Amazing World

The Weird Collection

2008-01-18T08:32:00.001-08:00

The Uglyest Animalse Of The world

2007-11-11T16:59:00.001-08:00

Ugly Dog

This chinese crested pooch was spotted at the International Dogs exhibition in Moscow. Sorry, dog, no tongue is big enough to cover that ugly face.

Cats, Hairless

Some things to look for on this cat: fox snout, shaved belly, awkward pose, rat tail. So much to see

Reptiles matamata turtle

The matamata turtle is one of the ugliest animals on the planet. Though they are soft-shelled, they are accomplished hunters. That smile is so misleading. Good camouflage

Dogs, Hairless

This photo is getting us one step closer to rounding out our Sam collection. Look at the sidebar categories for more.

Long-beaked echidna

The Long-beaked echidna a species closely related to Attenborough's long-beaked echidna from the Foja mountains in New Guinea.

Primates

Of the roughly 125 species of monkey out there, most are known for being mischievous and naughty, not for being evil. Any primatologists know what this fello is? I think this species will provide for a few more posts, and a few more nightmares

A Frilled Shark

This beauty was sent to me by both Berstler and Julia. What you're looking at is a frilled shark. This fish is rarely seen alive because they live at a depth of around 600 meters or more. That's pretty deep.
This particular specimen was accidentally caught by a Japanese fisherman, who then called the authorities. I can't imagine what went though his head as he brought this eel-like shark to the surface.
Frilled sharks, like many of its cousins, give live birth. It is estimated that they are pregnant for one to two years, which would give them the longest gestatation of any vertebrate - even longer than elephants. That is a claim to fame I'm sure no mother wants.

Baby Slenderloris

They've begun a campaign to protect some of the most evolutionarily unique and endangered animals on the planet. Such animals include this slender loris, the pygmy hippo, and the bumblebee bat. Each of the species targeted have been identified as 'one-of-a-kind,' meaning, they are very distinct, evolution-wise. This uniqueness is being combined with their numbers in the wild (or lack thereof) to create a better plan to preserve them. I like the effort. I'm behind it. The world is full of kittens and puppies. We could use more bats and loris's and pygmy animals

Hatchet Fish Scales Wanted

I'm proud of myself on this one. I've identified the ugly little beasts below as hatchet fish. Any ichthyologists want to challenge me on this one? Eh? You'll most likely be right, whatever you say, because you're smarter than me and know lots of stuff about fish.
This fish is colored dark on top, pale on the bottom, and silver on the sides. That makes it very difficult to see from any direction, at least underwater. I'm thinking of devising my own clothing line based on this camouflage principle. I'm just afraid it's going to take a lot of hatchet fish scales to make even a simple trench coat - could be expensive.

ribbon eel

You're looking into the face of the ribbon eel. This subset of the moray eel clan leads a very interesting life. For one, they are known to be the most sociable and peaceful of the morays (not that that's saying much...). But get this: they start out blue and male. But as they mature, they become yellow and female

coconut crab

I try to take my garbage cans to the curb during the daylight hours. That way I can see any spiders that might be lurking on the handles (and I've found quite a few, so my fears are warranted!).
But I would have to add a kevlar vest, a welder's shield, and butcher's gloves to my routine if I had to contend with the coconut crab. I can't get enough of these monsters. I wonder if they make for good guard crabs. I'm sure they need less attention than a dog.

Chupacabra

I can just imagine myself going for a swim in a Mexican river, a nice carne asada taco in my belly. I'm cruising along and enjoying myself when I stick my head underwater and see this staring back at me. I would assume that I had encountered the aquatic version of Chupacabra. I'd then prepare for my trip to the Underworld.

the blobfish

the axolotl

the hagfish

the aye-aye

the pygmy marmoset

the tarsier

Amazing Holes Of The world

2007-11-09T05:02:00.001-08:00

mirny diamond mine, siberia

looking at photos like these scares and fascinates me in equal doses. the sheer scale of these holes reminds you of just how tiny you are

i’m pretty sure most people have seen this one. it’s an absolute beast and holds the title of largest open diamond mine in the world. at 525 metres deep with a top diameter of 1200 metres there’s even a no-fly zone above the hole due to a few helicopters being sucked in

the red arrow in the photo below is pointing to a huge truck

kimberley big hole - south africa

apparently the largest ever hand-dug excavation in the world, this 1097 metre deep mine yielded over 3 tonnes of diamonds before being closed in 1914.

