Caribbean in the English Channel

Many years back I saw a movie 'Moscow on the Hudson' - but that was about a love affair between Moscow and USA. The Caribbean in the English Channel is something about swimming in Caribbean like warm water in the English Channel the year round.

One John Kaap, a pensioner, has found a warm water patch the size of  football off the coast of Sussex  where he swims the year round in his trunks.

76 years old Mr Kaap swims in the Channel as if in the Caribbean

The phenomenon is not something like a miracle but is attributed to the nearby Shoreham power station that pumps out heated water into the channel, which provides Kaap a patch of the size of the football ground warm enough to swim before this water loses its heat and joins the icy water of the Channel.

The onlookers find it amazing seeing the old man diving into the otherwise cold icy water of the Channel, only in his trunk, and swims as if in the Caribbean while the Londoners would not even think of touching the Channel water at this time of the year.

If you happen to be in England, and are fond of swimming in the Channel even in winters, do meet Mr Kaap for advice.

Read more: Mail Online

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Amir Khan formally engaged to Faryal Makhdoom

British-Pakistani boxer Amir Khan fianlly got formally engaged to Pakistani-american Faryal Makhdoom at the Rebook Stadium in his hometown of Bolton.

Amir Khan engaged to Faryal Makhdoom [ Photo Action Images / Mail Online ]

Amir presented his fiancée with an expensive three diamond ring, believed to have cost £100,000, while Faryal gave Amir a platinum band. Amir was upbeat about the band given to him by his fiancée.

Guests at the £150,000 bash in his Lancs hometown included former boxing champ Ricky Hatton and ex Wanderers skipper Kevin Nolan.

Read more details / see more photos of engagement: Mail Online

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Djokovic - a would be Rod Laver

In 1969, Rod Laver made history for having won all the four Grand Slams of the time in one year, including the Wimbledon, US Open, French Open and the Australian Open. There has been none thereafter to hold all these four Grand Slam titles simultaneously in one year.

Now there is someone who can - the Serbian who recently won the Australian Open 2012. Djokovic is the man of new generation who has outclassed the two tennis titans Nadal and Federer and is upbeat for his bright future. Eyeing the French Open in June later this year, Djokovic could become the second man in tennis history to have all the coveted Grand Slam titles in one year.

Can Djokovic (bottom) match Pure Grand Slam by Rod Laver (top left) and Golden Slam of Steffi (top right)?

And not only this, he can also become second to Steffi Graf's Golden Slam when she in 1988 had all the titles with Olympic gold added to it.

Standing as World Number 1, tall, lean and lanky Djokovic has the potential, resilience and determination to go down in tennis history to retain both 'Pure Grand Slam' and 'Golden Slam' titles this year. He is lucky to have London Olympics also being held this year to attempt the Golden Slam.

And Djokovic is quite optimistic about attaining both titles. "It is possible," says Djokovic. "Obviously, the times are different and tennis nowadays is much more competitive and much more physical. And that makes that challenge more difficult to achieve. But everything is possible."

Only time will tell what it comes to be - but as for now, there is man who can do it. 

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Australian Open 2012 Men's Singles Final - Video Highlights: Djokovic vs Nadal

I am using the Melbourne logo of the Australian Open 2012 for the last time with a kind of nostalgia, since over the past one month I used it a number times whenever I updated my viewers about the match status and match forecasts of the Australian Open 2012.

Those who followed the tournament all along, would recall that two matches drew most of the viewers traffic and interest: The semi final between Nadal and Federer and the second of course the Men's Single Final between Nadal and Djokovic.

The semi final of Nadal and Federer was of great interest as the two titans of tennis world were clashing each other. It was in fact a match between a seasoned titan and a youthful titan. Everyone wanted to see as to who subdues who.

But Sunday's final between Nadal and Djokovic was the history making. It lasted full five sets clocking five hours and 53 minutes - breaking all previous records of the history of tennis. Nadal made the mark by winning the first set and when the score was 3-2 in Nadal's favour, breaking Djokovic's serve, the latter threw out his raquet with a bang on the court.

But then he took the newxt two sets, with Nadal rebounding and taking the fourth set. Bur Djokovic was here to make his presence felt and made sure he makes the Spanish sweat and take the winning crown for himself 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5.

So this was the last of the Australian Open 2012. Those who missed it, herein under is a video from YouTube of the highlights of the Men's Single Final of AustralianOpen 2012.

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Top 10 Peaceful Travel Destinations of 2011

Travelers and tourists always vie for travel destinations that are peaceful, homely and attractive. But perhaps the most dominant factor in determining a travel destination is the peace and tranquility.

The wars / war on terror and political unrest has badly affected the tourism around the world. Many countries in Asia and Middle East fall into countries that are not tourist friendly.

