Top 10 Athletes of the London Olympic Games

by Caleb Compton

There have been many great achievements made by athletes from all around the world in the London Olympics. More than 200 countries took part in the XXX Olympiad and many countries gained their first medals including Grenada, Cyprus and El Salvador. Millions around the world witnessed Usain Bolt defend his 100m, 200m and 100m relay titles and Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympian of all time. Many young stars have done well at London too and will continue the legacy. This list shows the 10 highest achieving athletes in London.

Country: USA

Young star Missy Franklin became the 2nd most successful Olympian in the London Olympics after winning four golds and one bronze in various swimming events including the 200m backstroke where she set the world record. She has also won three golds in the World Championships. She will be a huge favorite in games to come and may even challenge Phelps for the title of the greatest Olympian of all time in the future if she continues her success.

Country: Kenya

David Rudisha has been described as ‘the greatest Olympian you’ve never heard of.’ Before the 2012 Games, he was almost unknown outside of his home country. He set the new world record for the 800m in London at 1:40.91, beating Wilson Kipketer’s record in 1997. Rudisha also holds the three best times for the 800m and half of the 20 best times ever. Rudisha is also the world junior, African and world champion in the 800m.

8

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price

Country: Jamaica

Fraser-Price – also known as the ‘pocket rocket’ – is another example of a great Jamaican sprinter. She won gold in the 100m in Beijing with a time of 10.78s and then did the double for London – winning in 10.75s. Fracer-Price, along with Bolt, made history as the first team (Jamaica) to win both golds in the 100m twice in a row. She also achieved a silver in the 200m and a silver in the 4x100m relay.

Fraser-Price has the 4th fastest time ever for the women’s 100m.

Country: Dominican Republic

After taking gold in the 400m hurdles at Athens in 2004, no one expected Sanchez to do it again in London. He beat the favorites Javier Culson and Michael Tinsley in a great time of 47 seconds to become one of the greatest 400m hurdlers of all time. Sanchez stated after his victory, ‘No-one expected this. A lot of people said I should retire but I stuck with it.’ You can see how much the medal meant to Sanchez on the medal podium with one of the most emotional reactions of the games.

Country: South Africa

Oscar Pistorius, dubbed the ‘fastest man on no legs’ made history at the London Games as the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics. He competed in the 400m and 4x400m sprints. He is the record holder for the Paralympic T44 100m, 200m and 400m.

In the 2004 Paralympics, Pistorius gained a gold and bronze in the 200m and 100m respectively. In Beijing, he won gold in the 100m, 200m and 400m. He is the favorite for these events in the London Paralympics.

In 2008, Pistorius was featured on TIME’s 100 most influential people.

Country: Great Britain

After securing his 4th Olympic gold at London, Cornish Olympian Ben Ainslie became the greatest sailor in Olympic history. In Atlanta in 1996, Ainslie won silver and since then, he has won gold in four consecutive Olympic Games.

Ainslie is the eight-time World Champion in a range of disciplines including Finn, Laser and Laser Radical. He has been awarded an MBE, OBE and CBE. He has also been the ISAF world sailor of the year three times, more than any other sailor. Ainslie was the first person to receive the 2012 Olympic Flame in Lands End, Cornwall and carried the flag for GB at the closing ceremony.

Country: China

Wu Minxia is one of the greatest divers of all time. Her career spans from 2001 to present. Her Olympic career started in Athens with a gold in the sychro and silver in 3m. In Beijing, Minxia achieved a gold in the synchro and bronze in the 3m. In the London Olympics, she gained her third synchro gold and finally the gold in the 3m.

Minxia is also the five-time World Champion in the synchro and 3m World Champion. She has also won four gold medals in the Asian Games.

Country: Great Britain

Chris Hoy became GB’s most decorated Olympian after achieving two more golds in cycling at London – a sport that Great Britain has dominated over the past few Olympics.

Chris Hoy started his Olympic journey in Sydney where he won silver in the Team Sprint. In Athens he won gold in the 1km time trial and in Beijing he won three golds in the Sprint, Team Sprint and Keirin. In London with the home crowd cheering him on, he achieved a gold in the Team Sprint and a gold in the Keirin. Hoy has a total of six Olympic golds and one silver.

Chris Hoy has also been the 1km time trial World Champion four times, the Keirin World Champion four times, the Team Sprint World Champion twice and the Sprint World Champion. Hoy has also attained two golds and two bronze in the Commonwealth Games and has a total of 37 medals in major competitions. He has won numerous world records and Olympic records in cycling.

Hoy has been awarded an MBE for his services to cycling and the velodrome for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games has been named in his honor. Hoy carried the flag for GB in the opening ceremony.

Country: USA

Phelps is officially the most decorated Olympian in history and has claimed 22 medals with an astonishing 18 golds along with two silvers and two bronze. To put this in perspective, if a country achieved the same Olympic medals in London that Michael Phelps has won over his career, they would be 5th in the medal table, ahead of South Korea!

