Such a scenario definetly gets very confusing for civilians like us, where some say that Castro was a celebrated figure and others sate him as a brutal dictator. Thus, the real question that we should be asking is why does these two contadictory camps on Fidel Castro exist?

Check it out for urself, with the top 10 facts about Fidel Castro that follow:

10. 9 children from 5 women.

Alongside, being the head of the state, Castro was the head of a huge family as well. A lot of Castro’s personal life secrets popped out when one of Fidel’s bodyguard who served him for 17 years launched a book called ” The Double life of Fidel Castro”, where he disclosed all of Fidel’s affairs, cheats, mistresses and children. He claimed that he had a total of 9 children from 5 different Women.(Ladies man, Was he?)

9. A revolutionary.

Fidel was a revolutionary cuban leader who got intrested in politics while persuiing law at University Of Havana as an Anti-imperialist politician. As is the fate of every revolutionist, he too was imprisoned for about 2 years after his failed attempt to overthrow the Batista regime, but that did not discourage him. In Mexico he formed the guerrilla group and then returned to Cuba with a full-fleged force and was finally successful in overthrowing the Batista empire on January 1, 1959, later, emerging as the Fierce Cuban Prime Minister.

8. Fancy love for Cuban Cigars.

Cigars have a cult status and have usually made their way into the Elite’s pockets. Fidel Castro was also one such Cigar lover, he fancied the Cuban Cohiba (A premium cuban cigar brand) to such a great extent that a limited production of cigars by this brand for done exclusively for Fidel Castro and some high end officials of the Communist party of Cuba and Cuba government. Late, he quit smoking in 1985 for health reasons.

7. Most Influential personality.

Not only was Castro an influential leader of Cuba, but he was also recognised worldwide for his achievments and thus, he made it to the Top 100 most influential people of the World in the Time Magazine for its 2012 editions. He was also garnered with other prestigous awards such as “The International Lenin Prize for strenthening Peace among Peoples”, “Hero of the Soviet Union”, “Order of Lenin”, “Collar of the Order Of Merit”, “Order of Courage”, “Grand Order of the Star of  honor of Socialist Ethiopia”, “Dimitrov Star” and various others.

6. Recordholder for the Longest Speech.

Although each and every public speech made by Fidel castro was remarkably powerful and created longlasting impact on his audiences, but he made history on September 29, 1960 where he became a Guinness Book worldrecord holder for the longest speech ever delivered at the United nations that was 4 hours and 29 minutes long. Yet, this was not Fidel’s personal high as he had also given a 7 hours long speech in Cuba itself.

5. 3rd longest ruler of the state.

A tough fight and revolutionary spirit of Fidel that made him the Prime Minister of Cuba, lasted from the year 1976 to 2008 which is more than half a decade, where he outlasted 9 US presidents from  Dwight Eisenhower to Bill Clinton. Thus, he stands 3rd on the list of longest serving head of the state after Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and the King of Thailand.

4.  A Dictator.

As is known by all, that Adolf Hitler that the most ruthless dictator the world has ever seen and Fidel Castro’s leadership style were compared with that of Hitler and the cuban public paid its price.Castro was infamous for his policies that included, nationalization of Cuba’s private commerce and industry and institutionalization of  land reforms, but the term dictator suited him most because he disabled people of their civil rights, independent newspapers were shut down, labour union’s right to stike was withdrawn from them and even religious institutions were harrased, strangling food production, he  impoverished the vast majority of his people.

Thus, The Human Rights Watch accused him and his government for constructing a “repressive machinery”

3. Sponsored Terrorism

Under his reign Cuba became the first communist state in the western hemisphere where his communist dictatorship went on to sponsoring terrorism throughout Cuba in allignment with other such dictating leaders. Tons of people di3ssapeared and around 20% of the cuban population fled into exile in the wake of widespread terrorism from their hometowns. Some reports also claimed that, he too had concentration camps and prisons like that of Hitler and filled them with his own people at an unprecedented rate. Brutal and tortorous killings were all, normal day-to-day business for him.

 

2. Survived 634 assasination attempts.

Since Castro was open and radical as a leader and brutal towards his enemies, his enemies also reverted back in the same manner. Cuban history states that Castro was successful in dodging 634 assasination threats from various parts of the world. Some reports also suggest that obscure assasination plans such as infecting his diving suit with a fatal fungal spiecy, poisoning his cigars with Botox, sucide bombings etc were all plotted against him. He also managed to escape attacks from The CIA.(Being Famous, hurts).

1. Ignitated Cold War.

Not a lot of people know this but Castro played a lot of evil games during the Cold War people, manipulating people in order defeat US. The tiff between US and Cuba was known to the entire world then and now and it all started with Castro overthrowing the American military Imperialist Batista and later nationalizing all United States owned factories, businesses, oil-refineries and Casinos. America the reiteriated with Bay of Pigs Invasion and also The Cuban Missile Crisis, but failed in defeating Castro, that made the US government all the more angry, thus, becoming 2 of the major attacks in the cold war. Fidel, then applied all his power and influence, supporting the Soviet Union against The United States, yet America won the cold War and consequently World War 2 and rose as the world most powerful nation, which was a huge defeat for Fidel Castro.

The post Top 10 facts about Fidel Castro first appeared on Top 10 Lists.

1.Tse-tse flies

They are large, biting flies found in mid continental Africa. They mainly feed on the blood of vertebrates which is the reason they are excessively dangerous. They spread the disease, trypanosomiases in humans by biting their victim and passing it through their mouth parts. At the primary stage, the venom of tsetse flies would makes sleeping sickness on the victim. But it may lead to fatality without proper treatment. It is estimated that about half a million people lost their life by the attack of tsetse flies in Africa.

