Category: Fashion

24 of the world’s most amazing bridges

Design, Fashion, Travel

(CNN) — The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco took four years to build, costing $35 million and finally opened in 1937. It has remained one of the engineering world’s most famous poster boys since. But it’s not the only bridge that merits celebration. Here are 23 others (plus San Fran’s Golden Gate) that are worth a look.

1. Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco, United States

A-list celebrity in the bridge world.Now over 75 years old, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the most recognizable bridge in the world. While some may not be inspired by the industrial age suspension bridge design, it is undeniable that the San Francisco we know today would not be the same without its skyline being graced by this beauty.

2. Sydney Harbour Bridge: Sydney, Australia

Good to look at, better to climb.Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty ImagesNicknamed “The Coat Hanger” by Sydney locals because of its arch-based design, the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened in 1932 and is a focal point of Aussie pride and celebrations.For aspiring bridge climbers, BridgeClimb offers people just that. Every year for New Year’s Eve the bridge itself is used to complement fireworks displays creating various effects like smiley faces and a disco ball.

3. Ponte Vecchio: Florence, Italy

A slice of ancient Italy in modern-day Italy.GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/AFP/Getty ImagesA Medieval bridge over the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio is mainly known for its shops of jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers and for being Europe’s oldest stone, closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge.Regardless, the Ponte Vecchio Brige is gorgeous and has a rich history dating back to the time of the Romans. During World War II the bridge was not destroyed by the Nazis — unlike many other bridges in Europe — under an express order from Adolf Hitler.

4. Brooklyn Bridge: New York City, United States

Bagels, bars and Brooklyn Bridge: a New York trifecta.STAN HONDA/AFP/AFP/Getty ImagesCompleted in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. A National Historic Landmark, the Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic feature of New York.

5. Gateshead Millennium Bridge: Gateshead, England

Trying to make up for North England’s weather.ANDREW YATES/AFP/AFP/Getty ImagesThe Gateshead Millennium Bridge is the world’s first and currently only tilting bridge. But the most amazing thing about this pedestrian and biker crossing of the Tyne River is that it appears as if an eye is winking whenever it is raised and lowered.Its innovative and unique design has won loads of awards since Queen Elizabeth officially opened it in 2002. It was lowered into place by Europe’s largest floating crane — Asian Hercules II.

6. Tsing Ma Bridge: Hong Kong, China

Shortcut to a dim sum lunch.Courtesy Johnny Lai/Creative Commons/FlickrHong Kong’s Tsing Ma Bridge is the largest suspension bridge in the world to feature two decks and carry both road and rail traffic.Not only that, but it was subjected to some serious wind tunnel testing as Hong Kong is subject to powerful typhoons. After costing $920 million (HK$7.2 billion), the Tsing Ma Bridge opened in 1997. There are no walkways on the bridge and it features sheltered carriageways on the lower deck when very strong winds prove to be too much for vehicles to safely handle.Related content10 of the world’s longest bridges of various types

7. Akashi-Kaikyo or Pearl Bridge: Kobe-Naruto, Japan

Two kilometers of Japanese efficiencyGYRO PHOTOGRAPHY/amanaimages/CorbisThe Pearl Bridge currently holds the title of “World’s Longest Suspension Bridge” with a span of 1,991 meters. The second longest is China’s Xihoumen Bridge.A modern engineering feat, the Pearl Bridge has remained the world’s longest since 1998. The Pearl Bridge stood a true test of strength even before it opened when it survived the Kobe Earthquake on January 17, 1995.

8. Hangzhou Bay Bridge: Zhejiang, China

Thirty-five kilometers long, each one impressive.Courtesy Frank Tong/Creative Commons/FlickrConnecting the Chinese municipalities of Jiaxing and Ningbo in Zhejiang province, the 35-kilometer-long Hangzhou Bay Bridge is the longest trans-oceanic bridge in the world. More than 600 experts spent nine years designing the Hangzhou Bay Bridge.

9. Nanpu Bridge: Shanghai, China

Not “Bladerunner,” but still as memorable.Courtesy Brian Brake/Creative Commons/FlickrKnown for its funky and innovative spiral approach, Shanghai’s Nanpu Bridge designers came up with the novel idea to save space. When you can’t build out, build up.

10. Tower Bridge: London, England

London’s connection to the 19th century.Paul Gilham/Getty Images Europe/Getty ImagesA combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, England, spanning the River Thames, the Tower Bridge was opened on June 30, 1894 by The Prince of Wales. It is among the top iconic landmarks in a city filled with iconic landmarks.One of the final scenes of the Hollywood blockbuster “Sherlock Holmes” is played out on the bridge in the movie’s climax.

