Top 10 Ranked Beautiful Women in the World (2010-2011)

Here are the Top Ten Hottest Women in the World for the Year.

1. MONICA BELLUCI

2. AISHWARYA RAI

3. KIM KARDASHIAN

4. NATALIE PORTMAN

5. CATHERINE ZETA-JONES

6. KEELEY HAZELL

7. ANGELINA JOLIE

8. MEGAN FOX

9. KATRINA KAIF

10. KATE WINSLET

America's Best Top 10 of Detroit's

The signs are everywhere: American automakers are on the mend. Free of any bailout stigma, Ford is leading the pack, with compelling cars and trucks delivering massive profits. One step behind, General Motors has emerged from bankruptcy as a leaner, nimbler company, with several new models that are scoring well with critics and consumers. And Chrysler has allied with Italy's Fiat to revamp its aging car lineup. Whether Ford can sustain its momentum, and whether GM and Chrysler can thrive again, remains to be seen. What is clear is that Detroit's Big Three are raising their game. These 10 models are proof.

Buick Regal Turbo

With impressive models such as the Enclave crossover and LaCrosse sedan, Buick is suddenly back on the consumer radar. Its sales are up nearly 60 percent in 2010, more than any other brand in the industry. The jewel in its crown is the new Regal. It glows at the curb, with a modern sophistication that's often lacking in Motown sedans. The good vibes continue with a handsome interior that's reminiscent of German luxury cars. And the 220-horsepower turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine delivers the power and smoothness you expect from a premium sedan.

Cadillac CTS

The sedan that kicked off a renaissance at Cadillac adds a coupe for 2011, a sharp-edged rogue that looks one part show car, one part stealth fighter. The CTS is a red, white and blue reply to anyone who says America can't build a sporty luxury car to compete against Europe or Japan. The cabin is Lexus-quiet, smartly finished and loaded with intuitive technology. Its 3.6-liter 304-horsepower V6 engine is mated to a suspension that expertly balances long-distance comfort and sporty control. The CTS sedan also offers the space of a midsize luxury car at the price of compacts such as the BMW 3-Series.

Chevrolet Corvette

No list of America's best cars would be complete without the iconic Corvette. That's not just nostalgia talking: The Corvette continues to up its game, achieving modern feats of performance that leave many exotic foreign sports cars — and their owners — quaking in their boots. For less than $50,000 to start, the Corvette brings a 430-horsepower V8 engine and a fat roster of performance technology. The Corvette's surprising cargo space and fuel economy, at up to 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway for the base model, is just the icing on its speedy cake.

Chrysler 300

Those who dismiss any chance of a Chrysler comeback shouldn't forget cars like the 300. The 300 sedan blew people away when it arrived in 2005, reminding them that Chrysler can score big when it decides to swing for the fences. With Mercedes E-Class components covered by a bold, all-American shell, the 300 became a smooth-driving hit with both urban and suburban buyers. The 300 then spawned Hemi-powered offshoots, including the Dodge Charger and Challenger. An all-new 300 will reach showrooms next year, with a more elegant shape, a higher-class interior and Chrysler's solid new Pentastar V6 engine as the base powerplant.

Dodge Ram

Full-size pickup trucks are the one automotive segment still owned by Detroit. And while Ford's F-150 remains the nation's best-selling vehicle, the Dodge Ram is our current champ. Behind its macho truck-stop grille, the Dodge offers a choice of three engines, including a 5.7-liter 390-horsepower Hemi that outmuscles anything in the half-ton class. The Ram's unique coil-spring rear suspension delivers a less jarring ride than Ford or Chevy, and at no expense to hauling or towing ability. The Ram is also plush and roomy, stuffed with clever storage solutions, including lockable, waterproof boxes in the bed.

