A selection of our favorite volcano photos submitted to MY SHOT by National Geographic readers.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Violent Volcanoes
Monday, August 3, 2009
Anti-ISA protests : Scenes at Masjid Negara
Scenes from anti-ISA protest at Masjid Negara earlier this evening.
The crowd from Masjid Negara and those from Dataran Merdeka - numbering some 2,000 - have been blocked by the police at the Jalan Raja/Jalan Tun Perak junction from moving towards Sogo.
The crowd has decided to move towards Padang Merbok located along Jalan Parliament.
There is a also sizeable crowd gathered at the Jalan Kuching flyover near Bank Negara.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Bite Me with Dr. Mike - Vietnam Preview
In the heart of Southeast Asia, Vietnam is home to 90 million people, 10 million scooters and countless bugs and parasites. For audacious virologist Dr. Mike Leahy, its a tempting destination, providing plenty of opportunities to indulge his passion for lethal critters.
Nachi Fire Festival
Lonely Planet Author, Ray Bartlett experiences one of Japan's most spiritual ceremonies, the Nachi Fire festival. Dating back almost 1700 years this cleansing ritual is a symbol of burning away the sins and mistakes of the past year. For even an agnostic like Ray, this spiritual festival left him feeling humbled, introspective and in awe.
Inside Iran
Here's an inside view at a family in Iran. Be prepared to be surprised, amazed, and by the end, humbled.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Travel Channel's Getaway Sweepstakes - Mediterranean Cruise
Enter Travel Channel's Travel Bug Getaway Sweepstakes, and win a Mediterranean cruise for two! Our winner and one guest will fly round-trip to Barcelona, Spain, where they'll stay for one night. Then they'll set sail for an unforgettable cruise of the Mediterranean.
Prague No Snooze Button!
Prague, one of Eastern Europe's most popular cities gets overrun with tourists, but it can be all yours if you just don't hit that snooze button!
Nightlife in Beijing
A quick snapshot of the nightlife in Beijing. Michael Kohn braves a deep fried scorpion at the night markets, he explores some of the tiny bars which he describes as "holes in the walls." But have you ever seen fish swimming around in the ceiling while dining at a restaurant? Beijing has it all.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Great Pyramid Mystery Solved?
How were the blocks raised to the top of the 489ft Great Pyramid? An architect develops a theory about a snaking internal ramp that's been hidden inside the pyramid for 4500 years.
Kilkenny, Ireland
I interview Kathleen Moran about the Kilkenny Craft Centre and how Kilkenny established itself as Ireland's craft capital.
Exploration Exposé
A selection of our favorite exploration photos submitted to MY SHOT by National Geographic readers.
Elephant Man
A man with a 50 pound tumor on his face arrives at the hospital with his sister to undergo life-changing surgery.
Heavenly Havens
A selection of our favorite exotic island photos submitted to MY SHOT by National Geographic readers.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Waiting Out the Storm: May 3, 2009
Ed Viesturs, Peter Whittaker, and Melissa Arnot settle in at Camp 3 as a snow storm sweeps in.
Keeping the Mountain Clean: April 25, 2009
As Everest Base Camp grows more crowded, we take an opportunity to meet some of the Sherpas dedicated to keeping the mountain clean.
London 2008 - Leicester Square, Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus
Finally I succeeded getting to London after my one day delay in Salzburg. After arriving late on May 9, 2008, I got a good night's sleep at the Zetter Hotel, a hip boutique hotel in the Clerkenwell area. The next day, after a delicious breakfast, my travel partner Andrea and I got going early to start our discoveries. We walked past historic medieval St. John's Gate and admired the Victorian era Smithfield Market. From here I took my first ride on the Tube (London's famous subway system) to the historic St. Pancras Railway Station which is now the terminal for the Eurostar Trains, connecting London with the Continent. We then walked over to neighbourhing King's Cross Railway Station where we checked out Platform 9 3/4 of Harry Potter fame.
Our next destination was the Portobello Market, an ecclectic mix of fresh vegetables, fruit, baked goods, enticing aromas from all sorts of delicious freshly made street food, funky clothes, furs and antiques. After our interview with Michael Williams, one of the organizers of the Notting Hill Carnival (a Caribbean-style carnival and Europe's biggest street party) we walked through the serene streets of Notting Hill and Kensington before we embarked on a brief tour of Little Beirut, a heavily middle-Eastern influenced area on Edgeware Road.
