1. Ashbourne’s Gatepost Skulls

Ashbourne is already a pretty mad place for other reasons (see below) but if you needed another reason to unnerve you and even send an ice-cold shiver down your spine, then the human skulls propping up the tops of the posts at Ashbourne church should do the trick. The hollow sockets stare out at you menacingly on your approach, boring you down and challenging you to enter the sacred grounds like a memento mori straight out of a Jacobean tragedy. They were apparently crafted by one Robert Bakewell in around 1700. Bakewell, you may recognise, is a bit of a name in these parts, more famously associated with the almond tarts, not skulls.

2. Chelmorton Stone Phone Box 

One of the symbols of Great Britain which are recognisable all around the world along with the teapot, James Bond, Beef Eaters from the Tower of London and the Queen, is the bright red phone box. There used to be a law that every population area needed to have at least one public phone box for emergency reasons. Being red, that obviously made it stand out a mile away, again because of emergencies. In Chelmorton they thought ‘to hell with that’ and built a stone one instead so that it would blend in with the architecture of the area.

3. The Quiet Woman Pub

A 400-year-old pub in Earl Sterndale (already a pretty interesting name) is called the Quiet Woman. Why is she quiet you ask? Is it because she is a timid sort, given only to shuffling around in the background and in libraries. No it’s because she has been decapitated. She is nothing more than a headless corpse wandering round serving the guests. Not really of course. The story goes that the unfortunate lady in question was a little loose with her tongue and, as a punishment, had her head lopped off. Seems a little extreme to me.

4. Crinkle Crankle Wall

Or as you may know it better – the ‘Crinkum Crankum’? Or maybe not. Though that is its alternative title. Apparently this term means ‘zig-zag’ in Ye Olde English but it’s really a wavy-shaped wall to be found at Hopton Hall. The wall is apparently less likely to suffer the wear and tear of age in this format. Fortunately, Noel Edmonds and his crinkley bottom are nowhere to be seen either. So a double win there, then.

5. Hugball

I mentioned Ashbourne was a bit curious in Strangest Thing Number 1. Well, here’s another fact about that place which stands it out from the normal; Hugball is a traditional game played in Ashbourne on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday when the menfolk of town all get involved in one big rolling grapple. The ‘game’ kicks off after a few traditional speeches and the blokes from one part of the town get stuck into the blokes from a different part. The shops have to board up their windows and chaos ensues. The aim is to get the ‘ball’ from one side to t’other but really it’s a good excuse for big old homoerotic free-for-all.

Getting old is not something that most people look forward too, but when it comes to cities it’s a different matter. Age adds to these oldest cities a lot of history, ancient monuments, and unique cultures (most of the time) that makes them intriguing places to visit. The Top 10 Oldest Cities list brings to you those cities which have stood the test of time and have managed not to get wiped off the face of the earth! It’s not the easiest task to work out exactly which is the world’s oldest cities, and historical records become more unclear the more you go back. The other thing is that many of the oldest cities were founded before the ones mentioned in this Top 10 oldest cities list, but have now disappeared into the mists of time due to invasion, drought or other factors. They may be included in the lost cities list but that is another issue. Here is a top ten list of oldest cities that still exist on earth. We recommend that you book your next vacation to one of these 10 locations and discover the beauties before they disappear.

1. Gaziantep, Turkey

Coming to the oldest city in the list (you may have never heard of it), a little background would be useful. The city of Gaziantep is in Turkey, and used to be called just Antep. Largely thought to be the oldest cities of the world which were continually inhabited, the ancient Gaziantep Fortress still stands and gives everyone who visits this place a stark reminder of its age. It’s thought to have first been a city belonging to the Hitties, a Bronze Age people who were some of the first to use chariots. With records found of Gaziantep as far back as 3650 B.C., so it officially takes 1st place in the Top 10 Oldest Cities list!

2. Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem has got to be one of the most famous as well as oldest cities in the world. We know lots about Jerusalem and here are a few interesting facts about it. It’s been attacked 52 times, captured and recaptured 44 times, besieged 23 times, and completely destroyed twice! Despite all this, Jerusalem still stands today and has become an oldest cities turned modern cities which are very popular with tourists. There are lots of sacred religious sites here, including Solomon’s Temple and the Tomb of King David. Religious and political has plagued Jerusalem since the beginning and continues to do so today. Also, thought to have been populated since at least 3000 B.C., the ancient city of Jerusalem takes the silver medal in this Top 10  List of Oldest Cities.

