Modern Astronomy And The Universe [Infographic]

Over time, ancient astronomy and research has adapted and allowed us to make tremendous advancements in understanding our universe. From Galileo’s invention of the 3x and 30x telescopes to Sir William Herschel’s discovery of Uranus, scientists and astronomers have been able to expand our knowledge of space by using the tools available to them. Just think about it; 500 years ago it was still a popularly held belief that the earth was the center of the universe and all other planets orbited around us. When looking at the modern technology used to map the universe and study its nature it is important to analyze the profound impact of the Hubble Space Telescope. Launched in 1990, Hubble was the first major optical telescope to be placed in space. In its 20-year lifetime it has made more than 930,000 observations and taken over 570,000 photos of 30,000 celestial objects. You can learn more about life in space and the universe by reading through the infographic below.

Top 10 New Year Resolutions that Tend to Go Wrong [Infographic]

New Year resolutions are a great tradition meant to better our lives and give us a fresh start come every 1st January. But, as people like to say, traditions are meant to be broken and that is exactly what usually happens to our brave New Year resolutions.

From the grudgingly muttered, ‘I will never drink again,’ when the New Year’s Day hangover hits full stride to the ever-so-familiar oath to change our jobs for something we love; the resolutions come in all shapes and sizes, but rarely stick around for long. In all honesty, we always try to go by them, but it rarely lasts for more than a few hours or a couple of weeks at best. And sadly, we will probably make the same resolutions next year and get the same results.

The infographic below shows the top ten New Year resolutions that fail on most occasions. Losing weight, reading more, stressing less and learning new skills are all there. Are yours?

Suitable Day Jobs For Superheroes [Infographic]

In the following infographic, the peeps from Secured.co.uk have a light-hearted look at the most suitable everyday jobs for their favorite superheroes in case, one day, the world has become crime and war free at last (as, obviously, those super-beings would find themselves with nothing to do and, like the rest of us, would need to get a day job). 

Just in case, you know...

Enjoy!

Loup Dargent

That's For Christmas Dinner? [Infographic]

Aside from the gifts and decorations, one thing that every nation shares during Christmas is a large meal with friends and family members. While the meals are somewhat similar because they feature meat and vegetables, you might be surprised by the main courses and side dishes commonly found in other nations. 

Here are a few traditional Christmas meals in different nations.

The Furry Friend Factor [Infographic]

Over 46 percent of households in the United States have at least one furry, four-legged canine for whom they love and care. A considerable 12 percent have three of more canines living under the same roof. There is little doubt that we humans love our dogs as pets. There are a huge number of reasons for this deep affection that is pervasive throughout the country, a number of which can be explained by a small look at the psychology that applies to dogs that we love like family members.

To begin with, dogs and humans have been developing together for thousands of years. Man has relied on dogs for companionship and hunting since as early as 12,000 B.C.. As man's capacity for emotions developed from the beginning of time, so have those of dogs. They are able to feel the vast majority of feelings that we humans feel. They get excited, experience joy, can be shy, and feel distress as well. The spectrum of their internal lives is vast despite the fact that their long-term memory is quite limited when compared to ours. However, dogs have also been lucky enough to avoid developing some emotional reactions for which only humans are known. These include feelings related to pride, guilt, shame, and other negative states of mind. The most valued characteristic in the eyes of humans that dogs have developed, although, is the capacity to love. This ability is what allows us to welcome them into our hearts and treat them as equals in many ways.

Beyond sharing unconditional love with their owners, it has also been shown that dogs provide many other benefits to the average household. Dogs must be exercised either by walking or jogging. It has been shown that pet owners who engage in this activity with their dog are much more likely to be in good health when compared to individuals who do not own dogs. The dogs certainly enjoy this experience, and researchers have discovered that dogs can feel a certain “runner's high” that is comparable to that in humans, only more intense. Bringing a dog into your life will allow you to feel connected to nature and another creature in a very unique way. You both share the capacity to dream, love, and desire the absolute best out of life.

Learning About Christianity [Infographic]

As Christianity has become more commercialized in society, it can be refreshing to consider some of the history behind this religion. Learning about Christianity for one's own sake and on one's own can provide an individual with a greater appreciation for how this religion has developed over the years. It can also help an individual question the religion and consider the reasons why people may feel the need to develop new denominations within this religion.

All of the basic tenets of Christianity were first recorded by the great theologian St. Augustine of Hippo. This theologian lived from 354 A.D. to 430 A.D. In early Christianity, gnosticism was also rejected. The Gnostics and Early Church Fathers engaged in debate over the meaning of Christianity. Later in 380, Christianity was made the official religion of the Roman Empire.

