Amazing World Facts

[singleguy]

Amazing Waterfalls of the World Top 9
Mother Nature has provided us so many gifts which are simply outstanding and praising. Out of so money outstanding gifts we can easily highlight one among all, the waterfall. Huge size, beautiful site and pure natural beauty keep people attracted towards them year after year. No matter from which direction you are viewing the waterfall you will only witness a panoramic effect from all dimensions. Listed below are 9 waterfalls which are loved by the people from all across the globe because of their beauty, glorious outlook and unforgettable histories.






Kaieteur Falls in South America
Located in the Guyana Highlands, a surface that is nearly 2 billion years old, Kaieteur Falls is one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Amazon river–bound, the 371-foot wide waterfall starts with a 741-foot sheer plunge, followed by a short series of steep cascades. It owes its extraordinary beauty to monstrous height and impressive water volume. Accessible by land and water, visitors can also enjoy the unique plants and wildlife of the surrounding rain forest.






Iguazú Falls in South America
Located between Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazú Falls are the result of a volcanic eruption and consist of 275 cascades of water along the 1.67-mile-long Iguazu River. Though not very high—the tallest drop is at 269 feet—the falls are often referred to as “The Devil’s Throat” due to its U shape and powerful plunges. Divided by various mini-islands, the waterfall was recently nominated as a finalist in the “New7Wonders of Nature” initiative.







Yosemite Falls in North America
At a total height of 2,425 feet, the Yosemite Falls, located in Yosemite National Park within California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, is the highest waterfall in the United States. Made up of three sections—the upper, middle and lower—the highest fall is 1,430 feet high and spews water aggressively from a rocky ledge. Legend has it that the Native American Ahwahneechee tribe, who originally inhabited Yosemite Valley, believed the pool at the base of the waterfall was inhabited by evil spirits.








Ribbon Fall in North America
Ribbon Fall, also located in Yosemite National Park, is thought to be the highest single-drop waterfall in North America, but water only runs through it from April to June. By July, there isn’t a drop of water to be seen until snow melts in the following spring. At 1,612 feet high, visitors can catch water falling in a line as thin as a ribbon while set against a backdrop of gorgeous cliffs. Situated on the west side of the rock formation dubbed “El Capitan,” the waterfall remains only a sight to be seen from afar since there are no trails to the top.






Rhine Falls in Europe
The largest waterfall in Europe, Rhine Falls—located on the High Rhine where the Rhine River runs through Northern Switzerland—is thought to have been formed approximately 15,000 years ago by erosion-resistant rocks, which narrowed the riverbed to form a water alley. At 492 feet wide (including the rapids) and 75 feet high, its three sections are divided by islands of piled jagged limestone.





Dudhsagar Falls in Asia
The tiered, whitewater Dudhsagar Falls—which means “Sea of Milk”—is a popular tourist destination located along the Mandovi River in Goa, India. Carved steps provide easy access to the top, which soars 1,017 feet above the ground, though visitors are just as likely to be seen taking a dip in one of the many pools that form at the base of the waterfall.






Waihilau Falls in North America
Located in Hawaii’s Waimanu Valley, the Waihilau Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world and has an estimated drop of 2,600 feet. Situated on the northeast shore of the Big Island, this area of Hawaii remains largely uninhabited and is known for its unspoiled beauty. Many visitors hike to the falls from the close-by Waip’o Valley taking in the gorgeous flora and fauna along the way.





Niagara Falls in North America
This massive waterfall, which partially resides in Ontario, Canada, is located in America’s oldest state park—the Niagara Reservation State Park. Classified as a segmented waterfall because the water flow splits into two side-by-side falls, Niagara Falls is one of the most powerful waterfalls in North America. Four of the five Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie) drain into the Niagara River before spewing into Lake Ontario—which makes up one-fifth of the world’s fresh water supply.



