Thursday, December 20, 2012

Music: A Bridge in Crossing the Language Barrier


Globalization brings people from different cultures closer together. While the language barrier still exists, there are several things that make communication among people speaking different languages possible. Travelers would say that one must learn at least a few basic words and phrases to get by and the easiest way to do this is to buy a phrase book. Others might find the language interesting enough to enroll in language class before embarking on a trip to a foreign land. People wishing to settle, do business or study in another country where the language is different from what is normally spoken at home must engage the services of a document translation service provider to have their documents translated accurately.

How else can you make yourself understood when you do not speak the language of the country you are visiting.? Aside from the handy phrase book, you can use sign and body language; you can draw, use facial expressions, or ask the help of someone who is willing to translate for you. However, there is one universal thing that does not need to be translated in a language you are familiar with to be understood. It’s called music.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Value of Keeping Silent (At Times)


Freedom of speech is a basic human right. People around the world are exercising this right. The availability of modern communication tools allows people to express their ideas and thoughts freely to more people than ever. Today’s generation specifically seems to have already forgotten that at times, being silent is important too. When too many people are expressing their opinion at the same time, it is hard to listen and sometimes, the best way to be heard is by keeping silent.

Silence is golden

This is a very old proverb, and yet its value is still immeasurable. Yes, it is fine to speak our minds out. However, we do not have to do it all the time, especially when we are hurt or angry. You know why? Because we have to remember that words are very powerful. Words are used to educate, bless, help and express one’s expertise. They can also harm, curse, reveal a person’s foolishness or cause damage.

It is all right to speak about things and ideas that arouse our passions. However, it cannot be stressed enough that at times, especially when we are hurt or angry that we should stop and hold our tongue, to avoid causing more hurt, damage or irreparable consequences. When we are in such a situation, we should refrain from using our mobile phones or visiting a social networking site and curb our tongues until our heads are clear.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Top 10 Ten Fantastic Man-made and Natural Mushroom Cloud Formations

There are times when you look up in the sky, you will see large cumulus clouds. At times you might be lucky enough to see a natural cloud formation in the shape of a mushroom cloud, just like the unusual, glowing and multicolored one seen over Beijing, China’s capital, last June 2012. However, there are other types of mushrooms clouds, some created during volcanic eruptions, while some were caused by the explosion of fabricated materials. Here are some of them (according to the year they happened):

Mount Pinatubo 


The Philippine volcano Mount Pinatubo located in the island of Luzon in the Philippines was almost obscure and covered with dense forest. Its history of eruptions is basically unknown. However, on June 15, 1991, before its eruption, it released a giant mushroom cloud of thick volcanic ash resembling a massive cauliflower; its effect was felt almost worldwide. It spread huge amounts of aerosols into the stratosphere that is more than what Krakatoa eruption did when it erupted in 1883. Mount Pinatubo ejected more than 20 million tons of sulfur dioxide and nearly 10 million metric tons of magma.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Top 10 Amazing Mountainside Structures Around the World

When touring we are bound to see many astounding structures that make you go wow. Nevertheless, there are several more that are truly amazing that they are worth more than a second look.

Paro Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan


Seeming to hang precariously on the almost vertical rock slopes of a cliff in upper Paro Valley is Paro Taktsang, which is also known as the Tiger’s Nest. The multi-level monastery, initially built in 1692 is a sacred site for Himalayan Buddhists. It is located 3,120 meters above sea level. Wispy clouds that shroud the temple for many days give it an eerie and mystical look.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Fantastic Christmas Lights of Medellín

Turning the city into a colorful, magical, twinkling fairyland

Alumbrados Navideños sobre el Río Medellí
Turning the city into a colorful, magical, twinkling fairyland
Christmas time is truly a magical time. In almost every corner of the world, different types of celebrations for the Christmas season are held annually. In most cities and towns, holiday decorations include giant Christmas trees decorated in different themes. Trees and shrubs are wrapped and covered in tiny Christmas lights, lampposts, houses and building display Christmas lanterns, wreaths and other holiday decorations. Big shopping malls hire decorators to create colorful themed store displays.

In the beautiful city of Medellín, in the South American country of Colombia, the Los Alumbrados de Medellín or the Medellín Christmas Lights in Spanish is hosted from the 7th of December until the 15th of January. Eighteen million LED lights. A myriad of colors. Giant 3D structures. These are what you will see in Medellín in December.
The event is world-renown and brings in hordes of tourists to the city. It is an event that marks the unofficial start of the Christmas season in Colombia. It is a spectacular event that turns the whole city of Medellín into a varicolored nighttime jewel.

Passion