In the early modern era of Christianity, the religion underwent dramatic changes. Luther posted his 95 theses in 1517, and the Baptist Church was later founded in 1609. New denominations in Christianity continued to form after the Protestant Reformation.

During the modern era of Christianity, women began to have a greater involvement in religious affairs in the Christian religion. Mother Theresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in the Catholic Church. The nun went on to achieve great prominence for her charitable work and the kindness that she showed to suffering humans throughout the world. She became known for her ability to spread kindness and peace within various countries in the world.

Today, Christianity has exploded into a different brand. There are over 1,600 megachurches throughout the world. A megachurch is characterized as a Christian congregation in which over 2,000 members meet on a weekly basis. Over 71 percent of megachurches consider themselves to be evangelical. Major Christian leaders on television are often depicted as leaders of megachurches, and these individuals include names like Joel Osteen, Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson.

The most recent development in Christianity has been that Pope Francis has been named as the First Pope from the Americas. This new pope is said to show compassion toward issues like poverty, and the Huffington Post reports that the motto of his archdiocese is even "Lowly but Chosen."

Anatomy Of A Scary Movie [Infographic]

Fans of horror movies are going to love today's infographic... not only it contains loads of information about scary movies, but it also tell us how to make horror films on a budget. (Now, that has to be the mother of all infographics!)

Many thanks to fellow Twitter user Ralf for pointing out this timely little gem to us.

Enjoy!

Loup Dargent

Power Tools in Horror Movies [Infographic]

Cover of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre [Blu-ray]

Every year around this time, avid horror movies fans come out of the closet and indulge in their favorite pastime - getting scared out of their mind and shocked by freakish gore.We couldn’t help but notice the creativity of some of the most iconic villains in these scary films. In particular we noticed the unique uses of common items, especially power tools. Horror fan or not, you've got to admit, these villans get pretty crazy with their tools.

In this infographic, you will find some awesome facts and information regarding the most iconic and terrifying power tools in the history of horror films. Some of these are classics you've heard of, such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but there are a few on here that might not immediately come to mind. Read on to discover them all, and learn a thing or two about the psychology of horror films.

Religion: Which End is Up? [Infographic]

There is no question when it comes to faith. It's a personal thing. Many people will continue to follow the religion they were born to. In some parts of the world, the masses all believe in one philosophy. Venture to other areas to find great flexibility as everyone chooses their own path. For those who believe in a religion, it is usually a source of guidance and comfort over the bumps in the road in life. Take a look around to see the diversity that is offered when it comes to spirituality.

Rich, Intriguing Differences in Philosophies
Ancient Eastern philosophies provide the foundation for many of the religious beliefs of today. Hinduism is the oldest religion to still be in practice today. It's truly a way of life with philosophies such as karma and no single defining principles. Move on to Buddhism for a journey in self-discovery as followers choose to improve themselves throughout their lifetime. Judaism hinges upon a single, all powerful deity and shares many beliefs with the relatively young faith of Christianity. While Christians have the same basis for the beginnings of their religious belief system, they diverge from the Jewish faith because of their belief in Jesus Christ as the messiah. Regardless of the particulars, there are many denominations when it comes to different faiths, providing a host of options for individuals as they choose their own road in life.

Unique Belief Systems of Today
There are many religions that are considered the tried and true, familiar to many of us around the world. However, there are interesting alternatives that may be surprising. Seicho-No-Le is a religion to calls to mind the spirituality of the Native Americans, stressing the importance of nature, those who went before us, and family ties. Like many others, one God is the pillar of this faith. The Church of Messainity is a recently developed religion that calls upon divine light for healing purposes. On the flip side, Raelism is a rather strange departure from the majority of religions in that it revolves around the belief that humans were actually created by aliens. It's up to the individual.

The World of Molecular Medicine [Infographic]

Scientists are always striving to make improvements in the world of medicine. Nanomedicine is one particular area of study that is cause for growing excitement. This promising field, while still in the clinical stage, has shown positive results. Nanomedicine involves treating the affected area of the body at the molecular level. Nanoparticles, ranging in size from one to one hundred nanometers, much smaller than the diameter of a strand of human hair, are injected into the body. They can be used for a variety of purposes. Medicine can be delivered in higher concentrations at the cellular level, rather than through the blood. Illnesses can be diagnosed on the spot, resulting in immediate treatment and a better prognosis. Damaged tissues could be treated and repaired. Initial studies have proven nanomedicine can have a positive impact on the treatment of diabetics as insulin is administered much more effectively. In the area of cancer studies, patients can be diagnosed on the day of their first consultation, allowing aggressive treatments to begin immediately. Patients with brain cancer were treated in a clinical trial involving nanomedicine, showing a much higher survival rate than without the innovative treatment. Flu patients could be diagnosed during a doctor's visit, get the proper treatment, and avoid a widespread outbreak. With such positive implications, it is no wonder that the medical community will continue to move forward with nanomedicine.

