1. AVG Anti-Virus Free

The Bottom Line

AVG Anti-Virus Free is the best free antivirus program available today due mainly to the huge number of premium-level features, full antivirus and antispyware engines, and automatic background updating.

Important: AVG Anti-Virus Free provides constant virus protection, also called on-access or resident protection, for free. This means that AVG Anti-Virus Free can completely replace antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Norton that charge for their software and for yearly access to updates.

Pros

• Provides on-access protection from viruses and other malware
• Virus definitions are updated periodically and automatically
• Does not attempt to install unrelated software
• Easy to install

Cons

• Can only be used at home – no business use
• Does not include a “Game Mode” (silent detection)

Description

• AVG Anti-Virus Free includes fully functional antivirus and antispyware engines.
• Includes LinkScanner feature to protect you from websites that host malicious software.
• Windows 7, Vista, XP, and 2000 are all supported operating systems for AVG Anti-Virus Free.
• Email scanner is included.
• AVG Anti-Virus Free updates periodically to stay current with new threats.

2. avast! Free Antivirus

The Bottom Line

avast! Free Antivirus from AVAST Software is one of the best free antivirus software programs you can download.

avast! is so great because it’s a complete tool, protecting you from threats from the Internet, email, your local files, and even from your instant messages!

Important: avast! Free Antivirus provides constant virus protection, also called on-access or resident protection, for free. This means that avast! Free Antivirus can completely replace antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Norton that charge for their software and for yearly access to updates.

Pros

• Provides on-access protection from viruses and other malware
• Includes a “heuristics engine” to detect previously unknown threats
• Includes a silent mode to hide alerts during gaming and other full-screen activities
• Long history of excellent virus protection
• Works with Windows 7, Vista, XP, and 2000

Cons

• Can not be used in commercial environments – home use only
• Attempts to install unrelated (but safe) software
• Registration is periodically required but it is free

Description

• avast! Free Antivirus includes fully functional antivirus, antispyware, and heuristics engines.
• Includes real-time protection of files, email, web surfing, p2p transfers, instant messages, and even suspicious behavior.
• Windows 7, Vista, XP, and 2000 are all supported operating systems for avast! Free Antivirus.
• Yearly registration is required to continue use.
• avast! Free Antivirus regularly updates malware definitions and the program itself to stay current against new threats.

3. Microsoft Security Essentials

The Bottom Line

Microsoft Security Essentials is easily one of the best free antivirus program available. I like it because it’s produced by Microsoft and because it’s really easy to see if the program is protecting you as it should be.

Important: Microsoft Security Essentials provides constant virus protection, also called on-access or resident protection, for free. This means that Microsoft Security Essentials can completely replace antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Norton that charge for their software and for yearly access to updates.

Pros

• Provides resident protection from viruses, spyware and other malware
• Works with Windows 7, Vista, and XP
• Virus definitions are updated automatically and regularly
• Very easy to install
• Does not attempt to install unrelated software

Cons

• Does not include a silent mode (so you might be bothered during gaming)

Description

• Microsoft Security Essentials includes fully functional engines to guard against viruses and most other kinds of malware.
• Includes a very easy to use on-demand scanner for manual malware checks.
• Windows 7, Vista, and XP are all supported operating systems for Microsoft Security Essentials.
• Simple green/red indicator makes it very easy to see if you’re protected.
• Microsoft Security Essentials updates regularly to keep its malware knowledge current.

4. Comodo Antivirus

The Bottom Line

Comodo Antivirus is certainly one of the best free antivirus program available.

This is due mostly to their proprietary Defense+ technology that assumes an unknown file is a potential threat, making this free antivirus program almost 100% effective. Most other antivirus programs assume unknown files are safe and only concern themselves with files that have proven to be a problem.

Important: Comodo Antivirus provides constant virus protection, also called on-access or resident protection, for free. This means that Comodo Antivirus can completely replace antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Norton that charge for their software and for yearly access to updates.

Pros

• Provides on-access protection from viruses and other malware
• Virus definitions are regularly updated, in the background
• Works with Windows 7, Vista, and XP
• 64-bit versions are also available

Cons

• Can only be used at home – no business use
• Does not include a “Game Mode” (silent detection)

Description

• Comodo Antivirus includes a full range of detection engines for viruses, spyware, rootkits, and other malware.
• Includes protection from “all” infection sources like email, games, IM, etc.
• Windows 7, Vista, and XP are all supported operating systems for Comodo Antivirus.
• 64-bit program versions are available for those using 64-bit Windows operating systems.
• Comodo Antivirus updates periodically to stay current with new threats.
• Includes Defense+ technology that doesn’t assume anything is safe, yet doesn’t bother you with needless warnings either.

5. Avira AntiVir Personal

The Bottom Line

Avira AntiVir Personal is one of best free antivirus software programs out there for various reasons, the least of which is just because it’s free.

My favorite feature of Avira AntiVir Personal is the wide range of malware threats that it protects you from. I also like how simple the interface is and the lack of annoying “extra” software, like browser toolbars, that many free utilities like to push.

Important: Avira AntiVir Personal provides free on-access or resident protection, meaning it’s keeping an eye on things all the time. Because of this fact, Avira AntiVir Personal can completely replace any antivirus software that you might be paying for, like popular products from McAfee and Norton. Some of those programs might be offering you other services but as far as malware/virus protection is concerned, AntiVir Personal does the same job… for free.

Pros

• Protects from many types of malware, not just traditional viruses
• Contains advanced heuristic tools
• Works on Windows 7, Vista, XP, and 2000
• Does not install browser toolbars or other unrelated software
• Virus definition updates are automatic

Cons

• Only home use allowed
• No 64-bit version
• Configuration wizard might be intimidating

Description

• Avira AntiVir Personal protects you from viruses, adware, spyware, back-door programs, dialers, fraudulent software, phishing, and more.
• An ability to choose when to start the antivirus program during the boot process is a valuable addition that I haven’t seen elsewhere.
• AntiVir Personal has an advanced heuristic engine (detects malware that it’s not already aware of) which is a feature not always seen in free antivirus tools.
• Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and even Windows 2000 are all supported operating systems.
• Automatic updates keeps Avira AntiVir Personal updated with the latest threat information.

6. Panda Cloud Antivirus

Panda Cloud Antivirus protects you from several kinds of malware threats – viruses, worms, Trojans, adware, and more – just like all the other free antivirus programs in this list.

What makes Panda Cloud Antivirus one of the best free antivirus programs is that it does its job from “the cloud” meaning the hard antivirus work that typically slows down a computer is done on computers elsewhere on the Internet, freeing up your computer to work like it should and protecting you from malware even better.

Panda Cloud Antivirus supports Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.

7. Immunet Protect FREE

Immunet Protect FREE is a unique, cloud-based antivirus program, much like Panda Cloud Antivirus. Immunet Protect FREE protects your computer from bots, worms, viruses, Trojans, keyloggers, and spyware.

Immunet Protect FREE works on Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP. You must also be connected to the Internet at all times.

I think Protect FREE from Immunet is one of the best free antivirus programs for several reasons: you never have to update it, it has completely free telephone based support, and it can be run alongside some of the other best free antivirus tools like AVG Anti-Virus Free, Microsoft Security Essentials, and avast! Free Antivirus, increasing your overall protection!

