10 most Interesting Facts About The USA

10 Interesting Facts About The USA

10. 80% of the land in the state of Nevada is owned by the government.

The US government owns a significant portion of the land area in the US state of Nevada - 80% of it, to be exact. These lands are reserved for wildlife refuges, forests, wilderness areas, monuments, national parks, and lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The state's public lands range from vast deserts, deserted mining towns to isolated ranches, mountain ranges and more.

9. 100 acres of pizza are served in the United States every day!

In the US, pizza surpasses burgers as the nation's favorite fast food. According to the pizza industry trade organization in the US, about 100 acres of pizza is served every day. According to a survey done by the American Customer Satisfaction Index, Americans tend to be more satisfied by pizza than by burgers.

8. Its flag was designed by a high school student.

The current US flag features 50 stars and was designed by Robert G. Heft. Heft initially created the American flag in 1958 as the school project during his junior year in high school. Heft scored a B- in his project but was promised by Stanley Pratt, his teacher, that his grade would be reconsidered if the United States Congress was to accept the design for the flag. Heft's design was not only chosen but also adopted by the 1959 presidential proclamation.

7. Its capital was originally New York City.

Unusual as it sounds, New York was the first capital city of the US. New York City served as the nation's capital city for five years between 1785 and 1790. The city played a significant role in the establishment of a new government following the defeat of the British and the Treaty of Paris which ended the war.

6. The United States uses 18% of the world's energy.

According to the 2014 energy consumption statistics, the world total energy consumption was 539 quadrillion British Thermal Units (Btu) and the US consumed approximatelyy 98 quadrillion Btu. The amount is equivalent to about 18% of the world total energy consumption. The country's energy consumption is considered extraordinary.

5. There is no official language.

In practice, the national language of the United States is English. However, at the federal level, there is no official language, although some laws such as the US naturalization requirements institutionalize English as the language. While English is mainly spoken throughout the US, Spanish is the second most common language in the country which also happens to be the most widely taught second language.

4. At some point, 1 out of every 8 Americans will work for McDonald's.

McDonald's is among the largest employers in the country. It is believed that 1 out of every 8 Americans have been employed or will be employed at McDonald's at some point, according to the Fast Food Nation. Unsurprisingly, due to these odds, McDonald's has employed a good number of celebrities as well before they were famous.

3. Alaska has, by far, the longest coastline of any state.

The US state of Alaska has the longest coastline compared to any other state in the country. The Alaskan coastline stretches for 6,640 miles. Alaska has a shoreline of approximately 33,904 miles including islands. Together with bays, inlets, islands and sounds, the Alaskan tidal shoreline stretches for 47, 300 miles.

2. The United States invented the internet.

The history of the internet dates back to the 1950s when electronic computers were being developed. During the early 1960s, the US Department of Defense granted contracts for packet network systems. ARPANET was the first switching network to be developed.

1. It has the biggest economy in the world.

The United States has the largest economy in the world. The nation's economy accounts for about 25% of the world's nominal GDP. The economy in the US is attributed to the country's large population, high average incomes, a relatively young population, moderate unemployment, technological innovation, and a high consumer spending.

Thugs of Hindostan.looking back on how Aamir Khan's

Thugs of Hindostan

Diwali hasn’t been particularly lucky for Aamir Khan. He has had three releases on the festival so far – Andaz Apna Apna, Raja Hindustani and Secret Superstar. Only one of these was a proper box-office hit.

With Thugs of Hindostan, Aamir Khan is all ready to set off fireworks at the box-office this Diwali. The mega action entertainer, also starring Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh in the lead roles, has astounding buzz surrounding its release and there is no doubt that the film will open with phenonemal numbers – most film trade analysts across the country have predicted an opening of Rs 50 crore for the Vijay Krishna Acharya directorial.

But if you go back in the past, Diwali hasn’t been particularly lucky for Aamir. The superstar has had three releases on the festival so far – Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Raja Hindustani(1996) and Secret Superstar (2017).

