Wednesday, October 14, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GREEN ACRES



montagemaelstrom
Water can grant life but it can also be a dangerous force depending upon its intensity and form. Very small whirlpools can be seen spinning when a sink drains, but the powerful whirlpools in nature are magnificent and destructive. A whirlpool of extraordinary size or violence is a maelstrom. The swirling vortex is deadly. Here are 10 exquisite yet lethal maelstroms.

Mightiest Maelstrom in the World

maelstrom

(image via:Visit Norway)

Whirlpools are caused by a turbulent flow of water. When moving river water is forced to twist around an object or to stream into a narrower riverbed, the water flows faster and is more likely to create an energetic swirling turbulence. In the ocean, depending upon the geology of the sea bed, driving currents can collide and create conflicting tidal flows. Water spins counterclockwise north of the equator and clockwise south of the equator. The destructive interaction forms a whirlpool, a powerful circular current of water. A maelstrom, the vortex of a violent turbulence, is the most deadly of all.

As we believe a black hole in the depths of uncharted space would suck us in if we venture too close, so did ancient seafaring folk believe a giant whirlpool, a spinning vortex, would suck down ships and sailors to their watery demise. When they sailed the largely unexplored seas, tales were exaggerated of maelstroms and the certain doom of impenetrable ocean depths. Even now though, small boats could be pulled down and sailors are warned to avoid these treacherous waters when the tide is running. Currents speeds increase when the tides change, so even a large boat may find steering impossible until the maelstrom subsides.

Maelstrom of Saltstraumen

Saltstraumen

(images via:Flickr,Wikipedia,Flickr)

The Maelstrom of Saltstraumen is located next to Norway. Positioned near the Arctic Circle, the mightiest maelstrom in the world creates the strongest tidal currents on the globe. Every six hours, vigorous ocean currents can run up to 25 miles per hour as more than 105,668 gallons of water surge through the narrow strait that connects Skjerstadfjord and Saltenfjord. When the tidal currents turn, there is a “time window” when larger ships can sail through the sound. In fact, currents appear essentially calm during that time. Nevertheless locals and tourists are advised to use great caution when down by the sea or in a boat since the underwater currents are constantly churning, the water twisting, making the Maelstrom of Saltstraumen the most dangerous maelstrom on the planet.

Moskstraumen Maelstrom

Moskstraumen

(image via:Wikipedia)

While the Saltstraumen is the strongest maelstrom, the Moskstraumen is the most famous. Perhaps infamous thanks to Edgar Allan Poe and Jules Verne. Poe penned a story called A Descent into the Maelstrom and then Verne referred to it at the culmination of the book 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Herman Melville wrote about it through his character Captain Ahab in Moby-Dick. Moskstraumen is thought to be the first mentioned maelstrom in history.

Referred to as simply Maelstrom, it has the dubious honor of 1500 years worth of descriptions about seafarer’s who met sea monsters and their doom in the treacherous whirlpool. Located off the Lofoten islands, Moskstraumen is the second strongest whirlpool in the world. However there are many people who would dispute the powerful circular currents of water that reach speeds of 17.27 mph as the most destructive maelstrom. Its forceful tidal currents, about five miles wide, flow along a deep marine channel between the Norwegian coast and the open sea.

Corryvreckan Whirlpool

Corryvreckan

(image via:Flickr,Craignish Cruises)

The third largest maelstrom in the world is located in the relatively narrow Strait of Corryvreckan. Extreme tidal currents surge into whirlpools swirling round and round due in part to its location between two islands off the west coast of Scotland and the pyramidal rock on the sea floor. 30 foot waves swell from a depth of 100 fathoms and the reverberation of nature’s fury is heard from as far as ten miles away. Bewitching and bizarre legends were told by Celtic people about the ominous vortex of churning water that at times appears more green than blue. Corryvreckan was once classified as unsafe for voyage, then “very violent and dangerous,” but writer George Orwell journeyed across the water just the same. Orwell was shipwrecked for a short time.

Some Scottish producers tossed a mannequin with a life jacket into the Corryvreckan or “Brecan’s Cauldron” during a documentary called “Lethal Seas.” The life-size dummy disappeared into the dangerous vortex. When the mannequin was later found far away, there was evidence of it being scraped along the bottom and 262 feet showed on the depth meter. The Discovery Channel picked up the film and aired it as “Sea Twister.”