A tube ride later we arrived at Hyde Park Corner where to my disappointment nobody was giving any speeches or ranting about anything. Only two older gentlemen were sitting on two soap boxes and taking a rest, maybe exhausted from an earlier discourse. After a brief stroll through Hyde Park, which was full on sun worshippers, we tubed it to London's Financial District where we checked out various classicist bank and stock exchange buildings, the stunning Victorian era Leadenhall Market, the Lloyds Building, a postmodernist masterpiece by Richard Rogers, which has all the piping on the outside, and the Gherkin, the famous cucumber shaped Swiss Re building. Our walk continued to another historic train station: the Liverpool Street Railway Station from where we took a train to Walthamstow Village to do an interview with the owner of Eat 17, a restaurant and deli that serves really cool waffles (among many other things), where I had a supremely delicious spinach risotto.
Our final stop for the day was a walk around Leiceister Square that included London's Theatre District, Chinatown and hustling and bustling Piccadilly Square. I simply couldn't believe how packed the streets of London's entertainment area were, we could hardly walk...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Dhani Tackles the Globe: New Zealand Preview
Dhani visits Auckland, New Zealand, on a quest to conquer the sea as the next great kiwi sailor. In this City of Sails, he has just one week to work his way on to an Americas Cup yacht and then take the ultimate test in an actual Team New Zealand tryout.
Walrus Mom and Baby Cuddle
How's this for a birth announcement? Weight: 100 pounds. And a face only a mother could love. On second thought, walrus pups are kind of cute in their own way.
Mom Grizzly Teaches Her Cubs
Mom Bear teaches her cubs how to fish in the same place she learned when she was a wee grizzly.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Giada De Laurentiis in a Bikini
Thanx for all the comments - the music is "Final Countdown - Europe"
Japanese Cocktail
Anthony Bourdain enjoys the preparation and spectacle of creating a Japanese Bloody Mary cocktail.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Inner Mongolia
Experience the rich nomadic lifestyle in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Share in their simple way of life as you stay in the beautiful Gers, unwind, share a meal, ride a horse and feel like a nomad.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Russian Food Tour
In Ulan Ude, Russia, author Michael Kohn spends a day tantalising his taste buds by sampling all kinds of Russian food. He visits the fresh market and samples Pine tree sap and all kinds of fruit and veggies from all over the world.
At Midday, he treats himself with a typical Russian sweet snack. For dinner, he dines out at Traktyr with traditional Russian and Siberian dishes. And he can't finish the night without enjoying the local beer and vodka at one of the most popular spots in Ulan Ude.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
See to Believe: Thaipusam Trance
Things You Have to See to Believe: Despite gory tongue, cheek and back piercings, participants in the Thaipusam festival in Kuala-Lumpur Malaysia rarely bleed nor feel pain.
Battle at Kruger
A battle between a pride of lions, a herd of buffalo, and 2 crocodiles at a watering hole in South Africa's Kruger National Park while on safari.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Kidnapped by Terrorists
Hopes for an escape are dashed when a midnight interrogation turns into an out-of-body experience. Locked Up Abroad: Kidnapped in the Philippines:
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Mardi Gras Sydney
Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is Australia's #1 tourist attraction each year and this video will show you why. In its 29th year, this parade is an institution. This year's theme, "Love Objects," was the focus for many interesting costumes.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Travel in Malaysia and See It's Beauty in The Sea
Malaysia is blessed with rich colorful Marine Life, specially the Sipadan and Redang.
Under the Table in Barcelona
From passing out flyers for free shots to being a bicycle tour guide, this is an animation about employment without papers in Barcelona.
Travelling with Justin in Puerto Vallarta
Travelling with kids is not easy. But seeing the world through the eyes of a child has given us a whole new perspective. You can never predict how your child will turn out but hopefully Justin will follow in our footsteps and become world travellers.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Bridget's Sexiest Beaches: Turks & Caicos Preview
Bridget soaks up the rays on the gleaming white-sand beaches alongside the turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos. A beach-side bikini photo shoot, a pirate's cove and a full-moon fiesta make the days hot and the nights even hotter. Only 600 miles from Miami, these islands are full of adventure and sexy beaches.
Belfast, Ireland
In Belfast I interviewed Sean McKernan, a photographer who in 1983 set up a photo exhibition called Belfast Exposed, featuring a lot of images from the height of the troubles.
Sean now runs an multifunction arts centre called BX Arts.
Sean discusses how Belfast has changed since the 1997 ceasefire.
