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.

Air New Zealand YOU TUBE commercial

Funny short commercial titled "Bare Essentials" for Air New Zealand

The LIONWHISPERER

The man who turns lions into pussycats: The 'Lion Whisperer' takes a risky ride on fearsome animal.

Snuggling up to a fully grown male lion seems foolish enough. To then climb on its back is surely suicide.

But as you can see, Kevin Richardson enjoys doing just that – and insists his actions are perfectly safe.

The animal behaviourist claims he shares such a profound bond with the fearsome beasts that he can even spend the night curled up with them.

The 34-year-old runs a conservation park near Johannesburg in South Africa where he also keeps cheetahs, leopards and hyenas.

He befriends the animals by talking to them and treating them with ‘love and respect’ – to the extent that they consider him part of their pride.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1320646/The-man-turns-lions-pussycats-The-Lion-Whisperer-takes-risky-ride.html#ixzz12doQdgg3

ME WANT: ONE man's $1billion 27-story new home

This is the extravagant £630m ($1bn) home built by a billionaire Indian tycoon to house his family-of-four in Mumbai.

With 27 storeys, Antilia will be home to Mukesh Ambani and features a health club with a gym and dance studio, a ballroom, at least one swimming pool and a 50-seater cinema.

Towering above the Mumbai skyline, the 37,000sq ft property is 570ft high and also boasts three helipads on its roof, space for 160 vehicles on its lower floors and nine lifts.

He will employ 600 staff at the property and his family will live in the top floors, where they will enjoy views of the Arabian Sea.

Mr Ambani has surprised many by constructing Antilia - named after a mythical island - as he built his business reputation as a private individual who avoided the flamboyance of India's ultra-rich.

The vast building is constructed from glass, steel and tiles and also features a four-storey hanging garden which is designed to keep the interior cooler in summer and warmer in the winter.

According to Forbes magazine, Mr Ambani is worth £18billion. He is the richest man in India and the fourth richest in the world.

The interior of the property, on Altamount Road, has been designed by a U.S. firm and has been described as 'Asian contemporary'.

READ MORE

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1320426/Mukesh-Ambani-Indias-richest-man-builds-home-valued-630m.html#ixzz12NZJj9hL

ELEPHANTS

DIPTENDU DUTTA / AFP / Getty Images

Elephant Tracks

An elephant crosses a railway track, which runs through the Mahananda Wildlife sanctuary in west Bengal.

Thursday, Sep. 16, 2010

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/today-in-pictures/0,31511,2019772,00.html#ixzz10TboFpB8

Horizontal Skyscraper

Designed by Steven Holl, the massive 1,296,459-square-foot Horizontal Skyscraper in Shenzhen, China floats above the surface using just eight legs. To give you an idea of how impressive this is: The building's as long as the Empire State Building is tall.



http://gizmodo.com/5627328/the-horizontal-skyscraper-is-as-long-as-the-empire-state-is-tall

ELEPHANTS

EVE ENSLER's Embrace Your Inner Girl

I'm a feminist. This sums up every reason why. Eve, of course, wrote The Vagina Monologues which I have yet to see in concert--I've only read the book.

At about 19 minutes short this lecture is worth every minute. Thanks to my friend Carla Tourin for sending me this amazing video. I sobbed my way through! Stunning.