The Amazing World

The world first ECG phone - that could possibly save your life

2011-03-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

There are all sorts of mobile phones out there, but the EPI Life is possibly the only handset that can save your life. Designed by Singapore company Ephone International, the EPI Life stands out with a built-in electrocardiogram measurement function linked to a 24-hour health concierge service. It takes 30 seconds to complete a reading, which can be sent back to the firm via GPRS anywhere in the world.

The collected data is analyzed for life-threatening conditions by a team of 10 cardiologists round the clock. Should they detect a hint of abnormality in the ECG, they will straight away send emergency services to wherever you are, or simply obtain priority admission for you into partner hospitals.

The phone is currently available in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong for $357, but requires an additional monthly subscription for the health concierge service. A basic $71 plan limits users to 10 ECGs per month compared with an unlimited upload version at $215 bundled with a free handset. A higher-end model will be available in the fourth quarter with more mainstream lifestyle and health-centric functions in the works.

The Amazing Lion Man - Kevin Richardson

2011-03-11T22:45:00.000-08:00

I find this man truly amazing and would like to share with you the story of Kevin Richardson.

Kevin has always shown an interest in all types of creatures large and small and from an early age at just 3, was breeding crickets under his bed and keeping a pet toad called “Paddajie”. He grew from a young boy who cared for so many animals that he was called “The Bird Man of Orange Grove” in his home town to an adolescent who ran wild and, finally, to a man who is able to cross the divide between humans and predators. As a self-taught animal behaviorist, Richardson has broken every safety rule known to humans when working with these wild animals. Flouting common misconceptions that breaking an animal’s spirit with sticks and chains is the best way to subdue them, he uses love, understanding and trust to develop personal bonds with them. His unique method of getting to know their individual personalities, what makes each of them angry, happy, upset, or irritated-just like a mother understands a child-has caused them to accept him like one of their own into their fold.

Kevin has used his unique relationship with these large predators to make documentaries and commercials while working at the Lion Park in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was there that award winning documentary maker Michael Rosenberg spotted Kevin’s unusual abilities and decided to capture these special relationships on film which kick started off Kevin’s documentary making career with Dangerous Companions, and other shows like Growing up hyena.

Amazing Hotel Pool

2011-03-04T07:01:00.000-08:00

Many hotels today spend thousands, if not millions, on their pools in hopes of attracting customers. In recent years the stakes have gone up dramatically, so now designers are getting even more creative than before to combine architectural elements that couldn’t have been dreamed of just a decade or two ago.

1. San Alfonso Del Mar, Chile

The pool at the San Alfonso del Mar is a mini ocean in and of its self. This pool is large enough to enjoy water sport activities like paddling and sailing. The pool measures two thirds of a mile in length—Guinness World Records calls it the largest in the world. For night time swimming, you could head to the temperature-controlled beach inside the pool's centrally located glass pyramid—the water and the sand are heated.

2. Golden Nugget, Las Vegas

You'll swim with five species of sharks (16 sharks in all) at the Nugget's $30 million pool complex. While the pool might not seem too cool at first glance, notice the salt-water aquarium complete with sharks that is flush with the pool. There is also a clear tube slide that goes through the aquarium and into the pool.

3. Crown Tower, Macau

This is a cool infinity pool that looks out over a breath taking skyline from several stories up. This is definitely a great place to enjoy the sunset in Taipa Island.

4. Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Oman

This small infinity pool might not look like much at first, but when you take into account that the pool comes with your own private section of beach, cabana, pool, and more; it gets pretty luxurious.

5. Taj Hotel Resort and Palace

In a massive, 347-room palace overlooking the Blue City of Jodhpur in the Indian state of Rajasthan, this serene, temperature-controlled swimming basin takes advantage of natural candlelight—with rose petals sometimes strewn on the surface. The hotel is run by the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, which shares the property with the palace's owner, the Maharaja of Jodhpur—who has been known to swim laps with the guests from time to time.

6. Blue Lagoon Geo Thermal Resort, Iceland

The Blue Lagoon Iceland geothermal spa is an important part of your stay in Iceland. Guests renew their relationship with nature, soak up the scenic beauty and enjoy breathing the clean, fresh air while relaxing in the warm geothermal seawater.

