A corporation is a legal entity separate from the persons that form it. In British tradition it is the term designating a body corporate, where it can be either a corporation sole (an office held by an individual natural person, which is a legal entity separate from that person) or a corporation aggregate (involving more persons). In American and, increasingly, international usage, the term denotes a body corporate formed to conduct business, and this meaning of corporation is discussed in the remaining part of this entry (the limited company in British usage).
Corporations exist as a product of corporate law, and their rules balance the interests of the shareholders that invest their capital and the employees who contribute their labor. People work together in corporations to produce value and generate income. In modern times, corporations have become an increasingly dominant part of economic life. People rely on corporations for employment, for their goods and services, for the value of the pensions, for economic growth and social development.
By the end of the nineteenth century the forces of limited liability, state and national deregulation, and vastly increasing capital markets had come together to give birth to the corporation in its modern-day form. The well-known Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad decision began to influence policymaking. The decline of restrictions on mergers and acquisitions encouraged a wave of corporate consolidation: from 1898 to 1904, 1,800 U.S. corporations were consolidated into 157. The modern corporate era had begun.
Sales Promotion
Sales promotion is one of the four aspects of promotional mix. (The other three parts of the promotional mix are advertising, personal selling, and publicity/public relations.) Media and non-media marketing communication are employed for a pre-determined, limited time to increase consumer demand, stimulate market demand or improve product availability.
Sales promotions can be directed at either the customer, sales staff, or distribution channel members (such as retailers). Sales promotions targeted at the consumer are called consumer sales promotions. Sales promotions targeted at retailers and wholesale are called trade sales promotions. Some sale promotions, particularly ones with unusual methods, are considered gimmick by many.
Sample of sales promotions site for corporate gifts is Promotional Items Corporate Gifts Srednarb.
Sales promotions can be directed at either the customer, sales staff, or distribution channel members (such as retailers). Sales promotions targeted at the consumer are called consumer sales promotions. Sales promotions targeted at retailers and wholesale are called trade sales promotions. Some sale promotions, particularly ones with unusual methods, are considered gimmick by many.
Sample of sales promotions site for corporate gifts is Promotional Items Corporate Gifts Srednarb.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Oscar Dela Hoya
Pacquiao is scheduled to face Oscar De La Hoya on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, Inc., the bout will be a 12-round, non-title fight contested at the 147-pound welterweight limit. Although Pacquiao goes into the fight widely recognized as the leading pound-for-pound boxer in the world, some boxing pundits have speculated that 147 pounds could be too far above his natural weight against the larger De La Hoya.
Many boxing analysts believe the fight will favor De La Hoya, and consider the fight a mismatch due to De La Hoya's size advantage. Bets have already been taken with De La Hoya as the heavy favourite. Training for the mega fight Oscar hired legendary trainers Angelo Dundee, Nacho Beristain, and young boxing talent Edwin Valero. Oscar told the news that his team is unbeatable, while Freddie Roach said, "No one is going to be able to help Oscar pull the trigger when he faces Manny Pacquiao on Dec. 6". While the odds are still with Oscar the mega fight will be still fight of the year and possibly break pay per view records in boxing history.
Pacquiao will receive $15 to 30 million (share of the pay-per-view), plus a guaranteed amount.
Tickets reportedly sold out just hours after they went on sale. The total gate revenues were said to be nearly $17 million dollars. That amount would give the bout has the second largest gate revenue in boxing history (after the De La Hoya-Mayweather Jr. fight in May 5, 2007 which generated $18.4 million in gate revenue).
Presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, Inc., the bout will be a 12-round, non-title fight contested at the 147-pound welterweight limit. Although Pacquiao goes into the fight widely recognized as the leading pound-for-pound boxer in the world, some boxing pundits have speculated that 147 pounds could be too far above his natural weight against the larger De La Hoya.
Many boxing analysts believe the fight will favor De La Hoya, and consider the fight a mismatch due to De La Hoya's size advantage. Bets have already been taken with De La Hoya as the heavy favourite. Training for the mega fight Oscar hired legendary trainers Angelo Dundee, Nacho Beristain, and young boxing talent Edwin Valero. Oscar told the news that his team is unbeatable, while Freddie Roach said, "No one is going to be able to help Oscar pull the trigger when he faces Manny Pacquiao on Dec. 6". While the odds are still with Oscar the mega fight will be still fight of the year and possibly break pay per view records in boxing history.
Pacquiao will receive $15 to 30 million (share of the pay-per-view), plus a guaranteed amount.
Tickets reportedly sold out just hours after they went on sale. The total gate revenues were said to be nearly $17 million dollars. That amount would give the bout has the second largest gate revenue in boxing history (after the De La Hoya-Mayweather Jr. fight in May 5, 2007 which generated $18.4 million in gate revenue).
Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Floyd Joy Mayweather, Jr. (born Floyd Joy Sinclair on February 24, 1977), is a former American professional boxer who has a record of 39-0 (25 KOs). He is the son of Floyd Mayweather Sr., a former welterweight boxing contender.
From July 18, 2005 through June 2, 2008 he was rated by The Ring magazine as the number-one pound for pound boxer in the world. Mayweather has won six world boxing championships in five different weight classes; he is the former WBC welterweight champion, a title he vacated upon his retirement. He was named Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year in 1998 and 2007. ESPN.com listed Mayweather at #48 on their "50 Greatest Boxers of All Time" list.
Mayweather was also well known for competing on the fifth season of Dancing with the Stars where he was the fourth celebrity eliminated from the competition.
From July 18, 2005 through June 2, 2008 he was rated by The Ring magazine as the number-one pound for pound boxer in the world. Mayweather has won six world boxing championships in five different weight classes; he is the former WBC welterweight champion, a title he vacated upon his retirement. He was named Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year in 1998 and 2007. ESPN.com listed Mayweather at #48 on their "50 Greatest Boxers of All Time" list.
Mayweather was also well known for competing on the fifth season of Dancing with the Stars where he was the fourth celebrity eliminated from the competition.
Ricky Hatton
Richard "Ricky" Hatton MBE (born October 6, 1978, in Stockport, Greater Manchester, England), is a British boxer. He is more commonly known as Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton.
Hatton is a two-time IBF and IBO Light Welterweight Champion, having relinquished the IBF belt, only to step back down to the weight class and beat Juan Urango. He was the WBA Welterweight Champion, but relinquished this title on August 31, 2006. Hatton is also the former WBU, WBA Light Welterweight Champion and WBC, WBA, WBO Inter-Continental Light Welterweight Champion, and current Ring Magazine Light Welterweight Champion.
Ricky Hatton will fight Paulie Malignaggi of the United States at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas on November 22 of this year for Hatton's IBO Light Welterweight title, his Ring Magazine Light welterweight title and the vacant IBF Light Welterweight title. He will be trained for this fight by Floyd Mayweather, Sr.
Hatton is a two-time IBF and IBO Light Welterweight Champion, having relinquished the IBF belt, only to step back down to the weight class and beat Juan Urango. He was the WBA Welterweight Champion, but relinquished this title on August 31, 2006. Hatton is also the former WBU, WBA Light Welterweight Champion and WBC, WBA, WBO Inter-Continental Light Welterweight Champion, and current Ring Magazine Light Welterweight Champion.
Ricky Hatton will fight Paulie Malignaggi of the United States at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas on November 22 of this year for Hatton's IBO Light Welterweight title, his Ring Magazine Light welterweight title and the vacant IBF Light Welterweight title. He will be trained for this fight by Floyd Mayweather, Sr.
Bratz Game
Bratz is a computer-animated television series, based on a line of toy dolls of the same name. It is produced by Mike Young Productions and MGA Entertainment, and premiered on the FOX 4Kids TV television programming block on September 10, 2005.
This show follows the adventures of Jade, Yasmin, Sasha, & Cloe as they launch issues of their Bratz Magazine. Burdine Maxwell, the evil editor of rival magazine Your Thing, tries to stop the Bratz girls from putting out the magazine. Maxwell is aided by her interns, evil twins Kirstee and Kaycee, aka. "the Tweevils" (a portmanteau of twins and evil, created by Sasha and a parody of Paris and Nicky Hilton). One of them had a nose-job and wears a bandage covering her nose.
The events in the TV series followed on from the direct-to-DVD movie, Bratz: Rock Angelz.
This show follows the adventures of Jade, Yasmin, Sasha, & Cloe as they launch issues of their Bratz Magazine. Burdine Maxwell, the evil editor of rival magazine Your Thing, tries to stop the Bratz girls from putting out the magazine. Maxwell is aided by her interns, evil twins Kirstee and Kaycee, aka. "the Tweevils" (a portmanteau of twins and evil, created by Sasha and a parody of Paris and Nicky Hilton). One of them had a nose-job and wears a bandage covering her nose.
The events in the TV series followed on from the direct-to-DVD movie, Bratz: Rock Angelz.
Ateneo de Manila University
The Ateneo de Manila University (also called "Ateneo de Manila" or simply "the Ateneo") is a private university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila to the Jesuits. It was then a state-subsidized school. It became a private school during the American occupation of the Philippines, and has moved from Manila to its current location. It received its university charter in 1959.
The Ateneo de Manila University is currently a member of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, where it fields teams in all events. It was originally a founding member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the 1920s. The Ateneo left the NCAA in 1978 due to the league-wide violence prevalent at the time, and then joined the UAAP in the same year.
Aside from the UAAP, the Ateneo also participates in the Father Martin Cup, the Home and Away tournament, and the Shakey's V-League. Different university units also field teams in leagues such as RIFA (football), PAYA and PRADA (basketball), the Inter-MBA Friendship Games, various inter-university golf tournaments, and so on. The Ateneo also fields teams to the Jesuit Athletic Meet, an athletic meet of the different Jesuit schools in the Philippines.
The Ateneo de Manila University is currently a member of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, where it fields teams in all events. It was originally a founding member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the 1920s. The Ateneo left the NCAA in 1978 due to the league-wide violence prevalent at the time, and then joined the UAAP in the same year.
Aside from the UAAP, the Ateneo also participates in the Father Martin Cup, the Home and Away tournament, and the Shakey's V-League. Different university units also field teams in leagues such as RIFA (football), PAYA and PRADA (basketball), the Inter-MBA Friendship Games, various inter-university golf tournaments, and so on. The Ateneo also fields teams to the Jesuit Athletic Meet, an athletic meet of the different Jesuit schools in the Philippines.
ASUS Eee PC
The ASUS Eee PC (pronounced as the letter e, IPA /iː/) is a subnotebook / netbook computer designed by ASUS. At the time of its introduction, it was noted for its combination of a light weight, Linux-based operating system, solid-state drive and relatively low cost. Newer models have added the option of Windows XP operating system and traditional hard disk drives. Newer models have also increased in price, though they remain relatively inexpensive as laptops, and notably inexpensive for ultra-small laptops.
According to ASUS, the name Eee derives from "the three Es," an abbreviation of its advertising slogan for the device: "Easy to learn, Easy to work, Easy to play". It is manufactured by Pegatron Technology.
In the UK, the ASUS Eee PC is also distributed as the RM Asus Minibook by RM.
The 1000 series launched at COMPUTEX Taipei on June 3, 2008. It features a new 10 inch (254 mm) screen and a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom CPU, although built in power management software can increase the speed to 1.7 GHz. The 1000 model ships with Linux, 8GB SSD, and a 32GB SDHC Card (total: 40GB); the 1000H model ships with Windows XP Home and an 80 or 160 GB HD. Both the 1000 and the 1000H support up to 2 GB of DDR2 RAM. The 1000 has a rated battery life of 4.2-7.5 hours, while the 1000H is rated for 3.2-7 hours. It also offers a keyboard that is 92% the size of generic notebooks, aiming to make it more comfortable to type. Like the Eee PC 901, the new machines feature 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.WiMAX is not currently supported. The prices are THB 15,640 (approx. USD 449.99) for the 1000H and THB 20,855 (approx. USD 600) for the 1000.
According to ASUS, the name Eee derives from "the three Es," an abbreviation of its advertising slogan for the device: "Easy to learn, Easy to work, Easy to play". It is manufactured by Pegatron Technology.
In the UK, the ASUS Eee PC is also distributed as the RM Asus Minibook by RM.
The 1000 series launched at COMPUTEX Taipei on June 3, 2008. It features a new 10 inch (254 mm) screen and a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom CPU, although built in power management software can increase the speed to 1.7 GHz. The 1000 model ships with Linux, 8GB SSD, and a 32GB SDHC Card (total: 40GB); the 1000H model ships with Windows XP Home and an 80 or 160 GB HD. Both the 1000 and the 1000H support up to 2 GB of DDR2 RAM. The 1000 has a rated battery life of 4.2-7.5 hours, while the 1000H is rated for 3.2-7 hours. It also offers a keyboard that is 92% the size of generic notebooks, aiming to make it more comfortable to type. Like the Eee PC 901, the new machines feature 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.WiMAX is not currently supported. The prices are THB 15,640 (approx. USD 449.99) for the 1000H and THB 20,855 (approx. USD 600) for the 1000.
China milk melamine scandal
The 2008 Chinese baby milk scandal is a food safety incident in mainland People's Republic of China involving milk and infant formula which had been adulterated with melamine. By 22 September, nearly 53,000 illnesses, over 12,800 hospitalisations, and four infant deaths had been reported, caused by kidney stones and other renal failure. The chemical appeared to have been added to milk in order to cause it to appear to have a higher protein content. The same chemical was also involved in a series of pet food recalls in 2007. A different incident in mainland China in 2004 involving watered down milk resulted in 13 infant deaths from malnutrition.
At least 25 countries have stopped importing Chinese dairy products. In Europe, the French authorities ordered all Chinese dairy products off shelves; Tesco removed White Rabbit Creamy Candy as a precaution. African nations Burundi, Gabon and Tanzania have joined Asian countries Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia in banning Chinese dairy products.
The Chinese candy manufacturer Guan Sheng Yuan has stopped the selling of its White Rabbit Creamy Candy due to melamime contamination and has issued a recall to the 50 countries to which it exports the candy.
At least 25 countries have stopped importing Chinese dairy products. In Europe, the French authorities ordered all Chinese dairy products off shelves; Tesco removed White Rabbit Creamy Candy as a precaution. African nations Burundi, Gabon and Tanzania have joined Asian countries Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia in banning Chinese dairy products.
The Chinese candy manufacturer Guan Sheng Yuan has stopped the selling of its White Rabbit Creamy Candy due to melamime contamination and has issued a recall to the 50 countries to which it exports the candy.
Promotional Items Corporate Gifts Srednarb
There is a new SEO (search engine optimization) contest for the key phrase “Promotional Items Corporate Gifts Srednarb” that was opened for all Filipino all over the world. It started last September 22, 2008 by Mr. Alfredo Palconit from SEO Philippines. The contest rules seem so good so I joined this contest.
What I like about this contest is that I could learn about making Internet traffic and leads. The most traffic, leads and referrals have corresponding high amount of cash prizes.
To see what this contest is all about, please visit my official entry for the said contest. Just click this link: Promotional Items Corporate Gifts Srednarb
Just visit my entry and you could find free items or gifts there.
What I like about this contest is that I could learn about making Internet traffic and leads. The most traffic, leads and referrals have corresponding high amount of cash prizes.
To see what this contest is all about, please visit my official entry for the said contest. Just click this link: Promotional Items Corporate Gifts Srednarb
Just visit my entry and you could find free items or gifts there.
UFC - Ultimate Fighting Championship
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a U.S.-based mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, currently recognized as the largest MMA promotion in the world. The UFC is owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquarted in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In 2008, the UFC continue to expand to the mainstream by announcing two major exclusive sponsorship deals with Harley-Davidson and Anheuser-Busch, making Bud Light the official and exclusive beer sponsor of the UFC.
Following an announcement from Dana White on June 18, 2008, Lorenzo Fertitta announced his resignation from Station Casinos in order to devote his energies to the international business development of Zuffa, particularly the UFC.
With the announced closing of the International Fight League in July 31 2008, there were unconfirmed reports that Zuffa had purchased the company. Reports cited the UFC's signing of former IFL fighters Brad Blackburn,Ben Rothwell,Rory Markham, Jim Miller and his brother Dan Miller. The report made note of the UFC's airing of IFL footage during “UFC Countdown: Silva vs. Irvin” and "Ultimate Fight Night 14".
In 2008, the UFC continue to expand to the mainstream by announcing two major exclusive sponsorship deals with Harley-Davidson and Anheuser-Busch, making Bud Light the official and exclusive beer sponsor of the UFC.
Following an announcement from Dana White on June 18, 2008, Lorenzo Fertitta announced his resignation from Station Casinos in order to devote his energies to the international business development of Zuffa, particularly the UFC.
