16. Michelle Branch
17. Bob Dylan
18. Ze Frank
19. Rihanna
20. Megan Fox
21. Jessica Biel
22. Keira Knightley
23. Christina Aguilera
24. Green Day
Month: May 2015
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Top 10 Most Momentous Protests
5. Stonewall Protests
Another landmark next, and the spontaneous protest that pushed the gay liberation movement forward. In the early hours of June 28th, 1969, New York City police raided a gay bar called the Stonewall Inn, seizing their illegal alcohol (which was not unreasonable) and beating up or feeling up the patrons (which was more unreasonable). Outside the inn, tempers were running high and eventually violence broke out, with the gay community outnumbering the police. The police were forced to retreat and call for back-up to fight the chorus-line high kicks of their opponents. The demonstration lasted all day and the next night fighting flared up again. It may have been unplanned, it may have been unorganized but it was effective – the gay community stood up together and claimed their right to be what they wanted to be. And that’s definitely a significant moment.
4. The March on Washington
Around the same time as drag queens were high-kicking their way into history, another minority group were fighting for their civil rights in America, and that was the Black community. They’d been engaged in a struggle for years, and would continue to struggle but the most significant protest of the movement happened 6 years before the Stonewall Riots, and that was Martin Luther King’s March on Washington. The radical preacher gathered 300,000 people of whom around 75% were Black, and arrived in Washington on August 27th 1963. The next day, King delivered the famous “I have a dream” speech and the following year the Civil Rights Act was passed. But the struggle for equality went on, and King was shot dead in 1968 leaving his followers to try and finish his work.
3. The French Revolution
Not all protests achieve their objectives, but every century or so there is a protest that ends in revolution. And that’s what happened in the 18th Century, when the French peasants rose up against the aristocracy and specifically Queen Marie Antoinette, who was seen as spoilt and self-indulgent while her subjects starved. Tensions had bee building for a while, due to an economic crisis, but they boiled over in June 1789. The rebels stormed the Bastille prison, which fell on July 14th and beheaded the Governor. Eventually, Marie Antoinette suffered the same fate as the Governor and a new way was established in France – that of “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité”. Viva la revolution!
2. Thích Quảng Đức’s Self-Immolation
The 1960s were a troubled time, hence the number of momentous protests that happened in that decade. Thích Quảng Đức was a Buddhist monk, who chose to set himself on fire as a protest against the treatment of his people by the South Vietnamese Catholics, who refused to let the Buddhists fly their flag on Buddha’s birthday. Nine people had been killed by government forces but the peaceful Buddists refused to fight violence with violence. Instead, the press were summoned to the road just outside the Cambodian Embassy on June 10th 1963 and there they were witnesses to Thích Quảng Đức’s final protest – burning himself to death while meditating, and not emitting even a sigh of pain. As one journalist said “As he burned he never moved a muscle, never uttered a sound, his outward composure in sharp contrast to the wailing people around him”. The picture has since become world famous as a symbol of self-sacrifice for your cause.
1. Tiananmen Square
The most momentous protest of all time is maybe also the most shameful. Like many of the protests on our list, it was a shocking example of government brutality against peaceful protesters. Even more shocking is that the Chinese government has never apologised for it, and now forbids discussion of the event. Bitterly ironic, as the students involved were campaigning for freedom of speech and freedom of the press, among other things. The students gathered in Tiananmen Square, and by June 3rd 1989 there were around a million of them there. Then the tanks rolled in, and the military opened fire. It is not known how many died in the square, thanks to the suppression of information from China, but it is estimated to be in the thousands. A noble cause to be protesting about and a horrific outcome, which should be remembered.
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10 Most Romantic Honeymoon Destinations
Honeymoon is the first chapter in the married life of a newlywed couple and honeymoon period is the most memorable, momentous and cherished period in the life of every couple. It is the time when the newlywed spend time together, lost in each other. They get to know each other more closely and learn about each others nature. Romantic destinations are those locations, which give the couples the ultimate romantic experience. As each couple has it’s own idea of love, romance and togetherness, so is their choice of the perfect romantic destination for their honeymoon. The following are 10 most romantic honeymoon destinations with such captivating powers that the honeymooners would never want to go back home. They for sure will make your honeymoon the perfect start for a blissful married life.
