Author: menno

The Earth is a big place. While it’s certainly true that there are few places which can truly said to be ‘undiscovered’ in this day and age, there are still countless forests, caves, deserts and islands (as well as the entirety of the ocean floor) where man has yet to tread. Many civilisations have risen and fallen over the years, and the vast nature of our planet has helped inspire many tales about lost cities, strange far-off lands and fallen kingdoms. Sadly, as fascinating and intriguing as many of these places may seem, we now know that they were nothing…

The animal kingdom certainly tops the list of strange and weird creatures that Mother Nature has to offer. All animal species are unique in their own way and have extraordinary abilities that are really rare and special or simply look weird and funny. Lots of bodily parts get attention, and looking at some animals’ noses will leave you wondering why they were made that way. Apart from breathing and smelling, some animals use their noses to fight for their territories, hunt for prey, eat, drink, and even attract the opposite sex. That being said, let’s take a look at some…

The skylines of Europe’s biggest cities are constantly changing. In this list of the continent’s tallest buildings, only two are more than ten years old, and a remarkable six out of the ten are in Moscow, Europe’s newest powerhouse. 10. Metropol Istanbul , Istanbul 919 feet, completed 2017 9. Skyland Istanbul 1 & 2, Istanbul 932 feet, completed 2017 ColorMaker / Shutterstock.com Skyland Istanbul are twin skyscrapers in the city of Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in the Seyrantepe neighborhood of Şişli. With 932 feet these skyscrapers are the tallest in Turkey. Skyland Istanbul is home to a five-star international…

Fish family is predominantly the largest living underwater animals. Categorised into four important classes namely: Placodermi, Chondrichthyes, Acanthodii and Osteichthyes, these aquatic animals vary from each other in size, color, and other special physical features. While some like to stay on shallow waters, others can only thrive deep-sea feeding on planktons. Below are the top ten largest fish on earth in a descending order: 10. Hoodwinker sunfish (Mola tecta) It comes from the family Miridae which is characterised by a short bullet-like body that ends almost abruptly; the Hoodwinker is slightly different from the other species. With the slim, sleek…

Of the world’s apex predators, the largest cat species are the most elegant and regal. These big cats come in different sizes and colours, but seem to have similar behavioural and structural patterns. From the powerful tiger to the speedy cheetah, each big cat has advanced predatory behaviours, as well as qualities and quirks that make them stand out and place them at the top of the food web in each of their habitats and ecosystems. These cats are also among the top tourist attractions. Here’s a list of the top 10 largest cat species and where they can be…

There are about 10,000 bird species on earth. Some of these bird species look similar, but some of them are very unique. Below is a list of some weird looking birds, read on for more information. 10. Shoebill The shoebill stork has a peculiar appearance that makes it look prehistoric. When looking at this tall bird, the feature that makes it look weird is the huge bill. This bill is so big that it appears to be out of proportion compared to the rest of the body, particularly in mature males. It measures about 9 inches long and 4 inches…

There are over thousands of species of lizards living in the world. With the Komodo dragon being at number one, here are the top 10 largest lizards in the world. 10. Gold Tegu The gold tegu is also known as ‘golden tegu’ is one of the largest lizards in the world. It lives in the tropical forests in the northern and central part of South America. The gold tegu can grow up to 3ft long in size and 4.0kg in weight! This species of lizard has powerful limbs, a glossy looking body, and a thick long tail. The gold tegu…

Throughout the animal kingdom, we can observe many ingenious and often weird methods of self-defence. In truth us humans are comparatively ill-equipped for protection in the natural food chain, although what we lack in the way of bodily armour, venom and claws is successfully compensated by our intelligent creation and use of tools. These bristly critters all have one trait in common…. 10. Thorny devil (Moloch Horridus) The ferociously named Mountain Devil; Australian native lizard grows to a mere 20cm. This ant-eating sole member of the moloch genus wears a coat of thorny spikes. When threatened they can puff themselves…

Since the time of Galileo, human beings have been using telescopes to scan the skies. Galileo explored the night sky and discovered the Milky Way, but today, telescopes are used for a wide range of research. One of their important features is the ability to see lots of colours and light types that our eyes can’t register – such as infrared, ultraviolet, gamma rays, x rays, microwave and radiowaves. They can see much finer details than our eyes can, and can simultaneously record what they are seeing, so that observations can be shared. Telescopes are getting bigger, with several giants…

With categories like bourbon, Scotch or Irish as well as countless brands lining the shelves, it can seem quite daunting to dive into the world of whisky for the first time. Not to worry – we’ve rounded up the top whisky brands from around the world which are guaranteed to have you coming back for more. 10. Southern Comfort Although Southern Comfort is technically a liqueur and only flavoured with whisky along with fruit and spice, its hard to overlook based on sheer popularity (plus, most people believe it’s indeed a whisky or bourbon anyway). Originating in Louisiana, Southern Comfort…

