Dimension stone is described as natural rock quarried for the purpose of obtaining blocks or slabs that meet certain requirements for use in the construction industry. Suitable dimension stone is selected according to color, texture, pattern and surface finish. Durability, hardness and strength are important in the selection process. Additional criteria include resistance to moisture, decay and extreme temperatures. The ability of the stone to take on a polish or finish is also considered.

The three major rock types are used as structural and decorative dimension stone. Igneous rocks are formed through the cooling and solidification of liquid magma or lava. The natural properties of igneous rock include density, strength and durability. The texture of igneous rock is caused by natural mineral crystallization. Sedimentary rock is formed from deposits located at the surface of the Earth and within large bodies of water. Metamorphic rock is formed as a result of physical and chemical changes in existing rock formations caused by intense heat and movement.

Dimension stone includes granite, limestone, sandstone, marble, slate and quartzite. Minor rock types such as alabaster, soapstone and serpentine are used as dimension stone, although they are softer in consistency with a porous texture.

Granite is the most popular dimension stone. It is an intrusive felsic igneous rock forming a major portion of the Earth’s continental crust. Granite contains a mixture of semi-molten rock and crystallized minerals. Mineral crystallization creates an interlocking texture with subtle striations and veins. Primary colors of granite include white, gray, pink and red. Secondary colors include green and brown. These colors are difficult to obtain in large quantities. Black granite is not considered true granite, as it contains several mineral types and lacks the coarse grained texture found in other types of granite. Granite tiles are popular for use as flooring tiles, wall cladding, kitchen countertops, fireplace surrounds and outdoor landscaping.

Limestone is the second most popular dimension stone. Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calconite and aragonite minerals and crystallized calcium carbonate. Many limestone formations contain skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral. Various amounts of silicon dioxide, also known as silica, create the hardness and texture found in limestone. Silica is often found in the form of chalcedony and jasper, which are used as semi-precious gemstones. The color variations found in limestone are due to the trace elements present in the rock formations, such as sand, silt and clay. Travertine is a compact type of limestone formed along streams, waterfalls and under natural hot springs.

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed of minute particles of minerals or rock grains. Most sandstone is composed of quartz or feldspar. Feldspars crystallize from magma and form as veins and striations. The most common colors of sandstone include tan, brown, yellow, red, gray, pink, white and black. Sandstone, a porous rock, is usually formed in extremely hot and dry locations, such as deserts. Sandstone quarried in the United States is typically red or orange in color.

Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock formed by the metamorphism of sedimentary carbonate rocks, primarily dolomite or limestone. The interlocking pattern formed by mineral crystallization includes veins and striations in various patterns. Marble is capable of taking a polish in a variety of finishes, including high gloss or satin sheen. Construction marble is primarily composed of calcite, dolomite or serpentine. Marble is available in a wide range of colors, including white, yellow, gold, pink and red. Marble is used as flooring tiles, kitchen countertops, swimming pool coping, fireplace mantles, wall cladding and decorative outdoor landscaping.

Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock consisting primarily of quartz and a mineral combination of aluminum and potassium. When quarried, slates typically form smooth sheets of stone. Slate is usually dark gray in color, but can be found in purple, green or blue. Uses include interior and exterior flooring, wall cladding, fireplace foundations and roofing tiles. Slate is popular for use as roofing tiles due to its low water absorption and natural resistance to freezing temperatures.

Quartzite is a hard, non-foliated metamorphic rock developed from sandstone. Sandstone is transformed into quartzite through heat and pressure caused by tectonic compression under the Earth’s surface. Pure quartzite ranges in color from white to gray and variations of red and pink. Red and pink quartzite is formed by iron oxide deposits in the rock formation. Yellow, gold and orange quartzite is formed by mineral impurities. Quartzite is commonly used as kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, shower surrounds and indoor floor tile.

