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45 Of The Most Beautiful Places In The World
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Ready to ignite your wanderlust? Here are 45 of the most beautiful places in the world!
From the frozen wastelands of Antarctica to the steamy jungles of Brazil, from the depths of our oceans to the highest mountain peaks, and from the most desolate deserts to the ultra-modern cities, our planet has been so blessed by nature, cramming it with thousands of geological wonders that make up the most beautiful places in the world.
Below we list just a minuscule number of the world's most beautiful places. Some are tucked in faraway lands that perhaps many of us will never see, while others may be just around the corner.
Here are 45 of the world's most beautiful places you simply can't afford to miss.
Without a doubt, Rio de Janeiro is certainly one of the most fun and beautiful places in the world
Compressed between dramatic mountains and the ocean and inhabited by the most laid-back people you'll ever meet, Rio de Janeiro is, without a doubt, South America's most beautiful city and certainly one of the most beautiful places in the world!
Well, it certainly is one of the prettiest places in Brazil!
Its most famous attractions are its stunning beaches, with the legendary Copacabana and the posh Ipanema taking center stage, while landmarks like the Sugarloaf Mountain and the iconic Corcovado, with the enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer, are two of the world's most memorable sights.
Panoramic views from these beautiful spots of the city sprawled around them are truly unforgettable.
A city with scenic hiking trails through the rainforest, waterfalls, botanical gardens, lagoons, a vibrant nightlife, and more beachfront than any city in the world makes this one of the world's most beautiful places.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a chocolate box-pretty city that feels like some children's fairy tale setting.
The largest city in the Netherlands is filled with iconic canals and flower-decorated bridges, windmills, 17th-century buildings, museums, and palaces, while the cobblestone streets are lined with quaint sidewalk cafes, pastry shops, and restaurants bustling with people.
Throw in a few thousand brightly-colored bicycles, tulip stands, and leafy public parks into the mix, and you have one of the world's most beautiful places…just like that!
For history buffs, culture vultures, and art lovers, the Dutch capital has so much more to offer than just pretty scenery.
Art museums are packed with priceless works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and the like, and thousands of other historical and modern artworks.
3. Paris, France
Paris would certainly be on the list of the most beautiful places in the world
My goodness! What more can we possibly say that hasn't been said before? Paris has just got to be one of, if not the most beautiful places in the world. No doubt!
A capital city jam-packed with historical buildings, lavish palaces, extravagant monuments, breathtaking medieval cathedrals and churches, and museums of every kind, with the scenic Seine River meandering through all this splendor.
And we haven't even mentioned the iconic Louvre or Eiffel Tower. From its top, the grandeur of Paris is revealed in one sweeping panoramic spectacle.
And when the sun sets, the city of love becomes the city of lights, with the tower being the focal point amongst the millions of dazzling lights flickering below.
From the bustle of the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées lined with pavement cafes and classy shops to the artistic and bohemian Montmartre with the world-renown Moulin Rouge and the stunning Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, the standout stars, this city is truly beautiful.
4. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Situated on the west coast of Ireland and sculptured by nature over millions of years, these 700-foot cliffs dropping vertically into the ocean are not only one of Ireland's best places to visit but one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Several trails along the cliff edge lead to viewpoints, from where huge rolling waves can be seen and heard crashing into the rugged shoreline, with the Aran Islands and the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.
A spectacular sight indeed! During the summer, the countryside is filled with wildflowers and thousands of bright comical-faced puffins and other seabirds fluttering around their nests in the cliff face.
When the setting sun starts to sink into the blue horizon, this stunning land and seascape are transformed into one magical golden spectacle.
5. London, England
A city bursting with rich culture and history, reflected in its medieval castles and cathedrals, ornate palaces, museums and theatres, and thousands of beautiful buildings, each with their own story to tell.
And then you have the iconic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the most recognizable and photographed buildings in the world, and the mighty River Thames, meandering its way beneath countless historic bridges through the heart of the city.
Nowhere better to take all of London's beauty and charm than from the London Eye, situated alongside the river.
Apart from the absolutely breathtaking St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham, and Windsor Castle, there are thousands of secretive gems tucked in between the modern malls and trendy side streets throughout the entire city.
The characteristic red double-decker buses and black old-fashioned taxis give this beautiful city an added charm. As Dr. Samuel Johnson said over 200 years ago, "when a man is tired of London, he's tired of life."
6. Big Sur, United States
With 90 miles of spectacular scenery around each bend, the stretch between Carmel and San Simeon on California's coastline has got to be one of the most beautiful places in the world, with lush forests, mountains, rugged cliffs, and vast ocean views.
While visiting Big Sur, you'll pass numerous state parks with scenic picnic spots and hiking trails through meadows, giant redwood forests, rivers, waterfalls, and stunning beaches, with many places to stay overnight in the small towns, from luxury resorts to basic camping.
Along the ragged coastline, you'll find historic lighthouses, dramatic bridges, pristine beaches, secluded coves, and rolling Pacific waves crashing onto the rocky shoreline. The purple sands of Pfeiffer Beach are a must-see.
There are numerous lookout points along the route to stop and admire this remarkable coastline, always keeping an eye out for migrating whales and other marine creatures.
7. Banff National Park, Canada
With over 2,500 square miles of pristine landscape, this Canadian park is hands-down one of the most beautiful places in North America, let alone in the world.
This unique travel destination is packed with majestic snow-capped mountains, crystal blue lakes, ancient glaciers, fast-flowing rivers, natural hot springs, dense alpine forests, and flower-covered meadows teeming with wildlife, including bears, cougars, wolves, and elk, has just gotta be one of the most beautiful places in the world!
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy an endless range of activities during summer and winter, while the changing scenery remains absolutely gorgeous all year round, providing breathtaking views from virtually everywhere – a haven for hikers and nature photographers.
Lake Louise is a must-see, but you can also find nice hikes around Moraine Lake.
Lodging, from luxury resorts to basic camping, is available throughout the park, with the charming town of Banff brimming with quaint shops and restaurants.
Whether you're into heart-pounding or gentler activities or just want to experience the pristine wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park has it all.
8. Azores, Portugal
Tucked away in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are possibly the planet's best-kept secret, as they are certainly amongst the most beautiful places in the world, yet so few people know much about them.
They consist of nine small volcanic islands with a diverse landscape of deserted beaches, placid lagoons, humungous volcanic craters, snow-capped mountains, and green pastures and forests with dramatic cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, and warm geo-springs.
If that's not enough, quaint fishing villages dotted along the coastline, decorated with fascinating architecture and brightly colored churches, warm, hospitable people, and perfect weather all year, what's there not to like?
This diverse landscape is most certainly one of the prettiest places in the world and the perfect destination to escape the noise of city life.
9. Blue Moon Valley, China
Situated at the foot of the towering 18,000-foot Jade Dragon Mountains in the Yunnan province in western China, the stars of Blue Moon Valley are four insanely blue lakes fed by a river carrying melted glacier water, making it one of the prettiest places in the world.
Beautiful pictures can be taken anywhere along the edge of the lakes, with the tall mountains and green valleys reflecting on the placid blue surface.
Beneath the clear water, submerged trees standing upright in the depths create an almost surreal effect.
To capture the magnificence of this place, take the cable car up to Jade Dragon Mountain, from where panoramic views of the lush green valley and the blue river snake their way through the ice-blue lakes and beyond.
A truly unforgettable sight!
10. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
Situated in the northeastern part of South Africa next to the world-famous Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon is the third-largest canyon in the world and a national treasure no visitor to this country should miss.
Taking the Panorama Route will lead you to miles of spectacular scenery alongside numerous waterfalls, game reserves, and national parks. Viewpoints along the road provide spectacles in every direction.
Stars of the show are Bourke's Luck Potholes, huge cylindrical rock sculptures carved into tall cliffs by rushing water over millennia, the Three Rondavels, three conical mountain peaks rising vertically thousands of feet above the canyon floor, and the absolutely magnificent God's Window, which is just out of this world!
In case you're wondering how this landscape was formed, these are nature's scars made when Antarctica and Madagascar broke free from Africa 200 million years ago.
11. Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Although not on everyone's bucket list, Iceland has recently become a favorite destination for many people seeking something different…and something different they surely find.
Situated on the south-western section of this icy island, 45 minutes from the capital, is the massive outdoor geothermal pool, aptly named Blue Lagoon, due to its fluorescent, milky blue waters, which are rich in silica and other minerals that originated 6,500 feet beneath the sea.
Consisting mainly of salt water, it first passes through the nearby power station before being released into the lagoon at a comfortable 104°F.
The pitch-black lava and green moss surrounding the luminous and, at times, the spooky turquoise lagoon is a spectacle drawing thousands of visitors seeking relief from various skin conditions and nature photographers from around the world.
A most unique natural phenomenon not found anywhere else, earning its spot on our list of the most beautiful places in the world.
12. Grand Canyon, United States
First seen by western eyes in 1540, this geological wonder has been inhabited by Indigenous Americans for thousands of years.
It's impossible to comprehend its dimensions if you haven't witnessed it in person. It's 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep! Let that sink in for a while.
This rugged and colorful landscape has been carved by the roaring Colorado River over millions of years, creating dramatic cliffs, deep canyons, and incredible rock formations and exposing thousands of fossils.
It's accessible from the north and south, with many miles of walkways and viewing overhangs along its rim, offering spectacular scenery.
For an awesome perspective, consider taking a rafting trip down the Colorado River to truly appreciate the grandeur of one of the best places to visit in the USA.
13. Ella, Sri Lanka
Nine Arches Bridge from above, Sri Lanka
If hiking or wandering around jungles surrounded by rolling hills and valleys, intriguing caves and historic temples, hidden waterfalls and dramatic bridges, tea plantations, and spectacular mountain scenery is what turns you on, the village of Ella in Sri Lanka is the place for you.
Situated 120 miles east of Colombo at an altitude of 3,400 feet, this mountainous region is littered with winding and twisting trails leading to numerous viewing sites offering spectacular scenery.
Not to be missed are the Ella Gap, the Nine Arch Railway Bridge, and the mythical Ravana's Cave, from where a zip line across the gorge will be an unforgettable experience over one of the prettiest places in the world.
14. Antelope Canyon, United States
Accessible only through guided tours and situated in the Navajo Reservation in northern Arizona, Antelope Canyon is a geological wonder and one of the world's most beautiful places.
Rushing water and wind over millions of years have carved huge canyons into this arid landscape, with two main scenic slots becoming major tourist attractions.
Dropping 120 feet, the rushing water has cut deep passages with weird swirling, spiraling, and corkscrewing patterns into the reddish bedrock, creating high rock arches and bizarre and colorful rock formations.
Its splendor is revealed when you descend into the bedrock.
Around midday, rays of sunlight pour through the opening at the top, reflecting reds, gold, yellows, pink, and maroon on its curved walls, resembling an underground cathedral that is decorated by an artist. Nature at her very best!
15. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Turquoise waters and fine white sand define Whitehaven Beach on Hamilton Island.
This protected place in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef has been voted the world's top eco-friendly beach and can easily be one of the world's most beautiful beaches, too.
The sand is formed mostly by pure silica, which gives off a shining white color, is almost luminescent, and contrasts beautifully with the blue-green ocean.
16. Kauai, United States
Na Pali Coast, Kauai
Not as commercialized as the other Hawaiian Islands, Kauai remains a nature lover's paradise and one of the world's prettiest places. It's not referred to as The Garden Island for nothing.
Despite its small size, it has a diverse landscape with a sublime coastline of stunning sandy beaches and secluded coves, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing or just lazing in the sun, and spectacular rugged cliffs plunging vertically into the ocean.
Its interior is a hiker's dream, consisting of lush rainforest, deep valleys, steep canyons, and towering mountains dotted with beautiful waterfalls with pools to swim in and teeming with birdlife.
Stunning scenery from virtually everywhere can be enjoyed, with the blue ocean always as a backdrop.
Encompassing Kauai, the crystal clear waters of the Pacific offer insane diving, fishing, sailing, and dolphin watching. Paradise cannot be much different from this.
17. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
If you're into snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or surfing in a warm crystal-clear ocean rich in marine life on a secluded tropical island far from the madding crowds, Fernando de Noronha, 220 miles off the Brazilian coast is waiting for you.
An island paradise, not even six miles long and two miles wide, covered in natural vegetation and dramatic cliff formations, fringed by dozens of white-sand beaches and coves lapped with turquoise water.
Not the easiest to get to or the cheapest, but certainly one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The population is just a few thousand, and the number of visitors is limited, helping to retain its unspoiled beauty.
18. Antarctica
The land of the midnight sun! Not quite everyone's cup of tea, the southernmost landmass on the planet is arguably the most hostile, harshest, inaccessible, and challenging place for any human being.
But it's also one of the most beautiful places in the world!
Five million square miles of the remote polar wilderness of monstrous mountain peaks, ancient glaciers, and sandy beaches, with gigantic turquoise and snow-white icebergs of unimaginable shapes floating around the icy-blue waters.
This unforgiving landscape at the bottom of the world is, however, teeming with life! Images of thousands of penguins huddling together in a blizzard, or four-ton elephant seals floating on a sheet of ice, add drama and beauty to this magnificent corner of our planet. Beautiful scenery here is virtually endless.
19. Negril, Jamaica
Situated on the western tip of Jamaica, Negril is a paradise within paradise. Seven Mile Beach, with soft white sand, lapped by calm turquoise water on one side and dramatic cliffs dropping into the crystal blue Caribbean on the other.
Bars, hotels, shops, restaurants, local markets, and leafy parks dotted along the entire coastline create a vibe and an idyllic island atmosphere.
Picture-perfect views no matter where you look. In the evenings, when you tire of the breathtaking beach and ocean scenery, jump onto a glass-bottom boat and cruise up the Negril River, taking in the more stunning scenery of thousands of wild birds nesting in the thick mangroves lining the banks.
Being a west-facing Caribbean island, there is no better place to watch the sun go down, as sunset hour becomes a most mesmerizing show from virtually anywhere.
20. Havasu Falls, United States
Accessible only with an overnight stay reservation, Havasu Creak flows through a series of picturesque waterfalls, with the Havasu Falls being the most spectacular.
Crystal icy-blue water plunging 100 feet down a deep rust-colored ravine into an inviting turquoise pool. All this in the middle of a desert in the Grand Canyon.
Getting there, however, requires a pretty strenuous hike, but the scenery along the way will make you forget your aches and pains.
You'll pass through two other similar waterfalls as the scenery keeps getting better until you reach the Havasu Waterfalls.
With lush greenery growing around the gorgeous pools in the middle of this rugged and arid landscape, it's like a tropical island setting in the middle of a desert. Absolutely breathtaking.
21. Patagonia; Argentina and Chile
How can we describe the rugged beauty of 300,000 square miles of soaring mountains, glacial fjords, frozen waterfalls, rivers, lakes, rainforests, deserts, vast grasslands, and a coastline of high jagged cliffs, rocky coves, and islands, all teeming with incredible wildlife, be it on land, in the air or under the water?
Wrapping around the southern tip of South America, this vast and diverse landscape of exceptional and untamed beauty is shared by Argentina and Chile and is one of the least populated areas in the world.
It is a land for the adventurous and those that truly appreciate the works of nature.
To single out any particular place would be an insult to the thousands of other equally magnificent spots, but for a little taster, check out the majestic Mount Fitz Roy and the icy blue Laguana Des Los Tres.
Torres Del Paine National Park is also a fantastic place to experience. There's nothing on earth quite like this. Rugged and wild but also one of the most beautiful places in the world!
22. Amazon Rainforest; Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Other South American Countries
Covering 40% of South America across nine countries, spanning nearly three million square miles, and holding nearly 400 billion trees and millions of wildlife species, the Amazon Forest is not only one of the most beautiful places in the world but also plays a crucial role in stabilizing global weather and affecting the health of our planet. But we're here to talk about its beauty…right?
Where do we start? From its source at the peaks of the mighty Andes Mountains, through its dense and lush forest canopy, to the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean, its diverse landscape of jungle and river, home to some of the most exotic plants, animals, birds, insects, and fish, is of unparalleled beauty.
