Finland. 10 world’s most democratic nations

10 world’s most democratic nations
Democracy Ranking is an independent initiative, whose organization is located in Vienna, Austria. Democracy Ranking produces an annual global ranking of democracies. The list contains 104 countries. The rating announced in Vienna is formed on the basis of political, economic and gender indicators as well as level of corruption. The rating also focuses on accessibility of health care and education for citizens and foreigners. The efforts in preservation of the environment are also evaluated. In drawing up the classifications are taken into account 60 different indicators, grouped into 5 categories: elections and pluralism, civil liberties, government activities, political engagement of the population and the political culture. For the first time the index was compiled in 2006, amended in 2008, 2010 and 2011.
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MI-Zaru monkey, Kika-Zaru and Willow-Zaru and the forgotten Shi-Zaru depict the most important Buddhist principles. In particular, Hear speak see do no evil

Hear speak see do no evil
The “Three Monkeys” have become part of the global popular culture, identifiable and reproducible in different parts of the Earth. Traditionally, wise monkeys in Japan embody Buddhist principle of rejecting evil-doing. In particular, see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil”, you know.
Accordingly, MI-Zaru monkey, Kika-Zaru and Willow-Zaru “hiding” from evil, close the mouth, eyes and ears. Their images inspire artists and often appear in copies and parodies. Although they do have a friend, however, the fourth image appears quite rare. Noteworthy, the forgotten Shi-Zaru embodies the principle of “do no evil”. This monkey covers with arms its belly or perineum area. In fact, because the Japanese believe the number 4 is unlucky, they rarely mention the fourth monkey.
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Claire Alsop. Most impressive weight loss 2012

Most impressive weight loss 2012
31-year-old mother of two Claire Alsop of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England, has made the most dramatic slimming of 2012. A year and a half, ever since she joined the Club for losing weight, she managed to lose half of her weight – 70 kg of 140. Claire decided on it when doctors told her she has reached the final stage of obesity, and her heart could not withstand this weight, if she fundamentally didn’t change the way of life. Also, because of the extra weight she had health problems. For her outstanding achievements in the fight against extra weight she was titled Slimming world’s Woman of 2012. Interestingly, supporting Claire, her husband Paul has lost weight too.
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The Albanian man in the photo is actually a woman. Burrnesha men who were women

Burrnesha men who were women
In Albania is still alive the tradition – women turn into men, and there are thousands of them in Albania. Burrnesha men take men’s names, wear men’s clothes, work and act like men. So, if in a family there are no males left, a woman takes a vow of chastity and becomes the new patriarch, and a new protector of her family. They are called Burrnesha – The Sworn Virgins of Albania. Thus, Medieval laws are still alive. In fact, more than half of the population of the Northern mountainous areas of Albania do not come out of their homes. They fear vendetta, as the honor in Albania can be paid only with blood. Bloody Vendetta lasts for years, has been prepared thoroughly and involves all members of a family.
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Karpaty region of Ukraine. Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine

Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine
Used for many years, Speleotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with breathing problems. Located in Solotvyno, Ukraine, Salt Mine is one of the most unusual hospitals on Earth. In particular, under Earth – hundreds of meters below the surface. The author of these photographs Kirill Kuletski, known Russian photographer. For decades, Salt Mine tunnels have hosted patients with various bronchial blockages, asthma and breathing problems. In the Solotvyno allergological hospital patients use to suck up the curative air. According to Kuletski, the atmosphere among patients is “calm and relaxed”, despite the “appallingly unsafe conditions.”
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Opened in June 2010 Dostoevskaya Metro station in Moscow

Dostoevskaya Metro station in Moscow
The recently built Dostoevskaya station is very impressive, decorated with Florentine mosaic panels. Noteworthy, they depict works of the great Russian writer Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky. On the walls of the station one can see scenes illustrating the four novels of Dostoevsky. In particular, “Crime and Punishment”, “Idiot,” “Possessed,” and “the Brothers Karamazov”). Also, including scenes of violence. For example, murder of old woman and suicide of Svidrigajlov from “Crime and Punishment”. Or murder of Nastasya Filipovna from “Idiot”, murder and suicide of Stavrogin and Shatov from “Devils”. The author of mosaics – Russian artist Ivan Nikolaev.
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Creative photo series by Polish photo artist. Las Vegas Carpets by Chris Maluszynski

Las Vegas Carpets by Chris Maluszynski
Born in 1975 in Warsaw, Poland, Chris Maluszynski moved to Sweden at age 7. There, he studied at the University of Linkoping, Sweden, and Sorbonne, Paris. Having begun his professional career in 1995, he worked for most major Swedish newspapers. Next, Chris Maluszynski moved to New York City (2005). Now, he is one of the founding members, and the director of Moment Agency. According to Maluszynski, it took him four years to create the photo series “Carpets in Las Vegas”.
However, such kaleidoscopic carpets in Sin City’s casino corridors – not a simple American kitsch. In fact, based on the human psychology – bright colors stimulate activity, and encourage people to gamble. According to the photographer, ugly Vegas Carpets Want You to Keep Playing. “Traditionally, the carpets play a big part in keeping the town as surreal as it is,” said Maluszynski.
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