10 of the Things you must Know Before BUD/S - Seal Training

Every week, most of my emails are from young sailors and civilians who wish to become SEALs one day. Though I try to focus more on fitness, I thought it was time to answer the several emails with my top ten things you need to know before going to BUD/S - SEAL Training.

1 - Arrive Fit!

Not just able to do the minimum scores but the above average recommended PFT scores:

- 500 yds swim - under 9:00
- Pushups - 100 in 2:00
- Situps - 100 in 2:00
- Pullups - 20+
- 1.5 mile run - under 9:00 in boots and pants

If you need letters of recommendation from SEALs, most SEALs will not endorse you unless you can achieve the above numbers. Sometimes it takes a solid year of training before you are physically capable of reaching these scores. You WILL have to take this PFT before going to BUD/S and on the first day at BUD/S.

2 - Run in Boots and Swim with Fins

At least 3-4 months prior to arriving at BUD/s get the legs used to swimming with fins and running in boots. They issue Bates 924s and UDT or Rocket Fins at BUD/S. The fins are difficult to find, so any stiff fin that requires you to wear booties will do.

3 - Officers at BUD/S

Go there ready to lead and get to know your men. Start the team building necessary to complete BUD/S. You can't do everything by yourself, so learn to delegate but do not be too good to scrub the floors either. Be motivated and push the guys to succeed. Always lead from the front.

4 - Enlisted at BUD/S

Be motivated and ready to work as a team. Follow orders but provide feedback so your team can be better at overcoming obstacles that you will face. Never be late!

5 - BUD/S is Six Months Long

Prepare for the long term, not the short term. Too many people lose focus early on their training and quit. It would be similar to training for a 10K race and running a Marathon by accident. You have to be mentally focused on running the Marathon - in this case a six month "marathon."

6 - Weekly Physical Tests

The four mile timed runs are weekly and occur on the beach - hard packed sand next to the water line. They are tough, but not bad if you prepare properly. The 2 mile ocean swims are not bad either if you are used to swimming with fins when you arrive. The obstacle course will get you too if you are not used to climbing ropes and doing pullups. Upperbody strength is tested to the max with this test.

7 - Eating at BUD/S

You get three great meals a day at BUD/S, usually more than you can eat. During Hellweek, you get four meals a day - every six hours! The trick to making it through Hellweek is just make it to the next meal. Break up the week into several six hour blocks of time. In a couple of days you will be on "auto-pilot" and it will be all down hill from there. And if you need any help with dieting before you go to BUD/S, I developed a new dieting aid that may help you:

Place This on Your Refrigerator

8 - Flutterkicks

This seems to be a tough exercise for many. Practice 4 count flutterkicks with your abdominal workouts and shoot for sets of at least 100. There maybe a day you have to do 1000 flutterkicks. By the way - that takes 45 minutes!

9 - Wet and Sandy

Jumping into the ocean then rolling around in the sand is a standard form of punishment / motivation for the class at BUD/S. It is cold and not comfortable, so you just have to prepare yourself for getting wet and sandy everyday at BUD/S. On days that you do not get wet and sandy, it will be the same feeling as getting off early at work on a three day weekend!

10 - Did I Mention Running?

You should be able to run at least 4 miles in 28 minutes in boots with ease. If not, you will so learn to hate the "goon-squad". The goon squad is to motivate you never to be last again or fail a run again. You only get three chances to with most events. If you fail three of anything - you will be back in the Fleet.

About the Author...
Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. If you are interested in starting a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle - check out the Military.com Fitness eBook store and the Stew Smith article archive at Military.com. To contact Stew with your comments and questions, e-mail him at stew@stewsmith.com.

HUMOR Me...
A US Navy SEAL was attending some college courses between assignments. He had completed missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

One of the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist and a member of the ACLU. One day he shocked the class when he came in, looked to the ceiling, and flatly stated, “God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I’ll give you exactly 15 minutes.”
The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, “Here I am God. I’m still waiting.”

It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Navy SEAL got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and punched him in the face, knocking him off the platform. The professor was totally unconscious, I mean out cold!
The SEAL then went back to his seat and sat there, silently. The other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence.
The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Navy SEAL and asked, “What the hell is the matter with you? Why did you do that?”
The SEAL calmly replied, “God was too busy today protecting America’s soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid crap like that and act like an asshole. So He sent me!”

