A massive earthquake changed many people’s life on January 12, 2010 in Haiti and surrounding areas. Countless number of people died, thousands became homeless and the loss due to this disastrous calamity ran into billions of dollars. Unknown numbers of people were missing in the rubbles. The tremors were felt even in Venezuela. A state of total chaos ran into the veins of every person who witnessed the tragedy around them. The whole country’s economic and social platform has been hugely affected since then. Already Haiti is the western hemisphere’s poorest country. More than 70% of the total population is living on a basic income of not more than $2(US dollars) per day.

This disaster has struck not only the nation but its people and deeply shaken their lives. Some have lost their loved ones, others have lost their homes, jobs, hard owned money, everything and they have been in great pain since the catastrophe struck.

People across the world have lent a hand to help in form of monetary and non-monetary means. Many social networking sites, like popular Facebook, have been initiating people to help and support to re-establish lives of those natives who are affected. This site has collaborated with many social servicing agencies that have been active in these areas at the grass-root level. Facebook is accessed by millions of people across the globe and this kind of initiative is highly appreciable as it reaches out to huge masses with 100% guarantee of donation reaching the destitute.

Atleast humans should be able to understand and feel the pain of others. Many have been helping all the way through, join their hands. After all, we are of same kind and we all live on the same land which is scratched by borders drawn by others.

No matter how many ton of make-up you apply or how many costly products you buy or spend huge money in beauty parlors for expensive skin treatments, the skin troubles are deeper than you think. Working on the periphery is definitely not the solution. By knowing what are the remedies or rather the preventions, you can bestow yourself with a healthy feeling flawless looking skin.

Well balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are the main mantras that shouldn’t be forgotten. Mandatory! Any distortion in the sleeping pattern will be immediately reflected on your skin. While we are in sleep, all the damage caused by pollution, dirt etc is repaired. So, good amount of sleep is required. Water,again works as a magic potion. Daily eight glasses of water can wash away harmful toxins from the body. Intakes of vitamins are really essential. Where vitamin A can prevent you from dryness and ageing, vitamin B improves blood circulation and skin color while vitamin C can also do wonders by providing essential component collagen which heals the skin very quickly. Alcohol, drugs and smoking are a big no.

Well! There is a reason why it is always said beauty refinement starts from inside.

The new teen sensation Taylor Swift’s album fearless released in 2008 has broken all records. It’s truly magnificent achievement made by a young 20-year old country music star. Conquering the world by the music, her hard work paid off at the Grammy’s. Fearless; became the album of the year, got the best female country vocal performance for White Horse and became the youngest artist ever to win “The Grammy” for her album of the year breaking the record of Alanis Morissette.

Where Grammy’s, this time was all dominated by the girls, which was truly magnificent.
Presence of famous and sensational singers of present decade gave the occasion a thrust. Pink, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Beyonce Knowles, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kayne West were at their best.

The most prestigious lifetime achievement awards was given to late Michael Jackson, accepted by Prince and Paris (MJ’s children), which was surly an emotional moment for the audience.

With all the rocking, breathtaking and sizzling performances, the 52nd Grammy Awards on the Sunday night at Los Angeles was once again a hit as it is destined to be.

So never dreamt of a miracle? We agree to its existence or not, we believe in it or not, but at some point in life we do expect which is unexpected!

Whoever we are or wherever we live or whatever we do, there is a situation, where we want a miracle to happen, taking us to the world of immense possibilities. But as the wise says you cannot see it until you believe in it. Definition of miracle is really hard to be sown in words but there is a way! Ask a 5-year old kid what he wants to be in life and you will have the answer. He/she may not give you a clearer picture but definitely would take you to the trip in his/her world of immense possibilities.

When we were kids, the doors of that world were wide open for us too because we thought it was open. We believed. On the paths of becoming adults, we stop believing in things which we now term as “beyond-my–reach stuff” and gradually even in ourselves.

So, when we need the unexpected too badly what should we do? The first step to expect something you don’t believe you would ever have is to believe in the same thing. The second is patience and only in the third step you would ‘Meet the Unexpected’. Easy!
But most of us fail in the first step, the others cannot keep the second step which includes faith and hence reaching-the-third-step people are rare!

That is why the unexpected is so rare to expect.

Think for few seconds, who is your biggest competitor; the one who manages to keep you on your toes, gives the strength to perform at the worst condition, warns you every time you’re lagging behind, keeps you away from going off-beat?

Believe! It’s a fact that we are in a constant battle with ourselves. The invariant power supply of giving your best at every thing starts from within. Today’s world judges your talent by not the intense excellence it has but by the passion it contains which can beat any force in the whole world. Giving rise to the competitive world we know now!

Stress has affected each and every individual. Ask an eleven year old kid, he can also define stress for you. This easily depicts the ratio of population which has been engulfed into “Stress: the new monster of modern world”. This one of the biggest problem of our millennium has a solution. Just by identifying “Who is actually our challenger?” the one who is outside or the one who is right inside us, we can beat stress.

There is no other person you are fighting with, everyday it’s you only, the biggest rival in the path of your success. The person inside you is the one who you need to prove every instant.

Whatever the goal you set in your life never change the opponent and you would excel throughout your life.

Not surprisingly, Michael Jackson’s death this year topped Yahoo’s charts for the maximum no. of searches.

The list released on December 1 2009, reveled that the star singer’s stunning death on June 25, 2009, made him Yahoo’s biggest star this year, topping the Internet company’s annual breakdown of the most frequent online search requests.

MJ’s sudden death news almost created a panic worldwide and a quest to find out what happened to Jackson in his final hours on June 25 accounted or millions of clueless users frantically looking for the news and updates on Yahoo’s search engine.

With this, widely acknowledged as the ‘King of Pop’ MJ, ended singer Britney Spears’ four-year reign atop Yahoo’s search rankings.

With Google Inc., the largest online search engine, aiming to release it’s own list late this month, MJ relates searches are expected to top the over-all ratings for the year.

Besides MJ, the other new entrants on Yahoo’s Top 10 list this year were, ‘Twilight’ at the second position, ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’ actress Megan fox at no. 4 and others. Us president Barack Obama made Yahoo’s top searches list in 2008.

Playing with billion of dollars at a time can sound fun but usually every pleasure and power comes with important responsibilities. Being “the emperor tycoon”, handling millions of employee, keeping the demands of billions of consumers in mind and providing complete satisfaction to both producer and consumer, isn’t an easy task. But the same job has been done successfully by Bill Gates which has owned him the title for world’s most respected business man. It is the third year he has headed the charts. The founder of Microsoft has always proved himself as a leader, a stimulating entrepreneur, an inspiration, as a source of admiration, belief and most of all as a constant creator of motivation. With such a leader the company was bound to provide its best and thus its continued performance has taken the company soaring towards new heights each year.

Tech firms holds the most respected place in today’s technological era but the story was slightly different few decades back when this period was new and fresh to the market. Facing many obstacles, finally Microsoft dominates the market and the innovation driving it. Giving nearly thirty years of sincerity, dedication and stunning executions of thoughts to produce a reality that changed millions of life, Bill Gates has done his part of the job.

So, remember the song sung by Daniel Powter? It happens with everybody, at some point in life! You start losing your interest, your faith, your passion, the excitement and most importantly your belief. Life becomes repetitive and every morning you wake up, it’s always the same, always. The worst part being you know it won’t change.

Same time to wake up, same time to dress-up, no breakfast, locking your door, leaving for the work you don’t know why you are doing it, hurrying at every step so that you don’t miss the only transport, faking a pointless smile all day through even when you want to shout loudly. Returning back home, facing the daily trauma with exclusive special drama (as toppings) forces you to think the various “whys”. You want all the things to stop for just few moments so that you can atleast think what is not right but, as destined, nothing stops. Neither the time nor you!

It doesn’t matter how strong you are from inside, gradually you see every reason to fight back, fading away. Wondering what would be easier to change, your unchangeable life or the ever changing world around you, to take your life again on track. The only way to find an answer to so many unbeatable questions is to stop asking or searching. Maybe the passion you were finding to carry on in your life waited for you across the road and while you were too busy to search for the same, you never bothered to cross the road. Nothing lasts for too long as every problem arises with a solution. Stop trying too hard and things will start falling into the right place.

Life is unfair but aren’t we used to it, now!

Amidst numerous organizational delays and controversies, the formal countdown to the 2010 Commonwealth Games began on Thursday as the Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II presented India’s President Pratibha Patil with the baton to launch the XIX Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games outside Buckingham Palace in London.

The brief ceremony held at the Buckingham Palace portrayed India’s rich tradition through a cultural show before Queen Elizabeth II handed over the glittering baton to Patil followed by a thunderous applause.

The Queen placed her message into the baton after receiving it from Commonwealth Games Federation Michael Fennell as a host of dignitaries watched the proceedings beamed live in India.

As the proceedings were telecasted live back in the country, India’s President Pratibha Patil passed on the baton to Sports Minister of India M.S. Gill, who further handed it over to Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi.

From Kalmadi baton reached the hands of first baton-bearer Abhinav Bindra, India’s only Olympic Gold medallist. He handed over the baton to legendary middle-distance runner Lord Sebastian Coe.
Further the baton passed through the hands of legendary cricketer Kapil Dev, country’s most successful female tennis player Sania Mirza, flying sikh Milkha Singh, Olympic bronze medal winners boxer Vijender Singh and wrestler Sushil Kumar and also England’s first Sikh cricketer Monty Panesar among other Indian sports personalities.

After travelling to different member countries of the Commonwealth, the Baton will enter India through Wagah Border along Pakistan, 100 days before the start of the Games.

In a shocking disclosure, eight times grand slam winner Andre Agassi admitted taking the recreational drug crystal meth and lying to men’s governing body the ATP to escape a ban!

Agassi admits this in his forthcoming book which is being serialised in The Times. The American admits being introduced to the drug in 1997 by his assistant and the moment later that year when the ace tennis player was informed that he failed a drugs test!

This shocking revelation from the 39 year old star player has amazed not only his fans but also the authorities. The tennis world is indeed stunned! The International Tennis Federation (ITF) president Francesco Ricci Bitti said he was “surprised and disappointed” by Agassi’s revelations.

In the extracts in The Times, the player casually narrates the moment he took crystal meths for the first time when his career was going through a rough patch.

“There is a moment of regret, followed by vast sadness. Then comes a tidal wave of euphoria that sweeps away every negative thought in my head. I’ve never felt so alive, so hopeful — and I’ve never felt such energy.”

Yes, again! As the popular social networking website, Facebook continues its makeover policy, a “Change Facebook Back to Normal” group at the website claimed slightly more than a million members urging the social networking giant to change back.

On Friday, Facebook modified its news feed feature to let members of the world’s leading social-networking service catch up on tidbits they may have missed while away from the website. However this change, as like the previous times, yet again triggered ire amongst the millions of users that prefer things remain the same.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” a Facebook user with the screen name Carlos Deleon wrote on a protest group chat page clearly stating the preference for the former page and in protest against the company’s policy to continuously introduce changes in its homepage.

The Facebook’s new feature enables the users to switch between getting real time streams of news or activities taking place and the highlights of what their friends have shared in the preceding 24 hours. The new concept of Live Feed option funnels updates and news about online friends’ activities to Facebook home pages.

Twitter and Facebook! That’s how you keep in touch with your numerous friends and well wishers across the world. Touted as two of the most popular and the fastest growing social networking sites, these are known to be the best way to keep yourself updated about the every minute happening around the world.

However, the British economy might not appreciate this cult. According to a new survey, popular social networking sites including Twitter and Facebook are actually costing British businesses 1.38 billion pounds a year in wasted time.

The figures in the survey reveal a rather sad figure. According to the figures, more than half the office employees have admitted using these social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook for personal use during the working day. Reportedly, they have admitted wasting as much as a good 40 minutes on average a week each!

