America’s Top 10 Favorite Beers

According to the recently released 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend Rankings, there is a new batch of brews with stronger brand equity, customer connections and buzz.

24/7 Wall St. examined the report, identifying the 10 beers with the strongest brands.

We included dollar sales, change in dollar sales from one year ago and case sales. We also included the average price per case over the latest 52-week period in the United

States provided by SymphonyIRI Group, a Chicago-based market research firm. The group looked at sales at supermarkets, drugstores, gas/convenience stores and mass market retailers, but excluding Walmart, club stores and liquor stores.

The beer brands with the greatest strength are largely more expensive brews. Nine of the 10 are among the most expensive beers out of the country’s 20 best-selling beers. American consumers also are spending more on these beers. Dollar sales of every beer on the list has increased from one year prior.

The beers with the most powerful brands are just as varied as beer drinkers’ tastes. They differ greatly in style and originate from five different countries. They also have a range of founding dates, extending from 1759 to 1995. This illustrates that an established brand does not necessarily mean a strong brand.

#10: Corona Extra

 

• Dollar sales: $995,750,100


• Change in dollar sales from a year ago: +8.81%


• Case sales: 33,653,220


• Avg. price per case: $29.59

Corona has been Mexico’s best-selling beer since 1935. It was not until 1979 that the beer was imported to the U.S. Corona sells for a higher average price per case than many domestic beers, at $29.59, yet it is still very popular among American consumers. In the 52 weeks ended April 15, 2012, Corona Extra was among the best-selling beers by quantity, and it ranked even higher for dollar sales. According to Grupo Modelo, Corona is “undoubtedly” the best-selling Mexican beer in the world.Via: investorplace.com

#9: HeinekenDollar sales: $592,768,800

• Change in dollar sales from a year ago: +4.86%


• Case sales: 19,681,860


• Avg. price per case: $30.12

Heineken has been brewed in Amsterdam since 1873. It was introduced in the United States in 1933, after Prohibition was lifted. Today, the beer is one of the country’s most popular, and its brand is one of the strongest. Heineken is one of the more expensive brands in the U.S., selling for an average of more than $30 per case. This price has helped the company make almost $600 million in the 52 weeks ending April 15. Via: investorplace.com

#8: Beck’s

 

• Dollar sales: $73,672,420


• Change in dollar sales from a year ago: +2.67%


• Case sales: 2,656,154


• Avg. price per case: $27.74

Beck’s sales are significantly lower than fellow European brew Heineken’s. Beck’s dollar sales were about one-eighth that of Heineken in the 52 weeks ending April 15. Its case sales were slightly more than one-eighth the number of cases Heineken sold over that same period. Despite these relatively low sales, the Beck’s brand is stronger than Heineken’s in the eyes of Americans. Via: investorplace.com

#7: Modelo Especial

 

• Dollar sales: $355,914,800


• Change in dollar sales from a year ago: +22.63%


• Case sales: 13,948,820


• Avg. price per case: $25.52

Modelo Especial was not available in the U.S. until 1990, more than 20 years after the introduction of fellow Mexican beer Corona. No doubt, Corona Extra’s sales of $1 billion in the 52 weeks ending April 15 are much higher than Modelo Especial’s $356 million, but Modelo is quickly growing in popularity. Already it has a stronger brand, and compared to one year ago, sales have increased more than 22% — among the largest increases for any brand.Via: investorplace.com

#6: Samuel Adams Lager

 

• Dollar sales: $240,251,900


• Change in dollar sales from a year ago: +6.02%


• Case sales: 7,710,278


• Avg. price per case: $31.16

Boston Beer Company (NYSE:SAM), the maker of Samuel Adams, is tied with Yuengling as the largest American-owned brewer, ranked by barrels shipped in 2011. The company is considered an American craft brewer — defined as relatively small, independent and traditional — by the Brewers Association. Samuel Adams Lager is fairly expensive, with an average price tag of more than $31 per case. Compared to other popular beers, Samuel Adams ranks significantly higher in dollar sales compared to case sales. Via: investorplace.com

#5: Guinness Stout

 

