World’s Top 10 Best Cities to Live in

Our planet is increasingly becoming crowded and polluted. Quality of life has been subdued over the years, and we are left with few choices. But thankfully, there are still a few cities in the world where life hasn’t quite lost its sheen.

Each year, Mercer releases the result of its survey on quality of life across the globe. European cities top the list of best places to live in 2011, according to the survey. The survey also finds safest cities to live in, though all good cities to live in are not necessarily safest.

Following is the list of top 10 best cities to live in the world.

1. Vienna (Austria)

2. Zurich (Switzerland)

3. Auckland (New Zealand)

4. Munich (Germany)

5. Vancouver (Canada)

5. Düsseldorf (Germany)

7. Frankfurt (Germany)

8. Geneva (Switzerland)

9. Bern (Switzerland)

9. Copenhagen (Denmark)

There was a tie between Vancouver, Düsseldorf and Bern, Copenhagen for 5th and 10th positions respectively.

Most Debt Ridden Countries in the World

Recent financial tsunami has taken a toll on almost all the major economies in the world. The aftershocks can be felt even today. People lost their jobs, businesses incurred losses, and governments struggled and in many countries, are still struggling to save themselves from people uprising against inflation, unemployment and financial instability. Governments are doing everything to keep the things under control, from giving stimulus packages to businesses and banks to increasing the public expenditure.

But increased spending is always bound to make a hole in the treasury of a government. In this case, governments need to borrow from foreign lenders. The money can be borrowed from other governments, foreign banks and other foreign financial institutions. The amount of borrowed money (capital), plus the interest on it is known as external debt. In simple words, external debt is debt owed to nonresidents repayable in foreign currency, goods, or services. Total external debt is the sum of public, publicly guaranteed, and private non-guaranteed long-term debt, use of IMF credit, and short-term debt.

Countries with huge spending on public welfare schemes and providing large stimulus packages to businesses are more likely to be trapped in debt situation. So, how can we calculate, which countries are the most debt ridden and which are the least ones. One of the best ways to do this is to compare debt with the GDP of a country. It shows how much a country is affected with the debt and how likely it is to repay the loan.

According this formula, following is the list of top 20 most debt ridden countries in the world. The list has been derived from the latest report by World Bank on the debt situation in the world. The data are in US dollars.

1. United States of America

Debt: $14.590 trillion

Debt per capita: $46,929

Debt in percentage: 94% of the GDP

2. United Kingdom

Debt: $8.981 trillion

Debt per capita: $144,338

Debt in percentage: 400% of the GDP

3. Germany

Debt: $4.713 trillion

Debt per capita: $57,755

Debt in percentage: 142% of the GDP

4. France

Debt: $4.698 trillion

Debt per capita: $74,619

Debt in percentage: 182% of the GDP

5. The Netherlands

Debt: $3.733

Debt per capita: 225,814

Debt in percentage: 471% of the GDP

6. Japan

Debt: $2.441 trillion

Debt per capita: $19,148

Debt in percentage: 45% of the GDP

7. Ireland

Debt: $2.253 trillion

Debt per capita: $503,914

Debt in percentage: 103% of the GDP

8. Norway

Debt: $2.232 trillion

Debt per capita: $454,768

Debt in percentage: 538% of the GDP

9. Italy

Debt: $2.223 trillion

Debt per capita: $36,841

Debt in percentage: 108% of the GDP

10. Spain

Debt: $2.166 trillion

Debt per capita: $47,069

Debt in percentage: 154% of the GDP

11. Luxembourg

Debt: $1.892 trillion

Debt per capita: $3,759,174

Debt in percentage: 3,443% of the GDP

12. Belgium

Debt: 1.241 trillion

Debt per capita: $113,603

Debt in percentage: 266% of the GDP

13. Switzerland

Debt: $1.200 trillion

Debt per capita: $154,063

Debt in percentage: 229% of the GDP

14. Australia

Debt: $1.169 trillion

Debt per capita: $52,596

Debt in percentage: 95% of the GDP

15. Canada

Debt: $1.009 trillion

Debt per capita: $29,625

Debt in percentage: 64% of the GDP

16. Sweden

Debt: $853.30 billion

Debt per capita: $91,487

Debt in percentage: 187% of the GDP

17. Austria

Debt: $755 billion

Debt per capita: $90,128

Debt in percentage: 200% of the GDP

18. Denmark

Debt: $559.50 billion

Debt per capita: $101,084

Debt in percentage: 180% of the GDP

19. Greece

Debt: $532.90

Debt per capita: $47,636

Debt in percentage: 174% of the GDP

20. Portugal

Debt: $497.80

Debt per capita: $46,795

Debt in percentage: 217% of the GDP

Data Source: http://data.worldbank.org

Top 10 Love Songs

Love is in the air again. Valentine’s Day evokes a lot of mushy feelings in the hearts of couples who are in love. It acts like a trigger for their hearts skipping a beat. The credit for this phenomenon lies with our own movies and songs. Love songs play the biggest catalyst in evoking the love and passion alike.