Phelps started his amazing Olympic career in Athens getting six golds and two bronze in various swimming events. He beat this achievement four years later at Beijing gaining eight gold medals and setting eight world records in the process. This was also the most 1st place finishes at any single Olympic games. At London he continued his legacy with four golds and two silvers. Phelps was the most successful athlete in Athens, Beijing and London.

Phelps has also won medals in the World Championships and the Pan Pacific Championships and has a total of 71 medals in major competitions from 2001-2012. Michael Phelps is the six-time world swimmer of the year.

Phelps has been honored with countless awards and has had a total of 39 world records – the most out of any swimmer.

Michael Phelps truly is an Olympic Legend.

Country: Jamaica

I found it almost impossible to come to a decision on the #1 spot. Choosing between Phelps and Bolt is really difficult as they are so different in personality and the sports that they compete in. Bolt will never win 22 medals simply because there isn’t that many medals for him to win in sprinting. For that reason, and the fact that he has achieved a ‘double triple’ and is the fastest man ever, Bolt tops this list.

Usain Bolt is undeniably the greatest sprinter in Olympic history. In Beijing, he achieved three golds in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. He also set the world record in each final. He destroyed the competition in the 100m whilst also having his shoelace untied! He lowered the world record again years later in the Berlin world championships to 9.58. In the London Games, it is fair to say there were a lot of doubts about his performance, even Usain himself said he was only 95% ready for the games.

And I guess that is what made it even more interesting when he achieved a ‘double triple’ winning once again the gold in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. He is not only the first to achieve a ‘double triple’ in sprinting with three golds back-to-back, but he is the first to achieve a ‘double double.’

In the 100m, Bolt beat the Olympic record he set in Beijing clocking a time of 9.63s with Blake coming second and Gatlin third. He also beat fellow Jamaicans Blake and Weir to become the 200m champion. And with the two fastest 100m sprinters on the 4x100m relay team, it was obvious who would win and Bolt took his third gold and became an Olympic Legend.

Bolt has a certain swagger which is incredible to watch. Everyone around him is so tense and stressed at the start line and Bolt is as calm as it gets. Millions all around the world are doing his trademark lightning bolt. He is one of the most famous Olympians in history and will go down as a Legend.

10 Fascinating Dwarf Animals

by Kate Wan

Many of the larger creatures that have roamed the earth are seen as grand and powerful. However, evolution moves in strange directions at times. Often as a result of living in isolation and without predators, an animal can begin to lose the need for its vast size, and each generation grows slightly smaller. Dwarf versions of huge animals are as entertaining as they are fascinating. Here are ten for you to enjoy.

Upon many of the islands in the Mediterranean Sea are fossils of tiny elephants. These are known as dwarf elephants, and represent several distinct species which grew smaller after being isolated. This is known as insular dwarfism, an effect where a large animal which migrates to an island finds a lack of need for its size, and in each generation the smaller offspring are more successful. Over time, the entire species finds its average size shrinks. Dwarf elephants are descended from large elephants which walked to islands before rising water trapped them there. Similarly, skeletons of dwarf mammoths and mastodons have been found on many other islands. The smallest of all the dwarf elephant species was Elephas falconer, which weighed 200kg and was only 90cm tall when fully grown. Unfortunately, most dwarf elephants went extinct about 11,000 years ago as the Earth’s climate began to warm and the weather changed. Truly it is a pity that such wonderfully small creatures are not in abundance today.

On an island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania, live a number of interesting wildlife. The Zanzibar leopard is among these, and is only half the size of other leopards, scarcely over 1m long. To further distinguish it, its spots are smaller and more evenly spread than those of other leopards. It is thought that leopards from mainland Africa walked to Zanzibar across the frozen seas during the last ice age, and that the Zanzibar leopard descended from these immigrants. Unfortunately, its population is despairingly low, and the only specimens are six skins, some taxidermied. It has never been studied in the wild, and has not been officially sighted since 1980. The local culture describes them as being the evil accomplices of witches, and consequently the leopard has been actively hunted even after it was listed as critically endangered. It is not even known if the Zanzibar leopard still exists, or, if it does, how much longer it can stave off extinction.

One of the more famous types of dinosaurs is the sauropods, the long-necked giants who include Brontosaurus, Diplodocus, Apatosaurus, and Supersaurus. They were typically over 20m long, and tended to be at least 5m tall at the shoulder. They evolved from smaller ancestors; however, there was one line of sauropods which first evolved great size before isolation caused them to shrink again. Europasaurus’ shoulders were about the same height as an adult human’s, and it was only about 5m long. At first, palaeontologists thought that Europasaurus was the infant of larger sauropods, but close examination of fossil bones revealed them to be fully grown. Juvenile Europasauruses were only the size of housecoats, and the adults were comparable to horses, yet otherwise they resembled creatures which were normally many times larger.

