#1. The Other Darfur
Infighting in Somalia has been so bad for so long that reader — and editor — fatigue set in years ago. Which is why many Americans were surprised to hear that more than 1 million Somalis had fled their homes in 2007 in a refugee crunch whose scope and severity rival that of Darfur. "We have a major crisis," Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the top U.N. envoy for Somalia, told TIME. "And it's being ignored." The violence hampering humanitarian efforts has also kept U.N. forces at bay. It's a Catch-22, Ould-Abdallah says. "We cannot go there because there is no security, and because we don't go there, there isn't security."
#2. A Nuclear Six-Pack
In August, when six nuclear weapons were accidentally loaded onto the wing of a B-52 bomber and flown from North Dakota to Louisiana, it was not so much a case of imminent danger — experts agree that if the plane had crashed, fail-safe devices would have prevented the warheads from detonating — but rather a glaring display of how easily our nuclear safeguards can fall apart. In violation of security protocol, the crew only checked the missiles on the wing that contained dummy warheads. And the mistake, which marks the first time in nearly 40 years that nukes have flown over U.S. airspace on the wings of a bomber, went unnoticed for more than 36 hours.
#3. U.N. Dials Back AIDS Estimates
The United Nations revealed it had overestimated the number of people infected with HIV by some 6.3 million worldwide and lowered the 2007 total to 33.2 million. The reduction is based on better reporting methods, particularly in India and sub-Saharan Africa. Efforts to curb the disease also appear to be working, with the new report noting that annual infection rates likely peaked in the late 1990s. But public-health advocates worry these signs of improvement could lead to complacency. Dr. Andrew Zolopa, an HIV expert at Stanford, warns against "lowering our guard," adding that 33.2 million is "still a very big number."
#4. Undue Influence at the White House?
In July a Congressional oversight committee revealed that despite a law prohibiting most federal officials from engaging in partisan political activities, the White House praised high-ranking officials at the Office of National Drug Control Policy for appearing on behalf of as many as 18 Republicans in competitive races in the three months leading up to the 2006 election. For example, during this time period, officials appeared at two events for Missouri Senator Jim Talent, who ended up losing the election. These findings — coming just after former Surgeon General Richard Carmona testified that the White House had barred him from speaking out about such issues as stem-cell research, and amid an investigation into the firings of several U.S. Attorneys — raise even more questions about the White House's political influence over federal agencie
#5. Coming to Grips with TB
Tuberculosis — as a plane-hopping honeymooner reminded Americans this summer — isn't restricted to the developing world. According to the World Health Organization, to date 41 countries have confirmed cases of extensively drug-resistant TB. And the region with the highest level of TB treatment failures? Europe. As a result, 15% of new TB cases in Eastern Europe, the Baltic States and Central Asia are multi-drug-resistant, a rate three times higher than in any other part of the globe. Yet most doctors are still forced to use TB treatments that are some 50 years old and even more antiquated detection methods
#6. Angola's Booming Economy
After nearly three decades of civil war that ended in 2002, having claimed more than 500,000 lives, Angola was a devastated and broken nation. But five years later, thanks to increased oil production, the International Monetary Fund estimates the sub-Saharan nation's economy will have ballooned 24% this year, one of the fastest growth rates in the world. (In comparison, China's booming economy is projected to grow 11.5% this year.) The government is putting some of this wealth into new roads and public transportation, but critics worry the influx of cash is mostly lining the pockets of the elite — and building mansions in the capital city of Luanda.
#7. Obesity Rate Levels Off Among U.S. Adults
As child obesity rates continue to rise in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that obesity rates among American adults have been holding fairly steady at 34% — or some 72 million people. Although the study found no significant increase in adult obesity between 2003 and 2006, medical experts are reluctant to classify this as a victory against the obesity epidemic. "It's possible that we're just up against a ceiling," says Kelly Brownell, director of Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity.
#8. Brazil's Big Oil Find
In November, Brazil's state-run oil company Petrobas announced the largest oil discovery worldwide since 2000. Though the country is already a self-sufficient oil producer, the new Tupi field — located off the eastern coast of South America, beneath a crust of salt a mile thick in some places—could turn Brazil into a major exporter to rival Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Brazil wasted no time in protecting the area that is expected to produce as much as 8 billion barrels of light crude oil. The day after the Petrobas announcement, the government withdrew 41 exploration blocks in the Tupi region from an auction for private companies.
#9. Earmarking — Alive and Well
Despite their party's pledge to cut back on earmarking in federal spending bills, many Democrats continue to tack on funds for pet projects. One of the biggest — and most unabashed — pork procurers is Rep. Jack Murtha of Pennsylvania. In 2007 alone, he pushed through $166.5 million in earmarks, including $23 million for the National Drug Intelligence Center, which is located in his hometown of Johnstown, Pa. Murtha, who chairs the powerful defense-appropriations committee, managed to keep funding the center even after the General Accountability Office declared it was not only a waste of money, but a duplication of intelligence work being done elsewhere.
#10. Déjà Vu in East Africa
In what looks alarmingly like the lead-up to the border war that killed 70,000 people less than a decade ago, tensions are once again building between Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea, with the International Crisis Group estimating that each country has at least 100,000 troops poised for battle. The conflict centers on the town of Badme, which a U.N.-appointed boundary commission awarded to Eritrea in 2002. But Ethiopia refuses to comply, despite having signed a binding agreement. Other countries are exerting pressure to try to prevent another border war, with the U.S. State Department recently requesting that both sides exercise maximum restraint.
