What's the fastest car in the world?

The SSC UItimate Aero TT

The current record for fastest car in the world is held by the Ultimate Aero TT from Shelby SuperCars. The record was set on Oct. 9, 2007, not on a testing track, which is where most high-speed records are established, but on a closed-off section of Highway 221 in Washington state. The speed was monitored using the DEWE-VGPS-200C speed sensor from Dewetron, a company that specializes in, among other things, data acquisition systems for spacecraft, which should give you an idea of how fast the Ultimate Aero TT was traveling.

So, how fast is it? In accordance with Guinness rules for automotive speed records, the Ultimate Aero TT was driven down the track twice -- in opposite directions -- with the top speed on each run being averaged to produce the record speed. (This helps minimize the effect of fluke road and weather conditions.) On the first pass it was clocked at 257.44 miles per hour (414.3 kilometers per hour), on the second at 254.91 miles per hour (410.2 kilometers per hour), for an average speed of 256.18 miles per hour (412.3 kilometers per hour). This beat the previous record of 250.7 miles per hour (403.5 kilometers per hour), set in February 2005 by the Koenigsegg CCR, as well as the unofficial record of 253.81 miles per hour (408.5 kilometers per hour), set in April 2005 by the Bugatti Veyron.

This is the first time since the Ford GT40 set the record in 1967 that the title of fastest car in the world has been held by an American-made car. And it wasn't set on the perfect road surface of a testing track the way that most European speed records have been set. Jerod Shelby, the owner of Shelby SuperCars, believes that the Ultimate Aero TT can beat its own record when and if it gets tested on a closed European track. NASA wind tunnel tests have shown that the Ultimate Aero can remain aerodynamically stable up to 273 miles per hour (439.4 kilometers per hour), though its redline speed -- the velocity at which the engine starts to self destruct -- is around 260 miles per hour (418.4 kilometers per hour). So clearly there's room for this vehicle to improve on its own record.

Now you know. The SSC Ultimate Aero TT is the fastest car in the world. Or is it? Some people believe that this record is a bit of a cheat. 

The record held by the Ultimate Aero TT is for fastest production car in the world. That means that this is a car you can buy and keep in your own garage -- assuming, of course, you can cough up the more-than-$600,000 base price. Some people argue, however, that the Ultimate Aero TT isn't truly a production car at all, but rather constructed for the sole purpose of setting records and drawing attention to SSC's other vehicles. Jerod Shelby openly admits that the Ultimate Aero was designed for the purpose of putting Shelby SuperCars on the high-end automobile buyer's radar, but also says that he fully intends to sell the 50 Ultimate Aero TTs that his company plans to produce. The car has also been certified as street legal by the United States Department of Transportation.

But what if the Ultimate Aero TT wasn't the fastest car in the world? What car would reign supreme? The previous official world record was held by the Koenigsegg CCR, which set the record on Feb. 28, 2005, on the Nardo Prototipo track in Italy. (Before that, the record had been held for 12 years by the McLaren F1.) Oddly, the Nardo track is circular, a configuration that usually isn't conducive to setting speed records since the physics of automobile motion requires acceleration just so that the car can take the curves.

The Koenigsegg CCR's record was actually broken less than two months later, on April 19, 2005, by the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. However, the Veyron's top speed wasn't verified by the Guinness Book of World Records and is therefore considered unofficial, which left the CCR in top place until the Ultimate Aero TT clocked its even faster record speed in 2007.

But all of these record-setting cars are sluggards compared to the Thrust SSC jet-propelled car. SSC stands for "supersonic car" and, yes, it can go faster than the speed of sound. It set a record for land vehicles when it was timed at 763 miles per hour (1,228 kilometers per hour) across Nevada's Black Rock Desert in 1997. The Thrust SSC isn't a production car and it's hard to imagine why anyone would want to own one unless they do a lot of travel across flat, open spaces. But it does demonstrate that production cars have a long way to go before they achieve the maximum speed that it's possible for a vehicle to go on land.

