World's Top 10 Fastest Roller Coasters
10. Phantom’s Revenge – Kennywood, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, USATop Speed: 82 mph / 133.4 km/h
In 2001, the Phantom’s Revenge was built to replace the Steel Phantom, which had consistently been ranked in the top five roller coasters in the world. It includes a 228 foot drop, subterranean tunnel, and reaches a maximum speed of 82 miles per hour. For the sake of tradition, some of the features of the Steel Phantom were retained, including the steel track. Replacing the loops and corkscrew, it now offers an array of hills and drops. With more than 1400 roller coasters in the world how do you know which ones to pack into your summer? If you are crazy about speed then here are ten of the fastest rollers coasters in the world. The interesting fact about this list is that USA holds seven places in ten.
9. Goliath – Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, USA
Top Speed: 85 mph / 136.7 km/h
Not only is the Goliath the 9th fastest roller coaster, but it also has the third highest drop and is the seventh tallest (standing at over 20 stories high). It includes a 255 foot drop, at 85 miles per hour, leading to a tunnel full of smoke. It also includes camel-like humps and an amazing bunny hop in which riders float off their seats due the force. It is recognized as one of the most entertaining roller coasters in the world.
8. Titan – Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas, USA
Top Speed: 85 mph / 136.7 km/h.
The Titan was built by the same Swiss designers that built the Goliath but includes extra twists. It has 5,280 feet of track, allowing for more drops, loops, and corkscrews. After dropping from the 255 foot hill, you are plunged in to a dark tunnel at the speed of 85 miles per hour. Titan includes a spiral that creates forces of up to 4.5gs.
7. Millennium Force – Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, USA
Top Speed: 93 mph / 149.7 km/h
Debuting in May, 2000, the Millennium Force is one of the highest roller coasters in the world. It boasts 10 world records. It rises to a height of 310 feet and travels through Cedar Point Park before crossing on to an island. During the trip you experience corkscrew turns in dark tunnels, 300 foot drops, and an 80 degree plummet down its highest point. The 2 minute 20 second ride covers 13 acres of track.
6. Steel Dragon 2000 – Nagashima Spa Land, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Top Speed: 95 mph / 152.9 km/h
Steel Dragon 2000 is the tallest coaster to utilize a traditional chain lift. Because of the length of the lift hill, two chains are used – one for the bottom half and one for the top half. A single chain would have been excessively long and heavy, at least twice the weight of one of the trains. As a result, two trains can safely occupy the lift simultaneously. It debuted only months after Millennium Force and surpassed the Cedar Point coaster as the world’s tallest complete-circuit coaster. It also set a record for longest track length – 8133 feet, 2 inches (2479 m).
5. Superman: The Escape – Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, USA
Top Speed: 100 mph / 161 km/h
Superman: The Escape, is probably the most hair-raising of the coasters listed here. Instead of looping and twisting, the Escape is a straight track that rises to 41 stories in a matter of seconds and then, after pausing, drops back down. The ride is L-shaped and accelerates to 100 miles per hour (the first roller-coaster to reach that speed) in 7 seconds. The drop involves 6.5 seconds of weightlessness and when you drop, you drop backwards.
4. Tower of Terror – Dreamworld, Coomera, Queensland, Australia
Top Speed: 100 mph / 161 km/h
Tower Of Terror is a steel reverse freefall coaster. The six ton passenger vehicle, is electro-magnetically powered, accelerating its passengers rapidly to 160.9 km/h (100 mph) in seven seconds. The track then turns skyward, with the passengers pulling 4.5 G’s. The car climbs to almost 38 stories high. Following the climb, there is a 6.5 second free-fall before the 90 degree turn is executed in reverse. The vehicle then hurtles into the station where it comes to a rapid stop.
3. Dodonpa – Fuji-Q Highland, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan
Top Speed: 106.9 mph / 172 km/h
Dodonpa opened in 2001 and is a steel sit-down roller coaster with a compressed air launch. It is 52 metres (170 feet) tall, and has a launch speed of 172 km/h (107 mph), which is reached in less than 2 seconds. The launch is followed by a huge, sweeping, overbanked curve, giving riders a chance to catch their breath back, before they hit the 170 foot top hat; an element with some extreme negative G forces. The name ‘Dodonpa’ comes from the musical sound which is played to customers waiting to board it.
2. Top Thrill Dragster – Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, USA
Top Speed: 120 mph / 193 km/h
Top Thrill Dragster was the first “Strata Coaster,” loosely defined as a complete circuit coaster that is 400 to 499 feet tall. It was the last one to use lapbars instead of over-the-shoulder restraints due to mechanical problems. Shortly after reaching its maximum velocity in less than four seconds, the train begins its ascent up a 90-degree incline that has a 90-degree counter-clockwise twist that takes the train straight over the top of the 420 foot hill, where riders will experience significant airtime (zero g-forces). On the way down the other side, there is a 270-degree clockwise twist that leads into the magnetic braking section that brings the train to a swift but comfortable stop.
