Tantalum is a chemical element with the symbol Ta and atomic number 73. Previously known as tantalum, it is named after Tantalus, a villain from Greek mythology. Tantalum is a rare, hard, blue-gray, lustrous transition metal that is highly corrosion-resistant. melting temperature is 3,017°C / 5462°F.
9.Osmium
Osmium is a chemical element with the symbol Os and atomic number 76. It is a hard, brittle, bluish-white transition metal in the platinum group that is found as a trace element in alloys, mostly in platinum ores. melting temperature is 3000°C / 5,400°F
8.Zirconium
Zirconium is a silver-gray transition metal, a type of element that is malleable and ductile and easily forms stable compounds. It is also highly resistant to corrosion. Zirconium and its alloys have been used for centuries in a wide variety of ways. It is commonly used in corrosive environments. melting temperature is 1850°C / 3.362°F.
7.Lutetium
Lutetium is a chemical element with the symbol Lu and atomic number 71. It is a silvery white metal, which resists corrosion in dry air, but not in moist air. Lutetium is the last element in the lanthanide series, and it is traditionally counted among the rare earths. melting temperature is 1663 °C / 3025°F.
6.Vanadium
Vanadium is a chemical element with the symbol V and atomic number 23. It is a hard, silvery-grey, malleable transition metal. The elemental metal is rarely found in nature, but once isolated artificially, the formation of an oxide layer somewhat stabilizes the free metal against further oxidation. melting temperature is 1910°C / 3470°F.
5.iron
Iron is a chemical element and a metal. It is the second most common metal on Earth, and the most widely-used metal. It makes up much of the Earth’s core, and is the fourth most common element in the Earth’s crust.
The metal is used a lot because it is strong and cheap. Iron is the main ingredient used to make steel. Raw iron is magnetic (attracted to magnets), and its compound magnetite is permanently magnetic.
In some regions iron has been used around 1200 BCE. That event is considered the transition from bronze age to iron age.
melting temperature is 1536°C / 2800°F.
4.titanium
Titanium metal is a very durable metal for engineering applications because this metal is corrosion-resistant and also this metal is very strong and very light. It is 40% lighter than steel but as strong as high-strength steel. So titanium finds applications in things like aerospace. melting temperature is 1668°C / 3032°F.
3.Chromium
Chromium is a lustrous, brittle, hard metal. Its colour is silver-gray and it can be highly polished. It does not tarnish in air, when heated it borns and forms the green chromic oxide. Chromium is unstable in oxygen, it immediately produces a thin oxide layer that is impermeable to oxygen and protects the metal below. melting temperature is 1907°C / 3465°F.
2.steel
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon containing less than 2% carbon and 1% manganese and small amounts of silicon, phosphorus, sulphur and oxygen. Steel is the world’s most important engineering and construction material. It is used in every aspect of our lives; in cars and construction products, refrigerators and washing machines, cargo ships and surgical scalpels. temperature over 1371°C / 2500°F has the highest tensile strength.
1.tungsten
Tungsten is a greyish-white lustrous metal, which is a solid at room temperature. Tungsten has the highest melting point and lowest vapor pressure of all metals, and at temperatures over 1650°C has the highest tensile strength. It has excellent corrosion resistance and is attacked only slightly by most mineral acids
10 biggest smartphone companies of the worldThe global smartphone market has a new king — Apple. The US-based iPhone-maker has made a comeback at the top spot after 5 years, beating Samsung. The South Korean giant has been pushed to No. 2 spot in global rankings. Wonder who are the other key players in the world’s smartphone market?
Read on to find out world’s 10 biggest smartphone companies.
apple
AppleThe Cupertion giant beat Samsung to reclaim the top spot after five years. Apple made a comeback to the top spot, thanks largely to the success of the new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. Despite a strong fourth quarter, 2016 marked the first full year of declining shipments for the iPhone with a 7% year-over-year drop. Apple shipped a record 78.3 million units in the fourth quarter, up 4.7% from the same quarter one year ago.
Although the iPhone 7 did not feature a drastically different industrial design from its predecessor, it did bring yet another significantly improved processor, more robust camera, water resistance, and new color/finish options.
Samsung
Samsung dropped to second in the worldwide smartphone market with shipments declining 5.2% compared to last year. The Korean giant shipped 77.5 million units in fourth quarter of 2016, down from the 81.7 million units shipped last holiday quarter. On the year, Samsung shipped 311.4 million smartphones worldwide, which was down 3% from the 320.9 million shipments in 2015. Despite the Note 7 debacle and growing pressure from Chinese vendors, Samsung still managed to find success with its S7 and popular J-series of devices in numerous markets.
The challenging holiday quarter, however, did bring its worldwide market share below 20% for the first time in over four years, leaving no better time for the pending arrival of its next flagship product, the Galaxy S8
Huawei
The Chinese smartphone brand retained the number three position while gaining worldwide market share. For the first-time ever in Q2-2016, the company captured double-digit share with 10.6% of the total shipment volume. Huawei shipped 45.4 million units in the quarter, up 38.6% from the 32.7 million shipped in the fourth quarter of 2015.
For the year, Huawei shipped 139.3 million units, up 30.2% from the 107 million units shipped in 2015. The P series and Honor sub-brand drove essential volume in China as well as other countries in Asia and beyond. With proven success in China and many European countries, Huawei now has its sights set on the US.
Vivo
vivo remained the number five vendor with 24.7 million smartphones shipped in the holiday quarter, which was up from the 12.1 million shipped last holiday season. Over the year, vivo shipped a total of 77.3 million smartphones, up 103% from the 38 million last year. The majority of the shipments continue to be in China, however, and much like OPPO, vivo has been extremely aggressive with its marketing in a number of countries in Asia as it looks to extend its global reach.
Vivo too saw a growth of 103% in smartphone shipment numbers as compared to the same quarter last year.
Oppo
Oppo continued its push to reach the top of the market with its fourth straight quarter of greater than 100% year-over-year growth. Oppo shipped 31.2 million smartphones in the holiday quarter, which was up 117% from the 14.4 million smartphones shipped in Q4-2015. The focus for Oppo over the past year has been international expansion outside China and so far it has been successful at this.
