The Ancient Animal Life Until Now

All animals and plants are alive today are creatures that have survived and adapted over millions of years ago. Even now, there are many prehistoric animals that are still alive. Call it the pope or dragons example. Two of the animals are believed to live in the era of the dinosaurs ruled the earth. However, there are 10 other living beings aged older than two animals.

MARTIALIS HEUREKA ANT

Although it is one of the oldest animals on earth, but the ant was discovered by modern man in 2000 and then in the Amazon Rainforest, near Manaus, Brazil. 

The ants had horrendous researchers because there is no eye, aka blind. Types of ants without eyes and has a cream color is a new family of Martialinae. 

So strangely like no other ant, then dubbed the "Ant from Mars" or in Latin Martialis Heureka ("ant from Mars") who later became his name. 

And was amazing, even without eyes and only rely on antennae both antennae, ant derivative species can adapt and survive since over a hundred million years old.

STURGEON FISH

Sturgeon fish species is the common name of the 26 species of fish in the family Acipenseridae, including the genus Acipenser, Huso, Scaphirhynchus and Pseudoscaphirhynchus. 

Oldest families of bony fish has a living habitat in rivers, lakes and coastal sub-tropical, temperate and sub-arctic. Sturgeon can be found around North America. 

According to experts, once the possibility of this fish has a great body, but it is shrinking due to the evolution of the shape as it is now.

HORSESHOE SHRIMP

Horseshoe Shrimp are the only species on earth that did not undergo evolution or change in shape since 200 years ago. Of the fossils found and the current form, the animal's Latin name Cephalocarida also remains the same.

GINKO BILOBA

One single species of seed plants open divisio members can be found anywhere because his space is widespread throughout the world. Of fossil ever found and shape now, Ginkgo biloba plant has not changed at all. Expected, the plant life since the Permian. 

COELACANTH FISH

Coelacanth word taken from the Greek word meaning hollow thorns. Although a little, but until now the fish is still alive in Indonesia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar and South Africa. According to the explanation in Wikipedia, the coelacanth has about 120 known species based on fossils.

HORSES HOE

Believed that these animals began to emerge from the Ordovician period or period of the Paleozoic. And according to experts, horseshoe crab scorpion family much closer than family of crabs. 

In addition, the experts also conclude that Belangas is an animal that has an older age than the oldest dinosaurs. These animals can live in water and on land.

NAUTILUS

Nautilus also called living fossils or living fossils because many archaeologists who discovered the fossils in the rocks, but until now Nautilus can still be found in the Indo-Pacific waters. 

According to experts, in the age of dinosaurs, these animals have different variants, due to many factors, family tree now left only cephalopod Nautilus or squid only. 

JELLYFISH

Jellyfish are marine animals belonging to the class Scyphozoa and family belong to the Cnidaria or Coelenterata. Tufted umbrella-shaped his body, can make the skin itch when touched. So far there are about 1,800 different types of jellyfish in the world. 

Types of jellyfish is the most dangerous of the group Cubozoa. Can tentakelnya fatal sting. Jellyfish are the most deadly of these groups are Irukandji jellyfish, which are small. This jellyfish live around the coast of Australia. 

These animals are very hard to become a fossil when it died due to the thin and pliable body. However, ever found a fossil that is believed ancient jellyfish a few years ago.

SPONGE

Porifera (Latin: = pore porous, fer = carry) or porous sponge or animal is a phylum of the simplest multicellular animals. 

Just as Cyanobacteria, researchers have assumed that Sponge is one of the creatures living there since the beginning of animals on land, water and air appear. 

Sponge fossils are the oldest ever found was about 540 million years ago in a rock in Australia. Sponge also similar Jellyfish are difficult to fossilize because of his characteristics.

CYANOBACTERIA

The researchers have inferred that cyanobacteria are the first living creatures that live on earth. Cyanobacteria, also known as sianobakteri (a), blue-green bacteria, blue-green algae (Cyanophyceae), and blue algae, is a phylum (or division) bacterial photosynthetic autotrophs. 

Trace fossils have been found 3.8 billion years old. This bacterial group now is one of the largest and most important group on Earth. These creatures live on sulfur and methane gas that spread over almost all over the place in the early earth was formed. 