The Bus to Kathmandu
Traffic jams, police check points, gas stops, truck accidents and hours of waiting - a quick peek at what it's like to travel by bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Organic Farming Video Tour, Australia
Organic farming is currently receiving a lot of attention. Many farmers are keen to give organics ago but are unsure about the process involved and it’s viability. A new video produced by Mark Shea of Overlander.tv, hopes to demystify organic farming by bringing together some of Australia’s top commercial organic and non-toxic farmers, and ask them how they manage their enterprises without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
Mark joined a tour led by Nuffield Farming Scholar Don MacFarlane which took in ten different properties including the Victorian Agricultural Research Centre.
The great thing about the video is that it allows the farmers involved to tell their own story on why they went organic, how they went about it and whether it has been a viable move. The video covers such diverse farming enterprises as organic cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs, grain, wine, fruit and vegetables.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Lost in San Pedro, Chile
Lonely Planet writer Greg Benchwick visits the desert outpost of San Pedro de Atacama in Northern Chile. Located smack-dab in the middle of the world's driest desert, San Pedro is an adobe oasis that has been inhabited since pre-Columbian times. Today, it has become Chile's number-one traveler destination, and for good reason: it's a perfect jumping-off point to some of this desert's most remarkable sights - the world's highest geyser field, a massive sand dune, alpine lagoons and high-plains hot springs.
Journey through Morocco
Morocco has been attracting travellers for hundreds of years and this is a quick look at some of the best ways to soak up the country.
Bali
Lonely Planet takes you to Bali to experience more than beaded hair and surf beaches. Experience the ancient Hindu traditions, walk through forest villages and re-live the old way of life on Lombok island.
Seattle Showcase
As a traveler I could've chosen anywhere in the world to call my home, but in the end the choice was simple I wound up in one of the most beautiful locations in the world this is my home Seattle Washington.
Late Night Bite In Sri Lanka
While Tony dives into a traditional Sri Lankan late night snack, his cameraman Todd knocks over the restaurant's entire stock of roti bread for the evening.
Banh Mi in Vietnam
Anthony Bourdain returns to Vietnam, a food destination like none other in the world, where he samples Banh Mi -- a hearty sandwich loaded with ham, cucumbers, dressing, and topped off with a fried egg.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Stockholm - Winter Wonderland
Stockholm in wintertime is a wonderful place. Colourful houses covered with a layer of snow. We - Derk and Reinier - wandered through the city searching for the best places to take pictures. See how we did it!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Fear of Losing in Macau
In homage to gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson we went in search of Macau's heart of darkness - enjoying a number of tasty snacks along the way.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tomb of 1,000 Roman Skeletons
To understand what is exceptional about the 1,000 Roman bodies, researchers investigate typical Roman burial practices.
Anthony Bourdain - Philippines
Tony visits the Philippines where he takes a stroll down "food street", sampling chicken balls dipped in vinegar and spicy sauce.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Snow festival in Sapporo, Japan
Traditional performers play drums on a stage with a snow sculpture representing Japan's bid for 2016 summer Olympic Games at the snow festival in Sapporo, northern Japan, February 5, 2009Snow festival in Sapporo, Japan
Japan's Self-defense force army soldiers clear snow on a snow sculputure celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Tokyo Disney Resort at the snow festival in Sapporo, northern Japan, February 5, 2009.Snow festival in Sapporo, Japan
A couple from Hong Kong take their wedding picture, as an assistant looks on, at the snow festival in Sapporo, northern Japan, February 5, 2009. The 60th Sapporo snow festival opened on February 5 and goes on till February 11.Gold thread made wedding dresses displayed in Japan
A model displays gold thread made wedding dresses, and tiaras designed by Japanese designer Yumi Katsura, priced 30 million Japanese Yen in Tokyo Feb. 4, 2009.Gold thread made wedding dresses displayed in Japan
A model displays gold thread made wedding dresses and tiaras designed by Japanese designer Yumi Katsura, and priced 70 million Japanese Yen in Tokyo Feb. 4, 2009.Gold thread made wedding dresses displayed in Japan
A model displays gold thread made wedding dresses, designed by Japanese designer Yumi Katsura and tiaras, and priced 30 million Japanese Yen in Tokyo, Japan, Feb. 4, 2009.From Dino to Turkey
Next year at Thanksgiving dinner, imagine you're eating a dinosaur. You won't be far from the truth.
