You Won’t Believe This Aerial Photographs Are Real

A Sand Art Portrait of Barack Obama

 This impressive homage to the new U.S. president-elect is the work of talented Cuban-born American artist Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada, who sculpted this gigantic face of Barack Obama using gravel, sand and soil in Barcelona, where he now lives.

The massive portrait of Obama's face measures 445 feet long by 264 feet wide and covers nearly 1 hectare of Barcelona beachfront. The artwork used over 500 tons of donated materials.

Camel Shadows in the Desert

A picture taken of camels in the desert. It is considered one of the best pictures of the year (2005). Look closely, the camels are the little white lines in the picture. The black you see is just the shadows!

Giant Oak Tree Illusion

A giant oak tree lying on its side. This stunning photograph was taken by Swedish Photographer Jocke Berglund.The remarkable shape of trunk, branches and foliage was created by a combination of storm damage and scars left on the landscape by forestry machinery used to retrieve logs.The image, entitled Hurricane Tree, won him The World In Our Hands prize at the Shell Wildlife Photographer Of The Year competition.

3D Crop Circle

The astonishing three-dimensional design, 200ft in diameter, has been created in a wheat field at Silbury Hill in Wiltshire.

Buildings Letters

A reader send us this picture, unfortunately no information was provided. These buildings look extremely similar to some alphabet letters, don't they?

Moon and Star Island

This picture has been circulating in the internet over years and is an hoax, but only the star. The "moon" is the Island of Molokini, located between the islands of Maui and Kahoolawe, Hawaii. Its crescent shape forms a beautiful lagoon inside, which is home to about 250 species of fish, some of which can be found nowhere else on Earth.

Giant Flamingo

What we have here is a bunch of flamingos posing together for an auto-portrait, which accidentally looks like one giant Flamingo.

Strange face in Peruvian sand dune

Some people believe that is the face of Jesus.You can see it for yourself if you visit this Google Maps.

Giant Ferrari Logo

This red spot, is the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and is world's first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind. Its iconic sleek red roof is directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, spanning 200,000 m2 and carrying the largest Ferrari logo ever created.

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Rapper Nate Dogg Dead at 41

Heaven just got another Dogg.

Sadly, after years of battling deteriorating health, rapper and LBC native Nate Dogg (whose real name was Nathaniel Hale) passed away at the age of 41.

No exact cause of death was immediately released when the family announced his death to the Long Beach Press Telegram, though the rapper suffered two massive strokes in recent years, one in 2007 which left him partially paralyzed, and another in 2008.

Nate Dogg was a four-time Grammy nominee and a major participant in the West Coast G-Funk sound, contributing memorable and chart-topping hooks to hits spanning the past two decades, starting with his heavy featuring on Dr. Dre's The Chronic. He went on to add his smooth, laid-back sound to Warren G's "Regulate," Dre and Snoop Dogg's "The Next Episode," Ludacris' "Area Codes" and Eminem's "Shake That." His most recent solo album, Nate Dogg, was released in 2008.

Frequent collaborator and longtime friend Snoop (back in 1991, then unknown pals Snoop, Nate and Warren G formed a rap group called 213) was the first to publicly mourn the loss.

"We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb," he tweeted last night. "One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met.

"I love u buddy luv. U will always b wit me 4ever n a day u put the g n g funk u put the 1 n 213 n u put yo stamp on evrybdy u ever didit wit. I miss u cuzz I am so sad but so happy I got to grow up with u and I will c u again n heaven cuz u know d slogan…all doggs go to heaven yo homie n baby brotha bigg snoopdogg!!

"RIP NATE DOGG."

As for Warren G, he has yet to publicly comment on the passing, but sadly just Sunday addressed fan concerns about Nate's health.

"For those that don't know awhile back nate had 2 strokes he is in therapy thanks again for your support."

Meanwhile, other fans and friends of Nate have weighed in on Twitter, offering up their own condolences.

• Daz Dillinger: "R.I.P. TO MY HOMEBOY NATE DOGG DPGC DOGG POUND GANGSTA 4 LIFE."

• Xzibit: "We love you Nate Dogg, it's never going to be the same."

• Reggie Bush: "R.I.B. Nate Dogg!!!! Rest In Beats!"

• Ludacris: "There is a certain void in hip hop's heart that can never be filled. Glad we got to make history together. RT @SnoopDogg: RIP NATE DOGG."

• The Game: "I lost a friend. Been here before. Tears. Memories. One day someone will lose 'US' as well. LIVING until that day comes is our only option."

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The world's billionaires 2011

America's wealthiest still dominate the global ranks, but more new billionaires now come from China, Russia and other developing economies – and Mexico’s Carlos Slim Helú is holding on to the title of world’s richest man.

2011: A record year in numbers, money and impact

This 25th year of tracking global wealth was one to remember. The Forbes 2011 Billionaires List breaks two records: number of billionaires (1,210) and combined wealth ($4.5 trillion).

This combined wealth surpasses the gross domestic product of Germany, one of only six nations to have fewer billionaires this year than in 2010. Brazil, Russia, India and China produced 108 of this year's 214 new names. These four nations are home to one in four members, up from one in 10 five years ago.

