10 Best Places To Find Love In Summer 2014

Taking long walks on sandy shores, and setting off sparklers in empty parking lots. Backpacking across Europe, hitting all the major cities; or riding shotgun from the East Coast to the West. Kissing as fireworks explode high above your head, feeling like this could last forever. And realizing that, in just a few short weeks, your relationship with this fun, intriguing person – who’s opened your mind in ways you never could have imagined – just might come to an end.

Oh, the pleasure (and pain) of seasonal romances. Somehow the knowledge that our newest love connection comes pre-stamped with an expiration date isn’t enough to stop us from falling for that special someone. While it may feel like it will last forever, the reality is that it may be pretty hard to keep the spark alive once fall rolls around.

So what is it about summer romances that makes them so irresistible? Is it the sultry weather and skimpy clothes? Or is it the fact that we get to take a break from the real world and focus all our time and energy on the things we love? Perhaps it’s the skimpy clothes – let’s face it, it’s been a long time since those chiseled abs and long legs have made an appearance. Whatever it is, knowing your relationship probably won’t survive the summer shouldn’t stop you from getting to know someone special and having a good time. After all, all good things must come to an end; and that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun while it lasts.

Whatever your reason, summer is the season for promises of a fun time with no strings attached (though the romantic among us may be hoping to attach a few strings come September). Whether you’re studying, interning, working abroad, or just taking some time out to explore a new place, here’s a list of the hottest places to find love this summer.

10. Paris

Photo by James Whitesmith

Paris, France: that city branded in our collective memories from countless novels and movie scenes as the place for romance. Hang out in a Parisian garden and wait for a suave and accented Frenchman to approach you and show you the ropes; or get yourself to an impressionist museum for a classy lady (who may or may not be impressed with your rendition of “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?”). You’re in for a summer of wining and dining on the finest Parisian wines, breads and cheeses, as well as stimulating intellectual conversations about French history and literature as you float down the Seine (and if you manage to score that most classic of kisses in front of the Eiffel Tower, then consider the summer a resounding success).

9. Las Vegas

Photo by O Palsson

You might not find love here but you’re guaranteed to find lust. It isn’t called “Sin City” for nothing: if you’re looking for non-stop action this summer, Las Vegas is the place to be. From the classic MGM Grand to the modern Venetian, the city’s hotels and buildings seem engineered to attract tourists. There should be no trouble meeting someone while walking along the Strip; and if there is, head on over to one of the city’s many clubs and lounges for a good time. If you can pull yourself from the slot machines long enough to snag a sinful beauty, take them to the Bellagio fountains for some romantic hand-holding, or cozy up for some nice conversation at a late-night bar. (Or you could take advantage of the other meaning of “strip.” Just remember, what happens in Vegas…)

8. Rio De Janeiro

Photo by Mike Vondran

There are a lot of hot bodies to go around during Carnaval; unfortunately, the February festival is not the most convenient event to attend if you’re on American summer time. But don’t fret; there’s still plenty to do during Brazil’s winter months. The weather is cool at around 77 degrees but still warm enough to hit the beaches and meet someone (though you may have to bring a sweater). If you and your sweetheart are still feeling a bit chilly, dance the samba at one of the many street shows, or crawl your way through several Brazilian pubs. (Or you can slide between the sheets for your own private dance session; that’s sure to warm you right up.)

7. Hong Kong

Photo by Haydn Hsin

English is an official language in this place where East meets West, so language should be no barrier to love. Hong Kong is full of places to meet people: the hot spot Lan Kwai Fong, located in Central, is known for its vibrant nightlife and an attendant potential for meeting strangers in dark, lustry bars. Meanwhile, the stylish Soho entertainment district provides a classier place to mingle. Find yourself a rare gem in the Pearl of the Orient, then take a junk (a traditional Chinese ship) to one of Hong Kong’s secluded islands for a private lunch. End the night on a high note by riding the Peak Tram to the top of Victoria Peak, and gaze upon the city lights in all their glorious splendor.

6. Gold Coast

Photo by eGuide Travel

If you’re looking for surf and sun, head down under to Australia’s Gold Coast. The weather is pleasant year-round, so the winter months are still pretty warm. Surfers Paradise is an area full of nightclubs, bars, and shopping centers that are packed day and night. Find yourself a thrill seeker and spend the day at one of the city’s many amusement parks. You’re advised to avoid Wet’n’Wild Water World during the winter, unless you fancy catching a cold, but don’t worry; there’ll be plenty potential for other, ahem, wet and wild rides during your stay.

5. Cape Town

Photo by Jacky W.

For those of you not too keen on sunshine, consider heading south for the winter. Winter is Cape Town’s best keep secret: tourism is down, so not only are lodgings, restaurants, and attractions less expensive, but your chances are higher of meeting that local lad or lady who can show you all that Cape Town’s winter has to offer. If you manage to capture a nature lover’s heart, take them on a surf break, or for a hike up Table Mountain, or go whale watching; winter is the peak time for all of these activities. Afterwards, get some R&R at a traditional and exotic African spa, or cozy up for some wine and a lavish feast at one of the city’s many magnificent restaurants.