While Andaz Apna Apna, with lifetime collection of Rs 5.29 crore, was a box-office flop, Raja Hindustani, with total earnings of Rs 43.14 crore, was an all-time blockbuster. Secret Superstar, that did not have Aamir at the center of the story and featured him in an extended cameo appearance, went on to amass Rs 62.63 crore. Its box-office performance was termed above average by the trade pundits.

With Thugs of Hindostan, however, the dynamics are different. It is releasing in times when Aamir is considered a hit machine at the box-office. Most of his movies released in the recent years have become box-office blockbusters. In fact, it is Aamir who holds the record of having the highest-grossing Hindi film ever, Dangal, that made a staggering Rs 387 crore in its lifetime run. (Box office: Will Thugs of Hindostan dethrone Krrish 3 to become the biggest Diwali success ever?)

Actor Aamir Khan is widely referred to as a perfectionist who goes to all extremes to deliver committed performances. And what makes him worthy of such a title is his unbreakable series of hit films which he has delivered in the last eighteen years, with not a single miss. The last time Aamir failed to deliver a superhit was in 2000, when his film Mela tanked at the box office and made the female lead Twinkle Khanna bid adieu to acting. He still dominates the list of the highest-grossing Bollywood stars, ahead of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, with his latest big releases, Dangal and PK claiming the top slots. Talking about the effort that goes into his roles, the actor has pushed his limits to achieve his dream time and again.

It was no joke for a 44-year-old to play an 18-year old in 3 Idiots but Aamir pulled it off better than a youngster could. From learning swimming for the 2012 film Talaash to picking up Haryanvi for Dangal and Bhojpuri for PK, the actor continues to acquire new skills with every project. The actor didn’t blink at all (literally) while playing an alien in PK and can be seen talking and eating with his eyes wide open. Aamir, however, continues to feel insecure and is afraid of losing his creative abilities one day, according to an interview with Anupama Chopra and Rajeev Masand on the radio show Take 1.

The actor left his fans bewildered when he displayed a permanent nose-piercing while working on his 2018 Diwali release, Thugs of Hindostan. He is no Zayn Malik, but simply an Indian male actor who didn’t mind going the distance for a role. The actor plays Firangi Mallah in the film – a thug with no ethics, ready to lick the feet of the one who pays.

During the making of Dangal, Aamir had opted to shoot as the middle aged Mahavir Phogat first, in order to have a purpose for losing the weight later to play the younger version. The actor left his fans worried with his hefty look as he walked around with a towel to deal with the sweating. Though he had a ball while gorging on street food to gain the weight, the actor could be seen panting while shooting the wrestling scenes as the extra kilos slowed him down. The bigger cause for concern was his weight fluctuation from a middle-aged retired wrestler standing at 97 kilos with 38% body fat to an active wrestler in his twenties. The actor himself confessed that this was a risk which could have cost him much more than just the film’s collections. He managed to lose it all within five months to play the younger version and flaunted six pack abs by reducing his body fat to just 9.67%.

At the age of 47, the father of three trained in tap dancing under Australian dance choreographer Dein Perry for the film Dhoom 3. An Irish dance form that takes several years to master, the actor nailed a manageable version in just a month. Aamir’s two-and-a-half minute intense tap number speaks for itself in Dhoom 3 and can leave you in awe every time you watch it.