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Forever foods: 9 cooking staples that can outlast you

By Laura Moss, Mother Nature Network

Most weeks, you make a big grocery list and head to the store, prepared to buy loads of fresh food to make your family's meals. We often don't give a thought to stuff sitting in the kitchen cupboard or we automatically throw out anything that's been in there longer than we can remember. 

But Janice Revell, co-founder of StillTasty.com, says "Look in your pantry and your cabinets and check whether the items really do need to go. You'll be shocked by what you really don't need to throw away."

So before you throw out that years-old sugar or replace that bottle of vanilla that's been gathering dust, consult this list of "forever foods." You may be surprised how many of your kitchen staples have a shelf life of decades — even after they've been opened.

1. Sugar
Regardless of whether your sugar is white, brown, or powdered, it will never spoil because it doesn't support bacterial growth.

The challenge with sugar is to keep it from hardening into chunks. To keep sugar fresh, store it in an airtight container or seal it in a plastic bag. If your brown sugar is more like a brown rock, you can revive it with just a minute in the microwave on low heat.

2. Pure vanilla extract
If you have pure vanilla extract in the back of the cupboard, there's no need to throw it out because it lasts forever. It may be more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but its shelf life certainly outweighs the extra cost.

Keep that vanilla flavor at its best by sealing the botttle after each use and storing it in a cool, dark place.

3. Rice
White, wild, jasmine, arborio and basmati rice all keep forever so there's no need to throw them out. Brown rice is the one exception because it has a higher oil content so store it in the refrigerator or freeze it to maximize its shelf life. Once you've opened a bag or box of rice, move it to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag to keep it fresh.

4. Corn starch
You can thicken gravies and sauces for years with just one box of corn starch because it keeps indefinitely. Store this kitchen staple in a cool, dry area and be sure to reseal it tightly after each use.

5. Honey
Whether you use it in your tea, on your toast or as an alternative sweetener, that jar of pure honey is good forever. It may get grainy or change color, but it's still safe to eat — and delicious — because its antibiotic properties keep it from spoiling.

You can help keep it fresh by storing it in a cool area, and you can improve the quality of crystallized honey by placing the jar in warm water and stirring it until the grainy parts dissolve.

6. Salt

The contents of your salt shaker will never spoil, regardless of whether it's basic table salt or sea salt. Simply store it in a cool, dry place and salt will keep indefinitely.

7. Corn syrup
If you come across a years-old bottle of corn syrup in your pantry, don't throw it out. This sweetener keeps indefinitely as long as you keep it sealed and store it in a cool, dry area.

8. Maple syrup
What good are pancakes or waffles without maple syrup? Luckily, this flavorful syrup will never spoil if you refrigerate it or freeze it. For long-term storage, seal it in an airtight plastic container and freeze it.

"The freezer is such a useful tool that can really save you money because there are very few foods that don't freeze well," says Janice Revell of StillTasty.com.

9. Distilled white vinegar
This wonder product can be used for everything, from making marinades and salad dressings to cleaning house and doing laundry. But the best thing about distilled white vinegar is that it lasts for years. Simply close it tightly after each use and store the bottle in a cool, dark place

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Nike Cosplay

The Green Lantern

Green Lantern is an upcoming superhero film based on the comic book character of the same name appearing in DC Comics. The film will star Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, with Martin Campbell directing a script by Greg Berlanti and comic book writers Michael Green and Marc Guggenheim, which was subsequently rewritten by Michael Goldenberg.^[1] Green Lantern is scheduled to be released on June 17, 2011 in 3D.


In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan.


Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal is clearly the missing piece to the puzzle, and along with his determination and willpower, he has one thing no member of the Corps has ever had: humanity. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris(Blake Lively), if Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he may prove to be not only the key to defeating Parallax…he will become the greatest Green Lantern of all.


