Philly Pride Presents – Philadelphia 22nd Annual Pride Festival

I used to hate going to Pride Festivals.  It seemed too much for me to handle.  I have lived in Baltimore, New York, and Los Angeles which are great cities to hold Pride Festivals.

However, since I’ve lived in Pennsylvania and New jersey, I have met friends who actually made it fun for me to attend these events.

Just in case you’re wondering when this year’s Pride Festival would be held in Phildelphia, ( since it is getting warmer outside now ) – It will be held on June 13, 2010.

To get updated on the events for the LGBT community in the South Jersey / Philadelphia area – visit: Philly Pride Presents – Annual Events.

Chile Earthquake Altered Earth Axis, Shortened Day – Gives me less time to do my makeup.

Sheezawhiz!  Here we go.  Did you hear about the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that recently devastated the country of Chile and threatened a tsunami from the Pacific Ocean had shortened the day by 1.26 millionths of a second.  It’s not like you’re going to notice it but according to seismologists, the accuracy of measuring the length of day is approximately 20 millionths of a second so they really can’t measure the change and it won’t be permanent either.

This happens when “thrust-earthquakes” – such as the one experienced in Chile and the 9 magnitude earthquake in Sumatra back in 2004 – dives beneath an adjacent plate… or whatever that means.

If you don’t believe me – - read up on it at National Geographic… link below.

Chile Earthquake Altered Earth Axis, Shortened Day.

Tsunami Warning Hawaii Live Coverage on USTREAM right Now

For those of you who are concerned about families or relatives who are in the area of Hawaii Tsunami warning was issued – You may watch live coverage right here.

Free Webcam Chat at Ustream

I can’t miss the Olympics anymore – - Live Streaming Video Available

Image Credit: Boingboing.net

In the past couple of weeks, I have heard nothing from my friends but news about the Olympics.  Even listening and watching my daily podcasts, there are no other news than Olympic medals, triumphs and glory.

When Joannie Rochette competed in the women’s figure skating competition (after her mother’s sudden death from a heart attack), I missed it.  She won a bronze medal for her performance.  For missing that, I was so bummed.  Those are the scenes that make the Olympics for me.  It’s about continued resilience regardless of the situation.

So, I searched online and found a way to watch the Olympics.  Wherever you are in the world, you may watch the 2010 Vancouver Olympics using your computer (Mac or Windows) by going to this site.

Never miss another event again.

Cheers!

Walter Koenig says son (Andrew “Boner” Koenig) took his own life

May he rest in peace.

via Walter Koenig says son took his own life – Celebrities- msnbc.com.

Just for fun – view the video and post your results.

I am a member of one of the blogs in MyBlogLog and it seems that this video is always on my top 10 list being viewed by many people. I got curious one day and tried to find out what it was all about. It was actually an experiment about human perception. It’s called perceptual blindness. How we view things vary from one person to the next and we all know that.  What’s interesting about this experiment is that you get surprised about what you see and do not see when you watch the video.

Before you watch the video, please take note of these instructions and follow them strictly.

1. While watching the following video, ignore the team in black – they are trying to confuse the situation. Count only the number of passes made by the team in white t-shirts.
2. When you are done, click the back button to return to this page with the answers and follow up discussion.
3. Alright, go Watch the Video by clicking here

Do not be reading below this point if you haven’t yet watched the video…

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Another Snow Storm? Come on…

I don’t know about y’all but the snow we’ve gotten on the east coast is more than enough. We’ve surpassed records after records of historical data and now, here comes another one. They are talking another 15 inches and seriously, I’m tired of it.

This just makes me look forward even more to my trip to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo in the spring. Let’s just hope that the bad weather won’t follow me there. Arrgghhh.

Will there be hope for Manila to return to the same way that it once was?

Of course, the Philippine Elections 2010 is coming to a place near you. The candidates will give a lot of promises – a lot of lip service. It is their time to shine of course. But will you let them bribe you? Will you allow corrupt leaders to manipulate your vote just because you received P100, P200, or even P1000? Let’s hope not.

