Top 10 US killer tornadoes

The United States gets about 1000 recorded tornadoes every year. Today, only a few are killers, but that has not always been so. About 200 US tornadoes have killed 18 or more people. Of those, about 150 occurred in the 70 year period between 1879 and 1949. There have been about 45 tornadoes since 1950 that have killed 18 or more people. In the 1950s, there were 18 tornadoes that killed 18 or more people. In the 1960s, there were 12 tornadoes that killed 18 or more people. In the 1970s,there were 11 tornadoes that killed 18 or more people. And in the 1980s, there were only 2 tornadoes that killed more than 18 people. In spite of an ever-burgeoning population, death figures continue to go down as improved forecasting, detection, communications, and public awareness increase.

You can find the top 10 US killer tornadoes here...

Top 10 Tech Towns in US

The top 10 tech towns in U.S. according to Wired.com are

LEGEND:

Wired assessed the geek cred of more than 30 major US cities by crunching the following numbers:

Proximity to top-ranked engineering schools

Tech jobs, per capita, on Dice

Personal ads, per capita, on Geek 2 Geek

Craigslist postings per capita

Number of attendees at local meetings of dorkbot, a group for "people doing strange things with electricity"

Availability of free Wi-Fi

Comic book stores per capita

Circuit City stores per capita

SEATTLE

The charms of the Emerald City go way beyond late-night cafés, plentiful microbreweries, and the world's premier science fiction museum. Catch the local Weird Science Salon, where monthly meetings promise "cryogenic marshmallow liquid nitrogen shenanigans" and "blowing stuff up."

= 9

= 7

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SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Attend a dinner party in the Bay Area and be prepared to discuss Verizon's Bluetooth support, the inner workings of Ajax, or network neutrality. Nerds are in their element here, and the tech-celebrity sightings are legendary.

= 10

= 9

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LOS ANGELES
Southern California is home to NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab and Caltech. Plus, MySpace was born here, and Electronic Arts and Yahoo have offices. Then there's the porn industry, which can turn you into Scorsese for the cost of a camera, two girls, and a broadband link. Take that, Hollywood.

= 7

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AUSTIN
Inspiration for Slacker, epicenter of the first EFF battle, home to Dell, Whole Foods, and South by Southwest. Not to mention host to the most dorkbot attendees in the country. Only downside: It's surrounded by Texas.

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= 9

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ORLANDO
All that Battlestar Galactica will come in handy: Walt Disney World and Epcot actually pay you to make the unreal seem real. When you're ready to engage with planet Earth again, check out the city's craigslist site, one of the most happening in the country.

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RALEIGH-DURHAM
The jocks here may get worked up about college hoops, but the tech set is passionate about Linux distros and Mac-PC holy wars. North Carolina's Triangle is ground zero for Red Hat, SAS Institute, and an IBM center. Bonus: The area hosts two World Beer Festivals a year.

= 7

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PITTSBURGH
Come for the country's top-ranked computer science school; stay for the robotics startups that Carnegie Mellon alums are founding. If androids aren't your style, try for a gig at Google's new engineering office.

= 10

= 7

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NEW YORK CITY
Tech startups are back, and Wi-Fi is everywhere. And Asperger's sufferers can rejoice: Being antisocial isn't rude – it's your civic duty. New York is also perfect for marathon coding sessions, since anything – food, drugs, hookers – can be delivered.

= 8

= 6

= 5

BOSTON
Obsessive open source hacking, multitasking operating systems, involuntary celibacy … it's like geekiness was invented here. Winters may be frigid, but at least there are lots of single nerds to hibernate with.

= 9

= 9

= 8

WASHINGTON, DC
DC isn't just a policy-wonk utopia, it's also the ultimate place to be a coder looking for love. There are more postings from the nation's capital on Geek 2 Geek, an online dating service for nerds, than from any other city we surveyed.

= 10

= 10

= 9

(Source: Wired.com)

Top 10 Colleges for Financial Aid

With the average cost of tuition at public and private colleges skyrocketing, today's students are less concerned about getting into their top-choice college than they are about figuring out how to pay for it. The prospect of having to pay back thousands of dollars in loans is daunting for students thinking about college and can be the overriding factor in their decision about what school to attend. Fortunately, there are schools out there that go the extra mile to help ease the financial burden of getting a quality education. According to The Princeton Review's annual survey of 115,000 students at the nation's Best 361 Colleges, these ten schools are doing some creative things to make sure their students are happy with their financial aid.

Here is the list of top 10 colleges for financial aid.

1. Princeton University (Princeton, New Jersey)
Princeton's generous financial aid policy makes it possible for many students to afford to attend this "amazing" university. Students can look forward to receiving aid packages that meet 100 percent of their demonstrated need. To top it off, their need-based aid award will not include any student loans. With an administration "that runs like butter" and "ample" funding available for students to pursue various interests, it's no wonder that Princeton has landed at the top of this list.