According to the report published in The Daily Telegraph, one in every three of the 1460 office employees surveyed also admitted having seen sensitive company information posted on social networking sites, leading to fears about how workers use the Internet.

One of the major financial services providers, Citigroup has reportedly dropped its USD 4.5 million renovation plan of the company’s headquarter in Brazil.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the New York based company wanted to renovate portions of its main office, headquartered in Brazil. This included an area for entertaining clients and a landscaped terrace called a “suspended garden.

Reportedly, this was an estimated USD 4.5 million plan and the company had already hired corporate-architectural firm Athie Wohnrath Associados for the same. The renovations were expected to begin soon and expected to be over by early 2010. This also included a a 1,000-square-foot office with a panoramic view for Citigroup’s top executive in Brazil.

However the company has shelved its renovating plans for the time being!

Biscotti, Calzone, Fettuccini, Foccacia, Lasagna, Pasta Primavera, Risotto, Spaghetti, Tiramisu and the world-famous Pizza! Do these names ring a bell? The cuisines belong to a traditional country where it all starts with food and wine and claim its roots going back to 4th century B.C. With centuries of different influences, both social and political, Italian cuisines have now dominated the premier places in the whole world.

Italians believe in using herbs in cooking like oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and sage. While cheese holds equal importance in the process. Italy produces itself, 400 types of cheese, with Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Asiago among the best known worldwide. As you move around the whole country it would be evident that food greatly varies depending upon the region you are in. The first time visitors to Italy may be surprised, as the restaurants serves much more variety than Spaghetti and meatballs or Pizza.

Though Italian believes, for tasting “GOOD FOOD” regional specialities with a wine produced locally at countryside, is essential and mandatory.

Mamma mia!

Bagging a Nobel peace prize by U.S president Barack Obama has left common mass awestruck. The name of the peace prize winner has left many puzzled about why he deserved the award. The announcement of the result declared on Friday quickly became the top discussions amongst the bloggers and twitter community. Most of the users presented their state of shock by posting comments such as “They wanted to give him an honor I guess but I can’t think what for”, “OBAMA WON?”, “It would be wonderful if I could think why he won”, “He deserves it I guess, he is the president”.

An online straw poll by MSNBC asked a question, whether Obama deserved the prize or not, 62% of more than 194,000 said No, 24% said yes and rest surly said the decision was premature.

The award was considered as political. While many others were happy to flow with the stream despite of the fact they couldn’t answer “the why”. Well! Deserving or not, the declaration has shown that U.S is still the prevalent power and it does really matter.

Patience and tolerance are the most difficult attributes earned by very few people. It is very well said that patience is counting down without blasting-off. Situation and circumstances always determine how a person reacts. But the one, who keeps patience and perseverance intact, can win in every condition and following hardships. It is the shortest shortcut to success, master this art and find an essential part of learning how to use power of failure. Connecting short term success to long term success, patience + tolerance proves to be a perfect duo.

No one knows how much time it may take while achieving what your heart desires the most and in such case “this secret” can work as a magic potion. It has also proved itself to be the medicine for anger control. The patience game is not an easy task but when you know how to use your cards justly, within no time it can make a win-win situation for you in a game called life. Patience cannot be purchased but yet we have to develop, use and earn it. It’s rather funny, every time you want to increase or test your patience level; the only way to determine it, is to be in a worse condition. The art exist within you, the only thing is to determine where.

Well! Winning traders are always patient.

After many failed bidding attempts for hosting Summer Olympics for 1936, 1940, 2004 and 2012, Rio de Janeiro has finally got the chance. Missing the shortlist for two times, this time everything fell into the right place and now 2016 games will be held in Rio de Janeiro. Owing the vote was not easy with tough competitors like Chicago with Obama, Tokyo with $4 billion bank strength and Madrid standing along with powerful friends. But at the deciding day, the mad love of 400 millions fans for sports defeated every thorn placed in the way.

It is the first time that South America has been awarded as a hosting country for the Olympics. This city was chosen as a candidate city to host Summer Olympics and Paralympics during its Annual Assembly on September 1, 2006.

The estimated games cost is US $2.005 billion (an additional US $4 billion will be invested in infrastructure). The moment Rio de Janeiro won the most awaited bid; Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s eyes were drenched in tears.

Rio’s organizers have structurally and financially profound organized plans in making the 2016 Olympics a grand success.

With an ancient history, Leros is a mountainous island with high cliffs painted in green color. Sustaining its fresh and calm environment in this increasingly polluted surrounding, it is bestowed by Mother Nature. Leros Island depicts and stands for the astonishing beauty of life with typical little white houses with blue doors and windows, built in Italian style scattered all over the place. Beaches always help to make you stay there for longer period of time. The most famous beach of Leros is Alinda, whereas Panagies and Dyo Lisgaria are very close to it, having nice restaurants and café. Being a natural port, it’s a popular hub for sailing with a capacity of thousands of luxurious yachts.

Leros don’t only astound others by its marvelous creation but also by its history and related myths. Going via mythology, Leros was firstly populated by the goddess Artemis. She had sent Calydonian Boar to Aetolia, where the King’s son murdered it. The goddess became so angry that she killed him. Now, looking at his sister’s grief she turned them into hens and took them to Leros where the soil was so fertile that they would never die of hunger.

Archaeologists believe that the first residents of the island were peoples from Asia Minor and Phoenicia. They took part in the Trojan War, and also fought the Persians by the Athenian side in the 5th century BC. It was then ruled by Macedonians and Romans.

Starting from traditional culture to rocking nightlife, from beaches to delicious food, from sailing to popular café’s, you can have it all in one shot (city life +beaches). Enjoy, folks

On an average of more than 16 women per minute die out of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. According 2005, roughly half of the 17.2 million victims of heart diseases (world’s biggest killer) were women. Women are more likely to be underdiagnosed and untreated. They are considered as the pillars of society and family, hence their health should be given utmost priority. Many foundations are working and taking actions to reduce the number of deaths and disabilities from cardiovascular diseases.

With the speeding and distorted lifestyle, huge intakes of junk foods, inefficiency towards health, smoking and other unhealthy ways of living has undoubtedly increased the number of affected victims. The symptoms usually seen are chest or stomach pains, nausea, breathlessness and unexplained tiredness. But by daily exercise, drinking loads of water, eating proper diet,reducing salt intake,controlling and monitoring cholestrol and quitting smoking can bestow you with a longer life. Maintaining healthy weight is essential. Obesity and overweight can pump up the heart risks. Staying on right track is important.

We are given one life, why to waste it.

 The Manchester United as they are popularly and justly known as red devils, are once again all set for the Premier League’s trophy for 2009 season. The club is one of the most successful Premier League champions to retain the trophy for 10 times. It took 26 years long wait for Man U to hold the charismatic trophy and after that there was no looking back for the team. They romped to further titles in 1994, 1996,1997,2000,2001 and 2003. Chelsea nearly broke their dominance over the title in year 2005 and 2006 but the red devils once again claimed the throne in 2006/07 season and where the alone triumphant winners of the Barclay’s Premiership.

The champions are setting the fields on fire this season too, by their outstanding performance holding the maximum of 18 points in their hands. Initially called Newton Heath L&YR F.C formed in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United. Under the shadow of extremely talented, long-serving Scotsman Sir Alex Ferguson, club has won 10 titles.

Manchester is perhaps doing really well this season even at the loss of a former key player Cristiano Ronaldo. His place was very easily recovered by Wayne Rooney. Sir Alex believes that there are very good player in this decade like Kaka, Ronaldo and Messi and thinks Rooney can match their levels if he progresses as he is doing.

All fans are waiting for a mind-blowing final match with Man U as insurmountable champions.

The world’s largest open-air beer festival is under way in Munich with as many as six million visitors from around the world expected to descend on the German city to take part in the 176th Oktoberfest.

The annual festival opened with the mayor of Munich wielding two swift strokes to pound a spigot into the first massive keg of beer and then saying the traditional words, “it’s tapped”. The sixteen-day annual Oktoberfest is one of the biggest travel draws in the Bavarian region of Germany. Every year visitors at the festival down as much as six-million liters of beer as well as consume around half a million chickens and hundred oxen. Sauerkraut, spaetzle and schnitzel are the usual favorites among traditional German foods while most festgoers prefer the special Oktoberfest beer which is brewed only from August through October

Apart from beer and music, Oktoberfest is also famous for its many cultural attractions. Venues are often brimming with dancers enjoying the polka while bands belt out lively strains of folk music. For families, there are children’s games, magic shows and colorful parades. The Oktoberfest is on till October 4th and lovers of good beer and German food can look up www.ooaha.com for some the best Munich hotel deals.

Followers of Judaism across the world will be observing Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, this weekend. Chiefly a time of reflection and repentance, Rosh Hashanah nevertheless embodies the hope and good will people wish each other in the beginning of a brand new year.

Literally meaning the “Head of the Year” in Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah falls in the month of Tishrei when God is believed to have created the world. It is observed on the first two days of Tishrei and ten days before Yom Kippur, another important holy day for Jews. This year the dates for Rosh Hashanah begin from sunset 18 September 2009 to nightfall 20 September.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur together in fact constitute the Yamim Nora’im which in Hebrew means the Days of Awe and whose English equivalents are the High Holy Days. In Jewish tradition it is believed that during the High Holy Days, God decides who will live and who will not. This is thus a time for reflection for all Jews and repentance for any sins that they may have committed in the past year.

However not everything about Rosh Hashanah is related to sin, repentance and death. Observing the beginning of a new year, Rosh Hashanah is a time of hope for better things. People wish each other good health and fortune for the days to come.

England is famous for many festivals which though originating from Pagan times have undergone interesting changes in character and purpose. One such well-loved festival in the month of September is the annual Horn Dance celebrated in Abbots Bromley.

The village of Abbots Bromley lies in the heart of England and every year in September it becomes the site of a unique custom known as the Horn Dance. This quaint rural tradition is actually a hunting ritual that goes back to August1226 when it was first performed at the Barthelmy Fair. Today the Horn Dance offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditional customs of medieval rural England and draws visitors from all over country and even outside.

The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance begins with the dancers collecting the horns from the church at eight in the morning. The Horn Dancers comprises of six deer men, a hobby horse, a Fool, Bowman and Maid Marian. The group winds its way through the village, its surrounding farms and pubs and performs its Horn Dance to the music of a melodian player located at various points in the ten mile-walk. The dance comes to a close with the horns being returned to the church in the evening. Other attractions at the Horn Dance festival include exhibitions, crafts stalls and the offerings of the local pubs.

Mexico is one of the most popular travel destinations among the Latin American countries. Every year thousands of international tourists arrive here to bask in the golden beaches, explore the Meso-American ruins or experience Mexico’s thriving cultural scene.

Mexican culture is a unique blend of Meso-American heritage and European, especially Spanish influence and one city which embodies this is Guadalajara. The city is known as the cultural capital of Mexico and is home to a large number of theaters, art galleries and museums. One such destination is the Degollado Theater where some of the most notable theatrical productions in the country are staged.

Also known as the Teatro Degollado, the theater is located in the downtown district of Guadalajara on the Plaza de la Liberacion. The Degollado Theater was opened to the public on 13th September 1866 and its inaugural performance was Gaetano Donizetti’s famous opera Lucia di Lammermoor. Today the Degollado Theater has a full seating capacity of 1414 people and its repertoire includes both classical as well as modern pieces.

The theater building is also an architectural marvel whose portico is especially impressive. Based on a neo-classical design the portico is supported by massive Corinthian columns and topped by a triangular shaped pediment. Other attractions in the theater are late 19th century paintings by Jacobo Galvez and Gerardo Suarez.

Visitors keen to visit other attractions of the city can check out www.ooaha.com for best Guadalajara hotel deals.

Women are more likely to develop breast cancer a second time if they are obese, smokers or take over seven drinks a week, results of a new study shows.