China

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China takes first place as the worlds largest exporter of goods, clocking in at $1.20 trillion. The Asian nation specializes in electrical equipment and machinery, power generating equipment, apparel, and iron and steel. China is infamous for having permissive workplace standards and employment laws. Because of this, and also because the American dollar buys much more Chinese labor than it does American labor, clothing companies find they can save a great deal of money by manufacturing in China. This explains why much of the United State’s clothing imports come from the country. China’s top trade partner is the Unites States, followed by Japan and Hong Kong.

Germany

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Exporting $1.12 trillion worth of goods, Germany ranks as the second largest exporter in the world. Exports make up a substantial part of Germany’s economic backbone, accounting for one third of the country’s annual output. Recently, Marketwatch reported that German exports have risen 5.1% in February of this year. Marketwatch quotes Simon Junker, an analyst at Commerzbank AG, who believes German exports will continue to trend upward over the next several months. “German exports will likely continue to grow in coming months, judging by rising foreign orders and companies’ improved export expectations.” he says. Germany’s top export is mechanical engineering, holding 20% of the world market for this service.

United States

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The United States of America ranks the third largest exporter in the world with $1.05 trillion worth of exports leaving the country in 2009. America specializes in exporting capital goods such as engines, boilers and factory components. Recently, CSMonitor reported on President Barack Obama’s plan to increase worldwide demand for American exports. “For the first time, the United States of America is launching a single, comprehensive strategy to promote American exports,” Obama told an annual Import-Export conference. “Ninety-five percent of the world’s customers and the world’s fastest-growing markets are outside our borders. We need to compete for those customers, because other nations are. We need to up our game.”

Japan

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Japan exported $581 billion worth of goods last year, earning them the number four spot on this list. This East Asian nation specializes in passenger cars and car parts, computer accessories, video equipment and industrial machinery. The BBC reported on Japan’s recent growth of exports, proclaiming it to be the first growth in the last 15 months.”Exports hit 5.4 trillion yen ($60 billion), up 12.1% on a year ago. Shipments to Asia rose by almost a third,” claims the BBC, adding that China has overtaken the United States as Japans largest export partner. Shortly after the BBC report, The Journal of Commerce reported that Japanese exports have surged 45.3% in February of this year, the third straight month in a row.

Netherlands

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The Netherlands isn’t very far behind Japan, exporting about $499 billion worth of goods in 2009. Petroleum products are the biggest export from the Netherlands, shipping over $4.2 billion worth to the United States annually. Agricultural products are another big export from the Netherlands, and the farming and agriculture industry employs 4% of the nations workforce. The Netherlands exports a quarter of the worlds tomatoes and a third of its chili peppers.

France

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France places sixth on the list with $475 billion worth of exports in 2009. Machinery, transportation equipment, and aircraft are among for France’s top exports, followed closely by plastics and pharmaceuticals. France’s top trade partners are Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. In late 2009, Vox reported that French exports were experiencing a decline that “has been even fiercer than that during the Great Depression.” Vox comments that this drop is is associated with “a sharp deterioration of demand and activity worldwide.”

Italy

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Italy’s exported $405 billion worth of goods in 2009 earning it the number seven place on our list. Italy specializes in producing medicinal, dental and pharmaceutical preparations. The country also supplies the bulk of the world’s Kiwifruit, exporting over 450,000 tons each year. In addition, Italy exports more wine than any other country on earth, over 1,790 tons annually. Recent government figures show that a large sale of fighter jets to Saudi Arabia caused Italy’s arms exports to rise 61% in 2009. DefenseNews reports that Italy’s arms exports rose to $4.9 billion euros in 2009, up from $3 billion in 2008.

Belgium

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Despite being one of the smallest nations in the European Union, Belgium ranks as the 8th biggest exporter in the world. The country exported $370 billion worth of goods in 2009, including diamonds, one of country’s most valuable exports. The United States is large importer of Belgian diamonds, buying $3.2 billion worth of these precious stones in 2008. Belgium has few natural resources, and thus must import many raw materials and a semi-finished goods for further manufacturing. It is for this reason that the country relies heavily on industry and service, which account for about 80% of its total exports.