New Hoover Dam
What was once the pinnacle of engineering technology is now dated -- so we're reinventing the Hoover Dam.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Travel Doctors Hoi An Tailors
The Travel Doctors show us how to stay looking sharp while traveling. Filmed by Huge in Asia.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Giant monument of shoe made in honour of Iraqi journalist
A statue built for Iraqi journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi, who hurled his shoes at former U.S. president George Bush, is seen in Tikrit, 150 km (95 miles) Baghdad, January 27, 2009. An Iraqi town has unveiled a giant monument of a shoe in honour of the journalist who threw his footwear at former U.S. President George W. Bush. Picture taken on Jan. 27, 2009.Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Obama On Board
National Geographic joins Barack Obama as he flies to Washington D.C. for his inauguration.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Sea to Shining Sea
American landscapes, presented for the Inauguration of Barack Obama, Tuesday, January 20, 2009. Congratulations, and God Speed, Mr President.
Chillin in Boomtown Bangalore
'Chaos' is the first word that comes to mind in Bangalore. What with the heat, traffic and sheer craziness that characterises this boomtown city - sometimes you've just got to find somewhere to chill out. Here's how we did it.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Bush's Secret Visit to Iraq
Bush's secret mission: to visit the troops in Iraq for Thanksgiving. Transportation: Air Force One.
Ceremony celebrates coming-of-age in Janpan
A 20-year-old girl stands on a portable shrine carried by people along the seashore during a purification ceremony at the Katase-Enoshima beach in Fujisawa of Kanagawa prefecture Jan. 18, 2009. The annual ceremony celebrates the coming-of-age for young people.
A 20-year-old girl stands on a portable shrine carried by people along the seashore during a purification ceremony at the Katase-Enoshima beach in Fujisawa of Kanagawa prefecture Jan. 18, 2009. The annual ceremony celebrates the coming-of-age for young people.
A 20-year-old girl stands on a portable shrine carried by people along the seashore during a purification ceremony at the Katase-Enoshima beach in Fujisawa of Kanagawa prefecture Jan. 18, 2009. The annual ceremony celebrates the coming-of-age for young people.
A 20-year-old girl stands on a portable shrine carried by people along the seashore during a purification ceremony at the Katase-Enoshima beach in Fujisawa of Kanagawa prefecture Jan. 18, 2009. The annual ceremony celebrates the coming-of-age for young people.Sunday, January 11, 2009
National Geographic Magazine's Top Photos of the Year
Editor in Chief Chris Johns chooses his personal favorites from the past year of National Geographic's stunning photography.
Anthony Bourdain - Seafood Risotto in Venice
In this clip from an all-new episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, Tony travels to Venice where he learns the history and preparation of seafood risotto.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Terra-Cotta Warriors
In a chance discovery, an entire army of terracotta warriors is found. The first emperor of China had them created and buried with him, to protect him in the afterlife. A group of them is coming to National Geographic Museum in November 2009.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Pink iguanas discovered on Galapagos Islands
A team of Italian and Ecuadoran researchers have discovered a unique species of pink land iguanas living on the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, the scientist who wrote the report told AFP on Monday. The first pink iguanas were discovered in 1986, and after years of DNA analysis scientists concluded that it was a unique species different from other land iguanas. These pink land iguanas photos were released recently by the Galapagos National Park in Ecuador, Jan. 5, 2009.
A team of Italian and Ecuadoran researchers have discovered a unique species of pink land iguanas living on the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, the scientist who wrote the report told AFP on Monday. The first pink iguanas were discovered in 1986, and after years of DNA analysis scientists concluded that it was a unique species different from other land iguanas. These pink land iguanas photos were released recently by the Galapagos National Park in Ecuador, Jan. 5, 2009.Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Mexico nude activists protest for animal rights
Activists from animal rights group AnimaNaturalis protest against the sale of pets inside a cage in front of a shopping mall in Mexico City January 3, 2009. The poster reads "Don't buy animals. Adopt!"
Activists from animal rights group AnimaNaturalis protest against the sale of pets inside a cage in front of a shopping mall in Mexico City January 3, 2009.