The cost may be high at the present, but nanomedicine could dramatically reduce medical expenses in the long run by enhancing diagnosis and treatment alternatives. Many experts and professionals in the medical field agree that nanomedicine is definitely the new frontier in medicine. From diagnositics to the development of new tools, imagery, and cell therapy techniques, nanomedicine can blaze a trail into all fields of medicine. For those who are dealing with chronic illnesses, ranging from cancer to ALS, Alzheimer's Disease, and Cystic Fibrosis, nanomedicine offers hope. Victims of paralysis, arthritis, and serious injuries could also benefit from treatment to parts of the body that have been seriously damaged. There really is no end in sight when it comes to the potential for nanomedicine. Research continues as scientists make more advances with each clinical study, eventually making their discoveries available to the general public. Nanomedicine shines bright light for the future of medicine, one molecule at a time.

Big Business in Jesus [Infographic]

Jesus made giving up one's possessions and distributing wealth among the poor a central part of his message. Despite this cornerstone of his teachings, the idea of a “megachurch” seems to have all but ignored this aspect of his gospel. The modern development of the megachurch is now translating to megabusiness. These places of worship are slowly taking over as small denominations are consistently shutting down all across America. The effect is similar to the one that has accompanied the rise of corporate America. Megachurches are growing at a rate of 8 percent every year. They have been accused of creating economic empires by some, drawing away devoted worshippers at local churches with their flash and glamour.

The average megachurch will play host to more than 2000 people every week. They are also exempt from taxes up to $7.2 billion dollars each year, allowing them to gather extraordinary income. These churches often seem to be under the leadership of a single charismatic pastor as well. The typical leader gains something akin to celebrity status among the community and region in which they are established.

In order to address just how “mega” these megachurches can become, consider the largest one in the world; The Yoido Full Gospel Church in South Korea has an annual budget of $200 million, and their membership is around 850,000 people. In America, the largest megachurch is located in Houston, Texas and is under the leadership of Joel Osteen. They have drawn in close to 43,500 members and work with an annual budget of $70 million. The distribution of these types of churches differs throughout the United States. The Southern portion of the country leads the way by being home to 49 percent of megachurches while the Northeast comes in last, accounting for only 7 percent.

When looking at the attendees, the demographics are unbalanced. The Caucasian race accounts for 82 percent, 10 percent are African American, 2 percent are Asian, and a mere 1 percent are Hispanic.

Wars Leave Lasting Wounds for All Americans [Infographic]

In his farewell speech, President Eisenhower proudly told the world, “We annually spend on military security more than the net income of all United States corporations.” His statement remains true over 50 years later, and our military budget is currently six times greater than that of our closest competitor, China. Ironically, most of our $16 trillion dollar deficit belongs to China. Anyone hoping that an end to the war on terror will immediately solve the national debt crisis is sure to be disappointed; we will continue paying for the early 21st century's wars for years to come, and the cost will be far greater than any past military conflict.

The specter of the Second World War drove us to create the largest military in history ensuring that we’d be safe in the event of another global conflict. Since then, the U.S. military has intervened in dozens of conflicts around the globe in the name of international peace. Many things have changed since World War II; back then, the U.S. government solicited its citizens instead of borrowing from other nations to fund war efforts. Americans bought $150 billion in war bonds during the 1940s, which paid for nearly half of the war. At the same time, the government raised taxes and brought the top marginal rate to 94 percent. Tax hikes also supported the conflicts in Vietnam and Korea.

Conversely, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began when taxes were at a historical low point, which is why we’ve been fighting on borrowed dimes. Before we even think about putting a dent in our debt, we have to support our veterans. Military personnel rightly receive the best health care available, and we spent an average of $150 million per day on veterans in 2012. The government is obliged to cover medical costs for all retired veterans, and the number of veterans is about the drastically increase, so the final bill for the war in Afghanistan won’t arrive until near the end of the current century.

