Top 10: Diesels

No longer rattling buckets of nails that belch black smoke, modern diesel engines are clean, powerful and economical. With a 53% market share in the EU, it’s the power plant of choice for fuel-conscious Europeans, and if you believe everything you read last year, 2009 was supposed to be the year diesel finally broke into America.

Stories of diesel-powered cars returning 60 mpg started to flood all forms of media, and as soon as gas hit $4/gallon, Americans started clamoring for cars powered by these gas-sipping, torque-heavy engines. Manufacturers started planning to meet this growing demand for diesels and were proudly proclaiming that, before the end of ‘09, Americans would be able to buy clean-burning, diesel-powered versions of their favorite cars.

Unfortunately, the economic collapse of late 2008 has forced many manufacturers to restructure their plans, and many of 2009’s most anticipated diesels have been put on “indefinite hiatus.” So, while this means that you may never get that i-DTEC TSX, the Germans are still happy to satisfy your oil-burning needs.

This will be a bit of a mixed top 10 list; while we will of course feature the clean diesels that will actually be on sale in North America this year, we’ll also look at a few European rides that we wish we could get our hands on.

No.10 - Jaguar XJ Diesel

We don’t want to seem as if we’re unabashedly bowing down at the altar of Clarkson, but the Jaguar XJ Sovereign diesel finds its way onto this list specifically because it was featured on a recent episode of Top Gear.

The majority of Americans still associate diesel power with large semi-trucks or rusted-out Mercedes-Benz turbo-diesels, but the XJ’s appearance on Top Gear showed audiences that modern diesel-powered cars can be refined, powerful and economical. Even when driven hard by loudmouthed, boorish middle-aged man deliberately trying to run out of gas, the XJ managed to make the 736-mile trip from Switzerland to the northwestern coast of England on one tank of fuel.

Those who don’t care about British motoring programs will still find a lot to like about the Jaguar XJ diesel. Power comes from a 2.7-liter V6, good for 204 horsepower and 321 lb-ft. of torque. Total fuel economy is 35 mpg, and the C02 levels were deemed low enough to name the XJ Diesel Britain’s Greenest Luxury Car two years in a row. The Jag’s 0-60 time is a respectable 7.8 seconds, and its top speed is 141 mph. Luxuries include heated and cooled 16/16 soft grain leather seats, and accessories like the 20-inch Takoba wheels add a bit of visual flare.



No.9 - Renault Laguna Coupe 3.0 Diesel

Every now and then we hear rumors about French auto manufacturer Renault planning a return to the American market, but those plans never materialize. Chances are Renault is staying out of the country for two reasons. One: Few people have heard of Renault. Two: The people who actually have heard of the company immediately associate it with the miserable Le Car. That’s too bad, as we’d love to see the stunning Laguna Coupe here on our shores. Its face may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but to us the Laguna Coupe is definitely one of the prettiest cars we’ve seen in some time.

Reviewers agree that the Laguna Coupe’s optional 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 is the powerplant of choice. Tuned more for sport than fuel economy, this motor pumps out 235 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. of torque (starting at just 1,500 rpm), and the run from 0-60 takes just seven seconds. Handling gets a boost thanks to Renault’s four-wheel active steering system. Best of all, the Laguna Coupe is able to deliver solid driving thrills while returning a combined 40 mpg.



No.8 - Lexus IS 220d

The only Japanese-built diesel finding its way onto our list is Lexus’ IS 220d Sport. Powering the diesel IS is a direct-injected turbocharged 2.2-liter four-banger good for 175 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. The bulk of that torque comes in at a low 2,000 rpm, helping the Lexus hit 62 mph from a standstill in 8.9 seconds. Top speed in this Lexus is a reported 134 mph. That’s not fast by any stretch of the imagination, but the chassis is still solid, and with 44.8 combined mpg, this diesel IS sedan is probably still more fun to drive than the upcoming HS 250h -- it certainly looks better.



No.7 - Alfa Romeo Brera 2.4 JTDM 2.0

It is often said that you buy an Italian car with your heart, not your head. Sure, the build quality can be appallingly bad; and yes, the car may choose to simply not run six days of the week, but when said car is as beautiful as an Alfa Romeo, you tend not to care. We’ve never had to deal with the heartache of owning an Alfa, and that’s precisely why we want an Alfa Romeo Brera 2.4 JTDM.

A 2.4-liter, 5-cylinder motor rests under the hood of the Brera, and it boasts the highest specific output of any Alfa diesel ever made: 84hp/L (that's 210 horsepower). Torque is rated at 294 lb-ft. Given how fast this car looks, its 7.9-second 0-60 time seems almost agonizingly slow. However, as this car delivers a combined 41.5 mpg, we can live with the average acceleration. Besides, when a car looks this good, it’s OK to drive a bit slower and enjoy the approving stares.



No.6 - Citroen C5 HDi

Citroens have been called everything but “conventional,” but that doesn’t mean that the French manufacturer can’t build a car with mainstream appeal. The company’s latest C5 sedan brings modern (and admittedly more German) styling, and mates it to the silhouette of the classic DS.

We’ve already spent the No. 10 slot talking about this car’s motor. Thanks to an alliance with Ford and Peugeot, the diesel-powered C5 gets the same 2.7-liter V6 found in the Jag. However, just because the motor is shared between cars doesn’t mean that performance numbers are identical. The official combined mpg number is 33.6, similar to the Jag, but it takes a lot longer to make the run from 0-60; 8.4 seconds to be exact. Still, the Citroen is a handsome and nicely appointed sedan, thus earning a spot on our list.



