Fun Facts About the UN

On October 24, 1945, the United Nations officially came into existence when its Charter was ratified by the five permanent members of the Security Council (France, Republic of China, Soviet Union, United Kingdom and United States) and a majority of other 46 member countries.

Signing of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco on June 26, 1945

To celebrate the UN's birthday (actually, celebrated as the "United Nations Day" in many countries), here are a quick 10 fun facts about it:

1. Failure of the League Of Nations

The first world organization of countries was the League of Nations, founded after the World War I (back then it was called the Great War or the War to End All Wars - yes, ironic). The aim of the League of Nations was to prevent the repeat of the war.

Benito Mussolini, the prime minister of Italy back then, famously said "The League is very well when sparrows shout, but no good at all when eagles fall out." And indeed, just three decades after the founding of the League of Nations, the world plunged into another war, World War II.

2. Churchill in a Bathtub: The Origin of the Name

The name "United Nations" was proposed by US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to Winston Churchill back in 1942. Churchill was in Washington, D.C. then - in fact, he was sitting in a bathtub when FDR was wheeled into the bathroom and proposed that the Allies of World War II be called the United Nations.

FDR and Churchill thought that "United Nations" sounded better than the "Alliance," a name they were thinking of first. Churchill noted that the poet Lord Byron had used the name to describe the Allies at the Battle of Waterloo in his book Childe Harold's Pilgrimage:

Here, where the sword United Nations drew,
Our countrymen were warring on that day!
And this much—and all—which will not pass away.

Ironically, the Allies of the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, which included the Prussian Army (which later became part of Germany in 1919), fought the French Empire. France, of course, was later part of the Allies of World War II, who fought Nazi Germany.

3. Rockefeller's Gift: Land for the UN Headquarters

The land of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City was purchased from real estate mogul William Zeckendorf with money donated by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Zeckendorf was going to use it to build X City, a futuristic real estate development that failed to get off the ground (Source). The UN Headquarters building was designed by Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer, and built with an interest-free loan from the United States.

The land and the building of the United Nations Headquarter are considered international territory. It doesn't even meet all of New York City's fire safety and building codes.

4. United Nations Stamp

The United Nations has its own post office and its own postage stamp! Though mostly collectibles, you can actually mail stuff using the UN stamps from UN premises in New York, Geneva, and Vienna.

5. The UN Logo Was First Designed for a Lapel Pin

The logo of the United Nations was designed by Donal McLaughlin, who worked for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor of the CIA. Donal described the UN logo as an "azimuthally equidistant projection showing all the countries in one circle, flanked by crossed olive branches." The logo was first designed as a lapel pin.

6. UN Flags and One That Just Gotta Be Different

Agencies and organizations of the United Nations all have their own flags:

The UN official colors are light blue and white. For some reason, World Food Program just has to be different: its flag colors are reversed!

7. UN Secretary-General Fun Facts

The head of the United Nations is the Secretary-General. They are appointed based on geographical rotation, but never from the five permanent Security Council member states.

The current Secretary-General is Ban Ki-moon from South Korea. He has been described by many as "bland" (indeed, his nickname is Ban-chusa, or "the bureaucrat" in Korean). When he was elected Secretary-General, however, Ban surprised everyone by singing a version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" with the lyrics "Ban Ki-moon is coming to town" instead).

Another interesting facts about past UN Secretary-Generals:

- Kofi Annan is a twin, a particularly respected thing in Ghanaian culture. The Akan people of Ghana often name their children after the day of the week they were born. His name, Kofi, is given to boys born on a Friday.

- Let's face it: Boutros Boutros-Ghali has a funny name. Indeed, an Icelandic soccer team has been named after him! "Boutros Boutros" once said "The best way to deal with bureaucrats is with stealth and sudden violence." We can't agree more!

- Kurt Waldheim got embroiled in the "Waldheim Affair" when it was discovered that he was an intelligence officer for Nazi Germany during World War II.

- Forget "Boutros Boutros," the UN Secretary with the best name has got to be U Thant. Actually "U" is an honorific in Burmese, roughly meaning "mister" - his actually name is only "Thant."

- Dag Hammarskjöld was killed in a mysterious plane crash (it was rumored that the British MI5, the CIA, and the South African intelligence services were responsible). He is the only UN Secretary-General to die in office and the only person ever to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize posthumously.

8. Does it Pay to be an Employee of the UN?

The UN Secretariat employed some 15,000 people worldwide (in comparison, the Pentagon employed 23,000 people in Washington D.C. alone!). Salaries for professional staff of the United Nations are determined by the "Noblemarie Principle," named after the chairman of a committee of the League of Nations who first formulated it in 1920.

