Imagination Rules

Tribu Pulpogan

2012-02-22T18:33:00.000-08:00

The oldest CAT

2010-08-06T06:55:00.001-07:00

The oldest cat ever is Creme Puff, who was born on 3 August 1967 and lived until 6 August 2005 â€“ 38 years 3 days in total. Creme Puff lived with her owner, Jake Perry, in Austin, Texas, USA

2010-08-06T06:48:00.001-07:00

Testing my ping.fm group out

2010-08-06T06:42:00.001-07:00

'World's oldest Twitter user' dies in Britain aged 104

2010-07-30T21:48:00.001-07:00

Agence France-Presse

LONDON—A 104-year-old British woman thought to have been the world's oldest user of Twitter has died, her nursing home said Wednesday.

Ivy Bean, who had about 57,000 followers on the micro-blogging site under the name "IvyBean104", died in the early hours of Wednesday.

During her final days, nursing home staff posted regular tweets on her condition before finally confirming the sad news with one which said: "Ivy passed away peacefully at 12:08 this morning."

Pat Wright, manager of the Hillside Manor Residential Home in Bradford, northern England, said Bean was introduced to Twitter in 2008 after the home got some laptops which staff encouraged residents to start using.

"She was just a normal mum and grandma that wasn't frightened of trying new things," Wright told AFP.

"She would tweet about what she were having for her dinner, whether she'd played any games -- but she wouldn't tweet when 'Deal Or No Deal' (a television game show) were on, everything stopped then."

Bean's own recent postings included: "I'm having ham salad for tea" and "Had a visit from our Sandra yesterday, she brought me some parkin (cake) which we had with our cuppa, it was very nice".

News of her death prompted followers from around the world to send messages of condolence via Twitter.

Earlier this year, Bean, a former housekeeper, met the then prime minister Gordon Brown at Downing Street for a reception "celebrating our ageing society".

Her followers included a number of celebrities such as singer Peter Andre, and she also used Facebook.

She is survived by her daughter Sandra plus a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Massage gets ‘secret’ boost

2010-07-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

JAPANESE, Korean and Chinese tour operators include lingam massage in the menu of services they offer visitors to Cebu, said Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC) chief Agnes Magpale yesterday.

Stunned by the revelation, Magpale, who also chairs the committee on women and children of the Provincial Board (PB), said she will write Johnie Lim, president of the Spa and Wellness Association of Cebu (SWAC), and will also ask for a meeting with Lim so he can police the SWAC’s ranks.

Updates on President Benigno Aquino III's presidency

She said the revelation was made in a latter she received from a lingam massage operator, whom she requested reporters not to name yet.

“The letter claims that some tour operators include lingam massage services in their menu,” Magpale told reporters. The letter sender also sent a copy to Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

Attached to the letter was a certification from the Department of Health (DOH) signed by Secretary Esperanza Cabral, of the DOH Committee for Examiners for Massage Therapy.

Interviewed separately, Lim said Swac wants Lapu-Lapu City officials to require the group’s endorsement before they issue a business permit to a massage parlor.

“I myself am not a moralist, but lingam is really immoral,” the SWAC president told Sun.Star Cebu. SWAC officers met with Mayor Paz Radaza yesterday to discuss how to deal with lingam massage and to prevent prostitution from tainting the industry’s image.

License

Both parties weren’t able to come up with a solution, but their inputs will be reviewed by city council laws committee chairman Florito Pozon and health committee chairman Cornelio Pahang, who went to the meeting.

Marissa Puche, Swac vice president, said each massage parlor should have one licensed therapist and its attendants should have training certificates.

But Lim said the idea is not workable because Cebu only has 30 licensed therapists, while over 200 massage establishments have mushroomed in Metro Cebu alone.

He said Swac promotes massage to tourists, but not lingam.

“We organized the spa association to protect the interest of our clients and to erase the thought that we are fronts for prostitution,” he said.

Mayor Radaza said all they can do, for now, is stick to requirements when a massage parlor applies for a permit, while the council studies a regulatory ordinance.

The city health office recommended last Tuesday the closure of a massage parlor inside the Marina Mall because it allegedly lacks a business permit and other requirements from City Hall.

It also allegedly offers lingam massage service.

The city legal office has yet to decide on the recommendation.

Therapy

At Capitol, Magpale said she will study the letter and will present it during the PWC meeting on July 27. She clarified the PWC is studying the issue, not just making an “emotional outburst” on lingam massage. She said she has been working on the issue for six months now.

The operator who wrote Magpale and Cardinal Vidal also said lingam massage is accepted as a form of “psycho-therapeutic,” stress-reducing massage.

“It is believed that due to the man’s competitive behavior, he leads a very stressful life and then he keeps most of his stress in the abdomen and pelvic area, thus he needs to release it,” the letter added.

