Reach Beyond Your Limits: May 2011

31 May 2011

Glutathione injections could kill, FDA warns

Illegal injections of a cancer-treating chemical pose a risk of death to legions of Filipinos who use them to try to whiten their skin, health authorities warned Tuesday.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspects the drug glutathione is being injected in high doses as a skin-whitener, but said it can cause serious conditions including kidney failure and blood poisoning.

Cybersquatting

When Welsh actor Huw Marshall registered WayneRooney.com and WayneRooney.co.uk back in 2002, he probably didn’t expect that it would end up costing him £6,000.

You see, when he registered the domain name, Wayne Rooney – the future England and Manchester United football star – was a young 16-year old, just breaking into the Everton senior team.

Comparing the Twilight teaser movie posters

People are freaking out about the Breaking Dawn: Part 1 teaser movie poster. It is, in the opinion of some, the worst single thing to hit the planet Earth since the nasal-inhaler-flu-”vaccine”-that-gives-them-and-everyone-they-know-the-flu-instead-of-preventing-it thing.

Which is pretty bad. So, here’s a comparison.

Religious Experiences Shrink Part of the Brain

A study links life-changing religious experiences, like being born again, with atrophy in the hippocampus

The article, “Religious factors and hippocampal atrophy in late life,” by Amy Owen and colleagues at Duke University represents an important advance in our growing understanding of the relationship between the brain and religion. The study showed greater atrophy in the hippocampus in individuals who identify with specific religious groups as well as those with no religious affiliation. It is a surprising result, given that many prior studies have shown religion to have potentially beneficial effects on brain function, anxiety, and depression.

A Human-Sized Pin Toy, for Cheeky Interactions

Bag designer Lulu Guinness created this human-sized pin toy as part of Clerkenwell Design Week in the UK and placed the interactive sculpture for passers-by to have fun with.

Lacson's birthday wish: Reunited family

For his 63rd birthday Wednesday, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said his greatest wish is just to see his family whole again.

After confirming in previous interviews that his son Panfilo Lacson Jr. is already separated with actress Jodi Sta. Maria, Lacson said Tuesday the couple is now on their way to finalizing their separation formally.

In an interview, Lacson told the Manila Bulletin that his son is now preparing to file an annulment case against Sta. Maria.

Doctors back anti-smoking campaign

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) Tuesday called its members to support the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) campaign to strictly enforce smoking ban in public places in the metropolis, citing that more than 20 percent of heart attacks in Metro Manila can be attributed to second-hand smoke.

New Twitter user publishes claims over privacy injunctions

Another Twitter user has published claims about 14 privacy injunctions allegedly obtained by high-profile performers, sportsmen and politicians.

The new Twitter account launched on Monday and has almost 800 followers at the time of publication.

On Monday evening, the anonymous user began posting a series of hitherto unpublished claims about the alleged gagging orders, including links to news articles and court documents.

Filipina maid in HK arrested for flushing fetus

A Filipina domestic helper in Hong Kong was arrested yesterday after she was suspected of flushing a 3-month-old fetus down a toilet, according to a report from The Standard Hong Kong.

The 32-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW), identified as “Ronna,” confessed that she was three months pregnant when she prematurely gave birth. She admitted to putting the fetus in the toilet in her employer’s flat and flushing it.

Bill on retirement benefits rushed

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV expressed optimism Monday that his bill seeking to hasten the release of benefits and gratuities of government employees retiring from the service will be enacted soon following the approval on second reading of the proposed measure last week.

Senators endorsed on Tuesday last week Trillanes' Senate Bill No. 2748 which seeks the expeditious and timely release of retirement pay, pension, and other benefits of state workers. The proposed bill still needs approval of the senators on third reading to ensure its expeditious enactment by both Houses of Congress.

Gadhafi Ready For Truce, Says South African President

Moammar Gadhafi is ready for a truce to stop the fighting in his country, visiting South African president said Monday after meeting the Libyan ruler, but he listed familiar Gadhafi conditions that have scuttled previous cease-fire efforts.

The South African president. Jacob Zuma, said Gadhafi is ready to accept an African Union initiative for a cease-fire that would stop all hostilities, including NATO airstrikes in support of rebel forces. "He is ready to implement the road map," Zuma said.