The water’s temperature is 37-39°C / 98-102°F. The lagoon holds six million liters of geothermal seawater, which is renewed every 40 hours. Regular sampling shows that “common” bacteria do not thrive in this ecosystem, thus additional cleansers such as chlorine are not needed. The geothermal seawater comes into contact with cooling magmatic intrusions and captures the earth’s minerals, resulting in this unique natural source known for its healing power and actives.

7. Al Bustan Palace Inter Continental Muscat, Muttrah, Oman

Inter-Continental property in Oman had gone through an extensive renovation with a major pool upgrade. The spacious, 164-foot-long infinity pool is flanked by shady, palm-studded islands. The water is temperature controlled, so it's always an oasis-like 84 degrees.

The Wonders of Machu Picchu

2011-02-11T07:49:00.000-08:00

Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian 15th-century Inca site located 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 kilometres (50 mi) northwest of Cusco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", it is perhaps the most familiar icon of the Inca World.

The Incas started building the "estate" around AD 1400 but abandoned it as an official site for the Inca rulers a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest. Although known locally, it was unknown to the outside world before being brought to international attention in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Since then, Machu Picchu has become an important tourist attraction.

Since the site was never known to the Spanish during their conquest, it is highly significant as a relatively intact cultural site. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll.

Machu Picchu was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. Its three primary buildings are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. These are located in what is known by archaeologists as the Sacred District of Machu Picchu. In September 2007, Peru and Yale University almost reached an agreement regarding the return of artifacts which Yale has held since Hiram Bingham removed them from Machu Picchu in the early 20th century. In November 2010, a Yale University representative agreed to return the artifacts to a Peruvian university.

Amazing "Sixsense" Technology

2011-02-01T06:44:00.000-08:00

The Sixthsense technology is amazing. It’s never too late to share this great piece of work by a MIT student, Pranav Mistry from India.

'SixthSense' is a wearable gestural interface that augments the physical world around us with digital information and lets us use natural hand gestures to interact with that information.

We've evolved over millions of years to sense the world around us. When we encounter something, someone or some place, we use our five natural senses to perceive information about it; that information helps us make decisions and chose the right actions to take. But arguably the most useful information that can help us make the right decision is not naturally perceivable with our five senses, namely the data, information and knowledge that mankind has accumulated about everything and which is increasingly all available online. Although the miniaturization of computing devices allows us to carry computers in our pockets, keeping us continually connected to the digital world, there is no link between our digital devices and our interactions with the physical world. Information is confined traditionally on paper or digitally on a screen. SixthSense bridges this gap, bringing intangible, digital information out into the tangible world, and allowing us to interact with this information via natural hand gestures. ‘SixthSense’ frees information from its confines by seamlessly integrating it with reality, and thus making the entire world your computer.

The SixthSense prototype is comprised of a pocket projector, a mirror and a camera. The hardware components are coupled in a pendant like mobile wearable device. Both the projector and the camera are connected to the mobile computing device in the user’s pocket. The projector projects visual information enabling surfaces, walls and physical objects around us to be used as interfaces; while the camera recognizes and tracks user's hand gestures and physical objects using computer-vision based techniques. The software program processes the video stream data captured by the camera and tracks the locations of the colored markers (visual tracking fiducials) at the tip of the user’s fingers using simple computer-vision techniques. The movements and arrangements of these fiducials are interpreted into gestures that act as interaction instructions for the projected application interfaces. The maximum number of tracked fingers is only constrained by the number of unique fiducials, thus SixthSense also supports multi-touch and multi-user interaction.