Although small, the cyanobacteria or blue-green algae is one of the most important groups in the chain of living beings on the earth ecosystem. Cyanobacteria can be found in the sea or ocean, fresh water, on the surface of the stone to the ground.

Advanced Origami Artworks

source : wherecoolthingshappen

Sensation Soaking in Alcoholic Beverages

VIVAlife - Do not say you are a beer lover, if you have not been to the baths. Enjoy a great glass of beer beside the pool, are common. But if soaking in literan beer in the pool, this is a new adventure that is not to be missed.

Here the visitors can book a minimum of two hours to soak. They also can choose a preferred pool. Each pool has a height of 13 feet and contains 42,000 liters of beer, as reported by The Sun.

Bathhouse named Starkenberger put a price of £ 200, or around Rp 2,900,000 for a single visit.

According to the owner, his beer bath is constantly filled with visitors. They believe the beer is good for skin health. That said, alcohol can also heal open wounds.

Although the visitors can enjoy the pleasure of soaking in her favorite beverage, they are still not recommended for drinking water in the pond. (Umi)

source : vivanews

The quarterly Real World Eating Roast

Tuban, is a village in East Java Indonesia, where its people take land called by the name "ampo" which is believed to be a drug and they believe that ampo can relieve pain. 

Rasima, ampo the seller, saying that there is no recipe for cooking the ground. He's just looking for a clean soil that is free of gravel, then crushed and compacted so that the quadrilateral. Then, by eroding with sticks and shape as rolls. Land that has been rolled and then burned and smoked for 1 hour, and then be as a snack or light meal ready to eat. Rasima usually sell it in the market, and one day he could have income of about Rp 20 thousand to support his family. 

Tuban is the only place in the world that eat soil. Indeed, there are strange people in the world who likes to eat sand, and other strange objects. But nothing is eating grilled ground. Tuban one resident said that he had eaten ampo since he was a child and ampo cool the stomach. Well, there are people who try grilling ground and takes her around the house in Bekasi, the neighbors might think she is jelamaan or shaman magic.

and this is the picture :

source : kaskus.co.id

The Most Unique Rock Carvings in The World

The Fortress of Brest (Brest, Belarusia)

The Fortress of Brest is the second largest war monument in the former Soviet Union. Located in the city of Brest Belarus. This statue is a tribute to?? Courage?? famous last German attack against the Soviet Union during the early days of World War II. Its size and shape are very impressive display of toughness.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial ( South Dakota, USA)

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a sculpture carved into becoming a granite face of Mount Rushmore near Keystone, South Dakota, USA. Sculpted by Gutzon Borglum and later by his son Lincoln Borglum, Mount Rushmore as high as 60-foot (18 m) sculptures of the heads of former U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and AbrahamLincoln. The entire memorial covers 1,278.45 acres (5.17 km2) and 5,725 feet (1,745 m) above sea level.

The Confederate Memorial Carving (USA)

Stone Mountain Park has the largest high relief sculpture in the world, the Confederate Memorial Carving.Pahatantersebut 3 heroes to honor Confederate Civil War, President Jefferson Davis and General Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. ?? Stonewall?? Jackson. The entire carved surface of 3 hectares, larger than a football field. The carving of 3 400 feet above the ground, measuring 90 to 190 feet, and 42 feet into the mountain hidden. Deepest point of the carving that was in Lee's elbow, which is 12 feet to the surface of the mountain.

The Bust of Ataturk (Buca, Turkey)

A giant statue of The Bust of Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, is being built in Buca, a suburb of the Aegean port city of Izmir, western Turkey.

The Matreiya Buddha (Gansu, China)

Located in the hills Jishi 35 kilometers (22 miles) southwest of the village Yongjing, Gansu Province. Bingling Thousand Buddha caves are cultural treasures of the Silk Road. The largest of the sculptures, The Matreiya Buddha, standing almost as tall as 100 feet (27 meters).

Petra (Yordania)

Petra is a historic and archaeological city in Jordan that has rock cut architecture. Founded around the 6th century BC as the capital city of the Nabataeans. It is a symbol of Jordan as well as a tourist attraction the most visited, chosen by the BBC as one of the?? 40 places to see before you die??. This site filmseperti been featured in Indiana Jones and Transformers. 

