5 Unusual Liquors from Around the World

Throughout human history, alcohol has had a variety of different functions. Historically, alcohol was a revered product that was used in religious ceremonies and used for its medicinal and antiseptic properties. Today, alcohol is still used in traditional religious ceremonies but is a common drink for social functions and to unwind during a long day. Alcohol is also a complement to gourmet food to enhance its taste.

Alcohol is prevalent in almost every culture in the world. And these cultural varieties have contributed to some of the strangest alcoholic beverages. Here is a look at five strange liquors from around the globe:

5. Baby Mouse Wine – Yes, you read right, that is baby mouse wine. Baby mouse wine is believed to have medicinal properties in Korean culture. This wine is made by drowning three-day old mice in rice moonshine. The brew is then allowed to ferment for up to one year before consumption. According to local belief, baby mouse wine is a cure-all for illnesses that involve the liver and the lungs. 

4. White Gold and Platinum Tequila – In 2006, tequila manufacturer Tequila Ley sold a single bottle of white gold and platinum tequila to a private collector in Mexico City. The price tag for this unusual bottle of tequila is a cool $225,000. The white gold and platinum tequila claimed the Guinness World Book of Records for most expensive alcoholic beverage. This tequila is made from six year-aged 100 percent agave liquid. For individuals who can’t plunk down the $225,000, Tequila Ley also offers the gold and platinum bottle for $150,000 and the silver and gold bottle for a mere $25,000. 

3. Bacon Vodka – We love vodka and we love bacon. But the two combined together makes for an unusual alcoholic beverage. Seattle-based company Black Rock Spirits came out with this porcine liquor which they call Bakon Vodka. Surprisingly, Bakon Vodka is quite good. This vodka captures the salty and peppery bacon profile while maintaining the crispness of a classic vodka. It seems Bakon Vodka would be interesting in a Bloody Mary. 

2. Pulque – This alcoholic beverage is one of the oldest in history. This ancient Aztec drink is made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant giving at a milky viscous consistency. In Mesoamerica, this was considered a sacred drink that was exclusive to only certain classes of people. Today, it is a secular drink that is enjoyed by most Mexicans. 

1. Yogurito – The Yogurito is truly a global drink. It is made in the Netherlands and bottled in France but it is marketed for Japanese tastes. This strange alcoholic beverage tastes, smells and looks like yogurt but is not made from yogurt. This sweet and thick beverage is either drunk alone or mixed with other tropical fruits such as mango or pineapple.

Guest post by ezCater.com. The easiest, most reliable way to find and order Portland catering.

Town Names From Nature

The naming process in general has taken a turn to nature, with many celebrities naming their children after fruits and plants and environmentally named and natured TV shows such as Green Planet making record breaking viewing results. This process has not been spared in the geographical sense and many towns across the world have had a touch of Mother Nature’s magic sprinkled over them. Here are a few of the most fun:

Flowers

Flower named towns are by far the most popular with many countries across the world using a floral moniker. Australia can boast Daisy Hill in Victoria and Daisy Park in New South Wales. The infamous romantic bloom the rose has been used across the World such as the town: Roses in Loja in Ecuador. Rose has been used to name towns in Europe such as Rose in Splitsko-Dalmatinska, Croatia and Rose, Cosenza, Calabria in Italy. The Caribbean however, may have won on the rose front, this may be due to the tropical nature and bright good sunny weather in the areas where wild flowers are more likely to grow. In The Caribbean there is Roses, Long Island in the Bahamas, Rose Hill, Saint Peter in Barbados, Rose Hill, Saint Patrick in Grenada, La Rose, Nord in Haiti and Jamaica’s Rose Hill and Rose Valley.

There are more than just Roses though and USA seem to have the upper hand on other blooming names. Another flower classically famed for its symbolism and link to romance and infatuation is the Carnation. Towns named after this bloom can be found in Washington County, Oregon and King County, Washington.

The luxurious Orchid can be found in, Indian River County, Florida, St. Lucie County, Florida, Itasca County, Minnesota, DeKalb County, Missouri and Louisa County, Virginia.
The luscious is the name for other American towns in Hardee County, Florida, Laurel County, Kentucky and Day County, South Dakota.

Vegetables

The nature inspired naming does not stop with just flowers many places have been named after edible nature too! These are probably the result of the crops mostly grown in these towns: Cabbage Patch in California, Avocado in California and Potato Creek and Pumpkin Centre both found in South Dakota.

Fruit

The USA seems to have saturated the fruity names for towns too with Strawberry in Arkansas, Grape Corner in New Hampshire, Cherry Hill in New Jersey and Grape Vine in Texas. There are two towns called Peach Bottom, one in Pennsylvania and the other in Virginia. When it comes to the fruity names, it’s more likely that the sound of the word was chosen as appose to the produce of the town.

These floral place names were brought to you by Interflora.co.uk

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The Mystery of Joseph Grimaldi

Joseph Grimaldi ruled the London stage, and the hearts of the London people, from 1806 until 1830.  He it was who first trod the boards in complete white face – giving the world, and especially the nascent circus, its first true clown.  Before then the performers who plied their trade as comedians made themselves up as rustic bumpkins, with reddened cheeks and bulbous nose to denote a lifetime spent outdoors in the brutal elements, constantly nipping on moonshine.

  But Grimaldi did not care for that type of character, thinking it too close to the reality of rural poverty and suffering to be of true universal humor.  So he borrowed from the Italian Commedia dell’arte, the folklore of Till Eulenspiegal, and the French Rabelasians to create a fantastic zany, so far removed from the purlieus of common human existence that his character could get away with blatant lese majesty and many other types of behavior considered licentious because he did not seem to be of this world, and thus could not be blamed for his ignorance of the limits of good taste, or even treason!  Grimaldi’s pantomime burlesques of royalty and his hysterical battles with fishmongers and other minions of the middle class onstage compelled audiences to love him as they nearly choked with laughter.  Charles Dickens wrote “Once you have seen Grimaldi, you have seen all there is to comedy!”

