Top 10 List Collection

10 of the Best Digital Cameras in the Market (Top Picks 2012)

2012-01-13T03:53:00.000-08:00

There are few better ways to ensure that a memory is never lost than taking a photo, but what are the best options on the market today for digital cameras? Choosing a camera can be a difficult task because there are so many factors to consider, such as price, image quality, battery life and many more.

Where will you use your digital camera? There are different options based on the type of photography that you hope to participate in from professional quality cameras all the way down to devices more designed for hobby users.

When it comes down to actually making the decision on which camera to buy, consumers must consider which camera will best suit their needs and FindTheBest has created a top ten list to help them do just that.

10 - Nikon D90, Nikon

9 - Sony HX1, Sony

8 - Nikon D3X, Nikon

7 - Nikon D3S, Nikon

6 - Sony HX1, Sony

5 - Pentax K-7, Pentax

4 - Canon EOS-1D Mark III, Canon

3 - Canon PowerShot G11, Canon

2 - Nikon D3, Nikon

1 - Nikon D700, Nikon

FindTheBest, a powerful tool for making quick and informed decisions on everything from smartphones to tablets to electronic pianos.

10 of the Best Places to Visit in Nepal

2012-01-13T03:17:00.000-08:00

One of the best places to visit when nature tripping and travel back in time - Nepal. The country is full of antique places where history comes alive. It is also gifted by nature with natural wonders recognized in the world. That in addition to a diverse cultural richness and lively traditions, beautiful temples and monuments as well as rivers and tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, making your trip an unforgettable experience. It is a multicultural, multi-ethnic and language. However, all people of different races and religions live in harmony and there is an ideal blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. Let me tell you 10 of the Best Places in Nepal that proves it's wonder.

1 - KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE, KATHMANDU

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is one of the oldest cities in the world. The old town with narrow medieval streets and lovely little shrines, centers on the Durbar Square. Here one can find distinctive pagoda-roofed temples, stone sculptures, old Monasteries and historic monuments.

2 - BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE, BHAKTAPUR

Bhaktapur or also known as Bhadgaon, is a museum of medieval art and architecture with many fine examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses. The city is shaped like a snail, one of the emblems of the god Vishnu and was founded by King Ananda Deva in 889. The city is 1402 meters above the sea level. Pottery and weaving are the most important traditional industries. The town is located fifteen kilometers east of Kathmandu.

3 - TEMPLE OF KRISHNA, PATAN

The ancient name of Patan is Lalitpur meaning, city of beauty. In fact, a city of beauty and grace and is planned in a circular format with Buddhist stupas at each of the four cardinal points. The town is three kilometers southeast of Kathmandu, across the river Bagmati. As Kathmandu, center of attraction is its Durbar Square complex, situated in the center of the marketplace. The city is full of monuments, Buddhist and Hindu temples with fine bronze entries, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Known for its craftsmen and metal workers, also known as the city of artists. The city is believed to have been built during the reign of Vira developer in the year 299.

4 - FEWA LAKE, POKHARA

Pokhara, a charming city located in the tranquil valley (827m), is the starting point for many of the most popular destinations in Nepal, trekking and rafting. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the summit trail Machachhapuchhre Fish (6977 m) behind them create an environment of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and views of the world famous Himalayas. Located 200 km west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air and by road from Kathmandu and Bhairawa, a border town near India. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machchhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others.

5 - LUMBINI

Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. The Prince and the Buddha Shakya Finally, the Enlightened One, is the place of pilgrimage for millions of people in the world of the faithful in all schools of Buddhism. UNESCO lists the birth site, identified by Indian Emperor Ashoka pillar commemorating a World Heritage Site. The main attraction of Lumbini remains the sacred garden spread 8sq km, possessing all the treasures of the historic area. Mayadevi Temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. Here we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, Buddha's mother giving birth to him. Standing to the west of the sanctuary is Mayadevi the oldest monument of Nepal, the Ashoka Pillar. Emperor Ashoka erected a pillar in 249 a. C. to commemorate his pilgrimage to the holy sites. South of the column, is the sacred lake, where there Puskarni} {Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to Buddha. Places of interest around the area there are several other attractions nearby. It can be accessed by air from Kathmandu to Bhairawa. From Kathmandu it takes about eight hours by bus or car.

6 - CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK, CHITWAN

Chitwan is one of the best national parks in Asia, renowned for its concentration of wildlife and better class tourist lodges, which offer the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat. Chitwan which means "heart of the jungle 'is among the last surviving example of the continuous band of forests and grasslands, which stretched from the Indus River in Pakistan to the Burmese border. Its main attraction is the Chitwan National Park One of the major forest regions of Asia where wild animals live, like the few great one-horned rhinoceros, several species of deer, sloth bears, leopards, wild boar, fresh water dolphins, crocodiles, 350 species of birds and the elusive Bengal tiger. Chitwan National Park is shown in the World Heritage Site (natural) list. Visitors to Chitwan may enjoy elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoeing and hiking through the jungle. There are several authorized agencies to organize such safaris. Visitors can also take a raft. First driving from Kathmandu to the river or Seti Khola Trishuli. The five-hour trip to Chitwan (165 km overland) from Kathmandu, is filled with exciting views of the hills, rivers and plains with jungles on either side.

7 - DHULIKHEL

Dhulikhel is scenic and the town located 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari Highway). From here you can have a panoramic view of the Himalayas. In the main city, a brief visit to Namobuddha with Buddhist stupa and the monastery is highly recommended place to visit. Panauti, a village famous for its numerous temples with magnificent wood carving is a short distance from Dhulikhel.

8 and 9 - MUKTINATH TEMPLE, MUKTINATH and JOMSOM

It is believed that all miseries / sorrows are relieved once you visit this temple (Mukti = Nirvana, Nath = God). The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3749 m. The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On the wall is around 108 suppliers who take holy water. The temple is located in a high mountain and is visited during fair weather. There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Or take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for 7-8 hours through Kagbeni or trekking to the end of Pokhara which is 7-8 days. It is believed that one should visit this temple after competing pilgrimage of four dhams in India. This temple is considered sacred by Hindus and Buddhists. The Jwala Mai temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural gas underground. Jomsom is a major center in the Annapurna region. Not a first class accommodation in Jomsom from where one can enjoy the outstanding natural beauty.

10 - GORKHA DURBAR, GORKHA

Gorkha is the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah the Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalayas is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive temples and Kali Gorakhanth place within the enclosure. Gorkha can be reached in about six hours by road from Kathmandu and four hours from Pokhara. A side trip to Manakamana temple on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable and interesting. The Nepalese believe Manakamana Goddess fulfills the desires of all people and that's one reason why the temple is visited by tourists and locals throughout the year.

About Nature of Nepal, Contributor

Namaste and Welcome to Nepal, for many visitors, this Himalayan country brings images of snow-capped mountains and green hills. In fact, ten highest mountains in the world, eight are in Nepal, Nepal mountaineering make a dream. Nepal, a small country with an approximate area of 147,181 square kilometers is geographically and ethnically diverse, with over 61 ethnic groups and 70 languages spoken. That in addition to a diverse cultural richness and lively traditions, beautiful temples and monuments as well as rivers and tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, making your trip an unforgettable experience. It is a multicultural, multi-ethnic and language. However, all people of different races and religions live in harmony and there is an ideal blend of Hinduism and Buddhism.

10 of the Must-Try Adventure Places in the Philippines

2012-01-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, the ones who are bound to you are the one who makes a great influence to you. Sharing a story to a friend about the places you’ve been is good, but bringing them to that place and letting them feel and experience the same feeling of what you have felt when somebody have shared it to you is better.
We only have three seasons of life:

a. Full of energy, lots of time, but no money
b. Full of energy, lots of money, but no time
c. We have lots of money, lots of time, but no more energy

What season are you now? When will you be able to do outdoors and have some adventures? May these pieces of pictures encourage those people out there to see ten of the many magnificent art works of God, from mountains to beaches, from ocean and seas to waterfalls, from boulders to caves, from northern part of the Philippines to the southern part of the country, Swim, hike, and explore!

1 - Mt.Pulag, Kabayan Benguet

Mt. Pulag also known as the “Playground of Gods”, standing at 9,586 feet above sea level, found in the Cordillera region of Central Luzon, is the highest mountain in Luzon and second highest in the Philippines next to Mt. Apo. The Mt. Pulag National Park is open all year round. Dry season is the best time to trek up to the summit preferably from the month of November to March for you are able to witness breath taking sea of clouds.

Most of its visitors and guests were attracted not only in its low temperature and spectacular sea of clouds, but also on its unique characteristics for its rolling plains, mossy forest and an amazing eye soothing greens which defines its biodiversity. You can camp on the top but only on designated areas. Be sure that you have warm clothing to protect yourself in cold weather as the temperature drops.

The mountain is classified as a major climb with its five defined trails to reach on to the summit which defines it difficulty. These are the Ambangeg trail, also known as the executive trail and the easiest, the Eddet trail, Tawangan trail, Ambaguio trail, and the Akiki trail which is said to be the most difficult among the five.

2 - Lipata Caves

(Lipata Caves of Quezon Province) From Lipata Island is said to have seven 7 Caves which called the Lipata Caves. The said island is found at the Bondoc Peninsula in Quezon which takes you 3-4 hours drive from Manila.

It will take you a 20-30 minutes boat ride from the Padre Burgos Pier, the jump off area, to the island. From the Island a 15-20-minute trek will transpire you to see rock formations at the side of the mountain and amazed with the stalactites and lime stones inside the caves. You can also witness the view of the sea from above along the trail.

The rock formation inside the caves gives amazement into its visitors. The soil of Lipata caves are rich in minerals which are transported by the residents all the way down to the foot of the mountain which is used for growing their crops. However, mining in the caves is prohibited. This activity will surely destroy the caves’ natural rock formations.

3 - Dampalitan Island

From the province of Quezon lies an island name Dampalitan. Its white sandy beach and long stretch shorelines attracts most of its visitors. The beautiful long stretch of the beach and quiet place returns a peaceful and relaxing experience with nature.

Rocky formation will be seen during the low tide. You can even take your photo almost at the middle of the sea. Take those shots while enjoying the light of the sunset in the place.
A bench near the seashore is best for a seat to watch on the dramatic scene of a sunset along with your best friend or love ones.

4 - Borawan Island

Not far from the Dampalitan Island is the Borawan Island which is name after the combination of Boracay and Palawan for its characteristics of white sand and huge rock formations similar to that of Palawan’s cliffs. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the place with its crystal clear water, and long stretch white beach at the west coast of the island.

You can climb on to the top of the huge rocks ranging from 15-20 feet high allows you to view the west and east coast of the island and take shots of your pictures. Be careful on climbing because the edges of the rock are quite sharp.

Camping is allowed in the island, but make sure that you have your head lamps, flash light, extra batteries, and drinking water with you. There is no electricity and fresh water available in the area. If you are avoiding a crowd in the place, you can visit the island before the summer euphoria begins.

5 - Pagbilao Grande Island (Isla Putting Buhangin)

Pagbilao Grande Island in Pagbilao Quezon is also called as “Isla Putting Buhangin” with its fine white sand. It’s cold crystal clear water and white sand stretch attracts its guests. In here also found the “Kwebang Lampas”, a cave located at the east point of the stretch, and one of the highlights when you go in Pagbilao Grande.
The water here is more ideal for swimming compare to the nearby islands of Borawan and Dampalitan. The Pagbilao GrandeIsland is not that crowded with people compared with other beach resorts near it. You can go to the cave known as the “Kwebang Lampas” by passing through the rocky area at the side of foot of the cliff at the east point of the island. Be careful of the slippery rocks you may encounter while going inside the cave. Cold and relaxing views from the cave will definitely sooth you to the nature.

6 - Cape EngañO in Palaui Island

It is like a secret paradise to witness a captivating view of the Dos Hermanos Island from the Cape Engano Lighthouse also known as the “Farol de Cabo Engano”. Located at northern point of Palaui Island, Sta.Ana, Cagayan, an 18th Century light house built during the Spanish time which guides the ships on the coastal areas of Sta.Ana. 229 steps of concrete stair and a trail will lead you all the way to the lighthouse.

Palaui Island was declared as a National Marine Reserve in August 28, 1994 encompassing an area of 7,145 hectares (17,660 acres). The waters around the island boast of 21 commercial species of fishes with about 50 hectares (120 acres) of undisturbed corals.

The hike from Punta Verde, the southeast tip of Palaui, to Cape Engaño takes about 3.5 to 4 hours of hike through beautiful verdant scenery. Primitive camping is allowed at the lighthouse vicinity. [source: wikipedia]

7 - 7 Chambers of Callao Cave in Cagayan

The Callao Cave is located on the Province of Cagayan near Tuguegarao City. According to the locals, the cave has seven chambers and formations namely as the Column, Chapel, Skeleton, Elephant’s Head, Praying Angel, Rocket, Lion’s Head, and the Dog’s Head; the 7th chamber is usually closed except during the holy week.

The photo above is the second chamber of the cave which became a Cathedral by the locals of Cagayan. Each chamber allows the natural light to enlighten the dim areas of the cave. Before witnessing the magnificent cave of stalactites and stalagmites, you have to pass the test of your stamina by surpassing a stair with approximately 200 steps. It said that there are still unexplored areas after the seventh chamber of Callao Cave.

[1] Callao Cave has gained another reputation after the discovery of a foot bone on a excavation done near the first chamber's entrance was proven by archaeologist to be about 67,000years old pushing back the long known Tabon man of being the oldest discovered human remains in the country. this did not just brought a new record within the country but has also placed the Philippines in the sixth position worldwide to have found the oldest Homo sapien fossil.

[source:dong ho’s eskapo 3.0, digital photographers philippines]

8 - Merloquette Falls in Zamboanga

From the Latin City of Asia, Zamboanga, found a magnificent piece of hidden treasure in Merloquete Falls, located at Sitio Merloquet, Barangay Sibulao, Zamboanga City. An approximate 2 hours drive from the city all the way to the jump off. From the jump off, it will drive your excitement band test your endurance by a 15 minutes downhill trek before witnessing the enchanted and majestic waterfall.

Measuring with an estimated width of 13 meters wide and a height of 10 meters high, the soothing sound of the water will surely amazed you. The second water fall with an estimated width of 8 meters wide and a height of 5 meters high lie above the first one that will test your endurance to witness its beauty. It is said that there are eleven waterfalls above the first one that is rarely visited and explored.

9 - Mt.Gulugod Baboy and Anilao Boulders

Not from afar from an overnight hike to Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Mabini Anilao, Batangas, was an amazing side trip to witness scattered boulders of rocks near at the beach. It was really surprising to see and walk on through the rock before having a swim in the clear waters of Anilao.

Anilao Batangas is well known as one of the best diving sites not only in the Philippines but all over the world. Unknowingly, there is a secret place for explorers and hikers to hangout out there to discover and see the beauty of these boulders with the strong waves splashing and playing on it.

At the end of the rocky stretch found a small cave where in you can stay. From there, you can choose where to swim by passing through it. You can also see bats inside the cave when you look upward inside, and requires you for a duck walk to pass through the other side and enjoy beautiful scenery of the sea.

10 - Mt. Makiling in Los Banos Laguna

Mt.Makiling situated at Los Banos Laguna is one of the known enchanted mountains in the Philippines because of the mystical Diwata (fairy) Maria Makiling who takes care of the mountain. According to te locals, you can encounter Diwata Maria Makiling in three persons, you can see her as a maiden, a mother, and an old woman along the trail while trekking on the mountain.

Rising with a 1109 meters above sea level, Mt.Makiling is not just simply an enchanted mountain, but classified as a volcano. It is one of the most challenging must try day hike that probably test your patience and thrill you into the adventure.

[1]The Makiling Traverse is a classic example of an extended dayhike - a climb whose trekking time makes it a "major climb" but whose trail circumstances favor a long dayhike. It is a favorite training climb for mountains that are Difficulty 8/9 or higher - such as Mt Guiting-Guiting - and for good reason: a Makiling Traverse gives hikers a preview of extended hiking (8 hours/day) over a period of three or even four days. Moreover, Makiling gives samplers for various. Melkas Ridge, for example, is an introduction to the long rock scrambling of Guiting-Guiting; the proliferation of limatik and jungle density is the same environment of Halcon; and the meanderings of the Wild Boar Trail evoke Napulauan. Finally, the 'thrill' of a traverse is a junior version of what it takes to cross over Dulang-Dulang to Kitanglad, or Kidapawan to Kapatagan.

[source: Pinoy mountaineer]

About Desha, the author
Des Alimbuyuguen is an adventurous girl who have the passion for the love of nature. She is often called the "Backpacker Girl" since she often go for nature camping with her mountaineer friends.

10 of the Most Inspiring Bloggers and Blogs “ 2011 Year End Gives-back Special”

2012-01-02T21:53:00.000-08:00

“The best thing you can do is the right thing; the next best thing you can do is the wrong thing; the worst thing you can do is nothing.” - Theodore Roosevelt

As I take a sit, sipping my hot coffee, I think through the quotes Sir Roosevelt had left us – stunned by the first phrase “The best thing you can do is the right thing.” I asked myself, what was the best thing that I did this year of 2011? I used to think of that when I was little, perhaps by some force of my metabolism I have forgotten the essence of what did I do best – for me and for others. Some of these “Others” are what we call Hero – an inspiration. Yes, every now and then we need a hero. Sometimes we need them to be able to say, “What would [insert your hero’s name] do?” in order to conquer a complicated obstacle. Sometimes just picturing our hero’s face in our mind is enough to keep us going. Sometimes we do not need to look any further than within our own circle of family and friends. At other times, we are inspired by those we know only in name.

I believe that Blogging is a very powerful tool in expressing oneself and changing the lives of others. For this reason I have put together 10 Bloggers and Blogs that I deem to be the most inspirational figures of the year 2011. The list below is in random order.

1 – John Philip, Semidoppel.com

When I think of this blogger, I can’t help but to smile - no I mean it literally. There is something to this blogger and his blog; hmmm… what’s that word? Yes – Charisma to people. The way he writes and engages with other bloggers in blogosphere. You can see his passion in writing, the way how he thinks through complicated situations or issues and come up in grounds that he thinks worth fighting.

So John, what are the good things you did this year?
“Hmm, may nagawa nga ba akong tama? Hmm tingin ko I have, marami ako naturuan sa pagba-blog. Hindi ko na count. hindi ako SEO expert pero lahat ng tinuro sa akin eh itinuro ko sa kanila. Ngayon nga mas earners pa ung mga tinuruan ko, at ang maganda dun hindi sila nakakalimot lumingon...lagi sila nagpapasalamat.
Lagi ko sinasabi na "Blog about your passion and make Blogging your passion" Trademark ko yan hehehe. Yan ang pinakamagandang quote siguro galing kay Semidoppel. Tingin ko 'yung pagbabago ng niche ko kahit may negative impact sa traffic at stats ng blog ko eh may malaking tulong din. Nai-share ko sa mga tao, kapwa Filipino o foreigner man na kung anung kultura natin, simula sa mga laro hanggang sa pamahiin. Nai-share ko sa kanila ang mga point of views ko na minsan ako lang ay may lakas ng loob kahit na may magsasabing mali ako.well opinion nila iyon. Isang tama din na ginawa ko sa blogosphere na napatunayan ko naman siguro na ang respeto ehhindi lang nakukuha sa isang larangan...kahit anung galing mo sa isang aspeto kung wala ka naman pakialam, hindi ka nagmamasid at hindi ka sensitibo eh balewala ang kahusayan.”

2 – Bennix, Bennixville.com

I’m not a techie type person but by the way this next blogger influenced others in terms of technology stuff – you’re up for this list of inspirational figures. From the first time I chat with Bennix and exchange comments, I know that he’s one of the best in blogosphere. The way he take things lightly and of course the way he build bond or friendship with other bloggers and you may add the success his Bennixville blog that as of now holds a much avid followers.

So Bennix, what are the good things you did this year?
“Constantly connecting to successful and active bloggers online is the right thing I did this year in the blogosphere and because they are the people that helps me to excel and achieve my milestone in time. Success is like a magnet if you stick with the losers then, definitely you will have the same fate. It's not wrong to be open-minded, accept criticisms from readers and most of all aspire what others had in the blogosphere, that's the main thing I learn there.”

3 – Charlie, Isangminutongsmile.com and fromthedungeon.com

When things go wrong, you can fall down or look up. You can shut down or wake up, all over again, starting from right where you stand. You can accept that the days won’t always look bright, but commit to finding something worth smiling about. Not sure what that might be? – This next blogger is the right person to talk to. Charlie is the founder of Isangminutongsmile.com whose advocacy is to spread happiness or just a simple smile to share with others. He is also the mind behind fromthedungeon.com. I always admire Charlie for his vision to help others which also the one who lit the fire of blogging spirits.

So Charlie, what are the good things you did this year?
“Ginawa kong tama? lolzz sabi sayo wala akong maisasagot eh :)) ... Seryoso ... Nung nag-umpisa akong magblog hangad ko lang may mapaglibangan, di ko rin inaasahan na aabot sa ganito ang pagba-blog ko. Di ko alam kung tama nga ba, pero sa tingin ko tama naman ... Nagawa ko na ang isa o grupo ng mga bloggers, hindi ko man kilala ng personal, na magkaisa para sa isang mabuting adbokasiya. Ang magpangiti ng mga Kids sa abot ng aming makakaya.”

4 – Roy, Abdul-hakeem.com

Ever dream to have a big brother who’s guiding you to every step of the way and helping you up through encouragement and support? That’s what I see of Sir Roy from London – up for this top inspiring list. He is also the man behind Proudly Pinoy Bloggers Group in Facebook which as of now one of the main reasons why I’m always present in Facebook almost everyday. One way to say thank you is to share my knowledge others like what he did to me.

So Roy, what are the good things you did this year?
“Ang naging nagawa kong tama sa blogosphere ngayung taon ay nakapagbuo ako ng Proudly Pinoy Bloggers group sa facebook, at napagbuklod at napag-isa ang layunin ng kapwa bloggers na magtulungan sa larangan ng blogging. Nagkakaroon din ako ng maraming kaibigan at kakilala at ang bawat isa nmay ganun din.”

5 – Manuel, Designrshub.com

Oh well, Here’s the man – Manuel Garcia, Founder of DesignrsHub. The first time I meet him online just 5 months ago was something that made him to be included in this top inspiring bloggers list. I’m one of the witnesses to how he successful manages Designrshub as one of the sensational design blogs here in Philippines as well as worldwide. And guess what? This man is also the winner of our very first Best TOP10 Contest.

So Manuel, what are the good things you did this year?
“The best thing I did, was to help other bloggers with their blogging career through giving tips, advice, answers to their inquiries and so on"

6 – Gian Faye, the.loading-info.net

Yes, the great Gian Faye of loading-info is one of the inspiring blogger of 2011. I still do remember when I first meet her online and it’s something funny – I actually pissed her. I get to know her when I react viciously in the comment on a blog about Adsense and its banning activities for violators; I’m some sort of bad mood at that time. At the end I did try to make up with her and who knew that she will become one of my trusted blogger friends online. Today, I always admire and respect her ground on certain issues and let me tell you that I’m a fan of her blog too.

So Gian, what are the good things you did this year?
“I quite don't get it because I was trying to do the right thing on almost everything. I think the best thing I did this year is to revive my blog on February which I have abandoned for months. If I hadn't done that I would knew awesome people and awesome blogs.”

7 – Jose, Opinyoneyted.com

This person seems to be the star of 2011 in terms of blessings – The year of recognition in tribute to his talent in writing and blogging. I’m quite impressed by how dedicated he is on his works and he deserves what he is now - definitely one of the most inspiring this year and I can see a great future ahead for 2012.