Leshan Giant Buddha (China)

Leshan Giant Buddha is a statue of Maitreya is in a sitting position. In December 1996, the location of the Buddha are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Started in the year 713 in the Tang Dynasty, and finished in the year 803, the statue requires working more than 90 years to complete. Built in the early hours, this is the tallest statue in the world. During these years, thousands of workers have been producing ability and hope on this project. As the largest carved stone Buddha, Leshan Giant Buddha was featured in poetry, song and story.

Church of St George (Lalibela, Ethiopia)

Church of St George carved entirely out of a single block of granite with a roof above ground level in the small town of Lalibela in Ethiopia and is one of 11 churches made of carved stone. Lalibela churches are not built, they dug. Each church is created by first carving out a wide trench on all four sides of the rock, then painstakingly chiseling out the interior. The largest church is 40 meters, and the labor involved to complete such a task simply by using a hammer and chisel.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana ( Bali, Indonesia )

located in Unggasan Bukit - Jimbaran, Bali. This statue is the work of the famous sculptor Bali, I Nyoman Nuarta. This monument was developed as a cultural park and become an icon for tourism in Bali and Indonesia.

The statue of Lord Vishnu in the form of Hindu religion is God the Preserver (Sthiti), riding a Garuda bird. Garuda figure can be seen in the story of Garuda & empire that revolves around the sense of devotion and sacrifice to save the mother bird Garuda of slavery that ultimately protected by Lord Vishnu.

This statue is projected to spatial binding with visibility up to 20 miles so it can be seen from Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua up to Tanah Lot. Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is a symbol of environmental rescue mission and the world. The statue is made of a mixture of copper and steel weighing 4,000 tons, with a height of 75 meters and width of 60 meters. When construction is completed, the sculpture will be the largest sculpture in the world and beat the Statue of Liberty.

Weapons of People Puppets

Pusaka is a term used to refer to an object that is considered sacred or sacrosanct. [1] Usually the objects here are considered sacred objects in general is a legacy passed down from generation to generation by their ancestors, such as in the palace. Inside Story Puppets Many heirloom weapon that Taak lost his magic with modern weapons today. To find out what's Heirlooms.

KUKU PANCANAKA

Nail guns Pancanaka a black thumb, long curved downward and very sharp. Told sharp razor sharp seven times. In the forest tripe Amarta, using nails Pancanaka Way to cut down large trees, and the war Baratayudha, Bima use to cut the neck Pancanaka Dushasana.
 

Not easy to get this heirloom, should Bima meheru bersemadhi in mountain caves for months, and was originally the god of the owner of the nails do not want to give it to Bima. Therefore, the Guru gave 2 Pancanaka artificial nails, so that was raging and Bima devastated Earth.

 

 KUKU PANCANAKA

 

pasopati: PASO means Exactly. Dead illegal means. So if pasopati arrow on enemy or foe in the form of monsters, or the Brother Knights, opponents are surely doomed country.

Arrow Pasopati given by god teachers, while the Arjuna do tapa at Arjunawiwaha scenario. Arjuna's arrows used to kill the monster that is Niwatacaraka king who wants to gain Supraba Goddess, besides being used to kill Karna jayadarta and Duke .

BUSUR GANDIWA

 

Arjuna received Gandiwa of Waruna upon recommendation from Agni. Waruna also gives Arjuna, two bags Arrow inexhaustible, a train made by Wiswakarma who has Hanuman flags, and mounts four white horses born in the territory Gandharwa.

Gandiwa said to bear a heavy burden (MBH 4.40), and have a long 'tãlamãtra' (MBH 5.161, 8.68). Tãlamãtra varied interpretations (palm trees, along the arm, four to six feet, etc.) Arjuna has vowed to cut off the head of anyone who asked him to give his bow.

KONTA WIJAYA

Konta jaya weapon is owned by the Duke of Karna. Konta weapon was a gift from the god Indra. Konta Jaya is very Powerful weapon but can only be used one time only. Originally used on this weapon to kill Arjuna, but naasnya this weapon used to kill GATOT forced GLASS.
 

In the Mahabharata tells Version, Ghatotkacha as a giant has incredible power, especially at night. After the death of Jayadratha in the hands of Arjuna, the battle should be stopped for a while because twilight has arrived. However Ghatotkacha block Kauravas army back to their camp.

