Welcome to TopTenz.net. We are a site featuring unique top 10 lists in a variety of categories, covering pop culture, movies, music, people and a host of other bizarre and strange top 10 lists. We are always looking for interesting list ideas, so please submit your top 10 list. Play nice, and comment often. As long as you are respectful and keep it clean your opinion on any top 10 list will be shown. - Our latest ten top 10 lists are below.

Top 10 Extreme Forms of Life

July 2, 2009 · Filed in List All, Animals · Comment

Our lovely blue planet is extraordinary for a number of reasons. The most significant of these reasons, to most of us, is the fact that it is the only place in the universe that we know for certain houses life. But on the thin film of gas and liquid that coats our planet, that life has developed in such a dazzling array of forms that even today, biologists are finding new species on a daily basis. Living things thrive in the blazing sun of arid deserts, in the crushing pressure of deep sea trenches, in the icy wastes of Antarctica, and even within the very stones beneath our feet. The adaptations that allow this versatility have created species with some very extreme features.

10. Blue Whale

The Blue Whale, known to taxonomists (those biological eggheads who make up complicated scientific names) as Balaenoptera musculus, is a baleen whale that is easily the largest of animal on the planet. Blue whales have been found that measured at up to 109 feet in length and weighing up to 200 tons. This places the blue whale far in the lead for the title of largest animal that has ever lived. No known dinosaurs, outside of a few possible theoretical species, even approach this big boy’s size.

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Top 10 Tortured Artists

July 1, 2009 · Filed in List All, Literature, Music, People · 4 Comments

These writers, musicians, and painters created masterpieces in the realms of literature, music, and art. At different stages of their lives, every person on this list suffered from severe hardships, mental illness and feelings of loneliness and despair. All of them suffered for their art in order to create legacies of great imagination and epic beauty.

10. Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec, Artist

This French artist was born into a noble family in 1864, but he was doomed to suffer the ill effects of generations of inbreeding. His parents were first cousins, in keeping with the family tradition of marrying relatives, and as a result of this he was born with congenital defects that made his life challenging. After he fractured a bone, which failed to heal properly, he was diagnosed with a disease that would stunt his growth forever. His torso continued to develop normally, but he had the legs of a child. He grew to only five feet in height, and his genitals were rumored to be malformed.

Because normal physical activity was impossible for him, he used art as solace. He submerged himself in the process of drawing and painting, creating Post-Impressionist and Art Nouveau works that depicted the wild, and sometimes very sad, life of the bohemians who lived in Paris. His favorite subjects were the cabarets of the city and the characters that haunted them. He presented them in such a way that they were both tawdry and sympathetic.

The stunning work of Toulouse-Lautrec grew in depth and beauty as the man himself grew closer to self-destruction. He suffered from syphilis, and he was an alcoholic who imbibed a potent cocktail known as absinthe. He died at the young age of only 36 due to the ill effects of his addiction to the “green fairy” (absinthe) with its high alcohol content and drug-like effects. Absinthe was banned in 1915.

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Top 10 Most Bizarre Athletes

June 30, 2009 · Filed in List All, People, Sports · 2 Comments

Although most sports stars get famous for being great athletes, some also gain a reputation for being just plain weird. Whether it’s their odd playing styles, superstitions, or off-field antics, these are some of the players who’ve been able to win fan support and the attention of the media for reasons other than their athletic skill.

10. Mark Fidrych

Baseball pitchers are known for being some of the biggest oddballs in sports, and Mark Fidrych was no exception. Nicknamed “The Bird” because his curly hair and lanky build was reminiscent of Big Bird, Fidrych made a name for himself as a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. He had a number of odd habits while pitching, among them aiming the ball like a dart, talking to it, and frequently strutting around the field after striking a batter out. He also had the curious habit of insisting that a ball that “had hits in it” be removed from the game, saying, “I want it to get back in the ball bag and goof around with the other balls in there. Maybe it’ll learn some sense and come out as a pop-up next time.” Fidrych was a sensation with the fans, who would chant for him to be put in the game, and any time he did start attendance would skyrocket. For all his antics, Fidrych was known for living very simply in a small apartment, always insisting that if he weren’t a professional ball player he’d be pumping gas in his hometown of Northborough, Massachusetts.