4. Miami

Photo by joiseyshowaa

If you just have to hit the sand while the summer sun is blazing, then Miami’s the place to heat things up. Miami is regularly cited as one of the best cities to find love; so grab your swimsuit and prepare to woo or be wooed on the shores of South Beach. There’s no shortage of places to socialize, so take advantage of the vibrant nightlife and find yourself someone to love. Once you’ve got your sun-kissed cutie, head to South Pointe Park for some fun in the sun, or take your summer love to new heights with a helicopter ride over the city.

3. Tokyo

Photo by Yoshikazu Takada

Those of the Asian persuasion will have no trouble meeting people in this city of 13 million. Tokyo’s divided wards make it easy to find someone with similar interests, whether that’s geeking out over video games in Akihabara or shopping for upscale luxury items in the Ginza. If the nightlife is more your scene, spend the evening at one of Shibuya’s many night clubs, restaurants, and bars. Once you’ve found your soulmate, ride to the top of Tokyo Tower and chat while you take in an amazing view of the city.

2. San Francisco

Photo by Bob Dass

The Bay Area has nightclubs, lounges and bars teeming with singles looking to have a casual, fun time. As the area’s cultural center, the city also offers options for anyone with an intellectual bent. Looking to expand your mind? Head to Nightlife at the Academy or After Dark at the Exploratorium. Once you’ve found your mind mate, have lunch at Crissy Field over stimulating conversation, or ponder the mysteries of the universe as you walk hand in hand across the Golden Gate Bridge. If you ever tire of talking, the two of you can take a hike up the Twin Peaks for a spectacular view of the city at night. San Francisco is truly a great place for romance, all year round.

1. New York

Photo by Aurelien Guichard

Known for its arts and culture, this diverse city has a little something for everyone. There are over eight million people crammed into 305 square miles, so you’re sure to find someone who’s everything you’re looking for (and more). Visit Central Park during one of its open-air performances to find that special someone who shares your passion for 17th century theatre. If the outdoors aren’t your thing, there are many other museums, theatres, art galleries, and nightclubs where you can meet people. Whether it’s a quickie in Queens or a hook up in Harlem – or a timeless kiss in the middle of Times Square – make your dreams come true this summer in the City of Dreams.

10 U.S. States With the Highest and Lowest Suicide Rates

Although suicide is a topic that most of us would rather not discuss, it affects us all. We often comfort ourselves with the notion that it wouldn’t happen to us or those we love. After all, we believe that if our loved ones were feeling hopeless and depressed we would be among the first to know, and we would help them.

However, depression and suicide has become a tragically bigger part of American society in recent years. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2010 (the most recent year of data available), suicide ranked #10 on the list of American causes of deaths and 38,364 suicide deaths were reported. While it ranks #10 for Americans of all age groups, it is the 3rdleading cause of death for youths aged 15-24. For many years it has been a problem for young people and the elderly, but death by suicide among middle-aged individuals is rising. The demographics of suicide show that, overall, a great percentage happen in rural areas where easier access to firearms accounts for over half of the annual deaths by suicide. Of course, depression is one of the greatest risk factors of them all. Here, we’ve taken a look at 7 states - all in the West – that have the highest rates of suicide, and 3 states on the East Coast that have the lowest rates.

10. Wyoming (23.2 per 100,000)

In 2010, the “Equality State” headed up the list leading the entire nation with the most suicides. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), rates are measured based on 100,000 residents. The latest data from the CDC reveals a rate of 23.2 deaths by suicide per 100,000.  In a November 2012 report, the Wyoming Department of Health Public Health Division cited Wyoming’s problem as being influenced by adult behavioral risk factors such as being disabled, being avid smokers, having no health insurance, and binge drinking. Two-thirds of all suicide deaths in Wyoming are by firearm and state prevention leaders see “limiting the availability of guns” as the best way to overcome the suicide problem.

9. Alaska (23.1 per 100,000)

Alaska is the second highest nationally for rates of suicide at 23.1. However, according to the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, this state actually has the highest rate of suicide per capita in the entire country. This means that based on population alone, Alaska has an alarmingly high amount of self-inflicted deaths — about 10 suicides occur in the state each month. Reports show that about 78% of those deaths are men and about 22% are women. What’s more, a recent study revealed a correlation between high rates of suicide and high latitudes. In other words, it appears that the further north residents live, the higher the likelihood of death by suicide.

8. Montana (22.9 per 100,000)

Coming in third place for the highest suicide rates is the Treasure State. According to AFSP data, Montana had about 22.9 suicides per 100,000 people in 2010. While there are only about 1 million residents in the state, approximately 15 of them attempt to kill themselves each day on average. Again, firearms make up about two-thirds of completed deaths with hangings (13%) and drugs (10%) being the other means. To combat this issue, in 2011, the state handed out over 4,000 gunlocks to residents. They have also increased their distribution of toolkits and training programs for use of firearms.

7. Nevada (20.3 per 100,000)

It may be surprising to most tourists who view the Silver State as an escape for gambling and entertainment that, despite its appealing nightlife industry, the state has a real problem with suicide. It was ranked by Health.com as one of 10 most depressed states and has a suicide rate of about 20.3. Most of Nevada’s suicides occur where nearly three-fourths of the population live — Las Vegas. According to an article in LA Times, those who live in Sin City have a 50% higher chance of ending their own life when compared to all other American metropolitan areas. Perhaps most distressing is the fact that suicide stands as the second leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24 in the state.