3. Kirkuk, Iraq

Off to Iraq next, and the city of Kirkuk. The modern city that you’ll see if you go there now is actually on the same site as the ancient city of Arrapha, the capital of the Assyrian kingdom. It’s been fought over many times through its history, but was most important around 1000 B.C., when the Assyrians claimed it as the hub of their empire. Now it’s not quite so important, although Kirkuk was given the status of the ‘Capital of Iraqi Culture’ in 2010. It’s changed a lot over the thousands of years that people have lived here, but estimates are that it’s been continually inhabited since around 3000 B.C., so it ranks as the third on the Top 10 oldest cities.

4. Zurich, Switzerland

The Swiss city of Zurich was once named the city with the best quality of life in the world. It is one of the wealthiest as well as oldest cities in Europe, and is a big global financial centre. That aside, it is also really old too, coming long before other European cities. The city was first known as Turicum, then as Ziurichi, and for the last thousand years just Zurich! Funnily enough, the Roman’s used the city as a tax collecting point for goods travelling along the Limmat River, so its ties with money are old too! A city that has been inhabited since around 3000 B.C., Zurich takes 4th place in the Top 10 Oldest Cities list.

5. Konya, Turkey

The Turkish city of Konya is a certain mention when we talk about the oldest cities of the world. Konya, Turkey has been mentioned in the ancient texts of the Greco-Roman world, referred to as Iconium in Latin, and also Ikonion in Greek. Apparently, Perseus drove the natives out by using Medusa’s severed head. Whether that’s really true or not we’ll never probably know, but science has been able to determine roughly what period in history the city of Konya was inhabited. Beating all of the Egypt’s oldest cities, Konya comes in as the 5th oldest cities in the world.

In my opinion, humankind’s fascination with clock towers does not really stem from the architecture of these magnificent edifices, but rather from time itself. Back in the day, when the vast majority of people didn’t have watches, the town’s clock tower served mainly a functional role and most clock towers were equipped with bells to signal the important upcoming events in the community. If we were to go further back in time, we would soon realize that man has become fascinated with time when he realized that there are “right times” for growing crops and harvesting.

As time passed by and Patek Phillippe invented the first wrist watch – which was later on improved by Louis Cartier – the need for the faithful clock towers became obsolete. Still, nowadays when everyone can easily learn the time by checking their watch or smartphone, the allure of clock towers remains just as powerful as in the past. Following is a list of the most famous clock towers worldwide, all charming buildings you should check out if you ever plan your holidays in those areas.

1. Big Ben

By far the most notorious clock tower in the world, the great bell located in the Northern part of the Westminster Palace in London has become a symbol for the United Kingdom, even greater than the red double-decker bus and the notorious black cabs. Built in 1858, Big Ben is still in the top 3 tallest clock towers in the world and it is also the world’s largest four-faced clock.

2. Spasskaya Clock Tower

Overlooking the heart of Russia, the famous Red Square, the Spasskaya or Kremlin Clock has had a turbulent history. Initially designed in 1491 by Pietro Solari, the clock itself was taken down repeatedly, only to be installed again with more appealing architectural details. However, it is important to note that the clock you see guarding the entrance to the Red Square today dates back to the early 1900s, when the tsar Nicolai was murdered by the Soviet Party.

3. Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower

While today the bell tower is a standalone landmark in Hong Kong, the Tsim Sha Tsui is a remnant of an impressive railway station, the Kowloon-Canton Railway. The remarkable edifice is 144 feet tall and you can only reach the top by climbing an interior wooden staircase. Sadly, while the tower was open for visits for several years, nowadays it is closed for maintenance. Nonetheless, the granite and red bricks construction is still worth checking out if you plan a visit to China.

4. Zytglogge

If you are passionate about medieval architecture, then one monument you should place at the top of your itinerary is the Zytglogge clock tower in Switzerland. During its 800 years of existence, the Zytglogge has played many roles, from serving as the gate tower for the early Bern fortifications and a prison to being the focal point of civil memorials and urban life. Featuring impressive details, an astronomical dial, a frieze with ancient Greek gods and a facade with Roman numerals, the Zytglogge is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Switzerland.

5. Allen-Bradley Clock Tower

The landmark of Milwaukee, the Allen-Bradley clock tower has made it into the Guinness Book of records as the largest four-faced clock with an office addition. Because each of the facades has a diameter of over 40 feet and the distance between each hour is of about 16 feet, meaning twice the size of the emblematic Big Ben, the architect ruled against adding chimes to the clock.

In all fairness, once you say goodbye to your home for two weeks, you want only the best service and the most luxurious settings on your vacation. There is nothing worse than arriving in the city of your choice, soaking in the local culture and visiting the local points of interest only to arrive in your hotel room and find out there is not nearly enough space, the beds are creaking, there is no hot water in the shower, so on and so forth.

