world’s largest thermal solar plant

With 300,000 mirrors, this is the world’s largest thermal solar plant, under construction in the Mojave desert. Named Ivanpah, the plant will have a capacity of 377 megawatts, which is enough energy to power 140,000 houses. It's hoped that Ivanpah will be operational some time this year.

Miraculous Weight Loss Drink

RECIPE:
 – 1 cup unsweetened 100% cranberry juice
 – 7 cups purified water
 – 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
 – 1/4 tsp ground ginger
 – 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
 – 3/4 Cup fresh squeezed orange juice (approx 3 oranges)
 – 1/4 Cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (approx1-2 lemons)

DIRECTIONS:
 Bring water to a boil; add cranberry juice, reduce heat to low
 Add cinnamon, ginger, & numeg, stir and let simmer for 20 minutes; let it cool down to room temperature
 Stir in orange & lemon juices..Add ice and enjoy!
 

What to Drink for Good Memory

What to Drink for Good Memory
A great way to keep your aging memory sharp and avoid Alzheimer’s is to drink the right stuff...
a. Tops: Juice.
A glass of any fruit or vegetable juice three times a week slashed Alzheimer’s odds 76% in Vanderbilt University research. Especially protective:blueberry, grape and apple juice, say other studies.

b. Tea:
Only a cup of black or green tea a week cut rates of cognitive decline in older people by 37%, reports the Alzheimer’s Association. Only brewed tea works. Skip bottled tea, which is devoid of antioxidants.

c. Caffeine beverages.
Surprisingly, caffeine fights memory loss and Alzheimer’s, suggest dozens of studies. Best sources: coffee (one Alzheimer’s researcher drinks five cups a day), tea and chocolate. Beware caffeine if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, insomnia or anxiety.

d. Red wine:If you drink alcohol, a little red wine is most apt to benefit your aging brain. It’s high in antioxidants. Limit it to one daily glass for women, two for men. Excessive alcohol, notably binge drinking, brings on Alzheimer’s.

e. Try to avoid: Sugary soft drinks,
Especially those sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. They make lab animals dumb. Water with high copper content also can up your odds of Alzheimer’s. Use a water filter that removes excess minerals.

This town has been on fire since 1962...go take a look!


Some events leave a lifetime of imprint emotionally and physically. The sorrow of a personal loss of a family member, relative friend doesn't fade way easy. The destruction of one’s house household leaves you staring at a multitude of unresolved issues and cripples you emotionally and financially.
Centralia, Pennsylvania went through a massive fire Fifty years ago, a fire at the town dump ignited an exposed coal seam which led to the demolition of nearly every building in Centralia and wiped off a whole community of 1,400 simply gone.
The shadows of this incident still linger. It draws visitors from around the world who come to gawk at twisted, buckled Route 61. the sulfurous steam still rises sporadically from ground that's warm to the touch,. The lonely streets still foray the struggle and sadness of those departed.
It's a gruesome incident that provides theme for various for books, movies and plays the latest one debuting in March at a theater in New York.
The handful of residents who still occupy Centralia, doing their daily chores trying to lead a normal life, they look beyond this town drawing so much attention. It's home for them and they love it.

"That's all anybody wanted from day one," said Tom Hynoski, who's among the plaintiffs in a federal civil rights lawsuit aimed at blocking the state of Pennsylvania from evicting them.
The fire department set the town's landfill ablaze on May 27, 1962 as an ill-fated attempt to tidy up for Memorial Day. The fire ignited the coal mines. Over the years the fire has  spread to the vast network of mines beneath homes and businesses, threatening residents with poisonous gases and dangerous sinkholes.
However the evacuation attempt was successful as by the end of the 1980s, more than 1,000 people had moved and 500 structures demolished under a $42 million federal relocation program.

Still some occupants refused to go. Even after their houses were seized through eminent domain in the early 1990s. The reasons they gave were that  the fire posed little danger to their part of town and accused government officials and mining companies of a plot to grab the rights to billions of dollars' worth of anthracite coal, and vowed to stay put.
Residents say the state has better things to spend its money on. A handwritten sign along the road blasts Gov. Tom Corbett, the latest chief executive to inherit a mess that goes back decades.
"You and your staff are making budget cuts everywhere," the sign however understands the hassles of the workers and  says. "How can you allow (the state) to waste money trying to force these residents out of their homes? These people want to pay their taxes and be left alone and live where they choose!"

Whether it's safe to live there is subject to debate.

Tim Altares, a geologist with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection claims that : even though  temperatures in monitoring boreholes are down — possibly indicating the fire has followed the coal seam deeper underground — the blaze still poses a threat because it has the potential to open up new paths for deadly gases to reach the remaining homes.

