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Creative Use: Hairography

Annabelle Quinn — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 23:58:10 +0000

Female beauty brushing hair. Model Released. Henry Arden/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericaseight560961

You know those stunning images of women with long flowing locks or sleek short cuts that hang on the walls of salon studios? Well Newscom has some pictures that match them in beauty. These are images that could sell shampoo, a hair brush, a good pony tail holder … or really any hair care product. Because each picture leaves you with hair envy.

Few things are worse than a bad hair day, and nothing is better than a good hair day. The models in these images seem like they wake up every morning with luscious-looking locks and it’s exactly why they could sell what people want: amazing hair. So be sure to check out these images and more we have back at Newscom of fabulous hair.

And before you get too jealous, just remember that these are models who had their hair professionally done. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.

Hawaii, Kauai, Kealia Beach, Attractive Young Woman On The Beach. Design Pics / Kicka Witte/Kicka Witte/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: deppacific001190

Studio portrait of young woman. Yuri Arcurs Tetra Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: tiphotos073142

Hawaii, Kauai, Headshot Of Attractive Young Woman. Design Pics / Kicka Witte/Kicka Witte/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: deppacific002288

Close up of womans face. Brigitte Sporrer Cultura/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: cuphotos090648

Beautiful Japanese girl smile over gray. Ingram Publishing/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ipurestockx198266

Hawaii, Kauai, Kealia Beach, Attractive Young Woman On The Beach. Design Pics / Kicka Witte/Kicka Witte/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: deppacific001192

Young woman with long hair. Zero Creatives Cultura/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: cuphotos087100

Pictures Of The Week: Lighthouses

Colin S Liddle — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:46:39 +0000

Cape Agulhas – the southernmost tip of Africa. Neil Austen Africapictures.net/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: afrphotos009675

There are certain images of which a person never really tires of seeing. Some may be ubiquitous in photography but are no less welcome due to their striking nature. Lighthouses are so often shot by photographers, and for good reason. The aesthetic appeal is undeniable and lighthouses represent a universally primal concept– a guiding light.

The first recorded lighthouse was built in 300 BC in Egypt, called the Lighthouse (or Pharox) of Alexandria. Regarded as one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, the Alexandria Lighthouse was badly damaged by several earthquakes between 956 and 1323. The lights were originally lit by open fires and later candles. Then, in 1781, the Argand hollow wick lamp and parabolic reflector were developed in Europe. They were deployed on Corduoan Lighthouse in France in 1782. In 1790, a rotating element was added. The technology continued to grow from there and in the 20^th century, electricity and carbide began replacing kerosene. The Dalén light, a carbide burning light with a solar sensor, automatically lit the light at night and extinguished it at dawn.

It’s no wonder why they show up in so many photographs, such as the ones in this blog post. Here at Newscom, we love exposing you to the most astonishing pictures out there. This is why we team up with partners like Africa Media Online, from whom all of these awesome lighthouse pictures you’re seeing have been provided. The South Africa-based company’s proclaimed emphasis is to enable Africans to tell their story in the global arena. Their top categories include agriculture, commerce and industry, daily life, education, history, indigenous people groups, scenery, social documentary, tourism, and wildlife.

Check out their website as well as the rest of the pictures of lighthouses in our lightbox. (Lighthouse lightbox. Try saying that five times fast.)

St Blaise lighthouse. Mossel Bay. Western Cape. South Africa. Roger de la Harpe / Africa Image/Newscom. License this from Newscsom.com: afrphotos011947

Cape St Francis Lighthouse also called Seal Point Lighthouse lies about 90 km west of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Province of South Africa. Roger de la Harpe / Africa Image/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: afrphotos014842

Lighthouse on Robben Island. Cape Town. Western Cape. South Africa. Roger de la Harpe / Africa Image/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: afrphotos011948

The Cape Recife Lighthouse Near Port Elizabeth. Ilonde van Hoolwerff Africapictures.net/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: afrphotos004926

Light House, Kalk Bay, False Bay, Cape Peninsula, South Africa. Ariadne Van Zandbergen / Africa/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: afrphotos011883

Donkin Reserve Lighthouse. Port Elizabeth. Eastern Cape. South Africa. Roger de la Harpe / Africa Image/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: afrphotos011953

Sunrise at Cape Recife lighthouse, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Ilonde van Hoolwerff / Art Publi/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: afrphotos011879

THE MODERN LIGHTHOUSE AT CAPE POINT WAS BUILD CLOSE TO THE OCEAN SO AS TO BE VISIBLE BENEATH THE MISTS THAT SHROUD THE UPPER CLIFFS. Neil Austen Africapictures.net/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: afrphotos009687

The Cape Agullas lighthouse at work on a cloudy night, South Africa. Koos van der Lende / Africa Medi/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: afrphotos011876

Thousands Protest in Brazil

Ty Cobb — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:17:40 +0000

A demonstrator with the Brazilian flag protests against the Confederation’s Cup and the government of Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff in Brasilia June 17, 2013. Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of Brazil’s biggest cities on Monday in a growing protest that is tapping into widespread anger at poor public services, police violence and government corruption. Protesters are using the Confederation’s Cup as a counterpoint to amplify their concerns. UESLEI MARCELINO/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrglsoccerphotos274165

As Brazil takes another step onto the world stage by hosting soccer’s Confederations Cup, a prelude to the 2014 World Cup, protests have erupted across Brazil on a number of issues facing the emerging country. The protesters first took to the streets of Sao Paulo over a bus fare increase and now they have grown to include citizens concerned about the cost of living, education, health care, the cost of the World Cup, and the police crackdown on protesters.

