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Most Creative Wine Racks

2014-01-05T04:01:00.001-08:00

Who doesn't love robots? Girls. Your boss. That jock roommate of yours. Screw them, robots are awesome! Just because you're old enough to drink, that doesn't mean you have to act all stuffy and boring suddenly. But just in case you want to impress any of those people we mentioned earlier, the wine rack includes an optional mustache to let everyone know how sophisticated you and your robo-friend can be.

This robust wine rack puts the fun back in functional. This countertop unit is able to easily accommodate up to 11 bottles of wine. The rack is finished with an ECO-friendly water-based, satin clear coat.

If you like wine and you like biking, you're going to love this. The handmade leather bicycle wine rack is perfect for taking wine with you on the go.

Designer Neil Cohen turned the hum-drum concept of a wine rack into an objet d'art ($224.99) by joining two curves and conceiving the ingenious idea that bottles can be stored horizontally by their necks only. The result is a conversation piece of startling originality.

Creative hanging wine rack by Edgar Navarro.

Iron Design Company recently exhibited this interesting wine rack idea at the Architectural Digest Show in New York. It is made of steel and holds up to a half case of wine. The fluid shape appears to be molded by the wine bottles themselves.

This cactus wine rack, would make a really cool wedding present and would look good anywhere in the house.

Not sure what gift you wanna buy this Christmas? Check out this Gottacha Wine Rack from Chetan Sorab. All-in-all – a perfect gift for someone who is fond of playing darts.

Stylish storage option for your wine bottles. An elegant wine rack ($62.18) where bottles are held in place just by their necks. Designed by Floz Design of Germany.

The cha cha wine rack is one of those examples of really good design; it's pretty, functional … purely smart. As your wine collection grows you can add more pieces and stack them in any shape and form you like. You can make it mono-colored or combine any of the four available colors to your taste.

This horse wine rack ($12.98) is a modern-art metal sculpture that adds artistic storage to your entertainment space!

Designer Neil Cohen rocks the world of wine storage with this first-time pairing of sleek black granite and signature Nambé alloy, which is part of the initial series of the Nambé Rocks Collection ($199). Evoking the majestic Southwest, the ruggedly elegant design is a practical execution of Neil's ingenious idea that bottles can be stored horizontally by their necks only.

You do not have to be a wine connoisseur or an expert skier to appreciate this innovative way to display your favorite wine. The bottles are stored on their sides ($56.99) to properly maintain the wine's integrity.

Store your wine in Parisian style with the Eiffel Tower metal wine rack. It can hold up to six bottles of your favorite wine in its intricately detailed style. Makes a great home accent or celebratory centerpiece.

Perfect for the true rock star, Guitar Wine Bottle Rack makes a whimsical presentation of any wine bottle.

The Beautiful Fields Of China

2014-01-05T03:56:00.001-08:00

A place in the North East of Kunming Capital city of Yunnan Province. Because of remoteness and lack of infrastructure and lodging etc, this place is not listed in the tourist map of China.

Because the soil contains such components as oxidized Iron, it has this extra-ordinary rich red color.
Here in the mountains and hills, every inch of land is cultivated and planted to the maximum by the inhabitants.

Dongchuan Red Land represents Yunnan mountain valley's most attractive colours.

Multicolor Waves - so magnificent!

Crops on the Red Land - such as potatoes, oats, corn, oil flower vegetables, different colour crops so arranged - when looking from afar, it seems like God painted them on a cloth so full of gorgeous colour.
Each family was distributed with different size and shape of land. Each has its own preference, kinds of crops. This Mail Was Posted in funship group.That caused and produced this beautiful pieces of colours. During harvest time, the soil is shovelled up and makes this unusually red colour.

In September, white colour oil flowers are in bloom on the whole mountain. It is a pity they covered up the beautiful red colour. The best time for sightseeing tour is middle of November.

The whole mountain is like covering with a beautiful colored cloth. How I wish to lie down enjoying the breeze and looking at the
ever-changing clouds in the sky.

Early in the morning, donkey-ridden cart full of harvest transporting to the town, while a few of the children walking toward the different direction to school.

A melody kind of view.

Different seasons, different time, different sunlight, produce different kind of colours.

Just like a mixing a colour plate, so bright and splendid.

Rare opportunity to see the burning clouds, I set up my camera and got it.

The donkey did not want to work with the bull, The poorer farmer used a horse to take the place of the donkey. Later I knew that since different kinds of animals had different temperaments, they were used together to control each other. This Mail Was Posted in funship group.If one of them refused to move, the other one would force it. I think such an ancient method could only be seen here.

Good kid helping to harvest vegetables to bring home before sunset.

This hollowed place is the most distinct part of the land. In order to promote tourism it was named Lexiaguo (meaning the place where beautiful colours set).

A town in Lexiaguo.

The curve-like crops' lines enhanced more clearly by the red soil.

Gangnam Style Inspired Objects

2014-01-05T03:54:00.001-08:00

Now you can store from 4GB to 32GB of your favorite dance moves on a little PSY Gangnam Style USB Flash Drive.

Funny Gangnam Style bento.

Think you like “Gangnam Style?” Probably not as much as this crazy fan who got the phrase tattooed across her forearm. At least the term “Gangnam Style” represents people who are trendy and hip.

Gangnam Style cake.

An espresso drink with a beautiful Gangnam Style portrait in the foam.

Gangnam Style shoes.

Just when you thought Psy and his Gangnam Style was already everywhere, it seems you can order a side of Gangnam Style McShaker Fries in Malaysia.
According to the instructions, all that's required is for the consumer to sprinkle the contents of the seasoning packet into the bag of fries, then close and shake it by doing Psy's “horse ride dance” from Gangnam Style. This would result in a bag full of McShaker “Gangnam Style” fries.

"Gangnam Style," the catchy song by the artist Psy, has also sparked a necklace which looks like Psy.

Sexy Latte Gangnam Style

The Teacake Bake Shop made these amazing cupcakes celebrating PSY's shot to internet craze stardom!

Gangnam Style nail art.

PSY's “Gangnam Style“ is proving to be so popular all around the world that it may even be getting ‘banned' for safety reasons.