A mystery has always surrounded Grimaldi’s premature retirement at the age of 49, and his death several years later.  The reason given, by his biographer Charles Dickens, is vague; it is stated merely as “ill health due to his strenuous work as a clown on the London stage.”

It is true that so great was the demand for his unparalleled comic talents that he often was engaged at 2 theaters at once, on the same night, and would have to run, in makeup and costume, between the 2 theaters several times each night.

Still, all contemporary reports state that Grimaldi had a robust constitution and never seemed to tire of committing his strenuous lunacy in front of an audience.

Modern theater scholars are beginning to wonder if Grimaldi wasn’t poisoned.

By his own son . . .

Some scholars are beginning to think that the makeup Grimaldi used to whiten his face was an old Italian recipe of bees wax, paraffin, and white lead.  This is a dangerous mixture to keep on one’s face for long periods of time, because of the white lead.  Exposure to white lead can cause lead poisoning.  To counteract this deadly effect, Grimaldi would certainly have used an old Italian remedy, one that Italians, with their ancient knowledge of essential oils, knew all about.  A few drops of bergamot oil mixed in with the white makeup would neutralize the potency of the white lead, making it completely safe to wear.

The suspicion voiced by some theater scholars is that Grimaldi’s son, Joseph Grimaldi Junior, who was known to be anxious to take his father’s place in the pantomimes at Sadler’s Wells, may have replaced Grimaldi Senior’s bergamot oil with lemon oil, which would smell the same, but had no effect on the white lead.  That way his father would slowly decline with the effects of lead poisoning, which include uncontrollable tremors in the limbs, disorientation, and incontinence.  And no one would suspect Junior in the least of the diabolical deed. 

Whatever the case may be, when Grimaldi Senior retired in 1830 his son was quick to take his place, using the same outrageous costume and makeup.  But audiences could tell the difference, and the new Grimaldi was greeted with scanty applause and even some catcalls, until he was forced off the stage and died (some said) of a heart broken by disappointment and remorse a few months later.

Grimaldi Senior lived on, however, and was given several benefit concerts so he would not have to spend his last years in stark poverty.  The London crowd did not forget their old whiteface friend.

The great Grimaldi died in May of 1837.  In his honor circus clowns to this day are still called Joeys, or First of Mays.  His grave is in the courtyard of St James Chapel, in Islington.  Every year, on the first Sunday in February, clowns from all over the world come to pay tribute to this esteemed tweaker of noses at his gravesite.  Paper mache flowers are placed on his tombstone and the clowns put on a free show for the children of Islington.

A very few theater scholars want to dig up the grave to see if there are traces of lead in his bones; a sure sign of lead poisoning.  But most everyone agrees it is better to let the bones of a great clown rest unperturbed until the angels lead Grimaldi forth for his Last Performance.

Tim Torkildson is a former circus clown who now works as a free-lance blogger.  He is currently working on a series of blogs about comedy and clowning, and how they relate to essential oils, for  http://www.essentialoildetails.com/ 

5 Famous Fires in History

Throughout history, fire has been both a blessing and a curse. It is only through the use and harnessing of fire that man was able to cook food, forge metals, and develop modern structures, but with these advantages comes a risk. Fire is incredibly powerful and can devastate a farm, a home, or even an entire city. This list discusses some of the largest and most destructive fires that have ever taken place. Many of these changed more than just the physical landscape of any area. They have also resulted in the creation of home and property insurance to protect homeowners.

1. Tokyo, Japan
In 1923, the city of Tokyo suffered from a large earthquake. This earthquake took place in the middle of the day when most homes were using fire to cook lunch. Several small fires grew to an uncontrollable size due to strong winds coming off the ocean, and the result was more than 142,000 deaths that day. This fire remains one of the most fatal and devastating natural disasters of all time.

2. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Since this large fire took place during the middle of fighting in World War II, it remains relatively unknown to this day. In 1917, two ships collided with one another in the harbor of Halifax. Unfortunately, one of the ships was full of ammunition, resulting in a massive explosion and fires along the shoreline. The entire harbor town was destroyed and resulted in the deaths of more than 2,000 local residents.

3. Chicago, Illinois
This fire that took place in 1871 is perhaps the best known fire in American history. Many people mistakenly believe that the fire was started by a cow kicking over a lantern, while in fact the fire originated from a small barn in the town. Although it burned down the homes of more than 90,000 people, the slow spread of the fire meant that fewer than 300 people died. While the fire was certainly a disaster for many, it resulted in the creation of a new Chicago that exists today.

4. San Francisco, California
The great fire of San Francisco took place in 1906 as a result of a morning earthquake. Just like in the large Tokyo fire, lamps and stoves were overturned and homes rapidly caught on fire. Since the earthquake damaged the city's water supply, it was nearly impossible to stop the flames and 3,000 people died along with 300,000 buildings that were destroyed.

5. London, England
One of the most influential fires in European history was the 1666 fire in London. Over 13,000 structures were burned over the course of two days. As a result, the city was completely rebuilt using brick instead of wood. Today, most British buildings are still made from bricks.

Each of these fires devastated a particular area, and each also had a significant death toll. With each, however, we have learned valuable lessons like using fire resistant building materials and preparing for natural disasters.

Andrew Jamerson is a freelance writer who blogs about insurance policies that offer protection from fire damage, including contracts that provide cheaper insurance for landlords. Find out how to apply for this insurance today.

In Search of the Abominable Snowman

Yeti hunters are no strangers to the icy wastes of Siberia and the Himalayas in search of this most elusive of creatures.

The yeti – or Abominable Snowman – has eluded mankind since the first sighting in the 1920s, despite numerous expeditions which have unearthed giant footprints in the snow but never any definitive evidence of these towering beasts.

Villagers in Siberia have long been convinced of the yeti’s existence, claiming these Neanderthal-type beings roam the nearby desolate landscapes in search of food.

Sightings are rare – but have increased three-fold in the last 20 years – and only last year the largest official expedition in over half a century attempted to follow their trail.

