According to Mitchell Baker, founder and Chairperson of the Mozilla Corporation, more than 70 percent of internet users in Indonesia use Firefox browser.

Compared to data of the Indonesia Association of Internet Service Providers (APJII) in 2010 which mentions that the number of internet users in Indonesia reaches 30 million, it is apparent that those using Firefox browser reaches 21 million.

"We're focusing on developing localized services which draw Firefox to daily lives," Mitchell Baker told in Jakarta on Monday, Sept 27. "We're not here to seek revenue but providing people in every country with what they need."

Baker said that Mozilla also embraces local developers. "There are various resources that can be used to build Firefox with local taste," said Baker.

"Firefox has made available 72 local languages including bahasa Indonesia. However, Indonesia has quite unique users," said Baker. "Around 80 to 85 percent users instead use English."

Baker stated that two key factors that lead Firefox to success are developing local browsers and enabling easy customization of its products. "In addition, we're aiming at building local communities which are in the know of the locals' need for internet browsers," he said.

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New startup has only been launched in Indonesia. Sitti has indexed more than 20 terabytes of data; comprising 12 million articles, 12 million Twitter accounts, 10 million Facebook conversations, 20 thousand words of slang and 2.7 billion Google search terms– all in Bahasa Indonesia and all to make mathematical sense of Bahasa language context, so that it can match ads to content better than Google.

Sitti may seem optimistic, for Google has yet to fully go deep into its AdSense business in the country. However, during its visit to Indonesia a while ago, the Internet giant stated that it is ready to grow its market here.

The six-month old startup then introduced itself to the public on Wednesday, Nov 24.

"Within the period of between October 1 and November 5, 2010, we have indexed more than 600 million pages of websites and blogs and display 330 ads of 330 brands," Sitti CEO Andy Sjarif told reporters.

Nonetheless, Sitti is nothing compared to Google as regards indexing. Google records more than one trillion pages of websites and blogs globally which comprise 129 international languages.

"They're great and mighty. Google is superior on the search engine issue. But we're better than them at the contextual advertising," he claimed.

A comparison between Google AdSense and Sitti through the A-B split test shows that Sitti's local ads which are more relevant toward contents available on websites or blogs are mostly chosen by users.

"Google only deals with languages. Indeed they have Google Translator. Unfortunately, the technology has yet to detect bahasa Indonesia properly as far as linguistics is concerned," said Andy.

Andy recognized that Google is no ordinary competitor. Therefore, Sitti invites a number of partners such as megaportal or bloggers for placing Sitti banners on their webpages.

"Google is coming to Indonesia to conquer the market. We're ready to challenge Google by the support of local partners. Hey, Google, come to Indonesia!" said Andy.

Sitti cites the example of ZAO Begun in Russia, which Google tried to buy for $140 million before it was blocked by the Russian government, as evidence that language can be a powerful differentiator on the Web.

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Indonesia has the highest number of volcanoes than any other country in the world, crossed by the ring of fire which crosses through Indonesia and on through the Pacific ocean. Indonesia has over 400 volcanoes, with over 100 of these active.

Here is the top 10 Volcanoes in Indonesia, not based on size but more for activity and spectacular scenery to visit and/or climb.

# 1 Mount Merapi

Gunung Merapi meaning 'Fire mountain' is located close to Jogjakarta in Java. The first recorded activity of Gunung Merapi was in 1548 though historians note that Borobudur was destroyed in the 11th century by a violent eruption. Gunung Merapi still has high volcanic activity. Each year 7 million cubic tones is erupted and added to it's slopes. When it is quiet flights can be organised at night to fly over the volcano to views it's lava flow down the eastern side of the mountain.

Recent background

In late October 2010 the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, Geological Agency (CVGHM), (Indonesian language—Pusat Vulkanologi & Mitigasi Bencana Geologi, Badan Geologi-PVMBG), reported that a pattern of increasing seismicity from Merapi had begun to emerge in early September. Observers at Babadan 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) west and Kaliurang 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) south of the mountain reported hearing an avalanche on 12 September 2010. On 13 September 2010 white plumes were observed rising 800 metres (2,600 ft) above the crater.Lava Dome inflation, detected since March, increased from background levels of 0.1 millimetres (0.0039 in) to 0.3 millimetres (0.012 in) per day to a rate of 11 millimetres (0.43 in) per day on 16 September. On 19 September 2010 earthquakes continued to be numerous, and the next day CVGHM raised the Alert Level to 2 (on a scale of 1–4). Lava from Mount Merapi began flowing down the Gendol River on 23–24 October signalling the likelihood of an imminent eruption.

On 25 October 2010 the Indonesian government raised the alert for Mount Merapi to its highest level (4) and warned villagers in threatened areas to move to safer ground. People living within a 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) zone were told to evacuate. The evacuation orders effected at least 19,000 people however the number that complied at the time remained unclear to authorities.Officials said about 500 volcanic earthquakes had been recorded on the mountain over the weekend of 23–24 October, and that the magma had risen to about a 1 kilometre (3,300 ft) below the surface due to the seismic activity

Eruptive events

Merapi erupted three times on Monday afternoon 25 October 2010, spewing lava down its southern and southeastern slopes. Three major eruptions were recorded at 2:04PM, 2:24PM and 3:15PM.On 25 October 222 volcanic seismic events and 454 avalanche seismic events were recorded by Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation monitoring staff at Merapi.

The eruptions on 26 October started at 5:02PM. By 6:54PM pyroclastic activity had begun to subside following 12 eruption associated events being recorded by CVGHM monitors. In the 24 hours of 26 October 232 volcanic seismic events, 269 avalanche seismic events, 4 lava flow seismic events and 6 heat clouds were recorded by CVGHM monitoring staff at Merapi. The eruptive events of 26 October were classified as an explosive event with volcanic bursts of ejected material, visable flame and pyroclastic hot air flows. A column of smoke rose from the top to a vertical distance of 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) from the summit of Mount Merapi.

On Friday 29 October activity including lava ejection and hot ash clouds were reported to be increasing again.

By early on the morning of Saturday 30 October the volcano was erupting again. Sri Sumarti, head of the Merapi section at the Volcano Investigation and Technology Development Institution (BPPTK), reported the eruptions were louder and stronger than the eruptions of the 26 October. Those earlier eruptions on the previous Tuesday killed 34 people. Ash from the eruptions on 30 October fell more than 30 kilometres (19 mi) away and now included ash falls upon the city of Yogyakarta. The morning eruptions lasted for 22 minutes and heat clouds flowed into the Krasak and Boyong Rivers also rising 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) into the air, westward toward Magelang. Yogyakarta’s Adisucipto Airport was temporarily closed from 5AM. to 7AM. On 30 October, Subandrio, head of the BPPTK suggested there would be further eruptions as lava continued to push it's way up into the volcano's lave dome.