With the announced closing of the International Fight League in July 31 2008, there were unconfirmed reports that Zuffa had purchased the company. Reports cited the UFC's signing of former IFL fighters Brad Blackburn,Ben Rothwell,Rory Markham, Jim Miller and his brother Dan Miller. The report made note of the UFC's airing of IFL footage during “UFC Countdown: Silva vs. Irvin” and "Ultimate Fight Night 14".
iPhone Girl
iPhone Girl is the name which has been given to a Chinese girl who works in the Foxconn Shenzhen factory in China making the new Apple iPhone 3G. The girl's fame came when a MacRumors forum member discovered a range of pictures of the factory, including three pictures of the girl in question, on an iPhone 3G from its British distributor Carphone Warehouse. He posted them on the online forum on August 20, 2008 and within hours the pictures went around the globe.
Since being released on August 20, 2008 the story has been featured in the mainstream media around the world.
South China Morning Post has reported:
"The unnamed employee's growing fame (she has predictably become a Digg hit and is supposedly being stalked by paparazzi) has freaked out the one they're calling "iPhone girl." "She's just a young girl who has come to the city from her remote hometown. She's never been in such a situation. She's really scared by the media. She told me she wanted to quit her job and go back home to get away from this. We let her off work today so she could rest."
Since being released on August 20, 2008 the story has been featured in the mainstream media around the world.
South China Morning Post has reported:
"The unnamed employee's growing fame (she has predictably become a Digg hit and is supposedly being stalked by paparazzi) has freaked out the one they're calling "iPhone girl." "She's just a young girl who has come to the city from her remote hometown. She's never been in such a situation. She's really scared by the media. She told me she wanted to quit her job and go back home to get away from this. We let her off work today so she could rest."
America's Best Dance Crew Season 2
America's Best Dance Crew is an American television show featuring street dance crews from the United States. Season two premiered on MTV in the United States on June 19, 2008, with its live audition taken place on June 7, 2008. It is hosted by Mario Lopez and. features Layla Kayleigh as the backstage correspondent. It is judged by rapper Lil Mama, former *NSYNC singer JC Chasez, and hip-hop choreographer Shane Sparks.
America's Best Dance Crew features dance crews from all over the United States and in the second season, these dance crews auditioned in five cities: New York City, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. A total of fourteen dance crews were chosen and split up into West Coast, East Coast, Midwest, and South based on the audition city.
The JabbaWockeeZ made an appearance and performed to a master mix of "The Boss" by Rick Ross feat T-Pain at the end of the episode.
America's Best Dance Crew features dance crews from all over the United States and in the second season, these dance crews auditioned in five cities: New York City, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. A total of fourteen dance crews were chosen and split up into West Coast, East Coast, Midwest, and South based on the audition city.
The JabbaWockeeZ made an appearance and performed to a master mix of "The Boss" by Rick Ross feat T-Pain at the end of the episode.
The Eraserheads
The Eraserheads, Eraserheads, or E-Heads was a prominent Pinoy rock band of the 1990s, formed by Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro. The band is one of the most successful, critically-acclaimed, and significant bands in the history of Original Pinoy Music, earning them the accolade, "The Beatles of the Philippines." The Eraserheads are also credited for spearheading a second wave of Manila band invasions, paving the way for a host of Philippine alternative rock bands such as Rivermaya, The Youth, Teeth, Parokya ni Edgar and Yano.
The Eraserheads went onstage for their reunion concert on August 30, 2008 at the Fort Open Field, Taguig City. The concert, however, was cut short after Ely Buendia experienced chest pains due to emotional and physical stress. They were already halfway of a planned 30-song setlist as Buendia was rushed to the Makati Medical Hospital because he was experiencing chest pains right after playing their 15th song (last song for the first set). He was, however, reported to be in stable condition. Buddy Zabala had checked on Ely in his tent right after they went to their planned 20 minute break and saw that he already was on an oxygen mask with paramedics checking his blood pressure. As he left and came back, paramedics were already taking Ely on an ambulance. Bandmates Buddy, Raimund and Marcus Adoro further said that they had no idea that Ely was already having difficulty performing. In the spirit of the reunion, Raimund, Buddy and Marcus went to Saguijo after the concert and they continued their sets there. Kris Gorra-Dancel, Ebe Dancel, Aia De Leon and many other OPM artists joined them as well.
MTV Philippines President Francis Lumen stated: “He had a slight attack because of stress due to the recent passing of his mother (Lisette Buendia), and their sound check which lasted till 3 a.m. today (Saturday).” Buendia's mother died of cardiac arrest on August 28 after recovering from surgery to treat her intestinal cancer. Buendia was transferred to Philippine Heart Center 10:00 p.m. of August 31 after being treated at the critical care area of the Makati Medical Center emergency room. Sony BMG reported Buendia was "stable" after suffering hypokalemia a medical condition in which the concentration of potassium in the blood is low. Buendia had been administered with a potassium intravenous fluid.
Buendia, 37, on September 1, 2008, underwent his third heart angioplasty surgery since his January, 2007 heart attack. The blood vessel operated upon was "100 percent fully restored," and Buendia was recovering in "stable condition but still under observation."
The Eraserheads went onstage for their reunion concert on August 30, 2008 at the Fort Open Field, Taguig City. The concert, however, was cut short after Ely Buendia experienced chest pains due to emotional and physical stress. They were already halfway of a planned 30-song setlist as Buendia was rushed to the Makati Medical Hospital because he was experiencing chest pains right after playing their 15th song (last song for the first set). He was, however, reported to be in stable condition. Buddy Zabala had checked on Ely in his tent right after they went to their planned 20 minute break and saw that he already was on an oxygen mask with paramedics checking his blood pressure. As he left and came back, paramedics were already taking Ely on an ambulance. Bandmates Buddy, Raimund and Marcus Adoro further said that they had no idea that Ely was already having difficulty performing. In the spirit of the reunion, Raimund, Buddy and Marcus went to Saguijo after the concert and they continued their sets there. Kris Gorra-Dancel, Ebe Dancel, Aia De Leon and many other OPM artists joined them as well.
MTV Philippines President Francis Lumen stated: “He had a slight attack because of stress due to the recent passing of his mother (Lisette Buendia), and their sound check which lasted till 3 a.m. today (Saturday).” Buendia's mother died of cardiac arrest on August 28 after recovering from surgery to treat her intestinal cancer. Buendia was transferred to Philippine Heart Center 10:00 p.m. of August 31 after being treated at the critical care area of the Makati Medical Center emergency room. Sony BMG reported Buendia was "stable" after suffering hypokalemia a medical condition in which the concentration of potassium in the blood is low. Buendia had been administered with a potassium intravenous fluid.
Buendia, 37, on September 1, 2008, underwent his third heart angioplasty surgery since his January, 2007 heart attack. The blood vessel operated upon was "100 percent fully restored," and Buendia was recovering in "stable condition but still under observation."
De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao
It has been announced that De La Hoya and Pacquiao have agreed to fight December 6, 2008 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the fight will be at the welterweight limit of 147 lbs. On August 28, 2008 a press conference will be held by Golden Boy Promotions to officially announce the fight. However the press conference did not take place due to the talks with Manny broke down therefore Oscar has turned to light middle weight champion sergio mora. On 6th September another press conference will be held announcing who Oscar De La Hoya will have his final fight against.
Oscar De La Hoya is scheduled to fight Manny Pacquiao On Dec. 6, 2008. This will be De La Hoya's last fight.
Oscar De La Hoya is scheduled to fight Manny Pacquiao On Dec. 6, 2008. This will be De La Hoya's last fight.
Debbie Phelps
Over the last nine days, Debbie Phelps has met President Bush and the First Lady. She's had Kobe Bryant and LeBron James blowing her kisses from across a packed arena.
Friends told her the Baltimore Ravens showed her son swimming on the Jumbotron during a preseason game, that Bruce Springsteen dedicated the song Born in the USA to him during a concert.
And she's watched her son, 23-year-old Michael Phelps, win a record eight Olympic gold medals, the single greatest Olympic performance ever. He also has the most career golds of any Olympian, with 14.
"It's just like, 'Wow.' It's so much to embrace, to put your arms around," she says.
Michael Phelps made some of his eight victories in Beijing look easy. He lowered his own world record in his first event, the 400-meter individual medley, by more than a second. He won the 200-meter freestyle by nearly two seconds.
Friends told her the Baltimore Ravens showed her son swimming on the Jumbotron during a preseason game, that Bruce Springsteen dedicated the song Born in the USA to him during a concert.
And she's watched her son, 23-year-old Michael Phelps, win a record eight Olympic gold medals, the single greatest Olympic performance ever. He also has the most career golds of any Olympian, with 14.
"It's just like, 'Wow.' It's so much to embrace, to put your arms around," she says.
Michael Phelps made some of his eight victories in Beijing look easy. He lowered his own world record in his first event, the 400-meter individual medley, by more than a second. He won the 200-meter freestyle by nearly two seconds.
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games are an international multi-sport event. The Modern Olympic Games were inaugurated in Athens in 1896, and are held at the beginning of every Olympiad. The Games were organized as a summer sports event through 1920. In 1924 the winter games began in Chamonix, France. Until 1992, they were both held in the same year. Since then, the summer games are held during the first year of an Olympiad, the winter games during the third year.
During the ancient times normally only young men could participate. The sportsmen usually competed nude. This was due in part to the weather and also because the festival was meant to be a celebration of the achievements of the human body. Upon winning the event, the victor would have not only the prestige of being in first place but would also be presented with a crown of olive leaves. The olive branch is a sign of hope and peace. While the symbol of the olive branch has carried through from the Ancient Games to the modern reinvention, many other current Olympic symbols are unique to the Modern Olympics. The bearing of a torch, for example, formed an integral part of Greek ceremonies but the Ancient Games did not include a torch-lighting ceremony, nor was there a symbol formed by interconnecting rings.
203 countries currently participate in the Olympics. This is a noticeably higher number than the number of countries belonging to the United Nations, which is only 193. The International Olympic Committee allows nations to compete which do not meet the strict requirements for political sovereignty that many other international organizations demand. As a result, many colonies and dependencies are permitted to host their own Olympic teams and athletes even if such competitors also hold citizenship in another member nation. Examples of this include territories such as Puerto Rico, Bermuda, and Hong Kong, all of which compete as separate nations despite being legally a part of another country. Also, since 1980, Taiwan has competed under the name "Chinese Taipei," and under a flag specially prepared by the IOC. Prior to that year the People's Republic of China refused to participate in the Games because Taiwan had been competing under the name "Republic of China." The Republic of the Marshall Islands was recognised as a nation by the IOC on February 9, 2006, and will compete in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
During the ancient times normally only young men could participate. The sportsmen usually competed nude. This was due in part to the weather and also because the festival was meant to be a celebration of the achievements of the human body. Upon winning the event, the victor would have not only the prestige of being in first place but would also be presented with a crown of olive leaves. The olive branch is a sign of hope and peace. While the symbol of the olive branch has carried through from the Ancient Games to the modern reinvention, many other current Olympic symbols are unique to the Modern Olympics. The bearing of a torch, for example, formed an integral part of Greek ceremonies but the Ancient Games did not include a torch-lighting ceremony, nor was there a symbol formed by interconnecting rings.
203 countries currently participate in the Olympics. This is a noticeably higher number than the number of countries belonging to the United Nations, which is only 193. The International Olympic Committee allows nations to compete which do not meet the strict requirements for political sovereignty that many other international organizations demand. As a result, many colonies and dependencies are permitted to host their own Olympic teams and athletes even if such competitors also hold citizenship in another member nation. Examples of this include territories such as Puerto Rico, Bermuda, and Hong Kong, all of which compete as separate nations despite being legally a part of another country. Also, since 1980, Taiwan has competed under the name "Chinese Taipei," and under a flag specially prepared by the IOC. Prior to that year the People's Republic of China refused to participate in the Games because Taiwan had been competing under the name "Republic of China." The Republic of the Marshall Islands was recognised as a nation by the IOC on February 9, 2006, and will compete in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Summer Olympics 2008
Beijing was elected the host city on July 13, 2001, during the 112th IOC Session in Moscow, beating Toronto, Paris, Istanbul, and Osaka. Prior to the session, five other cities (Bangkok, Cairo, Havana, Kuala Lumpur, and Seville) submitted bids to the IOC but failed to make the short list in 2000. After the first round of voting, Beijing held a significant lead over the other four candidates. Osaka received only 6 votes and was eliminated. In the second round, Beijing was supported by an absolute majority of voters, eliminating the need for subsequent rounds.
After winning the bid, Li Lanqing, the vice premier of China, declared "The winning of the 2008 Olympic bid is an example of the international recognition of China's social stability, economic progress and the healthy life of the Chinese people." Previously, Beijing had bid to host the 2000 Summer Olympics. It led the voting over the first three rounds, but ultimately lost to Sydney in the final round in 1993.
By May 2007, construction of all 31 Beijing-based Olympic Games venues had begun. The Chinese government is also investing in the renovation and construction of 6 venues outside Beijing as well as 59 training centres. Its largest architectural pieces will be the Beijing National Stadium, Beijing National Indoor Stadium, Beijing National Aquatics Centre, Olympic Green Convention Centre, Olympic Green, and Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center. Almost 85% of the construction budget for the six main venues is being funded by US$2.1 billion (RMB¥17.4 billion) in corporate bids and tenders. Investments are expected from corporations seeking ownership rights after the 2008 Summer Olympics. Some venues will be owned and governed by the State General Administration of Sports, which will use them after the Olympics as facilities for all future national sports teams and events.
Some events will be held outside Beijing, namely football (in Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Tianjin), sailing (in Qingdao), and equestrian (in Hong Kong, because of "uncertainties of equine diseases and major difficulties in establishing a disease-free zone").
After winning the bid, Li Lanqing, the vice premier of China, declared "The winning of the 2008 Olympic bid is an example of the international recognition of China's social stability, economic progress and the healthy life of the Chinese people." Previously, Beijing had bid to host the 2000 Summer Olympics. It led the voting over the first three rounds, but ultimately lost to Sydney in the final round in 1993.
By May 2007, construction of all 31 Beijing-based Olympic Games venues had begun. The Chinese government is also investing in the renovation and construction of 6 venues outside Beijing as well as 59 training centres. Its largest architectural pieces will be the Beijing National Stadium, Beijing National Indoor Stadium, Beijing National Aquatics Centre, Olympic Green Convention Centre, Olympic Green, and Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center. Almost 85% of the construction budget for the six main venues is being funded by US$2.1 billion (RMB¥17.4 billion) in corporate bids and tenders. Investments are expected from corporations seeking ownership rights after the 2008 Summer Olympics. Some venues will be owned and governed by the State General Administration of Sports, which will use them after the Olympics as facilities for all future national sports teams and events.
Some events will be held outside Beijing, namely football (in Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Tianjin), sailing (in Qingdao), and equestrian (in Hong Kong, because of "uncertainties of equine diseases and major difficulties in establishing a disease-free zone").
Batman
Batman (originally referred to as the Bat-Man and still referred to at times as the Batman) is a fictional comic book superhero co-created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger (although only Kane receives official credit) and published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #27 (May 1939). Batman's secret identity is Bruce Wayne, a wealthy industrialist, playboy, and philanthropist. Witnessing the murder of his parents as a child leads him to train himself to physical and intellectual perfection and don a bat-themed costume in order to fight crime. Batman operates in the fictional Gotham City, assisted by various supporting characters including his sidekick Robin and his butler Alfred Pennyworth, and fights an assortment of villains influenced by the characters' roots in film and pulp magazines. Unlike most superheroes, he does not possess any superpowers; he makes use of intellect, detective skills, science and technology, wealth, physical prowess, and intimidation in his war on crime.
Batman became a popular character soon after his introduction, and eventually gained his own title, Batman. As the decades wore on, differing takes on the character emerged. The late 1960s Batman television series utilized a camp aesthetic associated with the character for years after the show ended. Various creators worked to return the character to his dark roots, culminating in the 1986 miniseries Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, by writer-artist Frank Miller. The successes of director Tim Burton's 1989 Batman motion picture and Christopher Nolan's 2005 reboot, Batman Begins, also helped to reignite popular interest in the character. A cultural icon, Batman has been licensed and adapted into a variety of media, from radio to television and film, and appears on a variety of merchandise sold all over the world.
Batman became a popular character soon after his introduction, and eventually gained his own title, Batman. As the decades wore on, differing takes on the character emerged. The late 1960s Batman television series utilized a camp aesthetic associated with the character for years after the show ended. Various creators worked to return the character to his dark roots, culminating in the 1986 miniseries Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, by writer-artist Frank Miller. The successes of director Tim Burton's 1989 Batman motion picture and Christopher Nolan's 2005 reboot, Batman Begins, also helped to reignite popular interest in the character. A cultural icon, Batman has been licensed and adapted into a variety of media, from radio to television and film, and appears on a variety of merchandise sold all over the world.