Bus fares were raised from 3 reals ($1.40) to 3.20 which have caused demonstration form the Free Fare Movement which has called for an end to all bus fares since 2005. After the rate increase was announced, the Free Fare Movement has gained support. Marches have taken place almost daily for a week slowing traffic during rush hour upsetting drivers and as the week continued the protests got bigger and had more violence.

Free Pass Movement demonstrators protested in Viaduto do Cha, near Sao Paulo City Hall, against the bus fare increase, on June 6, 2013. Fotoarena/Sipa USA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: sipaphotosfour128314

Students protest against the rising in the ticket prices of public transport, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, 11 June 2013. Sebastiao Moreira/EPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: epaphotos894906

The protest grew in numbers and cities over the weekend with the start of the Confederations Cup on Saturday when Brazil took on Japan in Brasília. The growth in protesters was fueled by people who were protesting more than just the bus fares. Brazilians come out to protest a number of issues including the amount of money the government spent building six new stadiums and upgrading six more for the 2014 World Cup. Protesters wanted the stadium money to be used to improve the country’s healthcare or education systems.

People gather near Brasilia’s Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha to protest against the allocation of funds towards the Confederations Cup and next year’s World Cup at a time when Brazil is in dire need of investment in other areas, they argue on June 15, 2013, prior opening Confederation match between Brazil and Japan. BETO BARATA/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive163678

Demonstrators protest against the rise in public transport fares on Rio Blanco Avenue, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 17, 2013. AGENCIA ESTADO/Xinhua/Photoshot/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ptsphotoshottwo193890

Brazil has little time to try and solve their issues before the world arrives on June 12, 2014 for the World Cup because, if not, the protesters will become amplified on the world stage. The government insists they will be ready for the World Cup and again two years later for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

For more photos of the Brazil protests check out Newscom.

A demonstrator wearing a Guy Fawkes mask sits next to a vandalized sign with an image depicting Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff during a protest against the Confederation’s Cup and the government of Rousseff outside the national congress in Brasilia June 17, 2013. UESLEI MARCELINO/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive931887

Firefighters extinguish a fire set by people who also blocked access to Brasilia’s Mane Garrincha, one of the six host stadiums for the upcoming Confederations Cup, to protest, in part, against the government’s policy of the expenditure for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, on June 14, 2013. A police spokesman said the protest was organized by the Homeless Workers Movement (MTST) which is campaigning to reduce Brazil’s housing shortage by staging squatters’ occupations in abandoned government buildings. Brazil faces Japan Saturday at Mane Garrincha in the opening game of the two-week Confederations Cup, a dry run for next year’s World Cup. YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive161653

Protesters against The high Costs the 2014 World Cup before the start of the Confederations Cup at Estadio Nacional de Brasilia. imago sportfotodienst/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: imagosports875965

A demonstrator holds a Brazilian national flag during a protest turned violent, in downtown Rio de Janeiro on June 17, 2013, after a march against higher public transportation fares and the use of public funds to finance international football tournaments. Protesters in several major cities are up in arms over hikes in mass transit prices — from $1.5 to $1.6 — as well as over the $15 billion earmarked for the two sports events amid calls for more health and education funding. CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive169470

Policemen arrest students during a protest at the National Congress, on June 17, 2013 in Brasilia. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of major Brazilian cities protesting the billions of dollars spent on the Confederations Cup –and preparations for the upcoming World Cup– and against the hike in mass transit fares. EVARISTO SA/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive169746

Military policemen try to disperse students protesting against the rising in the ticket prices of public transport in Sao Paulo, Brazil, 13 June 2013. SEBASTIAO MOREIRA/EPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: epaphotos897700

A municipal worker sweeps the streets by two cars burnt down by demonstrators on the eve in downtown Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 18, 2013. Rio police fired tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes with protesting youths early Tuesday, after tens of thousands rallied in major Brazilian cities against the huge costs of hosting the 2014 World Cup. NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive170683

Editors’ Picks: Boston Bruins, Black Forest Fire, & Oxfam’s G8 Parody

Jessica A. Pechmann — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:47:46 +0000

NHL linesman Shane Heyer (55) gets an earful from Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (R) as he breaks up a third period scuffle with Chicago Blackhawks left wing Bryan Bickell (not pictured) in Game 3 of their NHL Stanley Cup Finals hockey series in Boston, Massachusetts, June 17, 2013. WINSLOW TOWNSON/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive931950

Ah hockey…swift skating, lightning-fast pucks, body-slamming, and bloody noses, right? It was surely intense, as the Boston Bruins moved in Monday night to claim Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals. As you can see by Zdeno Chara‘s face here, the Chicago Blackhawks are in for a ride as the Bruins fight to take the next two of four games. See more Stanley Cup action, and great hockey faces, back at Newscom!

Newscom gets between 30-60,000 images a day from our partners around the world, and it’s easy to miss some truly amazing images if you aren’t specifically looking for them. So each week, we’ll go through our collections and present to you our favorites. Our job is to pick whatever catches our eye. Your job is to simply enjoy them. Check out the entire lightbox of this week’s best pictures back at Newscom, and read on to see other stories from this past week.

