My Thai friend Seerung was telling me recently about her compatriots’ attitude towards food. “I think we are obsessed,” she admitted. “If we’re not eating food, we’re talking about food. We’re asking our friends what they have been eating. We plan lunch while we’re eating breakfast. We plan dinner while we’re eating lunch. It’s crazy.”

I know how she feels. I too spend an inordinate amount of time either eating food or talking about eating food. Particularly when I’m travelling.

I only realised this the other day, when I decided to tally up how I spend my time while I’m travelling.

Taking a trip is easy – you jump on the plane, mess around for a few weeks, and before you know it you’re back at work and it’s like the whole thing never happened. But it’s interesting to think about what you actually do during those couple of weeks away.

Going by the information most guide books give you, you’d think you’d spend about 10 per cent of your time on trains and planes, 20 per cent sleeping, 20 per cent eating, and 50 per cent wandering through churches, temples and museums.

But I reckon the reality is a bit different, so – using an average two-week block of travel – I decided to figure out exactly what I do on these overseas jaunts. Here goes …

Sleeping – 29 per cent
Holidays seem to be about the one time in my life when I don’t want to sleep a lot. The way I see it, it’s time wasted. It’s like when I was a kid playing Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiago – it’s frustrating when you have to sleep instead of getting out there and enjoying life (or catching loose-lipped, globe-trotting supervillains). So it’s a bit disappointing to realise that’s what I do the most of.

Eating and/or drinking – 25 per cent
That’s right, like Seerung and her Thai friends, I reckon I spend a solid quarter of my holidays either eating food, or planning where next to eat food, or talking about where we last ate food, or sitting in bars drinking. And probably talking about food. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Travelling – 22 per cent
This includes everything – planes, trains, buses, tuk-tuks, taxis, ferries, rickshaws, camels and elephants. It also includes waiting around in airports, train stations etc. It’s amazing to think that you shell out so much cash to visit these incredible places, but what you spend the bulk of your holiday doing is the actual act of travelling.

Wandering aimlessly – 8 per cent
I seem to dedicate at least an hour or so a day to just tramping around on foot with no particular destination in mind. Sometimes I come across amazing things I never thought I’d see. Other times, I just get lost. Which leads me to …

Finding my way home again – 3 per cent
Being a bloke, I’m morally obligated to attempt to do this by myself, without asking for anyone’s help. So I need to devote a bit more time to it than others might have to. (Hint: always carry a card with your hostel’s address on it.)

Looking at churches/temples/museums/art galleries – 4 per cent
Only 4 per cent? Am I some uncultured heathen? Maybe. But I maintain that there’s only so much you can learn about a country from inside four walls. Get in, look at the famous painting/archway/sculpture/pottery, and get out. Maybe grab something to eat?

Sitting in internet cafes – 2.5 per cent
Sorry people, but these comments don’t moderate themselves …

Shopping – 2 per cent
I don’t like shopping at home, so it stands to reason that I wouldn’t want to do it while I’m overseas. And I reckon a pretty solid chunk of this 2 per cent could be put down to “being dragged around shops by certain other people”.

Going to sporting events – 1.5 per cent
I’d devote a lot more time to this if I could, but it’s not the easiest thing to organise while you’re travelling. Still, if there’s a football/ice hockey/cricket/sumo wrestling match on, I’ll be there.

Standing in line – 1.5 per cent
For banks, for money exchanges, for visas, for art galleries, for toilets, for food, for buses, for taxis, for food again … Granted, some countries’ approach to queuing is a bit more physical than others’, but you still spend a fair amount of time waiting in line when you travel.

Lying in the sun – 1 per cent
What can I say, I have a pasty white complexion – devote any more time than this to lying around under than big yellow orb and I’d spend the rest of my holiday shedding skin like a snake.

Swearing I’ll never drink again – 0.5 per cent
That’s about 15 minutes every morning. Not sure what happens after that.

Everyone’s different – what do you devote your time to while you’re on the road ?

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One of the main purposes of travel is to gain experiences that allow us to grow and develop as individuals and it is important that people travel the way that bests suits them at a particular time. For example, I like to go on adventure holidays and this invariably includes a small group and expert guide, and I frequently participate in writing retreats around the world with like-minded people. However for me, the real joy of travelling has always been to take off on my own and just ’see’ what comes along the way. Of course this can sometimes be fraught with frustrations, difficulties and even dangers.

 Freedom Most people who travel alone generally cite freedom as the great motivating factor: freedom to please themselves, go where and when they want, change their plans on a whim when they hear about something that is a ‘must’ to see, and to accept spontaneous invitations by locals.

No compromises This is associated with the previous point. Even if travelling with one other person, be it friend, colleague, lover or spouse, there will always be some compromises required. Not everyone has the same interests or the same energy levels, some people need to be emotionally supported all the time, others are apathetic, some have different attitudes to time. With solo travel, there is no peer pressure over finances, the unspoken need to divide up restaurant bills equally, or guilt trips when you want to go off on your own for a while.

Meeting people Travelling solo does not mean that you will always be alone. In fact, it allows you to meet more people because other tourists and locals find an individual traveller more approachable than those in a tightly-knit group. Also, people in groups have very little need to reach out to others for communication. I have met more people, had more interesting conversations and invitations and made more long-term friends while eating alone in foreign restaurants or sitting alone at bars. But then I am gregarious. Travelling alone allows you to choose the people you wish to spend time with rather than having to face the day-after-day annoyances of the inevitable clowns and whingers found in any large group.

Discoveries There is a real sense of discovery involved in travelling on your own, and that includes self-discovery. You don’t have to rely on an often ill-informed guide to lead you around on a leash, and there’s the surprise and thrill when you find something you weren’t expecting, like the time I became lost and ended up in a small Bavarian village with a monastery that contained a library with tens of thousands of Medieval manuscripts. Travelling alone allows you to discover more about yourself as you overcome simple challenges such as missing a bus or boat and realizing there is no other for a day or a week. Then there is the sense of achievement when solving much more challenging problems like finding yourself lost in a strange town at midnight or running out of money on a holiday weekend with no ATM in sight and the banks closed.

10 Tips for Women Travelling Alone

Tips for women travellers for a carefree overseas travel experience

 By taking some basic security precautions both prior to departure and while away, women travellers can greatly reduce the travel risks they might otherwise face. Travel Messenger™ service developed by Melbourne based Loop9 scans 24/7 a wide range of global network security risk centres to bring in up-to-the-minute travel warnings for the country you are in directly to your mobile phone by SMS.