6. New Mexico (20.1 per 100,000)

The fifth largest state also ranks fifth in the nation for suicide at 20.1 per 100,000 people. Adolescent suicide is twice the national average in New Mexico with about 63 completed deaths in 2012. The 2011 New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey showed that about 17.2% of Santa Fe county’s youth between grades 9 and 12 had seriously considered committing suicide and 10.2% had made an attempt. The state identifies youth risk factors that overlap on a national level as well. These include mental disorder, substance abuse, a family history of suicide, mental illness in parents, life stressors, and access to firearms.

5. Idaho (18.5 per 100,000)

With a rate reported by AFSP as 18.5, suicide quite seriously affects the mountainous Gem State. It is the 2nd leading cause of death among all residents age 15-34 and for males age 10-14, according to a 2013 fact sheet from the Suicide Prevention Action Network of Idaho. Research reported by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reveals that for every individual suicide at least 15 to 22 people are directly impacted. The suicide rate has created a burden for the state’s economy as a whole, with $850,000 being put towards medical care each year. Furthermore, $343 million is lost in lifetime productivity for the residents the state loses to suicide annually. While these starkly pragmatic issues jar against such an emotive question as suicide, it bears considering that a state has practical as well as pastoral reasons to try and decrease highs suicide rates.

4. Oregon (17.9 per 100,000)

Closing off the list of the highest suicide rates is Oregon with an estimated 17.9 suicide completions per 100,000 residents in 2010. Researchers blame this state’s problem on the same contributing factors as the other western states listed above: rural area, poor access to health care (namely mental health services), an individualistic culture, and access to firearms. It seems most of Oregon’s suicides are occurring in men ages 45-64 (36.1 per 100,000). The state’s overall rate has been climbing since the dawn of the new millennium. In 2011, 685 residents ended their lives. That number is 2 times that of automotive deaths and 6 times that of deaths by homicide.

3. Maryland (8.7 per 100,000)

On the opposite end of the spectrum comes Maryland with a suicide rate of 8.7 that is well below the national average in 2010 of 12.1 deaths per 100,000. According to America’s HealthRankings.org, strengths of the Free State include a significant decline in the number of residents who smoke, a low percentage of impoverished youth, and the ease of availability of general practice physicians and dentists. Still, access to mental health care remains poor with only 19 percent of the state’s mentally ill residents being provided appropriate services.

2. New Jersey (8.2 per 100,000)

Also, on the east coast of the United States, New Jersey falls under the national average for 2010 with 8.2 suicide deaths per 100,000 residents. However, the rate of suicide is on the rise in the state which resembles the rest of the nation. In 2010, there were 719 completed self-inflicted deaths which was the highest in more than a decade. Even with its rates better than the country as a whole, New Jersey continue its plight to lower suicide especially in the youth in which it is the 4th leading cause of death.

1. New York (8.0 per 100,000)

The Big Apple boasts one of the lowest suicide rates of the nation from 2010 and is only topped by the District of Columbia (6.8). With a low prevalence of both obesity and smoking, availability of health care, and a high per capita of public health funding, New York has several strengths on its side. Still, death by one’s own hand remains an important issue for public health initiatives to tackle especially since the number of suicides in the state for 2012 outnumbered the amount of homicides.

The 7 Richest Terrorist Groups in the World Today

The infamy we attribute to terrorist groups defined as being volatile, barbaric, and immeasurably reckless certainly rings true. However, it isn’t as popularly considered that in addition to these adjectives, terrorism, like any other form of organized crime, is also highly strategic, deliberate, and calculative. Much of the strength of terrorist organizations lies in the interdependency they create between themselves and the region in which they operate. Economic interdependency in particular is what makes these forces of violence and hate so difficult to combat; they become embedded in a region and the spoils of their crimes – literally the profits gained from acts of terrorism – are gained through the tactical victimization of large populations and local institutions.

There is great power in dirty money. Much of what’s secured the reign of terror these extremist and murderous contingents have executed for years is the huge profits their crimes rake in. Extortion, assassination, kidnapping, human trafficking, counterfeiting, and drug trade (to name a few of their criminal activities) amount to a considerable amount of cash. This in many ways marks terrorism as being in fact a business, and a successful one at that.

Several of the most infamous names in terrorism that we’ve come to learn about in recent years have maintained their high-stakes game of power through being strongly financially supported. Multimillion dollar donations to terrorist groups by other terrorist organizations, sympathizing political parties, and even governments themselves are not unheard of and if it’s not the profit gained from theft and murder that’s to be had, it’s the financial support procured from affiliates that maintain terrorism as a moneymaking enterprise.

‘Money makes the world go round’ by making its rounds around the world. When we consider how ill gotten cash circulates and becomes recycled into the community from which it’s profited (and inevitably the rest of the world amidst growing globalization), it’s well understood that the cost of crime is a higher tax than we can continue to afford.

