Bissen Gedanken Morsel of Thoughts

Bed Rooms For Kids

2012-02-10T10:10:00.001+05:30

3-D FLOATING ART

2012-02-10T10:02:00.004+05:30

I don't know where these artists get the time, the patience, or the talent but if I had a quarter of what they have... oh, the things I would think about doing.

Capri Island Italy

2012-02-10T09:52:00.000+05:30

Most Amazing Lighthouses

2012-02-10T09:49:00.001+05:30

Beach and Sunset

2012-02-10T09:48:00.002+05:30

In the world's tiniest car, Mailman drives straight to his desk

2012-02-10T09:44:00.000+05:30

Small wonder!

In the world's tiniest car, Mailman drives straight to his desk

It looks as if someone has unbolted it from a merry-go-round and plonked it down in some traffic.
Postman Pat’s van could probably outrun it and the cabin is so cramped that Noddy would struggle to bring any shopping back from Toytown.
Ah, but there’s nothing quite like a Peel Car for driving to the office.

Coffee to go: Paul Harris grabs a latte in the office without having to step out of his car

Nifty little number: Harris squeezes into the lift, left, and down a narrow street, right

In through the front door and straight up the ramp. Into the lift and along the corridor. Steady on the carpet tiles… mind the girl in high heels by the photocopier… toot toot on the horn as we round the bend by the water cooler.
Then – handbrake, neutral, and straight down to work.
That’s the beauty of this impossibly cute, appealingly awful throwback to a 1960s vision that never got far beyond the starting grid.
It’s the world’s smallest production car – and you can park it next to your desk.
True, you won’t be too popular if you opt for the petrol version over the eco-friendly electric one.

Versatile: The tiny production car races along the road, weaving through heavy traffic

Room for a little one: The Peel Car can fit into the tightest of spots

But out on the road, this quirky, ugly, rattly little Ronnie Corbett of an automobile is a giant in one rather unexpected area. It has more pulling power than a Ferrari. Take the Peel Car out for a spin and you instantly become the centre of attention.
But don’t be fooled into thinking this is a grown-up car. You might be able to drive from London to Bristol on a gallon of petrol (or for 32 miles in the electric car) but you won’t be allowed on the motorways.
The car is the born-again version of a uniquely British classic that was made on the Isle of Man between 1962 and 1965. Only 50 were ever produced.
Now it is being remanufactured as the P50 Peel Car by two enthusiasts who recently won backing from Dragons’ Den investor James Caan.
They are planning a limited edition run before deciding whether to produce a viable, everyday micro-car that would be hand-built in Britain.
But at £15,000 each (or more than £100,000 for a mint condition original) why would anyone buy one?
‘We sold one to a lawyer who travels by private jet to London from the North of England,’ 29-year-old company co-owner Faizal Khan said.
‘He parks the jet, gets out the P50 and drives to work. And women seem to like it because although it’s classed as a scooter it’s got a roof, you don’t get your hair messed up, and you can park it virtually anywhere.’

Style icon: The cute car attracts plenty of attention - but sadly isn't allowed on a motorway

Pit-stop: The car pulls up at the Daily Mail offices

Sand Sculptures

2012-02-10T09:42:00.001+05:30

The Sultans of Sand

You saw that perfect sandcastle in your dream - it was reaching to heavens, rising from the surf's mist. It was magnificent and yet so eminently perishable. Welcome the Sultans (and wizards) of sand art to make all that a reality - and more, with incredible detail, creativity and imagination.

(Melbourne, Australia - love these skyscrapers in the background - perhaps also "sand castles" of some sort...)

There are many fantastic sand art showcases / competitions around the world: held in China, Spain, Brazil, Canada (the ultimate "Tournament of Champions" in Harrison Hot Springs, British Colombia), Florida, Oregon, Texas, Virginia... featuring such undisputed masters like Amazin Walter, Rich Varano (The Sultan of Sand), William Lloyd, Carl Jarra and Suzzane Altamare compete alongside artists from all over the world.

Perhaps the most sophisticated fairy tale sculpture in recent memory

Too bad they are made out of sand, and so will be impossible to preserve, other than in pictures. The traditional fantasy themes - sand castles, dragons, maidens and other fairy tale details - are brought to life so lovingly and with such abundance of detail that it simply transcends the genre:

(images credit: Amazin Walter)

This is how it's done... slowly and with feeling (imagine sculpting every single scale on that dragon) -

William Lloyd works on the baby dragon

"The Princess Power" by Rich Varano:

(images credit: Amazin Walter)

Get eaten up by the dragon:

(image credit: Amazin Walter)

Psychedelic Swirls:

(sculpture by Carl Jara and Suzzane Altamare, image credit: Amazin Walter)

Time Mirror: on the left is "looking into the past", on the right - "looking into the future"-

A life of the mundane, rendered in sand

Bedroom Scene (a little abrasive relationship... ok, I will stop my puns here)

Get yourself a couch to sleep on in the worst case -

A perfect family to inhabit all this sand real estate -

(image credit: sandwizard)

Sand people need to go to the sand outhouses to do their sand business... "Occupied!" -

(image credit: Amazin Walter)

I hope this sand figure is not nude:

Nostalgia for winter... Blasphemy! -

If he tries to show accurate time, he'll be here sculpting all night:

Pushing the borders into surrealism

"The Church, The Steeple and all the People" by John Gowdy and Michael Velling:

(images credit: Amazin Walter)

This is perhaps a commentary on the urban sprawl:

(image credit: Amazin Walter)

The weirdness never ends... -

The images above & below are from the sand art shows in Japan, and in Durham, NC, USA.

Sand sculptures in Lommel, Belgium:

(image credit: Tine Verheyden)

Something gruesome happened here:

(image credit: Amazin Walter)

"The End of the Knight" tells an equally sad story:

(image credit: Amazin Walter)

Horror is a common theme (work of Dan Doubleday and Meredith Corson) -

(image credit: Dan Doubleday and Meredith Corson)

(image credit: Tine Verheyden)

The Squids! The Squids! Give us the squids -

(image credit: wired)

"The Arms Race" -

(images credit: rense.com)

"Goaaaal!" by Gianni Schimarini - via:

Trust Chinese to make creepy sand sculptures for the sake of propaganda (more info) -

But this one is much better:

(sculpture by Edith Van de Watering "Nederland")

Who's worshiping what? -

Well, of course, the problem with even the mightiest of sand sculptures... there are going to be blown in the wind... smothered by waves... no trace will be left of them...

