Cities with the Most Billionaires, 2011

 

When the U.S. economy was riding high for most of the 20th century, it would have been impossible to imagine a foreign city–especially one in a Communist country–with more of the planet’s very richest than New York, home of old-money Wall Street. But that indeed is the case. Today Moscow is the city with the most billionaire residents in the world.

The Russian capital boasts 79 billionaires, a stunning increase of 21 in just one year. That more than edges out No. 2 New York, with 59 billionaires, and No. 3 London with 41. Other cities in the top 15 include such rising stars as Mumbai, Taipei, Sao Paolo and Istanbul. Los Angeles manages a tie for No. 8.

The combined fortunes of Moscow’s billionaire population top $375 billion, more privately amassed wealth than in any other city in the world.

In Pictures: Billionaire Cities

Despite New York’s relegation to second place, the city remains a favored locale of billionaires, whose collective net worth is $221 billion. The Big Apple boasts some of the most expensive ZIP codes in the U.S., due in part to the real estate prices paid by billionaires in this city. Indeed, many Moscow residents own secondary homes in New York, including fertilizer and coal magnate Andrey Melnichenko, whose wife recently closed on a $12.2 million penthouse apartment. Even the world’s richest man, Carlos Slim (home: Mexico City), snatched up a $44 million mansion on Central Park last year.

To compile our list, we tallied the primary residences of all 1,210 billionaires on the 2011 Forbes World’s Billionaires list, our annual assessment of people sporting seven-figure or higher fortunes in U.S. dollars. We did not take secondary homes into account for this list.

In the U.S. we stuck strictly to city limits. For example, while a smattering of prominent media barons like Viacom founder Sumner Redstone and T.V. tycoon Haim Saban reside in Beverly Hills, they are not included in the pile of Los Angeles residents since Beverly Hills is its own city (although largely surrounded by Los Angeles).

Here are the the world’s five top cities for billionaires:

Istanbul, Turkey scores No. 5. Photo: Thinkstock

No. 5: Istanbul
Number of Billionaires: 36
Total combined wealth: $60.5 billion

Billionaires include: Turkey’s richest person, Mehmet Emin Karamehmet, chairman of mobile phone company Turkcell; Turkey’s former richest, finance and retail scion, Husnu Ozyegin; and Macedonian-born Sarik Tara, founder of construction giant, ENKA.

Hong Kong scores No. 4. Photo: Thinkstock

No. 4: Hong Kong
Number of Billionaires: 40
Total combined wealth: $176.8 billion

Billionaires include: Greater China’s richest person, Hutchison Whampoa chairman Li Ka-shing; the Kwok family, the brothers behind Hong Kong’s largest real estate developer, SHKP; and Angela Leong, the controversial heiress of Stanley Ho’s casino empire.

London scores No. 3. Photo: Thinkstock

No. 3: London
Number of Billionaires: 41
Total combined wealth: $164.3 billion

Billionaires include: Indian citizen Lakshmi Mittal, the world’s sixth-richest man thanks to steel-maker ArcelorMittal; daredevil Virgin founder Richard Branson; and Philip & Christina Green, the married couple behind clothing company Topshop.

New York City scores No. 2. Photo: Thinkstock

No. 2: New York
Number of Billionaires: 59
Total combined wealth: $220.8 billion

Billionaires include: media mogul and current mayor Michael Bloomberg; fashion designer Ralph Lauren; and real estate developer-turned-reality T.V. celebrity Donald Trump.

Moscow scores No. 1. Photo: Thinkstock

No. 1: Moscow
Number of Billionaires: 79
Total combined wealth: $375.3 billion

Billionaires include: Russia’s richest man, steel magnate Vladmimir Lisin; commodities investor and Chelsea soccer team owner Roman Abramovich; and venture capitalist and Facebook investor Yuri Milner.

Click here to see more Billionaire Cities

10 World’s Strangest Laws

 

1. Singapore

In a bid to keep the streets of this super-efficient city clean, the authorities in Singapore decided in 1992 to ban chewing gum completely. Stick to a mint.

2. Eraclea, Italy

Many holidaymakers head to the sandy beach at Eraclea to escape the hordes of tourists in nearby Venice. Unfortunately, those who enjoy building sandcastles can think again – it’s forbidden.

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands

A curious loophole in the law means that smoking tobacco in a public place such as a coffee shop in Amsterdam is banned, while puffing away on pure cannabis is entirely legal.

