Living in Florida, you always have a bit of fear in the back of your mind that you may find yourself in some unfamiliar territories. I'm not trying to scare the tourists that travel to Florida every year to swim in the ocean and walk on the glorious beaches of the Sunshine State. You just have to remember, every time you step into the ocean you're in a domain that doesn't belong to you or I.

A small strip of Florida’s coastline is infamous for its record number of shark attacks. A total of 135 shark attacks occurred along this 47-mile strip of land in Volusia Country between 1999 and 2008.

That is 21 percent of the global number of shark attacks during that time, according a new study.Check out the rest of the study on the Hotspots For Shark Attacks in Florida and Why They Occur @Discovery News

Also check out Sharks: Cruise Missiles of the Deep @DarkRoastedBlend

Picture Copyright Carl Roessler

In archaeology, and in history, we are accustomed to hearing about great myths and legends. However, when those legends become a type of curse that cannot be explained, we start to wonder how much truth was actually present in the original stories.

This is the case of the curse of the ice mummy. The death of a molecular biologist has fuelled speculation about a "curse" connected to an ancient corpse. Tom Loy, 63, had analysed DNA found on "Oetzi", the Stone Age hunter whose remains were discovered in 1991.

Dr Loy died in unclear circumstances in Australia making him the seventh person connected with Oetzi to die. Colleagues and family of Dr Loy have rejected the notion that he was the victim of a "curse".

Read More about the Curse of the Ice Mummy

Post compliments of Edutainment

Picture Source

Photographer is Pascalvu

When I started out writing and blogging many years ago, I did it without my own personal computer. In fact, many times I had to drive 2 hours to my dad's apartment in order to work on his personal computer.I think he started to notice that I was becoming a serious blogger and writer so he offered me a Dell Coupon that he had received from his office to get a deep discount on a laptop computer. I had never owned or operated a Dell computer before, in all actuality, I was used to using HP computers, but I made the most of the situation.

I took the Dell to my restaurant to use for business and  blogging. However, one afternoon one of the pipes burst in the office, this was an older building mind you, and the laptop was destroyed. We experienced one of those odd winter days in Florida and the pipes couldn't handle it. I was so upset. The worst thing was, I no longer had access to my business or personal files on the Dell, so I had to buy another computer.

I looked into getting a desktop computer and I managed to find some really great HP coupons that could be used at the local Best Buy. I got nearly $350.00 off my purchase, and not to mention, I received Best Buy Coupons for my next purchase. Wouldn't you know it, I bought an HP laptop no less than two weeks later. This would be the same HP laptop that I've been using the entire time while setting up all three of my blogs.

It's not the fact that I always find great discounts on the products that I trust, but the fact that I still have those products and they work just as well as the first day I purchased them.

I'm not sure I would I be roaming around with a toilet paper dispenser on my head or a face guard while eating hot noodles, however some of the world's weirdest inventions claim to be very useful and practical, so you be the judge.

Pigggy over at purpleslinky says that portable toilets are common, but definitely not this one. When you need to get to a toilet fast, this wonderful creation will come to your rescue. Invented by Paul Sender, this toilet has an edge over its more stationary competitors due to its 1000-horsepower Boeing jet engine. Reaching a speed of 110 kilometres per hour, it is meant for people who desperately need a potty break. (that's too funny, he he)

Read more:  The World’s Weirdest Inventions 

Also Check out:

• Weird and Wonderful Objects From The First Ripleys in St. Augustine Florida @TravelSphere
• The Ripley's World Famous Redwood Log House @ This Site
• 10 Bizarre Sea Creatures
• 13-year-old Thad Phillips Escaped 43 Hours of Bone Breaking Torture
• Serial Killer Jane Toppan @ Friends Revolution
• Ed Gein The Wisconsin Grave Robber and Butcher of Plainfield @Socyberty
• Would You Buy The Home of a Serial Killer? 
• Lost: The Unanswered Questions (And Alternative Endings)
• The Infamous and Bizarre Vampire of Brooklyn Albert Fish @Socyberty
• The Bizarre and Twisted Evolution of HH Holmes Castle of Horrors  @Socyberty

I wanted to give a shout out to a site I've been using for close to two years now, Dump Trumpet. It's a social networking site that allows individuals to submit links to their favorite articles and blogs. It basically hassle free and simple to use. Just add your links, a short description, and you're done.

I would like to see some of you over there, especially since Jason, the site owner, has made me an administrator. We need diverse links everyone so don't waste any time and get your behinds over there. Besides, who can't use more support and backlinks to their blogs.

