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	<title>Paparazi photos &#187; Mexico</title>
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	<description>Paparazzi, secret funny pictures, rare images, celebs</description>
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		<title>Mexican Army Special Forces</title>
		<link>http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forces/</link>
		<comments>http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forces/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:37:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mexico]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[army]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[crowd]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[paparazi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[photo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[war]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lumq.com/?p=622</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In Mexico both the Army and Navy have special forces groups or elite units.

The Army has a Special Forces Corps unified command and its formed of 3 Special Forces Brigades, a High Command GAFE group, a GAFE group assigned to the Airborne Brigade and several Amphibious Special Forces Groups.


The Special Forces Brigades are formed by [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In Mexico both the Army and Navy have special forces groups or elite units.<br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-01.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a></p>
<p>The Army has a Special Forces Corps unified command and its formed of 3 Special Forces Brigades, a High Command GAFE group, a GAFE group assigned to the Airborne Brigade and several Amphibious Special Forces Groups.<br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-02.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a></p>
<p><span id="more-622"></span><br />
The Special Forces Brigades are formed by 9 SF battalions. The First brigade has the 1°, 2° y 3° SF battalions, The Second brigade has the 5°,6°,7° y 8°, and the Third brigade has the 4° y 9° and a Rapid Intervention Force group.<br />
The High Command GAFE is a group with no more than 100 members, they are specially trained in counter-terrorist tactics. They receive orders directly from the Secretary of National Defense.<br />
The Navy has a special operations force called Fuerzas Especiales, better known as FES. Their specialty are unconventional warfare, assault, counter-terrorism, and special reconnaissance operations.<br />
There is also another special forces unit called Batallones de Comandos Anfibios. These units carry out special tasks for the Amphibious Reaction Forces (Marines).</p>
<p><a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-03.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-04.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-06.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-07.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-10.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-11.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-12.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-13.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-14.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-15.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-16.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-17.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-18.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-19.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-20.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-21.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-22.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-23.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-24.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a><br />
<a href="http://lumq.com/10/mexican-army-special-forcesmexican-army-special-forces" title='Mexican Army Special Forces'><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/gallery/mexicanarmyspecialforces/mexican army special forces-25.jpg' alt='Mexican Army Special Forces' class='ngg-singlepic ngg-none' /></a></p>
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		<slash:comments>174</slash:comments>
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		<title>The most expensive strong drinks in the world</title>
		<link>http://lumq.com/02/most_expensive/</link>
		<comments>http://lumq.com/02/most_expensive/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:11:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Beauty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luxuries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mexico]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[The most expensive Cognac &#8211; Henri IV Dudognon Heritage

This Cognac is ultimate luxury! Henri IV Dudognon Heritage, valued in the decanter shown here at 1 million British pounds sterling ($1.9 million US).  The name Henri IV honors the French king (1553-1610) who is a direct ancestor of Claudine Dudognon–Buraud, heiress to Maison Dudognon, which [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>The most expensive Cognac &#8211; Henri IV Dudognon Heritage</strong></p>
<p><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/most_expensive_cognac.jpg' title="The most expensive strong drinks in the world" alt="The most expensive strong drinks in the world" width="500" /></p>
<p>This <strong>Cognac</strong> is <strong>ultimate luxury</strong>! <strong>Henri IV Dudognon Heritage</strong>, valued in the decanter shown here at <strong>1 million British pounds sterling</strong> (<strong>$1.9 million US</strong>). <span id="more-437"></span> The name <strong>Henri IV</strong> honors the <strong>French king</strong> (1553-1610) who is a direct ancestor of <strong>Claudine Dudognon–Buraud</strong>, heiress to <strong>Maison Dudognon</strong>, which is located in the center of the smallest area of <strong>France&#8217;s Cognac Grande Champagne region</strong>. It has been producing this <strong>cognac</strong> since 1776. The decanter is made of <strong>24 K Yellow Gold &#038; Sterling Platinum</strong> and decorated with <strong>6,500 certified brilliant cut diamonds</strong>. It weighs about 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) and is filled with 33 ounces of <strong>Dudognon Heritage Cognac Grande Champagne</strong>, aged in barrels for more than 100 years to produce an alcohol content of 41%. This a <strong>luxury masterpiece</strong> was created by <strong>jeweller</strong> Jose Davalos.</p>
<p><strong>The most expensive Tequila &#8211; Tequila Ley .925</strong><br />
<img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/most_expensive_tekila.JPG' title="The most expensive strong drinks in the world" alt="The most expensive strong drinks in the world" width="500" /></p>
<p><strong>Mexican tequila</strong> distilling company called <strong>Tequila Ley .925</strong> made the <strong>most expensive tequila bottle</strong> in the world &#8211; which currently holds the <strong>Guinness World Book of Records</strong> title for the <strong>most expensive tequila bottle</strong> ever made. <strong>Tequila Ley .925 </strong>an estimated value of <strong>1 million Euros</strong>. Bottle made of <strong>platinum</strong>, adorned <strong>6,000 brilliant-cut diamonds 1 to 30 points “D” quality</strong>. Bottle design by Fernando Altamirano.</p>
<p><strong>The most expensive Vodka &#8211; DIVA Premium Vodka</strong><br />
<img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/most_expensive_vodka.jpg' title="The most expensive strong drinks in the world" alt="The most expensive strong drinks in the world" width="500" /></p>
<p>Each bottle is decorated with <strong>precious stones</strong>. As a result, the cost of one bottle <strong>DIVA Premium Vodka</strong> is<strong> between £ 2000 to £ 540000</strong> (<strong>from $ 3700 to $ 1000000</strong>). It is triple-distilled, ice-filtered, filtered through purifying Nordic birch charcoal, then finally passed through a <strong>fine sand of diamonds and gems</strong>.</p>
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		<title>VIDEO &#8211; Weirdest animals and creatures in the world</title>
		<link>http://lumq.com/01/10_video_weirdest_animals/</link>
		<comments>http://lumq.com/01/10_video_weirdest_animals/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:40:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[2007]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[weirdest animals]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lumq.com/01/10_video_weirdest_animals/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[1. Superb Bird of Paradise
The Superb Bird of Paradise, &#8216;louser&#8217; is a small, approximately 26 cm long, passerine bird of the Paradisaeidae family. The male is a black bird of paradise with an iridescent green crown, blue-green breast shield and a long velvety black erectile cape covering his back. The female is a reddish-brown bird [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>1. Superb Bird of Paradise</strong><br />
The <strong>Superb Bird of Paradise</strong>, &#8216;louser&#8217; is a small, approximately 26 cm long, passerine bird of the <strong>Paradisaeidae family</strong>. The male is a <strong>black bird of paradise</strong> with an iridescent green crown, blue-green breast shield and a long velvety black erectile cape covering his back. The female is a reddish-brown bird with brownish barred buff below. The young is similar to female. The <strong>Superb Bird of Paradise</strong> are found in rainforests of New Guinea. The male is polygamous and performs one of the most spectacular courtship displays in the avian world. Early in his performance he sings loud and rapid notes, then he starts to hop around in front of the female. Suddenly his folded black cape and blue-green breast shield springs upward and spreads widely around its head, transforming himself into a dancing ellipse-shaped creature.</p>
<p><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6gAxbxxmYZ8&#038;rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6gAxbxxmYZ8&#038;rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
<p><strong>2. Star-nosed Mole</strong> (more info about <a href="http://lumq.com/10/weirdest-animals-and-creatures-in-the-world/#comment-1064">Star-nosed Mole</a>)</p>
<p><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6m0PMcXK6XA&#038;rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6m0PMcXK6XA&#038;rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
<p><strong>3. Red-lipped batfish</strong></p>
<p><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/batfish.jpg' alt='Red-lipped batfish' /></p>
<p><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6m0PMcXK6XA&#038;rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6m0PMcXK6XA&#038;rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
<p><span id="more-373"></span><strong>4. Narwhal</strong> (more info about <a href="http://lumq.com/10/weirdest-animals-and-creatures-in-the-world/#comment-1064">Narwhal</a>)</p>
<p><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MSjjHiysBbE&#038;rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MSjjHiysBbE&#038;rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
<p><strong>5. Megalopyge opercularis</strong></p>
<p>The moth <strong>Megalopyge opercularis</strong> has numerous common names, including southern <strong>flannel moth</strong>, <strong>pussy moth</strong>, <strong>puss caterpillar</strong>, and, in Texas, <strong>asp</strong>. It is visually striking in both larval and adult forms. The inch-long larva is generously coated in long, luxuriant hair-like setae, making it resemble a tiny Persian cat, the characteristic that presumably gave it the name &#8220;<strong>puss</strong>.&#8221; The &#8216;fur&#8217; of the larva contains venomous spines that cause extremely painful reactions in human skin upon contact. The reactions are sometimes localized to the affected area but are often very severe, radiating up a limb and causing burning, swelling, nausea, headache, abdominal distress, rashes, blisters, and sometimes chest pain, numbness, or difficulty breathing.</p>