4. Florida, USA

For those who are young, free and single and enjoy jumping out of planes in their spare time, be careful if you’re in Florida – unmarried women who parachute on Sundays can be jailed.

5. Switzerland

Bizarrely, flushing the toilet in a Swiss apartment is illegal after 10pm. It is also against the law for a man to relieve himself while standing up after 10pm.

6.Eboli, Italy

Honeymooners might be best to avoid hiring a car in Eboli, just south of Naples. Kissing in a moving vehicle here can carry a fine of up to €500.

7. Capri, Italy

Locals in Capri, northern Italy, must value their peace and quiet – a couple were arrested recently forwearing excessively noisy flip-flops, following the introduction of a ban on ‘noisy footwear’.

8. Alabama, USA

The Southern American state has a quite superfluous law in place which states that it’s illegal to be blindfolded while driving a vehicle.

9. Dubai, UAE

Dubai’s luxurious resorts and stunning beaches may seem like the ideal place to spend a romantic holiday, but don’t get too affectionate – kissing in public here is illegal, and many tourists have fallen foul of this law in recent years.

10. South-East Asia

The durian, a fruit native to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, has a smell so incredibly strong that it is banned from many public places in South-East Asia.

Coffee May Reduce Risk for Advanced Prostate Cancer

 

May 23, 2011 — Regular coffee consumption is associated with a striking decrease in fatal or metastatic prostate cancer, according to an analysis of long-term data from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

Kathryn M. Wilson, ScD, with the Department of Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, and colleagues led the new study, reported online May 17 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

According to the researchers, coffee contains “diverse biologically active compounds that include caffeine, minerals, and phytochemicals.” They add that many studies suggest that long-term coffee drinking may be linked to improved glucose metabolism and insulin secretion.

Using data from the prospective Health Professionals Follow-up Study, the researchers analyzed information from 47,911 men who reported intake of regular and decaffeinated coffee first in 1986 and were observed every 4 years thereafter.

From 1986 to 2006, there were 5035 of the 47,911 men who had developed prostate cancer; of those, 642 patients had so-called lethal prostate cancers, defined as fatal or metastatic. The study participants overall consumed an average of 1.9 cups of coffee per day.

Among men drinking at least 6 cups per day, the adjusted risk for overall prostate cancer was 18% lower vs that in nondrinkers (relative risk [RR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68 – 0.98; P linear trend = .10).

Notably, the risk was decreased by approximately 60% in this group vs nondrinkers (RR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.22 – 0.75; P trend = .03) when only lethal forms of prostate cancer were considered.

The researchers also found that coffee consumption did not appear to be associated with a decreased risk for nonadvanced or low-grade cancers and only slightly correlated with a reduced risk for high-grade cancer.

However, both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee appeared to decrease the risk for lethal prostate cancer. For each cup, the risk declined by approximately 6% for regular coffee (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88 – 1.01; P = .08) and by roughly 9% for decaffeinated coffee (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83 – 1.00; P = .05).

Men drinking at least 6 cups a day had an age-adjusted incidence of only 425 prostate cancers per 100,000 person-years vs 529 in those not consuming coffee. Likewise, the incidence of lethal prostate cancers was 34 vs 79 per 100,000 person-years in those drinking at least 6 cups vs nondrinkers, respectively.

“It is premature to recommend that men increase coffee intake to reduce advanced prostate cancer risk based on this single study,” Dr. Wilson and colleagues conclude. “In addition, the effects of coffee consumption on other aspects of health must be considered in making consumption recommendations,” they add. “However, our findings are potentially important, given the lack of identified modifiable risk factors for advanced prostate cancer.”

According to the researchers, coffee may provide as much as half of total antioxidant intake in many settings. Compounds in coffee that may affect cancer risk could include chlorogenic acids, which inhibit glucose absorption; quinides, the roasting products of chlorogenic acids; and lignans, phytoestrogens with potent antioxidant activity that may benefit glucose.

The study was not commercially supported. The study authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

J Natl Cancer Inst. Published online May 17, 2011. Abstract

http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/743181

Driving Songs,The Top 10 Best Driving Songs

A recent British study reported that drivers who are singing along to favorite music are likely to concentrate more on their driving and are less likely to fall asleep. This matches my own anecdotal experience, but it is great to have it confirmed scientifically. In the spirit of the study, here are my top 10 driving songs.

1. Golden Earring – Radar Love (1974)

<a title="Courtesy Polydor

With that chugging beat and lyrics that begin “I’ve been driving all night, my hands wet on the wheel,” “Radar Love” is the perfect song for cross-country night driving with no objective other than being with the one you love ASAP. Surprisingly, this universally well-known classic did not even make the pop top 10 upon its initial release.

