Technology Tuesdays on Empty Streets: LG Arena

LG has yet again released an upcoming contender to the touch phone/PDA market with the launch of LG ARENA. It has proven to be very sleek and stylish with a power pack functionality to match it's simple beauty. Many are awaiting it's arrival and from the looks of things it may very well deliver well on its promise.

Here are its specifications:

General: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS 2100 or 850/1900 MHz, EDGE class 10, HSDPA 7.2 Mbps

Dimensions: 105.9 x 55.3 x 12 mm, 105 g

Display: 3" 16M-color capacitive TFT touchscreen of WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)

Memory: 8GB flash storage, microSD card slot (up to 16GB)

User interface: S-Class Touch UI

Still camera: 5 megapixel autofocus camera, Schneider-Kreuznach optics, autofocus, LED flash

Video recording: 3GP D1 (720x480)@30fps, QVGA@120fps high-speed recording, QVGA time lapse recording

Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm audio jack, TV-out, microUSB port, GPS receiver with A-GPS

Misc: Accelerometer for screen auto rotate, Multi-touch input, 3D hardware accelerator, DivX support, Dolby for Mobile audio enhancement, FM radio, FM transmitter, office document viewer

Battery: Li-Ion 1000 mAh, Talk time: 3 h 50 min, Standby: 300 h, Music playback: 30 h

and to show you more here is LG Arena's Official Video launch to dazzle your senses:

Music Monday on Empty Streets: Britney Spears - Circus

Britney is definitely back and is on the roll with her latest album Circus. And leading her new album is a single that has been rocking the charts with the same name. Circus is the sixth studio album by American pop singer Britney Spears. Jive Records, in collaboration with Zomba Label Group and Sony Music Entertainment, released it on November 28, 2008. Having sold over 505,000 copies in the United States in its first week, Circus debuted on the Billboard 200 at number one, making it Spears's fifth number-one album. The feat made Spears the only act in Nielsen SoundScan history to have four albums debut with 500,000 or more copies sold.



The album's first single, "Womanizer", became Spears's first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 since her debut "...Baby One More Time", almost 10 years prior. The second single, "Circus", debuted at number three on the Hot 100 chart. On January 7, 2009, "If U Seek Amy" was announced as the album's third single via Spears' official website.



Here is her single Circus just for you all to enjoy :)



Here's the lyrics:

There's only two types of people in the world:

The ones that entertain, and the ones that observe

Well baby, I'm a put on a show kind of girl

Don't like the backseat, gotta be first



I'm like the ringleader,

I call the shots (Call the shots)

I'm like a firecracker,

I make it hot



When I put on a show,

I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins,

Spotlight on me and I'm ready to break



I'm like a performer,

The dance floor is my stage

Better be ready,

Hope that you feel the same



All eyes on me in the center of the ring

Just like a circus

When I crack that whip everybody gon' trip

Just like a circus



Don't stand there watching me,

Follow me, show me what you can do

Everybody let go, We can make a dance floor

Just like a circus



There's only two types of guys out there:

Ones that can hang with me, and ones that are scared

So baby, I hope that you came prepared

I run a tight ship, so beware



I'm like the ringleader,

I call the shots (Call the shots)

I'm like a firecracker,

I make it hot



When I put on a show,

I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins,

Spotlight on me and I'm ready to break



I'm like a performer,

The dance floor is my stage

Better be ready,

Hope that you feel the same



All eyes on me in the center of the ring

Just like a circus

When I crack that whip everybody gon' trip

Just like a circus



Don't stand there watching me,

Follow me, show me what you can do

Everybody let go, We can make a dance floor

Just like a circus



Let's go!

(Uh, uh, uh, uh, Uh-huh)

Let me see what you can do

(Uh, uh, uh, uh, Uh-huh)

I'm running this

(Like, like, like, like a circus)

Yeah, like a what?