Most Expensive Paintings In The World

2014-01-04T01:52:00.001-08:00

Pablo Picasso
Femme aux Bras Croisés (Woman with Folded Arms), 1902.
Sold for $55 million in 2000

Vincent van Gogh
A Wheatfield with Cypresses, 1889
Sold for $57 million in 1993

Kazimir Malevich
Suprematist Composition, 1916
Sold for $60 million in 2008

Paul Cézanne
Rideau, Cruchon et Compotier, 1894
Sold for $60.5 million in 1999

Willem de Kooning
Police Gazette, 1955
Sold for $63.5 in 2006

Vincent van Gogh
Portrait de l'artiste sans barbe (Self-portrait without beard), 1889
Sold for $71.5 million in 1998

Andy Warhol
Green Car Crash, 1963
Sold for $71.7 million in 2007

Mark Rothko
White Center (Yellow, Pink and Lavender on Rose), 1950
Sold for $72.8 million in 2007

Peter Paul Rubens
Massacre of the Innocents, 1611
Sold for $76.7 million in 2002

Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Bal du moulin de la Galette (Dance at Le moulin de la Galette), 1876
Sold for $78.1 million in 1990

Jasper Johns
False Start, 1959
Sold for $80 million in 2006

Claude Monet
Le Bassin aux Nymphéas (Water Lily Pond), 1919
Sold for $80.5 million in 2008

Vincent van Gogh – Portrait of Dr. Gachet, 1890
Sold for $82.5 million in 1990

Francis Bacon
Triptych, 1976
Sold for $86.3 million in 2008

Gustav Klimt
Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II, 1912
Sold for $87.9 million in 2006

Pablo Picasso
Dora Maar au Chat (Dora Maar with Cat), 1941
Sold for $95.2 in 2006

Pablo Picasso
Garçon à la Pipe (Boy with a Pipe), 1905
Sold for $104.2 million in 2004

Pablo Picasso
Nude, Green Leaves And Bust
Sold for $106 million in New York in 2012

Edvard Munch
The Scream
Sold for $119.9 million Sotheby's in New York in 2012.

Gustav Klimt
Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, 1907
Sold for $135 million in 2006

Willem de Kooning
Woman III, 1953
Sold for $137.5 million in 2006

Jackson Pollock
No. 5, 1948
Sold for $140 million in 2006

10 Awesome Gadgets To Reuse Water

2014-01-04T01:47:00.001-08:00

We like the concept behind this. Small space apartment dwellers would appreciate the utility of having a washing machine option in their bathroom (we know we would). But then again, the toilet in the concept photo above looks like it's giving a piggyback ride to a reject from The Transformers.
The "Washup" concept is a sustainable and space saving water consumption device that reuses wasted water from the clothes washing cycle for toilet flushing later (hopefully not at the same time...do your load before dropping it). We just worry we'd accidentally lose socks in the toilet while loading and emptying the machine above.

Ingenuity gets an all new meaning in designer Andrew Leinonen's simple yet very powerful Filterbrella concept. As you may have guessed, the Filterbrella is an umbrella that is very innovative and eco-friendly. The Filterbrella has a canopy which is made of compostable polylactic acid plastic blends. This gives the Filterbrella its environmental charm. The Filterbrella has a very innovative activated carbon filter in its hollow rod. The hollow rod actually lets in rain water which gets purified by the activated carbon. This water flows into a bottle that is attached to the Filterbrella's handle, thus making pure, potable rain water available on the go. That is what ingenuity is all about. Though the Filterbrella is still a concept, it has all the underpinnings of becoming an instant hit if it ever makes it into commercial production, which looks very likely in the nearfuture.

With most nations facing water crisis, recycling used water becomes more important than ever before. Addressing water emergency across the world, Hughie of Australia has come up with an innovative kitchen sink that stores waste-water that would otherwise go down the sewer. The winner of the ‘Product of the Year 2008' award, the Removable Kitchen Sink saves 80 percent of the gray water that can further be used for watering your garden plants or washing your car.

Perhaps inspired by Britain's constant drought warnings and reminders to 'use water wisely', an inventor has come up with a combined washing machine and shower. 'Washit' allows users to give their clothes a good soaking while they take one themselves, with a unique pump system that uses your shower run-off to give your clothes their first rinse.
If that sounds a little unhygienic, rest assured it is just the first rinse-cycle which uses your cast-off water to wash your cast-offs. Ahmet Burak Aktas, one of the four designers of the project, hopes combining the water will cut down on the 150 litres of water used for a 15-minute shower and the 38 litres used on a typical wash-cycle.

One has to wonder what is holding back this kind of innovation – is it health or simply convention? The idea is simple: combine the two water-using items found in any men's bathroom. Yeongwoo Kim designed it with the utmost aesthetic simplicity, and it speaks for itself: the water clearly recycles to add in flushing the toilet – semi-opaque frosted glass hides the first sequence's function from view as one leans forward to wash hands.
The result is a grey water reuse system that requires fewer pipes but also saves space, as the same vertical area can be used both for urinating and hand washing, presuming, of course, that the hygiene of such proximity does not prove to be a problem.

design and nature is a mini eco-system able to recycle and regenerate gray water. A hydraulic system channels waste water through a collection of plants, starting the phyto-purification process. Each part of the plant plays a crucial role in cleaning the water — the sand where the reeds are planted provides the initial rough cleaning, and as the water passes through the roots, heavy metals and bacteria are removed. An ingenious concept, this living shower not only aids in water conservation, but also produces additional oxygen. The Phyto-Purification Bathroom is a concept developed by designers Jun Yasamoto, Alban Le Henry, Olivier Pigasse and Vincent Vandenbrouck.

Simpler but more practical designs are always popular and today we'll show you another ‘we should have thought of that before' product. It is the ‘Keep2Green' pot by Paul Gribincea. The concept about it is quite simple: the system makes full use of the space and water by planting some grass beneath the hanging pot. So you've gotten that? Good. Mainly made from metal, ‘Keep2Green' is heavy enough to withstand moderate winds and holds the flower pot steadily in the air. Designer: Paul Gribincea

This eco-friendly Zen sink uses the wasted water to grow you a little garden.

This seat is for those who sit down on a stool or something whilst bathing. The gaps in the seat lead the water to storage pitchers that collect your used bath water. This water can be recycled for watering plants, etc.