The royal antelope is the smallest of all antelopes. It stands only 25cm tall and weighs a mere 3kg. It is closer in size to a pet rabbit than other antelopes. It evolved its small size not from isolation, like many other animals, but due to its diet. Antelopes are herbivores, and each species tends to eat specific types of foliage. A single tree can feed any number of antelope, as each different height lets each species eat leaves in its own range. The ancestors of royal antelopes ate lower leaves, and due to competition from other small antelopes eating leaves at the same level, it gradually evolved to become the incredibly tiny animal it is today. Royal antelopes live in rain forests in West Africa, and eat leaves in the undergrowth, lacking the height to eat the leaves off trees at all anymore. They are cautious, shy, and only venture out to eat at night time. Surprisingly, when scared, they can jump up to 2.5m to escape any potential predators. This is equivalent to a human leaping 18m from standing.

The largest of all the cats, tigers grow to over 3m in length and weigh over 300kg. They are the third largest land carnivore and are an apex predator, hunting in solitude using stealth, cunning, and formidable 9cm teeth. There are several subspecies of tiger, including the Bengal tiger, Siberian tiger, and Java tiger. The smallest subspecies ever described is the Balinese tiger. These lived on the island of Bali in Indonesia. Tigers are good swimmers, and genetic evidence suggests that they evolved from Java tigers who might have swam across to Bali from Java. They were 2m long and weighed less 100kg, making them much sleeker and less stocky than other tigers. Their fur had a dark orange color and sometimes showed faint spots between the stripes. They hold a special place in the local culture and religion, and although revered, they were seen as evil and were actively hunted until their extinction in 1937.

The emu is a flightless Australian bird similar to the African ostrich. They are typically 2m tall, weigh 50kg, and have long, thin, brown-grey feathers. They are good swimmers, can run at 50km/h, and have some of the strongest legs of any animal, easily able to kick through metal fences. On King Island, off the coast of the state of Tasmania, emus experienced insular dwarfism. Although descended from normal-sized emus, those on King Island were markedly smaller. They were 140cm tall and weighed only 23kg. Their feathers were said to be a dark brown and thicker than those of other emus. Europeans first described the King Island emu in 1802, however, when they decided to settle the island to hunt the many local seals, the bird had already died out completely. Several birds had been brought to France in 1804, and the skins of these are the only direct evidence left of the King Island emu. The cause of its extinction remains unknown, but is generally thought to be due to hunting by assiduous sealers.

On Sulawesi, one of the many islands in Indonesia, live midget buffalo, two dwarfed species of water buffalo: the lowland anoa and the mountain anoa. Wild water buffalo are usually 3m long, 2m tall, and weigh in excess of 1,000kg. In contrast, mountain midget buffalo are only 70cm tall, 1m long, and weigh no more than 200kg. The lowland midget buffalo is only slightly larger, standing at 90cm tall. These tiny buffalo are comparable in size to a large domestic dog. They are the smallest of all wild cattle. Unlike other cows, they live alone or in pairs, and live a casual lifestyle of browsing leaves and grasses. They are hunted largely for their pelts, which are valued for their richness and quality. As a result, the midget buffalo is currently endangered, with each species having fewer than 5,000 members left.

3

Virgin Islands Dwarf Gecko

On three of the British Virgin Islands lives the world’s smallest reptile. The Virgin Islands dwarf gecko is minuscule, measuring at only 18mm long and weighing a maximum of 0.15g. They live on rocky mountainsides, and tend to hide under stones in the moist shade. However, due to their small size, they are incredibly hard to find, and there are no estimates of the population size. It could equally have an abundant population or be close to extinction. Dwarf geckos are brown with a distinctive short light stripe behind each eye. Their feet have a special gripping surface that helps them climb vertically when needed. Females are slightly larger than males, and they reproduce during the wettest times of the year. Due to their small size, they lose water almost twice as fast as their larger relatives; this is thought to be why they hide in the cool, damp shade and why they reproduce only when water is plentiful.

2

Cyprus Dwarf Hippopotamus

Hippopotamuses are the second most deadly animal to humans in terms of deaths per year, outdone only by mosquitoes. Their tough, bullet-proof skin dehydrates easily, so they wallow in water during the day and emerge in the dark to graze. Hippos typically weigh 1,500kg, are 1.5m tall, and are 3-5m long. These enormous animals had a much smaller cousin: Hippopotamus minor, the Cyprus dwarf hippo. Dwarf hippos were only 75cm tall and 120cm long, weighing about 200kg. They lived on the island of Cyprus until 11,000 years ago. The smallest hippo surviving today is actually only slightly larger and is known as the pygmy hippopotamus which lives in West Africa. These are endangered due to poachers and local wars, and only 3,000 are left in the wild.

