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Amazing Sand Sculpture

2010-03-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

Amazing Sand Sculpture

Unamazing photo of amazing road

2010-03-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

by Brian Micklethwait

Lynn Sislo regularly links to bon mots here, and the latest link from her to here is to those crisps. In the same posting, she links to these amazing roads photos. Actually, I don’t like most of these snaps nearly as much as Lynn seems to. I don’t care for that garishly-Photoshop-enhanced look that many of them are presented in. I mean, you can make anything look garishly colourful these days, if Photoshopping is allowed. Which means that if nature itself is being garishly colourful, you start suspecting that it wasn’t being so colourful really, and it was done with Photoshop even when it wasn’t, which is not good at all.

For me, the rule with Photoshopping to make a nice looking photo (it’s different if you are trying to explain something or read some blurry-to-begin-with lettering or something) is that the result should look like it could easily have been a real, straight-from-the-camera, regular photo.

But, because it is not garishly-Photoshop-enhanced, and because unlike with many of the others, the photo is only average but the road itself is truly amazing, I do very much like this photo:

But, where on earth is this amazing road? I’m guessing it is very well know, to those to whom it is well known. But I can find no clues in the amazing roads photos posting itself.

Amazing Moments

2010-03-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

Amazing Moment 2

Amazing Moment 3

Soccer Cat Kick

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70 Amazing Houses from Around the World

2010-03-26T06:26:00.001-07:00

Do you prefer the quiet calm of a house on the water or the daring adventure of a house hanging off of a cliff, a great greenhouse design or a uncanny underground home design? A giant space in which to sprawl or a tiny nook in which to seek solitude? Whether you aspire to something exotic and unique or comfortable and cozy there is sure to be a contemporary, ultramodern, portable or prefab house here for you. Sorted into eight types, here are seventy of the most amazing, unusual, offbeat and unique houses in the world.

Amazing Bridges from Around the World

2010-03-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

Amazing

2010-03-26T06:19:00.000-07:00

Amazing Trees - unusual trees from around the world

2010-03-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

It was Buddha who said: "A tree is a wonderful living organism which gives shelter, food, warmth and protection to all living things. It even gives shade to those who wield an axe to cut it down."

Here we present some of the most amazing and unusual trees from around the world. They include the Basket Tree, Giant Sequoias of California, Circus Tree, Chapel-Oak. Tule Tree. Banyan Tree, and Baobab Trees - including one with a toilet built inside it.

8) Sundial Bridge in Redding, California is a pedestrian bridge, 213 m long and 7 m wide; it is stretched precisely from south to north, making the br

2010-03-26T06:15:00.004-07:00

8) Sundial Bridge in Redding, California is a pedestrian bridge, 213 m long and 7 m wide; it is stretched precisely from south to north, making the bridge a functioning sundial

Image: Lyn and Jesse

Last but not least, moving yet further east around the globe, we reach a humble walking bridge in Redding, California. The stylish Sundial Bridge across the Sacramento River is a glass-bottom bridge that connects a network of walking and biking trails. The requirement before planning the bridge was that it could not cast too much shadow over the river as Turtle Bay happens to be one of the best salmon spawning places in California. Therefore, the design is light and airy. Opened in July 2004, the bridge’s construction cost €17.4 million.

For all those inspired by these beautiful bridges around the world, there is good news: most of the bridges portrayed have their own web sites (brochures are so 20th century) with lots more information and virtual tours.

7) The Akashi Bridge in Japan is the world’s longest suspension bridge with a total length of 3,911 m and contains a 6-lane highway

2010-03-26T06:15:00.003-07:00

7) The Akashi Bridge in Japan is the world’s longest suspension bridge with a total length of 3,911 m and contains a 6-lane highway

Image: Kim Rötzel

Moving yet further east, we reach the Akashi Bridge (also Akashi-Kaikyo or Pearl Bridge) in Kobe, Japan. With a centre span of 1,991 m, it is the world’s longest suspension bridge and links Kobe with the mainland of Honshu. Since the bridge’s opening in 1998, crossing the Akashi Strait has become much safer as the bridge has been built to withstand strong winds, sea currents and earthquakes. Before then, passengers used to rely on ferries that were prone to accidents due to severe storms in the region.