From the U.K. comes this handy device called the "Ban Beater". It is a large siphon with hoses attached, and it's used to suck up all the used "greywater" in a bath. The inventor, Dominic Flinton, says that one simple upward pull will start the siphon action, and fill the hose until the bath runs dry. You can then take the "Ban Beater" outside and water your garden or wash your car with the greywater you've collected. Flinton was inspired to create the device during the recent periods of drought in England. This device allowed him to water his garden during periods of water restriction.

Useful Tips For Oily Skin

2014-01-04T01:44:00.001-08:00

Beauty, the most important factor that effects directly to your confidence and personality. If you have oily skin you might be having dark gloomy skin problems, as oily skin attracts the dirt most.
There are different expensive products in the market and you definitely have tried different beauty or cosmetic products to overcome the oily skin problem and most of them dont deliver what they promise.
Dont panic for how to treat an oily skin. What if I tell you some basic little secrets, some tips of mine that has helped me to overcome the problem.

Below are list of some basic tips you wont regret.

Avoid oily, cheesy meals.
Wash your face as much as you can with cold water during the day.
Always apply astringer lotion and let it dry for 5 mins then apply any kind of make-up you like.
Take cucumber and lime juice in equal quantity and app to your body. Shower after 15 mins with lukewarm or cold water. Follow this step for month and youll see stunning results.
Take cucumber and lime juice in equal quantity and app to your body. Shower after 15 mins with lukewarm or cold water. Follow this step for month and youll see stunning results.
Use more glycerin-based soaps.
Hope these tip will help you control the problem of oily skin. Let me know if my articles help you, I have tons of information on beauty to write on. Just want some appreciation to give you more beauty tips and information.

Latest Strangest Jeans Fashion

2014-01-01T02:39:00.001-08:00

1. Bikini Jeans

These Japanese Bikini Jeans cross jeans with a thong – an attached bikini bottom secures the low-slung jeans to the hips. If you'd like to set a new fashion trend in your neighborhood - or get expelled/fired/ogled as the case may be, you can order the "bijini", to coin a phrase, at the Sanna's Brazil Fashionwebsite. They're surprisingly inexpensive at just $88 plus shipping, and are made in Brazil.

2. World's Most Expensive Jeans ($27,000)

This Spin Jeans comprises only 8 instances worldwide at a suggested retail price of ¥2,625,000 JPY (approximately $27,000 USD). Truly original but hardly wearable, the jeans seen here should be considered much more a re-appropriated piece of art than fashion. A multi-colored splatter pattern covers every square inch of a pair of iconic Levi's denim.
Putting on one of the most successful art shows of all-time last year, and the highest grossing contemporary living artists of all-time, artist Damien Hirst has brought forth a certain style to his definition of art. Bold and brash, he teams up with Levi's on the release of a new denim style.

3. Chuck Norris Action Jeans

Those are Chuck Norris Action Jeans, and just in case your mind can't process it because you are too busy freaking out, they are pants specifically designed to be worn while you are kicking people in the face. And they retail for less than twenty dollars. And that is just one of many, many mind-shattering images that lie within the pages of the September, 1988 issue of Inside Karatemagazine. It's 76 pages long, roughly two-thirds of which feature Chuck Norris, and the pages that don't are pretty much all forms for mail-ordering nunchucks.

4. Peripheral Jeans

Wearable geeky gadgets have been taken to new levels with the appearance of the Peripheral Jean Pants, a wacky wearable keyboard fashion that is certainly scandalous in its design. The weird and wacky wearable gadget is built into a pair of fashionable designer jeans; it boasts a built-in keyboard, mouse, and computer speakers that play audio at knee height. The keyboard is wireless, and while it may just look like a graphic design on the pants, will work with any laptop or desktop computer. Take a look at the picture, and you will have no doubts about why this is the most scandalous geeky gadget designed to date.
If you're impressed by this strange fashion item, unfortunately, you won't be able to get your hands on your own keyboard pants just yet. The fashionable gadget, named The Beauty and the Geek jeans, were created by product design student Erik De Nijs from Holland for a school project which required him to combine two brand items to create a new product. In part, he designed the Peripheral Pants to allow computer users more freedom of movement, but the main objective was to create a functional fashion meets technology item that would be seen as weird and wacky, and not necessarily a practical design.

5. World's Oldest Levi's Jeans

Lynn Downey works as a historian for Levi Strauss & Co. in San Francisco and is responsible for Levi's extensive archives of clothing, photographs, posters and artifacts. The jewel in this amazing archive is the world's oldest pair of Levi's- a pair "XX," one-pocket jeans, which date back to 1879 and are valued at $125,000. Unfortunately the archive is not open to members of the public, however there is a permanent display of choice pieces from the collection in the lobby of the Levi's Heaquarters in San Francisco.

6. Chain Jeans

Hand-made by Swarovskijeans, the designer claims these jeans are spectacular. She removed the original color from the denim with a color remover for starters. They have been dyed 2 times, once with Indigo and then again with Navy dye. She then separated the jeans and hung hardware chain from metal hangers. Each hanger is screwed into the denim and secured 28 hangers to each leg. Total of 56 hangers on jeans. The chain is hardware metal and is a little heavy, but the jeans are still very wearable.

7. Chandelier Jeans

These jeans were new before they were ‘embellished'. Each leg has 408 glass chandelier prisms, total of 816. Each prism has a 10mm split ring attaching to one another. All put on one by one. Underneath the feathers are 24 metal triangle hangers screwed on to denim, this is how the chandelier chain is attached to the jeans.

8. Spray-On Jeans

These jeans by Krylon simply invite the question, “Did you spray those jeans on?”
Well, actually the colors were inspired by the paint preferred by graffiti artists everywhere, named Krylon. Genetic Denim has launched the Graffiti Collection, for which I would pay good money to see someone buy and try to put on or take these off! While Krylon is the cheap version of spray paint, these jeans will set you back $185 to $220 at Barney's.

9. Corset Jeans

These jeans have been stripped and then given new life… This pair is cinched at the small of the back for a more feminine curve hugging fit!

10. Paint-Splattered Jeans

For those who wanted to get that rugged house painter kind of look but don't want to be bothered with actually painting anything, here are the perfect jeans for you. Behold the Painted Selvedge Jean by J.Crew! The jeans cost $285. That's right. Take one $60-$80 pair of jeans, add $1 worth of white paint, and charge $285 for it.

