Christmas shopping trivia: Is your neck proportional to your waist?

Is your neck proportional to your waist? Funny question to ask, you might say. But it's been bugging me for a few hours now, ever since I came back from my latest last-minute Christmas shopping adventure.

I wasn't planning on buying jeans this Christmas, having gained a few more pounds than what my wardrobe was prepared for. I told myself last month that I need to work on my diet and exercise, and lose a few pounds and inches around my bulging midsection before I can buy new jeans. However, that plan disintegrated this afternoon as I saw the sale. The jeans looked great and, most importantly, cheap. I
just had to buy one, or two. Having no plan to venture into the fitting rooms meant I wasn't dressed for it either. When buying jeans or pants, I usually go to the mall in comfortable shorts and slip-on sneakers (or slippers) - easy to take off and easy to put back on. Not this time. However, the sale was too good to pass up and I mentally prepared myself for the number one inconvenience of shopping - the fitting room.

As I was making up my mind on the style to get, the guy next to me was trying jeans around his neck! Yup, you read it right. He was taking the sides of the waist and wrapping them around his neck. If the two sides meet and fit snugly around one's neck, it'll fit one's waist. I've seen this many times around the stores and even have friends who swear by its accuracy. However, I have never tried this method. I found it too weird to buy pants by trying them around my neck!

This time, however, with the prospect of a fitting room ordeal, I was tempted to try the method. I took two pairs of jeans from the rack and tried them around my neck. Mind you, I did this in the corner of the booth, partially hidden from the other shoppers as I was too self-conscious to do such a weird thing in front of everybody. He he. Having chosen the pairs that fit snugly around my neck, paid for them and headed out of the store. However, after a few steps I changed my mind. What if they the method doesn't work for me. I just had to be sure. After all, it would be a bigger inconvenience to go back the next day after finding out that the jeans don't fit me.

I headed straight to the fitting room to try them on. My hunch was right. My neck and waist are disproportionate. In fact, I couldn't even pull up the zipper on those jeans! I replaced them with the right pairs after two trips to the feared fitting room. The neck method definitely doesn't work for me. My pal does that jean thing every time and he always gets perfectly fitting pants. Maybe it only works on skinnier people like him. He he.

How 'bout you? Have you tried the 'neck method'? Is your neck proportional to your waist? (BTW, pictured above is Cathie Jung, the woman with the world's smallest waist. Now that's crazy! I wonder how she buys jeans.)

Prison Break season 4 episode 16: Prison Break 4.16 (s04e16)

'The Sunshine State', that's the title of this week's episode of Prison Break (season 4 episode 16 / s04e16). However, I almost forgot all about it. Since almost all of the weekly television programs have taken a Christmas break, I thought Prison Break 4.16 (season 4 episode 16) would follow suit and be shown next year. I was wrong. This episode involves the continued search for Scylla as Lincoln and his team travel to Miami to find her. Meanwhile, Michael learns some shocking secrets from his past. The last episode of the year promises to be another interesting and exciting installment so watch out for Prison Break season 4 episode 16 (4.16).

The full episode video of 'The Sunshine State' will be available soon so keep checking this site for it. A copy will immediately be posted here once it becomes available online. In the meantime, here is a short plot summary of Prison

Kanye West on SNL video: Kanye West's SNL performance videos

Kanye West was the musical guest Saturday Night Live (SNL) last weekend where he performed some of his current hits 'Love Lockdown', 'Heartless' and 'Pinocchio Story'. His appearance on the show, however, didn't create a lot of buzz right after it was aired. After all, many have already seen Kanye West perform those songs in other television appearances and awards shows. In fact, I think not that many even watched it with people busy with holiday preparations and all. Though I read that he would guest on SNL last Saturday, I was one of the disinterested. I didn't even look for the video of his SNL performance on YouTube afterward. There was nothing I missed, or so I thought.



Today, however, the situation is the exact opposite. Searches for that Kanye West SNL performance video have slowly climbed the charts, with myself included in the thousands of people curious about his performance. What has changed since Saturday? Well, for one thing, Yaho0 featured Kanye West's Saturday Night Live (SNL) appearance in its headlines - enough for fans and non-fans alike to take notice. However, what whetted people's appetites for more about Kanye's weekend guesting are the unflattering commentaries music critics have been showering on that SNL performance.