the amount of earth removed by workers is estimated to total 22.5 million tonnes.

glory hole - monticello dam

glory hole is used when a dam is at full capacity and water needs to be drained from the resevoir.

this is the glory hole belonging to monticello dam in california and it’s the largest in

the world, its size enabling it to consume 14′400 cubic feet of water every second.

the hole can be seen at the top left of the photo above. if you were to jump in for some reason your slightly damp body would shoot out near the bottom of the dam

bingham canyon mine, utah

this is supposedly the largest man-made excavation on earth. extraction began in 1863 and still continues today, the pit increasing in size constantly. in its current state the hole is 3/4 mile deep and 2.5 miles wide

great blue hole, belize

situated 60 miles off the mainland of belize is this incredible ‘geographical phenomenon’ known as a blue hole. there are numerous blue holes around the world but none as stunning as this one

at surface level the near perfectly circular hole is 1/4 mile wide, the depth in the middle reaching 145 metres. obviously the hole is a huge hit with divers. read more

diavik mine, canada

this incredible mine can be found 300km northeast of yellowknife in canada.

the mine is so huge and the area so remote that it even has its own airport with a runway large enough to accomodate a boeing 737. it also looks equally as cool when the surrounding water is frozen

sinkhole, guatemala

a sinkhole is caused when water (usually rainwater or sewage) is soaked up by the earth on a large scale, resulting in the ground collapsing.

these photos are of a sinkhole which occured early this year in guatemala. the hole swallowed a dozen homes and killed at least 3 people

officials blamed the monster of a hole on a ruptured sewage pipe.

Most Expensive Keyboard

2007-11-08T04:52:00.001-08:00

Close-up of HHKB Professional HP Japan

The most outrageous and crazy keyboard in human history.

US$5,000

How much good dough are you ready to burn for your PC keyboard?

Most computer geeks are pretty stingy. They refuse to spit out more than the miserable amount their grandmas had spent to buy a washboard 50 years ago. So when you hear some people are eagerly paying more than US$5,000 to buy a keyboard, you will shake your head and murmur: "Oh my, this world's gone mad"! I perfectly agree. Japan is a mad, mad country.

2000-IS-DT, 2000-IS-PM Stealth Computer $2,200.00

Going to war with your keyboard? Stealth Computer makes devices to reduce risk of failure in hazardous areas, the 2000-IS-DT & 2000-IS-PM come enclosed in non-corrosive stainless steel with an optical isolated barrier ensuring NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) 4X protection. What other keyboard has a temperature range of -40F to +194F (-40C to +90C)? Stealth makes many other expensive steel NEMA keyboards, but this one looks like the costliest. We’ll ignore the rest for the sake of making this article more interesting

world’s coolest keyboard

Optimus Maximus $1,564.37.

Introducing the world’s coolest keyboard … that you cannot afford. The Moscow based design firm, Art Lebedev Studio, must have made a calculation mistake when they converted the price $1,564.37. Regardless of the price, this keyboard will be a must-have gadget once its price comes down and it hits the mainstream market. The Optimus Maximus keyboard is essentially an infinitely customizable keyboard, since each key is its own OLED display, measuring 10×10 mm with a resolution of 48×48 pixels.

TouchStream LP, Fingerworks $1500+
These mystical keyboards originally retailed for $340 but since FingerWorks has been bought out and no longer produces keyboards, TouchStream LPs in great condition have started selling at inflated prices to fanatics. You can look for yours on eBay if you don’t mind spending hundreds on used computer accessories.

Dual Handed Ergonomic 3D, Maltron

£375.00, £435.00

Get your Maltron keyboard in Qwerty, Maltron or Dvorak layouts! There are also US English, UK English, French, German, Norwegian/Norsk and Swedish versions available. The letter keys are angled inwards to match natural finger movements and the keys for the longer fingers are recessed. Getting a trackball on your crazy 3d keyboard will cost you an extra £65.