<p><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OeNggIGSKH8&#038;rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OeNggIGSKH8&#038;rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
<p><strong>6. Giant Anteater</strong></p>
<p>The <strong>Giant anteater</strong> can be found in large parts of southern Central America and the northern and central parts of South America. The <strong>anteater</strong>&#8217;s mouth is a small opening at the end of a long snout on an elongated head. They have very poor eyesight but well-developed hearing and smelling senses. A keen sense of smell is critical for the <strong>Giant anteater</strong>. It is used to locate ant colonies located in the <strong>anteater’s territory</strong>. The coat is gray in color with a distinctive black and white shoulder stripe. <strong>Anteaters</strong> feed on ants and termites ripping open a nest and  harvesting the insects with their long thin grey tongue that can grow up to a meter in length. Tongue of <strong>anteater</strong> covered with sticky saliva.</p>
<p><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MUBigu_Jlmw&#038;rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MUBigu_Jlmw&#038;rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
<p><strong>7. Giant isopod</strong></p>
<p>They are thought to be abundant in cold, deep waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean and, is the largest known <strong>isopod</strong> and is the one most often referred to by the common name &#8220;<strong>giant isopod</strong>&#8220;. Maturing to a length between 19 and 37 cm, and maximally reaching a weight of approximately 1.7 kg. <strong>Giant isopods</strong> are important scavengers in the deep-sea benthic environment. Although generalist scavengers, these<strong> isopods </strong>are mostly carnivorous and feed on dead whales, fish, and squid.</p>
<p><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/giant_isopod.jpg' alt='Giant isopod' /></p>
<p><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xeOSXtBCY30&#038;rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xeOSXtBCY30&#038;rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
<p><strong>8. Long-Eared Jerboa</strong></p>
<p>The <strong>Long-eared Jerboa</strong> is a nocturnal mouse-like rodent with a long tail, long hind legs for jumping, and exceptionally large ears. The <strong>Long-eared Jerboa</strong> can be found in desert of Trans Altai Govi Desert and the Gobi Desert in Mongolia.</p>
<p><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/long_eared_jerboa.jpg' alt='Long-Eared Jerboa' /></p>
<p><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BNFF-VxQjsI&#038;rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BNFF-VxQjsI&#038;rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
<p><strong>9. Platypus</strong></p>
<p>The <strong>Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)</strong> is a unique mammals species because they lay eggs. The <strong>platypus</strong> lives only in Australia. It has webbed feet and a large, rubbery snout; these are features that appear closer to those of a duck than to those of any known mammal. The body and the broad, flat tail of the <strong>Platypus</strong> are covered with dense brown fur that traps a layer of insulating air to keep the animal warm. Weight varies considerably from 700 g to 2.4 kg with males being larger than females: males average 50 cm total length while females average 43 cm. It is one of the few venomous mammals ; the male <strong>Platypus</strong> has a spur on the hind foot which delivers a poison. <strong>Platypus</strong> venom is not considered to be life-threatening to a healthy human. <strong>Platypus</strong> poison triggers severe pain, but is so excruciating that the victim may be incapacitated.</p>
<p><img src='http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/platypus.jpg' alt='Platypus' /></p>
<p><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vqB7b6wEPU8&#038;rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vqB7b6wEPU8&#038;rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
<p><strong>10. The Philippine Tarsier</strong> (more info about <a href="http://lumq.com/10/weirdest-animals-and-creatures-in-the-world/#comment-1064">Star-nosed Mole</a>)</p>
<p><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oYzjQf2mC7M&#038;rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oYzjQf2mC7M&#038;rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
<p>Sources: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org" rel="nofollow">wikipedia</a>   <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/index.html" rel="nofollow">nature|pbs</a></p>
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		<title>Weirdest animals and creatures in the world</title>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Oct 2007 11:00:36 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[
Aye-aye
The Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is a strepsirrhine native to Madagascar that combines rodent-like teeth with a long, thin middle finger to fill the same ecological niche as a woodpecker. It is the world&#8217;s largest nocturnal primate, and is characterized by its unique method of finding food; it taps on trees to find grubs, then gnaws [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/aye-aye_2.jpg" alt="aye-aye" title="aye-aye" width="400" height="481" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-517" /><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/aye-aye.jpg" alt="aye-aye" title="aye-aye" width="384" height="274" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-518" /></p>
<p><strong>Aye-aye</strong></p>
<p>The <strong>Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)</strong> is a strepsirrhine native to <strong>Madagascar</strong> that combines rodent-like teeth with a long, thin middle finger to fill the same ecological niche as a woodpecker. It is the world&#8217;s largest nocturnal primate, and is characterized by its unique method of finding food; it taps on trees to find grubs, then gnaws holes in the wood and inserts its elongated middle finger to pull the grubs out.<br />
The<strong> Aye-aye</strong> is the world&#8217;s largest nocturnal primate, and dwells predominantly in forest canopies. It weighs about 2.5 kilograms, with the female weighing in slightly less (by an average of 100 grams) than males. Other than weight and sex organs, <strong>aye-ayes</strong> exhibit no sexual dimorphism of any kind. They all grow from 30-37 cm from head to body, with a 44-53 cm tail.</p>
<p><span id="more-302"></span></p>
<p>The adult <strong>Aye-aye</strong> has black or dark brown fur covered by white guard hairs at the neck. The tail is bushy and shaped like that of a squirrel. The <strong>Aye-aye&#8217;s</strong> face is also rodent-like, the shape of a raccoon&#8217;s, and houses bright, beady, luminous eyes. Its incisors are very large, and grow continuously throughout its lifespan. These features contrast its monkey-like body, and are the likely cause of why scientists originally deemed it to be a rodent.<br />
The <strong>Aye-aye&#8217;s</strong> hands are arguably its most unique feature. Much like other <strong>primates</strong>, it possesses opposable thumbs, but both the hallux and the fingers are long and thin, and appear to be in a curved position somewhat similar to that of a fairy-tale witch when the muscles are relaxed. The middle finger can be up to three times longer than the others.<br />
The <strong>Aye-aye</strong> lives primarily on the east coast of <strong>Madagascar</strong>. Its natural habitat is rainforest or deciduous forest, but many live in cultivated areas due to deforesting. Rainforest Aye-ayes, the most common, dwell in canopy areas, and are usually sighted upwards of 700 meters altitude. The Aye-aye sleeps during the day in nests built in the forks of trees.</p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/tapir_1.jpg" alt="tapir" title="tapir" width="393" height="480" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-519" /><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/tapir.jpg" alt="tapir" title="tapir" width="384" height="261" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-520" />
</p>
<p><strong>Tapir</strong><br />
  <strong>Tapirs</strong>  are large browsing mammals, roughly pig-like in shape, with short, prehensile snouts. They inhabit jungle and forest regions of <strong>South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia</strong>. All four species of tapir are classified as endangered or vulnerable. Their closest relatives are the other odd-toed ungulates, horses and rhinoceroses.<br />
  Although they frequently live in dryland forests, <strong>tapirs</strong> with access to rivers spend a good deal of time in and under the water, feeding on soft vegetation, taking refuge from predators, and cooling off during hot periods. <strong>Tapirs </strong>near a water source will swim, sink to the bottom and walk along the riverbed to feed, and have been known to submerge themselves under water to allow small fish to pick parasites off their bulky bodies. Along with fresh water lounging, <strong>tapirs</strong> often wallow in mud pits, which also helps to keep them cool and free of insects.<br />
  In the wild, the <strong>tapir’s</strong> diet consists of fruit, berries, and leaves, particularly young, tender growth. <strong>Tapirs</strong> will spend many of their waking hours foraging along well-worn trails, snouts to the ground in search of food. Baird’s <strong>Tapirs</strong> have been observed to eat around 40 kilograms (85 pounds) of vegetation in one day.<br />
<strong>Tapirs</strong> are generally shy, but when they are scared they can defend themselves with their very powerful jaws. In 1998, a zookeeper in <strong>Oklahoma City</strong> was mauled and had an arm severed by a tapir bite, after she attempted to feed the attacking <strong>tapir&#8217;s</strong> young. In 2006, a 46-year-old man (who was the <strong>Environmental Minister</strong> at the time) who was lost in the <strong>Corcovado National Park at Costa Rica</strong> was found by a search party with a &quot;nasty bite&quot; from a wild tapir. However, such examples are rare; for the most part, tapirs are likely to avoid confrontation in favor of running from predators, hiding, or, if possible, submerging themselves in nearby water until a threat is gone.</p>
<p></p>
<p><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/tarsier_2.jpg" alt="tarsier" title="tarsier" width="500" height="676" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-521" /><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/tarsier.jpg" alt="tarsier" title="tarsier" width="384" height="289" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-522" /></p>
<p><strong>The Philippine Tarsier</strong><br />
  <strong>The Philippine tarsier</strong>, (<strong>Tarsius syrichta</strong>) is very peculiar <strong>small animal</strong>. In fact it is one of the smallest known primates, no larger than a adult men&#8217;s hand. Mostly active at night, it lives on a diet of insects. Folk traditions sometimes has it that <strong>tarsiers</strong> eat charcoal, but actually they retrieve the insects from (sometimes burned) wood. It can be found in the islands of Samar, Leyte, Bohol, and Mindanao in the <strong>Philippines</strong>.<br />
If no action is taken, the <strong>tarsier</strong> might not survive. Although it is a protected species, and the practice of catching them and then selling them as stuffed <strong>tarsiers</strong> to tourists has stopped, the species is still threatened by the destruction of his natural forest habitat. Many years of both legal and illegal logging and slash-and-burn agriculture have greatly reduced these forests, and reduced the tarsier population to a dangerously small size. If no action is taken now, the <strong>Philippine tarsier</strong> can soon be added to the list of extinct species. </p>