Old Sow

oldsow

(image via:Eastern Maine,Bay of Fundy)

The largest whirlpool on the Western Hemisphere is called Old Sow. This maelstrom is situated between the shores of Deer Island and Moose Island in-between New Brunswick and Maine. Old Sow derives its name from the “pig-like”sucking sounds that occur when the whirling streams and vortex seethes. Considered one of the five most meaningful maelstroms in the world, this intensely violent whirlpool creates a mighty roaring when the tides back up against a strong wind. Old Sow maelstroms that form between the bays of Fundy and Passamaquoddy have a diameter of about 250 feet, swell up to 20 feet high, and reach speeds of 17.15 mph.

Small to medium whirlpools on every side of Old Sow are called “piglets.” Dreadful and deafening disturbances aside, only smaller sailboats and other boats with keels are considered in danger to steer Old Sow while the tide is running. Most motorized boats are able to successfully navigate these waters. Other rare natural occurrences around Old Sow involve upwellings, standing waves, and non-vortexing depressions in the water.

Naruto

Naruto

(image via:Flickr)

The strait separating Naruto and Awaji is less than one mile wide. Naruto strait in located within a very narrow channel near Hyōgo, Japan where tides and water levels constantly fluctuate and throw strong tides into a vortex. The water speeds at over 8 mph through the Naruto channel four different times a day, twice flowing in and twice flowing out. The tidal currents twist like an underwater cyclone, swirling at a velocity of over 20 mph, making Naruto maelstroms the fourth fastest in the world. During the spring and autumn tides, the whirlpools have a diameter of over 65 feet. Tourists as well as locals watch the ebb and flow of giant whirlpools from ships or from above on the Naruto Bridge.

Kauai Maelstrom

kauaiMaelstrom

(image via:Flickr,Flickr)

Sunrise kisses a marvelously mysterious phenomenon in Kaunai, Hawaii. The sea air whistles before a bellow of water pressure erupts through the lava tubes like a geyser. Before another blast of the blowhole, white foamy ocean sucks water in to swirl dangerous currents, a maelstrom of deadly dragging suction pulling down to the ocean twenty feet below the lava-ledge. This maelstrom of water is as enticing as it is lethal, a destructive downdraft of unrelenting natural violence.

Garofalo – Strait of Messina Whirlpool

messina

(image via:Flickr,Flickr)

Homer told tales of Odysseus on a hazardous mystical sea voyage where he encountered two immortal creatures called Scylla and Charybdis. Although not a sea monster, Charybdis lives on in the Strait of Messina and is now called Garofalo. It is here that the sea floor drops considerably and winds flow against the direction of powerful tidal currents to form another oceanographic phenomenon. The Strait of Messina is 1.9 miles wide at its narrowest point with a depth of 830 feet. The maelstrom of Garofalo occurs in the narrow body of water between the southern tip of Calabria and the eastern tip of Sicily, Italy. Dangerous choppy seas and rotating whirlpools can still overturn small sea vessels and the rough broken swells can create substantial navigational hazards for larger ones.

Niagara Falls Whirlpool

niagrafallswhirlpool

(image via:SmugMug,Flickr)

When the Niagara River is at full flow, the waters traverse over the rapids and enter a pool to create another “reversal phenomenon.” The body of water travels counterclockwise around the pool where it tries to cut across the natural outlet. Pressure builds up and forces the water under the incoming stream which causes the swirling Niagara Falls Whirlpool. The basin is 1,700 feet long by 1,200 feet wide with depths up to 125 feet.

Like most whirlpools, tourists are drawn to see the swirling natural forces in action. The oldest attraction at Niagara Falls is the Maid of the Mist boat cruise that sails passengers into the whirlpools beneath the Falls. The Rainbow Bridge, located downriver from the Falls, connects Niagara Falls, New York, and Ontario, Canada. It also allows great views of the whirlpools. The Whirlpool Aero Car is a cable car ride that “flies” passengers over the whirlpool on the Canadian side.

Ligurian Maelstrom

ligurian

(image via:Flickr)

The Ligurian Sea, an arm of the Mediterranean Sea, is fed by the Arno River. Both the make of the sea bed and the conflicting tidal currents cause maelstroms to form. Tales and legends are thought to have been told about the whirlpools in this area south of Italy. The word maelstrom can also indicate chaos and inescapable destructive forces. The water in Ligurian Maelstrom writhes and foams, luring the unwise closer to have a better look at the crushing forces of nature.

Maelstrom Doctor’s Cove

maelstroms_doctors_cove

(image via:Flickr)

In the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, an area long heralded by maritime enthusiasts, a maelstrom forms in Doctor’s Cove. The combination of a blowhole and strong tidal currents create a forceful downdraft, a free vortex. Nowadays these maelstroms are well documented and charted out for boats to avoid. Although powerful whirlpools have killed many, there is little actual evidence of large ships being sucked beneath the ocean. However the question remains, back in ancient times, who would have survived such a violent destruction to write about it? Myths and legends generally begin with a grain of truth. Is the same true for maelstroms?

