Official Royal Wedding Portraits Released

The official royal wedding portraits have been released (and the adorable frowning little girl actually isn’t frowning)!

The gorgeous photos were released by Clarence House on Prince William and Duchess Catherine’s wedding day. The above photo shows the newlyweds posing regally alongside the bridesmaids and pages in the throne room of Buckingham Palace.

One of the other photos shows everyone involved in the wedding, and the final photo features just the royal couple.

Readers, what do you think of the official royal wedding portraits?

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[Celebuzz]

Princess Beatrice’s WTF Hat

The royal wedding took place this morning, and millions of viewers from around the world tuned in to watch the ceremony. Today, people are talking about the kiss, the gorgeous McQueen dress, the celebs, and the couple. And they’re also talking about Princess Beatrice’s hat.

Due to a long-standing British tradition, women are required to wear hats for the wedding. The hat that Princess Beatrice chose, however, was more than a little unusual. The sculptural beige monstrosity, which features a bizarre oval shape has inspired a tumblr, multiple Facebook fan pages (including one with 22,000 likes), and memes galore (as Gawker points out).

So, readers, what do you think of Princess Beatrice’s hat? Share with us in the comments!

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Blake Lively Is a Redhead Now

There’s a new ginger in town! Blake Lively shocked the paparazzi with her new hair color at the Time 100 Gala in New York.

The once-blonde “Gossip Girl” was seen sporting fiery red tresses (and a seriously gorgeous gown).

Personally, I feel like the color doesn’t really go well with Lively’s skin tone — what do you think of Lively’s new ‘do? Share in the comments!

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E! Online Brings Commoners a Royal Name Generator - What's Yours?

As Elizabeth Holmes of the Wall Street Journal just tweeted, E! Online has just released a royal name generator. The journalist found her royal name was Countess Elizabeth Arabella Holmesskitt of Saint Charlesburgh.

The generator helps commoners find out what their royal names would be based on your first name, last name, and hometown.

Readers, are you tired of this Royal Wedding craziness? Or is this just something fun to do at work today? (Confession: I've already found my royal name! Comment below with yours!)

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Meet the Woman Who is Last in Line To The Throne

If not for the mere 4,972 people standing between her and the crown, Karin Vogel would be the queen of England.
Vogel, who has gotten attention in light of the upcoming royal wedding, is last in line to the British throne (according to many genealogists) .

The Wall Street Journal reports that the thirty-eight-year-old is the direct descendant of an 18th century German princess, Sophia of Hanover.

According to Vogel, she’s perfectly happy to be last in line.

“I can lean back and relax,” she said.

Read the full WSJ article here:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704889404576276502793788310.html

[Wall Street Journal]

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STA. CRUZ FUN-RUN IN LENT

View of Sta. Cruz, Marinduque from Maniwaya Island.

The town became a Spanish settlement more than four hundred years ago, where the oldest church in Marinduque was constructed with a mix of lime and coral stones This town was the site of one of the worst episodes during the Philippine-American War when hundreds of local prisoners were taken to one of its islands, Polo.

After rounding up some 600 men and releasing 140 due to illness, the Americans transferred the remaining prisoners to Polo Island for internment. One American account read: "The friends and familys [sic] of the captured Gugus were allowed to bid them good-by before we loaded them on the boat ... You could not hear your own ears for the women and children crying and groaning. Just before we started them to the boat one woman who had no doubt come dressed for the occasion threw her dress over her husband and sat down on him. The sentry saw it though and so her ruse did not work. Just as we got them to the beach several tried by making a sudden rush to get away. Two were shot dead and several wounded right before their familys [sic] eyes..."

Polo Island is only one of several islands with fine white sand in Sta. Cruz. Not far away from it are Mongpong and Maniwaya, the latter being touted as "the next Boracay" due to its proximity to the Luzon mainland.

Today, this town of 55 barangays (population is about 61,300 in 2007), is going for tourism under the stewardship of Mayor Percival Morales. White sand beaches, islands, caves, waterfalls, rich marine resources, and much talked-about local hospitality (the French naturalist A. Marche had an impressive account of the local treatment as far back as 1881), await travelers here.