The battle continues. The more magic night Ghatotkacha increased. Kauravas warriors dwindling in number because of the deaths on his hands. An ally of Kauravas rakshasa named Alambusa advanced nations face. Ghatotkacha beat him cruelly because Alambusa had killed his cousin, the son of Arjuna Irawan on the eighth day of the battle. Alambusa body was arrested and taken to fly high, then slammed into the ground into smithereens. 

Kaurava leader Duryodhana was horrified to see Ghatotkacha malignancy. Because he was forced to use a weapon of Lord Indra heirloom gift Indrastra named Vasavi shakti Konta alias to kill rakshasa it. Karna was originally rejected because the inheritance can only be used once and will be spent on the kill Arjuna. But since kept pressed, Karna was forced to throw his inheritance through the chest Ghatotkacha.

Realizing the end was near, still managed to Ghatotkacha thinking about how to kill the Kaurava soldiers in large numbers. Then Ghatotkacha also increases the size of his body to a maximum size and then collapsed on thousands of soldiers Kauravas. Pandavas was devastated by the death of Ghatotkacha. In the Pandava ranks only Krishna who smiled at death Ghatotkacha. He was excited because Karna had lost its flagship heritage so that lives can be said to be relatively safe Arjuna.

Jamus kalimasada

Serat Jamus Kalimasada is the name of an estate in the world owned by Prabu pewayangan Puntadewa (aka Yudistira), leader of the Pandava. This heirloom tangible book, and it is very dikeramatkan thing in Amarta Government.
Java pewayangan one story tells of the origin of the creation of heirloom Jamus Kalimasada. 

At first there was a king named Prabu Kalimantara from the attack Nusahantara government aides Kahyangan together, that Sarotama and Ardadedali. Them on a Garuda Banatara, muss Kalimantara residence of the gods. Batara Guru Kahyangan king sought help from the hermitage Resi Satrukem to quell Kalimantara Sapta Arga. By using kesaktiannya, Satrukem successfully kill all the enemies of the gods. Their bodies turn into heirlooms. Kalimantara transformed into a book called Jamus Kalimasada, Sarotama and Ardadedali become arrows, respectively, while Garuda Banatara be named Tunggulnaga umbrella. 

Satrukem then collect the fourth estate and pass it on from generation to generation, until the grandson named Resi Wyasa or Abyasa. When the fifth grandson Abyasa, that the Pandava developing new government named Amarta, inheritances is also passed on to them as an inheritance that dikeramatkan the palace. Between Government inheritances Amarta, Jamus Kalimasada occupy the main stage. Puppetry many stories that talk about the enemies attempt to steal Kalimasada Pandawa. Nevertheless the sacred inheritance can always go back and fourth Yudistira grabbed by his brother.

CAKRA BASKARA

Full Sudarsana Chakra or Chakra is a weapon Baskara Vishnu. The weapon was also owned by the titisannya, including Prabu Krishna, the king Dwarawati. As the god of weapons possession, Chakra is not only powerful, but also had a variety kegunaanyya. Most of the creatures in this world nothing is able to dodge and counteract the attacks Chakras weapons except certain figures in favor of virtue.

Chakra arms depicted in the puppet-shaped wheel with teeth that resemble spear. In the Wayang Kulit and Wayang Purwa, was prepared as a chakra weapon arrowhead (nyenyep, Bhs. Javanese), whereas in the depiction in some temple walls as well as in the comics published in West Java, Chakra depicted the disc-shaped kind of jagged edges.
In East Java, told the puppet genre, weapon Chakra Baskara Wisnusraya created in the play. At one point, King of the Kingdom Selagringging Mangliawan stormed heaven, because courtship to Dewi Sri Pujayanti rejected. Gods army overwhelmed face. Sang Hyang Vishnu Narada assigns to face King Mangliawan.

Before leaving for the battlefield Vishnu instructed her to invoke the blessing of the god Guru.

But leaders of the gods are not pleased because he was hurt on Vishnu and Goddess Sri, because they are mating, but the Guru also interested to marry Dewi Sri. Guru even throw spit phlegm that tarnish cloth worn Dewi Sri.

Dewi Sri then reported the incident to her husband everything. By Vishnu Guru phlegm stuck in the fabric adored his wife became a powerful weapon round, with eight runcingan around the sides. The weapon was called Chakras Baskara or Riak Kumala.