Angel Falls in South America
Located in an isolated jungle region in Venezuela, Salto Ángel—as it is referred to by locals—is the highest waterfall in the world. Standing 3,212 feet tall, it has an uninterrupted drop of 2,647 feet. In fact, the force of its crashing water is so powerful that it produces a mist that can be felt miles away. Named after American aviator Jimmie Angel, who flew over them in 1933 while searching for an ore bed, the creators of the Disney/Pixar film Up used the waterfall as inspiration for the film’s fictional “Paradise Falls

[singleguy]

hi every body...
I Love waterfalls ecpecially the waterfalls mentioned in my last post because These are some excellent examples of natural beauty...but I wonder why they didn't mentioned another 2 great and popular waterfalls?! by the way I tell about them to you:
one of them is Victoria waterfalls::

برای مشاهده محتوا ، لطفا وارد شوید یا ثبت نام کنید

and :

برای مشاهده محتوا ، لطفا وارد شوید یا ثبت نام کنید

have fun

[seymour]

my dad visited Victoria waterfalls in his trip to Africa.... we watched the films he recorded back there and boy! that fall was loud .. !

[گیسو]

amazing ostrich facts

There were so many questions on the my Wednesday ABC post on Ostriches that I decided to respond to the comments with a separate post, with 12 amazing facts about Ostriches. Please note that some of these facts will not be found in any definitive works on Ostriches and are being published for the first time.

There was a lot of speculation about the taste of Ostrich meat. In my opinion the taste is….…..fowl. Tried it once and did not enjoy it. Suzi-k on the other hand likes Ostrich steak. But then in our family we do draw a distinction between “boy’s food” and “girl’s food”. So, if it is a toss up between lean, cholesterol free Ostrich meat and a fatty lamb chop there is no contest – I’ll take my chances with cholesterol.

Let’s not forget the eggs. One Ostrich egg is equivalent to about 24 chicken eggs. I have never tried one, but believe that they are very rich. So here’s the deal, I have no intention of trying out ostrich eggs, a boiled chicken’s egg is more than enough for me.

Oh yes, another use for Ostrich eggs is for décor purposes. The yolk is removed and the eggs are sold for display purposes; or they have kitsch and I mean kitsch pictures painted on them and sold to people with an unusual taste in décor; I have seen them carved with intricate patterns and so it goes…….

We once bought bottled water in a container shaped like an Ostrich egg. I do not know what it was, but Suzi-k and I could not bring ourselves to drink the water. It was all psychosomatic…. as soon as we lifted the bottle to our lips, something triggered the egg smell in our brains and down went the bottle. Coupled with that was the image of how the eggs come into the world. Yes, I know the bottle was plastic, but we do have vivid imaginations.

If you want real gross, it is an Ostrich foot converted into an ashtray. By the way you do not want to get on the wrong side of these feet - they can do some nasty damage.

Someone remarked on how unhappy Ostriches looked. You would too it you knew that someone was about to pull your tail feathers out to make a feather duster.

For those of you still think there is some truth about Ostriches sticking their heads in the sand, let me dispel the myth. You would need a jack hammer to dig a hole in the ground, in some of the areas where Ostriches live. It is something like the saying that a guinea pig’s eyes will drop out, if you pick it up by its tail. What probably lead to the myth is that when they are feeding and their heads are down, it can look like the head is in the sand from a distance.

Ostrich leather is really classy and is used to make high quality shoes, purses, brief cases, upholstery and so on..…. all of which are sold at extortionate prices. And you can get it in a stunning variety of colours.

Did you know that you can ride an Ostrich? This picture is of an Ostrich race taken at Oudtshoorn many years ago. Not a very comfortable ride, but a ride nevertheless

The feathers are still very popular in décor and fashion circles. They are used to trim cushions, a personal favourite with any self respecting cat. The feathers also make nice boa’s and fashion accessories.

Several years ago the local Ostrich industry took quite a knock with avian influenza. Many farmers opted out of the business, but others just picked up the pieces and soldiered on. That’s why we are still able to buy feather dusters ………. and all the other things I have spoken of.

And that is not all, once they have been domesticated you can herd Ostriches like sheep. These were photographed outside Oudtshoorn, headed for the abattoir. No wonder they look so unhappy.

