Tsunami bomb, a rival for nuclear weapons, was tested by U.S., New Zealand: archived secret files

During its search for the 'ultimate weapon' to end World War II, the United States apparently teamed up with New Zealand to test a 'tsunami bomb,' which could be used to destroy the enemy's coastal cities.

Ray Waru, an author, film maker and television producer in New Zealand, uncovered the top secret files of "Project Seal" from the national archive, which told how the two countries conducted tests of this 'tsunami bomb' in the waters around Auckland and New Caledonia in the 1940s.

"If you put it in a James Bond movie it would be viewed as fantasy but it was a real thing," Waru said, according to the Telegraph. "I only came across it because they were still vetting the report, so there it was sitting on somebody's desk [in the archives]."

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A total of 3,700 bombs were detonated underwater in these tests, and ultimately showed that exploding a line of 10 bombs (totaling about two million kilograms of explosive), roughly eight kilometres from shore, could generate a 10-meter-high wave when it reached land. For comparison, the tallest wave peaks from the tsunami that devastated Japan's west coast in 2011 were recorded at just over nine meters.

“It was absolutely astonishing,” said Waru. “First that anyone would come up with the idea of developing a weapon of mass destruction based on a tsunami — and also that New Zealand seems to have successfully developed it to the degree that it might have worked.”

"Presumably if the atomic bomb had not worked as well as it did, we might have been tsunami-ing people," he added, and he is likely right about that.

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Given that most of the world's major cities are coastal, it would have been a very effective weapon (and likely a lot more environmentally-friendly than nuclear war). The down-side of developing this and going public with it is that it wouldn't be hard to duplicate. You need specialized knowledge, materials and facilities to build nuclear weapons, thus only some nations have them. The relatively simple explosives required to produce one of these 'tactical tsunamis' would be far easier to produce (even for the large quantity required), putting this weapon into far more hands.

Since I'm sure that the environmental impacts of nuclear weapons contributed (at least in part) to our planet emerging from the Cold War without nuking ourselves into oblivion, I'm quite happy that they shelved this weapon, since governments may have been far more willing to use it.

Foods for Fabulous Abs

Yogurt is magic for the tum. Nutritionist Rania Batayneh recommends yogurt, “The probiotic bacteria in most yogurts help keep your digestive system healthy, which translates into a lower incidence of gas, bloating, and constipation, which can keep your tummy looking flat." Ideally go for the plain-flavoured yogurts, that don’t contain added sugars.

 

Red bell peppers: "This beautifully colored vegetable is bursting with antioxidants (especially vitamin C and beta-carotene) to help your body fight off infections," says Margaux J. Rathbun, a certified nutritional therapy practitioner and creator of nutrition website Authentic Self Wellness. "They are also stimulating for the digestive system and have been shown to be metabolism-boosters, helping you to lose unwanted pounds. They are perfect for dieters when eaten raw or prepared in a juice concoction." 

 

Peppermint: "Peppermint works to reduce bloating and indigestion and soothe the GI tract all around," says Rachel Berman, registered dietitian and Director of Nutrition for CalorieCount.com. Try mixing up some iced peppermint tea or add a few mint leaves to your water.

 

Leafy greens: "Not only are leafy greens a great way to add volume to your meals without the calories, but they are chock full of nutrients (vitamins A, C, K, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber) and easy to incorporate into your day," says Mary Dinehart-Perry, a registered dietitian and clinical trials director for Zone Labs, Inc. She recommends swapping out iceberg for spinach in your salads, adding mustard greens or collards to your soups, or dishing up a side of sautéed kale to fill up, fight disease, and look fab in your bikini. 

 

Switch to whole grain. The body shows a decreased insulin response to whole grain as compared to refined carbohydrate like rice and white bread. So replace those meals of white rice and milk bread with whole grains like lentils, brown rice, and whole wheat bread for a trimmer waistline.

 

Stock up on cruciferous veggies like broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus, peppers, and yellow beans. They contain folate, beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, and fiber, and are rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

 

Olive Oil: Mono-unsaturated fats like those found in olive oil, work to reduce belly fat and don’t increase calorie intake.