11. Pont du Gard Aqueduct: Gard, France

Showing why Rome wasn’t built in a day.Patrick Aventurier/Getty ImagesNo bridge list is complete without at least one aqueduct constructed by the Roman Empire. Pont du Gard is believed to have been built between 19 BC and 150 AD. It was constructed entirely without the use of mortar and the aqueduct’s stones — weighing up to six tons — were precisely cut to fit perfectly together eliminating the need for mortar.

12. Royal Gorge Bridge: Canon City, Colorado, United States

Indiana Jones’ favorite place to hang out.Courtesy Patrick O’DonnellThe Royal Gorge Bridge is the world’s highest suspension bridge at 359 meters above Arkansas River. Not surprisingly, it attracts a lot of jumpers. But they all pack parachutes.Related contentThe most spectacular footbridges around the world

13. Seri Wawasan Bridge: Putrajaya, Malaysia

Don’t be dazzled — watch the road.Courtesy Syed Abdul Khaliq/Creative Commons/FlickrAn absolutely gorgeous bridge design. This one gets in on beauty points alone.

14. Lupu Bridge: Shanghai, China

The world’s longest steel-arch bridge.LIU JIN/AFP/AFP/Getty ImagesLupu Bridge in Shanghai gets a spot on this list because at 3,900 meters it is the world’s longest steel-arch bridge, and it also provides an amazing vantage point overlooking the old 2010 Shanghai World Expo site.

15. Millau Viaduct: Tran Valley, France

Visually clinical, yet appealingREMY GABALDA/AFP/Getty ImagesThe world’s highest vehicular bridge, the Millau Viaduct traverses land not water, though when the fog rolls in, crossing the Millau can feel like crossing the sky. The bridge’s construction set three world records.

16. Vasco da Gama Bridge: Lisbon, Portugal

Difficult to take a bad photo here.PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP/AFP/Getty ImagesThe Vasco da Gama spans the Tagus River near Lisbon, capital of Portugal and was built to ease traffic congestion and provide easier access to the 1998 World Fair along the banks of the Tagus. It isn’t the longest, it isn’t the tallest, but it sure is pretty.

17. Khaju Bridge: Isfahan, Iran

Walks don’t come more romantic than this.Courtesy Ninara/Creative Commons/FlickrRemarkable views, a useful design that regulates the flow of the river and it has lasted (built around 1650). The Khaju Bridge should be on any bridge fanatic’s must-see list.

18. The Wind and Rain Bridge: Sanjian County, China

Art as engineering.Courtesy Anja Disseldorp/Flickr/Creative CommonsThe Wind and Rain Bridge on the Linxi River of Sanjiang County is gorgeous. Built in 1916 to resemble a rainbow, the builders used no nails or rivets but instead dovetailed thousands of pieces of wood.Related content12 spectacular new bridges that break the mold

19. Sunniberg Bridge: Klosters, Switzerland

The Sunniberg Bridge was built in 1998 and won the Outstanding Structure Award in 2001 for its “aesthetically pleasing appearance and innovative design.”

20. Stari Most: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Proving big is not always best.Courtesy Petr Kadlec/Creative Commons/FlickrA 16th-century bridge in the city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Sari crosses the river Neretva. The bridge stood for 427 years until it was destroyed in the Bosnian war in 1993. It was later rebuilt and reopened in 2004. It is traditional for the young men of the town to leap from the bridge into the Neretva.

21. Szechenyi Chain Bridge: Budapest, Hungary

Good to look at, great for stunts.ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP/AFP/Getty ImagesThe Szechenyi Chain Bridge has loads of character. Opened in 1849, it truly put the “Buda” into the “Pest” as it connected the two sections of the city. In 2001, Hungarian stunt pilot Peter Besenyei flew upside down under the bridge.

22. New Brunswick Hartland Bridge: New Brunswick, Canada

About as cute as a bridge can get.Courtesy Dennis Jarvis/Creative Commons/FlickrThe world’s longest covered bridge might not look like much compared to some of the other mega structures featured here, but covered bridges have a unique charm.Some covered bridges are also only one lane, such as this Hartland Bridge in New Brunswick, Canada, so for those crossing there’s always a certain amount of excitement to be had.