11. The Pajama Jeans

Hate having to change out of your SpongeBob pajamas when all you want to do is eat at the hotel's breakfast buffet before heading back to your bunk? Consider the problem solved with the Pajama Jeans, a versatile pair of pants that can double as your bedroom wear. It looks like denim and feels like pajamas - how much more perfect can clothing get? The current designs are strictly for women, though, which won't make it nearly as useful if they made it for guys. Imagine: men wearing the exact same thing straight out of bed on their way to the construction site, saving plenty of time on otherwise mundane tasks like taking a bath and getting a fresh batch of underwear. PajamaGram Company is selling the Pajama Jeans for $40 a pop, which sounds like a good deal, considering you can wear them for days on end without needing to change. Not that we're encouraging you not to wash your clothes or anything - but, hey, water is a precious natural resource...mmmkay?

12. Boot Sock Jeans

These look kinda funny when there are no body parts in them, but they don't look all that bad when modeled on a young "girl who tucks". Boot Sock Jeans are jeans with socks sewn on the ends. The idea came to Cindy Slater, a veteran in the fashion industry. Cindy is one of those girls who tuck their jeans into their boots. She didn't like the look of her pant legs having to fold up into her boots, not to forget the folds taking up so much room in her boots that she couldn't zip'em up. So finally the idea hit her to just cut off the jeans at the right length, and sew socks to the ends.

Think YOU are being overstretched in the office?

2014-01-01T02:33:00.001-08:00

Think YOU are being overstretched in the office? Female contortionist brings new meaning to the term flexible working in incredible calendar shoot

Blonde contortionist Julia Gunthel really means business.

The bendy bombshell has released a calendar for 2013 featuring herself in a variety of incredible positions around an office set.

Rubbery Russian Gunthel, who now lives in Germany and goes by the name of Zlata when performing, is pictured typing, answering the phone and making coffee all while bending her body in to unbelievable shapes.

Scroll down for video

JANUARY: Contortionist Julia Gunthel - also known as Zlata - has released a calendar showing off her flexibility around the office

She is snapped operating a computer while performing a hand-stand, delivering a presentation with her head tucked between her thighs and even becoming a living table by bending over backwards for her boss.

Zlata, the self-titled 'Goddess of Flexibility' produces her head-turning calendars by contorting her body with a different theme each year (this year was obviously eighties working girl) and previous themes have included Marie Antoinette and domestic goddess.

She has a rare condition which makes all her tendons extremely pliable, and discovered her talent for contortion at the age of four.

FEBRUARY AND MARCH: Rubbery Russian Gunthel goes by the name of Zlata when performing

APRIL AND MAY: The self-titled 'Goddess of Flexibility' produces her head-turning calendars by contorting her body with a different theme each year

JUNE: The blonde has a rare condition which makes all her tendons extremely pliable

The 5ft 9ins blonde weighs eight-and-a-half stone and spends most of her day working out and training for shows around the world.
One of her favourite acts is bending herself backwards at a perfect 90 degree angle, virtually cutting herself in half so the back half of her hands touch her feet.
Her talents also include squeezing herself into boxes just 50cm squared.
Zlata, who has ambitions to head to Hollywood to turn her hand/head/legs to acting, has previously said: â€˜Doing these poses just feels natural to me. Sometimes it can get a bit uncomfortable if I have to hold a pose for a long time in photoshoots.
'But I think thatâ€™s like anyone who sits down for a long time â€“ their muscles get stiff.
'I donâ€™t really diet but I have to train very hard to keep my muscles in shape and to be as flexible as possible.â€™

JULY AND AUGUST: The 27-year-old discovered her talent for contortion at the age of four.

SEPTEMBER: She spends most of her day working out and training for shows around the world

OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER: Her talents include squeezing herself into boxes just 50cm squared

DECEMBER: 'I don't really diet but I have to train very hard to keep my muscles in shape and to be as flexible as possible,' she says

The Elephant Rock In China

2014-01-01T02:15:00.001-08:00

Magical British Landscapes

2014-01-01T02:12:00.001-08:00

The colourful kingdom: Marvel at the splendid hues of our green (and pink, purple and golden) pleasant land
Britain has been called the magical land and these pictures are a true testimony to that.
Its' spellbinding beauty has inspired writers, poets and many others who have graced this colourful land.
William Shakespeare even famously described Britain as ‘this sceptred isle’, a ‘precious stone set in the silver sea’.
But no words can possibly describe the awe inspiring beauty of this enchanted countryside.
From the soft rolling hills of the South Downs to the forbidding mountains of the Scottish highlands, Britain is blessed with some of the most varied and magical landscapes in the world.
And its utterly amazing beauty could hardly be better revealed than in the stunning snaps shown below.
Taken as part of the 2020 Vision project, these landscapes reveal Britain's breathtaking scenery in all its impressive splendour.
Each of the powerful images was taken as part of an initiative that saw 20 photographers spend 20 months in the field documenting 20 key habitats in Britain.
So scroll down through the pictures and be prepared to have your breath taken away.

Dawn Break: Sunrise over chalk downland viewed from Wilmington Hill, South Downs National Park, East Sussex

Misty scenes: View over New Forest heathland Ling and Bell Heather with bracken at Fritham Cross, New Forest National Park, Hampshire

A new dawn: View over New Forest lowland in mist at dawn. Vereley Hill, Burley, New Forest National Park, Hampshire

Stunning vista: The sun sets on Forsinard Flows RSPB reserve in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands

Mists and mellow fruitfulness: The hazy hills around Glastonbury Tor in Somerset

The Assynt mountains from the summit of Cul mor in the Scottish Highlands

Crowning sunlight: The clouds open at Ballynahone bog in County Derry, Northern Ireland

Gentle countryside: Halnaker Windmill amid a wheat field on the South Downs National Park near Chichester, West Sussex

Waves crashing over rocks at the coast the Point of Stoer in the Assynt Mountains

A moorland pool in the Assynt Mountains and the Scottish Highlands

Mystical: The view over Butermere in the Lake District at dusk

Eye-catching: A flower-filled meadow and pool near Stac Colgach in Sutherland

Dawn awakening: The start of the day at Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth

Rugged beauty: The Old Man of Storr at dawn on the Isle of Skye

Top of the world: The impressive view from the summit of Sgorr Tuath in the Assynt mountains

Wild and wonderful: The view from Blackbeck Tarn towards Buttermere in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria

Stark: The Suilven mountain viewed from near Lochinver in Sutherland

A Scots pine tree stands proudly by Loch Maree in the northwest of Scotland

Colourful: A rainbow lights up the sky surrounding Glen Affric in the Scottish Highlands

Foreboding: Dark clouds surround the hills of the Lake District

And Then It Is Winter

2013-12-31T07:12:00.001-08:00

This is one of the nicest e-mails I've seen in a very long time. Its very inspiring. Save it and read from time to time. I wonder who composed this. So philosophical.

