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In a market where customer service and client satisfaction are vital to the survival of the company, some businesses managed to fail miserably. As expected, the manufacturing industries will typically score higher mainly because the competition is their niche is rather low as well as due to the fact that they do not have to interact with their customers as often as the services businesses.

In addition, certain enterprises are in the unique position of not having to face any competition, an element that implies that they do not even have to invest too much effort in order to satisfy their customers since they practically have no standard to adhere to. Let’s analyze the top 10 most hated companies in the United States that fit the aforementioned descriptions.

1. Long Island Power Authority

If there is a surefire method to get your customers to hate you, then that would be frequent and unexpected over-billing. This is exactly what the Long Island Power Authority did: besides the constant increase of the utility bill, for some inexplicable reason, the company had numerous homes listed as commercial instead of residential. While some may blame the performance issues on the devastation caused by hurricane Irene, the truth is that this utility company has been experiencing serious problems for quite some time now. This is maybe the reason why the authorities in NY passed a bill recently that demands a comprehensive audit of the Long Island Power Authority.

2. Northeast Utilities

Similar to the Long Island Power Authority, the Northeast Utilities’ reputation has been severely affected starting with the winter of 2011. First off, the company’s inability to supply energy for businesses and the population in regions like New England in the middle of winter is practically condemning them to freeze to death. While the company fired the regional manager in Connecticut, they were unable to cope with the damage and left thousands of enterprises and residences without power for two weeks, an aspect that is neither easily forgiven nor forgotten.

3. Charter Communications

Even though Charter Communications is not as widely known as the other major cable companies in the United States, their overall customer service dissatisfaction grants them a well-deserved third place in this top. Unfair billing, irrational charges as well as the maltreatment of the customers, such as lying and applying hidden fees in the bills hoping that nobody will notice all indicate a grim future for America’s forth largest cable company.

4. Comcast

Comcast’s reputation is slowly going down the drain not because of the billing, but due to the lack of expertise, technical knowledge of the staff and poor functioning of the equipment. What is even worse is that the management has invested a lot of cash in an advertisement campaign to clear their stained name, in spite of the fact that they are actually lacking qualified employees and an effective customer service department. Furthermore, some of the technicians are so poorly prepared for the job that a vast percentage of the complaints are related to destroying and disrespecting customers’ homes during installation or repairs.

5. AT&T

While the problems with the 3G network are a thing of the past now, AT&T has still received one of the lowest possible score for wireless customer care performance. However, as soon as this problem was resolved, another set of complaints began posing a serious threat to the company’s reputation, namely their low customer service rating. As a matter of fact, the enterprise has been the target of both government and media criticism and was accused of trying to take over the mobile monopoly in the U.S., especially after they bought T-Mobile.

Ironically, for a country that boasts freedom of speech as the most important value for a society, any criticism concerning an aspect of the modern life in the US is viewed as unpatriotic and unacceptable  Without denying the fact that living in the United States has numerous positive features, there are also several harsh realities to account for, especially for minorities and low-income citizens.

In a democratic system, people should take advantage of their rights and perform a lucid analysis of their society rather than accept the bedtime stories that the politicians and their corporate masters feed them via the media. Let’s take a short tour of the most common misconstructions regarding the modern United States society.

1. America is strictly a meritocratic society

The ideology that hard work and perseverance represent the key to success in America is commendable, yet inapplicable in the real world. In fact, many times authorities and privately owned companies will fail the average/low income American citizen. At the same time, excellence in your field and a good work ethic will not always provide sufficient leverage for transcending poverty. To put it simply, the original meritocracy concept has evolved towards oligarchy and financial/social stratifications become increasingly obvious.

2. There is equality between all citizens of the US

Are marriages between partners of the same sex considered legal yet? How long ago were the laws concerning the civil rights, the voting and the benefits of disabled citizens introduced? And, more importantly, why did these laws have to be established? That’s right, because the society in the US has a historical inclination for marginalizing certain minorities. There is no such thing as equality unless it is mandated by the law and sometimes, not even then.

3. Things were better in the good old days

When we are speaking about the good old days in America, we are typically referring to the 50s, a period that was allegedly all about simplicity, every citizen knew his role in society and life was bliss. However, let’s not forget that it was also a time of segregation and the fact that this idealized picture of the US in the 50s represents nothing more and nothing less than a carefully constructed marketing campaign. Rather than construct a society that adapts to the people, the role of this campaign is to make people adapt to a predetermined dogma with domineering gender dynamics and inflexible class systems.

