3G Apple iPod nano

Apple launched its third generation of the iPod nano. the new model features a larger, 2-inch screen with a 320x240 resolution that supports video playback as well as the high-quality games that first shipped with the fifth-generation iPod; Sudoku, Vortex, and one other game are included out of the box, according to Apple. The design completely eliminates the use of plastic end caps while becoming even thinner than before at 0.25 inches.

Significantly, the new model is also one of the first homes of Apple's new, click wheel-driven iPod interface. The higher 204 dots/inch resolution ( the most ever for an Apple-made device ) includes a new split-screen interface that shows album art and other content on one side while scrolling through menus on another. Cover Flow is now a part of the design and lets users brows music and videos by album covers or video previews, viewing track details after selecting the album.

Apple promises 24 hours of continuous music and 5 hours of video on the new models, which ship in black, cranberry, light blue, light green, silver, and silver colors alongside a new Product (RED) model. Models should be available in 4GB for $149 and 8GB for $249.

Nokia N96 SmartPhone

Nokia's long-awaited sequel to the N95 smartphone may have been spotted, according to a leak posted in Mobile-Review's forums. It looks like Nokia N81, though the form is close to Nokia N95: the numeric keyboard sliding from the bottom and the panel sliding from the top (it is empty on the photo, so we don’t know its destination, probably it carries sensor media player buttons). Taking into account the pictures, Nokia N96 is powered by S60 3rd Edition FP2 (Symbian OS 9.5), the platform hasn’t been announced yet. The rear panel hides a 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens and dual LED flash. The source hasn’t provided more details about the specs or the release date.

Nokia N96 Specifications:
* Networks - GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz and UMTS/HSDPA 850/2100 MHz
* Symbian S60 3rd Edition FP 2
* Display – 2.8” QVGA, 16M colors
* Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
* AGPS
* DVB-H Class C
* Camera - 5-megapixel, Carl Zeiss lens, video capture at VGA 30 fps (double LED flash at video shooting)
* Memory - 16 GB
* microSD-slot
* 3.5-mm jack
* microUSB port
* Battery - 950 mAh
* Dimensions – 103x55x18 mm
* Weight - 125 g

Teksta V2 Robotic Puppy Makes a Great Cheap Aibo Alternative

We get it - you were crushed when they discontinued the Aibo, especially since you never got the chance to scrounge up enough moola to splurge on one. For £36.75 ($69 USD) you can soothe your pain with the Teksta V2 Robotic Puppy which does look strikingly similar to the AIBO. Sure, the Teksta V2 Robotic Puppy may not be as advanced as the Aibo was, but he is sophisticated enough to be activated by voice, touch and light. His eyes also light up and his tail will wag to show you how he is feeling, just like a real AIBO, errr, or should we say just like a real dog? He also barks, whines and whimpers. And an included handheld translator will help you understand what exactly he is trying to convey when he barks, whines and whimpers.

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey

Zoë Castillo is about to get involved in a conspiracy that spans parallel worlds and hundreds of years. Something is affecting our world: static interference disrupts technology, and it seems to be linked to a ghostly presence seen only by a few – a presence inhabiting a black house in a wintry landscape. As Zoë begins her search for a lost friend, she discovers that there is a magical world behind our own – and the search is now on for the one person who may help Zoë unravel the dangerous web she has become entangled in: April Ryan.

Features:

Dreamfall is...

a thrilling action-adventure featuring three playable characters, dozens of locations spanning three worlds, exciting set-pieces with multiple outcomes, action-packed adventure gameplay, and an epic and emotional storyline.

Unparalleled Gameplay Variety

You will never run out of new things to do! Explore exotic locations, travel between three worlds, embark on epic quests, converse with fully voiced characters, fight intelligent monsters, sneak through dark shadows and past dangerous enemies, solve intriguing puzzles, and play fun mini-games.

Three Playable Characters

Experience the story from three separate perspectives, and use abilities unique to each character: strength, street-smarts, and dexterity.

Three Worlds

From vast cities to deep forests, across the seven seas and into endless caverns, above and beyond anything you have ever seen – the twin worlds of science and magic are filled with challenges and adventure. But in the world outside the worlds – in the Winter – logic does not apply, and nothing will have prepared you for the ultimate truth...

Play It Your Way!

Multiple solutions and multiple outcomes place you in charge of the story. Make choices that affect how people relate to you; solve conflicts with cunning or with violence; and speak your mind in branching dialogues.

Powerful World Interaction

Interact with the environment through the use of the brand new Focus Field feature, an easy-to-use context-sensitive interface, and fully analog character controls – giving you total power over your character.


