Diamond Encrusted Everything!!

We live in an age of habitual line-steppers and one-uppers.  Bigger, better, more, crazier, more creative, so on and so forth.  Despite what my tone may suggest, most of the time the result is pretty freaking awesome.  Recent history gives us a few cases in point: The renewed battle to build the world’s tallest skyscraper between the US, China, Dubai; The space race between the US and the Soviets; and the pissing contest between Paul Allen, Larry Ellison and other billionaires to build the world’s coolest/largest yacht.  The topic of this post is no different – some habitual line steppers have really outdone themselves here.  So without further ado, we give to you the five most over-the-top diamond encrusted items in the world (as if diamond encrusted anything wasn’t over the top already…)

The World’s Most Unusual Airports

If you have been on more than a few flights in your lifetime then you know how much of a mess some airports can be. Confusing layouts, long security lines, awkward gift shops and restaurants that I wouldn’t eat at for free. Luckily, airports are as varied and diverse as the cities they serve – and some of them are awesome. This list covers neither the good nor the bad but instead some of the most strange.

Eight Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The Masters

This afternoon, the 77th Masters Tournament will conclude and a deserving winner will receive one of Augusta National’s coveted green jackets (unless, of course, there is a playoff). This annual tournament draws thousands of spectators – or rather, “patrons” – to witness current and future golf legends provide one of the most entertaining and epic competitions in the world of sports. Held at the same time and place every year, the Masters has become one of the most storied and historic sporting events in the world. In honor of this, here are some famous facts about the Tournament and its home course that you may not have know.

Beer Lovers Unite!

Take heed and heart fellow worshipers of this most glorious of sudsy beverages – beer not only tastes like an elixir of the gods (or demons, depending on your poison), but it also has some fantastic health benefits according to this infogram by our friends at WearYourBeer.com – although I do notice that “beer gut” is auspiciously absent from the benefits.  After all, what lady doesn’t like an man with a healthy beer gut, and how else are we supposed to fill the shopping malls of this country with passable Santa Clauses in December???  Important concerns that demand answers…  Nonetheless, please enjoy this fascinating glimpse in to the world of beer! 

US Presidents by the Numbers

Happy Presidents’ Day America! On every third monday in February, we take time (sometimes a full day if you’re lucky) to relax and appreciate the great – and not so great – men who have led our country through the good times and the bad. This day was originally a federal holiday in honor of George Washington’s birthday, until President Nixon declared that it should recognize all US Presidents. So in honor of this day, and because we here at *AT* love all things presidential, here are some fun facts about some statistical records among the leaders of the free world.

For reference, check out this list of US Presidents to refresh your mindgrapes.

The Most Epic Movie Speeches

Like Lincoln himself, we here at *AT* love great orators – especially the fake ones from movies. These speeches represent some of the greatest and most memorable moments in movie history that Hollywood writers can offer. And while this list is by no means comprehensive, hopefully you’ll agree that they are among the most chillingly awesome out there.

12 Days of Christmas: Abe’s *Least* Faves – The Worst Christmas Songs

It cannot be overstated how much we at Abraham Thinkin’ love Christmas. Truly, any superlative to describe a person’s enthusiasm is applicable to our Christmas Spirit, and it probably still falls short of effectively capturing the level of our Holiday Cheer. As we all know by now, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is to sing loud for all to hear. Fortunately for you all, we cannot sing Christmas Carols to you through the computer, so instead, we are going to do what we think is the next best thing. Every day between now and Christmas Day, we will post something related to Christmas, including Christmas Traditions, Stories of Christmas Lore; some of Abe’s Christmas Faves, and much much more.

We LOVE Christmas music.  It is the happiest music there is, and everyone can find Christmas music that suits their tastes thanks to the amazing abundance of cover versions of these Holiday Standards.  This begets gobs of wonderful Christmas songs, and also some of the worst songs you will ever hear in your life.  Given that we are basically Christmas elves here, and the fact that this post would take a week to read if we were to chronicle the best Christmas songs (not to mention the crying and gnashing of teeth over whittling down the list), we have decided to make a list of the worst Christmas songs ever for the Eighth Day of Christmas.  If we happen to have listed one of your favorites, please accept our deepest apologies and answer us this one question below… Really???

The Largest Empires in History

Since the beginning of man, people have fought in order to exert their military, cultural, and economic dominance over another. This is the concept of empire: it is timeless and it is ever-present. But if history has taught us one thing, it is that empires always fall – and that is a fact that remains true for even the largest. Below is a list of a few of the greatest empires in the world that have stretched across cultures and continents.

5. The Qing Empire (1644 – 1911)

The last imperial dynasty in China began with the sack of the Ming capital of Beijing in the mid 17th century, leading to pacification of the country and expansion beyond its previous borders. It included most of modern-day China, as well as Mongolia. By 1790, it was the largest in the world for a brief time, comprising one sixth of the world’s land mass and one third of the world’s population.

Unfortunately, the Qing Dynasty was plagued with almost every problem a country can have: corruption, natural disaster, rebellion, and military defeat eventually weakened the empire until its last empress was overthrown and the Republic of China was formed in 1911. Interestingly enough, the infant son of Empress Longyu would be installed as the puppet emperor of Manchukuo by the Japanese from 1932 until the end of WWII in 1945. Today, the Qing are credited with highly integrating Chinese culture into many facets of the nation.

Hotels at the Edge of the World

Want to get away? These hotels will help you do that. In fact, they will get you away from almost everything – not just people, towns, and traffic, but also any luxury of the modern world. Still, if you desire serenity and a one-of-a-kind experience, think about taking a trip to stay at some of these hotels on the edge of the world.

Longitude 131°, Australia

Situated close to the famous landmark Ayers Rock in the middle of the Australian Outback, Longitude 131° is one of the most unique experiences available to outdoor enthusiasts and travelers alike. It is accessible only be a three to four hour flight from Sydney, Perth, or Cairns, followed by a four-wheel drive to the property. Comprised of 15 bungalow-like huts and a main pool-side building, this destination resort offers luxury dining under the stars, camel riding, and even private Harley tours.

Immortal Animals

Don’t Worry, Not These Immortals… If you haven’t seen this movie, btw, DON’T. It is god awful.

Scientists have theorized that there are animals which, if left to their own devices, could live forever.  These organisms are considered to be “biologically immortal.”  Seafood Lovers, there is a treat for you at the end of the post.