The Famous 10

The Famous 10 : Places

2009-05-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

The 10 Most Beautiful Places on Earth

Few things compare to the beauty of nature, and the earth is home to countless enchanting, serene and beautiful places. You surely have your own favorites, whether they are larger-scale locations or as simple as the rock garden you created in your backyard or the tree-lined street you grew up on.

Below are our choices for the top-ten most beautiful on a larger scale (and admittedly we haven't been everywhere!) ... be sure to share YOUR choice for the most beautiful physical place on earth at the end of this article!

1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Carved by millions of years of water and wind, the Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring 5,000-feet deep, 277 miles long and 18 miles wide. Probably the United State's most well-known national park, the Grand Canyon is home to plateaus, hills, gorges, trails and the Colorado River, all set in one of the most impressive backdrops imaginable.

Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

If your jaw doesn't drop when you first witness the Grand Canyon, it likely won't drop anywhere.

2. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Located in south Kauai, Hawaii, Poipu Beach is a collection of beaches with golden sand and gentle surf, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing. Depending on where you are, you can experience water only inches deep (Baby Beach), incredible snorkeling with tropical fish, Hawaiian Monk Seals, and further up the coast Spouting Horn, a spout of seawater forced 50 feet into the air by a lava tube.

3. Ninh Van Bay, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam

This bay, overlooking the South China Sea, is still relatively untouched and very private. Its beach is accessible only by boat, and the bay is known for its coral reefs, white sand, rock formations, streams and scenic mountains in the background.

4. Arches National Park, Utah

Home to the most natural arches in the world, Arches draws visitors to its stunning balanced rocks, fins and pinnacles, sandstone arches and other rock formations, located in a "high desert," 4,085 to 5,653 feet above sea level.

Blue Mountain Peak, Jamaica

5. Blue Mountain Peak, Jamaica

The highest point in Jamaica at 7,402 feet, from which you can see much of the island, as well as Cuba and Haiti. The mountains are surrounded by a mist, giving them their blue hue, and are home to vast numbers of butterflies, birds and flowering plants. They're also located in the heart of Jamaica's coffee country, which grows the world-famous Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee.

6. Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania

Covering some 8,300 square kilometers, the NCA is a unique blend of wildlife, natural landscapes and archaeological sites. It has volcanoes and rifts, a crack in the earth's crust that can result in steep cliffs, over 20,000 large animals, and the volcanic Ngorongoro crater, 7,264 feet above sea level.

7. Mount Fuji, Japan

Japan's highest mountain, at 3,776 meters, is a favorite place to watch the sunrise, so it's not uncommon for hikers to climb all through the night and early morning to reach the summit in time. As its near-perfect shape suggests, Mount Fuji is actually a dormant volcano (it last erupted in 1708) that is regarded as a sacred mountain.

8. The Florida Keys and U.S. 1

Traveling down U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West, you are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. The stunning views of the water, with nothing to obstruct the view (the highest point is 18 feet above sea level), lends the surreal feeling of walking on water and the humbling experience of just how big and powerful the oceans are.

El Yunque Rainforest, Puerto Rico

9. Napa Valley, California

This California wine country offers breathtaking views of expansive vineyards, rolling hills, and green, lush countryside -- some of the most serene settings in the United States.

10. El Yunque Rainforest, Puerto Rico

Located in eastern Puerto Rico, El Yunque is a mountainous, semi-tropical rainforest with many rivers, waterfalls, pools and streams that provide a sanctuary for wildlife, including the Puerto Rican Parrot, lizards, crabs and tree frogs, and plant life like giant ferns, orchids and bromeliads.

The Famous 10 : Ghost

2009-05-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.....Just kidding.Stay calm and enjoy the scripts.Spooks, spirits and specters – the stuff of folklore and films for centuries. Don’t be afraid of this list, there are friendly ghosts and frightening spirits who are more famous in this life than in the afterlife. This list brings you the most famous fictional and non-fictional ghoulies we love to get scared by.

