2015年6月10日星期三

12 Deadly Hiking Trails Around the World

Hiking is one outdoor activity that is enjoyed by people all over the world. Some like peaceful and slow hikes, while others seek thrill and adventure wherever they go. There are some dangerous trails in the world where only the bravest and passionate hikers would dare to go. In this article, we tell you about some of the most dangerous and challenging hiking trails that you can consider experiencing.
Deadly hiking trails around the world
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"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go."
― T.S. Eliot
Did you know that one of the most dangerous adventures in the world is hiking? You must be wondering how can hiking be dangerous; it's just a long, long walk, with a little ups and downs in the mountains. The hikes that we are talking about here are not meant for the fainthearted. Imagine yourself walking through dangerous holes, on old, rotten planks that are supported by rusted cables that sway sideways as the wind grows stronger, and below lies a deep, deep creek that causes dizziness the moment you look down. It seems as if you are flirting with death! These are some hikes that only daredevils and people with immense guts would attempt. While others may call it inviting death, passionate hikers call it 'truly living.' If you too are one big adventure-seeking hiker, who needs a dose of adrenaline every now and then, then take a look at some of the most scariest and challenging trails that you may want to consider for your next adventure hike.

World's Best and Terrifying Hiking Trails

Put on your hiking boots, and of course, your BRAVEST hat, because you will definitely need it here!

#1. Mt. Hua Shan Plank Path, China
Mt Hua Shan

This trail definitely tops this list, with it being the most dangerous, challenging, and nauseating hike in the world, that you can ever imagine. This route will guarantee full thrill and adventure, that can make even the most experienced hiker think twice. It consists of wooden planks and platforms that are bolted onto the sides of a cliff. The path is about a couple of hundred feet long, and 2,000 feet above the ground. It has a religious history that dates back to centuries. This path leads to a temple at the top. If you go there, you'll be provided with safety harnesses at the base of the cliff to clip into the wires and chains along the path that will prevent you from falling down. Looking at people's thirst for adrenaline, there was a brave soul that traversed the whole path without any harness or safety equipment! So, watch your step, and dare you not look down here!

#2. El Caminito del Rey, Spain
El Caminito Spain

Also called the King's Little Pathway, this is a crumbled walkway that is pinned along the walls of El Chorro. This vertigo-inducing trail is about 2 - 3 feet wide, and 350 feet above the river. It is mostly made up of wooden planks supported by steel rails, which have now rusted and deteriorated over the years. Also, there are sections where about 10 feet of planks are missing. After two hikers fell to their death in 2000, it was officially closed. However, some adrenaline junkies do manage to get around the fencing. It was made more than a hundred years ago for the workers at hydroelectric power plants to cross between the falls, and transport various materials. A German trekker, Daniel Ahnen, crossed this trail without any clipping or safety equipment. Another gutsy, man we must say!

#3. Huayna Picchu, Peru
Huayna Picchu Peru

The Inca Trail that leads to Machu Picchu can be one daunting trek. Also called the 'Hike of Death', the real danger here begins when you have to pass through the mythical city. It consists of a staircase that was carved out of granite. This route involves climbing many steep and narrow stairs that appear to be coming out of and floating from the wall that runs about 1,000 feet above. Making it more challenging are the slippery and rotting rocks covered with clouds and mist. It is said that going up is easier here than coming down. The thrill factor here is that, it is steep and can prove fatal if you step on a wrong place. In one day, only about 400 people are allowed to climb, to avoid the congestion. Of course, this is for the people prefer taking the stairs every time. Okay, maybe that wasn't so funny! But would you dare to climb these?

#4. The Maze, Canyonlands, Utah
The Maze, Canyonlands, Utah

The Maze in Utah is one of the most remote areas that is visited by around 2,000 people each year, not because of the beauty, but for the challenge, because it is very difficult to reach. It is almost impossible to navigate this labyrinth of red rock, as it is full of dead ends. There's always the danger of rockfalls or flash floods lingering over this place. Remember James Franco in 127 Hours? Yes, that's what the scene is exactly like over here. This trail is not for those are afraid of heights and small spaces. Also make sure that you have some great sense of direction; it is called the Maze for a reason!

#5. Kalalau, Hawaii
Kalalau, Hawaii

The Kalalau trail, located along the Na Pali Coast in Hawaii, is a spectacular beauty, with mountains on one side and an underdeveloped beach on the other. Looking at it from far away may seem like a simple trek, but the 11-mile hike in this paradise-like place can quickly turn nasty. The major crossings can be really dangerous during the rains, as it leads the trail to swell. The waterfalls here lead to rockfalls, which is also a main concern. The hikers hitting this trail must be careful of the crumbling ledges and crashing ocean waves. It seems that all the fun attitude of Hawaii can turn deceptive at times.