South Korea

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Taking the ninth place on our list is South Korea, exporting $364 billion worth of good in 2009. The country’s biggest major trade partners are China, The United States, Japan, and Hong Kong. The Asian nation’s economy relies heavily on several key exports, including automobiles, computers, and microprocessors. EconomyWatch.com reports that South Korea has experienced tremendous economic prosperity in the last several years, allowing it to export such high-end goods. “The north-Asian nation was once relatively poor with an unremarkable GDP after World War II,” they remark, “but its quick industrialization, most notably since the 1960s, led to its huge exports.”

United Kingdom

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Clocking in at number ten on our list is the United Kingdom, doing $351 billion worth of exports in 2009. IndexMundi reports that the UK’s top exports include manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals, food, beverages and tobacco. Recent reports show that the UK’s top trade partner is the United States, accounting for 13.9% of its overall exports. Following the US was Germany at 11.5%, and the Netherlands at 75%. The UK owes 41.2% of its GDP to total international trade, which clocked in at $1.1 trillion in 2008.

]]> http://heralddaily.com/2010/02/09/world-cup-winners/feed/ 54 http://heralddaily.com/2010/01/26/how-to-convince-your-girlfriend-to-swallow-swords/ http://heralddaily.com/2010/01/26/how-to-convince-your-girlfriend-to-swallow-swords/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:28:30 +0000 Tyler S. http://heralddaily.com/?p=290

Having an attractive, faithful girlfriend is not enough for some men. Whether he wants his significant other to play golf or tennis with them, or maybe just love football as much as he does. But what about the fringe? That’s right, the guy that wants to date a sword-swallower. The thing about sword-swallowing, however, is that not that many women want to do it willingly. Below are 15 fool-proof tips for convincing your girlfriend to swallow swords, if this just happens to be your bag:

Make helpful suggestions to show your support.

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Offer ways she can desensitize her gag reflex. Casually work bulimia into the conversation. “Babe, I know you’ve been just puzzled by this riddle of recent weight gain. Why don’t we just give purging a try?”

Get down to her level to make her believe you’re equals.

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“If you agree, I’ll stop saying Uma is so hot even if she looks a little like she is missing a chromosome. I know how you insist on proving that being a Special Ed teacher is a real job.”

Make her think what you are presenting is amazing by simply altering the intonation in your voice.

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“If you’re not catching on quickly, I’ll send you off to circus camp! You’re always talking about wanting to travel more. You can finally take that road trip you always wanted!”

Let her have her way. Just this once. Make her feel useful by letting her cook you a meal.

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“Once you get really good at sword swallowing, I’ll finally have a reason to cut down on my World of Warcraft hours besides your request for being a more ‘present partner’.”

Lead her to believe you will reward her if she performs to your liking.

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“Once we start seeing those purging results, I’ll consider leaving the lights on.”

Make her feel as comfortable as possible. Let her know you have her best interest at heart.

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“I’ll make sure you and Gary Busey are in the safest of hands while traveling with the circus.”

Show her how she can pull her weight.

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“When we’re low on cash, I’ll just farm you out to the Bunny Ranch for a few days. You know how you love animals.”

Inspire her by comparing her to other women.

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“Honey, you’re being a baby. The longest sword a chick ever put away was 27.5”. Open your mouth as wide as you can, just like every other morning when I ask you to lift your tongue after you claim you’ve swallowed your birth control pill.”

Find out what her currency is and wildly mislead her.

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“You’ll be accepted into the Sword Swallowing Association International. We’ll get you a passport and everything.”

Share why you can’t do it with her, then reluctantly offer guidance.

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“If I ever go to prison, I don’t want word to get out that I don’t have a gag reflex. It makes the most sense for you to be the one. But I’ll consider helping you out if you really want me to.”

Let her know that it’s the most practical trade to learn considering your options.