Fastest shooter in the world
USB 3 Inch Plasma Ball
Description : This Plasma ball light will create a unique and fun environment on your desk or workstation.- SKU : UBS-Plasma-Ball-1016
- Powered by your USB port (or 2 AA batteries)
- This Plasma ball light will create a unique and fun environment on your desk or workstation.
- Watch with amazement as the electricity follows your finger tips across the 3-inch glass ball.
- This USB Lightening Ball is small enough to not take up too much desktop space,and is big enough to amaze your co-workers with its awe inspiring light show.
- Accessories :
- User Manual
- USB Power
USB Mini Lava Lamp
Description : USB Mini Lava Lamp. Easy to use no need to use battery, just plug it into the USB cord. ( 10 Units/ Lot)- SKU : USB-Lava-Lamp-10
- battery: no
- size: 6.5 x 19.5cm
- USB lava lamp, different color liquid flashing when connected with USB port
- Easy to use no need to use battery, just plug it into the USB cord
USB Mini Massage Ball
Description : USB Mini Massage Ball. Massage human body for shoulder, thigh, waist, neck, back side, feet and hands.- SKU : USB-Massage-Ball-01
- Description:
- USB massager can help to relax when working front PC.
- Massage human body for shoulder, thigh, waist, neck, back side, feet and hands,
- One touch on/off switch,
- Vibration speed: 3600 rpm,
- USB power: 4.0-5.5V
- Dimensions: 75mmX38mm
- Weight: 120g
- 1.5 meters USB cable
- Different colors are available
- This USB massage ball only for massage purpose, not for medical treatment
USB Mini Aquarium With Two Fishes
Description : USB Mini Aquarium with 2 novelty dummy fishes available in blue or black colour.- 4pcs AA battery (not included) or USB (included)
- Blue LED light
- EN/71 standards
- Colors available: blue / black
- 2 novelty dummy fishes
- Box dimensions: 10 x 9 x 10cm
USB Flexible Keyboard
Description : USB flexible keyboard feeling so soft and comfortable.- SKU : USB-Flexible-Keyboard-01
- Anti-pollution
- Watertinghthess
- Acid and Alkaline-proof
- High dustproof.
- The special printing technology guarantees the letter on the buttons of keyboard not to be worn away for a long time.
- Feeling soft comfortable.
- Soft without any sound while typing.
- The button bears to type 2 milion times.
USB Car Ashtray
Description : USB Car Ashtray .Absorbing smoke in your working area- SKU : USB-Car-Ashtray-01
- Absorbing smoke in your working area.
- Use it to cutdown on smoke and odors around your desk
- Features :
- USB powered or operate by 2 x "AA" batteries
- Minimize smoke and odors
- Smoke will pass through the filter and absorb by the carbon.
- Tray and filter can be removed for easy cleaning
- Open/close the cover to turn on/off Red LED indicator
Taken from www.linkinn.com
Want to know how to ruin Christmas with one quick swing of the wii baseball bat? Watch and learn.
Hilarious Wii Accident - Watch more free videos
A smokin hot Norwegian blonde girls agrees to get punch in the face. I dont think she knew what she was getting in to.
Hot Blonde Agrees To Get Punched - Watch more free videos
Clear Download History - Watch more free videos
It's flying!
Imagine a wind tunnel that could be used for testing the aerodynamics of an F1 racing car, turn it upright, step into the airflow and you are skydiving. It's a proven concept operating in several countries to the benefit of the skydiving community and anyone else who wishes to taste the thrill of freefall in a completely safe environment.
More Info At www.airkix.com
1. Bugatti Veyron 253 mph
2. Koenigsegg CCR 241 mph
3. McLaren F1 240 mph
4. Saleen S7 223 mph
5. Ferrari Enzo 220 mph
6. Jaguar XJ220 212 mph
7. Bugatti EB110 GT 212 mph
8. Pagani Zonda S 208 mph
9. Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren 207 mph
10. Porsche Carrera GT 207 mph
Enlarge The big cat exhibit at the San Francisco Zoo was cordoned off as a crime scene Wednesday while investigators tried to determine whether a Siberian tiger that killed a visitor and mauled two men escaped on its own, the city's police chief said.
"We're not certain whether this incident occurred as a result of human action or whether this was an incident where the animal was able to get out of the grotto," Police Chief Heather Fong said.
The San Francisco medical examiner identified the person who was fatally mauled as 17-year-old Carlos Sousa Jr., of San Jose, Calif. The two other victims, ages 19 and 23, were upgraded to stable condition Wednesday at San Francisco General Hospital after undergoing surgery to have their wounds cleaned and closed, surgeon Rochelle Dicker said. They suffered deep bites and claw cuts on their heads, necks, arms and hands.
The tiger, named Tatiana, attacked a zookeeper about a year ago during a public feeding, said Robert Jenkins, the zoo's director of animal care and conservation.
Tuesday's attack occurred just after 5 p.m., closing time, on the east end of the 125-acre grounds.
The 300-pound tiger did not leave through an open door, Jenkins said. But he could not explain how it escaped; the tiger's enclosure is surrounded by a 15-foot-wide moat and 20-foot-high walls.
"There was no way out through the door," Jenkins said. "The animal appears to have climbed or otherwise leapt out of the enclosure."
