Mouse Dioramas - The Miniature Humans

Some find them creepy, some keep them as pets, some call them pests while a few make art out of them! Any guesses who I might be referring to? Take a hint from the nursery rhyme 'Three Blind Mice'. How many of you know about taxidermy? Some of you maybe. But how many of you love it? Not many huh!
 

Wait until I change your mind, with these pictures below!

Heard of the movie called 'Dinner for Schmucks'? If yes,you might as well be fascinated by the elaborate mouse dioramas and so called "mousterpieces" made especially for the movie by the not so famous Chiodo Brothers. One of the main characters, Barry is a crazy taxidermist and he creates little scenes with all the mice he 'stuffs'. Stuffs is not the correct word and I bet there's a more technical term they use. But we will go with 'stuffs' for now.

Dioramas are often made by hobbyists as a part of related hobbies such as military figure modeling,miniature figuree modeling or aircraft modeling.

Mouse dioramas employ the ancient art of of Anthropomorphic taxidermy where stuffed animals are dressed as people or displayed as if engaged in human activities.A bizarre Victorian hobby that transforms dead mice into miniature humans is now getting its revival in various art classes in the U.S.

Taxidermists may practice professionally for museums or as businesses catering to hunters and fishermen.To practice mice taxidermy one must be very well acquainted with anatomy,sculpture,painting and tanning.Stitching their teeny tiny dresses and other accessories is absoultely relevant to this hobby as it gives them human like appearance.

Mouse dioramas are a work of most delicately handled mice and creativity. Full of life they seem like, don’t they? It will serve as an ideal hobby for artistic people who’d like to extend their reach beyond the conventional portrait making. It is although not suggested for the faint hearted.

Top 5 Viral Videos of 2012

A viral video is a visual treat that gains mass popularity on the internet through technological word-of-mouth spreading via social media, websites, e-mails, etc. These videos are a means to spread ideas, sometimes public humour for comic relief or to market a product. Here's a compilation of the most viral videos of 2012:

1. Kony

 
Joseph Kony is a terrorist heading the LRA(Lord's Resistance Army), a Ugandan guerilla group, accussed of many crimes against humanity such as abducting children to train as soldiers or being sold as sex-slaves. The video Kony 2012, created by Invisible Children, Inc., brought to light the brutality of Kony and his organisation. The aim of this video was to instigate the capture of Kony. Many celebrities also lent their voice to this cause such as Angelina Jolie and Oprah Winfrey.

2. Gangnam Style

Psy is a South Korean rapper, musician and dancer who basically shot to fame almost overnight with 'Gangnam Style'. It is mostly him doing an absolutely ridiculous, singular dance move throughout the video to a hypnotic techno track surrounded by horses, a dancing kid, beautiful women, a carousel, commuters and old people. The video even hold a Guinness record for most Youtube likes. t's a mystery what you can credit the video's success to but some might say his dance moves and swag count.

3. Dumb Ways to Die

Dumb Ways to Die is a hilarious viral video released in the interest of public safety for the Australian Metro, by designer Julian Frost. It is an animation on the different dumb ways to die (obviously!) with an inclusion on how being killed by a metro train is one of them. The simplicity and comic factor of the video lends it it's popularity among the masses



4. Catch the Ice Dude

As much as we hate to derive pleasure from another's humiliation, it is often a good source of entertainment as is this video. This German diver didn't quite go down in a splash and may be scarred from his fiasco but his friends thought to worsen his situation by recording and putting his entire ordeal online. This video offers plenty laughs and caution for anyone who is interested in ice acrobatics.



5. Best Job

Procter and Gamble released an ad praising mother's worldwide before the London Olympics. The video features mothers from all over the world sharing their journeys on raising their young Olympians. It plays on sentimentalism and piggybacking on the hot topic at the time - The Olympics.

7 Most Daring & Dangerous Stunts Ever Performed

It may be a very esoteric job role but stunt performers consider their career path as an art because it takes immense amount of skill and bravery to go out and do what they do everyday. Even one moments hesitation could cost these men their lives and everyday on the job is risking it. Here's a list of the most daring, most craziest ,and, as some might even consider, the most stupidest stunts ever performed. These stuntmen have gathered a fanbase and almost become a cult because of their bravado.

1. Houdini:

 
Harry Houdini, an American stuntman, was widely reputed as one of the greatest magicians of all time. His stunt performances were so daring and one-of-a-kind that they were considered as magic. He gained mass popularity for many of his acts such as the 'Suspended Straightjacket' or the 'Milk Can'. During his time, there were many people who tried to copy his acts. Houdini performed the 'Chinese Water Torture Cell', which features in this list, to discourage and outrival his imitators.

