CHINESE company plans to BUILD world's TALLEST SKYSCRAPER

A construction company yesterday revealed plans to build the world's tallest skyscraper, called Sky City, which will stand 2,749ft tall and have a phenomenal 220 floors. This half-mile high superstructure will be 32ft taller than the Burj Khalifa in Dubai - the current tallest building - and is expected to cost almost half as much.

Sky City will be Changsha in southeast China and is being designed by Chinese-based Broad Group. It will house 17,400 people and also boast hotels, hospitals, schools and office space with occupants using 104 high-speed lifts to get around.

What's even more amazing is that it will only take three months to construct will mean nine of the 10 tallest skyscrapers in the world are in Asia. This astonishing pace of construction, which will see five stories go up a day, is the result of a revolutionary method of prefabricated buildings where blocks are built off site and slotted together to save time.

Despite concerns about its structural rigidity, Broad Group says the half-mile high building will be able to withstand a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. They've also tested their method of prefabrication having built last year 30-storey tower in 15 days.

Article by Damien Gayle, Daily Mail. Click here to read

Photos copyright of Broads/SWIN.com

THE SESSIONS: a magnificent new movie

The Bug and I went yesterday to the Cinémas Palme D'Or here in Palm Desert to see The Sessions, starring John Hawkes, the brilliant Helen Hunt, William H. Macy, Rhea Pearlman and Adam Arkin, to name just a few.
This was truly a remarkable film in almost every way. I had some vague idea of the story because I had seen the trailers. But it is really one of the most tender and beautiful films I've seen in many years.
The film is based upon an article titled "On Seeing A Sex Surrogate" which written by Mark O'Brien published in The Sun magazine in the 90's.Sun Magazine (suggestion: see the movie first then read the fantastic article).
Mark O'Brien was just a boy when polio left him almost completely paralyzed from the below the neck. He overcame his disability and went on to complete his bachelor's degree in English at University of California at Berkeley and went on to join the Graduate School of Journalism at Berkley. He became a writer and a poet.
Mr. O'Brien spent most of his life surviving in an iron lung. He was able to live in his own home, but required a team of paid caretakers to ensure his survival in every way.
The article he wrote in The Sun spoke to his deep-seated feelings of shame about his sexuality. This shame seems to have been created from a family who was very puritanical in its views regarding sexuality, as well as his own physical deformities. Because of his sexual shame, he remained a virgin throughout his very professional and and social life.
The film begins with O'Brien's (played brilliantly by Hawke) who in his late 30's begins to explore his latent sexuality. He enlists a new priest at his local church as a sounding board and ultimately a dear friend (played equally brilliantly by Macy). O'Brien struggles with his issues but bravely confronts them and eventually researches and finds a professional sexual surrogate (Helen Hunt).

I don't want to spoil this film with the plot that happens after this. This was more information than I had when I saw it and it was a perfect wonderful movie, even though I was rather naive going in.
This movie is simply the most beautiful, tender film I have seen in a very long time. Hawkes, as O'Brien, delivers a performance of such virtuosity and at the same time such poignancy. By the end of the film, I found the character of O'Brien utterly a beautiful, erotic and perfect sexual man. The actor brings a full gamut of emotions from his shame, to his fear of sex, to his shame in having sex, to his eventual success in such a beautiful way, despite the fact that he essential only has one physical attribute to use as an actor: his face and voice. And he is simply gorgeous.
Macy, in the role of the sweet priest who supports O'Brien through his struggles with his Catholicism and shame of sexuality, is perfect as well.
Perhaps the film's success on every level can be credited to Helen Hunt. I can't imagine any other actress on the planet who would have the human integrity and honesty that it takes to play her character, Cheryl, the sexual surrogate. Few actress ever appear on film in multiple full frontal nudity scenes. But Hunt does so in The Sessions, in the most simple, elegant and proud way. She was simply gorgeous. But, at no moment was I uncomfortable, nor did I feel the actress was. She brings a professionalism to the part that I suppose must be synonymous to the way real sexual surrogates do when working.
I cannot say enough positive things about this film, particularly the performances of Hawkes and Hunt and every other actor in the ensemble.. It is a flawless movie.