• Reference/Source: military.com by Stew Smith
• Reference/Source: United States Navy SEAL selection and training, Wikipedia.org

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10 0f the Global Warming Effects and it's Causes

One of the biggest issues facing us right now is global warming. Its effects on animals and on agriculture are indeed frightening, and the effects on the human population are even scarier. The facts about global warming are often debated, but unfortunately, even if we disagree about the causes, global warming effects are real, global, and measurable. The causes are mainly from us, the human race, and the effects on us will be severe.

1 - Global Warming Cause: Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning power plants

Our ever increasing addiction to electricity from coal burning power plants releases enormous amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 40% of U.S. CO2 emissions come from electricity production, and burning coal accounts for 93% of emissions from the electric utility industry [EPA, pg. 10]. Every day, more electric gadgets flood the market, and without widespread alternative energy sources, we are highly dependent on burning coal for our personal and commercial electrical supply.

2 - Global Warming Cause: Carbon dioxide emissions from burning gasoline for transportation

Our modern car culture and appetite for globally sourced goods is responsible for about 33% of emissions in the U.S. [EPA pg. 8] With our population growing at an alarming rate, the demand for more cars and consumer goods means that we are increasing the use of fossil fuels for transportation and manufacturing. Our consumption is outpacing our discoveries of ways to mitigate the effects, with no end in sight to our massive consumer culture.

3 - Global Warming Cause: Methane emissions from animals, agriculture such as rice paddies, and from Arctic seabeds

Methane is another extremely potent greenhouse gas, ranking right behind CO2. When organic matter is broken down by bacteria under oxygen-starved conditions (anaerobic decomposition) as in rice paddies, methane is produced. The process also takes place in the intestines of herbivorous animals, and with the increase in the amount of concentrated livestock production, the levels of methane released into the atmosphere is increasing. Another source of methane is methane clathrate, a compound containing large amounts of methane trapped in the crystal structure of ice. As methane escapes from the Arctic seabed, the rate of global warming will increase significantly.

4 - Global Warming Cause: Deforestation, especially tropical forests for wood, pulp, and farmland

The use of forests for fuel (both wood and for charcoal) is one cause of deforestation, but in the first world, our appetite for wood and paper products, our consumption of livestock grazed on former forest land, and the use of tropical forest lands for commodities like palm oil plantations contributes to the mass deforestation of our world. Forests remove and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and this deforestation releases large amounts of carbon, as well as reducing the amount of carbon capture on the planet.

5 - Global Warming Cause: Increase in usage of chemical fertilizers on croplands

In the last half of the 20th century, the use of chemical fertilizers (as opposed to the historical use of animal manure) has risen dramatically. The high rate of application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers has effects on the heat storage of cropland (nitrogen oxides have 300 times more heat-trapping capacity per unit of volume than carbon dioxide) and the run-off of excess fertilizers creates ‘dead-zones’ in our oceans. In addition to these effects, high nitrate levels in groundwater due to over-fertilization are cause for concern for human health.

6 - Global Warming Effect: Rise in sea levels worldwide

Scientists predict an increase in sea levels worldwide due to the melting of two massive ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland, especially on the East coast of the U.S. However, many nations around the world will experience the effects of rising sea levels, which could displace millions of people. One nation, the Maldives, is already looking for a new home, thanks to rising sea levels.

7 - Global Warming Effect: More killer storms

The severity of storms such as hurricanes and cyclones is increasing, and research published in Nature found:

“Scientists have come up with the firmest evidence so far that global warming will significantly increase the intensity of the most extreme storms worldwide. The maximum wind speeds of the strongest tropical cyclones have increased significantly since 1981, according to research published in Nature this week. And the upward trend, thought to be driven by rising ocean temperatures, is unlikely to stop at any time soon.”

8 - Global Warming Effect: Massive crop failures

According to recent research, there is a 90% chance that 3 billion people worldwide will have to choose between moving their families to milder climes and going hungry due to climate change within 100 years.

“Climate change is expected to have the most severe impact on water supplies. “Shortages in future are likely to threaten food production, reduce sanitation, hinder economic development and damage ecosystems. It causes more violent swings between floods and droughts.”" – Guardian: Global warming causes 300,000 deaths a year

9 - Global Warming Effect: Widespread extinction of species

According to research published in Nature, by 2050, rising temperatures could lead to the extinction of more than a million species. And because we can’t exist without a diverse population of species on Earth, this is scary news for humans.