In 2003, strange bones were found in a cave on the island of Flores in Indonesia. These bones seemed to belong to diminutive humans, who were subsequently dubbed ‘hobbits’ after the halflings from Tolkien’s masterpiece. They were only 1m tall and had a brain capacity which was smaller than that of modern chimpanzees. Nevertheless, the cave in which they were found shows the remains of stone tools and fire, and analyses of the craniums have shown that although their brains were small, the regions responsible for intellect were nevertheless the same size as those of modern humans, putting them on par with us intellectually. Hobbit skeletons resemble Homo erectus more than Homo sapiens, leading many scientists to postulate that they evolved from H. erectus and grew smaller in isolation on Flores. They are one of the most recent hominids known, and are thought to have been wiped out in a massive volcanic eruption 12,000 years ago. As with most hominids, there has been a great deal of controversy surrounding their study and classification. Further searches hope to expose more fossils from which we might learn more about these dwarfed people who hold a near-mythological place in our culture.

Top 10 Dario Argento Films

by Astrid Mc Clymont

The films of Argento are commonplace in the annals of the cult horror kingdom due to their gore-splattered violence and B-movie charm. Here is a compilation of the top ten most shocking and entertaining. For those that know Argento’s films this should be a pleasant trip down memory lane. For those that don’t – hopefully it will give you some new material for your Netflix queue.

10

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage

1970 B-movie classic, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage, depicts the tale of an American writer in Rome who lives with his model girlfriend and suffers from severe writer’s block. He plans on returning to the US until he witnesses the brutal attack of a woman by a black gloved, raincoat wearing assailant. For some reason the police take his passport as he bears witness to the supposed serial killer that’s been terrifying the capital. American Dalmas starts to receive bizarre phone calls with the glitchy noise of a bird that is confirmed to be the rare Southern Caucasus i.e. the bird with the crystal plumage. Reported to only be held captive in Rome’s zoo he soon discovers the killer’s predictable residency.

Music teacher Marcus Daly witnesses the gruesome murder of psychic medium Helga Ullman – cue his investigation into finding the killer that leads to the introduction of various colorful characters, such as Ullman’s associate Dr Giordani and reporter Gianna Brezzi with whom Daly embarks on a passionate affair. During Daly’s investigation he misses a vital clue (amongst many). A painting that hung in Ullman’s apartment at the time of her murder has vanished by the time the police arrive. Daly’s negligence leads to one murder after another. During the initial killing, a bizarre, childish rhyme plays out signaling the killer’s calling card. After hearing it in his own apartment he plays it to a psychiatrist who concludes that the song must play an integral part in the psyche of the killer, maybe signifying a traumatic event in their childhood. Being right, this leads to Daly’s eventual capture of the killer.

Inspired by the horror novels of Peter Neal, newsreader Berti goes on a lustful killing spree of beautiful women in Rome. Cue the convoluted story line of Peter Neal’s immediate and coincidental arrival in Rome with his agent and smitten assistant while being incidentally followed by his loathsome ex-wife. Berti is memorably hacked to death by an unknown assailant, however the murders continue. The murderer isn’t revealed until Neal’s ex-wife Jane is sitting in the kitchen when an axe-wielding madman crashes through the window chopping her arm off before hacking her body down into a mince induced death. Neal himself, upon learning of Berti, was jolted into recalling his repressed memory of being sexually humiliated by a girl in his youth which led to him brutally killing her; thus awakening his repressed blood lust which renders him insane which leads him to fake his own death. Eventually, his assistant kills him by accidentally impaling him with a large metal sculpture.

Suzy, an American ballet student arrives in Germany to enroll at a prestigious dance academy. On her first day she makes arrangements to move in with a fellow student off-campus but a peculiar fainting spell sees her being placed in a dormitory against her will. She is told she must be medicated daily with wine. Shortly after, a freak accident occurs where millions of maggots rain from overhead. The terrified students are told it is because of rotten food in the attic. Because of the peculiar happenings the girls are housed in a makeshift dormitory where Suzy hears the distinctive sound of the school’s director even though they’re supposed to be off-campus for several weeks. Perplexed by the strange goings-on, Suzy approaches a psychologist, Dr Mandel who explains that the academy was founded by a Greek immigrant witch. Upon returning to the academy Suzy discovers all the students are at the theater. She is summoned down a secret passage by footsteps where she discovers the old coven is still at large, performing a sacred ritual of utmost deviancy.

A book called the Three Mothers is discovered by poet Rose Eliot. Depicting the tale of three women who rule the world through tears, sorrow and darkness, the book was written by architect Varelli who built houses for the three women in Rome, New York and Freiburg. Suspecting she lives in one the houses, Rose corresponds with her brother in Rome. Using clues in the book she stumbles upon a hole in her cellar and after digging deeper, she discovers a flooded ballroom where a corpse floats to the surface. Two shadowed figures attempt to break into Rose’s apartment but ambush her as she tries to escape, brutally murdering her. Learning his sister is missing, Mark arrives in New York with Countess Elise. Discovering peculiar stains in her apartment he’s overcome and faints. A black robed figure attempts to drag Mark’s body away but notices Elise and stabs her to death. Using clues left by Rose, Mark eventually discovers the secret chamber under the cellar where he is confronted with Varelli and his maniacal nurse. Through a series of bizarre incidents, Varelli and his nurse are killed leaving Mark to escape.