“Our shop is attracting both domestic and international tourists not because it enticed (them) to have sex but to avail (themselves) of the service, believing that it is an alternative therapy,” it added.

In Mandaue, alleged lingam massage parlors are still under scrutiny, and two establishments that were ordered closed last week remained shut yesterday.

Explain

Apparently, their attendants still lacked the necessary heath cards.

However, even if they do get their health cards, City Administrator Briccio Boholst will still not allow the establishments to operate because the City is still reviewing the nature of their services.

Instead of the City Council forming a fact-finding board to check on these massage parlors, “we may just require them to submit a detailed explanation of the extent of their services to their clients.”

Aside from lingam massage, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes is focusing his attention on bars and beerhouses that offer lewd shows. He ordered city officials to review the records of all business establishments and see if they have complied with all the requirements.

Cortes said Dr. Rene Bullecer, former Cebu City Anti-Indecency Board (Caib) chairman, has committed to help the City address the problem.

The mayor also asked Councilor Nenita Layese, a lawyer, to review laws and see if there is a need to amend or create a new ordinance governing these establishments.

Fees

Last week, Cortes ordered Authentic Lingam Massage and 789 Lingam Massage to cease operations, as both establishments lacked sanitary permits and their attendants have no health cards. It was also discovered 789 Lingam Massage has an expired business permit.

Last Thursday, Boholst said the two massage parlors paid the required fees for the third quarter but their attendants still have to obtain health cards.

When asked if the City will lift the cease-and-desist order once the two massage parlors comply with all the requirements, Boholst invoked a provision of the permit that states: “This permit is subject to revocation when public interest, safety and welfare so require.”

Aside from reviewing records, the City is also monitoring operations of bars, beerhouses and other massage parlors in the city.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on July 24, 2010.

Priest accused of ‘touching’ female student

2010-07-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

By Justin K. Vestil

THE Archdiocese of Cebu is investigating allegations a diocesan priest abused female students of a Catholic school.

Msgr. Esteban Binghay, episcopal vicar, said he was able to talk to the priest over the phone for just 15 minutes last Tuesday afternoon.

Updates on President Benigno Aquino III's presidency

He said the priest confided there was a commotion after he was accused of inappropriately touching a female student during a recollection conducted last July 20 and 21.

The student was part of the campus ministry group of a Catholic school.

"It was a very brief conversation and I did not understand most of what he was saying because he was talking too fast," he said.

"There was a confusion or commotion because the parents of the girls were complaining," he added.

In a separate interview, Archdiocesan media liaison officer Msgr. Achilles Dakay said he was not privy to the details of the incident.

"I really do not know anything about the case nor do I know details about the ongoing investigation," he said.

But Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal has been informed about the case and has ordered an investigation, Binghay said.

The priest allegedly touched the strap of the student’s bra while hearing confession.

The parents of the children have expressed their intention to file a case against the priest.

Sun.Star Cebu tried but failed to get the side of the priest.

The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed in 2007 the complaints against another priest, who was accused of lascivious acts while hearing confessions of public high school students in Cebu City.

While his conduct may have been “inappropriate,” it was not “lascivious,” the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office said in the resolution dismissing the complaint. (BAP)

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on July 29, 2010.

FAST FACTS

2010-07-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

Turtles teach life-changing values like patience

By Leti Boniol
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Filed Under: Tourism, Environmental Issues, Animals

TURTLE ISLANDS, Philippines—It takes a mother turtle at least 30 minutes to crawl up the beach from the sea, two hours to look for, and dig a nest, an hour to lay 50 to 100 eggs and another half-hour to crawl back to the water. And it does this all by itself on Turtle Islands, a group of six islands found in Sulu Sea, south of the Philippines.

Looking for nesters at 7 p.m., a group of turtle watchers stop walking when they spot a turtle moving slowly on the beach. Park wardens have warned them that a turtle will head back to sea the moment it sees and feels any movement.

Sensing no obstacles, a turtle, carrying more than 50 kg of carapace on its back, will look for a place to lay its eggs, usually under the trees, taking a rest every minute or so to catch its breath.

When it finds a suitable site, it starts digging a pit with its flippers, about a meter-deep, and lays 50 to 100 eggs. At this stage, the warden says, the turtle is in such a trance, nothing can disturb it from its nesting activity.

After laying its eggs, the turtle will fill the nest with sand and return to the sea. It will meet other turtles, slowly making their way to the beach to do the same thing. Between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., most of the turtles will return to the sea.

The eggs will hatch only after seven to 12 weeks.

On Baguan Island, some 60 to 80 turtles crawl out of the water every night from April to August, the peak season for nesting that occurs year-round on the protected island.

Turtle lessons

Turtle watching teaches one the virtue of patience. You follow a newly hatched turtle slowly make its way to the sea, where it will chew on planktons and small fish until it grows and live up to 200 years.

