Thailand, popularly recognized as the tourist destination that many would like to head, during their vacations, is one of the major countries in Southeast Asia. It is the only south Asian country that hasn’t been colonized by the British or any European power. It is a small country with the size of Spain, and has many exotic islands that are amongst the most popular tourist destinations in the World. The Phuket island is the biggest island in the country. It is separated from the country’s mainland and is connected to the country by an old bridge to Phang Nga. The island is so big that it doesn’t feels that he is on an island at all. Meanwhile, according to records, Bangkok the capital of the country receives more number of visitors/tourists than London, which consolidates that the country is one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Trade and export are the prime driving factors that move the economy of the country ahead. They account for 60 percent of the country’s GDP, which worth about 200 Billion US Dollar. Tourism is the other industry that pretty much dominates the rest of remaining percentage. The cities and islands of Thailand have long been in the list of itineraries of international backpackers. It is a friendly country home to some of the most simple-minded and always smiling populous. It ranks 13th in the World Economic Forum’s list of the most friendliest countries in the world. Other than that, compared to many popular holiday destinations across the globe, the tourist destinations in Thailand are cheap and easy to get fused-in. If one is about spending his holidays in an exotic place, relishing the appetizing culinary seafood, shop at the busy cheap marketplaces, and zest-in the best of age-old hospitality, destinations of Thailand are the places to go to. Meanwhile, getting into Thailand is one of the most easiest things in the country.

Travellers, looking for reasons to visit Thailand, there is the multitude of reasons that will beckon one to visit the country. The country has a rich cultural and traditional heritage. It is a land with diverse geography; there are hills, large grasslands, some of the biggest-longest rivers, pristine white beaches, and lands covered with miles of farms. The apt location of the country makes it suitable for farming. The forests of Thailand are amongst the handful of evergreen forests in the world. Meanwhile, lodging will not be a problem when in the country. There are lodging options available in all modes and price range, starting from the cheap hotels/shacks to lavish 4 Star hotels in Thailand.

When talking about the attractions of the country, it is necessary to mention the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival. The festival might appear gruesome to some because it involves people self mutilating themselves. But, being a part of the festival is a lifetime experience. Another interesting festival celebrated here is the annual Monkey Buffet. Large number of monkeys are invited to feast upon one large buffet in the premise of Pra Prang Sam Yot temple. It is interesting to see the monkeys feast the food and the extent to which locals praise them. Meanwhile, the Pra Prang Sam Yot temple is well-connected to all major cities in the country. Plus, there are some luxury hotels in Thailand that offer transportation services to the temple.

Simply put, Thailand is one interesting country to head to if one is looking for a fun holiday in an exotic destination. The country is brimming with tourist attractions. Visit any of the numerous destinations of the country in the next holiday, and for accommodations choose from best Thailand hotels.

Captain Teemo on Duty!

Teemo is one of the most played champions in LoL. What makes him so popular? Here are some reasons why:

He’s Cute and Cuddly

When you look at him, he reminds you of a cute cuddly soft toy you would have when you go to bed.

He’s Deadly

A well-built Teemo can really own in LoL ranked games if built right. There are a couple of builds that you can use for him, depending on your opponents. I build him using 4 methods depending on the situation. They are:

1. AP – Building him utilizing his ability power and on hit effects are the best way to go. Items that I recommend are Nashor’s Tooth, Sorcerer’s Shoes, Zhyona’s Hourglass, Frozen Mallet and Abyssal Scepter.
2. AD – Going the attack damage route utilizes his attack speed. You will want to stack attack damage items. I would recommend Infinity Edge, Statik Shiv/Phantom Dancer, Runaan’s Hurricane and Bloodthirster. Maw of Malmortious works as well if you need some magic resist. This route will diminish the damage of your mushrooms though.
3. Jungle – Teemo doesn’t get used as a jungler often, but if you do try it, start off with Wriggle’s Lantern, Berserker’s Greaves, Frozen Mallet and Atma’s Impaler. If you find yourself getting nuked down by burst AP champions, get Maw of Malmortious.
4. Tank – Tank Teemo is surprisingly effective if you know how to kite well. Items that you want to get would be Frozen Mallet, Ninja Tabi, Sunfire Cape, Atma’s Impaler and Mercurial Scimatar.