"It's very difficult to quantify the threat, but the major threat would be infiltration of the fire gases into the confined space of a residential living area. That was true from the very beginning and will remain true even after the fire moves out of the area," Altares said.
Many former residents talk about the beautiful Centralia in a nostalgic tone. There's a lifetime of memories attached to the place you have lived in where you have seen your children grow up and play in the backyard.
"I loved it. I always liked Centralia from the time I was old enough to understand what it was," said Mary Chapman, 72, a former resident who returns to Centralia,  regularly.
Author and journalist David DeKok, who's been writing about Centralia for more than 30 years, said that  says "I don't think there's any great public safety problem in letting those people stay there," said DeKok, author of "Fire Underground," a book on the town.

The "burning bush" from the bible is real


The "burning bush" from the bible is real. It has volatile oils that catch fire in really hot weather,plant name "Dictamnus", also known as burning bush, gas plant and Fraxinella.



in the summer months, the whole plant is covered with a kind of flammable substance, which is gluey to the touch, and has a very fragrant, lemony aroma; but if it takes fire, it goes off with a flash all over the plant. The name "burning bush" derives from the volatile oils produced by the plant, which can catch fire readily in hot weather, leading to comparisons with the burning bush of the Bible, including the suggestion that this is the plant involved there. The daughter of Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus is said to have ignited the air once, at the end of a particularly hot, windless summer day, above Dictamnus plants, using a simple matchstick.(source: wiki)



Real vitamin lemon water

 
REAL VITAMIN LEMON WATER 
 
 
I love making my your own vitamin waters. You control the taste and flavor and they are inexpensive. To top if off, they are free of artificial sweeteners. This recipe includes lemon which is packed with vitamin C, which will help boost your immune system and help you detox at the same time.
This is an easy, simple and inexpensive recipe!
First select the flavor of your choice
Lemon: Use the juice of one lemon and add a few slices (optional)
Lemon Mint: Use the juice of one lemon and add about 5 mint sprigs
Sliced lemons: Use 5 lemons slices
Blueberries, Lychee, lemon and mint: Use 1/3 cup of blueberries, the juice of ½ a lemon, a few mint sprigs and 2 or 3 lychees
Regardless of the flavor:
Use a BPA-Free pitcher or jar, add 3 cups of filtered water and the fruits of your choice.
If you do not like mint you can use rosemary or thyme instead.
Let the mixture infuse in the fridge for at least one hour
The vitamin water can keep up to 2 days
Enjoy!

Stone house, Nas montanhas de Fafe, Portugal

Stone house, Nas montanhas de Fafe, Portugal

11 AWESOME TIPS TO SAVE MONEY


13 things you never knew about your weight


It Really Is Genetic13 things you never knew about your weight

People with one or two copies of the “fatso” gene (now more politely called FTO) weighed more too. Some People Just Have More Fat Cells
Some people have twice as many fat cells as others have. Even if you’ve lost a few pounds (or gained some), your fat-cell count remains, holding tight to the fat already inside and forever thirsting to be filled up with more. You Can Change Your Metabolism
As you gain more fat (even as little as 11 pounds), your metabolism slows down and it becomes harder to lose it. Stress Fattens You Up
Stressful circumstances spark cravings for carbohydrate-rich snack foods, which in turn calm stress hormones. Stress hormones also ramp up fat storage. Today we take our stress sitting down – and the unused calories accumulate in our midsection. Mom’s Pregnancy Sealed Your Fate
Sugary and fatty foods consumed even before you’re born affect the child. You can give your kids a head start by eating well before they’re born. Sleep More, Lose More
With more sleep patients have a greater sense of fullness, and they’ll spontaneously lose weight. Patients should get less than seven to eight hours. Your Spouse’s Weight Matters
Weight gain and loss can be, well, contagious. Researchers concluded that obesity seems to spread through social networks. Achoo! A Virus Can Cause Obesity
Some cells transform into fat cells when infected with a viruses. Cookies Really Are Addictive
Parts of the brain that get excited with food are the same parts activated in drug addicts. Ear Infections Can Taint Your Taste Buds
People who tasted food less intensely than others seemed more likely to be fat. Those over 35 who had suffered several ear infections had almost double the chance of being obese. Antioxidants Are Also Anti-Fat
Avoid the junk and load up on colorful, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Pick a Diet, Any Diet
All diets agree to the 4 main things:
- Consume carbs in the form of whole grains and fiber.
- Avoid trans fats and saturated fats.
- Eat lean protein.
- Fill up on fruits and vegetables. You Can Be Fat and Fit
Metabolically abnormal-making them more vulnerable to heart disease than their heavier counterparts. You need about 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week for health.

bee venom can kill the HIV virus without harming the body.