Recently a 'Moriones Run', sponnsored by Cong. Allan Velasco, was held here. It attracted quite a number of participants surprisingly including runners from Kenya, as shown in these photos.

Foot Fetish: Unusual Footwear Designer Sure to Attract Big Names

Kobi Levi seems to be the equivalent of Gaga in the footwear design world.

He takes his inspiration from furniture, fruit, and even dogs. Take a look at the shoes above and you'll see he's not kidding.

The designer believes, "Inspiration can come out of nowhere, from an image that pops up in my mind and I decide to explore it, or I choose a theme/concept and design with related images."

Considering his design aesthetic and his relishing of outside influences, it's no surprise he'd turn to the fashion industry for inspiration - and it comes as no shock that McQueen and Vivienne Westwood are some of his favorite designers.

When asked who he wished would wear his designs, Levi brought up Gaga and Madonna.

"They experiment and change their image a lot and they do not stay within conventional boundaries. It could be very interesting to collaborate with a pop-star or an artistic video/photo shoot."

Readers, check out his site here and let us know what you think! Would you rock some of his designs?

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"MORYONAN" Abs-Cbn Kapamilya TV: PATROL NG PILIPINO, April 26, 2011

Click this link to watch the video:
Abs-Cbn Kapamilya TV: PATROL NG PILIPINO APRIL 26 2011:

Part 1 of "MORYONAN" presented last night over ABS-CBN's PATROL NG PILIPINO. The TV-crew assisted by the staff of the office of Cong. Allan Velasco, covered all the major Holy Week events in the municipalities of Mogpog, Boac, Gasan and Sta. Cruz. This is probably the best, most comprehensive and accurate tv-presentation of the local situation that's characterized by the unique way in which the different towns devise methods where both tradition and modernization merge in "Moryonan".

The charm of the Lenten Moryonan has drawn visitors to this island-province since the early 60's when it was yet the only existing street pageant in the Philippines that utilized the use of masks and colorful costumes - the native interpretation of how Roman soldiers must have looked like (before Hollywood). These masks undoubtedly served as the inspiration for all of the country's present-day mask festivals.

Panata, vow, has always been associated with this practice. Even with the advance of commercialism, many practitioners, particularly in Mogpog, where it is said to have originated in the 1880s still regard it as a vow or as a form of penitence.

For the bigger population, particularly the young, the Moryonan that they must also identify with has taken on a different, but relevant and important meaning.

Correspondent Jenny Reyes and her Moryonan segment director, here covering the Sta. Cruz portion of Moryonan 2011.

Click here to view full version.

Karl Lagerfeld Doesn’t Wash His Own Hair

“I’m not very gifted for hairdos ... I have someone who comes to the house and washes it, puts in the dry shampoo, and takes care if it because I have no time. I don’t even have time to go to the dentist.”

— Karl Lagerfeld

Apparently, Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld doesn’t even do his own hair. Wow. Karl, if you don’t have time to wash your own hair or go to the dentist once a year, you might be booking yourself a little bit too tight. Just sayin.

[W Magazine]

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Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim expresses concern for Marinduque

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, who traces his ancestry to Marinduque, graced the Moriones Festival and had the opportunity to experience Bellaroca Island Resort and Spa as well as visit the towns of Boac, Gasan, Buenavista and Torrijos.

After lunch with Congressman Allan Velasco and the municipal mayors on Black Saturday at the congressman's residence in Torrijos, Velasco made a brief presentation on Marinduque's tourism resources and discussed immediate concerns of this island-province (now tagged as one of the world's top islands by foreign travel writers). Discussed was the needed rehabilitation of the airport runway, among others. Before departing for Manila the next day, the Secretary actually stepped on the runway to see for himself the dilapidated portion of the airport that deter many airlines from flying here. Also read Marinduque Airport badly rocks.

The following entry and above photo appeared in the Department of Tourism's Facebook Page today:

"The major concern is making Marinduque a year-round tourism destination to provide livelihood and employment opportunities to the people. At present, the province survives on agriculture. Sec. Lim advised Congressman Allan Velasco to make an inventory of Marinduque's potential tourism resources during their initial conversation at the latter's residence. Later, after lunch, Cong. Velasco made a brief presentation of the province's resources.