On 3 November heat clouds travelled up to 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) away from the eruption forcing the government to evacuate people from within the refugee camps set up to accommodate those already dislocated by the volcano. Eruptions on the afternoon of Wednesday 3 November followed a morning eruption that sent hot gas clouds down the volcano's slopes. The volcano spewed clouds of ash and gas 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) into the sky for more than an hour on Wednesday 3 November. The eruptions of that day were reported as being the largest since the eruptions commenced.

"This is the first time that the eruption has continued for more than an hour, so I decided to move the shelters to 15 km away from the summit", Surono, head of Indonesia's vulcanology agency, told Indonesia's Metro TV network on 3 November. The shelters had previously been set up 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) away. Surono added that the energy from the eruption on 3 November was three times greater than that of the first eruption in the previous week.Bambang Ervan, a spokesman from the Transportation Ministry, said an official warning had been issued to all airlines to “use alternative routes for safety reasons due to the volcanic ash.” From 2 November several airlines including Garuda, AirAsia and Silkair international flights to both Yogyakarta and Solo were either suspended or re-routed due to the eruptive activity.

Casualties

On 26 October at least 18 people, including one 2-month old baby, were found dead due to burns and respiratory failure caused by hot ashes from the eruption.Thousands were evacuated within a radius of 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) around the slopes of the volcano.

By Wednesday 27 October the death toll had risen to at least 25. The death toll included an elder,Mbah Maridjan (grandfather Marijan), known as the volcano's spiritual gatekeeper who was found dead at his home approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from the peak. The Yogyakarta Palace subsequently confirmed his death. The 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) exclusion zone remained in place at the volcano with evacuation and ongoing search and rescue activities continuing at the site in an attempt to locate further victims of the previous days eruptions.

Later reports on the 27 October revised the toll upward to 30 persons recorded at Yogyakarta's Dr. Sardjito Hospital with 17 hospitalized, mostly with burns, respiratory problems and other injuries. Earlier on 27 October two of the 28 bodies at the hospital had been identified. Yuniawan Nugroho, an editor with the vivanews.com news portal, was reported to have been killed while conducting reportage on the night of Tuesday 26 October, the other was later identified as Indonesian Tutur Priyanto, a 36 year man working for the Red Cross as a volunteer on the mountain. Tutur Priyanto had been retrieving and escorting residents from the slopes of the mountain. After making many trips he returned for a further ascent at 3:00PM to assist others to come off the mountain and died during one of the subsequent eruptive events. As of 1 November, 2010, the death toll from Mount Merapi's blasts had climbed to 38.

Lava Dome deformation

During the 4th week of October 2010 deformation measurements were performed by Electric Distance Measurement (EDM), utilising reflectors mounted around the summit of Mount Merapi. The measurement results Indicated a rapidly increasing rate of growth of the lava dome in the build up to the eruptive events of 25–26 October 2010.

At the end of September 2010, the peak inflation rate of the lava dome at Mount Merapi was measured by EDM at an average growth rate of 6 millimetres (0.24 in). The subsequent rate of inflation up until October 21, 2010 reached 105 millimetres (4.1 in) per day. The inflation rate then increased very sharply, reaching 420 millimetres (17 in) per day by 24 October 2010. By the 25 October the average grow rate, measured from 6 EDM points over 24-25 October had risen to 500 millimetres (20 in) per day, the top of dome having by then reached a height of 6,858.635 metres (22,502.08 ft) above sea level.

The information gathered at the site indicated that the distension of the mountain’s slopes was much more rapid this during the current event than that observed during the 2006 event.

On 26 October the head of the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, Surono, repeated his earlier statements that the greatest concern was the pressure building behind a massive lava dome that has formed near the tip of the crater. "The energy is building up. ... We hope it will release slowly," he said. "Otherwise we're looking at a potentially huge eruption, bigger than anything we've seen in years".Surono also said that said the distension of the mountain’s slopes was much more rapid this time around, indicating a higher-pressure build-up of gas and hence a much more explosive eruption and speculated that Merapi may erupt explosively, as it did in 1930, and not just eject gas as in 2006 eruptions.

# 2. Mount Rinjani

Lombok is home to one of the most impressive volcanoes in Indonesia, Mount Rinjani, at 3726m high, not just because it is Indonesia's second highest volcano but for it's scenery as well. Mount Rinjani is surrounded by a spectacular cobalt blue lake. It is a popular 3 day hike stretching from Senaru to the crater rim, down to the cobalt blue crater lake and then on to Sembulan Lawang. The trek has superb ocean and mountain views and the chance to spot barking deer, macaques and civets.


# 3 Mount Bromo

Gunung Bromo (2329m) is located in Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park in Java close to Surabaya. You can ride miniature Tennggerese ponies to it's rim through the night to reach the summit in time for a magic sun rise over Java's scenic landscape.





# 4 Mount Semeru

Gunung Semeru is Java's highest volcano at 3676m. Known locally as Mahameru or great mountain. Hindus consider Mount Semeru as Indonesia's most sacred mountain, the father of Bali's Mount Agung. Legend tells the story of gods moving Semeru from the Himalayas, scattering other peaks all through Java. It is an active volcano though is still able to be climbed if you are prepared for the 3 days hike.



# 5 Mount Anak Krakatau

Gunung Krakatua or Krakatau (813m) is probably the most famous volcano in the world after it's massive explosion in 1883. 4600Km away people thought they heard loud gunfire. The explosion was heard in Sydney Australia with an estimated force of 10,000 Hiroshima bombs.

Since the explosion in 1883, which ripped apart the mountain the volcano has been growing in size every year spawning what is called now Anak Krakatua (Baby of Krakatau). It is now larger then when it exploded in 1883. In the last few years volcanic activity has been increasing and there is now a 1km zone around the island to prevent people from approaching, so no longer can you gain access to the island.


# 6 Mount Agung

Bali's most active volcano, Gunung Agung (3142m) is entwined in Balinese culture. Most temples in Bali has a shrine dedicated to Mount Agung. There is an annual festival during the 10th lunar month at the Pura Basakih ('mother temple') on the slopes of Agung. It's a relatively easy hike to the top. Most treks leave at 10pm to make it to the summit for sunrise.



# 7 Mount Kerinci

Gunung Kerinci is Sumatra's highest mountain at 3805m, located in the Kerinci Seblat National Park close to Jambi. Recent years has seen an increase in volcanic activity preventing trekking to the summit. There is a 1km exclusion zone around Mount Kerinci preventing hiking any closer though many people still climb it regardless of the warnings.








# 8 Mount Sumbing

Midway between Jogjakarta and Semarang in Java, around 125km away from each, Gunung Sumbing (3371m) is considered the husband volcano of Gunung Sundoro (3136m). It is a perfectly shaped cone which holds the remains of one of the holy men that brought Islam to Indonesia. At the end of Ramadan, Idul Fitri is celebrated and devotees trek to the top to show their respect. It is a difficult climb to the top with steep slopes and sulphuric gas escaping from vents along the route to the top. From the top there is a spectacular view looking down over clouds atop the Javanese landscape.