Canopy tours and river cruises allow us to witness one of nature's greatest artworks, whether it's her giant trees, elusive jaguars, exquisitely-colored birds, or playful pink dolphins. Spectacular scenery is everywhere you look.
23. Bariloche, Argentina
Located in western Argentina alongside the spectacular Andes, the city of Bariloche is of remarkable beauty all year round, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, ancient forests, crystal blue glacial lakes, and scenic rivers.
Chocolate box pictures in every direction. Talking of chocolate, do not miss their chocolate desserts! Voted as the Chocolate Capital of Argentina!
This ever-changing landscape is a hotspot for winter visitors seeking snow-related activities while fall slips on her golden cloak over the forests until the flowers of spring and summer carpet the countryside in a blaze of color. Drop dead gorgeous!
For an ultimate experience, soar in the sky on the cable car to the snowy peak of Cerro Otto, and witness the splendor of the beautiful Andes Mountains, the lakes, forests, and the charming city sprawled below.
24. Petra, Jordan
Said to have been built over 2000 years ago by the Nabateans (an ancient Arab tribe), Petra is a maze of impressive temples, caves, and tombs carved into pink towering sandstone cliffs and mountains stretching a mile long in the desert in south-western Jordan.
The most iconic section is The Treasury, a façade with elements of eastern and ancient Greek architecture carved into a towering 130-foot cliff face. A masonry and engineering masterpiece!
Much of this archaeological site still remains unknown, but we do know that Petra is one of the most beautiful places in the world and is regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
25. Iguazu Falls; Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay
Situated on the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, Iguazu may not be the tallest but are certainly the largest and most dramatic waterfall in Brazil, let alone on the planet.
It is located on a half a mile-wide hairpin bend on the Iguazu River in the middle of a rainforest.
A trail along the Brazilian side at the base of the falls will take you past a spectacle you will never forget.
Two miles with 275 falls cascading vertically like curtains of water from a height of up to 270 feet, creating a thick haze of mist and throwing hundreds of rainbows right in front of your eyes.
The rushing waters continue until they reach one of nature's greatest works. Squeezing and falling into a deep and narrow ravine, the roaring eaters of the Devil's Throat can be heard for miles making a truly unforgettable sight.
Unsurprisingly, Iguazu Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No words can describe the beauty of what is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
26. Cape Town, South Africa
Basking in a sunny Mediterranean climate and surrounded by imposing mountains and a magnificent coastline of long sandy beaches, charming coves, and small fishing harbors, Cape Town is a vibrant city that easily ranks among the most beautiful places in the world. It is South Africa's No1 tourist destination
Sprawled beneath the iconic Table Mountain, flanked by Devil's Peak and Signal Hill, the city center is bustling with unique buildings, shops, bars, and restaurants, while the historic Castle and picturesque V&A Waterfront are magnets to its residents and visitors.
Take a revolving cable car to the top of Table Mountain to marvel at the splendor of this beautiful city with the historic Robben Island and Atlantic Ocean in the background. Sunsets are out of this world!
Surrounding this city are hundreds of picture-postcard vineyards and wine estates, with restaurants serving delicious food and their own selection of superb wines.
No tourist visits South Africa without visiting Cape Town.
27. Kyoto, Japan
Known as the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is a city of beauty, culture, and etiquette, where even the simple act of drinking a cup of tea is turned into a ceremony.
A city full of intricate Buddhist temples, exquisite gardens, harmonious shrines, lavish palaces and shogun castle, traditional wooden houses, and of course, the enigmatic geishas.
With hot summers and chilly winters, the best time to visit would be during spring, when the pink and white cherry blossoms take over, and during the fall, when reds and golds cover the city, forests, and surrounding mountains.
During these times, Kyoto becomes one of the world's most beautiful places.
Sights not to be missed are the Kinkaku-Ji Buddhist Temple (Golden Pavilion), covered in gold leaf on the edge of a pond amid landscaped gardens, and the Fushimi Inari shrine with thousands of orange arch gates leading all the way up to the sacred Mount Inari.
Oh, and at the edge of the city, you will find Sagano Bamboo Forest—a mind-blowing and tranquil spot worth seeing.
28. Bali, Indonesia
An island paradise filled with stunning beaches and charming coves, towering cliffs and tall mountains, lush forests, hidden waterfalls, terraced rice fields and volcanos, lavish temples and shrines, with a blue ocean surrounding the entire island, and warm and hospitable people everywhere you go.
No wonder Bali is referred to as the Land of the Gods!
Whilst the coastline consists of numerous luxurious resorts providing all the creature comforts, Bali has thousands of hidden gems along its coast and in the hilly and lush interior.
Whether you seek to soak in the sun lazing on a beach or trek into the jungle in search of serenity, this magical island has it all. Spectacular scenery comes standard.
Bali certainly earns its spot on our list of the most beautiful places in the world.
29. Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Situated on the western section of New Zealand's South Island, Mount Cook National Park encompasses 280 square miles of breathtaking scenery.
With 23 peaks nearly 10,000 feet tall, including Mount Cook reaching over 12,000 feet, being the highest peak in New Zealand, this place is amongst the most beautiful places in the world.
This mountainous landscape is filled with scenic trails amongst massive glaciers, pristine lakes, lush forests, crystal blue rivers, and streams, with hundreds of viewing points to take in one of nature's greatest spectacles.
Quaint villages and small towns dotted around this stunning landscape offer lodging, dining, and shopping and provide intimate information about this area's numerous attractive landmarks.
30. Queenstown, New Zealand
Staying on New Zealand's South Island but moving further south, Queenstown sits on the shores of the picturesque Lake Wakatipu, with the Southern Alps as a backdrop.
Numerous peaks, including the spectacular Coronet and Double Cone, provide challenging and exciting mountain climbing, while their inviting slopes offer excellent skiing and other snow activities, not to mention the wonderful hiking and panoramic views.
This area is renowned for outdoor and adrenaline junkies with bungee jumping, jet-boating, and kayaking, while for those seeking a more sedate lifestyle, the iconic Skyline cable car will carry you 1,600 feet above the town and lake for panoramic views of this awesome landscape. A photographer's dream!
31. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Tucked away a little southwest of Queenstown lies another of nature's gems.
The Fiordland National Park is a vast, wild and untamed terrain of sheer mountains, enormous glaciers, dense forests, lakes, rivers, deep gorges, waterfalls, and an enormous collection of dramatic fiords, which are, however, reserved only for the rough and tough.
The weather does not make it any easier, as this is the wettest section of New Zealand. Two days without rain is considered a drought.
If you don't mind putting up with some of the harshest conditions on the planet, you'll be rewarded with some of the most ruggedly beautiful scenery of your life.
How lucky are the Kiwis to have all this beauty on their doorstep?
32. Goa, India
Situated on the west coast of India, Goa may be the smallest state but delivers big on natural beauty, relaxation, history, culture, and architecture.
The northern coastline is a hub of luxury resorts, buzzing nightlife, and beautiful beaches, while the south is suited for serene getaways with unspoiled beaches, laid-back fishing villages, and intricate temples.
The coastline is filled with historic fortresses and numerous Christian churches and cathedrals, reminders of 500 years of Portuguese occupation, including the magnificent Baroque-style 16th-century Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, the 19th century San Sebastian Chapel, and the 17th-century Aquada Fortress and Lighthouse.
The interiors hold wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantations, and national parks. Mollem National Park is a wonderful place to hike and enjoy the wildlife and the magnificent Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
Resembling a sea of milk, the white waters of India's 5th tallest waterfall cascade over 1,000 feet down the face of a steep cliff face into a beautiful pool perfect for a refreshing dip.
33. Sossusvlei, Namibia
There has to be something really special to make people drive for hundreds of miles through one of the most remote parts of the world to see. And something special, there certainly is!
Stuck in the middle of nowhere in the Namib-Nakluft National Park in Namibia is the Martian-like landscape of Sossusvlei.
A large, flat white, salt, dry-lake pan with the skeletal remains of ancient trees still upright and surrounded by a sea of sand and towering red sand dunes.
What is more fascinating is that this red-orange sand originates from deposits brought down by the Orange River, 270 miles away, and blown here.
Some of these gigantic dunes have been petrified and are over a billion years old. Be sure to climb up the 560-foot tall Dune 45, Big Momma Dune, and the 1,000-foot Big Daddy Dune for the most stunning view of this spectacular extra-terrestrial landscape! Sunrises and sunsets are out of this world!
34. El Nido, Philippines
If I could design paradise, it would be a straight copy-and-paste job of El Nido. I would change nothing.
Situated on the northernmost peninsula of Palawan Island in the Philippines, this outpost is a rich tapestry of long white-sandy beaches and mesmerizing crystal clear bays and lagoons fringed with coconut palms and lush vegetation, dramatic cliffs, and jagged rock formations rising straight up from the blue ocean depths.
Surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life and numerous small islands rising up to 2,000 feet from the Bacuit Archipelago, providing some of the most spectacular scenery and diving sites in the world.
Many hiking trails can be taken in the interior through rainforests with beautiful waterfalls and mangroves, but it will be difficult to tear yourself away from this coastline which makes El Nido one of our most beautiful places in the world.
35. Wadi Rum, Jordan
It's hard to comprehend that a landscape consisting only of rock, sand, and sky could possibly be regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the world…but you'd better believe it!
Just mention the words "spectacular sunsets" to any serious photographer, and Wadi Rum will be their immediate response.
Situated in the southwest section of Jordan, Wadi Rum is a ruggedly beautiful wilderness consisting of a vast desert, towering mountains, hidden canyons, and incredible rock formations.
What makes this place extra special is the blood-red sand that gives it an almost Martian landscape look.
Numerous sci-fi movies have been filmed here, including The Martian and The Rise of Skywalker of the Star Wars series and, of course, the 1962 historical blockbuster Lawrence of Arabia.
Authentic Bedouin camps scattered around the Reserve make it possible for visitors to enjoy this otherwise forgotten corner of Jordan. What a loss that would be!
36. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
This is another remote wilderness that boasts the best sunsets in the world. Situated amongst the mighty Andes in southwestern Bolivia, the 4,000 square mile Salar de Uyuni is the largest and most impressive salt flat in the world.
A vast expanse of white salt crust left behind by lakes that have evaporated millions of years ago, surrounded by brightly-colored mountains, weird rock formations, and cactus-covered hills.
Adding drama to this desolate landscape, conical mounds of salt await to be collected, while the towering Tunupa Volcano offers spectacular views of the flats and the Andes Mountains and a cave-like museum with ancient mummies. To the southeast is the eerie Locomotive Graveyard.
There are two different sides to this desert terrain. During the rainy season, the flats fill with water creating beautiful reflecting images of the mountains and the sky.
37. Samoa
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family break, or an adventure-filled vacation in one of the most beautiful places in the world, these Polynesian Islands have it all.
Surrounded by picture-postcard beaches, secluded coves, and lagoons fringed by lush greenery and coral reefs bursting with marine life, Samoa is a haven for scuba divers, snorkelers, fishermen, surfers, and all lovers of nature.
High volcano rims and mountains in the interior offer spectacular views of the beautiful islands, while dense jungle vegetation, dotted with breathtaking waterfalls cascading into pools, rivers, or directly into the ocean below, provide a haven for hikers.
Several uninhabited islets nearby are accessible by water taxis or kayaks, offering an idyllic way to spend the day surrounded by nature without a soul in sight.
38. Yellowstone National Park, United States
Over two million acres of magnificent wilderness, made of gigantic mountains and canyons, lush and petrified forests, flower-covered meadows and grasslands, vast placid lakes, roaring rivers, and spectacular waterfalls, with hot springs and geysers gushing high into the air virtually everywhere, makes Yellowstone the Holy Grail of all national parks. It even has its own Grand Canyon!
To that, add diverse wildlife, including bison, bears, wolves, elk, coyotes, and cougars, and you have one of the most beautiful places in the world.
In winter, this dramatic landscape is transformed into a winter wonderland perfect for all winter sports activities, from sledding to ice-fishing.
39. Victoria Falls; Zambia and Zimbabwe
Situated on the Zimbabwe-Zambia border, Victoria Falls is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and most certainly one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Spanning a mile across and dropping 354 feet, the placid Zambezi River is abruptly transformed into a thunderous roaring white-foaming torrent as it powers its way through the narrow gorges, spraying clouds of mist and colorful rainbows in the air, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Various trails along the gorge lead to numerous viewpoints to witness this natural wonder, the best of which being the Knife-Edge Bridge, offering fantastic views of the main falls, Devil's Pool, and the Boling Pot, the narrowest point of the river.
The surrounding parks are teeming with wildlife, and numerous lodges provide excellent accommodation options to spend a few days and really get a sense of the African bush.
40. Tromsø, Norway
Situated 190 miles into the Arctic Circle on the island of Tromsøya in northern Norway, Tromsø is the ideal place to experience a truly magical winter wonderland.
Surrounded by gorgeous fjords, tall snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and other islands, this land of the midnight sun and polar nights offer many exciting and unusual sights and experiences, including witnessing the Northern Lights.
This historic town has many fascinating buildings dating back to the 1700s, and the town center and quayside buzzing with cafes, shops, and restaurants and is often called the Paris of the North.
Hiking trails offer a range of winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and dogsledding, amongst magnificent arctic scenery.
41. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is hands-down one of the most famous landmarks in the world. This 15th-century Inca citadel built on an almost 8,000 feet mountain ridge is simply breathtaking.
From atop this ancient city, the incredible views of mountains surrounded by clouds are a sight to remember.
The site is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No surprises here.
Machu Picchu is a popular destination in Peru, and if you're a history buff, this beautiful place should be on your travel bucket list!
42. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Located in a mountainous area in central Croatia, this 73,000-acre park is mostly covered in dense forest vegetation but is revered for its 16 sapphire-blue and emerald-green lakes terraced below each other, connected by dozens of spectacular waterfalls running past hidden caves carved into deep terraced gorge.
Hiking boardwalks and bridges along the shores and over the water lead to many viewpoints where this stunning and unique landscape can be appreciated from all angles, capturing aerial views from the high cliff tops.
Whether from a boat on the waters, on the lush shoreline, or high up on the cliffs, the scenery is absolutely mesmerizing.
43. Sydney, Australia
It's not often that you find a city where man's interventions and technological accomplishments have not spoilt but actually improved nature's works. Australia's Sydney is such a city.
A city bursting with natural beauty with a stunning coastline of endless beaches, coves, and rocky cliffs plunging into the sea and picturesque yacht-studded bays, all decorated with the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
The city is surrounded by a crystal blue ocean on one side and the dramatic Blue Mountains on the other.
Sydney has a beautiful blend of old and modern.
From the nostalgic cobblestone alleyways of The Rocks, where 18th-century convicts and sailors walked around the old harbor, to the most outrageous and architecturally ultra-modern buildings in the CBD and everything in between, Sydney easily ranks as one of the most beautiful places in the world.
44. Great Ocean Road, Australia
This 150-mile stretch of road between Torquay and Allansford on the south-eastern coast of Australia was built after 1919 by returning soldiers of The Great War to honor their fallen comrades.
It is the world's largest war memorial stretching over some of the most beautiful places in the world.
A most incredible journey of unique beauty takes you past tall, rugged cliffs, picturesque beaches, historic lighthouses, rainforests, small towns, and tiny hamlets filled with quaint shops, cafes, restaurants, and lodges perfect for a quick snack or an overnight stopover.
Iconic sights you cannot miss are the 12 Apostles, which are 12 massive stone pillars rising vertically from the ocean beneath towering cliffs.
Also, Bells Beach is one of Australia's most famous surfing beaches. The Great Otway National Park is a heavily forested park dotted with gorgeous waterfalls, and we are sure you will love it.
Finally, you shouldn't miss London Arch, a natural rock formation, once called the London Bridge, until the top section broke off.
In a nutshell, breathtaking scenery from start to finish.
45. Niagara Falls; Canada and United States
Located at the US and Canada border, Niagara Falls is 160 feet tall, and although it isn't the tallest waterfall in the world, it is certainly one of the most beautiful ones.
Niagara is formed by three waterfalls, with the largest one being Horseshoe Falls. You can experience this wonder of nature from Niagara Falls State Park, where you can find hiking trails and countless viewpoints of the falls.
The observation tower takes you onto the falls, so you have unobstructed views of the wild cascades below. You won't forget the beautiful views!
Did you have your dose of inspiration for the day? So share this article with your friends!
17 Impressive Gothic Castles You Should Visit
32 Best Things To Do In Amsterdam By A Local
oneearth
Indeed one of the best list of beautiful places in the world.. what an article just love reading and beautiful pictures.