We present you the some of the all time favorites love songs of all time. Following is the list of top 10 love songs in English. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day with these lovely songs.

1. Can’t help falling in love with you (Elvis)

2. My heart will go on (Titanic Soundtrack)

3. You’re still the one (Shania Twain)

4. I will be right here waiting (Richard Marx)

5. I am ready (Bryan Adams)

6. She’s all I ever had (Ricky Martin)

7. Take my breath away (Top Gun Soundtrack)

8. Crazy in love (Beyonce)

9. With or without you (U2)

10. Unchained melody (Ghost Soundtrack)

Most Popular Cuisines in the World

Foods are the most essential part of our lives and a cuisine is the integral part of every food. Now, as the world is increasingly turning into a global village, foods and recipes are also traveling with the people. Foods now are not restricted to a particular geographical area or society. You can almost find a popular cuisine in any part of the world, no matter where it comes from.

So, what are the most popular cuisines in the world? Well, there is no formula to judge. However, we have compiled the list of worlds some of the most popular cuisines.

Here is the list of top 10 most popular cuisines in the world.

1 | Chinese

Wherever you go, Chinese foods are ready to welcome you. Chinese noodles and fried rice are one of the most sought after food items in the world. Chinese foods are rich in taste and light on pocket.

2 | Italian

Not many people around the world who love Pizza and Pasta even know where they are originated from. Only these two items are enough to tell about the popularity of Italian cuisine. One of the most loved foods all around the world, Pizza is today served in hundreds of varieties.

3 | Thai

Most people confuse Thai Cuisine with the Chinese but it is different in essence. Thai food is balanced mix of sweet, sour and spice.

4 | Indian

Probably no other food in the world offers kind of variety as Indian food is known for. Most people identify Indian cuisine with typical north Indian foods, but it has much more to offer. South Indian food items are in fact almost as popular as north Indian are. But, the real treats of Indian cuisine are chicken and fish tikkas, naan and sweet dishes.

5 | American

American cuisine is capable of making into any list of popular cuisines just on the strength of a food item which is probably the most popular in the world along with Pizza. It is nothing other than Burger. American cuisine has become more popular due to its well chained restaurants of fast foods.

6 | French

French cuisine is as popular as their beauty products. Pastries are the most important parts of French cooking. But perhaps the most sought after are cheese and wine.

7 | Mexican

Mexican cuisine is known for its varied flavors, colorful decoration, and variety of spices and ingredients, many of which are native to the country.

8 | Japanese

Japanese cuisine typically consists of rice or noodles, with a soup. Foods are made from fish, meat, vegetable, tofu and the like. Food items are typically flavored with dashi, miso, and soy sauce and are generally low in fat and high in salt.

9 | Spanish

Spanish foods are usually light and contain a variety of vegetables, fish and meat. It, along with Indian is the most varied cuisine in the world.

10 | Lebanese

Usually, Lebanese foods are full of fresh vegetables and high on flavors. Not much meat is used and meals are generally accompanied by wine or arak (a powerful Lebanese liquor).

Best Pet Insurance Companies

So you have a pet that you cherish to be with and fear to lose. You are wondering if you can have your pet insured. The answer is, yes. There are many companies that provide insurance for pets. But finding the best pet insurance companies is not that easy. However, we have made this task easier. We have reviewed some of the best pet insurers to bring you the list of top 10 pet insurance companies.

Following is the list of top 10 best pet insurance companies:

1 | Petplan

Petplan is one of the world’s largest pet insurance providers. The company claims that today over 1 million pet owners across the globe already trust it to protect their pets. Petplan policies cover veterinary fees relating to any illness or injury including hospitalization, referrals and prescriptions. Depending on the type of policy that you select they can also pay for advertising and reward if your pet goes missing, boarding fees if you're hospitalized for more than four days and compensation if you lose your pet through straying, illness or injury.

Website: http://www.gopetplan.com

2 | ASPCA

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was founded in 1866 as America's first animal welfare organization. Since the ASPCA's inception, they've been fighting to put an end to animal cruelty, and promoting a better life for people and animals alike. As part of their mission, they're also dedicated to helping pet parents protect their pets with affordable pet insurance.

To provide the best pet insurance possible, the ASPCA has partnered with the Hartville Group, Inc. Hartville is a caring company with over 10 years experience in the pet insurance industry. Like the ASPCA, Hartville is committed to pet health and safety.

Website: http://www.aspcapetinsurance.com

3 | Trupanion

Trupanion provides affordable pet insurance coverage for cats and dogs that enroll between the ages of eight weeks and 14 years of age, and will insure them for their entire life.