“Climate change now represents at least as great a threat to the number of species surviving on Earth as habitat-destruction and modification.” Chris Thomas, conservation biologist at the University of Leeds

10 - Global Warming Effect: Disappearance of coral reefs

A report on coral reefs from WWF says that in a worst case scenario, coral populations will collapse by 2100 due to increased temperatures and ocean acidification. The ‘bleaching’ of corals from small but prolonged rises in sea temperature is a severe danger for ocean ecosystems, and many other species in the oceans rely on coral reefs for their survival.

“Despite the oceans’s immensity — 71 per cent of the Earth’s surface with an average depth of almost 4km (2½m) — there are indications that it is approaching its tipping point. For reefs, warming waters and acidification are closing in like a pair of jaws that threaten to make them the first global ecosystem to disappear.” – Times Online: 21st-century Noah’s Ark needed to save coral reefs from extinction

• Reference/Source: planetsave.com by Derek Markham (June 7, 2009)

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Top Ten Signs That You Are Pregnant

 Are there 10 pregnancy signs? If you think you might be pregnant, there are 10 pregnancy signs that can be an early indication. Granted, you may not experience all of them, but it's possible that two or more will be evident.

It takes about a week for the fertilized egg to be implanted in the uterus, which can help you figure out whether or not you have conceived sooner than later.

Once the hormone levels start changing, you will start seeing 10 early signs of pregnancy.

See if you're experiencing any of these top 10 signs of pregnancy:

1. Light Spotting- When implantation occurs, it's possible to see light spotting before your menstrual period begins. It will bee seen in a pinkish or brownish color, but as a discharge. When you have a normal cycle it should start light, get heavy, and then taper offer before it stops.

So if light spotting is noticeable, then it's possible that you have conceived.

2. Frequent Urination - When dealing with frequent urination it's important to think about what you've been drinking. Water and alcohol can cause frequent urination, but it can also be a sign that you're pregnant. Some women experience this before they realize a period has been missed. It's normally about 7 to 12 days before the temperature rise at ovulation.

A lot of it has to do with the changes in hormone levels. This is caused by the implantation of the embryo as well as the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Both can cause more frequent urination.

3. Elevated Body Temperature- When a woman is ovulating, it's normal to see her body temperature rise. Then again, if it stays high through your period, it could be because you're pregnant. Take the time to monitor this when it occurs - another of the 10 pregnancy signs.

4. Missing Your Period- This is usually one of the most common of the 10 pregnancy signs that women look for when trying to figure out if they're pregnant. While this is true, there are several other reasons why a missed period can occur. Whether it's illness, stress, hormone imbalance or reactions to food or medications - any of them can be the reason a period is missed and not necessarily one of the top 10 signs of pregnancy.

5. Fatigue- Even though it's hard to tell if your fatigue is due to pregnancy, it could be an additional sign mixed in with any of the others. It means there is a change in the hormones, but once the body adjusts to the new ones it shouldn't be an issue anymore.

6. Cramping- If you're moving around, exercising, or having an orgasm and experiencing cramps, it might be because you're going to have a baby.

7. Nausea- Another sign most women look for is nausea. We associate this as "morning sickness," However, out of all the early signs of pregnancy here, only half of the women who are pregnant ever feel nauseated throughout the day.

8. Tender Breasts or Nipples- This is also due to the change of hormone levels in the body, but when we adjust then it will go away. If you're pregnant it's going to stick around for awhile.

9. Darker Areolas- Seven days after conception you might notice your areolas becoming darker around the nipples. It's also possible that the bumps will look more prominent.

10. Constipation- Bowel changes can always occur during the early stages of pregnancy. Thanks to the change in hormones your intestines might decide to relax a bit and take a break.

While one of these 10 pregnancy signs might not mean you're pregnant, multiple ones could be a clear indication. If you are experiencing more than two then it's wise to get one of the better home pregnancy tests and find out. Just make sure the ones you are using are reliable.

If the pregnancy test is blood related then you could know as little as 8 to 10 days after conception. Urine tests will work 10 to 14 days later.

You already know that pregnancy tests are NOT 100% accurate, so if it gives you a negative reading then do another test in about a week. Well, if you feel like you're pregnant anyways. Another angle to take is simply visiting your physician. Oh and make sure you take good care of your body all the time.