From the archives of the University of Wisconsin, here are photos of how great Manila was back in the day. Will you vote for a leader that would put not only food on your table because he/she provided you with jobs to hold? Will you vote for a leader who will make every effort to fight corruption and greed in order that the taxpayer’s money gets allocated to the projects and plans for a better Philippines? How about infrastructure improvements and INTERNATIONAL CLASS AIRPORTS to encourage foreign investments and boost tourism? Will you vote for someone who will do everything in his/her power to make Manila the great city that it once was?

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Nodar Kumaritashvili’s Crash Video Controversy

Is it morbid? Is it something that should have been released? The crash video of luger Nodar Kumatritashvili’s accident hours prior to the Opening Ceremony has already made its round all over the internet. The clip was embedded on a video on CBS’s website.

I was horrified the first time I saw it and the CBS video is on instant replay so it played over and over again once I played it. There are no graphic scenes but just watching the impact and hearing the sound of the crash when he hit the metal pole was enough to make me cringe.

Watch the video and tell me what you think. Click HERE.

We Are The World Video Released – Donate Now

Receiving over 1.2 million views already, the newly-released video of We Are The World 25 has surely gotten the attention of many.

While many already say that they are overwhelmed with the response received from people all over the globe to help Haiti after the devastating earthquake hit the country, they are also afraid that after the television commercials or the news have ceased – the help will cease as well. People will still be suffering, and many people still need the care and the help of individuals even when the lights go off.

There were many surprises in the video including the appearance of the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson.  I was surprised to see Enrique Iglesias as well.  It is indeed a work of love.

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Horrific Winter Olympic Crash Video Released

It was a somber day at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia today. A freak accident killed Olympic hopeful, Nodar Kumaritashvili during practice hours before the opening of the Winter Games.

The 21-year old athlete was training when he flew off the luge track and hit a metal pole. It is said that the athlete was running about 90 mph when he flew off the track near the finish line.

See the freak accident video below.

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Former President Bill Clinton Hospitalized

What’s with the news lately. First it was Alec Baldwin, then it was designer Alexander McQueen and now former President Bill Clinton hospitalized due to chest pains.

Former President Bill Clinton was hospitalized today after complaining of chest pains. He was rushed to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, the same hospital who provided his bypass surgery back in 2004.

According to the ex-President’s couselor, two stents were implanted today:

Today President Bill Clinton was admitted to the Columbia Campus of New York Presbyterian Hospital after feeling discomfort in his chest.

Following a visit to his cardiologist, he underwent a procedure to place two stents in one of his coronary arteries. President Clinton is in good spirits, and will continue to focus on the work of his Foundation and Haiti’s relief and long-term recovery efforts.

In 2004, President Clinton underwent a successful quadruple bypass operation to free four blocked arteries.

A stent is a wire metal mesh tube used to prop open an artery during angioplasty – a procedure where a cardiologist re-opens a blocked artery to restore blood flow to the heart.Angioplasty is also called percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI.

Reports have now come out that the President is in good spirits after the surgery.  Get well soon Bill!

One weird story, but hey – that’s what life is about right?

I was blog hopping this afternoon.  The snow-covered streets and sleet-laden sidewalks weren’t enough for my workplace to shut down.  We are “required” to work from home.

Heck, if I’m going to work from home on a snow day, I might as well blog hop.

I came across this weird story.  Many of us would probably cringe at the very moment you read the phrase, “boyfriend’s toilet bowl with his own toothbrush, …..!” but I won’t judge.  The story is not even about the toothbrush, rather it is a story about relationships.  I would leave it up to you to figure out the read the rest of the story…. someone needs an advice – STAT!

If you could offer your input to this person’s dilemma, hey – - feel free to hop on over to The Stranger.

Bracing for another big storm – - – Arrrgghh!