Scientists from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered bee venom can kill the HIV virus without harming the body.
Bees could hold the key to preventing HIV transmission. Researchers have discovered that bee venom kills the virus while leaving body cells unharmed, which could lead to an anti-HIV vaginal gel and other treatments.
Scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that melittin, a toxin found in bee venom, physically destroys the HIV virus, a breakthrough that could potentially lead to drugs that are immune to HIV resistance. The study was published Thursday in the journal Antiviral Therapy.
Our hope is that in places where HIV is running rampant, people could use this as a preventative measure to stop the initial infection,” Joshua Hood, one of the authors of the study, said in a statement.
The researchers attached melittin to nanoparticles that are physically smaller than HIV, which is smaller than body cells. The toxin rips holes in the virus’ outer layer, destroying it, but the particles aren’t large enough to damage body cells.
“Based on this finding, we propose that melittin-loaded nanoparticles are well-suited for use as topical vaginal HIV virucidal agents,” they write.
Theoretically, the particles could also be injected into an HIV-positive person to eliminate the virus in the bloodstream.
Because the toxin attacks the virus’ outer layer, the virus is likely unable to develop a resistance to the substance, which could make it more effective than other HIV drugs.
“Theoretically, melittin nanoparticles are not susceptible to HIV mutational resistance seen with standard HIV therapies,” they write. “By disintegrating the [virus'] lipid envelope [it's] less likely to develop resistance to the melittin nanoparticles.”
The group plans to soon test the gel in clinical trials.

How to Cure Hair Fall With Leaves



How to Cure Hair Fall With Leaves?
Since ages Ayurveda has been one of the best home remedies to cure health, skin & hair problems naturally and effectively. Many people suffer from the problem of premature hair loss. This hair problem can be solved with various treatments, however, you can try effective Ayurvedic cure.

According to Ayurveda, hair fall increases due to Pitta Dosha. The Pitta Dosha is increased due to unhealthy lifestyle like having fried, spicy or sour foods, smoking, drinking etc. So, you have to control the aggravating Pitta Dosha and try some herbal remedies to cure hair loss. Apart from having vitamin E, B and iron rich foods in your diet, drink lots of water to stay hydrated and include green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits to cure the problem of hair loss

Ayurveda uses the nature’s gift that is, plant leaves, flowers, fruits and herbs for treating hair loss. You might have seen hair treatments with different flowers. Have you ever tried leaves? There are many plant leaves that can help you get rid of hair fall naturally. Check out the Ayurvedic cure for hair fall.
Cure hair fall with leaves:

Neem leaves: Neem leaves not only cures dandruff and kills lies, but can also help cure hair fall. Boil neem leaves in water. Let it cool. Make a paste of the boiled leaves. Add few drops of coconut oil and honey to it. Apply this on your hair especially scalp and gently massage for 10 minutes. Leave the paste for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold or lukewarm water following up with a mild shampoo. Dirty scalp and bacteria also leads to hair loss, neem has anti-bacterial properties that clean the scalp and prevents hair fall.

Carrot juice: To cure hair loss, you have to drink lots of healthy fluids like water, vegetable or fruit juices. Carrot has carotene (an antioxidant) which is great for your skin and hair. Drink a glass of carrot juice regularly to get rid of hair fall.

Coriander leaves: Also known as cilantro, the fresh paste of coriander leaves is great Ayurveda cure for hair fall. Boil the leaves or simply make a paste of fresh coriander leaves. Add few drops of almond oil and boiled hibiscus flowers. This hair pack is great to treat hair fall and increase hair growth. Apply this Ayurvedic hair pack once or twice a week to get best results. You can also apply coriander leaves juice on your hair before a hair wash.

Licorice leaves: Both licorice leaves and roots have many benefits on hair. You can apply the juice of licorice leaves or roots on your hair twice a week to cure hair loss

Leatherback turtle, Lute turtle


common Name:  Leatherback turtle, Lute turtle

Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea
Distribution:
Leatherback turtle has the largest distribution among all the living sea turtles. The species is found in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans, particularly in tropical regions. It is also found in small numbers as far north as British Columbia, Newfoundland, and the British Isles, and as far south as Australia, Cape of Good Hope, and Argentina.

Description:
The adult leatherback can reach 4 to 8 feet in length and 500 to 2000 pounds in weight.  Its shell is composed of a mosaic of small bones covered by firm, rubbery skin with seven longitudinal ridges or keels. In fact, it is the only living sea-turtle that lacks a bony shell. The covering skin is primarily black with pinkish-white colouring on their abdomen. It has a pair of very large front flippers and a pair of paddle-shaped back flippers. The adult has an average carapace length of 1–1.75 m with a total length of 1.83–2.2 m and weighs 500-2000 pounds. Besides three species of crocodiles, it is the largest reptile on earth.
Habit:
Leatherbacks dive deeper than any other species of sea turtle. The deepest recorded dive is 3/4 of a mile, slightly more than the deepest known dive of a sperm whale. Adult females require sandy nesting beaches backed with vegetation and sloped sufficiently so the distance to dry sand is limited. Females lay clutches of approximately 100 eggs several times during a nesting season, typically at 8-12 day intervals. The diet consists of soft-bodied animals, such as jellyfish and salps.

Importance:
People from all around the globe harvest and consume leatherback-eggs, which is the most significant factor for the species’ global population decline.



Air Purifying House Plants

6 Air Purifying House Plants !!
**********************
1. Bamboo Palm: It removes formaldahyde and is also said to act as a natural humidifier.

2. Snake Plant: It absorb nitrogen oxides and formaldahyde.

3. Areca Palm: One of the best air purifying plants for general air cleanliness.

4. Spider Plant: Great indoor plant for removing carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities. Spider plants are one of three plants NASA deems best at removing formaldahyde from the air.