The study followed 1000 patients from Seattle area who had ER-positive or Estrogen Receptor-positive breast cancer. Among these 365 patients eventually developed a second cancer in the other breast. After all the subjects in the study were questioned about their lifestyle, it was found that women who were current smokers faced the biggest risk at a whopping 120% of developing a second breast cancer while similar risks for obese women stood at 505 and for those who consumed more than seven alcoholic drinks each week the risk was 90%, according to researcher Christopher Li, MD, PhD. Li is also an associate member of the public health division of the Seattle-based Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Results of the study were published in the advance online edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The study included only patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer which is a condition where the tumor grows when exposed to the female hormone estrogen. This is the most common type of breast cancer among patients around the world. The study

One of the oldest capitals in the world, Budapest is a city teeming with both natural and architectural wonders. Its castles, historical monuments and the embankments along the River Danube attract visitors from across the world and have found place in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

One of the best known attractions in Hungarian capital Budapest is the series of thermal baths and spas that are fed by the natural hot springs right in the heart of the city. There are as many as 118 springs and boreholes which supply the city’s spas and baths ever day with 15.4 million gallons of water in temperatures ranging between 70 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

The oldest of the thermal spas in Budapest go back to the Roman times when they colonized the area just west of River Danube and built enormous spas there. The newer baths belong to the Turkish period when the spas served both recreational and medicinal purposes. Two of the best preserved baths from the Turkish period, the Kiraly thermal baths and the Rudas Medicinal baths are still famous among locals as well as tourists.

Visitors to the Hungarian capital can check out www.ooaha.com which lists some of the best Budapest hotel deals.

Support groups across the globe observed World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday and strove to spread the word on supporting those who struggle with depression and mental ill-health.

Counselors and volunteers who work with suicide prevention groups say that even untrained people can pick up certain warning signs which might indicate that a person is contemplating suicide. If friends and family members learnt to recognize these signs then the risk of a depressed person taking the extreme step could be substantially curtailed.

Some of the most telling signs that a person might be contemplating suicide are:
• Behavior related to deep depression such as loss of appetite, insomnia or oversleeping, excessive crying or carelessness about appearance.
• Frequent talk of dying or wanting to die, obsession with death and especially previous suicide attempts.
• Unusual behavior like giving away favorite possession, inappropriate farewells and sudden happiness after a long period of depression.
• Purchase of guns, drugs or pills.

If a friend or family member displays any or several of the above signs, you can help by listening actively and expressing support in a non-judgmental way. However if you feel that the matter is too serious, do not hesitate to take professional help as it may mean the difference between life and death.

The US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK.

South Korea is a land of varied cultural attractions. While its many temples, shrines and monuments reveal the influence of ancient religions and traditional practices, the place to discover the rhythm and colors of contemporary living culture are its marketplaces.

One of the most colorful marketplaces in South Korea is the Jeongseon Market. Located in Gangwon-do, this Five-Day market is the place to visit if you want to look for mountain herbs, Korean vegetables, spices and corn rice wine. The specialty of this market is however the Goraengji, a Korean vegetable that only grows in the mountain regions or on plateaus at an altitude of 500 to 700 meters above the sea level. Other well-known products or the Jeongseon Market are the wild greens available during the spring and the medicinal herbs which make their appearance only in the autumn.

Along with its fresh produce, the Jeongseon Market is also a popular haunting place for traditional Korean dishes. One of the most-sought after items is a bowl of Kotdeungchigi noodles which is dish made from buckwheat noodles. Interestingly the meaning of Kotdeungchigi is “hit the nose” in Korean, so called because people tend to scoop the noodles in a hurry and then predictably get hit on the nose! But don’t come back from the market without sampling the corn makgeolli which is type of local wine.

To visit Jeongseon, go through www.ooaha.com as the site has some of the cheapest Jeongseon hotel deals.

A whole new generation is being swept by Beatlemania after a new collection of Beatles CDs and the first-ever Beatles video game was launched on Wednesday.

Four decades after the Fab Four devastated music world with news of their break-up, the Beatles’ masterpieces continue to pull in crowds. Queues snaked outside stores in London and Liverpool where a new collection of remastered CDs were released. A few die-hard fans even jammed the streets outside the landmark studio on Abbey Road, where the Beatles first recorded many of their record-breaking hits.

And it was only a matter of some hours before the newly-released Beatles album found its way on the top of the music charts compiled by UK version of Amazon.com. The online retailer in fact quickly sold out its quota of the pre-orders for the Beatles box set whose high price of $260 proved to be no deterrent for music lovers. There is still a long waiting list of buyers, according to the online store.

The first-ever video game based on the Beatles was also launched yesterday. Titled “The Beatles: Rock Band”, the video game is expected to reach out to a wider audience among the young generation.

One of the most culturally vibrant nations in Europe, Bulgaria boasts of a long tradition of artistic and cultural achievements. Its capital city Sofia attracts visitors from around the world with its treasure trove of art galleries, theaters, museums, opera houses and concert halls.

Nestled in the green embrace of Vitosha Mountains, Sofia is a city steeped in architectural beauty and cultural grandeur, best manifested in the Boyana Church which has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Located on the outskirts of the city, the Boyana Church is today regarded as a landmark Bulgarian monument. It is primarily famous for its splendid medieval architecture and its delicate murals. Painted as far back as 13th century, the murals on the walls of the Boyana Church continue to amaze visitors of today with their fragile beauty, expressiveness and a deep understanding of human nature.

The murals of the Boyana Church include paintings of national saints and martyrs besides depicting the royal Bulgarian couple, King Constantine and Queen Irina. Painted almost 400 years before the arrival of European Renaissance, these murals are a supreme example of the best of Eastern Christian Art.

Visitors to the Bulgarian capital can go through www.ooaha.com which lists some of the best Sofia hotel deals.

The Lifetime Achievement Award at the ongoing 66th Venice Film Festival was given to the animation directors of Pixar Studios, this being the first time that the award went to a team and not an individual.

Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter and his team of directors were chosen for the prestigious award in recognition of their contribution towards changing the face of animation films as evident from the huge commercial success of Pixar productions like Toy Story and Finding Nemo. Lasseter collected the Lifetime Achievement award on behalf of his team from Star Wars creator George Lucas.

Pixar Studios has made ten animation films of which four have received the Best Animation Award at the Oscars. Earlier Lasseter told reporters that with the Best Picture nominations at the Oscars going upto ten, he hoped that from now more animation films will be nominated for the Best Picture Award.

The 66th Venice Film Festival opened on September 2nd and will continue till the 12th. This year the inaugural film of the festival was the epic Sicilian family saga, Baaria. Famous Taiwanese director Ang Lee is heading the festival panel which will choose the winner of the Golden Lion Award. Some of the films contending for the top honor are John Hillcoat’s The Road, Hertzog’s remake of The Bad Lieutenant as well as the French film White Material.

To the regular traveler Iceland may seem a formidable distance away but this country near the North Pole has an amazing array of attractions for visitors. While glaciers, lakes and fjords form the best known natural features of Iceland, an exciting range of wildlife and a thriving culture also form the core of many an unforgettable Icelandic vacation.

One of the most interesting places in the country is the Iceland Seal Center at Hvammstangi. This center brings together a desire to showcase Iceland’s wealth of wildlife with a responsible style of tourism that is aware of the need to protect the delicate natural environment of the region. For visitors, the Seal Center is a delightful resource of seal watching especially in the Vatnsnes Peninsula. The center also has a crafts shop where tourists can explore local handicrafts and artifacts.

Among other objectives of the Iceland Seal Center are furthering research in areas of sealery, seal products and seal-related farming besides fostering better understanding of environmental conservation of the whole northern coastal region.

The Iceland Seal Center at Hvammstangi is open to visitors on all weekdays from June to August from nine in the morning to five in the evening. Through September visitors can explore the center from ten in the morning to two in the afternoon on weekdays. Also check out www.ooaha.com for lodging options as the site has some of the best Hvammstangi hotel deals.

Computer engineers in United Kingdom have the worst road accident records while farmers are the safest drivers, claims a survey by an insurance company.

Figures from UK-based car insurer, Churchill Car Insurance revealed that computer engineers topped the lost of those professions making the most accident claims in the last three years. The professional to make the second-largest number of claims were sales managers followed by chefs, students and doctors.

Farmers in UK on the other hand were judged to have the best road safety record based on the number of road accident claims made with Churchill Car Insurance. According to Tony Chilcott, head of the car insurance company, this was because farmers lived and worked in rural areas which were less likely to be congested. Farmers were followed by aircraft fitters, stores personnel and ambulance drivers as the professionals least likely to get involved in road accidents.

The Churchill Car Insurance survey shows that people from the most stressful professions like computer engineers and doctors were most likely to have accidents while driving on road. This is most likely because the nature and degree of stress at such jobs made the professionals more distracted and tired on the road and hence raised the probability of accidents.

Russia is a land whose geographical expanse is matched by the complexity of its history and the richness of its cultural heritage. While cities like Moscow and St Petersburg form the core of tourism in Russia, other places like Novgorod also attract visitors for their historical value.

The medieval city of Veliky Novgorod is one of the most important places of historical interest in Russia. Located in the northwestern part of the country, Novgorod lies along the Volkhov River and is famous for its medieval architecture, the best known example of which is perhaps the St Sophia Cathedral. Built under orders of Vladimir Yaroslavich, the son of Yaroslav the Wise, the Cathedral dates back to the eleventh century. Today it is regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval structures and is perhaps the oldest Russian building that is still in use.

St Sophia’s Cathedral is famous as one of the first buildings to exhibit certain architectural features which came to be identified as typically Russian – like the use of five domed cupolas and the austere walls. Other significant details include its famed bronze gates in the west entrance as well as its frescoes, originally painted in the twelfth century.

Visitors interested to explore this magnificent cathedral and other historical sights of the city would do well to check out www.ooaha.com which has some of the best Veliky Novgorod hotel deals.

A stay at the hospital is usually one of the most stressful experiences for a young child. Fear of what is going to happen, anxiety at being away from familiar surroundings and the physical pain of a medical procedure all combine to create a harrowing time for a child. Here are a few ways to prepare your young child so that a hospital stay can pass of like any other unusual experience.

Start off by educating yourself on what the hospital stay entails for your child. Only when you are fully informed, will you feel confident enough to help your child through the stay.

Be relaxed and cheerful before your child. If you display signs of fear and anxiety, your child is certain to pick up those signals and feel miserable.

In simple terms explain to your child why he or she needs to be hospitalized. Be sure to clarify that it is to help him or her get well and it is not a punishment for “being bad”.

Talk to your child about the place and the people that he or she may come across the hospital like Doctors, nurses, lab attendants and janitors. Go over the sequence of the stay in simple language starting from pre-operative checks maybe till the child is free to go home.

The Seychelles islands are famous the world over for their pristine beaches and exotic marine life.

Located on the eastern side of the African continent, the Republic of Seychelles is composed of 115 islands which have been broadly divided into the Inner and Outer Islands. While the Inner islands form the economic and cultural hub of the nation, the Outer Islands attract tourists for their low-lying coral atolls and reef islands.

Owing to the relatively remote location, the Outer Islands in Seychelles are less frequented by tourists. However the sand cays and coral atolls lining the coasts of these islands are a treasure trove of marine life. While the Aldabra Atoll is the largest raised coral atoll in the world, the Alphonse Island is also bordered by a spectacular coral reef which houses a variety of rare marine flora and fauna. Moreover the Alphonse Island is an important nesting ground for tortoises and several species of sea birds.

For lovers of aquatic sports, Alphonse Island offers options for diving, deep-sea sailing and fly-fishing. It is one of the very few Outer Islands that has luxury accommodations as well as executive suites for visitors. Check out www.ooaha.com for the best hotel deals in Alphonse Island.

US unemployment rate in August touched 9.7 percent, the highest in 26 years even though the total jobless number was the lowest in a year.

Figures released by the US Labor Department on Friday showed that employers across the economy cut 216,000 in August resulting in the highest unemployment rate in 26 years at 9.7 percent. This was a marginal rise from the 9.4 percent jobless rate in July but the lowest in the past year.