#6. Maroon Bells South Ridge, Colorado
Maroon Bells South Ridge, Colorado

Although this trail boasts of some scenic beauty, you cannot take it for granted even though many people complete the hike safely. This place is full of loose rocks, steep paths, and many places where you can get lost, literally. The climb here is easy, till you reach above 11,000 feet on the east slope, after which it gets rough as you go higher and higher. It got its 'deadly' tag after eight people died in five separate accidents after these beautiful cliffs became deceptive, which took their lives without any warning.

#7 Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona
Bright Angel Trail

This 9.5-mile trail in Arizona has also claimed the lives of many people, mostly because of the soaring temperatures, which usually reaches around 110°F (43°C). It is huge, which is why it is one of the most sought-after achievements for some people. The number of deaths and injuries here have led the park service to create a special scouting crew for rescuing people. There are about 200 rescues every year, even though this trail has some rest stations along the way, unlike other Grand Canyon trails. It seems an easy trek at first, but it turns sour soon enough. Despite the warning boards put up everywhere, people don't carry enough water, or many even start their hikes quite late in the day.

#8. Mist Trail, California
Mist Trail, California

At Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, Mist Trail is one of the most popular trails among people here. Although about 3,000 hikers come back safely from there each year, there are certain tricky spots that may leave you injured if you are not well prepared for this hike. The most challenging part is climbing up with the help of steel cables that become really slippery during the rainfalls. It is an 8-mile long trail, that also includes a few hundred feet of granite staircase. There have been a few accidents here, mainly due to wet rocks.

#9. The Narrows, Longs Peak, Colorado
Longs Peak, Colorado

This is one of the most popular, but deadliest peaks in Colorado, mainly because of rock slides, lightning, and narrow ledges. The trail is comfortable until you reach a section known as the 'Keyhole'. Hikers here need to go through narrow ledges and stay on the path that is painted as bull's-eye for indications. One of the most famous mountaineer, Agnes Vaille, died here after falling 150 feet down onto a rock field.
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#10. Himalayas, Nepal
Himalayas, Nepal

The Himalayas, also known as 'the abode of snow', is home to the highest peaks in the world. It has been a challenging and the most difficult mountain to climb for over decades now. It consists of some picturesque sites, like the Pangong Tso lake, that stretches over to China as well. Many trekking and hiking expeditions are held here every year, for both amateurs and experts, depending on their experience.

#11. Glass Skywalk, Tianmen Mountain National Park, China
Tianmen Mountain National Park, China

The Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park in China has some spectacular and scenic beauty, but nothing can beat the death-defying 'Glass Skywalk'. It is a path made of glass, which is built on the side of a cliff. This path is about 4,700 feet above sea level, and 200 feet long. This walkway along the cliff is amazingly scary, so scary that the people who thought of building this incredible sidewalk have still not found anyone to keep it clean. Hikers here are asked to wear cloth slip-ons over their shoes so that view remains clean. Mind you, don't look down! It may scare the hell out of you!

#12. Pacaya Volcano National Park, Guatemala
Pacaya Volcano National Park, Guatemala

Yes, volcano! Ever thought of getting up and close with a volcano? You must think people are crazy to be venturing into volcano-prone areas. Pacaya is one volcano that is extremely moody, and has been active since 23,000 years now. It's not as dangerous as you may think though. You can watch the volcano erupting from a distance. However, the climb can be dangerous even when the volcano isn't erupting, as it is pretty steep. You'll obviously need to keep a tab on the current situation there. So before you hit this hot place, make sure you do your homework well in advance.
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These are the most dangerous and thrilling hiking trails in the world that you should definitely visit once in your lifetime for that amazing experience that you won't get anywhere else.

2015年6月8日星期一

Beautiful Romantic Quotes by John Keats

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The love story of John Keats and Fanny Brawne is sad and truly endearing. Here are some famous love quotes by a romantic poet who truly knew how to love.
Romantic quote by John Keats
John Keats gave the sonnet 'Bright Star' to Fanny Brawne to proclaim his love for her.
John Keats was one the most remarkable English poets of all time. He was born on October 31, 1795, and died on February 23, 1821, his work was unfortunately appreciated by critics after his death, and by the end of the 19th century, he was one of the most beloved English poets. Today, his works are one of the most analyzed works of English literature.
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His work ranges from the sonnet to Spenserian romance to Miltonic epic. Some of his most noted works are poems like "La Belle Dame Sans Merci", "Ode To A Nightinagale", and "Ode On a Grecian Urn".

Around the year 1818, he befriended and was later engaged to Fanny Brawne. It was for her that he penned the sonnet "Bright Star", many of the love letters written to her as considered to be his greatest works. Sadly, this engagement was called off when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, but they remained close till his death; such a sweet yet sad love story. Here are some famous quotes by this romantic on love, you simply have to read!