2.Killer Bees

Killer bees are also known as Africanized honey bees. It is one of the very aggressive and dominant insects in the world. The group of killer bees follows the victim for more than 1 mile. The killer bees mainly target the face and eyes of humans. The killer bees mainly target the face and eyes of humans. In fact, their toxin is not so dangerous but an attack by group of killer bees could cause even death. Interestingly, they were produced originally by cross-breeding of the African honey bee with various European honey bees and were first introduced to Brazil in the 1950s, in an effort to increase honey production. But in 1957, 26 swarms accidentally escaped quarantine. Since then, the species has spread throughout South America and parts of North America.

3.Giant Japanese Hornet

Hornets are types of wasps who mostly live by making nests in trees and shrubs. Asian Giant Hornets are the world’s largest hornets which can measure upto around 2 inches in length. Giant Japanese Hornet is a subspecies of the Asian Giant Hornet. Japanese hornets are very aggressive and fearless in nature. The venom of Japanese hornet would cause an allergic reaction and dissolve tissues within the short time. The repeated stinging from the group of hornets could also results in death.

4.Black widow Spider

They are very venomous insects found in North America and certain parts of South America. The name widow is inspired from the fact that female eats the male after mating. The bite of a Black Widow spider can be extremely dangerous because of the secretion of a neurotoxin called latrotoxin which causes extreme pain in humans and even death if left untreated. The female black widow has unusually large venom glands and its bite can be particularly harmful.

5.Human botflies

The human bot flies mostly found across Central and South America Human botflies have larvae that can transmit life threatening parasites to humans. Also known as torsalo or American warble flies, human botflies are typically transferred by mosquitoes and ticks. When a mosquito carrying the larva of a human botfly lands on the human skin, it drops off the larva onto the skin and leaves it there. After a few days, this larva develops under the layer of the skin and may cause serious infection if not immediately treated. ‘Myiasis’ known parasite infestation makes severe changes in skin tissues.

6.Brazilian Wandering Spider

Also known as Phoneutria, Brazilian wandering spiders are venomous and defensive spiders that live in tropical South America and Central America. Wandering spiders are so-called because they wander the jungle floor at night, rather than residing in a lair or maintaining a web. They are extremely poisonous. In fact, in 2010 Guinness Book of World Records, this type of spider was named as the most venomous spider in the world because of its toxicity. Their venom contains a potent neurotoxin, known as PhTx3 that inhibits glutamate release, calcium uptake and also glutamate uptake in neural synapses. At deadly concentrations, this neurotoxin causes loss of muscle control and breathing problems, resulting in paralysis and eventual asphyxiation.

7.Kissing Bug

They are notorious parasite bugs mainly found and widespread in the Americas, with a few species present in Asia, Africa, and Australia. Kissing bugs named after their habit of biting the lip of human while they sleep . They also transmit parasite called as trypanosoma cruzi. The kissing bug disease or ‘changas’ kills 12000 people every year. The changa disease spread to animals and pets in the same way. The kissing bug bite result in instant changes within victim’s body such as welts and rashes.

8.Yellow Jackets

They are very aggressive predatory wasps mainly found in North America. They can be identified by their distinctive markings, their occurrence only in colonies, and a characteristic, rapid, side-to-side flight pattern prior to landing. All females are capable of stinging. Although not deadly in themselves, the stings kill many people every year due to allergic reactions. What makes them worse is that they have been known to mark their targets and pursue them relentlessly until a sting has been administered.

9.Deer Tick

Ticks are external parasites which feed on the blood of mammals, birds or reptiles. They are notorious as they are known to cause several disease and problems in the human body like Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, Powassan virus disease, etc. The most well known of these is the Lyme disease. Every year the Deer Tick infects thousands of people with Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease begins with a rash around the bite resembling a bull’s eye. It further affects the joints and the cardiac system and can prove to be fatal, although very rarely.

10.Assassin Bug

They are generalist predators found mainly in North America. They feed on a wide variety of pests ranging from small ones like aphids to larger ones like caterpillars. These patient hunters may either stalk their prey, or quietly wait for an appetizing insect to cruise by, then suddenly attack with their dagger-like, piercing-sucking beak. In humans, they cause the chagas disease which causes heart damage and attacks the central nervous system.

11.Fat tail scorpion

They are one of the most dangerous scorpion species on the planet. They are found throughout the semi-arid and arid regions of the Middle East and Africa. Their common name is derived from their distinctly fat metasoma, or tail, while the Latin name originates from Greek and means “man killer”.[2] Their venom contains powerful neurotoxins and is especially potent. The name ‘man killer’ is quite fitting as they are responsible for several deaths every year. Their sting actually turns the area into liquid which makes them lethal and dreaded.

scorpion noir du Sahara

12.Bull Ant

Most species of ants are usually considered to be harmless; some can however be extremely dangerous. The Bull Ant is found mainly in Australia and some parts of New Zealand and is considered to be one of the most venomous species of ants. They are characterized by their extreme aggressiveness, ferocity, and painful stings. Some species are known for the jumping behavior they exhibit when agitated. Massive mandibles cling onto their victim as they then curl their body toward the prey and sting repetitively until dead. The Bull ants’ sting is extremely painful and many deaths have been attributed to this ant.

The post Top 12 Most Venomous Insects in the World first appeared on Top 10 Lists.

1.      Boy in striped pyjamas

Directed by Mark Herman, Boy in striped pyjamas is a movie set in the backdrops of Second World War. The movie got its inspiration from a novel of the same name by Irish writer John Boyne. The film stars Vera Farmiga, David Thewlis, Asa Butterfield, and Jack Scanlon. This Holocaust drama shows the life in the concentration camp through two 8-year-old kids which make it intriguing.  One of the kids is the son of a German commandant while the other is the son of an inmate at a concentration camp.  The two pulls out a friendship, that is beyond the logic of hatred spread during that time.