"The sulfuric hot spring in Buenavista, the Maniwaya island and the Bathala Cave in Sta. Cruz were among the potential site-products that can be developed in addition to events and sports activities that can be organized the whole-year round. The congressman wants Marinduque to be known as the "Heart of the Philippines" being the geodetic center of the country and its map having a heart shape."

Photo shows DOT Secretary Lim, his staff and Congressman Velasco with this blogger (to the left).

Mayor Roberto Madla of Boac and Cong. Velasco with Sec. Lim.

Kanye West’s Womenswear Look – Hot or Not?

Recently, Kanye West performed at Coachella festival wearing a Celine womenswear top.

The 33-year-old rapper paired the loose-fitting v-neck top (which has a unisex look) with baggy jeans, giving it a more masculine vibe.

Readers, what do you think of Kanye’s womenswear look? Are you surprised at his unusual fashion choice? Share with us in the comments!

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Is Your Man Hot? Check His Hands

Surprising correlation of the day: apparently, male attractiveness can be gauged by looking at the length of a guy’s … fingers. Seriously! A new study by researchers at the University of Geneva in Switzerland found that the ratio between the length of a man’s right index and ring fingers is linked to facial attractiveness.

The ratio is being called 2D:4D (for second digit: fourth digit), and is determined by the amount of testosterone hormones a man is exposed to in utero. Levels of testosterone exposure in the first trimester contribute to facial development, which is why a greater, more “masculine” 2D:4D ratio can predict sexiness.

So in addition to checking for a ring, you now have another reason to ogle a guy’s ring finger —the longer it is than his index, the hotter he probably is. But you should check his face too, just to be sure.

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[via LiveScience]

Chris Colfer Sells Pilot to Disney

Glee star Chris Colfer is at it again! The 20-year-old Golden Globe winner, who can sing, dance, and act, is apparently a talented writer as well — and he’s just sold a pilot for a new show to the Disney Channel.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the series will be entitled “The Little Leftover Witch,” based off of Florence Laughlin’s children’s book by the same title. The show is about a young witch who falls off of her broom down to earth and ends up living with a non-magical family.

What you might not know is that this isn’t Colfer’s first writing gig; he also wrote an indie coming-of-age movie, “Struck by Lightning,” which is set to begin filming this summer.

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Sophia Bush Partners with Marie Claire to Investigate "Moral Crimes" in Afghanistan

Sophia Bush is one busy lady.

She currently stars on one of the CW's longest-running shows, "One Tree Hill," actively fundraises for her favorite causes on www.crowdrise.com, and now she will travel to Afghanistan with Marie Claire to investigate "moral crimes."

The actress and activist read the Marie Claire article about women who were imprisoned for moral crimes, which included things like leaving an abusive husband, and took notice.

Bush took to her own blog to further explore her thoughts on the issue, and will soon travel to the heart of the debate to blog and call attention to the women being imprisoned in Afghanistan.

Marie Claire recently interviewed Sophia Bush, and the 10 Things You Didn't Know About Sophia Bush can be seen here.

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James Frey to Appear on Oprah: Will She Rip Him Into "A Million Little Pieces" Again?

The NY Post's Tara Palmeri is reporting that James Frey, author of "A Million Little Pieces," will appear as one of the final guests on The Oprah Winfrey Show this season.

Winfrey recommended her readers pick up his best-selling memoir, but then later had the author on the show and tore into him after he revealed he had fabricated parts of the story. Frey reportedly fled to France for a time because of the backlash.

According to a source, the author and talk show host have since resolved their issues, and Frey will appear on her show next month to talk about what has happened since his last appearance on the show.

Frey's latest book, "The Final Testament of the Holy Bible," is out tomorrow, and according to Palmeri, the book is going to be nothing if not controversial:

"Frey is set to ignite another fire storm with his new book, in which the Second Coming of Christ takes place in the Bronx projects -- but the messiah turns out to be a former alcoholic who impregnates a prostitute. It's being published in a limited edition of 10,000 copies by Gagosian Gallery and as an e-book by Frey and WME."

Readers, will you read Frey's latest novel? More importantly, will you tune in to see the author on The Oprah Winfrey Show?

