The Valley of the Giants in Tasmania

This is a photograph of one of the biggest trees in the Valley of the Giants in Tasmania, Australia. It is believed to be more than 500 years old. 

 Source: Possibly Dr Craig Emerson

The Valley of the Giants is also known as the Styx Valley and is about 90 minutes from Hobart, the capital of the State of Tasmania. It is home to the World's tallest hardwood trees - Swamp Gums (Eucalyptus regnans), also known as giant ash, mountain ash, Victorian ash, swamp gum, Tasmanian oak or stringy gum. Many are over 400 years old, 16 feet wide at the base and grow up to 375 feet tall. 

Eucalyptus regnans is the tallest of all flowering plants. The tallest living specimen, is named "Centurion" and stands 327 feet tall (100 metres).

I've walked and camped amongst those giants on four different occasions over the years between 1974 and 1982, three times with friends and once alone. To say that they were awe-inspiring experiences would be an understatement. I still remember those giants whispering to me during my quietest moments.

The Beauty of Lofoten

Lofoten, Norway, in all its rugged beauty. It's hard to imagine that this was the target of Royal Navy actions and British Commando raids during World War II.

Source unknown

Also:
Operation Claymore the Commando attack on the Lofotens 

You'll never look at Australia the same way again

After seeing this picture, I'll have trouble looking at a map of Australia again, without having a little chuckle.

 

Source: Earth Pics (@Earth_Pics)

 

Spectacular Sri Lankan wedding is the world's biggest ever

Spectacular Sri Lankan wedding is the world's biggest ever - 126 bridesmaids, 25 best men, 20 page boys and 23 flower girls

Happy couple Nisansala and Nalin beat previous Thai record by 30 bridesmaids
Sri Lanka's First Lady, Shiranthi Rajapaksa - wife of the President - was guest of honour.

Wedding dress designer Champi Siriwardana said it was her dream to stage the record-breaking nuptials

 

Planning a wedding is a major undertaking for any couple... but not for Nisansala and Nalin from Sri Lanka who married this week at a Guinness World Record breaking ceremony near the capital city of Colombo.

The bride and groom had a staggering 126 bridesmaids - easily beating the previous record of 96 held by a Thai couple - all dressed by Nisansala's sister-in-law Champi Siriwardana, who first suggested they go for the world record bid.

Of course it probably helped that Champi happens to be one of the Asian island's leading wedding planners and dress designers.

Sri Lankan couple Nisansala and Nalin, centre, pose for photographs alongside their entire wedding party. The wedding was attended by Sri Lanka's First Lady

It also didn't hurt that the guest of honour was Sri Lanka's First Lady, Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The spectacular ceremony was elaborately staged at the Avendra Gardens in Negombo, 30 kms from Colombo in front of hundreds of family and friends.

All of the wedding party - bride, groom, 126 bridesmaids, 25 best men, 20 page boys and 23 flower girls - were dressed in richly embroidered traditional costumes in shades of purple and gold.

Held under strict Guinness Book of World Record conditions, the wedding breaks the previous record, held by a wedding in Bangkok, Thailand, that included 96 bridesmaids. 

'Breaking the Guinness world record is no mean feat and one that I cannot achieve alone,' said Champi, who suggested the world record attempt. 'It is a great responsibility and challenge. There can be no mistakes.'

Sri Lankan wedding couple Nisansala, right and Nalin pose for photographers in front of their massive bridal party, dressed in purple and gold

 Champi was so confident of Nisansala and Nalin's world record, she held a press conference before the big day to announce the event.

'My dream is to create an impact not only in Sri Lanka but internationally as well,' said Champi. Job done, Champi. As for the happy couple... the pictures speak for themselves.

 

A best man looks on during the wedding ceremony of Sri Lankan couple Nisansala and Nalin - there were 25 best men in all

Sri Lankan wedding couple Nisansala, right and Nalin pose on the steps of their wedding venue in Negombo, 30kms from Colombo the capital city

Sri Lankan couple Nisansala, right, and Nalin smile as they are greeted by guests during their world record wedding

Sri Lankan couturier - and the person who dreamed up the world record attempt - Champi Siriwardana, left, receives her Guinness World Record award from Guinness official Seyda Subasi Gemici during the wedding of couple Nisansala and Nalin

Best men and bridesmaids pose for a photo during the ceremony. There were 126 bridesmaids, 25 best men, accompanied by 20 page boys and 23 flower girls

Sri Lankan couple Nisansala and Nalin pour water into small pots as part of a traditional ceremony

Guinness Book of World Records wedding couple Nisansala and Nalin with their huge bridal party at their venue in Negombo, north of Colombo

Source: Daily Mail, UK

The World, The Intelligent, The Stupid

 

The intelligent know that they may not have all the answers; the stupid are blissful in their ignorance.

Telephones and Darwin

Isn't evolution wonderful?

That moment when your shadow is having more fun than you.

That moment when your shadow is having far more fun than you: