Assignments

Current Events for March 5, 2014Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 10:08 am

That's Amazing!Monday, February 3, 2014 at 6:58 pm

Oscar Pistorius AKA Blade Runner Prepares For 2012 Olympics

While representing their country in the 2012 London Olympics will be a badge of honor for all the athletes, none will be as proud as Oscar Pistorious - A 26-year old South African who is often called the blade runner or the fastest man on no legs! That's because unlike most runners, Oscar does not compete with his natural legs, but, with carbon-fiber artificial limbs.

Can You Spot The Endangered Animals?

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is an international non-profit organization that is constantly trying to remind us to do the right thing to save the Earth - whether it be by protecting endangered wildlife and environments, reversing global warming or, using our limited natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Even Macaques Need Computer Time To Relax!

The fact that non-human primates seem to like touchscreen computers as much as their human counterparts has been known for some time now - After all, the orangutans and gorillas of the Milwaukee Zoo have been 'enriching their lives' with iPads since 2011. Now, a new study asserts that exposing the animals to these devices not only makes their lives more interesting, but also, helps them relax and become friendlier.

Researchers Discover Active Volcano Under Antarctic Ice

While above-ground active volcanoes in the Antarctica are nothing new, finding one that is buried deep inside its thick ice layer is certainly a first. The exciting discovery was revealed in the November issue of Nature Geoscience by researchers from the Washington University in St. Louis, who stumbled upon the frozen continent's well-kept secret, accidentally.

Not A 'Math Person?'- Don't Tell These Researchers!

Not being a 'math person' is something that is not only asserted pretty frequently, but also, accepted very readily. According to a 2010 survey conducted by Change the Equation three out of ten Americans believe that they are 'bad' at math, while over half of 18-34 year-old's seem to have convinced themselves that they just can't tackle numbers.

International Space Station Celebrates 15 Years in Orbit

On November 20th, 1998, a Russian rocket launched off with an unusual piece of cargo - Zarya ('sunrise' in Russian), the module that became the first piece of the largest manmade structure every built in space - The International Space Station (ISS). Designed to be the power source for the ISS, it orbited earth for two weeks, before being joined by Unity.

Mysterious Troll-Haired Insect Discovered In South American Rainforest

Remember troll dolls? The ones that were all the rage in the 1960's and then for brief periods of time from the 1970's to 1990's? Well it turns out that nature has it own version and as usual, it is a lot better looking than the one created by humans.

Comet ISON . . . Fizzles

Just a week ago, ISON was being touted as the 'Comet of the Century' - one that would provide a celestial show like none other. Alas, such was not the case. It appears as though the mighty comet's close meeting with the sun did not go so well, causing it to . . . just fizzle away.

A Vegetable Garden On The Moon? NASA Certainly Hopes So

If astronauts have any plans of staying on the moon for extended periods of time, they will have to be self-sustaining. One of the most important steps toward achieving that will be growing their own food. That is the reason NASA scientists recently announced plans to test, growing a vegetable garden on the lunar surface.

How Hummingbirds Evolved to Thrive In High Altitudes

Hummingbirds have long been admired for their striking jewel-like plumage and minute size. With over 356 recognized species, these dainty creatures are found all the way from Alaska to the southernmost part of South America. And though they are the smallest members of the avian community, they have the largest brains (in proportion to their bodies) and are known to be quite smart! A hummingbird will remember every flower it has ever visited, and how long the plant will take to refill with nectar.

Video Of The Week - Titus, The Basketball Whiz Kid Is Back!

Earlier this year, two-year old Titus stunned the world with his basketball skills. The young Kansas tot is back and this time with two friends - Hollywood Megastars Channing Tatum and Bradley Cooper, in tow.

Titan Arm Transforms Ordinary Humans Into Superheroes (Almost)!

For those that have always wished for superhuman strength, here is some good news - A group of engineering students from the University of Pennsylvania have invented a way to make it happen instantly! And while it may not be enough to save a damsel in distress, it is guaranteed to impress your friends.

Air-Powered Lego Car Cruises Down The Streets Of Melbourne

On December 23rd, Melbourne residents witnessed an unusual sight - A roadster made almost entirely from Lego bricks cruising down the streets. Assembled from 500,000 of the versatile bricks, the stunning black and yellow vehicle that is being hailed as a technical marvel, is the brainchild of 20-year-old Romanian student, Raul Oida.

Meet Niijima, The Latest Addition To Planet Earth

On November 21st, Japanese Coast Guards released photos of a brand new island created by an eruption of an underwater volcano in the Pacific Ocean, about a thousand kilometers south of the country's capital, Tokyo. While exciting, it received a somewhat lukewarm reception, given that most such islands tend to disappear within a short period of time. However now it seems that the volcanic landmass that has been called Niijima, may be here to stay!

In Western Australia Even Sharks  Send Out 'Tweets'!

The fact that Twitter, the social networking and microblogging site which enables users to send 'tweets' or 140 character messages to their followers is popular, is no secret. However so far the service was being used only by humans. Now it appears that some sharks that frequent the coastal regions of Western Australia have also joined the fray.

Rocks That Grow? Hmm . . .

The Romanian town of Costesti is home to one of the world's most amazing natural phenomena - rocks that grow. Named Trovants or 'cemented sand' the spherical shaped stones are believed to have first appeared on earth about six million years ago, following a powerful earthquake.

Welsh Woman Becomes First Person To Bike To The South Pole

This holiday season, while most people were cuddled up in front of a fireplace, a few were striving to achieve what no human had been able to do - Peddle across the Antarctica! The three-way race between Britain's Maria Leijerstam, Spain's Juan Mendez and America's Daniel Burton began in mid-December from the Novo Russian airbase in Queen Maud Land, Eastern Antarctica.

PaveGen Tiles Makes Going Green (And School) Fun

At most schools 'going green' means generating less trash or making a conscientious attempt to recycle. But at New York's Riverdale Country School, it means being encouraged to run and even jump in the hallway. That's because on January 7th, 2014, the school became the first American venue for the specially designed Pavegen floor tiles.

Polar Vortex Brings Sub-Zero Temperatures To The US

On Monday, January 6th, more than 140 million Americans woke up to frigid temperatures - ones that had not been experienced in at least 25 years. The Midwestern part of the country bore the brunt of the cold. Fort Wayne recorded a bone-chilling high of -13°F, while Chicago reported an even lower -16°F. And those numbers were without the windchill, (the effect the wind has on lowering the temperature), factored in.

Water That Helps Start Fires!

Water is normally thought to be the solution to extinguish fires, not ignite them. But when subjected to certain conditions, normal H2O can do the exact opposite. In order to create this magical liquid that scientists call 'supercritical water', it is first compressed at 217 times the air pressure found at sea level and then heated above 703°F (373°C).

Recycled Cans Get A Major Makeover At São Paulo's Can City

The polar vortex that greeted many Americans at the start of the year, served as a rude reminder of the detrimental effects that global warming could have on our weather patterns. The fact that something has to be done to reverse or at least halt climate change is obvious, but the question for most of us is what and how? Turns out, that it doesn't take much money or resources - Just some ingenuity and will, both of which the founders of U.K. based design firm Studio Swine, seem to have in abundance.

Is This The World's Most Incredible Paper Airplane? We Sure Think So!

When one thinks of paper airplanes, the image that comes to mind is usually one of a carelessly folded creation that takes a few seconds to build. However, don't tell that to Luca Iaconi-Stewart. He has spent the last five years building one from Manila paper and is still not done!

Parched California Turns To Science To Create Snow

For Americans, this year's winter has been an interesting dichotomy. While the eastern part of the country has been inundated with snow, the west has seen very little precipitation. One of the most affected is the State of California, which according to experts may be facing its worst drought since record-keeping began, about a century ago.

Print Your Candy And Eat It Too!

Seems as though every time you turn around there is a 3D printer with a new functionality invented. They can be used to build (faux) cars, help with school projects and even bring a virtual Minecraft world to life. While they are all cool, none have managed to hit the 'sweet' spot quite like the Chef Jet - the world's first on-demand 3D candy printer!

One-Wheeled Electric Motorcycle Ready To Make Its Debut

Over the years, there have been many unusual modes of personal transport invented - There is the Segway, the Solowheel, the Uno . . . and the list goes on. However, none have been quite like this latest entrant to the market. Called RYNO or 'Ride Your New Opportunity', it is an electric motorcycle with just a single 25-inch wheel!

American Winter Freeze Results In Some Cool Natural Phenomena

On Monday, January 27th, residents of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois woke up to a special treat - Giant snow rollers. Often described as nature's snow sculptures, the beautiful giant columns are a rare meteorological phenomenon.

Can These Unconventional Playgrounds Make Kids More Creative?

Children have always had the uncanny ability to take the simplest items and use their imaginations to transform them into fantastic playthings. Cardboard boxes become time machines, blankets hung over tables transform into fortresses, while twigs magically turn into wands or pirate swords.

Space UnitSunday, October 6, 2013 at 9:32 am

Mrs. AdamsRead about interesting facts about space. Remember to track your thinking, add the title of the article to your paper's heading and be ready to share any new interesting facts with your classmates.

Space Shuttle Discovery Launched

Space shutle Discovery blasted off the launch pad at Cape Canaveral on October 24th 2007, at 11.38 in the morning.

Shuttle Discovery's Adventure In Space

When the crew of Shuttle Discovery left for space on Tuesday, October 23rd,  they knew that their work at the International Space Station was going to be challenging.  However, they could have never anticipated (expected), the unexpected challenge they had to overcome. Read on for Discovery's adventure in Space.

Have a couple of hours? - How about a quick jaunt to Space?

If you have two hours and $200,000 US Dollars to spare, Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Galactic promises you the ride of a lifetime - A trip to Space!

Astronauts Undertake Risky Spacewalk To Repair Solar Panel

Two American astronauts, Commander Peggy Whitson and Flight Engineer, Daniel Tani conducted a risky spacewalk to replace a motor on a solar panel at the International Space Station, on Wednesday.

Space Shuttle Atlantis finally blasts off

After months of delay, Space Shuttle Atlantis finally blasted off into space yesterday, carrying with it Europe's gift to the International Space Station, a $2 billion (US Dollars), science lab named Columbus.

Shuttle Endeavour blasts into space on a sixteen day mission

Early this morning, Shuttle Endeavour lit up the dark skies with a spectacular launch to Space. The seven men crew has two main missions - to add the first module (section) of Japan's Science Lab and to attach a second Canadian Robotic Arm called "Dextre".

What Will Life Be Like On The Moon?

About a month ago, scientists from seven NASA agencies and seven U.S. Universities came together on the sand dunes near Moses Lake, Washington to simulate living and working conditions on the moon.

Taking An Elevator To Space

If the Spaceward Foundation is successful, Space Shuttles may become a thing of the past - Instead Astronauts and the rest of us will simply take an elevator to Space. Though initially the elevator will transport only cargo, the ultimate goal is for Space to become a tourist destination.

Space - The New Tourist Destination

Yesterday, Space Adventures, the world's first and only company catering to space tourism, blasted off yet another earthling, for a ten-day jaunt to the International Space Station. Richard Garriott, famous for developing the Ultima video games series, is the sixth passenger to be flown by the company, but the first ever offspring of a NASA Astronaut. 

An Exciting Week In Space

Most Space missions start with spectacular launches and end with successful albeit dangerous spacewalks. While Shuttle Endeavor's mission started off exactly as expected, it has already encountered a couple of unusual twists and the mission is nowhere close to the end.

Space Shuttles For Sale

If you have $42 million USD to spare, NASA is looking for you. Last Wedneday, the US Space Agency announced that it was looking for buyers for two of its three remaining space shuttles - Atlantis and Endeavour, when they are retired around 2010.

Educators Prepare To Blast Off To Space

When the Shuttle Discovery blasts off to the International Space Station on Wednesday, March 11th, among its crew of seven, will be, Joseph Acaba and Richard Arnold II, two former high school science and math teachers.

Is He The Next Aladdin?

If you think being an astronaut is all work and no play, you haven't met Koichi Wakata. Every time he goes, he manages to perform at least one fun experiment.

Are You Ready For A Trip To Space?

When Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Galactic, unveiled his commercial space airplane White Knight 2, amidst much fanfare in early 2008, he promised the world that it would be ready to take tourists to Space by late 2009 or early 2010 - and it looks as though he may actually keep his promise.

The Longest Serving Astronaut In Space Is . . . . . . . . Buzz Lightyear!

Having spent his entire young life soaring around make-believe galaxies using his fold-out wings and a backpack rocket, Buzz Lightyear would have never guessed he would someday become a real Space hero, earning the honor of the longest serving Astronaut in Space.

Cubesail - A Vacuum Cleaner For Space

While Space research is exciting and crucial to our future well-being, there is a serious and growing concern about the amount of debris we leave behind every time we launch something - be it a rocket, satellite or space station.