To put it simply, a terrible hotel is enough to destroy your entire vacation and the memories of all the inconvenience will shroud the happy times you had in a cloud of disappointment. On the other hand, a stay at one of the Top 10 luxury hotels around the world we will discuss in the following article can easily become the most unforgettable experience in your life. But can you afford it?

To read about the most expensive hotels in the world click here.

1. Great Resort Lagonissi

Currently the most expensive room you can ever book in a hotel, the Athenian Great Resort Lagonissi is certainly worth every penny. Built around glass panels that will always confer the visitor a full, unobstructed view of the magnificent surrounding landscape bathing in the eerie light of the sunset, the Royal Villa is an amazing place to spend your vacation and rekindle the passion of youth. You can spend an entire afternoon in the bathtub with your spouse marveling at the beauty of this place and later on, turn off the blinds by remote for a little time alone. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, as renting this $47,527 villa grants you access to your very own butler, dedicate chef who can prepare anything your heart desires and even a pianist to help you relax with his masterful arpeggios.

2. Palms Casino Resort

Las Vegas’ own Palms Casino is a marvelous choice for a vacation, but mainly if your winnings at roulette or the high stakes poker tournaments enable you to afford the $38,070 you need to rent the Hugh Hefner Suite. This 929 square meter space features a plethora of gimmicks mandatory for a night of unbridled passion, including the ceiling mirror and the rotating bed underneath, not to mention the best Jacuzzi money can buy. Your complementary butler is there to tend to your every need and privacy is the cornerstone of the hotel’s policy. It’s Vegas after all!

3. Manhattan’s Four Seasons

Situated in the middle of Manhattan, the Four Seasons hotel here has a truly special penthouse for generous patrons. The $32,370 per night will buy your access to the very best room – make that 9 rooms – in the city that never sleeps. Don’t worry about getting lost though, you also have a highly trained butler at your side who can work as a guide for your majesty’s domains.

4. President Wilson Hotel

Have you been asked to hold a speech at the University of Geneva? Perhaps the UN has requested your immediate assistance in the diplomatic negotiations? In that case, then you should settle for no less than accommodations at the King’s Penthouse of the President Wilson Hotel! This is especially important if you plant to host a cocktail party with some of the world’s esteemed personalities, as the extra security features and the immense space available in the King’s Penthouse, affixed with all the commodities your guests will ever need are the trademark of this location. All that at $31,462 a night.

5. Atlantis Resort Hotel

Found in the heart of the Bahamas – need we say more about the location? – the luxury suite of the Atlantis Resort Hotel can boast accommodating celebrities like Michael Jackson and Michael Jordan. To underline the key traits, we’d have to say that the 10 finely crafted bathrooms alongside the 10 bedrooms that fit in the 440 sq. meters of space are definitely worth checking out, if you happen to have $23,835 lying around.

While the secular trend is sweeping the land and gathering more and more adepts each day, for some people, church remains as the place where they can be alone with their thoughts and the best location for a thorough introspection. Sure, the societal role of the institution is considerably reduced these days and the various attempts of the religious leaders to break the rule of the separation of church and state don’t go by unnoticed. However, we shouldn’t forget that church also played an important role in education, art, history and helped us become what we are today. In the following article, we won’t be discussing these critical issues, but we will in visit ten of the most intricate churches and their eccentric locations.

1. Antarctica

True, the Trinity Church in Antarctica doesn’t impress via fine architecture like most European cathedrals. However, this 15 meter tall construction is an outstanding evidence of a great architectural mind and frankly, the warmest place for any follower of the Russian Orthodox Church to be in on this ice desert. Constructed in the early 1990s, the edifice is made out of a single Siberian Pine that was dismantled and put together again on the icy continent.

2. A tree

Even though it measures 15 meters in height and has a diameter of 16 meters, the Chêne Chapelle or the “chapel oak” hosts two unique chapels. Built in the Medieval Ages, the church in a tree from France is nothing like you have ever seen and due to its mysterious aura and unusual construction featuring an exterior staircase leading to the chapels, you could easily believe that you are on the set of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.

3. On top of a volcano

While a church standing solitary atop of a mountain is not unusual, the Our Lady of Le Puy in France is a magnificent structure built over a volcano plug. Considering that the church stands 85 meters high over an active volcano, I guess nobody can contest the fact that the architects have taken the phrase “put your faith in the Lord” very seriously.