10. Casper McFadden

Everyone’s favorite friendly ghost was created in the late 1930s as a character in a story book, but was soon adapted into animation. Casper was created in the late 1930s by New York City native Seymour Reit and Joe Oriolo, the former devising the idea for the character and the latter providing illustrations.The New York-accented ghost was desperate to make friends after he got tired of scaring people all the time, much to the annoyance of his pesky uncles, The Ghostly Trio. The film adaptation in 1995 featured Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman.

9. The Ghost of the Seven Gables

The Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, or ‘The House of the Seven Gables’ in Salem, Massachusetts, was the birthplace of famous author Nathanial Hawthorne. Hawthorne’s ancestors presided over many of the witchcraft trials in 1692, and many say a hex was placed on the family – which inspired many of Hawthorne’s novels. It is believed that the grounds are haunted by Nathaniel and his son Julian, both cursed into walking the earth forever.

8. Jacob Marley

Marley, the deceased business partner of Ebenezer Scrooge, comes back at Christmas time to teach the protagonist some valuable life lessons, according to this Charles Dickens classic. Marley has appeared in many versions of this seasonal tale, played by Alec Guinness in the 1970s film, by Goofy in Mickey’s Christmas Carol and voiced by Nicholas Cage in the 2001 movie version.

7. Bloody Mary

Turn the lights out, spark a candle, stand in front of the mirror and say her name three times. This Western folklore declares that the image of Bloody Mary – said to be a mad widow, a bereaved mother or just a mad old hag – will appear in the reflection and in some variations, kill you violently or scratch your eyes out. A mainstream variation of this legend featured in the 1995 film Candyman.

6. The South Shields Poltergeist

In one of the most recent real-life ghost stories, this naughty Northern poltergeist caused a real media furor. In the summer of 2006 in Tyne and Wear, Newcastle, UK, two paranormal specialists, Michael J. Hallowell and Darren Ritson were called in to investigate some extremely eerie goings-on. In an intricately documented year-long period, the family and investigators reported ghostly silhouettes, taps pouring blood, death threats sent to mobile phones and bloody scratches appearing on skin. You can find out more in the book: The South Shields Poltergeist: One Family’s Fight Against an Invisible Intruder

5. The Brown Lady

This infamous ghost set the bench mark for ‘photographic evidence’ of the supernatural back in 1936. According to legend, this ghostly lady, who haunts Raynham Hall in Norfolk, England, is the spirit of Lady Townshend. The Lady of the manor was never allowed out of the house by her overbearing husband, Lord Charles Townshend in life, and so haunted the house in her death too.

4. Ghosts of the SS Watertown

Another famous photograph is the ‘proof’ that these nautical specters exist. The two ghosts in the picture are said to be two shipmates that were overcome by gas fumes whilst sailing toward the Panama Canal from New York City in December of 1924. Crew reported seeing the faces of their hapless shipmates in the water after they were buried at sea, and the Captain was quick to catch the phenomena on camera.

3. Abe Lincoln et al

Abraham Lincoln was renowned for his belief in the supernatural, so it was no surprise that his spirit appeared numerous times around the White House to prove his point. Residents and guests have reported knocks on doors, stomping down corridors and mooching round rooms. First ladies Abigail Adams and Dolley Madison, plus Andrew Jackson, David Burns and little Willie Lincoln are also reported to haunt the most famous house in America.

2. The Tombstone Ghosts

Tombstone, Arizona has been dubbed ‘The Town too Tough to Die’ due to its huge number of otherworldly residents. Such ghosts in this old mining town include the ones hanging around the Bird Cage Theatre, victims of the O.K Corral fights, such as Marshall Fred White, plus the various other cowboys and varmints – such as Virgil Earp – who were hung, shot, or deceased from disease in this historically violent town. Photo by hanneorla

1. The Amityville Ghosts

In November 1974, Ronald DeFeo shot six members of his family dead at his home in Ocean Avenue, Amityville. In December the following year, the Lutz family moved in but left after just 28 days after reportedly being terrorised by banging noises, oozing green slime and sinister eyes peeking through the window. Their experiences inspired the novel ‘The Amityville Horrors’ and later, two films.