Beyond China, Southeast Asia and India have been the focal points for Oppo’s growth in 2016 supported by intense marketing campaigns and new product launches. The company also began ramping up its presence in the Middle East.
OnePlus
Shenzhen-headquartered smartphone brand OnePlus is another prominent player in the market. The company known for its mid-range smartphones, which it calls ‘flagship killers’, recently opened its experience center in Bengaluru.
In November 2016, it launched successor to its OnePlus 3 smartphone, OnePlus 3T priced at Rs 29,999 onwards.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi made a comeback in the Indian smartphone market in the year 2016. The company’s flagship smartphones Mi 5 along with ‘value-for-money budget’ offering Redmi Note 3 did managed good sales numbers in India.
Lenovo
Chinese smartphone maker Lenovo though lost its position in the top 5 globally, the company continues to do well in the Indian market. The company recently launched world’s first Google Tango-based smartphone, Lenovo Phab 2 Pro, in India. Lenovo’s subsidiary Motorola too saw a good growth in India and other
LG
LG took everyone by surprise this year by launching an all-modular flagship smartphone, the LG G5. The handset, however, failed to bring desired results for the company.
From a ghostly castle in France to a paranormal pub in Britain, these ‘possessed’ destinations are guaranteed to spook even the most sceptical of travellers…null
1. Château de Brissac, Maine-et-Loire, France
The Castle of Brissac, a renaissance castle rebuilt in the 15th century by one of the ministers to King Charles VII (Shutterstock)
The site: Dubbed as the ‘Giant of the Loire Valley’ this is the highest castle in France boasting seven floors, 204 rooms, numerous portrait galleries, and a private opera house which seats 200 people. It was a fortress built by the Counts of Anjou in the 11th Century and King Louis XIII dropped by in 1620.
The ghosts: The most active is La Dame Verte, (Green Lady), who was apparently the illegitimate child of King Charles VII and was later murdered by her husband in the château in the 15th century after he caught her having an affair. She is often seen in the tower room of the chapel, wearing her green dress, with gaping holes where her eyes and nose should be. When not startling guests by her appearance she can be heard moaning around the castle.
Current situation: The château is a popular hotel that hosts special events such as a Christmas market and tastings of the well-regarded wines, produced from its own vineyards. Guests who are brave enough to stay overnight enjoy rooms lavishly decorated with period furniture.
2. Monte Cristo Homestead, New South Wales, Australia
The site: A late Victorian mansion, with intricate cast iron lattice work, built by wealthy landowner Christopher William Crawley in 1876. Reputedly Australia’s most haunted house.
The ghosts: Take your pick. There’s the young child who was dropped down the stairs, the maid who fell from the balcony or the stable boy who burned to death. The most active, however, is the ghost of the son of the caretaker who was found curled up next to the dead body of his mother and chained up for 40 years.
Current situation: The house currently operates as a B&B, offering dinner followed by a ghost tour where you can learn all about its gruesome past. Those who dare can spend the night in the haunted homestead.
3. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
Tourists visiting the ruined fortress in the ancient city of Bhangarh. This palace is said to be cursed and entry during night is prohibited (Dreamstime)
The site: The ruins of a fort city built in the 17th century, Bhangarh Fort consists of fort walls, bazars, havelis, royal palaces, and numerous temples, with three grand storeys you can explore. But do not be fooled by the beauty of these ruins as they are ranked as the most haunted fort in India.
The ghosts: A wizard called Singhia and a princess called Ratnavati who spurned his advances. Legend has it that the enchanted oil he hoped would make her love him turned into a boulder when she threw it away – and it crushed him. But not before he cursed the palace, condemning the inhabitants to death, without any hope of rebirth. Another story suggests a local ascetic cursed the fort because its shadow overpowered his property. And apparently, if anyone attempts to build a roof for the fort, it will collapse.
Current situation: Bhangarh Fort is now an archaeological site, known as the ‘House of Ghosts’. It is possible to hire a guide who can show you around the site and give you the details of its eerie past. Be sure to visit in daylight as the fort is closed between sunset and sunrise, with locals convinced that anyone who spends the night amongst the ruins will never be seen again.
4. Myrtles Plantation, USA
Myrtle’s Plantation has been called ‘one of the most terrifying places in America’ (Shutterstock)
The Site: Situated in the small town of St. Francisville, north-west of New Orleans is the mansion of Myrtles Plantation, boarded by a 125-foot veranda. The stained-glass front door leads into a grand foyer displaying a huge French crystal chandelier.
The ghosts: With 10 people being murdered in the mansion itself, it’s no surprise there have been so many reported ghost sightings, the most famous of which is Chloe, who had her ear cut off by her lover. She wears a green turban, peering intently at visitors while they’re in bed and has even appeared in a photograph. A more recent photo also shows another young girl, known as ‘Ghost Girl’ peering through the window of the house. More eerie sightings include a child bouncing on the beds, a soldier, a voodoo priestess and the ghost of a previous owner who was shot in the chest has been heard staggering up the stairs where he died.
Current situation: Despite being known as the most haunted house in America, the plantation is now a pretty Bed and breakfast offering 12 accommodations. Ghost tours are run from the site and you can choose between daily tours or the spookier and more popular evening tours. And soon a new restaurant on site will bring fresh, local food to visitors.
5. Dragsholm Slot, Denmark
Dragsholm Slot is a haunted hotel in Denmark (Shutterstock)
The site: Dragsholm Slot, or Dragsholm Castle, was originally built in 1215, making it one of the oldest castles in Denmark and reportedly the most haunted castle in all of Europe. In the 16th and 17th century parts of it were used to house prisoners of noble or ecclesiastical rank, and in 1694 it was rebuilt in a Baroque style.
The ghosts: The castle is thought to be home to at least 100 ghosts including the Earl of Bothwell, the husband of Mary Queen of Scotts who died as a prisoner in the castle. You may also see the White Lady wandering the halls, who’s skeleton was found encased in a wall by builders in 1930.
