Around The World In Pictures

Chile volcano

2011-06-07T02:27:00.000-07:00

Thousands flee their homes and flights are grounded as Chilean volcano sends plumes of ash showering down.

The Chilean volcano which erupted on Monday has sent a towering plume of ash across South America, forcing thousands from their homes, grounding airline flights in southern Argentina and coating ski resorts with a gritty layer of dust instead of snow.

Booming explosions echoed across the Andes as toxic gases belched up from a three-mile-long fissure in the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcanic complex - a ridge between two craters just west of the Chilean-Argentine border that began erupting Saturday.Winds blew a six-mile high cloud of ash all the way to the Atlantic Ocean and even into southern Buenos Aires province, hundreds of miles to the north-east.

Raining ash: The plume above the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano chain threw ash up to six miles into the sky

The great Barrier Reef

2011-06-01T04:04:00.000-07:00

The Great Barrier Reef is actually a series of smaller reefs. Reefs form under water and can be made of coral, sand, or rock. The top of the reef sits about two to three feet below sea level. Coral reefs are found in warm, shallow, clean water. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef of all, stretching an amazing 1,250 miles, or 2,000 kilometers, across the blue of the ocean. It forms a natural break water between the strong waves of the Pacific and the coast of Australia. It's location is in the Coral Sea, the area of the Pacific close to Australia's northeastern coast. The waters around it cover roughly 80,000 square miles, or 208,000 kilometers, an area slightly smaller than the state of Minnesota.
Reefs may be found as deep as 250 feet below the surface. Corals that grow below 150 feet don't make very good reef builders.
There are three different groups in which all reefs are classified. The first reef type is called a Fringing reef. This reef is formed as coral grows in the shallow waters along the shores of land. A barrier reef, such as the Great Barrier reef, grows some distance from the shore before coming close to the surface. A lagoon separates the barrier reef from the shore. An Atoll reef is a circular reef, usually with a lagoon in the center. The waves of the lagoon cover a submerged island. The reef grows in layers over the island.
There are many islands on the Great Barrier reef made of coral sand that has piled up to make islands. Coral sand is formed when waves constantly wash over the dead coral, breaking it in to sand. These islands have been given the name Coral Cays. Most Coral Cays are impossible to reach by boat. They are hard to see, and the sharp coral can tear out the bottom of a boat. Ancient shipwrecks can still be found among the coral!
Reefs as large as the Great Barrier Reef take thousands of years to develop. If you happen to visit a reef, any reef, be careful to not step on living coral. Most grow slowly, maybe less than two inches, or five centimeters a year. It would take years to replace it!
About three hundred fifty types of coral live and grow on the Great Barrier Reef. All have different skeleton shapes. One kind of coral looks like deer antlers! It is called staghorn coral, and is one of the more common corals on the reef. It is also one of the fastest growers. It can grow up to 4 inches, or 10 centimeters, a year!
Not only do the corals make up the reef itself, but they are home to many different creatures. Many types of fish depend on the coral to protect them.
Hundreds of miles along the reef have not been explored, but of what has, the beauty is breath taking!

Japan Tsunami Pictures

2011-03-14T01:31:00.000-07:00

Japan Tsunami Pictures

2011-03-14T01:27:00.000-07:00

Burj Khalifa welcomes 2011 with New Year’s firework Extravaganza

2011-01-02T04:09:00.000-08:00

Pierre Marcout, the wizard behind luxe production company Prisme and engineer of spectacular fireworks and laser display at the opening of the Burj Khalifa in January 2010, has done it again! Prisme International was called on once again to produce the New year’s eve 2011 show at the Burj Khalifa. Images speak of the extravagant show that featured the most ground breaking fireworks and laser displays ever seen

The Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan at the Lost Chambers suite at Atlantis, The Palm Dubai

2010-12-19T03:13:00.000-08:00

Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, Ravini Perera, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Atlantis, The Palm, Serge Zaalof, Chief Operating Officer, Atlantis, The Palm on the red carpet at the Masala! Awards ceremony at Atlantis, The Palm.