Quotes From Letters By John Keats to Others

"Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced."

"Do you not see how necessary a world of pains and troubles is to school an intelligence and make it a soul?

"I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the Heart's affections and the truth of the Imagination."

"Whatever the imagination seizes as Beauty must be truth -whether it existed before or not"

"We read fine things but never feel them to the full until we have gone the same steps as the author."

"O for a life of Sensations rather than of Thoughts!"

"I never was in love - yet the voice and the shape of a woman has haunted me these two days."

Quotes From Poems by John Keats

"Should ever the fine-eyed maid to me be kind; Ah! surely it must be whenever I find; Some flowery spot, sequestered, wild, romantic; That often must have seen a poet frantic.
― Bright Star: The Complete Poems and Selected Letters

"Let us away, my love, with happy speed; There are no ears to hear, or eyes to see, - Drown'd all in Rhenish and the sleepy mead.
― Bright Star: The Complete Poems and Selected Letters

John Keats on Sweet Melodies of Silence

"I love your hills and I love your dales, And I love your flocks a-bleating; but oh, on the heather to lie together, With both our hearts a-beating!"
― Bright Star: The Complete Poems and Selected Letters

"My love is selfish. I cannot breathe without you."
― Bright Star

"I never knew before, what such a love as you have made me feel, was; I did not believe in it; my Fancy was afraid of it, lest it should burn me up."
― Bright Star

"I wish I was either in your arms full of faith, or that a Thunder bolt would strike me."
― Bright Star

"To feel for ever its soft fall and swell, Awake for ever in a sweet unrest, Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath, And so live ever-or else swoon to death.
― Bright Star

"And when thou art weary I'll find thee a bed, Of mosses and flowers to pillow thy head."
― To Emma

"Thou art a dreaming thing, A fever of thyself."
― The Fall of Hyperion - A Dream

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness.
― A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever

"Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter."
― Ode on a Grecian Urn

John Keats on Two Hearts as One

"Beauty is truth, truth beauty,-that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know"
― Ode on a Grecian Urn

"Now a soft kiss - Aye, by that kiss, I vow an endless bliss."
― Endymion


Love Letters and Poems of John Keats to Fanny Brawne

"I love you the more in that I believe you had liked me for my own sake and for nothing else."

"I have been astonished that Men could die Martyrs for religion - I have shuddered at it - I shudder no more - I could be martyred for my Religion - Love is my religion - I could die for that - I could die for you."

"My creed is Love and you are its only tenet - You have ravished me away by a Power I cannot resist."

"I cannot exist without you - I am forgetful of every thing but seeing you again - my Life seems to stop there - I see no further."

"You are always new. The last of your kisses was even the sweetest; the last smile the brightest; the last movement the gracefullest."

"You have absorb'd me. I have a sensation at the present moment as though I was dissolving."

"I have so much of you in my heart."

John Keats on Having You in Heart

"Two souls with but a single thought, Two hearts that beat as one!"

"We have woven a web, you and I, attached to this world but a separate world of our own invention."

"I say you cannot conceive; it is impossible you should look with such eyes upon me as I have upon you: it cannot be."

"You cannot conceive how I ache to be with you: how I would die for one hour."

"Forgive me if I wander a little this evening, for I have been all day employed in a very abstract Poem and I am in deep love with you - two things which must excuse me."

"If you should ever feel for Man at the first sight what I did for you, I am lost."

"I am indeed astonished to find myself so careless of all charms but yours - remembering as I do the time when even a bit of ribband was a matter of interest with me."

"I have two luxuries to brood over in my walks, your Loveliness and the hour of my death."

"You are, I love you; all I can bring you is a swooning admiration of your Beauty."

"I almost wish we were butterflies and liv'd but three summer days - three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain."

John Keats on not Breathing Without You
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"When you pass'd my window home yesterday, I was fill'd with as much admiration as if I had then seen you for the first time.

2015年6月7日星期日

Struggles and Benefits of Being a Short Girl

"God only lets things grow until they're perfect... Some of us didn't take as long as others", the continual reminder we give ourselves and others around. If only the tall world could understand. Being short sure has its set of struggles; we can't shun the cons, let's just jollify them with 'LOL, so true' nods, and enjoy the perks of being a short girl.
Struggle and benefit of being a short girl
Pretty, Popular Petites!
We share petiteness with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Eva Longoria, Kristen Bell, Christina Ricci, Hayden Panettiere, Carmen Electra, Reese Witherspoon, and the infamous Kourtney Kardashian.
"And though she be little, she's fierce!" Probably, Shakespeare understands the mightiness hidden within tiny things. Besides being bombarded with a slew of questions like, "How tall are you?", "Have you always been this short?", "How is the weather down there?", and bearing being talked to like a Pomeranian puppy, there are some great things about life as a short girl. At 4'11.6", when I can't get any more petite, I absolutely love being one for the most part. I mean, I can never really imagine living a life the other way. Who says, you got to be 5'11" to get noticed? When you have several heads turn to you being the smallest girl in the room.
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Being short definitely has its set of negatives. But besides being an armrest to every person you meet, you're a best friend to many, 'cause you know, they say, short girls make great friends as they are incredibly trustworthy. You see, being short, has some amazing advantages. Let's look at some pros and cons of being a short girl. And, not to miss, the struggles of being in a relationship with a tall guy!