8. digital-defender Antivirus

digital-defender Antivirus isn’t a popular antivirus program but it should be. It’s certainly one of the best free antivirus software programs you’ll find. It’s a full antivirus and antispyware program and updates on a daily basis.

digital-defender Antivirus supports Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.

The relatively small installation size, daily virus definition updates, and full antispyware features make digital-defender Antivirus one of the better tools in my collection of the best free antivirus programs.

9. PC Tools AntiVirus Free

PC Tools AntiVirus Free offers basic protection against viruses and other malware. While not my favorite, AntiVirus Free is still one of the best free antivirus programs you’ll find.

PC Tools AntiVirus Free works on Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.

The biggest problems I have with PC Tools AntiVirus Free are the reminders throughout the program that there’s a not-so-free version that you should upgrade to. To be fair, you probably won’t notice it since the program runs silently in the background to protect you from viruses. I probably find it annoying because most of the features available in the upgrade are included for free in some of the higher rated best free antivirus programs above.

Related Posts

1. Top 25 Best Ways To Speed Up Windows XP
2. Windows 7: The good, the bad, the unknown

http://www.mustreadstuff.com/worlds-20-most-powerful-athletes-for-2011/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=worlds-20-most-powerful-athletes-for-2011 http://www.mustreadstuff.com/worlds-20-most-powerful-athletes-for-2011/#comments Sat, 19 Mar 2011 17:51:03 +0000 admin http://www.mustreadstuff.com/?p=5513

Related Posts

1. Top 10 Things Global Warming Could Change Forever
2. Top 7 Tips To Increase The Longevity Of Your Split Air Conditioner
3. Top 10 Sexiest Women Tennis Players

01. Peyton Manning

The Indianapolis Colts quarterback is more than simply the one of the best players in America’s sport. He’s also a model of class, sportsmanship
and overall likability that fans (and sponsors) can’t get enough of.

02. Shaun White

White, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, combines dominance on the slopes with a friendly face and personality. All this adds up to instant marketability.

03. Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods may have fallen from grace, but he hasn’t fallen far. Last year he still made $70 million in endorsements to remain America’s highest paid athlete. But guess who’s not far behind.

04. 04 Phil Mickelson

More than just a moneymaker and an ace golfer, Mickelson provided the feel good sports story of the year when his wife, recovering from breast cancer surgery, met him at the 18th hole of his third Masters victory.

05. Tom Brady

Although he couldn’t make it past Rex Ryan’s Jets, the three-time Super Bowl champ still led his New England Patriots to a staggering 14 regular season wins.

06. Shaquille O’Neal

At 38, the four-time NBA champ has a legitimate chance to earn his fifth ring as the back-up center for the Boston Celtics. Even if the big man falls short, it’s doubtful that his extreme marketability will suffer much.

07. Drew Brees

Want to know how to win the support of fans and sponsors the world over? Try bringing a championship to an American city that’s seen more hard-luck and shown more resiliency than any other. That’s exactly what Drew Brees did for New Orleans.

08. Lance Armstrong

Although Armstrong has seen his share of controversy over the past few years, no number of doping allegations can take away from his cycling accomplishments (winning seven Tour de Frances after beating cancer) and his charity work.

09. Albert Pujols

The perfect antidote to the backlash against baseball over Performance Enhancing Drugs, Pujols is proof that you don’t have to play dirty to dominate the game.

10. Apolo Anton Ohno

Ohno? Oh yes. The Olympic speed skater has won loads of gold medals, but he really captured America’s heart as a contestant on Dancing With the Stars.

11. LeBron James

To some, LeBron is a backstabber who betrayed his hometown team on national TV. To others, he’s a phenomenal player who, like many other athletes, simply wants the best chance to win. For the time being at least, it would appear the public has embraced the first perspective; LeBron slipped a whopping nine spots
this year.

12. Michael Phelps

Although it’s been over two years since winning eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, that stellar achievement is enough for him to continue
raking in the advertising bucks for years to come.

13. Lindsey Vonn

The darling of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vonn is a sexy, hardworking downhill phenom whose star should only continue to burn bright into the future.

14. Kobe Bryant

In 2009, Bryant won his first NBA title without the big man Shaq down low. But that clearly wasn’t enough for him. Last year he won another title and now has a solid shot of a 2nd three-repeat, a feat that would only be rivaled by the great Michael Jordan.

15. Roger Federer

The Swiss Maestro has won 16 Grand Slam singles titles, more than any other male tennis player in history. He held the ATP number one spot for 237 straight weeks until earlier this month, when the following athlete overtook him…

16. Rafael Nadal

Winner of last year’s French Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon, the dashing Spaniard’s advertising strategy is wildly varied: he’s been in a claymation viral video, but he’s also gearing up to be the new face (and body of course) of Armani underwear.

17. Eli Manning

While no match for big brother Peyton in the endorsement category, his heroics in Super Bowl XLII have made him a fan favorite pretty much everywhere outside of Foxboro.

18. Serena Williams

The accolades speak for themselves: 27 Grand Slam titles, 2 Olympic golds, and Williams shows no sign of slowing down. And with her fashion line and high-dollar endorsements, Williams’ influence is as potent as her crushing serves.

19. David Beckham

Plagued by injuries, Beckham didn’t exactly have a banner year on the field. But he’s the most recognizable face in international soccer which certainly counts for something ($40.5 million to be exact).

20. Dwayne Wade

Unlike LeBron, Wade didn’t have to betray anyone to get his own personal dream team in Miami. Nevertheless, it looks like he’s suffered from “guilt by association,” falling to number 20 after being ranked sixth in last year’s list.

Related Posts

1. Top 10 Things Global Warming Could Change Forever
2. Top 7 Tips To Increase The Longevity Of Your Split Air Conditioner
3. Top 10 Sexiest Women Tennis Players

http://www.mustreadstuff.com/worlds-20-most-powerful-athletes-for-2011/feed/ 1 http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-sexiest-women-tennis-players/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-10-sexiest-women-tennis-players http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-sexiest-women-tennis-players/#comments Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:42:27 +0000 admin http://www.mustreadstuff.com/?p=3355

Related Posts

1. Top 10 Amazing Sports Ads
2. Worlds 20 Most Powerful Athletes for 2011
3. Top 10 Poisons Used To Save Lives

Tennis, is a very interesting sport where you can see a lot of sexy women players. I have no idea what deuce or a tie-breaker is, but I still would watch a match when even one of the following Top 10 sexiest women Tennis Players plays. All of them are sexy, smart and good in what they do – tennis!

Let’s check them out in more details. if You don’t agree with me on this list, and if I missed out any other sexy women tennis players, you let me know …

1. Martina Hingis

Martina Hingis is a former world number one Swiss tennis player. Known as the “Swiss Miss” and some regarded her as the Princess of WTA. She has won a lot of Grand Slam titles… don’t ask me which titles because I have no idea myself. Her effusive personality and cut physique have earned her the attention of a lot of fashion photographers.

Do you know how old was Martina Hingis when she won the junior French Open?

2. Daniela Hantuchova

She is a Slovak professional tennis player. As of March 19, 2007, Hantuchova ranks at No. 12 in singles.

Hantuchová has won two WTA singles tournaments in her career, the first in 2002 at the Tier I Pacific Life Open, defeating Martina Hingis, and in 2007 at the same tournament, defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova in the final, ending a 5-year title drought.

