If their daily schedule are so different that they barely get to be together - if they practically pass by each other in their cars to and from work - what will it do their relationship?... Can this kind of arrangement doom a relationship to failure?
Missing connections
Statistics emphasize that the on-the-job demands on time and more intense.
Statistics also show that many marriages where both spouses work end in separation, or fizzle out like a can of soda gone stale.
It's not that you don't love each other - you do, but things get in the way: career ambition, financial necessity, love for your job. And when any or all of those things require that you have a schedule so different from your loved one that you only get to see each other for a brief moment every day, you find that your bonds are wearing thin.
Taking the time
You don't need to be a relationship expert to know that having time for one another - and for the intimate moments as a couple - is vital in a marriage.
That way we enjoy this free time together without recriminations. When we get home after a fun outing we both enjoyed, it puts us in the mood for each other.
Quality time is well and good, but the amount of time we spend together is crucial. We cannot deny that "time deficit" is a problem that will not go away.
Basic Needs In Relationships
If you have been involved in emotionally abusive relationships, you may not have a clear idea of what a healthy relationship is like.
• The need for good will from others
• The need for emotional support
• The need to be heard by the other and to be responded to with respect and
acceptance
• The need to have your own view, even if others have a different view
• The need to have your feelings and experience acknowledged as real
• The need to receive a sincere apology for any jokes or actions you find
offensive
• The need for clear, honest and informative answers to questions about what
affects you
• The need to for freedom from accusation, interrogation and blame
• The need to live free from criticism and judgment
• The need to have your work and your interests respected
• The need for encouragement
• The need for freedom from emotional and physical threat
• The need for freedom from angry outbursts and rage
• The need for freedom from labels which devalue you
• The need to be respectfully asked rather than ordered
• The need to have your final decisions accepted
• The need for privacy at times
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Can a relationship work when you hardly see each other?
Why Americans are So Fat
Americans are getting fatter and fatter. Spontaneous explosions should start any day now. Yet, at the same time, there are more and more gyms and fitness centers springing up around us. Shouldn't that help? Well, it depends:
They probably fought over the closest parking space, too...
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Monday, July 21, 2008
Three-peat for Dizzee Rascal atop British singles charts
London rapper Dizzee Rascal sat atop the British singles charts for a third week running Sunday, while McFly's latest song entered the rankings at number two.
"Dance Wiv Me" by Dizzee Rascal and Calvin Harris took the top spot, followed by McFly's "One For The Radio" and Kid Rock's "All Summer Long" in second and third respectively.
Basshunter's "All I Ever Wanted" and "No Air" by Jordin Sparks featuring Chris Brown rounded out the top five.
In the album charts, meanwhile, Coldplay was finally knocked out of the top spot after five weeks by Basshunter's "Now You're Gone", which entered the charts in the number one position.
Coldplay's "Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends" dropped to second, followed by Sharleen Spiteri's "Melody" in third.
Top Five
Download:
Dance Wiv Me - Dizzee Rascal and Calvin Harris
One For The Radio - McFly
All Summer Long - Kid Rock
All I Ever Wanted - Basshunter
No Air - Jordin Sparks featuring Chris Brown
• Files with no download hits on or before 16th of September will be automatically deleted!...
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Miss Universe 2008, the 57th Miss Universe beauty pageant
Miss Universe 2008, the 57th Miss Universe beauty pageant, was held at the Crown Convention Center (Diamond Bay Resort) in Nha Trang, Vietnam on July 14, 2008. Dayana Mendoza, Miss Venezuela, was crowned Miss Universe 2008 by outgoing titleholder Riyo Mori of Japan.
Eighty contestants competed in the event which was broadcasted and distributed globally via NBC in English and Telemundo in Spanish to TV outlets in more than 180 countries. The pageant was watched by a live audience of 7,500 and nearly a billion television viewers worldwide.
This is the first major USA-based television production to take place in Vietnam since the end of the Vietnam War. This is also the first time that the Miss Universe pageant was broadcast in 1080i High-definition. And this pageant was held in a contemporary Communist state for the first time.
The final presentation show was on July 8, the dress rehearsal on July 13 and the live telecast on July 14. Most activities were held successively in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Sai Gon), Ha Noi, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ha Long and finally Nha Trang.