5. Peace Lily: Peace lilies could be called the “clean-all.” They’re often placed in bathrooms or laundry rooms because they’re known for removing mold spores. Also know to remove formaldahyde and trichloroethylene.

6. Gerbera Daisy: Not only do these gorgeous flowers remove benzene from the air, they’re known to improve sleep by absorbing carbon dioxide and giving off more oxygen over night.

Awareness about Soil Erosion

Awareness about Soil Erosion

A great experiment to illustrate soil erosion! This simple experiment shows the importance of trees as a part of our environment. The water that runs through soil with vegetation (left corner), comes out clear, while the other two without vegetation is muddy.

Yet, why do we keep cutting the trees in our forests and complaining why the water in our rivers are so muddy and dirty?

wind can also erode

When most of us think of erosion, we think of water, the coast, or rivers eroding rock. Did you know, though, that wind can also erode? Particularly in areas like deserts, beaches, or poorly planted farmland, wind can be a formidable force in eroding rock by either abrasion or deflation. Abrasion represents the wearing down of rock by wind-blown sediment like sand, leaving wind-made ventifacts, and deflation is the removal of sediment from rock by wind. Even though the amount of sediment moved by wind erosion is very small compared to the amount eroded by water, it is still vastly important, as demonstrated by the dust bowl in the United States in the 1930’s.

Naso brevirostris

This is Naso brevirostris, known as the spotted unicorn among other names. Its prominent nose is actually a horn that biologists suspect it uses as a means of courtship, although it does make the fish look uncannily human in profile. That's not the unicorn fish's biggest talent though: it can also change colour to suit its mood (eg it turns dark grey when stressed). http://fansofnature.blogspot.com

THE MIRACLE OF HONEY

Do you know how important a food source the honey  is, which Allah offers man by means of a tiny insect?Honey is composed of sugars like glucose and fructose and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate. It contains vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3 all of which change according to the qualities of the nectar and pollen. Besides the above, copper, iodine, and zinc exist in it in small quantities. Several kinds of hormones are also present in it.

As Allah says in the Qur'an, honey is a "healing for men" . This scientific fact was confirmed by scientists who assembled during the World Apiculture Conference held in China . During the conference, treatments with honey derivatives were discussed. American scientists in particular said that honey, royal jelly, pollen and propolis (bee resin) cure many diseases.

A Romanian doctor stated that he tried honey on cataract patients, and 2002 out of his 2094 patients recovered completely. Polish doctors also informed the conference that bee resin helps to cure many diseases such as haemorrhoids, skin problems, gynaecological diseases and many other disorders.

Nowadays, apiculture and bee products have opened a new branch for research in countries advanced in science. Other benefits of honey may be described as below:

Easily digested:

Because sugar molecules in honey can convert into other sugars (e.g. fructose to glucose), honey is easily digested by the most sensitive stomachs, despite its high acid content. It helps kidneys and intestines to function better.

Has a low calorie level:

Another quality of honey is that, when it is compared with the same amount of sugar, it gives 40% less calories to the body. Although it gives great energy to the body, it does not add weight.

Rapidly diffuses through the blood:

When accompanied by mild water, honey diffuses into the bloodstream in 7 minutes. Its free sugar molecules make the brain function better since the brain is the largest consumer of sugar.

Supports blood formation:

Honey provides an important part of the energy needed by the body for blood formation. In addition, it helps in cleansing the blood. It has some positive effects in regulating and facilitating blood circulation. It also functions as a protection against capillary problems and arteriosclerosis.

Does not accommodate bacteria:

This bactericide (bacteria-killing) property of honey is named "the inhibition effect". Experiments conducted on honey show that its bactericide properties increase twofold when diluted with water. It is very interesting to note that newly born bees in the colony are nourished with diluted honey by the bees responsible for their supervision - as if they know this feature of the honey.

Royal Jelly:

Royal jelly is a substance produced by worker bees inside the beehive. Inside this nutritious substance are sugar, proteins, fats and many vitamins. It is used in problems caused by tissue deficiency or body frailty.http://fansofnature.blogspot.com

The price of an iconic island off the coast of Aryshire

The price of an iconic island off the coast of Aryshire has been cut by £1m after a two-year wait for a buyer.

Ailsa Craig was put on the market in May 2011 with a price tag of £2.5m.

The rocky outcrop rises 1100ft out of the sea despite having a circumference of just two miles and lies roughly halfway between Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Across the Irish Sea its location has earned it the nickname "Paddy's Milestone" as it is roughly equidistant between Glasgow and Belfast.

It was put on the market two years ago by the Scottish peer Archibald Angus Charles Kennedy, the 8th Marquess of Ailsa.

But selling agents Knight Frank admitted that they had struggled to find a suitable buyer and have now reduced the price to £1.5m.

The island's portfolio contains a house, lighthouse, a ruined castle, three former lighthouse keepers' cottages and a quarry best known for providing the world's finest curling stones.