Students who considered Princeton also looked at Harvard College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and Yale University.

2. Pomona College (Claremont, California)
The personal attention students receive at Pomona extends beyond the classroom. At Pomona, "you get free music lessons if you are on any type of financial aid." Students receive "great financial aid awards" that meet all of their demonstrated need. For these happy undergrads, Pomona is the total package, offering "spectacular academics, a fair financial aid package, and the chance to do research as an undergraduate."

Students who considered Pomona also looked at Yale University, University of California-Berkeley, Claremont McKenna College, and Wesleyan University.

3. New College of Florida (Sarasota, Florida)
NCF's low tuition and "unparalleled" academic program make it a great deal for students seeking a great education at a low cost. The "least expensive school in the Florida system," New College still manages to offer "very generous" financial aid packages. All admitted first-year students at New College are guaranteed scholarship funding, and the school meets 90 percent of each student's financial need. Students who chose NCF say "there simply was no other choice that could compare."

Students who considered New College also looked at University of Florida, University of Miami, Eckerd College, and Brown University.

4. Stanford University (Stanford, California)
Stanford has so many things going for it that it's tough to list them all. In addition to "great professors, very friendly people, [and a] great location," Stanford offers students "great financial aid" packages. Families whose total annual income is less than $45K will not have to pay anything towards their children's educational costs at Stanford, and those whose income falls in the $45–60K range can expect a pro-rated reduction. No wonder the "exceptional" students on Stanford's campus are always so "relaxed and playful."

Students who considered Stanford also looked at Columbia University, Harvard College, University of California-Los Angeles, and Yale University.

5. Truman State University (Kirksville, Missouri)
Students who attend Truman State University are convinced that "Truman is one of the best public schools in Missouri." Moreover, "it is a great deal financially." With low tuition and plentiful need-based financial aid, Truman is an affordable option for many students. Merit-based aid also abounds at Truman and there is even a special loan program to help students with the cost of buying a computer. For the "many" students here who "receive financial aid," Truman made the "most financial sense."

Students who considered Truman also looked at Saint Louis University, University of Missouri-Columbia, Missouri State University, and Illinois Wesleyan University.

6. Lake Forest College (Lake Forest, Illinois)
At Lake Forest College, "the administration bends over backward to ensure students are satisfied with their financial aid." Lake Forest's "generous" financial aid programs awards up to $10,500 in grants before resorting to loans. Furthermore, it maintains its grant aid for all four years. Many academic, talent, and departmental scholarships are also available. As one student explains, "Practically anyone can get something. We say that the school pays us to go there."

Students who considered Lake Forest also looked at Connecticut College, Kenyon College, University of Denver, and Lewis & Clark College.

7. Claremont McKenna College (Claremont, California)
CMC offers students "amazing financial aid packages" and is committed to meeting 100 percent of students' demonstrated financial need. Financial aid officers are on a first-name basis with students and will "work with you to make sure it is possible for you to attend." Students appreciate that administrators are "very easy to get access to" and are "sensitive to students' needs." They also enjoy "financial support for summer opportunities."

Students who considered Claremont McKenna also looked at Amherst College, Georgetown University, Pitzer College, and Scripps College.

8. Beloit College (Beloit, Wisconsin)
Beloit College offers its students a "friendly atmosphere, gorgeous campus, [and] really good financial aid." With admissions decisions based entirely on a student's qualifications and not their ability to pay, Beloit has "plenty of money" available for the students who need it. At Beloit, the "emphasis is on the importance of hands-on experience such as internships and study abroad" and the college is committed to helping students "find [and finance] these opportunities."

Students who considered Beloit also looked at Carleton College, Colorado College, Grinnell College, and Ripon College.

9. Williams College (Williamstown, Massachusetts)
"Talented professors, diverse and talented students, [and] great financial aid" are some of the benefits of attending Williams College. And it's no wonder: With an endowment of over $1.5 billion, or well over $700,000 per student, Williams is able to fully subsidize costs for its entire student body. Scholarships are abundant, including several Tyng Scholarships, which provide money for Williams plus three additional years of graduate or professional school.

Students who considered Williams also looked at Amherst College, Dartmouth College, Hamilton College, and Colgate University.

10. Wabash College (Crawfordsville, Indiana)
At Wabash College, "scholarships and financial aid are downright incredible." With an impressive endowment-per-student ratio, Wabash can afford to distribute aid generously. In addition to meeting 100 percent of students' demonstrated need, the school also offers $3 million in competitive scholarships each year on its Honor Scholarship Weekend, during which students travel to the school to take competitive exams. Talent and leadership awards are also available.