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“Because no matter how much I want her to, Lara Croft, my blow up doll won’t survive another sword swallowing.”

Enthusiasm is contagious. If she sees your excitement, she will match it, no matter what.

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“Yes, it’s highly dangerous, but it’ll be worth it.”

Make her aware that she is capable by making irrelevant connections to her past experience.

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“Natasha Veroschkca was a sword swallowing belly dancer, honey. Belly dancer. Don’t you see? Belly dancers have rhythm. I don’t think it’s a coincidence you played handbells two and a half months of the year in middle school. That doesn’t just happen. You two are cut from the same talented cloth.”

Gain control by putting her down. Always present two positives with the negative.

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“It makes you appear well-read. Shakespeare wrote about sword swallowers – Let’s face it, you could use the smarty points, Sweetie.”

Speak her language. Offer her something she really wants in order to get her head in the game.

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“If you take sword swallowing lessons, I’ll stop cheating on you with the Booth Babe from ComicCon ‘06.”

Loudest Burp

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A British man named Paul Hunn took center stage on The New Paul O’Grady Show with the hopes of making his mark in history. In September of 2008, he stood before a live studio audience and released a world record burp that registered at 107.1 decibels. Though it was a crowning achievement heard around the world, Hunn may be waiting a while for his official knighthood.

Longest Ear Hair

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As we age, hair patterns shift and we find growth in newer and stranger places. Anthony Victor from Madurai, India has fully embraced the unsightly hair pouring from his inner ears and has been cultivating the lovely locks to record lengths. As of August of 2007, Victor holds the Guinness record for longest documented ear hair, boasting a lofty measurement of 7.12 inches at its longest point.

Heaviest Kidney Stone

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Equated only to childbirth, kidney stones are calcified demons that are infamous for making grown men cry. Resembling something closer to a boulder, Wazir Muhammand of Sindh, Pakistan holds the undesirable record for the heaviest kidney stone ever recorded. Because Muhammand was unable to organically pass the common obstruction, doctors surgically removed the uncommonly sized stone that weighed in at 21.87 ounces.

Most Cockroaches Eaten

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Guinness has been pressured to abstain from acknowledging records of gluttony (for sake of health) but anyone can appreciate creepy-crawly consumption. On the set of a popular British television show in 2001, Ken Edwards ate 36 cockroaches in one minute. Though Edwards’ own mother might not claim him at this point, he can sleep at night knowing that he’s eaten more prehistoric bugs than any other on the planet.

Biggest Tumor

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Though the 34 year-old patient remains unnamed, Guinness Records acknowledges the largest tumor to ever be removed from a human to be an astonishing 303 pounds. Measuring 3 feet across, the tumor was removed from the woman’s ovary at Stanford University Medical Center and was later wheeled out on a stretcher. Amazingly, the patient made a full recovery and is now a few hundreds of pounds lighter than before.

Largest Callus Collection

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Everyone has had their fair share of calluses in life but it’s a rare breed of record breakers that maintains a collection. Florence Franklin of Peoria, IL set the current record as of 1992 when she revealed over 200 pounds of shaved skin in her callus collection. Proud of her achievements, she claims that she has accumulated some admirers that have had a few of the larger pieces autographed.

Youngest Dentures

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In a culture where most magazine covers celebrate pearly-white smiles and movie star grins, leave it to Guinness to commemorate a lack of dental hygiene. While most three year-olds are still growing their baby teeth, Daniel Sanchez-Ruiz of the UK is the youngest person to ever be issued a full set of dentures. At a mere age of 3 years and 301 days, he was acknowledged for his oral achievements in February of 2005.

Longest Tapeworm

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One of the more gruesome records known to us is in regards to the longest tapeworm ever found in a human. In September of 1991, doctors orally extracted a 37-foot tapeworm from Sally Mae Wallace of Great Grits, MS. If ever there were a record worth avoiding, playing host to the world’s largest parasite would certainly be a worthy candidate.