10 Most peaceful countries of 2011 - Can you make a guess from the photographs which place is where?

Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) is one organizations that indexes countries every year for the level of peace prevailing in the countries around the world and its Global Peace Index provides a fair degree of information for the tourists and travelers to chose peaceful countries. It uses 23 indicators as peace measuring tools and then derives the result accordingly. Some of the major indicators of GPI include:

• The measure of societal safety and security
• The measure of ongoing domestic and international conflict
• The measure of level of military expenditure
• Relations with neighboring countries

Following is a list of 10 most peaceful countries as per the indexation by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) during 2011: 

• Finland
• Czech Republic
• Iceland
• Austria
• Canada
• Norway
• New Zealand
• Slovenia
• Japan
• Denmark

The list given above has been jumbled and travelers and tourists may guess as to which destination is more peaceful.

Having made your list, go to Top Ten Things and find out which country ranks number 1 - if you are an avid traveler, your guess may not be totally wrong. Try it.

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Highlights: The Royal Rumble 2012

The Royal Rumble, is a professional wrestling event produced by WWE, which took place on January 29, 2012 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. It was the 25th annual Royal Rumble event.

Read details of the event at Wikipedia

Watch some of the highlights from link given below:

Link

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Trango Towers: The Most Sheer Verticals of the World

Travelers and mountaineers are always on the look out for something unique and exciting to travel to and scale. The northern areas of Pakistan have such places in abundance. Of the fourteen Eight Thousanders, Five are located in Pakistan. There are virgin lakes that have seen by a very few even till date. Besides there are extinct animals like the snow leopard and the Marco Polo sheep that remain obscured from the rest of the world. And not mentioning the Kafir Kalash will be an injustice to these very indigenous and unique people of a lost civilization, who have an obscured past and uncertain future.

I have talked of all these many times before in my posts. And today I will add yet another destination for those who love to be in the company of high mountains. Located in the Karakoram mountain range are the Trango Towers. These are solid rock walls standing tall - rather I should say the tallest and most sheer verticals to be found anywhere else in the world.

Trango Towers - the world's most sheer verticals

Located across the Baltoro Glacier is the Trango masif. There are a number of sheer verticals, of which the Great Trango stands at a height of 6,286 meters or 20,608 feet. The Trango Towers are surrounded by Lupsand tower Uhli Beaho Tower, Muztagh Tower Biange Tower and Paiyu Peak. 

The Trango Towers consist of four summits with sharp ridges. Great Trango is rather a large peak with three main summits, all over 6000 meters. The Trango massif is surrounded by high mountains such as K2, the Gasherbrums, and Broad Peak, all rising more than 8000 metres (26,200 ft) above sea level. 

Great Trango Tower was first climbed in 1977 by Galen Rowell, John Roskelly, Kim Schmitz and Dennis Hennek by the easiest route up the western side. The east face of Great Trango is the world's tallest vertical rock face, and was first climbed in 1984 by the Norwegians Hans Christian Doseth and Finn Dæhli, who were killed on the descent. The 5000 foot Norwegian Buttress was the first route established on the massive East Face, which led to the first ascent of the East Summit (6231 meters).

Read more: | Pakistanpaedia | Wikipedia |

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Australian Open 2012: Djokovic crowned as Nadal ousted in 5-set Men's single final

Those who witnessed the men's single final of the Australian Open today between Nadal and Djokovic , Sunday, would remember it for a long time - for it was the test of nerves, stamina, courage and reliance.

The sweetest kiss for Djokovic this Sunday when he was crowned the Australian Open Champion 2012. [Photo AFP/Getty]

Nadal having won the first set never looked tired when losing sets at the hand of Djokovic and even tried a comeback in the fourth set and winning it. Nadal's first break point of 3-2 was so dejecting fro Djokovic that he literary threw his raquet on the court when going for refreshment break.

But then he regained his control for the next two sets and winning it 6-4, 6-2. Nadal made a comeback by winning the fourth set 6-7, but the Serb was not to be discouraged as he quickly regained balance and won the final set 7-5.

The five set match lasted a record five hours and 53 minutes, breaking the previous record of  four hours and 54 minutes set by Ivan Lendl and Mats Wilander at the 1988 US Open. 

Today's win, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5, was a record third consecutive third Grand Slam victory for Djokovic, while Nadal became the first player to lose three consecutive Grand Slam finals.

Read more: Mail Online

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Cricket - second test Pakistan vs England: Pakistan Spinners surprise the Brits again

Saeed Ajmal took British squad by utter surprise by his superb 7-55 strike in the first test match against England in Abu Dhabi. Many thought, it was just a pleasant window of opportunity for spinners of Pakistan and a repeat performance may not be forthcoming.

To manys surprise - they were proved wrong.