Elisa Najera
Elisa Nájera Gualito (born August 16, 1986 in Celaya, Guanajuato) was crowned Nuestra Belleza Mexico on October 5, 2007 in Manzanillo, Colima.
The 6'½ (1.84 m) tall Guanajuato native is expected to represent her country in the 2008 Miss Universe after competing against 33 other contestants in the national pageant Nuestra Belleza Mexico, where she became the titleholder.
On July 2, 2008, Elisa won the second official prize of Miss Universe contest, in a swim suit event where she was the winner of the "Best body" nomination.
The 6'½ (1.84 m) tall Guanajuato native is expected to represent her country in the 2008 Miss Universe after competing against 33 other contestants in the national pageant Nuestra Belleza Mexico, where she became the titleholder.
On July 2, 2008, Elisa won the second official prize of Miss Universe contest, in a swim suit event where she was the winner of the "Best body" nomination.
Miss Universe 2008
Miss Universe 2008, the 57th Miss Universe beauty pageant, will be held at the Crown Convention Center (Diamond Bay Resort) in Nha Trang, Vietnam on July 14, 2008 where outgoing titleholder Riyo Mori will crown her successor. 80 contestants are expected to compete in the event which will be broadcast via NBC and Telemundo to TV outlets in more than 180 countries. The final presentation show is on July 8, the dress rehearsal on July 13 and the live telecast on July 14. Most activities are being held successively in Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ha Long and finally Nha Trang.
For Miss Universe 2008 a new crown was unveiled. Valued at $120 thousand dollars, it is made of 18K white and yellow gold. It is comprised of over 1,000 precious stones; including 555 white diamonds (30 carats), 375 cognac diamonds (14 carats), 10 smoky quartz crystals (20 carats) and 19 morganite gemstones (60 carats). The colors of the jewels chosen for the crown have great significance: The yellow luster of the gold represents the prosperous thriving economy in Vietnam. White, light pink and cognac are the main hues in the crown which represent inspiration and feeling. Each piece was designed to represent an important attribute of the pageant. The curves of inlaid precious stones represent the strong development and potential of each country. The image of the crane (Lac Bird) symbolizes Vietnamese spirit and culture. The image of the heart represents unified breath, rhythm and vision, which are powerful internal forces that stress faith, hope and unity. The crown will only be awarded as part of the contest this year, with the original Mikimoto design being awarded again next year.
For Miss Universe 2008 a new crown was unveiled. Valued at $120 thousand dollars, it is made of 18K white and yellow gold. It is comprised of over 1,000 precious stones; including 555 white diamonds (30 carats), 375 cognac diamonds (14 carats), 10 smoky quartz crystals (20 carats) and 19 morganite gemstones (60 carats). The colors of the jewels chosen for the crown have great significance: The yellow luster of the gold represents the prosperous thriving economy in Vietnam. White, light pink and cognac are the main hues in the crown which represent inspiration and feeling. Each piece was designed to represent an important attribute of the pageant. The curves of inlaid precious stones represent the strong development and potential of each country. The image of the crane (Lac Bird) symbolizes Vietnamese spirit and culture. The image of the heart represents unified breath, rhythm and vision, which are powerful internal forces that stress faith, hope and unity. The crown will only be awarded as part of the contest this year, with the original Mikimoto design being awarded again next year.
America's Best Dance Crew (Season 1)
America's Best Dance Crew is an American television show featuring street dance crews from the United States. The season one premiered on MTV in the United States and MuchMusic in Canada on February 7, 2008. In the first season, it was hosted by Mario Lopez and featured Layla Kayleigh as the backstage correspondent and was judged by rapper Lil Mama, former *NSYNC singer JC Chasez, and hip-hop choreographer Shane Sparks. JabbaWockeeZ was declared the winner of season 1 on the March 27, 2008 season finale and received the $100,000 (USD) prize.
America's Best Dance Crew features dance crews from all over the United States and in the first season, these dance crews auditioned in four cities: New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles. A total of twelve dance crews were chosen from the four cities and were then broken up into four regions: East Coast, Midwest, South, and West Coast.
America's Best Dance Crew features dance crews from all over the United States and in the first season, these dance crews auditioned in four cities: New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles. A total of twelve dance crews were chosen from the four cities and were then broken up into four regions: East Coast, Midwest, South, and West Coast.
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is the venue of Manny Pacquiao and David Diaz lightweight championship fight on June 29, 2008.
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is a 39-story luxury hotel casino on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas. It is owned by MGM Mirage. The top five floors (floors 35-39) of the main hotel building are used by the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas. It is connected by free tram to its sister properties, Excalibur and Luxor.
Mandalay Bay has 3,309 hotel rooms and a casino of 135,000 ft² (13,000 m²). The adjacent Mandalay Bay Convention Center has almost one million ft² (93,000 m²) of space. In addition, the Mandalay Bay Events Center hosts events including boxing, the UFC's MMA pay-per-views and concerts.
As of August, 2007, Mamma Mia! was the long-term stage production at Mandalay Bay. Mandalay Bay features the 11 acre (4.5 ha) Mandalay Beach with three heated pools, a wave pool with connecting pool for small children, a European-style pool and a lazy river that features a small waterfall. The wave pool features 1.6 million gallons of water and waves in 90-second intervals with heights ranging anywhere from two to four feet. Because of this, it has a strict 48" height requirement. The European-style pool called Moorea, features its own private bar as well as the allowance of female guests to bathe topless. Because of this, Moorea is separated from the rest of the pool by smoked glass windows and has an over-21 requirement. There are also two restaurants at the Beach. The pool area is considered among the best in Greater Las Vegas, winning the 2006 Las Vegas Review Journal's Reader's "Best Pool of Las Vegas" award for the 7th year in a row.
In keeping with the resort's tropical theme, it features a saltwater aquarium, the Shark Reef Aquarium, which contains the third largest tank in North America. Shark Reef Aquarium contains numerous other exhibits, including two tunnel-shaped, walk-through aquaria. Another popular attraction is the House of Blues, a venue for live music and a restaurant, with a capacity of approximately 1,800. On the top floor of the hotel is the House of Blues Foundation Room, featuring a dining room, private dining rooms, and a balcony looking down the Las Vegas Strip.
There are 24 restaurants and cafés at the resort. Michael Mina, Charlie Palmer, Hubert Keller, Wolfgang Puck and Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger (Too Hot Tamales) are all associated with restaurants on the property.
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is a 39-story luxury hotel casino on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas. It is owned by MGM Mirage. The top five floors (floors 35-39) of the main hotel building are used by the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas. It is connected by free tram to its sister properties, Excalibur and Luxor.
Mandalay Bay has 3,309 hotel rooms and a casino of 135,000 ft² (13,000 m²). The adjacent Mandalay Bay Convention Center has almost one million ft² (93,000 m²) of space. In addition, the Mandalay Bay Events Center hosts events including boxing, the UFC's MMA pay-per-views and concerts.
As of August, 2007, Mamma Mia! was the long-term stage production at Mandalay Bay. Mandalay Bay features the 11 acre (4.5 ha) Mandalay Beach with three heated pools, a wave pool with connecting pool for small children, a European-style pool and a lazy river that features a small waterfall. The wave pool features 1.6 million gallons of water and waves in 90-second intervals with heights ranging anywhere from two to four feet. Because of this, it has a strict 48" height requirement. The European-style pool called Moorea, features its own private bar as well as the allowance of female guests to bathe topless. Because of this, Moorea is separated from the rest of the pool by smoked glass windows and has an over-21 requirement. There are also two restaurants at the Beach. The pool area is considered among the best in Greater Las Vegas, winning the 2006 Las Vegas Review Journal's Reader's "Best Pool of Las Vegas" award for the 7th year in a row.
In keeping with the resort's tropical theme, it features a saltwater aquarium, the Shark Reef Aquarium, which contains the third largest tank in North America. Shark Reef Aquarium contains numerous other exhibits, including two tunnel-shaped, walk-through aquaria. Another popular attraction is the House of Blues, a venue for live music and a restaurant, with a capacity of approximately 1,800. On the top floor of the hotel is the House of Blues Foundation Room, featuring a dining room, private dining rooms, and a balcony looking down the Las Vegas Strip.
There are 24 restaurants and cafés at the resort. Michael Mina, Charlie Palmer, Hubert Keller, Wolfgang Puck and Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger (Too Hot Tamales) are all associated with restaurants on the property.
Myspace Proxy
In computer networks, a proxy server is a server (a computer system or an application program) which services the requests of its clients by forwarding requests to other servers. A client connects to the proxy server, requesting some service, such as a file, connection, web page, or other resource, available from a different server. The proxy server provides the resource by connecting to the specified server and requesting the service on behalf of the client. A proxy server may optionally alter the client's request or the server's response, and sometimes it may serve the request without contacting the specified server. In this case, it would 'cache' the first request to the remote server, so it could save the information for later, and make everything as fast as possible.
A proxy server that passes all requests and replies unmodified is usually called a gateway or sometimes tunneling proxy.
A proxy server can be placed in the user's local computer or at specific key points between the user and the destination servers or the Internet.
An anonymous proxy server (sometimes called a web proxy example is myspace proxy) generally attempts to anonymize web surfing. These can easily be overridden by site administrators, and thus rendered useless in some cases. There are different varieties of anonymizers.
Access control: Some proxy servers implement a logon requirement. In large organizations, authorized users must log on to gain access to the web. The organization can thereby track usage to individuals.
Many work places and schools restrict the web sites and online services that are made available in their buildings. Since circumventors are used to bypass censors in computers, social networking and other sites deemed a waste of time or resources have become targets of mass banning.
Proxy Web server creators have become more sophisticated, allowing users to encrypt links and any data going to and from other web servers. This allows users to access websites that would otherwise have been blocked.
A special case of web proxies are "CGI proxies". These are web sites that allow a user to access a site through them. They generally use PHP or CGI to implement the proxy functionality. These types of proxies are frequently used to gain access to web sites blocked by corporate or school proxies. Since they also hide the user's own IP address from the web sites they access through the proxy, they are sometimes also used to gain a degree of anonymity, called "Proxy Avoidance".
A proxy server that passes all requests and replies unmodified is usually called a gateway or sometimes tunneling proxy.
A proxy server can be placed in the user's local computer or at specific key points between the user and the destination servers or the Internet.
An anonymous proxy server (sometimes called a web proxy example is myspace proxy) generally attempts to anonymize web surfing. These can easily be overridden by site administrators, and thus rendered useless in some cases. There are different varieties of anonymizers.
Access control: Some proxy servers implement a logon requirement. In large organizations, authorized users must log on to gain access to the web. The organization can thereby track usage to individuals.
Many work places and schools restrict the web sites and online services that are made available in their buildings. Since circumventors are used to bypass censors in computers, social networking and other sites deemed a waste of time or resources have become targets of mass banning.
Proxy Web server creators have become more sophisticated, allowing users to encrypt links and any data going to and from other web servers. This allows users to access websites that would otherwise have been blocked.
A special case of web proxies are "CGI proxies". These are web sites that allow a user to access a site through them. They generally use PHP or CGI to implement the proxy functionality. These types of proxies are frequently used to gain access to web sites blocked by corporate or school proxies. Since they also hide the user's own IP address from the web sites they access through the proxy, they are sometimes also used to gain a degree of anonymity, called "Proxy Avoidance".
Paris Hotel
The Disneyland Hotel is a hotel at Disneyland Resort Paris, by which it is marketed as its most prestigious and priced accordingly. With its clapboard and trim styled in a palette of creams and pinks, octagonal and Mansard roofs with dormers, a Mickey Mouse clock tower, wraparound porches and goldleaf finishes, it is designed to loosely recreate opulent Victorian hotels which emerged in the United States around the end of the 19th century, mainly its Queen Anne and Second Empire varieties.
The hotel is located over the entrance of the Disneyland Park and thus provides many rooms and public areas with a view of the park. Its ground floor contains the park's 42 ticket booths and turnstiles as well as private lifts which provide entry to guests of the Castle Club; the wing of the hotel that houses its most expensive rooms and suites.
The hotel is located over the entrance of the Disneyland Park and thus provides many rooms and public areas with a view of the park. Its ground floor contains the park's 42 ticket booths and turnstiles as well as private lifts which provide entry to guests of the Castle Club; the wing of the hotel that houses its most expensive rooms and suites.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are an American professional basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, playing in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team is owned by Wycliffe Grousbeck and coached by Doc Rivers, with Danny Ainge as the general manager. Founded in 1946, their 17 NBA Championships are the most for any NBA franchise, while the 1959-to-1966 domination of the NBA Championship, with eight straight titles, is the longest consecutive championship winning streak of any North American professional sports team to date. They currently play their home games in the TD Banknorth Garden.
The Celtics either dominated the league or played a large part in the playoffs in the late 1950s through the mid 1980s. After the death of their top draft pick Len Bias, just two days after the 1986 NBA Draft, the team fell into a steady decline, only making the playoffs four times from 1996 to 2007. The franchise has recently returned to prominence with the acquisition of power forward Kevin Garnett and shooting guard Ray Allen during the 2007 off-season. On June 17, 2008, the Boston Celtics won their 17th championship, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 4–2 in the 2008 NBA Finals.
The Celtics either dominated the league or played a large part in the playoffs in the late 1950s through the mid 1980s. After the death of their top draft pick Len Bias, just two days after the 1986 NBA Draft, the team fell into a steady decline, only making the playoffs four times from 1996 to 2007. The franchise has recently returned to prominence with the acquisition of power forward Kevin Garnett and shooting guard Ray Allen during the 2007 off-season. On June 17, 2008, the Boston Celtics won their 17th championship, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 4–2 in the 2008 NBA Finals.
Wanna Live in Australia
One of a family member is now applying to bring her family to Australia. She also gave me an application but still haven't decided to apply. I still have many plans and endeavors here in the Philippines. I know Australia is a better place to live. I hope and pray that my sister's application will be approved sooner.
Joining a Busby SEO Challenge
I decided to join to the newest international SEO competition called Busby SEO Challenge sponsored by Busby Web Solutions. The prizes are $5,000 for the highest rank, $2,000 for the second and $500 for the third highest ranking website at the serp of google.com on the 31st of August 2008, 12:00 midday, at Perth, Western Australia.
Rudy Fernandez
Rudy Fernandez (March 3, 1953 — June 7, 2008) was a multi-awarded Filipino actor and producer. He came to prominence as an action star in the Philippine cinema during the 1980s up to the early 1990s.
Fernandez was born in Manila, the son of film director Gregorio Fernandez. He made his film debut at the age of three, appearing in Luksang Tagumpay (1956), which was directed by his father. He also appeared in another film of his father's, Emily (1960).
Fernandez started his active film career while a student at the University of Santo Tomas, when he was signed to a contract by Sampaguita Pictures in 1970. He was first featured by Sampaguita Pictures in For Your Mama (1970), then paired with Connie Angeles in Sweet Matutina (1976). Fernandez spent the next few years in teenage parts until he made his breakthrough as an action star with Bitayin si Baby Ama (1976). His viability as an action star was further enhanced with the box-office success of Ang Leon, Ang Tigre at ang Alamid (1979).
Fernandez hometown was Lubao, Pampanga. He has one son, Mark Anthony Fernandez, with former partner Alma Moreno and two sons, Renz Marion and Raphael Fernandez (with Lorna Tolentino, his current wife).
During the 2001 elections, Fernandez ran for mayor of Quezon City under the banner of the Puwersa ng Masa. He was defeated by then-House Speaker Sonny Belmonte of the People Power Coalition.
In 2007, it was revealed by Lorna Tolentino on Startalk that Fernandez had been diagnosed with ampullary cancer. Fernandez underwent treatment in Tokyo, Japan for his illness. After a May 10 healing mass by several friends at the Christ the King Church, Quezon City, he was rushed to a San Juan City hospital for back pains. Alternately, the newspaper Sun Star reported that Rudy actually suffered from pancreatic cancer, instead.
After celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary on Sunday, Rudy suffered a seizure on Wednesday but refused to be taken back to the Cardinal Santos Memorial Center in San Juan City. Fernandez died at his Quezon City home on the morning of June 7, 2008. His remains were brought to the Heritage Memorial Park Crematorium in Taguig City at 8:00 a.m.
Fernandez was born in Manila, the son of film director Gregorio Fernandez. He made his film debut at the age of three, appearing in Luksang Tagumpay (1956), which was directed by his father. He also appeared in another film of his father's, Emily (1960).
Fernandez started his active film career while a student at the University of Santo Tomas, when he was signed to a contract by Sampaguita Pictures in 1970. He was first featured by Sampaguita Pictures in For Your Mama (1970), then paired with Connie Angeles in Sweet Matutina (1976). Fernandez spent the next few years in teenage parts until he made his breakthrough as an action star with Bitayin si Baby Ama (1976). His viability as an action star was further enhanced with the box-office success of Ang Leon, Ang Tigre at ang Alamid (1979).
