Out of the over 122,000 entries received from 170 countries, the Sony World Photography Awards has now shortlisted a few hundreds incredible entries in their prestigious photo competition. The highest number of submissions to date, the competition was fierce as judges had to select those photographs that stood out the most for their impressive high quality, originality and modern appeal.

Standing on the shore of Lake Turkana, you would be almost forgiven for believing you are at the seaside. There is swell in the waters, a sandy beach, and waves are lapping up to it. A fierce wind is blowing and fisherman boats are moored nearby, ready to go. But this no sea, it’s Lake Turkana – the world's largest permanent desert lake and largest alkaline lake in the world covering an area of about 7,000 sq km. The local people call it the Jade Sea because of its breathtaking turquoise color.

The president of Turkmenistan Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov who is known for his excellent horsemanship has recently announced a national beauty contest for horses, which will be held every year in April. In fact there is a horse of the ancient Turkmen breed called the Akhal Teke, which is known as "the wings of the Turkmen" residing in Turkey and is considered to be the most beautiful horse in the world. It looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. This horse breed is very elegant and has the shiniest metallic coat. It's thought to be one of the oldest breeds on earth. Currently there are only 3500 of these horses left in the world. It will most likely be the winner of the next competition.

The members of Pragaash, a Kashmiri word that means "from darkness to light," have been the subject of escalating threats in the past month, including a fatwa from a loal Islamic pirest. The girls, 16-year-old vocalist Noma Nazir, drummer Farah Deeba, and guitarist Aneeka Khalid, both age 15, formed their trio at a music institute where they all took classes after school.

Nazir has officially stated, "We have decided to quit in deference to the decree of the Grand Mufti, who knows religion more than we do," and "I thank all those people who supported our decision to form the band and encouraged us during the last two years."

Minami Minegishi's (AKB48) shame for breaking her group's strict dating ban to spend a night with her boyfriend ended in a shaved head and a VIDEO of it.

"As a senior member of the group, it is my responsibility to be a role model for younger members," she said, before ending the four-minute sobfest with a slight bow.

She shaved her head, a traditional act of contrition in Japan, but perhaps a step too far for a 20-year-old woman whose "crime" was to have found herself a boyfriend – 19-year-old Alan Shirahama, a dancer in a boyband.

The Japanese take everything too seriously.

Hannes Coetzee of South Africa has come up with a new way to playthe slide guitar. It require a teaspoon! 

The technique is called "otel and knyp," and is featured inn a 2003 documentary titled Karoo Kitaar Blues.

Who says Billiards can't be artistic? If you're investing into a game room at home, take inspiration from these hunky pieces of art. You'll be sure to get the girl with this one ;)

Geeks aren't usually known for being late, but they are known for keeping track of everything -- so why not time?

If you have a geeky boyfriend of girlfriend and are having serious trouble deciding on what to get them for Valentine's Day, then this might just be the solution. These adorable clocks come in all different shapes and sizes :)

Have a lot of spare change? Keep track of how much you save in these unlikely little piggy banks. 

People often unestimate how much they can actually save with a piggy bank! Last time I chashed out some $300-400!

Yes, you read that right! NAtional Pancake Day is real and IHOP is <b> really </b> handing out free pancakes! This is their 8th time doing it, with no regrets! The offer is valid from 7am until 10pm, so hurry to get a spot at your favorite breakfast diner.