Jessica Nigri Cosplay’s as Teemo

When you have Jessica Nigri doing Teemo’s cosplay, you know he is popular.

Teemo Fan-made Songs

There are actually some really huge Teemo fans making songs specifically for him. You can find them on YouTube if you type in “Captain Teemo Song” or “It’s Teemo and I Know it”

A Game Made After Him

There is game made for Teemo as part of an april fool’s joke. It is call Astro Teemo. So basically, you play him in space as you have to fly through obstacles and avoid Lux’s laser, Ashe’s frost arrow and fire walls. Getting hit by any of these means a dead Teemo.

Global Taunt

With popularity comes hate as well. Due to his ultimate Noxius Traps, where it slows everyone and damages them. The problem is that you cannot see them unless you get a true sight ward or Oracle’s elixir. That is why in public games, you so so much hate for him.

Given the fact that jewelry has played such a role in human history, it is no wonder that handmade beaded jewelry makes such an important appearance in our myth and legends as well! If you have ever wondered if people were as fascinated with beaded jewelry in the past as we are today, take a look below for some famous examples of jewelry in our most famous stories.

The magic ring has played a large part in myths and legends from around the world. For instance, in the original Aladdin, while the most powerful djinn was summoned from the magic lamp, a less powerful djinn came from a magic ring. King Arthur’s magician Merlin was given a ring that forced him to fall in love with a young sorceress, while the Norse god Odin had an arm ring that would drop new gold rings from it every day.

Magical necklaces certainly have their place in myth and folklore as well. The Near Eastern goddess Inanna descended into the underworld and at each gate she was asked to leave more behind, and one of the objects she dropped was a string of lapis beads. The Yasakani no Magatama is part of the Imperial Regalia of Japan, which are used in the ceremony to enthrone the emperor. This beaded necklace was thought to have been hung on a tree outside of the sun goddess’s cave, to tempt her out of hiding after she had become frightened. Similarly, the Norse goddess Freya had a beautiful necklace known as Brisingamen, and when she wore it, no man could resist her!

Sometimes, particular gems will find their way into myths and legends. In Lithuania, for instance, it was once believed that there was a mermaid who displeased the gods by bringing a human lover to live with her in her amber palace. For a punishment, her palace was destroyed, and now she sits under the water weeping tears of amber for her lost live.

In Egypt, a menit was a beaded necklace with a flat counterpoise on the front and a counterweight on the back. This important piece of ceremonial jewelry was worn by devotees to the Egyptian goddess Hathor, and it was a sign of her authority and her ability to give her power to the pharaoh. Often, there would be art of the goddess Hathor hanging this necklace from the neck of the pharaoh or simply handing it to him as a sign of her approval.

As you can see, handmade beaded jewelry of various types and forms make up an important part of our myths and stories, no matter where we are in the world we are looking or with what culture.

Trendsetter Champions come to mind when we think of the infamous dynamic-duo, first-class entertainers “SALT N PEPA.” Cheryl (Salt) James, a Brooklyn Native and Sandi (Pepa) Denton from Queens by way of Kingston Jamaica, are the world’s first female Hip Hop Legends. The year was 1986 before Rap became a genre and while the game was still all male, the group we know today as Salt N Pepa changed their name from Super Nature and signed with independent Next Plateau Records. They released their first song Hot, Cool and Vicious – produced by Randy Hurby “the luv bug” Azor; crashing the glass ceiling in Hip Hop forever. Soon after in 1987 they would go on to release the hit single from their album “Push It” selling over a million copies. Their ground breaking success topped the charts earning them their first Grammy nomination and launched the group to the international popularity that they have today.

Sitting in Cheryl’s lovely home, sipping tea, I asked did she ever dream of the group having this much success from the beginning? She told me how she and Sandi met in nursing school and how they always had a love for music. How they were “on the grind hard,” even in those days, busy going to school and working for Sears as telephone representatives. “We were always looking for the next big thing. So I guess you could say, yes, because we always knew we were going to make it big”. Oddly enough and as fate would have it while at Sears, the girls worked alongside the then, also unknown, Kid N Play and Martin Lawrence. They made a promise to each other that whoever would make it first would help the others, and they did!