Asia Argento plays detective Anna Manni who is in pursuit of a serial killer in Florence. The Stendhal Syndrome is a condition in which people are bizarrely overcome by great works of art, rendering them in a state of delusion. The serial killer uses the syndrome to distract and confuse Manni in order to kidnap and rape her. She manages to escape, though severely traumatized, and she is led into having an epiphany moment giving her a more optimistic outlook on life.

4

Four Flies on Grey Velvet

Rock drummer Roberto Tobias is being stalked by an unknown assailant. Deciding to discover his identity, he pursues him only to be led to an abandoned theater. Confronting his stalker, a struggle breaks out and a switchblade is thrust at Tobias. A fight breaks out leading to the unknown stalker being stabbed to death in the orchestra pit. Meanwhile in the upper wings of the theater, a man is hiding out in a puppet mask, keeping watch on the fisticuffs that has broken out. The next day Tobias receives the murdered man’s ID in the post. Realizing the unknown witness has no intention of alerting the police the only reasonable explanation is that he’s trying to drive Tobias mad with fear and paranoia, but why?

Anorexic Aura (Asia Argento) escapes from a psychiatric hospital, then meets David who kindly lets her live with him in order not to return to the hospital. Sadly, their union doesn’t last and Aura is taken back. Shortly after, bizarre murders of the hospital staff start taking place on rainy afternoons. The killer beheading the victims with a homemade garrote. When the murdered bodies of Aura’s parents are discovered David and Aura team up to discover the identity of the killer.

In 1983 Detective Moretti is investigating a series of killings in Turin known as the Dwarf Murders. The main suspect, a novelist Vincenzo de Fabritiis dies and the case is considered closed. That is until 17 years later when an identical string of murders start to take place and Moretti is drawn back in. Moretti teams up with Giacomo whose mother was murdered in the original killings. The murders continue, bringing the duo to the tragic realization that the killer is summoning their own death.

Young, naïve opera singer Betty suddenly finds herself in the lead role of Verdi’s Macbeth after the previous singer was in a car accident. During her first performance a murder takes place and soon after everyone connected to Betty meets an unfortunate demise. At the same time Betty acquires a stalker as many more bizarre murders occur. Meanwhile the young singer starts to have terrifying dreams in which her mother is confronted by a masked assailant. During her final performance the killer is revealed in a stunning and grotesque climax.

Top 10 Serial Killer Quotes

by Astrid Mc Clymont

Serial killers have fascinated and disgusted us for generations, their behavior an insane cesspit of deviant acts that we can’t get enough of – whether it be films like Silence of the Lambs or in the news as they dominate the headlines, making us double-check our windows and doors. Here lies a compilation of the most bizarre statements to have passed through the lips of these monstrous beings.

Quote – “May your wife and children get raped, right in the ass.” (To the jurors who convicted her.)

Aileen Wuornos entered the world on February 29th 1956 only to be forced into the most turbulent childhood, being forced into acts of incest from an early age. Barely leaving infancy she could be found trading sexual favors for cigarettes and when she was 14 faced the horrendous predicament of being pregnant – with the potential fathers being her brother and her grandfather. Shunned by her family she left home to reside in the nearby woods. She later went on to hitchhike across America working as a prostitute. She was sentenced to death after being convicted of killing seven men. She claimed self defense, stating these men had raped her.

Quote – “I like children they are tasty.”

Born May 19th 1870 Albert fish was a cannibal and child rapist who boasted to have consumed children in every state. He was also known as The Brooklyn Vampire, the Werewolf of Wysteria and the Moon Maniac. His family had an intense history of mental illness and religious mania and Fish was no exception to the family tradition. From an early age, his pastimes included the consumption of urine and feces, frequenting public baths to watch young boys undress, and writing obscene letters to women he found in the classified ads. While in prison he enjoyed forcing needles into his groin and urinary tract. He was sentenced to death for the kidnap and murder of Grace Budd, deeming the electric chair the greatest sexual thrill imaginable. During his execution the electric chair short circuited due the amount of needles in his body.

Quote – “She was giving me oral sex, and she got carried away . . . So I choked her.”

Born June 6th 1945 Arthur Shawcross was imprisoned for the manslaughter of two children only to kill eleven more times after his release. Recorded as having an extremely low IQ, somewhere around 86 and 92, he served in the war in Vietnam where he witnessed various atrocities. He was also known as the Genesee Killer where he murdered eleven prostitutes, although the number could be significantly higher. He died at the age of 63 in 2008. There is a youtube clip on Shawcross you can watch here.