# 9 Mount Batur
Gunung Batur (1717m) is the female counterpart of Gunung Agung (3142m). Both located on the island of Bali. At the bottom is a crater lake 11km in diameter. There is great views to the mountain and over the lake from Penelokan. There is an easy hike down to the base of Gunung Batur where there are hot springs with believed healing properties. Recent activity has made climbing to the top of this volcano extremely dangerous.



# 10 Mount Sibayak

Mount Sibayak (2100m) over looks the town of Berastagi in North Sumatra just a 2 hour bus trip from Medan. At most times there are vents of steam seeping from the top of Sibayak. It's a fairly easy 3 hour walk to the top and stone steps to find your way down. At the bottom of Sibayak are hot springs to relax in after the climb.




Volcanoes of Indonesia

Gunung Kerinci (3805m) Jambi

Gunung Rinjani (3726m) Lombok

Gunung Semeru (3676m) Java

Gunung Sumbing (3371m) Java

Gunung Dempo (3159m) Lampung

Gunung Agung (3142m) Bali

Gunung Sundoro (3136m) Java

Gunung Ciremay (3078m) Cirebon

Gunung Pangrango (3019m) Bogor

Gunung Merapi (2968m) Yogyakarta

Gunung Gede (2958m) Bogor

Gunung Talakmau (2919m) Bukittinggi

Gunung Marapi (2891m) Bukittinggi

Gunung Geureudong (2885m) Sumatra

Gunung Singgalang (2880m) Bukittinggi

Gunung Patah (2817m) Sumatra

Gunung Peuet Sague (2801m) Sumatra

Gunung Tambora (2722m) Sumbawa

Gunung Talang (2597m) Sumatra

Gunung Sumbing (2507m) Sumatra

Gunung Bukit Daun (2467m) Sumatra

Gunung Tandikat (2438m) Sumatra

Gunung Sinabung (2400m) Berastagi

Gunung Bromo (2329m) Surabaya

Gunung Kembar (2245m) Sumatra

Gunung Salak (2211m). Bogor

Gunung Kunyit (2151m) Sumatra

Gunung Sorikmarapi (2145m) Sumatra

Gunung Sibayak (2100m) Berastagi

Bukit Lamah Balai (2055m) Sumatra

Gunung Hutapanjang (2021m) Sumatra

Gunung Belirang-Beriti (1958m) Sumatra

Gunung Kaba (1952m) Sumatra

Gunung Besar (1899m) Sumatra

Gunung Lubukraya (1862m) Sumatra

Gunung Soputan (1825m) Sulawesi

Gunung Sibualbuali (1819m) Sumatra

Gunung Seulawah Agam (1810m) Sumatra

Gunung Batur (1717m) Bali

Gunung Lokon-Empung (1580m) Sulawesi

Gunung Imun (1505m) Sumatra

Gunung Dua Saudara (1351m) Sulawesi

Gunung Awu (1320m) Sulawesi

Gunung Mahawu (1311m) Sulawesi

Gunung Rajabasa (1281m) Lampung

Gunung Tongkoko (1149m) Sulawesi

Gunung Anak Krakatau (813m) Lampung

Gunung Weh (617m) Pulau Weh

Gunung Colo (508) Sulawesi

Gunung Banua Wuhu Sulawesi

Gunung Ruang Sulawesi

Gunung Karangetang Sulawesi

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Respect for human rights, and their promotion and protection, are enshrined in our national Constitution and further promulgated through various laws and legislation. These constitutional mandates are reflected in our membership of the Commission on Human Rights and, now, the Human Rights Council.

It is our strong conviction that the Council will bring about changes on the ground and promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

This year, the Council will enter its fourth-year cycle and it is therefore, timely for us to make an honest assessment of whether this august body has fulfilled its mandate.

In Indonesia’s experience as a member of the Council, the innovative Universal Periodic Review mechanism (UPR) has proved an inclusive and impartial process and promoted dialogue and cooperation among States. The Council has indeed proved to be more effective than its predecessor.

Nevertheless, there is still a need to preserve and build on the Council’s achievements and to redress its shortcomings.

We believe that the work of the Council could be enhanced in certain areas, notably through greater rationalization of meetings and resolutions. The matters of polarization and the politicization of human rights issues also need to be effectively addressed.

We are concerned that there are still significant gaps between resolutions and their actual implementation, as the perennial issue of Palestine demonstrates. Therefore, it is imperative that the Council remains committed to taking concrete steps to ensure the implementation of its resolutions.

We also note that more work should be done to address the economic, social and cultural rights for all, including the right to development and protection of migrant workers.

We also hope the review process will serve its purpose without diverting from the substantive work and main objectives of the Council. The review process should be transparent, inclusive, consensus-based and non-politicized. We should not repair what is not broken.

We share the view that development, human rights, and democracy are inseparable and mutually reinforcing. This strong correlation reflects the fact that economic development is conducive to democracy. Indeed, democracy is not an end in itself; it is also a means of fostering human rights and development.

Indonesia has recently experienced robust political developments with successful legislative and presidential elections held in 2009. This process has been further enhanced by more effective functioning of democratic institutions in the country.

We have also made considerable progress over the past ten years with the implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Rights, notably with regard to the six pillars of the Plan. Now we embark on the third phase, emphasizing the empowerment of the human rights machinery at local and provincial level.

Our government development strategies have also adopted a human rights dimension, incorporating a triple-track “pro-poor, pro-growth and pro-job” approach. In addition, these development strategies aim to expedite our efforts to fulfill our Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) commitments.

***

As a multi-ethnic and pluralistic society, Indonesia has a responsibility to promote tolerance and understanding among different cultures, religions and political systems. Several initiatives have been conducted, including various interfaith dialogues, Global Inter-media Dialogues, and the Bali Democracy Forum. We recently held the second Bali Democracy Forum in December 2009 which focused on promoting synergy between democracy and development.

In our region, we have recently established the ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights. It is our hope that the future evolutionary work of this Commission will strike a balance between the promotion and protection aspects in accordance with international standards.

Similarly, as mandated by its Charter, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is establishing the Independent Permanent Commission on Human Rights. Indonesia foresees that this future Commission will be credible and independent, and will strengthen efforts in promoting and protecting the human rights of its people.

The end of Indonesia's membership of the Council in June of this year shall not lessen our commitment to this body. Indonesia will continue to contribute actively to the work of the Council.

Human rights remain paramount in the affairs of our nation. To this end, Indonesia presents its candidature to the Council for the period 2011-2014 and kindly requests the valuable support of the members.

Finally, Indonesia’s efforts to promote and protect human rights are ongoing and part of a lifelong process. We know that history will judge every step we take. We certainly hope that this august Council’s legacy will benefit our future generations.


This edited article was presented by Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani - The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations, World Trade Organization and other international organizations in Geneva - during his speech at the General Segment of the 13th Session of the Human Rights Council, Geneva 3 March 2010

• VIVAnews

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Many of the drama happening in Thailand. However, the drama of this one so special because Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij to play in a soap opera.