Fong said officers were gathering witness accounts and physical evidence from the enclosure. She would not say if the investigation had yielded any clues about how the animal got loose.
The first attack happened right outside the tiger's enclosure — the victim died at the scene. Four responding officers came across his body when they made their way into the dark zoo grounds, police spokesman Steve Mannina said.
Then they saw the second victim about 300 yards away. The man was sitting on the ground, blood running from gashes in his head, the tiger sitting near him. Suddenly, the tiger attacked the man again, Mannina said.
The officers started approaching the tiger, bearing their handguns. When it started moving in their direction, several of the officers fired, killing the animal.
Only then did they see the third victim, who had also been mauled.
Police spent Wednesday morning searching for possible additional victims but found none.
From NPR reports and The Associated Press
Watch this video from NASA Brain Bites to learn how you can see the International Space Station from Earth.
Featured above is a robot that made up to the 1991 Arnold Schwarzenegger film Terminator 2 and lately made up to the headlines eyeing a handsomely rich owner. And here it found one! It managed to generate a sale of £250,000 ($500, 000) at an auction. An anonymous buyer is being tagged as the proud holder of this 6ft 2ins robot T-800.
The buyer cracked up the deal by dropping almost five-times the expected price. It was anticipated to fetch £5.000. The sale of this robot was complemented with a sale of a life-sized T-Rex head, a prop used in Jurassic Park for £65,000 and Michael Keatons mask from Batman Returns that got sold for £5,300.
With the Christmas celebration away only counted days, people are preparing in high spirits to make a blast. And talk about accessories, the latest offerings gives you an excuse to burn money including $1.8 mn Christmas tree (world’s most expensive), Steve Quick’s gold and diamond studded Christmas tree and lately in news 84-feet tall Shelton tree at Rockefeller center.
And here is a new entrant by Kee Jewelry to the list of the ornamental accessories designed on the occasion of Christmas–$1 mn diamond-festooned Christmas tree. Unveiled in Singapore, it is ornamented with 21,798 sparkling diamonds counting 913 carats, 3,762 crystal beads and is adorned with 456 lights.
If you are a foodie and above mentioned things fail to calm down your curiosity then $100 Chocolate Santa and $45, 0000 most-expensive X-mas hamper would surely make your tongue smile. And for geeks, a $455 USB cake is quite tempting. And for all moms, who keep on cribbing about their house décor can eye $1,817,355 gold Santa Claus. I think by unveiling diverse offerings, I have done justice to all my savvy readers. Ant one left?
I used to wonder if someone can be so desperate to sell out his soul in order to earn money for investing in Christmas celebration. But here I found one. News is that an American man has put his soul to the ebay’s auction block demanding £500,000. It is being said the proud buyer can take home his spirit fitted in a glass jar along with a contract “relinquishing ownership”. Since, the spirit is currently not in use, so the Los-Angles based seller thought that sale is a better option than any devil ruling it.
The seller also wish to buy it back as the money earned from the present sale would add spark to his ordinary life. The initial bid is $1 million, but amazingly he has yet to receive an offer. But hopes are still alive as there is another day to go. The auction can be seen as a replica of one of an episode of the Simpson’s, wherein Bart sells his soul to Milhouse. Also, if you can recall Bart laughing madly at failure of automatic doors to stay closed.
Paul Brant (70) has now been saving $$$$$ for years but with a difference. Unlike other investors, this man has saved coins worth $25,000 in coffee cans, water jugs and piggy banks and has purchased a new Dodge Ram half-ton pickup truck. This purchase by him happened after an interval of 13 years when he bought a truck with spare change. The old truck doesn’t offer four-wheel drive and this is what enforced him to buy a new one. During all these years, Brant has grown to be parsimonious. His father use to drop him cash and this witty person use to save up the spare change. He anticipates it to be $26,000 in coins. History says in 1994, he purchased a Dodge pickup and a Dodge Neon by dropping $36,000 in quarters.
My buddy approached me and said he is planning to buy a 23 feet long Ferrari. I made the pun of his plans by saying it must be a long laminated painting. But who knew I will become the butt of my own “witticism”.
Yah! He was talking about the 23 feet long roadster with 3.6 liter V8, 400bhp that is expected to hit the UK market this month at the European Limousine and Chauffeur Show. The formation and the production of this peerless limo is done by limo boss Dan Cowley; who is the blessed owner of the astounding ten-wheeled Terminator (Europe’s longest stretch Hummer).
The huge Ferrari limo is designed from a Ferrari 360 Modena chopped in half and prolonged by 9.5ft with a segment of carbon fiber that is hand-built. It can accommodate eight people and speeds with 0 to 60mph in less than six seconds with a top race of 170mph.
The inside of the Ferrari is no less than a five-star deluxe hotel. It features a 10-inch flat screen monitor that can broadcast images from cameras located on the exteriors. To make you feel at home, the Ferrari also comes packed with a six speaker surround sound system and DVD system fitted inside it.
Breaking the Guinness records of "The fastest Limousine and the Longest Ferrari," this elite Ferrari is fabricated at an expenditure of £200,000.For more information visit limoshow.co.uk.
And here sets another record with the auction of world’s oldest surviving Rolls-Royce earning a tag of being the most pricey veteran car till date after generating a sales of £3.5 million plus at a Bonhams London auction house.