Professional II, Datahand

$675.00

What if a keyboard could be adjusted to fit the size and shape of each person’s hands? We’ll you’d have a Datahand! The unique finger and thumb switches change the 4 different typing modes

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Keyless Ergonomic Keyboard, orbiTouch

$399.00

The orbiTouch Keyless ergonomic Keyboard creates a keystroke when you slide the two domes into one of their eight respective positions. You type the different characters by sliding the domes to create letters and numbers. The orbiTouch Keyless ergonomic Keyboard also has an integrated mouse, so moving the domes gives you full mouse and keyboard capability

Comfort Keyboard, Comfort Keyboard Systems

$349.00

The Comfort Keyboard is separated into three sections, which can be adjusted easily and locked into place. The Comfort Keyboard also features complete key reprogramming and a programmable “rest period indicator”, which reminds users to take a break?

Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000, Microsoft

$249

This media keyboard, otherwise known as the Ultimate Keyboard, due out in May features a magnetic dock with 4 USB ports. The ultra-thin ergonomic design was reportedly influenced by inspiration from details found in Cadillac and BMW interiors. An aluminum finish makes this keyboard quite attractive.

Virutal Laser Keyboard

$179.99

Need type something quick on the road, maybe a blog? Instead of struggling typing with those tiny QWERTY keyboard, how about a full size keyboard generated from a device the size of a cellphone?. It’s called the I-Tech Virutal Laser Keyboard. It’s infrared and laser to project an image of a keyboard onto a flat surface. The device is blue-tooth enabled; therefore it worked with laptops, PDA and cellphone that support blue-tooth. Here is the complete list of supported devices. In addition, it also create sound effects (clicking) and a smart time-out feature to conserve battery life.

From the company website: You can use the VKB (Virtual PC Keyboard) with both your laptop and PC or with a compatible mobile device, Smartphone and PDA. The I-Tech VKB reacts exactly like a real keyboard. Direction technology based on optical recognition enables the user to tap the images of the keys, complete with realistic tapping sounds(!), which feeds into the compatible PDA, Smartphone, laptop or PC.

Most Expensive Cars In The World

2007-11-07T06:43:00.001-08:00

Aston Martin Vanquish $255,000

V12 Vanquish is a supercar manufactured by Aston Martin since 2001.

It rose to fame after being featured as the official James Bond car in Die Another Day, the twentieth James Bond film. In the film, the Vanquish has the usual Bond film embellishments, including active camouflage which rendered the vehicle virtually invisible.

The Vanquish is powered by a 5.9 L (5935 cc) 48-valve 60° V12 engine, which produces 343 kW (460 hp) and 542 N·m (400 ft·lbf) of torque.

It is controlled by a fly-by-wire throttle and a 6 speed 'paddle shift' or semi-automatic transmission. A special V12 Vanquish S debuted at the 2004 Paris Auto Show with the power upped to 388 kW (520 hp) and 577 N·m (426 ft·lbf).

Lamborghini Murcielago $279,900

The Lamborghini Murciélago is a GT and supercar automobile made by Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. and designed by Luc Donckerwolke.

It was introduced in 2002 as the successor to the Diablo. The body style is a two door, two seat coupé. The LP640 version was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2006. It features a 6.5 L engine, now producing 640 bhp, improving performance substantially

Maybach 62 $385,250

The Maybach 57 and 62 were the first automobile models of the Maybach brand since the brand's revival by DaimlerChrysler.

They are derived from the Mercedes-Benz Maybach concept car presented at the 1997 Tokyo Motorshow (which was based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan).

DaimlerChrysler attempted to buy the Rolls-Royce/Bentley marque when Vickers offered the company up for sale. When this attempt failed (they were outbid by BMW and Volkswagen respectively) they introduced the Maybach as a direct challenger in 2002. Both models are variants of the same ultra-luxurious automobile.

The model numbers reflect the respective lengths of the automobiles in decimetres; the 57 is more likely to be owner-driven while the longer 62 is designed with a chauffeur in mind. The engine is a Mercedes-sourced 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12, generating 550 hp.