This was done to support the government's propaganda in the television commercial. Korn appeared in soap operas Wanida to promote a government program to help people a great debt.

In the show, a character who has a debt say they have found a way to avoid the debt trap. A moment later, Korn performing in a hall to explain how the program is run. "The government of Prime Minister Abhisit VejjajivaAbhisit Vejjajiva has helped more than 500,000 people and reduce the debt of 3 billion baht or 100 million U.S. dollars per month. Fortunately, Mr. Prajuab been enrolled in the program, "Korn said referring to the figures that were in debt.

By the elections next year, Korn government has imposed some populist policies to help get attention from people in the northern region. Most of the population in the region was a supporter of "Red Shirts" that anti-government. This group conducted a large demonstration in the streets of Bangkok this year. Last September, the cabinet passed a draft law governing the collection of funds by financial institutions related to the moneylenders.

allvoices

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Lost Inca Gold

This legend began in the 16th century. Commander of the Spanish Francisco Pizarro had captured Inca king named Atahualpa. Pizarro promised to release Atahualpa if the king give a number of pure gold. Atahualpa come and collect all the gold they could find. Part of the gold has been transferred to Pizarro, but before the other half delivered Pizarro deny his words and King Atahualpa was executed. It is said that those who are loyal to Atahualpa treasure buried in a mountain cave.

Many have tried to recover the treasure. In 1886 Barth Blake claimed that he found the legendary Inca treasure. He writes: "There are thousands of pieces of gold and silver and pre-Inca Inca crafts, a goldsmith of the most beautiful work you can not imagine." He also described "gold vase filled with emeralds" and giant sculptures made of real gold. Blake plans to raise funds for a major expedition, but tragically died at sea before he got a chance. Since then many people have claimed to have seen the place, but there is no real evidence exists and those who claim to have discovered it is not able to show the place.


El Dorado

El Dorado is a legendary city in South America made entirely of gold. Legend appears on the 16th and 17th centuries with the rise of the New World. Many people ventured into the wilderness of South America to find this town, most of the expedition ended in death. One explorer had his son was killed while searching for El Dorado. guilt that prompted him to commit suicide.

This legend does have real roots. When Spanish explorers first arrived in the New World they were told stories by the other tribes about a king who has abandoned His people precious jewels into Lake Guatavita to appease the gods who live below the water surface. Spain tries to drain the lake and found some gold, but could not drain the lake enough to achieve a larger amount of gold that supposedly located in deeper waters.

This is a very persistent legend, and many speak as if the legendary city of gold is still there. Although logic dictates otherwise, many want to believe that there is a city made of gold. They want to believe that there is a chance for them to find their riches beyond my wildest dreams in the form of a long-lost city.


Atlantis

The story of the lost city of Atlantis is one of the legends that have survived throughout the centuries. The legend of the origin comes from the Greek philosopher Plato. Plato tells of a great city that was created by a race of half-god and half human. The city is home to exotic wildlife and is the most civilized civilization that ever existed. Plato tells a fantastic tale in 360 BC and the story continues to this day.

Most scholars believe that the story is the story of Plato's philosophical allegory or warning that a civilized society can never really conquer nature but some believe that Atlantis is very real. There are many theories about exactly where Atlantis is located starting from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.

It is not out of the question that Atlantis was based on a true story. The story quotes an ancient, now constantly destroyed by floods and volcanic eruptions. This is a very real possibility that the great city at one time existed but was taken by nature.


Crystal Skulls

The legend is a bit different because there is a crystal skull artifacts, but their purpose remains a mystery. The skull did not even rare, but this horrible waste of an ancient civilization is too mysterious to be ignored. This skull was found all throughout Mexico and is believed by some archaeologists have carved tens of thousands of years ago by an ancient Mesoamerican civilization. What this mysterious skull? Some believe that they are artifacts of Atlantis and others cite the skull as proof that aliens are visiting Earth in the past.

Many stories in today believe that the skull has magical powers. They say that the skull can enhance psychic abilities and that they also have healing powers. Legend popularity got a boost when Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of Crystal Skull was released back in 2008, shows that people are still fascinated with Crystal Skull.


The Fountain Of Youth

Many cultural legend similar to the story waterfall that made immortal. There are rumors that when Alexander the Great approached his death he was hunting for a legendary river that will cure old age. There is also a European legend that tells of a great king who led a kingdom that has a spring that will give eternal life. With the discovery of a new world in the 16th century many people attracted by the ageless legend waterfall and then popping up again. This time the waterfall is said to lie in America. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon started looking for waterfalls in places that are now in St. Augustine, Florida.

The odd thing is that no records exist that detail de Leon's expedition to Florida, has caused many scholars believe that the story might have been made by de Leon or some contemporaries de Leon. Regardless, the legend continues and as popular as ever. There is a tourist attraction in Florida who claim to be the fairytale waterfalls to stay young. Unfortunately, this waterfall is a bit misleading the people who drink and do not become immortal.

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Oil is a commodity that is very useful for all countries, including Indonesia. Houses in Indonesia too much to require the oil to power generators during power outages by PLN's turn. Many countries that save oil reserves for emergency purposes such as state of war and in part. Then, which country has the largest oil reserves in the world? Certainly almost all of us will really answer it! Saudi Arabia which was already known as the king of oil is the holder of the world's number one for the oil reserve.

Simak

Baca secara fonetik

According to OPEC's website, the list of countries with the largest proven oil reserves in the world until the end of 2009 and are:

* Saudi Arabia: 264.59 billion barrels (24.9%)
* Venezuela: 211.17 billion barrels (19.8%)
* Iran: 137.01 billion barrels (12.9%)
* Iraq: 115 billion barrels (10.8%)
* Kuwait: 101.50 billion barrels (9.5%)
* United Arab Emirates: 97.80 billion barrels (9.2%)
* Libya: 46.42 billion barrels (4.4%)
* Nigeria: 37.20 billion barrels (3.5%)
* Qatar: 25.38 billion barrels (2.4%)
* Algeria: 12.20 billion barrels (1.1%)
* Angola: 9:50 billion barrels (0.9%)
* Ecuador: 6.51 billion barrels (0.6%).

OPEC member states recorded over 1064 billion barrels (79.60%) of the world's proven oil reserves, while non-OPEC which controls the remaining 272.9 billion barrels (20.41%).

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More than 5 million square meters in waters around the Indonesian archipelago. No doubt, Indonesia became a shelter for hundreds or even thousands of species of underwater creatures and coral clusters are beautiful and colorful. Surely this country offers many dive sites which is a dream for most divers.

Due to the often volatile political situation and a warning to tourists who are usually too much, you'll rarely find this country in the list of most tourists travel. Fortunately for tourists who are brave and adventurous, this means fewer tourists and more peace, so you better be able to enjoy the beauty as you like. Here is a list of eight stunning dive sites in Indonesia.