The SixthSense prototype implements several applications that demonstrate the usefulness, viability and flexibility of the system. The map application lets the user navigate a map displayed on a nearby surface using hand gestures, similar to gestures supported by Multi-Touch based systems, letting the user zoom in, zoom out or pan using intuitive hand movements. The drawing application lets the user draw on any surface by tracking the fingertip movements of the user’s index finger. SixthSense also recognizes user’s freehand gestures (postures). For example, the SixthSense system implements a gestural camera that takes photos of the scene the user is looking at by detecting the ‘framing’ gesture. The user can stop by any surface or wall and flick through the photos he/she has taken. SixthSense also lets the user draw icons or symbols in the air using the movement of the index finger and recognizes those symbols as interaction instructions. For example, drawing a magnifying glass symbol takes the user to the map application or drawing an ‘@’ symbol lets the user check his mail. The SixthSense system also augments physical objects the user is interacting with by projecting more information about these objects projected on them. For example, a newspaper can show live video news or dynamic information can be provided on a regular piece of paper. The gesture of drawing a circle on the user’s wrist projects an analog watch.

Check out this amazing video

Liger? What animal is this?

2011-01-27T07:03:00.000-08:00

Know what's a Liger? It's a cross breed of a Lion male and Tiger female...

He looks like something from a prehistoric age or a fantastic creation from Hollywood. But He is very much living flesh and blood - as he proves every time he opens his gigantic mouth to roar. Part lion, part tiger, he is not just a big cat but a huge one, standing 10ft tall on his back legs. Called a liger, in reference to his crossbreed parentage, he is the largest of all the cat species.

On a typical day he will devour 20lb of meat, usually beef or chicken, and is capable of eating 100lb at a single setting. At just three years old, He already weighs half a ton.

He is the accidental result of two enormous big cats living close together at the Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species, in Miami, Florida, and already dwarfs both his parents. "Ligers are not something we planned on having," said institute owner Dr Bhagavan Antle. "We have lions and tigers living together in large enclosures and at first we had no idea how well one of the lion boys was getting along with a tiger girl, then loo and behold we had a liger."

He could run at 50mph also likes to swim. In the wild it is virtually impossible for lions and tigers to mate. Not only are they enemies likely to kill one another, but most lions are in Africa and most tigers are in Asia. But incredible though he is unique. Ligers have been bred in captivity, deliberately and accidentally, since shortly before World War II.

Today there are believed to be a handful of ligers around the world and a similar number of tigons, the product of a tiger father and lion mother. Tigons are smaller than ligers and take on more physical characteristics of the tiger.

Amazing Hotels Of The World

2011-01-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

Most travelers prefer a luxurious and a comfortable bed where they can sink in after a hard day of sightseeing. However a new school of thought arise that a bed is part of the travel experience and should be as unforgettable as one’s holiday. So below are lists of beds that amazed me and it takes the art of sleeping to a whole new level. For some who want to redecorate their rooms or is planning to renovate their home. Here may be some amazing ideas.

The Underwater Bed, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
If you dream of waking among stunning coral reef and marine life of the Indian Ocean, then check into the Conrad Maldives Hotel. The hotel on special request transforms their all-glass underwater restaurant, Ithaa, into a suite.

The Benjamin Bed, The Benjamin Hotel, New York
Not as exotic as the rest of the beds in the list but a godsend for insomniacs. The boutique hotel is renowned for its sleep programs and the bed is a vital part of it. The pillow selection is legendary and one is also privy to 100-plus-thread-count Egyptian linens by Anichini and a down comforter with triple sheeting.

The Star Bed, Elqui Domos, Chile
Stargazers will fall in love with the Geodesic domes as they have an unparalleled view to the stunning carpet of stars in the sky and each dome’s USP is its bed which is designed specifically for stargazing from the bed itself.

The Floating Bed, Hotel Seven, Paris
Hotel Seven, a boutique hotel in Paris has specially-engineered Floating Beds that gives you an illusion of floating in air.

Ice bed, Ice Hotel, Sweden
Ice Ice Baby! The stunning bed is made of packed snow and covered in reindeer skin.

The Flying Bed, Propeller Island City Lodge, Berlin
Fly high with the surrealistic Flying Bed in the Propeller Island City Lodge. The bed isn’t actually flying and the effect is created via slanted floors.

The Kiboko Star Bed, Loisaba Wilderness, Kenya
Get connected with nature and take in the breath-taking view of the Loisaba reserve from your bed. The Kiboko Star Bed overlooks a waterhole and is perfect to gaze at Africa’s diverse wildlife.