<p><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/sucker-footed_bat.jpg" alt="sucker footed bat" title="sucker footed bat" width="384" height="274" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-523" /></p>
<p><strong>Sucker-footed Bat</strong><br />
  Scientists were conducting fieldwork in the fast-disappearing forests of<strong> Madagascar</strong> when they found this new species of bat with sticky suckers on its feet and thumbs.<br />
  The creature, dubbed <strong>Myzopoda schliemanni</strong>, uses the adhesive organs to scale the large, broad leaves of tropical plants where it roosts.<br />
  Only one other species of this <strong>sucker-footed family</strong> is known to science, and it too makes its home on the large African island.<br />
That <strong>Myzopoda schliemanni </strong>seems to have adapted to the devastation is a sorry testament to the state of <strong>Madagascar&#8217;s forests</strong>, the scientists say. But it also suggests that the rare bats could be out of the woods when it comes to their extinction ris</p>
<p><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/star-nosed_mole.jpg" alt="star nosed mole" title="star nosed mole" width="384" height="359" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-524" /></p>
<p><strong>Star-nosed Mole</strong><br />
  The <strong>Star-nosed Mole</strong> (<strong>Condylura cristata</strong>) is a small <strong>North American</strong> mole found in eastern <strong>Canada</strong> and the <strong>north-eastern United States</strong>. It is the only member of the tribe <strong>Condylurini</strong> and the genus <strong>Condylura</strong>.<br />
  It lives in wet lowland areas and eats small invertebrates, aquatic insects, worms and molluscs. It is a good swimmer and can forage along the bottoms of streams and ponds. Like other moles, this <strong>animal</strong> digs shallow surface tunnels for foraging; often, these tunnels exit underwater. It is active day and night and remains active in winter, when it has been observed tunnelling through the snow and swimming in ice-covered streams. Little is known about the social behavior of the species, but it is suspected that it is colonial.<br />
The <strong>Star-nosed Mole</strong> is covered in thick blackish brown water-repellent fur and has large scaled feet and a long thick tail, which appears to function as a fat storage reserve for the spring breeding season. Adults are 15 to 20 cm in length, weigh about 55 g, and have 44 teeth. The mole&#8217;s most distinctive feature is a circle of 22 mobile, pink, fleshy tentacles at the end of the snout. These are used to identify food by touch, such as worms, insects and crustaceans.</p>
<p></p>
<p><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/sun_bear.jpg" alt="sun bear" title="sun bear" width="384" height="371" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-525" /><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/sun_bear_2.jpg" alt="sun bear" title="sun bear" width="500" height="334" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-526" /></p>
<p><strong>Sun bear</strong></p>
<p> The <strong>Sun Bear</strong> stands approximately 1.2 m (4 ft) in length, making it the smallest member in the <strong>bear family</strong>. It is often called the &quot;<strong>dog bear</strong>&quot; because of its small stature. It has a 5 cm (2 in) tail and usually weighs less than 65 kg (145 lb). Males tend to be slightly larger than females; the former normally weigh between 30 and 60 kg (66-132 lb), the latter between 20 and 40 kg (44-88 lb). The <strong>Sun Bear</strong> possesses sickle-shaped claws that are relatively light in weight. It has large paws with naked soles, probably to assist in climbing. Its inward-turned feet make the <strong>bear</strong>&#8217;s walk pigeon-toed, but it is an excellent climber. It has small, round ears and a stout snout.<br />
  Unlike other <strong>bears</strong>, the <strong>Sun Bear&#8217;s</strong> fur is short and sleek. This adaptation is probably due to the lowland climates it inhabits. Dark black or brown-black fur covers its body, except on the chest where there is a pale orange-yellow marking in the shape of a horseshoe. Similar colored fur can be found around the muzzle and the eyes. This distinct marking gives the <strong>sun bear</strong> its name.<br />
  Lifestyle and reproduction<br />
  The <strong>Sun Bear</strong> does not hibernate and as a result it can reproduce year-round. It is not uncommon for it to give birth to two cubs at a time weighing approximately 10–12 oz (280–340 g) each. The gestation period is about 96 days, but suckling can continue for about 18 months. The offspring reach sexual maturity after 3-4 years, and live up to 28 years in captivity.<br />
  As primarily nocturnal creatures, the <strong>Sun Bear </strong>tends to rest during the day on lower limbs not far above the ground. Because it spends so much time in trees, the Sun Bear can sometimes cause a good amount of damage to private property. It has been known to destroy coconut palms and cocoa trees on plantations.
</p>
<p></p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/saki_monkey_1.jpg" alt="saki monkey" title="saki monkey" width="308" height="384" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-527" /><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/saki_monkey_2.jpg" alt="saki monkey" title="saki monkey" width="500" height="375" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-528" />
</p>
<p><strong>Saki monkey</strong><br />
  <strong>Sakis</strong>, or <strong>saki monkeys</strong> are <strong>small monkeys</strong> with long, bushy tails. Their furry, rough skin is black, grey or reddish-brown colored depending upon the species. The faces of some species are naked, but their head is hooded with fur. Their bodies are adapted to life in the trees, with strong hind legs allowing them to make far jumps. <strong>Sakis</strong> reach a length of 30 to 50 cm, with a tail just as long, and weigh up to 2 kg.<br />
  <strong>Sakis </strong>are diurnal <strong>animals</strong>. They live in the trees of the rain forests and only occasionally go onto the land. They mostly move on all fours, sometimes running in an upright position on the hind legs over the branches, and sometimes jumping long distances. For sleeping they roll themselves cat-like in the branches. They are generally very shy, cautious animals.<br />
  <strong>Sakis</strong> live in family federations, which consist of parents and their offspring, with mated pairs usually forming lifelong pair bonds. They are territorial <strong>animals</strong>, defending their territory in relation to other families. Sakis know a set of communication possibilities: while shrill cries or bird-like twitter serves as a connection among family members, a loud roar serves to warn other <strong>animals</strong> off their territory.<br />
  <strong>Sakis</strong> are omnivores. They eat fruits, leaves, flowers, insects, and small vertebrates, such as rodents and bats.<br />
Mating is non-seasonal, and can happen any time during the year. After approximately 150 to 180 day gestation, females<strong> bear</strong> single young. The young are weaned after 4 months, and are fully mature in 3 years. Their life expectancy is up to 14 years.</p>
<p></p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/shoebil_1.jpg" alt="shoebill" title="shoebill" width="346" height="384" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-529" /><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/shoebil_2.jpg" alt="shoebill" title="shoebill" width="178" height="384" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-530" /></p>
<p><strong>Shoebill</strong><br />
 <strong> Balaeniceps rex</strong>, also known as <strong>Whalehead</strong>, is a <strong>very large bird</strong> related to the storks. It derives its name from its massive shoe-shaped bill.<br />
  The <strong>Shoebill</strong> is a <strong>very large bird</strong>, averaging 1.2 metres tall, 5.6 kilograms and a 2.33 metres wingspan. The adult is mainly grey while the juveniles are browner. It lives in tropical east Africa in large swamps from <strong>Sudan</strong> to <strong>Zambia</strong>.<br />
  This species was only discovered in the 19th century when some skins were brought to Europe. It was not until years later that live specimens reached the scientific community. However, the bird was known to both ancient Egyptians and Arabs. There are Egyptian images depicting the <strong>Shoebill</strong>, while the Arabs referred to the bird as abu markub, which means one with a shoe, a reference to the bird&#8217;s distinctive bill.<br />
  <strong>Shoebills</strong> feed in muddy waters, preying on lungfish and similar fish. They nest on the ground and lay 2 eggs.<br />
  The population is estimated at between 5,000 and 8,000 individuals, the majority of which live in <strong>Sudan</strong>. 
</p>
<p></p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/sloth_choloepus_hoffmanni.jpg" alt="sloth choloepus hoffmanni" title="sloth choloepus hoffmanni" width="384" height="254" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-531" /><br />
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/_sloth.jpg" alt="sloth" title="sloth" width="500" height="375" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-532" /></p>
<p><strong>Sloths </strong><br />
  <strong>Sloths</strong> come from one of the earliest mammalian orders, <strong>Xenarthra</strong>, and originated about 35 million years ago in the <strong>Late Eocene of South America</strong>.  They are most closely related to armadillos and anteaters.  Today, only two genera of <strong>sloths</strong> with five species exist in <strong>South America</strong>, whereas there used to be over thirty-five genera of the extinct ground <strong>sloths</strong> ranging from parts of <strong>Antarctica</strong>, <strong>South America</strong>, <strong>Central America</strong>, <strong>Hispaniola</strong>, and <strong>North America</strong> with some even going as far as <strong>Alaska</strong>. <br />
  Modern <strong>sloths</strong> live upside-down in the forests of South America.  Despite their long, sharply curved claws, they are herbivores and mainly eat tree leaves as their teeth are too primitive and weak, due to a lack of enamel, to chew anything else.  The claws are part of their adaptation to life in the trees and help them remain sleeping and suspended underneath branches for hours.  <strong>Sloths</strong> are generally nocturnal and move around little when awake.  When they do move, it is at a slow and deliberate speed.  This slow way of life is necessary to navigate the web of small peripheral tree branches where they feed and is further reflected in their rate of metabolism.  <strong>Sloths</strong> take their sweet time digesting food and consequently, only defecate once or twice in a one week period.  The defecation usually takes place at the base of tree where the sloth excavates a spot for it with its short, stubby tail.  This event marks one of the rare occasions that sloths will venture to the ground.<br />
  The slow or low rate of metabolism in <strong>sloths</strong> effects their ability to fight off illness.  Most sloths have difficulty surviving when in captivity outside of their natural range because they cannot fight off new diseases or adapt to a colder climate.  This is unfortunate as three-toed sloths make decent pets, though their status as an endangered species further deters the notion of obtaining one outside of <strong>South America</strong>.  <strong>Two-toed sloths</strong>, however, would make for poor companions as they tend to have a mean-streak and are quick to bite with their self-sharpening canines. 