Ever since the first cities were formed, over 6000 years ago, civilizations have been building walls – but some have been much more impressive than others. Read on to find out about the 10 most famous walls in the world. 10. Vietnam Veterans Memorial The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is made up of two black granite walls, which meet to form a ‘V’. Etched into the stone are the names of over 58,000 U.S. soldiers who were killed during the Vietnam War. Visitors to the wall often take a rubbing from the surface as a memory of those they have lost.…

For hundreds of years, magicians have been wowing audiences across the globe and making them believe in the impossible. From street corners to massive arenas, magic can be an intimate, close-up trick which impresses a small crowd or an audacious, death-defying spectacle that leaves thousands of people shaking their heads in disbelief. Although stage magicians and illusionists have enjoyed varying levels of success and popularity over the years, it has always been one of the most inventive and interactive forms of performance art. While some of the people on this list are better known for performing acts of mentalism or…

10. Carol Guzy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj–mZ0nKso Carol Guzy was a ‘regular girl’ from small town America, having obtained a nursing degree and planned a career on the wards – until she was given a camera by a friend. Changing tack, she returned to school, leaving a few years later with an associate’s degree in applied science in photography. She worked her way from the Miami Herald to the Washington Post, winning awards for her clear, precisely timed images from 1990 (Newspaper Photographer of the Year). She is one of only four people to win four Pulitzer Prizes, and she puts her empathy…

Hollywood has an undeniable reputation for chewing up promising young stars. While some child actors manage to strike it big and have long, illustrious careers in the movie business, others never quite get to reach their true potential. 10. Rob Knox (1989 – 2008) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQuNi9pgYhs English actor Rob Knox first began acting at the age of 11 and starred in TV shows before being cast as Marcus Belby in ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’. However, he never got to enjoy the success of his breakout role. In May 2008, Knox was stabbed and killed during a pub brawl when…

Now that so much data is stored and circulated electronically, a library might seem to be a slightly outdated concept. However, a huge proportion of the world’s information and learning is still not available electronically, so libraries retain their importance for research and study. It is should also be remembered that libraries store books, inscriptions, and documents that are beautiful, and valuable not just for their contents, but also for their historic and artistic significance. Illuminated manuscripts, author’s drafts, and the originals of documents such as Magna Carta, or the American Declaration of Independence, can never be properly appreciated online.…

A ghost ship is quite simply a vessel which has been discovered with no living crew onboard. There have been many ghost ships throughout history and, because some sailed freely for many years before being found, their mystery have found their way into folklore and legend. 10. Ourang Medan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KNoB2RUFEQ One of the most recent ships on our list, there remains much skepticism around the truthfulness of the events surrounding the Ourang Medan. There have been two widespread descriptions of the events aboard the Ourang Medan. In the first account, a survivor washed ashore on the Marshall Islands. His final…

There are several remarkable dog breeds in existence, but only a selected few could make the top 10 list. See whether these breeds are the same ones that would make it to the top of your list. These are the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the USA. 10. Dachshunds These tireless bundles of vibrant energy are excellent family pets. Their small size and delightful character makes them easy to travel with, and they also are inclined to bond very closely with their master. Outdoor play and sniffing out scents are among their favourite pastimes. Originally bred to hunt…

Roald Dahl brought his twisted imagination and wicked sense of humour to the world of children’s books. The influential author wrote more than 40 books during his illustrious career and some of his comedic, thrilling and magical stories have been brought to life on the big screen over the years. 10. Esio Trot (2014) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=165NXvc4JIw Esio Trot is the only TV movie adapted from one of Dahl’s books. Published in 1990, Esio Trot follows the story of Mr Hoppy; a shy old gentleman who has secretly been in love with the lady from downstairs for many years, Mrs Silver. Mrs…

These are the top 10 largest cities, ranked by the size of their populations. We’ve used the latest available figures, and the populations shown are those people who live within the city limits. Read on to find which cities make the list – you’ll find some surprises among the rankings. 10. Minsk Minsk is the capital of Belarus. It didn’t come out top in a recent ranking of quality of life in big cities but scored better for personal safety than Moscow did. The city has some beautiful Russian orthodox churches, in particular St. Mary Magdalene with its black and…

Turkey is a nation located partly in Europa and Asia. The following are the top ten largest cities in this transcontinental city. 10. Mersin This is an ancient Turkish city that was named after Mysine, an aromatic plant that grows in abundance in this region. This is an economic hub that offers a wonderful mix of history and culture. It is the main port of the Mediterranean with great destinations for travelers. Mersin is an economic and cultural city that is nicknamed as the pearl of the Mediterranean. The unique culture motives and the rich history make this city a…