Plitvice Lakes in Croatia

2010-11-04T01:19:00.000-07:00

These are probably the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. This is how I imagine paradise; this beauty is situated in Croatia and is called the Plitvice Lakes. In 1949 the lakes were nationalized by the government and turned into a national park. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colors, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue. By the way, the park is one of the few places on the planet, where new waterfalls appear every year

Sixteen cascading bodies of water called the Plitvice Lakes are divided into upper and lower basins by dams made of moss, algae and bacteria. The surrounding setting is heavily forested and home to a multitude of animal life, including brown bears, eagles and approximately 140 bird species. In varying colors of azure, green, gray and blue, the lakes make up the Plitvice Lakes National Park, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 for its “outstanding natural beauty

The 827-metre Burj Khalifa tower inagural fireworks display on 4th jan 09

2010-01-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

Burj Khalifa - formerly known as Burj Dubai- inaugurated by Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE , His Highness Shaikh Mohamed

2010-01-09T07:32:00.000-08:00

Burj Khalifa (Arabic: برج خليفة‎ "Khalifa Tower"), formerly known as Burj Dubai, is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the tallest man-made structure ever built, at 828 m (2,717 ft). Construction began on 21 September 2004, with the exterior of the structure completed on 1 October 2009. The building officially opened on 4 January 2010. The building is part of the 2 km2 (490-acre) flagship development called Downtown Burj Khalifa at the "First Interchange" along Sheikh Zayed Road, near Dubai's main business district.
The tower's architecture and engineering was performed by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill of Chicago. Adrian Smith, who worked with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill until 2006, was the chief architect and Bill Baker was the chief structural engineer for the project. The primary contractor was Samsung C&T of South Korea, who also built the Taipei 101 and Petronas Twin Towers. Major subcontractors included Belgian group Besix and Arabtec from the UAE. Turner Construction Company was chosen as the construction project manager. Under UAE law, the Contractor and the Engineer of Record are jointly and severally liable for the performance of Burj Khalifa. Therefore, by adoption of SOM's design and by being appointed as Architect and Engineer of Record, Hyder Consulting was legally the Design Consultant for the tower.

Current records

Tallest skyscraper to top of spire: 828 m (2,717 ft) (previously Taipei 101 – 509.2 m (1,671 ft))

Tallest structure ever built: 828 m (2,717 ft) (previously Warsaw radio mast – 646.38 m (2,121 ft))

Tallest extant structure: 828 m (2,717 ft) (previously KVLY-TV mast – 628.8 m (2,063 ft))

Tallest freestanding structure: 828 m (2,717 ft) (previously CN Tower – 553.3 m (1,815 ft))

Building with most floors: 160 (previously Willis Tower – 108)World's highest elevator installation World's fastest elevators at speed of 64 km/h (40 mph) or 18 m/s (59 ft/s) (previously Taipei 101 – 16.83 m/s)

Highest vertical concrete pumping (for a building): 606 m (1,988 ft)[19] (previously Taipei 101 – 449.2 m (1,474 ft))

Highest vertical concrete pumping (for any construction): 606 m (1,988 ft) (previously Riva del Garda Hydroelectric Power Plant – 532 m (1,745 ft)[20]) The first world's tallest structure in history to include residential spaceHighest outdoor observation deck in the world (124th floor) World's highest mosque (located on the 154th floor)World's highest installation of an aluminium and glass façade, at a height of 512 m (1,680 ft) World's highest swimming pool (76th floor)