 “It is important to plan you trip ahead of time in order to make it safer and more enjoyable” says Mark McCormack, Managing Director of Melbourne based Loop9. He recommends the following helpful tips for women travellers should they encounter a situation in an area of political instability or civil unrest as well as on how to stay safe at major events.

 Pre trip:

 1. Take photo copies of all your travel documents, keep them separate from the originals and e-mail all your details such as passport numbers, your itinerary etc to your own email address in case your lose anything.

 2. Pack as light as possible and always pack your own bags and do not offer to carry any parcels whose contents you may be unsure of. The penalties for possession of or trafficking in drugs in some countries can include long prison sentences or even death.

 3. Before travelling, find out the general dress code for the country. Once you arrive, take note of what local women wear to get an idea of appropriate attire.

 4. Use a handbag with an inner zippered pocket and a strong strap. Preferably, wear the strap across the body, to make it more difficult for thieves to steal. Consider wearing a money belt under your clothes.

 On board:

 5. Do not announce your final destination or length of stay to fellow passengers, as the information may be overheard.

 On arrival:

 6. Where possible arrange to be met at the airport by someone you know. If you are being collected by a driver always establish their bona fides by asking their name, enquire who they are waiting for and where they intend taking you.

 7. Stay in a hotel or guesthouse on a residential street that has a number of restaurants and late-night stores located on it. This is far safer than staying in a corporate area that will be quiet at night and so less secure.?

 8. Never let on that you are travelling alone; inform inquisitive strangers that you are expecting your friend or meeting your partner.

 9. Avoid wearing provocative, figure-hugging clothing. Unwanted attention can be also avoided by wearing a wedding ring and avoiding eye contact

 10. Act confidently. Know where you are going and what you are doing, and walk with assurance. Confidence can be a major deterrent of criminal activities, such as petty theft and harassment.

 For more information and to book Travel Messenger™ service for your next trip please contact your local travel agent.

I know there will be times in the future when I will travel as part of a group out of choice because I want to visit areas where it is just not possible or sensible for a woman alone, or because I wish to be with family or like-minded people. However, due to my particular personality traits, my preference is to travel alone. I guess it really doesn’t matter how people travel, but that they travel.

 Pamela Bradley, also known as Zelda, is a noted author of nine books on ancient cultures and mysteries, historian, public speaker and passionate traveler. Follow her travels on http://www.zeldastravels.com and check out her profile, books, recent memoir, Nefertiti Street, as well as her observations on writing and women on http://www.pamelabradley.com.

 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pamela_Bradley

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The Brave New Traveler Guide To Hostel Sex will get you out of the dorms and into sweaty, awkward bliss faster than you can say “light my fire”.

What do you get when you drop a few dozen backpackers into a hostel, soak with beer and mix in a healthy dose of liberation from social norms? A tidal wave of hormones…and one major problem: where to go to get it on?

 Unless you’re a flamboyant exhibitionist, nothing puts a damper on romantic relations like company. Dorms are almost never empty, and even when they are, the likelihood of someone barging in makes anything more than surreptitious groping an impossibility.

 If you’re hankering to slide the key into the ignition and get your motor firing on all cylinders, you need to get creative, and get out of the dorms.

 Unless you’re a flamboyant exhibitionist, nothing puts a damper on romantic relations like company. First of all, let’s consider the options in and around the hostel.

 Every hostel has hidden nooks and crannies that offer enough space and privacy for at least a hasty knee-trembler. You can be sure the hostel staff know about these spots, but unless you’re hooking up with one of them, asking for directions is bad form.

 The trick is to know where to look, and to scout locations in advance if you’re feeling lucky. Here are some possibilities:

The Laundry Room 

 Most hostels have a laundry room that is abandoned at night. If you’re feeling naughty, the stacks of fresh-smelling sheets and towels make an ideal love-nest.

 The more considerate and hygienic option is to make use of the sturdy appliances, with the woman sitting on top of the washer / dryer. (Extra points for spin cycle).

 The Roof

 When checking into your next hostel, take a look around and see if there’s any way to access the roof. Overhanging trees are one possibility, as are upstairs windows with broad sills from which you can pull yourself up to the rooftop.

 Of course safety is important, and you shouldn’t take unnecessary risks, but you’d be surprised at how many hostel roofs are accessible with a little ingenuity.

 And once you’re up there – well, the sky is the limit.

 The Bathroom

 OK, maybe it’s not the most romantic location, but most hostels have bathrooms that lock. As long as the floor and toilet are reasonably clean, you can shut yourselves inside and bump uglies to your heart’s content.

 Even open bathrooms with several stalls offer the possibility of a quickie – just ask Senator Larry Craig.

 The best position is for the guy to sit on the toilet while the girl sits in his lap – this way she can lift her legs off the floor if someone comes in, so that from the outside it looks like just one person is in the stall.

 The Broom Closet

 If the laundry room is locked, the roof is inaccessible and the thought of sex in a bathroom stall makes you queasy, the hostel broom closet is a classic option.

 The main problems with the broom closet are that nothing more than a standing position is possible, mop handles have a way of whacking you in the head at inopportune moments and the smell of high-test floor cleaner can make you pass out.

 The key is to be quick (if you’re screwing in a broom closet I doubt this will be a problem).

The Kitchen

 Don’t have sex in the hostel kitchen. Just don’t. People cook food in the kitchen. No one wants traces of mystery juice in their stir-fry.

 Plus, hostel kitchens aren’t as private as you might think. Even at 4 am you can bet that someone will be looking for a midnight snack, and nothing ruins an appetite like the sight of bare asses bouncing on the counter.

 Seriously, don’t have sex in the kitchen.

 The Great Outdoors

 If your hostel has a backyard, look for a shadowy spot behind a tree.

 Better yet, if you’re in a semi-rural area, get out of the hostel grounds entirely. A copse of trees can provide all the privacy you need, and a lonesome beach is even more enticing.

 Just remember to snag a towel or a bed-sheet from the hostel before running naked down the sand.

 Get A Room Already !

 Look, I know you’re on a tight budget. But I guarantee that a few years down the road, when you’re married and have a mortgage, you won’t regret having dropped a couple extra bills for a night of passion.

 In many countries, like Japan and Taiwan, there is the ‘love-hotel’ option, where you can rent a fantasy-themed room by the hour. Otherwise, just jump in a cab and ask the driver to take you to a guesthouse or motel.

 As usual, Mark Twain sums it up best, “10 years from now you will be more disappointed by the people you haven’t done than by the ones you have, so cast off the panties, sail away from the hostel dorm – explore, dream, get laid!”

 Where’s the most creative place your “friend” has ever had sex? Shock and titillate us by leaving a comment below!

