Top 10 Things that should not be discussed online

Cum suntem cu totii spideri pe web-ul pe care il numim internet, iar multi dintre noi sunt adepti ai discutiilor online, uite 10 lucruri care nu ar trebui discutate online.

Top-ul este in limba engleza si sunt sigur ca multi dintre voi o cunosc, dar pentru cei care nu se descurca va recomand Google Translate.

10

The Middle East

Everyone has an opinion about the Middle East. It may be about the Palestinian State; it may be about oil; it may be about Israel; but that little area of land is blood-soaked for a reason. Trying to talk aboutthe Middle East will almost always end up in a fight because no one has been able to come up with a win-win solution to the area’s problems in a few thousand years. Any solution requires one side or the other to give ground and so far, no one has decided to. This mentality carries over into the supporters of the different positions. Israel is evil. The Palestinians are evil. The Jews are evil. The Arabs are evil. Round and round it goes. Again, no middle ground.

9

Homosexuality

Can’t be discussed rationally. No way, no how. To some it’s a perfectly acceptable lifestyle. To others, it is anathema. It is genetic. It is a choice. It can be “cured”. Once a homosexual, always a homosexual. Nature – or nurture. What’s really upsetting is no middle ground is usually available. If one happens to be a live and let live type of person, he or she is still in some danger of being painted negatively by the other side. One thing that makes this particular topic so explosive is homosexuality is much more mainstream now than it used to be. To some, that is a positive and sought after development. For others, it is a sign that the apocalypse is at hand.

8

Jesus Christ

Arguably the most discussed man in all of history. His life traditionally splits the dating system of the Western World into BC and AD. He is also probably the single most divisive person in all history. He was a good man and a great teacher but nothing else. He was God in the flesh. He never existed. Strangely, many people of all stripes who can rationally and calmly discuss the existence of God devolve into name calling and mudslinging once Jesus is brought up. Jesus is another guaranteed firestorm starter.

7

Race Relations

“Can’t we all just get along?” isn’t really an option. Things are better than in the past in some instances, but in others, not so much. Regardless, trying to talk about it reasonably is nearly impossible. Moderate voices are usually shouted down. Even in the 21st century some people still believe in the superiority of one race over another, despite the fact that, organically, race is a myth. We have ethnicities, yes, but race is an artificial construct based almost solelyon the amount of melanin in a person’s skin and the size and layout of the facial bones and musculature. We’ve come a long way, but a long way remains and to discuss it reasonably is difficult. Cries of discrimination start coming in from all sides and before anyone knows it, the “discussion” is in the crapper.

6

Abortion

Pro-Choice. Pro-Life. Anti-choice. Baby. Fetus. When does birth begin? I have read more than once that civil debate on abortion is difficult in person and absolutely impossible online. The reasons are plain. It’s a topic that is naturally polarizing. It pits men against women, one religion against another, freedom against bondage, and for some it is literally a matter of life and death. The most divisive facet of the abortion debate, however, is the tendency forboth sides to apply black and white thinking to a subject with way too many gray questions to fit into those pigeonholes. The result in “real life” can be crazy mad protests all the way up to clinic bombings. Online isn’t much better as otherwise nice, civil, rational people go from zero to pissed off in less than a second. Too visceral. Avoid at all costs.

5

Gun Control

This is mostly an issue for Americans and there is a certain amount of politics involved, but even those who live in countries with very strict gun control, or no gun control (and little concern about it) are sure to weigh in on this controversial topic. It is, of course, all the more controversial for Americans because it goesto the very core of the nation – the constitution and the right (or not) to bear arms. We have already had at least one incident of comment war over this topic.

4

The Holocaust

The Holocaust is ALWAYS a fire starter. It never happened. It happened but the numbers are inflated. It happened but why is it so important. The Holocaust is about the Jews. The Holocaust is about all the targeted populations of the Nazis. The Holocaust didn’t get the job done. One reason this topic is so toxic is enough people are around who were eyewitnesses to make a strong case one way, but enough people are around who must rely on second hand information to be subject to influence by deniers. Either way, almost NOTHING elicits the strong feelings that the Holocaust does, and if one makes the mistake of saying one doesn’t care either way, well, god help you.

3

Politics

Of all the topics on this list, politics is the one that seems to have shown the most recent increase in rancor (though not on Listverse – item 6 takes the cake there). In the US we have the Republicans and Democrats, and in many other countries (such as the UK and most of the Commonwealth there is a similar variation of partisan political parties. For the diehard political pundit, his party is his team. It’s his family. It’s a mountain he’s ready to die on. I’ve seen people get physically sick upon learning “their” candidate had lost an election. The saddest part of this polarization is the gridlock it creates in governments. After all, the politicians know about the splits and they’ll pull out all the stops to add to their camp so they can stay in office.

2

Origins of Man

Evolution or Creation? The books that have been written on this subject for either position could probably fill a modest library. Each side has reams of data and boatloads of facts to back up its position and each side roundly thinks the other side’s data and facts are so much excrement. The worst part is, again, no middle ground. If one tries to adopt a position that incorporatesboth sides, each side will rip him or her to shreds. When the origins of man come up, the gloves come off.