23. The Confederation Bridge: Prince Edward Island, Canada

Not much to see, so no excuse for bad driving.courtesy Cadian TourismSpanning the Abegweit Passage of Northumberland Strait, and linking Prince Edward Island with mainland New Brunswick, Canada, the Confederation Bridge is the longest bridge over ice in the world.It is not dainty, it is strong, imposing, sturdy and muscular. Probably the bridge where we would least like to run out of gas. Since the bridge’s opening in 1997, potato production on Prince Edward Island has increased dramatically.

24. The Helix Bridge: Marina Bay, Singapore

Clever, beautiful and inspiring.Courtesy Urban Redevelopment AuthoritySingapore’s double helix bridge is 280 meters long, made of a special stainless steel, lovingly assembled over two years with great precision. Despite being just two years old is already being touted as an architectural marvel and engineering feat.

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The 8 Best Ways to Get 6-Pack Abs Fast

Fashion, Fitness, Sports

Whether you’re aiming to achieve your fitness goals or simply want to look good in a swimsuit, acquiring a sculpted set of six-pack abs is a goal shared by many.

Getting a six-pack requires dedication and hard work, but you don’t have to hit the gym seven days a week or become a professional bodybuilder to do so.

Instead, a few modifications to your diet and lifestyle can be enough to produce serious, long-lasting results.

Here are 8 simple ways to achieve six-pack abs quickly and safely.

1. Do More Cardio

Cardio, also called aerobic exercise, is any form of exercise that increases your heart rate.

Regularly incorporating cardio into your routine can help you burn extra fat and speed your way to a set of six-pack abs.

Studies show that cardio is especially effective when it comes to reducing belly fat, which can help make your abdominal muscles more visible.

One small study showed that doing cardio exercise three to four times per week significantly decreased belly fat in 17 men (1).

Another review of 16 studies found that the more cardio exercise people did, the greater amount of belly fat they lost (2).

Try to get in at least 20–40 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day, or between 150–300 minutes per week (3).

Activities like running, walking, biking, swimming or engaging in your favorite sports are just a few easy ways to fit cardio into your day.

Summary Studies show that cardio exercise can reduce belly fat, which can help you get six-pack abs. One review found that the more cardio people did, the more belly fat they lost.

2. Exercise Your Abdominal Muscles

The rectus abdominis is the long muscle that extends vertically along the length of your abdomen.

Although most well-known as the muscle that creates the appearance of the six-pack, it’s also necessary for breathing, coughing and bowel movements.

Other abdominal muscles include the internal and external obliques and the transverse abdominis.

Exercising these muscles is key to increasing muscle mass and achieving six-pack abs.

However, keep in mind that abdominal exercises alone are unlikely to decrease belly fat.

For example, one study found that doing abdominal exercises five days per week for six weeks had no effect on belly fat in 24 women (4).

Instead, be sure to pair your abdominal exercises with a healthy diet and regular cardio to boost fat burning and maximize results.

Abdominal crunches, bridges and planks are a few of the most popular exercises that can help strengthen your abdominal muscles and create the appearance of six-pack abs.

Summary Exercising the muscles that make up your abdomen can help increase muscle mass to achieve six-pack abs. Pair abdominal exercises with a healthy diet and cardio to optimize results.

3. Increase Your Protein Intake

Upping your intake of high-protein foods can help promote weight loss, fight belly fat and support muscle growth on your road to six-pack abs.

According to one study, consuming high-protein meals helped increase feelings of fullness and promote appetite control in 27 overweight and obese men (5).

Another study showed that people who increased protein intake by just 15% decreased their calorie intake and saw significant decreases in body weight and body fat (6).

Consuming protein after working out can also help repair and rebuild muscle tissues as well as aid in muscle recovery (7, 8).

Plus, one study even found that a high-protein diet helped preserve both metabolism and muscle mass during weight loss (9).

Meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, dairy products, legumes, nuts and seeds are just a few examples of healthy, high-protein foods that you can add to your diet.

Summary Protein may help reduce calorie intake, as well as decrease body weight and fat. It can also help repair and rebuild muscle tissues and preserve muscle mass during weight loss.

4. Try High-Intensity Interval Training

High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is a form of exercise that involves alternating between intense bursts of activity and short recovery periods. HIIT keeps your heart rate up and increases fat burning.

Adding HIIT into your routine can boost weight loss and make it even easier to get six-pack abs.

One study showed that young men who performed HIIT training for 20 minutes three times per week lost an average of 4.4 pounds (2 kg) and saw a 17% decrease in belly fat over a 12-week period (10).