4. In a hill

If you ever wondered how a small country like Luxemburg managed to remain independent in spite of having strong neighbors like Germany and France, then the “Church in a hill” might provide you with an answer. Essentially, the entire region is naturally fortified with gorges and steeps that made it impossible for a large army to get around very easily. Besides, the scarce bridges that were build high above and the cleverly hidden homes and edifices would have provided sufficient time for the local population to hide and defend itself from invaders.

5. On a bridge

Erected in the 13th century by Thomas de Rotterdam, the Chapel of Our Lady stands proud on the Rotterdam Bridge that reigns over the River Don in Yorkshire. Even though its location has conferred the edifice many applications throughout the centuries, nowadays the last survivor of the numerous Bridge Chantries is finally back to being used for its original purpose.

When it comes to vacationing or even relocating one of the biggest concerns can be the safety of the city in question. In this article we will cover the top ten most dangerous cities and why they are so dangerous. These cities include: San Pedro in Honduras and Juarez in Mexico.

Factors used to write this article: When it comes to determining the top ten most dangerous cities around the world there are a number of factors to take into consideration. Certainly the level of crime is one to consider since it could be something that you will experience firsthand living or vacationing in the city. Another important consideration is the current status of affairs between your native country, such as the United States and Canada, and the country in question. At any given time as a result of current affairs you may find that travel is ill-advised by your government to a specific location due to current relations. In countries that are experiencing civil war, terrorist threats or other political uprisings, it is generally advised to avoid travel.

1. San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Congratulations San Pedro Sula, it’s been nominated the murder capital of the world.  While recent number are difficult to obtain, a study reported that a total of 1,143 murders were committed in 2011 in a city of 719,447 people. That’s 159 people killed for every 100,000 residents.  That’s a murder rate 40 times higher than the average U.S. city, and 8 times higher than the most dangerous city in America (New Orleans).

Even the U.S. peace corps could not halt the crimes, the forces withdrew from Honduras after one member of the peace corps was shot in the leg in San Pedro Sula. Perhaps even more alarming is a study by the United Nations indicating that the city’s murder rate has more than doubled in the period from 2005 – 2010.  Like many struggling Latin American countries, San Pedro Sula’s spike in extreme violence is largely a product of the drug trade, mixed with extreme poverty and high levels of corruption.

Squeezed out by President Calderon’s War on Drugs, many traffickers have set up shop in Honduras, leaving a trail of bloodshed and lawlessness in their wake.  One doctor tells the story of how she was receiving 3 patients with gunshot wounds, only for a gunman to drop in and shoot them before casually walking away.

This data was compiled by the Citizen Council for Public Security, Justice, and Peace, a Mexican authority. The organization used intentional homicide statistics from 2012 to draw comparisons, focusing on cities in North, Central, and South America. Middle Eastern cities were not included.

Homicides: 1143 (2011)

2. Juarez, Mexico

Once known as the murder capital of the world, Mexico’s Ciudad Juárez has recently seen a 40 percent decline in murders. When this city was among the most murderous in the world, the morgue ran out of room, the corpses stacked to the ceiling in the wheezing walk-in freezers. Medical examiners, in plastic boots, performed a dozen autopsies a day as families of victims waited outside in numbers sufficient to require a line.

Between January and September of 2012, 681 murders were reported in Ciudad Juárez. While not a low number by anyone’s count, the murder rate is climbing down from 1,571 during the same time in 2011, according to statistics compiled by Molly Molloy, a researcher at New Mexico State University.

Hopefully things will start to improve as there is an apparent end in the war between the Sinaloa and Juárez, with Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s Sinaloa cartel taking control of the Mexican border city, according to Dr. Kathleen Staudt, professor of political science at the University of Texas-El Paso.

While the number of murders has dropped significantly over the last year, probably due to thousands fleeing the place and the monopoly  of a major drug cartel, the situation in Juárez remains bleak. There is simply no telling when a major gang leader could be caught, an event which will surely set into motion another struggle for control over the drug trade and the city.

Calderon says that homicides across Mexico are decreasing, but suspicions linger because his government refuses to release nationwide data.

Homicides: 1571 (2011)

 More Information about the War in Juarez:

Ciudad Juárez has been a front for one of the most brutal drug wars in history. Beginning in 2008, the four-year-long war has produced a horrifying number of recorded (with several unrecorded)casualties – 1,623 in 2008; 2,754 in 2009; 3,115 in 2010; 2,086 in 2011 ; and – thus far – 542 casualties in 2012. According to Juarez municipal officials, this past August recorded 34 murders – which is the lowest monthly death toll recorded in five years.

