Top 10 List | Top Ten Lists

Waging a conventional war means using conventional weapons such as guns, tanks, bombs etc. We no longer see conventional weapons used as means to end war or to commit a crime. Unconventional weapons are used to put the final blow to the enemy and to commit crimes of assault, murder etc. Here is a list of unconventional weapons, you would not regularly see.

1. Dolphins:

Dolphins were first used by the US navy to protect trident subs in 1989. They wore electrodes and harness outfits which were used to detect mines in Iraqi ports.

2. Poison Gas:

Poison gas has not been used before as a weapon until the US entered into War on Terrorism. Most recently it used poison gas on civilians in Fallujah. It is like a bomb which explodes into a mushroom cloud. When the material touches the skin, it burns and is resistant to water.

3. Pencil/Binder:

I’ve never thought anyone would use a pencil to do anything criminal until now. Anthony Clarke High School students in Idaho sodomized one of their friends with a pencil. In a process of hazing, one friend/freshman was forced to stick a pencil into his rectum. Another friend hit the pencil with his binder, causing it to go deeper inside. All students involved were charged with assault.

4. Pen:

You do not see many people threatening to rob someone with a pen handy, until now. Two men, Gordon Douglas Ellwood, 25, and Jacob Alexander Tolchinsky, 20, assaulted and attempted to rob another person with a pen as a weapon. The incident was unprovoked and thankfully the victim pressed the emergency button before any harm could be done.

5. Viagra:

Libyan leader Muanmmar Gadhafi dispersed weapons to his military aids in the most unusual forms. Instead of giving them guns, he gave the men Viagra like pills. These pills were used to rape women in Libya. Before his death, Gadhafi was wanted for International War Crimes for allegedly orchestrating the rape of Libyan women.

Many TV families have set precedents. The modern family has been redefined several times throughout history. Here are just 10 examples where families were seen as unconventional.

1. The Huxtables:

An African American family was featured on the television show, The Crosby Show, in the 1980s and 1990s. Unlike in previous shows, this African American family was affluent and was living in Brooklyn. The patriarch was an obstetrician, while the matriarch was a lawyer. The stereotypes of the African American family changed ever since this show.

2. The Connors:

This TV family was different from its predecessors. Before the show Roseanne began, its predecessors showed a working class family with only one breadwinner. On the show Roseanne, the Connors were a work class family with 2 breadwinners. Both mother and father struggled throughout the series to find their foothold.

3. Drummonds/Jacksons:

First time in television history one sees a blended family. A wealthy businessman takes in two orphans whose mother (former employee of the wealthy businessman) dies. The two orphans, Arnold and Willis (African American), join the family of their new father and new sister.

4. Torres/Robbins:

Callie Torres and Arizona Robbins are a homosexual/bisexual couple on the TV show Grey’s Anatomy. The idea of a family with 2 mothers or 2 fathers has been left untouched by other shows. This was the first time 2 major characters would become parents (one being an adoptive parent) on the show and raise a child. The father is Mark Sloan, from Callie’s one night stand.

5. The Winters:

This is another family that has changed television history. Since the 1990s, the Winters have defined daytime television on the Young & the Restless. The show promulgates them as affluent: doctors, CEOs and even models working for Fortune 500 companies. Soaps have gone a long way since the 1980s, where African Americans were gang related and bad guys. Most of them were also lower or middle class citizens.

Do you love to drink? Do you dread the consequences of drinking the morning after? Here are some methods you probably have not tried yet to prevent and/or eliminate hangovers.

1. Almonds:

Ted Pollard of Health911 believes that almonds prevent individuals from hangovers. The goal is to eat a few almonds before going for drinks. It will not help those who feel the aftereffects after.

2. Prickly Pears Cactus:

Eating one will eliminate nausea, inflammation and bloating people feel after a night out drinking. You may want to keep one or two inside the house if you are a regular.

3. Water:

Many people who feel hung-over feel they cannot eat or drink. Not drinking is a big mistake. When you are hung-over, you tend to dehydrate. The more you drink, the more soothe.