So Jhiegz, what are the good things you did this year?
“As a blogger, I would say that the best thing I did in the blogosphere for the year 2011 was I able to prove to myself that writing isn't only my passion, it becomes my life that I have my heart and soul in it which was the best way of expressing my total emotions and feelings... Having all my articles visible to my blogs, it all showed my sense of honesty and being fair to my co bloggers... In fact in 2011, I shared the best in me without doing any harm to others. However, since we can't please everyone, those negative criticisms somewhat inspired me to write more, express more and be open to changes for the best. I will take it that way because I always stand being positive all the time... At this point, I am glad that through my blogs I inspire and motivate others to become bloggers for the coming years…”

8 – Aj, Beneath the Tree

I personally believe that the personification of knowledge comes not just in a piece of something informative, thus from the sources that leads to knowing that information. This year might not be my year to learn programming stuff as I listed from last years resolution and I still never give up since I have a sensei to look up to - it’s this guy from beneath the tree. What else is there to worry about? – I trust this guy and his awesome blog.

So AJ, what are the good things you did this year?
“For almost three years, 2011 is a year for me to explore the blogosphere. Also, it has been an opportunity for me too to share not only my skills on programming but my knowledge in other niches. With this, I was able to gain more friends and learn more things.”

9 – Ram, Gadgetreport.me

So hype about the latest gadgets and gizmos? So are we, and Ram of Gadget Report is the first person to see - well that’s if you’re in the Philippines. Ram has been ravishing the latest Technology slash Gadget world on his blog and it’s a one stop for buyers of this stuff. His thingy obsession (sorry for the choice of words) on gadgets makes his way up for the most inspiring bloggers this year. Will he end up being the next Gadget Master? We’ll look forward to that.

10 – Iam Herbert, Herbertkikoy.info

We should be thankful to who we meet everyday like this inspiring blogger – Iam Herbert of Locally Made. I meet him specifically in Facebook Blogger group Proudly Pinoy Bloggers and since then I always visit his blogs get valuable information which always inspires me to write more of quality content. I haven’t met him in person though I think he’s a humble one and that’s one of the reasons why I include him in our most inspiring bloggers list of 2011.

So Iam Herbert, what are the good things you did this year?
“Sharing the knowledge i gained from other people to my fellow bloggers. More white hat and less black hat “

10 of the Best Music Video of Enrique Iglesias

2011-12-28T16:09:00.000-08:00

Before the year ends, I’m thinking of featuring some music artist – Yes and it’s Enrique Iglesias. For those who didn’t know, His real name is Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler (May 8, 1975), a Spaniard singer-songwriter popular in both the Latin market and the Hispanic American market in the United States.

According to Wikipedia, Iglesias was born in Madrid, Spain, and is the third and youngest child of singer Julio Iglesias and socialite and magazine journalist Isabel Preysler. His mother is a Spanish-Filipino (He is a half-Filipino) and his father is of Spanish ancestry from Galicia.

Within five years of beginning his musical career in the 1990s, he became the biggest seller of Spanish-language albums of that decade. He made his crossover into the mainstream English language market before the turn of the millennium, signing a multi-album deal with Universal Music Group for an unprecedented US$50,000,000, with Universal Music Latino to release his Spanish albums and Interscope to release English albums. In 2010, he parted with Interscope and signed with another Universal Music Group label, Universal Republic.

Iglesias has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best selling Spanish language artists of all time.

Iglesias has had five Billboard Hot 100 top five singles, including two number-ones, and holds the record for producing 22 number-one Spanish-language singles on the Billboard's Hot Latin Tracks. He has also had ten number-one songs on Billboard's Dance charts, more than any other single male artist. Altogether, Iglesias has amassed 55 number-one hits on the various Billboard charts. Billboard has called him The King of Latin Pop and The King of Dance. Billboard also named Enrique the number two Latin artist of the years 1986–2011 (Luis Miguel taking the first spot).

Further more, here are 10 of the best music video of Enrique Iglesias (Editors Pick). Hope you'll enjoy!

1 – Hero

2 - Heartbeat featuring Nicole Scherzinger

3 - Tonight (I'm Lovin' You)

4 - Escape

5 - I Like It

6 - Dirty Dancer with Usher featuring Lil Wayne

7 – Bailamos

8 – Ayer

9 – Addicted (UK Version)

10 - Rhythm Divine

Reference/Source: Wikipedia, Enrique Iglesias Bio and Enrique Iglesias Youtube Channel

10 of the Best and Fashionable Ankle Boots or Wedge Boots (2011 Fall Collection)

2011-12-27T20:27:00.000-08:00

The buzz around fashion world this coming fall talks about the ankle boots or wedge boots or simply “Booties.” Name it, you’ll have it from catwalks and runways, to fashion TV and the great Vogue and Elle magazines, Bazaar magazines – this cute and adorable short booties and ladies best friends are presented amazingly.

This year, Makemechic.com showcases their best footwear collections (ankle boots for women as well as ladies wedge boots) this fall season. Well as for me, Wild Rose collection is on my top list and should be on my shop cart *LOL.

So here are my 10 of the best boots that should be on my shop cart. Obviously, this list is subjective and you can have your own list too.

1 – Two Tone Contrast Toe Ankle Booties

Two Tone Contrast Toe Ankle Booties

Let sparks fly with the ultimate statement shoe by Lady Luxe! Yasmine 21 features a two tone design with a snake and suede upper. These booties also have a contrast toe design and a hidden platform. Inside zipper closure and Heel measures approx. 5.25" in height which is Available in 5 colors.

2 – Zipper Treatment Architectural Wedge Boots

Zipper Treatment Architectural Wedge Boots

If you love being in the limelight then this wedge has your name written all over it. Wild Rose's Inga03 style is wrapped in leatherette with a faux fur in leopard print at the vamp, and finished with zipper treatment. A 5" towering double stacked wedge has a trim of shiny silver and flows into the 1.5" platform.

3 - Perforated Wedge Ankle Boots

Perforated Wedge Ankle Boots

Our Favorite lace up wedge boots from Bumper! Zena21 brings you a leatherette ankle high upper with a cut out perforated body. This peep toe ankle boot is completed with 5" wedge heel and 1.5 inch platform and available in 4 colors.

4 - Lace up Rubber Wedge Boots

Lace Up Rubber Wedge Boots

You'll be lonely without these awesome rugged rubber wedge heel boots in your life. Qupid brings you Mac22, a trendy style that has a faux suede upper with brown faux fur at the top. This 3" rubber wedge heel boot has lace up details at the vamp and a inner zipper for easy on and off.

5 - Back Lace up Wedge Boots

Back Lace Up Wedge Boots

No staying under the radar when wearing these mod wedges from Toi et Moi. A nubuk upper with back lace up make Tesso02 a must have style. A 1.5" platform and a 5 inch towering wedge will bring a bold and spunky look to your ensemble and Easy slip on style which also available in 2 colors.

6 - Cuff down Hidden Wedge Boots

Cuff Down Hidden Wedge Boots

These killer wedges will have you dressed to impress and out the door in no time! Bamboo's Carmela-10 bootie is made up of crinkle leatherette upper with a cuff down design. Non functioning criss-cross buckle straps adorn the boot. A 3.5” hidden wedge heel with 0.75” hidden platform perfects this style and makes it a perfect addition to your fall wardrobe and available in 2 colors.

7 - Multi Buckle Strap Wedge Boots

Multi Buckle Strap Wedge Boots

Show cold weather whose boss in these multi buckle straps Motiz09 wedge boots from Wild Diva. This wedge boot showcases an imitation kid suede upper complete with 5 leatherette buckle straps covering the shaft. An impressive 4" wedge heel finishes off this playful style - Wide top opening, easy slip on style and available in 2 colors.

8 - Wedge Heel Ankle Boots

Wedge Heel Ankle Boots

Slip into this wedge ankle boots for a stylish update to your wardrobe from Bamboo. Ceasar01n brings you a perfect transitional shoe with luxury leopard print faux suede upper and a cute almond toe. This ankle boot has a 4.5" wedge and 1.5" platform. Pair these with your favorite outfit for an immediate trendsetting look have it in both faux suede and leatherette materials.

9 - Side Knotted Hidden Wedge Boots

Side Knotted Hidden Wedge Boots

Get the casual look of a flat boot with the remarkable height of a wedge in this style from Wild Diva. Candies06 has a leatherette upper with a 1.5 inch hidden wedge. The top has a side knot with slouchy shaft, making this boot welcome to any shoe closet.

10 – Peep Toe Platform Ankle Boots

Peep Toe Platform Ankle Boots

These Rina13 textured faux fur ankle boots by Breckelle's is on its way to turn you into a star! Add this exotic leopard high heel ankle boot to your collection today and let your animal instincts take over! Details include a peep toe body with a hidden platform and back zipper. Heel measures approx. 5.5" high with a 1.25" platform.

You may like some recommended fashionable ankle boots from Make Me Chic.

These suede ankle boots by Bamboo will add a dose of style to your denim...

Suede Double Buckle Ankle Boots

You can't miss these flashy snake ankle booties by Celeste!

Snake Beaded Side Ankle Booties

Colorful and unique! This wedge ankle boots with the right moves...

Perforated Zig Zag Wedge Booties

So, do you like my saucy list of top 10? Check them out! Thanks jrplaza for letting me post here, Love lots to you all!

Reference/Source: Products and Images from Makemechic.com
About Raiyan Enchaviz, the author
Hello guys. I'm Raiyan Enchaviz. I love to blog about fashion as you can see on the themes of my blogs. I am an aspiring fashion designer specially for celebrity. I am also a fashion hunter and blog critic. Follow me on twitter!

"Winners Announced!" Always10's The Best TOP10 Contest 2011

2011-12-26T21:45:00.000-08:00

Be ready for The First Best TOP 10 Contest 2011 of Always10 – Top 10 List Collection Blog. The Date 11.01.11 marks the start of the contest and ends this coming December 18, 2011.

You can win a brand new iPod Touch (1st Prize) and iPod Shuffle (2nd Prize) (2 Winners).

Just read the following mechanics on how to join. The Best TOP 10 Contest 2011 Mechanics and Rules...

1 – Subscribe to Always10 – Top 10 List (Feedburner). Be sure to validate your email.

2 – Become a Fan of Always10 – Top 10 List Facebook Fan Page.

3 – Follow Always10 – Top 10 List Twitter Account @always10list and Tweet with Hash tag #TheBestTOP10Contest and a link to Always10.

(Only One (1) Twitter Account is allowed and you can only Tweet this Contest once on your account)

4 – Submit your Best TOP10 to email:[always10top10@gmail.com]. Please include the following in your submission: Name and short description (About the Author), Website/blog URL and description

(Entry Submission is now OPEN. All submitted entries will be posted starting November 1, 2011 until December 16, 2011)

5 – You can only submit at maximum of Two (2) UNIQUE Top 10 list post in any category.

The post must be original and never been published to any blog or website. It is important to cite some source link if some part of the post is based from another source.

Your post title should start with something like "10 of the ..." as you can see in the format of always10's recent and previous titles.

Your post list should be numbered whether it's in order or not. The format should be something like...
Your sample list introduction...
[space]
1 - sample #1 title
[space]
sample #1 paragraph...
[space]
2 - sample #2 title
[space]
sample #2 paragraph...
[space]
and so on...

6 – The Lucky Entries is measured according to
Most TWEET on Twitter

Most LIKE/SHARE on Facebook

Most PLUS on Google+1

Most COMMENTED on Disqus

7 – (Within Philippine Territory Only) Anyone can join as long as he/she can create a Best TOP10 List. One of the purpose in launching Best TOP10 Contest is to showcase Filipino talents in terms of blogging and blogosphere domination. (Do your best guys!)

8 – Before submitting your entries, please read Always10’s Privacy and Policy.

9 – All entries are manually checked.

10 – Expect your entries to be DENIED if the rules is violated. Item Number 5 should be strictly followed.

1st Prize Winner: iPod Touch

2nd and 3rd Prize Winners: iPod Shuffle

The Best TOP10 Contest 2011: Approved Entries

That's all folks. Ready your Best TOP10 entries and Good Luck. Ciao!

10 of the Most Common New Year’s Resolution

2011-12-25T22:41:00.000-08:00

What is it this year? It’s a big sigh - I know that it’s just a matter of days and well have to say goodbye to 2011 and let’s face a new year ahead with what we foresee as a great year. New Year also means a time to have change even though part of idea which changes often is being applied at first and then just a few months after and then it’s gone in our mind. It is also directly related on our topic today – New Year’s Resolution. I don’t have to explain the meaning of the phrase but it connotes action towards achieving a certain goal within a year or maybe even continuous for the next few years. Let me present to you the 10 of the most common New Year’s resolution we hear, read and well trying to achieve yearly.

1 – Losing Weight

This must be the most common New Year resolution I ever heard, read throughout my entire existence. I know how we dream of becoming the next Mister and Miss Universe with a stunning body that may shame swimsuit magazine for not getting you as a model. Though I also agree that is a fact that is hard to accomplish when we take it as just a thought and not putting them into action. Hope that next year, you will erase this on your list. Make a plan of what you will give up (late night snacks, that extra meal) in exchange for a lean body. You only have to make this shift once in your lifetime to get lasting results.

Tips: You may watch the Biggest Loser and be inspired. Get lose man!

2 – Save more bucks by spending less

Saving bucks is on our number two spot. As the song once says, money makes the world go round, spending less means having more in your savings. We might argue with the statement but money is vital in human survival since we are all living in this planet and we have to follow what should be followed by most of us. From basic needs to our most love things, it involves money. Money is not greedy – it’s the one who used them to greediness. So before you buy something, always spend some time justifying the reason. You should spend the same amount of time it took you to earn that money on reasoning before you buy. If you do this, you will be able to cut most of the impulse purchases and you will be drawn to a better deal elsewhere.

3 – How to get organized on everything

I may not be referring to obsessive compulsive disorder but we love to see clean and organize from things that we used up to our daily schedule. As a New Year resolution website says, “Punctuality and organization is very crucial in a man’s life.” To be called a well discipline people, we must take note the importance of punctuality and organization in every way we do. This year, let’s reward ourselves with time management and fixed unorganized matters in life.

4 - Enjoy life to the Fullest

Enjoying life to the fullest isn’t a hard one to deal with. As far as I know, this is the most achieved in every New Year’s resolution. Life comes once and should be enjoyed as much as possible in the right way. Staying alone and isolated, and staying morose does not help. It is an individual’s duty to stimulate oneself more and more so that they can reach the goal that they intend for. As the years are passing by, you are moving closer to the end of life. This should be seen as a positive aspect in life, because it encourages you to enjoy what you have in your life right now. Therefore make a resolution to find a reason everyday to enjoy life, enjoy everything that you do and enjoy every little moment in life, and then the life becomes worth living.

5 - Staying Fit and Healthy

There are many people who lead a much undisciplined life and do not take care of their health. Staying physically and mentally fit should be another important resolution which can change your life positively and effectively. Regular exercise for half an hour everyday can help a lot in keeping mental peace.

6 - Learn Something New and Exciting

We all know that everything has it’s time to be ripe, maybe this is the year to do so - Acquiring more knowledge and skills. Time waits for none and it should never be wasted. There are so many things that a person might engage himself or herself into apart from what they do. Where do you waste most of your time everyday? Do you spend idle time during waiting for the bus or train? Carry a book or an audio book on your career or profession every time you travel. Can you cut down on the time you spend watching TV, and learn a new skill? You’re never too young or old to learn a new skill. Therefore, make a resolution to upgrade your skills.

7 – Smoking: Try harder in avoiding or quitting

According to studies, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and has negative health impacts on people at all stages of life. It can also harm unborn babies, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Smoking is injurious to health and it is known to all. There are numerous number of people can’t give up their smoking habits even if they tried to stop. If you’re still addicted – try using an electric cigarette which is an alternative to traditional one.

Advice: Love your life – no one is to blame when something happens to you!

8 - Helping Others in Their Dreams

Everybody thinks about oneself but there are few people who care for others. A great resolution is to help others. It always feels very nice to know that our actions can make other people smile and this is something to be proud about. You don’t need to be rich to help others. You can help others in 2011 with your time and skills. The more you help others, later you will also receive favors from other people because of the law of reciprocity.

9 - Falling in Love

I might say that I am very naive about this topic. *LOL – but let me tell you that according to what I believe, love is the most wonderful thing ever happen in a human life which makes us unique – the ability to love and care. Love is a feeling that comes from within. Are you in a relationship and is it the time to get engaged? Or is it the time to find someone in your life to share your experiences with? It’s never too late to fall in love.

Tips: Still don’t find the one fit for you? Don’t find it, you never knew she/he is just with you – you are just so blind in finding something you already have.

10 - Spend More Time with Family

This would definitely be in your yearly list. Having spent more time with the family seems an out way or usually neglected by most of us. Have you ever missed the times where we bond with our family members? Playing with our younger brother or sister or son and daughter or movie bonding with dad and mom or even cooking stuff with granny and playing chess with pop? How about alone time with your wife? Yes – that what we most in concerned and need to fill them up this coming year.

Tips: A simple "Thank You" to them can make a much bigger difference.

Reference/Source: 2011 Resolutions

10 of the Places or Countries that Miss Christmas Season 'We have No Christmas'

2011-12-23T23:27:00.000-08:00

Oh here it comes – Christmas Season, the happiest days of the year and I’ve been thinking of a unique top 10 list for this season. I’ve been wondering what is like celebrating Christmas outside ‘Philippines’? Sad to say, this is what I found out!

Regardless of the reality that most of us celebrate Christmas with all of its pleasures and gift not to mention the joy it brings to everyone just by the thought of it, there are some places that do miss all of the Christmas spirit of Santa Claus and his reindeer, Christmas tree, hearing Christmas carols and lots of delicious evening food – I mean these places do literally interprets ‘No such thing as Christmas’. The thing is that they are either prohibited to celebrate it or do not have it as a public holiday. Here are 10 lists of the saddest countries or places during the Christmas holidays/season.

1 - Japan

Certainly in Tokyo you find a giant robotic Santa, but most likely he will only hint at the classic Christmas in this country. Holiday connected with the infant Jesus, there does not exist as the country is not Christian. But the Japanese love to have fun twisted it in his own way, actually turning it into a … Valentine’s Day!. Just imagine a Valentine Santa. Doesn’t it sound funny?

The most popular sweet for December 24 becomes a huge cake that every self-respecting man presents the woman he loves. Lovers must go to a restaurant, and children are not left alone but rather with gifts received- toys and candy. It is also considered fashionable to rent a room in an expensive hotel and spend a romantic night over there.

In addition, the bustle of the shops gives Japanese a custom to give gifts to each other at the end of the year. To do so, even there is a special industry: in the store it is enough to reach the shelf, where we can find presents laid of various amounts, so you choose the one that is of your desired sum and content, to fill in a form with the recipient’s address and pay for purchases at the checkout. The rest will be done by the store: putting the gift in a beautiful paper, making a card and delivering to the recipient.

2 - Saudi Arabia

If you like the story of Grinch who stole Christmas, and always wanted to ban the celebration, go to Saudi Arabia as its one of the best places to do so. In the most conservative Muslim country of the world the birth of baby Jesus is not celebrated, and sometimes persecute those who try to do it. The religious police periodically withdraw from stores thematic holiday’s greeting cards, and customs at the airport – Christmas ornaments. It sounds so awful, isn’t it?

The denial of any other religions in the country comes to the point that even aircraft are prohibited from flying over Mecca. For the simple reason that the shadow of the liner has a cross shape and fell to Kabbah, can defile it, so this sounds to be such a pity for the Christian popularity of the country which is a minority.

3 - Algeria

Well, the flag of the country which has a moon and a star on it speaks up of itself. Those who want quiet Christmas meet in Algeria do not pursue, but in the country, 99% of which adhere to Islam, this holiday is celebrated not accepted and some of it may still seem like an insult to Islam. For example, when a couple of years ago, reindeer, harnessed to a sleigh, carrying a Santa Claus, suddenly appeared on the main street of the Algerian capital, some passers-by a desire to pounce on the masks with his fists. Although the alleged eyewitnesses, in recent years in the country have become very popular Christmas cookies and the only Christian in the parish of the country, even spend the festive liturgy. But other signs of Christmas here to search are not worth it and its better not to organize something as it might be very dangerous.

4 - Iran

Despite the fact that the Iranian streets still are caught indecently dressed women, and along with the men who dared to something to stand out from the crowd, religious taboos in the country is not as strong as it is expected to be. In some places they even arrange “Christmas” sales; well of course the store managers explain it with the fact of the end of the year.
Typical picture is a showcase of expensive clothes shores, where there are mannequins in traditional Hijab, but right next to it is a hug amount of sparkling Christmas tree lights. Perhaps this is due to the fact that it was from Persia, two thousand years ago, that 3 Wisemen came to welcome the birth of blessed son, and therefore completely ignoring the holiday does not work.

5 - Thailand

Once in Thailand, you are likely to simply forget that this is the time for Christmas, and at the same time New Year. It is difficult to think about the Christmas tree and Santa Claus, when the temperature is increasing on the street up to 30 degrees, and instead of snowing outside the window, all you can see is a sparkling warm emerald sea.

Of course, the hotels always organize a special dinner, but if you go to the city, it turns out that it lives the usual bustling about Christmas and nobody thinks about it. However, Thais are not always averse of celebrating; even the public holidays here are 14, almost twice as much as in some of the countries. So, for example, the local schoosl may be visited by elephants, dressed in red and white caps, and make a presentation to the distribution of gifts. And in Bangkok, you can admire the Santa made of condoms, which is not the first year to be presented next to the entrance of one of the restaurants as a symbol of the fight against AIDS.

6 - Nepal

If the tourist part of India at Christmas is all shining with the glittering garlands, and the windows are decorated with small Christmas trees, then in neighboring Nepal on a holiday there’s nothing to remind anyone about the Christmas spirit present here except of the date on your mobile phone. At 12 o’clock at night in the city will be as dark and quiet as nowhere else in the world, and local residents will sleep, not even knowing that in many countries at this time the street lights are burning and there is a flowing crowd of many thousands of people. The country inhabitants even travel to the neighboring countries to take part in glamorous parties of the Christmas.

7 - Turkey

As in many Muslim countries, Turkey is not widely spread custom to meet Christmas, but Turks are rather religiously tolerant. The country is hosting a lot of Christian population to meet Christmas in some of their resort places. There are many cases where the first Muslim neighbors graciously accept from Christian neighbors Easter eggs, and then those same neighbors are Christians happily eat rah-at delight at the day, which marks the end of Ramadan.
But, according to recent studies of Turkish scholars, the tradition of prank up the tree just came from ancestors of the Turks. True, they decked it on 22 December, the winter solstice, which is esteemed by them as a “feast of rebirth. A Christmas tree is, in turn, was considered a “tree of life”.

8 - North Korea

It also happens that the policy is stronger than religion and everything that is happening in that country is all controlled by the police. For example, in North Korea the only person to celebrate Christmas is the great secrecy, because the only permissible holidays are gone birthday of Kim Il Sung and now Kim Jong Il’s ruling. So you just cannot have any kind of parties for that day to be associated with any kind of Christmas traditions. Yes, and calendar here is not on the birth of Christ, but from the birth of Kim Il Sung. However, the chance to get a tourist in Korea is very small. And this year the country is, in principle, closed its borders from November to mid January.