In the second test and on the fourth day of the match, when victory for England was an easy thing to achieve, Pakistan's spinners struck again. This time it was Abdul Rehman who dismissed 6 England batsmen for mere 25. Saeed Ajmal was close behind who took 3 for 22. England lost by 72 runs in mere 36.1 overs.

This was England's lowest total since the debacle against West Indies in Kingston three years ago which became the catalyst for their transformation under the stewardship of the coach, Andy Flower, and captain, Andrew Strauss, reports Cricinfo. 

Having attained a 2-0 victory over the England, Pakistani team is quite naturally have their eyes now on the third test starting 3 February.

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Free Live Streaming - Australian Open 2012 Men's Single Final: Nadal vs Djokovic

And finally the day has come for which everyone has waited since the start of the Australian Open 2012 - the Men's Single Final duel.

Posing together - thinking of outplaying each other Sunday

It is Nadal facing Djokovic - both have moved to finals after tough duels all along.

Nadal has been an injured lion as his injuries have kept him away from winning tennis events at the world screen. Facing Federer in the semi was like a home coming. Both always drew crowds whenever they clashed and the semi final of the Australian Open was no different. The titans clashed - an old hand feeling youthful vigour and a youthful lion seeking to oust the experience. And that was what everyone saw in the semi final. Despite Federer's youthful game, Nadal overpowered him in a four set match.

Djokovic and Murray had a rather long session and played a full five set semi final. The match that lasted four hours and fifty minutes, proved to be a test of stamina and experience. And Murry must have been very unhappy to have lost the semi final in the end.

Now today Nadal and Djokovic meet to test each other's experience and stamina. Can Nadal sustan a full five set match to wear the crown? Can Djk wear Nadal out by prolonging the match to its full length and strain Nadal's healed injury?

I for myself am for Nadal. Djokovic's supporters may not take my side. Let us wait and see what happen in Australia Sunday and who his victor - and who is vanquished....

Live Streaming links for the match are as follows:

Link

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The most eerie road in the world

The Guoliang Tunnel, located in Taihang Mountains China, is actually carved out of rocky mountainsis carved along the side of and through a mountain in China. The tunnel is located in the Taihang Mountains and is considered to be the most eerie tunnel in the world.

The tunnel which is 1.2 kilometres in length and about 13 feet wide and 16 feet in height is an initiative of the villagers of the Guoliang village who had been cut from the rest of the area due to the most inaccessible mountain. In 1972, a group of villagers got together, raised money from their meagre possessions to buy hammers and tools required to cut the mountain side to make a road.

It took them five years to make the tunnel and on the May Day of 1977 (1 May), the tunnel was finally opened for traffic.

[ shared via My Erie World ]

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Free Live Streaming: Azarenka vs Sharapova - Australian Open 2012 Women Final: [28 Jan 2012]

So the day has finally come to bring the first part of the end game of Australian Open 2012 as the two best women of the tournament clash Saturday night at around 3:00 AM EST.

The two ladies are famous for their grunting and shrieking on the court - which somehow a section of crowd watching the match tend to like or have grown accustomed to. 

It will take more than screaming to win the women title and also the World Number One honour today

As already reported in the news media, it is the last time the Russian Snow White is playing the Australian Open - and she would certainly liked to be crowned for stepping onto the Australian courts for the last time.

For Azarenka, it would be a God sent opportunity to tame the Russian and wear the crown for the first time. So there is going to be lot of noise, as both ladies can force the cats and dogs in the neighborhood to run for cover when they scream - it only remains to be seen who comes out to be the winner at the end. Who are you counting on to win?

And one thing more: Today's match will also determine who ranks as Number 1 in the women ranking of the world of tennis.

For today's final, the link for free live streaming is given below:

Link (s)

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4th Day's match England vs Pakistan - Live from Abu Dhabi

The third day of the 2nd test between England and Pakistan as expected and predicted in my earlier post has started to gain interest of the viewers, players and spectators. 

England scored 327 in 3rd days play after dismissing Misbah and the rest without adding even a single run of their previous days 257. Cook remained short of 6 runs of his century and was dismissed at 94. Trot scored a healthy 74 and Broad 58. Saeed Ajmal was once agin the top wicket taker from Pakistan side who bagged 4 for 108.

Pakistan had a trembling start and were soon down with their four players for just 54 runs. Therein came Azhar and Shafiq, who had their feet firmly placed on the crease and took Pakistan to 125.


It is with this score Pakistan would enter the Sheikh Zayed stadium with the English spinners on their tail. Let us watch the day's match and see who shines on the Day 4.

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Australian Open 2012 Free Live Streaming Djokovic vs Murray

Murray enters the Australian Open for the third consecutive time - having been ousted by Federer and Djokovic. So today he is again face to face with Djokovic - and I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Djokovic on the other hand will be stressing for a repeat performance to over power Murray. It is going to be an interesting match today. So don't miss out.

