Oh, so you've been on The Internet lately. You've seen the nostalgic America and unsettled vocal of Lana Del Rey. And, no doubt, you've seen that in her dust is thousands upon thousands of words. Generating tons of alt press, Lana Del Rey is, if anything, a new sensation. And, in case you haven't read the Internet lately, in summation: it's OK to like Lana Del Rey. But, is it OK to like Lana Del Rey? Sure it is. But here's the catch: in order to like LDR (in the vernacular) and be cool about it, you need to have a specific, rock-solid reason for your fandom. Be it your cultish love of "Diet Mountain Dew" or her fame's philosophical comment on the state of notoriety and the methods by which it is modernly achieved, be able to articulate why LDR deserves your advocacy. And just for extra padding, you may want to commit more than one of these ten reasons to memory:

1. Because She's Hot

   Next. Too easy. Embroiled in a controversy about the authenticity of her pouted lips, the pretty red-head calls herself a "self-styled, gangsta Nancy Sinatra." Her sex appeal may just be reason enough to follow her media arc or become a fan, for the more Neanderthalish aesthetes of the bunch.

2. Because She's Talented

   But, is she talented? Regardless of your opinion, a large group of vocal people agree with you. If you love her, you must commit to it. Make excuses for her bad live performances on national television. Scoff at the haters and loudly mumble, "Yeah. Like you could do any better." If you want to defend her musical genius, however, you're going to have to develop a pretty thick skin.
   Pro Tip: Spend an evening doing arts and crafts, and make your own Lana Del Rey fan t-shirt. Wear it everywhere. Be sure to comment on lots of forums and internet stories about her, wherever you can — always using the same handle.

3. Because Hipsterrunoff is Your Favorite Website

   In a sardonic nod to the rest of the Internet, snarkmaster Carles has turned his megaphone blog into "The Lana Del Report: All Lana All The Time 24/7 #LDR Coverage." This is funny. And, if you're a regular HR reader, you can't be blamed for being caught in the midst of an anthropologic meme.

4. Because You Are Also "Sadcore"

   One of her songs is about loving someone to death. She tanked on SNL. And worst of all, she doesn't care. Sounds like it's heartbreaking to be Lana Del Rey. If you too have a gaping hole of darkness in your soul that can only be remedied through "sadcore," then you've got one good reason to like the new hit-or-miss It Girl.

5. Because She Killed Your Writer's Block

   Pro- and anti-LDR's are as vocal as Teams Edward and Jacob. Haters gonna hate, and lovers gonna love — whether or not you you care about her, you've more than likely written about it. Blog posts, comments, interviews, tweets, vlogs, podcasts — Lana Del Rey's mere presence and value in the marketplace elicits opinions from all sorts of interested parties. There's no denying that LDR is buzzworthy — if not just for being so buzzworthy. And that's OK to like, OK?

1. Because You Love Diet Soda

   Do you secretly notice every time a celebrity is caught with a can of soda, looking to make sure it's diet? You're a Diet Coke Snob. If calorie-free carbonation is your preferred caffeination method, and especially if you're a brand loyalist, you should know this: Lana Del Rey sips Diet Coke cans at shows and has a song called "Diet Mountain Dew." For the true diet soda enthusiast, this is reason enough to support her fame. Have you ever tried Diet Mountain Dew? It's delicious and refreshing! And caffeinated! And bright green! Whether or not the song is about the cola (it's not.), the diet soda fanbase and the Lana Del Rey fanbase have more crossover than you can imagine.

2. Because She Stands For The Democratization of Fame

   Maybe she had some financial backing from her rich father, but the fact that she got popular due to YouTube remains. Masse use of the Internet has facilitated the democratization and lateralization of fame — it seems as if anyone with a computer and a dream can get famous, if temporarily, if they have the right followers on Twitter. The popularization (and subsequent super-harsh backlash) of new entryways to celebrity and perceived notoriety are being practiced before your very pixels.

3. Because You'd Also Have to Hate Lady GaGa, Cher, Prince, and Madonna

   Much of the Internet dogged Lana Del Rey (born Elizabeth "Lizzy" Grant) for the use a stage name. Why? Everyone has a stage name — Marilyn Monroe, Bob Dylan, DJ Jazzy Jeff — everyone. Unmanufactured authenticity has little place in show business — it's about spectacle and entertainment. You can find a much more creative reason than that to dislike a performing artist.

4. Because You're Not A Sexist

   Hate to say it, but some of the Del Rey backlash has been downright sexist. Though not all criticisms of her style and work are illegitimate or rooted in hate — but some of her loudest critics do not apply similar standards across genders. One cultural criticism blog summed up the myriad of misogyny this way: "We like to think we’re above that. We can’t be fooled by a great pair of legs or a sexy come on. We know good music when we hear it. And Del Rey fooled us. So now we hate her."

5. Because She Doesn't Care Either Way

   Lana Del Rey doesn't want you to think she cares about the haters. Consider following suit. If you like her music, her videos, her image, what she stands for (what does she stand for?), or just enjoy knowing all the buzz — who cares what other people think? Be like your newfound YouTube ingenue and fly your sadcore freak flag with pride.

After nearly nine years, the Iraq war finally came to an end. This bittersweet moment left many asking why America invaded Iraq in the first place and did we accomplish anything before we left? From the get-go, the Iraq War has been based on shaky evidence and questionable intelligence, all of which have led to the controversies we still discuss today.

1. U.S. Marines urinating video

   The most recent incident to spark controversy and criticism of the Iraq war was the release of a video showing four U.S. Marines urinating on dead Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. The video was made between March and September 2011 and was released in early January 2012. The infamous video circulated around the world, provoking condemnation from the Afghan president as well as the Obama administration. The Marines featured on camera may face criminal charges.

2. Osama bin Laden killing

   The capture and killing of Osama bin Laden was a groundbreaking moment in the Iraq war. Obama said the incident was a significant moment in the United States' mission to defeat Al Qaeda and bring down the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. Although it was momentous for America, there was quite a bit of controversy over his sea burial that allegedly took place within 24 hours of his death. Many questioned why the U.S. gave bin Laden a burial that was in accordance with Islamic tradition, and others wondered if any of it actually happened due to the promptness and mystery behind his burial.

