The top 10

The top 10 Greatest Cleavage Moments In TV History

2009-10-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

America has been patient long enough and I think it's time we all work together to make a 24-hour "Cleavage Channel" on Direct TV a reality. If we all contribute a little money or sign one of those petition things we can finally start watching quality TV shows like Battlestar Booblactica, It's Always Cleavagey In Philadelphia and everyone's favorite sports news show Cleavagecenter. For the price of a cup of coffee a day, we can finally feed our cleavage-hungry souls.

#10 Tiffani Amber Theissen (Beverly Hills 90210) - America truly enjoyed watching Kelly Kapowski grow into a woman and become "Kelly Boobwowski."

#9 Julia-Louis Dreyfuss (Seinfeld) - Sure it was small cleavage but it was "Elaine" cleavage. It's cleavage Seinfeld fans waited over eight years to see.

#8 Marla Sokoloff (The Practice) - All I can say is that Marla continues to have some of the most underrated hooters in Hollywood and James Franco is a lucky, lucky man.

#7 Alyssa Milano, Rose McGowan & Holly Marie Combs (Charmed) - With so much Charmed cleavage over the years a "Charmed cleavage montage" is the only thing that could possibly do all that witch cleavage justice.

#6 Jennifer Love Hewitt (Ghost Whisperer) - What Ghost Whisperer viewers don't understand is that Jennifer Love Hewitt's character doesn't actually know how to communicate with the dead. They just follow her around all the time so they can look at her cleavage.

5 Jessica Simpson (That's 70's Show) - The world sure was a better place when Jessica was in her hotness prime, wasn't it?

#4 Cindy Margolis (The Howard Stern Show) - The former "most downloaded woman in the world" always loved sharing her wonder twins with Howard.

#3 Stephanie McMahon (WWE Raw) - The WWE has had it's share of epic cleavage over the years, but all of that cleavage gets body-slammed by Stepanie's monster hooters.

#2 Nikki Cox (Unhappily Ever After) - Nikki may look like The Joker now, but she was the queen of TV cleavage during her brief stint as Tiffany on Unhappily Ever After.

#1 Salma Hayek (Ugly Betty) - Salma doesn't have breasts anymore, they're actually melons. That's because it literally looks like she had two honeydew melons surgically implanted on her chest and honeydew is delicious.

The top 10 Sexiest Babes From Dancing With The Stars

2009-10-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

Watching a man dance is a horrifying thing but if he's got a beautiful women in a skimpy dress dancing next to him it kinda makes up for it. While I can honestly say that I've never watched one episode of Dancing With Stars in my entire life, I think the key to watching the show is to focus on the hot girl dancing in a low-cut dress. If you don't and lose focus for one second you're going to see a has-been actor or athlete dancing and nobody needs to see that.

#10 Willa Ford - The self-proclaimed "Bad Girl of Pop" took her bad girl act onto the third season of DWTS. Willa was eliminated in the 5th week of the show and returned to doing the bad girl stuff that she normally does.

#9 Julianne Hough - The only two-time winner of DWTS, Julianne competed with her boyfriend Chuck Wicks. Julianne also hold the record for "worst boyfriend schmoopy talk" on a reality television series.

#8 Rachel Hunter - The former SI swimsuit model is officially a reality TV addict appearing in over six reality shows to date including DWTS. Oh, and did I mention how much I hate Rod Stewart's music?

#7 Shannon Elizabeth - Shannon competed in the sixth season of DWTS and apparently got a little feisty with the judges when she was elminated. So that means she's a hot chick who likes to play poker who has a feisty side... you know, the perfect woman.

#6 Shandi Finnessey - The fomer Miss USA 2004 competed in the 2007 season of DWTS and was eliminated in the second week of the competition. Shandi can now be seen on reruns of the highest rated game show "Lingo" on the Game Show Network with Chuck Woolery. I think we all know why it's the highest rated show on GSN and it's not because Woolery wears tight pants.

#5 Stacy Keibler - Staci shook the best booty in the entertainment business during the second season of DTWS. Unfortunately she refused to do the Rump Shaker or the Tootsie Rool and I think it cost her the championship.

#4 Brooke Burke - Brooke temporarily broke the hearts of bikinis all over the world when she took a bikini break and won the seventh season of DWTS. Now if we can only find a way to convince ABC to do a Dancing With The Stars: Bikini Nights spinoff we just might have a dance show worth watching.

#3 Joanna Krupa - Joanna is appearing on this season of DWTS and we can only hope she somehow manages to get into a fist fight with Chuck Liddell and officially end his fighting career.

#2 Josie Maran - One of the hottest supermodels in the history of planet universe, Josie was part of the first couple eliminated from the 2007 season of DWTS so she could back to letting people take hot pictures of her for a living.

#1 Kelly Monaco - The former Plaboy Playmate and star of the greatest Playboy lifeguard photo shoot I have ever seen won the first season of DTWS. Kelly then decided to continue dancing and starred in Peepshow, a burlesque show where she plays "Bo Peep" a precocious character who discovers her sexuality throughout the show. Makes perfect sense to me.

Top 10 Free Blog Promotion Tips

2009-09-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

If you want to grow your blog, then it's critical that you take time to promote it. Unfortunately, the old theory, "if you build it, they will come," doesn't apply to blogs. With over one hundred million blogs being tracked by blog search engines such as Technorati, publishing compelling content isn't enough to drive awareness and traffic for your blog. Instead, you need to invest in some old-fashioned sweat equity to give your blog a traffic boost. The 10 free blog promotion tips below will help you get started.
1. Comment on Other Blogs

An easy way to give your blog a promotional boost is by commenting on other blogs. Each time you comment, enter the same name and URL in the corresponding fields in the blog comment form. Doing so will help your search engine optimization efforts over time. When you leave relevant, interesting and useful comments on other blogs (particularly those that are related to your own blog's topic), people will notice and follow the link back to your blog to learn more about you and read more of what you have to say.

2. Post Frequently

Posting frequently can boost your search engine traffic. Each new post acts as a new entry point for search engines to find your blogs. Writing with search engine optimization in mind can also boost the potential each of your posts has to lead traffic to your blog.
3. Participate in Online Forums

Join forums related to your blog topic and become an active, contributing member. Include a link to your blog in your forum signature, so it's always available to other members.
4. Use Social Media

Leverage the promotional opportunities that the social web provides. Join social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn and include links to your blogs and recent posts in your profiles. Join social bookmarking sites like Digg, StumbleUpon and Delicious and submit great content (not just your own). Additionally, consider jumping on the microblogging bandwagon and join Twitter. All of these efforts will increase awareness of your blog and give it added exposure.
5. Link to Other Blogs in Your Own Posts

Try to include links to other blogs in your own blog posts. Refer to other blogs you enjoy reading or specific posts you found particularly interesting. When those other blogs have the trackback feature turned on in their blogging software programs, you'll automatically get a link back to your own blog in the comment section of those posts. At the very least, the other blogger will see the incoming links from your blog in their blog statistic reports, putting you and your blog on his or her radar, and that means more exposure for you.
6. Include Your Blog Link in Your Email Signature and on Business Cards

Basically, include your blog URL everywhere you can. Your email signature and business cards are two of the most obvious places to promote your blog with a link or printed URL, but don't be afraid to think out of the box. Promotion is key to success when it comes to blogging. Don't be shy about tooting your own horn!
7. Hold a Blog Contest

Blog contests are a great way to attract new visitors to your blog. The most important thing to remember when using a blog contest as a promotional tool is to get the word out about the contest by announcing it on contest websites.
8. Join a Blog Carnival

Blog carnivals are an easy way to get links to your blog in front of a lot of people. The more closely related to your blog topic that the carnival is, the more traffic you'll get from it.
9. Guest Blog

Offer your services as a guest blogger for other blogs in your niche, particularly ones that get more traffic than yours does. Guest blogging is a great way to get links to your blog and your own thoughts and writing in front of people who are likely to be interested in learning more about you and your blog.
10. Write Multiple Sites and Link Them Together

The more blogs or websites that you write, the more interlinking is possible. That interlinking can be used to promote your blog through different channels that might attract different audiences. Create an integrated blog marketing plan by aligning your promotion efforts across your various blogs and websites to reap the biggest rewards.

Top 10 Tips for Beginner Bloggers

2009-09-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

Starting a blog can seem overwhelming, but in truth, it's one of the simplest ways to join the online community. Follow these tips to ensure your blog is positioned for success.

1. Define Your GoalsBefore you start a new blog, it's essential that you define your goals for it. Your blog has a greater chance of success if you know from the beginning what you hope to accomplish with it. Are you trying to establish yourself as an expert in your field? Are you trying to promote your business? Are you simply blogging for fun and to share your ideas and opinions? Your short and long term goals for your blog are dependent on the reason why you're starting your blog. Think ahead to what you'd like to gain from your blog in six months, one year and three years. Then design, write and market your blog to meet those goals.
2. Know Your AudienceYour blog's design and content should reflect the expectations of your audience. For example, if your intended audience is teenagers, the design and content would be quite different than a blog targeted to corporate professionals. Your audience will have inherent expectations for your blog. Don't confuse them but rather meet and exceed those expectations to gain reader loyalty.
3. Be ConsistentYour blog is a brand. Just like popular brands such as Coke or Nike, your blog represents a specific message and image to your audience, which is your brand. Your blog's design and content should consistently communicate your blog's overall brand image and message. Being consistent allows you to meet your audience's expectations and create a secure place for them to visit again and again. That consistency will be rewarded with reader loyalty.
4. Be PersistentA busy blog is a useful blog. Blogs that are not updated frequently are perceived by their audiences as static web pages. The usefulness of blogs comes from their timeliness. While it's important not to publish meaningless posts else you may bore your audience, it's essential that you update your blog frequently. The best way to keep readers coming back is to always have something new (and meaningful) for them to see.
5. Be InvitingOne of the most unique aspects of blogging is its social impact. Therefore, it's essential that your blog welcomes readers and invites them to join a two-way conversation. Ask your readers to leave comments by posing questions than respond to comments from your readers. Doing so will show your readers that you value them, and it will keep the conversation going. Continue the conversation by leaving comments on other blogs inviting new readers to visit your blog for more lively discussions. Your blog's success is partially dependent on your readers' loyalties to it. Make sure they understand how much you appreciate them by involving them and recognizing them through meaningful two-way conversation.
6. Be VisibleMuch of your blog's success relies on your efforts outside your blog. Those efforts include finding like-minded bloggers and commenting on their blogs, participating in social bookmarking through sites such as Digg and Stumble Upon, and joining social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Blogging is not a demonstration of, "if you build it, they will come." Instead, developing a successful blog requires hard work by creating compelling content on your blog as well as working outside of your blog to promote it and develop a community around it.
7. Take RisksBeginner bloggers are often afraid of the new blogging tools and features available to them. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things on your blog. From adding a new plug-in to holding your first blog contest, it's important that you keep your blog fresh by implementing changes that will enhance your blog. Alternatively, don't fall prey to every new bell and whistle that becomes available for your blog. Instead, review each potential enhancement in terms of how it will help you reach your goals for your blog and how your audience will respond to it.
8. Ask for HelpEven the most experienced bloggers understand the blogosphere is an ever-changing place and no one knows everything there is to know about blogging. Most importantly, bloggers are part of a close-knit community, and the majority of bloggers understand that everyone is a beginner at some point. In fact, bloggers are some of the most approachable and helpful people you can find. Don't be afraid to reach out to fellow bloggers for help. Remember, the success of the blogosphere relies on networking, and most bloggers are always willing to expand their networks regardless of whether you're a beginner blogger or seasoned pro.
9. Keep LearningIt seems like everyday there are new tools available to bloggers. The Internet changes quickly, and the blogosphere is not an exception to that rule. As you develop your blog, take the time to research new tools and features, and keep an eye on the latest news from the blogosphere. You never know when a new tool will roll out that can make your life easier or enhance your readers' experiences on your blog.
10. Be YourselfRemember, your blog is an extension of you and your brand, and your loyal readers will keep coming back to hear what you have to say. Inject your personality into your blog and adapt a consistent tone for your posts. Determine whether your blog and brand will be more effective with a corporate tone, a youthful tone or a snarky tone. Then stay consistent with that tone in all your blog communications. People don't read blogs simply to get the news. They could read a newspaper for news reports. Instead, people read blogs to get bloggers' opinions on the news, the world, life and more. Don't blog like a reporter. Blog like you're having a conversation with each of your readers. Blog from your heart.

Top 10 Love Poems

2009-09-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

As long as there have been poets, there have been love poems. After all, if love cannot inspire, what can? Our minds turn to love on special anniversaries, Valentine’s Day and weddings, but how to express it? We are not all blessed with the gift of poetic words. The list below may include a poem to serve the occasion but don’t pretend it’s yours. You will look very cheap when you are found out.

10. ‘Wild Nights’ by Emily Dickinson

A leading American poet (1830 – 1836), she is one of the most accessible and popular poets. This selection is not typical of her output and is surprisingly passionate for a woman of those times. Dickinson led a secluded life and it’s not certain for whom these lines were intended, ‘might I but moor tonight with thee’. Biographers believe that she may have created a fantasy for herself.

