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5 Abandoned Olympic Venues Perfect For Olympic Explorers

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Urban exploration and abandoned buildings go hand in hand, and there are no better-abandoned places quite like sporting venues. While places like the United States tend to demolish or repurpose sporting venues, many other countries leave their venues to be taken back by nature. This is especially true for the Olympics, which have a lot of niche sports in countries that don’t excel in them.

For every Los Angeles, California there’s an Athens, Greece that doesn’t take full advantage of the venues that were built. If you’re an urban explorer and want to see some great abandoned Olympic venues, check out these five cities around the world.

1. Sarajevo, Bosnia

The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina was awarded the 1984 Winter Olympics, and at the time, put on a masterclass on how to hold an event. Things went great for the Olympics, but the venues wouldn’t hold up for very long. That’s because the Bosnian War broke out less than a decade later, lasting for over three years.

The country became torn by the war, and the venues that were still standing from the Olympics were mostly destroyed, while others were left standing and simply abandoned. The ski jump area serves as a monument to what was once a great moment in time for Bosnia while the bobsled track has been graffitied multiple times over.

2. Athens, Greece

The 2004 Summer Olympics were a big deal for the games as they returned to Athens, Greece, the home of the Olympiad. To get the city ready for the Olympics, Athens built several new venues and went into tremendous debt so that everything was sparkling and brand new. While some of the venues are still being used, there were many that were left abandoned.

Some of the areas that have been completely abandoned include the softball stadium, field hockey center, and canoe/kayak venue where it’s hard to tell what events even took place there. The economic situation in Greece following the Olympics caused many of these venues to fall into shambles.

3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro became a surprise choice for the 2016 Summer Olympics and the country of Brazil quickly had to construct several new venues that included a 16,000 seat basketball arena and even a golf course. Many temporary venues were also erected, but many were left to the elements just a few months after the Olympic closing ceremonies.

The Olympic Aquatics Stadium looked like it had been abandoned for years by the time 2017 came around with the lights turned out and the pool drained. The beach volleyball stadium became overgrown with seats quickly collapsing. Brazil also hosted the World Cup for soccer around the same time and had similar problems with maintaining venues.

4. Beijing, China

China had a huge coming out party to the world when the country was chosen to host the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The city was awarded the games in 2001, giving them plenty of time to build new venues. It cost almost $2 billion for China to construct the venues, some of which are still in use.

Beijing, which also hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics, left many of its summer venues behind, especially the beach volleyball stadium. While the interior seats are still fine, the field is overgrown and the exterior is covered in layers of grime. Some of the venues have been totally reclaimed by nature after being blocked off to the public and never reopened.

5. Berlin, Germany

In 1936, Germany hosted the Summer Olympics in what then-leader Adolf Hitler considered to be a showcase of Nazism. The venues for the most part were at least partially destroyed as World War II followed shortly after the Olympics, especially the Olympic Village. 

The standing venues have been mostly abandoned and serve as a harsh reminder for the German people. Venues like the swimming center and Village are worn down while Olympiastadion is still standing and frequently used after undergoing several renovations.

5 Best Mountain Biking Trails in the World

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One of the best physical activities that you can do with your free time, mountain biking is also one of the most accessible due to the abundance of trails around the world. Some trails offer the best visual scenery, while others have great wildlife, and there are even some that offer up varying challenge levels for bikers.

If you’re planning your next mountain biking trip and want to visit some of the world’s best destinations, we have five that every biker needs to check out. While some are considered to only be for experts due to their difficulty, there are still parts of the trails that can be enjoyed by all. Without further ado, here are the five best mountain biking trails and what makes them so great.

Copper Harbor Trails 

Based in Copper Harbor, Michigan, Copper Harbor Trail offers a lot for thrill seekers and outdoor lovers. There are hiking trails, skiing in the colder months, mountain biking trails, and tons of lush Midwest forest scenery to enjoy. 