Pep stated, “We all became the best of friends and when we started touring Martin Lawrence would open up for us by warming up the crowd. Look at him today.” As laughter filled the room she went on to explain her relationship with the founder of the group. “I will always have that soft spot for Azor, because although we experienced tight times between us it’s because of him we were able to attain a lifestyle that otherwise we may have never known.”

Azor was, at that time, a student of the center for the media arts and also Cheryl’s boyfriend. Azor asked Cheryl if she and her friend Sandi were willing to collaborate using their vocals on a class project to produce a record. They said yes!

Cheryl said, “We agreed because I always wanted stardom and Sandi was always ready for it.” They gladly accepted the offer and the project was a success for Azor in class landing him an “A” and in the streets leading to radio play. A string of new tunes were written to keep up with the demand. The girls hired a new personal DJ, Dee Dee (Spinderella) Roper, and left for a tour that would change all their lives forever.

We started to talk about the reality show.

“Well Cheryl was the initiator of that,” stated Sandi. Referring to the Reality Show “Let’s Talk About Pep,” which was on VH-1. The show followed Sandi’s adventures in New York City with four girlfriends: Cheryl (Salt) James; journalist, Jacque Reid; Joumana Kidd, the former model and ex-wife of basketball star Jason Kidd; and radio personality Kali Troy, aka Kittie.

Sandi, no novice when it came to reality shows, was a perfect person to lead the show. She said, “I was already doing reality shows,” referring to her roles on Surreal Life in 2005 and The Surreal Life: Fame Games in 2007.

Pep continues to stay current keeping in touch with old school artists as well as new artists on the scene. She published her autobiography in 2008 also titled, “Let’s Talk About Pep,” which gave the reader insight on Sandi Denton and some of the fire that she was to overcome. Some literally, as she shares the story in her book of how her lover who she refers to as “Brad” abused her. During that abusive period in their relationship Brad attempted to burn Sandi’s face with an iron but while struggling with her missed and burned the skin off her arm. While turning to run, he scratched her cornea causing her to wear an eye patch. Sandi feeling that she was making all the wrong decisions concerning finding a mate, lead her to celibacy. The book’s intro is written by Queen Latifah with an epilogue by Missy Elliott, two of her very dear friends.

So the idea of a reality show as sort of a jump off and continuation of the book was a great idea. They would base it in New York and show reality dating in today’s society. Cheryl thought the show would also let their fans know what happened to Salt N Pepa since the group left abruptly with neither of them ever speaking publicly about it. Sandi stated, “It was a way for me to finally know what happened too,” as she laughed.

The group’s last concert was in 1999 and they were on a high when Cheryl ended the partnership, to Sandi’s surprise.

Cheryl says, “I would have done it differently in hind sight.” However, she doesn’t regret putting it aside because she really believes that the hiatus saved her life. She talked about her days of being bulimic and the long nights that turned into months of depression. “On the outside it looks glamorous, but it’s not all what it’s cracked up to be sometime.” She reflected on other celebrities like Britney Spears and even Michael Jackson. “You go from feeling loved and having fun to just feeling like a commodity.” She didn’t know what to do but knew she needed healing.

One night while she was in a series of binging and purging, she had what she called a “spiritual awakening.” This awakening was the “healing” that she longed for and what she gives credit to today for saving her life. Soon after, she joined a church in Brooklyn, New York called Christian Cultural Center (CCC) where A.R. Bernard is the pastor. At CCC she was taught how to regain her strength and renew her self-esteem. When she was strong enough, she reached out to Pep and tried to repair their relationship but Pep was non-responsive. Understanding, Cheryl was persistent and got the message to her about the reality show. She explained to Pep she wanted to do a reality show with the hopes of developing and building their relationship again. Sandi begin to listen and the show was born. Although the show is no longer on the air, Sandi and Cheryl agree that the show accomplished their goals.

When asked how they felt about being living legends Sandy quickly stated, “It feels great knowing that our contributions are worth something of value to so many. We are the pioneers and it feels good; look at us 30 years later we are still in the game.” Cheryl thought about it a little and said, “I feel very appreciative, a little overwhelmed but definitely appreciative.”