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Getting to Hasselt
Sponsorship & Exhibits
Winter Cycling Congress 2022
LIMBURG, BELGIUM
Due to the COVID-19 developments and after lengthy and thoughtful considerations, the WCC 2021 organization in Hasselt decided to postpone the Winter Cycling Congress 2021, scheduled to take place February 10-13, 2021. The new dates for the Winter Cycling Congress 2022 will be announced as soon as possible. The venue of this conference will remain the University of Hasselt, Belgium.
The good news is, that the Winter Cycling Federation has decided to organize the first virtual Winter Cycling Congress 2021 in February 2021.
We extend our best wishes to all of you in this complex and challenging time. We regret not having the opportunity to see each of you in person this year, but look forward to virtually gather in 2021 and in person in 2022. In the meantime we all continue with our important work together.
Please check this website regularly for more information about WCC 2022 and https://wintercycling.org/Congress2021 for updates on the virtual event in February 2021.
The WCC 2022 program will be available soon. Be sure to check regularly for updates.
More information about abstract submission for WCC 2022 will be available soon.
Online registration for WCC 2022 will be open soon.
Over the past decades, Limburg has grown into a true cyclist's paradise. Every year, almost three million cyclists enjoy the varied landscape, authentic heritage, and friendly town and village centres with the help of our extensive bicycle path network consisting of 2.000 kilometres of signposted routes. There is also little to no traffic on many of these routes.
Using the slogan 'Reinventing is our nature' we continuously invest in our strong position in the conference industry. The Limburg and Flanders efforts ensure every conference held in our province is a great success. Belgium is ranked third in the top 15 of International Conference Countries!
The Winter Cycling Federation was founded in 2013. The first international Winter Cycling Congress (WCC) was held in Oulu, Finland. After the first gathering, it became clear that WCF had identified an overwhelming need for more knowledge about winter cycling. It was decided that an annual congress concentrated on relevant issues was required.
Winter Cycling Federation's vision is "winter cycling for everyone" - a world where cycling year round is understood as a normal and practical, where cycling is a viable transportation option for people of all ages and abilities. Winter Cycling Federation's mission is to create opportunities for inspiration, research and collaboration that help cities and countries around the world learn what it takes to develop, implement and maintain bicycle-focused transportation systems year-round.
Drawing upon inspiring examples from some of the premier cycling jurisdictions in the world, the Winter Cycling Congress (WCC) is now established as the main forum for sharing examples and best practices of winter cycling design, planning, policy, and implementation around the world. Its aim is to operate globally, since winter conditions are a reality for billions around the world.
Call for abstract
Early bird registration open
Abstract notification
Deadline early bird registration
Congress dates
Hasselt University is a university with campuses in Hasselt and Diepenbeek, Belgium. It was officially established in 1971, as the Limburgs Universitair Centrum (LUC). On June 15, 2005 the university changed its name to Hasselt University.
WCC 2022
Congress Management
Klinkhamer Group | conferences & events
Koningin Astridlaan 35, bus 5
3500 Hasselt, Belgium
E: helpdesk@klinkhamergroup.com
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Commissioned by Klinkhamer Group conferences & events | Webdevelopment by Sterke Zet