The lighthouse was built by Thomas Stevenson in the 1880s, while the house occupies a sheltered position below the cliff on the east side.

Ailsa Craig is also famous for its gannet colony, managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), which has around 36,000 breeding pairs.

AMAZING Cactus Cardón

AMAZING Cactus Cardón
The world's tallest species of cactus is native to northwestern Mexico in the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Sonora. It is commonly known as Cardón

RAINBOW ROSES


Rainbow rose
The rainbow rose is a rose which has had its petals artificially colored.The method exploits the rose's natural processes by which water is drawn up the stem. By splitting the stem and dipping each part in different colored water, the colors are drawn into the petals resulting in a multicolored rose.With these changes to the rose.

amazing tree


This tree is slowly engulfing a stone statue. Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

Dungan tree

Heritiera littoralis, also known as the looking-glass mangrove or the Dungan tree. This species, within the family Sterculiaceae, can grow up to 15m tall with buttresses at the base of the trunk or ribbon-like roots.

Dracaena cinnabari, the Socotra Dragon Tree

Dracaena cinnabari, the Socotra Dragon Tree or Dragon Blood Tree, is a Dragon Tree native to the Socotra archipelago in the Indian Ocean. It is so called due to the red sap that the trees produce.http://fansofnature.blogspot.com

'Hooded Pitohui' of Papua, New Guinea

The only confirmed poisonous bird in the world is 'Hooded Pitohui' of Papua, New Guinea. The poison is found in its skin and feathers.http://fansofnature.blogspot.com

10 Facts about Macaw Parrots:

10 Facts about Macaw Parrots:
1. Macaws are native to the jungles of Central and South America.
2. Macaws have large, powerful beaks that can easily crack nuts and seeds.
3. They have dry scaly tongues that even have a bone inside them, so as to tap into fruits.
4. Macaws have toes with special grips on them enabling them to latch onto branches as well as to hold items.
...
5. Because they are social birds, macaws usually gather in flocks of about 10 to 30 individuals.
6. some species of macaws can even mimic human speech.
7. Macaws usually mate for life.
8. There are 17 different species of macaw parrots. Many of these are endangered.
9. The most endangered types of macaws are hyacinth macaws, red-fronted macaws and blue-throated macaws.
10. The glaucus macaw is thought to already be extinct outside of captivity.http://fansofnature.blogspot.com

The mind blowing tree

This mind-blowing tree is located in Washington’s Olympic National Forest about five miles north of Kaloloch lodge just off highway 101.
Don’t let the understated "Big Cedar Tree" moniker lead you to bypass this treasure. There are lots of "big" redcedars in the park, but this one has enough gnarly character to be the oldest Ent (Treebeard) in Lord of the Rings the Two Towers. The tree is also called the Kalaloch Cedar.
Latitude/Longitude 48° 05.83' N 123° 24.36' W
It is among the most widespread trees in the Pacific Northwest, and is associated with Douglas-fir and
western hemlock in most places where it grows. In addition to growing in lush forests, western redcedar is
also a riparian tree, and grows in many forested swamps and streambanks in its range. The tree is shade-tolerant,
 Western redcedar is also known (mainly in the American horticultural trade) as Giant Arborvitae. The name
western redcedar is also sometimes split into three words as 'Western Red Cedar', though this can cause confusion,
 as it is not a cedar.http://fansofnature.blogspot.com

Health Benefits of Apple Juice

Health Benefits of Apple Juice
1. Reduced Risk of Heart Diseases
Apple juice prevents cholesterol to form in your blood vessels and arteries. High cholesterol level and plaques in the arteries are one of the major causes of heart diseases.... By drinking apple juice you reduce the risk of heart diseases.
2. Cleaner Organism and Improved Digestion
Apple juice (especially raw apple juice) helps to clean the liver and kidneys from harmful toxins. As a result, you have a cleaner organism and you are better protected against liver and kidney diseases.
3. Apple Juice is Great for Weight Loss
This health benefit of apple juice is loved by weight conscious persons. Cholesterol and calories are two major causes of extra weight. Apple juice is basically free of calories and fat + it protects you from cholesterol.
4. Excellent Source of Energy
Apple juice is packed with different vitamins – A, C, E, K, B1, B2, B6 and Folate, so it is an excellent source of energy. As a result, it is a great drink to restore your energy after a physical exercise.
5. Lower Risk of Dementia
Some studies have shown that apple juice lowers the risk of dementia in older people. Apple juice slows brain aging and helps to keep it sharp for longer time.
6. Improved Vision and Eye Health
Apple juice contains vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. Vitamin A helps you to protect your eyes from eye diseases and keeps your sight sharp.
Those were the most important health benefits of apple juice. As a conclusion there is one advice we can give you – drink apple juice and enjoy good healthhttp://fansofnature.blogspot.com

beautiful mushroom is Rhodotus palmatus


This extremely beautiful mushroom is Rhodotus palmatus. The Rhodotus genius contain some of the most magic looking mushrooms known.