Ford Fusion

Who says America can't build a hybrid? The gas-electric version of Ford's popular midsize sedan whips the Toyota Camry Hybrid in looks, handling and fuel economy — 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway versus the Camry's 31/35. The standard Fusion is one of the market's slickest-driving family sedans, with a 175-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or with a 240-horsepower V6. A Fusion Sport AWD provides winter security, though its all-wheel drive and 263-horsepower V6 trim fuel economy to just 17/24.

Ford Fiesta

Small cars have been a notorious blind spot for Detroit. Now, with cars such as the Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Cruze, that's changing. Straight out of Europe, the Fiesta hatchback is the kind of small car you buy because you want it, not because you can't afford anything else. The Ford is cute as all get out, and surprisingly fun to drive, despite a modest 118 horsepower from its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. The Fiesta also returns 40 mpg highway, thanks in part to its dual-clutch automatic transmission, a technology typically found in 6-figure sports cars. Its biggest knock: The Fiesta isn't very roomy inside.

Ford Mustang

Loyalty rules in the pony-car war among the Mustang, Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger. But the rare person who tests all three may have to admit: The Mustang is the sharpest-handling and the most fun to drive. The Ford was already updated for 2010 with fresh styling, suspension, brakes and a higher-quality interior. It's a pair of terrific new engines, though, that puts the 'Stang over the top for 2011. Even budget buyers get a 3.7-liter V6 engine that combines a burly 305 horsepower with a stingy 31 mpg highway.

GMC Acadia

Can't see yourself in a minivan? Check out the Acadia — or its siblings, the Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse. With smooth styling, three roomy rows of seats and trusty handling, the Acadia is one of the best large crossovers for Americans with growing families. The GMC accommodates seven or eight passengers, including the ability to comfortably fit 6-foot-tall adults in the third row. The Acadia is roomier than, say, a Honda Pilot, and beats it in the fuel-economy department, at 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the front-drive version.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep has seen sales slip away as Americans fled SUVs for crossovers. Now, an all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee looks to lure them back, and it's a dandy. The Grand Cherokee looks terrific, restoring the clean, muscular lines of classic Jeeps but adding newfound elegance. A lavishly redesigned cabin offers proof that Jeep is finally getting serious about interior design. The Jeep is based on the solid Mercedes M-Class, with an independent rear suspension that does wonders for ride and handling. The new Pentastar V6 engine delivers 290 horsepower, with an optional 360 horses from a 5.7-liter V8 Hemi.

World's Cheapest Destinations

India

No matter where you travel around the world, big cities and popular tourist attractions are likely to be expensive. But if you don’t mind skipping the lap of luxury, you can visit an exotic location for very little money. The most expensive part of a trip to India is getting there. After that, costs are stunningly low. On average, a traveler’s daily expenses are lower than anywhere else in the world. A beer will cost about $1.25, a budget hotel room $10 or less, a meal $2 and a cup of tea literally pennies. With incredible scenery, history and culture, plus a wide variety of attractions, India is our top recommendation for travel on the cheap.

Laos

All of Southeast Asia is inexpensive (aside from the airfare to get there), but laid-back Laos is the best of the bunch — especially in the beautiful countryside, where you’ll find lush forests, historic temples and tumbling waterfalls rushing down the Mekong River. You can travel comfortably here on $35 a day: A beer will cost around 85 cents, while lodging will set you back $3 for a room with a shared bathroom, or $8 for a typical hotel room. Laos is renowned for its silks, and you can purchase a handmade silk wall hanging for as little as $5.

Honduras

In June 2009, Honduras experienced a coup d’etat in which the president was forced into exile. The political unrest scared tourists away, but things never got dangerous for travelers — in fact, the result was smaller crowds, plus already-cheap prices became lower. You can buy a beer for $1 or less, while 50 cents will get you a baleada — a Honduran specialty consisting of a tortilla wrapped around cheese and beans. Honduras also has some of the cheapest diving in the world: You can take a four-day diving certification course for about $250.