 

Apple cider vinegar: New research indicates that 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (ideally mixed with a glass of water), consumed daily over a period of 12 weeks, works to lower body weight and reduce belly fat. This is attributed to vinegar's acetic acid, which is believed to pump out proteins that break down fat.

 

Green tea contains certain chemicals called polyphenols and catechins that boost metabolism and help burn fat. Including 2-3 cups of green tea in your diet will help reduce that waistline, as well as provide a host of other health benefits.

 

Eggs are a great source of protein and contain essential amino acids that the body needs to build everything from muscle fibres to brain chemicals. It is the perfect breakfast food, and ensures you feel less hungry during the day and reduces that urge to snack.

 

Almonds provide the body with minerals like magnesium, and regulate blood sugar levels. A stable blood sugar level is key to prevent cravings that can lead to overeating.

 

Salmon, tuna and mackerel, in addition to being a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, also improve metabolism and help burn fat faster by improving the body’s glucose-insulin response.

Temples Of Love: Khajuraho

There’s something about being around temples that are over 800 years old that make you pause—a sense of timelessness, intrigue about a lost world and humility in the face of true craft and skill. And when those temples famously portray explicit and erotic, sensual sculptures, it’s enough to make you stop entirely. Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh was the carved out, cultural capital of the Chandelas of Bundelkhand, who built these temples between 950 AD and 1150 AD. And when the dynasty began to decline, so did Khajuraho’s importance. The temples were eventually swallowed up by the surrounding jungle, until they were rediscovered in the 1800s by a British soldier. Today, the otherwise nondescript town is a popular destination with tourists from around the world flocking to its magnificent temples, now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

WHERE TO STAY
We recommend you take in some luxury much like the Chandela kings of old:

Hotel Chandela
With cottages, suites and rooms that combine modern-meets-old-fashioned décor, this Taj property features largely luxury amenities including a swimming pool, a bookshop, three restaurants, a bar and quaint curio boutiques. Romantic’s can ask the concierge to set up a moonlit meal for two on the machaan.
Hotel Chandela, District Chhatarpur, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh (+91 7686 272 355-64; www.tajhotels.com) Double from Rs 4,200

The Lalit Temple View
With extensive verdant gardens, this hotel holds the location trump card by being situated a short walk from the famed western group of temples. Traveller’s tip: while making your reservations ask for a room with a view—of the temples.
The Lalit Temple View, Opposite Circuit House, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh (+91 7686 272333; www.thelalit.com) Double from at Rs 10,000

WHERE TO EAT
Raja Café
Started by two Swiss women who settled in Khajuraho 40 years ago, Raja Café —like most of the restaurants in the town’s single market street—serves European fare, complete with homemade pasta and ‘grandmother’s apple pie’. After a long and tiring day of walking around the temples, a glass of chilled beer will hit the spot.
Raja Café, Main Road, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh (Email: rajacafe@hotmail.com)

WHAT TO SEE
Start by visiting the amazing temples, built to precision with blocks of sandstone, adorned by gorgeous sculptures. Of the 80 or so temples originally built, 25 remain, split into the eastern, southern and western groups of temples. The western group of temples located in the centre of town are the best preserved and attract plenty of tourists. Visitors can rent an audio guide for Rs 50 or hire a guide for Rs 600.

The biggest draw, of course, is the erotic friezes, though they only make up about 10 per cent of the thousands of sculptures. One of the theories is that the carvings were meant to depict everyday life, and sex scenes are just one aspect of it. This could explain why one panel depicts a couple having sex at one end and two women pounding grain at the other. Scenes of war, song and dance and mythology are also scattered all over the walls. Watch the sound-and-light show that takes place every evening in English (6.30pm) or Hindi (7.30pm) at the western group of temples. Tickets are Rs 50 for Indians nationals and Rs 200 for foreign nationals.