Official statistics also revealed that the total number of jobless people in the country stood at 14.9 million in August. Ever since the US economy entered the grip of recession in December 2007, as many as 6.9 million people have lost their jobs, with the construction, service and manufacturing sectors being the worst-hit.

However there were some positive signs from the economy, showing that the labor market may have crossed the worst phase of recession. Data from the Labor Department showed that the decline in jobs last month was less than the 225,000 job reductions that had been forecast. Moreover private sector job cuts were coming down with 198,000 losses last month which was 50,000 better than the previous month, according to Nigel Gault, chief US economist with IHS Global Insight.

Lovers of speed can look forward to the Singapore Grand Prix Season which is scheduled to take off on 18 September and will come to a thrilling finish on 27 September.

The Formula One SingTel Singapore Grand Prix will cover a race distance of 308.950 kilometers while the circuit length will be 5.067 kilometers. The race will be held on 27 September at the Marina Bay Street Circuit and is the world’s only Formula One night race. The number of laps to be completed at the race will be 61. The best lap record is held by K. Raikkonen who finished 1:45.599 at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.

Besides the thrill of a Formula One race, the Singapore Grand Prix Season includes many other entertainment and shopping events. Some of the entertainment highlights of the season include musical performances by rock band Travis, pop sensation Backstreet Boys, soul queen Chaka Khan besides adrenalin-pumping acts by top DJs like John Digweed and Carl Cox. The circuit park will also host world famous theatrical performances like Strange Dream and Herbert’s Fruit by Cie des Quidam.

Other highlights of the Singapore Grand Prix Season include heavy discounts at city attractions as well as shopping and dining privileges at some of the city’s most fashionable addresses. Visit www.ooaha.com for the best and cheapest hotel deals in Singapore.

Smoking cigarettes, we all know, is one of the surest ways to wreck our own bodies from within and harm our loved ones from without. Still many of us find difficult to kick the habit. Here are a few tips that are sure to motivate you to fling away the cancer stick.

Find a strong personal reason why you would like to quit. If the charge that “it’s bad for you” seems to vague, try considering the health of your own lungs or the safety of your children from secondhand smoke.

The surest way to stop smoking is to take recourse of therapy or medication. This is because a smoker’s brain is addicted to nicotine and going cold turkey can result in severe withdrawal symptoms with greater chances of relapse.

Involve others in your efforts to quit smoking. Family, friends and co-workers or members of a support group can offer powerful motivation to keep away from cigarettes. If possible seek behavioral therapy which will greatly help you to identify and stick to quit-smoking strategies besides enabling you to deal with situations that compel smoking like stress and depression.

Finally, refuse to give up. If you have a relapse, consider the emotions and situations that led you to it. Remember that many smokers try to quit several times before finally giving it up.

Pop diva Whitney Houston has stormed back into the music world with her latest album “I Look to You” which according to analysts is ready top the Billboard 200 chart this week.

Whitney Houston’s latest album is expected to sell over 200,000 copies this week according to Billboard figures. “I Look to You” is Houston’s first album in seven years and comes two years after her divorce. On September 1 she performed a song from the album on ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park in New York. Her first television performance in seven years was discussed for the way she was left breathless after the first song. Viewers also saw her straining to reach the higher notes of the four-segment song on the TV show.

However leaving such initial hiccups aside, Whitney is racing to top the Billboard 200 chart this week which if achieved will be a remarkable feat considering she is up against current teen sensation Miley Cyrus. Miley’s new CD, “The Time of Our Lives” released last week and has already sold 62,000 copies. Miley’s album may see restricted sales to some extent since the CD is being exclusively sold at Wal-Mart outlets and was out in racks much ahead of schedule.

South Africa is popular among international tourists mainly for its wildlife reserves and sun-drenched beaches. However the country also includes many places of natural beauty and one such city is Bloemfontein.

Poetically known as the City of Roses, Bloemfontein is famous for its rose gardens and the annual festival of Roses. The name of the city is in fact the Dutch word for “fountain of Flowers”. The King’s Park in Bloemfontein is the place to visit if one is interested in viewing the rose gardens in all their splendid beauty. The rose garden in the park has more than 4000 rose bushes. The park was opened by Prince of Wales, Edward VIII in 1925. The abundance of rose gardens in the city is all the more remarkable since the place falls in a generally arid region with extremes of temperatures.

In 2009, the Bloemfontein Rose Festival is scheduled to begin on 15 October and continue for eight days till 22 October.

Bloemfontein is the capital of the Free State Province of South Africa and one of the three capital cities of the country. It is the judicial capital of South Africa and forms part of the Mangaung Local Municipality. Visitors to Bloemfontein can check out www.ooaha.com which has some of the best Bloemfontein hotel deals.

Spain is a land which thrills with its many vibrant cultural expressions. Spanish music, art, dance and architecture have a rich, varied heritage and are famous both in the homeland and across the world.

Spanish dances comprise of one of the most fascinating cultural expression of the land. The national dance of Spain is Bolero which was introduced by the famous dancer of Cadiz, Sebastian Zerezo in 1780. Bolero has roots in Moroccan culture and is danced either solo or duo. The dance follows a slow-quick-quick rhythm and the main accompaniments to this dance are the voices of the dancers as well as musical instruments like tambourines, castanets and guitars. The dance is famous for its pounding beats and hypnotic rhythms, one of the best representations of which is Maurice Ravael’s classical masterpiece, “Bolero”.

Today the dramatic Paso Doble and the fiery Flamenco are recognized the world over due to their popularity on television shows like “Dancing With Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance”. However the dances of Spain have a much longer and a more varied evolution which mirror the tumultuous political and complex cultural history of the land.

One of the most famous spots in England known for its spectacular beauty as well as geological interest is East Devon. Designated as the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the hundred square mile area stretches across the fascinating red cliffs of Budleigh and neighboring Exmouth which also form the starting point of the Jurassic Coast.

The Jurassic Coast begins with the fantastic red cliffs and pebble beaches of Budleigh in East Devon and extends to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in East Dorset. Even though not strictly limited to Jurassic times, the cliffs of this region span the Mesozoic Era and date back to Triassic as well as Cretaceous times. The structures of this coast thus document almost 180 million years of geological history and has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Along with the Jurassic Coast, the East Devon Area of Natural Beauty also includes the Blackdown Hills. This region supports a varied range of wildlife besides including many significant geological features. Other attractions in the Blackdown Hills are ancient fortifications going back to Iron Age, old churches and abbeys as well as buildings from Norman times.

Budleigh is one of the most important towns in the East Devon AONB. One may check out www.ooaha.com for the best places to stay in Budleigh.

One thing that is important to all of us that have Internet websites is that we certainly want to have plenty of traffic coming into them regularly. It doesn’t matter if we are selling something on the Internet or if we simply want to have a voice somewhere and among the clamor, having a bunch of traffic coming into the website can make all the difference to us. More on
Web traffic Generation and more here

Pop star Madonna yet again proved her incredible power to draw audiences across the world by smashing her own record for the top grossing tour by a solo artist.

The “Material Girl” raked in $408 million on her year-long ‘Sticky and Sweet’ worldwide tour according to figures released by concert promoter Live Nation on Wednesday. The tour winded up in Israel yesterday after travelling to 85 shows and enthralling more than 3.5 million fans.

with her ‘Sticky and Sweet’ world tour, Madonna broker her own record of 2006 when her ‘Confessions’ tour became the then top earning tour by a solo artist. The previous outing was reported to have pulled in $194 million from 1.2 million fans at sixty shows across the world. The Confessions tour had included more arena stops while her latest Sticky and Sweet tour travelled to bigger venues and featured more shows, according to a Live Nation spokesperson.

Madonna is scheduled to release her “Celebrations” CD and video compilation on September 29 this year. The event will bring to a close her long 27-year association with Warner Music Group Corp. currently Madonna is in an exclusive ten-year contract with Live Nation which covers recording, merchandising and touring and which was signed in 2007 for a then record sum of $120 million.

France is often considered as the cultural capital of Europe and Paris is the pearl in its heart. The city’s art galleries, museums and buildings draw thousands of visitors from across the world. One of the most famous literary museums in Paris is the one dedicated to the great French writer Balzac.

Known as the Maison de Balzac in French, the Balzac House in Paris is today the only surviving house among the many where the literary master stayed during his lifetime. The house has been turned into a museum and now the library contains a treasure trove of the novelist’s manuscripts, illustrations, original and later editions, books annotated by Balzac as well as other important literary works of his time.

The Balzac House also houses several representations of the writer and his close family and friends. The most precious among these are a daguerreotype of Balzac by Louis-Auguste Bisson and dating back to 1842 as well as a drawing of the novelist by Paul Gavarni. Other than these there are portraits of Balzac’s father and mother besides 19th century prints by renowned French artists.

Other items of attraction in the Balzac House include artifacts used by the novelist like his writing desk and his turquoise-studded cane made by Lecointe.

For those interested in staying at Paris, it would be a good idea to check out www.ooaha.com which has some of the best Paris hotel deals.

General Motors

GM and Chinese Auto maker

GM and Chinese Automaker Launch Truck Joint Venture US auto major GM Motors and Chinese automaker FAW Group Corp announced Sunday that they will be building light-duty trucks under a new joint venture. The truck joint venture between…

US Auto sales

US Automakers post profit

America’s Car-Mart Posts Surprise Q1 Profit US auto retailer America’s Car-Mart Inc surprised analysts by posting a whopping 33 percent jump in first quarter profits helped by strong sales and improved credit quality.

Walt Disney
Walt Disney and Marvel

Disney to Take Over Marvel Enterprises American entertainment giant Walt Disney Co announced Sunday that it would acquire Marvel Entertainment Inc for $4 billion in the largest takeover since 2006 when it had bought Pixar Animation…

Walmart
Walmart Goes Shopping

In a new business move, Wal-Mart Stores Inc will now allow outside retailers to sell around one million items from its online store, Walmart.com. The step is being seen as an attempt by the retail giant to tap into the vast reserve of online…

Ebay
Ebay to sell stake

Internet commerce portal eBay announced Tuesday that it planned to sell a majority stake in Skype to a group of private…

A Mediterranean style diet low in carbohydrates may prove to be more effective in management of Type-2 diabetes as compared to low-fat diet according to new study from Italy.

Results of a four-year long study conducted by researchers from Second University, Naples compared the impact of a Mediterranean as well as a low-calorie diet on 215 patients with Type-2 diabetes. At the end of the study it was found that those on a Mediterranean diet achieved better blood sugar control as compared to those on low-fat diet, thus delaying the need for medication which lowers blood sugar. Moreover the Mediterranean diet also helped subjects to cut down on several risk factors for heart disease like weight gain.

The typical Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grain but uses red meat and processed foods sparingly. This type of diet includes a relatively high amount of fat from sources like olive oil, nuts and a few carbohydrates. The typical low-fat diet on the other hand prohibits the intake of all kinds of dietary fats. Both kinds of diet have been conventionally recommended for weight loss in diabetes patients but the results of the new Italian study suggests that the Mediterranean diet is more effective in overall type-2 diabetes management.

The US state of Arizona is famous for its spectacular natural scenery and desert landscape. Tourists from across the world come here to visit the numerous national forests, parks and monuments and Indian reservations.

One of the most striking natural formations in this state is the Monument Valley. Located on the Arizona-Utah border, the Monument Valley rises as a towering structure amidst the surrounding flat landscape. The valley is actually a concentration of mammoth sandstone rock formations, some more than 1000 feet high. Some of the most remarkable of these sandstone monuments are named Mittens, Grey Whiskers, King on His Throne and the Three Sisters. The fantastic thing is that to a great extent the formations resemble their names.

Visitors can make use of a seventeen-mile drive that winds past the most notable of the rock formations in the Monument Valley. Other than this, there are also guided tours which can cost anything from $50 to $100.