Until quite recently, the flying speeds of which birds are capable were largely a matter of speculation. Modern technology, such as radar and high-speed cameras, has enabled measurements to be made, but many of the figures in this list of the world’s ten fastest birds (in reverse order) are still open to dispute. 10. Canvasback – 73 mph This North American diving duck gets its name from the pattern of fine lines on its back, resembling a coarse woven fabric. It is the largest diving duck in North America. Canvasbacks migrate southwards in large flocks to overwinter in warmer habitats…

With over 1.3 billion people China is the most populated country in the world. About one fifth of the total world population lives in China. In China there are more than 160 cities with over one million people (only 9 in the USA). The cities are spread all over the country. Hong Kong has just over 7 million inhabitants and is the 11th largest city in China. 10. Nanjing – 7,165,828 At tenth spot, Nanjing lies at the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and translates as ‘southern capital’, as opposed to Beijing, the ‘northern capital’. It’s culturally significant and…

Chimneys are built to draw smoke and fumes out of buildings and the practice dates back to Roman times. During the Industrial Revolution, taller chimneys were constructed for commercial buildings to deal with the higher demand in manufacturing. These days, there are towering structures built in concrete, steel and brick that service power plants the world over. Here is a list of the top 10 tallest chimneys in the world:. 10. Currently, the tenth tallest chimney in the world is at Syrdarya Power Plant in Uzbekistan. Standing 350m (1148ft) tall, the 3rd chimney of this power plant was built in…

Lighthouses have been used by humans for centuries primarily to warn ships of dangerous stretches of coastline. Here is a list of the ten tallest lighthouses in the world and is made up of a wide variety of structure types, coming from all over the globe. 10. Mulantou Lighthouse 大蛋 – 355HASH木栏头灯塔正面/wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0 This lighthouse stands 72m (237 feet) tall making it the tallest in China. Located in Hainan province and built in 1995 this lighthouse guards the entrance to Qiongzhou Strait and has a large observation room attached. 9. Lesnoy Mole Rear Range Light Larry Myhre/flickr This is…

In Hindu communities, the temples are the focus for all things in life, including religious, educational, social and cultural. Temples are also places where people can rise above the world of man; a place where God can be approached and where heavenly knowledge is revealed. These temples are found in countries all over the world and come in all shapes and sizes. Following are the top 10 largest Hindu temples in the world. 10. The Rajagopalaswamy temple a Vaishnavite shrine 156 feet tall and covering 23 acres in the town of Mannargudi in India, is the 10th-largest Hindu temple in…

Australia is a vast country with relatively few large cities, and plenty of wide open spaces. In this list we look at the top ten largest cities in Australia. In each case, we pick out some of the reasons why they are worth a visit, if you are travelling on through this fascinating country. 10. Wollongong Located in the south eastern corner of Australia, Wollongong is a coastal city, home to 299,203 people, with a very ancient history. Long before Western voyagers reached this stunning part of the world, it was home to the Dharawal Indigenous Australians. The beaches are…

Maybe you’ve wondered which are the largest hotel chains in the world. Here’s our rundown of the 10 largest hotel chains in the world, measured by the number of properties they own – how many are you familiar with? 10. Huazhu Hotels Group The Huazhu Hotels Group was founded in 2005 but already has 3,656 properties in 365 cities worldwide, offering more than 372,000 rooms at any one time. Some of the big names the China Huazhu Hotels Group are responsible for include Hanting Express, Hi Inn and starway Hotel. 9. Best Western Hotels Tang Yan Song / Shutterstock.com While…

In the last fifty years, Africa has been undergoing a building surge with most of its cities. In as much as there are few skyscrapers, quite a number of the major countries in Africa have buildings that are just as recognisable and unique as the ones in developed countries such as North America. Below is a list of top ten tallest buildings in Africa although there are buildings that are being planned which will be taller. The list ranks buildings based on standard height measurements by CTBUH. Architectural details and spires are included but minarets and Antenna masts are not…

Statues are iconic monuments, tourist attractions and beautiful pieces of art, often commemorating important historical events or significant people. How many of the top 10 tallest statues in the USA can you name? 10. Giraffe Statue, Dallas Zoo, Texas The Jacobin/flickr This impressive Giraffe statue at 67.6ft high is the highest statue in Texas. It was created by celebrated artist Bob Cassilly from bronze and plexiglass during Dallas Zoo’s remodeling in 1997. The famous giraffe overlooks the zoo parking and can be seen from the I-35. 9. The United States Marine Corps War Memorial, Virginia Also known as the Iwo…

Many people around the world collect rare coins, but some sell at auction for huge sums of money, probably more than you would expect for a single coin. In reverse order, the top ten most expensive coins in the world are: 10. The Single 9 Pond ($4,000,000) Issued by South Africa in 1898, and sold in a private transaction for $4 million in 2010. It is South Africa’s rarest gold coin, sometimes referred to as “the King of South African coins”. 9. Bust Dollar Class I ($4,140,000) Also known as the 1804 Dollar or the Bowed Liberty Dollar, these are…