It also teaches the importance of caring for the turtles’ habitat. You see the little ones leave the nest, only to be eaten by natural predators such as crabs, birds, big fish, alligators, sharks, and dogs.

Out of 100 hatchlings, only one turtle will return, 25 to 30 years later, to its natal nest, according to members of Conservation International-Philippines (CI-Philippines), an environmental nonprofit organization that has been doing research on turtles in the last two decades. It also teaches the Tausug and the Jama Mapun population how to care for this unique gift of nature.

It is rare for Filipinos to visit the Turtle Islands as it is accessible only to people who are doing research. Visitors have to fly in through Kota Kinabalu, then Sandakan in Sabah, and cross the border to the Philippines via a 45-minute speedboat ride.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) gives permits to special visitors who travel to Turtle Islands.

Ecotourism plan

Environmentalists and local officials in charge of the area have been pushing turtle watching as part of an ecotourism plan which they hope will spur economic development and conserve marine life in the area.

Romy Trono, CI-Philippines country executive director, says the national government has scant resources to improve the lives of the people in this fifth class municipality of Tawi-Tawi, much less enforce environmental protection laws. Nature-based tourism can salvage the so-called “frontline of conservation” in this part of the world.

Until a successful economic development plan is in place, the situation in the area can deteriorate, says Trono, who has been studying turtles for the past 28 years of his life, first with the DENR, later with the World Wide Fund for Nature, and now with the CI-Philippines.

Wildlife sanctuary

Turtle Islands is made up of six small islands, namely, Taganak, Baguan, Langaan, Lihiman, Boan and Great Bakkungan.

With a total population of 6,000, these islands are located within a 138,354-hectare marine sanctuary in the Sulu Sea, called the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS). The area was declared protected in 1999 under the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992.

The six islands and three others from Sabah, Malaysia, comprise the Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area established in 1996 through a bilateral agreement between the Philippines and Malaysia. Together with a group of islands in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, these islands are said to be “the most important nesting areas of green and hawksbill turtles in Southeast Asia and the world.”

Turtles are important indicators of the ecosystem’s health, according to the CI-Philippines. Without them, sea grasses will not be trimmed and fish will be driven away to seek healthier habitats, explains Minda Bairulla, DENR protected area superintendent, who is based in Taganak.

Of the seven species, worldwide, five come to the Philippines, she adds.

Strict Protection Zone

Since the Turtle Islands was declared a national park 30 years ago, the various stakeholders claim success in helping stabilize the sea turtle population in the area, particularly Baguan Island, designated as a Strict Protection Zone.

In the past, islanders with little job opportunities were allowed to collect turtle eggs for food as well as to sell in the market. This resulted in a decline in the turtle population from the ’80s up to the ’90s.

Because of conservation efforts, the turtles are back, Trono says.

However, within the sanctuary, trawl fishing and the use of dynamite have gone unabated due to lack of patrol boats, resources and political will.

For example, 13 fishermen were arrested by the police on Taganak on July 17. Sacks of ammonium sulfate, dynamite, as well as 200 kg of dried and fresh fish were found in their boat. The culprits were released after they paid the fine for illegal fishing.

Turtle Islands police chief Norlito Mata says steps should be made to “regain the harmonious relationship” between the Philippines, where the fishermen are from, and Malaysia, where the fishing vessel is registered.

Area for research, study

With ecotourism, funds can be used to manage the site effectively and provide social services and job opportunities to the people, according to the ecotourism framework developed by Carlos Libosada Jr. and Architect Anna Maria Gonzales, consultants to the CI-Philippines.

The plan is for the 29-hectare Baguan Island to remain primarily a conservation area for research and study, with tourism supporting these endeavors. Thus, visitors will be made to understand that the island is a “research, educational and conservation pilgrimage destination with a premium.”

Only a limited number of visitors will be allowed to stay in a day. They will live in facilities made of light materials.

The nearby Taganak Island will be the entry point to serve as customs, immigration and quarantine port for tourism purposes. (The Philippines’ claim to Sabah, which has been inactive since the Marcos regime, is said to be making this process a complicated one, according to one CI-Philippines personnel.)

Visitors will be able to roam the island and interact with residents at daytime. Scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking will be allowed.

Life changing

On July 23, ecotourism guidelines were approved in principle by majority of the members of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the TIWS, says Orlan Maliwanag, CI-Philippines sea turtle corridor assistant.

The PAMB is a multisectoral, multiagency, policy-making body composed of 25 members representing the local government, the regional line agencies, the law enforcement agencies, ethnic and community organizations and nongovernment groups. It is headed by Arleigh Adorable, DENR Zamboanga Peninsula director.

It will take three years to realize this plan, according to environmental architect Gonzales, who believes strict guidelines will minimize the potential negative tourism impact on the island.

Herself a turtle watcher, Gonzales describes her experience with these sea creatures as life changing.