The Monument Valley of Arizona is also Navajo tribal park and this is the reason why climbing is not allowed. However with prior permission, visitors can book guided tours which include ancient ruins and India settlements.

Those interested in visiting Monument Valley can stay at traditional lodges in the valley or motels in nearby towns like Mexican Hat, Kayenta or Bluff. Check out www.ooaha.com which has some of the best Kayenta hotel deals.

For most of us, a first date warrants some degree of apprehension but if it is a blind date, the experience can be truly nerve-racking. However here a few tips to shrug off innumerable doubts on the eve of a blind date and just get on with having a good time.

First impressions do matter. So make sure that you are clean, well-groomed and dressed right. Check for body odor and bad breath as these can badly ruin a budding relationship.

Ideally for a blind date, you should meet at a popular or a public place where both are comfortable. A concert at a park, an art gallery or a museum are good options. The aim is to allow you both some time to get to know each other without tying you down for a long time, as in case of a dinner or movie. Towards the end of the date, if you feel comfortable with each other, you could go for a coffee or dessert. However you may keep an exit option, like arranging for a friend to call you at a given time, in case the date turns out to be a disaster.

At the end, consider if you want to meet again. Saying no is not easy but ultimately better than not returning calls. On the other hand, if your blind date is not a complete disaster, you might want to meet again since the next time you both will know what to expect and be more comfortable with each other.

Southern California is a virtual paradise when it comes to amusement parks. Between Los Angeles and San Diego there are as many as seven theme parks which are not only a hit with children but huge fun for adults too. One of these is Legoland California at Carlsbad which is every kid’s dream come true.

Legoland California has attractions galore, the most popular among which lego-building activities, watching cool movies at IMAX theaters and the hair-raising rides which are sure to thrill kids and adults alike. In the midst of all these hectic activities, visitors may catch their breath at the model shops where they can see lego designers at work.

Legoland California is divided into six villages based on different kinds of attractions. The Dino Island, Explore Village and Fun Town are especially popular with the younger kids while the Castle Hill and Land of Adventure are the areas with the bigger roller coaster. The Pirate Shores is yet another fun area which has several water-based activities and is particularly crowded on hot days. The lego-building areas and IMAX theaters are located in the Imagination Zone while Miniland USA houses iconic American lego structures built by in-house designers.

For those planning a longer visit to Legoland California may check out www.ooaha.com for best Carlsbad hotel deals.

The Orpheum Theater at downtown Los Angeles hosted the 36th Daytime Emmy Awards amidst a glittering array of television stars on Sunday night.

Long-running soap “The Bold and Beautiful” finally won its first Emmy for the best Drama Series after being on air for twenty-two years. the series had been nominated four times in the past for the Emmy awards but missed each time since many believed that being a half-hour show it could not compete with hour-long rivals.

Another big surprise was “The View” which won the award for the best the talk show host. This was the first time that a talk show with multiple hosts bagged an award at the Emmys which till now has been strongly biased towards single-hosted talk shows. This was the reason perhaps why none of its stars like Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Joy Behar, Sherri Shepherd and Barbara Walters were present at the Awards and which was eventually accepted by presenter Jennie Garth.

The 36th Daytime Emmy Awards also included a poignant farewell to “Guiding Light” which is soon to the end long run on CBS due to low ratings. the series first appeared on radio in 1937 and in 1952 began its innings on television as its first soap opera. The series has been credited as the longest-running drama in television and radio history.

Samoa is a veritable tropical paradise with its silvery beaches, picturesque islands and vibrant culture.

Located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean just below the equator, the country of Samoa is composed of ten islands. Samoa’s primary natural attraction is its coastline which includes white sandy beaches, lapped by turquoise waters and bordered by graceful swaying palms. One such pristine destination is the Lalomanu Beach on the southeastern tip of the island of Upolu. Visitors to this beach love lazing on the soft sands or wading in the cool blue waters which seem to be straight out of beach lover’s dream.

However other than offering delights of sea and sand, the Lalomanu Beach is also famous for its treasure of marine life. The translucent lagoon lying on the southern coast and extending till Lotofaga is in fact a protected marine reserve where visitors can watch various species of exotic tropical fishes. The more adventurous among visitors can even make use of a snorkel or scuba tank to view the marine creatures in their natural habitat.

There are several lodging options in Upolu which is the largest island of Samoa. Visitors can check out www.ooaha.com since the site lists some of the best Upolu hotel deals.

Anorexia is a potentially fatal eating disorder which compels the affected person to believe that he or she is not thin enough. As a result the subject seeks to deprive his or her body of food while subjecting it to excessive workouts. This may eventually lead to physical and mental breakdown and even death. So if you find your teenaged kid getting obsessive about food and body size, watch out for these symptoms of anorexia.

The most obvious sign is a significant amount of with loss in a short period of time. This may happen if the person continues to avoid food or goes for unnaturally severe workouts with the aim of slashing his or her body weight. A much more dangerous form of this obsession is to indulge in binge eating and then using laxatives to throw up all the food. If you find your teenager indulging in this behavior it is time to seek professional help.

Other symptoms of anorexia may not manifest in physical terms but have more to do with what a person thinks. An anorexic person will keep thinking he or she is getting fatter when in fact the person may be losing weight at an alarming rate. This unhealthy obsession with body size and self-image may manifest in repeated checking of weighing scales, sinking self esteem and unsocial behavior.

With its rich artistic heritage, thriving cultural attractions and a diverse natural beauty, Poland has caught on the fancy of the avid traveler. Tourists come from all over Europe and around the world eager to discover the ancient culture and history of this country.

One of the major tourist draws of Poland is the archeological site of Biskupin located in the north-central part of the country. The highlight of this place is a life-size model of a ‘grod’ or a fortified settlement from the Iron Age. The settlement is also known as Kuyavian-Pomeranian Vovoidship and is part of the Biskupin group of Lusatian culture. The discovery and restoration of this pre-historic settlement is an important milestone in the history of Poland and today it is a proud reminder of the ancient lineage of the Polish people and particularly of the historical achievements of the Slavs.

On a marshy peninsula of the Lake Biskupin stands the museum which contains several important artifacts from previous excavations carried out at the archeological site. The museum is around 90 kilometers from the Polish city of Poznan and 8 kilometers from the small town of Znin. Visitors to Biskupin can check out www.ooaha.com for lodging options at either of the two places. The site has some of the best Poznan hotel deals.

Finding the right pair of jeans can age a woman beyond her years. it is not only the mind-boggling range of styles available in the market that can be unnerving, but the plethora of brands and prices also do their best to heighten confusion. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best fitting pair of jeans.

The first step in finding the perfectly fitting pair of jeans is to know you own body type. Look at yourself in the mirror and be honest with your measurements. This will go a long way in helping you to find a pair of jeans that give the perfect fit.

Even though perfectly fitting jeans require keeping in mind the body size, this does not mean that you cannot experiment with other styles. Do so by all means but be sure that you know how you look and feel in certain types of jeans.

Another important guideline in picking up a pair of well-fitting jeans is to keep your age in mind. There may be certain styles more appropriate for someone older or younger. However if you look and feel comfortable in out of the ordinary styles, go for it. Only remember that you must be able to carry it off.

Jeans styles today range from various fits and cuts to textures and colors. Try out various styles and if necessary take the specialized help. In the end, however you are the best judge of what fits and looks best on you.

In running for the new seven wonders of the natural world, the Dead Sea is indeed a fantastic place to visit. At 400 meters below the sea level, it is the lowest body of water on Earth while its high saline content makes swimming in the Dead Sea a unique experience.

The Dead Sea is also known as the “Bahr Lott” or the ‘Sea of Lot’ in Arabic. The sea owes its name to the high concentration of salt in its water which does not allow any kind of marine life. The Dead Sea, in fact has eight times more salt content than most of the oceans in the globe. However it is high concentration of salt that enables visitors to float on its waters without any fear of sinking thus making for a truly remarkable experience.

Besides it high saline content, the Dead Sea is also rich in certain minerals which are used for agricultural as well as therapeutic purposes. The famous black mud packs of Dead Sea are used by the nearby spas for the treatment of a variety of skin conditions along with other kinds of therapies based on highly oxygenous air and filtered sunrays.

Visitors to the Dead Sea can stay on the eastern Jordanian side for which they can check out www.ooaha.com since the site has some of the best and cheapest Amman hotel deals.

The American diet is increasingly becoming loaded with added sugars and thus more prone to associated health risks, the American Heart Association has warned.

Added sugar is increasingly finding its way into the regular diet of the American people – sometimes sprinkled on food but more commonly processed in packaged beverages and foods. According to an estimate the average American takes in as much as 355 calories per day of added sugars, mostly from sugar-sweetened drinks. but over the years more and more food options have been flavored with sweetening agents and the AHA estimates that between 1970 and 2005 the prevalence of added sugars in foods and beverages has shot up by 19 percent. Even foods which are conventionally thought to be fat-free like flavored popcorn or “healthy” like granola bars contain substantial amounts of added sugars.

The AHA has expressed concern is this increased intake of added sugars may disturb the normal metabolic rate of the human body and result in health risks like obesity and hypertension. Keeping in mind the associated health risks, the American Heart Association has now recommended an upper limit on daily intake of added sugars. The group suggests that women keep their daily consumption of added sugars within 100 calories while men restrict their intake to 150 calories.

The Scandinavian city of Stockholm attracts visitors from all over the world for its splendid monuments, rich cultural life and exquisite natural beauty. Surrounded by green landscapes and sparkling rivers, Stockholm is indeed one of the most beautiful capitals of the world.

Built on fourteen islands and connected by 57 bridges, Stockholm offers a remarkable cityscape to its visitors. One of the most popular tourist centers in the city is the Medieval city center at Gamla Stan which is also one of the largest and oldest medieval cultural centers in the whole of Europe. Gamla Stan is the place where Stockholm was founded more than 700 years ago in 1252. Here, the narrow winding streets are bordered by medieval buildings in various shades of gold while occasional sightings of frescoes and cellar vaults take back visitors to the Middle Ages.

Gamla Stan is a veritable shopper’s delight with stores laying out handicrafts, curios and souvenirs of different types and in various price brackets. Also there are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants where visitors can get a feel of bygone times. Other than these medieval cultural attractions, Gamla Stan also boasts of some of the most beautiful churches and buildings in Europe including the Stockholm Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Sweden.

Visitors to Stockholm can check out www.ooaha.com for lodging options. The site has some of best Stockholm hotel deals.

World famous talk-show hostess Oprah Winfrey has topped the Forbes List of highest-earning celebrities over 50 years of age with annual earnings of $275 million from July 2008 to July 2009.

The Queen of American talk show television grabbed the top spot on Forbes’ List of the Above-50 Celebrities with the biggest earnings after she took home a cool $275 million from July 2008 to July this year. According to Forbes this is equal to what George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars and Madonna, the Material Girl earned together in the last year.

Oprah’s amazing earning ability owes to her far-reaching brand power which started off with her successful television tenure and then went on to be associated with a number of successful ventures. Oprah’s talk show landed her with a pop star popularity and from there she channeled her renown into an eponymous magazine, supported other talent like Rachael Ray and Dr. Phil as well as lent her brand power to the XM Satellite Radio Program.

Hidden behind Oprah’s star status is an acute business sense which prompted her to start her own production company, Harpo Productions. This not only bolstered her earnings but gave Oprah greater control over her endeavors.

The Turkish city of Istanbul is unique for straddling two continents and cultures – the European and the Asian. It is a place marked by subtle contrasts where the secular and the modern co-exist with the religious and the ancient. It is this fine balance of cultures and geographies that makes Istanbul such an intriguing city to explore.

Having ruled as the seat of Ottoman Empire for hundreds of years, Istanbul is today famous for its many palaces, mosques and historical monuments. The palaces especially are reminders of the Empire’s erstwhile opulence and one of the grandest among them is the Dolmabahce Palace.