People speak with activists from animal rights group AnimaNaturalis as they protest against the sale of pets inside a cage in front of a shopping mall in Mexico City January 3, 2009.Massive bread weighing 10,000kgs displayed in Mexico City
A massive bread is displayed in Mexico City, Mexico, on Jan. 4, 2009. The bread that is about 1,600 meters (one mile) long, and weighs close to 10,000 kilograms was baked Sunday for the traditional Magi party and was distributed to thousands of Mexican families.Painted bus in Panama City
A bus with colorful paintings runs in Panama City, Panama, Jan. 2, 2009. The local authorities of the capital city has made a decision to purchage 420 new buses instead of the old uncomfortable buses which were dubed as "Diablo Rojo", red evil, due to frequent traffic accidents they caused.
A bus with colorful paintings runs in Panama City, Panama, Jan. 2, 2009.Monday, January 5, 2009
Iran: Another Perspective A Photo Tour
These days most people have a very negative image of Iran. Please, ignore the propaganda!
This video is meant to allow people from around the world to see the beautiful Iran that I know.
Enjoy the tour!
Iran 2009 | Decide for yourself
IRAN WANTS TO "WIPE ISRAEL OFF THE MAP?
Iranian president's words were: "this REGIME occupying al-Quds [Jerusalem] must VANISH from the pages of time". This clearly talks against a REGIME that occupies, and not a nation of people that Iranians actually have respect for, the Jews. Iranians were also against the apartheid REGIME of South Africa back in the 80s, but somehow the media never twisted any of such declarations into genocide references. If the phrase was heavily manipulated, there is a good reason to it.
IRAN IS NOT ISLAMIC?
You think in a very convenient way when claiming the exclusive pure Persian culture was that of Ferdowsi (1,000 years ago), as his was for earlier Persians quite a polluted version of their own systems, for it was already the result of helenizing and mongolizing processes. Else, you really believe 1,000 years earlier, Cyrus and Dariush would have agreed with that as if nothing wouldave happened in between? Yet you call it Persian culture and for sure it was, but so is Mowlavi's Masnavi with no "buts", as well as the modern Islamic version of Iran, and I firmly believe there is not a single contradiction between them other than words and images.
IRAN IS OPPRESSIVE?
We in the West claim to live in "democracy" (whatever that word and its practice means), in "freedom", and "prosperity". If all of that is true, how do we explain the fact that this supposedly evolutioned and diplomatic world stands still while the most unfair things happen in the Middle East not on their own fault but on our Western influence on it?
Besides from our prehistoric system which needs to murder by the millions to stay alive, not a single government in the world stays out from the control of its people, not a single one of them. Government comes from the Greek "Kybernetes", who was the one guiding the ship, guiding the tripulation to a safe and better harbour, one in which the passengers would see the quality of their human nature amplified. No media in the world is free, there are naturally always governments, and less naturally there are always monopolistic corporations entangled with political conveniences, there are always masses being idiotized with reality shows, with celebrities, movies, ILLUSIONS far from what this existence really consists on and far from the simple beautiful details of life.
Just because I can publish an article that says in principle God is an asshole and his followers are beasts (and all the degrees and similar examples of doing something like that), it doesnt mean I live in a free society, but in one that forces me to operate in favor of the division of the peoples, in one that promotes individualism so that the "free" market can sell me unnecessary products far more easily when Im alone and I have lost the ability to measure the real values of life's real products, and that enslaves me with debt and material possessions.
How is all of that more valid than a government which also controls the media, which also forces people to do certain things (actually in a far more honest way as they manifest what the rules are and dont hide them in the guise of a "free" market), but which actually gives their people independence and spiritual guidance, a safer harbour, the most authentic from them all, for they shelter their culture from another one which drives towards dissolution, towards materialism and individuality, which gives people all the credit cards they want to buy as much as they can think of, but still deprives them of the real satisfaction people looked for when thinking about buying anything in the first place.
IRAN HAS TO BE LIBERATED?
What freedom and democracy is the US -and the Western world for that matter- entitled to spread when it wasnt Bush but another "democratically" elected government which overthrew democratically elected presidents even in my meaningless Chile? And how different to such democratic evangelization ways are the rest of the countries of the world which approve all such mechanics through silence and a smile at UN meetings, smiles to which they are chained by the economical comfort of their own people and their debts?
Chileans owe a 65% of what they claim to "own", and Americans owe over a 50% of what they also "own", and lets not even get into depth with the burlesque debt of the United States of America which easily surpasses now the 10 trillion dollars (=not payable). An economic crisis threatens to rise the taxes of the buy now and pay later credit system (prohibited by Iran's "evil" leaders), threatening to take all the people "own" away, and Europeans cant handle their own supposedly independent systems with a US that falls down, so we all have to be OK with this country invading whatever nation comes in the list, as long as this other side of the Berlin wall keeps pathetically standing.
