Olympic Fever: Wear Your Country Flag On Your Browser

Olympic fever burning for your country team yet?

In line with the ongoing 2012 Olympics in London, Firefox pushed for its set of personas featuring National Flags, celebrating "the global spirit of community." It is certainly a nice reminder to cheer for your country team competing in the XXX Olympiad.

Just to clarify, we are talking about the Games of the "30th Olympiad" and not a reference to a raunchy adult video. Although if we base this on the statements of US Women's Soccer Team goalkeeper Hope Solo, one could be justified in saying that the Olympics may not be just strictly sports. [See Hope Solo and Sex in the Olympics]

Well, what can you do with all that testosterone in the air?

200 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Anyway, this particular collection of Firefox themes [See National Flags 2012] is not at all complete with only about 65 designs including the Global Spirit series. Here's one that features the Philippine Flag as seen in the screengrab above. That is decent enough for my taste. Not satisfied, here are other variations in case you are feeling somewhat patriotic especially now that the Philippines is facing formidable adversaries in the Western Philippine Sea. [See More Philippine Flag Firefox Personas]

Congrats in advance to all participants in the 2012 Olympics. Do your country proud. Here's to Global Community and brotherhood. And Go Team Philippines!

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The Next Stroke: Laser Projection Keyboard

Things are going to feel a little different.

The buzz over the technology grapevine these days is about the advent of the laser projection keyboard. This virtual input device can project the layout of a keyboard on any surface and by simply tapping on said layout you could work your PC as if you do have a wired keyboard. This is bound to send your old, dusty, crumb-ridden, tippety-tap PC keyboard to obsolescence in a few years.

It is certainly an exciting technology but certainly nothing new. As early as 2008, the i.Tech Virtual Keyboard was already being sold at Amazon.com. The latest projection keyboard to come out in the market is the Celluon Magic Cube Laser Projection Keyboard and Touchpad. It debuted with an SRP of about $200 during the summer and is fast gaining the interest of tech aficionados. And what's not to drool over? You're typing with laser!

While projection keyboards are certainly a step closer towards realizing a Matrix-like future, personally I would wait for the second or third generations of this technology to come out. As were most transitional technologies (i.e. laser discs, zip drives, etc.) it won't take long for the trend to snowball into better, faster and cheaper versions of the product.

At any rate, apart from the flexibility of using your projection keyboard with multiple devices (from PCs to mobile gadgets) the clear upside for the device -- you won't have to worry about spilling your drink on your keyboard!

Learn more about the laser guided keyboard here and here (Death of the Keyboard).

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Tech World Mourns: Steve Jobs Reaches End-Of-Life

The Apple homepage in mourning for Steve Jobs.

It's the final upgrade for the enigmatic co-founder of Apple.

Steve Jobs -- after struggling with pancreatic cancer since being diagnosed in 2004 -- passed away October 5, 2011. He was 56.

He recently relinquished his post as CEO of Apple to  Tim Cook. Technology enthusiasts around the world expressed their condolences through a special webpage for their fallen hero at http://www.apple.com/stevejobs where you may also send thoughts and prayers through a designated email address.

Steve Jobs was a well-known trailblazer of the computing era having spearheaded technologies that  helped define technology trends for the past 4 decades. These include the first Apple and Macintosh personal computers, the iPod, the iPhone, and more recently the Apple iPad tablet computer..

Here's a fond farewell to a true innovator, Steve Jobs. He is a testament to the human capacity to make things better.

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Miss Angola Crowned Miss Universe 2011

Congratulations to Miss Angola Leila Lopes for winning the Miss Universe 2011 beauty pageant. Out of 89 Miss Universe 2011 contestants, the stunning 25 year old won the coveted Miss Universe crown. Miss Lopes, a business management student, received her award from outgoing Miss Universe 2010 titleholder Ximena Navarette of Mexico.