1

Religion

More people have died in the name of God, whatever name that may be, than pretty much all other causes combined. Christian. Muslim. Buddhist. Atheist. Scientologist. No matter the stripe, a surefire way to get EVERYONE mad is to disparage another’s religion or lack thereof. It’s simple, really. Religion or, spirituality if you will, is probably the most intensely personal part of anyone’s being and that includes those who reject religion and spirituality altogether. Also, religion is a family affair. When someone feels his religion is under attack, that attack immediately becomes personal and familial. One push leads to a counter pushand the atomic explosion goes off. To make matters worse, some religions have as an integral part a command to proselytize. Also, some people, not from a sense of command, but of desire, will want to proselytize. When that happens, your intensely personal experience collides with another person’s intensely personal experienceand the result is a perfect storm of firestorm.

So, there it is. The ten topics you cannot discuss online (without serious drama following shortly thereafter). A word for the wise: it might pay to discuss the reasons behind this inability to discuss certain topics without a war, rather than discussing the merits of the items mentioned specifically. Let’s keep this more civil than the last list that mentioned one of the topics here.

 (sursa: Listverse)

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Top 10 al celor mai violente jocuri

10.) Carmageddon - 1997
Violenta din "Carmageddon" rezida mai ales in inzestrarea jucatorului cu posibilitatea de a trece peste pietoni in cele mai brutale moduri imaginabile, aflat in spatele volanului virtual al unui sinistru autovehicul modificat si auster, desprins parca din filmul american din 1975, "Death Race 2000". Spulberarea pietonilor in fragmente consistente de carne sangeranda, detonarea de bombe si distrugerea vehiculelor inamice cu ajutorul unui tenebros arsenal de arme si dotari sunt doar cateva elemente din meniul violentei servit in acest joc video pentru... copii. Poate ca fraza de prezentare de pe ambalajul in care venea "Carmageddon" ilustra cel mai bine continutul sau: "Jocul de curse pentru cei instabili psihic". Atat de adevarat.

9.) Soldier of Fortune – 2000
Pastrand registrul sangeros tridimensional, amanuntul-cheie care a facut diferenta dintre "Soldier of Fortune" si celelalte rude ale sale de tipul First-Person-Shooter a fost intrebuintarea sistemului GHOUL. Este vorba despre un motor grafic bazat pe fizica reala care ii permite jucatorului sa tortureze si sa isi brutalizeze inamicii in functie cele mai sadice porniri pe care si le poate imagina. Pe fundalul traditionalei povesti a combaterii teroristilor si a prevenirii unui razboi nuclear (dimpreuna cu ocazia de a il ucide pe Saddam Hussein insusi), jocul ofera numeroase mostre de brutalitate care pipereaza contextul nu neaparat spectaculos. Imprastierea pe pereti a vintrelor unui dusman cu ajutorul unei pusti, sangele care ii zvacneste din trup si organele care i se imprastie pe jos fac din acest joc unul dintre cele mai violente titluri ale tuturor timpurilor.

8.) God of War – 2007
Esti Kratos, fost razboinic al armatei spartane si nemilosul zeu din panteonul zeilor Greciei Antice. Suna destul de simplu? Poate, insa povestea implica si eradicarea trecutului tau tumultos, care presupune alegerea unei cai violente si mortale catre a-ti satisface aceasta dorinta. O asemenea sarcina va necesita varsarea a rauri de sange, sudoare si lacrimi. Am mentionat sange? "God of War II" promoveaza intrebuintarea nemiloasa a armelor, uciderea spectaculoasa si sangeroasa a inamicilor si scene brutale demne sa il faca pe Quentin Tarantino sa roseasca. Povestea mitologica de fundal a jocului serveste la compensarea violentei asemanatoare cu cea a strazilor din zilele moderne, dar, la urma urmei, probabil ca nici nemilosii zei nu isi reglau diferentele la o ceasca de ceai.

7.) Gears of War 2 – 2008
Folosirea unui cadavru pe post de scut uman atunci cand esti expus focului inamic este suficient de infioratoare; dar transarea unui dusman cu ajutorul unei drujbe din cap pana in picioare este de-a dreptul abjecta, mai ales deca ne gandim la sangele tasnit din corpul respectiv. Indiferent de situatie, "Gears of War II" ofera aventurierului third-person suficienta violenta incat sa ii satisfaca cele mai sangeroase porniri. Atunci cand din trupul personajului principal sau din cele ale inamicilor erupe sangele vreunei plagi impuscate sau taiate, ecranul este improscat cu tente rosiatice diforme, obstructionand campul vizual al jucatorului si sugerand manjirea cu sange a chipului.

