkshire area formed from sand and other materials washed down from Norway and Scotland, leaving an area known as the Millstone Grit. Later glaciers carved the land down, leaving the strangely-shaped stones exposed, in the period from roughly 73,000 BC to 10,000 BC. The rocks now stand at a little less than 30 meters tall. Some rocks resemble animals or human faces, and have been named for their appearance or for the local legends that grew up around them. The Brimham Rocks area is owned by the National Trust and is open daily for visitors.Image by Flickr user floato.

Canada: Flowerpot Island

Flowerpot Island, Ontario gets its name from two rock formations on its eastern shore. A local legend says that two lovers from warring tribes eloped to the island and were somehow turned to stone. A profile of a face is visible on one of the stones if you view it at the right angle. The island is part of The Fathom Five National Marine Park and is a popular tourist destination. Image by Thesofa.

Madagascar: Tsingy de Bemaraha

Tsingy de Bemaraha national park in Madagascar has a forest of limestone pillars. The word tsingy means “where one cannot walk barefoot.” Water eroded caves and passages through the land, the roofs of which eventually collapsed and left the pillars standing up to 70 meters tall. The tops of the rocks have a vastly different ecosystem from the valleys, and from the surrounding savannahs. The stone forest is home to thousands of species not seen outside of Madagascar. Image by Stephen Alvarez for National Geographic.

Russia: Man-Pupu-Nyor

Seven rock formations called Man-Pupu-Nyor (little mountain of the gods) stand in the Komi Republic, a part of the Ural Mountain area of Russia. The seven pillars range from 30 to 42 meters tall! They formed when erosion washed away the mountain that once surrounded them over a period of 200 million years. Legend says the stones are evil giants who had a spell cast upon them. The remote location of the pillars makes tourism difficult, but you can get there by helicopter or snowmobile if you are determined.

Northern Ireland: The Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland. Legend says that the giant Finn McCool built the causeway so he could fight his enemy Benandonner in Scotland. The rock formation looks like a set of mostly hexagonal man made stepping stones, but this is a natural formation of basalt laid down by volcanic activity. During the Tertiary period some 65 million years ago, this piece of land wasnear the equator. Lava tubes pressed up through a chalk layer to form the pillars. The geometric shapes were caused by crystallization of the basalt as it cooled and cracked. The causeway is open to the public and can be reached by a shuttle bus. Devil’s Postpile is a similar formation in California. Image by Flickr user Jimbofin.

Faroe Islands: Drangarnir

Two sea stacks situated between the Faroe islands of Vagar and TindhÃ³lmur are collectively calledDrangarnir. The two rocks are called StÃ³ri Drangur (large cliff) and LÃtli Drangur (small cliff). You’ll find them halfway between Scotland and Iceland. They, along with the rest of the islands, were formed by eruptions of volcanic basalt. The best view of the stones are from the mountain on Vagar, which hastourist facilities. Image by Erik Christensen.

Put A Smile On Your Toast

2011-06-22T18:31:00.001-07:00

Does your toast smile at you in the morning or is it a grumpy old man? Quirky as it may sound, I think small nuances (or gimmicks) like this can really make a difference in your day. Bring out your shiny smile for the Smile Cooking Toaster! Think hair straightening iron for a moment, similar to that clasp design is this appliance. Difference lies in the electric-heating nano-membrane and different smiley faces you can use to singe on the bread. The transparent style really adds to the elegance and the timer display (with heating controls) makes sure you don’t ever burn your toasts! Smile your morning blues away.

Designer: Xu Yan Xiang

12 Creative Hotels - Which one is your favorite?

2011-06-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

The Floating Hotel in Sweden

Hotel made of Sand in England

Houses in Mexico

Icehotel, Canada

Capsule Hotel, Japan

Survival Pod Hotel, Holland

Cave Hotel, Turkey

Jumbo Hostel, Sweden

Tree House, India

German Prison Hotel

Poseidon Undersea Resort, Fiji

Sewage Pipe Hotel, Austria

If these hotels have you excited, check out our ‘Star Bar‘ of affordable luxury resorts.

15 Must-See Roadside Attractions

2011-06-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

By Amanda Greene

If you've ever gone on a road trip, chances are you've driven past a few unusual tourist attractions. And if you've stopped to take a look, you know they can range from odd to completely outrageous. Below, check out our list of 15 wacky ones worth seeing, including a museum devoted to toilet seat art and the world's largest hammock. Bizarre? Yes. But they're certainly a welcome change of scenery as well as a great excuse to pull over and stretch your legs.