9 - China
Christmas in China is not officially celebrated, but the tradition to decorate anything and everything on the eve of the festival has established itself here as a presentation of the year. Though even the New Year celebrated here is different from the one celebrated in Western countries. Even palm trees are getting decorated and waiters of the restaurants and shops sellers often put on the red and white caps. What really is surprising? This country is more than half of Christmas toys for the whole world and of course, such abundance, combined with a love of Chinese to bright colors, could not affect the local traditions.

10 - Many tropical island excluding 'Philippines'

And you can just rent any suitable tropical island or visit one of them if the financial afford allow you to do so. Proposals, launched with about 10 000 dollars per week are good enough. Oh, this is the place where Santa Claus with his reindeer presents and other Christmas tinsel just does not get to. Though “Philippines” – was exempted since the country has the world’s longest and happiest Christmas which starts September - “BER” months and follows all the way through January’s “Candelaria” or blessings of the candles celebration.

Reference/Source: travelvivi.com by by L.K.

10 of the Fastest-rising Global Queries (Top Google Search 2011)

2011-12-18T16:34:00.000-08:00

Rolling up the year ending stones for 2011 but what do really matters this year’s top 10 search list? Heard of Zeitgeist? Well, according Wikipedia, it is "the spirit of the times" or "the spirit of the age." It is the general cultural, intellectual, ethical, spiritual or political climate within a nation or even specific groups, along with the general ambiance, morals, socio-cultural direction, and mood associated with an era.

So much for the definition, every year Zeitgeist sorted billions of Google searches to capture the year's 10 fastest-rising global queries and the rest of the spirit of 2011. So here’s the 10 of the Top searched this 2011 according to Zeitgeist 2011.

1 - Rebecca Black

Rebecca Black made a big splash on the Internet with the release of her 2011 pop single “Friday.” The music video catapulted the then 13-year-old to celebrity status after the video went viral, receiving over 167 million views on YouTube.

Searches for Rebecca Black and related searches like Rebecca Black Friday jumped >10,000% between 2010 and 2011, making the young pop singer the #1 fastest rising search on Google in 2011.

Rebecca Renee Black (born June 21, 1997) is an American pop singer who gained extensive media attention with the 2011 single "Friday". Her mother paid $4,000 to have the single and an accompanying music video put out as a vanity release through the record label ARK Music Factory. The song was co-written and produced by Clarence Jey and Patrice Wilson of Ark Music Factory. After the video went viral on YouTube and other social media sites, "Friday" was derided by many music critics and viewers, who dubbed it "the worst song ever." The music video received around 167 million views, causing Black to gain international attention as a "viral star", before being removed from the site on June 16. Black re-uploaded it in her own channel three months later.

2 - Google Plus (G+)

In June 2011, Google entered the social networking space with the launch of Google+. In the three weeks following its announcement, Google+ amassed a user base of more than 10 million people.

The social network grabbed the #2 spot on Google’s list of fastest rising searches after Google+ and related searches like Google Plus shot up by >10,000%.

The service was launched on June 28, 2011, in an invite-only "field testing" phase. The following day, existing users were allowed to invite friends who were over 18 years of age to the service to create their own accounts. This was suspended the next day due to an "insane demand" for accounts. On August 6, each Google+ member had 150 invitations to give out, but on September 20, 2011, Google+ was opened to everyone 18 years of age or older without the need for an invitation. After Google+ went public, users registered to Google+, but those under 18 years of age were unable to sign up for Google+.

Google+ integrates social services such as Google Profiles and Google Buzz, and introduces new services identified as Circles, Hangouts and Sparks. Google+ is available as a web site, and will be available as a desktop application, and is already available as a mobile application, but only on the Android and iOS operating systems. Google has launched an API platform for developers. Sources such as The New York Times have declared it Google's biggest attempt to rival the social network Facebook, which had over 800 million users in 2011.

3 - Ryan Dunn

Best known for his daredevil stunts on the reality TV shows “Jackass” and “Viva La Bam,” Ryan Dunn lost his life in a car accident on June 20, 2011 at the age of 34.

The volume of searches for Ryan Dunn grew >10,000% in 2011, making the Ohio native the third fastest rising search on Google.

Ryan Matthew Dunn (June 11, 1977 – June 20, 2011) was an American reality television personality and daredevil best known for being a member of the Jackass and Viva La Bam crew. He hosted Homewrecker and Proving Ground. A member of the CKY Crew, Dunn played one of the main characters in Bam Margera's 2003 film Haggard: The Movie, which was based on a failed relationship Dunn had experienced. He died at the age of 34 in an alcohol-related car crash in West Goshen Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

4- Casey Anthony

Young mother Casey Anthony was charged with first-degree murder when the remains of her 2-year-old daughter Caylee were found in a wooded area near her home in Orlando, Florida. A jury found her not guilty on July 5, 2011.

Searches for Casey Anthony and related searches like Casey Anthony Case grew 2,680% from 2010 to 2011, putting her into the #4 spot of fastest rising searches on Google.

Caylee Marie Anthony (August 9, 2005 – indeterminate ca. June 2008) was an American two-year-old girl who was reported missing in Orlando, Florida, in July 2008, and whose remains were found in a wooded area near her home in December 2008. Her then 22-year-old mother, Casey Marie Anthony, was tried for the first degree murder of Caylee but was acquitted. She was, however, convicted of misdemeanor counts of lying to police officers.

5 - BattleField 3

The highly anticipated release of EA’s first-person shooter video game, Battlefield 3, sold 5 million copies in its first week.

Searches for Battlefield 3 and related searches BF3 jumped 1,773% between 2010 and 2011, making this action game the #5 fastest rising search on Google in 2011.

Battlefield 3 (commonly abbreviated to BF3) is a first-person shooter video game developed by EA Digital Illusions CE and published by Electronic Arts. The game was released in North America on October 25, 2011 and in Europe on October 28, 2011 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and EA Mobile confirmed a port for the iOS platform. It does not support versions of Windows prior to Windows Vista as the game only supports DirectX 10 and 11.

It is a direct sequel to 2005's Battlefield 2, and the eleventh installment in the Battlefield franchise. The game sold 5 million copies in its first week of release, and was released to critical acclaim from most game reviewers. The PC download is exclusive to EA's Origin platform, through which PC users also authenticate when connecting to the game.

6 - iPhone 5

Consumers and analysts alike anticipated the release of Apple’s newest smartphone many months prior to its arrival. Rumored features included a larger screen, edge-to-edge glass, an 8 megapixel camera, and extensive voice controls. Many believed the phone would be called the iPhone 5.

Searches for iPhone 5 rose 1,658% between 2010 and 2011, making the rumored smartphone the #6 fastest rising search on Google.

Consumers and analysts alike anticipated the release of Apple’s newest smartphone many months prior to its arrival. Rumored features included a larger screen, edge-to-edge glass, an 8 megapixel camera, and extensive voice controls. Many believed the phone would be called the iPhone 5.

7 - Adele

Adele rocked the music industry with the release of her sophomore album “21,” which sold 208,000 copies in the UK in its first week and debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart for 16 consecutive weeks. The album catapulted the 22-year-old to record-breaking success and international acclaim.

Searches for Adele rose 1,588% between 2010 and 2011, making the singer the 7th top rising search on Google.

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins (born 5 May 1988), better known simply as Adele, is an English singer-songwriter. She was the first recipient of the Brit Awards "Critics' Choice" and was named the number-one predicted breakthrough act of 2008 in an annual BBC poll of music critics, Sound of 2008. Since her debut album, 19, Adele has received much recognition both commercially and critically. The album debuted at number one and has been certified four times platinum in the UK. Her career in the US was boosted by a viewer record–breaking Saturday Night Live episode in late 2008. At the 2009 Grammy Awards, Adele won the awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

8 - 東京電力 (TEPCO) Fukushima

The Japanese government ordered the evacuation of thousands of residents living near the 東京電力 (TEPCO) Fukushima I Plant after the 2011 earthquake badly damaged several nuclear reactors.

Searches for 東京電力 (TEPCO) shot up 1,470%, making the electric utility company the 8th fastest rising search on Google in 2011.

東京電力 (TEPCO) Fukushima is an electric utility servicing Japan's Kantō region, Yamanashi Prefecture, and the eastern portion of Shizuoka Prefecture. This area includes Tokyo. Its headquarters are located in Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda, Tokyo, and international branch offices exist in Washington, D.C., and London.

In 2007 Tepco was forced to shut the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant after the Niigata-Chuetsu-Oki Earthquake. That year it posted its first loss in 28 years. Corporate losses continued until the plant reopened in 2009. Following the March 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, its power plant at Fukushima Daiichi was the site of a continuing nuclear disaster, one of the world's most serious. TEPCO could face ¥2 trillion ($23.6 billion) in special losses in the current business year to March 2012, and Japan plans to put TEPCO under effective state control as a guarantee for compensation payments to people affected by radiation. The Fukushima disaster displaced 50,000 households in the evacuation zone because of radiation leaks into the air, soil and sea.

9 - Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs inspired millions of people around the world with his passion and creativity. The technological visionary revolutionized the way people live and work with the aid of Mac computers, iPods, iPhones, and iPads.

Searches for Steve Jobs grew 982% in 2011, making the creative genius the 9th fastest rising search on Google.

Steven Paul Jobs (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011) was an American businessman and inventor widely recognized as a charismatic pioneer of the personal computer revolution. He was co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Apple Inc. Jobs was co-founder and previously served as chief executive of Pixar Animation Studios; he became a member of the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company in 2006, following the acquisition of Pixar by Disney.

In 1996, NeXT was acquired by Apple. The deal brought Jobs back to the company he co-founded, and provided Apple with the NeXTSTEP codebase, from which the Mac OS X was developed." Jobs was named Apple advisor in 1996, interim CEO in 1997, and CEO from 2000 until his resignation. He oversaw the development of the iMac, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, and iPad and the company's Apple Retail Stores.
In 2003, Jobs was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer. Though it was initially treated, Jobs reported of a hormone imbalance, underwent a liver transplant in 2009, and appeared progressively thinner as his health declined. In August 2011, during his third medical leave, Jobs resigned as CEO, but continued to work for Apple as Chairman of the Board until his death.
On October 5, 2011, he died in his Palo Alto home, aged 56. His death certificate listed respiratory arrest as the immediate cause of death, with "metastatic pancreas neuroendocrine tumor" as the underlying cause. His occupation was listed as "entrepreneur" in the "high tech" business.

10 - iPad 2

iPad 2 took the world by storm when 500,000 of the second-generation tablets were sold on their debut weekend. Seen as a sleeker, lightweight alternative to its predecessor, iPad 2 sold out across virtually all channels in its first week.

Searches for iPad 2 rose 939% between from 2010 to 2011, making the tablet the 10th fastest rising search on Google.

The iPad 2 is the second and current generation of the iPad, a tablet computer designed, developed and marketed by Apple. It serves primarily as a platform for audio-visual media including books, periodicals, movies, music, games, presentations and web content, and is available in black or white. The iPad 2 has a lithium-ion polymer battery that lasts up to 10 hours, a new dual core Apple A5 processor and VGA front-facing and 720p rear-facing cameras designed for FaceTime video calling.

Apple unveiled the device on March 2, 2011, began selling it by website and retail stores on March 11, and released it in 25 other countries on March 26, including Australia, Britain and Canada. Apple announced that the iPad 2 would be released in Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and other countries on April 29, 2011.

Reference/Source: Zeitgeist 2011: How the World Searched

10 Out-of-the-box Reasons Why These Link Bait Ideas Worked

2011-12-16T05:02:00.000-08:00

What on earth is Link Bait? Well, according to Wikipedia, Link bait is any content or feature, within a website, designed specifically to gain attention or encourage others to link to the website. Matt Cutts defines link bait as anything "interesting enough to catch people's attention."

Some of these link bait pieces started as TV marketing campaigns and then grew into effective link bait, which is not really important. What they all have in common is a fresh, original, outstanding idea ingrained into each of these pieces that we would like to share with you. May they be your inspiration and help you create something stunning on your website as well!

1 - Compare the Meerkat (comparethemarket.com), Humor

Why it worked: The association between "market" and "meerkat" is so obvious, that you can't but remember the site's name automatically. Plus, the idea itself is fresh and unusual - by the time you figure out what this meerkat is talking about, you are hooked. Oh, BTW, did I tell you he speaks with a foreign accent?

2 - Zombie Harmony (mingle2.com), Humor

Why it worked: Lots of people are horror movie fans, like to play zombies or just don't want to be like everybody else. So, people get naturally inspired to share something like Zombie Harmony site with others for kicks.

3 - ElfYourself (OfficeMax), Humor

Why it worked: First of all, the whole thing is extremely hilarious. Second of all, it's not just SOME funny little elves dancing to Christmas music - it's you and your best friends in elf costumes doing the moves you never knew you were capable of!

4 - Old Spice Man (Old Spice), Humor and Sex Appeal

Why it worked: The commercial is basically shot in one uninterrupted take, including some special effects. Plus, the idea of a commercial replying to your post or twit is just so wild - no wonder the Internet community jumped at it.

5 - One Red Paperclip (Kyle MacDonald), Free stuff and a know-how

Why it worked: Were Kyle trading equally valuable things, the story wouldn't get even a tiny share of the attention it got. It was all about pursuing your dream, going up the ladder of success, and everybody was really curious how this would end.

6 - Will it Blend? (Blendtec), discovery/experiments

Why it worked: How often do you see a laptop blended into a pile of dust? Besides, it's a new object every time. And the guy is so funny, asking his usual "but will it blend?" question in a serious tone.

7 - How sexy is your town? (LoveHoney), top-things list and curious facts

Why it worked: The UK Sex Map is a good opportunity to get some unique statistics. Just think about it, what other ways are there to find out how many people buy sex toys in your town?

8 - My Starbucks Idea (Starbucks Cafe), education/ego play

Why it worked: "My Starbucks Idea" creates a perfect opportunity for people to express themselves. Each idea is given a status, like "launched" or "under review", which shows that it's not merely sitting on the site.

9 - Entrepreneurs Can Change the World (Grasshopper), inspirational

Why it worked: People share inspirational videos a lot. Besides, even though the video is supposedly on entrepreneurs, it's pretty much of a universal nature.

10 - Man in Jeggings (Asylum.com), humor and experiment

Why it worked: Funny piece of writing, funny pictures, besides, these are not just mere speculations, it's a real life story.

Now, folks, I'm sure you've come across even more jaw-dropping, astounding links bait pieces online and must be wondering why they're not our list. If that's the case, hit me with rotten tomatoes, if you wish, but then take a minute to post a link to your favorite one on this blog. It well deserves a link, I think, - it's link bait after all!

Reference/Source: Alesya - Link-Assistant.Com, SEM blog, Search Engine Marketing (SEM) blog

10 Tips on How to Manage Your Time As A Blogger

2011-12-15T20:40:00.000-08:00

I've been a blogger since eight months ago. I had experience a lot from doing some blog posts, like typos, beating the deadline for an online contest, having negative comment from a stalker, glitches from my net connection and staying up late...being nocturnal just to blog for hours and learning something new from my articles.

1 - Multitasking

One of the skills you must attain as a blogger is being a multitasker. All you have to do is to be active. Like what I do almost everyday, while blogging I do some research for my next topic and replying to messages on Facebook.

2 - Make some drafts

In able to finish your blog posts every time you blog, create your drafts on a word processor like Microsoft Word so that you can edit out your entry anytime. I used to do some drafts on my phone, either jotting down notes in my Memo or in my Evernote for Android. Very useful whenever I have some deadlines for a PR firm.

3 - Queued and publish

After you create your drafts, queue it in your Wordpress or Blogger dashboard and schedule it for posting.

4 - Do some research

Browse for your future blog entries, so you can decide if you want to have it as an article or not. If you have a niche, then go for your specific topic for your blog.

5 - Motivation is the key

Focus on your job as a blogger. Place a "do not disturb" infront of your door. I'll always see to it that I have a quiet time blogging...putting an earplugs listening to my favorite songs while composing an article for my blog.

6 - Write your own 'to do list' for the week

Before, I seldom jotting some notes on my desk, like important projects, reminders and to do list for the day. When I got into blogging, I always see to it that I achieved at least 6 goals for the week. Stressful but it helps me a lot to organize my daily routines.

7 - Make some deadline for yourself

A month ago, I have six drafts in my blog and I have to finish it by 3rd week of November. Giving yourself a deadline is effective, because if you have some drafts on our blog, you can achieve your goals. I'd gave myself two blog entries a week before beating the deadline. Time consuming yet it's easier for me to do some other tasks.

8 - Interact with your followers.

Recently, I joined in an activity from one of the group page dedicated to Filipino bloggers. It's important to interact with your followers, whether they liked your articles or not. Accept their suggestions and adapt it on your blog.

9 - Schedule your invites

Barely a month ago, I was invited to an event from the leading pizza in the country. Unfortunately, I didn't attend that exclusive invite and at that time Mom was in the hospital. Remember, if you can't attend to an invitation from a company, inform them by sending an email and state the reason why you can't come. Or ask your friends or colleagues...be your proxy. I did that recently. I was having my birthday celebration that day. I was inform that I got a ticket from a gig. I informed my friend to be my proxy for that event. She took the ticket, attended that night, she took some pictures and I'll be posting it soon here in my blog the details of that said event. You need to have some options from grabbing an invitation. Mark down in your calendar the event that you will attending so that you can organize it smoothly without hassle.

10 - Take a rest for a day

Few days ago, I got sick because I overworked and exhausted from staying up late at night. You need to have quality time for yourself. Take some vitamins to regain your energy blogging all night. That's a moral lesson to me. I blogged almost everyday and I stayed late as 2 am.

About Christian Melanie Lee
Known as eccentricyethappy in the world of blogosphere, Melanie dabbles her time between her lifestyle blog, Blogged: Eccentric Yet Happy and other three blogs she's an contributing blogger, The Web Magazine, Pinoy Popcast and MTRCB She spend her spare time blogging and composing poems and essays.

10 of the Best Tablet PC in the Market (Top Picks 2011)

2011-12-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

Tablets – because of the hit and craze that these gadgets in our modern times posses, the only question that stands out, which Tablet Pc is the Best in the market or even to avid fans? I know you’ve been so craze about this tablet-techno stuff and it’s really hard to choose when you know that there are many options to choose and both have something unique to offer.

Though, after purchasing the Best Tablet Pc that we know - all other tablets around us looks cooler than what we have end up with saying that, “Ops, I have taken a mistake in buying the wrong Tablet for me” Ugh… which means I end up buying two’s or more than what a person could have because of the dissatisfaction and wrong information that I acquired before buying one.

The main roots and lines here is that everyone would like to buy the Best Tablet PC which suits the needs of each user such as Gaming, Business, Blogging, and Entertainment and just for self fulfillment prophecy.

Well so much for thoroughness – here’s Top Picks by findthebest.com for 10 of the best Tablet PC in the Market. Is the iPad or Galaxy Tablet on the list? Check them out!

10 - Amazon Kindle Fire, Amazon

9 - Dell Inspiron Duo tablet PC, Dell

8 - iiView M1Touch with Wi-Fi + 3G, iiView

7 - Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101, ASUS

6 - Acer Iconia Tab A500, Acer

5 - Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Samsung

4 - T-Mobile G-Slate, T-Mobile

3 - Asus EEE Slate EP121, Asus

2 - Apple iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G, Apple

1 - Samsung Galaxy, Samsung

Findthebest.com is a useful resource to compare everything from antivirus software and smartphones, to cars and ski resorts.

10 of the Most Talked-About Shared Photos in Facebook

2011-12-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

Facebook has changed the plane of user interaction in the web as it rose to being the most popular networking website. According to statistics, Facebook has more than 800 million active users and more than 50% of them log on to the site in a given day. An average Facebook user has 130 friends and connected to 80 community pages, groups and events. This social networking site has undeniably changed the way we communicate and interact with the people we personally know and the way we exchange ideas with people we meet in the community pages.

The statistics further show that users interact with more than 900 million objects in Facebook. These include more than 250 million photos uploaded each day on average. Some are inspiring and humorous, and some go the extra mile of attracting much attention by being the “talk of the town” or more precisely, the “talk of the cyberspace.” Many of these photos had created a stir within the networking site and in conventional media.

Riffing through these photos, here are ten of the Most Talked-About Shared Photos in Facebook.

1 - You are Not a Photographer; You Just Have an Overpriced Camera

The photo’s direct message brings to attention the popular fixation on expensive DSLRs. It stresses that photography is not about expensive gadgets.

If you look the meaning of the word “photographer” in the dictionary, it is a person who takes photographs, either as a hobby or profession. So definitely, the price of your gear doesn’t necessarily defines you as a photographer – Jhiegzh

2 - Lola Aurelia reunited with his missing husband Lolo Luis Matias

Lola Aurelia was the old woman sitting by herself at the corner of Buendia Street and Roxas Boulevard with flyers pinned at the front and at the back of her dress. The flyer says she is looking for her husband, Lolo Luis Matias. He is 78 years old, suffers from memory lapses, and had been missing for 2 weeks.

With the aid of Facebook user Reddie Js (who first posted the picture) and the 53,760 people who shared it, Lola Aurelia was finally reunited with Lolo Luis. (see the video here)

I will not let this happen to my Mom. Mothers are living martyrs. – Mylene Tamayo

3 - Steve Jobs and the Dying Children

When Steve Jobs, the co-founder and CEO of APPLE died on October 5, 2011, millions of people all over the world expressed their grief on their Facebook walls. However, this montage compared his death to the children dying of starvation with the caption “1 Person Dies and 100 Million Cry - 1 Million Die and No One Cries.” What do you think?

This is hardly relevant. Steve Jobs brought us all sorts of technology. What did those kids do for us? You can thank Mother Teresa for impinging the sweat-shop approach to child birth. The Catholic Church is against teaching third world countries about birth control so now let them live with their decisions. - Joe Klement

4 - Janella Lelis Saved the Philippine Flag during Typhoon Juaning in Albay

The 12-year old Bicolana Janella Lelis went bravely against the raging flood just to save the Philippine flag during the onslaught of Typhoon Juaning in Malinao, Albay. The photo was taken by Francisco Pena Lozano while he was watching Janella’s heroic act.
Due to her patriotism, she earned the admiration of Philippine President Noynoy Aquino and many Filipinos worldwide.

A pupil and a kid with a deep sense of patriotism that this country needs to unite and stand up on its feet! Worth emulating! – Willy Nicolas

5 - What social network should you use for your status post?

Using a process flow diagram, this image helps the users in choosing the appropriate social network for different kinds of status posts. The users are led to consider several factors like the feelings of people who are on their friends’ list or those who follow them. Will they be offended by the status post? Would it be awkward to explain that status to one’s boss or to one’s parents? If yes, then the user is urged not to post it.

6 - Judgment Day will be on May 21, 2011

Harold Camping, an American Christian broadcaster, predicted that Lord Jesus Christ will be coming to Earth on May 21, 2011 – the Judgment Day. His prediction spread all over the world and got huge media attention. He also said that there will be plagues with millions of people dying each day. However, as we know it, these events did not happen.

Camping pressed on and changed his prediction - October 21, 2011 was the new date for the end of the world. Because of his fizzled predictions, Camping on a private interview admitted that he no longer believes that anybody could know the time of the Rapture.

You better stop predicting about end times. Only God the Father knows when He is coming back. – Steven Kirst

7 - Tsunami Walk of Miss Shamcey Supsup in Miss Universe 2011

On September 2011 at Sao Paolo, Brazil, Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup won 3rd Runner Up in the 2011 Miss Universe. But before the pageant started, Shamcey’s official gown was rumored to be a recycled Alfredo Barraza – the designer of the gown previously worn by Miss Colombia, Catalina Robayo Vargas.