Students who considered Wabash also looked at Purdue University-West Lafayette, Butler University, Hanover College, and Miami University.

(Source: MSN Encarta)

Top 10 F/X Scenes in Movie History

Today, many digital effects are so subtle that movie audiences often don't notice them — but it wasn't always so. We asked industry insiders to pinpoint the biggest breakthroughs in digital F/X history.

Here is the list of top 10 f/x scenes in movie history.

Top 10 Mountain Biking Trails in US !!

Choose your own adventure with these rugged paths to pedal. These trails—acclaimed by the International Mountain Biking Association—are in the backyard of major cities, and they’re for riders of any skill level.

Here is the top 10 list

1. Bootleg Canyon Trails
Boulder City, Nevada (20 minutes outside Las Vegas)
Miles of trails: 36
Admission: free, but donations appreciated
What you’ll find: A network of interconnecting trails—with clever names such as “Girl Scout” and “Kevorkian” (you can guess which is tougher)—gives riders a choice of difficulty or length. A shuttle takes you to the top if downhill riding is more your speed.
Contact: (702) 293-3472

2. South Mountain Park Trails
Phoenix, Arizona
Miles of trails: 60
Admission: free
What you’ll find: Without gaining too much elevation, you’ll ride a rollercoaster on best-known trails Desert Classic (moderate) and National (advanced). Take in the scenic saguaro cacti, but beware the rattlesnakes.
Contact: (602) 495-0222

3. Bull Mountain Trail Network
Dahlonega, Georgia (one hour from Atlanta)
Miles of trails: 50
Admission: $2 parking fee
What you’ll find: The Bull Mountain Trail itself is an 11-mile loop that connects to other trails at the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. You’ll cross streams, ride over red clay, and roll over long hills.
Contact: (800) 231-5543

4. The Womble Trail, Ouachita National Forest
Hot Springs, Arkansas (2 hours from Little Rock)
Miles of trails: 39
Admission: free
What you’ll find: The challenging Womble Trail follows the Ouachita River through forests with steep hills and sharp turns. Pastoral views show off the river, its valleys, and miles of farmland. Novice riders might want to train on the Charlton Trail.
Contact: (870) 867-2101

5. Levis/Trow Mound Trail Network
Neillsville, Wisconsin (2 1/2 hours northwest of Madison)
Miles of trails: 30
Admission: $3 for adults, $2 for students and children
What you’ll find: Remnants of glacier formations make these winding, forested trails up to 300-foot sandstone bluffs unique. You’re likely to spot a deer or turkey on your ride, whether you choose an easy or an advanced trail.
Contact: (715) 743-5140

6. Ridge to Rivers Trail System
Boise, Idaho
Miles of trails: 85
Admission: free
What you’ll find: From the city, climb the grassy slopes of the Boise Foothills along single- and double-track trails. Trails for all skill levels are embedded in the forests, but Ridge to Rivers offers the best views of the city and beyond.
Contact: (208) 384-4240

7. Ringwood State Park Trails
Ringwood, New Jersey (40 miles from New York City)
Miles of trails: 30
Admission: Memorial Day to Labor Day, weekdays $5 and weekends $10 per car, $50 for a year pass
What you’ll find: This park offers so many trails that you can pedal all day and not run out of tracks. Rest up at the 96-acre botanical garden when you’re tired of pedaling.
Contact: (973) 962-7031

8. North Umpqua Trail—Tioga Segment
Roseburg, Oregon (3 hours from Portland)
Miles of trails: 16
Admission: free
What you’ll find: See if you can keep up with the jumping steelhead and salmon as you ride parallel to streams flowing from the Cascade Mountains. Don’t miss the Douglas fir, cedar, and hemlock trees—some more than six feet in diameter.
Contact: (541) 440-4930

9. Alafia River Trails, Alafia River State Park
Brandon, Florida (one hour from Tampa)
Miles of Trails: 14
Admission: parking fee $3 (1 person) or $4 (2-8 people)
What you’ll find: This park sits on an old phosphate mine and has some of the most radical elevation changes in Florida. Even experienced riders may walk up some of the steep inclines. Watch for deer, herons, and even gators (from a safe distance) along the way.
Contact: (813) 672-5320

10. The Southern Traverse, Shenandoah Mountain Trail
Harrisonburg, Virginia (2 hours from Washington, D.C.)
Miles of trails: 30-mile loop or 17 miles one way
Admission: free
What you’ll find: The trail is contoured, eliminating steep drops and climbs, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s an easy ride. Sharp curves challenge you as you wind through the hardwood forest on a mossy track bordered by wildflowers and ferns.
Contact: (540) 434-2087

(Source: Health.com)

Top 10 Powerful Families in US

Power families are made, not born, and they rely on multiple generations to carry on their legacy. Because these families tend to be larger than most and far better documented, they’re certain to feature more than a few black sheep. Nonetheless, a true power family can overcome the occasional sore spot to maintain a hold on power through the generations and into the future. Despite its many critics, the Bush family is thriving in America today; in fact, no power family is without its detractors.