The Noblemarie Principle holds that the UN must pay its staff equally for work of equal value, despite differences in levels of pay in various countries from where they are drawn. This translates to a base salary of $113,000 for the Under Secretary-General, to the bottom salary of $32,000

Being a diplomat to the United Nations, on the other hand, has its benefits: because of their diplomatic immunity, many of them refuse to pay parking tickets. Indeed, 6 countries have an average of over 100 parking tickets per diplomat!

9. Newest Member: Welcome Montenegro!

The newest member of the United Nations is Montenegro, who became the 192nd member in 2006. Besides member states, there is one non-member observer state, the Holy See in Vatican City.

10. Who Pays for the United Nations?

The UN budget comes from the member states, determined by their ability to pay (for example, France and the UK were assessed 6% of the budget, whereas Liberia was assessed 0.001%, the minimum rate). The United States shoulder the lion's share: it pays 22% (and 27% of the peacekeeping budget, which is assessed separately). In 2006, this turns out to be $423 million or $1.42 per American citizen.

Despite being assessed the most, the United States is constantly late in payment. By 2005, the US owed more than $960 million in arrears. Thankfully, it's not alone: only 40 out the 192 members paid on time - in fact, late payment is considered standard practice by many nations!

World’s Beautiful Rooftop Nightlife

1. Sirocco

Bangkok, Thailand

No night out in Bangkok is complete without a couple cocktails at Sirocco. Perched on top of The Dome at State Tower, 64th floors above the hectic streets of Bangkok, this sexy rooftop bar boasts 360 degree views of the city with city lights in every direction, as far as the eye can see. If you’re looking for a picturesque place to dine, they also serve dinner.

2. The Penthouse

Madrid, Spain

The Penthouse is an ultra-chic rooftop bar owned by Rande Gerber, celeb nightlife entrepreneur and husband of Cindy Crawford. It’s located on the roof of Hotel ME Madrid Reina Victoria, in Plaza Santa Ana, and has a great view of central Madrid. The crowd is dressed to kill, the waitresses are smoking hot the drinks are pricey and the place is often frequented by Spanish celebrities. Best to get here for happy hour, because although it’s open till 3am, the line to get in is insane after midnight.

3. Luna Bar

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This super sexy rooftop and poolside bar is a hang out for the twenties and thirties nightlife scene in Kuala Lumpur. It’s got a long indoor bar with a chic design leading you out onto the breezy rooftop for the best views of the lights of KL. For a romantic night out, be sure to get there early to snag a private little enclave up against the glass.

4. Rooftop Bar

Melbourne, Australia

An ultra cool venue for music, cinema, or just sunny boozing, this bar sits atop the Thai bar and restaurant, Cookie, on a six story 1920′s building in central Melbourne.

5. Gravity

Dublin, Ireland

Although not an open air bar, Gravity boasts an unobstructed 360 degree view of Dublin. It’s got a swanky style and comfortable seating right up against the glass to sit in while you enjoy the view from the highest bar in Ireland.

6. Top Floor Bar

London, United Kingdom

Looking for the perfect place to throw a swank party in London? The Top Floor Bar, the final floor of the Gherkin, London’s newest architectural darling, is available for private parties. The ultra modern venue sits under the spectacular glass cone roof and has stunning views of the city.

7. Moon

Las Vegas, Nevada

The Palms teamed up with the Playboy Club giving revelers in Vegas a sexy place to blow their money on the 53rd floor of the palms Hotel. The sound system here is rockin’ and although it can be tough to get in, it’s a great place to check out on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

8. Captain Bar

Shanghai, China

This cool rooftop bar has a wide variety of cocktails and a great view of The Bund and surrounding city lights. It’s usually a cool mix of locals and travelers which makes for a diverse and thirsty crowd.

9. Hudson Sky Terrace

New York, New York

This super chill rooftop bar has great service, amazing sangria and everything else you could want on a hot New York afternoon. From an air conditioned game room to a hammock with a view of the river, the Hudson has you covered, but like many of NY rooftop hot spots, you must be a guest in the hotel to enjoy it.

10. Condesa DF Rooftop Bar

Mexico City, Mexico

This is an awesome bar in an all-around cool hotel. The Condesa DF is decked out in extraordinary design, from the table cloths to the couches. This super-chic hotel only has 40 rooms so make sure to get a reservation, and make sure to hit its rooftop paradise for some cocktails as the sun goes down over Mexico City.