Miss Angola bested the other Miss Universe 2011 contestants in the top 10 from Panama, Portugal, France, Costa Rica, Australia, China, Philippines, Brazil, and Ukraine. Miss China Zilin Luo was 4th runner up, Shamcey Supsup of the Philippines placed 3rd runner up, Brazil's own Priscila Machado came in at 2nd runner up and Miss Ukraine Olesya Stefanko was chosen as the first runner up.

This is the 60th year of the Miss Universe pageant and the first win for Angola in the international beauty contest. The contest was held in Sao Paulo, Brazil. You can expect the Miss Universe 2011 contestants and the entire country of Angola will be partying hard tonight!

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Steve Jobs Hands Apple To Tim Cook

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Apple co-founder and CEO of 14 years Steve Jobs resigned from the tech-giant's top post August 24 leaving Apple shareholders with a sense of ambivalence. However, as the Apple board's appointment of Jobs' second-in-command Tim Cook took effect there's a fair level of hope for the future of Apple Inc.

There's been some talk about Jobs' health status since his leave as of January of 2011. The 55 year young tech maverick has become an icon of innovation and leadership in the computing industry for the past decade and a half. Steve Jobs is known to be a pancreatic cancer survivor.

Steve Jobs has recommended long-time protegee and chief operating officer Tim Cook to takeover as the company's CEO. Jobs will remain as chairman of the board for Apple Inc.

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Latest Crisis: Solar Storms Are Set to Hit the Earth - Yahoo! News

Its been a crazy 2011 thus far.

The Steelers lost to Green Bay in Superbowl XLV early February. Japan was rocked by an earthquake in March. Then more recently, Obama scrambles to get the votes for the debt ceiling deal, a massacre shocks Norway and the NFL finally ends the lockout. Crazy year indeed!

But before we can start relaxing thinking that the worst is over, here's a piece of gloom coming from an otherwise sunny source. Our sun is turning a shade of nasty as scientists expect moderate to strong solar storms to affect Earth in the coming days. Expect electrical disruptions to run up until 2013 the peak of the suns 11-year cycle also known as solar maximum.

For the ardent techies and gadget-mongers out there, can you survive the upcoming frying of your electric dreams? How will this affect the coverage of the NFL? How can you live without your daily dose of your favorite blogs if the World Wide Web goes toast?

Read more on the solar storms - Latest Crisis: Solar Storms Are Set to Hit the Earth - Yahoo! News.

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Superbowl XLV: Packers vs. Steelers Rivalry Rekindled

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Last year I made an uncanny prediction that the New Orleans Saints will win last year's Superbowl by 14 points. Dare I make another fearless forecast for Superbowl XLV?

I'm not at ease quite frankly. By now, those of you following me would know that I'm a Steelers fan. By virtue of experience, they indeed have the upper hand in this match up. Ben Roethlisberger has already claimed 2 Superbowl rings along with majority of the starting lineup for Pittsburgh's black and gold. Aaron Rodgers and company for the Green Bay Packers are clearly the underdog as far as the this the biggest stage in NFL is concerned.

Nevertheless, both the Steelers and the Packers showed solid performance throughout the season which gives them equal footing for claiming the Lombardi trophy come Sunday night. I'm for Pittsburgh with sheer loyalty and with good reason but I can't discount Green Bay without doubting my guts.

It would be good to see Aaron Rodgers vindicated with a win -- he is a good quarterback and will certainly deserve a Superbowl victory under his belt. But overall, are the Packers ready to foil what may be the Steelers' 7th Superbowl win?

With much apprehension, I think Steelers will take their historic 7th win by 2 to 7 points over the Packers. Good luck to both teams!

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Pacquiao Destroys Margarito; Wins Record 10th World Title

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The distinguished gentleman from the Philippines, Manny "The Pacman" Pacquiao emerges victorious against the Mexican challenger Antonio "El Tornado de Tijuana" Margarito via a 12-round unanimous decision in their world title fight, November 13, 2010 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas, USA.