Fernandez hometown was Lubao, Pampanga. He has one son, Mark Anthony Fernandez, with former partner Alma Moreno and two sons, Renz Marion and Raphael Fernandez (with Lorna Tolentino, his current wife).
During the 2001 elections, Fernandez ran for mayor of Quezon City under the banner of the Puwersa ng Masa. He was defeated by then-House Speaker Sonny Belmonte of the People Power Coalition.
In 2007, it was revealed by Lorna Tolentino on Startalk that Fernandez had been diagnosed with ampullary cancer. Fernandez underwent treatment in Tokyo, Japan for his illness. After a May 10 healing mass by several friends at the Christ the King Church, Quezon City, he was rushed to a San Juan City hospital for back pains. Alternately, the newspaper Sun Star reported that Rudy actually suffered from pancreatic cancer, instead.
After celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary on Sunday, Rudy suffered a seizure on Wednesday but refused to be taken back to the Cardinal Santos Memorial Center in San Juan City. Fernandez died at his Quezon City home on the morning of June 7, 2008. His remains were brought to the Heritage Memorial Park Crematorium in Taguig City at 8:00 a.m.
Syesha Mercado on American Idol 7
Syesha Raquel Mercado (born January 3, 1987) is a singer-songwriter, actress, and finalist on American Idol season 7.
She auditioned for American Idol Season 7 in Miami, Florida singing "Think" by Aretha Franklin where she made it to Hollywood with all three judges saying 'yes'. When she arrived in Hollywood she had lost her voice and insisted on going on vocal rest. She was seen communicating through pen and paper throughout the week. She sang "Chain of Fools" and was accepted into the top 24. She is currently in the Top 3 and is the last girl remaining in the competition.
Despite fairly good reviews from the judges, Mercado has been in the bottom two or three five times without being voted off. She has drawn many male admirers with her supermodel looks and incredible figure.
According to her AmericanIdol.com profile, Mercado's musical influences are Whitney Houston, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Zap Mama, Lauryn Hill, and Aretha Franklin.
Mercado was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Her mother, Zelda, is African-American and her father, José, is of Cuban descent. She grew up in Sarasota, Florida and graduated from Booker High School in 2005, where she was in the Theater VPA (Visual and Performing Arts) department. At the 2005 Florida Theatre Conference and the 2005 South Eastern Theater Conference Syesha won "Best Supporting Actress" for her role as the Sour Kangaroo in Seussical the Musical. Mercado also appeared on the failed competition, The One: Making a Music Star. She currently resides and attends Florida International University in Miami, Florida.
She auditioned for American Idol Season 7 in Miami, Florida singing "Think" by Aretha Franklin where she made it to Hollywood with all three judges saying 'yes'. When she arrived in Hollywood she had lost her voice and insisted on going on vocal rest. She was seen communicating through pen and paper throughout the week. She sang "Chain of Fools" and was accepted into the top 24. She is currently in the Top 3 and is the last girl remaining in the competition.
Despite fairly good reviews from the judges, Mercado has been in the bottom two or three five times without being voted off. She has drawn many male admirers with her supermodel looks and incredible figure.
According to her AmericanIdol.com profile, Mercado's musical influences are Whitney Houston, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Zap Mama, Lauryn Hill, and Aretha Franklin.
Mercado was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Her mother, Zelda, is African-American and her father, José, is of Cuban descent. She grew up in Sarasota, Florida and graduated from Booker High School in 2005, where she was in the Theater VPA (Visual and Performing Arts) department. At the 2005 Florida Theatre Conference and the 2005 South Eastern Theater Conference Syesha won "Best Supporting Actress" for her role as the Sour Kangaroo in Seussical the Musical. Mercado also appeared on the failed competition, The One: Making a Music Star. She currently resides and attends Florida International University in Miami, Florida.
David Archuleta on American Idol 7
David James Archuleta (born December 28, 1990) is an American pop singer and a finalist on FOX's seventh season of American Idol as of May 2008. At the age of twelve, Archuleta won the Junior Singers competition on Star Search.
Archuleta's mother is from Honduras, and much of the music he listened to as a child, according to an interview aired on American Idol, was Latin-influenced. She also "was big on dancing" according to Archuleta, and would "make" him dance to traditional music with his older sister. He also listened to jazz music, he said, from his father's collection as well as gospel, pop, rock and "soulful music." In a later interview he also revealed that his dad was a jazz musician. Archuleta also enjoys Broadway musicals.
On his American Idol "Fast Facts" page, David cites his musical influences as Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin and Bryan Adams. When asked to list his top pop artists, he cites Natasha Bedingfield, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bryan Adams, Kirk Franklin, and Robbie Williams. He also cites Tamyra Gray and Elliott Yamin as his favorite former American Idol contestants.[citation needed] Like Yamin and another singer he admires, John Mayer, Archuleta aspires to infuse his pop selections with a soulful vibe.
Archuleta won his ticket to the Hollywood final auditions (with a performance of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change") at the San Diego tryouts held at Qualcomm Stadium - July 30 and July 31, 2007. He was still 16 during the Hollywood auditions (where he sang Bryan Adams' "Heaven" to unanimous praise) and, along with other contestants not yet 18, will have to go to school ("doing schoolwork in the morning and then come onto the stage and then go back to the schoolwork") while a part of American Idol's seventh season. His parents have been on hand, because he's a minor. Archuleta has also taken advantage of the decision to allow contestants to play musical instruments; he has accompanied himself on piano for his performances of "Another Day in Paradise" and "Angels."
The Los Angeles Times noted that Archuleta likely avoided singing the first verse of "Imagine" because, "as a Mormon, he's unlikely to espouse the song's agnostic ideal . . . with the line about 'no religion too.'" Archuleta did, however, sing the entire song on Good Things Utah when he was 13.
Along with David Cook, Archuleta is one of just two contestants to have never been in the bottom three or in danger of elimination on American Idol's season seven.
Archuleta's mother is from Honduras, and much of the music he listened to as a child, according to an interview aired on American Idol, was Latin-influenced. She also "was big on dancing" according to Archuleta, and would "make" him dance to traditional music with his older sister. He also listened to jazz music, he said, from his father's collection as well as gospel, pop, rock and "soulful music." In a later interview he also revealed that his dad was a jazz musician. Archuleta also enjoys Broadway musicals.
On his American Idol "Fast Facts" page, David cites his musical influences as Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin and Bryan Adams. When asked to list his top pop artists, he cites Natasha Bedingfield, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bryan Adams, Kirk Franklin, and Robbie Williams. He also cites Tamyra Gray and Elliott Yamin as his favorite former American Idol contestants.[citation needed] Like Yamin and another singer he admires, John Mayer, Archuleta aspires to infuse his pop selections with a soulful vibe.
Archuleta won his ticket to the Hollywood final auditions (with a performance of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change") at the San Diego tryouts held at Qualcomm Stadium - July 30 and July 31, 2007. He was still 16 during the Hollywood auditions (where he sang Bryan Adams' "Heaven" to unanimous praise) and, along with other contestants not yet 18, will have to go to school ("doing schoolwork in the morning and then come onto the stage and then go back to the schoolwork") while a part of American Idol's seventh season. His parents have been on hand, because he's a minor. Archuleta has also taken advantage of the decision to allow contestants to play musical instruments; he has accompanied himself on piano for his performances of "Another Day in Paradise" and "Angels."
The Los Angeles Times noted that Archuleta likely avoided singing the first verse of "Imagine" because, "as a Mormon, he's unlikely to espouse the song's agnostic ideal . . . with the line about 'no religion too.'" Archuleta did, however, sing the entire song on Good Things Utah when he was 13.
Along with David Cook, Archuleta is one of just two contestants to have never been in the bottom three or in danger of elimination on American Idol's season seven.
David Cook on American Idol 7
Cook auditioned for American Idol in Omaha, Nebraska, performing Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer." He originally did not plan to try out for the show; he came to the auditions initially to support his younger brother Andrew (who did not make it to Hollywood) and then decided to try out himself. For his first Hollywood audition, Cook performed "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" by Bryan Adams, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. Later in the week he performed "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain.
Cook has taken advantage of the decision to allow contestants to play musical instruments. Besides his Hollywood audition, he also accompanied himself on electric guitar for his performances of "All Right Now," "Hello," "Day Tripper," "I'm Alive," and "Baba O'Riley" and on acoustic guitar for "Little Sparrow" and "All I Really Need Is You"." His white, left-handed Gibson Les Paul electric guitar has the letters "AC" on it; as Cook told TV Guide, "I have two brothers, Adam and Andrew. So, because of superstition, I put their initials on everything growing up." Since the Top 12 week, he has also been wearing an orange wristband to support a 7-year-old fan, Lindsey Rose, with leukemia.
Cook has been both praised and criticized for his song choices, as several of his performances have been based on covers of the original songs. "Billie Jean," one of his most notable performances so far, was credited on the show to Chris Cornell and was highly praised by all three judges, especially Simon Cowell (Cowell later said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that the performance "was in a different league to anything we've heard on the season so far," and although he knew where the arrangement came from, "that doesn't really matter.") The performance received great attention on YouTube with over 1 million views. Another of Cook's performances, "Day Tripper," was credited to Whitesnake. It has been claimed that his performance of "Eleanor Rigby" was based on Seattle-based band Doxology's version. On April 1, before performing his self-arranged rendition of "Little Sparrow" on American Idol, Cook responded to Ryan Seacrest in the interview session, revealing that his performance of "Eleanor Rigby" was based on Neil Zaza's and Doxology's versions. He also reiterated the credits of Whitesnake and Chris Cornell. Despite the controversy, critics praised Cook for choosing versions of songs that fit his vocal style. His arrangements of "Hello," "Little Sparrow," "Always Be My Baby," and "All I Really Need Is You" were original arrangements.
On April 1, 2008, a few hours after American Idol aired, TMZ.com first reported that Cook was driven to the hospital in a rush because his "heart was palpitating at a high rate and his blood pressure was high." The website claimed that Cook was not feeling well before the performance of Dolly Parton's "Little Sparrow" that night, but he had refused to go to the emergency room until the end of the show. Stress over a recent "setback" in his brother Adam's struggle with cancer may have been a contributing factor. Subsequently, David Cook was released from the hospital and is so far doing fine.
Cook has taken advantage of the decision to allow contestants to play musical instruments. Besides his Hollywood audition, he also accompanied himself on electric guitar for his performances of "All Right Now," "Hello," "Day Tripper," "I'm Alive," and "Baba O'Riley" and on acoustic guitar for "Little Sparrow" and "All I Really Need Is You"." His white, left-handed Gibson Les Paul electric guitar has the letters "AC" on it; as Cook told TV Guide, "I have two brothers, Adam and Andrew. So, because of superstition, I put their initials on everything growing up." Since the Top 12 week, he has also been wearing an orange wristband to support a 7-year-old fan, Lindsey Rose, with leukemia.
Cook has been both praised and criticized for his song choices, as several of his performances have been based on covers of the original songs. "Billie Jean," one of his most notable performances so far, was credited on the show to Chris Cornell and was highly praised by all three judges, especially Simon Cowell (Cowell later said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that the performance "was in a different league to anything we've heard on the season so far," and although he knew where the arrangement came from, "that doesn't really matter.") The performance received great attention on YouTube with over 1 million views. Another of Cook's performances, "Day Tripper," was credited to Whitesnake. It has been claimed that his performance of "Eleanor Rigby" was based on Seattle-based band Doxology's version. On April 1, before performing his self-arranged rendition of "Little Sparrow" on American Idol, Cook responded to Ryan Seacrest in the interview session, revealing that his performance of "Eleanor Rigby" was based on Neil Zaza's and Doxology's versions. He also reiterated the credits of Whitesnake and Chris Cornell. Despite the controversy, critics praised Cook for choosing versions of songs that fit his vocal style. His arrangements of "Hello," "Little Sparrow," "Always Be My Baby," and "All I Really Need Is You" were original arrangements.
On April 1, 2008, a few hours after American Idol aired, TMZ.com first reported that Cook was driven to the hospital in a rush because his "heart was palpitating at a high rate and his blood pressure was high." The website claimed that Cook was not feeling well before the performance of Dolly Parton's "Little Sparrow" that night, but he had refused to go to the emergency room until the end of the show. Stress over a recent "setback" in his brother Adam's struggle with cancer may have been a contributing factor. Subsequently, David Cook was released from the hospital and is so far doing fine.
Happy Mother's Day to All
This is for all the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up barf laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying, "It's OK honey, Mommy's here."
This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.
For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes.
And all the mothers who DON'T.
What makes a good mother anyway?
Is it patience?
Compassion?
Broad hips?
The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?
Or is it heart?
Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time?
The jolt that takes you from sleep to tread, from bed to crib at 2 a.m. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?
The need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a school shooting, a fire, a car accident, a baby dying?
I think so.
So this is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the mothers who wanted to but just couldn't.
This is for reading "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then reading it again."Just one more time."
This is for all the mothers who mess up. Who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair and stomp their feet like a tired 2 year old who wants ice cream before dinner.
This is for all the mothers who taught their daughters to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
For all the mothers who bite their lips-sometimes until they bleed-when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.
Who lock themselves in the bathroom when babies keep crying and won't stop.
This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.
This is for all mothers whose heads turn automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home.
This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.
This is for all the mothers who sent their sons to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse and hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.
This is for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation.
And mature mothers learning to let go.
For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Single mothers and married mothers.
Mothers with money, mothers without.
This is for you all!!!
So hang in there.
Thanks for being a MOM!!
This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.
For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes.
And all the mothers who DON'T.
What makes a good mother anyway?
Is it patience?
Compassion?
Broad hips?
The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?
Or is it heart?
Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time?
The jolt that takes you from sleep to tread, from bed to crib at 2 a.m. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?
The need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a school shooting, a fire, a car accident, a baby dying?
I think so.
So this is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the mothers who wanted to but just couldn't.
This is for reading "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then reading it again."Just one more time."
This is for all the mothers who mess up. Who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair and stomp their feet like a tired 2 year old who wants ice cream before dinner.
This is for all the mothers who taught their daughters to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
For all the mothers who bite their lips-sometimes until they bleed-when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.
Who lock themselves in the bathroom when babies keep crying and won't stop.
This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.
This is for all mothers whose heads turn automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home.
This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.
This is for all the mothers who sent their sons to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse and hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.
This is for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation.
And mature mothers learning to let go.
For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Single mothers and married mothers.
Mothers with money, mothers without.
This is for you all!!!
So hang in there.
Thanks for being a MOM!!
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop, or simply Photoshop, is a graphics editor developed and published by Adobe Systems. It is the current and primary market leader for commercial bitmap and image manipulation, and is the flagship product of Adobe Systems. It has been described as "an industry standard for graphics professionals" and was one of the early "killer applications" on Macintosh.
Photoshop CS3, the current tenth iteration of the program, was released on 16 April 2007. "CS" reflects its integration with other Creative Suite products, and the number "3" represents it as the third version released since Adobe re-branded its products under the CS umbrella. Photoshop CS3 features additions such as the ability to apply non-destructive filters, as well as new selection tools named Quick Selection and Refine Edge that make selection more streamlined. On April 30th, Adobe released Photoshop CS3 Extended, which includes all the same features of Adobe Photoshop CS3 with the addition of capabilities for scientific imaging, 3D, and high end film and video users. The successor to Photoshop CS3, Photoshop CS4, will be the first 64-bit Photoshop.
Photoshop CS3 is marketed with three main components of improvement over previous versions: "Work more productively, Edit with unrivaled power, and composite with breakthrough tools." New features propagating productivity include streamlined interface, improved Camera Raw, better control over print options, enhanced PDF support, and better management with Adobe Bridge. Editing tools new to CS3 are the Clone Source palette and nondestructive Smart Filters, and other features such as the Brightness/Contrast adjustment and Vanishing Point module were enhanced. The Black and White adjustment option improves users control over manual grayscale conversions with a dialog box similar to that of Channel Mixer. Compositing is assisted with Photoshop's new Quick Selection and Refine Edge tools and improved image stitching technology.
CS3 Extended contains all features of CS3 plus tools for editing and importing some 3D graphics file formats, enhancing video, and comprehensive image analysis tools, utilizing MATLAB integration and DICOM file support.
The logo comprises white letters "Ps" on a gradient blue square.
Photoshop CS3, the current tenth iteration of the program, was released on 16 April 2007. "CS" reflects its integration with other Creative Suite products, and the number "3" represents it as the third version released since Adobe re-branded its products under the CS umbrella. Photoshop CS3 features additions such as the ability to apply non-destructive filters, as well as new selection tools named Quick Selection and Refine Edge that make selection more streamlined. On April 30th, Adobe released Photoshop CS3 Extended, which includes all the same features of Adobe Photoshop CS3 with the addition of capabilities for scientific imaging, 3D, and high end film and video users. The successor to Photoshop CS3, Photoshop CS4, will be the first 64-bit Photoshop.