Miss Universe 2008 - Full DVD
Code:
http://rapidshare.com/files/180574332/Miss_Univers_2008_Full_DVD.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/180577291/Miss_Univers_2008_Full_DVD.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/180574548/Miss_Univers_2008_Full_DVD.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/180574724/Miss_Univers_2008_Full_DVD.part4.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/180574756/Miss_Univers_2008_Full_DVD.part5.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/180574684/Miss_Univers_2008_Full_DVD.part6.rar
Review:
Participating Nations and Results
Miss Universe 2008: Dayana Mendoza (Venezuela)
The runners-up were:
1st runner-up: Taliana Vargas (Colombia)
2nd runner-up: Marianne Cruz (Dominican Republic)
3rd runner-up: Vera Krasova (Russia)
4th runner-up: Elisa Nájera (Mexico)
The following contestants placed in the top ten and competed in both swimsuit and evening gown (in order of placement):
Zana Krasniqi (Kosovo),
Claudia Moro (Spain),
Crystle Stewart (USA),
Claudia Ferraris (Italy),
Laura Dundovic (Australia)
The following contestants placed in the top fifteen and competed in the swimsuit competition (in order of placement):
Eliška Bučková (Czech Republic),
Jázmin Dammak (Hungary),
Tansey Coetzee (South Africa),
Hiroko Mima (Japan),
Nguyễn Thùy Lâm (Vietnam)
Special Awards:
Miss Congeniality: Rebeca Moreno (El Salvador)
Best National Costume: Gavintra Photijak (Thailand)
Charming Áo Dài: Dayana Mendoza (Venezuela)
Best in Bikini (Queen of Vinpearl): Elisa Nájera (Mexico)
For the first time since the award's inception, no Miss Photogenic Award was given.
Final Competition Scores:
Evening Gown
1)Colombia - 9.829
2)Venezuela - 9.697
3)Mexico - 9.429
4)Dom.Rep. - 9.036
5)Russia - 8.471
6)Kosovo - 8.264
7)Spain - 8.200
8)USA - 8.050
9)Italy - 7.729
10)Australia - 7.557
Swimsuit
Venezuela - 9.327
Colombia - 9.433
Dominican Republic - 8.983
Russia - 8.414 Mexico - 9.071
Kosovo - 8.120 Spain - 9.150
USA - 9.207 Italy - 7.671
Australia - 7.814
Czech Republic - 7.386
Hungary - 7.229
South Africa - 7.133
Japan - 7.100
Vietnam - 7.050
The Secret of True love
Before we can discuss the secret to true love, you must understand that true love is a gift that has to be valued and nourished. It's not something that you find one day like a beautiful seashell on a beach and put it up somewhere to be admired. True love is a part of life that has a life of its own. Value and nourish it, and it will grow and become deeper and more valuable. Find it, give it no value and forget to nourish it, and it will die. Simple as that.
The first secret to true love is knowing when you have found the love of your life, your other half, the one who is more important to you than even yourself, the one your entire being tells you is the one for you. That may happen one day when you look across a room and meet the eyes of her or him, your eyes lock and your heart jumps, and the eyes you are looking into tell you that the same is happening on the other side of that gaze. It could also happen when you are out with someone that you have dated casually for months, but never really felt much of anything for. Suddenly, one night, your heart could leap as your eyes meet or your lips touch. Knowing you have found true love might be just a quiet knowing that the person is the one for you. It happens differently for different people.
After meeting your true love, the secret to keeping the love alive is to unselfishly put the other person before yourself and communicate with that person in a positive and open manner. Many great relationships have lost their pizazz due to mistakes of one or both becoming selfish and not communicating with the other. Even those who have found their true loves have lost them because of the hurt and disappointment caused when the love of your life's actions and words say "you don't matter," "I'm for me first," and similar things.
When two people find true love and each puts the other's hopes, dreams, desires, and feelings above their own and communicates in such a way as to build the other up and share their innermost thoughts, beautiful things happen! The true love that was found grows into something more beautiful than a rose, deeper than the deepest ocean, and stronger than anything imaginable. Anything less than being unselfish, putting the other before yourself, and great communication and it's tough for even true love to survive.