With that said, it becomes a point of interest to learn which terrorist groups profit the most from their crimes against humanity. Of course, it’s difficult to trace sums of money that aren’t meant to be traced, and for this reason, most of the dollar sums we hear of are estimates when it comes to documenting the richest terrorist groups. Nonetheless, we’ve ranked some of the wealthiest terrorist organizations out there, according to educated estimates reported in the media, bringing to light the dark reality of the profits they’ve reaped at the expense of other people’s lives.

7. Boko Haram: Over $70 million

via actforamerica.org

The Boko Haram are a Nigerian terrorist group who fight to overthrow the Nigerian government in order to implement an Islamist regime. They have bombed UN headquarters and most recently abducted over 200 Nigerian school girls in defense of their namesake “Western Education is Sin”. Since they’ve remained off the radar since their recent attacks, it’s unclear just how much money they make from their numerous kidnappings and the subsequent ransoms they procure. It has been determined, however, that between 2006-2011, they collected over $70 million.

6. Lashkar-e-Tayyiba: $100 million a year

via gg2.net

The Lashkar E Taiba, who call like to call themselves the “Army of The Righteous”, was founded in the 1990′s. They’re a militant group originating from Pakistan who also wreak havoc on India. Hypocritically enough, apart from raging war and killing hundreds of civilians, they also establish several charitable organizations in Pakistan, like hospitals and schools. Regardless, their extremist ideals and murderous ways of executing them render them a deadly threat. Their annual revenue is estimated to be around $100 million, much of which is funded through donations from affiliate parties.

5. FARC: $80-$350 million a year

via ebarrongts.wordpress.com

The Marxist guerrilla group, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People’s Army (FARC) has been around since the 1960’s. They’ve been dubbed a terrorist threat in their country due to the numerous kidnappings, assassinations, and bombings they’ve executed on Columbian citizens in the name of anti-imperialism. Apart from the money the make from collecting ransoms and through extortion, FARC also produces and sells vast quantities of illegal drugs that further fuel their high annual revenue.

4. Al-Qaeda: Over $100 million a year

via nypost.com

Founded by Osama Bin Ladin, the global Islamist militant organization, Al-Qaeda, a name which translates to ‘The Base” has been around since the 1980s. Having attacked several civilian and military regions, Al-Qaeda is well known around the world as one of the largest and deadliest terrorist groups. Suicide bombings are among their favorite tactics of destruction. What makes this group such a tough force to combat, is the fact that they have wide-spread, terrorist group allies. Before their 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center in New York City, the CIA estimated that Al-Qaeda made well over $30 million a year, raised mostly through donations; today, that number has surely increased. Bin Ladin was himself a multimillionaire at the time he founded the organization and about $10-15 million was reportedly paid annually to the Taliban while he was leader.

3. Taliban: Over $400 million

via mirror.co.uk

The infamous Taliban of Afghanistan secures the obscenely profitable annual revenue of over $400 million from expansive drug trade, human trafficking, extortion, as well as a large amount of donations from foreign organizations that support their ill-gotten empire. The Taliban are responsible for a huge opium production operation in Afghanistan that heavily contributes to an estimated $70-$400 million that they rake in annually from illicit drug trade alone.

2. IRA: Over $450 million

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) has been dubbed one of the more prominent professional money laundering organizations in Europe. Originating as a revolutionary group fighting for Irish independence from Britain, the IRA fought for political control for several decades. They are considered a terrorist group due to countless bombings and assassinations attributed to them during the revolt against imposing British rule in Ireland. They now own numerous small businesses throughout the UK and allegedly use the profits to fuel their criminal acts, according to Ireland’s organized crime task-force. The IRA also builds significant revenue through drugs, tax fraud, robberies, smuggling and counterfeiting.

In 2013, the Irish Independent reported that the IRA were connected to the Italian mafia to the tune of 450 million euro in property assets – this is only one link that has been made public, and prompts theorizing as to the groups further mafia links both in Italy and elsewhere. It has been estimated – as per a 2005 Guardian report – that the IRA have made the equivalent of $17 million yearly in organised crime operations like smuggling.

Since the ceasefire in Ireland as a result of the Good Friday Agreement in 1999, the group are officially decommissioned and in 2005 they announced an official end to their campaign, but reports of illegal, underground money-making activities spearheaded by the group persist.

1. ISIS: $2 billion

via nbcnews.com

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, more commonly known as ISIS – which was once a part of Al Qaeda – has been dubbed the richest terrorist group to date. The jihadist militant group has recently made headlines after one of their most prominent leaders (who was captured by Iraqi officials) spilled the secrets of their exploits and uncovered the grim reality of their obscene wealth. ISIS is worth an estimated $2 billion, much of this money coming from looted weapons and bank robberies. Having stripped a broken Syria of its oil reserves and even priceless artifacts from archaeological sites, ISIS has secured an enormous wealth from crime. The group comprised of thousands of members is still a very active threat, having killed thousands of civilians and government agents and still running rampant within a highly sophisticated infrastructure. They are, it is believed, the richest terrorist organisation in the world today by a large margin.

The 10 Greatest Business Rivalries

Business is a hard world. It’s full of cut-throat ethics, hard decisions and even harder people, but it can also be a very lucrative world, if you’re in the right industry that is!

The ideal business operates in a high-demand, low-competition market – but these rarely ever last for long. “Supply-and-demand” means that once a highly-demanded product comes on the market, businesses that can supply those products are quick to pop up. This also generates competition between the businesses as each vies for their target customer base.