3. Maria Sharapova

Six feet tall, muscular and blonde, Sharapova turned pro in 2001 at the young age of 14. In 2004 Sharapova stunned the tennis world by defeating defending champion Serena Williams in the singles finals at Wimbledon to win the tournament at age 17. Occasionally she took modelling jobs, earning sweet comparisons to Anna Kournikova! Sharapova is known to produce high decibel on tennis court.

4. Elena Dementieva

Dementieva is a beautiful babe from Russia, played and won her first international tournament, Les Petit As, in France at the age of 13. In 1997, she turned professional and is currently ranked World number 8.

5. Maria Kirilenko

She is a Russian professional tennis player who won her first WTA Tour title in 2005, beating Anna-Lena Groenefeld in the China Open. She is a good friend of Maria Sharapova and is affectionately called Makiri.

6. Anastasia Myskina

Myskina is from Russia, and is one of the better baseline players in the game today, as shown in her French Open title in 2004. Despite this she prefers faster court surfaces, although having all the hallmarks of a genuine clay court champion.

7. Nicole Vaidisova

Vaidisova is an emerging star in women’s tennis who has been playing since she was six-years-old. She is said to consider her serve as her biggest weapon. Vaidisova is currently ranked number 9 in the WTA rankings.

8. Sania Mirza

Sania Mirza is an Indian tennis player. Coached by her father Imran Mirza, she began playing tennis at the age of six, and turned professional in 2003. She is now ranked 48th in singles.

9. Tatiana Golovin

Tatiana Golovin is a French professional tennis player. Her nickname on tour is Tati. She maybe one of the lesser know players but her win in the 2004 Roland Garros mixed doubles event with countryman Richard Gasquet was remarkable. She also reached the singles quarterfinal at the 2006 US Open, losing to eventual champion Maria Sharapova.

10. Ana Ivanovic

She is a Serbian professional tennis player who started tennis at the age of five after seeing the sport on TV. That turns out to be not a bad decision as she has more than US$1.3 million in her bank account now, thanks to tennis!

Now that you have seen the list. Don’t you just love watching tennis?

Related Posts

1. Top 10 Amazing Sports Ads
2. Worlds 20 Most Powerful Athletes for 2011
3. Top 10 Poisons Used To Save Lives

http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-sexiest-women-tennis-players/feed/ 6 http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-poisons-used-to-save-lives/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-10-poisons-used-to-save-lives http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-poisons-used-to-save-lives/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:13:05 +0000 admin http://www.mustreadstuff.com/?p=3321

Related Posts

1. Top 10 Greatest Books Adapted Into Movies
2. Worlds 20 Most Powerful Athletes for 2011
3. World’s top 10 brands

Warfarin

Warfarin is an anticoagulant. It was initially marketed as a pesticide against rats and mice and is still popular for this purpose, although more potent poisons such as brodifacoum have since been developed. A few years after its introduction, warfarin was found to be effective and relatively safe for preventing thrombosis and embolism (abnormal formation and migration of blood clots) in many disorders. It was approved for use as a medication in the early 1950s and has remained popular ever since; warfarin is the most widely prescribed anticoagulant drug in North America. Despite its effectiveness, treatment with warfarin has several shortcomings. Many commonly used medications interact with warfarin, as do some foods, and its activity has to be monitored by frequent blood testing.

Cone Snail Venom

Cone snails are medium-sized to large, sophisticated predatory sea snails. These snails hunt and immobilize prey using a modified radular tooth along with a poison gland containing neurotoxins; this is launched out of its mouth in a harpoon-like action. Live cone snails should be handled with care or not handled at all, as they are capable of “stinging” humans with unpleasant results. The sting of small cones is no worse than a bee sting, but the sting of a few of the larger species of tropical cone snails can be serious or even fatal to human beings. The venom of some cone snails, such as the Magician cone, Conus magus, shows much promise for providing a non-addictive pain reliever 1000 times as powerful as, and possibly a replacement for, morphine. The first painkiller Ziconotide derived from cone snail toxins was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2004 under the name “Prialt”. Other drugs are in clinical and preclinical trials, such as compounds of the toxin that may be used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy.

Wolfsbane

The roots of Aconitum ferox (Wolfsbane) supply the Nepalese poison called bikh, bish, or nabee. It contains large quantities of the alkaloid pseudaconitine, which is a deadly poison. Aconitum palmatum yields another of the bikh poisons. The root of Aconitum luridum, of the Himalaya, is said to be as virulent as that of A. ferox or A. napellus. In Western medicine preparations of aconite were used until just after the middle of the 20th century, but it is no longer employed as it has been replaced by safer and more effective drugs and treatments. Internal uses were also pursued, to slow the pulse, as a sedative in pericarditis and heart palpitations, and well diluted as a mild diaphoretic, or to reduce feverishness in treatment of colds, pneumonia, quinsy, laryngitis, croup, and asthma due to exposure. Taken internally, aconite acts very notably on the circulation, the respiration, and the nervous system. The pulse is slowed, the number of beats per minute being actually reduced, under considerable doses, to forty, or even thirty, per minute. Interestingly, the wolfsbane flower was used to identify supposed werewolves. If the flower cast a yellow shadow on the suspected shape-shifter’s chin, the werewolf test was positive.

Digitalis

Depending on the species, the digitalis plant may contain several deadly physiological and chemically related cardiac and steroidal glycosides. Thus, the digitalis has earned several more sinister monikers: Dead Man’s Bells, and Witches’ Gloves. The entire plant is toxic (including the roots and seeds), although the leaves of the upper stem are particularly potent, with just a nibble being enough to potentially cause death. Medicines from foxgloves are called “Digitalin”. It is used to increase cardiac contractility (it is a positive inotrope) and as an antiarrhythmic agent to control the heart rate, particularly in the irregular (and often fast) atrial fibrillation. It is therefore often prescribed for patients in atrial fibrillation, especially if they have been diagnosed with heart failure.

Copperhead Venom

The copperhead is an ambush predator: it takes up a promising position and waits for suitable prey to arrive. Like most North American viperids, these snakes prefer to avoid humans and, given the opportunity, will leave the area without biting. However, unlike other viperids they will often “freeze” instead of slithering away, and as a result many bites occur from people unknowingly stepping on or near them. Copperhead venom has an estimated lethal dose of around 100 mg, and tests on mice show its potency is among the lowest of all pit vipers, and slightly weaker than that of its close relative, the cottonmouth. Copperheads often employ a “warning bite” when stepped on or agitated and inject a relatively small amount of venom, if any at all. The venom of the Southern copperhead has been found to hold a protein called “Contortrostatin” that halts the growth of cancer cells and also stops the migration of the tumors to other sites. It will probably be ten or more years before contortrostatin is used in practical treatment but it has shown to be a novel anti-cancer drug in the lab.

Hemlock

Hemlock is one of the most widely known poisons. The most important and toxic alkaloid in hemlock is coniine, which has a chemical structure similar to nicotine. Coniine is a neurotoxin, which disrupts the workings of the central nervous system and is toxic to humans and all classes of livestock. Coniine causes death by blocking the neuromuscular junction in a manner similar to curare; this results in an ascending muscular paralysis with eventual paralysis of the respiratory muscles which results in death due to lack of oxygen to the heart and brain. Death can easily be prevented by artificial ventilation until the effects have worn off 48–72 hours later. Ingestion of Poison Hemlock in any quantity can result in respiratory collapse and death. For an adult the ingestion of more than 100 mg of coniine (approximately 6 to 8 fresh leaves, or a smaller dose of the seeds or root) may result in fatality. Despite its deadly reputation, poison hemlock has been used as a sedative and for its antispasmodic properties. It was also used by Greek and Persian physicians for a variety of problems, such as arthritis.