Over four years ago – in the midst of a Mexican drug war –  El Pasoans also felt the negative impacts of the chaos that ensued as a result of the Drug War. Normally, El Pasoans would conduct everyday activities by traveling to-and-from Ciudad Juárez; people shopped, visited relatives and worked in the once-flourishing city. Once disaster struck, it became difficult to stray away from old habits, and in some cases, the possibility of being able to avoid the city was just not possible.

This strong relationship between El Paso and Juarez led to turmoil for many. Since many El Pasoans were unable to cut ties completely from Ciudad Juárez, they felt the same ramifications. News of assaults, kidnappings and deaths seemed to reach everyone. Families struggled with the very real possibility that someday it could be their family members or friends seen hurt, missing or dead in the news the following day. Unfortunately, for many, that possibility  was already a reality.

3. Sana’a, Yemen

Yemen is an area that has often made government warnings as the U.S. department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the area. Constant political turmoil puts Sana’s the capital city of Yemen at the top of the list for areas within Yemen that should not be frequented. As protesters and government forces often clash many confrontations escalate out of control within minutes. As confrontations over politics continue the U.S. government has not only warned for citizens to avoid travel to the area but they have also advised those in Yemen to flee the country immediately while they are still able. The current gross domestic product per capita of Sana’s in Yemen is the forty-seventh lowest globally at $1,283 USD and just over seventeen percent of the population lives on less than $1 per day. The adult mortality rate per 1,000 for Sana’s is 357. The adult literacy rate is just over thirty seven percent.

The Yemen government is taking measures to decrease the carrying of guns, especially AK-47 machine guns, which can be intimidating to foreigners who visit the country. Many Yemenis consider a gun a basic part of their dress code, no different that traditional — dagger that many wear in their belts. They are worn as a symbol of pride and tradition, never to be used. While in Sana’a, I only say one citizen carrying an AK-47 in a traditional Yemeni restaurant.

There are still some military checkpoints at night in the City, and ones on the highway when you travel to the north. Apparently you are supposed to have some sort of travel permit when my client took me for a drive to see some of the northern villages. However, when we encounter the 1st checkpoint, he was able to talk us through without one. In a sense, the checkpoints make the country even safer, no different than the high presence of police in US cities.

4. Acapulco, Mexico

A second  Mexican city has landed on the world’s most dangerous cities list – Acapulco. While it used to be a favorite vacation spot to check out scantily clad co-eds from neighboring places, it is now more famous and notorious for being the scene of a couple of the most bloodcurdling murders in the world.

Who can focus on the beauty of its picture-perfect beach when there were bloody, dismembered bodies taking precedence.  News of such hideous crimes befalling the city has made the world sit up and recognize that what used to be a world-renowned tourist resort is now a place of fear, drug violence, and crime.

Homicides: 1,170 (2011)

 Warning: 

Crimes happen mostly in working class neighborhoods that are just a few miles away from the luxury apartments, the vacation homes and the international franchise stores that line Acapulco’s coastal strip.

5. Maceio, Brazil

Maceió is the capital of the state of Alagoas in northeastern Brazil. It boasts some of the most gorgeous laces in Brazil and fantastic food (the tapiocas made with polvilho azedo and grated coconut or carne de sol and queijo de coalho, also known as “the crêpes of the Northeast,” are superb)…and some of the most original public telephones in Brazil! Brazilian creativity at its best! The beaches in town are polluted, unfortunately, but you can drive south to some of Brazil’s best beaches.

There is a lot to do at Maceio’s beaches. The best sightseeing experience is to take a boat out to the natural pools. There are colorful reefs off the coast of Maceio, and at low tide they turn into swimming pools. These pools are great for snorkeling and diving. Most Maceio beaches also have surfing, wind-surfing, jet skis and kite surfing. Then again, you can always just sit in the shade of a palm tree and sip a liqeuer.

The urban Maceio beaches are crowded but lots of fun if you like a party atmosphere. If you want peace and quiet, there are also remote beaches a little way from the city where you can be all alone. This Maceio Brazil guide tells you where to go and when.

But…the gorgeous beaches and the parties never add up to the significant crime in the city. Government officials eager to attract tourism point out that residents are killing each other, not outsiders, and that the killing mostly occurs in the favelas (slums), and not in picturesque beauty spots.  Still, being the 2nd most violent city in the world isn’t exactly a selling point when it comes to tourism.

Brazil as a country is notorious for having high crime rates.  While some of this is hype, and conditions have improved recently, the country has a history of political instability, and high incidents of violent crimes.

Murder caught on tape! The victim is the man in black shirt seated  and the man in yellow shirt is the principal of the crime.  The boy who arrives on a bicycle is the murderer. The murder was because of debts with drugs.

