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.
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.
Canon EOS 400D
This is the prize for the Alibata Top 1 Overall winner.
The EOS 400D, called Digital Rebel XTi in North America and EOS Kiss Digital X in Japan, is an entry-level digital single-lens reflex camera introduced by Canon August 24, 2006. It is the successor of the popular Canon EOS 350D, upgrading to a 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, a larger continuous shooting buffer, an integrated image sensor vibrating cleaning system, a more precise 9-point auto focus system from the EOS 30D, improved grip, and a bigger 2.5-inch LCD with 230,000 pixels and a larger viewing angle which replaces the top status screen. The 400D uses the DIGIC II image processor, as is used in the 350D. However it has been noted by some users that the 400D does underexpose unlike the 350D which tended to overexpose. Support for the Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) USB protocol is available since version 1.1.0.[4] The latest firmware available is version 1.1.1.
Can I get this camera from Alibata?
As of December 2007 its MSRP was US$800 MSRP ($599.00 CDN in Canada) for the body, or $900 ($749.99 CDN) with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, thus lowering the bar for other $1000 10 megapixel DSLRs like the Sony α 100 or the Nikon D80, which were also unveiled in summer 2006. Canon has also started to sell the 400D with the 17-85 f/4.0-5.6 IS USM lens. Two new lenses have been launched simultaneously: the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM, the fastest Canon standard lens currently in production; and the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens, a telephoto zoom with an image stabilizer.
The EOS 400D, called Digital Rebel XTi in North America and EOS Kiss Digital X in Japan, is an entry-level digital single-lens reflex camera introduced by Canon August 24, 2006. It is the successor of the popular Canon EOS 350D, upgrading to a 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, a larger continuous shooting buffer, an integrated image sensor vibrating cleaning system, a more precise 9-point auto focus system from the EOS 30D, improved grip, and a bigger 2.5-inch LCD with 230,000 pixels and a larger viewing angle which replaces the top status screen. The 400D uses the DIGIC II image processor, as is used in the 350D. However it has been noted by some users that the 400D does underexpose unlike the 350D which tended to overexpose. Support for the Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) USB protocol is available since version 1.1.0.[4] The latest firmware available is version 1.1.1.
Can I get this camera from Alibata?
As of December 2007 its MSRP was US$800 MSRP ($599.00 CDN in Canada) for the body, or $900 ($749.99 CDN) with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, thus lowering the bar for other $1000 10 megapixel DSLRs like the Sony α 100 or the Nikon D80, which were also unveiled in summer 2006. Canon has also started to sell the 400D with the 17-85 f/4.0-5.6 IS USM lens. Two new lenses have been launched simultaneously: the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM, the fastest Canon standard lens currently in production; and the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens, a telephoto zoom with an image stabilizer.
MacBook Pro 17"
Introduced on April 24, 2006, the 17-inch MacBook Pro features a 17-inch display with a native resolution of 1680 × 1050 and weighs 3.08 kg (6.8 pounds). At the time of release, the 17-inch featured the Intel Core Duo processor at 2.16 GHz; similar to the 15-inch, the 17-inch MacBook Pro had an upgrade on October 24, 2006 that gave way to the faster Intel Core 2 Duo processor clocked at 2.33 GHz. On June 5, 2007 the processor speed was bumped to 2.4 GHz. On November 1, 2007 Apple introduced an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.6ghz MacBook Pro upgrade for $250 more.
In addition to the standard features of the 15.4-inch model, the 17-inch MacBook Pro also features an additional USB 2.0 port and an 8× SuperDrive as opposed to the 6× SuperDrive of the 15-inch models (prior to the upgrade on June 5, 2007 which included 8x drives in both 15" and 17" models). Its ATI Radeon X1600 GPU was replaced with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT on June 5, 2007.
The 17" MacBook Pro replaces the 17-inch PowerBook G4 and has features very similar to those found in its immediate predecessor. It is, however, slightly thinner at 2.59 cm (one inch).
In addition to the standard features of the 15.4-inch model, the 17-inch MacBook Pro also features an additional USB 2.0 port and an 8× SuperDrive as opposed to the 6× SuperDrive of the 15-inch models (prior to the upgrade on June 5, 2007 which included 8x drives in both 15" and 17" models). Its ATI Radeon X1600 GPU was replaced with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT on June 5, 2007.