This 1904 Rolls-Royce 10hp Two-Seater car is the fourth one to be produced by Charles Stewart Rolls and Frederick Henry Royce. What made this car most valuable one is its old-age….ooops. But true as its being 103 years that it was first driven from a small factory in Manchester. Initillay, the price anticipated for this valuable car was £1 million but to everone’s surprise it generated £3,521,500, the highest ever paid for a car in the veteran category. The prerequisite charted by a private British collector for winning this bid ensured that it will stay in the UK.
Sir Alan Sugar, celebrity professional and former co-founder of Amstrad computers, ended up making a bulky loss of £5,500 by picking Bentley S1 Continental Sports Saloon that he bought from Sir Elton John for £200,000 at an auction in 2001 and sold it for £144,500.
Around 100 other cars and motorcycles got sold extracting almost £10 million. Other cars that contributed to the total sales of £10 million include the Brunei Royal Family’s Bugatti Super Sport Coupe and a Panther De Ville Saloon once owned by the celebrity actor Oliver Reed.
Sure, JACKASS is never gonna win an Oscar (not until they create the Academy Award for Best Acting While Set On Fire And Riding A Moped With a Midget On Your Head, anyway) but I'm not ashamed to say that I take great pleasure in watching the antics of Mr Knoxville and his pals. Apparently, the guy has told selected press recently, that “There’s some stuff I’m still wanting to shoot, and we might shoot in November. It’s not for a three, it’s just because it’s something I really want to do, and I said I was gonna do it, and then I could not not do it.” Recently, Bam Margera told Howard Stern that he'd spent the past couple of weeks filming too.
Knoxville is a machine if he's telling the truth and filming it just because it's something he 'really wants to do'. Anyway, Slashfilm seems to have scored themselves a little footage from the set of JACKASS 2.5, being shot covertly in Los Angeles.
Micro's Blue Star Sets Record ; Painting Fetches 16.7 mn At Paris Auction
And here is another record-breaking painting auction. Featured above is a 1927 painting identified as ‘Blue Star’ (1893-1983). This beautiful creation by a prominent Spanish artist Joan Miro lately got sold for 11.6 million Euros ($16.7 million) in Paris against its expected price of $10mn.
Auctioneers claim to label it as the highest price earned by Miro for his creation. Miro also welcomed this much-deserving price fetched by this core production. Other artistic creation auctioned here belongs to Picasso, Juan Gris, Leger, and Laurens that generated a total sale of 21.8 million Euros. Miro’s another creation called ‘Bird’ earned him 6.2 million Euros.
Commemorating Kimi Raikkonen’s F1 championship, the joint efforts of Segway and Ferrari has lately unveiled a luxury transporter identified as Ferrari Segway PT i2 Ferrari Limited Edition. Its very ownership would offer you the pleasure of owing a tangible Ferrari. It features authentic Leather handlebars and the Cavallino Rampante shield with a matching speed of a Segway.
Available in Ferrari’s red signature color, it also flaunts the reputed Scuderia Ferrari logo. By dropping $12,000, you can drive up to 40 km with a single battery charge. Well, if you are planning to shift your dwelling then transporting this transporter won’t eat-up your mind as it can easily be accommodated in the trunk hired from packers and movers.
Here is a new entrant to the ornamental world of undergarments. Exhibited in Shenyang, northeast China’s Liaoning province on 27 September, the fabric used to design this set of underwear is 950 grams pure gold.
To your much-amaze, this underwear costs 200 thousand yuan but is not available for sale. It seems that the craftsmanship invested in its production is valuable as it will be displayed in the shop for three days. Not to forget, it deployed four-veteran craftsmen for complete one month.
Calling Queen Elizabeth II as the richest royal across the globe is a passé. The list is updated by Forbes. To your much astonishment, Queen is worth $600 million that clearly puts her on eleventh position in the list of top-15 monarchs identified.
But the solace lies in her for being the world’s wealthiest female sovereign as hardly one-or-two women could only make up to the list. The top pedestal is given to the Sultan of Brunei as his royalty is worth $22 billion, which is 36 times more than the Queen’s royalty.
Below is the complete list of the top-15 royals calculated by Forbes with total worth $95 billion, wherein the proportion of Men: Women is 13:2.
1. Sultan of Brunei: Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, 61 yrs ($22 bn)
2. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi, 59 yrs ($21 bn)
3. King of Saudi Arabia: Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, 83 yrs ($19 bn)
4. Ruler from Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 57 year ($16 bn)
5. King of Thailand: Bhumibol Adulyadej, 79 yrs ($5 bn)
6. Prince of Liechtenstein: Hans-Adam II von und zu Liechtenstein, 62 yrs ($4.5 bn)
7. King of Morocco: Mohammed IV, 44 yrs ($2 bn)
8. Prince Albert II, Prince of Monaco, 49 yrs. ($1.2 bn)
9. Emir of Qatar: Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, 55 yrs ($1 bn)
10. Prince Karim Al Husseini, 70 yrs ($1 bn)
11. The Queen of England: Elizabeth II, 81 yrs ($600 mn)
12. Emir of Kuwait: Sheikh Sabah Al Sabah, 78 yrs ($500 mn)
13. Sultan of Oman: Qaboos Bin Said, 66 yrs ($500 mn)
14. Queen of Netherlands: Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard, 69 yrs ($300 mn)
15. King of Swaziland: Mswati II, 39 yrs ($200 mn)
Shanling Dual Monoblock Amplifier
Shanling have now created a stunning looking valve amplifier which perfectly matches the current SCD-T200 SACD player and even their previous range of CD players such as the famous CD-T100C. The SP-80C is a dual mono block design, meaning there are actually two individual but separate amplifiers, one for each speaker, left and right. This gives you better performance over just one combined unit due to the separation of audio signals and power supplies. Each amplifier unit can be placed next to each speaker, resulting in short speaker cables hence improved performance.