The Beer Can House

In 1968, John Milkovisch, a retired upholsterer, began a very unique home improvement project; he started by inlaying marbles, rocks and metal pieces to replace the grass in his yard, then moved on to adding aluminum beer can siding to the exterior of his house. Now the home is completely encrusted in an estimated 50,000 beer cans and open to the public for viewing. Address: 222 Malone Street, Houston, Texas
Photo courtesy of Ann Aurbach via Flickr.

Oregon Vortex

A world of paranormal activity awaits you at the Oregon Vortex, a spherical field of force that temporarily suspends the laws of physics. What exactly does that mean? At this tourist destination—open to the public since 1930––you can see brooms standing on end, balls rolling uphill and people appearing shorter or taller than they actually are. Address: 4303 Sardine Creek L Fork Road, Gold Hill, Oregon
Photo courtesy of Jim Monigold via Flickr.

World's Largest Hammock

Off North Carolina's Route 158 sits a hammock suitable for any giant-sized napper. The 42-foot-long lounger is made from about 10,000 feet of rope and can support up to 8,000 pounds, making it perfect for kicking back en masse. Address: 8887 Caratoke Highway, Point Harbor, North Carolina
Photo courtesy of Bill Rosso Nags/ Head Hammocks.

Cadillac Ranch

This installation art, which features 10 graffiti-covered cars that look like they took a nosedive into the soil, was developed in 1974 by millionaire Stanley Marsh III and a trio of architects. If you're planning to be in the area, be sure to pack a can of spray paint: Visitors are encouraged to add their own artistic adornments to the vehicles. Address: I-40, Amarillo, Texas
Photo courtesy of Walter Bibikow/Getty Images.

Weeki Wachee Springs

In 1947, Newton Perry opened the first mermaid show at Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs. An 18-seat underwater theater was built six feet below the surface so visitors can watch the underwater shows, which include renditions of The Little Mermaid as well as the complete history of Weeki Wachee Springs. Address: 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, Florida
Photo by Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images.

Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Museum

Artist Barney Smith, a retired plumber, has been named "The King of the Thrones" thanks to his very unusual canvases. Proving that plumbing can be an art, his passion is painting and decorating toilet seats, which he displays in his Texas garage. You'll find toilet seats decorated to commemorate Super Bowl victories, one emblazoned with license plates and others painted to depict his travels. Address: 239 Abiso Avenue, San Antonio, Texas
Photo courtesy of David T. Cole/Glark.org via Flickr.

Mütter Museum

In 1858, the Mütter Museum was founded to educate doctors about anatomy and medical abnormalities. Thomas Dent Mütter, a professor of surgery, donated his personal collection of unique anatomic and pathological materials to the museum, which now features over 20,000 oddities, including a plaster cast of the torso of world-famous Siamese Twins, a collection of 2,000 objects extracted from people's throats and the tallest skeleton on display in North America.Address: 19 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Photo by George Windam (2009).

Largest Ball of Stamps

Nebraska's Boys Town Stamp Collecting Club put other philatelists (a.k.a. stamp collectors) to shame with their mammoth ball of stamps. Located in The Leon Myers Stamp Center, the 600-pound, 32-inch-diameter postage globe is composed of approximately 4,655,000 stamps.Address: 13628 Flanagan Boulevard, Boys Town, Nebraska
Photo courtesy of Boys Town.

World's Smallest Church

On a wooden dock in a pond near Syracuse, New York, sits a teeny-tiny church. The pint-sized house of worship was built in 1989, and is just 3 feet by 6 feet and has only two seats. There are no regular services, but Cross Island Chapel is available for special occasions, like a 1990 wedding in which guests had to sit in boats outdoors. Address: Sconondoa Road, Oneida, New York
Photo courtesy of Martin Beales.

Foamhenge

In Natural Bridge, Virginia, artist Mark Cline built an exact replica of the popular British monument, Stonehenge, entirely of Styrofoam. He even placed the "stones" in their exact astronomical positions. Address: Route 11, Natural Bridge, Virginia
Photo courtesy of Claire Powers via Flickr.