Current situation: The castle has been transformed into a luxurious hotel with lavish rooms and a Michelin-rated restaurant serving locally sourced food. The hotel offers their own guided tour explaining the history of the building but for a truly terrifying experience, book a ghost tour including a two-night stay, a tour highlighting the spooky occupants and dinner at the gourmet restaurant.
6. Ancient Ram Inn, Gloucestershire, England
The site: Built in 1145, the inn was used by priests who kept slaves and workers in there to help build the St. Mary’s Church. Located in Wotton-under-edge, it is situated on two ley lines, places believed to have spiritual energy from Stonehenge. It has also been reported that it was the scene of a child sacrifice and devil worshipping.
The ghosts: It is widely believed that the redirecting of water on the Ancient Ram property caused a portal for dark energy to open up, meaning many ghosts haunt the inn. The ‘Witch’s Room’ is said to be haunted by a woman burnt at the stake in the 1500s as she was accused of being a witch. A high priestess has been spotted sitting on a bed, a centurion on horseback has been seen walking through the walls, the agonising screams of a girl heard, a monk in the most haunted room and even a succubus is said to slip into the beds of visitors.
Current situation: Despite being well known as one of the most haunted places in the world, featuring on TV programs such as ‘Most Haunted’ and ‘Ghost Adventures’, the inn has changed hands several times in the recent past, making the owners difficult to track down. However, many paranormal events are hosted at the inn.
7. Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, South Africa
An overview of the De Kat Balcony within the Castle of Good Hope which is South Africa’s oldest structure (Dreamstime)
The site: Built in the 17th century by the Dutch East India Company, the Castle of Good Hope is South Africa’s oldest building.
The ghosts: The first ghost was spotted in 1915 when the apparition of a tall gentleman was seen jumping off the side of one of the castle walls, and then walking between the bastions Leerdam and Oranje. Another famous ghost, the Lady in Grey, was often seen running through the castle holding her face and crying hysterically, but has not been seen since a woman’s body was found during excavations.
Other unexplained events include the bell in the bell tower ringing of its own accord and the ghost of a black dog that pounces on unsuspecting visitors, then simply vanishes into thin air.
Current situation: Arguably one of the world’s best preserved 17th century buildings, the castle is now a popular tourist attraction with three prestigious museums, a memorial to Krotoa the leader of the Khoi nation and an opportunity to learn more of the hidden history surrounding the castle on a guided tour. You can also eat in the restaurant in the front courtyard and watch the Key Ceremony and cannon firing.
8. Hell Fire Club, Montpelier Hill, Ireland
The site: The Hell Fire Club was a hunting lodge, built in 1925 for William Connolly, an Irish parliamentary speaker. The stones of the buildings are from ancient passage tombs, said to have angered the Devil, which first associated the site with the supernatural.
The lodge reportedly became a gathering place for a small group of Dublin elites who met for debauchery and devil worship. Its ruins sit atop the summit of Montpelier Hill in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains.
The ghosts: Tales of animal sacrifice, black masses, cloven-hoofed men and murder are linked to the structure. The most popular tale tells of a visit by a satanic creature, in the form of a man, who was only discovered when one of the players dropped a card and on picking it up, noticed the guest had cloven feet.
On his discovery, the creature disappeared in a ball of flames. There are stories about a big black cat, the size of a dog who took on a priest and haunts the lodge. The most regular ghostly visitor is a young lady, believed to have been placed in a barrel, set on fire and rolled down the hill for fun.
Current situation: The Hell fire club is a popular stopping point on a walking trail through the Dublin Hills. Ghost tours of the site are also available, with extra tours running for the week of Halloween.
9. Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada
The Site: Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, The Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta Canada, is one of Canada’s great railway hotels and reportedly one of the most haunted buildings in the country.
The ghosts: There’s a bride who fell down the staircase breaking her neck after panicking when her dress caught fire. She is often seen in the ballroom dancing, with the flames coming from the back of her dress. A family were murdered in room 873. The door to this room has since been bricked up, but the family can still be seen in the hallway outside the room.
And former bellman, Sam Macauley who served at the hotel during the ’60s and ’70s still likes helping guests up to their rooms, dressed in his ’60s uniform. If you try to tip him or make conversation, he disappears.
Current situation: Now part of the Fairmont chain of luxury hotels, the Banff Springs, also known as ‘The Castle in the Rockies’ still remains a landmark in the town of Banff, Alberta and remains a popular year-round resort.
10. Poveglia Island, Italy
The site: In the Venice Lagoon between Venice and Lido, this small island was a place where mainlanders fled to seek refuge from invaders. In the 14th century Venetians infected by the Bubonic plague were sent here to die – and, when they died, they were burned on giant pyres. The site was also used as a mental asylum during the 1800s where patients were experimented on and tortured.
The ghosts: Ask a local and they will tell you the island is full of ghosts and cursed with unhealthy spirits. Voices and screams are often heard, and visitors have reported seeing dark, fleeting shadows. Many visitors say they begin to feel an oppressive evil feeling as soon as they step on the island.
Current situation: Despite nearly being auctioned off to an entrepreneur, the island remains totally abandoned and off bounds to most visitors. Even if you were allowed to go to the island, you’d be hard to find someone willing to take you as many locals won’t step foot on Poveglia for fear of being cursed and fisherman refuse to fish in the area, worried they’ll drag up human remains.
All guns are dangerous. But there are certain firearms that simply tower over the rest of the field in the danger department. Here are the top 10 most dangerous guns in the world, which range (no pun intended) from assault rifles to handguns.
10. FN FAL
Created by Fabrique Nationale d’Herstal, a Belgian firearms manufacturer, the Fusil Automatique Léger (FAL) battle rifle is one of the most dependable guns used by the military. Militaries in over 90 countries have used the FAL, a testament to its top quality.
The FAL uses a gas-operated action and is chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges. It can fire 700 rounds per minute when in fully automatic. However, it’s not recommended to use the FAL in that mode as the recoil is simply too strong. Firing the FAL in fully automatic can quickly cause it to be off-target, lessening its effectiveness. With over 2 million units produced since 1953, the FAL is one of the most widely used guns in history.