I asked how they felt about the tour so far and what can their fans expect to see when they come out to them. Both of the ladies perked up and were thrilled to still be so high in demand even without a current record. They spoke about their atoned relationship.

Sandi says, “It feels like we are on the same page now and we have learned to communicate about everything.”

Cheryl said, “I’m glad we are back together.”

They both expressed enthusiasm as they talked about the packed concert halls, the vibe, and love that’s present everywhere they go. They said sometimes it’s hilarious because people come dressed in all the clothing they wore in the 80’s. Cheryl talked about the colored wigs, the big rope chains and how some of their fans show up in Salt N Pepa jackets and tee-shirts.

She says, “It’s just a lot of fun.” Although they are both parents now with two children each and Cheryl with a husband to be mindful of; she goes on to say “This time around is more relaxed, less pressure, and every night is like a family reunion.”

The lineup is not the same every night but they share the stage with fellow old-school rappers Curtis Blow (“The Breaks”); “Human Beatbox,” Doug E. Fresh (“Just Having Fun”); Big Daddy Kane (“Raw”); MC Lyte (“Ruff Neck”); and Kool Moe Dee (“How Ya Like Me Now”); as well as Houdini (“Friends”), just to name a few. They go on to discuss how they feel this concert is pure irony. Old-school rap was mostly male dominated and now returns to the lime light because of the first female rappers that challenged the game and were commercially successful. Again, they reign as the producers of the tour: Salt N Pepa presents the Legends of Hip Hop Tour.

“Now that’s Amazing!” Cheryl says smiling, “All I can say is…look at God.”

They mentioned Dee Dee (Spinderella) Roper is not with them on the tour but was a very intricate part of the group in the early days. She also appeared with them on VH-1’s Hip Hop Honors in November 2004, where the trio was honored. Salt, Pep and Spin reunited the following year for the next Hip Hop Honors program. It was the trio’s first performance in six years, and was their first performance of “Whatta Man” with En Vogue on stage ever. Spin most recently holds her own radio spot on Dallas 94.5 K-SOUL every work day from 9 am to 2 pm.

Cheryl and Sandi are still relishing in the attention and want their fans to know they should expect new music, new television shows and new venues in the future. Sandi states, “Let’s just say you ain’t seen the last or the best of us yet.” One last question, our magazine is a networking magazine for Trendsetters such as yourself so what advice would you have for people out there passionately following their visions and dreams?

Cheryl: “Two things come to mind, 1. You have to believe in yourself, because you will need your belief to draw from when dark times come. 2. Take care of the business. A lot of people leave the business to others but it’s very important that you know what’s going on because there are so many people that end up with zero to show at that end of the day.”

Sandi: “We are trendsetters in music, hairstyles, clothes etc. I would say be yourself but find out what sets you apart from the rest. Stand out, stretch yourself, stay original but don’t be afraid to stand up and be noticed.”

The legends of Hip Hop tour was very successful. We are looking for more from Salt n Pepa in the future to find out more about these ladies you can visit.

http://www.hiphoplegends.com/

Does the Miracle In The Water Equal The Miracle On Ice?

The place, Beijing, China, the setting, The Water Cube, the Miracle, The USA Men's 4×100 relay team, Messrs Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones and the man of the hour, 32 year old Jason Lezak.

The French relay team was the heavy favorite going into the men's 4×100 freestyle relay. French swimming star Alain Bernard claimed the French would crush the Americans.

The sporting world agreed. Even former US Olympic swimming great, Rowdy Gains agreed. During a tv pre race analysis he said he put it all down on paper and could not see any way possible for the US to win the gold.

The French had all the momentum going into the race, they were anchored by the 100 meter freestyle world record holder, Alain Bernard. Certainly the day would belong to France.

Once the lead off racers hit the water things changed, a prelude to the event about to unfold. First to fall was Bernard's 100 free style 100 meter world record, shattered by Australia's Eamon Sullivan, who first leg time was blistering 47.24 – demolishing Bernard's world record of 47.50.