Built on the orders of Sultan Abdulmecit, the Dolmabahce Palace is a testimony to the magnificence of Ottoman culture and architecture. The palace complex sprawls over 285 rooms and 43 large salons. One of the biggest highlights in the palace is a Bohemian glass chandelier which weighs over 4000 tons. While the architecture of the palace is an appealing blend of European and Ottoman traditions, the precedence of the European elements gives the palace a slightly modern look.

Istanbul has a vast range of lodging options both in the Old City or the newer parts. Visitors can check out www.ooaha.com for best and cheapest Istanbul hotel deals.

Leaving the past behind and moving on is one of the most difficult lessons that Life has to offer. And yet if you continue to lug around the baggage of the past, you will continue to feel exhausted and resentful for all the unpleasant things that may have happened. Here are a few simple ways to leave the past and walk ahead unburdened.

Start by accepting what happened to you in the past. Face the event if only to get over it. Don’t be under the illusion that if you bury it, the pain will go away.

An effective way to deal with an unhappy event of the past is to learn from it. Every mistake offers a lesson so find it and be sure never to repeat it again.

An important aspect of facing the past means forgiving yourself as well as others. Even though it may not be to forgive those that have hurt you yet consider it as an essential aspect of self-healing which may finally help you to move on.

Consider tried-and-tested ways of self-healing like talking about the past to someone you can trust or writing about the event and its impact in a journal. These processes are often known to have a cathartic effect which may help you to leave the past behind.

Finally if nothing works and you find yourself sinking into depression, seek professional help. It is the present which is important and fight to live it well.

Australia enthralls visitors with its amazing range of attractions whether of spectacular natural views or of ancient Aboriginal culture.

One such destination that fascinates visitors with the variety of attractions is Fraser Island, listed in the World Heritage Sites as the largest sand island on earth. Located in the Queensland region, Fraser Island is hugely famous for the Seventy-Five Mile Beach which tourists can explore either on a four-wheel drive or on a joyflight. Alternately one can set off on any of the hundreds of sand tracks that run through rainforests, lakes and various other natural attractions.

Among other fantastic natural formations on Fraser Island are the mighty sand blows and the multi-colored sand cliffs of The Cathedrals. These towering sand structures are a spectacular sight especially during the early and later part of the day. Yet another amazing view is offered by the colored sand vistas of The Pinnacles. Fraser Island is truly a nature lover’s delight and one is fascinated by the variety and beauty of sand formations in this island.

Visitors to Fraser Island can stay in mainland cities like Hervey Bay or Inskip Point check out www.ooaha.com for some of the best Hervey Bay hotel deals.

Avoiding crowded places, swarming weddings(of a relative, friend’s friend whom you never knew and were least bothered), noisy places, feeling uncomfortable in a gathering, malls, busy substations, overcrowded trams, buses, metro …..different people with numerous different situations and having corresponding reasons for circumventing social gatherings. It may sound awkward to most of the readers who love socializing but there are over 6.8% of people around you, of age group 18 and above, who hate socialization.

Human is stamped as a social animal but as it said, exceptions always exist. Not being social or avoiding such teeming places, doesn’t refer that the person is suffering from a certain phobia.

It is completely normal as it depends upon individual’s choice. Shunning from a place which your mind considers as irritating, unbearably buzzing with noise and irrelevant for your presence indicates towards a sociophobia, claustrophobic etc.? No! These days every place has become so crowded that you sometime wonder in your thoughts to pack your bags immediately, throw your cell as far as you can and shift to woods with your loved ones only. This creepy thought most commonly crosses over the mind when you are stuck in a huge traffic jam. Is demanding peace, rest and a halt for oneself in free time (which is only one day –“The Sunday”) in this pacing world is becoming an anti-socialite?

It is the relevance of people around you that matters the most. Ever reckoned the fact that the people around you in a tram or bus is considered as “crowd” but the same number of people gathered around you as some of your closest friends in a reunion are “people”.

Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?

Screw me if I am wrong, but haven’t we met before?

Excuse me, do you have your phone number, I seem to have lost mine.

If you were a new hamburger at McDonald’s, you would be McGorgeous.

Can I buy you a drink, or do you just want the money.

You’re like milk, I want to make you a part of my complete breakfast.

I’m not actually this tall. I’m sitting on my wallet.

Did the sun come out or did you just smile at me?

I’m new in town, could I have directions to your house. \

If I could rewrite the alphabet, I would put U and I together.

Do you have a map? I just keep on getting lost in your eyes.

You might not be the best looking girl here, but beauty is only a light switch away.

That’s a nice shirt. Can I talk you out of it?

There must be something wrong with my eyes, I can’t take them off you.

Was your father a thief? ‘Cause someone stole the stars from the sky and put them in your eyes.

Twitlol

If you thought you knew all that there was to know about the adverse effects of a high-fat diet, here is more. Researchers now say that prolonged intake of fatty food can affect memory in the short term and make exercise difficult. In other words repeated snacking on those burgers and chips can make you stupid and lazy.

The results were reported in the FASEB journal after a new study conducted by American researcher Andrew Murray and his team. The study noted the impact of fat in diet on two groups of rats. One of these was given a high-fat diet over a ten-day period at the end of which they took longer to complete a maze and made more mistakes as compared to the other group of rats who had been fed a low-fat diet.

However the impact on human memory of a high-fat diet can be confirmed only after wide-ranging research involving human subjects. Even though rodents are thought to be standard analogues in studies like this, rats typically live for a much shorter time and hence study effects on humans may differ because of longer time scales in the latter.

Turkey is a land of diverse geographical composition witch in fact heightens its appeal as a tourist destination. The rugged beauty of mountains and plateaus coexist with balmy coasts of as many as four different seas.

One of the most naturally spectacular regions in Turkey is Central Anatolia which is comprised of plateaus and sports a wild charm. The city of Ankara is located in the center of Anatolia and on the eastern edge of the high Anatolian Plateau. Its geographical location gives Ankara pleasant highland climate for most of the year though summers can be hot and dry.

Situated on the high Anatolian plateau, Ankara is surrounded by several sites of scenic beauty. One such place is Elmadag, just 23 kilometers out of Ankara which overlooks green slopes and distant blue hills. There are also hotels, restaurant, a chalet as well as a bar cum discotheque. The major attraction of Elmadag is a ski slope so near to the capital city of Turkey. The ski track here is 900 meters long and 250 meters across. another skiing facility at Elmadag is a 540-meter long teleski which can take in 720 people per hour.

Ankara is well supplied with a wide range of lodging options. One can check out www.ooaha.com for best Ankara hotel deals.

Calvin Coolidge (30th President of the United States, 1872-1933) once said “nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent, unrewarded genius, unutilized potential and educated derelicts”. Truly, this world is full of such examples. Every person has been gifted with unsurpassed talent and capability, but most of the time the gift is never opened. How many people you know who had a remarkable quality to rise above all but due to some obstacle they got, what they didn’t deserve? Many! The list can also be countless, if seen with a broad prospect.

A wife left her passion, career and obsession to settle with her husband, the eldest son of the family killed his aspirations of studying in Harvard to fulfill others requirements after father’s death, a homemaker gave up her dreams to be a devoted single mother, a waiter-boy having talents equivalent to a sensational singer washed dish plates in a corner of dusty crowd, a “NBA material” working in grocery shop clearing stacks……these are just few examples out of millions.

So, in such cases is it necessary that the person lacked determination, capability, enthusiasm, hope, guts or sincerity? No. We take birth, live a life and develop a “dream” (which turns out to be much more important than anything else) of becoming “somebody” from “a nobody”. With the passage of time, the feeling grows stronger and stronger with small achievements, daily prayers, wishes and occasional appraisements. And one day, suddenly we hit a point in our life where we realize that there are other things important too. There are other constraints too, which cannot be neglected. Without which, we cannot bridge the difference between the dreams and realities. Slowly, we spend our whole life fulfilling these constraints, eventually discovering the happily-ever-after potion is not delivered to all. Most of us have to fight their way to get even a single drop and by the time we reach our destination, it is the dead end.

Talking idyllically is easy, but sometimes we are bound to change according to situations and conditions.

Taiwan is a land of amazing scenic beauty as well as a diverse cultural fabric. Its ancient capital city Tainan is especially rich in places of historical significance and beauty.

Tainan is famous for its wealth of old temples, shrines and fortresses among which one of the best known is the Anping Fort. Built by Dutch colonials in 1624, the Anping Fort constituted the administrative center of the time and was also the hub of trading activities. However down the ages the Fort fell into decline and many of its portions were either destroyed or taken apart to build other structures.

Today however the restored Anping Fort is designated as an important historical site, bearing witness to Taiwan’s past grandeur. It is not only one of the oldest forts in the country but also one of its best preserved historical structures.

Among other historical attractions in Tainan are the Eternal Fortress, Chamber of the Red Hill as well cultural sites like the Dongue Hall and the Haishan Hall. Besides these there are numerous temples and shrines, some of which are the Confucius Temple, Great Queen of Heaven Temple and Kailong Temple.

Visitors to this old Taiwanese city can check out www.ooaha.com which has some of the best Tainan hotel deals.

If you feel that your marriage is rapidly going downhill here are a few ways to press the brake. But the most important point is that both partners should feel that the marriage is worth saving. If you find yourselves agreeing on that one, then explore the following suggestions.

You can avoid an imminent breakup by first acknowledging that there is a conflict and things have to be set right. Follow this up by identifying the main cause of the conflict at present instead of raking up past issues and starting a blame game.

While discussing the primary cause of the conflict verbalize your thoughts. State clearly and objectively what has upset you and why. But be careful not to accuse the other person of creating the problem. This will only make your partner defensive and will not get the discussion anywhere.

After having talked through the cause of the conflict, try to find a solution. Discuss what each of you can do to change the situation and how each of you can bring about changes within oneself.

Even after all your efforts, if you find it impossible to come to a solution, then seek professional help. You may find marriage counselor more effective in identifying the source of conflict and solving it.

Finally remember if both of you feel that your marriage is worth saving, then no effort should be spared in setting things right.

Hollywood star Brad Pitt laughed off reports that a grass-roots campaign in New Orleans wanted him to run as the city Mayor.

During an interview on NBC’s “Today” show yesterday, Pitt admitted that he had seen the T-shirts that many citizens of New Orleans have been sporting for around two months now and which read, “Brad Pitt for Mayor”. However the actor laughingly brushed off questions on whether he may consider running for the job by saying, “I don’t have a chance.”

Brad Pitt seems to have got his facts right since according to the laws of the city, a candidate for the post of the Mayor has to be a resident of New Orleans for at least five years. however that does not seem to be a big hurdle for many of New Orleans residents who were delighted when Brad Pitt and his equally famous partner Angelina Jolie bought a French Quarter mansion in New Orleans in 2007.

The “Brad Pitt for Mayor” T-shirt campaign in New Orleans began in mid-June when a Tulane University professor joined forces with two brothers owning a New Orleans T-shirt shop as a way of convincing Pitt to run for the post of the Mayor.

Lying on the eastern coast of the African continent, Tanzania is blessed with rich reserves of wildlife and cultural attractions. The country is home to a large number of tribes whose traditions and unique ways of living make up the colorful fabric of Tanzanian culture.

Among the 120 different tribes in Tanzania, it is the Masaai who are most widely known to the international tourists on account of their distinctive culture. The Masaai tribes are generally found in the northern part of Tanzania because of ample grazing lands in the region. Primarily grazers, Masaai tribes lay huge importance on the wealth and welfare of their cattle herds. They live in settlements called “manyatas” and tribal traditions assign men and women of different ages distinctive duties.

Among all the Tanzanian National Parks, one of the best places to view Masaai life is the Ngorongoro Crater. Just outside the Crater’s ridge, visitors can watch tall Masaai men herd their cattle on the green slopes of the highlands. Tourists generally take a day trip to the Ngorongoro Crater from the town of Arusha.