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Back in Black: Heather Morris Dances for Esquire in a Revealing Bikini

Esquire recruited Glee starlet Heather Morris to promote the publication's list of 50 Songs Every Man Should Be Listening To.

After watching her in the video, it goes without saying that Heather Morris will now be known by non-Gleeks males all over the world.

The bombshell rocks a revealing black bikini - and some killer heels - as she dances to the songs on the list.

To see the full video, visit: http://bcove.me/xwl5xypp (courtesy of Esquire).

Gleeks, what do you think of Heather's moves? Guys, while if you're looking for the drool-worthy picture above, pick up the May issue of Esquire.

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Demi Lovato Reveals She Suffers from Bipolar Disorder, Joins "Love is Louder" Movement

Demi Lovato, who has recently spent time at a treatment facility for emotional problems, is taking very brave and honest steps to be open about her struggles.

The actress and singer revealed, among other things, her struggle with food and cutting, and yesterday, she announced she is suffering from bipolar disorder.

Demi announced:

"I never found out until I went into treatment that I was bipolar. Looking back it makes sense. There were times when I was so manic, I was writing seven songs in one night and I'd be up until 5:30 in the morning."

This announcement comes days after Catherine Zeta-Jones publicly sought treatment for bipolar II disorder. At the time, Lovato tweeted her encouragement, saying, "I don't know Catherine Zeta-Jones personally but what she has decided to do it SO brave.. And SO difficult but worth it... I'm proud of her."

Lovato recently joined the "Love is Louder" movement with Seventeen Magazine, telling her fans to remember that "Love is Louder than the pressure to be perfect." For more on the movement, please visit http://loveislouder.com/.

Readers, if you or someone you know is suffering from bipolar disorder, please visit the National Institute of Mental Health's page here: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml.

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New Old Spice Guy vs. Isaiah Mustafa

There’s a new man your man could smell like — and he “smells like he looks amazing.”

The new Old Spice guy, is doing spots (not yet aired in the U.S.) for the brand’s Danger Zone line of products.

Unfortunately, the new man in town doesn’t ride horses or pose shirtless, and worst of all, he’s NOT Isaiah Mustafa.

Instead, this Old Spice man wanders through the jungle, gets attacked by piranas, and gets hit by a bus — all while managing to avoid the smell of “fear and body odor.”

Readers, what do you think of the new Old Spice commercial?

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Susan Boyle Wax Figure Unveiled

A Susan Boyle wax sculpture was unveiled yesterday at Madame Tussauds, and it looks just like her!

Boyle, who became an instant celebrity after her appearance on “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2009, unveiled the wax figure at the new Madame Tussauds in Blackpool, England.

The figure took four months to create and sports one of Boyle’s own dresses; the Daily Mail reports that Boyle is pleased with the final result.

"'What can you say? They have done a very good job. It feels fantastic," she told the paper. "It was such a great process to be involved in and it looks very realistic."

Readers, what do you think of Boyle’s wax counterpart?

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World's Most Expensive Shoes Can't Sell

Ever wanted to walk around in shoes made out of solid gold and diamonds? Now you can!

Made by British jewelry designer Christopher Michael Shellis, the shoes pictured above cost a staggering $319,460, making them the most expensive pair of shoes in the word.

The shoes, which took three years to make, feature over 2,000 diamonds — about 30 carats worth, that is.

According to Shellis:

“The aim of this was to create a unique form of jewellery which you can wear on your feet. It’s a bit like if you found these on an archaeological dig in thousands of years time they would be regarded as a treasure – a treasure of the feet. But like any great treasure it will remain as beautiful as the day it was created – and we even offer an ‘eternity’ guarantee lasting 1,000 years.”

Apparently, though, the designer’s enticing sales pitch hasn’t managed to lure any customers; no one has bought a pair of the ridiculously expensive shoes yet (even though they’ve been on the market for five months now). Maybe the world’s millionaires have better taste than we thought?

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Nicholas Cage Arrested for Domestic Abuse

Nicolas Cage was arrested early this morning in New Orleans, Louisiana and is now facing domestic violence charges.

A taxi driver called police officers to break up a fight between the actor and his wife. Sources told TMZ that the actor was very drunk and would not go home when he was asked to by the police officers, daring them to arrest him — and they did.

