Sunday 30 August 2009
Thursday 27 August 2009
Angeles National Forest during the second day of the Station Fire on Thursday Aug. 27, 2009
A firefighting helicopter makes a water drop on a hotspot in a canyon just off Highway 2 in the Angeles National Forest during the second day of the Station Fire on Thursday Aug. 27, 2009. The fire about 20 miles to the west of downtown Los Angeles surged in the dry conditions north of the foothill suburb of La Canada Flintridge and sent another massive plume of smoke above Los Angeles. The fire grew from 30 to 300 acres and containment was reduced from 20 to 10 percent, a Forest Service spokesman said.
A canyon fire blows up along the Angeles Crest Highway during the second day of the Station Fire in the Angeles National Forest on Thursday Aug. 27, 2009. The fire about 20 miles to the west of downtown Los Angeles surged in the dry conditions north of the foothill suburb of La Canada Flintridge and sent another massive plume of smoke above Los Angeles. The fire grew from 30 to 300 acres and containment was reduced from 20 to 10 percent, a Forest Service spokesman said
The smaller of two fires burning in Southern California's Angeles National Forest continues to burn Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 north of La Canada Flintridge, Calif. sending a massive plume of smoke above Los Angeles. U.S. Forest Service spokesman Bruce Quintelier says the fire northwest of downtown Los Angeles grew from 30 to 300 acres and containment was reduced from 20 to 10 percent.
Himalayan glaciers melting fast due to global warming
In this picture taken on October 13, 2008, shows a view of the Lirung Glacier in the Lantang Valley some 60 kilometres (37.5 miles) northwest of Kathmandu. The glacier has retreated at least two kilometres in recent decades, an effect of global warming that is worrying local residents. All across the world's tallest mountain range, glaciers are melting at rates ranging from between ten to 60 metres per year, causing a raft of short and long term problems. South Asian ministers will gather in Nepal next week for talks on the threat that climate change poses to the Himalayas and the 1.3 billion people who depend on water that flows from the mountains. Experts say the Himalayan glaciers are melting at an alarming rate and with months to go before a key summit in Copenhagen, mountain nations are hoping to highlight the myriad of problems facing the region. Climate change campaigners refer to the Himalayas as the "third pole" and say the melting glaciers are the biggest potential contributors to rising sea levels after the north and south poles
This undated handout picture shows a view of Lake Imja Tsho in a valley situated south of Mount Everest in Nepal. South Asian ministers will gather in Nepal next week for talks on the threat that climate change poses to the Himalayas and the 1.3 billion people who depend on water that flows from the mountains. Experts say the Himalayan glaciers are melting at an alarming rate and with months to go before a key summit in Copenhagen, mountain nations are hoping to highlight the myriad of problems facing the region. Climate change campaigners refer to the Himalayas as the "third pole" and say the melting glaciers are the biggest potential contributors to rising sea levels after the north and south poles.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood Opening
A Johnny Depp' wax figure is seen in Madame Tussauds in Hollywood, California, on August 27, 2009. Marie Tussaud, born Anna Maria Grosholtz (1761–1850) was born in Strasbourg, France. Tussaud created her first wax figure, of Voltaire, in 1777.
A Britney Spears' wax figure is seen in Madame Tussauds in Hollywood, California, on August 27, 2009. Marie Tussaud, born Anna Maria Grosholtz (1761–1850) was born in Strasbourg, France. Tussaud created her first wax figure, of Voltaire, in 1777.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt wax figures are seen at Madame Tussauds in Hollywood, California, on August 27, 2009. Marie Tussaud, born Anna Maria Grosholtz (1761–1850) was born in Strasbourg, France. Tussaud created her first wax figure, of Voltaire, in 1777. Other famous people she modelled at that time include Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Benjamin Franklin. During the French Revolution she modelled many prominent victims. In her memoirs she claims that she would search through corpses to find the decapitated heads of executed citizens, from which she would make death masks. Madame Tussaud's wax museum has now grown to become a major tourist attraction in London, it has expanded with branches in Amsterdam, Berlin, Las Vegas, New York City, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Washington, D.C., and Hollywood since 2009
Scripps Expedition to the "Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch"
Crabs and fish larvae are shown caught with floating plastic debris taken from the Pacific Ocean in this publicity photo taken August 8, 2009 and released to Reuters August 27, 2009. Ocean scientists recently back from a voyage to the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" said on August 27, 2009 they had found plastic debris strewn across a 1,700-mile (2,700-km) long stretch of open sea.
Researchers Matt Durham (R) and Miriam Goldstein pull a ghost net from the Pacific Ocean in this August 11, 2009 publicity photo released to Reuters August 27, 2009. Ocean scientists recently back from a voyage to the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" said on August 27, 2009 they had found plastic debris strewn across a 1,700-mile (2,700-km) long stretch of open sea.