Indonesia

If you’re willing to live as the locals do, Indonesia can be wonderfully inexpensive. A beer will cost you around $1.65, but you can eat for pennies by subsisting on the Indonesian staple: rice, grown in the nation’s lovely terraced rice fields, which often are tourist attractions in their own right. If you choose to go more of a gourmet route, a seafood dinner with drinks might cost as much as $10. Indonesia is a vast nation of more than 17,000 islands, so if you want to see much of it, you’ll likely get to know the ferry system, through which you can ride from Java to Kalimantan for just $18.

Nepal

Travel costs are a little higher here than in neighboring India — you’ll pay approximately $2.14 for a beer — but seldom by much. You can find budget accommodations for less than $5, and the same amount will feed you for a day. If you’re here for the famed trekking and mountaineering experiences, long jaunts cost a pittance. You can trek without porters or guides on $7, but even an organized expedition — certainly recommended for the higher elevations — will set you back as little as $25/day.

Poland

Europe is generally not a cheap place to visit, except for Eastern Europe — but in recent years even this region has become expensive. Fortunately for travelers, Poland is about the cheapest place you can go in Europe. A beer here will cost you as little as $1, a burger around $3 and a cup of coffee $3.50. Travel costs will likely rise here before long, and Poland is expected to adopt the euro within a few years, so now’s the time to go.

Morocco

Two of the biggest draws in Morocco — the beaches and the markets — are free. Everything else is pretty cheap: An inexpensive hotel room will cost you around $25, while you can sip Morocco’s famed mint tea for 65 cents (a beer costs more, about $3.23). To travel between cities, take the trains, which are fast, frequent and cheap: The 300-mile journey from Tangier to Marrakech will set you back only around $20.

Mexico

Most Americans should stay away from the border areas, where drug-related violence has been on the rise. But tourists who choose to avoid the country altogether are missing out on great deals and inexpensive travel opportunities. Visit the safer areas, 100 miles or so south of the U.S. border, and for the cheapest trip, steer clear of resort towns. You’ll find beer for $1.50 and admission to archaeological sites for about $3, in addition to easy (and generally cheap) airline travel from the U.S.

Ecuador

Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as its currency, which simplifies things for American tourists. Fortunately, you’ll be spending fewer of those dollars here than at home. A beer will cost just over a dollar here, the same as a cup of coffee or a bottle of Coca-Cola, while a budget hotel room will cost around $30 or less. Worth noting is that you’ll be charged an airport exit tax when you fly out of Ecuador, but you can save $15 — $26 versus $41 — if you leave out of Guayaquil rather than Quito.

Bulgaria

Prices in Bulgaria have risen since 2007, when the country joined the European Union, but it’s still an outstanding bargain compared with Europe as a whole. This is especially true if you steer clear of the capital, Sofia; besides, the soul of Bulgaria lies in its lovely small towns and villages. If the sands call, though, Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast is one of the cheapest places to enjoy a sunny beach resort. A beer will cost you about $1.30 here, and a bottle of decent wine can be had for as little as $3.50.

Argentina

The U.S. dollar has fallen against most of the world’s currencies since 2009. One of the very few places it hasn’t is Argentina, where American travelers will get close to four pesos to the dollar. You can get a beer here for $1.30 or a burger for around $3, while a steak dinner with a bottle of wine might set you back as much as $10. For a quintessentially Argentine experience that won’t break the bank, visit one of the estancias — historic, working ranches — where you can see traditional gauchos (Argentine cowboys) and taste local cuisine.

Iceland

With an average beer setting you back $5 or more, Iceland — home to stunning, rugged natural scenery, including geysers, glaciers and hundreds of waterfalls — might not seem like a bargain. But the island nation is on our list because its epic financial crunch makes a stay here so much cheaper than it was until recently, and because Icelandair, the country’s national carrier, frequently offers great airfare deals. The krona has fallen 12 percent against the dollar over the past year, and that’s on top of a 61 percent decline the previous year. We recommend rushing to see this historic land of volcanoes and Vikings while it’s so much less expensive to do so.