"The dust you are, to dust you will return!" -

(image credit: Devrim Gür)

Mutual help

2012-02-10T09:39:00.004+05:30

Abandoned High School in Goldfield, Nevada

2012-02-10T09:39:00.000+05:30

Goldfield, Nevada, used to be a mining town with many gold mines. By 1904 there lived 30,000 citizens and it was the largest city in Nevada. The local Tex Rickard’s Northern Saloon had a bar so long it required 80 bartenders to run it. In 1920s gold began to run out. In 1923 a fire destroyed most of the town's wooden buildings. Today about 400 people still live in Goldfield, that became a ghost town.

Magic Trick

2012-02-10T09:32:00.001+05:30

CLICK ON HOUSE and
I can guess the number you picked !

-13 Degrees Celsius In Britain

2012-02-08T13:42:00.000+05:30

The Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band, based in Catterick, march during a 21-gun Royal Salute from the Museum Gardens, York, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne

But that reprieve promises to be temporary. This morning's low point of -8.5C in Church Fenton, North Yorkshire, threatens to be the norm for the rest of Britain.

And the Met Office has warned that -13C is possible between Tuesday and Thursday in East Anglia.

Met Office forecaster Helen Chivers said: 'Scattered snow showers were expected to affect parts of the Lincolnshire to Sussex area overnight, with freezing fog patches elsewhere which persist all day Tuesday in parts of central Scotland.

'There’s a continuing risk of ice throughout this week in areas with lying snow, and a chance temperatures could go lower than -12.4C, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.'

The Met Office added: 'Cold weather looks like lasting to the end of the week, with a chance of rain, sleet and snow moving into northern and western parts on Thursday or Friday.

In the park: Deer stand in the snow at The Deer Park at Studley Royal Park near Ripon, North Yorkshire as freezing temperatures continued

On the roads: The RAC has reported its busiest February weekend ever and assistance was definitely needed for this lorry which ended up in a ditch after spinning from the A1 at Dishforth, North Yorkshire

On the rails: Train services in and out of York were running despite the station, which serves the east coast main line, being dusted with snow and ice

Essential travel only: The AA and RAC have advised motorists to exercise caution when taking to the roads because conditions - such as the on M8 near Glasgow pictured here today - are treacherous

In the air: A plane taxis along a runway at Heathrow in freezing fog, which has continued to disrupt attempts to catch up on the backlog caused by 50 per cent of the schedule being axed in the wake of the snow

Stay on your feet: Commuters struggle to stay upright as they head for work on icy roads and pavements around Potters Bar, Hertfordshire,

Tough morning: A newspaper delivery boy cuts a lonely figure as he trudges through still-deep snow in Banstead, near Epsom in Surrey

Road to ruin: This motorist has only the hedgerows to guide his travel as he drives along the top of the Yorkshire Wolds, which remain covered in a blanket of snow

Backed-up: The M4 was a sea of red lights Monday morning near Reading in Berkshire as commuters faced their freezing morning journey at a slower pace than usual

This Met office satellite image shows the freezing weather front sweeping over the south east of England and Wales, as a stronger front covers the area West of Ireland

I wish it was a bit otter: This pair frolicked over and under the ice at their home at the British Wildlife Centre in Lingfield, in Surrey

It's not a snow leopard: This tiger finds itself in rather unfamiliar weather conditions at Shepreth Wildlife Park near Cambridge

Eye to eye: Deer wrestle at a snow-bound Bushy Park in Hampton Court, West London - perhaps just trying to keep warm

Fancy a hot meal? These sheep, seemingly in formation, head for food laid out by a farmer in the North Yorkshire Wolds, leaving tracks in the soft snow

Japan in Spring

2012-02-08T13:40:00.001+05:30

A TOUR AROUND THE WORLD

2012-02-08T13:37:00.001+05:30

Click on the following link, find a country and explore… have a nice trip!

Enjoy the exploration...

http://alovelyworld.com/index2.html

Oldest motor vehicle car in the world

2012-02-08T13:35:00.000+05:30

Oldest Running Car Fetches $4.62M

October 10 2011 at 10:05am

By Motoring Staff

This is the oldest motor vehicle car in the world that still runs.

It was built one year before Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler invented the internal combustion engine.

The world's oldest running motor vehicle has been sold at auction for an astonishing $4.62 million (R36.5-million), more than double the pre-sale estimate, as two bidders chased the price up in a three-minute bidding war.

The 1884 De Dion Bouton et Trepardoux Dos-a-Dos Steam Runabout drew a standing ovation as it was driven up onto the stage at Friday's RM Auction in Hershey, Pennsylvania - to prove that this 127-year-old car really does run! - and attracted a starting bid of $500 000, which was immediately doubled to $1 million.

Encouraged by the applauding crowd, the bidding went swiftly up to $4.2 million (R33 million) - 4.62 million (R36.5 million) including the 10 percent commission - before the car was knocked down to a unnamed buyer.

The Dos-a-Dos (Back-to-Back) Steam Runabout was built in 1884 by George Bouton and Charles-Armand Trepardoux for French entrepreneur Count de Dion, who named it 'La Marquise' after his mother.

In 1887, with De Dion at the tiller, it won the world's first ever motor race (it was the only entrant to make the start line!) covering the 32km from the Pont de Neuilly in Paris to Versailles and back in one hour and 14 minutes (an average of 25.9km/h) and, according to contemporary reports, hitting a breathtaking 60km/h on the straights!

La Marquise has only had four owners, remaining in one family for 81 years, and has been restored twice, once by the Doriol family and again by British collector Tom Moore in the early 1990's. Since then, it has taken part in four London-to-Brighton runs and collected a double gold at the 1997 Pebble Beach d'Elegance in California.

Count de Dion winning the first ever motor race.

__._,_.

Sony World Photography

2012-02-08T13:31:00.001+05:30

A riot of colour: Shortlist for Sony World Photography awards provides a real challenge for the eye

By CHRIS PARSONS

Last updated at 6:20 AM on 3rd February 2012

From a smartly-dressed man on the London underground, to dragonflies and a surfer riding a wave at sunset, these are the stunning images all vying for top spot in the world's top photography competition.

The shortlisted images in this year's Sony World Photography Awards have been unveiled, and as usual include a spectacular array of colours and subjects from around the globe.

The collection of pictures on this year's list features everything from historic moments and spectacular landscapes to everyday portraits and detailed close-ups.