 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com contributing editor Tim Patterson travels with a sleeping bag and pup tent strapped to the back of his folding bicycle. His articles and travel guides have appeared in The San Francisco Chronicle, Get Lost Magazine, Tales Of Asia and Traverse Magazine. Check out his Matador profile.

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Las Vegas CityCenter, an $8.5 billion hotel, entertainment and shopping destination is due to open in stages starting Dec. 1.  2009

CITY CENTER BY THE NUMBERS

•67 acres on the Vegas Strip

•Four hotels with 6,300 hotel rooms, two with condos; one mega casino resort with 4,004 rooms

•Two condo towers, contributing to a total of 2,400 CityCenter condos

•A 750,000-square-foot retail/entertainment complex with the USA’s largest Louis Vuitton and Prada stores, plus Tiffany, Versace and Cartier, to name a few.

•More than a dozen restaurants from name chefs and stars including Wolfgang Puck, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Todd English, Michael Mina, Eva Longoria Parker and more.

•About $40 million in art, including an eye-catching piece composed of about 250 small boats, including rowboats, canoes and kayaks, by Nancy Rubins.

•Three spas, including an 80,000-square-foot spa with 62 treatment rooms at Aria.

•300,000 square feet of meeting space at Aria; more at the other hotels.

•CityCenter’s own energy-generating plant and fire station.

•The first fleet of stretch limos powered by clean-burning compressed natural gas.

•Slot-machine bases that serve as floor air-conditioning units, cooling guests from the ground, rather than wasting energy by chilling from the ceiling .

•For more information, visit citycenter.com

CityCenter’s half-dozen glass-and-steel towers – including two condo high-rises that lean 5 degrees instead of standing upright – add a futuristic look to this desert destination.

Inside, it resembles a modern art gallery and mind-boggling design showcase more than themed Vegas resorts. Pieces include an 84-foot silver serpentine sculpture depicting the course of the Colorado River, designed byMaya Lin of Vietnam Veterans Memorial fame. That hangs above the front desk of the Aria Resort & Casino.

The $8.5 billion hotel/living/dining/entertainment/shopping destination is billed as the largest privately funded construction project in the USA and is considered Vegas’ big gamble. Its lack of emphasis on gaming (only Aria has a casino), edgy style and city-within-a-city layout are “the next step in the evolution of Vegas,” says CityCenter CEO Bobby Baldwin– unlike anything yet seen in the USA’s adult Disneyland.

PHOTO GALLERY: First look at Las Vegas City Center

CityCenter is due to open in stages on 67 acres, starting Dec. 1 with the Vdara resort/condo, Dec. 3with the Crystals retail/dining/entertainment complex, and Dec. 4 with theMandarin Oriental, Las Vegas hotel and residences. This joint venture between the MGM Mirage casino-resort giant and Dubai World – a United Arab Emirates firm that invests in various properties – is premiering during one of the less-stellar years in Vegas history. It’s $1.2 billion over budget, causing analysts to speculate whether the big bet will pay off.

“Clearly, the timing couldn’t be much worse, though it’s slightly better than a year ago,” says Robert LaFleur, gaming analyst at Susquehanna Financial Group. (The Group owns a less-than-5% share of MGM Mirage, LaFleur says; the exact share is not disclosed.) “The Las Vegas market is a tough place” at the moment, he says.

Visitor numbers were down 4.7% January through September vs. 2008, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reports. Convention attendance dropped 27.1% during that period. Hotel discounting is the norm now, leaving luxe Aria and Vdara little choice but to open at official rates under $200 – from $179 on slow days for Aria; $149 for Vdara. That’s at least 20% off what they originally expected, guesses Anthony Curtis, publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor and an expert on local deals. He found a $129 offer at Vdara in December

Mandarin Oriental is banking on high rollers, with 392 rooms and suites that start at $545, with a second night free.

Vegas tempts travelers with jaw-dropping deals

Baldwin, a poker-faced former World Series of Poker champ, is used to taking risks. He sees City Center, designed for the high-end visitor, as bringing more culture to Vegas and serving as “a huge economic spark plug” for the struggling destination. It will provide 12,000 jobs, he says.

However, MGM Mirage had to seek outside financing from various banks to complete City Center. What will happen to the 10,000 construction workers who have been toiling around the clock remains to be seen.

What isn’t a matter of speculation is that an early tour of City Center reveals that renowned architects and designers including Argentina-born César Pelli and New York’s Rockwell Group have created a new look for Vegas between MGM Mirage’s Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts. A tram is due to connect the three starting Dec. 1.

Flashy neon signs and glitter are out. Natural materials such as recycled wood, stone and concrete are in. Six buildings in the complex already have gold status in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. That’s based on a third-party rating for eco-correctness; City Center’s status is a record in energy-squandering Vegas. (The 400-room Harmon boutique hotel, not due till late next year, isn’t LEED-certified yet.)

Yes, there is a lavish Cirque du Soleil Elvis tribute in Aria’s showroom, but there are no lava-spewing volcanoes or pirate-ship battles on manmade lagoons – just art installations by the likes of Frank Stella and Claes Oldenburg and multihued arcs of water that will collide and explode in a pool outside Aria. They’re from designers of the dancing-to-music Bellagio fountains but are on a micro scale.

“The idea was to be different and leading-edge,” says Baldwin, sitting in his office next to the construction site offFrank Sinatra Drive, which still is swarming with workers. The City Center team traveled the world seeking design inspiration. “If I had seen it (in Vegas), I didn’t want it,” Baldwin says. He chose multiple architects to avoid a single look.

Focal points

CityCenter, with its intricate details, can take days to take in.

Its centerpiece resort is 61-story Aria (so named because arias are focal points in operas), due to open Dec. 16. It has 4,004 rooms and suites accessed via smart keycards – wave them in front of doors to open. A cutting-edge system lets guests set everything from lighting levels to temperature to drapes, alarms and “do not disturb” signs via the TV or bedside panel. A downside: Standard rooms are small, so spring for larger quarters if you can.

Aria’s casino looks like no other in Vegas, incorporating earthy colors and a forest theme. You’d never guess the faux tree trunks in an adjacent bar are carved out of foam. Gamers who hate the smell of cigarettes will find a system new to Vegas that sucks smoke up and away, says Aria and Vdara President Bill McBeath, giving a tour as hard-hats hammer and rush to finish.

As at other casino resorts, there’s a separate entrance, check-in and quarters for VIPs, plus private gaming areas. One has $2,000-a-pull slot machines.

Some walls in Aria’s upscale Chinese restaurant are made of jade-colored silk, ripped out and redone when McBeath didn’t like the original craftsmanship.