4. We’re all living the “American Dream”

Again, the idealistic representation of the “American Dream” has few things in common with reality. In short it has been replaced by aggressive banking practices, vanishing retirement funds, fraudulent credit institutions, sky high interest rates, foreclosures at every turn, so on and so forth. And these are just a few of the barriers that stand between the average income citizen and the “American Dream”.

5. This country was founded on the idea of freedom

Well, if you examine the early history of America, you will notice that it was founded on the principles of slavery and segregation rather than freedom. The concept of freedom refers mostly to the autonomy of the white population and the condemnable practices against different color minorities continued for centuries. At the same time African, Latino and Asian immigrant communities were not assimilated into the mainstream until much later.

Many US Presidents have/had a colorful past. Many of the Top 10 presidents on the list are/were alcoholics and take/took pride in their drinking habits. This article identifies them and who they are/were.

1. Barack Obama:

A 2010 news report surfaced surrounding Barack Obama’s drinking problem. The Daily Mail reported that the doctor recommended the President stop drinking excessively and stop smoking. This recommendation came after Obama’s cholesterol levels were up to borderline high.

2. George W. Bush:

Bush was no saint in the 1960s and 70s. Bush even admitted to substance abuse under the age of 40. He described this period as nomadic and irresponsible youth. This all occurred before he made a religious conversion and was enlightened by Billy Graham.

3. Richard Nixon:

During the Watergate Scandal, which erupted in 1974, Nixon was drinking more than he ever did before. He became even more depressed as he put himself and his family through humiliation over his resignations. Many people would not hear from Nixon for years after his resignation due to shame. The drinking problem was discovered in Nixon’s biography, written by Stephen Ambrose.

4. Martin van Buren:

This Democratic President had a reputation for being a drunk by age 25. He could even drink large quantities without showing signs of intoxication. The behaviour was exhibited well into his Vice –Presidency.

5. Ulysses Grant:

This US President also had a drinking problem. The problem was more than apparent during his military service. However, the heavy drinking was said to have not affected his ability to perform duties. The cause of death (throat cancer) was probably related to alcohol consumption.

Have you wondered why US was at a default in August of 2011? This article seeks to examine US expenses and debts. Where has all the money gone? Let’s take a look.

1. The American People:

Amount Owed: $4.7 trillion (2010)

2. China:

Amount Owed: $884 billion (2010);

$1.1 trillion (2011)

3. Japan:

Amount Owed: $865 billion (2010);

$914 billion (2011)

4. United Kingdom:

Amount Owed: $459 billion (2010)

$346 billion (2011)

5. Ireland:

Amount Owed: $197 billion (2010)

$346 billion (2011)

Which businesses are still running since the Declaration of Independence and before that? See if you recognize 1 or 2 businesses. Some of them are still widely heard of even in other parts of the world.

1. Bowne & Co. – 1775:

This was a printing company that was set up by Robert Bowne. It was bought out by JJ Donnelly in 2010. The company is widely traded on NYSE.

2. Green Brier – 1778:

This is a four star luxury resort which is located in West Virginia. The resort was previously owned by Chesapeake and Ohio Railway and is now owned by CSX Corporation. Jim Justice bought the property when CSX put the hotel into liquidation.

3. Bank of New York – 1784:

The financial institution was founded by Alexander Hamilton in 1784. It merged in 2007 with Mellon Financial Corporation, which renamed it to Bank of New York Mellon. It is the oldest bank in New York to date.

4. Bixler’s – 1785:

Bixler’s Jewellery is the oldest jewellery company in USA. The company is located in Pennsylvania and is still run by the Bixler family, 6 generations later.

5. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – 1786:

It was the first newspaper to be published west of the Alleghemy Mountains. The first news coverage were relating to the beginning of a nation and the writing of the US Constitution. Throughout the years, it has won 4 Pulitzer Prizes: 1938, 1986, 1987 and 1998.

United States has attempted to elect Presidents to get the job done right. There are various Presidents throughout history who have not stood by their word and have gone against the will of the people. Their decisions and actions are insufficient and unruly. Many of them do not act fast and are also not right for the job. As such, here is the top 10  list of worst US Presidents.