Wild nights! Wild nights!

Were I with thee,

Wild nights should be

Our luxury!

Futile the winds

To a heart in port,

Done with the compass,

Done with the chart.

Rowing in Eden!

Ah! the sea!

Might I but moor

To-night in thee!

9. ‘We Are Made One with What We Touch and See’ by Oscar Wilde

Of course, it’s well known that Wilde’s romantic exploits got him into trouble, resulting in a two-year sentence for hard labour. He’s better known for his comedic plays and witty quotes than for his poems. This poem has the joyful line; ‘we draw the spring into our hearts and feel that life is good’.

We shall be notes in that great Symphony

Whose cadence circles through the rhythmic spheres,

And all the live World’s throbbing heart shall be

One with our heart, the stealthy creeping years

Have lost their terrors now, we shall not die,

The Universe itself shall be our Immortality!

8. ‘Bright Star’ by John Keats

A leading figure amongst the English Romantic poets, many of Keats’ poems are melancholic. He was a doomed man, dying of TB at the age of 26 in a house in Rome where he had gone to improve his health. The house, next to the Spanish Steps, is now a museum dedicated to his life and the life of Shelley. He wrote his poetry in a brief five-year period. Sensual love is celebrated in the line, ‘pillow’d upon my fair love’s ripening breast’.

Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art–

Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night

And watching, with eternal lids apart,

Like nature’s patient, sleepless Eremite,

The moving waters at their priestlike task

Of pure ablution round earth’s human shores,

Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask

Of snow upon the mountains and the moors–

No–yet still stedfast, still unchangeable,

Pillow’d upon my fair love’s ripening breast,

To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,

Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,

Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,

And so live ever–or else swoon to death.

7. ‘Another Valentine’ by Wendy Cope

This is from the point of view of a couple that have been together a long time. At first, Cope seems slightly resentful that she is being forced into making a romantic declaration just because a certain date in the calendar demands it, but she gets into the spirit of the occasion and her love for her partner shines through. They are sure of each other, as shown by ‘you know I’m yours and I know you are mine’.

Today we are obliged to be romantic

And think of yet another valentine.

We know the rules and we are both pedantic:

Today’s the day we have to be romantic.

Our love is old and sure, not new and frantic.

You know I’m yours and I know you are mine.

And saying that has made me feel romantic,

My dearest love, my darling valentine.

6. ‘A Drinking Song’ by W.B. Yeats

The title does not suggest a love poem and it’s debatable as to how much alcohol consumption is playing a part! Nevertheless, it is a romantic poem. The opening lines are ‘wine comes in at the mouth and love comes in at the eye’ Let’s hope they don’t regret it in the morning.

Wine comes in at the mouth

And love comes in at the eye;

That’s all we shall know for truth

Before we grow old and die.

I lift the glass to my mouth,

I look at you, and I sigh.

5. ‘Valentine’ by John Fuller

Perhaps the least well known poet on the list, he is an English writer, born in 1937, and is the son of the feted poet, Roy Fuller. This is a sensual poem, which celebrates the physical features of his beloved; ‘I like it when you tilt your cheek up’. It’s a gently teasing poem with fun lines such as ‘I’d like to find you in the shower and chase the soap for half an hour’.

The things about you I appreciate may seem indelicate:

I’d like to find you in the shower

And chase the soap for half an hour.

I’d like to have you in my power and see your eyes dilate.

I’d like to have your back to scour

And other parts to lubricate.

Sometimes I feel it is my fate

To chase you screaming up a tower or make you cower

By asking you to differentiate Nietzsche from Schopenhauer.

I’d like to successfully guess your weight and win you at a féte.

I’d like to offer you a flower.

4. ‘Love Is’ by Adrian Henri

The late Henri, along with his fellow Liverpool poets, Roger McGough and Brian Patten, brought poetry to a new generation in their 1967 anthology, ‘The Mersey Sound’. It’s a poem about everyday love between everyday people but is strangely touching. ‘Love is a fan club with only two fans’ and ‘love is what happens when the music stops’.

Love is…

Love is feeling cold in the back of vans

Love is a fanclub with only two fans

Love is walking holding paintstained hands

Love is.

Love is fish and chips on winter nights

Love is blankets full of strange delights

Love is when you don’t put out the light

Love is

Love is the presents in Christmas shops

Love is when you’re feeling Top of the Pops

Love is what happens when the music stops

Love is

Love is white panties lying all forlorn

Love is pink nightdresses still slightly warm

Love is when you have to leave at dawn

Love is

Love is you and love is me

Love is prison and love is free

Love’s what’s there when you are away from me

Love is…

3. ‘How Do I Love Thee’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Browning had the advantage of a good education, not given to most Victorian women in England. She blossomed as a poet and found love with fellow writer, Robert Browning. They married against her father’s wishes and eloped to Italy. It doesn’t get any more romantic than that. The opening lines to this poem are often quoted; ‘how do I love thee, let me count the ways’.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of everyday’s

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with a passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints, — I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! — and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

2. ‘A Red, Red Rose’ by Robert Burns

This is both a poem and a song, first published in 1794. Burns is one of the most famous Scotsmen in the world and the anniversary of his birth, January 25th, is celebrated around the world with recitations, whisky and haggis (for those that can stomach it). Burns Night undoubtedly features this poem and the lines, ‘O, my love is like a red, red, rose, that is newly sprung in June’.

O my Luve’s like a red, red rose,

That’s newly sprung in June:

O my Luve’s like the melodie,

That’s sweetly play’d in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonie lass,

So deep in luve am I;

And I will luve thee still, my dear,

Till a’ the seas gang dry.

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,

And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;

And I will luve thee still, my dear,

While the sands o’ life shall run.

And fare-thee-weel, my only Luve!

And fare-thee-weel, a while!

And I will come again, my Luve,

Tho’ ’twere ten thousand mile!

1. ‘Love Sonnet 130’ by William Shakespeare

The most revered playwright in history also found time to compose 154 sonnets, published in 1609. The sonnets are a great source for quotations on the theme of love and passion. He was constantly preoccupied with the relationships between men and women in his writing. Number 130 glories in lines, such as ‘and yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare as any she belied with false compare’.

My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun;

Coral is far more red than her lips’ red;

If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;

If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.

I have seen roses damask’d, red and white,

But no such roses see I in her cheeks;

And in some perfumes is there more delight

Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.

I love to hear her speak, yet well I know

That music hath a far more pleasing sound;

I grant I never saw a goddess go;

My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground:

And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare

As any she belied with false compare

10 Classic Children’s Books

2009-09-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

We all have books from our childhood that we remember with a sweet fondness. If you are a parent you probably have a small library of books that you want to read and share with your children and many of those books most likely are found on this list. This top 10 list of books for children includes many classics you have heard of, but may not be our your bookshelves at home. Give them a look and perhaps your children can enjoy them next time you read a bedtime story or when you give them a book to read on their own.

The Secret Garden

By Frances Hodgson Burnett

This story about a garden that transforms the lives of a group of children was serialized and then published as a whole in 1911. Orphaned Mary Lennox, a sickly child, is sent to live in England following her upbringing in India. At the house of her guardian Uncle, Mary discovers a neglected walled garden that no one is allowed to enter. Mary resolves to restore the garden with the help of her new companion, Dickon. Mary’s guardian’s son, Colin, another sickly and spoiled child, is also in on the secret. As the garden blossoms once more, the characters hope to physically and emotionally heal themselves. Burnett’s most acclaimed book was only popular after her death.

The Little Prince

By Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Many adults have discovered this book and been inspired by its observations on the values of the adult world. The author, a French aviator, also drew the illustrations. The story is of a pilot stranded in the desert, an event that actually happened to Saint-Exupery, and his meeting a small boy from a tiny asteroid. The Little Prince, as he is known, has been visiting other worlds including Earth and tells the pilot of his adventures and how his encounters with adults have formed his philosophy. Readers of different ages appreciate the story on different levels. Following its publication in 1943, Saint-Exupery disappeared over the Mediterranean on a wartime mission in 1944.

Grimms Fairy Tales

Collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

Some of the most famous fairy tales in the world are in this collection. The tales, originating from Germany and elsewhere, were published in 1812. This book is the perfect introduction to children’s literature and an entertaining source for bedtime stories. The tales include Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, the Elves and the Shoemaker, and Sleeping Beauty. Many families come across the stories for the first time as movie adaptations.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

By Roald Dahl

Best selling children’s author, Dahl, brought his love of chocolate to this fantasy tale, published in 1964. It tells the story of Willy Wonka, eccentric owner of a chocolate factory and Charlie Bucket, the boy from a poor family. Charlie and four other children win a competition to tour the factory. As the only child to behave well on the tour, Charlie receives another reward that is beyond his wildest dreams. The morality tale was illustrated by long time collaborator Quentin Blake (from 1998 edition). A film adaptation came out in 1971 starring Gene Wilder and a second one was released in 2005 with Johnny Depp. Dahl also wrote James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, Matilda, and The Twits.

The Hobbit

By J.R.R. Tolkien

Tolkien’s imagination, inspired by his knowledge of ancient languages and folk tales, has enthralled children and adults since The Hobbit’s publication in 1937. We are introduced to some of the characters that were to feature in the epic trilogy, Lord of the Rings. Home-loving hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, is persuaded to go on a treasure hunt with Gandalf the wizard and a group of dwarves. Their adventures lead to encounters with Smaug the dragon, giant spiders, trolls, and goblins. Bilbo also gets acquainted with a creature called Gollum and a certain ring.

The Winnie the Pooh Stories

By A.A.Milne

Winnie the Pooh and his friends have delighted each generation since the author was inspired to write characters based on his son, Christopher Robin, and his son’s toys. The first stories appeared in Winnie the Pooh (1926) and then in The House at Pooh Corner (1928). Earlier, Pooh Bear was the subject of a poem in Milne’s collection of verses, When We Were Very Young (1924) and in more poems in Now We Are Six (1927). Pooh, Christopher Robin, and their companions, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, and Owl etc. had various adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood, illustrated by the celebrated artist, E.H.Shepard. Walt Disney brought the characters to the screen in a successful franchise.

Peter Pan

By J.M. Barri

Peter Pan evolved as a novel, published in 1911, from Barrie’s stage play. The boy who wouldn’t grow up has become a symbol of childhood. His adventures as the leader of The Lost Boys gang in Neverland lead him to escapades with Indians and pirates, his most dangerous enemy being Captain Hook. The Darling children, Wendy, John, and Michael are plunged into this amazing world. There have been several adaptations of the story, most notably the Walt Disney animation in 1953.

The Wind in the Willows

By Kenneth Grahame

Grahame paints a reassuring world of comradeship, rural life, and “messing about on boats”. First published in 1908, the story of Mole, Ratty, Mr. Toad, and Mr. Badger has been adapted many times, on stage, and in film and TV. The rural idyll and everyday routine is interrupted by Toad’s escapades. One of the great characters of children’s literature, Toad is a lovable rogue but his conceit and restless nature leads him into trouble, requiring his friends to rescue him.

Alice in Wonderland

By Lewis Carroll

This tale is one of the most surreal and bizarre to enter the children’s literature canon. It began as a story to entertain three young sisters. Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (who published under the name, Lewis Carroll) invented the characters for the daughters of one of his friends. The book was published in 1865 and a sequel, Through the Looking-Glass came out in 1871. John Tenniel was the original illustrator and Arthur Rackham illustrated later editions. The characters of the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, and the Queen of Hearts have entered popular culture.

The Harry Potter Series

By J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the USA), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

No one could have predicted the global sensation that these books would cause. The sales figures for the series in June, 2008 was over 400 million copies sold and the novels have been translated into 67 languages, including Latin and Ancient Greek. The first book appeared in 1997, introducing us to the inner world of wizards and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The movie adaptations successfully interpreted the stories for the screen. Children and adults delight in the complex plot and well-drawn characters and can relate to Harry, who faces the usual problems of growing up in addition to facing an evil foe.

Top 10 Most Famous Playmates

2009-09-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

About 54 years ago, Hugh Hefner created quite a ruckus when he started printing “Playboy” from his kitchen in Chicago. Fast forward to today and the empire has expanded to encompass much of the world, publishing in just about every medium. While “Playboy” was once a household name because men would only look at the magazines for the articles, the magazine has also launched quite a few careers for the centerfold Playmates. Some of the Playmates have been famous simply for their physical beauty, others for their career and still others for their shenanigans in the media.

10. Shanna Moakler

Playmate of the Month – December 2001

A former Miss USA, Shanna Moakler became a Playmate in December 2001. Known for her on-again, off-again relationship and marriage to Blink 182’s Travis Barker, her life was chronicled for a short time on MTV’s “Meet the Barkers.” Though the blonde bombshell has had a relatively successful career in television and movies, she may remain better known as the hotter half of the Barkers.