</p>
<p></p>
<p>
 <img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/pygmy_marmoset.jpg" alt="pygmy marmoset" title="pygmy marmoset" width="384" height="245" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-533" /><br />
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/pygmy_marmoset_callithrix_pygmaea.jpg" alt="pygmy marmoset callithrix pygmaea" title="pygmy marmoset callithrix pygmaea" width="384" height="298" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-534" /></p>
<p><strong>Pygmy Marmosets</strong><br />
  <strong>Pygmy Marmosets</strong> are one of the<strong> smallest primates</strong> and they are the <strong>smallest monkey</strong> in the world. They have a body length between 12 and 15 cms, a tail length between 17 and 23 cms and they weigh between 100 and 125 g.<br />
  Their fur is tawny in colour and they have ringed tails that are at least as long as their body. Much of their time is spent up in the trees and their colouring provides them with camouflage.<br />
  They have long, forward turned incisors that are the same length as their canines. They use their specially adapted teeth to gnaw into the bark of trees so they can feed on the sap.<br />
They move quadrupedally and are very agile, active <strong>monkeys</strong> that are difficult to observe in the wild as they move so quickly through the trees</p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/proboscis_monkey_nasicuss.jpg" alt="proboscis monkey nasicuss" title="proboscis monkey nasicuss" width="313" height="384" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-535" /><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/proboscis_monkey.jpg" alt="proboscis monkey nasicuss" title="proboscis monkey nasicuss" width="500" height="375" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-536" /></p>
<p>
  <strong>The proboscis monkey </strong><br />
  The <strong>proboscis monkey</strong> has one of the most unusual appearances of any of the leaf-eating <strong>monkeys</strong> of the<strong> family Cercopithecidae</strong>. Both the Latin and common names of this species refer to the mature males&#8217; large pendulous nose that hangs down over their mouth. Local people referred to these <strong>large monkeys</strong> with their potbellies and red noses as &#8216;<strong>Dutch monkeys</strong>&#8216; as they were considered such a caricature of the <strong>Dutch</strong> sailors and plantation owners of the area. Apart from their large noses, male proboscis <strong>monkeys</strong> are also distinctive by being much larger and heavier than females, and having a bright red, visible penis and black scrotum. The coat is a light brown with red on both the crown of the head and the shoulders; the limbs and tail are grey in colour and there are cream patches on the throat. Infants are born with black fur and a vivid blue face. The cause of the males&#8217; large nose is still a matter of contention but may be a form of sexual selection, with females preferring males with large noses possibly as these enhance their vocalisations.
</p>
</p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/redpanda.jpg" alt="red panda" title="red panda" width="400" height="266" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-537" /></p>
<p><strong>Red panda</strong></p>
<p>The <strong>red panda</strong>, panda being the <strong>Nepalese </strong>name for &quot;small, <strong>cat-like animal</strong>,&quot; belongs to the order <strong>Carnivora</strong>. Its classification into a specific order is not complete. Scientists are seeking to resolve the confusion through DNA analysis. Recent studies suggest that <strong>red pandas</strong> are equally related to three different groups of animals that include skunks, weasels and raccoons. The <strong>red panda</strong> is the only species in the <strong>subfamily Ailurinae</strong>.<br />
The <strong>red panda</strong> is named after the fiery color of its long, soft coat. The coat&#8217;s red color serves as camouflage to blend with the red lichen that occurs in fir trees of <strong>China</strong>. Coloration for the upper parts of the coat are rusty to deep chestnut while the underside is darkest in color. The coat is comprised of long, moisture-shedding guard hairs and a dense undercoat of insulating gray-brown wool. The muzzle, lips, cheeks and ear edges are white, and dark red-brown tear tracks run from the eyes to the corners of the mouth. The limbs and underbelly are glossy dark reddish brown to black. The <strong>red panda</strong> has a bushy, non-prehensile tail that makes up two thirds the length of its body. The tail is faintly marked with dark red-brown rings.<br />
Thickly furred soles of the feet are adapted for walking on snow and ice. Excellent climbers, <strong>red pandas</strong> have pinkish-white claws that are half sheathed and semi-retractile. The <strong>red panda</strong> has an enlarged radial sesamoid bone on its forefoot wrist that is opposite its other digits. This &quot;extra thumb&quot; enables the red panda to grip and hold slender branches and leaves in its forepaws.<br />
<strong>Red pandas</strong> are primarily crepuscular <strong>animals</strong>, sleeping and relaxing during the day in trees or fallen logs, and foraging for food on the forest floor at dusk and dawn. When asleep, the red panda curls up on a branch with its nose tucked under a hind limb and its tail. They have also been observed in a sleeping position much like the <strong>American raccoon</strong>, sitting on a branch with head tucked beneath its chest and between their hind feet. On particularly warm days, <strong>red pandas</strong> can be seen fully stretched with belly pressed on a limb and legs dangling.</p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/pink_fairy_armadillo_vellerosus.jpg" alt="pink fairy armadillo vellerosus" title="pink fairy armadillo vellerosus" width="431" height="274" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-538" /><br />
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/pink_fairy_armadillo.jpg" alt="pink fairy armadillo" title="pink fairy armadillo" width="500" height="357" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-539" /></p>
<p><strong>Pink Fairy Armadillo</strong><br />
  The <strong>Pink Fairy Armadillo</strong> (<strong>Chlamyphorus truncatus</strong>) or <strong>Pichiciego </strong>is the smallest species of<strong> armadillo</strong> (mammals of the <strong>family Dasypodidae</strong>, mostly known for having a bony armor shell). It is approximately 90-115 mm long excluding the tail, and is pale rose or pink in color. It is found in central <strong>Argentina</strong> where it inhabits dry grasslands and sandy plains with thorn bushes and cacti. It has the ability to bury itself completely in a matter of seconds if frightened.<br />
The <strong>Pink Fairy Armadillo</strong> burrows small holes near ant colonies in dry dirt. It feeds mainly on ants and ant larvae near its burrow. Occasionally it feeds on worms, snails, insects and larvae, or various plant and root material.</p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/narwhal.jpg" alt="narwhal" title="narwhal" width="384" height="234" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-540" /></p>
<p><strong>The Narwhal</strong></p>
<p>The<strong> Narwhal </strong>(<strong>Monodon monoceros</strong>) is an Arctic species of cetacean. It is a creature rarely found south of latitude 70°N. It is one of two species of white whale in the <strong>Monodontidae family</strong> (the other is the beluga whale). It is possibly also related to the <strong>Irrawaddy dolphin</strong>.<br />
  The English name <strong>narwhal </strong>is derived from the Dutch name narwal which in turn comes from the <strong>Danish narhval</strong> which is based on the Old Norse word nar, meaning &quot;corpse.&quot; This is a reference to the <strong>animal</strong>&#8217;s colour. The narwhal is also commonly known as the <strong>Moon Whale</strong>.<br />
  In some parts of the world, the <strong>Narwhal</strong> is colloquially referred to as a &quot;reamfish.&quot;<br />
  In Inuit language the narwhal is named <strong>Tuugaalik</strong>.<br />
  The most conspicuous characteristic of male <strong>narwhal</strong> is their single extraordinarily long tusk, an incisor that projects from the left side of the upper jaw and forms a left-handed helix. The tusk can be up to 3 metres long (compared with a body length of 7–8 m) and weigh up to 10 kilograms. About one in 500 males has two tusks, which occurs when the right tooth, normally small, also grows out. Although rare, a female narwhal may also produce a tusk. There is a single recorded case of a female with two tusks.<br />
  The purpose of the tusk has been the subject of much debate. Early scientific theories suggested that the tusk was used to pierce the ice covering the <strong>narwhal&#8217;s Arctic Sea</strong> habitat. Others suggested the tusk was used in echolocation. More recently, scientists believed the tusk is primarily used for showmanship and for dominance: males with larger tusks are more likely to successfully attract a mate. This hypothesis was suggested by the activity of &quot;tusking&quot;, in which two males rub their tusks together.<br />
  However, recent work by a research team led by <strong>Martin Nweeia </strong>suggests that the tusk may in fact be a sensory organ. Electron micrographs of tusks revealed millions of tiny, deep tubules extending from the tusk&#8217;s surface, apparently connecting to the <strong>narwhal&#8217;s nervous system</strong>. While such tubules are present in the teeth of many species, they do not typically extend to the surface of healthy teeth. The exact sensory purpose of the tusk remains unknown, but scientists now hypothesize that it may detect temperature, salinity, pressure, and/or particulate makeup of the water in which the <strong>narwhal</strong> swims. Unlike the tusks of elephants, narwhal tusks do not regrow if they break off. However if damaged the tusks can repair themselves to a certain extent.<br />
