If you are interested in burning calories but you’re not sure which sport is best for you, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to look at several activities and see how many calories are burned. Some sports may be less convenient like swimming if there’s no access to a pool, and some may not be your style – like basketball. But, all in all, there should be something here for everyone.

Some of the easiest activates are also the ones that give you the lowest fitness results. Although you may enjoy them, keep in mind, they aren’t getting you in any better shape. Some of the lowest on the scale are bowling (have you seen a fit bowler?) sitting quietly and golfing with a power cart. Billiards, lawn darts and ice fishing also scored pretty low – especially ice fishing. Most of the activity is just sitting and waiting for a fish to bite. There’s not much effort in that.

Moving up a bit on the effort scale, we get into moderate activities. Backpacking and badminton are both in the same area with burning double the calories of sedentary ones. Stationary bicycling is also in the same range of effort and health benefits. It is interesting to note that when you get a on a real bicycle, all health benefits go up. Even with the same moderate effort range, a real bicycle is more challenging and will give you more calories burned.

Moving up another notch of activity into the real calorie burners you’ll find things like a stair climber, tae kwon do karate, singles tennis and swimming laps. All of these activities are, of course, keeping you moving much more than sitting still. It’s this constant motion and demand on your muscles to go quickly in spurts of action that makes all the difference. Also, the more muscle groups involved has an impact on the calories burned. More big muscles working hard equals more energy needed and expended. Jumping rope is also one of the best exercises for burning calories you can do.

Now the crown for the king of exercises has to go to several different activities, but all of them are truly taxing and you must be in shape to keep them up. Bicycle racing is one of them. Boxing and competitive canoeing are also near the top. Roller blading and running at 8 mph also take the cake as some of the best calorie burners. Finally, walking up stairs is one of the most efficient things you can do if you want to burn more calories. You don’t see many people doing it for exercise, though. Most people like to do sports or something provided by the gym. The stair steppers are great, but often are so tiring that people don’t do them for long.

Remember that whatever exercise you do, keep your health in mind. See you doctor if you are embarking on a new regime and take your time if you’re doing something new. Bicycling can be dangerous if you’re new on the road or taking chances. Even lifting weights in the gym can be harmful if you’re not cautious or if you pick up more than you can handle. But, starting a new routine will build confidence and improve your looks and health. Why not try something new tomorrow?

If you are getting a bikini wax for the first time, you may be a little nervous. Getting the answers to common bikini wax questions can relieve your anxiety and help you know what to expect.

What Is a Bikini Wax?
A bikini wax is the process of using hot or cold wax to remove the hair from your bikini area, which is everywhere that is covered by your swimsuit bottom or panties. That includes the hair on both your front side and your backside, leaving you with smooth, hairless skin underneath your panties.

There are three types of bikini waxes: hot, warm or cold wax. Hot wax tends to be the preferred method, especially if you have your bikini wax done in a salon. The heat from the hot wax helps open the hair follicle and soften the surrounding skin, so the hair lets loose and is easier to remove. Cold waxing is preferred by women who are particularly sensitive, and it can be a good idea if you are doing a bikini wax at home. Warm wax is a happy medium; it works better than cold wax, but isn’t as hot as a hot wax. Cold wax techniques sometimes bypass the use of a cloth strip. Instead, you peel up a corner of the wax and just pull.

There is another option known as “sugaring” that doesn’t use a wax, but a sticky sugary substance that has honey, molasses, sugar and other organic ingredients. It makes for an easy cleanup and the results are equal to waxing.

When you use the hot wax method, the wax (usually paraffin or beeswax) is heated and then applied to the area where you want to remove the hair. Next, a piece of cloth, often muslin, is applied on top of the wax and firmly pressed down. This allows the wax to spread evenly across the area and surround each hair. After the wax has cooled, the cloth strip is removed in a quick, smooth yank, and the hair comes off with the wax.

Home or Salon?
You can purchase at-home wax removal kits and do your own bikini wax. Remember to follow the directions to the letter. It is also a good idea to consider a cold wax for an at-home bikini wax to avoid burns.

However, it is usually recommended that you get your first wax at a salon. A technician can also ask you questions about your skin type and can figure out the most effective procedure for you.