Fish caught in Yanbu Saudi Arabia March 08 2009

2009-06-24T02:28:00.001-07:00

A rare fish caught i yanbu Saudi arabia

The World's First Flying Hotel

2009-06-24T02:24:00.000-07:00

The Hotelicopter features 18 luxuriously-appointed rooms for adrenaline junkies seeking a truly unique and memorable travel experience. Each soundproofed room is equipped with a queen-sized bed, fine linens, a mini-bar, coffee machine, wireless internet access, and all the luxurious appointments you'd expect from a flying five star hotel. Room service is available one hour after liftoff and prior to landing." The Hotelicopter is due to fly maiden journey this summer (June 26th) with an undisclosed price...If you are interested, there are three fly tours.
Inaugural Summer Tour - 14 days (Friday, June 26th, 2009 - Friday, July 10th, 2009)
California Tour - 14 days (Friday, July 17th, 2009 to Friday, July 24th, 2009) Bay/Jamaica, European Tour - 16 days (Friday, July 31st, 2009 to Sunday, August 16th, 2009)
Dimensions Length: 42 m (137 ft) Height: 28m (91 ft) Maximum Takeoff Weight: 105850 kg (232,870 lb) Maximum speed: 255 km/h (137 kt) (158 miles/h) Cruising speed: 237 km/h (127 kt) (147 miles/h) Original Mi Range: 515 km (320 mi) Our augmented Mi Range - 1,296 km (700 mi)

2009-03-30T05:42:00.000-07:00

Photos By: Patric J Wilson

Petra world wonder

2009-03-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

Petra was named one of the 7 Wonders of the New World over the weekend by Switzerland’s New Open World Foundation. It came in second after China’s Great Wall.

Petra is known for dramatic tombs and temple facades carved by Nabatean nomads into sandstone thousands of years ago. The rose-red rock city was hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains for centuries until it was rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812.

All sorts of official celebrations, fireworks displays and parties in the streets marked the announcement which is expected to boost the country’s tourism industry.

Other “New Wonders” include Brazil’s Statue of Christ the Redeemer, Peru’s Machu Picchu, the Chichen Itza Pyramid in Mexico, Rome’s Colosseum and Taj Mahal in India

BBC Your picture best of 2008

2009-02-26T03:18:00.000-08:00

Taha Idris found this fly in his back garden in Swansea and decided to practice his macro photography skills on it

Smoker Island famous Puffins

2009-02-26T03:15:00.000-08:00

Skomer Island's famous puffins as pictured by Mike Davies who was on a day trip there

sunny day at Creggenan lake

2009-02-26T03:13:00.000-08:00

A still, sunny day at Creggenan lake above Dolgellau makes for a wonderful walk for Eve Williams, her husband Robert, their two children and their dog Bramble

The Caban Coch dam in the Elan Valley, Powys (Paul Harris Dack).

2009-02-26T03:07:00.001-08:00

Gaza under siege in picture

2009-01-06T05:15:00.001-08:00

Israeli jets have bombed the Gaza Strip heavily for a second day, attacking supply tunnels on the Gaza-Egypt border. Israel wants to deliver a crushing blow to Hamas militants, who control Gaza

Gaza under siege in picture

2009-01-06T05:12:00.000-08:00

Taj Hotel reopens december 26th 2008 after Terrorist attack

2008-12-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

LIGHT SHOW: Atlantis is awash with fireworks

2008-11-22T06:56:00.000-08:00

Global Financial Crisis not effected Atlantis Hotel opening

2008-11-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

Sonia Verma from Dubai

Christ Redeemer (1931) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2008-08-28T05:40:00.001-07:00

This statue of Jesus stands some 38 meters tall, atop the Corcovado mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro. Designed by Brazilian Heitor da Silva Costa and created by French sculptor Paul Landowski, it is one of the world’s best-known monuments. The statue took five years to construct and was inaugurated on October 12, 1931. It has become a symbol of the city and of the warmth of the Brazilian people, who receive visitors with open arms.

The Roman Colosseum (70 - 82 A.D.) Rome, Italy

2008-08-28T05:34:00.000-07:00

This great amphitheater in the centre of Rome was built to give favors to successful legionnaires and to celebrate the glory of the Roman Empire. Its design concept still stands to this very day, and virtually every modern sports stadium some 2,000 years later still bears the irresistible imprint of the Colosseum's original design. Today, through films and history books, we are even more aware of the cruel fights and games that took place in this arena, all for the joy of the spectators.

