World's Giant Pass - Rohtang Pass

If you wish an escape from the scorching Indian summers to feel the chill of snow, there’s no place better than Rohtang Pass, the only place where tourists can expect snow not only in winters but also in autumns. Being one of the highest mountain passes in the world (highest vehicle accessible mountain pass), situated at a bewildering altitude of 13,051 ft (3,978 m) and 51 kms from Manali connecting Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti valleys of Himanchal Pradesh.

Rohtang stays open for tourism from May end to October end when Indian Army permits after clearing the snow from the roads and inspecting them to travel safely. It is also famous for its uncertain weather as it may change in minutes from mild sunshine to scarce or heavy snowfall. The attractions include trekking and skiing. There are some awesome trekking routes like 117 km long Manali – Lahaul route which offers a scenic display of Sulphur springs, Bhrigu Lake and many more tourist attractions. Other treks are Shimla - Jalori Pass - Rohtang Pass that can be taken on a horseback as well and 14 kms long Gulaba - Bhrigu Lake.

The roads being narrow become congested and parking problems are quite often. The best way to visit Rohtang is to reach there early in the morning, enjoying its natural beauty till afternoon and then return to Manali. It takes 15-30 mins to reach the snow point from the parking lot. Horse rides are also available for needed people costing about 400 bucks. Coffee, food stuff and all type of drinks are available at shops run by local people.

So, enjoy the scenic pleasure of the world’s giant pass to the most.

Is Body Mass Index(BMI) a Reliable Health Indicator ?

Being fit is the biggest issue, one could face. But, it is more important to know what's the level of physical fitness you already possess. The Body Mass Index (BMI) lets you evaluate your physical structure. It, actually, is a scale to let you know whether your body weight is in proportion of your height. It is approved as a standard by physicians and is quite reliable.

How to Use :
It is calculated as, BMI = Weight (in kgs) / (Height in meters) ²

BMI Value	Fitness Status
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5 – 24.9	Normal
25 – 29.9	Overweight
Above 30	Obese

It gives a numerical count of a human body's 'fatness' or 'thinness' by estimating amount of fat in the body. It is useful to decide that you need to lose or gain weight or to maintain yourself. Health professionals use the BMI count to suggest what type diet and workout must be carried on. It is considered reliable for a normal adult but there are certain anomalies with it ;

1. There is a different method of knowing BMI of children and teens.
2. Women tend to have more body fat than men of same BMI.
3. Aged people also tend to have more body fat of same BMI younger ones.
4. BMI healthy limit varies for different body types, like, the limit for South-East Asians is 22.9 in spite of 25.
5. Athletes or body builders have a high BMI value.
6. This method is not applicable to pregnant females and breast feeding mothers.
   

These varying BMI values are due to the level of muscularity and fat proportion in the body. As, a body builder have high muscularity, so is his, BMI count. Thus, it is highly recommendable to find out your BMI count. If it exceeds the limit then workout as high fat content leads to mental and physical discomfort and can cause heart disease and other heath problems.

Meditation, Easiest way to Calm Body n Soul

Our irksome and restless lifestyle makes us unhappy, impatient and frustrated. Calmness is the ideal state in which we should receive all life's experiences. Meditation actually gives you that edge and time by making your mind calmer and more focused. Learning how to meditate for only 20 minutes a day can have significant health changes. In fact, recent research has shown that meditating twice per day for about 20 minutes can actually reduce blockages in your blood vessels, significantly lowering the risk of sudden death by heart attack or stroke. Before starting meditation, ideally we need to take care of a few things:

• a quiet place, if possible, dedicate this space exclusively to your daily sitting.
• setting a time; early morning is generally said to be the best time.
• Deciding in advance the duration of your sit (15 to 45 minutes).
  
• sit comfortable; most people like a cushion under their behind, the room is best not too warm or cold.
• wear loose, comfortable clothing.

The Body:

• sitting with your back straight, in whichever posture you meditate is most essential.
• be comfortable and physically relaxed, and avoid moving too much.
• keep the head straight, slightly bent forward, keep the teeth slightly apart, the tip of the tongue again the upper pallet.
• the eyes are best kept half-open (without really looking), but many beginners find that too distracting and close them.
• the shoulders should be relaxed and the hands can be put in one's lap.
• the legs can be in the full lotus (which not many Westerners manage), but also simply crossed.
• try belly-breathing; not breathing with the chest, but from the navel.
• always remember that the posture should enhance meditation, not be an obstacle!