[singleguy]

Most-Poisonous-Animals-In-The-World

Poison Dart Frog

If you ever happen to be running through the rain forests somewhere in Central or South America, do not ever pick up beautiful and colorful frogs – it can be the Poison Dart Frog. This frog is probably the most poisonous animal on earth.The 2 inch long (5cm) golden poison dart frog has enough venom to kill 10 adult humans or 20,000 mice. Only 2 micrograms of this lethal toxin (the amount that fits on the head of a pin) is capable of killing a human or other large mammal. They are called “dart frogs” because indigenous Amerindians’ use of their toxic secretions to poison the tips of their blow-darts. Poison dart frogs keep their poison in their skins and will sicken or kill anybody who touches or eats it.


Box Jellyfish

The top prize for “The World Most Venomous Animal,” would go to the Box Jellyfish. It has caused at least 5,567 recorded deaths since 1954. Their venom is among the most deadly in the world. It’s toxins attack the heart, nervous system, and skin cells. And the worst part of it is that jelly box venom is so overpoweringly painful, that human victims go in shock, drown or die of heart failure before even reaching shore. Survivors experience pain weeks after the contact with box jellies.

You have virtually no chance to survive the venomous sting, unless treated immediately. After a sting, vinegar should be applied for a minimum of 30 seconds. Vinegar has acetic acid, which disables the box jelly’s nematocysts that have not yet discharged into the bloodstream (though it will not alleviate the pain). Wearing panty hose while swimming is also a good prevention measure since it can prevent jellies from being able to harm your legs.
Jelly box can be found in the waters around Asia and Australia



King Cobra

The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the world’s longest venomous snake – growing up to 5.6 m (18.5 ft) in length. Ophiophagus, literally means “snake-eater” as it eats other snakes. One single bite of this deadly snake can easily kill a human. This snake is even capable of killing a full-grown Asian Elephant within 3 hours if the larger animal is bitten in a vulnerable area such as the trunk.

It’s venom is not as toxic as other venomous snakes, but King Cobra is capable of injecting 5 times more venom than black mamba and can result in mortality up to 5 times faster than that of the black mamba. It is quite widespread, ranging across South and South-east Asia, living in dense highland forests



Marbled Cone Snail

This little beautiful looking Marbled Cone snail can be as deadly as any other animal on this list. One drop of its venom is so powerful that it can kill more than 20 humans. If you ever happen to be in warm salt water environment (where these snails are often found) and see it, don’t even think of picking it up. Of course, the true purpose of its venom is to catch its prey.

Symptoms of a cone snail sting can start immediately or can be delayed in onset for days. It results in intense pain, swelling, numbness and tingling. Severe cases involve muscle paralysis, vision changes and breathing failure. There is no antivenom. However, only about 30 human deaths have been recorded from cone snail envenomation.




Blue-Ringed Octopus

The Blue-Ringed Octopus is very small, only the size of a golf ball, but its venom is so powerful that can kill a human. Actually it carries enough poison to kill 26 adult humans within minutes, and there is no antidote. They are currently recognized as one of the world’s most venomous animals.

Its painless bite may seem harmless, but the deadly neurotoxins begin working immediately resulting in muscular weakness, numbness, followed by a cessation and breathing and ultimately death.
They can be found in tide pools in the Pacific Ocean, from Japan to Australia.



Death Stalker Scorpion

Contrarily to the popular belief most of the scorpions are relatively harmless to humans as stings produce only local effects (pain, numbness or swelling). However, the Death Starker Scorpion is highly dangerous species because its venom is a powerful ~censored~ of neurotoxins which causes an intense and unbearable pain, then fever, followed by coma, convulsions, paralysis and death. Fortunately, while a sting from this scorpion is extremely painful, it would be unlikely to kill a healthy, adult human. Young children, the old, or infirm (with a heart condition) are at the biggest risk.