The Acropolis of Athens (450 - 330 B.C.) Athens, Greece

2008-08-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

Built atop what is known as the “Sacred Rock” of Athens, the Acropolis was to radiate power and protection for its citizens. The temples of the Acropolis have become the some of most famous architectural landmarks of ancient and modern history. Today, the Parthenon in particular is an international symbol of Greek civilization. A graphic illustration of the temple also appears in the UNESCO logo, representing culture and education.

Janos Baranyai of Hungary in olympics 2008

2008-08-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

Janos Baranyai of Hungary screams in pain after dropping the weights during the Men's 77kg weightlifting competition event

Georgia's Tsirekidze wins Men's 90kg Judo Olympic gold

2008-08-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

Updated: 2008-08-13 20:54:49

(L-R)Amar Benikhlef, Irakli Tsirekidze and Hesham Mesbah and Sergei Aschwanden (Photo credit: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Photo Gallery>>

Trakli Tsirekidze of Georgia defeated Algerian Amar Benikhlef to take the Men's 90kg Judo gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Wednesday.

The bronze medal was shared by Egyptian Hesham Mesbah and Swiss Sergei Aschwanden.

Irakli Tsirekidze competes against Amar Benikhlef. (Photo credit: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala

2008-08-06T03:37:00.000-07:00

Kerala offers a variety of Ayurvedic treatments and therapies to rejuvenate you like never before

Nehru Trophy Boat Race Alappuzha Kerala

2008-08-06T03:33:00.000-07:00

This annual boat race is held on the waters of the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala

A musical fountain between the 'Bird's Nest and 'Water Cube Olymipics 2008

2008-08-06T03:10:00.000-07:00

Updated: 2008-08-04 19:18:31

A musical fountain looks particularly spectacular against the background of the "Bird's Nest" and the "Water Cube"(Photo credit: Lu Mingxia)

Photo Gallery>>

The musical fountain between the "Bird's Nest" and "Water Cube" is very beautiful.

A young boy dances through a musical fountain in front of the "Water Cube" (Photo credit: Lu Mingxia)

A musical fountain located between the "Bird's Nest" and the "Water Cube" at night (Photo credit: Lu Mingxia)

People play at fountains in front of 'Water Cube', 'Bird's Nest'

2008-07-31T00:09:00.001-07:00

Updated: 2008-07-30

Fountain water spray in front of the National Stadium, nicknamed the "Bird's Nest", in Beijing, China, July 29, 2008. (Photo credit: Xinhua Photo)

A helicopter flies over the National Stadium, nicknamed the "Bird's Nest", in Beijing, China, July 29, 2008. (Photo credit: Xinhua Photo)

A worker arranges potted flower in front of the National Stadium, nicknamed the "Bird's Nest", in Beijing, China, July 29, 2008. (Photo credit: Xinhua Photo)

Olympics citys 2008 Elements of Chinese culture, ancient architecture displayed

2008-07-31T00:06:00.000-07:00

Beijing was the capital city of the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties of China. The largest palace of the world, the Forbidden City, is located on the central axis of Beijing city. Together with the Summer Palace - a royal park, the Great Wall, Beijing Royal Quadrangle Courtyard etc, Beijing has 7300 cultural relics and historical sites, as well as more than 200 scenic

Photo taken on July 28, 2008 shows a lit-up sight at the sunken garden in the Olympic Green in Beijing, China. (Xinhua Photo/Zou Zheng)

Photo taken on July 28, 2008 shows the lit-up "Chinese Seal" sign at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, China. (Xinhua Photo/Liu Dawei)

Photo taken on July 28, 2008 shows the lit-up Qianmen Avenue in Beijing, China. (Xinhua Photo/Luo Xiaoguang)

