10 Strangest Laws around the World

01. Singapore

In a bid to keep the streets of this super-efficient city clean, the authorities in Singapore decided in 1992 to ban chewing gum completely. Stick to a mint. 09 more after the break...

02. Eraclea, Italy

Many holidaymakers head to the sandy beach at Eraclea to escape the hordes of tourists in nearby Venice. Unfortunately, those who enjoy building sandcastles can think again – it’s forbidden.

03. Amsterdam, Netherlands

A curious loophole in the law means that smoking tobacco in a public place such as a coffee shop in Amsterdam is banned, while puffing away on pure cannabis is entirely legal.

04. South-East Asia

The durian, a fruit native to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, has a smell so incredibly strong that it is banned from many public places in South-East Asia.

05. Florida, USA

For those who are young, free and single and enjoy jumping out of planes in their spare time, be careful if you’re in Florida – unmarried women who parachute on Sundays can be jailed.

06. Switzerland

Bizarrely, flushing the toilet in a Swiss apartment is illegal after 10pm. It is also against the law for a man to relieve himself while standing up after 10pm.

07. Eboli, Italy

Honeymooners might be best to avoid hiring a car in Eboli, just south of Naples. Kissing in a moving vehicle here can carry a fine of up to €500.

08. Capri, Italy

Locals in Capri, northern Italy, must value their peace and quiet – a couple were arrested recently for wearing excessively noisy flip-flops, following the introduction of a ban on ‘noisy footwear’.

09. Alabama, USA

The Southern American state has a quite superfluous law in place which states that it’s illegal to be blindfolded while driving a vehicle.

10. Dubai, UAE

Dubai’s luxurious resorts and stunning beaches may seem like the ideal place to spend a romantic holiday, but don’t get too affectionate – kissing in public here is illegal, and many tourists have fallen foul of this law in recent years.

Top 10 Beaches in the World

10. Kauna'oa Bay, Hawaii

Located on the Kohala Coast of the Aloha State’s Big Island, Kauna’oa Bay is the quintessential Hawaiian spot. The 0.25-mile-long (0.4-kilometer-long), crescent-shaped beach has plenty of white sand, palm trees, and calm, clear, blue water. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, beachgoers here can snorkel or ride boogie boards. (Be careful swimming, however, because there are no lifeguards on this public beach.) At night, nestle into the sands and peer out into the water to see if you can catch a glimpse of manta rays swimming.

9. Langkawi, Malaysia

The name “Langkawi” translates into “the land of one’s wishes,” a welcoming concept that somewhat belies the island’s historic origins as a reputed refuge for pirates. Langkawi has since become a modern hideaway for the traveler seeking an escape. If your vacation wishes extend from uncrowded white sands and clear waters to lush green forests, you will find yourself content here. Datai Bay, located on Pulau Langkawi, is a heavenly retreat on the Andaman Sea.

8. St. Bart's

One of many islands in the Caribbean Sea, St. Bart’s stands out with its blend of French chic and island relaxation. With beautiful secluded beaches, fine French cuisine, and gracious hotels, this tropical playground is popular with the Jet Set. The 8-mile-long (13-kilometer-long) island is edged by 20 beaches and small coves for swimmers and sunbathers, with sparkling water and white sand.

7. Fraser Island, Australia

Perched on the sunny Queensland coast 161 miles (259 kilometers) northeast of Brisbane, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and home to a wonderful beach. This World Heritage Site is an ecologist’s dream, with 640 square miles (1,664 square kilometers) of unspoiled natural paradise. Rain forests with 1,000-year-old trees sprout from the sand. Lodgings here accommodate a wide range of tourists, from the backpacking ecology lover to pampered resort fans.

6. Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

The most popular beaches on this island in the North Atlantic are Surfside and Children’s. The waters here are relatively calm, and there’s plenty of sand to use for sunbathing or castle-building. Madaket Beach is known for its rougher surf and not-to-be-missed sunsets. Quidnet Beach provides great views of Sankaty Head lighthouse.

5. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii

Half a mile of sparkling sand, palm trees swaying over a white beach, lush tropical plants, and endless sunshine make Lanikai one of Hawaii’s most scenic beaches. The shore is protected by a nearby coral reef, which keeps the surf relatively calm. The water is always deep green and postcard-perfect.

4. The Hamptons, New York

One of the hip spots for the air-kissing, well-heeled set, the Hamptons boast some of the prettiest beaches on Long Island. The unspoiled shoreline begins around Southampton and runs east to the end of the island at Montauk. Windswept dunes and waving grasses border the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Bora Bora, Tahiti

This is one of the magical islands that make up French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Just 18 miles (29 kilometers) long, this lush little slip of land lies in a protected lagoon edged by white sandy shores, the best being at Matira Point. Bora Bora boasts the nickname the “Romantic Island,” a moniker easy to appreciate with its isolated beaches, intimate hotels, and quiet atmosphere.

