Insect Remains Hidden on Secret Island for Over 80 Years

Insect Remains Hidden on Secret Island for Over 80 Years

The World abc   1:49:00 PM

What is left of this ancient volcano, often called “Ball’s Pyramid” emerged from the ocean over 7 million years ago. What’s so amazing about this place? It has a secret, at 225 feet above sea level, hanging on the rock surface, there is a tiny little bush and under that bush two climbers discovered something on this island that should’t exist.
Here is the full story. 13 Miles from Ball’s Pyramid is a larger island called Lord Howe Island. On this island there used to be an insect that was made famous for its gigantic size, its a stick insect that masquerades as a piece of wood and was so large that the Europeans called it a “tree lobster”! As big as a man’s hand it measured about 12 centimeters long and the heaviest flightless stick insect in the world.

 After a supply ship crashed into Lard Howe Island in 1918, rats that were aboard the ship decimated the population of the insects and they became extinct. After 1920, there wasn’t a single sighting and by 1960 the Lord Howe stick insect, Dryococelus australis, was noted as extinct. But the sticks were never “officially” declared extinct.
Fast forward to 2001, when two Aussie scientists decided to take a closer look at the species or what was left of it at least.  David Priddel and Nicholas Charlie boated over to Ball’s Pyramid from Lord Howe Island, where they proceeded to climb the ancient volcano’s side to about 500 feet, where they discovered a few crickets. Not completely happy with the findings they started to make their way down, where they encountered excrement from a VERY large insect. Since the “tree lobsters” are nocturnal creatures, they came back after dark and investigated. What they found shocked them, it was the thought-to-be extinct giant bugs!
Now the team is working on preserving the species.

The 7 Wonders of the World

The 7 Wonders of the World

The World abc   12:38:00 AM

You may be asking yourself questions such as: What are the Seven wonders of the world? Are there 8 wonders of the world? Where did they come from? The Greeks loved to make lists of the great works of art and architecture around the world. And while we think of the 7 Wonders of the World as one list, there actually are two lists created by Greek writers Antipater of Sidon and Philon of Byzantium. That means controversy. Naturally, since Greeks wrote the lists, they were heavy on Greek culture. That means no Great Wall of China or Stonehenge on the list since they were unaware they existed.
So what are the 7 wonders of the world?
Most agreed on six of the seven places on the list, but the final spot changed through the years. Originally, the Walls of the City of Babylon filled the final spot. Other lists contain the Palace of Cyrus where the king of Persia lived in the seventh spot. In the 6th century A.D., the final item became the Lighthouse at Alexandria.
Another interesting fact is that the majority of the Seven Wonders of the World didn’t exist at the same time. Only the Great Pyramid of Egypt, built centuries before the others, still stands today, and some only stood a short period of time before being destroyed. An earthquake toppled the Colossus of Rhodes a mere half-century after it was built.


Here’s a look at the Seven Wonders of the World.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

 

Built between 2584 and 2561 BC, Egyptians constructed the Great Pyramids as a landmark tomb of fourth dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu. Of all the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this is the only ancient World Wonder still in existence in Giza Necropolis, Egypt.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

 The multi-leveled Hanging Gardens of Babylon were constructed around 600 BC by Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife Amytis of Media. When completed, it contained gardens reaching 75 feet high with machinery for circulating water and large trees growing on the roof. The Hanging Gardens were destroyed by an earthquake after the 1st century BC. They were located in Al Hillah, Babil Province, Iraq and are currently being reconstructed.

Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

 Near SelÁuk, Izmir Province, Turkey, stood the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, built in 550 BC by Lydians, Persians and Greeks. The temple, dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis, took 120 years to build. The temple was originally burned down by Herostratus in 356 BC so he could achieve lasting fame, but later was rebuilt by Alexander the Great only to be destroyed again by the Goths in 262 AD.

Statue of Zeus

 A fire in the 5th or 6th century AD claimed the Statue of Zeus at Olympia in Greece. The temple was built between 466 and 456 BC, and the statue, built in 435 BC, occupied the whole width of the aisle of the temple that was built to house it.

Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

The Greeks and Persians built the tomb for Mausolus, a satrap in the Persian Empire, in 351 BC. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus stood about 150 feet tall and featured sculptural reliefs on all four sides. Floods destroyed the original structure, which was rebuilt and later damaged by an earthquake. By 1494 AD, European Crusaders disassembled the mausoleum in Bodrum, Turkey.

Colosseum of Rhodes

 

The Colossus of Rhodes took 12 years to build and stood for 54 years before it was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC. The statue of the Greek god Helios, god of the sun, stood 110 feet tall in Rhodes, Greece.