After a week of devastation and loss, the Black Forest Fire in Colorado has been about 75% contained, allowing some residents to return to their homes and asses the damage. Sadly, investigators are looking into the cause and origin of the fire, which allegedly seems to have not been started naturally.

An aerial view of a destroyed house and vehicles in the aftermath of the Black Forest Fire in Black Forest, Colorado June 13, 2013. Hundreds of firefighters made a determined stand on Thursday to stop the wildfire that has already destroyed some 360 homes from roaring into the outskirts of Colorado Springs after it billowed overnight into the most destructive blaze in state history. RICK WILKING/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive926515

Protesting the G8 Summit in Ireland this week, Oxfam activists rolled out their big head avatars of the world’s most powerful leaders, calling on the need to fix global poverty as well as the conflict in Syria. I’m especially liking Vladimir Putin‘s thug pose here…

Protesters from anti-hunger charity Oxfam wearing masks depicting the leaders of the G8 countries pose on a golf course in Enniskillen in Northern Ireland on June 18, 2013 near the venue of the G8 summit at the golfing resort of Lough Erne. World leaders were close to striking a deal on pushing for peace in Syria at the G8 summit on Tuesday as they also tried to reach agreement on cracking down on tax evasion. PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive170361

Well if you haven’t heard by now, Utah’s Marissa Powell seemed to steal the show during the interview portion of the Miss USA Pageant last Sunday night in Las Vegas. Despite her flub over a question about equal pay for women in the workforce, Powell won 3rd runner up to Miss USA winner Erin Brady, from Connecticut. Giuliana Rancic seems thrilled!

Show co-host Giuliana Rancic (L), co-anchor of “E! News,” holds the microphone for Miss Utah Marissa Powell as she competes in the question portion during the Miss USA pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada June 16, 2013. STEVE MARCUS/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive930780

Miss Connecticut USA Erin Brady onstage after winning the 2013 Miss USA pageant at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on June 16, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tom Donoghue/Polaris/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: polphotos183969

Beating out big name golfers like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson (who was celebrating his 43rd birthday), Justin Rose sealed the deal and won the 113th US Open on Sunday, even with five bogeys! Rose is now the first Englishman to win the US Open in 43 years.

US Open Championship – Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, United States of America – 16/6/13..England’s Justin Rose celebrates winning the US Open Championship with the trophy. Andrew Couldridge/ZUMA Press/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericasnine148410

Scroll down for many more great photos from this week and be sure to check back next week, for more of your favorite Editors’ Picks!

A photo made available on 14 June 2013 shows a Diamond Eye ‘Khao Manee’ cat looking on at the Siamese Cat House in Amphawa district of Samut Songkram province, Thailand, 10 June 2013. The Khao Manee (White Jewel) is a cat with a white body often having different color eyes with one yellow and one blue eye. The Khao Manee was the favorite cat of Siamese royalty under Thai King Rama V who ruled from 1868 to 1910. Nowadays, Thais believe the cat will bring good luck and longevity to its owners. The Siamese Cat House was set up to conserve the five surviving native breeds of cats that originated in Thailand which was formerly known as Siam. RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: epaphotos897617

US singer Alicia Keys performs on stage during her concert at the Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria, 13 June 2013. GEORG HOCHMUTH/EPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: epaphotos897542

A sand storm envelops camels in the desert region of al-Hasa, some 370 km east of the Saudi capital Riyadh, on June 16, 2013. FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive167601

An Indian man looks at damage to a road during heavy monsoon rains near Govindghat town in the Indian state of Uttrakhand on June 17, 2013. Heavy rains lashed parts of north India Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people, as the annual monsoon covered the country nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, officials said. More than a dozen people lost their lives due to record downpours in Uttarakhand state, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, a local official said. STRDEL/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive167599

A man walks along a damaged street filled with debris in Deir al-Zor June 17, 2013. STRINGER/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive932130

A construction worker looks at Pudong financial district as he wait to cross an avenue in Shanghai May 30, 2013. The International Monetary Fund cut its growth forecast for China this year to 7.75 percent from 8 percent, citing a weak world economy and exports, adding to concerns that the world’s second-largest economy is losing momentum. CARLOS BARRIA/Reuters/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrukonbusiness082111

Members of the British royal family (L-R) Britain’s Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Lady Louise Windsor, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, James, Viscount Severn, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales watch the fly-past on the balcony at Buckingham Palace following the Queen’s Birthday parade, ‘Trooping the Colour,’ in central London on June 15, 2013. The ceremony of Trooping the Colour is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. In 1748, it was decided that the parade would be used to mark the official birthday of the Sovereign. More than 600 guardsmen and cavalry make up the parade, a celebration of the Sovereign’s official birthday, although the Queen’s actual birthday is on 21 April. CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive164876

The sun rises behind a field of wild flowers near Trauchgau, Germany, 18 June 2013. Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa/picture-alliance/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: dpaphotos931831

Don’t miss other great posts from FocalPoint:

Editors’ Picks: Beautiful Taiwan, Tony Awards, & Iconic Pictures of the Kennedy’s

Editors’ Picks: Manhattanhenge, European Flooding & Queen Elizabeth II

Editors’ Picks: Ukraine’s Pride Parade, Memorial Day & Spurs to NBA Finals

Editors’ Picks: Rising Heat, JetBlue Plane Pull & Natural Disasters

Just for Smiles: The “Before Sunrise” Film Series

Colin S Liddle — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:36:00 +0000

Before Midnight is an upcoming American romance drama film and the sequel to Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2004). Like its predecessors, the film was directed by Richard Linklater. As with the previous film, Linklater shares screenplay credit with both actors from the movies, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. Sony Pictures Classics/Unimedia Images/Sony Pictures Classics/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: uniphotos082739

Boy meets girl in some adorably unrealistic “meet-cute” situation. Boy and girl fall in love. Boy loses girl. Boy wins girl back in some adorably unrealistic romantic gesture. Roll credits. We’ve all seen it again and again in the multiplex. Hollywood pumps out seven to ten of these things per year and each one makes them a decent amount of money. They bring a good dose of escapism for those seeking it, but for others, they leave a lot to be desired.