And BTW, only we have the permission to refer to ourselves as short. You say it, and we take an offense.

Benefits of being a shorty

#1 You're ridiculously adorable.

#2 Thus, "cute" becomes your default description.

#3 You develop a miraculous bond with anyone and everyone who's short.

#4 You remain in your 'sweet sixteen' zone forever. In fact, you're the inspiration behind the song "Forever Young."

#5 Everybody is generally generous and gentle with you for your fragile looks.

#6 They end up doing more for you! Struggle to fetch the box of cereal in the top shelf? "Let me get it for you" is all you hear.

#7 "You're the most innocent thing they've met" is what you get to hear. All the time.

heels: pro of being short

#8 Not just oldies, even children adore you. Guess why, 'cause they think you're one of them.

#9 You can try going shopping with them, 'cause kids' section :') (cheaper!)

#10 Chances are, you're proficient at sewing skills. And if not, you have a dear tailor friend always by your side.

#11 There is no such pair of heels that's "too tall" for you. And let's face it, heels look better on shorter girls than taller chicks.

#12 And if you don't get a perfect pair in the adult section, fret not. You've the opportunity to try kids' shoes as well. (best of both worlds) A size 3 in kids mesmerizingly equals a size 5 in adults!

#13 You're so compact, you can fit into an innocuous space with comfort.

#14 You never have to worry about bumping your head onto a ceiling.

#15 You can comfortably fold your legs up in a chair.

rain: pro of being short

#16 Even Nature favors you―you're the last one to get rained on.

#17 You're less prone to sunstroke and other UV problems 'cause you're further from sun than taller fellows.

#18 You help save Earth, 'cause apparently your impact on the environment is significantly smaller than taller people.

falling: pro of being short

#19 They say, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall." So, it hurts less if you trip and fall.

#20 Your superpower―crowd weaving. You can span the distance from being the last at the concert than reaching the top in like milliseconds. Bonus: people help you achieve that.

#21 In movie theaters and cinema halls, you can walk free as and when you want, since you can never block anyone's view!

#22 Remember your favorite dress from high school? No matter how old you grow, there's at least one outfit in your wardrobe that perfectly fits you. And your friends wonder how many clothes you have.

#23 You always get the front seat in group pictures.

clothing: pro of being short

#24 And so you'll always be remembered as the one in the front row of every year's class photo in school.

#25 Talking about your personality, people find you sweet and trustworthy, 'cause studies say so.

#26 Guys like short girls more.

#27 Tall guys like you 'cause you tuck in incredibly well under their arms. Shorter boys like you, well, you know why!

#28 Surveys and stats also show that shorter girls make better lovers.

#29 You're the perfect cuddle size.

#30 As if the whole concept of 'forehead kissing' was started keeping you in mind.

Struggles of being a shorty

#1 You get to hear different versions of the classic, "How's the weather down there?" by your friends, coworkers, probably any person you meet.

#2 You're forever the armrest! Dude, FYI, I'm not a piece of furniture.

cuteness: con of being short

#3 You get pissed at being called "cute" when you are trying hard to carry off the "sexy" image. I mean, babies are cute. Pets are cute. Adults are NOT!

#4 Jeans! They give you the feel of wearing leggings. The ultimate struggle is to find a pair that isn't too tall!

#5 Hemming is your favorite hobby.

#6 Maxi dresses make you look as if you're drowning in the outfit.

#7 Blazers and shirts with long sleeves cover your palms.

#8 Yoga pant bottoms are bound to get ripped. And yeah, how can we not make a mention about their state in the rains.

#9 Bathroom mirrors just don't seem to get it.

cooking: con of being short

#10 Cooking dinner is like doing acrobatics. Well, grocery shopping―a rock climbing activity.

#11 And then come the cardio workouts in the quest to match the pace with taller people.

#12 You give up on your 'supermodel' dream.

#13 Even if you gain two pounds, it's noticeable. If ten, you probably look in shape. Round is a shape.

#14 You don't get the reason why peepholes were invented.

#15 When going for long (or short) car rides, they've a seat reserved for you―the middle seat!