• Dollar sales: $93,183,030


• Change in dollar sales from a year ago: +16.46%


• Case sales: 2,617,600


• Avg. price per case: $35.60

Guinness, which started in 1759 in Dublin, is the oldest brewer on this list. Yet it is still gaining popularity in the U.S. Over the past year, the beer’s maker, Diageo (NYSE:DEO), sold 2.6 million cases of Guinness Stout in the country, an increase of more than 16% from the year prior. The beer is also the most expensive among popular brands, costing an average $35.60 per case. Via: investorplace.com

#4: Newcastle Brown Ale

 

• Dollar sales: $84,891,020


• Change in dollar sales from a year ago: +6.48%


• Case sales: 2,673,008


• Avg. price per case: $31.76

Newcastle Brown Ale, which is brewed by Heineken, has rather low sales in the U.S. compared to other popular brands. Yet, it is experiencing significant growth. Newcastle sold 2.67 million cases in the U.S. in the 52 weeks ended April 15, an increase of approximately 7% from the year before. Newcastle is also one of the most expensive popular beer brands, costing an average of $31.76 per case.Via: investorplace.com

#3: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

 

• Dollar sales: $146,656,300


• Change in dollar sales from a year ago: +15.71%


• Case sales: 4,513,378


• Avg. price per case: $32.36

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., based in California, has only been around since 1979. The company’s most popular beer — Sierra Nevada Pale Ale — already has among the strongest brands in the U.S. Dollar sales for the beer increased nearly 16% in the 52 weeks ended April 15, compared to the year before. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is also the second-most expensive brew among popular brands, costing $32.36 per case. Via: investorplace.com

#2: Blue Moon

• Dollar sales: $225,747,800


• Change in dollar sales from a year ago: +26.46%


• Case sales: 7,370,705


• Avg. price per case: $30.63

Launched in 1995, Blue Moon is the youngest brand on this list. Dollar sales of the beer, which is produced by MillerCoors, had the second-largest increase in the 52 weeks ended April 15, compared to the prior year, increasing by approximately 26.5%. Blue Moon is also one of the more expensive popular beers, with each case costing an average of $30.63.Via: investorplace.com

#1: Yuengling Traditional Lager

• Dollar sales: $206,266,200


• Change in dollar sales from a year ago: +36.55%


• Case sales: 9,465,673


• Avg. price per case: $21.79

Yuengling is America’s oldest brewing company in the U.S., having been founded in 1829. It also has the strongest brand. This brand’s strength appears to be helping sales immensely. Yuengling is tied with the Boston Beer Company for being the largest American-owned brewer by measure of barrels shipped in 2011. On top of this, the company is becoming even more popular still. For the 52 weeks that ended April 15, 2012, Yuengling had the largest increase in dollar sales in the U.S. from the year before, growing by more than 36%. Yuengling, however, is significantly less expensive than the other brands on this list.

Via: investorplace.com

America’s Top 10 Favorite Beers

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Top 10 Gangster Movies

There are so many great gangster films out there that you surely must have watched some in your life, infact gangster genre is one of the most popular in modern movies and the highest rated movie of all time belongs to this genre. Today we present a list of the top 10 gangster movies of all time.

#10. Reservoir Dogs

Director: Quentin Tarantino
Year: 1992

If a top ten list starts off with Reservoir Dogs, you can only imagine how awesome other movies in the list are. Anyway, this movie is about six criminals, strangers to each other, hired by a crime boss Joe Cabot to carry out a diamond robbery. There bulletproof plan somehow is derailed when police show up right at the time and the site of the robbery. One of the criminal dies along with a few policemen and civilians. Now, after all the mess, when they all rendezvous at a predetermined meeting point they begin to suspect that one of them is an undercover cop. Via: realitypod.com

#9. Carlito’s Way

Director: Brian De Palma
Year: 1993

In this movie a Puerto Rican ex-con pledges to stay away from his former drug dealing ways but finds his past hard to let go of and is dragged back by the naive machinations of his lawyer and best friend. Hoping to raise enough money to get away from New York, Carlito Brigante takes on the job of running a nightclub, renews an affair with a dancer but old associates and old instincts suck him back into a world of violence and mistrust. Via: realitypod.com