The masses can sip and chew at Aria’s coffee shop, shaped like a Mayan pyramid and made of reclaimed river rocks. (No Starbucks here or elsewhere in CityCenter. “Everyone has a Starbucks,” McBeath sniffs.) Aria’s spa with 62 treatment rooms has something new for been-there-done-that hedonists: a sauna-like salt-block room from Japan and a relaxation area with heated-stone chaise longues.

With big-spending and superstitious Chinese gamblers in mind, Aria lacks floors 40-49. “The number four in Chinese when said sounds like the word for death,” MGM Mirage spokeswoman Jenn Michaels explains. “The superstition is strongest in a gaming environment.”

Next tour stop is Vdara, the hotel/condo that’s the first to open and that Michaels calls the “sleeper” of CityCenter. Just steps from Aria, it should play well with visitors who seek serenity as well as access to the action, and it’s the best value in CityCenter. All accommodations are non-smoking suites with kitchens and floor-to-ceiling glass windows (request one with views of the Bellagio fountains). A rooftop pool and spa with Champagne bar add to its appeal.

The Mandarin Oriental is all muted elegance, including an Asian-style welcome in the intimate 23rd-floor lobby with polished black-granite reception desk, adjoining a tea lounge and bar. The bar offers amazing views of the Strip through 20-foot picture windows.

The three-story Crystals retail/entertainment center aims to entice with ice-crystal sculptures, a carpet of flowers that changes seasonally and the most futuristic-looking shops in Vegas. The 750,000-square-foot complex has the largest Louis Vuitton and Prada stores in the USA. Not one luxury retailer pulled out, even in these tough times, says Crystals general manager Farid Matraki.

The shopping/dining/partying district looks like a design showplace. It also offers Vegas’ most velvet-rope shopping experience, with a separate entrance accessible only to those bearing invitation-only cards. “God only knows Las Vegas doesn’t need another mall,” says Matraki. “We’re trying to create an experience. Everyone is using their best and newest concepts here.”

CityCenter’s 2,400 condos, at every lodging property but Aria and Harmon and in the two leaning Veer Towers, are downplayed on the tour, perhaps because that market in Vegas – as elsewhere – is dismal. MGM Mirage announced a 30% price reduction in October after some buyers threatened lawsuits because of the drop in value. Lower-end studios that once were $500,000 now are about $350,000, Michaels says, adding that about half the condos are sold.

Tempting offers

CityCenter’s opening comes on the heels of MGM’s reported third-quarter net loss of $750.4 million, in part because of falling room revenue at its nine other Vegas casino resorts and because it wrote down the value of CityCenter. Until Dubai World came aboard, there was doubt CityCenter would be finished.

Now that it’s about to open, MGM Mirage is offering the under-$200 come-ons and wooing guests who’ve visited its other Vegas properties with free-night offers with a paid stay. Another way to get deals is to sign the guest books on CityCenter hotel websites, Michaels says.

MGM also is encouraging everyone to take a gander at CityCenter. “Hopefully, they’ll see this as the next evolution of Vegas,” says CityCenter chief Baldwin, who doesn’t blink when asked whether the project is too ambitious for the times or suited to the Vegas crowd. “We believe we know what the customer wants. … If I’m accused of anything, it’s of being different.”

Even those going after the same deep-pocketed guests, such as Strip kingpin Steve Wynn, wish CityCenter well – at least publicly.

“We’ve got our fingers crossed that it’s a success and that it grows the market,” says Wynn, whose nearly year-old Encore has started discounting rooms as low as $109. He adds, enigmatically, “It’s certainly different than anything we’ve seen before, and the fellows who run it are almost as mystified as we are.”

Vegas does have a track record of “new hotels creating new demand,” analyst LaFleur notes. CityCenter hopes to attract sophisticates who wouldn’t normally consider a Vegas vacation.

A just-released report by CB Richard Ellis, which analyzes real estate and Vegas, says that “10% to 30% of CityCenter’s revenue will be incremental revenue for the market,” but the “balance is expected to come at the expense of existing Strip casinos.”

Says Las Vegas Advisor’s Curtis, “Short term, there’s lots of skepticism and even worry that it may hurt a little more than it helps. I think it will have its glow time early, then tread water waiting for the economy to return. But if things get back to normal, it will be a big winner.”

If it’s a visitor magnet, “It could be a turnaround point for the city,” says Brent Pirosch, a CB Richard Ellis analyst.

Still, CityCenter creators “are clearly opening with a 2007 business mode – high-end rooms and restaurants, less emphasis on gaming,” LaFleur says. “The question is, in a post-prosperity society, has something changed in people’s spending habits?

“Are there enough people to support four high-end (hotels) and go out and spend (on celebrity chefs and luxury goods)? In my opinion, the jury is still out.”

By Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

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Championship fights at Malvern Town Hall

Promoter   http://www.petermaniatis.com/

An eventful action packed night took place at the hall with which satisfied all the fight fans in attendance.

It was named ELITE CRANES CUP after the main sponsors

There were three championship fights, 12 rounds being an interim IBF Pan Pacific Welterweight title, 10 rounds for the WBF Intercontinental Light Middleweight title and 8 rounds for the Victorian Cruiserweight title.

Interim IBF Pan Pacific Welterweight title

Heath Ellis takes Jakkirt Suwunnalirt to school

Ellis displayed a masterful and stylish win over Suwunnalirt and again displayed signs that he is ready to tackle the bigger guns in the game.

After a stylish first round Ellis tried a few potential ko punches in the second but fell short of target.

In the third a sharp left hook, part of a speedy combination dropped Suwunnalirt for an eight count.

In the ninth round Ellis missed an opportunity as he had his opponent shaken but missed following it up or didn’t want to take the risk in case of it being a luring act.

All in all I gave Ellis every round of the fight.

Suwunnalirt is no pussy in boxing and has gone 12 rounds distance with Current IBO champ Lovemore N’dou and stopped by Michael Katsidis holder of the WBO lightweight title.

WBF Intercontinental Light Middleweight title.

Eddie Delic gets the pat over Shannon McMahon in what seems a potential YVB fight of the year award winner.

Eddie Delic scored a dramatic unanimous points win in his grudge match with McMahon in a fight that kept the crowd on its feet from start to finish. In the process Delic claimed the vacant WBF Intercontinental light-middleweight title.

Article source – Young Victor -  http://www.youngvictorboxing.com.au/

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Paul Fyfield Training  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmxzzX9cA9E

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With a book in hand, travel becomes a two-fold adventure. Not only are you personally experiencing a new culture – you are simultaneously seeing it through the eyes of another, during a different period in time.