Photoshop CS3 is marketed with three main components of improvement over previous versions: "Work more productively, Edit with unrivaled power, and composite with breakthrough tools." New features propagating productivity include streamlined interface, improved Camera Raw, better control over print options, enhanced PDF support, and better management with Adobe Bridge. Editing tools new to CS3 are the Clone Source palette and nondestructive Smart Filters, and other features such as the Brightness/Contrast adjustment and Vanishing Point module were enhanced. The Black and White adjustment option improves users control over manual grayscale conversions with a dialog box similar to that of Channel Mixer. Compositing is assisted with Photoshop's new Quick Selection and Refine Edge tools and improved image stitching technology.
CS3 Extended contains all features of CS3 plus tools for editing and importing some 3D graphics file formats, enhancing video, and comprehensive image analysis tools, utilizing MATLAB integration and DICOM file support.
The logo comprises white letters "Ps" on a gradient blue square.
Milton Friedman
Milton Friedman (July 31, 1912 – November 16, 2006) was an American Nobel Laureate economist and public intellectual. He made major contributions to the fields of macroeconomics, microeconomics, economic history, and statistics. In 1976, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics for his achievements in the fields of consumption analysis, monetary history and theory, and for his demonstration of the complexity of stabilization policy. He was an advocate of economic freedom.
According to The Economist, Friedman "was the most influential economist of the second half of the 20th century…possibly of all of it". Alan Greenspan stated "There are very few people over the generations who have ideas that are sufficiently original to materially alter the direction of civilization. Milton is one of those very few people." In his 1962 book Capitalism and Freedom, Friedman advocated minimizing the role of government in a free market as a means of creating political and social freedom. In his 1980 television series Free to Choose, Friedman explained his view of how free markets work, emphasizing his conviction that free markets have been shown to solve social and political problems that other systems have failed to address adequately. His books and columns for Newsweek were widely read, and even circulated underground behind the Iron Curtain.
Earning a Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University in 1946, Friedman originally was a Keynesian supporter of the New Deal and advocate of high taxes. He moved away from the idea of central control in the 1950s, along with his close friend George Stigler. His political philosophy, which Friedman himself considered classically liberal and consequentialist libertarian, stressed the advantages of the marketplace and the disadvantages of government intervention, strongly influencing the outlook of American conservatives and libertarians. He adamantly argued that if capitalism, or economic freedom, is introduced into countries governed by totalitarian regimes, political freedom would tend to result. He lived to see some of his laissez-faire ideas embraced by the mainstream, especially during the 1980s, a watershed decade for the acceptance of Friedman's ideas in many countries. His views of monetary policy, taxation, privatization and deregulation informed the policy of governments around the globe, especially the administrations of Ronald Reagan in the U.S., Brian Mulroney in Canada, and Margaret Thatcher in Britain.
According to The Economist, Friedman "was the most influential economist of the second half of the 20th century…possibly of all of it". Alan Greenspan stated "There are very few people over the generations who have ideas that are sufficiently original to materially alter the direction of civilization. Milton is one of those very few people." In his 1962 book Capitalism and Freedom, Friedman advocated minimizing the role of government in a free market as a means of creating political and social freedom. In his 1980 television series Free to Choose, Friedman explained his view of how free markets work, emphasizing his conviction that free markets have been shown to solve social and political problems that other systems have failed to address adequately. His books and columns for Newsweek were widely read, and even circulated underground behind the Iron Curtain.
Earning a Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University in 1946, Friedman originally was a Keynesian supporter of the New Deal and advocate of high taxes. He moved away from the idea of central control in the 1950s, along with his close friend George Stigler. His political philosophy, which Friedman himself considered classically liberal and consequentialist libertarian, stressed the advantages of the marketplace and the disadvantages of government intervention, strongly influencing the outlook of American conservatives and libertarians. He adamantly argued that if capitalism, or economic freedom, is introduced into countries governed by totalitarian regimes, political freedom would tend to result. He lived to see some of his laissez-faire ideas embraced by the mainstream, especially during the 1980s, a watershed decade for the acceptance of Friedman's ideas in many countries. His views of monetary policy, taxation, privatization and deregulation informed the policy of governments around the globe, especially the administrations of Ronald Reagan in the U.S., Brian Mulroney in Canada, and Margaret Thatcher in Britain.
Credit card
A credit card is a system of payment named after the small plastic card issued to users of the system. A credit card is different from a debit card in that it does not remove money from the user's account after every transaction. In the case of credit cards, the issuer lends money to the consumer (or the user) to be paid to the merchant. It is different from a charge card (although this name is sometimes used to describe credit cards), which requires the balance to be paid in full each month. In contrast, a credit card allows the consumer to 'revolve' their balance, at the cost of having interest charged. Most credit cards are the same shape and size, as specified by the ISO 7810 standard. The most common credit card size, known as ID-1, is 85.60 × 53.98 mm.
Credit cards are issued after an account has been approved by the credit provider, after which cardholders can use it to make purchases at merchants accepting that card.
When a purchase is made, the credit card user agrees to pay the card issuer. The cardholder indicates his/her consent to pay, by signing a receipt with a record of the card details and indicating the amount to be paid or by entering a Personal identification number (PIN). Also, many merchants now accept verbal authorizations via telephone and electronic authorization using the Internet, known as a 'Card/Cardholder Not Present' (CNP) transaction.
Electronic verification systems allow merchants to verify that the card is valid and the credit card customer has sufficient credit to cover the purchase in a few seconds, allowing the verification to happen at time of purchase. The verification is performed using a credit card payment terminal or Point of Sale (POS) system with a communications link to the merchant's acquiring bank. Data from the card is obtained from a magnetic stripe or chip on the card; the latter system is in the United Kingdom and Ireland commonly known as Chip and PIN, but is more technically an EMV card.
Other variations of verification systems are used by eCommerce merchants to determine if the user's account is valid and able to accept the charge. These will typically involve the cardholder providing additional information, such as the security code printed on the back of the card, or the address of the cardholder.
Each month, the credit card user is sent a statement indicating the purchases undertaken with the card, any outstanding fees, and the total amount owed. After receiving the statement, the cardholder may dispute any charges that he or she thinks are incorrect (see Fair Credit Billing Act for details of the US regulations). Otherwise, the cardholder must pay a defined minimum proportion of the bill by a due date, or may choose to pay a higher amount up to the entire amount owed. The credit provider charges interest on the amount owed (typically at a much higher rate than most other forms of debt). Some financial institutions can arrange for automatic payments to be deducted from the user's bank accounts, thus avoiding late payment altogether as long as the cardholder has sufficient funds.
Credit cards are issued after an account has been approved by the credit provider, after which cardholders can use it to make purchases at merchants accepting that card.
When a purchase is made, the credit card user agrees to pay the card issuer. The cardholder indicates his/her consent to pay, by signing a receipt with a record of the card details and indicating the amount to be paid or by entering a Personal identification number (PIN). Also, many merchants now accept verbal authorizations via telephone and electronic authorization using the Internet, known as a 'Card/Cardholder Not Present' (CNP) transaction.
Electronic verification systems allow merchants to verify that the card is valid and the credit card customer has sufficient credit to cover the purchase in a few seconds, allowing the verification to happen at time of purchase. The verification is performed using a credit card payment terminal or Point of Sale (POS) system with a communications link to the merchant's acquiring bank. Data from the card is obtained from a magnetic stripe or chip on the card; the latter system is in the United Kingdom and Ireland commonly known as Chip and PIN, but is more technically an EMV card.
Other variations of verification systems are used by eCommerce merchants to determine if the user's account is valid and able to accept the charge. These will typically involve the cardholder providing additional information, such as the security code printed on the back of the card, or the address of the cardholder.
Each month, the credit card user is sent a statement indicating the purchases undertaken with the card, any outstanding fees, and the total amount owed. After receiving the statement, the cardholder may dispute any charges that he or she thinks are incorrect (see Fair Credit Billing Act for details of the US regulations). Otherwise, the cardholder must pay a defined minimum proportion of the bill by a due date, or may choose to pay a higher amount up to the entire amount owed. The credit provider charges interest on the amount owed (typically at a much higher rate than most other forms of debt). Some financial institutions can arrange for automatic payments to be deducted from the user's bank accounts, thus avoiding late payment altogether as long as the cardholder has sufficient funds.
Ending the SEOContest2008 Battle
Before the contest ends, I post this to show that I am still supporting the Team Philippines for the SEOContest2008.
Go! Go! Go!
Go! Go! Go!
Pacquiao Beats Marquez
Both men fought. Both men bled. Both men put it all on the line, and left every ounce of energy they had in the ring.
One man won, and one man lost. Whether or not I agree that Manny Pacquiao beat Juan Manuel Marquez last night (I scored it 114-113 for Marquez), the fact of the matter is that two of three ringside judges saw what was a tight, hotly-contested, and wonderful fight go the way of the Filipino superstar, Pacquiao.
Every time one seemed to have a definitive edge, his foe came storming back into the fight. The ebb and flow was amazing.
Manny is now 46-3-2, and Marquez is 48-4-1. That's the way it is.
Sadly, though, it rarely just ends that way. Yes, the Marquez camp has the right to say they won the fight in their own minds. And if Juan Manuel hadn't tasted canvas in the third round courtesy a monster shot from Pacquiao, they would've maybe won the fight, or at least had another draw.
If Juan Manuel hadn't so frequently eaten the power shots from Pacquiao, maybe they win.
But the fight was what it was -- a sensational series of momentum shifts, with scoring coming down, basically, to what you like in your fighter. Much of the fight saw Marquez dictate pace and counter-punch, and even totally control the offense in spurts. And much of it saw Pacquiao's raw power and speed make him look too damn good for Marquez.
It was such a good, memorable fight that were this a year with no Vazquez-Marquez III, we might be looking at, ultimately, a Fight of the Year, and at the least a very strong contender. It reminded in many ways of their first encounter four years ago, and in some ways of Marquez's win over Marco Antonio Barrera one year ago.
When the dust settled at Mandalay Bay, both men raised their arms, just like the first time around. And like that first time, scoring could've gone either way. There was no robbery. The cards even read similarly: one strongly in favor of Marquez (115-112), one for Pacquiao (115-112), and one very, very close. This time, that close one had a one-point difference rather than making it a draw.
It was a fight so good that you hated to see one guy have to lose. But someone loses, and that's the sport. Either someone wins or, really, no one wins.
Both Pacquiao and Marquez did their jobs to the absolute best of their abilities last night. Pacquiao hasn't looked so good since he creamed Erik Morales in November 2006. Marquez looked every bit as outstanding as he did in his two wins last year.
Neither man should be ashamed. And while Bob Arum, Pacquiao and Top Rank have no intention of making a third fight, that's just business. Sure, I'd love to see them square off again, but Pacquiao's headed to 135. The fact that he ballooned up 16 pounds between the weigh-in and fight time is a sign that he probably does need to.
The fight was great. Afterward? Well...
One man won, and one man lost. Whether or not I agree that Manny Pacquiao beat Juan Manuel Marquez last night (I scored it 114-113 for Marquez), the fact of the matter is that two of three ringside judges saw what was a tight, hotly-contested, and wonderful fight go the way of the Filipino superstar, Pacquiao.
Every time one seemed to have a definitive edge, his foe came storming back into the fight. The ebb and flow was amazing.
Manny is now 46-3-2, and Marquez is 48-4-1. That's the way it is.
Sadly, though, it rarely just ends that way. Yes, the Marquez camp has the right to say they won the fight in their own minds. And if Juan Manuel hadn't tasted canvas in the third round courtesy a monster shot from Pacquiao, they would've maybe won the fight, or at least had another draw.
If Juan Manuel hadn't so frequently eaten the power shots from Pacquiao, maybe they win.
But the fight was what it was -- a sensational series of momentum shifts, with scoring coming down, basically, to what you like in your fighter. Much of the fight saw Marquez dictate pace and counter-punch, and even totally control the offense in spurts. And much of it saw Pacquiao's raw power and speed make him look too damn good for Marquez.
It was such a good, memorable fight that were this a year with no Vazquez-Marquez III, we might be looking at, ultimately, a Fight of the Year, and at the least a very strong contender. It reminded in many ways of their first encounter four years ago, and in some ways of Marquez's win over Marco Antonio Barrera one year ago.
When the dust settled at Mandalay Bay, both men raised their arms, just like the first time around. And like that first time, scoring could've gone either way. There was no robbery. The cards even read similarly: one strongly in favor of Marquez (115-112), one for Pacquiao (115-112), and one very, very close. This time, that close one had a one-point difference rather than making it a draw.
It was a fight so good that you hated to see one guy have to lose. But someone loses, and that's the sport. Either someone wins or, really, no one wins.
Both Pacquiao and Marquez did their jobs to the absolute best of their abilities last night. Pacquiao hasn't looked so good since he creamed Erik Morales in November 2006. Marquez looked every bit as outstanding as he did in his two wins last year.
Neither man should be ashamed. And while Bob Arum, Pacquiao and Top Rank have no intention of making a third fight, that's just business. Sure, I'd love to see them square off again, but Pacquiao's headed to 135. The fact that he ballooned up 16 pounds between the weigh-in and fight time is a sign that he probably does need to.
The fight was great. Afterward? Well...
Pacquiao vs. Marquez - Unfinished Business
Hear what everyone had to say at the final press conference for the WBC 130 lb championship between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, set for Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Resorts and Casino and HBO PPV!
“It will be a great fight on Saturday as I heard Marquez has trained very hard and doesn’t want to let his countrymen down. But I don’t either as I need to win this fight for my people as this is the key to the Filipino unity. Not only for myself but all the people who love boxing. I also pray that both Marquez and me will be safe and all fighters will not get hurt in the ring.” - Manny Pacquiao
“Thank you for being here. I am happy to be here for this fight, and everyone watching it (will witness) a war. I have prepared very hard for three months. I don’t really like to talk, I like to (show it) in the ring. This fight is for my country and my people… and I will win it with my heart.” - Juan Manuel Marquez
The final press conference was held for the World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion between JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ vs MANNY PACQUIAO Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Resorts and Casino and live on HBO Pay-Per-View. Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, in association with Romanza Boxing Productions and MP Promotions and sponsored by Tecate Beer, Rock Star Energy Drink and Southwest Airlines, Marquez vs. Pacquiao II “Unfinished Business” will be for the WBC and vacant Ring Magazine Super Featherweight World Championship. The world title bout will take place at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST.
“It will be a great fight on Saturday as I heard Marquez has trained very hard and doesn’t want to let his countrymen down. But I don’t either as I need to win this fight for my people as this is the key to the Filipino unity. Not only for myself but all the people who love boxing. I also pray that both Marquez and me will be safe and all fighters will not get hurt in the ring.” - Manny Pacquiao
“Thank you for being here. I am happy to be here for this fight, and everyone watching it (will witness) a war. I have prepared very hard for three months. I don’t really like to talk, I like to (show it) in the ring. This fight is for my country and my people… and I will win it with my heart.” - Juan Manuel Marquez
The final press conference was held for the World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion between JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ vs MANNY PACQUIAO Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Resorts and Casino and live on HBO Pay-Per-View. Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, in association with Romanza Boxing Productions and MP Promotions and sponsored by Tecate Beer, Rock Star Energy Drink and Southwest Airlines, Marquez vs. Pacquiao II “Unfinished Business” will be for the WBC and vacant Ring Magazine Super Featherweight World Championship. The world title bout will take place at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST.
History of Money
The first golden coins in history were coined by Lydian king Croesus, around 560 BC. The first Greek coins were made initially of copper, then of iron because copper and iron were powerful materials used to make weapons. Pheidon king of Argos, around 700 BC, changed the coins from iron to a rather useless and ornamental metal, silver, and, according to Aristotle, dedicated some of the remaining iron coins (which were actually iron sticks) to the temple of Hera. King Pheidon coined the silver coins at Aegina, at the temple of the goddess of wisdom and war Athena the Aphaia (the vanisher), and engraved the coins with a Chelone, which is to this day as a symbol of capitalism. Chelone coins were the first medium of exchange that was not backed by a real value good. They were widely accepted and used as the international medium of exchange until the days of Peloponnesian War, when the Athenian Drachma replace them. According other fables, inventors of money were Demodike (or Hermodike) of Kymi (the wife of Midas), Lykos (son of Pandion II and ancestor of the Lycians) and Erichthonius, the Lydians or the Naxians.
Lozada blasts Gaite for claiming P500,000 came from private funds
Rodolfo Noel Lozada on Wednesday blasted Deputy Executive Secretary Manuel Gaite for claiming that the P500,000 the official gave him did not come from government coffers but from private funds that should be paid.
“Siguro matatalino na ang mga Filipino para paniwalaan pa ang mga gan’on (Perhaps Filipinos are intelligent enough not to believe those lies)," he said in an interview with GMA News.