The following top 10 explores various families throughout history, and while not all of them have managed to sustain their stature, their contributions to the country cannot be overlooked.

The list can be found here

Top 10 Most Valuable NHL Teams

The top 10 Most Valuable NHL Teams in the U.S. according to Forbes.com.

1. Toronto Maple Leafs
2. New York Rangers
3. Detroit Red Wings
4. Dallas Stars
5. Philadelphia Flyers
6. Boston Bruins
7. Montreal Canadiens
8. Colorado Avalanche
9. Los Angeles Kings
10. Vancouver Canucks

(Source: Forbes.com)

Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars 2007 !!

The top 10 most fuel-efficient cars in 2007 according to edmunds.com

1. Toyota Prius — 60/51*
   Affordably priced at $22K and up, the Prius is a bargain on many fronts. Real-world fuel economy doesn't match EPA estimates, but this hybrid car is still the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market.



2. Honda Civic Hybrid — 49/51*
   What's even more practical than the eminently practical Civic? The Civic Hybrid, which melds hybrid frugality with the poise and refinement of Honda's perennial best seller.



3. Toyota Camry Hybrid — 40/38*
   The popular Camry offers a roomy cabin and acceleration that's more brisk than is typical for a four-cylinder family sedan. The newly introduced Camry Hybrid offers all this, plus a fuel-sipping hybrid engine.



4. Toyota Yaris — 34/40
   With a starting price of $11K, the brand-new Yaris is the most affordable car in Toyota's lineup. Available as a three-door hatchback or a sedan, the Yaris offers a versatile interior — thanks to available sliding and reclining rear seats — and pleasant handling.



5. Honda Fit — 33/38
   Coming in at about 20 inches shorter than the Civic, the Fit is a pint-sized new entry from Honda. For a price that starts at around $13K, you get agile handling and ample standard features.



6. Toyota Corolla — 32/41
   You probably know that the Toyota Corolla is one of the most reliable cars on the market. What you might not know is that this roomy hauler is also one of the most fuel-efficient.



7. Hyundai Accent/Kia Rio — 32/35
   The 2007 Accent and its twin, the Kia Rio, nabbed the "Editors' Most Wanted Sedan Under $15,000" prize on account of agreeable handling and a generous standard features list. Both cars seem determined to upgrade our expectations of what economy cars should be.



8. Honda Civic — 30/40*
   The Civic is a class leader in the small-car category, and with good reason. Available in coupe and sedan configurations, this Honda offers a roomy interior, composed handling and excellent safety ratings.



9. Nissan Versa — 30/36*
   Fuel economy concerns have sparked the growth of the subcompact segment, with new entries like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris coming to market. The brand-new Nissan Versa is one of the best in this category, with a spacious interior and stellar materials quality.



10. Nissan Sentra — 29/36*
    Nissan's Sentra is a standout in the competitive economy car segment. It offers a pleasant-looking cabin, ample interior room and a relatively noise-free ride.

(Source: Edmunds.com)

Top 10 States For Business in U.S !!

The top 10 Best States For Business according to Forbes.com

1. Virginia
2. Texas
3. North Carolina
4. Utah
5. Colorado
6. Idaho
7. Nebraska
8. Delaware
9. Florida
10. Georgia

(Source: Forbes.com)

Top 10 Most Valuable NFL Teams

This year the average NFL team is worth $898 million, 211% more than when Forbes began calculating team values eight years ago. Look at it this way: Football team values have increased 11 times more than the S&P 500 since 1998. Profitability? This year the average NFL team posted $30.8 million in operating income (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), versus $5.3 million in 1997.

The top 10 Most Valuable NFL Teams in the U.S. according to Forbes.com

1. Washington Redskins
2. New England Patriots
3. Dallas Cowboys
4. Houston Texans
5. Philadelphia Eagles
6. Denver Broncos
7. Cleveland Browns
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9. Baltimore Ravens
10. Chicago Bears

(Source: Forbes.com)

Top 10 Expensive Zip Codes in U.S. !!

What's the difference between 11962 and 28741? When it comes to house prices, the answer is $2,125,000.

The top 10 expensive zip codes in the U.S. to Forbes.com

1. 11962
2. 92067
3. 92662
4. 94528
5. 94957
6. 11976
7. 93108
8. 90402
9. 92661
10. 33109

(Source: Forbes.com)

Top 10 buzzwords in U.S 2006 !!

Top 10 buzzwords in U.S. for 2006 according to Time.com can be found....here