The mountain biking trails have downhill tracks, flow trails, cross-country, and technical options. They feature expert trails like the Black Diamond, as well as some beginner-level trails such as Little Loon, Moose on the Loose, and Chipmunk Run. Enjoy a day out with friends and family and get a taste of Michigan while you practice your mountain biking skills. 

Colorado Trail

The Colorado Trail is a 500-mile stretch of mountain biking goodness that is only able to be trekked throughout a small portion of the summer months when the snow melts and reveals a great trail for long distance mountain biking fanatics. 

The trail stretches from the town of Durango, Colorado to Littleton, Colorado right outside of Denver. The Colorado Trail features a path through an insanely gorgeous landscape, with glorious mountain ranges, flowing rivers, and national forests. It’s not a trail for beginners and is rated 9/10 in difficulty, so make sure you’re prepared and skilled enough to make the journey. 

Kingdom Trails

East Burke, Vermont is home to the Kingdom Trails. The trail comprises over 100 miles of lovely New England terrain and goes through many plots of land owned by locals who generously allow the trails to pass through. 

The Kingdom Trails have been in development for over 25 years and claim to be one of the first trails built and excavated for the purpose of mountain biking. It’s known for its incredible scenery, trail quality and options, and generous community that enables the trail to thrive. 

Moab

Rated the number one mountain biking activity trail by many, The Moab in Utah offers all you could want. Try out four-wheeling, ballooning, bird watching, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and of course mountain biking. 

The views are to die for and the trails are some of the best in the country. There are over 100 tracks that range from easy to difficult. Great for families looking to enjoy the Utah landscape, or masters of their craft wanting to challenge themselves. The National Ability Center ensures even those with limited mobility can enjoy the activities. 

Pisgah

Located within the Pisgah Forest in Transylvania County in North Carolina, the Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures has some of the country’s best biking trails. They are a locally owned mountain bike guide company, offering private and personalized guided mountain biking trips.

Perfect for those who want to venture out into the mountain biking scene, but are hesitant to do so alone. The beautiful North Carolina scenery will be enough to make you want to sign up for a trek through the different trails within the lush forest. It’s a safer and more reliable option for those who aren’t familiar with the mountain biking trail scene but still want to enjoy it. 

5 Birthday Ideas For Your Mom

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There’s nobody in our lives quite as special as our mothers. After all, these are the women that gave birth to each and every one of us. While growing up, our moms do a lot for us, so as adults, it’s only right that we return the favor.

This is especially true when your mom is celebrating a birthday. While your mom may not like to be reminded of her age, you can always do something special for the big day. Just how do you do that, though? Moms can usually see surprises coming from a mile away so it can be difficult. However, we have five birthday ideas for your mom that she’s sure to love.

Memento With Children’s or Grandkids’ Names

Moms are notorious for loving all things sentimental and that have meaning. Especially if those things involve their children or grandchildren. There’s a variety of websites that give you the option to personalize gifts. Whether it’s jewelry, a painting, clothing, or whatever gift you think your mom would love to receive on her special day. If she’s a grandmother, include the grandkids’ names as well to make your personalized gift even more special for her. Mothers tend to be the backbone of the family and will appreciate the sentiment when they are reminded of their loved ones every time they look at their gift. 

Spa Day

Mothers take on more responsibility and stress than anyone truly understands. No matter how much they love and appreciate their family, the emotional, mental, and physical work it takes to raise children, tends to the household, and possibly holds down a job, can leave moms stressed and tense. So for their birthday, treat them to a day of relaxation and bliss. Spas offer an array of packages and treatments that you can purchase for your mom, depending on what she wants to be done and is comfortable with. 

Get All of the Family Together

Once the kids grow up and the nest empties, it can get pretty lonely. Most moms dedicate their lives to raising their children and putting their needs by the wayside. When the house slowly empties, moms can struggle with the distance between the family. For her birthday, try getting all the family together in the same place so you can all make more cherished memories and give your mom time with all of her loved ones. You can even make it a surprise party if you really want to catch her off guard and make her day. 