And then it is Winter.

You know.. . . time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.

It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went.
I know that I lived them all...

And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams... But, here it is... the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise... How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?
I remember well... seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like...

But, here it is... my friends are retired and getting grey... they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me... but, I see the great change...Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant... but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore.... it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will... I just fall asleep where I sit!
And so...now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!!
But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last... this I know, that when it's over.... its over... Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done... things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime...
So, if you're not in your winter yet... let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!!
Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not!

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life... so, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember.... and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!
"Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one."

LIVE IT WELL!
ENJOY TODAY!
DO SOMETHING FUN!
BE HAPPY! BE THANKFUL!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Remember "It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold or silver."

The Crescent Lake In Dunhuang, China

2013-12-31T07:09:00.001-08:00

Crescent lake also called Yueyaquan in Chinese is a beautiful crescent-shaped lake located 6 km south of the Dunhuang city in the arms of the Echoing-Sand Dune. The Crescent Lake's water is so pure and clear that it looks like an emerald jewel in the sand. Along the side of the Crescent Lake is a pagoda in traditional Han Chinese architecture. A street lined with souvenir stalls leads up from the entrance to the complex. Many tourists ride camels here, organized by the complex operators, to get to the summit of the sand dunes.
The lake has been in existence for at least two thousands, but for the last few decades it has been gradually disappearing. According to measurement made in 1960, the average depth of the lake was 4 to 5 meters, with maximum depth 7.5 meters. In the early 1990s, the area of the lake had shrunken to only 1.37-acre (5,500 m2) with average depth of 0.9 meter (maximum 1.3 meter). Crescent Lake has dropped more than 25 feet in the last three decades while the underground water table elsewhere in the area has fallen by as much as 35 feet.
In 2006, the local government with help of the central government started to fill the lake and restore its depth; its depth and size have been growing yearly since then.

The Stone On The Road

2013-12-31T07:07:00.001-08:00

One day a farmer, walking down the street in a small town came across a large stone in the middle of his path.

The farmer complained: "Who could be so careless as to leave such a big stone on the road?

Why does someone not remove it?" He went away complaining.

The next day, the same thing happened with a milkman. He too went away grumbling but left the stone as it was.

Then one day, a student came across the stone. Worried that some¬one may fall over it and hurt himself, he decided to push it aside.

He pushed long and hard all by himself and eventually managed to remove the stone from the path.

He came back and noticed a piece of paper where the stone was kept.

He picked the paper and opened it. Inside was written, "You are the true wealth of this nation.

The Power Of Saying No

2013-12-31T07:04:00.001-08:00

We've all had times when we say yes to someone but really want to say no.

It's often difficult to say no because of the desire to be loved: we want to be helpful, we want to show we care, but we may have little to give, are tired, overworked, or need alone time. Do you feel that if you aren't there for someone, they may reject you? Or that you're somehow obliged to help as it makes you a ˜good person, parent or friend? Do you ever feel validated by being needed ? It's easy to believe that any time you take to relax or meditate is time that could be used elsewhere. But taking time out doesn't mean it is selfish or even wasted time. Think about what happens when your day is spent constantly caring for others. Do you get resentful, irritated, or even angry? Do you find stress building up? Does the quality of care that you offer become affected by that inner tension? Or are you so used to being this way that it seems impossible to imagine being any other way? You may even think you're not the relaxing type, or that if you do relax you won't be able to cope with all the things you have to do.

However, by taking time for yourself, by lowering your blood pressure and releasing stress, you are immediately creating a more harmonious environment that can only benefit all those around you. When you take time out to be quiet it means you don't get so angry, resentful, or frustrated; instead, you connect with who you really are. Then what you share with others is coming from that peaceful space. When you are energized and feeling good you will be able to do far more than if you are dragging yourself through your day with little energy or in a bad mood.

So, rather than being selfish, such activity is actually the least selfish thing you could do! This is when saying no to others means you are affirming yourself. The power of saying no is that you are empowered!

The Hong Kong Flower Show

2013-12-31T06:57:00.001-08:00

Hong Kong Flower Show is an annual exhibition presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) of Hong Kong. It is held every March in Hong Kong.Before 2000, it was jointly organised by the Urban Council and the Regional Council, with the location alternating between Sha Tin Central Park and the Victoria Park. The new LCSD took over in 2000 and the location was fixed to be Victoria Park.

When Awesome Body Painting Meets Contortion

2013-12-31T06:52:00.001-08:00

Using masterful painting techniques in coordination with photography and lighting, body paint artist Gesine Marwedel transforms this beautiful woman into a pink flamingo.

Body-painting artist Emma Hack etched colors and markings on her models and arranged their arms, legs and heads into the shape of a small hatchback. She designed the car down to the smallest detail including alloy wheels and a number plate by covering each model in shades of blue, white, black and silver paint. Emma Hack even made it look like the car had been pranged in a small accident by exposing the “engine” and leaving the front “bumper” hanging off.

Using just body paint, ad agency i.d.e.a has transformed human beings into amazing motorcycles. As part of a campaign for the Progressive International Motorcycle Show, extremely flexible yoga gurus were arranged in such a way as to resemble a sport bike, a dirt bike and a cruiser.
Because of the level of detail and difficulty of model positioning, each shot took a day to complete.

Artists Chadwick and Spector focus on recreating lost, stolen, unknown, destroyed or otherwise unpopular paintings usually found in museum storage facilities on the human body. Each resurrected painting takes anywhere from eight to fifteen hours to create onto Chadwick's body, then it is documented with photography.