8 must know tips on how to run a quality Facebook Page

There’s lots of good advice out there for running a good Facebook Page and how you can build a long-term community. I wanted to offer something a little bit different and look at those simple tips that you might often overlook, but are fundamental to running a good Facebook Page. A Facebook Page itself is now almost shorthand for running a social media presence altogether, yet it’s still such a unique medium that many of us are getting our heads around. There’s certainly no tried and tested right or wrong method to it, though many brands are making the mistakes as they go and importantly learning from these. Check out our own tips, and let us know your own below!

Correct errors about our flag

Gemma Cruz Araneta is one of the happy recipients of the good news bulletin straight out of the office of the President; the latest was about Flag Day, 28 May, which called all citizens to display the Philippine flag respectfully and proudly.

Sports officials want to merge Palaro, PNG and Batang Pinoy

There’s a serious effort to lump the Palarong Pambansa, Batang Pinoy and the Philippine National Games into one big sports festival.

Commissioner Jolly Gomez of the Philippine Sports Commission said the sports agency and the Philippine Olympic Committee would soon meet with top officials of the Department of Education to consolidate the country’s grassroots development programs.

Viral Outbreaks in Dogs Yield Clues on Origins of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is, in some ways, a high-profile disease. Worldwide, an estimated 200 million people are infected with the virus. Some of them will suffer cirrhosis, liver cancer and even death. Celebrities like Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and “American Idol” have spoken publicly of their infections.

30 May 2011

Sarah oblivious to Star Cinema rift; admits taking Glutathione capsules

Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo said she is clueless about rumors that Star Cinema is closing their doors to her, according to an abs-cbnnews.com report on May 28.

"Bakit? Hindi ko po alam. Hindi ko po alam," Geronimo said.

Rumor has it that “Catch Me… I’m In Love” is already her last film for ABS-CBN’s giant film production arm. Reports stated that Star Cinema refused to give her another assignment after allegations of “unprofessionalism” were hurled against the young singer.

Singer Sean Kingston crashes watercraft in Florida

Authorities say rapper Sean Kingston is hospitalized after crashing a personal watercraft into a Miami Beach bridge.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Jorge Pino says Kingston and a female passenger were injured when the watercraft hit the Palm Island Bridge around 6 p.m. Sunday.

Google Wallet: A big deal or another Buzz?

Google is right – replacing credit cards with smartphones is a great idea, But will it work?

After weeks of rumors, Google finally announced its near field communication payment system, christened Google Wallet. It must be big because PayPal sued, but how big?

Philippine Congress set to tackle divorce bill

As it deliberates on the Reproductive Health bill in plenary, the House of Representatives is likewise about to start working on another controversial measure on Wednesday: the proposed Divorce Bill of the Philippines.

Gabriel party-list Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan made the announcement right after Malta voted in a referendum to pass a divorce law—giving the Philippines the distinction of being the only country outside of the Vatican City without a divorce law.

Man celebrates 85 years of living with diabetes

When Bob Krause turned 90 last week, it was by virtue of an unflagging determination and a mentality of precision that kept his body humming after being diagnosed with diabetes as a boy.

A leading diabetes research center named the San Diego resident the first American known to live 85 years with the disease, a life that has paralleled — and benefited from — the evolution in treatment.

Philippines struggles under mountains of dead fish

Several lakeside towns in the Philippines on Monday were struggling to cope with mountains of rotting fish that were killed by a sudden drop in water temperatures at the weekend.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said more than 750 tons of fish had died since Friday in Taal Lake near Manila, hitting several towns whose economies are heavily reliant on the fishing industry.

Scientists said the onset of the rainy season led to a sharp drop in water temperatures that depleted oxygen levels in the lake.

Cambodia's king seen as a 'prisoner' in his palace

As the sun sets and the last tourist departs his vast, fairy-tale palace, the gentle, dignified man is left almost alone with memories of happier times, before he became the reluctant king of Cambodia — and perhaps its last.

King Norodom Sihamoni may be heir to a royal line trailing back some 2,000 years, but he always seemed more suited to the arts scene in Europe, where he was a ballet dancer, than the rough and tumble politics of his homeland. Now, close aides and experts say, he has become figuratively, and more, a prisoner in his own palace.

29 May 2011

Nursing Students Urged to Shift Course

Nursing students who are still in the second year of their studies were urged by a recruitment expert to consider shifting to another course which may assure them of jobs upon their graduation.