Conditions are some of the harshest on the planet – temperatures drop to as low as – 40°c…but a team of international experts from Russia, China and the U.S. worked together in October in a quest to turn legend into fact.

Pushing the Boundaries of Human Endurance
In merciless, unrelenting conditions, these modern-day explorers were wearing clothing and carrying equipment built to battle elements that are amongst the most extreme known to man. It was all a far cry from days gone by when early explorers pushed the boundaries of human endurance in ill-equipped clothing and the most basic gear, including hob-nailed boots and pitifully inadequate oilskins.

Sightings of the legendary wildman of the snow – cousin to North America’s Big Foot or Sasquatch – were first documented in a 1921 British expedition to the Himalayas.
Said to be Homo Sapiens’ closest relative, Homo Neanderthalenis has been described as a large, hairy, biped humanoid, a hirsute beast up to seven feet tall, and part ape, part bear and part man.

Giant Footsteps in the Snow
Only a few weeks before last year’s multi-national expedition, one led - somewhat bizarrely - by Russian heavyweight boxing champion Nikolai Valuev found giant footsteps in the snow…but nothing more concrete.

The latest team of scientists concentrated on an area of western Siberia 3,000 miles and four time zones east of Moscow. They too, according to reports, drew a blank.

So how do you cope as a modern-day, fact-finding yeti hunter – and what do you wear to protect yourself from the biting winds and numbing cold?

The icy landscapes certain to be encountered bring a whole new meaning to the term ‘breath-taking.’ Without the right facial protection your breath will freeze, and any exposed skin will suffer irreparable damage from frostbite.

The further you travel above sea level, the harder it becomes to breathe at all due to the lack of atmospheric pressure, and hallucinations and inhibited mental function are common-place in the ever-thinning air.

Perhaps the most famous brands manufacturing footwear and apparel for such extreme conditions are The North Face, whose cold-weather clothing is legendary amongst explorers and adventurers, Scarpa – renowned for their Jorasses and Phantom mountain boots – and Berghaus and Rab, both long trusted by those who set out to conquer the challenges faced at the most far-flung corners of the earth.

The Extrem Asguard collection from Berghaus was developed from a prototype that was used on the first free ascent of the North Tower of Mount Asguard on the Artic’s Baffin Island.

Rab’s Neutrino Endurance meanwhile is the benchmark down jacket for modern mountaineering and lightweight ascents, while their Neutrino Plus has been designed for use in Polar conditions, at altitude and for extreme Alpine-style conditions.

The North Face Nuptse and Nuptse 2 will also deliver core warmth in a lightweight, compressible classic guaranteed to provide high altitude insulation.

• A team of scientists from OxfordUniversity and the Lausanne Museum of Zoology in Switzerland are currently analysing a collection of ‘yeti’ remains found by a Belgian-French biologist over a period of 50 years.

Using breakthrough technology which has led to recent advances in forensic science, they are attempting to identify remnants of bone and hair collected by Bernard Heuvelmans between 1950 and 2001.

• Russian politician Aman Tuleyev is offering a one million ruble reward - about $31,500 - to anyone who finds proof that the Yeti actually exists.

The governor of Kemerovo, where several ‘sightings’ of the creature have been made, told his local television station: “We need to sit down with him, drink some tea and talk about life."

Nicki Williams writes for Gear-Zone, where extreme adventurers will find the very best gear from brands including The North Face, Rab, Berghaus, Scarpa  and Montane.

Photo source: Compfight

Top 5 Movies With Public Health Disasters

cc licensed flickr photo shared by scragz

Hollywood has always had a passion for the theme of public health disasters, and moviegoers for the most part cannot get enough of these films. There are many to choose from, but this list picks the following 5 as the best public health disaster movies:

1) Contagion
This movie was released in 2011 and is such an epic masterpiece that it made its way onto the blog of the Center For Disease Control (CDC) itself. It starts innocently enough with a casino chef preparing a pig for one of his meals. He is interrupted by a businesswoman, and a handshake is all it takes to set off a global epidemic as the contagion spreads. A pig-bat virus leads to millions of deaths as characters search for means to stop the spread.

2) The Crazies
A 2010 movie that resembles many of the zombie apocalypse films that have become so common place. The story is action packed and keeps the viewer on the edge of his seat hoping that small-town Iowa inhabitants can make an escape from the epidemic that was spread through an infected water supply. The movie has somewhat of a gimmicky ending, but the plot seems to make up for it. There is also a 1973 version that is worth a watch if this one suits the appetite.

3) Outbreak
This one is a classic from 1995. The star-filled cast includes Dustin Hoffman and Morgan Freeman. Virologists search for the host animal that started the outbreak and are left with more questions than answers as they begin to unravel a government conspiracy to bomb the town that is subject to the outbreak. Quick thinking is key in the excellent storyline in the race to solve the mystery before the town is swept clean.

4) Splinter
This movie is what one gets when a couple and an escaped convict are placed in a gas station with a deadly parasite. Fighting to escape the doom of becoming infected and evolving into hosts, this movie is more on the terror side than the previous entries. Zombies and the parasitic splinter make for fun for the whole entourage as a series of character's lives are cleverly intertwined as their goal becomes the same.

5) Blindness
This movie has an interesting take on an epidemic. Rather than becoming zombies, victims are disabled by a sudden white blindness if they are infected. A "society of the blind" is created by the victims who have been quarantined to their own portion of society, and it becomes a free for all survival story. The protagonist infiltrates the camp while keeping her vision, and it is that secret which becomes the key to the blind society's liberation.

Public health outbreaks certainly make for some of the more interesting plot devices. Good renditions leave viewers wonder whether something similar could happen in their real lives. Technology and viruses are mutating into things never seen before, and so, may the world is not far away from such a scenario.

Lindsay Foote is a trauma nurse and guest contributor at MPH Online, a site with information about getting a masters degree in public health.