“If you know how to behave, if you’re responsible for your own wants, if you think you deserve to go to the Turtle Islands because you are a good spirit, then you are a candidate to visit and watch the turtles,” she says.

frm: inquirer.net

An Octopus, a Jellyfish, and a Misguided Whale: Buzz Week in Review

2010-07-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

An Antarctic octopus that spews cold-resistant venom! A giant jellyfish that might have stung up to 100 people! A 40-ton whale that crushes yachts (well, at least one yacht, anyway)! The Web loves weird sea creatures. This past week, there was a lot to love.

Octopus fears no cold
They almost sound like some kind of a cartoon super villain. But not only are they real, they might have something to offer medicine. This past week, researchers discovered four new species of octopus "with venom that works at sub-zero temperatures." Odd as it sounds, the discovery may have an effect on medical research. A buzzy blog at Discovery.com explains that the different proteins in the venom may lead to developments for pain, allergy, and cancer medications. Web searchers were clearly interested. Almost immediately, Web searches on "antarctic octopus" and "octopus venom" both spewed skyward.

Giant jellyfish stings dozens
On Wednesday, between 50 and 100 beachgoers from New Hampshire were treated for jellyfish stings. Amazingly, they may have all come from the same jellyfish. An article from LiveScience explains that authorities believe that the lion's mane jellyfish (fancy name: Cyanea capillata) may have done the damage all on its own. Experts remain dubious that just one jellyfish, however huge and angry, could lash out at that many people. But LiveScience explains that "it is in the realm of possibility." Web lookups for "giant jellyfish" swam their way to a 347% gain for the week.

Whale crashes into yacht
There's the kind of whale watching, when you sit on your yacht and watch from a distance. And then there's the up-close kind that Paloma Werner and Ralph Mothes partook in this past week. While sitting on their 10-meter boat, off the coast of South Africa, a 40-ton whale jumped out of the ocean and landed in the middle of their yacht. Not surprisingly, the whale caused significant damage to the vessel, crushing the mast and rigging. But the two sailors were unhurt, as was the whale, who left behind a bit of blubber before sliding back into the sea. Experts believe the whale didn't know the boat was there, because the engine was off.

from: yahoo.com

Jabbawockeez @ ASAP`09 live!!!

2009-09-07T04:44:00.000-07:00

PROUD TO BE PINOY!!!!

we rocks!! hahahaha

JabbaWockeez

2009-06-08T16:35:00.001-07:00

"We are Jabbawockeez because we are a figment of your imagination .. we don't really exist.."

Jabbawockeez pics"

Dance Flick

2009-06-07T04:03:00.000-07:00

A satirical jab at musical/dance films focusing on a naive girl who uses dance to achieve her dreams, and the street smart guy who helps her along the way.

www.footworksbyzhelkinz.blogspot.com

Diablo 3 movie trailer 2009

2009-06-07T03:50:00.000-07:00

just check out my latest blog for the trailers!!!

www.nextzhelkinz.blogspot.com

Check this out!!!!

2009-06-07T03:43:00.000-07:00

Check out my other blog for Star Wars Old Republic E3 2009 Cinematic Trailer!!

www.nextzhelkinz.blogspot.com

Mosley willing to fight Pacman at 142 pounds

2009-06-07T03:36:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – As early as January, right after his stunning knockout of Antonio Margarito, WBA welterweight champion Shane Mosley said he wanted to face Manny Pacquiao.

“I want the one with the most money,” he was quoted as saying.

But some issues with the weight came up. Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, dared Mosley to come down to 142. Mosley said he won’t or can’t fight lower than 145.

Yesterday, however, Mosley, one of the oldest champions out there, aired his change of heart, telling fightnews.com that he’s ready to take on Pacquiao.

Now.

“There are conflicting reports from the Pacquiao camp an upcoming fight between me and Manny Pacquiao. I want it to be known that I want to fight Pacquiao and I want to fight him now,” Mosley was quoted.

“I’m willing to meet at a catch weight to make that happen. I know this is what Freddie Roach wants as well, as he has previously stated this to press,” he said.

A catch weight could mean 143 lbs, give and take. But whether or not Mosley’s 147 lb title would be at stake is a different matter. What’s important to him is the fight.

“I am the best fighter in boxing and I am ready to reclaim the title of number one pound-for-pound fighter,” said Mosley who showed the quickness of a fighter 10 years younger when he stunned Margarito.

Pushing 38, Mosley is seven years older, and at 5-foot-9, almost three inches taller than Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound champion and the sport’s biggest draw today.

Arum has penciled Oct. 17 as the date of Pacquiao’s next fight -- whoever, wherever.

Mosley is under Oscar dela Hoya’s Golden Boy and Pacquiao under Bob Arum’s Top Rank. The two giant promoters were at odds a couple of years back, but have proven to be great partners, too.