Morning Breakfast, the Best way to Keep u Up Every Day

There is no better way to kick start your morning in a healthier way than eating a wholesome and a nutritious breakfast. Breakfast is an important meal of a day. So start your day right with your plate full.

Many people scrambling to get to work or school on time each morning tend to neglect the importance of breakfast and for some a bowl of cereal with milk makes for a quick and filling start to the day. But is it always as nourishing as it ought to be? Leading nutritionists and dietitians recommend that breakfast should integrate milk, fruits and cereals, providing us the initial boost.

Many people who go on diet tend to miss their breakfast. But this is an unhealthy action leading to an increase in hunger during lunchtime thereby spoiling your entire diet chart. Thus, missing breakfasts is an absolutely unhealthy and an unwanted idea. Moreover, it has been found that children who eat breakfast do better in their school as compared to their counterparts who miss the morning meal.

Oats and porridge serve as the best balanced and nutritious candidates for a wholesome and a healthy breakfast. Bananas with a glass of skimmed milk can also be taken as a part of one’s morning meal and they are particularly good for school going children. Eggs, fruits, vegetables and healthy sandwiches are other examples of food items which can be taken as a part of a healthy breakfast.

So, eat a good breakfast - there's no better meal to help fuel a great day.

Fergie calls it a Mistake !!!

After a lot being heard and said for Cristiano Ronaldo's tranfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid, now it's Fergie's turn. Man United's manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has come up saying that moving to Real would be the worst thing Ronaldo could do.

Fergie said "I have a responsibility for all my players and their futures are a big concern for a coach."

"If you were asking advice and it was your son, you'd give him the best advice possible on his career."

"I honestly believe that could be the worst thing he could do; going to Real Madrid."

He also cleared that Ronaldo has signed the contract for 5 years and 4 years are remaining, so, Ronaldo isn't going anywhere.

"The future is he signed a five-year contract last year and he has four years left."

"That's definite. I know that, I've seen his signature. I feel I'm being strapped in and crucified here!"

Mendis poses some Serious Threat to Indian Cricket Team

After a firing bowling spell in Asia Cup Final, Ajanta Mendis seems to be a tough challenge for Indian Cricket team on the Sri Lankan tour. Mendis bagged 6 wicket haul for just 13 runs. And this was not the one night stand for this youngster as he has proved himself at first class cricket where he took over 100 wickets in 19 matches. He can bowl five different deliveries without much change in action and he is currently working on the sixth one, this adds to his dedication and passion.

Sri Lankan cricket is looking Mendis as an ideal replacement of Murali and has remarked him as a 'threat' for Indians in the whole tour. But, Test Cricket is a different ball game and Mendis hasn't played even one. Also, Indians are considered to be good players of spin attack and the team in Asia Cup final wasn't the experienced one compared to what he'll face in the test series. Many experts have denied him of being a threat for his rivals. But, Ranatunga has some different views over the issue, somewhat mixed ones.

"Ajantha has done well in ODIs and I am sure he would do well in Tests too though I can't say he would play as I am not a selector and can't pick him. It would be a big challenge for him to bowl to top Indian batsmen like Rahul, Sachin, Ganguly and Laxman," he said.

"The series may see Sachin go past (Brian) Lara's record (the master batsman needs 171 more to become the highest run-getter in Test cricket) or we may see him struggling against Mendis," he added.

Ajanta's performance would be under a knife, he has set a lot of fire before the match. Whatever be his performance but Indians must take him seriously after the defeat.

15 Key Tips to Get Started with GYM

Every youth has a craze for getting into a toned shape. For that, going gym is a modern trend followed generally. But, what is not followed is some elementary things may be ‘coz of lack of guidance or ignorance. All of them have their own pros and cons. So, better do it well what you are up to.