Recruitment consultant Lito B. Soriano issued the call amid the rising number of unemployed licensed nurses estimated to reach 300,000 already this year.

Soriano said that those who are still in the early stages of their nursing course can still shift to take healthcare courses in their school which promise better chances in finding jobs.

Liloan’s Rosquillos festival draws crowd

Despite a tight budget, the 4th Rosquillos Festival of Liloan town drew a sizable crowd with its street dancing participated in by six barangays.

Tribu Yatihanon of barangay Yati emerged overall champion in the contest, winning half a million pesos worth of projects for their barangay. It also won the best costume category.

Gays to hold Flores de Mayo to protest hate crimes

Filipino gays will hold their version of the Flores de Mayo, or Santacruzan this Sunday to speak out against "hate crimes" and rights abuses against them.

Members of the ProGay Philippines said they will push for the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 2010 or House Bill 1483 during their “FlorEZ de Mayo."

Japanese Businessman builds classrooms to say “Salamat Po”

There are many ways of supporting a worthy cause. Some donate anonymously. Others do it with the requisite publicity. Others give their support through the company as part of their corporate social responsibility.

But there are some who prefer to go at it alone through their own foundation. This is the story of Mr. Katsutoshi Shimizu, a Japanese national who wants to give back to the Philippines after years of success of doing business here. He chose education as his advocacy.

Lockheed Martin Hit By Cyber Attack

Hackers launched a "significant and tenacious" cyber attack on Lockheed Martin, a major defense contractor holding highly sensitive information, but its secrets remained safe, the company said Saturday.

Lockheed Martin, the Department of Homeland Security and the Pentagon confirmed that the contractor's information systems had come under attack. Lt. Col. April Cunningham, speaking for the Defense Department, said the impact on the Pentagon "is minimal and we don't expect any adverse effect."

Hundreds of women report rapes by Gadhafi forces

At first, the responses to the questionnaire about the trauma of the war in Libya were predictable, if tragic: 10,000 people suffering post-traumatic stress, 4,000 children with psychological problems. Then came the unexpected: 259 women said they had been raped by militiamen loyal to Moammar Gadhafi.

Dr. Seham Sergewa had been working with children traumatized by the fighting in Libya but soon found herself being approached by troubled mothers who felt they could trust her with their dark secret.

Midwives on motorbikes spread sex sense in Cambodia

Sitting in the shade of a large tree and surrounded by a group of women, Cambodian midwife Ly Siyan holds up a colourful poster displaying a range of contraception options.

She patiently waits for the giggles to subside when she points to a condom, aware that the two dozen women in the village of Chanloung in northwest Siem Reap province have rarely experienced such an open discussion about sex.

Archbishop appeals for sobriety on RH debate

An archbishop has called on Catholics to be sober in discussing the reproductive health (RH) bill.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, in a pastoral letter, said he is dismayed with the bitter division between Catholics on the issue.

"The past few months have seen many of us who belong to the same Church and who share the same faith in Christ at odds with one another on the issue of the reproductive health bill in Congress," he said.

Sarah, Charice to record together

If reports that Sarah Geronimo and Charice Pempengco are doing a record together are true, we are one who aurally wish for it to happen.

It is definitely going to be a grand gesture for both, whose fans don’t necessarily want them to mingle because of past differences.

Mario's name used to be "Jumpman"

Mario's first appearance in a video game was in 1981's Donkey Kong. We now know of Donkey Kong as a star of his own games, but in the original Donkey Kong game, Donkey Kong was the villain who kidnapped a damsel in distress. Mario, whose name was "Jumpman" back then, had to rescue the damsel by jumping over barrels that Donkey Kong would throw at him.

27 May 2011

Philippine Consulate in Chicago confirms second Filipino fatality in Joplin tornado

The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that a second Filipina perished in the tornado that struck Joplin town in Missouri on on May 22:

Esterlita Manansala Moore died when she was carried away from her apartment when the tornado struck.

“The Consulate has extended its message of sympathy to her sister, Aiko Uylengco and assured her of our assistance,” Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim said.

House Approves P50,000 OFW Loan

The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill that would grant overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) a maximum P50,000 loan to cover the living expenses of their families or pay placement fees, documentation costs, and plane fare of an OFW.