He was booked on on one count of domestic violence and one count of disturbing the peace before being released on bail. On top of all that, just yesterday the news surfaced that Cage has been targeted by the IRS for failing to pay over $600,000 in taxes, reports starpulse.

Cage has been married to Alice Kim since 2004, and the couple has a 5-year-old son.

Readers, what do you think of this news? Maybe Cage should take a break from acting and get his act together.

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Florida Criminals Pull Off Astonishing Vegetable Heist

Here’s one that’ll go down in vegetable-crime history: a group of Florida criminals recently managed to somehow steal six tractor-trailer loads of tomatoes, as well as a truck full of cucumbers and a truckload of meat.

So why did the veg bandits (who still haven't been caught) go for food and not flatscreens? Well, for one thing, the price of tomatoes is currently sky-high in Mexico (due to a freeze). The value of the stolen produce altogether? Believe it or not, about $300,000!

Which begs the obvious question – how did they manage to pull that off? Apparently the thieves set up a fake trucking company called “E&A Transport Express” and waited for tomato prices to peak before pulling their amazing vegetable heist.

From the New York Times:

“Tomato growers said that there had been occasional thefts in the past when prices were high, but the sophistication of this trucking ring was something new.”

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Morions and Fun-Run enthusiasts in Moriones Run

Moriones Run is a Fun Run for participating Moriones practitioners and fun-run enthusiasts of all ages. Organized by IBP Marinduque Chapter, prizes are offered in various categories.

Starting point is at Sta. Cruz Plaza on Holy Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 6:00 am. Categories are: 3K (Sta.Cruz Plaza-Lipa-Sta.Cruz Plaza) Prizes: Php 5,000; Php 3,000 and Php 2,000 for winners; 5K (Sta. Cruz Plaza-Lipa-Landy-Sta. Cruz Plaza) Prizes: Php 7,000, Php 5,000 and Php 3,000 for winners; 8K (Sta. Cruz Plaza-Aturan-Sta. Cruz Plaza) Prizes: Php 10,000, Php 7,000 and Php 5,000 for winners. Special prizes for Best in Costume: Php 3,000, Php 2,000 and Php 1,000.

For further details contact: Kua Al, #0948-4367912; Pretty, # 0939-4621862 and Zen, # 0918-5657610.

Organized by IBP Marinduque Chapter in cooperation with Office of Cong. Allan Velasco, Mayor Percy Morales and the Municipality of Sta. Cruz.
Kategorya:

Morionan Competition in Sta. Cruz

Moriones Run in Sta. Cruz

People Magazine Names Jennifer Lopez Most Beautiful Star of 2011

People magazine has named Jennifer Lopez the most beautiful star of 2011. J-Lo, who has recently made a career comeback with her judging position on American Idol, tops the magazine's list of the world's hottest celebrities. She’s just ahead of runner-up Zac Efron and Reese Witherspoon, who came in third.

The 41-year-old singer/actress shared her beauty tips with the magazine, saying, "It’s part of my job. I don't want anybody thinking it's easy. It does take time and it's hard work. HDTV wide-screen is nobody's friend!"

Other stars in the top 10 include Ryan Reynolds, Kellan Lutz, Jessica Simpson, Katie Holmes and Jennifer Hudson.
People’s Most Beautiful issue hits newsstands on Friday.

Readers, do you agree that Lopez is the most beautiful celeb?

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Marinduque Extreme Series III

MARINDUQUE EXTREME SERIES 3 is a one day cycling event, now on its third year. Date: May 14, 2011

Duathlon Run-Bike 7.5-25Km
Aggressive X-Country 30km

Race Category and Prizes**

Male Open 30km
1st-- Php 20,000.00
2nd- Php 15,000.00
3rd-- Php 10,000.00

Male Novice 30km
1st-- Php 20,000.00
2nd- Php 15,000.00
3rd-- Php 10,000.00

Female Open* 25km
1st-- Php 15,000.00
2nd- Php 10,000.00
3rd-- Php 5,000.00

Duathlon

Male Open 7.5-20km
1st-- Php 15,000.00
2nd- Php 10,000.00
3rd-- Php 5,000.00

Female Open* 7.5-20km
1st-- Php 15,000.00
2nd- Php 10,000.00
3rd-- Php 5,000.00
*At least Three (3) Participants to open this category.