There are movie-goers out there genuinely intrigued by a cinematic exploration of romanticism and relationships, but without the superfluousness or recycled formulas. On the other hand, many independent films often seem to explore only the dark, cynical side of relationships, such as the strongly written, but horribly depressing Blue Valentine. Real relationships have their moments of euphoria and devastation, but are grounded in the existence of every day life, and there are filmmakers out there who see the beauty in that.

In 1995, a little indie film resonated deeply with the esoteric audience it reached. It was called “Before Sunrise,” directed by Richard Linklater, and depicted two twenty-somethings, Jesse and Celine, played, respectively, by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, meeting each other on a train in Vienna. In a moment of spontaneity, he asks her to get off the train with him and they spend the next twelve hours walking around Vienna together, getting to know each other and falling in love. When sunrise comes, they make a plan to meet each other in six months at the exact spot and the film ends.

It certainly wasn’t the first (or last) independent film to end on a note of ambiguity, leaving everyone to speculate on what would happen next. Typically, sequels are reserved for summer or Holiday blockbusters, so when “Before Sunset” came out in 2004, it was met with surprise. The followup, written by Linklater, along with costars Delpy and Hawke, pairs the two together again in France when Celine goes to a book signing of Jesse’s and provides further, albeit more intense, ruminations on the subject of love within the constraints of reality. “Sunset” ends on a groan-inducing cliffhanger, leaving everyone with more speculation about whether another would be made. When it was announced that a third “Before” movie had been completed at the end of 2012, it was a cause for celebration for fans of the series.

“Before Midnight,” now in a wide release, catches up with Jesse and Celine after another nine years. The third film brings back the philosophical ponderings and walk-and-talks, but the third act enters new territory for the series by exploring fighting, resentment, anger, pain and disappointment. The realistic hopefulness that made this series so memorable is more elusive in “Midnight’s” third act, but it never feels out of reach. That such an honest depiction of love and romance exists in the form of three films is a treasure and I highly recommend checking them out if you’re getting tired of the standard Hollywood date movie fare.

Check out the pictures we have in this post from all three movies as well as of the trio who made the “Before” series possible – then head back to Newscom to see more pictures related to the “Before” series.

BEFORE SUNRISE. Film Director: RICHARD LINKLATER. Year: 1995. Stars: ETHAN HAWKE; JULIE DELPY.. RELEASED: 1995. CASTLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT / Album/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: apaphotos476784

BEFORE SUNSET. Film Director: RICHARD LINKLATER. Year: 2004. Stars: ETHAN HAWKE; JULIE DELPY.. RELEASED: 2004. CASTLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT / Album/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: apaphotos503711

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, appearing for the third time on screen together, in 2013′s Before Midnight. Sony Pictures Classics/Unimedia Images/Sony Pictures Classics/Newscom. License this from News.com: uniphotos082749

Director Richard Linklater with the actors Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy attend the premiere of ”Before Midnight” in Palas theater in Athens. Aristidis Vafeiadakis/ZUMA Press/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: zumaglobal088565

Richard Linklater – May 15, 2013 – Special Screening of Sony Pictures Classics, BEFORE MIDNIGHT held at The Crosby Street Hotel, New York. Patrick McMullan Co./McMullan/Sipa USA/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: sipaphotosfour089283

Don’t miss these other great posts from FocalPoints:
Editors Picks: Hadfield’s Space Oddity, Bruins Comeback & Cannes Film Festival
2013 Summer Movies Preview
Father’s Day 2013: Acting Fathers and Sons
World Leader Profile: Francois Hollande of France

Guest Blog: Locals, Biologists Face Off Over Philippine Whale Shark Feeding

Guest Blogger — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:06:21 +0000

Fisherman Roy Lagahid, 16, pushes away a juvenile whale shark looking for food as he sits on a paddleboat off the beach of Tan-awan, Oslob, in the southern Philippines island of Cebu February 28, 2013. Tan-awan, in the southern Philippines island of Cebu, used to be a sleepy village that never saw tourists unless they were lost or in transit. Yet now they flock there by the hundreds – to swim with whale sharks, the world’s largest fish. Whale sharks are lured to the Tan-awan coastline of the Oslob district by fishermen who hand feed them small shrimp, drawing divers and snorkelers to see the highly sought-after animals, known as gentle giants of the sea. But the practice has sparked fierce debate on the internet and among biologists, who decry it as unnatural. DAVID LOH/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive785804

By David Loh

Tan-awan, Philippines (Reuters) – Tan-awan, in the southern Philippines island of Cebu, used to be a sleepy village that never saw tourists unless they were lost or in transit. Yet now they flock there by the hundreds – to swim with whale sharks, the world’s largest fish.