#8. Scarface

Director: Brian De Palma
Year: 1983

This is a remake of the 1932 classic. This movie follows a Cuban refugee, Tony Montana and his close friend Manny Ray, together who build a strong drug empire in Miami. Montana must deal with the hardships of this type of business and his powers grow, so does his ego and his paranoia. Via: realitypod.com

#7. Once Upon a Time in America

Director: Sergio Leone
Year: 1984

This is a tale of the lives of a small group of New York City Jewish gangsters spanning over 40 years. Told mostly in flashbacks and flash-forwards, the movie centers on small-time hood David ‘Noodles’ Aaronson and his lifelong partners in crime; Max, Cockeye and Patsy and their friends from growing up in the rough Jewish neighborhood of New York’s Lower East Side in the 1920s, to the last years of Prohibition in the early 1930s, and then to the late 1960s where an elderly Noodles returns to New York after many years in hiding to look into the past. Via: realitypod.com

#6. Rififi

 

Director: Jules Dassin
Year: 1955

The oldest movie in our list tells the story of Tony le Stéphanois who meets his dearest friends Jo and the Italian Mario Ferrati and they invite Tony to steal a couple of jewels from the show-window of the famous jewelry Mappin & Webb Ltd, but he declines. Tony finds his former girlfriend Mado, who became the lover of the gangster owner of the night-club L’ Âge d’ Or Louis Grutter, and he humiliates her, beating on her back and taking her jewels. Then he calls Jo and Mario and proposes a burglary of the safe of the jewelry. They invite the Italian specialist in safes and elegant wolf Cesar to join their team and they plot a perfect heist. They are successful in their plan, but the D. Juan Cesar makes things go wrong when he gives a valuable ring to his mistress. Via: realitypod.com

 

#5. Pulp Fiction

Director: Quentin Tarantino
Year: 1994

Jules Winnfield and Vincent Vega are two hitmen who are out to retrieve a suitcase stolen from their employer, mob boss Marsellus Wallace. Wallace has also asked Vincent to take his wife Mia out a few days later when Wallace himself will be out of town. Butch Coolidge is an aging boxer who is paid by Wallace to lose his next fight. The lives of these seemingly unrelated people are woven together comprising of a series of funny, bizarre and uncalled-for incidents. Via: realitypod.com

#4. Mou gaan dou

Directors: Wai-keung Lau, Alan Mak
Year: 2002

Chan Wing Yan, a young police officer, has been sent undercover as a mole in the local mafia. Lau Kin Ming, a young mafia member, infiltrates the police force. Years later, their older counterparts, Chen Wing Yan and Inspector Lau Kin Ming, respectively, race against time to expose the mole within their midst. Via: realitypod.com

#3. Cidade de Deus

Directors: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund
Year: 2002

City of God is based on a true story that takes place in the 60′s where in the slums of Rio de Janeiro two boys growing up in the neighborhood take on different paths in life. The story is told through eyes of Buscape, a poor young fisherman’s son who dreams of becoming a photographer one day. His story narrates the violence and corruption surrounding the city and the rise and fall of one of the city’s most notorious boss; Li’l Ze. As war wages on the streets, Buscape’s only way out of this violent life is to expose its brutality to the world through his pictures. Along the way the lives of others are put into perspective as their stories intersect with the events that take place. Via: realitypod.com

#2. Goodfellas

Director: Martin Scorsese
Year: 1990

Henry Hill is a small time gangster, who takes part in a robbery with Jimmy Conway and Tommy De Vito, two other gangsters who have set their sights a bit higher. His two partners kill off everyone else involved in the robbery, and slowly start to climb up through the hierarchy of the Mob. Henry, however, is badly affected by his partners’ success, but will he stoop low enough to bring about the downfall of Jimmy and Tommy? Via: realitypod.com

#1. The Godfather

Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Year: 1972

How could a movie be this epic and flawless? No one knows, the Godfather has a score of 100/100 on Metacritic and 9.2 at IMDB.