Rolls-Royce Phantom $320,000

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a luxury saloon automobile made by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, a BMW subsidiary. It was launched in 2003 and is the first Rolls-Royce model made under the ownership of BMW.

It has a 6.8 L, 48-valve, V12 engine that produces 453 hp (338 kW) and 531 ft·lbf (720 N·m) of torque.

The engine is derived from BMW's existing V12 powerplant. It is 1.63 m (63 in) tall, 1.99 m (74.8 in) wide, 5.83 m (228 in) long, and weighs 2485 kg (5478 lb).

The body of the car is built on an aluminium spaceframe and the Phantom can accelerate to 60 mph (100 km/h) in 5.7 s.

Mercedes SLR McLaren $455,500

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a sports car and supercar automobile co-developed by DaimlerChrysler and McLaren Cars.

It is assembled at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. Most people presume "SLR" to stand for "Sportlich, Leicht, Rennsport" (German for "Sport; Light; Racing"). The car's base price is £300,000 or $455,500.

The SLR has a supercharged 5.5 (5439cc) litre dry sumped 90 degree V8. It produces 466.8 kW at 6500rpm (626 hp) and 780 N·m (575 ft·lbf) torque at 3250 - 5000 rpm.

Porsche Carrera GT $484,000

The Porsche Carrera GT is a supercar, manufactured by Porsche of Germany.

The Carrera GT is powered by an all-new 5.7 litre V10 engine producing 612 SAE horsepower (450 kW).

Porsche claims it will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62.5 mph) in 3.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 330 km/h (206 mph), although road tests indicated that in actuality the car could accelerate from 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds and to 0-100 in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 335-340km/h (209-212.5mph

Koenigsegg CCX $600,910

The Koenigsegg CCX is the latest supercar from Koenigsegg. CCX is an abbreviation for Competition Coupe X.

The X commemorates the 10th anniversary of the completion and test drive of the first CC vehicle in 1996. The CCX is intended to be more suitable for the U.S. market and thus engineered to comply with US regulations.

The CCX is powered by a Koenigsegg designed and assembled, all aluminium, 4700 cm³ DOHC 32-valve V8 based on the Ford Modular engine architecture enhanced with twin Rotrex centrifugal superchargers with response system, 1.2 bar boost pressure and an 8.2:1 compression ratio.

The engine produces 806 hp (601 kW) and 678 lbf.ft (920 Nm) on 91 octane (U.S. rating) gasoline, 850 hp (634 kW) on 96 octane (Euro rating) gasoline and 900 hp (671 kW) on biofuel.

Pagani Zonda C12 F $741,000

The Zonda C12 F debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show.

It is the most extensive reengineering of the Pagani car yet, though it shares much with its predecessors including the 7.3 L V12.

Power is increased to 602 PS (443 kW/594 hp) with a special clubsport model producing 650 PS (478 kW/641 hp).

The company promises a 3.2 second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h, a top speed over 374 km/h (225 mph) and it will be the queen in braking from 300 km/h to 0 (186 mph to 0).

The Zonda F clubsport has a power to weight ratio of 521 bhp/ton (384 W/kg) . Compare, for example, the Enzo Ferrari which has a power to weight ratio of 483 bhp/ton (356 W/kg

Ferrari Enzo $1,000,000

The Enzo Ferrari, sometimes referred to as the the Ferrari Enzo and also F60 is a 12-cylinder Ferrari supercar named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari.

It was built in 2003 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon-fiber body, F1-style sequential shift transmission, and carbon-ceramic brake discs. Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active aerodynamics.

After a maximum downforce of 1709 pounds (775 kg) is reached at 186 mph (301 km/h) the rear spoiler is actuated by computer to maintain that downforce.

Bugatti Veyron $1,700,000

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the most powerful, most expensive, and fastest street-legal production car in the world, with a proven top speed of over 400 km/h (407 km/h or 253 mph).

It reached full production in September 2005. The car is built by Volkswagen AG subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS and is sold under the legendary Bugatti marque.

It is named after racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm.

The Veyron features a W16 engine—16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders.