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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by Evan Minsker
Leonard Cohen Documentary Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love Announced
David Crosby and Miles Davis documentaries will also premiere at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival
Leonard Cohen and Marianna Ihlen in 1960 (James Burke/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)
A new documentary about Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen's love story will premiere at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. It's called Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love, and it's directed by Nick Broomfield. Ihlen is the inspiration behind some of Cohen's most well-known work, including "Bird on a Wire" and "So Long, Marianne." Days before Ihlen died in 2016, Cohen sent her a letter saying, "I think I will follow you very soon." Cohen died four months later.
Sundance will also host the world premieres of documentaries about David Crosby and Miles Davis. David Crosby: Remember My Name is directed by A.J. Eaton and co-produced by Cameron Crowe. Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool is directed by Stanley Nelson. Honey Boy, a film written by and starring Shia LeBeouf that reportedly features FKA twigs, will also premiere. See the list of films coming to Sundance.
Read "Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah': Music's Greatest Work in Progress" on the Pitch and the Sunday Review of I'm Your Man


The next great force for business transformation won't be digital, argues Tim Smit; it will be horticultural. Smit is an archaeologist turned musician turned botanist who is planting the seeds of change at the Eden Project, his awe-inspiring, $120 million facility in Cornwall, England. Eden is the world's largest greenhouse, containing 250,000 plants in two giant, enclosed biomes.
Visit the Eden Project on the Web (www.edenproject.com).


Find some furniture that suits your personal style at Mattress Warehouse in Hanover and give your home some flavor.
Splurge on a new bedroom set from here, such as dressers, bed frames, and bedroom furniture, and enjoy the benefits of a beautifully designed and well-furnished bedroom. If you are having back problems, it might be time to upgrade your bedroom. Check out items like mattresses and mattress pads and covers.
Drive to Mattress Warehouse and find parking in the area. Thanks to the deals and selection at Mattress Warehouse, your home is about to get a lot more comfortable.
Groupon has verified that the customer actually visited Mattress Warehouse DC.