Quote – “I actually think I may be possessed with demons, I was dropped on my head as a kid.”

Born March 9th 1945 Dennis Lynn Rader killed 10 people is Sedgwick County between 1974 and 1991. The initials BTK became his moniker as he declared in various letters to the local newspapers that they stood for Bind, Torture, Kill. After serving in the Air Force, Rader became a dogcatcher and supervisor for the Compliance Department. He remained at large for so long as his MO differed from victim to victim preventing any links or patterns. He was eventually caught after a familial link was established between semen found at one of the crime scenes and a tissue sample taken from his daughter.

Quote – “I sat down to think things over a bit. While I was sitting there, a little kid about eleven or twelve years-old came bumming around. He was looking for something. He found it too. I took him out to a gravel pit about one quarter miles away. I left him there, but first committed sodomy on him and then killed him. His brains were coming out of his ears when I left him, and he will never be any deader.”

Born June 28th 1891 Panzram was a convicted serial killer, arsonist, thief, burglar and rapist. Panzram confessed to his best friend and prison guard Henry Lesser to 22 murders and of sodomizing over 1000 young males. Of Prussian heritage, young Panzram was raised on a farm in Minnesota then was incarcerated several times for petty crimes. His killing spree began in 1920 when he started to lure young sailors from bars to rape and shoot them.

Quote – “The demons wanted my penis.”

Also known as the Son of Sam and the .44 Killer, Berkowitz terrorized New York in the summer of 1976 by shooting 8 people, claiming he was ordered to kill by a demon that possessed his neighbor’s dog. He later went on to claim he only took part in two of the shootings as the others took place at the hands of various members of a Satanic cult he belonged to. However, no other people were convicted of these crimes.

Quote – “Even when she was dead, she was still bitching at me. I couldn’t get her to shut up!”

Also known as the Co-Ed Killer, Kemper weighing in at 300 lbs and standing 6 ft 9 inches tall, was a convicted serial killer and necrophiliac. His career in killing started at 15 when he killed his grandparents. He was institutionalized in a psychiatric Hospital where he displayed severe sociopathic tendencies. Upon his release he killed and dismembered six female hitchhikers then his mother and her friend before turning himself in two days later.

Quote – “If the blue meanies are going to get me they’d better get off their asses and do something.”

The Zodiac Killer operated in California during the late-’60s and ’70s, shooting young couples, the Zodiac Killer became one of the most renowned serial killers of all time due to his taunting, encrypted letters to the press and the fact that he has never been caught. He has been confirmed with seven shootings and five deaths although he boasts 37 killings in his letters. The killer was named the Zodiac by the press as his letters were signed with the hunting symbol of the crosshairs. Numerous attempts by police and amateur investigators have taken place to discover the identity of the killer but the case has remained open since 1969.

Quote – “Sometimes I feel like a vampire.”

Serial killer, rapist, kidnapper and necrophiliac, Theodore Robert Bundy confessed to 30 homicides across seven states during the early-’70s. Due to his handsome looks and charismatic behavior, the clinical psychopath found it easy to lure young women to his car. He often would have a fake plaster cast around his arm and would ask for the assistance of a young girl in helping him carry something to his car. Once there he would trap them inside his VW Beetle which he’s modified by taking out the inside handles rendering the girls’ escape futile. Blondie singer Debbie Harry had a fortunate escape from the killer unlike many of his victims who all resembled his former girlfriend, attractive, petite with mid-length brown hair in a center parting.

Quote – “The only thing they can get me for is running a funeral parlor without a license.”

Executed in 1994, Gacy was convicted of 33 murders and sentenced to death for 12. Gacy lured teenage boys to his home before brutally murdering and raping them. He buried 26 of his victims in the crawl space of his basement, another three he disposed of in a nearby river and the rest were buried in various parts of his property. Also known as the Killer Clown, the name came about because of his charitable fund-raising events where he performed as Pogo the Clown.

10 Hottest Female Vampires in Hollywood

10 Hottest Female Vampires in Hollywood

There are so many films in Hollywood that have been made specifically on the topic of Vampires! People have normally been afraid of vampires or perhaps this is the kind of image that was always portrayed, that vampires are creatures of the dark with nasty blood sucking souls. Then there were film series like Underworld and Twilight that somehow altered the way people look at vampires. Maybe it is because they were thrown against werewolves and thus looked less vicious and dangerous in comparison! This however, is a general point of view. What I am going to present to you in this article, is a list of female vampires from various movies, who were so hot that they didn’t even need to lure their prey in the trap if they had too! I am sure a lot of you might not agree to the particular ordering I have in this list would certainly be a pleasurable need!