However, this rumor didn’t stop Shamcey in giving her best. During the pageant night, she earned the trade mark for the Tsunami Walk with the swaying of her middle body likened to a tsunami wave as she walked.

Trade mark is yours when it comes to walking with Tsunami style!!! And the beauty of humanity as well the real world talent is one of the most ever! – Gloria Pedraja

8 - December 20, 2011: A Day Before The End of the World?

This calculation caught the attention of many people because of its mathematically incorrect treatment on the addition of the dates of two unforgettable events in recent history.

• 09-11-2001 – The 9-11 terrorist attacks. Terrorists took control of four commercial airliners, two of which crashed into the Twin Towers in New York.
• 03-09-2011 - A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan.

The sum of the two dates is a day short of December 21, 2011, said to be the last day of human civilization according to the Mayan Long Count Calendar.

9 - Steve Jobs and Dennis Ritchie: Media Exposure

Steve Jobs was the co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Apple Inc. Because of him we have iPhones, iPods, iPads, iMacs and many others. On the other hand, Dennis Ritchie was an American computer scientist who created the C Programming Language, and with his colleague Ken Thompson the UNIX operating system. Both of them died in the same year (2011) and the same month (October) but it seemed only a few noticed the death of Dennis Ritchie.

Usually the guy who wrote a song is not as famous and praised than the singer who sang it. – Bernard Wong

10 - Juan Manuel Marquez Stepping on Manny Pacquiao’s Foot and Throwing a Combination

It was on November 13, 2011 when Manny Pacman Pacquiao won against Juan Manuel Marquez by a majority decision. The final scores were 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112 in favor of Pacquiao. PacMan’s victory on this match was not totally expected by the viewers because when his name was announced as the winner, he received boos from the audience.

A few days after the fight, a photo of the Foot Stopper Trick by JMM during his match with Pacquiao circulated online. This was thought to be the reason why PacMan became an easy target. What do you think?

About Jose Peñas Jr.
He is an Electronics Engineering Technology graduate turned a blogger and call center agent who believes that versatility is more than intelligence. At age 19 he entered blogging realm with no experience and contacts. He learned to blog through online research. He received his very first award as Best Post of the Year in The Annual (Kalsada) Blog Awards 2010.
About Opinyoneyted
– One of your online interactive news publications. Before, its main reason is to share the author’s point of views about different society issues but now this blog is transformed to give you also news and information about trending events.

10 of the Best Winter Stuffs: Ski-Resorts, Snowboards, Skis and Snow Mobile

2011-12-03T23:20:00.000-08:00

December is the best month for skiing. You may wonder, “Wait what?” – Yes, you’ve heard it right! For those who don’t know what that stuff is – raise your hand. What on earth is Skiing?

Well according to wiki, Skiing is an entertaining activity by means of skis as equipment for travelling over snow. Skis are used in combination with boots that connect to the ski with use of a binding. Skiing can be grouped into two general categories. The older of the two disciplines originated in Scandinavia and uses free-heel bindings that fasten at the toes of the skier's boots but not at the heels. Types of Nordic skiing include cross-country, ski jumping and Telemark.

Alpine skiing (more often called "downhill skiing"), originated in the European Alps, and is characterized by fixed-heel bindings that attach at both the toe and the heel of the skier's boot.

Since we are talking about skiing, here’s a 10 list from FindtheBest.com – one of our most trusted partner site about the best 10 list of Ski Resorts, Alpine Skis, Snowboards and Snowmobiles. Enjoy their comparison stuff. XOXO

Check out this 10 of the best Ski Resorts where comfort and skiing do best.

10 - Mammoth, US, CA

9 - Sun Valley Ski Resort, US, ID

8 - Whistler / Blackcomb Ski Resort, CA, BC

7 - Winter Park Ski Resort, US, CO

6 - Steamboat Ski Resort, US, CO

5 - Snowmass Ski Resort, US, CO

4 - Aspen Mountain - Ajax, US, CO

3 - Beaver Creek Resort, US, CO

2 - Aspen Highlands, US, CO

1 - Breckenridge Ski Resort, US, CO

Here's 10 of the Best Skis and showcase through comparison.

10 - 2012 G3 Saint, G3, Men's

9 - 2012 Voile Vector, Voile, Men's

8 - 2012 Black Diamond Ember, Black Diamond, Women's

7 - 2012 Atomic Century, Atomic, Women's

6 - 2012 Movement Trust, Movement, Men's

5 - 2012 DPS Yvette, DPS, Women's

4 - 2012 Volkl Nunataq, Volkl, Men's

3 - 2012 K2 Brightside, K2, Women's

2 - 2012 K2 Hardside, K2, Men's

1 - 2012 K2 Missconduct, K2, Women's

How about 10 of the best snowboards? Do you enjoy collection snowboards?

10 - 2012 Roxy Ollie Pop, Roxy, Women's

9 - 2012 Smokin Lane Knaack Pro, Smokin, Men's

8 - 2012 Unity The Whale, Unity, Men's

7 - 2012 Never Summer Proto CT, Never Summer, Men's

6 - 2012 K2 Happy Hour, K2, Men's

5 - 2012 Burton Deja Vu, Burton, Women's

4 - 2012 Burton Restricted Nug, Burton, Men's

3 - 2012 Burton Restricted Mr. Nice Guy, Burton, Men's

2 - 2012 GNU B-Street, GNU, Women's

1 - 2012 Rome Mod Rocker, Rome, Men's

And finally, my thing. *LOL - 10 of the best Snow Mobiles.

10 - Arctic Cat Bearcat Z1 XT Groomer Special, Arctic Cat

9 - Arctic Cat ProClimb M 1100 Turbo Sno Pro, Arctic Cat

8 - Yamaha RS Venture GT, Yamaha

7 - Yamaha RS Vector LTX, Yamaha

6 - Ski-Doo Tundra Xtreme, Ski-Doo

5 - Ski-Doo Grand Touring SE, Ski-Doo

4 - Ski-Doo MX Z TNT, Ski-Doo

3 - Polaris 600 Switchback Adventure, Polaris

2 - Arctic Cat ProCross F 1100 Turbo Sno Pro Limited, Arctic Cat

1 - Arctic Cat ProCross F 1100 Turbo Sno Pro, Arctic Cat

Find the Best Top 10 List from Ski Resorts, Alpine Skis, Snowboards and Snowmobiles only here at Always10 - Top 10 List!

10 of the Best Smartphones (Top Picks 2011)

2011-11-29T18:46:00.000-08:00

"With millions of smartphones and tablets expected to be sold in 2011, wireless technology is hot." - Forbes.com

I’m not a techie type when it comes to choosing what kind or brand of smartphones to purchase. Well, a time comes and I need to buy one not just for enjoyment kind-of-thing but also to ease my blogging activities when I’m on mobile mode like out of town or alike. From the succeeding months, a huge amount of smartphones with poor quality has been circulating throughout the market – which is the main topic of this post. Despite the amounting number of this stuff, few of them excel with their showcase of good performance and reliability to users.

I’ll be in agreement that prices are much lower than the chief smartphones in market. Ok, enough with this nonsense bubbling about these because as I’ve said I am not a techie guy. So order to compile this list, my friends from Findthebest.com is here to show their comparisons about the best smartphones in the market 2011.

10 - HTC myTouch 4G, HTC

9 - T-Mobile G2x, T-Mobile

8 - Motorola DROID X, Motorola

7 - HTC DROID Incredible, HTC

6 - Samsung Epic 4G, Samsung

5 - HTC Sensation 4G, HTC

4 - Apple iPhone 4 8GB, Apple

3 - Apple iPhone 4S, Apple

2 - Motorola DROID RAZR, Motorola

1 - Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Samsung

Compare All Smartphones! Check out these other comparisons like Tablets, HDTVs, Laptops, Headphones, and look for a detailed top 10 coming to Always10 - Top 10 List Collection soon!

10 of the Best Ways to Be a Good Wife

2011-11-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

I know, you want to be the best wife for your husband, but what does that mean? Well, eventually, it's up to you and your husband to establish the needs of your relationship and how each partner can do their part to accomplish those needs--and here are 10 advices or guiding principle to start off. However, keep in mind that a marriage is a partnership, so your husband wishes to make an effort too!

1 - Pamper Yourself

The very first thing you must do to be a good wife is to take care of yourself so that you feel good! Eat healthy, exercise regularly and maintain the way you look so that you remain the most attractive woman in his life! Irrespective of your age, if you look good, you will definitely feel better.

2 - Appreciate Him

According to a survey men like to be appreciated. So say a sweet ‘thank you’ when you see that he has made any effort, whether it is for you, your kids or for your house. Your compliments and appreciation will put a smile on his face and joy in his heart.

3 - Make your Husband a Priority

It often happens that wives are so occupied in their every day household chores and kids that they start taking their husbands for granted. Don’t do that. Instead try to spend quality time with your husband.

4 - Tell Him that He is Important

Let him know that he is important for you. Try to take interest in his hobbies and work. But make sure that you don’t overdo it. Be there for his support and not as an obstacle to his freedom.

5 - Give him Space

Every one needs some time to relax, socialise with friends or simply to be alone. To be a good wife, encourage your husband to socialise with family, friends and do the things he enjoys the most.

6 - Don’t Force Him to Change

Never force your husband to behave or act in a particular manner. Most behavioural experts suggest you cannot change others' behaviour. For instance, if you are outgoing and like to socialise and your husband is shy then you can either cut short the duration of social activity or go by yourself. But make sure to thank him when he attends a party for you. If you find something really annoying, then simply let him know or use positive reinforcement for changing that habit.

7 - Have Friends

Most women shrink their social network after marriage and become totally dependent on their husband. Don’t expect your husband to be your partner, lover and best friend. Instead make good friends and have fun. This will help you to bring new energy to your married life.

8 - Believe in your Husband

Even though most men show their brave side to world but at times, they do lack confidence and fear failure. Let him know that the love of his life believes in him even when he does not believe himself.

9 - Pay Compliments

Complimenting to your husband can actually help your relationship. Men like compliments as much as the women do. So keep complimenting!!

10 - Keep the Romance Alive

Marriage does not mean the end of romance. Be affectionate to your partner and let him know that you still find him interesting. You can plan a romantic date, initiate sexual foreplay or simply write a love note and see the smile on his face widening!

About Líäfstylé
(Lifestyle) is a composite of Motivations, Needs, Wants and is influenced by factors such as Culture, Family, Reference groups and Social class. Líäfstylé (Lifestyle) is a unique destination offering inspiration for home, family and life. Blogging Líäfstylé (Lifestyle) the latest Topics like - Health & Fitness and Beauty & Fashion Tips and Trends along with Diet & Nutrition, Love & Relationships, Life & Work, People and Self-Improvement Ideas & More.

10 of the Different Forms Of Mochi You Could Enjoy This Thanksgiving

2011-11-20T20:13:00.000-08:00

Today, I will be presenting to you the different mochi forms which you could enjoy eating this thanksgiving. As we know it, mochi has gone a long way from being a Japanese sticky rice cake to including it in soups, making waffles and the like. There are different food forms that we people enjoy eating and I would like you to see how you could enjoy this flavorful mochi the way you want. If you don’t want it in it’s plain sticky rice cake form, well grab this opportunity and look through the enticingly creative foods made of the oh so famous mochi. Get ready to be hungry and rest assured you will be looking into one of the mochi forms you will see here.

Here they are:

1 - This cute mochi cupcakes will surely get the kids attention.

Mochi Cupcake [Photo from Breadetbutter.Wordpress.Com]
What a better way to treat your children is to give them some healthy snack in a form they love the most, sweets. This is very enticing and could be a good avenue to feed kids that are picky when it comes to food.

2 - Now, everybody wants frozen yogurt since it became a craze.

Frozen Yogurt Mochi [Photo from Jonas Approved.Com]
This gave creative people a way to top those healthy and yummy frozen yogurt with mochi. Apart from the fruits you put in frozen yogurt, you could now enjoy it with those little mochi balls or even mix both.

3 - If you want to retain the sweet and original taste of mochi

Fried Mochi [Photo from Philippines Food Recipes.Com]
with a little twist, fry it. This is one is the closest to the original form because you just fried it. This one is also my favorite of all the mochi apart from munching those mochi balls raw.

4 - Another way to enjoy those
Mochi Waffle [Photo from Potatomato.Com]Mochi Waffle [Photo from Potatomato.Com]
sweet mochi in a sweeter and yummier form is by eating a mochi waffle. What a delight to jumpstart your day with this hearty breakfast plus your favorite cup of coffee. What a match that makes me salivate now. Makes me think of eating this yummy mochi waffle tomorrow morning with a cup of Torani flavored coffee. A lovely day, indeed!

5 - Agadeshi mochi soup

Agadeshi Mochi Soup [Photo from Foodfrenzy.Ocregister.Com]
served before your main course; why not give it a shot! A one-of-a-kind soup with full flavors of spices plus the vegetables; I'm getting hungry now!

6 - Another yummy mochi dessert,

Mochi-Lato/Mochi Gelato [Photo from AmysJapanAdventure.Com]
mochilato or mochi gelato! Everyone's old-time favorite, ice cream with a twist of mochi. If you haven't tried one, you're missing half of your life so you better hurry up and grab some mochilato or you'll regret it for the rest of your life. I think, that says it all!

7 - Mochi sushi?

Mochi Sushi [Photo from TinyUrbanKitchen.Com]
This is a full flavor of Japan, sushi and mochi in one! I'm pretty sure this is going to be a heavy meal. With the sushi alone, you'll get full easily plus the mochi that's a real hunger filler. You better braze yourself with this fully loaded treat.

8 - For mom's out there

Mochi Pie [Photo from Egullet.Org]
who loves to bake, this mochi pie will put a grin in your family's face. Expect those hugs and kisses from your husband and kids when they tasted this outrageously delectable mochi pie. You could also put in some flavors in your pie to make it more appealing and yummy. A sure fire hit only from the best, our loving mom's.

9 - Mochi pizza? Are you kidding me?

Mochi Pizza [Photo from LadyOnline.Blogspot.Com]
The first time I heard of it, it made me puke! Imagine those fresh fruits, vegetables, plus the pepperoni and cheese only to be put in a mochi? I don't think so! But wait, the skepticism just turned into a new found glory. This is one of the best tasting pizza I ever tried in my entire existence. You better try one and share it with your friends on a Friday night.

10 - Thinking of what are you going

Mochi Cake [Photo from BakingEqualsLove.Blogspot.Com]
to bring in your pot lock this Thanksgiving? Why don't you surprise everyone with this one-of-a-kind dessert and don't forget to click that shutter button the moment your family tasted it. You will surely be delighted by the oh so yummy expression on their face.

I’m sure you also have your favorite mochi form. Hopefully you got one favorite on the above list of the ten of the most delightfully tasting mochi food form. I hope this blog post ignited your palate’s craving or ignited your quest to try something extraordinary; something you haven’t tried before.

Don’t be afraid to explore different foods and just enjoy whatever it is that satisfies your palate’s criteria for something delicious. If you want some mochi or Torani syrups, you could visit Lollicupstore.com and try on something extra ordinary. Happy eating!

About the author: Victoria Vynes
She is a food blogger, a self-confessed mochi addict and coffee junkie which you could actually notice in all her blog posts. Being a food blogger, she loves discovering new food of different cuisine and travels to different parts of the world to have a taste of authentic food recipes.

10 of the Best Twitter Tips To Promote Your Website

2011-11-20T15:15:00.000-08:00

Twitter is one of the best promotional tools online to attract people to your website. You can use it to raise your profile within your niche, find targeted followers, advertise your products/events, alert people to new posts on your blog, etc.

The following is a list of 10 Twitter tips that you can use to help promote and drive targeted traffic to your website.[A guest post by Matt Smith of OnlineIncomeTeacher]

1 - Drive Traffic To Your Website

Millions of people across the world use Twitter everyday. That's a lot of people, but obviously most won't be interested in what you have to say. The key is to find the people that ARE interested!

Search for people who tweet about the same things as you, post links to similar content to your site, talk about subjects that you talk about. These are the people who you want to be targeting. When you find people like this, make sure to follow them and try engaging with them. Once they realise that you are of interest, they will follow you back.

Your aim is to grow your followers with people who are specifically interested in your website niche. Then, when you Tweet about your new content, you are more likely to get a response/get people to click through to your website.

2 - Blogging & Twitter Go Hand-In-Hand

If you run your own blog or website, then Twitter is the perfect marketing tool to promote your site on. Now, there are a few ways to do this;

One of the best and easiest ways is to place a visible link to Twitter on your homepage or sidebar, perhaps via a Twitter button or “Follow Me” icon. This will direct targeted traffic to your Twitter account page, allowing people to follow you and keep up to date with your latest tweets.

You can display a 'Recent Tweets' box on your website as well. This is a great way to display your most recent tweets to visitors of your site. As well as being able to see any useful tweets/links, they can also see that your site is active.

Another excellent way to utilise Twitter on your site is to display sharing links on your posts. As you can see, at the top of this page and to the left of the post, there are links to Twitter (and other social media sites) allowing people to share the post with their online community.

Don't forget to Tweet this very post!!!

3 - Self Promotion On Twitter

There are a lot of people on Twitter, so it's important that you try to make yourself stand out from everyone else. This is where creating your own brand identity is needed, which in the long-run will benefit your site.

To start with, you need to write a short 'bio' about yourself, which will appear on your Twitter profile. This 'bio' helps people understand who you are, or in the case of a website, what the website is about. This may sound really simple, but you need to spend time thinking this through carefully. You have a limited amount of space to write your description in, so it's vital that you get all the information that you need in.

The key to self promotion is to (surprisingly) self promote! Tweet regularly about your site, new posts, news, related products, promotions, etc. and keep your followers up-to date with what is happening.

A good tip would be to Tweet about other people's content within your niche, as well as your own. This way, your followers see you as a source for valuable information instead of only being interested in yourself.

4 - Get To The Point!

You only have 140 characters to Tweet with. This means that you need to get to the point of what you are saying.

This is easier said than done, but the more Tweets you send, the better at it you get. Try to always provide the most vital bits of information and keep everything simple and short, whilst being easy to read.

Remember that you need to allow room for links and hash tag categories (i.e. #blogging) within your 140 character limit. Shorten your links with URL shorteners such as bitly.com and don't use too many hash tags.

5 - Be Social

Twitter has a huge active community of people on it, so interact with people and get your name out there. Whatever your niche, get involved with the people interested with it. Make friends, ask questions, chat, share ideas, re-tweet others, etc. You can't expect to grow your number of followers without being social.

It always amazes me when I get followed by someone that has never tweeting anything! They may be following several thousand people, but have never bothered to interact with any of them. Now this is fine if you only have a small interest in Twitter, but for someone who is promoting there own website/business, this is like shooting yourself in the foot.

You can not expect to grow followers and build a brand without interacting!

6 - Listen To What Your Followers Are Saying

I love Twitter for all the reasons on this list, but by far my favourite and probably most useful is how it can be used to improve your existing business. Think of it as an amazing tool for conducting market research with millions of users, and its all completely FREE!!!

You can get instant reaction from your followers, so you can see what is working and what isn't. Ask them what they like about your website, what they don't like, what they would like to see in the future, etc. What ever aspect you want to learn about, you can ask your followers.
Just make sure you listen to what they say! After all, it's pointless getting all this valuable information if you don't intend on acting upon it.

7 - Talk To People

Sounds simple... and it is, but you would be surprised how many don't do this. Twitter is full of people having conversations, with plenty of useful information. The key is to get chatting to people, ask questions, respond to other peoples questions, and generally interact with others.

8 - Be Open & Honest

Whether talking about your business or life in general, honesty is always the best policy. People are smart, it's easy to tell when someone is talking a load of nonsense, or trying to sell you something “vital” that clearly you don't need. This only results in loosing business.
Be open and honest about your business. Be honest about who you are and what you are talking about. Trust is a vital part of life, if people have trust in you they are much more likely to listen to what you have to say and do business with you.

Always be honest whilst on Twitter. If you happen to find something that you found interesting, or which you think your Twitter followers would like, then Tweet it and tell them about it. Similarly if you find something that you dislike, then again tell people about it. Your followers may not agree with everything that you say, but in the end they will value your open and honest opinions, which is much better in the long run!

9 - Customise Your Twitter Background

You can upload a customised Twitter background for your profile. This lets anyone that visits your Twitter profile to see your customised background.

This can help you stand out from the crowd. Include your website logo, URL address, product promotions, event dates, etc. Check out my custom Twitter background @matt_oit

10 - Useful Twitter Tools

As I have said, Twitter is a great tool for promoting your website, but you need to remember to spend time working on your site and not spend all day Tweeting. Thankfully there are plenty of tools that you can use to make life a little easier.

You can use online tools to automate things like following & un-following people, scheduling Tweets, thank people for following you, etc. Some of the best that I use are 'Tweet Adder', 'HootSuite' & 'MarketMeTweet'

I find that scheduling a few tweets at night helps to promote my site to people on the other side of the world. Just think of all the people online who could be reading your valuable content whilst you are asleep!

This is a guest post by
Matt Smith
Matt runs his own blog 'OnlineIncomeTeacher' which teaches people how they can earn money online and set up their own website/blog. You can follow him on Twitter @matt_oit

10 of the Biggest College Basketball Stories 2011

2011-11-15T17:21:00.000-08:00

It has been a month since both the UAAP and the NCAA declared a respective champion in the men's basketball tournament, the main headliner of both the two league. Apart from the crowning of the San Beda Red Lions (in the NCAA) and the Ateneo Blue Eagles (in the UAAP), however, more news happened during the course of the college basketball season that changed the complexion of both the NCAA and the UAAP. I'm here to track down the 10 biggest headlines of this year's cage wars. Half of them comes from the NCAA, while the other half are UAAP headlines.

Let's start with the NCAA top headlines.

5 - The Overrated and the Underrated Within the Walls

There's a tie for fifth and sixth in my biggest NCAA headlines, but since Letran and Mapua are neighboring schools along the Intramuros area, why not make a 2-in-1 recap? Prior to the season, the Letran Knights were tagged as underdogs, in fact long shots, while the Mapua Cardinals were tagged as playoff contenders with the arrival of big man Yousef Taha and explosive scorer Josan Nimes. What happened after? Letran went on a hot streak, going 7-2 in the first round, while the Cards struggled early, entering the second round with a 3-6 slate. Mapua began to sizzle in Round 2, behind the heroics of Nimes, the eventual Rookie of the Year, Taha, and team captain Allan Mangahas, but Letran stayed in their top form thanks to combo guard Kevin Alas, dominant banger Jam Cortes, rookie point Mark Cruz, and Most Improved Player awardee Raymund Almazan. The Knights smoothly entered the semis, while the Cardinals fell short of making the Final Four. Did the analysts overrate the Cards? Did they think the Knights are a bust? We don't know, but we can expect from these teams more next year.

4 - Here Come the Pirates

The NCAA welcomed a new team in the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates. Many expected the Pirates would end up as the whipping boys this year, but Lyceum shocked them instead. The Pirates stunned the CSB Blazers and the Perpetual Help Altas in Lyceum's maiden two voyages to NCAA supremacy, instantly becoming the talk of the town. While they would lose the next two, LPU made headlines anew by beating Mapua and Arellano next. The Pirates would hit the ship refueling area with a 4-5 card, but they would set sail again with a stunning win over JRU to get even with the Heavy Bombers, who defeated them just a week earlier. But starting with a blowout loss to Mapua, Lyceum began to crumble, especially after losing veteran Allan Santos to personal reasons. The Pirates would be eliminated after losing to San Sebastian, but they would repeat over the Blazers to end their season on a high note and with a stern warning to the other NCAA teams, "We, the Pirates, are for real!"