I Ain't Afraid of No Ghost

We have a fascination with the idea of a haunted house. At Halloween we like to go to haunted houses. We make movies like the Amityville Horror and weird movies like the Burbs. Laws have been passed requiring a potential home buyer if there has been a murder in a house.  Would you ever live in a reputedly haunted house? What if you got a great deal on it? Never fear though because most “supernatural” events can be naturally explained, but only most.

Everyone has probably heard a creak or a groan coming from a door or the attic or even the basement. Sure it could be the reanimated remains of a zombie coming to eat your brains, but it probably isn’t. In fact, it is probably just weather related, especially if you have an older home with a lot of wood in it. What happens is that during colder weather the wood expands and puts pressure on the support around it and creates creaks as it expands. During warmer weather it will creak as it shrinks back down. In fact, during the winter it is common for doors and windows to stick due to the expansion. Another common creak maker is hardwood floors. They always creak under the weight of steps. Wooden staircases are another common culprit.

Things that go bump in the night could be a madman dragging an axe behind him coming to get you but more likely not. If it is windy then it probably trees or bushed brushing against the roof or walls. Routine trimming will keep that problem down to a minimum. Overhanging dead branches will often snap and break off, only to land on your roof as well.

Few things can make a disturbing ruckus like wildlife can. A cat’s meow may sound like a banshee’s wail in the night. That shadow see moving outside is most likely a possum. Raccoons in particular can be a noisy nuisance. They can knock over trash gets, dig through trash and rustle around in the bushes. If your motion sensor lights suddenly it’s probably not a werewolf, more likely it is just a random rabbit or armadillo. Okay the bat flying around at night might be vampire but that’s about it. If not it might be a ghoul coming to collect the mortgage.

 Many other things have perfectly natural explanations as well. Two liter, plastic bottles often pop with air bubbles filling out. Ice will make noise as it drops into the refrigerator dispenser. If you ever feel something touch your head in the night it is your head board. Unless you don’t have a head board, then you better run.

Jefferson Jordan writes and hides from zombies in Southern California. He mainly writes about education. monster slaying, and alchemy. One place to find a good, scare free home is Brookfield Homes.

Real Estate Investor's Guide To Selling A Zombie Fortified Home

With the threat of a zombie attack looking more and more real in today’s uncertain world, having a well-fortified home is an absolute necessity. Real estate investors understand the need to sell homes that buyers are seeking, so why not a zombie fortified home for those enthusiasts looking to be prepared? Zombie fortified dwellings don’t always scream "buy me" as buyers, even those preparing for the end of days, prefer homes that look attractive. Following are a few tips and ideas to make any home more fortified against a zombie apocalypse while remaining visually appealing for the still living. 

Highlight the Best Features
This is good advice no matter what type of home you are selling. Any dwelling capable of repelling an attack by the living undead will have its positive features. Suburban homes are already built in good neighborhoods and hooked up to running water and electricity. They are also attractive, spacious and easy to modify. Try to downplay the fact that these homes will be right at ground zero when the time comes.

Bunkers and castles are very sturdy, and castles also have the added charm of turrets and a moat to stop the mindless undead. They are also built in strategic and easily defensible locations so homeowners can see the zombie attack coming for miles. When the question of upkeep and heating costs arises, focus on the long-lasting, reliability of the stone walls.

Location! Location! Location!
Savvy real estate investors can always play up the positive aspects of a home’s location. It doesn’t matter where buyers are living when the zombie horde arrives, these investors will already have made the sale. In suburban and city areas, point out the close proximity of conveniences like gas stations, schools and grocery stores. Also point out that buyers will be more likely to find and band up with other survivors in these high-population areas. In the countryside, focus on the freedom, room to grow crops and start new communities. Also point out that there will be fewer roving zombies to worry about and lots more time to spot them before they get close enough to eat homeowners.

If real estate investors happen to be dealing with recreational vehicles (RVs), they can point out their mobility. Owners have the conveniences of home no matter where they go. Just don’t mention the low miles per gallon and complications that come from running out of gas.

With a little forethought, investors can spin any location to show its positive benefits. Just remember to make that sale and get the heck out the area before zombies attack.

Improvements to Raise Property Value
Finally, investors should suggest that current owners make a few improvements to the property. Improved fortification can help raise the value of any dwelling. Consider adding extra defenses to a property to keep out the undead. Things such as bars on the windows, heavy locking shutters, stone walls, and metal fences are all instant ways of adding value.

The more long-term survival minded will appreciate other additions to the home. Adding a back up power generator and rainwater collection system increases the odds of survival for any homeowner. Those that want to maintain their current quality of life will love solar power panels or wind power added to a property to supply electricity indefinitely.

Selling a zombie fortified home before the apocalypse is easy. Investors just need to understand how their buyers think and how they can play up the positive features of any fortified dwelling. Look at the best features of the property. Play up the positive sides of location. Consider adding improvements. The important part is making the sale sooner rather than later. We don’t all live forever.

Photo Credit: Paul Goyette via Flicker Creative Commons

About the author: When not catching late night zombie flicks and preparing for World War Z,  Sam is a real estate agent for great neck apartments.

The Morbid Wishes of Motorists

If the Egyptians had the technology of the 21st century, King Tut would have been buried in the pyramid with a Rolls Royce so he could travel in style in the afterlife. In the modern world, you don’t have to be a Pharaoh to be buried with your prized possessions, and many decide to take advantage of this with their favorite car. Here we’ll look at some instances of people who loved their cars so much that they chose to be buried with them.

David Morales Colon

Bikers are very loyal to their motorcycles, so much so that they’ll sometimes go as far as being buried with them. A 22 year-old Puerto Rican man was murdered and his family placed a special request with the parlour arranging the funeral: they wanted their slain son posed on the bike. That’s right, the picture above purportedly depicts a dead man, manipulated into a disarmingly convincing riding pose. We’re not entirely sure that we buy this story (the man on the bike just looks too lifelike!) but, if true, it’s one hell of a way to go!