4. Pickle juice and canned fish:

This is what Russians and the Polish used to do in the morning after. It is known as the remedy for the “dog that bit you”.

5. Mongolian Mary:

Try eating sheep eyes in tomato juice like the Mongolians. This is one method most of you have not tried yet. It is also one of the most disgusting ones yet. Many will not able to eat it as they are not acquainted with such food.

Many teachers do not use convention in their methods. They use their unique knowledge and skills to better equip their children for the future. Some do it well, others fail due to restraints. Here are 10 situations where teachers used unconventional teaching methods. You would not believe me if I never gave examples; with names.

1. Giving everyone an A+:

Professor Dennis Rancourt, Physics Teacher at University of Ottawa was suspended for his unconventional teaching methods. This teaching method included giving everyone an A+. The only problem was the University who suspended him for doing so. He believed that he had no right to evaluate the skills for future employers.

2. Improper Judgment/Marking:

My law/English teacher in high school was a likeable teacher not for the reasons many think. He was an easy marker and usually used his like/dislike for people to determine the grade. Comments on papers returns had only check marks: 1 for satisfactory points, 2 for good points and 3 for excellent. The whole course was based on spontaneity and nothing else. He came to class every day with ideas he though off a minute before. Worst was when he asked his students to get scruples from the office.

3. Songs, Chants and Games to Memorize:

Harriett Ball taught in the Texas public school system for 20+ years. Her teaching methods have known to be rambunctious. She continuously uses songs, chants and games to expand her students’ knowledge and learning.

4. Cash tips:

A University of Western Ontario professor, Ariff Kachra, uses cash tips to help MBA students get an extra class as well as job recommendations. Those who are willing to pay are able to reap rewards. Kachra earns about $500/student for this.

5. Diaries:

The perfect example of this is The Freedom Writers Diary. Erin Gruwell did what no other teacher could. She engaged her students in a scholarly environment through the use of journal writing. She was unconventional in her ways as she was able to change her students’ thinking and make them appreciate life more, with the use of the Diary of Anne Frank as a read.

Honey contains a number of properties which help its ability to fight infection and promote healing. Its high sugar content helps it drain infection and fluids from wounds through osmosis. Honey also prevents bacterial growth with its acidic pH. Its enzyme also produces small portions of hydrogen peroxide.

As such, here are 10 unconventional uses of honey. The usages date back to Zeus and how he was saved by the bees who were feeding him honey.

1. Antiseptic:

It could be used as an antiseptic on a wound when injured. The honey is pure, so it cannot cause any harm to the body. No dirt would touch the wound.

2. Athletic uses:

Honey is drunk right before an athlete has an important event. It helps enrich their calcium and mineral levels when performing extreme activities.

3. Anti-biotic:

One woman had a 20 year old wound which was anti-biotic resistant and filled with bacteria. The pain was excruciating and there was nothing anyone could do to help her. In August of 1999, she read an article about honey and its healing powers. She applied the honey to the wound, which healed after a while.

4. Baldness:

Honey has been used as a therapeutic agent to cure baldness. It has been used to slow down the process of hair loss.

5. Gastro-Intestinal Problems:

Honey has also been used to cure gastro-intestinal problems. The first reference to this was in the Bukhari and Moslem Hadith books. Ever since, Muslims have used honey cure many disorders like Diarrhoea.

The choice of a holiday is dependent on many factors. They range from budget considerations to the kind of accommodations available. More and more people are travelling outside their country nowadays and many have now begun to opt for unconventional holidays, which take them off the beaten track and give them a chance to enjoy some unusual cuisines and destinations.

Here are ten unusual holidays which you can enjoy – some expensive and some within the range of the average traveler

1. Trekking in the Atlas Mountains:

Located in Morocco, these mountains offer stunning views and some amazing areas to go for a trek. With fitness holidays becoming a very popular aspect of people’s lives, a walking holiday through these mountains can give you many days of fun and satisfaction. Snow in winter, sun in the summer, a plethora of cultural experiences and some great places to stay in, all contribute towards making this a great holiday.