3. Weapons of mass destruction

   The United States' decision to invade Iraq was fueled by the idea that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. The Bush administration vehemently backed this belief and felt that it was a direct threat to America and its allies. After years of hunting for the alleged WMD, neither the UN nor the CIA weapons inspectors were able to find any. In 2005, the investigation of WMD came to a close and Bush later admitted to jumping the gun on declaring war without feasible evidence.

4. Blackwater Baghdad shootings

   In 2007, Blackwater security personnel shot and killed 17 Iraqi civilians without any justifiable reason or provocation. The controversial incident underwent thorough federal investigation and in 2011 FBI scientists could not match the bullets from the shooting to the guns used by the Blackwater guards. They also found foreign cartridges that were not linked to the U.S. military. The case was reopened in 2011, due to "systemic" errors in the district court's dismissal of the guards in 2009.

5. Attack was driven by oil

   Throughout the war, many Americans speculated that the real reason the U.S. invaded Iraq was to control the country's oil production. Officials said Saddam had planned to take control of the Strait of Hormuz and control oil shipments in the Middle East, which would have hurt the west in a big way. The Bush administration denied allegations that the invasion was motivated by oil, and was backed when not a single U.S. company secured a contract with the multibillion-dollar oil reserves in 2009.

6. Saddam Hussein execution

   The execution of Iraq's President Saddam Hussein in 2006 caused mixed reactions around the world. Ending Saddam's regime was a huge feat for the U.S., whose goal was to free Iraq from the rule of Hussein and bring democracy to the war-torn country. The United States justified its capture and detainment of Hussein because he was a threat to the nation and justice needed to be served. However, many felt it was not America's place to determine what was right for Iraq and who should lead its people.

7. Building democracy in Iraq

   One of the goals of invading Iraq was to bring democracy to the country and develop a lasting partnership with them. As the war carried on, American officials began to back away from their vision of a democracy and focused more on developing a secure and working government. Iraq experienced some glimpses of a democratic system when Saddam's regime was taken down and millions of Iraqis got to vote, but the instability of the national government and military have overshadowed Iraq's ability to become a fully functioning democracy.

8. American hostage beheaded

   In 2004, a video was released showing Islamic militants beheading American soldier, Nick Berg, on camera. The 26-year-old soldier was abducted and beheaded to retaliate for the U.S. military's abuse of Iraqi prisoners. The barbaric act was posted to a radical Islamic website and was believed to be initiated by Al Qaeda terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

9. Casualty milestones

   The war in Iraq received unprecedented coverage around the world. The media came under fire for bias reporting, propaganda, and censorship. One of the most controversial topics was the reporting of casualty milestones. Many newspapers, news channels, and online publications kept a ticking tally of military personnel killed in the war and would highlight the 1,000th, 2,000th, and 3,000th casualty as a milestone. The use of casualty tallies and milestones was criticized by both supporters and opponents of the war.

10. Rationale for Iraq War

    One of the biggest controversies of the war was trying to justify why America invaded Iraq in the first place. In 2008, President Bush admitted that going to war on flawed intelligence was a "regretful" decision. White House officials adopted the belief that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction, but weren't going to pull out when CIA reported that no WMD were found in Iraq. There were several different excuses as to why the U.S. invaded Iraq, but even eight years later, the real reason still remains a huge question mark.

GOP candidate Mitt Romney holds the dubious distinction of being one of the wealthiest men ever to run for president. However our nation's first president, George Washington's net worth of $525 million — in 2010 dollars according to a study by 24-7 Wall Street — was by far the wealthiest of our past presidents. In comparison, Romney's net worth, estimated at a measly $190 to $250 million, is mere chump change. Here are 10 examples of presidents who were nowhere near Romney's or Washington's tax bracket.

1. Harry S. Truman (1945-1953)

   Harry S. Truman entered and left the office badly in debt. His post-presidential financial struggles inspired Congress to create the Former presidents act, which allows former presidents to collect a decent pension. A strong advocate of government health care, Truman and his wife were the first two official recipients of Medicare when it was signed into law by Lyndon B. Johnson. Believing that doing so would harm the integrity of the office of the president, Truman refused to be on any kind of corporate payroll. He is quoted as saying, "My choice early in life was either to be a piano-player in a whorehouse or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference."

2. Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865)

   Born in a one-room log cabin, Abraham Lincoln held the office of president during the Civil War and would guide the country through one of the most traumatic periods of its history. Poor and primarily self-educated, early in his life, Lincoln had to absorb the debts of a deceased partner with whom he had bought what was a very unsuccessful general store. As a result, he lost what assets he had and only avoided a life of poverty thanks to his career as an attorney.

3. William Henry Harrison (1841)

   It's not without some irony that Whig party president William Henry Harrison, derogatorily referred to as a "land-grabber," and who brutally fought and consistently short-changed Native Americans for their land, entered office in serious debt due to the natural destruction of crops on land which he owned. Harrison's sons also carried a great deal of debt at that time. Harrison's death by pneumonia, just one month after entering office, may have saved him from becoming totally insolvent.

4. William McKinley (1897-1901)

   Succeeded by Theodore Roosevelt after dying from a bullet wound from an assassin's gun, William McKinley, whose net worth was less than $1 million, left behind no significant inheritance. During the depression of 1893, McKinley, then Governor of Ohio, found himself liable for loans he'd signed for a friend and was almost forced to claim bankruptcy. Two years later, perhaps remembering his own circumstance, he successfully headed a charity drive to raise money for nearly 10,000 Ohioans living below the poverty level.

5. Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877)

   Some of our past presidents went bankrupt or suffered financial ruin due to living beyond their means. After his presidency, Grant and his wife Julia spent a great deal of money traveling around the world to visit various foreign dignitaries. That trip left them broke, and after investing and losing his assets to embezzlement by an associate of his son, Grant was bankrupt and nearly insolvent. Before dying of cancer, Grant wrote and sold his memoirs of the Civil War, saving his family from a life of poverty.

6. Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809)

   Historian Ned Sublette writes, "As was the norm for planters, (Thomas) Jefferson was both insolvent and fabulously wealthy." He owned upwards of 600 to 700 slaves in his lifetime, human beings that served not only as labor, but as liquid assets. Jefferson bought tons of overpriced junk, including elaborately designed non-functional harpsichords, plaster busts, and mahogany tables to decorate his lavish, expansive estate Monticello. Jefferson was never able to effectively manage the huge plantation or get ahead of his mounting debt. After his death, Monticello was auctioned off along with his slaves, by the state of Virginia.

7. James Monroe (1817-1825)

   Yep. Another president, another plantation owner who, thanks to living a lavish lifestyle and mismanaging his estate, ended up in debt up to his eyeballs after serving two terms. In spite of his wife coming from a wealthy family and emergency aid from Congress in the amount of $30,000, mounting debts forced Monroe to sell his 3,500 acre Highland plantation and presumably the slave labor that had kept it running.

8. James Madison (1809-1817)

   Sheesh! Here's another one! It's apparent that the era in which each president lived determined their financial successes or failures. Remember, agriculture was truly at the mercy of the elements. And the institution of slavery was just beginning to be seen as an unsustainable, not to mention morally reprehensible way of doing business. James Madison had an experience similar to Jefferson's, losing money hand over fist while he and his family racked up debt. Like Grant, Madison published a book of his memoirs hoping that royalties from sales would provide for his family.

9. Jimmy Carter (1977-1981)

   Jimmy Carter may possibly be the only U.S. president ever to own a farm but no slaves. Carter left the office of the president deep in debt due to mismanagement of his peanut farm which he had left in a blind trust during the course of his presidency. Over the years, Carter has managed to recover financially by writing several best-selling books.

10. Barack Obama (2009-present)

    Many presidents, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, have increased their net worth through book royalties. Current President Barack Obama, the grandson of a Kenyan goat herder, used the royalties from his two bestsellers to pay off his and his wife's school loan debts! This former law professor, civil rights attorney, and community organizer — community activism, now THAT'S where the big bucks are — may be the first president ever who knows what it's like to juggle mortgage and student loan payments.

Celebrities and other high-profile figures use their name to promote political campaigns and encourage people to get out and vote. But even with all the advertisements and endorsements, many of these vote promoters don't make it to the polls, or get registered for that matter. Check out these eight memorable vote promoters who weren't even registered.

1. Paris Hilton

   It was more surprising that celebutante Paris Hilton was photographed wearing a "VOTE OR DIE!" T-shirt than her being a no-show at the polls in 2004. To make matters worse, Hilton wasn't even registered to vote in the first place.

2. 50 Cent

   50 Cent was another big shot in P. Diddy's "Vote or Die" campaign, but like many of the other celebrity promoters, the rapper failed to follow through with voting in the 2004 presidential election. There was no record of Curtis Jackson III (aka 50 Cent) being registered or voting in any of his states of residence. However, 50 Cent may have been ineligible because of his criminal record.

3. Alec Baldwin

   Alec Baldwin recently expressed interest in running for mayor of New York City in 2013, but forgot to mention that he's not registered to vote there. Even though Baldwin has a home in the Hamptons, the state Board of Elections has no record of him. So, before he decides to run and promote voting in one year, he should get registered right away.

4. Ben Affleck

   Not only has Ben Affleck tossed around the idea of running for Congress in the future, but the award-winning actor also traveled with Democratic nominee, Al Gore, in 2000 to deliver a get-out-to-vote plea. Despite Affleck's avid interest in politics, he failed to vote in 2000, let alone even register until 2003!

5. Meg Whitman

   Before Meg Whitman ran for governor of California in 2010, she was rarely exercising her right to vote. In fact, Whitman registered for the first time ever in 2002. The successful businesswoman didn't have much interest in politics for a solid 28 years. It appears that her spotty private voting record was enough to make voters wary of her eligibility.

6. Ludacris

   Although he claims to have voted by absentee ballot in the 2004 presidential election, rapper Ludacris may have missed the mark completely. According to voting records in Christopher Bridges' (aka Ludacris') states of residence, there was no evidence that he voted or was even registered.

7. Heidi Montag

   In 2008, The Hills star Heidi Montag publicly announced her presidential endorsement of Republican candidate John McCain before even registering to vote! McCain was much obliged and even stated that he never misses an episode of her hit show. Surprisingly, Montag got registered in time to make it to the polls on Election Day.

8. Arnold Schwarzenegger

   Arnold Schwarzenegger may have been the governor of California for seven years, but the former actor/bodybuilder didn't always take voting so seriously. Before he was elected in 2003, Schwarzenegger missed five of the 11 statewide elections.

When we think of dirty places, the home isn't the first thing to come to mind. But in all actuality, millions of microbes and viruses lurk around the house in some obvious and not-so-obvious places. What we consider to be a filthy area of the house is sometimes cleaner than we thought and the real problems exist elsewhere. So before you clean house and miss some spots, be sure to tackle these 10 dirtiest places first.

1. Kitchen sink

   Believe it or not, kitchen sinks are dirtier than bathrooms. The kitchen sink, including the basin, faucet handles, and drain are breeding grounds for bacteria and dangerous pathogens, such as salmonella, E. coli, and campylobacter. The drain is by far the filthiest part of the sink, with more than 500,000 bacteria per square inch. The faucet handles of a sink can have up to 25,000 bacteria per square inch. The entire sink should be sanitized with a bleach and water solution or another tough disinfectant. It's also a good idea to clean and replace your sponges and brushes every month. You can blast bacteria growing on sponges by placing them in the dishwasher during the drying cycle.

2. Bathtub

   You cannot get clean in the bathtub without dirtying it up in the process. Bathtubs can contain up to 250,000 bacteria per square inch, making it one of the most unsanitary places in the house. Studies show that this germy surface can harbor staph aureus and staphylococcusbacteria, both of which can lead to dangerous skin infections and illnesses. The act of cleaning increases the amount of bacteria and the bathtub's moist environment allows it to grow more rapidly. It's advised to disinfect the bathtub at least once a week with a tough cleanser and scrub away soap scum.