1. Barack Obama:

The current President of the United States, Barack Obama is one of the worst presidents. Until this year, he has not been incisive in action. He stood by and did absolutely nothing as DP Horizon Oil Spill leaked all over the Guelph of Mexico for 3 months. 4.9 million barrels of oil spilled through the water, polluting it. When it came to rising Gas Prices, his actions were insufficient. Prices rose from $1.83/gallon in 2009 to $3.44/gallon in 2011. Lastly, Obama worsened unemployment rates since coming into power. Since coming into power, the rates have increased, and not decreased as his Presidential platform predicted. Obama’s aim to get the United States out of what he called another “Great Depression” has been deemed useless.

2. James Buchanan:

Buchanan rubbed salt on the wounds between Successional States and the Union States. He supported the Dred Scott decision, which refused to protect African Americans under the constitution, added Kansas as a slavery state and put slavery issues on a state level. In making such decisions he caused greater tensions between the North and the South. He was the first President to have left office 39 days before a Civil War ensued.

3. Bill Clinton:

Bill Clinton is an utter humiliation to the United States for two reasons. First, his foreign policies lacked decisiveness and were all over the place. He declared war on numerous countries, notably Yugoslavia, Iraq and Somalia. The intervention into Yugoslavian and Somalian civil wars lacked reason. Furthermore, the Iraqi War in December of 1998 had no clear results. Secondly, he was sleeping on the job and getting paid. When America expected him to be a leader, he was busy cheating on his wife with an intern in the Oval Office. When caught, he wagged his finger in front of the camera and stated “I want to say one thing to the American people, I’m going to say this again. I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky. I never told anybody to lie. Not a single time. Never. These allegations are false and I need to go back to work for the American people.” How can anyone respect a President who stood up and lied in front of the whole world and got caught?

4. Richard Nixon:

Although this President did a service to the United States by ending the 20 year Vietnam War, he still hit the books as one of the worst presidents. During the Watergate scandal, he tapped into the National Democratic Party Headquarters. 5 members from his fundraiser organization, the Committee to Re-elect the President, were arrested for trespassing and burglary. After extensive investigation 6 of Nixon’s top advisers were charged with fraud for their part in the scandal. A grand jury charged Nixon as co-conspirator. Nixon had no other choice but to resign in shame.

5. John F. Kennedy:

This President led the United States into a possible nuclear crisis right at its doorstep. The Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis were an embarrassment to the United States. As a superpower, the United States should have done much more to secure the nation against any nuclear catastrophes, before threats were made. Furthermore, John F. Kennedy should have had a better campaign set up to decrease tensions between his country and the Soviet Union. The Bay of Pigs invasion only infuriated the Soviet Union and the Cubans even more.

There are various presidents in US history who were not as famous as Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. Within their short and sometimes long tenure as President they left one or two important historical marks which should be noted. Here are the top 10 forgotten but yet important US presidents.

1. John Hanson:

Many believe George Washington was the first President of the United States. They are wrong in this fact as Washington was the first president of the independent country. The title belongs to John Hanson, whom many US History books forget to mention. He was elected as the first Presiding Officer to the Continental Congress during the revolutionary wars in 1781. He was also the one to order all foreign flags to be banned from US property.

2. William Henry Harrison:

He was the 9th President of the United States and the first President to die in office 32 days after his inauguration. Wearing no overcoat and no hat on a wet and cold day, Harrison spoke the longest speech in US history which was timed at 2 hours. This caused Harrison to catch pneumonia and septicaemia, which began to affect Harrison 3 weeks after. He made history with his precedent to elect the Vice-President as President when the current elected President cannot do his job. The 25th commandment was finally enacted after the Kennedy Assassination.

3. John Tyler:

Not many would know a John Tyler or would ever think he was President of the United States once. His term was short and brief as he replaced President Harrison after the latter’s death. He took office during a constitutional crisis which discussed the succession to Presidency by the Vice-President. He also was the President who annexed Texas into the United States. He however caused and stimulated the Mexican American war.

4. William Taft:

This 300lb President was the 27th to be elected. He was the fattest and tallest President to take office. He is most famous for his 16th Amendment which allowed the Congress to Levy Taxes. He was also famous for being the only handpicked President of the United States. Theodore Roosevelt appointed him Secretary of States in the hopes of making him a President one day.

5. Warren G. Harding:

This president did everything in his power to undo the dreams and peacekeeping and making work his predecessor Woodrow Wilson achieved. With disdain, he rejected the idea of League of Nations which held peace around the world for 21 years. Although quoted as being sensitive to minorities and women by Carl S. Anthony, 1998 polls rate him as the worst president. The unemployment rate staggered during his presidency.

