Felix Baumgartner’s Skydive

On Sunday evening, Felix Baumgartner leapt from a capsule floating 39km above the Earth’s surface, breaking the records for distance skydived as well as speed reached during free-fall, with a sound-barrier breaking top speed of 833.9mph (1342kmph)!!!

The Austrian daredevil spent over 2 hours rising to the height of 39km; it took him only 9 minutes and 3 seconds to return to Earth. Of that time, 4 minutes 20 seconds were spent in freefall, during which he covered a distance of 36,529m! For the descent he wore a full-pressure suit made by the company that prepares the flight suits of astronauts. Felix claimed not to have had any strong experience of breaking the sound-barrier, and scientists are continuing to research its impact on the human body.

Watch the highlights of his jump here:

Or click HERE

[The above article was also the source for this post]

There was also a point during the jump when Felix began to spin almost out of control – fortunately, he had enough experience to bring himself under control again, but the footage taken from his head-cam is incredible (if dizzying). Watch it at the same link above.

In a media conference afterwards, Felix said, “Let me tell you – when I was standing there on top of the world, you become so humble. You don’t think about breaking records anymore, you don’t think about gaining scientific data – the only thing that you want is to come back alive.”

Felix’s Jump

AWESOME!

Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls is a waterfall located in southern Africa on the Zambezi River, forming a natural border between Zambia & Zimbabwe. The falls are known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya which means “Smoke that Thunders”. The name Victoria Falls was given to the falls by the Scottish explorer Dr David Livingstone, who named them after the reining queen at the time. The Victoria Falls is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, however it is considered the largest. This recognition comes from the combination of its height and width (108m and 1,708m respectively), which together form the largest single sheet of flowing water found anywhere in the world (although the Iguazu Falls in Brazil/Argentina is a close competitor). As a result, the Victoria Falls feature as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

Map of the Victoria Falls area

Reportedly, the two best ways to experience the falls are by air and on foot. Helicopter and microlite tours are available, both providing a breathtaking panoramic view of the falls. There are plenty of trails running opposite the falls, which present a view level with the top of the falls only 60 metres away. The majority of the trails are on the Zambian side, however the Zimbabwean side is said to give a more panoramic view. Apparently, the best time to view the falls is in June and July, when there is enough water for them to be spectacular, without there being too much that it obscures the view.

The Victoria Falls from above

One last awesome feature to mention is the Devil’s Pool. This is a naturally formed pool near the edge of the falls, accessed by Livingstone Island. When the river flow is at a certain level (usually between September and December), a rock barrier means there is little current in the pool and it is therefore safe for tourists to swim in.

Devil’s Pool!

The Godfather (Part I)

The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a 1972 Oscar-winning American crime-epic. The film was based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name. Credited by many as having one of the best casts ever, it starred Marlon Brando in the title role of the Italian-American, New York-based Crime Boss,  Vito Corleone – the “Don”, or “the Godfather” – and Al Pacino as the leading character, Michael Corleone. The Godfather has had a lasting impact on the film industry. It is frequently cited as the best film ever made and features in the Top 10 of lists of the same name. It’s success spawned two sequels (the Godfather II and III), which were both highly acclaimed. On IMDB’s list of the Top 250 films ever, the Godfather and the Godfather II are ranked as 2nd and 3rd respectively.

The film mostly focuses on the life of Michael Corleone, son of the Don, who is a reluctant outsider to the ‘family business’ of crime. When the violence between New York’s mobster-families grows out of hand, Michael is drawn in to the business. Unwittingly, Michael finds himself becoming entangled in events until eventually he emerges as the ruthless leader of the Corleone family business. The acting in the film is outstanding, but particular credit must be given to the exceptional portrayals of the Don, by the incomparable Marlon Brando, and Michael, by the outstanding Al Pacino.

The film was an inspiring success and for a time the highest-grossing film of all time. It was nominated for 10 Oscars and won three: Best Picture, Best Actor (for Brando) and Best Adapted Screenplay. The Godfather  has gone on to have a lasting impact on cinema. It’s sympathetic portrayal of mobsters as characters with real psychological depth made it stunningly original in the genre of crime films. It’s penultimate scene – the christening – has gone down in legend and was notably pastiched in George Lucas’ Star Wars III, when Anakin joins the Sith and the Jedi are assassinated. Several quotes have also gone down in legend, such as the Don’s: “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse”, which was voted one of the most memorable quotes in the history of cinema. Many of the films scenes have been parodied in other films – not even films of the genre – and across TV, such as in the Simpsons – which is a testimony to its influence and awesomeness.