Top 10 World's Tallest Women

Yao Defen ( 7ft 8in - 233 cm)

Yao Defen claims to be the tallest woman in the world, with 7' 8" (233 cm). She weighs 200 kg (440 lbs) and has size 26 (UK) / 78 (EU) feet. Her gigantism is due to a tumor in her pituitary gland.

Sandy Allen (7ft 7 1/2in - 232 cm)

Sandy Allen appeared in the Guinness Book of World Records since 1976, and until 2008, when she died - as the tallest woman in the world. She was 7' 71/2" (232 cm) in height.

Malgorzata Dydek (7ft 2in - 218 cm)

Malgorzata (aka Margo) Dydek, a basketball player in the US, is 7'2" (218 cm).


Zainab Bibi (7ft 2in - 218 cm)

Zainab Bibi, 7' 2" (218 cm) as well, was recently allowed to stay permanently in Britain because she claims her height has made her a target at home, Pakistan.

Uljana Semjonova (7ft - 213 cm)

Standing at 7'0" (213 cm), latvian Uljana Semjonova was the leading women's basketball player in the world in the 1970s and 1980s.

Gitika Srivastava (6ft 11in - 211 cm)

Gitika Srivastava, former basketball player from India, is 6' 11" (211 cm).


Malee Duangdee (6ft 10in - 208 cm)

Malee Duangdee is Thailand's tallest woman, with 6' 10" (208cm).


Caroline Welz (6ft 9in - 206 cm)

Germany's tallest girl, Caroline Welz is 20 years old and 6' 9" (206 cm) tall.


Rita Miniva Besa (6ft 8in -203 cm)


Heather Greene (6ft 5 1/2in - 196 cm)

Heather Greene is "only" 6' 5?" (196 cm) and lives in Las Vegas.

Top 10 Amazing Bridges Around the World

1. Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney

Sydney Harbor Bridge and the opera house are the places that makes Sydney famous. Sydney Harbor Bridge offers a fascinating view of harbor and connects central district to northern part. This bridge was opened in 1932. You can climb the bridge in daylight and at night time.

2. Brooklyn Bridge in New York City

Created in 1883, this bridge connects Manhattan to Brooklyn and is located in USA. This bridge is a sign of romance and love, that is why many Hollywood movies have been pictured on it. A wide pathway is available for the walkers, in center of it.

3. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

From 1933 to 1937, Golden Gate Bridge was constructed along the Golden Gate. It connects San Frisco to Marin County. You can walk on it during the daylight, with a walk of about 1 hour, but try to walk in a clear sunny day.

4. Kintai Bridge, Japan

A wooden bridge located in Iwakuni, reminds us of the history. It was built in 1673. It is located over Nishika River. It was destroyed many times by heavy floods and was reconstructed again and again.

5. Galata Bridge of Istanbul

Located in Istanbul, Galata Bridge was designed in 1505 but constructed in 1845. In 1863, it was replaced by another bridge made up of wood. Third one was completed in 1875 and fourth in 1912. During 1994, it was damaged by fire then again reconstructed.

6. Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey

Bosphorus Bridge connects Asia to Europe and has 8 lanes in it. An emergency lane is followed by a sidewalk lane. For traffic there are three lanes on each side.

7. Charles Bridge in Czech Republic

Charles Bridge located at river Vltava in Prague, having 3 towers, was built to provide link between the Old Town and the adjacent areas. It is filled up with tourists, vendors and musicians. For a batter fun just walk on it when the sun is about to set.

8. Tower Bridge of London

Don’t confuse it with London Bridge. Tower Bridge is a symbol of British Empire and was constructed in 1886, over a period of 5 years. It was constructed to develop relationships and trade between East End and London.

9. Pont des Arts in Paris, France

Pont des Arts, a steel bridge, that spans river Seine was constructed in 1804. in 1976 some faults were detected by experts, and reason was the damage due to world war 1 &2. So in 1984, an initiative was taken to construct it again.

10. Rialto Bridge in Venice

Rialto Bridge, is a historical bridge constructed in 1181 and was replaced by a wooden bridge in 1255. During 15th century, shops were constructed along both sides of bridge. It collapsed several time form 1444 to 1524.

Top Games of Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 has a nice library of really great games. With that new-system smell still hanging in the air, 2009 is shaping up to be one of those great years for gaming, the kind that only come around once a decade or so. There are so many great-looking games on the horizon that it’s a bit overwhelming, actually. So I pored through literally hundreds of games to pull out 10 of the most exciting titles.

Here I have compiled some of the top xbox360 games. I hope you will like it.