Bintan Island, Riau
Maybe this is the island's most easily reached from outside Indonesia, where the diving is only one hour from the noise of Singapore. The island has white sandy beaches stretch along the 18 km with a rich marine life, and a variety of dive sites for you to enjoy.

Not far from the coastline to the north, there are a small canyon as deep as 8 meters with a flat base, ideal for your first time to learn scuba diving. Another unique place is the location of the wreck, you can explore the remains of an old tanker that sank many years ago in the depths of the sea.

Seribu Islands, Jakarta
This unique area made up of hundreds of small islands (hence so exaggerated 'Thousand Islands'), is a must for divers from Jakarta. Of the various islands, some of the famous are Kotok Besar Island , kotok kecil Island , Karang Bongkok, Sepa Island and Pantara Island .
Seribu Islands is easy to achieve, you just need to hire a speedboat from Marina or boat fishing from one of the ports. Only about one or two hours from Jakarta, you will be able to dive as much. Some of the larger islands
provide better accommodation class resorts and villas, but you need to rent a boat to reach the small islands - where the reefs are beautiful!

Karimun Jawa, Central Java
Another part of the Java Sea which is also a paradise for divers is an island across the sea from Semarang, Central Java. This place, called Karimun Jawa, is a series of 27 small island surrounded by sea which is rich in blue coral Acropora group. Divers can explore the remains of Indonour, an ancient merchant ship which sank in 1955. Additional treat here is the variety of sea turtle that hatched in the park of nature protection.

Derawan Island, South Kalimantan
About 50 miles from Cape Redeb, capital of Berau Province, an area that includes the small islands. This place is filled with a cluster of spectacular coral and underwater caves for the adventurous traveler. Derawan has more than 17 dive sites, each site has its own unique attractions for you to enjoy. Some places are famous Sangalaki Island, Kakaban Island and Maratua Island.

On Sangalaki Island you can find eagle rays, manta rays, tiger sharks and cuttlefish. Every night you can see the giant green turtle eggs hatch on the island. Kakaban main attraction is the salt water lake inhabited by a jellyfish that did not sting and gobies. While on the Maratua island , you'll find plenty of large fish like barracuda, tuna and mackerel. Tourists even had time to see sharks and hammerheads to eight species of whales here.

Komodo Island, Flores
The island is usually known for being a playground for the dragons, giant lizard species. For scuba diving, Komodo Island also has a number of the best dive sites in the country. From Sebayour Kecil, Pulau Tengah Kecil dan Merah Beach offers a variety of underwater attractions as diverse mackerel, cod and grouper.

At Merah Beach, not far from the beach, you'll find a 5-meter full derivation of colorful fish. There are more dive sites on the west coast of Flores such as, Tatawa Island, Tatawa Kecil Island, Rinca Island dan Nusa Node Island.

Nusa Penida, Bali
Nusa Penida Island, located in eastern Bali, is a famous location for local and international divers. About an hour from Bali, the island has some very healthy group of coral, which is clearly visible at depths of 15 to 30 meters.

For beginners,there are various dive sites in the east coast of this island are suitable to be explored. On the south coast there is Blue Corner, Nusa Lembongan and Gamat, more appropriate for experienced divers who are looking for a challenge. Fish are often seen in the sun while manta birostris Crystal Bay is a common sight at Manta Point.

Bunaken, North Sulawesi
This place is famous dive sites that have an international reputation is better than the other, consisting of small islands such as Sialdoen Island, Ganga Island, Mantehage Island, Nine Island and an old mountain in the middle of the sea, Manado Tua. Snorkeling and
diving is very popular here with more than sixteen point dive spread across an area of islands. Bunaken has grooves as deep as 30 feet, housing a variety of species of fish and other marine life. Shark sightings are common, so be careful!

Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi
Still in North Sulawesi, there are other icons of the world diving, Lembeh Strait. This location is renowned internationally as the diversity of marine life that exists only in the place. Here you will be able to find the mimic octopus, pygmy seahorses, cuttlefish, and hairy frogfish. This place is a paradise for underwater photography and is often called the "Qiblah of Macro Photography." After all remain vigilant, the beauty of the Lembeh Strait is for experienced divers.

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Menjadi seorang transeksual seringkali menjadi cemoohan dan terpinggirkan. Tetapi, tidak bagi empat pesohor di dunia hiburan berikut ini. Mereka mampu menjadi orang sukses meskipun berstatus transeksual dan hal itu tidak menghalanginya dalam berkarya.

Empat wanita ini dulu terlahir sebagai pria. Siapa saja mereka?

1. April Ashley

Lahir pada 25 April 1935, Ashley pernah menjadi model dan pelayan restoran. Ia adalah orang Inggris pertama yang terbuka pada publik sebagai seorang transeksual, pengakuannya dipublikasikan dalam Sunday People pada 1961.

Ia juga diketahui sebagai orang Inggris pertama dan kesembilan di dunia yang melakukan operasi ganti kelamin. Ashley lahir dengan nama asli George Jamieson di Smithdown Road Hospital, Liverpool, Inggris dan memiliki lima saudara. Latar keluarganya cukup religius, ayahnya beragama Katolik Roma dan ibunya seorang Protestan.

Pada usia 14 tahun ia bergabung dengan Angkatan Laut dan ketika usianya memasuki 15 karakteristik seksualnya tidak berkembang. Ia berusaha bunuh diri setelah pulang dari Angkatan Laut dan dikirim ke pusat pengobatan mental di Ormskirk untuk pengobatan sengatan listrik.

Merasa kehidupannya di Inggris kurang memadai, Ashley pindah ke Paris pada 1950an dan mengganti namanya menjadi Drag Queen. Ia bergabung sebagai pemain dalam pertunjukkan kabaret di Carousel Theatre bersama dengan artis terkenal asal Prancis, Coccinelle.

Ashley menjalani operasi ganti kelamin di Casablanca, Maroko. Operasi tersebut dilakukan pada 12 Mei 1960 oleh dokter Georges Burou. Proses operasi sendiri memakan waktu tujuh jam dan berhasil. Ia pun kembali ke Inggris dan dengan bermodal wajah cantik Ashley menjadi model terkenal. Wajahnya terpampang di media bergengsi seperti Vogue. Ashley bahkan mendapat peran di film The Road to Hong Kong, yang dibintangi aktor ternama Bing Crosby dan Bob Hope.

Sebagai seorang transseksual ia hidup normal dan menikah dengan Arthur Corbett pada 1963 tetapi pernikahan tersebut kandas pada 1970. Lalu pada tahun 1980an, Ashley menikah dengan Jeffery West. Baru pada 2005 April Ashley mendapatkan pengakuan secara legal sebagai seorang wanita yang ditandai dengan dikeluarkannya akta kelahiran baru setelah adanya Gender Recognition Act 2004.