3. Remote control

   Remote controls are some of the dirtiest items in your house. Remotes are touched by multiple hands and are rarely disinfected. According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona, single men have the highest levels of bacteria on their remotes. After swabbing the remote controls in 30 bachelor and 30 bachelorette pads, a shocking 30 percent contained coliform fecal bacteria. Banish the bacteria on remote controls by taking it apart and cleaning the individual parts with a disinfectant or plain ole soap and water.

4. Trash can

   It's not surprising that the trash can is one of the filthiest places in the whole house. Although most people use trash bags to collect garbage, the actual containers see very little cleaning. Trash cans should be disinfected every time you change the bag. Liquid, food particles, and other debris in the can should be washed off with a disinfectant and allowed to air dry.

5. Doorknobs and handles

   Doorknobs and handles are some of the filthiest surfaces in the house. Not only are doorknobs and handles touched several times each day, but people also forget to clean them on a regular basis. Doorknobs and handles can harbor various types of bacteria like staphylococcus, E. coli, salmonella, as well as the flu virus. Doorknobs and handles are easy to clean and should be disinfected at least once a week.

6. Baby changing table

   Baby changing tables are breeding grounds for a slew of bacteria. Unlike a toilet, a changing table comes into contact with a baby's whole body and handling a dirty diaper increases the chance of bacterial contamination and infection. It's crucial for parents to disinfect the changing table, as well as all of the items around the changing area that may become contaminated.

7. Toilet

   It's pretty obvious that the toilet is a dirty place. From the inside of the bowl to the seat, toilets can harbor staphylococcus, streptococcus, and E. coli. These and other types of bacteria can reside inside the toilet bowl and spray out when flushed. To combat the harmful bacteria, give your toilet bowl a tough cleaning with a brush and scrubbing agent and spray all other surfaces with a disinfectant.

8. Floors and carpet

   The carpet and floors are some of the dirtiest places in the whole house. Dirt and germs are constantly being tracked onto the floor from the soles of your shoes. The kitchen and the bathroom see a lot of action every day, so it's crucial that you clean these rooms from the floor up. As for carpet, this porous surface collects dirt, germs, and other pollutants you don't want touching your feet. Vacuuming will help keep your carpet clean, but leaving your shoes at the door will help prevent bacteria growth.

9. Your shoes

   Shoes are walking contaminants that come into contact with more dirt and bacteria than we could ever imagine. Those who wear their shoes in the house have an increased risk of bacteria growth. The soles of shoes carry a wide variety of bacteria and viruses that can cause dangerous infections and illnesses. Wearing shoes inside can lead to excess debris and stains. The easiest way to avoid such problems is to take your shoes off at the door or leave them outside in a dry place.

10. Pet Food Dish

    Next time you run the dishwasher, you should go ahead and throw Fido's food dish in there as well. Pet bowls are much dirtier than we think. In fact, pet food dishes contain up to 2,500 bacteria per square inch. Saliva and left over food particles can coat the bowls and cause bacteria growth. Water bowls should be washed on a regular basis and the water should be dumped and replaced daily.

In movies, stepparents consistently get a bad rap. When it comes to portrayals of step families, families where one or both of the adult partners bring children from a previous relationship into the family, most mainstream movies perpetuate old and tired stereotypes: Stepmom is unstable, if not downright evil, and stepdad is a lecherous psychotic. Movies with positive images of stepparents and their children are hard to find, even in our culture where blended families are very common. Below are nine films with positive portrayals of step family life appropriate for a variety of age groups for your consideration.

1. Lassie (1994 version)

   

   Rated G. Suitable for all ages. The Turner family — dad, stepmom, and 13-year-old Matt — relocate from the big city to the country to begin a new chapter of their lives in an unfamiliar environment. Matt feels lost in his new surroundings until a stray dog named (you guessed it) Lassie arrives to help bring the family together.

2. Yours, Mine and Ours

   

   Rated PG. A 2005 remake of the 1968 classic that starred Henry Fonda and Lucille Ball, and the story is basically the same: Widowed man with eight children meets widowed woman with 10 children. Eventually, all 18 kids learn to live as one big happy family, but not before driving their respective stepparents and each other to the brink of crazy.

3. A Summer to Remember

   

   Not rated, originally made for TV, and suitable for all ages. Notable for realistically showing conflict between a deaf boy named Toby and his new stepfather. An orangutan named Casey helps Toby learn sign language and communicate his feelings to his family and the world. Hard to find, but you might locate a copy on DVD at your local library.

4. The Brady Bunch Movie

   

   It's your call. If you enjoyed the original 1970s TV show, then this movie will appeal to you and your children (Although they may find the clothing worn by the Brady brood a little strange.). The film makes no pretense of being anything but a truly silly homage to one of America's most famous blended TV family sitcoms, second only perhaps to The Bernie Mac Show.

5. Are We Done Yet?

   

   Rated PG. This sequel to Are We There Yet? stars Ice Cube as a stepdad trying to supervise the remodeling of a house to accommodate his pregnant wife's teenage daughter and son. It's a remake of the Cary Grant film Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, and throughout, Ice Cube is obviously enjoying contemporizing classic movie slapstick and screwball humor.

6. Tender Mercies

   

   Rated PG. Robert Duvall plays a country singer recovering from alcoholism, seeking to rebuild his life. He remarries a woman who has a son, and makes an effort to reconnect with his daughter from his previous marriage. Country music and Christianity are crucial components to this complex and critically acclaimed film.

7. Juno

   

   A surprisingly sweet yet unsentimental film starring Ellen Page as Juno, an independent and smart teenager confronting an unplanned pregnancy. Allison Janney's portrayal of Juno's emotionally supportive stepmother Bren is notably sympathetic. Juno definitely earns its PG-13 rating. It may not be appropriate for all families, but some parents and children will find it refreshing in its honesty.

8. Stepmom

   

   Rated PG-13. Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon are both excellent in this film about a terminally ill mother who eventually comes to accept her ex-husband new wife. Although it received mixed reviews upon release, it struck a chord with audiences for the way it dealt frankly with the tricky issues surrounding new love, old families, and joint custody.