2.      The pianist

A polish film directed by Veteran filmmaker Roman Polanski visualises the struggle that a pianist goes through during the Second World War.  The story is based on an autobiography The Pianist, a World War II memoir by the Polish-Jewish pianist and composer Władysław Szpilman. The film was critically appreciated and won many awards like the academy award for the best director, actor, best picture and best-adapted screenplay. It also won the Palme d’Or award at the Cannes festival that year. The Director having lost both his parents in the perils of war has put a spectacular show of human emotions through this film.

3.      Life is beautiful

This 1997 classic Italian film was directed by and starred Roberto Benigni. It won the academy award for best actor and best foreign language film.  It narrates the story of Guido Orefice, a Jewish bookkeeper. He has a beautiful wife Dora and son Giosue.  As the Second World War breaks out, the entire family is taken to the concentration camp. While in the camp, the father hides the true situation from the kid and tells him that this is a game in which they are supposed to perform certain tasks. The movie is all about love, sacrifice and care.

4.      Schindler’s list

Schindler’s list as you all know is a Stephen Spielberg film. The film was inspired by the novel Schindler’s ark by the Australian novelist Thomas Keneally. The film talks about Schindler who saves many Jews by employing them in his company. It is often considered as one of the best Hollywood movie ever made. It won seven academy awards of the 12 it was nominated for including the Best director. During World War II, Germans sent many of its native polish Jews to the Krakow Ghetto. At around the same time, Oscar Schindler lands up at the same plays hoping to make fortune. He is a friend of Nazi Party, however, he employs many Jewish people in his factory and saves them from going to concentration camps.

5.      Enemy at the gates

Enemy at the gates speaks about the Battle of Stalingrad, fought between The Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The film was written and directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. Vasili Zetsev a former shepherd in the Ural Mountains has landed up in the Red Army. He exceptionally fights using the tricks taught to him by his grandfather and manages to save himself and a commissar Danilov. Though the film was poorly received in Germany and Russia as it glorified war and simplified history according to its viewers. However, the movie is a definite watch as it narrates about courage, camaraderie and valour. Jude law and Joseph Fiennes played the major role.

6.      Pearl Harbour

What happens when romantic relationship happens mid war? Watch Pearl Harbour to find out. The movie directed by Michael Bay and written by Randall Wallace won four academy awards. Danny and Rafe are two good friends who both grows up to be first lieutenants. Rafe is in love with Evelyn a nurse working with the army. He leaves to join the Eagle Squadron while Evelyn and Danny are shifted with fellow soldiers to Pearl Harbour. Rafe is shot down over the English Channel and is thought to be dead. While Danny and Evelyn develops a romantic relationship. He helps her to get over the presumable death of Rafe. However, it turns out that Rafe isn’t dead and Pearl Harbour attack happens around the same time. Watch to know what happens with the complicated love triangle.

7.      Saving Private Ryan

Another Spielberg film on World War II, Saving Private Ryan has always managed to top the list of War movies. The 1998 movie starred Tom Hanks and Edward Burns. The movie is set in the backdrops of Normandy Invasion. The movie speaks about the suffering of American soldiers during the Normandy invasion. They are grieved seriously from their fight against the German army. Subsequently, the body of a dead soldier lying face down on the beach, with “S. Ryan” stencilled on the back of his pack, is found.

Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C, at the U.S. War Department, General George Marshall is informed that three of the four brothers of the Ryan family were killed in action and that their mother is to receive all three telegrams on the same day. He learns that the fourth son, Private First Class James Francis Ryan, is a paratrooper and is missing in action somewhere in Normandy. Marshall, after reading Abraham Lincoln’s Bixby letter, orders that Ryan must be found and sent home immediately.

8.      Inglorious Basterds

An American-German film directed by Quentin Tarantino starring Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz and Mélanie Laurent. It was nominated for eight academy awards.  It deals with a fictional alternate history of two plots to kill the Nazi Germany’s political leadership. Though the script was ready as early as 1998, it is only in 2009 that the film was released. The movie was screened at the 62^nd Cannes film festival.

9.      The Reader

The Reader is mostly known for the acting of Kate Winslet. She won many awards for this movie including the academy award for best actress. It narrates the story of Michael Berg, a German attorney who, as a mid-teenager in 1958, had an affair with an elder female, Hanna Schmitz, who then vanished only to reappear years later as one of the culprits in war crimes hearing stemming from her activities as a protector at a Nazi concentration camp. Michael understands that Hanna is possessing a private secret she trusts is worse than her Nazi past – a secret which, if exposed, could aid her at the trial.

10. The Diary of Anne Frank

Who is here who doesn’t know Anne Frank? All of us grew up reading her diary which made us smile, cry, and frustrated. It cannot be denied that more than any history accounts, it was her book that moved us the most. The movie which was directed by George Stevens and starred Millie Perkins as Anne Frank was released on 1959.

The post 10 War Movies that are a must watch first appeared on Top 10 Lists.

1) Embraces The Child Before Its Born

           Let’s start from the beginning when a woman finds out she is pregnant, she takes care of herself only for the child and makes a point to talk to her child every day. She bears the pain with a smile on her face, whether its when the child kicks or its delivery time, forgetting all about it as soon as her child is placed in her hands. I don’t think its that easy to forget the pain you go through, but somehow they just do. 

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on beach

2) Sacrifice 

           From sleep to her favorite movie, a mother selflessly sacrifices everything for her child, just to see that small smile creep onto her child’s face. She sends her child out for movies and dinners while she sits home doing her daily chores, waiting for her child to return even at the latest hour. If there is less food she would feed her child and sleep hungry, without uttering a single word. She sacrifices her life for her child.