(Like, like, like, like a circus)



All eyes on me in the center of the ring

Just like a circus

When I crack that whip everybody gon' trip

Just like a circus



Don't stand there watching me,

Follow me, show me what you can do

Everybody let go, We can make a dance floor

Just like a circus



All eyes on me in the center of the ring

Just like a circus

When I crack that whip everybody gon' trip

Just like a circus



Don't stand there watching me,

Follow me, show me what you can do

Everybody let go, We can make a dance floor

Just like a circus

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

Sports Saturday on Empty Streets: Gina Carano

I have someone special to feature today - Gina Carano. Gina Carano has been number 2 on my list of most searched athletes for 2008 and from my research I am now seeing why. She is a woman wiht a lot of things going for her, as she carries herself from the fighting ring to the silver screen. But what catches the audiences attention is how could this seemingly beautiful and charming woman be involved in the world's toughest fight matches of which she has excelled in time and time again.



Out of the ring Carano starred in the cult film Ring Girls Based on true events, Ring Girls is a fast-paced story about five American women from Las Vegas who take on the ultimate challenge of fighting the best female Muay Thai fighters in the world.



Along with Lisa King, Carano served as a mentor to aspiring female fighters in the Oxygen reality series Fight Girls. She currently appears as "Crush" on the NBC show American Gladiators. She will also be featured in the new Michael Jai White film Blood and Bone slated to be released sometime in 2008.



She was profiled in a feature story for the ESPN series E:60, and was voted "Hottest Woman In America" by Big Biz Magazine in the Spring 2008 issue. On May 13, 2008, "Gina Carano" was the fastest-rising search on Google and third most searched person on Yahoo! She has also appeared in Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 as Natasha. a playable character.



Inside the ring Carano started her career in the sport of Muay Thai. After achieving a Muay Thai record of 12-1-1,Carano received an offer to participate in the first-ever sanctioned female MMA bout in Nevada. She was invited to the World Pro Fighting show in Las Vegas to fight Rosi Sexton from the United Kingdom.



She fought on the February 10, 2007, Showtime EliteXC card, defeating Julie Kedzie via unanimous decision in what was called "the fight of the night".



Her scheduled bout against Jan Finney at the EliteXC/K-1 Dynamite!! USA event on June 2, 2007 was canceled due to illness. The Fight Network and other organizations reported that she was rushed to the hospital via ambulance due to dehydration while attending a World Extreme Cagefighting event as a spectator.



Carano fought on the September 15, 2007, Showtime EliteXC card, where she defeated Tonya Evinger via rear naked choke for her first career win by submission.



Carano defeated former Hook N Shoot champion Kaitlin Young on EliteXC: Primetime on May 31, 2008. A day before the fight, Carano failed to make weight for her fight (140 pounds (63.5 kg)) after weighing in at 144.5 (65.5 kg). Although most MMA organizations set weight classes at 135 (Bantamweight (MMA)) and 145 (Featherweight (MMA)) pounds (61.2 and 65.8 kg, respectively), EliteXC opted to create a women's weight class at 140 pounds. Carano agreed to forfeit 12.5% of her "show" purse to Young, and the fight remained on the card.



Carano's latest fight was against Kelly Kobold on October 4, 2008 at EliteXC: Heat at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida which was broadcast on CBS.



Leading up to her fight against Kobold, there was much controversy over whether or not Gina would make weight for this fight, having fought only once in the past year and not making weight at that time. Gina assured critics that she would be able to make weight since she had hired a nutritionist to help with her dieting. At the weigh-in for the Kobold fight on October 3, 2008, "Gina Carano weighed in at 142.75 pounds on her first attempt. After removing her sports bra, a towel-covered Carano weighed in a second time at 142.5 pounds. On her third attempt without any clothes on, Carano weighed 141 pounds., successfully making weight.



Early on, Kobold was intent on pressing Carano in the clinch, while working for the takedown throughout the fight. Kobold managed a takedown in the second round, but the round ended before she could take meaningful advantage of it. Carano worked her opportunities by hitting Kobold at every turn whenever the fighters separated, while also opening a huge gash on the inside of her opponent’s eyebrow in the first round. At the end of the third round, Carano looked to finish the fight as she unloaded a head kick that landed flush on Kobold’s chin, but Kobold was not knocked out and the bout came to a close.



Carano won by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)[19] and remains undefeated. After she won the fight, she dedicated her fight to her grandfather.