Before this year only the United States had produced more than 100 billionaires. China now has 115 and Russia 101.

Wealth creation is moving at an especially breakneck pace in the Asia-Pacific region, which has a record 332 billionaires, up from 234 a year ago and 130 at the depth of the financial crisis in 2009. Sizzling stock markets are behind this surge.

America's wealthiest still dominate the global ranks, but the U.S. is losing its grip. One in three billionaires is an American, down from nearly one in two a decade ago. It has 10 more than last year but 56 fewer than its 2008 peak.

Still there are inspiring newcomers. An obvious example is Facebook, which has spawned six billionaires, including chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, whose fortune this year jumped 238% to $13.5 billion.

The frenzy among investors for all things social pushed up private market values of online gaming outfit Zynga and made a billionaire of founder and chief executive Mark Pincus. Other notable American newcomers to the Forbes list include Groupon backer Eric Lefkofsky.

Why do we spend so much time tracking other people's money? It's because these moguls have the power to shape our world. Telecom billionaire turned Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati is keeping Lebanon's government together. Swiss-Italian entrepreneur Ernesto Bertarelli is focusing on saving the oceans. And Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have traveled to three continents working to raise philanthropic awareness among the ultra-rich.

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Mechanic Finds 4-Foot-Long Snake Under Hood

While fixing up a car, London mechanic Prem Gahru finds an unusual component under the hood.

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A Bottomless and Amazing Cave Located in Vietnam

This amаzing mammoth cave is located in Vietnam. It is оne of twenty such caves, which hаve jungles inside. Sоmetime the roof оf the cаve fell in, let sunlight in аnd all kinds оf plants soоn fоllowed.

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How to empty a lake of fish in minutes

Mali, and the village of Bamba in the north of Dogon country, where, since the beginning, that is to say since the Dogon arrived in this magic land in Mali long ago, a sacred fishing ritual is practiced, known as “Antogo”. A small yet very powerful lake rests just beneath Bamba. Antogo is celebrated only once a year, and only on this day is fishing allowed on the lake, it is strictly prohibited on any other day of the year.

Saturday, market day in Bamba. It’s 15:00 p.m, on May 2nd. The temperature is nudging 50 degrees, the sun burning in the sky. To coincide with the sixth month of the dry season the council of wise men of Bamba get together in order to fix the exact date of the Antogo ritual; for the first three market days of the month large wooden sticks are placed in the middle of the lake, signalling that the ritual is getting closer. The 3 sticks function as a signal for the whole region, warning that the date is coming soon.

In the past the whole area of Bamba was covered with green forests and bush, and the lake, the water of which was considered sacred and populated by good spirits, offered tons of fish, which contributed to local food requirements. The passage of time, climate change and parallel processes, including the massive desertification of the region, has meant that the area has transformed itself from a green zone into an arid, dry, eroded, infertile, rocky area, characterized today by huge problems in terms of water access and availability. This small yet eternal lake, apparently capable of resisting climate evolutions, represents a precious resource still today, above all from an identity and cultural point of view.

The ritual seems to contradict one of the distinguishing aspects of the Dogon culture, that is, the antipathy towards water, which they prefer to avoid when they can, confining and structuring their living around rocks, hills and semi-deserted areas, far away from the feared river Niger.

On the day of Antogo hundreds of Dogon come from all parts of the country to Bamba’s lake. Around the lake we notice 3 bigger groups of people, formed by the most respected and ancient families of various Dogon villages. The largest group is the one of Bamba, which includes people from 13 smaller villages around. Each of these groups, in a collective mystical silence, pronounce ritualistic formulas, together with the names of the most important families; finally, the word comes to the wise of Bamba, who, when done speaking, mark the beginning of the ritual itself.

A silent black frame gets drawn all around the lake, made of little kids, young and old men, carrying hand made tools to catch the fish. Women cannot participate to the ritual, getting close to the lake is strictly prohibited; in fact, in line with other aspects of the complex Dogon culture, which prohibits women from taking part in any of the ritualistic elements of life. Women are considered impure by definition, because of the menstrual cycle.

All of a sudden hundreds of Dogon jump wildly into the lake, in order to capture as many fish as possible in any way they can. Fish are then placed in a leather bag that they communally carry. The dance continues happily albeit chaotically, with everyone covered in mud is used to draw on the faces and bodies of the participants, the intensity of the moment is immense, overwhelming.

Just about 30 minutes later a gunshot marks the end of the ritual. All fish captured will be put together and given to the oldest man of Bamba, who will ensure proper distribution among all villages.

Antogo – embedded in mystery and magic – symbolises peace and cohesion among Dogon villages, absence of conflict and the sharing of the gifts coming from a common good.

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Forever Faithful

For those who just don’t believe pets truly bond with their human companions, maybe these photos will drive the point home.

CNN reports that Leao, a medium-sized brown mutt, took up a spot for at least two days alongside the grave of her deceased owner, Cristina Maria Cesario Santana, who had been among 655 killed in landslides. The pictures were taken Saturday by Vanderlei Almeida of Agence France Presse/Getty Images at a cemetery in Teresopolis amid the mountainous region northeast of Rio de Janeiro.