They staged the Pacquiao-Dela Hoya fight and some big ones before that as well, and only last month came up with the Pacquiao-Hatton show.

Arum said it’s up to Pacquiao and Roach to decide and as of now they’re looking at Mosley, who may have moved on top of the list, Miguel Cotto, who faces Josh Clottey in New York on June 13, or Edwin Valero.

Floyd Mayweather Jr., the comebacking ex-pound-for-pound king, takes on Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18, and should only be considered a Pacquiao opponent for next year.

If Mosley wants it, he might just get it. - By Abac Cordero (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.co

AH1N1 prompts 'altered' church services in Manila

2009-06-07T03:34:00.001-07:00

MANILA, Philippines Â- The rise in the number of A(H1N1) cases has prompted the Manila archdiocese to alter some church services as a precautionary measure against the disease.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales ordered his priests to take precautionary measures to avoid the spread of A(H1N1), including banning close contact during services.

Â"In view of detected presence of the A(H1N1) virus in our country, Cardinal Rosales has ordered that for the meantime Communion be received by the faithful only by hand," Fr. Genardo Diwa, head of the Liturgical ministry of the Manila archdiocese, said in an advisory.

Excerpts of the advisory were posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines website (www.cbcpnews.com).

Diwa said other forms of close contacts like holding of hands will be discouraged inside churches. Â"This is to avoid further inadvertent spread of the virus," he said.

There are now at least 33 confirmed A(H1N1) cases in the country, but the Department of Health is not yet keen on declaring a community outbreak. - GMANews.TV

Sebastian`s Vodoo

2009-05-24T05:34:00.001-07:00

also a nice video... kinda creepy XD

Radioactivity found in City of Ottawa biosolids material

2009-05-20T03:50:00.000-07:00

Radioactivity found in City of Ottawa biosolids material

February 23, 2009: No risk to workers, public or environment

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has completed its analysis of biosolids samples taken on February 5, 2009, from the City of Ottawa’s R.O. Pickard Environmental Centre (ROPEC).

The CNSC’s analysis indicates trace amounts of radionuclides generally used in medicine such as Iodine-131 (I-131) and Molybdenum-99/Technecium-99m (Mo-99/Tc-99m). Analysis also shows the presence of radionuclides normally found in nature such as Radium, Actinium and Thorium. In all cases, the levels found were very low. Low levels of I-131, in combination with naturally occurring radioactive material, may trigger radiation detection portal monitors, if the trigger level is set close to background levels.

The biosolids containing trace amounts of the I-131 radionuclide did not pose any risk to the health and safety of workers, the public, or the environment.

The CNSC considered it prudent to remind all licensees in Ottawa of their regulatory obligations in respect of the disposal of any nuclear substance. However, the CNSC is not expressing any concerns regarding the operations of any licensee.

The CNSC is confident that the licensed activities at Ottawa area hospitals are being carried out within the regulatory requirements and that any disposal or abandonment of nuclear substances is being carried out in accordance with the applicable regulations.

The CNSC has been working in cooperation with the City of Ottawa and will undertaken further discussions with the City to share knowledge of best practices undertaken in other Ontario municipalities that experience similar situations.

February 4, 2009: Notice

On February 3, 2009, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) was informed by the City of Ottawa that two trucks, transporting biosolids material from the City’s sewage treatment plant were turned around at the US border on January 29, 2009 because low-level radioactivity was detected. Two more truck loads with biosolids similarly tested positive for low-level radioactivity on February 3. The material has been placed in a secure location.

The City of Ottawa, whose sewage treatment plant is not licensed by the CNSC, appropriately notified the CNSC of the situation. To assist the City of Ottawa, the CNSC dispatched an inspector to the sewage treatment plant to help identify the type and source of radioactive material.

Early indications are that the detected radioactivity is iodine-131, a commonly used medical isotope. This is normally associated with waste from hospitals or persons who have undergone medical treatment.

The CNSC assures the public that this material poses no risk to the health, safety and security of Canadians as well as the environment.

The CNSC will be in contact with Ottawa hospitals to remind them of their responsibilities regarding waste disposal and licensing requirements. The CNSC will be assisting the City of Ottawa in reviewing best practices undertaken in other Ontario municipalities.

As well, the CNSC assures the public that low-level radioactivity in Ottawa’s sewage is not related to recent events at Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd’s nuclear facility in Chalk River, Ontario.

The CNSC will continue to assist and monitor this situation.

Adding up 3 more blogs ^^

2009-05-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

i`m making another blog to sort it out...
its for free so just feel free to visit them ^_^

Spread it out!! O_O

^_^ thx for the support ^_^

Thin And Rich

2009-05-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

A new set of chips gives super-slim cellphones the power of laptops.