Death stalker scorpions are spread in North Africa and Middle East



Stonefish

Maybe Stonefish would never win a beauty contest, but it would definitely win the top prize for being “The World Most Venomous Fish”. Its venom causes such a severe pain that the victims of its sting want the affected limb to be amputated. It is described as the worst pain known to man. It is accompanied with possible shock, paralysis, and tissue death. If not given medical attention within a couple of hours It can be fatal to humans.
Stonefish stores its toxins in gruesome-looking spines that are designed to hurt would-be predators.

Stonefish mostly live above the tropic of Capricorn, often found in the shallow tropical marine waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans, ranging from the Red Sea to the Queensland Great Barrier Reef




The Brazilian wandering spider

The Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria) or banana spider appears in the Guinness Book of World Records 2007 for the most venomous spider and is the spider responsible for most human deaths.

This spider is believed to have the most potent neurotoxic venom of any living spider. Only 0.006mg (0.00000021oz) is sufficient to kill a mouse. They are also so dangerous because of their wandering nature. They often hide during daytime in highly populated areas inside houses, clothes, boots, and cars.

Its venomous bite causes not only intense pain, the venom of the spider can also cause priapism - uncomfortable erections lasting for many hours that lead to impotence. who needs viagra Mr. Green Mr. Green



Inland Taipan

The prize for “The World’s Most Venomous Snake” goes to the Inland Taipan of Australia. Just a single bite from this snake contains enough venom to kill 100 human adults or an army of 250,000 mice. Its venom is at least 200 – 400 times more toxic than a common cobra. The Inland Taiwan’s extremely neurotoxic venom can kill an adult human in as little as 45 minutes. Fortunately this snake is very shy and there have been no documented human fatalities (all known bites were treated with antivenin)



Puffer Fish

Puffer Fish are the second most poisonous vertebrate on earth (the first one is golden dart Frog). The meat of some species is a delicacy in both Japan (as fugu) and Korea (as bok-uh) but the problem is that the skin and certain organs of many puffer fish are very poisonous to humans.

This puffy fish produce rapid and violent death..Puffer’s poisoning causes deadening of the tongue and lips, dizziness, vomiting, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, and muscle paralysis. Victims die from suffocation as diaphragm muscles are paralyzed. Most of the victims die after four to 24 hours. There is no known antidote, Most deaths from fugu happen when untrained people catch and prepare the fish.

Statistics show that there were 20 to 44 incidents of fugu poisoning per year between 1996 and 2006 in all of Japan and up to six incidents per year led to death. Since Fugu’s poison can cause near instantaneous death, only licensed chefs are allowed to prepare it

[گیسو]

Fruits and human body

CARROTS and EYES

SLICE a carrot and it looks just like an eye, even the pattern of the iris. Its a clear that this vegetable is for vision. The orange colour is from a plant chemical called betacarotene, which reduces the risk of developing cataracts. This chemical present in carrots also protects against macular degeneration which is an age-related sight problem that affects one in four over the age of 65s.

WALNUT and BRAIN

THE gnarled folds of a walnut is exactly same as the appearance of a human brain. Walnuts are the only nuts which contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. An American study found that walnut extract broke down the protein-based plaques associated with Alzheimers disease.

TOMATO and HEART

A TOMATO is red in color and usually has four chambers, just like our heart. Tomatoes are also a great source of lycopene, a plant chemical that reduces the risk of heart disease and several cancers. An American research programme which tracks the health of 40,000 women found women with the highest blood levels of lycopene had 30% less heart disease than women who had very little lycopene. Lycopene helps counter the effect of unhealthy LDL cholesterol.

GRAPES and LUNGS

The structure of lungs with branches of ever-smaller airways is similar to a bunche of grapes. The airways that finish up with tiny bunches of tissue called alveoli allow oxygen to pass from the lungs to the blood stream. A diet high in fresh fruit, such as grapes, has reduced the risk of lung cancer and emphysema. Grape seeds also contain a chemical called proanthocyanidin, which appears to reduce the severity of asthma triggered by allergy.