Longest Maggot Bath

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To each their own; some records unavoidably find you (tapeworms) and some are sought. Joining the league of extraordinary Brits is Christine Martin – a woman that willingly bathed in maggots for an hour and a half. Though she etched her name in the record books in 2002, it will be a long while before anyone works up the nerve to breach her bathing achievement.

Most Body Piercings

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Many world records are a one-time achievement but some are concerted efforts that become a lifestyle. As of 2001, a Scotish woman named Elaine Davidson broke her own previous record for the most body piercings on an individual. Boasting a total of 720 piercings, Davidson has 192 fixtures on her face alone and a concrete niche in the book of undesirable records.

Most Cow Brains Eaten

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Hotdogs are one thing but brain-eating contests are surely another. In February of 2002, Takeru Kobayashi set an appalling record for most cow brains eaten in 15 minutes – 57 cow brains that amounted 17.7 pounds in total. Though it’s true when they say, “records are meant to be broken,” surely, some records should never be set in the first place.

Extreme Eyeball Popping

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You’ve seen it in horror films and circus sideshows but you wouldn’t know it was a real skill until Guinness World Records are involved. In November of 2007, US citizen Kim Goodman set the record for eyeball popping in Istanbul, Turkey where she was able to project her eyeballs .47 inches beyond her natural eye sockets. A far cry from an Olympic athlete, mothers are sure to hide their children when her talents are showcased.

Smallest Waist

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At the next tent over, you’ll find a woman with a world record but, as a result, a horribly disproportioned torso. As a proud owner of over 100 corsets, Cathie Jung holds the current world record for the smallest waist on a living person. At an astonishing and mere 15 inches, this New England resident is a harsh example of the vintage hourglass figure.

Heaviest Man

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The World’s Heaviest Man isn’t the most desirable title but, in the end, someone needs to carry the burden and own the role. At a massive 980 pounds, Paul Mason of the UK officially owns the rank of the heaviest man alive. Permanently bed ridden and entertained mostly by his Play Station, let this be a lesson that some records are better left alone.

Longest Flatulence

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And finally, the whopper on everyone’s mind is the matter of longest sustained flatulence. Of course, it is widely known that Bernard Clemmens of London has a recorded gaseous release that was held for 2 minutes and 43 seconds in front of witnesses. Though this is unsubstantiated by Guinness World Records, bloggers and enthusiasts web-wide maintain the urban legend to be factual and true.

Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit

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Though it has been truncated for everyday conversation, the official name of Bangkok, Thailand is the 167-letter title seen above. While the shorter translation equates roughly to the jeweled city of the god Indra, the longer version is a proud display of history. TRANSLATION: “The great city of angels, the supreme unconquerable land of the great immortal divinity (Indra), the royal capital of nine noble gems, the pleasant city with plenty of grand royal palaces and divine paradises for the reincarnated deity.”

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipuk
akapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu

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Located near Porangahau, the 85-letter mammoth above is the name of a 1,000-foot hill in New Zealand. Shortened to Taumata for common-speak, the word was derived from the Maori language and is the longest place-name in any English speaking country. TRANSLATION: “The brow of the hill where Tamatea, with the bony knees, slid and climbed mountains. The great traveler sat and played on the flute to his beloved.”

The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu (Chinese Taipei)

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In an effort to be accepted by the World Trade Organization (without overtly offending its motherland China), Taiwan was forced to craft a very definite, yet politically correct, title. Now officially known as the string of words above, the region managed to name itself in a deliberate fashion that defined their role in Asian commerce – it only took 68 letters to get their point across.

Gorsafawddachaidraigddanheddogled dollonpenrhynareurdraethceredigion

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Not to be outdone, the Fairbourne Steam Railway in Gwynedd, Wales compiled a 67-letter name that would rival the regional record. In pure competition with Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, the railway now boasts the longest title in all of Wales. TRANSLATION: “The Mawddach station and its dragon teeth at the Northern Penrhyn Road, on the golden beach of Cardigan Bay.”