1. Take your doctor’s advice; it is for those suffering from blood pressure and thyroid problem.
2. Eat something before you go to gym, atleast 30-40 min before. You may take any fruit or a butter sandwich.
3. Warm up before getting into act of pulling or lifting weights; it helps in waking up your muscles and prevents them from injury or muscle ache. Running and jumping ropes are a part of it.
4. If you are a newbie, then it is better to stick to the stretching exercises and aerobics for a week or two. Don’t push yourself, gradually gain the stamina.
5. Plan your workout schedule like allotting days for chest, arms (biceps and triceps), shoulders, legs and abdomen.
6. While lifting weights above your waist, you must wear your belts.
7. Muscles need to relax after been stretched, so better have a 5-day a week schedule if you aren’t a body builder. Running can be done everyday.
8. Wear comfortable clothes (preferably loose) and good pair of shoes along with socks.
9. For males, it is must to wear supporter to avoid testicular problems.
10. After exercise, don’t eat anything or take shower for atleast 15-30 min.
11. You must carry your workout schedule with dedication and determination.
12. Maintain a healthy environment to seek each others help while doing exercises as some of them require support from someone.
13. Take a lot of fluids (water, juice, etc) as you are losing a lot during your workout.
14. Getting started with gym adds up your diet; control yourself if you are there to loose weight.
15. “No Pain No Gain” helps a lot to finish your workout effectively

7 Most Effective Tips to Reduce Belly Fat, 'Get Slim'

"Who doesn't want to be fit? ", I guess there's nobody. But, people have this misconception that it is really hard to lose belly fat or is impossible once it has been gained. There is certainly a natural phenomenon of living your life to make it possible. Although it is time taking but you gotta trust this for your good.

• Relax Yourself : It is very important to give your body rest of every sort, you must have a nice sleep of 7-8 hours and along with it, include some relaxing practices in your daily life like yoga, meditation, etc.

• Dieting will never Help : Body needs essential nutrients to grow, sustain and stay fit. Not eating will cause a weakness denying you to do your daily routine.

• Take a Proper Diet : Your diet should be rich in carbohydrates and proteins. Also, don’t forget to add up healthy fats – Omega 3 fats but stay away from unhealthy ones.

• Junks are Bad : Junk foods will add up your tension, better stay far from them. Cold drinks also come in the list of fat increasing ingredients.

• Start a Regular Workout : Workout doesn’t mean going gym and pulling as much weights as you can or as you can’t. So, you better start with running and stretching exercises. Don’t push yourself too much in the start. Gain the stamina gradually. Then, you can go to gym for some fat reducing machine workout but this must not stop your running routine. And it’s better to run in fresh air than running on machine.
  

• Don’t go for Fat Burning Pills : Fat burning pills, even without side-effects won’t be effective in a long run. You know what goes without taking much comes without taking much too.

• Enjoy your Life : Start enjoying your life as this will take away the stress from it and will help you stay fit mentally and to follow the routine to get fit.

Are We Losing OURSELVES ???

Modern era has brought a plenty of things to be admired but it has come up with something very much insane, indifference to others. Nobody stand by others side when needed without any motive or personal benefit. Everyone is busy with themselves, and when the time comes to stretch our helping hand to needed ones what comes in mind, “What I have to do with that? “. This single sentence is enough to depict the narrow mentality of today’s world and the bigger picture is what we aren’t bothered at all.

The sole reason for this shrunken concern is the loss of originality. Nobody wants to show the genuine side of his/her personality to others, hiding themselves in fear of losing something or not been able to get something, and also, nobody wants to be what he/she portrays to others. This attitude is likely to be when we don’t have a single persona. We change it regularly depending on which we are meeting and what the situation is. Although, humans are bestowed with ability to adapt but the problem is that we are so busy in changing the face masks, we have neglected the social and human aspect of our life.

“It is easy to be someone else but is it really difficult to be yourself?” .

Humans are made to possess compassion, which is not just having verbal blessings for others or at heart but to act to realize those blessings. So, world needs a change and renaissance begins with reincarnation of every single being.

Asif: the Latest Member of Cricket Hall of Shame

Mohammad Asif, Pakistan medium fast bowler, has got stuck in a deep trouble after conformance of the test results. He has been found positive for some banned substance during the Indian Premier League, as stated by the organizers.