Paper Airplane Captures Stunning Images From Space

It was not too long ago when capturing images from Space was thought to be the forte of professional astronauts. Lately however, amateur space enthusiasts have become savvy enough to do the same, using ingenious homemade gadgets, like Teddy Bears and now, a paper airplane!

NASA's Discovery Shuttle Retires After 39 Successful Missions

On Wednesday March 9th, shortly before midday, Discovery, NASA's most traveled Space Shuttle gracefully landed at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, after successfully completing it's 39th and final mission - A 13-day trip to the International Space Station to deliver a new storage compartment with supplies and, a legless humanoid robot.

50th Anniversary Of Human Space Travel

Fifty years ago, on April 12th 1961, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, made history, by becoming the first human to orbit the earth. The 108-minute flight hailed as the greatest feat in Soviet Space history, also helped reignite interest in space exploration.

A Rare Peek Inside Space Shuttle Discovery

It has been on 39 missions, completed 5,830 orbits, flown 148 million miles and spent 395 days in Space - Now NASA's flagship Space Shuttle Discovery, is getting ready for its last journey to Smithsonian's Air and Space museum in Washington D.C.

Shuttle Atlantis Lifts Off For Final Mission

Over the last 30-years, we have all become so accustomed to watching NASA's spectacular shuttle launches, that we often take it for granted. Unfortunately, like all good things this too, has come to an end.

Earth's Close Encounter With A Giant Asteroid Happens Tonight!

The last few months have been quite exciting for Space scientists. First there were the two free falling satellites and now there is a giant asteroid that is making its way towards earth

Video Of The Week - Lego Man Goes To Space

It seems as though Lego man are popping up everywhere - First there was the giant mysterious one that washed ashore in Florida and now this one that has 'flown' all the way to Space. Fortunately in this case, there is no mystery as to how he got there.

Video Of The Week - Apollo 17 Astronauts Frolic On The Moon!

While all Space missions are cool, some of the most exciting ones were conducted under the Apollo Program, between 1961 -1975. That's because the the Apollo missions went where no man had ever been before and has not been, ever since - The Moon!

Trash . . . . . In Space?

Space is where our future is - Trips to the Moon, Mars and beyond. Most people would think that aside from a few meteors, asteroids, planets, comets and stars there is little else to stand in our way. But, over the last 55 years as humans have been venturing out in space they have left so many debris that scientists are now concerned that if we don't do something to clean it up, we may all be in mortal danger.

Video Of The Week - Felix Baumgartner's First Test Dive From Space Is A Success!

Sometime this year, Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner plans to do what no human has done before - free fall from the edge of Space - 23 miles (120,000 ft.) above the surface of earth. On Thursday March 15th, the daredevil came one step closer to fulfilling his dream with a successful test dive, from a height of 13.6 miles (71,581 ft.).

Astronauts Forced To Take Refuge From . . . . . Space Junk!

Never has the danger of the man-made debris floating around in Space been more apparent than on Saturday March 24th, when the six residents of the International Space Station (ISS) were forced to take refuge from a piece, that was heading their way.

Space Shuttle Discovery Hitches A Ride To Washington D.C.

On April 17th, NASA's oldest surviving and hardest working Space Shuttle, Discovery took off one last time from Florida's Kennedy Space Center. However, this was not a typical launch off into Space, but a rather tame flight piggybacked above a modified NASA 747 to the retired Shuttle's final resting place at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Virginia.

Lift Off! World's First Commercial Spacecraft Heads To The International Space Station

On Tuesday May 22nd, at 3.44 am Eastern Standard Time scientists at Florida's Kennedy Space Center celebrated five decades of Space adventure with an unprecedented event - The launch of the first privately built spacecraft.

NASA's Next-Gen Z1 Space Suit - Not Quite The Epitome Of Fashion, But Definitely More Versatile

If the current space suits worn by astronauts seem a little cumbersome and unwieldy, they are. That's because in order to protect the explorers, the suit has to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, space debris and be equipped with a rather bulky Primary Life Support Subsystem - A survival kit for astronauts that contains amongst other things, an oxygen tank, a device to get rid of the exhaled carbon dioxide, a battery, a radio and even a warning system in case the space walker needs to be rescued.

Applications Pour In For First Private Mission To Mars

In February 2013, US multimillionaire Dennis Tito announced that his non-profit organization, Inspiration Mars Foundation, was planning to sponsor two 'qualified' people for a flyby to Mars in 2018. While one would think that an announcement this ambitious from a man whose closest encounter with Space has been as the first paying guest of the International Space Station would arouse some skepticism, such is not the case.

Uh-Oh! The Moon Just Added Another Large Crater To Its Pockmarked Surface

Given that the moon already has a pockmarked surface, one would think that an additional crater would not really be cause for much excitement - But as it turns out, this latest one is, because according to scientists it is the biggest explosion observed on the lunar surface since 2005 - One so large, that the bright flash of light that resulted from the impact, could have been observed from earth without a telescope, had a stargazer been looking up at that precise moment.

'Clean Space One' Project Moves One Step Closer To Reality

With plans underway to lasso asteroids, establish settlements on Mars and send tourists out for quick jaunts, the fact that our future lies in Space is indisputable. However some of these dreams will be left unfulfilled unless we do something about all the junk we have abandoned in Space in the last 55 years.

Journeys Unit Term 1Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 6:06 am

Mrs. AdamsPlease  read your article,track your thinking, remembering to record facts and any lingering questions you may have. Also remember to summarize your article and add it to our focus wall in the back of the room. Don't forget to add your title to  the summary! 

Heading to Australia? – Take the Bus

Thirty-eight passengers recently embarked on the world's longest regular bus journey. The 10,000 mile journey that starts in London, England and ends in Sydney, Australia, will span twenty countries and take twelve weeks to complete.

Christmas card arrives after 93 years

Talk about snail mail! This card mailed on December 23rd, 1914 from Alabama, Nebraska took 93 years to travel to what should have been about a 750 mile journey to its final destination in Oberlin Ohio. 

Capturing wind energy to power cargo ships

High energy prices and a desire to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, have led two German Companies to combine forces and try harness the oldest and cheapest source of energy - the wind.

Olympic torch begins a historic 130-day journey from Beijing

The symbolic Olympic torch arrived in Beijing, China from Athens, Greece to kick of a 130-day historic relay, counting down to the Summer Olympics. The new Olympic torch, shaped like a Chinese scroll was received with much fanfare by China's President Hu Jintao and thousands of people waving red and white pompoms.

Where are all the birds?

