Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Richest Royals in the World


Here is a list of the world's richest kings, queens and other royals, according to Forbes’s new ranking.

Swaziland's King Mswati III, worth $100 million


The Netherland's Queen Beatrix, worth $200 million


Kuwait's Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al-Sabah, worth $350 million


Britain's Queen Elizabeth, worth $450 million


Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said, worth $700 million

His Highness the Aga Khan, worth $800 million


Prince Albert II of Monaco, worth $1 billion


Qatar's Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, worth $2.4 billion


Morocco's King Mohammed VI, worth $2.5 billion


Liechtenstein's Prince Hans-Adam II, worth $3.5 billion


Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, worth $4.5 billion


UAE's President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan, $15 billion


Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, worth $18 billion


Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, worth $20 billion


Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, worth $30 billion

Via-Link

Friday, July 23, 2010

Spain Celebrates Bull Fight in Pamplona

PAMPLONA, Spain — One man was gored and two others injured in a panic-filled third running of the bulls Friday at Spain's San Fermin festival that saw at least three people sent airborne by the beasts.


One of the six bulls caused more chaos when he separated from the pack and prompted several minutes of fear as he charged runners and tried to break through wooden barriers separating onlookers from the bull run.

Participants fall to the ground during the last day of running of the bulls at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain, on Wednesday, July 14.


Two fighting bulls from the Jandilla ranch slip as the herd turns into a sharp corner in the old city of Pamplona on July 14.


Spanish bullfighter Juan Jose Padilla is gored by a fighting bull weighing nearly 1,300 pounds during the San Fermin


A couple kiss during the San Fermin fiestas early on July 9 in Pamplona.



Spanish Matador Francisco Marco is gored by a Cebada Gago'ss bull at Pamplona's bullring on July 8.


A fighting cow leaps over revelers during festivities in the bullring after the second running of the bulls on July 8. Six people were hospitalized, after two were gored following the run.


A participant falls while others run in front of Cebada Gago´s fighting bulls during the second running of the bulls on July 8.


A matador's assistant administers the 'coup de grace' or 'blow of mercy,' killing the bull during the first bullfight of the San Fermin fiestas on July 7.


A bullfighter's assistant places a pair of 'banderillas,' or wooden sticks, in front of a charging bull of the Penajara ranch in Pamplona, during the first bullfight on July 7.


A reveler is tossed by a fighting cow during festivities in the bull ring after the first running of the bulls on the second day of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona on July 7. Several runners were knocked to the ground and some were trampled by the animals but no one was gored and there were no life-threatening injuries.


A fighting cow leaps over revelers during festivities in the bull ring after the first running of the bulls at the San Fermin festival in Pamplona on July 7.

Revelers crowd the streets during the start of the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona on July 6.


14. Revelers hold up traditional red neckties during the 'Chupinazo."


Revelers throw a woman into the air during the 'Chupinazo', the official opening of the San Fermin fiestas in Pamplona, on July 6.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

10 American Rivers at Risk


1. The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta


The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in California was second on the list. American Rivers cited two efforts to reenginer the water supply and flood control systems as threats to the delta. This photo shows the Sacramento River. This post features a list of 10 American rivers which are according to from the U.S. environmental group American Rivers are really endangered.


2. The Upper Colorado River


The Upper Colorado River could become “a shadow of its former self” if two new water diversion projects proceed, according to a report from the U.S. environmental group American Rivers. The river is on a list of the 10 most endangered waterways compiled by the group.


3. Coosa River in Alabama


Seven hydropower dams were built on the Coosa River in Alabama in the mid-1900s, but American Rivers wants the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to insist on protections for wildlife in the license for Alabama Power Co. to operate the dams for the next 50 years.


4. Cedar River in Cedar Rapids


A June 2008 image shows flooding along the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The report says outdated flood management by the Army Corps of Engineers is hurting fish and wildlife habitat.


5. Gauley River


U.S. regulators should stop mountaintop mining in West Virginia that is hurting the Gauley River, American Rivers says. The river is known for its whitewater rafting.


6. Monongahela River


The view from the Hot Metal Bridge of downtown Pittsburgh, where the Monongahela River meets the Allegheny River to form the Ohio. The Monongahela is threated by pollution created by natural gas extraction.


7. Eastern Idaho’s Teton River


Eastern Idaho’s Teton River provides habitat for Yellowstone cutthroat trout, but there’s a proposal to rebuild the Teton Dam, which collapsed in 1976, killing 11 people and causing more than $1 billion in damage.


8.The Upper Delaware River


The Upper Delaware River is at the top of American Rivers’ endangered list. The group says the river in New York state, source for drinking water for 17 million people, is threatened by chemicals from natural gas drilling and poor flood management.


9. National Wild and Scenic Chetco River


National Wild and Scenic Chetco River in Oregon’s Kalmiopsis Wilderness and one of the areas proposed for mining.


10. North Carolina’s Little River


North Carolina’s Little River provides drinking water and irrigation supplies. A proposed dam would hurt the river’s health, American Rivers says. Via : Link

Friday, July 16, 2010

Top 10 Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean is unlike any other place in the world. It is home to some of the most beautiful islands and waters you will find anywhere. You will see white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters filled with some amazing marine life. The cultures that you will encounter are among the most carefree and relaxing in the world.