For more information log on to: WIKIAnswers
Monday, July 14, 2008
Is sex important to a relationship?
I would say yes, sex and sexual issue are very important. Crucial even. If sex was unimportant then cheating would also be considered unimportant. After sex, both partners' brains release chemicals that make then feel happy and most importantly connected and in love. Regular sex bonds a couple together. Needless to say this is far from the only thing bonding a couple. Any physical affection, cuddling, kisses, hugs, holding hands can have this effect as well as the connection from the shared experiences, conversations, similar interests etc. Sex will not always make or break a relationship but a terrible sex life (absent, violent, whatever) or a cheating partner can break a relationship. Sex is more important to some people than others. Some people prefer frequent sex, some people are once a week or even less often. These differences can cause problems. The key is compromise, sometimes you will be having sex that you aren't fully in the mood for, sometimes you will want and go without, as long as one of you isn't always giving way to the needs of the other you can work it out. Sex isn't all there is to a great relationship but it is an important part.
What is the true meaning of love and being in love?
Being in love is Infatuation that someone experiences for another person after it becomes a sense of security which is often built by trust, comfortability, and excitement.
True love is the sense of security one preserves from their object of desire. their target offers the individual a range of emotions that the person feels they require, be it hope, happiness, courage, etc.
Unfortunately these feelings do not always last long, then becomes a sense of familiarity, comfortability and routine.
Meaning of love has many interpretations. From my understanding love is about being true to oneself. If this is the emotion of the highest purity then how can it not make us be free, liberated, safe about being ourselves? Love is paradoxical. It is dependent on the people involved but surely it should make us feel better about ourselves and be able to discover out depths. We are limitless... to such magnitude that we need a companion to discover what is within... love should do that. Rather than being adaptive, compromising, accommodating, forgiving etc which in any case a good human would do for each other (in some cases) should we not expect 'love' to free us from all these boundaries? If this is a transcendental emotion, then I would imagine it would break the shackles than impose more of its own.
Do you two make a bad couple?
The possibilities of our new post-break up life may even surprise
us -- new confidence, new career and possibly even new love. Life can be better after a break-up. We explore why parting can indeed the sweetest of sorrows. When a relationship is finished, deep down we're aware it's the start of something new within ourselves!...
Do I look sexy as Leonardo DiCaprio?
Somebody said that I am sexy as Leonardo... Hehe! It seems paranoid to think so. Who has been telling all these lies? If you are not a host of a showbiz talk show, then you have no license to make a living gossip and intrigue. Gossiping is a guilty pleasure, but just think what damage your bad-mouthing can do to yourself and to other people.
Back to the issue. Well, as I used to say. ...I'll go with the flow!...
Leonardo DiCaprio Biography
Is Leonardo Sexiest man in America?...
Born: 11 November 1974
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Best Known As: Heartthrob star of the 1997 film Titanic
Leonardo DiCaprio has been an international superstar since the box office megahit Titanic (1997, directed by James Cameron). In front of the camera since childhood, his first big role came in 1991, on the television series Growing Pains. As a young movie actor he won critical raves for his role in This Boy's Life (1993, with Robert DeNiro), and an Oscar nomination for What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993, with Johnny Depp). His performance in 1996's Romeo and Juliet proved his bankability as a leading man and heartthrob, and after the success of Titanic (with Kate Winslet), DiCaprio became a favorite of the tabloids, with a party-boy reputation. He kept on working, however, and has since grown into one of Hollywood's top movie actors. Along the way he appeared in Woody Allen's Celebrity (1998, with Gretchen Mol), starred in Steven Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can (2002, with Christopher Walken) and made three movies with Martin Scorsese: Gangs of New York (2002, co-starring Cameron Diaz), The Aviator (he was nominated for an Oscar for playing eccentric innovator Howard Hughes) and The Departed (2006, starring Matt Damon). His performance in Blood Diamond (2006, with Djimon Hounsou) brought him another Oscar nomination. Off-screen DiCaprio is an advocate for environmental protection, an issue he became publicly involved with after he and the makers of The Beach (2000) were criticized for the environmental impact their filming had on locations in Thailand.