This is movie is very frank when it comes to sexuality. The interesting thing was that even though I was seeing the film with my 78 year old mother sitting next to me, I never felt uncomfortable (I think she felt the same way).

Bali Hotel where 30 elephants are STAFF members

I will travel to this hotel just for the accommodations and the pachyderm help on staff.

This a hotel that incorporates elephants as part of your stay in every aspect of your visit. It is also a luxury spa experience located in the historic historic village of Taro, Bali, Indonesia.

Elephant Safari Park & Lodge

Jalan Elephant Park Taro, Taro Village, Tegallalang, Ubud Bali 80561, Indonesia

Lodge: Tel +62 361 8988888 Fax +62 361 898888

Sales Office : Tel +62 361 721480

Fax +62 361 721481

Email: info@elephantsafariparklodge.com

Reservation: online booking

Click here for their website http://www.elephantsafariparklodge.com

AN Elephant who can SPEAK

Photo below: Current Biology, Stoeger et al. Koshik, an elephant at the Everland Zoo in South Korea, can speak Korean aloud. Here Ashley Stoeger and Daniel Mietchen record his vocalizations.

"A zoo elephant in South Korea can speak Korean out loud, researchers say. The pachyderm is capable of saying "hello," "good," "no," "sit down" and "lie down" — all by using its trunk to do the work of lips in a process scientists don’t fully understand. The elephant likely does not understand the actual meaning of what he says, researchers said.

Past reports have suggested both African and Asian elephants were capable of vocal mimicry like parrots."

From Today

Fascinating article about the SOUL and scientific theory of its proof

Read this great article in the DAILY MAIL about scientific theory and the soul. Click on this paragraph read more.

Near-death experiences occur when the soul leaves the nervous system and enters the universe, claim two quantum physics experts

Very curious.

Both pieces of "soul" artwork are by Exper Giovanni Rubaltelli Abstract Design http://exper.3drecursions.com

Andrew McCarthy's WONDERFUL book The Longest Way Home

Just finished Andrew McCarthy's, the former Brat Packer's, memoirs which was just published. It is titled The Longest Way Home. This is a self-styled as a memoir. Quite frankly much more than that.

It reminded me in many ways of Bruce Chatwin's travel books (and not just because of the Patagonia connection). This publication is a book about travel. And, similarly, as in Chatwin's works, it also a book about how the travel experience impacted writer's emotional life. I want to clarify that I wish not to diminish in any way (or praise) of McCarthy's book with this reference to Chatwin. But they have achieved an similar achievement (McCarthy's book and Chatwin's ouevre). Perhaps McCarthy has never read Chatwin? But he still channels equal intelligence.

I was especially impressed with McCarthy's spare writing style regarding the travel aspects. McCarthy's ability to analyze his emotional life as influenced by his travels around the world makes this book excellent. The travel aspects would have had me mesmerized but it is the relationship to the travels to his own life that makes this book truly genius.

While it was self-titled a memoir, it is probably more a travelogue. I say that for those fanaticists who'd like to argue (and that is the way of life a blog writer).

Although it is not a comprehensive biography of McCarthy's life it does intersperse important aspects of his life including his first marriage and his time as a BRAT PACK movie star, among others.

The essence of the book is about the transformation of a young boy. He was transformed by travel. The travel first came through the theater. And after that the travel was afforded by his career as a "brat pack" movie star. He then overcomes his addiction ot alchohol and drugs. And the marries his first wife and has a son

Throughout tall of these changes McCarthey changes.

I discovered this book by watching Piers Morgan on CNN (whom I detest). He was interviewing Andrew. I was so compelled with the actor/director/writer, so I ordered the book. I think that I was hooked by the author me during the interview, particularly his observation that American's fear of travel is a downfall. I've always found every moment I travel always make me more alive and aware. Smarter. Z better human.