These retail chains are well-known and largest in the United States. They generate massive revenues year after year. Let us see the top 10 retailers.

1. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc

This public corporation in the United States of America controls and maintains a number of department stores. Walmart was declared to be the largest in terms of revenue in the world in 2008. Founded in 1962 by Sam Walton, this grocery retailer provides employment to thousands every year.

2. The Home Depot

The Home Depot maintains over 2,000 retail stores in different parts of the United States and has its headquarters in Georgia. These retail stores stock up on products of construction and home improvement. In other words, it allows customers to indulge in DIY projects and therefore, save money.

3. The Kroger Co.

This supermarket retail chain has been around since 1883 and was established by Bernard Henry Kroger. The Kroger Co. owns over 2,400 supermarkets and declared about 76 billion dollars in sales during 2008. Its headquarters are in Downtown Cincinnati and it owns mall jewellery stores, hypermarkets, convenience stores and department stores all over the United States.

4. Target Corporation

Target Corporation is known all over the world as Target and was established in 1902 in Minnesota. Target has stores in every states of the United States except Vermont and is known as SuperTarget and Target Greatland as well. After Walmart, it is said to be the biggest and most well known discount retailer in the country.

5. Costco Wholesale Corporation

Costco Wholesale Corporation is known throughout the United States as Costco and is said to be the largest in the country among the membership wholesale clubs that exist. In 2009, Costco was declared to be among the top 10 largest retailers in the world. In addition to that, it also holds the largest stocks of fine wine.

Here is our unique list of the largest cinema halls across the US. Because these cinema halls are large, they are also very comfortable. The auditoriums are largest, the concession stands are large- even their restrooms are large!

1. AMC Empire 25

This cinema hall is among the largest in Manhattan. The exterior of the theater is flashy and merges with the bright and glamorous surroundings. AMC Empire 25 has about 25 screens and showcases all the popular movies as and when they release. The seating is extremely comfortable, even for those who sit in the front row.

2. AMC Loews Kips Bay 15

AMC Loews Kips Bay 15 is not only among the largest but also one of the most beautiful movie theaters. The lobby of the cinema hall resembles that of a palace and the murals on the wall are movie-themed and absolutely stunning. It showcases a wide variety of movies and is extremely spacious. However, it has been noticed that it tends to get very quiet, which is why people tend to avoid it.

3. AMC Lincoln Square 13

This cinema hall has murals of those New York cinemas that existed in the past and therefore, makes the entire experience very nostalgic. Unlike other movie halls which assign numbers to each auditorium, this cinema hall allots cinema namesakes and the main lobby has been designed with a retro theme. This cinema hall is among the most comfortable and modern cinema halls.

4. BAM Rose Cinemas

The BAM Rose cinema hall was founded in 1998 and its structure and architecture is similar to that of an opera hall. The entryway is vast and the ceilings are extremely high. What’s more, even the wooden banisters are massive! This movie theater is extremely popular amongst actors, screenwriters and directors.

5. City Cinemas Angelika Film Center

The Angelika Film Center showcases some of the best and most popular independent films in the United States. The main lobby is large and holds the Angelika Café which is beautiful and trendy.

The National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took efforts to compile the incidence of cancer and mortality statistics for 1999-2004. The top 10 most common types of cancer diagnosed in U.S. women are:

1. Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the breast tissues. The breast comprises of ducts and lobes. The sections called lobes in the breasts have several smaller sections called lobules. Lobules end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk.

2. Lung Cancer

When uncontrolled cell growth is seen in the tissues of the lungs, Lung cancer is said to develop. This growth can lead to metastasis, which is the infiltration or invasion of adjacent tissue. Carcinomas of the lung are the majority of primary lung cancers. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in men and the second most common in women.

3. Colon and Rectal Cancer

When malignant cancer cells develop in the tissues of the rectum, rectal cancer is said to develop. The rectum is part of the body’s digestive system. Its primary function is to store formed stool in preparation for evacuation.

4. Uterine Cancer

When malignant cancer cells form in the uterine muscles or other tissues that support the uterus, uterine sarcoma is said to develop. The uterus is part of the female reproductive system. It is a pear shaped, hollow organ in the pelvis, where a fetus grows.

5. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) refers to the cancer of the cells of the lymphatic system. When a person suffers from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, cells in the lymphatic system divide or grow uncontrollably or the older cells do not die as they normally do. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can occur in the spleen, a single lymph node or a bunch of lymph nodes.