Whale sharks are lured to the Tan-awan coastline of the Oslob district by fishermen who hand feed them small shrimp, drawing divers and snorkelers to see the highly sought-after animals, known as gentle giants of the sea.

But the practice has sparked fierce debate on the internet and among biologists, who decry it as unnatural.

“Some people are asking that we stop feeding, but if we stop feeding, what is our livelihood?” said Ramonito Lagahid, vice chairman of the Tan-awan Oslob Sea Warden and Fishermen Association (TOSWFA). “We have to go back to fishing.”

Though whale sharks as large as 12.7 meters (42 feet) and a weight of more than 21.5 tons (47,400 lbs) have been confirmed, they feed mainly on algae, plankton and krill. Contrary to their name, the animals are docile and pose no risk to humans.

Much of their life cycle remains unknown to science, including total population numbers. Some are killed in areas where they tend to congregate, and the species as a whole is considered “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

But Lagahid says there have always been whale sharks in Tan-awan. He remembers seeing them even when he was young.

“They are always around when we go out at night to collect ‘uyap,’ he said, referring to a kind of small shrimp that the whale sharks are fed. “Many times we have to stop fishing because the whale sharks are around.”

Word about the whale sharks got out globally about two years ago via Internet postings from witnesses, and tourists began flocking to the village both from the Philippines and around the world. Most days see several hundred, but 2012 numbers peaked with 1,642 on Good Friday in 2012.

The whale shark “interaction area” is the size of a soccer field, some 80 meters (262 feet) off the beach, and feeding takes place from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eight to 10 whale sharks show up on average, but some mornings see as many as 20.

A whale shark approaches a feeder boat off the beach of Tan-awan, Oslob, in the southern Philippines island of Cebu March 1, 2013. DAVID LOH/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive785809

Fees for foreign tourists range from 500 pesos ($12.29) to just watch the whale sharks, to 1,500 pesos – plus normal scuba diving charges – to dive with them. The money is pooled and each villager who works that day, as a guide or boat driver, receives 1,000 to 1,500 pesos – a good fee for the rural Philippines.

The results are clear. Many new brick houses line the short stretch of road leading to the feeding beach.

“It is easier working in the whale shark area, ….can earn a lot of money”, said Aikie Lagahid, 23, Ramoncito’s nephew and a fisherman who now works as a whale shark spotter and boatman. “In the morning we take the guests out, and in the afternoon, we play basketball.”

Tourists are delighted as well.

“It (the whale shark) is really big, so it was really an experience,” said Cecilia Buguis, a Philippine tourist. “I would definitely tell my friends about it.

LONG-TERM PROBLEMS?

But not everybody is thrilled. Biologists, in particular, are afraid that the feeding will create long-term problems.

It is very rare, according to Italy-based environmental group Physalus, to have so many whale sharks in such a small area so regularly. Feeding from a boat close to humans is also extremely unnatural.

“It looks like being in a zoo, a circus, looking at the animal walking up and down being fed. This is not a natural behavior that you see,” said Alessandro Ponzo, the president of Physalus.

“The experience that you have … is not the same as when you see them in the wild, in their natural environment. What you learn here is that wild life is (fine) to be exploited as a tourism attraction.”

A scuba diver swims next to a whale shark as it is fed from a feeder boat off the beach of Tan-awan, Oslob, in the southern Philippines island of Cebu March 1, 2013. DAVID LOH/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive785819

Biologists fear that the situation could lead the whale sharks to develop abnormal social behaviors, such as increased aggression or competition between the animals. The close contact could also lead to the spread of disease and parasites.

A Facebook page, “Stop Whale Shark Feeding in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines,” says the feeding is an “exploitation of both the fish and the people.” It has 881 likes.

Animal rights groups say they understand the importance of tourism as a source of livelihood, but emphasize that it has to be done in a sustainable way in order to become a long-term possibility.

Physalus is evaluating the effects of tourism and feeding on the behavior of whale sharks and hopes their research will help the local government manage whale shark tourism and minimize the environmental impact.

“You should stop the detrimental effect to the shark, but you should also improve the livelihood of the community as well,” said biologist Samantha Craven, the group’s project coordinator in Oslob. “Real eco-tourism is something entirely achievable.” ($1 = 40.6800 Philippine pesos)

For more photos of Whale Shark Feeding from David Loh check out Newscom.

A juvenile whale shark eats “uyap”, small shrimps, fed to it by a fisherman on a paddleboat off the beach of Tan-awan, in Oslob, in the southern Philippines island of Cebu February 28, 2013. DAVID LOH/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive785811

Packets of “uyap”, small shrimp, which are used by fishermen to feed whale sharks, are loaded onto a feeder boat on the beach in Tan-awan, Oslob, in the southern Philippines island of Cebu, February 28, 2013. DAVID LOH/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive785797

Snorkelers swim next to a juvenile whale shark as it approaches a feeder on a paddleboat off the beach of Tan-awan, Oslob, in the southern Philippines island of Cebu February 28, 2013. DAVID LOH/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive785815

Fishermen gather to share daily earnings from the whale shark watching in Tan-awan, Oslob, in the southern Philippines island of Cebu, March 1, 2013. DAVID LOH/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive785794

Fisherman Jersen Soriano pushes his paddleboat at dusk to search for and feed whale sharks off the beach of Tan-awan, Oslob, in the southern Philippines island of Cebu March 1, 2013. DAVID LOH/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive785816

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Father’s Day 2013: Acting Fathers and Sons

Colin S Liddle — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 14:19:08 +0000

Kirk Douglas and his two sons, one of whom is a young Michael.
WARNER BROTHERS / Album/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: apaphotos471278

Bonding between fathers and their children can take many different forms. Some fathers play catch with their sons, other fathers read to their daughters, or, of course, they may appear in movies together. In honor of Father’s Day, here’s a look at some notable acting fathers and their similarly talented offspring.