3) Disappearance Of Privacy

            Ever gotten up scared and rushed to your parents’ room? The door was always open for you wasn’t it? A mother leaves the door to her bedroom open so her child can come to her at any time, whether day or night. Ironically her child grows older and slams the door on her face when they are angry or ‘need privacy’, but a mother forgets the term ‘privacy’ when she holds her child for the first time in her hand.

4) A Constant Juggling Act 

            Mothers are the ones packing snacks before the family leaves the house, They make sure that there are enough diapers and wipes, they take children to dentists and doctors, groceries shopping and tasty foods are prepared by them, washing their children’s clothes and putting them away, along with cleaning all our messes, mothers do it all for their children, they work hard behind the scenes. Their hard work doesn’t have any privileges, not even any appreciation, but they still do all these things for their kids. A 24/7 job.   

5) Sitting Up Late Nights

            Mothers sit up till late at night when their child has a nightmare consoling them. They sit by their child all night making sure they are ok.    

6) The WWE

Mothers have a very special hidden talent, the talent of being a professional wrestler. Want to see that trait? All you need to do is bad mouth her child or pass a negative comment. A mother will always defend her child from anyone, whether it’s her family or best friend, not worrying about the outcome. She fights against the world for her child for its wants and its needs. She fights to give her child the luxuries she never had, ignoring the circumstances. Her child always comes first, but when her child grows up does she come first for him/her? 

7) Love

Mothers’ love their children, no matter how old their children are, they will always love their children like they mean the world to them. A mother’s love cannot be replaced, she shows it with the little kisses she leaves on her child’s cheek or her moving her hand lovingly over her child’s head. The times we got hurt, our mother would kiss our wounds and instantly we knew it would get better. A mother’s love is the best medicine for her child.

8) Guidance And Scoldings

             The best guidance and advice is provided by a mother. She always knows how to solve any problem and help her child walk on the correct path. She has a lot of problems of her own but she forgets everything and sets out to help her child solve its problems, but that doesn’t mean she won’t scold you for a wrongdoing. Mothers aren’t afraid of looking bad in her child’s eyes when it comes to discipline. She will scold her child and take respective measures so the child won’t repeat their mistake. Their scolding has their love and care hidden in it, they want their children to be better people even if it means to look like the bad person.

9) Confidante

              A child’s most trusted confidante is their mother. Mothers are one of the only people who keep their child’s secrets to themselves, these secrets stay with her till the end. Mothers don’t only keep secrets but also provide good and right guidance, with the guidance she provides, she determines that her child would never go on the wrong path. She plays the role of a mother and a best friend.

10) First And Last Teacher

From the birth of one till their old age, a mother is their first and last teacher. She teaches her child the way of life from its birth, holding their hands through their adolescence till their old age, leading them on the right path. She starts with teaching her child how to talk, then walking, alphabets, school work, college subject and ending with teaching them the right ways of life. She ensures her child turns out to be a good and respectful person.

Mothers only give and expect nothing in return, dedicate their lives to us and forget themselves in the process, so lets do something special and show our mothers what they really mean to us.  

The post 10 Things Mothers Selflessly Do for their Children first appeared on Top 10 Lists.

Now there are various things people try to improve their appearance. Maybe a surgery or use of makeup to enhance their features. Have you wondered how vital your nose is when it comes to your overall appearance? We can cover our eyes with sunglasses or use lenses to make them look better. We use different types of products; including concealers, primers, powders to make our skin look flawless. But what about our nose? What can we do to make it look better? Most of us are born with long noses or a huge nose.

There are ways you can change the shape of your nose using makeup, nose exercises, accessories or surgery. And you always have an editing app for the last minute touch up. Depending on the techniques used, the results can be instant or take a while.Let us see how we can make our nose look smaller with the help of some amazing tricks:

1. Nose yoga/ Exercises:

As weird as it sounds, but there are some exercises you can do to alter the shape of your nose. Nose yoga involves inhaling and exhaling techniques.

Below is one simple exercise:

1. Use your index finger to cover your nose, press your finger slightly to narrow the nasal passage.
2. Breathe in through your mouth.
3. Exhale with force through your nose
4. Repeat the steps 10 timesMake sure you do not exhale with a large force. Do this for 3 times a day. The changes may take a while to be noticeable but the results are worth it.

There are various other exercises available, you can check them out online. Be patient as the exercises are simple and would take time to affect the shape of your nose. Do not overdo, as it will only stress the muscles instead of giving faster results.

2. Contour your nose:

Use a shade that is two shades darker than your complexion. Now, draw two line on either end from the top to the tip of your nose. Blend in and voila! Contouring essentially makes your nose look more structured than it is. You can get a contour kit available in the market or use a foundation that is darker than your foundation for contouring.

3. Reduce the spacing between your eyebrows:

The technique here is to make your eyebrows closer to each other. This will create an impression of a narrower nose. You can fill in your eyebrows with brow powder to get the required results. Make sure the color of the brow powder blends in easily with your natural eyebrows. This will instantly make your nose look slimmer. Do not make the eyebrows too close.

4. Highlight the upper tip:

Highlight the center slender part of your nose. This will draw the attention to the slender part of your nose. Do not highlight the bumps or dips as this will make your nose look even bigger.

5. Nose Surgery/ Rhinoplasty:

If you are looking for a permanent solution, surgery is the best option. The procedure can take up to 2 hours. This procedure is called Rhinoplasty, it can change the width of the nose, clear out any bumps or dips and make your nose more symmetrical. The healing process can take 14 days to several weeks. There can be side effects like swelling, redness but it will go away eventually.

6. Using Lipstick:

Use a lipstick that is bold or bright. The bright shades of the lip color will get the maximum attention. You can use shades of purple, red, orange etc. Choose a shade that matches your skin tone and the occasion.