Issued by The National Weather ServicePhiladelphia, PA3:30 am EST, Tue., Feb. 9, 2010…

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO MIDNIGHT EST WEDNESDAY NIGHT…A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO MIDNIGHT EST WEDNESDAY NIGHT.LOW PRESSURE MOVING FROM THE DEEP SOUTH EARLY THIS MORNING WILL HEAD INTO THE OHIO VALLEY THIS AFTERNOON. THAT LOW WILL GIVE UP ITS ENERGY TO A COASTAL STORM… WHICH WILL DEVELOP ALONG THE NORTHERN NORTH CAROLINA COAST LATE TODAY AND THIS EVENING. BY WEDNESDAY MORNING… THIS NOR/EASTER IS FORECAST TO BE INTENSIFYING STRONGLY JUST EAST OF OUR AREA… AND IS EXPECTED TO BRING HEAVY SNOW TO A GOOD PART OF OUR AREA THROUGH WEDNESDAY AND PERHAPS INTO WEDNESDAY EVENING.SOUTHEAST OFINTERSTATE 95 THE SNOW MAY MIX WITH SLEET AT TIMES TONIGHT… AND WITH SLEET AND RAIN AT TIMES DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THE DAY WEDNESDAY. HOWEVER… THIS IS MORE LIKELY CLOSER TO THE COAST. BUT AS COLDER AIR WRAPS AROUND THE STORM EVEN THESE AREAS ARE EXPECTED TO CHANGE BACK TO ALL SNOW.

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Toyota recall models affected, Jan 28, 2010

Frequently Asked Questions For Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall and Suspension of Sales

Full Text Transcript of President Obama’s First State of the Union

Obama: Madame Speaker, Vice President Biden, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans:

Our Constitution declares that from time to time, the president shall give to Congress information about the state of our union. For 220 years, our leaders have fulfilled this duty. They have done so during periods of prosperity and tranquility. And they have done so in the midst of war and depression; at moments of great strife and great struggle.

It’s tempting to look back on these moments and assume that our progress was inevitable — that America was always destined to succeed. But when the Union was turned back at Bull Run and the Allies first landed at Omaha Beach, victory was very much in doubt. When the market crashed on Black Tuesday and civil rights marchers were beaten on Bloody Sunday, the future was anything but certain. These were times that tested the courage of our convictions, and the strength of our union. And despite all our divisions and disagreements; our hesitations and our fears; America prevailed because we chose to move forward as one nation, as one people.

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Second pregnant man Scott Moore due to give birth to baby boy next month

Remember the Thomas Beatie, the world’s first pregnant man?  Well, now there’s a second one named Scott Moore who is to give birth to a baby boy next month.   According to Mail Online,  Scott started out as a female named Jessica.  She approached her parents at 11-years old saying that he wanted to be a man.

Her parents thought she was crazy then but as time went on, they believed her and was allowed to take male hormone pills at 16 years-old.

Her chest was removed, but her female organs are still intact since he cannot afford the surgery.

He met Thomas (used to be Laura) who has had a total hysterectomy and gender reassignment last year in 2005 at a support group for transgender men.   After two months, they started living together.

Scott was inseminated with the sperm of a male friend and fell pregnant in June 2009.

‘We were so happy we did what all gay men do when they get excited – we went shopping,’ Thomas said.

The Kindle-killer – - the iPad to be released in April 2010

Apple launched the highly-anticipated unveiling of their latest product – the iPad. It’s like an iTouch on steroids! The iPad goes on sale in the U.S. in March or April 2010 for prices ranging from $499 to $829 US. According to Steve Jobs, the iPad may become available to other countries other than the US by June or July 2010.

Many have speculated and when leaks of a possible Apple tablet product to be released in the market, the buzz started going. The buzz continued and it created positive marketing towards Apple’s new product which could handle 1400 applications (will handle all of current iPhone applications) and additional applications designed for the iPad.