India’s statues are going up – and up. However, these aren’t mere vanity projects; they have a religious purpose and send out a powerful message. 10. Basava, Basavakalyana Sscheral/wikimediacommons/CC BY-SA 3.0 Rising to 108 feet, this is the world’s highest likeness of the twelfth-century Indian philosopher and poet Lord Basava, but it also educates – the concrete-and-steel sculpture by Sridhar Murthy sits on a platform that can screen shows about this reformer and statesman. 9. Hanuman, Damanjodi, Koraput https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-973j75Vqg Hanuman is a devoted follower of Lord Rama and a central character in Ramayana epics, so his statue in the state…

Humans have an incredible talent for living in places that seem as though they should be uninhabitable, including in some of the highest places in the world. These ten large cities (population greater than 100,000 inhabitants) host thriving communities thousands of feet above sea level. 10. Huancayo, Peru Milton Rodriguez / Shutterstock.com The capital of Peru’s Junín Region, Huancayo has an elevation of 3,052 metres and a population of 450,000. The city was founded in 1572 and today it’s notable for its festivals, crafts, and its intriguing mix of modern and traditional style. 9. Cusco, Peru As the former capital…

There are myriads of bird species in the world that come with different features and adaptations. The most common adaptation is the bird’s ability to fly extremely high altitudes. Here is a list of top 10 highest flying birds: 10. The White Stork This large bird from the Cicobiidae stork family can fly up to 4,800 metres when migrating. The larger part of its body is white with black wings towards the rear. Adults have long red beaks and legs. There are two subspecies of the white stork that travel between different regions of Europe, northwest Africa, southern Africa and…

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this maxim definitely applies in the art and sculpture world. While not quite reaching the stratospheric prices that paintings consistently do, the most expensive sculptures lie far out of reach of most art lovers. Here is a list of the ten most expensive sculptures ever sold, with the adjusted price in today’s dollars in brackets. 10. Nu de dos, 4 état (Back IV) was created by Henri Matisse in 1958 and was one of his largest sculptures. It is known as one the Backs as it depicts a…

Urban agglomerations in Africa have been increasing rapidly over the past few years. This has seen some of the largest cities struggle to accommodate and adapt to more and more residents competing for urban resources. However, the rise in population has brought about several huge opportunities in the social, economic, political, and technological sectors. Below is the ranking of the largest cities in Africa. 10. Abidjan (Ivory Coast) BOULENGER Xavier / Shutterstock.com Abidjan city has about 4.4 million people, which is a fifth of the country’s population. As the economic capital of Ivory Coast, the city is characterized by high…

Most of Japan’s population live in the largest of the country’s cities which are primarily known for their successful industrial and international trading activities. The population figures included here are based on estimates from 2010. 10. Saitama Just to the south of Tokyo, Saitama became a city in 2001 after the merger of four smaller towns and has a population of 1,222,434. It has a well-known sports stadium and is an important commercial city of Japan and also features other industries. 9. Kawasaki With a more modest population level of 1,425,512, Kawasaki is one of Japan’s most heavily industrialised cities.…

When you think of South African cities, the first two that come to mind are probably Cape Town and Johannesburg. Although these are the first two on this list, there also some that you may not have heard of, including Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Mangaung, and Emfuleni. Join us as we take a quick look through South Africa’s top 10 cities. 10. Polokwane Local Municipality This municipality covers a rather large area in the Limpopo province. Nearly 93% of the population and are Black African, with 80% of the population speaking the Northern Sotho language. 9. Emfuleni This municipality has seen some…

Strong, ancient and beautiful. These trees have seen a lot of history and become celebrities themselves in the process. 10. Lahaina Banyan Tree Melikamp /wikicommons A massive quarter of a mile in circumference and standing over 60 feet high, this tree stands in the courthouse square of downtown Lahaina, Hawaii. Planted on 24th April 1873, this tree is now the largest banyan tree in the entire United States. 9. Angel Oak Tree Estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old, Angel Oak stands in Oak Angel Park on Johns Island, South Carolina. Local legends tell of the ghosts of…

Would anyone pay millions of dollars for a photograph? Well, yes, they would! The following list covers the top 10 most expensive photograph sales with some information about the back story of each picture. Some of the photos are technically exquisite and were taken in the days when photography required precision and skill alongside artistic flair, while others are famous because of what or who they portray – or even who snapped the image! 10 Alfred Stieglitz: Georgia O’Keeffe: ‘Hands’: 1919: US$1.47 million (Feb 2006) Georgia O’Keeffe was an artist whose speciality was painting large images of close-up blossoms, amongst…