1. Kingda Ka – Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Township, New Jersey, USA
Top Speed: 128 mph / 206 km/h
Kingda Ka is not just the fastest, but also the tallest roller coaster in the world. A hydraulic launch mechanism rockets the train from 0 to 128 miles per hour (206 km/h) in 3.5 seconds, pulling about 1.67 g’s. At the end of the launch track, the train climbs the main tower, twisting 90 degrees to the right before reaching a height of 456 feet (139.5 m). The train then descends 418 feet (127 m) straight down through a 270-degree spiral. Finally, the train climbs the second, 129 foot hill, producing a moment of weightlessness before being smoothly brought to a stop by the magnetic brakes. Due to the high speed and open nature of the trains, this ride will not operate in even light rain, as rider contact with rain drops can cause discomfort.
In 2001, the Phantom’s Revenge was built to replace the Steel Phantom, which had consistently been ranked in the top five roller coasters in the world. It includes a 228 foot drop, subterranean tunnel, and reaches a maximum speed of 82 miles per hour. For the sake of tradition, some of the features of the Steel Phantom were retained, including the steel track. Replacing the loops and corkscrew, it now offers an array of hills and drops. With more than 1400 roller coasters in the world how do you know which ones to pack into your summer? If you are crazy about speed then here are ten of the fastest rollers coasters in the world. The interesting fact about this list is that USA holds seven places in ten.
9. Goliath – Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, USA
Top Speed: 85 mph / 136.7 km/h
Not only is the Goliath the 9th fastest roller coaster, but it also has the third highest drop and is the seventh tallest (standing at over 20 stories high). It includes a 255 foot drop, at 85 miles per hour, leading to a tunnel full of smoke. It also includes camel-like humps and an amazing bunny hop in which riders float off their seats due the force. It is recognized as one of the most entertaining roller coasters in the world.
8. Titan – Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas, USA
Top Speed: 85 mph / 136.7 km/h.
The Titan was built by the same Swiss designers that built the Goliath but includes extra twists. It has 5,280 feet of track, allowing for more drops, loops, and corkscrews. After dropping from the 255 foot hill, you are plunged in to a dark tunnel at the speed of 85 miles per hour. Titan includes a spiral that creates forces of up to 4.5gs.
7. Millennium Force – Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, USA
Top Speed: 93 mph / 149.7 km/h
Debuting in May, 2000, the Millennium Force is one of the highest roller coasters in the world. It boasts 10 world records. It rises to a height of 310 feet and travels through Cedar Point Park before crossing on to an island. During the trip you experience corkscrew turns in dark tunnels, 300 foot drops, and an 80 degree plummet down its highest point. The 2 minute 20 second ride covers 13 acres of track.
6. Steel Dragon 2000 – Nagashima Spa Land, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Top Speed: 95 mph / 152.9 km/h
Steel Dragon 2000 is the tallest coaster to utilize a traditional chain lift. Because of the length of the lift hill, two chains are used – one for the bottom half and one for the top half. A single chain would have been excessively long and heavy, at least twice the weight of one of the trains. As a result, two trains can safely occupy the lift simultaneously. It debuted only months after Millennium Force and surpassed the Cedar Point coaster as the world’s tallest complete-circuit coaster. It also set a record for longest track length – 8133 feet, 2 inches (2479 m).
5. Superman: The Escape – Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, USA
Top Speed: 100 mph / 161 km/h
Superman: The Escape, is probably the most hair-raising of the coasters listed here. Instead of looping and twisting, the Escape is a straight track that rises to 41 stories in a matter of seconds and then, after pausing, drops back down. The ride is L-shaped and accelerates to 100 miles per hour (the first roller-coaster to reach that speed) in 7 seconds. The drop involves 6.5 seconds of weightlessness and when you drop, you drop backwards.
4. Tower of Terror – Dreamworld, Coomera, Queensland, Australia
Top Speed: 100 mph / 161 km/h
Tower Of Terror is a steel reverse freefall coaster. The six ton passenger vehicle, is electro-magnetically powered, accelerating its passengers rapidly to 160.9 km/h (100 mph) in seven seconds. The track then turns skyward, with the passengers pulling 4.5 G’s. The car climbs to almost 38 stories high. Following the climb, there is a 6.5 second free-fall before the 90 degree turn is executed in reverse. The vehicle then hurtles into the station where it comes to a rapid stop.