In business, competition is healthy, if not always lucrative. It’s not only good for the economy, it’s good for consumers too. Highly-competitive markets means that businesses battle for the people’s buck by lowering their prices, offering good package deals, providing excelling service, etc…

Another bonus in highly competitive markets, is that it makes for some interesting stories! When two rival huge tycoon businesses, selling similar products, come head-to-head the results can be interesting, to say the least!

Let’s take a look at some of the greatest business rivalries that we have seen to date.

10. Reebok vs Nike

The battle between Reebok and Nike has been ongoing for over three decades, and it hasn’t always been a pretty sight!

Phil Knight, the founder of Nike, left his accounting career and formed a running shoe company that imported shoes into the U.S. Reebok was originally a British brand called J.W. Foster and Sons that was founded in 1895. In 1958, the two grandsons renamed the company Reebok, a type of African gazelle. In 1979 a sports good distributor, Paul Fireman, discovered the shoe brand in the UK and agreed to sell them in the U.S. Fireman bought out the company in 1984.

One of the most striking differences between the two brands was their clientele. Nike had focused mainly on male consumers, whereas Reebok was marketed to both male and female customers. In 1987, Reebok overtook Nike. Since then the two brands have boosted their sales with high-profile athletes representing their brands. Nike had Michael Jordan, Reebok had Shaquille O’Neal. Since then, Reebok was bought by Adidas, but still remains a distant second place to Nike.

9. DC vs Marvel

Rivalry is probably too strong a word for this duo, whose battles are of the more friendly type. Marvel has even gone as far as calling DC their “Distinguished Competition”. The two graphic novel giants understand that competition is healthy, so their rivalry only helps to spur them on. Marvel tops DC when it comes to movies, whereas DC has stayed very committed to many of their more traditional and well-known characters. Just to clarify for those of you who don’t know who does what: Marvel is best known for the Avengers and DC claims the legends that are Batman and Superman.

8. Sony vs Nintendo

This rivalry has been ongoing for 15 years, and although Sony has been busy with Microsoft as of late, Nintendo has been a thorn in Sony’s side for some time! (And if you know any gamers, you’ll know that the consumers are equally as passionate about their chosen brand).

Nintendo modestly began its journey in Japan producing playing cards and wasn’t considered a gaming company until the 1970′s. While sonic and sega provided Nintendo with competition, it wasn’t until 1995 when a new company, Sony, introduced the Playstation. With 3D graphics and CD support format, Sony dominated the gaming market. In response, Nintendo launched the N64. However, with three times as many sales, Sony’s CD technology out-did that of the cartridge-based technology supported by Nintendo.

Nowadays, the two gaming companies are competing with each other with their newest models, the Nintendo Wii (& Wii U) and the Sony Playstation 4, with Sony still dominating in sales.

7. Ferrari vs Lamborghini

The legend says that Ferruccio Lamborghini, dissatisfied with Ferrari, founded his own car company in 1967. The two supercar companies have a lot in common to the untrained eye. Their cars of flashy, sporty, luxurious, they’re both Italian and their logos have animals on them. However, on closer inspection, the two couldn’t be more different. This is a somewhat one sided race, as Ferrari far out-sold Lamborghini in 2010. The forty seven year feud is still on-going, but both companies have conceded that the other creates excellent quality cars.

6. Energizer vs Duracell

These two companies power a lot of your favourite gizmos and gadgets, but what’s the difference between the two? Energizer has been around since the late 1800′s, while Duracell arrived on the scene much later in the mid-1960′s. The two companies have done some seriously fantastic work advertising their batteries, with both brands using a rabbit as a mascot to sell their product. The battle is ongoing, and there’s even a Facebook page promoting the rivalry!

5. Nickelodeon vs Disney Channel

Unlike their productions, these two companies haven’t always remained PC. Disney is known as the behemoth of media corporations around the world, but one company is giving them a run for their money.

Nickelodeon is a basic cable TV show which dominated the kid and teen audiences for years. In frustration, Disney began to snatch some of Nickelodeon’s executives, including Rich Ross, who now heads the Disney Channel. Disney has recently had some successes with Hannah Montana and High School Musical but Nickelodeon has fought back with Glen Martin DDS andSpectacular. The competition is hot and the two companies are still in the heat of it!

4. Budweiser vs Miller

The beer business is very competitive, but it’s advertising that puts these two on top. Budweiser and Miller were neck and neck in the early 1980′s, each of them owning approximately 20% of the beer market. However, Miller began to win the race with the very successful introduction of Miller Lite and its celebrity endorsements of famous baseball players such as Boog Powell, Billy Martin and Marv Throneberry.

The rivalry was so extreme that a rumour circulated stating that Miller’s president, John A. Murphy, had a Budweiser rug under his desk so that he could use it to wipe his feet with.

3. Bill Gates vs Steve Jobs

The two computer giants revolutionised technology as we see it today. While neitherJobs nor Gates have any college education, the two understood computers and business like none other. Initially Gates led the way, ensuring that Windows was the default operating system in most offices and households, while Jobs floundered to try and keep up. By 1997, Apple was facing bankruptcy and accepted a $150 million investment from Gates in order to keep their heads above water. In the last fifteen years of his life, Jobs rocketed Apple into the spotlight and surpassed Gates by creating engaging new technology like smartphones, music players and tablets. While the two were always considered rivals, they were essentially friendly with one another because they really appreciated what the other had accomplished.