Deadly Nightshade

Atropine is a tropane alkaloid extracted from deadly nightshade, jimsonweed (Datura stramonium), mandrake and other plants of the family Solanaceae. Injections of atropine are used in the treatment of bradycardia (an extremely low heart rate), asystole and pulseless electrical activity (PEA) in cardiac arrest. Atropine’s actions on the parasympathetic nervous system inhibits salivary, sweat, and mucus glands. This can be useful in treating hyperhidrosis, and can prevent the death rattle of dying patients. Because of its extremely important use in medicine, this poison is a core medicine in the World Health Organization’s “Essential Drugs List”, which is a list of minimum medical needs for a basic health care system.

Yellow Scorpion Venom

The venom from another menacing arachnid is being used to help treat cancer. Researchers at the Transmolecular Corporation in Cambridge, Mass., have isolated a protein that occurs in the venom of the Israeli yellow scorpion. This protein has been shown to seek out and bind itself to the types of cancerous cells found in gliomas, a type of brain cancer that’s particularly difficult to treat. The researchers created a synthetic version of the protein and attached radioactive iodine solution to it. When introduced into the bloodstream, the protein seeks out glioma cells and binds to them, carrying the radioactive solution along for the ride. The solution then destroys the cells — and with enough treatments, the cancer.

Chilean Rose Tarantula Venom

Biophysicists from the University at Buffalo are using a protein from the venom of the Chilean Rose tarantula to combat death from heart attacks. The walls of your cells have tiny channels that open when the cell stretches. Among other body functions, these channels are responsible for the contraction of heart muscles. When these channels open too wide (which can happen from stretching the heart muscles over time), they allow a flood of positive ions into the cell. These extra ions disrupt the electrical signals in the heart, causing the organ to fibrillate (beat wildly and irregularly). The protein from the Chilean tarantula venom binds to these channels, which can block the positive ions from passing through. This could ostensibly prevent fibrillation — and hopefully death — if delivered during a heart attack.

Ergot

Man has a long history with ergot – a fungus which infects rye (which is then transferred to humans who eat the grain). Ergotism causes hallucinations and attendant irrational behavior, convulsions, and even death. Other symptoms include strong uterine contractions, nausea, seizures, and unconsciousness. Consumption can lead to amputation of limbs which are damaged by the fungus. Since the middle ages, controlled doses of ergot were used to induce abortions and to stop maternal bleeding after childbirth. Ergot alkaloids are used in products such as Cafergot (containing caffeine and ergotamine or ergoline) to treat migraine headaches. It is also used in a variety of treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Ergotism has even been blamed (though it is not likely the true cause) for the extremely bizarre dancing plague which struck Europe in the 1500s.

Related Posts

1. Top 10 Greatest Books Adapted Into Movies
2. Worlds 20 Most Powerful Athletes for 2011
3. World’s top 10 brands

http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-poisons-used-to-save-lives/feed/ 6 http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-7-tips-to-increase-the-longevity-of-your-split-air-conditioner/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-7-tips-to-increase-the-longevity-of-your-split-air-conditioner http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-7-tips-to-increase-the-longevity-of-your-split-air-conditioner/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:36:08 +0000 admin http://www.mustreadstuff.com/?p=3305

Related Posts

1. Air Conditioner – Maintenance & Cost Saving Tips
2. How to Clean your Split Air Conditioner like a Pro by Save Time And Money
3. 10 Best Footballers In The FIFA World Cup 2010

Top 7 Tips To Increase The Longevity Of Your Split Air Conditioner

So you have bought a split air conditioner to beat the heat of this scorching summer? Now remember some tips to ensure that it performs superlatively throughout its life.

The global warming has wrecked havoc on the earth as the temperature is rising and touching a new high every year. The people across the globe are suffering from the ill effects of global warming. Coupled with the scorching heat, the humidity has made life tougher than ever before. To save themselves from this unusual climatic condition, many people have fallen back on air conditioners a lot.

Whether you buy a split AC (air conditioner) or a window AC, the most important thing is to know whether they will perform smartly under tough circumstances. Since, we tend to overuse the air conditioners during the summer, we need to be prepared for their maintenance just incase they fail to perform up to the desired level. Take a look at some of the maintenance tips for split ACs that should be applied to boost the efficiency of your split air conditioner.

The smooth functioning of a product depends on its proper maintenance. So, if you have a product, then you need to take god care of it. In case of an AC whether domestic or commercial, the following points should be noted for better performance and durability of the product. The various components of it include:

• Air conditioning filter is an important part of an AC. It should be changed every month or every two months regularly depending on its use. If not the air would be dirty and filled with pollutants. The dirty air conditioning filters also increases the air conditioning repair and maintenance cost.
• Another important part is the compressor. It compresses low pressure, low volume gas making them the high pressure, high temperature and the gas needed for the AC. It also removes vapor from the evaporator to maintain a low boiling point. Make sure to clean the compressor regularly to get cool and refreshing air. Oil specially designed for the ACs can be used for its longevity.
• When air passes through the system, the evaporator coil absorbs the heat to provide cold air through out the space. Replacing the old evaporator coil improves the air flow and air circulation inside the home.
• Air conditioning maintenance also includes cleaning of air ducts or ducts. In the air conditioning system, air ducts are spread through out the entire house keeping the area cool and pleasant. Hence, the ductwork ought to be cleaned regularly to remove the dust collected on air ducts.
• All air conditioning system use refrigerant to absorb the excess heat and supply cool air inside the house. Sometimes there might be a refrigerant leak. So, a reliable air conditioning company or contractor should be called to check and repair that part.
• Sometimes there might be problem with the heating and split air conditioning of your air conditioner. You need to clean your air filters. If, still the problem continues, then it`s time to call an expert.
• In some of the cases ice blocks the tube and no cold air comes from the air conditioning filter instead of the filters recently cleaned. It indicates that the air conditioning refrigerant is low and needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Although the running cost of both window and split AC is almost the same, the power consumption of a split AC could be little higher because of the additional motor it requires. Moreover, the capital expenditure of it is a bit higher than the window AC as well. A split air conditioner scores higher than a window air conditioner because of its `silence` feature. The compressor of a split air conditioner is kept away from the indoor unit and thus, ensures complete silence inside your room.

Related Posts

1. Air Conditioner – Maintenance & Cost Saving Tips
2. How to Clean your Split Air Conditioner like a Pro by Save Time And Money
3. 10 Best Footballers In The FIFA World Cup 2010

http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-7-tips-to-increase-the-longevity-of-your-split-air-conditioner/feed/ 0 http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-things-not-to-eat-on-first-date/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-10-things-not-to-eat-on-first-date http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-things-not-to-eat-on-first-date/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:25:50 +0000 admin http://www.mustreadstuff.com/?p=3300

Related Posts

1. Top 5 Things You Shouldn’t Tell Your New Girlfriend
2. How to Know When a Girl Wants to Smooch
3. The five secrets of a perfect relationship

No.10 – Big Mac

McDonald’s? You are on a first date at McDonald’s? This isn’t a serious date is it? You are married or are already in a relationship and this is just a place where no one would ever think to find you. If this is a first date, don’t expect a second. In fact, don’t except her to be at the table when you return from taking a dunk in the ball pit.