Think of Toshiba's TG01 cellphone as the world's smallest PC. It powers 3-D games, plays high-definition movies, and smoothly runs many programs at once, a combo few other phones offer. Yet it's less than four tenths of an inch thick — 20 percent thinner than an iPhone — thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon system, which packs several previously separate chips into one case the size of a dime.

Short Circuit: Courtesy Qualcomm
Snapdragon builds in a speedy one-gigahertz processor (about as powerful as a budget laptop's) as well as a graphics chip, a GPS receiver, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios, and a fast cellular data chip that can work on any network. By putting all these pieces in one package, Qualcomm can eliminate the usual bulky cover around each individual chip. The compact result won't hog your battery, either — the main processor boasts low-power transistors and runs at top speed only when needed. Even at full tilt, it sips only half a watt, far less than other processors that run at around the same speed.

The TG01 hits Europe this summer. Qualcomm says other gadget manufacturers, including Samsung and LG, will release Snapdragon phones later this year, possibly here in the U.S.

The MegaGoods Roundup

2009-05-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

Our biggest collection yet: over 200 of the year's best gadgets, goods and gizmos

by Satoshi: SatoshiJust in time for the holidays, PopSci presents our roundup of the year's must-have products. From high-voltage flashlights and the flattest-screen TV to a waterproof camera and carbon-fiber laptop, it's the best and shiniest of 2007.

Experiments in Bluetooth Hatery

2009-05-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

The Grouse tries on his least favorite tech

The Grouse tries on his least favorite tech
By Tom Conlon

Jawbone Prime: courtesy Jawbone
I don't like Bluetooth earpieces, and I don't like the people who wear them. Sounds kind of like a deranged T-shirt slogan, doesn't it? There's something about the tiny little headsets that's always bothered me. A few years ago, I noticed a strange phenomenon sweeping New York City: suddenly it wasn't just the crazies who were chattering to themselves on the street anymore -- business people were doing it too! And now, with the technology far less exotic and more affordable than it used to be, it seems like almost everyone is walking around talking to the little voices inside of their heads. But even with that kind of widespread acceptance, I still loathe the little buggers. Of course, this opinion of mine was formed without ever having used a Bluetooth headset in my life. Can some firsthand experience change my tune? I tested out a couple of earpieces to find out.

If you're going to test drive a Bluetooth headset, then you might as well get behind the wheel of a Porsche -- and so I got my hands on the recently released Jawbone Prime by Aliph. Read a few reviews of the original Jawbone and you'll soon arrive at the inevitable conclusion that it's, by far, the best Bluetooth headset available. The Prime improves upon the original with a slimmer form factor, redesigned buttons and a serious upgrade to the NoiseAssassin sound-canceling technology. Aliph isn't at all shy about calling it "The Best Headset Ever Created." At $130, it better be. But to be sure, I also tested it against the $40 Plantronics Explorer 230, which was the cheapest headset I could find at RadioShack (and one that the RadioShack employee repeatedly cautioned me against purchasing!). If the Jawbone is a Porsche, then I guess that would make the Plantronics a Saturn, right?

Both units connected to my phone really easily, and both were super simple to work -- press a button to pick up a call; press it again to end it. In terms of fit and comfort, it really depends on your preference. The Plantronics requires an ear loop to stay on, while the Jawbone gives you options for either a loop or for a special earbud that stays lodged in your ear without the need for a loop. The Jawbone also comes with six different earbud sizes that pretty much guarantee a proper fit on anyone. I chose to go with the loop at first, not truly convinced that the special earbud could possibly keep the Jawbone from falling into my coffee. To my surprise, I prefer the fit of the Plantronics one, which is attached to the earpiece on a swivel wheel that lets you easily position the headset for maximum comfort. The Jawbone loop is locked in one position, and that one position didn't happen to fit me very well at all. Eventually, I mustered the courage to go loopless, and once I realized the Jawbone wasn't going to fall out (unless I was unexpectedly tackled), there was no going back -- death to the loop!

Visually, the Jawbone shames the Plantronics. No joke: It's been recognized by the Museum of Modern Art. The Plantronics, on the other hand, looks like something an IT guy would use as his second stringer. You know, like that pair of comically outdated eyeglasses you keep around in case of emergency. But I found that the Jawbone's good looks get in the way of usability. The main function button is hidden underneath the designer shell, and you're meant to locate it when it's on your head by running your finger over a very subtle divot. Too subtle, if you ask me. I found myself repeatedly turning the Jawbone on and off accidentally -- sometimes during calls -- as I attempted to push the unit into my ear. The Plantronics button, while not very nice to look at, is big, circular, recessed from the surface and easy to find. I prefer it.