Now the question is, will it kill the Amazon Kindle? Probably so. With the launch of iBooks, iBook readers may now be able to download digital books . A keyboard appears right on the tablet and may be used for convenience or you may purchase a detachable keyboard that is sold separately.

Twitter and Facebook were bombarded with comments today minutes after the unveiling. Some like it and some do not. What do you think?

Would you pay $499.00 for an iPad?

Star Cinema’s first offering for 2010 – Paano na Kaya – VIDEO TRAILER and STILLS

With record-breaking offerings in 2009, Star Cinema releases “Paano na Kaya” starring Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu. It’s the drama that catches you. The ‘young love’. The friendship.

First of all, I am in love with Gerald Anderson. Secret crush ko siya. I will watch anything Gerald. There’s a scene in this trailer…. pinakita na naman ang abs ng lolo niyo.. huwaw!

Want to see the trailer and movie stills? Watch the video trailer after the JUMP.

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President Obama’s 1st year in Office. What has happened?

NBC also took a look back at President Obama’s first year in office.  Today marks, to the day – President Obama’s inauguration.  The excitement was hard to contain when he was sworn into the highest office in the United States – if not the world.

With all the problems he inherited, he had to hit the ground running.  With two wars, an economic meltdown, health care reform and many other things that has happened during his first year – we can’t say it was an easy year.  But what do we think?

Watch the video below as it was recalled by the Today Show.

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Mark your calendars. The Apple Tablet to be unveiled next week, January 27

Apple tablet enthusiasts – - mark your calendars.  The Apple Tablet is said to be unveiled on Wednesday next week, January 27th.   iSlate is the rumored name for this new gadget (Apple has owned the domain of islate.com since 2007) that would be competing with regular laptops.

According to WSJ, the price will be around $1000.00 USD.  Kinda expensive don’t you think?   But they do say that consumers may want it just because.

An invitation only event will be held at:

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco on January 27 — a Wednesday.

“Come see our latest creation.”

Source

Watch: Frozen Iguanas Falling from Trees in South Florida

I read online today that some Floridians woke up to a white dusty surprise.  Their rooftops and cars were covered with snow dusting.  Snow in Florida??!

The record temperatures gripping the country is causing so much imbalance and we’re seeing records being broken as far back as 1996.

Today, I saw this write-up about Iguanas falling from trees in Florida because the temperature has gotten too cold.

Watch the video.

via Towleroad

Clever Google Doodle with falling apple to celebrate Isaac Newton’s birthday

Gotta love Google! They raise awareness on things that normally would have been a great fact for us to remember but forget. Today’s Google doodle shows an apple tree branch and then one of the apple falls. Why, because today, January 4th is Isaac Newton’s birthday.

Here are some facts about Isaac Newton (for you people who were absent from class when it was taught! Ha!).

Sir Isaac Newton FRS (4 January 1643 – 31 March 1727 [OS: 25 December 1642 – 20 March 1727]) was an English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian who is perceived and considered by a substantial number of scholars and the general public as one of the most influential scientists in history. His 1687 publication of the Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (usually called the Principia) is considered to be among the most influential books in the history of science, laying the groundwork for most of classical mechanics. In this work, Newton described universal gravitation and the three laws of motion which dominated the scientific view of the physical universe for the next three centuries. Newton showed that the motions of objects on Earth and of celestial bodies are governed by the same set of natural laws by demonstrating the consistency between Kepler’s laws of planetary motion and his theory of gravitation, thus removing the last doubts about heliocentrism and advancing the scientific revolution.

Newton also built the first practical reflecting telescope and developed a theory of colour based on the observation that a prism decomposes white light into the many colours that form the visible spectrum. He also formulated an empirical law of cooling and studied the speed of sound.

In mathematics, Newton shares the credit with Gottfried Leibniz for the development of the differential and integral calculus. He also demonstrated the generalised binomial theorem, developed the so-called “Newton’s method” for approximating the zeroes of a function, and contributed to the study of power series.