Beautiful Iran
Counter the propaganda attacks by Western Media on Iran and share with the world Iran's deep rooted beauty. Share with the world our beautiful country's breathtaking land, magnetizing culture, rich history, and hopeful people.
Behind the Photo: Alexandra Avakian, Iran
Alexandra Avakian describes how a quiet moment can create a memorable composition.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Ice and Snow World in Harbin
Photo takes on Dec. 23, 2008 shows night view of Ice and Snow World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The annual ice and snow world in Harbin began test run on Tuesday.
Photo taken on Dec. 23, 2008 shows night view of the Ice and Snow World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The annual ice and snow world in Harbin began test run on Tuesday.
Photo taken on Dec. 23, 2008 shows the night view of the Ice and Snow World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The annual ice and snow world in Harbin began a test run on Tuesday.
Visitors enjoy ice-made sliding board in the Ice and Snow World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on Dec. 23, 2008. The annual ice and snow world in Harbin began a test run on Tuesday.
A visitor poses for photos in the Ice and Snow World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on Dec. 23, 2008. The annual ice and snow world in Harbin began a test run on Tuesday.
A visitor poses for photos in the Ice and Snow World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on Dec. 23, 2008. The annual ice and snow world in Harbin began a test run on Tuesday.Dog fighting in Afghanistan
Two dogs fight during a match on the outskirts of Kabul Jan. 2, 2009. Dog fighting is a traditional game in Afghanistan.Friday, January 2, 2009
Costa Rica Secret Places video
There's a lot of cool places to go in Costa Rica that may not be mentioned in the travel books, like frommers and lonely planet. Check out this vide.
Instead of boring you with details about the videos Ill key in some key Costa Rican keywords that describe the Costa Rica youll find on our site rico hotel holiday review gay men Tourism travel tourist pura vida journey traveling volcano beach rainforest la fortuna san jose manuel antonio coffee banana hostel turtle monkey canopy butterfly rafting puerto viejo limon eco green conservation endangered animals funny central America south sanctuary rescue luxury trip information arenal fun video lonely planet foders tips gringos vacation rentals real estate country home tico time beachfront villas resort five 5 star apartment location cabinas homes for sale frommers lets go sexy girls national parks hikes beauty toucans art wood carvings paintings cheap discount rain budget rainforest Tamarindo jaco monteverde tortugero Boruca Indians Malaku tribes land property imperial casique sustainable organic green friendly legal prostitution cars adventure lava zip lines canopy tours waterfall rappelling rappel ATV tour caves food surfing snorkeling scuba diving cocos island shark fining fishing sailing no army flora and fauna playas sunsets activities DAngelo and Michal alan flamingo playa property tropical destinations tabacon hot springs mud baths rooms cost pacific coast Caribbean wedding retreats honeymoon safari tropic Golfito golf realty airport Dominical investments Osa peninsula... come and enjoy costa rica
Vienna New Year's Concert: A gift to "Haydn Year"
Haydn portrait by Thomas Hardy, 1792. The Vienna Philharmonic's annual New Year's concert on Thursday commemorated the 200th anniversary of the death of Austrian composer Joseph Haydn.The Vienna Philharmonic's annual New Year's concert on Thursday commemorated the 200th anniversary of the death of Austrian composer Joseph Haydn.
The concert also promoted the Austrian industrial city of Linz as the 2009 "European Cultural City."
Austria designated 2009 as Haydn Year to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the death of the Austrian composer. The country was to hold a series of commemorative activities and included a performance of Haydn's work for the first time at this year's concert.
Austrian Television ORF inserted a music video program introducing Linz during the concert's intermission to promote the city as the 2009 "European Cultural City."
The Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Daniel Barenboim, ushered in the New Year with music for more than 2,000 spectators and hundreds of millions of television and radio listeners around the world.
Members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra are conducted by Argentine-born Israeli maestro and concert pianist Daniel Barenboim during a dress rehearsal for the New Year's Concert 2009 in Vienna's "Goldener Musikvereinsaal" Dec. 29, 2008.The 2009 concert still mainly consisted of works of the Strauss family.
The Vienna New Year's concert tradition began in 1941 and was first broadcast on live television in 1959.
The concert now is not only a tradition for Austrians, but has also become a global cultural event.
This year's concert was broadcast to more than 70 television networks and 300 radio stations around the world.