2. Dana International

Memiliki nama asli Sharon Cohen, tetapi secara profesional ia dikenal dengan nama Dana International. Lahir di Yaron Cohen pada 1972, Dana merupakan artis pop asal Israel yang sangat terkenal.

Cohen adalah anak bungsu dari tiga bersaudara. Meskipun secara biologis ia lahir sebagai pria, Cohen diidentifikasi sebagai wanita dari usia yang sangat muda, yaitu 13 tahun. Ia bercita-cita menjadi penyanyi sejak berusia delapan tahun setelah melihat penyanyi legendaris Israel, Ofra Haza membawakan lagu 'Chai' di Eurovision Song Contest 1983. Meskipun keluarganya miskin, ibu Cohen bekerja untuk membiayai Cohen belajar musik.

Namanya melambung setelah membawakan lagu berjudul 'Diva' serta memenangkan Eurovision Song Contest pada 1998. Ia disebut-sebut sebagai selebriti transseksual yang paling terkenal di dunia. Karirnya dimulai pada 1992, sejak saat itu ia telah menghasilkan delapan album dan tiga album tambahan. Saat ini, ia menjadi salah seorang juri acara pencarian penyanyi berbakat Israel, Kokhav Nolad.

3. Harisu

Harisu adalah nama panggung dari Lee Kyung-eun, seorang transeksual yang menjadi penyanyi, model dan aktris terkenal asal Korea Selatan. Secara biologis, Harisu yang lahir pada 17 Februari 1975, adalah seorang pria. Ia teridentifikasi sebagai seorang wanita pada saat masih kecil dan menjalani oeprasi pergantian kelamin pada 1990an.

Harisu tercatat sebagai seorang seniman Korea pertama yang seorang transseksual. Pada 2002 ia secara hukum mengganti jenis kelaminnya menjadi seorang wanita. Perhatian publik pertama kali tertuju padanya ketika Harisu tampil dalam sebuah iklan. Iklan tersebut cukup sukses dan membuat kariernya dalam dunia hiburan makin menanjak. Ia pun mengembangkan kariernya dalam bidang musik dan akting.

Sampai saat ini Harisu memiliki lima album rekaman yang terdiri dari berbagai aliran musik seperti tekno dan R&B. Lagunya juga ada yang direkam dalam bahasa mandarin. Pada 2001, Harisu mendapatkan kesempatan untuk berakting dalam film Yellow Hair 2. Sejak saat itu ia pun kebanjiran tawaran untuk membintangi sejumlah film seperti Hi!Honey dan serial drama Korea seperti Colour Blossoms.

Kehidupan percintaannya pun berjalan normal. Pada 19 Mei, 2007, Harisu menikah dengan Micky Jung. Mereka sebelumnya sudah berpacaran selama dua tahun.

4. Nong Tum

Lahir sebagai bayi laki-laki pada 9 Juni 1981, Parinya Kiatbusaba kini lebih populer dikenal sebagai Nong Tum. Ia merupakan 'kathoey' (pelaku transeksual dari pria menjadi wanita) paling terkenal di Thailand.

Uniknya, sebelum berubah menjadi wanita, Nong Tum adalah seorang petinju (Muay Thai atau tinju ala Thailand).

Sejak kecil sebenarnya, ia sebenarnya sudah menyadari ada berbeda dari dirinya. Namun, karena orangtuanya tidak mengetahui hal itu, Nong Tum didaftarkan ke sebuah kamp tinju. Dan ternyata, meskipun pembawaannya lebih feminin dibandingkan petinju lainnya, Nong Tum tergolong sebagai petinju berbakat.

Ia pun akhirnya mengikuti sejumlah pertandingan. Walau awalnya uang kemenangan ingin ia gunakan untuk operasi ganti kelamin, tetapi ternyata Nong Tum mencintai olahraga tinju.

Kehidupan publiknya dimulai pada Februari 1998, setelah memenangkan pertandingan di Bangkok Lumpini Boxing Stadium, pusat dunia Muay Thai. Media Thailand mulai menyadari ada satu atlet yang feminin, dan gemar mencium serta memeluk lawan mainnya yang lebih kekar.

Setelah itu, Nong Tum makin terkenal, karena sering muncul di majalah dan televisi.

Ia pun akhirnya menjalani operasi pergantian kelamin pada 1999, sesaat setelah berhenti menjadi petinju. Selepas itu, Nong Tum beralih profesi sebagai penyanyi.

Kisahnya cukup terkenal, dan diangkat menjadi sebuah film bertajuk 'Beautiful Boxer' pada 2003. Film ini menuai banyak pujian dan memenangkan sejumlah penghargaan. Kehidupan Nong Tum sebagai transeksual juga merupakan bagian dari buku 'Ladyboys: The Secret World of Thailand's Third Gender'.

Pada Februari 2006, Nong Tum membuat comeback sebagai petinju wanita. Ia beberapa kali memenangkan pertandingan. Hingga akhirnya pada 2010, Nong Tum membuka kamp tinju miliknya, dan menjadi pelatih tinju.

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Meski telah sukses menurunkan berat badan, tidak sedikit orang yang merasa belum puas, karena masih memiliki timbunan lemak di perut. Bila hal ini juga Anda alami, bukan berarti Anda bisa langsung mempraktikkan metode pelangsingan perut yang ekstrem, seperti minum pil diet sembarangan atau sedot lemak.

Jangan mudah tergiur dengan tawaran produk pelangsingan yang dijual bebas. Kenyataannya, pil atau obat langsing tidak efektif membakar lemak di perut. Yang ditakutkan, obat-obatan bebas tersebut justru bisa memberikan efek negatif bagi tubuh.

Maka itu, tak perlu berkecil hati bila timbunan lemak menutupi perut. Tanpa perlu minum pil diet sembarangan, perut ramping bisa Anda miliki melalui cara-cara di bawah ini:

Olahraga berfokus pada perut
Lakukan olahraga miniOlahraga berfokus pada perutmal 30 menit 2-3 kali seminggu. Idealnya, Anda memilih latihan aerobik untuk membakar lemak di tubuh. Dan, agar lemak perut juga ikut terkikis selingi aerobik dengan gerakan-gerakan olahraga yang berfokus pada bagian perut, seperti sit up.

Lakukan sit up sebanyak 20-30 kali setelah melakukan peregangan dan diakhiri dengan pendinginan.

Secara ilmiah, telah terbukti bahwa latihan secara rutin dengan intensitas tinggi dapat meluruhkan lemak perut. Cara ini diyakini itu bisa mengurangi lemak di perut hingga 50% dibandingkan jika tidak berolahraga.

Hindari makanan penyebab perut buncit
Hilangkan minuman beralkohol dan junk food dalam daftar menu harian Anda. Dua jenis makanan itu merupakan 'biang keladi' penyebab perut buncit. Sebagai gantinya, perbanyak minum air putih agar timbunan lemak perut cepat menyusut. Dan, mengonsumsi makanan kaya serat, seperti beras merah dan sayuran.

