Chinese white tea

By Jack Robbins

White tea originally came from China about seven to eight thousand years ago. It was discovered on the plains of Fu Ding and Fujian which were in the eastern southern part of China. Ever since it was known the Chinese people took a liking to it and used it as a health energizer as well as an enjoyable evening drink.

I am pretty sure by now you know that all kinds of tea come from a single plant which is the Camilla Sinensis tea bush. How each tea gets its name totally depends on what happens after the tea leaves have been picked.

While the different colors of tea are interesting, it is quite funny that white tea gets its name from the silver fuzz like material that covers its buds. This later does turn into white when the tea is dried up.

White tea leaves undergo much less processing as compared to green and black tea.

White tea leaves are cut when they are just small buds which make the resulting tea a better and healthier drink.

It has a mellow and light taste and as is the case with green tea, you should steep it in very hot water.

White tea contains less caffeine than any form of tea due to it being picked from the tea plant when it was a bud.

As we saw above white tea tastes awesome but besides its awesome taste it's also a good natural medicine. Studies have shown it increases the lipoprotein lipase activity in the human body which increases the metabolism rate thus helping in weight loss. It helps in prevention against cancer, it maintains lower levels of cholesterol, it helps in blood circulation by thinning the blood, reducing high blood pressure, stronger bones, healthier skin, and the list goes on and on.

Karaoke: Making Stars in Your Neighborhood

By Horace Jurdon

Sometimes you've just got to sing, and when the mood strikes you to belt out a favorite tune, karaoke can set the stage to find the hidden star in you.

With karaoke, anyone can be in the spotlight. Singing is a great stress reliever and the perfect way to leave your worries at the doorstep. Besides, singing makes you feel good and it's just plain fun. A karaoke machine is a great way to have a blast with your friends and family and it's the perfect starting point to building your own in-house jam session.

When translated, karaoke means "empty orchestra". The term is derived from two Japanese words: Kara, which means "empty" and Oke, short for "okesutora". Karaoke entertainment systems supply pre-recorded musical scores of popular songs without singing. Karaoke performers follow lyrics on a video screen as the music plays on, providing the words they need to sing along.

After karaoke music and parties fully swept Asia, they began to form a solid presence in North America. Since the first virtual concert machine was introduced in Japan in the 1970's, karaoke parties have become favorite pastimes for small time stars of all types. In fact, karaoke became so popular that the media adopted the term to use for all occasions when live music was replaced by "canned" or pre-recorded music.

Musical elements have always been paramount in the formation of Japanese traditions. Music is reflected in all aspects of Japanese mythology, history and culture. Even Japanese Samurais implement singing, dancing and music into their vigorous education and training regimes.

Tracing the history of karaoke will take us back to the early 1970s, when a nightclub singer by the name of Daisuke Inoue performed regularly in a Utagoe Kissa, a Japanese bar. Inoue was so popular that fans would regularly ask for recordings of his music that they could sing along with. Inoue saw the potential and created a tape recorder that played a song when a 100 yen coin was inserted. Back in the 1970s, 100 yen would buy about two lunches, so it was a fairly steep price for a single song. Still, the combination of old-time jukebox and future karaoke machine proved to be a phenomenal hit in Japanese clubs. Inoue decided that he would lease the machines to stores and bars instead of selling them, so that the owners would not have to purchase new songs on their own.

The development of the karaoke machine held such social importance, Daisuke Inoue was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. His award was based on his ability to provide "an entirely new way for people to learn to tolerate each other".

Since the early 1980s, "Karaoke Time" has been a popular form of entertainment in east Asia. The karaoke phenomenon spread like a global virus, taking on other parts of the world. The popularity of karaoke reached record highs and it became a very productive industry. It wasn't long until the karaoke craze hit North America and took the continent by storm.

This new entertainment import flourished in the western world. Enterprising Americans quickly saw the potential of investing in this new type of entertainment. It provided cool, relaxing fun and was able to bring people together in a patient and tolerant manner. Nightclubs and karaoke bars known as "KTV boxes" began to open across North America, bringing new venues, software and equipment to eager performers.