All Local participants who finish will receive Php 1,000.00 each


Rules and Regulations

Off-Road Duathlon

May 14, 2011

1.) Check in, body marking and distribution of race kit will start at 5:30 until 7:00 in the morning. Athlete will not be accepted after the check in period. The race will start at exactly 7:30 in the morning

2.) The race will be 7.5 kilometers trail run, 20 kilometers of XC mountain biking through trails and mud to the finish line for MALE and FEMALE.

3.) This is an individual sport. Athletes are not allowed to have external support like pushing, carrying the bike, changing flat tire or fixing the bike by others. The participating athlete is the only one who can fix/repair his bike or they can have it fixed at the designated bike mechanic tent. A racer found guilty of accepting any help from any outside support will be disqualified.

4.) There will be a designated water station in the run and bike course.

5.) The athlete should only follow the designated race course; there will be trail signs along the course. Strictly no short cutting. There will be checkers/marshal along the course. An athlete found guilty of such offense will be automatically disqualified.

6.) Give way to the overtaking runner/biker in the trail to avoid accident or misunderstanding between the racers. The athlete should be on the right side of the course to make the left side of the course a passing lane.

7.) There will be a designated bike mechanic on the bike course. The athlete is only allowed to have their bike fixed by him/herself or by a designated bike mechanic at the tent.


Cross-Country Mountain Biking


May 14, 2011

1.) Check in and distribution of race kit will start at 12:30 until 1:30 in the afternoon. Athletes will not be accepted after the check in period. The race will start at exactly 2 o’clock in the in the afternoon followed immediately by the next category.

2.) The race course is 30 kilometers for male and 25 km for female of Cross-country Mountain biking in trail and mud.

3.) This is individual sport which means that an athlete is not allowed to have any external support like pushing, carrying the bike, changing a flat tire or fixing the bike by others. The participating athlete is the only one who can fix their bike or they can have it fixed at the designated bike mechanic tent. Racer found guilty of accepting any help from outside support will be disqualified.

4.) There will be water stations on the run and bike course.

5.) Follow only the designated race course. There will be plenty of trail signs along the race course. Strictly no short cutting. There will be checkers/marshal along the course. Athletes found guilty of such offense will be automatically disqualified.

6.) Give way to the over taking biker on the trail to avoid accident or misunderstanding between the racers. The athlete should be on the right side of the race course to make the left side of the course a passing lane.

7.) There will be a designated bike mechanic in the bike course. The athlete is only allowed to have their bike fixed by him/herself or by a designated bike mechanic at the tent.

To Register Online:

1.) Deposit the amount of 800.00PhP at any LandBank Branch to this Savings Account SA 123456789.

2.) Write on the Wall of this event the following:

a) Your complete Name, age, valid e-mail address and the event you are joining.
b) LandBank Branch, Date, Time and amount Deposited

Online Registration will close on April 30,2011

On-site Registration will be 1000.00PhP starts 5:30 am on event day.

WELCOME AND ENJOY THE RACE!!!

May 14, 2011 Race Day

5:30 Registration Duathlon
7:00 Opening Program
7:30 First event Duathlon Female
9:00 Duathlon Male
10:30 Airsoft competition
12:00 Lunch
12:30 Registration XC race
1:00 Offroad Motorcycle show
2:00 XC Male Novice
3:30 XC Male Open
5:00 XC Female Open
6:30 Event OfficiallyCloses/Closing Program /Awarding
7:00 Party

May 15, 2011 Trail ride to those who will decide to stay for the whole weekend.

**Subject to revisions and fine tuning

China Bans Time Travel!

This is not a joke. Chinese government censors recently issued new guidelines that effectively ban TV shows that feature time travel.

Why would they ever do something so ridiculous? Well, apparently they’re upset over an influx of movies and television shows where Chinese citizens travel back in time to an ideal period before the Communist takeover.

"The time-travel drama is becoming a hot theme for TV and films," said authorities, "but its content and the exaggerated performance style are questionable. Many stories are totally made-up and are made to strain for an effect of novelty. The producers and writers are treating the serious history in a frivolous way, which should by no means be encouraged anymore."