Features
- Dual monoblock valve amplifier in push-pull configuration
- Stylish appearance to match the previous CD-T100C valve CD player or the current SCD-T2000 SACD player
- Operating functions on fluorescent display
- Synchronised volume controls via remote control
- Utilises 4x EL34 output valves and 1x 6N8P & 1x 6N9P valves
- 2 year parts and labour warranty (12 months on valves)
Accessories Supplied
- Metal facia full function remote control with 2x AAA batteries.
- Power cables.
- Synchronisation link cable.
- Instruction manual.
Specifications
- Output Power: 2x 50W RMS (8 Ohms)
- Frequency Response: 18 Hz - 30 kHz (± 0.5 dB)
- S/N Ratio: > 95 dB
- Distortion: <>
- Input Sensitivity: 550 mV
- Input: 1x RCA per unit
- Output Impedance: 4 / 8 Ohm via twin terminals
- Voltage: 240V / 50 Hz
- L x W x H: ~ 460 x 204 x 188 mm (each, without cables)
- Weight: ~16 kg (each)
Performance Upgrades
We can offer custom performance upgrades to the SP-80C, including valve upgrades, component upgrades, power supply upgrades and more; resulting in a performance level unbelievable at virtually any price! Please call us for more options. The units' full warranty is still valid after we carry out our modifications!
It is also possible to fit different types of valves to the unit for a different sonic signature, such as KT-88 types. Currently we do not provide valve upgrades. These valve upgrades have not been tested by us and we cannot make any claim as to their operation, nor are we liable for any damage caused so experiment at your own risk!
1. The Cosmopolitan, also known as the Cosmo, is an established leader among top-ranking alcoholic cocktails. It is believed that the Cosmopolitan first gained approval among the posh party-goers of South Beach, Florida, and was further popularized by the stylish women of television’s “Sex and the City”. The main ingredient of the Cosmo is vodka, preferably, a high-quality variety (my personal choice is Finlandia). Take 2 measures of vodka, add 2 measures of cranberry juice, 1 measure of Triple Sec liqueur (the best is made of sun-dried skins of oranges and my advice is to use gourmet Cointreau made in France), and a generous squeeze of lime or lemon juice. Mix the ingredients well and serve in a large martini glass “straight up” - without ice. Garnish with wedges of lime or lemon.
2. The sharp and delicious, Margarita is the best known tequila-based cocktail. To make it, you will need good tequila (I recommend Añejo, which is an aged variety with a rich and distinctive taste), Triple Sec liqueur (always keep some of it in your cocktail drawer alongside with wines, vodkas, flavoured liquors, chocolate, and other yummy goodies to indulge in during long autumn nights), and fresh limes or lemons (limes go better). A good rule of thumb is to mix 7 parts of tequila with 4 parts of Triple Sec and add at least 3 parts of lime juice. Enjoy your Margarita in a large cocktail glass with a salt rim around the edge, either blended with ice (a “frozen Margarita”), on the rocks, or just with some ice cubes added.
3. The Mojito is a tropical cocktail that is extremely popular at sunny resorts and exotic vacation destinations around the world. On a cold and gloomy fall evening, mix strong Cuban or Philippine rum with sugar cane juice (brown sugar will go, too) and club soda, and finish with freshly squeezed lime juice and some mint sprigs. Pour the mixture into a tall glass with a few ice cubes, and pretend you are on Laguna Beach… If your Mojito is strong enough, it can really work! ;)
4. The Pear Martiniis a real delight and is one of my own favourite cocktails. Take about 2 oz. of a good quality pear vodka (Swedish Pear Absolut is the best), a splash of fresh grapefruit juice, and a squeeze of lime juice. Mix all the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish your Pear Martini with lime peel and a slice of dried pear. Enjoy!
5. The Madera Eggnog. This hot and deliciously rich cocktail is ideal for chilly autumn or winter nights. Although it takes some time to prepare, the cozy taste of the Madera Eggnog is well worth the effort! In a saucepan, whisk together 1 egg, 2 tbs. of sugar and a cup of milk, and bring the mixture to a boil. Add 2 oz. each of Madeira and brandy; do not boil. When frothy, pour into a mug, sprinkle with grated nutmeg, and serve hot. It’s the best! :)
In the 1920s in Argentina, Antonio Nores Martinez started breeding a dog intended to not only be a pet and family guardian, but also a hunting dog capable of taking on big game such as wild boar and cougars.
Martinez picked the Cordoba Fighting Dog to be the base for the breed. This breed is extinct today but was described as a large and ferocious dog that was both a great hunter and fighter. He crossed it with Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Old English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Great Pyrenees, Pointer, Irish Wolfhound and Dogue de Bordeaux. Martinez kept improving the resulting breed via selective breeding to introduce the desired traits. The first standard for the Dogo Argentino was written in 1928.