Minimum System Requirements :

Windows XP
Processor: PIIII
DirectX 9.0c
512 MB RAM
Free hard drive space: 7.8 GB
3D Accelerator 128MB DirectX 9.0c
DirectX-compliant Sound Card

License:

Free Trial Version , 120 minutes gameplay, No Internet connection needed to play, No CD-ROM necessary, Convert to full version with no additional downloads

publisher:

Funcom

i-LIMB bionic hand

A new hope has arrived for amputees that would make Luke Skywalker feel right at home: a highly advanced bionic hand controlled by a patient's mind and muscles.

The newly released iLimb is the first prosthetic hand to have fully functional motorized digits that move and bend independently, its makers say. Electrodes taped to the skin transmit signals to tiny motors that power the fingers.

Previous artificial hands had only a thumb and forefinger that worked in a clawlike grasping action. But the new device allows amputees to carry out more delicate movements such as peeling a banana, typing on a computer, or eating with a knife and fork.

The iLimb is also covered by a semitransparent "cosmesis" that is computer modeled to look like human skin.

The technology has been tested by a number of people, including US soldiers who lost limbs in the Iraq war.

The hand, manufactured by Touch Bionics of Scotland, went on sale in Britain for £8,500 (U.S. $17,454). An entirely lifelike version is on sale privately for around £13,000 ($26,695).

Traffic Assist Pro - Ferrari Navigator

About this product:

Ferrari and Harman/Becker mutual commitment has resulted in the creation of an accessory of great technology and design: the portable navigation system of the Prancing Horse.

The attractive look of this item, produced in the official colours of Ferrari Gran Turismo cars, matches the technological excellence to guarantee a practical and exclusive product.

This satellite system includes many functions, in fact it is not only a high-performing portable navigator featuring a 400 MHz processor, but also an MP3/WMA player, a receiving TMC traffic information channel, and a picture viewer.

The 2 GB SD card contains the pre-loaded NAVTEQ maps of 37 European countries.

The 4" touch-screen display with anti-glare coating and integrated picture viewer, is characterised by the driver-friendly raised shape.

The mount allows all-round adjustments of the viewing angle and the "Birdview" function consent to display a 3D representation of the way.

As an additional feature, purposely developed to increase the comfort during the drive, the innovative "Audio out" function interrupts the radio emissions and communicates the road markings.

The startup popup is an exact reproduction of the tachometer of Ferrari F430.

NAVTEQ maps only for Europe.

Please note that in GB the price of Traffic Assist Pro is higher due to an extra licence fee for the Traffic Message Channel service.

SPECIFICATIONS

Last-Address-Memory (the unit stores most recent settings)

400 MHz processor, CISC architecture

Low-reflection 4" TFT touch screen with 16 bit colour depth; 65,536 colours

Day-/Nightrepresentation for best readability according to lighting

Dimensions in mm (W x H x D): 137 x 88 x 19.5

Weight: 272 g

CONNECTIONS/OTHER

64 MB SD RAM

External GPS connection

Headphones jack

Host 1.1, USB 2.0 for Client

SD card slot: supports cards up to 2 GB

Batteries replaceable (for increased operation time)

Internal speakers: 2 watts max.

Specially sensitive folding SIRF III GPS receiver (12 channel)

Connection cable for cigarette lighter socket (12 V/24 V)

2 GB SD-Card (pre-programmed)

Universal mounting system

AC Adapter (110 - 230 V mains voltage to 5 V)

Docking Station (base unit, TMC receiver)

• TMC function*
• Mute (Car-Soundsystem will be muted meanwhile navi announcements)
• Audio Out

* Dynamic route guidance with TMC in connection with Docking Station

in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France (the Paris area), Germany, Great Britain,

Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

MP3/WMA PLAYER

Compression formats: MP3/WMA9

Display of elapsed track time, directories, ID-3 tags (title and artist)

MP3 sound by SD-Card or USB-Stick

PICTURE VIEWER

Picture viewer, slide show (JPG picture format)

Nokia 6205 The Dark Knight Edition

Verizon and Nokia teamed up and announced the Nokia 6205 The Dark Knight edition mobile phone, celebrating the upcoming July 18, 2008 theatrical release of “The Dark Knight”. it is preloaded with Dark Knight’s wallpapers, voice tones, animated screensavers inspired by the film, and a full movie trailer. This clamshell comes with touch-sensitive external music keys, making it easier to access tracks purchased from Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Music service.

The Nokia 6205 The Dark Knight edition will be available online for $69.99 after a $50 online instant rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Following the premiere release of The Dark Knight edition, the standard edition of the Nokia 6205 phone - containing all of the same features and a striking metallic blue and silver color scheme - will be available both online and at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores next month.