Sandra West

If you were going to be buried with any car, a powder blue 1964 250GT Ferrari would be the way to go. Sandra West did just that as her final wishes to be buried in her favorite car dressed in her lace nightgown behind the wheel. Sandra was a Texas millionaire oil heiress and was reportedly very beautiful. It is no wonder that she wanted to go out with a bang in one of the coolest cars of all time.

Lonnie Holloway

This Saluda, SC native passed away after 90 years of life with the request to be buried with his favorite car and guns. He was lowered into a massive grave in the 1973 Catalina with all of his guns loaded in the truck so that they wouldn’t get into the wrong hands. If what the ancient Egyptians believed to be true about the afterlife, then Lonnie would be armed and ready for whatever dangers came his way.

Murdered Man in Florida

Some people love to customize their cars with all of the bells and whistles to create a truly unique and personalized vehicle. If you are going to go to all of that effort, why not be buried in your car? In Florida, an unfortunate 32 year old man was gunned down in front of his house. Before the event, he made special requests to be buried in his custom Chevy.

Rose Martin

Cars can carry a strong sentimental value for some people, especially for ones that have been with their owners for a very long time. Rose Martin, who died in 1998 at the ripe 84 years old, requested to be buried in her 1962 Corvair Monza, a car that she drove around her home town of Fall River, Mass for some 36 years.

Donna Mae Mims

Donna Mae Mims was a motoring enthusiast known in her time as 'The Pink Lady of sports car racing'. When she died at the age of 82, there was only ever one possibility for her funeral: she had to be buried in her signature car in her signature colour. Donna Mae Mims now rests peacefully behind the wheel of her beloved pink corvette.

'The Final Ride: Last Wishes of Devoted Drivers' was brought to you by the morbidly curious team at Vroomvroomvroom.co.uk, providing cheap car hire in Liverpool, London, Manchester and elsewhere around the UK.

Astrology - Why People Love it So

Just like the moon and the sun affect all life on Earth and the tides, these celestial beings have an effect on humans, their emotions and their overall makeup. Astrology is the study of how all these different forces work to make your life what it is. The study is about you as a person as well as the current environmental situations that make things harder or easier for you. When you understand more about where you come from and why you are the way you are, you can better focus your life and energy to be the person you want to be. Astrology does not tell you what your life has to be but rather helps you navigate the rough waters of life with a little more purpose.

When you were Born
The placement of the stars when you were born puts you in a particular zodiac sign which gives you a simplified list of some of your personality traits. While these traits manifest differently in every person, there are certain things that are similar. By recognizing these traits you can decide how you want to work them so that you are as successful as possible. For example, if you are a Taurus you are most likely stubborn. Just knowing this can help you open up to those around you and try and put aside your differences if you know you are just digging in because of your tendencies rather than fact.

Why Does this Pull Effect You?
The gravitational pull to your person is based on when you were born and the placement of the stars at that time. Astrology puts a lot of emphasis on how this gravity affects your path throughout your life. As the stars move around this changes your mood and your purpose. By knowing what these effects are you can plan to focus your energies according to where your strengths lie at any given time in your life.

What Your Horoscope Means
Horoscopes are generalized studies for your sign as a whole. They give you information regarding what the stars pull is currently doing to you and people like you. These changes can affect your relationships both personally and at work. There are times when it is better to be more outgoing while other times it is better to be reflective. Astrology tries to guide you in a direction that will be the best use of your time rather than wasting your time if the stars are not in the right place for you right now.

The Study of Birthdays
Astrology also believes in the placement of certain traits based on your birthday as well. Zodiac signs are a general belief for a whole group of people while birthdays can be much more specific. Those born on certain days tend to have some similar traits and can focus their particular skills in one way. If everyone under every sign was exactly the same we would only have 12 personality types which is not realistic. The study of more specific Astrology accounts for all the differences between humans as a whole. There are certain areas of your sign that affect you more than others.

Your Year and Your Life Path
Even further than your date of birth is your year of birth. When you are born the stars are differently placed depending on the year and this pull can push you in a particular direction. These are considered your destiny paths and when paired with your birthday information can be quite accurate in determining the type of life you can lead. When you look at the whole picture you can make some decisions based on what is likely to work best for you.

Many people don't believe in Astrology. Those who do tend to use it as a basic blue print for choices they make. This does not mean that it is the end all but it is a good guidepost when you are facing rough decisions or you are trying to determine your next step. It sometimes gives you just the inspiration you need to keep moving forward and get where you want to in your life.

Want to learn more about Astrology?

This post was written by Love Horoscope, a fun website with hundreds of articles about Zodiac signs, Astrology, horoscopes and more! Visit their site today or check them out on Facebook to get free daily horoscopes!

Coolest Offices-Don’t You Wish You Worked There Unless of Course You Do!

We spend about a third of our lives working and for most of us, this means working in an office of some form or another. Going to work is often a chore whereby we try to make the day pass as quickly as possible waiting anxiously for 5pm to arrive. It’s not like this for everyone though as there are offices out there which will completely blow your mind! This top 10 list gives us an insight into some of these amazing places of employment.

Living Social

Designed by OTJ Architects, Living Social has created a workspace for its employees full of colour and character. The office is completely bike friendly with internal parking bays. The floors are hard wearing and polished and metro maps can be seen on the walls. Meeting areas are referred to as parks with traditional, generic office furniture being replaced with bespoke antique pieces. All in all a fantastic, workable yet fun environment to be in.

Nike

Image Source

Now based in Carnaby Street, the sports manufacturing giant has injected a wealth of influence in their London office. Employees will have the benefit of large TV’s available to watch big games and large open spaces conducive to a chilled working environment.

McLaren

McLaren’s HQ in Surrey is a perfect example of how things should be done. Not unlike their exploits on the track, their technology centre sets the standard. Apart from the stunning glass structure surrounded by a selection of artificial lakes, McLaren is a leading employer. As an aspiring engineer, this would be the place to nurture your skills in the best possible environment.