Male narwhals weigh up to 1600 kg, the female around 1000 kg. Most of the body is pale with brown speckles in color, though the neck, head and edges of the flippers and fluke are nearly black. Older animals are usually more brightly colored than younger <strong>animals</strong>.</p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/frill-necked_lizard_chlamydosaurus_kingii.jpg" alt="frill necked lizard" title="frill necked lizard" width="384" height="251" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-541" /></p>
<p><strong>Frilled Lizard</strong><br />
  The <strong>frilled lizard</strong> is obviously designed for climbing, it is a large slender species, two thirds of its body length are made up by its tail. It has a brightly coloured (often blue) frill which is most of the time folded against the neck, it may be extended at times of courtship or alarm. This is a relatively dull coloured lizard, a background of grey or brown with irregular darker marks.<br />
Lives in <strong>Australia</strong> and <strong>Papua New Guinea</strong>. Eats <strong>Gutloaded insects</strong> (crickets, locusts, waxworms, morios, etc).</p>
<p><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/komondor_dog.jpg" alt="komondor dog" title="komondor dog" width="374" height="384" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-542" /><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/komondor_dog_2.jpg" alt="komondor dog" title="komondor dog" width="384" height="313" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-543" /></p>
<p><strong>Komondor</strong><br />
  King of the <strong>Hungarian</strong> livestock guarding <strong>dogs</strong>, the <strong>Komondor</strong>, is one of the most unusual breeds. A big muscular <strong>dog </strong>covered with dense, white cords. This coat protects the <strong>dog</strong> against the elements and predators . The <strong>Komondor</strong> is a <strong>large dog</strong> with males standing at least 27 1/2&quot; at the shoulders, while females must be at least 25 1/2&quot; tall. Occasionally one may see a <strong>Komondor </strong>as large as 31&quot; or even bigger, but these cases are rare. While large, the <strong>Komondor</strong> is not an overly <strong>heavy dog</strong>. Males usually weigh more than 80 pounds and females more than 60 pounds. Despite its size, the <strong>Komondor</strong> is astonishingly fast, agile and light on its feet. The quick movement, large size, unique coat and majestic appearance of the <strong>Komondor</strong> can be awe inspiring. A fearless dog, the <strong>Komondor</strong>&#8217;s main task is to guard flocks of sheep or other livestock against predators such as wolves, coyotes, <strong>feral dogs</strong>, or human predators. The nature of the <strong>Komondor </strong>is that of a calm <strong>watchful dog</strong> who thrives on responsibility. <strong>Komondors</strong> need something to watch over. Be it livestock, children, or a cat, a <strong>Komondor</strong> is happiest when taking responsibility for another&#8217;s well-being. As a pet, the <strong>Komondor </strong>is quiet around the house, unless it perceives a threat to those entrusted to its care. If challenged, the Komondor becomes a fearless protector knocking down an intruder or breaking windows to protect its &quot;flock&quot;. In the field, the <strong>Komondor</strong> is vigilant and trustworthy, reducing losses and even caring for orphans. It is important to remember that the <strong>Komondor</strong> is, first and foremost, a stock <strong>guard dog</strong>. 
</p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/hagfish.jpg" alt="hagfish" title="hagfish" width="199" height="149" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-544" /><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/hagfish_2.jpg" alt="hagfish myxine" title="hagfish myxine" width="350" height="157" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-545" /></p>
<p><strong>Hagfish</strong><br />
  <strong>Hagfish</strong> are marine craniates of the class <strong>Myxini</strong>, also known as <strong>Hyperotreti</strong>. Despite their name, there is some debate about whether they are strictly fish (as there is for lampreys), since they belong to a much more primitive lineage than any other group that is commonly defined fish (<strong>Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes</strong>). Their unusual feeding habits and slime-producing capabilities have led members of the scientific and popular media to dub the <strong>hagfish </strong>as the most &quot;disgusting&quot; of all sea creatures.<br />
 <strong> Hagfish</strong> are long, vermiform and can exude copious quantities of a sticky slime or mucus (from which the typical species <strong>Myxine glutinosa</strong> was named). When captured and held by the tail, they escape by secreting the fibrous slime, which turns into a thick and sticky gel when combined with water, and then cleaning off by tying themselves in an overhand knot which works its way from the head to the tail of the <strong>animal</strong>, scraping off the slime as it goes. Some authorities conjecture that this singular behavior may assist them in extricating themselves from the jaws of predatory fish. However, the &quot;sliming&quot; also seems to act as a distraction to predators, and free-swimming <strong>hagfish</strong> are seen to &quot;slime&quot; when agitated and will later clear the mucus off by way of the same travelling-knot behavior.<br />
  <strong>Hagfish</strong> have elongated, &#8216;eel-like&#8217; bodies, and paddle-like tails. Colours depend on the species, ranging from pink to blue-grey, and may have black or white mottling. Eyes may be vestigial or absent. The hagfish has no true fins or jaws, and has six barbels around its mouth and a single nostril. Instead of vertically articulating jaws like <strong>Gnathostomata</strong> (vertebrates with jaws), they have a pair of horizontally moving structures with toothlike projections for pulling off food. There are typically short tentacle-like protrusions around the mouth.<br />
  <strong>Hagfish</strong> enter both living and dead fish, feeding on the insides (polychaete marine worms are also prey). While having no ability to enter through skin, they will often enter through current openings such as the mouth, gills or anus. They tend to be quite common in their range, sometimes becoming a nuisance to fishermen by devouring the catch before it can be pulled to the surface. Not unlike leeches, they have a sluggish metabolism and can go months between feedings.<br />
<strong>Hagfish </strong>average about half a metre (18 inches) in length; <strong>Eptatretus</strong> goliath is the largest known, with a specimen recorded at 127 cm, while <strong>Myxine kuoi </strong>and <strong>Myxine pequenoi </strong>seem to reach no more than 18 cm. An adult <strong>hagfish</strong> can secrete enough slime to turn a large bucket of water into gel in a matter of minutes.</p>
</p>
<p><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/yeti_cra.jpg" alt="yatti crab" title="yatti crab" width="384" height="216" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-546" /></p>
<p><strong>Yeti Crab</strong><br />
  <strong>Yeti Crab</strong> (<strong>Kiwa hirsuta</strong>) is a crustacean discovered in 2005 in the <strong>South Pacific Ocean</strong>. This decapod, which is approximately 15 cm long, is notable for the quantity of silky blond setae (resembling fur) covering its pereiopods (thoracic legs, including claws). Its discoverers dubbed it the &quot;<strong>yeti lobster</strong>&quot; or &quot;<strong>yeti crab</strong>&quot; .<br />
  The &#8216;hairy&#8217; pincers contain filamentous bacteria, which the creature may use to detoxify poisonous minerals from the water emitted by the hydrothermal vents where it lives. Alternatively, it may feed on the bacteria, although it is thought to be a general carnivore. Its diet also consists of green algae and small shrimp.<br />
Although it is often referred to as the &quot;<strong>furry lobster</strong>&quot; outside the scientific literature, <strong>Yeti Crab</strong> is not a true lobster but is more closely related to squat lobsters and hermit crabs. The term &quot;furry lobster&quot; is more commonly used for the genus <strong>Palinurellus</strong>.</p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/alpaca.jpg" alt="alpaca" title="alpaca" width="384" height="290" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-547" /></p>
<p><strong>Alpaca</strong><br />
  The <strong>Alpaca</strong> (<strong>Vicugna pacos</strong>) is a domesticated species of South American camelid. It resembles a small llama in superficial appearance.<br />
  <strong>Alpacas</strong> are kept in herds that graze on the level heights of the <strong>Andes of Ecuador</strong>, southern <strong>Peru</strong>, northern<strong> Bolivia</strong>, and northern <strong>Chile </strong>at an altitude of 3500 to 5000 meters above sea-level, throughout the year. <strong>Alpacas</strong> are considerably smaller than llamas, and unlike them are not used as beasts of burden but are valued only for their fiber. <strong>Alpacas</strong> only have fleece fibers, not woolen fibers, used for making knitted and woven items much as sheep&#8217;s wool is. These items include blankets, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, a wide variety of textiles and ponchos in <strong>South America</strong>, and sweaters, socks and coats in other parts of the world. The fiber comes in more than 52 natural colors as classified in Peru, 12 as classified in <strong>Australia</strong> and 22 as classified in <strong>America</strong>.  <strong>Alpacas</strong> and llamas differ in that llamas have banana shaped ears and long tails and alpacas have straight ears and stubby tails. Aside from these differences, llamas are on average 1-2 feet taller and proportionally bigger than alpacas.<br />
  In the textile industry, &quot;<strong>alpaca</strong>&quot; primarily refers to the hair of <strong>Peruvian alpaca</strong>, but more broadly it refers to a style of fabric originally made from <strong>alpaca </strong>hair but now often made from similar fibers, such as mohair, <strong>Icelandic sheep wool</strong>, or even high-quality English wool. [citation needed] In trade, distinctions are made between alpacas and the several styles of mohair and luster.