Al Jumahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah al Ishtirakiyah al Uzma

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Known to the English language as simply Libya, this African name is a bit more long-winded in its native tongue. Conceived in the late 70s as a response to the change in government structure toward “people’s power,” the phrase stems from an Arabic term that is roughly translated as “state of the masses.” Consisting of 63 letters in total, Libya’s official name is the longest of any sovereign country in the world.

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllanty
siliogogogoch

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What use to be the longest place-name in all of Wales was this 58-word tongue twister known to locals as Llanfairpwll. The first twenty letters are said to be true to the original word but the following 38 were allegedly added during a 19^th century publicity stunt. TRANSLATION: “Saint Mary’s Church in the hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of Saint Tysilio near the red cave.”

El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de la Porciúncula

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Though we commonly abbreviate it to simply “LA,” the City of Angels technically boasts the longest name in the entire United States. Consisting of 57 letters, the original name of Los Angeles has a bit more to it than commonly known. TRANSLATION: “The town of our lady the queen of the angels of the little portion.”

The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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A little known bit of trivia is the fact that the smallest state in the US has the longest official name on the books. Spanning 45 letters, the original name comes from the merger of two early colonies: Providence Plantations and Rhode Island. Though the name is officially the full title above, you’re most likely to have only heard it referred to as Rhode Island – if at all.

Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubun
agungamaugg Lake

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There is a lake near Webster, Massachusetts that has a most unique 45-letter name. Officially named in the 1920s after a social push for boundary fishing, its origin is an Indian dialogue that roughly translates: “You fish on your side, I’ll fish on mine, and no one fishes in the middle.”

Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein

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West of Pretoria in South Africa is a farm that has a 44-character name. Literally translated to mean, “two buffalos shot dead using one shot fountain,” this bizarre name was derived from the Afrikaan dialect and is commonly used in advertising to describe small rural towns.

Villa Real de la Santa Fé de San Francisco de Asis

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The capital of New Mexico is referred to in short as Santa Fe but that’s a far cry from its actual name. Spanning a 40-letter phrase, the original name is one of the longer location names in the world. Derived from a Spanish description, it literally means the “Royal city of the holy faith of St. Francis of Assisi.”

Pekwachnamaykoskwaskwaypinwanik Lake

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Manitoba Canada has over 100,000 lakes but none of them compare in namesake to this one. Derived from a Cree Indian phrase, this stream of letters literally means “where the wild trout are caught by fishing with hooks.” Boasting 31 letters in total, this lake has the longest name in all of Canada.

Mamungkukumpurangkuntjunya Hill

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Joining the ranks of long-winded Australian names is a second hill. Although it’s made up of half of the letters, this 30-character name is beyond a mouthful. Located in South Australia, the name is derived from the regional Pitjantjatjara language and roughly translates to mean, “Where the devil urinates.”

Muckanaghederdauhaulia

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What is thought to be the longest port name in the world, this town in County Galway, Ireland is another tongue twister. It’s a small peninsula that jets into Camus Bay and consists of 22 letters. Derived from the Irish phrase “Muiceanach idir Dhá Sháile,” it means something along the elegant lines of “pig-marsh between two salt waters.”

Lake Cadibarrawirracanna

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Finally, the Australians make another appearance with this long-winded name for a salt lake in the south-central portion of the continent. Spanning 19 letters (not including lake), this is one of the more poetic concoctions and translates to literally mean, “stars dancing on water” in the local Aboriginal dialect.

James Bond

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Without debate, the world’s most well known double agent is Bond, James Bond. Agent 007 was created by novelist Ian Fleming in 1952 as a fictional part of the Secretive Intelligence Service stationed in London. Equipped with all sorts of nifty gadgets and a sleek black tuxedo, Bond leads a double life and prefers his martinis shaken, not stirred.

