Sunday, 22 February 2009

The Anatomy of a Black Hole

We all talk about them as if we know exactly what we are talking about them. However, the real science behind black holes eludes most of us. Here, gives us a short but understandable explanation - along with a personal reflection on whether the experiments going on in Cern at the moment are a particularly good idea for us - and the universe in general.

From the article:-
A black hole is a star that has exploded or died. After a star dies, it just doesn’t stay a burnt out rock floating in space. Well some do, but more often than not they will explode, causing a Black Hole.




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Longmen Grottoes: Amazing Caves

Come on a journey to China and discover the mystique of the Longmen Caves - virtually unheard of in the West. This arrticle discusses these amazing cave systems (many of them too vilnerable to be open to the public) with some great pictures too.

From the article:-
Longmen Grotto Caves are numerous caves collectively, among them there are Lotus (Lianhua) Flower Cave, Juxiansi Cave which is the largest of the Longmen Caves collective, Medical Prescription Cave, Guyang Cave, Fengxian Cave and many more. Besides the ever-present Buddha theme, lotus flowers are a common and recurring element in the relief carvings at this site. The cave “Medical Prescription Cave” is aptly named for its entrance is adored with inscriptions that document some one-hundred and forty 6th century remedies and curatives for common ailments. Some of the homeopathic prescriptions inscribed upon these entrance walls are still in use in modern China today.
Picture Credit

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Endangered: The Most Dangerous Bird on Earth

Ask a ten year old what the largest bird in the world is and the chances are you will get the right answer - the ostrich. Asked about the second largest and the odds are still very good that they will be able to name the Emu. Go for third place in the size league and you may well start to get blank looks from all but the keenest young ornithologist. The answer is the Soutern Cassowary - and not only is it endangered but is also classified as the world's most dangerous bird.

From the article:-
The Southern Cassowary may not be as much of a household name as its cousins the Ostritch and the Emu, but even though it is classified as "only" the third largest bird on the planet it has a less welcome claim to fame. Take a look at officially the most dangerous bird on the planet.


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Awesome ATC Towers of the World [PICS]

OK, they may not seem like the most interesting of buildings in the world because, let's face it, airports are places of quiet (and occasionally not so) stupor and insomnia. However, it is worth taking a peek at these buildings - many of them are quite incredible. Honestly.

From the article:
Air Traffic Control Tower lovers of the world unite. Here is a selection of ten of the best and more unusual in the world. Whether your own favorite is listed here, these structures have functionality and are designed to fit their own particular environment but also have a strange beauty all their own.

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Thursday, 19 February 2009

Eight Adult Only Online Animations

If you thought this article was about pornography, then shame on you! The sites featured are ones that could be classified as adult because of their content and subject matter, but not because they feature bums and boobs and other scary wobbly bits.

From the article:-
Too much animation on the internet aimed just at kids? Try these online animations - not ones that you would want to share with the little ones, perhaps.


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White Tigers and Lions

The rare sight of white tigers and lions is caught beautifully in this fascinating read by . Take a look at some remarkable pictures of these beautiful and rare animals and find out more about what factors combine to produce them.

From the article:-
There are many beautiful big cats and some are more popular than others. We know of the most common ones such as: The tiger, lion, leopard and the cheetah of the big cat family. Down below is two very different beautiful big cats that we don't hear that much about: the white tiger and the white lion. They are by far an awesome sight to behold.


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The Russians are Coming: New Wave Flash Animation Via Moscow

Webphemera is a huge fan of online animation, whether it be flash or anything else for that matter. The important element is that thought and creativity have been applied to produce the animation. Here are a selection of what is coming out of Russia at the moment. Often dark and bleakly humorous this is animation for grown ups.

From the article:-
A new wave of Russian flash animation is evolving the form. When an offshoot becomes a genre is debatable, but the Russian school is stretching the boundaries - most certainly in subject matter if not the animation itself. Serious minded animation for those who want to see Flash used for more than just e-cards and Christmas sing-alongs.


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Awesome Aerial Tramways of the World

You may not like heights. If so, it may not be a terribly good idea to read this article as it takes you on a tour of eight of the best aerial tramways in the world. From Table Mountain in South Africa to New York City, these aerial tramways have been transporting people through the air for the best part of a century. Read on if you dare!