If you smoke or consume alcohol, then now is a good time to stop until you figure out what is happening. We actually recommend giving up these two habits whether you're pregnant or not and start eating healthier. Taking high-quality prenatal vitamins and exercising. are other things to consider. It will help you support healthy development of your child if he or she is in there. Pregnancy is definitely a wonderful experience, so make the most of it.

The women who do find out they are pregnant and eventually have a newborn in their arms should consider breastfeeding. However, this means anti-depressants and psychotropic medications shouldn't be taken. Breast milk is very nutritional and cheap; plus you form a closer bond with your child. It can also protect them against serious illnesses.

The 10 pregnancy signs are important, but take the time to learn about fertility, as well. We also recommend getting a better understanding of pregnancy as a whole and keeping your body healthy. This way your baby will begin his or her life with the best start.

HUMOR Me...
Am I more likely to get pregnant if my husband wears boxers rather then briefs?
~Yes, but you’ll have an even better chance if he doesn’t wear anything at all.


Are birth control pills deductible?
~Only if they don’t work.

What is a chastity belt?
~A labor-saving device.

Should I have a baby after 35?
~No, 35 children are enough.

Can a mother get pregnant while nursing?
~Yes, but it’s much easier if she removes the baby from her breast and puts him to sleep first.

My husband and I are very attractive. I’m sure our baby will be beautiful enough for commercials. Whom should I contact about this?
~Your therapist.

I’m two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
~With any luck, right after he finishes high school.

How will I know if my vomiting is morning sickness or the flu?
~If it’s the flu, you’ll get better.

Since I became pregnant, my breasts, rear-end, and even my feet have grown. Is there anything that gets smaller during pregnancy?
~Yes, your bladder.

What is the most common pregnancy craving?
~For men to be the ones who get pregnant.

What is the most reliable method to determine a baby’s sex?
~Childbirth.

The more pregnant I get, the more often strangers smile at me. Why?
~‘Cause you’re fatter than they are.

My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she’s borderline irrational.
~So what’s your question?

• Reference/Source: safemenopausesolutions.com

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Top 10 Most Wanted Terrorist after Bin Laden's Death

The United States has finally inflicted a solid wound to their numero uno enemy, the Al-Qaeda. In a night-raid carried out at a location barely a few kilometers away from the Pakistani capital Islamabad, Osama bin Laden was killed in a dramatic CIA-led operation which involved extensive use of helicopters and ground troops.
The most dreaded terrorist in the world until now, Bin Laden gained attention in September of 2001, when the attacks on the United States left as many as 3,000 people dead and several hundred injured. It was only a matter of time and the man had become one of the most hated and feared men in the world.
After Bin Laden's death, US President Obama told the world “Justice has been done”.
However, even after Osama's death, terrorism continues to remain a major threat to the people across the globe. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) rolled out a list of most wanted terrorists in late 2001 which has been constantly updated since then. Here's a brief description of ten of most wanted terrorists out of that list which features at least 30 names.
The list also contains the name of Osama Bin Laden, who is now dead.

Usama Bin Laden
Apart from the 9/11 attacks, the Saudi-born dissident was also wanted in connection with August 7, 1998, bombings of the United States embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya. The Al-Qaeda leader was also a suspect in various other terror attacks throughout the world.
Bin Laden was a southpaw who walked with a cane. After 9/11 attacks the United States launched several operations to track the man. But they were not to taste success until 10 years. He had a reward of about $27 million dollars on his head and operated under eight alias names.

Adam Yahiye Gadhan
Born as Adam Pearlman in California, US, he converted to Islam in his teens. He is reported to be the cultural interpreter, spokesperson, and media advisor for the terrorist group Al-Qaeda. He has been indicted of treason and material support to Al-Qaeda and is said to be involved in numerous terrorist activities.
Gadahn has scars on his chest and right forearm and operates under eight aliases. The Rewards for Justice Program, United States Department of State, is offering a reward of up to a million dollars for information leading to the arrest of Gadahn.

Daniel Andreas San Diego
He is wanted for his alleged involvement in the bombing of two office buildings in San Francisco. A vegan, he is known to be linked to animal rights extremist groups. The man wears glasses, is adept at sailing and is always expected to be armed.
He is reported to have at least three tattoos on his bodies. He has three alias names as well. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading directly to the arrest of San Diego.