Sad tale, indeed, and we’ll update it if we hear more. In the meantime, hug your buddies… and here’s another image…

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Three Lionesses Killed a Crocodile After it tried to Attack a Cub

Three lionesses pounced on a crocodile in an extraordinary scene after the reptile tried to attack one of the pride's cubs.

The protective females instinctively leapt into action to fend off the aggressive predator.

With organised precision, the lionesses surrounded the croc and launched a ferocious volley of blows.

The rare scenes were captured by Tony Goldman while on a safari trip to the Duba Plains, in Botswana, with his son.

Tony, 58, a cardiologist, said: 'The lionesses had just killed a buffalo and suddenly a crocodile ventured about 100 yards out of the water towards them to snack on the meat.

'One of the smaller cubs was in the path of the crocodile and it started to advance towards the cub in a menacing fashion before trying to attack it.

During the encounter the crocodile managed to bite one of the big cats but was soon killed by the pride.

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Dalek and gold dentures left in hotel rooms

A life-sized Dalek and a set of gold teeth worth £6,500 are just some of the odd items left in rooms by guests, a hotel chain has revealed.

Bosses at Travelodge say other bizarre things left in their rooms in 2010 include an antique rocking horse, a 4ft yam and £10,000 in cash.

After reviewing their lost and found offices staff were also surprised to find a superintendent’s ID badge, Keys to a Rolls Royce Phantom and a traffic lollipop stick.

Meanwhile the most common items left behind were mobile phones, gadgets, laptop computers, teddy bears and books.

Slightly worryingly artificial limbs were the seventh most frequently forgotten items… followed by adult toys.

Top 10 most common items left in hotel rooms
1. Mobile Phones
2. Gadgets
3. Laptops / games consoles
4. Teddy Bears
5. Books
6. Clothing items / Toiletries
7. Artificial limbs
8. Hen / Stag accessories / adult toys
9. Handbags, Briefcases and suitcases
10. Jewellery

Jon Hendry-Pickup, Travelodge Operations Director said; "Each year our lost and found departments provide plenty of revelations.

"From keys to a Rolls-Royce to a life size Dalek, our customers’ left behinds demonstrate what a broad a cross-section of people stay in our 460 hotels.”

"The 2010 left behind inventory report also demonstrated that we are truly living in a digital world as we have seen a huge rise in Apple and Android devices and accessories being left behind in our hotels."

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Introducing the crazy sport of 'noodling'

A dangerous sport in which anglers use their arms as bait to lure enormous catfish has become an internet sensation.

The bizarre pastime of noodling takes the gentle practice of trout tickling to new heights with the fish biting on the human flesh.

The noodlers find catfish in the holes where they live and insert their arms, which the fish latch on to with their teeth.

It is then an often violent battle to bring the fish, which can weigh up to 60lbs, to the surface.

Sometimes the noodler attaches a string to the fish after he has caught it, to make it is easier to yank from its hole.

The fight often leaves noodlers with injuries when their arms are cut, and can be fatal if they take on a fish that is too big.

It happens during the spawning season in the U.S. and other parts of the world and has been banned in some places.

Pictures and videos of the spectacle are big hits on the internet and proud noodlers are keen to pose with their catches that are usually flathead catfish.

Competitions of the sport began in the 1990s, but with the advent of the internet, it now has a worldwide following.

Tim Jones, who is an active noodler in the southern states of America, said: 'Most noodling takes place in shallow water.

'If the water is over your head, it can be difficult or even impossible to wrestle a fish to the surface.

'Noodlers search for likely catfish hideouts inside submerged logs, fallen trees, under rocks or in holes in banks in creeks or rivers.

'Catfish make their nests where they feel safe. During spawning season,In spring and summer when the water temperature rises to about 80 degrees you're likely to find catfish in their nests because they seldom abandon their eggs.

'Once you locate a promising spot, you'll want to barricade any possible escape routes, using rocks, old logs or your noodling buddies.

'Next, test the hole by poking it with a stick. Experienced noodlers can feel the difference between a catfish, a snake or a turtle or a beaver.

'If your stick says it's a catfish, go ahead and jam your hand in the hole. Sometimes you can do this without putting your head underwater.

'But sometimes you'll have to take a deep breath and submerge yourself. You'll need your noodling buddies to act as spotters.'

Jason Cook, who runs the angling website fishingloft.com, said: 'Catfish noodling is considered to be dangerous.

'People have drowned, lost fingers and many suffer deep lacerations entangling with these beasts.

'Therefore it's important to wear gloves and other protective clothing.

'Some people will even tie themselves off with ropes to help ensure that they don't get stuck and submerged under water with a strong heavyweight monster-sized catfish.

'There are other possible dangers to be aware of. People have been known to come in contact with alligators, snapping turtles, muskrats, beavers and snakes.'

In the more sedate British streams and rivers, generations of people have 'tickled' fish to eat.

Tickling is the art of rubbing the underbelly of a trout using fingers so the fish goes into a trance-like state and can then be grabbed from the water.





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