</p>
<p></p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/axolotl_ambystoma_mexicanum.jpg" alt="axolotl ambystoma mexicanum" title="axolotl ambystoma mexicanum" width="384" height="384" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-548" /><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/axolotl.jpg" alt="axolotl" title="axolotl" width="400" height="300" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-549" /></p>
<p><strong>Axolotl</strong><br />
  <strong>The Axolotl</strong> may not a common pet, but it is very unique. The <strong>axolotl </strong>is a type of salamander, native to <strong>Mexico</strong>. It&#8217;s scientific name is <strong>Ambystoma mexicanum</strong>. The common pet or laboratory <strong>Axolotl </strong>refers exclusively to A. mexicanum, although in <strong>Mexico</strong> the term <strong>Axolotl </strong>is used in reference to several species of <strong>Ambystoma</strong>, and is considered an edible food source!<br />
  The <strong>Axolotl</strong> is neotenic, meaning that it doesn&#8217;t routinely undergo metamorphosis from the larval to adult form, as happens with most other salamanders. Instead, the larval form (with gills) becomes sexually mature and reproduces, maintaining a strictly aquatic life style. Under some circumstances, the <strong>Axolotl</strong> can undergo metamorphosis into a terrestrial from, although this can be stressful on the <strong>animal</strong>.<br />
  The <strong>Axolotl</strong> has amazing regenerative abilities &#8211; if injured, even to the point of losing a body part, the <strong>Axolotl</strong> will heal readily and even regenerate lost bits. They are fairly hardy creatures that can be expected to live up to 10-15 years with attention to proper care, particularly with respect ot water quality. Their skin and gills are very sensitive and quite soft, so handling is not recommended any more than is necessary. Because they can exchange air through moist skin, they can survive outside of water for short periods, as long as their skin is not allowed to dry out.<br />
  Juvenile <strong>axolotls</strong> can be cannibalistic towards each other, so they are best raised in separate enclosures. Adults can potentially be housed together but watch for cannibalistic tendencies. Of course, if a body part gets bitten off by a tank mate, an axolotl can regenerate it over time. 
</p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/angora_rabbit.jpg" alt="angora rabbit" title="angora rabbit" width="384" height="246" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-550" /></p>
<p><strong>Angora rabbit</strong><br />
  The <strong>Angora rabbit</strong> is a variety of domestic rabbit bred for its long, soft hair. The <strong>Angora</strong> is one of the oldest types of <strong>domestic rabbit</strong>, originating in <strong>Ankara</strong>, <strong>Turkey</strong>, along with the<strong> Angora cat</strong> and <strong>Angora goat</strong>. The <strong>rabbits</strong> were popular pets with <strong>French royalty</strong> in the mid 1700s, and spread to other parts of Europe by the end of the century. They first appeared in the <strong>United States</strong> in the early 1900s. They are bred largely for their long wool, which may be removed by shearing or plucking (gently pulling loose wool).<br />
  There are many individual breeds of <strong>Angora rabbits</strong>, four of which are ARBA recognized. Such breeds include, <strong>French, German, Giant, English, Satin, Chinese, Swiss, Finnish</strong>, to name a few.<br />
<strong>Angoras</strong> are bred mainly for their wool because it is silky and soft. Most are calm and docile but should be handled carefully. Grooming is necessary to prevent the fiber from matting and felting on the <strong>rabbit</strong>. Because they are prone to hairballs, they should be groomed everyday or every other day. A condition &quot;wool block&quot; is common in angora rabbits and should be treated quickly. Sometimes they are shorn in the summer as the long fur can cause the rabbits to overheat.</p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/dumbo_octopus.jpg" alt="dumbo octopus" title="dumbo octopus" width="384" height="365" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-551" />
</p>
<p><strong>Dumbo octopus</strong><br />
Also known as the &quot;<strong>Grimpoteuthis</strong>&quot;,  is a benthic mollusc found on the ocean floor at depths of 300-400 meters. <strong>Dumbo octopuses</strong>, which can grow to up to 20 centimeters,  are soft-bodied or semi- gelatinous octopuses with a pair of fins located on their mantle and webbing between their arms. Grimpoteuthis swim by moving their fins, pulsing their webbed arms, pushing water through their funnel for  jet propulsion, or all three at once. They can swim up off the bottom and hover a bit just above the seafloor looking for snails, worms, and other food. </p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/blobfish_2.jpg" alt="blobfish" title="blobfish" width="500" height="305" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-553" /><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/blobfish.jpg" alt="blobfish" title="blobfish" width="500" height="333" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-552" /></p>
<p>
  <strong>Blobfish</strong>
</p>
<p>The<strong> blobfish (Fathead, Psychrolutes marcidus)</strong> is a fish that inhabits the deep waters off the coasts of<strong> Australia</strong> and <strong>Tasmania</strong>. Due to the inaccessibility of its habitat, it is rarely seen by humans.</p>
<p><strong>Blobfish</strong> are found at depths where the pressure is several dozens of times higher than at sea level, which would likely make gas bladders inefficient. To remain buoyant, the flesh of the <strong>blobfish</strong> is primarily a gelatinous mass with a density slightly less than water; this allows the fish to float above the sea floor without expending energy on swimming. The relative lack of muscle is not a disadvantage as it primarily swallows edible matter that floats by in front of it.</p>
<p><strong>Blobfish</strong> don’t need muscles – they have a feeding strategy that consists of sitting and waiting for something edible to go by. As well as that, their jelly-like flesh is slightly lighter than water, so they don’t need to expend energy or scarce oxygen to stop themselves from sinking towards the sea floor. This low-density flesh is an alternative to a gas-filled swim bladder, a feature of many fish in less deep waters. However, at 800 metres deep the pressure is about 80 times higher than at sea level, so any gas would be too compressed to serve the purpose. Also in this photograph is a small red snailfish, another deep-water species with a jelly-like layer.</p>
<p>
<img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/emperor_tamarin_2.jpg" alt="emperor tamarin" title="emperor tamarin" width="500" height="333" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-554" /><img src="http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/emperor_tamarin_3.jpg" alt="emperor tamarin" title="emperor tamarin" width="500" height="333" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-555" /></p>
<p><strong>Emperor Tamarin</strong><br />
  <strong>The Emperor Tamarin</strong> (<strong>Saguinus imperator</strong>) is a tamarin allegedly named for its similarity with the <strong>German emperor Wilhelm II</strong>. The name was first intended as a joke, but has become the official scientific name.<br />
  This <strong>tamarin</strong> lives in the southwest <strong>Amazon Basin</strong>, in east <strong>Peru</strong>, <strong>north Bolivia</strong> and in the <strong>west Brazilian states of Acre and Amazonas</strong>.<br />
  The fur of the <strong>Emperor Tamarin</strong> is predominantly grey colored, with yellowish speckles on its chest. The hands and feet are black and the tail is brown. Outstanding is its long, white mustache, which extends to both sides beyond the shoulders. The <strong>animal</strong> reaches a length of 24 to 26 cm, plus a 35 cm long tail. It weighs approximately 300 to 400 g.<br />
  This primate inhabits tropical rain forests, living deep in the forest and also in open tree-covered areas. It is a <strong>diurnal animal</strong>, spending the majority of its days in the trees with quick, safe movements and broad jumps among the limbs.<br />
  The <strong>Emperor Tamarin</strong> lives together in groups of two to eight animals. The oldest female leads the group above several mature males. The mutual grooming plays an important role for bonding and socializing. The animals often associate themselves with other tamarins like the <strong>Brown-mantled Tamarin</strong>. It has various cries which help them to promptly recognize interlopers.<br />
  The diet of the <strong>Emperor Tamarin</strong> is similar to that of other tamarins. It is an omnivore, primarily eating fruits, insects and sap. It also eats bird eggs and small vertebrates (such as tree frogs). Due to its small weight it can reach food at the far end of branches, which are not accessible to <strong>heavier animals</strong>.<br />
The <strong>Emperor Tamarin</strong> lives a polyandrous life, i.e. the mature female mates with all of the males of her harem. Gestation is 140 to 145 days, and births are typically twins (although triplets happen on occasion) as is typical of <strong>tamarins</strong>. All the males, father or not, help with the birth, care, and support the young, carrying them and bringing them to the mother to nurse. At approximately three months they are weaned, and towards end of the second year they are fully mature. Its life expectancy is over 15 years.</p>
<p><em>staff from wikipedia and etc.</em></p>
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		<title>New 7 Wonders of the World</title>
		<link>http://lumq.com/03/new-7-wonders-of-the-world/</link>
		<comments>http://lumq.com/03/new-7-wonders-of-the-world/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:34:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[7 Wonders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brazil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Germany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[India]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Italy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Japan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mexico]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Russia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[france]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The biggest global vote ever to have taken place. Millions of people have already voted for their favorite &#8220;wonder.&#8221; Numerous milestones have already been reached on a journey across the Internet, television and the world&#8217;s media. This journey will reach its pinnacle on July 7, 2007 &#8211; 07.07.07, when the world will discover which monuments [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The biggest global vote ever to have taken place. Millions of people have already voted for their favorite &#8220;wonder.&#8221; Numerous milestones have already been reached on a journey across the Internet, television and the world&#8217;s media. This journey will reach its pinnacle on July 7, 2007 &#8211; 07.07.07, when the world will discover which monuments have been named as the New 7 Wonders of the World.<br />