No.5 - Mercedes-Benz ML 320 BlueTEC

Given the fact that diesels are extremely popular in Europe, it should come as no surprise that it’s the European manufacturers who are working the hardest to bring diesel back to North America. Mercedes’ latest ML 320 BlueTEC earns its spot on this list because it’s a car that Americans can actually go out and buy.

BlueTEC is the technology known for its urea-injection exhaust cleaning technology (and all the pee jokes it brings) that is said to produce the cleanest exhaust fumes you’ll ever see or smell. In the ML 320 BlueTEC, this technology is mated to a 210-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel. Torque is a V8-like 398 lb-ft., which is available as low as 1,400 rpm. Even with all that stump-pulling power, chances are you’ll see more MLs making the school run than hauling boats.

The ML 320 BlueTEC gets an EPA estimated 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. That seems much lower than what the European rides are capable of, but keep in mind that the MPG numbers of EU/UK cars are measured using Imperial Gallons (1.2 U.S. gallons = approx 1 Imperial gallon). Official UK specs show that the ML 320 achieves a combined MPG of 30.1. Independent tests of U.S.-spec ML 320 BlueTECs have seen the soft roader achieve combined mpg numbers in the mid 20s.



No.4 - VW Jetta TDI

A few years back a major automotive magazine test showed that the Jetta TDI was able to achieve combined MPG numbers greater than those of the two most popular hybrids at the time. Despite the accolades, changing emissions laws forced VW to pull the diesel Jetta from its lineup. Not a company to sit idly by and watch hybrids take the Jetta TDI’s market share, VW used some of the BlueTEC technology it codeveloped with Mercedes-Benz (minus the urea injection) to develop a new 50-state legal turbo-diesel Jetta.

Powering the latest Jetta TDI is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque. This Jetta is also the first automobile to meet the world’s toughest emissions standards: California’s Tier II, Bin 5. Its 0-60 times are in the mid-8 second range, and the Jetta TDI gets an EPA-estimated 33 combined mpg. Priced moderately at about $23,090, the Jetta TDI has proven to be quite popular. Volkswagen completely sold out of its initial allotment of U.S. cars, so be prepared to wait (or pay a premium) for a turbo-diesel Jetta of your own.



No.3 - Audi A3 TDI

Though technically not scheduled to hit the U.S. until first-quarter 2010, we felt that the Audi A3 TDI deserved a place on this list. The powertrain is exactly the same as the 2.0-liter turbo-diesel mill found in the Jetta TDI, so horsepower and torque numbers will be identical, as will the standard DSG dual-clutch transmission.

Unlike the full BlueTEC system found on Mercedes’ diesels, VAG’s partial BlueTEC seems as if it will be more user-friendly as it requires no after treatment. That urea injection system we keep talking about requires new fluid every three months or so -- the diesel found in the Jetta and A3 requires no such maintenance. We’ve always liked the A3, and we’re eager to see how North America responds to the diesel version. Pricing will be revealed closer to the car’s actual release date.



No.2 - BMW 335d

Though it has always offered diesel powerplants in Europe, BMW brings its diesel game back to the U.S. in the form of the 335d sedan. Given the 3 Series’ status and legendary performance, if any car can turn Americans on to diesel power, it would be this one.

The 2009 BMW 335d looks just like any other 3 Series. Unlike what we see with most hybrids, there are no massive badges or stickers proclaiming this sedan’s eco-friendly status. Power comes from a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six rated at 265 horsepower and a massive 425 lb-ft. of torque. It is said that the 335d takes just 6.2 seconds to go from 0-60, and the car is estimated to return 23 mpg city, 33 mpg highway.

Just like the Mercedes-Benz, the BMW 335d uses a full BlueTEC system, though here it is called the Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance. The urea solution (called “AdBlue”) needs to be refilled at regular intervals, but BMW will perform the service free of charge as part of its 4-year/50,000 mile maintenance program. Right now U.S. buyers can only get the diesel engine in the sedan; here’s hoping a coupe version isn’t too far off.



No.1 - Audi R8 TDI

Though a production version hasn’t been officially announced, there’s no doubt that if any diesel-powered car deserves the No. 1 spot on this (or any) list, it’s Audi’s R8 TDI concept.

Audi’s original diesel-powered R8 Le Mans not only changed the way people think about diesel engines, it revolutionized racing. Due, in no small part, to its miserly fuel consumption and massive torque, the whisper-quiet prototype racers dominated every racing series they participated in. Newer versions of the R-series Le Mans car appeared, as did diesel-powered rivals from manufacturers like Peugeot. Even as the various racing bodies implemented rule changes to make the field more competitive, Audi kept refining its cars and kept winning races. Audi’s latest diesel-powered prototype, the R15, just ran (and won) a flawless race at Sebring.

So, with all this race-proven diesel-powered technology at its disposal, imagine what Audi could do with a diesel-powered street-legal supercar? The original R8 street car prototype came powered by a revolutionary 6.0-liter V12 TDI. This engine spit out 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft. of torque. And thanks to its Quattro all-wheel drive system, it stormed to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Best of all, this prototype was said to deliver 23 mpg.

Audi was supposed to announce whether or not it would produce the car sometime last year. While the company continues to keep us waiting, new rumors are saying that, if a production version is to be launched, it would be powered by a twin-turbo V8 TDI so as not to compete with its bigger Lamborghini siblings. Hopefully Audi will announce the production version soon -- fingers crossed.