The Castle Bed, Propeller Island City Lodge, Berlin
The Propeller Island City Lodge is the place to be for adventurous travelers. Their Castle Bed is built on a fortress which also contains a wardrobe and desk and the meadow round the knight’s helmet also has a miniature golf course in it!

Amazing Railway Market at Samut Songkhram in THAILAND

2011-01-13T08:08:00.000-08:00

This is amazing. A lot of people are walking along this market to buy their daily products such as vegetable, fish, squid and fresh seafood and grocery product. When they hear the train whistle blows, the people stop shopping while the local merchant will move their products to the side to allow the train pass through the Maeklong station. After a few minutes when the train pass through, everything back to the normal position. The customers start their shopping and everything back to normal activity like nothing happen.

This market located near Mae Klong Railway Station. There are the daily trip from Bangkok (Wong Wien Yai Railway Station) to Samut Songkram (Mea Klong Railway Station). This is an important route for a merchant who delivery their product between Bangkok and Samutsongkhram.

Palmyra, Syria

2011-01-06T06:13:00.000-08:00

An oasis in the Syrian desert, north-east of Damascus, Palmyra contains the monumental ruins of a great city that was one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world. From the 1st to the 2nd century, the art and architecture of Palmyra, standing at the crossroads of several civilizations, married Graeco-Roman techniques with local traditions and Persian influences.

First mentioned in the archives of Mari in the 2nd millennium BC, Palmyra was an established caravan oasis when it came under Roman control in the mid-first century AD as part of the Roman province of Syria. It grew steadily in importance as a city on the trade route linking Persia, India and China with the Roman Empire, marking the crossroads of several civilisation in the ancient world. A grand, colonnaded street of 1100 metres' length forms the monumental axis of the city, which together with secondary colonnaded cross streets links the major public monuments including the Temple of Ba'al, Diocletian's Camp, the Agora, Theatre, other temples and urban quarters. Architectural ornament including unique examples of funerary sculpture unites the forms of Greco-roman art with indigenous elements and Persian influences in a strongly original style. Outside the city's walls are remains of a Roman aqueduct and immense necropolises.

Discovery of the ruined city by traveller in the 17th and 18th centuries resulted in its subsequent influence on architectural styles.

Check more in this video

World Amazing Lake (Part 2)

2011-01-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

Lake Matheson, New Zealand

At Lake Matheson, near Fox Glacier, nature has combined exactly the right ingredients to create truly stunning reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks - Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman.

The waters of Lake Matheson are dark brown, so on a calm day they create the ideal reflective surface. The colour is caused by natural leaching of organic matter from the surrounding native forest floor. By a happy coincidence, the mountains to the east are perfectly positioned to reflect in the lake.

An easy walk passes over the Clearwater River suspension bridge, just a few minutes from the car park. The Clearwater River drains off the lake and is brownish under the bridge, however it quickly becomes clear and true to its name. The track continues through ancient native forest, including tall rimu and kahikatea trees, to a pontoon that extends out onto the lake.

Long finned native eels thrive in the darkness of Lake Matheson, which is also home to many water birds. For this reason the lake is a traditional mahinga kai (food gathering place) for Maori people. Lake Matheson was formed about 14,000 years ago, when the Fox Glacier retreated from its last major advance towards the sea and left a depression which later filled with water. The walk from the car park takes 40 minutes to the pontoon, or 1.5 hours around the lake.

Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlán rests at the foot of massive conical volcanoes. Nearly a mile up in the highlands of Guatemala, Atitlán (Lago de Atitlán) rests at the foot of three massive conical volcanoes. Small Mayan villages line its shores, which are set off by steep hills draped with oak and pine trees and nearly 800 plant species. There's no single, must-see view of the lake, so try several vantage points: from up high on Highway 1; from the town of Panajachel, the buzzing market hub that juts out into the water; or aboard a lancha, one of the many small boats that ferry visitors from village to village. We're saddened to note that the lake has built up high levels of blue-green algae over the years. However, much effort had made to solve the problem.