Lighthouse of Alexandria 

 For centuries, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was the tallest structure on Earth at between 380 and 440 feet. Built in 280 BC in Alexandria, Egypt, the lighthouse was destroyed in an earthquake in 1480 AD.

The Best Cruises in the World

The Best Cruises in the World

The World abc   12:57:00 AM

Cruise lines across the board are pulling out all the stops to deliver the finest passenger experience. From the massive ships of Disney Cruise Line, to the smaller, luxury yachts of SeaDream, there's a sailing experience to satisfy every taste. Today's top vessels come equipped with full-service spas, gourmet restaurants, movie theaters, nightclubs and more. While choosing the perfect ship can be stressful, EMPIRE OF ENTERTAINMENT's Top 10 Cruise Lines make things easier, offering luxury voyages in breathtaking locales from Croatia to the Caribbean. So, pick your cruise, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable vacation on the high seas.

No.1: Oceania Cruises

 Oceania specializes in mid-size ships, and its destinations range from the Greek Isles to the Panama Canal, with multi-week Grand Voyage options that span the globe. Their “Signature Sailings” are themed trips exploring everything from culinary topics to health and wellness to music. Guests can experience hands-on classes, concerts, tastings and more with special guests ranging from up-and-coming jazz musicians to renowned speakers. You might encounter a former Russian diplomat while you’re sailing the Baltic Sea or an acclaimed vintner in France to discuss French wine. Another perk: a luxe Canyon Ranch SpaClub on every vessel, as well as fine dining options from executive culinary director, Jacques Pépin. The Marina and Riviera also house Artist Loft enrichment centers where guests can take drawing and painting classes.

 

No.2:MSC Cruises

 Imagine a luxurious Mediterranean resort. Now imagine that resort afloat, cruising through the Bahamas, along the coast of West Africa, or perhaps on a Transatlantic Grand Voyage. With their warm Italian hospitality and classic European design featuring marble and Swarovski crystal, MSC Cruises invites passengers to sail in style. Signature restaurant La Cucina Italiana showcases modern Mediterranean cuisine, while Aurea Spa travels the world with its array of treatments. Two of the fleet's 12 ships, the MSC Splendida and the MSC Fantasia, offer the MSC Yacht Club — a singular ship-within-a-ship experience. Families love MSC because children 11 and under travel free when staying in their parents' stateroom. Eco-travelers value the company's commitment to social responsibility. The cruise line implements recycling and energy conservation policies and has a partnership with UNICEF to aid in efforts to be environmentally friendly.

No.3:Crystal Cruises 

 Crystal Cruises boasts two popular ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, which hold 922 and 1,070 passengers respectively. Destinations span the globe, including the Panama Canal, New England, Africa, Alaska and the South Pacific. Guests will feel pampered by the upscale urban décor with fine Italian and French fabrics. Complimentary language classes are available by Berlitz with destination-specific crash courses. For example, there are Italian lessons offered while traveling along the Amalfi Coast. The Cleveland Clinic provides health and wellness seminars and “Meet the Doctor” sessions. Guests have access to myriad gourmet specialty restaurants, such as Nobu Matsuhisa’s Silk Road.

No.4:Hebridean Island Cruises 

 Hebridean Island Cruises offers an all-inclusive, immersive experience — traveling through the Scottish Isles, around Ireland and down many European rivers. The smaller fleets — Hebridean Princess holds 50 passengers while the Hebridean Royal Crown holds 85 — focus on highly personalized service, including fine onboard dining or on-shore picnics, and a formal farewell gala on the final night. Perks: There are onboard lectures tailored to upcoming destinations, a library, bicycles for independent land exploration and private charters.

No.5:Lindblad Expeditions

 Lindblad Expeditions boasts six large National Geographic vessels, plus a handful of smaller ships that each hold less than 50 passengers. The star of the fleet is the 30-sail Sea Cloud, which dates back to the 1930s and holds 58 people. The cruise line excels in nature-oriented destinations, including Antarctica, the Galapagos, South Africa, Costa Rica, Baja California and the Mekong River. Flexible meal times and a convivial atmosphere in the casual dining room create a relaxed onboard environment. The company's partnership with National Geographic means that on every journey guests travel alongside world-renowned scientists, researchers, photographers and even hosts from the Nat Geo TV channel.