Every autumn, billions of small birds make their way from the continent of Europe all the way to Africa. As soon as spring arrives these birds re-trace their epic journey back to Europe to breed. The journey which involves crossing the Sahara Desert, the Mediterranean and even the English Channel is amazing given how small some of these birds are and considered one of nature's miracles.

Olympic Torch Reaches The "Top Of The World"

At exactly 9.17am on Thursday, May 8th, 2008, nineteen mountaineers from China made history by lighting the Olympic Torch at the peak of Mt. Everest - the highest mountain in the World.

Spacecraft Lands Successfully on Mars

The NASA Phoenix Lander Spacecraft's nine month, 455 million mile journey came to a successful end yesterday as it safely touched down on the surface of the Red Planet. NASA Scientists waited with abated breath as the spacecraft slowed from speeds of over 12,000 mph to just about 5mph before coming to a complete halt.

The Adventures Of Orange Ted

This touching tale of Orange Ted, a one-eyed 50-year old teddy bear and seven-year old Jaimee Armstrong may sound like fiction, but the entire story is true. It all began in Girona, Spain on April 23rd, when Jamie, returning from a family vacation, forgot her bag of toys at the airport.

16-Year High School Student Attempts Solo Sail

16-year old Zac Sunderland from Southern California just embarked on a journey that most adults would be hesitant to take. On Saturday, he left on his 36 foot sailboat Intrepid, to go around the world solo, in an attempt to break a 12-year old record set by Australia sailor, David Dicks.

The Adventures Of A Lone Horseman

Eduardo Discoli calls himself a Gaucho (cowboy). However, unlike most cowboys, Eduardo isn't content with just riding on his ranch - Instead this 58-year old Argentinean is horseback riding around the World, and has been doing so since 2001

Fusionman Soars Over English Channel

Swiss Adventurer Yves Rossy, also known as Jetman or Fusionman, made history this morning by flying across the English Channel with just a jet-propelled wing on his back.  Yves, who had to postpone the flight twice this week due to bad weather, soared across the skies at about a 100 mph on a beautiful fall afternoon, completing the 22-mile journey in just 13 minutes.

Wisconsin Man's Unusual Mode Of Transport

We have heard of pumpkins being used to make pies, Jack-O-Lanterns and even a temporary coach to transport Cinderella to the ball, but a canoe? - That is definitely a first. 

Video Of The Week - Columbus Day

Today, many people in America and other countries of the World celebrated Columbus Day - the anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas on October 12th, 1492. This week's video traces his journey from Spain to the shores of the new World, he mistook for India.

Crinkly The Crook-Necked Swan Returns

Crinkly, a Bewick swan has become a celebrity at a nature reserve in Gloucestershire, England. Every Winter, visitors flock to see him when he makes his mammoth 3,000 mile journey from the freezing Russian Tundra to the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust, and so far, he hasn't let them down.

President Obama's Letter To Sasha And Malia

Today, was Mr. Barack Obama's first day as President of the United States of America. While his new job is important to him, what is even more important is being a good father - something he has never forgotten throughout his historic journey to the White House.

The Longest Solar-Powered Flight

This week, a group of young adventurers set a new record for the longest solar-powered flight on a paramotor (machine powered paragliders). The nine pilots, including four from the Cardozo family, flew 1,242 miles from Monte Carlo to Morocco, using just the backpack-sized device.

Help NASA Monitor LCROSS

Earlier this summer, a shuttle dubbed Atlas V took off for an unmanned journey to the moon, carrying with it a Lunar Robotic Satellite and a Spacecraft nicknamed LCROSS (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite).

Row, Row, Row Your Boat . . . . . . Across The Pacific!

Friday, the 13th was a great day for two British seafarers - For that was day when Captain Mick Dawson and Chris Martin completed the Golden Gate Endeavour, a 5,000-mile rowing expedition that began in Japan and ended at . . . . . You guessed it - The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco!

Fusionman's Latest Attempt Ends In The Atlantic

Swiss adventurer, James Rossy, also known as Fusionman or Jet Man, made headlines last year, when he became the first man to fly across the English Channel, with just a jet-propelled wing across his back. His latest attempt however, was not as successful.

Solar-Powered Plane Soars - 3ft Above The Ground!

On December 17th, 1903 the Wright brothers revolutionized our world when they piloted their first powered flight that went up 20ft, lasted for 12 seconds and traveled a distance of 120ft. Now, almost 106 years later, two Swiss inventors have achieved a similar feat, with the successful maiden voyage of the world's first piloted solar-powered airplane - the Solar Impulse.

'Up' Inspires Balloon Flight Across English Channel

For those of you have seen Pixar's Up, you may recall 78-year old Carl and eight-year old Russell, who flew off in a house lifted by helium balloons. Now, an American man has accomplished a similiar journey - However instead of flying thousands of miles inside a house, he sat in an office chair and 'flew'  22 miles, across the English Channel.

From London To Auckland - Aboard A Jet-Ski

On August 1st, four adventurers set off on a 32,000-kilometer epic journey that will take them from London's Excel Marina all the way to the world famous Sydney harbor and then to their final destination, Auckland. Their mode of transport? A Seadoo GTX 155 Personal Watercraft, commonly known as a Jet Ski.

The Great Caterpillar Migration

We have all heard of the annual wildebeest migration across Africa's Serengeti - But a caterpillar migration? Now that's got to be a first!

Driverless Vans Complete 8,000 Mile Journey

On October 28th, two minivans arrived amidst much fanfare, to the World Expo in Shanghai, after completing an epic 8,000-mile (13,000 km) voyage across two continents in 92 days. What was so epic about the journey? Just the fact that it was the longest single trip ever made by autonomous or driverless vans.

A Rare Peek Inside Space Shuttle Discovery

It has been on 39 missions, completed 5,830 orbits, flown 148 million miles and spent 395 days in Space - Now NASA's flagship Space Shuttle Discovery, is getting ready for its last journey to Smithsonian's Air and Space museum in Washington D.C.

Shuttle Atlantis Lifts Off For Final Mission

Over the last 30-years, we have all become so accustomed to watching NASA's spectacular shuttle launches, that we often take it for granted. Unfortunately, like all good things this too, has come to an end.

Star Wars Fan Begins 2,500-Mile Trek For Charity

It seems as though marathons and e-mail please are not enough to raise money for charity these days. First, there was the British teenager who 'biked' over water, now an Australian has begun a 2,500-mile trek across the country, dressed in full Stormtrooper armor.

