Be a part of a meditation flashmob in various locations all over the world

by Jessica Festa on

When thinking of the concept of a flashmob, many people imagine a large group of people breaking out into loud song or lively dance in a public place. Sometimes, however, flashmobs can be a bit less flashy. This is the idea with MedMob, a global flash meditation movement that aims to bring positive energy all over the world. The group meets in highly visible spaces, with a goal of exposing others to the benefits of meditation and an aim of getting the entire world to meditate together.

The silent meditation takes place for an hour, which is then followed by eleven minutes of “sound bath”, which involves humming a mantra such as “Ma”, “God”, “Om” or any other that invokes emotion in the meditator.

Want to be a part of a meditation flashmob yourself? There are numerous spaces and cities being mobbed on November 11, 2011, including:

To see a full schedule of meditation flashmobs click here. If you want to get a better idea of what a meditation flashmob is, check out this video:


The king of the food trucks in Los Angeles, California

by Jessica Festa on

As the food truck craze continues to grow in Los Angeles, California, it can be difficult for business owners to stand out from the swarm of the moveable eateries. This challenge was taken literally by Travis Schmidt and Jason Freeman, owners of World Fare busTAURANT, who bought a Vintage Double Decker bus to house their mobile restaurant. While the bottom level of the bus holds the kitchen, the top deck is filled with tables so diners can relax and take in the view of L.A.

Patrons can enjoy cuisine prepared by culinary masters, such as Executive Chef Andi Van Willigan, who has worked with the likes of Gordon Ramsey and Michael Mina. Some busTAURANT fare favorites include Truffle Mac and Cheese Balls, Red Velvet Cheesecake Bunnies, and Braised Short Ribs.

For a better idea of this unique concept, check out this video:


High altitude balloon catches aircraft in transit

by Grant Martin on

Technology is cheap enough these days that almost anyone can send a balloon up into the atmosphere to see the curvature of the earth. And if they’re lucky, they can track down their camera and get some awesome video — just last year a father and son sent an iPhone nearly into space with incredible results.

What Vimeo user Edouard Janssens captured, however, is pretty unique. Bobbing around the troposphere, the camera had the fortune of capturing a passing aircraft as it soared past, quickly zipping across the field of view. It’s a pretty interesting perspective that’s usually not

In case you’re wondering, a collision between an aircraft and a balloon like this could be potentially disastrous so it’s fairly common to put radar deflectors on the balloons and register the flights with the FAA or local governing body. Hopefully the proper steps were taken with this launch.

[Via Reddit]

Video: A year in New York

by Jessica Festa on

Andrew Clancy, a freelance photographer, cameraman, and editor who graduated from the National Film School in I.A.D.T. in Ireland and is currently based in New York, has spent the last year wandering the streets of the Big Apple with his Canon 7D, or S95, shooting footage of what was going on around him. He manages to capture not only the major sights of the city, but also rare moments and events that give you insight into the feelings and emotions of its people. And, with the background song “We Don’t Eat” by James Vincent McMorrow turned on loud, it is easy to feel a bit emotional while watching.

A Year in New York from Andrew Clancy on Vimeo.

Video of the Day – Paraglider collides with vulture

by Stephen Greenwood on

It’s been a wild month for ‘animals vs. adventurers’ on Gadling. First, there was the antelope that tackled a cyclist harder than any NFL linebacker could, then there was the kayaker that got up close and personal with a blue whale, and finally, the South African motorcyclist that saved a calf from drowning in a canal.

Today’s battle? An incredible video from Russian YouTube user Paravoffka, captured as he was paragliding high above the Indian Himalayas. Midway through his flight, a Himalayan Griffon Vulture became entangled in the slings of the main chute, causing Paravoffka to drop through the air like a rock (with an eagle clawing at it).

Luckily, Paravoffka deployed the emergency chute, which allowed him to regain enough control to crash land in a tree, breaking his fall and eventually allowing him to free the vulture. Incredible footage and a great example of another extreme situation handled well under pressure.

Have you battled any forces of nature recently? We want proof! Submit pictures to our Gadling Flickr Pool and leave video links in the comments section below. It could be our next Photo/Video of the Day!