Source : TheTopTenz.net

The Famous 10 : Worst Jobs

2009-04-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

hink your job sucks? You may appreciate it a little more once you read our top 10 list of horrible jobs.

There’s no doubt you’ve worked your share of horrible jobs, but we’ve compiled a list of some of the riskiest, most dangerous, gut-churning jobs around. These horrible jobs meet a combination of all the following requirements: they’re low-paying, they have terrible working conditions and they put workers at a high risk for immediate and/or long-term injury.

If you spot your horrible job here, take a bow -- you’re part superhero for living through it. For everyone else, put down any food you might be chewing on and check out what made the list of the top 10 most horrible jobs in existence.

Number 10

Restaurant dishwasher

Called “dish pigs” because they have their hands in human leftovers all day, restaurant dishwashers have a horrible job. They scrub burnt saucepans, dip their fingers into corrosive cleaning solutions, inhale chemical solvents and, worst of all, empty fryer grease into a “grease pit” that smells somewhere between vomit and rotten meat. Dishwashers also work in high-stress conditions with wait staff and cooks putting constant demands on them for everything from cutlery to pans. They can also be easily injured, cutting or nicking themselves with knives, and scalding themselves on hot pans. But Band-Aids and gauze don’t help because they have to plunge their hands right back into dish muck. Of course, this guarantees their infection. So, what do they get for their toil at this horrible job? They don’t clean up at all, making around 17K a year.

Number 9

Slime line workers

Slime line workers cut fish open, rip out their guts and throw them down the line in a fish-processing plant. It sounds easy enough, but the conditions are pretty tough. Hillary Clinton once worked this horrible job and said it was the worst she’s ever had (apart from trying to beat Obama). Workers are in a cold plant where they stand all day, ankle-deep in fish blood and guts where they can easily cut themselves. Since their hands are covered in slime, it’s a certainty their cuts will get infected. One of the biggest negatives, however, is the smell. Unless workers date each other, their fishy scent won’t win them many outside admirers. Plus the wage stinks, averaging $9.87 an hour.

Number 8

Barnyard masturbator

This might be the funniest job title of all-time and it’s sure to drop jaws when you tell people what you do for a living. The barnyard masturbator, er, masturbates livestock to collect sperm samples. They make their collection in three ways: electroejaculation -- they jam an electric probe up a cow’s rectum to buzz its bits ‘til orgasm; artificial vagina -- they hold a latex tube over a bull’s Johnson just before it mounts a cow; manually -- they do the tried-and-true wrist workout. Apart from the danger this horrible job poses to its workers’ social life, workers regularly get injured from bull kicks. It’s not clear how much they get paid, but they certainly earn every cent.

Number 7

Medical waste biohazard cooker

You know those red biohazard bags that doctors and nurses drop needles in? Well, the bags also carry urine, semen, teeth, and blood. When the bags are full, they get sent to a biohazard cooker. Each biohazard cooker puts a load of bags in an oven-like contraption that steams them at 260°F for 30 minutes before they’re disposed of. They wear gloves and goggles, but if a bag punctures, a single drop of bad human fluid can infect their own. If that’s not enough, they contend with the “gag-errific” stench of boiled human fluids, described as a bouquet of stinky feet, rank armpit odor and burnt rubber. This smell lasts all day as cookers finish with one load and put another one in. Think: This can all be yours for around $16.28 an hour.