Take Care of Chores For the Day

You may, or may not already take care of your own chores, but there’s something incredibly generous about cleaning up after other people. Something moms often do without a peep. There are probably chores you don’t even think about doing, because mom always takes care of it. Ask your mom what chores you can take on, or surprise her by observing her routine and doing the chores without her knowing. Let her relax for the day, or a few, while you put in the elbow grease to get the job done. 

Treat Her To A Wine Tasting

Moms are often found enjoying a glass, or more, of wine after their many responsibilities are done for the day. What better way to treat your mom for her birthday than bringing her, and maybe some of her girlfriends, out to a wine tasting. She can relax and enjoy an array of wine and food pairings, letting loose and unwinding without worrying about all of her daily tasks. You can even purchase some of her favorite wine as a gift before leaving the event so she can leave with something for later. Of course, make sure you have a designated driver available before making plans. 

5 Greatest Managers in Orioles History

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When your baseball franchise has lasted well over a century, you’re bound to have plenty of managers along the way. A lot of them end up being not so great at the job and don’t last for very long, while others become Hall of Famers. The Baltimore Orioles have had dozens of managers to lead the team throughout the franchise’s history, some of which stuck around for just a couple of games.

Out of all of the men that have managed the Orioles, though, which ones are the best? Here are our picks for the five greatest managers in Baltimore Orioles history.

5. Joe Altobelli

Detroit native Joe Altobelli had a lengthy playing career but spent most of his time in Minor League Baseball. He hit .210 for the Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins over three different seasons between 1955 and 1961. In 1977, Altobelli became a manager for the first time, spending three seasons leading the San Francisco Giants.

Altobelli finished with a record of 225-239 with San Francisco and after a few years away from managing, he took over the Orioles in 1983. In his first season, Altobelli won the World Series with the Orioles after a 98-64 regular season. The following season, the Orioles finished 85-77 and in 1985 he was fired after the team started 29-26.

4. Paul Richards

Despite not playing between 1935 and 1943, Paul Richards spent a lot of time in the Major Leagues from 1932 to 1946 as a player for four different franchises. He became the manager for the Chicago White Sox in 1951 but resigned following the 1954 season despite posting a career-best 91-54 record 

Richards was hired by the Orioles prior to the 1955 season and was also given the title of general manager, and he spent seven seasons leading the O’s. During that time, Richards had a record of 517-539 before resigning toward the end fo the 1961 season even though the team was on its way to its best record under his leadership.

3. Hank Bauer

Hank Bauer was a fine ballplayer in his time, spending most of his career with the New York Yankees following World War II. Bauer was a three-time All-Star in New York, and he went immediately into managing at the end of his playing career, spending 1961 and 1962 leading the Kansas City Athletics.

In 1964, Bauer made the move to Baltimore where he found immediate success. Bauer won 97 games in his first season, which was followed up with a 94 win campaign. In 1966, Bauer led the Orioles to another 97-win season, but this time they made the World Series and swept the Los Angeles Dodgers for the franchise’s first World Series.

2. Buck Showalter

It seems like the list of teams that Buck Showalter hasn’t managed would actually be shorter, as he’s spent time leading five different franchises in the MLB. From 1992 to 1995, Showalter had the difficult task of managing the Yankees under George Steinbrenner, and from 1998 to 2001 he led the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Following a four-season stint in the mid-2000s with the Texas Rangers, Showalter became manager of the Baltimore Orioles in 2010. He would stay with the team through the 2018 season. It was clear that the Orioles were tanking in his final season and going in a new direction, and if you take out the 47-115 record in that last year, Showalter finished with an impressive 622-569 mark.