Visitors to Tanzania who are keen to have a glimpse of Masaai life can plan to stay at Arusha. Check out www.ooaha.com for best Arusha hotel deals.

The small Central American country of Belize is an adventure lover’s dream. The varied topography and coastline of Belize offers several opportunities for adventure activities as well as water sports.

The most famous destination for water sports especially diving in the whole of Belize is the Blue Hole Natural Monument. Located in the center of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the Blue Hole is actually a circular limestone sinkhole measuring 126 meters deep and 395 meters across. the site gets its name from the amazing vivid blue color of the water which is caused by the depth of the hole.

The Blue Hole is one of the most astounding diving sites in the world and the spectacular limestone formations found nearby heighten the attraction of the place. Scuba-diving, snorkeling and diving are some of the most popular water sports that tourists enjoy here.

The Blue Hole Natural Monument has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on account of its striking natural landscape. Among other nearby attractions are bird sanctuaries and natural wildlife habitats.

Blue Hole Natural Monument is quite close to Belize City and there are many travel operators running day-long tours to the site. Check out www.ooaha.com for best Belize City hotel deals.

Young people, even in developed countries, are at huge risk of contracting AIDS on account of inadequate information and irresponsible sexual habits. According to an estimate one-quarter of new HIV infections in the US every year are composed of young people below the age of twenty-two. Thus it is extremely important for parents to talk to their children about the facts and dangers of this disease.

Start by doing some research of your own. Gather information from doctors, health articles or government guidelines so that you have your facts ready before broaching the topic with your kids.

Select a time and place that is comfortable for you both. Take a cue from a news report, school project or community event to start the discussions in a casual and conversational manner.

Discuss the causes, transmission and dangers of an HIV infection with your kid but do not use a critical tone or else he will get defensive. The purpose of the talk is not to lecture but bring about an exchange of ideas and information.

Do not forget to discuss peer pressure and the influence of media on sexual habits. Always encourage your child to use his or her own judgment while taking a crucial decision. Also make sure your child has access to additional resources or sources of information. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in US for instance has a hotline on AIDS at (800) 342-AIDS.

The right wine can raise an ordinary meal to a gourmet experience. But it often happens that the entire bottle of wine is not consumed right away and then you find that the contents have gone stale. Here are a few ways you can preserve wine for some time after opening the bottle.

Open wine begins to oxidize quickly on exposure to heat. So keep the opened bottle in the refrigerator where it should last two to three days.

Yet another source of oxidation is air. To preserve opened wine for a longer time, place a stopper on top of the bottle and draw out the air from the bottle by using a pump. This will make an air tight seal and keep the wine fresh for many days.

Another simpler but less effective way to preserve wine is to use a canister of preservative gas. spray the gas in the opened wine bottle and then quickly recork it. The gas forces the air out of the bottle and thus slows down the oxidation process.

Finally keep in mind that though oxidized wine tastes a bit odd, it is harmless. If the wine has gone stale after all, then use it for cooking to make nice rich sauce.

The East European country of Poland is history buff’s delight. Monuments, fortresses, castles and churches of great historical value dot the landscape and showcase the past grandeur of the country.

One such important historical site is the town of Malbork in northern Poland. The place is chiefly famous for its fortified castle, built in 1274 by the Teutonic Knights and named after Virgin Mary, their patron saint. The fortress encircling the castle is located on the right bank of the River Nogat and the surrounding river plains offered valuable access to barges from the sea.

In its heydays, the fortified castle of Malbork as the seat of Teutonic power and reputed to be the largest Gothic castle in Europe. Architecturally the complex is constituted of three castles, one within the other. The High, Middle and Low Castles as they are now known are separated from each other by architectural features like towers and moats which also served defensive purposes in case of invasion.

Today the castles of Malbork and the associated museums figure on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites on account of their architectural and historical significance. Visitors to this ancient Polish city can check out www.ooaha.com for best Malbork hotel deals.

An average human being needs at least eight hours of sleep every night. A good night’s sleep is not only essential to refresh the mind but also to let the body go through a necessary healing process. Here are a few ways to make sure that you get your dose of restful slumber.

Start by checking your sleeping environment. Make sure the bedroom has the right temperature and is comfortably darkened. Keep out distracting noises. More importantly restrict the use of bedroom for sleeping and resting and do not turn crowd it with TV, computer and other equipments.

Developing soothing bedtime rituals will go a long way in helping you to sleep better. See what works for you – a warm shower, a cup of hot cocoa or slow breathing practices like in meditation or prayer sessions. Practicing these rituals will induce a feeling of regularity and disengagement from day’s activities and thus help you to unwind sooner.

Proper nutrition and exercise regimens help the body to keep fit and consequently prepare it to receive its due rest. However avoid eating and exercising right before your bedtime. Stay away especially from greasy, spicy food, caffeine and alcohol if you want a restful sleep.

Fall is that time of the year when the landscape is infused with varying colors of warmth and ripeness as though steeling itself for the advent of winter. One of the best regions to view fall foliage in the United States is New England where it has been said, one need only stand at the street corner to experience the vibrant hues of the fall.

Fall colors begin to liven up the New England landscape from the end of September starting with northwestern Maine. The colors then sweep the landscape in a southeasterly direction till Connecticut and Rhode Island are aflame with the hues of fall in late October. However the best month to view fall colors in New England is October when the oaks and maples are ablaze in shades of red, orange and brown.

One of the best fall viewing states in New England is Vermont. One can explore the blazing colors of Green Mountains or plan an itinerary consisting of Route 9 from Brattleboro to Bennington. Alternatively nature lovers can also trek through Smuggler’s Notch State Park to take in the wonderful colors of the season.

For those keen to catch the colors of a New England fall, it is a good idea to plan a stay at the Vermont capital of Montpelier. Check out lodging options at www.ooaha.com which has the best Montpelier hotel deals.

The Teen Choice Awards given out on Sunday night saw Twilight rake in the biggest number of film honors while pop singers Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers took home the most number of trophies.

Twilight won in nine out of the twelve categories it had been nominated for, thus beating Oscar winner Slumdog Millionaire and its leading actors. Besides Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart winning kudos for best leading performances, Twilight also won awards for best romance, liplock, villain as well as fresh face female and fresh face male.

However, the pop star who swept the Teen Choice Awards was teen icon Miley Cyrus who bagged six awards in categories like best comedy TV show for Hannah Montana, best music single for “The Climb”, best summer song for “Before the Storm” as well as for best comedy actress and best music/dance actress. T the awards event Miley also performed “Party in the USA” and later presented pop singer Britney Spears with the Ultimate Choice Awards.

The Teens Choice Awards were held on Sunday at the Universal Studios’ Gibson Amphitheatre. Popular band Jonas Brothers hosted the awards event and also performed “Much Better” besides taking away five awards including those of male red carpet icons and best breakout television show.

Asheville in North Carolina, United States is a history buff’s delight. The city is dotted with museums, heritage buildings and historical monuments all bearing witness to the Gilded Age of American history.

One of the most famous historical attractions in Asheville is the Biltmore House, reputed to be the largest home in the whole of America. Built by eighteenth century billionaire George Vanderbilt, the Biltmore House has around 250 rooms and stands on an estate sprawling over 8000 acres. In 2007, the Biltmore House was named among the top ten architectural wonders by the American Institute of Architects.

Visitors to the Biltmore House can choose from a variety of activities. They can explore the estate by horseback riding or river rafting after which they can sample the fare at the estate’s award winning winery and restaurants. Moreover there are attractive souvenir shops where visitors can browse through unique items inspired by the Biltmore estate. Finally there is a four-star inn where guests can choose to relax and stay back.

The Biltmore estate is located just north of I-40 on the US Highway 25. Visitors can also explore staying options in Asheville. Check out www.ooaha.com which has the best hotel deals in Asheville.

School exams are an integral part of childhood. However if you find that your kids are stressed out to undesirable levels, it is time to take stock. Here are a few ways to help your kids deal with anxiety caused by exams.

Firstly tell your kids that feeling stressful is natural before exams. Some amount of stress may in fact help them to work that much harder and thus get results. However if they start feeling ill, depressed and their sleep or appetite gets disrupted, it is time to bring about changes.

When studying, tell your kids to focus on the subject at hand and only that. Help them keep regular hours of study, meal and sleep. Experts suggest taking a short ten minute-break every hour or a fifteen minute time-out every couple of hours. Moreover help them to think positive and visualize success but make sure that they do not spend too much time daydreaming.

There are certain physical ways of dealing with stress as well. Give them a nutritious diet so that the brain gets the right kind of food. Also, encourage your kids to take short brisk walks or go for a brief light workout to avoid fatigue. Show them how to do neck or shoulder exercises under if they feel tension building up after long hours of study.

Yoga is one of the oldest forms of science oriented towards providing better health and improving quality of life. Believed to have originated in ancient India almost 5000 years ago, Yoga today is practice almost in all countries of the world. Newer studies are coming up all the time on the health benefits of yoga and one of the most researched areas is the impact of yoga on heart ailments.

The practice of Yoga involves two main aspects – one, physical postures known as ‘asanas’ and the other mental techniques which relax and empower the mind. It is the second type which includes techniques for meditation and breathing that are being closely studied by researchers to gauge their impact on heart ailments. Yoga was the key component in a heart disease program pioneered by Dean Ornish M.D which focused on the impact of diet and lifestyle rather than medicine to partially reverse heart ailments.

Studies have found that certain breathing techniques or ‘Pranayama’ practiced in yoga can have a significant impact on lowering the heart rate and bring down blood pressure. This is especially beneficial for people suffering from hypertension which has long been identified as one of the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. Among other benefits of yoga that have been recorded are decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as boosting the immune system.

An iconic image of Paris, the Eiffel Tower stands before the world as a symbol of French pride and identity. Every year, millions of tourists visit the landmark, click photos and marvel at the structure which towers over its surroundings.

Built between 1887 and 1889, the Eiffel Tower was intended to showcase French engineering on occasion of the International Exhibition of Paris held in 1889 to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. The Tower was named after Gustave Eiffel whose plan was chosen from 700 proposals submitted in a design competition.

The Eiffel Tower is located on the Champ de Mars along the Seine River in Paris. Made of iron, the tower stands at 300 meters high, excluding the antenna and weighs around 7000 tons. There are three platforms on the Tower and 1652 steps to the top. The second platform of the Eiffel Tower houses the Jules Verne, an excellent but highly expensive restaurant where prior reservations are a must. However it is the top platform which is most popular with tourists as it has a bar, a shop for souvenirs and the office of Gustave Eiffel. The view of Paris from here is spectacular and it is thought that an hour before sunset, offers the best panorama.

Visitors to the French capital can check out www.ooaha.com which has some of the best Paris hotel deals.

Simply put, diabetes is a condition when the body is not able to use blood sugar for production of energy in the correct manner. As yet, no permanent cures have been discovered to treat this disease and its types. Thus the only way diabetes-afflicted patients can cope is by effective and informed management of the disease.

Living and managing diabetes involves multiple levels of care both at home and at hospitals. The first level comprises of the daily medication which generally means taking insulin. The type of insulin most suitable for the patient is best determined by doctors according to the patients’ individual response, lifestyle and blood sugar management goals. Besides this, there are oral drugs which are generally prescribed or people with Type II diabetes to help control blood sugar levels.

The next most important part of diabetes management is the monitoring of blood sugar levels. Today there are certain equipments which help a patient to monitor his or her glucose levels at home. However it is necessary that the doctor’s advice on this be taken and if recommended, regular glucose tests be continued at hospitals. Monitoring the patient’s overall health and the functioning of other organs is also crucial since diabetes tends to affect the eyes, heart, gums and teeth as well as the nervous system. This is why doctors advise regular foot care and eye care.

Finally bringing about lifestyle changes provides the key to diabetes management. Following the recommended diet and exercising according to advice will go a long way in controlling diabetes.