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FIGS Cleans Up With The 4th Largest Raise For A Female-Founded Company In 2017
Ruthie Ackerman
Cofounders and co-CEOS Heather Hasson and Trina Spear of FIGS.
(Photo courtesy of FIGS)
Heather Hasson was animated on our phone call as she described the fan mail she and her cofounder Trina Spear receive. As co-CEOs, they're constantly getting letters from nurses and doctors about how their company has changed lives. "They wear their scrubs seven days a week, 14 hours a day," says Hasson. "And they're boxy and ill-fitting and scratchy."
With over 19 million healthcare workers in the U.S. as of December 2017, Hasson and Spear are onto something big with their stylish, antimicrobial, odor-free and wrinkle-free designs. Film magnate Thomas Tull certainly thinks so. The founder of Legendary Entertainment, who had previously taken a stake in FIGS, is now a majority owner, injecting a further $65 million into the company, which aims to grab a chunk of the $50 billion in sales that the medical apparel industry rakes in globally. Tull has the time and some cash now, after having resigned from the film production company in 2017 and selling most of its stake to Chinese company Wanda Group.
According to data from PitchBook, only three other investments in female-founded companies last year exceeded the amount Tull is sinking into FIGS through his Tulco, a holding company with the mission of looking for companies in large industries that are ripe for disruption. This is the 11th biggest deal for a U.S.-based, female-founded company since PitchBook began publishing its research in 2007.
Film magnate Thomas Tull invested $65 million in FIGS in 2017, making it the fourth largest raise... [+] for a female-founded company last year.
(Courtesy of PitchBook)
FIGS isn't the only company that is vying for a piece of the medical apparel market. Strategic Partners, a company that launched in 1995, has been selling in bulk to brick and mortar stores with little competition as incentive to change. A more recent entrant into the space is Jaanuu, which focuses on scrubs that look like they could have just come off a runway. Jaanuu was founded in 2013 by Dr. Neela Sethi Young and her brother, private equity investor Shaan Sethi.
Hasson, a former fashion executive, and Spear, who worked in finance at Blackstone Group where she became familiar with Strategic Partners and the medical apparel industry, saw a chance to innovate a sleepy market by using fabrics that were sleek, lightweight, and breathable and by selling direct to consumer, a model that was popularized by Warby Parker in 2010 and quickly spread across industries from shaving to baby clothes. They founded FIGS in 2013.
"We're not just changing an antiquated industry, we're changing purchasing behaviors that have been ingrained in this community for over a hundred years," Hasson says.
Why should the doctors and nurses — who Hasson calls "incredible humans" — have to compromise when consumers in so many other categories don't?
As part of the $65 million investment, Tull bought out FIGS' other investors, including former Lululemon CEO Christine Day, executive vice president of the New York Giants and co-owner of Escape Artists Productions Steve Tisch, and actor Will Smith. "At this point, Tulco is the sole outside investor in the company," confirms Spear. Buying out early stage investors is highly unusual. "Extraordinarily rare. Never seen it," said Matt Murphy, managing director of Menlo Ventures. "If people like the company they won't sell at this stage."
Tull, Hasson and Spear are currently the only board members. It's unclear whether there had been other board members before the buyouts.
Hasson and Spear see this new cash infusion, which brings FIGS total funding to date to $75 million, as a disruption in the venture capital model that requires founders to continually raise money.
"What this lets us do is not fundraise every year or two," says Hasson. "We can really focus on building an iconic brand that not only changes how the business works, but how retail works in general."
A key focus for the company going forward will be deepening their understanding of the customers and community. With predictive analytics, they can use data such as a customer's income, geography, and job title to determine which uniform the website will recommend for them and customize their offerings. They can also identify new customers using this data.
"We're able to look at billions of people – a ton of data from medical professionals all over the world – and figure out who's not our customer yet and if they're likely to buy FIGS," says Hasson.
What's next? Expanding into other verticals where uniforms are a requirement (think schools and the food service industry) as well as launching in international markets, says Hasson. "We have no plans to slow down."
I'm the Deputy Editor of Women@Forbes. My side hustle is my memoir.


Dinner begins with shrimp and avocado with potato salad on lettuce leaves served with sweet potato as an appetiser. For the main course, choose between Australian rib-eye steak in garlic oil or saffron teriyaki salmon wheels, both served with a side of asparagus, sliced almonds, parmesan cheese, sweet potato crisps and a three-kind potato wheel. Finish off with a tiramisu or Berry Pav-love-ah. Enjoy dinner with two shots and lines on a mirror at RM30 nett or get a glass of wine at 20 percent off.


Have had a good week all in all, got voted in as chair of the voice for one year so that was good for me. Was on me peer mentor course yesterday, had a good day.
Not slept well in the last week, thought I was getting my flat repairs started today, but that went Pete tong with in the first 30 mins, got really wound up by that council man. Don't know what I'm going home to, but I've asked for things to be done at the way we all talked about, so could be fun when I get home!


Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies: Emmy Winner!
On Saturday, June 26, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences held its 36th presentation of the Southeast Regional EMMY Awards in Atlanta. UGA came up a winner for its work on the program Andrew Young Presents: How We Got Over, which showcases the Civil Rights Digital Library and the role archives play in preserving the past. The program was recognized in the category of Outstanding Achievement: Television Crafts Achievement Excellence, Technical Achievement. Individuals included in the entry were: Andrew Young, CB Hackworth, James Benyshek, Barbara McCaskill, Ruta Abolins, Scott Auerbach, Toby Graham, Christina Davis, Mary Boyce Hicks, Lauren Chambers, Stacie L. Walker, Anthony Omerikwa, Kendra Abercrombie, Jack English, Ray Moore, Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Andrea Young, Margie Compton, Craig Breaden, Russ Jamieson, Courtney Thomas, Aggie Ebrahimi, and J.D. Brandon.
It is due to the gracious support of Ambassador Young and director CB Hackworth, who have a deep understanding and appreciation for our special collections, that the UGA Libraries received such recognition. While CB went on to win two other EMMYs, this one, he said, was the one he really wanted.
Above: Russell Library's Head of Media and Oral History, Craig Breaden, basking in the glow of EMMY. For more images of UGA award winners, CLICK HERE.
Post by Craig Breaden, Head of Media and Oral History, Russell Library.


← Are You Ready for Your 15 Minutes of Fame?
I ate mine for breakfast. Who needs bagels, cereal, and donuts?
This was super-easy to put together because I used leftover steak. But I'll assume you're cooking your steak fresh. We bought ours as thinly sliced round steak, about a 1/4-inch thick (0.6 cm). Some places might refer to this as a "minute steak" because it cooks so quickly. Minute steak also refers to a piece of beef, usually the round, that's been pounded flat, about a 1/4-inch thick. Even if you start with raw meat, you can prepare today's recipe in 10 minutes.
Sprinkle your steak with seasoning then cook over medium or medium-high heat in a skillet, about a minute on each side. Or heat your leftover steak in the microwave. If you overcook, it will be tough.
Place all ingredients artfully on a plate and enjoy.
This entry was posted in Recipes and tagged Advanced Mediterranean Diet. Bookmark the permalink.


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Robert J. Banks, CCIM
Tim Fetter
Chris Diaz
Matthew Anderson
Justin Bevens
Kathy Bolton
Brenden Corder
Kris A. Dunlop
Susie Griffin
Balbina Hyler
Chad McDonald
John Mullaney
Myra S. Peppi
Tony Petrisko
Joe Ritter, CCIM
Trevor Savage
Rana Sayegh
Audrey Volmuth
Principal / co-Chief Executive Officer
Chris is co-CEO of Seminole Financial Services, LLC (SFS). In addition to his role as co-CEO, Mr. Diaz oversees the Business Development team as well as Capital and Investor Relations. He is also a corporate shareholder. Since joining SFS in 2010, he has been responsible for the identification, evaluation, and negotiation of renewable energy finance transactions focusing on solar and wind projects between $2 million and $40 million in need of construction/interim financing and permanent debt financing. To date, Chris has closed over $1.5 billion in construction and permanent financing, totaling more than 800 MW for renewable energy projects.
Prior to SFS, Chris was employed by Credit Suisse, MMA Financial and the Midland Companies where he gained over 15 years of experience with tax credits and financial services. He has had multiple articles published about renewable energy finance and continues to be a frequent speaker on renewable energy finance and energy credits at national industry conferences. Chris is a member of the Board of Directors for the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) as the Vice Chair of the Solar Services & Consumers (SSC) Division, is a board member for the Solar Energy Trade Show ("SETS") Board of Managers, is a member of SETS Board of Managers Finance Committee, and was Vice-President of the Board of Directors for the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA). He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Science with an emphasis in urban and regional planning from Florida State University, as well as an MBA from Nova Southeastern University.
Email: cdiaz@seminolefinancialservices.com
View Chris Diaz's Select Speaking Engagements >


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Hive Networks Announces Multi-Year Partnership with ImproveCareNow to Advance Outcomes for Patients
ImproveCareNow Adopts Software Platform to Combat Chronic Disease
CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#health–Cincinnati-based digital health company, Hive Networks, today announced a multi-year partnership with ImproveCareNow, a collaborative community seeking to improve the health and care of children and youth with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis – collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
The partnership represents a first step for Hive Networks, whose goal is to improve the speed at which improvements in treatment and care of chronic illnesses can be developed through shared learning technology. ImproveCareNow will use the Hive Networks platform to add capacity to its Learning Health Network. More than 70,000 children in the United States live with IBD and experience changes in their quality of life.
ImproveCareNow is one of the nation's most advanced examples of a working community using the Learning Health Network model. Established in 2007, the network is made up of more than 100 IBD care centers in the United States and internationally, that are working together to improve the health, care and cost of children and adolescents with IBD through improvement science, research and innovation. Hive's software and services enable communities like ICN to form, grow and succeed more easily.
"Our partnership with Hive Networks will help us to improve care and quality of life for children and adolescents suffering from IBD. Hive will enable our community to better cross-pollinate ideas, deliver data more efficiently, and foster improved outcomes for patients," said ImproveCareNow Executive Director Kristin Howe.
Working communities have already proven effective at driving better outcomes. ImproveCareNow, for example, has seen a 22% increase in remission rates across its population of IBD patients as a result of network collaboration. Howe said such collaboration can supercharge and scale its approach.
Challenges Addressed by the Learning Health Network Model
"Sharing across social, clinical and research networks may sound easy but is difficult to put into practice," said John Bostick, founder and CEO of Hive Networks. "There are multiple challenges faced by these groups within the health care ecosystem."
Bostick cited specific issues collaborators may face:
Researchers often work in isolation, cut-off from patients and clinicians who deal with a disease in real-world conditions.
Clinicians are closest to patients, but do not typically input directly into research even though their contributions could improve and speed solutions.
Social media is a leading source of information and networking for families, yet information found there is often misleading. Patients and families want to take an active role in improving care for their loved ones, sharing what they have learned in a more secure environment than a typical social network.
Hive Enhances Learning Health Network Effectiveness
Based on more than a decade of research, Hive is a first-of-its kind technology and the only product that empowers all three stakeholders – patients, clinicians and researchers – to collaborate in a working community that operates under the Learning Health Network model.
The platform leverages social and organizational science, improvement science, and data science to enable equal and complementary collaboration. This non-hierarchical platform enables patients to be active stakeholders, with an opportunity to work with co-collaborators in the movement to own the outcome.
Hive's proprietary platform is comprised of three integrated products and services that meet the needs of broad Learning Health Networks and large integrated health care providers.
A software platform to support peer-to-peer sharing of data, knowledge, and know-how.
Consulting to provide end-to-end support as communities form and grow.
Connections to major industry research initiatives – a key avenue for development of cures for chronic diseases.
Mike Venerable, Hive Networks Chairman and CEO of CincyTech, a Hive investor, sees rapid growth on the horizon. "Learning Health Networks didn't even exist 10 years ago, were incubated just five years ago, and today need specialized software and services to spread and scale. Hive is the right platform at the right time," he said.
"Our vision is to build a future where everyone has the resources, information, and connections to create healthier outcomes," said Bostick. "We believe Hive Networks can help power working communities to change the world."
About Hive Networks
Hive Networks facilitates the exchange of knowledge, experience, and expertise to solve problems. The firm helps its clients bring patients, clinicians, and researchers from across the country and around the world together in a working community with a relentless focus to improve lives and outcomes. The firm was founded in 2019 with technology licensed from Cincinnati Children's and funding provided by a range of public and private investors. Learn more at hivenetworks.com.
Debbie-Ann Campbell
dcampbell@hivenetworks.com