Since first arriving in the United States and other western countries, karaoke has gained regard and respect. Even though American bars are unlikely to feature karaoke seven nights a week as they do in East Asia, many have upgraded their equipment from the small, standalone machines that started the craze more than twenty years ago. While the singers perform, those in the audience can read along with the lyrics on television screens displayed throughout the bars. Many clubs even provide big screen TVs.

Many North American homes have also welcomed the karaoke sensation. From inexpensive machines for kids to pricey high-end versions, home karaoke machines can be connected to a pre-existing entertainment center, allowing family and friends to join in the fun. When performers tire of the karaoke music on hand, they can simply go online to download karaoke tracks from the Internet. With music available on the web, plus a couple of computer speakers and a microphone, you don't even need a karaoke machine to sing like a star.

If you've got song in your heart and just need to sing out loud, find a karaoke machine and bring out the star in you.

4 Tips To Build Muscle Fast

By Caleb Lee

Want to know a way to build a better looking body... burn more calories... and more fat -- even when you're not spending time working out?

One of the best ways to reshape your body and look better is to build muscle on your body. You can go for a more defined look, or a really BIG look, the choice is yours. Here are some things you can do to build muscle fast.

Believe it or not, building muscle is not that difficult. So, here are a few great tips that will help you build muscle fast so you can get a great body that has plenty of muscle that will keep those calories burning.

Tip #1 - Eat Like Crazy

When you are working hard to build muscle, if you want to build it up quickly, it's important that you eat a lot, especially if you're trying to get bulky muscle. When you work the muscles, they tear and then repair themselves.

If you want to build muscle fast, then you need to FEED your muscles. You need to give them plenty of food so they can repair and regrow stronger and bigger than before. If you eat good foods then you'll build muscle without gaining much fat.

Tip #2 - Do Plenty of Reps

Another important way to build up your muscles is to make sure that you do plenty of reps; however, you don't have to go crazy with it. Doing about 10 reps or so for each group of muscles will really help and they'll keep your workouts from being too long as well.

Great Tip #3 - Eat more protein

Protein is very important for the regrowth and repair of your muscles. You have to make sure you give your muscles plenty of protein if you're going to build muscle.

While you need plenty of protein it's important to get the right amount. Not too much, not too little. About 1 gram per pound of bodyweight is ideal. So if you weigh 150lbs then 150 grams of protein is the right amount.

Great Tip #4 - Decrease Cardio

Cardio is great for burning fat, but it can also keep you from building muscle if you do too much of it. So don't do as much cardio when your goal is to build muscle.

Preparing Yourself For Karaoke Nights - Karaoke Songs

By Johansson Smith

The biggest decision that anyone has to make for karaoke is what song they should undertake on stage. There are literally thousands of tracks available with most karaoke sets, so it can be intimidating looking through the massive book of songs, but if you keep in mind a few tips it will make your night better, and provide as much enjoyment as possible.

First, ensure that you choose a karaoke song that accommodates your voice. Whether it is your first time or 101st time, you have to ascertain that you can achieve at least majority of the musical notes you need. If you have a low voice, there is no point of opting artists like Celine Dion or Whitney Houston, and the same goes for high-pitch voices; Barry White should be out of the question. Instead choose karaoke songs that fit within your range, and that way rather of worrying about if you can hit that hard note coming up, you will be able to unwind and just savour the song.

Selecting the proper karaoke song also depends on what you are getting up stage for. If you are with friends, and looking at getting up as a group for a bit of fun, it is wise to choose an up-tempo song that accommodates your mood instead of a boring ballad. If you are a regular, and want to take something a bit more difficult, there is nothing improper in choosing a slower song if you can manage it.

If you're celebrating an adult / older folks birthday with a karaoke party. You need to know what songs to opt. Do your homework. You don't want to take any old karaoke song; you require to choose karaoke music that arouses a sensation of nostalgia. Find out what songs were favourite when the party honoree grew up. Your easiest bet is to hear the top 10 songs of each year or decade and build your play lists around those karaoke songs.

But a small hint to remember about most karaoke bars is that most people are out to have a good time, so choosing a slow and sombre song that does not really fit the atmosphere of the room can have sharp effects.