Top 10: Fast & Furious Cars

Apparently there’s still gas in the tank for the The Fast and the Furious franchise. Fast & Furious, the fourth installment, lived up to its name, at least from a box office perspective, quickly separating moviegoers from $72.5 million of their money. That not only marks the highest-grossing car-themed flick opener (2006’s Cars was $60.1 million), it’s also the biggest April debut ever (2003’s painful Anger Management brought $42.2 million).

Don’t credit plot depth, fine acting or a profound script for filling the seats. It was -- and always has been -- the Fast & Furious cars. Like a certain other film genre that indulges our proclivities, you’re better off skipping the dialogue and focusing on the action. Here are some of our favorite performers, the top 10 Fast & Furious cars.

No.10 - 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift

It looks hot and won the race against a Nissan 350Z in the “honour race” through the mountains. But as the story goes, it was with Nissan power. Granted, the engine came from a Silvia (240SX to us), but this degree of East-meets-West went too far for pony car enthusiasts. Yes, we realize it was all make believe, but even the simulation of such heresy puts this car at the back of the bunch.

No.9 - 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Fast and the Furious
Brian O’Connor’s (Paul Walker) addition of nitrous to his Eclipse put it on the fast track to become an early casualty in the first movie, but the Eclipse lived on as a go-to car for tuners, and for good reason. Cars like this second-generation model were inherently styled well as a basis for body kits, while their engines were a decent platform for modification -- to a degree.

No.8 - 1987 Buick Grand National GNX

Fast & Furious

Ordinarily, the idea of watching V6 Buicks on the big screen is about as stirring as listening to Buick owners blather about their arthritis. In Fast & Furious, however, Dominic Toretto has graduated from his Civic and uses this as his hijacking weapon of choice. It’s not just the rare, Regal-based Grand National, but the even-scarcer ’87-only GNX. This high point in modern GM performance finds a blurred Buick the result of speed, not cataracts.

No.7 - 1997 Mazda RX-7

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
Tough call here: Was the RX-7 good enough on its own or did the body kit on Han’s car totally complete the look? It’s not at all an easy decision. The final and arguably best-looking RX-7 only came to the U.S. from 1993 to 1995; the Japanese market enjoyed the full run of the last generation from 1992 to 2002.

No.6 - 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko

2 Fast 2 Furious
To non-car guys, a jumping Yenko sounds like a circus act, but in 2 Fast 2 Furious it was a handy way for Brian O’Connor to board a yacht. It caused damage you can’t just buff out, but it did save Monica Fuentes. Wasting a rare muscle car to save Eva Mendes’ character? That’s a considerable yet reasonable price to pay. In reality, even if you could find a guy willing to part with his genuine Yenko (there are plenty of clones), you would have to bring Eva along for negotiations.

No.5 - 1995 Honda Civic

The Fast and the Furious
In the real world, the Civic’s ability to intimidate semis is highly suspect, even with Dominic Toretto aboard. But then, its influence on the tuner scene is even greater than its showing on our review. Cars like this fifth-generation coupe have the gone-but-not-forgotten double wishbone suspension and were ridiculously easy to modify for stupefying horsepower. Today’s car makes a stronger visual statement out of the box, but earlier Civics like this made up for it with their potential.

No.4 - 1995 Volkswagen Jetta

The Fast and the Furious
Jesse and his white V-Dub don’t get a ton of time onscreen in the original movie, but we’re including the Jetta for a couple reasons. First, it’s one of the few European cars seen in the series. Second, it’s a solid choice for enthusiasts. Without any modifications, a stock Jetta offers acceptable performance and crisp handling; both traits are easily enhanced to meet tuners’ demands without as much effort or compromise as some more popular Asian and American cars.

No.3 - 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R

2 Fast 2 Furious
Admit it. You have a Skyline fetish -- and so does Brian O’Connor. It’s cool, that’s why we have no problem whatsoever with the frequency of these cars’ appearances in the series. The new, America-friendly Nissan GT-R is brilliant, but there will always be a mystique surrounding the all-but-inaccessible predecessor. There’s nothing wrong with the blue model in Fast & Furious, but there’s really nothing wrong with the silver car in 2 Fast 2 Furious.

No.2 - 1995 Toyota Supra Turbo

The Fast and the Furious
It spanked a Ferrari. It raced a Charger to its doom. It’s a nitrous-fortified orange crush of a Toyota Supra. Although this car got more than a little face time in the first movie (how could you miss it?), the last and fastest Supra could be considered the best, just like the final RX-7 mentioned earlier. And like the Mazda, America had shorter exposure to this generation, available here from 1993 to 1998, but it sold in Japan through 2002. Sadly, Toyota’s enthusiasm for performance hasn’t been the same since.

No.1 - 1970 Dodge Charger

The Fast and the Furious, Fast & Furious
You remember how you got all verklempt at the end of The Fast and the Furious when Dominic’s Charger met its doom? So this couldn’t possibly be the same car in Fast & Furious, right? Well, this is Hollywood, pal. If Vin Diesel can land speaking roles, shredded vintage Chargers can play Lazarus. Besides, the car is like the franchise: It’s been rebuilt and updated for another spin, but the first look was the best of the lot and the one worth remembering.

Top 10: 2009 Health Resolutions

Let’s be honest: People rarely keep their New Year’s resolutions. A week in the gym and maybe two weeks without sweets often ends with one stray Mars bar that destroys the motivation to keep going. You fall back into your hedonistic ways, guzzling beer and gravy, spending your free time wedged between the couch cushions. This far-too-common scenario leads us to one conclusion about resolutions: be realistic. If you’re addicted to Sugar Smacks, don’t vow to eat nothing but muesli and yogurt for breakfast. If you haven’t seen a set a dumbbells in 20 years, don’t pledge to pump iron like Arnold.