Knox and Vivienne make 8 for Jolie-Pitt family
NICE, France - Brad Pitt was emotional but calm, Angelina Jolie laughed and chatted. The world's most famous celebrity couple were joined in emotion during the birth of their twins — a boy and a girl — and all "are doing marvelously well," the doctor who delivered the babies in a seaside hospital on the French Riviera.
The newborns — Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline, born one minute apart — are the ultimate million-dollar babies, with experts estimating their first photos will fetch a fortune. For now, mother, father and newborns are resting out of the public eye on the fifth floor of the Lenval hospital, behind blue mirrored windows that provide sweeping views of Nice's sun-drenched beaches, but specially treated to deflect the prying lenses of paparazzi.
Jolie's obstetrician, Dr. Michel Sussmann, said the 44-year-old Pitt was at Jolie's side during the delivery, looking on as the doctor performed a Caesarean section to deliver Knox, weighing in at slightly over 5 pounds, and Vivienne, who weighed 5 pounds. Jolie, 33, is expected to stay in the hospital for a few more days and that she now needs rest.
The four other Jolie-Pitt children — Maddox, 6; Pax, 4; Zahara, 3;
and Shiloh, 2.
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, center, holds the birth certificates of one of Angelina Jolie's twins, Knox Leon Jolie-Pitt, as he and Dr. Michel Sussmann, Jolie's obstetrician, left, pose for the media, at the Lenval Hospital in Nice, southern France, Sunday, July 13, 2008. U.S. actress Angelina Jolie has given birth to her twins, one boy Knox Leon and a girl Vivienne Marcheline. The obstetrician who delivered the twins, Dr. Michel Sussmann, told The Associated Press that the actress, the babies and Jolie's partner, actor Brad Pitt, "are doing marvelously well."
A view of the the Lenval hospital where U.S actress Angelina Jolie has been admitted in Nice, southern France July 4, 2008, and where she expects to give birth to twins.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Are you a noisy or restless Sleeper?
It's okay with me if my partner is a noisy or restless sleeper. Such as he put up his legs around me. I mean, it's like he's hugging me using his legs and I also like him slapping me while sleeping. I am dreaming of my partner who'll hit me and hurt me first before fucking me as if there's is no tomorrow. Hehe!
5 Tips for Dealing with a Restless Bed Partner
Are your partner's sleep issues keeping you up at night? Here are tips to help you both snooze better! Sleep loss can kill a relationship. In a study at the University of California at Berkeley, researchers found that sleep deprivation fractures brain mechanisms that tame our emotional responses to stressors. In other words, once provoked by a spouse or significant other after sleep deprivation, there’s no guarantee we will play nice. And that kills sex and considerably lowers the chances of staying together. Here’s how to make sure that doesn’t happen.
1. TALK TO YOUR PARTNER. Be factual, brief, and don’t bring in other issues. Avoid personal criticism. One who refuse to discuss sleep issues with their partners may be putting themselves at risk for more than insomnia. A Maryland study recently found that one who “self-silenced” during conflicts with their spouses were four times more likely to die over a 10-year period than one who did not.
2. EMPHASIZE THAT IT’S “OUR” PROBLEM. That makes it clear that you’re in this for the long haul and you’ve got his back.
3. ENCOURAGE HIM TO GET HELP. Suggest he make an appointment with your family doctor to discuss the issue and consider whether or not a referral to a sleep center certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine would help.
4. USE PROPS. Eye masks, ear plugs, white-noise machines, mattresses with “firmness” controls, feather boas—use whatever it takes to increase the likelihood that you’ll sleep through your partner’s tossing and turning.
5. SEPARATE. If the problem is long-term, think twin beds or separate rooms. You can always tiptoe in for a morning cuddle after a good night’s sleep.
Chinese Astrology HISTORY
The year of your birth does not just indicate your age! According to the Chinese system of Astrology, the year of birth indicates a certain phase or aspect of a sixty-year cycle of time. Three systems are used for counting and classifying the years: The ten Heavenly Stems, the twelve Earthly Branches and the twelve Animals.
The exact origins of the twelve animal system remain unknown. However, legend has it that, once upon a time, the Jade King was bored, having nothing to do in Heaven. He did not see what was happening on Earth, as he had servants satiating his every wish and desire. He decided that he wanted to see the animals that inhabited the earth so he sent word to his advisors to bring him twelve animals (which he considered to be a good sampling.) The advisor first sent an invitation to the Rat, telling him to also bring the cat. The Rat's jealousy prevented the cat from actually receiving the invitation.