Jeff Bridges is famous for his performances in True Grit, Tron, Crazy Heart and the comedy with a rabid cult following, The Big Lebowski. His first acting performance, however, was in 1958 as a child in TV’s Sea Hunt with his father, Lloyd Bridges and brother, Beau Bridges. When Jeff entered his teens, he fell into drug use before his parents intervened and shortly thereafter, began an acting career he could call his own.

When it comes to escaping your father’s shadow, it doesn’t get much more daunting than being the son of Tom Hanks, aka Forrest Gump, aka Woody, aka the guy from Big (does anybody actually remember his name in that movie?). Though he’s not a leading man, Colin Hanks has done a pretty good job at forming his own identity apart from his mega star dad. Though he and Tom appeared together in The Great Buck Howard, Colin has actually shared the screen more often with Jack Black (King Kong, Orange County). Colin Hanks can be seen in the upcoming Parkland, depicting the events that occurred in the Parkland Memorial Hospital following the assassination of President Kennedy. Tom Hanks can be seen wherever movies are shown and childhood memories recalled.

When Michael Douglas set his heart on an acting career, his father, the legendary Kirk Douglas, strongly opposed his pursuits. He believed there were too few ups in the sea of downs of the industry. Despite his father’s concerns, he was relentless. Though casting agents were eager to place him in “Kirk Douglas” roles (macho, heroic parts), Michael accepted quieter, more sensitive roles.

Michael’s breakthrough role was on the 1972 TV series, “The Streets of San Francisco,” but he didn’t become a household name of his own accord until the ’80s when he appeared in “Romancing the Stone” and as the wonderfully sinister Gordon Gekko in “Wall Street.” Though Michael proved to be talented, Kirk wasn’t averse to some healthy nepotism. When fired in the stage production of “Summer Tree,” Michael was given the role once again after his father bought the rights and gave it to him. Sometimes, you just gotta look out for your kid. That’s what all good fathers do, right?

Newscom has you covered when it comes to great pictures of both fathers and sons in the acting world. Check out this awesome lightbox of the actors mentioned above and more. Happy Father’s Day!

KIRK DOUGLAS, MICHAEL DOUGLAS at the Children of Chernobyl hosts Gala Dinner at Chelsea Piers. John Barrett/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: zumaglobalthree025401

Tom Hanks, Colin Hanks – 10 March 2009 – New York, NY – THE CINEMA SOCIETY & BROOKS BROTHERS host a screening of “THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD” held at Tribeca Grand Hotel, NYC. MCMULLAN CO/SIPA/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: sipaphotostwo318414

TITLE: BLOWN AWAY. RELEASED: 1994. PEOPLE: JEFF BRIDGES, LLOYD BRIDGES;. DIRECTOR: STEPHEN HOPKINS. METRO GOLDWYN / Album/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: apaphotos112278

Charlie Sheen and Martin Sheen Best in Drag AIDS Benefit at the Orpheum Theatre Los Angeles, California. AS3 WENN Photos/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: wennphotos710756

Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith arrive for the premiere of After Earth at Gorky Park in Moscow, Russia. infrumo-01/INFphoto.com/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: infphotos778558

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Around the World: Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Annabelle Quinn — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 14:49:30 +0000

Indian Ocean, Indonesia, Raja Ampat, Misool Island. Split view above and below water of island and reef. Jones & Shimlock / Jaynes Gallery / DanitaDelimont.com “Danita Delimont Photography”/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ddpphotos046062

This time of year, as the weather heats up to unbearable temperatures, rivers, lakes, and oceans seem more wonderful and inviting than they during any other time of year. People just ache to cool down. And in one part of the world, you can do that and be entertained by the colors and beauty that lie beneath the surface of the water. In Raja Ampat the scenery in and out of the water is magnificent.

Raja Ampat, which literally translates to “The Four Kings” is a group of islands in Indonesia’s West Papua province. The secluded islands have become a popular destination over the past couple of years for their obvious picturesque scenery.

The waters around the islands are brimming with wildlife. About 1,430 species of reef fish call Raja Ampat home. The coral that grows there is proving to be more naturally resilient to varying temperatures that come with global climate change. And larvae from the reefs have been known to carry in strong currents to other reefs, making the area the heart of the supply chain of species. The conservation has become of the utmost importance.

You may not be able to get to Raja Ampat, but we can take you there (sort of) with these beautiful pictures. So be sure to check out these images and more we have back at Newscom of Raja Ampat.