Most Americans just want to stay in the comfort zone. I connected with McCarthey's claim that traveling was a noble experience.

This book is a peon to travel and the author's spiritual and emotional growth as a result. McCarthy somehow came to find himself in a deeper and more meaningful way only because of his global travels. He is also a man of many talents. In addition to being a successful actor and television and play director, he has spent much of his adult life traveling as a professional travel writer for National Geographic and other periodicals.

This book chronicles a series of trips to Patagonia, the Amazon, Costa Rica, Vienna, Baltimore and Mt. Kilimanjaro, among other. These all lead up to his marriage to his second wife in Ireland.

Andrew's ability to overcome his hesitence to a his second marriage was achieved only by these arduous, lonely journeys that he tells about us in his spare riveting way in this book. Through his solitude travels he finds a way to embrace a future of being a husband, father, son-in-law, and friend in ways he couldn't before his lifelong journey.

I think what I took away from his story: by facing his basest /fearsissues he found much more profound issues that he couldn't have understand had he not traveled the world.

Let me say......I agree with McCarthy's belief about travel: that it transforms you. But I wouldn't want to face an anaconda or boa constrictor. I wouldn't mind seeing Patagonia. I would love to go to Africa. I've been to Costa Rica. I've done Baltimore. I don't think I'll suffer the final "day of hell" that he experiences on Mount Kilmanjaro.

But I'm so blessed to have had experienced these moments thanks to Andrew McCarthy's talents.

Isn't he simply gorgeous. He has aged, beautifully! Good for you Mr. McCarthy.

I literally enjoyed every single moment of this book. While he was always appealing to me as an actor, he seems much more sensuous, appealing, intelligent and distinguished in this artistic work. His accomplishments are really impressive as an (artist) actor, director and writer. Don't miss this book.

Astonishing virtual choir of 2,000 featuring Eric Whitacre

This is an astonishing video which features two virtual videos of people from around the world singing and compiled into a choral work, composed by the gorgeous Eric Whitacre. It is astonishing.

And Mr. Whitacre is awfully easy on the eyes too. Really. I mean who needs Brad Pitt.

photo from by Sibielusblog DANIEL SPREADBURY on AUGUST 4, 2009

NOW that's TALL

These pictures were taken by German photographer Bjoern Lauen, who went up to the top of another building to capture the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest building, in the central business district at sunrise. Mr Lauen, who has lived in Dubai since 2005, added: 'It is a bit of a challenge for motorists on Dubai's roads and a rare natural spectacle for the very early riser.

'During those few moments before, Downtown Dubai, with Burj Khalifa...is covered under a blanket of white.

Standing at more than 828 metres (2,716.5 feet) and more than 160 stories, the Burj Khalifa is also the tallest free-standing building. That's 1,000 feet taller than the second tallest structure in the world, Shanghai World Financial Center which equates to almost a doubling of height.

Now that is my kind of tall. Taller, further, faster, more beautiful, more efficient. That is what human beauty and spirit should be. Unfortunately, how much of all the underbelly, the truly repugnant aspects of the species of man were substantially used to create this one item of exquisite perfectness and beauty. Was it worth it? I say yes and yet I'm also ashamed of how much harm we do to our world.

National News and Pictures

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2219800/Rising-clouds-The-worlds-tallest-building-peaks-mist-Dubais-skyscrapers-dwarfed-stunning-sea-fog.html

ELEPHANTS are magnificent

Just not the Republican kind.

Dmitry Stepanov/Soviet News

from

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2218015/African-elephants-tangle-battle-mating-rights.html

HELL EXPLAINED

http://justajeepguydc.blogspot.com/2012/10/hell-explained.html

This is absolutely the funniest story I've ever read.

HELL EXPLAINED

A MUST see movie: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I recently saw this amazing brilliant, heartbreaking and yet uplifting film. This is truly a must see.

Starring Logan Lerman (The Three Musketeers 2011), Emma Watson (of Harry Potter fame playing the Hermoine Granger character from 2001-2011) and Ezra Miller (We Need to Talk About Kevin-2011, these three actors truly propel this film to a higher level of excellence.