The cost of a bikini wax will vary, but expect it to run between $25 and $100. Yes, this is a huge price variation, but it really depends on where you live and what type of salon you visit. If you choose to buy an at-home kit, you will probably spend about $15 to $25 for a one-use kit and upwards of $75 for a professional wax pot with everything you need for several waxes.

One huge advantage that waxing has over shaving or hair removal creams is that waxing will keep you hair-free for four to six weeks, rather than just a few days. Shaving and creams simply remove hair at the surface, but waxing removes the entire hair, including the root.

How to Prepare For Your First Bikini Wax
Yes, a bikini wax is going to hurt, there’s really no getting around that. Most women say the pain is just temporary and the results are well worth it. You can have the best possible experience with the following tips:

- Exfoliate your bikini area the night before your wax. This will remove any dead skin cells and allow the wax to stick the best.

- Don’t get a bikini wax three or four days before or after your period. You are the most sensitive during these times, so the pain may be increased.

- Take an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen or acetaminophen about 20 minutes before your appointment to head off some of the pain.

- Relax! The more nervous you are, the more you will tense up, and this is not going to make things any easier. Just breathe deeply and relax. Take a deep breath in when the wax is applied, and then breathe out when the strip is pulled.

- Your hair needs to be about 1/4″ long so the wax can grab it. If you have been shaving or using a hair removal cream, you will need to let the hair grow a bit before you get your bikini wax.

- Don’t wear tight jeans or panties. After your bikini wax, you don’t want to wear anything too constricting, as your bikini area is going to be sensitive. Avoiding tight clothing for a day or so can help you avoid ingrown hairs as well.

- Be sure to shower before your bikini wax, but not immediately before. You want to be clean, but, if you are still damp, the wax won’t be as effective.

- If you begin your bikini wax and truly decide that you can’t go through with it, just speak up. It’s your body, and, if you change your mind, that’s OK. Keep in mind that your first bikini wax will be the most uncomfortable. After that, the hair grows back in finer and thinner, and future waxing is easier.

If you’ve thought about taking a bike to work instead of a bus or car, there are a few things to consider. You’ll see some benefits and some challenges. But, with more focus on health and exercise and more people caring about the environment, perhaps it’s worth looking into.

Bikes supply millions of people with efficient, healthy, pollution-free daily transportation. They reduce traffic congestion, noise and all that smoke. They are space efficient because you can park a dozen bikes in the space of a single automobile, and the idea of a morning commute free of fossil fuels seems particularly attractive in the face of rising fuel costs and oil spills. Even if you only cycle once a week, you’ll be making a difference in your own health and the environment.

One thing to work out before you bike to work, is a secure place to park your bike -  at work and at home. Bikes tend to get in the way indoors, so keep yours out of hallways where people might knock it down or get their clothes greasy. A back room or storage area might work, but your best bet is probably outside — a covered location, if possible — with a good lock.

Do you live in a warm environment? Do you sweat easily? Is your commute long? These things will impact just how fresh you are when you arrive at work. Since many work places have places to freshen up, that may not be a problem. You may also want to bring a change of clothes to work and some toiletries. It can also help you to slow down the pace a bit if the ride is too exhausting at first. You’ll find that after a few weeks the ride gets easier. If there is no place to freshen up at your office, perhaps there is a gym nearby that will handle all the requirements you have for freshening up.

If you haven’t much experience with riding a bike, chat with some friends that ride regularly. You’ll get some good tips. For example, if you’re feeling winded, ease back. As your fitness improves, you’ll be able to turn bigger gears at that 70 to 80 rpm cadence. Ride for pace, and the speed will come naturally. As with all exercise regimes, consult your physician before getting started.

Also you may want to think about the route you take to work. The way you drive or take public transportation may be a straight shot, but not the best if you’re on a bike. And, the shortest way to work may not be the best. Scout roads with marked bicycle lanes. If none are available, look for routes that avoid overly narrow roads, tricky bridges or intersections, and open storm grates. Routes through residential areas are pleasant and usually have the benefit of lower traffic. But keep in mind that people are heading to work at the same time you are, and the most dangerous place on the road for a cyclist is the foot of a driveway. Watch for distracted drivers backing into the street. Avoid the temptation to hop up onto a sidewalk: it decreases the time a car has to spot you, and bikes are a hazard to pedestrians.