SEAPLEX researchers Miriam Goldstein, Jesse Powell, and Chelsea Rochman examine a stuffed toy dog after it was collected along with ghost net debris in this August 15, 2009 publicity photo released to Reuters August 27, 2009. Ocean scientists recently back from a voyage to the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" said on August 27, 2009 they had found plastic debris strewn across a 1,700-mile (2,700-km) long stretch of open sea.
Plastic refuse, ghosts nets and other debris collected from the Pacific Ocean during The Scripps Environmental Accumulation of Plastic Expedition (SEAPLEX) study are shown in this undated publicity photo released to Reuters August 27, 2009. Ocean scientists recently back from a voyage to the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" said on August 27, 2009 they had found plastic debris strewn across a 1,700-mile (2,700-km) long stretch of open sea.
A ghost net floats in the Pacific Ocean in this August 11, 2009 publicity photo released to Reuters August 27, 2009. Ocean scientists recently back from a voyage to the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" said on August 27, 2009 they had found plastic debris strewn across a 1,700-mile (2,700-km) long stretch of open sea.
SEAPLEX: Scripps Expedition to the "Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch"
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch - Good Morning America
Tuesday 25 August 2009
South Korea KSLV-1 Naro first rocket launch FAILED to deploy satellite
In this photo released by Korea Aerospace Research Institute, the South Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 takes off from the launch pad at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, south of Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009. South Korea launched its first rocket Tuesday, just months after rival North Korea's launch drew international anger, but space officials said the satellite it carried failed to enter its intended orbit.
The South Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 takes off from the launch pad at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, south of Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009. South Korea's first rocket blasted off into space Tuesday following an aborted attempt last week and just months after its rival North Korea drew international ire for its own launch.
tomb of a warrior at Huaca Rajada archaeological site in Lambayeque, some 790 km north of Lima
Recent picture provided by the Peruvian National Institue of Culture on August 25, 2009, of the tomb of a warrior at Huaca Rajada archaeological site in Lambayeque, some 790 km north of Lima. Peruvian archaeologists found Tuesday the remains of a Mochica (pre-Inca culture) warrior over 2000 years old, informed investigator Luis Chero. The warrior would be the oldest of the Sipan dinasty found until now.
The villagers believe that drinking water poured over the calf can cure rheumatism and other bodily ailments
Villagers look at the carcass of a dead calf, which they believe to be a "magic cow" born with crocodile skin, during its funeral at Trang Per village in Pusat province, 190km (120 km) northwest of Phnom Penh August 20, 2009. The villagers believe that drinking water poured over the calf can cure rheumatism and other bodily ailments. Belief in the supernatural healing powers of animals such as cows, snakes and turtles is a relatively common phenomenon in Cambodia, where over a third of the population lives on under $1 a day and few can afford modern medicines.
A villager pours water over the carcass of a dead calf, which villagers believe to be a "magic cow" born with crocodile skin, during its funeral at Trang Per village in Pusat province, 190km (120 km) northwest of Phnom Penh August 20, 2009. The villagers believe that drinking water poured over the calf can cure rheumatism and other bodily ailments. Belief in the supernatural healing powers of animals such as cows, snakes and turtles is a relatively common phenomenon in Cambodia, where over a third of the population lives on under $1 a day and few can afford modern medicines
A Cambodian villager washes her face with holly water after it is poured onto a dead "magic cow" and collected in a container as she believes its "magical" medicinal work during a two-day religious event of Brahmanism in Damnak Sangker village, Pursat province, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) northwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Aug. 21, 2009. About 90 percents of Cambodians are Buddhists, but they also respect Brahmanism. Many Cambodian people believe in the holy water and the "magic cow" in the hope for good luck, health and prosperity.
Cambodian villagers pour holy water on a dead "magic cow" during a two-day religious event of Brahmanism in Damnak Sangker village, Pursat province, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) northwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Aug. 21, 2009. They later collected the water as they believe its "magical" medicinal work. About 90 percents of Cambodians are Buddhists, but they also respect Brahmanism. Many Cambodian people believe in the holy water and the "magic cow" in the hope for good luck, health and prosperity.
A Cambodian villager gets holly water on her back as she believes its "magical" medicinal work during a two-day religious event of Brahmanism in Damnak Sangker village, Pursat province, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) northwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Aug. 21, 2009. They poured holy water onto a dead "magic cow" and collected the water to use it for its "magical" medicinal work. About 90 percents of Cambodians are Buddhists, but they also respect Brahmanism. Many Cambodian people believe in the holy water and the "magic cow" in the hope for good luck, health and prosperity.
The tiny Tuscan town is wondering who won Italy's record euro147.8 million ($211.69 million) lotto jackpot
Visitors take pictures with their mobile phones in front of the Biffi Bar cafe' in Bagnone, Italy, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, with a sign above the door which advertises the estimated jackpot. The tiny Tuscan town is wondering who won Italy's record euro147.8 million ($211.69 million) lotto jackpot. Whoever won the country's richest Superenalotto prize on Saturday bought the ticket with the winning six-number combination at Biffi's Bar, a cafe in Bagnone. On Monday, residents were still buzzing at the bar about who might be the super-lucky one.