Mata Hari

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A Dutch courtesan and exotic dancer, Mata Hari made the history books as an infamous double agent during World War II. Known as agent H-21, she transported knowledge that she acquired (as a courtesan for French military officials) across borders and is thought to be responsible for the death of 50,000 French soldiers. Whether she was actually blameworthy is widely debated; however, she was found guilty in Paris and sentenced to death by firing squad.

Aldrich Ames

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Wisconsin native, Aldrich Ames is CIA counter-intelligence officer that was convicted of disclosing information to the Soviet Union for roughly a decade. Between 1985 and his conviction in 1994, he is known to have leaked over 100 secret missions and revealed the identity of roughly 30 western spies. In exchange for his services, he was paid $4.6 million by the Soviets and consequently awarded life in prison by the United States.

Mathilde Carré

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A French Resistance agent during WWII, Mathilde Carré is a rare triple-agent that attempted to deceive most of Western Europe. Known as The Cat, she started as an agent for the Franco-Polish Interallié espionage unit until the Germans captured her and put her to work against the Brits where she failed again. Her journal states that all she wanted was a “good meal and a man” – she got 20 years alone in a French prison instead.

Harold James Nicholson

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Another CIA officer gone awry, Harold James Nicholson began selling secrets to the Russian KGB in the wake of Aldrich Ames – he thought he could do better. Upon failing a standardized polygraph, he confessed to revealing US intelligence to the Russians in exchange for $180,000 in total, making him one of the highest-ranking CIA official ever convicted of espionage. In all, his plea saved him the death penalty and landed him 23.5 years in prison.

Ronald Pelton

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Equipped with a photographic memory and debt up to his neck, NSA analyst Ronald Pelton waltzed into a Russian embassy and divulged US secrets in exchange for cash. He informed the KGB of the Navy’s intent to install underwater cables to track Soviet submarines. Because very few people new about this plan, all were interrogated and Pelton confessed to espionage. Like the moles before him, he was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences in starting in 1986.

Jonathan Pollard

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In 1984, Anti-Terrorism analyst Jonathan Pollard began passing classified documents to an Israeli Air Force veteran in exchange for jewelry, $10,000 cash a $1,500 retainer for future information. He disclosed details about America’s electronic surveillance network and one million other documents to Israel and South Africa, making it one of the most destructive security breaches in US history. He was sentenced to life in prison in 1987; not for the money but in the name of his Jewish ancestry.

George Trofimoff

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Chief of the United States Army Element, George Trofimoff joined the espionage train and sold classified information to his childhood friend in the KGB from 1969 to 1994. In his 25 years of treason, he was compensated $250,000 and was even given a Russian award for “bravery and self-sacrifice in the defense of the socialist homeland.” In 2001 he was sentenced to life in prison for a crime against a country he did not claim as his.

Kim Philby

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Harold Russell (aka. Kim Philby and M.I.6) was of high rank in the British Intelligence Service before he began peddling classified information to the KGB. Though he did a few bits of spying on his own, he is most notably recognized as the Alpha member in the spy ring known as the Cambridge Five. The majority of the information he passed to the Russians was encoded within love letters that were sent to a fictitious lover in France; however, his letters were eventually intercepted when the not-so-discreet mailing address turned out to be the Russian embassy in Paris.

Benedict Arnold

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A key figure in American history, Benedict Arnold was a respected general during the American Revolutionary War. However, while commander of West Point, he became progressively more disgruntled with the US alliance with France and began to sabotage his post by revealing troop locations and deliberately depleting necessary supplies – all with the intention of ensuring a successful British takeover. When the siege failed and his confidantes turned him in, Arnold fled to England and engraved his name in the books as America’s first traitor.

Maxwell Smart

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Rounding off the list of famous double agents is a satire of the original. Maxwell Smart (Agent 86) is a fictional character that was developed for television during the spy craze initiated by James Bond. Working with his sidekick Agent 99, the duo exercised their powers of espionage for a secretive counter-intelligence until called CONTROL. Though never as smooth as Bond himself, Maxwell Smart had his successes through general dumb luck and a little help from 99.