3. Dodonpa – Fuji-Q Highland, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan
Top Speed: 106.9 mph / 172 km/h
Dodonpa opened in 2001 and is a steel sit-down roller coaster with a compressed air launch. It is 52 metres (170 feet) tall, and has a launch speed of 172 km/h (107 mph), which is reached in less than 2 seconds. The launch is followed by a huge, sweeping, overbanked curve, giving riders a chance to catch their breath back, before they hit the 170 foot top hat; an element with some extreme negative G forces. The name ‘Dodonpa’ comes from the musical sound which is played to customers waiting to board it.
2. Top Thrill Dragster – Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, USA
Top Speed: 120 mph / 193 km/h
Top Thrill Dragster was the first “Strata Coaster,” loosely defined as a complete circuit coaster that is 400 to 499 feet tall. It was the last one to use lapbars instead of over-the-shoulder restraints due to mechanical problems. Shortly after reaching its maximum velocity in less than four seconds, the train begins its ascent up a 90-degree incline that has a 90-degree counter-clockwise twist that takes the train straight over the top of the 420 foot hill, where riders will experience significant airtime (zero g-forces). On the way down the other side, there is a 270-degree clockwise twist that leads into the magnetic braking section that brings the train to a swift but comfortable stop.
1. Kingda Ka – Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Township, New Jersey, USA
Top Speed: 128 mph / 206 km/h
Kingda Ka is not just the fastest, but also the tallest roller coaster in the world. A hydraulic launch mechanism rockets the train from 0 to 128 miles per hour (206 km/h) in 3.5 seconds, pulling about 1.67 g’s. At the end of the launch track, the train climbs the main tower, twisting 90 degrees to the right before reaching a height of 456 feet (139.5 m). The train then descends 418 feet (127 m) straight down through a 270-degree spiral. Finally, the train climbs the second, 129 foot hill, producing a moment of weightlessness before being smoothly brought to a stop by the magnetic brakes. Due to the high speed and open nature of the trains, this ride will not operate in even light rain, as rider contact with rain drops can cause discomfort.
5 Most Expensive Stamps in the World
Here’s the fact of a list most expensive stamps in the world. A stamp is a distinctive mark or impression made upon an object, a device used to make it, or a distinctive sticker applied to an object. When we have to go to the post office when we will send a letter or many other things that need post office service. Therefore, we need to use a stamp in order our letter comes quickly. It may also include other vouchers or records with similar purposes.
5. Hawaiian Missionaries ( $ 0.5 million )
The Hawaiian Missionaries, 1851 was the first Hawaiian stamps. It because the “Hawaiian Missionaries” roughly printed with paper thin and low quality, just only a few stamps that had been salvaged and is a very rare stamps. The lowest nominal 2,5 cents in 1851 is the rarest of the entire series, and only the remaining 16 units.
4. Benjamin Franklin Z-Grill ( $ 1,5 million )
The U.S. Franklin Z-Grill, 1867. It is the rarest of all postage stamps of the United States, only found two pieces remaining. In 1988 a stamp “Z-Grill” one cent in 1868 sold about $ 1.5 million.
3. The Penny Black ($ 2 million )
The Penny Black was the first official adhesive postage stamp in the world, and is published by Government of Englant on May 1, 1840 and came into use on 6 May. The Penny Black stamps actually not rare but include the most expensive stamps.
2. The Three-Skilling Yellow ($ 2,7 million)
Three-Skilling Yellow is one of the rarest stamps and the only one left. The Three-Skilling Yellow, is a misprint stamps published by the Swedish government in its first printing in 1855. In 1990 sales reached $ 1 million, then in 1996 sold for $ 2.7 million.
1. British Guyana One Cent Black on Magenta ( $ 3 million)
The British Guiana One Cent Black on Magenta in 1856 are among the rarest and most expensive stamps. The stamps printed on low quality paper with black ink magenta, due to emergency conditions. It is the one of the most expensive stamps.
5. Hawaiian Missionaries ( $ 0.5 million )
The Hawaiian Missionaries, 1851 was the first Hawaiian stamps. It because the “Hawaiian Missionaries” roughly printed with paper thin and low quality, just only a few stamps that had been salvaged and is a very rare stamps. The lowest nominal 2,5 cents in 1851 is the rarest of the entire series, and only the remaining 16 units.
4. Benjamin Franklin Z-Grill ( $ 1,5 million )
The U.S. Franklin Z-Grill, 1867. It is the rarest of all postage stamps of the United States, only found two pieces remaining. In 1988 a stamp “Z-Grill” one cent in 1868 sold about $ 1.5 million.