6) The Sutong Bridge in China is a cable-stayed bridge with the world’s longest main span (1,088 m); its overall length is 8,206 m and the two bridge

2010-03-26T06:15:00.001-07:00

6) The Sutong Bridge in China is a cable-stayed bridge with the world’s longest main span (1,088 m); its overall length is 8,206 m and the two bridge towers are the world’s second tallest at 306 m

Image: Unknown photographer

Moving further east, here’s the Sutong Bridge that spans the Yangtze River and connects Sutong (Suzhou) and Nantong in China. It shortens the commute from Shanghai to Nantong, making ferry service superfluous and heightening Nantong’s importance as part of the Yangtze River Delta economic zone. The opening of the bridge in May 2008 has brought foreign investments to the city and spurned the development of poorer northern Jiangsu regions. No wonder, with a status project that cost €1.3 billion.

5) The Jadukata Bridge, the longest span cantilever bridge in India with a central span of 140 m, stretches so naturally from one shore to the other t

2010-03-26T06:14:00.002-07:00

5) The Jadukata Bridge, the longest span cantilever bridge in India with a central span of 140 m, stretches so naturally from one shore to the other that it seems to grow out of the rich vegetation itself

Image: Gammon India

Leaving Europe to move further east, we come to the Indian Jadukata Bridge in Ranikor in the West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, 130 km from its capital, Shillong. This bridge over the Jadukata river is close to the Indo-Bangladesh border and therefore a vital link on an important road in this border state. Even cost wise, compared to the other bridges featured here, it is a lightweight at €1.5 million.

4) The Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam is 808 m long, cost €75 million to construct and was opened in September 1996

2010-03-26T06:14:00.001-07:00

4) The Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam is 808 m long, cost €75 million to construct and was opened in September 1996

Image: Unstudio

The Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam does not need to hide behind the Oresundbridge as it can boast a record of its own: its southern part is the largest and heaviest bascule bridge in Western Europe and has the largest panel of its type in the world, allowing tall ships to pass. The bridge is nicknamed “The Swan” because of its 139 m high asymmetrical pylon that overlooks the city like the graceful neck of a swan.

3) The Oresundbridge from Denmark to Sweden, with the Danish islands Saltholm on the left and Peberholm on the right; on the horizon is Malmö

2010-03-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

3) The Oresundbridge from Denmark to Sweden, with the Danish islands Saltholm on the left and Peberholm on the right; on the horizon is Malmö

Image: Dpol

The Oresundbridge (official name: Øresundsförbindelsen) connecting Copenhagen in Denmark and Malmö in Sweden leaves one puzzled, as suddenly a 4-line highway and a 2-track railway seem to disappear into the sea. Is it a bridge? Is it a tunnel? It’s both, making it, what, maybe a brunnel or a tridge? In any case, it’s definitely the longest combined road-and-rail bridge in Europe. Plans for a bridge at this location had been in the works for the last hundred years but it was finally opened in July 2000, bringing Swedes and Danes closer together and increasing tourism. The bridge is 8 km long, plus there’s 4 km of tunnel and another 4 km of the man-made island Peberholm; altogether a stunning, 16-km-drive.

Here’s another stunning view of the Oresundbridge that makes it look like a ski ramp:

2. The Millau Viaduct in France: 2,460 m long, 32 m wide and 343 m high at the highest point

2010-03-26T06:12:00.002-07:00

2. The Millau Viaduct in France: 2,460 m long, 32 m wide and 343 m high at the highest point

Image: Le Viaduc de Millau

The Millau Viaduct in France is the world’s tallest vehicular bridge. In 2004, after 17 years of planning and work, it was finally completed and formed the missing link in the A75, connecting Paris and Perpignan. Cost: Euro 400 million, but that should be recovered fast at a cost of €3.09 for bicycles, €5.50 for cars and €27.50 for trucks (off season). However, according to the web site, the route saves more than one hour when travelling from Paris and almost €50 in tolls. The state-of-the art construction required 85,000 m3 of concrete and used the latest techniques like laser, GPS, sliders, self-climbing formwork, specific surface coats and high performance concrete.