But design isn't what's most important. It's sound quality. And, to be honest, I didn't detect any difference at all between the two units when it came to what I was hearing on my end of the conversation. Both were equally capable of injecting my eardrum with voice that sounded crisp and clean. It's the other end of the conversation, though, where the Jawbone's $130 price tag starts to make perfect sense. The name NoiseAssassin isn't just crafty marketing slang: The technology absolutely murders background sound. To test it out, I left two voice messages for myself while sitting in front of my computer speakers with music playing at a fairly loud volume. The message left using the Plantronics headset was junk -- hopelessly inaudible. The Jawbone, on the other hand, removed the music completely, leaving only my voice. It's quite astonishing, actually (see the official demo). I also tested both headsets outdoors where sirens, car horns and wind rendered the Plantronics useless. The Jawbone worked great. In the end, this is what you're paying for. If you plan to use a headset in the silence of your office or car, then go for the Plantronics. If you plan on using it outdoors or in crowded public spaces, then there really is no choice but to spring for the noise-annihilating Jawbone.

OK, so after a week of living with a Bluetooth headset, am I ready to set aside my prejudices and embrace the Nerd Dongle? Well, there are some things I'm surprised to find I like. For one, I didn't miss any calls all week. I've always got my phone set to vibrate and as a result I'm always missing calls (why can't I adjust the vibration level like I can the volume?!). With the earpiece in, I hear an unmistakable little "bleep bloop" with every incoming call. Another thing I like is not having to fumble around in my pockets for my phone every time a call comes in -- though that's only if I'm bold enough to answer a call without first peeping the caller ID. Another advantage: being able to talk on the phone while it's charging over by the outlet. And finally, there's the whole car thing. With a ban on cell phone use while driving in New York (and many other states), I'm forced to ignore calls that come through when I'm on the road. I liked being able to answer them with the earpiece in.

Still, I'm not ready to sign up just yet. I'm not ready to become one of ... those people. I walked around with an earpiece in all week scared to death that I'd run into someone I know. Whenever I was paying for something at a store, I felt like the person behind the counter was wishing bodily harm would befall me. In fact, I noticed a lot of non-Bluetoothers looking at me with a little bit of disdain and, frankly, it made me uncomfortable. I kept wanting to throw it off and say, "No! This is just an experiment. This isn't the real me!" But after playing around with the technology for a while and seeing all of the things it's good for, I've come to the conclusion that it isn't the Bluetooth headset I loathe so much -- it's the behavior of some (not all) of the people who use them. I think we've all been in the presence of that person who rudely carries on two conversations at once: the one they're having with you or with a store clerk in person, and the one they're having with their BFF or dog groomer over the phone. I see that sort of thing and I feel sad for the future of our society. For me, the person who misuses such a good technology in this way shows a lack of respect for their fellow human beings -- as if something much bigger and more important is happening elsewhere. It also shows a lack of engagement in the living, breathing real world right in front of their eyes. After this week, I look forward to using a Bluetooth headset while driving or while working at my desk, but that's as far as I'm willing to take it. For now.

Pentium Prosecution

2009-05-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

The E.U. fines Intel $1.45 billion for anti-trust violations, and for doing 3.2GHz in a 1.8GHz zone
By Stuart Fox

Intel inside : I hope the E.U. takes checks... courtesy of Uwe Hermann, via Flickr.com
Since 2001, the European Union's (EU) anti-trust regulators have investigated complaints that chip maker Intel engaged in anti-competitive practices. They accused Intel of of paying retailers not to sell computers with AMD chips, and for using its position as the number-one chip manufacturer to muscle around competition. Today, the EU handed down the decision in the form of a $1.4 billion fine, the largest in European history.

While that number is still less than the $4 billion some predicted, the fine handily beats out the previous record holder, the $1.16 billion fine handed to Microsoft.

The New York Times comes at the story from the legal angle, while Ars Technica gets deeper into the nitty-gritty of what Intel actually did.

Meanwhile, the Inquirer (the legit one, not the "National" one) takes a slightly more gossipy angle by looking at the reactions of executives at Intel's chief rival, AMD. Needless to say, the reactions were generally positive, ranging from mild schadenfreude to "PWNED!" The Register investigates the ramifications of the suit, noting that it may spark a run of civil suits against the reeling chip giant.

Looking into the future, Agence France-Presse speculates that the EU may try to take down Google next. Ironically, the investigation into Google is evidently being egged on by none other than the original computer anti-trust bad boys, Microsoft.

FBMA Marine in Balamban: Shipbuilder axes 40% of workforce

2009-05-15T04:59:00.001-07:00

By Ehda M. Dago-oc Updated May 15, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines – FBMA Marine Inc., an Aboitiz-owned shipbuilding plant inside the West Cebu Industrial Park (WCIP) in Balamban, Cebu, announced yesterday that it is retrenching 73 regular employees since their company has not received a single order for a vessel the past six months.

Since the company is still completing two vessels for United Kingdom, that are due in July this year, it has retained 115 workers mostly from the production side.