1. Anguilla


A sister of the Leeward island chain, Anguilla is truly one of the most romantic places on earth. Tucked away in the middle of the tranquil Caribbean Sea, a magical island lives and breathes a dynamic culture amidst a Garden of Eden of white sandy beaches and scintillating azure waters. As one sways with the ebb and flow of the gentle currents, you become a witness to nature’s perfect functions when left untouched.

2. Antigua


Antigua means ancient or antique in Spanish, and it is the perfect name for that tropical and charming island in the Caribbean. Located in the West Indies, Antigua was colonized by the Spanish in the fifteenth century, and makes the absolute perfect destination of Caribbeans. Antigua is also famous as a best wedding destination in the world. Antigua is historic but not run down, and it has a special charm and beauty that makes it the most desired tourist destination in the Caribbean.

3. British Virgin Islands


The pristine BVI has long attracted yachties and royalty to its turquoise waters, thanks to posh resorts like Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island, and Peter Island. The British Virgin Islands are part of the British Territories in the Caribbean. They are located northeast of the US Virgin Islands, on the northeast corner of the Caribbean Sea. Their exotic beaches are considered among the best Caribbean Beaches and the Islands are famous for Caribbean fishing, Sailing, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling.

4. Curacao


Curacao has historically trailed its sister Caribbean islands of Aruba and Bonaire when it comes to attracting vacationers, largely because oil refining and financial services, rather than tourism, dominate its prosperous economy. Sea Aquarium is a must for any one in Curacao for holiday. You can swim with the dolphins, kiss the sea lions (or get kissed by them actually) and see the beautiful flamingos.

5. Dominican Republic
 

Dominican Republic is an island with many features and incredible history. Dominican Republic main attractions gets the attention of many tourists with its great historical landmarks and nice people. The country has too many places to see and explore. One of the places located in the capital is the Cathedral of Santa Maria. The Aquarium with lots of beautiful marine life to see is another great attraction. The beaches are something you cannot forget. There is more than a 1000 miles of beaches all around. Punta Cana and Cabarete are worldwide known to have incredibly beautiful beaches. You can also go to a tour that will take you to Saona island and Catalina island for some of the best scuba diving you have ever seen.

6. Grenada
 

Grenada is a spectacular beautiful island that has golden beaches; crystal water falls, flourishing green mountains and aromatic spice trees, which give this island its nickname as the Isle of Spice. There are 46 sun soaked beaches around the Spice Island of Grenada. One important reason to visit Grenada is its wild and lively carnival held every year in the third quarter. It seems that anyone who visits will not be lacking in things to do and sights to see because of the many beautiful spots and year-round festivities Grenada is known for.

7. Jamaica
 

Jamaica vacations don’t just mean luxurious resorts with all amenities at your fingertips. Besides its pristine beaches lapped by warm turquoise water, Jamaica boasts a host of natural scenic wonders which are well worth a visit. Well, the most exciting is Dunn’s River Falls, where visitors can climb up the falls as part of a human chain, and enjoy the soothing effect of the massage parlor’s rushing waters as they cascade to the ocean. There are also nature trails through the lush tropical foliage of bamboos, ferns, ginger lilies, orchids, crotons, palms and breadfruit trees. Shoppers will delight in the straw crafts, wood carvings, and other artworks available at the craft park and there is a cafeteria specializing in Jamaican delights such as jerked chicken and curried goat.

8. St. Lucia
 

St Lucia is one of the smaller more leisurely Islands in the Caribbean, boasting beautiful beaches with a welcoming light breeze, like the popular Anse de Sable beach. As most Caribbean Islands, it has the typical white sands where the calm ocean waves are ideal for water sports, like sailing and para-gliding. The island is a popular stop for both cruise visitors and vacationers coming for a long-term stay at nearly 100 hotels, resorts and inns.

9. St. Vincent and the Grenadines


Before St. Vincent served as the setting for “Pirates of the Caribbean”, this remote island and the whole Grenadine chain was primarily known only to sailors and seclusion-seeking rock stars. Indeed, Mick Jagger and David Bowie discreetly frequent the exclusive Grenadine isle of Mustique. These days, however, the even prettier, quiet island of Bequia is on the rise, thanks to buzz about newcomer Firefly Plantation Bequia and the halfway complete Bequia Beach Hotel. Canouan Island already boasts a sprawling, superluxe Raffles resort that evokes the South Pacific. And lush St. Vincent is touching up its popular sights like the panoramic Belmont Lookout and the canopied Vermont Nature Trail.

10. Vieques, Puerto Rico


Vieques, Puerto Rico is one of the most unspoiled islands of the Caribbean. It is an unforgettable and very affordable destination for any traveler. Since embracing tourism in 2003 after decades as a U.S. naval base, the tiny island of Vieques has been the most accessible “uncharted territory” in the Caribbean. With Vieques harboring more than 40 miles of unspoiled sand and the Caribbean’s largest wildlife refuge, its small hotels and casual restaurants have attracted easygoing, eco-minded tourists.