The match will commence 27 Jan at 0830 GMT live from Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia

Live Streaming links for the match are as follows:

Link

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Watch Online 3rd Day's match between England and Pakistan - Live from Abu Dhabi

The 2nd day of the second test match between England and Pakistan was exciting but not as exciting when Saeed Ajmal struck with his fury in the first test.

Pakistan was dismissed with nothing to add in their first day's score with Misbah unable too strike a century. England was contained aat 207 for seven, with Ajmal taking three wickets. 

Now it remains to be seen what happens today and how much England is allowed to add on. Today is going to be interesting as compared to yesterday.

Links 

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Free Live Streaming: Murray and Djokovic Australian Open 27 Jan 2012

Yesterday's semi between Nadal and Federer was a sensation, While many expected Federer to fight back and win over injured Nadal, they were spellbound to see Nadal in super fit form and providing his fans a memorable win over Federer. Now that he has qualified for the final, it remains to be seen who turns out to be his opponent after today's semi between Murray and Djokovic.

Murray enters the Australian Open for the third consecutive time - having been ousted by Federer and Djokovic. So today he is again face to face with Djokovic - and I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Djokovic on the other hand will be stressing for a repeat performance to over power Murray. It is going to be an interesting match today. So don't miss out.

The match will commence at 0830 GMT live from Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia

Live Streaming links for the match are as follows:

Link

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Rafeal Nadal vs Roger Federer Australian Open 26th January 2012

Today the old rivals will renew their vintage rivalry as they clash today in the Semi Finals of the Australian Open 2012. The last time both met at the ATP World Tour Finals at Wembley, Nadal was comprehensively beaten there by the Swiss Maestro.

Nadal had been struggling a lot due to his fitness issues recently, but hopes to be in perfect condition at the moment. Federer will be having a due advantage due to the hard courts, where Nadal has considerably struggled agains the Former World number 1.

The match will commence at 0830 GMT live from Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia.

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Maria Sharapova vs Petra Kvitova Australian Open 26th January 2012

Maria Sharapova and Petra Kvitova will meet in the Australian Open semifinals on Wednesday.

Sharapova won 6-2, 6-3 against fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova, who knocked out five-time champion Serena Williams in the previous round.

Kvitova earlier reached the semifinals at Melbourne Park for the first time with a 6-4, 6-4 win over unseeded Italian Sara Errani.

Kvitova beat Sharapova in last year's Wimbledon final to claim her first Grand Slam title.

Match starts at 0400 GMT live from Rod Laver Arena , Melbourne, Australia

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Watch Online 2nd Day's match between England and Pakistan - Live from Abu Dhabi

The first day of the second test match between England and Pakistan was exciting and wicket taker. Pakistan had lots of wickets fallen on the day, but Misbah's superb resistance to the English bowlers is keeping the interest alive in the match.ALthough dropped at 30, much to the dismay of the Brits, Misbah with his 83 will resume the match on the 2nd day aith Saeed Ajmal.

The English team may have an uneasy sleep last night and will commence the day with their utter resolve to unseat Misbah as early as possible to set for themselves a modest score to chase in the first innings. But who knows what Saeed Ajmal may have up his sleeve when the Englishmen come to bat !!!!

Follow the link below for Live Online Video streaming of the 2nd day of the 2nd test match between England and Pakistan:

Links 

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Free Live Streaming: Liverpool vs Manchester City Carling Cup 25th January 2012

Liverpool who will play the Premier League toppers Manchester City in theCarling Cup match today at Anifield. Dalgish team, have yet to lose at Anifield , in their previous 11 matches. 

The Reds on the other hand, yet to face defeat at Anifield against City. Manchester City have not been flawless in recent weeks either. Since Christmas, they have won only three of their seven matches in all competitions.

Venue/Kickoff Time: Anfield , Liverpool / January 25, 2012 7:45 PM GMT 

Live Streaming Links for the match are as follows:

Links

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Free Barcelona - Real Madrid El Clasico Live Streaming

Today, Barcelona will face Real Madridin the second leg of the Copa del Rey fixture. Barcelona play host to Real Madrid tonight in the second leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final tie. This time, Real Madrid will be tested in Barcelona's home ground and Camp Nou.  

Probable Team Line up for Barcelona

Pinto,Alves, Pique, Puyol, Abidal,Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta,Messi, Cesc, Sanchez

Probable Team Line up for Real Madrid

Casillas,Arbeloa, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo,Diarra, Xabi Alonso, Coentrao,Higuain, Benzema, Ronaldo

Venue/Kickoff Time: Camp Nou, Barcelona — Barcelona / January 25, 2012 2100 GMT

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