Houdini's "Chinese Water Torture Cell" Escape performed on a TV Show

2. Ormer Locklear

Locklear, a pilot, became famous as an airplane wingwalker and pioneered this act, unintentionally, in 1918. He needed to fix an engine problem mid-flight and, therefore, had to walk the wing of his plane. He, later, went on to become a reknowned airplane walker/stuntman in Hollywood, untill his death in 1920.

3. Dan Goodwin:

Dan Goodwin was nicknamed SpiderDan when he climbed the Sears Towers, the tallest building in Chicago at the time, to prove naysayers wrong. He witnessed a fire at the MGM grand in Nevada on November 21, 1980 and was convinced he could have saved them by climbing the building and attaching cables to the floors to allow rescue baskets to move to and from helicopters. When he shared his rescue plan with the fire department they laughed at him. His stunt was meant as a challenge to their disbelief.

4. David Smith Junior:

David "The Bullet" Smith otherwise known as the 'Human Cannonball' invented one of the most entertaining and daring stunts in history. He has been fired out of a cannon more than 500 times, astonishing live audiences all over the world. He may have his imitators, like Houdini, but he maintains the spot of highest flying human cannonball.

5. Philippe Petit:

Philippe knew what he wanted from life at the early age of 16, which is when he started his act of walking a high-wire. His masterpiece or 'Le Coup' as he would like to describe it is when he walked a high-wire between the Twin Towers in New York. 'Man on Wire' is a film based on this very stunt which won the 'World Cinema Jury' and 'Audience' award at the Sundance Film Festival 2008.

6. Evel Knievel:

Evel Knievel, born Robert Craig Knievel was a motocycle daredevil stuntman who gained entry into the Guinness Book of World Records for 'Survivor of Most Bones Broken in a Lifetime'. He was known for his iconic performances worldwide but what gave him most acclaim was his act at Caesar's Palace in 1967. Knievel's retirement came when he broke both arms on an act while also causing the cameraman he crashed into to lose an eye.

7. Buster Keaton:

Keaton was an American comedy actor who made a name for himself as one of the most daring actors in Hollywood.This audacious actor performed these daring stunts just to provide comic relief to his fans. His most daring of them all was when he was standing in front of a 2000 pound, 3-storey collapsing house and managed to escape unscathed.

5 Coolest & Most Amazing Flashmobs of All Time

A flashmob is a group of people who amass at a public location to simultaneously perform a random act and then disperse, mostly for entertainment, artistic expression or satire. The idea of a flashmob first came to a Bill Wasik, senior editor of Harper's Magazine. He, however, meant it is a social experiment to mock hipsters and the culture of conformity but instead gave conformity a vehicle to spread more widely.

Here's a list of the best and coolest flashmobs of all time:

1. Grand Central Station:

This flashmob shows over 200 people who suddenly freeze in the middle of Grand Central Station right out of the blue, unfreeze and then walk away. This video could be credited with starting the flashmob revolution that hit the world.



2. T-Mobile Dance:

T-Mobile used the flashmob revolution to their advantage by exploiting it to advertise their brand. It garnered them a huge win with over 20 million views on Youtube and obviously mass brand awareness.



3. Stockholm:

Michael Jackson's death was a huge loss to the music industry and to show their solidarity and respect to his life's work a group of 300 dancers learned this routine within half an hour. It was a pleasant surprise for all onlookers giving them almost 6.6 million views on Youtube.



4. Oprah Winfrey Show

When Black Eyed Peas performed on Oprah in Chicago the audience had a cool surprise in store for her. It started with a girl in the front row breaking out into dance and the back rows consecutively following suit. It was a true spectacle to watch, as millions of viewers will agree.



5. Ohio Union:

Ohio state students and staff danced their way into flashmob history with their number on 'Don't Stop Believing' at Ohio Union. This is a testament to the virality of the internet because it spread like wildfire on Youtube. It started with a single dancer that gre into hundreds within a minute.

Top 10 Superheroes of all Time

It's a debate that has been raging ever since the first comic books and superheroes found their way into the hands of children and adults worldwide - Who is the greatest superhero? The allure of the superhero is undeniable - from the superhuman powers that we envy, the unique costumes that make them stand apart, the classic good v/s evil battles, and at times their vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Stories about superheroes have always been the most popular and adored tales, ones that despite their seemingly childish nature, stick with us well into our adult lives. Perhaps, there is a superhero inside all of us, waiting to leap out, and itching to embrace a battle, or a vision of a world larger than ourselves. Keeping with this spirit, we have hand-picked our list of the 10 most important and inspiring superheroes ever created, and while who should be number one is a matter of personal choice, we hope this list re-kindles this strange belief we humans nurture all through our lives - that we can be heroes.