Stunning: A folk painter blends in to her background in one eye-catching picture taken in Kolkata, India, while, a small frog peers out from inside a plant in another beautiful image

A sea of arms makes up this well-composed image taken as people celebrate during the Indian Festival in Mumbai

Emotional: A man sat laughing on the London Underground in this black and white picture shows a human aspect to the competition

Seascape: This dramatic wide picture of the fairground on New York's Coney Island brings the people and rides to life

Split second: Samuel Chan's depiction of Dragon boat racing during a chinese festival was another strong contender

Perfect panorama: Matthew Post's entry in the competition shows a stunning sunset at Lake Tekapo in Southern Canterbury, New Zealand

The sky at night: Dozens of lanterns illuminate the night air in Thailand in another 'low light' entrant

The 2012 competition saw 112,000 entries sent in from 171 different countries.

Different categories in the competition reflect the huge breadth of locations, styles, and subjects used in the shortlisted photographs.

In one mesmerising image, a folk painter seems to almost blend in to her artwork on display while working at a handicraft fair in Kolkata, India.

Another eye-catching picture shows a small child playing in a swing chair in Northern Xinjiang, China

Tranquil: Krzysztof Browko's picture of the Baltic Sea taken last August shows that not every image has to be action-packed

Painting a picture: Johnny Joo's entry showcases an array of colours which is almost hypnotic

Human study: Two men dressed western costumes in Tabernas, Almeria, Spain are the subjects of this thought-provoking image

Making the cut: A young man sits in a barbershop chair in Australia in this striking picture

Shot of a lifetime: A young girl appears suspended in mid-air in another picture in the split second category

Life's rich tapestry: Dragonflies are seen mating and laying eggs on a lotus plant on top of a calm water surface

Derek Woo's impressive nighttime landscape image shows the sky lit up in spectacular fashion

Astrid Merget, the creative director of the awards, said: Looking at the vast collection of shortlisted work across the categories, is truly gratifying this year.

'Within the Professional awards, the bodies of work are beautifully presented and distinctive, whilst in the Open categories, the single snapshots are diverse and demonstrate excellent skill within the amateur market.

'The new Youth competition also delighted us, as we were thrilled to find some exceptional budding talent.’

Family life: A boy watches over his younger brother while clutching a soft toy in Northern Xinjiang, China

A bug's life: This picture taken in Indonesia provides a close-up look into the natural world

Low light: Sparks fly in this picture taken in Russia, named 'Symphony of Fire'

Paul Irving's simple shot depicts a man sat alone in a chair, as light beams into the darkened room

Riding a wave: A surfer launches into the air in front of a beautiful sunset in this stunning photo

On top of the world: This picture taken from above Costazza Peak in Passo Rolle, Italy captures a stunning view

Feeling blue: Star Capella over the deserted salt marsh in Karyn Zharyk hollow, Western Kazakhstan

England's Gold Bullion

2012-02-08T13:26:00.000+05:30

We've still got a few quid then! Bank of England's glittering stash of £156BILLION in gold bars stored in former canteen under London

By Emma Reynolds

Last updated at 6:27 PM on 2nd February 2012

Cash-strapped British people will breathe a sigh of relief when they see these impressive treasure troves.

Despite the financial crisis, it seems the country still has some money left in the Bank of England's vault beneath London.

In fact, there are stacks of gold bars worth a whopping £156billion stored in an old canteen deep below the streets of the capital.

Treasure trove: The Bank of England's vault under central London contains 4,600 tons of the precious metal, worth an incredible £156billion

Rich pickings: The rows of simple shelves are stacked high with 28lb 24-carat gold bars

It seems Gordon Brown did not manage to completely strip the country of its assets when he sold off 400 tons of gold at rock-bottom price during his time as Chancellor.

The gold he got rid of when prices were at a 20-year low cost the country up to £11bn, it was estimated last April.

He made just £2.3billion on the precious metal he sold between 1999 and 2002.

So the 4,600 tons of the precious metal still stored in these concrete-lined vaults in the heart of London will be a welcome sight for those worried we have little left to fall back on.

The piles of 28lb 24-carat gold bars are stacked on simple blue shelves beneath strip lighting. One image alone shows around 15,000 bars or 210 tonnes of pure gold, with a value of approximately £3billion.

Worth a fortune: In this image alone there are around around 15,000 bars and 210 tonnes of pure gold, with a value of about £3billion

On the walls of one of the vaults, posters from the 1940s are still visible, from when the vast room was used as a canteen.

The walls must be literally bombproof as they were used by bank staff as air raid shelters during World War II.

The old-fashioned posters that hang around the room depict sunny climes, luxury cruises and happier times - which may be as welcome a sight as the valuables for many.

Three-foot long keys are needed to unlock to the doors that guard the rooms holding the gold - but sadly not all of it belongs to us.

Some is deposited by foreign governments as well as our own. Different shapes and marks distinguish the varying sources of the wealth.

The Most Unusual Meme

2012-02-08T13:25:00.000+05:30

IN THE MIDST OF SHARKS

2012-02-08T13:20:00.001+05:30

COPY AND PASTE OR CLICK THE LINK

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=WK2LpUoqX6A&vq=medium

A Store Front in Berlin - awesome!!

2012-02-08T13:15:00.003+05:30

JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE

How's THIS for technology??? A STORE FRONT IN BERLIN

READ ANY NEWSPAPER ANY LANGUAGE INDIAN PAPERS

2012-02-08T13:09:00.001+05:30

Read any Indian newspaper from using the following link. It has option for 135 on various languages!!!

http://www.eazyhomepage.com/Indian_newspapers.html

Management Traps and How to Avoid Them

2012-02-08T13:08:00.003+05:30

Much has been written about the secrets of good management and few will argue that the best managers are inspired, visionary, dedicated, industrious, energetic, energizing and display integrity, leadership, common sense and courage. So where is it that managers commonly fail or falter and lose their precious foothold on the corporation's top rungs? The following, from the career experts at bayt.com, are ten of the most basic management traps and tips to avoid them:

Weak managers set weak goals

As a manager your role is to get specific jobs completed by employees in the most optimal, efficient and innovative manner and in order to do that, you need to set clear objectives. Successful managers set SMART goals - goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-based. They are able to communicate these goals clearly, simply and concisely to their employees so that none are vague or uncertain about expectations. By all means reach for the stars in your objectives but to do so without supplying employees with the training, resources, flexibility and freedom they need to accomplish their goals and a schedule of regular supervision and feedback is to set them (and yourself) up for failure.