#16 You hope and pray that nobody sits in front of you at the movies. Or may be you get accustomed to watching the entire show through a gap.

#17 And then you meet those who are amnesic to the fact you're standing up.

chairs: con of being short

#18 You get the feeling of always sitting in a high chair *dangling legs*.

#19 You're being asked for ID when you're 25.

#20 Your clothes will cost you more than anything! Hemming, fixes and alterations; no piece of clothing fits you right at the first go.

#21 You become the victim of perpetual torture for "Are you tall enough for this ride?" at amusement parks.

swimming: con of being short

#22 One word: Swimming.

#23 People never take you seriously! They find it funny when you're mad! Then they go with a series of "Awww, you look so cute when you are angry!" comments.

#24 Better not going to standing-room-only concerts, than to go, get mashed to listen to radio amongst a crowd of hippies.

#25 You need to be super-flexible to get on a bike.

#26 No matter how high your heels are, you're still shorter than most coworkers.

#27 Taking selfies with your best friend is a nightmare. Either make them bend down to your level, or look like a Shih Tzu puppy being petted.

#28 You know how it feels to get everyone's nose breath in your face when in a lift. Upsetting is an understatement.

#29 Short legs... smaller steps... You're mistaken as a latecomer, 'cause you're the last person to reach anywhere.

#30 And of course, the best of all, people assume you should be accompanied by an adult, even though you've been a legal adult for years!

'Short girl tall guy' problems

Dating a shorter girl has numerous benefits too. You share the most warm hugs and cuddles. You're petite and proportionate stats, your innocently adorable image, your inherently trustworthy persona, makes guys go gaga over it. But let's hear some struggles faced by shorter women that no one shares.

#1 Thank you tall boyfriend for making me feel like a kid. When holding hands, you have to bend your arm at a particular angle, right at the elbow and aim up.

#2 We all know the very popular, very "awww'd" kissing stance of a short girl-tall guy couple, but what about our necks that hurt due to stretching?

#3 And it doesn't stop here. Standing on our tiptoes for so long, you gotta give us a point there for our endurance.

#4 And you ought to face questions like, "How did you find someone this tall?", "Are you actually seeing each other?", and the deliberate one―I thought, you were cousins!

#5 And that wicked expression everyone gives you when they see y'all together. Be prepared to get a lot of dirty comments about the possibilities of height difference.

Despite all the struggles, we say, it's all worth it.

#xoxo Because ...
Every tall guy needs a short girl.

tall guy short girl story
Evening Dresses
Next time you're being addressed as 'shorty', remember, you have a good bunch of girls right by your side, sharing your struggle, fetching cereal from a higher shelf... Striving to look at the taller part of the world. Short girls are set to rule the world, climbing the ladder, one step at a time.

2015年6月4日星期四

Hilarious Google Bombs That Still Work

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Omnipresent, omniscient, and omnicompetent, Google is one hell of an omnivore, err, not really, it went with the flow. You cannot controvert Google's humongous database. However, by virtue of its blinding amount of info, it has also gained infamy for a number of bloopers. In this article, we share some hilarious and embarrassing Google bombs that still work.
Hilarious Google bombs
Prodigious information yet so many pratfalls!
Over 40,000 mortals ask for Google's help every second, which means that Google gets over 3.5 billion search queries per day, which further on an annual basis translates to around 1.2 trillion search queries!
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The other day when a gaggle of adolescent kids were kid-handling each other over who was the smartest of them all, I jumped in the scuffle and in a gleefully malicious tone, said 'Google'. What immediately ensued after my sarcastic reply is not something that I'm willing to share but something phenomenal that dawned on me in the middle of the spat.

Google, as I plunged into the boundless depths of my thoughts (which is a rare phenomenon), came across as an adolescent kiddo. Yes, a 16-year old, extraordinarily smart and precocious kid; someone whose mother overdosed on American Pie, who was fed on tales from The Game of Thrones, and who was sung songs from 2 Live Crew as lullaby. But, right from its first baby steps, it has proved to be exceptionally wondrous, like a whizkid whose brain neurons are on steroids. This guy has answers to all feasible questions that can pop into the fertile human mind, right from something profoundly meaningful like "what is love" to something very unusual like "what does it mean when an Egyptian man meows like a cat?", this kid knows it all. Forget that, it is so smart that it will give you 5 different options when you just type the word 'how'; some so random and some so tantalizing that you are invariably drawn to clicking on one of its options, and will make you totally forget about your original query. Now, that is something, isn't it?

Moving on.

Google, in 2014 came with a simplified knowledge base with an intention to provide its users with quick and relevant information. It saves you the trouble from navigating websites, in other words you can find what you want instantaneously without having to go through other unimportant info. While you are presented with instant information, we aren't exactly sure about the relevance part of it. Have a look at the following and try to understand what Goggle was thinking when it gave these answers (we are still staring at our screens).