Rhodotus is a genus in the Physalacriaceae family of fungi. It is a ...monotypic genus and consists of the single mushroom species Rhodotus palmatus, known in the vernacular as the netted Rhodotus, the rosy veincap, or the wrinkled peach. This uncommon species has a circumboreal distribution, and has been collected in eastern North America, northern Africa, Europe, and Asia; declining populations in Europe have led to its appearance in over half of the European fungal Red Lists of threatened species. Typically found growing on the stumps and logs of rotting hardwoods, mature specimens may usually be identified by the pinkish color and the distinctive ridged and veined surface of their rubbery caps; variations in the color and quantity of light received during development lead to variations in the size, shape, and cap color of fruit bodies.
The unique characteristics of R. palmatus have made it difficult for taxonomists to agree on how it should be
classified, resulting in an elaborate taxonomical history and an extensive synonymy. First named Agaricus
palmatus by Bulliard in 1785, it was reclassified into several different genera before becoming Rhodotus in 1926.
 The familial placement of the genus Rhodotus within the order Agaricales has also been subject to dispute,
and the taxon has been transferred variously to the families Amanitaceae, Entolomataceae, and Tricholomataceae.
 More recently, molecular phylogenetics analysis has helped determine that Rhodotus is most closely related to
genera in the Physalacriaceae.http://fansofnature.blogspot.com

when you shock flowers with 80,000 volts

This is what it looks like when you shock flowers with 80,000 volts. Photographer Robert Bulteman places the flowers on sheet metal floating in liquid silicone and hits the metal with an electric pulse. This causes electrons to jump through the silicone and the flowers, causing the gas surrounding the flowers to be ionised, leaving behind an otherworldly glow. Bulteman then hand-paints this for the final result.

Longsnout Seahorse [ Hippocampus reidi ]

Longsnout Seahorse [ Hippocampus reidi ]
The longsnout seahorse has a yellow body, with flecks of brown and black.Western Atlantic Ocean,listed as vulnerable, as listed on the 2000 IUCN Red List .

Volunteers in Ireland to plant one million trees in one day

An ambitious initiative in Ireland will see one million trees planted across the country in just 24 hours, creating a better environment for all . Tree planting at the Hollies Centre for Sustainability in West Cork, Ireland . How many trees can be planted in 24 hours? One hundred? One thousand? An ambitious initiative in Ireland is hoping for much more than that, aiming to plant one million trees in one day as part of a drive to boost dwindling tree populations in the country.
As many as 10,000 volunteers in 32 counties across Ireland are taking part in a plant-athon between 12pm Friday 26 April and 12pm Saturday 27 April 2013, with nearly 2,000 landowners – from farmers to schools and colleges to community groups – signed up to the cause.
According to Irish National Forestry Foundation (INFF) executive director Cillian Lohan, the future benefits of the scheme will include cleaner air, cleaner soil and more efficient water absorption, which will help reduce instances of flooding.
“There is an opportunity here to plant a mix of species so that it replicates a natural woodland, the whole system would benefit local communities in terms of providing for their fuel energy needs, insects pollinating local crops, facilitating wildlife and a natural setting where people can be outdoors and enjoy,” he said.
From a single tree in a school playground to 100,000 saplings across vast tracts of land, every tree counts. Every planted tree will be logged on an interactive map network of locations, detailing its location, type and sponsor, if applicable.
“The whole idea is we to go out to communities, schools and particularly farmers who are looking after most of the land mass in Ireland and try to get trees planted according to the ethos of our organisation, which is to utilise the land in a sustainable way to satisfy community needs and create jobs,” Mr Lohan said.http://fansofnature.blogspot.com

You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
http://fansofnature.blogspot.com

Rest in Peace Zanjeer

Rest in Peace Zanjeer

Zanjeer, a golden labrador, Unlikely hero of 1993 Mumbai blasts, saved thousands of lives during the serial bomb blasts in the city in March 1993 by detecting more than 3,329 kgs of the explosive RDX, 600 detonators, 249 hand grenades and 6406 rounds of live ammunition. He was buried with full honours during a ceremony attended by senior police officials.

Pako lake - Canada

Pako lake - Canada 

Aogashima Island – Living inside a Volcano


Aogashima Island – Living inside a Volcano
Can you imagine yourself living in a giant volcanic crater? .
The island and its 205 inhabitants (as of 2009), are a part of Japan and governed by Tokyo.
The entire population of Aogashima lives on a small part of the island.If you are planning on visiting
Aogashima , you might want to know that it is actually an active volcano.
The last massive eruption was over 200 years ago, in 1785.http://fansofnature.blogspot.com

THERE IS A GIANT MUSHROOM IN OREGON

THERE IS A GIANT MUSHROOM IN OREGON that is over 2,400 years old, covers 3.4 square miles of land, and is still growing.

http://fanofnature.blogspot.com

Tiny Real-Life Dragon Photographed in Indonesia

Tiny Real-Life Dragon Photographed in Indonesia
No, this is not a Photoshop. This bizarre animal is called Draco volans,
or the Flying Dragon, and are native to the southwest tropical forests of Asia and India.
In order to move from one place to another, Flying Dragons will spread the skin flaps along
 their abdomens and glide out of trees or from other high areashttp://fansofnature.blogspot.com

I'll Go on a Diet Tomorrow ... I Promise ...