Further invitations were sent on to the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Ram, the Monkey, the Rooster and the Dog, asking for their presence at the palace the following day. When they lined up in front of the king, he found that they numbered only eleven, instead of twelve as he had requested. The king sent his servant down to Earth to retrieve a twelfth animal. The servant ran into a man carrying a Pig, and he hastily grabbed it and delivered it to the king.
The animals stood in front of the king in no particular order. The Rat, being smaller than the rest, hopped on the Ox's back and proceeded to play the flute. The king was very impressed by this display. He gave the Rat first place. Second place was given to the Ox for its good sportsmanship, and third was given to the Tiger, who appeared so courageous. The Rabbit was given fourth place, the Dragon fifth, the Snake sixth, the Horse seventh, the Ram eighth, the Monkey ninth, the Rooster tenth and the Dog eleventh. By default, and due to the king's just nature, twelfth place went to the Pig. After the ceremony concluded, the cat (who missed the invitation) begged the king to reconsider. He was told it was too late.
Personal Yearly Horoscope:
How the Rat fares:
The Rat may not be as good to you as the kindly Pig, especially since it is an Earth year, and Earth drains your Rat luck. Making favorable deals, for example, will be more challenging. It still should be a good year for you, as you have eight good months ahead of you. If you avoid risk and rely on hard work to get ahead, you most likely will. You may, however, get off to a slow start because the latter part of the year will present more and better opportunities, so be patient.
How the Ox fares:
Fifty-two per cent favorable may not look that great, but it does represent an improvement over last year. You should have as many opportunities as disappointments. Take care to exercise good judgment, and you will do fine. Unfortunately it is an Earth year, and Earth drains Ox luck. This is not the time to take risks, especially those that are unnecessary or can be avoided. Hard work is more your style any way. The first six months are likely to be the most challenging, so be patient.
How the Tiger fares:
The Rat is likely to present more challenges than the Pig. Do not be surprised if you occasionally find you cannot get your way this year. In fact there are likely to be plenty of clashes of wills. The better you can keep your emotions under control the more likely you are to achieve your goals. The Rat is comfortable with logic, not passion. You will have to carefully pick your spots, as you probably will not be blessed with many, good opportunities.
How the Rabbit fares:
The scratchy Rat often takes the Rabbit out of its comfort zone. This year is thus likely to be a lot more challenging than last year, especially since the Fire Pig year is one of your most favorable. The middle months are likely to be the toughest. Although you want to avoid risk throughout the year, it is especially important at that time. You will best be able to take advantage of the good times if you can keep your emotions under control, especially when things don't go your way.
How the Dragon fares:
Hopefully the Pig showered blessings on you last year. If not, not to worry. This year promises to be even better with your good friend the Rat in charge. You can enjoy a lot of success, but this is still not the best of years as Earth does not favor your luck. It is thus a time to avoid risk. As a Dragon, you could be something of a dreamer. If so, this is the perfect year for you since Earth promotes practicality. You are thus likely to have a good chance to realize one of your big dreams.
How the Snake fares:
This year promises to be a vast improvement over the last one. You are likely, for example, to experience exciting mental stimulation. If you use your brains you can produce some very good results in most areas of your life. Almost every month will provide opportunities; although, you might want to take it easy right after Chinese New Year. Next year should be even better, so you want to take some time to make good plans and begin projects to be completed then.
How the Horse fares:
Alas, the Horse is the sign that fares least well in the year of the Rat. Still, the year will not be without its opportunities. The trick will be to force yourself to rely more on your head than your heart. That is contrary to the Horse nature, so it won't be easy. The first month of the year could be your best one. It is thus important for you to move out smartly as soon as the New Year's partying is over. A quick start is especially important, as the last three months could be very challenging.
How the Sheep fares:
After what was probably a very favorable, Pig year, this year might seem like a disaster. It is important, however, for you to understand that you are still looking at five, favorable months. There will thus be plenty of opportunities if you do not get down and let negative emotions get the best of you. Your natural inclination is most likely to follow your heart, but you will do much better this year if you can let your head dictate your actions.