3. The Penny Black ($ 2 million )
The Penny Black was the first official adhesive postage stamp in the world, and is published by Government of Englant on May 1, 1840 and came into use on 6 May. The Penny Black stamps actually not rare but include the most expensive stamps.
2. The Three-Skilling Yellow ($ 2,7 million)
Three-Skilling Yellow is one of the rarest stamps and the only one left. The Three-Skilling Yellow, is a misprint stamps published by the Swedish government in its first printing in 1855. In 1990 sales reached $ 1 million, then in 1996 sold for $ 2.7 million.
1. British Guyana One Cent Black on Magenta ( $ 3 million)
The British Guiana One Cent Black on Magenta in 1856 are among the rarest and most expensive stamps. The stamps printed on low quality paper with black ink magenta, due to emergency conditions. It is the one of the most expensive stamps.
Bloody Entertainment in China
In China a live cow was fed to tigers to entertain tourists. A witness says that a tourist can order a cow for tigers for $200.
Some interesting but little-known facts
* Coca-Cola was originally green.
* The most common name in the world is Mohammed.
* The name of all the continents end with the same letter that they start with.
* The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue.
* There are two credit cards for every person in the United States.
* TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.
* Women blink nearly twice as much as men!
* You can’t kill yourself by holding your breath..
* It is impossible to lick your elbow.
* People say “Bless you” when you sneeze because when you sneeze,your heart stops for a millisecond.
* It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.
* The “sixth sick sheik’s sixth sheep’s sick” is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.
* If you sneeze too hard, you can fracture a rib. If you try to suppress a sneeze, you can rupture a blood vessel in your head or neck and die.
* Each king in a deck of playing cards represents great king from history. Spades – King David, Clubs – Alexander the Great, Hearts – Charlemagne, Diamonds – Julius Caesar.
* 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
* If a statue of a person in the park on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air,the person died as a result of wounds received in battle.If the horse has a all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
* What do bullet proof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers all have in common? Ans. – All invented by women.
* Question – This is the only food that doesn’t spoil. What is this? Ans. – Honey
* A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.
* A snail can sleep for three years.
* All polar bears are left handed.
*. American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first-class.
* Butterflies taste with their feet.
* The most common name in the world is Mohammed.
* The name of all the continents end with the same letter that they start with.
* The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue.
* There are two credit cards for every person in the United States.
* TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.
* Women blink nearly twice as much as men!
* You can’t kill yourself by holding your breath..
* It is impossible to lick your elbow.
* People say “Bless you” when you sneeze because when you sneeze,your heart stops for a millisecond.
* It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.
* The “sixth sick sheik’s sixth sheep’s sick” is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.
* If you sneeze too hard, you can fracture a rib. If you try to suppress a sneeze, you can rupture a blood vessel in your head or neck and die.
* Each king in a deck of playing cards represents great king from history. Spades – King David, Clubs – Alexander the Great, Hearts – Charlemagne, Diamonds – Julius Caesar.
* 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
* If a statue of a person in the park on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air,the person died as a result of wounds received in battle.If the horse has a all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
* What do bullet proof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers all have in common? Ans. – All invented by women.
* Question – This is the only food that doesn’t spoil. What is this? Ans. – Honey
* A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.
* A snail can sleep for three years.
* All polar bears are left handed.
*. American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first-class.
* Butterflies taste with their feet.
Top 10 Smartphones of 2010
1. Apple iPhone 4
The Apple iPhone has always been riding the competition with its powerful application base, specifications, design and its great features. The iPhone 4 uses high quality glass that is scratch resistant and durable which is complimented by a high resolution screen.
The A4 chip from Apple increases performance and increases battery efficiency. Impressive gaming, photos and a large App Store is the iPhone 4's greatest advantage.
2. Motorola Droid 2
The Motorola Droid 2 has been a significant improvement from the previous models in the Droid series. The Android powered phone includes a 1 GHZ processor and has a 8GB internal memory along with a 32GB expandable memory. The Droid 2 incorporates a slide keyboard and it consists of a faster 512MB RAM. However the minus point is the lack of front camera.
The great touch screen and the impressive sound quality along with media capabilities is one of Droid 2′s plus points. It is a great phone for those who would like a smart phone with a physical keyboard.
3. HTC HD7
In my eyes, the HTC is the most beautiful phone incorporating the Windows Phone 7 Operating System. The Windows Phone OS is great to use in this phone because of its large 4.3 inch screen. The touch is impressively great with its fast processor and RAM. There is no lag whiles using and swooping through the applications.
The apps are increasing as the days pass by and its just a matter of time when it reaches the Android and Apple range. With the impressive huge screen, user friendly interface and responsive touch screen, the HD7 is a great phone which takes it to the top of the competition.