Unanimously passed in last Monday’s session, House Bill No. 4539 or the Overseas Workers Credit Assistance Act of 2011 extends the 12-month cash advance to qualified OFWs to make it easier for them and their families to cope with daily expenses during the first months of the worker’s absence.

Margo Dydek Dead: Former WNBA Player Dies At 37

Former WNBA player Margo Dydek has died after suffering a heart attack a week ago and being placed in a medically induced coma.

Cathy Roberts, the operations manager for the Northside Wizards in the Queensland Basketball League, where Dydek was head coach, told The Associated Press that Dydek, 37, died early Friday.

EBay, PayPal Sue Google Over Trade Secrets

EBay and its online payment unit PayPal Inc on Thursday filed suit against Google Inc and two executives for trade secret misappropriation related to mobile payment systems.

The two executives, Osama Bedier and Stephanie Tilenius, were formerly with PayPal, and led the launch on Thursday of Google's own mobile payment system.

The suit said Bedier worked for nine years at PayPal, most recently serving as vice president of platform, mobile and new ventures. He joined Google on January 24.

‘Pirates 4′ breaks ‘Thor’s’ Record

Johnny Depp’s classic A-list charm dethroned Chris Hemsworth hunk appeal when “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” overtook “Thor” in this year’s local blockbuster results department.

“Pirates 4” opened at No. 1 with P62.37-million tally on the weekend of May 20 to 22 dislodging “Thor” from its 2011 throne of P59.5 during its initial run.

25 May 2011

Top Five False Figures That Mean We Get The World Wrong

News that last week's shocking claim that 48 women are raped every hour in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is actually a shocking piece of statistical methodology makes us wonder what other parts of our world view are based on erroneous stats.

Nadal comes back to beat Isner at French Open

It's newsworthy enough when anyone manages to win a set against Rafael Nadal at any stage of the French Open — let alone two sets in the first round.

So a buzz built at Roland Garros on Tuesday when unseeded American John Isner pulled ahead of five-time champion Nadal by unfurling his 6-foot-9 frame to pound serves at upward of 140 mph, pushing up to the net time after time for volleys, and generally making the Spaniard uncomfortable for stretches.

24 May 2011

Wealthy Chinese families used to hire strippers for funerals

This unorthodox way to mourn the deceased has its roots in a Chinese custom to believe that the quality of the deceased's afterlife is based on their funeral attendance! However, authorities began cracking down on this unusual practice. Funeral strippers have been arrested and Chinese citizens can report "funeral misdeeds" to a government hotline for a monetary reward.

Is Horse an Acceptable Meat Course?

Eating horse meat hasn't always been a taboo in the United States. During World War II, it was sold as an alternative to meat rations, and, until at least 1954, a dedicated stall at Pike Place Market in Seattle sold horse meat. But any legal U.S. market for horse meat came to close in 2007, when the three last remaining equine slaughterhouses were essentially forced to shut down. That didn't stopped the debate over eating horses.

Sleepless? Then Stop Taking Your iPhone To Bed

Mobile workers just don’t put the phone down, according a new report from iPass, which provides Wi-Fi and 3G network access to enterprise clients for use by their employees. The company surveyed more than 3,500 people from 1,100 large corporations worldwide and asked them about their mobile device work habits. The results may not be all that surprising, if you’re a mobile worker, but they are somewhat terrifying (or maybe just really depressing).

Juday Shifts Focus to Motherhood

While she may be ready to tackle heavy dramatic roles, Judy Ann Santos appears to be still focusing her full attention to a more significant role, that of being a mother to her son, Lucho, and daughter Yohan, a girl she adopted earlier before she gave birth to her son barely a year old.

“It seems that I cannot ‘wean’ myself yet from him, not even for a few seconds!”

20 May 2011

Is it time to retire Ronald McDonald?

On Thursday, representatives from the non-profit group Corporate Accountability International will be attending McDonald’s annual meeting with plans to ask CED Jim Skinner to “retire” their spokesclown Ronald McDonald.

Erik, Rachelle Ann venture into theater via ‘The Little Mermaid’

Champion singers and real-life best friends Erik Santos and Rachelle Ann Go venture into theater big time by playing lead in the local staging of the Broadway Musical Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” which runs from Nov. 18 to Dec. 11, 2011 at the Meralco Theater.

In an interview with Bulletin Entertainment last May 17, Santos disclosed that him playing the role of Prince Eric was something director Bobby Garcia had “told” him about two years ago.