9. Jayne Mansfield

Playmate of the Month – June 1963

Better known as a bustier version of Marilyn Monroe, February 1955 Playmate Jayne Mansfield was also considered a sex symbol in the 50s and 60s. With a self-deprecating wit, she knew that she was popular due to her ample chest assets and made sure that she was the center of attention because of them. Enjoying a film, TV and music career, her life was cut short at the age of 34 after a car crash. Coincidentally, every semi-tractor and trailer is required to have an underride guard, named the Mansfield guard, due to the fact that she was partially decapitated in the car accident.

8. Dorothy Stratten

Playmate of the Month – August 1979

Her death, arguably, brought this Playmate more fame than her spread did as her life has been the story of at least two movies in the early 80s. Dorothy Stratten, Miss August 1979 and 1980’s Playmate of the Year, had a surprisingly short life since she was murdered by her husband, Paul Snider, at the tender age of 20. Stratten has the dubious honor of being one of the youngest Playmates to have died – a case of the good die young?

7. Kelly Monaco

Playmate of the Month – April 1997

As one of the only Playmates to have a legitimate entertainment career after her Playmate appearance in April 1997, Kelly Monaco has created a viable career out of her acting chops. One of only two non-blondes on this Top 10, Kelly has the distinction of being nominated for two daytime Emmys as Samantha McCall on “General Hospital.” She has also appeared on “Dancing with the Stars,” which only furthered her popularity as an actress.

6. Jenny McCarthy

Playmate of the Month – June 1994

This funny lady was named Miss October 1993 and then POY for 1994. Obviously a voluptuous vixen, she is better known for her crass sense of humor. She has appeared on numerous television shows and movies where she has performed acts described as grotesque or toilet humor at best. Funny thing – she’s now living with Jim Carrey, a comedian known for his own unique brand of humor.

5. Shannon Tweed

Playmate of the Month – November 1981

While her life partner has made the claim that he’s slept with hundreds to thousands of women, this Playmate likes to keep his “Family Jewels” close to home. Miss November 1981 and POY 1982 Shannon Tweed has been with bassist Gene Simmons of Kiss since 1985 and has recently become a household name again with the A&E show “Gene Simmons Family Jewels.” Shannon was known for many years for her skills as an actress in erotic thrillers for which she was obviously qualified.

4. Betty Page

Playmate of the Month – January 1955

This pinup starlet was known throughout the 50s and 60s for her risqué and often fetishistic pictorials. Long after posing in Playboy in January 1955, she was featured in pictorials. Since then Betty Paige has gained a cult following as people adore her stunningly coy smile and the brunette’s ample figure. Her photos have been reproduced numerous times, while she has been idolized in film and other mediums such as comics. No matter where she’s been seen, she’s always a page-turner!

3. Pamela Anderson

Playmate of the Month – February 1990

One of the most famous Playmates of the last decade and defender of furry friends, Pamela Anderson is known for her ballooning and deflating chest as much as her marriages and relationships to rockers Tommy Lee and Kid Rock. After her appearance as the brunette February 1990 Playmate, Pamela bleached her hair, augmented her chest and then launched her career with floatation devices in Babewatch, er, “Baywatch.” Since then she has appeared on “Playboy” covers 12 times, more than anyone else, as well as appearing in numerous television shows and movies as the “Stacked” ditzy blonde.

2. Anna Nicole Smith

Playmate of the Month – May 1992

While Pamela is known as one of the most popular Playmates to be tabloid fodder in the 90s and beyond, she has been surpassed by the No. 2 slot holder. Miss May 1992 and POY 1993, Anna Nicole Smith was initially known as a fuller figured model that used our No. 1 slot holder as an idol. At some point after modeling for Guess and marrying the Texas oil billionaire J. Howard Marshall, her credibility and image began to slip as her weight increased. After a lengthy court battle over the billion dollar inheritance of Marshall, she became a public figure again as one of the archetypal trainwrecks of celeb-reality TV. Anna Nicole then made headlines again as her size shrunk but apparently not her addiction to substances. And in an ironic twist, custody of her daughter and her hefty inheritance became a heated court battle after Anna Nicole’s death of an accidental drug overdose. She may forever live in infamy as an example of what not to do with a modeling career rather than for her once voluptuous looks.

1. Marilyn Monroe

Playmate of the Month – December 1953

This blonde bombshell is the woman that most models strive to emulate and has been used as a proverbial yardstick to which all others are compared. With marriages to the likes of Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller and relationships with John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe was the archetypal sex symbol throughout her professional career despite her lackluster success at relationships. Her pictures in Playboy were actually taken long before the debut of the magazine in which she premiered not as the first Playmate, but as the Sweetheart of the Month in December 1953. And that centerfold not only helped launch “Playboy” but helped further her career as she gained A-List status as an actress in movies like “Some Like It Hot” and “How to Marry a Millionaire.” However, her career and life were ended abruptly at the age of 36 when she was found dead in her home. To this day, the cause of her death is a topic of contention – was it a suicide or was it murder? Either way, the first Playmate has had a lasting impression on “Playboy,” movies and popular media in the half century after her death.

Honorable mention: Carmen Electra and the “Girls Next Door,” Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson. All four women have had major careers thanks in part to Playboy though none of them have been featured as a Playmate.

Top 10 Smartest Dogs

2009-09-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

Dogs are known as man’s best friend, though we can’t always say that’s true. If you have ever owned a dog, you probably encountered those days where you have a slight bit of regret for getting the dog. From chewed up shoes to messy carpet to washing a smelly dog that only seems to smell worse after, dogs can be a pain.

Some say that the intelligence of a dog all depends on how well its owner trained it. Others believe it’s all about the genes…well, breed. While it may be a combination of both, here’s a look at the top 10 smartest dog breeds, in case you’re in need of a Dogs for Dummies Handbook:

#10 Australian Cattle Dog

No you don’t have to live in Australia to encounter this dog. These dogs generally grow to be 30-50lbs. Australian Cattle Dog’s are known for their intelligence, especially when it comes to being able to train them to herd in cattle (this is where the name comes from if you didn’t catch it.) They have also been trained to be “biting” dogs. Don’t be scared, unless you’re training this dog to bite you. Australian Cattle Dogs are trained to bite cattle (not too hard) to keep them moving. These dogs have been herding cattle since the 19th century and today they still do just that. Australian Cattle Dogs are very active and love having a task at hand.

#9 Rottweiler

Better known as the “Rottie,” Rottweilers can be mis-trained to be vicious, mean dogs that can take down a human. Speaking of humans, Rottweilers can weigh as much as a petite sized female; about 110lbs in fact. This breed of dog originates out of Germany but was used in the Roman Empire. Rottweilers are sometimes used as police dogs because of the strong jaw and teeth that they have. Rotties can take you down! In the olden days, they were used to carry wood and other large heavy goods to markets and houses. If you’re looking to train a dog to protect you and all of your (precious) belongings, the Rottie is definitely the way to go.

#8 Papillon

This breed of dog is probably one of the cutest and smartest you’ll find. Papillons are able to show that cute things can be smart too. This breed also proves that small things (brains) do come in small packages. Papillons can weigh up to 11lbs and can weigh as little as 3lbs. These dogs are very charming and have always been a symbol of elegance. During the Renaissance, these dogs were adored by royal courts and the aristocrats of the time. They always proved to be good watch dogs because of their keen sense of hearing. Make the slightest sound and the Papillon’s ears will be up faster than you can say the name.

#7 Labrador Retriever

This is one of the most intelligent as well as one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world. The Labrador Retriever is an amazing breed of dog that offer many different services. The breed originates from Newfoundland and was trained to hunt waterfowl. As time has passed, Labs have been introduced to more and more jobs. Many of these dogs are used in the police force as bomb sniffing or drug sniffing dogs. Any dog that can be trained to do this is most definitely smart. These dogs are also used as rescue dogs. Many are trained to help the disabled, especially the blind. Labs can be trained to lead a human around while ignoring any type of distraction. The Labrador Retriever is a loving, obedient, and patient dog that can be trained to do almost anything.

#6 Shetland Sheepdog

Though not one of the most popular dogs around, the Shetland Sheepdog is a very smart dog. Some owners of this breed of dog claim that they are just as smart as a human is. Shelties originated out of Scotland. Sporting a furry two-layered coat and definitely not the toughest looking dog around, Shelties are used to herd sheep. Since the breed can be both big and small in size, some of these dogs are used to keep pests and smaller animals out of gardens. Shetland Sheepdog’s are generally very hyper, but they have a great sense of hearing. If anyone ever shows up at your door or a car pulls into the driveway, you can expect to hear a bark from this dog.

#5 Doberman Pinscher

This breed of dog comes in right at the middle of the list. The Doberman Pinscher is another German breed to make the list. In the past, these dogs were trained to be police dogs, watch dogs, and guard dogs. In the 1800s, men were looking for a dog that was loving and loyal as well as tough and ferocious when necessary. This is exactly where the Doberman Pinscher fits in. Even though they can be trained to be ferocious, many of these dogs are very gentle and docile. Some have even been used in hospitals to help patients that are undergoing therapy. Slightly vicious by nature, you can expect that this breed will protect you. #4 Golden Retriever

Often confused with the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retrievers are also very popular dogs that seem to be perfect for a family. In the past up to today, these dogs are man’s companion, especially for those who hunt. This breed can be easily trained to find and bring back waterfowl or game that has been shot. The dog’s soft mouth allows it to bring back unharmed game to its owner. Aside from being a hunting dog, Golden Retrievers can be used as rescue dogs, drug sniffing dogs, and guide dogs. This breed is very patient, which makes it that much easier to train. If you ever find a dog sports competition online or on the television, you are sure to see a Golden Retriever competing.

#3 German Shepherd

Rin Tin Tin! This is the one breed of dog that you can say actually looks tough and mean. Looks are most definitely deceiving because the German Shepherd is one of the most lovable breed of dog you will ever come across. Loving or not, these dogs can be trained to do things that humans can’t. Today, these dogs are usually trained to be police dogs, rescue dogs, and some are even able to work with the military. These dogs are so bright that the Army and Marines have allowed them to be used in overseas activity. German Shepherds are very obedient dogs as well as protective. In the past, German Shepherds were used as herd dogs but today they are used in more “higher up positions,” so to speak. The German Shepherd is one of the smartest dogs around.

#2. Poodle

Surprised? You probably aren’t the only one. No your eyes aren’t going bad. The Poodle is number two on the list. Don’t let the fluffy, curly, white coat fool you. This breed of dog is absolutely brilliant. Though you have probably never seen it, Poodles are used as hunting dogs as well as watch and rescue dogs. The Poodle (sounds like puddle doesn’t it?) is also used as a water dog. Poodles come in all sizes, but even the Toy Poodle can be used to hunt birds. Poodles love to be around people and are very protective. Though this breed only weighs up to 8lbs, a mighty heart can come out of such a pretty looking dog.

#1 Border Collie

Topping off the list is the Border Collie. This dog lives to work, literally. Though it may seem only us humans have a lifetime full of hard work, this breed of dog needs something to do to be happy. The Border Collie is used as a herding dog and has since grown to be used as a sporting dog as well. The breed is known for its agility, speed, and obedience. It is also known for it’s ability to learn new tricks quickly. These dogs love being able to work next to your side. Collies are especially great at dog sport competitions. You will generally see them competing in Flyball and disc games.

Top 10 Worst Olympic Mascots

2009-09-04T20:46:00.000-07:00

A good Mascot is a symbol of the spirit of the Olympics in general; while, at the same time, teaching the world something about the country where the event is taking place. I also feel that mascots should exude a positive and focused energy and enthusiasm for the games as well as the city, country and culture they represent.

10. MukMuk (2010, Vancouver Winter Games)

This character is supposed to be a Vancouver Island Marmot but it would be more accurate to describe him as an underdog. He is the ‘designated sidekick’ of the three official mascots for the Winter Games: Quatchi, Miga and Sumi. It’s like the real mascots are saying, “Okay MukMuk you can hang out with us but you’re not really one of us.” And pathetic little MukMuk says, “Gee, thanks guys! Woo hoo!”.

While the official mascots are out in the real world promoting the Olympics (okay, they are really just humans in costume) MukMuk the wannabe just exists on the internet and is not even important enough to include on the souvenir merchandise. Poor little guy.

9. Hosuni (1988, Seoul Summer Games)

Who? Exactly. The Seoul Games actually had two mascots, Hodori and Hosuni, but for some reason Hodori was way more popular. When you look at a picture of them, it’s hard to see why since they look EXACTLY THE SAME. Being the unpopular one is bad enough, but how about being completely erased from everyone’s memory? If you look up information about mascots on the Official Website of the Beijing Olympic Games, Hosuni isn't even mentioned. It’s like she never even existed.

8. Cobi (1992, Barcelona Summer Games)

I have to admit this character is really, really cute. But in what stretch of the imagination does a dog wearing a business suit symbolize the Olympics? Have they added ‘commuting’ to the Olympic events? Or possibly ‘handshaking’ or ‘powerpoint presenting’? I think not.