4. Blackberry Bold 9780
Blackberry has been making a lot of user friendly phones and the Blackberry Bold 9780 is undoubtedly the most impressive non touch screen phone. The 9780 runs on the new Blackberry 6 OS and with a 512 MB RAM. The built quality is impressive and so is the Qwerty keyboard. The fluid feel of navigation is also impressive.
The Blackberry Bold 9780 is a great phone and is recommended for those people who would prefer a non touch phone.
5. Blackberry Torch 9800
Even though the Blackberry bold 9780 was a great phone, it was necessary to blend in with the competition. Blackberry introduced this touch phone to compete directly with the iphone and other devices running on Android and Windows OS. The screen is a little bit disappointing and so is the video shooting only in VGA.
The phone is for those who would like a touch phone which has a better Internet and media experience than the Blackberry Bold 9780 phone.
6. Samsung Nexus S
The Samsung Nexus S is one of the best phones that features the Android OS. The best feature of the Nexus S is its brilliantly bright and clear display which makes the applications look really good. The Nexus S comes with the Android 2.3 OS (Gingerbread) and with a powerful 1 Ghz Hummingbird Processor. It is fast and a great performer.
The sleek design though it looks good, is fragile! It does not have an expandable memory and is not a significant change in features over its predecessor.
7. Samsung Epic 4G
The Samsung Epic 4G has one of the most impressive displays in the competition, well of course behind the HTC HD7. The 1Ghz processor helps in the fast use of the phone. It also has a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and also include a camera in the front. The Epic 4G supports Sprints 4G Wimax network.
The slide out keyboard is an added advantage to most smart phones. The Epic is great for multimedia usage. If people dont mind spending the extra cash and carry the extra bulk, the Samsung Epic 4G is the phone for you!
8. Nokia N8
Easily, the best Nokia phone! The Nokia N8 runs on a new Symbian 3 OS. The N8 provides a great user experience with its incredible screen, screen is to keyboard position and its incredible speed. The Nokia N8s best feature is the 12 mp camera and 720p video at 25 fps which can replace a digital camera.
It is weirdly expensive and the battery cannot be changed. The N8 is not as fast as its competitors but the features are pretty impressive.
9. Samsung Focus
The Windows Phone 7 OS is just a bliss in this phone. The Focus is a freakishly fast phone with great multimedia experience. Internet experience is also top notch in this phone. Social networking is made fun and easy and so is business applications. Windows comes with great games, which the Focus has. Like most Samsungs new smart phones, the Focus comes with a brilliant screen.
Windows apps are few in the market right now, but in time it will increase. No front camera available in the Samsung Focus. Memory cards which are approved by Windows OS can only be used.
10. LG Quantum
The LG Quantum is another windows phone running on the Windows Phone 7 OS. The phone feels solid and is heavy. The small screen is a disadvantage but has a 5 mp camera and HD recording. The Quantum is the only phone with a Qwerty keyboard and is one of the strong plus points.
The LG Quantum Windows phone is a solid phone and is for those people who would like a Windows phone with a Qwerty keyboard.
The Apple iPhone has always been riding the competition with its powerful application base, specifications, design and its great features. The iPhone 4 uses high quality glass that is scratch resistant and durable which is complimented by a high resolution screen.
The A4 chip from Apple increases performance and increases battery efficiency. Impressive gaming, photos and a large App Store is the iPhone 4's greatest advantage.
2. Motorola Droid 2
The Motorola Droid 2 has been a significant improvement from the previous models in the Droid series. The Android powered phone includes a 1 GHZ processor and has a 8GB internal memory along with a 32GB expandable memory. The Droid 2 incorporates a slide keyboard and it consists of a faster 512MB RAM. However the minus point is the lack of front camera.
The great touch screen and the impressive sound quality along with media capabilities is one of Droid 2′s plus points. It is a great phone for those who would like a smart phone with a physical keyboard.
3. HTC HD7
In my eyes, the HTC is the most beautiful phone incorporating the Windows Phone 7 Operating System. The Windows Phone OS is great to use in this phone because of its large 4.3 inch screen. The touch is impressively great with its fast processor and RAM. There is no lag whiles using and swooping through the applications.
The apps are increasing as the days pass by and its just a matter of time when it reaches the Android and Apple range. With the impressive huge screen, user friendly interface and responsive touch screen, the HD7 is a great phone which takes it to the top of the competition.
4. Blackberry Bold 9780
Blackberry has been making a lot of user friendly phones and the Blackberry Bold 9780 is undoubtedly the most impressive non touch screen phone. The 9780 runs on the new Blackberry 6 OS and with a 512 MB RAM. The built quality is impressive and so is the Qwerty keyboard. The fluid feel of navigation is also impressive.