Nokia 6205 Specifications:

• 1.3-megapixel camera with flash and 4x digital zoom
• 58 MB internal memory; expandable up to an additional 4 GB with an optional microSD memory card
• Support for text, picture and video messaging
• Get It Now
• VZ Navigator
• Mobile Web for access to the latest news, sports, weather and more
• Voice dialing and voice commands for touch-free phone operation
• Built-in speakerphone
• Bluetooth.

Calif. Firefighters Get Backup From NASA Drone

Fire crews battling nearly 300 blazes burning across California are getting help from a pilotless plane that transmits real-time images of hot spots and flare-ups to commanders in the field.

The unmanned drone developed by NASA scientists discovered a hot flare-up in a canyon near the town of Paradise, prompting fire officials to issue evacuation orders for 10,000 people in Butte County last week. Thick smoke and heat had prevented other aircraft from patrolling the area.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday toured the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, where he credited the NASA technology with saving lives and pushed an initiative to charge homeowners a fee to pay for emergency response equipment.

"This unmanned plane is a true life-saver. But even though we get all this terrific help, California needs more resources, there's no two ways about it," the governor said.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said 288 blazes were still burning around the state, most of them in the mountains ringing the northern edge of the Central Valley.

So far this fire season, flames have blackened about 1,300 square miles and destroyed about 100 homes across California. Most of the blazes were sparked by a June 21 lightning storm across the northern part of the state.

The current complex of fires is "the largest single fire event in history for California," said Kelly Houston, spokesman for the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

The previous record was set in the October 2003, when wildfires scorched more than 1,155 square miles, Houston said. State record-keeping on wildfires began in 1936.

The state defines a "fire event" as a grouping of blazes that fall within the same location or time period.

While the October 2003 fires killed 24 people and destroyed more than 3,600 homes, Houston said officials point to acreage when quantifying wildfires to point to the strain on firefighting resources.

A massive wildfire in the Los Padres National Forest continued spreading northward and eastward Monday, relieving the danger to the storied coastal town of Big Sur but forcing residents of another community to stay away from their homes for a third day.

Yamaha YZF-R1

Starting with the FZR1000 in 1987, Yamaha introduced several motorcycle engineering firsts including the boxed aluminum "DeltaBox" frame, advanced intake and exhausts technologies including a 5 valve-per-cylinder head and an exhaust EXUP power-valve. The engines usable power output was dramatically improved throughout the entire RPM range and featured one of the flattest power curves ever seen on a motorcycle. The aluminum Deltabox frame was very light and rigid when compared to steel and both handling and braking were vastly improved over the old-style steel cradle frames. These numerous advances made the FZR1000 a veritable "tour de force" and it was voted "bike of the decade" by many who found it to be quite capable both on and off the track.

For the next four years Yamaha enjoyed significant sales and racing success, however in 1992 Honda introduced the CBR900RR Fireblade which was essentially a marriage of the chassis used for their 600cc motorcycles with an over-bored 750cc engine. Even though the Fireblades weren't as powerful as the FZR1000, it was lighter and shorter which resulted in much quicker handling. It took Yamaha four years to realize the significant weight and power changes that were introduced in the short-lived YZF1000R "ThunderAce". Still, the YZF1000R was based on the original Genesis engine which was canted forward sharply causing the wheelbase to be longer than the Fireblades An all-new YZF-R1 for the 2007 model year was announced on 9 October, 2006. Key features include an all-new inline four-cylinder engine; going back to a more conventional 4-valve per cylinder rather than Yamaha's trade mark 5-valve genesis layout. Other new features are the Yamaha Chip Control Intake (YCC-I) electronic variable-length intake funnel system, Yamaha Chip Control Throttle (YCC-T) fly-by-wire throttle system, slipper-type clutch, all-new aluminum Deltabox frame and swingarm, six-piston radial-mount front brake calipers with 310 mm discs, a wider radiator, and M1 styling on the new large ram-air ports in the front fairing. 2008 brought BNG and the ability to buy limited edition Fiat plastics.

Watermelon Has Viagra-Like Effect, Say Scientists

A slice of cool, fresh watermelon is a juicy way to top off a Fourth of July cookout and one that researchers say has effects similar to Viagra -- but don't necessarily expect it to keep the fireworks all night long.

Watermelons contain an ingredient called citrulline that can trigger production of a compound that helps relax the body's blood vessels, similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra, said scientists in Texas, one of the nation's top producers of the seedless variety.

Found in the flesh and rind of watermelons, citrulline reacts with the body's enzymes when consumed in large quantities and is changed into arginine, an amino acid that benefits the heart and the circulatory and immune systems.

"Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it," said Bhimu Patil, a researcher and director of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center. "Watermelon may not be as organ-specific as Viagra, but it's a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side effects."

Todd Wehner, who studies watermelon breeding at North Carolina State University, said anyone taking Viagra shouldn't expect the same result from watermelon.

"It sounds like it would be an effect that would be interesting but not a substitute for any medical treatment," Wehner said.

The nitric oxide can also help with angina, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems, according to the study, which was paid for by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

More citrulline -- about 60 percent -- is found in watermelon rind than in the flesh, Patil said, but that can vary. But scientists may be able to find ways to boost the concentrations in the flesh, he said.

Citrulline is found in all colors of watermelon and is highest in the yellow-fleshed types, said Penelope Perkins-Veazie, a USDA researcher in Lane, Okla.

She said Patil's research is valid, but with a caveat: One would need to eat about six cups of watermelon to get enough citrulline to boost the body's arginine level.

"The problem you have when you eat a lot of watermelon is you tend to run to the bathroom more," Perkins-Veazie said.

Watermelon is a diuretic and was a homeopathic treatment for kidney patients before dialysis became widespread.

Another issue is the amount of sugar that much watermelon would spill into the bloodstream --a jolt that could cause cramping, Perkins-Veazie said.

Patil said he would like to do future studies on how to reduce the sugar content in watermelon.

The relationship between citrulline and arginine might also prove helpful to those who are obese or suffer from type-2 diabetes. The beneficial effects -- among them the ability to relax blood vessels, much like Viagra does -- are beginning to be revealed in research.

Citrulline is present in other curcubits, like cucumbers and cantaloupe, at very low levels, and in the milk protein casein. The highest concentrations of citrulline are found in walnut seedlings, Perkins-Veazie said.

Third of Coral Reefs Threatened

A third of reef-building corals worldwide are threatened with extinction due to climate change and water pollution, according to the first global assessment on the marine creature by 39 scientists.

Destructive fishing and the degradation of coastal habitats also posed threats, said the study published Thursday involving the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Conservation International.

"The results of this study are very disconcerting," said Kent Carpenter, lead author of the study which examined 845 coral reef species.

"When corals die off, so do the other plants and animals that depend on coral reefs for food and shelter, and this can lead to the collapse of entire ecosystems," he added.

Roger McManus from Conservation International said that reef-building corals in particular were "most vulnerable to the effects of climate change".

Sea temperature rises bleach and weaken the algae that give the underwater sea life its vibrant color, and make it more susceptible to diseases.

As they are home to over 25 percent of marine species -- including fish stocks -- loss of reefs could also impact coastal fishing communities.

"The loss of the corals will have profound implications for millions of people who depend on coral reefs for their livelihoods," said McManus.

According to the study, the Caribbean region has the highest number of highly threatened corals.

Due to huge human populations in the region, the Indo-Malay-Philippine archipelago also has the highest proportions of vulnerable and almost threatened species in the Indo-Pacific.

"We either reduce our CO2 emission now or many corals will be lost forever," warned Julia Marton-Lefevre, IUCN Director General.

SONY WALKMAN NWZ-S618F

If you paid good money for a thing, it should at least look the amount, yes? This, perhaps, is the biggest disappointment with this little critter. It doesn't look like the 17+ grand it costs. It looks like a toy, or worse, like a knock-off from China.The S618F is a media player so features come aplenty... but expected.

Turn it on and some semblance of its price comes in full view. Blue-lit icons twinkling in the black backdrop scream of class. Because the Walkman's display is one of the more vibrant around, you'd want to maximize its photo album.

Its wide, flat keyboard is a joy to use. The problem comes in controlling music while deep in navigation. There's a special play and pause button embossed in the middle, but pressing it won't control the music. You need to go back to the music folder and work your magic from there.

Music quality doesn't stand out. What stood out is the loudness. Note: Loudness is different from volume. This one is merciless on the ears, regardless of the headphones used but especially with what it comes with.

With something that looks and feels like a toy, with less-than- exciting features, add-ons like... STORAGE 8GB Flash Memory
FORMATS MP3, WMA, AAC, Linear-PCM, AVC H.264, MP4, AAC-LC)
FM TUNER Yes
BATTERY LIFE (Music/Video) 33 hrs./9.5 hrs.
SIZE/WEIGHT 79.5x42.0x11.5mm/50g.

Red Fox Mini Boombox

The Red Fox mini boombox brings back the nostalgic appeal of the 80's cassette-playing radio, repacked, resized, and remodeled to the standards of the new millennium. It comes in a striking metal finish; the mini speakers on both sides. It plays MP3 and WMA files, and like the original boombox, it's got a built-in radio.

Turning the boombox on is a challenge. Only after fiddling with it do you understand that the "play" button powers this gadget up.