7.  Accessorize the right way:

Pick up a pair of some statement earrings, necklaces or a choker. The right accessories will take the attention away from your face and your nose. Do not go for nose pins or big nose studs as they will make your nose look bigger and possibly swollen.

8. Get the perfect Angles:

Our face looks different from different angles. Take a test! Use different angles to take pictures and figure out which angle makes your nose look the bet. Once you know the correct angle, you can use the information to get the perfect selfies or pictures. You can also use editing apps. Some phones come with an inbuilt beauty enhancer app. You can also download additional beauty apps. These make your face more proportionate and they also have a variety of different filters you can choose from. You can choose something that makes your nose look the way you wish it to look like and use it for all your pictures.

9. Choose the correct Hairstyles:

Some hairstyles tend to make your nose stand out. Bangs, tight ponytails or buns shift the focus to your nose. You can avoid this by styling your hair in different ways that suit your face cut. A middle parting hairstyle makes your nose the center of attraction, while a side parting can take that attention away from it. Do take into consideration all the aspect of your face before getting a haircut. You can also dye your hair or highlight it with two or three steaks of bright hair dye.

10. Eye makeup

Avoid using too much makeup on your eyes. Too much Kohl, thick eyeliner or using fake lashes should be avoided. Do not combine all the three. If you must, use a white Kohl to minimize the effect. Heavy eye makeup will only make your nose look bigger. Use concealer around your eyes to create shadows, this will make your nose look visibly smaller.

Lastly, do not compare your facial features to what you see in the pictures, magazines or movies. All of us are flawed in one way or the other. The models in the magazines may or may not have the perfect skin, eyes or nose. There is a lot of editing, makeup involved to make them look flawless. Accept your flaws and do not stress about how much people are going to notice it.

The post How to Make your Nose Look Smaller: 10 Simple Tips first appeared on Top 10 Lists.

One of the incidents that demonstrated the might of volcanoes is the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79 AD. It is still held as one of the most catastrophic and damaging eruptions to date. The eruption caused the destruction of not only the whole city of Pompeii and Hernaculum, but also led to a large loss of live.

There are almost 1500 active volcanoes on Earth, and this is includes only the ones that are on the surface of the Earth. There are many more underwater as well, especially around the Pacific Ring of Fire. Out of these, almost 100 are known worldwide.

Want to know which are the top 10 active volcanoes in the world? Here they are!

Caution: Lava ahead!

1. Mauna Loa, Hawaii

The Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii is not only the most active, but also the biggest volcano on Earth. It is a popular tourist spot and is also part of various scientific studies. It has been erupting for 700,000 years now continuously. Its most recent eruption was in 1984. The volcano has an extensive network of lava flow, which poses a hazard to the communities that are living nearby. In 1950, an entire village was destroyed by lava.

2. Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland

This volcano is part of the several smaller ice caps of Iceland. I’s eruption in 2010 made the world sit back and take note, when the ash plume from the eruption led to an air travel disruption across Europe and North America. As of 2011, the volcano is considered to be dormant.

3. Mount Vesuvius, Italy

The location of this volcano is what makes this volcano dangerous. Mount Vesuvius is located just 9 kms off the city of Naples, making it the most densely populated volcanic region in the world. Like mentioned before, it is also known for causing what is perhaps, the most destructive volcanic eruption in 79 AD, when it buried Pompeii and Hernaculum under a pile of ash and lava. It is known to have an eruption cycle of 20 years.

4. Mount Nyiragongo, Congo

This active volcano has the largest lava lake that spans 2 km wide. It is located in Virunga National Park in Congo. Along with another volcano, it is said to be responsible for 40% of Africa’s volcanic eruptions. It poses a significant threat to the surrounding communities as it carries a large lake of fluid lava.

5. Taal Volcano, Phillipines

The Taal Volcano is located on an island near Taal Lake. It is 30 miles off Manila, and has erupted 33 times since 1572. There has been a considerable casualty rate during eruptions and hence viewing is now allowed only from a distance.

6. Mount Merapi, Indonesia

This volcano is the most active volcano in Indonesia and has produced more lava flow than any other volcano in the world. It has been erupting regularly since 1548. It is believed that it’s eruptions had led to the destruction of the Kingdom of Mataram. It is just a few miles off the city of Yogyakarta, and is hence a significant hazard for its inhabitants. An eruption in 2010 has killed almost 400 people and left many more homeless.

7. Galeras, Colombia

Galeras is located in Colombia, near the border with Ecuador. It has been erupting for a million years now. Its first eruption  recorded was in 1580 and has been erupting frequently since. It poses a threat to the nearby city of Pasto that lies below its eastern slope. It was thought to have gone dormant in 1978, but erupted later in just 10 years i.e.1988. During a Decade Volcano Conference held in 1993, its surprise eruption killed 6 scientists and some tourists. It has been erupting every year since 2000, causing tremors in nearby areas.

8. Sakurajima, Japan

Sakurajima is an active volcano that was an island, before lava flow connected it to Osumi Peninsula in Japan. It has been erupting each year since 1955. It is a hazard to the city of Kagoshima, which lies at the foot of the mountain. It’s most recent eruption in 2009 caused thousands of deaths. The government has since, built various volcano shelters and camps in nearby areas for people to take refuge. It is also known as the ‘Vesuvius of the East’.

9. Santa Maria, Guatemala

One of the most active volcano since the 20^th century, the Santa Maria has had numerous volcanic eruptions within the last 10 decades. It is 130 kilometers off the city of Guatemala, and is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire.  Santa Maria has a crater which was formed after an explosion that occurred in 1902. The heavy deposits of magma from eruptions, led to the creation of a heavy dome complex named as Sanitaguito. The clash of the Cocos Plate and Caribbean Plate leads to the volcanic eruptions. The latest eruption occurred in March of 2011.