No.6:SeaDream Yacht Club 

 

 SeaDream Yacht Club offers two luxury mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, each serving 112 passengers. They travel worldwide, including the Caribbean, Croatia and Europe, in addition to transatlantic voyages. Onboard dining is gourmet, all-inclusive and plentiful, including a decadent Captain’s Reception, plus spa menus and around-the-clock in-suite small bites. To keep busy, guests can attend movie screenings on deck, check out a state-of-the-art 30-course golf simulator, visit a luxury Thai spa or work up an appetite with the fully stocked onboard water sports marina, complete with glass-bottom kayaks and floating islands. There's also a fitness center for those wanting to stay in shape while away. 

No.7.Silversea Cruises

 Silversea Cruises travels worldwide, from the Amazon River to the French Riviera to the Arctic, Antarctica and Galapagos Islands. Each ship boasts its own Le Champagne — the only Relais & Châteaux restaurants at sea. Guests on their all-inclusive journey can choose from a multitude of onboard activities, such as wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and dance classes. At night, options include a show with a celebrated pianist, roulette in the casino, a movie in the theater, dancing and more. Enrichment cruises have themes ranging from history to the great outdoors, featuring celebrated guest speakers, bestselling authors, world affairs experts and noted historians.

No.8:Viking River Cruises 

 With a fleet of more than 35 vessels, Viking River Cruises offers tours on the world’s legendary rivers, such as the Nile, Yangtze, Mekong, Danube, Seine and Volga. For dinner, passengers enjoy open seating options and signature foodie events that emphasize local dishes, from Balkan cevapcici to Provençal lemon sorbet to Hungarian goulash made with paprika from a farmers' market in Budapest. The ships contain all outside-facing staterooms, two-room suites with French balconies on Viking Longships, and the Viking Culture Curriculum. The latter is an onboard program that varies by ship and could mean having tea with a Tibetan family or learning how to make Germany’s brandy-laced Rüdesheimer coffee.

No.9:Disney Cruise Line

 Disney Cruise Line is an excellent option for a family trip at sea. Its four ships are massive, holding between 2,700 and 4,000 passengers each. The ships’ entertainment includes not only Broadway-style Disney musicals, character-themed pools and deck parties, but also the Oceaneer Club for kids and nightclubs and lounges (complete with cocktails) for mom and dad. Themed restaurants and exclusive adults-only dining rooms are open around the clock. Disney Cruise Line travels to an array of places, such as Alaska, the California Coast, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Europe, the Mexican Riviera and the Panama Canal.

No.10:Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ fleet includes Seven Seas Navigator which holds 490 passengers, and the Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager, each holding 700 passengers. The line offers worldwide destinations from Alaska to the Mediterranean, plus Grand Crossings that span oceans to include a variety of regions in one single journey. Dining ranges from artisan cuisine to casual al fresco seating, with a wide selection of restaurants, from steakhouses to classic French. Highlights include onboard pampering at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub and free, unlimited shore excursions (from an elephant ride in Phuket to a crab feast in Alaska). More intellectual pursuits consist of lectures by experts in food, politics, art and more.

 

MOST INTERESTING PROPERTIES ON AIRBNB

MOST INTERESTING PROPERTIES ON AIRBNB

The World abc   11:38:00 AM

These properties have been catching everyone’s attention, and better yet you can rent them for one night or more on Airbnb!
Airbnb just released a report that details what is on everyone’s “wishlist” for places to stay and these properties made the top spots. From treehouses to pirate-themed houses these amazingly dreamy homes can be yours, well at least for a night!

Secluded Intown Treehouse, Atlanta GA

Courtesy Airbnb

You can stay in this house and never know that you are actually in Atlanta, GA! Last going for $350.00/night is one of the most “wished” places to stay according to Airbnb.  The Buckhead property has three rooms and a grown-up interior decor, for the most discerning tree-house dweller.

The Seashell House, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Courtesy Airbnb

This gated island home looks just like what its named after, a seashell! Its amazingly secluded location is perfect for a weekend getaway from it all!

Casa Barthel, Tuscany, Italy

Courtesy Airbnb

This super mod-style treehouse is just outside Florence, Italy. Not only does it have an amazing view it comes with access to a tennis court, olive trees and a swimming pool. If this isn’t incentive to use Airbnb for your next trip to Italy we don’t know what is.

Unique Cob Cottage, Mayne Island, BC

Courtesy Airbnb

This miniature dwelling looks like its something out of The Hobbit! It comes with lots of privacy, sheep and gardens. Best of all its walking distance to a winery and a beach! Since its located on an island the owners ferry you there on a boat!

Aroma(n)tica Treehouse, San Salvatore Monferrato, Alessandria Italy

Courtesy Airbnb

What’s better than one Italian treehouse? That’s right TWO! This treehouse is located in Northern Italy near Turin. While staying there you can access a solarium, swimming pool and have easy access to some of the regions most amazing vineyards.