1. Earl Weaver

There’s almost no debate that the greatest manager in Orioles history is Earl Weaver, who first took over the team in 1968 and continued his career through the 1982 season. After leaving the franchise for two seasons, Weaver returned to manage the 1985 and 1986 seasons before calling it a career that got him into the Hall of Fame.

Weaver’s Orioles won the American League East six times while he was in the dugout, and made it to the World Series four times. Weaver had one World Series win which came in 1970 after the Orioles defeated the Cincinnati Reds to cap off their 108-win season.

5 Tips For Improving Your Bumble Profile

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There are plenty of dating apps available for smartphones around the world, but one that typically results in the most actual relationships is Bumble, which has well over 40 million active users around the world. Bumble is a bit different than apps like Tinder as a woman who matches with someone has to be the one that sends the first message and the users are typically looking for serious relationships instead of something more “casual.”

Whether you’re new to the dating scene and want to give Bumble a try or have been using the app and want to get more matches, making some tweaks to your profile is a great place to start. Here are five tips for improving your Bumble profile that will lead to you getting more matches, messages, and even dates, in the near future.

1. Fill Out Your ‘About Me’ Section and Prompts

There’s nothing worse than coming across a bland and empty dating profile. Even if they’re cute, how are you supposed to know if they’re worth pursuing unless they catch your eye with an interesting profile containing at least a few details about them? If you want to get noticed more on Bumble, one surefire way is to fill out that bio, update it as needed, and fill out the prompts on your profile with intriguing and humorous responses. A pretty face can get you far, but you won’t get dates if you don’t put in the proper effort. 

2. Verify Your Profile

Catfishing unassuming hopeless romantics online isn’t as easy as it once was. There are plenty of ways to properly verify the person you’re talking to online is who they say they are. At least for the most part. Verifying your dating profile is an instant game changer and will help you gain more attention. People aren’t nearly as hesitant to communicate with verified profiles as they are with those unverified ones. It helps to ensure some form of early trust. Although, you should always stay vigilant and never trust someone upfront, and always meet in a public place until you really know who you’re dealing with. 

3. Post a Variety of Unfiltered Pictures

Filters are cute and you can use them if you please, but dating sites have begun cracking down on the use of heavily filtered pictures due to the difference in how someone looks online and in person. Besides, when searching for a lover, you really want them to see the real you and not a facade. It’s far better to be real with someone upfront and they’ll appreciate it more than you think. So try posting a variety of unedited pictures, full body pictures, candid shots, and whatever pictures make you feel good about yourself. 

4. Message First (For the Ladies)

One crucial tip for getting your profile to stick out is by messaging first. It’s usually a stand-off to see who will message first, so it’s a good idea to rip off the bandaid and be the first to reach out. It will help your profile stand out in a sea of people trying to impress the person you’re interested in. The recipient is sure to appreciate the welcome change of pace in their inbox. 

5. Don’t Be Hateful

Skimming through dating profiles, you end up seeing a lot of different people with a lot of different opinions. It’s okay to be passionate and put your truest self out there, just keep in mind how your words come off to others. Most people looking for a relationship won’t want to swipe right on someone who is ignorant, or offensive. Be kind to those you interact with on the dating app, don’t post hateful stuff in your bio, and keep a level of self-awareness. You don’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea, as long as you’re respectful. It will undoubtedly attract more people to your profile. 

5 Best Attractions Along Route 66

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If you were to ask someone in the United States to name the first road to come to mind, it would almost undoubtedly be Route 66. The highway which stretches all the way from the Chicago, Illinois area to Santa Monica, California has had songs written about it and plenty of movies and television shows filmed on it, as well.

Though it’s no longer the only major way to get from the central part of the country toward the west coast thanks to the advent of the Interstate Highway System, Route 66 remains a piece of Americana that many travel from around the world to see for themselves. If you’re making the trip and want to get your kicks along Route 66, here are the five best attractions to see along the way.