<hr /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnoTKu0y-I/AAAAAAAADjM/gNgVoZSiwEQ/s1600-h/+Taj_Mahal_Agra_India.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnoTKu0y-I/AAAAAAAADjM/gNgVoZSiwEQ/s400/+Taj_Mahal_Agra_India.jpeg" alt="The Taj Mahal, Agra, India" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042316673813892066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The Taj Mahal (1630 A.D.) Agra, India</span><br />This immense mausoleum was built on the orders of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shah Jahan</span>, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">fifth Muslim Mogul emperor</span>, to honor the memory of his beloved late wife. Built out of white marble and standing in formally laid-out walled gardens, the Taj Mahal is regarded as the most perfect jewel of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Muslim art in India</span>. The emperor was consequently jailed and, it is said, could then only see the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Taj Mahal </span>out of his small cell window.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnoTKu0y_I/AAAAAAAADjU/byudXj_qL8Q/s1600-h/Alhambra_Granada.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnoTKu0y_I/AAAAAAAADjU/byudXj_qL8Q/s400/Alhambra_Granada.jpeg" alt="Alhambra, Granada, Spain" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042316673813892082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Alhambra (12th century) Granada, Spain </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mohammed I</span>, the first king of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nasriden</span> – a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Moorish dynasty in Granada</span> &#8211; converted a 9th-century castle into his private royal residence, and it is this which we now know as the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Alhambra</span>. The structure, which covers an area of 13 hectares, is renowned for its stunning frescoes and interior detail. The building is one of the finest examples of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Moorish architecture</span> in the world and is among Europe’s most-visited tourist attractions.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnn7Ku0y5I/AAAAAAAADik/GuqKkNpVZBs/s1600-h/Angkor_Cambodia.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnn7Ku0y5I/AAAAAAAADik/GuqKkNpVZBs/s400/Angkor_Cambodia.jpeg" alt="Angkor, Cambodia" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042316261497031570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Angkor (12th century) Cambodia</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Angkor</span> is the most important monument of the south-east <span style="font-weight: bold;">Asian Khmer Empire</span> and the world’s largest sacred temple. Built during the reign of <span style="font-weight: bold;">King Suryavaman</span>, at the beginning of the 12th century, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Angkor</span> is noted for its intricate ornamentation and striking beauty. With its water moats, concentric walls and magnificent temple mountain in the center, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Angkor Wat</span> symbolizes the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hindu</span> cosmos, with its oceans at the periphery and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Meru mountain</span> at the center of its universe.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnn7au0y6I/AAAAAAAADis/aZOH2NX5LEI/s1600-h/Christ_Redeemer.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnn7au0y6I/AAAAAAAADis/aZOH2NX5LEI/s400/Christ_Redeemer.jpeg" alt="Christ Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042316265791998882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Christ Redeemer (1931) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil </span></span><br />This statue of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jesus stands</span> some 38 meters tall, atop the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Corcovado mountain</span> overlooking<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Rio de Janeiro</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Designed by Brazilian Heitor da Silva Costa</span> and created by <span style="font-weight: bold;">French sculptor Paul Landowski</span>, it is one of the world’s best-known monuments. The statue took five years to construct and was inaugurated on October 12, 1931. It has become a symbol of the city and of the warmth of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brazilian people</span>, who receive visitors with open arms.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnn7au0y7I/AAAAAAAADi0/oUsWU0hG4bY/s1600-h/Hagia_Sophia_Istanbul.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnn7au0y7I/AAAAAAAADi0/oUsWU0hG4bY/s400/Hagia_Sophia_Istanbul.jpeg" alt="The Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042316265791998898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The Hagia Sophia (532 &#8211; 537 A.D.) Istanbul, Turkey</span><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hagia Sophia</span> was erected during the reign of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Emperor Justinian</span> (532 &#8211; 537 A.D.), when the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Byzantine Empire</span> was at the height of its power and influence. The massive dome, which is the prominent architectural feature, has since often been used as a model for the design of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Islamic mosques</span>. Indeed, after the fall of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Byzantium</span>, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hagia Sophia</span> was converted into an <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ottoman mosque</span>. Today, the monument is a museum serving both <span style="font-weight: bold;">Christians</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Muslims</span>.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnn7qu0y8I/AAAAAAAADi8/FKvLspZar-U/s1600-h/Kiyomizu_Temple_Kyoto_Japan.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnn7qu0y8I/AAAAAAAADi8/FKvLspZar-U/s400/Kiyomizu_Temple_Kyoto_Japan.jpeg" alt="Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto, Japan" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042316270086966210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Kiyomizu Temple (749 &#8211; 1855) Kyoto, Japan </span><br />Laid out in 794 A.D., the palaces and temples of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyoto</span> were the residences of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Japan</span>&#8217;s emperors and shoguns for more than 1,000 years. The<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Japanese Emperor</span> is enthroned at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Imperial Palace of Gosho</span>. Among other significant works are the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Higashi Nonganji</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nishi Hoganji </span>temple complexes, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kinkakuji Temple</span> with its &#8216;<span style="font-weight: bold;">Golden Pavilion</span>&#8216; and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kiyomizu Temple</span>, the temp<br />
le of “clear waters.” The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyoto</span> sites have been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout history and are today among Asia&#8217;s greatest cultural heritage sites.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnn7qu0y9I/AAAAAAAADjE/pZtNxv0Pp3Y/s1600-h/Kremlin_and_Red_Square_Moscow.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnn7qu0y9I/AAAAAAAADjE/pZtNxv0Pp3Y/s400/Kremlin_and_Red_Square_Moscow.jpeg" alt="The Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow, Russia" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042316270086966226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Kremlin and Red Square (1156 &#8211; 1850) Moscow, Russia</span></span><br />Built as a residence for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ivan I</span>, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kremlin</span> was the official residence of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Czars</span> until the 1917 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Russian Revolution</span>. Today, it still houses the <span style="font-weight: bold;">President’s office</span>. In front of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kremlin is Red Square</span> – an impressive and exuberant plaza which, for many people, is associated with the infamous <span style="font-weight: bold;">May Day</span> demonstrations. Rising from the square is <span style="font-weight: bold;">St Basil&#8217;s Cathedral</span>, built in the 1550s to commemorate <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ivan</span> the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Terrible</span>&#8217;s capture of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mongol stronghold of Kazan</span>.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnnSKu0y0I/AAAAAAAADh8/oC5gACZqDZA/s1600-h/Machu_Picchu.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnnSKu0y0I/AAAAAAAADh8/oC5gACZqDZA/s400/Machu_Picchu.jpeg" alt="Machu Picchu, Peru" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042315557122394946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Machu Picchu (1460-1470), Peru</span><br />In the 15th century, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Incan Emperor Pachacútec</span> built a city in the clouds on the mountain known as <span style="font-weight: bold;">Machu Picchu</span> (&#8220;old mountain&#8221;). This extraordinary settlement lies halfway up the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Andes Plateau</span>, deep in the Amazon jungle and above the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Urubamba River</span>. It was probably abandoned by the Incas because of a smallpox outbreak and, after the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Spanish</span> defeated the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Incan Empire</span>, the city remained &#8216;lost&#8217; for over three centuries. It was rediscovered by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hiram Bingham</span> in 1911.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnnSau0y1I/AAAAAAAADiE/PrnDi905HIU/s1600-h/Neuschwanstein_Castle.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnnSau0y1I/AAAAAAAADiE/PrnDi905HIU/s400/Neuschwanstein_Castle.jpeg" alt="Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau, Germany" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042315561417362258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Neuschwanstein Castle (1869 -1884) Schwangau, Germany </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Neuschwanstein Castle</span> was built in a time when castles and fortresses were no longer strategically necessary. Instead, it was born of pure fantasy – a beautiful, romantic composition of towers and walls in the perfect setting of mountains and lakes. The combination of various architectural styles and intrinsic craftwork has inspired generations of adults and children alike.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnnSqu0y2I/AAAAAAAADiM/Hx99CKMkiyA/s1600-h/Petra_Jordan.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnnSqu0y2I/AAAAAAAADiM/Hx99CKMkiyA/s400/Petra_Jordan.jpeg" alt="Petra, Jordan" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042315565712329570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Petra (9 B.C. &#8211; 40 A.D.), Jordan</span><br />On the edge of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Arabian Desert</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Petra</span> was the glittering capital of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nabataean empire</span> of <span style="font-weight: bold;">King Aretas IV</span> (9 B.C. to 40 A.D.). Masters of water technology, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nabataeans</span> provided their city with great tunnel constructions and water chambers. A theater, modelled on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Greek-Roman prototypes</span>, had space for an audience of 4,000. Today, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Palace Tombs of Petra</span>, with the 42-meter-high <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hellenistic temple facade</span> on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">El-Deir Monastery</span>, are impressive examples of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Middle Eastern culture</span>.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnnSqu0y3I/AAAAAAAADiU/6szkDS78qxY/s1600-h/Pyramid_at_Chichen_Itza.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnnSqu0y3I/AAAAAAAADiU/6szkDS78qxY/s400/Pyramid_at_Chichen_Itza.jpeg" alt="The Pyramid at Chichén Itzá, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042315565712329586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Pyramid at Chichén Itzá (before 800 A.D.) Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chichén Itzá</span>, the most famous <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mayan temple city</span>, served as the political and economic center of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mayan civilization</span>. Its various structures &#8211; the <span style="font-weight: bold;">pyramid of Kukulkan</span>, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Temple of Chac Mool</span>, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hall</span> of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thousand Pillars</span>, and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Playing Field</span> of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Prisoners</span> – can still be seen today and are demonstrative of an extraordinary commitment to architectural space and composition. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">pyramid</span> itself was the last, and arguably the greatest, of all <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mayan temples</span>.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnnS6u0y4I/AAAAAAAADic/BBCKCVn7lEY/s1600-h/Statues_of_Easter_Island.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnnS6u0y4I/AAAAAAAADic/BBCKCVn7lEY/s400/Statues_of_Easter_Island.jpeg" alt="Statues of Easter Island, Easter Island, Chile " id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042315570007296898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Statues of Easter Island (10th &#8211; 16th Century) Easter Island, Chile </span><br />Discovered on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Easter Sunday</span>, 1722 by<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Dutch</span> explorer <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jakob Roggeveen</span>, this collection of 25 meter-high <span style="font-weight: bold;">stone sculptures</span> still puzzles historians and archaeologists as to its origins. It is believed that a society of <span style="font-weight: bo<br />