Last, when choosing your karaoke song it is best to find a song with a melodic phrase and lyrics that you are at least intimate with. You do not have to recognise every song you get up stage for off by heart (thats why the karaoke screens are there to aid you) but picking out a karaoke song that you have listened more than once or twice will give you a bit more assurance in performing.

Ready for the white tea revolution?

By Jack Robbins

White tea and Green tea both find their roots in China dating back to a few thousand years ago. Green tea has become quite popular over the past decade particularly with its ability to aid weight loss. Both originate from the same Camilla sinensis plant.

Green and white tea are both seen as great natural remedies, however they are quite different. White tea is plucked form the plan when the leaf only a bud, while green tea is plucked after the leaf has been left to grow and ferment a little. This create a difference in their taste and benefits.

There are a number of reasons that White tea is more beneficial than green tea. It won't be long before White tea replaces green tea as the tea for weight loss and anti aging enthusiasts.

White tea has been shown to increase the metabolism rate in a person, this in turn helps you lose weight almost effortlessly. It does this through the increased antioxidant levels it possesses which are far more than those present in green tea.

White tea tastes simply awesome! This alone is responsible for people keeping in line with a herbal tea diet, they simply find it hard to resist. The Chinese people love the taste so much that it was historically treated as a delicacy reserved only for the rich. Weight loss enthusiasts will in fact find it hard to have a diet that does not contain white tea.

White tea contains much less caffeine than green tea, making it an instant healthy drink. It also does away with any caffeine side effects you fear you might have while drinking tea.

White tea and cancer are two words you will hear a lot over the next few years. White tea has the unique ability as an alternate therapy towards cancer as it can inhibit cancer cells using the antioxidants present in it.

White tea is soon going to be ever popular due to its far more valued benefits and great taste as compared to green tea.

A Chess Primer for Beginners

By Jared Conley

Chess is one of the oldest traditional board games you will ever play. The beauty of chess is the almost endless level of skill and strategy that you can employ as you climb the ranks and challenge increasingly skilled competitors.

Irrespective of your age or skill level, you can find opponents to play and challenges to face. It truly is a game for all ages.

Of course, as a novice, you'll find it hard to play chess with other players, especially as you're beginning to learn the elementary movements. You can, however practice on a virtual opponent until you learn the basic moves. There are numerous online services or PC-based games that you can play to improve your skills.

Speaking for myself, I very much prefer a three-dimensional layout, so I almost always play on an electronic board when I want to play solo. There are plenty of great electronic chessboards that can increase in difficulty level as you improve, which is an advantage that they hold; and they also double as an objective measure of your improvement at the game. Some boards will even calculate a ranking for you based on how fast you play and how skilled your moves are.

As you begin to play against these virtual opponents, your aim is to understand the board, learn the various moves of each chess player, and learn the basic defense and attack strategies.

Once you've conquered the basic capabilities of the pieces, and you can construct move sequences without thinking to yourself "okay, two squares up and one square over," you're ready to tackle a real player.

So find yourself a cheap electronic chess set, and start learning one of the world's oldest and best games.

The endless possibilities in game play make chess a superb game choice for the entire family.

What History Tells Us About Karaoke Music

By Ian Carter

So karaoke songs are just like any other songs right? Well yes and no. They have the same tunes but they are not by the same artists. Karaoke music is never performed by the same artists that prepared it for the vocalists. That's why you will notice a big difference in the same music being offered by different Karaoke disc jockeys. It all depends on which label they buy.

You can find almost every type of karaoke song that you could possibly want. It has become just as popular as our standard forms of cds, and DVDs. Again you will find that you probably will form certain preferences to the labels. You can find karaoke songs that will have the vocalist that you can sing along with, or just the background music or even both.

There are always favorite by the majorities. In 2007 it was "I will survive" Gloria Gaynor lyrics, second in the running is "I got you babe" cher lyrics, then the third is "Sweet Caroline" Neil Diamond lyrics. These are pretty interesting choices being as they are not heavy rock or pop, and they have been around for years. Last on a list of about 50 is "we built this city".