1. Cadillac Ranch 

In Amarillo Texas, along the 2,448-mile stretch of road that makes up Route 66, lies an intriguing art installation called Cadillac Ranch. Artists Hudson Marquez, Chip Lord, and Doug Michels formed a group they named Ant Farm in 1974. 

The group of artists took ten Cadillacs, splattered with an array of colors, buried front-first in the ground in a line reminiscent of the pyramids of Giza. Tourists and artists alike stop and take in the view of the interesting piece of art while on their way down the historic highway. 

2. Wigwam Motel

The historic Wigwam Motel along Route 66 is listed as being located in Rialto California, although its physical address is in the bordering city of Rialto California. The motel chain was constructed between the 1930s and 1940s, made to look like a group of tipis, tents often used by indigenous people many years ago. 

Although referred to as the Wigwam Motel, wigwams are mostly wooden structures built in a dome shape. The motels underwent renovations in the early 2000s and are a popular destination for tourists. In 2012 they were listed under the National Register of Historic Places.

3. Santa Monica Pier 

Santa Monica California is the last stop or commonly referred to as the “end of the trail”, on the western side of the historic Route 66. There lies the Santa Monica Pier, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The pier is a wonderful spot to end your trip or to take a break before making your way back East. 

There’s a small attraction, Pacific Park, within the pier, with a carousel, arcade, solar-powered Ferris wheel, and a roller coaster. There are also food vendors, places to fish, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, and much more to provide entertainment and fun while you’re traveling the iconic highway. 

4. Seligman

The tiny town of Seligman has a lot of history behind it. It also just so happens to be the inspiration behind Pixar’s animated film, Cars. In the heart of Route 66 is the barbershop owned by the man who founded the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, of which Seligman was the first to become a part. 

The following year, the rest of Route 66 joined.  Angel Delgadillo is the barber whose foundation and stories became the inspiration for Cars creator John Lasseter. The stretch of road is adorned with the old barber shop turned gift shop and is a must-see for those passing through.  

5. Oklahoma Route 66 Museum 

The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, located in the city of Clinton, is one of many museums along the stretch of highway that is dedicated to its history. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and charges a small entry fee. 

The museum has a retro look and feels to it, transporting you to the days when the highway was first hailed as the “Mother Road” and scattered with attractions. It’s THE place to get your fill of knowledge and come as close to the retro experience as possible. 

5 Most Famous Missing Persons Cases

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In the United States alone, there are nearly 100,000 missing person cases each year. While many of them are solved rather quickly, there is plenty that goes unsolved for years. Along the way, there have been some cases of very notable (and some infamous) people that have gone missing without a trace.

Throughout American history, there have been certain missing person cases that have captivated the entire country, with massive search parties launched. Out of all of those cases, these five stand out as the most talked about, dominating headlines around the nation for weeks, months, and even years.

Amelia Earheart

Amelia Earheart’s disappearance is one we’ve all learned about in school, or heard about in one way or another. She was famously the first woman to complete a solo, nonstop transatlantic flight. She carried many accolades and was and is an inspiration to women everywhere. She and navigator Fred Noonan went missing when they attempted to make a trek around the globe in 1937. They were last seen in New Guinea where they had stopped before continuing the remainder of their travels. There are many theories as to what happened to the two, but it’s most likely the plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean and took the two brave souls with it. 

D.B. Cooper

In November of 1971, a man who called himself Dan Cooper was aboard a flight from Oregon to Washington. During the flight, he hijacked the plane with claims he was carrying a bomb on board. He demanded $200,000 in cash and parachutes. He then managed to instruct the pilots to land and let the passengers loose, ensuring workers refueled the aircraft, as well as obtaining the money and items he previously demanded. When over Washington, Cooper fled with his ransom by jumping out of the plane with a parachute.  No trace of him was ever found and nobody truly knows the identity of this mystery man. 