9. Rheinmetall MG 3
The MG 3 is a general-purpose machine gun manufactured by Rheinmetall, a German military arms manufacturer which also doubles as an automotive parts supplier. It is a recoil-operated fully automatic gun which uses 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges.
Best used as a support gun from behind the pack, the MG 3 can function in both light machine gun and heavy machine gun roles. It can be outfitted with a bipod or a tripod for stationary use. It can also be mounted on military vehicles. The MG 3 is belt-fed and can fire up to 1,300 rounds per minute. It’s one of the best and most dangerous squad support weapons used by militaries around the world.
8. Uzi
The Uzi is a submachine gun designed by Major Uziel Gal of the Israel Defense Forces. It is a blowback-operated firearm first introduced to the IDF in 1954. It was originally outfitted with a wooden buttstock for stability before manufacturers modernized the design.
Packed with both firepower and accuracy, the Uzi is mainly used as a personal defense weapon by military personnel working away from the frontline. The gun’s small size allows it to be carried around by non-combat personnel – such as drivers and engineers – without getting in the way of their primary jobs. Capable of firing 600 rounds per minute, the Uzi is a popular choice among criminals because of its portability.
7. Glock .45 GAP
The Glock pistol is a semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Austrian weapons manufacturer Glock. Founded by Gaston Glock, the company has been in the arms industry since 1963. The Glock pistol is one of the most dangerous because it’s easy to hide and carry around. Over 5 million units of the polymer-framed pistol have been produced as of 2007.
The Glock pistol is a short recoil-operated firearm and comes in different versions. It can be chambered for various cartridges, including a .45 GAP which is specifically manufactured for Glock pistols. GAP actually stands for “Glock Automatic Pistol.” The .45 GAP is used for the Glock 37, Glock 38, and Glock 39 models. Glock pistols are often outfitted with laser sights by special forces in the military.
6. M4 Carbine
The M4 Carbine is a staple in the United States Army. It’s the shorter version of the popular M16 Rifle which, in turn, is a military adaptation of the ArmaLite AR-15 Rifle. The M4 Carbine has the same firepower as traditional assault rifles. Its firepower and portability make it an extremely effective and dangerous gun.
First produced in 1993, the M4 Carbine is a gas-operated firearm capable of firing up to 950 rounds per minute. It has an effective range of 500 meters, one reason why it’s a go-to weapon for frontline infantry in the United States Army. It is chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges and typically comes with a 30-round magazine.
5. Desert Eagle Mark XIX Pistol
Counter-Strike players are intimately familiar with the power of a Desert Eagle pistol. It can easily kill a person with just one shot, making it one of the deadliest guns in the world. First produced by Magnum Research Inc. in 1982, the Desert Eagle is a semi-automatic, gas-operated pistol with a maximum firing range of 200 meters.
The most recent model of the Desert Eagle pistol is the Mark XIX, which can be chambered for different cartridges. The largest available is the .50 AE, one of the most powerful cartridges currently available for semi-automatic pistols. The Mark XIX can carry a maximum of 7 rounds when chambered for a .50 AE. In the hands of a professional, a Desert Eagle pistol is a harbinger of death.
4. Heckler & Koch HK416
Designed by Heckler & Koch, a renowned German weapons manufacturer, the HK416 looks similar to the M4 Carbine. This is unsurprising considering both firearms were based on an AR-15 Rifle. An HK416 chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges comes in different sizes. The shortest is a 264 mm sub-compact while the longest is a 505 mm full-sized rifle.
The HK416 uses a short-stroke piston action and can fire up to 900 rounds per minute. It usually comes with a 30-round stick magazine but can also be outfitted with a whopping 100-round drum magazine. It can be used in both semi-automatic and fully automatic modes. The HK416 is popularly known as the gun used to kill Osama Bin Laden in 2011.
3. AK-47
The AK-47 is not only one of the most dangerous guns in the world, it’s also one of the most easily recognized. It has a very distinct look that makes it easy to spot, even among ordinary citizens. Designed by the late Mikhail Kalashnikov – a Russian general and military arms expert – the AK-47 is a powerful assault rifle capable of being effective in both close-range and long-range combat.
The AK-47 is part of the Kalashnikov rifle series, named after the inventor of the original unit. The most recent of which is the AK-15, which is chambered for a 5.45x39mm cartridge. Often seen used by both military personnel and terrorists, the AK-47 is a gas-operated firearm with a wooden buttstock. It is chambered for 7.62x39mm cartridge and can be outfitted with either a stick magazine or a drum magazine.
2. Accuracy International AS50
Manufactured by Accuracy International, a British firearms manufacturer, the AS50 is one of the most dangerous sniper rifles in the world. It’s specifically designed for the British Armed Forces and the United States Navy SEALs and is notable for boasting a high rate of fire – five rounds in 1.6 seconds.
The AS50 uses a gas-operated action and is chambered for a .50 BMG cartridge. Capable of accurately taking out targets from 1,500 meters away, the AS50 is also notable for being easy to carry around. It has a lightweight design and can be quickly disassembled in less than three minutes. It also doubles as an anti-materiel rifle. Meaning, it’s highly effective against both personnel and military equipment.
1. TrackingPoint Guns
TrackingPoint is an American applied technology company which manufacture precision-guided firearms. Naturally, the company is based in Texas. TrackingPoint produces firearms mounted with a so-called networked tracking scope, which turns normal rifles into “smart rifles.”
You can think of the networked tracking scope as Iron Man’s helmet AI. It makes all sorts of calculations to make sure the user takes only the most effective and accurate shots. It tags and tracks targets and can even control the trigger to eliminate the milliseconds it takes for humans to squeeze the trigger. Basically, the technology can turn regular people into snipers.
TrackingPoint sells different types of precision-guided firearms, including assault rifles chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO and 5.56×45mm NATO cartridges. Guns are already dangerous by default. But they become even more dangerous when equipped with TrackingPoint’s game-changing technology.