Reading is a great form of entertainment and inspiration. However, for aspiring travel writers, it also serves as a necessary tool to learning the craft of writing. Books become your teachers, and who better to learn from than the legends of literature?

Who better to guide you through the streets of Paris and teach you how to make your words sing than Hemingway? What better way to learn how to recreate the details of a train ride than Paul Theroux?

Though your aching back may come to despise you for loading your rucksack with travelogues, your mind will thank you. Here is a list of 50 recommended books to choose from for your next travel adventure.

1. Death in the Afternoon by Ernest Hemingway

A necessary piece for those traveling through Spain, most especially for those planning on watching a bullfight. It’s an enviable work of journalistic skill that studies the art of bullfighting and its meaning within Spanish culture.

2. The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux

Paul Theroux’s “Great Railway Bazaar” captures the spontaneous pleasures of travel. Rich in observation and detail, this book is best read during solitary moments on a train. The route takes place from London’s Victoria Station to Asia and finally through the Trans-Siberian express. Capturing the idiosyncracies of train travel, the circumstances Theroux finds himself in, as well as the characters he encounters are a comical portrayal of life on the road.

3. Finding George Orwell in Burma by Emma Larkin

One of the most in-depths books on Burma to date. The book is simultaneously a political analysis on Burma, a literary study of George Orwell’s work, and an intoxicating travelogue.

4. When We Were Orphans by Kazou Ishiguro

This mystery novel will take you to the depths of Shanghai in the 1900’s and London in the 1930’s, as esteemed detective Christopher Banks searches for his parents, who had disappeared when he was a child. It is a startling look at loss, ambition, and the power of memory.

5. Four Corners: Into the Heart of New Guinea-One Woman’s Solo Journey by Kira Salak

An inspiring read for women travelers, as Kira Salak proves that gender is not a barrier for a life of risk and adventure. It is both a story of survival and a personal reflection on a life lived without borders.

6. On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Often touted as the launching pad for vagabonders, wherein the purpose of life is to simply “live.” It’s an iconic book that has fueled the imagination of several generations of readers. A piece of pure voltage as the characters traipse their way through America in search of enlightenment. A bible for those “on the road” in search of meaning and adventure.

7. Into the Wild by John Krakauer

John Krakauer’s study of Chris McCandles short life will shake you to the core. It’s a story of a young man who decides to give up all his worldly possessions and head towards the Alaskan wilderness. Aptly changing his name to “Alexander Supertramp,” McCandles’ unwavering dedication to the journey is both awe-inspiring and ultimately heartbreaking.

8. Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress: A Novel by Dai Sijie

Written like a fable or a tale, this book is a comical, yet touching account of life during the Cultural Revolution in China. Light in its delivery but profound in meaning, it serves as a reminder regarding the importance of intellectual freedom.

9. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Although this book is often looked down upon by the “literarati,” it is an exciting read, especially for those planning on making a trip to the Louvre museum in Paris. Not only interesting for conspiracy fans but also a passion to read for art lovers. It is guaranteed that you will see art in a different light.

10. Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

At midnight, on August 15, 1957, one thousand and one children are born possessing supernatural powers. With them, like the country, the burden of freedom weighs heavily. Not only is it a stunning work of magical realism, it’s a historical view of the hopes, dreams, and passions of post-colonial India.

11. America Is in the Heart by Carlos Bulosan

Written by Carlos Bulosan, the first Filipino to be published in the United States of America, it is the story of his migrant experiences in the so-called ‘land of plenty’ in the 1930’s. The book is about his journey through the American landscape and discusses life as an exile, dislocation, racism, and poverty.

12. Balkan Ghosts: A Journey Through History by Robert D. Kaplan

Kaplan’s ‘Balkan Ghosts: A Journey through History’ is not only a travelogue, but a political analysis of the past and present struggles within the region. He not only provides an interesting account of the Balkan peoples, but also gives insight to the roots and effects of hatred and terrorism.

13. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

The story revolves around the character of Christopher Marlow and his journey through the Congo. An important and timeless piece, especially for post-colonial studies, it poses questions on the concept of ‘civilization,’ the inner-struggle between good and evil, and colonialism.

14. Video Night in Kathmandu: And Other Reports from the Not-So-Far East by Pico Iyer

‘Video Night in Kathmandu’ is a collection of essays set in Asia from Pico Iyer, one of the most prolific of contemporary travel writers, which aims to dissect the the cross-cultural relationships between East and the West.

15. The Castle by Franz Kafka

A great piece for any traveler that has felt completely lost and alienated in a strange new city. It is an eerie novel of disambiguation as the character by the name of ‘K’ arrives as a land surveyor in an unamed village and seeks to gain entry into the castle but his path is blocked by mysterious authority figures and indifferent locals.

16. Life of Pi by Yann Martel

The character of “Pi” (Piscine Molitor Patel), a young boy from Pondicherry whose father is a zookeeper, is shipwrecked in the Pacific Ocean for 227 days. With him in the life raft are various animals, the most intriguing of which is the Bengal tiger who becomes Pi’s only friend, as well as enemy. A shocking and absorbing story that examines religion, spirituality, and the psychological effects of traumatic experiences.

17. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

A great book for those planning on traveling through the former Czechoslovakia, or even those simply seeking artistic and philosophical insight. A novel about love, desire, and the struggle between logic and emotions; it follows the lives of artists during the invasion of the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact Allies in the country.

18. The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

An absorbing masterpiece by Henry James that emphasizes the differences between America and Europe. It is the confrontation of the New World versus the Old World, where the character of the American Isabel Archer travels to Europe to find her destiny. The novel is about the search and loss of freedom and a grand overview of an American in Europe during the Victorian era.

19. The Dark Room by Rachel Seiffert

“The Dark Room” is a profound novel that recounts the events of 20th century Germany through the lives and struggles of three characters all connected by their love-hate relationship with the city of Berlin.

20. The Tale of Murasaki: A Novel by Liza Dalby

Written in the form of a diary, the book is a display of Dalby’s skill for imagination and recreating Japanese literary history. It captures the essence of Murasaki Shikibu, who wrote “The Tale of Genji” and is full of philosophical and cultural insight.

21. The Call of the Wild by Jack London

A great adventure story told through the eyes of Buck, a domesticated dog who returns to his primal nature in order to survive the harsh landscape of the Yukon. Though expressed through experiences of an animal, it is a timeless tale of tapping into the savage instincts that lay buried within all of us.

22. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thomson

A cult novel that is an account of Thomson’s drug-infused, paranoia ridden journey to Las Vegas in order to fulfill an assignment for Rolling Stone Magazine. Not only is “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” wildly entertaining as a novel, a travelogue, and a biography, but is an important study on the idea of the “American Dream.”

23. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway’s “A Moveable Feast” is his memories, observations and experiences of living in Paris during the 1920’s as part of the “Lost Generation” of America writers and artists. It is an essential piece for those who dream of living abroad or are in the midst of piecing toghether their expatriate lives.

24. Lord of the Flies by William S. Golding

“The Lord of the Flies” tells the story of a group of British schoolboys marooned in an island and have to learn to fend for themselves. In their efforts, they create their own democracy which goes awry as violence and chaos ensues. Set in the midst of World War II, it is an allegorical tale of a society without authority and the loss of innocence.

25. Dubliners by James Joyce

“Dubliners” is Joyce’s portrayal of Ireland’s middle-class in the 20th century told through a collection of 15 stories. Written during the wake of the Irish nationalist movement, the pieces reflect the people’s search for identity and the struggles of everyday life.

26. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Though mostly popular due to the Disney cartoon classic, the book is a collection of stories set in India. The book is not only interesting for children, but for adults as well, as it details the different customs and traditions in India, as well as a criticism of British colonial powers.

27. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry

An inspiring novella for those searching for a sense of meaning and purpose. Though largely viewed as a children’s book, “The Little Prince” is about an aviator who lands in the Sahara desert and comes to meet an alien in the form of a boy who teaches him the value of seeing the world through the eyes of an innocent.

28. Maximum City Maximum City by Suketu Mehta

“Maximum City” is Mehta’s account of returning to the India he had left behind as a child when his family migrated to New York. The author paints a picture of modern Bombay and the complexities of living between two opposing cultures.

29. In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin

One of the most creative and entertaining travelogues to date, “In Patagonia” is Chatwin’s account of trying to reconstruct the legendary adventures of his grandmother’s uncle through South America. This book, in its literary depths, historical accounts, and adventurous undertakings, set the standard for travel writing.

30. Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

For anyone who has aspired to start afresh and ‘build a new home,’ so to speak , “Under the Tuscan Sun” is a rich and deeply moving account of her efforts to restore a villa in Italy. It is a memoir that reminds us of the sensual pleasures of food, life, and the importance of making a leap of faith.

31. Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer

A breathtaking true story of Austrian adventurer Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschnaiter escape to Tibet after being imprisoned in India by the British during World War II. An insightful novel that gives an insiders account of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan way of life, that is rarely seen by outsiders.

32. Going Solo by Roald Dahl

“Going Solo” is Roald Dahl’s biography and is an account of his life as a pilot in North Africa during World War II. Not unlike his captivating children’s books, this book is rife with exciting adventures, interesting encounters, and laugh-out-loud humor.

33. I Dreamed of Africa by Kuki Gallman

Kuki Gallman’s memoir of her life in Africa is simultaneously inspiring and heart-wrenching. In the wake of a tragedy that occured in her homeland in Italy, Kuki moves to Africa with her family and lover and is about overcoming and embracing the challenges of living in a world so different than her own.

34. The Sex Lives of Cannibals: Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific by J. Maarten Troost

“The Sex Lives of Cannibals: Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific” is J. Maarten Troost’s hilarous yet discerning account of living in Tarawa for two-years. The novel touches on the romantic image of “Paradise” we often attach to island living and the sad realities that need to be acknowledged.

35. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Marie Rilke

“Letters to a Young Poet” is a collection of letters between Rainer Marie Rilke to an aspiring young poet by the name of Franz Xaver Kappus. Not only is it inspiring to read while on the road, but also a necessary piece for those of us searching and striving to live an authentic life.

36. The Living City by Frank Lloyd Wright

For architecture buffs or those that enjoy reveling in a bustling metropolis, Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision of a Utopian city is an enthralling look into his views on society, urbanization, and freedom.

37. Gravity’s Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon

This masterpiece by Thomas Pynchon raises the bar for what any would-be-author would aspire to create. A postmodern epic set during the end of the 2nd World War where its protagonist, Tyrone Slothrope search for German V-2 rockets is linked with the pattern (specifically, constellation) he created to keep track of the women he has slept with. Although a difficult read, its complexity, subplots, and confusion are allegories to the challenges of the modern world.

38. The Beach by Alex Garland

After the movie of the same title came out, hoards of adventurous backpackers made their way to Thailand in search of snake blood and hidden maps. However, the book is more exciting than the film version as it highlights the travelers quest for the unknown, yet also reveals the pitfalls of exploitation travel.

39. The Size of the World: Once Around Without Leaving the Ground by Jeff Greenwald

“The Size of the World” by Jeff Greenwald is an inspiring book for travelers searching for creative ways to explore the world. It begins with Greenwald’s goal to travel the globe without leaving the ground, and before he begins his journey he posts a query in the personals section of a newspaper to find a female travel companion. Thus, the story is not only an adventurous chronicle of the 9-months spent traveling by buses, trains and boats, but also a hilarious account of the women who respond to his ad.

40. Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles

A dramatic piece of literature set in Morocco, where the desert becomes an untamed character in itself. Set in the 20th Century, the characters of Kit and Port Moresby are a married couple from New York who travel to North Africa in the hopes of re-igniting the passion in their marriage, however they must learn to battle the elements, circumstances, and sense of dislocation brought on by the “sheltering sky.”

41. Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne

“Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne set the stage for the future of adventure seekers everywhere. A classic novel that begins with Londoner Phileas Fogg, who makes a £20,000 bet with his friends that he can circle the globe in 80 days with his French valet Passerpout.

42. The Road to Oxiana by Robert Byron

Written in the form of a diary, Byron’s “Road to Oxiana” is a moving account of his travels through Persia and Afghanistan. Each page never fails to entertain, as Robert Byron’s skill in painting an image of his personal experiences, opinions and encounters to the reader.

43. Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck

“Travels with Charley” is Steinbeck’s account of his journey through America during the 1960’s with his best friend, Charley the dog. His prowess as a writer is unchallenged, as he weaves together his observations of modern America and highlights the value of surrendering oneself to the journey.

44. The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain

Published in 1869, it is Twain’s travel story through Europe and the Holy Land via a pleasure cruise. A pleasure to read, not only for Mark Twain’s clever observations, but also because it highlights the relationship between the Americans and Europeans during the 19th century and how each viewed their place in the world.

45. The Book Bag by W. Somerset Maugham

An intriguing and entertaining collection of short stories by W. Somerset Maugham that include pieces set in Asia, Europe and the Americas. The tales will shock, captivate and amuse the reader as Maugham pulls the “skeletons out of the closet” of his seemingly conservative, ‘civilized’ characters.