Swimming anchor was Jason Lezak, the oldest American on the team and anchor man of both the 2000 and 2004 US 4×100 mens free relay team. He faced an impossible task, going against Bernard in the final leg, behind.60 10ths of a second.

At the first 50 split, Bernard set a blistering pace, swimming the fastest 50 out of the 32 racers. His efforts gave the France a.82 second lead with only 50 meters to go. As one sports writer put it, a lead even Greg Norman couldn't lose.

As Lezak made his turn, he too thought it was over and for the third straight Olympics the mens 4×100 relay team would be denied gold. Deciding to blow out his remaining energy, Lezak pulled as close as he could to Bernard's lane, drafting off his wake for 25 meters, inching ever closer.

The final 25 meters saw Lezack churning through the water for everything he was worth, turning in the fastest 100 meter split in Olympic history, 46.06. Good enough to out touch Bernard and the French by the tip of a finger.

Does this upset win equal that of the 1980 US Hockey Team over the Russians? According to Bernard's team mate, Amaury Leveaux, no it doesn't. A fingertip did the victory, "said Amaury Leveaux, one of the French swimmers." It is nothing. "Mr. Leveaux does that mean the Eiffel Tower is just a" means nothing "pile of beams, girders and bolts?

Does this American victory deserve to rank next to Olympic upsets like the 1980 Miracle On Ice?

Lets review. The opening leg saw a new world individual record for the 100 meter free style set by Australia's Eamon Sullivan. Five of the teams entered in the 4×100 free style relay broke the existing world record set earlier in the week by the American B Team.

Thirty two year old Jason Lezak makes up a half body length and a.82 seconds deficit in the final 50 meters turning in the fastest 100 meter split in Olympic history of 46.06, besting Sullivan's new world record of 47.24 and out touching the French by 8 one hundreds of a second.

Not only did 5 teams beat the previous world record, the Americans beat it by an astonishing 3.99 seconds.

It is this writers opinion that the event itself is now an Olympic legend and the winning USA Team has earned its rightful place in both Olympic and American folklore right next to United States Olympic Hockey Team of 1980.

Only the lead off swimmers times can be new world records for individual events.

While listening to music in the early teens, my music was influenced by my ‘big brother’. He used to play a lot of progressive rock, particularly Rush. One of the bands he often spoke about was Pink Floyd – having never heard them I decided to go out and buy ‘The Wall’ – it became one of the most profound influences on my own personal music ‘likes’.

Pink Floyd, perhaps one of the best known groups in the world are a progressive rock band from Britain. They sound is unique, combining the best of progressive rock with mystical and philosophical lyrics. Their music is hard to define as it takes rock to a whole level, combining classic rock with experimental sounds, to produce something that defines an era.

Formed in the late 60s, with a sound that is now unrecognizable, they had limited success. Once their erratic leader, Syd Barret was replace with David Gilmour, the innovation and ability to adapt their music to the modern era led to not only worldwide success, but also acknowledgment as one of the most influential bands of all time. Sadly their success perhaps led to their downfall, disintegrating one of the best rock bands of the last 30 years.

Their early album, The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) is perhaps one of the most profound and influential albums of all time as it introduced Pink Floyd to the world. The songs, some say, requires a certain ‘mental’ state to be appreciated, but the album itself seems to elevate your mind into a different ‘place’, with subtle music and strange lyrics that seem to come from the mind of a madman.

Wish You Were Here (1975), another amazing album soon followed, ensuring that Pink Floyd were no one hit wonders. The classic title song is still one of the most profound rock ballads of all time. This album, together with Animals (1977) and The Wall (1979) were huge commercial successes, but more than that were (and still are) regarded as masterpieces, with technical as well as creative nuances that still hold up today.

Sadly, in 1985, singer and bassist Roger Waters effectively killed off Pink Floyd, and although the remaining members continued touring and recording, the magic never seemed to be the same.

If you are preparing for a luxury break in Scottish holiday homes near Angus then one attraction you may certainly wish to make time for is the beautiful and historic Glamis Castle.

This striking building dates back centuries and has strong links with today's Royal Family – having been the childhood home of the late Queen Mother. William Shakespeare also chose the castle as the setting of his famous tragedy Macbeth.