How the Monkey fares:
The Monkey, of the 12 signs, is the one most likely to have the best year. Fortune smiles upon you with your big friend the Rat in charge. If you are a typical, mentally quick and multi-talented Monkey, opportunities there will be aplenty. There is only one, major concern. The Achilles heal of both the Monkey and Rat is overconfidence. This could make you forget that the Tiger rules the first month and won't do you any favors. As good as the year is, therefore, a slow start is advisable.
How the Rooster fares:
In general none of the Rooster's favorite appeal to or are well tolerated by the Rat. After the Horse the Rooster is the sign most likely to have a challenging year. There will, nevertheless, be a few opportunities. A cooperative attitude and winning allies are likely to be keys to your success. On the other hand if you succumb to the Rooster propensity for arguing and quarrels, you could have a very difficult time. It is up to you to minimize the damage by displaying the right attitude.
How the Dog fares:
This year may be a bit more challenging than the last, but it still has the potential to be very favorable. The thing is the Dog is more comfortable with the Pig, which symbolizes endings rather than the Rat, which is associated with new beginnings. If you are willing to leave your comfort zone, you can make significant progress towards your objectives and also achieve one or more notable successes. As with much in life your attitude is likely to determine just how well you do.
How the Pig fares:
Major improvement is likely to be in store for you this year. It's ironic that the environment is likely to be more unsettling while simultaneously providing more opportunities for success. A mental adjustment is thus required to maximize your potential. Although the Pig tends to look to the future, even to retirement, your focus should be squarely on the present. The future is now. Be alert for favorable situations and make the most of them.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
"Pregnant man" gives birth to girl: Reports
A US man who was born a woman before undergoing gender realignment surgery has given birth to a baby girl, US media reported.
Thomas Beatie, who is legally male but decided to keep his female sex organs during chest reconstruction surgery and testosterone therapy, attracted worldwide attention in April after revealing his pregnancy. The 34-year-old gave birth to a baby girl at a hospital in Bend, Oregon, on June 29, People Magazine reported Thursday.
"The only thing different about me is that I can't breastfeed my baby. But a lot of mothers don't," the magazine quoted him as saying.
It said the girl is Beatie's first child, and he had given birth naturally, not by Caesarean section. Beatie, who sports a beard, was dubbed the 'pregnant man' after appearing on Oprah Winfrey's television talkshow to discuss his pregnancy.
"I feel it's not a male or female desire to have a child. It's a human need. I'm a person and I have the right to have a biological child," he told the chat show queen.
Beatie's unusual situation first became public when he wrote an article in the leading US gay magazine The Advocate in March, entitled "Labor of Love."
"To our neighbors, my wife, Nancy, and I don't appear in the least unusual," he wrote, explaining that his wife was unable to have a child after undergoing a hysterectomy.
So he chose to become pregnant by artificial insemination, he said.
"Our situation sparks legal, political, and social unknowns," Beatie wrote, adding the couple had experienced opposition from health care professionals, friends and family.
One doctor refused to treat the couple, after consulting an ethics board.
"How does it feel to be a pregnant man? Incredible. Despite the fact that my belly is growing with a new life inside me, I am stable and confident being the man that I am," Beatie wrote.
Courtesy of Agence France-Presse - MSN News/Lifestyle
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Mariah Carey
Born: 27 March 1970
Birthplace: Huntington, New York
Best Known As: Pop diva who sang "We Belong Together"
Mariah Carey's remarkable vocal range helped her gospel-influenced dance tunes reach the top of the pop charts in the early 1990s. Her hit albums included Mariah Carey (1990), Music Box (1993) and Butterfly (1997). Critics winked at Carey's 1993 marriage to Tommy Mottola, the head of Sony Music and Columbia Records (Carey's label), but her vocal abilities and babe-appeal kept her in good standing with fans and made her a favorite on MTV. (Carey and Mottola were divorced in 1998; she married actor Nick Cannon in 2008.) In 2001 Carey left Columbia to sign with EMI's Virgin Records for a reported $100 million; her first Virgin album, Glitter, the soundtrack to her semi-autobiographical 2001 movie, was widely considered a disappointment. In July of 2001 Carey was hospitalized for exhaustion, and the next month her publicists said that Carey was also receiving psychiatric treatment. The next year she split with EMI, which paid $28 million to buy out the remainder of her contract. By the end of 2005 she was at the top of the charts again, and her album, The Emancipation of Mimi, featuring the hit single, "We Belong Together," earned 8 Grammy nominations. She won three, including one for Best Contemporary R&B Album.