Honeymoon10. Langkawi
Langkawi
Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands on Malaysia’s west coast. Surrounded by stunning turquoise sea, the interior of the main island is a mixture of picturesque paddy fields and jungle-clad hills. It is an excellent honeymoon destination with beautiful sandy blue beaches, excellent weather, greenery and comfortable resorts. It is well developed and easily reachable. Langkawi has fine powdery sandy beaches with swaying coconut trees. Comfortable honeymoon resorts are dotted along the shore, offering the most pleasant accommodation. The island will provide the honeymooners with the best and most comfortable experience of their life. They easily feel themselves comfortable there since beaches are truly spectacular. Other attractions include aquatic and adventure sports and tours through historical parts of the towns. Malaysia is also famous for it’s amazing and relaxing SPA massage. The honeymoon hotels provide excellent service including sunrise breakfasts, candlelit dinners and reserved picnic arrangements. Some hotels and resorts include: Westin Langkawi Resort Spa Langkawi, Tanjung Rhu Resort Langkawi, Bon Ton Resort Langkawi, Tanjung Sanctuary Langkawi Resort, Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort, The Andaman Datai Bay Resort and Four Seasons Resort Langkawi.9. Paris
Honeymoon in Paris
Paris, France is considered one of the most romantic cities on earth. The city also known as the city of light and center of modern fashion is synonymous with romance. Paris blesses the honeymooners with passionate romance, amazing sightseeing, cozy and comfortable stay at the hotels and classy and elegant shopping. It provides them with a deep insight into art and architecture. This makes Paris a perfect choice for art lovers. Latin Quarter, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and Montmartre are some of the must visit places in Paris. Luxembourg Gardens is an excellent spot for the couples to enjoy each others company surrounded with nature. Here you will experience excellent jazz music and salsa. Paris is known for it’s nightlife. Some of the famous hotels include: Four Seasons Hotel George V, Hôtel Britannique, Hôtel de Vigny, Hôtel Meurice, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Hôtel Royal Monceau, Hôtel Westminster and Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme.8. Venice
Honeymoon in Venice
Venice, Italy is without doubt one of the most romantics cities of the world and a frequent choice made by the honeymooners. Venice is also termed as “The Floating City”, “The City of Masks”, “The City of Canals” etc. Venetians are excellent hosts and will treat you in elegance. You will be surrounded by music, making the atmosphere more romantic. Singers will serenade you at candlelit dinner tables, and you can recline in a gondola with your love. Venice is a paradise for lovers, a calm and cozy city with water flowing in streets. The city provides you a relaxing holiday, away from the hustle bustle of the modern day world. Basilica di San Marco – Pala d’Oro, San Giorgio Maggiore Island, Academy of Fine Arts, Colleoni Monument, Rialto Bridge, Murano, Doge’s Palace and Piazza San Marco are few must visit places in Venice. Venice is a city with around 400 bridges. Honeymoon at Venice also provides you with an opportunity to visit Verona, the place where the love of Romeo and Juliet blossomed. Travel to Verona takes 1 hour from Venice by train. Some hotels of choice in Venice can be: Hotel Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, Hotel Ai Mori D’Oriente, Hotel San Cassiano – Ca’ Favretto and Hotel Saturnia & International. Venice is a city for lovers and you definitely won’t be disappointed.7. Hawaii
Hawaiian Honeymoon
Hawaii is a popular and romantic wedding venue and honeymoon destination. It offers the perfect atmosphere to make your wedding and honeymoon special and all the more beautiful. Dreamy beaches, tropical rain forest and picturesque sunsets make Hawaii paradise on earth. The Islands of Aloha offer the honeymooners a perfect setting to start a wonderful life together. Hawaii allows you to relax, unwind and start your married life in one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world. Accommodation ranges from 5 star luxury resorts to private boutique B&B as per your desire and budget. Hotels and resorts like The Four Seasons Hotel offers their special honeymoon package. Water spots at day and romantic night life make your visit in Hawaii versatile and beautiful. Moonlit dances on the sand in cool breezy weather and candlelit surroundings make Hawaii a lot more special for you. It has the miles & miles of white sands of the Papohaku Beach on Molokai to the tranquil waters of Hulopoe Bay in Lanai. The St. Regis Resort in Kauai provides the ultimate luxury and service. Also don’t miss the 2-hour couples massage at the Hyatt Regency’s Na Hoola Spa.6. Florida
