11 Fastest Things in The World

Athletes and cars aren't the only ones with a need for speed. Animals, astrophysicists and riders of roller coasters also pursue jaw-dropping velocities. Here are some of the fastest things in the world.

Fastest roller coaster

Hydraulic motors propel riders of this roller coaster from zero to top speed in mere seconds.

Speed: Positively face-peeling. And the ride's hill is double-digit stories high.

Where: Ride it at a U.S. amusement park.

Price: Built in 2005 at a multimillion-dollar price.

See: Riders' amateur videos.

Compare: The fast roller coaster could travel from Chicago to this U.S. city in just 60 minutes.

Fastest animal

Yes, it's a cat. Yes, one is the mascot of a crispy cheesy snack.

Speed: Scientists have clocked an adult female Acinonyx jubatus at this velocity.

Where: Sub-Saharan Africa and central Eurasia, as seen on its territory map.

See: Here's video, plus the National Zoo's live webcam.

Compare: Almost half as slow, a North American animal is faster over long distance.

Fastest airplane

This record has held since 1967. We're talking with a human pilot, not unmanned.

Speed: The North American X-15 hit Mach 6.72, which is this in miles per hour.

Where: Over Murdock Dry Lake, Calif., though the plane didn't take off there. Why?

See: Watch videos of the X-15; visit one at this museum.

Compare: If commercial flights were this fast, L.A. to New York City would take 32 minutes.

Fastest home Internet service

Have typical broadband? Now, imagine this many times quicker.

Speed: Whoa. Yes, gigabytes. With a "g."

Where: Palo Alto? Redmond? Sorry. It's this Southern city.

Price: Ultra-expensive monthly fee.

See: Your current connection speed.

Compare: In five minutes, says the mayor, you download this institution's contents.

Fastest lava flow

Molten rock traveled record speeds in 1977 from the Nyiragongo volcano.

Speed: Oozed almost 40 mph. Typically, lava ... flows ... slowly.

Where: In a country that rhymes with "Nyiragongo."

Price: The eruption cost 2,000 lives.

See: Recent activity. Nyiragongo remains active.

Compare: Could one of the world's fastest men have outrun it? Nope

Fastest lawn mower

U.K.'s Don Wales snagged the title this spring. Was he actually cutting grass?

Speed: The mower hit this top speed, enough for a ticket in every U.S. state.

Where: Achieved in Britain at a famous site for speed records.

See: Video of the mower in action.

Compare: Wales could mow a soccer field this quickly.

Fastest wind

Sorry, New Hampshire. Mount Washington's 1934 record has been beaten.

Speed: During this weather event, sensors measured a 253-mph gust.

Where: Barrow Island, Australia. The landscape is dotted with insect creations.

See: Gust-free video of the island's offbeat animals.

Compare: Hurricane Katrina's landfall speed was about half as fast.

Fastest talker

In 1995,Sean Shannon rapidly recited a famous soliloquy.

Speed: He said the whole thing in 23.8 seconds, or this many words per minute.

Where: The performance was in a Scottish city; Shannon hails from another land.

See: The fastest talker in action.

Compare: Watch Laurence Olivier or Mel Gibson recite the same speech.

Fastest caterpillar

Zippy critter Pleuroptya ruralis, who turns into this rather drab moth (pic).

Speed: 15 inches per second, or this many miles per hour

Where: Across Europe, usually on the plant it eats

See: Photos of the speedy critters; videos of other fast caterpillars

Compare: Adjusted for size, its equivalent speed is faster than a cheetah.

Fastest manmade object

The ultimate prize goes to 1976's Helios 2 deep-space probe.

Speed: The craft reached 153,800 mph. Where was it going in such a hurry?

Where: Launched from Florida, Helios 2 was fastest 28 million miles from the sun.

Price: NASA split the bill with this country's space program.

See: Photos of Helios 2

Compare: The space shuttle (next launch?) orbits Earth about nine times more slowly.

What Celebrities Says in November

This prolific entertainer is on a lot of people's minds these days, but not just for his holiday cheer or his critically acclaimed new album. Find out about his never-ending beefs with a politician and a pop star, and learn what other water-cooler topics had the rest of our tastemakers' tongues wagging this month.