10. HOLLY VALANCE

Yes you guessed right. She certainly is the same lady who appeared in the hit season “Prison Break” as the so called wife to the lead character Micheal Scofield. She was a delight to look at and when one imagines her portaying the role of a vampire, the image that pops up in the mind is too hard to resist. The movie in question is Moonlight where she plays LOLA the vampire, often doning her birthday suit to lure her kill!

9. SALMA HAYEK

I think it would safe to mention the hotest first so that later we are left with the obvious choices and there is no apparent shock! She appeared as a vampire in the movie ” From Duck Till Dawn” where she was perhaps the first and only strip teasing vampire in the history of Hollywood. And true guess people, the husky voice, oozed charm as a vampire as well!

8. ANNE PARILLAUD

The lovely littel girl who stars as the lead vampire in the movie Innocent Blood. Most of the guys out there are awed by sultry seductress petite dames, but this one tops them all! She lures her prey into bed with an awesomely amazing foreplay for a night of pure bloody fun! IF hot and seducive vampire ladies are your thing, then Innocent Anne is a must watch for you.

7. KATE BECKINSALE

I do not think that there is any thing that can define why Kate Beckinsale has such a huge fan following. In the entire Underworld series, and even in the lastest installment, she simply rocks the character. I do not think any vampire in the history of cinema as portrayed such a glamorous vampire!

6. OLGA KURYLENKO

I think it is about time we a bit of a Ukranian touch to the over all article eh? This pretty lass appeared as a vampire in a french movie called Paris HA T’aime. Ukrain is known to produce (no pun intended) beautiful women and thus we have Olga! Considering the fact that she was born into a lower middle class family, she turned out to be pretty hot. She played the role of a vampire as gorgeoulsy as possible and thus deserved a spot on this list!

5. LEONOR VARELA

Now she is one of those ladies that appeared in the movie BLADE and if you really are a true admirer or follower of vampire movies, I am pretty sure you must have seen these. The Blade series is a whole bunch of confusion if you miss some of the parts and since she appears in the second part, Blade 2, you won’t really get it if you haven’t watched the first two! But once seen, I am sure you will think it was totally worth it!

4. SOPHIA MYLES

I thought, before the UNDERWORLD skips right under my nose, I might as well mention another beautiful lady from the same series. Sophia plaed Erika in The Underworld series and we must admit, she was quite a provocative vampire. I am sure most of prey wouldn’t have had an issue being bitten by her! The fangs added the X-factor to her over-all appealing personality!

3. MONICA BELLUCCI

This pretty woman has been seen by many on the covers of many a famous magazines. Brilliantly beautiful eyes, sensual looks, a deadly appeal, when got in a combination with vampirish traits, took the life of many (metaphorically speaking ofcourse). She plays Dracula’s wife and man is she a sight to behold!

2. KRISTEN STEWART

Ordinary, if the current circumstances did not previal, I would have placed her at number one on this list, but judging by the recent discoveries of faithlessness, my trust has been tarnished! Apart from all of the sentiments presented above, I have to admit that her character as a vampire (which is yet to be scene on film though) was truly aw-inspiring. She made me fall in love with vampires more than Kate from underworld, which was more of a power packed vampire image rather than that of a love stricken, emotional, romantic one like Breaking Dawn.

1. MILA JOVOVICH

Coming now to the star of todays list is Mila Jovovich. She plays Violet, the vampire, in Ultra Violet and man does she steel the show or what. For the entire movie, she is mostly dressed up in a white ensemble and it trule took the elegance of the vampires to a whole new level! Beautifully played by Mila, the gorgeous actoress was the perfect choice for the role! She has previously played important lead roles in the Resident Evil series and she has this impressive aura of strength about her that makes one want to respect her and love her! The perfect combination of beauty, brains, and fangs, she tops the list for this compilation as I simply found no match to her!

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Top 10 Highlights in Paralympics 2012 Opening

   

Another exciting beginning took place during the Paralympic 2012 Opening which became hype and a very enlightening night for all who have witnessed its grandest event. It was the night for all disabled athletes, artists, and other performers to give assurance and hope that despite of the very challenging situations that they have experienced, and are still experiencing, they can make a difference not just to those people who are complete physically, but they can give a better perspective to all who have not yet realized their value and worth not just to the society, but to their nations. Every four years along with the regular Olympics for able-bodied athletes, they are shining and would continue to give light to those who feel that life is not worth living because of their physical condition. Hence, as this even continues to move, everyone will witness another miracle and spectacle from the bravest, noblest, and inspired Paralympic athletes, as they wave their flags up not just for their countries, but for themselves, that they can make an inspiring story that will be the highlight of the event. Last August 29, 2012, marked the Paralympics 2012 Opening, and here are the top highlights of what became remarkable, unforgettable, and mind-boggling that night.