Relaxing Whirlpool or Turbulent Tempest

tempestmaelstrom_calmwhirlpool

(image via:Google Images,Flickr)

Some whirlpools, like the one in the bottom picture, are enticing and soothing. The picture on top depicts a maelstrom, a spinning underwater tornado that lures the adventurous and the curious nearer for a closer look into the natural phenomenon. Only you can decide if the relaxing whirlpool or the turbulent tempest calls to your soul.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GREEN ACRES


header

(images via nasa, varanasi, cnet, fexx)

The era when rivers acted as the world’s highways is past. However, some major waterways still have plenty of significance. They still hold religious and mythological value for those who make their living on or near the water. They still act as major transportation corridors, especially in areas where roads and rails cannot go. And, they may hold the key to putting a major dent in the problem of pollution.

Yangtze River: Energy (and Controversy)

yangtze-and-three-gorges

(images via jeremybarwick and alshain49)

A traditional transportation artery, the Yangtze has become a poster child for China’s hydroelectricity movement. On one hand, projects like the Three Gorges Dam can help ween the country off dirty coal power. On he other: entire cities and ecosystems have been destroyed or forever altered by the massive constructions.

Mekong: Southeast Asia’s Artery

mekong

(image via Fredrik Thommesen)

This river makes transportation and agriculture possible in vast areas of Southeast Asia. In the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, a majority of the economy is based on the river in one way or another.

Ganges River: The Holy River

ganges

(images via Domminikki, Fred Hsu and Dirk Hartung)

The Ganges is an economically important waterway. But it is mostly known for its religious significance. The city of Varanasi, on the banks of the river, is thought to be the most important city in Hinduism. Many devotees believe that their life is not complete unless they bathe in the Ganges at least once in their lifetime, as it will cleanse the soul of all sins.

Volga River and Lena River

volga-and-lena

(images via amcdawes and synchroswimr)

The Volga is Europe’s largest river. It is extremely important to Russia. Half of the country’s major cities, including Moscow, are located on the river. Some of the world’s largest reservoirs are fed by the Volga.

The Lena is one of Siberia’s great rivers. Its delta is frozen for a majority of the year, but turns into a lush wetland during the brief summers.

Danube River: Europe’s Classical River

danube

(image via teofilo)

The Danube is Europe’s second longest river. It is significant as a transportation route through Europe (the river passes through ten countries) and as a source for drinking water. Also, the river has been the inspiration for classical music composers such as Johann Strauss.

Amazon River and Rio Uruguay

amazon-and-rio

(images via markg6 and guillePagano)

The Amazon River is the only way to navigate through the vast Amazon Rainforest. The river is a source of life (water, food, irrigation) for people who inhabit this inhospitable region. The Rio Uruguay is a much shorter South American river. However, it is the source of much of the region’s electricity via a major hydroelectric plant.

Nile River, Niger River, and Senegal River

nile-niger-and-senegal

(images via Michael Gwyther-Jones, Dan Lundberg and Jacques Taberl)

The Nile is a major transportation artery in Northeast Africa. In addition, the fertile strip that exists along its banks constitutes some of the only farm-able land in the region.

The Niger River is another important source of water in the deserts of North Africa. The river stretches across the western part of the continent and is the easiest way to travel through the area.

The Senegal River is important for the same reasons as the other two North African rivers above. Mali, Guinea, Mauritania and Senegal have joined forces to create an organization that oversees and cares for the river basin that runs through all four countries

Mississippi River

missisipi

(images via SD Dirk)

This legendary river in the American Midwest was and is a major transportation route. It retains mythological/historical significance despite that fact that it is no longer the heavily-used waterway that it once was.

Rio Grande

rio-grande1

(image via Foxboro Marmot)

The Rio Grande is one of the longest rivers in the US and forms much of the border between the state of Texas and Mexico. It has near legendary status on both sides of the water. It is more known as a dividing line than a source of water in this arid landscape.

Murray River (Australia)

murray

(image via mikecogh)

The Murray is Australia’s largest river. It has been an important for transportation and irrigation, as well as being the site of numerous leisure activities like sport fishing.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

UNDER THE NUTSHELL - CURIOUS CREATIVITY


The Art of Photoshop: A Dozen Fantastic Photographic Manipulations

photoshop_main
“This looks shopped. I can tell from some of the pixels and from seeing quite a few shops in my time”… This classic 4chan meme captures in one sentence the pomposity and ignorance of countless self-styled image critics. There’s a nugget of truth in that annoying meme, however - poor ’shops ARE obvious, even to 4channers. The better ones, on the other hand, can be mind-boggling. Here is a selection of great and notorious photoshopped images guaranteed to provoke wonder, amusement and eyestrain.