1. The Magdeburg Water Bridge: 918 m long, 34 m wide and 4.25 m deep

2010-03-26T06:12:00.001-07:00

1. The Magdeburg Water Bridge: 918 m long, 34 m wide and 4.25 m deep

Image: Unknown photographer

At first glance, the Water Bridge in Magdeburg, Germany, seems nothing special; just another canal bridge. But look again and it’s a water bridge across water, forming a water intersection that is the biggest water crossing in Europe! The world’s largest water bridge, with a span of 106 m between its pillars, opened in October 2003, on the back of five years of construction, 24,000 tons of steel, and 68,000 m³ of reinforced concrete. Regaining the construction cost of €500 million probably won’t take long as the bridge shortens travel times for ships considerably and eases traffic on other routes. Before the opening of the water bridge, ships moving between the Midland Canal and the Elbe-Havel Canal had to make a 12-km detour through the Rothensee lock, along the River Elbe and back up Niegripp lock. Now the bridge connects Hannover and Berlin directly and also Berlin’s inland harbour network with the ports along the Rhine. A double lock was constructed to descend to the Elbe-Havel Canal and a single Rothensee lock was constructed at the other end of the water bridge to descend to the Elbe and the Magdeburg harbour, making it independent of water levels and therefore navigable even for large ships.

amazing bridges

2010-03-26T06:10:00.001-07:00

Image of Akashi Bridge by Shenghung Lin

The following pictures of bridges around the world should be viewed with caution because they might cause serious travel fever. The bridges’ vital stats are not only amazing because they are the world’s tallest and longest; they also fulfill important environmental promises – cutting down traffic, shortening trade routes, connecting countries, or making car, train, bicycle or pedestrian travel not only faster but also so much more stylish!

2010-03-08T23:57:00.000-08:00

Hardcore New Impreza WRX STI Reveals All

Subaru has at last revealed details of its hardcore new Impreza WRX STI which is substantially different to the non-turbo five-door models now being delivered to first customers.

And with a heavily-revised new 296 bhp turbocharged 2.5 liter 'boxer' engine, totally new platform and suspension plus even more advanced symmetrical all-wheel drive system, the World Rally Championship look-alike is sure to satisfy Subaru traditionalists.

At the rear, four exhaust pipes twinned in pairs at either side of the body not only give a distinctive look but reduce exhaust air-flow resistance by 38 per cent, increasing power and reducing noise.

Comfort With Agility

The new Impreza WRX STI boasts a much plusher interior than before, offering leather/Alcantara-covered sports seats as standard with Recaro seats as an option. Curtain airbags are standard and the audio system has been upgraded.

The braking system has been developed in conjunction with Italian specialist, Brembo, and features four-pot calipers at the front and twin-pot at the rear - both ventilated discs.

A multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control System allows the driver to select the best setting for the prevalent road conditions. For example, it can be turned off altogether or set to 'Traction' which delays artificial interference.

More Power, More Driver Involvement

The award-winning 2.5 liter horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engine benefits from a thorough revision which includes a larger and more efficient intercooler which increases power.

The new STI also boasts stronger low to mid-speed torque thanks to variable-valve timing for the intake and exhaust system and a fast-warm catalytic converter for reduced emissions.

Power is now 296 bhp at 6,000 rpm with torque of 300 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm.

The much-praised six-speed manual transmission has been revised, with a shorter-throw gear-change and lighter movements, especially from neutral to 1st and 1st to 2nd gear thanks to a revised synchromesh.

A firm favorite with existing STI owners, the Driver's Control Centre Differential has been improved, giving even more choice of handling characteristics.

The DCCD is operated via a switch in the centre console, allowing the driver to manually select the torque distribution front to rear, reverting to automatic mode every time the ignition is switched off.

For example, he or she can choose between having a sharper cornering turn-in or more stable straight-line running.

In Manual Mode, the driver can adjust the front to rear torque distribution through varying degrees to suit different road conditions such as loose gravel or soft snow.

Now, for the new Impreza WRX STI, the DCCD switch also allows the selection of three different types of 'Auto' Mode.

1: Auto Mode is selected when the engine is started and covers most road conditions.
2: Auto+ Mode places the emphasis on traction for slippery roads, sharing out the torque more evenly between all four wheels and enhancing straight-line stability.
3: Auto- Mode increases agility by enhancing steering response through less torque-split interference.

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Aston Martin DBS

2010-03-08T23:37:00.000-08:00

2008 Aston Martin DBS Specifications

Chassis
Brakes F/R:	ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R:	245/35 R20 - 295/30 R20
Driveline:	Rear Wheel Drive
Engine
Type:	V12
Displacement cu in (cc):	362 (5935)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:	510(380) / 6500
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:	420(570) / 5750
Redline at RPM:	n.a.
Exterior
Length × Width × Height in:	185.9 × 81.1 × 50.4
Weight lb (kg):	3737 (1695)
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph s:	4.1
Top Speed mph (km/h):	191 (302)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km):	n.a.