The story begins as “Don” Vito Corleone, the head of a New York Mafia “family”, oversees his daughter’s wedding. His beloved son Michael has just come home from the war, but does not intend to become part of his father’s business. Through Michael’s life the nature of the family business becomes clear. The business of the family is just like the head of the family, kind and benevolent to those who give respect, but given to ruthless violence whenever anything stands against the good of the family. Don Vito lives his life in the way of the old country, but times are changing and some don’t want to follow the old ways and look out for community and “family”. An up and coming rival of the Corleone family wants to start selling drugs in New York, and needs the Don’s influence to further his plan. The clash of the Don’s fading old world values and the new ways will demand a terrible price… Via: realitypod.com

Top 10 Gangster Movies

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Money and Spending Facts

#15 The flu

The flu virus can survive outside the body for an average of 48 hours, but it can live on a dollar bill for over 10 days. You probably thought that the phrase ‘dirty money’ was just talking about shady morality, didn’t you? Via: likes.com

#14 iPhone 5

Factoring in monthly service and data costs, the iPhone 5 is likely to run consumers between $1,000 and $2,500. And you wondered why it seemed like such a steal at $199! Via: likes.com

#13 Oil company economies

In 2011, Exxon Mobil and Chevron had larger economies than Austria and Portugal, respectively. It really should be no secret why- have you BOUGHT gas any time in the last two years? Via: likes.com

#12 Tax on illegal substances

In 2005, Tennessee began requiring drug dealers to anonymously pay income tax on any illegal substances sold. It was called the “crack tax.” You know a state is hungry for money when they’re relying on the honesty of drug dealers. Via: likes.com

#11 Student loans

In 2012, the total amount of outstanding student loan debt hit the $1 trillion mark for the first time in U.S. history. The average student takes $20k for an undergraduate degree, and an additional $17k for a Masters. Via: likes.com

#10 Bucks

Before paper money, Americans traded animal skins, commonly deer and elk bucks, for goods. Hence the term “buck” to refer to a dollar. Oh history, you always come through for us! Via: likes.com

#9 Allowance

The average allowance an American child now receives is about $780 per year, or $65 per month. Is this not way more than what we got as kids, or was our family just poor? Via: likes.com

#8 “Paper” money

All paper currency is made from a mix of about 25% cotton and 75% linen. It is thus closer to bring cloth than paper. Tree l0vers, this means there’s one less reason to be upset with the American government now! Only a couple thousand to go. Via: likes.com

#7 Lottery

A person who drives 10 miles to buy a lottery ticket is 3 times more likely to die on the way than he is to win the jackpot. Now think of all of the times you’ve driven without dylng. Yeah, your chances with that Powerball aren’t good. Via: likes.com

#6 90%….

90% of all U.S bills carry traces of c0caine on them. Before you start to call us morally bankrupt as a nation or whatever, it might comfort you to know that the percentage is even higher in the U.K. We win again, Redcoats! Via: likes.com

#5 Two dollars a day

More than 2 million Americans live on less than $2 a day. This stat becomes all the more revolting when you hear it while a rerun of “Keeping up with the Kardashians” is playing in the background. Via: likes.com

#4 Counterfeit

The world’s largest counterfeiter of U.S currency is the nation of North Korea. Looks like Kim Jong-Un needs a couple extra bucks for his annual food budget. Get it? It’s funny because he’s fat. Via: likes.com

#3 Pennies

It costs 2.41 cents to make a single penny. Let’s face it, we don’t use pennies that much at this point anyway, so is it really that big of a wonder why the government wants to phase it out so badly? Via: likes.com

#2 Interest in America

The average American will now pay more than $600,000 in interest over the course of a lifetime. Just remember to keep that figure in your head whenever you try to pay for something you can’t actually afford yet! Via: likes.com

#1 Retirement plans

Only 14 percent of American workers say that they are “very confident” that they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement. Moreover, the same 2012 survey that collected that data found that 56% of workers haven’t even calculated how much money they will need to retire. Via: likes.com

Money and Spending Facts

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12 of the weirdest and most useless laws in America!

#12 No margarine

In the state of Wisconsin, it’s illegal to serve butter substitutes in state prisons. It’s actually healthier to have butter anyway, so our guess is the state legislators are watching out for their inmates?