Beyond Imagery, Almost Imaginary

photoshop_7(images via: Oogle Tutorials, PSD TUTS+ and LunchoverIP)

Many works of photoshop art pump up the details in a source image to the point of sensory overload - and that’s a good thing. The selection above applies a little ’shop shock & awe, just enough to nudge the subject into that odd area just beyond reality.

How Swede It Is

photoshop_3(images via: Allt Eller Inget)

The cool thing about photoshopping, or digitally modifying photographs if we want to be technical about it, is that our brains naturally want to believe what our eyes are seeing. The content may be wrong but the look is right. Sweden’s Erik Johansson is a master of this technique, as the above montage and his other works clearly illustrate.

Little ‘Shop of Horrors

photoshop_10(images via: Session Magazine)

Like Erik Johannsson, Pierre Betielle is another expert photoshopper who feels he’s his own best subject. The French photo finagler takes the visual medium and forces it into extra-large territory, with we viewers along for the wild ride.

It’s Just A Paper Cut

photoshop_5(images via: Web Designer Depot,Instructables and WetCanvas!)

Incongruity in imagery - the above samples say it all. As scary as some of these images are, what’s more frightening is wondering who thought up the concepts, and why? The above set focuses on ourhands, so sensitive to the slightest touch or the merest paper cut. Regarding the latter, welcome to what must be a New Order of pain… how does it feel?

2-for-1 Fail Combo

photoshop_1(images via: Osmoothie and The New York Times News Blog)

You can’t appreciate the good until you’ve seen the bad… An entire nation doesn’t put its foot in its mouth too often but the Islamic Republic of Iran isn’t just any nation - they’ve done it twice, thanks to a couple of ambitious yet amateurish photoshopped images that have received wide dissemination. The first, above, supposedly depicts 4 missiles launched in unison and many reputable news organizations rushed it to press. Not so fast, newsies - according to AFP, “The fourth missile (the one second from the right) has apparently been added in digital retouch to cover a grounded missile that may have failed during the test.” A missile fail and a photoshop fail, that’s today’s 2-for-1 special.

Rally? Not Really

photoshop_2a(images via: Daily KOS and UPI)

Oops, they did it again. Iran’s serial president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is wildly popular in his home country: 62 percent of the voters can’t be wrong, right? Such a political rock star should have no trouble whatsoever in leading huge rallies, yet there’s trouble in Persepolis… not enough warm bodies in the background. Call in the Revolutionary Photoshop Brigade!

photoshop_2b(images via: Daily KOS and UPI)

Unfortunately the powers that be must have grabbed some Mystery Shoppers instead of the expert ’shoppers they were looking for. The result just adds further fuel to the fire that’s swiftly burning away any residual legitimacy in those who pull the strings, er, hold the reins of power in Tehran.

Ve Vill Photoshop You!

photoshop_8(images via: Vogue)

The Persians have no monopoly on photoshop disasters. Slipshod ’shopping is so common, in fact, that someone put up a website - called Photoshop Disasters, if you must ask. Take the prime example above: “As a Russian,” says Natalia Vodianova, “I love drama.” Not to mention comedy, it would seem.

Pictures Worth 1000 Words

photoshop_4(images via: Worth 1000)

Now back to the good stuff. Best known for its popular photoshop contests, Worth 1000 has been amazing and amusing appreciators of fine photo manipulation since 2002. The site, founded by Avi Muchnick and Israel Derdik, runs a number of discussion forums that offer both experienced ’shoppers and newbies a valuable resource for tips and techniques. Unlike some other, more freewheeling forums, those at Worth 1000 are actively moderated and filtered providing a high degree of troll control.

RGGUARKUP… Gesundheit

photoshop_6a

photoshop_6b(images via: Abduzeedo)

Portuguese digital artist Roberto Gamito, who goes under the nom de ’shoppe “rgquarkup”, is a rising star on the photoshop scene. Gamito’s compositions evoke an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere that some may find romantic, others disturbing, and Goths a combination of both - in other words, perfection.

That’ll Be One Starbuck

photoshop_9(images via: Slashfilm)

How does one pay for a Vente Frappuccino at the cantina, anyway? With a Starbuck, of course! Mark Brooks whipped up this tasty bill, er, Darth, for the 2007 Star Wars Fan Days event. By the way, Mark, what do you think Lord Vader would do if he caught you counterfeiting Empire currency, hmm?