Mr. Butch

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Harold Madison Jr. was a Boston street personality more widely known as Mr. Butch. Famous for his performances in the Berklee College of Music area, he strummed his Fender Stratocaster in an open tuning and became a college student favorite in the process. Eventually his notoriety brought him into notable rock venues in the 80s and immortalized his place in Boston’s underground punk-rock lore.

The Naked Guy

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Don Schrader of Albuquerque, NM lives on roughly $3,000 per year that he earns while modeling nude at the University of New Mexico. Aside from that, he is best known for his politically based public access television show and his frequent street sightings in nothing more than a loincloth. Making his case most curious is the fact that he chooses to live in such poverty and takes great pride in his frugality.

Tim Edwards

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Not your average homeless man, Tim Edwards of Katy, TX is an enterprising transient. He has managed to secure a paid sponsorship from PimpThisBum.com and stands at freeway exits with a cardboard sign promoting the url for homeless awareness. As a corporate poster child, local commuters know him well as a living billboard.

Wesley Willis

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A 1990s staple in the Chicago streets, Wesley Willis was a prolific musician, performer, artist and schizophrenic. Known for his simple but unique songs, his humor and likable obscenities drew constant crowds and healthy tips. Not many homeless people are noticed nor valued by their cities but when he passed away due to Leukemia, a memorial service was held in his honor.

NY Ninja Guy

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It is rare that a homeless person gets overly creative with their panhandlings but this New York icon gets a smile every time. Simply known as “Ninja Guy,” he spends his days on the street with a sign that reads: “Ninjas killed my family – need money for Kung-Fu lessons.” His simple approach seems effective, however, because passersbys are delighted to contribute to his well-known, lighthearted ways.

James Van Horne

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If you’ve been to a Detroit Tigers home game, you’ve heard James Van Horne repeatedly yelling “Eat ‘Em Up Tigers! Eat ‘Em Up!” He’s just a local panhandler but he’s found his humble niche as a Comerica Park cheerleader and Tiger enthusiast. Fittingly, the chant has made its way into the stadium and homemade shirts have begun to surface with the slogan.

Maverick Man

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Seattle locals know him as the Maverick Man because he lived in his blue Ford Maverick for more than two decades. As a former Boeing draftsman and lead guitarist for a major rock band, Jack Bradley was a cornerstone of the community that chose the simple life. Always a warm-hearted man of mystery and never a common beggar, he became a local favorite and was sorely missed upon his passing in early 2008.

Leslie Cochran

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An appropriate poster child for the “Keep Austin Weird” campaign, Albert Leslie Cochran is a well-known cross-dresser with a solid local reputation. Typically found on 6^th street, he is notorious for his political rants and advocacy against police brutality amongst the homeless population. Though he prefers to be referred to as he and/or him, you’re likely to find him strutting his stuff in women’s thong underwear.

Mr. Rug

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As a major tourist attraction, the Portland Saturday Market rests in the epicenter of the city’s homeless community. Amongst the personalities is the beloved Mr. Rug – a kind man that believes he is a human rug. Resembling a sandwich board, he wears a rug over his shoulders with a hole for his head and takes great offense if you refuse to wipe your feet on him.

Ted Rodrigue

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Originally found living under a bridge in California, Ted Rodrigue was the subject of a social experiment and a Showtime documentary. Reversal of Fortune is a show that gave $100,000 to a homeless person and documented the aftermath. Earning him celebrity status as a result, Rodrigue started as homeless and ended up no different despite his opportunity.

Deeta

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Known simply as Deeta, this homeless man is widely considered the most well known individual in Geelong, Australia. Boasting a Facebook fan page with over 3,000 subscribers, Deeta is a growing street celebrity with the accolades to prove it. Most residents claim he is harmless and likable and therefore have no problem giving him the humble “25 cents” that he asks for.