While we remain trillions of dollars in debt, the good news is that we already have the tanks, guns and aircraft for which we borrowed the loans, so don’t worry about China trying to collect their payments by force anytime soon.

Ridding Addiction for Good [Infographic]

Becoming addicted to drugs, alcohol and other substances can be extremely debilitating in everyday life and ultimately with your work and the relationships you have with your friends and family. According to statistics only 10% of all addicts are currently receiving treatment. On average, in-patient programs that last 28 days cost a total of approximately $25,166, making it challenging, if not impossible, for the average addict to partake in.

If Breaking Bad’s Cast Of Criminals Were Arrested [Infographic]

With five seasons full of criminal acts and bad behavior Walt,Jesse, and the rest of Breaking Bad's cast of criminals would be facing some serious jail time.

But can you remember every crime? And who would be the most heavily sentenced? (because come on we all know they are guilty) But as we get closer and closer to the end of everyone's favorite tv show it's good to get caught up.

Seriously after five seasons you might need a quick refresher on all the deals, hits, and cover-ups that have gone down these pass few meth fueled years. Walt has certainly changed a lot and I remember a simple time when he was just a chemistry teacher who wouldn't hurt a fly. Meth is a hell of a drug.

So who is the worst criminal? Is it Walt with his multiple murder counts and meth distribution? The ambitious Jesse and his part in Walt's crimes? Maybe Hank and his transgressions? Mike's fall from grace is certainly worth some solid prison time. Isn't Skyler due for some time behind bars? Or is it the kingpin Gustavo Fring? ( I mean that kid was 11 years old that won't go down well with a jury)

The Facts about Chronic Disease in America [Infographic]

The lifespan for both men and women steadily increased over the past century, reaching an average for both sexes of just under 79 years in 2010. However, despite the good news of a longer life, this simple average fails to paint an accurate picture of the overall health of the American population. One alarming health statistic is that 50 percent of all adults have at least one long-term, chronic health condition. The ratio rises to 80 percent when considering adults over age 65. A chronic disease is a health condition that has no concrete cure but the symptoms of which can be suppressed or controlled with medication or lifestyle changes. Some of the most common chronic diseases in America include heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, sickle-cell disease, arthritis and cancer.

There are many causes of chronic disease. Some, such as osteoporosis, sickle-cell disease and cancer, include a genetic component that predisposes individuals to the disease. However, a vast majority of chronic health conditions are caused or contributed to by lifestyle choices. Obesity, a condition which is a choice for almost everyone who suffers from it and which is now considered a chronic health condition itself, is the most common lifestyle risk factor, followed by smoking, failure to exercise and overuse of alcohol. Many of the most common chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and arthritis are closely linked to obesity and lack of exercise, while smoking contributes to many kinds of cancers, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and emphysema. In some cases, chronic diseases also lead to further health problems. For example, diabetes, a condition diagnosed in nearly 20 million Americans, with potentially millions of additional undiagnosed cases, has been linked to increased risk of strokes and kidney failure.

The outlook is positive for many people with chronic health conditions. Cancer survival rates are increasing and new research is leading to the development of improved treatments to prolong the life of chronic disease sufferers. More Americans are also getting the word on ways to prevent long-term health conditions before they develop. Although cures for many chronic diseases may never be found, developing an understanding of why chronic diseases occur and how to better control their effects is a step in the right direction.

Social Media is Going to School [Infographic]

While some schools are trying to fight the menace of social media by banning smartphones and securing their networks, others are attempting to use social media to improve the educational system. It’s no surprise that many students use social media, but it seems odd that teachers are not making use of this amazing tool.

History of Banksy Graffiti Art [Infographic]

Street Artist Banksy is known for his Banksy wall and Banksy stencils styles. Banksy stencils is a method that he uses for some of his artwork, which is used to produce the cut design on the surface with a thin sheet of cardboard, plastic or metal with a pattern of letters cut out of it.

Despite not calling himself an artist, Banksy has been considered by some as talented in that respect; he uses his original street art form, combined with Banksy stencils style. Due to the shroud of secrecy surrounding his real identity and his subversive character; Banksy has achieved somewhat of a cult following with his Banksy Art from some of the younger age group within the stencilling community. Banksy Prints are famous all over the world, especially Banksy Los Angeles artwork.

There is always hope graffiti is perhaps the most famous graffiti Banksy, There is always hope is located in London, South Bank. Canvas version of this Banksy print was sold in 2007 for 37200$ at Sotheby's auction.