The right makeup is one of the surest ways to turn a Plain Jane into a Glamour Girl. And yet if the colors or the technique is wrong, the whole effect is disastrous. So here are a few simple steps of applying makeup to get that gorgeous look.

Start with the basics. Clean your face of oil and dirt and use a gentle exfoliating cream if necessary.
Next apply foundation of a color closest to your skin tone. Foundations these days come in liquid, cream or powder forms so choose according to your skin type. Apply foundation with a wet sponge in quick, light strokes and then blend completely. Finish by lightly brushing loose powder to reduce shine and give staying power.

the right make-up can open up your face like never before. Start with outlining by a kohl pencil and then go on to brush the entire eyelid with a basic color. Then brush apply the eyelid from the crease below with deeper shades while highlighting the border beneath the brow with a lighter shade. Finally contour the edge of the eyelid with the deepest shadow and blend where different shades meet. Finish by applying mascara on the lashes in long quick strokes.

To get the perfect pout, start off by contouring the lips in a shade deeper than the basic lip colour. Then fill in the lips with a lip brush and lastly apply gloss to highlight your pout.

The beaches of Hawaii have long attracted honeymooners from around the world. With miles of golden beaches, thrilling water sports and a vibrant culture, a Hawaiian honeymoon is sure to create the best memories for every newly married couple.

Composed of a cluster of islands in the Pacific Ocean just off the southwestern US coast, Hawaii is easy to get to and yet its beaches make up the proverbial tropical paradise. Endless vistas of sun-kissed beaches are bordered by swaying palms and lapped by turquoise blue waters. The most favored beaches by honeymooners are those that leave the bustle of tourists behind and offer quiet romantic getaways. A few such beaches are on the Aliomanu Bay along the north shore of Kauai, the Lanikai Beach along Mokulua Drive, the Oahu Beach, Papohaku Beach and the Kona Beach Resort on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Other than lazing around and taking luxurious swims, honeymooning couples can also take advantage of the vast range of water sports that Hawaiian waters are famous for. Some of the most popular activities are surfing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and body-boarding.

Honeymooners can choose from endless options of vacation packages specifically catered to their interests. Visitors can also check out www.ooaha.com for best Honolulu hotel deals on the island of Oahu.

Hiroshima in Japan along with many other parts of the world observed Universal Peace Day on 6th August, marking the 64th anniversary of the first use of nuclear bomb which brought about the end of the Second World War but decimated millions of people in the country.

Hundreds including Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso gathered at the Atomic Bomb Dome on Thursday to pay homage to the millions who had fallen prey to the nuclear bombing sixty-four years ago and prayed that such a day would never come again. Hiroshima mayor Tadatoshi Akiba said that the need to abolish all kinds of nuclear weapons was now more relevant than ever before.

The nuclear bomb nicknamed “Fat Boy” that was dropped over Hiroshima on 6th August 1945 instantly killed over 140,000 people, most of whom were civilians. The bombs were reported to have created temperatures reaching many millions of degrees centigrade which resulted in the vaporization of those located at the epicenter of the bombing. Many more people died at later stages from the combined effects of flash and radiation burns as well as from trauma, infections, malnutrition and sickness brought about by the bombings. Survivors have ever since continued to suffer from leukemia and other cancers induced by radiation from the nuclear bombs.

Women cancer patients who underwent a ten-week session of Restorative Yoga reported a significant positive change in mental health compared with a control group.

The study published in a special issue of Psycho-Oncology on 28th February this year reported that 75 minutes per session of Restorative Yoga for ten weeks led to greater feelings of peace and contentment and lowering of depression among patients of breast cancer. The study focused on the physical activity of 44 women patients and found that among the 22 that took part in the yoga classes, there was 50% reduction in feelings of depression along with 12% increase in positive feelings. All the subjects in the study had breast cancer. While 34% of the study group was undergoing active cancer therapy, the rest had completed their course of treatment.

Restorative Yoga is a less strenuous type of yoga which follows the basic principles of Yoga but in a much more gentle way. The movement of the spine in various directions is more passive and relaxed in Restorative Yoga which makes use of props like blankets, cushions and bolsters. This in fact enables subjects of varying physical ability to practice and benefit from Restorative Yoga.

One of the best ways to explore the ancient wonders of Egypt is to take a cruise on the Nile. The Nile is the most important river of Egypt providing water for irrigation and trade over hundreds of centuries. It has truly been called the Lifeline of Egypt and even today there is no more vivid way of tracing the country’s rich history than to follow the course of the Nile.

A Nile cruise gives a first time visitor to Egypt the opportunity to experience the wonders of the land from an amazing perspective. Some of the famous sites that pass in the way are the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, the Colossi of Memnon, temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Visitors may also sail on a traditional Egyptian sailing boat known as the felucca to get a complete experience of the Nile.

There are several tour operators in Egypt which offer cruise vacations on the Nile. The best among these have a wide range of cruise packages ranging from boats which offer the best value for money to Deluxe vessels which come with 5-star luxuries and leisure facilities. The most frequented route of Nile Cruises falls between Aswan and Luxor. Visitors to Aswan can check out www.ooaha.com which offers the cheapest Aswan hotel deals.

One of the largest countries of Central America, Nicaragua boasts of a multitude of natural and cultural attractions. Among the many cultural events that Nicaragua hosts throughout the year are the fiestas patronales or celebrations held in the memory of patron saints.

One such event the Santo Domingo festival was held recently in the country’s cultural capital of Managua which attracted hundreds of visitors, from all over the country and even from abroad. The festivities continued for two days during which local people in traditional costumes took part in processions and parades. The Santo Domingo festival is held every year in honor of the patron saint of Managua, Santo Domingo de Guzman. During the festival Devotees also prayed for personal miracles, gave thanks or sought blessings before the statue of the saint.

Every town in Nicaragua has its own patron saint. During the fiestas patronales held each year, Citizens of all ages honor the saint’s birthday with religious processions, music, dance, parades and rodeos. Nicaraguans are ardent devotees of their individual patron saints who they believe can act as intermediaries between men and God.

To see other cultural and historical attractions in the Nicaraguan capital, check out www.ooaha.com which gives the best places to stay in Managua.

One of the finest historical and educational centers in the US is the Smithsonian Institution which is spread over several different departments and disciplines. One such center which draws thousands of visitors every year is The National Museum of American History.

Located on the Mall Street in Washington, D.C the National Museum of American History is a 300,000 square feet facility where the history of this country comes alive. There are more than 3 million artifacts preserved in the museum, all of national significance. Among the most interesting national treasures collected by the Museum are the original Star-Spangled Banner, Former President Abraham Lincoln’s iconic Top Hat, Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the film “Wizard of Oz” and Dizzy Gillespie’s angled trumpet. Artifacts which are of iconic significance in American history of the American way of life.

Besides its amazing collection of artifacts, the National Museum of American History also host permanent as well as temporary events. Other than these there are workshops for students, research centers for scholars as well as special events and tours at different times of the year.

A visit to Washington D.C is not complete without a trip to the National Museum of American History. For places to stay in the city check out www.oohah.com which lists the best hotel deals in Washington D.C.

One of the stickiest points while throwing a party is deciding how to keep intake of alcohol within limits. On one hand, you – as a host – cannot ask a guest to cut down on drinks but at the same time, you would like to ensure that there are no alcohol-related accidents either at your home or on the road. Here are a few ways which will help you to host an alcohol-safe party.

Begin with carefully going over the guest list. If it includes names infamous for their drunken behavior, do not hesitate to speak to them in advance and make sure they have alternative modes of transportation after the party.

Keep ample amounts of food around so that your guests do not drink on an empty stomach. Also offer your guests a wide choice of non-alcoholic drinks so that those who don’t prefer alcohol will not feel pressured to do so.

If you are planning cocktails, use fruit juices as a base instead of carbonated beverages as the former will be absorbed into the bloodstream at a slower rate.

Plan interesting party games or other group activities so that the focus of the evening is kept away from drinking.

It is a good idea to appoint a “bartender” who will mix drinks for the guests so that you can keep track of who is drinking how much.

Finally close down the bar at least an hour before the party ends and serve coffee or desserts for the rest of the night.

England is best known to foreign tourists as a land of castles, green valleys, Shakespeare and the seat of British royalty. It is not usually associated with Roman architecture but one of the most famous structures from the Roman past is located in North England and this is known as the Hadrian’s Wall.

The Hadrian’s Wall or more commonly known as the Roman Wall was ordered by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 122 A.D. this stone and turf fortification runs westward across the breadth of North England from Segedunum at Wallsend on the River Tyne to the shore of the Solway Firth. The major purpose of construction was the defense of the Roman Empire in England against attacks by Pictish tribes. Besides this, historians believe that the gates in the Wall also acted as customs posts for the empire to impose taxes on traders. Overall the Hadrian Wall marked the physical boundary of the Empire and kept out disruptive elements.

In 1987 the Hadrian’s Wall was listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Today the middle section of the Wall remains best preserved and acts as the biggest tourist attraction in North England. One of the best places in England to view the Wall is Greenhead, a village in Northumberland. Visitors can check out www.ooaha.com for best Greenhead hotel deals.

China’s history of ancient civilizations has endowed the country with a vast range of historical and cultural attractions. Here one can come across gardens, temples and monasteries going back to several centuries and still drawing tourists from across the world.

One such temple famous all over the world as the cradle of Chinese Zen Buddhism is the Shaolin Temple. Located in the Song Mountain region and near Dengfeng City, the Shaolin Temple is a huge complex comprising of temples, ceremonial or prayer halls, monasteries and caves. Among the most important structures in Shaolin Temple are the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, the Pagoda Forest as well as the Dharma Cave.

Other than being a significant site of Chinese Zen Buddhism, the Shaolin Temple is also well known as an important training center of Chinese martial arts especially the Shaolin Cudgel. The Shaolin Temple Wushu Center in fact is the foremost training center of Shaolin Kung Fu in China where monks have been practicing the martial art for over a thousand years. While Shaolin Kung Fu originated under the initiative of Dharma as a way of self defense by the monks, today it is mostly practiced to develop flexibility and health.

Portugal is a land of diverse attractions. Its natural splendors, historic buildings and rich culture offer various opportunities of enjoying this warm south European country.

A newly emerging travel circuit in Portugal is centered on its wine-producing regions especially the Douro Valley which was demarcated as a World Heritage Site in 2001. This region is famous for producing one of the best ports in the world and to a lesser extent red wines.

The Douro Valley with its undulating hills and terraced vineyards is dotted with old estates where visitors can stay, take a tour of the vineyards and even participate in wine-tasting experience. The various types of ports one must taste here are the white, ruby, tawny and if possible the vintage. Although most of the estates welcome port tasting by visitors one of the best places for this is the Vintage House Hotel in Pinhao.

The Wine Academy located in the Douro Valley offers a far more extensive range of wine-related activities starting from port-tasting to gourmet chocolate tasting, various wine appreciation courses and specialist port tasting for connoisseurs.

To plan a visit to the Douro Valley, check out www.ooaha.com which has some of the best Pinhao hotel deals.

Two newly discovered pieces of music thought to be composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as a child was publicly performed for the first time on Sunday at the Salzburg house where the master composer lived for many years.

The musical pieces recently attributed to Mozart are a concerto movement and a prelude. Initially they were judged by the International Mozarteum Foundation to be anonymous works but detailed analysis proved that they had been composed by Mozart when he would have been just seven or eight years old.

Though the pieces are transcribed in the hand of Leopold, Mozart’s father, Ulrich Leisinger, the Mozart researcher of the foundation, believes that neither the style of the composition nor the hasty writing correspond to an experienced musician like Leopold. This proves that Mozart had composed the musical pieces when he was too young to write musical notations and had thus asked his father to write them down. The hasty corrections on the paper might have been made later by Mozart himself.

At Sunday’s performance, the pieces were played by Austrian pianist Florian Birsak on Mozart’s own piano in the house at Salzburg which had now been turned into a museum, showcasing the life and works of the genius composer.