Lozada said he still believes the P500,000 cash came from government funds.
Lozada had said Gaite gave him P500,000 as spending money while the former government consultant for the national broadband project was in Hong Kong. Lozada said he was bundled off to Hong Kong so he need not face a Senate inquiry last Jan. 30.
He said it was odd that someone whom he met very rarely would lend him a big amount of money.
“Maybe in a lifetime we've met twice, maximum three times. Pero ikaw ba, Kara (referring to interviewer GMA reporter Kara David), ilang beses na tayo nagkita? Siguro mga apat, limang beses na ‘no? Pag ako ba nanghingi sa iyo ng P500,000 bibigyan mo ako?" he said.
(Let’s say you, Kara, how many times have we met? Maybe four or five times. If would ask you P500,000 will you give me the money?)
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita also on Wednesday said Gaite is ready to face the next Senate hearing on the botched ZTE deal to explain the source of the money.
"In the end, I supposed the owner of the fund has the right to claim that because that is a private fund," Ermita said. - GMANews.TV
“Siguro matatalino na ang mga Filipino para paniwalaan pa ang mga gan’on (Perhaps Filipinos are intelligent enough not to believe those lies)," he said in an interview with GMA News.
Lozada said he still believes the P500,000 cash came from government funds.
Lozada had said Gaite gave him P500,000 as spending money while the former government consultant for the national broadband project was in Hong Kong. Lozada said he was bundled off to Hong Kong so he need not face a Senate inquiry last Jan. 30.
He said it was odd that someone whom he met very rarely would lend him a big amount of money.
“Maybe in a lifetime we've met twice, maximum three times. Pero ikaw ba, Kara (referring to interviewer GMA reporter Kara David), ilang beses na tayo nagkita? Siguro mga apat, limang beses na ‘no? Pag ako ba nanghingi sa iyo ng P500,000 bibigyan mo ako?" he said.
(Let’s say you, Kara, how many times have we met? Maybe four or five times. If would ask you P500,000 will you give me the money?)
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita also on Wednesday said Gaite is ready to face the next Senate hearing on the botched ZTE deal to explain the source of the money.
"In the end, I supposed the owner of the fund has the right to claim that because that is a private fund," Ermita said. - GMANews.TV
Final Post for Alibata
This is my final post for Alibata contest. I am still hoping to win the first prize or the second prize of this Alibata keyword-ranking contest. I could have a chance to win the first or second if the setting for the MSN search will be changed to English (United States) before the checkpoint. I hope and pray that the contest organizers will be able to update the MSN setting. I’m on the top 5 overall as of now at Bayanihan Leader board because as I’ve said the setting used for MSN search was for the .com.ph result. I got 200+ points at English (United States) setting while only have 70+ points at English (Philippines) setting. The English (United States) setting is the original .com setting while the English (Philippines) is the .com.ph setting of MSN. As of January 2008, MSN updated their search engine, the default results are for where it is located and the setting should be changed manually in order to get the results from other location.
I hope the setting will be changed before they run the checkpoint script tomorrow for fair result of the Bayanihan SEO contest for Alibata keyword optimization.
Thanks and good luck to all! God Bless!
I hope the setting will be changed before they run the checkpoint script tomorrow for fair result of the Bayanihan SEO contest for Alibata keyword optimization.
Thanks and good luck to all! God Bless!
Manila Hotel
Valentine's day feature: The Manila Hotel is a 570-room, five star hotel in Manila, Philippines, located in the heart of the Manila Bay area. The Manila Hotel is the oldest premiere hotel in the Philippines, built in 1909 to rival Malacañang Palace, where the Philippine president now lives, and opened in 1912. It was built on 3.5 hectares (376,736.9 sq ft) of land along Roxas Boulevard. It was the residence of General Douglas MacArthur from 1935 to 1941.
The hotel contains the offices of several foreign news organizations, including The New York Times. It has hosted numerous historical persons and celebrities, including authors Ernest Hemingway and James A. Michener, U.S. President John F. Kennedy, The Beatles, actors Michael Jackson, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and John Wayne, publisher Henry Luce, entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr., Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden, and many various world leaders.
The hotel's guest facilities and other services include limousine and luxury car rental, a helipad on the roof deck, airport transfer and transport assistance, medical and dental clinic, a business center with Internet access, 24-hour full menu room service, a delicatessen, a barber shop and beauty salon, a florist, laundry service, a post office, an in-house shopping mall, and arrangement of sightseeing tours. The Bay Club, Manila Hotel's sports and health club, features a jacuzzi, two tennis courts, and one squash court. Guests also have access to a gym, a sauna, swimming pool with a wet bar, a game room, and an indoor golf simulator. Other health club services include a whirlpool, wet sauna, steambox, martial arts, swimming, massages, and tennis lessons.
The hotel has seven restaurants and bars, covering a large portion of world cuisines. They include the Champagne Room for French cuisine, the Cowrie Grill for steaks and seafood, and Ginza, a Japanese restaurant with a wide selection of authentic Japanese food. There is also a pool bar that serves drinks and sandwiches.
The hotel contains the offices of several foreign news organizations, including The New York Times. It has hosted numerous historical persons and celebrities, including authors Ernest Hemingway and James A. Michener, U.S. President John F. Kennedy, The Beatles, actors Michael Jackson, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and John Wayne, publisher Henry Luce, entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr., Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden, and many various world leaders.
The hotel's guest facilities and other services include limousine and luxury car rental, a helipad on the roof deck, airport transfer and transport assistance, medical and dental clinic, a business center with Internet access, 24-hour full menu room service, a delicatessen, a barber shop and beauty salon, a florist, laundry service, a post office, an in-house shopping mall, and arrangement of sightseeing tours. The Bay Club, Manila Hotel's sports and health club, features a jacuzzi, two tennis courts, and one squash court. Guests also have access to a gym, a sauna, swimming pool with a wet bar, a game room, and an indoor golf simulator. Other health club services include a whirlpool, wet sauna, steambox, martial arts, swimming, massages, and tennis lessons.
The hotel has seven restaurants and bars, covering a large portion of world cuisines. They include the Champagne Room for French cuisine, the Cowrie Grill for steaks and seafood, and Ginza, a Japanese restaurant with a wide selection of authentic Japanese food. There is also a pool bar that serves drinks and sandwiches.
Love
The word love has many different meanings in English, from something that gives a little pleasure ("I loved that meal") to something one would die for (ideals, family). It can describe an intense feeling of affection, an emotion or an emotional state. In ordinary use, it usually refers to interpersonal love. Probably due to its psychological relevance, love is one of the most common themes in art and music.
Expressions of love may include the love for a "soul" or mind, the love of laws and organizations, love for a body, love for nature, love of food, love of money, love for learning, love of power, love of fame, love for the respect of others, etcetera. Different people place varying degrees of importance on the kinds of love they receive. According to many philosophers, the only goal of life is to be happy. And there is only one happiness in life: to love and be loved. Love is essentially an abstract concept, much easier to experience than to explain.
Just as there are many types of lovers, there are many kinds of love. Though love is inherent in all human cultures, cultural differences make any universal definition difficult to establish. One definition attempting to be universally applicable is Thomas Jay Oord's: to love is to act intentionally, in sympathetic response to others, to promote overall well-being. This definition applies to the positive connotations of love.
Interpersonal love refers to love between human beings. It is a more potent sentiment than a simple liking for another. Unrequited love refers to those feelings of love which are not reciprocated. Interpersonal love is most closely associated with interpersonal relationships. Such love might exist between family members, friends, and couples. There are also a number of psychological disorders related to love, such as erotomania.
Expressions of love may include the love for a "soul" or mind, the love of laws and organizations, love for a body, love for nature, love of food, love of money, love for learning, love of power, love of fame, love for the respect of others, etcetera. Different people place varying degrees of importance on the kinds of love they receive. According to many philosophers, the only goal of life is to be happy. And there is only one happiness in life: to love and be loved. Love is essentially an abstract concept, much easier to experience than to explain.
Just as there are many types of lovers, there are many kinds of love. Though love is inherent in all human cultures, cultural differences make any universal definition difficult to establish. One definition attempting to be universally applicable is Thomas Jay Oord's: to love is to act intentionally, in sympathetic response to others, to promote overall well-being. This definition applies to the positive connotations of love.
Interpersonal love refers to love between human beings. It is a more potent sentiment than a simple liking for another. Unrequited love refers to those feelings of love which are not reciprocated. Interpersonal love is most closely associated with interpersonal relationships. Such love might exist between family members, friends, and couples. There are also a number of psychological disorders related to love, such as erotomania.
Elmer Valentine
Elmer Valentine is the founder of two famous West Hollywood, California nightclubs: Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy Theatre. He also founded a third that preceded the Roxy, The Trip where famous acts of the time performed, including the Temptations, Joey Bishop, Shelly Berman and others. A former Chicago police officer, Valentine co-founded the Whisky in 1963 with partners Phil Tanzini, Shelly Davis, and attorney Theodore Flier.
Valentine was apparently referred to on the Uncle Meat album by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. The album includes a spoken dialogue between Zappa and Pamela Zarubica (in character as the mythical Suzy Creamcheese), in which the latter says: "I remember Elmer telling me that you really had a lot of talent, but he didn't see how anyone could ever make it who insisted on saying 'fuck' onstage. And he used to drive by in his gold Cadillac and peer in the window. 'Cause he could never get over the amount of groupie status that you had and he didn't have, possibly because he's fifty years old and wretched."
The Roxy has remained a staple of the Sunset Boulevard club scene in the mid-2000s. The Whisky still exists but is no longer considered a prestigious venue, and is widely regarded as being in decline. The Trip lasted only a few years, but was very popular for a time.
Valentine was apparently referred to on the Uncle Meat album by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. The album includes a spoken dialogue between Zappa and Pamela Zarubica (in character as the mythical Suzy Creamcheese), in which the latter says: "I remember Elmer telling me that you really had a lot of talent, but he didn't see how anyone could ever make it who insisted on saying 'fuck' onstage. And he used to drive by in his gold Cadillac and peer in the window. 'Cause he could never get over the amount of groupie status that you had and he didn't have, possibly because he's fifty years old and wretched."
The Roxy has remained a staple of the Sunset Boulevard club scene in the mid-2000s. The Whisky still exists but is no longer considered a prestigious venue, and is widely regarded as being in decline. The Trip lasted only a few years, but was very popular for a time.
Sailor's Valentines
Sailors' Valentines were brought home from a sailor's voyage at sea for his loved one during the early 1800s. They consisted of octagonal wooden boxes with intricate shell designs on them. The idea that sailors were able to make these on their ships is unlikely. With rolling seas and cramped living quarters, it is difficult to imagine this fancy work could have been accomplished by the average sailor or whaleman; however, there is evidence of one created by the captain of a whaling ship.
Today, antique and reproduced "Sailor's Valentines" are sought for their beauty and uniqueness. Many Sailors' Valentines, both new and old can be found on the Island of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Most "Sailors' Valentines" originated from the Barbados area, an important seaport during this period. Most historians believe the women on Barbados made the Valentines with local shells or shells brought to them from Indonesia, and sold them to the sailors. The Old Curiosity Shop is a source that many of the antique Valentines can be traced back to.
Today, antique and reproduced "Sailor's Valentines" are sought for their beauty and uniqueness. Many Sailors' Valentines, both new and old can be found on the Island of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Most "Sailors' Valentines" originated from the Barbados area, an important seaport during this period. Most historians believe the women on Barbados made the Valentines with local shells or shells brought to them from Indonesia, and sold them to the sailors. The Old Curiosity Shop is a source that many of the antique Valentines can be traced back to.
Larry Page
Lawrence Edward "Larry" Page (born March 26, 1973) is an American entrepreneur who co-founded the Google internet search engine, now Google Inc., with Sergey Brin.
After enrolling for a Ph.D. program in computer science at Stanford University, Page was in search for a dissertation theme and decided to explore the mathematical properties of the World Wide Web, understanding its link structure as a huge graph. His supervisor Terry Winograd agreed and Page focused on the problem of finding out which web pages link to a given page, considering the number and nature of such backlinks to be valuable information about that page (with the role of citations in academic publishing in mind). In his research project, nicknamed "BackRub," he was soon joined by Sergey Brin, a fellow Stanford Ph.D. student and close friend, whom he had first met in the summer of 1995 in a group of potential new students which Brin had volunteered to show around the campus. To convert the backlink data gathered by BackRub's web crawler into a measure of importance for a given web page, Brin and Page developed the PageRank algorithm, and realized that it could be used to build a search engine far superior to existing ones. In August 1996 the initial version of Google was made available, still on the Stanford Web site.
In 2007, Page was cited by PC World as #1 on the list of the 50 most important people on the web, along with Brin and Schmidt.
Page is also an investor in Tesla Motors, which developed the Tesla Roadster, a 250 mile range battery electric vehicle.
After enrolling for a Ph.D. program in computer science at Stanford University, Page was in search for a dissertation theme and decided to explore the mathematical properties of the World Wide Web, understanding its link structure as a huge graph. His supervisor Terry Winograd agreed and Page focused on the problem of finding out which web pages link to a given page, considering the number and nature of such backlinks to be valuable information about that page (with the role of citations in academic publishing in mind). In his research project, nicknamed "BackRub," he was soon joined by Sergey Brin, a fellow Stanford Ph.D. student and close friend, whom he had first met in the summer of 1995 in a group of potential new students which Brin had volunteered to show around the campus. To convert the backlink data gathered by BackRub's web crawler into a measure of importance for a given web page, Brin and Page developed the PageRank algorithm, and realized that it could be used to build a search engine far superior to existing ones. In August 1996 the initial version of Google was made available, still on the Stanford Web site.
In 2007, Page was cited by PC World as #1 on the list of the 50 most important people on the web, along with Brin and Schmidt.
Page is also an investor in Tesla Motors, which developed the Tesla Roadster, a 250 mile range battery electric vehicle.
Elmo's World
Elmo's World is a segment of the children's television show Sesame Street featuring Elmo, a small red monster who speaks in third person and is perpetually 3½ years old. The show also features Mr. Noodle, a human mime character, and Elmo's pet goldfish, Dorothy. The segment was first introduced the beginning of its 30th season on November 16, 1998.
The segment takes place in a computer animated crayon-drawn room imagined by Elmo. Each day, the segment begins with Elmo announcing the topic for the day. Then, there is a series of skits and interviews centered on that topic. The skits and interviews are essentially the same everyday only changing the subject matter. They also always appear in the same repetitive order.
In the Season 37 Sesame Street episode "Cookie World", the first 10 minutes of that episode include a spoof of the segment with Cookie Monster in place of Elmo. In one episode where Bert enters Elmo's World, Elmo states that he does not know how to get out of Elmo's World.
The segment takes place in a computer animated crayon-drawn room imagined by Elmo. Each day, the segment begins with Elmo announcing the topic for the day. Then, there is a series of skits and interviews centered on that topic. The skits and interviews are essentially the same everyday only changing the subject matter. They also always appear in the same repetitive order.
In the Season 37 Sesame Street episode "Cookie World", the first 10 minutes of that episode include a spoof of the segment with Cookie Monster in place of Elmo. In one episode where Bert enters Elmo's World, Elmo states that he does not know how to get out of Elmo's World.
Jollibee
Jollibee (PSE: JFC) is a fast-food restaurant chain based in the Philippines and also has locations in the United States,Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, Dubai and Brunei. Jollibee is also the name of Jollibee's mascot, a large bee in a blazer, shirt and chef's hat. It is an American style fast-food restaurant with Filipino-influenced dishes specializing in chicken, burgers, and spaghetti.
As of November 2006, it has 1414 stores in the Philippines and 175 in other countries.
Tony Tan Caktiong and his family opened a Magnolia Ice Cream parlor at Cubao in 1975 with Jolibe as the original name. Sometime in 1978, Tony Tan and his brothers and sisters, being partners, engaged the services of a management consultant in the person of Manuel C. Lumba. Consultant Lumba shifted the business focus from ice cream to hamburgers, after his studies showed that a much larger market was waiting to be exploited. Lumba became Tony Tan's first business and management mentor. Lumba next re-formed the name Jolibe to Jolly Bee and made the two words form a single name Jollibee, but changed the "y" to an "i". The Jollibee mascot was conceptualized by Lumba inspired by local and foreign children's books. Lumba next created the product name "Yumburger" as well as the name "Chickenjoy".
The company acquired 80 percent of Greenwich Pizza.
On 2000, the company acquired Chowking, allowing Jollibee to be part of the oriental quick service restaurant segment. Similarly, Jollibee also acquired Red Ribbon Bakeshop on 2005, another popular fast-food restaurant in the Philippines.