#10 Captain America

 
A brave but scrawny soldier, Steve Rogers, volunteered as a test subject for the "Super Soldier Serum" and became a living symbol of freedom. Armed with an indestructible shield, Captain America was created to characterize the patriotic fervor in the country during World War II, and was often shown fighting the Axis powers. He was later revived from suspended animation by S.H.I.E.L.D and their superhero team - the Avengers. Captain America stands for all that America should be: noble, strong, hard-working, just, and honest.

 #9 Spawn

Making a deal with the devil, government assassin Al Simmons was resurrected by the devil himself from a ghastly death executed by his own men with a rider: finite magical powers capable of nearly any feat imaginable which, when exhausted, will drag him back to Hell. And thus was born Spawn. Todd McFarlane's creation has become the most popular, and most respected independent comic book character of all time, and has paved the way for other independent comics world over.

 #8 Thor

The Norse God of Thunder, Thor possesses attributes including immorality, super human strength and invulnerability. He is armed with Mjolnir, the mystical war hammer capable of opening passageways through space and time, and bending the elements to its master's will. As a member of the Avengers, he is especially useful to them as he can summon the elements of nature and the storm to their aid in their battle against evil. Thor is a highly skilled and hardened warrior, having been brought up on a diet of monsters, gods, magical armies, and giant trolls.
 

#7 Superman

Clark Kent, after being rocketed from his planet Krypton, grew to adulthood on Earth to learn that this planet's yellow sun and weaker gravity gave him near-invulnerability, strength, speed, stamina, and hearing, etc. As Superman, he now fights the never-ending battle for truth, freedom and justice. While Superman started the superhero comic genre, his popularity has been falling off late. Regardless, it's hard to argue against the killer combination extreme strength, lightning speed, heat vision, x-ray-vision, and the power of flight.

#6 Hulk
 
Caught in the heart of a gamma bomb explosion, genius scientist Dr. Robert Bruce Banner finds himself transformed into a 7-foot, one-ton green behemoth with near-unlimited strength, rapid tissue-regenerative powers and nigh-inexhaustible stamina - that we know as the Incredible Hulk. In forty years, he has battled virtually every hero and villain in the Marvel Universe, and is frequently pursued by the police and armed forces, often due to the extensive destruction he causes. With a super power that increases in direct proportion to his anger, The Hulk is not a super hero you want to mess with!

#5 Iron Man
 
A wealthy industrialist, Tony Stark was kidnapped by terrorists and forced to build a weapon of mass destruction, using the access he was granted to rudimentary resources he instead creates a powered metal suit to aid in his escape, only later realizing its applicability as a tool to do good for the world, and to make the world a safer place. And thus was born the invincible Iron-Man, the most high-tech super hero in this list, and the Marvel comics universe. Unlike most other super hero's the citizens of the world are aware of Tony Starks double identity, and the comic series also explore the pluses and minuses of this aspect of Iron Man's existence.

#4 Wonder Woman
 
Spawned by Greek goddesses on the paradise island of Themyscira, Diana is an immortal Amazon warrior blessed with the skills of flight, incredible strength, speed, wisdom, and beauty. Raised as an Amazon warrior, she's a highly skilled warrior who knows how to spot an enemy's weakness and exploit it. Wonder Woman is a "distinctly feminist role model whose mission was to bring the Amazon ideals of love, peace, and sexual equality to a world torn by the hatred of men." The worlds most well known female super hero, and a member of the Justice League of America, she is a character that men lust over, and women look up to as a role model.

#3 Wolverine
 
Wolverine represents the Pure Animal Spirit, and possesses the epitome of the most envious of animal qualities - indestructible claws. Everybody's favorite mutant, Wolverine also has a healing factor that allows him to recover from virtually any wound given sufficient time. Wolverine is not your traditional hero, but instead a bit of rebel, willing to go to any length to get to his target and achieve his goal. This sometimes characterizes him as an anti-hero, and the marvel universe often utilizes this tendency to suggest an alternative way to solve a conflict - one devoid of tact and strategy perhaps, but with a simple focus on identifying the problem and neutralizing it.

#2 Spider Man
 
The bite of an irradiated spider granted high-school student Peter Parker incredible superhuman powers. When a burglar killed his Uncle Ben, and after pondering on his uncles famous words : With great power comes great responsibility, Peter Parker vowed to use his powers for the benefit of others and their protection henceforth. Spiderman possesses a range of powers including the ability to spawn super-strong spider-webs, speed, superhuman strength, and an extremely heightened sense of perception. When found lacking in ability, Spiderman made up in heart, and these factors together turned the wall-crawler into one of the most adored superheros world over. Spiderman is officially Marvels most popular superhero.