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McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C supercar is cleaner, faster, meaner than... everything

By Rory Reid (@rory79) on 14 February 2011, 11:46am





McLaren redefined what was possible with sports cars when it launched the ground-breaking McLaren F1 back in the 90s, and the British car company is set slap 21st century supercars upside the head gasket with its MP4-12C.

McLaren today confirmed performance figures for the MP4-12C, and they make for good reading. Actually, they made us spit our morning coffee out, because they indicate the MP4-12C is faster, more powerful and significantly cleaner than any of its rivals from Ferrari, Lamborghini or Aston Martin. 

Its 3.8-litre, twin-turbo, V8 engine chucks out 592bhp and 600Nm of torque -- 30bhp and 60Nm more than the 4.5-litre V8 in a Ferrari 458 Italia. 0-62mph flashes up in 3.3 seconds (3.1 seconds with optional Corsa C performance tyres), making it 0.07s quicker than a Mercedes SLS AMG. It'll do a quarter-mile sprint in 10.9 seconds and it'll keep going 'til it headbutts the horizon at 205mph.

The MP4-12C offers fabulous braking and handling too -- 62mph-0 takes just 100 feet. The car features Brake Steer technology that automatically activates the inside rear brakes in high speed corners to reduce understeer (skidding straight on instead of turning). Intriguingly, this tech was used briefly on McLaren's MP4-12 Formula One car, but was subsequently banned for giving McLaren drivers an unfair advantage.

The MP4-12C spanks its rivals for efficiency. Somehow McLaren has managed to coax 24.2mpg from its engine, which has carbon dioxide emissions of just 279g/km. Compare those figures to the 17.2mpg and 388g/km of the slower Aston Martin DBS and you'll begin to appreciate the technical wizardry employed by McLaren's boffins.

Despite being better (on paper, at least) than most other sports cars, the McLaren MP4-12C won't be any more expensive. It'll cost £168,500 when it goes on sale in spring, with McLaren hoping to produce 1,000 examples for worldwide distribution before 2012.
It's fair to say we're terribly excited by this thing, as should you be. Have a gander through the photos in our gallery above, then go check out some of the hands-on shots we took when we saw the MP4-12C in the flesh back in March last year.





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X-Men: First Class

X-Men: First Class is an upcoming American superhero film, directed by Matthew Vaughn, based on the characters appearing in Marvel Comics. The film is the fifth installment of the X-Men film series and a prequel to the first three movies. X-Men: First Class is scheduled for release on June 3, 2011.

The film, set during the 1960s, will focus on the relationship between Professor X and Magneto and the origin of their groups, the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants. The film stars James McAvoy as Professor X and Michael Fassbender as Magneto. It also stars Kevin Bacon as Sebastian Shaw, the antagonist of the movie. Other cast members include January Jones, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence and Lucas Till. The film is mostly being shot in England and parts of the United States. Fox envisions this film as the first in a new trilogy.