Newton remains influential to scientists, as demonstrated by a 2005 survey of members of Britain’s Royal Society (formerly headed by Newton) asking who had the greater effect on the history of science, Newton or Albert Einstein. Royal Society scientists deemed Newton to have made the greater overall contribution. In 1999, leading physicists from all over the world voted Einstein “greatest physicist ever;” Newton was the runner-up.

Newton was also highly religious, though an unorthodox Christian, writing more on Biblical hermeneutics and occult studies than the natural science for which he is remembered today.

So why the apple?

Newton’s Apple:

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This is why I think the world is not hopeless…

I found this site of cuteness – and I couldn’t help but love the animals posted on this site. But this one was special when I saw it this morning because with all the hatred in the world, and the war, and the gay bashings…. the basic of all basics.. animals even – - know how to love.

The story of the photo is about Bishop and Jones. Jones had to have an emergency surgery so Bishop was left alone at home. Well, Bishop has never been apart from Jones so when Jones came home (with the healing collar) – according to the photo sender, Bishop followed Joes for almost an hour… and then in one moment — gave him this kiss.

There is hope for the world. There is hope in 2010 people!

Check out the site of cuteness over via I love you, Man — Cute Overload.

Ring in the New Year via LIVE STREAM of New York’s Time Square

We are all ready! We are out with the old and in with the new! Welcoming 2010 with a positive attitude and expectations of greatness and prosperity.

How would you like to welcome the New Year as if you were in New York City and waiting for the ball to drop? Guess what? You don’t have to worry about freezing in the cold, having to find a bathroom or whatever have you…. you can join the people from all over the world who has trekked their way to New York City’s Times Square to ring in the New Year VIA LIVE STREAM! It is currently on already and you can see the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Watch the LIVE STREAM VIDEO below:

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A Christmas Eve to remember. Fabulous Dinner by ANTM!

The tree setup the same day.  Ha!  Talk about last minute.

Wait a minute.. it’s still the holiday season so this post is not considered late just yet. For most of us, Christmas is now a memory. It’s done. Presents opened, cards discarded and Christmas Tree to some have been dismantled.

Not for Chuva Chienes. Chuva was not in the spirit of Christmas until Christmas eve. I really wasn’t feeling it this year. With the economic meltdown affecting every one I know, people still out of a job, many celebrated Christmas simply and stayed at home to save cost – - I just couldn’t get into the spirit. But Christmas eve came and all of a sudden, I got into the spirit of it all.

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Chuvachienes dot com – 1st Annual Review – 2009

Good, I got you to look! Ha~! Well, bords ~ another year has gone by. In this fast-paced world of blogging, things change very quickly and to think that it was around this time last year when I was kicked off Bluehost and scrambling to find another hosting service pronto… but now it’s like a distant memory.

There were many things that happened to Chuva Chienes dot com in the past year. Many positives and a few negatives but all in all, I’m still grateful. Thanks to all my readers who flock the site each and every day. I am very grateful to you and I share my success with you.

Here are the highlights of 2009:

The Negastar meets the Megastar Sharon Cuneta

It was a dream come true. Never in my wildest dreams have I thought of meeting the “one and only” megastar. But through a string of events, that very chance of meeting my one and only Megastar happened.

The Negastar Meets Senator Kiko Pangilinan

Without Senator Kiko Pangilinan’s help, I wouldn’t have realized the ultimate dream of meeting the Megastar Sharon Cuneta. Georg Nava was instrumental as well as she corresponded with me all throughout before I made my trip to Manila. Senator Kiko Pangilinan was as generous and gracious in meeting me in Makati. I got to exchange a few words with him as well. I support him all the way. The chance of this meeting was realized simply because of a Youtube Video I made for both the Megastar and The Senator (see videos below).

Chuva Chienes dot com crossed the 100,000 mark of Alexa Rating

Thanks to all the support of my loyal readers and friends, Chuva Chienes dot com crossed the threshold of top 100,000 members of Alexa. It took me three years to realize this dream and this year, we made it. Currently at 80,199. Woohoo!!!