Ayman Al-Zawahiri

Currently the leader of Al-Qaeda, he is reportedly a qualified surgeon who has a deep and radical understanding of Islamic theology and Islamic history. Al-Zawahiri has been indicted for his alleged role in the August 7, 1998 bombings of the US embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya. Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ), the group he founded merged with Al-Qaeda in 1998 under his leadership.
Operating under 12 alias names, Al-Zawahiri can speak Arabic, English and French. The Rewards for Justice Program, United States Department of State, has offered a reward of up to $25 million for information leading directly to the apprehension or the conviction of Ayman Al-Zawahiri.

Fahd Mohammed Ahmed Al-Quso
The man is wanted by the FBI, the Interpol and the US Department of State. He has been indicted in the Southern District of New York for his role in the October 12, 2000, bombing of the USS Cole in Aden, Yemen in which 17 Americal sailors lost their lives.
Al-Quso is believed to be hiding in the mountains of Yemen. He operates under nine aliases. The Rewards For Justice Program, United States Department of State, is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading directly to the apprehension or conviction, in any country, of Fahd Mohammed Ahmed Al-Quso.

Abdul Rehman Yasin

Born in Bloomington, Indiana, US, Yasin is of Iraqi heritage. He is wanted for his alleged participation in the terrorist bombing of the World Trade Centre, New York City in February of 1993. The bombing led to six deaths, wounding of several individuals, and intense damage to property. He is believed to be held as a prisoner in Iraq since 1994.
FBI reports that Yasin epileptic. He is believed to have a chemical burn scar on his right thigh and operates under at least four alias names. The US Department of State has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading directly to the apprehension or conviction of Yasin.

Husayn Muhammad Al-Umari

He has been indicted for his alleged role in the August 11, 1982 bombing of Pan Am Flight 830, while it was en route from Japan to Hawaii. A mechanic and explosives expert, he formed an organisation in 1979 whose mission was to promote the Palestinian cause through violence towards the supporters of Israel.
A holder of Lebanese passport, Al-Umari has three alias names. He has a scar on the fingers of his right and one on his left hand in the web between the thumb and the index finger. A reward of up to $5 million is being offered by United States Department of State for information about Al-Umari.

Anas Al-Liby

Born in Tripoli, Libya, Al-Liby is under indictment in the United States for his part in the 1998 United States embassy bombings. He has worked as a computer specialist for Al-Qaeda. He recently lived in the United Kingdom where he was granted political asylum.
Al-Liby has a scar on the left side of his face and operates under at least four alias names. The reward on him offered by the United States Department of State is about $5 million.

Wadoud Muhammad Hafiz Al-Turki

Born in Iraq, Al-Turki faced indictment for his alleged role in September 5, 1986 hijacking of Pan American World Airways Flight 73 during a stop in Karachi, Pakistan. 20 passengers and crew members were killed in the attack.
The man is a heavy smoker and is believed to be residing in a Middle Eastern country. He has five alias names and there is a reward of up to $5 million on offer for information related to him.

Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Mughassil

This man is wanted by the United States government for his alleged involvement in the June 25, 1996 attack on Khobar Towers military housing complex near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The attacks claimed the life of 19 US Air Force personnels and one local.
Al-Mughassil has been identified as the head of military wing of the Pro-Iran Saudi Hizbullah. He has just one alias name and the US Department of State has offered a reward of up to $5 million dollars for him.

• Reference/Source: allvoices.com by soniyaa of Dimāpur, Nagaland, India

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Ten Most Highest Paying Bachelor Degrees for Year 2011

Find a fast online degree program today!

The latest list of the Top 10 Degrees With The Highest Starting Salaries has just been released and the results are quite similar to last years. The 2011 results again confirm the trending change from the usual Business, Accounting and Finance related degrees making way for degrees that will land you a job in the booming resource sector. The good news is though that overall, starting salaries are on average higher than they were last year. So what degrees made the top ten list for 2011?

1 – Petroleum Engineering Degree with an average starting salary of $93,000 and a median mid-career salary of $157,000.

2 – Chemical Engineering Degree with an average starting salary of $64,800 and a median mid-career salary of $108,000.

3 – Nuclear Engineering Degree with an average starting salary of $63,900 and a median mid-career salary of $104,000.