You didn’t develop your bad habits overnight, and you won’t kick them on January 1st. It’ll take time and compromise (and maybe even a little cheating) to reach your goals. With that in mind, here are our very manageable top 10 2009 health resolutions.

No.10 - Have more sex

Now this is a resolution you can really live with. Having more sex can do wonders for your health, including lowering blood pressure and even extending your lifespan. Queens University in Belfast tracked the health of 1,000 middle-aged individuals over the course of a decade. They found that guys who got lucky a few times a week had about half the death rate of guys who got less action. Later, they also found a direct correlation between frequent sex and a reduced risk of heart disease. That’s not all, though -- Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that people who have sex once or twice a week get sick less often.

No.9 - Stress less

Even if you can manage to keep up with the first resolution, sometimes even a good old roll in the hay isn’t enough to melt away your stress -- and stress can be a killer. Chronic stress can lead to hypertension, a weakened immune system and even a shortened lifespan. Do your best to drop your stress. For example, enroll in a meditation class. Mindfulness meditation can give you the tools to deal with everyday challenges without letting them get you stressed. Many HMOs even offer mindfulness meditation classes for free, so check with your health care provider.

No.8 - Sleep more

You don’t need a doctor to tell you what sleep deprivation does; miss a few hours of sleep and not only will you be caught in a fog of fatigue, but simple thoughts can also seem complex, and you often can’t remember a thing. A 2007 study published in the medical journal Hypertension found that people who sleep an average of six hours a night have a 42% higher chance of developing hypertension than those who get seven. Sleep deprivation has also been linked to stress, depression, immune-system suppression, and obesity. Go to bed at the same time every night. Turn off the TV, computer or anything that shines bright light in your face at least an hour before bed -- getting a few more winks can save your life.

No.7 - Read

If you don’t use your muscles, they’ll atrophy. This same principle goes for your brain -- neglect it and it’ll shrivel up like a prune. Luckily, there’s one easy, enjoyable thing you can do to keep your neurons pumping iron: read. Neuroscientists at UCLA recently stuck a few dozen middle-aged volunteers into an MRI machine to watch how their brains responded to reading. The scans showed that reading triggered significant activity in the language, memory and visual centers of the brain. In fact, when the test subjects surfed the internet for specific info, their centers for complex reasoning and decision-making lit up.

No.6 - Audit your diet

In 2009, take a good look at what you eat; chances are you’re missing a lot of what goes into your mouth. It’s easy to overlook that “fun size” candy bar you had after lunch or those extra Oreos you ate during the movie. It’s also easy to overestimate the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat. Get a notepad and write down what you eat for a week. Just knowing what you throw down your gullet can inspire you to eat healthier, and if it doesn’t, you’ll have a good starting point for planning a revamp of your diet.

No.5 - Eat clean

When Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, advises readers to “eat food,” he means stick to stuff that’s easily recognizable as food. Steer clear of anything that looks like it was made in a lab or a factory. This means no day-glow cheezy poofs, sanguine Red Vines or TV dinners. All that crap is typically loaded with extra calories (that make you fat) and questionable chemical compounds (that could do much worse). Stick to fresh fruits and veggies (or frozen if it’s the off-season) and fresh meats from the butcher. Don’t worry -- cheese is food, whipped cream is food and apple pie is food (even if they are all man-made). The list of real food goodies goes on and on -- just don’t overdo it. Eat mostly vegetables, a little meat and just enough to satisfy your appetite without getting grossly stuffed.

No.4 - Eat nuts

Drop the chips and pick up some almonds or walnuts instead -- both nuts have been shown to lower cholesterol. A 2002 study published in the journal Circulation found that people who ate two handfuls of almonds a day lowered their bad cholesterol (LDL) by 9.4%. Walnuts performed even better, with a handful of the nuts slashing LDL by about 10%. Walnuts aren’t just good for your cardiovascular system: Malaysian researchers found that a compound in walnuts can, in significant doses, have similar effects to Viagra. Of course, you’d have to eat a few pounds of walnuts to get such a powerful effect, but small amounts could give you a little oomph.

No.3 - Walk

This one is easy -- take a break and take a walk. A 30-minute walk six days a week has been shown to have profound health benefits. A study by Duke University found that walking can decrease hypertension, lower bad cholesterol levels and help you lose weight. The study also found that people who took a leisurely stroll after dinner gained almost all the same health benefits as those who jogged six days a week. Add a quick walk into your daily routine and you’ll see great results.

No.2 - Do push-ups

Almost nothing can beat the push-up: they’re simple, they’re effective and they’re free; you can drop and push out a dozen of them in less than a minute, and they work your chest, shoulders, triceps, abs, and legs. Push-ups are one of the best strength-building exercises ever devised. Keep your body straight like a plank, drop down and then push up. Try to work a set of 10 to 20 push-ups into your daily routine. By adopting this simple habit, you’ll build upper body strength and stamina in a matter of weeks.

No.1 - Play a sport

The best exercise is fun exercise, so pick a sport and join a local team. Playing sports will get you fit, and, more importantly, will keep you motivated to stay fit. Softball, basketball, soccer, rugby, and Frisbee football are all good options. The key is finding something that you enjoy and then striking a balance between fun and competitiveness. Too much competitiveness can lead to conflict, injury or worse. On the other hand, have too much fun and you might not feel like it’s even worth playing. Finding the right mix between "fun" and "fight" will keep you in the game. Playing a sport will also help you forge friendships that could last a lifetime.