During your time at the castle, you can partake in a guided tour and find out all about the history of the building and the Earls of Strathmore who have lived there.

But even if you never set foot inside its walls you will find plenty to keep you entertained – from a walk around the formal Italian garden to a ramble in the woodland, where you can look out for red squirrels, kestrels and otters.

You can also tuck into some of the delicious food on offer at the castle's restaurant or stock up on souvenirs and gifts to take back home.

The castle is an attractive venue for parties and weddings and also hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year, including a prom, the annual Strathmore Highland Games and Scotland's Countryside Festival.

One of its most popular events is its Halloween celebrations and when you hear all of the myths and legends attached to its history you will not be surprised why.

The most famous tale concerns the Monster of Glamis – the first born son of one of the Earls of Strathmore in the early 1800s who was badly deformed and believed to have died a few days after his birth.

In fact, it is rumored he lived an unnaturally long life, but was passed over in favor of his younger brother and kept hidden in a secret chamber within the building – the castle is still thought to have more windows visible on its exterior than can be found inside.

A further famous legend concerns Earl Beardie – thought to be Alexander, Earl Crawford – who is said to haunt the castle after he made a deal with the devil to gamble at cards until Doomsday.

After hearing all of theses stories you may be glad to go back to the safety of your own luxury Scottish holiday home – where you will certainly find no ghouls waiting for you.

However, Glamis Castle is sure to be somewhere you want to explore again.

Magnetism was discovered thousands of years ago, and magnets have been used for many purposes ever since. However, there is a great deal of mystery and controversy surrounding the discovery of magnetism. We’ll explore some of the various legends about magnets, including how they were discovered and some of their first uses.

Around approximately 2500 B.C.E., a young shepherd boy named Magnes lived near Mount Ida in Greece, a mountain commonly mentioned in Greek mythology. According to the legend, Magnes used to wear sandals with iron soles. He often found it difficult to climb up the mountain where he tended his sheep because of the excessive amounts of natural magnetic mineral, or lodestone, that was present in the rock and soil of the mountain. The Greeks called the material “magnes” in honor of his discovery, and this is how we have come to use the word “magnet” today.

The first historical use of lodestones was the development of the compass around the 8th century AD by the Chinese. The first recorded use was documented by Zheng He of the Yunnan province. Between the years 1405 and 1433, Zheng He recorded his voyages across seven oceans. The compass Zheng used had markings for points of the constellations found by the use of the Sextant, but the center of the compass was a spoon shaped device made from lodestone. In later centuries, the lodestone was replaced with a metal needle that was magnetized by vigorously rubbing it against a piece of lodestone. From Zheng He’s time forward, no wise sailor would venture out into the ocean without two critical navigational instruments, the compass and the sextant.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle spoke about magnets more than 300 years before the birth of Christ. He wrote about magnets and their use in pain reduction. During that time, it is said that doctors used magnets therapeutically to reduce muscle spasms and treat gout.

Cleopatra reportedly wore a piece of magnetic jewelry on her forehead to suppress wrinkles and preserve youth. It is said that she believed so strongly in the value of magnetic power, that she routinely slept on bed constructed of lodestone to enhance her youthful appearance. Who knows how well this did or did not work, given that she only lived to the age of 39.

In 1777 A.D., France’s Royal Society of Medicine conducted an in depth study about the history of magnets and their use in medical practice. In spite of some skepticism and ridicule from mainstream medical authorities of that time, the Royal Society concluded that magnets could be used medicinally to cure back and neck pain, headaches, circulation problems, sore throats, and numerous other complaints.

Prior to 1820, the only magnetic substances know to man were lodestone and other metals that had been rubbed against a lodestone to magnetize them. In 1820, a scientist named Hans Christian Oersted, a professor of Science at Copenhagen University, noted that every time he switched on an electric current near a compass, the direction of the needle moved. Over the next several months he worked diligently to try to explain and understand the logic of what he had observed. His studies led to the electromagnet as we know it today. Though Hans Christian Oersted did not develop the electromagnet, his experiments directly led to this new and important technology and a new found understanding of physics.