What she will think of you: She’ll think what the rest of us do: You’re a jackass. Now finish your fries and go home to your wife.

No.9 – Milk

It shouldn’t have to be, said but we will humor you this once: Never, ever order anything from the kid’s menu. There is no reason to order milk — even if you are having a slice of chocolate cake for dessert the size of a Prius. Order an after-dinner drink or just a cup of coffee. Grown men don’t drink milk in public (especially those that may be lactose intolerant). Isn’t that right, Toots?

What she will think of you: She is getting involved with a man-child. A guy who drinks milk with a meal needs a nightlight to sleep and calls mom when he needs his shirt ironed.

No.8 – Vanilla Ice Cream

It’s time for dessert. The waiter brings over a tray of treats that would make Augustus Gloop drop a batch in his lederhosen. Your date orders a slice of decadence and you say to the waiter: “I’ll just have a scoop of vanilla ice cream.” Good plan. You’ve got that dominoes tournament with the rest of the boys at the retirement home in the morning and you don’t want to be up all night with a sugar rush. You then continue your story about not being able to find a good pair of socks. Wake your date up, she will want to hear this story.

What she will think of you: You. Are. Boring. You don’t take risks and you don’t enjoy the finer things in life. She sees a relationship — and possibly sex life — that will be just as boring as the scoop of vanilla melting in the little cup.

No.7 – Fish Sticks

If you are going to enjoy fish, you should always ask the waiter for the fresh catch of the day or order the fish special. There is nothing special about fish sticks. They are also not technically a catch; they are the combination of many catches, fish and a couple of additives that keep them edible for a few centuries. Oh, that’s so adorable the way you cut them up and dunk them into the tartar sauce. Is that what the other kids in daycare do or did you make that up?

What she will think of you: You don’t like to try new foods. Fish sticks are the weapon of a mother with a finicky child. You are a pain in the *** when it comes to eating — or doing anything in life that strays from the normal routine. She will assume that life with you will be like Groundhog Day: living the same day over and over again with no escape on the horizon.

No.6 – Lobster

I understand your thought process in ordering: ”If I order the lobster it will look like money is no object. I’ll come off looking like a complete high roller.” Good call. Bibs are essential to the high-roller wardrobe. Lobster is a bad idea: You run the risk of looking like a pansy if you can’t crack that ****er open. It’s also one of the messiest foods on the menu and leaves you reeking of fish meat and hot butter.

What she will think of you: How could you be a good provider if you can’t bust open a lobster shell? Also, if you can’t always afford the lobster, don’t bother getting it just this once. If she thinks money is no object to you then she won’t understand why you flipped out just because she ordered another glass of wine, new kitchen or house on the opposite coast. It’s your own fault, Uncle Moneybags.

No.5 – Tacos

Don’t get us wrong, tacos are a fantastic food. Hell, tacos might be the greatest invention since crotchless undies, but tacos make multitasking during a meal impossible. Your focus will be on keeping the taco together and not on charming her or keeping the discussion going. You’d love to hear more about her job but you need total focus on filling this next shell. You figure an extra scoop of guacamole might set this meal over the edge.

What she will think of you: You won’t pay any attention to her when something else is in front of you. It won’t just be something as simple and delicious as a taco: When the game is on TV or you are one level away from beating a video game (no cheat codes!) she knows she will be as invisible as those refried beans on your plate you haven’t touched. (Smart move, those things will make you gassy.)

No.4 – Corn

Corn is natures’ most annoying food. It’s impossible to digest and finds a way to get lodged in every possible crevice imaginable: in your teeth, in the back of your throat and sometimes up your nose if you try to talk and eat at the same time. That one kernel will be stuck in your tooth the entire meal and you won’t rest until it’s dislodged with your finger, a match box or the end of a butter knife. Also, avoid popcorn should this date include a movie. No one wants to hear you cough up lodged kernels all through an important chick flick. Shh! This is where they first figure out they are in love.

What she will think of you: You are probably disgusting behind closed doors. You have a ton of nasty habits just waiting to come out once the relationship progresses: teeth picking, nostril cleanings and toenail clipping all while watching television.

No.3 – Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings are a party and tailgating food that somehow snuck onto every restaurant menu disguised as an appetizer. They are impossible to eat without getting sauce all over your face, and the only way to keep the mess under control is to S’uck your fingers. The only licking of fingers on the first date should be done at your apartment. They also come in levels of spice that shouldn’t be experimented with on a first date. The last thing you need is to break into a sweat just from a few atomic wings.

What she will think of you: She will think you don’t know the difference between party food and real dinner food. She will see a lifetime of subs, pizza and nachos on all your special occasions. Nothing is a bigger turnoff than imagining her 10-year wedding anniversary with pictures of her husband pounding beers because he tried the double atomic wings.

No.2 – Salad

Salad as a first or second course is acceptable, but salad as the main course says more about you as a man than the fact that your belt doesn’t match your shoes. It says you’re either worried about your weight (and the last thing she needs is another person in her life with a weight issue) or it could mean that you really are a complete hog but you’re trying to look civilized. Salad prevents you from pigging out on a large dinner, chomping on a T-bone or licking a plate during the main course. It’s also ridiculously boring. Part of the fun of eating out is sampling each others’ meal. You can’t really say: “Wow, try this lettuce. It’s amazing.”

What she will think of you: A man getting a salad means he is either incredibly vain, incredibly cheap or dirt poor. None of those are attractive qualities in a partner. She wants a man that eats more than her — or at least more than the animals in her backyard.

No.1 – Soup

First rule of thumb: You never want to eat more or less courses than your date. For example, if she gets an appetizer, then you should also get an appetizer (sharing is also acceptable). Same goes for soup or salad. There is nothing more uncomfortable than watching someone eat while trying to have a conversation. If you are ordering a first course, avoid every type of soup. Soup is never a good idea on a first date. It’s messy, it’s hot and it’s incredibly hard to eat while maintaining any semblance of coolness. Ever tried to look smooth while shoving ice cubes in your mouth because the top of your mouth is singed? The combo of slumping over and slurping is not a good look. Don’t you dare pick up and sip from that bowl.

What she will think of you: She will think you don’t care about how you look in front of others. If you are willing to sip, slurp, singe, and spill on a first date, imagine how you’ll act the first time you meet her friends or parents.

Related Posts

1. Top 5 Things You Shouldn’t Tell Your New Girlfriend
2. How to Know When a Girl Wants to Smooch
3. The five secrets of a perfect relationship

http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-things-not-to-eat-on-first-date/feed/ 3 http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-5-pixar-films/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-5-pixar-films http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-5-pixar-films/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:48:59 +0000 admin http://www.mustreadstuff.com/?p=3288

Related Posts

1. Top 10 Greatest Books Adapted Into Movies
2. World’s top 10 brands
3. Top Hottest Celebrity Belly Button Piercings

Ratatouille (dir. Brad Bird and Jan Pinkava, 2007)

A love song to Paris – its food, its characters, its romance – this giddy tale of a rodent who dreams of being a chef contains more magic moments per frame than any of Pixar film.