From the Article:-
Take a look at some of the most awesome aerial tramways the world has to offer. From the tallest and the lowest to the longest and fastest, if you are afraid of heights, don't look down.



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Tuesday, 17 February 2009

Hilarious Flashmob Craze Goes Global



Flash mobs. Who, why, what - and where? All you ever wanted to know but were too afraid to ask. The answers, though, are as numerous as you could imagine. takes a look at this most contemporary of phenomena and wrly scratches a forehead. His own, we hope.

From the article:

The latest hilarious craze, for hundreds or thousands of people to get
together and wind-up the general public.


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Blood Countess: The Monster of Blood


We all love a good horror movie and it is a surprise that the story of Countess Bathory has not been made in to a film countless times. Perhaps that is because it is real. The story of this evil and pernicious woman is astonishing even though we have become partly inured, living as we do in the age of the serial killer. Have a look at her story - and don't have nightmares!

From the article:-
In a span of more than 25 years, the bloodthirsty Countess of Slovakia
claimed more than 600 lives. What drove this woman to murder without shame, without conscience? Could it have been years of incestuous relations within the family that created such a monster? Or was it her lust for blood that made her such a cankerous wretch on Slovakian society?

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Monday, 16 February 2009

Siberian Huskies: Unlocking the Mystery of the Snow Dog



I know Webphemera only had a dog post a little while back and you may be thinking that we have developed a canine fixation, but this piece of writing could not be resisted! What is it about this particular dog that makes it so interesting to us? Webphemera zooms over to New Zealand and asks to explain all - which he does in this wonderful article. We are guessing he might have one at home!

From the article:-
People stand transfixed at the sight of ice blue eyes and the all round wolf like appearance. Children run in fear or comment to their mother that “that dog has people eyes!” They are the ultimate mystery in dog nature and characteristics and are like no other. What is it that makes the Siberian Husky so appealing?

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The Endangered Philippine Tarsier: Tiny Mammal, Huge Eyes

One of the cuter animals on the planet, the Philipine Tarsier is tiny and did I say cute? Unfortunately, that is one of their problems and this diminutive mammal is on the endangered list. takes a closer look at their plight.

From the article:-
The Philippine tarsiers are one of the smallest primates in the world but own the largest eyes. In their diminutive physical make up, they appear benign and lovely. Sad to know, they are now endangered, but people love to capture these humble and submissive animals in order to keep them as pets.

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Amazing Caves, Natural and Man-made


It can always be left up to to find something new and enlightening in a subject. This is no exception. It is worth a look simply for the Chinese Longmen Grotto picture and description (see above). The article describes this and ten other cave systems you may not have heard about. Mmm, the one from California does look suspiciously familiar though. Was an episode of Bay Watch filmed there?

From the article
Deep caverns in the rock, illuminated by the sun or artificial lamp, provide shelter, home, and repository for art and cultures. They are places of mystery, history, and intrigue.

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Sunday, 15 February 2009

Hearst Castle: The Heart of Decadence

Image Credit

Ah! Decadence! It isn't what is used to be, certainly in architectural terms. Here, takes a look at one of the most luxurious of mansions ever built - owned by the Hearst family (yes, that family) it was given to the State of California after the death of the patriarch. A must see for those of you who long to see what life was like for the super rich of the last recession.

From the article:-
Once an amazing ocean retreat for the upper echelon of wealthy celebrities throughout history, particularly in the 1920s and 30s, Hearst Castle is now one of the most visited attractions in California and the United States.

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10 Crazy Facts About Farts



We are usually the epitome of refined decorum here at Webphemera. However, when this rather silly but nevertheless informative article about trouser burps (sometimes known as knicker rippers) came our way we couldn't resist including it.

From the article:
Here we will take a look at 10 random facts about farts that I am sure you probably didn't need to know. Of course, curiosity will get the better of you and you will find yourself reading them all so that you will, by the end, know them all.


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Bizarre Plants of the Namib Desert

One of the more interesting articles that we have come across for a while. The Namib Desert doesn't immediately seem like a place where plants would thrive, such is its inhospitable nature. Where there is a will, there is a way, however and this place is no exception. Find out more about this intriguing place and its flora below - click on read more.

