Lennon Wall: Leave Your Trace

Did you know that there is a wall devoted to John Lennon in Prague? It's the holy place for his fans.

Symbol of Lennon's pacifism and creativity.

For many years (the wall appeared in the 80s) many layers of inscriptions have been made and initial ones hardly can be read.

Almost everyone who comes here thinks he/she has to leave his trace here too...

However 90% of all the inscriptions are devoted to the Beatles, not Lennon.

Make tea, not war!

On the one hand it's pity that the wall is constantly renewed, but unity of people, though some of them can't make something beautiful, inspires. So it's always good to return here in some time to see how the wall has changed.

Armenian Towns: Capture And Plunder

Ararat is a snow-capped, dormant volcanic cone in Turkey. It has the biggest relative height in the world. Ararat is a symbol of Armenia that is why it is represented in the emblem of the country.

Everything here is so quite and peaceful. Storks build nests practically on every post.

An ad of Russian cars Lada.

The Azerbaijan frontier is in 40 km.

The mountain Ararat is an active volcano, its last eruption was registered in 1840. The mountain consists of two parts united in the foundation.

The height of the Big part under sea level is 5,137 metres, of the Small-3,927 metres.

Nakhchivan is the city in Azerbaijan that was an object of arguments between Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey. The city population decreased considerably and cultural, economic lags appeared because of internal problems.

Such traffic jams of trucks start from the Turkish frontier with Azerbaijan: trade with Turkey is practically the only way for earning money for Nakhchivan inhabitants.

Almost all the territory is occupied by dry fields. There are few houses, half of them are abandoned.

Apparently Azerbaijanis like Russian cars.

These places have the Bible topic. Here is Noah's ark.

The old Armenian Oğuzlu Church dated the 10th century. It had stood untouched till the 20th century, but after the earthquake in 1936 its dome and walls crashed down.

Remained ancient inscriptions.

Another church is Kizil Kilise damaged in 1877 during the Russian and Turkish war. Then it was restored and now is located in someone's garden.

The church is used as a storehouse.

The Bagnair monastery, the 10th century.

The Armenian alphabet.

Hexagonal Chapel.

Its roof and walls are rickety.

Huge number of unsuccessful defences and earthquakes transformed a prosperous town into ruins.

The church where the Armenian bishop's residence was.

The Menucer mosque and The church of the Holy Redeemer.

The building lacks a roof and some walls but it still didn't lose its greatness.

Decorations.

The frontier between Armenia and Turkey. All bridges are destroyed.

Remains of fortifications.

Zarathustric church dated the 1st century!

These places left a feeling of capture and plunder. However the views are very impressive.

United Buddy Bears - Exhibition In Berlin

United Buddy Bears is an unusual exhibition of bears that was held on 5 continents. This one was photographed in the building of the central railway station of Berlin. 

It consists of specially painted and designed bears, representatives of 150 UNO countries. Each bear image portrays the character of a country, its history and features. 

The bears standing paw to paw symbolize friendship and respect between the countries and optimism.

Such a bear, in fact, was created in Berlin and it is a symbol of the city. In the German capital such sculptures from glass-fibre plastic may often be seen in the streets. 

Some bears are especially interesting.

Russian bear looks angry for some reason...

German bear

France

The Netherlands

Poland

Switzerland

Ireland

Hellish Work In Egyptian Quarries

The workers employed in stone quarries of El Minya, Egypt, get low wages and work in awful conditions that are not addressed by safety regulations. Their human rights are not protected and they don't have health insurance.

Thousands of Egyptians including children work under unbearable conditions in the stone quarry located in El Minya just to make ends meet. Akhmad who is 11 years old throws scabbled stones in a stone crusher. The stone will be turned into powder for cement production and used as an additive in dyes and pharmaceuticals. 

The work is considered to be dangerous and low-paid. The workers get 20 to 30 Egyptian pounds or 3 to 5 US dollars a day. However, their income salary isn't stable and depends on the demand. Cleaners, security officers and low-level managers get a similar income. Nevertheless, the workers run higher professional risks such as tolerated traumas and irregular employment. The available alternatives are represented by farming and fishing allowing to get 12 Egyptian pounds per day depending on the season.

It's not even the regular violation of the workers' rights that constitutes a problem but the long-term and destructive influence on their health. Processing and lifting stone blocks lead to inter-vertebral disc displacement and back problems. 

Asthma, respiratory and pulmonary diseases are developed because of dust. A number of those people who lost their health while working in stone quarries can't be estimated by statistical data... However, chronic diseases are widely spread among the workers.

The highest percentage of injuries results from accidents and can be caused by electric current or stone cutting with daily fatalities and non-fatal severe traumas occurring at 172 registered and 220 unregistered regional opencast mines.