Just make sure you take a look at the articles submitted and approved and you'll get a pretty good idea about what articles do well. As you can see, I love Dump Trumpet. Not to mention the fact that I got a free traveldrive for being the top submitter a while back. What other site does that?

If you're an advertiser and you'd like to be featured on Dump Trumpet mention my name Lauren (User: lannaxe96) for a discount.

Robert Ripley was an eccentric man and an avid traveler. He took the world by storm visiting far off lands and unblemished territories and cultures. Places like India and the Orient were unconventional areas for the American traveler during the 19th century, however Ripley's obsession drove him to these areas to study the local customs and speak with people in the area.

The Human Unicorn

In 1931, Wang, The Human Unicorn, had a 13" horn growing out of the back of his head.

The Lighthouse Man

A tour guide of Chungking, once guided American dignitaries through the streets of Chungking by the light of a candle on his head. Inspected by Dr. J Kaveney of the US Navy, it was found that "His scalp had been cut through and an opening to hold the inserted candle had been made through the external plate of the skull and the candle was held in place by melted wax".

The Longest Nose

Thomas Wedders, a circus freakshow act from Yorkshire, England in the 1700's, had a nose 7 1/2" long.

The Mummified Floor Lamp

On his death bed, Chang T'ung, a Chinese monk in the TempleP'u-to-Shan, requested that his body be mummified, and then somehow used to serve the temple after his death. An odd request indeed. T'ung was dressed in tattered clothing and appeared to be holding a tin candlestick. His body was used as a floor lamp for the temple's hallway for over 300 years.

Painted Pringles Potato Chips

These pringle chips were painted by artist Linda Lee Curtis from Phoenix Arizona. I'm not positive how old they are, but they were in the same casing as native necklaces. Interesting just the same.

Psychedelic Spinning tunnels

It makes complete sense to end your bizarre tour of Ripleys with a smooth trip through a trippy, moving tunnel. There are even emergency exits placed right at the doorways, just in case you require a smoother transition into the gift shop.

The Soda Can Manatee

Burn Victim From the 1944 Fire at Ripleys

In April 1944, a fire completely destroyed the third and fourth floors of the Ripley building in St. Augustine, and two women died. Neither woman was burned, however they died from smoke inhalation. Oddly, both the women had wrapped themselves in wet towels to ward of any further damage to themselves. When residents speak of the St. Augustine Ripleys, they often mention Betty Richeson and Mrs. Ruth Pickering (both found dead in their bathtubs) roaming the halls.

Photos are taken by the Author.

Also check out:

• Weird and Wonderful Objects From The First Ripleys in St. Augustine Florida @TravelSphere
• The Ripley's World Famous Redwood Log House @ This Site
• Serial Killer Jane Toppan @ Friends Revolution
• Ed Gein The Wisconsin Grave Robber and Butcher of Plainfield @Socyberty
• The Infamous and Bizarre Vampire of Brooklyn Albert Fish @Socyberty
• The Bizarre and Twisted Evolution of HH Holmes Castle of Horrors  @Socyberty

The Ripley's Redwood Log Cabin is a 1900 year old Redwood tree that once stood over 247 feet high and 14 feet in diameter. This log used for the cabin was the fourth cut from the tree in 1938, measuring 33 feet long and and 8 feet long. The section of trunk used to construct the house contains more than 11,000 feet of lumber, enough to build a five bedroom house.

Len Moore was looking to take refuge during a storm and found cover in a burned out redwood tree. He got the incredible idea to build his dreamhouse out of the massive tree, taking only four months to chisel out the interior and over a year to build.

Believe It or Not!

Photos taken By Author

Ohio is my home state, however I never realized while I lived there that so much history to explore. Let alone, the fact that Ohio is home to some fascinating castles and architectural feats.

Ohio's history is filled with industrial tradition, and with that tradition, came a slew of factory owners that not only got rich during the 19th century, but built castles to show off their enormous wealth. Joe Dorish takes us into the world of castles in different parts of the Buckeye state. Read about the Castles in Ohio

Castle Picture Source

Close to 9 years ago, I ran into some heavy financial issues due to a transition in employment. I had only lived here in Florida for about one year, however I was in dire need of money fast and I wasn't sure where to get it. I started to look into some cash advance locations and websites and found out the process was completely painless.

I did the loan process face to face, but in some cases, you don't have that kind of time. Furthermore, I wanted an option that was even more secure and required less documentation. Many face to face payday loan locations require you to furnish a recent pay stub, utility bill, and a drivers license. Online companies work completely different.