Florida Honeymoon
Florida is an ideal place for honeymoon holiday if you plan to visit multiple places and indulge in a variety of adventurous and fun activities, making your honeymoon special and beautiful. Florida is all about nice people, pleasant weather and fun. Walt Disney World Resorts are the main attraction in Florida. Florida also offers an Everglades eco-safari, south beach in Miami with great nightlife and the Spa at Amelia Island Plantation with their special Chocolate Decadent Massage. Also enjoy a ride on a private fireworks cruise. The beach, the shorebirds, and the glorious sunsets at the Gulf Islands National Seashore make Florida all the more special. Sunset strolls, carriage rides, fine dining experiences, dinner cruises and relaxing couples spa treatments is what a honeymoon couple gets in Florida.5. Fiji
Fiji
Fiji is a captivating Island which will give you the most wonderful time of your life, making it difficult for you to go back home yet blessing you with unforgettable memories. Fiji is a mystical and peaceful place surrounded by calm, clear and blue waters. Once in Fiji, you must see Fiji’s barrier reef, the spectacular 160 ft. waterfall at Bouma Falls National Park, the islands by helicopter and the Kula Eco Park on the Coral Coast. Fiji is all about a honeymoon of dreams at an affordable price. Navutu Stars Resort, Viwa Island Resort, Nanuya Island Resort, Namale Resort and Spa and Koro Sun Resort and Rainforest Spa are some excellent honeymoon resorts in Fiji providing everything that a honeymoon resort requires.4. Maldives
Honeymoon in Maldives
Honeymoon in Maldives is the perfect choice for those who love privacy, peace and tranquility. Maldives is a place for those who want to enjoy the company of their spouse surrounded by beauty of nature. Private bungalows with your very own piece of white, sandy beach and clear, azure lagoons on secluded island resorts is what honeymoon in Maldives is like. It would be truly just to declare Maldives a tropical paradise. The honeymoon resorts are renowned for their excellent service. Some places to stay are: Angsana Resort & Spa, Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru, Island of Bolifushi, Club Med Kanifinolhu, Cocoa Island, Coco Palm Kudahithi and Anantara Resort and Spa Maldives.3. Singapore
Honeymoon in Singapore
Singapore, a multicultural country is the perfect honeymoon destination, a country with fine tropical climate, spotless beaches, fancy restaurants, lavish hotels, exotic spas, happening nightclubs and breathtakingly beautiful attractions. Singapore comprises of 63 beautiful islands and is all about nature and natural beauty. Singapore provides you with an opportunity to enjoy the ultimate romantic company of your spouse on private beaches. The country is known for it’s cleanliness, transportation system, amazing sight seeing, romantic rainy weather and huge shopping malls. On your honeymoon in Singapore visit Sentosa Island, Marina Bay Sands, Botanical Gardens, Night Safari, Universal Studios, Fantasy Island, Pulau Ubin and St. John’s Island. Pulau Ubin is famous for mountain biking and camping. Singapore also offers a romantic ride on cruise. Singapore offers world class hotels for extremely comfortable stay. Some of the hotels include: The Regent Singapore, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, Royal Plaza On Scotts, Swissotel Merchant Court Singapore, Hilton Singapore, Marina Mandarin Singapore, The Fullerton Hotel, Holiday Inn Atrium, Hotel Royal Singapore, York Hotel Singapore, Orchard Hotel Singapore and Victoria Hotel Singapore.2. Bali
Bali
One of most romantic honeymoon destinations is Bali, a romantic, secluded and beautiful tropical island in Indonesia with fascinating cultures, natural attractions, sandy beaches, peaceful atmosphere, luxuries facilities, services and entertainment. Bali is the perfect place to unite the two as one for life. This exotic island has everything including beaches, mountains, rice fields, mountain villages, manicured rice terraces, cleansing rivers, world-class diving, surfing and golf, and the most exclusive and sophisticated hotels, resorts and villas in the world. For the ones who look for such a perfect honeymoon place, no disturbance, true serenity and romantic yet traditional atmosphere, Bali is the perfect place with private villas making the honeymoon time memorable and fun. Plan your stay in total luxury at Bali’s five star resorts like Four Season’s Resort and the superlative Ritz-Carlton Bali at Jimbaran, for some unforgettable memories. Nusa Dua also provides elegant hotels and a beautiful setting.1. Tahiti
Honeymoon in Tahiti