Does God Love Everyone

Google Bomb About God Love

Okay, your momma may have told you in exasperation that she loved your elder brother more than you, but that one casual revelation crumbled your life momentarily and you cried with your lips puckered for 5 hours inconsolably. Now imagine what non-Christians throughout the world who believe in Jesus Christ must have gone through when they read this!?

What Car Does Jesus Drive

Google Bomb About Jesus Car

Just because there is a biblical verse that states "For I did not speak of my own Accord..." or "the roar of Moses' Triumph is heard in the hills", it does not mean that the Lord drove Honda Accord or rode the motorcycle Triumph (we too fell for that, but were soon disabused of the fallacy). Why would he need a vehicle to carry him, when he could carry himself anywhere, at any time with just one blink of an eye? Got an answer to this one Google, huh?

Is Google God

Google Bomb On Whether Google Is God

This must have made Google purr like a content cat. Google has all those qualities in the making, it's omnipresent, omniscient, and has answers to all your queries (even if there are not necessarily relevant). But this is like calling yourself talented just because you can sneeze, belch, and break the wind harmoniously; we mean you definitely have something special but we aren't exactly sure if it is something you can brag about. Oh come on, you are meant to do this!

Ways to Stop Hiccups

Google Bomb On Ways To Stop Hiccups

We always felt that all things in our body are somehow connected to each other, but this totally eclipses that belief of ours. How about holding something tightly onto your bottom to stop from hiccuping? If you cannot make the hiccups go away by gagging your mouth, you could try that on your buttocks, since both are body openings.

What is the Answer to Life the Universe and Everything

Google Bomb About Answer To Life

We are sure that Mr. Einstein's tomb must have trembled fitfully for sometime when he heard this. So, why was there a housefly in my coffee cup this morning? Maybe because it flew backwards 42 times, felt woozy, and thought of getting a caffeine dose to get back to its groove. Aha! Smarrtt.

Google has donned the nasty hat of an enfant terrible many times and the following examples show how real nasty it had got.

Nigger House

Google Blooper About Nigger House

Nigger King

Google Blooper About Nigger King

If you wanted to see exactly on what plane of misjudgment our beloved Google inhabits then you could have just typed "nigga house" that would have led you to tada- The White House (apparently a certain "nigga king", happened to domicile the White House). However, Google after realizing its brazenly obvious error apologized for it. There's a good boy, we must say.

Top 10 Criminals in the World

Google Blooper About Criminal Results

Top 10 Criminals in India

Google Results on Criminals in India
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Google didn't stop with its series of pratfalls, it recently notched yet another error in its bulging blooper bag by including Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi's image for search results on 'Top 10 criminals in India'. If that wasn't enough, Mr. Modi also got a spot in 'Top 10 criminals in the World'. However, Google, this time too, expressed deep regret for having committed the error. We reckon Google is on a humble pie eating competition with itself.

2015年6月3日星期三

Geometric Abstraction in Art: History and Characteristics

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If photography could capture any life form, what's the point of painting any picture from scratch? Geometric abstraction changed the landscape by creating art that evoked from the emotions of the artist, instead of a painted reproduction. This article will illuminate readers on geometric abstraction, its history, and its types.
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Geometric abstraction in art
Fact
In 1929, Alfred H. Barr, Jr. was the first American art historian to use the term 'geometric abstraction' in relation to the works of Wassily Kandinsky.
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Out of all art forms that define the beauty of the world, abstract art is considered the most intellectual. The first look at any abstract form of art always leaves us with more questions than answers. Although not as popular as representational art, the form of reproducing art from life, it still attracts a genuine following among art lovers and the general public alike.

Abstract art was formed in the early 20th century by artists frustrated by following the same style of old painters. Geometric art already had a cult following in the early Greek period of 900 BC, as evident by concentric circles and other shapes on their vases and paintings.

Different types of abstract art encompass curvilinear, color-related or light-related, geometric, emotional or intuition, gestural, and minimalist. Geometric art is the only art form that tries to showcase balance and structure through the brush strokes of its artist. In the following sections, we tell you the reason for its popularity.

Geometric Abstraction: Definition

▣ Geometric abstraction is an art form that uses basic geometric shapes. Without depending on three-dimensional space, it was drawn using two-dimensional shapes suspended in space.

▣ A distinct characteristic of geometric art is the shapes formed by curved or straight lines along a continuous path. It is sometimes judged to be devoid of emotion, but the grand gesture of the art convinces even the most stoic individuals.

▣ Only the primary colors of red, green, and blue were used originally, which later on evolved to include more colors to give it more depth and emotion.

History

▣ Around 1908, artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque started the movement of cubism, to branch out from the traditional style of painting.