"The Indian Premier League compared the result from the WADA-approved laboratory in Switzerland with the data collected by IDTM, the Sweden-based independent agency which organized the anti-doping testing in accordance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards, to confirm the player in violation is Mr Mohammad Asif," they added.

The whole controversy started on June 3, when Asif was held in Dubai in charge of carrying contraband drugs in his luggage during his return to home from India after playing IPL. He was kept in detention for 19 days for allegedly carrying 0.24 grams of opium in his wallet. Now, this latest scandal has put his career and fame at stake.

Although he has challenged the result and has asked for the 'B' test in accordance with the WADA regulations that an athlete found positive in preliminary test can appeal for the B test. A 3- member council has been set up to decide the fate of Pakistan , if found guilty in the B test also then he might face a ban from IPL and some serious act from the PCB side, may be banned for a long period or an end of his short but controversial career.

AULI ,1 of the Best Skiing Resorts in Asia

Auli is a serene hill station, though a less explored one offering a scenic pleasure along with a fine skiing resort during the winters. Auli, situated in Chamoli distict of Uttarakhand, India forms a part of the Garhwal mountain range. It is at a distance of 16 km from Joshimath, on the Badrinath route. The resort being at an altitude of 9,000 ft is covered with dense deodar and oak forests and provides a pleasant view of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri.

The most exciting and anticipating activity in Auli is skiing. Skiers enjoy the snow covered mountain slopes stretching 10-20 kms. In the month of February and March, Auli hosts National Winter Games.The best time to visit Auli is during the period of November to March when the hill station gets enveloped by snow and the skiing is at very best. Also there is a sight-seeing trip between Joshimath and Auli by a ropeway. The ropeway is claimed to be the longest and the second highest ropeway in Asia and is 4 km long,also called as Rajju, at a height of 1917 m to 3027 m above sea level. This exciting trip goes accross ten towers but skiers often get off at the eighth tower to enjoy the aesthetic delight of Auli.

Regarding the accommodation aspect, there are a few options like CI resort and the guesthouse of the Gharwal Tourist department .There are many good tourist accommodation available in the nearby towns of Dehradun and Hrishikesh as well as the other important towns around Auli, namely Joshimath, Almora and Pithoragarh. From Auli, one can also visit the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.

Ronaldinho will Play for AC MILAN

AC Milan and Barcelona has reached an agreement on the transfer of Brazilian football sensation and two times FIFA Player of the year, Ronaldinho, in 18.5 million euros (29.5 million dollars).

This is a blow to Manchester City's hopes of buying the superstar who offered 51 million euros (32 million euros) but didn't gone on successful talking terms with Barcelona.

AC Milan is feeling a bit relieved after such a big transfer as their was a lot of depression amongst the supporters after a grim performance in previous season. Milan stood fifth in the last season and missed out on Champions league qualification. Fans As well as Club members including the Italian Prime Minister who owns the club are quite optimistic of winning in the upcoming season.

"We start the season wanting to improve; being out of the Champions League is hard to take, therefore we will do everything to return there as soon as possible."

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said they will line up so as to make full use of their latest transfer along with his international teammate Kaka. He quoted, "We will play with a 4-3-2-1 formation. It’s a model that has worked well for us and brought us great satisfaction. It’s our trademark and it will be again this year, with or without Ronaldinho. Our only objective is to win playing good football. This is Milan" .

Fans are very much pleased and excited of this transfer as they are waiting for the new season with their new soccer identity all set to march them to glory.

MAN UNITED's Complaint Dismissed by FIFA

Ever since after Cristiano Ronaldo mentioned to Spanish media that he wants to play for Real Madrid, the rumors haven't stopped and now it has become a bigger issue for Manchester United and REAL. The tension grown has pushed Man United to lodge an official complaint against Real to FIFA.

United's spokesperson was quoted on May 27 "Manchester United made clear its intention to report Real Madrid to Fifa if it continued to involve itself in the future of Cristiano Ronaldo. Unfortunately, Real Madrid has not kept its own counsel and the club feels it has no alternative but to make a formal complaint to the world governing body, which it has done today."