The Incredibles (dir. Brad Bird, 2004)

John Lasseter may be more famous and his films may have raked in more merchandising dollars, but Bird seems to be the real genius at Pixar, here delivering a satiric thriller so exciting it blows the Mission: Impossible series out of the water.

Up (dir. Pete Docter and Bob Peterson, 2009)

Pixar’s films get more challenging, emotionally as much as technically, as the years go by: Albert Laromisse (The Red Balloon) and Hiyao Miyazaki (Lapouta: Castle In The Sky) wouldn’t be ashamed of this profound story of a widower’s grief transformed.

Finding Nemo (dir. Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich, 2003)

Pixar films have always been attuned to the drama and pathos to be derived from stories of eco-disaster; this tale of an Australian clown fish who sets out from the Great Barrier Reef on a hazardous journey to rescue his son trumps even WALL-E.

Monsters, Inc (di. Pete Docter, Lee Unkrich and David Silverman, 2001)

Toy Story and A Bug’s Life had already redefined modern animation and proved box-office winners, but this extravagantly inventive feature – huge giants working for a utility company generate power from the screams of children – proved beyond all doubt that the studio was capable of storytelling of the highest order.

Related Posts

1. Top 10 Greatest Books Adapted Into Movies
2. World’s top 10 brands
3. Top Hottest Celebrity Belly Button Piercings

http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-5-pixar-films/feed/ 3 http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-greatest-books-adapted-into-movies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-10-greatest-books-adapted-into-movies http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-greatest-books-adapted-into-movies/#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:54:50 +0000 admin http://www.mustreadstuff.com/?p=3253

Related Posts

1. Top 10 Sexiest Women Tennis Players
2. Top 10 Things Global Warming Could Change Forever
3. World’s top 10 brands

Which is better? The movie or the book…..?

Since nobody has the time or inclination to read books anymore, movies provide us with the visual cliff notes we need to experience some of the greatest novels ever written. Now let’s just hope they never take L. Ron Hubbard’s science fiction novel Battlefield Earth and turn it into… oh right, it’s too late.

• 10 Jurassic Park - The master of adapting books into movies, Speilberg turned Michael Crichton’s New York Times #1 best seller into one of the highest grossing films of all time. The film for some strange reason also meant the extinction of Laura Dern’s acting career.

• 9 Forrest Gump – While the film differs substantially from Winston Groom’s novel, Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks proved that if you “don’t go full retard” you can created one of the most successful book adaptations in movie history.

• 8 Breakfast At Tiffany’s – Truman Capote’s novel turned out to be the “Perfect 10″ of Blake Edwards directing career and made Audrey Hepburn one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood history. And I think Truman Capote and the rest of the civilized world can all pretend that Jennifer Love Hewitt’s CBS movie of the week remake never happened
• 7 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest - Milos Forman and Jack Nicholson turned Ken Kesey’s book into the first film in movie history to win all five major academy awards(Best Picture, Actor In A Lead Role, Actress In A Lead Role, Director and Screenplay) and made everyone realize that a getting a labatomy is an extremely unpleasant experience.

• 6 Schindler’s List (Based On The Novel Schindler’s Ark) - Spielberg adapted Thomas Keneally’s book about Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Polish Jewish refugees during the Holocaust into a masterpiece and the one movie you don’t want to get caught making out during.

• 5 Apocalypse Now (Based On The Novle Heart Of Darkness) - Francis Ford Coppola took Joseph Conrad’s book Heart Of Darkness and turned it into what is widely-considered the greatest war movie of all time even though Dennis Hopper doesn’t remember filming it.

• 4 Goodfellas – Martin Scorsese took crime reporter Nicolas Pileggi’s book Wisguy based on the real life story of mobster turned informant Henry Hill and created his gangster movie opus. It also made every man in America want to be a gangter from now to enternity.

• 3 Jaws - Steven Speilberg took Peter Benchley’s novel and turned it into the “father of summer blockbuster movies” in 1975

• 2 The Godfather - Francis Ford Copolla adapted Mario Puzo’s novel into one of the greatest movies in the history of cinema giving the men of the world enough quotables to last a lifetime.

• 1 Gone With The Wind - Scarlet O’Hara may not have give a damn, but Margaret Mitchell’s book win the Pulitzer in 1937 and Gone With The Wind also took home the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1939.

Related Posts

1. Top 10 Sexiest Women Tennis Players
2. Top 10 Things Global Warming Could Change Forever
3. World’s top 10 brands

http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-greatest-books-adapted-into-movies/feed/ 2 http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-best-free-kicks-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-10-best-free-kicks-ever http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-best-free-kicks-ever/#comments Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:50:03 +0000 admin http://www.mustreadstuff.com/?p=3162

Related Posts

1. Top 10 Sexiest Women Tennis Players

Related Posts

1. Top 10 Sexiest Women Tennis Players

http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-best-free-kicks-ever/feed/ 0 http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-7-most-desired-car-launches-of-2009/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-7-most-desired-car-launches-of-2009 http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-7-most-desired-car-launches-of-2009/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:04:35 +0000 admin http://www.mustreadstuff.com/?p=3084

Related Posts

1. Golden Ferrari 599 GTB from Hamann
2. Mercedes Benz F-CELL Roadster
3. Top 10 Costliest cars!!!

India is fast emerging as a growing vehicle market. And more so, as global auto giants waste no time in launching the latest bikes and cars to capture the imagination of a billion people.

Ford’s Figo: The coolest one

American car-maker Ford Motor will roll out the four-door Figo in the first quarter of 2010 and is investing $500 million to double the capacity of its factory in Chennai to 200,000 units.

It is the latest entrant into the country’s small car market, which accounts for 73 per cent of car sales, largely dominated by Suzuki Motors. The car will be made available in both petrol and diesel variants.

Ford India has not announced the price, but the car is expected to cost Rs 4 lakh and upwards for the base variant and will be pitted against Maruti Swift and Ritz, Fiat Punto, Chevrolet U-VA and Hyundai I20.

Earlier this month, Ford had launched a new stylish Endeavour starting at Rs 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom)

Mercedes Benz: The New E-Class

German luxury car manufacturer on Wednesday launched the next generation E-Class sedan in India priced at Rs 46.98 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The new E-Class comes with a 3.5 litre V-6 petrol engine, which will be locally assembled at Mercedes’ Pune plant. The diesel variant will be launched after a few months.

Mercedes expects the new model to give a major push to sales growth as it finds its market leader position in the luxury segment under threat from global arch-rival BMW.

Land Rover’s cross: Freelander 2

Tata Motors’ Jaguar Land Rover brand has launched its most affordable model in India — Freelander 2. Powered by a 156bhp, 2.2-litre turbo-diesel motor, The Freelander 2 will be sold with a six-speed automatic and is well-specified too.

Available in 3 variants priced at Rs 33.8 lakh for the “S”, Rs 39 lakh for the “SE” and Rs 45 lakh for the “HSE” variant, ex showroom Mumbai (without octroi), the Freelander 2 will fall somewhere between the Nissan X-Trail and CR-V on one side and the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 on the other.

Audi’s luxury bet: Q7

It is a luxury crossover SUV produced by yet another German auto maker. The Q7 is designed more for on-road use, and was not meant for serious off-road use. It has quattro permanent four wheel drive system with a central differential lock, and an adjustable-height air suspension which helps in off road situations.