Unseen Old Video Of Introducing New Race To The World By Putting Them To Fight With Wild Pigs And Mountin Lions
The symbol of all things American, the overly big, resource wasting, road hogging SUV come monster truck jeep - the Humvee has an Asian copycat, in terms of the East Wind (Dong Feng in Chinese) EQ2050 and Shenyang Aircraft Industry Co’s SFQ2040 HMWWV (pictured below)
Sinopec has actually bought real Humvees from the USA in the 90’s for use in the civillian sectors. According to Sinodefence.com, the chassis and several parts of the engine come from GM, would the PLA want to rely on foreign companies to supply its potentially main vehicle? Probably not. Im not sure how realiable this information is, seeing as the US and Europe (and most of the capitalist world) has a ban on exporting weapons technology to China for use within weapon systems.
The Dongfeng humvee has a V8 AMG Diesel engine, with 200BHP and a price tag of 250k RMB I’m sure the PLA boys will have a great time playing with this bad boy. The body has only basic protection from small arms fire but looks like it could be upgraded, as could the whole body, to carry missiles, or gun mounts etc.
Anyway, there are two companies in China that are producing Humvee copies, and both are undergoing road testing with the PLA.
Finished snowflakeThis is a little more complicated than a two-dimensional paper snowflake but it looks excellent and is a suitable craft for children adept with scissors and who have patience in making crafts. It will produce a 6-armed three-dimensional snowflake decoration that makes a perfect tree decoration or window-hanger.
[edit] Steps
- Assemble the materials (see "Things You'll Need").
Paper, scissors, stapler, & tape - Fold each of the 6 pieces of paper in half, diagonally. If the paper you're using doesn't make a perfect square, cut off the edge that sticks out (rectangular edge) and make it align perfectly.
- Cut 3 lines each side of the triangle from the folded edge (as per illustration), making sure not to cut through the unfolded paper edges. The cut lines should be parallel to one another each side and come close to meeting in the middle but not touch; leave a small space between them. To make this easier, you can fold the triangle in half. This way you'll cut both sides at once, making a very symmetrical snowflake. This might not be suitable for thicker paper, since the number of layers makes it difficult to cut through.
Parallel cuts - Unfold your paper and turn it so that the diamond shape is facing you for working with.
Unfolded paper - Still keeping your paper diamond side-up, roll the first two innermost paper lines together to form a tube. Tape these two pieces together. You should see triangle shapes on each side of the roll.
First roll - Turn the diamond over to the other side. Take the next two paper lines and pull them together on the opposite side of the tube and tape together as before. This will be a more rounded shape and wider than the first tube.
Next join - Keep turning the paper and joining the paper lines together on opposite side until all paper lines have been joined.
Once all lines are joined - Repeat this process (steps 3 - 7) with the remaining 5 pieces of paper.
- Join 3 of the completed rolled pieces together at one end (draw together with your fingertips) and staple together using the other hand. Do the other 3 pieces the same way. Now you will have 2 pieces consisting of 3 strands or "arms" each.
Joining 3 rolled pieces together - Staple the two new pieces together in the middle. You will almost have the snowflake shape by now.
Joining the 2 pieces to form a snowflake - Staple where each of the 6 arms meet. This ensures that the snowflake shape is pulled into place. See illustration at top for the finished snowflake.
Staple where the arms meet - Decorate further if desired (see "Tips" for suggestions). This is optional but might be suitable if you are creating a Christmas scene or other decorative theme.
- Choose one point to be at the top of your snowflake and attach a piece of metallic yarn or cotton for hanging. (This is best tied on the decoration, as a staple might not hold the thread well.) Pierce a tiny hole with a needle and thread through the metallic thread and tie with a small knot, twice. Do this very gently to avoid tearing the paper.
Select shiny threads from your thread collection - Hang your new decoration on the tree or in a window space. Make several snowflakes and hang them at different lengths against a window for an effective display. They appear especially beautiful against a backdrop of a dark night sky.
[edit] Tips
- Larger snowflakes: If you want larger snowflakes, use larger paper. You will probably need to cut more lines though; work it out from how large your piece of paper is. Don't try enlarging your snowflakes until you are comfortable with the method of making them with the suggested paper size first.
- Paper color variations: You could vary the paper color if you want to match a Christmas color theme - red or green for instance.
- Decoration ideas: If you want to "jazz up" your snowflakes, put liquid glitter on the snowflake along various parts of the paper lines. Silver, gold, red or green are probably the most suitable colors to use. Or you could think of other additions; the author tried tiny buttons and stick-on costume gems one year and they looked exquisite. Just remember though, that these do not store very well (easily crushed) and you might be throwing them out. Of course, you can always pull off the additional decorated pieces and keep for another time or craft.
- Be patient. This is not a craft to be rushed but it is easy to make if you proceed slowly and carefully.
- 2-Dimensional alternatives: See Related Links and External Links below for 2-dimensional snowflake patterns suitable for younger kids (and the impatient!).
- For extra special results, mirror two pieces next to each other.
- Fold one edge in half twice to find the position where to cut, and use this as a template for all the other pieces.