Weak managers micro-manage - effective leaders inspire

The days of command and control organizations are long over - today's managers recognize that in order to leverage their skills and maximize their team's output they need to adopt a flexible approach and 'lead' their teams to excellence rather than closely supervise, instruct and control them. The best leaders communicate to their employees a vision and ignite in them the fire, motivation and desire to work towards making this vision a reality. Good leaders unleash their employees to innovate and achieve optimal solutions by communicating top-level goals and objectives and a suggested blueprint for success then leaving the employees to determine how to get there most optimally while ensuring they have the aptitudes, training, resources and work environment necessary to achieve superior results. While a program of regular feedback and supervision is essential, managers should ensure that their management style is not repressive, meddling or overly overbearing. The golden rule is to communicate the 'what' and the 'why' of the work that needs to be done and leave the employees to determine the 'how' without burdening them with strict instruction manuals or prescribed rules and patterns that are largely redundant and inconducive to speed, creativity, progress and innovation.

Weak managers are afraid of hiring/cultivating strong leaders

Strong leaders/managers have the self-confidence to hire the best people, take them to new levels and cultivate in them all the qualities needed to make them in turn effective leaders of the future. Weak leaders replicate themselves in their hiring decisions and hire mediocre players, mistakenly believing that an employee with more skills, acumen or industry knowledge than themselves will ultimately undermine them or make them look bad. The best managers are characterized by an ability to stimulate their employees to superior performance and through coaching, training, feedback as well as by example, inspire in them all the qualities needed to make effective managers. A good manager helps employees achieve their full potential and constantly raises the bar so that employees never stop learning, innovating and growing. Coaching, training, career planning and programs for ongoing growth and development of key staff are high on the priority lists of the best managers.

Weak managers belittle their employees

Bosses who favour the archaic 'tough' management style where employees are singled out for public reprimand and negative feedback is plentiful while recognition and positive reinforcement are scarce will fail to win the loyalty, respect and commitment of their teams over the long run. Without an inspired, fired up, self-confident employee base these managers set themselves and their teams up for failure. Effective leaders by contrast, respect their employees and give them regular feedback with intelligent constructive criticism and loudly laud special accomplishments in both public and private, while communicating any negative feedback ONLY in private and focusing such criticism strictly on the job performance, not the person's character. Strong leaders recognize and reward a job well done. These leaders inspire their teams to perform at their best and are able to elicit from them a high degree of loyalty and a 'hunger' to raise the bar and continuously excel. In such organisations, employees are not afraid to challenge their boss's ideas or upset the status quo in the interest of innovation and excellence and are encouraged to take risks to elevate the business to a new level. The autocrats and bureaucrats on the other hand sap their employees' self-confidence, drive and energy with their overbearing management style and fail to induce in them any motivation to raise the bar or excel.

Weak managers have obsolete skills-strong leaders constantly reinvent themselves

In today's knowledge-driven economies and highly competitive environment, skills, training and education rapidly become obsolete and effective managers know that they must constantly re-educate themselves and update their skills to maintain an edge. While over-confident managers with an inertia to further education fall by the wayside, good managers regularly take an honest inventory of their skills and abilities and upgrade their technical knowledge and soft skills wherever appropriate. They encourage their teams to do likewise with sound career planning and performance appraisal programs and an emphasis on training and self-education.

Weak managers have poor communication skills

Good communication includes cultivating and maintaining open channels of communication with the team and others in the organisation, giving constructive, intelligent feedback, eliciting ideas through brainstorming sessions or otherwise, articulating the company vision and mission in no uncertain terms, setting clear objectives and listening attentively with an open-mind to employees grievances, suggestions and any other issues. Effective leaders have an open-door policy that welcomes input, suggestions and feedback from employees and recognize that good ideas and the next best idea/process/innovation can come from anywhere. Strong leaders listen; weak leaders talk. Strong leaders pay attention to their employees and encourage them to express professional opinions and ask for more responsibility; weak leaders think they are above such open-door policies. Employees who are not listened to and are not made to feel important or respected as professionals or individuals are unlikely to innovate or express any exciting new ideas that can move a company forward.

Weak managers blame

Everybody makes mistakes and strong leaders protect their good people from taking the fall when they err. Good bosses recognize that the occasional slip-ups are inevitable and can be learning opportunities and are ready to take personal responsibility when the team makes a misstep. A good boss realizes that his most promising employees want to succeed, will grow as a result of their mistakes and are unlikely to repeat the same mistakes. They do no set their people up as a negative example for the rest of the organization nor point fingers when the going gets tough. Good bosses are personable accountable for their actions as well as the actions of their subordinates and do not allow a culture of blame to permeate the organisation.

Weak managers take full credit for their team's accomplishments

While weak leaders usurp all the credit for a job well done by their teams, the strongest leaders will give the full credit to the team as a whole or the team member responsible for the project. Strong leaders motivate, energize and inspire by giving credit where credit is due and being generous with reward and recognition wherever appropriate. Strong leaders publicly thank their employees for a job well done and recognize that a motivated, successful, energized team will reflect directly on the boss.

Weak managers thrive on bureaucracy

Weak leaders are fond of, augment and live well with the layers and bureaucratic shackles that tie an organisation down; strong leaders remove them. Today's effective leaders recognize that in order to compete they must operate like a small company with a high level of speed, responsiveness and flexibility. They realize that to maintain their edge in today's marketplace their organization needs to be responsive to changing market conditions and remove the shackles, boundaries, layers, clutter and obsolete policies, procedures and routines that get in the way of the freedom and free flow of people, resources and ideas.

Weak managers are divorced from their teams

Effective managers genuinely care about their employees and take the time to get to know them and to understand their strengths, weaknesses, what makes them tick and their goals and ambitions. They also take the time to learn something about their personal life. While weak managers will maintain an outdated aloofness and a formal distance from their teams, exceptional managers are able to bring out the best in every employee and win their loyalty and respect by understanding their unique needs, motivations and abilities and showing the team that they are important and personally significant. Strong managers are team players and through their constant involvement with their teams communicate to them that they are there for them and supportive of them. Effective managers by building a supportive work environment, build a camaraderie and team spirit that enthuses and excites the team to new levels of performance.