Weighing about two average compact cameras, this literal lightweight is an aural heavyweight. For its size, it managed to drown a decent-size room with clear, quality audio. It has 1GB of internal memory and a memory expansion slot; both good for at least 300 songs. The controls are easy to use too.

this mini gives justice to the classic boombox. Eighteen hours of continuous acoustic drowning ain't so bad, too.

SPYDER TRIKE

The Can Am Spyder roadster is a very strange beast indeed. For one, it doesn't fit in any established vehicle category. Perhaps it's easier to imagine that it descended from a snowmobile and ended up as a reverse trike; two wheels up front, one at the rear. The spyder's performance is comparable to a superbike, but its ATV-derived chassis gives it greater stability and handling. Beneath its unique look is a performance-oriented 106 hp, 998cc engine.

SAMSUNG LCD PANELS

We're really digging the crystal design on samsung lcd panel. We like to think of it as Bruce Wayne's choice when it comes TV's. Of course, billionaire playboys demands only the finest tech for year high definition experience, and samsung's top of the line 7 series delivers. It has the mandatory full 1080p whiz-bang detail, as well as blazing fast 4ms response time, making it equally capable for games or for justice league marathons. What's totally new here is the built in 1GB flash memory, which turns your TV into an all around entertainment device via Samsung's free content.

APPLE IPHONE

The best phone for business. Ever.
What makes iPhone a great business phone? Simple. The same features that make it a revolutionary mobile device. With iPhone 2.0 software, iPhone does even more for your enterprise. It supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, delivering push email, calendar, and contacts. And it gives mobile users secure access to corporate resources with Cisco IPSec VPN and wireless network services with WPA2 Enterprise and 802.1X authentication.

CANON EOS 450D

CANON EOS 450D In the swiftly turning world of DSLRs, a year and a half can only mean one thing – turnover. When those 18 months are up, Canon engineers throw up their arms and hand in whatever monster they’ve egged into evolving. In most cases, we get the same old devil in a flashy new suit, but other times, such as in the case of the 450D, we get a beast of an improvement. On the surface, the 450D – or Rebel XSi, or Kiss X2 as it’s known in other parts of the world – doesn’t look much different from its predecessor, the 400D. A larger, 3-inch LCD screen (still at 230k pixels) gives you the feeling that the model got smaller, and makes you wish for the time when the entire back of a DSLR will be one big touch screen. Otherwise, it’s hard to spot the differences. It’s in the details that the 450D announces its newness. Live View? Spot metering? 12.2 megapixels? Yes, yes, and oh baby, yes. In answer to image stabilization (IS) being built into competing entry-level DSLRs, the 450D now has an 18-55mm kit lens with IS – a sweet compromise. Canon has already invested a lot by putting IS into its best lenses, and for good reason, too. Many photographers believe that putting IS in the lens is more effective than stuffing it in a camera body. Upgraders, or those looking for a second body to their 400Ds, might scratch their heads when they find out about the 450D’s different-shaped, but higher-capacity Li-Ion battery, and its exclusive acceptance of SD cards. These changes however, are understandably done in the name of progress, hence easy to forgive - especially when you notice that you’ve already shot 500 photos and you’re only halfway through your battery meter or when you go out to buy a 4GB SD card for a mere 1,500 bucks. Canon has simply made the best out of its best, and the 450D is another graceful step in Canon’s winning stride. Vincent Coscolluela
CANON EOS 450D P42,950 (KIT)http://www.canon.com.ph/ LOVE Image Stabilization in kit lens. Live View (improved from the 40D).HATE LCD screen looks pushed too far to the corner.WE SAY Has everything a newbie to DSLRs would ever hope for or need.

SENSOR 12.2 megapixels CMOSFORMATS SUPPORTED SD/SDHC cardsSCREEN 3-inch LCD with Live View modeAUTOFOCUS 9-point with f/2.8 cross-type center pointSIZE/WEIGHT 129x98x62mm/475g

The Pangasinan Badminton Club...

In the early days…

BADMINTON was invented long ago; a form of sport played in ancient Greece and Egypt. Badminton came from a child's game called battledore and shuttlecock, in which two players hit a feathered shuttlecock back and forth with tiny rackets. The game was called "POONA" in India during the 18th Century, and British Army Officers stationed there took the Indian version back to England in the 1860's. The army men introduced the game to friends, but the new sport was definitely launched there at a party given in 1873 by the Duke of Beaufort at his country place, "Badminton" in Gloucestershire. During that time, the game had no name, but it was referred to as "The Game of Badminton," and, thereupon, Badminton became its official name.
Until 1887 the sport was played in England under the rules that prevailed in India. They were, from the English viewpoint, somewhat contradictory and confusing. Since a small army of badminton players had been recruited, a group formed itself into the Bath Badminton Club, standardized the rules, made the game applicable to English ideas and the basic regulations, drawn up in 1887, still guide the sport. In 1895, the Badminton Association (of England) was formed to take over the authority of the Bath Badminton Club, and the new group made rules, which govern the game throughout the world.