With companies like Money Now! USA, the process online is more secure, using a program that encrypts all of your private and personal data, to protect you from identity theft. Also, the requirements are simple:

• Be a US citizen
• 18 Years of Age
• Have an Active/open checking or savings account

Money Now also works with 150 lenders to get you the highest payday loan amount with the lowest APR. Plus,4 out of every 5 applicants are approved for a loan. You just can't beat those odds and the benefits.

Jut remember, cash advances should only be used in extreme emergencies and only take out one at a time. Don't stretch yourself to thin, because remember, this is still a loan and you need to be responsible.

As part of my Spanish Final, I had to do an individual project on a aspect of Spanish culture. Since my passion exists in pure history and archaeology, I figured what better way to express those passions but in a video. This particular documentary is about Pre-Columbian Statues, Ruins, and Civilizations.

The video is narrated in Spanish, but there is an English translation right after each section. Please enjoy and let me know what you think.

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Lion Rock, otherwise known as Sigiriya, is a archaeological site with a cube shaped rock at the center. The rocks is made primarily out of volcanic rock and reaches heights of 1214 feet.

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During the 4th century, the site was used as a Buddhist monastery, more importantly it was surrounded by a complex under the rule of King Kasyapa. Reminicient of a castle, this geological wonder is surrounded by lush jungles and a mud moat. The top of the formation is a castle that was rumored to be the pleasure palace of the king. After the king died, the castle was reverted back to a monastery, however due to misuse, the castle fell to ruins.

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One one side of the rock, there is what's called the "Mirror Wall" measuring 460 feet long and 131 feet high. This mirror is a culmination of painted frescoes depicting beautiful women with flowers in their hair. The paintings have disappeared over time, yet they have inspired some of the greatest love poems the world has ever seen. Written on walls of course.

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The stone lion has a narrow, wrought iron, spiral staircase that leads to the terrace, which was located below what was once a lion head. The paws are now all that remains. Just like in a movie, the visitors would have had to gain access to the castle through the lion's mouth.

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If you'd like to visit Lion Rock-Sigiriya, just be aware that the staircase to reach the summit is so narrow that only one foot can be placed at a time. If you don't enjoy tricky climbs, this may not be the site for your next visit. However if you like adventure, this place is full of it.

An Adventure with a Manatee at Ponce Inlet in Florida

Every week we take the pooches to Ponce Inlet in Florida to swim at the dog beach. Today was an odd occurrence, however. When I was a taking a much needed break from the waters, I heard some people yelling and pointing out at the water.

There were two beautiful manatees slowing swimming by all of the bathers. In a surprising, yet startling way, one of the manatees swam under my fiance and lifted him out of the water. It was like those games you play when you're a child. You know the ones. You swim under your friend and surprise them by throwing them out of the water, causing a huge splash and lots of laughter.

Personally, if a creature that large swam under me, and I had no idea they were in the area, I would be yelling shark and heading towards my towel.

The most amusing part of this experience was when a little girl asked my fiance if the manatees belonged to him. She thought we had brought them on a leash. He told her, "I could never afford to feed them, and no, we didn't bring them. They lived there". It was a good day!

The Final Launch of Atlantis

Pictures taken from the deck of Aunt Catfish in Daytona Beach

Space shuttle Atlantis is embarking on its final planned mission. During the 12-day flight, Atlantis and six astronauts will fly to the International Space Station, leaving behind a Russian Mini Research Module, a set of batteries for the station's truss and dish antenna, along with other replacement parts.

NASA astronaut Ken Ham will command an all-veteran flight crew: Pilot Tony Antonelli, and Mission Specialists Michael Good, Garrett Reisman, Piers Sellers and Steve Bowen. Read more about the Space Shuttle Atlantis at NASA

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Several years ago, I visited a friend that had moved to Salt Lake City with her family. I was quite young at the time, and my idea of a perfect vacation was shopping at the outlets and trekking through the canyons. However, I did happen to miss the Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson in the Great Salt Lake that was designed in the 1970's. I'm not sure I could have appreciated it as much then as I do now.

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I was introduced to the Spiral Jetty in my geology class, not much as a geological phenomenon, but as an example of the types of sediments in the surrounding Great Salt Lake area. The jetty itself was constructed by moving basalt rocks, salt crystals, mud, and water into a 1500 foot long spiraling platform. The jetty, however, can not be accessed unless the water in the Great Salt Lake drops below a certain elevation.

According to Smithson, he built the Spiral Jetty close to Rozel Point due to the red hue of the waters, a blood red to be in fact. Similarly to the Mammoth Hot Springs, which have separate cells that contain algae and bacteria that add to the orange and yellow hues of the outer cell coating, the bacteria in the Great Salt Lake perform in the same manor.