Karaoke songs are gaining a lot of popularity among the Christian sector. it's a wonderful way for a church soloist to practice his/her music. It provides great background music for choirs that haven't a music system. Its even perfect for the church audience to sing along with.

These songs can also be beneficial for children to practice their speech with. More often than not children find it easier to sing then to talk, and by getting them to sing it may help them with their pronunciation.

In 2007 there was a general concessions of what was the worst songs. Starting at the bottom of the list. The 10th on this list was "Friends In Low Places" Lyrics by Garth Brooks. The general idea of this one was to get everyone listening to join in and sing with you. Fifth place was "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mixalot. Then finally the grand winner of the worst song for 2007 is awarded to "Love Shack" by B-52s. So as one can see there are the same trends, and ups and downs in karaoke songs just like the regular songs.

Then there's the most over done ones. Songs that everybody wants to do and feels most comfortable with. "Crazy" By Patsy Kline, is a well loved song. Probably that's why this one is such a popular one. "Delta Dawn" by Tanya Tucker. This one is one that almost everyone has heard, and it often the first one that comes to mind when going over the charts to choose from." Summer Nights" by John Travola and Olivia Newton John is dubbed as probably being one of the most popular duets every sung.

There are many factors that people consider when they are picking the song they want to sing at a Karaoke and often is not based on whether they have the voice for that song. Its usually based on, because they just like that song the best, it sounds like its going to be the easiest to sing, or they like the artist.

Little Known Ways In Winning The Lottery

By BJ Min

Who hasn't lain awake at night fantasizing about winning the lotto? The average person has so much he could do with the money. Pay off debt, remodel the house, go on a safari, everyone has a different list for how they would spend the money. If you play the lotto here are a few winning lotto secrets.

No matter what lottery games you like to play, scratch-offs, pick three lottery or the big jack pot drawing you really should know the odds for winning. When you know your odds you can choose the game that gives you the best chance to win.

Once you study the odds and choose a game you will usually have to choose numbers. The best way to choose is to pick random numbers. Avoid common numbers that will cause you to have to share your prize with half the city. Numbers like 7, 13, and 21 these are commonly used and should be avoided. You should also avoid using birthdays. This is a common practice but it limits the numbers you can choose by only giving you a range of 12 or 31.

When you play scratch-offs you must be aware if there is already a winner for the game. A set number of tickets are printed for each game with a set number of winning cards. If the jackpot is won in the first week of a scratch-off game; that game will still continue until all the cards have been sold. If you play a scratch-off that has already had a winner you have no chance at the grand prize.

A great way to increase your odds is to keep an eye out for promotions. Sometimes a city will offer buy one get one scratch-off or pick three lottery cards. This is great for increasing your odds without spending more money.

Many offices enter into lotto pools every week. If your office has a lottery pool, write out the rules for involvement. You want to make it clear how the winnings will be split weather they are jackpot winnings or not. You should also make a copy of the tickets and give one to each person who is playing

The most important secret for how to win the lottery is to claim your money. An estimated 12% of lottery prizes go unclaimed, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. If you play the lottery check you numbers. It would be a shame to miss out on $10 million because you forgot you left the ticket in the back of your wallet.

How to Build Muscles, The Best Way to Get Six Pack Abs

By Ricardo d Argence

Infomercials are to be seen if you watch television late at night. A good portion of those are probably promoting ab related products. You will encounter equipment, drugs, fad diets and exercize regimens that guarantee to provide you the perfect set of abs. There are a lot of other theories floating around, but none of them are guaranteed to work.

The vast majority of these fads do not last very long, they are exposed for what they are and people move on to the next breakthrough invention. If most of these fail, is there any way to get flat abs?

This is the best time tested approach to getting yourself a six pack abs. The best way to achieve this goal is through a healthy diet and exercise, but you might not want to hear this. There really aren't any legitimate shortcuts to getting the body of your dreams. If you have discovered how to lose weight quickly, you will soon find out how quickly you will put it back on.