According to Volkswagen, the final production Veyron engine produces between 1020 and 1040 metric hp (1006 to 1026 SAE net hp), so the car will be advertised as producing "1001 horsepower" in both the US and European markets. This easily makes it the most powerful production road-car engine in history.

Most Expensive Jewelry Of The World

2007-11-06T10:01:00.001-08:00

Diamond Necklaces

US $5 million

Diamonds are not only the girl's best friend. They are also an economical man's worst enemy! It is no secret that diamonds and diamond necklaces as well as diamond jewelry are costly. The ordinary you and I might wish to have a necklace with small, cheap diamonds just to tell others we have diamond necklaces as well, but well, otherwise, the more exotic diamond necklaces with large stones or many stones are simply not for average folks.

How about a diamond necklace that has a pear shaped diamond, about 75 carats? The necklace looks simply stunning with the diamond in it, and it costs only about US $5 million. There is also a diamond ring that is quite cheap - about $1 million. A beautiful diamond necklace, by Stefano Canturi, costs only about &750,000 - $1 million

the blue diamond

US$7.98 million

It is the ultimate diamond in the rough.
And if you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford it. A rare
and flawless blue diamond has set a record as the most expensive
precious jewel of its kind ever sold. The gem, which is 6.04 carats and
sparkles with an unusual blue hue, is almost as breathtaking as the
price it fetched at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong. It went for an astounding US$7.98 million, or about $US1.32 million per carat.

That easily surpassed the cost of the
previous record holder known as “The Hancock Red”, which fetched a
“paltry” US$926,000 per carat in 1987

Cartier

$180,000

Cartier wanted a lot of money," says Washington Post Columnist Sarah Booth Conroy, "and Evalyn was hesitant. So Cartier added, 'Well, we've fixed it up now with a wonderful setting and you'll like it.

Why don't you keep it for a few days?' And so she put it on her dresser and she looked at it and she looked at it..." "For hours that jewel stared at me," remembers Evalyn in her autobiography, "and at some time during the night I began to really want the thing. Then I put the chain around my neck and hooked my life to its destiny for good or evil."
The deal closes at $180,000; Cartier's elaborate sales pitch has worked. The Hope diamond is the largest and most perfect blue diamond in existence, but for the young and impetuous heiress, its fascinating past is the hot selling point. "Besides that," says Conroy, "she thought things that were unlucky for everybody else would be lucky for her, because she was an exception

Chopard

Blue Diamond Ring

$16.26 million

Blue diamonds are among the rarest of naturally colored gems. That's why this oval-shaped diamond ring, with triangular-shaped diamond shoulders and a pave-set diamond band in 18-carat white gold, will set you back about $1.7 million per carat. A pricey and unique alternative to the typical engagement

Heart of the Kingdom Ruby

$14 million

This 40.63-carat, heart-shaped Burma ruby, mounted on a 155-carat diamond necklace, claims top spot in the British jeweler's collection. Got a débutante in your family? The diamond necklace can be transformed into a tiara. The stone is accompanied by two independent Swiss laboratory reports that verify its rarity.

$8.5 Million Earrings

What is the most expensive earrings in the world?

Harry Winston is the 'jeweler to the stars' and you can find him, where else, at the House of Winston at 371 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California.

Every year Harry Winston lends out hundreds of millions of dollars worth of jewelry to the stars so they can look good at the Oscars.

For 2006 the House of Winston created a pair of 'Extraordinary Diamond Drop Earrings' consisting of two pear-shaped diamonds in a platinum setting totaling 60.1 carats of wallet emptying glitter.

If you're interested in buying the world's most expensive earrings be prepared to shell out a cool $8.5 million USD

Magnificent Diamond and Emerald Necklace

$3 million-plus

A virtual cascade of white and green, this Magnificent Diamond and Emerald Necklace from Chopard's "Haute Joaillerie" collection will keep all eyes on your sweetheart, whatever the occasion. There are 191-carats worth of Columbia's most beautiful emeralds on there, completely set by 16 carats of rose-cut and drop-shaped diamonds. Though officially "price upon request," you should figure on spending $3 million-plus