15 May 2011

Malaysian Pigs Get IDs to Protect Pork Eaters

Malaysia will give locally-reared pigs embedded identity discs in a bid to stop the illegal slaughter and distribution of meat that is unfit for human consumption, reports said Sunday.

This follows the revelation by Malaysian pork sellers association chief Goh Chui Lai over the weekend that unhealthy pigs were being slaughtered at illegal abattoirs, resulting in unhygienic meat being distributed nationwide.

12 Most Talented Pets on YouTube

All pets are special to their owners. Some, however, have that extra something that makes the rest of us notice them too. While YouTube is known for being a repository for stupid pranks and unintentionally funny home videos, a large portion of their video (and subsequently their business) is due to talented animals.

These videos garner millions of hits, and most people have watched their favorite pet videos multiple times!

Some animals have classic skills, like piano-playing and skateboarding. But there are also those animals that deserve to be acknowledged for doing those mundane tasks that are typically human. (Hey, if you could lick your rear, we’d watch that too.) If they’re no supposed to be doing it, we want to watch!

Top Hollywood Secret: They Lie!

In Hollywood, things are not always as they seem. We expect a certain amount of glitz and glamour from our stars, and we love to watch the illusion. Tales of natural vs. plastic are spun, and even some of the most resistant celebs fall prey to the look of perfection determined by the top plastic surgeons.

Here are some of the top Hollywood beauty lies.

7 Things Not to Do When Kissing

Kissing is always fun to do. Kissing is romantic and it can really set the mood. Of course, there are some things that you should avoid doing or saying when the two of you are engaged in this intimate moment. …

7. Don’t Charge with Your Tongue Sticking Out

This one could actually gross the person out. Instead, put your lips together, then insert the tongue. I know, it sounds funny, but that is how it is done. This way, we don’t actually see the tongue.

Justin Bieber's Most Shameful Secret

Justin Bieber may be worth millions, but at the end of the day the 16 year old superstar is still given an allowance!!

Justin stated, I only have a credit card, which allows me to spend a certain amount of money every month. If I reach the limit after the first week, I won't be able to buy any more stuff until the month is over.

Pacquiao's yellow gloves have to wait for P-Noy

The handover of world boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao historic yellow gloves has to wait.

Saturday, Pacquiao, who successfully defended his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against American Shane Mosley, was eager to hand the yellow gloves to President Benigno S. Aquino III but his planned courtesy call was called off as the President had a prior engagement.

Nevertheless, Malacañang expressed elation on the pound-forpound king’s homecoming, saying the Filipino people are looking forward to his upcoming bouts.

14 May 2011

Bin Laden Hideout Contained 'Fairly Extensive' Porn Collection

Well, well, well… what have we here? Seems U.S. officials have found many things while searching Osama bin Laden's million-dollar Abbottabad hideout. And what have they found most recently? Yep. Porn.

Cell Phones Caused Mysterious Worldwide Bee Deaths, Study Finds

Cellphone transmissions may be responsible for a mysterious, worldwide die off in bees that has mystified scientists.

Dr. Daniel Favre, a former biologist with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland, carefully placed a mobile phone underneath a beehive and then monitored the reaction of the workers.

Computer says, you're fired: How Technology Dictates the Way We Work

As technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, many skilled professionals are having to change how they approach their jobs – if they still have one Watson, a computer system developed by IBM, made headlines around the world earlier this year when it beat established Jeopardy champions Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter in two televised exhibition games.

Natural Methods that Make Skin Whiter

Want whiter skin? Better stick to natural methods like eating lots of watermelon, avocado, broccoli, spinach and tomatoes to boost natural glutathione levels in your body, said the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA gave this bit of advice to complexion-conscious Filipinos, warning that high doses of glutathione administered intravenously as a skin-whitening agent has been linked to fatal skin disorders.

12 May 2011

Osama Bin Laden Death Photos Described in Detail by Special Senators

The CIA has started showing photographs of Osama Bin Laden's dead body to willing members of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee after President Barack Obama decided that the public was not allowed to see them.

Instead, everyday citizens get stuck with descriptions from more important men. "It wasn't a very pretty picture," said Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK). "One of the shots went through the ear and out through an eye socket, or through the eye socket and out through the ear and exploded, that was the kind of ordinance it was. That caused the brains to be hanging out of the eye socket," he explained on CNN.