 2. Stealers Wheel – Stuck In the Middle With You (1973)

<a title="Courtesy Lemon Records

This parody of Bob Dylan’s style by Scots Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan locks into an outstanding rhythm for gentle 4-wheel cruising. The song was produced by classic pop songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Who can help but join in with the instantly memorable chorus “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am…stuck in the middle with you?”

3. The Cars – Let’s Go (1979)

<a title="Courtesy Elektra

“Let’s Go,” from the Cars second album Candy-O includes one of the most brilliant pauses in the history of pop music. Those few seconds between “She says” and “Let’s go” make the entire song work. I must admit I still don’t completely understand “She’s so beautiful now, she doesn’t wear her shoes.” As one would expect from their name, the Cars made several great driving songs, but “Let’s Go” is the best.

4. Derek and the Dominos – Layla (1972)

<a title="Courtesy Polydor

“Layla” by Eric Clapton’s alter ego band, Derek and the Dominos, is one of the top rock classics of all time. The extended instrumental fade out is a warm antidote for a long, lonely drive. Duane Allman’s slide guitar solo will expose and soothe any brand of emotional disturbance. Lock it in for any lengthy solo drive.

5. John Mellencamp – Authority Song (1984)

<a title="Courtesy Riva Records

You might find yourself pounding the steering wheel along as the crack of the drums and guitar kick in. Irresistible melody, defiant singalong lyrics, and a big dose of attitude…in other words, great for driving!

6. Wall Of Voodoo – Mexican Radio (1982)

<a title="Courtesy I.R.S. Records

It’s a bit of a left-field selection, but this classic is addictive from hearing it the first time. It’s all about dialing in a Mexican station from dusty border territory. The next time you’re headed along dusty highways from Texas to California, make sure this classic is on your playlist.

7. Billy Ocean – Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car (1988)

<a title="Courtesy Jive

It may be crass and commercial, but it’s also great car music. Billy Ocean launched a song that has the perfect beat for slow top-down convertible cruising along the city strip. You’ll be singing along in no time.

8. Beatles – Drive My Car (1966)

<a title="Courtesy Capitol Records

“Drive My Car” kicks off the Beatles’ Rubber Soul, one of the greatest pop albums of all time. It’s easy to enjoy on a drive and sing along to the chorus, but when listened to closely, the lyrics are among the Beatles’ most witty. “Beep beep, beep beep, yeah!”

9. Beach Boys – Little Deuce Coupe (1963)

<a title="Courtesy Capitol

Cars were a key element of a number of the Beach Boys’ early classics. “Little Deuce Coupe” is possibly the best. If there was ever a love song written to a car, this is it. Just substitute what you’ve got for the words “little deuce coupe,” and your auto will be purring in loving response.

10. Eagles – Take It Easy (1972)

<a title="Courtesy Asylum Records

For many, “I’m running down the road tryin’ to loosen my load, I’ve got seven women on my mind,” were the first words they ever heard from the Eagles. The song continues on exploring the joys of cruising around being admired by members of the opposite gender. It was an 8-track classic, now burn it to the nearest CD.

Whether you’re camping in the summer or having a midwinter jam in your living room, here’s a look at some classic sing-along songs that are also great for campfire songs.

Whether you’re camping in the summer or having a midwinter jam in your living room, here’s a look at some classic sing-along songs that are also great for campfire songs. 

“American Pie”

© United Artists

Don MacLean’s 1971 hit song “American Pie” has become one of the most popular sing-along tunes in contemporary American music. Most people don’t know all the words, but will happily – and emphatically – throw their heads back and sing along on the chorus. (Check out thelyrics to “American Pie”.)

 

“Banana Boat Song (Day-O)”

© RCA

This Jamaican folk song was popularized in the States by Harry Belafonte. Kids and adults alike enjoy singing the refrain “Daylight come and me wan’ go home,” and the enthusiastic “six foot, seven foot, eight foot, bunch!” For both of these reasons, it’s an excellent tune for family camp trips and other outings.

 

“Down by the Riverside”

© Time Life Entertainment

This classic protest song’s origins lie in African-American spirituals. Through the years, though, the song has become not only a popular hymn, but also an anthem of the peace movement. However it is that folks first heard the tune, it’s one pretty much everyone knows the words to, and is a great community-building sing-along. (Check out the lyrics for “Down by the Riverside”.)