2. McDonalds vs Burger King

McDonalds and Burger King have been serious rivals ever since the two companies arrived on the scene mid-20th century. The intense rivalry between the two fast-food giants can be summed up neatly by Ray Kroc, McDonald’s Corporation founder: “If they were drowning to death, I’d put the hose in their mouth.” From copying each other’s burger selections, to false advertising, the two chains were neck and neck by the end of the 20th century. Unfortunately for Burger King, they fell behind in the early 2000’s when CEOs and owners were changing hands, and the loss of stability rocketed Wendy’s into second place.

1. Coke vs Pepsi

The rivalry to end all rivalries, Coke and Pepsi have been at it so long that they’ve even got a name for their feud: The Coca-Cola Wars. The two soft drink companies have often had the same target audience, making their battle all the more interesting. This being said, Coke has been characterized as a more “family-friendly” brand, dominating the advertisements at Christmas with their Santa Claus. (Fun fact, Santa originally wore purple, but Coke put him in Red as a marketing strategy and that’s the color that stuck around through the years!) Pepsi on the other hand, branded itself towards a younger audience, and labelled itself as the drink for the young. Both companies have grabbed as many celebrities as they could to endorse their beverage, and are the leading brands in utilizing the big screen to sell their products.

5 Horror Movies You Didn’t Know Were Based On True Stories

“Based on a true story” is a favourite buzz phrase thrown around when it comes to horror movies – though the phrase itself has such wide-ranging applications that it rarely means much these days. Certainly, it doesn’t mean the viewing public should take the fantastical story presented to them as factual. But horror aficionados often simply want to believe it; the story’s supposed reality makes it all the more creepy for moviegoers, and the adrenaline rush is much more intense if the horror hits close to home. So, despite how loosely and sometimes irresponsibly the ‘based on a true story’ term is employed, the audience remains in blissful ignorance.

But if we look a little further into movie history’s favourite horror oeuvres, we find that some of the most unexpected stories really do come have pretty solid roots in reality. While horror favourites like the modern classic ‘Wolf Creek’ are often the amalgamation of a number of news reports, isolated incidents and rumours, some stories can be traced to a single event – however unbelievable. Which horror movies are actually based on horrifying true tales, and which ones are products of a writer’s ability to stretch the truth? These 5 terrifying and often bizarre movies are all, surprisingly, genuinely based on true stories.

5. The Blob (1958 and 1988)

horrorpedia.com

The Story: An alien lifeform that resembles the Jello you ate as a child keeps growing and growing, eating everything in its path.

The Truth: It’s one of the cheesiest sci-fi/horror films of all time, surely there couldn’t be any truth in The Blob? In fact, there was a basis of truth behind this bizarre story. Indeed, its basis was true enough to warrant an “inspired by true events” label that you might not have been aware of, at least. The Blob is based on a police report from 1950 in Pennsylvania. Two police officers reportedly witnessed something that looked like a ‘quivering purple mound of jelly’ falling from the sky. They found that it glittered when their flashlights fell on it. But instead of consuming everything in its path, the goo dissolved in their hands, leaving nothing behind as proof. Still, the media latched on to the story, and movie producers managed to stretch that piece of relatively banal news into a movie.

4. The Strangers (2008)

via theepochtimes.com

The Story: The Strangers tells the story of a couple being terrorized by three seriously creepy masked murderers in their remote home. The killers play sadistic games with them all night, terrifying the couple and preventing them from escaping. The movie was said to be “inspired by true events,” a claim which horrified moviegoers.

The Truth: The true story behind the film is relatively tamer. The inspiration came to director Bryan Bertino from a childhood memory of a stranger knocking on his door and asking for someone who didn’t live at the house. It later transpired that a number of local houses had been broken into. Considering the fact that many of us experience strangers knocking on our door in our lifetime, this is a lot less terrifying than the movie itself. However, the scarier parts of the film were loosely based on the Manson Family killings – which, as most of us know, were pretty gruesome. But is The Strangers a totally true story? Not exactly.

3. Hostel (2005)

horrorpedia.com

The Story: A group of backpackers stay in a hostel while traveling through Europe. They seem to pick the wrong town to stay in, since there’s a torture-tourist industry going on where people pay money to torture and kill innocent and unsuspecting people passing through.

The Truth: The movie boasts that it’s “inspired by true events” and one has to wonder – do these types of places really exist? If you trust the movie poster, it sure sounds like it, and that’s pretty horrifying. However, Eli Roth explained how “true” these events actually are: He came across a website from Thailand which boasted that you could pay a large sum of money to walk into a room and shoot someone in the head. He says that according to the website, these people are all volunteers who are poor or have terminal illnesses and some of the money goes to their families. But Roth himself said he wasn’t sure if this was real or just a sick prank posted by internet trolls. And in his own words, it really didn’t matter since “someone took the time to make the site.” So yes, it could be real. Possibly the scariest thing about this is that it doesn’t sound as far fetched as we’d like…

2. The Conjuring (2013)

schmoesknows.com

The Story: Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren are called in to help a family that’s being terrorized by an evil entity.