FactSet

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The company is not the best payer on the list but is has a young vibe and encourages progression within. There is also a free top class restaurant style canteen. Employees have said that the offices are very similar to a university campus which in itself will be a draw to many young people.

Boston Consulting Group

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Not only do they have cool, sophisticated offices but every Friday, the employees are treated to a free beer cart as part of a weekly happy hour. There are more concrete incentives too since every employee once hired will earn $139,000 a year for their basic salary.

DreamWorks

DreamWorks Central Fountain

DreamWorks is a great place to work due to the simple fact that employees are genuinely valued for what they do. New starters are given the personal treatment from the CEO and all workers are given daily updates via email. Despite being a large organisation, there is a warm intimate feeling amongst the workers.

Facebook

Facebook

The Facebook offices are the envy of many a workplace. One of the reasons is that it is the product of the desires of the workers themselves. The company asked employees on its own website what they wanted in an office. The result was clear open spaces complete with iPhone docking stations and a DJ station which enables cool tunes whilst you work.

Pixar

Pixar Studios

This is one of the few places where you can immerse in your inner child. It’s a tranquil, calming environment where workers will inevitably experience an absence of stress. It’s almost like going to playgroup but for adults.

Groupon

Groupon Office

The Groupon office culture is completely whacky. Following on from their huge commercial success in recent years, their offices have come to be a reflection of their fun approach to work. All the meeting rooms are themed and there is even one based on 1980’s teenage boy’s room. White boards are present all around as an outlet for spurs of creativity or just plain scribbling!

Google

Google Office

Google really is a great place to work. It truly is outstanding and justifiably at the top of the list. This is a place where people are desperate to get their feet through the front door and with good reason. Complete with a games room, free food from eleven gourmet restaurants, free onsite doctors, and its own gym, why would you want to go home? This company even allows you to wear your pyjamas to work!

This cool article was put together by British Antique Replicas; retailers of reproduction office furniture.

Top 5 - Famous Movie Shoes

Over the years there have been a great number of films that feature some pretty memorable footwear! Whether these shoes were an integral part of the plot, or not, we will be having a quick look over some of the most famous big screen soles!

Wizard of Oz
There's no place like home! The red Ruby slippers featured in the 1939 classic 'The Wizard of Oz' are perhaps the most famous pair of movie-shoes out there. In the film the slippers, given to Dorothy by 'Glinda' the Good Witch of the North, have magical powers. It's not until the end of the film however that it is revealed to Dorothy that by clicking her heels three times and chanting "there's no place like home", that she can in fact travel back to Kansas.

It's perhaps interesting to know that in the original novel the slippers were in fact silver. Due to the recent advances in cinema technology the film was being filmed with the new process available known as 'Technicolor'. As a result the creators of The Wizard of Oz decided to make the slippers a brilliant Ruby colour so as to take full advantage of all that Technicolor had to offer.

Cinderella
Cinderella has a long and varied history, being first published in a recognisable form to the modern version in 1697. I'll quickly skip the main bulk of the story and get to the slipper. Having attended the ball, Cinderella meets the Prince and as expected they hit it off. As midnight approaches, Cinderella realises that the spell cast upon her by the Fairy Godmother will soon run out. In her haste to leave before the prince sees her in her true form, Cinderella loses one of her glass slippers.

The Prince was obviously a little confused as to why Cinderella had just took off and left! So after finding the slipper she lost, he starts a mission to find her. The prince searches all over his Kingdom to find the owner of the slipper. Upon arriving at Cinderella's house, her ugly step sisters try very hard to fit the slipper, attempting to win the Prince over. Of course Cinderella fits the slipper perfectly, she then marries the Prince, and they all lived happily ever after.

Saturday Night Fever
Although this one isn't strictly about specific shoes, I can't help but stare at the high heeled platforms in Saturday Night Fever. These iconic shoes certainly deserve to be in the list of famous movie footwear. John Travolta's style rounds up '70s disco fashion perfectly, with bell-bottom jumpsuits, large collars, and high heeled platforms. Even with all this gear he still manages to gracefully dance around the stage with clockwork precision. Apparently the only scene that doesn't actually feature John Travolta's feet and his iconic footwear is one where he is comparing his shoe, to a shoe in a shop window.

Back to the Future
A famous shoe from Back to the Future 2 is the 'Nike Air Mag'. Worn by Marty McFly when he arrives in 2015, the shoe incorporates power laces, laces which automatically tighten when the wearer puts their foot in. In addition to this feature the shoe also has light up elements to its design. Whilst wearing the shoes in 2015 Marty McFly has a run in with Biff and his gang, another famous accessory of this scene is the Mattel branded hover-board which McFly uses to escape.

As part of a drive to raise money for Parkinson's disease research and treatment, Nike released a limited run of the trainer, called the Air Max 2015. This didn't feature an auto-lacing feature but did contain the light up elements of the shoe. Owning one a pair of these trainers would truly be a great addition to any Back to the Future fan's memorabilia collection.

Austin Powers - International Man of Mystery
This is only a brief appearance of a shoe admittedly, but a funny one so it had to be included! Right at the end of the first Austin Powers film, the 'International Man of Mystery', a deadly assassin enters the room. In a scene parodying the appearance of 'OddJob' in James Bond Goldfinger, the assassin takes a shoe (instead of a hat!) and throws it at Austin, doing very little damage. This action only makes Austin a little disgruntled! It's an excellent parody and scene, and for that reason deserves to be included in the top 5 movie shoes.

Citations:

• Photograph of Dorothy's Slippers by dbking

With '70s fashion making a return, high heeled platforms are back!  Head over to Peppermint for a fabulous selection of high heeled platforms.

The Strange World Of Zombie Walks

The rise of the internet and social networking has helped encourage the spread of some pretty weird and wonderful activities, but perhaps none as eccentric as ‘Zombie Walks’. For those of you that haven’t heard of this phenomenon, it basically refers to any organized event where zombie fanatics meet up dressed as the undead, and then proceed to go on a walk through a pre-determined route. Most of the walks take place in busy metropolitan centres. The zombie walkers pay a lot of attention to the quality and authenticity of their zombie outfits, and go to great lengths to perfect their zombie walking style and zombie moaning. As you can imagine, the sight of 80 to 100 zombies walking through your town centre is enough to strike the fear of god into most people, and the activity has created quite a lot of controversy as a result!