Egypt

What could be better than seeing one of the wonders of the world for a wonderfully small amount of money? Egypt is one of the cheapest places to travel in Africa: Admission to its incredible historical sites and museums costs $2 or so, while you can eat a meal for $3.50. A beer here will cost about $3 (although this is a Muslim nation, non-Muslims are allowed to imbibe). Worth noting is that you’ll be expected to tip almost everyone who provides a service, but this will seldom set you back more than a dollar or two.

Venezuela

Although the dollar has lost value against most of the world’s currencies, it’s gained ground spectacularly in Venezuela, where you’ll get twice as much of the local currency — the bolivar fuerte, which replaced the old bolivar in 2008 — per dollar as you would have a year ago. The bad news is that the economy is unstable, so be sure to check the latest news before you go. At current rates, a beer will cost you about $1.60, a comfy hotel room $20 and a bus ride — the country’s main transportation — about $1.50 for each hour of your trip.

Las Vegas

You can have a steal of a vacation in Sin City, with new hotels opening even as tourism continues its protracted slump. Stay off the Strip for the best prices, but check with individual hotels, even the usually expensive ones, to see if there’s a deal worth taking advantage of. A beer at a nonpremium location will cost as little as $3, and you can find a champagne brunch buffet for as little as $10. How much you spend gambling, of course, is completely up to you.

Top 10 Safest Cars in America

Today's cars are safer than ever. How do we know? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, auto fatalities are at the lowest they've been in 60 years — even with twice as many Americans holding driver's licenses and traveling four times as many miles a year. Both agencies cite stricter crash-test standards and the latest advances in automotive safety technologies as primary reasons. But which vehicles are the safest? Here are our choices for 2010. Each is an IIHS Top Safety Pick and features something unique that can help you survive a metal-to-metal mishap.

Subcompact Car: Ford Fiesta

Historically, smaller cars have some of the highest injury and fatality rates. Yet today, even the tiniest cars are designed to protect their human cargo remarkably well. The Ford Fiesta is the new benchmark, the only minicar to earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It offers the most standard airbags in its segment, including a driver's knee bag and side-curtain inflators. In addition, about 55 percent of the Fiesta's body is made from high-strength or ultrahigh-strength steel, including the front roof pillars. This tough but lightweight material helped the Fiesta pass new roof-safety standards, yet still allows a slim pillar for clear outward views.


Small Car: Honda Civic

America's best-selling compact car has brought peace of mind — not just on safety, but on reliability and resale value — to more than 200,000 buyers so far this year. The Civic is notable for Honda's signature Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure. It's designed to protect not only occupants but pedestrians, with components such as a hood structure and windshield wipers that deform more easily on impact to lessen pedestrian injuries. For a budget car, this Honda offers a slew of standard safety features, including anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution for sure-footed control in panic stops.

Small SUV: Subaru Forester

For SUVs, a low center of gravity, carlike handling and all-wheel drive help keep the car on the road and minimize chances of a deadly rollover. More wagon than traditional SUV, the Subaru Forester is outstanding in those regards. While most competitors charge extra for AWD, the Subaru's sophisticated system is standard, and it's linked with electronic stability control for superior all-weather safety. And the Forester's Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure earns top scores from both NHTSA and the IIHS.


Family Sedan: Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata is one of only two 2011 models so far (30 have been tested) to earn an overall five-star rating from the IIHS. "From stability and handling to crash results, it's an impressive package," says Mike Quincy, Consumer Reports' automotive specialist. The Sonata is equipped with six standard airbags, including side curtains both front and rear. Anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution are also standard — along with electronic stability control, a safety feature that NHTSA reports has resulted in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars.