Visitors take pictures with their mobile phones as they pose in front of the Biffi Bar cafe' with a sign which advertises the estimated jackpot, in Bagnone, Italy, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, the place which sold the winning ticket for the record euro147.8 million ($211.69 million) lotto jackpot prize payout. The people of the tiny Tuscan town are still wondering who won Italy's record jackpot, as the winner has not yet come foreward, but Biffi Bar has become a tourist attraction even for the locals.
A television crew is seen filming at the center of the square in front of the Biffi Bar cafe', below gray building at center, in Bagnone, Italy, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, the place which sold the winning ticket for the record euro147.8 million ($211.69 million) lotto jackpot prize payout. The people of the tiny Tuscan town are still wondering who won Italy's record jackpot, as the winner has not yet come foreward, but Biffi Bar has become a tourist attraction even for the locals.
Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez interview with The Associated Press in Nassau, Bahamas
Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela, poses at the Atlantis Resort in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009. Venezuela won the 2009 Miss Universe crown for the second year straight and the sixth time since the pageant's creation.
Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela, gestures during an interview with The Associated Press in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009. Venezuela won the 2009 Miss Universe crown for the second year straight and the sixth time since the pageant's creation.
Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela, smiles during an interview with The Associated Press in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009. Venezuela won the 2009 Miss Universe crown for the second year straight and the sixth time since the pageant's creation.
Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela, shows the dress she wore during the contest in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009. Venezuela won the 2009 Miss Universe crown for the second year straight and the sixth time since the pageant's creation.
Mila Kunis Extract... film's premiere in Hollywood, California
Gene Simmons, star of the film "Extract", gestures as he poses at the film's premiere with his partner Shannon Tweed (R), their daughter Sophie Simmons (2nd L) and son Nick Tweed-Simmons (L) in Hollywood, California August 24, 2009
Monday 24 August 2009
Eliica in-wheel electric
Japan's Keio University professor Hiroshi Simizu shows a design sketch of his electric vehicle as he established the company to promote electric cars with in-wheel motors at a Tokyo hotel on August 24, 2009. Shimizu is well known as an inventor of electric vehicles and the manufacturer of an eight-wheeled vehicle that achieved over 370kph on its maximum speed
Japan's Keio University professor Hiroshi Simizu stands by his two-seater "Luciole" in-wheel electric motor vehicle, at a Tokyo hotel on Ausgut 24, 2009. Shimizu is well known as an inventor of electric vehicles and the manufacture of an eight-wheel vehicle which achieved a maximum speed of over 370kph.
Japan's Keio University professor Hiroshi Simizu stands by his "Eliica" in-wheel electric motor vehicle featuring eight wheels, at a Tokyo hotel on Ausgut 24, 2009. Shimizu is well known as an inventor of electric vehicles and the manufacture of an eight-wheel vehicle which achieved a maximum speed of over 370kph.
Sunday 23 August 2009
Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez. crowned Miss Universe 2009
Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, center, reacts as she is named Miss Universe 2009 next to Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza, also of Venezuela, right, at the end the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz, left, was first runner up.
Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza, of Venezuela, right, places the Miss Universe 2009 crown on Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez at the end of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009.
Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, left, and Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza, also of Venezuela, laugh after Fernandez's crown fell while being crowned Miss Universe 2009 at the end of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009.
Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, left, reacts as her crown Miss Universe 2009 falls off after being placed on her head by Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza, also of Venezuela, at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009.
Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez waves after being crowned Miss Universe 2009 at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009.
Worthing International Birdman competition in Worthing, southern England
A competitor takes part in the Worthing International Birdman competition in Worthing, southern England August 23, 2009. Entrants compete to try and propel themselves in the air 100 metres or more from Worthing Pier to claim a £30,000 prize
A competitor takes part in the Worthing International Birdman competition in Worthing, southern England August 23, 2009. Entrants compete to try and fly by self-propelled means 100 metres or more from Worthing Pier to claim a £30,000 ($49,400) prize.
Tammy Duckworth About "Death Book For Veterans"..
Tammy Duckworth, Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs, speaks with FOX News Sunday host Chris Wallace during a taping of the program in Washington August 23, 2009.
La Monumental organized Sunday the "2nd Pamplonada", in reference to the famous bull running through the streets of Pamplona in Spain
A man runs out of the bullring area of Plaza La Monumental as bulls enter the ring in Tijuana, northern Mexico, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. La Monumental organized Sunday the "2nd Pamplonada", in reference to the famous bull running through the streets of Pamplona in Spain.
People run away from bulls along the parking area of Plaza La Monumental towards the bullring in Tijuana, northern Mexico, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. La Monumental organized Sunday the "2nd Pamplonada", in reference to the famous bull running through the streets of Pamplona in Spain.
People run away from bulls along the parking area of Plaza La Monumental towards the bullring in Tijuana, northern Mexico, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. La Monumental organized Sunday the "2nd Pamplonada", in reference to the famous bull running through the streets of Pamplona in Spain.