Regal Pear Shape Diamond Pendant set in platinum

$2.5 million

Showstopper or credit-limit topper? Either way, Tiffany's Majestic Diamond Necklace will be center stagShowstopper or credit-limit topper? Either way, Tiffany's Majestic Diamond Necklace will be center stage wherever it's displayed. With a fluid design that lies softly on the neck--and really, what other way is there?--this glittering choker evokes breathtaking glamour, with a 41.4-carat, pear-shaped diamond accompanied by a multitude of round and pear-shaped diamonds. Each stone is top-of-the-crust in color and clarity, of course, as is the pretty blue box it comes in

Emerald Ring

$2.14 million

Luxury watch and jewelry manufacturer Chopard's collection includes many high-priced pieces. But this bold cocktail ring--with half-moon diamond shoulders holding up a 33.02-carat solitaire emerald on a pave-set diamond and platinum band--outshines its rivals.

Novo Yellow Diamond Ring

$1.35 million

Of all the pieces one might find inside that famous blue box, this 25.27-carat novo yellow diamond ring set in platinum and yellow gold is priciest. Its beauty and its cost make soon-to-be-engaged girls swoon, and their beaus shudder. Can't make it to the New York City location? Tiffany's efficient online catalog makes ordering from home easy.

diamonde

Engagement rings

Engagement rings are traditionally known as a symbol of love and proposing. When a man asks a woman for her hand in marriage and in life, this ring is offered. Tradtionally, any ring is usable because the ring itself is a continuous loop symbolizing eternity. But as victims of society, now every man is pressured to use the most expensive piece he can afford, typically a diamond ring. The general rule of thumb is two to three month's salary to show his dedication and sincerity.

Diamond rings became a tradition when the first one was given by Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. Now it's become a widely practiced ritual by nearly every culture in the world. More than 250 tons of earth is mined before a single 1 carat gem quality diamond is uncovered. The best quality diamonds are usually set into platinum bands for people who perfer the best of the best.

World's Most Expensive Whiskies

2007-10-31T05:31:00.001-07:00

CRYSTAL DREAMS
The Macallan 50 Years Old
In February of 2006, Macallan released its limited edition 50 Years Old whisky in a sleek, specially designed Lalique crystal decanter. Made with Golden Promise barley, this single malt whisky has a deep amber color with notes of cumin and cardamom and dark prunes and chocolate on the palate. A long finish of sherry oak and peat smoke round out the intense and bold offering. The Macallan 50 Years Old, retailing at $5,995, is packaged in a leather-bound box with a booklet commemorating the partnership between Macallan and Lalique

The John Walker

$20,000, according to manufacturer

This cask-strength blend was specially created as an homage to John Walker. It's a blend of extremely rare whiskies, many from now-defunct distilleries and all ranging in age from 45 to 70 years old. Only 200 bottles exist, and none is for sale. Rather, each bottle will be presented, privately, to a select individual "who has made a significant contribution to modern life,"

Glenfiddich Rare Collection 1937 $20,000

A single bottle of the Glenfiddich Rare Collection 1937, the world's oldest and most expensive bottle of Scotch Whisky on the market today, is to go under the hammer at the most exclusive whisky auction ever to take place in South Africa. Released to great fanfare after over six long decades of maturation in a single oak cask in a Glenfiddich warehouse, only 61 bottles of this legendary whisky are available throughout the world today.

Most Expensive Whisky Ever

The Macallan Fine and Rare Collection, 1926, 60 Years Old

Price: US$38,000

The oldest and most sought-after of Macallan’s revolutionary Fine & Rare Collection is now sold out. It is still possible to taste this totally unique Scotch whisky at the Old Homestead Steakhouse in the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, N.J. However, it sells for a nosebleed-inducing US$3,300 per dram, so you had better have had a good run at the craps table

Chivas Regal Royal Salute, 50 Year Old

Price: $10,000
Released in 2003 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, its lead malt is the superb Strathisla, which accounts for the exceptionally rich and creamy character. Only 255 bottles of the Scottish whisky were released worldwide, which helps account for the high price

Glenfiddich, 40-year-old

Price: $2,500
This Scotch whisky won the Gold Medal and was judged the world's finest single malt, at Whisky Magazine's 2003 blind tasting. It's slow to evolve in the glass, but when it does, it reveals itself as an amazingly deep and complex whisky, layered with chocolate and honey, with a long dry, smoky, peaty finish.