Jimmy Hoffa

Jimmy Hoffa is a name you’re surely familiar with. Hoffa was a man caught up in a slew of messes. Once the International Brotherhood of Teamsters leader, he was involved in organized crime which may have been how he met his assumed demise. 

After his time in prison for charges like fraud and jury tampering, Hoffa attempted to regain control of the organization. His attempts were unsuccessful and he went missing in 1975, presumably murdered by the mafia. Although, nobody knows what really happened to him. 

Natalee Holloway

Natalee Holloway’s disappearance is one of the most well-known cases in modern history. In 2005 Natalee joined her classmates from Mountain Brook High School on a graduation trip to Aruba. She was a beautiful girl who had so much to offer the world, but she would never get to it after she went missing before her flight home on May 30th, 2005. She was last seen getting into a car with prime suspect Joran van der Sloot and two of his friends. 

They denied involvement, but their stories changed over time. Natalee has never been found and has been presumed dead. Sloot wound up being convicted of the murder of a woman in Peru years later, making it very possible he is also responsible for what happened to Natalee. 

Madeleine McCann

The gut-wrenching case of a child gone missing in the night. Madeleine McCann was only three years old when she went missing in the middle of the night.  Her parents, two younger twin siblings, and family friends had taken a vacation to Portugal in May of 2007. 

One night, while the adults dined at a restaurant only 180 feet from Madeleine’s bedroom, her mother went to check on her and found she was missing and the window in the room was wide open. She has never been found, although as of 2022, police in the German city of Braunschweig believe they may have a new suspect in the disappearance of the sweet young girl. 

5 Korean Celebrities Who Crossed Over To Stardom In China

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On a global scale, few countries are seeing the type of mainstream reach as South Korea in recent years. Thanks to the rise of Korean filmmakers and artists, there are a lot more celebrities from the country that are making it big more than ever. This includes China, where several Korean celebrities have become megastars thanks to their talents.

Out of all of the Korean celebrities that have achieved stardom in China, which ones stand out the most? Here is a look at five that have transcended pop culture to become icons in their native South Korea, as well as China.

Jaemin 

South Korean-born Na Jae-min, also known as Jaemin, is one of the many members of the boy band NCT(Neo Culture Technology)and a sub-unit of the band, NCT Dream. He’s a talented singer, actor, dancer, and rapper. K-pop is one of the most popular genres of music among today’s youth. Jaemin in particular is one of the biggest stars to come out of the K-pop world. In 2020 he was ranked #2 in China’s AiMan Commercial Index, a ranking system for celebrities based on their popularity level in China. 

Jimin

Park Ji-min, primarily known as Jimin, is a singer and dancer from South Korea. He’s one of seven members of the worldwide sensation BTS(Bangtan Boys). I’m 2022, his Chinese-based fan club PARKJIMINBAR went as far as setting up what they call Jiminland, a decked-out party for the singer’s birthday. It took place from October 9th to October 15th in the seven-story P.Ark cultural center at Yeongdo in Busan, South Korea. Something that had never been done before. Jimin’s incredible influence and love for his home of South Korea convinced the center to hold the party in honor of him. 

Jungkook

Jeon Jung-kook, known as Jungkook, is the youngest member of the worldwide phenomenon BTS. In China, the South Korean singer is the most popular member of the boy band. His first solo collab topped multiple charts on one of China’s biggest music streaming services, QQ Music. Jungkook also holds the title of the most followed member of BTS on QQ Music, Netease, and a few other popular music streaming services. He also became the sole K-pop solo artist to reach #1 on QQ Music’s Western Hot 100. He has had a successful career thus far in South Korea, China, and the US. 

Lee Dong Wook

Lee Dong Wook is a South Korean entertainer, actor, and model. He’s had a successful and busy career thus far, starring in shows like My Girl, Hotel King, Life, Hell is Other People, The Fugitive of Joseon, Scent of a Woman, Nine Tailed, and the most recent Bad and Crazy. He’s had growing success in China, with Hotel King receiving 200 million views on China’s popular streaming service Ai Qi Yi. He also appeared more recently in GQ China, where the magazine interviewed the actor after recently reaching the age of 40. 