Resources:

• www.nytimes.com
• www.reuters.com
• www.webmd.com
• www.michaelpollan.com
• www.sciencedaily.com
• www.washingtonpost.com
• www.mayoclinic.com
• www.latimes.com
• www.nlm.nih.gov
• http://health.discovery.coml
• www.forbes.com

Top 10: Bizarre Health Fads

Time and time again, we here at AM come across stories that sound too outrageous to be true. Yet, without fail, we are reminded that there is no shortage of people willing to try anything at least once -- no matter how bizarre. The following is a prime example: our top 10 bizarre health fads.

No.10 - The Master Cleanse

Perhaps the longest-lived fad on our list is the Master Cleanse, the detoxification program that consists simply of drinking a concoction of lemon or lime juice, maple syrup, water, and Cayenne pepper -- no eating or drinking anything else -- for a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 45 days. Since 1941, Stanley Burroughs, master of the Master Cleanse, has been promoting his program as a means to rid the body of toxins. Not surprisingly, the lack of macro-nutrients and vitamins can lead to headaches, fatigue and constipation, not to mention that any weight lost is usually replaced once old food habits resume (like that wacky “eating” thing people seem so attached to). But, with a hefty amount of celeb support, the Master Cleanse will probably be around for many years to come.

No.9 - Biotape

Building on our last example of health fads gone wrong is Biotape, the pain-relieving tape disseminated by Smart Inventions Inc. Made of a space-age conductive Mylar that connects broken circuits that cause pain, Biotape and its makers fell flat when confronted by the Federal Trade Commission, having to settle for $2.5 million in consumer refunds. The product’s website is still functional, but can now only claim that the tape connects the broken chi in all of us. Who knew that our chi was broken?

No.8 - Q-Ray Ionized Bracelet

You’ve probably seen the infomercials on the Q-Ray Ionized Bracelet, a breakthrough in science that was first marketed as a pain-relief product, but then went on to promise those who wear it enhanced performance, balance and vitality. How did it achieve its magical effects? Ionization, of course. Not surprisingly, when tested, the Q-Ray was not ionized at all and its makers were court-ordered to turn over $16 million in profits as refunds to consumers due to false advertising.

No.7 - Ear Candling

When you place a long, hollow cone coated in beeswax or paraffin into your ear and let it burn, a subtle vacuum effect is created in the ear canal. This vacuuming effect reportedly draws ear wax out of the ear and thus cures a wide range of medical problems, such as ear aches, sinus infections, headaches and even vertigo -- at least that’s what proponents of ear candling claim. Of course, there is absolutely no medical support for these claims, and instead, serious reports of burns and even punctured ear drums have surfaced. Topping things off, experts even cite that ear candling offers no help for the simple management of ear wax. Next!

No.6 - Ozone Therapy

The use of triatomic ozone (O3) in medicine, referred to as ozone therapy, is nothing new. The process actually dates back to 1856 when ozone was first used to sterilize surgical equipment. Fast forward to the present and it’s still being used extensively in sterilization, extending now to food and water. Beyond sterilization, the bizarre act of infusing the blood or body cavities with ozone has been met with contentious debate, particularly since doing so can pose major health risks. Until these issues are clarified, do yourself a favor and steer clear.

No.5 - Colonics

Remember the whole Michael Phelps and Kellogg’s debacle? While it was undoubtedly a contentious issue, it was almost ironic when you consider that Kellogg’s, a company attempting to uphold moral virtue, was founded by John Kellogg, a man who insisted on the importance of performing regular yogurt enemas and who discouraged female masturbation by use of carbolic acid mutilation. While colonic cleansing does have its place in medicine -- before radiological endoscopy for example -- regular colonic cleansing is dangerous and should be discouraged.

No.4 - Cow Urine

For our next bizarre health fad, we turn our attention to a South Asian nation of one billion -- India. The cow is a sacred creature in India, to such an extent that India's biggest and oldest Hindu nationalist group, the Cow Protection Department of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), hopes to turn cow urine into the next soft-drink craze. The RSS has been steadily building hype for cow urine over the past few years, promoting the liquid as a cure for a range of ailments including liver disease and, of course, cancer. By the end of this year, RSS hopes to release its "cow cola" to the masses, assuring the public that it will taste great. The taste, however, may be of little concern, considering that imposters have already begun selling knock-off buffalo urine as the real thing.

No.3 - Bee Venom

What better way to find out if you are fatally allergic to bee venom than by deliberately letting yourself get stung in the name of health? Welcome to the practice of bee venom therapy, whereby therapists apply bee venom to specific points on the surface of the body to cure or reduce symptoms of arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, herpes, and even breast cancer. Although the practice is rare in the Western world, bee venom therapy is still abuzz in China, being offered as one of an exhaustive list of folk remedies at any of the 3,000 or so traditional folk medicine clinics across the country. While apitherapy (the medicinal use of bee products, such as honey) has some medicinal usefulness, the claims for bee venom therapy are just too far-fetched to believe.

No.2 - Malariotherapy

It shouldn’t take a lot of smarts to pick up a brochure entitled Malariotherapy and promptly deposit it into the nearest trash can, yet for a fad to even exist there must be at least someone who’s tried it. Since the early 1980s, Dr. Henry Heimlich (of Heimlich Maneuver fame), has been touting the deliberate infection of malaria (a mosquito-borne disease) as therapy for a variety of ailments including Lyme disease, syphilis, and, most recently, AIDS. Yes, AIDS, a disease that attacks the immune system. Thankfully, the FDA, the CDC and numerous clinical experts have strongly rejected the practice.