                                            I'll Go on a Diet Tomorrow ... I Promise ...http://fansofnature.blogspot.com

FOOD FOR HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL AND GLOWING SKIN

We know how desperate you can be to get healthy, glowing and younger looking skin. You may have tried hundreds of beauty products and still couldn’t get the desired results.
Today what we have to offer is what no beauty treatment can give you. The secret of beautiful skin is not just found in beauty products but it lies in healthy diet. Taking care of your skin is just like taking care of your heart and other organs of your body. For a healthy skin a healthy life style is equally important, regular exercise, enough sleep and healthy selection of foods all contribute to your skin health.
This is what Leslie Baumann, a dermatologist from Miami has to say, “Good nutrition is a fundamental building block of healthy skin.” The right recipe for perfect complexion and spot less skin starts with sufficient proteins, healthy fats and skin friendly fruits and vegetables.



You may have spent hundreds of dollars on beauty products, it’s about time that you spend them on the right products
You may have spent hundreds of dollars on beauty products, it’s about time that you spend them on the right products i.e. good skin friendly foods.
So get ready as we are about to tell you about the foods that will make you fall in love with the skin you’re in.
Romaine Lettuce
Six leaves of romaine lettuce can provide you with more than 100% of your daily requirements of Vitamin A. How it will help your skin? It revitalizes the skin and increases the cell turnover rate. You will also find essential minerals like potassium that can give you a refreshing skin by boosting the circulation and providing it with oxygen and other essential nutrients.
Romaine lettuce comes with a health bonus. The same amount of lettuce will give you an abundant supply of vitamin K (that makes 45% of your daily value) which will support your vascular health.
Tomatoes
Will you believe that eating red would actually save you from turning red? A research proved that taking 5 tablespoons of lycopene enriched tomatoes for 3 months can reduce sunburns. It also prevents skin from sagging by improving collagen.

It is also a cheap remedy for getting rid of the fine lines by providing it with abundant supply of antioxidants, revealed by German scientists.
Strawberries
Feed your skin with strawberries and make it firm and smooth. A cup would give you vitamin C with a daily value of 130%, which would help to boost the production of collagen. The antioxidants known as ellagic acid found abundantly in strawberries protects against skin sagging and also provides it with elastic fibers. As a result strawberry prevents wrinkles and fine lines to appear.
Apples
Apple protects your skin from cancer. How? The antioxidant called Quercetin found in its peel works as a shield for the skin against the ultraviolet rays of the sun and protects it from skin cancer. Monroe, Golden Delicious and Cortland are the best sources of this antioxidant.
Eggs
Fine lines, dark spots and skin cancer are all the problems that can be taken care of by just having an egg daily. Two of the most important antioxidants zeaxanthin and lutein are found in eggs that protect against the harmful damages of the UV rays. Moreover, eggs help to keep skin firmer, softer and hydrated.
Almonds
Leslie Baumann says, “Eating a handful of almonds every day boosts levels of vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidants for skin health”. It is an easy remedy to cure dryness of the skin and its oil is equally important for keeping the skin moisturized. Besides giving healthy and glowing skin almonds also help to deal with obesity.
Walnuts
Walnuts contain an abundant amount of omega-3 fats in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, which helps to lubricate the skin layer and keeps it moist and flexible. ½ ounce of walnuts is enough to meet your daily requirements of ALA.
It has been proven that peaceful sleep would ultimately give you a healthy skin. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center found that walnuts contain a hormone called melatonin that helps to regulate sleep, especially if taken at dinner time.
Whole Grains
Surprisingly pasta, cereals and whole grain breads contain as much antioxidant as fruits and vegetables. These antioxidants are the key to youthful skin, this is what
Lisa Drayer, RD, has to say, “The levels of the body’s natural antioxidants decrease with age, so adding them to your diet becomes even more important.”
http://fansofnature.blogspot.com

Red Beach – Panjin, China

Liaohe River Delta contains a very unique piece of landscape, the Red Beach. Not far from Panjin City, China
lies a beach that during the summer months looks like any other beach. Beautiful waters and a bit of green sea weed.

Than as the seasons change so does the sea weed. The green sea weed that blankets the entire beach turns red like fire in the autumn. Hence the reason it is called the Red Beach. Most of the beach is a nature reserve; there is however a small portion open to tourists to observe the amazing color and birds that thrive near it.

The sea-blite plant beings growing in late spring around April and May, it starts growing green. Then as the seasons begin to change it becomes a fiery red. The sea-blite plant grows in other areas on the coast but never turns to the beautiful red color. For the most part it is believed the seaweed turns red due to it being alkali tolerant. Some scientists say it is due to the alkaline-saline soil that is there. Other scientists believe it has something to do with all of the wildlife, particularly birds retreat to this great place.
There are 236 different kinds of birds. The inhabitants of this beach also include thirty protected birds. So naturally this one of a kind beach becomes a natural and wildlife reserve. The birds are usually just migrating between, southeast Asia and Australia. Outside of birds you will get to see giant turtles and tortoises and even seals.