So how did this strange phenomenon come about in the first place? Well, the very first zombie walk was held back in 2001 in Sacramento, in the United States. It was organised by Bryna Lovig and it held the official title of ‘The Zombie Parade’. The event was so successful that it quickly became an annual event in the city. This first walk was actually commercial in nature- the idea was to promote a specific film festival in the area, but the idea was soon taken up by non-commercial organisations as well. As time has passed the zombie walks have become more and more sophisticated. Some of the walkers even ‘re-enact’ scenes from classic zombie films! In such cases people will be designated the task of acting ‘the victim’- they will wear easily ‘tear-able’ human clothes, and upon a specific signal these poor victims will be ‘attacked’ by the mob of zombies. Of course, this is all staged, but must be one hell of a sight nonetheless!

In recent years the phenomenon has gained even greater popularity (some would say notoriety) to the extent that most big international cities have now played host to such events. There’s no doubt that popular social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, have helped to spread the word. The current world record for the biggest zombie walk stands at 9,806 participants, a record that was set in November 2011 in Mexico, but even now there are plans for a Zombie Walk with over 20,000 participants!

Although the exact motivation behind this activity can only be guessed at, one thing is for sure. This is one phenomenon that’s here to stay! Let’s just hope that the zombies don’t take over the entire planet!

About Matt

Matt runs a site that is dedicated to finding the very best zombie costumes and accessories out there. You’ll also find one or two zombie related articles there as well! You can find the site at:

http://www.scaryzombiecostumes.co.uk

Skin Ink: Where do Tattoos Come From?

Tattoos of stars, tribal shapes, ships and swallows; contemporary tattoos are everywhere, cults have even built up around them.

From Goth and Emo to Ladettes and Skaters, tattoos have spread across many various British scenes, and seem prevalent across a diverse array of cultures from Polynesian to European.

But where does the practise actually originate, and do the common symbols used for tattoos actually mean?

Image: Oliver Kvlt


Ancient Customs
The practise of tattooing has ancient historical roots, emerging as a method of skin marking over 5,000 years ago.

Due to the positioning of tattoos found on a Bronze Age mummy, it seems they were originally applied for therapeutic reasons.

Purely decorative tattoos emerged some time later, as shown by 2, 5000 year old mummies found in Russia. Animals, magical creatures and mythological beings became common symbols and are thought to have had spiritual significance.

Some ancient Egyptian mummies are marked with geometric tattoos that were probably applied for ceremonial or ritualistic reasons.   It was from the vast Egyptian empire that the art of tattooing spread across the world to Asia and Polynesia.

Tribal tattoos originate from these areas. Intricate patterns and lines on the body and face were common throughout Polynesia and denoted status as well as having spiritual significance.

Many of the tribal designs we see today are modifications of Polynesian and Maori tattoos that were prevalent in the nineteenth century.

Explorers and Sailors
Tattooing in Europe got lost in Europe until the golden age of exploration when captains and sailors, including Captain Cook, visited Polynesian islands and Asia and rediscovered it. They reported to have seen ‘natives’ decorated in intricate patterns. Cook is the first European to have used the word ‘tattoo’ in a report of 1769.

Tattoos became popular amongst the English gentry and aristocracy in the following generations, and even the men of the royal family were decorated!

Sailors began acquiring tattoos on their voyages to distant lands to show where they had travelled and how far.

The traditions then evolved to incorporate the popular symbols that we associate with vintage tattoos today. Seafaring was such a dangerous profession that many superstitions built up around it, and symbolic tattoos were thought to have great meaning and protective qualities.


Image: Oliver Kvlt

Star: The star was a popular sailor tattoo and symbolised the North Star. Sailors believed that it would help to guide them home.

Swallow: Each swallow indicated that a sailor had travelled 5,000 miles.

HOLD FAST was tattooed on knuckles to remind sailors to hold tightly to the rope.

Pig and Rooster: These animals were tattooed on a sailor’s foot and were believed to protect against drowning.

Anchor: A symbol to show that a sailor is in the merchant marines.

Dragon:  An indication that a sailor had travelled to China or Japan, where tattooing had developed into a respected art form.

Criminals and Gangs
In the twentieth century, tattoos became popular with gangs and criminals to denote loyalty and affiliation. Amongst prisoners, tattoos became a way to mark out individuality and to show how much time they had served.  

A spider’s web is a common example of a prisoners tattoo.

Circus
Tattooed individuals became common aspects of circus freak shows.

Show folk thus began the tradition of getting tattoos and the phenomenon of ‘painted ladies’ emerged.

Designs then moved away from sailor symbols to decorative images such as feathers, animals, patriotic motifs and flowers.

Today we get all kinds of things tattooed on to us, what’s the most bizarre tattoo you’ve ever seen?

Anne Standing writes blog posts for Cartridge Shop and she has a particular interest in art, printing and tattoos. 

Tablecloths, Illusion and Telepathy: Why Scientists Make the Best Magicians

Image by: trialsanderrors

It’s magic, and science?
Ask most people what magic is and they’ll probably answer that it’s something ‘impossible’ or ‘unanswerable’ - anything that can’t be explained rationally.

Then, ask the same person what they understand by ‘science’ and they’ll answer completely differently, describing it as rational thought and reasoning- a way of understanding the world based on observation and research.

How could the two be compatible?

Interestingly, many of the world’s most iconic magic tricks are entirely based around science. Here’s how.

The Tablecloth Trick
Picture a banquet table laden with cutlery, bowls and candles. Could you whip out the tablecloth without disturbing the items on top?

Although it seems baffling, Newton’s First Law of Motion explains the whole trick.