Sydney

2012-02-08T13:07:00.000+05:30

physiological affect on eyes perception

2012-02-08T13:02:00.000+05:30

Observe for 30 seconds the colored dots on the nose of the girl. Then look to a white surface, and keep blinking your eyes. What happens?

Norway's Beauty

2012-02-08T13:00:00.003+05:30

Penguins

2012-02-08T12:56:00.000+05:30

Winter and animals

2012-02-08T12:53:00.001+05:30

over the boundary!

2012-02-08T12:50:00.000+05:30

Dangerous Looking Chalk Drawings

2012-02-08T12:48:00.002+05:30

Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 10:01 PM on 3rd February 2012

At first glance he appears to be inches from disaster.

But this man apparently wobbling, arms outstretched, on the verge of a 300ft drop is actually perfectly safe.

He is an artist who has drawn this three-dimensional street scene on the flat roof of a building.

Inches from death... or really? Pavement artist stands on the edge of his drawing of a New York scene - in London

The astonishing optical illusion means he appears to be about to fall from a London rooftop, surrounded by a panorama which includes the City.

But sharp-eyed observers will spot that the street scene below him includes a New York yellow taxi and a U.S. police SWAT team.

Pavement artist Joe Hill was commissioned to draw the scene to celebrate the release of Hollywood film Man On A Ledge.

In the film, a New York police psychologist has to attempt to talk down a former policeman who has threatened to jump to his death from a Manhattan hotel rooftop.

Don't jump! Man on a Ledge was created to celebrate the UK release of the film by the same name

Stepping off the edge: Pavement artist Joe Hill created the image. In the Man on a Ledge film a New York police psychologist has to attempt to talk down a former policeman who has threatened to leap to his death

Going over the edge: In this astonishing optical illusion, Joe Hill appears to be jumping off a building in this New York scene - set in London

Man on a Ledge: Sam Worthington stars in the Hollywood film which is coming out in the UK

SALUTE ON REPUBLIC DAY of India

2012-01-30T09:48:00.003+05:30

Volcano Lunch & Lightning

2012-01-30T09:39:00.000+05:30

Volcano lightning is a very rare and mysterious phenomenon. It's still unclear what creates a volcano lightning but it looks very beautiful.

Like A Scene From The Titanic

2012-01-30T09:36:00.002+05:30

By Chris Slack

Last updated at 9:28 PM on 25th January 2012

The headlines across the globe described the aftermath of the Costa Concordia disaster as like a scene from the Titanic.

And these dramatic pictures, released this evening, show the accounts were not far wrong.

Lifeboats can be seen spilling from the sides of the boat into the gloomy waters off the island of Giglio as the cruise liner sinks into the sea.

Passengers at the rear on the starboard side wait to climb aboard those lifeboats which haven't already been deployed.

Disaster: Lifeboats can be seen fleeing the doomed Costa Concordia moments after it hit rocks off the Italian island of Giglio on January 13

Fleeing: The boats can be seen in the waters near the island of Giglio while passengers wait to board others still on board. At the prow of the ship, holidaymakers can be seen attempting to make their way to safety

Escape: A boat is seen near the front of the ship being lowered into the water, containing holidaymakers who minutes earlier had been enjoying dinner

Pictures from when Concordia went down were reminiscent of the 1912 sinking of Titanic, recreated here by the 1997 James Cameron film

PERFUME BOTTLES

2012-01-30T09:35:00.000+05:30

Rainbow Dreamland

2012-01-25T23:04:00.002+05:30

This panorama (6 single shots) was captured at Moskenes on the Lofoten Island Moskenesøy in Norway