Wee’l Turtle

The giant turtle on the side of Century Avenue in Dunseith, North Dakota, was erected in 1982 to pay homage to the nearby Turtle Mountain State Park. The 18-foot-tall tortoise was built from 2,000 old wheel rims, and has been known to sport a festive Santa hat during the holidays. Address: Junction of Highways 3, 5 and 281, Dunseith, North Dakota
Photo courtesy of Maury Vaughan via Flickr.

Forbidden Gardens

If you long to see Beijing’s Forbidden City but can’t afford a trip to China, experience the next-best thing, the Forbidden Gardens. Privately funded by a Hong Kong native, the attraction includes a 1:20 scale of the Forbidden City; a scale model of Suzhou (dubbed the Venice of China); and a 1:3-scale model of the tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, complete with his terra-cotta army of 6,000 soldiers. Address: 23500 Franz Road, Katy, Texas
Photo courtesy of the Forbidden Gardens.

Jell-O Museum/Gallery

In 1897, a carpenter named Pearle Wait created America's favorite dessert in Le Roy, New York: J-E-L-L-O. Today, the town honors him with a museum offering a detailed history of his invention, with trivia, past recipes and vintage advertising memorabilia. Its latest claim to fame? Longtime Jell-O spokesman Bill Cosby's 2004 visit. Address: 23 East Main Street, Le Roy, New York
Photo courtesy of the Jell-O Museum.

Leaning Tower of Niles

Built in 1934, this smaller version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa was erected by Robert Ilg to hide an unsightly water tower. Only half as tall (94 feet to Pisa's 177 feet) and half as leaning (7.4 feet off vertical versus the original's 15-foot lean), the monument was later donated to a nearby YMCA and includes a plaque at its base in honor of the famous scientist Galileo Galilei, of whom Ilg was a fan.Address: 6300 Touhy Avenue, Niles, Illinois
Photo courtesy of Mark Susina via Flickr.

Shoe Tree

Most kids lose a pair of shoes in a tree due to a playmate's prank. But now, that child's play has been turned into interactive art at the Shoe Tree near Middlegate, Nevada. Already covered in more shoes than you can count, the tree's branches are draped with footwear from both tourists and locals alike. Address: Highway 50, Middlegate, Nevada
Photo courtesy of Mac Maroon.

Radiation Dosage Chart

2011-06-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

What children’s skulls look like as they prepare to lose their baby teeth

2011-06-22T18:15:00.001-07:00

It’s unfortunate that this exists…but also very interesting.

At the Hunterian Museum in London. Photo by Stefan Schäfer…

World’s weirdest hotels

2011-06-22T18:14:00.001-07:00

Most hotels are pretty traditional. Some may have themes and fun activities like a number of hotels in Vegas and around Disney World but for the most part they have 4 walls, a roof, and the usual amenities.

A pool.

A fitness center.

Room service.

A restaurant.

A business center.

And so on.

But some hotels, some hotels don’t have all that. Some hotels are quite non-traditional. Some hotels are just plain WEIRD.

Take a look at some of the world’s weirdest hotels:

Hotel Kakslauttanen, Finland

Hotel Kakslauttanen in Finland is made up of 12 “igloos” in addition to traditional wood cabins. The winter interior temps in the igloos ranges from 21 to 27 degrees fahrenheit, but unrestricted views of the aurora borealis make it worth donning wool socks and sleeping in sleeping bags.

La Villa Hamster, Nantes, France

The La Villa hamster in Nantes, France is a one room hotel for those who always wondered what a hamster’s life was like. The room is outfitted with a giant working hamster wheel, a metal water spigot you activate with your foot and a bathroom filled with giant wood chips (and a human toilet).

Palacio de Sal, Bolivia

The Palacio de Sal – the Salt Palace, is located on the salt flats of Bolivia and is made up entirely of salt from floor to ceiling.

Can Sleep, Lake Skanderborg, Denmark

Can Sleep in Lake Skanderborg, Denmark is a 121 room hotel made up of giant beer cans placed in groups of 6. It is actually open only in August each year for a music festival and each “can” has a sleeping loft, a “lid” that opens and the minibar is stocked with Royal Unibrew beer.

Jumbo Stay, Stockholm

The Jumbo Stay in Stockholm at the Arlanda Airport is a 27 room hotel inside a retired Boeing 747 airplane. There is a special room located in the cockpit where you can press buttons and play with all the controls – and not worry about crashing.

Free Spirit Spheres, Vancouver Island, Canada

The Free Spirit Spheres in Vancouver Island, Canada are 3 spheres suspended in the trees 10-15 feet above the ground. The interiors are heated and even have a place to dock your ipod. If you are prone to motion sickness, you might want to find a hotel on land as the spheres tend to sway with the wind.