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Top 10 Soap Opera Clichés

June 29, 2009 · Filed in List All, Sex, Television · 2 Comments

We love our soap operas. They have ridiculous plots and unbelievable characters. Just like actual operas but without the fat lady singing. We kid ourselves in to thinking we’re not addicted but there’s always some fiendish cliffhanger to keep us hooked. Soaps share a number of clichés that may make us groan but we’d miss them if they weren’t there.

1. Head Case

Characters in soaps have extremely soft skulls. We know this because even the slightest bump to the head causes them to go into a coma or suffer from amnesia. Give them a knockout blow with a feather and the consequences are dire. They may come out of a coma, only to find they have amnesia. This loss of memory is a cunning plot device enabling a character to assess their relationships from a fresh viewpoint. It also gives the actor / actress the opportunity to look baffled and emotionally frail. Comas are useful in themselves to give a star some time off to go lie on a beach whilst the network decides whether to renew their contract.

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Top 10 Bizarre Sleep Disorders

June 27, 2009 · Filed in List All, Bizarre, Medical · 2 Comments

Sometimes we don’t get enough, sometimes too much, and others we get just the right amount; but everyone needs sleep and no one can avoid it for too long. It is the single best way way to refresh the body and to relieve daily stress and tension. There’s nothing better than being able to lie in a nice bed at night after a long day drift into a peaceful sleep.

While we all do it, it is very complex in its own nature, being classified into four stages and two types, REM sleep and NREM sleep. During sleep the brain is extremely active, as we dream. However, while some of us dream, others have to deal with a variety of sleep disorders. Sleep disorders are common, and you’ve probably heard of many, but here are some weird sleep disorders that may open your eyes. So relax and enjoy a top 10 list of bizarre sleep disorders. Don’t let them keep you up at night.

10. Sleep Bruxism

More commonly known as teeth grinding, sleep bruxism is when someone, while sleeping, is known to clench or grind their teeth together. Many say that it is caused by stress, tension, anxiety, suppressed anger, or something as simple as a misalignment of the teeth. Simple treatments are given to correct the problem generally, such as a mouth guard or therapy. Though the condition doesn’t seem very serious, in many cases sleep bruxism can become an issue. If the bruxism carries on for too long, it can lead to jaw disorders, damaged teeth, headaches, and other problems.

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Top 10 Recent Signs Evolution is Real

June 25, 2009 · Filed in List All, Animals, Bizarre, Nature · 3 Comments

When a living organism reproduces, genes are passed from one generation to the next, thus producing inherited traits in a species. Evolution is a gradual process of changing in the genetic material of a population of organisms from one generation to the next. Most changes are extremely gradual, but can accumulate over time and can cause substantial biological changes to organisms.

Many feel evolution runs on the basis of natural selection, which is a process that causes helpful genetic traits to become more common in a breeding population. The process of evolution helps insure the survival of all species of life. Charles Darwin was an English naturalist who developed the theory of natural selection and presented compelling evidence that all organisms have evolved over time from common ancestors.

Darwin’s research has significantly impacted the scientific community and changed the way people view many theories of life. Here is a list of the Top 10 recent signs and evidence that evolution is a factual scientific explanation. You may also be interested in reading our top 10 list of arguments that can’t be won where evolution or creation was at the top of the list.

10. Stickleback Fish

The stickleback fish is part of the Gasterosteidae family and can be found in freshwater environments in Europe, Asia, and North America. Sticklebacks have no scales, but are protected by bony armor plates. These creatures have intrigued marine biologists for years, as many populations of the fish have evolved with genetic changes and displayed major adaptations in their bony armor styles. This evolutionary shift occurs when there is an increasing in the frequency of a rare genetic variant in a single gene of the creature.