So sadly, the people of China won’t get to enjoy Bill and Ted’s 3 when it hits theatres. Unless they travel back in time before China issued this stupid ban.

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Vanessa Hudgens Hates the Internet

What is there to do after nude photos of your young, celebrity self go viral? Blame the internet, of course!

Vanessa Hudgens, the Sucker Punch star whose graphic photos recently cropped up online, said in an interview with People magazine that the internet is the “worst invention ever.”

Uh, what?

“I think it's ruining everyone, and it just makes everybody way too accessible – it just takes away the glamor and mystery from our business," she said.

While that may be the case, one could hardly argue that the internet is the worst invention ever. And if Hudgens really thinks the internet is the source of all evil, why does she have a Twitter account??

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Trollz Get Sexy

Chances are, you probably don’t associate Troll dolls with sex appeal. The ugly pug-nosed, wild-haired, and pudgy-bodied dolls that debuted in the 1960s have gotten an extreme makeover to keep up with the times.

This is actually the brand’s second attempt to revive the toys — their last attempt in 2006 wasn’t very successful, so the re-styling is probably an attempt to revive the Trollz line.

“Today” described the sexy new line of (decidedly not troll-like) Trollz, saying:

“…Recently they've been updated — while they still have only four fingers on each hand, the new Trollz line created for the animated TV series by DiC Entertainment features short skirts, bare midriffs, giant eyes, and even styled hair.”

An animated cartoon series is also in the works.

Readers, what do you think of the Trollz makeover?

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Study Shows How Designer Clothes Improve Your Life

Good news for the fashionistas out there: wearing designer clothes will actually improve your life! There’s just one catch — the designer pieces you wear must sport a logo in order for you to reap the benefits.

So why does the label matter? A new study shows that designer logos can grant their wearers benefits ranging from increased cooperation, money, and job recommendations!

In one experiment, volunteers rated a man wearing a polo shirt with a designer logo as being more suitable for a job than when his shirt did not have a logo on it, and they recommended a higher salary.

Not only do designer logos have the ability to alter the way others perceive us, but they also have the power to change the way we are treated. Surprisingly, donors even gave more money to charity when the women who were raising the money were wearing designer shirts!

Why is this so? The Economist reported that researchers believe that the labels are perceived as symbols of quality (since they are an obvious status symbol).

Readers, are you surprised by the results of this study? Do you wear clothing with designer logos? And if not, do the results of this study give you an excuse to splurge for a change? Let us know in the comments!

[NEWSER]

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U.S. Plans to Use Social Media to Issue Terror Alerts

Code Red! Just kidding. The Department of Homeland Security announced their plans to eliminate the infamous color-coded threat system in January and try something completely different instead.

Now, the scary, panic-inciting Homeland Security Advisory System will be replaced on April 27th with the all-new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) — in the form of Tweets and Facebook messages. No kidding.

According to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, the NTAS is:

“a new system that's built on a clear and simple premise: when a threat develops that could impact you — the public — we will tell you. We will provide whatever information we can so you know how to protect yourselves, your families, and your communities.”

Napolitano also said that the news system will provide alerts with a “specific end date,” instead of the current system that encourages a pervasive state of lingering anxiety that really just doesn’t make sense.

Hopefully the new system will be easier to comprehend, more informative and more useful than the last.

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Are We Actually Addicted to Facebook?

How many times a day do you check your Facebook? Do you often check it without even realizing that’s what you’re doing? Maybe you’re addicted — the results of a new study conducted by the University of Maryland’s International Center for Media & the Public Agency seem to say that addiction to social media is possible.

The study of 1,000 students from all around the world — including the US, Mexico, China, Argentina, and the UK — found that those who gave up the Internet (and all other forms of media) felt intense withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours. This led the researchers to believe that Internet addiction is real, although there is much debate about such an addiction as a clinical diagnosis.

Students from the US and from China reported feeling the highest incidence of feelings of addiction when they were completely separated from all forms of media, including cell phones, Internet, music, video games, and television — even though the separation was only for one day.

Students from 10 countries—including the US, Mexico, China, Argentina, the UK—all reported distress, isolation, confusion, boredom, and a feeling of addiction when they had to go 24 hours without any form of media, including Internet, music, games, news shows, and their cell phones.