4 – Computer Engineering Degree with an average starting salary of $61,200 and a median mid-career salary of $99,500.

5 – Electrical Engineering Degree with an average starting salary of $60,800 and a median mid-career salary of $104,000.

6 – Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering Degree – average starting salary of $59,400 and a median mid-career salary of $108,000.

7 – Materials Science and Engineering Degree with an average starting salary of $59,400 and a median mid-career salary of $93,600.

8 – Mechanical Engineering Degree with an average starting salary of $58,300 and a median mid-career salary of $97,400.

9 – Industrial Engineering Degree with an average starting salary of $58,200 and a median mid-career salary of $97,600.

10 – Software Engineering Degree with an average starting salary of $56,700 and a median mid-career salary of $91,300.

As you can see, Engineering based degrees particularly Commodities Related Engineering are again making up the best part of the Top 10 list for 2011 as they did in 2010. It is not surprising to see Petroleum, Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Graduates acheiving the three highest starting salaries as the growth in emerging markets and the demand for energy and materials continue to keep graduates in these fields in very strong demand which is expected to continue into the foreseeable future.

So there you have it, the ten highest paying bachelors degrees. All of these degrees are available through online degree programs throughout both the United States and at accredited online schools across the globe. With an accelerated online degree program you could earn one of these high paying degrees in as little as two years. So what are you waiting for. The sooner you start, the sooner you will have your degree and earning the big dollars. So what are you waiting for? Find a fast online degree program today!

• Reference/Source: betteronlinedegrees.com

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Top 10 Petroleum Producing Countries

Here are the top 10 oil producer countries and with Total oil production( millions of barrels per day ) on 2006

1. Saudi Arabia (10.72 millions of barrels per day)

Saudi Arabia has the world's largest oil reserves and is the world's largest oil exporter. Oil accounts for more than 90% of exports and nearly 75% of government revenues, facilitating the creation of a welfare state.

2. Russia (9.67 millions of barrels per day)

The country has the world's largest natural gas reserves, the 8th largest oil reserves, and the second largest coal reserves. Russia is the world's leading natural gas exporter and leading natural gas producer, while also the second largest oil exporter and largest oil producer, though Russia interchanges the latter status with Saudi Arabia from time to time. On January 1, 2011, Russia said it had begun scheduled oil shipments to China, with the plan to increase the rate up to 300,000 barrels per day in 2011.

3. United States (8.37 millions of barrels per day)

The United States is the third largest producer of oil in the world, as well as its largest importer.

4. Iran (4.12 millions of barrels per day)

Oil reserves in Iran, according to its government, rank third largest in the world at approximately 150 billion barrels (24×109 m3) as of 2007, although it ranks second if Canadian reserves of unconventional oil are excluded.[1] This is roughly 10% of the world's total proven petroleum reserves. Iran is the world's fourth largest oil producer and is OPEC's second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia. As of 2009 it was producing an estimated 4.172 million barrels per day (663.3×103 m3/d) of crude oil. At 2006 rates of production, Iran's oil reserves would last 98 years if no new oil was found.
Iranian production peaked at 6 million barrels per day (950×103 m3/d) in 1974, but it has been unable to produce at that rate since the 1979 Iranian Revolution due to a combination of political unrest, war with Iraq, limited investment, US sanctions, and a high rate of natural decline.Iran's mature oil fields are in need of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques such as gas injection to maintain production,which is declining at an annual rate of approximately 8% onshore and 10% offshore. With current technology it is only possible to extract 20% to 25% of the oil in place from Iran’s fractured carbonate reservoirs, 10% less than the world average. It is estimated that 400,000-700,000 bbl/d of crude production is lost annually due to declines in the mature oil fields.
Iran consumed 1.6 million barrels per day (250×103 m3/d) of its own oil as of 2006. Domestic consumption is increasing due to a growing population and large government subsidies on gasoline, which reduces the amount of oil available for export and contributes to a large government budget deficit. Due to a lack of refinery capacity, Iran is the second biggest gasoline importer in the world after the United States. High oil prices in recent years have enabled Iran to amass nearly $60 billion in foreign exchange reserves, but have not helped solve economic problems such as high unemployment and inflation.
According to NIOC, Iran recoverable liquid hydrocarbon reserves at the end of 2006 was 138,4 billion barrels.