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Euan McColm: Better apart from Ruth Davidson, as she unites the nation
Davidson at a press conference following her resignation as leader of the Scottish Conservatives in August. Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA
Euan McColm
Published: 17:16
Who would have thought that, in these divided times, former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson would have been the person to bring people together?
But it's true: from across the political spectrum, there is consensus.
The downside for Davidson is that what unifies politicians, opponents and allies, is the belief that she should step down as an MSP. It's quite the development in the career of a woman once credited with detoxifying the Conservative Party in Scotland.
Davidson's announcement, last week, that she has taken a lucrative role with lobbyists, Tulchan (a tasty 50 grand for 24 days' work each year), has horrified former allies and delighted opponents who, quite legitimately, have gone on the attack.
It is hard to disagree with the point made by Davidson's critics that being, at once, both a legislator and an employee of a lobbying company is entirely incompatible.
Davidson and her new employers may insist that she will not be involved in lobbying, but that is not enough to remove the stench from this situation. The former Conservative leader will be using expertise gained while employed as an MSP to advise corporate clients about the political landscape and that, I think, represents an insurmountable conflict of interest.
Until recently, Davidson was regarded by many Scots as the Conservative it was okay to support. After years during which the party appeared to be fading into obsolescence, she revived its fortunes.
Under her leadership, the Tories overtook Labour in the polls to become the largest opposition party at Holyrood. Davidson's personality – she's likeable and liberal – and her smart positioning of her party, post the 2014 independence referendum, as the chief defenders of the Union combined to make hers a most surprising success story.
And she might have taken her party to greater successes if it hadn't been for the arrival in Downing Street of Boris Johnson. Davidson, a Remain campaigner in the 2016 EU referendum, found herself completely at odds with a Prime Minister who'd led Leave to victory and wished to see Brexit delivered at any cost. This conflict, combined with a desire to spend more time with her partner and their baby son, led her to step down from the political frontline. She relinquished the leadership of her party and signalled that she was likely to step down as MSP for Edinburgh Central at the 2021 election.
There was considerable anguish in Scottish Tory ranks about this development. Under Davidson's leadership, candidates who would once have had no chance of winning seats found that they could do just that. To be part of Team Ruth was to be a different kind of Tory.
But dismay about Davidson's decision was not confined to Tory ranks. Pro-Union politicians in both Labour and the Liberal Democrats were sorry to see her go (not that they'd have admitted as much in public).
Those politicians, her rivals in parliament, saw her as a key figure – perhaps the single most important figure – in any future independence referendum campaign.
If the SNP was to have the opportunity to ask Scotland to vote again on the future of the UK, then Davidson's involvement in the campaign would be crucial. Her announcement that, though she was stepping down from the Conservative leadership, she intended to play a part in any future referendum campaign, was well received by Labour and Lib Dem politicians. They reckoned, in fact, that they were getting the best of both worlds. They'd have Davidson, with her strong pro-UK credentials and gift for connecting with voters, and they wouldn't have to deal with the problem of her being a key figure in Johnson's party. They would get Davidson the Unionist rather than Davidson the Tory.
Dani Garavelli: Big Ben fiasco shows the worst side of Leaver Britain
Her decision to take a position with a lobbying company has done for that.
Davidson now appears exactly like the sort of Conservatives from whom she once represented a break.
Until a few days ago, if you had asked any pro-Union politician who might take on the leadership of the Better Together campaign in a future independence referendum, Davidson would have been top of the list.
Now? Well, now she would be seen as a liability rather than an asset.
By taking on this new job, Davidson doesn't just represent the kind of Conservatism that the SNP benefits from attacking, she represents the sort of "establishment" from which the nationalists insist Scotland must break free.
If Davidson was to take on a central role in a future independence referendum, she would face endless questions about her motives. "Well of course you want to keep Scotland in the UK," her opponents would taunt, "because you want to line your pockets."
As one SNP campaigner put it to me a couple of days ago: "She has written all our attacks for us."
Davidson's decision to step away from front-line politics represents a loss to our national debate. She has been an important figure, not just for her party, but in other ways, too. Opponents have praised her for discussing her sexuality and encouraging others to stand up against homophobia. She has been a great champion for equality and a role model for young people struggling with their identities.
In politics, as in comedy, timing is everything. Had Davidson waited until she had left Holyrood before taking on her new job as an adviser to a lobbying company, her appointment would have been entirely unremarkable. By taking on the job now, she has seriously – I believe fatally – undermined her credibility.
Calls for Davidson to step down from Holyrood grow louder by the day. She should, I think, heed them.
While she remains both a legislator and an employee of a lobbying firm, she damages not only herself and her party, she also damages politics. She plays her part in fuelling the idea that politicians are only ever in it for themselves.
Every day that Ruth Davidson remains an MSP will only increase damage to her party, to politics, and to the UK.
9 lesser-known Scottish towns and villages that are worth a visit


I went to Lux after reading some rave reviews on citysearch. It was a pleasant experience as the salon's walls are painted lime green, cute boutique feel. My hair just always looks fabulous now with the great cut and highlights I get done. I am always getting compliments on my haircut. Nia really knows what she is doing! I have been a devoted follower for more than a year now. Keep up the great work!


Adcraft FW-1200W Portable Steam Table Food Warmer. Constructed of heavy stainless steel housing for excellent durability. Constructed of heavy stainless steel housing for excellent durability Interior lining made out of 20 gauge 18/8 stainless steel Steel''element support'' stabilizes heating elements and reflects heat toward the food, providing even heat distribution 1200 watts, 120 Volts.
Maintains food temperatures in excess of 140 degrees (the requirement for safe food service) Easy To Clean! 10 x 25 x 16 inches. Has earned a track record of excellent service. The item "Adcraft FW-1200W Portable Steam Table Food Warmer" is in sale since Tuesday, August 28, 2018. This item is in the category "Business & Industrial\Restaurant & Food Service\Commercial Kitchen Equipment\Cooking & Warming Equipment\Steamers & Steam Cooking". The seller is "chanchawannasan-0" and is located in US. This item can be shipped to United States.


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The Fair Work Commission 'delivers' its judgment on an Uber driver's dismissal
The recent decision of Amita Gupta v Portier Pacific Pty Ltd; Uber Australia Pty Ltd [2019] FWC 5008 has begged the age-old question of whether a worker is an "independent contractor" or an "employee".
In this case, Commissioner Hampton of the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) held that an Uber driver was an independent contractor and as such, was not covered by unfair dismissal laws pursuant to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act).
The Applicant (Ms Gupta) alleges that she was employed as a Delivery-Partner for the Respondent, who is made up of Portier Pacific Pty Ltd and Uber Portier BV (Uber & Others).
Ms Gupta was a party to a Services Agreement between her and Uber & Others from 19 September 2017 to 14 January 2019 (Services Agreement). On 15 January 2019, Ms Gupta's Uber driver account was deactivated by Uber & Others due to her poor passenger rating and late attendance.
Ms Gupta contends that Uber & Others' decision to suspend, and then permanently block her access to Uber & Others' phone application, constituted dismissal.
Uber & Others raised two key jurisdictional issues in regards to Ms Gupta's claim, being:
Ms Gupta was not an employee within the meaning of the FW Act; and
Ms Gupta was not dismissed within the meaning of the FW Act.
Uber & Others argued that the terms of the Service Agreement defined it as a "business relationship" and not one of employment. Uber & Others submitted that there was no obligation on one side to perform work demanded under a contract and for the other side to pay for such work. Uber & Others asserted Ms Gupta was a contractor who had to ability to receive requests for food delivery but was under no obligation to accept those requests.
The Commission liberally applied the "multi-factor" tests established in Stevens v Brodribb Sawmilling Company Pty Ltd (1986) 160 CLR 16 and Jian Shen Cai trading as French Accent v Michael Anthony Do Razario [2011] FWAFB 8307. Further, the Commission relied on the previous decision of Kaseris v Rasier Pacific V.O.F [2017] FWC 6610, where Deputy President Gostencnik held that Uber drivers are independent contractors rather than employees.
In applying the indicia established in the above decisions, the Commission held that Applicant had significant control over the way in which she conducted the services she provided for Uber & Others. In particular, the Commission noted that Ms Gupta had expressly rejected over 550 delivery requests and cancelled 240 delivery requests after having initially accepted the request.
Additionally, the Commission noted that Ms Gupta had the ability to work for other competitors to Uber & Others. Further, the Services Agreement required Delivery Partners to register for GST as income was not subject to PAYG taxation. The Commission noted that Delivery Partners were also required to provide their own tools of trade, specifically their vehicles and phone and to maintain valid vehicle registration and insurance.
Further, the Commission held that Uber & Others' "soft-control" over Ms Gupta's requirement for vehicle maintenance and performance standards were insufficient considerations to outweigh its finding of a principal and contractor relationship.
The Commission held that "when the totality of this particular relationship is considered" the nature of the Services Agreement was expressly between a principal and a contractor, and Ms Gupta was not an employee of Uber & Others. However the Commission stated that "simply labelling a relationship in that manner alone does not necessarily equate to the relationship being just that and the parties cannot alter the true relationship with the adoption of a label."
Take Home Messages
This case serves as a timely reminder for businesses that classifying an agreement as one of a principal and contractor nature, or an employment relationship, is an important consideration from a legal perspective.
If a dispute arises regarding the classification, the totality of the working arrangement, in particular the terms and conditions under which the work is performed, must be looked at to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. Whether they are an independent contractor or an employee will always rely on the facts of the arrangement.
For more specific information on the information contained in this article, please contact Ganesh Krishnan on +61 8 8217 1395 or gkrishnan@normans.com.au or Thomas Tagirara on +61 8 8210 1337 or ttagirara@normans.com.au.
Ganesh Krishnan Senior Associate
Thomas Tagirara Solicitor