Cebu's biggest bibingka hopes to break world record

Residents of Mandaue in Cebu prepared a giant rice cake early this week not only to celebrate the city's annual bibingka festival but also to break a world record.

Some 6,000 regular-sized rice cakes formed the 182-square-meter bibingka. It had a diameter of 50 feet and thickness of 3 inches.

Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez says yes to third match vs. Manny Pacquiao

Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez has signed an offer from Top Rank Promotions for a third bout against Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, reports GMA News Online.

Top Rank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bob Arum said yesterday that Marquez agreed to a fight at a catch weight of 144 pounds, with a guaranteed purse of $5 million for the Mexican boxer. Arum added that Golden Boy, Marquez' promoter with which he hasn't renewed a contract, needs to match Top Rank's offer by next week or the match might take place on November 12 in Las Vegas.

Google Launches Chrome PCs

Laptop computers using Google's Chrome operating system will go on sale in June, as the world's No. 1 Internet search engine challenges Microsoft Corp and Apple on their home turf.

The new Web-centric PCs, made by Samsung and Acer Inc, are Google's latest attempt to change how consumers and companies use their computers.

The bare-bones operating system is essentially a web browser that steers users to use applications like email and spreadsheets directly on the web, instead of storing software such as Outlook or Word directly on PCs.

Spain Earthquake Pictures: Buildings Fall, Dozens Hurt

Amid the rubble of two earthquakes in Spain Wednesday, a police officer (right) tries to console the daughter (center) of one of at least ten people killed during the natural disaster. Striking near the southeastern town of Lorca (map), the Spain earthquakes injured dozens, damaged historic buildings, and fractured highways, according to officials cited by the Associated Press.

The 7 Worst Lessons 80s Cartoons Taught Us about Drugs

The cartoons we grew up on were about men in fur underwear wielding magic swords. We didn't expect them to teach us a lot about real-world problems. But either because of political pressures during the Reagan administration, or as a way to cover the fact that they were aggressively high while making it, many of them felt the need to include at least one anti-drug episode. These were exactly as informative as you'd expect.

Is May 21, 2011, the end of the World?

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

The Bible couldn't be clearer, right there in the Book of Matthew: chapter 24, verse 36.

But doomsayers have sworn since at least Roman times that they're better sourced than the angels themselves, boldly trotting out predictions down to the day for the Final Judgment, when, Christians believe, Jesus will descend to earth and set off a chain of events resulting in the end of the world and a new heaven.

New Google Chrome TV Commercial [Video]

Google has released a new TV commercial called ‘Dear Sophie’ which shows a father chronicling the life of his daughter by sending email notes, photos and videos of her as she grows up. The TVc promotes Chrome complete with sentimental music and snappy visuals.

10 May 2011

Prince William and Catherine on Honeymoon

Prince William and his wife Catherine are on their honeymoon, St. James's Palace said Tuesday, without revealing the royal newlyweds' destination.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge did not go on their honeymoon immediately after their April 29 wedding, with William returning to work as a military helicopter pilot.

"They have left for their honeymoon," a spokesman for William's office said, adding that they went "earlier this week".

Introducing the 'Viagra Condom"

The problem with condoms is that they don't get used as often as they should. But an innovative new product by a British biotech firm may change men's minds: called CSD500, the condom helps men keep their erection longer.

It's been dubbed the "Viagra condom," but that's not entirely accurate. The new product is lined with a vasodilating gel, which increases blood flow to the penis and helps maintain erection. But unlike the pill, it's not designed for men who have erectile dysfunction; rather, it's meant for men who have trouble keeping erections specifically while using a condom.

Google to Launch Online Music Service

Internet giant Google could launch an online music service as early as Tuesday to rival Amazon's "cloud" service, which allows users to store digital music online, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Citing unnamed sources, the neswspaper said on Monday that Google, like Amazon, has yet to secure licenses from the major record companies, and would limit users to a "streaming mode" to prevent piracy.

Comic Books Heighten Awareness of Violence Against Women

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Tuesday launched comic books tackling the issue of violence against women (VAW) – ranging from physical, psychological to economic abuse.

The launch of the comic books complements the joint program of the DILG, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Health (DoH), and the Philippine Commission on Women to establish VAW desks in every barangay in hopes of curbing discrimination against women.