#11 DUI down

If you desperately must have personalized license plates, then don’t get slapped with a DUI in New Jersey… or just don’t drink and drive OR live in the state of New Jersey. The law there states that once you have been convicted of drunk driving, you may never again have personalized plates!

#10 Take down the trimmings

Unfortunately, Maine as a state does not tolerate Christmas lights and wreaths past January 14th. It is illegal in Maine to have your Christmas decorations up past that date!

#9 Bingo time

In North Carolina, grandma isn’t allowed to play bingo for more than five hours. No marathon in this state!

#8 Watch out!

We’re not sure what kind of murderer would have the foresight to wear a bulletproof vest while committing his or her crime, but in the state of New Jersey, it’s actually illegal to wear one when committing murder!

#7 Party of…

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Maybe that’s because you’re not allowed to buy drinks for more than three people at a time. Yes, it’s true — that’s an actual Nevada law!

#6 Three little bears

In Alaska, hunting is a regular thing. Shooting bears is a regular thing. And it’s totally ok for you to wake a bear up by shooting it (if you sorta miss). However, it’s illegal in Alaska to wake a sleeping bear merely to take a picture of or with it!

#5 No German fare

Beer and pretzels… that sure sounds like our kind of sports bar game night appetizer! Too bad we’ll never visit North Dakota for this reason. It’s illegal there for a restaurant to serve both pretzels and beer at the same time!

#4 Arcade age

Do you think there’s too much violence in video games for kids under the age of 18? Are you concerned that arcades are a bad influence? Well, there’s a place for you — South Carolina deems it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to play a pinball machine.

#3 No bear hug

In the state of Missouri, it is illegal to drive with an uncaged bear. We’re assuming that this means it’s ok to transport bears from zoo to zoo as long as they’re in cages, but there’s no random cab hopping for your friendly backyard guest!

#2 Heavy hearts

In the state of Idaho, it’s illegal for a man to give his love a box of candy weighing more than 50 pounds. So we guess there’s no chance our lover in Idaho’s gonna be sending us that fantasy jumbo Toblerone gift basket.

#1 Drunk fish

In the state of Ohio, it’s illegal to get a fish drunk. We’re not sure why you would want to in the first place, but there it is!

12 of the weirdest and most useless laws in America!

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Top 10 Most Amazing and Unusual Hotels

Our readers were asked to choose the best and most unusual hotels out of 101 amazing hotels. Some of them might not offer 5-star comfort but they truly are the world’s most amazing and most unusual hotels!

Without further ado, here are our Top 10 Most Amazing and Unusual Hotels:

10.- Hotel Silken Puerta America Madrid – Spain

A futuristic hotel in the Spanish capital which has been designed by world-renowned architects and artists. Don’t worry, this is one of those amazing luxury hotels which offers 5-star comfort and style for no extra rates. At the Silken Puerta America, no room is the same! Visit the hotel’s website: http://www.hoteles-silken.com/hotel-puerta-america-madrid/en. Book the hotel here. To view more photos and read more info on this stunning hotel, click here.

8th Floor designed by Katrhyn Findlay

Designed by Richard Gluckman

Zaha Hadid’s rooms are amongst the most popular

Warm Colors and Amazing View. Designed by Jean Nouvel Via: hotel.info

9.- Blow Up Hall 5050 – Poland

The Blow Up Hall 5050 is another European hotel which sets a futuristic tone. Located in Poznan, Poland, the hotel does not only boast beautifully designed rooms but also makes use of 21st-century technology. Guests are handed an iPhone when they check in to open their rooms’ doors. Book this luxury hotel here.

Geometrical Furniture

Comfort and Design

The hotel’s bar

Hotel View Via: hotel.info

8.- Kolarbyn Eco Lodge – Sweden

Back to basics. And no better place than Sweden. Kolarbyn Eco Lodge tries to minimize the environmental impact by becoming part of nature. Beautiful cabins and huts are equipped with simple but comfortable furniture and appliances. Not sure you’ll get wi-fi here… Visit the hotel’s website: Click here

The woods

Candlelight Dinner

Not as cold as it seems

Cozy Bedroom Via: hotel.info

7.- Thorngrove Manor – Australia

From futuristic to natural to royal. Thorngrove Manor is a beautiful property in Adelaide Hills, Australia. Its beautiful decor and impressive facade attract guests from all over the world. Visit the hotel’s website: http://thorngrove.com.au/. Book here: Thorngrove Manor.