Cast

• James McAvoy as young Professor Charles Xavier: The leader and founder of the X-Men and one of Magneto's best friends until conflicts of opinion create a rivalry between them and their teams.
  • Laurence Belcher as a younger Charles Xavier.
• Michael Fassbender as young Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto: He's also the leader and founder of the Brotherhood of Mutants and one of Professor X's best friends until conflicts of opinion create a rivalry between them and their teams.
  • Bill Milner as a younger Erik Lehnsherr.
• Kevin Bacon as Sebastian Shaw: He's also the leader of a secret society bent on taking over the world called the Hellfire Club.
• January Jones as Emma Frost / White Queen: A mutant telepath who can also change her body into diamond form and member of the Hellfire Club. Alice Eve was originally announced to play Emma Frost.
• Rose Byrne as Moira MacTaggert: A scientist and an authority on genetic mutation and love interest of Charles Xavier.Rosamund Pike was previously up for the role.
• Nicholas Hoult as young Dr. Henry "Hank" McCoy / Beast: Beast is a former scientist and political activist, who transformed into a frightening looking mutant, but is kind at heart. In the film X-Men: The Last Stand he is shown to turn out to be a political activist. Broadway actor Benjamin Walker was previously cast as Beast, however he dropped out of the role to star in the Broadway musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.
• Jennifer Lawrence as young Raven Darkholme / Mystique: A dangerous shapeshifting mutant.
  • Morgan Lily as a younger Raven Darkholme.
• Oliver Platt as "The Man in Black": A character who is not a mutant.
• Ray Wise as the United States Secretary of State
• Zoë Kravitz as Angel Salvadore: A mutant with insectoid physiology.
• Caleb Landry Jones as Sean Cassidy / Banshee: An Irish mutant with the ability of sonic screaming.
• Lucas Till as Alex Summers / Havok: A mutant who has the ability to absorb cosmic energy and discharge blasts from the energy
• Edi Gathegi as Armando Muñoz / Darwin: A mutant with the power of "reactive evolution."
• Jason Flemyng as Azazel: Nightcrawler's father who has the ability to teleport.
• Álex González as Janos Quested / Riptide: A mutant with the ability to spin his body at an incredibly fast rate.
• Andy Callaghan as a member of the Hellfire Club.
• Tony Rich as Thomas: A mutant with the ability to duplicate other mutant powers within a specific range

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The World's Most Expensive Bed For Sale

The Baldacchino Bed

By Morgan Brennan, Forbes.com

So you bought that fabulous multi-million dollar home of your dreams (perhaps maybe one like this?). The question now is how to decorate. 

Start with the bedroom — after all, many a rich and famous person on MTV Cribs has admitted, “it’s where the magic happens.” A one-of-a-kind house needs a one-of-a-kind bed…

How about one worth more than $6.4 million. 

British designer Stuart Hughes has just unveiled his latest ultra-high end and utterly exclusive foray into furniture: the Baldacchino Supreme. In a joint collaboration with Hebanon by Fratelli Basile Interiors of Nocera Superiore Italy, a team of master Italian furniture makers, the Baldacchino Supreme is the world’s new most expensive bed for sale. Only two will be created, each taking 3 months to hand craft upon purchase.

Ensconced in Italian silk curtains, the canopy bed is a decadent vision of creme and gold, carved from chestnut, ash and cherry woods: it’s the type of structure a royal medieval Italian wedding night would welcome. 

The headboard is fashioned in capitonnè — that button-punctured fabric pattern harking from Parisian home decor — and can be customized with diamonds upon request (in case you want some bling to go with “the magic”). 

The real expense behind this bed however is the sheer amount of gold in use. It’s generously brushed along the borders of the entire structure in the form of gold leaf: 107 kg of solid 24ct gold to be exact. In commodities trading terms, that’s over $5 million worth of gold at current market prices. 

The bed may seem like a publicity ploy from the two companies, but surprisingly one order has already been placed — and filled. The inspiration for this entire project came at the behest of a wealthy Italian buyer (who will sadly remain anonymous) looking for an overly indulgent, fabulously decadent bed to call his own. He contacted Hebanon and they in turn contacted Stuart Hughes, who has built a clever brand around bourgeois adaptations of every day items like diamond-encrusted flat screen television sets and multimillion dollar iPhones. 

As for the one remaining bed, it’s still available for purchase — just in time for Valentine’s Day. Hughes says these items in general can take “one minute or an eternity to sell.” 

With a bed like this, I can’t help but wonder what the wealthy buyers will choose furniture-wise to accompany it. Do you have thoughts on how best to decorate a room housing the world’s most expensive bed?

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Thor

The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.

Director: 

Kenneth Branagh

Writers: 

Ashley Miller (screenplay), Zack Stentz(screenplay), and 6 more credits »

Stars:

 Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman.

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Captain America: The First Avenger

After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America's ideals.



Director: Joe Johnston

Writers: Christopher Markus (screenplay), Stephen McFeely(screenplay),

Stars: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving and Tommy Lee Jones

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Hosni Mubarak