"It was a meltdown, a shame," said some articles. "He lip-synched," claimed another. Well, after locating the said performance videos on the web, I must say they were right. Kanye was not his best that Saturday night (or whenever the show was taped). In some portions of his 'Love Lockdown' performance, his voice was either cracking or totally disintegrating. It's a good thing his back-up singers were in their element that night otherwise it would have been a more disastrous. On the other hand, to the claims that he was lip-synching, I think this is totally false. If it was true then he would have sounded good, even perfect. But not that night. The songs were definitely sung 'live'. To give you an idea of what I'm talking about, here are the videos of Kanye West's SNL performances.

Kanye West Saturday Night Live (SNL) Performance

'Love Lockdown' Video

Video: 'Heartless' and 'Pinocchio Story'

Kanye West Performance on Saturday Night Live (SNL)

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is Michael Jackson sick and dying? Michael Jackson lung illness?

Is Michael Jackson dying? That is the question on many of his fans' minds right now as news (gossip) spread on the web about a mysterious illness the King of Pop is currently suffering from. Searches for more news about him as well as for his mysterious disease topped the charts several hours ago and I can't help but wonder myself if it's really true. No, I'm no Michael Jackson fan but I can't help but be intrigued with this latest gossip (I was actually a fan many years ago before all the surgery, alleged child molestation cases and his whack antics).

This report by TMZ the other day was what probably prompted the crazy internet searches:

Michael may be in desperate need of a lung transplant, according to Ian Halperin, author of a new M.J. bio.

Halperin claims Jacko suffers from a rare genetic disorder known as Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which has led to emphysema and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Halperin told In Touch Michael can barely speak and is nearly blind in his left eye.

Truth, rumor or hoax? With the crazy antics the King of Pop has been dishing out the past few years it's hard to believe something like this. Another ailment? Isn't he suffering from enough of these illnesses that are reportedly the causes of his unusual appearance and erratic behavior? And what is Alpha 1 anti trypsin deficiency? A few clicks revealed some answers (though I can't figure out some of the medical mumbo jumbo in its definition). According to Wikipedia its a "genetic disorder caused by defective production of alpha 1-antitrypsin, leading to decreased A1AT activity in the blood and lungs, and deposition of excessive abnormal A1AT protein in liver cells. There are several forms and degrees of deficiency. Severe A1A deficiency causes emphysema and/or chronic disruptive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adult life in nearly all people with the condition, as well as various liver diseases in a minority of children and adults, and occasionally more unusual problems. It is treated by avoidance of damaging inhalants, by intravenous infusions of the A1AT protein, by transplantation of the liver or lungs, and by a variety of other measures, but it usually produces some degree of disability and reduced life expectancy." So that's why there's news of a possible lung transplant.

However, all of these rumors were put to rest today by this news: Michael Jackson is not sick as officially confirmed by his reps. In fact, the King of Pop is preparing for world tour! Here's the report from eonline.com:

In response to recent comments made by celebrity conspiracy-theorist Ian Halperin, the pop icon's rep issued a statement Monday saying that "wild allegations concerning Mr. Jackson’s health are a total fabrication."

"Concerning this author's allegations, we would hope in the future that legitimate media will not continue to be exploited by such an obvious attempt to promote this unauthorized ‘biography,' " Jackson spokesman Dr. Tohme Tohme said of Halperin's in-the-works bio, which claims that the Thriller artist is suffering from a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency that could require a lung transplant to save him.

"Mr. Jackson is in fine health, and finalizing negotiations with a major entertainment company and television network for both a world tour and a series of specials and appearances," Tohme continued.

So there, the King of Pop is so healthy that he is embarking on his first world tour after many years of absence. He is not dying, and the only sickness he is suffering from is the one in his head. But then again, we all know about that already. (Photos below courtesy of the National Photo group)

Pinnacle PCTV HD Mini Stick: Pinnacle PCTV HD Mini Stick review

Stumped on what to give yourself this Christmas? Or how about the perfect gift for your techie boss or friend? Worry no more because there's a great gadget just waiting for you (and them) at Woot. It's the Pinnacle PCTV HD Mini Stick, and it will do wonders for your PC or Mac.

Pinnacle brings you easy-to-use TV experience with the Pinnacle PCTV HD Mini Stick for Mac and PC as it enables users to watch high quality digital HD and SD TV without paying for such services. Attach it to your computer with the USB connector and you can watch and record in real time. The integrated signal booster also improves reception sensitivity even if the signal isn’t strong. You can watch, record and plan
your favorite programs - something very useful for toady's busy schedule. What's more, with its compact size and features, you can use it "on the go". Take it with you on your trips. Record that game that you'll miss because of an important meeting or appointment, grab your favorite sitcom episodes or catch the late-night talk shows – Pinnacle TV HD mini Stick makes it happen.