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EXPOSING THE ERRORS OF THE CIRCLE MAKER - (MARK BATTERSON)
Mark Batterson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and grew up in Naperville, Illinois. Mark is married to Lora, and they moved to Washington, DC in 1994 to direct an inner-city ministry. Batterson earned a Bachelor's degree from Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri and has two Masters Degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago, Illinois. Starting in 1996, Batterson has served the as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. National Community Church was recognized as one of the Most Innovative and Most Influential Churches in America by Outreach Magazine in 2008.
Batterson is also guilty of associations with new age mystics and teachings and openly supports their writings and philosophies, which would explain a lot of his new age philosophies and principles in his preaching at NCC and in his books. Back in April of 2008 Mark Batterson pointed readers on his website to Eckhart Tolle, a New Age guru who has been heralded by Oprah Winfrey. Batterson says that Tolle's book, "Practicing the Power of Now," has been "instrumental in the way I think about life." His public reading list also includes several other New Agers, emergents and mystics: Jack Canfield, Daniel Goleman (The Meditative Mind), Gary Thomas (Sacred Marriage, Sacred Pathways), Leonard Sweet, Tony Jones, Brian McLaren, along with several others.
Mark Batterson is the author of "The Circle Maker" which tells the story of Honi Ha-Ma'agel, a Jewish scholar who lived in the first century B.C. and who is described in the Talmud (not in the Bible). This is the condensed version of the story: On one occasion when God did not send rain well into the winter (in the geographic regions of Israel, it rains mainly in the winter), he drew a circle in the dust, stood inside it, and informed God that he would not move until it rained. When it began to drizzle, Honi told God that he was not satisfied and expected more rain; it then began to pour. He explained that he wanted a calm rain, at which point the rain calmed to a normal rain.
Batterson says, "The prayer that saved a generation was deemed one of the most significant prayers in the history of Israel. The circle he drew in the sand became a sacred symbol. And the legend of Honi the circle maker stands forever as a testament to the power of a single prayer to change the course of history." From Honi he has learned the value of big, bold, audacious prayers. On a very practical level, he has learned the value of drawing figurative (and sometimes literal) circles. The promise of his book is that it "will show you how to claim God-given promises, pursue God-sized dreams, and seize God-ordained opportunities. You'll learn how to draw prayer circles around your family, your job, your problems, and your goals." (From The Circle Maker Review).
The entire premise of the book is based on "the legend of Honi The Circle Maker." This should be the first red flag to any Bible-believing Christian. This "legend" is a story from the Talmud and Midrash, which is a compilation of Jewish oral tradition and commentaries on the Mosaic law. The Talmud is not the Bible.
Honi is referred to as "a prophet of God" and yet he is not mentioned in the Bible. Notice in the video, Honi did not wait to hear God's instructions as all the prophets of the Old Testament did. He had his own plan and ideas and took them to God for The Lord to execute. It was Honi's idea to make the circle, not The Lord's. This is the exact opposite of God's prophets, who the word of The Lord came to, and they acted upon it as willing servants.
Prophets of God did not arbitrarily act of their own accord. They waited to be instructed by God, and then they acted as instructed. One merely has to read scriptural accounts of the prophets to see phrases such as, "Thus says the Lord" to see this fact. Even Elijah waited for instruction from the Lord before acting or speaking as God's prophet. Why? Because God acted through the prophets for certain reasons and purposes. The prophets were God's chosen manner in which to bring about certain events or to teach His people certain things. However, this does not seem to be the case for Honi the circle maker. God did not tell Honi to draw a circle around himself, gather the people around, and then call down rain. Instead Honi acted in an arbitrary fashion, choosing on his own to draw a circle around himself, telling God he would not leave the circle until he sent rain, and then calling down that rain from heaven. Honi is not acting like a prophet of God. He is acting like he is a little god who by entering his circle, demanding God comply, and saying a few words can conjure up supernatural power.
Model of Prayer?
When we pray we are to seek first the Father's will for our lives. It is in this submission, that we will receive the desires
of our hearts because in that submission, God's will for our life becomes our will as well.
⦁ Batterson "small or vague prayers":
"And that's why our prayers aren't just boring to us. They are uninspiring to God." p. 23 (Circle Maker)
Where is this ever said in Scripture? The Bible tells us to cast "all" of our cares at God's feet because "He careth for us." By Batterson's wildly unbiblical standards, Jesus' own model prayer asking God to "give us this day our daily bread" would be boring and uninspiring to The Lord. Clearly, this is heresy and false teaching.
Rather than focus on "sound doctrine" Batterson is teaching "fables" to the church. Batterson reinforces this by saying he is in fact teaching "how to pray in a new way" and states "you can't just read the Bible, you need to start circling the promises.." All of this is with this goal of achieving "big dreams" and having God deliver your desires to you. This "me-centered" approach to the Bible is a hallmark of the Prosperity Gospel heresy. It is a false teaching that misuses Scripture to teach that whatever a Christian desires on earth, can be theirs, either through faith or some other New Age technique. When in fact, Jesus Christ instructs to not store up treasures on earth, but focus on eternal life (which comes through faith in Christ), serving God and our eternal riches in Heaven. But Batterson, like many Pastors today who are "seeker-sensitive" and "emergent", wants church to cater to the wants and desires of the world wants to use the Bible as a means of receiving what you want, as soon as possible.
In this case, it is done by "drawing a circle in the sand" or around whatever object it is that a person wants. This is where "discernment" - the ability to distinguish a teaching that is based on the Bible and thus The Word of God, from what is not - comes into play. This is a very important skill for every Christian and The Circle Maker is a perfect example to demonstrate how believers can be lured and deceived into thinking a teaching is Biblical, when it is not.
Here we have Batterson giving a format of prayer on his website:
As we approach 2014, I start thinking about our prayer strategy as a church. We try to leverage both the New Year holiday and Lent as a time of corporate prayer and fasting. And that's one reason why I wrote the sequel to "The Circle Maker" titled "Draw the Circle: The 40-Day Prayer Challenge." It's a full-length book, but it's broken into a 40-day format. You can read it solo, but I think it's best to read it with family, friends, a small group or church.
If you're looking to jump start your prayer life or take it to the next level, take the challenge in 2014.
The Word of God does not instruct us in this format. We are instructed to pray without ceasing, God's will be done, not mine.
We do not need the legend of Honi to teach us about prayer. We have God's Word and it contains example after example of how to pray and the nature of prayer. Instruction concerning the nature of praying does not mean that we need a man or a church to provide specific words that a person must use when praying.
More heretical quotes from the Circle Maker:
"The bigger the circle we draw, the better, because God gets more glory." p 11.
"I had Honi-like confidence that just as this promise had been transferred from Moses to Joshua, God would transfer the promise to me if I had enough faith to circle it." p. 15.
"The greatest risk is failing to circle the promises of God because we forfeit the miracles God wants to perform." p. 51
The following titles are by Mark Batterson:
The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears
The Circle Maker Participant's Guide: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears
The Circle Maker Curriculum Kit: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears: A Four- Week Church Campaign
Praying Circles Around Your Children
Praying Circles Around the Lives of Your Children
Be a Circle Maker: The Solution to 10,000 Problems
The Circle Maker Prayer Journal
The Circle Maker: 30 Devotions for Inspiring Prayer
The Circle Maker for Kids: One Prayer Can Change Everything
The Circle Maker Student Edition: Dream Big, Pray Hard. Think Long.
1 John 4:1
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
Sources:
America's 25 Most Innovative Churches of 2008
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=1848
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=14626


If you serve our country and communities as an active military or 1st responder couple, we want to thank you.
The civilian population has very little understanding about the sacrifices you make on our behalf. In addition to the normal struggles every marriage encounters, you endure an additional level of dynamics that are a constant assault on your relationship.
So, before we tell you how we can serve you, we thank you.
And please tell your children thank you as well.
Most of what is written in this website is written about us and what we do. We wanted you to hear directly from us. Through the years, we have had the opportunity to work with bases from each of the branches of our armed forces around the county. We also travel internationally to bases to work with couples who are enduring multiple deployments. In addition to working with military couples, we work domestically with 1st responder couples - police, firefighters, EMTs. We work in coordination with several of the country's police forces providing crisis counseling and resources for couples to protect their marriages.
These are marriage conferences we offer in churches and communities around the country. While they are for all couples and not necessarily focused only on marriages like yours, many service couples have found them to be extremely helpful. At any of these conferences around the country, you can attend for free as our VIP guests.
Click here to get more information about these conferences.
Click here to check our schedule for a conference near you.
These one-day conferences are held in local communities and are specifically designed for military/1st responder couples and the unique challenges you face. In addition to providing you with helpful, engaging content, they are also a way for your community to show its support by providing free services and gifts to attendees. These conferences are underwritten by the local community to offer the conference to you at a very low fee, if any at all.
Click here to find a Marriage Under Fire conference in your area.
These retreats are designed to not only provide you with helpful, engaging teaching, but to also give you a weekend away with your spouse in a relaxed atmosphere where the two of you find rest for your spirits and renewal for your relationship.
For more information on the Marriage Under Fire Retreat, click here.
To check for our next retreat, click here.
Bassociated with these retreats, we can only afford to do one or two a year. If you don't see one on our schedule, please check back again or sign up for our newsletter for updates and announcements about upcoming events.
We offer marriage intensive retreats called "The ReGeneration Experience" for couples in crisis. As a military/1st responder couple, these are available to you at a 50% discount. Through these retreats, we have had overwhelming success in turning military/1st responder marriages that seem hopeless in the direction of healing, success and fulfillment. And if the retreats we offer don't work with your schedule, we'll work to connect you with other trusted ministries that offer them as well, and will do our best to find you financial assistance, if needed. Bottom line is, if you need help, we'll get you help.
We only schedule these retreats once we have five couples who have applied and been accepted. To contact us regarding these, call our office at (865) 769-2611.
Click here for more information about "Thience."