Similarly, another study found that 17 women who did HIIT twice per week for 16 weeks had an 8% decrease in total belly fat (11).

One of the simplest ways to try HIIT at home is to switch between walking and sprinting for 20–30 seconds at a time.

You can also try alternating between high-intensity exercises like jumping jacks, mountain climbers and burpees with a short break in between.

Summary High-intensity interval training can help increase fat burning and may be especially useful for reducing belly fat and achieving six-pack abs.

5. Stay Hydrated

Water is absolutely crucial to just about every aspect of health. It plays a role in everything from waste removal to temperature regulation.

Staying well-hydrated may also help bump up your metabolism, burn extra belly fat and make it easier to get a set of six-pack abs.

In fact, one study found that drinking 500 milliliters of water temporarily increased energy expenditure by 24% for up to 60 minutes after eating (12).

Other research shows that drinking water may also reduce your appetite and increase weight loss.

One study with 48 middle-aged and older adults found that people who drank water before each meal lost 44% more weight over a 12-week period than those who didn’t (13).

Water requirements can vary based on a variety of factors, including age, body weight and activity level.

However, most research recommends drinking around 1–2 liters (34–68 ounces) of water per day to stay well-hydrated.

Summary Studies show that drinking water can temporarily increase metabolism, reduce appetite and increase weight loss to help you lose stubborn belly fat.

6. Stop Eating Processed Food

Heavily processed foods like chips, cookies, crackers and convenience foods are typically high in calories, carbs, fat and sodium.

Not only that, these foods are typically low in key nutrients such as fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Nixing these unhealthy junk foods from your diet and swapping them for whole foods can increase weight loss, reduce belly fat and help you achieve a set of six-pack abs.

This is because it takes more energy to digest whole foods rich in protein and fiber, which can burn more calories and keep your metabolism up (14).

The nutrients in whole foods, like protein and fiber, also keep you feeling fuller to curb cravings and aid in weight loss (15, 16).

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes are all nutritious alternatives to prepackaged convenience items like frozen meals, baked goods and salty snacks.

Summary Processed foods are high in calories, carbs, fat and sodium. These foods require less energy to digest and are also lacking in important nutrients like protein and fiber that can aid in weight loss.

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7. Cut Back on Refined Carbs

Cutting back on your consumption of refined carbohydrates can help you lose extra fat and gain six-pack abs.

Refined carbs lose most of their vitamins, minerals and fiber during processing, resulting in a final product that is low in nutritional value.

Eating lots of refined carbs can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to increased hunger and food intake (17).

Eating plenty of whole grains, on the other hand, has been linked to a reduced waist circumference and lower body weight (18).

In fact, one study found that people who ate a high amount of refined grains tended to have a higher amount of belly fat compared to those who ate more whole grains (19).

Swap out refined carbs from foods like pastries, pastas and processed foods and instead enjoy whole grains such as brown rice, barley, bulgur and couscous to help support satiety and burn belly fat.

Summary Refined carbs are low in nutrients and can increase hunger levels. A high intake of refined grains has been linked to increased belly fat.

8. Fill up on Fiber

Adding more high-fiber foods into your diet is one of the simplest methods for increasing weight loss and achieving six-pack abs.

Soluble fiber moves through the gastrointestinal tract undigested and can help slow the emptying of the stomach to make you feel fuller for longer (20).

In fact, one review found that increasing fiber intake by 14 grams per day was linked to a 10% decrease in calorie intake and 4.2 pounds (1.9 kg) of weight loss (21).

Research shows that getting enough fiber in your diet may also prevent weight gain and fat accumulation.

One study showed that for each 10-gram increase of soluble fiber taken daily, participants lost 3.7% of belly fat over five years without making any other modifications in terms of diet or exercise (22).

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds are just a few healthy, high-fiber foods that you can add to your diet to help burn belly fat.

Summary Eating fiber can help keep you feeling full and may help protect against weight gain and fat accumulation.

The Bottom Line

There’s much more to getting six-pack abs than simply doing a few crunches or planks each day.

Instead, it requires following a healthy diet and maintaining an active lifestyle to help achieve your goals.

Making a few simple switches in your daily routine can get you a set of six-pack abs and improve your health at the same time.

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China claims world’s biggest man-made waterfall

Fashion, Travel

A province in southern China known for its stunning natural beauty can now also boast the world’s largest man-made waterfall – but it doesn’t come cheap.