3 - The Carlo Lastimosa Case

Another team who were in playoff contention this year were the Blazers, but College of Saint Benilde had other issues to tackle with. Early in the second round, news broke out that swingman Mark Romero, a transferee from FEU, left the team to undisclosed reasons. With the news reported during the registration period for the 2nd trimester of CSB (just like its brother school just across Taft Avenue), it was presumed that Romero's problems had something to do with his enrollment. But Carlo Lastimosa's case was even a bigger issue. Becoming an instant star, the news about Lastimosa, who also had registration concerns and had to leave not just the Blazers but also CSB, became a subject of rumors and headlines on various sports news. There were rumors that spread out that Lastimosa would be transferring to San Beda, Ateneo, his uncle's, Jojo Lastimosa's alma mater, or at La Salle's main campus just across the street. Carlo's enrollment matter were already settled and suited up again for the Blazers, but it was a bit too late as the Blazers, who entered the second round tied with Lyceum at number 4 at 4-5, were shown the door with only 2 wins in the last 9.

2 - Championshp Number 19!

In what many thought would be a championship year for San Sebastian under rookie coach Michael "Topex" Robinson, the San Beda Red Lions stayed consistent throughout the season and stole the limelight from the Golden Stags by sweeping the latter in the NCAA Finals. Thanks to veterans Garvo Lanete, Dave Marcelo, the Semerads, Dave and Anthony, and the Pascuals, Jake and Kyle, San Beda remained tough and took advantage of a late Baste downfall to win their 19th NCAA title, tying Letran for the most seniors' basketball championships. Aside from that, they proved that they can win a championship without an import, in this case Sudan Daniel, who didn't play due to a torn ACL. However, the celebration, which I know is still continuing till today, might be cut short as rumors were buzzing around that the Semerad twins, both Anthony and Dave Semerad, are packing their gears in Mendiola and are bound for Katipunan Avenue, transferring to Ateneo. No confirmations are being made as of press time.

1 - The Miracle Run

The championship run of San Beda barely missed on overshadowing JRU's big-time run to the Final 4. Entering the 2nd round with a not-pleasing-to-the-eye 3-6 slate, the Heavy Bombers lost their next three assignments, kicking off the next round on a sour note and with analysts thinking JRU's done for the year. That time, I was already thinking about a Mapua, CSB, and Lyceum race for the wildcard. Then the unthinkable happened. Nate Matute, who struggled in the first round, waxed hot late in the season, and with the help of veterans John Lopez, Jeckster Apinan, and Alex Almario, the Heavy Bombers won their last six games, including a shock upset over San Beda and the playoff berth-clinching demolition of Mapua, to enter the semis, besting the Blazers, the Pirates, and of course the Cards. Although the Lions got back at them, they earned much respect for the winning streak. Expect JRU to bomb next year.

Now off to the UAAP top headlines

5 - Where 33-Point Turnaround Happens

Speaking of unthinkables, add this to the collection. The Adamson Soaring Falcons were ahead by 17 halfway through the second quarter of their second round meeting with UST. The Growling Tigers, looking to enter the Final 4, stepped on the gas from there. Thanks to the Jerics, Jeric Teng and Jeric Fortuna, with rookies Kevin Ferrer and Karim Abdul and athletic veteran Chris Camus, the Tigers turned the tides, overcame the deficit, and even beating the Falcons by 16. That's a 33-point turnaround! Not just that this was the biggest comeback win this year, the UST win over Adamson might come down as the biggest turnaround the UAAP has ever seen.

4 - Make Way for the Freshmen

Ferrer and Abdul are just two of a number of explosive rookies we saw this year. While the NCAA has the likes of Josan Nimes, Yousef Taha, Jonathan Grey, and Baser Amer, the UAAP has Kevin, Karim, Kiefer Ravena, Gelo Alolino, and Bobby Parks. Ravena, from Ateneo, won the Rookie of the Year award, starting a new legacy left off by Kiefer's dad, former PBA and MBA superstar Bong Ravena. Parks, on the other hand, won the MVP. Parks, a son of former PBA import Bobby Sr., could have been the ROY as well, if not for that rule disqualifying rookies who did not come straight from high school to win the freshman plum. Nevertheless, both Parks, Ravena, and the rest of the aforementioned rookies will return next year to continue building their already legendary legacy here. Talk about the deepest rookie batch ever in college basketball.

3 - No Sweep...

Entering the 2nd meeting of the Adamson Soaring Falcons and the Ateneo Blue Eagles, people were already talking about the stepladder format. The UST counter-blowout against Adamson was still abuzz. They were also talking about the UP Pep Squad coloring their hairs blonde and what stuff they will show in the cheerdance competition, turned out to be a way to do the grand slam (Oops! Sorry, Talk 'n Text fans). The Falcons, who were sealing the twice-to-beat edge then, made no hesitation to do the act immediately. AdU broke free from a close 1st half and blew out ADMU, 62-46, to stop the Blue Eagles from sweeping the season. Apart from that, the Falcons won for the first time in 30 meetings in the UAAP, dating back to the 1997 season. For Adamson, they cherished the moment as if they already won the title. Though they didn't do so in the UAAP, they are continuing the winning run on the PBA D-League.

2 - ...No Problem

The loss to Adamson did not hinder Ateneo from cementing their legacy in the UAAP. Ateneo would win three straight, a nail-biter against UST in the semis, and sweeping FEU in the finals, to clinch their sixth UAAP seniors' basketball crown. What made it more special was that they won their fourth consecutive championship, the fourth to complete the 4-peat. The teams who accomplished the same feat prior to the Blue Eagles' reign were the 1965-71 UE Red Warriors, the 1993-96 UST Growling Tigers, and the 1998-2001 De La Salle Green Archers. Credit that to Finals MVP Nico Salva, who dominated the court with his veteran moves.

1 - FEU Did The Petron!

Although the FEU Tamaraws fell prey to the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Finals, the Tams proved to everyone that they can still pull off the rug against all odds. They had a twice-to-beat disadvantage in their Final 4 encounter with Adamson, picked to make the Finals by many, including me. But FEU showed their might and championship experience in the semis. They blew off the Soaring Falcons in the first game (technically the second because of AdU's twice-to-beat incentive, equivalent to a 1-0 lead in a best-of-three) and played well despite the late rally ignited by Adamson star Alex Nuyles to escape with a 59-49 win. FEU would stave off another late rally of Adamson, this time led by Jeric Cañada, to win the rubber match, 76-73. Although they would lose to Ateneo, FEU still fought gallantly. Many believed when I posted a blog entitled Can FEU Do the Petron?, and I was convinced with them. FEU DID THE PETRON!

About Ivan Saldajeno, the author
a BS Mathematics student at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños. He was the sports editor for The Palawenian, the English school paper of the Palawan National School from 2003-2005. He is one of the page administrators for the Facebook college sports page Kasali ang School Ko sa NCAA or UAAP, and he is one of the bloggers and moderators of FlipRap. His passion in writing sports articles is still ablaze through his sports blogs: Sporty Guy and Hoops Atbp. These blogs talk about basketball, soccer, boxing, and other various sports locally and internationally.

10 of the Best Romantic Comedy Movies - So Far

2011-11-13T04:09:00.000-08:00

Everyone is a sucker for romantic comedies, that is why there are so many movies done in this genre. It appeals to women because of all the lovey dovey moments and because women love the idea of love, men on the other hand, have no choice. You wouldn’t let your girlfriend watch a movie all by herself now, would you? I thought so, anyway, here is my list of the Top 10 Best Romantic Comedies done so far.

1 - My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

Everyone has fallen in love with their best friend one time or another. Am I right or am I right? Heck, I married mine! However, not everyone is so lucky, just like Julianne Potter (Julia Roberts) who tries to sabotage her best friend’s wedding in hopes that he will come back to her and marry her instead. I love this movie, it was the first one that actually had an unexpected ending. Everyone expected Julia Roberts’ and Dermot Mulroney’s characters to end up together in the end, but it didn’t happen. Still, it’s a funny movie, and don’t you just love Rupert Everett, I swear, every girl definitely has to have a gay best friend. I have one, do you?

Unforgettable Scene:

George Downes: Michael's chasing Kimmy?
Julianne Potter: Yes!
George Downes: You're chasing Michael?
Julianne Potter: YES!
George Downes: Who's chasing you... nobody, get it? There's your answer. It's Kimmy.
- From IMDB.com

Funniest Scene: The Karaoke Scene

Awww Moment:

Julianne Potter: Michael, I love you. I've loved you for nine years. I've just been too arrogant and scared to realize it, and, well, now, I'm just scared, so - I-I-I realize this comes at a very inopportune time, but I really have this gigantic favor to ask of you. Choose me. M-marry me. Let me make you happy. Oh, that sounds like three favors, doesn't it? B-but...
- From IMDB.com

2 - Wedding Singer (1998)

Adam Sandler is one of the best comedians of our generation (GenY?), there is no doubt about that. He and Drew Barrymore just work so perfectly together. This movie is about a wedding singer, Robbie Hart (Adam Sandler) who was dumped by his fiance because she feels that she doesn’t have a future with him. He then meets and spends more time with a waitress, Julia Sullivan (Drew Barrymore) who is a bride to be, he helps her with her wedding and they fall in love with each other, and that’s where all the mess begins. I love watching this movie and I never get tired of it. The soundtrack is great too, so that’s always a treat.

Unforgettable Scene: Grow Old With You Song, proposal on the plane.
Funniest Scene: The Julia Guglia (pronounced Gulia) scene.

Awww Moment:

Julia: I puked.
Robbie: Okay. Don't worry.
Julia: I vomited in my hair.
Robbie: All right.
Julia: Does my hair smell bad?
[Robbie smells her hair]
Robbie: No, it smells good, actually.
- From IMDB.com

3 - There’s Something About Mary (1998)

OMG! Who can forget this movie? I watched this movies so many times I know the lines! Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz make a hilarious couple! This one is one of the most hilarious romantic comedies I have ever seen in my life. I swear, I laugh my ass off every time I watch this. Who knew that Woogie was actually Ted’s best friend Dom?

Unforgettable Scene: The “hair gel” scene when Mary picked up Ted for their date.
Funniest Scene: When Ted got his “Franks and Beans” stuck in his zipper before their Prom.

Awww Moment:

After Ted’s speech about letting go of Mary and giving him up so she can be truly happy.
Mary: Did you mean what you said up there?
Ted: Well ya I just want you to be happy Mary.
Mary: But I'd be happiest with you.
Ted: What about Bret Favre...?
Mary: What did I tell you the first time we met? I'm a Niners fan!
They then hug and kiss.
- From IMDB.com

4 - How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days (2003)

Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) is going to write the best article in her journalism career, and that is about How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, by doing the things that men hate and find annoying about women. At the same time, Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) boasts to his boss that he can make any woman fall in love with him in just 10 days. In the end they both lose, why? Because they found actual love.

Unforgettable Scene:

When they first met:
Andie: Unattached?
Ben: Currently.
Andie: Likewise.
Ben: Surprising.
Andie: Psycho?
Ben: Rarely, Interested?
Andie: Perhaps.
Ben: Hungry?
Andie: Starving.
Ben: Leaving?
Andie: Now?
- From IMDB.com

Funniest Scene: Andie naming Benjamin’s stuff, Princess Sophia.
Awww Moment: When Andie finds out that she is the first woman Ben ever brought home to meet his family.

5 - 50 First Dates (2004)

Another awesome movie with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. In this movie, Henry Roth (Adam Sandler) who is a commitment phob, finally meets the girl he wants to settle with, Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore), the problem is she suffers from short term memory loss and forgets him the very next day. So what does he do? He makes her fall in love with her, every day.

Unforgettable Scene: When Henry sings to Lucy, Forgetful Lucy.

Funniest Scene: The part where Henry asks Ula (Rob Shneider), his best friend, to pretend to mug him as Lucy is driving by, so Lucy gets out of the car and beats Ula with a baseball bat.

Awww Moment: Every one of their first kiss.

6 - Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

How do you get over someone who just dumped you? Take a vacation of course. But make sure your Ex doesn’t go to the same resort with her new beau otherwise it can cause some problems. I just love Jason Segel from How I Met Your Mother, and in this movie, he showcases his talents as a comedian.

Unforgettable Scene: When Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) runs into Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) and Aldous Snow (Russel Brand), who is a famous rock star and her new boyfriend in the resort where he’s vacationing in to try and get over their break up.

Funniest Scene: Making Love wars. Sarah wakes up to the sound of Peter and Rachel (Mila Kunis) making love, so she decides to wake up Aldous and makes an even louder noise, which only encourages Peter to be louder. Aldous knows Sarah is faking it, so he stops her and tells her he knows she was faking.

Awww Moment: When Peter realizes he’s fallen for Rachel.

7 - What Happens in Vegas (2008)

I didn’t think that Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher had enough chemistry for this movie, but it has some funny parts and awww moments too. Ever heard of the expression “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”? Well, that’s not always the case.

Unforgettable Scene: The next day when they woke up, realized they were married and decided to get a divorce. Their conversation lead to an argument and soon a fight, then in the middle of bickering, Joy (Cameron Diaz) takes out a quarter to play the slot machine, she puts it in the slot and Jack (Ashton Kutcher) pulls the lever, as they walk away angrily from each other, they were stopped by the noise the slot machine made, they just won the $3Million.

Funniest Scene: When they were preventing each other from getting to their couple’s counseling session.

Awww Moment: At the beach when Jack asks Joy to be his wife, again, for real.

8 - The Proposal (2009)

This is probably one of the funniest romantic comedies I have ever seen. Sandra Bullock is hilarious and Ryan Reynolds is so hot! In this movie, Sandra Bullock plays Canadian Margaret Tate, who is an editor at a publishing house, she is known for being very bossy but very good at her job, her work visa is expiring soon so she forces her assistant Andrew Paxton, played by Ryan Reynolds to marry her and in return she promises to publish his work after everything is settled.

Unforgettable Scene: When Grandma Annie and Andrew’s mom gave her a necklace that has been in their family for generations and she realizes she can’t fool them any longer because she has also fallen in love with their family.

Funniest Scene: Margaret finds Grandma Annie in the woods, chanting and she tells Margaret to join her, so she does, then she gets carried away and starts dancing and chanting to Lil John’s song, Get Low.

Awww Moment: When Andrew proposed to Margaret, for real.

Andrew Paxton: Three days ago, I loathed you. I used to dream about you getting hit by a cab. Then we had our little adventure up in Alaska and things started to changed. Things changed when we kissed. And when you told me about your tattoo. Even when you checked me out when we were naked. But I didn't realize any of this, until I was standing alone... in a barn... wifeless. Now, you could imagine my disappointment when it suddenly dawned on me that the woman I love is about to be kicked out of the country. So Margaret, marry me, because I'd like to date you.
- From IMDB.com

9 - The Ugly Truth (2009)

A movie where a guy teaches a girl what NOT to do to secure a relationship with a guy, but surprise surprise, they fall in love with each other.

Unforgettable Scene: When Mike (Gerard Butler) is teaching Abby (Katherine Heigl) how to flirt.
Funniest Scene: The vibrating panty dinner scene. Hilarious!

Awww Moment: The elevator scene where they make out and know for sure that they are attracted to one another.

10 - Friends With Benefits (2011)

I never liked Justin Timberlake, but boy, this movie changed my mind about him. He and Mila Kunis have incredible chemistry on screen and I think that is why this movie is so awesome. In this movie, they both play career driven people who find the dating scene tiring and so dramatic and they both wish that it could be simpler. So they make a pact to sleep together, no strings attached, and reap the benefits of being in a relationship, without all the drama.

Unforgettable Scene: The Flash Mob Dance in Grand Central Station in NYC, Dylan organized a flash mob as a peace offering as well as sort of a proposal to win Jamie back.

Funniest Scene: When the are in LA and Jamie prompts Dylan to cross the fence and climb the Hollywood sign.
[as the LAPD helicopter catches them on sitting on the Hollywood sign and Jamie is trying t get Dylan to jump down]
Dylan: I have a fear of heights! And also hel...helicopters! They don't make sense to me!
Jamie: What do you mean you have a fear of heights? Why would you come up here?
Dylan: You called me a p-p-pussy!
- From moviequotesandmore.com

Awww Moment: When they decide they should do it, strictly business-like, no strings attached, no emotions. On doing it without strings attached:
Jamie: I don't even know if I find you attractive.
Dylan: That's cute.
Jamie: Mmm. I do have a thing for jerks. Well, do you even find me attractive?
Dylan: That's cute.
Jamie: No! No! No! Before you got to know my awesome personality. Strictly physical. First time you saw me.
Dylan: This is just two people talking?
Jamie: Yeah. Two girls, over drinks at Bennigans. Go.
Dylan: I liked your eyes. I didn't think I'd ever seen such big beautiful eyes.
Jamie: And your lips. Yeah, thought you might be a good kisser.
Dylan: I am.
Jamie: I liked your hands.
Dylan: Mouth.
Jamie: Butt.
Dylan: Voice.
Jamie: Chest.
Dylan: Eyes.
Jamie: You said that.
Dylan: I meant it.
- From moviequotesandmore.com

So, which ones made it to your list and which one of your fave romantic comedies didn't make it on my list?

Reference/Source: imdb.com
Reference/Source: moviequotesandmore.com
About Ane Fallarme, the author
Imperfect Perfectionist. Gorgeously Flawed. A a freelance writer who blogs to her heart's content when she has no articles to ghost write for other people.A Network of Entertainment - NOT your typical Entertainment Blog.

10 of the Most Delectable Filipino Native Delicacies

2011-11-07T23:38:00.000-08:00

Filipino native delicacies, known as kakanin, are popular snack foods that are usually served as merienda or desserts. Kakanin are native delicacies made of malagkit (glutinous rice), which comes in two varieties: the first-class variety that is sweet, rounded and white and the regular variety that is longish and translucent. The word kakanin is derived from kanin, Tagalog for rice. The three basic ingredients are malagkit or glutinous rice, coconut milk or gata, and sugar.

Filipinos love of kakanin can be traced way back pre-colonial times when our ancestors used suman as offering to gods and visitors. I remember when I was a child and used to help my Inang, a native of Bulacan, grind soaked glutinous rice in a huge grindstone (gilingang bato) to make galapong to be used in making sapin-sapin or kalamay or bibingka. We used to spend hours in this process and usually need to take turns with my cousins to finish grinding several kilos of malagkit to be used in making sapind-sapin or kalamay or other kakanin depending on the occasion. My Inang wanted to do it the traditional way even if milling services are available, just as her mother and grandmother used to do it.

Kakanin are usually present on special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and fiesta. No celebration is complete without these kakanin being served in the table. They are especially popular during the Holiday Season and since Christmas and New Year is just around the bend, let’s take a delicious look at 10 of the Most Delectable Filipino Native Delicacies.

1 - Sapin-Sapin

Sapin-Sapin is a native dessert made from glutinous rice flour, purple yam or ube, coconut cream and sugar. It is a multilayer rice cake with different colors usually white, yellow and purple. The texture is very fine and should melt in your mouth without spending much time chewing it. It is topped with latik.

2 - Biko

Biko is a Filipino rice cake made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. Traditionally, this delicious rice cake is placed over banana leaves in a bilao and garnished with latik on top. Other variations of biko will have a custard like topping or matamis na bao (caramel like topping) instead of latik.

3 - Kalamay-Hati

Kalamy-hati is a native kakanin or rice cake made from ground sticky rice, sugar, mascuvado, coconut milk and sesame seeds. It is brownish in color and is very sticky that you will almost spend your whole time chewing it. It’s not easy to prepare as you have to spend around 2 hours cooking it with continuous stirring to achieve the tough-leathery texture (makunat). It is usually stored inside empty coconut husk or bao.

4 - Suman

Suman is a famous kakanin made from glutinous rice and usually wrapped tightly in leaves. The leaf wrapper—banana, palm, buri or pandan—varies according to locality. Filipinos have been making suman since pre-colonial times. Antonio Pigafetta, an Italian scholar and explorer who travelled with Ferdinand Magellan, provides the first description of suman in historical records which he observed “were wrapped in leaves and were made in somewhat longish pieces.”

5 - Kutsinta

Kutsinta is another native delicacy that is sweet, sticky, and golden brown rice pudding that is made from ground malagkit. Achuete is used for coloring and lye is added to improve its texture. The kutsinta ingredients are put into molds and steamed for 15 minutes. It is usually served with freshly grated coconut.

6 - Palitaw

Palitaw is made from ground glutinous rice and sugar and got its name from the manner it is cooked. It is quite easy and fun to make as all you have to do is form into small balls the ground malagkit and flatten with fingers to form tongues. Drop in boiling water, when they float (lumitaw or lumutang), skim and drop in cold water. Drain and roll in mixed grated coconut, sugar and sesame seed mixture and you’re done!

7 - Puto

Puto is a steamed rice muffin made from galapong or rice flour. It is traditi onally in plain white color but adding ube (purple yam) or pandan can create variations in flavor and color. It is usually being sold with kutsinta but Filipinos love to eat puto together with Dinuguan. A more recent variation of puto is the Puto Pao that has a meat filling just like the Siopao.

8 - Espasol

Espasol is a type of rice cake that is made of rice flour cooked in coconut milk. This cylindrically shaped treat originated from the Province of Laguna. Cooking the glutinous rice flour, sugar and toasted grated coconut mixture usually takes an hour as the mixture needs to become really thick to achieve the right consistency. Once cooled, it is then cut into desired size and rolled over dusted sweet rice flour until a cylindrical shape is formed.

9 - Puto Bumbong

Puto Bumbong is traditionally made from a special variety of heirloom sticky or glutinous rice called Pirurutong which has a distinctly purple color, soaked in salted water and dried overnight and then poured into bumbong or bamboo tubes and then steamed until done or steam rises out of the bamboo tubes. It is served topped with butter or margarine and shredded coconut mixed with sugar. It is a favorite among church goers, along with Bibingka, during Simbang Gabi or Christmas Eve Mass.

10 - Bibingka

Bibingka is a most sought after kakanin during Christmas Season traditionally served w ith salabat and sold alongside Puto Bumbong. It is a round rice cake made with galapong, sugar and coconut milk. It is cooked in a banana leaf-lined clay pan , with coals underneath and on top. It is topped with salted duck eggs or itlog na maalat and kesong puti. Once cooked it is brushed with butter, and is garnished with sugar and grated coconut and is served while hot.

About Marvs Correa, the author
He is a simple blogger who have the passion of sharing the most relevant information, news and everything else under the sun. InfoHiway is his first venture into blogosphere where he is the site admin. His current favorite top is this black shirt with a Chupa Chups logo and is still wondering why it is so.

10 of the Advance SEO Terminologies You Should Know!

2011-11-06T17:06:00.000-08:00

Being a blogger and a Virtual SEO Assistant, we need to do a search engine optimization in our blog or site for it appear in search engines. Now,some of you may or may not know about SEO, however, there are some SEO terminologies that we need to know in order to fully understand how SEO work for our blogs or websites.

Let me add the fact that there are hundreds of SEO glossaries out there too, but, here are some of the TOP 10 SEO terms that I want to share to all as I think it may be useful. SEO Professionals and newbies can benefit on this list as it can help broaden their knowledge on SEO.

1 - Crawl

(Noun) The process by which search engines retrieve content from a Website, including the criteria used to determine rates and priorities of crawl. From the perspective of an SEO, crawl can be influenced or managed through internal and external resources.

2 - Filthy Linking Rich Principle

(Noun phrase) The more links a document has accrued, the more links the document will accrue. Stated another way, the more visible a document is in search engine results, the more likely the document is to accrue links, and hence the more visible the document becomes in search engine results.