CHEESE and BONES

Cheese is a rich source of calcium, a vital ingredient for strong bones. Cheese reduces the risk of osteoporosis later in life. It is strange that a piece of cheese even resembles the internal structure of bones. Together with another mineral called phosphate, it provides the main strength in bones. Getting enough calcium in the diet during childhood is crucial for strong bones. A study at Columbia University in New York showed teens who increased calcium intake from 800mg a day to 1200mg equal to an extra two slices of cheese and it boosted their bone density by six per cent.

GINGER and STOMACH

Root ginger often looks just like the stomach. One of its biggest benefits is aiding digestion. The Chinese have been using it for over 2,000 years to calm the stomach and cure nausea. It is also a popular remedy for motion sickness.

BANANA and SMILE)

Cheer up. Eat a banana and put a smile on your face. The popular fruit contains a protein called tryptophan. Once it has been digested, tryptophan then gets converted in a chemical neurotransmitter called serotonin, which is one of the most important mood-regulating chemicals in the brain and most anti-depressant drugs work by adjusting levels of serotonin production. Higher levels are associated with better moods.

MUSHROOM and EAR

Slice a mushroom in half and dont you think it resembles the shape of the human ear? Adding it to your cooking could actually improve your hearing. Mushrooms contain vitamin D. This particular vitamin is important for healthy bones, even the tiny ones in the ear that transmit sound to the brain.

BROCCOLI and CANCER CELLS

If you see closely, the tiny green tips on a broccoli head look like hundreds of cancer cells. Now scientists have shown that this veg can play a crucial role in preventing the disease. A team of researchers at the US National Cancer Institute found that serving of broccoli for a week was enough to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 45 per cent.

[singleguy]

Ronda (Spain): divided by a 100-meter deep canyon

Located in a very mountainous area about 750 metres (2,500 ft) above mean sea level, Ronda is a clifftop town in the spanish province of Malaga. "El Tajo", a 100-meter deep canyon, separates the old town form the new one, leaving some of the buildings and houses right on the edge of abyss. Going from one side to the other is possible, as the canyon is spanned by three bridges, each built in a different historical age: Roman, Moorish and 18th Century





Bonifacio (Corsica): 70 meters (230 ft) over the Mediterranean Sea

At the southern tip of the island of Corsica, Bonifacio is the largest commune of the island. This fragile looking citadel sits precariously at 70 meters (230 ft) over the white limestone cliffs, eaten away by the wind and waves of the Mediterranean Sea. A naval haven throughout the century, Bonifacio is now a small marina for expensive yachts from around the world





Castellfolit de la Roca (Spain): situated on a 50 meters (164 ft) high basalt crag

A municipality in Catalonia, Spain, Castellfollit de la Roca is bordered by the confluence of the Fluvià and Toronell rivers, between which the town's basalt cliff rises. The basalt crag where the town is situated is over 50 meters high and almost a kilometre long. It was formed by the overlaying of two lava flows and it is one of the smallest towns in the province




Santorini (Greece): a 300 meter (984 ft) high paradise
Located about 200 km southeast from Greece's mainland, the archipelago of Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion, destroying the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island, and leading to the creation of the current geological caldera. Its spectacular physical beauty, along with a dynamic nightlife, have made the island one of Europe's tourist hotspots. The Minoan eruption, which occurred some 3,600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization, left a large caldera surrounded by volcanic ash deposits hundreds of feet deep and may have led indirectly to the collapse of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, 110 km (70 miles) to the south, through the creation of a gigantic tsunami. The giant central lagoon, more or less rectangular, mesures about 12 km by 7 km (8 mi by 4 mi) and is surrounded by 300 m (984 ft) high steep cliffs on three sides.




Manarola (Italy): Italy's most precariously placed town
Located in Liguria, Manarola is certainly one of Italy's most precariously placed towns. It’s hard to say just how old this village is, but ancient Roman texts have been found which celebrated the wines produced there. Today, you can still enjoy strolls through the vineyards, a walk on the Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) and its brightly colored buildings just near the edge.