 

“House of the Rising Sun”

© Columbia Records

Though this song’s origins stretch much further back into history, probably the most popular version is the folk-rock tune by the Animals, circa 1964. Bob Dylan also recorded a popular version in 1962. The oldest known recording of the tune came from about 30 years prior to that, though. Regardless of where you heard it first, most Americans know enough of the lyrics to sing along, and enjoy doing so. (Here are the lyrics to Bob Dylan’s version.)

 

“If I Had a Hammer”

© Warner Bros.

This song was written by Pete Seeger with Lee Hays (here’s a fullhistory of “If I Had a Hammer”) in 1949. But, perhaps the most popular version was recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary. As is true of many of Seeger’s songs, they’re set up with the intention of being sung along to. Folks who don’t know all the words can easily follow along.

 

“Kumbaya”

© Vanguard

This is such a great song for singing around the campfire, Peter, Paul & Mary included it on their aptly titled album, Around the Campfire. The version linked here is by Joan Baez, though, whose voice was so beautiful for this strong melody. It’s short on lyrics and easy to learn – perfect for an impromptu sing-along.

 

“You Are My Sunshine”

© Mercury Records

Though some of the verses in this tune can start to sound a bit morose and downtrodden, the overall vibe of the song is uplifting and fun. Most people know the main verse/chorus and are happy to sing along without being prompted. They may also enjoy hearing the other, darker verses sung by the person leading the tune.

 

Angelina Jolie, Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman Kung Fu Panda 2 Interview Video

 

Kung Fu Panda 2 stars Angelina Jolie, Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman turned up at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival to promote the DreamWorks Animation film. At the press conference, the Kung Fu Panda 2 threesome talked about getting back into their characters, the film’s adoption theme, inner peace, and violence in films in this video courtesy of DreamWorks Animation.

http://movies.about.com/library/movies/Kung-Fu-Panda-2-Angelina-Jolie-Jack-Black.mov
_{[Video footage provided by DreamWorks Animation]} 

Kung Fu Panda 2 stars Angelina Jolie, Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Seth Rogen, Jackie Chan, and Lucy Liu, and is set to hit theaters on May 26, 2011.

1 in 7 strokes occur while sleeping

One in seven strokes happens at night, and sufferers may not get medicine that could prevent brain damage, suggests a new study.

• By Hemera Technologies

  “Wake-up” stroke sufferers are more likely to miss out on a potentially life-saving medication that can only be giving within the first few hours.

By Hemera Technologies

“Wake-up” stroke sufferers are more likely to miss out on a potentially life-saving medication that can only be giving within the first few hours.

 

“These kinds of strokes are common — about 15% of all strokes. That’s a substantial amount of people,” says study author Jason Mackey, a stroke researcher at theUniversity of Cincinnati.

Mackey says “wake-up” stroke sufferers are more likely to miss out on a potentially life-saving clot-busting medication called tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, that can only be given within the first few hours after stroke symptoms begin. Given beyond that window, it could cause complications.

For the study, researchers analyzed data from 1,854 patients over 18 who had been treated in hospital emergency departments in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentuckyover the course of a year for ischemic strokes. These are caused by clots in the arteries of the brain that block blood flow, and are the most common type of stroke.

Mackey and his colleagues found that 273 patients experienced wake-up strokes. When translated to the greater population, that figure suggests approximately 58,000 people a year, he says.

Even though it’s difficult to know when a wake-up stroke first occurred, getting speedy medical care is critical. “The most important thing is if you suspect you’re having a stroke, call 911,” he says.

One reason: newer imaging technologies at some hospitals can help doctors determine whether urgent treatments can still help a patient who’s had a stroke while slumbering, says Ausim Azizi, professor and chair of the department of neurology at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia.

“There are imaging technologies that can show if there’s brain tissue left that is not completely dead and can be salvaged,” he says. There is also a catheter procedure that can help remove clots seen on scans.

At least 98 of the people in the study who had wake-up strokes would have been eligible for tPA, researchers said.

“No matter what, still the best thing to do is to go to the hospital,” says Azizi — and by ambulance. He says not all emergency rooms have tPA on hand or a stroke expert on call and if an ambulance team realizes you’re having a stroke, they’ll be able to reroute to the nearest emergency room equipped to treat stroke patients.

“This is a group of patients that should be a focus for future studies,” Mackey says “It’s likely that some of these strokes occurred immediately prior to awakening, and people would benefit from treatment.”

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