Homicides: 1564 (2011)

World Bank economist Jean-Francois Rischard argues that the international community is still living through some truly momentous times. Our capacity to tackle a variety of complicated social and economic problems is greater at the turn of the new century than has been the case at anytime during the last few centuries. Technological development, economic prosperity and cultural evolution, all characteristics of globalization, have sharpened our ability to resolve many of the social evils that still exist today.

Identifying the right tools to fit the problem is key, but the first step we need to take is to identify and understand what are the most pressing issues and which of them are global. If we see these issues as global then it follows, in an increasingly interdependent world, that we have to develop an approach that involves all nations working within a framework to resolve them.

The next twenty years will be of great importance to our planet. How global problems are resolved over these years will determine the fate of our planet for our children and all subsequent generations. Top 10 List examines 10 most urgent, pressing, issues facing our world today.

1. Global Economic Collapse

The global financial system is more interconnected today than ever before, and a crisis at one major bank or in one area of the world can spread at lightning speed. Anyone who tells you that the current global financial system is sustainable has not done enough research  Just look at the numbers here:

-$9,283,000,000,000 - The total amount of all bank deposits in the United States.  The FDIC has just 25 billion dollars in the deposit insurance fund that is supposed to “guarantee” those deposits.

-$10,012,800,000,000 - The total amount of mortgage debt in the United States.

-$10,409,500,000,000 - The M2 money supply in the United States.

-$16,749,269,587,407.53 - The size of the U.S. national debt.  It has grown by more than 10 trillion dollars over the past ten years.

Every single day, the total amount of debt grows faster than the total amount of money until the day that it will burst – just like in 1929 when the global markets collapsed.

What we witnessed back in 2008 was a “hiccup” in the system.  It caused the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, but global financial authorities were able to get things stabilized, for now. Next time it won’t be so easy.

2. Terrorism

Terrorism is the global problem nowadays that endanger life of every person on the earth. The primary purpose of all governments should encourage and enable people to join their forces against terrorism and win it by common efforts . The government should recognize the paramount importance of this problem and the political activity should be subservient to that major consideration.

To solve the global issue of global terrorism, we must try to find the origins of it, to analyze the actions of countries taken against terrorism, and the social attitude to this phenomenon. Current global policies are unable to stop the spread of terrorism and are doing a poor job to miniaturize it. Mass media leads active struggle against terrorism but very often this process isn’t connected with definite well-known terrorists. They blame whole nations without any division. The consequences of such actions are predictable: people begin to hate not terrorists as a whole but correlate terrorists with specific nationalities, such as Arabs, for example. Terrorism as a national phenomenon is a great problem and its understanding can help us to find the resolution.

Knowing the definition of terrorism is necessary for the world to take strong measures to overcome this global trouble. The definition is a controversial one and that is why very often its different interpretations can be used in the own interests of some individuals. As a whole terrorism translates in aggressive actions with the use of violence against ordinary civilians aimed to intimidate politicians. Term “terrorism” is also used to show that the actions taken by a group of people are violent, unlawful and immoral.

3. Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)

The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, chemical and biological weapons) and their technology is today one of the most pressing issues and threats to the international peace and security. The use of such weapons goes against everything that international law and, more particularly, humanitarian law stands for.

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This top 10 article was written based on the research and findings of the Art Newsletter in 2011.

1. Louvre Museum (Paris, France)

Total Attendance: 8,800,000 (2011)

The Louvre Museum is one of the largest and also one of the most important museums in the world. It is housed in the expansive Louvre Palace, situated in the 1st arrondissement and is situated at the heart of Paris.

The collection of the Louvre Museum began in the 16th century as a private collection of King Francis I. One of the works of art he purchased was the now famous Mona Lisa painting – still housed at Louvre. The collection slowly grew thanks to donations and purchases made by the kings. In 1793, during the French Revolution, the Louvre turned into a national art museum and the private royal collection was opened to the public.

The museum has a collection of over 1 million works of art, of which about 35 000 are  now on display, spread out over three wings of the former palace. The museum has a diverse collection ranging from the Antiquity up to the mid 19th century.  Most late 19th century and early 20th century art is housed in Musée d’Orsay.

Some of the most famous works of art in the museum are the Venus of Milo, the Nike of Samothrake, the Dying Slave by Michelangelo and who can forget Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

The Sully Wing:

The Sully wing is the oldest section in the Louvre. The second floor holds a collection of the most antique French paintings, drawings, and prints. One of the highlights is the erotic Turkish Bath, painted by the late 18th century painter Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres.