Make time to visit the small but quirky Adivart Tribal and Folk Art Museum, which houses a collection of tribal art and craft, such as Bhili paintings, terracotta Jhoomar sculptures, masks, statues and more.

OUTSIDE THE CITY
Make a day trip to Raneh Falls, a granite canyon, and Pandav Falls—where legend has it, the Pandavs spent time during their exile.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT
The wickedly hilarious representations of the iconic erotic poses on every possible tourist curio—from posters, playing cards and figurines to key chains with movable parts.

HOW TO GET THERE
Air India and Jet Airways have direct flights to Khajurao from New Delhi daily. 

Best Exercises For Stronger Abs

Crunches and other abdominal exercises seem to be the most reliable ways for people looking to get those six packs, or at least get rid of the extra fat that is giving the appearance of a bulge on their stomach. They are right, but that’s far from the only thing they need to do. There is a variety of exercises you must indulge in to get the abs you have always carved for:

1. Swiss Ball Exercises
Among the many benefits of the Swiss Ball exercises, strong abs is one. Once you have a Swiss ball in your workout zone, get into the push-up position. Then, instead of the ground, keep your feet on top of the ball. Now, as you have got yourself in this position, lift your hips up in the air so that your legs are travelling in the direction of your upper body. Keep your knees straight all this while. Get into the normal push-up position again, keeping your feet on the ball. The process has thus to be repeated. A consideration for this exercise includes using a ball that would suit your height.
2. The Hip Extensions Exercise
This is another beneficial exercise. Just lie on your back on the floor. Now place your feet on a chair or Swiss ball. Lift your upper body including your back so that it moves towards your legs, and your mid section is in line with the whole body. Now hold this position. Keep repeating the steps. This exercise does require a lot of endurance, which would come gradually with more and more rounds.
3. Ab Wheel

This exercise works best for the mid section. If you have never used ab wheel before, try performing the steps of ab wheel exercise using the Swiss ball. And then you can move on to the ab wheel. To use it, you need to first get down on your knees with the ab wheel in your close reach. Now you need to stretch your arms and roll until you reach the bottom of the wheel. Make sure your upper body is straight while performing this step. As you get comfortable with the exercise, you can later add weights by substituting a barbell for the ab wheel and start doing pounders.
Getting strong abs is not as hard as people make it sound, though it does require a determined application. It goes a long way in not only making you look good, but also boosting your wellness quotient.

Delhi gang-rape victim's father hoped she would live

London, Jan 9 (IANS) The father of the 23-year-old Delhi gang-rape victim, who died at a Singapore hospital late last month, has said he was optimist about his daughter getting well and surviving the brutal assault.

The girl was brutally gang-raped while returning along with a friend from a cinema by six individuals Dec 16 in a moving bus in New Delhi. She died 13 days later after suffering multi-organ failure at a Singapore hospital.

Describing her desperate battle for life and final days, the father, who mentioned how the horrific attack has awakened India to the desperate plight of women, said: "I thought she might get better and live."

The father (name withheld due to legal reasons) said even though his daughter, a trainee physiotherapist, suffered horrific injuries in the sexual assault, he knew she was "in a bad state" and still believed she might recover after being taken to hospital in Singapore, Daily Mail reported.

Speaking to ITV1's Daybreak, the father said: 'When we went to Singapore she was not conscious but she had tears in her eyes. Then I realised she was in a really bad state.

"I couldn't think what to do at that time, I was like a bird without wings, I was neither here nor there ... So when I thought she might get better, I used to get filled with some hope. When I was told that she might not get well and might have to have an operation I felt uncomfortable.

"It was difficult for me, but when she was put on ventilator it gave me some hope that she would get better. I thought she might get better and she would live."

Though his daughter could not survive, the father said she "brought an awakening" to Indian society. He said he would like to see a new law or a hospital named after his daughter.

Talking about his daughter, he said she always wanted to be a doctor. "Her main aim was that our family shouldn't have to suffer any more. She wanted to put the difficult life behind us, wipe out our poverty. She also wanted to make sure I didn't have to keep working hard late in life."