7. Hidy & Howdy (1988, Calgary Winter Games)

Okay we get it, Calgary’s nickname is Cowtown and they have a big rodeo every year (the Calgary Stampede) so the cowboy/cowgirl theme makes sense. But ‘Hidy’ and ‘Howdy’? Why not just call them ‘Hick’ and ‘Hillbilly’? To make things worse, they were touted as ‘inseparable brother and sister polar bears’. Kind of cute or just creepy in that whole Angelina Jolie and her brother kind of way?

6. Waldi (1972, Munich Summer Games)

When I picture dogs competing in the various Olympic Summer Events (and I do this all the time, of course) I see a greyhound jumping hurdles, a Labrador retriever swimming and a whippet running around a track. But I never, ever, picture a short-legged, long-haired dachshund named Waldi. And, for goodness sake – it’s the Summer Olympics, Waldi, you can take off the sweater!

Waldi would have appeared closer to the number one position but he is the very first Olympic mascot ever so I’ve decided to ‘throw Munich a bone’.

5. Rocky (1980, Lake Placid Winter Games)

The mascot for the Lake Placid Winter Games was going to be a real live raccoon named Rocky but unfortunately he passed away before the games even began. A dead raccoon is not very inspiring or cute. In fact, it’s right up there with roadkill. I looked all over the web and could not find out how Rocky died. The most obvious suspect would be Roni, the cartoon raccoon who replaced him, but apparently his neighbor Wiley Coyote backed up his alibi. Rest in peace Rocky.

4. Athena and Phevos (2004, Athens Summer Games)

Otherwise known as Two Penises Wearing Sweaters or Two **** Wearing Dickies…

3. Olly, Syd and Millie (2000, Sydney Summer Games)

These forgettable mascots were completely upstaged by the unofficial mascot of the Sydney Summer Games, Fatso the Fat-Arsed Wombat. Fatso even appeared on the winners’ podium with several gold medalists. Meanwhile, poor Olly, Syd and Millie were being referred to as “Syd, Ollie and Dickhead” by the popular Australian comic duo Roy and HG. The Olympic Committee tried to discourage Fatso’s popularity at first but he became so popular that he ended up on a commemorative stamp and there is a statue of him outside the Sydney Olympic stadium.

2. Izzy (1996, Atlanta Summer Games)

Arguably the least successful mascot of all and evidently controlled by the most indecisive people in the world. First of all, not even the creators seem to know what he is supposed to be: isn’t Izzy short for ‘Whatizit’ or ‘Whatizhee’? And no one seemed to be able to settle on what he should look like either because his nose, size and eyes changed over time.
An article on the BBC news website quotes Simpsons creator Matt Groenig as describing Izzy as “a bad marriage of the Pillsbury doughboy and the ugliest California Raisin”. It then goes on to say that the US press described “as anything from a ‘blue slug’ to a ‘sperm in sneakers’. Source: BBC News.

As a parting shot, perhaps I still have Athena and Phevos on my mind, but I have to agree Izzy does kind of look like a big blue sperm?

1. The Fuwa (2008, Beijing)

I am rating the Fuwa the worst mascot because, while others have been unpopular, confusing or silly, these bad luck dolls of Beijing are becoming downright ominous. Fuwa translates to the ‘good-luck dolls’ but you be the judge. First, the famous Chinese artist, Han Meilin, had two heart attacks while he was designing them. And now, each of the five characters that make up the Fuwa have been linked to events which have led to the superstitious term ‘the Curse of the Fuwa’. Nini (swallow/kite/locust figure) is linked to the Weifang T195 (“kite city”) train accident in April 2008 and the locust infestation in Inner Mongolia in June 2008. Yingying (the Tibetan antelope) is an obvious choice for association with the Tibetan unrest. Huanhuan, representing the Olympic flame, is being linked to the torch relay protests. Also, the Sichuan area, which suffered a catastrophic earthquake on May 12, 2008 is well known for its pandas and the fourth mascot, Jing Jing, is a panda character. The fifth and final Fuwa mascot is Beibeig, a fish who is representing the element water in the group. He is being associated to the floods in South China as well as an algal bloom in the Olympic sailing course.

According to Wikipedia, some people are now calling the characters “Wuwa” (witch dolls) instead of Fuwa and “online criticism of the dolls has frequently been censored”.

Personally, I think they are cute but I wonder how souvenir sales are doing? Are people reluctant to bring the bad mojo of these Fuwa/Wuwa into their homes?

Favorite Unofficial Mascots

Fatso the Fat-Arsed Wombat is probably the most famous unofficial mascot but he’s not the first. That distinction goes to Schuss the unofficial mascot of the 1968 Grenoble Olympic games. The tradition continues with Itchy the Bedbug, Creepy the Cockroach and Chewy the Rat, unofficial mascots for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics who appeared at the "Poverty Olympics" in 2008 to raise awareness for the poor and homeless.

Top 10 Inventions in History

2009-09-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

Although humans are not alone as tool using animals, we are definitely the planet’s designated experts in the field. Our use of invention, or the innovation of altering an object or process in new ways, may be what truly defines us as a species. Every once in a long while, something is invented which changes, in some small way, the very nature of our lives. Over time, this has made us unique among the animals. While little inventions come out every day, it is these big ones that move us forward into whatever the destiny of mankind turns out to be.

This list can’t help but be relative and therefore controversial. As always, be kind and appreciate the effort even if you disagree.

10. Alcohol

Near as we can tell, people have been brewing alcoholic drinks for about the last 12,000 years, making booze one of the first human inventions. That is, if you consider it a human invention, as some animals are known to consume fruits that have naturally fermented, and may even become alcoholics. Alcohol has many uses in many fields, but as a drink it is particularly important. The alcohol in wine and beer kills most microorganisms, which historically made it safer to drink than water in the ancient world. And without alcohol, we’d have no excuse to explain why we got caught singing karaoke naked.

9. The Internet

Because of the relatively short time since its birth, the importance of the Internet has still not been fully realized. Starting as several separate communication networks in the 1970’s and 1980’s, what we call the ‘Net is now coalescing into a single mass of all information to which any connected computer has access. No longer is information limited by location, and no longer is it only available the privileged few who can afford it. Imagine my surprise when my research uncovered the fact that it can be used for things other than porn.

8. Birth Control

Although there have been methods of preventing or terminating pregnancy for thousands of years, reliable birth control techniques have only been generally available for about a century, with a great upswing in efficiency and popularity beginning about 50 years ago. This has allowed women to have a more predictable and controllable life, and allowed them to take on roles and occupations previously out of reach. Since this allows our society to draw on a much larger base of expertise for our labor pool, this benefits everyone, not just the men who have learned that the pill reduces the effect of PMS.

7. Antibiotics

Up to the point in the late 1870’s when science began to explore how certain substances inhibited the spread of disease-causing microorganisms, infection and disease were threats for which humanity had little protection. Various diseases could only be treated by keeping a patient comfortable and hoping. A deep-tissue injury might be a minor inconvenience, or it might be a death sentence, depending largely on luck. With antibiotics, we have removed most of the fear of dying from a minor injury or infection.

6. Anesthetic

Combined with antibiotics, the development of substances that can safely and effectively kill pain has allowed all modern surgery to develop. Surgical procedures were once horrific and bloody procedures that were almost as dangerous as the conditions they were aimed at curing, and often far more painful. Now you can just take a nap, and the pain doesn’t set in until you get the bill.

5. Printing Press

Before good old Gutenberg did his thing and built his revolutionary printing press in 1439, books were all hand-written. This meant that not only were they very difficult and time-consuming to create and copy, but that they were very expensive. They were limited to personal notes and to very important texts, generally on religion or science. Like the later invention of the Internet, the printing press allowed information to be spread across the world in a far more efficient and inexpensive process. This allowed for the spread of intellectual achievement and the written arts, followed shortly thereafter by trashy romance novels in supermarket checkout lines.

4. Plumbing

The ancient Romans may be credited with the development of plumbing, but it didn’t really become popular until the 20th century. These days, most people don’t remember a time in their lives when their toilet consisted of an outhouse or, in the city, a bucket. Showers and sinks are a convenience, but a system that allows for us to live in a house that doesn’t smell like poop is the true beginning of civilization. This improvement was naturally trailed by the development of toilet paper, followed closely by the toilet plunger.

3. Tools

Imagine you are stuck in the wilderness with nothing, and you have to survive. What do you do to stay alive? You come from a “highly advanced” civilization, and yet most people have no idea how to take advantage of technology starting from scratch. That’s because we have tools, which are the first technology. A tool is anything you use to build, change, repair, or destroy something, and it’s the first thing you need to create any other technology. A stone knife will help you skin an animal for clothes, or carve wooden weapons. Without tools, we’re just slow, clumsy animals.

2. Cooking

It might be tempting to include fire as an important human invention, but humans didn’t invent fire. Fire happens on its own all the time. What we did was find out what it was good for. Among the most important uses of fire is to sterilize food, allowing us to eat more safely by using the heat to kill parasites. People have been doing this for over a million years, making it an integral part of our evolution. It also is the beginning of the process of turning mere survival into civilization, as the process of cooking allows us to prepare food as an art rather than just a meal.

1. Language

This is the number one innovation of humanity for a very good reason: it is in many ways the definition of humanity. Our ability to communicate, whether via voice or writing, lets us join our minds together so as to go from bands of individuals to become a true culture. All animals communicate somehow, and some are quite sophisticated, but humanity is the king of communication. No one knows how old true language is, but it is old enough that our brains have developed around it and become specialized in its use. No other technology would be able to develop reliably without language to teach it to the next generation.

Top 10 Muscle Cars

2009-09-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

MOPAR, Mustangs and meaty motors – they are all part of this inspiring Top 10 list of the best classic American muscle cars. Sure, some cars such as Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari could be categorized as muscle, but those cars were built with a different richer clientele in mind. The true muscle car was built for the everyday American who would spend from $500 to a couple grand more in the late 60s and early 70s for that one jaw-dropping feature – more power! Through the ages, boys have always been attracted to their toys, these toys just happened to be bigger, badder and with a lot more muscle than their standard counterparts.

10. 1965 Pontiac GTO

Possibly the one to start the American muscle car craze, the Goat or 1965 Pontiac Tempest GTO option featured racing car options that remained inspirational long after it was out driven in speed and power. From 0-60 in 6.1 seconds was not shabby, but not awe-inspiring considering the next 10 years of muscle cars. Regardless, this muscle car has the chops to make this list just by starting the phenom that has turned car enthusiasts into weekend warriors under the hood.

9. 1970 Buick ‘GSX’ Stage 1

A beefy Buick, the Stage 1 ‘GSX’ performance package boasted 360 bhp though testers said it came in at closer to 400 for the bigger valved, better headed and hotter camshafted car. This supercar did the quarter mile in 13.38 seconds and came in only two colors – Apollo White or Saturn Yellow.

8. 1969 Ford Mustang ‘Boss 429’

The ‘Boss 429’ 1969 Ford Mustang was the costliest non-Shelby Mustang Ford offered at the time. The reason came down to the semi-hemi 429 engine that Ford wanted to get into NASCAR. While the car was not built for its screaming starts, it was known for long-haul racing capabilities and smooth handling.

7. 1970 Plymouth Hemi-Cuda

The baddest of the 1970 Plymouth Barracudas or Hemi Cudas featured a 425 bhp 426 hemi engine. This muscle car boasted a 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds and was known for burning rubber without much prompting. A brute on the road, the Hemi Cuda was made for muscle lovers. The Hemi Cuda came in one engine size, 426, while the other four engine options for the ‘Cuda did not have hemispherical heads.

6. 1969 Z28 Camaro

Not the most powerful, the 1969 Z28 Camaro was built for the excitement of road racing and loved for its sense of style and handling capabilities. Perhaps one of the most stylish muscle cars, this Camaro could do a quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds though only at a speed of a little more than 100 mph. Despite that obvious lack of raw power, it was noted for its great handling with four-disc brakes, positraction and power steering.

5. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C

Thought to have too much power for its chassis, the 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C featured an impressive 480 bhp. This sporty little number looked like a European sports car, yet had the muscle to prove it was American. Two twin turbocharged versions of this super car were made – one for Bill Cosby and one for Shelby. Cosby sold his because it had too much power and the next owner put it in a lake; Shelby’s Super Snake was sold in 2007 for $5.5 million US.

4. 1968 L88 Corvette

Boasting a top speed of about 170 mph with a special order package, the 1968 L88 Corvette is thought to be the end-all, be-all in the Corvette world. The 550 bhp motor was designed specifically for racing and GM didn’t want the L88 on the open road due to its power. More standard features of everyday cars such as air conditioning and a radio weren’t even offered to make this powerful car less attractive to the common man.

3. 1970 454 Chevelle SS

The 1970 Super Sport package Chevelle featuring the LS6 package came in at a whopping 454 horse. The option was standard for the average car buyer of the day making it one of the most powerful stock cars anyone could purchase. With racing stripes and a smooth interior, this muscle monger was the average muscle lover’s dream.