No.1 - Tapeworm Diet

Anytime your dieting involves sharing your semi-digested foodstuffs with a parasite, more specifically a five meter-long beef tapeworm, it’s likely you’re taking your diet a little too far. This is the tapeworm diet, an archaic diet introduced in the early 20th century. The idea behind the tapeworm diet is rather simple, albeit stupid: Swallow a bunch of beef tapeworm pills, happily consume excess calories as your food is now being partially digested by your newfound friend, and then take medicine to rid your guest once they’ve overstayed their welcome -- fantastic! This obviously dangerous diet fell out of favor rather quickly once the FDA intervened, banning this wildly unsubstantiated fad.

Top 10: Hottest Historical Women

During Women’s History Month, we’d like to celebrate an aspect of historical females often overlooked by historians: their hotness. Powerful women throughout history have used their beauty as well as their intelligence to get ahead. It’s something successful modern women continue to do today. Here we will explore the history of hot and resourceful women and celebrate them the best way we know how: with a top 10 list.

The women on our list are ranked not only by beauty, but their historical significance and their effect on the men of their time. To be considered, they have to be dead and mentioned in history classes. We’ve excluded entertainers because there are already too many of those lists. Besides, we didn’t need them. Our list is political, royal, literary, and stands up to any celebrity list on the sexy scale.

No.10 - Charlotte Brontë

The eldest novelist of the three famous Brontë sisters, Charlotte Brontë had a dark family past. You know what that means? Daddy issues. Case in point, she married her father’s caretaker when her father was dying. Regardless, her wit and intelligence could match any gentleman of her time. Her book Jane Eyre sparked an early feminist movement and made her very popular in London’s high-class social circles. Still, she remained a homebody, preferring to curl up with a book of poetry. Imagine her reading to you by firelight with her impeccable English accent.

No.9 - Joan Of Arc

There’s something sexy about a fair French girl who could kick your ass. Add the suit of armor and things just get kinky. This hot historical woman grew up a farm girl during the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. At 12 years old, divine visions told her to drive the English from her homeland. By 16, she led French forces in a number of successful attacks against the British. She had to wear men’s clothing and cut her hair short to not be seen as a sexual object. Still, she managed to inspire an army of men twice her age to follow her.

No.8 - Marie Antoinette

At 14 years old, Marie’s parents married her off to the 16 year-old Louis XVI. The young Austrian’s high fashion sense, height, fair skin, pale blond hair, and deep blue eyes stole the French people’s hearts. Known for such feminine virtues as charity and musical ability, this hottest of historical women could also hang with the guys; she loved horseback riding and gambling. Louis XVI was a lucky man -- too bad he was a dud in the sack. This led many rumors about the Queen’s affairs with both men and women, making her one of the naughtiest women on this list.

No.7 - Soong Ching Ling

Known in China as “mother of the nation,” Soong Ching Ling assured her place in history by advocating for internationalism and peace. The Chinese people loved her beauty, fashion and intelligence. Having gone to the United States for college, she had an uncommon perspective for a Chinese woman in the early 20th century. Refusing to take the quiet role expected of most Chinese women of her era, she openly criticized the government even though her family members were political leaders. After the Communist Party took control, they honored her activism and later named her Honorary President of the People's Republic of China.

No.6 - Queen Elizabeth I

An early inspiration for the Pussycat Dolls, Elizabeth sang “I Don’t Need A Man” way back in the 16th Century. Known as The Virgin Queen (although that’s doubtful), this hot historical woman ruler attracted more suitors than a pack of Angelina Jolies. Elizabeth’s serious game of “playing hard to get” drove men mad. Guys always want what they can’t have, especially when it’s a sexy, all-powerful queen. It’s said that her last courtship ended when she was aged 48; it was with François, Duke of Anjou, 22 years her junior. That mature minx!

No.5 - Princess Diana

Known for her beauty, fashion sense, charisma, and high-profile charity work, Diana became a worldwide celebrity after her marriage to Prince Charles. She breathed new life into the stuffy British aristocracy, wearing elegant gowns that screamed rather than whispered. During her lifetime, people often called her the world’s most photographed person. Unfortunately, that also led to her death. A BBC poll named her the third greatest Briton of all time, ahead of Charles Darwin and Margaret Thatcher. Of course, she’s a lot hotter.

No.4 - Mata Hari

A Dutch-Frisian exotic dancer in Paris during World War I, Mata Hari also worked as a double agent. She moved to France from her native Netherlands and won acclaim as a dancer with her promiscuity, flirtatiousness and willingness to flaunt her body in a way that was rare in the early 1900s. Since the Netherlands remained neutral during WWI, Mata Hari could move freely between borders as a Dutch subject. She was a courtesan to many high-ranking allied military officers during this time. In 1917, French intelligence agents intercepted a German message describing their spy in Paris known as H-21. They later identified H-21 as Mata Hari and executed her by firing squad. There’s always something sexy about the Bond villainess, and this hot historical woman was the real thing.

No.3 - Martha Washington

Chock this one up to science being used for good and not evil. A team of historians, curators and forensic anthropologists have concluded that our very first First Lady was not the droopy double-chinned frump we previously thought. She was a hottie! Using a computerized age-regression portrait, they peeled away the wrinkles and revealed a slim, sexy, brunette Helen-Hunt lookalike in her 20s. No wonder Washington killed so many Redcoats and crossed the Delaware. He had to get home to America’s first pinup girl.

No.2 - Cleopatra

In recent years, historians have wondered about the extent of Cleopatra’s beauty. Certain depictions of her from the era show her nose to be quite large. However, back then a strong nose showed dominance and strength of character. Cassius Dio, a Roman historian, wrote of this hot historical woman: "For she was a woman of surpassing beauty; she also possessed a most charming voice and a knowledge of how to make herself agreeable to every one.” Big nose or not, she charmed and bore the sons of the most powerful men of the Roman Empire: Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The latter forgot he had a wife back home and married Cleopatra.