Pinnacle TV HD mini Stick for Mac and PC is available for digital TV reception and comes with a mini remote control for added convenience, and high-gain telescopic antenna. It even comes with its own traveling bag. This gadget will do wonders to you and your family's TV schedule. And at $69.99, it's a reasonable price to pay for the convenience and fun it will add to your lifestyle.

Product Features and Specifications:

* Watch live high quality digital HD and SD TV without service fees from anywhere on your laptop, in a new compact size for easy travel and storage
* Elgato’s EyeTV Lite is included so you can now watch, and record live HDTV on a Macintosh
* Take complete control of when you watch your favorite shows with TimeShifting
* Never miss a critical part of your favorite show again with pause, rewind and replay
* Schedule recordings with the integrated Electronic Program Guide
* Eliminate the guess work by automatically recording shows direct-to-DVD and/or inthe destination file format of choice (i.e. iPod, PSP, DivX, etc.)
* Supports unencrypted digital cable, ClearQAM
* Integrated signal booster improves sensitivity for over the air HDTV reception
* Built-in slide-cap to protect the USB connector
* Break free and PlaceShift with the sleek USB 2.0 powered portable PCTV device
* Sit back and relax from afar with full remote control access
* The options are unlimited with full support for digital (ATSC) reception, and Clear QAM
* Instantly transform your PC or Mac into a personal digital video recorder (DVR)

Windows System Requirements:

* Windows® XP or Windows Vista™ (32 bit) with latest service pack
* Intel® Pentium® 4 2.8GHz, Pentium M 1.7 GHz, equivalent AMD Athlon 64 processor or higher (e.g. dual core processor)
* RAM: Windows XP – 512 MB; Windows Vista – 1 GB
* Free USB 2.0 port
* Sound/graphics controller with support for DirectX® 9 or higher
* Hard drive with minimum 1 GB free space (20 GB recommended for TV recording)
* CD drive (DVD burner required for DVD recording)
* Internet connection for registration/activation

Mac System Requirements:

* Macintosh® computer with a Dual PowerPC® G5 or an Intel® Core Duo processor
* Mac OS X v10.4 or later
* Free USB 2.0 port
* 512 MB RAM
* Hard drive with minimum 1 GB free space (20 GB recommended for TV recording)
* CD or DVD drive

TV Standards:

* ATSC (HDTV up to 1080i, SDTV)
* ClearQAM (HDTV up to 1080i, SDTV)

Inputs:

* TV/FM antenna (F-connector/Coaxial)

Recording Formats:

* MPEG-1/2
* DivX4
* MPEG-4: compatible with Sony PSP or Apple iPod (Trial Version)

Included in the box:

* USB 2.0 TV Tuner For ATSC/ClearQAM Reception
* Mini Remote Control Including Battery
* Portable Telescopic High-Gain Antenna with Magnetic Foot
* Antenna Adapter (MCX to F-Connector)
* USB Extender Cable
* Printed Quick Start Guide
* Travel Bag
* Pinnacle™ TVCenter Pro and Pinnacle VideoSpin™ Editing Software
* Elgato EyeTV Lite Software

Hanukkah 2008: Hanukkah (Chanukah) prayers, blessings, songs

Happy Hanukkah everyone! Today marks the start of Hanukkah (also known as Chanukah in some parts) or Festival of Lights. It is an eight-day Jewish holiday marked by lighting eight candles in a menorah, one for each day. Hanukkah (Chanukah) commemorates the restoration of traditional worship and the re-dedication of the temple in Jerusalem after the victory of the Jews over the troops of the Syrian emperor Antiochus. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, and may occur from late November to late December on the Gregorian calendar. This year, it falls on December 22.

Hanukkah is celebrated by a series of rituals that are performed every day throughout the eight-day holiday. Some are family-based and others are communal. Hanukkah (Chanukah) isn't like other religious holidays as there is no obligation to refrain from any activity. People go to work as usual, but may leave early in order to be home to kindle the lights at nightfall. After the customary blessing of the lights, many families exchange gifts, partake in traditional meals, play with the dreidel and distribute money to the younger members of the family.

The main tradition, of course, is the lighting of the menorah just after sundown and should be kept lit for at least half an hour. The tradition is to light a single light each night for eight nights. An extra light called a shamash, meaning guard or servant is also lit each night, and is given a distinct location, usually higher or lower than the others. The purpose of the extra light stems from the old prohibition against using the Hanukkah lights for anything other than the Hanukkah (Chanukah) tradition. The lights can be candles or oil lamps. However, electric lights are permissible in places where open flame is not permitted. Lights should be prominently placed near windows, not for decorative purposes but to remind others of the holiday and its miracle.