9. Step Brothers

   

   Rated R. Ask adults to recommend a film about stepfamilies, and many will immediately name the recent, gross-out comedy Step Brothers. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly star as two spoiled, emotionally stunted best friends whose single parents decide to marry. Parents will find it either hiliarious or horrifying. Or both.

"Tree hugger" is a modern term for environmentalists who strive to reduce their environmental impact and give back to Mother Nature. Although being called a "tree hugger" hasn't always sat well with the earth-conscious folks, today's green movement means it's much cooler to be eco-friendly. Here are the 10 biggest tree huggers in history:

1. John Muir

   John Muir is considered the father of conservation because of his preservation efforts and activism that helped save several vital wilderness areas, like Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park. The 19th century naturalist founded the Sierra Club, a well-known grassroots conservation organization that practices and promotes environmental sustainability. Muir's contributions have helped America preserve its natural habitats and improve many environmental issues.

2. Aldo Leopold

   Aldo Leopold was a major contributor to the field of wildlife management. Leopold devoted a great deal of time studying the natural world and investigating ecology and the philosophy of conservation. Leopold applied his knowledge and understanding of wildlife management while working for the U.S. Forest Service in Arizona and New Mexico, as well as the Carson National Forest in New Mexico. Leopold contributed many innovative ideas and holistic approaches to managing American wildlife.

3. Gifford Pinchot

   Gifford Pinchot was a forester and conservationist who helped foster a culture of environmental awareness through his knowledge of forestry and strong leadership as the first chief of the United States Forest Service. Pinchot believed in managing forests and protecting wildlife so that it could continue to be appreciated for years and years. Pinchot's conservation ethics and advocacy forever changed the way United States forests are managed and developed.

4. Julia Butterfly Hill

   Few people know as much about hugging trees and living in the wilderness as Julia Butterfly Hill. Hill is an outspoken eco-advocate, who famously performed a tree sit to show her opposition to the destruction of the redwood forests in Humboldt County, California, from 1997 to 1999. During this time, Hill lived atop a massive redwood tree named Luna. She lived in the tree for 738 days, before the Pacific Lumber Company agreed to preserve Luna and other redwoods in the area. Hill has since become a motivational speaker, a best-selling author, and the co-founder of a non-profit social venture called the Engage Network.

5. Ed Begley Jr.

   Ed Begley Jr. is one of the biggest (and proudest) tree huggers in Hollywood. Begley was one of the first celebrities to speak up about his environmental views and eco-friendly lifestyle, which consists of veganism, driving an electric car, and using a bicycle-powered toaster oven. He is also involved in several different environmental organizations and even had his own reality TV show, called Living Like Ed.

6. Daryl Hannah

   Actress Daryl Hannah is no stranger to tree hugging. Famous for her roles in the films Splash and Roxanne, Hannah has stepped back into the limelight with her environmental and human rights activism. The actress has taken a stand against various issues, including mountaintop removal in West Virginia, sexual slavery, and the Keystone Pipeline System. She is also a vegan and lives in a solar-powered house and drives a car that runs on biodiesel. Hannah's dramatic protests and acts of civil disobedience have resulted in several arrests, but have also made her a key figure in the environmental movement.

7. Brad Pitt

   Brad Pitt has followed in the philanthropic footsteps of his partner, Angelina Jolie, by getting involved in some of the biggest environmental and social issues affecting the world today. Pitt showcased his tree hugging ways when he founded the Make It Right Foundation in 2006, which is committed to building 150 eco-friendly houses in a New Orleans' neighborhood destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Pitt has even meet with President Obama to advocate for a green housing project.

8. Natalie Portman

   Natalie Portman earned a reputation of being a tree hugger from a young age. The strict vegan has used her fame to advocate for animal rights and environmental conservation. Portman has traveled to Rwanda to help spread awareness about endangered silverback gorillas. The longtime vegetarian abstains from using, eating, or wearing any animal products, and has even designed a line of chic, vegan shoes for Te Casan.

9. Sting

   Sting's musical career may have faded over the years, but his philanthropic and environmental efforts have become a much larger area of focus for the devoted activist. Sting is a longtime supporter of the human rights cause and has dedicated much of his time to fundraising and spreading awareness on social and political issues affecting people around the world. In 1989, Sting and his wife created The Rainforest Foundation to protect rainforest plants and animals and campaign against tropical deforestation.

10. Orlando Bloom

    Orlando Bloom has proven to be more than just an actor. The Hollywood star is an advocate for many environmental causes, including the organization that he helped launch, called Global Cool. The green organization seeks to stop global warming and help people reduce their environmental impact by limiting their use of natural resources and adopting a simpler and eco-friendly routine.

If you haven't seen Rick Perry's latest ad, you probably haven't been on the Internet during the past couple of weeks. His "Strong" campaign spot is impressive — it garnered more than 600,000 dislikes on YouTube within a week of being uploaded. He obviously knows how to make the most of every second of air time, managing to offend multiple groups of people on both sides with a single bad campaign ad. He's been practicing this skill for years, though, ruffling the feathers of quite a few demographics. In politics, you can't please everyone, and Perry certainly hasn't catered to these groups.

1. The LGBT community

   The first punch Perry takes in his ad is at the gay community. It's not uncommon for conservative Republicans, the base that many Republican candidates are trying to reach right now, to take a stand against gay marriage or gays in the military. Most people have come to expect that and the LGBT community, while not happy about it, isn't surprised by the stance of the Republican pool. But Perry takes it farther than most. He presents gay servicemen (and women) as a direct affront to Christmas. Since many people in the LGBT community celebrate Christmas, it's a nonsensical comparison that angered many gay people, even (or especially) those who are also Christians or Republicans.

2. Non-Christians

   Spoken in the same breath as his anti-gay sentiments in the "Strong" ad, Perry's indication that the separation of church and state is wrong has irked Americans who practice one of the many religions other than Christianity or no religion at all. As he seems to scoff at the First Amendment's promise of freedom of religion, non-Christians were praying to their respective gods that Perry doesn't become president. He says that President Barack Obama is waging a war against religion by keeping kids from openly celebrating Christmas or praying publicly in schools, implying that Christianity is the only religion that matters in this country.