The Truth: Most people probably know by now that the Warrens were indeed real people, and the story is the story of the Perron family. Andrea Perron has noted the movie has taken liberties with their story, but has said that yes, it’s basis is certainly true. The main spirit said to be haunting them was Bathsheba Sherman, and she was a real person as well. You can visit her grave in downtown Harrisville, Rhode Island. Possibly the creepiest aspect of all this is the haunted doll Annabelle, also said to be real. Annabelle was a Raggedy Ann Doll that was given to a nursing student named Donna. Shortly after the doll arrived, weird things started to happen. It even allegedly injured one of Donna’s friends. A spiritual medium came in and told them the dolls was haunted by a little girl who died there named Annabelle, but things continued to escalate, and the girl contacted the Warrens. The Warrens ended up taking the doll, claiming it was possessed by a demon. Annabelle remains locked up to this day.

1. The Exorcist (1973)

totalfilm.com

The Story: The Exorcist is considered a horror classic. It’s the terrifying story of a 12-year-old girl possessed by demons who have her vomiting up green goo, spinning her head all the way around and walking down stairs in a backwards, inverted crab-walk. It’s a little dated, but the premise and the movie itself is still one that scares horror fans even today.

The Truth: In this case, the truth is stranger than fiction. There are many scarily believable reports of exorcisms around the world, but The Exorcist is based on a single apparently true exorcism, that of a boy known as Roland Doe. Roland was great friends with his aunt, Harriet, who introduced him to a Ouija board. When Roland was thirteen, his aunt died in St. Louis, MO. It’s believed that Roland tried to reconnect with his aunt using a Ouija board. Whatever the case, strange things started happening around Roland after Harriet’s death – objects would levitate, a picture of Jesus rattled on the wall, furniture would move on its own. During one exorcism, the boy freed his hands from the restraints that held him down. He then broke a bedspring from the mattress and slashed the priest from wrist to shoulder with it. The injury required over 100 stitches. He was eventually freed from whatever demons possessed him, and the boy grew up to live a seemingly normal life.

Top 10 Best Smartphones Available Right Now

Nowadays, the smartphone market is completely saturated with an overwhelming amount of technology. From Kit Kat and Jelly Bean to Gorilla Glass and iOS, the knowledge the average consumer must possess about the standard features of a smartphone is ludicrous. Of course everybody wants to be able to communicate but the average use for mobile devices today is to stay connected to the rest of the world. With so many phones and services available, deciding which phone is best for you is incredibly daunting. But, consumers need to truly consider why one smartphone’s features benefit them more than another without being completely blinded by the manufacturing brand.

So what it all comes down to is what these phones can do for you. Whether you’re addicted to Facebook, sending mass e-mails or watching movies on Netflix, your phone is the medium. Now I am no tech expert and I am certainly not trying to be one, but it should come as no surprise that there are some underrated phones on the market that fall into the shadows of Apple and Samsung. Instead of simply shooting off an array of dense spec by spec comparisons, this list compiles the main features of the best smartphones available for a variety of users. Whether it’s maximum storage capacity you’re after or an inexpensive deal that you need, these 10 smartphones collectively cover just about every feature necessary.

10. BlackBerry Z30

via blackberry.com

BlackBerry tops our list off mostly because of its die hard fans. Although the BlackBerry Z30 is outclassed in many areas, the number of consumers that remain loyal to the brand is undeniable. That being said, the Z30 still sports a sleek design and the traditional impressive BlackBerry software. Running on the BlackBerry 10 OS, the Z30 mostly falls short with its 1.7 GHz Dual Core processor.

Don’t get me wrong, the Z30 is an excellent smartphone, but BlackBerry was sharp enough to recognize its audience and cater to its consumers. The 8.0MP auto-focus camera works with backside illumination on the rear and a 2.0MP front-facing camera for things like BBM Video. The unique software provided solely from BlackBerry includes BlackBerryBalance/Protect for security, BlackBerryScreen/Magnify for customers with vision loss or partial vision and BlackBerry Hub for an effortless multi-tasking experience.

9. Nokia Lumia 1520 

via techcrunch.com

The best Windows smartphone on the market certainly catches the eye. While it is offered in traditional black or white, the alternative yellow and red options adds a big pop to the aesthetic appeal of the phone. With a 2.20 GHz Quad-Core processor, the 6.0″ screen provides a really different user experience operating on the Windows system.

The home screen does feature customizable widgets and apps similar to many Android operating systems, but the unique ClearBlack display technology sets it apart from the competition. The 20MP autof0cus camera allows you to capture quality photos anytime you need and room for up to 64GB of expandable storage on top of the 16GB internal memory. Biggest downside for many will be the size — it’s massive.

Honorable mention to the Nokia 1020 that packs an unbelievable 41 megapixel PureView autofocus camera with a Carl Zeiss Tessar lens, Xenon flash and high resolution zoom. Unfortunately, the camera forced a compromise elsewhere as it only powers a 1.5 GHz Dual-Core processor and 32GB internal memory with no room for an expandable SD card.