2. Maldives

Whether your dream beach trip consists of spending a few pampered nights in a four-star resort or swimming among tropical fish some 80 feet (24 meters) underwater, the Maldives are the sort of islands where either—or both—can come true. Straddling the equator southwest of Sri Lanka, the 1,102 islands that make up the Maldives form 26 atolls. The soft air enveloping the archipelago blends into a beautiful palm-fringed haze.

1. Seychelles

One of the most photographed beaches in the world, the pale pink sands of Anse Source d’Argent unfurls across the island of La Digue, one of the 115 components of this archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The sands sparkle against a backdrop of towering granite boulders, worn by time and weather. The turquoise water is relatively shallow and protected from the ocean’s waves by a reef.

From the National Geographic book "The 10 Best of Everything"

Top 10 Most Powerful Countries In The World

A number of surveys have said that the following countries are the most powerful today:

1. The United States of America

This country is the largest economy today and has the strongest army as well as a very powerful democracy. It is also said to be a superpower and its media is very influential as well. It has built itself and its power ever since it gained independence and is only getting more powerful. The country controls international relations and is a part of a number of influential bodies.

2. Russian Federation

The Russian Federation has the second most powerful army and controls a number of states in the Central Asian area. It has a very large population and immense world area. These factors allow it to stay independent and prevent external forces from meddling in the political, economic and financial issues of the country. Because of its size, Russia has the resources to become a superpower.

3. Peoples Republic of China

Peoples Republic of China is said to have the 4th largest GNP in the world. It has gained supremacy only recently over Britain and France. It has a large army and immense potential to become the most powerful country in the world.

4. France

France is a part of the UN Security Council and is said to be the fifth most powerful country in the world. It is a great nuclear power and influences many African nations. The French have a large army which helps in maintaining law and order. It is a G7 economy and part of the European Union.

5. Britain

Britain is part of the UN Security Council as well. It has powerful nuclear weapons and the democracy is considered to be the most stable as well. As a G7 economy and as a leading country in areas like music, films and media, the country has immense influence when it comes to world politics. It is a part of the European Union as well

6. Japan

Japan has an extremely large economy and is a leading democratic power. The population of the country is large but since the competition is intense, it features below USA, China, France and Britain.

7. India

India is very populous and has a well-known democracy which gains its power from the detailed Constitution of India. The economy is growing at a staggering rate and the nuclear weapons are becoming more and more powerful.

8. Germany

Germany has the third largest economy in the world and features in the list of the most powerful European Union members. However, it was greatly affected during the two World Wars which hampered its influence over the world.

9. Pakistan

Pakistan has a very large Muslim population and powerful nuclear weapons. It is a united country but since it spends a hefty sum on military dictatorship, it has not become truly powerful. In addition to that, even though it has good resources, the battles with India have made the country very weak in these terms as well. Therefore, if it can replenish these resources and find a way to balance its political standing, it will be able to become more powerful.

10. Brazil

The Republic of Brazil is very large and is part of Latin America. It is said to hold the largest Portuguese speaking population in the world. In addition to that, the media of the country is quite stable and its relations with the rest of the world are quite secure.

Top 10 Dangerous Mountains to climb

Climbing a mountain is one of the best experiences to have in a lifetime. Being higher up than any soul around for miles and miles is a great experience which everybody should try and enjoy. The tiresome climb will all vanish away in the few moments that you are atop the behemoth of rock which towers above its contemporaries and give you a feeling nothing short of being royalty in your own right. 

10. Damavand in Iran

The Damavand is a part of the Elburz range and is one of the most amazing mountain ranges to climb. The mountains are laced with many hot springs which let out an endless supply of steam which come from a dormant volcano. One of the most exquisite climbs at around 5800 meters above sea level, this one is not to be missed.

9. Annapurna in Nepal

The Annapurna is one of the best scenic views that you will find anywhere in the world. The geological diversity that the mountains offer is one to be experienced as you span a section of the great Himalayas which are the highest places on the planet. The sun rises over the mountains and shows off all its grandeur.

8. Denali in Alaska

This Mountain is one of the finest you will ever climb if you do. This giant is the highest peak in North America and stand at around 6200 meters. The ascent offers many challenges but is completely worth it as the horizon keeps changing into many beautiful forms most people only get to see on wallpaper.

7. Citlaltepetl and Iztaacihuatl in Mexico

The two volcanoes stand together to offer the nature’s greatness in its best forms. The twin peaks are a treat to climb and a treat to watch too. The snow capped mountains look like a woman sleeping from afar and is also known as the Sleeping Woman. A relatively easy climb as compared to some others, this one should give you a good boost if you are looking for one.

6. Mount Elbrus

This Russian giant is the watchtower in between Europe and Asia. The climb can get very difficult in some areas as the terrain changes a lot over in some parts. The challenging terrain however is all worth it once you get to see entire countries as you go higher.