'Runaway' Cat Found 1,800-Miles Away From Home

1,800 miles is a long way to travel, especially if you are just a tiny cat who weighs a mere five and a half pounds - But that apparently is the journey Willow, a Calico cat made when she trotted all the way from Colorado to New York City.

Mock Mission To Mars Is A Success

On June 3rd 2010, six brave astronauts bid adieu to their family and friends and launched off to Mars - This of course was not an actual mission to the Red Planet, but a simulated journey that entailed confining them inside a sealed five-capsule 1000sq.ft. unit, for 520 days.

Video Of The Week - Around The World In 5 Minutes

If you have always dreamt of traveling around the world, here is your chance. In less than five minutes you will be able to experience some of the most beautiful places on earth without, spending a dime!

Costa Concordia - The Modern Day Titanic Disaster

On January 13th, just two hours after luxury cruise liner Costa Concordia left the Italian port of Civitavecchia for Savona, the final destination of its seven-day journey, it struck a rock in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the shore of Italy's Tuscan Island. The impact created a 160 foot long gash in her hull, causing water to gush in at an alarming speed.

Avatar Director Prepares To Journey Into The Deepest Of Seas

Almost everyone knows that director James Cameron is the genius behind two of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters - Titanic and Avatar. What they don't know is that he is an expert diver who has filmed two underwater documentaries - Ghosts of the Abyss (about the real Titanic) and Aliens of the Deep.

James Cameron Solo Voyage To Challenger Deep Is A Success!

Seven years of meticulous design and planning all came together on Monday March 26th, when James Cameron became the first human to make a solo trip to the deepest known point on earth - The Challenger Deep! More importantly though, he emerged safely seven hours later, complete with exciting photos and videos from this dark mysterious world that has previously been visited by only two humans!

The RMS Titanic, Still in Our Hearts, 100 Years Later

Today April 15th, marks the centennial anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Dubbed 'The ship of dreams', the luxury cruise liner was like no other. Considered an engineering marvel a century ago, it was not only the largest ship to ever grace the seas, but also, featured unrivaled grandeur and amenities. Not surprisingly, its inaugural and only passenger list, included some of the world's most powerful and wealthiest people.

Solar-Powered Boat Successfully Circumvents The Globe

Swiss Engineer Raphael Domjan had a dream - To prove to the world that fossils fuels or wind power were not the the only solutions to powering sea travel by sailing around the world, in a vessel, that drew its energy solely from the sun.

Video Of The Week - A Bird's Eye View Of Earth From Space

One of the coolest things about orbiting around the Earth in the International Space Station must be the magnificent view, which changes almost every second. Now, thanks to sophisticated cameras these have been captured and compiled into a stunning time-lapse video for those of us not fortunate or old enough, to be astronauts.

Solar Powered Plane Completes History-Making Intercontinental Flight

While the idea of harnessing the sun's energy for fuel has been around since the 1830's the impetus to use this free and clean source of power for commercial transportation seems to have accelerated lately. Just a month ago, the MS Turanor Planet Solar, became the first solar-powered boat to circumvent the globe and now, a single-passenger airplane has taken the green energy to the skies with a successful Intercontinental flight.

Olympic Fan Pedaled Across 16 Countries To Get To The 2012 London Games

While the Summer Olympics may be over, the incredible stories about the dedicated athletes and their equally dedicated fans, keep pouring in. 57-year old Chen Gunanming from China's Jiangsu Province is one of them. Though not an Olympic athlete, his incredible journey to attend the 2012 London games deserves a gold medal for sheer perseverance and effort.

British Explorers Embark Upon 'The Coldest Journey' On Earth!

On January 7th, 68-year-old British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and his team of five sailed off from the picturesque port of Cape Town, to begin the first leg of what is aptly being called 'The Coldest Journey' - A never before done 2,300-mile trek across the Antarctica in winter!

Applications Pour In For First Private Mission To Mars

In February 2013, US multimillionaire Dennis Tito announced that his non-profit organization, Inspiration Mars Foundation, was planning to sponsor two 'qualified' people for a flyby to Mars in 2018. While one would think that an announcement this ambitious from a man whose closest encounter with Space has been as the first paying guest of the International Space Station would arouse some skepticism, such is not the case.

Solar-Powered Plane Completes Historic 'Across America' Flight

Solar Impulse, the world's first single passenger solar-powered airplane has come a long way since its first flight in 2009, when it rose a mere 3 feet above the ground and flew for just 1,150 feet in the 30 seconds it was in air. In 2012, the elegant green flying machine successfully completed an intercontinental trip from Europe to Africa and on July 6th, 2013, added another feather or should we say 'wing' to its cap, with a flight across the United States of America.

Texas Christian University Welcomes Its Youngest Freshman Ever!

On Monday, August 26th, over 1,500 freshman made their way to Texas Christian University's beautiful campus for the first day of a four-year journey, one from where they will all emerge as adults. The only exception? Carson Huey-You who will not even be eligible to drive when he graduates because he happens to be only eleven years old!

Extreme weather and Natural DisastersWednesday, April 17, 2013 at 7:49 pm

Mrs. AdamsPlease read your choice of article, track facts, questions, and responses. Make sure to write any new learning in a post it and add to the appropriate chart to help with our learning. Please feel free to add illustrations with your new learning.

Wildfires Ravage Southern California

Dry conditions and fierce Santa Ana winds (dry desert winds), have resulted in several uncontrollable fires across Southern California.  The fires, which are ravaging the coastline all the way from San Diego to Malibu, have burnt through thousands of acres, destroying many homes and commercial properties.

Southern California Wildfires

 The fires that have plagued Southern California for over a week are finally showing signs of abating, thanks to a little help from the weather and a lot of hard working firefighters.

5.6 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Northern California

An earthquake, measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale jolted the Bay Area around 8 pm on Tuesday October 30th.

Floods Devastate Mexican State Of Tabasco

Ten days of non-stop rain in the State of Tabasco, has resulted in one of the worst natual disasters in Mexico's history.

Update on floods in Tabasco, Mexico

The flood waters in the Mexican state of Tabasco are finally starting to recede.  However, the damage caused by the floods continues to haunt the people of Mexico.

Southern U.S. States Hit By Powerful Tornadoes

Powerful tornadoes swept through the Southern U.S. States of Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Alabama. The storms, which hit Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, are the worst ones to strike the area over the last decade.

102 Years Later, San Francisco Still Remembers!

On April 18, 1906 at 5.12 am, the city of San Francisco, California was awakened by a huge jolt. An earthquake that measured somewhere between 7.8 - 8.3 in magnitude, shook the ground for a full minute, resulting in one of the worst natural disasters in the history of the United States.