After a few days in the fanciest hostel we've ever stayed in, we saddled up again to head east out of Santa Ana. This time around we got to avoid the highway and instead meandered along beautiful winding back roads, almost completely devoid of traffic. It's astonishing how much of a difference it makes to not constantly be honked at or passed by cars. At the end of the day we reached the lovely mountain town of Suchitoto, which our reliably unreliable guidebook called out as the go-to retreat for the fancier folks of El Salvador. While there weren't any particularly thrilling sights from a cultural standpoint, the town's laid back atmosphere and great street food were more than enough to convince us to hang around for a couple days. We even saw some familiar faces: Niels and Mariyana, the German couple we'd met in Santa Ana! They had passed our sweaty selves on the bus to Suchitoto and we ended up staying hospedaje again. (Guess you can't complain about $7 per night.) What a very pleasant surprise!
The picturesque plaza central of Suchitoto.
After a few days of lazy sightseeing in Antigua, we bucked up and set our sights on Lago Atitlán. There is a good reason why some call Atitlán the "eighth wonder of the world." But to get there we had quite a day ahead of us. Leaving Antigua to the north, we yet again fought up Guatemala's signature steep ascents, accompanied by volcanic vistas, truck traffic, and blistering heat when the wind wasn't blowing gritty dust directly into our faces. After a few too many hours of this, we finally turned off the main highway and onto the old Antigua-Atitlán road – a welcome respite that brought us right into the hills surrounding the lake.
Just another day, riding up and down and around in the land of volcanoes.


text:
Chronicle Health
Shukri
being qaali
Your Selfie Is Magic, Here's Why You Need To Hang It Up
Okay so before I begin, can we all agree that we all take selfies? It's 2019, so I am making this sweeping generalisation because if my mother, who has no care for social media, takes photos of herself, I'm certain that most of us do too.
There are so many articles out there talking about how terrible selfies are and I agree with the stance that intent behind taking the selfie matters. If you're posting it out there in order to receive validation to make yourself feel better or you attach likes/retweets to your worth subconsciously, then I think it can have very detrimental effects on your psyche. However if you do it as a way to document, to celebrate, to embrace yourself…to tell your story, then why not? To be honest, how many of you have taken a snap of yourself on a day that you're feeling yourself just for the sake of it? You've posted that one photo that you know you are laying down the law in…yes I can sense you nodding along in agreement and I think Warsan Shire said it best:
document the moments you feel most in love with yourself – what you're wearing, who you're around, what you're doing. recreate and repeat
I think the first series of selfies that made me switch my vocabulary to call them self portraits were the ones I saw on Tumblr and Instagram by Amaal Said and Stephanie C. Nnamani.
clockwise: Stephanie C. Nnamani from (1 & 2) self-portrait project, A.T.L.A.S (2017-2018), (3) self-portrait, "Like The Sun" (2017)
I've always admired their work, which also includes their written work, Stephanie being an essayist and Amaal a poet.
"The photograph and the words arrive simultaneously. They guarantee each other. You believe the words more because the photograph verifies them, and trust the photograph because you trust the words. Additionally, each puts further pressure on the interpretation"
Like all art, their work, amongst others, have moved me to question my own reservations or beliefs. In this case, about how I tell my story and document myself and those around me. Yes I write and I'm as vulnerable as my conscious allows me to be, however I think there is a vulnerability that can be captured visually when one allows themselves to be seen, that no poetry or words can do justice too. I've taken photos for a long time, and street photography has always been my favourite since it reflects my people watching and observant tendencies. It's never up close, never personal but it shows you the world through a different vantage point…my vantage point. So the question then becomes: how do you show yourself through your own eyes?
At the moment I am transitioning into portrait photography. There's a lot of reading, studying and practicing it going on. This also includes more self portraits, which is something I have jumped into in the past. It's a self-affirmation at its simplest and a reclamation and celebration of self at its most complex.
cairo, 2018
Personally, Tracee Ellis Ross is the epitome of all of this – just owning and claiming who you are. She just exudes a self-ownership and presence that I want when I grow up. One of my favourite images this year has been of her at the Met Gala, which she attended wearing a black Moschino dress and walked the carpet carrying a gold picture frame in front of her face. This is a nod to Lorraine O'Grady's 1983 performance piece Art is… Lorraine O'Grady being a performance and conceptual artist that explores cultural constructs of identity through her photo and video installations.
In the Instagram caption of this photo, Tracee quoted her sister Rhonda Ross:
"#KnowYourValue Beauty is not in the eye of the beholder. Beauty is in the knowing of the beheld! It's time to reclaim the narrative and put OURSELVES at the center of it. It's time to archive our own images. Celebrate our own beauty. Honor it with a gilded frame."
Our lives, as they are, are these long reels of film that are more inspiring than what any writer could even come close to capturing. And when we decide to step into a frame, we perform. In that moment we choose to exist in our agency and claim life – you choose what your story is and who you are presenting yourself as separate from the noise around you. So why not do that in all the different forms you naturally exist within? We're all flawed, we carry shadows and we try to figure out our existence while interacting with other people who are also not sure about their existence. Woe is all of us, and out of the 7 billion plus people on this planet ain't nobody that is more worthy to exist in all their God given life than the next person.
"In character as "Mlle Bourgeoise Noire," a persona she (Lorraine O'Grady) had adopted, in the years prior, as a guise enabling her to crash art world events and draw attention to issues of racial underrepresentation, O'Grady and a troupe of 15 African-American and Latino performers, dressed all in white, walked around the float carrying empty gold picture frames. The empty frames were sometimes handed to onlookers, sometimes held in front of them, Vanna White-style, to encourage the mostly black audience to consider themselves as valid subjects, even makers, of art." (x)
"For something to be beautiful it doesn't have to be pretty"
Rei Kawakubo, Founder of Comme des Garçons
I think the evolution from self-portraits made of oil paint hundreds of years ago to our 2 second smartphone snap still hold similar value to us…to know that we were here, that we exist. If the selfie is so basic and it serves no purpose, we wouldn't all be doing it. There is something about it that gives us a sense of confidence. Whatever it does for you, I believe it's important for everyone to document who they are. It doesn't have to be for the world…SHOW YOURSELF HOW BEAUTIFUL YOU ARE!
You owe it to yourself to be the main character of your story, so instead of wasting away your days wrapped up in your insecurities, know that we are all a bit insecure, just like you know the day folds into the night and just go out there and be art.
"My recipe for life is not being afraid of myself, afraid of what I think or my opinions"
Qali Idbeauty, photographyamaal said, art, beauty, confidence, performance art, photography, self-worth, selfie, social media, teff theory, teju cole, tracee ellis rossLeave a comment
I Resigned To Spark More Joy In My Life
Where the natural hair movement falls short.


text:
Purini ist der Familienname folgender Personen:

 Antonio Puri Purini (1942–2013), italienischer Diplomat
 Giuseppe Puri Purini (* 1908), italienischer Diplomat

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Pearson Engineering launches SLICE equipment interface for tanks
by Christopher F Foss
UK-based Pearson Engineering has developed and tested a lightweight interface for its front-end equipment (FEE) called 'SLICE', which is already being marketing to potential end users and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
The system is designed to be fitted onto main battle tanks (MBTs) and other armoured fighting vehicles (AFV) to provide a "plug and play capability" enabling these platforms to be speedily fitted with FEE, according to a company statement. Equipment options include a dozer blade or mine-clearing devices of the plough type to provide a "self-support capability," it added.
SLICE is a lightweight interface specifically designed to be rapidly installed on the glacis plate of an MBT, without any modifications or "impact on the vehicles survivability and avoids any interference with the gun sweep or the driver's visibility", according to Pearson Engineering.
The Pearson Engineering SLICE can be installed on the front of an MBT such as the Leopard 2, without any effect on the mobility of the platform or the vision area of the driver. (Pearson Engineering )
SLICE has its own integrated hydraulic motor pump and control system and therefore does not rely on the host platform's power supply. It can also be fitted onto or removed from the host platform in about 15 minutes, using a crane and basic tools. SLICE is linked to the operator's control panel inside the hull, enabling crewmembers to raise or lower the FEE during operations.
Once SLICE is fitted onto an MBT, for example, an FEE such as Pearson Engineering's Combat Dozer Blade (CDB) or Full Width Mine Plough (FWMP) equipment can be attached without any specialised equipment in well under 10 minutes.
Defence technology developments Emerging technologies Land vehicle logistics, tools and upgrades New equipment and emerging technologies Threat warning systems United Kingdom Upgrades
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/pearson-engineering-launches-slice-equipment-interface-for-tanks
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