Selain berolahraga dan konsumsi makanan yang tepat, ada dua hal lain yang dapat Anda lakukan untuk mengurangi lemak perut secara alami. Tidur yang cukup dan menghindari stres.

Kondisi stres bisa menjadi faktor penyebab tubuh menimbun lemak lebih banyak di daerah perut. Sedangkan kurang tidur juga menjadi pemicu stres terbesar. Karena itu, usahakan untuk mendapatkan istirahat cukup setiap hari. (pet)

• VIVAnews

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Batik secara historis berasal dari zaman nenek moyang yang dikenal sejak abad XVII yang ditulis dan dilukis pada daun lontar. Saat itu motif atau pola batik masih didominasi dengan bentuk binatang dan tanaman. Namun dalam sejarah perkembangannya batik mengalami perkembangan, yaitu dari corak-corak lukisan binatang dan tanaman lambat laun beralih pada motif abstrak yang menyerupai awan, relief candi, wayang beber dan sebagainya. Selanjutnya melalui penggabungan corak lukisan dengan seni dekorasi pakaian, muncul seni batik tulis seperti yang kita kenal sekarang ini.

Jenis dan corak batik tradisional tergolong amat banyak, namun corak dan variasinya sesuai dengan filosofi dan budaya masing-masing daerah yang amat beragam. Khasanah budaya Bangsa Indonesia yang demikian kaya telah mendorong lahirnya berbagai corak dan jenis batik tradisioanal dengan ciri kekhususannya sendiri.

Perkembangan Batik di Indonesia

Sejarah pembatikan di Indonesia berkaitan dengan perkembangan kerajaan Majapahit dan kerajaan sesudahnya. Dalam beberapa catatan, pengembangan batik banyak dilakukan pada masa-masa kerajaan Mataram, kemudian pada masa kerajaan Solo dan Yogyakarta.

Kesenian batik merupakan kesenian gambar di atas kain untuk pakaian yang menjadi salah satu kebudayaan keluarga raja-raja Indonesia zaman dulu. Awalnya batik dikerjakan hanya terbatas dalam kraton saja dan hasilnya untuk pakaian raja dan keluarga serta para pengikutnya. Oleh karena banyak dari pengikut raja yang tinggal diluar kraton, maka kesenian batik ini dibawa oleh mereka keluar kraton dan dikerjakan ditempatnya masing-masing.

Dalam perkembangannya lambat laun kesenian batik ini ditiru oleh rakyat terdekat dan selanjutnya meluas menjadi pekerjaan kaum wanita dalam rumah tangganya untuk mengisi waktu senggang. Selanjutnya, batik yang tadinya hanya pakaian keluarga istana, kemudian menjadi pakaian rakyat yang digemari, baik wanita maupun pria.

Bahan kain putih yang dipergunakan waktu itu adalah hasil tenunan sendiri. Sedang bahan-bahan pewarna yang dipakai terdiri dari tumbuh-tumbuhan asli Indonesia yang dibuat sendiri antara lain dari : pohon mengkudu, tinggi, soga, nila, dan bahan sodanya dibuat dari soda abu, serta garamnya dibuat dari tanah lumpur.

Jadi kerajinan batik ini di Indonesia telah dikenal sejak zaman kerajaan Majapahit dan terus berkembang hingga kerajaan berikutnya. Adapun mulai meluasnya kesenian batik ini menjadi milik rakyat Indonesia dan khususnya suku Jawa ialah setelah akhir abad ke-XVIII atau awal abad ke-XIX. Batik yang dihasilkan ialah semuanya batik tulis sampai awal abad ke-XX dan batik cap dikenal baru setelah usai perang dunia kesatu atau sekitar tahun 1920. Kini batik sudah menjadi bagian pakaian tradisional Indonesia.

Batik Pekalongan

Meskipun tidak ada catatan resmi kapan batik mulai dikenal di Pekalongan, namun menurut perkiraan batik sudah ada di Pekalongan sekitar tahun 1800. Bahkan menurut data yang tercatat di Deperindag, motif batik itu ada yang dibuat 1802, seperti motif pohon kecil berupa bahan baju.

Namun perkembangan yang signifikan diperkirakan terjadi setelah perang besar pada tahun 1825-1830 di kerajaan Mataram yang sering disebut dengan perang Diponegoro atau perang Jawa. Dengan terjadinya peperangan ini mendesak keluarga kraton serta para pengikutnya banyak yang meninggalkan daerah kerajaan. Mereka kemudian tersebar ke arah Timur dan Barat. Kemudian di daerah - daerah baru itu para keluarga dan pengikutnya mengembangkan batik.

Ke timur batik Solo dan Yogyakarta menyempurnakan corak batik yang telah ada di Mojokerto serta Tulungagung hingga menyebar ke Gresik, Surabaya dan Madura. Sedang ke arah Barat batik berkembang di Banyumas, Kebumen, Tegal, Cirebon dan Pekalongan. Dengan adanya migrasi ini, maka batik Pekalongan yang telah ada sebelumnya semakin berkembang.

Seiring berjalannya waktu, Batik Pekalongan mengalami perkembangan pesat dibandingkan dengan daerah lain. Di daerah ini batik berkembang di sekitar daerah pantai, yaitu di daerah Pekalongan kota dan daerah Buaran, Pekajangan serta Wonopringgo.

Perjumpaan masyarakat Pekalongan dengan berbagai bangsa seperti Cina, Belanda, Arab, India, Melayu dan Jepang pada zaman lampau telah mewarnai dinamika pada motif dan tata warna seni batik.

Sehubungan dengan itu beberapa jenis motif batik hasil pengaruh dari berbagai negara tersebut yang kemudian dikenal sebagai identitas batik Pekalongan. Motif itu, yaitu batik Jlamprang, diilhami dari Negeri India dan Arab. Lalu batik Encim dan Klengenan, dipengaruhi oleh peranakan Cina. Batik Belanda, batik Pagi Sore, dan batik Hokokai, tumbuh pesat sejak pendudukan Jepang.

Perkembangan budaya teknik cetak motif tutup celup dengan menggunakan malam (lilin) di atas kain yang kemudian disebut batik, memang tak bisa dilepaskan dari pengaruh negara-negara itu. Ini memperlihatkan konteks kelenturan batik dari masa ke masa.

Batik Pekalongan menjadi sangat khas karena bertopang sepenuhnya pada ratusan pengusaha kecil, bukan pada segelintir pengusaha bermodal besar. Sejak berpuluh tahun lampau hingga sekarang, sebagian besar proses produksi batik Pekalongan dikerjakan di rumah-rumah. Akibatnya, batik Pekalongan menyatu erat dengan kehidupan masyarakat Pekalongan yang kini terbagi dalam dua wilayah administratif, yakni Kotamadya Pekalongan dan Kabupaten Pekalongan.