According to this version, the story begins Chakra weapons of Guru intention to exercise romance with Dewi Sri Widawati. Refused and begged the goddess Vishnu protection. When god Vishnu Guru about to realize that his actions inappropriate, leaders became angry god, then do tiwikrama. Became the fourth big hands and long wanted gripping Vishnu.

Because fear and anger, Vishnu did tiwikrama, it turned into a Kalamercu. Guru overwhelmed and stop the attack, but a sense of upset yet subsided. Vishnu spat. Then along Batari Widawati and Batara Sri Basuki, Vishnu expelled from heaven. Before leaving heaven, worshiped Vishnu Guru spit into a weapon Chakra.

That's when they started dripping on his chosen people.
Weapons were first used by the god Vishnu Chakra decapitated Rembuculung or Kala Rudra. When receiving a report of Batara Candra that Rembuculung stealing Tirta Amrita living water. Vishnu immediately after him. With Weapon Chakra, the Nature Preserve god decapitated Rembuculung to drop. However, because it was a giant gulp gandarwa Tirta Amrita. Before he could tertalan, head Rembuculung not die, while his body into the mortar.

Kala Chakra in Sanskrit means circle or circle, disc, wheel or similar thereto.

KASUTPADA KACARMA

Kasutpada Kacarma are shoes made of leather Sang Hyang Hanantakusuma dragon, guardian deity bebentuk Earth dragon. The dragon skin has supernatural powers that cause the wearer does not work magic and black magic. Who does it free to fly without magic spells on the enemy trap detection. Mine was kind of magic spells that may relaxants for today similar to enemy radar. With the shoes free Ghatotkacha passed over the area is haunted and dangerous.

 

Most Extreme Vacation Spots in Indonesia

Variety extreme tourist in Indonesia not lose much by nature or culture. In fact, the extreme became tourist attraction for foreign tourists. Check out his review below, as quoted from Indonesiatravel

Spectacular waves in Mentawai, Not Lose to Hawaii!

   As an archipelago, Indonesia consists of islands and beautiful beaches that become tourist attraction. Not only the beauty of the beach, the waves in Indonesia also spectacular, even didapuk as one of the best surfing waves in the world. 

   One of the best waves in Indonesia's Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra. Mentawai Islands are famous among tourists mancanegara as one of the most challenging surfing spots around the world. Mentawai even dubbed the Hawaii of Indonesia.

   Every year, tourists visit to the Mentawai reached 12,000 people, the majority of surfers from around the world who want to 'hunt' waves. In fact, Mentawai Islands (Sipora, Sikakap, North Pagai and South Pagai) has the best surfing spot 400, 23 of them are even international scale.

  Mentawai beaches admired surfers, among other Nyangnyang Beach, Coral Beach Bajat, Karoniki Beach, and Beach Pananggelat Mainuk which are all located in the District of South Siberut. In District Sipora there are several beaches, such as Bosua Katiet Beach and South Beach, while in North Pagai subdistrict are the West Coast.

  Mentawai problem shared is still inadequate infrastructure. To reach the Mentawai of West Sumatra capital, Padang, travelers must use ships to journey takes several hours.

Adrenaline Boost, Cruising The island Ancient Animals Injury

 No need to go far away to Africa, in Indonesia you can also adventures with wild animals. Moreover, Indonesia has a vicious ancient animals, the dragons in Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara.

Upon arrival in Komodo National Park, be prepared because you'll feel being on another planet, not in Indonesia. In addition to offering underwater beauty and national parks are not unusual, here lived a vicious ancient animals, dragons.

Komodo is a big lizard with a length of 2-3 meters and weigh up to 165 kilograms. Komodo is not just a lizard, but quite dangerous predators. Komodo only takes one bite to paralyze their prey, because saliva contains hundreds of bacteria. One bite, you can sprawl!

Therefore, travelers can not be arbitrary if you want to see the dragons in Komodo National Park. You must be accompanied by an experienced tour guide. However, you should still be careful, because some time ago the park staff was bitten by a Komodo dragon while on duty.

In fact, when you have an open wound or a woman who is menstruating, it is advisable not to be near the dragons. Because the animals are very sensitive to smells darah.Tak need to go far away to Africa, in Indonesia you also can adventure with wild animals. Moreover, Indonesia has a vicious ancient animals, the dragons in Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara.

Upon arrival in Komodo National Park, be prepared because you'll feel being on another planet, not in Indonesia. In addition to offering underwater beauty and national parks are not unusual, here lived a vicious ancient animals, dragons.