Mushroom Dome Cabin, Aptos California 

Courtesy Airbnb

This tiny little dwelling may not have a lot of space, but the view is breathtaking. Like nothing we’ve ever seen, this small cabin is the perfect getaway for the nature lover, located on 10 acres greenery its the perfect place for a quiet California getaway.

Pirates of the Caribbean Getaway, Topanga Canyon, California 

Courtesy Airbnb

If its a themed getaway you are craving, this is your spot! Looking like something out of the Carribean but located just outside of L.A. This is satisfy any adventurer’s craving for fun! With amenities like a outdoor bathtub covered in seashells, fire pit and hammocks all over the property, you are only 2 minutes from Topanga State Park and some of the most amazing hiking trails Cali has to offer.

Balian Treehouse with Private Pool, Bali,  Indonesia

Courtesy Airbnb

This house offers a real island adventure and has romance written ALL over it! With a large garden, private pool, access to a beach, you’ll never be bored! Surfing and an amazingly lively night market right nearby means you’ll never have to stray far from this amazing property.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book a night and start traveling around the world!

Top 10 Most Wonderful Places in The World

Top 10 Most Wonderful Places in The World

The World abc   6:00:00 AM

I love traveling and coupled with the fact that this universe is filled with unique and beautiful places, where sometimes when you see pictures of some places, it becomes hard to believe they are real. Then I decided to compile list of some hard-to-believe places in the world. Lots of things contribute to the wonders of these places such as  geographical locations, seasons and even climatic conditions. These wonders include crystal caves, tulip fields, pink lakes, breath-taking canyons, incredible lavender, mountains and other places you can hardly believe actually exist!
I strongly believe after checking out this lists, you will surely agree with me they are awesome and breath-taking, a place to be

 1. Petra in Jordan


Petra, the capital of Nabatean Kingdom, is known to be the famous archaeological site in Jordan. It is called the “Rose City” perhaps because it contains tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone cliffs. Petra was built during the 6-4 BCE centuries by the Nabataean culture.  Its most famous structure is Al Khazneh, a temple with an ornate, Greek-style facade.

2. Pulpit Rock in Norway

Pulpit Rock is one of the most visited natural tourist attractions in Norway. It is a steep and massive cliff 604 metres above Lysefjorden, opposite the Kjerag plateau, in Forsand, Ryfylke, Norway. The top of the cliff is approximately 25 by 25 metres and almost flat. It was visited by 150,000 – 200,000 people every year. The visitors took the 3.8 km hike to Preikestolen.

3. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora in Toronto


The Resort is a part of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a Toronto-based hotel management company located at Motu Tehotu on the island of Bora Bora. It is in the Society Islands of French Polynesia.  Housed in a collection of thatched-roof bungalows on the Bora Bora lagoon, this luxury resort is 7 km from Bora Bora Yacht Club.


4. Salar de Uyuni

Salar de Uyuni is located amidst Andes in the Southwest Bolivia. It is said to be the world largest mirror or salt flat. It harbors few wildlife and lots of flamingos. Tourists travel all over the world just to visit Salar de Uyuni.

5. Mendenhall Ice Caves, Alaska

This wonderful place is actually located in United States, around Juneau, Alaska. Apart from the blue 12-mile-long mass of ice, Mendenhall Ice Caves is filled with magical scenes like water running over rocks under blue ceilings inside a partially hollow glacier. It is seriously a place to be.


6. Blue Caves,  Greece

Blue caves villa is probably the best place to be in Zakynthos, the largest islands in the Ionian sea. On the West cost where Zakynthos offers one of its most stunning views: the blue caves. They are also known as the blue caves of Volimes, the picturesque village where they are located. The distinctive element of the blue caves is that they reflect the vibrating and striking blue colour of the waters in them, which at the same time capture and reflect the shine of the limpid sky reflected on their surface. It is a secluded part of the island that has everything you are looking for. It’s an absolutely beautiful location with breathtaking views over the turquoise Ionian sea.


7. Giant’s Causeway, Ireland

If you will like to experience the best of Northern Ireland, make a visit to Giant’s Causeway.
Giant’s Causeway lies at the foot of the basalt columns close to the sea coast on the edge of Antrim. It got its shape due to an ancient volcanic eruption. It is also popularly known as Clochán an Aifir or Clochán na bhFomhórach in Irish and tha Giant’s Causey in Ulster-Scots.


8. Aogashima Volcano, Japan

Aogashima is a volcanic Japanese island in the Philippine Sea. The island is administered by Tokyo and located approximately 358 kilometres south of Tokyo and 64 kilometres south of Hachijō-jima. Aogashima got its very unique shape formed by multiple volcanic activities in the past.