Madonna

Madonna took time out from her latest business ventures teen fashion and fitness to appear on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
She spoke out against a recent rash of anti-gay bullying.
"The concept that we are torturing teenagers because they're gay … It's unfathomable. It's like lynching black people or, you know, Hitler exterminating Jews. … Sorry if I sound like I'm going on a rampage right now, but this is America. The land of the free and the home of the brave ..."

Bill Clinton

Former President Clinton has been getting an earful from his daughter, Chelsea, who's trying to broaden his musical horizons.
"You know, my daughter introduced me to rap and hip-hop music after I said some things she thought were not very smart. She said, 'Dad, you need to listen, all these people are smart.'"

Kanye West

Apparently, the rapper-producer still has a lot to say about his widely publicized awards show run-in with pop star Taylor Swift.
"Taylor never came to my defense at any interview … And (she) rode the waves and rode it and rode it."

Barbara Bush

The former first lady has never seemed very outspoken. If anything, she might be pegged as bookish. But in an interview with Larry King, she shared her rather blunt thoughts on Sarah Palin.
"I sat next to her once. I thought she was beautiful. And she's very happy in Alaska. I hope she'll stay there."

Eva Longoria Parker

The petite prime-time actress announced that she and her NBA player husband are going their separate ways.
"It is with great sadness that after seven years together, Tony and I have decided to divorce. We love each other deeply and pray for each other's happiness."

Janet Jackson

When interviewed for a newsstand staple, the pop icon revisited haunting memories from her early TV acting career.
Reportedly, her maturing wasn't in the script.
"It immediately makes you think, 'The way I am isn't good enough.' That's the message that it sent to me: 'The way you look now isn't right ...' It would make me sad. It wouldn't make me mad. It would hurt."

George W. Bush

Rapper Kanye West lobbed a remark at former President Bush in 2005 that reportedly still sticks him.
"I faced a lot of criticism as president … But the suggestion that I was racist because of the response to Katrina represented an all-time low."

Anne Hathaway

In an interview about her latest film, Hathaway turned diva-esque in an attempt to help her co-star, who was facing tricky questions about his possible new romance.
"I've been Jake's onscreen love interest for years ... You keep the conversation to me and only me, otherwise I'm going to get nasty!"

Warren Buffett

Billionaire CEO Buffett announced to the news media that he isn't afraid to dig deeper into his own coffers at tax time and thinks others who are wealthy should do the same.
"The rich are always going to say that, you know, just give us more money and we'll go out and spend more and then it will all trickle down to the rest of you. But that has not worked the last 10 years, and I hope the American public is catching on."

Willow Smith

Riding the wave of her hit single, this daughter of a box office titan and a stylish star seems to be enjoying her new status. Though she's got a recording contract at the ripe old age of 10, she does have boundaries, she told this magazine.
"I can't do whatever I want … Mommy has to say it's OK."

George Clooney

When another actor was given the title of People's "Sexiest Man Alive," the magazine turned to one of the two-time title-holders for his reaction. He was a good sport.
"I'm very happy for him," he said. "I'm also happy that it's not Brad."

Hillary Clinton

Travelers across the country have been up in arms about new TSA protocols. The secretary of state admitted she would avoid them if she could, but she tried to remain diplomatic when discussing them on-air.
"Striking the right balance is what this is about. And I am absolutely confident that our security experts are gonna keep trying to get it better and less intrusive and more precise."

Sylvester Stallone

Apparently back in fighting form after an accident sustained while shooting his latest film, the tough guy actor tweeted some jabs at President Barack Obama on Election Day.
"I voted did you? Gotta get the Manchurian Candidate out of the drivers seat before were ALL soaring off a cliff into Oblivion ... Be smart."

Will Ferrell

For the second year in a row, funnyman Ferrell has topped this magazine's list of the Most Overpaid. His response to the news?
"Isn't that the whole point? Aren't we all striving to be overpaid?"
His place on the list was surely secured by his hit animated release and clearly not hampered by this setback.

Tim Lincecum

"A lot of orange and black … And hopefully, a lot of alcohol."
That was how the San Francisco Giants pitcher predicted fans would celebrate his team's big achievement, a historic one at that. But their reaction ended up being quite a bit different than he expected.