It's Hurricane Season

If you reside anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere you are probably aware that we are currently in the midst of the hurricane season, which officially starts on June 1st and ends on November 30th, every year.

Gigantic Jets - Nature's Amazing Light Fountains

We are all familiar with spectacular bolts of lightning that come down toward us during thunderstorms - But those shooting up from the cloud ? Those are rare indeed and scientists have just released some rarely seen images of what they call 'gigantic jets'.

The Earthquake In Haiti

For those of us living in California, earthquakes are a common occurence. However, thanks to stringent building codes and the fact that we can afford to abide by them, we are prepared, at least for the minor shakes.

Chile Gets Hit By A Massive Earthquake

It was just over a month ago that we woke up to the news of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti. Early yesterday morning, an even bigger quake hit Chile, destroying homes and leaving millions without food, water or electricity.

Days Seem Shorter? Blame It On the Chilean Earthquake!

If your days seem to be going by faster since the Chilean earthquake, it's probably because they have become a little shorter - by about 1.26 millionth of a second or a little more than a microsecond!

He Huffed And He Puffed, But Could Not Blow The Straw House In!

He huffed and he puffed but could not blow the straw house in - That would have been the ending to the story had the little pig used the technology developed by Bristol-based, Modcell. Their straw house can withstand not only a mighty wolf, but also, 120mph hurricane winds.

Harnessing Electricity From Thin Air

One of the positive side effects of global warming has been that we are all racking our brains on how to turn it around - whether it be by recycling plastic waste or figuring out green sources of energy like the sun and ocean tides. Now, scientists believe they may be able to tap an even better source - our atmosphere!

Japan's Triple Whammy - Earthquake, Tsunami And Aftershocks

Friday March 11th, 2.46 pm will be forever be etched in the minds of people worldwide - For that's the precise moment the  nation of Japan was rocked by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake - the fifth largest tremor since scientists began keeping records in the late 1800's. And, it gets worse . . . .

The Fallout From Japan's Earthquake And Tsunami Continues

About ten days ago, the lives of the people in Japan changed forever, when a powerful earthquake rocked the nation, and triggered a giant tsunami that destroyed everything in its path. Unfortunately, that was not the last of their worries . . . .

New Research Reveals Big Earthquakes Are NOT Related

With major earthquakes striking three continents since 2010, there is speculation about where the next big one will be. Since they all occurred along the 40,000km horeshoe-shaped area called the 'Ring of Fire', there is some speculation that it was caused by a domino effect - that is, the one in Chile triggered the one in New Zealand, which in turn, caused the one in Japan.

Monstrous Tornadoes Rip Through Southern USA

Perfect weather conditions - warm, moist air rising and mixing with colder, dry air at higher altitudes- are being attributed to the more than 150 tornadoes that ripped through the Southern States of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia on April 27th, 2011 - And the assault continued until Saturday morning, when the storms finally petered out to light rain.

North America's Hurricane Season Begins With A Bang

Though Northern Hemisphere's hurricane season officially started on June 1st, this year had been relatively peaceful, until this week when Irene, a category 3 hurricane stormed across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the Caribbean Islands before moving on to the East Coast of the United States

Japan's Solution To Future Natural Disasters - A Floating Capsule

The 9.0 Earthquake and subsequent Tsunami that rocked Japan earlier this year, was one of the worst natural disasters that the country has had to deal with. Now, an innovative Japanese firm has come up with a floatable shelter designed to reduce the number of human casualties, should something similar happen again.

Can 'Invisibility Cloaks' Protect Buildings From Earthquakes?

Scientists have been intrigued with the concept of making objects and even events disappear ever since J.K. Rowling planted the seed with Harry Potter's invisibility cloak. They have had limited success in both so far, by manipulating lightwaves - bending them to make objects invisible, and making events disappear by changing their speed. Now, some mathematicians are proposing the same principle to protect buildings from earthquake damage.

US Midwest States Get Pounded By A Flurry Of Tornadoes

Rising moist air mixed in with colder dry air at higher altitudes helped create the perfect conditions for a flurry of tornadoes that swept across the Midwest states of Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa, last weekend.

US Hurricane Season Begins With A Splash As Isaac Unleashes On The Gulf States

It was supposed to have pounded the coast of Florida and even delayed Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney's nomination by a few days. But hurricane Isaac changed course midway. After barely grazing the Florida Keys, it bypassed the rest of the Sunshine State and instead, unleashed its fury on the three Gulf states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Environmental Awareness UnitSunday, March 10, 2013 at 1:38 pm

Global warming causes lakes to disappear in Chile

On April 10th, Cachet Lake in Chile, S.America, dried up overnight.  Scientists believe that the whole "disappearing" phenomenon is due to global warming.

Ice Sculptures Highlight Global Warming

On Wednesday, a thousand little people were seen melting away in the sweltering heat at Berlin's Gendarmenmarkt Square - and there was no saving them, because these little guys were sculptures made out of ice by Brazilian artist, Nele Azevedo.

Will Giant Bubble Baths Help Stop Global Warming?

We humans have learned that bubble baths go a long way in soothing frazzled nerves and helping us relax. Now, a scientist from Harvard University in Cambridge, believes that giving our waters the same treatment, may have a similar effect on our Planet, and help stop or at least slow down global warming.

How The Seahorse Got Its 'Curves'

Scientists have often wondered why the seahorse, with its curvy neck and snout resembles a horse, to which it has no relationship, rather than its closest cousin, the straight bodied and rather ordinary looking - Pipefish. Now, a researcher believes he may have the answer and as is the case in any kind of evolution - It's to do with survival.

Are Plants Crucial For Humans To Survive? This Scientist Is About To Find Out

The fact that plants absorb harmful carbon dioxide and emit oxygen that humans need to survive, has been well documented for many years now. Despite that, we seem to continue to treat plants like second-class citizens - Something geologist Iaian Stewart is trying to change, by spending 48-hours inside a sealed box.

Can This 'Miraculous' Molecule Help Reverse Global Warming?

It seems that we may have a new ally in our quest to reduce global warming - A molecule that goes by the name of Criegee biradica or Criegee Intermediate. If experts are to be believed, this newly discovered oxidizer that is present in our atmosphere has the potential to cool down the Earth and help offset global warming.

Scientists Create Transparent Soil To 'Spy' On Plants!