The Elder Scrolls: IV Oblivion

The Elder Scrolls: IV Oblivion is the sequel to The Elder Scrolls III has won multiple awards. This one player game allows players to choose exactly who they want to be, whether good or evil.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced allows teen players to use new weapons to avoid the traps that are set for soldiers.. Xbox Live makes it possible for up to sixteen players to play a game together.

Call of Duty 2

Call of Duty 2 is an amazing war game with outstanding visuals. Call of Duty 2 can be a multiplayer game. Up to eight players can play together via Xbox Live.

EA Sports: Fight Night Round 3

Fight Night Round 3 allows players to become their favorite boxer. Boxers can be customized and fights from the past can be reenacted with changed outcomes. EA Sports: Fight Night Round 3 is designed for one or two players.

Project Gotham Racing 3

Project Gotham Racing 3 is not rated T for Teen. The game is rated E for Everyone. Players are able to select and customize their own cars to race around the world in multiple race settings.

Battlefield 2: Modern Combat

In Battlefield 2 Modern Combat players are literally dropped into the middle of disaster. Players must decide which side they want to be on and then fight to win. Up to twenty-four players can compete with or against each other online.

Burnout Revenge

In Burnout Revenge players select the car of their choice and set up car crashes. With Xbox Live four drivers can pit their cars against each other and with offline play up to two players can compete.

Kameo: Elements of Power

Kameo: Elements of Power is a game that combines action, adventure, and fantasy all into one. The goal of the game is to help save her family from an evil troll king.

NBA 2K6

NBA 2K6 is rated E for Everyone, but it is a game that is highly popular among teenagers. Once money is made players can use to it purchase new items for their homes. NBA 2K6 can be played with one or two players.

Peter Jackson’s King Kong: the Official Game of the Movie

Players, whether they enjoyed the King Kong movie or not, are sure to love playing Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie. When playing the game, players are able to be the human character, Jack, or the gorilla, Kong.

Top Selling PC Games of All Times

A video game, like most other forms of media, may be categorized into genres based on many factors such as method of game play, types of goals, and more. Because genres are dependent on content for definition, genres have changed and evolved as newer styles of video games are created.

This industry has evolved quite rapidly. I have compiled some of the Top most selling games of all times. I Hope you people will like it.

GTA 4

Publisher: Rock star.

It made $500 million revenue in its 1^st week of release.

Grand Theft Auto IV sees a shift in the series to a more realistic and detailed style and tone. To date, Grand Theft Auto IV has the largest soundtrack for a video game with 214 songs.

The Sims

Publisher: EA

It’s all true; The Sims is the best-selling PC game of all time. But what you don’t often hear is how much better it has sold than any other PC game. Here the numbers tell the story. It generated revenue of estimated $130 million dollar.

Medal of Honor Allied Assault

Publisher: EA

There have been many attempts to unseat it, but in terms of sales and brand recognition it’s still hard to top Medal of Honor. Released in January 2002, it made about $34.2 million revenue.

Command & Conquer Red Alert 2

Publisher: EA

From its inception in Oct 2000 the Command & Conquer series has been nothing short genre-defining; its contributions to mechanics, interface and style are difficult to overestimate, and players have greatly appreciated the many refinements the series has provided. It generated revenue of estimated $26.9 Million.

Call of Duty: World at War

Publisher: Activation.

It is the fifth installment in the main call of duty series. The game shipped in North America on November 11, 2008. A new feature to the Call of Duty series is the co-op mode, which can support up to four players online and two offline.

World of Warcraft

Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment

The familiar, well-loved setting and clean implementation caused fans to throw caution to the wind and learn to love subscription fees, and as the game reached critical mass it even began pulling into itself players from its entrenched competition. Now more people live World of Warcraft than any other game of its type.

Counter strike

Publisher: Sierra Entertainment

It made to the top 20 selling games of the past six years despite not offering much over the free version on the internet. It is one of the most popular multiplayer games played all over the world. Released in Nov 2000, it made about $15.7 Million.

DOOM 3

Publisher: Activision

Doom is almost definitely the most recognizable name in PC gaming, and just the idea of a sequel was enough to get most shooter fans salivating. It made revenue of $32.4 million.

Age of Empires II: The Conquerors Expansion

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

The Ensemble’s opus franchise has always had a huge contingent of vocal fans – history buffs and strategy lovers love these well-designed journeys to the past. Released in Aug 2000 age of empire made of revenue of estimated $20.1 Million.

Far Cry

Publisher: Ubisoft

Far Cry was a shot in the arm of the FPS genre when it came out. It beat Doom 3 to market but easily matched it in graphical acuity. Released in March 2004 far cry made revenue of estimated $11.0 Million.