Tahiti with beautiful thatch-roofed hideaways is a perfect spot for your honeymoon as it definitely will make your honeymoon a honeymoon of fairy tales. Tahiti and the surrounding French Polynesian islands have long been synonymous with paradise.Tahiti offers Polynesian as well as French culture to the honeymoon couples. The island with crystal white sandy beaches, beautiful sunrise and perfect moonlit starry nights will laden you with unforgettable romantic memories which you will always cherish as a couple. Nowhere else can you experience the unique luxury of an over water bungalow and the rare privacy of uncrowded beaches, combined with perfumed air filled with the scent of exotic flowers. The bungalows stand gracefully in water with a wooden ladder and a glass floor giving you a wonderful view of the clear blue water beneath your feet. Hotel Tahiti Nui, Inter-Continental Tahiti Resort, Le Mandarin Noa Noa, Le Meridien Tahiti, Manava Suite Resort Tahiti, Tahiti Airport Motel and Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti are few of the many resorts in Tahiti hosting unforgettable honeymoons. -
Top 10 Kick-Ass Women of the Bible
The most common misconception about religious people is that they’re soppy – spineless pushovers who would never stand up for themselves. But a cursory glance through the Bible reveals the exact opposite – the Jews and the early Christians were brave, strong and heroic. The women of the Bible were no exception, and though they are less famous than their male counterparts, they are no less admirable. So, brace yourself for tales of death, war and intrigue in our Top 10 Awesome Women of the Bible.
10. Rebekah
Rebekah is almost a perfect model of an Old Testament woman – she is “fair” to look at, not shy about speaking to strangers and hospitable. When Isaac is looking for a wife, it is Rebekah that catches his eye, while drawing water. They fall in love – an unusual occurrence in a society of arranged marriages – and she bears him twin boys. She is described as shrewd and intelligent as well as being beautiful, and her intelligence is shown in her dealings with the king of the the land that she and Isaac settle in. She also makes wise decisions about which of her twins would be best placed to take over from Isaac – studious Jacob rather than the slightly older Esau, who had a quick temper. True, she uses slightly dubious methods to ensure Jacob’s succession, but she did it for the right reasons. A good role model for the future mothers of Israel.
9. Rachel
And one of the future mothers of Israel was Rebekah’s daughter-in-law Rachel – in fact, she is an official “Mother of Israel”, one of four that is remembered in “Echad Mi Yodea“, a Jewish song sung at Passover. Rachel married Jacob, in another love story but this one was anything but straightforward. Jacob fell in love with her, but her father Laban (also Rebekah’s brother – but that kind of thing was acceptable back then) made Jacob work for seven years before being allowed to marry his daughter. Then, in a masterstroke of trickery, Laban presented Jacob with a be-veiled bride, who he married and seduced before it was revealed that…ta-da! It was Rachel’s sister Leah!
So, Jacob had to work for another seven years before being allowed to marry Rachel as well (again, it was acceptable back then)Â – that’s clearly how awesome this woman was. Pity she died in childbirth with Jacob’s twelfth son, Benjamin. She was remembered as Jacob’s favourite wife, and her tomb is still a landmark today
8. Naomi
Mother-in-laws generally get a bad press, but if you’re one of Naomi’s daughter-in-laws you’d count yourself pretty lucky. Of course, having your husband die young so that you have no-one but your mother-in-law to rely on isn’t so lucky and that’s the situation that Ruth and Orpah both found themselves in. When Naomi’s sons both died unexpectedly, she decided to go back to her home in Bethlehem and leave her widowed daughter-in-laws behind in Moab. But Ruth decided to go with Naomi and eventually found work in the field of a man called Boaz. Naomi engineered a plan where Boaz fell in love with Ruth, thus ensuring financial security for all of them. A nice mother-in-law and clever with it.
7. Miriam
Of all the tough gigs in the Bible, being the sister of Moses must be one of the worst. Wandering through the wilderness, following your little brother’s every command and developing a kind of leprosy if you dared to question it. But Miriam coped with it all, and more. It was her that saved Moses’ life as a baby, when she hid him in the reeds of the River Nile so that the Pharoah wouldn’t have him killed (at the time, all the male Hebrew babies were being drowned at birth on the Pharoah’s orders). Not only did her actions save his life, she also arranged for their mother to act as his wet nurse, when the baby was found by the Pharoah’s daughter. That’s some smart thinking.