Now that we know you're going to have to exercise, what types of exercises should you do? Should you just get on the ground and start doing thousands of crunches? Will this give you the six pack of your dreams? Actually it won't do much at first. Your ab muscles are probably covered up by a layer of fat. This means that if you want to see those abs, you have to get rid of the fat first. So how do you get rid of the fat?

Most people believe that they should get on the treadmill and do hours of cardio. However, this is a common misconception as well. The best way to burn fat quickly is through the use of interval training and weight training. Weight training burns calories while you work out, but it also helps you burn calories when you are resting as well.

Your muscles will be like incinerators for calories once they begin to develop more. As a result of this, you will be able to burn fat much more rapidly. To add to weight training workouts, it is a good idea to mix in short bursts of sprinting workouts.

The healthy way to lose weight is exercise and eating well. Cramming your face full of nachos and beer wont get you a six pack! Getting different results in your life requires you to take different actions. In order to obtain a six pack the first thing you need to change is what you eat. You should drink alot of water and eat healthy foods. If you are in the habit of putting good things into your body, your body will thank you.

Overall, obtaining a six pack is very achievable. Just don't expect it to be easy, you're not going to wake up tomorrow with a six pack. This can be a lengthy process, depending on how much fat you have to lose, just know that it can be done if you stick with it.

How to Get a Rounder and Sexier Butt

By Ricardo d Argence

Everybody wants a sexier and firmer butt. The key to a perfectly toned rear end is to follow a specific exercise routine along with a healthy eating plan. Finding extra time in this busy world can be hard, but to get the perfect body you need to break a sweat on a regular basis, even for just a couple minutes.

You may look no further as in this article we provide you with effective solutions incase if you are looking for the best way to get that perfect toned glutus and become the envy of all your friends. You can get firmer, rounder, and sexier gluts without even leaving your house! We believe that the exercises that we recommend are the ones that are successful, and will give you the desired results you want in your workout.

Quadrupled hip extensions target the gluteus maximus as their extensions work extremely well. This particular exercise allows you to contract the gluteus muscles. If you need to increase the intensity, you can add weights to the ankles.

There are several different types of lunges, pick the one that best meets your individual needs. The most common and most basic of all lunges is the drop knee version but it is also the most difficult one to do. Hand weights can also be used in this exercise to increase the intensity.

For the gluteus and hamstrings, you can try step-ups, but many people bedate if they do any help. For this exercise to be as effective as possible, you will need to use a plantform that is high enough, one that is preferably 15 inches to work and activate the muscle fibers. To add intensity to the exercise, you can hold dumbbells.

Both the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus are used when doing a squat which makes it a good exercise. Squats are also good for the hips and the thighs. If you need back support you can use of a ball that can help you get the perfect position without it hurting your knees.

Multi-hip extensions target the gluteus maximus and medius along with the hamstrings. The machine can be a little tricky, therefore, it would be wise to get a professional to help you with the necessary adjustments.

One legged squats help activate the gluteus maximus and medius. Similar to lunges, there are several ways in which you can perform one-legged squats. So go for one that you can tolerate if not like. If you need more intensity, choose a version that gives a higher range of motion and is more challenging.

If you use the exercises that we mentioned and recommend, you will find that you can start slimming yourself down and targeting specific areas that will get you noticed. Remember that you need to start slow and increase the intensity with time, plan an exercise routine while keeping in mind your fitness goals and capabilities. If you want a sexier and rounder butt in no time you need to word out every day for about a half an hour.

If you eat right and practice on a regular basis there is nothing more that you need to do. If you want that nice toned body that rival your favorite celebrity, there need to be no delay. Just grab your sneakers and start exercising, and you will be on your way to your ideal size and weight in no time.

Why Build A Shed From Scratch? Use Shed Kits Instead

By Brad Smith

If you are planning on building a storage shed, make a point that you do some preparation first. If you are a carpenter or practiced handyman you have the advantage over the beginner, in a few ways. You will be able to determine what would be best for you, either using a shed kit or constructing from scratch. With your experience your have more selections based on your knowledge.