Website: http://www.trupanionpetinsurance.com

4 | Pet Assure

Pet Assure is the low-cost, better alternative to veterinary pet insurance. They give you the same low price regardless of your pet's age and accept any pet - you can even enroll pets with pre-existing conditions. Pet Assure has no exclusions, no deductibles and no claim forms to fill out and mail - the veterinary practice staff will give you your savings right at the time of service, even on routine pet care.

Website: http://www.petassure.com

5 | Embrace

Embrace Pet Insurance is a specialist insurance agency headquartered in Beachwood, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. Embrace plans cover all the basics that you expect: accidents, illnesses, diagnostic tests, surgery, and more.

Website: http://www.embracepetinsurance.com

6 | PurinaCare

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, PurinaCare Insurance Services, Inc. has a unique advantage by being offered under a well-known pet care brand. PurinaCare offers simple pet insurance plans with a range of deductibles, so that you can choose the policy that fits your lifestyle and financial requirements.

Pet insurance plans cover eligible injuries and illnesses, including many injuries and illnesses caused by hereditary conditions, and the PurinaCare plus Preventive Care benefits also cover most annual exams and vaccinations.

Website: http://www.purinacare.com

7 | AKC Pet Healthcare

Since 2003, AKC Pet Healthcare has been the exclusive provider of pet health insurance protection to registrants of the American Kennel Club through the AKC Pet Healthcare plans. Their policies are available in all 50 states. The company offers variety of plans to fulfill the needs of your pets insurance.

Website: http://www.akcpethealthcare.com

8 | Vetinsurance

Vetinsurance was founded in 1999 to enhance the relationship between pet owners and their veterinarians by providing simple, fair and affordable pet health insurance. Vetinsurance was designed by a veterinarian and their mission is to ensure that pets receive the best possible care.If your insured pet becomes sick or is injured; Vetinsurance will pay for diagnostic tests, medications and surgeries recommended by your veterinarian. Vetinsurance pays for 90% of covered healthcare expenses for your puppy, with no limits per claim, per incident, or per year and no lifetime payout limit. They also cover preexisting conditions. Also they offer 30-days money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied.

Website: http://www.vetinsurance.com

9 | Banfield Pet Insurance

Banfield provide comprehensive veterinary care for Dogs, Cats, and Small Pets that includes:

• Vaccinations & Preventive Care

• Illness & Injury Care

• Surgery and Internal Medicine

• Dentistry, Radiology and Micro-chipping

Website: http://www.banfield.net

10 | VPI Pet Insurance

Founded in 1980, VPI today employs 11 veterinarians and more than 60 experienced veterinary technicians, each with vast knowledge of veterinary medicine and a deep adoration for animals. In 2008, the company further strengthened their industry presence and reputation by joining the Nationwide family of companies, one of the largest insurance and financial services corporations in the world. VPI provides insurance for pets - from puppies, senior dogs to cats and cover accidents, illnesses and more.

Website: http://www.petinsurance.com

Best and Worst Countries to Invest in

Which are the best and worst countries to invest in? Which countries provide the most investment friendly environment? Or which countries are the riskiest to invest in? All these questions have been answered in a report released recently. A report developed by world's leading credit default swap pricing service, CMA of London, ranked the world's nations in its report, 'Sovereign Risk Report for Q4 2010'.

Sovereign risk is determined as a risk that a nation or organization - backed by the credit of the government will default on its loan or does not succeed to honor other business commitments due to a change in national policy.

According to these criteria, this is the list of top 10 countries to invest in:

1. Norway

2. Finland

3. Sweden

4. Switzerland

5. The United States of America

6. Hong Kong

7. Denmark

8. Australia

9. Germany

10. Saudi Arabia

Worst Countries to invest in:

1. Greece

2. Venezuela

3. Ireland

4. Portugal

5. Argentina

6. Ukraine

7. Spain

8. Dubai

9. Hungary

10. Iraq

World’s Best Holiday Destinations

Holidays are approaching fast and many of you would be looking for the best destinations to travel; countries that have the best of travel facilities and services to offer. In a reader’s poll conducted by prestigious Conde Nast Traveller Website, people were asked to choose the best that the travel world has to offer - everything from hotels and spas to airlines and airports. They were then asked to rate their choices according to various criteria, such as service and value for money. From their responses, the website calculated average mark on each criterion, and used data to provide the list of world’s top 20 countries on overall satisfaction index.

Following is the list of world’s top 20 best holiday destinations with their overall scores ( out of 100 ) for year 2010.

1. Turkey 94.81

2. Egypt 94.22

3. Australia 93.25

4. Italy 92.36

5. New Zealand 91.37

6. Spain 90.39

7. India 89.65

8. USA 88.94

9. South Africa 88.58

10. France 87.00

11. Mexico 86.29

12. Canada 84.90

13. Brazil 84.20

14. Chile 83.53

15. Sri Lanka 82.51

16. China 81.33

17. Greece 80.70

18. Portugal 79.87

19. Thailand 78.92

20. Morocco 77.49