For many years, scientists have been trying to unravel the mystery of what really goes on in plants in the parts that are not visible to us - That is, around the roots that lie underground hidden by dense soil. Now, thanks to researchers from Scotland's University of Abertay Dundee, they may finally be able to solve this mystery that is as old as the Universe itself!

Can We Refreeze The Arctic? This Scientist Certainly Thinks So

Thanks to global warming, the ice in the Arctic Ocean is today about half of what it was in the 1980's. Given that the situation can only get worse and governments are unable to come to a consensus about how to reverse the trend, one scientist is proposing a radical solution - To use modern technology to repair the damage.

Elusive Giant Squid Finally Caught On Camera

Giant squids, the kind referred to in Jules Verne's 1870 novel, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, have been known to exist for many centuries. However, finding the world's largest invertebrate in its natural habitat had proved a little elusive. Now, thanks to some patient Japanese researchers, we can all finally get a glimpse of this magnificent cephalopod!

2013 Australian Summer May Be One For The Record Books

While summers in the world's driest inhabited continent AKA Australia can get a little uncomfortable, this year seems to be starting out a little more extreme than usual. On Monday January 8th, the Australian meteorological dept reported an average continent temperature of 104.6°F (40.33°C) - Surpassing a record set in 1972. And, the forecast for the rest of the season looks even worse.

Emperor Penguin Colony Welcomes First Human Visitors

In December 2012, three men braved Antarctica's treacherous and remote Princess Ragnhild Coast to seek out a colony of Emperor Penguins that has hitherto just been suspected to exist. They were not disappointed!

Researchers Believe Flowers Evolved Their Color To Attract The Best Pollinators

Though researchers have known for many years that certain flowers have evolved their colors to attract bees as their pollinators, the same had not been confirmed about those that solely depend on birds to do the job. Now, a report published in the March issue of New Phytologist by a team of Australian scientists, reveals that this is indeed the case, at least for their local flowers.
  • DESTANY CUTEIE about 11 years
    I LOVE IT
    • fernando lopezabout 11 years
      thats sad
      • jeremyabout 11 years
        that is what i call attacting colors
        • fernando lopezabout 11 years
          awesome
          • fernando lopezabout 11 years
            awesome
            • caintaabout 11 years
              how is that posible?
              • mykiiabout 11 years
                that looks nice dude on 2013
                • fernando lopezabout 11 years
                  that looks realy cool
                  • fernando lopezabout 11 years
                    thats incridble
                    • destanyabout 11 years
                      cute colors
                      • honestyabout 11 years
                        I like the colors they are my favorite colors
                        • fernando lopezabout 11 years
                          awesome
                          • jermeyabout 11 years
                            thats wierd
                            • treneeabout 11 years
                              thats cool
                              • sallyabout 11 years
                                i love seahosres
                                • lillyabout 11 years
                                  cool
                                  • Jermiaabout 11 years
                                    thats cool dude
                                    • lillyabout 11 years
                                      awsome
                                      • alteishaabout 11 years
                                        cool dude
                                        • jasonabout 11 years
                                          this so COOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLL
                                          • marcelabout 11 years
                                            that looks insane

                                            Current Events for December 4, 2012Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 11:21 am

                                            Christmas card arrives after 93 years

                                            Talk about snail mail! This card mailed on December 23rd, 1914 from Alabama, Nebraska took 93 years to travel to what should have been about a 750 mile journey to its final destination in Oberlin Ohio. 

                                            A Great Christmas Tradition

                                            For most of us buying the right Christmas tree and putting up the ornaments is work enough. Not for the Addis Family however. Their Christmas routine involves creating something special - Lego brick by Lego brick.

                                            Video Of The Week - Xmas Greetings From The Forest Animals

                                            In this cute Christmas video, birds, deer, owls, hedgehogs and other wild creatures, lip synch a British Christmas favorite, Stop the Cavalry.

                                            Eden Project's Unique Christmas Tree

                                            As with any other place this time of the year, a 10m (33ft), beautifully decorated Christmas tree is the focal point of all Christmas activities at Cornwall's Eden Project. However, this is no ordinary Douglas Fir or Pine tree.

                                            Santa Penguins Bring Christmas Cheer To South Korea

                                            Christmas has come early for the lucky children in South Korea - And not in the form of the Ho-Ho-Ho kind of Santa Claus, but a much cuter penguin version. Except in this case, the penguins dressed up as both Santa and reindeer!

                                            Is This The World's Most Expensive Christmas Tree?

                                            Think you spent too much on your tree this year? Think again - This 42ft. beauty that currently decks the lobby of Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace Hotel is estimated to be worth an astonishing $11 million USD.

                                            Video Of The Week - Lighthouse Turns Into Ice Sculpture

                                            Nothing brings out the spirit of Christmas better than some fluffy white powder. However, this year thanks to the extremely cold temperatures in certain parts of the world, having a 'White Christmas' has been elevated to a whole new level.

                                            Addis Family Simply Cannot 'Lego' This Christmas Tradition!

                                            Many families have fun traditions during this time of the year. Some decorate the tree together, while others bake cookies. For the Addis family it involves building giant Lego structures, a ritual that began 18 years ago, when their first son Tom was born.

                                            Video Of The Week - Track Down Santa!

                                            If you live anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, you are probably counting down the number of hours before the generous jolly man in the red suit, sneaks down the chimney and floods your Christmas tree with gifts (or coal).

                                            Shijiao -The Town Where Your Discarded Christmas Lights R.I.P.

                                            Around this time every year, millions of American households not only toss out their Christmas trees, but also, millions of strands of burnt-out Christmas lights. While they are purportedly placed for recycling, most would end up in trash if it were not for a tiny town called Shijiao located all the way in Southern China.

                                            It's Diwali, The Festival Of Lights

                                            Today, millions of Hindus, Jains and Sikhs all over the world are celebrating Diwali. Also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, it is one of the most eagerly awaited and widely celebrated Indian festivals.

                                            Just In Time For Christmas - Real-Life Transformers Suits!

                                            Right about now, you are probably getting ready to pen your Christmas wish list. If you like most people are already inundated with all the smart gadgets possible, here is an idea that may appeal to you - A life-size Transformers suit!

                                            23rd Makeover Of Sweden's Ice Hotel Is Fabulous And Freezing!

                                            Most hotels are lucky if they go through one or two renovations during their lifetime. However this hotel in the tiny village of Jukkasjarvi, Sweden gets a complete makeover every year because believe it or not, it is carved entirely from Ice blocks lugged in from the nearby Torne River. What's even more stunning is that the hotel gets increasingly fabulous each year!

                                            Video Of The Week - Holiday Season Begins in Earnest in Rio De Janeiro!