MONETARY POLICY ANNOUNCED BY RBI as on 24-01-2012

2012-01-25T23:03:00.003+05:30

ूेस ूकाशनी PRESS RELEASE
संचार िवभाग, केंिीय कायार्लय, एस.बी.एस.मागर्, मुंबई‐400001
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION, Central Office, S.B.S.Marg, Mumbai‐400001
फोन/Phone: 91 22 2266 0502 फैक्स/Fax: 91 22 22660358
भारतीय िरज़वर् बैंक
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA
वेबसाइट : www.rbi.org.in/hindi
Website : www.rbi.org.in
इ‐मेल email: helpdoc@rbi.org.in
January 24, 2012
Third Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2011-12
Press Statement by Dr. D. Subbarao, Governor
1. "At the outset, on behalf of the Reserve Bank of India, I have pleasure in welcoming all of you to this Third Quarter Review of Monetary Policy for 2011-12.
2. A short while ago, we put out the monetary policy measures accompanying this Review. Based on an assessment of the current macroeconomic situation, we have decided to:
• Cut the cash reserve ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks by 50 basis points from 6.0 per cent to 5.5 per cent of their net demand and time liabilities (NDTL). This will be effective the fortnight beginning January 28, 2012.
• This reduction in the CRR will inject around ` 320 billion of primary liquidity into the system.
3. There is no change in the policy interest rate. Accordingly, the repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) remains at 8.5 per cent.
4. Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF, determined with a spread of 100 basis point below the repo rate, will continue at 7.5 per cent, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate, determined with a spread of 100 bps above the repo rate, at 9.5 per cent.
Considerations Behind the Policy Move
5. Three major considerations have informed our decision to reduce the CRR.
6. First, growth is decelerating. This reflects the combined impact of several factors: the uncertain global environment, the cumulative impact of past monetary policy tightening and domestic policy uncertainties. While some slowdown in the growth of demand was the expected outcome of our earlier monetary policy actions to contain inflation, at this juncture, risk to growth has increased.
7. Second, even as headline WPI inflation is moderating, it is coming largely from a sharp deceleration in prices of seasonal food items. In respect of other key components, particularly protein-based food items and non-food manufactured products, inflation remains high. Moreover, there are upside risks to inflation from global crude oil prices, the lingering impact of rupee depreciation, and slippage in the fiscal deficit.
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8. The third consideration that informed our decision is that liquidity conditions have remained tight beyond the comfort zone of the Reserve Bank. Although the Reserve Bank has conducted open market operations, and injected liquidity of over ` 700 billion, the structural deficit in the system has increased significantly. This could hurt credit flow to productive sectors of the economy. The large structural deficit in the system presented a strong case for injecting permanent primary liquidity into the system.
Monetary Policy Stance
9. The policy document also spells out the three broad contours of our monetary policy stance. These are:
• to maintain an interest rate environment to contain inflation and anchor inflation expectations;
• to manage liquidity to ensure that it remains in moderate deficit, consistent with effective monetary transmission;
• to respond to increasing downside risks to growth.
Guidance
10. As has become standard practice by now, we have also given guidance for the period forward.
11. In reducing the CRR, the Reserve Bank has attempted to address the structural pressures on liquidity in a way that is not inconsistent with the prevailing monetary stance. In our two previous guidances, we had indicated that the cycle of rate increases had peaked, and that further actions were likely to reverse the cycle.
12. Based on the current inflation trajectory, including the fact that there is considerable suppressed inflation, it is premature to begin reducing the policy rate. The reduction in the policy rate will be conditioned by signs of a sustainable moderation in inflation. At the same time, the persistence of tight liquidity conditions could disrupt credit flow, and further exacerbate growth risks. In this context, the CRR is the most effective instrument for permanent liquidity injection over a sustained period of time. The CRR reduction can also be viewed as a reinforcement of the guidance that the interest rate cycle has peaked and that future rate actions will be towards lowering the policy interest rate.
13. Having said that, I must emphasise that the timing and magnitude of future rate actions will depend on a number of factors. Policy and administrative actions, which encourage investment that will help ease supply constraints in food and infrastructure, are critical. Initiatives to narrow skill mismatches in labour markets will help ease the pressure on wages. The anticipated fiscal slippage, which is caused largely by high levels of consumption spending by the government, poses a significant threat to both inflation management, and more broadly, to macroeconomic stability.
Expected Outcomes
14. We expect that today’s policy action and the guidance we have given will result in the following three outcomes:
• First, liquidity conditions will ease.
• Second, downside risks to growth will be mitigated.
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• Finally, medium-term inflation expectations will remain anchored on the basis of a credible commitment to low and stable inflation.
Global and Domestic Developments
15. Our policy decision has been based on a detailed assessment of both the global and domestic macroeconomic developments. Let me begin with the global economy.
Global Economy
16. Since the Reserve Bank’s October Review, there have been significant changes in the global scenario. On the one hand, concerns over the sustainability of sovereign debt problem in the euro area have intensified. On the other, there are modest signs of improvement in the US. In the emerging and developing economies (EDEs), growth has been moderating, reflecting the sluggishness in the advanced economies and the impact of earlier monetary tightening.
17. Overall, notwithstanding the signs of recovery in the US, global growth prospects have weakened since the October Review. In September last year, IMF projected that global growth during 2012 would be 4 per cent. We now expect it to be lower.
Indian Economy
18. Moving on to the domestic economy, real GDP growth moderated from 7.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2011-12 to 6.9 per cent in the second quarter. This was mainly due to deceleration in industrial growth, while the services sector held up relatively well. GDP growth in the first half of 2011-12 slowed to 7.3 per cent, down from 8.6 per cent in the first half of last year.
19. On the demand side, the contraction in fixed capital formation in the second quarter was the main factor behind the slowdown in growth. This pattern, should it persist, will hurt medium-term growth prospects, further aggravate inflationary pressures, and threaten external and internal stability.
20. The global environment is only partly responsible for the weak industrial performance and sluggish investment activity; several domestic factors – the unhealthy fiscal situation, high interest rates and policy and administrative uncertainty – are also playing a role.
21. In its October 2011 Review, the Reserve Bank projected GDP growth of 7.6 per cent for 2011-12, though with significant downside risks. These downside risks have since materialised. Accordingly, the baseline projection of GDP growth for this year is revised downwards from 7.6 per cent to 7.0 per cent.
22. Looking ahead to next year, while we will put out a formal projection in our Annual Policy Statement in April, at this time, the Reserve Bank’s baseline scenario is that the economy will exhibit a modest recovery next year, with growth being slightly higher than during this year.
Inflation
23. Let me now turn to inflation. Inflation is beginning to moderate as projected despite the significant depreciation of the rupee. Headline WPI inflation, which averaged 9.7 per cent (y-o-y) during April-October 2011, moderated to 9.1 per cent in November and further to 7.5 per cent in December.
24. The higher than expected deceleration in food inflation has provided some relief. In particular, food articles inflation has come down sharply from 8.5 per cent in November to
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0.7 per cent in December. The prices of vegetables have had a big role in this sharp decline. If we exclude vegetables, the decline in food articles inflation is modest - from 8.0 per cent in November to only 7.1 per cent in December. We should also note that inflation in protein items – ‘eggs, fish and mea
structural component of food inflation. 25. Non-food manufactured products inflation continues to remain elevated and well above the comfort zone. While indicators of pricing power suggest that the moderating trend will continue, upside risks remain significant. The momentum indicator of non-food manufactured products inflation is yet to show a discernible downward trend. Accordingly, while the Reserve Bank’s policy stance has to becom
also eds to guard against persistent inflation risks. 26. Keeping in view the expected moderation in non-food manufactured products inflation, domestic supply factors and global trends in commodity prices, the baseline projection for WPI
October Review. 27. We have revised our estimate for growth downwards, but have not changed our inflation estimate. This runs counter to the expectation that a significant downgrade in the growth projection should lead to a downward revision in the inflation projection. Why has that not happened? That has not happened for two reasons. First, the rupee depreciation has been feeding into core inflation, delaying the adjustment of inflation to slower growth. Second, and very importantly, suppressed inflation in petroleum product and coal prices remains quite significant. Rationalisation of these prices is, of course, welcome for a variety of well-known reasons, but it will impact observed inflation in the short term. Our projection of inflation, a
madn these prices. 28. What will be the inflation scenario in 2012-13? We will make a formal projection in our Annual Policy Statement in April. At this time, the Reserve Bank’s baseline scenario for next year is that headline inflation may show some moderati
vulnerable to a variety of upside ris
L
29. Liquidity management has been a major challenge for the Reserve Bank during this year. Liquidity conditions, which have generally remained in deficit, tightened further beginning the second week of November 2011, partly reflecting RBI’s forex market operations and advance tax outflows around mid-December. The Reserve Bank is on record having said that it would like the LAF window to be in modest deficit, in the range of +/- 1 per cent of NDTL, which works out to around ` 600 billion. Current levels of access to LAF, at about `1,200 billion, are way beyond this band. To ease the tightness in liquidity, and consistent with its monetary policy stance, the Reserve Bank conducted open market operatio
30. While broad money supply growth during the current year has evolved along the projected trajectory of 15.5 per cent, non-food credit growth has now slipped below the indicative trajectory of 18 per cent. Keeping in view the increased government borrowings and the slowdown in private credit demand, M3 growth projection for 2011-12 has been retained at 15.5 per cent, while non-food credit growth has been scaled down to
cent. These numbers, as alwa
F
orearket Developments 31. Before I turn to the risk factors, let me briefly touch upon the developments in the foreign exchange market, which remained under pressure in the third quarter of 2011-12,
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reflecting adverse global sentiments and moderation in capital inflows. The Reserve Bank took a number of steps to stimulate capital inflows and curb speculation, besides also intervening in the market, consistent with our policy of containing volatility and preventing disruptive movements. The Reserve Bank continues to closely monitor developments in the external sector
when appropria
R
32. Finally, let me turn to the risks
W have listed seven of these. first, sovereign debt con
overall growth outlook. the second major risk emanates fr
widening current account deficit. third, global energy prices continue to pose a risk to growth
geo-political factors and the global macroeconomic situation. fourth on our list of risks is that there are signals of increasing risk aversion by banks, whi
economy. fifth, inflation in respect of protein-based items remains high due to structural imbalances. In the absence of approp
will continue to be on the upside. Next, there is a large element of suppressed inflation as domestic prices of some administered products do not reflect the underlying market conditions. Revision in domestic administered prices will add to inflationary pressures, although I should note that su
demand. finally, the fiscal deficit of the government could potentially crowd out credit to the private sector. Moreover, slippage in the fiscal deficit ha
inflationary pressures and it continues to be a risk for inflation. 33. Let me conclude by briefly reflecting on the critical area of fiscal-monetary policy coordination. Considering the egregious implications of large fiscal deficits, which are well-known, there is an urgent need for decisive fiscal consolidation, which will shift the balance of aggregate demand from public to private, and from consumption to capital formation. This is critical to yielding the space required for lowering rates without the imminent risk of resurgent inflation. The forthcoming Union Budg
Ajit Prasad