Jennie (BLACKPINK)

Jennie Kim, known primarily as Jennie, is one of the four members of the all-female group BLACKPINK. She later debuted her solo single “Solo”, which found success on the Circle Digital Chart, a music record chart in South Korea ranking in the top 200 hits. She’s set to show off her acting prowess in 2023 on HBO’s “The Idol”. BLACKPINK made their long overdue comeback with their recently released album “BORN PINK”, having sold over 800,00 digital albums in China following its release. Making BORN PINK this year’s best-selling female album in China. Even passing Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” album sales by nearly 300,000. 

5 Billionaires And How They Made Their First Million

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Think about how hard it is to make $100,000. Even if that’s your annual salary, all of the taxes and expenses that you have will make your net worth far less than that. Now think about how much it would take to do that ten times over and officially become a millionaire. That’s the goal that a lot of people have, but for many, the goal is astronomically higher.

To become a billionaire, you have to become a millionaire 1,000 times over. Every billionaire got their start somewhere, and it’s usually the first million that meant the most to them and allowed them to shoot for the stars. Here’s a look at five of the world’s most notable billionaires and how they made their first million.

Richard Branson

Nobody took advantage of the old forms of music media quite like Richard Branson, who started the Virgin brand back in the early 1970s and saw it transform into megastores and even transportation throughout the years. 

When he was just 16 years old, Branson started a magazine called “Student” after his initial idea of selling Christmas trees didn’t pan out. The magazine sold well enough to earn Branson some revenue from advertising space, but it was what it turned into that made Branson rich. He used the magazine to start a mail-order business, selling music records for less than stores were charging. Soon enough, Branson started his own record shop and, thus, Virgin was born.

Elon Musk

Some billionaires are perfectly content with running operations while receiving no public attention, but not Elon Musk. The South African-born Musk is the founder of SpaceX and CEO of Tesla, two cutting-edge companies that have received global attention.

Musk had multiple business ventures during his teenage years, which even included selling the rights to a video game he developed for $500. It wasn’t until he received a loan of nearly $30,000 from his father that he was able to hit it big, starting the company Zip2 which served as an online city guide. Musk founded the company with his brother Kimbal Musk and Greg Kouri, with Elon making $22 million when the company was sold to Compaq in 1999.

Mark Cuban

One of the most accessible billionaires in the world, Mark Cuban is known for his time on the television series “Shark Tank” and his ownership of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. Cuban also started the Cost Plus Drug Company that took the internet by storm.

Cuban always had a mind for business from his childhood when he was selling everything from stamps to garbage bags. Cuban worked several jobs in early adulthood and eventually started his own company called MicroSolutions. The business created a lot of technologies that are still used today, and revenues were large enough for Cuban to earn $6 million from the company’s sale to CompuServe. In turn, he was able to launch Audionet and Broadcast.com which would make him incredibly rich.

Jeff Bezos

You can’t take three steps in any direction or make three clicks on the internet without running into Amazon. The man behind the company is Jeff Bezos, who has often found himself at the top of list of the world’s richest people.

Bezos wasn’t exactly poor due to his experience in finance in his 20s but still needed money to help boost Amazon after its creation in the mid-1990s. After receiving $300,000 from his parents, Bezos launched Amazon but was losing money at first just to get its name out there. It wasn’t until 1997 that Bezos became a millionaire after the first Amazon initial public offering in 1997.

Steve Ballmer

These days, Detroit-native Steve Ballmer is known for being the owner of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers after retiring, but he’s made billions thanks to his innovations in software and was the face of Microsoft for more than a decade.