For safety, stay away from cars and crowded roads as much as possible. If you’re going to be riding before the sun is fully up or after it sets, you must have lights. Most municipalities have very specific regulations about the degree of lighting required by night-riding cyclists. Here’s the good news: a properly lit cyclist in reflective clothing is generally more conspicuous than a daytime rider. Don’t forget to wear a helmet. It can be the difference between a scraped knee and a hospital stay – or worse.

It will come up eventually, so you should learn how to change a tire, or have a good plan ‘B’ if you get a flat or have another problem such as the chain breaking or the wheel getting damaged from a rut in the road. To change a tire, once again a friend will be very helpful to show you how. Many bike riders have a kind of brotherhood or sisterhood that enjoys sharing the skills and knowledge about riding bikes and changing flats. You’ll need a flat kit: a spare inner tube, two or three tire levers, and a rag to wipe your hands and check the inside of your tire for glass. You should also think about getting flat-resistant tires and tubes. They’re a bit heavier and more expensive than their conventional equivalents, but well worth the money if you’re prone to flats.

Commuting by bicycle is a healthy and environmentally friendly way to get to work and back. The fresh air and sunshine, sights and sounds, health benefits make it all worthwhile. You’ll feel more a part of humanity and more in touch with your body, too. And when you get to work, while others need a caffeine injection to wake up, you’ll be ready for anything. A quick rehydration and freshening up and you’re ready to have a great day.

THAI FOOD

Thai food is known for its enthusiastic use of fresh (rather than dried) herbs and spices as well as fish sauce.

Thai food is popular in many Western countries especially in Australia, New Zealand, some countries in Europe such as the United Kingdom, as well as the United States, and Canada.

Instead of a single main course with side dishes found in Western cuisine, a Thai full meal typically consists of either a single dish or rice khao with many complementary dishes served concurrently.

Rice is a staple component of Thai cuisine, as it is of most Asian cuisines. The highly prized, sweet-smelling jasmine rice is indigenous to Thailand. This naturally aromatic long-grained rice grows in abundance in the verdant patchwork of paddy fields that blanket Thailand’s central plains. Its aroma bears no resemblance to the sweet smell of jasmine blossoms, but like jasmine flowers, this rice is precious and fragrant, a small everyday delight. Steamed rice is accompanied by highly aromatic curries, stir-frys and other dishes, incorporating sometimes large quantities of chillies, lime juice and lemon grass. Curries, stir-frys and others may be poured onto the rice creating a single dish called khao rad gang , a popular meal when time is limited. Sticky rice khao neow is a unique variety of rice that contains an unusual balance of the starches present in all rice, causing it to cook up to a pleasing sticky texture. It is the daily bread of Laos and substitutes ordinary rice in rural Northern and Northeastern Thai cuisine, where Lao cultural influence is strong.

Noodles, known throughout parts of Southeast Asia by the Chinese name kwaytiow, are popular as well but usually come as a single dish, like the stir-fried Pad Thai or noodle soups. Many Chinese cuisine are adapted to suit Thai taste, such as khuaytiow rue, a sour and spicy rice noodle soup. There is uniquely Thai dish called nam prik which refers to a chile sauce or paste. Each region has its own special versions. It is prepared by crushing together chillies with various ingredients such as garlic and shrimp paste using a mortar and pestle. It is then often served with vegetables such as cucumbers, cabbage and yard-long beans, either raw or blanched. The vegetables are dipped into the sauce and eaten with rice. Nam prik may also be simply eaten alone with rice or, in a bit of Thai and Western fusion, spread on toast.

Thai food is generally eaten with a fork and a spoon. Chopsticks are used rarely, primarily for the consumption of noodle soups. The fork, held in the left hand, is used to shovel food into the spoon. However, it is common practice for Thais and hill tribe peoples in the North and Northeast to eat sticky rice with their right hands by making it into balls that are dipped into side dishes and eaten. Thai-Muslims also frequently eat meals with only their right hands.

Often thai food is served with a variety of spicy condiments to embolden the dish. This can range from dried chili pieces, sliced chili peppers in rice vinegar, to a spicy chili sauce such as the nam prik mentioned above.

Are you looking for Honeymoon Destination??