Midsize Crossover: Volvo XC60

No list of safe cars would be complete without a Volvo. Handsome, spacious and notably smooth-handling, the XC60 is equipped with a jaw-dropping list of safety features. At around-town speeds of 20 mph or less, Volvo's City Safety system uses a laser to detect traffic ahead and automatically brakes to prevent fender benders. At higher speeds, a collision-warning system warns drivers if it senses a risk of collision, and can automatically slow or stop the vehicle. Add to that standard all-wheel drive, rollover sensors, hill-descent control and both blind-spot and lane-departure warnings, and you have a safety cocoon on wheels.

Large Car: Buick LaCrosse

Midsize and larger sedans consistently post among the lowest fatality and injury rates of any car or truck segment, one reason why safety experts urge parents to consider putting teenagers or college students behind the wheel of a big sedan, not a tiny compact. The Buick LaCrosse incorporates GM's excellent Stabilitrak stability control system, along with the safety backup of the OnStar telematics system. A heads-up display lets the driver keep his eyes on the road, adaptive headlamps swivel up to 15 degrees to peer around curves at night, and a radar-based system alerts drivers when a car is lurking in blind spots.

Luxury Car: BMW 5-Series

Along with the Hyundai Sonata, the BMW 5-Series aced the tough new NHTSA crash tests. The BMW also brings the latest cutting-edge safety advances: adaptive cruise control, lane-departure and blind-spot warnings, and the first night-vision system that detects pedestrians and highlights them on-screen in the navigation display. The BMW's brilliant agility and braking can also bail drivers out of trouble. If a crash should happen, its Assist System, developed jointly with the William Lehman Trauma Center, not only sends automatic emergency notification, but can transmit data to alert emergency responders to the likelihood of severe injury.

Minivan: Toyota Sienna

The all-new 2011 Sienna is a huge improvement over its predecessor, especially in the safety department. An optional radar-based pre-collision system scans the road and preps the brakes for maximum stopping power if it senses a potential impact. Toyota's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system coordinates engine, brakes and steering to keep the car safely on course, even before wheels begin to slip. Other technological upgrades include the industry's first panoramic rear camera with a full 180-degree view, and Toyota's new Safety Connect telematics system with automatic collision notification.

Sport-Utility Vehicle: Jeep Grand Cherokee

Beneath its handsome new skin, the redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee shares its rock-solid chassis with the far pricier Mercedes-Benz ML. This IIHS Top Pick boasts roughly 45 safety and security features, including stability control with electronic roll mitigation; a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system with rough-road detection; full-length side curtain airbags, side thorax airbags and active head restraints; and a trailer-sway control. Plus, the available 4-wheel-drive systems let the Jeep waltz through rain, deep snow or mud that would stymie lesser vehicles.

Station Wagon: Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

The Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen earns our nod because it combines honest utility and affordability with the kind of sporty European handling that can help drivers stop or steer around potential trouble. "Not only does the Jetta do well in our dynamic handling tests, but it's got great visibility and crash scores," Quincy says. That performance begins with a 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes that include vented front rotors for trusty stopping power. Electronic stability control is standard for the 2011 model, while an electronic differential lock controls wheel spin in low-traction situations.

World's Largest Cruise Ship is Almost Ready

World's largest cruise ship has 16 decks, 2,700 staterooms

The Allure of the Seas is worth about 1.5 billion U.S. dollars. It left the shipyard in Turku, Finland, on Friday and is expected to reach its new home port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in a few weeks.

Allure of the Sea, the world's largest cruise ship and the sister ship of Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, completed construction on Oct. 28 and will debut on Dec. 1.

With 28 ultra-modern loft suites and 2,700 spacious staterooms, this 16-deck marvel measures about four football fields and can accommodates 8,300 people, including crew members.


It measures 1,200 feet from bow to stern, 216 feet in width and its height from sea level is 236 feet.

The Allure of the Seas is worth about 1.5 billion U.S. dollars. It left the shipyard in Turku, Finland, on Friday and is expected to reach its new home port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in a few weeks.