Save for a round or two in the early goings where Margarito showed marks of his former championship brilliance, Pacquiao overwhelmed his opponent through their WBC Junior Middleweight bout. The famed Filipino boxer now holds the distinction of the only fighter holding 10 world titles in 8 different weight classes.

Margarito fought bravely through bloodied and swollen eyes and held his own despite wobbly legs up to the last sound of the bell. During the 12th round Pacquiao can be seen glancing at the referee as if waiting for the official to stop the fight, knowing that his challenger is at that point severely injured.

It was a historic event witnessed by millions all over the world. And it is only fitting that the match was held at what is currently the world's finest sporting venue -- Jerry Jones' Cowboys Stadium, which was filled to overflowing by boxing fans that night.

It was a dominating performance by Pacquiao but the bravery of Margarito cannot be denied. No doubt, this fight will go down the boxing annals as a certified classic.

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NFL Updates: Big Ben Bounces Back, Dallas' Despair and Close Clinchers

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Six weeks into the 2010-2011 season, the NFL's big story is on the Pittsburgh Steelers (yay Steelers!) with the return of their starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger off a 4-game suspension. Big Ben threw 16/27 for 257 yards and while he was intercepted once, he made 3 touchdown passes throwing off doubts that the top-rated QB is in game-ready form.

On that same game, the Cleveland Browns debuted rookie QB Colt McCoy who fared quite well with a 23/33 completions passing for 281 yards. If not for the 2 interceptions and 4 sacks, the Heisman nominee may have had a grander welcome to the NFL. The Steelers won 28-10.

Also in week 6, America's team the Dallas Cowboys is down in the doldrums at 1 win and 4 losses. Analysts are pointing out that the Cowboys are making too many unnecessary mistakes, suffering penalties that sets them back and puts their opponents at an advantage. Last week the Cowboys lost with a heart-breaking 21-24 versus good 'ol Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. Two weeks in a row, the Cowboys were called for excessive celebrations. Last Sunday, they had 11 penalties and lost 91 yards in the process. Dallas needs to show disciplined football and stop beating themselves if they want to get back in their winning ways.

Speaking of heart-breaking losses, games determined by a single field goal is getting very common in the NFL these days. Six matches saw the winning team getting only a 3-point edge most notably the overtime win of the New England Patriots over the Baltimore Ravens courtesy of Stephen Gostkowski's winning field goal. Watch this and other stories below.

Which team do you think will make it all the way to the AFC and NFC championships?

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Voice of Kid's Cartoon "Dora The Explorer" Sues Viacom

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The voice behind Nickelodeon's bilingual cartoon heroine "Dora The Explorer" filed a lawsuit against the cable channel and parent media company Viacom for allegedly cheating her out of millions of promised revenue from residuals and merchandising. Kaitlin Sanchez, who lent her voice to the famed pre-school character since 2007, recently lost the role owing to the teen's changed voice according to a statement from Nickelodeon.

"We are not suing because they claim her voice changed... She is suing because they paid her nothing for residuals," Sanchez's attorney John Balestriere said. He further stated that Sanchez spent most of her time promoting the brand uncompensated "rather than performing as a paid actress."

The counter from Nickelodeon: "She was well-compensated for her work and for personal appearances."

Prior to landing the role of Dora Marquez in the cartoon series, the voice behind Dora was played by Kathleen Herles. No statement has been made regarding a replacement for Sanchez. It is expected that Viacom will fight the claim and vigorously protect one of its bankable franchises. Read more about the story from the links below.

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Blackberry Playbook: RIM's Rival Tablet to IPad Available By 2011

Research in Motion (RIM), the company that currently hogs the smartphone limelight in North America with its Blackberry product line, is set to make available its enterprise-grade tablet PC in the market by 2011. Dubbed the Blackberry Playbook, the 7-inch touchscreen device was recently launched and is now making gadget-conscious heads turn with a sleek, handier exterior while maintaining a reliable, powerful and -- dare I say it -- Flash-friendly system.