In 2006, the company acquired the franchise of Délifrance. This further expanded its penetration in the food service industry particularly in the French cafe-bakery, a growing segment of the Philippine food market. In September of 2006, the company acquired the remaining 50% stake of Delifrance Asia Ltd. in Baker Fresh Foods Phils., Inc. (BFFPI).
As of November 2006, it has 1414 stores in the Philippines and 175 in other countries.
Tony Tan Caktiong and his family opened a Magnolia Ice Cream parlor at Cubao in 1975 with Jolibe as the original name. Sometime in 1978, Tony Tan and his brothers and sisters, being partners, engaged the services of a management consultant in the person of Manuel C. Lumba. Consultant Lumba shifted the business focus from ice cream to hamburgers, after his studies showed that a much larger market was waiting to be exploited. Lumba became Tony Tan's first business and management mentor. Lumba next re-formed the name Jolibe to Jolly Bee and made the two words form a single name Jollibee, but changed the "y" to an "i". The Jollibee mascot was conceptualized by Lumba inspired by local and foreign children's books. Lumba next created the product name "Yumburger" as well as the name "Chickenjoy".
The company acquired 80 percent of Greenwich Pizza.
On 2000, the company acquired Chowking, allowing Jollibee to be part of the oriental quick service restaurant segment. Similarly, Jollibee also acquired Red Ribbon Bakeshop on 2005, another popular fast-food restaurant in the Philippines.
In 2006, the company acquired the franchise of Délifrance. This further expanded its penetration in the food service industry particularly in the French cafe-bakery, a growing segment of the Philippine food market. In September of 2006, the company acquired the remaining 50% stake of Delifrance Asia Ltd. in Baker Fresh Foods Phils., Inc. (BFFPI).
seocontest2008
An SEO contest is an activity awarding prizes that challenges search engine optimization (SEO) practitioners to rank themselves among the major search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and MSN using certain keyword(s).
The first recorded SEO Contest was Schnitzelmitkartoffelsalat by German webmasters, started on 2002 November 15 in the German-language usenet group de.comm.infosystems.www.authoring.misc. In the English-language world, the nigritude ultramarine competition by SearchGuild is widely acclaimed as the mother of all SEO contests. It was started on May 7, 2004 and was won two months later by Anil Dash. On September 1 of the same year, webmasters were challenged to rank number 1 on Google in three months' time for the search phrase seraphim proudleduck.
Rules and limitations can make it harder to benefit from the ranking algorithm, including quirks, of the targeted search engine. For example, the January 2006 Redscowl Bluesingsky contest issued by seologs.com was open for new domains only. That meant that the contestants couldn't benefit from the ranking advantage old web sites are thought to have over new ones. An example of that is the age advantage Anil Dash' blog page had over the well-received but brand new Nigritude Ultramarine FAQ - respectively ended 1st and 6th in the Nigritude Ultramarine challenge. It was expected that the Redscowl Bluesingsky game would be won by a domain of the style "redscowl-bluesingsky.tld" - bound to attract natural links and to benefit from the fact that the URL is made up entirely of the search words.
The first recorded SEO Contest was Schnitzelmitkartoffelsalat by German webmasters, started on 2002 November 15 in the German-language usenet group de.comm.infosystems.www.authoring.misc. In the English-language world, the nigritude ultramarine competition by SearchGuild is widely acclaimed as the mother of all SEO contests. It was started on May 7, 2004 and was won two months later by Anil Dash. On September 1 of the same year, webmasters were challenged to rank number 1 on Google in three months' time for the search phrase seraphim proudleduck.
Rules and limitations can make it harder to benefit from the ranking algorithm, including quirks, of the targeted search engine. For example, the January 2006 Redscowl Bluesingsky contest issued by seologs.com was open for new domains only. That meant that the contestants couldn't benefit from the ranking advantage old web sites are thought to have over new ones. An example of that is the age advantage Anil Dash' blog page had over the well-received but brand new Nigritude Ultramarine FAQ - respectively ended 1st and 6th in the Nigritude Ultramarine challenge. It was expected that the Redscowl Bluesingsky game would be won by a domain of the style "redscowl-bluesingsky.tld" - bound to attract natural links and to benefit from the fact that the URL is made up entirely of the search words.
Niche blogging
Niche blogging is the act of creating a blog with the intent of using it to market to a particular niche market. While it could be argued that all blogs are, in some form, a niche blog, the term as it applies to marketing refers to a particular kind of blog.
Niche blogs are sometimes referred to as splogs, but this is a misnomer. Even though the desired end result for the niche blogger is to make money, the niche blog itself often contains valuable information. Most pay-per-click advertising is content-sensitive, so it is vital to the niche blogger to have useful content that is related to the chosen niche.
Neither blogging nor niche marketing is a new concept. However, only in recent years has the concept of a niche blog come into being.
Because people's interests often change over time, it is important for a successful marketer to stay up-to-date on current trends. By using free services, the niche blogger can quickly adapt to the changing market and create a new blog marketed to that niche.
In order for a website to be profitable, it must have visitors. Normal websites require search engine optimization or paid advertisement in order to gain visitors. Blog services like Blogger, on the other hand, incorporate Really Simple Syndication (RSS). Using this technology, the niche blogger can inform various online directories of the blog's existence. They, in turn, provide links to the blog. Visitors to these directories are then exposed to the blog's listing and may choose to visit the blog. Thus, the directories act as a marketing tool for the niche blogger.
Niche blogs are sometimes referred to as splogs, but this is a misnomer. Even though the desired end result for the niche blogger is to make money, the niche blog itself often contains valuable information. Most pay-per-click advertising is content-sensitive, so it is vital to the niche blogger to have useful content that is related to the chosen niche.
Neither blogging nor niche marketing is a new concept. However, only in recent years has the concept of a niche blog come into being.
Because people's interests often change over time, it is important for a successful marketer to stay up-to-date on current trends. By using free services, the niche blogger can quickly adapt to the changing market and create a new blog marketed to that niche.
In order for a website to be profitable, it must have visitors. Normal websites require search engine optimization or paid advertisement in order to gain visitors. Blog services like Blogger, on the other hand, incorporate Really Simple Syndication (RSS). Using this technology, the niche blogger can inform various online directories of the blog's existence. They, in turn, provide links to the blog. Visitors to these directories are then exposed to the blog's listing and may choose to visit the blog. Thus, the directories act as a marketing tool for the niche blogger.
King cake
A king cake (sometimes rendered as kingcake or kings' cake) is a type of cake associated with the festival of Epiphany in the Christmas season in a number of countries, and in other places with Mardi Gras and Carnival. It is popular in Christmas season in France (galette/gâteau des Rois), Portugal (Bolo Rei), Spain (Roscón de Reyes and in Catalonia called tortell), Greece (vasilopita) and Bulgaria (banitsa). In the United States, which celebrates Carnival ranging from Mobile, Alabama to East Texas, centered on New Orleans it is associated instead with Mardi Gras season traditions.
The cakes have a small trinket (often a small plastic baby, sometimes said to represent Baby Jesus) inside, and the person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket has various privileges and obligations.
The person who gets the trinket is declared king or queen of the party, sometimes given a paper, plastic, or costume jewelry crown or tiara. Sometimes there are separate cakes to select the male and female royalty; the one for women is sometimes called a queen cake. The monarch is usually obligated to supply the next king cake or host the next party or both. King cake parties may be held at the homes of people who live on or near the routes of Carnival parades.
It is a common practice in elementary and secondary schools to have king cake parties, usually on a Friday. The person who receives the trinket is required to bring the cake the following week.
The cakes have a small trinket (often a small plastic baby, sometimes said to represent Baby Jesus) inside, and the person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket has various privileges and obligations.
The person who gets the trinket is declared king or queen of the party, sometimes given a paper, plastic, or costume jewelry crown or tiara. Sometimes there are separate cakes to select the male and female royalty; the one for women is sometimes called a queen cake. The monarch is usually obligated to supply the next king cake or host the next party or both. King cake parties may be held at the homes of people who live on or near the routes of Carnival parades.
It is a common practice in elementary and secondary schools to have king cake parties, usually on a Friday. The person who receives the trinket is required to bring the cake the following week.
Rose Flower
A rose is a flowering shrub of the genus Rosa, and the flower of this shrub. There are more than a hundred species of wild roses, all from the northern hemisphere and mostly from temperate regions. The species form a group of generally prickly shrubs or climbers, and sometimes trailing plants, reaching 2–5 metres tall, occasionally reaching as high as 20 metres by climbing over other plants.
The name originates from Latin rosa, borrowed through Oscan from colonial Greek in southern Italy: rhodon (Aeolic form: wrodon), from Aramaic wurrdā, from Assyrian wurtinnu, from Old Iranian *warda (cf. Armenian vard, Avestan warda, Sogdian ward, Parthian wâr).
Roses are ancient symbols of love and beauty. The rose was sacred to a number of goddesses (including Isis and Aphrodite), and is often used as a symbol of the Virgin Mary. Roses are so important that the word means pink or red in a variety of languages (such as Romance languages, Greek, and Polish).
The rose is the national flower of England and the United States, as well as being the symbol of England Rugby, and of the Rugby Football Union. It is also the provincial flower of Yorkshire and Lancashire in England (the white rose and red rose respectively) and of Alberta (the wild rose), and the state flower of four US states: Iowa and North Dakota (R. arkansana), Georgia (R. laevigata), and New York (Rosa generally). Portland, Oregon counts "City of Roses" among its nicknames, and holds an annual Rose Festival.
The name originates from Latin rosa, borrowed through Oscan from colonial Greek in southern Italy: rhodon (Aeolic form: wrodon), from Aramaic wurrdā, from Assyrian wurtinnu, from Old Iranian *warda (cf. Armenian vard, Avestan warda, Sogdian ward, Parthian wâr).
Roses are ancient symbols of love and beauty. The rose was sacred to a number of goddesses (including Isis and Aphrodite), and is often used as a symbol of the Virgin Mary. Roses are so important that the word means pink or red in a variety of languages (such as Romance languages, Greek, and Polish).
The rose is the national flower of England and the United States, as well as being the symbol of England Rugby, and of the Rugby Football Union. It is also the provincial flower of Yorkshire and Lancashire in England (the white rose and red rose respectively) and of Alberta (the wild rose), and the state flower of four US states: Iowa and North Dakota (R. arkansana), Georgia (R. laevigata), and New York (Rosa generally). Portland, Oregon counts "City of Roses" among its nicknames, and holds an annual Rose Festival.
Chinese astrology
Chinese astrology is the divination of the future from the Chinese calendar, which is based on astronomy, and ancient Chinese philosophy. In particular, it is based on the sexagenary cycle of 60 years that has been documented since at least the time of the Shang Dynasty. This basic cycle has been constructed from two cycles: the 10 heavenly stems (the five elements in their yin and yang forms) and the 12 earthly branches, or the 12-year cycle of animals referred to as the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese animal zodiac also operates on a cycle of months or 'moons' and of hours of the day.
The Yin or Yang is broken down into Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) on top of the cycle of animals. These are modifiers and affect the characteristics of each of the 12 animal signs. Thus, each of the 12 animals are governed by an element plus a Yin Yang Direction.
The Chinese zodiac refers to a pure calendrical cycle; there are no equivalent constellations like those of the occidental zodiac. In imperial times there were astrologers who watched the sky for heavenly omens that would predict the future of the state, but this was a quite different practice of divination from the popular present-day methods.
Although it is usually translated as 'element' the Chinese word xing literally means something like 'changing states of being', 'permutations' or 'metamorphoses of being'. In fact Sinologists cannot agree on one single translation. The Chinese conception of 'element' is therefore quite different to the Western one. The Western elements were seen as the basic building blocks of matter. The Chinese 'elements', by contrast, were seen as ever changing and moving forces or energies - one translation of xing is simply 'the five changes'.
The balance of yin and yang and the five elements in a person's make-up has a major bearing on what is beneficial and effective for them in terms of feng shui, the Chinese form of geomancy. This is because each element is linked to a particular direction and season, and their different kinds of qì or life force.
The Yin or Yang is broken down into Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) on top of the cycle of animals. These are modifiers and affect the characteristics of each of the 12 animal signs. Thus, each of the 12 animals are governed by an element plus a Yin Yang Direction.
The Chinese zodiac refers to a pure calendrical cycle; there are no equivalent constellations like those of the occidental zodiac. In imperial times there were astrologers who watched the sky for heavenly omens that would predict the future of the state, but this was a quite different practice of divination from the popular present-day methods.
Although it is usually translated as 'element' the Chinese word xing literally means something like 'changing states of being', 'permutations' or 'metamorphoses of being'. In fact Sinologists cannot agree on one single translation. The Chinese conception of 'element' is therefore quite different to the Western one. The Western elements were seen as the basic building blocks of matter. The Chinese 'elements', by contrast, were seen as ever changing and moving forces or energies - one translation of xing is simply 'the five changes'.
The balance of yin and yang and the five elements in a person's make-up has a major bearing on what is beneficial and effective for them in terms of feng shui, the Chinese form of geomancy. This is because each element is linked to a particular direction and season, and their different kinds of qì or life force.
Naruto
Naruto is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto with an anime adaptation. The main character, Naruto Uzumaki, is a loud, hyperactive, unpredictable adolescent ninja who constantly searches for recognition and aspires to become a Hokage, the ninja in the village acknowledged as the leader and the strongest of all.
Kishimoto first authored a one-shot of Naruto in the August 1997 issue of Akamaru Jump. The plot differed substantially in that Naruto was the son of the demon fox instead of being the container, and the story was placed in a more modern setting. This early version of Naruto already had the ability to transform into a sexy young woman - but when he did so, a fox tail sprouted. Kishimoto then rewrote the story to its current form, which was first published by Shueisha in 1999 in the 43rd issue of Japan's Shonen Jump magazine. As of volume 36, the manga has sold over 71 million copies in Japan. Viz Media publishes a translated version in the American Shonen Jump magazine. Naruto has become Viz's best-selling manga series. To date, the first 27 volumes are available in English.
The original Naruto has a significant theming on friendship and trust. At the beginning of the story, neither Naruto or Kuroda trusted anyone, but by the end both befriend and trust each other. Despite its high results in the reader poll after getting released, Kishimoto currently thinks the "art stinks and the story's a mess!" Kishimoto also revealed that he was originally working on Karakuri for the Hop Step Award when, unsatisfied by the rough drafts, decided to work on something different instead, which later formed into Naruto.
Kishimoto first authored a one-shot of Naruto in the August 1997 issue of Akamaru Jump. The plot differed substantially in that Naruto was the son of the demon fox instead of being the container, and the story was placed in a more modern setting. This early version of Naruto already had the ability to transform into a sexy young woman - but when he did so, a fox tail sprouted. Kishimoto then rewrote the story to its current form, which was first published by Shueisha in 1999 in the 43rd issue of Japan's Shonen Jump magazine. As of volume 36, the manga has sold over 71 million copies in Japan. Viz Media publishes a translated version in the American Shonen Jump magazine. Naruto has become Viz's best-selling manga series. To date, the first 27 volumes are available in English.
The original Naruto has a significant theming on friendship and trust. At the beginning of the story, neither Naruto or Kuroda trusted anyone, but by the end both befriend and trust each other. Despite its high results in the reader poll after getting released, Kishimoto currently thinks the "art stinks and the story's a mess!" Kishimoto also revealed that he was originally working on Karakuri for the Hop Step Award when, unsatisfied by the rough drafts, decided to work on something different instead, which later formed into Naruto.
Valentine's Day
Saint Valentine's Day or Valentine's Day is a saints day commemorating Saint Valentine on February 14. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other; sending Valentine's cards, donating to charity or gifting candy. It is very common to present flowers on Valentine's Day. The holiday is named after two men, both Christian martyrs among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
Though popular modern sources link unspecified Graeco-Roman February holidays alleged to be devoted to fertility and love to St Valentine's Day, Jack Oruch has demonstrated[4] that prior to Chaucer, no links between the Saints named Valentinus and romantic love existed. Thus whether or not in the ancient Athenian calendar, the period between mid-January and mid-February was the month of Gamelion, was dedicated to the sacred marriage of Zeus and Hera is immaterial.
Valentine's Day also has regional traditions in the UK. In Norfolk a character called 'Jack' Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children. Although he was leaving treats, many children were scared of this mystical person.
Though popular modern sources link unspecified Graeco-Roman February holidays alleged to be devoted to fertility and love to St Valentine's Day, Jack Oruch has demonstrated[4] that prior to Chaucer, no links between the Saints named Valentinus and romantic love existed. Thus whether or not in the ancient Athenian calendar, the period between mid-January and mid-February was the month of Gamelion, was dedicated to the sacred marriage of Zeus and Hera is immaterial.
Valentine's Day also has regional traditions in the UK. In Norfolk a character called 'Jack' Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children. Although he was leaving treats, many children were scared of this mystical person.