Carey's exact vocal range is a matter of some debate; some claim it was an astonishing seven octaves at the start of her career, while others suggest four or five octaves is more accurate... In 1998 Carey co-starred in a much-discussed VH1 special, Divas Live, along with Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Estefan and Shania Twain... Carey's ex-husband Tommy Mottola married Mexican pop star Thalia in December of 2000.
Madonna
Birth Name: Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone
Born: 16 August 1958
Birthplace: Bay City, Michigan
Best Known As: Pop superstar singer of "Like a Virgin"
Genre: Rock
Active: '80s, '90s, 2000s
Instrument: Vocals
Madonna used a mixture of talent, pulchritude and relentless self-promotion to become one of the most famous recording artists of the 20th century. She released her self-titled first album in 1983 in the guise of a streetwise pop ragamuffin, and over time she kept one step ahead of the game by jumping from persona to persona: dance club queen, balladeer, cowgirl, channeler of the Mysterious East. Her other albums have included Like a Virgin (1984), Ray of Light (1998), Music (2000), American Life (2003) and Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005). She has also acted in over a dozen movies, including Dick Tracy (1990, with Warren Beatty) and A League of Their Own (1992, with Rosie O'Donnell). No stranger to controversy, Madonna has long been a favorite of the tabloids on topics ranging from her racy videos and TV appearances to her sometimes-mystical religious beliefs to her marriages to actor Sean Penn (1985-89) and filmmaker Guy Ritchie (2000-present). Her daughter Lourdes was born in October of 1996, fathered by Madonna's personal trainer, Carlos Leon. In August of 2000 Madonna and Ritchie had a son, Rocco. In October of 2006 they adopted a a motherless 13-month-old child, David Banda, from the African country of Malawi.
Madonna attended the University of Michigan on a dance scholarship... Her daughter Lourdes is named for the site where Bernadette Soubirous saw visions of the Virgin Mary... A fall from a horse in 2005 left the pop star with a broken collarbone and three cracked ribs.
Enrique Iglesias
Download:
Bailamos (3.33 MB) - Enrique Iglesias
Could I Have This Kiss Forever (5.98 MB) - Enrique Iglesias & Witney Houston
Password: decesare27
Born in 1975, Enrique led the life of a typical teen while growing up in Miami. He started writing and recording songs without telling his parents about it. In fact, he shopped his first demo posing as a Central American unknown named Enrique Martínez. Only after landing a record contract with regional Mexican label Fonovisa, did Enrique decide to use his real name.
Recorded in Spanish, his self-titled debut sold more than a million copies in the first three months after it was released (to this day, it has sold over seven million). His second effort, 1997's "Vivir," broke into the U.S. Top 40 and was promoted with the first of many lavishly produced world tours.
Within three years, Enrique became the biggest-selling Spanish-language singer in the world. He has enjoyed 16 #1 Billboard Latin hits, more than any other artist in history.
Sheryl Crow
Bolder and more free-spirited than ever, Sheryl Crow embarks on paths both deeply personal and grandly global on Detours (Interscope/A&M Records). Filled with songs about having and holding, changing and letting go, about beginnings, endings, and the roads between them, Detours was inspired by "how I feel things are going in the world and what's happened to me the last couple of years," says the nine-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter.
Crow's lyrical signposts range from the demise of a relationship, the adoption of a child (baby Wyatt, who guests on "Lullaby For Wyatt"), a public bout with breast cancer to the war in Iraq ("Peace Be Upon Us," featuring Arabic lyrics sung by Ahmed Al Hirmi), environmental disaster ("Gasoline" featuring Ben Harper), and the ravaged New Orleans of Hurricane Katrina ("Love Is Free").
Marking her reunion with Bill Bottrell, who produced her sensational 1993 debut, Tuesday Night Music Club, Detours winds its way across the pop musical landscape from the rockin' "Shine Over Babylon" and acoustic folk "God Bless This Mess" to the plaintive "Diamond Ring." An out-of-the-blue telephone call from Crow prompted a reconciliation with Bottrell and brought him to the studio at her farm near Nashville to produce her sixth studio album.