2. 1969 427 COPO Chevelle

A special order by dealers designated Central Office Production Order, the 1969 427 COPO Chevelle had a limited run of about 320 cars. This 450 bhp muscle car was fitted with a L72 427-cid V-8 due to demand from muscle loving Chevy dealers. Interestingly enough, Chevy didn’t want their mid-sizes at the time to have more than 400 cid. But the COPO Chevelles were made and distributed to some very happy dealers.

1. 1969 ZL1 Camaro

Perhaps one of the rarest of muscle cars, the 1969 ZL1 Camaro featured a jaw-dropping 500 horses under the hood in an aluminum V-8 engine. This bad boy American beast could go from 0-60 in about 5.3 seconds, which was why some of the 69 models made found their way into drag-racing. Over time, the full complement of cars was sold; however, the package option was never offered again.

Top 10 Ways to Get a Forum Started

2009-09-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, this list is totally self-promotional but it is supporting a good cause. I am trying to gauge interest in a forum on the site. IN order to do so you have to create a forum, which I have. Next you have to invite people to the forum and this is my invitation to all those loyal readers and fans of TopTenz.net. So please take a moment and visit our new TopTenz forum (3/14/09) and add your thoughts or suggestions. Thank you in advance.

10. Twitter about your forum.

9. Ask friends and family to help out and post in your forum.

8. Hire a few people to post.

7. Get social about it – Digg it, Stumble it, Promote it.

6. Put a link in your blog’s navigation to your forum.

5. Put a link in your post about your new forum.

4. Start a blog post or top 10 list and finish it in the forum via a link

3. Add a Link to forum in every blog post via a Wordpress plug-in called WP-Footer.

2. Start a Contest or Scavenger Hunt and ask them post in the forum their results.

1. Write a Top 10 list on How to Get a Forum Started.

Top 10 Sidekicks

2009-09-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

Every now and then everyone needs a helping hand and that is the exact purpose for a sidekick. They are there to bail the “main man” out of trouble, provide a sounding board and a word of encouragement when things get tough. I think you will agree that all the sidekicks listed below provided support, encouragement and a helping hand or hoof when needed.

10. Tonto

The Main Man: Lone Ranger

While his way of speaking certainly wasn’t politically correct (”Him say man ride over ridge on horse.”), Tonto always had valuable advice for the Lone Ranger such as which way the bad guys went. The very fact he stuck around even though the word “Tonto” can mean “fool” or “idiot”, just makes him even more loyal as well as patient with Mr. Lone Ranger. Without Tonto no one would be use the phrase “Kemo Sabe” which means “faithful friend” which he also was.

9. Barney Rubble

The Main Man: Fred Flintstone

While Barney is a spin off of Ed Norton from the Honeymooners, who narrowly missed being on this top sidekicks list, he came into his own as the best pal of Fred Flintstone. Barney Rubble was usually the calming Yin to Fred’s raging Yang and his affable, jovial manner usually influenced Fred to more thoughtful decisions. And while he was never looking for the next big scheme or the next best thing, as did Fred, Barney was certainly the next best thing to Mr. Flintstone.

8. Doctor John Watson

The Main Man: Sherlock Holmes

With Dr. Watson a catch phrase was born, “It’s elementary, my dear Watson!” Even though to Dr. Watson it was usually anything but elementary and had to be explained in detail for him and the reader to understand. Here’s a thought: Was Sherlock Holmes just rubbing it in a little because Watson was a doctor and he wasn’t? Maybe there was a little jealousy possibly? In any case, Dr. Watson was the perfect sounding board helping Holmes work through the crime and without Watson who would do the narration?

7. Mr. Spock

The Main Man: Captain Kirk

While being a Vulcan on the starship enterprise, Mr. Spock was only half human and therefore was puzzled at many human qualities, especially our emotions. Although our humor was sometimes beyond his comprehension he added many humorous moments with his “logical” dry quips. As he was often the calculating brain behind many of the plots on Star Trek, his role was sometimes reduced to that of the problem-solver, but more than not he logically presented reason and thought to Kirk’s fiery “ask-questions-later” approach. Live long and prosper…as a sidekick.

6. Deputy Barney Fife

The Main Man: Sheriff Andy Taylor

While most sidekicks provide much-needed support, Barney Fife instead provided laughs and lots of them. Often Barney caused more problems than he solved and the “Andy Griffith Show” was all the better for it. And even though, as deputy, Barney was only allowed to carry one bullet (and he had to carry that in his pocket), you couldn’t ask for a better protector and friend for your Sheriff. But if you think about it, Andy Taylor probably kept him around to make himself look better. After all, would you want to lose your Sheriff if Barney Fife was next in line?

5. Donkey

The Main Man: Shrek

Okay, this sidekick may appear to be a stretch at #5, but in terms of popularity and notoriety I think you can see Donkey’s merits. As many sidekicks on this list, Donkey provides the softer side to his “main guy”. He helps Shrek relate to the world and helps the audience relate to Shrek by breaking down the walls and “peeling the onion” that is Shrek. Once you add in the humor along with the unquestioning loyalty, the annoying habits of Donkey just don’t seem so big. You have appreciate Donkey, just as Shrek finally does. He provides the heart Shrek always needed even if his big mouth came along with it.

4. Chewbacca

The Main Man: Han Solo

While a very few might argue that Han Solo was a sidekick to Luke Skywalker, I would disagree. Han is probably the more popular character of the two from Star Wars fame. Han Solo was to “big” to be a sidekick.

So, that makes Chewy a perfect candidate for the #4 sidekick. A Wookie making the sidekick list is all the more impressive when you consider he never said a word we could understand. But grunts and growls along with expressive body language usually said it all. Being a “walking carpet” didn’t stop him from helping to save a galaxy far, far away. As Han’s trusted friend he became a gentle, guiding moral compass more than once, helping steer Han Solo and the Millennium Falcon in the right direction.

3. Samwise Gamgee

The Main Man: Frodo Baggins

Look up the word loyal in the dictionary and while you won’t find a picture of Samwise Gamgee, but you probably should. I’m sure it is at least a synonym. This “fat hobbit” showed his loyalty and courage over and over. Among is credentials are: fighting a giant spider, battling numerous of Orcs, leaving his home and following Frodo half way around Middle-Earth and literally carrying a unconscious Frodo on his back up a mountain filled with lava. Oh, and he walked into a lake knowing full well he couldn’t swim to follow his “master”. Maybe blind loyalty isn’t the best thing for a sidekick’s own safety, but if he is your sidekick, you have to appreciate it. You might say it is “precious”.

2. Ed McMahon

The Main Man: Johnny Carson

Heeeeeeeeeer’s Eddy! While sharing this list with my 17 year-old son he saw the name Ed McMahon and asked who he was. I was mildly surprised and felt really old, but even that couldn’t move Mr. McMahon down the list. He owns #2. He provided a cultural catch phrase when he opened every Tonight Show with the familiar introduction of Johnny Carson, “Heeeeeeeeeer’s Johnny.” Playing the straight man isn’t as easy as it appears and providing a live laugh track for Mr. Carson had to be trying at times. The fact that he was a valuable and contributing partner for over 30 years in the fickle beast that is television should prove his success as a sidekick. It should also be noted he is the only non-fictional person on this sidekick list. If that isn’t enough, as a sidekick he is easily the most financially soluble, being valued at 200 million dollars during the 90s.

1. Robin, the Boy Wonder

The Main Man: Batman

When you hear the word “Batman”, in the back of your head you most likely say to yourself “…and Robin”. If the name Batman seems to conjure the afterthought “…and Robin” with little conscious thought then you have to be doing something right as his sidekick, which acrobatically vaults you to the #1 sidekick. While Robin is important, it seems the person portraying Robin isn’t particularly important. Batman has had several different people in the Robin uniform including a female.

But, you have to wonder at the true role Batman had in mind for Robin even though Robin has saved the “caped crusader” many times. The question comes to mind: Why has he has made Robin such an inviting target, brightly colored in red and yellow, while he struts around in dark blue, gray and black. I can almost hear Batman saying to Robin when approaching a dark alley, “Looks dangerous, you go first!” and then silently to himself, “I can always find more of you.” But even though he may be easily replaced, Robin is certainly a viable sidekick and parnter.

Top 10 Most Famous Cartoon Dogs

2009-09-04T19:59:00.000-07:00

When searching for the top 10 famous cartoon dogs you have to consider notoriety, popularity, cultural significance and, of course, cuteness. Oh, and if you could talk, it probably helped. There are any number of famous dogs in entertainment:Lassie, Eddie (of Frasier fame), Benji, Hooch, and Rin Tin Tin, but there is a certain breed of dog that has risen to a celebrity all their own. The animated dog. Here are the top 10 most famous animated dogs. And don’t worry, they are all house-trained.

10. Ren Hoeck

The Ren & Stimpy Show

A staple of Nickelodeon for many years, Ren was the often abrasive, usually neurotic companion of the slightly effeminate, hair-ball producing Stimpy. A take on a Chihuahua, Ren could go from screaming and calling Stimpy an idiot, to shivering in a corner much like a real Chihuahua. An icon for an entire generation of teenagers, Ren leads off our list at number ten.

9. Blue

Blue’s Clues

Children around the world are familiar with Blue for her educational messages and great source of early childhood development skills. The recipient of nine Emmy awards, Blue’s Clues was inspired by Sesame Street, and appealed to the same crowd of pre-schoolers. Incorporating sign language, creative thinking, riddles, and both verbal and non-verbal skills, Blue’s Clues remains a great source for children of all ages.

8. Santa’s Little Helper

The Simpsons

Often neglected, the Simpson’s dog, Santa’s Little Helper, is a charming, but poorly trained Greyhound. Having survived where the family’s cat has not (currently on Snowball V), this retired racing Greyhound has been a staple of the Simpson household for years. Having saved members of the family on numerous occasions, it’s often surprising that Bart was so quick to replace him with the more well trained Laddie (a joke on Lassie). Eventually Bart came to his senses, and Santa’s Little Helper has stayed with the Simpsons ever since.

7. Brian Griffin

Family Guy

The Griffin’s dog is noticeable for his wit, intelligence, love of martinis, and ability to speak. While only 7 years old, Brian is only a few credits short of a degree from Brown University, owns a car, votes, and maintains a credit card. While displaying some of the typical canine behaviors (fear of vacuums), Brian’s anthropomorphic qualities are what have made him one of the more memorable animated dogs in recent history, catapulting him from tertiary character to one of the most popular characters in the series.

6. Odie

Garfield

While certainly not the main star of the series, Odie has been a participant (sometimes willing, sometimes not), in many of Garfield’s hi-jinks. Though Garfield has usually gotten the better of Odie’s good nature and admitted simple nature, Odie has shown surprising ingenuity in getting revenge on Garfield on a number of occasions.

5. Lady & the Tramp

Disney’s Lady & the Tramp

The first couple of animated dogs, Lady and the Tramp showed us that even dogs need love and companionship from their own kind. When not pushing meatballs with their noses and eating spaghetti, Lady and the Tramp fell in love and eventually had a litter of their own (spearheaded by the aptly named Scamp). While not the last animated dogs to be presented to us by Disney, they are the ones that stick out the most in the minds of most dog lovers the world over.

4. Pluto

Disney

Usually portrayed as Mickey Mouse’s pet dog, Pluto represents the ideal of man’s best friend that we all think of when looking for our own dogs. Pluto is the pinnacle of the animated man’s best friend – even if that man happens to be a mouse.

3. Underdog

The Flintstones

Underdog always spoke in rhymes. Normally, he spent his time as “Shoe Shine Boy”, and was just that. But when he took one of his super power pills, he transformed into Underdog and saved his love interest, news reporter Sweet Polly Purebred. His nemesis was usually Simon Bar Sinister (voiced by Allen Swift, who is a true living legend of animation voiceovers).

The storylines were always pretty much the same, but there was usually a lesson to be learned at some point in the show.

2. Scooby-Doo

Scooby-Doo Adventures

The eternal partner of Shaggy, Scooby- Doo has been solving crimes with his friends since 1969. When not being bribed with Scooby Snacks, Scooby and Shaggy could be found running in terror from what always ended up being somebody in a costume scaring the locals. While Scooby’s mystery-solving prowess can be debated at some other juncture, his pop-culture status is undeniable with treats bearing his image are available for both people and dogs.

1. Snoopy

Peanuts

When it comes to animated dogs, nobody is more iconic than Snoopy. The dog of Charlie Brown, Snoopy and his friends have been a part of our lives since 1950. When not working as a mascot for MetLife and for Aerospace Safety, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang managed to appear in numerous comic strips and in some of the most iconic cartoons ever created (what would a Halloween be without It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown or a Christmas without A Charlie Brown Christmas?), many of which are still enjoyed to this day by a new generation of children. While there hasn’t been a new Peanuts since 2000 (the last one was published on February 13, 2000 – the day after Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz died), Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and all the Peanuts characters are as relevant today as they were more than 50 years ago.