Giant Frozen "Wave"!

2012-01-25T23:02:00.003+05:30

This is actually a glacier. Really impressive Ice Formations!

Home Sweet Home

2012-01-25T23:01:00.000+05:30

There's no place like home... for 100 years: Centenarian lives in the house where she was born (and these days it has running water and electricity)

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Last updated at 2:13 AM on 23rd January 2012

When Georgina Brown was born in the front bedroom of her home, the Titanic had not even set sail.

One hundred years on and Mrs Brown is still going strong – and still living in the same cottage.

The great-grandmother is the fifth generation of her family to own the three-bedroom village property, which they have occupied since 1850.

Home sweet home: Georgina Brown has lived in the same house for 100 years

A photograph of Forge Cottage, Hambledon, Hampshire dated 1904. The pictured boys are Georgina Brown's cousins Ron (left) and Eric Andrews. The girls names are not known.

Today: Forge Cottage, Hambledon, Hampshire, the home of Georgina Brown, as it looks now

Still here: The 100-year-old sits in the kitchen of her cottage which has only been decorated three times since she was born

Despite the cottage in Hambledon, Hampshire, being valued at £650,000, Mrs Brown said: ‘I was born here and I will never leave.

‘I have so many happy memories here. It is a perfect little village and I know almost everyone here.’

She was born on January 13, 1912, a few miles from Southampton, where the Titanic left for its ill-fated maiden voyage that April.

She was delivered in the same upstairs room where her father George Lott was born and where she gave birth to daughters Sylvia and Pam, now 72 and 71, and where she still sleeps.

The cottage still has the same layout as when she was born, except for the addition of an inside toilet. Electricity and running water arrived in 1954.

Different world, different time: Photo taken in 1913 of Georgina Brown aged one-year with her mother Mary Lott next to the walnut tree in the back garden of Forge Cottage

1922: Georgina aged 10 with her dog Nell and parents George Harr and Mary Lott

Nell of a life: Miss Brown aged 15 with her dog Nell and aged 18

Love amd marriage: A photograph dated 1937 featuring Georgina Brown and her first husband Jack Cleeve

All change: Forge Cottage as it looks today...

She can remember looking out of her window and seeing soldiers leaving the village on their way to fight in the First World War, while some 30 years later she saw Winston Churchill passing the house on his way to address troops at a nearby barracks ahead of D-Day

WASHINGTON, D.C.

2012-01-25T22:57:00.001+05:30

Women Empowerment in India- 2 Parts

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Women Empowerment In India (2 Parts)

by Shamim Asmat

About the Book

In our society and polity, Women Empowerment is a significant issue. Women in India now participate in all activities, such as education, politics, media, art and culture, service sector, science, technology and sports, etc. Women are the better half of men and a part and parcel of the society in our country. The status of women in India has been subject to many a great change over the past few millennia. From equal status with men in ancient times, through the low points of the medieval period, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the history of women in India has been quite eventful. The Constitution of India guarantees to women, equality, no discrimination by the State, equality of opportunity equal pay for equal work, etc. In addition, it allows special provisions to be made by the State in favour of women. The feminist activism in India picked up momentum, during late 1970s. Female activists are united over various issues. Indian woman plays a vital role. Her image has changed from that of a housewife to a useful person in almost all spheres. A woman’s physical weakness is no longer a barrier in getting herself established in the modern world.
Present book, in its comprehensive and compact form is an asset for scholars, researchers, social activists and general readers, alike.

Title :: Women Empowerment In India (2 parts)

Author :: Shamim Asmat

ISBN :: 81-8324-389-4

Price :: Rs. 2500.00

Publisher :: Mittal Publications, New Delhi

Send your orders to ::

===================

Mittal Publications

4594/9 Daryaganj, New Delhi - 110002

Phones :: +91-11-23250398, 41564398

Email :: info@mittalbooks.com

Website:: http://www.mittalbooks.com

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Thank you for Japan

2012-01-25T22:48:00.003+05:30

Amazing!!!

This says it all!!!

Everyone should see this very moving message...

End of 2011 'Thank you' from Japan ..

Click Here

Sistine Chapel

2012-01-25T22:46:00.003+05:30

Now this is really something! This is what makes the Internet so spectacular!

MOVE THE MOUSE AROUND AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.

Here is an amazing bit of technology that you would never see in person, as you would NEVER be alone in the room. It is ALWAYS VERY CROWDED and of course you can't see Michelangelo's artwork close up as you can here. This is especially spectacular if you have a large high-definition screen! Too many details to view on an iPhone.