3. Christians

   While some conservative Christians certainly agree with Perry's stances on several social and religious issues, many other Christians are angered by the way Perry is portraying their religion. Though it's sometimes hard to see past the most outspoken Christians in the media who have controversial opinions, there are many American Christians who promote tolerance, peace, and love, and are offended by the reputation Perry is giving them. Would these Christians like a fellow Christian as president? Probably. Do they want it to be Rick Perry? No way.

4. The Supreme Court

   Even if they are the fairest in the land, the Supreme Court judges are people you wouldn't want to put in a bad mood. And if you're running for president, you should probably know their names at least. Perry showed a lack of respect (or lack of knowledge at the very least) for the High Court when he forgot Justice Sonia Sotomayor's name, calling her "Montemayor." He then went on to complain about the court of eight justices — even though there are nine. His argument didn't hold much weight after that.

5. Teachers

   One group in the governor's home state has been especially wronged by Perry over the years: teachers. Many of them feel the state's education has slipped to the bottom of Perry's priority list during his tenure, and the Texas State Teachers Association released a statement earlier this year blasting his budget cuts. The most recent two-year budget slashes $4 billion from school district formula funding and causes 43,000 college students to lose the financial aid they've depended on. With a high rate of teacher lay-offs and per-student funding that ranks in the bottom third of the U.S., the handling of Texas education has been an example of how not to treat your teachers.

6. Jews

   Perry has some Jewish supporters because of his familiarity and friendliness with Israel, but other Jews are put off by some of his actions. He has stated he's been "called" by God to the presidency and made comments against those that believe Jesus was merely a good man. These statements have rubbed Jews the wrong way, as did his prayer rally in August 2011. Using the official government website and stationery to promote the event, Perry seemed to be purposely promoting one religion over all others and the rally's timing on Saturday, or the Sabbath, seemed to exclude Jews from attending.

7. African-Americans

   Perry didn't come up with the offensive name for his family's hunting ranch in a small town in Texas, which contains the derogatory slang for a black person. But the title "N—–head" still seems to have been used there since Perry and his father began using the land for hunting. Many black Americans wondered why the politician would leave the name painted in bold letters on a rock at the entrance of the camp for so long and not remove it entirely.

8. Texans

   If you've never been to Texas, you might believe that everyone in the state is like Perry — disapproving of gays, shooting coyotes on jogs through the countryside, speaking with a Southern drawl from under the brim of a cowboy hat. They aren't. In fact, many of them don't even like Perry. His disapproval rating as governor is higher than his approval rating from his home state: 48% compared to 45%. Perry's habit of attributing his beliefs and controversial statements to his status as a Texas boy are reflecting poorly on the proud state and perpetuating the country bumpkin stereotype that offends most Texans.

9. Social Security recipients

   Since the U.S. Social Security program makes up the largest single part of the federal budget and the fund will be empty in 25 years without some kind of action, it has attracted attention from Americans and politicians for years. But Perry's extreme rhetoric for the pension benefits program, calling it a Ponzi scheme and a "monstrous lie," offended some of the 54 million people who are receiving benefits. Many of them depend on the money to live, and Perry's suggestion to give states the choice to opt out seemed callous to those who need the funds.

10. Millennials

    After the "Strong" campaign ad turned up, it suddenly became apparent just how many members of the tech-savvy generation dislike Perry's stance. The Millennial generation cranked out parody after parody taking valid shots at the governor's controversial spot. For a generation that values tolerance and diversity more than their elders, Perry's apparent bigotry touched a nerve and sparked them to use social media and technology to blast the commercial. Who says young people aren't politically active?

Now that the 2011-12 NBA season will happen, sports prognosticators will return to projecting how many championships the Miami Heat will win. Forget about the disappointment of last season — this team has more than enough talent to bring home at least a few Larry O'Brien Trophies, right? That's what people were saying about the Lakers in the '60s, Mets in the '80s, and Mariners in the '90s (different trophies for the latter two, of course), yet they wound up with just two championships between them when all was said and done. The following would-be dynasties failed to meet expectations for a multitude of reasons — including injuries, team chemistry problems, free agency, drugs, and even a strike — leaving fans wondering what might have been had things gone a little differently.

1. 1940s and '50s Brooklyn Dodgers

   Even if the Dodgers had won multiple World Series titles during this era, the franchise would've been more remembered for its role in integrating baseball by signing and promoting Jackie Robinson. More than just an inspiring figure in the Civil Rights Movement, Robinson was an ideal second baseman with tremendous speed, excellent contact ability, and exemplary defense. He played alongside Hall of Famers Roy Campanella, Duke Snider, Pee Wee Reese, Don Drysdale, and Sandy Koufax, one of the most talent-rich rosters in baseball history. From 1947 to 1956, the team won six NL pennants and the 1955 World Series, a resume worthy of NL dynasty status, but not MLB dynasty status.

2. 1960s and '70s Los Angeles Lakers

   Before the Buffalo Bills, there were the Lakers. Sure, they had already won four of the first 10 NBA championships, but, with seven Finals losses in nine seasons during the 1960s and '70s, they were the original poster child for second best. The primary culprit for their failures was the Celtics, who reeled off a remarkable 11 championships in 13 seasons. The Lakers also faced a 76ers team with perhaps the most dominant player off all time, Wilt Chamberlain, and a hungry Knicks team led by Willis Reid and Walt Frazier. When management figured out the mere presence of Jerry West and Elgin Baylor wasn't enough, it added an older but still effective Chamberlain. The team finally got over the hump in 1973, after Baylor retired and Gail Goodrich had been added to the roster.

3. 1970s Oakland Raiders

   Without question, John Madden is historically one of the NFL's elite head coaches. In just 10 seasons, he tallied seven first-place finishes in the AFL Western/AFC West Division and a .763 winning percentage, the best among coaches with 100 or more wins. Because of those accomplishments, along with his accomplishments as a commentator and video game icon, many people have forgotten his squads were on the cusp of achieving so much more. A defensive specialist, Madden coached some stingy units, but his team's prolific offense, led by Daryle Lamonica and eventually Ken Stabler, received the most acclaim. The Dolphins and Steelers, the era's two more memorable teams, however, were its kryptonite, shutting it down in three AFC Championship Games. The one year in which they defeated the Steelers to capture the AFC title, they went on to win Super Bowl XI.