The Blackberry Bold 9780 is a great phone and is recommended for those people who would prefer a non touch phone.
5. Blackberry Torch 9800
Even though the Blackberry bold 9780 was a great phone, it was necessary to blend in with the competition. Blackberry introduced this touch phone to compete directly with the iphone and other devices running on Android and Windows OS. The screen is a little bit disappointing and so is the video shooting only in VGA.
The phone is for those who would like a touch phone which has a better Internet and media experience than the Blackberry Bold 9780 phone.
6. Samsung Nexus S
The Samsung Nexus S is one of the best phones that features the Android OS. The best feature of the Nexus S is its brilliantly bright and clear display which makes the applications look really good. The Nexus S comes with the Android 2.3 OS (Gingerbread) and with a powerful 1 Ghz Hummingbird Processor. It is fast and a great performer.
The sleek design though it looks good, is fragile! It does not have an expandable memory and is not a significant change in features over its predecessor.
7. Samsung Epic 4G
The Samsung Epic 4G has one of the most impressive displays in the competition, well of course behind the HTC HD7. The 1Ghz processor helps in the fast use of the phone. It also has a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and also include a camera in the front. The Epic 4G supports Sprints 4G Wimax network.
The slide out keyboard is an added advantage to most smart phones. The Epic is great for multimedia usage. If people dont mind spending the extra cash and carry the extra bulk, the Samsung Epic 4G is the phone for you!
8. Nokia N8
Easily, the best Nokia phone! The Nokia N8 runs on a new Symbian 3 OS. The N8 provides a great user experience with its incredible screen, screen is to keyboard position and its incredible speed. The Nokia N8s best feature is the 12 mp camera and 720p video at 25 fps which can replace a digital camera.
It is weirdly expensive and the battery cannot be changed. The N8 is not as fast as its competitors but the features are pretty impressive.
9. Samsung Focus
The Windows Phone 7 OS is just a bliss in this phone. The Focus is a freakishly fast phone with great multimedia experience. Internet experience is also top notch in this phone. Social networking is made fun and easy and so is business applications. Windows comes with great games, which the Focus has. Like most Samsungs new smart phones, the Focus comes with a brilliant screen.
Windows apps are few in the market right now, but in time it will increase. No front camera available in the Samsung Focus. Memory cards which are approved by Windows OS can only be used.
10. LG Quantum
The LG Quantum is another windows phone running on the Windows Phone 7 OS. The phone feels solid and is heavy. The small screen is a disadvantage but has a 5 mp camera and HD recording. The Quantum is the only phone with a Qwerty keyboard and is one of the strong plus points.
The LG Quantum Windows phone is a solid phone and is for those people who would like a Windows phone with a Qwerty keyboard.
Top 10 Most Expensive Human Errors in History
1. Chernobyl
Cost:$200 Billion
On April 26, 1986, the world witnessed the costliest accident in history. The Chernobyl disaster has been called the biggest socio-economic catastrophe in peacetime history. 50% of the area of Ukraine is in some way contaminated. Over 200,000 people had
to be evacuated and resettled while 1.7 million people were directly affected by the disaster. The death toll attributed to Chernobyl, including people who died from cancer years later, is estimated at 125,000. The total costs including cleanup, resettlement, and compensation to victims has been estimated to be roughly $200 Billion. The cost of a new steel shelter for the Chernobyl nuclear plant will cost $2 billion alone. The accident was officially attributed to power plant operators who violated plant procedures and were ignorant of the safety requirements needed.2. Space Shuttle Columbia
Cost:$13 Billion
The Space Shuttle Columbia was the first space worthy shuttle in NASA’s orbital fleet. It was destroyed during re-entry over Texas on February 1, 2003 after a hole was punctured in one of the wings during launch 16 days earlier. The original cost of the shuttle was $2 Billion in 1978. That comes out to $6.3 Billion in today’s dollars. $500 million was spent on the investigation, making it the costliest aircraft accident investigation in history. The search and recovery of debris cost $300 million.
In the end, the total cost of the accident (not including replacement of the shuttle) came out to $13 Billion according to the
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
3. Prestige Oil Spill
Cost:$12 Billion
On November 13, 2002, the Prestige oil tanker was carrying 77,000 tons of heavy fuel oil when one of its twelve tanks burst during a storm off Galicia, Spain. Fearing that the ship would sink, the captain called for help from Spanish rescue workers, expecting them to take the ship into harbour. However, pressure from local authorities forced the captain to steer the ship away from the coast. The captain tried to get help from the French and Portuguese authorities, but they too ordered the ship away from their shores. The storm eventually took its toll on the ship resulting in the tanker splitting in half and releasing 20 million gallons oil into the sea.