Let us take a look at ten of the world’s most dangerous and deadly weapons that have been created by mankind. It will not surprise you that all of these weapons are 20th-century inventions though of some the ancestry can be traced back thousands of years.
We will start off with three weapons that can be used by a single soldier before moving over the big stuff.
10. RPG – Rocket Propelled Grenade
With the RPG you can fire anti-tank rockets from the shoulder. Based on the Nazi Germany’s Panzerfaust it was developed into feared anti-tank weapon. A soldier with limited training and a cheap and simple rocket-propelled grenade can destroy a multi-million dollar tank.
It was widely used against the Americans in the Vietnam War by the Viet Cong and the People’s Army. When the Soviet Army invaded Afganistan, they faced the Mujahideen who quickly became very adept in the use of it against tanks and military vehicles.
In the middle of the 1950s, the American army developed their version of the RPG, which became known as the LAW, lightweight antitank weapon.
RPG’s remain the menace of armored vehicles and tanks since their inception.
9. DSR-50 The .50 cal Sniper Rifle
The DSR-50 is bolt-action sniper rifle chambered to fire the massive .50 cal BMG round. It is based on the DSR-1, a specialized sniper rifle for police sharpshooters. The DSR-50 has an integrated hydraulic recoil damping system in the buttstock and an integral muzzle brake which reduces the perceived muzzle blast.
Designed to punch holes in (lightly) armored military vehicles, we’ll leave what happens when you shoot a person to your imagination.
8. Flamethrower
What is a flamethrower? A flamethrower is classed as an incendiary device, that is specifically designed to project fire in a stream that is long and controllable.
Flamethrowers were used first by ancient Greeks, as far back as the 1st Century AD. In more modern times flamethrowers were utilized throughout the First World War, by the Germans, and more commonly used in the Second World War.
Not all flamethrowers are the same; some are designed to project a stream of fire that is caused by flammable liquid that has been ignited. Others are designed to project a long flame of gas. Liquids are the most common type used in military flamethrowers. Commercial devices opt to use propane and natural gasses; high-pressure ones, as they are generally considered safer to use.
Military uses for flamethrowers were mainly centered around attacking fortifications, bunkers, etc. Civilian uses for flamethrowers tend to be more agricultural in nature; they are useful for clearing fields, for example.
Flamethrowers come in many forms; portable ones tend to be two-part devices (a backpack for the fuel and a tube for the output), they can also be vehicle mounted for easy use.
Simple to operate and maintain, you certainly do not want to be on the receiving end of them, making them number 8 on our list.
7. Schwerer Gustav
Schwerer Gustav – This was the name given to a German 80 cm railway gun, a huge piece of artillery designed to be shot from a railway wagon. It was developed in the late 1930s by Krupp of Essen as artillery for the explicit purpose of destroying the main forts of the French Maginot Line during a siege. At the time, these were the strongest fortifications in existence.
‘Gustav’ could fire shells weighing seven tons to a distance 47 kilometers. When fully assembled the ‘Schwerer Gustav’ weighed nearly 1,350 tons. The Germans designed this piece of artillery to prepare for the Battle of France. The biggest gun of WW II was not ready to do battle when the battle began. But it didn’t really matter because the Wehrmacht’s Blitzkrieg aggression through Belgium rapidly outflanked and isolated the Maginot Line’s static defenses, forcing them to surrender without any major losses and making the destruction of the fortifications unwarranted.
‘Schwerer Gustav’ was deployed later during the war to the Soviet Union. During the artillery bombardment of Sevastopol, which was part of Operation Barbarossa, among other things, the large gun destroyed an ammunition warehouse buried in layers of rock under a bay.
Leningrad was the next stop for the 80 cm gun and probably was planned to be used in the Warsaw Uprising like other German heavy artillery weapons, but the rebellion was crushed before the heavy artillery was needed. The Germans demolished ‘Schwerer Gustav’in 1945, near the very end of WWII, so it wouldn’t be confiscated by the Soviet Army.
It was the largest-caliber artillery weapon ever used in combat; the heaviest mobile artillery weapon ever built, considering the total weight, and fired the heaviest shells of any artillery gun.
There are only two weapons that have larger caliber weaponry – the British Mallet’s Mortar and the American Little David mortar (both 90 cm).
6. Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier
USS Nimitz (CVN-68), a US Navy aircraft carrier. Photo is from after her 1999-2001 refit.null
US Nimitz Class – at over 1000 feet, the Nimitz Class aircraft carriers are the world’s biggest warships. Costing around US$4.5 billion each, they are also the most expensive. The 100,000-tonne carriers can hold up to 90 aircraft and are fitted with anti-aircraft guns and missiles.
They are expected to serve for 50 years. However, the US is already developing its successor in the Gerald R. Ford Class, which will be even bigger and is expected to cost around US$12 billion.
Currently, there are ten Nimitz Class aircraft carriers in service with the United States Navy. The lead ship of the class is named after the World War II United States Pacific Fleet commander Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the U.S. Navy’s last fleet admiral.
Instead of the gas turbines or diesel-electric systems which are used for propulsion on most modern warships, the carriers use two nuclear reactors which drive the four propeller shafts and can achieve a maximum speed of over 30 knots. Because they use nuclear power, these massive ships can operate for over 20 years without refueling!
The ability to project power anywhere on the planet with the ability to defend itself means a high place on our list.
5. Chimera Virus
In ancient Mythology a chimera is an animal formed from parts of different animals, like a hippogriff or a griffin, which aptly describes this virus.
A Chimera Virus is made by combining the DNA of two or more other viruses.
In the 1980’s the Soviets were experimenting with them, using the genetic material from other viruses and injecting them into a smallpox (or another) virus thus producing a chimera. This process ensures the new virus is able to retain the smallpox’s virulence and appearance under a microscope while at the same time it is able to spread an entirely different infection.
This genetic engineering breakthrough allows viral agents to evade known treatments and vaccines, making them all the more deadly.
4. Russia’s Aviation Thermobaric Bomb of Increased Power
“All that is alive merely evaporates,” is the quote Russian Deputy Chief of Russian General Staff Alexander Rukshin shared when asked about their newly developed bomb.