No amtter who you are, that is the big question that most newlyweds are looking to answer and with the planet today connected like never before, there are some stunning locations, countries and exotic places that will give you a dream trip,  romance, value, beauty, adventure, and more.  So Let’s see the top 10 honeymoon spots !!!

Hawaii is considered one of the best honeymoon destination by newlyweds. Even though there are a lot of other exotic hot spots, Hawaii still comes up on top. The reasons why so many Americans flock to Hawaii for their honeymoon are numerous. Hawaii is one of the easiest tropical islands to visit. No passport is needed and no international hassles for a destination wedding! Plus, numerous amenities and the quality of the hotels is much higher than on many tropical islands. The weather is terrific year round, including sunny skies and cool trade breezes.

Mexico is a special place for romance! Dramatic coastlines, volcanoes, green forests, native Hawaiian culture, tropical breezes, white sand beaches, spectacular resorts. Although most couples go for its many gorgeous beaches, Mexico has variety and is also one of the most affordable honeymoon destinations. Outside of hurricane season, it has very pleasant, mostly sunny days.

Jamaica Passion is inevitable on this tropical paradise island. Jamaica is the place if you are looking for non-stop nightlife. If the bar scene isn’t for you, stay in one of Jamaica’s all-inclusive adults-only resorts. If you are a nature lover, take a leisurely bamboo raft trip or explore the many caves and waterfalls that abound in its green forests.

St. Lucia , a bit of France, a bit of Britain, and a nature-lovers paradise including a volcano. Great snorkeling in clear, blue warm waters. Sip a cool tropical drink in your hammock. Walk through a rain forest while viewing the ocean. Truly a newlywed’s paradise.

Bahamas, there are over 700 islands in the Bahamas, surrounded by waters ranging in color from emerald to turquoise to crystal blue. The Bahamas is a great fit for couples looking for variety on their tropical honeymoon. It’s perfect for romance, seclusion, entertainment, water sports, nature preserves… the list goes on and on. Find shipwrecks scattered throughout the islands, powder-soft beaches to relax during the day and plenty of casinos for amusement at night.

Dominican Republic has become a beautiful, affordable island destination. Being a larger island, that doesn’t just focus on tourism, you can get some great deals. There are many all-inclusives that will meet the needs of most couples. There are Romantic Caribbeans where offer a great variety of activities and accommodations for all types of couples.  In this crystal, blue water paradise, there are abundant islands offering pristine beaches, all types of water activities, green landscapes and awesome sunsets to set that romantic mood for two.

Tahiti, how do you describe paradise? Many call it Tahiti! With many islands to choose from, including favorites Bora Bora and Moorea. Bora Bora is the fantasy of an island vacation. The over-the-water bungalows are engraved in our minds as the best in luxury and exotic accommodations. Whether deciding to island hop or stay your entire vacation in Bora Bora, it will be a dream come true. Bora Bora honeymoons evoke romance and tranquility.

Fiji has 330 islands about 1,900 miles from Sydney, Australia, some with private resorts and others totally deserted. When imagining a place with white sandy beaches, palm trees, beautiful coral reefs and seclusion, Fiji fits the profile perfectly. Along with this ambiance comes some of the best island hospitality. The Fijian people are always friendly, saying “Bula” (hello) at every turn, going out of their way to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Fiji offers a variety of other fun activities, such as kayaking, exploring limestone caves, sailing around the many islands or just relaxing on the beach.

Antigua  is an ideal tropical destination, with gorgeous beaches, perfect reefs for snorkeling or diving, and great weather – the trade winds reduce the humidity and create the perfect climate. In this crystal, blue water paradise, there are abundant islands offering pristine beaches, all types of water activities, green landscapes and awesome sunsets to set that romantic mood for two.

Italy has been the top honeymoon destination in the world. It is no wonder that its fabulous shopping, delectable cuisine, rich history and spectacular beaches, have had lovers falling in love with Italy, for centuries.  Whether you and your fiancé are art lovers, history fanatics, or simply love to hang out at the beach all day, Italy provides the perfect setting for your love story: enrolling in culinary classes for couples, wine tasting in the lush countryside and holding hands while watching an unforgettable sunset on one of Italy’s famous beaches.