Miriam later performed a famous song of celebration after the Israelites successfully crossed the Red Sea and she was a prophetess, who heard from God as readily as Moses did. That didn’t stop her questioning Moses’ marriage to a Cushite woman, at which point God gave her a bit of a telling-off and a case of the 7-day-leprosy. When she recovered, she followed her brother for the rest of her life, so she clearly didn’t hold a grudge. A smart and loyal woman indeed.
6. Abigail
Another woman who was intelligent as well as beautiful. Abigail was the wife of Nabal, who offended King David. King David was enraged and wanted to kill Nabal, but Abigail managed to calm him down by offering him hospitality and telling him he didn’t want to “have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed”. Nabal was soon struck down by God and David took Abigail as his own wife. So, it worked out well for her…not so well for Nabal! Abigail is also said to be prophetic and faithful, as well as wise and beautiful. A worthy queen for a great king.
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Top 10 Greatest Inventions Ever Made
5. Printing Press
Before the printing press was invented way back in 1439, books were all actually hand-written believe it or not. A lot of people find this hard to conceive since most of us were born and immediately presented with typewriters and computers. The truth is that the printing press changed the way that people exchanged ideas and information forever. It has allowed for the rapid spread of intellectual information and because of this, we get to experience a higher degree of technology than ever before.
4. Plumbing
Experts like to give credit to the Romans for the development of plumbing, but most people can agree that it didn’t really become that popular until the 20th century. These days, plumbing has becoming such an ingrained part of most people’s lives that we no longer even think about it. Think about this: before modern plumbing, people would use outhouses without toilets and often bath in streams. It is a good thing that we have modern plumbing as well considering that there are nearly seven billion people on the planet.3. Tools
In general, tools have been a very important for us as a society. They have allowed us to build things as well as repair them. They’ve allowed us to take our imaginations and transform them into physical objects. Think about it like this: without tools, all of the other technology that you see today would not be around. Tools have allowed human beings to build things from scratch and without them we would be just as clumsy and slow as animals.
2. Cooking
While it may be tempting to conclude that fire was the greatest invention by human, the truth is that fire wasn’t something “created” by humans. However, we can use fire to cook things and because of this, the invention of cooking has made its way onto the number two spot of this list. Probably the most important use of cooking is that it allowed us to sterilize our foods during times when modern technology was not available. People have been cooking for millions and millions of years and it has become a prominent snippet in our evolutionary process.1. Language
That’s right: language is the greatest invention ever created by humans. Yes this is an invention because humans created it in order to communicate thoughts and emotions to one another. Our ability to communicate is a reason that we even have a list of technological advancements in the first place. While all animals communicate with one another in some form or another, none of them do so as intricately and as effectively as we do. Nobody knows exactly how old “true” language is, but one thing can be said for certain: it is the greatest invention ever created by humans.
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Top 9 Facts About the 20th Century Space Race
6. President Eisenhower was no war-monger
The USSR launched their first spacecraft, named Vostok, on May 15th, 1960. Vostok’s mission entailed a brief four day orbit of the Earth, followed swiftly by an unproblematic return to the planet’s atmosphere via use of retrograde rockets. However, upon attempting to give the Vostok its much needed nudge towards Earth, the retro rockets instead acted to thrust the spacecraft further out into space, and into a much higher orbit. As a result, the originally scheduled return date of the Vostok (September 1960) became far from accurate, with the craft instead returning some five years later in October 1965. Whilst the Soviets undoubtedly anticipated all manner of ridicule for such a faux pas (as I’m sure the misdirection of retrograde rockets is regarded amongst rocket scientists), Western observers instead congratulated the Soviets on their invention of this unique in-orbit move.
4. The Russians Orbited the Sun First
Lunik 1 was launched towards the moon on January 2nd, 1959. Following the decision to set aside initial plans to load the craft up with a small atomic bomb which would explode upon impact with the moon, the Soviets decided that their idea was in fact utterly ridiculous and instead decided to fill the Lunik with loads and loads of sodium instead, the intention being to mark the occasion of leaving the Earth’s orbit for the first time in recorded history. Whilst Lunik failed to get anywhere near the moon, even by space terms, (it missed by around 4,000 miles) it did become the first manmade craft to go into orbit around the Sun. Thank god they decided against the atom bomb idea, eh?
