Top 10 Richest Politicians in 2012

The political world maybe complex and cannot be understood by common people who follows and casts their votes for them to be appointed in the country that they are serving. There might be different types of government that directs people, but the goal still lies on serving and making the lives of their fellow citizens improve for the better. Here are the richest politicians in 2012. Although Muammar Gadaffi appeared to be the richest political leader in 2012 with his net worth of $200 billion, but majority of the people in some areas of the world opposes to that rank. It is all because they considered it as ill-gotten wealth that he robbed from his people where it did not come from his own industry. Hence, this list of political leaders is based on the description that can be found through election, appointment, conquest, and right of inheritance (royal lineage).

10. H. Vasanthakumar

He is a known businessman in India but he has been politically involved in 2006 when he became an MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) wherein he defeated S.P. Sooryakumar, which is a member of the established political system in the country. Hence, he owns the popular Vasath & Co. that sells home appliances and electronics found in Tamil Nadu in India. His estimated net worth is $2 billion that moved other known leaders in royal heritage to the next 20 to 30 richest politicians.

9. Donald Trump

Although he has expressed a lot of times via television and other media sources that he wanted to run for a specific political position since the 2000 election but he never did. In fact, speculations came in circulation that he would also run for the presidential position in 2006, especially when he openly criticized President George Bush in 2007. Nonetheless, he has been an active supporter and promoter of various candidates and parties where he said last 2010 that he would run for presidency in 2012. He has a growing net worth of $2.7 billion that comes from inheritance, real estate, and others.

8. Najib Mikati

He is a billionaire politician in Lebanon and he is currently holding a Prime Minister position. He has a current net worth of $2.8 billion that comes from his political position, telecoms, and his business. It is his second prime ministership because he has also served on that said post in April 2005 up to July 2005.

7. Cayetana Fitz – James Stuart

She is a duchess of Spain, where her finances comes from the property that she owns. She has an estimated total net worth of $4.9 billion. She has been married thrice and her status came from theroyal lineage that runs in her blood since her grandmother was the late Queen Victoria Eugenia.

6. Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

He is also known as Sheikh Khalifa who serves as an emir of Abu Dhabi and the President of the United Arab Emirates. He has replaced his father on this position after his demise. His net worth is $15 billion that comes from real estate, oil business, and inheritance.

5. King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

He became the King of Saudi Arabia after he succeeded his half-brother from this position on August 01, 2005. He is known for his economic plans when he managed to boost up the oil production amidst the global recession that happened in the previous years wherein it achieved 4% growth yearly. He has a total net worth of $18 billion and it increases gradually.

4. Michael Bloomberg

As of date, he is the richest politician in the United States because of his total net worth of $19.5 billion that made him the 12^th richest man in the US. He is currently serving as a mayor in New York City and he had been politically involved since 2001. He is the owner and founder of Bloomberg L.P.

3. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

The third spot was intended for the 29^th Sultan of Brunei. He has been leading the state for 44 years. His wealth comes from the Gas Industry and Oil business, which helped him achieve his current net worth of $20 billion.

2. King Bhumibol Adulyadej

The silent yet strong King of Thailand has the second spot because of his total net worth of $10 billion that comes from various investments placed, inheritances, and real estate. In fact, he is known to be the richest king in the world and has been on the throne for 67 years, making him the longest reigning monarch in history. He is also known as Rama IX and he began reigning as king on June 9, 1946.

1. Vladimir Putin

He belongs to one of the strongest countries in the world, Russia, where he serves as its Prime Minister and he has served various political positions as mandated by their constitution. His total net worth is $40 billion that comes from his various investments and his political career.

The 4 Habits of People Who Have Lost Weight— And Kept It Off

Losing weight is one thing, but keeping it off is the true challenge. That's why researchers from Brown Medical School and the University of Colorado started a database called the National Weight ControlRegistry, which tracks more than 5,000 people who have lost an average of 66 lbs and kept it off for more than five years— without gastric bypass surgery. Through communicating with this group of successful weight-loss losers, they've identified four things people who keep the weight off have in common:

Eating breakfast: Seventy eight percent fit it in daily. Other research has shown that people who regularly skip breakfast are statistically 4.5 times more likely to be overweight, and people who eat breakfasttend to eat fewer calories all day. And it just makes sense with how our bodies work: We tend to be more active during the day and meals and snack are meant to fuel the hours after the meal. In other words, when you eat the bulk of your food in the evening when your activity level is low, you don't need all that fuel, and you can't retroactively burn it, which means the surplus gets sent straight to your fat cells. Myfavorite breakfast lately? I mince a fresh apple or pear (skin on), place it in a bowl and top with a dash of apple pie spice, a quarter cup of toasted rolled oats and 2 tablespoons of sliced almonds. It's delicious with my soy latte, which I spruce up with a pinch of ground vanilla bean. 