Repatriation of overstaying OFWs in Jeddah in full swing

The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that as of May 8, it has assisted in the repatriation of 972 Filipinos out of the 1,160 staying at the Consulate-operated Hajj Terminal facility since January 24.

In 2009, the total number of Filipinos who were repatriated through this arrangement reached 815 and the Philippine Government repatriated 1,429 at its expense in 2010. These figures do not include other Filipinos who were assisted by the Consulate through the regular Saudi deportation and repatriation procedures.

Microsoft to Buy Skype for $8 Billion

"Skype gives Microsoft a boost in the enterprise collaboration market, thanks to Skype's voice, video and sharing capabilities, especially when competing with Cisco and Google. It gives Microsoft a working relationship with carriers, many of them looking to partner with Skype as they start to transition to LTE-based networks. It would give them a must-have application/service that can help with the adoption of the future versions of Windows Mobile operating system. However, the biggest reason for Microsoft to buy Skype is Windows Phone 7 (Mobile OS) and Nokia. The software giant needs a competitive offering to Google Voice and Apple's emerging communication platform, Facetime."

08 May 2011

Mommy Dionesia, All Set to Party

While the world is preoccupied with of her son, boxer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s hotly-anticipated upcoming title fight with Sugar Shane Mosley, Dionisia Pacquiao is agog over another occasion, her grand birthday bash to be held in General Santos City on May 15.

The Pacmom, also fondly known as Mommy D, revealed in an interview with Bombo Radyo General Santos, that “all is set” for the big event. She admitted the preparation caused her much stress, which she hopes could be relived by a good massage.

Cebu Dancing Inmates to be Featured in British Travel Documentary

The popularity of the Cebu dancing inmates continues to surge worldwide as it is set to be featured in the UK travel documentary series, “It’s A Woman’s World.”

The inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) performed their routine before the show’s crew in a drizzly May 6 afternoon, as reported by Radio dzBB and later picked up by GMANews.TV.

They danced to the late King of Pop Michael Jackson's “They Don’t Care About Us,” Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are,” and “Hot Hot Hot.”

Bin Laden's 'Home Movies': Watching Himself on the News [Video]

The U.S. Defense Department released tapes seized in Osama bin Laden's compound. In this one, bin Laden watches himself on television news broadcasts.

A Warning to all Sugar Junkies

According to the CDC, 67% of Americans are overweight or obese.

Of that 67%, approximately 65% are insulin resistant

And that’s not good.

That means that 44% (or 135, 082, 882) of the American population is insulin resistant.

.

And why is this such a big deal?

Social Media Advice You Need to Follow

Three years ago social media was new and shiny. It was newsworthy just to be a small business using Twitter, or to have a well-written corporate blog.

Now you’re the odd man out if you don’t have a Twitter account. It’s no longer newsworthy to just use social media – you need to have a creative twist that sets you apart.

If your social media efforts are stalled, here’s some advice on how to take them to the next level:

Bin Laden's Secret Life

The world’s most-wanted terrorist lived his last five years imprisoned behind the barbed wire and high walls of his home in Abbottabad, his days consumed by dark arts and domesticity.

American officials believe that Osama bin Laden spent many hours on the computer, relying on couriers to bring him thumb drives packed with information from the outside world.

06 May 2011

Hottest Pinoy Celebrity Moms

Being a celebrity and a mom, all at the same time, seem to be a tedious and stressful responsibility. That’s why I admire women who can mix career and parenthood, but still put premium to their health and wellness. Nowadays, it has become a trend among moms to stay gorgeous – regardless of age. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, I salute these women who make me always say – hot mommies!

5 Strange Facts About Crying

Sure, everybody sheds the occasional tear. But new research shows some surprising trends behind the science of how and when we sob.

Tears are universal, but not everybody cries the same way, or with the same frequency. Researchers have been trying for years to figure out the biological and cultural forces that might explain, for instance, the differences between the way men and women cry. Here, five discoveries about the science of weeping:

Sophia Loren at Her Sexiest [Photo]

In perhaps the sexiest cover LIFE magazine ever published, Sophia Loren leans against a wall in sheer black lingerie during the filming of Marriage Italian Style. The photo, by her dear friend Alfred Eisenstaedt, was selected for the 1966 issue honoring the photographer's best work, and, as Loren recalled during a recent interview with LIFE.com, he proudly displayed a giant version of it in his New York office. Of course, it's not the only head-turning photo Loren has posed for over her career -- in this gallery, check out a few others that illustrate exactly why she's considered one of the elegantly sultry women in cinema history.