10. Ulawun, Papua New Guinea

Ulawun is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It has had 22 major eruptions that have been recorded since the 1700s. Minor eruptions and tremors occur regularly. The main hazard about the volcano is its structural integrity. If an incident of a major collapse occurs, the consequential eruption could lead to the destruction of hundreds of square kilometers of land. Of all the eruptions that have taken place, the one with the most damage was the one that occurred in the year of 1980. The eruption ejected ash and plume up to 18 kms and caused widespread destruction up to an area of 20 sq km. The last volcanic eruption occurred in the year of 2010.

And there it is – the top ten active volcanoes of the world! From Hawaii to Philippines, they’re everywhere, looming over like an uncontrollable power. These majestic yet deadly mounts of fury can be enticing to the eye. Once considered a symbol of God’s wrath, they truly stand testament to the fury of Nature, and the mortality of Man. Spooky right? We think so too.

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Here’s the Top 10 Summer Beauty Kit Essentials!

1. Sunscreen

Summer = sunscreen. This is the IT rule for the season. Everyone knows it – from babies to old people, everyone lathers sunscreen before stepping out. Yes, everyone loves a little tan, but no one wants to get grilled at the same time. The first thing to put in your bag, this should be it. It’s importance cannot be stressed enough. Your skin keeps you cool, so help it out a little with this bottled wonder. Available in a range of SPFs for sensitive skin or normal everyday use, go choose one best suited for your skin. But do it. No one wants sunburn the first thing in the morning.

2. Rosewater

Ah, rosewater. Antiquated and exotic. Rosewater is a necessity. Besides its fragrant scent, it is also cooling. The natural sunscreen, it is time tested. Not only does it cool your skin, it also helps it stay fresh and works on keeping your skin dewy and light. Rosewater is the thing of wonder and beauty. Use it either in a face mist or water it in your towel and see the difference it makes to your skin. We’re sure you’re going to thank us later.

3. Wet Wipes

Lazy to not carry a towel? This is your solution. Wet wipes is THE thing this season. IT helpS moisturize the skin, while removing the sweat of the body and deodorizes it. 3 things in one?! This is perhaps the most needed product in the summers. For those on the go, for the light packers, for the lazy ones to the clumsy ones, this is your new best friend. Choose from a variety of fragrances, lotions and herbs that are infused into your wipes. Avocado, aloe vera, mint, cucumber, sea salt, rose, peach – there’s no end to the options available! From oil-free to sensitive and to power packed wipes, it is all there at your beck and call. Just wipe, and go.

4. Skin Mask

Facials and saunas just don’t cut it in the summer, for obvious reasons. No one wants to voluntarily steam themselves in and sweat out too. But then how do you keep your facial skin in check and on point? There is a solution – Skin masks! The most needed cosmetic advancement, it works the facial charm without the facial mess or the steam time. Also, no appointments at the salon since this is at your disposal. Use one with either yogurt or mint, or aloe vera. Most of them now come as peel off masks, or molded liquid masks. Choose one that suits you and there you have it! Salon like finish at a drugstore price.

P.S At the beach and lazing around? Just use your skin mask then and there, while soaking the sun! Who said Sleeping Beauty can’t come to life?

5. Serum

Serum is a  concentrated bottles of goodness.  It is hydrating, cleansing and take of the skin from within. So whether it is a face serum or body serum, use it! It not only nourishes but also works for the long term benefit of the skin. Stock up on it and keep it for daily use. Some might be used weekly depending on each type; sensitive skin, acne prone skin, dry skin, oily skin, ANY skin – it’s a must have.

6. Lip Balm

Lip balm is highly sought after in the winters mostly. It is time to change this notion. Lip balm is for the summer as well. Remember, the lips are the most fragile part of your skin and need that extra bit of care, especially during the summer. The sun not only affects your body but also the skin on your lips. Use any lip balm that is moisturizing enough for you and you’re all set!

7. Hair Spray

Summer is meant to be enjoyed outdoors, and you will let your hair down. But how to protect it from the heat and the sweat and dirt and pollution? There’s just too much to tackle!  A shampoo and conditioner combo won’t cut it. Voila! – Hair spray! Not the kind before using heating products, but the ones infused with cucumber, keratin, rosewater and the good stuff you need every day. It coats your hair and protects it from all the bad guys out there from dirt to pollution, all’s good with some hair spray!

8. Body Lotion / Body Oil

It’s the summer, and that feeling of dehydration is there and your skin is dehydrated too. How to tackle that – Body lotion! Whether it is shea butter, or coconut, just lather it on! It not only helps seal the moisture in, but also nourishes it. Apply body lotion, and your skin will thank you!

9. Face Wash

The one thing everyone needs but skips during the summer is facewash. All that dirt and sweat is bound to clog your pores and wreak havoc on your skin. Beat those goons away with facewash! Berry infused, mint, salicylic acid; anything works well with your skin. It is recommended that you use it twice a day or according to your skin type, and you’ll see the difference – clearly.

10. Exfoliating Creams and Washes

Summer is fun but with it comes dirt, and a layer of dermis that’s not so good. And summer is all about lazy clothing. So how to nail the look? Exfoliate your body, and your face! It not only cleans up those dirt filled pores, but shoots away the dead skin, letting your skin shine and absorb all those products beautifully, letting you make the most of it. Scrub, scrub, scrub we say!

Here’s also a list of recommended brands for fulfilling your summer skincare wish!

• Vaseline
• Bumble and Bumble
• Shishedo
• Tropez
• Neutrogena
• Clean and Clear
• La Roche Posay
• Lakme
• Kama Ayurveda
• Garnier

It is also recommended that you pick products based on your skin type. A product meant for sensitive skin will not be effective on oily skin. So first identify your skin type and choose products accordingly. You will notice that it will help your skin in the long run if you are able to match your skin type to the product you use.