It seems that RIM is taking advantage of every negative point against the Apple iPad from consumer surveys and has incorporated them into the Blackberry Playbook. These include true multitasking and interoperability with Flash-based technology -- something that Apple is yet to adopt for its iPad device.

Despite the announcement, RIM shares fell by 2.75 points which analysts take as a criticism against RIM management particularly for the odd-timed release of the Playbook, set after the year-end holidays. Perhaps RIM executives are anticipating loyalty sales from existing Blackberry users especially since the Playbook has device-pairing integration with Blackberry smartphones. This should encourage consumers to hold-on to their hard-earned cash and snub the latest iteration of the iPad this holiday season. The same goes for corporate and institutional buyers looking at distributing tablet computers for their organization since the Blackberry Playbook is largely targeted for the enterprise setting.

That said, I think the delay is a smart move. However, we'll have to wait until next year whether this gamble will pay off for RIM.

The Playbook is also equipped with Bluetooth and WiFi and uses the Blackberry operating system although RIM pledges a Playbook OS soon. See the video preview of the Blackberry Playbook below. How about you -- Are you going for Playbook or the iPad?

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J-Lo Gets High Pay For American Idol Stint

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Jennifer Lopez gets a relatively hefty paycheck for signing up for the American Idol panel. Reports say she's getting some $12 million plus perks for filling in the seats left vacant by Paula Abdul and recently by Kara DioGuardi. With the earlier departure of Simon Cowell, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler took up the third spot on the judge's ring to complement the only remaining original Idol judge Randy Jackson.

In another story, singer George Michael suffered a double whammy over the weekend. He smashed his Range Rover into a photo shop in north London while driving under the influence of cannabis and was subsequently charged and sentenced for an eight week jail term.

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Apple's Ping Could Tune Out MySpace

What's next? Apple on Broadway?!

Apple CEO Steve Jobs is set to make another hit with their latest project "Ping", a new social network thingamajig for their iTunes music software. Ping is a type of Facebook/Twitter/MySpace Web platform that connects iTunes users to their friends as well as to their favorite artists.

This is a natural progression for iTunes which already boasts of over 150 million users worldwide, many of whom are already paying customers of digital music. The ability to tap into that network and engage them in discussions as well as in online and mobile interactions (through Apple's iPod Touch, iPhones and iPad product lines where iTunes is already integrated) creates another multi-million dollar revenue stream for Apple.

Some have commented that Ping may just usher in the demise of MySpace and similar other social networking sites as far as playing a launchpad role for bands, individual artists and their music. However, the question remains -- Do we really need another social network? Share to us what you think.

Check out the main story here.

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Happy 80th Birthday Sir Sean Connery

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Being Sean Connery is one great achievement already. Being Sean Connery for 80 whole years should be a world record in itself.

The finest thespian to ever bear a Scottish twang, the penultimate 007, Sir Thomas Sean Connery celebrates his 80th birthday today August 25.

If you want to see and support his charity works, visit his official website at SeanConnery.com.

Also check out this piece from The Daily Record:
Sean Connery at 80: My acting days are over but I'm still loving life - The Daily Record

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Apple, Google Race for Internet TV Technology

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The old Apple TV will be replaced by iTV.

Top technology giants Apple and Google are both racing to get their own versions of an Internet TV appliance out to the market before the end of 2010 (if not early the following year). Apple's iTV is silently buzzing around the rumor mills while the Google TV already has a presentation preview over at their Google TV website.

These new platforms will definitely change the way people experience television. You can think of it as the latest upgrade to TV since cable or TiVo. Apple is reported to launch iTV in September with a $99 price tag while Google TV is slated for release by the fall of 2010.

Although the concept of Internet television is nothing new, competition between Apple and Google is expected to raise interest for the products going into the holiday season. This is completely different from simply hooking up your computer to the TV via HDMI cable. A rough analogy would be having Apple and Google taking the place of cable and satellite television providers through your ISPs. This also opens up fresh advertising opportunities for companies and of course, more revenue for these top tech titans.