Argentine-born Israeli conductor and concert pianist Daniel Barenboim conducts the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra during a dress rehearsal for the New Year's Concert 2009 in Vienna's "Goldener Musikvereinsaal" Dec. 29, 2008. Thursday, January 1, 2009
Top 10 world news events in 2008
1. Sharp fluctuation in oil prices had the world in jitters
A petrol station in front of the OPEC headquarters is pictured in Vienna October 24, 2008. An emergency OPEC meeting on Friday reached swift agreement to chop production by 1.5 million barrels oil per day (bpd) as a first step toward halting a deep oil price slide.On Jan. 2, the price of crude oil futures in New York touched 100 U.S. dollars per barrel for the first time. Oil prices continued to increase to reach a new high of 147.27 dollars per barrel on July 11.
However, influenced by factors such as the world economic slow down, and decline in market speculation, international oil prices dropped significantly thereafter. New York oil prices fell to 33.87 dollars per barrel on Dec. 19, the lowest in five years.
Top 10 world news events in 2008
2. Devastating cyclone ravages Myanmar
Children wait while rice is handed out near Kundangon May 11, 2008. From May 2-3, tropical storm Nargis ravaged five divisions and states in Myanmar, leaving about 84,500 dead, 19,400 injured and 53,800 missing. The disaster affected some 7.35 million people, while economic losses were put at more than 4 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for about 21 percent of the country's gross domestic product.
In the wake of the disaster, many countries and international organizations helped Myanmar with disaster relief and reconstruction efforts.
Top 10 world news events in 2008
3. Thailand rocked by continued political turmoil
Riot police stand guard outside the parliment building in Bangkok, capital of Thailand, Dec. 15, 2008.From May 25, the Thai anti-government group, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), held large gatherings to force Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign, claiming he was just a deputy of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. PAD supporters began a siege of the Government House in Bangkok on Aug. 26. On Sept. 9,the Constitutional Court found Samak in breach of the constitution and disqualified him as prime minister.
On Sept. 17, deputy leader of the People Power Party, Somchai Wongsawat, was elected prime minister. However, his election was opposed by the PAD. Bringing matters to a head in the third week of November, PAD supporters surrounded the Parliament and occupied the capital's airports. On Dec. 2, the Constitutional Court ruled the three ruling parties in the coalition government were guilty of electoral fraud and Somchai stepped down.
On Dec. 15, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva was elected prime minister.
Top 10 world news events in 2008
4. No smooth sailing on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (4th L) takes a group photo with top nuclear negotiators in a fresh round of talks on the denuclearization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, on Dec. 11, 2008.On June 26, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) submitted its nuclear declaration after a delay of almost six months. The same day, the United States launched the process of removing the DPRK from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, but later put off the process, saying its nuclear declaration needed verification.
On Aug. 26, the DPRK said it had stopped disabling its nuclear reactor in Yongbyon and began to restore its nuclear facilities to their original state.
On Oct. 11, the United States removed the DPRK from its terrorism blacklist after the two sides reached an agreement on the verification of the DPRK's nuclear program. The DPRK soon restored disabling its nuclear reactor.
Differences between the United States and the DPRK over the verification came out into the open on Nov. 12. On Dec. 11, delegation chiefs of the six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue failed to reach a consensus on how to verify the DPRK's nuclear program and the United States announced it would reconsider its policies on the DPRK.
Top 10 world news events in 2008
5. Beijing successfully holds Olympic and Paralympic Games
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the fireworks of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The building on the left is the National Aquatic Center, or the Water Cube. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.On Aug. 8-24 and Sept. 6-17, the 29th Olympic Games and the 13th Paralympic Games were held respectively in Beijing. The numbers of participating countries and athletes surpassed past Games. Leaders and dignitaries from more than 80 countries and regions, a historic record, attended the opening ceremonies.
China made tremendous efforts to hold the high-level Olympic and Paralympic Games with distinguishing features, and lived up to its promise of "Two Games, Equal Splendor."
Top 10 world news events in 2008
6. Russia-Georgia conflict deepens antagonism between Russia and US, Europe
Russian troops leave their sentry post some 20 kilometers from Gori, Georgia, August 22, 2008. Georgian National Security Council Secretary Alexander Lomaya said that Russian troops and tanks had pulled out from the strategically important city of Gori on Friday.On Aug. 8, Georgia's army launched a sudden offensive on Tskhinvali, capital of its breakaway region of South Ossetia. Russia sent troops to South Ossetia in the name of protecting Russian peacekeeping forces and Russian citizens in the region, resulting in the eruption of a military conflict.