4. 1980s New York Mets

   Rarely do teams feature two once-in-a-generation talents at the same time. The Mets had one in the heart of their lineup and one anchoring their rotation. Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden captivated the baseball world in the mid-1980s when they were called up, immediately emerging as two of the best players at their positions. Additional roster moves during the time period from general manager Frank Cashen, such as trades for Keith Hernandez and Gary Carter, enabled the Mets to ascend to the top of the NL standings in 1986, as they won 108 games. Their victories over the Astros in the NLCS and Red Sox in the World Series will forever be remembered by baseball fans. Unfortunately, baseball fans will also forever remember the internal strife that transpired during the ensuing years, ending with the team's ruination.

5. 1980s Houston Rockets

   Sports fans were buying Mets and Rockets stock en masse during the mid-1980s. The Rockets, having recently selected 7-foot-4 Ralph Sampson and 7-footer Akeem Olajuwon, The Twin Towers, with the No. 1 overall pick in successive years, grabbed national attention during the 1986 Western Conference Finals, when they stunned the defending champion Lakers in five games. They lost to the Celtics in a hard-fought six games during the Finals, but were expected to build on their success the following year. As it turned out, Sampson would play just 43 games because of a knee injury, and guards Lewis Lloyd and Mitchell Wiggins were suspended for the remainder of the season — and two more seasons — after testing positive for cocaine. Sampson was traded to Golden State 1987-88, and Olajuwon was left to lead a mediocre team until the championship years of the mid-1990s.

6. 1980s and '90s Oakland Athletics

   To sustain a dynasty in baseball, a team must be built from the ground up. The A's did just that during the 1980s, and saw the fruits of the labor in 1986, 1987, and 1988, when Jose Conseco, Mark McGwire, and Walt Weiss each won AL Rookie of the Year. In 1988, those three, along with Carney Lansford, Dave Stewart, and Dennis Eckersley, led the A's to their first World Series appearance since the 1974, but they lost to the Kirk Gibson-inspired Dodgers. In 1989, with the return of Rickey Henderson, they swept the Giants, their Bay Area neighbors, in a series overshadowed by the Loma Prieta earthquake. In 1990, they were stunned by the Reds in four games. Their run, which included four division championships and three AL championships, ended with their elimination by the Blue Jays in the 1992 ALCS.

7. 1990s Orlando Magic

   A recent expansion franchise, the Magic were bestowed an embarrassment of riches during the early 1990s when they twice won the No. 1 overall draft pick. The first time around, in 1993, they selected Shaquille O'Neal, a strong, athletic center who assuredly would be an all-time great. In 1994, they selected power forward Chris Webber, but traded him to Golden State for guard and No. 3 overall pick Penny Hardaway, who had drawn comparisons to Magic Johnson. It took just two years for Shaq and Penny to reach the Finals. During that time, Shaq began feuding with Penny and coach Brian Hill, eventually ending in his 1996 offseason departure for Los Angeles, where he'd form a dynasty with Kobe Bryant, with whom he also feuded. Penny battled injuries during the rest of his career, preventing him from fulfilling his vast potential.

8. 1990s Montreal Expos

   The 1994 strike ruined baseball in Montreal forever. With local support dwindling, the team needed a memorable season to renew interest and secure funding for a new, more appealing stadium. The Expos were arguably the most talented team in baseball, sending five All Stars to the Midsummer Classic — Moises Alou, Marquis Grissom, Darrin Fletcher, Wil Cordero, and Ken Hill — and featuring future All Stars Larry Walker, John Wetteland, and Pedro Martinez. When the strike commenced on August 12, they had the best record in baseball, 74-40, and a six-game lead over the Braves. The team was on pace to draw 2 million fans, a benchmark they hadn’t reached in more than a decade. In the following seasons, players from the team dispersed, as ownership couldn't afford their salaries. A new stadium deal was never struck, and the Expos morphed into the Washington Nationals in 2005.

9. 1990s Seattle Mariners

   At one point during the 1990s, the Mariners had arguably the three best players in baseball — Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, and Randy Johnson. Their record-setting offense featured guys such as Tino Martinez, Jay Buhner, and Edgar Martinez, each of whom enjoyed career years in the Kingdome. Their proficiency in that area, though, was often neutralized by their pitching deficiencies. After Johnson, their rotation was substandard, and the bullpen was inconsistent. As a result, they won just two AL West titles and had no pennants or World Series titles to show for it. The trade of Randy Johnson to the Astros during the trade deadline in 1998 began the exodus of the big three. Surprisingly, the Mariners won 116 games, an AL record, without them in 2001, though postseason disappointment again followed.

10. 1990s and 2000s Atlanta Braves

    The Braves' incredible rise from worst to first from 1990 to 1991 came with the development of their young talent, launching a period of success matched by few teams in baseball history. From 1991 to 2005, they reeled off 14 consecutive division titles, winning three NL pennants in the process. Yet, few baseball fans can get over the fact the team took home just one World Series title. During most of those years, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz formed the most intimidating trio of starting pitchers in baseball, dominating during the steroid era. Steve Avery and Denny Neagle, also excellent pitchers, rounded out an almost flawless rotation. The lineup wasn't bad either, with MVP winner Chipper Jones and MVP caliber players David Justice, Fred McGriff, and Andres Galarraga driving in a bulk of the team's runs. Of course, the Twins, Blue Jays, and Yankees weren't exactly devoid of talent either.

The NFL season is long, grueling, and filled with unexpected twists and turns. Each team is tasked with warding off a bevy of obstacles as they attempt to achieve their goal of reaching the playoffs. Finishing the season strong requires collective toughness and a little luck, attributes that not every team possesses. The following teams were plagued with adversity, and their seasons were failures as a result.