Red leaves of maple trees carpeting entire mountain sides, valleys and forest floor this time of the year pull in thousands of visitors to Phu Kradung National Park in Loei. However, there is another place nearby _ Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary _ that offers easier access and a more spectacular profusion of maples and flowers of virtually every shade imaginable.

Loei is 558 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, and the sanctuary with its thick cover of red rhododendrons, wild flowers and orchids is vibrant with colours in the cool season.

Phu Luang was the start of our exploratory tour of attractions located off Highway 203, which connects the districts of Phu Rua and Dan Sai, marked by several stops interspersed with treks along nature trails.

Actually in Phu Rua district you see decorative plants and flowers sold in pots by local vendors along the highway all time of the year. In fact the length of the road as it cuts through the district looks like a long flower belt. You can buy the flowers at half the price they are sold in Bangkok.

Off Highway 203 is a local road leading to Phu Rua National Park that has tourist bungalows as well as an area where visitors can pitch tents. The road is in good condition and the park is also a popular picnic spot for locals. One road sign pointing to the park is conspicuous by its prominent thermometer, as if needing to tell visitors to Phu Rua that here they can enjoy cool breeze all year round.

West of the park on the road to Dan Sai sits one of the district’s popular landmarks, Phra That Si Song Rak, a pagoda built in the Ayutthaya period as mark of goodwill between the rulers of Ayutthaya and Lan Xang, now part of Laos. Not far from the temple is the Phi Ta Khon Museum at Phonchai Temple where you can learn the origins of the province’s annual Phi Ta Khon ghost mask festival held in the month of June or July and how the masks and dresses used in the festival are made.

Driving back to Loei town, if you have spare time, check out the scenery at Huay Krathing reservoir, vast and noted for its quiet ambience, where locals like to go to relax and enjoy fishing.

2009 is coming to an end and for our final assignment we were tasked to blog about our favorite travel moments from this past year. It was a difficult choice, but thumbing through the thousands of pictures I took this year brought back many fond memories. Anyway, without further ado, here are my 2009 highlights:

Number 1: Kanto Matsuri

Finally, the highlight of my year was the Kanto Matsuri held in Akita City over the first week of August. I had read about it beforehand, but I was really impressed when I saw it in person. The energy and skill of the participants was amazing, and the sheer number of lanterns, literally hundreds of them, was an awesome sight to see.

Number 2: Hanafubuki at Shinjuku Gyoen

We did some extensive cherry blossom coverage this year and I saw lots of beautiful sakura all over the country. But the best was towards the end of the season as I was checking out Shinjuku Gyoen. Most of the blossoms around the park had already fallen, but as I was about to exit at the Sendagaya Gate the wind picked up and treated me to the most amazing hanafubuki (cherry blossom blizzard) I’ve ever seen.

Number 3: Iriomote Swimming Hole

This summer, while on a kayak trip down a mangrove lined river on Iriomote Island, we discovered a small swimming hole literally in the middle of the jungle, a few hundred meters hike up a small stream from the larger, brackish river. The cool water was a refreshing relief and it was one of those unexpected discoveries that make travelling fun.

Number 4: Hokutosei Night Train

While not usually the most economical way to travel, night trains are a unique experience that are a neat way to do some long distance travel. The Hokutosei night train from Tokyo to Sapporo is one of the best ones I’ve taken so far and really renewed my interest in the genre. One day I’m hoping to check out the coveted Cassiopeia, but that probably won’t be for a while.

Number 5: Sumo Wrestling

We started off 2009 with a trip to Ryogoku to see the first Sumo tournament of the year. We had some pretty good seats and were able to see the matches from up close. Afterwards we headed to a nice chanko nabe restaurant owned by former wrestlers who sang for the restaurant’s patrons.

Number 6: Taketomi Island

Taketomi Island is another Okinawan Island and part of the Yaeyama Chain. The village on the small island has maintained its traditional Ryukyu (the old kingdom of Okinawa) look and feel with stone walls and white sand roads patrolled by water buffalo drawn carts. It’d love to come back and spend a few days on the island soaking up the sun and relaxing on its beaches.

Number 7: Nebuta Matsuri

The Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori City has spectacular floats that are basically giant paper lanterns. They’re each followed by giant drums, dozens of musicians playing flutes and chappa cymbals, and legions of haneto dancers. Anyone can participate in the parade as a dancer and it looks like a lot of fun.