Base Price: 2008 Aston Martin DBS - $265,000

2008 Aston Martin DBS Pictures

Aston Martin Introduces the Ultimate Luxury Sports Car – the DBS

Aston Martin will unveil one of the most eagerly anticipated cars of the year when the new DBS is revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 16th, where the company takes a starring role as the featured marque.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez, said: "The DBS is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin's engineering and technical ability. It offers pure performance without compromise.

"The DBS delivers the complete driving experience and bridges the gap between our road and track cars - the DB9 and DBR9."

Equally at home on a twisting mountain circuit as on the open road, the DBS is a true thoroughbred. The Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-liter V12 powered, race-bred, two-seater shaped by the aerodynamic demands of high performance, with an exquisite interior that marries beautifully hand-finished materials with the very latest in performance technology.

A combination of elegant design, innovative manufacturing processes, race-derived materials and components and Aston Martin's unrivalled hand-build expertise makes the DBS a luxury sports car without equal. Every line, crease and curve conveys the enormous potential of the DBS, a seductive blend of refinement and raw power, provided by the hand-built V12 producing 510 bhp, a top speed of 191 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds.

Performance

The need for high-performance stability, handling ability and low kerb weight defined the DBS's form and construction. Accordingly, the DBS becomes the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of ultra-light carbon-fiber body panels. High levels of performance and control are delivered by the combination of inherent light weight, near-perfect weight distribution, a supremely powerful and flexible V12 engine, and a performance-honed six-speed transmission, together with new carbon ceramic brakes and an adaptive damper controlled suspension system.

At the heart of the DBS is a 6.0-liter V12 engine. As with all current Aston Martins, it is hand-assembled at Aston Martin's dedicated engine facility in Cologne, Germany. The classic 6.0-liter V12 features a number of power-increasing enhancements. These include a 'by-pass' engine air intake port that opens above 5500 rpm to allow more air into the engine, and re-profiled air inlet ports that further improve airflow into the combustion chamber. Combined with a compression ratio of 10.9:1, the result of these enhancements is prodigious power and torque: the DBS delivers 510 bhp at 6500 rpm. The 3.71:1 final-drive ratio ensures that the additional power is usable, enhancing in-gear acceleration in particular.

Design

The DBS is manufactured using the finest materials, with a combination of hand-finishing and pioneering high-technology processes. From the exceptional quality of the design and finish to the advanced production techniques employed to save weight and create strength, the DBS is both a technological masterpiece and a powerful visual and tactile experience, inside and out.

The external detailing reflects the power and dynamic abilities of the DBS, with revised inlets and enlarged grilles that deliver more air into the engine and increase its cooling capacity. Subtle design details include a new five-bar design for the polished alloy main grille, as well as two additional vents in the enlarged power bulge on the carbon-fiber bonnet. These vents are entirely functional, improving engine performance and efficiency, yet also communicating the increased power output of the uprated V12 engine.

The DBS's aerodynamic enhancements are shaped by Aston Martin's racing experience. A carbon-fiber splitter and a new front bumper design help channel airflow around the car's wider bodywork. The aerodynamics team worked hand in hand with the modeling team to ensure that the forms and surfaces of DBS were sculpted for inherent stability at high speeds.

Interior

The interior of the DBS represents the epitome of Aston Martin's commitment to using materials honestly, without disguise or embellishment. Lightweight materials are used throughout to save weight; door pulls are made from carbon-fiber, for example, and the carpet has been woven with lighter fibers to save weight. Special semi-aniline leather is used throughout the cabin, saving weight as well as giving a soft feel and distinctive aroma.

As an option the DBS may be equipped with specially developed lightweight seats (outside North America). These feature a carbon-fiber and Kevlar composite structure and are manufactured by a supplier to the motorsport and aviation industries before being returned to Aston Martin's Gaydon factory for hand-trimming. The structure is created by sandwiching a layer of Kevlar between two layers of carbon-fiber with the outer finish left exposed on the seat backs, lacquered to create a durable and attractive finish.

The start sequence of the DBS is augmented by an all-new centre console design with a cast metal surround, crisp typography and new graphics. The new console has a traditional dial-face clock at the centre, flanked by two rotary controls for the heating and air-conditioning system, fashioned from solid, turned aluminum.

Deliveries of the DBS are expected to commence during quarter one 2008, with prices to be confirmed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.