46. The Summing Up by W. Somerset Maugham

“The Summing Up” by W. Somerset Maugham is a must-read for any aspiring writer. Maugham emphasizes that the book is not his autobiography but are his reflections on the the craft of writing and the importance of travel, literature and philosophy.

47. The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham

A novel that teaches the lessons of love as the character of Kitty, a shallow and confused socialite marries the passionate bacteriologist Walter Fane who she later cheats on with the Charles Townsend. When Walter Fane discovers her infidelity he takes her on assignment with him to China. Not only is the book about discovering the meaning of love, forgiveness and compassion, but also paints a vivid picture of China during the 20th century

48. Collected Poems 1947-1997 by Allen Ginsberg

What better way to walk the uncommon path than through the works of Beat poet, Allen Ginsberg. The voice he creates through his poems calls out for spiritual liberation and passionate causes.

49. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

An exciting read, especially for those planning on traveling by train; Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” will have you on the edge of your seat as esteemed detective, Hercule Poirot tries to solve the case.

50. Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

Whitman’s collection of poems in “Leaves of Grass” creates an image of America, the horror of war, and the nature of man through his raw and sensual verses.

What books would you add to the list? Leave your picks in the comments!

It all began with a volcanic eruption. Caught in a storm of ashen rain and almost walking into the ocean, Michaela Lola realized at the tender age of eight that life was meant to be an adventure. Her escapades include riding the midnight train to Marrakesh, partying with the katoys in Thailand and sampling insects in China.

Article by by Michaela Lola

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The key to finding your perfect type of holiday may lie in discovering your personality traits .

HAVE you ever returned from a holiday feeling underwhelmed, or needing another trip away to recover?

 A city break that’s a bit too hectic or a holiday that’s too tranquil may be the result of not having chosen the right holiday for your personality type, travel booking site Expedia says.

 The key to selecting the perfect getaway lies in knowing both your and your travel companion’s personality types, Expedia Australia’s Marketing Manager Louise Crompton says.

 Researching likely holiday scenarios and considering these alongside practical elements such as time available, distance and budget, can help.

 “Choosing the right holiday is more than just picking a place or experience that sounds fun or interesting,” she said.

 “Travellers should carefully reflect on what makes them and their travel companions tick, and then research travel destination options and consult independent traveller reviews.“

 Dr Marylouise Caldwell, a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Sydney, says that a model called the Five Factor, which includes five broad domains of personality that have been found to include roughly all known personality traits, could aid traveller in picking the perfect holiday.

The five personality traits include extrovert or introvert, apprehensive or relaxed, open or closed, conservative or eccentric, conscientious or non-conscientious.

 So which ones relate to you?

Personality Trait #1: Extrovert v Introvert

 Extroverts are characterised by sociability, assertiveness, activity, talkativeness and the need for excitement and stimulation.Conversely, introverts are typically more reserved, and prefer to be alone or in small groups. They like to lead life at a more even pace.Holiday behaviour: Extroverts seek holiday experiences that provide high levels of stimulation, novelty, risk taking and social interaction. They tend to prefer big cities, restaurants and crowded bars rather than art galleries and temples or churches. They don’t like to rise too early – they are likely to stay out to the wee hours because they are night owls.

Introverts are the opposite: they like activities that promote introspection, deep thinking and experiences that have an intellectual or mystical bent, like art-house film festivals or meditating at Buddhist retreats.

Personality Trait #2: Apprehensive v Relaxed

 Apprehensive people tend to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, fear, disappointment, embarrassment, anger, guilt and disgust, while relaxed individuals tend to have an absence of these feelings.

 Relaxed people are not easily flustered, shocked or irritated and they tend to be even tempered.

 Holiday behaviour: Apprehensive individuals tend to seek destinations, cultural activities and food types that remind them of home, or past travel experiences. Although they prefer not to travel alone, they can find resorts or holiday experiences with high levels of socialising and activities overwhelming.

 Relaxed people are just the opposite. They are okay with trips involving unknowns, and deal with new challenges one at a time and take them in their stride.

 Personality Trait #3: Open v Closed

 Open people are characterised by vivid fantasy, attraction to art and beauty, depth of feelings, intellectual curiosity and flexible value systems. Very open people seek heaps of different types of experiences that are emotional, sensual, aesthetic or social.Closed people prefer familiarity over novelty and are resistant to new or unfamiliar experiences – similar to apprehensive individuals.

 Holiday behaviour: Open people will rarely go back to the same destination unless they have fallen in love with the place and wish to explore it further. They seek urban hubs that offer lots of variety, such as London, Paris, New York or Sydney – not smaller cities like Darwin, Cleveland or Birmingham.

 Closed people visit places they have fond memories of such as their hometowns. They will often go back to the same holiday destination time and time again.

 Personality Trait #4: Conservative v Eccentric

 Conservative types are cooperative, altruistic and easily fit in with others. They gravitate towards what is traditional or the norm.

 Eccentrics like to be different to others, staying clear of what they consider to be fads. They are often uninterested in others, let alone others’ opinions.

 Holiday behaviour: Conservative types will often do what is socially accepted and rewarded – taking holidays that others will be impressed by within their immediate social circles. Hence they love telling others where they have been and showing them their latest holiday photos.

 Eccentrics take holidays that might not win them much social approval, such as bird-watching in Siberia!

 Personality Trait #5: Conscientious v Non-conscientious

 People with a conscientious personality trait enjoy control, planning and order. They are always prepared and pay attention to detail, doing their best to control what’s going on around them.

 Non-conscientious people tend to be less disciplined and are inclined to be a lot more self-indulgent and impulsive. They often appear disorganised.

 Holiday behaviour: Conscientious people like to plan well in advance – way before a holiday even begins. They tend to have strict time and money budgets and will spend a lot of time researching on the internet, reading travel books and questioning their travel agents.

 Non-conscientious people are spontaneous, acting on their desires without planning or notice and will go along with the flow with whatever might come along in their travels.

 Article Source _-    Kate Schneider    news.com.au

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Finland is named the best place to live.

Dr William Inboden, senior vice president of the Legatum Institute, said:

The Scandinavian country boasts universal health care, superb air quality, low crime rates and one of the most competitive economies in the world.

Finland topped the survey of the most prosperous countries to live, is famed for its snow and igloos, topped the survey

Switzerland, which has beautiful cities like Basel , was runner-up and Australia, which has famous landmarks like Sydney Harbour Bridge, came sixth.

Unsurprisingly, Zimbabwe, with its economic chaos and social unrest, is at the bottom of the index. France and Germany trail the UK but still make the top 20.

Of the world’s 25 most populous nations, the report finds that the UK, Germany, and France all trail the U.S. in both economic measures as well as key quality of life measures.