From the article:-
The Namib Desert is home to some of the world’s rarest and most interesting flora and fauna. A plant that resembles an alien life form and thought to be a relic of the Jurassic period can only be found here.



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Sea Anemones: Who Said the Spineless Can't be Interesting?



Hardly a day goes by without more news about how we as a species are spoiling it for the rest - and unfortunately this is no exception. Webphemera regular takes a look at the Sea Anenome in all of its resplendant beauty. One can only wonder about what the future holds for creatures like these. They may be spineless in reality but our lot do a good metaphor.

From the article:-
Sea anemones are one of the most exotic and fascinating creatures that inhabit our world’s oceans. Sadly they’re also one of the most exploited, according to estimates the current estimated value for the import of marine fish and invertebrates is at US $200-300 million. So what exactly makes this spineless creature so amazing?

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Saturday, 14 February 2009

Now You See, Now You Don't: Dogs Without Faces


Breed of dogs with exceptionally long hair that cover their face. These breeds of dogs are absolutely unique for you can hardly see their faces because they are covered with thick or long hair. Check these 12 peculiar breed of dogs.

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Thursday, 12 February 2009

Idiotarod 2009: Shopping Cart Chaos


Roman legions in New York City on a cold Winter morning? Not quite. Competitors in the annual shopping cart race known as the Idiotarod? Could be! This annual cart fest -this year taking place on 31 January- annually brings together some of the less sane elements of the city's denizens to compete in a frenzy of rolling, running and pure sabotage

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Coulrophobia: Are You Afraid of Clowns?


Did you find Heath Ledger as The Joker scary? Then perhaps you suffer from coulrophobia, the abnormal fear of clowns. Join a self-confessed coulrophobic for a look at these guys and see if you are too. Like you don't already know.

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Sunday, 8 February 2009

The Statue of Liberty Under Construction - Remarkable Photographs


The New York Public Library has recently unveiled some extraordinary pictures of the Statue of Liberty under construction. Take a trip back in time and see extraordinary behind the scenes images of the creation of this superlative structure.

READ MORE HERE

Thursday, 5 February 2009

Clingman's Dome: A Breathtaking View of the Smoky Mountains



In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just on the Tennessee side of the North Carolina border, is breathtaking Clingman's Dome. The site is breathtaking both because of its stunning beauty and because the uphill walk from the parking lot to the lookout tower will leave the less fit hikers out of breath!

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Tuesday, 3 February 2009

Controversial, Bizarre, and Unusual Delicacies



Have you ever wondered what people eat around the world? While looking at these scary, unusual and bizarre delicacies, do you still feel hungry?

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All Hail the Humble Snail: Pet, Pest or Tasty Treat?



Love them or hate them, there is more to the snail than meets the eye. Here, with some amazing photography, is a look at the humble snail in all its mucus covered glory! Whether regarded as pet, pest or tasty treat, they are everywhere!

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The Fantastic Floating Islands of Titicaca



The Uros people of Lake Titicaca have a unique way of life - they build their own islands, float them on the lake and then proceed to live on them. Here is a glimpse of their world, where their home made "islands" are truly "in the stream".

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Attack of the Steampunk Spider Princess




Yes, it is. No, this is not Photoshopped. This is in fact a massive thirty six tonne hydraulic spider scaling the side of a city block in Liverpool, England. The city is of course best known for The Beatles. However, during its time as the European City of Culture visitors to one of its main railway stations, Lime Street, could have been forgiven for thinking that the city had been invaded by a different type of insect altogether.

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Groundhog Day : Whistlepig Marmots Come to Play



February 2nd is Groundhog Day. With a promise of spring, we eagerly await the arrival of the majestic marmot that alleges to forecast the next 6-weeks...

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When Kusudama is Not Kusudama



Kusudama is a traditional Japanese art form that has evolved into what is now generally referred to as modular origami. To the untrained eye, the difference may seem negligible. With some remarkable examples, here is the basic difference between the two.

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The Bird of Paradise Without Wings



This particular "bird" has no wings and will never fly. However, people around the world will stop and gawk at its flightless beauty. Take a look at this bird of paradise without wings.

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Sunday, 1 February 2009

10 Amazing Extinct Animals


Some animals didn't hang around long enough for us to see them. Others did - and look what happened. Here are ten amazing extinct animals, brought back to life (well, alas, not quite!) for your delight!

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