Top 10 Best 80s Cartoons

2009-09-04T19:54:00.000-07:00

As I am a child from the 80s generation, I can fondly remember many of the animated shows (cartoons) listed below. Some I watched Saturday mornings and other I watched after getting home from school. A good dose of nostalgia and be found in these top ten 80’s cartoons so take a moment and watch a few fond memories. Please comment on your favorites. As always these top ten lists aren’t perfect but the criteria was based on longevity, cultural impact and “coolness”. Hopefully everyone will find a few cartoons they agree with. If you have other cartoons to add, please include them in the comments or submit your own list. We are always looking for a great top ten list.

10. Inspector Gadget

It’s a case of laughter in the first degree.

Inspector Gadget is a classic cartoon. Don Adams, of Get Smart fame, is the voice of the goodhearted but bumbling Inspector. He had it all, from rocket skates to that car with an easy chair in the back seat. This show would have been better if the entire series had more of a plot arc because then maybe every episode wouldn’t have been the same. Chief Quimby gives Gadget assignments but the real detectives are Penny, his niece, and Brain, his loyal dog. Penny and Brain always solve the case, tie up the criminals and save Gadget’s life time and time again. – DragonMasterHiro

9. Dungeon & Dragons

With Ralph Mouth from Happy Days doing a voice-over how could this cartoon not entertain?

I grew up watching this back in the 80’s and since I’ve been in college I’ve had the privilege of getting the series through a collector basis. This is arguably one of the greatest animated series of the 80’s, I refuse to call it a cartoon because it is so much more than that! It had great voice actors like Willie Aames(Charles In Charge) and Don Most(Happy Days) providing life to the characters. The theme of the series was that a group of young teenagers and little Bobby go on a rollercoaster ride called Dungeons & Dragons it transforms them to another land in a different time. They try to get home with the guiding wisdom of Dungeon Master(Sidney Miller) and fight off various antagonists along the way, mainly the evil Venger! – John Barnum

8. Battle of the Planets

Should have been called Battle of the Birdmen, but not as catchy, I guess.

Battle of the Planets surely is the best cartoon series ever made. With it’s hauntingly brilliant theme tune, terrific animation and superb story lines, this cartoon had it all. Originally taken from a 70’s Japanese cartoon called Gatchaman, Battle of the Planets ran for an incredible 85 episodes. Who remembers these immortal words “Battle of the Planets, G-Force, 5 incredible young people with superpowers. And watching over them from Center Neptune, 7-Zark-7. Watching, warning against surprise attacks by alien galaxies from beyond space. G-Force, fearless young orphans, protecting Earth’s entire galaxy, always by acting as one. Dedicated, inseparable, Invincible!” – rthornsby

7. He-man and the Masters of the Universe

Not the most creative name, but you get the point of the show…to sell toys!

A world filled with fantastical creatures, buff men in underwear, talking animals, and beautiful women. This cartoon stuck with me more than any other cartoon from my childhood. Each episode was original. They consistently created new stories, and each one had a good message at the end, telling kids things that will help them in life. It lasted two seasons. The artwork was fantastic, the animation even puts many cartoons of today to shame. Most cartoons from the early 80s, when I watch them today only seem repetitive and somewhat boring, leaving me wondering why I liked them so much. But He-Man was genius, and it is just as fresh today as it was back then. – morton grimp

6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Who knew reptiles fighting alongside a rat in the sewers would be kid-cartoon hit?

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series is one of My favorites of the 1980s animated programs. When it was on I watched it as much as I could! It has very good animation, cool characters, some humor, great music, and awesome action. The characters are really neat. All of the the Turtles are great, April is so good, Splinter is so spiritual, and Shredder is excellent. I loved how all of the characters have great personalities. In My opinion I don’t think there will be a cartoon like this again because it was one of a kind! If you like the Turtles movies but never saw the series and are able to watch it on television or buy it on tapes then do so because the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon is a classic! – Movie Nuttball

5. Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends

Classic Saturday morning cartoon, but using Iceman and Firestar seems like an odd choice.

I suppose most Spidey fans must despise this show because of it’s rather small connection to the comics, but the main reason I liked it was because Spidey got Iceman (Bobby Drake) and Firestar (Angelica Jones) from the X-Men on his side, Iceman was mostly a neglected character in the Marvel Universe although he was one of the original 5 X-Men. Firestar didn’t even exist until she was introduced into the show, but she later made her first comic appearance in Uncanny X-Men #193 . For the most part I watched the show because Iceman was my favorite superhero, Spider-Man still kicks ass though, Firestar was pretty cool..or should I say hot… I really enjoyed the show and you should check it out although by today’s standards, this show is considered 80’s trash to new fans, it is a guilty pleasure of mine and many other Spider-Man fans. - ICEMANMUTANTX

4. Thundercats

Cats & mummies, at least there was an Egyptian theme of sorts.

When I was young, there were many television shows on air that I watched and enjoyed. They certainly don’t make them like they used to. But there was one show in particular that made me excited. One show that never failed to entertain me and keep me quiet for a while. Thundercats. Even the title sounds intriguing. Thundercats was an original, inventive, dynamic series that was just impossible to dislike. The adventures of these heroic creatures, who resembled something in between a human and a feline, were enjoyable and addictive, and, most of all, great fun. – Devyalento Latchford Deschanel

3. The Smurfs

It pains me to put them this high on the top ten list, as I loathe them. I want to “smurf” them all.

Of all the kids shows I used to watch years ago, this was an all-time heavyweight of afternoon programming. Well fleshed out characters, interactions, conflict and social re-acquaintance. If I ever end up with kids of my own, this will be amongst the paraphernalia floating around the living-room.

One of my favourite factors today however, as I often sit drinking and observing is the underlying basis of it all, oblivious in childhood, and perhaps a nerve-racking experience for caffeine-addled parents of the Cold War. After all, The Smurfs DID co-exist in a quaint, idealistic Communist utopia of equality and collective value, complete with sharp historical figures and the giant, hideous, ever-present threat emanating just beyond the woods from Gargomel’s castle (capitalism). The knowledgeable theories are fast and thick. The evidence is bloody undeniable! – artrae-2

2. GI Joe

Thankfully this cartoon helped supply our armed forces and will for generations to come.

I don’t want to sound like a sadist or cheap thrill seeker, but one would think that a show depicting two large armed forces continuously battling over the globe would suffer casualties. Planes were constantly shot down, but no one ever died. Highly unrealistic, and with Robotech showing at the same time, GI Joe lost its edge. It may have been more popular than Robotech, but couldn’t maintain interest for very long. …and then there’s the episode where Cobra has a high-powered laser, and- no, doesn’t try to destroy Joe- attempts to carve the Cobra logo onto the face of the moon. What an effective use of technology and power! Graffiti! – Robert Morgan

1. Transformers

Not a surprise really, but robots that turn into cars and trucks seems a bit ridiculous.

Transformers (1984) is the greatest cartoon of all-time. No doubt about that. It is an A ++ in my book and #1. Besides of never getting tired of the toys, I never get tired of watching it on DVD. Other than excellent storylines, humor, and a good musical score, this cartoon had the best voice talent there is. For example, you had Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime, Ironhide), Frank Welker (Megatron, Soundwave), Casey Kasem (Bluestreak, Cliffjumper), Gregg Berger (Skyfire, Grimlock), Chris Latta (Starscream, Wheeljack), Don Messick (Gears, Ratchet), Scatman Crothers (Jazz), John Stephenson (Huffer, Thundercracker), and many more. The list goes on and on and etc.. Transformers G1 is an all-time classic done by Marvel and Sunbow. No other Transformer series, such as Armada and Robots In Disguise, will ever beat the original. – Rooblakas

Top 10 Simpsons Guest Appearances

2009-09-04T19:49:00.000-07:00

Surpassing “The Flintstones” more than 13 years ago as the longest animated sitcoms and the longest running animated program, “The Simpsons” has also become a hallmark for American television. In the nearly 20 seasons, “The Simpsons” has created a few of its own hallmarks such as the couch gag, the chalkboard gag and guest stars. “Simpsons” fans have become almost cultish, and it is not surprising that some of the most notable guest stars are famous with their own cultish followings.

To be included on this list, the guest star or stars had to have been notably famous for a significant amount of time and/or be known as the best among their peers. Higher recognition was given to those celebrities who would not normally guest star vocally.

10. Dustin Hoffman

Arguably one of the best actors of his generation, Dustin Hoffman has always brought a quirk and a smile to his performances. As a Mr. Bergstrom, substitute teacher for Lisa, she adores the only adult and certainly only teacher to challenge and respect her. Hoffman’s performance, coincidentally, was credited under the pseudonym Sam Etic.

9. Aerosmith & The Who

Both of these rock ‘n’ roll bands are legendary in their own right. Both of these bands’ members played themselves as they came to Springfield. In Aerosmith’s case, they name Moe’s as their official hangout because of the Flaming Moe, which had a secret ingredient of cough syrup. And The Who were scheduled to perform in one of the two Springfields in “A Tale of Two Springfields” in which they help bring New Springfield and Olde Springfield back together by playing “Won’t be Fooled Again.”

8. George Takei & Leonard Nimoy

Mr. Sulu and Mr. Spock as they are known to their own cult followings have both been guest stars multiple times on “The Simpsons.” Leonard Nimoy has acted as a resident in “Marge vs. the Monorail” and a commentator in “The Springfield Files;” George Takei played Akira, the Japanese owner of The Happy Sumo, and Mr. Wink, a Japanese game show host. Meanwhile, many “Star Trek” fans are probably wondering why the ever funny William Shatner hasn’t made a guest appearance.

7. Elton John

Flamboyant piano man and one of the best selling artists of all times, Elton John played himself when he had to make an emergency landing because his chandelier was not working in his plane. He is one of two Englishmen and famous singers to visit Apu.

6. Stephen King & J.K. Rowling

Both Stephen King and J.K. Rowling are world-renowned authors. Though King has dabbled in acting before it was a first for Rowling. Rowling was just one of many English notables that the Simpsons meet in a vacation to London. King also played himself in the episode “Insane Clown Poppy.”

5. Michael Jackson

Jacko will forever be famous or infamous depending on the era. And his appearance on “The Simpsons” was nothing less. Like Dustin Hoffman, Michael’s appearance was under a pseudonym. Jackson played a white mental institution inmate who believed that he was Michael Jackson. An interesting sidenote: while Jackson could do his own voice, he was unable contractually to sing any of his songs on the show.

4. Bob Hope

The venerable showman Bob Hope played himself in the “Lisa the Beauty Queen” episode. As the acting Miss Little Springfield, Lisa is expected to go on a USO tour with Bob Hope, which of course, Hope is well known for.

3. James Earl Jones

Known to millions as the voice of Darth Vader from “Star Wars” or the voice of CNN, James Earl Jones has lent his voice talents to “The Simpsons” many times over the last 19 years. Perhaps as one of his funniest voice roles was as Maggie in an alternate universe during a Treehouse of Horror episode, while he has also play the narrator as well, notably reading “The Raven” on the first “Treehouse of Horror”. Jones shares the voice of Maggie with our No. two guest star.

2. Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor only uttered one word in her debut on “The Simpsons.” But it was a word that everyone was waiting for as we heard Maggie speak for the first time and not in an alternate universe. Of course, it’s the one word that every father including Homer wants to hear, “Daddy.” She has also made an appearance as herself.

1. Paul McCartney, George Harrison & Ringo Star

While many bands have been featured with their full cast on the show, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr appeared as themselves. Part of the most well-known rock band of all time, the former Beatles appeared early on in “The Simpsons” run. Paul and Linda played themselves while visiting Apu, the resident vegetarian while Ringo finally replies to Marge’s decades-old fan mail praising her painting of him. George Harrision made his appearance during the Barber Shop Quartet episode when Homer was part of the B Sharps. And who knows, had “The Simpsons” been around when John Lennon was alive, he might have been a guest star as well.

Top 10 Best TV Dads

2009-09-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

Father’s Day. A time to honor the men who are either our biological fathers or who have been like fathers to us. If you’re a child of the television age, some of those dad might well be TV dads. They teach us important lessons, lead us by example, spend quality time with us (and with their TV children), and love their kids unconditionally while keeping an open mind. They are uber-dads – and they can set examples for us while we watch them sitting next to our real-life dads. Because dads love good TV dads, too.

10. Rick Castle (Castle)

This new Nathan Fillion vehicle hasn’t been around for very long, but one undeniable trait of the rakish Castle is his love for his daughter (played by a lovely Molly Quinn). Time will tell if Castle will make it into the TV Dad Hall of Fame, but after the first season, he’s off to a pretty good start.

9. Seeley Booth (Bones)

Taking a stab at a more paternal character than his stint as a TV dad on Angel, David Boreanaz convincingly plays a doting single dad. He spends as much time as possible with his son, Parker. He tries to lead by example by being a good cop and a good Catholic, and he wears awesome socks. In fact, some fan loves their relationship so much they made this tribute video for them:

8. Danny Tanner (Full House)

It’s hard to be a single dad, but it’s sometimes even harder when you have two man-children to take care of, as well as your own kids. Danny Tanner was the voice of reason in a world of chaos. He took great care of DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle, while accepting the sometimes-help and more often hindering of Uncle Jesse (John Stamos), and Uncle Joey, his bestie from college. The best part? Tanner was convincingly played by Bob Saget, a one-man potty-mouth machine. On Full House, however, Danny Tanner was a strong, if not neurotic, awesome dad.