Number 6

Sewage treatment workers

Sewage treatment workers work in what you flush -- with rats. They repair sewer leaks, take sewage samples, remove obstructions in sewers, and make sure raw sewage is properly treated. The health risks are huge: workers can die from toxic fumes, contract hepatitis A and get cancer. The physical working conditions are also bad; they are bending and kneeling in confined spaces and are exposed to high levels of noise. Drowning is a threat, as well as electrocution. Plus workers’ only defense against disease is wearing protective clothing and keeping their lips closed tight so no sewage accidentally splashes in. Want to search underground for big alligators and get paid for it? Your salary starts at $15 an hour.

Number 5

Chainsaw operator

Logging fatality rates are 21 times higher than the rate for any other worker in the U.S. and chainsaw operators are a big reason for it. If these operators aren’t killed, they report 30,000 injuries every year. The first threat is their chainsaw; its blades can kick back and slice an arm, leg or head. Or if the worker is really unlucky, the chain can break off completely and wrap itself around his neck. Also they can hit a spike that an environmentalist lodged in a tree to save it, but in reality the spike can actually kill a logger when it causes his chainsaw to kick back. And then they face the biggest threat of all: A falling tree or limb can crush them or knock them out in an instant. How much does this danger pay? Try $20K to 24K a year. Fresh air may be the only upside.

Number 4

Poultry kill room attendant

These workers kill chickens in a factory. Armed with a knife, they stand in two inches of chicken blood and slit chicken throats all day. Their working area is a small room with rows and rows of hanging chickens that looks much like how clothes are hung at the dry cleaner. These workers are prone to back trouble, repetitive stress injuries and can easily slice themselves, but their biggest threat is exposure to disease and pathogens. With blood flying left and right and with the likelihood of workers cutting themselves, there is a good chance they will catch something. The list is long: from light bugs that cause stomach upset to fatal viruses like avian flu. Workers roll the dice with every chicken jugular they cut. Does killing pay? At $9 an hour, not so much.

Number 3

Hazmat diver

These scuba divers do the unthinkable; they swim in toxic material to perform repairs. Radioactive soup, oil spills, chemical spills, and raw sewage are all fair game in this horrible job. Obviously, their work conditions are god-awful; they have little to no visibility and are surrounded by liquid death. One tiny rip in their suit, and any number of diseases can come pouring in. Divers say bobbing in the toxic mess feels like wearing a raincoat in warm water. Either these guys are crazy or have steel cojones because most people would run from this horrible job. Surely, the catch must be that they get $1 million a year for all the danger, right? Nope. Try $37,000 -- plus a couple kids with three feet and five eyes.

Number 2

Hospital laundry workers

After a life-saving procedure in the ER on television, the next scene cuts away to the patient tucked into finely pressed white sheets. In reality, however, someone has to make those fluid-spattered ER sheets clean. Hospital laundry workers are the ones to do it -- and they do it in the worst conditions imaginable. Their laundry room is hot and flies buzz around their heads and infest piles of dirty linens. The real problem, though, is that they’re exposed to every infectious disease that lives on hospital fabric. Sure, they are given cotton gloves, but many don’t wear them. And since they find sharp things like needles, scalpels and broken glass mixed into the laundry, gloves don’t really help. Plus limbs and human organs are known to fall out of sheets, which only skyrockets their risk of getting a disease. The pay? An abysmal $8 an hour. Clearly not everything comes out clean in the wash.

Number 1

Meat plant carcass splitters

This job is as horrific as it sounds. These workers cut open cow and pig carcasses all day and remove their innards. It’s definitely nasty, but here’s the real horror: One out of three workers gets injured every year and often without compensation. They can maim themselves with their own cleaver or a factory blade. If knives don’t get them, disease like E. coli and mad cow can. Studies have linked the cause of neurological conditions in some workers to disease in animal meat. Also, they’re 35 times more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome here than in other manufacturing job. Additionally, with an assembly line cranking out 400 livestock an hour (from 175 just 25 years ago), the chance of an accident has increased. When it happens, the worker can spurt as much blood as they want -- the line won’t stop. Oh and the pay? $9.50 and hour. Interested?