The film is essentially about being an outsider in high school. And about bullying. It's also about some kids who embrace their differences and find camaraderie of fellow wallflowers.

The hero of the film is Charlie (Logan Lerman) who is a 15 year old freshman who is entering high school for the first time. Charlie has had more than his share of tragedies. I won't spoil anything but to say that Charlie has been recently hospitalized for a mental issue.

As he suffers the indignities and horrors of high school that are inflicted by the idiot popular people he eventually meets and is befriended by seniors Sam (Watson) and Patrick (Miller) who make being a "wallflower" cool.

This movie is rather amazing in many ways. But perhaps the most significant ways are the intuitive script/story and the three main leads. Watson shines in her performance, showing that she has graduated to her master's in acting after her 10 year stint in the Harry Potter series. She is truly luminescent at times. A beautiful muse who casts a spell on Charlie (Lerman).

Her step-brother, Patrick, are sophisticated wallflowers. They immediately befriend him but after learning some of his story they truly take him in under their wings.

Lerman and Watson are absolutely the soul of this movie as is Miller. They are the perfect realization of these characters and the director has made a movie that Stephen Chobsky (novel, screenplay, directing) makes transcendent. The film encompasses so many contemporary issues: bullying, homosexuality, first love, alienation. But it does so in such a compassionate and thoughtful way that I was literally sobbing out loud in the theater at both the uplifting and sad parts, equally.

In addition this film has an ensemble cast which is absolutely wonderful including: Paul Rudd, Joan Cusack, Dylan McDermott (among many others).

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the script and the movie is the astonishing ending. I'm not sure that everyone will catch to what the story is going to tell a few minutes before the end, but it's startling either way. I started having a suspicion but I was still astonished at the end.

This film should be nominated for Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actor (Lerman), Best Actor (Watson....because she has fucking earned a nomination) and Miller as Best Supporting Actor (although his screen time is about equal to Emma's but Lerman truly carries the movie).

Take a box of Kleenex. I was in "floods" as the Mitford Sisters used to say.

Bravo. I'm going to re-see this film this week.

FALL: the most beautiful season of the year

Photos copyright AP and from Daily News

New FLAME Towers in Baku

Designed by US architect Barry Hughes of HOK architectural firm.

The Flame Towers project which was just completed is comprised of three residential towers, the tallest tower, Tower 1, is 620ft. At night the towers are lit truly illuminating their "flame" form.

From CNN: http://us.cnn.com/2012/09/26/world/asia/great-buildings-barry-hughes/index.html?hpt=hp_c3

New TALLEST BUILDING in the world Announced

The Saudi royal family announced yesterday its plans to build the world's tallest building which will be over a mile high (5,280 feet). It will be located outside of the port city of Jeddah and will create a new city of 80,000 residents.

Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia will be 275-stories tall when it is completed and consist of hotels, offices, luxury apartments and a shopping center. The structure will be twice the height of the world's current tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai (which tops out at 2,717 ft). The Kingdom Tower project is so large that it'll cost $30 billion to construct. To get to the top from the ground floor, an elevator ride would take an estimated 12 minutes to ascend.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1375790/Saudi-Royal-family-plans-mile-high-building.html#ixzz1JR9XICpa

Elephant. COOL PHOTO

Curious and FUN tv shows to watch

These are the television shows that I currently love watching.

Jamie's Food Escapes
(Cooking Channel on Cable tv)
http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/jamies-food-escapes/index.html

Jamie Oliver hits the road for a culinary expedition through the world's cultures and cuisines. Travelling across Europe and North Africa, Jamie discovers as much about the people as the food. Heading off the tourist track, he finds authentic ingredients and extraordinary characters, preparing delicious recipes en route. From truffle and boar hunting in the French Pyrenees to spear fishing off an island near Athens, Jamie attempts to uncover the freshest, most authentic dishes; including the street food of Marrakesh, herring in Sweden and sweet prawns in Venice. He immerses himself in the diverse cultures, learning traditional cooking practices from the locals and taking part in their cultural ceremonies.