7. Mike Brady (The Brady Bunch)

Not only did Mike successfully play father to his three children, he adjusted to a double dose of kids when he married his lovely wife Carol. So, faced with the task of being father to Greg, Peter, Bobby, Marcia, Jan, and Cindy, he made an office inside the home and spent a lot of time being counselor, punisher, and comforter to his many children. Robert Reed’s portrayal of husband and father was absolute, despite the many bits of gossip that have surrounded him since his death, and he goes down in history as one of the most-beloved TV dads.

6. Eric Camden (7th Heaven)

Reverend Eric Camden and his wife Annie (played by Stephen Collins and Catherine Hicks, respectively) are the parents of SEVEN children (take that, Brady Bunch!) and do their very best to teach their children and their congregation the right way to live. Sounds schmaltzy, but this series was the most viewed on it’s network (the WB) and is still widely watched in syndication. Something about Collins’ portrayal of Eric Camden hit home for a lot of viewers, and his authentic and caring character make him a great TV dad.

5. Jim Anderson (Father Knows Best)

Loving father? Check. Sensitive and caring? Check. Able to dole out good advice and lead by example? Check check. Jim Anderson was a model 1950’s dad who put his family first. Played by a troubled Robert Young, Anderson provided the stability and confidence that his real-life counterpart just couldn’t find, but the television result was pure gold. Ask anyone who was around when the show was airing – Jim Anderson was a top-notch TV dad.

4. Ward Cleaver (Leave It To Beaver)

He might not have been the most progressive of guys, but it was the 1950’s, after all. Stern but fair, Ward (played by Hugh Beaumont) has his hands plenty full with Wally and The Beav’s antics and hijinks, but Ward always knows just what to say to make his boys do the right thing, and to make them feel good about it, too. Just don’t ask him about women’s liberation, because he wouldn’t know a bit what you were talking about.

3. Jonathan Kent (Smallville)

From Bo Duke to Superman’s dad. Who know that John Schneider had such range? Jonathan Kent had tough duty as adoptive father to Clark. He had to hide the secret of his son’s incredible abilities, guide and coach that son through some very difficult ethical dilemmas, and then eventually take on Clark’s extraterrestrial biological father’s strength in order to save Clark from himself. He lived solely for this child who arrived via meteor, and TV’s rarely seen a better or braver dad.

2. Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable (The Cosby Show)

Even if you didn’t know that The Cosby Show was one of the most popular shows in American television, one episode of it would make a strong impression. Bill Cosby (as Dr. Huxtable) provided fun, laughs, and good common sense to his large family (and thus to his millions and millions of viewers). Some of the best moments of television history come from the eight seasons of The Cosby show, and practically every single one center on Dr. Huxtable and one of his adorable and precocious children. He might not have been the cuddle bug dad that some others have been, but in the category of cool, funny dads, he’s number one. But there is one TV dad who beats him by just under a millimeter…

1. Andy Taylor (The Andy Griffith Show)

Andy Taylor: single father, Sherriff, community leader, friend to the less fortunate, and folk-wisdom-imparter extraordinaire. His calm, cool, and collected character got Mayberry through tough times while all the time he was a great father to his son Opie. He took him on fishing trips, marveled at the wonder of Opie’s youth, and wasn’t too arrogant to think he couldn’t learn from his child. Even now, watching an episode of The Andy Griffith Show makes you feel like you’re a part of a world that makes a lot more sense – as much as a fictionalized sleepy southern town can make more sense than the world you live in – because Andy Taylor’s there to tell you how it is. His understated humor and realistic kindness make him the best TV dad of all time.

Top 10 Hats

2009-09-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

Our heads sometimes need a little help and that calls for a hat. Looking for the top ten hats required a sense of style, a sense of history and sense of popularity. While most of the hats on the list aren’t in fashion today, they are all unmistakable in their design.

10. Fez

In the Western world, the fez occasionally serves as a symbol of relaxation. In cartoons, characters are shown wearing a fez often while lying in a hammock on vacation or just relaxing after a hard day of work. This curious imagery may be a throwback to the late 19th century English practice of men wearing a loose fitting smoking jacket and braided fez-like headdress when relaxing informally in the evenings. In any case a fez hat is sure to garner attention, especially if a man is driving a small car in a parade.

9. Boater

Being made of straw, the boater was and is generally regarded as a warm-weather hat. In the days when men all wore hats when out of doors, “Straw Hat Day”, the day when men switched from wearing their winter hats to their summer hats, was seen as a sign of the beginning of summer. A fashion statement of barbershop quartets everywhere.

8. Bowler

The bowler became a cultural identifier, ironically with two completely different meanings: throughout most of England it was associated with professional servants, i.e. butlers, and so upon seeing a man wearing a bowler in a pub or on the street, it was fairly safe to assume he was a “gentleman’s gentleman,” meaning a valet or butler; in London itself, however, it was associated with professionals, and so a man wearing a bowler in “the City” could safely be assumed to be a lawyer, stock broker, banker or government official.

7. Gatsby (Newsboy Cap)

The Gatsby was popular in Europe and the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries among both boys and adult men. As the name suggests, it is now associated with newspaper boys, and it is sometimes associated with wealthy golfers as well. Although traditionally a men’s cap, recently the cap has become popular with women.

6. Beret

The beret was once considered the national hat of France. It has diminished in popularity, just as hats for men all over the world have waned in popularity, since about 1960. Still considered a matter of French pride, it is worn by both women and men. The beret is also the stereotyped trademark of film directors, artists and Beatniks. Also made famous by Prince in his song, “Raspberry Beret.

5. Sombrero

Sombreros usually have a somewhat high pointed crown and a very wide brim, which may be slightly upturned at the edge, used for protection from the hot sun in Mexico. Peasant sombreros are usually made of straw, while wealthier Hispanics wear sombreros made of felt. It is almost unseen in modern urban settings, except as part of a folkloric outfit worn in certain festivities. The Sombrero hat is very appealing and is often used in traditional Mexican celebrations.

4. Top Hat

The first top hats were made with felt, most commonly being beaver fur felt. Later, they would be made of silk. The structure underneath the felt or silk was made of a material called goss. This was made from layers of calico covered in a hard glue. When gently heated over a flame, the glue softens, allowing the hat to be molded to shape. A popular version, particularly in the United States in the 19th century, was the stovepipe hat, which was popularized by Abraham Lincoln during his presidency. Unlike many top-hats, this version was straight, like piping, and was not wider at the top and bottom. Often they were taller than the typical top-hat. It is said that Lincoln would keep important letters inside the hat. And lets not forget that rabbits often hide out in top hats and snowmen seem to like them.

3. Fedora

In the early part of the twentieth century, the fedora was popular in cities for its stylishness, ability to protect the wearer’s head from the wind and weather, and the fact that it could be rolled up when not in use. The hat is sometimes associated with Prohibition-era gangsters and the detectives who sought to bring them to justice. In Hollywood movies of the 1940s, characters often wore a fedora, particularly when playing private detectives, gangsters, or other “tough guy” roles. A trench coat was frequently part of the costume, a notable example being Humphrey Bogart’s character in Casablanca. The fedora is widely recognized with the characters of The Blues Brothers and Indiana Jones. The fedora is closely associated with film noir characters.

2. Cowboy

In the early days, the cowboy hat was valued for being functional, with the wide brim protecting working cowboys from the sun and rain. It could be used to signal others, fan a campfire, or pull water out of a stream. Today, while the hats can still serve these purposes, most people wear them for aesthetic value as a part of Western lifestyle.

1. Baseball Cap

In many ways, the baseball cap is a symbol of the increase of the cultural aspects of sports in the late 20th century. This started, naturally, with baseball.In 1860, the Brooklyn Excelsiors wore the ancestor of the modern, rounded-top baseball cap, and by 1900, the “Brooklyn style” cap became popular. During the 1940s, latex rubber became the stiffening material inside the hat and the modern baseball cap was born. The “bill” or “brim” was designed to protect a players eyes from the sun. Typically, the brim was much shorter in the earlier days of the baseball hat. Also, the hat has become more structured, versus the overall “floppy” cap of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Top 10 Reasons to Fear Google

2009-09-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

There are naysayers in every crowd. They are the people who hate Microsoft because it’s so ubiquitous. On the same page, there are people who loath Wal-Mart because it is a global company that is supposedly wrecking local retailers everywhere. But when most people think of operating systems or cheap shopping, they think Wal-Mart and Microsoft.

Enter Google. Once just a search engine, it is now sprouting up extensions like Jack’s bean stalk on steroids. These extensions are what’s making Google so irreplaceable for many people who want the one stop shop. Google is fast becoming the Wal-Mart of the Internet. And it’s for that reason that some people are starting to fear the company.

10. Google Video

When most people think of looking for videos, YouTube is the automatic choice. However, Google has gone a step beyond YouTube. Not only does a Video search yield all of the YouTube results and play them in the Google window, but the search engine also searches the entire web for your content. While Google Video may not feature categories like YouTube, when you can search the entire web, who cares?

9. Google Maps & Google Earth

A few years ago, Google created an application called Google Earth that would let a person input an address and the application would give them the most recent satellite images of that area. Another nifty feature was the ability to plot a course between multiple locations similar to Mapquest.com. Now Google Maps has taken on Mapquest and many other map making companies. However, Google Maps has gone beyond the simple map adding in the flexibility of a Yellow Pages with displayed directions to the pizza parlor or local electronics store.

8. Google Books & Google Scholar

Libraries across the world are wondering what they will do with all the books they house once Google is done. Years ago, Google Books announced that it would try to make every page of every book available and searchable online. They are still working on that one due to copyright laws; however, they have now made searchable many scholarly articles. The library may still be the place to complete most of your research, but maybe not for long.

7. Google News

Who wouldn’t like a searchable database of recent articles on any topic imaginable? Perhaps the media companies who want to be the sole source for your news gathering. Though having that searchable source of news might mean a more balanced view of the news, when someone gets thousands or millions of hits, how do they choose what is the best news source for them?

6. Google Shopping

Retailers everywhere are cringing over the fact that their prices are being compared to other retailers with one simple click. The Google Shopping feature searches Web sites for whatever you want and gives you only what you want or more than you can handle when you are not specific. eBay and Paypal beware – Google Checkout is coming. You will soon be able to do all of your shopping through Google as well.

5. iGoogle

Similar to Yahoo, Google has branched out by giving the search engine a customizable homepage with multiple features such as news feeds, weather, horoscopes and others. A one-stop shop has a tendency to leave out all the small details that some people crave; and it seems like iGoogle could be just the icing rather than the whole cake when it comes to the details.

4. G-mail

Again like Yahoo and even Microsoft, Google has created an online e-mail system. While millions of people have been using online e-mail for the last decade, this is just one more step for the Big G in making it the first and only destination on the Web.

3. Google Docs

Google is not satisfied just going after Yahoo, Mapquest, libraries and retailers. Microsoft and all the other word processing software companies beware. Now with a G-mail account, you can create documents such as invoices, letters, calendars and many more. Or how about a PowerPoint like presentation? The possibilities seem endless and your documents can be accessed by yourself and anyone else you allow online. Who needs Word anyways?

2. Frankenstein Internet

What Google has not created itself, it has started to wrap under its envelope. YouTube and Blogger are just two examples of other sites that have joined forces with the G Empire to create a monster. And if Google can’t find a suitable partner, then it has started to build its own version of popular sites such as an IM system (Google Talk), a social networking site like Facebook (Orkut) and other features. With pieces and parts from here, there and everywhere, one has to wonder if Google isn’t going to fall in the same trap as Microsoft – being too large and diverse to get one thing right.

1. Google

The main thing that Google is known as is, of course, a search engine. And that is one thing they have done correctly though many people question the validity of the search optimization methods used by the company. That said when most people want information where do they go? Google, of course. The name is so synonymous with search engines that is has been added to the dictionary as a known for searching on the Internet. If that’s not scary enough for you, perhaps you should Google scary see what you think is scarier.

10 Creative Charity Websites

2009-09-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

Giving to charity is something that is seen as generous, responsible, and extremely caring. Many people donate money to certain charities that they hold close to them. Others will chip in their piece of charity by completing volunteer work at soup kitchens or working at a homeless shelter, or even volunteering at a local SPCA. However, in today’s world, as economic situations are tough and less people have the extra time or money to donate to charity it is even more important that we show we care by helping others through charitable causes.

It is said that in 2009, charity donations will drop about 5.6%. This is a very steep drop as the need for charity donations is on the rise. Because of this, companies and charity sponsors have come up with more creative ways to give back. Since Internet usage is booming, many charities have come up with websites that raise money to provide donations, whether they are food, clothing, shelter, or just money.