3 - Indexer

(Noun) A type of program that search engines use to update their databases with information about retrieved and parsed Web documents. You rarely see even knowledgeable SEO forum moderators and admins speak of indexers and parsers, perhaps out of a misguided concern that they will confuse people who are new to search engine optimization. Unfortunately, those new people visit the forums to learn about SEO, so teaching them the wrong terminology does them a great disservice.

4 - Influencer

(Noun) A Web site or individual whose content is deemed to be influential in adjusting search result (q.v.) rankings, usually either through the creation of new content or the placement of links to other documents. Some blogs (q.v.) can be powerful influencers.

5 - Link mass

(Noun phrase) The combination of all connected links that lead to any given page in a hypertext document collection. Absolute link mass cannot be measured. Relative link mass can be approximately measured.

6 - Naturality

(Noun) 1) A metric or measure of a range of search listings (q.v.) for a query which are not optimized to be included in the search results. A perfectly natural search result (q.v.) has a Naturality value of 1.0, reflecting the fact that none of the search listings (q.v.) are optimized for placement in the result. 2) The characteristic of being natural in the sense of not having been optimized for inclusion or ranking within a group or collection of natural, transparent, or opaque objects.

7 - Parasitical SEO

(Noun phrase) The practice of “riding coat-tails” for one’s own advantage. Parasitical SEO tactics may include: creating competitive content about well-established brands (common in affiliate marketing), injecting content onto an established Web site without the site owner’s knowledge or approval, dropping links into comments and discussions on popular blogs and forums, etc.

8 - Quality Links

(Noun phrase) A nonsense expression with no real value or purpose other than to act as a catchall for the types of links people think are better than “those other links”. Googlers use “quality links” as a subtle way of telling people to stop getting cheap spammy links. Many SEO forum moderators and admins use “quality links” in a somewhat broader but similar fashion, if only because they don’t know exactly what criteria make links good for any particular search engine but they recognize that people who are asking about linkage have a problem. Nearly everyone else seems to use the expression to refer to their (usually non-performing) backlinks. I wrote about high quality links at SEOmoz (in a post designed to rank for “high quality links” on the basis of content but the lesson passed over everyone’s head, except for Aaron Pratt who saw what I was doing right away).

9 - SERP (Acronym for Search Engine Results Page)

Everyone seems to know this acronym by now. I have always hated it even though I now reluctantly use it. SRP (search results page) would be better, since it’s all inclusive. You can have a DRP (Directory Results Page) which some people might argue should be called a DSRP (Directory Search Results Page). I still get click throughs from Yahoo! and DMOZ directory page listings (or a DLP, Directory Listings Page).

10 - Universal Search

(Noun phrase) The practice by major search engines like Ask, Google, Live, and Yahoo! of melding results from several search databases to provide the user with a more diverse selection of search listings (usually combining video, news, blog, Web, book, and other search tools). Aka Blended Search.

You can check the full list of Advanced SEO Glossary here: Click here. Thanks to the SEO Analyst , Alwin Clores, for sharing this very invaluable SEO information.

Got some information overload? Fear not! Just ask here and I'll be very much willing to help you understand more about SEO and its terminologies.

About Tristan Khalil Singkala, the author
A gamer, manga-lover, blogger, SMM and SEO Professional. Proud Pinoy Freelancer, owner of TRIZZONE and Sociable Media Design. He blog about SEO, Social Media, being a Virtual Assistant and Freelancing. You can connect with him in his social networks.

10 of the Best New Chrome Add-ons

2011-11-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

Chrome is now more popular than firefox, and there are lots of ways to make it even faster and smarter. AppsMaster.Net picks 10 of the most useful extensions for Chrome 13.

1 - Listen to Music as you browse the web

+Music is an excellent new Chrome extensions that lets you listen and to share songs by your favourite artists as you browse the web. Simply search for an act to view available tracks and then click to play them. The add-on continues to work in the background as you go about your online activities and lets you queue songs by other artists to listen later. +Music also features Facebook integration for sharing streams with your friends.

2 - View related web content as you type

Google Related helps to speed up your web searches by finding links, photos, new stories, videos and other web content relevant to the page you're viewing. These related suggestions are displayed in a thin toolbar at the buttom of the screen that doesn't obstruct your main view. The extension is particularly useful for displaying information such as maps and reviews of business and products, without having to open a separate browser tab.

3 - Add Facebook events to Google Calendar

If you use Google Calendar to organise your life, this handy extension will let you add Facebook events such as birthdays to your calendar in a couple of clicks. It saves you having to enter or copy and paste the details manually. Once you've installed the Add Facebook Events extension, an 'Add to Calendar' option will appear at the top of Facebook event pages. Click this, then click Save to add the event to your Google calendar.

4 - Share content on multiple social networks

Recognising that many of us have accounts with Facebook, Twitter and Google+, this extension lets you post links, messages and photos to all three social networks simultaneously. Publish Sync for Google+ and Facebook (Green Edition) also lets you share content from one site on a rival service and, in the case of Google+, choose which circles it will appear in. You can easily log out of an account to prevent your post being synchronized.

5 - Look up definitions of words on web pages

If you come accross a word on a web page that you don't recognise or understand, you can use the official Google Dictionary extenstion to find out what it means. Just double-click the word to view definition in a pop-up bubble, or click the toolbar button, enter a word and click Define. Foreign words are automatically translated into English and the latest version of the extension lets you click a speaker icon to hear a word's correct pronunciation.

6 - Always bring a new tabs to the front

When you right-click a URL in chrome and choose 'Open link in new tab', the page always opens in the background behind your current tabs. Install Tabs to the Front, however, and new tabs will open in the foreground by default, so you can view their content immediately.

7 - Change the appearance of web pages

Stylebot lets you adjust the way websites look and feel by playing around with custom style sheets (CSS). Usually, this involves some knowledge of web design but the extension makes it easy for anyone to change the fonts, colours and layout of different page elements.

8 - Edit web pages and photos using Picnik

The Chrome extension for the Google-owed online image editor Picnik (www.picnik.com) lets you capture and edit photos and pages you come accross while browsing the web. Just click the toolbar button and either choose 'Send the visible page to Picnik' or select a specific image. The copied content will open and rotate it, adjust the colours and exposure, and apply a range of effects before saving and sharing the result.

9 - Add Google +1 to all web pages

Google's new +1 feature, which lets you share web content with your friends and contacts, has already been added to thousands of sites. But there are still plenty that don't yet offer a +1 option, which is where this add-on comes in. The awkwardly named '+1 Button - Plus One Button' add-on lets you add your stamp of approval to any web page with single click. You can also see at a glance how many other people have shared the same content.

10. Access Picasa Web Albums from Chrome

Picasa Extension is a simple but very useful Chrome add-on that gives you instant access to Google's photo-sharing service Picasa Web ALbums. Click the Picasa logo on your browser's toolbar to view thumbnail images of all your albums, then simply click one to open it. You can also read comments that have been posted on your photos.

About Roy Paran, the author
or more known as Apps Master (@iluvroy) on twitter is your average friend but with an extra-large social media addiction. His love for social media started in September 2008 when he joined twitter and sent out his first tweet from the web. Besides twittering Roy is also a part time internet marketer, editor and a blogger. Offline, Roy is competitive by Nature, Positive Minded and believes that the word “impossible” doesn’t exist and the word “impossible” simply means “Im Possible”

10 of the Best Viral Content Guide Articles

2011-11-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

Every blogger wants to produce the best, quality and a viral content. Now that quite a lot of things have changed since then – Google algorithm changes, evolution of social media, changes in the content access devices, and with other ranking and viral factors. You have to believe that making content viral is the only upholding thing in the blogging realm where competition is inflated and that unanticipated events could happen anytime.

So I’d like to share with you my ultimate guides in my blog content creation, blog content management, and blog content promotion.

Here are my 10 Best Viral Content Guide Articles.

1 - Best Possible Experience for Users

“Search is a complicated and evolving art and science, so rather than focusing on specific algorithmic tweaks, we encourage you to focus on delivering the best possible experience for users. “ - Amit Singhal. This is the complete text to abide to if you really wish to make sense in the web. Thus, I always recommend this article of Google Webmaster Central blog to anyone who needs some guidance on how to create high quality content.

2 - Most Valuable Content Types Checklist

“The best ways to have your content spread is to have your readers share it because people trust their peers more than brands.” - Ahava Leibtag. You aim to get a debut through a very fantastic blog post, I am certain you have to put up with this checklist. As this article says, the silver bullet that will make our content sparkle has been found. This is the guide you are looking for.

3 - What Great Content is or Actually Could Be

“It seems that many content creators rely on size to measure greatness, while on the Web it’s often the other way around. The faster someone can convey a message, the greater the content.” – Tad Chef. I remember one of my clients who argued with me about content size and of how it matters to search engine rankings. That time I only send him the link of this article and he all got it. So, if you have a problem with this matter, better be informed.

4 - You Need Idea Generators

“Use experiences from your lifetime to make analogies about what you’re discussing. Or give the article a theme – sports, movies, comparisons, top 10 lists and fun facts – whatever you can think of.” - Webmaster Format. Do you have some rules regarding the source of your blog posts? Say enough to that rules. When I’ve read this article I begun to explore outside the box and say anything that I want about my niche. As it says, you don’t need any more rules. You need idea generators.

5 - Quality is the Only Sustainable SEO Strategy

“If quality, credibility, and authority can all be algorithmically identified, then certainly they are based on distinct sets of factors that in sum create signals.” Adam Audette. I always ensure that I’m taking up the excellent level with my SEO Strategy when working to my client sites. Honestly, I’m not doing much on this with my blog until I’ve found out this article that tackles on the factors of a sustainable SEO strategy. Just don’t build your SEO strategy around the algorithms. Build your SEO strategy around your users.

6 - Take Your Link Building Assessment

“The more quality backlinks you have the higher your PR will be. The mechanism is as that simple yet complicated.” – Kira Permunian. I have this blog post right after the Google Panda pagerank update last June 2011 where I took assessment with my link building methods. By having such, I found out that all just boils down to following usability standards and submission to Google’s mission in providing quality, useful and relevant content in the web when aiming a better Google Page Rank.

7 - Guaranteed Backlinks on Your Next Blog Post

“Since I have your attention, let me tell you one more thing: You have to keep people hooked on your content if you want to get links. People don’t share things they don’t read.” – ViperChill. I’ve learned a lot on this post. The ideas presented are realistic and highly applicable. If you wanted to get viral I believe you should read as what I have done with my shares and with my blog posts. Be innovative and attractive.

8 - Linkbait Headlines Every Blogger Can Use

“No matter how great your content is, if the headline sucks, it stands little chance of getting the attention it deserves.” – Eric Brantner. This is the idea of Always10 Blog of JrPlaza. When I first saw this blog, I was so sure that this will be the hit to search engines as many people love to know the “top”, the “most” and the “10s” about anything under the sun. Congratulations JrPlaza! This is really a great source of linkbait headlines. See more headlines at this blog.

9 - Know the Elements of Social Content Success

“While linkbait does bring tremendous SEO benefits from links and traffic, visitors also benefit from the quality content.” - Jordan Kasteler. Knowing this is crucial and very important in SEO and in Social Media success. If you do not know, contextual link bait is what Google looking for to get a good rank in SERPs. I find this very hard to achieve at first right after reading this post, but later on I’ve managed to get triumph on linkbaiting.

10 - How Quality over Quantity Wins

“The best way to ensure that your website ranks highly for your desired keywords is to specifically target your inbound linking strategy by entering into linking collaborations with a smaller number of websites that are specifically optimized for your keyword through content and quality.” – David from twago. This is the guest post that really makes sense a lot to me about hats in SEO. The equation to follow is Quality content + Quality site +Quality link building = Winning Site.

Now that you know my guide articles in creating a blog post, for better SEO projection and for Social Media presence, I think it’s good to hear from you. With your feedback, share the link of the most popular post of your blog. Let’s make it more popular and viral.

About Kira Permunian, the author
He is the author of SEO Geekster Online Blog. He aims to provide best SEO blogging tips, Social Media Optimization guides and technology updates to his readers. Visit his blog and don’t miss to follow him on various social media channels.

10 of the Best Ways to Protect Your External Devices from Viruses

2011-11-04T04:38:00.000-07:00

In this modern era where everyone uses computers, you cannot assure that you are always safe. If you're still not familiar with the term Virus then this is your time to know them.

VIRUS or Vital Information Resources Under Siege is a harmful computer program that replicates itself to spread to other computers. One of the most common ways of diffusing them is through removable storage devices such as USB keys, External Hard Disks, CDs, VCDs, DVDs and similar things. VIRUS creates a copy of them in storage devices and is launched, usually at auto-play, to infect the next computer.

In this case, there are lots of ways to protect yourself from this harm:

1 - Install an Anti Virus

Making sure that you have an UPDATED Anti Virus installed in your computer is one way to make sure that your computer is safe. Just make sure than other than being updated, your AV must scan removable devices automatically on the time it is inserted.

2 - Online Back-up

Always make sure that you have back-ups of files that you have saved in your USB drives or external HDDs. This is would be very useful in times of "worst case scenario", wherein you would need to re-format your disks. Online Back-ups are advisable during this cases.

3 - Turn-off your Auto Play

Virus usually hacks the auto-play to run a certain program. This is activated when you open a folder or a drive. Most viruses use this method to infiltrate and re-copy themselves on the victim system. To disable it on windows:

XP users:

a) Click Start], click [Run], type [gpedit.msc], and then click OK.
b) Under [Computer Configuration], expand [Administrative Templates], and then click [System].
c) In the [Settings pane, right-click [Turn off Autoplay], and then click [Properties].
d) Click [Enabled], and then select All drives in the [Turn off Autoplay] box to disable Autorun on all drives.
e) Click OK to close the [Turn off Autoplay Properties] dialog box.
f) Restart the computer.

For Vista and Win7 users:

a) Click [Start], type [gpedit.msc] in the Start Search box, and then press enter.
b) If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.
c) Under [Computer Configuration], expand [Administrative Templates], expand [Windows Components], and then click [Autoplay Policies].
d) In the [Details pane], double-click [Turn off Autoplay].
e) Click Enabled, and then select All drives in the [Turn off Autoplay] box to disable Autorun on all drives.
f) Restart the computer.

4 - Know your files well

Make sure that you know all the files installed on your external devices. When I said all, I mean ALL files including archived, hidden and system files. This is pretty handy on inspecting your devices on searching for potential viruses.

Usually, a USB key would only have all your normal files saved (not unless you saved a hidden file in your key). On the other hand, External Hard Disks (HDD), have system files installed in them like RECYCLER which is a directory used for Recycle Bin.

5 - Always use Right Click when Clicking

Avoid using double left click when opening external devices. Using the double-click to open a file, directory or drive, is like activating the auto-play. Usually when you hit the right click the options might be different when the file or folder is infected.

By default, folders and drives should have "Open" and "Explore" as options respectively, files on the other hand should have "Open" as the very first option. Also don' be fulled by the ICON, usually viruses show themselves as folders.

6 - Know the function and how to remove autorun.inf

Virus most of the time creates autorun.inf file in your USB key that usually have [system file] and [hidden file attributes]. This way you may not notice them initially.

Autorun.inf is an instruction file associated with the Autorun function. It is a simple text-based configuration file that tells the operating system which executable to start, which icon to use, and which additional menu commands to make available. In other words, it is tells Windows what to do when opening a drive. Take note that not all autorun.inf are dangerous. But most of the time they are especially if they are hidden.

To detect this without opening the drive, you can try this:

a) Run the command prompt or cmd. (All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt)
b) Type [dir [DRIVE-PATH] /a:h] Example: dir f:/
- This should list all hidden files inside your drive.
c) Type [dir [DRIVE-PATH] /a:s] Example: dir f:/
- This should list all system file inside your drive.
d) If in both steps b and c, an autorun.inf file appears then it's time to worry especially when it comes also with a suspicious exe or folder.

To delete it: NOTE: Make sure that the autorun.inf and the exe file is virus before deleting it, usually an external hard disk may have such files too that is required for it to run.

a) Run the command prompt or cmd. (All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt)
b) Type [attrib -r -a -s -h [AUTORUN-INF PATH]] Example: attrib -r -a -s -h f:/autorun.inf
c) Delete it by [del [AUTORUN-INF PATH]] Example: del f:/autorun.inf
d) It is advisable too to remove the suspected exe file using the same commands, just replace the [AUTORUN-INF PATH] with the path of the exe file.

7 - Insert On Trusted System only

Very self explanatory, never insert your external device to systems you don't trust

8 - Enable Write Protection to your External Devices

There are different ways to do this, one is to buy a USB key storage that has an external toggle switch that can do it. Another is to use a software that can temporarily lock your storage devices.

When you disable writing in your external devices, virus cannot copy themselves onto your device. The cons for this one is that you too cannot copy nor write to your storage key too.

9 - Learn How to Search! Know the Virus Trend!

My first attempt on virus removal was when I was blamed after a virus spread during my college years. Being curious on the virus' name, i did some searching and find out how to remove it. This curiosity turns into knowledge and a hobby for me to know or dissect a virus. Basically, having a knowledge on how a virus act is one way to avoid being affected. :)

10 - Think Before You Click Policy

This is a new policy that is being noted worldwide. It's as simple as think before clicking. This is not just applicable to social networking sites but also in virus protection. Even if you already pass the items above, it is still important to think before opening or running applications coming from external drives (or even in a system).

The list above are all based on my experience. Proof to say that experience is the best teacher! Cheers!

About Beneath The Tree A collection of algorithm, code and other programming methods. Includes programmers' point of view, interests and game reviews.
About Aj Banda, the author
a software developer and a blogger. I used my blogs to share my knowledge to the world but most of the time it serves as a reference of my previous algorithms and source codes.

10 of the Most Visited Places in the Philippines

2011-11-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

Philippines is one blessed country as it has many beautiful tourist attractions, historical richness and prosperous bounty of nature’s produce. Its location gives it a greater advantage for many people as this gives only two types of weather which is rainy and sunny climates. Philippines consist of more than 7,100 islands thus making it a good island hopping country to stopover. Visiting Philippines is a great experience as you can see the wonders of its beauty and the hospitality of the people living in it.

As I have said, there are many beautiful places and must-see places in the Philippines and going in these places can be quite memorable and also fun. Such places may consist of different landmarks and beautiful terrains or even historical markers dating way back from the invasion of Spaniards, Japanese attacks and many more.

Although there are still many beautiful places to set out in the Philippines, these are the places that I consider a must-see:

1 - Boracay

This place is well-known for its long white, sandy beaches and great nightlife parties. This is a great tourist destination located in the Visayan region and is a must-place to visit for local and foreigner visitors. Trendy bars, discos and water sports are one of the activities in this place.

2 - Mount Pinatubo

This volcano has been famous in the year 1990s as it has once caused great problems not only in the Philippines but also for many parts of the world during its greatest eruptions.

3 - Intramuros

A city found in Manila famous for its walled area and had been a historical landmark for Spanish settlements. This city has historical museums and ruins that are preserved for tourists to see.

4 - Camp John Hay

This is a place in Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines. This area is a nice place to visit since it contains historical backgrounds dating back from American settlements. They also have a place for recreation such as golfing, horseback riding and camping.

5 - Mount Apo

If you want to enjoy mountain trekking then Mount Apo can be a good place. This awe-inspiring volcano can be found in Davao and in this place, you can also find the famous Philippine Eagle which is the biggest in the world.

6 - Palawan

It is a famous tourist spot as it contains many beautiful beaches, rich forest and caves that can be a good place to visit. There are many activities in this place such as snorkeling, paddling and many others.

7 - Dapitan

It is located in the Zamboanga province and is famous for the place where Rizal, the Philippine national hero was exiled. They also have white beach named Dakak.

8 - Surigao

When you are in for great waves to surf then Siargao is the good place to be. This island is in Surigao and is the surfing sanctuary for many surf lovers.

9 - Cebu

A tourist place identified to have the historical landmark where Magellan, a Spanish adventurer was defeated by Lapu-lapu thus the existence of the Magellan’s Cross. There are also many night life activities going on in this place.

10 - Camiguin

This small island in Mindanao is known for their Lanzones fruits, underground cemetery, white sand beaches and great island sceneries.

These great places are a must-see places when you are visiting Philippines and they can good places to spend your holidays with families and friends.

About Herbert Kikoy, the author
is the sole blogger of Locally Made, and an SEO Manager at Mayhem New Media, a UK based SEO Company.

10 of the Must-Read Articles to Find Design Resources

2011-10-31T21:27:00.000-07:00

Staying up-to-date on the current web design news is very important for every different kind of designers as it will play a vital role in developing their own skills. If you are not up-to-date on the latest and most probably the important news and resources, then you are not going to be able to provide professional people with what they are looking for. Of course they will go somewhere where they will find what they are looking for in case you can’t provide what people are looking for.

Finding inspiration is not always as simple as it sounds, whether you’ve been designing for years or only weeks but because of different motivated people who are not stopping to compile different websites that will serves as a guide for every one of us, looking for resources become handy. Being a motivated one, I always find a way to collect all the best resources to help every individual to easily get started on their journey. In today's post, we have composed the most comprehensive list of places where you can find design resources with different categories such as PSD, Business Cards, Logo, Brushes, Patterns, Textures, Infographics and more. These lists are part of the session "Web Resources Compilations" made by me on my blog. It is an excellent list of categorized places or websites where you can find different great sources of Design Inspirations and Resources.

The primary focus of this list is resources to help different designers whether they are PRO or Beginner in their workflow. This will cover most of the aspects in designing that will allow you to manipulate your own design journey. Good Luck!

1 - 25 Sources to Download High Quality Free PSD Files

Working with the Photoshop PSD files as source for design elements like Photoshop text effects can help you get a quicker and more effective start. It also reveals the techniques used on a specific design and most of the time there is something new we can learn from it. This entry will show you the 25 Sources to download high quality and professionally designed Photoshop .PSD files.

2 - 20 Sources to Download Free Photoshop Brushes

Brushes enhance your art for making it possible for you to add awesome graphic elements to your image and of course, save you a lot of time. But finding great brush sources is not as easy as it seems. You have many websites, but only a few are well organized and have easy to find brushes. That is what we will try to bring you with this post that will show you the list of websites where you can find free download of Photoshop Brushes.

3 - 20 Sources to Download Free Photoshop Patterns

Photoshop Patterns can help to create attractive and beautiful website backgrounds with very little effort. That's why we listed a bunch of sites where you can download Free Photoshop patterns. This list of sites can be very good sources of Free Photoshop Patterns that you can incorporate to your designing process and hopefully will speed up your workflow.

4 - 20 Sources to Download Free High Quality Textures

Texture plays a vital role in giving a little bit of depth that every designer is looking for to make the image pop. With just a little tweak of imagination and creativity, they can already create good design artworks with it. That is why we compiled the top places or websites to download free high quality textures.

5 - 15 Massive Collection of Logo Design Resources Site

Logo is one of the very important elements of one’s company as it symbolizes the image of the team as a whole. Every company wants their logo to look unique so that it makes the company stand out from their competitors. This entry won't show you any compilations of logo designs that are visually extraordinary to make you inspire but we are compiling the list some of the top websites where you can find the best sources to get Logo Design Inspirations and Resources.

6 - 10 Ultimate Lists of Top Infographics Resources Site

Instead of poring over figures and long reports to decipher data, an infographic can immediately explain what the data actually means. This could help to quickly and clearly provide us with information that might be complex or hard to understand. In this entry, we compiled the list some of the top websites where you can find almost all of the top infographics around the web.