These fish helped scientists discover that changes in a single gene can produce a major difference in the selector armor and body style of wild fish. It identified a specific genetic mechanism that controls a dramatic change in skeletal patterns. This finding has many implications towards the process of genetic evolution of organic species. It will help us eventually discover exactly how new animal types evolve in nature. The research is suggesting that evolution can occur quickly and only a few minor genetic changes can allow a migrating species to adapt and populate different environments. Read the rest of this top 10 list »

10 Creative Charity Websites

June 24, 2009 · Filed in List All, Internet · 7 Comments

Giving to charity is something that is seen as generous, responsible, and extremely caring. Many people donate money to certain charities that they hold close to them. Others will chip in their piece of charity by completing volunteer work at soup kitchens or working at a homeless shelter, or even volunteering at a local SPCA. However, in today’s world, as economic situations are tough and less people have the extra time or money to donate to charity it is even more important that we show we care by helping others through charitable causes.

It is said that in 2009, charity donations will drop about 5.6%. This is a very steep drop as the need for charity donations is on the rise. Because of this, companies and charity sponsors have come up with more creative ways to give back. Since Internet usage is booming, many charities have come up with websites that raise money to provide donations, whether they are food, clothing, shelter, or just money.

Below is a list of 10 charity websites anyone can visit in order to give back. This list isn’t for advertising reasons, but if you ever have a few spare minutes while on the ‘net, check a few of them out.

10. Race to Stop Violence Against Women

Violence against women in cultures throughout the world seems to be an ever-growing problem. The website provides a button that you click that donates money so that women are able to write and send letters, explaining their abuse and situation in hopes for the problem to come to the forefront. Visit the site.

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Top 10 Best TV Dads

June 22, 2009 · Filed in List All, Sports, Television · 16 Comments

Father’s Day. A time to honor the men who are either our biological fathers or who have been like fathers to us. If you’re a child of the television age, some of those dad might well be TV dads. They teach us important lessons, lead us by example, spend quality time with us (and with their TV children), and love their kids unconditionally while keeping an open mind. They are uber-dads – and they can set examples for us while we watch them sitting next to our real-life dads. Because dads love good TV dads, too.

10. Rick Castle (Castle)

This new Nathan Fillion vehicle hasn’t been around for very long, but one undeniable trait of the rakish Castle is his love for his daughter (played by a lovely Molly Quinn). Time will tell if Castle will make it into the TV Dad Hall of Fame, but after the first season, he’s off to a pretty good start.

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10 Slow Jams of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s

June 19, 2009 · Filed in List All, Music · 7 Comments

Let’s take a trip back to the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s, a musical time when we didn’t need the internet, iPods, or even cell phones to function. MTV was growing and music was changing, from disco, to electro-phonic, to 80’s rock, and grunge. We are all in search of those few songs where everything is aligned. When the artists have perfected the lyrics, rhythm and sound, and brought us something special. As you can imagine, it is hard to identify the best soft jams from this era because there are so many great tunes. I’m sure that your opinion might differ, but these songs call out perfection to me. It would be great to get your feedback for future lists that I create. Sit back, relax and enjoy the top 10 slow jams from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s.

10. Heart - Alone

Heart is a Rock ‘N’ Roll band that achieved fame in the 1980’s. The only constant members of the group are sisters Nancy and Ann Wilson. They have sold over 30 million records world wide and were rated #57 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.” This song was originally recorded by John Stamos in 1984, but was made a hit by Heart in 1987. Heart’s version of “Alone” is considered a power ballad and shows off Ann Wilson’s amazing vocals. It is Heart’s biggest hit and it spent three weeks as the #1 single in America and hit #3 in the UK.

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Top 10 Heists and Robberies

June 18, 2009 · Filed in List All, Crime · 6 Comments

When it comes to the amount of sheer planning, creativity, and outright lunacy that goes into them, few crimes rival the high profile, multi-million dollar heist. And when you consider the colorful characters and criminal masterminds behind these robberies, it’s easy why these crimes continue to be the subject of constant speculation and fascination. Whether the work of teams of highly trained thieves, lowly bank managers, or even a powerful dictator, here are ten of the biggest and most bizarre heists and burglaries in history.