“We’ve made a thorough assessment on this matter. We are victims of the global economic crisis. There are a lot of second hand vessels anchored around offered at a very low price,” said FBMA chairman and chief operating officer Roberto Aboitiz.

Effective June 15, the 73 regular employees of FBMA, will lose their jobs. Most of them are from support operations, such as administrative department, warehouse and purchasing.

However, Aboitiz assured that the Aboitiz Group companies, like the Tsuneishi Shipbuilding plant also in WCIP, and other companies under the conglomerate, would endorse the names of these retrenched employees for possible hiring.

The shipbuilding plant, which has been one of the prides of Cebu for producing internationally-accepted and high quality vessels for craftsmanship, is not however, announcing a full plant closure.

But it is currently looking for an investor “not just to bring money, but to bring clients.”

Aside from the separation pay and other settlements required by law for displaced workers, FBMA is also setting up different measures to help the affected employees.

“Our new business now is work for job for these people. Our business is affected externally, not internally. The world crisis now is so much, as it’s gonna last long,” Aboitiz said in a press conference yesterday to formally announce the company’s partial retrenchment program.

While there is still hope that FBMA will be able to get highly-specialized vessel orders from around the world, Aboitiz said this time, the company has to make a ‘hard decision” of cutting off 40 percent of its workforce.

“The market has dried up, there are less requirements for vessels now,” Aboitiz said.

The company has incurred losses in the last six months. According to Dough Border, FBMA chief operating officer (COO) the company had been averaging to close at least 10 to 12 vessels ship orders per year.

This time, due to widespread economic slowdown, the shipbuilding industry being severely affected, Aboitiz added.

In 2006, FBMA lost 305 workers simultaneously to an Australian-based shipbuilding company that launched an allegedly illegal mass hiring in the Philippines, particularly from the ship building companies in Balamban.

The first vessel constructed by 15-year-old FBMA was a 50-knots 45-meter Tricat for the Hong Kong-Macau route.

It has delivered 22 vessels to different countries since 1997, such as Europe, United States, Australia, and some parts of Asia.

Balamban Mayor Alex Binghay, for his part lauded FBMA’s move to work for alternative jobs for the displaced workers.

FBMA Marine is an experienced builder of steel and aluminum vessels based in Balamban, Cebu. — /NLQ (THE FREEMAN)

The 1st "green" IT building to open in CEBU

2009-05-15T04:54:00.000-07:00

First "green" IT building to open 4,000 seats in June
By Ehda M. Dagooc Updated May 15, 2009 12:00 AM

CEBU, Philippines – The first cyber-building at the Mandaue-North Reclamation Area, the RobinLand IT/BPO Center, will open up a total of 4,000 seats next month, to accommodate the growing demand for BPO designed office spaces.

Developed by the RobinLand Inc., the 9-story building is also the first “Green building” in Cebu, of which support infrastructure facilities are designed to cut power cost, among others.

RobinLand Inc., president and chairman Edwin Robin said the company is now talking with at least two big multinational BPO companies that expressed interest to locate in the building.

Robin, whose core business is into food catering services and owns the largest canteen concessionaire for companies in Cebu called Eight2Eight Catering Services, has ventured into real estate development in 2007 to establish the first PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) registered IT/BPO building in Mandaue City.

Next month, the company will officially open the P300 million building, which has a first of a kind design and one of the most unique building architecture in Cebu.

“We hope to fill the building’s occupancy by this year,” said RobinLand Inc., vice president for operations, and business development Wilfredo Sa-a Jr.

As the economy is on its way to recovery, Sa-a hopes that the company will be able to fill the 4,000 seats by this year, so that it could start developing another IT building within the area, adjacent to the Parkmall shopping center.

The “green building” technology is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use resources such as energy, water, and materials while reducing impacts on human health and the environment.

Aside from being the first “Green Building” in Cebu, RobinLand IT/BPO Center also invested on its infrastructure facilities to provide un-interrupted telecommunication and power system for its tenants.

According to Sa-a the building has provisions for a building management system which can be tapped by the locators according to their needs. One innovation of the building is the dual/redundant busway system, which will allow the locators to easily tap the power supply of the building.

The building location is near Cebu Doctors University, at Zuellig Avenue, of which three Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) franchisees have been approved to extend their routes in the area to provide transportation needs of the employees.

If the 4,000 available seats will be filled up, it would provide an employment opportunity for at least 12 thousand jobs, in a 24-hour shift.

Earlier, in separate interviews with BPO companies, most of them are planning to expand their respective facilities in Cebu, preferably on a PEZA-registered building to avail of fiscal incentives.

Industry sources said that India’s one of the largest BPO/IT companies, InfoSys is now looking at available office-space for their major expansion in Cebu. Other BPO companies that expressed expansion plans here include Wipro, and other call center and IT-enabled services companies.

The country's BPO industry is forecasted to earn around $12 billion and employing 900,000 people by the year 2010.