By the time the 1980s rolled around, there were only a couple of dozen employees at Microsoft. Ballmer became the 30th after he had dropped out of Stanford graduate school and left Procter & Gamble. Speaking of gambling, Ballmer risked his career by making the move, but his devotion to Gates and Microsoft paid off. In 2000, Ballmer became the company’s CEO and in 2003 sold most of his shares that earned him nearly $1 billion in one transaction.

5 Worst Contracts In Orioles History

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Almost every team in Major League Baseball has signed a player to a contract that they would come to regret for years. From the Mets still paying for Bobby Bonilla well after his retirement to Washington Nationals giving $175 million to an already-injured Steven Strasburg, there has been a lot of overpays in baseball history.

The Baltimore Orioles are no stranger to these types of deals, either. While some of the other teams in the division like the Yankees or Red Sox are more known for being free agent destinations, there are some Orioles signings that have been head-scratching in retrospect. Here are the five worst contracts that the O’s have given out.

5. Brian Roberts

When there’s a beloved player in the franchise that has been there for years, you tend to do whatever you can to keep them happy and have them stick around. That’s what the Orioles did for second baseman Brian Roberts in 2010. Leading up to that point, Roberts was a two-time All-Star who could hit for average and routinely flashed the leather.

The only problem, though, was that Roberts was already 32 years old by the time the 2010 season came around, but the Orioles gave him a four-year contract worth $40 million. Over those four years, Roberts played in fewer than 200 games, including one season with just 17 games. After his contract, Roberts finished his career with the Yankees to nullify being a potential Orioles lifer.

4. Ubaldo Jimenez

Ubaldo Jimenez spent much of his career with the Colorado Rockies where he defied the odds by being a good pitcher at Coors Field, posting a 3.66 earned run average and a 56-45 record in five-plus seasons. Jimenez was dealt to the Cleveland Indians where he remained through the 2013 season before the Orioles signed the former All-Star to a four-year deal worth $50 million.

Jimenez struggled right out of the gate, posting a 6-9 record with a 4.81 ERA, but would have a bit of a rebound in his second year. Over the final two seasons of his contract, though, things fell apart quickly and he combined to go 14-23 with an ERA over 6. Jimenez’s career was finished as soon as his contract was following the 2017 season.

3. Sidney Ponson

Sidney Ponson is one of those stories of what could have been in Major League Baseball. He started his career with the Orioles in 1998, and the Aruban was a fine pitcher that finished the 2003 season with a 14-6 record and 3.77 earned run average. During that season, however, Ponson was traded to the Giants before becoming a free agent.

Ponson returned to Baltimore as the team offered him $22.5 million over three years, but he would only last for two trouble-filled years. Ponson had several run-ins with the law, including two arrests for driving under the influence. When he was on the field, Ponson posted a record of 18-26 during those two years and an ERA close to 6 before the Orioles cut their losses.

2. Albert Belle

Albert Belle was known for being a bit of a hothead, but an overall great player during his time with the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox. A five-time Silver Slugger Award winner and All-Star, Belle had actually signed a five-year deal with the White Sox but it was nullified after two due to a stipulation about his salary.

When Belle became a free agent, the Orioles gave him $65 million for five years. Just like he did in Chicago, though, Belle lasted for just two seasons. Though he was solid in those two years, Belle’s degenerating hip cost him the remainder of his career after 2000 and he missed the final three seasons of the contract before heading into retirement. Had he continued to produce the way he did at the start of his deal, Belle would have been worth it.

1. Chris Davis

After starting his career as a slugger for the Texas Rangers where he hit 42 home runs, Chris Davis was traded to the Baltimore Orioles during the middle of the 2011 season for Koji Uehara. Davis had a strong rest of the season over 31 games and then put together an All-Star campaign in 2013 with 53 home runs and 138 runs batted in.

Davis saw a huge drop in his batting average the next year but rebounded nicely in 2015 to earn himself a seven-year contract with Baltimore for $161 million. Much of the contract was deferred, and Davis was done by the end of the 2020 season and at his worst was batting just .168 over a full season.