The Famous 10 : Holiday Destination

2009-04-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

Whether you are looking for a holiday now or planning one for the future, this list will help you make the right choice. I have selected some of the best holiday destinations from around the world, focusing on a particular aspect of each place. So, here you have it: 10 hot holiday destinations, In no particular order:

1. The Maldives

For: Relaxation

The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, about 435 miles South-West of Sri Lanka. It is a popular tourist destination because of the astoundingly beautiful resorts and scenery. In most cases you can stay in a private villa which sits out in the middle of the water - connected to the mainland by a small walkway. If you want to go somewhere to relax - this is the place to do it. The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which is very closely related to Sinhala, the language of Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, you will have no problems speaking English in the tourist spots. Don’t forget to pack your laptop so you can read the List Universe while you are sipping margaritas on your private porch floating on the ocean!

2. Queenstown New Zealand

For: Excitement

In Winter or Summer, Queenstown is a fantastic place to holiday. In the Winter it is full of people there for the skiing, and in summer it is full of people there to take the white water trips down the Shotover river. I would also say that the food in Queenstown ranks as the best I have eaten in the entire world; though food in New Zealand is of an extremely high standard in general. There are a large number of hotels right on the waterfront of Lake Wakitipu (New Zealand’s longest lake and third largest). The water is bitterly cold (even in summer) - but it is beautiful to look at from your hotel window and if you can stand the cold, bathing is certainly allowed. Queenstown is also New Zealand’s jetboat and bungy jumping capital. And if you think the price is too high - you can always pop to Arrowtown right next door and try panning for gold in one of New Zealand’s old mining towns. Oh - and don’t forget, New Zealander’s are the friendliest people in the world.

3. Paris France

For: Food

Everyone knows that Paris is the City of Romance and Food, but it has that reputation for a good reason! The food in France is simply outstanding and almost unparalleled around the world. You can stay at very inexpensive hotels, or very expensive ones, depending on your budget; just make sure you leave enough money for the food and wine. Some of the things you will have to do: 1) eat macaroons at La Duree, on the Champs Elysee (you won’t be able to control yourself when you taste these things!), 2) eat ice-cream at Berthillon - the best ice-cream in the world (handmade entirely from natural ingredients), and 3) eat pastries at Pierre Hermé - the picasso of pastry. Don’t forget to check out Printemps - the incredible department store found on Boulevard Haussmann.

4. New York United States of America

For: Shopping

With the US dollar at an all time low, it is the perfect opportunity for non-Americans to travel to New York and pick up some bargains. In addition, you get to see one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the United States, and can experience the hustle and bustle of an incredibly busy city. New York has many state parks and two major forest preserves. Adirondack Park, roughly the size of the state of Vermont and the largest state park in the United States, was established in 1892 and given state constitutional protection in 1894. Major destinations include the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Broadway theatre productions, museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other tourist attractions including Central Park, Washington Square Park, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, luxury shopping along Fifth and Madison Avenues, and events such as the Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village, the Tribeca Film Festival, and free performances in Central Park at Summerstage. New York’s food culture, influenced by the city’s immigrants and large number of dining patrons, is diverse. Jewish and Italian immigrants made the city famous for bagels, cheesecake and New York-style pizza. The city also boasts some of the finest haute cuisine restaurants in the USA.

5. Hong Kong China

For: Unique Culture

Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where East meets West, a meeting reflected in its economic infrastructure, education and street culture. On one street corner, there may be traditional Chinese shops selling Chinese herbal medicine, Buddhist paraphernalia or bowls of synthetic shark fin soup. But around the next, one may find theatres showing the latest Hollywood blockbuster, an English-style pub, a Catholic Church or a McDonald’s. The city’s cosmopolitan flavour can also be seen in the wide variety of cuisines available. While different varieties of Chinese selections, especially seafood, are most popular, there are also many European, American, Japanese, Korean, and other restaurants. Ethnic dishes served in cha chaan teng’s and dai pai dong’s are also popular. The people of Hong Kong take their food seriously and many top chefs make their way to the city to show off their talents to these discerning diners. The Hong Kong government also supports cultural institutions such as the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