 

2. Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, USA)

Total Attendance: 6,004,254 (2011)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest and finest art museums in the world. Its collections include more than two million works of art spanning 5,000 years, from prehistory to the present.

Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum is located in New York City’s Central Park on  Fifth Avenue (between 80th to 84th streets).

Unless you are planning to spend your entire New York vacation in the museum (some people do), you cannot see the entire collection in just one visit. My recommendation is to give it a good day—or better yet, 2 half-days so you do not feel burned out. One good way to get an overview is to take advantage of the little-known Museum Highlights Tour, offered every day at various times throughout the day in multiple languages including French, German, Spanish and of course English. Even New Yorkers who’ve spent countless hours in the museum could profit from this once again.

 

3. British Museum (London, UK)

Total Attendance: 5,848,534 (2011)

The British Museum is a museum in London dedicated entirely to human history and culture. Its permanent collection,  over eight million works,  is among the largest and most comprehensive  and originates from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its pre-historic times to the present.

It was  first established in 1753 and is largely based on the collections of the physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane. The museum first opened to the public on 15 January 1759 in Montagu House in Bloomsbury, on the site of the current museum building. Its expansion over the following two and a half centuries was largely a result of an expanding British colonial footprint and has resulted in the creation of several branches, the first being the British Museum (Natural History) in South Kensington in 1887.

The British Museum houses a number of objects in its collection, most notably the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, are the objects of intense controversy and of calls for restitution to their countries of origin.

 

4. National Gallery (London, UK)

Total Attendance: 5,253,216 (2011)

The National Gallery is an art museum located on Trafalgar Square. Founded in 1824, it now houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.

Unlike other museums in Europe, the National Gallery was not formed by nationalizing an existing royal or princely art collection. It came into existence when the British government bought 38 paintings from the heirs of John Julius Angerstein -an insurance broker and lover of the arts in 1824.

The current building, the third to house the National Gallery, was designed by William Wilkins between 1832–8. Only the façade facing Trafalgar Square remains unchanged from this time, as the building has undergone expanded piecemeal throughout its history.

 

5. Tate Modern (London, UK)

Total Attendance: 4,802,287 (2011)

Tate Modern is a family of 4 art galleries in London which houses  UK’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art from 1900 to the present day and hosting special exhibitions and events. It also holds the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day.

 

 

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20 April has become associated with the consumption of cannabis and the entire cannabis subculture through the notion of ‘four-twenty’.

The earliest use of the term cannabis began among a group of teenagers in California in early 1970s who used the term as a code for a plan to search for an abandoned cannabis crop that they had learned about. They designated the Louis Pasteur statue as their meeting place, and at almost half past 4 they would meet and enact the plan “4:20 Louis”. The phrase was eventually shortened to “4:20″, which ultimately became the code word which teens used to refer to pot smoking.

Here is a list of 10 unlikely marijuana friendly destinations.

1. Kingston, Jamaica:

When cold weather arrives, or any time you want a ganja vacation, you probably want to go to Jamaica. Land of Bob Marley, with marijuana growing an agricultural livelihood for many islanders,  cannabis lovers across the world flock to the Caribbean to get reggae ganja fun in the sun.

Jamaica has a lot going for it, and you find lots to love there,  but It’s also a third world country plagued by poverty, income inequality and crime. If you want a safe and fun Jamaican ganja vacation, you need to read this carefully.

I’ve visited Jamaica three times,and I’m giving you a very stern look at Jamaica as a vacation destination. Here’s the first thing to remember: you can’t just go anywhere and do anything you want in Jamaica as if you were on a tourist trip to Holland.

Even though marijuana is illegal on the island, lots of people will try to sell you ganja there.  You get offered ganja deals before you even got out of the airport, by taxi drivers who pick you up from the airport, by street vendors, and even by children and police officers.

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hundreds of coffee shops where marijuana and hashish can be purchased over the counter and consumer. Amsterdam is the home of the Annual High Times Cannabis Cup, which is held ever November and boasts incredible museums and parks.

Info about 2012 ban:

A law that would have banned foreigners from using Amsterdam’s famous cannabis cafes was dropped by the city’s mayor just mere months after the Netherlands first began enforcing the restrictions in other provnces.

The tourist drug ban went into effect in three of the country’s southern provinces earlier this year and was due to expand to the rest of the country — including Amsterdam — by 2013, the Associated Press reported.

Mayor Eberhard van der Laan said that Amsterdam’s 220 coffee shops where  marijuana and hashish are openly sold and consumed will remain open to the public.

3. Toronto, Canada

“Canada’s Eastern regions boast some excellent marijuana and many businesses, especially those located on Yonge St. Although it is against the law to possess marijuana in Canada, enforcement agencies are primarily focused on individuals guilty of trafficking the drug. Marijuana users in Toronto report that police officers are lenient to those who are discreet.