In this photograph taken on October 21, 2011 rock formations are seen in Kabui Bay in Raja Ampat located in eastern Indonesia’s Papua region. Called the last paradise on earth, Raja Ampat acrhipelago was nominated as World Heritage Site of UNESCO with its largely pristine environment considered as one of the most important marine biodiversity in the world. ROMEO GACAD/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefour121869

Soft and hard corals, Raja Ampat , Indonesia. Rodger Klein / VWPics/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: dbcpress011066

Indian Ocean, Indonesia, Raja Ampat, Misool Islands. Split photo of man in boat next to mangrove trees with coral below. Jones & Shimlock / Jaynes Gallery / DanitaDelimont.com “Danita Delimont Photography”/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ddpphotos046049

INDONESIA-TOURISM-PAPUA, FEATURE BY LOIC VENNIN In this photograph taken on October 21, 2011 cottages are built over the water at Kri Island private resort in Raja Ampat located in eastern Indonesia’s Papua region. Called the last paradise on earth, Raja Ampat acrhipelago was nominated as World Heritage Site of UNESCO with its largely pristine environment considered as one of the most important marine biodiversity in the world. ROMEO GACAD/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefour155968

Batfish reflections in shallow water, North Raja Ampat, Indonesia. RODGER KLEIN/Rodger Klein-VWPICS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: dbcstock074968

Local Village Kids, North Raja Ampat Indonesia. Rodger Klein / VWPics/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: dbcstock075591

Indian Ocean, Indonesia, Raja Ampat, Misool Islands. Coral grows on roots of mangrove trees in clear water. Jones & Shimlock / Jaynes Gallery / DanitaDelimont.com “Danita Delimont Photography”/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ddpphotos046052

In this photograph taken on October 22, 2011 a tourist snorkles over coral reef in Raja Ampat’s Mansuar Island located in eastern Indonesia’s Papua region. Called the last paradise on earth, Raja Ampat acrhipelago was nominated as World Heritage Site of UNESCO with its largely pristine environment considered as one of the most important marine biodiversity in the world. ROMEO GACAD/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefour121867

In this photograph taken on October 21, 2011 Papuan tribesmen and women in traditional costume perform aboard a ceremonial boat on the coast of Waisai village during the four-day Raja Ampat Island festival located in eastern Indonesia’s Papua region. Called the last paradise on earth, Raja Ampat acrhipelago was nominated as World Heritage Site of UNESCO with its largely pristine environment considered as one of the most important marine biodiversity in the world. ROMEO GACAD/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefour121879

Liveaboard Sunset, North Raja Ampat Indonesia. Rodger Klein / VWPics/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: dbcstock075581

View of Waiego Islands, North Raja Ampat Indonesia. Rodger Klein / VWPics/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: dbcstock075593

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Pictures of the Week: 3D Latte Art

Jessica A. Pechmann — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:35:15 +0000

3D COFFEE LATTE ART Japanese artist Kazuki Yamamoto takes Barista art to another level, producing fantastic frothy 3D sculptures through the medium of coffee . Where: Osaka, Japan When: 21 May 2013 Credit: Supplied by WENN.com. NC1/Supplied by WENN.com/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: wennoddpix063880

Venti, one pump caramel, extra ice, soy macchiato latte? Not here, Starbucks! Introducing Kazuki Yamamoto, the 26-year-old latte foam art aficionado. Working as a barista in Osaka, Japan, Yamamoto surely must have had some “I’m bored” moments, in order to create such crazy and innovative foam concoctions. It’s the kind of stuff that makes you recall those funky, rolled-up towel animals left on your cruise ship bed every day…but better because these are edible.

I’m pretty sure this guy could make your latte heart’s desires come true, since apparently he can do everything from Einstein and E.T., to the cute little green space aliens from Toy Story. And surely with the new Monsters U movie coming out soon, Yamamoto could probably even do an impeccable rendition of Mike Wazowski. I mean this guy has skills. His Harry Potter is definitely dead on…

Or, if you looking for something a little more “zen” to start off your morning, a cat watching two fish swimming round and round seems suiting. I wonder if you’d then have to drink two lattes though? At the same time? Yikes!

Yamamoto’s lattes sure do make every other barista look pretty boring, that’s for sure. Luckily our partners at WENN have brought us pictures of some of his most creative work, so you can share the awesomeness with your own baristas back home. Just tell them, one step at a time…one step at a time.

Scroll down for more incredible latte foam creations, then see the full WENN lightbox of Yamamoto’s work back at Newscom.

3D COFFEE LATTE ART Japanese artist Kazuki Yamamoto takes Barista art to another level, producing fantastic frothy 3D sculptures through the medium of coffee . . .cappuccinos and lattes, to be exact. The 26-year old, based in Osaka, uses: a spoon, a toothpick,customers coffee mugs at Cafe10g and his caffeine fuelled imagination to fashion foam – with just a hint of espresso for line and shade – into wonderful works.The whole process taking between three to five minutes. Yamamoto’s ambition to open up a his own cafe in Tokyo. He will have plenty of instant customers having amassed over 85,000 Twitter followers. All of whom marvel at his: Perky pandas, cool coffee cats, Disney and Peanuts cartoon characters, Iron Man, Harry Potter, Albert Einstein, John Lennon, Gangnam Style Psy and Japanese manga. Where: Osaka, Japan When: 21 May 2013 Credit: Supplied by WENN.com. NC1/Supplied by WENN.com/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: wennoddpix063909

3D COFFEE LATTE ART. NC1/Supplied by WENN.com/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: wennoddpix063888

3D COFFEE LATTE ART. NC1/Supplied by WENN.com/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: wennoddpix063907

3D COFFEE LATTE ART. NC1/Supplied by WENN.com/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: wennoddpix063912

3D COFFEE LATTE ART. NC1/Supplied by WENN.com/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: wennoddpix063896

3D COFFEE LATTE ART. NC1/Supplied by WENN.com/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: wennoddpix063882

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Syrian Civil War: Assad’s Chemical Weapons Claim

Jessica A. Pechmann — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:01:01 +0000

Demonstrators hold a Syria’s national flag as they gather under a large Syrian flag during a rally outside Syrian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on June 14, 2013. A Sunni Muslim union headed by influential cleric Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi on Friday called for a Day of Rage and Support for rebels fighting against the Syrian regime’s troops backed by a Shiite axis.The Association of Muslim Scholars urged its millions of supporters to demonstrate, stage peaceful sit-ins, make speeches and pray for the Syrian rebels on Friday, June 14. Mohd Firdaus/EyePress EPN/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: eyepress074627

Every day it seems the fighting and unrest continues to worsen. In the last few months, Syria has seen some of the fiercest fighting since the beginning of the 2 year civil conflict, killing more than 93,000 people. And that number rises each and every day.

Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and his government regime have been accused of using chemical weapons against the rebel forces, prompting the U.S. and its allies to consider arming Syrian rebels with stronger defenses such as tanks, military aircraft, and a potential no-fly zone near the Jordan border.

Tensions are rising as the Syrian government refutes the claim, and is backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his aides who seem unconvinced that Assad’s regime is behind the use of chemical weapons. But rather, Assad and his loyalists say it is the Syrian rebels who are using the chemical weapons.

Meanwhile, more than 200,000 Syrian refugees have fled to nearby Turkey seeking safety and shelter.

See more pictures of Syria below, and be sure to check back with Newscom often as the civil war continues.

Animal carcasses lie on the ground, killed by what residents said was a chemical weapon attack on Tuesday, in Khan al-Assal area near the northern city of Aleppo, March 23, 2013. The United Nations said on Thursday it would investigate Syria’s allegations that rebel forces used chemical weapons in an attack near Aleppo, but Western countries sought a probe of all claims concerning the use of such banned arms. The deaths of 26 people in that rocket attack became the focus of competing claims on Wednesday from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s supporters and opponents, who accuse each other of firing a missile laden with chemicals. GEORGE OURFALIAN/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrukonworld105220

A boy, affected in what the government said was a chemical weapons attack, is treated at a hospital in the Syrian city of Aleppo March 19, 2013. Syria’s government and rebels accused each other of firing a rocket loaded with chemical agents outside the northern city of Aleppo on Tuesday, an attack which a cabinet minister said killed 16 people and wounded 86. GEORGE OURFALIAN/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrukonnews124087

A Syrian young boy walks holding an old rifle as he helps fighters belonging to the “Martyrs of Maaret al-Numan” battalion on June 13, 2013 in the southern Syrian town of Maaret al-Numan in the Idlib province. At least 93,000 people, including over 6,500 children, have been killed in Syria’s civil war, the United Nations said on June 13, 2013, warning that the true death toll could be far higher. DANIEL LEAL OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive159891

People run for cover after what activists said was shelling by forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad in Raqqa province, eastern Syria June 10, 2013. STRINGER/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive921880

A member of a rebel group called the Martyr Al-Abbas sleeps in a safe house in Aleppo June 11, 2013. The group, which consists of five brothers and other members, operates under the Free Syrian Army, and was first established in the memory of the brothers’ sibling Abbas Sheikh Yasine, who died from fighting in a battle in Sheikh Saeed, against forces of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, according to the brothers. One of the brothers used to work in the decor industry, another in a restaurant, while the three others were in school before the war started, they added. MUZAFFAR SALMAN/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive923555

Members of the Free Syrian Army run to avoid a sniper in Deir al-Zor, June 13, 2013. STRINGER/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive926826

A Free Syrian Army fighter points his weapon near Kindi hospital, which is under the control of forces loyal to President Bashar Al-Assad, as both sides fight to take control of the hospital in Aleppo June 11, 2013. STRINGER/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive923020

Local women receive bread and food from a Syrian soldier, after the Syrian army seized total control of the city and the surrounding regions of Qusair city, Homs province in central Syria, 05 June 2013. The Syrian army, backed by Hezbollah regained control of the strategic town of Qusair following weeks of heavy fighting, state media and the opposition reported. The town, near the Lebanese border, has been the scene of fierce fighting for more than two weeks. Activists say fighters from al-Assad’s allies across the border and rebel groups from northern and eastern Syria were drawn into the battle. STR/EPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: epaphotos887619

Syrian refugees wait to get aid in Shebaa region in south Lebanon, June 11, 2013. The UN Refugee Agency said that the number of Syrian refugees fleeing to the neighboring Lebanon has surpassed 500,000. Liu Shun/ZUMA Press/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericasnine129062

June 01, 2012 – Al Qusayr, Homs, Syria: Residents of Al Qusayr gather for the funeral precession of 13 people killed in yesterday’s assault on the town by Syrian forces. Among the dead was local camera man Abdelhamid Idris Matar who died while filming a Syrian tank advancing on the City of Qusayr. The dead were laid the rest in the Martyrs Cemetery. Robert King/Polaris/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: polphotos181638

A soldier casts a shadow onto a United Nations (U.N.) car during the arrival of peacekeeping soldiers from Austria at the Vienna International airport in Schwechat June 12, 2013. Austria has begun withdrawing peacekeepers from the Golan Heights, winding down a four-decade mission due to spillover fighting from the Syrian civil war, the defence ministry said. The Austrians have patrolled the buffer zone between Israel and Syria as part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, known as UNDOF, since it was set up in 1974. HEINZ-PETER BADER/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive924826

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