The 17" MacBook Pro replaces the 17-inch PowerBook G4 and has features very similar to those found in its immediate predecessor. It is, however, slightly thinner at 2.59 cm (one inch).
Honda Jazz
I am planning to buy a car like Honda Jazz. Here are the features of this car:
EXPRESS YOURSELF WITH FREEDOM AND STYLE!
Want fun and adventure? Then liberate your lifestyle with the sensational Honda Jazz! Its spirited 1.5-liter VTEC engine boosts driving pleasure to new heights. Its spacious interior has the flexibility to meet changing needs. Take a spin around town and the Jazz's sporty new personality turns heads at every corner. Why wait any longer? Jazz up you lifestyle today with the new Honda Jazz!
ZIP ALONG CITY STREETS WITH POWER AND AGILITY
The joy of quick acceleration and nimble response is yours in the new Honda Jazz. Whether shopping downtown or taking your friends on long distance journeys, you'll appreciate the exceptional power and fuel efficiency of Honda's VTEC or i-DSI engine. Both meet your need for greater freedom and excitement.
FEATURES:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
7-speed Steer-Matic
4.7m Turning Radius (S model)
Alpine iPod connector (V model)
ULT seats
382 liters Trunk capacity
ABS (anti-lock braking system)& EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) body
Dual SRS airbags
COLORS: Silverstone, Brilliant White, Bluish Silver, Purplish Blue, Vivid Blue, Nighthawk Black
EXPRESS YOURSELF WITH FREEDOM AND STYLE!
Want fun and adventure? Then liberate your lifestyle with the sensational Honda Jazz! Its spirited 1.5-liter VTEC engine boosts driving pleasure to new heights. Its spacious interior has the flexibility to meet changing needs. Take a spin around town and the Jazz's sporty new personality turns heads at every corner. Why wait any longer? Jazz up you lifestyle today with the new Honda Jazz!
ZIP ALONG CITY STREETS WITH POWER AND AGILITY
The joy of quick acceleration and nimble response is yours in the new Honda Jazz. Whether shopping downtown or taking your friends on long distance journeys, you'll appreciate the exceptional power and fuel efficiency of Honda's VTEC or i-DSI engine. Both meet your need for greater freedom and excitement.
FEATURES:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
7-speed Steer-Matic
4.7m Turning Radius (S model)
Alpine iPod connector (V model)
ULT seats
382 liters Trunk capacity
ABS (anti-lock braking system)& EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) body
Dual SRS airbags
COLORS: Silverstone, Brilliant White, Bluish Silver, Purplish Blue, Vivid Blue, Nighthawk Black
Year of the Rat
The Rat was welcomed in ancient times as a protector and bringer of material prosperity. It is an animal associated with aggression, wealth, charm, and order, yet also associated with death, war, the occult, pestilence, and atrocities. In the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of the Rat is associated with the earthly branch symbol 子.
Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiac, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.
Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiac, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.
Still Leading at Alibata
It seems I'm still leading though busy and was not able to work on my entries for Alibata contest. My blog and website are still ranking on top of Google, Yahoo and especially at MSN. This blog is still doing fine at Yahoo but still playing hide and seek at Google and MSN. Sometimes this blog was on top of Google but sometimes it just dissapeared on SERP. My entries that are still doing good are the globalwarmingawareness07.com (topping MSN and Yahoo), paradisephilippinesinfo.blogspot.com (topping Google and MSN), shopautodotca-seocontest.info (topping Google), ghc.ibaan.net, xytron.com.paradisephilippines.html, salibata.com and etc. Most of my new Alibata blogs are still not showing at Google and MSN but some are showing in Yahoo SERP. I know I must still work hard because I know my opponents are working hard also on their Alibata entries.
Let Your Money Work For You
Investing is very important. It helps sustain the development of the country's industries and economy. When an investment is made, it helps a company produce more. With more production, the economy grows. When an economy grows, there's mone money to go around - the very meaning of the word "prosperity". On the individual level, having money earn more than just interest definitely relieves a good chunk of the stress in your day-to-day life. There's comfort in knowing that you have a fallback plan, and that you're actively planning for your future. But we don't explore this, because investment is alien to us, that it's too risky, or it'll take up too much time, and that we need the money handy in case of emergencies.