From the earliest recorded knowledge of lodestone and magnetism thousands of years ago, our understanding of magnets has grown exponentially. Today magnets play a role almost every technologically advanced device we use, including computers, automobiles, and cell phones. While we do not know what new magnet technologies the future will hold for human kind, we can be certain of one thing. As our understanding and knowledge of magnets continues to improve, the way we harness and utilize magnetism will continue to expand and develop as well.

With 'Prince' Naseem Hamed long out of boxing, Joe Calzaghe recently retired and Ricky Hatton's retirement seemingly imminent, in recent months it's been easy to wonder where the next wave of genuine British boxing superstars are going to come from.

Some people have countered that question by raising the subject of enigmatic Nottingham boxer, Carl Froch. At 26-0 (20 KOs), holder of the WBC Super Middleweight Title and a participant in the prestigious 'Showtime Super Six World Classic', it seems Froch should already be a bona-fide superstar. But, for some reason, the British public just haven't taken to him and his fantastic wins over Jermain Taylor and Andre Dirrell have been seen by minimal audiences.

British boxing fans need not worry though. Three boxing stars are rising through the ranks and are set to ensure that there are many great boxing nights to be had, both here and abroad, over the next 5 to 10 years, as we support the most talented boxers on our shores. Interestingly enough, the three most talented boxers actually draw some very close parallels to the three legends mentioned at the start of this article.

The New Ricky Hatton?

Dagenham's Kevin Mitchell, 31-0 (23 KOs), was long considered a hot boxing prospect by boxing aficionados. Like Ricky Hatton, Mitchell turned professional after winning an ABA Title at the tender age of just 18, rather than attempting to succeed at International Level in the amateur ranks.

However, with his perfect display of boxing in scoring a near shut out 12 round points decision over Breidis Prescott in December 2009, Mitchell graduated from world class prospect to a genuine world title contender.

Mitchell draws many similarities to Hatton – both can box brilliantly but often prefer to get in a brawl and both possess knockout power, just see Hatton's chilling knockout of Carlos Maussa or Mitchell's annihilation of Ignacio Mendoza for supporting evidence.

In addition, both fighters have an almost fanatical fan base; Hatton's has traveled all over the globe to follow him in droves, in addition to packing out the City of Manchester football stadium (over 55,000 in attendance) whilst Mitchell is expected to draw a crowd of 35,000 plus for his next contest at the home of West Ham Football Club, Upton Park, in London's East End.

There's also the fact that both have been brought through the ranks very cautiously by Britain's top promoter, Frank Warren. Hatton's graduation into world class against the excellent Australian Kostya Tszyu was his 39th contest as a professional.

Mitchell's next contest, his 32nd, will be his first foray into world title level. Coincidentally, it will also see him facing an Australian opponent, Michael Katsidis, in a fight that is pencilled in as being for the Interim WBO Lightweight Title, although rumors persist that the fight may actually be for the full title if Juan Manuel Marquez moves up to the Light Welterweight division.

Hatton has been a two weight world champion and excited us in Britain for years – is it heaping too much pressure on young Mitchell to draw these similarities? Not if you ask me. Mitchell has the talent to succeed against Katsidis and enjoy a long and successful career at world title level.

Interestingly, the only way I see Mitchell failing is if he tries to move up in weight too far. He's a good sized Lightweight but for me, that's his limit. We saw how Hatton struggled terribly when venturing out of his natural weight division and I hope Mitchell can resist the temptations that saw Hatton struggle against Luis Collazo and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The New Joe Calzaghe?

Amir Khan, 22-1 (16 KOs), may at first seem a rather poor comparison to the 'Pride of Newbridge' given that Khan has already suffered a defeat as a professional, something that Calzaghe avoided throughout his epic 46 fight career.

But, hear me out. There are more similarities than you'd think; let's first look at the amateur statistics. Both boxers were outstanding amateurs – nobody needs any reminding of Khan's amazing run to a silver medal as a 17 year old at the 2004 Olympics after all. Whilst Calzaghe was denied the opportunity to go the Olympics at Barcelona in 1992 (Robin Reid was selected for those games, somewhat controversially), Calzaghe to this day remains the only boxer to win Senior ABA titles in three successive years in three different weight divisions.