Badminton in the world...

Badminton quickly spread from England to the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and made big strides in Europe. Although men first played it, women became enthusiastic about it, and interest now is about equally divided.
The first All-England championship for men was held in 1899 and in 1900 the pioneer tournament for women was arranged. These, however, were regarded as "unofficial" and 1904 marked the beginning of the official All-England matches. The growth of badminton's popularity in the British Isles is evidenced by the fact that in 1920 there were 300 badminton clubs in England, about 500 in 1930, and over 9,000 in the British Isles soon after the World War II.

Badminton organization...

In 1934, the International Badminton Federation (IBF) was organized with nine members - Canada, Denmark, England, France, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales. Membership grew steadily year after year. It became the sport's sole international governing body in 1981. The International Badminton Federation (IBF) decided in March 1939, that the time had arrived for the inauguration of international competition. Its president, Sir George A. Thomas, Baronet, offered a trophy for the winning team. The war and post-war shortages of shuttlecocks delayed the first Thomas Cup matches until the 1948-49 season. The idea of a women's international team badminton championship along the lines of the Thomas Cup was broached in 1950. It was turned down then because of financial problems. The topic continued to be brought up and eventually it was decided to establish the tournament on a triennial basis. Mrs. H. S. Uber of England donated the trophy, which is called the Uber Cup. The first tournament was held during the 1956-57 season. Since then, the number of world events has increased to seven, with the addition of the Uber Cup (ladies' team), World Championships, Sudirman Cup (mixed team), World Juniors, World Grand Prix Finals and the World Cup. Badminton was first contested as an official Olympic sport at the 1992 Olympic games in Barcelona, Spain.

Badminton today...

Badminton is a game that somewhat resembles tennis and volleyball and involves the use of a net, lightweight rackets, and a shuttlecock, a cork ball fitted with stabilizing feathers. It is played by two or four players, either indoors or outdoors, on a marked-out area 44 ft (13.41 m) long by 17 ft (5.18 m) wide for the two-player game and 20 ft (6.10 m) wide for the four-player game. A net is fixed across the middle of the court, with the top edge of the net set to a height of 5 ft (1.52 m) from the ground at the center and 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) at the posts. The players hit the shuttlecock back and forth over the net with the rackets. Only the serving side can win a point. If the serving side fails to return the shuttlecock, it losses the serve; if the receiving side fails to return the shuttlecock, it losses the point and must receive again.
A game is played to 15 points, except in women's singles, in which a game is played to 11 points. If the score is tied near the end of a game, the game may be decided through a tie breaking procedure called setting, which involves different rules for men's and women's competition and depending on the point at which the score is tied.

The future of badminton...
New competitions are planned including one-off spectaculars and the development of a SuperSeries. It is anticipated that these will attract greater sponsorship, prize money and television. In these days of mass communications, the importance of television to a world sport is self-evident. Television brings the action, the excitement, and the explosive power of badminton into homes around the world. It pulls in the crowd to see the action live; it pulls in major sponsors.
Badminton has a rich history and its future looks even brighter

Digital Design by Ric Vargas...