3. NASA was not alone
President Eisenhower enjoyed the opportunity of serving his two terms in the White House in not only the midst of the USA’s post-WW2 economic and industrial boom, but of the space races beginnings. Ever the military mind, Eisenhower saw a huge amount of potential in the science that was going into getting mankind to the stars. Aside from the central, and far more publicised, NASA space program, Eisenhower also sponsored two separate programs of research. The first was spearheaded by the Air Force and was solely dedicated to exploring the possibilities of the militarisation of space technology, whilst the second was a far more covert affair. Led by the CIA, the Air Force as well as an organisation created especially for the purpose, named the National Reconnaissance Office (which remained a top secret government agency until the end of the Cold War in the early 1990’s), the operation was entitled Corona. Corona had one particular agenda: the use of satellites in the garnering of intelligence on the USSR and her allies.
2. Astronauts were almost called ‘Cosmonauts’
The two terms act to significantly divide the two nations involved, as well as entirely symbolise the space race as a whole. Though fulfilling the same role in their respective programs, it is fairly common knowledge that those trained to man spacecraft under the USAs space program are named ‘Astronauts’, while those who fall under Russian jurisdiction are ‘Cosmonauts’. This was almost not the case however, as NASAs Deputy Administrator of the late 1950’s/early 1960’s- Dr. Hugh Dryden wanted to name American crew members ‘Cosmonauts’, his reason being that the prefix ‘cosmo’ was more fitting as it referred to space (the ‘cosmos’) instead of just the stars (astro). Though he had an extremely intelligible point, he was out-voted by his peers.
1. The Space Race was a HUGE thing at the time
Though intergalactic travel still enthrals many people nowadays, at the time of the space race it was simply the most talked about thing in popular society. Coinciding with the advent of television, the race was symbolic of a new and exciting era for the United States of America. Astronauts were portrayed as pioneering heroes, which in many ways I suppose they were, and enjoyed superstar status amongst the optimistic populous. A perfect distraction and tool of propaganda for a time of international nuclear size-offs, the Soviets were in turn played out to be total villains, interested in surpassing American efforts and not much else.
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Top 10 Man-Made Catastrophes
5. Benxihu Colliery Explosion
Located in Benxi, Liaoning- China- this coal mine was seized by the Japanese during the Second World War. It was during this dark time that a coal dust/gas explosion occurred killing around 1,500 workers. The incident is commonly noted as the biggest disaster of its kind in the history of the coal mining industry. The initial destruction caused by the explosion was intensified in terms of eventual casualties due to the actions of the Japanese guards, they are said to have sealed the pit entrances in an attempt starve the fire of oxygen whilst there were still workers underground.
4. Halifax Explosion
The natural harbour at Halifax, Nova Scotia became the site of the largest accidental man-made explosion in human history when 2 ships carrying arms and bound for the European front collided a short distance from the shoreline. After burning for a short while one of the ships, the SS Mont-Blanc exploded with such a force that its cloud of debris and smoke travelled almost 2km into the air- also causing a tidal wave which engulfed the other ship, Imo as well as causing havoc on the shoreline. Almost 2,000 people lost their lives as a result of the accidental collision, many of them civilians on the shoreline.
3. Tenerife Airport Disaster
This is another example of accidental collision causing the unnecessary death of many people. The tranquil holiday island of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, was shaken to its core on March 27 1977 when 2 Boeing 747’s collided on its airports runway. The accident is attributed to the heavy fog which lay over the island on the day, and also the failure of one pilot to secure final take-off authorisation. The KLM aircraft, which was attempting to take off, collided with a taxying Pan Am flight- resulting in both aircraft succumbing to numerous explosions- 583 people lost their lives.
2. Chernobyl
In April of 1986 for the first time since the nuclear age began some 40 or 50 years earlier, an unplanned nuclear scale explosion occurred. It happened at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Ukraine, which at the time constituted part of the USSR. The explosion released around 400 times more nuclear fallout than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945, and the effect was huge. Nuclear rain fell all over Europe, with many of those in the immediate few hundred miles of the plant suffering most greatly. The amount killed by this disaster is something still intensely debated, mostly due to the ambiguous nature of radiation poisoning; it is likely to still be killing even now.