Bodypainting art by Andy Golub.

Another bike by ad agency i.d.e.a.

Another work by Andy Golub.

Guido Daniele was born in Soverato (CZ – Italy) and now lives and works in Milan. Using the body painting technique he creates and paints models' hands and bodies for different situations such as advertising pictures and commercials, fashion events and exhibitions.

New Orleans-based artist Craig Tracy is considered a trendsetter in the art of body painting. He spends hours painstakingly painting his subjects' bodies with water-based paint before taking photos of them in unique positions.

10 Principles for Peace of Mind

2013-12-22T19:31:00.001-08:00

10 Principles for Peace of Mind

Life is long and full of challenges. Most of those challenges are internal, and depends on how WE choose to accept and interpet them. Our lives can go on very different paths, depending on what we do and how we look at what happens to us along the way. Here are 10 points of advice that if followed, will guarantee a better life, one that brings with it true peace of mind.

1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked.

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others'affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. No two human beings can think or act inexactly the same way. Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.

2. Forgive And Forget.

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste on such trifles. Forgive, forget, and march on. Love flourishes with giving and forgiving.

3. Do Not Crave Recognition.

This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.

4. Do Not succumb to envy and jealousy.

We all have experienced how envy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you envy?

No. Remember everybody's life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has now become his/her reality. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere, it will only take away your peace of mind.

5. Change Yourself According To The Environment.

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem more congenial and harmonious with your goals.

6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured.

This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control. If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.

7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew.

This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. An uncluttered mind will produce greater feelings of peace.

8. Meditate Regularly.

Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty three and a half hours. Your mind will not be as easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.

9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant.

An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or charity work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement.

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret.

Do not waste time in protracted wondering Should I or shouldn't I? Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past.

12 Ways To Extend Laptop Battery Life !!

2012-10-12T11:15:00.001-07:00

We all know that, Our Laptops are invaluable for getting our many important work done but they are also only as good as their battery life.
Battery Life Cycle
The lifespan of a battery depends upon its life cycle,usually 350 - 500 times,the number of complete charges-discharge cycles,a battery can perform during its life span.So avoiding needless cycle of charging-discharging is the key method to expand battery life.
You can also extend life of your laptops battery with this steps......

1. One of the factors that affect life of battery is the fan.If there is dust on the fan,Laptops get heated and easily consuming more power.Based on experiences when the fan is cleaned,it start performing well and the speed too is boosted.

2. Avoid exposing your battery to heat.This includes your laptops on a pillow or blanket,which block air flow and make fan to work more.So use laptops at hard work stations.The less the cooling fan has to run,the less battery power is taken.

3. Do not obstruct ventilator of fan.

4. Set Your laptops to automatically hibernate mode after a few minutes of in-activity.

5. Avoid using screen saver it consumes more power.

6. Turn off auto save function like MS Word,Excel etc.because they keep saving at regular intervals,they work your hard drive harder than it may have to.

7. Close non-operative windows on laptops as they also consumes power.

8. Do not increase screen brightness.

9. If adapter is always available,it is recommended to take off battery with full power under this case,AC adapter is enough and the battery should be taken out and stored with 50% - 75% capacity and also fully discharging - charging every 3 months.Those who do not like to take out battery please keep AC plug in as much as possible.

10. If you are the user who have to frequently use the battery,it is strongly recommended to select power saving mode and keep AC adapter connected all the time.In this mode;the battery will be fully charged to 80% of its capacity,while before the AC adapter is unavailable;it is recommended to fully charge to 100%.In this mode battery run-time will last longer.

11. USB devices like mouse,data card,pendrive drain out power from battery,close or remove them when not in use.

12. Defrag frequently(in a week).The faster your hard drive - the lesser demand for power,you are going to put less load on hard drive.By regular defragmentaion of hard drives the efficiency of laptops is also increases .

What a Kiss means.. actually read the whole thing cause its nice!

2012-10-12T11:06:00.001-07:00

+ Kiss on the stomach = I'm ready
+ Kiss on the Forehead = I hope we're together forever
+ Kiss on the Ear = Your my everything
+ Kiss on the Cheek = We're friends
+ Kiss on the Hand = I adore you
+ Kiss on the Neck = We belong together
+ Kiss on the Shoulder = I want you
+ Kiss on the Lips = I love you

What the gesture means...

+ Holding Hands = We definitely love each other
+ Slap on the Butt = That's mine
+ Holding on tight = I don't want to let go
+ Looking into each other's Eyes = I just plain love you
+ Playing with Hair = Tell me you love me
+ Arms around the Waist = I love you too much to let go

+Laughing while Kissing = I am completely comfortable with you

--ADVICE!--
+ Dont ask for a kiss, take one.
+If you were thinking about someone while reading this,
you're definitely in Love

The Top 10 Productivity Tips

2012-09-20T05:25:00.001-07:00

Hard work is old school. Smart work is where most productive friends to see how they get it right. Make the shift from hard to smart with our top 10 productivity tips.
1. Stop multi-tasking
Maybe you havent read the news yet, so wel tell you “ multi-tasking is six feet under. Its been given the last rights, buried and mourned. The idea that you can focus on more than one thing at a time and be even remotely efficient has been exposed for the BS myth it is. If you want to be productive then the first thing you want to do is FOCUS “ on one thing at a time.
2. Make Lists
Keeping track of the things you want to accomplish is way less painful when you make lists for daily, weekly and monthly tasks. Plus its so satisfying when you cross things off!
3. Get out of your InBox
How many hours do you waste every week with those ˜quick email checks that end up as hour-long black holes of ˜correspondence? Set specific times each day for checking emails, and give yourself a limit to how long youl spend each time. Every email should fall into one of three categories:
a. delete immediately
b. quick response (under 5 minutes)
c. deal with later.
*Category C should make up a tiny fraction of your emails. Deal with them at the end of your work day and get them out of your InBox before the days end.
4. Take breaks
Schedule specific breaks for yourself and stick to them. Giving yourself 10 minutes every 1.5 hours to stretch, go outside or do anything that is NOT work will give you a little brain-n-body boost.
5. Quit the chit-chat
Social hour is social hour, whether its virtual or at the local bar. Skype, Messenger, Twitter, Facebook or anything that rings, bleeps, pops, buzzes or tweets should be turned off if you want even a modicum of productive time.
6. Prioritize
What are the most important things you need to get done today, this week, this month? Do them first, when your energy is fresh. Fussing with details that dont take much brain power wastes time when youre feeling chipper. Leave those little things for times when you only have little bits of energy or focus.
7. Rise-n-Shine (early!)
When you start your day early you give yourself more time to get things done. But theres more! Once you get going (as in: out of bed), you tend to have more energy than if you slept in. (But hey, if youre aiming for ˜groggy and unmotivated then by all means, stay in bed til noon!)
8. Clear the Slate (or desk)
Make sure your work space is clear of unnecessary clutter “ and this includes your computer desk top. A cluttered space is no friend to an organized and focused mind.
9. Schedule it
Appointments, work time, fun time. Not that we want you to marry your day planner or anything, but making a basic daily, weekly and monthly schedule that balances work and play helps keep your whole life in balance.
10. File it away
When a task or project is complete, put it where it belongs. Get it out of sight and out of mind so you can focus on the next task at hand (see #8 if you dont believe us).
So there you have it “ Top 10 Productivity Tips. We know theres plenty more so now its your turn.