6.) Mortal Kombat – 1992
Originile jocurilor video violente sunt greu de urmarit si, desi este tentant sa dam un asemenea verdict, nu putem pretinde cu certitudine ca Mortal Kombat poseda titulatura de primul joc video cu adevarat sangeros. Insa multi s-au grabit sa-i atribuie acest statut atunci cand jocul a debutat, in 1992, in calculatoarele, consolele si salile de jocuri din toata lumea. Tumultul si galagia au fost fara precedent la acea data, pe masura ce jucatorii se angajau in meciurile de karate 2-D cu o varietate de miscari care duceau la hemoragii, explozii, fracturi de membre si multe alte lucruri dureroase. Desi era un joc teribil, menit sa la oripileze pe mamele din toata lumea, copiii adorau personajele si formulele spectaculoase de lupta care le stateau la dispozitie in buntoanele tastaturilor si pe ecranele computerelor. Un mare deliciu era pentru orice mic "luptator" sa isi termine oponentul prin grozavii de o rara violenta, precum "Fatalitati" sau "Brutalitati", care se soldau cu smulgerea mainilor, cu aruncarea in tepi metalici si cu multe alte atrocitati. "Finish him" a devenit una dintre cele mai recunoscute replici din istoria jocurilor video.

                        

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5.) Thrill Kill – 1998
Este vorba despre un joc tridimensional de "batai" realizat special pentru Sony Play Station, care este chiar si astazi disponibil pe internet, desi nu a fost publicat vreodata in mod oficial. Caracteristica sa de baza era aceea ca aduce intr-o arena nu doua personaje, ca in cazul celor mai multe jocuri de ring, ci patru zombie, care se pot distruge in toate modurile imaginabile. Numai cei sadici ar fi cautat acest joc si s-ar fi bucurat de el. Fiind inarmati cu seringi si potcoave, avand membre amputate si chiar mai mult de atat, jucatorii isi storc recirpoc viata unul din celalalt intr-un mod grotesc, fetisist si chiar sexual, intotdeauna cu rezultatul varsarii de prea mult sange. Personajele se pot lovi intre ele suficient de puternic incat sa se lipeasca de pereti, sa le zboare captele, sa explodeze sau chiar sa se lipeasca de tavan, in timp ce sangele se scurge pe invingatorul aflat in extaz.

4.) MadWorld – 2009
Ce este in intregime alb, negru si rosu? Victimele tale, dupa ce le despici in bucati, le zdrobesti de pereti si de podele si le smulgi organele din corp, in jocul "MadWorld". Sau poate ca raspunsul este macinarea inamicilor intr-un aparat de tocat ori chiar jocul de darts cu ei pe post de sageti si cu o bata de baseball pe post de declansator, in cadrul aceluiasi joc video. Oricare ar fi stilul de ucidere, "MadWorld" nu "se joaca" atunci cand vine vorba de factorul violenta. Contrastul extrem de vizibil care se realizeaza intre modelul bicromatic (alb-negru) al jocului si sangele rosu, foarte nuantat, al personajelor, ne face sa credem ca "MadWorld" este conceput in special pentru a da satisfactie laturii violente a jucatorilor. La propriu, jocul capata un pic de culoare numai atunci cand personajul principal, coordonat de jucator, isi raneste extrem de violent oponentii. Iar noi, pentru ca suntem dependenti de culoare, trebuie sa ne supunem regulilor si sa o obtinem prin orice mijloace disponibile.

3.) Manhunt – 2003
Manhunt este un joc al executiilor de mare valoare... grafica. Exista trei "niveluri" de executii, acestea devenind tot mai sangeroase pe masura ce se succed. Executiile de nivel unu sunt rapide si cel mai putin sangeroase. Executiile de tip doi sunt considerate mai brutale, in timp crimele de nivel trei sunt peste limita. Un exemplu de executie de nivel unu este sufocarea pana la moartea a unui inamic cu ajutorul unei pungi de plastic. Executia de tip doi ar putea implica amputarea testiculelor unui dusman prin trecerea unei sabii printre picioarele acestuia. La nivelul trei, executia poate implica injungherea in spate a dusmanului cu o ranga, urmata de blocarea in cap a aceluiasi instrument si rotirea sa prin craniul victimei. Jocul ii incurajeaza pe utilizatori sa isi ucida inamicii in cele mai brutale moduri posibile.

2.) Grand Theft Auto III – 2001
Ne confruntam cu un caz special si poate cel mai periculos, intrucat, spre deosebire de toate celalalte jocuri violente prezentate in acest top, actiunea GTA III nu se petrece intr-o arena, in timpul unui razboi sau in vremuri indepartate. Nu, jocul simuleaza foarte real viata reala, din vremuri contemporane, a unui tanar criminal. Iar violenta din acest joc nu este conditionata de un context special, ci numai de situatiile pe care oricine dintre noi le poate intalni pe strada, in viata de zi cu zi. Pentru ca necunoscatorii sa isi faca o idee vaga, furtul de masini, actiune sugerata de chiar titlul jocului, reprezinta cea mai nevinovata infractiune pe care personajul principal o poate comite in GTA III si in general in toata seria de jocuri Grand Theft Auto. La fel de usor este sa incinerezi nevinovati peste tot prin oras, sa ii spulberi cu masina pe trotuare, sa arunci in aer politisti si masini de politie sau sa faci un carnagiu cu sute de victime, dispunand de un arsenal de foc demn de un regiment. In plus, si intriga jocului este de natura frivola, implicand trafic de droguri si de arme, prostitutie si crime... nenumarate crime.