10. The Great Train Robbery

One of the most famed heists in popular culture, The Great Train Robbery was one of the biggest robberies of all time when it was committed in 1963. The heist took place in Buckinghamshire, England, when a mail train transporting millions of pounds was boarded by a team of 15 robbers. The thieves used a fake signal light to stop the train, and after subduing the workers inside the first two carriages, loaded 120 mail bags containing 2.6 million pounds into some cars they had hidden near the tracks. The men all escaped the scene, but 13 of them were quickly captured following an extensive investigation by Scotland Yard. Two of the these men, Ronnie Biggs and Charlie Wilson, would later escape from prison and flee the country. Wilson was caught four years later in Canada, but Biggs famously eluded capture by hiding out in Brazil, and he was only apprehended when he turned himself in to authorities in 2001.

9. The Agricultural Bank of China Robbery

2007’s Agricultural Bank of China Robbery resulted in the theft of 51 million yuan (roughly $7 million U.S.), and it is said to be the biggest robbery in China’s history. The scheme started when the bank’s manager, Ren Xiaofeng, stole 200,000 yuan from the vault. His unlikely plan was to use the money to buy massive amounts of lottery tickets in the hope of winning a cash prize and returning the money before it was reported missing. Amazingly, the plan worked, and Ren made a huge profit off of his gamble even after returning the 200K. After enlisting the help of another manager, Ma Xiangjing, Ren proceeded to steal nearly 33 million yuan a year or so later, and a month after that another 18 million. In both cases, the men spent nearly all the money on lottery tickets, but they were only able to recoup 98,000 yuan, and the missing money was quickly noticed and reported. Ren and Ma were eventually captured, but very little of the stolen money was ever recovered, thanks to the astronomical amounts the duo had spent on lotto tickets.

8. The Great Brinks Robbery

When it was committed in 1950, the $2.7 million Brinks Robbery in Boston, Mass. was the biggest heist in American history. Dubbed “the crime of the century,” the heist was the work of an 11-man gang who used copied keys to gain entry into the Brinks Building. Once inside, they made their way to a room where employees were counting money, and after subduing the armed guards, collected $1.2 million in cash, along with another $1.5 million in checks and securities. The gang’s plan had been to sit on the money for six years, at which point the statute of limitations for armed robbery would have run out, but a police investigation quickly started turning up suspects. After a few of the men were arrested, the criminals started turning on one another, even going so far as to hire hit men and attempt drive-by shootings on suspected snitches. Eventually, though, all eleven of the original robbers were found out and arrested, and many received life sentences in prison.

7. The Gardner Museum Art Heist

In the biggest art heist in history, two men dressed as police officers managed to con their way into the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum in Boston late one night in 1990. Once inside, the men overpowered the few guards on duty, tied them up, and left them in the basement. They then proceeded to steal several pieces of artwork by Rembrandt, Degas, Manet, and Vermeer, along with a few sculptures and historical artifacts. The total haul is now valued at $500 million, but both the thieves and the artwork have yet to be found. A number of possible suspects have been considered, from Boston crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger to the IRA, but no arrests have been made in connection to the case. Enough time has passed that the statute of limitations on the actual heist has passed, leaving the Gardner Museum art heist as one of the most successful and mysterious robberies of all time.

6. The Central Bank Of Iraq Heist

For sheer amount of currency stolen, no robbery compares to the Central Bank Of Iraq heist, which is said to have been perpetrated by none other than Saddam Hussein. The robbery happened just before the U.S. bombing of Iraq in 2003. In the middle of the night, a small group of men led by Hussein’s son, Qusay, went to the Central Bank with tractor-trailers and forcibly withdrew just under 1 billion dollars cash. Nearly $650 million of this was eventually found stashed in the walls of Hussein’s palace by U.S. soldiers. A handwritten note was later discovered linking Saddam and his son to the heist, but just who the other men involved were or what became of the remaining $350 million remains a mystery.