Health Benefits Of Spinach

2012-09-20T05:08:00.001-07:00

1. PROTECTS AGAINST CANCER

Spinach contains a strong antioxidant called kaempferol, which helps prevent the formation of cancerous cells in the body.

2. BRAIN FOOD

These leafy greens will help slow the effects of ageing on the brain due to its folic acid conten, a B vitamin which also assists the body in maintaining a healthy heart.

3. NUTRIENT-DENSE

Low in calories and high in vitamins, just one cup of spinach contains more vitamin K and vitamin A than your daily requirement and nearly 40% of your magnesium requirement.

4. LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE

Just a single portion of spinach will help lower high blood pressure within hours due to the mineral magnesium, which helps prevent cardiovascular disease.

5. ALLEVIATES FATIGUE

Spinach holds high levels of iron, which carries blood and oxygen throughout the body and is responsible for lessening fatigue and giving you that added energy boost.

10 Most Useful Things To Include In Your Diet

2012-02-14T09:55:00.001-08:00

10 of the most useful products that are worth incorporating into the diet as often as possible — Created by the very
nature of a miracle foods contain whole biologically active complexes of nutrients needed to maintain and restore
our health. Of course, the list of such products can be extended to include many kinds of grains, vegetables, fruits
and berries. After the break...
1. Fish
If the time - at least three times a week - on the menu include fish instead of meat, you can greatly reduce your risk
of heart disease and acute (atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and others), as well as blood cholesterol levels.
At the same time in their food and culinary qualities of the fish is not inferior to the meat (it contains many
beneficial substances for the human body - from 13 to 23% protein, and fats, extractives and mineral matter), but
for ease of digestion of proteins even surpasses it.
2. Bread made from rye flour, wheat flour, corn
This is the bread was staple of our ancestors. Bread made from rye flour, wheat flour, whole grain contains not only
vitamins and minerals, but also high in fiber. On its wonderful properties known to many things: fiber lowers blood
cholesterol and blood pressure, stimulates digestion and accelerates metabolism, displays the body of toxins,
promotes cell renewal and even helps preserve youth. But do not forget that all is good in moderation: too much
fiber can cause bloating and other unpleasant consequences.
3. Apples
Of the 15 vitamins necessary to man, the apples have been found 12 - a vitamin B complex, C, E, P, carotene, folic
acid and others. Many of them, and minerals (potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, iodine, iron) and
sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose) as well as pectin and fiber. If every day eat apples, you can significantly reduce
the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Because these fruits cleanse the body of toxins and reduce
cholesterol. And besides, they are rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from aging.
4. Carrots
In carrots rich in vitamins A (carotene), also called vitamin beauty, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E, K, P, PP, minerals
(potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, copper, iodine, , phosphorus, cobalt, etc.), it also contains
enzymes, fructose, glucose, lecithin, amino acids, proteins and starch. It is recommended for diseases of the
heart, liver, gallbladder, kidney, high stomach acidity, salt metabolism disorders, and various inflammatory
processes. And carrot prevents the development of cancer, improves blood and is very useful for vision.
5. Pumpkin
Pumpkin without reservation is an ideal vegetable for diet food. No wonder it is recommended to include in the diet
for many diseases: heart, blood vessels, stomach, intestine, liver, kidney, and colds. Pumpkin has no equal among
the vegetables on the content of iron, so it is indicated for the treatment of anemia. Due to the large quantity of
vitamins - C, group B, carotene, E, PP, K, T - it strengthens hair, nails, protects the skin from aging and prevents
the appearance of extra pounds. And in a lot of pumpkin pectin and natural antioxidants that remove toxins from the
body, lower cholesterol and strengthen the immune system.

6. Blackberry
This miracle berry has surpassed all others in the content of useful substances. It is full of vitamin C (to get his
daily dose for an adult should only 30-60 g of berries) and vitamin P (100 g of berries - from 5 to 10 of his daily
doses), minerals (iron, magnesium, manganese, and etc.), contains tannin, pectin and organic acids. Black currant
strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves the process of blood, lowers blood pressure and is an excellent
tool for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. And it improves the metabolism, prevents the
appearance of extra weight and is recommended for the treatment of obesity.
7. Briar
Rosehip knowingly consider means of forty diseases. He ranks first among the fruit and berry plants for the conten
t of vitamin C. A lot of it and other B vitamins (P, K, B group, carotenoids) and minerals (phosphorus, potassium
calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, cobalt, chromium), contains sugar, malic and citric
acid, tannin and pectin. Infusions, decoctions, teas rosehip prevent the development of cardiovascular disease,
increase body resistance to infections and have a restorative and tonic effect.
8. Dried fruits
Dried apricots, dried apricots, dried apricots, prunes, raisins, figs, dates, dried apples and pears can serve as the
perfect replacement of sugar and sweets with all sorts of artificial additives. Dried fruits that contain vitamins,
minerals (high in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron) and organic acids include suggestions on the menu at the
diseases of the cardiovascular system, lungs, bronchial asthma, anemia, colds. In addition, fruits are an excellent
means to strengthen the nervous system, stimulates the blood and cleanse the intestines well.
9. Green tea
Green tea, which contains many vitamins (A, K, PP, C, group B) and minerals (potassium, zinc, fluorine, iodine,
etc.), much more useful than black. This drink improves heart, kidney, liver, pancreas and enhances immunity. And
green tea normalizes blood pressure, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves digestion, neutralizes free
radicals, cleanses the body of toxins, reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer and slows the aging process.
Another property of this drink - antimicrobial effect, which increases after insisting it within 2-3 days.
10. Honey
Honey is extremely useful: it increases the body's resistance to many infections and has antibacterial properties. It
is recommended to accept the treatment of diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory, etc. This
wonderful natural product contains many vitamins (C, K, E, F, group B), enzymes, organic acids and proteins, and
in the number of trace elements - whole periodic table: potassium, calcium, manganese, chromium, sodium, nickel,
silicon, magnesium, iron, copper, silver and others.