Pasang surut perkembangan batik Pekalongan, memperlihatkan Pekalongan layak menjadi ikon bagi perkembangan batik di Nusantara. Ikon bagi karya seni yang tak pernah menyerah dengan perkembangan zaman dan selalu dinamis. Kini batik sudah menjadi nafas kehidupan sehari-hari warga Pekalongan dan merupakan salah satu produk unggulan.

Hal itu disebabkan banyaknya industri yang menghasilkan produk batik. Karena terkenal dengan produk batiknya, Pekalongan dikenal sebagai Kota Batik. Julukan itu datang dari suatu tradisi yang cukup lama berakar di Pekalongan. Selama periode yang panjang itulah, aneka sifat, ragam kegunaan, jenis rancangan, serta mutu batik ditentukan oleh iklim dan keberadaan serat-serat setempat, faktor sejarah, perdagangan dan kesiapan masyarakatnya dalam menerima paham serta pemikiran baru.

Batik yang merupakan karya seni budaya yang dikagumi dunia, diantara ragam tradisional yang dihasilkan dengan teknologi celup rintang, tidak satu pun yang mampu hadir seindah dan sehalus batik Pekalongan.

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Tidak lama lagi bakal ada hotel ekslusif di luar angkasa. Pemerintah Rusia serius menggarap proyek ambisius tersebut bersama perusahaan kontraktor terkemuka. Diberitakan Reuters, pembangunan hotel ini murni dilakukan untuk menarik pasar turis yang ingin berwisata di luar angkasa. Biaya yang dikeluarkan tentu saja tak sedikit.

Hotel ini nantinya akan bisa menampung tujuh orang per stasiun dan memberlakukan pelayanan bak hotel berbintang. "Pesawat luar angkasa komersil sedang dibangun di seluruh dunia, mereka harus terbang ke suatu tempat," kata Alexander Derechin, desainer kepala proyek tersebut.

Para konglomerat sudah merespons rencana pembangunan hotel ini. Bahkan rencananya, perjalanan ke luar angkasa bagi para turis mulai bisa dilakukan pada tahun 2011. Ada beberapa fasilitas yang ditawarkan dalam hotel tersebut. Mulai dari kebutuhan penelitian ilmiah, media dan hiburan. Kapal luar angkasa yang bisa mengangkut para turis juga telah disiapkan.

Sejumlah investor telah menanamkan modalnya dalam proyek ini. Nilainya menacpai USD 100 juta hingga USD 1 miliar. Beberapa bahkan sudah meneken kontrak. "Saya tidak berfikir kami bisa menyelesaikannya sebelum 2015 tapi kami harus cepat-cepat karena kompetisi terus berkembang," tambah Derechin.

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Tera Patrick (ist.)

Bintang porno asal Amerika, Tera Patrick akan segera bermain di film produksi Indonesia. Rencananya, bintang porno yang mengawali karirnya sebagai model itu akan memulai syuting akhir tahun ini.

Hal tersebut diungkapkan oleh KK Dheeraj, Produser K2K yang berhasil mengajak Tera bermain di film produksinya. Menurut Dheeraj, pihaknya telah berusaha merayu perempuan kelahiran 25 Juli 1976 itu selama 16 bulan. Ia juga menekankan kalau film produksinya bukan film porno.

"Mereka udah confirm. Mulai syuting secepatnya," ujar KK Dheeraj saat dihubungi detikhot via telepon, Jumat, (1/10/2010) malam.

Namun, Dheeraj belum bisa bicara lebih jauh soal film yang akan dibintangi Tera Patrick, termasuk judul film tersebut. Ia hanya bisa membocorkan sedikit soal biaya yang harus dikeluarkannya untuk memboyong bintang porno terkenal itu.

"Yang pasti besar. Senilai dengan biaya produksi 1,5 film di Indonesia," ungkap produser yang pernah mendatangkan bintang film dewasa asal Jepang, Yuzuki, untuk bermain di film 'Rayuan Arwah Penasaran'.

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Antartika merupakan termasuk dari enam benua paling besar di dunia yang mempunyi area sangat luas sekitar 14 juta km² yang sebagian besar tertutup oleh es atau 98 persen dari area tertutup es.

Tempat Paling Panas di Dunia

Tempat paling panas di dunia diduduki oleh Gurun Sahara. Gurun Sahara terletak di benua Afrika bagian utara ini mempunyai luas area 9 juta km². Dan merupakan gurun pasir terluas di dunia.

Puncak Paling Tinggi di Dunia

Pegunungan Mount Everest atau yang di biasanya disebut dengan Sagamatha merupakan puncak tertinggi di dunia. Tingginya bila di ukur dari permukaan laut sekitar 8.850 meter atau 29,035 kaki. Nama Sir George Everest merupakan nama yang di pakai untuk puncak tersebut sebagai tanda penghormatan. Puncak ini membentang antara Sagarmatha Nepal sampai Tibet di China.

Sungai Paling Panjang di Dunia

Sungai Nill merupakan sungai paling panjang di dunia, sungai ini melalu 9 negara di benua Afrika. Aliran sungai Nil dibagi jadi dua yaitu Sungai Nil Putih (The White Nile) dan (The Blue Nile), Awal sungai Nil Putih ini merupakan aliran dari danau victoria, Uganda kemudian mengalir sampai ke Sudan dan Mesir. Sedangkan Sungai Nil Biru dimulai dari Danau Tana, Ethiopia dan mengalir sampai Zaire, Kenya,Rwanda,Tanzania dan Burundi. Sungai Nil ini mempunyai panjang kira-kira 5.584 km atau 3.470 Mil.

Batu Karang Terbesar di Dunia

Barrier Reef merupakan batu karang yang paling besar di dunia yang terdiri dari 3.000 jenis individu batuan karang kecil dan 900 yang berbentuk pulau-pulau kecil. Barrier Reef ini terletak di lautan Australia yang mempunyai panjang 2.600 km dan mempunyai luas sekitar 344.400 km².

Gunung Aktif Paling Bahaya di Dunia

Gunung Kilauea merupakan gunung yang berada di kepulauan Hawaii. Apabila sampai meletus gunung ini mengeluarkan 90% lavanya yang panas.

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Peneliti menemukan harta tak terduga saat menjelajahi bawah air Sangihe Talaud lepas Indonesia dalam ekspedisi INDEX 2010 bulan Juli 2010.

Dengan menggunakan teknologi bawah air yang canggih, ‘Little Hercules’ menemukan berbagai spesies baru, termasuk laba-laba laut sebesar piring dan hewan spons berbentuk bunga pemakan daging.

Diperkirakan sebanyak 40 spesies tumbuhan dan hewan baru telah ditemukan selama ekspedisi tiga minggu yang berakhir di bulan Agustus.

Sangihe Talaud adalah sebuah kepulauan di barat laut pulau sulawesi, dekat dengan pulau mindanao wilayah filipina. Sangihe Talaud memiliki luas wilayah sebesar 2.263,95 km², dengan jumlah penduduk sebanyak 300.000 jiwa.

Berikut adalah gambar-gambar dari biota-biota laut tersebut.

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