Hauser Goin’, Eh?

photoshop_11a(images via: Damncoolpics)

Koen Hauser has racked up a significant body of work - with the emphasis on “body”. Hauser’s compositions resemble Motor Trend car cutaways, without the cars. What’s perhaps most odd is that his subjects look so calm and collected - while the rest of us are freaking out!

photoshop_11b(images via: Damncoolpics)

Above are some other works by Hauser; no anatomical cutaways this time but certainly disturbing in their own right. Or wrong, as the case may be.

Tricks Of The Trade

photoshop_12(images via: Abduzeedo)

Wondering just how the masters of manipulation work their mojo? The above montage gives an inkling, care of Joan Charmant. A software engineer by day, Charmant twists reality by night: “I started photo montage in 2004, when I stumbled upon UFO pictures and wanted to see how hard it would have been to fake.” Not all that hard, if you’ve got the right software and an active imagination!


Tuesday, August 18, 2009

THE WEEK THAT WAS IN PICTURES





A Santa poses prior to abseiling down the front of Sydney's Four Season's Hotel to launch the Sydney Santa Fun Run. The children's charity Variety are hosting the event on November 29 for which they hope to encourage 5000 Sydney-siders to wear a Santa suit and raise funds for disadvantaged children.



Space Shuttle Discovery, sitting on the crawler transporter, rolls out to launch pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Discovery is scheduled to launch no earlier than August 25 on a mission to the International Space Station.




Freed US journalist Euna Lee (left) embraces her husband Michael Saldate (second right) and daughter Hana while fellow journalist Laura Ling (second left) embraces her husband Iain Clayton (right) after being released from North Korea, at the airport in Burbank, California




Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin swims the butterfly during his vacation outside the town of Kyzyl in Southern Siberia.



Ronnie Renner breaks the world record height for a 1/4 pipe on a motorcycle at the Red Bull High Rise where he jumped 63'5' above the ground at Grant Park in Chicago.


7 August


2009

This image provided by NASA of the rock informally named by scientists Block Island was taken with the front hazard-identification camera on NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity



This image provided by


NASA of the rock


informally named by


scientists "Block Island"


was taken with the front


hazard-identification


camera on NASA's Mars


Exploration Rover


Opportunity...



...Composition measurements by NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity confirmed that this rock on the Martian surface is an iron-nickel meteorite. With a width of about two-thirds of a metre (two feet), it is the largest meteorite yet found on Mars




Composition


measurements by


NASA's Mars


Exploration Rover


Opportunity


confirmed that this


rock on the


Martian


surface is an iron-


nickel meteorite.


With a width of


about two-thirds


of


a metre (two


feet),


it is the largest


meteorite yet


found


on Mars




7 August


2009



A polar bear and seabirds feed on a whale in this picture taken at Magdalena fjord, Spitsbergen on board a recent Voyages of Discovery cruise



A polar bear and


seabirds


feed on a whale in this


picture taken at


Magdalena fjord,


Spitsbergen on board a


recent Voyages of


Discovery cruise




A woman swims with a 40-foot whale shark off the South African coast



A woman swims with a


40-foot whale shark off


the South African coast




This cygnet joins up with her five other siblings for a free ride on their mum's back at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens in Devon




This cygnet joins up with


her five other siblings


for


a free ride on their


mum's back at Bicton


Park Botanical Gardens


in


Devon





A stoat that  was stuck the front grille of a BMW Z4 for a 30-mile journey.  A motorist spotted it in the road in Colsterworth, Lincs. He feared he had run it over but found it the next day peeping out of the front grille of the car




A stoat that was stuck


the front grille of a BMW


Z4 for a 30-mile


journey.


A motorist spotted it in t


he road in Colsterworth,


Lincs. He feared he had


run it over but found it


the next day peeping


out


of the front grille of the


car




7 August



2009


Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama jokes with his nasal spray after being asked his opinion on the swine flu during a press conference on the sidelines of a lecture at the Malley ice stadium near Lausanne




Exiled Tibetan


spiritual leader the


Dalai Lama jokes


with his nasal


spray after being


asked his opinion


on swine flu


during


a press conference


on the sidelines of


a lecture at the


Malley ice stadium


near Lausanne





Here's the long legs of the law. A New York City Police Officer waves his baton on a pair of stilts at the 9th Police Precinct's National Night Out Against Crime street BBQ



Here's the long


legs of the law. A


New York City


Police Officer


waves his baton


on


a pair of stilts at


the 9th Police


Precinct's National


Night Out Against


Crime street BBQ