In 2007 the Russians successfully tested and released their “Aviation Thermobaric Bomb of Increased Power”, quickly nicknamed the “Father of All Bombs” (FOAB).
The FOAB is reportedly 4 x more powerful than the US military’s biggest non-nuclear bomb, the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Bomb which is officially designated with the acronym “MOAB” and known popularly as the “Mother of All Bombs.”
This makes the Russian device officially the most powerful conventional non-nuclear weapon in the world.
The FOAB replaces several smaller nuclear bombs in the Russian arsenal. It yields an equivalent of 44 tons of TNT while just using only seven tons of a new high explosive.
Its blast and pressure wave has a similar effect to a small nuclear weapon, just on a smaller scale. The bomb detonates in mid-air causing a supersonic shockwave and extreme temperatures.
Thermobaric weapons generate longer, more sustained blast waves with higher temperatures as compared to conventional explosives. Because of this, they produce more damage over larger areas than conventional weapons of similar mass.
They also differ in that they use oxygen from the atmosphere itself rather than relying on an oxidizing agent in their explosives. They produce more energy than normal happens and as a result are more difficult to control.
3. ICBM
Atlas B ICBM (flight 4B) / Public Domain
The Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) is a ballistic missile that is guided to the target. It can travel at least 3,400 miles and was built primarily for transporting nuclear weapons.
ICBMs have the capability of being launched from airplanes, submarines, missile silos, and vehicles. They became an integral part of the MAD doctrine because these weapons allowed the flexibility that enabled the country to strike back and destroy the enemy. It basically guaranteed a second strike on the enemy.
With the advancing of technology, it came to fruition that an ICBM could be used to launch several nuclear warheads at once because of the MIRV.
2. MIRV
A time exposure of eight intercontinental ballistic missile reentry vehicles passing through clouds while approaching an open-ocean impact zone during a flight test. (U.S. Air Force photo)
The MIRV, which is a Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle, is a payload for ballistic missiles that contains multiple warheads.
Each warhead has the capability of being aimed to hit one of many targets. The old fashioned warheads could only transport a single nuclear bomb on a single missile and aim for a single target.
The next step was the multiple reentry vehicle (MRV) missile that could carry numerous warheads that were all dispersed but not individually aimed which resulted in a blast similar to a shotgun.
The MIRV solved that problem, all warheads were now targetable.
1. Tsar Bomba
The Big Ivan mushroom cloud
Every aspect of the phrase, ‘weapons of mass destruction,’ applies to the Tsar Bomba. The weapon was the Soviet Union’s rebuttal to the United States nuclear program. A massive device, designed to decimate everything, that’s what the bomb was. Only one was ever detonated, and that was enough.
Tsar Bomba remains the most powerful device ever detonated by mankind. To compare, the most powerful device the United States ever created was the B41. It was also the only three-stage nuclear device the U.S. created. The B41 had a maximum yield of 25 megatons TNT, while the Tsar Bomba had a maximum yield of 100 megatons of TNT.
Of course, the most powerful nuclear bomb ever detonated had a massive mushroom cloud. The mushroom cloud is estimated to have gone as high as 40 miles in the sky, which is about seven times as tall as Mount Everest. At this height, the cloud went through the stratosphere as well as the mesosphere.
The bomb also unleashed a massive fireball to accompany the mushroom cloud. Once detonated, the fireball nearly reached the height at which the bomb was dropped and was visible more than 600 miles away from the site.
The bomb was essentially built to flex the Soviet Union’s military strength. Because of this, the bomb was so huge that it was basically too huge. What does this mean? It means that it wasn’t practical for wartime use. For one, moving the bomb around was simply too complicated. It didn’t even really fit on the jet that dropped it from the sky; that plane had to be heavily modified for the bomb. Second, the crew on the plane only had a 50% chance at survival. All of this comes even after the bomb was scaled down from its original 100 megaton size.
Saudi Arabia fell one place compared to last year, when it was ranked 9th.
US News calls it the “giant of the Middle East” because of its landmass, and notes its importance for Muslims.
“Millions of devout Muslims from around the world participate in a pilgrimage to Mecca each year.”
9. South Korea
Soul, South Korea.
South Korea was ranked 10th, one place lower, last year. US News noted the ongoing conflict with North Korea.
8. Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Israel was also ranked 8th last year.
“For its relatively small size, the country has played a large role in global affairs. The country has a strong economy, landmarks of significance to several religions and strained relationships with many of its Arab neighbors,” US News said.
7. Japan
Kyoto, Japan.
Japan was also ranked 7th last year.
US News calls it “one of the world’s most literate and technically advanced nations.”
6. France
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
France’s position is unchanged compared to last year.
US News said: “It is difficult to overstate the influence France has on the world, both in the past and today.
“Located in Western Europe, France is one of the world’s oldest countries, and its reach extends around the globe through science, politics, economics and perhaps above all, culture. Starting in the Middle Ages, France evolved through kingdom, empire and finally, into a republic. It was one of the first nations to champion the rights of the individual.”
5. United Kingdom
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The UK was also ranked 5th last year.
US News calls it “a highly developed nation that exerts considerable international economic, political, scientific and cultural influence.”
It also noted the country’s vote to leave the European Union, and said this “ushered in anxiety about the country’s role on the global stage.”
4. Germany
German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives for a statement in Berlin, Germany, June 24, 2016, after Britain voted to leave the European Union in the EU BREXIT referendum.
Germany was also ranked 4th in 2019.
“Germany, he most populous nation in the European Union, possesses one of the largest economies in the world and has seen its role in the international community grow steadily since reunification,” US News said.
3. China
Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China’s position has not changed since last year.
US News says it is “home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations” and says it is “the world’s most populous” and is one of the world’s largest countries.
2. Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin watches a navy exercise from the Marshal Ustinov missile cruiser in the Black Sea in , Crimea, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020. The drills involved warships and aircraft that launched missiles at practice targets. (Alexei Druzhinin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Russia was also ranked 2nd last year.
The scale of Russia is difficult to imagine,” US News said.