1.) Postal 2 – 2003
Ocuparea tronului in ceea ce priveste violenta jocurilor video este un privilegiu rezervat adesea numai titlurilor de elita, iar "Postal 2" isi revendica fara prea mare efort aceasta postura. Este vorba despre un joc in care nu inseamna ceva nefiresc sa arunci cu grenade in civili sau sa le amputezi din senin picioarele cu ajutorul unei coase, daca refuza sa participe la istoriile tale cotidiene. "Postal 2" este de-a dreptul sadic pentru ca implica folosirea unor pisici vii pe post de amortizoare pentru armele din dotare, lovirea personajelor cu un cap de vaca taiat sau servirea catre caini a craniilor sangerande apartinand victimelor proaspat dezmembrate. "Postal 2" este zenitul notiunii de violenta si sadism in jocurile video, transpunand pe ecran imaginatia creatoare demna de niste minti bolnave, ceea ce reuseste sa ii surprinda chiar si pe cei mai excentrici jucatori.

(sursa: Readers Digest)

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Ia un post la BaniPePost

Compania Netpress Consulting face angajari in vederea promovarii site-ului BaniPePost!
BaniPePost este un site prin intermediul caruia bloggerii talentati isi pot rotunji veniturile, scriind articole publicitare pentru clientii site-ului. Este, de asemenea, primul de genul acesta in Romania, cu un numar de bloggeri in continua crestere.
V-am explicat, deci, cum puteti castiga bani cu BaniPePost in calitate de blogger.
Acum, fiind in continua expansiune, compania face noi angajari in cadrul site-ului, mai exact agenti de vanzari. Cel mai mare avantaj il constituie faptul ca acest post poate reprezenta a doua slujba, intrucat angajatii vor fi platiti in functie de rezultate, ci nu de orele de munca. Astfel, vor primi un comision din contractele incheiate... destul de atragator, nu?
Descriere
Postul presupune prezentarea si promovarea serviciilor intr-un mod cat mai profesional, identficarea de clienti si contracte publicitare.

Cerinte
Persoanele care doresc sa se angajeze trebuie sa fie ambitioase, active, sa aiba spirit de echipa si binenteles acestea nu ajuta daca nu are motivare pentru castiguri suplimentare. Abilitatile de comunicare si de negociere reprezinta un mare avantaj. Stiti si voi: trebuie sa convingi clientul ca merita publicitatea, sa ii spui cum merge treaba cu publicitatea, nu sa fii un mototol care se sperie in fata clientului. Oricum, nu te lasa intimidat de cerinte.

Cei interesati de obtinerea postului trebuie sa trimita un CV la adresa office@banipepost.com.
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Top 10 Greatest Firearms in History

10

MG-42

“Hitler’s Buzzsaw,” invented in 1942, is infamous around the world as the weapon used at Omaha Beach to mow Americans down, but it was used in Russia to much more brutal effect. It fired 1,200 rounds of 8mm rifle ammunition per minute, which is sufficient to cut a man in half. It was air-cooled, and could melt its barrel if fired non-stop for 5 minutes.
That’s why the Germans had several barrel at hand, and could change to a new one in only 60 seconds.

9

Glock Handgun

The Glock is the ultimate in modern reliability. You can pour sand down the barrel and it will shoot. It will shoot underwater. It is commonly used in 9mm, but is chambered for .40 Sig and .45 ACP among others. It is the standard law enforcement sidearm today and will continue to be for a long time. It almost never jams, is waterproof, mostly plastic.

8

.303 Lee-Enfield

The British equivalent of the German Mauser has one trump on it, a 10 round magazine, compared to 8. The British adopted it into the army in 1895 and used it exclusively until 1957. Soldiers were drilled until they could perform “the mad minute,” firing 30rounds in 60 seconds and hitting 30 targets. This required reloading twice, and working the bolt back and forth in less than half a second.
The rifle is accurate to 1,000 yards with open sights, and served in India (notoriously used against unarmed civilians), the Boer War, bothWorld Wars, and many others.

7

.50 M2HB “Ma Deuce” BMG

The Browning Machine Gun is chambered for the most awe-inspiring shoulder-fired cartridge to date. It is designed with one thing in mind: power tends to corrupt; absolute power is kinda sweet. The 800 grain powder load has 14,895 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle, which is enough to put a full metal jacketed round through three approaching vehicles. It has shot down helicopters with one round.
Now imagine a belt-fed machine gun spewing a curtain of these rounds at you at 1,200 rounds per minute. Special Sabot rounds can go clean through tanks.

6

Smith and Wesson Model 29 .44 Magnum Revolver

Made famous by Dirty Harry in 1971, it was invented in 1955, and is still thought of as one of the most powerful handguns in the world, though it has been eclipsed by the .500 magnum, the Desert Eagle .50 AE, the .454 Casull and a few others.
But what those other hand cannons lack is controlability and comparatively low cost. The .44 Magnum will still run you at least $800 new, which is a lot for a revolver, but very cheap compared to other magnums. You will not break your wrist shooting it, and yet it can drop Cape Buffaloes and Polar Bears. If I may be afforded one bad joke, it will make your day. Provided that you feel lucky. Punk.