ld;">Polynesian</span> origin settled here in the 4th century and established a unique tradition of monumental sculpture. Between the 10th and 16th centuries, they erected the enormous stone figures, known as the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Moai</span>, which have long fascinated the entire world and endowed this island with a mythical atmosphere.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnmzau0yvI/AAAAAAAADhU/5s2tG7QkYmA/s1600-h/Stonehenge_Amesbury_UK.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnmzau0yvI/AAAAAAAADhU/5s2tG7QkYmA/s400/Stonehenge_Amesbury_UK.jpeg" alt="Stonehenge, Amesbury, United Kingdom" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042315028841417458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stonehenge (3000 B.C. &#8211; 1600 B.C.) Amesbury, United Kingdom</span></span><br />Construction of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Stonehenge</span> took place between ca. 3000 and 1600 B.C. With each stone weighing around 50 tons, it is regarded as a truly amazing feat of engineering. Although it is not clear who built the monument, nor for what purpose, it has been speculated that it was either a temple dedicated to the worship of ancient earth deities, an astronomical observatory or a sacred burial site.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnmzqu0ywI/AAAAAAAADhc/A6bDA8VV6hM/s1600-h/Sydney_Opera_House.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnmzqu0ywI/AAAAAAAADhc/A6bDA8VV6hM/s400/Sydney_Opera_House.jpeg" alt="Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042315033136384770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Sydney Opera House (1954 &#8211; 73) Sydney, Australia</span><br />When the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sydney Opera House</span> was finished in 1973, this landmark building &#8211; in the true sense of the expression, &#8211; put the whole continent of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Australia</span> on the world map. This building does not imitate or reflect what we generally imagine an opera house might look like, indeed, it is a completely abstract interpretation. The ability to create abstract art only developed after the invention of photography in the late 19th century, when painters first began to experiment with an abstract, cubist interpretation of reality.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnmzqu0yxI/AAAAAAAADhk/Sd4MV38WcNg/s1600-h/The_Acropolis_of_Athens.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnmzqu0yxI/AAAAAAAADhk/Sd4MV38WcNg/s400/The_Acropolis_of_Athens.jpeg" alt="The Acropolis of Athens, Athens, Greece " id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042315033136384786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Acropolis of Athens (450 &#8211; 330 B.C.) Athens, Greece</span></span><br />Built atop what is known as the “<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sacred Rock</span>” of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Athens</span>, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Acropolis</span> was to radiate power and protection for its citizens. The temples of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Acropolis</span> have become the some of most famous architectural landmarks of ancient and modern history. Today, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Parthenon</span> in particular is an international symbol of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Greek civilization</span>. A graphic illustration of the temple also appears in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">UNESCO logo</span>, representing culture and education.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnmz6u0yyI/AAAAAAAADhs/bNjWnOMe17c/s1600-h/The_Eiffel_Tower.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnmz6u0yyI/AAAAAAAADhs/bNjWnOMe17c/s400/The_Eiffel_Tower.jpeg" alt="The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042315037431352098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The Eiffel Tower (1887 &#8211; 89) Paris, France</span><br />The creation of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gustave Eiffel</span>, this magnificent steel tower has come to serve as a <span style="font-weight: bold;">symbol of Paris</span>, as well as of <span style="font-weight: bold;">France</span> itself. The structure is not only a <span style="font-weight: bold;">landmark</span> that is recognized all over the world, but is perhaps the <span style="font-weight: bold;">most popular architectural achievement</span> in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Western world</span>. It was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Empire State Building</span> was constructed. The tower is visited by six million people every year.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnmz6u0yzI/AAAAAAAADh0/nheMP-3FvlM/s1600-h/Timbuktu_Mali.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnmz6u0yzI/AAAAAAAADh0/nheMP-3FvlM/s400/Timbuktu_Mali.jpeg" alt="Timbuktu, Mali" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042315037431352114" border="0" /></a>Timbuktu (12th century) Mali<br /></span>In the 12th century, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Timbuktu</span> was at the crossroads of the four most important caravan paths supplying the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Arab world</span>, which then spanned from the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Middle East</span> all the way to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Spain</span>. The accumulation of wealth made it one of the wealthiest places on earth at the time. This allowed one of the first universities in the history of humankind to be established– the celebrated <span>Islamic university</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>called the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Koranic Sankore</span>, where 20,000 students studied law, medicine, rhetoric, etc. Today, it remains with us as a powerful myth and, in this way, resembles another <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ancient Wonder</span>, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hanging Gardens of Babylon</span>.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnmUKu0yqI/AAAAAAAADgs/Sj9dNPtl6bc/s1600-h/The_Great_Wal_of_China.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnmUKu0yqI/AAAAAAAADgs/Sj9dNPtl6bc/s400/The_Great_Wal_of_China.jpeg" alt="The Great Wall of China, China" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042314491970505378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The Great Wall of China (220 B.C and 1368 &#8211; 1644 A.D.) China</span><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Great Wall of China</span> was built to link existing fortifications into a united defense system and better keep invading <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mongol tribes</span> out of <span style="font-weight: bold;">China</span>. It is the largest man-made monument ever to have been built and it is disputed that it is the only one visible from space. Many thousands of people must have given their lives to build this colossal construction.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnmW6u0yrI/AAAAAAAADg0/wwjDn2Yp2HU/s1600-h/The_Pyramids_of_Giza.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.<br />
blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnmW6u0yrI/AAAAAAAADg0/wwjDn2Yp2HU/s400/The_Pyramids_of_Giza.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042314539215145650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The Pyramids of Giza (2600 &#8211; 2500 B.C), Egypt</span><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pyramids of Giza</span>, the oldest and only <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ancient Wonder </span>still standing, are testimony to perfection in art and design, never subsequently achieved. They were built by planners and engineers purely to serve their earthy rulers &#8211; who were also their gods. Philosophy did not exist at this time, and creation was not subject to any questioning. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">pyramids</span> are the purest of constructions, built for eternity.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnmXKu0ysI/AAAAAAAADg8/JSJ54GLQ_3M/s1600-h/The_Roman_Colosseum.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnmXKu0ysI/AAAAAAAADg8/JSJ54GLQ_3M/s400/The_Roman_Colosseum.jpeg" alt="The Roman Colosseum, Rome, Italy" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042314543510112962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The Roman Colosseum (70 &#8211; 82 A.D.) Rome, Italy</span><br />This great amphitheater in the centre of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rome</span> was built to give favors to successful legionnaires and to celebrate the glory of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Roman Empire</span>. Its design concept still stands to this very day, and virtually every <span style="font-weight: bold;">modern sports stadium</span> some 2,000 years later still bears the irresistible imprint of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Colosseum&#8217;</span>s original design. Today, through films and history books, we are even more aware of the cruel fights and games that took place in this arena, all for the joy of the spectators.</p>
<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnmXau0ytI/AAAAAAAADhE/c_gQfSARS7E/s1600-h/The_Statue_of_Liberty.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/RfnmXau0ytI/AAAAAAAADhE/c_gQfSARS7E/s400/The_Statue_of_Liberty.jpeg" alt="The Statue of Liberty, New York City, USA" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042314547805080274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The Statue of Liberty (1886) New York City, U.S.A. </span><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Statue of Liberty</span> was a gift of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">French government</span> to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">United States</span> to honor the ideals of freedom and independence. It was a very early gesture of national generosity. This huge statue became a symbol of hope and freedom for many hundreds of millions of people who immigrated to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">United States</span> during the 20th century to find a new life of peace and prosperity.</p>
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://new7wonders.com/" target="blank">new7wonders.com</a></span></div>
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