Something Rare And Beautiful Is Bringing Death Valley Back To Life

Life is something of which Death Valley is fittingly devoid.

This Californian wasteland is the hottest, driest place in North America, so it makes sense that the presence of anything verdant would cause a stir. The rangers who spend each day roaming the many acres of Death Valley National Park are thrilled to announce that a natural phenomenon known as a "super bloom" is on the horizon.
Roughly every 10 years or so, all of the life that's lying in wait springs into action. Under the right conditions, thousands and thousands of seeds sitting on the floor of Death Valley take root and bloom into a sight without rival.

According to Ranger Alan Van, "When you get the perfect conditions -- the perfect storm, if you will -- those seeds can all sprout at once."

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This super bloom is attracting visitors from across the country who want to marvel at a scene that may not roll around again for another decade.

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If you want more information about the phenomenon that's injecting life back into the desert with a famously morbid moniker, Van has you covered.

(via The Huffington Post)

What's most impressive about this super bloom is that something so powerful managed to spring from a place of fragility. If the region had experienced one fewer storm, or had even spent one more hour shrouded in cloud cover over the past few months, this might not have happened. It further proves that nature's every move is part of a delicate balance.
To learn more about Death Valley National Park, be sure to visit its website.

With A Few Cheap Flower Pots, You Can Make The Cutest Indoor Herb Garden

There's something so delicious about locally sourced ingredients.

That's why the farm-to-table cooking craze has taken off so quickly! But you don't have to shell out hundreds of bucks at a five-star restaurant to enjoy some fresh ingredients.

Even if you don't have a backyard, you can make your own herb garden right indoors with this adorably functional vertical version! Are you ready to make your cooking dreams come true?

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He Was Filming A Normal News Segment When Disaster Struck

They say that when you have a near-death experience, your life flashes before your eyes. Based on this footage, I can name one unfortunate newscaster who just saw a jarring recap of his experiences.
KTVU field reporter Alex Savidge was doing a live report, when suddenly, a car careened onto the sidewalk and nearly killed him. The camera went flying, and the whole situation was a disaster.

Talk about a close call.

 

Everyone was physically okay, but emotionally, they were a little shaken up.

 

Those poor guys! Reporters and camera crews often put themselves in sticky situations to bring us the news, so we should all take a second to appreciate everything they do!

What This Guy Can Do With A Few Pieces Of Paper Is Seriously Magic

Origami is the art of folding paper.

 

Rolling paper, though, isn't necessarily considered an art form (especially given the social implications that it has). However, one anonymous man proved that a few rolled-up pieces of paper can result in something that's almost magical.

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Just watch -- what he can do is amazing!

 

Who knew that a piece of paper could be so...magical?

This 'Mountain Coaster' In Switzerland Looks Like Fun (And Totally Terrifying)

What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done?

I've been bungee jumping, which was pretty terrifying, but ask me to take a trip down this mountain coaster and I'd have to seriously weigh the pros and cons.
Pros: amazing experience, beautiful views, a story to tell friends (if I survive).
Cons: all of the questions -- are there any safety buckles? Is there any way to slow down? Has anyone ever died?

For now, I'll just live vicariously through this guy...

 

I don't even like roller coasters where I'm so tightly strapped in that I can't move.
Would you ride the Rodelbahn? If you're ever on Switzerland's Blüemlisalp, be sure to check it out.