                                            With just 22 days left before the big day, Christmas trees are starting to light up in cities all around the world. While each one is stunning in its own way, some are really outstanding, like this floating creation that is an annual tradition at Rio de Janeiro's, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, since 1996.

                                            November ThemesThursday, November 8, 2012 at 6:05 pm

                                            Exploring Our Oceans

                                            Though oceans make up over seventy percent of our Earth, we know more about the surface of Mars than we do about the deep bed of the ocean floor and the amazing life it sustains. In an attempt to learn more about some of the mysteries that lie in our deep dark seas, four divers recently completed a diving expedition across all the oceans of the world.

                                            Pardoned Turkeys Head To Disneyland For Thanksgiving

                                            On a day when most of his cohorts end up under the carving knife, Courage, a Tom Pumpkin will be strutting his feathers, as the Grand Marshall of the Thanksgiving Parade, at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

                                            World Math Day - The Countdown Has Begun!

                                            It's time to sharpen your pencils or in this case keyboard skills and get ready for World Math Day, the annual math competition, where kids from all across the globe compete with each other, for the coveted title of World Math Champion.

                                            Video Of The Week - Learn To Multiply By Nines In Five Minutes

                                            if you are looking to impress your friends or math teacher look no further - You will be able to master how to multiply by nines in a mere five minutes. All you have to do is watch the video!

                                            No Thanksgiving Table For These Lucky Birds!

                                            On a day when an estimated 45 million of their cohorts will take center stage at dinner tables all over the country, two lucky birds will be happily cackling away at George Washington's Mt. Vernon Estate in Virginia, thanks to a special presidential pardon.

                                            Popinator 'Pops' Popcorn Right Into Your Mouth!

                                            If you are like most kids than your favorite way to eat popcorn is by shooting it into your mouth, one kernel at a time. However, unless you have an extremely accurate aim, it can be a frustrating experience and a little messy, to say the least. Now, the makers of Popcorn Indiana have come up with an ingenious solution.

                                            Scientists Create Transparent Soil To 'Spy' On Plants!

                                            For many years, scientists have been trying to unravel the mystery of what really goes on in plants in the parts that are not visible to us - That is, around the roots that lie underground hidden by dense soil. Now, thanks to researchers from Scotland's University of Abertay Dundee, they may finally be able to solve this mystery that is as old as the Universe itself!

                                            Barack Obama Re-Elected President Of The United States Of America!

                                            On November 6th, 2012, an estimated 126 million Americans braved long lines to cast their vote for the candidate they believed was best suited to lead the country for the next four years. As had been expected, the race was close but by 8.30pm PST, most television networks were predicting that President Barack Obama had obtained the 270 electoral votes that he needed to be re-elected.

                                            A Job That Involves Jumping On Mattresses? Seriously?

                                            The next time you get caught jumping on your bed you can tell your parents with a straight face that you are not playing, simply getting ready for a lucrative career in 'Mattress Jumping' - Because believe it or not, there are some people who actually get paid to do that!

                                            Astronomy Fans And Scientists Get Ready For 2012's Only Total Solar Eclipse

                                            On November 14th, 2012, a very narrow corridor of the Southern Hemisphere will be treated to a special celestial event  - The only total solar eclipse of 2012. The complete concealment of the sun will only be seen from Kakadu National Park and Cairns in Australia, parts of the South Pacific and a small area off the coast of Chile.

                                            The Significance Of Veterans Day

                                            This weekend, as you are enjoying the three-day holiday in honor of Veterans Day, do take at least a few minutes to pay your respects to all the men and women who have served the country in our armed forces. These include the members of the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and the Coast Guard.

                                            Current Events for August 9, 2012Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 7:18 pm

                                            Video Of The Week - 12-Year Old Skateboarder Lands The First-Ever 1080

                                            A 12-year old Malibu youngster has achieved what even professional skateboarders like Shaun White and Mitchie Brasco have been unable to do - Land a perfect 1080. For those of you who do not understand skateboarding lingo, it means completing three full rotations in the air and landing with his board still underneath him.

                                            2012 London Olympics: The Battle Between Swimming's Biggest Stars - Phelps and Lochte, Heats Up!

                                            Now that the 2012 London Olympics have officially kicked off, swimming fans are in for some thrilling head to head confrontations in the pool. While most intense athletic rivalries tend to occur between athletes representing different countries, in this case, the most exciting showdown is expected to be between Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte - Both part of Team USA.

                                            Oscar Pistorius AKA Blade Runner Will Race Into History At 2012 London Olympics

                                            With the 2012 London Olympics just about a fortnight away, all the athletes are training hard - However, none is training with as much passion as Oscar Pistorius, the first disabled runner that has been allowed to compete with able-bodied competitors in the history of the games.

                                            NO WAY!Sunday, July 10, 2011 at 10:24 pm

                                            Mrs. AdamsWhich article did you find to be the most interesting and why? Remember to support your choice.

                                            Will Man-Made Clouds Provide Shade At 2022 World Cup In Qatar?

                                            When the tiny nation of Qatar, beat out the USA, Australia, Japan and South Korea, as the venue for the 2022 World Cup Soccer, there were gasps of surprise from the fans - And it was not just because of the size of the competitors, but also the fact, that the World Cup is held in June and July, which happen to be Qatar's hottest months, when temperatures can soar upto 50°C (120° F).

                                            'Moose-Sculpted' Beard Impresses At 2011 Beard and Moustache Championships

                                            On Sunday May 15th, 160 men from all over the world came together in Trondheim, Norway with one simple mission - To impress the judges with their carefully coiffured full or partial bears and/ or moustaches.

                                            Pillow Fighting Becomes A Legitimate Sport!

                                            The next time you are caught in a pillow fight with your sibling or friend, just tell your parents you are training for the championship - For believe it or not, smacking an opponent with a fluffy pillow is now a legitimate sport, complete with a world cup and all!

                                            11-Year-Old American Soccer Prodigy Heads To FC Barcelona's Academy

                                            Every young soccer player dreams of being part of a world class soccer team - In April, 11-year old Southern California resident, Ben Lederman came one step closer to fulfilling his, by becoming the first American to be offered a spot for a two-year training program at FC Barcelona's Youth Academy.

                                            Surfer Dogs Take Over San Diego's Imperial Beach

                                            On Saturday June 4th, over 50 dogs showed up at San Diego's Imperial Beach to participate in the annual Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surfing Competition. Now in its sixth year, the challenge that doubles up as a fundraiser, is a fun event that showcases the surfing skills of canines.

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