According to a report by the Pontevedra Economist Board, the total cleanup cost $12 billion.
4. Challenger Explosion
$5.5 Billion
The Space Shuttle Challenger was destroyed 73 seconds after takeoff due on January 28, 1986 due to a faulty O-ring. It failed to seal one of the joints, allowing pressurized gas to reach the outside. This in turn caused the external tank to dump its payload of liquid hydrogen causing a massive explosion. The cost of replacing the Space Shuttle was $2 billion in 1986 ($4.5 billion in today’s dollars). The cost of investigation, problem correction, and replacement of lost equipment cost $450 million from 1986-1987 ($1 Billion in today’s dollars).
5. Piper Alpha Oil Rig
$3.4 Billion
The world’s worst off-shore oil disaster. At one time, it was the world’s single largest oil producer, spewing out 317,000 barrels of oil per day. On July 6, 1988, as part of routine maintenance, technicians removed and checked safety valves which were essential in preventing dangerous build-up of liquid gas. There were 100 identical safety valves which were checked. Unfortunately, the technicians made a mistake and forgot to replace one of them. At 10 PM that same night, a technician pressed a start button for the liquid gas pumps and the world’s most expensive oil rig accident was set in motion.
Within 2 hours, the 300 foot platform was engulfed in flames. It eventually collapsed, killing 167 workers and resulting in $3.4 Billion in damages.
6. Exxon Valdez
$2.5 Billion
The Exxon Valdez oil spill was not a large one in relation to the world’s biggest oil spills, but it was a costly one due to the remote location of Prince William Sound (accessible only by helicopter and boat). On March 24, 1989, 10.8 million gallons of oil was spilled when the ship’s master, Joseph Hazelwood, left the controls and the ship crashed into a Reef. The cleanup cost Exxon $2.5 billion.
7. B-2 Bomber Crash
$1.4 Billion
Here we have our first billion dollar accident (and we’re only #7 on the list). This B-2 stealth bomber crashed shortly after taking off from an air base in Guam on February 23, 2008. Investigators blamed distorted data in the flight control computers caused by moisture in the system. This resulted in the aircraft making a sudden nose-up move which made the B-2 stall and crash. This was 1 of only 21 ever built and was the most expensive aviation accident in history. Both pilots were able to eject to safety.
The crash was captured on video. It shows one B-2 Bomber successfully taking off followed by the B-2 Bomber which crashes. The crash starts at 2:00.
8. MetroLink Crash
$500 Million
On September 12, 2008, in what was one of the worst train crashes in California history, 25 people were killed when a Metrolink
commuter train crashed head-on into a Union Pacific freight train in Los Angeles. It is thought that the Metrolink train may have run
through a red signal while the conductor was busy text messaging. Wrongful death lawsuits are expected to cause $500 million in losses
for Metrolink.
9. Tanker Truck vs Bridge
$358 Million
On August 26, 2004, a car collided with a tanker truck containing 32,000 liters of fuel on the Wiehltal Bridge in Germany. The tanker crashed through the guardrail and fell 90 feet off the A4 Autobahn resulting in a huge explosion and fire which destroyed the
load-bearing ability of the bridge. Temporary repairs cost $40 million and the cost to replace the bridge is estimated at $318 Million.
10. Titanic
$150 Million
The sinking of the Titanic is possibly the most famous accident in the world. But it barely makes our list of top 10 most expensive.
On April 15, 1912, the Titanic sank on its maiden voyage and was considered to be the most luxurious ocean liner ever built. Over
1,500 people lost their lives when the ship ran into an iceberg and sunk in frigid waters. The ship cost $7 million to build
($150 million in today’s dollars).
Cost:$200 Billion
On April 26, 1986, the world witnessed the costliest accident in history. The Chernobyl disaster has been called the biggest socio-economic catastrophe in peacetime history. 50% of the area of Ukraine is in some way contaminated. Over 200,000 people had
to be evacuated and resettled while 1.7 million people were directly affected by the disaster. The death toll attributed to Chernobyl, including people who died from cancer years later, is estimated at 125,000. The total costs including cleanup, resettlement, and compensation to victims has been estimated to be roughly $200 Billion. The cost of a new steel shelter for the Chernobyl nuclear plant will cost $2 billion alone. The accident was officially attributed to power plant operators who violated plant procedures and were ignorant of the safety requirements needed.2. Space Shuttle Columbia
Cost:$13 Billion
The Space Shuttle Columbia was the first space worthy shuttle in NASA’s orbital fleet. It was destroyed during re-entry over Texas on February 1, 2003 after a hole was punctured in one of the wings during launch 16 days earlier. The original cost of the shuttle was $2 Billion in 1978. That comes out to $6.3 Billion in today’s dollars. $500 million was spent on the investigation, making it the costliest aircraft accident investigation in history. The search and recovery of debris cost $300 million.