TO VIEW EVERY PART OF THE MICHELANGELO'S MASTERPIECE, JUST CLICK AND DRAG YOUR ARROW IN THE DIRECTION YOU WISH TO SEE.

In the lower left, click on the plus (+) to move closer, on the minus (-) to move away. Choir is thrown in free.

MOVE THE ARROW AND YOU WILL SEE EVERY PART OF THE CHAPEL.

This virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel is incredible. Apparently done by Villanova at the request of the Vatican .

Click here: Sistine Chapel

Florida

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FLORIDA IS A STATE IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES, LOCATED ON THE
NATION'S ATLANTIC AND GULF COASTS. IT IS BORDERED TO THE WEST BY THE
GULF OF MEXICO, TO THE NORTH BY ALABAMA AND GEORGIA AND TO THE EAST
BY THE ATLANTIC OCEAN. THE STATE CAPITAL IS TALLAHASSEE.

Foto says everything!

2012-01-23T10:32:00.002+05:30

Cold Wave In India

2012-01-23T10:29:00.000+05:30

Brrr... New study blames the current cold conditions in the capital on pollution that forms 'cool islands' in the city

By BHUVAN BAGGA and SAVITA VERMA

Last updated at 3:58 AM on 21st January 2012

The uncharacteristic chill and ever-sliding minimum temperatures across north India, and even parts of south India, are making everyone 'chatter'.

Here's why! The continued spell of cold may be indicative of unusual weather conditions, besides being a byproduct of the growing pollution in urban areas.

For the third successive day on Friday, Delhi experienced one of the coldest days this winter with the day temperature falling six degrees below normal to settle at 14.6 degrees Celsius.

Army soldiers huddle together in the morning chill in the Delhi yesterday

Thick snow covers streets and street properties in Dalhousie

The minimum temperature was recorded at 4.5, three degrees below normal and down from Thursday's 4.8 degrees Celsius. The coldest day this season was recorded earlier this week, when the maximum temperature had dropped to 14.5 degrees.

While the weatherman said frequent and strong western disturbances were causing the persistent cold spell, a new study by the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) revealed that the Capital was experiencing a peculiar phenomenon of 'cold islands' formation.

This development, caused during winters due to air pollution, may be aggravating the cold wave conditions. Using the satellite and solar radiation data collected between November and December for four years beginning 2007, the study discovered that the city's day temperatures were lower due to the formation of 'cool islands'.

Trains and cars had to battle the conditions high up in the hills of Simla

The weather did not stop these men crossing the wate rs of the Jhelum River

Tourists in the capital were forced to wrap up while sightseeing

CN Tower

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Town in the Middle of the Sea - Mont Saint Michel

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Mont Saint Michel is located in France.
Its construction began in 709.
In 1874 it was declared a historic monument.
The population of Mont Saint Michel is 80 including 50 monks.

A journey through the human body

2012-01-23T10:18:00.000+05:30

In the Netherlands: the world's first: a spectacular experience around the human body. Her Majesty Queen Beatrix opened CORPUS on March 14th 2008. CORPUS is a 'journey through the human body' during which the visitor can see, feel and hear how the human body works and what roles healthy food, healthy life and plenty of exercise plays. CORPUS offers a variety of information and provides education and entertainment with this journey as well as a vast number of permanent and variable exhibitions CORPUS has been realized in a 35-meter high transparent building with the contours of the human body projecting from it. T he eye-catching building is situated along the A44 highway between Amsterdam and The Hague

Philippines-Sinulog Festival

2012-01-23T10:10:00.006+05:30

Ghost-Town - Epecuen, Argentina

2012-01-23T10:05:00.001+05:30

Epecuen was a beautiful tourist town in Argentina. Epecuen was destroyed by the flood on November 10, 1985. Since then it stayed abandoned.

Aircraft Carrier converted into a Hotel

2012-01-23T10:01:00.002+05:30

The year 2011 had belonged to the Chinese in multiple ways. Apart from making progress in their economy, they made their mark in the luxury lifestyle in many ways, and they seem to have started of 2012 on a similar note. Their latest revelation is the Russian Kiev class aircraft carrier hotel, which will be the first of its kind anywhere in the world. A gigantic ship, which was originally created for carrying fighter jets, has now been converted into a full-scale luxury hotel, with modern amenities, oriental themed décor, and plenty of luxury accommodation for its upcoming lot of guests.

Till a few years ago, the Russian aircraft carriers were known to be the pride of army’s fleet, when owned by the Russian Army. But Chinese creativity changed all of that, and transformed this war craft wonder into a luxury hotel that is now grabbing eye balls after revealed in the Tianjin municipality of North China. Historic research tells us, that the ship has been a part of the Binhai Aircraft Park project since 2004, after a Chinese company laid hands on it in 1996. It was initially used to display the variety of modern military equipment, until recently when it was transformed into a luxury accommodation establishment. The final opening will happen later in the month of January 2012, when it will open for bookings.

In terms of amenities, we have come to know that there are 148 rooms in all- 2 Presidential suites, 3 VIP guest rooms, and 137 standard rooms, apart from the dining and common areas, all done up with oriental artistry including the furniture which bear the traditional colors and patterns of art work in the region. Needless to say, the ornamentation is nothing short of exquisite, and whatever may be the pricing policy, would certainly manage to impress even the most discerning customers of the hotel. However, the only near comparison to the concept is the Cunard Liner QE2, but the Tianjin Aircraft Carrier Hotel just might be a step ahead.

Volcano

2012-01-23T09:59:00.002+05:30

Seamlessly Blending Into Backgrounds

2012-01-23T09:58:00.000+05:30

Lima, Peru-born artist Cecilia Paredes, works with her assistants, she creates photo performance based works that have her seamlessly blended into backgrounds. Acting as both the photographer and the subject, she uses make-up, body paint and any costume she needs to make her virtually disappear.

"The illusion of 'disappearing' into the landscape that surrounds her, is in reality a blending, she is now 'part of the landscape' in her quest of belonging," Paredes explains to us. "The theme behind all is re-location after displacement and migration and how one has to adjust in order to belong. Tough it is, but it has to be done, without forgetting our origin."

The intricate backgrounds add an interesting and complicated dynamic to these pieces. While in some cases the photographer is turned away from the camera, her carefully chosen pose adding drama to the piece, in still others we can see the whites of her eyes, giving us that haunting feeling of discovering something we shouldn't.

Cecilia Paredes' website