Peyto Lake, Canada

Alberta's Lake Louise is the famous one, on all the postcards and posters. But Louise's sister lake 29 miles north along Icefields Parkway, a two-laner that winds 142 miles through the Canadian Rockies, is even more picturesque. Thanks to glacial rock flour that flows in when the ice and snow melt every summer, the waters of Banff National Park's Peyto Lake are a brilliant turquoise more often associated with warm-weather paradises like Antigua and Bora-Bora. For the most dramatic views of the 1.7-mile-long stunner, encircled with dense forest and craggy mountain peaks, pull into the lot at Bow Summit, the parkway's highest point, and follow the steep hike to the overlook

Crater Lake

Thousands of years ago, the top of a 12,000-foot-high volcano in the Cascade Range exploded. The massive pit left behind became known as Crater Lake, the centerpiece of a national park in southern Oregon that displays nature at its rawest and most powerful. Forests of towering evergreens and 2,000-foot-high cliffs surround the lake, where extraordinarily deep waters—at 1,943 feet, it's the deepest lake in the United States—yield an intense sapphire-blue hue. If winter hiking and cross-country skiing aren't your thing, wait until early July to visit, when the roads have been plowed and the trails cleared. Rim Drive, a 33-mile road that encircles the lake, has picture-perfect views from all sides. For a closer look, follow the mile-long Cleetwood Cove Trail to the shore. Brace yourself before diving in: The water temperature rarely rises above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lake Nakuru, Kenya

The water is blue enough, and the backdrop—grasslands and rocky hillsides—has the makings of a nice photo, but neither is what sets this lake in central Kenya apart. The real draw here is the mass of pink on Nakuru's edges. Flamingos are one of the few species that can withstand the lake's hostile conditions—the water has so much sodium carbonate that it burns nearly everything that touches it —and they flock to the lake en masse. There can be as many as a million birds feeding on algae in the shallows at one time, wading side by side.

World Amazing Lake (Part 1)

2010-12-29T09:56:00.000-08:00

1. Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake. The southern shore is home to hot springs and resort towns laced with pastel villas and terra-cotta-roofed hotels

2. Plitvice lake, Croatia

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.

3. Lake Bled, Slovenia

At Slovenia's Lake Bled, you'll see mountains in every direction, including the Julian Alps and the Karavanke range. The best view of Lake Bled is from a castle perched on a 460-foot-high cliff. Bled Island is a tiny forested circle that's home to the 17th-century Church of the Assumption.

4. Loch Lomond, Scotland

Scotland's Loch Lomond is like something straight out of a Victorian romance novel. The 24-mile-long lake is dotted with islands, some so small that they disappear when the water levels are high, and others large enough to be (sparsely) inhabited. Most ferries stop at the largest island, Inchmurrin (population 10), so visitors can get a look at the remains of a 7th-century monastery and the 14th century Lennox Castle, used often as a hunting lodge for kings.

5. Lake Annecy, France

This alpine lake is in the heart of the French Alps. Lake Annecy is all about activity —particularly in August, when Paris shuts down and the French take extended holidays. Sailors, kayakers, and water-skiers crisscross the water; bikers and hikers hit surrounding nature trails; and refugees from the city fill the outdoor tables at the lakeside restaurants and bars. Repeat visitors know to plan their trip for the first Saturday of August, when a staggering, nearly two-hour-long fireworks display illuminates the water.

Mysterious Stonehenge, England

2010-12-18T08:43:00.000-08:00

Stonehenge is a mysterious stone Monument in the county of Upshur in England. No one knows what is the purpose of this Stonehenge, whether it’s a court, or place of worship, or temple, or perhaps a sign of a UFO? There are many hypothesis and interpretations by many researchers.

Stonehenge, the most visited and well known of the British stone rings, is a composite structure built during three distinct periods. In Period I (radiocarbon-dated to 3100 BC), Stonehenge was a circular ditch with an internal bank. The circle, 320 feet in diameter, had a single entrance, 56 mysterious holes around its perimeter (with remains in them of human cremations), and a wooden sanctuary in the middle. The circle was aligned with the midsummer sunrise, the midwinter sunset, and the most southerly rising and northerly setting of the moon. Period II (2150 BC) saw the replacement of the wooden sanctuary with two circles of ‘bluestones’ (dolerite stone with a bluish tint), the widening of the entrance, the construction of an entrance avenue marked by parallel ditches aligned to the midsummer sunrise, and the erection, outside the circle, of the thirty-five ton ‘Heel Stone’. The eighty bluestones, some weighing as much as four tons, were transported from the Prescelly Mountains in Wales, 240 miles away.