Find the Wildest Places to Ring in the New Year
By Kristin Luna
The first of January is a time to start over, to forget the old and relish the new, an opportunity to resolve to change (even if you never quite get there). Whether you’re hoping to shed excess pounds or kick a bad habit, before going cold turkey why not have one last fling? Travel Channel can help you plan your last hurrah in style, at one of the world’s most impressive New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Copacabana Beach, sprawling along the southern outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, plays host each New Year’s Eve to Reveillon. It's the world’s largest and wildest New Year’s celebration, a free-for-all of seaside dancing and partying that continues well into the next day. More than 2 million cariocas (Rio natives) congregate on the beach wearing stark white attire and filling a 2 1/2-mile stretch of sand, making this party a true visual extravaganza.
Blending African rituals and local culture, Brazilians use their New Year’s party to pay homage to Iemanja, the goddess of the sea. Decked-out boats sport her image, and locals throw white flowers into the sea and lay gifts on the beach in her honor. In addition to the customary white garb worn at this ongoing festival, red (symbolizing romance), green (for good health), and yellow and gold (for prosperity) accessories highlight the landscape. Just be sure to leave your black attire at home: A superstitious people, Brazilians consider it an evil omen. Some added party bonuses? Fifty-cent beers, free concerts, balmy weather and midnight fireworks reflecting off the Atlantic Ocean.
The various theme parks sprinkled around Orlando offer many opportunities to celebrate the coming year. A trip to the Magical Kingdom lets visitors jive alongside their favorite mouse and his pals in Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade, after which tourists can park-hop to Epcot, where the impressive light and laser show, ‘Illuminations: Reflections of Earth,’ presents spouting fountains and dancing flames just before midnight strikes.
Meanwhile, MGM Studios offers a winter wonderland of its own. In the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, a stroll down the specially designed New York Street isn’t to be passed up. Through this "symphony of the senses" holiday music plays, as artificial snow begins to fall and thousands of lights twinkle amidst a backdrop of heavenly angels and spinning carousels. The three main parks are open from 8 a.m. until 1 a.m. on New Year’s.
If roller coasters, fireworks and big-scale productions aren’t your bag, hightail it out to Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney for adult-friendly happenings. Forget Bourbon Street: New Orleans has nothing on Pleasure Island’s ultimate street party featuring dancing, music and gourmet food galore. Live bands and DJs help continue the party at the island’s many clubs. Only those 21 and over will be admitted, and tickets must be purchased in advance.
London’s rich nightlife at anytime of the year is a cheerful mecca for party lovers. New Year’s Eve is no different. As if the city’s overflow of traditional English pubs serving up cheap champagne and local atmosphere weren’t enough, an abundance of activity centered around the Thames River is at visitors’ disposal. Currently revelers’ attention has shifted to the towering London Eye, a gigantic pseudo-Ferris Wheel that draws thousands of visitors who fork over exorbitant admission fees to take a spin in one of the ride’s entirely transparent and bubble-shaped cars.
Since 2005, the midnight fireworks show has been launched from the actual London Eye. People from around the world congregate on Tower, Westminster, London and Blackfriars bridges to witness the spectacle together. If you can’t snag a spot near the water, watch the event on one of the big screens in Trafalgar and Parliament squares — you’ll still be able to view the fireworks overhead from either of these points. And after shelling out pounds on expensive drinks, you’ll be rewarded with some financial savings: From 11:45 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. travel on the tube is free. Stick around the next afternoon to partake in the magnificent New Year’s Day parade — a long-standing charity event — that departs from Westminster, weaves in and out of the capital’s downtown, and finishes at Green Park.
The world’s second-largest New Year’s celebration (and first place in the world to ring in the new year, time-wise) happens to boast the world’s largest fireworks display: In years past, Sydney has spent more than $4 million in pyrotechnics expenses for the one night alone. The display typically involves six barges along a 3 1/2-mile expanse of water, uses 30,000 effects and continues for a lengthy 12 minutes. Attracting a crowd upward of 1 million, the famed harbor refracts light beams off the bay, as well as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, midnight rolls around.
Throughout the day, visitors won’t be disappointed with the schedule of events Sydney has cooked up. Beginning at 1 p.m., with a cannon being fired from Fort Denison, every hour on the hour attendees will be awed by a different event, from mini-light shows to indigenous smoking ceremonies to aerial flyovers that leave messages in the sky. Following a 9 p.m. family fireworks display, illuminated boats glide along the waterfront for the late-night Harbour of Light Parade, spanning a 9-mile route.
If you need a rest from the urban center, check out Bondi Beach’s ultimate dance party. Kiddie events like New Year’s Eve at the Taronga Zoo are also on offer.
Times Square’s inaugural New Year’s hullabaloo debuted in 1904 in commemoration of the opening of the New York Times central headquarters; today hundreds of thousands of people descend upon the city’s bustling axis each Dec. 31 to hold a party unlike any other in New York City. Starting at 4 p.m., much of Midtown — from 42nd to 59th Street, between Sixth and Eighth avenues — is closed off for the celebration. Hoards of attendees begin claiming spots early in the day, and once in the vicinity, visitors are advised not to leave again. Since food and drink vendors are not permitted, pack a picnic to last you the day. Area restaurants are open, but the wait time can often be hours.
As the sun sets, the famed New Year’s Eve Ball is hoisted to the top of One Times Square’s 77-foot flagpole, and makes its 60-second drop just before the stroke of midnight. Leading up to the climax, scores of musical acts take the stage — past performers have included Christina Aguilera, My Chemical Romance, Panic! At the Disco, Daughtry and the cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys. The spectacle is broadcast on TV, with the majority of viewers tuning in to the classic Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve. At midnight, 2 tons of confetti are released on Times Square’s lucky crowd as fireworks light up the skies above Manhattan.