So I put 10 percent of my salary into savings account, and hope that is enough. Nowadays it isn't. The burden of retirement is on us, not the government of the company that we've served long years toiling away for. Since we can't work three full-time jobs to ensure that our income will sustain us from cradle (our children) to grave (ours), the urge to incubate a nest egg becomes strong, even irresistible. But where does one start? With so many investment options out there - no, your CASA or checking and savings account does not count - it's intimidating just choosing which t study.
In the industry there is a saying, sell in May then go away. Come back around September or October. A lot of market moves because of foreign fund managers who go on summer vacations starting June. By then, they don't have any of their holdings anymore. These guys are back around September, October, and they have the really big money - they drive the market up or down. So usually, sell in May before they go on vacation then buy when they come back.
So I put 10 percent of my salary into savings account, and hope that is enough. Nowadays it isn't. The burden of retirement is on us, not the government of the company that we've served long years toiling away for. Since we can't work three full-time jobs to ensure that our income will sustain us from cradle (our children) to grave (ours), the urge to incubate a nest egg becomes strong, even irresistible. But where does one start? With so many investment options out there - no, your CASA or checking and savings account does not count - it's intimidating just choosing which t study.
In the industry there is a saying, sell in May then go away. Come back around September or October. A lot of market moves because of foreign fund managers who go on summer vacations starting June. By then, they don't have any of their holdings anymore. These guys are back around September, October, and they have the really big money - they drive the market up or down. So usually, sell in May before they go on vacation then buy when they come back.
The OSI Reference Model
I would like to discuss more about networking on this Alibata blog. As the concept of networking became more widespread in the business world, the idea of being able to connect networks and disparate systems became a necessity. For this type of communication to take place, however, there needed to be a standard method. The solution came in 1978 when the ISO released an architecture that would achieve this goal. These specifications were revised in 1984 and became international standards for networked communication. It is important for network administrators to know the history and understand the function of this specification, which is called the OSI Reference Model.
The OSI model presents a layered approach to networking. Each layer of the models handles a different portion of the communications process. By separating such communications into layers, the OSI model simplified how network hardware and software work together, as well as eased troubleshooting woes by providing a specific method for how components should function.
Keep in mind that the OSI model is a complete conceptual reference.
The OSI model presents a layered approach to networking. Each layer of the models handles a different portion of the communications process. By separating such communications into layers, the OSI model simplified how network hardware and software work together, as well as eased troubleshooting woes by providing a specific method for how components should function.
Keep in mind that the OSI model is a complete conceptual reference.
What is a Network?
I just want to share some knowledge about networking on this Alibata blog.
To have a general understanding of networking, you must have a firm grasp of what a network is, as well as the terms used when describing this type of technology.
Put simply, a network is a connection between at least 2 computers so that they can share resources. Although most networks are more complex than this two-computer scenario, all networks are based ob the concept of sharing. There’s actually a great deal of technology involved when one computer connects to and communicates with another. In addition, there are many types of physical connections and related software to consider.
There are three types of networks: Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). A LAN is a collection of networked computers that reside within a small physical region, such as an office building. A WAN can connect networks across the globe; a third-party communications carrier is generally used to transmit communications between networks. MANs use WAN technologies to interconnect LANs within a specific geographical region, such as a city.
In addition to these distinctions, a LAN, WAN, or MAN can be peer-to-peer networks, client/server networks, or hybrid networks (networks that make use of both client/server and peer-to-peer technologies.)
To have a general understanding of networking, you must have a firm grasp of what a network is, as well as the terms used when describing this type of technology.
Put simply, a network is a connection between at least 2 computers so that they can share resources. Although most networks are more complex than this two-computer scenario, all networks are based ob the concept of sharing. There’s actually a great deal of technology involved when one computer connects to and communicates with another. In addition, there are many types of physical connections and related software to consider.
There are three types of networks: Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). A LAN is a collection of networked computers that reside within a small physical region, such as an office building. A WAN can connect networks across the globe; a third-party communications carrier is generally used to transmit communications between networks. MANs use WAN technologies to interconnect LANs within a specific geographical region, such as a city.
In addition to these distinctions, a LAN, WAN, or MAN can be peer-to-peer networks, client/server networks, or hybrid networks (networks that make use of both client/server and peer-to-peer technologies.)