Both fighters key attribute is their speed with their hands seemingly able to rattle off huge numbers of punches in seconds, completely bewildering their opponents. And both also know how to get off the canvas to win; something we saw Calzaghe achieve against Byron Mitchell, Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. Khan has had similar experiences against Rachid Drilzane, Michael Gomez and Willie Limond.

Both fighters started out with Frank Warren before going setting out on their own promotional path too, Calzaghe very late on in his career and Khan ditching Warren as soon as he hit the heights of WBA Light Welterweight Champion.

Next up for Khan is a test against Paulie Malignaggi at New York's legendary arena of Madison Square Garden (MSG). The same MSG where Calzaghe secured the forty sixth and final victory of his incredible career.

Khan may be unable to retire undefeated like Calzaghe did but I am convinced that he has the ability to perform at the highest level for a similar number of years. Like Calzaghe, it would be no surprise to see Khan end up as a multiple weight world champion either.

The New 'Prince Naseem Hamed'?

Hailing from the same Sheffield gym as Hamed and trained by the same trainer in Brendan Ingle, it is hardly surprising that so many have made comparisons between Hamed and Kell Brook, 21-0 (14 KOs).

Whilst, quite pleasingly, Brook is less cocky and arrogant than his one-time mentor Hamed, there is a certain conviction and confidence in the way Brook talks about his abilities that cannot help but get you thinking about the young 'Prince'.

When you watch Brook in the ring, it's impossible not to miss the same traits that have been taught to both Brook and Hamed by Ingle; both carry their chins a little bit higher than most would like but get away with it, both carry fantastic power in each hand and their speed of hand and foot leaves opponents with nowhere to hide.

Both fighters, under the advice of Ingle, had incredible success as amateurs as Junior level and decided to turn punch for pay at the first opportunity, rather than look for amateur success at Senior level.

Hamed struck an unbeaten run of 20 fights culminating in winning his first world title against Steve Robinson and Brook is not far behind at all; it seems likely he'll soon be the number one contender for the WBO Welterweight crown in the very near future.

Welterweight is a talent packed division with many former champions such as Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito and Paul Spadafora still in action and if Brook were to overcome those foes it would be very much akin to Hamed taking out Tom Johnson, Cesar Soto and Wilfredo Vasquez in his march through the Featherweight division.

It's still early days for Brook and even coming close to matching Hamed's achievements would an incredible feat, but who knows ….. Brook may just possess the talent to surpass them.

And the best news for British boxing fans?

All three of the aforementioned fighters are still so young. Mitchell is the oldest at 25, whilst Khan and Brook at 23, so all have years and years of top level boxing still ahead of them.

Intriguingly, all three are very close in weight too – Mitchell a Lightweight, Khan a Light Welterweight and Brook a Welterweight. So, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that they could dominate their own weight divisions before tackling each other in bouts of stature similar to the great Eubank / Benn / Collins wars of the 1990's!

Don't despair British boxing fans …. things are definitely on the way up!

It has been claimed that the ruins of Pompeii have revealed the presence of a handmade soap making factory. Many people have interpreted this as fact in otherwise reputable books about the history of handmade soap and soap making. However, the substance found was probably a soapy mineral (soapstone) and not what was first thought.

Another popular story is that the word soap is derived from “Mount Sapo”, a place where animals were sacrificed by Romans to the gods. Rain water would send a mixture of the animal fats (tallow) and wood ash down the mountain to the river beneath where people were cleaning their garments. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to suggest that Mount Sapo exists nor of the legend which claims truth to the tale.

The truth about soap is that no-one really knows just when it was discovered. An early reference to handmade soap is written on sumerian clay tablets dated about 2500 bc. The early Romans used hot water to bath and scraped their bodies with a tool called a strigil and it is believed that the Romans then acquired their soap making knowledge from the Gauls during the conquests of Julius Caesar.

One of the most well known early soaps is the Pears soap. Andrew Pears was a barber in London in the early 19th century and as his business grew he started to fashion his own handmade creams and lotions. The soaps around at the time were often crude so Andrew started to experiment with his own skin care products. He discovered that when a regular soap was dissolved in alcohol the resulting mixture was transparent and very mild . And so mass production began with the still popular Pears transparent soap.