7 - 20 Collection of Business Card Resources Site

Here we provide a list of useful websites where you can find inspirations and resources related to business cards. This will help you to find the best website suited for you to have your own business card. It is important because this will leave a good impression about your company and yourself in the minds of those whom you hand over the card.

8 - 20 Excellent List of Free Fonts Resources Site

Good typography is not just about the size and style of a font, but also it's about helping to establish a high level of visual hierarchy. It is very important element of a designing whereas it adds finishing touch to a design to give it the best look. In this entry, we compiled different websites where you can download free Fonts to get you started in your designing career.

9 - 20 Helpful Websites to Submit Your Design News

Traffic is one of the main goal and may be one of the reason why people blog. Every individual have their own reason why they are blogging but the common denominator is "Traffic". That is why we compiled the 20 websites where you can submit your post for free to generate traffic. But sad to say, they only allow design related news. But for designers, this is a good start to have some exposure in design world.

10 - 30 Marketplaces To Buy and Sell Stock Images

Photographers, this is your turn. This entry is a roundup of different marketplaces for stock photos that offers buy and sell of different arts. These virtual places are created to help buyers and sellers to save time and money.

About Designers Hub (formerly Photoshop PH) is a huge directory of the best free Photoshop Resources from all over the web. The ultimate list with different kinds of Photoshop Resources such as PSD, Brushes, Styles, Patterns, Gradients, PNG, Tutorials, Inspirations and many more. We also provide design compilations, web development and art-oriented articles and we promote the works of talented artists from all over the world. Founded in July 2011 by Manuel Garcia from Philippines.
About Manuel Garcia, the author
He is currently a 3rd year student taking up Education Course and the founder of Designers Hub. He launched Designers Hub to help the Design Community in providing high quality design resources and inspirations.

10 of the Most Memorable Manny Pacquiao's Fight

2011-10-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

With the 52nd fight of his career coming up (against Shane Mosley), Pacquiao has chiseled his name alongside all-time pound-for-pound greats like Willie Pep, Henry Armstrong and Sugar Ray Robinson. There are have been many moments that have defined the career of arguably the world's current best pound-for-pound fighter.

Let’s take a look at his 10 best moments in the ring.

10 - Manny Pacquiao Vs. Joshua Clottey

The fight turned out to be quite a letdown, but one of the highlights of the night was Manny’s "Pompyang" punch. The Pompyang move is a double open-palm strike to the ears, resembling the clapping of cymbals. It's a trademark move popularized by the late Filipino actor, Fernando Poe, Jr., who used it in most of his action-movie fight scenes.

This illegal move may make Pacquiao seem arrogant by not taking his opponent seriously, but it demonstrates how easily the Filipino fighter can dominate in the ring.

Manny Pacquiao (145¾ lbs) beat Joshua Clottey (147 lbs) by unanimous decision in round 12 of 12.

9 - Manny Pacquiao Vs. Lehlohonolo Ledwaba

Pacquiao arrived in America in 2001 at 21 years old, weighing 112 pounds. On the second of three stops, he entered the gym of the trainer Freddie Roach. There, he formed an odd-yet-formidable combination with Roach, and one month later, Pacquiao entered the ring and defeated Lehlohonolo Ledwaba of South Africa.

The fight arguably put him on the radar, and from that moment, he went on to defend the title four times. He’s lost only one match since his American debut.

Manny Pacquiao (121 lbs) beat Lehlohonolo Ledwaba (122 lbs) by TKO at 0:59 in round 6 of 12.

8 - Manny Pacquiao Vs. Antonio Margarito

His recent destruction of Margarito, a fighter 17 pounds heavier than him, was extraordinary in many ways. Anyone who needs convincing now that Pacquiao has solidified his place among boxing's all-time elite (including Floyd Mayweather Jr.) is as blind as Margarito was on the night he was destroyed by the Filipino fighter.

Not since Erik Morales beat the Filipino superstar in 2005 has a Mexican boxer solved the Pac-Man riddle. But is Pacquiao’s nickname as the "Mexican Killer" justified? The answer seems to be a resounding yes.

Manny Pacquiao (144½ lbs) beat Antonio Margarito (150 lbs) by unanimous decision in round 12 of 12.

7 - Manny Pacquiao Vs. Erik Morales (3rd Meeting)

With the series split 1-1, Pacquiao and Morales locked fists for the third and last time.

It was this fight that marked a change in Pacquiao’s fighting style. As if he wasn’t already dangerous enough, Pacquiao began to use his right hand as a key element of his arsenal. Manny now applied tremendous power in both hands, helping to amplify an already stellar swarming style.

Manny Pacquiao (129 lbs) beat Erik Morales (129 lbs) by KO at 2:57 in round 3 of 12.

6 - Manny Pacquiao Vs. Marco Antonio Barrera (1st Meeting)

It was the first time Pacquiao went up to the Featherweight division. With this win, Pacquiao began to establish his legacy as the newest boxing superstar and the new "King of the Featherweight" division.

For Pacquiao to defeat Barrera was an achievement, but to demolish him in such conclusive fashion showed that he was to be taken seriously by his peers. As for Barrera, he managed to secure a rematch with Pacquiao (which he duly lost).

Manny Pacquiao (125 lbs) beat Marco Antonio Barrera (126 lbs) by TKO at 2:56 in round 11 of 12.

5 - Manny Pacquiao Vs. Erik Morales (2nd Meeting)

Pacquiao put his WBC International Super Featherweight title on the line in the rematch against Morales. Pacquiao had lost the first encounter with a 12th-round majority decision.

Morales escaped being knocked down twice early in the fight, once by holding on to the ropes and once by falling on the referee's body. But his resilience wasn't to last. It was the first time in his hall-of-fame career that Morales was knocked out.

Manny Pacquiao (128½ lbs) beat Erik Morales (130 lbs) by TKO at 2:33 in round 10 of 12.

4 - Manny Pacquiao Vs. Oscar De La Hoya

Can you imagine beating someone so conclusively that you actually cause them to retire? Well, that's exactly what Pacquiao did to Oscar de la Hoya. Pacquiao pummeled De la Hoya for eight rounds straight, and the fight had to be stopped because the Golden Boy was taking such a hard beating.

No title was exchanged when Pacquiao defeated de la Hoya via an 8th round technical knockout. But there was plenty of symbolism. Though very much in the twilight of his career, the much-decorated De La Hoya retired after the match and completed the passing of the torch to Pacquiao.

Manny Pacquiao (142 lbs) beat Oscar De La Hoya (145 lbs) by RTD at 3:00 in round 8 of 12.

3 - Manny Pacquiao Vs. Juan Manuel Marquez (2nd Meeting)

Four years in the making, this fight was dubbed "Unfinished Business" because of the controversial draw that ended their first encounter in 2004. This time, however, Pacquiao managed to edge out Marquez, but the result was not without controversy.

Their match was devastatingly hard-fought on both sides. Pacquiao escaped with a narrow split decision.

Manny Pacquiao (129 lbs) beat Juan Manuel Marquez (130 lbs) by split decision in round 12 of 12.

2 - Manny Pacquiao Vs. Ricky Hatton

The fighter from England went down to the canvas twice in the first round before he was knocked out for good in the second round. In the spirit of Muhammad Ali, Pacquiao looked like he was just biding his time. He then unleashed a left hook that sent Ricky Hatton to the canvas with less than 10 seconds left in the round.

I feel for Hatton, who will have to see this knockout time and again as it gets replayed on KO reels. It was one of those moments that takes your breath away.

Manny Pacquiao (138 lbs) beat Ricky Hatton (140 lbs) by KO at 2:59 in round 2 of 12.

1 - Manny Pacquiao Vs. Miguel Cotto

The most impressive Paquiao moment ever inside the ring has to be the night when he faced off against the lion-hearted Miguel Cotto.

In a legacy-cementing win, Pacquiao defeated Cotto to capture the WBO Welterweight title and WBC Diamond Belt. The win made him the first boxer ever to win seven different titles in seven different weight classes. His performance that night fixed the Filipino's reputation as one of the finest boxers of this -- and possibly other -- generations.

Pacquiao simply destroyed Cotto. Viewers could catch glimpses of Cotto’s wife wincing has he took shot after destructive shot.

Manny Pacquiao (144 lbs) beat Miguel Angel Cotto (145 lbs) by TKO at 0:55 in round 12 of 12.

Humor me? LOL!

Will Mayweather Ever Fight Pacquiao? Probably not after reading this list. To be fair, though, it's possible neither of them could compete with these Top 10: Pound-For-Pound Fighters in their prime.

Reference/Source: askmen.com by Jose Espinoza

10 of the Most Famous Male Vampires in Movies and Literatures

2011-10-28T01:31:00.000-07:00

Vampires - We all know them as the viscous, blood-sucking demon whom usually from ancient times as well the major villain of an action-pack horror movies, well including the new transition from the first description to a sparkling and brooding model (twilight) pale stuff (from Twilight Movies, *which makes me irritated). I recently read a book entitled "Vampires", found this list and decided to add this stuff on my collection.

This is the list of the top 10 most well-known male vampires in movies and literatures:

1 - Dracula

Dracula is an 1897 novel by Irish author Bram Stoker, featuring as its primary antagonist the vampire Count Dracula. It was first published as a hardcover in 1897 by Archibald Constable and Co.
Dracula has been assigned to many literary genres including vampire literature, horror fiction, the gothic novel and invasion literature. Structurally it is an epistolary novel, that is, told as a series of letters, diary entries, ships' logs, etc. Literary critics have examined many themes in the novel, such as the role of women in Victorian culture, conventional and conservative sexuality, immigration, colonialism, postcolonialism and folklore. Although Stoker did not invent the vampire, the novel's influence on the popularity of vampires has been singularly responsible for many theatrical, film and television interpretations since its publication.

2 - Count of St. Germain

The Count of St. Germain has been variously described as a courtier, adventurer, charlatan, inventor, alchemist, pianist, violinist and amateur composer, but is best known as a recurring figure in the stories of several strands of occultism – particularly those connected to Theosophy and the White Eagle Lodge, where he is also referred to as the Master Rakoczi or the Master R and as one of the Masters of the Ancient Wisdom, is credited with near god-like powers and longevity. Some sources write that his name is not familial, but was invented by him as a French version of the Latin Sanctus Germanus, meaning "Holy Brother."

3 - Henry Fitzroy

Henry Fitzroy is a character in the Blood novels: (Blood Price, Blood Trail, Blood Lines, Blood Pact, and Blood Debt) and the Smoke novels: (Smoke and Shadows, Smoke and Mirrors, and Smoke and Ashes) by Tanya Huff.
He is also a TV character in the 2007 television series Blood Ties, based on the Blood novels, that aired on Lifetime in the United States. On television, Henry is portrayed by Kyle Schmid.

4 - Mitchell

Mitchell, the tortured soul trying desperately to be human.

5 - Don Simon Christian Xavier Morado-de la Cadena Ysidro

Don Simon Christian Xavier Morado-de la Cadena Ysidro (Those Who Hunt the Night, Traveling with the Dead), old, world-weary and ruthless.

6 - Lestat de Lioncourt

Lestat de Lioncourt is a fictional character appearing in several novels by Anne Rice, including The Vampire Lestat. He is a vampire and the main character in the majority of The Vampire Chronicles, narrated in first person.

7 - Viktor

Who the Bloody-hell is Viktor? Viktor (Underworld) is one of the fictional Vampire Elders in the gothic horror-action Underworld mythos, portrayed by Bill Nighy. Viktor was a Hungarian general and warlord. As he was nearing the end of his life, Markus Corvinus, the first true Vampire, came with an offer: Immortality in exchange for Viktor's military expertise and army in dealing against the werewolf Lycans, spawns of Markus' own twin brother, William. When Markus converted Viktor, the general became a Vampire Elder. The Death Dealers were created from Viktor's army.

8 - Edward Cullen

Edward Cullen (né Edward Anthony Masen) is a fictional character in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. He is featured in the books Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, as well as the Twilight film, and the as yet unfinished novel Midnight Sun - a re-telling of the events of Twilight from Edward's perspective. Edward is a vampire who, over the course of the series, falls in love with, marries, and has a child with Bella Swan, a human teenager who later chooses to become a vampire also. In the Twilight film series, Edward is played by actor Robert Pattinson.

9 - Angel

Angel (also known as Angelus, previously Liam) is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt for the television programs Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. He is played by actor David Boreanaz in the TV series and by Zach Hanks in the motion comic series. Angel is a vampire who is cursed with a soul, a punishment designed to make him suffer for his past crimes committed under the name Angelus. Like many characters in the Buffyverse, Angel goes through drastic changes. He starts out as a reluctant hero who stayed in the shadows, and ended up a dark, flawed, yet altruistic champion of mankind, seeking to voluntarily atone for his sins. In addition to the two television series, the character appears in the comic book continuations of both series.

10 - Barnabas Collins

Barnabas Collins is a fictional character, one of the feature characters in the ABC soap opera serial Dark Shadows, which aired from 1966 to 1971. Originally played by Canadian actor Jonathan Frid, Barnabas Collins is a 175-year-old vampire who is in search of fresh blood and his lost love, Josette. The character of Barnabas Collins was introduced to the serial in a last-effort attempt to resurrect the flagging ratings. The role of Barnabas Collins was originally intended to be a brief one, to run but a mere 13 weeks, but the popularity of the character and the quick spike in ratings resulted in his continuing on and becoming virtually the star of the show.
In the 1991 NBC revival series of Dark Shadows, British actor Ben Cross played the role of Barnabas Collins and in the recent series of audio dramas produced by Big Finish Productions he was portrayed by Andrew Collins. He will be played by Johnny Depp in the 2011 film by director Tim Burton.

Reference/Source: wikipedia
Reference/Source: Vampires by Joules Taylor

10 of the Scariest Urban Stories you might knew

2011-10-28T00:36:00.000-07:00

It's Almost Halloween! Time to tell stories...

Most of us love horror stories and goosebumps in the gut, supporting these are the evidence of block buster Hollywood films like Saw series, Japanese films such "The Grudge" or "The Ring" and there's a lot I could think of. When I was a child way back 1990's, I used to watch "Regal shockers" and "Shake Rattle and Roll" movie series which I think is the best horror-thrillers on those times.

Today, I am inspired to post a Top 10 list from scary urban stories around the globe gathered to freak your heart out.(Warning: This top 10 post is not for fainter and cowards! LOL)

1 - "Humans Can Lick, Too!"

A young girl named Lisa was left alone on several accounts as her parents worked late. Her parents bought her a dog to keep her company. One night Lisa was awoken by a constant dripping sound. She got up and went to the kitchen to turn off the tap properly. As she was getting back into the bed she stuck her hand under the bed and the dog licked it.

The dripping sound continued, so she went to the bathroom and turned off the tap properly in there, too. She went back to her bedroom and stuck her hand under the bed, and the dog licked it again. But the dripping continued, so she went outside and turned off the taps out there. She came back to bed, stuck her hand under it, and the dog licked it again. The dripping continued, drip, drip, drip.

This time she listened and located the source of the dripping — it was coming from her cupboard. She opened the cupboard door, and there was her dog hanging upside down with its neck cut, and written on the window on the inside of the cupboard was, "HUMANS CAN LICK TOO!!!"

As told by Liz Langridge (Australia)...

2 - The Hook (The Hook Man)

A teenage boy drove his date to a dark and deserted Lovers' Lane for a make-out session. After turning on the radio for mood music, he leaned over and began kissing the girl.

A short while later, the music suddenly stopped and an announcer's voice came on, warning in an urgent tone that a convicted murderer had just escaped from the state insane asylum — which happened to be located not far from Lovers' Lane — and that anyone who noticed a strange man lurking about with a hook in place of his right hand should immediately report his whereabouts to the police.

The girl became frightened and asked to be taken home. The boy, feeling bold, locked all the doors instead and, assuring his date they would be safe, attempted to kiss her again. She became frantic and pushed him away, insisting that they leave. Relenting, the boy peevishly jerked the car into gear and spun its wheels as he pulled out of the parking space.

When they arrived at the girl's house she got out of the car, and, reaching to close the door, began to scream uncontrollably. The boy ran to her side to see what was wrong and there, dangling from the door handle, was a bloody hook.

As told by David Emery...

3 - The Bloody Mary

When I was about 9 years old, I went to a friend's for a birthday/slumber party. There were about 10 other girls there. About midnight, we decided to play Mary Worth. Some of us had never heard of this so one of the girls told the story.

Mary Worth lived a long time ago. She was a very beautiful young girl. One day she had a terrible accident that left her face so disfigured that nobody would look at her. She had not been allowed to see her own reflection after this accident for fear that she would lose her mind. Before this, she had spent long hours admiring her beauty in her bedroom mirror.

One night, after everyone had gone to bed, unable to fight the curiousity any longer, she crept into a room that had a mirror. As soon as she saw her face, she broke down into terrible screams and sobs. It was at this moment that she was so heartbroken and wanted her old reflection back, that she walked into the mirror to find it, vowing to disfigure anybody that came looking for her in the mirror.

After hearing this story, which was told very scarily, we decided to turn out all of the lights and try it. We all huddled around the mirror and starting repeating "Mary Worth, Mary Worth, I believe in Mary Worth". About the seventh time we said it one of the girls that was in front of the mirror started screaming and trying to push her way back away from the mirror. She was screaming so loud that my friends mom came running into the room. She quickly turned on the lights and found this girl huddled in the corner screaming. She turned her around to see what the problem and saw these long fingernail scratches running down her right cheek.

I will never forget her face as long as I live!!

As told on the Internet, Feb. 16, 1994...

4 - The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs

A married couple were going out for the evening and called in a teenage babysitter to take care of their three children. When she arrived they told her they probably wouldn't be back until late, and that the kids were already asleep so she needn't disturb them.

The babysitter starts doing her homework while awaiting a call from her boyfriend. After awhile the phone rings. She answers it, but hears no one on the other end — just silence, then whoever it is hangs up. After a few more minutes the phone rings again. She answers, and this time there's a man on the line who says, in a chilling voice, "Have you checked the children?"

Click.

At first she thinks it might have been the father calling to check up and he got interrupted, so she decides to ignore it. She goes back to her homework, then the phone rings again. "Have you checked the children?" says the creepy voice on the other end.

"Mr. Murphy?" she asks, but the caller hangs up again.

She decides to phone the restaurant where the parents said they'd be dining, but when she asks for Mr. Murphy she is told that he and his wife had left the restaurant 45 minutes earlier. So she calls the police and reports that a stranger has been calling her and hanging up.
"Has he threatened you?" the dispatcher asks. No, she says. "Well, there's nothing we can really do about it. You could try reporting the prank caller to the phone company."

A few minutes go by and she gets another call. "Why haven't you checked the children?" the voice says.

"Who is this?" she asks, but he hangs up again. She dials 911 again and says, "I'm scared. I know he's out there, he's watching me."

"Have you seen him?" the dispatcher asks. She says no. "Well, there isn't much we can do about it," the dispatcher says. The babysitter goes into panic mode and pleads with him to help her. "Now, now, it'll be okay," he says. "Give me your number and street address, and if you can keep this guy on the phone for at least a minute we'll try to trace the call. What was your name again?"

"Linda."

"Okay, Linda, if he calls back we'll do our best to trace the call, but just keep calm. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes," she says, and hangs up.

She decides to turn the lights down so she can see if anyone's outside, and that's when she gets another call. "It's me," the familiar voice says. "Why did you turn the lights down?"

"Can you see me?" she asks, panicking.

"Yes," he says after a long pause.

"Look, you've scared me," she says. "I'm shaking. Are you happy? Is that what you wanted?"

"No."

"Then what do you want?" she asks.

Another long pause.

"Your blood. All over me."

She slams the phone down, terrified. Almost immediately it rings again.

"Leave me alone!" she screams, but it's the dispatcher calling back. His voice is urgent.

"Linda, we've traced that call. It's coming from another room inside the house. Get out of there! Now!!!"

She tears to the front door, attempting to unlock it and dash outside, only to find the chain at the top still latched. In the time it takes her to unhook it she sees a door open at the top of the stairs. Light streams from the children's bedroom, revealing the profile of a man standing just inside.

She finally gets the door open and bursts outside, only to find a cop standing on the doorstep with his gun drawn. At this point she's safe, of course, but when they capture the intruder and drag him downstairs in handcuffs, she sees he is covered in blood. Come to find out, all three children have all been murdered.

As told by Andy B., Sep. 3, 2003...

5 - The Clown Statue or The Clown Doll

So-and-so's friend, a girl in her teens, is babysitting for a family in Newport Beach, Ca. The family is wealthy and has a very large house — you know the sort, with a ridiculous amount of rooms. Anyways, the parents are going out for a late dinner/movie. The father tells the babysitter that once the children are in bed she should go into this specific room (he doesn't really want her wandering around the house) and watch TV there.

The parents take off and soon she gets the kids into bed and goes to the room to watch TV. She tries watching TV, but she is disturbed by a clown statue in the corner of the room. She tries to ignore it for as long as possible, but it starts freaking her out so much that she can't handle it.

She resorts to calling the father and asks, "Hey, the kids are in bed, but is it okay if I switch rooms? This clown statue is really creeping me out."

The father says seriously, "Get the kids, go next door and call 911."

She asks, "What's going on?"

He responds, "Just go next door and once you call the police, call me back."

She gets the kids, goes next door, and calls the police. When the police are on the way, she calls the father back and asks, "So, really, what's going on?"

He responds, "We don't HAVE a clown statue." He then further explains that the children have been complaining about a clown watching them as they sleep. He and his wife had just blown it off, assuming that they were having nightmares.

The police arrive and apprehend the "clown," who turns out to be a midget. A midget clown! I guess he was some homeless person dressed as a clown, who somehow got into the house and had been living there for several weeks. He would come into the kids' rooms at nights and watch them while they slept. As the house was so large, he was able to avoid detection, surviving off their food, etc. He had been in the TV room right before the babysitter right came in there. When she entered he didn't have enough time to hide, so he just froze in place and pretended to be a statue.

As told by Tamra S., Dec. 22, 2004...

6 - "Buried Alive!"

My mother swears this is true:

My great-great grandmother, ill for quite some time, finally passed away after lying in a coma for several days. My great-great grandfather was devastated beyond belief, as she was his one true love and they had been married over 50 years. They were married so long it seemed as if they knew each other's innermost thoughts.

After the doctor pronounced her dead, my great-great grandfather insisted that she was not. They had to literally pry him away from his wife's body so they could ready her for burial.

Now, back in those days they had backyard burial plots and did not drain the body of its fluids. They simply prepared a proper coffin and committed the body (in its coffin) to its permanent resting place. Throughout this process, my great-great grandfather protested so fiercely that he had to be sedated and put to bed. His wife was buried and that was that.

That night he woke to a horrific vision of his wife hysterically trying to scratch her way out of the coffin. He phoned the doctor immediately and begged to have his wife's body exhumed. The doctor refused, but my great-great grandfather had this nightmare every night for a week, each time frantically begging to have his wife removed from the grave.

Finally the doctor gave in and, together with local authorities, exhumed the body. The coffin was pried open and to everyone's horror and amazement, my great-great grandmother's nails were bent back and there were obvious scratches on the inside of the coffin.

As told by Emily...

7 - "Aren't You Glad You Didn't Turn on the Light?"

Two dormmates in college were in the same science class. The teacher had just reminded them about the midterm the next day when one dormmate - let's call her Juli - got asked to this big bash by the hottest guy in school. The other dormmate, Meg, had pretty much no interest in going and, being a diligent student, she took notes on what the midterm was about. After the entire period of flirting with her date, Juli was totally unprepared for her test, while Meg was completely prepared for a major study date with her books.