In the end, the total cost of the accident (not including replacement of the shuttle) came out to $13 Billion according to the
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
3. Prestige Oil Spill
Cost:$12 Billion
On November 13, 2002, the Prestige oil tanker was carrying 77,000 tons of heavy fuel oil when one of its twelve tanks burst during a storm off Galicia, Spain. Fearing that the ship would sink, the captain called for help from Spanish rescue workers, expecting them to take the ship into harbour. However, pressure from local authorities forced the captain to steer the ship away from the coast. The captain tried to get help from the French and Portuguese authorities, but they too ordered the ship away from their shores. The storm eventually took its toll on the ship resulting in the tanker splitting in half and releasing 20 million gallons oil into the sea.
According to a report by the Pontevedra Economist Board, the total cleanup cost $12 billion.
4. Challenger Explosion
$5.5 Billion
The Space Shuttle Challenger was destroyed 73 seconds after takeoff due on January 28, 1986 due to a faulty O-ring. It failed to seal one of the joints, allowing pressurized gas to reach the outside. This in turn caused the external tank to dump its payload of liquid hydrogen causing a massive explosion. The cost of replacing the Space Shuttle was $2 billion in 1986 ($4.5 billion in today’s dollars). The cost of investigation, problem correction, and replacement of lost equipment cost $450 million from 1986-1987 ($1 Billion in today’s dollars).
5. Piper Alpha Oil Rig
$3.4 Billion
The world’s worst off-shore oil disaster. At one time, it was the world’s single largest oil producer, spewing out 317,000 barrels of oil per day. On July 6, 1988, as part of routine maintenance, technicians removed and checked safety valves which were essential in preventing dangerous build-up of liquid gas. There were 100 identical safety valves which were checked. Unfortunately, the technicians made a mistake and forgot to replace one of them. At 10 PM that same night, a technician pressed a start button for the liquid gas pumps and the world’s most expensive oil rig accident was set in motion.
Within 2 hours, the 300 foot platform was engulfed in flames. It eventually collapsed, killing 167 workers and resulting in $3.4 Billion in damages.
6. Exxon Valdez
$2.5 Billion
The Exxon Valdez oil spill was not a large one in relation to the world’s biggest oil spills, but it was a costly one due to the remote location of Prince William Sound (accessible only by helicopter and boat). On March 24, 1989, 10.8 million gallons of oil was spilled when the ship’s master, Joseph Hazelwood, left the controls and the ship crashed into a Reef. The cleanup cost Exxon $2.5 billion.
7. B-2 Bomber Crash
$1.4 Billion
Here we have our first billion dollar accident (and we’re only #7 on the list). This B-2 stealth bomber crashed shortly after taking off from an air base in Guam on February 23, 2008. Investigators blamed distorted data in the flight control computers caused by moisture in the system. This resulted in the aircraft making a sudden nose-up move which made the B-2 stall and crash. This was 1 of only 21 ever built and was the most expensive aviation accident in history. Both pilots were able to eject to safety.
The crash was captured on video. It shows one B-2 Bomber successfully taking off followed by the B-2 Bomber which crashes. The crash starts at 2:00.
8. MetroLink Crash
$500 Million
On September 12, 2008, in what was one of the worst train crashes in California history, 25 people were killed when a Metrolink
commuter train crashed head-on into a Union Pacific freight train in Los Angeles. It is thought that the Metrolink train may have run
through a red signal while the conductor was busy text messaging. Wrongful death lawsuits are expected to cause $500 million in losses
for Metrolink.
9. Tanker Truck vs Bridge
$358 Million
On August 26, 2004, a car collided with a tanker truck containing 32,000 liters of fuel on the Wiehltal Bridge in Germany. The tanker crashed through the guardrail and fell 90 feet off the A4 Autobahn resulting in a huge explosion and fire which destroyed the
load-bearing ability of the bridge. Temporary repairs cost $40 million and the cost to replace the bridge is estimated at $318 Million.
10. Titanic
$150 Million
The sinking of the Titanic is possibly the most famous accident in the world. But it barely makes our list of top 10 most expensive.
On April 15, 1912, the Titanic sank on its maiden voyage and was considered to be the most luxurious ocean liner ever built. Over
1,500 people lost their lives when the ship ran into an iceberg and sunk in frigid waters. The ship cost $7 million to build
($150 million in today’s dollars).