It works according to the principle of ‘inertia’, described by Newton as the tendency for an object to remain at rest until a force acts directly upon it.

When a magician quickly yanks the tablecloth he is relying on the principle of inertia to keep the objects in place.

The swift motion is key to this trick; any slower and the items would move too far, causing them to fall over.
The tablecloth you use also makes a difference- slippery surfaces are best!

Why not try it yourself by experimenting with different tablecloths? (Plastic wipe clean tablecloths recommended!).

Understanding a Magician’s Illusions
In a recent interview, Teller, a famous magician, revealed how scientific research helps him to understand why people fall for visual illusions.      

He says that "at the core of every trick is a cold, cognitive experiment in perception."

Magic and illusion are based on a scientific understanding of the way people perceive things. By manipulating perception, we can alter people’s understanding of what’s ‘real’ and what’s not.

The popular Balducci Levitation trick is a prime example of this. When it comes down to it, this illusion is caused by two things: the magician’s angle in relation to the audience and the precise positioning of his feet.

It’s all about perception, angles and precision!

Telepathy and Hypnosis: The Scientific Study of the Mind
Derren Brown is well known for his mindreading and hypnotic capabilities.

When watching him, it is easy to assume that he possesses baffling psychic or paranormal abilities. But Brown himself has frequently reiterated how he has no such abilities. In fact, he is a complete sceptic.

Brown’s success is due to his deep knowledge of human psychology and understanding of how to predict and influence people’s thoughts via suggestion and manipulation. He has also studied how to read physical clues provided by body language to determine what someone is thinking.

Magic Explained
Rather than being impossible masters of the unexplainable, magicians draw on rational, scientific principles. They are thus scientists, but with a unique mission.

It’s not their aim to make the world clearer and simpler. Rather, magicians aim to captivate their audience’s imagination and to recreate a sense of wonder.

Think that there are certain magic tricks that can’t be explained by science? Challenge me below.

Amalia Dempsey writes for Wipe Easy Tablecloths, leading supplier of colourful and attractive wipe clean tablecloths. Interested in learning how to perform the perfect tablecloth trick? Oddly enough, just a little bit of science might make the whole thing a lot easier.

The History Of Ink – From The Dark Ages To The Printer Era

Courtesy of Prisse Payrus Wikipedia page

There are many academic quibbles over the ultimate origins of ink. Various nationalities, cultures and religions have all claimed credit for its invention at some point in time.

Since ink derived from cephalopod sacs has been available and usable, for a very long time, it is not really possible to work out when exactly making deliberate marks with ink was “invented”.

What is possible is to trace at least some of the human history of ink through time: the art, the written records, the political intrigue and upheaval.

The Ancient World
Although Chinese philosopher Tien-Lcheu is thought to have invented ink as early as 2697 B.C., the earliest writing on paper is probably the Prisse Papyrus.

The unassuming scrap of papyrus this text was written on dates back to the twelfth dynasty of Egypt, or around 2000-1800 B.C.E. Unfortunately it doesn’t contain a spell to preserve the possessor from he who is in the water, but only advice on how to live a quiet life of modesty and moderation, obey the law, and maintain strict discipline and self-control.

This is much less metal, and also has fewer useful practical applications.

Early writings were frequently used to communicate conservative philosophies, instructions and thinly veiled political treatises.

Ink’s role as a tool of authority and political influence forms a notable contrast with some of its later incarnations...

From Dark Age To Renaissance
There are comparatively few printed records from the period referred to by Petrarch as the time of “darkness and dense gloom”. The art of writing survived, however, in lavish works such as the Book of Kells. Works like these, mostly created by Christian monks, featured lush Celtic knot-work and step patterns alongside elaborately ornamented lettering.

At about the same time, Muslim scholars were developing their own narratives and traditional histories, especially of the Prophet Mohammed’s life and times. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world from Britain, Japan was enjoying its own golden age or “Heian period”, the source of most Japanese classical literature and arguably the first piece of science fiction.

The ink used in Europe was mostly iron gall ink, which unfortunately was acidic and must have destroyed many works. The same ink was responsible for severely damaging the original works of JS Bach.

In terms of culture and writing, then, the Dark Ages seem at first to have been misnamed. However, their gentle glow must have seemed pitch black compared to the blinding light emanating from the late Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Thanks to Gutenberg’s revolutionary printing press, the flow of ideas became far freer, and the dominance of religious thinking in the West began to be challenged. The subsequent birth of Protestantism changed the history of many nations permanently.

It is also likely that, with the burgeoning middle classes’ exposure to the knowledge which ink could provide, came the learning necessary for the Renaissance. During the Renaissance, ideas became incredibly powerful, with secular humanists beginning to disseminate their opinions widely, and a flurry of pamphlets on politics, philosophy and art being published.

The Modern Age
With the advances made possible in the Renaissance, undoubtedly partly due to printing technology, printing became industrialised along with everything else. With the advance of printing technology came the advance of journalism as we know it today, true mass media and mass distribution of literature. Political ideals such as Marxism and Objectivism spread quickly.

Ink was also reconsidered and re-appropriated as a medium by several Western artists, most notably Van Gogh.

Left: Tree With Ivy In The Asylum (Van Gogh, 1889). Right: Fountain In The Garden Of The Hospital, St Remy (1889)

There are still artists working in pen and ink today, mostly drawing  architectural scenes, but with others doing work for extreme metal album art such as Justin Bartlett, grim landscapes, and abstract art. Interestingly, modern abstract art has many ties with early Celtic and Celtic Christian ink-based artworks, bringing the cycle back around.

The real reason for the Lord Of The Rings-inspired title of this post, though, is the (relatively) recent discovery of a 150 million year old squid, preserved well enough that the scientists were able to extract its ink sac.

Just as the ancient people of the earth may have done, they used its ink to make marks: a picture of the squid itself, and its name in Latin.

James MacGregor is a writer of many, possibly too many, blogs and articles. He writes blog posts for Cartridge Shop, a retailer of a range of printer cartridges which includes dell printer cartridges.