5

The Mauser Model 1893 Bolt Action Rifle

The bolt action had been kicking around since at least 1824, when Paul Mauser and Co. patented the 1893 version in 7mm. It has become the benchmark, on which all bolt action rifles are based, and against which all are compared. There are three primary bolt action systems: the Lee-Enfield, the Mauser, and the Mosin-Nagant.
Of the three, the Mauser system is by far the most widespread, the most reliable, and the most battle-proven rifle mechanism theworld has ever seen. The 1893 Mauser was the first, and original models still operate perfectly.

4

Colt Single Action Army Revolver

The icon of the Old West, the Colt .45 revolver was invented in 1873 and immediately caught on as extraordinarily accurate at close range, compared to the ball and cap conversions popular at the time. Its caliber was sufficient to flip a charging man backward off his feet. It can be used today to hunt deer and black bears. The larger powder loads can take down grizzly bears.
It’s as famous as the gun of Wyatt Earp, among other Old West celebrities.

3

Henry Repeating Rifle

The granddaddy of all lever-action firearms. Benjamin Tyler Henry invented it in 1860, but neither the Union nor Confederacy wanted much to do with it, as they were afraid their soldiers would fire too quickly and waste ammunition. If I may use a cliched joke, “military intelligence.” Thank you.
It fired a revolutionary, self-contained cartridge in .44 caliber, with 568 foot-pounds of stopping power, more than enough to put a man down. It held 16rounds in a tube magazine, and a good man could fire 28 rounds per minute, so much better than 3 per minute with a muzzle-loading percussion cap musket, that if either side had adopted the rifle as standard for infantry, that side would certainly have won.

2

AK-47

Accurate enough to do the job out to about 400 yards, which is all anyone usually needs in a battle, the AK-47 is the ultimate pinnacle in rugged reliability. It will not break down under fire unless something catastrophic happens to it. You can drive a tank over it, throw it against a wall, submerge it in sand, water, mud, and every time it will go right on firing when you pull the trigger.
I know a Vietnam veteran who was walking through triple canopy jungle one day in 1966, came across an abandoned AK-47, and couldn’t get the bolt to slide back. It was too corroded from the rain and weather. The wood was rotting off. But he put it butt first on the ground, stomped the action open, and it chambered a round, which he fired accurately at a tree 50 yards away. He stomped the action open again, and it chambered another round, which he fired accurately.

1

Colt 1911 .45 ACP

Every bit as rugged and reliable as the AK-47, this handgun was invented by John Browning for the Colt Company, in 1911, as a sidearm for American soldiers. It immediately proved itself a world beater in WWI, again in WWII, and has been a cornerstone of the American military ever since.
But its most impressive feat has been the ease with which even untrained civilians can fire it accurately, keep it in working order, and defend themselves ably with it. 7 + 1rounds of fat, man-stopping power perfect for close-range self-defense. Soldiers have dragged it through swamps in the Pacific Theater of WWII, with their fingers on the trigger, then whipped it out of the muck and fired all 8 rounds accurately.
The only way to improve on it would be to make it cheaper. You’ll spend $1,000 on one.

(sursa: Listverse)

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Bani pe Post

Blogurile, un mod de a te afirma, tot mai exploatat de cei care utilizeaza internetul. Bloggeri sunt oameni deosebiti, oameni care au ceva de spus, care isi impartasesc talentele cu restul lumii, insa daca ajungi sa ii cunosti afli ca sunt doar oameni.
Cand eram si eu la inceputul acestora, eram foarte entuziasmat. Initial am avut un blog galerie unde imi prezentam creatiile 3D, insa acesta avea succes numai atunci cand postam ceva nou, iar eu simteam ca pot mai mult. Mi-a luat ceva timp pana sa imi vina ideea asta. Blogul, se pare, a avut succes inca de la primul post. Am continuat as caut Top-uri si numarul de vizite a crescut.
Mai tarziu, mi-am amintit ca este totusi criza si ca nu ar fi rau sa castig niste bani. Am dat un search pe Google si am asa am descoperit BaniPePost.  O metoda de a castiga bani destul de veche in afara, dar inca tanara in Romania. Tot ce trebuie sa faci este sa detii un blog cu o vechime mai mare de o luna si sa semnezi un contract.
Probabil ca te intrebi cum functioneaza sistemul.
Pe pagina BaniPePost apar diverse oferte de la sponsori, cu privire la scrierea unor articole publicitare. Tu iti alegi un articol, il scrii, iar daca sponsorului ii place trebuie sa il tii pe blog timp de 30 de zile. Sponsorul va plati pentru articol, iar banii vor intra in contul tau BaniPePost. In momentul in care ai acumulat 200 RON ii poti retrage.
Partea frumoasa este ca de sarbatori toata lumea isi primeste banii!

www.banipepost.ro
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Top 10 Best Motorbikes of 2009

#10 Suzuki GSX-R 1000

User Reviews:

• “Beast from the East!” – Mike(Owner), Jan. 8, 2009
• “Everything about the GSXR 100 is outstanding!!!” – Jacob Mata(Enthusiast), Nov. 21, 2008

Motorcycle.com Review: 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Review – Getting better with age: An all-new Gixxer Thousand

Specs:

• MSRP: $12,899.0
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Displacement (cc/ci): 999 / 60.9
• Compression Ratio: 12.8:1

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#9 BMW F 800 ST

User Reviews:

“F800ST Absolutely Awesome!” – Chris(Owner), May. 15, 2009

Motorcycle.com Shootout: 2008 Middleweight Sport-Touring Shootout: BMW F800ST vs. Honda VFR800 Interceptor – Two 800s to the 800s

Specs:

• MSRP: $10,600.00
• Engine Type: Parallel Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 8
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
• Displacement (cc/ci): 798 / 48.7

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#8 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

User Reviews:

• “by far the best bike I have ever owned” – Mike McSween(Owner), Dec. 26, 2008
• “Incredible is all I can say.” – Chase(Owner), Jun. 11, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $12,099.00
• Engine Type: Horizontal In-line
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 16
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Displacement (cc/ci): 1352 / 82.5
• Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

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#7 Kawasaki Ninja 650R

User Reviews:

• “Perfect balance of performance and comfort” – Erik Tyler(Owner), May. 16, 2009
• “I love this bike!!” – Larry L.(Owner), May. 6, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $6,799.00
• Engine Type: Parallel Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 8
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Displacement (cc/ci): 649 / 39.6
• Compression Ratio: 11.3:1

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#6 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 Monster Energy

User Reviews:

• “What a bike!” – Jeff(Owner), Apr. 10, 2009
• “I recommend everyone to get the bike. Smooth RIDE. Sick looking bike!!!!!!” – Nick(Owner), May. 25, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $12,399.00
• Engine Type: Horizontal In-line
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 16
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Displacement (cc/ci): 1352 / 82.5
• Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

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#5 Harley-Davidson VRSC V-Rod Muscle

User Reviews:

• “AWESOME!!! V-R0DI traded in my ‘05 vrscb for a new Muscle WOW what a change!! I love the new rod! every thing is sweet the only thing needs work is the license plate mount! Other then that Great investment!!! “- Samuel (Owner), Oct. 12, 2008
• “Totally Satisfied!I’ve owned my new Muscle now for over 6 weeks, and I must say…WOW. Everything about this bike is amazing, performance is out of this world, coupled with the ins and outs you’d hope to find on a HD. I can’t even ride any other bikes anymore, I totally recommend this ride…you won’t regret it.”- Bryan (Owner), Jan. 3, 2009
• “AWESOMEMy first Harley and LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Was concerned that my 5′6, 125 (female) body could handle it but after 300 miles I am in love. Handles great, looks great, highly recommended for anyone who wants something right in between a crotch rocket and a contemporary HD. AWESOME! (License plate suggesti…on: tilt it vertically, looks way better)”- Sabrina (Owner), Jun. 3, 2009

Motorcycle.com Review: 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle Review – Harley gets some Muscle

Specs:

• MSRP: $17,199.00
• Engine Type: V Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 8
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Compression Ratio: 11.5:1

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#4 Buell Firebolt® XB12R

User Reviews:

• “Very fun bike“- Joe (Owner), Nov. 3, 2008
• “died and went to heaven xb12r” – John Moore (Owner), Jun. 19, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $9,995.00
• Engine Type: V Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 4
• Valves Per Cylinder: 2
• Valve Configuration: OHV – Pushrod
• Compression Ratio: 10.0:1

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#3 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

User Reviews:

• “My First Motorcycle I would recommend th…is bike for any beginning sport bike rider. It’s not a bike you’ll want to trade in after a year. I’m ready to keep mine for quite some time.- Kristi Bluhm(Owner), Jan. 12, 2009
• “Don’t be fooled… this bike will kick @$$ I was the proud owner of a yamaha R6 for many years. The R6 was fast, responsive, nimble, and very uncomfortable on long rides. I sold it last year when it started to give me transmission issues (I bought it used with high mileage). As I was looking for a new bike to buy the ergonomically designe…d ninja 250r caught my eye. Sure it was only a 250 but the seating position along with the handle bars were very comfy..”- David Medeiros(Owner), Mar. 26, 2009
• “2009 250 Ninja – Best Bang 4 The Buck!!! Okay, I went into the dealer the day before thanksgiving to look for an entry level bike for my petite wife, who has decided she’d rather learn to ride her own scooter, than ride on the back of mine. I got the 2009 250 Ninja for less than MSRP, due to the time of year and the economy, and was total…ly surprised when I took it home! It feels like a bicycle with an engine! This bike corners, brakes, and handles like it was formed to me, and I still haven’t broke it in yet!..”- Joe Hawes(Owner), Dec. 19, 2008

Specs:

• MSRP: $3,999.00
• Engine Type: Parallel Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 8
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Compression Ratio: 11.6:1

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#2 Suzuki Hayabusa™ 1340

User Reviews:

• “Sweet machine Just had her first service and haven’t been able to wipe the smile off my face yet. Suzuki has great quality, and the flag ship bike definately shows that. The only down side to this bike is that evryone wants to look at it and talk about it, which doesn’t seem that bad, but it cuts into riding time…”- Jun. 11, 2009
• “Great Bike! Absolutely taken with the 2009 Hayabusa!” – G Hep(Enthusiast), Dec. 4, 2008
• “So easy to ride!! Bought my new Busa over a month ago. After having my 04 GSXR 1000 for more than two years I thought it was time to offer my wife a bike that was easier for her sit on and easier on my body to ride, but didn’t wanna give up the horsepower. Well I definately chose the right bike. Abundant power, rides… like your sitting on a lazy boy..” – Brandon (Enthusiast), May. 9, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $13,199.00
• Engine Type: Horizontal In-line
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Cooling: Liquid
• Valves: 16
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Compression Ratio: 12.5:1

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#1 Suzuki GSX-R 600

User Reviews:

• “Highly Satisfied Have about 500 miles on it now and loved every single mile. This bike is quick. It is comfortable, sounds great, looks great and is easy to ride. It has been years since I rode a sport bike and within hours I was right back into it. Still breaking it in but so far it has handled everything I have thrown at it…”- Steve(Owner), May. 26, 2009
• “Ive had my 09 for about 600 miles and also enjoyed every mile. Took her in for the first service and wasnt to thrilled to be without her for a couple days. Easy to ride,plenty of power, turns heads “- Andrew Lewis(Owner), Jun. 1, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $10,399.00
• Engine Type: Horizontal In-line
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 16
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Compression Ratio: 12.8:1

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There is some fierce competition within the 2009 Sportbike Top 10. Kawasaki and Suzuki are the dominant manufactuers overall. Kawasaki holding more Top 10 positions but Suzuki dominating overall filling One and Two of the Top 3. Suzuki riders must really love their bikes. It’s not over yet tho’, those loyal to Kawasaki can still overthrow the current lead if they vote up their favorite 2009 Kawasaki Sportbikes. Alternative contenders in the Top 10 include; Buell, HD and BMW all of which are capable of taking the lead away from Suzuki for the ultimate numero’ uno rank.

(sursa: Motorcycle.com)

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Top 10 Badass Swords

 10

The Sword of Omens

Wielded by: Lion-O of The ThunderCats

Kicking off the list at number 10 we have The Sword of Omens. Any child of the 80’s should remember this cartoon series. More mighty than anyone else of his age, young Lion-O was only 12 years old when he and his Thunderian teammates sought refuge on Third Earth while their home planet of Thunderia was being destroyed.

Upon arrival, Lion-O and his allies fought against the tyrannical Mumm-Ra and his hordes of evil fiends who sought to not only destroyThe Thundercats, but also obtain great power from The Eye of Thundera, the jewel inlayed within the hilt of The Sword of Omens, which is the source of The Thundercats’ own power.

9

The Bride’s Hattori Hanzo Sword

Wielded by: The Bride in Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2

This particular sword is artistically used by one of the most ass kicking females to ever grace the silver screen within the past several years. After being betrayed and nearly beaten to death by her would-be cohorts, The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, and then having a bullet put through her head by Bill himself; The Bride is left inside of a chapel to die.

Why not? After all, who could possibly survive a point blank gunshot to the head? The Bride that’s who!

She very slowly recovers and eventually seeks the guidance of a couple of highly secretive and skilled individuals, one of whom is the infamous Sonny Chiba whose character is the long since retired Japanese sword-crafting legend Hattori Hanzo. One month is spent crafting her katana. After Hattori’s long and arduous task is completed The Bride is both justifiably relentless and unstoppable in seeking vengeance against those who wronged her.

8

Conan’s Atlantean Sword

Wielded by: Conan in Conan The Barbarian

As a young boy Conan witnessed his entire village get pillaged and destroyed by the evil warlord Thulsa Doom. After his mother and father are murdered Conan, being one of the few survivors of Doom’s pillage, is sold into slavery. During this time he grows in both age and in strength eventually being put in the rings of the gladiators to fight for the entertainment of others. He is a formidable opponent and wins fight after fight until his slave owner decides to send him out east to hone his skills as a fighter by learning to fight with a sword. Then one day he is simply set free.

During his journey away from slavery he stumbles upon an old tomb deep within the side of a mountain. Buried there is an Atlantean king sitting on a throne with his royal garments adorning him and a mighty sword at his side. Conan takes the sword and decides to find the warlords who destroyed his village and murdered his family.

7

Excalibur

Wielded by: King Arthur in Excalibur

Not only is this sword very well known in the movie arena, it is also included in countless pieces of classic literature. Given to King Arthur by The Lady of the Lake, Excalibur is the true sword of swords and can only be obtained by the true of heart. In many versions of the story the sword is imbued with magical powers which aid King Arthur in his battles.

A lot of confusion between Excalibur and the Sword in the Stone has arisen through time. From the information I have gathered the two stories mention separate swords though there is still some debate about that. Regardless of how you came to know the famous name of Excalibur, you must admit that it is a fine piece of legendary weaponry. So the next time you are walking near a lake look for The Lady. She just might have something to give to you.