Flowing 108 metres (350 feet) down the glass exterior of the Liebian International Building in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou province, the waterfall is about 3 metres longer than the previous record holder at the Solar City Tower in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Chinese tourists accused of pinching ‘crown jewels’ from Vladivostok’s glass beach

Built by Ludi Industry Group, the feature uses recycled water from basement storage tanks, which is pushed to the top of the 121-metre-high building by four giant pumps before re-emerging as a cascade from a massive opening on one side.

Once fully occupied, the multi-purpose building will comprise offices, shops and a luxury hotel, company director Cheng Xiaomao said, though the latter has to be completed.

The idea for the waterfall came from company president Zhou Songtao, who said he wanted to promote the city’s green image.SUBSCRIBE TO US China Trade WarGet updates direct to your inboxBy registering for these newsletters you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

“Guiyang is a city of mountains, and with many trees, just like a forest. He wanted to create a feeling of water and greenery, even when you are surrounded by skyscrapers,” Cheng said.From Africa to Europe, dragon boat races are spreading across the world

Although the waterfall was completed about two years ago, it has only been turned on six times, with the latest occasion being for half an hour on Sunday to mark the Guiyang International Marathon.

Nevertheless, people had already begun to consider the building a local landmark and were using it as a place to go for a walk or to socialise, Cheng said.

Once fully occupied, the multi-purpose building will comprise offices, shops and a luxury hotel. Photo: ImaginechinaShare:

One of the reasons the waterfall does not appear more often is the operating cost. While the water comes free, the price of powering the pumps is about 800 yuan (US$117) an hour, Cheng said.

While some internet users questioned whether the extravagant design was a waste of money, others were full of compliments.

“The scene is very impressive. You seldom see a waterfall in a city,” said a woman in a video published on the Pear Video website this week.

“It looks very soothing on a hot summer day. The idea is very creative,” said another.

One social media user was undecided, however.

“A price must be paid for an artificial spectacle, especially a large one like this. Whether it’s a waste of money or worth more than the 800 yuan an hour is for the company to calculate.”

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How to Paint a Wall?

Design, Fashion

Getting ready to paint a wall? Don’t skip the prep work: A properly primed surface makes all the difference. This video shows how to make both painting and priming a snap.

Getting ready to paint a wall? Don’t skip the prep work: A properly primed surface makes all the difference. This video shows how to make both painting and priming a snap.

What You Need

  • cellulose sponge, dishwashing liquid, painter’s tape, primer, paint, paint tray, paint roller, two-inch angled paintbrush, ladder

Follow These Steps

  1. Clean the walls
    Using a large cellulose sponge and a solution of water mixed with a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid, clean your walls to remove any dust, dirt, and grease.
  2. Tape the trim
    Use blue painter’s tape (not masking tape) to protect any areas you don’t want your paint to get on, such as trim, molding, doorknobs, window frames, and door frames: Run long strips of the tape just inside the outer edges of these areas. (The outer edges of the tape should lie exactly where the wall meets the trim, covering the parts of the trim that your roller or paintbrush might hit when you paint.)
  3. Pour primer into a tray
    Pour in enough so that it almost fills the well toward the bottom of the tray without covering the angled portion of the tray where the ridges are.
  4. Roll the primer onto the wall
    Dip your roller into the primer, rolling it back and forth across the tray’s ridges a few times to remove any excess and prevent drips. Make sure the roller gets evenly coated. Run the roller up and down a section of the wall, applying primer until the section is fully covered. Continue until your wall is fully covered, reapplying primer to the roller as needed.  
    Tip: Follow the manufacturer’s drying instructions, which you’ll find on the can, to make sure the primer is completely dry before applying paint.
  5. Paint the trim
    Dip a two-inch angled brush into the paint, coating the bristles only about a third of the way down the brush. Run the brush along the outer edge of the tape that’s covering the trim (on the wall side of the tape; not the trim side). Keep applying paint flush against your taped trim, working it outward about two or three inches from the tape. Continue until you have finished painting a narrow swathe along all of the taped areas.
  6. Roll on paint in a “w” shape
    Fill a paint tray with paint; dip your roller into it, removing excess. Roll the paint onto the wall in a 3-by-3-foot “w” shape. Working your way back across that “w,” without lifting the roller, fill in empty patches until that section of wall is fully covered. Continue, adding more paint to the roller as needed, until the whole wall is painted.
  7. Remove the painter’s tape
    Peel off the tape while the paint is still wet to avoid accidentally removing any dried paint along with it.
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