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Movement of the material was made possible by a $9000 grant and contractor Bob Phillips, who used 2 dump trunks, a large tractor, and a front end loader that hauled over 6000 tons of rocks and material.

The Spiral Jetty was completed in only 6 days. Unfortunately, three years later Smithson died in a plane crash in Texas.

Today, the Spiral Jetty is owned by the Dia Art Foundation in New York who acquired the jetty from Smithson's estate in 1999.

Over the past few months, I have noticed a slowing of load times with both of my sites. I know that I tend to use several pictures in most of my posts, however I really never knew what type of impact those pictures were having on the site itself. I want to provide all of you with the best experience possible when you're on both of my websites, but I'm not sure what my options are and what it will cost to host the sites on a different server.

What I do know is that is difficult for me to break out of my comfort zone when it comes to a dedicated server. My question to all of you is what types of servers do you use personally for your websites and why did you choose the company that you did?

Personally, when I look to new hosting companies I take several points into consideration:

• The type of processor being used.
• The set up costs.
• How many dedicated IP addresses I will receive with the package.
• How easy is it to set up a site on a new server.
• Reviews by real customers and their personal experiences with that particular company.

I know it may sound confusing to many of you new bloggers, however sometimes you have to stop and think about if your site is performing as well as it should be. This can significantly affect the amount of traffic you receive and the how much of that traffic you are able to maintain.

So what's your thoughts on this?

Lilium Urbanus is a short film by Anca Risca and Joji Tsuruga. It tells a story of a grassy field that sprouts a budding city and blooms overnight.What's fascinating about this short animated film is that is accurately depicts how fast a growing infrastructure can take hold, sometimes sprouting over night. This is truly the definition of urbanization. Take a look!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NAVTEQ. All opinions are 100% mine.

NAVTEQ is the leading provider in digital map, traffic and location data. In fact, I'm sure many of you already have a GPS system installed in your vehicle by NAVTEQ. Well, if you haven't heard, May is www.mapupdatemonth.com,which means you need to start updating your own personal in-car navigation system. For that matter, if you have a recent graduate getting ready to embark down a new career path, or quite possibly, they may be taking a summer road trip before that job begins, an updated GPS is a great gift.

My fiance's son is graduating in a few weeks, and along with getting a new car for his gift, we have decided to install an updated navigation system in his car. The sole purpose for this was, to be truthful, it's www.mapupdatemonth.com. These updates will not only save our new graduate some sanity and headaches when stuck in traffic, looking for a restaurant, or even an ATM, but they will save money and the environment.

Did you know that according to a recent Navigation Benefits study, using a navigation device can save up to $200 and four days of driving time a year (when using a traffic enabled device), and can reduce your CO2 emissions by 20%? I had no idea!

I know personally, I'm looking into getting an in-car navigation system from NAVTEQ because I am most certainly known for getting lost. Furthermore, I need the most updated maps considering I plan on traveling this summer.

No matter what your plans may be, take into consideration the amount of money you can save, and the amount of time you will have available for your family, just my updating your navigation system.

Near La Paz, about 9 1/2 miles from Lake Titicaca, lies Tiwanaku . Many archaeologists believe that Tiwanaku in the oldest city in the world and some believe it was a sacred place for Aymara: a tribe that thrived here long before the Incas.

  xallva

There are those, however, that claim Tiwanaku was built by visitors from another planet, the same people in fact, that constructed the Nazca Lines in Peru. Tiwanaku was built 2 miles above sea level in the Bolivian Andes, making this site a mystery. How was it possible to transport these massive stone monuments across such a long distance?

  xallva

What we do know is that around 500 CE, building began, with several additions being added six centuries later. The stones used in this massive complex of temples, statues, and monoliths were cut in a way that locked all of them together without the use of any mortar. The heaviest of the stones weighs close to 100 tons.

  svamberk

By the time the Inca arrived, the entire civilization along with its people had disappeared. Historians believe that the surrounding geographical terrain was no longer fertile, so the inhabitants moved on. The Incas perception of Tiwanaku was that, this was the birthplace of humankind.

The mystery of Tiwanaku is just as fascinating as the Egyptian pyramids, the Nazca Lines in Peru, Petra in Jordan, and Stonehenge in England. None of these amazing monuments have ever been explained, and their origins remain unknown.


Click on the pictures for more Ancient Civilizations.



Also Check out:

• The Valley of The Statues in San Agustin
• The Colors of Xcaret Theme Park in The Riviera Maya 
• The Copan Ruins In Honduras  
• Tucume: The Adobe Pyramids Predating the Incas
• Chan Chan: The Largest Adobe City in the Pre Columbian Americas

Photo Sources

Tiwanaku on Wiki