#1 Batman
 
After witnessing the murder of his parents as a child, young Bruce dedicates his life to protecting the citizens of Gotham City from criminals. Batman is for many the number one superhero, because unlike others he has no special powers. Anyone could have been batman, but only he was ready to be. He honed his mind, body and spirit into a force that strikes fear into his enemies, and wrongdoers everywhere. Many people also identify with the dark brooding determination of Bruce Wayne, the multi-millionaire, as Batman, sworn to protect Gotham, and asking for nothing in return. From his double identity, his secret bat-cave, his simple and effective fighting tools, his awe inspiring cars and bikes - Batman has inspired more people worldwide than any other to don a mask and a cape and fight the forces of evil, and in that sense he transcends the comic world, and every other character on this list.

Great and Sophisticated Straw

If you're a true adventurer, you now no longer doubt for every sip of water you find in every trip you. Sucked through the suction reason this LifeStraw, everyone can enjoy a healthy and clean water without worries.
 
LifeStraw is a portable water filter device which is designed by Vestergaard Frandsen. The modern suction water filter is a tool that does not use chemicals, batteries, motors or actuators though. LifeStraw has shaped suction length 310 mm and diameter of 30 mm.

This tool plastic fueled and equipped with a secure method filtre. According to the research results, the water due to the suction of the LifeStraw is able to remove approximately 99.9% of parasites and bacteria in the water.

 

Top 5 New Years Parties in the World

New Year's Eve is one of the most celebrated evenings all of the world. With parties to family gatherings to concerts and carnivals, New Year's Eve is one of the most eagerly anticipated nights in the year. Here are 5 of the Best places to be on New Year's Eve.

1. Sydney: 

With firework displays and bright lights, and a history dating as far as 1996, the Sydney Harbour has hosted one the Best New Years Eve Parties in the world. With signature display of Pyrotechnics such as the Waterfall Effect and the Birthday Cake effect, this is one New years Eve party you just have to experience. The Party is hosted by the City of Sydney Counsil and Kylie Minogue will be the creative ambassador for the 2013 celebrations.

2. Madrid: 

The city of Madrid comes alive in December, from huge street parties to intimate restaurants, you’ll find your ideal place to be on December 31st. Spend the day experiencing the best that Spain has to offer; stroll through the famous streets and experience the cultural sights, foods and people. Puerto del Sol is where Madrid's New Years celebrations are concentrated. The centre of the city is a famous landmark in its own right, and on December 31st it becomes the focal point for the whole country. A enormous clock is mounted to countdown to the New Year. Crowds gather to party the night away with Spanish cava, warming up the city in the midst of winter!

3. Time Square, New York: 

By far one of the oldest recorded New Year's Eve party venue, Times Square hosted it's first New Year's Eve Party in 1904. This spectacle is a definite entry into bucket lists across the world, and deservedly so. From Muhammad Ali in 2000 to Lady Gaga last year, Times Square New York has hosted many celebrities along the years. 

Every year at 11:59 p.m. EST on New Year's Eve a Time call is lowered 77 feet down a flagpole, resting on the stroke of midnight to signal the start of the New Year.The Times Square ball drop is one of the best-known New Year's celebrations internationally, attended by at least one million spectators yearly, with an estimated global audience of at least 1 billion.

 

4. London: 

If you’re looking for an impressive street party look no further. London has a variety of street based events to lead you through into the New Year. Watch the minutes count down on the iconic Big Ben or admire the firework display at the London Eye, with the best view from Westminister bridge. 

The next day, if you feel up to it, join the London Parade as it makes its way through the city; drawing visitors from around Europe this is a spectacular event with local heroes, bands, clowns and much more.

5. Honolulu Hawaii: 

As the last major city to celebrate the New Year, Honolulu, Hawaii is the best place to spend a New Year's Eve. Every December 31, the city of Honolulu bursts into life with festivities. If you are lucky enough to be in Hawaii during the holiday season, make sure you make yourself available for this New Years Eve Celebration. 

A walk down Waikiki Beach is an unforgettable way to bring in the New Year. Every major hotel on the beach hosts live music and events throughout night and there are a half-dozen different fireworks displays to enjoy. With 70 degree weather and warm sunshine in December, Honolulu is a wonderful place to bring in the New Year. Whether you prefer a dinner with family, a walk along Waikiki Beach, or a party at Aloha Tower Marketplace, it definitely is one to experience.