Demonstration against the killing of animals for the fabrication of leather clothing. Barcelona

2008-07-24T04:29:00.001-07:00

Demonstration against the killing of animals for the fabrication of leather clothing. Barcelona/Spain, 21-Jan-2006

Frozen sea – Chilly morning in Ras Al Kaimah January 2008

2008-02-13T05:27:00.000-08:00

Raja Ravi Varma Pictures

2008-01-28T03:40:00.001-08:00

Raja Ravi Varma Pictures

2008-01-28T03:06:00.000-08:00

Raja Ravi verma Recieved the Governors Gold Medal at the Madras Exhibition in 1873 & 1874, Gold Medals at the Chicago Exhibition in 1893 & the Kaiser-I-Hind in 1904.

Half second before Tsunami -2005

2007-11-27T21:47:00.000-08:00

The last picture! There are people who believe in God, there are others who don't believe, but we must understand that we are small when nature hits...

This picture was taken on the banks of Sumatra Island (the height of waves was of approx. 32 m = 105 ft).

It was found saved in a digital camera, 1 ½ years or two after the disaster.

We cannot know for sure, but very likely the one who took the picture is not alive any more (it was just a matter of seconds).

Today we can see the last image he/ she saw before ending life on Earth!

Art of Rome

2007-11-15T05:49:00.000-08:00

Shortset man

2007-09-14T03:27:00.000-07:00

bike or car ????

2007-07-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

The space shuttle Atlantis

2007-06-09T05:02:00.001-07:00

The space shuttle Atlantis lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 8, 2007. Atlantis began an 11-day mission to the International Space Station.

A dog feeds tiger triplets and her own puppy

2007-06-09T04:47:00.000-07:00

A dog feeds tiger triplets and her own puppy , at the Paomaling Zoo in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province. The tiger triplets were rejected by their mother shortly after their birth.

Nature Scene

2007-05-17T22:21:00.000-07:00

Real Statues Wild

2007-05-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

Dubai -- Night View

2007-05-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

Antartica

2007-05-15T05:58:00.000-07:00

Polar Bear

2007-05-15T05:47:00.000-07:00

World's Largest Liger (Lion+Tiger)

2007-05-15T05:42:00.000-07:00

King Cobra

2007-05-15T00:13:00.000-07:00

GREEN INDIA-Scenaries

2007-05-13T23:42:00.000-07:00

The Worlds Tallest Dog...

2007-05-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

World Longest Hair

2007-05-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

Bharat natyam - The Indian Cultural Dance

2007-05-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

Amazing Statues Arround the world

2007-05-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Big Acquarium

2007-05-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

Car Factory

2007-05-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

China Great Wall

2007-05-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

Tennis court in the sky

2007-05-11T02:06:00.000-07:00

Beautiful paradise

2007-05-11T01:08:00.001-07:00

Worlds deadliest poisons

2007-05-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

Black Widow Spider
The Black Widow is easily identifiable by the distinctive red markings on its stomach. It is a large widow spider found throughout the world and commonly associated with urban habitats or agricultural areas. The Black Widow's venom is 15 times more potent than a rattlesnakes.

Brazilian Wandering Spider
This spider kills around five people a year. Symptoms include immediate pain, heavy perspiration and drooling. Often hides in bunches of bananas.

Arsenic
Anyone swallowing large amounts of arsenic will usually die within a few hours following seizures and shock. If death does not occur at this earlier stage your kidneys will pack in and you will be dead within days.

Capsaicin
This is the chemical that makes chillis hot, but in its purest form it is strong enough to kill you if you eat it. Will cause burns and blistering in contact with human skin.

Inland Taipan Snake
This lethal Aussie crawler is 50 times more deadly than the Indian cobra. A salt-grain-sized amount of its venom can kill a human.

Death Cap Mushroom
One of the most toxic fungi, 30g is enough to kill a human. Symptoms include jaundice, lethargy, sweats and dizziness, Usually the only treatment is a liver transplant.