5. Mexico(3.71 millions of barrels per day)

The petroleum industry in Mexico makes it the fifth largest producer of oil in the world and the tenth largest in terms of net export as of 2007. It is the second largest oil producer in the Western Hemisphere behind only the United States and just ahead of Canada. However, Mexico is not a member of OPEC or any petroleum production related organizations.
The oil sector is crucial to the Mexican economy; while its importance has been reduced in recent years, oil revenues generate over 10% of Mexico's export earnings.

6. China (3.84 millions of barrels per day)

China has been endeavoring to sign international agreements and secure such supplies; its energy security involves the internal and foreign energy policy of China. Currently, China's energy portfolio consists mainly of domestic coal, oil and gas from domestic and foreign sources, and small quantities of uranium. China has also created a strategic petroleum reserve, to secure emergency supplies of oil for temporary price and supply disruptions. Chinese policy focuses on diversification to reduce oil imports, which rely almost exclusively on producers in the Middle East.

7. Canada(3.23 millions of barrels per day)

As of 2005, Canada's total oil reserves including both conventional and unconventional oil, approximately 180 billion barrels (29 km³), puts Canada in second place (Saudi Arabia has the largest reserves), and ranks ninth in the production of crude oil the world over, approximately 2.7 million barrels (430,000 m³) of crude oil a day, and 6.4 trillion cubic feet (180 km³) of natural gas per year. Canada also has the largest oil sands reserves (its offshore reserves have just begun to be tapped). Its proximity to the United States of America makes Canada a significant entry point to one of the world's largest fuel-driven industrialized markets.

8. United Arab Emirates (2.94 millions of barrels per day)

9. Venezuela (2.81 millions of barrels per day)

Venezuela has some of the largest oil and natural gas reserves in the world, and consistently ranks among the top ten crude oil producers in the world. The country's main petroleum deposits are located around and beneath Lake Maracaibo, the Gulf of Venezuela (both in Zulia), and in the Orinoco River basin (eastern Venezuela), where the country's largest reserve is located. Besides the largest conventional oil reserves and the second-largest natural gas reserves in the Western Hemisphere, Venezuela has non-conventional oil deposits (extra-heavy crude oil, bitumen and tar sands) approximately equal to the world's reserves of conventional oil.

10. Norway (2.79 millions of barrels per day)

• Reference/Source: infoplease.co

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10 Best Dressed Guests at The Royal Wedding

We're so not done swooning over Kate Middleton's wedding dress yet, but we're going to turn our attention to the fabulous royal guests for a few minutes! Want to see who wore what? Check out our picks for the 10 best dressed...

Prince William's royal cousins--Beatrice and Eugenie--totally turned heads in their Phillip Treacy hats. Eugenie's electric blue number is by Vivienne Westwood, while Beatrice went with a detailed Valentino number.

The second most-watched couple of the day? Posh & Becks, but of course! Victoria Beckham wowed us with her version of maternity wear--a dress of her own design, paired with a Phillip Treacy topper and sky-high Christian Louboutin heels--while her hot husband showed his way with a Windsor knot.

You'd probably never see a maid of honor wearing white in the U.S., but Pippa Middleton pulled off this cowl-neck Alexander McQueen number with perfect grace. It shows off her gorgeous figure, but there's not a chance she could have upstaged her glowing sister on this day.

Queen Elizabeth II went with one of this season's hottest colors--bright, bold yellow!--in a perfectly tailored suit by Angela Kelly.

Who knew Joss Stone had such a sense of refinement? Her monochrome coral ensemble was perfectly chic--especially with that fabulous hat!

Speaking of fabulous hats...Princess Anne's daughter, Zara Phillips, gets our vote for the day's chicest! Hers is also by Phillip Treacy, and it gives the bride-to-be an air of total elegance.

Talk about royal blue! Tara Palmer Tomkinson, a British It-girl and TV personality, was no wallflower at this event. Her off-the-shoulder electric dress was even more wow-worthy thanks to a matching hat, gloves, clutch, and heels.

The prime minister's wife, Samantha Cameron, went traditionally British in a teal pleated sheath dress by Burberry. An Erdem statement necklace, orange scarf, and nude shoes completed the look.

Who do you gals think was the best dressed guest at the royal wedding? Don't you just love all of the hat-gazing? Discuss!

• Reference/Source: glamour.com by Tracey Lomrantz [Friday, 04/29/2011 8:54 AM]

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