10. Standing Ovation for David Bowie’s Song “Heroes”

This was one of the most high-spirited and tear-eyed moments while Great Britain Team was entering the stadium, David Bowie’s song Heroes was played and it has received a big applause not just from the spectators, but especially to the hosting country. It was more of a booster that each player of Great Britain are heroes including those Paralympic Athletes who are currently playing and participating for the pride of their country, and their honor to show their undying abilities beyond their physical limitation.

9. The Presence of Prince William and Kate Middleton

Aside from the cheerleading teams, and other supporters of each team in this year’s Paralympic events, there are two important people who are part of the royal lineage wherein their presence boosted the Great Britain team. The Duke and Duchess from Cambridge along with Prince Harry gave their respect and support not just to their team who would represent their country, but to boost as well the public’s interest about the sacrifices, and hardships that the Paralympic athletes underwent just to be part of this once every 4 years event.

8. The Carrying of the Union Jack Flag

The Armed Forces members led the carrying of the Union Jack Flag while the opening ceremony began. Moreover, Peter Norfolk carried with dignity and pride their flag as he represents the country in the wheelchair tennis field wherein he is a known two-time champion already. Everyone who was able to witness this portion had felt the spirit of patriotism in seeing their flag witness and stands among all other flags since they were chosen as the hosting country for Paralympics 2012.

7. The Moon

One of the greatest and legendary astrophysicists, of this new era and generation has led the Paralympic Opening wherein it began with a big bang through Professor Stephen Hawking. The choreography shows an exploration in an evening setting wherein audience or spectators could visualize the feeling of looking up at the stars. In fact, the professor’s voice boomed out while beginning the story of the opening presentation. It was part of the welcoming greeting of the professor to all nations especially the Paralympic athletes who have their best effort of preparation to come, compete, and give victory to their countries.

6. The Athletes Parade

Of course, the most exciting and anticipated part of all are to see the Paralympic athletes who would represent their countries. They were grouped according to their countries, and they were wearing their uniforms or costumes. There was a great applause while each team comes in showing their pride and colors. It was really a different sight compared to the regular Olympics. You would see the positive and happy faces of these remarkable, elite, and special athletes. They become able as they wave their country’s flag, signifying that they are going to win, and will do their very best to make it to the end.

5. Tribute to Newton

London has great respect when it comes to the contribution to Sir Isaac Newton through an apple bite, and other biggest apples floating on air. Everyone is aware that he was the one who discovered and explained the Law of Gravity. They have a high regard on Science and Technology, as to its influence, role, and the benefits that it gives to the old and new generation. It’s more of a history, and its effect to the generations to come. This is the role of an Apple and especially the theory that Isaac Newton has explained in most of the studies that he had done. It’s more of scientific achievement in the midst of the spectacle that Paralympics 2012 brings to the citizens of London.

4. The Remake of 43 feet-tall Disabled Portrait of Alison Lapper

This is the best symbol and reminder to all disabled people in the world through the popular portrait of Alison Lapper which was one of the creations of Marc Quinn. It stands 43 feet wherein it showcases Alison Lapper’s pregnancy that actually took the center stage of the Stadium. In fact, it serves as an Icon of the London Paralympics 2012. This gigantic reproduction of Alison Lapper who was a known poster girl for several Paralympics in the history was born and raised with short legs, and without arms. Nonetheless, she was positive, and she became famous through her paintings and she does it with a brush that she places in her mouth. In fact, she received an MBE award for the things that she had done. Her replicate portrait becomes a symbol of Paralympics 2012.

3. A Pile of Giant Books

This was one of the stunning presentations held that evening of the opening ceremony of the Paralympics 2012. In fact, aside from the pile of giant books, you would also see the big book formed in a globe which all contained information about science. London is known for its great respect on education especially when it comes to scientific promotion when it comes to the development and other major changes brought about by the ingenious minds of the past, and the contemporary ones.

2. Suspended Umbrellas (Mid-Air)

Aside from the parade of umbrellas from the performers that were really fun, and exciting to behold, what really made most of the spectators heartbeats run faster was the suspended umbrellas performance on Mid-air. It was actually one of the ideas of the astrophysicist who conceptualized the whole idea wherein it was included on the performance on the giant flaming globe while performers continually waving their umbrellas on the right side.

1. Fireworks

Everyone was electrified, and felt the power that Paralympics 2012 brings not just to the Paralympic athletes, but across the globe who have watched the opening especially when fireworks ceremony made a transformation on the sky. It became part of the introduction, and ended it with another firework on a zigzag formation which was seen on the sky. Indeed the theme’s enlightenment perfectly complimented the grandiose opening ever heralded and seen in the history of Paralympics. It has perfectly suited the goal of the organizers of the Paralympics 2012 which is to give power to its participants, and leave a boost and ooze of confidence to all Paralympic athletes. It has achieved its goal through the planned details of what fireworks can give to the audience, spectators, and all people across the globe who are supporting this special event once every four years. It’s a night to be remembered, because it has touched every heart of those people who became a witness of the grand opening ceremony.

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