During Period III (2075 BC), the bluestones were taken down and the enormous Sarsen stones - which still stand today - were erected. These stones, averaging eighteen feet in height and weighing twenty-five tons, were transported from near the Avebury stone rings twenty miles to the north. Sometime between 1500 and 1100 BC, approximately sixty of the bluestones were reset in a circle immediately inside the Sarsen circle, and another nineteen were placed in a horseshoe pattern, also inside the circle. It has been estimated that the three phases of the construction required more than thirty million hours of labor. Recent studies indicate it unlikely that Stonehenge was functioning much after 1100 BC.

Current theories regarding the purpose of Stonehenge suggest its simultaneous use for astronomical observation and ritual function. By gathering data regarding the movement of celestial bodies, the Stonehenge observations were used to indicate the appropriate days in the annual ritual cycle. In this regard, it is important to mention that the structure was not used only to determine the agricultural cycle, because in this region the summer solstice occurs well after the growing season begins and the winter solstice well after the harvest is finished. Concerning its architectural form and function, scholars have suggested that Stonehenge, especially in its middle and later form, was intended to be a stone (and thereby imperishable) replica of the kind of wooden sanctuary that was more locally common in Neolithic times. What was the nature of the rituals performed at Stonehenge? Ray theorizes that, because Stonehenge is situated in an area rich in burial tombs, it may have had some relevance in burial rituals. Its shape, which resembles that of Neolithic ceremonial buildings, however, points more to its probable use as a shrine for the living rather than for the dead. As a temple for the living, Stonehenge's capacity to determine the dates of the solstices and equinoxes becomes all-important. Throughout the ancient world people have regarded the sun and moon as sacred beings whose cyclical rhythms, with their seasonal strengthening and weakening, had a positive, magical, and rewarding effect upon the life of human beings. Stonehenge and the large number of other stone rings located throughout the British Isles (and the world) are part solar/lunar/stellar observatory and part ritual structure. The mystery remains: Why?

Myths and legends of Stonehenge shed light on the nature of the activities and ceremonies performed at the festivals. For example, the legendary Merlin tells King Aurelius:

Laugh not so lightly, King, for not lightly are these words spoken. For in these stones is a mystery, and a healing virtue against many ailments. Giants of old did carry them from the furthest ends of Africa and did set them up in Ireland what time they did inhabit therein. And unto this end they did it, that they might make them baths therein whensoever they ailed of any malady, for they did wash the stones and pour forth the water into the baths, whereby they that were sick were made whole. Moreover they did mix confections of herbs with the water, whereby they that were wounded had healing, for not a stone is there that lacketh in virtue of leechcraft.

And Layamon, a 13th century British poet, also speaks of the healing quality of Stonehenge.

The stones are great
And magic power they have
Men that are sick
Fare to that stone
And they wash that stone
And with that water bathe away their sickness

8 Most Amazing Street In The World

2010-12-15T07:15:00.000-08:00

1. Most Confusing Roundabout in the world (Magic Roundabout – Swindon, UK)

The Magic Roundabout in Swindon consists 5 mini-roundabouts that is arranged in a circle. It was constructed since 1972 and it had been stated as 4th scariest junction in UK

2. Widest Street in the world (9 de Julio – Buenos Aires, Argentina)

9 de Julio is a name of street in Buenos Aires to celebrate the victory of the country in July 9, 1816. It is 9 lanes wide from left to right side and the street is embellished with huge Obelisk on the center of the street. There are 2 traffic lights on every intersection. It will safe any pedestrians from accident.

3. Largest Roundabout in the world (Putrajaya – Malaysia)

The roundabout spans 3.4 km circling Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah include Prime Minister’s office, Istana Melawati, Putra Perdana Landmark, and Putrajaya Shangri-La Hotel. The roundabout situated around a beautiful hill and green parks.