Zero will be released at the 2 November

Zero Trailer Release Is Shah Rukh Khan's Birthday Surprise For Fans

Shah Rukh Khan has a birthday surprised 

lined-up for his fans and it's the best thing ever! The much-awaited trailer of Shah Rukh Khan's December release Zero will be unveiled on the superstar's birthday in a big fat event. On Friday, the trailer of Zero will be released at the IMAX in Mumbai's Wadala, tweeted trade analyst Taran Adarsh. "Shah Rukh Khan and Aanand L Rai will launch Zero trailer at IMAX Wadala [Mumbai] on SRK's birthday [2 Nov]," he tweeted. In his tweet, Mr Adarsh added that the makers are recreating a Meerut like-setting as part of the film is set in the city: "The makers are recreating Meerut at the venue, since a portion of the film is filmed in Meerut," he tweeted

Meanwhile, some industry insiders have already enjoyed a special screening of the Zerotrailer, which includes Taran Adarsh, who tweeted a review of it: "Watched Zero trailer [3.13 minutes]... Get ready to be surprised big time... SRK, Anushka, Katrina - the characters will catch you unawares... Aanand L Rai is synonymous with emotional films and there's a strong undercurrent of emotions on display here," he wrote.

In it not unknown that Shah Rukh Khan co-stars with Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma in the Aanand L Rai-directed movie. While Shah Rukh has been cast as Bauua Singh - a vertically chShah Rukh Khan's Mumbai residence Mannat is already being prepped with lights for the superstar's birthday. Thousands of fans gather outside Mannat to catch a glimpse of the actor on his birthday. This is what he tweeted on Wednesday:allenged character - it is speculated that Katrina may be seen as an alcoholic star while Anushka will portray a genius scientist. Salman Khan also has a cameo in Zero, a glimpse of which was in the Eid-special teaser of the film.

Meanwhile, Zero will also release in China, which is known to have a huge audience for Aamir Khan's films.

Inside Robert Redford's NZ Paradise While Filming Disney's Pete's Dragon

A short helicopter flight west from Tapanui is a place called Paradise, so it's no surprise that Mr. Redford elected to enjoy a luxury escape here with his family:

• The best way to reach a luxury resort in Paradise is by air, and Redford and family were transferred to Wyuna House by Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters who also filmed the aerial sequences for Disney's Pete's Dragon. Their scenic flight took in the wider Southern Lakes region across jagged peaks, mountain glaciers and Milford Sound's dramatic waterfalls;


• Immersed in a landscape that has captured the eye of many filmmakers, Wyuna Houseis a luxury villa set in a private natural reserve. Perched above the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, the schist and timber lodge has been designed to blend harmoniously into its beautiful alpine setting;


• Just across the road from Wyuna House, the Redford family dined at New Zealand's celebrated Blanket Bay Lodge. The 13-room lodge has panoramic lake views and an award-winning kitchen– both of which have helped gain many awards, including being named as the 'World's Ultimate Escape' by the UK Sunday Times Magazine;


• The region is one of New Zealand's most popular destinations for hikers and nature lovers, with more than 19 day walks to explore. The Redford family went on several local trails including the Diamond Creek walk.

Quintessentially Offers Members Unique Experience to Meet Pope Francis

In-line with the growing trend of experiential luxury among affluent consumers, the award winning concierge and lifestyle management service is going above and beyond, even offering its Members a chance to meet the Pope. 

On August 31st, 2016, a special meeting with Pope Francis himself has been arranged for Members, right before his address in St Peter's Square during the Killerspin World UnPlugNPlay Festival at the Vatican. Time with the world leader also includes a private tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel followed by cocktails and dinner at the Connect21 Ping Pong Diplomacy event. The unique program will be followed by a luxury stay at the world class, Forte Village Resort in Sardinia. 

“Experiential consumption is continuing to grow among the wealthy set and we are seeing more and more requests from our HNW Members that go beyond just owning a luxury product,” said Aaron Simpson, Co-Founder & Group Executive Chairman, Quintessentially Group. “This affluent group want to experience something different while still enjoying it in the utmost luxury way, so our unique connections and unrivalled insider knowledge put us in the best position to deliver this,” he continued. 