Digital art most commonly refers to art created on a computer in digital form. Digital art can be purely computer-generated, such as fractals,and algorithmic art or taken from another source, such as a scanned photograph, or an image drawn using vector graphics software using a mouse or graphics tablet. Though technically the term may be applied to art done using other media or processes and merely scanned in, it is usually reserved for art that has been non-trivially modified by a computing process (such as a computer program, microcontroller or any electronic system capable of interpreting an input to create an output); digitized text data and raw audio and video recordings are not usually considered digital art in themselves, but can be part of a larger project. In an expanded sense, "digital art" is a term applied to contemporary art that uses the methods of mass production or media.The availability and popularity of photograph manipulation software has spawned a vast and creative library of highly modified images, many bearing little or no hint of the original image. Using electronic versions of brushes, filters and enlargers, these "Neographers" produce images unattainable through conventional photographic tools. In addition, digital artists may manipulate scanned drawings, paintings, collages or lithographs, as well as using any of the above-mentioned techniques in combination. Artists also use many other sources of information and programs to create their work.
3D graphics are created via the process of designing complex imagery from geometric shapes, polygons or NURBS curves to create realistic 3 dimensional shapes, objects and scenes for use in various media such as film, television, print, rapid prototyping and the special visual effects. There are many software programs for doing this.The technology can enable collaboration, lending itself to sharing and augumenting by a creative effort similar to the open source movement, and the creative commons in which users can collaborate in a project to create unique pieces of art.
The mainstream media uses a lot of digital art in advertisements, and computers are used extensively in film to produce special effects. Desktop publishing has had a huge impact on the publishing world, although that is more related to graphic design.
Nonetheless, digital art is yet to gain the acceptance and regard reserved for "serious" artforms such as sculpture, painting and drawing, perhaps due to the erroneous impression of many that "the computer does it for you" and the suggestion that the image created could be infinitely repeatable.[citation needed]
Computers are also commonly used to make music, especially electronic music, since they present a powerful way to arrange and create sound samples. It is possible that general acceptance of the value of digital art will progress in much the same way as the increased acceptance of electronically produced music over the last three decades.
Some say we are now in a postdigital era, where digital technologies are no longer a novelty in the art world, and "the medium is the message"(Marshall McLuhan). Digital tools have now become an integral part of the process of making art. As silicon-dry digital media converges with wet biological systems, Roy Ascott has pointed to the emergence of a "moistmedia" substrate for 21st century artDigital Photography and digital printing is now an acceptable medium of creation and presentation by major museums and galleries, and the work of digital artists is gaining ground, through robotic installation, net art and software art. But the work of digital painters and printmakers is beginning to find acceptance as the output capabilities advance and quality increases. Internationally many museums are now beginning to collect digital art such as the San Jose Museum of Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum print department also has a reasonable but small collection of digital art.
One reason why the established art community finds it difficult to accept digital art is the erroneous perception of digital prints being endlessly reproducible. Many artists though are erasing the relevant image file after the first print, thus making it a unique artwork. Another reason is longevity; with today's digital printing technology though, fading of colours will not occur for 60 to 100 years(www.wilhelm-research.com).

The New Breed of Airsofter...

Playing airsoft is one of my favorite hobbies and ill show you a little introduction about airsofting. This is not a real gun its just only a toy gun. Airsoft is a modern combat sport or recreational hobby in which participants eliminate opponents by hitting each other with spherical airsoft pellets, launched from airsoft guns. Participants typically employ the use of varying types of weapons designed as replicas of real firearms, tactical gear, and accessories used by modern military and police organizations. Airsoft has its roots in late-1970s Japan where firearms were difficult or impossible to obtain due to local laws and people sought a legal alternative for enjoying their obsession with firearms. The vast majority of airsoft guns, accessories, and after market upgrade parts are also manufactured in Far Eastern countries such as Japan, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. There is also a growing interest in airsoft in North America and Europe and philippines. Airsoft game type variations Airsoft participants organize meetings, either indoors or outdoors, at dedicated airsoft battlefields to play a variety of games ranging from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, military simulations, or historical reenactments. Combat situations on the battlefield often involve the use of common military tactics to achieve the objectives set in each game. Fundamentally, airsoft is a game played within a predetermined area where the objective is to "kill" the adversary. It is generally accepted that when a player is hit, they call themselves out or shout a hit, unlike paintball, which leaves visible marks on clothing. Some common game variations include Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and Close Quarters Battle (that attempts to simulate real life Close Quarters Battle)... for more infomation we have our own website www.teamaslt.com see u guys there. ratratan na...

5 WAYS TO HAVE A SEXY TUMMY...

• Stand in front of the mirror and take a good look at yourself. Do you like what you see, and what u observe like me? lol... If you're exerting any effort to get in to your jeans, it's time to do something about that growing mid-section. The good news is that, no matter what your waistline size is, you can get rid of unsightly fat and have a shapely figure. It begins with making a firm DECISION. Be committed to take the steps in achieving your goal of having sexy abs. 1st step: CARDIO WORKOUT BEFORE BREAKFAST ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. drink a glass of water upon waking up in the morning. Put on your workout gear and either run, brisk walk, bike, swim or go to an exercise class for at least 30 minutes (work up to 45 minutes) 3 to 4 times weekly. Make sure you do something that will make you sweat so you know the workout is intense enough. Don't neglect a good stretch after the workout. I guaranteed to make u feel great! 2nd step: EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST. When you start your day eating right, you tend to follow through during the day. Vary your breakfast so it stays appealing. 3rd step: JUNK THE WHITE, SWITCH TO BROWN Make the switch to whole wheat, rye or multigrain bread instead of white bread for your sandwiches. Not only has it less fat but whole wheat bread also contains more fiber and is readily available in any supermarket. The same goes for rice try brown rice which is more nutritious and tastier than the white variety. If you're an rice eater, try to eliminate eating it in the evening when you don't need much energy. If you're now eating three cups a day, cut it down to two. 4th step: WALK, TAKE STAIRS Instead of e-mailing or texting colleague, walk over to her room or office to talk. Its healthier and you burn extra calories, plus, having direct contact with someone you want to communicate with is oftentimes the more effective and productive thing to do. 5fh step: STRETCH, DO AB WORK BEFORE SLEEPING Remember you are trying to have a bikini beach body by summer year 2009 so take the extra step to do five minutes of stretching and an additional 100 reps of ab work before you go to bed. It only takes about 10 to 12 minutes and you will also sleep better. Do it while watching DVD so you're entertained and you will hardly feel you're exercising. Remember the two foremost components to having sexy abs is EXERCISE and EAT RIGHT...