Number 8: Kabira Bay

Kabira Bay, down on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, is in my opinion one of the most beautiful beach scenes in Japan. The bay is used for pearl cultivation so unfortunately you can’t swim in the water, but glass bottom boats provide tours of the bay’s coral environment.

Number 9: Nagaoka Fireworks

Next up is the Nagaoka Fireworks in Niigata Prefecture. This fireworks extravaganza is routinely ranked one of the top fireworks shows in Japan and features sanjakudama starmines, whose shells are nearly a meter in diameter; phoenix starmines, that explode twice; and well over 20,000 other fireworks. The picture doesn’t really do it justice, as the fireworks cover almost two kilometers of the riverbank and it was just too big to fit it all into the shot.

Number 10: Kinugawa Mazes

First off on my list are the two fence mazes in Kinugawa Onsen near Nikko. Both the Grand Maze Palladium and the Ninja Trick Maze at Nikko Edomura were a ton of fun. Edomura also got some other fun things to see and watch, such as ninja shows and a gruesome wax museum, which are fun for the whole family.

Well that’s it for this year. 2009 was filled with amazing trips and I look forward to seeing what 2010 has to offer. I hope you’ve enjoyed the blog and I’ll see you again next year!

1. Pang-ung Maehongsorn

2. Pai Maehongsorn

3. Doi Aangkang Chaingmai

4. Huinamdang Chaingmai

5. Doimaesalong Chaingrai

6. Phutubberg Phetchaboon

7. Phushefa Chaingrai

8. Thungdokbuatong Maehongsorn

9. Phukadung Lei

10. Doi Inthanon Chaingmai

One in Top 10 bars of the world to see

            Gazebo, Bangkok nightclub features spacious indoor and outdoor bar area with a complex design the middle East. Is your bar restaurant and club will want to take with you throughout Thailand. Main Bar 3 bands perform in the night in large open air roof.There ’s beautiful breezy fresh air and shelter if it rains-with Spectaclar views that do not fail to impress Nightclubs open late, with DJs best of Bangkok .Relax back benches cushioned sofa and elegant a style seats in an outdoor setting without you or someone you come with, you will forgot.

To Adventure Travel in style. Man brain to relax the same style as the “fighting Sarika Adventure Point ” Nakornnayok Province, Thailand. They have experienced about adventure eco-oriented activities for more than 10 years,with that theme last minute. “Just to get him to the forest. Until the day we were to die. If you fear too difficult for yourlife! Do not walk us. ” Drive steadily through the pretty views. Of forest paths and visit the open orchard of the villagers. The fruit of the various names such as Durian Maprag sweet orange, pomelo, lemon flavors are luscious frame it. And natural close, with various wood species and island cataract beautiful river bend.

I’ve heard somebody mentioned there’s nothing in Pai, Maehongson, Thailand….But on the other side, I found it’s peaceful and wonderful…

So it seems like nothing in Pai but as the matter of fact…It is such a heaven to me…Wish I’ve been there again.

Here’s little information about Pai…

Pai is a small community, embraced by rolling mountains and enveloped in natural setting that is fresh and beautiful. The atmosphere is clean, pure, quiet and warmly welcoming. The different ethnic groups, religious beliefs and languages of the people of plains and the people of the mountains have blended together here to form a unique set of cultural traditions.

The citizens of Pai live their lives with a spirit of generosity and a sense of community, always ready to give someone a helping hand. Yet at the same time, the remoteness of the region makes travel to and from Pai difficult. Many people would rather not come and risk their chances in such an isolated place. However, many other people entrust their luck to fate in this very spot, and others dream of having just one chance in their lives to come and experience the summit of the north of Thailand.

One of favorite cold season trends is the boot tucked into a pair of women’s jeans. It’s sleek, it’s adroit, it’s comfortable when you wear, but it takes some major twisting and shoving to try to get your jeans from bunching out of your boot. Then when you bend or sit down they jeans come WAY out so then you have to shove them back in throughout the day and so on. So everthing basic ,you can do is wear the tightest denim possible and hope it looks as good as Kate Moss, Cameron Diaz and other chic celebrities in their sophisticated denim-boot look.