6

The Hessian

Wielded by: The Headless Horseman in Sleepy Hollow

The classic 1820 story of The Legend of Sleep Hollow by Washington Irving was again adapted to film in 1999. As the story goes, Ichabod Crane is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate and put a stop to theHeadless Horseman who has been terrorizing the town. Riding upon a black horse, The Headless Horseman stalks his seemingly random victims at night and uses an ominous looking double edged sword to remove the heads of those unfortunate souls. The motives behind the murders are eventually unraveled as Crane’s investigation continues. The real twist for me is that Christopher Walken is TheHeadless Horseman.

5
The Beastmaster Sword

Wielded by: Dar in The Beastmaster

This movie is one of my personal favorites and the sword Dar uses is equally impressive. There is an evil priest Maax who has revealed to him a prophecy concerning the birth of a child who will eventually kill him years later. Maax is determined to put a stop to this at once and sends one of his evil minions out to find this unborn child, brand it with a sign of their evil deity then and sacrifice it. As fate would have it the baby is saved by a man who lives in the village of Emur. This is where Dar grows to be a strong young man.

Eventually Dar realizes that by being branded with the sign he was given the ability to psychically communicate with animals and this power will come in handy after his entire village and all of its inhabitants are slaughtered by the wicked Jun Horde. It seems that Maax has been looking for Dar all these years and his search has led him to the village of Emur.

Dar survives the attack and as the last living member of the Emurite clan he seeks vengeance and uses his adoptive father’s mighty sword along with his psychic power to fulfill his destiny and make the prophecy become a reality.

4

Sting

Wielded by: Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy

Sting is the perfect sword for someone who is as small as a hobbit. In the hands of a normal sized human it would simply be an elaborate elfish dagger. Not so for the hobbit. Sting is the perfect short sword for Frodo and it also has magical properties and can detect the presence of orcs by glowing blue at the blade. Exceptionally sharp, the sword is engraved with the Sindarian phrase “Maegnas aen estar nin dagnir in yngyl im” which means “Maegnas is my name and I am the spider’s bane.”

It came into hobbit hands when Frodo’s adoptive uncle Bilbo Baggins stole Sting from a band of orcs and used it to fight with. The name Sting was given to the sword after Bilbo’s encounter with a bunch of huge arachnids. Bilbo used it many times over the years until Frodo required a weapon for himself as he set out on the quest to destroy The Ring of Sauron.

3

He-Man’s Power Sword

Wielded by: He-Man in He-Man and The Masters of The Universe

I grew up watching this cartoon series as a child so I had to throw this one on here. Looking back I now realize all of the sexual innuendoes within the series. As the regular average Prince Adam no one really cares about him, but when he takes the power sword out, points it in the air and shouts “By the power of Grey Skull…I have the power!” he is magically transformed into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe, capable of any feat. No one ever figures out that they are one in the same person despite looking identical.

Although his sword is mighty and magical, he rarely uses it. Instead he uses his immeasurable strength and wit to overcome his foes and constantly defeat Skeletor. If you are a die-hard He-Man fan still to this day then read below.

2

Inigo Montoya’s Rapier

Wielded by: Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride

Inigo is a straight shooting Spaniard and the child of a sword-craftsman. Whilst learning the craft, Inigo’s father was approached by a unique man of nobility who requested a very custom and equally costly rapier; a jeweled rapier that would befit a six fingered man.

After the extensive completion of this sword, the six fingered man refused to pay the agreed amount for the rapier and subsequently murders young Inigo’s father right in front of him. The six fingered man left Inigo alive, but not before he gave him two scars, one across each cheek.

Romantic and steadfast, Inigo, in his life-quest to avenge his father’s tragic and unwarranted death, would eventually track down the six fingered man and slay him with the very same rapier.

1

The Sword of William Wallace

Wielded by: William Wallace in Braveheart

The character of William Wallace was magnificently portrayed by Mel Gibson in this epic film. I remember watching the movie for the first time and my jaw dropped when I saw that massive sword strapped to his back as he rode his horse around his fellow countrymen in preparation for battle. Although the film is a classic a lot of the actual facts about the real life William Wallace have been lost.

It is known that Wallace was a fighter against the oppressive English rule during the 1200’s, but the huge sword used in the movie by Gibson was most likely never actually used by the real William Wallace. The real William Wallace’s sword is on display in Stirling, Scotland at The National Wallace Monument and it looks nothing like what is seen in the movie. That doesn’t stop this huge two handed sword from being an awesome weapon though!

Bonus

The Lightsaber

Wielded by: The Jedi/Sith in the Star Wars series

Come on now! You didn’t really think that I would leave this awesome weapon off the list did you? While the blade is not made of metal like the other 10 this weapon could not be ignored.

When one thinks of Star Wars the lightsaber should spring immediately to mind. Luke had one, Vader had one, Yoda had one; the one single weapon that you need after you choose to pursue a life working with the power of the force is a lightsaber, no matter what side of the force you choose.

Contributor: Brotherman

 (sursa: Listverse)

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