So, there it is! All products you need this summer and the best brands that have them! So what are you waiting for? Go figure!

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Classification of Banana Spider

Here are 10 facts about Banana Spider or Golden Orb Spider:

1.Fact Behind the Name

The Golden word is not for the color of spider but this is color of the silk. The web is spin by this spider is yellow. When the light of Sun falls on the web it looks like gold. Carotenoid is the main contribution in the yellow color of the silk. These golden color are useful to attract the bees and other insects. While at night or in the shade, this yellow web blends in with the foliage in the background and act as camouflage. It is able to adjust the pigment intensity relative to the background light intensity & color.

2. Unique Web

These spiders spin asymmetric and large webs which has unique and complex zigzag pattern. Firstly it makes a non-sticky spiral web. After completing course weaving, the female spider comes back again and fills the gaps. The length of these webs is usually up to one and a half meters. The web is always asymmetric and center is always lies in the upper part of the web. It means that the majority of sticky parts is found in the lower part of the web. They renew their webs regularly. These spiders always live in their webs that is the reason the chance of being captured is high. To reduce the risk of capturing, it should spin the barrier web structure any one side of the web.

3. Size

The third fact about banana spider is that the size of male spider is less than the female one. The size of female one is between 4.8 cm to 5.1 cm. excluding the size of legspan. While the size of male one is two thirds less than female one that is less than 2.5 cm. The largest female size was 6.9 cm. that found in Queensland, Australia. The legspan of these spiders as big as 5 inches. The banana spider found in Taiwan is about 13 cm long including the legspan.

4. Food

Banana spider usually eats small insects, butterflies, stinkbugs, leaf-footed bugs,  grasshoppers, locusts, mosquitos etc. When the prey is stuck in the web it wraps it in a silk-like cocoon. These spiders are able to eat small birds, bats, and snake also. This spider is also able to catch and eat the small size of a finch. A banana spider caught and consumed about a half meter long brown tree snake, in 2012, in Queensland. This spider changes their diet according to the types of food available and the time of year.

5. Reproduction

Male spider stays on the web with a female to perform the mating rituals. There are two to three male on a single web, these number can also increase. A male spider has three penises. A female spider has 2 insemination ducts, each ending in a sperm storage organ. Usually, When a female is freshly molted then mating occurs. Due to numbers of male presence in the single web. There is competition between male for mating but usually small males selected for mating.  Female spider usually eats the male one after mating. Female makes an egg-sac near the web to protect their eggs. Then eggs are deposited in the thin sheet of silk. Then it covered by the silk platform to give the shape of the sac. The sac may have 300 to 3000 eggs which depend upon the success of mating and species.

6. Homeostasis

It also changes its body according to sunlight to maintain the body temperature. It keeps its body temperature at optimal state. When the temperature of surrounding increases, it hides its body in the shades. As temperature goes down, it keeps positioning itself perpendicular to the sunlight . To gain the much energy to keep the body temperature maintained. Due to losing of hydrostatic pressure it hangs on the web on its hind leg as a result of the heat. When the surrounding temperature goes high like 40-degree centigrade. It leaves its web and search for a shaded and cool place.

7. Use of Web in Textile

Textiles can be made with their golden silk. The spiders were somehow fastened while spinning and the extruding thread was coiling up. In 2004, textile designer, Simon Peers, and Nicholas Godley made a shawl.  They used 1.2 million of Golden Silk Orb-weavers. In 2012, they both made another large garment by using Golden Silk Orb was a cape. These both garments exhibited at London museum in 2012. But it was never possible to make the garments of golden silk for commercial use. The tensile strength of its dragline thread is more than Kevlar. The use of Kevlar is to make the bulletproof vests. The dragline thread is stronger than steel and it is biodegradable also. Its silk has antibacterial properties also.

8. Source of Proteins

The natives of South Pacific eats the pregnant female as a protein supplement.  And they relish them either raw or roasted. The fishermen of Indo-Pacific Ocean remove the webs of spider and shape it into a ball. They throw the ball into the water. When it goes in the water, it unfolds and works as baitfish to catch the bigger fishes. According to different reports, it has a nutty flavor like peanut butter but a sticker.

9. Fun Fact Related to Movie

In the film, Twelve Monkeys, Jed Cole is incarcerated in a mental hospital located in Baltimore, Maryland. He catches and swallows what appears to be a banana spider or a close similar species. The filmmakers got it wrong as Baltimore is well outside the known range of Nephila in the U.S.A.

10. Misunderstanding Due to Size

Due to the large size of it sometimes people assume that it is dangerous for a human being. But in reality, it is shy in nature. But when it bit, it is mildly venomous, causing redness, blisters, and pain at the bite area. It does not require medical attention unless a person experiences breathing difficulty or muscle spasms. Banana spiders species are the oldest surviving descent of spider. Fossils remnants of this species are about 165 million old.  It found in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the southeastern United States.

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Man has been hungry for knowledge, to engage his mental faculties in ways to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Somewhere down the line, human being started coming together to discuss the sciences and the logic behind everything. A way life started to emerge. There was glaring need to have one place to record the findings, one place to gather the bright minds and one place to groom the future. Thus the universities emerged. True? Your guess is as good as mine! But evidence does support this line of thought. Here is a list of 10 oldest universities of the world. Some of them are still operating; others are included to celebrate their rich history. It is an eye opener for the USA is not part of the list and Islamic culture boasts to have their name in top 4 oldest universities two of which are operating even today, and the top position ? Read on! It is not that tough to guess.