My Suzuki Shogun R...

Now im thinking for daily convenience is a big part of my Suzuki Shogun r 125cc. (2004 model). You'll see it in the spacious storage area, in the bright, visibility- promoting lights, in the accurate, easy-to-read instruments, and even in the features that reduce the chance of theft. A bright LED stop lamp is built into the grab bar above the sporty tail lamp.The sparkling, triangle-motif headlight combines brightness with sporty looks. A huge 10.3-litre storage area means there's abundant space for luggage. With four-stroke operation and other advanced technologies, the Suzuki Shogun's. 125cc engine gives powerful performance, great fuel economy, and low emission. Acceleration is particularly good at the speeds used around in the town of lingayen...

The new Toshiba satellite laptop...

New Toshiba Satellite® laptops do more than just make your life easier and more enjoyable. They make a real statement too–the moment you walk in, thanks to a whole new ensemble of design features guaranteed to turn hea
Brilliant Fusion™ finish They’ll see you way across the classroom, coffee shop or conference room when you raise the lid and show off the gorgeous new high–gloss surface on your Satellite® laptop. After all, an advanced Toshiba notebook should be more than just a way to make mobile life easier. It should be a reflection of you too.
Striking Horizon design pattern Think of a room packed with people wearing plain white, grey or black shirts, when you arrive decked out in your dashing pin–striped suit. Then you’ll understand how much attention you’ll get with the finely striped Horizon design pattern on your new Satellite® notebook PC. It really stands out in a crowd.
Flush–mounted touchpad Run your fingertips across the smooth, shiny palm rest of your new Satellite® laptop and what do you encounter? Nary a bump. That’s because we’ve recessed the touchpad to give your notebook a more streamlined look, and to give you more comfort when you’re clicking or going crazy with that cursor.
Feather–touch multimedia control pad Separate multimedia buttons let you launch your favorite entertainment right away. But with their unique feather–touch operation these controls do that and more–letting you start, pause, fast–forward and rewind almost effortlessly...

The Legend Palawan.. Puerto Princesa...

Good beginnings...A place to stay... a port in a storm... a business venue... a family hideaway... a professional convention partner... an ultimate destination...and always a premier place in the heart.How your day begins and ends make a world of difference. At The Legend Palawan in Puerto Princesa Philippines, we strive for good beginnings and even better endings.Make us your home away from home.Welcome to The Legend Palawan...

FASHION NEWS Halston Arrives...

This year’s most glamorous comeback kid will make Selfridges its UK home this June. Halston and Selfridges have partnered to create an exclusive boutique to house the Fall 08/09 ready to wear and accessories lines.

Halston will sit alongside the most established brands in the fashion world, including Alexander McQueen, Dolce e Gabbana, Marni and Gucci. Tamara Mellon, passionate about the label and with a real gift for repositioning, and Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein have made the hotly anticipated revival possible.

With Creative Director Marco Zanini at the helm, the relaunch marks the arrival of an iconic yet understated luxury line, much in keeping with the original Halston aesthetic

THE ULTIMATE LUXURY MOBILE PHONE

okay, let's get this out of the way: the retail price of vertu, phone is P227,200 ($5,675). and yes, you can get one here in our beloved Philippines. The luxury-meisters of Lucerne are selling them at Glorietta 4 and Shangri-la Plaza mall. We will now pause for a few moments of flabbergasted silence. if you're still with us, and not screaming at the top of your lungs about the injustices of inequitable income distribution, or not reduced to tears, welcome to the world of vertu, your majesty. The Vertu Constellation series picture here was created by Frank Nuovo as a "handset of sophistication and substance". In this collection, you'll find burgundy leather with satin stainless steel keys, rich dark brown leather set in 18-carat yellow gold, or other luxurious combinations the choice is yours. Think of it as the triumph of style over silicon. Mobile phone models come and go, but when they're made of quality materials and designed with style, they last forever.