Additional examples of unique experiences that Quintessentially has arranged include exclusive access to the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show as well as one of the world's most prestigious super car events – the Run to Monaco 2016. A pop-up dining series with celebrity chefs in Hong Kong is also available as well as on-going adventure and once-in-a lifetime travel opportunities - including trips to Iceland to enjoy glacier hiking and volcano visits, scenic floatplane flights over icebergs in Alaska, and desert island hideaways in the Maldives to name a few. 

Giving Members both the gift of time and access, a Quintessentially Lifestyle Membership paves the way to privileges that money simply can't buy. No request is too big or too small for the company's team of lifestyle specialists enabling everything from everyday needs to life's defining moments.

Visit website: www.quintessentially.com

New York's Iconic Russian Tea Room Wows Guests

Each year more than 60 million travelers visit New York City to see such iconic landmarks as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park or hundreds of other attractions. Visitors should add the Russian Tea Room to this list.

For over 80 years the Russian Tea Room has been a favorite respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. One of the world's most celebrated restaurants, the tea room is a fixture of celebrity and style, making it a unique New York event venue. Located at W. 57th Street near the southern tip of Central Park, the restaurant’s location serves as a magnet for scores of tourists and locals alike.

Known worldwide for its eye popping ambiance, its radiant décor is dominated by red leather banquets, a 24-carat gold ceiling, striking bronze samovars and priceless works of art that adorn the walls. The Russian Tea Room is more than a setting for tea. It is a New York City experience that never falls to amaze and impress from the moment you arrive until your last sip of tea.

Afternoon tea at the Russian Tea Room is an idyllic way to socialize – and perhaps spot a few celebrities -- before attending a Broadway play. Since being founded in 1927 by the Russian Imperial Ballet, the Russian Tea Room has been an exclusive enclave where actors, writers and politicians gather. Closed in 2002 for renovation and a makeover, it reopened in 2006 to much fanfare.

As you walk through the antique revolving doors, let your imagination wander and you can see Dustin Hoffman sitting in the booth where they filmed “Tootsie” or you can hear Madonna conserving with patrons from the coat room where she worked before finding fame. The cast of “Gossip Girl” filmed a scene sipping martinis and included several of the staff as extras.

Nowhere throughout a city that features renowned restaurants around every corner will you find such attentive, yet non-discreet service. Waiters dressed in double-breasted black coats with tails and gold buttons are at your beckon call should you desire another serving of piping hot tea or an extra buttery scone that was prepared in-house earlier in the day.

The Afternoon Tea menu features a brisk English breakfast, Indian black tea, a delicate Formosa Oolong, and Rooibos Chai, which is a South African Red Bush with Indian spices. Scrumptious sandwiches and Blinis are offered, such as caviar, Siberian Osetra, Russian Osetra, Hackleback and Paddlefish. Guests can choose from a variety of decadent desserts, including assorted seasonal scones, petits fours and a red velvet cupcake with luscious cream cheese icing that is so rich it deserves its own tax bracket.

Although widely recognized as one of the most exquisite tea rooms in the world, the Russian Tea Room also features extensive menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. Brunch patrons can indulge themselves on an assortment of pastries, a smoked salmon platter, a truffle quiche with bacon, leeks, black truffle and cheese and a caviar omelette. Lunch includes a traditional Tea Room Red Borscht with pickled red beets, seasonal vegetables and dill in a short rib and bacon broth, served with a braised beef pirozhok or boiled potato. Dinner is to be savored with such offerings as a delectable lobster salad appetizer with butter poached lobster with morel mushrooms, white and green asparagus, frisee and black truffle vinaigrette. Follow this with a Kulebiaka entrée of salmon with slow cooked onions, mushrooms and vegetables wrapped in pastry, served with Brussels sprouts, peas, fava beans and baby leeks. This being the Russian Tea Room, no visit would be complete without sampling one of the 40 varieties of vodka that are available.

New York City bursts at the seams with history and grandeur for tourists who crowd the city virtually every day of the year. The Russian Tea Room is an historical gem that provides a serene, genteel atmosphere for anyone desiring a slice of refinement.