The saw of the stone crusher can maim anyone nearby.

Hard labor undermines the workers' health. The majority of them will not be able to work when they turn 40. A working shift lasts 9 to 10 hours. In summer they work from 4 a.m. till noon when the heat gets unbearable. A number of working days per week depends on the demand and varies from 4 to 6.

Those who work in stone quarries don't have a right for state health insurance. They belong to the informal employment sector. Nowadays the workers are not able to pay to the insurance company to purchase a health insurance plan. Mubarak's government was trying to introduce some changes into the system.

In spite of the fact that child labor is illegal, the families that are short of money keep sending their children to stone quarries instead of schools. Extensive amendments to Egypt's Child Law in June 2008 included establishing the minimum age of employment at 15. Children of 13 are permitted to be employed in seasonal work that doesn't threaten their health, growth, or school attendance. However, in some cases children under 7 still participate in such work. Wadi El-Nil Association protects the rights of those children who work in quarries.

Wadi El-Nil Association promotes the issues in protective clothing and supplies the mothers of the kids engaged in quarry work with micro-credit lines and professional development opportunities giving them a chance to increase their income in future.

10 Most Fantastic Bridges of the World

Bridges might not get the respect the world’s tallest skyscrapers get but these horizontalarchitectural wonders push the engineering envelope just as hard. From “Galloping Gertie” to the Golden Gate, these 10 bridges prove the journey is often more interesting than the destination.So here are some of the most fantastic bridges of the world. I hope you will like it. If I have left your favorite then do share with us in comment section.

Brooklyn Bridge, New York

When is comes to beauty no bridge is better than New York’s Brooklyn Bridge. The 5,989 ft structure took 13 years to build. For 20 years it reigned as the longest suspension bridge in the world. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Washington

Opened on July 1st, 1940, the mile-long suspension bridge quickly garnered the name “Galloping gertie” due to the way the bridge deck oscillated in windy weather.

Ponte Octavio Frias de Oliveira, Sao Paulo

A stunning sight for the eyes, especially when lit up at night, the Ponte Octavio Frias de Oliveira in Sao Paulo, Brazil is the world’s first x-shaped cable stayed bridge with two crossed lanes.

Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo

Standing out from Tokyo’s brilliant nighttime neon glow isn’t easy but the Rainbow Bridge accomplishes it with ease. When the sun goes down, a lighting system on the bridge switches on and bathes the bridge in rainbow colors.

Beipanjiang River Railroad Bridge, China

The Beipanjiang River Railroad Bridge in Guizhou, China, ranks with the world’s longest arch bridges but stands out due to its spectacular scenic beauty. 

Gateshead Millennium Bridge, UK

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is often called the “Blinking Eye Bridge” due to its unusual method of operation. Due to its smallish size and method of operation, the entire structure was set in place in one piece.

Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, Brazil

The Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge displays an appealing, modernistic design that complements that of Brazil’s master-planned capital, Brasilia. The bridge has a length of 3,900 ft and was named to commemorate former president Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira.

Alamillo Bridge, Spain

Built for practical and aesthetic reasons for Expo 92, the “Puente del Alamillo” is a strikingly beautiful cantilever spar cable-stayed bridge that only has one pylon.

Hangzhou Bay Bridge, China

At 22 miles, The Hangzhou Bay Bridge is the longest ocean-crossing bridge in the world.It reduces travel times from the Yangtse River Delta area around Shanghai to the port city of Ningbo from 4 hours to a mere 2.5 hours.

Millau Viaduct, France

Designer Norman Foster specially incorporated a sweeping curve into the layout of the bridge so that drivers crossing it would get a good view of the picture-postcard perfect town. TheMillau Viaduct ranks as the world’s tallest vehicular bridge.

10 Most Romantic Places in Ireland

The beauty of the Irish landscape has an almost spiritual quality and a mythic resonance, which speaks of age-old legends and folklore. Each location in Ireland has a story to tell that has been handed down through the generations. Ireland is truly a heaven for romance. Here each scenery is full of stories.

So here I have compiled some of the most romantic places in Ireland. I may have missed out some so do share your favorite in comment section.

Lakes of Killarney

The Lakes of Killarney are a renowned scenic attraction located near Killarney, County Kerry, in Ireland. It is full of Lakes, green landscapes and mountains. It’s undoubtedly a perfect lover heaven.

Cliff of Moher

Cliff of Moher is sheer wonder of nature. It is beside a magnificent stretch of coastline. The cliffs rise 394 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and the view is spectacular. A must if you’re visiting Ireland’s west coast.