But just as Colorado and Washington loosened up, Canada tightened its drug laws in November of 2012.

On the very same day as the U.S. election, the Canadian federal Safe Streets and Communities Act went into effect,  producing a mandatory minimum penalty for marijuana possession and production: one year in jail for more than 3 kg, and six months for between six and 200 plants.

Carl Valle, Press Secretary for Prime Minister Stephen Harper says that these drugs are illegal because of the harmful effect they have on users and on society, including violent crimes. The government therefore has no interest in seeing any of these drugs legalized or to make them  more easily available to youth.

A new poll done in 2012 showed that a majority of Canadians support loosening the country’s marijuana laws, a stance that’s starkly out of sync with the federal government’s pot policy.

According to the poll, released Tuesday by Toronto’s Forum Research, 65 per cent of Canadians favour either the legalization and taxation of the drug, or decriminalizing it in small amounts.

Although the laws have been tightened, the streets and some of the cafes are still puffing.

4. Manama, Bahrain

 If you get caught you will probably spend 2 to 4 weeks in prison and will be interrogated harshly and then released on bail until your case goes to court. The judge might sentence you to 6 months in prison minimum and 10 years maximum – so be careful.

There is no marijuana in Bahrain available, but high quality hashish is always an option. It is hard to buy it off the streets with no connections, but you could always try going to bars on exhibition road. A Thai hooker might also fix you up, if she doesn’t she will know someone who will. Everybody smokes hash in Bahrain, but are really serious about keeping it quiet.

Prices do differ with every dealer in Bahrain and dealers don’t sell the drug in grams. You could get a piece as big as your thumb for 20 bd – 50 $.

5.  Barcelona, Spain

Smoking in public in Spain isn’t 100% tolerated, but you can possess up to 40 grams legally and major cannabis events such as Spannabis are the talk of town.

Barcelona is a stunning city to visit, Guadi architecture is everywhere and nice beaches!

The rather recent eruption of an Icelandic volcano a few years ago practically raised awareness about the dreadful impact of these silent killers. Ever since ancient times, volcano eruptions have meant cataclysmic changes of the world and the death of several civilizations. Given the level of devastation caused by eruptions such as that of volcanoes Santorini, Vesuvius or Krakatoa, scientists cannot help but wonder what would happen if one of the latent super volcanoes were to occur. At this point, there are several dormant killers on this planet whose eruptions will not only claim the lives of millions, but that have the potential to destroy the world as we know it. Let’s elaborate.

1. Yellowstone (U.S.)

Yellowstone Caldera is an underground super volcano with the tremendous power to unleash the next Ice Age on the planet, in the best case scenario. In the worst case scenario, geologists suggest that Yellowstone’s eruption will cause all the other active volcanoes on Earth to explode as well and bring about the end of the world.

2. Mount Vesuvius (Italy)

While Vesuvius is the only active volcano in mainland Europe, many believe it’s more than enough. The power of Mount Vesuvius will always remain vivid in mankind’s minds, thanks to the cataclysm at Pompei. While this silent killer seems to have awakened in the past century, luckily the seismic activity and eruptions have been moderate.

3. Popocatepetl (Mexico)

The story of Popocatepetl can be traced back to the Aztec civilization and an intricate love story of a king who did not want his daughter to marry another man. In an attempt to run away with the princess, Popo and his mistress are caught in an earthquake, where she dies and he laid down next to her and awaited his death. Leaving the romantic facet of this volcano aside, at this point authorities report Popocatepetl has been very active and it represents the biggest threat to the citizens of the Mexican capital.

4. Sukurajima (Japan)

Often referred to as the Vesuvius of the East, Sukurijima’s power is hard to estimate considering its last eruption practically connected the island Kyushu to the mainland. In addition, it is important to note that volcanic ash coming from Sukurijima is the main responsible factor for the “design” of landscape in the region. While the landscape may be breath taking, the truth is that there plenty of reason for people in the area to be afraid, since the volcano has been very active in the last 60 years. Despite the fact that there are special shelters constructed in its proximity, it is hard to predict the effects of a larger explosion.

5. Galeras (Colombia)

In spite of the fact that Galeras was considered an inactive volcano for at least one million years, it became chillingly active again in the 1990s. Even though the explosion did not claim many lives, the truth is that it erupted without prior warnings and that is rather worrisome. At this point, some geologists claim a huge explosion is sure to occur very soon, considering that the volcano has erupted for ten years in a row, each time more violently.