1. 1977 Cleveland Browns — started 5-2, finished 6-8

   In 1976, the Browns completed a six-game turnaround under second-year head coach Forrest Gregg, overcoming a 1-3 start, but a loss to the Chiefs in the final week of the season cost them a playoff berth. They continued to play well during the first half of the 1977 season, boasting a 5-2 record and a one-game lead over the rival Steelers. After a low-scoring, unexciting loss to the Bengals in week eight, the Browns entered week nine prepared to reassert control of the division. Instead, quarterback Brian Sipe suffered a season-ending injury, the Browns lost, and they proceeded to win just one of their last five games. Coach Gregg lost his job before the season ended.

2. 1978 Washington Redskins — started 6-0, finished 8-8

   The Redskins fired head coach George Allen, who boasted a .691 winning percentage in seven seasons with the team, after the 1977 season because he failed to make the playoffs. It was a questionable move, but nobody was complaining when the Skins began the 1978 season 6-0 under new head coach Jack Pardee, who fully utilized the team's rushing attack led by John Riggins. But, when they went on to lose eight of their last 10 games, GM Bobby Beathard placed the blame on Allen, who had been critical of the team throughout the season. In the end, the old coach got the last laugh.

3. 1987 San Diego Chargers — started 8-1, finished 8-7

   It was the Chargers' first winning season since 1982 but the manner in which they accomplished their 8-7 record was awfully unsatisfying. Fans were thrilled after the first nine games of the strike-shortened season as the Dan Fouts- and Kellen Winslow-led team boasted an 8-1 record, a far cry from their dismal 4-12 season in 1986. Seven of those wins came by less than a touchdown, an indicator that they were just sliding by their opponents. Their luck ran out during the final six games, all but one of which they lost by double digits. Future Hall of Famers Fouts and Winslow called it quits after the season.

4. 1993 Miami Dolphins — started 9-2, finished 9-7

   A torn Achilles tendon suffered during week 5 sidelined Dan Marino for the season, seemingly ending the team's chances of reaching the Super Bowl. However, hope was kept alive by backup Scott Mitchell, who performed well in his first four starts before suffering his own injury. Veteran Steve DeBerg stepped in, winning his first two starts and helping the Dolphins to a 9-2 record. Then, the team lost its ability to win close games, dropping two in a row at home by less than a touchdown, which began a five-game collapse that caused them to miss the playoffs.

5. 1994 Philadelphia Eagles — started 7-2, finished 7-9

   With the then-recent firing of head coach Buddy Ryan, loss of Reggie White in free agency, and unfortunate death of Jerome Brown, the Eagles' identity as a defensive powerhouse had somewhat diminished. Even still, the presence of an intimidating group of linebackers, cornerback Eric Allen, and quarterback of Randall Cunningham made them playoff contenders. An impressive 7-2 start to the season, including a win over rival and defending Super Bowl champion Cowboys in Texas Stadium, had Eagles fans excited over a possible NFC East championship. In the middle of the season, head coach Rich Kotite announced he would explore job options following the season, as new owner Jeffrey Lurie made it apparent he wouldn't renew his contract. That disruption, along with inconsistencies on both sides of the ball, caused the Eagles to lose their final seven games of the season.

6. 1995 Oakland Raiders — started 8-2, finished 8-8

   Welcomed back to Oakland after spending 13 seasons in Los Angeles, the Raiders had little trouble regaining their fan following after winning eight of their first 10 games of the season. Needing only a win to clinch a playoff berth, they proceeded to lose their final six games of the season, four of which were at home. Injuries suffered by quarterback Jeff Hostetler, a Pro Bowler in 1994, were the primary reason for the collapse.

7. 1998 Pittsburgh Steelers — started 7-4, finished 7-9

   Entering their Thanksgiving Day matchup with the Lions, the Steelers were hoping to finish the season with an AFC Central title and their seventh consecutive playoff appearance. Although the Steelers were favored, the Lions played them to a 16-16 tie in regulation. The game's costliest error occurred during the coin toss, during which Steelers' captain Jerome Bettis changed his call from "heads" to "tails" while the coin was in midair. Referee Phil Luckett interpreted the call as "heads," and when the coin landed on tails, he declared the Lions had won the toss. The Lions proceeded to kick a game-winning field goal on their first possession, and the Steelers proceeded to lose five games in a row.

8. 2003 Minnesota Vikings — started 6-0, finished 9-7

   The 1978 Redskins and 2003 Vikings are the only two teams in NFL history to start 6-0 and still miss the playoffs. Unlike the Skins, though, the Vikings had a prolific passing attack, as Dante Culpepper and Randy Moss posted gaudy stats during the season. Of course, they couldn't make up for the team's other deficiencies, which was evident when the team lost seven of its last 10 games, four of which came to teams that finished the season 4-12. In the final game of the season against the Cardinals, one of those 4-12 teams, they were eliminated from the playoffs on the game's final play, in which the Cards' Josh McCown completed a game-winning touchdown pass to Nate Poole on 4th-and-28, capping off the come-from-behind victory.

9. 2007 Detroit Lions — started 6-2, finished 7-9

   Lions' fans were cautiously optimistic about their team's 6-2 start in 2011, and for good reason. Four years ago, the team tallied the same record through eight games, only to watch their playoff hopes wither away because of a putrid defense that finished the season ranked last in the league in points allowed. Twice the unit allowed 40 or more points — the second time occurred during the team's six-game skid. The offense, led by Jon Kitna and Roy Williams, was far from prolific, and failed to compensate for the weaknesses on the other side of the ball. Fortunately for the Lions, this year's team has much, much more talent.

10. 2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers — started 9-3, finished 9-7

    In a matter of a month, the Bucs went from the upper tier of the NFC to missing the playoffs, and it was, for the most part, due to the collapse of the defense. At the very beginning of December, longtime defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin announced his plan to leave the team after the season to join his son's coaching staff at the University of Tennessee. After the he delivered the news, his unit gave up 38, 34, and 31 points in three of its last four games. The team's four-game losing streak resulted in the firing of head coach John Gruden and GM Bruce Allen, both of whom were given contract extensions before the season.