Weighing in: Seventy five percent of this group weigh themselves at least once a week. Some research shows that daily weighing can be beneficial for long-termweight control, but it's important to know that it's normal for your body weight to fluctuate from day to day or hour to hour. For example, if you have a meal that'ssaltier than usual, you'll retain more water, which can cause your weight to creep up until your body can flush out the excess sodium and fluid (16 ounces of water weighs one pound). But weekly weigh-ins can give you a sense of your body's usual pattern, and that's important because if you see a change from what's typical, you can make the connection about what's happening and address it right away. You may realize you're eating out more often, or not paying as much attention to portionsizes. That kind of detection system may be an important key to keeping the weight off. If you don't like weighing yourself because you get too caught up in the numbers, choose a pair of pants or jeans to serve as your "measuring stick." If they start to feel too tight, take a closer look at your habits.   

Turning off the TV: Sixty two percent watch less than 10 hours of TV per week. This is a big one. We tend to burn fewer calories while watching TV than we do reading or even sleeping. I call it the "TV trance." And of course there are numerous ads for food, which is probably why studies show that people eat between 30 and 70 percent more while watching TV. I have friends who don't own TVs, but to me certain shows serve as stress relievers that make me laugh, or feel like a mini-escape from deadlines and bills. But I do watch far less than 10 hours a week, and I try to do something active while I'm enjoying The Walking Dead or Psych, even if it's just folding laundry or ironing.

Exercise: Ninety percent of this group exercises on average about one hour per day. That sounds like a lot, especially because according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 60 percent of American adults are not regularly active, and 25 percent aren't active at all. But that 60 minutes doesn't have to be all at once. It can be 15 minutes before work, 15 minutes carved out of your lunch break, and 30 minutes in the evening after dinner. And it doesn't have to involve going to the gym. It can be walking (my preference), riding a bike, or even dancing.

Have you ever lost weight but gained it all (or even more) back again? If so, did you struggle with any of the habits above? Or have you lose weight and kept it off? Please share your thoughts here or tweet them to @cynthiasass and@Shape_Magazine!

Cynthia Sass is a registered dietitian with master's degrees in both nutrition science and public health. Frequently seen on national TV, she's a SHAPE contributing editor and nutrition consultant to the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays. Her latest New York Times best seller is Cinch! Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds and Lose Inches

Top 10 Must Watch Documentaries

There are certain shows that blur the line of movies and TV series that provides fascinating stories, amazing insights, mesmerizing shots, and fresh approach that are usually apart what is seen in common point of view. Documentaries are either short movies or feature length shows that lets you see worlds that are beyond the usual limits of reality. Whether these kinds of documentaries are theological, archaeological, sociological, psychological, physical, emotional, or unreal, your only expression of these titles is awe and astonishment. Check the 10 must watch documentaries that are worth your time and 10 cents.

10. Born Into Brothels: Calcutta’s Red Light Kids

Photojournalists Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman took a journey in Calcutta’s Red Light District, where they met children, in which they gave special attention to. The kids have been trained to photography where they have captured different pictures while living in brothels. Photos have created their own stories.

9. ReGeneration

It’s not a show about genetics or medical nanotechnology, but this is more particular with age groups that belong to Generation X and Generation Y. You will see predicaments that affect the youth and young adults in becoming apathetic to various issues that affect the world they live in.

8. Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills

See how the events unfold for the West Memphis Three, namely Jessie Misskelley, Jason Baldwin, and Damien Echols after they have been accused of murder and mutilation to other three boys, whose bodies have been found in Robin Hood Hills.

7. Encounters at the End of the World

This documentary from Werner Herzog is not about Armageddon or Apocalypse, but about his journey to Antarctica. He shoots animal life in this deserted Tundra, knowing that it may be gone very soon.

6. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about His Father

How will you tell a son about his father who had been killed before he was even born? This is the question being answered in this documentary where different people have been asked about the identity of the dad, all being covered in a tape, acting as a letter to the son.

5. Soundtrack for a Revolution

Experiencing discrimination and bigotry was never worse in the United States, especially when the “Whites” and the “Blacks” have been separating each other due to sub-standards. You can even see an old footage where a young black man has been beaten by white men, while playing music like “I’m Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table,” “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize,” and “We Shall Overcome,” which stirs your soul for revolution.

4. The Union: The Business behind Getting High

Even though drug selling and using is prohibited by law, it can be very strange how the industry of selling and growing marijuana keeps on growing like a plant with an evil root. The documentary takes you to a walk in the drug black market and seeing all the people involved in this wicked business.

3. The Fourth Revolution: Energy Autonomy

If you are having a hard time imagining what the world could be with nothing but the utilization of renewable energy, then watching this documentary can convince you that using the sun, the wind, and the waters are more than enough to sustain modern day living, away from pollution and planet degradation.

2. Man on Wire

Philippe Petit has performed a feat that is less than a circus act but it is more daring than magic shows by David Copperfield. He is a French wire walker, a juggler, and a performer that walked from one end of the World Trade Center to the other. Just imagine 45 minutes of staying in the air, 417 meters from the ground, walking, juggling, kneeling, and even lying on the wire, with nothing underneath!

1. Cave of Forgotten Dreams

See director Werner Herzog and a team of researchers get into a cave that has been discovered in 1994. What’s amazing about the Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc in France? This is a place where ancient drawings are protected, preserved, and secured. The location is so sensitive that minimal heat should be inside, as it may decay and erase prehistoric masterpieces.