Les Roulottes de la Serve, Provence, France

At Les Roulottes de la Serve in Provence, France, you can feel just what it is like to live like a gypsy. This hotel is made up of 3 restored gypsy caravan cars. Guests share communal bathrooms, kitchen and a campfire.

Hotel Utter Inn, Sweden

The Hotel Utter Inn in Sweden is a single room hotel that is actually under water. It has no electricity but there is a gas heater and lights. Oh and a wrap-around deck. The single room consists of 2 double beds with windows that give a panoramic view of the lake.

Wigwam Motel, San Bernardino, Calif.

The Wigwam Motel is located on Route 66 in San Bernardino, California. This strange throw-back of 1950′s kitsch has some modern amenities. Each room has a tv, free wi-fi and a bathroom. What a novelty!

Elephant Safari Park Hotel Lodge, Bali

The Elephant Safari Park Hotel Lodge is a 26-room hotel on 8.5 acres that acts as a sanctuary for the largest herd of rescued Sumatran elephants in the world. Not only do you get escorted to your room ON an elephant, the rooms feature artwork painted BY elephants. Some of the amenities include 4 elephant shows and a baby elephant nursery.

Have you ever stayed in a weird or unique hotel?

Odd - Interesting - Bizzare - Strange

This Prototype Hoverbike Could Land In A Year!

30 Watergate Witnesses Have Met Violent Deaths

JET OFF TO AUSTRALIA’S PRETTY BEACH HOUSE

Spectacular and See-Through: Dude, Where’s My Canoe?

10 Phrases You Won’t Learn in Spanish Class

Andáte a la mierda

Sos un forroArm yourself with angry words for crazy cab drivers.

La puta madre

Maldito

Pelotudo

Gil

La concha de tu madre

Mandar fruta

_____de mierda

La puta que te parióPhoto by Jorge Farah

This Cube Transforms Into A Working Gun

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Small as your finger but they are not insects but monkeys

Friday the 13th History, Health and Origin

Spontaneous Human Combustion

10 Best Places to Live for Escaping World Conflict

10. Switzerland

9. Costa Rica

8. Papua New Guinea

7. Canada

6. Seychelles

5. Finland

4. Tuvalu

3. Iceland

2. Bhutan

1. New Zealand

Europe’s Top 25 Castles

1. Castle Neuschwanstein in Germany

2. Peles Castle in Romania

3. Bojnice Castle in Slovakia

4. Castle of Coco in Spain

5. Brodick Castle in Scotland

6. Veliki Tabor Castle in Croatia

7. Ksiaz Castle in Poland

8. Bran Castle in Romania

9. Lincoln Castle in England

10. Eltz Castle in Germany

11. Mont Saint-Michel in France

12. Malbork Castle in Poland

13. Castle Frankenstein in Germany

14. Castle of Eger in Hungary

15. Windsor Castle in England

16. Trakai Castle in Lithuania

17. Spis Castle in Slovakia

18. Hohensalzburg Castle in Austria

19. Canterbury Castle in England

20. Predjama Castle in Slovenia

21. Pembroke Castle in Wales

22. Hunyad Castle in Romania

23. Chateau de Versailles in France

24. Kyrenia Castle in Cyprus

25. Prague Castle in the Czech Republic

Eco-friendly Porsche

The world's ten creepiest abandoned cities

The world's ten creepiest abandoned cities

allery:Ten abandoned cities

MacGyver Was Here

Proof of the existence of God set down on paper

New estimate for alien Earths: 2 billion in our galaxy alone

Scientists are seeking out worlds that are roughly the size of Earth and are the right distance from their suns to have liquid water on the planet.

Nature’s Stone Giants

England: Brimham Rocks

Canada: Flowerpot Island

Madagascar: Tsingy de Bemaraha

Russia: Man-Pupu-Nyor

Northern Ireland: The Giant’s Causeway

Faroe Islands: Drangarnir

Put A Smile On Your Toast

12 Creative Hotels - Which one is your favorite?

15 Must-See Roadside Attractions

By Amanda Greene

Radiation Dosage Chart

What children’s skulls look like as they prepare to lose their baby teeth

World’s weirdest hotels

Sos un forro
Arm yourself with angry words for crazy cab drivers.

La puta que te parió
Photo by Jorge Farah