Flying balloons Girl by Banksy is located on a stretch of the Palestinian side of Israeli West Bank Barrier. While Banksy was creating this graffiti art, guns were drawn on him. However despite of all of that, Banksy went to work to create this masterpiece,.

And again, another famous Banksy print - Girl searching Soldier this time of graffiti .. Palestine, Wall of West Bank in Bethlehem, 2007. Yes, yes, it is graffiti on the wall of security in the ancient city of Bethlehem. This barrier in the form of the wall was built by Israel and the United Nations considers this building illegal. This Banksy art was used  as a promotional piece for Banksy's exhibition  in Santa's Ghetto to help draw  a large audience. 

Banksy Rat appears in many of his graffiti. Banksy symbolizes rats in his graffiti as the only truly free animals in the city. Banksy also represents himself through rats, as rats are the night creatures as  Banksy is. Not only are Banksy and the rat both creatures of the night, they are also both looked down upon by polite society. 

Monkeys are another reacquiring theme in Banksy graffiti art.  One of his most iconic stencils features a downtrodden monkey wearing a sign that reads, Laugh now, but one day well be in charge.  A commentary on Man's feeling of superiority towards his simian cousins, or, conversely, the monkey's knowledge that it is the superior race, this stencil appears in many permutations. Other monkeys in Banksy art proclaim that "lying to the police is never wrong." While this expression is typical of human rebels, it also expresses the world from a monkey's point of view. If lying to the police will keep it out of a zoo or a science experiment, a monkey should always lie to the police. Banksy Media Monkey wears headphones, operates a camera and holds an old-style clapperboard. Is Banksy commenting on the mindless nature of modern film-making or the mindless nature of those who make films, including his own films? Or is he noting that monkeys may well make better movies than those that currently invade the theaters? 

Why does Banksy favor monkeys? Perhaps it is an expression of the imitative nature of man as expressed in the aphorism "Monkey see, monkey do." After all, art imitates life and life imitates art. Graffiti artists imitate one another, either as a tribute or to mock another's work. Perhaps Banksy enjoys monkeys simply because they look so much like, yet so much more comical than, their human counterparts.

Source: History of Banksy : Art off the canvas

Related Articles

• Part One: Great Graffiti Art by Banksy 
• Spray it out loud: London's street art
• Graffiti or Art?
• 'Banksy-style' picture may not be the genuine article
• Freedom of Expression : Art as an Instrument for the benefit of Society
• Acquitted! Activist Who Faced 13 Years in Prison for Chalking Anti-Bank Slogans Gets Off Free

The Many Faces of Superman [Infographic]

Superman wasn’t always the man we know and love today. In fact, he was pretty much the exact opposite of the man we know today when he first appeared in print in 1932.

Two Cleveland teens, Jerry Seigel and Joel Schuster, created their own fanzine – “Science Fiction: The Advance Guard of Future Civilization” – after their work was rejected by publishers. In the third issue, Seigel included his story “The Reign of the Superman” - a comic about an evil villain who disrupts society with his mental powers.

Seigel revised Superman the following year, establishing him as a hero instead of a villain. However, Seigel’s revision came before editor Whitney Ellsworth outlined a strict code of conduct for superheroes, disallowing them to commit murder. Seigel’s first hero version of Superman was much more aggressive than the man we know today.

Cats are Equal Opportunity Affection Givers [Infographic]

Cat (Photo credit: @Doug88888)

Cats are equal opportunity affection givers. Cats love their humans regardless of whether those humans are rich or poor, young or old, or any color of the rainbow. Cats give affection on their own terms, however.

What are some of the primary manifestations of kitty affection?

How Blood Diamonds Work [Infographic]

Alluvial diamond miners in Kono District, Sierra Leone. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The term "blood diamond" used in reference to diamonds mined informally and frequently under hazardous or coercive conditions in conflict zones, notably those located in sub-Sarahan Africa.

Various warlords, armed rebel groups, and unscrupulous government or military officials in countries such as Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola exploited the chaos of ongoing civil war, widespread poverty, and rampant corruption to enrich themselves and fund their military efforts. These illicit blood diamonds were commonly used as an unofficial currency to purchase arms and munitions from abroad due to the high demand for diamonds on the international market.

In most cases, civilians were effectively enslaved and forced to work under brutal conditions to collect the diamonds, which were then sold to unscrupulous foreign dealers. Eventually, as a result of public outrage in many of the Western countries were these blood diamonds were ultimately sold, more stringent business standards were adopted by the diamond industry to certify that blood diamonds from conflict zones were not purchased or sold by their dealers.