Juliana of the Netherlands
Juliana (Juliana Emma Louise Marie Wilhelmina van Oranje-Nassau; 30 April 1909 – 20 March 2004) was queen regnant of the Kingdom of the Netherlands from her mother's abdication in 1948 to her own abdication in 1980. After her abdication she reverted to the style she used before coming to the throne.
Born in The Hague, the daughter of Prince Hendrik, Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, Juliana spent her childhood at Het Loo Palace in Apeldoorn, and at Noordeinde Palace and Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague. A small school class was formed at Noordeinde Palace on the advice of the educator Jan Ligthart so that, from the age of six, the Princess could receive her primary education with children of her own age. These children were Baroness Elise Bentinck, Baroness Elisabeth van Hardenbroek and Jonkvrouw Miek de Jonge.
On 30 April 1927, Princess Juliana celebrated her eighteenth birthday. Under the constitution, she had officially come of age and was entitled to assume the royal prerogative, if necessary. Two days later her mother installed her in the "Raad van State" ("Council of State"). A young, shy and introverted woman of plain features whose religious mother would not allow her to wear makeup, Juliana did not fit the image of a Royal Princess. She would, nonetheless, become much loved and respected by most of the Dutch people.
Born in The Hague, the daughter of Prince Hendrik, Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, Juliana spent her childhood at Het Loo Palace in Apeldoorn, and at Noordeinde Palace and Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague. A small school class was formed at Noordeinde Palace on the advice of the educator Jan Ligthart so that, from the age of six, the Princess could receive her primary education with children of her own age. These children were Baroness Elise Bentinck, Baroness Elisabeth van Hardenbroek and Jonkvrouw Miek de Jonge.
On 30 April 1927, Princess Juliana celebrated her eighteenth birthday. Under the constitution, she had officially come of age and was entitled to assume the royal prerogative, if necessary. Two days later her mother installed her in the "Raad van State" ("Council of State"). A young, shy and introverted woman of plain features whose religious mother would not allow her to wear makeup, Juliana did not fit the image of a Royal Princess. She would, nonetheless, become much loved and respected by most of the Dutch people.
Hacker
A Hacker is a general term in computing that refers to a computer programmer who takes advantage of the faults in the design of computer software or hardware (commonly referred to as "weaknesses") in order to:
1.gain further knowledge about the internal workings of the software or hardware,
2.gain access to some previously locked or hidden function of the software or hardware,
3.disable some previously functioning part of the software or hardware so that it no longer works in the way it was originally intended, or command the software or hardware to perform an additional task that it was not originally designed to do.
As a hacker's activities commonly (but not always) involve reverse engineering or direct modification of the software or hardware without the manufacturer's knowledge or authorisation, hacking often violates existing Copyright and Patent laws in many countries. A hacker's activities also frequently include the exploitation of a weakness in software or hardware to, for example, command the software or hardware to perform a malicious action against an individual or organisation. While reverse engineering software or hardware to gain further knowledge about its internal may not be considered a crime, malicious acts arising from the exploitation of any weaknesses found are considered crimes and are even considered as terrorist acts in some countries. For these reasons, hacking, the activity of a hacker, is considered a crime under law in most countries, especially under United States Law. Numerous hackers have been, and continue to be, prosecuted for their actions, some even becoming infamous through the reporting of their activities in the media.
As the software industry has evolved over time, it has become an industry with many different areas of expertise. Along with the expansion of the industry has come an expansion in the number of specific terms in use, particularly just within the United States, to describe the different types of hackers and the different kinds of software and hardware that they focus on.
1.gain further knowledge about the internal workings of the software or hardware,
2.gain access to some previously locked or hidden function of the software or hardware,
3.disable some previously functioning part of the software or hardware so that it no longer works in the way it was originally intended, or command the software or hardware to perform an additional task that it was not originally designed to do.
As a hacker's activities commonly (but not always) involve reverse engineering or direct modification of the software or hardware without the manufacturer's knowledge or authorisation, hacking often violates existing Copyright and Patent laws in many countries. A hacker's activities also frequently include the exploitation of a weakness in software or hardware to, for example, command the software or hardware to perform a malicious action against an individual or organisation. While reverse engineering software or hardware to gain further knowledge about its internal may not be considered a crime, malicious acts arising from the exploitation of any weaknesses found are considered crimes and are even considered as terrorist acts in some countries. For these reasons, hacking, the activity of a hacker, is considered a crime under law in most countries, especially under United States Law. Numerous hackers have been, and continue to be, prosecuted for their actions, some even becoming infamous through the reporting of their activities in the media.
As the software industry has evolved over time, it has become an industry with many different areas of expertise. Along with the expansion of the industry has come an expansion in the number of specific terms in use, particularly just within the United States, to describe the different types of hackers and the different kinds of software and hardware that they focus on.
Computer programming
Computer programming (often shortened to programming or coding) is the process of writing, testing, debugging/troubleshooting, and maintaining the source code of computer programs. This source code is written in a programming language. The code may be a modification of an existing source or something completely new, the purpose being to create a program that exhibits a certain desired behavior (customization). The process of writing source codes requires expertise in many different subjects, including knowledge of the application domain, specialized algorithms, and formal logic.
Within software engineering, programming (the implementation) is regarded as one phase in a software development process.
In some specialist applications or extreme situations a program may be written or modified (known as patching) by directly storing the numeric values of the machine code instructions to be executed into memory.
The first step in every software development project should be requirements analysis, followed by modeling, implementation, and failure elimination (debugging). There exist a lot of differing approaches for each of those tasks. One approach popular for requirements analysis is Use Case analysis.
Within software engineering, programming (the implementation) is regarded as one phase in a software development process.
In some specialist applications or extreme situations a program may be written or modified (known as patching) by directly storing the numeric values of the machine code instructions to be executed into memory.
The first step in every software development project should be requirements analysis, followed by modeling, implementation, and failure elimination (debugging). There exist a lot of differing approaches for each of those tasks. One approach popular for requirements analysis is Use Case analysis.
Porsche Boxster
DRIVE
From where does our drive for performance come? From our desire to surpass our own achievements. This aspiration, this urge to improve, is at the root of everything we do. The Boxster and Boxster S are the product of this desire and share a similar energy and verve. Its source is a lightweight, mid-mounted engine – the mark of a genuine roadster. The flat-six configuration creates a low centre of gravity – the mark of a genuine Porsche. All that remains is to choose a displacement – 2.7 litres on the Boxster, 3.4 litres on the Boxster S – and explore your drive for performance.
CHASSIS
The perfect chassis should provide the perfect link between driver, vehicle and road. All systems must be honed and refined to achieve the highest possible performance. On both Boxster models, this principle is applied to achieve optimum handling and grip. As a result, the power and agility of each car can be explored to their full potential. Rightly renowned for their exceptional manoeuvrability, the Boxster and Boxster S are specifically designed for both optimum active safety and uncompromising road and track performance. Combined, these qualities have one result: pure driving pleasure.
SAFETY
Whenever we challenge the limits of performance, safety always comes first. An essential prerequisite for all Porsche engineering, it never detracts from the driving experience. Both Boxster models have a comprehensive safety concept that is more than equal to the capability of each car. The many standard features include Porsche Stability Management (PSM) as well as generous head and thorax airbags. The result is a roadster with all the power of a Porsche – and the security that makes it a pleasure to enjoy.
From where does our drive for performance come? From our desire to surpass our own achievements. This aspiration, this urge to improve, is at the root of everything we do. The Boxster and Boxster S are the product of this desire and share a similar energy and verve. Its source is a lightweight, mid-mounted engine – the mark of a genuine roadster. The flat-six configuration creates a low centre of gravity – the mark of a genuine Porsche. All that remains is to choose a displacement – 2.7 litres on the Boxster, 3.4 litres on the Boxster S – and explore your drive for performance.
CHASSIS
The perfect chassis should provide the perfect link between driver, vehicle and road. All systems must be honed and refined to achieve the highest possible performance. On both Boxster models, this principle is applied to achieve optimum handling and grip. As a result, the power and agility of each car can be explored to their full potential. Rightly renowned for their exceptional manoeuvrability, the Boxster and Boxster S are specifically designed for both optimum active safety and uncompromising road and track performance. Combined, these qualities have one result: pure driving pleasure.
SAFETY
Whenever we challenge the limits of performance, safety always comes first. An essential prerequisite for all Porsche engineering, it never detracts from the driving experience. Both Boxster models have a comprehensive safety concept that is more than equal to the capability of each car. The many standard features include Porsche Stability Management (PSM) as well as generous head and thorax airbags. The result is a roadster with all the power of a Porsche – and the security that makes it a pleasure to enjoy.
Honda Civic 2007
PREPARE YOURSELF FOR SHEER EXCITEMENT
From first sight to the instance of entry, you've anticipated this moment. Seat yourself in the futuristic aviator's cockpit, grasp the sporty three-spoke wheel, feel your adrenaline rise. Everything is designed for total command - expansive all-round visibility, responsive controls at your fingertips, optimal locations for switches and buttons. Position the wheel for ideal comfort, glance at the Multiplex Meter for full driving data. All set? Now, turn the key to excitement.
TRUST THE ASSURANCE OF PREEMINENT PROTECTION
As your driving becomes more agile, your confidence in the dependable Civic protection intensifies. Honda supplies advanced active safeguards - such as VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), and ABS ( Anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) - that work in synergy to help you avoid driving hazards. Moreover, Honda surrounds you with advanced passive shielding that offers an occupant survival zone in an unavoidable collision. Count on Civic to care for your welfare as well as your driving pleasure.
From first sight to the instance of entry, you've anticipated this moment. Seat yourself in the futuristic aviator's cockpit, grasp the sporty three-spoke wheel, feel your adrenaline rise. Everything is designed for total command - expansive all-round visibility, responsive controls at your fingertips, optimal locations for switches and buttons. Position the wheel for ideal comfort, glance at the Multiplex Meter for full driving data. All set? Now, turn the key to excitement.
TRUST THE ASSURANCE OF PREEMINENT PROTECTION
As your driving becomes more agile, your confidence in the dependable Civic protection intensifies. Honda supplies advanced active safeguards - such as VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), and ABS ( Anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) - that work in synergy to help you avoid driving hazards. Moreover, Honda surrounds you with advanced passive shielding that offers an occupant survival zone in an unavoidable collision. Count on Civic to care for your welfare as well as your driving pleasure.
PlayStation Portable
The PlayStation Portable (officially abbreviated PSP) is a handheld game console released and manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment. Its development was first announced during E3 2003, and it was officially unveiled on May 11, 2004 at a Sony press conference before E3 2004. The system was released in Japan on December 12, 2004, North America on March 24, 2005 and in the PAL region on September 1, 2005. It is the first handheld video game system to use an optical disc format (Universal Media Disc).
A new slimmer and lighter version of the PSP, appropriately titled Slim and Lite, was announced on July 11, 2007, during Sony's press conference at E3 2007. It was made available in the US, Europe and Japan in September 2007 with various colours and a very different box packaging to the original PSP. Among these versions, three were physically shown at E3 2007: a white version with a Star Wars imprint, a piano black version and an ice silver version.
The PSP's main menu allows the user to configure the system for use across the Internet or an intranet via a wireless connection, known as infrastructure mode. The PSP's menu can recognize protected and non-protected wireless networks within its range, and supports connecting to WEP and WPA encrypted networks.
A new slimmer and lighter version of the PSP, appropriately titled Slim and Lite, was announced on July 11, 2007, during Sony's press conference at E3 2007. It was made available in the US, Europe and Japan in September 2007 with various colours and a very different box packaging to the original PSP. Among these versions, three were physically shown at E3 2007: a white version with a Star Wars imprint, a piano black version and an ice silver version.
The PSP's main menu allows the user to configure the system for use across the Internet or an intranet via a wireless connection, known as infrastructure mode. The PSP's menu can recognize protected and non-protected wireless networks within its range, and supports connecting to WEP and WPA encrypted networks.
Prize Money
The second and third top overall at Alibata will get the prize money of 20,000 pesos and 10,000 pesos respectively.
Money is any token or other object that functions as a medium of exchange that is socially and legally accepted in payment for goods and services and in settlement of debts. Money also serves as a standard of value for measuring the relative worth of different goods and services and as a store of value. Some authors explicitly require money to be a standard of deferred payment.
Money includes both currency, particularly the many circulating currencies with legal tender status, and various forms of financial deposit accounts, such as demand deposits, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit. In modern economies, currency is the smallest component of the money supply.
Money is not the same as real value, the latter being the basic element in economics. Money is central to the study of economics and forms its most cogent link to finance. The absence of money causes an economy to be inefficient because it requires a coincidence of wants between traders, and an agreement that these needs are of equal value, before a barter exchange can occur. The efficiency gains through the use of money are thought to encourage trade and the division of labour, in turn increasing productivity and wealth.
Money is any token or other object that functions as a medium of exchange that is socially and legally accepted in payment for goods and services and in settlement of debts. Money also serves as a standard of value for measuring the relative worth of different goods and services and as a store of value. Some authors explicitly require money to be a standard of deferred payment.
Money includes both currency, particularly the many circulating currencies with legal tender status, and various forms of financial deposit accounts, such as demand deposits, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit. In modern economies, currency is the smallest component of the money supply.
Money is not the same as real value, the latter being the basic element in economics. Money is central to the study of economics and forms its most cogent link to finance. The absence of money causes an economy to be inefficient because it requires a coincidence of wants between traders, and an agreement that these needs are of equal value, before a barter exchange can occur. The efficiency gains through the use of money are thought to encourage trade and the division of labour, in turn increasing productivity and wealth.
iPod nano
This is the prize for the top 4 and 5 overall winners of Alibata:
The iPod nano is a portable media player designed and marketed by Apple Inc. It is the midrange model in Apple's iPod family. The first generation model was introduced on September 7, 2005, and combines features of both the iPod shuffle and iPod classic. It was intended to replace the iPod mini, which was discontinued on the same day. The replacement of the mini took Apple-related websites and the press completely by surprise since, although there were rumors about a new flash memory-based iPod, there was no prior notice of the popular mini being discontinued.
Apple updated the nano again on September 5, 2007 and made it available the weekend following. The third generation nano features a 2-inch QVGA (320×240) screen and a shorter, wider, heavier design, with new colors. New features include browsing via Cover Flow, a new user interface, video playback, and support for new iTunes Store games. Users must repurchase games bought before a month prior to the debut of the new iPod as they are not supported. The nano is available in a 4 GB version at US$149 (UK£99.99) coming only in silver, and an 8 GB version at US$199 (UK£129.99) coming in silver, turquoise, mint green, black, and Product Red. The battery lasts for approx. 24 hours on audio playback and approx. 5 hours on video playback.
Combining elements from the previous two generations of nano, the third-generation nano has an aluminum front plate and a chrome back plate. The nano also sports a new minimalistic hold switch, similar to the shuffle's power switch, which has been moved to the bottom of the player. The 2 inch screen has the greatest pixel density of any Apple product and has the same resolution of the 2.5 inch iPod classic's display.
On October 6, 2007, Apple released a firmware update (1.0.2) via iTunes that is said to improve Cover Flow, yield faster menu navigation and fix the Video Out option. The update was also released for the iPod Classic. On November 28, 2007, Apple released another firmware update (1.0.3) via iTunes, which included unspecified bugfixes.
The iPod nano is a portable media player designed and marketed by Apple Inc. It is the midrange model in Apple's iPod family. The first generation model was introduced on September 7, 2005, and combines features of both the iPod shuffle and iPod classic. It was intended to replace the iPod mini, which was discontinued on the same day. The replacement of the mini took Apple-related websites and the press completely by surprise since, although there were rumors about a new flash memory-based iPod, there was no prior notice of the popular mini being discontinued.
Apple updated the nano again on September 5, 2007 and made it available the weekend following. The third generation nano features a 2-inch QVGA (320×240) screen and a shorter, wider, heavier design, with new colors. New features include browsing via Cover Flow, a new user interface, video playback, and support for new iTunes Store games. Users must repurchase games bought before a month prior to the debut of the new iPod as they are not supported. The nano is available in a 4 GB version at US$149 (UK£99.99) coming only in silver, and an 8 GB version at US$199 (UK£129.99) coming in silver, turquoise, mint green, black, and Product Red. The battery lasts for approx. 24 hours on audio playback and approx. 5 hours on video playback.
Combining elements from the previous two generations of nano, the third-generation nano has an aluminum front plate and a chrome back plate. The nano also sports a new minimalistic hold switch, similar to the shuffle's power switch, which has been moved to the bottom of the player. The 2 inch screen has the greatest pixel density of any Apple product and has the same resolution of the 2.5 inch iPod classic's display.
On October 6, 2007, Apple released a firmware update (1.0.2) via iTunes that is said to improve Cover Flow, yield faster menu navigation and fix the Video Out option. The update was also released for the iPod Classic. On November 28, 2007, Apple released another firmware update (1.0.3) via iTunes, which included unspecified bugfixes.