Courtney Love

It would seem the former rock frontwoman is seeking addiction advice from elsewhere in the rock world.
"I am the smoker and the curser, but I am trying to learn about taking care of myself … I have friends that are growing old and freaking out and I am, like, getting hotter."
Now, perhaps she'll seek legal and parenting advice, as well.

Nancy Pelosi

In an interview, the outgoing speaker of the House had some comments about her successor, particularly about his sensitive side.
"You know what? He is known to cry. He cries sometimes when we're having a debate on bills. If I cry, it's about the personal loss of a friend or something like that."

Cher

The veteran entertainer offered some words of wisdom to Christina Aguilera, her co-star in a recently released movie.
"You know, honey, husbands come and go, but I am still Cher at the end of the day."
The advice comes amid talk about Aguilera's marital woes and alleged dalliances.

Conan O'Brien

The lanky late-night comedian indicated that he hasn't quite buried the hatchet when he spoke to this magazine about one day having his frenemy as a guest.
"He can come as the musical guest, because that I want to see; no one knows he has an operatic range … No, there are certain things I will not do, regardless of the price."
Though O'Brien has settled into a new talk show home, he seems to still harbor feelings about a switcheroo at his old network.

The Situation

The attention-seeking reality TV star has more on his mind than his abdominals, according to a recent interview.
"Obviously it's a blessing -- the women and the money and the fame, but at the same time it's -- it's actually very lonely."

Roberto Baggio

When he accepted this esteemed award, the retired Italian soccer great addressed the Nobel Prize laureates gathered in Japan:
"I have lost three World Cups, all on penalties ... If you'll allow me this, it really gets on my nerves."
"Il Divin Codino" was honored for, among other efforts, his altruistic work in Haiti.

Lori Berenson

After spending years in a prison in Peru, the convicted U.S. activist ended her sentence this month, to the dismay of many in that country.
"I totally understand that people feel a strong rejection to someone who represents terrorism. The problem is, I may not be the person they paint me to be, and they'll never know that."

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.

World Leader Assassinations and Attempts

Forty-seven years ago today, the nation mourned the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. (Read more about his life and see the iconic photo captured at his funeral. Watch some of Kennedy's speeches.) We take a look at other world leaders who were assassinated or survived attempts made in the name of a nation, a religion or a cause.
Anwar Sadat

The Egyptian president was killed (how old was he?) after receiving this international award for an agreement with this former political enemy. The historic meetings were arranged by this man. Read some of Sadat's speeches.

Benazir Bhutto

This former prime minister of Pakistan (see photos of her) was killed after this event. How old was she? When she was elected, she was the first woman to accomplish this in modern times. Read some of Bhutto's speeches.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

This European heir apparent was assassinated (how old was he?) in this capital city by this terrorist group. He died with this person, and their deaths were the catalyst for this world event. Read some of the archduke's famous quotes.

Julius Caesar

This Roman dictator, who was killed by these men on this date, supposedly said these infamous words to one his assassins. Read some more of his famous words.

Mahatma Gandhi

This well-known leader of India's independence movement, who advocated for this type of resistance to this empire, was killed by this person.

Pope John Paul II

The leader of the Catholic Church survived an assassination attempt by this man during this public event. The pope died several years later due to illness.

Yitzhak Rabin

The Israeli prime minister was killed in this manner for participating in this political process. How old was he when he died?

Fidel Castro

Assassination attempts on the life of this longtime Cuban dictator have become the stuff of legends, such as this one discussed in this film. The leader's failing health also has spawned death rumors.

Indira Gandhi

The prime minister of India was shot by these men while she was on her way to see this actor.

Pancho Villa

When this Mexican Revolutionary leader was killed in this year, photos of his death were widely circulated to confirm his demise.

Agathe Uwilingiyimana

The first female prime minister of Rwanda was assassinated along with her husband just before this incident, which horrified the world. A member of this tribe, she lived for only a day after these two men.

Michael Collins

The Irish revolutionary leader was assassinated in this manner during this national conflict.

Ronald Reagan

Shortly after he took office, an assassination attempt on the U.S. president was made by this man because of his obsession with this Hollywood star. The failed attempt critically injured this man, whose wife became an advocate for this cause.

Nicholas II

The last tsar of Russia was killed by this group during this period of conflict, but what continues to rivet the world is the killing of these members of the Romanov family.