2. Ladakh:

A place of stunning beauty, Ladakh is the home of many beautiful monasteries. There are many ways of moving around Ladakh, but the most popular means among the young people seems to be on the motorcycle. The barren landscape can take your breath away, and you will also be amazed at the calm and serenity of it’s people and their homes. Make sure that you stay in Leh for a day or two, so that your body can get acclimatised to the high altitude air.

3. Iceland:

Snow all around and yet, some amazing landscapes symbolize Iceland. It is rising steadily in the popularity charts as a holiday destination. The midnight sun is a sight which by itself can make the trip worthwhile.  Time your holiday carefully, since winters here can be harsh with very little daylight time. Summers are surprisingly mild, and the people are very friendly. Their food is also great!

4. Villageways guided tours in India:

Guided walking tours through certain parts of the hinterland of India, with a chance to meet the local people and enjoy their culture are the speciality of Villageways. They take you right to the heart of the village communities where you have the opportunity to appreciate the lives of the village residents.  There are many options available – ranging from weekend escapes to 10 days of walks around the regions.

5. Cruise down the Kerala Waterways:

Kerala’s houseboats are renowned for the comfort and beauty. You can take a houseboat and travel in a relaxed manner through some of India’s most beautiful regions. The houseboats will give you the privacy and luxury of a private hotel, and you can savour some amazing and delectable dishes which are the speciality of this region.

Romantic and clichéd movies like “When Harry Met Sally” and “The Notebook” will continue to be watched till the end of time. This is a list of the top 10 most unconventional romantic movies. These movies, while unconventional, are definitely as good.

1. Girl Next Door

A very powerful quote in this movie explains how you should go after the one you love and even if the things you do aren’t completely clean- it will all be worth it in the end. The movie is definitely a love story, albeit a strange one. The fairytale-like elements are taken to another level and made outrageous.

2. Serendipity

Even though this movie can be hopelessly romantic and is definitely sappy- the message that they are trying to portray is slightly different. Serendipity is based on two lovers who believe in chances, destiny, fate and of course, love. The viewer is made to understand that even a seemingly minute happening can trigger off a series of events that can change your life forever.

3. Loving Annabelle

This movie focuses on Annabelle, a rebellious teenager who is new to an elite Catholic all-girls boarding school. She falls in love with Simone Bradley, her English teacher. Single-minded till the point of recklessness, Annabelle manages to woo the young teacher who, unfortunately, cannot escape the law in the end.

4. Before Sunrise and Before Sunset

Both these movies are equally brilliant and if you do decide to watch one of these, it is essential that you watch the other as well. Even though the movie was not too successful because it was felt that it did not have a definite plot, it has been said that the movie will pull you into the screen and make you feel as though you are a part of the discussions that take place between the witty characters.

5. City of Angels

City of Angels talks about Seth and Maggie’s love story. Seth is an angel who decides to become a human being just so that he can breathe the air she breathes and touch her. A definite tear-jerker and a must-watch.

1. Car Pools and Public Transport

Being part of a carpool can help you save a lot of energy and money within weeks. Try to make your relatives and friends a part of neighborhood car pools. Otherwise, try to use more of public transport services such as buses and trams. This smart tip also helps people in creating a wider social network over time because one tends to meet newer people through car pools and public transport services.

2. Shop Carefully

Buy appliances which are Energy Star rated as these help in reducing your energy costs compared to other appliances which are not rated. Buy energy saving CFLs which use just one fourth of the energy consumed by a bulb.

3. Plant a Tree

Trees can help combat carbon emissions better than anything else. Try to plant trees in your neighborhood as often as possible.

4. Drive Intelligently

Keep your vehicles tuned and ensure that all parts are working efficiently as this saves on running costs. Check for flat tires, fuel spillages etc and when you want to buy a new car, go for a fuel efficient one. Vehicles are one of biggest sources of carbon emissions.

5. Switch to Reusable Energy

Install solar panels to heat up your house and water in the winters. Solar cookers can help people in places which face electricity problems and the best part is – solar energy is free and unlimited.