How To Overcome Exam Stress

2012-02-14T09:47:00.001-08:00

Exam time can be a really stressful time of year. But there are a few things you can do, even at this late stage that will help you manage your stress and do your best in the exams.
Before the exam
Make a plan. "It's important to get yourself organised," says Ben Wilkes of the University's Counselling Service. "Sit down and make a list of the things you have to do to get ready for your exams." Once you have your list, decide what needs to be done first. Prioritising your work makes it much easier to manage, but be realistic. "Don't overload yourself from day one, or you'll always be fighting to catch up. Make a plan you know you can achieve. You'll feel great when you meet your own goals."
Study when you perform best. "Some people perform best in the morning and others are more effective at night. Think about when you get the most out of your studies and plan your time around it" says Ben. "And try to avoid too many distractions. Turn your phone off, log out of Facebook and concentrate on revising. It will pay off in the long run."
Set yourself goals and rewards. You are working hard: you deserve a treat! Work on one thing at a time and finish it before you move on to the next task. "Before you start anything, decide on a reward for completing it. Maybe it's a snack, or a DVD, or twenty minutes on Facebook. When you finish, enjoy your reward, decide what you will do for your next treat and then get back to your studies."
Look after yourself. Eat regularly and try to have a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Avoid burning out by taking regular breaks every couple of hours or so and doing something different. Catch up with friends and family, walk the dog, or just relax for half an hour, but try to keep yourself active by scheduling in some exercise every day. A walk around the block does wonders for your concentration.
Rest is just as important as revision so make sure you get plenty of sleep. "Try to go to bed at the same time every night and get into a routine," says Ben. "You could also cut down on caffeine, alcohol and other drugs to help you get a proper night's sleep."
Be prepared. If you aren't sure about something, ask someone. Talk to your friends, lecturers and tutors. Make sure you know what you should be revising and what to expect when you go into the exam. The night before, pack up everything you need for the following day, and double-check the start time, date and venue. Once you are ready, get a good night's rest.
On the day
Arrive early, but not too early. Hanging around before an exam will only build the pressure. Stay calm and focused, and keep your distance from others who are stressing out. And don't forget to bring some water with you to take into the exam with you.
Stress is normal. "You are bound to feel a little overwhelmed during an exam - it is usually an indicator of your motivation to do well!" says Ben. "Acknowledge that it's part of the process and you will be fine." Take a couple of long deep breaths at the start of the exam and read the paper thoroughly before you start your answers. Make sure you understand what you have to do before you begin.
Remember you have plenty of time. If you can't concentrate or you find your mind wandering, take a couple of minutes to compose yourself. Take a couple of deep breaths, have a drink of water and find your focus again before carrying on. "A good way of regaining composure is to spend some time controlling your muscles. Clench your fist and then concentrate on releasing your tension through your hand. Remind yourself how you can control small things and the rest will come naturally."
Take a break. If you really find yourself struggling in an exam, raise your hand and take a toilet break. Splash your face with cold water, and sit back down calmly. Slowly read the next question and carry on with the rest of the exam.
Stay positive.
The hardest things to overcome are our own negative thoughts, especially around exam time. It's easy for them to creep into our heads, especially when we are under pressure. Before you know it they're the only voices we can hear in our heads. We often exaggerate the bad things, and these can quickly turn into irrational fears: "It's too hard", "I'm going to mess it up", "I'm a failure" and "I'll get kicked out of uni". Sound familiar?
Remember you got where you are because you worked hard and learned well. Exams are just a chance to show how good you are. If you find your inner gremlin whispering doubts in your ear, give yourself calm, rational reassurances: "I've done plenty of tests before", "I'll do my best", "I'm just anxious: it will pass". Anticipation is usually worse than the event. You'll be fine - just keep calm and do your best.

Amazing Mosque of Djenne

2012-02-14T09:43:00.001-08:00

It seems that time has stopped here. These were the homes in Djenne, probably, five centuries ago. So they stayed and now - entirely built of clay, in full accordance with the local traditional style. The most famous building in clay, carefully preserved here more than a century - Mosque, the largest such mosque in the Islamic world. 08 more images after the break...

Islam - the main religion of Mali, ninety percent of which are devout Muslims. In this case, not everywhere Islam is life itself, forming its foundation. Jenna - one of those places where a mosque - not just a house of prayer, and spiritual center of the city. And here is the greatest achievement of the Sudano-Sahelian style in architecture - clay mosque, the largest mosque in such a world.

The mosque is built entirely out of the bank - a mixture of clay, straw and manure. From the bank then build everything - there's even a special committee, diligence and for ensuring that all new buildings were erected in Djenne exclusively from the bank. Congregational mosque was built in the period between 1906 and 1909 years, and has since been repaired almost every year - the clay - a material is shaky, and if you do not upgrade every year, the walls and roof, the building just "melt" in the rainy season.

Russian Stadiums For The World Cup 2018

2012-02-14T09:39:00.001-08:00

1. Dynamo Moscow

2. Spartak Moscow

3. Luzhniki, Moscow

4. Moscow region

5. St. Petersburg

6. Kaliningrad

7. Yaroslavl

8. Nizhny Novgorod

9. Kazan

10. Samara

11. Rostov-na-Donu

12. Volgograd

13. Saransk

14. Krasnodar

15. Sochi