But, world's soccer governing body- FIFA dismissed the complaint, although they reminded Real of the potential legal ramifications of a breach of contract. FIFA quotes :

“From the documentation received, no breach of contract appears to have occurred yet, therefore, in accordance with the applicable practice, no kind of formal procedure has been opened by FIFA regarding this matter.”

Obtaining Web Hosting Service

To launch a website, we need appropriate space on a server which is provided by web hosts. Web Hosting Service is an internet hosting service allowing individuals or organizations to launch their website accessible by World Wide Web. Web hosts also provide internet connectivity to their clients.

Various types of Web Hosting Services available are :
Free Web Hosting Service : is free, (sometimes) advertisement-supported web hosting, and is often limited when compared to paid hosting.
Shared Web Hosting Service : one's Web site is placed on the same server as many other sites, ranging from a few to hundreds or thousands.
Reseller Web Hosting Service : allows clients to become web hosts themselves.
Virtual Dedicated Server : dividing a server into virtual servers, where each user feels like they're on their own dedicated server, but they're actually sharing a server with many other users.
Dedicated Hosting Service : the user gets his or her own Web server and gains full control over it.

Some variants of the hosting services are File Hosting Service, Image Hosting Service, Video Hosting Service and Blog Hosting Service.

Now clients must evaluate the requirements before actually hosting their websites or files or applications including database server software, scripting software , operating system as well as the web space required. It is up to clients to choose among the Windows based hosting and Linux based hosting. To relieve clients from the complications of the technical aspects of the hosting there is often a Web Content Management System. Some leading web hosting service provider companies are IX WEB HOSTING, HOST EXCELLENCE, iHostBig and many more.

INTERNET - Do U Know What Is It ?

INTERNET - We all use it , admire its usefulness and benefits to human race after its evolution. But do we know what is it -a tool or a capability to break limits, exceed boundaries and an opportunity to go beyond what is termed as 'impossible" ?

In simple and precise words , INTERNET is a worldwide interconnection of autonomous computers communicating via a network by transmitting data in the form of packets using some standard Internet Protocols (IPs). It is also termed as network of networks'. Lets get back a few decades to its evolution: The very first networking protocol was ARPANET(Advanced Research Project Agency NETwork) in October,1969 and it was one of the eve networks of today's modern Internet. The first TCP/IP wide area network was made operational by January,1983 when all ARPANET hosts were switched to TCP/IP from older protocols. The ability of TCP/IP to work over virtually any pre-existing communication networks allowed for a great ease of growth, although the rapid growth of the Internet was due primarily to the availability of commercial routers from companies such as Cisco Systems, Proteon and Juniper, the availability of commercial Ethernet equipment for local-area networking and the widespread implementation of TCP/IP on the UNIX operating system.

Internet brings a lot of functionalities including E-mail, World Wide Web(www), Remote Access, Collaberation, File Sharing, Streaming Media, Voice Telephony(VoIP). It can now be accessed even with mobiles and is widely used in chatting and PTP(Peer To Peer) file sharing. So, Internet is not just a tool but an opportunity.

A Paradise on Earth - Yumthang Valley(East Indian Beauty)

One thing strikes while going across Yumthang Valley- Absolute Beauty(heaven on earth). Being situated at bewildering altitude of 11,800 ft in the northern district of Sikkim(145 kms from Gangtok) , it is covered with Rhododendron and Primula flowers. And the valley itself is known as the valley of flowers.

Isn't it astonishing to know that Yumthang is bestowed with a number of hot springs even in such a freezing temperature and these springs are rich in sulphur providing a great healing and treatment for various skin diseases. During summers, its awesome flora attracts the tourists in numbers while winters envelops it with snow completely adding to its beautiful scenery. Yumthang also offers an eye-catching vista of peaks along with the Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa.

Various nearby tourist attractions includes Chungthang, the Sikkim countryside, Lachung and Kangchendonga National Park are the nearby places which people visit along with Yumthang valley. And guess what, it is one the best spots for trekking. Although there is no accomodation in the valley, one can stay at Lachung which is about an hour far from the valley(lodges and hostels are there) but still it doesn't bother the enthusiasm of the tourists.

So, a must to visit place - Yumthang Valley.