The luxury SUV offers a feature marketed as AMI, or Audi Music Interface, to allow user manipulation of an iPod or similar MP3-style player, which can play through the main sound system.

It was the first Audi model to offer Side Assist, a type of blind-spot detection and warning system

Nissan’s new mark: X-Trail and Teana

Nissan Motor India has revamped its X-Trail and Teana models. While the price range of the compact SUV (X-Trail) starts at Rs 20.81 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Teana pricing begins at Rs 21.03 lakh.

The X-Trail is designed to be driven around in the cityscape for a majority of its time and the occasional weekend getaways. Luxury sedan Teana combines refined, modern design with a smooth, powerful V6 engine. On the inside, Teana offers a finely crafted interior that is clean, modern yet luxurious”. With broad sections of high quality wood trim, easy to operate controls and leather trim, Teana delivers on the promise of comfort and relaxation. Teana is powered by a 2.3 litre VQ23DE petrol engine mated to a four speed automatic transmission.

Toyota in diesel run: Fortuner

In August this year, Toyota launched Fortuner diesel. Priced at Rs 18.45 lakh (ex-showroom), the demand for the vehicle has been so huge that the company was forced to ask dealers to stop taking new bookings.

After seeing the interest shown by the customers, the auto giant has increased production by 50 per cent and is hoping to sell 4,500 SUVs by the end of 2010.

Maruti’s glitz: Ritz

Maruti Suzuki, the country’s leading car-maker, had recently launched Ritz in both petrol and diesel variants. It is one of the first Bharat Stage-IV compliant cars of India.

Cool spacy interiors and a sporty look, the car is priced in the range of Rs 4-5 lakh. It is Suzuki’s fifth global model and has been developed on the existing hatch-back Swift’s platform.

GM plans to showcase a small car at the January Delhi Auto Show. Offering a less expensive and more stylish choice (a la the Fiat 500) in the luxury segment will be Volkswagen’s Beetle. The ‘people’s carrier’ will be priced at Rs 15-25 lakh.

Related Posts

1. Golden Ferrari 599 GTB from Hamann
2. Mercedes Benz F-CELL Roadster
3. Top 10 Costliest cars!!!

http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-7-most-desired-car-launches-of-2009/feed/ 3 http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-things-global-warming-could-change-forever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-10-things-global-warming-could-change-forever http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-things-global-warming-could-change-forever/#comments Sun, 27 Sep 2009 05:46:18 +0000 admin http://www.mustreadstuff.com/?p=3031

Related Posts

1. Top 7 Tips To Increase The Longevity Of Your Split Air Conditioner
2. World’s top 10 brands
3. Top 5 Pixar films

Great Barrier Reef may be gone in 20 years

The Great Barrier Reef will be so degraded by warming waters that it will be unrecognizable within 20 years. Charlie Veron, former chief scientist of the Australian Institute of Marine Science, told The Times: “There is no way out, no loopholes. The Great Barrier Reef will be over within 20 years or so.” Once carbon dioxide had hit the levels predicted for between 2030 and 2060, all coral reefs were doomed to extinction, he said. “They would be the world’s first global ecosystem to collapse. I have the backing of every coral reef scientist, every research organization. I’ve spoken to them all. This is critical. This is reality.”

Amazon Rain Forest may turn into a desert

Teeming with millions of species and one-fifth of the world’s fresh water, the Amazon is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. However, global warming and deforestation are reversing the forest’s role as a carbon sink, converting 30-60% of the rainforest into dry savannah. Projections show the forest could disappear completely by 2050.

Sahara Desert may become green

Scientists are seeing signals that the Sahara desert and surrounding regions are greening due to increasing rainfall. If sustained, these rains could revitalize drought-ravaged regions, reclaiming them for farming communities. This desert-shrinking trend is supported by climate models, which predict a return to conditions that turned the Sahara into a lush savanna some 12,000 years ago.

Hurricanes may became more devastating than Katrina

It has not been determined whether Katrina was linked to global warming. But there are indications that global warming will produce more Category 5 hurricanes –and Katrina was only Category 4 when it hit Louisiana. Hurricanes derive their power in part from warm water, and so forecasting models show future hurricanes becoming more severe as sea surface temperatures rise. Global warming also makes hurricanes more destructive by raising the sea level, which leads to more serious coastal flooding. (According to the EPA, a two-foot rise would swallow a chunk of the U.S. bigger than Massachusetts.)

London may disappear underwater by 2100

It isn’t only reefs and low-lying islands that are under threat from global warming. In fact, a major threat is for those large urban areas which are at risk of eventually being submerged underwater. This is caused by a change in sea levels that occurs when global warming takes place, resulting in coastal cities being destroyed by flooding. Dozens of the world’s cities, including London and New York, could be flooded by the end of the century, according to research which suggests that global warming will increase sea levels more rapidly than was previously thought. London is one of the major world capitals at high risk of this type of flooding, as depicted in this shot from the 2007 movie Flood. Scientists say that the city could be under water as early as within the next one hundred years.

Animals may shrink

Warming climate may favor small species over large ones. The research, based on analysis of body mass of fish, plankton, and bacteria in European ecosystems, comes just weeks after scientists reported that sheep on a Scottish island are shrinking due to warmer conditions.

The new study reveals that individual species lost an average of 50 percent of their body mass over the past 30 years. The reduced body size is the third universal ecological response to global warming. An earlier sheep study suggested that shorter and milder winters mean lambs do not need to put on as much as weight as they once did in order to survive their first year of life, a factor that could also impact fish populations. Nonetheless the researchers say the shift could alter food chains, with apex predators being particularly affected by shrinking prey.

2,000 Indonesian islands may disappear

At least 2,000 small islands across archipelagic Indonesia may disappear by 2030 as a consequence of excessive mining and other environment-damaging activities. Indonesia has already lost 24 of its more than 17,500 islands.

Global warming may increase terrorism

Global warming could destabilize “struggling and poor” countries around the world, prompting mass migrations and creating breeding grounds for terrorists. People are likely to flee destabilized countries, and some may turn to terrorism. The conditions exacerbated by the effects of climate change could increase the pool of potential recruits into terrorist activity. According to the chairman of the National Intelligence Council in the US, economy refugees will perceive additional reasons to flee their homes because of harsher climates. That will put pressure on countries receiving refugees, many of which will have neither the resources nor interest to host these climate migrants.

The Alps may melt completely

Glaciers are retreating in warm, dry winters and hotter summers caused by global warming, and although snowfall in the 2008-2009 ski seasons was substantial, overall recent years have seen less snow at low altitudes, and receding glaciers and melting permafrost higher up – with a significant impact on winter tourism activities. It is predicted that the glaciers will be gone between 2030 and 2050. Italy and Switzerland have decided to redraw their border after global warming dissolved Alpine glaciers that marked out the frontier between the two countries.

The Maldives may be submerged

The lowest and flattest country in the world is suffering coastal erosion, and could find itself submerged if sea levels carry on rising, with the islands growing smaller and smaller. This extreme prediction is a devastating prospect for residents and bad news for the tourists who descend on its soft white beaches and warm waters each year. Scientists give it only about one hundred years before it completely disappears into the ocean surrounding it.