http://www.jamieoliver.com/


Two Fat Ladies
(Cooking Channel on Cable tv)
http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/two-fat-ladies/index.html

The Two Fat Ladies are cooks, not chefs — they reject the pretensions and elaborations of haute cuisine and are aggressively unfashionable, delighting in such ingredients as clotted cream, lard and fatty meats. Jennifer Paterson and Clarissa Dickson Wright tour Britain in their vintage Triumph Thunderbird, questing to rediscover the delights of traditional home cooking using the freshest of ingredients, as well as indulgent ones. Presenting enjoyable meals full of strong flavors and free of restraint, these flamboyant ladies have achieved worldwide cult status, united in their enthusiasms, prejudices and an unshakeable belief in their own culinary expertise.


Barefoot Contessa
(Food Network on Cable tv)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/barefoot-contessa/index.html
Popular cookbook author and magazine columnist Ina Garten throws open the doors of her Hampton's home for delicious food, dazzling ideas and good fun on Food Network's Barefoot Contessa.

The Barefoot Contessa is back and this time it's basics. You've been invited to all of her fabulous parties, and now America's hostess with the mostess, Ina Garten, lifts the veil on all her tips, sharing techniques and incredible elegant and easy recipes. Ina throws open the doors of her Hampton's home for more delicious food, dazzling ideas and good fun.

http://www.barefootcontessa.com/


One Girl, Five Gays
(Logo Network on Cable)
http://www.logotv.com/shows/one_girl_five_gays/series.jhtml

What happens when one sassy straight girl gets up close and personal with five fierce gay men? A whole lot of OMFG. Host and resident straight gal pal Aliya-Jasmine gets down and dirty with her gaggle of gays in 1 Girl 5 Gays--part talk show, part advice column, all outrageousness. Featuring real stories from a panel of hysterical guys, 1 Girl 5 Gays boldly bares it all. From jaw-dropping questions about love and sex to juicy celebrity gossip and pop culture drama, no topic is off limits for this group of hip hotties. Check in with the boys (and girl!) of 1 Girl 5. Gays to get the inside scoop on everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask!


Watch What Happens Live!
(Bravo TV on Cable tv)
http://www.bravotv.com/watch-what-happens-live
On Watch What Happens: Live, Bravo's Andy Cohen sits down every week with guests from the network's hit shows -- and from the world of entertainment -- to chat about what just transpired on-air and in pop culture. The live half-hour, which is full of viewer interaction, includes lively debates and passionate discussions about everything from fashion, to the latest Housewives drama, to the week's celebrity headlines.
Bravo viewers can get up-close and personal not only with Cohen and his guests, but also with their favorite Bravo-lebrities and contestants, by interacting via e-mail, phone, video, Twitter and Facebook.
Check them out. They're all fun, fabulous and truly unique.



Diners, Drive-ins & Dives
(Food Network on Cable tv)

http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/index.html

Diners, Drive-ins and Dives are popular again thanks to faithful baby boomers, a slew of younger fans and a whole new generation of owners. Join Guy Fieri as he visits classic "greasy spoon" spots, from a roadside shack in Tarpley, Texas to a Las Vegas sports bar with stellar stromboli.





Everything on BRAVO Tv
(Bravo TV on Cable tv)
http://www.bravotv.com/shows

This fun, festive television network features all sorts of entertaining reality shows. My current favorites, in addition to Watch What Happens Live! are (not all of these are currently in season):

• Million Dollar Listing
• Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
• Real Housewives of Atlanta
• Real Housewives of New Jersy
• Top Chef All Stars
• Flipping Out

World's Tallest Hotel opens in Hong Kong

T-A-L-L hotel in a very T-A-L-L new skyscraper

The world's tallest hotel recently opened on Hong Kong's West Kowloon mainland. The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is located in the International Commerce Centre (ICC) building on floors 102 to 118. The building itself is the 4th tallest building in the world with 118 stories (1,588 ft) and the tallest building in towering Hong Kong.