▣ There were 2 types of cubism. Analytical cubism depicted paintings in small, tilted planes. Synthetic cubism camouflaged paintings with wood and other foreign objects to depict cuboidal forms.

▣ In fact, Georges Braque's painting, Houses at l'Estaque, prompted art critic Louis Vauxcelles to mockingly call it a house of cubes, which in turn gave the name to the movement.

▣ Cubism convinced artist Piet Mondrian to include it in his paintings. Mondrian experimented and created his own art form - neo-plasticism.

▣ Cubism even gave sculptors like Constantin Brâncuși the inspiration to create his world-famous sculpture The Kiss.

▣ Although cubism was dying out, its influence had spread to other parts of the Western world. In Russia, due to the rise of communism, Kazimir Malevich invented suprematism as a way to rebel against the government and their propaganda. It further influenced Theo Van Doesburg to create a movement called De Stijl.

Types of Geometric Abstraction

constructivism
Constructivism

▣ This was an art form created in response to the economy and cultural change occurring in Russia.

▣ The designs of constructivism were used in propaganda and advertising posters. The most famous poster was by El Lissitzky - 'Beat the Whites with the Red Wedge'.

▣ Constructivism had a lasting impact in architecture (Tatlin's Tower), and in movies such as Aelita and Storm over Asia.

▣ The artists associated with constructivism included Lyubov Popova, Vasiliy Yermilov, Vladimir Tatlin, and El Lissitzky, to name a few.

de stijl
De Stijl

▣ The movement was started in 1917 by Theo van Doesburg, and meant 'The Style' in Dutch.

▣ Primary members included Piet Mondrian, Vilmos Huszár, and Bart van der Leck, and the architects Gerrit Rietveld, Robert van 't Hoff, and J. J. P. Oud.

▣ Paintings were depicted in rectangular grids, and used the primary colors of red, blue, and yellow, along with black and white.

▣ Mondrian's last painting, Broadway Boogie-Woogie, introduced the abstractionist movement to the United States of America in 1940.

op art
Op Art

▣ Op art is a visual style of art that uses geometric shapes only in black and white. This art form was started by Victor Vasarely, in his painting Zebra.

▣ This gives the viewer the impression of movement or optical illusions.

▣ From 1965, artists like Bridget Riley started producing color-based op art.

▣ Although the art died out, it branched into pop art; the kind of snazzy art form used to popularize famous icons, and used by Andy Warhol in his creations.

▣ Artists primarily influenced by op art include Richard Allen, John McHale, Heinz Mack, Michael Kidner, and Jeffrey Steele.

minimalism
Minimalism

▣ Minimalism started in 1960 in New York as a new wave of art form.

▣ The aim was to express clarity by reducing the content to its primal form, without using any references.

▣ One of the most important art pieces influenced by this art form is Die by Tony Smith.

▣ Other famous artists influenced by minimalism include Donald Judd, Frank Stella, Brice Marden, and Sol Lewitt, to name a few.

Suprematism

▣ Kazimir Malevich started the movement in 1913 known as suprematism, due to the colors in his paintings giving a different sensation, also known as synaesthesia.

▣ It primarily used squares and trapezoids on a white background to depict emotions.

▣ The group started by Malevich included artists like Lyubov Popova, Aleksandra Ekster, Olga Rozanova, Nadezhda Udaltsova, Ivan Kliun, Nikolai Suetin, Ilya Chashnik, Nina Genke-Meller, Ivan Puni, and Ksenia Boguslavskaya.

Concrete Art

▣ Concrete art is considered an art form which has no symbolic reference to the world, and was coined by Theo Van Doesburg in 1930.

▣ The art form was recognized by its hard edges and frequent use of geometric shapes.
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▣ One of the pioneers who spread concrete art was Wassily Kandinsky, whose painting On White II represented a piece of machinery.

▣ The artists who practiced this art form include Max Bill, Josef Albers, Robert Delaunay, Tony Smith, and Sol LeWitt, among others.

2015年6月1日星期一

8 Reasons Why Traveling Alone is the Best Way to See the World

Evening Dresses
Getting cold feet just thinking of traveling alone and contemplating nipping that plan right in the bud? Think again. In this post, we're highlighting all the advantages of traveling alone and why you need to take that trip ASAP.
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Reason why traveling alone is good
"Never did the world make a queen of a girl who hides in houses and dreams without traveling."
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― Roman Payne
Traveling. Seeing new places. Feeling alive again. Getting away from the rut of life and into a new world. To explore, to feel, to soak in. Most of us are travel-junkies at heart―we conjure up images of far off places and breathtaking escapes. We sigh through images of foreign locations and long to be there. We will ourselves to walk through those nature trails. We think 'let's go on an adventure', and then quietly smother that voice down just as soon as it spears its ugly head. Because, alone.