6. Venice Italy

For: History

Every time I have been to Venice I have had an amazing holiday. Not only is the city incredible for its history, it is incredible for its food, its architecture, and its uniqueness. I have been in both summer and winter and would suggest that either of those seasons is perfectly fine for a visit. In summer it gets very hot and crowded, and in Winter it is not crowded but can be a bit on the cold side. If you are interested in old Churches, this is the place to go - there is one around every corner. The ambience of the city is one of mystery and rich culture. I recommend the Hotel Bauer which is just a few meters away from the San Marco square (the heart of the city). One of the best things about Venice is that you can leave your hotel and just start walking - you don’t need to worry about maps as you will eventually find your way back to the hotel. This is also an excellent way to explore the tiny dark alleys. Be sure to go for a trip on a gondola - but be prepared to pay big for the privilege - it is not cheap - on my last trip it cost me 75 Euros for 45 minutes.

7. Pyongyang North Korea

For: Exclusivity

This one is for the intellect - so that you can one day say that you have been the last bastion of Stalinist communist. It is very difficult to obtain a visa to visit North Korea, and if you do, it will be an expensive holiday. But you will be in a very small group of people who can say that have visited. By all accounts the food is extremely good and plentiful. You will be waited on hand and foot, and you will have a tour guide with you the whole time to explain things (okay - they are communist agents, but they will still explain things). You can visit the large shopping center and watch people who are paid to shop (so they look prosperous) and if you time it right, you may get a chance to see the amazing Mass Games, which are held every year on the 15th of April at the Arirang Festival, to celebrate the birthday of the Dictator Kim Il-sung.

8. Cape Town South Africa

For: Beaches

Cape Town is the third most populace city in South Africa, and it is the most popular tourist destination due to its good climate and natural setting. It is the home of the famous Table Mountain. Due to the city’s unique geography, it is possible to visit several different beaches in the same day, each with a different setting and atmosphere. Cape Town is noted for its architectural heritage, with the highest density of Cape Dutch style buildings in the world. Night life in the city caters for all tastes, with a range of restaurants and cafes that are generally recognized as including some of the finest eateries in South Africa (both in food quality and decor terms). Night clubs and bars abound with popular areas including the top end of Long Street and its immediate surrounds, as well as the redeveloped Cape Malay quarter, De Waterkant.

9. Sydney Australia

For: The Nightlife

Aside from having the most deadly creatures in the world, Syndey is a wonderful place. It is vibrant and pumping at all times - though especially at night. If you like the nightlife - this is the destination for you. Australian people are very friendly and the crime rates are reasonable. You can go on a harbour cruise at night and have dinner while floating under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or you can go out to the country side to see some amazing and unique flora and fauna. You can even spend an evening at the opera in the famous Sydney Opera House, home to the third busiest opera company in the world. Sydney’s most popular nightspots include Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and The Rocks which all contain various bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Star City Casino, is Sydney’s only casino and is situated around Darling Harbour.

10. Monte Carlo Monaco

For: The gambling

If you fancy holidaying Bond style, this is definitely the place for you. Be prepared to come home with no money - but memories you will cherish forever. This is the city of the Rich. Did you know, citizens of Monaco are not allowed to enter the casinos? They are also exempt from tax, making this a popular spot for the world’s billionaires. As well as gambling, Monte Carlo hosts the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and many fashion shows. This country was, of course, home to the American actress Grace Kelly (Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco) before her death in 1982.

The Famous 10

2009-04-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Well, i started this blog because i was inspired by thesun's sites where they are one of the few sites who came up with the top ten's stuff.I will post the whole picture of the most top 10 things in the world. This will be an exciting journey where the readers will get mesmerized and goosebump. This blog going to have a very wide scope where it gonna covers on all rounder topics where any column will be possible to be posted on my blog.Thanks.