Thousands of tourists come every year to see the Red Beach. Walk along its piers and observe all of the flying wildlife that stop in. You can get to the amazing tourist attraction via multiple daily trains that run from Beijing or hop on a long distance bus
that makes a regular stop at Panjin. Since the seaweed only changes color when the summer ends be sure you schedule your trip well enough that you get to see the Red Beach at its best. September is when the metamorphoses is in full swing and October and November you can still enjoy the vast flatbed of rose colored curiosity.
There is a wooden bridge that takes your from the land out onto the sea all which is covered in the red vastness. This seems to be a perfect photographic adventure. If you are a photographer you do not want to miss the chance to capture this part of China in all of its greatness.
You of course will have hundreds of snap shots of the red carpet that is rolled out for miles across the opening of the lake. You will also get the chance to click the different birds dancing across the waters or diving in for a quick snack. Most birds you will capture are gulls of different types but you can also get glimpses of birds such as the red-crowned crane which is a protected bird. There will be moments to capture that are not available anywhere else in the world. Not only because of the unique red sea weed, it is the combination of landscape and wildlife uniqueness
Thanks to the closeness and ease of access you can enjoy many other sites China has to offer before or after visiting the Red Beach. The beach is right off a main road way and not far from numerous big cities.

Some of the closest cities such as Panjin is rich in China history and can be explored for days. The history of China and the upcoming developments are enticing to the tourist.
The Red Beach is a great thing to see in this lifetime and a memory you are not about to forget. Panjin China should most definitely be among the bucket list of travel destinations. There seem to be so many amazing things to see in the world make sure the Red Beach is one of them. Enjoy the vibrant color that is laid across the beach and the water, while the birds swoop down for a treat, and the seals sunbathe, the giant turtles are definitely going to catch your attention and watching the sun set on these beautiful sites will make it all worth it in the end.


Polar bear fur is transparent NOT white

Polar bear fur is transparent NOT white
Polar bears have a really dense underfur covered by an outer layer of guard hairs, which appears to be tan, but in reality it is transparent.
? Why do they seem white then?
...
• The hair is made of a thick, hollow core that reflects light. As the light bounces on the space between hair, white gets reflected back and that’s why it seems white. As the polar bear grows old, the fur tends to turn green due to algae growing inside the hairs.
Some scientists have proposed that their transparent fur helps them absorb light. However, new studies have shown that this is not the case. Their hair simply helps them blend in to their snowy environment, allowing them to catch prey more easily.

Giant Python who eats 10 chickens every week is the best friend of this kid. A small boy in Cambodia has made friends with a 5 meter-long Burmese python.

Giant Python who eats 10 chickens every week is the best friend of this kid.
A small boy in Cambodia has made friends with a 5 meter-long Burmese python.

Mauvoisin Dam is a concrete arch dam across the Val de Bagnes

Mauvoisin Dam is a concrete arch dam across the Val de Bagnes on the Dranse de Bagnes stream, in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. Initial construction on the dam commenced in 1951 and was completed in 1957, with the reservoir filling by 1958. In 1991, the dam was raised to increase the capacity of the reservoir for winter storage. The dam’s primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation.

Mauvoisin is the eighth highest dam in the world, and stands 250 metres (820 ft) high and 520 metres (1,710 ft) long, with a structural volume of 2,030,000 cubic metres (2,660,000 cu yd). The impounded water behind the dam forms the 4.9-kilometre (3.0 mi) Lac de Mauvoisin, which has a capacity of 211.5 million m3 (171,500 acre feet) and a full surface area of 208 hectares (510 acres).

Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

11 Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice
1)Fights Breast Cancer
Studies in Israel show that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. It may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming.
2) Lung Can...cer Prevention
Studies in mice show that pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer.
3) Slows Prostate CancerIt slowed the growth of prostate cancer in mice.
4) Keeps PSA Levels StableIn a study of 50 men who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, 8 ounces of pomegranate juice per day kept PSA levels stable, reducing the need for further treatment
5) Protects the Neonatal Brain
Studies show that maternal consumption of pomegranate juice may protect the neonatal brain from damage after injury.
6) Prevention of Osteoarthritis
Several studies indicate that pomegranate juice may prevent cartilage deterioration.
7) Protects the ArteriesIt prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup.
8) Alzheimer's Disease Prevention It may prevent and slow Alzheimer's disease. In one study, mice bred to develop Alzheimer's disease were given pomegranate juice. They accumulated significantly less amyloid plaque than control mice and they performed mental tasks better.
9)Lowers Cholesterol
It lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and raises HDL (good cholesterol).
10) Lowers Blood Pressure
One study showed that drinking 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day lowered systolic blood pressure by as much as 5 percent.
11) Dental Protection
Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may be a natural way to prevent dental plaque.
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