Farmville With Live Animals

FarmVille is Facebook’s second most popular game at around 47 million monthly users. Farming has almost seven billion users, worldwide.

Some actual farmers in the UK have decided to turn their farm into a real life FarmVille. As of yesterday people who participate in the MyFarm project can buy virtual access to Wimple Estate, National Trust farm in Cambridgeshire, England.

03 May 2011

How Officials Used DNA to Identify Bin Laden

The Obama Administration used several methods, including DNA testing, to confirm that U.S. Navy Seals did in fact kill Osama bin Laden in a weekend raid in Pakistan, U.S. officials said on Monday.

In addition to facial-recognition techniques, analysis of photos by the CIA and confirmation from people at the site of the raid (quoting a senior U.S. defense official, CNN reported that "one of bin Laden's own wives identified his body to U.S. forces, after the team made visual identification themselves"), DNA from the body was matched to confirm bin Laden's identity.

Bin Laden Used Wife as Protection During the Raid

News reports say that a U.S. top official confirmed that Al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden used one of his wives as a human shield in an attempt to preserve his own life during a raid by US secret forces.

In an interview, counter-terrorism official John Brennan testified that Osama bin Laden's family was at the compound, and there was a female who was, in fact, in the line of fire that reportedly was used as a shield to cover bin Laden from the incoming fire.

Can you imagine what’s on Osama bin Laden’s hard drive?

The assault force of Navy SEALs snatched a trove of computer drives and disks during their weekend raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound, yielding what a U.S. official called “the mother lode of intelligence.”

The special operations forces grabbed personal computers, thumb drives and electronic equipment during the lightning raid that killed bin Laden, officials told POLITICO.

“They cleaned it out,” one official said. “Can you imagine what’s on Osama bin Laden’s hard drive?”

U.S. officials are about to find out. The material is being examined at a secret location in Afghanistan.

01 May 2011

Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon Parents of Twins

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon celebrated their third anniversary with another milestone — becoming parents to a baby girl and boy.

Carey's representative, Cindi Berger, confirmed the births to The Associated Press. The singing superstar gave birth Saturday at 12:07 p.m. EDT at an undisclosed hospital in Los Angeles. Berger says the baby girl was born first, weighing 5 pounds, 3 ounces, and was 18 inches long; her brother was next, at 5 pounds 6 ounces, and was 19 inches.

Blessed John Paul II Limited Edition Stamps to be Issued

The Philippine Postal Office (PhilPost) will issue limited edition stamps of the Blessed Pope John Paul II in May.

PhilPost said the limited edition stamps will feature the life and times of the blessed pontiff.

“In his 26 years of pontificate, the Philippines [has] found a special place in the heart of Pope John Paul II whom he considered a bastion of Christianity in Asia. Until his death in 2005, His holiness has made pastoral visits in 1981 in different places in the country which included Manila, Cebu City, Davao City, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Legazpi City, Morong, Bataan, and Baguio City,” the PhilPost said in a press statement.

Stress: Big Factor in Bipolar Disorder

Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones’s recent announcement of a stint in a mental health facility to seek treatment for bipolar disorder has shed much-needed spotlight on the illness.

Mental health advocates are lauding Zeta-Jones for her bravery and for her honest depiction of what recovery may entail.

Poking around the internet would yield a lot of results for what the disorder is all about, from its symptoms, its diagnosis to its treatment.

The Beatification of John Paul II: The Making of a New Saint

The conservative Italian newspaper, II Giornale, has recently reported that Vatican officials have confirmed that a French nun has been miraculously cured from Parkinson's disease as a result of praying to John Paul II for his intercession. Once Pope Benedict XVI approves the evidence of the miracle, he is expected to set a date for the beatification. This is a major step toward sainthood for his predecessor, John Paul II.

Official Pictures of the Royal Couple Released

Official portraits of the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their wedding day were released Saturday as the couple left Buckingham Palace for a weekend hideaway.

Clarence House revealed that William and Catherine would be spending the weekend at an undisclosed location in the United Kingdom, before the Prince returns to work next week.

Their honeymoon overseas, which has remained a closely guarded secret, will take place sometime in the future.

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