Fairy Tale Entrance to Hotel

Fit for the Royalty

A Home Away from Home

Romantic Australia Via: hotel.info

6.- The Boot Hotel – New Zealand

It starts getting unusual from here on. Sleep inside a boot in New Zealand. Your experience will be enhanced by the beautiful green surroundings and countryside lifestyle. Visit the hotel’s website: http://www.theboot.co.nz/

The boot Hotel’s Facade

Boot Breakfast

Get away from the hustle and bustle

Comfort inside the Boot Via: hotel.info

5.- Dog Bark Park Inn – USA

Cottonwood, Idaho. Whereas many might not have heard about Cottonwood, their most famous Beagle has been featured on news shows, magazines and blogs all over the world. The famous B&B takes the “pet-friendly hotel” term to a new level. Visit the hotel’s website: http://www.dogbarkparkinn.com/

Spend a night inside the world’s biggest beagle

A pet friendly B&B

Get your souvenirs from the hotel’s store

Beautiful green areas surround Cottonwood’s most famous Beagle Via: hotel.info

4.- Museumotel – France

The museumotel in France is a truly unique piece of art. Designed by Pascal Haüserman in the 1960′s as the summer annex of a bigger hotel, the place was converted into the museumotel in 2006 and has since enjoyed the popularity and success it always deserved. Its interiors have a pop-art atmosphere and each bubble has a different theme. All images provided by Museumotel. © SARL Museumotel – SCI Modules. Visit the hotel’s website: http://museumotel.com/

Truly unusual

Funky Interiors

A romantic getaway

Colourful bubbles Via: hotel.info

3.- Hotel de Glace – Canada

To begin our top 3 is the Hotel de Glace in Quebec City, Canada. The beautiful and unusual property is one of the few actual ice hotels and the only one of its kind in North America. Work has been under way for the upcoming season since June, when the hotel last melted and made its way into the St. Lawrence river. The upcoming season opens on January 6th. Visit the hotel’s website: http://www.hoteldeglace-canada.com/. Book here: Ice Hotel.

Impressive Igloo-like Facades at the Ice Hotel

Cozy and Warm Interiors

Indoor Hall

Beautifully decorated rooms Via: hotel.info

2.- Anantara Golden Triangle – Thailand

Some hotels captivated our readers’ sense of curiosity thanks to their unusual architecture but some of the less unusual earned their votes thanks to their beauty and magnificence. The Anantara Golden Triangle is the best example of this. Being located in the beautiful Golden Triangle should be enough to make it stand out but coupled with amazing structures and unique experiences, the Anantara Resort provides the perfect balance between uniqueness and luxury. Book here: Anantara Golden Triangle

Another pet-friendly hotel

The Impressive Hotel Lobby

Romantic dinner anyone?

Beautiful interiors at the Anantara Golden Triangle Via: hotel.info

1.- Karosta Prison – Latvia

*Drumrolls* And the world’s most amazing and unusual hotel of 2011 is… the Karosta Prison. This former KGB prison has been previously described as hell on Earth. Nobody knows exactly what went down behind the walls of the former Soviet penitentiary but the cast of the US Television Show “Ghosthunters International” called it the site with the most paranormal activity in the world. Sound scary? It sure does to us! Some people have gathered the courage to spend the night in the prison and most have interesting stories to tell. Would you be brave enough to give it a try? Visit the hotel’s website: http://www.karostascietums.lv/new/en/intro-en.html

 

Waiting for you with arms wide open

Check-in

No en-suite facilities but, hey…

Karosta Prison has been described as Hell on Earth

 

From haunted prisons to romantic and luxurious getaways, this list not only provides the most unique, unusual and amazing hotels in the world but also some of the best. If you were to stay in each of these hotels, you’d be able to experience everything: from being treated as a prisoner to being treated as royalty.

For more amazing hotels near your favorite destinations visit hotel.info.

Via: hotel.info

All images kindly provided by their owners.

Top 10 Most Amazing and Unusual Hotels

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