5. The Matterhorn

This Mountain is in the Alps in Switzerland and is very well known to climbers. It is the modern day Mecca of the sport of climbing and has a lot of traditional climbs that you can hop along with to the top. The mountain offers the unique experience to be able to climb a huge inverted rock shaped like a cone or a pyramid.

4. Mount Everest

This is the highest place to be. Mount Everest or Sagarmatha as it is known to the locals in Nepal was climbed for the first time in 1953 and since then thousands of people have climbed this mountain. The south face of the mountain is known to be easy to climb and should be a treat to climb too as it offers many amazing views along the ascent.

3. The Andes

The Andes in Peru is one for the geologist. The climbs are all laced with great biodiversity and the views make it all the more better. The Inca trails also fall along the range and are a bonus with the climb if you decide to do it. Incredible river valleys pleasure you all along the way as you walk into a different world in our world.

2. Kilimanjaro

The flat top mountain is the highest on the African continent and offers a unique experience. One of the most exotic climbs is made up of volcanic terrain and the mountain is very big if you consider how large the top is once you get to it. The climb has many different ecosystems all along its way and you will definitely enjoy this one.

1. Mount Khuiten

This is a mountain that is very easy to get lost on. Not because the climb is difficult in any way or not because there are any confusing trails but the views that it offers are so amazingly beautiful. Easily one of the most serene rendezvous with nature this mountain in the Atlai Range in Mongolia is an easy climb as compared to some others on the list but is certainly one of the best.

The Top 10 People Search Results In The U.S. For The Year Of 2010!

Posted by James Malone 

The results are in for the Top 10 people searched for in the United States for the wild and wonderful year of 2010!

Who will it be at number 1!? Will it be the young star Miley Cyrus, a vampire or werewolf like Robert Pattison or Taylor Lautner, or maybe the teen heartthrob Justin Bieber who took the music world and the hearts of girls around the world by storm! Who will it be!?

Without further ado, the most searched for people in 2010 are…

Number 10

Miley Cyrus, the popular young actress and singer who reached stardom through the very popularDisney Channel show Hannah Montana, who now enjoys a successful singing career and more.

Number 9

Selena Gomez, the popular actress and singer who got her start very early on the show Barney & Friends, and has found her success through Disney Channel’s hit show, The Wizards of Waverly Place. She is also a growing star in the music industry, so this multi-talented entertainer seems to be on her way in life and career, and on her way here to number 9!

Number 8

You knew the fantasy love of every woman and teenage girl in the world had to be here, and at number 8 we have Robert Pattinson, the vampire hero and every woman’s dream love from the Twilight movies!

Number 7

Now here is a surprise, a big surprise, as this person had a very strong showing in the U.S. all year long to find himself making the Top 10 for 2010, Rahul Ghandi, the popular politician from India. Congrats Rahul!

Number 6

6. Finally we have some controversy at number 6, as Ileana Tacconelli, the teacher accused of being inappropriate by parents of some students at a private Catholic School in Italy, who accused her of being inappropriate for her past work as a model and actress. She won this battle and congrats on winning the battle for your job and for making the Top 10 Ileana!

Number 5

The epic battle for top spot in the teen heartthrob popularity contest between vampires and werewolves goes to Taylor Lautner,  the werewolf in love with Bella in the Twilight movies. The werewolves may lose the battle for love in the movie, but they win the popularity war in people search land on 123people by showing up 3 places ahead of vampire Robert Pattison!

Number 4

Here is a BIG surprise as his popularity has been at an all-time low in the U.S., but he must have found some love at some point this last year, as President Barack Obama comes in at a surprising 4th place for 2010.

Number 3

Another bit of a surprise that he made it this high in the rankings is Christian Beadles, who enjoys popularity and fame through his friendship with superstar singing idol Justin Bieber.

Number 2

Another surprise and the biggest one in the Top 10 sits at the number 2 spot, taken by Mezhgan Hussainy, who has found fame for her behind the scenes work on American Idol, for who she dates (shows host Simon Cowell) and her past in surviving and escaping war torn Afghanistan! It is nice to see someone overcome such danger, fear and adversity in what she must have faced in Afghanistan, to now be here and enjoying fame, fortune and peace in America! Congrats Mezhgan!

Number 1

And finally, what we’ve all been waiting for, the most searched for person in the United States for 2010 is…

Teen heartthrob singer Justin Bieber! The fates have smiled on this young man, as this singing sensation has come from nothing and nowhere to make it big, very big! He worked hard for his chance and he is taking advantage of it as he now enjoys popularity, fortune and fame, including the new movie about his life “Never Say Never” coming out Valentine’s Day 2011!

Congratulations to Justin and everyone else, we wish you all great success and happiness in 2011 and we can’t wait to see who is the most searched for person in the U.S. for 2011!