The five-star hotel has 312 rooms ranging from 530 square feet to 3,920 square feet. With six restaurants, a spa and an indoor infinity pool overlooking Victoria Harbour, there is no reason to leave this tall aerie. The hotel's lobby is 425 m (1,394 ft) above the ground, becoming the highest hotel in the world surpassing that of the Park Hyatt in the Shanghai World Financial Center.

Herve Humler, president of luxury hotel chain said the building was a landmark hotel which was the culmination of many years of hard work. 'We have been able to create truly spectacular so we can welcome our guests not just to the tallest hotel in the world, but also to one of the very best hotels in the world,' he said. 'We are taking luxury to new heights in every sense.'

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong will likely lose the tallest hotel in the world distinction in 2014, when the J-Hotel opens near the top of the 2,073-foot Shanghai Tower.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1371203/Worlds-tallest-hotel-opens-Hong-Kong.html#ixzz1I1Tsr3xy or http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1371247/Worlds-highest-hotel-Hong-Kongs-Ritz-Carlton-opens-doors.html

The ICC building can be seen in the distance in this partial photo of the Hong Kong skyline

New BOEING 747-800 is BIG

B-I-G

Boeing 747-800

The new, larger version of the 747 (above) made its maiden flight March 20, 2011. The plane will compete with the Airbus A380 as one of the largest commercial aircraft in the world. It is approximately 12 ft longer than the Airbus making this aircraft the longest in the world (the 747-800 is 250.2 ft. long versus the Airbus which is 238.6 ft).

The Airbus A380 (shown in the photograph above) is currently the world's largest aircraft, with a capacity to carry 525 individuals in a 3-class configuraion (the 747-800 will hold 467 in the a 3-class configuration). The principal difference between the two airplanes is the upper deck. The A380 upper deck runs the full extent of the aircraft's fuselage as opposed to the 747-800 which runs about halfway. There are currently 42 A380's in operation throughout the world, with an additional 200 aircraft on order.

For a comparison of the two aircrafts, the Boeing 747-800 and the Airbus A380, see this CNN article at http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/life/boeing-747-8-and-airbus-a380-death-match-152563.

The 747-800 Intercontinental is larger than the 747-400, the previous incarnation of the 747 and reflects many of the technologies and efficiencies that were developed and incorporated into the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The 747-800 is approximately 18 ft longer than the 747-400 (231.10 ft). It features a stretched upper deck like its predecessors the 747-400 and 747-300. The additional length of the -800 extends to the upper deck (11.7 ft longer than the -400) which will include an additional 34 passengers. Other enhanced passenger features include:

• larger passenger windows
  
• enhanced overhead space
• more efficient passenger space with relocated galleys and upper-deck staircase
  

You can read more about the aircraft's enhanced passenger features at http://www.seattlepi.com/business/251973_air14.html.

In addition to passenger comfort and technological efficiencies, this new aircraft will be "greener" with enhanced fuel and other cost efficiencies and noise reduction.

It is a beauty, no?

This new aircraft escalates the fierce competition between the two double-decker aircrafts the 747 and the A380. At one point, the US Air Force considered both aircraft to replace the Air Force One 747-200s that comprise the aging presidential fleet. EADS the manufacturer of the A380 has elected not to bid for the project which leaves the 747-800 and the 787 Dreamliner as final competitors for the project which may end up including both aircraft.

Boeing has currently received 33 orders for the 747-800 Intercontinental which, upon completion of its flight testing and certification, is expected to first be delivered at the end of 2011. Boeing also sells a Freighter version of the aircraft and has 74 current orders.

Fore more information about the Boeing 747-800 you can visit Boeing's website at http://www.boeing.com/commercial/747family/747-8_facts.html. See a video of the maiden flight at http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/life/video-boeing-747-8-intercontinental-makes-its-first-flight-804065.

LIZ Taylor: A Remarkable Life

Elizabeth Taylor
R.I.P.
1932-2011

A remarkable life and one that was well-lived.