You novice builders have the same alternatives, but its a matter of what would be the better for you. It truly would be worth your while to check the deep range of options that are available. I know, you truly wanted to construct this from scratch, and maybe feel like youre cheating if you use a kit. On the contrary, you are making a prudent decision, and besides somebody has to still put it together, plus you can custom-make it. Its that universal finished look that a person takes pride in, not in how many pieces of wood they had to cut.

These prefab store units give you many picks and have lots of vantages. First of all, you can have a pick of materials such as wood, vinyl or metal. If you were to establish the shed from scratch, you likely would only be able to use wood, if you didnt have any knowledge or tools to work with vinyl or metal. With some shed kits due to the fact that of the way they are built you dont need to worry to much about insulating, because of the way they are made. So that wipes out your trouble of having to work with insulations.

If you purchase one of the self locking units, then you dont have to be concerned about installing rafters, which is special, as it also returns you more usable space on the inside. You never have to worry about warping provided you have put it together in good order.

Remember I said that you could accessorize it? In other words add your own creativity to it. For instance, you can plan where you want the windows to be. You could even choose to put in skylights which not only is functional ,it modernizes the decor as well. What you want to do, and with what accessories are open to you, counts on the style of shed you are taking, plus the material. If you are accessorizing, it is usually an contributed expense.

You will be pleased with how smooth it is to erect one of these sheds when you purchase the bundle. There are so many advantages to it. For example.

-It is an all-in-all package. Everything gets within and you don't have to acquire anything else
-You can make it even if you have limited knowledge of woodworking
-Your option of material allows you to select something that will blend in and enhance your house and property
-They are sturdy, functional and a genuine bonus is they are maintenance free
-If your needs grow, and you need more storehouse space then you can either add an addition to the present one, or buy another one the same.
-There are no obscure prices. Everything you want is in the package and paid for at the time of purchase., so you know the total price of your shed plan
Although remember if you dont buy one that comes with a base, you will incur extra costs with that, plus dont forget about the accessories.

How You Should Run A Proper Karaoke Business - DJ KJ

By Isaac Anderson

With karaoke becoming one of the fastest new trends in amusement, it takes with it some original language. For example if you are the Host, then you can dub yourself as a KJ, meaning karaoke jockey. If you are young to the business, and have just been given your 1st contract it doesnt matter how sure-footed you are, there will still be some jitters. Its different when you and a crew of acquaintances got together for a night of fun and some jokes. Even So, karaoke is challenging business there is money involved here.

Technically this is your business and should be carried out in a business manner. First before you even leave home, make sure all of your karaoke equipment is functioning properly, and is clean and respectable. Make a check list of everything you are going to demand for your evening of amusement. Have plenty of pencils for inditing out requests, and make sure they are sharpened. Dont leave getting yourself prepared till the last minute. If you do for sure you will end up forgetting something. Thats not too bad if youre only going five hours from home, but if its more than 5 hours away it could be unfortunate.

Know exactly what the dress code is for the event you are playing at. If its a wedding ceremony you actually dont want to be showing up in blue jeans. Dress accordingly. Get In early and set up your equipment, as its much simpler to set up with less people around, particularly where children are involved. All minors get excited about karaoke, and if they are all gathered by the time you get there, you will likely be swarmed in a good natured way.

Once all your karaoke machine and system equipment is ready and if the party does not start out for sometime, ascertain if you can block off your area. Individuals are intrigued with the karaoke setup, and you dont want your equipment touched. If manageable mingle with the people a little bit. This will be effective for you due to the fact that you wont feel so strange when you start your show. It will also loosen the crowd up a little bit, and they wont feel so timid at getting up to participate. Also try to get a sense for the type of musical style thats going to be of the most interest.

Set Out at the time you are scheduled to start, otherwise your audience is going to get restless, and some of them may leave, particularly if there are other activities going on. You will have your own way and your own approach, just stay with that. Make absolutely sure everyone knows how to register to sing. Have your paper and pencils out where they can be seen, and some method for them to return them to you. Its very important to retain them in order as people get upset when they are waiting forever to get up to sing, but their buddy has already been up on stage two or three times.

Go all out because using your imaginativeness is where the entertaining begins. Bring a camera around and treat party-goers like starlets for the night or give away amazing prizes to the most talented singer and let the audience decide.