The Hanerot Halalu hymn is recited during or after the lighting ceremony. Although there are several versions of the hymn, here is the most commonly used version including its translation in English:

Hanneirot hallalu anachnu madlikin 'al hannissim ve'al hanniflaot 'al hatteshu'ot ve'al hammilchamot she'asita laavoteinu bayyamim haheim, (u)bazzeman hazeh 'al yedei kohanekha hakkedoshim. Vekhol-shemonat yemei Hanukkah hanneirot hallalu kodesh heim, ve-ein lanu reshut lehishtammesh baheim ella lir'otam bilvad kedei lehodot ul'halleil leshimcha haggadol 'al nissekha ve'al nifleotekha ve'al yeshu'otekha

We light these lights for the miracles and the wonders, for the redemption and the battles that you made for our forefathers, in those days at this season, through your holy priests. During all eight days of Hanukkah these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make ordinary use of them except for to look at them in order to express thanks and praise to Your great Name for your miracles, Your wonders and Your salvations.

The "Ma'oz Tzur" is usually sung on the holiday of Hanukkah, after lighting the festival lights. This Hebrew song is thought to have been written sometime in the 13th century. Of its six stanzas, often only the first stanza is sung (or the first and fifth). Here are the six stanzas of the song both in Hebrew and in English:

Ma'oz tzur yeshu'ati, lecha na'eh leshabe'ach.
Tikon beit tefilati, vesham toda nezabe'ach.
Le'et tachin matbe'ah mitzar hamnabe'ach.
Az egmor beshir mizmor chanukat hamizbe'ach.

Ra'ot sav'ah nafshi, byagon kohi kila.
Hayai mareru bkoshi, beshi'abud malkhut egla.
Uvyado hagdola hotzi et hasgula.
Heil par'o vekhol zar'o yardu ke'even bimtzula.

Dvir kodsho hevi'ani vegam sham lo shakateti.
Uva nogesh vehiglani, ki zarim avadti.
Vyein ra'al masakhti, kim'at she'avarti.
Ketz Bavel Zerubavel, leketz shiv'im nosha'ati.

Krot komat brosh bikesh, Agagi ben Hamdatah.
venihiyeta lo (lefah) (u)lemokesh vega'avato nishbata.
Rosh yemini niseta, ve'oyev shmo mahita.
Rov banav vekinyanav al ha'etz talita.

Y'evanim nikbetzu alai, azai bimei Hashmanim.
Ufartzu homot migdalai, vetim'u kol hashmanim.
Uminotar kankanim na'asa nes lashoshanim.
Bnei vina yemei shmona kav'u shir urenanim.

Hasof zroa kodshekha, vekarev ketz hayeshu'a.
Nkom nikmat dam avadeikha me'uma haresha'a.
Ki arkha (lanu) hasha'a, ve'ein ketz limei hara'a.
Dkheh admon betzel tzalmon, hakem (lanu) ro'im shiv'a.


O mighty stronghold of my salvation, to praise You is a delight.
Restore my House of Prayer and there we will bring a thanksgiving offering.
When You will have prepared the slaughter for the blaspheming foe,
Then I shall complete with a song of hymn the dedication of the Altar.

My soul had been sated with troubles, my strength has been consumed with grief.
They had embittered my life with hardship, with the calf-like kingdom's bondage.
But with His great power He brought forth the treasured ones,
Pharaoh's army and all his offspring Went down like a stone into the deep.

To the holy abode of His Word He brought me. But there, too, I had no rest
And an oppressor came and exiled me. For I had served aliens,
And had drunk benumbing wine. Scarcely had I departed
At Babylon's end Zerubabel came. At the end of seventy years I was saved.

To sever the towering cypress sought the Agagite, son of Hammedatha [Haman],
But it became [a snare and] a stumbling block to him and his arrogance was stilled.
The head of the Benjaminite You lifted and the enemy, his name You obliterated
His numerous progeny - his possessions -on the gallows You hanged.

Greeks gathered against me then in Hasmonean days.
They breached the walls of my towers and they defiled all the oils;
And from the one remnant of the flasks a miracle was wrought for the roses.
Men of insight - eight days established for song and jubilation

Bare Your holy arm and hasten the End for salvation -
Avenge the vengeance of Your servants' blood from the wicked nation.
For the triumph is too long delayed for us, and there is no end to days of evil,
Repel the Red One in the nethermost shadow and establish for us the seven shepherds.