*Long awkward silence.*

I get it. Traveling all alone? Doing things all by yourself? Or how about the far more philosophical one ... going alone without having anyone to share those experiences with? Yes, traveling alone without anyone to share those experiences with, and doing things all by oneself. But how? Why?

Because, memories. Because, freedom. Because, unbelievable, innumerable, countless moments. That's why.

WHY IS IT GOOD TO TRAVEL ALONE?

It's not easy, we really do get it. Especially if you're not used to traveling all by yourself. So what we're asking you to do is begin by taking baby steps. Go on a weekend trip alone. See how that feels. Then maybe, take off for a week all by yourself. You'll find that once you're over your initial apprehensions, it isn't as bad as it seems. In fact, you may even like it. So why should we not be sacrificing our travel times because there's no one on the horizon to go with? Here's why.

You're the boss

Tourist clicking snaps

Oh, yeah. So you wake up on the first morning of your trip, right, and you don't really want to be rushing out the door and into a tourist bus packed with people who all want to go see the magnificent something or the other... guess what? You don't have to! Why? That's right. You're the boss. You decide what you want to do, you decide what you want to see, you decide when to go where, and you also decide what you want to skip. Oh, the joys of being alone and doing what you want.

Do what you want, when you want

Woman with travel suitcase

Remember that trip you took way back with all those friends, and all that happened on the trip was a lot of asking around 'what do you want to do?', 'I don't know, what do you want to do?'. So much precious time was spent in this back and forth exchange that you ended up missing out on many places that you would have liked to see. Or how about all those places that you had to give a miss because someone else had circled in some others that they just had to see? You see where we're going with this? You get to plan exactly what you want to see and when you want to see it. Getting the most of a trip, now who would not want that?

Getting all responsible and everything

Tourist reading map

Whether you realized it, and whether you wanted it or not, the moment you decided to take that trip alone, you automatically became responsible. Yup. You know that you're going to have to take care of yourself. You know there's going to be no one to run to for every single thing. And since you're going to do everything for yourself, and you might as well do a swell job of it. And you know what this will do? You'll end up learning so much―taking care of accommodation, learning how to navigate a map, learning the ropes of public transport ... you're going to be filled with a deluge of experience. How about that?

Here's to meeting new people

Chatting with friends

... and experiencing new things. So let's suppose you've taken a trip with friends. You're probably not going to end up meeting anyone new on that trip. I mean, why would you when you have all the people you need, right there with you? But, when you're alone, there are going to be times when you'll find yourself with completely new people―sitting beside someone on the bus, or sharing a table at a restaurant. And just like that, you'll get an insight into their lives and their stories. What a whole lot of new perspectives to take back home.

And getting over inhibitions

Man sky diving thumbs up

There are a million reservations and countless inhibitions that we carry along. But when you're traveling alone, you learn to get over them somewhat quickly. What else are you going to do? Sit in your room and wait for things to happen to you? Yes? For a day or two, maybe. What after that? You are going to get up and go looking for things to do, and in doing that, you are going to get over your inhibitions. And once you're out of your comfort zone and into the adrenaline-pumping experiences, you're going to pat yourself for getting over those silly reservations and giving a chance for memories to form.

How about getting to know the real you?

Contemplating over snacks

It works out this way, whether you realize it or not―when you're traveling with someone, you end up going along with the flow. Like, if they want to visit a particular place, you're not really going to refuse, are you? When you're on your own, you learn so much about yourself. You learn the kind of places you like, the kind of food you prefer and random things of the here and now. Would you have had the time to contemplate on those things while you were with someone else? Probably, but not always. But here, it's as if the experience is intensified. Because who's distracting you from you? No one. Not one soul.

And learning to reflect

Overlooking the mountain

It's during times like these, when you're by yourself and you have all the time in the world, that you can listen to what you're trying to tell yourself. There are no distractions, there are no droning noises vying for your attention. This is when life's answers come to you. You get clarity about what you want to do, what drives you, what you want in life. All you have to do is listen. How does it happen when you're alone and not with someone else, you ask? It just does.

Let's take home some memories

Woman in red dress with cycle in field

And finally, my friend, why you should travel alone―for the memories. The things you take back when you travel with company and the things you take back when you travel alone are so different. The experiences and the thoughts in your head and the things you're thinking about... anything and everything takes on a whole different meaning. How about that time when you missed the tourist bus, and the lovely local lady showed you around town? Or how about the time you almost didn't go sky diving and the instructor egged you on? And how about when the lone selfie atop the highest peak was graced by that mountain goat? Memories. What else do we have?
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So you see, there are a million reasons you should travel alone and a countless reasons more. So all we're saying is, give in to that voice. Go take that adventure you've always wanted to. Just go.