Komodo is a big lizard with a length of 2-3 meters and weigh up to 165 kilograms. Komodo is not just a lizard, but quite dangerous predators. Komodo only takes one bite to paralyze their prey, because saliva contains hundreds of bacteria. One bite, you can sprawl!

Therefore, travelers can not be arbitrary if you want to see the dragons in Komodo National Park. You must be accompanied by an experienced tour guide. However, you should still be careful, because some time ago the park staff was bitten by a Komodo dragon while on duty.

In fact, if you have an open wound or menstruating woman, it is advisable not to be near the dragons. Because the animals are very sensitive to the smell of blood.

Eden of Garden at Green Canyon

 This is not the Grand Canyon in America, but the Green Canyon. Green Canyon is challenging attractions that you can find in Pangandaran Beach, West Java.

Green Canyon is a river with a fairly fast currents surrounded by high cliffs. Because the water and around the green cliff, hence this place is called Green Canyon.

For down the Green Canyon, you have to use a long-tail boat or timber that is at the entrance of these attractions. Ketinting will take you down the river, while looking at the beautiful scenery on the banks of the river. Sometimes there is a snake or lizard in the vicinity.

When the boat slowed, stunning scenery right in front of your eyes. Twins stand tall cliffs on each side of the river, with stalactites and stalagmites, crystal clear water, and you might be thinking that this is the Garden of Eden.

Water flows down from each side of the cliff creating a waterfall roar. If water was high tide, you can walk under the big cave and admire both the magnitude of the cliff.

When brave, try jumping from the cliffs that surround the river. No need to worry, only approximately five feet high in the river and there are no large rocks that can harm you.

Usually tourists visiting Green Canyon will spend time down the river for a swim after the long-tail. However, you should not visit during the rainy season, because the water will be colored brown, looks not pretty.

Views of Mount Anak Krakatau

Indonesia has the volcano is still active, with the terrible eruption history. The mountain is Mount Anak Krakatau in Lampung.

The mountain is located on the island of Krakatoa, a volcanic island that is still active in the waters of the Sunda Strait. Famous Krakatau eruption on 26-27 since August 1883. The eruption was so powerful; pyroclastic and tsunami killed approximately 36,000 people.

Until now, the child of Krakatoa is still active, which makes it an adventure tourism destination. Usually, tourists will rent a boat to see the beauty of Krakatau from afar, or you can also explore the island of Krakatau up to the peak.

To reach the summit of Anak Krakatau seems easy, because the track is smooth, vertical only. However, the terrain you take is entirely sandy roads, making travel more difficult to reach the top.

Should not reach the top of Krakatoa in the day, as the heat is unbearable. Visitors are also asked not to be too close to the crater, for fear they secrete toxic substances.

Volcanoes in the Sea of ​​Wuhu Banua

 Want to see the volcanic activity as well as a dive? In Banua Wuhu, you can see two unusual beauty of Indonesia's.

Banua Wuhu is a volcano located on the seabed with a height of 400 meters from the seabed. Banua Wuhu is located in the area of ​​Sangihe, North Sulawesi.

Point of the mountain crater marked by the release of bubbles within the rock at a depth of 8 meters. Water temperatures average 37-38 degrees Celsius there. In a number of holes, out of hot water which seems capable of making bare hands blistered when try to reach into it.

However, amid the dangers of the volcano, the surrounding marine life interesting, with dense coral reefs at depths of 10-20 meters. Not surprisingly, Wuhu Banua be one unique dive destinations in Indonesia.

That said, in Wuhu Banua contained underwater passage through both ways. Local communities celebrate Tulude each end of January. Two weeks before the ritual, the elders will dive with a white plate of gold as offerings to the hallway so Banua Wuhu not wrath.

24-year-old Maryland man wins World Series of Poker, $8.53M

LAS VEGAS –  A 24-year-old Maryland poker professional has won the World Series of Poker main event, lasting nearly 12 hours in a marathon card session to push past his last opponents for the $8.53 million title early Wednesday.

Greg Merson emerged with the title before dawn in Las Vegas after a session that proved a showcase for his skills amid the unpredictability of tournament no-limit Texas Hold 'me. On the last hand, Merson put Las Vegas card pro Jesse Sylvia, all-in with a king high. Sylvia thought hard, then called with a suited queen-jack.