This is going to be a wild new frontier for television in the years ahead. So, will your next TV run on Apple's iOS or Google's Android? Share your comments after the video.

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"Expendables" Blasts To The Top

Mid-life crisis anyone?

The action ensemble flick "Expendables" hit the top box-office spot grossing $35 million during its opening weekend. People are calling it a big comeback for Sylvester Stallone who starred, co-wrote and directed the production which features the biggest names of the action genre, past and present.

From the roster of actors alone, one can expect an overkill of action, explosions and sheer entertaining mayhem. Among those with Stallone are Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Eric Robert, Steve Austin, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Bruce Willis and a special appearance by Arnold Schwarzenneger. It's like Ocean's Eleven, The A-Team, WWE and all three Rambo movies rolled into one. That is one crazy cast!

I'm cutting this post short. On my way to see the "Expendables" right now! Catch other Hollywood stories with our clips for the day. What did you think about the movie?

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NDM-1 Update: "South Asian superbug claims first fatality" - INQUIRER.net

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A Belgian national was reported to have died from the so-called South Asian bug also known as NDM-1 (New Delhi metallo-lactamase-1).This is the first known fatality from a pathogen containing the NDM-1 enzyme gene that is said to be resistant to most antibiotics that exists today.

This comes after the World Health Organization's (WHO) recent declaration regarding the H1N1 virus, bringing down its alert level to the post-pandemic stage. Now, the NDM-1 is not at this point in time a global concern. However, the gene is said to spread easily among different bacteria populations which could cause common strains to be drug-resistant.

Tip of the iceberg

Experts agree that the NDM-1 issue could be much larger than currently reported cases. With human migration and travel on the rise the situation may reach global proportions. In the meantime, the search for a solution is projected to come not until the next decade.


Visit Inquirer.net for the full story.

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Come Marching In: Will the New Orleans Saints Be Able To Defend Their Superbowl Win?

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The New Orleans Saints won their team's first ever Superbowl in the 2009 season. NFL analysts sees their almost unchanged lineup may help Drew Brees et.al. pull off another run for the Lombardi trophy following their success in Superbowl XLIV.

Can Coach Sean Payton and the Saints build the next winningest franchise in the NFL?

Catch the Saints and other NFL teams as they prepare for the 2010 NFL Season on our video playlist.

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Will You Eat Beef From a Cloned Cow?

"I taste so good,
I'm licking myself."

This may be a little bit upsetting for certain people. So for those with weak stomachs, go now and visit other blogs like the ones on our Blog Circle below right or from our "Blog Cuts" section.

A report from the UK tells of beef that are now in commercial circulation that came from cattle born of cloned cows. There's no question about safety according to authorities but there seems to be an issue with regards to transparency about the origins of the meat.

The report also said that the US Food and Drugs Administration already declared in 2008 that "meat and milk from cloned animals are safe for human consumption." Personally, I don't mind the scientific aspect of cloning but its an entirely different thing if it's served up to me on a plate. I certainly don't want to delve into the pros and cons of cloning vis-a-vis the global food supply. Perhaps someday food items from cloned plants and animals will be the standard but I hope it won't be so in my lifetime.

How about you - Would you rather have corned beef or cloned beef?

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New ‘Thundercats’ Animation To Forecast Fate of Movie

I've been tracking development for the "Thundercats" movie since 2007. The latest updates on this project is that Warner Brothers may have something slated by 2011 or 2012. But before that a little experiment is on the way via the small screen.

WB is working with Cartoon Network to launch a new Thundercats animation series. This is in partnership with Studio 4C, a leading Japanese animation firm which also worked on the "Animatrix".

It's quit conceivable that the success or failure of this re-envisioning of the cartoon classic will determine whether the Thundercats movie will see the light of day. Personally, I'm looking forward to both projects.

Related Resources:
New ‘Thundercats’ Series Coming In 2011! First Image And Poster Arrive!