Castle Leslie, Co. Monaghan

Castle Leslie offers regal sanctuary in the most unusual, enchanting and luxurious accommodation set in 1,000 acres of ancient woodland and glittering lakes. Spoil yourself and spend a remarkable week-end living like a King and Queen.

Kinsale, Co. Cork

Kinsale is one of the most picturesque villages in Ireland with beautiful buildings, a golf course. Fantastic restaurants and intimate pubs snugly tucked away on its narrow streets. It’s a fantastic place to spend a few romantic nights.

Bunratty Castle, Co. Clare

Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Each evening medieval banquets are put on and you are treated as guests at a medieval court complete with singers and musicians. Phone ahead to the organizers and inform them of your intention to propose to your beloved and they will arrange a minstrel serenading your lady.

Ross Castle, Lough Sheelin, Co. Meath

Sleep a night in the haunted Ross Castle on the banks of Lough Sheelin. The ghost of Sabina Nugent is said to roam the flagstones of the castle. Sabina died of a broken heart and to this day she haunts the castle, searching of for her lover. How about spending a romantic evening snuggled away in such a palace of romance.

Waterford Castle

A 15th century castle, it sits on an island in the River Suir, and the castle can only be reached by its own private ferry. If you are planning a honeymoon, or you’re just a hopeless romantic, Waterford Castle is the place for you.

Inistiogue, County Kilkenny

Inistiogue is a great place to go with your nearest and dearest, set in amongst rolling green countryside and beautiful woodlands. It’s a favorite romantic haven for many Irish people and an ideal place to declare your love.

Adare Manor, County Limerick

At the Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort course, u will enjoy luxurious treatment rooms, world-class dining facilities, fishing, shopping, sightseeing and a host of other estate activities guaranteed to pamper you in style.

Whitefriar Church, Dublin

Go spend some time in the home of remains the actual patron saint of Lovers – Saint Valentine! His remains are interred in Whitefriar Street Church, Dublin. It has become a pilgrimage for those seeking love, celebrating love and indeed cursing love! But what an ideal place to propose to your beloved!

10 Most Famous Technology Shrines in the World

Ever wondered where were the foundation stones of today’s technology giants laid? What were the places where the seeds of some of the biggest technology innovations first germinated? No they were not plush offices, but small garages, apartments or hostel rooms where these companies were set up. These buildings today mirror the journey of a dream.

So here are some of the most famous Technology Shrines. Some of these are birth places of today’s IT giants while others are centers which exemplify technology prowess that world have attained over the years.

367 Addison Ave, Palo Alto, California

Here in this house in 1939 college friends Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard laid the foundation of today’s largest personal computer manufacturer, Hewlett-Packard. The garage served as research lab, development workshop and manufacturing facility for the company’s early products.
2066 Crist Dr, Los Altos, California

Apple Computer Inc was born in the company’s CEO Steve Jobs’ parent’s spare bedroom. The room was basically a garage attached to his home at 2066 Crist Dr, Los Altos, California.

232 Santa Margarita Avenue, Menlo Park, California

This is the address where in the year 1998, Larry Page and Sergey Brin joined hands to build what eventually became the world’s no. 1 search engine and Internet Company, Google.

CERN, Geneva, Switzerland

It is one of the world’s largest and most respected centers for scientific research. Here In 1990, physicist Tim Berners-Lee and systems engineer Robert Cailliau devised the concept of an information system based on hypertext links.

Xerox PARC, Palo Alto, California

Another technology Shrine is PARC (Palo Alto Research Center, Inc), popularly known as Xerox PARC. Here the first graphical user interface was invented and the first Ethernet cables were connected. This is also the place where first laser printer was invented.

Ames Lab, Iowa State University, Iowa

What makes Ames Lab part of the tech’s holy sites is that this is the place where John Vincent Atanasoff and Clifford Berry built the world’s first electronic digital computer between the years 1937 and 1942.
Moore School of Engineering, University of Pennsylvania

Regarded as the birthplace of the computer industry, the Moore School is where the first general-purpose digital electronic computer, the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer), was built between 1943 and 1946.
IBM’s Main Plant, Poughkeepsie

This was the first building of IBM in NY. In April 1953, the most advanced, most flexible high-speed computer in the world called the IBM 701 Electronic Data Processing Machine was unveiled here.
Room 2713, Dobie Hall, University of Texas

Dobie Center, a privately-owned twenty-seven story residence hall located adjacent to the University of Texas at Austin campus is the birthplace of today’s second largest PC maker, Dell.
Kirkland House, Harvard University

Ever wondered where is the birthplace of the world’s most popular social networking site Facebook that today boasts of 250 million users. Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook here at Harvard University in the year 2004.