Additionally, there are other prayers and songs that are part of Hanukkah. Here is a thanksgiving benediction usually recited during the holidays:

"We thank You also for the miraculous deeds and for the redemption and for the mighty deeds and the saving acts wrought by You, as well as for the wars which You waged for our ancestors in ancient days at this season. In the days of the Hasmonean Mattathias, son of Johanan the high priest, and his sons, when the iniquitous Greco-Syrian kingdom rose up against Your people Israel, to make them forget Your Torah and to turn them away from the ordinances of Your will, then You in your abundant mercy rose up for them in the time of their trouble, pled their cause, executed judgment, avenged their wrong, and delivered the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of few, the impure into the hands of the pure, the wicked into the hands of the righteous, and insolent ones into the hands of those occupied with Your Torah. Both unto Yourself did you make a great and holy name in Thy world, and unto Your people did You achieve a great deliverance and redemption. Whereupon your children entered the sanctuary of Your house, cleansed Your temple, purified Your sanctuary, kindled lights in Your holy courts, and appointed these eight days of Hanukkah in order to give thanks and praises unto Your holy name."

Happy Hanukkah (Chanukah) everyone and I hope you'll have a merry and meaningful holidays ahead. I will leave you with the following 'Hanukkah Blessings' song courtesy of YouTube

2008 Club World Cup: Manchester United beats LDU Quito (video)

2008 has been a very good year for my team, Manchester United. After capturing the English Premier League title in May and following it up with the European championship weeks later, they have captured the biggest prize of all just as the year is set to close. Manchester United beat LDU Quito of Ecuador 1-0 to claim the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup crown!

Before a sell-out crowd of Japanese soccer fans, United dazzled and displayed the skills worthy of a champion. Even before the game started, many have picked them to win over the
South Americans. They are Manchester United, after all. Moreover, with the way they played in the semi-finals, beating Japan's Gamba Osaka with a score of 5-3, they seemed unbeatable. However, in a game where skill and luck are of equal importance, no result is certain, even for the best team in the world.

Their prediction was right, Ronaldo would be a marked man throughout the game with the Ecuadorians giving him the tightest defense they could give, plus much more. The European Footballer of Year, however, refused to be intimidated, picking himself up after every nasty kick and tackle, and helping Manchester United to a formidable offense in the first half. With most of the Ecuadorians concentrating on Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney was relatively free to play his game, making the Quito goalkeeper work double time in the first half. Despite this, the first 45 minutes ended with both teams scoreless.

The second half started on a bleak note for the Europeans as Vidic was sent off after getting a red card. Manchester United was now down to ten men and the prospects of another championship looked uncertain. The game became slower, more deliberate - probably the result of nerves after being reduced to ten players. However, they soon found their groove back with Wayne Rooney leading the pack, attacking the Ecuadorian goalie just like during the first half. After what seemed like an eternity, Rooney scored a wonderful strike from the left. With only a few minutes left in regulation, the championship was almost certain. And after several futile attempts from the South Americans, Manchester United was crowned as the world's best!

The internet coverage that I watched was spotty, with the video stream jamming intermittently, but the result of the game more than made up for my disappointment in the coverage. Though I couldn't understand what the Spanish commentators were saying, I jumped in my seat at every missed United goal, and winced at the few times the Ecuadorians almost scored. In the end, even with only 10 men, Manchester United was too good for the champions of South America. Truly, the best in the world!

2008 FIFA Club World Cup Semi-final Highlights
Manchester United vs Gamba Osaka

Robert Pattinson haircut: Robert Pattinson cuts his hair (pics/photos)

'Robert Pattinson has a new haircut!' screamed one internet headline. So what if he cuts his hair, I thought. There are more important things than that! Well, apparently thousands felt otherwise as that piece of (trivial) news snowballed into one of the hottest topics of the day, clogging the web with searches for pictures and photos of the Twilight star in his new 'do'. So what does he look like now? Just scroll down for the much sought-after Robert Pattinson new haircut pics to find out. If I may say so, he looks better now, neater, cleaner. It's a good thing he got rid of that bird's nest of hairdo that seemed to be screaming 'comb me' or 'cut me' all the time! LOL

This 'new haircut craze' is a testament to Robert Pattinson's star status. Not even Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise gets this much media mileage when they get a new haircut. He has definitely arrived, and with the sequel to Twilight in the works, plus more movies in the series coming up, he is destined to stay a star for much longer. Who knows, he may end up in the headlines for things more trivial than this, like 'Robert Pattinson gets a shave' or 'Robert Pattinson has a toothache'! He he.

I know, this topic is too trivial to blog about but give me some slack. The topic is hot and it's too good to pass up for some SEO exercise. My post may be a little late but I'm still hoping to succeed.

'Robert Pattinson Cuts His Hair' Pictures / Pics