1. Nalanda University (India)

Founded: 600BC

This is the clear winner. Notice that this is the only one to be established in BC. The history of this is a strong example of the Indian culture and the importance associated to education since early days. It saw students from Babylon, Greece, Syria, and China. The subjects taught included  Vedas, languages, grammar, philosophy, medicine, surgery, archery among many other fields.Founded by Śakrāditya ( King at that time), the university was said to entertain over 10,5000 students at a time. The passing rate was just 3 out of 10. The entry was granted only after 16 years of age. The glorious history was only for 800 year.  It was destroyed thrice in history with first two destruction rectified. The third one(1300) was permanent till 2006. It is now rebuilt and rearing to achieve its old days of Glory under the eyes of Amartya sen. Indians ought to be super Proud!

2. University of Al-Karaouine (Morocco)

Founded: 859

The second  oldest, and still operating university of the world. It was founded by Fatima al-Fihri, a woman. In the beginning it only has natural science as its offering. It wasn’t until 1957 that other mainstream science was added to the portfolio. This was built as a mosque to begin with and slowly expanded to become the largest in Africa. The university has statues as old as university itself.

3. Al-Azhar University (Egypt)

Founded: 970-972

The second oldest institute of Islamic world.which is still in operation! It started as center for studying Arabic literature, Sunni Islamic learning and religious focus. Today it teaches Quaranic sciences and traditions along with learnings from Prophet Muhammad on one hand and all modern fields of science on other.  The library of Al-Azhar is considered treasure for the Islamic world and efforts are on to preserve them online. The conversion of seven Million pages of library into online material is proving to be a mammoth task for the university. It was established by the Fatimid empire era of Egypt. This dynasty is the linage of Prophet Muhammad’s daughter Fatimah and His son-in Law, Ali. The university is named after Fatimah Al-Zahara.

4. Al Nizamiyya Of Baghdad (Iran)

Founded: 1065

Founded by Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk in early eleventh century, this was a part of series of universities started by al-Mulk. Al Nizamiyya remains the most successful and popular one. These universities combined to create ‘Largest University of Medieval world’.  It saw the then poets, knowledgeable learned men coming in to share and teach. Al-Ghazali was a professor at this place. The education offered was for free. The Sack of Baghdad in 1258 saw the end of the university. The city was attacked and the place was destroyed. Persian poet Sa’di was among the few people who witnessed this destruction. Nonetheless, Al-Nizamiyya did manage to eclipse all other institutes in the surrounding regions by its sheer brilliance.

5. University of Bologna (Italy)

Founded: 1088

The first higher learning institute of the western world and the leading innovator in field of learning till the world wars. The University of Bologna has a wonderful history and is seen as the official step of western world in field of higher education institutes. Incidentally the world ‘university ‘was coined during its creation. This was the mediator for the western world with more educationally sound institutes around the world. Under this process, slowly the university developed, creating various universities along the way. Today Bologna is seen as leading example of European education and is among top 200 schools of the world, has 23 schools and over 85,000 students.

6. University of Paris (France)

Founded: 1096

The exact dates are unavailable but tentative date is accepted to be 1096. It is no longer functioning in this name; it was reorganized into 13 different universities in 1970.  These are popularly referred to as College de Sorbonne. It came up around the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. It had four main departments, Arts, Medicine, Law and theology to begin with. The university was direct under the command of the church and not the government, this created trouble. In its course of existence, the university was shut down thrice. In 1968 due to Cultural Revolution by students which led to splitting up of the ancient college.  In 1229, and later in 1940 due to invasion by Germen Army.

7. University of Oxford (England)

Founded: 1096

This is not the exact date but evidence suggests that the university was in operation in 1906. The student inflow increased considerably in 1167, when Henry II banned the English students from attending University of Paris. During the reign of Henry III, the university gained royal approval. Seeing as Cambridge resulted after dispute in Oxford, it was natural for other university to erupt due to dissatisfaction. But joint appeal by the two universities to King Edward III stopped this, giving the two universities a free run until 1820. This university was shut twice in the time, once due to execution of two scholars and next due to Scholastic riots. Currently is ranked among the top universities of the world, has 38 colleges and 58 Nobel Prize winners associated with the institute.

8. University of Montpelier (France)

Founded: 1150

The university is said to be older than the stated date, the reason is that there was an order by Pope Nicholas IV to combine all old universities into one. Thus some parts of this center of knowledge could be older. The university was shut down during French Revolution in 1793. It was reinstated in 1810 but only faculties of Science and letter survived. To keep up with changing time, the university was ‘re-founded ‘in 1969 with major focus on science and Technology. Today the Montpelier University exists in form of University of Montpellier1, University of Montpellier 2 and Paul Valéry University.

9. University of Cambridge (England)

Founded: 1209

Consistently ranked among top 5 universities of the world, this is the second oldest university of the English speaking world. This was formed as a result of a dispute of Oxford scholars with the town people. Till date, oxford and Cambridge are rivals. It has 85 Nobel Prize Winners as alumina, consists of 31 colleges under its domain. As expected from a university as old as this, Cambridge has some long standing traditions. Popular are the handing of wooden spoon to the lowest scorer of the term, the broadcasting of carols by Choir of Kings’ College on Christmas Eve.  Some are myth and some are still followed. The tourists get a heavy bout of these stories when they visit Cambridge.

10. University of Salamanca (Spain)

Founded: 1218

When Christopher Columbus took the epic voyage to find the western route to Indies, he consulted with the Geography department of this esteemed university. Currently gearing up to celebrate its 8^th Centennial, the university has quite a history. Established in 1218, it got the official title of university in 1225.  Leonese King Alfonso IX built this place to give the Leonese people a place to study without having to move to a different city. Today the university is known for its language and humanitarian courses, it is touted to be a fine place to learn Spanish, especially for non-natives.

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