Chuva Chienes was invited to the premiere of Kimmy Dora

If only I lived in the Philippines, I wouldn’t have missed this event. I really liked Eugene Domingo and find her very funny so I kept plugging her movie “Kimmy Dora – Kambal sa Kyeme”. I was suprised when I received an email from Moki Villegas inviting me to attend the premiere with the press last August at Gateway Mall. I would have loved to meet her in person, including Dingdong Dantes whom I have a huge crush on… haha! But I had already made my trip to Manila in May to meet the Megastar and Sen. Kiko so I had to decline.

Considered to collaborate with Raimund Agapito for PinoyParazzi.com

Chuva Chienes received an email from Raimund Agapito of PinoyParazzi.com with a lot of compliments and hoping that I would be able to collaborate with him and his online magazine regarding celebrities. As you all know, Chuva is still in the process of obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree and working full time at the same time. I also had to decline the offer but I am very grateful for the compliments. More power to Sir Raimund Agapito. Cheers!

Steadily rising traffic means increased advertising on Chuva Chienes dot com

Thanks to my sponsors who have loyally advertised on Chuva Chienes dot com. I am very grateful as well that the traffic on Chuva Chienes dot com has been steadily rising since January of 2009. It hit an all-time high last month when Chuva received a record of 145K unique visits and 241K pageviews. Needless to say, the rest is history.

So, in this 1st ever annual “Year in Review” for Chuva Chienes, I would like to thank all the readers, blogger friends and everyone else who have helped make Chuva Chienes a success. We will be definitely celebrating on New Year’s eve (drinking the wine that was given to me by Senator Pangilinan as his welcome gift) and we will welcome 2010 with more anticipation and hope for growth and success.

Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat! As always, you may contact Chuva Chienes by sending her an email through this LINK.

Jasper Schuringa – our new hero from NW Flight 253

What first looked like fireworks to fire inside NW Flight 253 turned out to be an attempted terrorist attack. An attack was planned by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab aka Abdul Mutallab who was subdued by Jasper Shuringa, a video producer and director from Amsterdam, and is now being hailed as a hero.

Jasper Shuringa suffered burns in his hands when he took what was siad to be explosive chemical powder in Abdul Mutallab’s lap.

“I pulled the object from him and tried to extinguish the fire with my hands and threw it away,” Schuringa said.

He said he managed to pull an object tucked between Abdulmutallab’s legs.

“Water! Water,” Schuringa screamed. He heard fire extinguishers as he pulled Abdulmutallab out of his seat and dragged him to the front of the plane.

Schuringa said he stripped off Abdulmutallab’s clothes to make sure he did not have other explosives on his body. A crew member helped handcuff him…

He said other passengers applauded as he walked back to his own seat.

“My hands are pretty burned. I am fine,” he said. “I am shaken up. I am happy to be here.”

Miracles still do happen – - via SPAM email.. watch this video.

Many of us (or all of us) have received a SPAM email about the Nigerian Bank or Consulate giving away sums of money to the unknowing person who will be scammed. Or to that wealthy heiress who wants your bank information so her entrusted caretaker can wire you the money.

Well, most of us push the delete button right? It’s an annoying email and it’s simply a scammer trying to get us to provide them with our personal information.

Watch this video of someone who would have been scammed… but actually ended up with a miracle and passed it on to charity.

Pope Benedict knocked by woman Christmas Eve Mass

Sheesh! How hard is it to be the Pope? Or the President of the United States? Well, there are crazy people out there – everywhere and I’m sure they keep the secret service’s hands full.

Pope Benedict the XVI was knocked down to the ground as he walked through St. Peter’s Basilica for the annual Christmas Eve Mass when a woman crossed the barrier in an attempt of some kind which wasn’t clear. The Pope is fine and continued on to celebrate Christmas Eve mass.

Watch the video below:

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