1. Bhopal
The most destructive of industrial accidents in recorded history occurred in the city of Bhopal, India on the evening of December 3rd 1984. A local pesticide plant suffered a lapse which saw a large amount of water unknowingly entering a separate tank containing methyl isocyanate. The chemical reaction caused by this mixture gradually began heating tank- a misfortune which resulted in toxic gas polluting the cities atmosphere. The air essentially became poisonous over a very short period- leading to the deaths of 10,000 citizen in just 3 days. Many more died in the weeks following as a result of the gas, at the hands of horrific diseases.
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Top 10 Amusement Parks in US
While I am on the topics of rides and amusement parks, here is a list of ten of the greatest amusement parks in the United States of America. If you haven’t yet, you have to visit at least one of them. Also, if you are planning to visit one of these soon, give a read to the previous articles that talks about the scariest rides and try them. People who think that amusement parks are for children are way off key here. The rides in these parks are not for children. Oh spare me, most of the adults are scared to sit one of these out. Read the following list and let us know if you have been to any of these parks and share your experiences if you have. Enjoy the read.
10. LEGOLAND, CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
I know it is a little embarrassing to confess to, but Lego is something you never grow tired of no matter how old you are. Maybe it is just me, either way, this place is fantastic. The place offers over fifty different rides. There are many different shows happening all the time too. There are nine different sections to this place and you can have fun in absolutely any section you turn your head to. Oh, you will see many Lego models of cities and different places and they are insanely accurate too. It is an awesome place to take your kids to by the way.9. SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA, GURNEE, ILLINOIS
I visited this place back when I was two years old. I know it’s hard to believe, but yeah, I still remember it. The park offers around 70 different rides and that includes 10 awesome rollercoasters. The Dark Knight is a ride that is a must try for two reasons: It is the Dark Knight and it is awesome. While we are talking about rollercoasters, you might also want to try the Raging Bull. The admission to the park also allows you to enter Hurricane Harbor. It is an adjacent waterpark. Have bucket loads of water fun while you are in there.8. KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT RESORT, ELYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
This particular park started off with a swimming pool, a carousel and a few tables for you to enjoy a picnic. But those times are long gone now. This place is perhaps the largest free admission park in all of United States. The park offers more than 57 different rides. It opened up in the year 1926. You should know that the rides here have won many different awards so they will not be a disappointment. You can count on that. It is a great place to have a perfect family time. Have fun.7. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Universal Studios is a theme park that opened up on the 7th June of 1990. The park is all themed on movies, television and general entertainment. It offers two large parks for you to enjoy and have a nice little picnic with your family. The rides in this particular theme park are based on different movies for example Shrek, Men in Black, The Mummy and even Terminator. If you are in the park, make sure you try the Simpsons ride. It is fantastic.6. BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG, WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
This park is perhaps the most loved park by the citizens of United States. What attracts you about this park is the mere beauty of it. It has a unique design and just walking in it is amazing. If you happen to visit this park, make sure you try the Griffon. It is the tallest and fastest when it comes to dive machine coasters in the world. The most enjoyable time to visit the park will be from April to October.5. DISNEYLAND RESORT, ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA
This particular place has an annual visitor rate of around 20 million people. That’s one of the reasons we believe that it is the best when it comes to Disneyland. This place was originally opened up by Walt Disney himself back in the year 1955. This place has to be one of the best attractions in California. Enjoy.4. SCHLITTERBAHN, NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS
This happens to be the only waterpark that has been able to jump in this list and that too at the number four spot. The resort is comprised of three different parks and it offers more than forty different rides. There are seventeen different slides you can enjoy in this place. There are nine tube chutes, three lazy rivers and more than three miles of crazy tube rides. The place is humungous and the rides it offers are nothing short of a complete thrill. Have a blast folks.3. KING’S ISLAND, MASON, OHIO
This place wasn’t really that big when it first opened up. But time is magic and it has ended up at number three on our list. It is built over a 364 acre area and offers no less than 80 rides. If you are into rollercoasters, this place featrues 15 of them including the world’s tallest wooden rollercoaster that goes by the name of Son of Beast. It also happens to be the fastest wooden rollercoaster. Also, one of the main attractions that opened up in 2009 is Diamondback. Be sure to visit this place if you are in Ohio.2. WALT DISNEY WORLD, ORLANDO, FLORIDA