However, the numbers were not all equal—students from the US and China (mainland and Hong Kong) showed the highest percentages of feeling addicted, at 23 and 22 percent respectively. Ugandans had the least trouble with the experiment, and Argentina had the highest percentage of students who failed to complete it.

Those who failed fell into two categories — those who needed media for work or school, or those who simply could not bear to go 24 hours without some form of media.

Readers, what do you think of the results of this study? Are you “addicted” to Facebook?

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[Ars Technica]

Jay-Z Enters the Digital World, Launches Life + Times Blog

In an apparent attempt to expand his brand and connect with his fans, Jay-Z has launched a blog, Life + Times.

Mediabistro.com spent some time on the site, noting that it was hard to navigate. New York magazine's Vulture site delves into the reasons behind the launch.

"You can certainly see this kind of thing — an attempt to connect Jay to all things that are hip and relevant...something about ‘expanding and preserving Jay-Z’s brand."

To read more about the critique emerging about the site, please visit http://www.mediabistro.com/prnewser/jay-z-beefs-up-his-brand-with-life-times_b18792.

Readers, will you visit Jay-Z's site? What would you like to see on the blog?

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Is Meredith Vieira Leaving NBC's "Today" Show?

Following yesterday’s news that Katie Couric might return to daytime TV, there are now rumors circulating that Meredith Vieira (who took Couric’s spot beside co-host Matt Lauer in 2006) is expected to leave NBC's “Today” when her contract expires later this year.

Two anonymous sources told TV Guide that Vieira, 57, is ready to move on and that the early morning hours and the health of her husband (who has struggled with multiple sclerosis and cancer) are other deciding factors.

Reportedly, NBC is doing everything they can to convince Vieira to stay. Insiders at NBC News have also said that if she does decide to leave, her position will most likely be filled by news anchor Ann Curry.

Readers, do you watch the "Today" show? If so, what are your thoughts about Vieira's possible departure?

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MORIONAN 2011 in Sta. Cruz

MORIONAN 2011 in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque
Maundy Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 2:00pm at Sta. Cruz Plaza

CLUB MARINDUQUENO in cooperation with Congressman Allan Q. Velasco, Mayor Percival Morales and the Municipality of Sta. Cruz will hold "MORIONAN 2011". Said event sponsored by STI Schools is a competition among various morion groups in the island-province. It is the third such annual competition since it was conceptualized and successfully held for the first time in 2009 in the town of Boac. Intended to encourage the participation of more morion groups, especially the young, to the moriones festival celebration, and as a tourism event.

Contest rules as announced by the organizers are as follows:

1. A minimum number of thirty (30) individuals per group/platoon is required. The group may be composed of males or females or a combination of both;

2. The group/platoon should be in morion costumes with props such as sword/spear and shield, but not limited thereto;

3. The group mustt chreograph a production of march drills or synchronized morion movements of not more than 15 minutes including entrance and exit;

4. The march drill must be accompanied by either a live drum-and-bugle, lyre band, percussion instruments, live band or any recorded marching performance music band;
5. They must bear a company flag carried by a bearer with the name of the group and coat of arms;

6. They must submit a group/platoon profile (name, address, contact persons, tel. nos., how they got their name) and choreographic concept (script), which shold be submitted to the District Office of Congressman Velasco (in Boac or Sta. Cruz office), one (1) week before the scheduled event;

7. The group/platoon shall provide its own vehicle to and from the contest site including that of their support group;

8. Contest criteria shall be based on morion costume (30%), march drill/morion movement or choreography (50%), and over-all audience impact (20%);

9. The contest is open to all local groups and those coming from other provinces;
10. All judges will be selected by the organizers. The judges' decision is final;

11. Official application forms may be obtained from the Office of Congressman Velasco;

12. Prizes are as follows:

Champion: Php 70,000.00
1st Runner-Up: Php 50,000.00
2nd Runner-Up: Php 30,000.00

Consolation Prizes of Php 10,000.00 each will be given to the 4th up to 10th placers.
13. Deadline for submission of application forms on or before April 14, 2011.

For further inquiries call: #0917-8866267 or #0932-1512268 (Erick); or tel. no. (042) 754-0168 (Jenilyn).