The Right Approach
I just want to share the right approach for being a businessman: Everything you do always has to be 'win-win,' as much as possible. Enter any venture with the proper tools, the proper capital, the proper preparations, and studies. You can't lock your horns with the stablished businesses. There's too many watches and cellphones today, even designer ones. You can't go into business like that because you end up having to compromise some things, somehow, somewhere. You have to sell the real thing, you don't sell illusions. And you don't get rich by being an employee. Be an enterpreneur. As one, do something different or do the same thing differently. If you offer quality, you can't help but get quality back. Don't be afraid yo go out of your own. You won't get much out of life if you're afraid.
When you're a positive person you attract positive things. Be positive and don't try to cheat people. Eventually, you'll attract a lot of good things, good businesses.
Disappointments come when you bite off more than you chew. You can only do as much. You may have a lot of good ideas bu a concept is only good if you can give it your all. Never let disappointments get you down. Think of the achievements that you have or those that are in store for you in your other ventures. You're still alive, you can always find success elsewhere.
When you're a positive person you attract positive things. Be positive and don't try to cheat people. Eventually, you'll attract a lot of good things, good businesses.
Disappointments come when you bite off more than you chew. You can only do as much. You may have a lot of good ideas bu a concept is only good if you can give it your all. Never let disappointments get you down. Think of the achievements that you have or those that are in store for you in your other ventures. You're still alive, you can always find success elsewhere.
I am a Web Developer
You know, I am also a Web Developer and Web Designer. Here's the meaning of a Web Developer:
A web developer is a software developer or software engineer who is specifically engaged in the development of World Wide Web applications, or distributed network applications that are run over the HTTP protocol from a web server to a web browser. Many web developers are also skilled in web design, information architecture, usability engineering, web content management systems, web server administration, and search engine optimization.
Due to the increasing complexity of web applications in recent years, developers often specialize in either frontend or backend work. Frontend developers focus on the user interface and typically work with technologies such as ECMAscript and its variants (JavaScript, JScript, ActionScript), CSS, and the DOM. Backend developers usually focus on the interaction between server-side frameworks and databases. Some backend developers maintain databases directly on their web servers, while in other situations the backend developer calls data, managed by a database administrator, on an external system.
A web developer is a software developer or software engineer who is specifically engaged in the development of World Wide Web applications, or distributed network applications that are run over the HTTP protocol from a web server to a web browser. Many web developers are also skilled in web design, information architecture, usability engineering, web content management systems, web server administration, and search engine optimization.
Due to the increasing complexity of web applications in recent years, developers often specialize in either frontend or backend work. Frontend developers focus on the user interface and typically work with technologies such as ECMAscript and its variants (JavaScript, JScript, ActionScript), CSS, and the DOM. Backend developers usually focus on the interaction between server-side frameworks and databases. Some backend developers maintain databases directly on their web servers, while in other situations the backend developer calls data, managed by a database administrator, on an external system.
I am a Network Administrator
I am a network administrator and here is what it mean:
The terms network administrator, network specialist and network analyst designate job positions of engineers involved in computer networks, the people who carry out network administration.
Network administrators are basically the network equivalent of system administrators: they maintain the hardware and software that comprises the network.
This normally includes the deployment, configuration, maintenance and monitoring of active network gear: switches, routers, firewalls, etc. Network administration commonly includes activities such as network address assignment, assignment of routing protocols and routing table configuration as well as configuration of authentication and authorization – directory services.
It often includes maintenance of network facilities in individual machines, such as drivers and settings of personal computers as well as printers and such. It sometimes also includes maintenance of certain network servers: file servers, VPN gateways, intrusion detection systems, etc.
The terms network administrator, network specialist and network analyst designate job positions of engineers involved in computer networks, the people who carry out network administration.
Network administrators are basically the network equivalent of system administrators: they maintain the hardware and software that comprises the network.
This normally includes the deployment, configuration, maintenance and monitoring of active network gear: switches, routers, firewalls, etc. Network administration commonly includes activities such as network address assignment, assignment of routing protocols and routing table configuration as well as configuration of authentication and authorization – directory services.
It often includes maintenance of network facilities in individual machines, such as drivers and settings of personal computers as well as printers and such. It sometimes also includes maintenance of certain network servers: file servers, VPN gateways, intrusion detection systems, etc.