No.1 - Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

A stunning beauty well before the White House, Jackie made her society debut in 1947, causing a Hearst columnist to dub her “Debutante of the Year.” It didn’t take long for the wandering eyes of John F. to catch sight of her. At age 31, Jackie O. became one of the youngest First Ladies in history. Cultured and intelligent and with the looks of a supermodel, the American people immediately loved her. Her love for art and music brought hipness to the Pennsylvania Avenue that hadn’t been there before. She remains the sexiest First Lady ever. Sorry Michelle, you’re hot, but Jackie is a tough act to follow.

Top 10: All-Time Adventure Vacation Deals

Are you a thrill-seeker looking for an adventure this summer? Fortunately, you won’t have to travel abroad. America is full of regions in which you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of adventure sports at reasonable prices. Whether you’re into adventures in the air, on the ground or in the sea, there are plenty of spots just calling your name. Here are our top 10 all-time adventure vacation deals.

No.10 - Eloy, Arizona

Available adventures: Skydiving

Eloy, Arizona, is a small town of less than 20,000 residents, but it’s a key spot on the map if you’re interested in skydiving. The town is home to Skydive Arizona, the largest skydiving site in the U.S. If you’re a beginner or advanced jumper, this may be a place you’d want to visit. Hundreds of skydivers visit the region each year to enjoy the view of Arizona from 13,000 feet in the air -- just be prepared to go fast. Skydive’s website advertises that divers travel 120 miles per hour when in free fall.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Phoenix/Chandler

No.9 - Sebastian, Florida

Available adventures: Skydiving, deep-sea fishing Skydiving is pretty much the same regardless of where you’re doing it, but if you’re looking to soar high above a picturesque setting, jumping in Sebastian, Florida, might be your best bet. In this region, skydivers jump from planes over the Atlantic Ocean and soar above the coastline in what is perhaps America’s most scenic skydiving location. If you’d rather stay out of the air, Sebastian offers some great deep-sea fishing; in particular, the famed snook fishing season in September.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Vero Beach

No.8 - Fayetteville, West Virginia

Available adventures: BASE jumping

BASE jumping is illegal in many parts of America, not that that stops daredevils. If you want to stay on the right side of the law while trying one of the most extreme sports out there, consider visiting the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville, Virginia. The third Saturday of each October is dubbed Bridge Day, and for six hours, BASE jumping is legal. The annual event attracts nearly 500 jumpers (many make more than one jump) and close to 200,000 people turn up to see what the fuss is about. The bridge is 876 feet above the river, but you won’t free fall for long before having to pull the cord on your parachute.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Beckley

No.7 - Pierce County, Washington

Available adventures: Mountain climbing, hiking

Mount Rainier, an active volcano, is one of the top mountain-climbing sites in the U.S. Each year, roughly 10,000 adventurers flock to this region to attempt to navigate their way to the peak, more than 14,000 feet in the air. The mountain features the largest glaciers south of Alaska, so the ascent isn’t easy. Most experienced climbers take two to three days to get to the top, but if you’re not as daring, the wilderness around Mount Rainer offers some excellent hiking trails and camping areas.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-North/Lynwood

No.6 - Rising Fawn, Georgia

Available adventures: Hang gliding

Located near the Tennessee border, Rising Fawn, Georgia, is a small town that’s known for being passionate about hang gliding -- and with good reason. The region boasts Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding, the largest hang gliding school in the U.S., complete with a 55-acre property that features beginner and advanced hills from which to take off. The school teaches hundreds of people to hang glide every year and many more flock to the area to perfect their craft.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Chattanooga-W-I-24/Lookout Mountain

No.5 - White Mountains, New Hampshire

Available adventures: Mountain climbing, rock climbing, hiking

New Hampshire’s White Mountains offer some of the best outdoor adventures in the Northeast. With several schools located in the area, and a number of climbing areas for adventurers of all skill levels, this is a great region to learn a new pastime or perfect your craft. If you’re really daring, the White Mountains feature enormous ice walls that will challenge even the most advanced climbers. The mountains are a bit of Everest right in America’s backyard.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Tilton

No.4 - Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

Available adventures: Surfing

Considered one of the best places to surf on the East Coast, Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, is popular among thrill seekers because of its structure. In this area, the continental shelf drops off very quickly, resulting in bigger waves reaching the shoreline quickly and powerfully. Cape Hatteras isn’t necessarily for beginners, but if you’ve surfed in some tough locations and want to try somewhere that will get your heart racing, this region might be the answer. Residents and tourists have been surfing the area since the 1960s and, since then, it has boomed in popularity. Just be careful: This region has the nickname “Graveyard of the Atlantic” because of the havoc it traditionally wreaked on ships. Make sure not to bite off more than you can chew in the water.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Sanford

No.3 - Flagstaff, Arizona

Available adventures: Mountain biking, hiking

Flagstaff is a popular spot for retirees from across the U.S., but it’s quickly growing in popularity among the younger crowd, too. When it comes to mountain biking, no spot is better than Flagstaff, Arizona. Several dozen trails, ranging from short, simple tracks to long, challenging ones are located in and around Flagstaff. Mountain biking websites offer detailed reviews on which courses are toughest to master, so make sure to brush up on the region before unloading your bike. Also, be prepared to share the path -- many of these courses are also used by hikers.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Flagstaff