In the backdrop of NATO's eastern expansion and the shrinking of Russia's strategic space, the Russia-Georgia conflict was a significant occasion for Moscow to make known to the United States and Europe its determination to safeguard its own interests. It was also Russia's first military action abroad since the disintegration of the former Soviet Union.
Even after a French-brokered peace plan brought truce to the area, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced his country's recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and the other Georgian breakaway region of Abkhazia on Aug. 26.
The five-day conflict elicited strong reactions from the United States, NATO and the European Union (EU) against Russia's military action in Georgia, and further soured their ties with Moscow.
Top 10 world news events in 2008
7. Financial crisis seriously impacts world economy
U.S. Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Ben Bernanke (2nd L), Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson (3rd L) and President George W. Bush (C) sit down to a G-20 Ministerial Meeting led by Brazil's Finance Minister Guido Mantega (2nd R) and Central Bank President Henrique Meirelles (R) at IMF Headquarters in Washington, October 11, 2008. On Sept. 15, the fourth biggest investment bank of the United States, Lehman Brothers, filed for bankruptcy, in an indication that the subprime crisis was developing into a comprehensive financial crisis.
The crisis soon spread from the United States to the whole world, from developed nations to developing countries, and from the financial field to the field of the real economy.
Under the impact of the financial crisis, global economic growth slowed markedly. The three big economies -- the United States, the European Union and Japan -- sank into recession.
At the G20 summit on the financial market and world economy on Nov. 15 in Washington, leaders reached agreements on jointly handling the financial crisis and bolstering economic growth. Before and after the summit, major economies, such as the United States, the EU, Japan and China, put forward large-scale bailout and stimulus plans to stabilize the financial market and prevent a global economic recession.
Top 10 world news events in 2008
8. Obama wins U.S. presidential election
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama (L) celebrates with his family after he won the U.S. presidential election in Chicago on Tuesday night, Nov. 4, 2008. On Nov. 4, Democratic Party candidate Barack Obama defeated his Republican rival John McCain by a substantial margin to be elected the next president, the 56th, of the United States, also the first African-American to be elected to the White House.
Obama highlighted the need for "change" during his campaign. He pledged to end the Iraq war, realize energy self-sufficiency, implement tax polices to protect the interests of middle and low income groups and ensure universal health care. He also promised to strengthen the consolidation of the parties, rebuild U.S. alliances in the international community and restore the United States' leading global role.
As the United States reels under its most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression and remains deeply caught up in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, promoting economic growth and safeguarding national security will be the two main challenges for Obama after he takes office in January.
Top 10 world news events in 2008
9. Mumbai hit by terrorist attack
Policemen stand guard outside the Taj Hotel in Mumbai November 27, 2008. Gunmen killed at least 80 people in a series of attacks in India's commercial hub Mumbai and troops began moving into two luxury hotels on Thursday where foreign hostages were being held, local television said.During Nov. 26-29, India's financial capital, Mumbai, was shaken by a terrorist attack lasting almost 60 hours. A group calling itself the "Deccan Mujahideen" launched attacks on 10 buildings and facilities in the city, engaging in fierce firefights with Indian security forces, and took dozens of Indians and foreigners hostage in the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, the Oberoi Hotel and a Jewish center, Nariman House.
The attack left 172 dead, including at least 28 foreigners, and wounded 293 others. The event again rang the alarm bell for international anti-terror efforts.
Top 10 world news events in 2008
10. Mideast peace process heavily frustrated by Israeli airstrikes
Smoke rises after an Israel air strike in Gaza December 28, 2008. Israel launched air strikes on Gaza for a second successive day on Sunday, piling pressure on Hamas after 285 people were killed in one of the bloodiest 24 hours for Palestinians in 60 years of conflict with the Jewish state.On Dec. 27, the Israeli army carried out large-scale air raids on Gaza hitting dozens of targets run by the Islamic Hamas movement. The action was in response to Hamas' ongoing cross-border rocket and mortar shell attacks on Israel, the Israeli army said.
So far, Israel's airstrikes have killed at least 345 people and wounded more than 1,600 others, becoming one of the most bloodiest events to have occurred in the volatile region since the 1967 War in which Israel occupied the Gaza Strip. The Israeli airstrikes have seriously set back the Middle East peace process.
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