4. Most Complicated Interchange in US (Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange – Los Angeles)

Judge Harry Pregerson interchange was opened since 1993 to solve traffic problem around LA. The interchange is stacked with layers of bridges and 4 level interchange. The entry and exit access to all direction is opened at Interchange 105 and the Interchange 110.

5. Most Crooked Road in US (Lombard St – San Francisco)

The weird road could be found in Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth streets, San Francisco. The maximum speed to move above the road is only 5 mph and it is only one way. The street has 27-degree slope and at two sides of the street stand most expensive houses mansions, condominiums, and town houses in San Francisco

Below is another crooked road in San Fransisco, The Vermont Street between 20th St & 22nd St in Portrero Hill. It is less popular because Lombard street is more beautiful than Vermont street

6. Longest Street in the world (Yonge St – Ontario, Canada)

Yonge Street is 1,178 miles or 1,896 km and it was listed in the Guinness Book of World records as the longer street on earth before Pan-America Highway opened for public. Yonge Street spans between Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe in Ontario.

7. The Narrowest street in the world (Spreuerhofstraße – Germany)

Spreuerhofstraße is addressed at Reutlingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and is known as the narrowest street in the world because the street is only 12 cm and 50 cm wide. The street itself was built since 1727 and it is officially listed in the Land-Registry Office since that year as City Street Number 77.

8. The Steepest Street in the world (Baldwin Street – New Zealand)

Baldwin street is addressed at 3.5 kilometers northeast of Dunedin’s city, New Zealand. The length is only 350 meters and it is enough to make it to be known as the steepest street in our planet. The upper reaches is made of concrete instead of Asphalt. For every 2.86 meters length horizontally, the elevation rises 1 meter higher.

Amazing Rock-Carved Houses at Kandovan Village in Iran

2010-12-11T01:25:00.000-08:00

Kandovan (also spelled Candovan) is a tourist village near Osku and Tabriz, Iran. The architectural history of Kandovan dates back to the 13th century. In this unique village, the homes are not just built on the mountain, they are carved into it. Built out of volcanic ash and debris spewed during an eruption of Mount Sahand, these rocky structures were compressed and shaped by natural forces into cone-shaped pillars containing pockets. They have been eroded by the elements over the years into their current shapes. This makes the complete village looks like a gigantic termite colony.

Some of these houses are at least 700 years old and still inhabited. Most of the houses are two to four storeys high. Legend is that Kandovan’s first inhabitants moved here centuries ago to escape from the invading Mongol army. Local residents say that the homes are not only strong but also unusually ‘energy efficient’: These homes require minimal supplemental heat during the long cold season and remain cool in the summer. 'Kando' means 'a bee’s hive’, and this is how Kandovan got its name.

Despite the village’s isolated nature, tourists from around the world can be found wandering in narrow streets, impressed by this old place. Those not necessarily wanting to stay in caves don’t have to worry about their stay - this rocky village has a five-star-rock hotel called Laleh Hotel. It is decorated with traditional Iranian furniture and is the third 'rocky' hotel in the world. This 40-room hotel is inspired by the traditional building methods of Kandovan. You will be amazed to have a bed, a TV room Kitchen and even Jacuzzi, all inside a rock.

Far away from pollution and noisy metropolitan cities, this stone village helps people relax. It makes us believe that cave living is by no means uncomfortable. A quiet place for those who are looking for peace and comfort.

The Amazing Rock City in Setinil, Spain

2010-12-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

Setinil, Spain. Strange City Situated Between Rocks

Setenil de las Bodegas is about 18 km away from Ronda in the province of Cadiz, has wedged itself between the cliffs eroded by the Rio Trejo river. This village is built in a valley, and many of the houses especially the old one are built into the cliff, so the back of the house is solid rock. While the newer houses are against the hillside.

The name Setenil developed from the the Latin septem nihil – “seven times no” – which refers back to the period of the Christian reconquest, when Catholic kings tried to win back territory from the Moors, who had come from Africa and ruled the Iberian peninsula since 711. In Setenil’s case, only the seventh reconquest attempt was successful, in 1485, making the city one of the last bastions of the Moors until they were driven out of western Europe in 1492.