Each of her previous studio albums has charted Top 10 and earned at least platinum certification. The seven times platinum Tuesday Night Music Club hit #3 and earned three Grammys--Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for the classic "All I Wanna Do." The album also featured "Strong Enough," "Can't Cry Anymore," and "Leaving Las Vegas."
1996's triple platinum Sheryl Crow (#6) earned the Grammy for Best Rock Album and, for "If It Makes You Happy," Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. 1998's platinum The Globe Sessions (#5) also garnered the Best Rock Album Grammy, as its "Everyday Is A Winding Road" and "My Favorite Mistake" both reached the Pop Top 20.
The new millennium brought 2002's platinum C'mon C'mon (#2), whose gold "Soak Up The Sun" peaked in the Top 20 and "Steve McQueen" again nabbed her a Best Female Rock Vocal Performance Grammy. The 2003 greatest hits compilation, the four times platinum The Very Best Of Sheryl Crow, was also a #2 charter, featuring a new recording, a cover of Cat Stevens' "The First Cut Is The Deepest." 2005's platinum Wildflower (#2) featured the dues with Sting, "Always On Your Side."
On Detours, the fearlessly outspoken Sheryl Crow continues a journey of self-discovery that has increasingly appealed to both the head and the heart.
Courtesy of MSN News - Lifestyle
Friday, July 4, 2008
Independence Day Holiday, United States (In Government)
July 4, celebrated in the United States to commemorate the adoption in 1776 of the Declaration of Independence. Also called Fourth of July.
Who: the Second Continental Congress
What: the Declaration of Independence
Where: Philadelphia
When: July 4, 1776
Why: to declare the Thirteen colonies "Free and Independent States... Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown" of
King George III.
that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
With these memorable words, Thomas Jefferson, at the age of 33, laid the cornerstone of the United States of America. Though the Declaration of Independence, or, as it was known at the time, "The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America," holds no legal standing, it stands at the head of the US Code. The signed copy resides in the National Archives in Washington, DC.
Celebrations then and now
Nowadays, celebrations include such all-American activities as picnics and barbecues (featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad and apple pie), baseball games, races and contests, parades with marching bands and Revolutionary War-era costumes, reenactments of historical events, concerts featuring patriotic songs, fireworks at dusk, and more. Read More...
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Independence Day (Philippines)
The proclamation of the independence of the Philippines from Spain by General Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898 as depicted on the back of the old 5-peso bill.
Philippine Independence Day (Filipino: Araw ng Kasarinlan, Araw ng Kalayaan; Spanish: Dia de la Independencia) is a working holiday in the Philippines commemorating the country's declaration of independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. It is held every year on
June 12.
History:
The event was led by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in his mansion on June 12, 1898. The flag of the Philippines, which was made in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo, was first flown in that event. It is also where the Philippine National Anthem, composed by Julian Felipe, was first played by the San Francisco de Malabon band. The song was played under the name Marcha Filipina Magdalo, later renamed as Marcha Nacional Filipina.
The Official Flag of the Republic of the Philippines.
The Philippines celebrated its Independence Day every July 4, the date in 1946 that the United States granted independence to the nation, until 1962, when President Diosdado Macapagal signed the Presidential Proclamation No. 28, changing the official celebration to June 12, the date in 1898 that Emilio Aguinaldo declared the nation's independence from Spain. Officially naming June 12 as Araw ng Kalayaan (Independence Day) and July 4 as Republic Day and Philippine-American Friendship Day.
On June 12, 1998, the nation celebrated its centennial year of Independence from Spain. The celebrations were held simultaneously nationwide by then President Fidel V. Ramos and Filipino communities worldwide. A commission was established for the said event, the National Centennial Commission headed by former Vice President Salvador Laurel presided all events around the country. One of the major projects of the commission was the Expo Pilipino, a grand showcase of the Philippines' growth as a nation for the last 100 years, located in the Clark Special Economic Zone (formerly Clark Air Base) in Angeles City, Pampanga.
References:
Philippine History Group of Los Angeles