Related Posts

1. Top 7 Tips To Increase The Longevity Of Your Split Air Conditioner
2. World’s top 10 brands
3. Top 5 Pixar films

http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-10-things-global-warming-could-change-forever/feed/ 5 http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-hottest-celebrity-belly-button-piercings/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-hottest-celebrity-belly-button-piercings http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-hottest-celebrity-belly-button-piercings/#comments Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:35:14 +0000 pawan http://www.mustreadstuff.com/?p=2983

Related Posts

1. Celebrity wax statues at Madame Tussaud’s museum
2. Kareena Kapoor Cute Looking Pics
3. Top 10 Celebrity Bikini Goddesses

Celebrities have just founded the edginess out of belly button piercings,
but the sexiness stays remains intact

Related Posts

1. Celebrity wax statues at Madame Tussaud’s museum
2. Kareena Kapoor Cute Looking Pics
3. Top 10 Celebrity Bikini Goddesses

http://www.mustreadstuff.com/top-hottest-celebrity-belly-button-piercings/feed/ 1 http://www.mustreadstuff.com/worlds-top-10-brands/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=worlds-top-10-brands http://www.mustreadstuff.com/worlds-top-10-brands/#comments Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:28:51 +0000 admin http://www.mustreadstuff.com/?p=2640

Related Posts

1. Worlds 20 Most Powerful Athletes for 2011
2. Top 5 Pixar films
3. Top 10 Sexiest Women Tennis Players

The business of building brands is a tough one. And it takes years of hard work, great service, great product, sustained socially responsible work and a lot more to create a brand that people hold store by. In today’s ever-changing economy, entrepreneurs seek specialists’ help to launch their products and create brands.

Often big corporate houses cough up millions to help bolster their brands so that consumers remember who they are. Once a brand succeeds in striking a chord with the consumers, half the marketing battle is won.

Here are the world’s top 10 corporate brands.

1. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is one of the most recognised brands and logos in the world. Its brand value is worth $66,667 million. Its parent company is Coca-Cola.

It was created in Atlanta, Georgia by Dr John S Pemberton. The bottle is among the most recognisable icons in the world, its design standing for the youthful exuberance of United States of America.

Coca-Cola was first offered as a fountain beverage by mixing Coca-Cola syrup with carbonated water.

The Coca-Cola script was designed by an amateur, Frank Robinson. Coca-Cola was registered as a trademark in 1887 and by 1895 Coca-Cola was being sold in every state and territory in the US. In 1899, the company began franchised bottling operations in the US

2. IBM

The company’s brand value is worth $59,031 million. Its parent company is International Business Machines.

In 1972, the company logo, designed by Paul Rand had horizontal stripes replacing the solid letters to suggest ‘speed and dynamism.’

A resurgent tech-services business together with highly profitable software edges Big Blue ahead of rival Microsoft.

3. Microsoft

Its brand value is worth $59,007 million. Its parent company is Microsoft.

Microsoft Corporation is an US multinational computer technology corporation with over 79,000 employees in 102 countries. It develops, manufactures, licenses and supports a wide range of software products for computing devices.

Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA, its best selling products are the Microsoft Windows operating system and the Microsoft Office suite of productivity software.

Windows Vista bugs and Apple’s withering ‘I’m a Mac’ ads challenge the software giant despite its monopoly. It is now rolling out a new ad campaign.

4. GE

GE is the fourth most recognised brand in the world, worth $53,086 million. Its parent company is General Electric.

The group CEO Jeffrey Immelt introduced a set of changes in the presentation of the brand commissioned in 2004, after he took the reins as chairman.

The modifications included a new corporate colour palette, small modifications to the GE logo, a new customised font (GE Inspira), and a new slogan, ‘imagination at work’ replacing the longtime slogan ‘we bring good things to life’, composed by David Lucas.

The changes were designed by Wolff Olins.

5. Nokia

Its brand value is $35,942 million. Its parent company is Nokia.

Though iPhone has the buzz, Nokia phones sell eight times more.

Nokia Corporation has been in the telecommunications business since the 1960s and has become a global leader of the industry.

The original Nokia logo was designed in Tampere in 1865. It went through many modifications since then.

Therefore, when it came to designing their logo, Nokia Co. made every effort to make its logo represent the company’s mission. And thus, ‘Nokia Connecting People’ logo came into being.

6. Toyota

Its brand value is $34,050 million. Its parent company is Toyota Motor.

The current Toyota mark consists of three ovals: the two perpendicular center ovals represent a relationship of mutual trust between the customer and Toyota.

These ovals combine to symbolise the letter ‘T’ for Toyota.The space in the background implies a global expansion of Toyota’s technology and unlimited potential for the future.

Back in 1936, to coincide with the launch of its eagerly awaited first passenger car, Toyoda Automatic Loom Works Ltd. held a public competition to establish a new symbol mark to promote its vehicles.

The company indicated that the new design should convey the feeling of speed. Twenty-seven thousand entrants answered the call and submitted their ideas to Toyoda.

The winning design led to a change in the name of the automobiles and plants from ‘Toyoda’ to ‘Toyota.’ The changed name was chosen because the number of strokes to write Toyota in Japanese (eight) was thought to bring luck and prosperity.

The Model AA, Toyota’s first passenger car, became the first automobile to use the new name.

7. Intel

Its brand value is worth $31,261 million. Its parent company is Intel.

The original Intel logo with a ‘dropped-e’ in it was created by Silicon Valley pioneers Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore, 39 years ago as they were forming their new ‘integrated electronics’ company.

In 1991, the company introduced the ‘Intel Inside’ slogan with the Intel logo.

The company’s sales are strong and Intel still pays to place its logo in the ads of customers like Apple and Dell, but the Federal Trade Commission is investigating the practice.

8. McDonald’s

Its brand value is worth $31,049 million. Its parent company is McDonald’s.McDonald’s Corporation is one of the largest chains of fast food in the world.

It mostly sells burgers and fries but has recently introduced fancy coffees, breakfast sandwiches, and wraps.

The McDonald’s Golden Arches logo was introduced in 1962. It was created by Jim Schindler to resemble new arch shaped signs on the sides of the restaurants. He merged the two golden arches together to form the famous ‘M’ now recognised throughout the world.

The McDonald’s name was added to the logo in 1968.

While the physical arches were dropped out from all the restaurants’ building design, the Golden Arches have remained in the McDonald’s logo.

9. Disney

Its brand value is worth 29,251 million. Its parent company is Walt Disney.

Co-founded by Walter Elias Disney, the Walt Disney Company today has branched out to various entertainment studios, theme parks, products and other media productions with an annual revenue of approximately $30 billion.

The Walt Disney logo is a ‘stylised version of the founder’s signature’ that signifies the brand name and promises secure, cheerful and quality American mainstream entertainment.

Other than the regular logo, the company uses different logos on its different products. A castle on a blue background version of the Walt Disney logo is used for the movie releases and as the curtain-raiser to its films.

10. Google

Its brand value is worth $25,590 million. Its parent company is Google.Google Inc, a technology company, maintains index of web sites and other online content for users, advertisers, Google network members, and other content providers.

Its automated search technology helps users to obtain instant access to relevant information from its online index.

The company provides targeted advertising and Internet search solutions, as well as intranet solutions via an enterprise search appliance.

Related Posts

1. Worlds 20 Most Powerful Athletes for 2011
2. Top 5 Pixar films
3. Top 10 Sexiest Women Tennis Players

http://www.mustreadstuff.com/worlds-top-10-brands/feed/ 1