"This whole stage is nothing you could ever prepare for," Merson said. Merson's hand held through the community cards -- two sixes, a three a nine and a seven -- to give him the title and put his names alongside former champions including Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth and Johnny Chan. After an exhausting session, he's ready to join them.

"I feel pretty good -- got all the tears out so now I feel relaxed," Merson said.

Merson also pushed past Hellmuth for the series' Player of the Year honors, proving himself the top performer throughout this year's series of card tournaments in Las Vegas and Europe. Merson also won a tournament bracelet this summer in Las Vegas, for a no-limit Texas Hold 'em 6-handed tournament.

Sylvia won $5.3 million for second place. "That was nuts, man," Sylvia said. "I thought whoever was going to heads-up was going to be much deeper than we were."

Merson's victory over Sylvia, 26, came after the pair outlasted the last amateur at the table, 21-year-old Jake Balsiger. The Arizona State senior hoping to become the youngest World Series of Poker champion was eliminated in third place, more than 11 hours into the marathon. Balsiger gambled his last chips with a queen-10 and was dominated by Merson's king-queen.

Merson's hand held through five community cards, forcing Balsiger to exit the tournament no richer than he was starting Tuesday's finale. The political science major who has vowed to graduate won $3.8 million for third place.

"I have some homework due tomorrow, my Supreme Court class," Balsiger said. "I didn't do it last week because I was in a final table simulation, so my professor's probably not the happiest with me."

His ouster set up Merson against Sylvia for the title, with $8.53 million at stake.

Even before Balsiger was eliminated, the players set a series record by pushing beyond 364 hands at the final table. Balsiger lost on hand 382, while Sylvia lost on hand 399.

All three players traded chips, big bluffs and shocking hands during their marathon run.

They started play Tuesday night having already outlasted six others at a final table that began on Monday. But they refused to give in to one another, with roughly $4.8 million on the line -- the difference between first and third place.

"This is exciting," Balsiger told his tablemates just before midnight Wednesday in a game playing out as part mental sparring, part plain luck.

Merson took a commanding chip lead early with perhaps his gutsiest play of the tournament -- sensing weakness in Balsiger and re-raising a 10 million chip bet all-in with just queen high. Balsiger couldn't call, and Merson moved up to more than 100 million in chips.

He didn't have that chip lead for long. Several hands later, Balsiger wagered the last of his chips with an ace-10 and was well behind Sylvia's ace-queen with his tournament at risk. But a 10 came on the turn, allowing Balsiger to double up.

Then, Sylvia went all-in against Merson, his ace-king against Merson's pocket kings. A four on the river made a wheel straight -- ace through five -- and vaulted Sylvia to the chip lead, sending his supporters at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino into a frenzy. Later in the session, Balsiger doubled his chips to a lead through Sylvia with pocket kings. Soon after, Sylvia took the chip lead back.

And so it went -- par for the course in poker, a game where skill is significant, but luck is certainly a factor. Balsiger eliminated Russell Thomas in fourth place just after midnight early Tuesday to set up the trio's final showdown.

Merson went into play Tuesday night with 88.4 million in chips, compared with 62.8 million for Sylvia and 46.9 million for Balsiger. Merson picked up hands and took control of the three-handed table at the start, picking up strong hands and building his stack to more than half the chips in the tournament.

But Sylvia's fold of a strong hand -- a nine high flush -- likely kept him in the tournament after he finished contemplating a Merson bet of nearly 3 million in chips. Merson held a queen high flush in a cooler-type hand -- one that gamblers in Sylvia's spot routinely lose on.

Sylvia went into the nine-handed final table with a chip lead but lost it to Merson after Merson benefited from an opponent's unforced error. Merson eliminated Hungarian poker professional Andras Koroknai in sixth place, calling Koroknai's all-in bet with an ace-king and finding Koroknai with king-queen -- a marginal hand for the situation.

Chips have no real monetary value in tournament poker. Each player at the final table must lose all his chips to lose the tournament, and win all the chips at the table to be crowned champion.

The tournament began in July with 6,598 players and was chopped down to nine through seven sessions spread over 11 days. Play stopped after nearly 67 hours logged at the tables for each player, with minimum bets going up every two hours.

The finalists played Monday night until only three players remained, leaving the top three to settle the title.

 

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