You guys know how Disney lands work. I am sure all of you have been there at least once in your life. This place is home to the most iconic landmarks and perhaps the most attending amusement parks in the world. This place is a collection of four different theme parks. The most famous one of those is perhaps the Magic Kingdom where you can find the Cinderella Castle and Main Street U.S.A. Before I forget, if you do happen to visit this place, make sure you go to Spaceship Earth. You can thank us later.1. CEDAR POINT, SANDUSKY, OHIO
This park has been constructed on a total area of around 364 acres. It offers 75 amazing rides, ten shows, a water park and believe it or not, 17 different roller coasters. I challenge you try all the seventeen rollercoasters in one day without getting sick. I believe that is physically impossible. The rollercoasters will blind you with speed and their zero gravity moments. This park is truly a must visit if you are in the area because otherwise there is no sense to be in Ohio. At least, I believe that. -
Top 10 Restaurants in America You've Never Eaten At
10. Standard Diner (American)
Address: 320 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: (505) 243-1440
Website: www.standarddiner.com
This place is like a roadside diner turned upscale. They take traditional American cuisine and bring it up just a notch. From their burgers and fries to their mashed potatoes & gravy with meatloaf you are sure to leave here a happy camper. That’s not even mentioning their lobster Caesar salad, country fried tuna with a wasabi guacamole, green chile turkey melt or mac & cheese with a Guinness and Irish cheddar sauce. One of their specialties is their butter bourbon burger that will be one of the best burgers you’ll ever eat. The meat is of the highest quality and seasoned perfectly. Topped with a generous dab of bourbon infused butter and sandwiched between a delicious bun, you’ll be wanting to come back here every day for lunch. The added bonus to the burger are their amazing sweet potato fries. You may just have to come back later in the day though for home-made desserts, from five flavors of ice cream, four of sorbet, a Tiramisu cheesecake, a chocolate cake, an apple pie with butterscotch and fig, amongst others.9. Arcaro & Genell’s (Italian)
Address: 443 S Main Street, Old Forge, PA 18518-1608
Phone: (570) 457-4262
Website: www.arcaroandgenell.comThey serve a very nontraditional version of pizza here known as Old Forge-Style but rest assured you won’t be disappointed. You can get it with red sauce or white sauce and single layered or double layered (almost like a gourmet Hot Pocket) with the perfect amount of Parmesan and rosemary sprinkled on top. Any way you decide to get it will leave your tastebuds singing. They have all of your traditional Italian options as well starting with their antipasti (they serve everyone a delicious bean salad) and fabulous versions of veal parmigiano to linguine with a White Clams sauce. Make sure to stick around for their home-made cannoli.
8. Mary Mac’s Tea Room (Mom’s Home-made)
Address: 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308-1938
Phone: (404) 876-1800
Website: www.marymacs.com
The moment you sit down you’ll be in heaven from their bread basket of cornbread, yeast rolls & cinnamon rolls. You literally could eat these all night long and be fully satisfied. That is unless the rest of their food wasn’t equally impressive. From their fried chicken to their chicken fried steaks and their mashed potatoes or mac & cheese, there is not a single person that won’t be able to find something they truly love here. You’ll need to pace yourself though as they also bring it home in the dessert category. The home-made pecan pie and peach cobbler are absolutely to die for.7. Harry’s Roadhouse (All-Around)
Address: 96B Old Las Vegas Highway, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: 505-989-4629
Website: N/AThey have several dining areas and they’ll let you choose where you’d like to sit. Chose the front room near a window and you’ll have a nice breeze coming in. They have all of your New Mexican breakfast staples (Huevos Rancheros, Chile Omelets, etc) but also delicious pancakes including their Lemon Ricotta pancakes. They are also known for their barbecue, burgers and steaks. There is not any time of day that is not a good time to eat at Harry’s Roadhouse. Just make sure you save room for their chocolate peanut butter ice cream sandwich.
6. Blue Moon Cafe (Breakfast)
Address: 1621 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231-2925
Phone: (410) 522-3940
Website: N/A
If you’re looking for a delicious and filling breakfast this place will do you good. Serving all of your typical breakfast items you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. But the real secret is what’s off the menu. You’ll have to ask the fantastic staff what their secret menu consists of but I’ll let you in on the best item. It’s Cap’n Crunch French Toast. It looks like a piece or art and tastes as good. The Cap’n Crunch “breading” is the perfect amount of sweetness and the fruit adds a nice touch (bananas, strawberries and blueberries) with the whipped cream being home-made and extremely fresh. This is the perfect way to start the day.