5. The Baker Street Burglary

The Baker Street burglary took place in London in 1971, when a team of well-equipped thieves tunneled into the Baker Street Bank and stole 3 million pounds worth of cash and valuables from safety deposit boxes. The criminals used a combination of metal cutting tools and explosives to tunnel to the vault from a nearby shop, and even had a lookout positioned on a nearby rooftop. Near the end of the heist, a ham radio operator overheard some of the lookout’s radio transmissions and contacted the police, who frantically searched over seven hundred banks within the area in hopes of honing in on the location of the transmission. They were unable to catch the robbers at the time, but nearly two years later a number of men were charged in connection with the robbery, though police believe the true mastermind behind the crime was never captured.

4. The Harry Winston Heist

One of the most downright brazen robberies in recent memory, the Harry Winston Heist went down in 2008 when a group of four men stormed into one of Paris’s most exclusive jewelry stores and made off with $108 million in diamonds. The men were disguised as women and armed with a .357 Magnum and a hand grenade. They quickly herded the employees and customers into a corner and started breaking open display cases, and after filling a suitcase with precious stones, made their escape. No one from this robbery has been arrested, but police suspect that the robbers– whom they’ve nicknamed “The Pink Panthers”– are a part of a larger criminal organization of Yugoslavians that may have been responsible for a number of other high profile jewelry heists. In the meantime, a $1 million dollar reward is still up for grabs for any information leading to the arrest of the thieves.

3. The Knightsbridge Security Deposit Robbery

One of the boldest and most successful robberies of all time, the Knightsbridge Security Deposit heist happened in London in 1987, when career criminal Valerio Viccei and a small group of accomplices armed with guns managed to make off with 60 million pounds in valuables and cash from safe deposit boxes. The thieves got into the vault by pretending to rent a safe deposit box of their own, and once inside they managed to overpower the employees and security guards and start breaking into the boxes. They escaped without incident, but a bit of blood left behind at the scene allowed police to trace the robbery back to Viccei, who was wanted for a huge amount of robberies in his native Italy. Viccei’s accomplices were quickly arrested, but he fled the country and for some time eluded capture. A known playboy and high roller, he was only arrested after he returned to England in an attempt to retrieve his prized Ferrari sports car.

2. The Banco Central Burglary

Considered to be among the biggest bank heists of all time, the Banco Central burglary took place in 2005 in Fortaleza, Brazil. The robbery was the result of painstaking planning by a small gang of burglars who tunneled over 250 feet to the bank’s vault from a nearby property. The robbers used a landscaping business as a front for their operation, an ingenious cover that allowed them to move massive amounts of dirt and rock out of the tunnel without looking suspicious. The tunnel itself was expertly constructed, and was said to have sophisticated lighting and even an air conditioning system. After three months of digging, the thieves finally broke into the vault and made off with over 165 million in Brazilian reals, or $70 million dollars U.S. Since then, police have made a number of arrests in connection with the burglary, and recovered roughly $9 million dollars of the haul, but the majority of the suspects are still at large.

1. The Antwerp Diamond Heist

Antwerp, Belgium is one of the diamond capitals of the world, with 80 percent of the world’s diamonds passing through the city before being sold on the market. A number of heists have taken place there, most recently a still-unsolved $28 million robbery in 2007, but the biggest of them all took place in 2003, when a team of master criminals known as the School of Turin managed to walk away with $100 million in uncut diamonds from the Antwerp Diamond Center vault. For sheer scope, ingenuity, and risk, few robberies will ever measure up to this one. The criminals had been planning the heist for years, and using copied keys and faked security camera footage, they managed to bypass the vault’s multi-million dollar security system, which had been thought to be impenetrable. The thieves escaped without incident, but DNA left at the scene allowed them to be tracked to Italy, where most of the gang has since been captured. The $100 million in diamonds, meanwhile, seems to have disappeared for good.