8. LG G Flex

via www.mobile.pro

The world’s first curved and flexible smartphone arrived April 2014 in the form of the LG G Flex. The biggest smartphone on our list packs a massive 6.0″ screen weighing in at 176.3 grams. Operating on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, the LG G Flex delivers a 2.26 GHz Quad-Core for easy multi-tasking on a remarkable OLED display. The ergonomic curve provides a one-of-a-kind feel as the design caters to the shape of your face and a unique rear control panel. To top it all off, the LG G Flex will capture all of life’s moments exactly how they happened with a 13 megapixel rear camera.

7. Google Nexus 5

via cnet.com

The LG-built Google Nexus 5 is arguably the best mid-range smartphone available in stores at an entry-level price. While most Canadian network providers sell the 16GB device for $550, Google retails the 16GB Nexus 5 at $350 and only $50 more for the 32GB model.

Running on the Android OS, the Nexus 5 is one of the only smartphones that comes unlocked from your wireless provider which makes traveling with your device much easier when you can simply pop in another carrier’s SIM card. The Google Nexus 5 boasts a 2.26 GHz Quad Core processor on a beautiful 4.95″ screen. If 2-year commitments are not for you, the Nexus 5 is available for an incredibly reasonable price from Google making it one of the best smartphones available without a contract.

6. Samsung Galaxy Note 3

via pcadvisor.co.uk

The second biggest device on our list comes from South Korean electronics company, Samsung. Operating on Android OS, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 boasts a 5.7″ screen with a Full HD Super AMOLED display. But, some of the best parts of this phone are actually in the unique features, not the specifications.

Samsung has introduced the new S Note that allows you to type or handwrite notes that you can browse, edit and transform or the new Easy Clip that can remove backgrounds from images providing a very advanced editing experience. The “phablet” comes with a stylus pen that utilizes Direct Pen Input so you can control your device flawlessly by hand or by pen. Add a 2.3 GHz quad-core processor and a 13 megapixel rear camera and the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 won’t let you down.

5. Sony XPeria Z2

via mofonu.com

The freshest smartphone on our list comes from Sony with the XPeria Z2 having been released this past May. The newest model from Sony’s Z series operates on Android 4.4 with a 2.3 GHz Quad-Core processor. The Sony XPeria Z2 also features a 20.7 megapixel rear camera to help you remember your favorites times, people or places perfectly.

Now onto the cool stuff. The 5.2″ Full HD display uses TRILUMINOS and X-Reality technologies that work together to restore missing detail when viewing low-resolution images and expands the range of colors you see to provide a sharp, vibrant photo. Not to mention, it’s dust-resistant and waterproof in freshwater for up to 30 minutes or up to 1 meters below.

4. OnePlus One

via phonandroid.com

The OnePlus One phone might be the least recognizable smartphone on the list. Operating under their product philosophy “Never Settle,” OnePlus aims to become a global technology company simply by committing to quality products without putting unnecessary emphasis on the things that don’t matter. The OnePlus One phone is surprisingly impressive for a smartphone that is not available through any third party distributor.

With a powerful 2.5GHz Quad-Core processor and a unique version of CyanogenMod 11S operating system designed specifically for the One, this phone is special. The design of CyanogenMod 11S appears novice to the eye but its built for users who seek more control in their mobile domain.

The 5.5″ 1080p display works together with the IPS screen made by JDI, the company responsible for the HTC One M8′s excellent screen, providing incredible resolution. Downsides to the phone are lack of external storage, retail cost with no option for contract, and 4G connectivity that means coverage varies from country to country. However, with special modifiable software based on Android, the OnePlus One is in a class of its own.

3. Apple iPhone 5S

via technobuffalo.com

The most popular phone in the world: the iPhone. Naturally, Apple is still at the top of the market despite being one of the oldest models on our list. The iPhone 5S obviously still operates on iOS and followed the usual trend of Apple processor upgrades from the A6 chip to the A7 chip.

The 8 megapixel rear camera works together with the  new “True Tone” dual-LED flash that uses different color temperatures to create incredibly realistic pictures. The biggest downside to this phone is the considerable difference between processor speeds as Apple packs a weak 1.7 GHz — just under half of the Samsung Galaxy S5. But, until someone can compete with Apple’s seamless hardware-software compatibility, the iPhone 5S remains a top contender.

2. Samsung Galaxy S5

via forbes.com

Samsung released the latest model of their Galaxy S Series in April of 2014. The S5 upgraded to the Android 4.4.2 Kit Kat operating system this time around and tied the OnePlus One phone for most powerful processor — 2.5GHz — on our list. Compared to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S4, the S5 is bigger, better and faster in virtually every way.

With a 16 megapixel rear lens and 2 megapixel front-facing lens, all social networking junkies should be drooling as the S5 offers the best in-class display. It’s also the first smartphone to feature a heart rate monitor and a unique service coined the “Download Booster” that allows users to maximize their data usage and Wi-Fi connectivity simultaneously to increase download rates.

1. HTC One M8

via teletimesinternational.com

The first flagship phone of 2014 came from the High-Tech Computer Company. The HTC One M8 was released in March this year to incredible success. Succeeding the highly popular HTC One, the HTC One M(etal) 8 has been voted as the best smartphone right now by TechRadar. It easily falls on just about every top 10 list of smartphones on the market today.