“It is the world’s largest country by land mass – nearly twice as big as Canada, the world’s second-largest nation – and covers all of northern Asia and much of Eastern Europe. It shares land borders with more than a dozen countries, and shares sea borders with Japan and the United States.”
1. United States
Donald Trump at his rally in Milwaukee on January 14, 2020.
The US retains its position as the world’s most-powerful country.
US News calls it “the world’s most dominant economic and military power” and notes now its “cultural imprint spans the world” thanks to its production of movies, TV, and music.
It also noted that President Donald Trump’s positions on immigration and trade “have raised questions around the world, including from the country’s closest allies, about the nation’s future course on the global stage.”
Today, we here at Bright Side have prepared a list of the most thrilling and dangerous locations in the world. If you’d like your holiday to come with a side of danger, these places are just for you. Otherwise, steer well clear!
10.Death Valley, USA
If the Earth is our home, then Death Valley is its scorching hot oven. This stunning desert holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on our planet — 134 °F (56.7 °C). No matter how tough you are, the blazing sun and searing heat of Death Valley will make you exhausted very quickly. Without water, you can live here for only 14 hours.
9. The Danakil Desert, Eritrea
8. Mount Washington, USA
Baking temperatures that often top 120 degrees F (50 degrees C), numerous active volcanoes, geysers that spit toxic gases — it’s hard to imagine a more brutal landscape than Africa’s Danakil Desert. Most people would probably consider this terrible place a literal ’’Hell on Earth’’, but it still attracts lots of brave adventurers from all around the world. Just keep in mind that visiting the the Danakil Desert on your own, without an experienced guide, is strictly forbidden.
The summit of Mount Washington holds the world record for the fastest winds on the surface of the Earth. The highest recorded speed here is 203 miles per hour (327 km/h). The strong winds, however, are not the only concern in this area — the freezing temperatures that can drop as low as −40 degrees and continuous heavy snowfalls make Mount Washington a very dangerous place. Despite its modest height — 6,288 feet (1,917 meters ) — Mount Washington is one of the world’s deadliest peaks. The loads that the human body experiences at the top of it can be compared to the ones it would experience on the peak of Mount Everest.
7. Sinabung Volcano, Indonesia
6. lha da Queimada Grande (Snake Island), Brazil
This is an active volcano situated on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Eruptions occur here very frequently, often leaving thousands of people without shelter or livelihood. The nearby towns and villages have been completely covered in lava and ash several times already: in 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The latest explosion occurred February 27, 2016. That eruption ejected a deadly cloud of volcanic gas, stones, and ash to a height of 2,500 meters. And no one knows what will happen there tomorrow.
Hidden somewhere off the coast of Brazil, this island is widely recognized as the most dangerous place on the planet. The reason for this is quite simple — this place is full of one of the most venomous snakes in the world, Bothrops. Researchers estimate that about five snakes per square meter live on the island. There are several stories of people succumbing to the deadly predators in no time at all. One of these stories recalls a lighthouse keeper who was attacked by the snakes and died. Snake Island’s lighthouse has been automated ever since that fatality, and the Brazilian government has prohibited any visitors from setting foot there.
5. Madidi National Park, Bolivia
At first sight, this place looks very picturesque, but it’s actually very dangerous. Why? Because it’s home to the most poisonous and aggressive fauna in the world: contact with any of the plants growing in this park can cause severe itching, rash and dizziness. Any cut, or even a small wound, can become infected with tropical parasites.
4. Valley of Death, Kamchatka, Russia
The Kamchatka Peninsula, in the Russian Far East, also has its own Death Valley. It’s located not far from the famous Valley of Geysers. High concentrations of toxic gases found in this area pose a serious threat to every living thing: plants and animals die quickly, while people soon start to feel unwell and get a fever, dizziness and chill.
3. Bikini Atoll, The Marshall Islands
Lost somewhere in the ocean, this island looks like a paradise, doesn’t it? But Bikini Atoll was actually home to numerous nuclear testing programs that turned the picturesque island of Bikini into a radioactive wasteland. The inhabitants were forced to abandon their homes, and even today this remains hazardous for living organisms: the abnormally high level of radiation recorded here can cause cancer.
2. Elephant Kingdom in Chonburi, Thailand
In Elephant Kingdom, Thailand, at a Crocodile farm, the owner leases out a small semi-closed raft space for tourists to come visit, see and FEED crocodiles! The raft is a thin wooden one balanced on plastic barrels and has net enclosure half way around it. The shack has a roof too. The people get inside the enclosure and are given fishing rods to feed the crocs. They use beef or meat pieces attached to the rods and dangle the rods before the crocodiles. The reptiles then jump out of the water to catch the meat and their food. There are tourists who also tease the crocs by dangling the meat in front of them and then pulling it up as the hungry animals reach for it.
1. Afar Depression, Ethiopia
Erta Ale volcano, in the Afar Region of Ethiopia, is one of the most dangerous volcanoes on the planet. Small earthquakes are constantly shaking the region, forming numerous deep chasms. This happens because Erta Ale contains two lava lakes in its summit crater. The amount of lava in them is constantly changing, causing the Earth’s surface to shake up and down.
Search Engines are now part of our daily life, whether it be carrying out research for Xmas presents or where is the nearest coffee shop open before 7am or looking for best Steak House in town. People are now becoming more and more dependent on search engines to get the answer for their everyday queries.
At Inspire we monitor our search traffic using a variety of analytics. Most of our queries returned are related to what we do and some are simply bizarre. Those we’re interested in relate to the services of what we do e.g improving search ranking, web design, web development, and many more.
Much as we utilise “all routes to market” we are still heavily dependent on the search engines for our bread & butter traffic.
Recently we did a piece of work for a client looking to reach into the Russian market, they’d spoken to other firms who all shared about what they’d do on Google and how such experts they are. This completely missed the point as Google are not the dominant search engine in Russia, Yandex is!!!
This brought it home to me that perhaps people have assumed that because Google is a dominant Global player that they are also the dominant player in every market.
For that reason we thought it would be worthwhile having a run down on the rest of the World, so let’s look at top 12 search engines in the world.
