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.

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.

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

Top 10 Dynasties in the World That Ruled the Longest

The world over, many dynasties ruled for hundreds and thousands of years, and most of them laid the foundations for modern forms of government. While most have ceased to exist, there are still a few that still continue their reign.

History is an interesting subject to explore because it gives you a clearer understanding of the past, its effects and repercussions as the case may be and the contributions past dynasties brought forth. There were many significant events, discoveries and births during these periods that contributed to and shaped the histories of these nations. Their reign also made a lasting impact to the rest of the world, ancient and modern.

1. Bulgaria. The House of Dulo or Dulo Clan reigned from 2137 BC until 753 AD, ruling the early Bulgars for 2,890 years. The Kubrat clan founded the dynasty, which brought about the unification of the Bulgar tribes. 
2. Japan. The Imperial House of Japan has been ruling the country from 660 BCE until today. Known as the Chrysanthemum Throne or Yamato Dynasty, it has continuously reigned for more than 2,669 years. Current monarch is Emperor Akihito.
   
3. Vietnam. The Hồng Bàng Dynasty is also known as the Lạc Dynasty. It was the 1st dynasty that ruled Vietnam from 2897 to 258 BC, a total of 2,639 years. Legend had it that its founder was Kinh Dương Vương, whose title was Hùng Vương.
4. Korea. From 2333 BCE until 108 BCE, Korea was under th Gojoseon Dynasty. The ancient kingdom remained in power for 2,225 years and laid the foundation for the first proper nation in the peninsula. Dangun Wanggeom was its founder, according to legend.
5. Vietnam. Another dynasty, the Champa Dynasty ruled Vietnam for 1,640 years from 192 BC to 1832 AD. The oldest known written Malay language from the 4th century AD came from this dynasty. It was created 300 years earlier than the Sumatran texts.

The Thinker – A symbol of reflection and deep thought

The Thinker at the Musée Rodin in Paris

The Thinker, Auguste Rodin’s most famous work is undoubtedly the most recognized sculpture the world over. Full size bronze casts of the original sculpture displayed in front of the Musée Rodin in Paris, France are found in more than 30 locations around the world, including Asia, Europe and the United States. The one that is at the University of Louisville in Kentucky is special since this is the first bronze cast made from the original. Various plaster casts and study-size casts of The Thinker are seen in global locations as well.

The massive sculpture stands, or should we say sits at a height of six feet and six inches. With the intentionally massive arms and shoulders given to the sculpture piece, when fully erect, The Thinker would be a colossal figure that would tower over men.

The story behind its creation

The sculpture was originally part of a commissioned work by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs of Paris in 1880. The plan was to create the museum’s door that would depict The Gates of Hell from Dante Alighieri’s   Divine Comedy. Its original piece only measured 71.5 centimeters or 28.1 inches and named The Poet. The now-famous sculpture sat on the tympanum of the portal, contemplating the Inferno with 180 individual figures below. The sculpture of The Thinker was envisioned to represent poetry and intellect as well as Dante himself.

The Thinker was first cast in 1904, although Rodin worked on the whole Gates of Hell portal for 37 years.