9. The Big Island, Hawaii, United States.

There is no doubt that The Island of Hawaii also known as Big Island is filled with a variety of unrivaled natural wonders. It is located in the Hawaiian archipelago in the Central Pacific. It is also said to be the largest island in Hawaii. Its diverse terrain spans colored-sand beaches at Papakolea (green) and Punalu’u (black) to lush rainforest and, within Volcanoes National Park, 2 active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa.


10. Cave of Crystal, Naica Mine, Mexico

Cave of Crystal is located in Naica Mine of the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Cavers in Mexico confront extreme conditions and find extraordinary beauty. Cave of the Crystals or Giant Crystal Cave is a cave connected to the Naica Mine 300 metres (980 ft) below the surface in Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Top 10 Oldest Trees in the World in 2016

Top 10 Oldest Trees in the World in 2016

The World abc   11:04:00 PM

According to Scientists, trees absorb carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and many other potentially harmful gasses, and release oxygen in exchange. Without oxygen, humans and animals can not live, therefore trees create an ecosystem to provide habitat and food for birds and other animals.
Today, we will be looking at the top 10 oldest trees in the world. Below are the lists:

10. KONGEEGEN IN DENMARK


Kongeegen means “King’s Oak”, and it an ancient oak tree in Denmark. This tree estimates to have lived for over 1500 years in Norther Europe. It is also known to be the most oldest tree in the whole of Europe.
9. CHESTNUT TREE IN SICILY

This chestnut tree also called “The tree of one hundred horses” in Sicily, a few kilometers from the Sant’Alfio’s town, near the Mount Etna is known to be one of the oldest trees in the world. Castagno dei Cento Cavalli as it is scientifically called believed to have lived for over 2000 years. The massive chestnut tree holds the world record for girth, clocking in at 190 feet in circumference.
8. JŌMON SUGI

Jōmon Sugi is a large Cryptomeria tree of about 83-foot height and 53-foot girth, located on Yakushima, in Japan. It dates to the Jomon Period from which it gets its name. Calculated using tree’s growth ring, it is about 2000 years old, though some argue that the tree is over 7000 years old.
7. Jardine Juniper in Cache National Forest

The Jardine Juniper often referred to as the oldest tree found within Logan Cayon in the Cache National Forest. The tree was discovered by Maurice Blood Linford on July 23, 1923 and it is said to have lived for 1500 years. It was formerly believed to be around 3000 years old but core scientific tests and samples brought the age of the tree down to 1500 years. It’s around 40 feet tall and 24 feet around.
6. Cypress of Abarkuh in Iran

The Zoroastrian Sarv also known as Sarv-e Abarqu or Cypress of Abarkuh, is a cypress tree in Central Iran, Yazd Province at Iranian National Movement. It is said to have lived for 4000 years, earning its title as the oldest living thing in the whole of Asia.


5. LLANGERNYW YEW IN WALES

Llangernyw yew is the oldest tree in Wales, as it is over 4,000-year-old. The tree was found in St Dygain’s Church in Llangernyw, County Borough of Conwy. In 2012, it was inducted into a list of 50 Great British Trees by the UK Tree Council.
4. ALERCE MILENARIO IN ANDES MOUNTAINS

Alerce Milenario or Gran Abuelo is also a cypress tree like Zoroastrian Sarv, and it is known to be one of the oldest trees in the world. Fitzroya Cupressoides (as it is scientifically called) is located in the Andes Mountains in South America. It was found to be currently 3640 years old by counting its growth rings, making it second oldest fully verified living tree after the Pinus longaeva.


3. OLD TJIKKO IN SWEDEN

Old Tjikko is a spruce tree located on Fulufjället Mountain of Dalarna province in Sweden. The 9500 -year-old Norway Spruce was discovered by Kullman, a Physical Geography professor at Umeå University in 2014. The age was determined by counting the growth ring.

2. METHUSELAH IN CALIFORNIA


Methuselah has been tagged the oldest living thing on earth with almost 5000 years of age. This bristlecone pine tree grows in the White Mountains, in Inyo Nationa Forest, Eastern California. The exact location of this tree has been kept secret from the public, making it hard to believe pictures of the tree anywhere (which might not be it above).

1. PANDO IN UTAH

Should we call Pando an individual tree? Pando aren’t actually individual tree but stems of a massive single clone of a Quaking Aspen in Utah. It is estimated to have been in existence for over 1 million years. Known also as The Trembling Giant determined to be a single living organism by identical genetic markers and assumed to have one massive underground root system, covering 107 acres and weighing 6,615 tons.