Thousands of jubilant and, er, drunk, Scots — as well as scores of foreign visitors — crowd the streets of downtown Edinburgh for the annual Hogmanay (meaning "last day of the year") celebration. World-renowned musical acts take stage all throughout the city center, as traditional ceilidh dancing brightens up the atmosphere of Princes Street Gardens (tickets to the ceilidhs are required).
While the masses populate Princes Street — a $10 wrist band bought in advance serves as ticket — visitors in the know slip on up to Carlton Hill, downtown Edinburgh’s highest point, just before midnight and steal the best seat in the house to watch the fireworks. From here, the spectacle seems to fall right before your fingertips.
As the night wears on, the party continues well into the next day. The athletic can jog off their hangovers by joining the One O’clock Run down the Royal Mile, opt to freeze their behinds off by diving into the River Forth at the conclusion of the Loony Dook parade (a charity event), or take part in a dog-sledding competition.
When it comes to New Year’s, Parisians get it right: for a solid month, they celebrate the turn of the calendar, by exchanging bises (small, platonic kisses), greeting each other with Bonne Annee! (Happy New Year!), and sending cards and gifts via mail up through the first of February. That’s our kind of celebration. On New Year’s Eve, and any other time for that matter, the city’s epicenter is the thriving Champs-Elysees, where visitors can glimpse the Eiffel Tower, as well as the bursts of light it emits, as midnight creeps over France. If you need more breathing room, trek up to the more relaxed Montmartre, a popular New Year’s spot for apartment soirees, or venture into nearby Pigalle, the red-light district and catch a cabaret at the racy Moulin Rouge. Or for a quiet evening, consider booking a table on a bateau-mouche (riverboat) dinner cruise along the Seine and enjoy a laid-back end to a long year.
6.
Price: $25 million
Location: Taupo, New Zealand
We might not have included Poronui Station in our list were it not for the estate home that anchors it. After all, it is so much more than a residence. The sporting retreat includes 16,000 acres of land crisscrossed by 25 miles of creeks and has wildlife, a fishing lodge, clays range and seven guest cabins. The activities complex features a gym, sauna, steam and massage area, billiards room, kitchen and equestrian facility. The main house was built in 2000 on a plateau overlooking the Taharua River. With five bedrooms and five baths, it is done in an elegant, rustic style, with hardwood beams, river rocks and slate floors. No need to worry about getting there—Poronui Station is equipped with a private airstrip and helipad. It is listed with John Goddard and Bill Leckie at Colliers International.
5.
Price: $27.5 million
Location: Batam, Indonesia
This tropical private island has a house on it—which makes it a very pricey home, with a lot of land around it. Sultan's Island is in Indonesia's Riau archipelago, off the coast of the island of Batam and tantalizingly close to Singapore. Totaling 94 acres, the island is ringed with mangroves and small beaches. Listed with Cheyenne Morrison at Coldwell Banker Morrison's Private Islands.
4.
Price: $17.9 million
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Though it's far more than a residence, we couldn't overlook this wine estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa's version of Napa. The second-oldest town in the country, Stellenbosch has oak-lined streets and a mix of restored houses, which lend it a country charm. This estate totals nearly 500 acres and produces 400,000 bottles of wine each year. It features a large thatched manor home built in 1700 and set in extensive gardens. Then there is the game park, swimming pool, wine cellar and tasting room, and additional buildings such as offices, guest cottages and staff quarters. Listed with Patrick O'Shea at Engel & Voelkers.
3.
Price: $122.2 million
Location: Windlesham, England
Your blood may not run blue, but with enough green you can still live near—and like—royalty. Updown Court is currently the most expensive residence in the world, costing about $50 million more than the priciest U.S. home. The brand-new property is totally over the top, with 103 rooms, five swimming pools and 24-carat-gold leafing on the study's mosaic floor. There's a squash court, bowling alley, tennis court, 50-seat screening room, heated marble driveway and helipad. All eight of your limousines will fit in the underground garage. Then there are the neighbors, who include the queen (at Windsor Castle) and Elton John. It is listed with Savills and Hamptons International.
2.
Price: $12 million
Location: Chubut, Argentina
Although this property has a relatively modest home for the priciest in the continent, the estancia comes with plenty of extras. Nearly 59,000 acres of land with hills, canyons and ravines, for one. The property has been partly planted with wheat, barley and other grains. The Tecka River crosses the land, providing ample fishing opportunities. A 5,300-square-foot main house has four bedrooms, four baths and a study, plus a guesthouse, stables and staff houses. All the equipment is included, from trucks and tractors to lawn mowers and tools. For more information, visit www.patagonias.net
1.
Price: $75 million
Location: Bridgehampton, N.Y.
Palatial homes and high property prices are common in New York's favorite high-end resort area. This 25,000-square-foot house is done to the highest standards, but it's the extras that really pump up the price. Three Ponds encompasses 60 acres of rolling waterfront farmland, with a U.S. Golf Association-rated golf course (plus pro shop), 75-foot-long swimming pool, grass tennis court and orangery. The 14 gardens include a crabapple allée; vegetable garden; lily walk; and rose, hydrangea and butterfly gardens. Of course, there are also the three ponds stocked with fish. Three Ponds is listed with Susan Breitenbach at Allen M. Schneider Associates.