Google Search Engine is the best search engine in the world and it is also one of most popular products from Google. Almost 70 percent of the Search Engine market has been acquired by Google. The tech giant is always evolving and looking to improve the search engine algorithm to provide best results to the end-user. Although Google appears to be the biggest search engine, as of 2015 YouTube is now more popular than Google (on desktop computers).
Bing is Microsoft’s answer to Google and it was launched in 2009. Bing is the default search engine in Microsoft’s web browser. At Bing, they are always striving to make it a better search engine but it’s got a long way to go to give Google competition. Microsoft’s search engine provides different services including image, web and video search along with maps. Bing introduced Places (Google’s equivalent is Google My Business), this is a great platform for business to submit their details to optimise their search results.
Yahoo & Bing compete more with each other than with Google. A recent report on netmarketshare.com tells us that Yahoo have a market share of 7.68 percent. Although a leader as a free email provider, this is declining significantly though with their recent acknowledgement that User Details & Passwords where hacked last year.
Baidu is the most used search engine in China and was founded in Jan, 2000 by Chinese Entrepreneur, Eric Xu. This web search is made to deliver results for website, audio files and images. It provides some other services including maps, news, cloud storage and much more.
Aol.com is also among the top search engines. These are the guys that used to send out CD’s which you’d load onto your PC to install their browser and modem software. Once the pre-eminent player they now have a market share of 0.59 percent. Verizon Communication bought AOL for $4.4 billion. It was started back in 1983 as Control Video Corporation. It was named America Online in 1991 and in 2009 as AOL Inc. AOL is a global mass media company which is based in New York. The company also provides advertising services as AOL Advertising, AOL mail and AOL Platform.
Founded in 1995, Ask.com, previously known as Ask Jeeves. Their key concept was to have search results based on a simple question + answer web format. It is a question & answer community where you can get the answers for your question and it integrates a large amount of archive data to answer your question. Because of this dependency on archived and active user contributions the results will not be as current as those you get in Google, Bing and Yahoo. They’ve tried to counter where their resources don’t have the answer they take help from a third-party search engine. Interestingly they don’t name who this is.
Excite is not widely known but is one that still gets into the top 10. Excite is an online service portal that provides internet services like email, search engine, news, instant messaging and weather updates. This also provides us with the latest trends, topics and search for phrases.
DuckDuckGo is a popular search engine known for protecting the privacy of the users. Unlike Ask.com they are quite open about who they use to generate search results; they’ve partnered with Yahoo, Bing and Yummly. It was founded back in 2008 by Gabriel Weinberg in California and its revenue come from Yahoo-Bing search alliance network and Affiliates.
Wolfram Alpha is a computational knowledge search engine which does not give list of documents or web pages as search results. Results are based on facts & data about that query. Their mission statement is to make all systematic knowledge computable and broadly accessible. Launched in 2009, they now have a Pro solution designed with pricing for Students and Educators. Much as it’s targeted, it’s an awesome tool for the right market. 10. Yandex
Launched in 1997, Yandex is most used search engine in Russia. Yandex also has a great presence in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Turkey. It provides services like Yandex Maps, Yandex Music, online translator, Yandex Money and many other services.
Rob Walton, 75, was worth about $54.1 billion on March 18, according to Forbes. Walton is the eldest son of the founder of Walmart, Sam Walton, and served as the chairman of the company from 1992 until 2015.
9. Alice Walton – U.S.
Members of the Walton family are pictured in 2018. From left to right: Jim Walton, Alice Walton, Jim’s wife Lynne McNabb Walton, Rob Walton’s wife Melani Lowman Walton and Rob Walton. (Photo by Rick T. Wilking/Getty Images)
Alice Walton, 70, was worth $54.4 billion on March 18. She is Sam Walton’s only daughter and is also the richest woman on Forbes’ 2020 list.
8. Jim Walton – U.S.
Jim Walton, 71, was the richest Walton on March 18 with a net worth of $54.6 billion. According to Forbes, Jim Walton gave away $1.2 billion in Walmart in June last year, but kept his wealth because of a 44 percent stake in Arvest Bank.
Amancio Ortega, 84, was the wealthiest clothing retailer in the world on March 18, with a net worth of $55.1 billion, according to Forbes. In 1975 he and his ex-wife Rosalia Mera founded Inditex, which is best known for the fashion chain Zara, Forbes
5. Larry Ellison – U.S.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 24: Larry Ellison attends the Rebels With A Cause Gala 2019 at Lawrence J Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC on October 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images)
Larry Ellison, 75, was worth $59 billion on March 18. In 1977, he founded Oracle, a software company and today he serves as the chairman of the board and the chief technology officer, according to Forbes.
4. Warren Buffett – U.S.
Warren Buffett, 89, was worth $67.5 billion on March 18. Buffett is one of the most successful investors of all time, according to Forbes. He also runs Berkshire Hathaway, which owns more than 60 companies.
Previously, Buffett was the third-wealthiest person in the world before Bernard Arnault took his spot this year.
3. Bernard Arnault & Family – France
Bernard Arnault was worth $76 billion on March 18, according to Forbes. (Photo by Michel SETBOUN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Bernard Arnault, 71, and his family were worth $76 billion on March 18. Arnault is the CEO of luxury goods company LVMH, which includes Louis Vuitton and Sephora brands. Last year, the company bought Tiffany & Co. for $16.2 billion, which could be the largest luxury brand acquisition, Forbes reported.
2. Bill Gates – U.S.
Bill Gates is pictured in 2017. He was worth $98 billion on March 18, according to Forbes. (REUTERS/Pierre Albouy)
Bill Gates, 64, was worth $98 billion on March 18, according to Forbes. Gates and his wife Melinda chair the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is the largest private charitable foundation in the world, Forbes reported.
1. Jeff Bezos – U.S.
CEO of Amazon Jeff Bezos was worth $113 on March 18, according to Forbes. (Photo by SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images)
Jeff Bezos, 56, is the richest man in the world, despite transferring a quarter of his Amazon stake to his ex-wife MacKenzie last summer, according to Forbes. He was worth $113 billion on March 18.
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