No.2 - Grand Canyon, Arizona

Available adventures: Rafting, hiking, bungee jumping

Every year, thousands of domestic and foreign tourists make the trek to see the Grand Canyon. And while many visit for the views, plenty hit the area with adventure in mind. If you’re looking for perhaps the best rafting site in the U.S., the Canyon’s Colorado River runs could be your answer. You can camp along the banks of the enormous river, and regardless of your experience level, explore the variety of hiking trails around the region.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Flagstaff

No.1 - Oahu, Hawaii

Available adventures: Surfing, scuba diving, mountain biking

You may think of Hawaii as a place to brush up on a little R&R, but if you’re adventure-minded, it’s a great spot for getting the adrenaline rushing. If you’re into board sports, the legendary surf scene on Oahu’s northern shore is a must-see spot. If something a little more tranquil is on your agenda, the scuba diving off Oahu is out of this world. Back on land, check out the many mountain trails for biking, ATV riding and horseback adventures.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations Club

Resources:

• www.adventuresportsholidays.com
• www.trails.com
• www.hangglidingclub.info
• www.surfline.com
• www.visit-newhampshire.com
• http://en.wikipedia.org
• www.nps.gov
• www.skydiveseb.com
• www.skydiveaz.com

Top 10: 2009 Restaurant Openings

No.10 - Unnamed project

Galvin Brothers, London

Brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin may be two of the best chefs you’ve never heard of. Their two London restaurants -- Galvin Bistrot de Luxe and Galvin at Windows -- are packed regularly, and they’re no strangers to popular acclaim.

This year, the pair is rumored to be opening a new house in the East London area of Spitalfields. There's no word yet on the name and style of the property, but we’re sure it will be excellent.

No.9 - Unnamed project

Rick Bayless, Chicago

Chicago restaurateur and Chef Rick Bayless plans to expand his holdings this year with a low-key little Mexican sandwich shop to be opened in the spring of 2009 not far away from his other properties: Frontera Grill and Topolobampo.

Bayless’ hook, apart from the great, traditional Mexican food, is that the restaurant building will be ultra energy efficient, with solar panels and furniture made from recycled materials.

No.8 - rn74

Michael Mina, San Francisco

We’re excited for San Francisco’s restaurant opening, rn74, because it will showcase the best wines available and pair them with regional French cuisine prepared by Chef Michael Mina.

The house itself, which is named after Route National 74 that passes through France’s Burgundy region, will focus as much on good food and drink as it will on education.

No.7 - Jamie's Italian

Jamie Oliver, UK

Jamie Oliver has plans to open at least three new Jamie’s Italian restaurants by the end of 2009. He chose sites in Brighton, Canary Wharf and Cardiff as the new homes for his affordably priced Italian restaurants.

Think classic Italian foods such as fresh pasta and grilled foods complemented with fresh breads, antipasti and salads.

No.6 - 25 Degrees

Tim and Liza Goodell, Phoenix

If you’re after the best burger in the southwest, then look no farther than 25 Degrees.

Think of the best local organic ingredients such as grass-fed beef, artisanal cheese and a wide selection of traditional and atypical condiments. Pair those with one of more than 50 wines and you’ve got the concept behind 25 Degrees: familiar fare prepared lovingly with the best ingredients.

No.5 - Quattro Gastronomia Italiana

Nicola and Fabrizio Carro, New York

When the new Trump SoHo Hotel Condominium New York opens this spring, it will be anchored -- in culinary terms, at least -- by the chic Miami Beach Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, which is run by identical twin chefs Nicola and Fabrizio Carro.

Quattro in New York will feature hearty Northern Italian dishes that use the best produce simply and classically.

No.4 - Elysian Hotel

Charlie Trotter, Chicago

Charlie Trotter’s plans to open his hot new house in Chicago’s ultra-luxe Elysian Hotel in 2008 fell on hard times. However, that hasn’t stopped the master chef from taking another stab at the house in '09.

Trotter’s house will be open for dinner only -- it’s his first new house in the city in more than 20 years -- and will feature the inspired and flawless cuisine for which he is famous.

No.3 - BLT Steak

Laurent Tourondel, Charlotte

When the Ritz-Carlton selects a partner to do business with, you know it will be special.

That’s why we’re not surprised to see the company choose Bistro Laurent Tourondel -- known as BLT Steak to its friends -- to fit the bill in the new Bank of America Center.

Tourondel is known across the world for his approach to fine dining: it’s more casual than most, but he never compromises on the best ingredients, served simply and presented elegantly.

No.2 - Bouchon

Thomas Keller, Los Angeles

Angelinos rejoice: Thomas Keller is coming to town.

The American chef par excellence will open a new house -- Bouchon -- in the Beverly Hills Garden Building in late 2009.

This will be a casual-dining house that features the best of Keller’s creations -- and given his three Michelin stars, that’s pretty good!

No.1 - The Savoy Grill

Gordon Ramsay, London

OK, so London’s Savoy Hotel hasn’t actually gone anywhere, but its two-year £100-million restoration program has us giddy. That’s because, when it reopens in the spring, it will feature a brand new Savoy Grill run under the watchful eye of Gordon Ramsay himself.

No word yet on the new concept, but we’re sure it will live up to its opulent surroundings. What else would you expect from one of the world’s top chefs?

Resources:

• www.caterersearch.com
• www.foodarts.com
• www.bnbwire.com
• www.trumpsoho.com
• www.charlietrotters.com
• www.fairmont.com
• www.gordonramsay.com
• www.tkrg.com
• www.bltsteak.com
• www.quattromiami.com
• www.jamieoliver.com
• www.michaelmina.net
• www.galvinrestaurants.com
• www.rickbayless.com