The UK is the only other country besides Germany in the top 15 to rank below 20 on three key measures. It ranks 21st on education, 23rd on health, and 22nd on domestic security.

On the plus side, the top five most entrepreneurial and innovative countries in Europe are, in order of rank, the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1223033/Unhappy-UK-fails-make-10-worlds-prosperous-countries.html#ixzz0V7hirdNx

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THE Naughties will be remembered as a time of excess.      By Andrew Banks

It was when things got a little out of hand, when everything went macro – scrutinized in minute detail and dragged across the pages of magazines, TV screens and computer monitors. We downloaded and barely had time to process the information before our minds were hungry for the next juicy morsel.

Our “lean cuisine” intake of celebrity and world events dumbed down our language; morphed it and gave us short attention spans. The latest news report became a mad lib – insert new celebrity name here, add bizarre outburst there. Suddenly everybody could be famous.

So how did the real celebrities fight back? The movie stars, the television heroes, the musicians? What did they do in the Naughties which had never been done before? The brief was tough, but here are some events and behaviours which made living in the Naughties a memorable decade.

It was OK to lose the plot. In fact, everybody did it
It’s hard to name a celebrity who didn’t fire off at a paparazzo or throw an inanimate object during a particularly bad hotel stay in the past 10 years. Some did it Houdini-style (Britney Spears); others never made it back (Phil Spector). Most just got a public caning for a while (Mel Gibson, Amy Winehouse, Russell Crowe).

One thing was for sure, the baying public was there every step of the way thanks to a hungry media scrum.

We had drug addictions, curse afflictions, tantrums, career doldrums and on-set outbursts. Nobody was safe from the probing lenses. See our celebrity meltdowns video.

We saw more than we needed to, thanks very much

Those who thought Pamela Anderson’s sex tape in 1998 was a one-off were sorely mistaken in the Naughties. 1 Night in Paris, in 2004, helped launch socialite and heiress Paris Hilton into the celebrity spotlight (despite her protestations) and from there it was, as they say, on for young and old. Socialite Kim Kardashian followed suit (with the unauthorized release of a sex tape) and soon she had locked in a reality TV deal. Other big names in sex tape scandals included Eric Dane, Verne Troyer and Colin Farrell. Sure there have been celebrity sex tapes throughout history, but the internet meant the distribution channels made them readily available. If the tape wasn’t available, there were plenty of leaked nude and racy photos to pore over online, from High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens to Disney princess Miley Cyrus.

Two became one, then morphed all over the place
Celebrity match-ups and bust-ups have been around forever. But what was special in the Naughties was that stars not only came together, their names were fused too. So Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez in 2003 became Bennifer (first known use of a celebrity Portmanteau word – formed by merging the sounds and meanings of two different , used in Lewis Carroll’s day), Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie became Brangelina and so on.

But the fun didn’t stop there. Jolie made it fashionable for celebrities to adopt children from all around the world when, in 2002, she welcomed her first child, seven-month-old Maddox Chivan into her home. Madonna followed suit, adopting her first Malawian child, David Banda, in 2006. Most recently Katherine Heigl adopted 10 month old special needs Korean daughter Nancy Leigh, nicknamed, Naleigh and Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick used a surrogate for the birth of their twins, Marion Loretta Elwell and Tabitha Hodge.

But wait, there’s more. Not only did celebrities find new ways to have babies, they managed to come up with some rather inventive names for them. Enter Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, Suri Cruise and most recently, Sparrow Madden. See our celebrity broods and strange names gallery. One thing we hadn’t seen before the Naughties were celebrity same-sex unions. TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres announced in May last year she and her partner Portia de Rossi were engaged. They were married on August 16, 2008.

They had a lot of time on their hands, didn’t they?
The Hollywood Writer’s Strike, which started in 2007 and carried into 2008, left many in the entertainment industry worried about their futures. But not Arnold Schwarzenegger; he’d already dipped out and become the Governor of California.

Many began to see TV as a legitimate path, despite having lucrative film careers. Most notably and recently was Toni Collette’s shift to the small screen in United States of Tara where she picked up an Emmy for Best Actress. Similarly, Hugh Jackman decided to tread the boards with blond Bond Daniel Craig in Broadway’s A Steady Rain. Hollywood heavyweight Glenn Close took up a role in Damages, while Harvey Keitel switched to the US version of Life On Mars.

The rise of Twitter gave stars such as Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore an outlet for their creative talents, while allowing fans to see into their lives even more closely. Musician John Mayer caught the Twitter bug too and it was the first decade where fans felt truly connected with the stars – although in his case perhaps it’s a little too well connected. Other celebrities looked to charities and causes, with PETA securing the services of many stars for its nude campaigns. Scientology and Kabbalah were also thrust into the spotlight thanks to the star power of Tom Cruise and Madonna.

So how does the decade rate against those which came before? They called Hugh Jackman the Naughties version of Clint Eastwood, Scarlett Johansson the decade’s Jayne Mansfield; everyone watched as history repeated itself, with the new generation looking for its own superstars and trends.

Tell us your thoughts on Celebrity in the Naughties below.

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By having the correct backpacking gear you will be assured that it will be an enjoyable and pleasurable trip. It really can really make or break your adventure so follow these great tips to make sure you use the correct gear and have a fantastic time.

Buy gloves those are thick enough to protect and insulate from the cold and heat, but have good grip too.

When you turn in to sleep for the night make sure you wear a hat when sleeping in the cold. It is a highly effective way to get extra warmth as so much heat is lost through the head. You will be helping essential heat to not leave your body. Also, if you do feel yourself getting too warm then simply take it off – which is so much more convenient than taking off other layers of clothing or bedding.

Zip top bags are highly recommended as you can use them for both damp and wet items of clothing to isolate them away from your dry gear until you have a chance to dry them. It is a really good idea to carry your map in them too.

Bandanas are really useful too so include a couple in your kit. They can be used as a bandage, pot holder or even a water filter. They have many, many uses and are lightweight and take up virtually no room. You will not notice you are carrying them so if you don’t use them – it’s not a problem.

Take a newspaper on your trip – but not just for reading! These can be put inside your boots at night, when you settle down to camp. The newspaper will make your boots dry quicker by soaking up any moisture. If you don’t use them for your boots then they are also great as a firelighter.

Use individual colored bags to organize groups of items in your backpack. This will make these groups of items far easier to locate and will negate the need to empty your backpack in order to find something.

It is essential to carry some plastic bags – like the ones used for trash. These can be used for a multitude of things such as separating wet items of clothing from dry items, storing trash or covering over items form the rain.

Of course, don’t forget the essentials such as a Swiss army knife, map and compass!

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