Most Expensive Lowland Whisky

Auchentoshan 1973 32 Year Old

Price US$700

Auchentoshan’s regular bottling does not get much respect among whisky aficionados, but this Oloroso-sherry matured version has won rave reviews for its rich complexity and, despite its age, its zesty, spicy fruitiness.

Glen Garioch Distillery is the most easterly distillery on Scotland. It was founded by Thomas Simpson in 1797. There are some evidence that a distillery was there already in 1785, but 1797 has been the the official starting year. Glen Garioch is located between Banff and Aberdeen in the little town of Old Meldrum. The buildings are in grey granite and looks more like and old school than a modern distillery. The name Garioch comes from the beatiful valley with the same name. They claim the the best barley in Scotland grows in thís valley.

Price $3,500

Johnnie Walker Blue Label 200th Anniversary

This cask strength Johnnie Walker Blue Label commemorates the 200th birthday of the man himself, and comes packaged in a contemporary baccarat decanter.Color: A dark full gold with dense shades of amber.No of whiskies: "In the neighborhood of 16."Nose: Harmonious and perfectly balanced: hints of smokiness and a real depth of sherry character, with hints of raisins and toasted nuts.Palate: Hugely flavorful with rich peatiness, deep smoke and traces of spice. Develops into intense flavors of oak, dark chocolate, and rich home-made Dundee Cake. Cardhu, Benrinnes, and other Speyside malts combine to provide the rich sherry and oak flavours. Royal Lochnagar from the tiny Highland distillery gives a rich sweetness with hints of freshness. Mature grains give oak and vanilla character while Caol Lla brings the deep, pungent spice and smoke.Finish: Well balanced, long and intense, with hints of oak, Islay seaweed and vintage oaks

The Greatest Temples of the World

2007-10-28T14:32:00.001-07:00

Khajuraho Temple of Love

The name Khajuraho may be derived from khajura (date palm), which grows freely in the area and perhaps because there were two golden khajura trees on a carved gate here. The old name was Kharjuravahaka (scorpion bearer), the scorpion symbolizing poisonous lust. The temples were built under the late Chandela kings between 950 and 1050 AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity. With the fading of Chandela fortunes, the importance of Khajuraho waned but temple building continued until the 12th century at a much reduced pace. Far removed from the political centres of the kingdom, the location of Khajuraho minimized the danger of external attack and symbolized its role as a celestial refuge. Khajuraho's temples were 'lost' for centuries until they were accidentally 'discovered' by a British army engineer in 1839. Of the original 85 temples, the 20 surviving are among the finest in India

Golden Temple

Amritsar is the holy city of the Sikh religion, because it is home to the Golden Temple. That's real gold on the outside of the temple; when wealthy Sikhs die, they often leave their money to the church to buy a little more gold for the temple. We happened to arrive just after a months-long project in late 1998 and early 1999 to polish all the gold plating on the temple.

Very few tourists go to the Golden Temple, and on the days we went there people would stop and stare at us openly. You have to remove your shoes and walk through a little water trough to clean your feet, and you have to cover your head before entering the temple grounds. They have loaner scarves to put over your head if you don't have a hat or a turban.

Tiger’s nest monastery

The Taktshang (the name means “Tiger’s nest”) is the most famous of monasteries in Bhutan, built on a cliff at 3,120 metres above the bottom. It comprises seven temples, that can be reached on foot. It is interesting that a special permission is required for non-Bhutanese to visit the monastery. Enjoy these images.

Wat Rong Khun

Wat Rong Khun is very different to any of temple you are likely to see in Thailand. A lifetime project of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple has a fine blend of traditional Buddhist art with contemporary themes. The temple is almost entirely white – no other colours are used at all. It is though decorated with small pieces of mirrored glass which add substantially to the temple’s spacious and airy feel. Designed to be viewed in moonlight, if you can manage to get there when the moon is out it’s worth the effort – very nice indeed. This temple is certainly worth a visit unless you have limited time.