Below is a list of 10 charity websites anyone can visit in order to give back. This list isn’t for advertising reasons, but if you ever have a few spare minutes while on the ‘net, check a few of them out.

10. Race to Stop Violence Against Women

Violence against women in cultures throughout the world seems to be an ever-growing problem. The website provides a button that you click that donates money so that women are able to write and send letters, explaining their abuse and situation in hopes for the problem to come to the forefront. Visit the site.

9. Race for the Oceans

Our oceans are slowly depleting, leaving marine life in plenty of danger. With a few clicks you generate money that is given towards saving our oceans. The website donates money towards saving marine life and hoping to turn the health of our oceans back around. Visit the site.

8. Free Flour

Flour seems like something that isn’t so important, but in today’s world, many countries are in need of it, as homeless and less fortunate people use it to make common foods like bread. The website offers a trivia game where each correct answer supplies a spoonful of flour. With 100 spoonfuls, you donate enough flour to make an entire loaf of bread. Visit the site.

7. Prevent Breast Cancer

In recent months, breast cancer awareness has almost become a fad, with pink becoming the new black. With this website, a few clicks help to raise money for Breast Cancer Fund, in order to supply money for cancer research, testing, and outreach programs around the world. Visit the site.

6. The Rainforest Site

The rainforest has long been a problem for many countries around the world. Rainforests are being cut down and more and more exotic animals are losing their habitat and becoming extinct. By just clicking the button, you are able to protect acres of rainforest land by donating money to the Rainforest Conservation Fund and other foundations that protect rainforest land. Visit the site.

5. Trivia for Charity

This website allows you to pick a charity in which you’d like to donate money to. The website is relatively new, but allows you to donate to homeless animals, cancer research, or homes for those in needs. The website offers a trivia game and each correct answer totals more money towards your chosen charity. Visit the site.

4. The Animal Rescue Site

If you’re one that loves animals and would love to give back, the Animal Rescue Site is a great way to donate a little bit of your time. A few clicks go a long way on the website. Each click donates food that is given to animal shelters and clinics around the world in order to provide for homeless animals. Visit the site.

You can also try Free Kibble which is a trivia game that provides food for homeless animals.

3. The Hunger Site

World hunger has been something that countries have been trying to end for decades. Sadly, numbers for those having to deal with hunger and starvation haven’t decreased much. With the Hunger Site, you easily click a button that donates food to those in need. Since its establishment, the website has been able to donate over 657 million cups of food throughout the world. Visit the site.

2. Free Poverty

Have you ever wanted to learn your world geography while still being able to give back to the needy? Free Poverty allows just that. The website is a geographical game that anyone can play. No matter if you get the answer right or not, you are still able to donate a cup of water. If you do get an answer correct, you donate 10 cups of water. The website donates clean water to locations where fresh water is scarce or not available at all. Visit the site.

Help Thirst is a website very similar to Free Poverty that also donates cups of water. It involves memorizing numbers.

1. Free Rice

Free rice is the first charity website that I came across today. The website provides a game for users to play. You can choose between many different types of games. But while you’re having fun and maybe even learning a few things, for each answer you get correct, you’re also donating grains of rice to poor countries. In May 2009 alone, Free Rice was able to donate 1,403,545,670 grains of rice. Visit the site.

Top 10 Web Applications

2009-09-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

The web has changed our world in so many ways, providing information at our finger tips, giving faster communication, allowing easier exploration of our world and increasing our productivity…unless you are a surfing zombie. If you are then this list may not be for you. This list of the top 10 web applications will introduce you to some web apps that you may not know about. We certainly hope you find a treasure or two. The Internet is full of useful and fun applications and new ones come and go every day. In fact this list will probably be out of date in a month to some degree, but that is what makes the web so exciting. So enjoy this list while it lasts and take time to see how some of these web apps can help you. Think we left off a web app? Let us know in the comments.

10. TiddlyWiki

Everyone knows Wikipedia, the wiki anyone can edit. But wouldn’t it be great if you had your own wiki that only you could edit? Anytime you had some new information, just go on it and enter a topic and write about it. It’s like your brain in a webpage. Well that’s where TiddlyWiki comes in. It lets you do just that. You have full control over what it looks like and how it behaves. Best of all, it’s a single file. Save it as a document and share your knowledge with other people. Put it on a flashdrive and record on-the-go. TiddlyWiki can change your life if you’d only utilize its potential. Best of all, it’s free. Visit http://www.tiddlywiki.com/

9. Netvibes

Meet your new homepage. Netvibes will bring you all your favorite RSS feeds, blog posts, news, weather, music, videos, e-mails, anything you name, all in one page. It even updates in real-time, so every time you visit the page you’ll get a whole new dose of information. Very customizable and visually attractive, Netvibes is definitely a home page worth having. Take a look for yourself. Visit http://www.netvibes.com/

8. Jott

Have trouble remembering appointments or dates? Just jott it! Or maybe you lose all your sticky notes and index cards and forget to write things down in your planner. But if you’re like most people, you have a cell phone, and that’s always turned on. This is where Jott works its magic. You can program it to send you a text message, or call you and tell you, or even leave you a voice mail. Tell it whatever message you want. It’s your own personal transcription service. Visit http://jott.com/

7. Peepel

The Peepel Online Office Suite is truly something worth checking out. There’s no need to shell out hundreds of dollars for Microsoft Office, or spend hours trying to desperately find a cheaper alternative. Just go on the site. Or maybe you’re tired of spending money upgrading your office suite software every few months. Maybe Microsoft programs just take too long to start, and you spent all your money on expensive software so you can’t afford a faster computer. Just go to Peepel. With enough features to rival even the most expensive software, you can easily accomplish whatever writing needs you may have on-the-go with Peepel’s word processor. Or maybe you need to make a spreadsheet. Peepel has that too. The best apart of Peepel, besides the fact that it’s free, is that you can open multiple applications and multi-task all in one browser window. Now that’s innovation. Visit http://www.peepel.com/

6. Youconvertit

What if you have a major presentation saved on your flashdrive and you desperately try to open it to a team of impatient and grumpy executives? What if the software you used to create it at home isn’t friendly with their fancy, corporate software? What do you do? Just go to Youconvertit. It easily allows you to convert any image, video, document, and even units to virtually any format / type. Fast, easy, and free, Youconvertit is worthy of a bookmark. Visit http://www.youconvertit.com/

5. Facebook

If you haven’t heard of Facebook, well that’s just pathetic. Facebook is the number one social networking site and probably the best. First of all, millions of people use it; odds are that everyone you know is probably on it. Facebook makes it easy to find people and connect with them whether it be your best friend or some kid you knew in the third grade. With an extensive and often updated list of applications, Facebook embeds thousands of web apps in itself. Fun, easy-to-use, and practical as well, Facebook may be a time-drainer, but if you absolutely must know what’s going on in all your friends’ lives, it’s a must. Visit htpp://www.facebook.com

4. Cooliris

Cooliris is a browser extension that will make your normal, boring web surfing experience into something fully interactive and cinematic. It turns the pages into an extensive “3D Wall.” You can easily browse thousands of images, videos, and other media quickly and easily. It’s very customizable too– you can change the theme, background, number of rows, angles, slideshow speed, and more. Instead of manually clicking and searching through webpage after webpage, you can simply browse the never-ending wall with total ease and comfort. All you need to do is download, and the download’s free. Visit http://www.cooliris.com/

3. Meebo

Meebo is great because it’s a universal messenger that you can access on the web. Meebo basically pioneered web messenging. It’s compatible with AIM, Yahoo, MSN, Myspace, and even its own instant messenging platform: Meebo! Absolutely no installation or downloads are required; just log-in and go. It’s totally secure so you don’t have to worry about any security issues; and plus, it’s free. Visit http://www.meebo.com/

2. Hulu

Hulu has the ability to completely replace your television set. You don’t even have to install any software or make an account. Just go to the website and you’ll instantly see video clips, full TV episodes and seasons, and even feature-length films. It is very easy to use its methodical service; you can either search or browse for your media. They make money off of tiny commercials and sponsored video clips embedded in your viewing. A very small price to pay. You may think of streaming video like youtube-quality, which is nearly unwatchable. But Hulu is nothing like that. In fact, they even have HD channels. All you need is an internet connection. Oh, and it’s free. Visit http://www.hulu.com/

1. Pandora

Pandora is your revolutionary radio station. It only plays the music you like. Type in the name of a song and it’ll play it, or if it can’t find it, it’ll play songs similar to it. Type in the name of an artist and it’ll play one of their songs, or bands similar to them. Using an advanced system, it’ll play songs with similar rhythms, beats, and music to whatever you type in. It’s not only a great way to listen to music, but to find music. You can create an account so it’ll keep track of all your personal radio stations. Best of all? It’s free. Visit http://www.pandora.com/

Top 10 Hard to Kill House Plants

2009-09-04T17:23:00.000-07:00

We all know that not everyone is born with the magical green thumb.

Some people seem to just have the touch and ideas to keep a garden looking beautiful throughout all of the seasons, or maybe they just know how to take good care of indoor house plants.

On the other hand, we also know those who seem to be able to just look at a plant and kill it. That’s right; those people with the dreaded black thumb who could probably kill a vase of plastic flowers.
Some with the black thumb give up easily on planting, while others still have the urge to fill the corner with a [living] plant, but can’t. In any case, thankfully, there are flowers and plants available that are more on the “hardy” side.

So, no matter if your thumb is black, here are ten plants that are perfect for those without a green thumb. Now, if you kill one of these plants, you’re really out of luck!

1. African Violet – Saintpaulia

Putting an African Violet in your home is a great way to add a touch of color. These plants don’t need direct sunlight, and are extremely hardy. They don’t need to be watered more than once a week, and its best that the plant is able to dry out before being watered again. You will find this plant offered in many different colors, including lavender, purple, mauve, and a two-color flower.

2. English Ivy – Hedera helix

Though English Ivy best thrives outside where it can grow up to 100ft. long, it still makes a great indoors plant. When keeping an ivy plant inside, it’s important that it is given enough sunlight during the day. Besides this, ivy is a very easy plant to take care of in your home. Since ivy grows so much, it’s important that you have enough room for it. But, you won’t regret this plant. It cleans your air for you!

3. ZZ Plant – Zamioculcas Zamiifolia

The ZZ plant is one that you can take with you wherever you live. It doesn’t require a lot of space, and it can take neglect extremely well. The ZZ plant can live without having enough water, and doesn’t require a specific type of lighting in order to grow. It is a slow growing plant, but introducing it to more light can surely speed up the process. This plant is great for those die hard black thumbs.

4. Peace Lily – Spathiphyllum

Watering plants is an important part of keeping them alive, and since plants can’t talk, it can be ahrd to know when its time to water them, especially if you’re no gardening expert. However, the Peace Lily’s leaves will start to wilt, in order to let you know that it’s literally in dying need of water. The Peace Lily doesn’t need much light, and is marked by leaves that bloom a white tall flower.

5. Spider plant – Chlorophytum comosum

Originally found in South Africa, the spider plant is probably one of the most widely used houseplants. This plant is definitely different looking, as its point long leaves eventually bud into flowers, that then die and turn into smaller spider plants. The spider plant loves a lot of bright light and can stand any temperature. It doesn’t need to be watered everyday, but in the summer watering is very important.

6. Croton – Codiaeum

Though this plant is nothing but leaves, it surely adds a good amount of color to any bland room in your home. You will usually find these in a tropical garden, but recently they have become extremely popular indoor plants. These plants do need more light than most, but stay colorful throughout the year. Its important to water this plant enough, as drying can damage it.

7. Chinese Evergreen – Aglaonema

The Chinese Evergreen in just the last five years has been able to produce more than 20 different varieties. This plant is cold tolerant and doesn’t require a lot of attention to keep it alive. However, it is important to make sure that the plant isn’t over-watered, so making sure that the pot is well drained is a necessity. It is a slow growing plant, so repotting isn’t a big issue until about a year or so.

8. Jade plant – Crassula ovata

The Jade plant is definitely one that catches eyes. With its out-of-the-ordinary leaves and pink flowers that bloom during the winter, the jade plant can make a good addition to your home. Because it only requires a little bit of sunlight and doesn’t need a lot of care, it’s the perfect plant that won’t die easily, no matter how much you neglect it.

9. Christmas Cactus – Epiphyllum

Unlike most cacti, the Christmas Cactus isn’t one that’ll hurt you if you try to touch it. This cactus is an extremely easy plant to take care of, and usually doesn’t require repotting. It’s important to be sure you don’t over-water it, but not watering it enough also damages the plant. To solve this, one thorough watering a week usually does the trick. This plant is extremely easy to take care of, and it’ll bloom once a year to bring some color into your living space.

10. Philodendron – Philodendron bipinnatifidum

It is said that the Philodendron has been used as a house plant since the time of the Victorians. As a tropical plant, it requires some sun, but this can be achieved by letting it sit outside during the day, or using artificial light within your home. It can go for days without being watered, but does prefer warm moist air. In any case this is a hard plant to ruin and is a great plant if you lack a green thumb.