At the end of the day, Juli spent hours getting ready for the party while Meg started studying. Juli tried to get Meg to go, but she was insistent that she would study and pass the test. The girls were rather close and Juli didn't like leaving Meg alone to be bored while she was out having a blast. Juli finally gave up, using the excuse that she would cram in homeroom the next day.

Juli went to the party and had the time of her life with her date. She headed back to the dorm around 2 a.m. and decided not to wake Meg. She went to bed nervous about the midterm and decided she would wake up early to ask Meg for help.

She woke up and went to wake Meg. Meg was lying on her stomach, apparently sound asleep. Juli rolled Meg over to reveal Meg's terrified face. Juli, concerned, turned on the desk lamp. Meg's study stuff was still open and had blood all over it. Meg had been slaughtered. Juli, in horror, fell to the floor and looked up to see, written on the wall in Meg's blood: "Aren't you glad you didn't turn on the lights!"

As told by Whorton...

8 - The Boyfriend's Death

A girl and her boyfriend are making out in his car. They had parked in the woods so no one would see them. When they were done, the boy got out to pee and the girl waited for him in the safety of the car.

After waiting five minutes, the girl got out of the car to look for her boyfriend. Suddenly, she sees a man in the shadows. Scared, she gets back in the car to drive away, when she hears a very faint squeak... squeak... squeak...

This continued a few seconds until the girl decided she had no choice but to drive off. She hit the gas as hard as possible but couldn't go anywhere, because someone had tied a rope from the bumper of the car to a nearby tree.

Well, the girl slams on the gas again and then hears a loud scream. She gets out of the car and realizes that her boyfriend is hanging from the tree. The squeaky noises were his shoes slightly scraping across the top of the car!!!

As told by Isabel Espaldon, 02/06/00...

Here's a story my mom told to me and my friends when I was about seven years old. You can imagine I was scared to death...

A woman and her boyfriend were on their way home from somewhere (not important) one night, and suddenly his car ran out of gas. It was about one in the morning and they were completely alone in the middle of the nowhere.

The guy stepped out of the car, saying comfortingly to his girlfriend, "Don't worry, I'll be right back. I'm just going to go out for some help. Lock the doors, though."

She locked the doors and sat restlessly, waiting for her boyfriend to come back. Suddenly, she sees a shadow fall across her lap. She looks up to see... not her boyfriend, but a strange, crazed looking man. He is swinging something in his right hand.

He sticks his face close to the window and slowly pulls up his right hand. In it is her boyfriend's decapitated head, twisted horribly in pain and shock. She shuts her eyes in horror and tries to make the image go away. When she opens her eyes, the man is still there, grinning psychotically. He slowly lifts his left hand, and he is holding her boyfriend's keys... to the car.

As told by Shirley Pugh, 02/06/00...

9 - The Killer in the Backseat

One night a woman went out for drinks with her girlfriends. She left the bar fairly late at night, got in her car and onto the deserted highway. She noticed a lone pair of headlights in her rear-view mirror, approaching at a pace just slightly quicker than hers. As the car pulled up behind her she glanced and saw the turn signal on — the car was going to pass — when suddenly it swerved back behind her, pulled up dangerously close to her tailgate and the brights flashed.

Now she was getting nervous. The lights dimmed for a moment and then the brights came back on and the car behind her surged forward. The frightened woman struggled to keep her eyes on the road and fought the urge to look at the car behind her. Finally, her exit approached but the car continued to follow, flashing the brights periodically.

Through every stoplight and turn, it followed her until she pulled into her driveway. She figured her only hope was to make a mad dash into the house and call the police. As she flew from the car, so did the driver of the car behind her — and he screamed, "Lock the door and call the police! Call 911!"

When the police arrived the horrible truth was finally revealed to the woman. The man in the car had been trying to save her. As he pulled up behind her and his headlights illuminated her car, he saw the silhouette of a man with a butcher knife rising up from the back seat to stab her, so he flashed his brights and the figure crouched back down.

The moral of the story: Always check the back seat!

As told by Emily Dunbar...

10 - The Fatal Hairdo

My mother told me a variation on this one, which proves this to be an international urban legend:

My mother grew up in Ostersund, Sweden. When she was in her early teens, when beehive hairdos were popular, she was told about a girl in her school who wrapped her hair around bread dough to achieve maximum height to her beehive.

After about three weeks of her winning hairdo she began to suffer severe headaches. She was finally taken to an emergency room, almost unconscious, where it was discovered that the dough, and consequently her scalp (really believable, that!), was totally infested with maggots.

So it's not just Americans who are gullible...

As told by Jen Rasi...

That's all folks... Happy Halloween! 8X

Reference/Source: About.com by David Emery, About.com Guide

10 of the Finest Work at Home Resources

2011-10-26T01:28:00.000-07:00

Finding a legitimate work from home job is no easy task especially for people who have no knowledge about jobs online. In order to avoid envelope stuffing scams, and schemes that require an upfront fee, please check out the provided list of valuable work at home resources . These work at home sites will help job seekers distinguish the difference between legitimate online jobs and phony gigs.

Here's 10 of the Finest Work at Home Resources.

1 - Ripoffreport.com

Read about work at home scams and sites that should be avoided at all costs. Before you invest any money on “Envelope Stuffing” and “Data Entry” scams, check out this site’s info to prevent dishonest schemes.

2 - Allstayathome.com

Access work at home articles, available job listings, info about starting a business online, and more with the free work from home site.

3 - Workathomeadventures.com

The work at home site shares reviews, tips, and job leads to help others find the perfect home based job. This site also features a free automated job matching service which will help job seekers find a telecommute job based on their experience and skills.

4 - Worldwideworkathome.com

This work from home resource allows job seekers to read information about legitimate employers online. Job seekers can also find current job listings on this site’s job board.

5 - Workathomemomrevolution.com

This work from home blog shares the latest online job leads for free. This site will help job seekers find info about telecommute companies that are currently hiring.

6 - Glassdoor.com

Glass Door is not a work from home site but it’s a great resource that allows job seekers to read honest reviews/complaints about companies all over the world. This would be a great place to research telecommute companies that you’re unsure about.

7 - Paylinkpal.com

Free work at home directory which provides legitimate information about online employers. This site makes it possible for people to research legit work from home companies without the hassle of coming across scam sites.

8 - Wahcheck.com

Free membership based site which provides job seekers with up to date work from home employment opportunities. Access information through this exclusive work from home site and also receive an email when a telecommute company is hiring.

9 - Real-wah-jobs.com

Find information about online jobs, home based businesses, and work at home tips through this site’s resourceful articles and work at home directory.

10 - Ehustleonline.com

Free work at home resource chalked with information about legitimate online jobs and home based business ideas. This site also features a free directory which helps others find work at home with benefits.

Reference/Source: E-hustle Online
About E-hustle Online (Work from your Home) Free resources to help individuals work from their home. This site will allow others to find legitimate work at home jobs with benefits. No fees or registration required.

10 of the Must-haves Construction Drilling and Cutting Tools

2011-10-24T23:11:00.000-07:00

Having your own tools for construction (Drilling and Cutting) is important since it may lessen the budget for a certain projects and will also help shorten the time frame of the construction project. Now, do you know what are the best construction tools in the market such as drilling concretes and masonry (boulders, granites, lime stones,bricks and other masonry stuff) as well furnishing and finishing gadgets?

In finding great tools means consulting a top of the line experts (professional in terms of handy matters) that are well experience like Gilatools.com. I created a 10 list construction tools and devices for Always10 that a handy man should have. These are the tools that you can't stop yourself from telling your friends and end up buying them for your work crews or co-workers - in short, tools for getting your building homes easier.

1 – Diamond Core Bits and Drilling Machine

Diamond Core Bits

A perfect circle is never created by chance or by luck, and this holds true most especially in the world of construction. While in the past, spear-point bits worked wonders in creating holes, these old-fashioned tools can no longer penetrate through new types of materials. Enter diamond core bits, a diamond tool used for drilling concrete, blocks, bricks, tiles, granite, marble, porcelain, stone, and other hard aggregate materials. A perfect circle or a perfect core can be seamlessly created through top-grade diamond core bits.

Core bits are designed with a high diamond concentration for superior cutting performance, enhanced productivity, and longevity. Because of its hollow center, core bits can easily bore a circle in any aggregate material to create a hole. The result is a hole the size of the drill and a smaller “core” coming from the center. The core holds the material in place, allowing the diamond core bit to cut a clean hole all throughout the material.

2 - Wet Concrete Core Bits

Wet Concrete Core Bits

You may need a specially formulated professional quality segments that provide fast cutting and long life in a variety of materials including cured concrete and reinforced concrete. It should be full range of sizes for virtually any job. This type should be use on core drilling machines and hand-held drills.

3 - Dry Masonry Core Bits

Dry Masonry Core Bits

These are counterpart of wet concrete core bits with laser-welded individual segments to hold up under extreme heat and cutting pressure. A barrel vents increase air flow to dissipate heat and cool the core bit and is specially formulated professional quality segments provide fast cutting and long life in a variety of materials including concrete, reinforced concrete, brick, block and masonry. This core bit is intended for drilling on a variety of soft brick and concrete block.

Caution: not recommended on concrete and reinforced concrete.

4 – Diamond Cup Wheel

Diamond Cup Wheels

Even when you think you have encountered the toughest compound around, there is always a tool available that can tame it. In the world of construction, individuals are faced with a countless number of materials and surfaces that seem almost impossible to penetrate. But remember, with the right tools, nothing is impossible. This is when a diamond cup wheel come in handy. Diamond cup wheels are diamond tools that are used for cutting, grinding, polishing, finishing, shaping, flattening and smoothing extremely hard surfaces and materials.

A diamond is one of the hardest and toughest types of material to crack. That being said, a diamond cup wheel is a grinding wheel bonded with industrial diamonds on its periphery. The main feature of these industrial-strength cup wheels is its turbo style arranged segments, best used for faster grinding. Additionally, diamond cup wheels also have big holes for efficient dust collection. Known for its strength and agility, a cup wheel is able to withstand the pressure it gets from its revolutions, providing remarkable results.

5 - Concrete Saws

Push Concrete Saw

According to wiki, a concrete saw (often known as a consaw or road saw) is a power tool used for cutting concrete, masonry, brick, asphalt, tile, and other solid materials. It can be a small hand-held cut-off saw, a big walk-behind saw or other styles, and it may be powered by gasoline, hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, or electric motors.

The saw blades (see also Wood Blade) used on concrete saws are often diamond saw blades to cut concrete, asphalt, stone, etc. Abrasive cut-off wheels can also be used on cut-off saws to cut stone and steel. The significant friction generated in cutting hard substances like concrete usually requires the blades to be cooled to prolong their life and reduce dust.

6 – Safety Goggles

Safety Goggles

Goggles or safety glasses are forms of protective eye wear that usually enclose or protect the area surrounding the eye in order to prevent particulates, water or chemicals from striking the eyes. They are used in chemistry laboratories and in woodworking.
Goggles are often worn when using power tools such as drills or chainsaws to prevent flying particles from damaging the eyes. Many types of goggles are available as prescription goggles for those with vision problems.

7 - Low Angle Block Plane

These angle block planes are arguably the single most useful hand tools in the woodworking shop. Handy for trim work, end grain planing, fine surfacing of difficult woods and much more. The compact size of these planes makes them perfect for one handed work where a full size tool would be bulky and awkward. Accurately machined from fine cast iron with brass adjusting knobs.

8 - Retractable flexible rule or tape measure

Tape Measure

Rulers have long been made of wood in a wide range of sizes. They are not however all wood. Plastics have been used since they were invented; they can be molded with length markings instead of being scribed. Metal is used for more durable rulers for use in the workshop; sometimes a metal edge is embedded into a wooden desk ruler to preserve the edge when used for straight-line cutting.

9 – A complete Wet Stone or Masonry Saw Set

Wet Stone or Masonry Saw Set

This wet stone cutter is powerful to cut through hard materials like engineered stones and has built-in water feed system that eliminates the harmful dust particles which are common in dry cutting applications. It also has a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter safety feature which GFCI goes off when water enters inside the tool's housing preventing the operator from receiving electric shocks and sides handle for more stability and control.

It is able to provide perfect straight cuts which is required for quality fabrication and installation which can be use a contour/concave blades which for curve cutting operations.

10 - Stone Core Bits

Stone Core Bits

This tool is specially designed supreme quality segments provide smooth and clean cutting in granite, marble, stone, tile, porcelain and similar materials and is used for wet drilling only. Of course, this tools is applicable on core drilling machines and hand-held drills for granite, marble, porcelain, artificial and natural stone.

Reference/Source: Images used in this post courtesy of Gilatools.com and Wikipedia.org
About Adrix Merkado, the author
I'm Adrix or call me Drix from Manila, Philippines. I work for a Construction Firm's Service Quality Control Dept. Somewhere in Makati City. I am also a blogger (Newbie) and my blog Core Bit Drills is all about construction tips and tricks.

10 of the Possible Reasons why Google wants Yahoo!

2011-10-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

A report yesterday [Oct-22-11] freaks me out this early Halloween. I mean, is this a joke? [Mashable] according to The Wall Street Journal, The Great Google is mulling purchasing Yahoo and has contacted at least two venture capital firms to help buy the company’s core business, according to a report.

Google and prospective partners have held discussions, but haven’t put forth a formal proposal to buy the search giant, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited “a person familiar with the matter...”

Hmmm... kinda interesting topic for this week so I research and found these few reasons why Google might buy yahoo!

Here's 10 of the Possible Reasons why Google wants Yahoo!

1 - Google would be interesting to bring in Google’s very own social networking service Google+ to Yahoo’s audience of nearly 700 million unique visitors a month.

2 - The deal will help Google to get a closer access with the current Yahoo’s “premium” content publishers like ABC News.

3 - Part of Google’s attempt to bid up prices to make the acquisition more difficult for competitors such as Microsoft.

4 - Google wants to increase it current ads revenue by selling the ad space across Yahoo sites. Yahoo’s display-ad business including graphical, interactive and video ads is worth a whopping $2 billion annually. Google is the No. 1 player in Web search but in the display-ad market, Facebook is dominating the overall market with projected $2 billion in net revenue this year, with Yahoo generating $1.6 billion and Google generating $1.1 billion.

5 - Part of Google’s strategy to get in the Chinese market’s big giant Alibaba. Currently Yahoo has an approximately 43% stake in Alibaba.com with pre-tax value that worth more than $12 billion dollars.

6 - Google has pile of cash sitting in its coffer – $42.56 billion so buying Yahoo might just be another good idea to diversify its investment.

7 - Google aim to add Yahoo own’s Flickr to their existing portfolio and integrate it into Google+.

8 - Google will be able to lessen their US Corporation Taxes by gradually transfer functions from US Google search to a foreign owned Yahoo.

9 - Google aims the right answers for Yahoo!Answers.

10 - Google wants to show he's always the big daddy!

Thoughts: Well, I like the idea. You know why? I'm a big fan of Google and it will makes life easier for me. *LOL...Ciao!

Reference/Source: 10division.com
Reference/Source: mashable.com

10 of the World's Most Bizarre Traditions and Culture Practice

2011-10-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

Ancient tradition may part or nonetheless buried within history books are somehow still in effect in the lives of many places around the world. Some may present barbaric or evil and some may be a product of social politics in ancient or not so distant past.

So here’s the 10 of the most bizarre traditions or culture practice around the world. (Warning: Contains adult material.)

1 - Tibetan Sky Burial

Sky burial or ritual dissection was once a common practice in Tibet. A human corpse is cut into small pieces and placed on a mountaintop, exposing it to the elements and animals – especially to birds of prey. In one account, the leading mok cut off the limbs and hacked the body to pieces, handing each part to his assistants, who used rocks to pound the flesh and bones together to a pulp, which they mixed with tsampa (barley flour with tea and yak butter or milk) before the vultures were summoned to eat.

In several accounts, the flesh was stripped from the bones and given to vultures without further preparation; the bones then were broken up with sledgehammers, and usually mixed with tsampa before being given to the vultures. In another account, vultures were given the whole body. When only the bones remained, they were broken up with mallets, ground with tsampa, and given to crows and hawks that had waited until the vultures had departed.
The Communist government of China outlawed it in the 1960s so it was nearly a lost tradition, but they legalised it again in the 1980s.

2 - Self-Mummification

Sokushinbutsu were Buddhist monks or priests who allegedly caused their own deaths in a way that resulted in their being mummified. This practice reportedly took place almost exclusively in northern Japan around the Yamagata Prefecture. Between 16 and 24 such mummifications have been discovered.

For three years the priests would eat a special diet consisting only of nuts and seeds, while taking part in a regimen of rigorous physical activity that stripped them of their body fat. They then ate only bark and roots for another three years and began drinking a poisonous tea made from the sap of the Urushi tree, normally used to lacquer bowls. This caused vomiting and a rapid loss of bodily fluids, and most importantly, it killed off any maggots that might cause the body to decay after death. Finally, a self-mummifying monk would lock himself in a stone tomb barely larger than his body, where he would not move from the lotus position. His only connection to the outside world was an air tube and a bell. Each day he rang a bell to let those outside know that he was still alive. When the bell stopped ringing, the tube was removed and the tomb sealed. You can read more about this practice here.

3 - Sati

Sati was a Hindu funeral custom, now very rare and a serious criminal act in India, in which the dead man’s widow would throw herself on her husband’s funeral pyre in order to commit suicide. The act of sati was supposed to take place voluntarily, and from the existing accounts, most of them were indeed voluntary. The act may have been expected of widows in some communities. The extent to which any social pressures or expectations should be considered as compulsion has been the matter of much debate in modern times. It is frequently stated that a widow could expect little of life after her husband’s death, especially if she was childless. However, there were also instances where the wish of the widow to commit sati was not welcomed by others, and where efforts were made to prevent the death.

4 - Foot Binding

Footbinding was a custom practised on young females for approximately one thousand years in China, beginning in the 10th century and ending in the early 20th century. In Chinese foot binding, young girls’ feet, usually at age 6 but often earlier, were wrapped in tight bandages so that they could not grow and develop normally; they would, instead, break and become highly deformed, not growing past 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). Today, it is a prominent cause of disability among some elderly Chinese women.

First, each foot would be soaked in a warm mixture of herbs and animal blood. This concoction caused any necrotised flesh to fall off. Then her toenails were cut back as far as possible to prevent ingrowth and subsequent infections. To prepare her for what was to come next the girl’s feet were delicately massaged. Silk or cotton bandages, ten feet long and two inches wide, were prepared by soaking in the same blood and herb mix as before. Each of the toes were then broken and wrapped in the wet bandages, which would constrict when drying, and pulled tightly downwards toward the heel. There may have been deep cuts made in the sole to facilitate this. You can read more about the terrible practice of foot binding here.

5 - Human Sacrifice

Human sacrifice is the act of killing a human being for the purposes of making an offering to a deity or other, normally supernatural, power. It was practiced in many ancient cultures. The practice has varied between different cultures, with some like the Mayans and Aztecs being notorious for their ritual killings, while others have looked down on the practice as primitive. Victims were ritually killed in a manner that was supposed to please or appease gods or spirits. Victims ranged from prisoners to infants to Vestal Virgins, who suffered such fates as burning, beheading and being buried alive.

Over time human sacrifice has become less common around the world, and sacrifices are now very rare. Most religions condemn the practice and present-day laws generally treat it as a criminal matter. Nonetheless it is still occasionally seen today, especially in the least developed areas of the world where traditional beliefs persist.

6 - Seppuku

Seppuku (Hara-Kiri) was a key part of bushido, the code of the samurai warriors; it was used by warriors to avoid falling into enemy hands, and to attenuate shame. Samurai could also be ordered by their daimyo (feudal lords) to commit seppuku. Later, disgraced warriors were sometimes allowed to commit seppuku rather than be executed in the normal manner. Since the main point of the act was to restore or protect one’s honor as a warrior, those who did not belong to the samurai caste were never ordered or expected to commit seppuku. Samurai women could only commit the act with permission.

A Samurai was bathed, dressed in white robes, fed his favorite meal, and when he was finished, his instrument was placed on his plate. Dressed ceremonially, with his sword placed in front of him and sometimes seated on special cloths, the warrior would prepare for death by writing a death poem. With his selected attendant (kaishakunin, his second) standing by, he would open his kimono (clothing), take up his tantō (knife) and plunge it into his abdomen, making a left-to-right cut. The kaishakunin would then perform daki-kubi, a cut in which the warrior was all but decapitated (a slight band of flesh is left attaching the head to the body).

7 - Concubinage

The photograph here shows a group of concubines standing behind their protectors (usually Eunuchs). Concubinage is the state of a woman or youth in an ongoing, quasi-matrimonial relationship with a man of higher social status. Typically, the man has an official wife in addition to one or more concubines. Concubines have limited rights of support from the man, and their offspring are publicly acknowledged as the man’s children, albeit of lower status than children born by the official wife or wives.

Historically, concubinage was frequently voluntary (by the girl and/or her family’s arrangement), as it provided a measure of economic security for the woman involved. Involuntary, or servile, concubinage sometimes involves sexual slavery of one member of the relationship, typically the woman.

8 - Eunuchs

First off, in case you are confused, the photograph above is of a male Eunich. A eunuch is a castrated man; the term usually refers to those castrated in order to perform a specific social function, as was common in many societies of the past. In ancient China castration was both a traditional punishment (until the Sui Dynasty) and a means of gaining employment in the Imperial service. At the end of the Ming Dynasty there were 70,000 eunuchs in the Imperial palace. The value of such employment—certain eunuchs gained immense power that may have superseded that of the prime ministers—was such that self-castration had to be made illegal. The number of eunuchs in Imperial employ had fallen to 470 in 1912, when their employment ceased
Eunuchs castrated before puberty were also valued and trained in several cultures for their exceptional voices, which retained a childlike and other-worldly flexibility and treble pitch. Such eunuchs were known as castrati. Unfortunately the choice had to be made at an age when the boy would not yet be able to consciously choose whether to sacrifice his sexual potency, and there was no guarantee that the voice would remain of musical excellence after the operation.

9 - Dueling

As practised from the 15th to 20th centuries in Western societies, a duel was a consensual fight between two people, with matched deadly weapons, in accordance with rules explicitly or implicitly agreed upon, over a point of honor, usually accompanied by a trusted representative (who might themselves fight), and in contravention of the law.

The duel usually developed out of the desire of one party (the challenger) to redress a perceived insult to his honor. The goal of the duel was not so much to kill the opponent as to gain “satisfaction,” i.e., to restore one’s honor by demonstrating a willingness to risk one’s life for it.

Duels could be fought with some sort of sword or, from the 18th Century on, with pistols. For this end special sets of duelling pistols were crafted for the wealthiest of noblemen. After the offence, whether real or imagined, the offended party would demand “satisfaction” from the offender, signalling this demand with an inescapably insulting gesture, such as throwing the glove before him, hence the phrase “throwing down the gauntlet”.

10 - Geisha

The full traditions of the Geisha have now been replaced with a modern system. Once Geisha were plentiful in number. In 1900s, there were over 25,000 geisha. In the early 1930s, there were 80,000 geisha. Most geisha were in Kyoto, the old capital city of Japan. Nowadays, there are less than 10,000 geisha left. In Tokyo, there are only 100 geisha left. However, true geisha are much more rare. Modern geisha are not bought from poor families and brought into the geisha house as children. Becoming a geisha is now entirely voluntary, and women who are not the children of geisha can now become geisha. However the training remains as rigourous as before. Young girls have to be very committed to learn the art of traditional Japanese dancing, singing, music, and much more.

Traditional Geisha did not offer the services of prostitution, though some modern ones are rumoured to.

Reference/Source: Listverse