A fight against Cristiane Santos was in the works for February 2009, although after EliteXC folded the fight become null. The possibility of the fight still happening in the future was dependent on which promotion the two women signed with next.



After Strikeforce purchased the assets of ProElite. Carano, along with other fighters within the defunct promotion, became contractually linked with Strikeforce, after many months of a stalemate regarding their free agent status.



Here's a video from showtime featuring Gina Carano:

Food Fridays on Empty Streets: Enchiladas

I just couldn't resist to feature one of my favorite snacks to make - Enchiladas. So without any delay here is my favorite Enchilada Recipe.

A note about the tortillas. The corn tortillas must be softened before they are rolled and baked in the casserole. Frying them gently in a little oil greatly enhances the flavor of the tortillas.
Ingredients

* Grapeseed oil (or another high smoke-point oil such as peanut or canola oil)
* 12 corn tortillas
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 clove of garlic, minced
* 1 cup of salsa (Mild prepared salsa or make your own using cooked or canned tomatoes, roasted green chiles, onions, cilantro, oil and vinegar. Do not use salsa made with fresh, uncooked tomatoes for this dish.)
* 3 Tbsp of tomato paste
* 1 cup water
* 1 cup of canned crushed tomatoes (preferably fire roasted)
* Olive oil
* 1 lb of jack cheese, mild cheddar or longhorn or any mild yellow cheese, grated
* A handful of cilantro
* 1 cup of sour cream
* Half a head of iceberg lettuce

Method

1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2 In a large fry pan at high heat add 3 Tbsp of grapeseed oil. Add a tortilla to the pan. Cook for 2-3 seconds, lift up the tortilla with a spatula, add another tortilla underneath. Cook for 2-3 seconds, lift again, both tortillas, and add another tortilla underneath. Repeat the process with all the tortillas, adding a little more oil if needed. This way you can brown and soften the tortillas without using a lot of fat. You do this process to develop the flavor of the tortillas. As the tortillas brown a little, remove from the pan one by one to rest on a paper towel, which absorbs any excess fat.

2 Sauté up the chopped onion and garlic, then turn off the heat. Add 1 cup of salsa. Dissolve 3 Tbsp of tomato paste into 1 cup of water, add to pan. Add 1 cup of crushed fire roasted canned tomatoes. Taste. If the sauce tastes too vinegary, add a teaspoon of sugar.

3 Put some olive oil on the bottom of a large casserole pan. Take a tortilla, cover 2/3 of it lightly with the shredded cheese, then roll up the tortilla and place it in the casserole pan. Continue until all tortillas are filled and rolled. Add sauce to the top of the tortillas in the the casserole pan. Make sure all are covered with the sauce. If not, add a little water. Cover the whole thing with the rest of the grated cheese. Put the casserole in the oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.

4 Garnish with cilantro and sour cream. Serve with sliced iceberg lettuce that has been dressed only with vinegar and salt. See Perfect Guacamole for a great guacamole avocado side dish.

Serves 4.

Here is my Favorite recipe in video for you to follow ;)

Travel Thursday on Empty Streets: Makati City - My hometown

I have decided to finally feature the city that I love and live in - Makati City. This is a rather busy place to live in but one with so much to see and so many things to experience. There are a lot of people running around trying to get around from one building to another just to get to work and the diversity of the races is just as overwhelming. Eventually, one get lured into the city and it sticks to you and grows on you that you find yourself continuously drawn back to it for more. That is how I ended up here and am still happy for it. :)

The City of Makati, or simply Makati, is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila, the greater metropolitan area of the national capital of the Philippines. It is the major financial, commercial and economic hub in the Philippines, often referred to as the financial capital of the Philippines since many global companies have their offices and headquarters in the city. Makati is also home to the influential Makati Business Club and the Philippine Stock Exchange. Ayala Avenue, running through the heart of downtown Makati Central Business District is often called the Wall Street of the Philippines

Makati is noted for its highly cosmopolitan culture, also being a major cultural and entertainment hub in Metro Manila. Many expatriates live and work in the city. Makati is also home to many first-class shopping malls, which are located at Ayala Center and Rockwell Center. Makati also has the tallest buildings in the Philippines like PBCOM Tower, G.T. International Tower.

The city also has many of the country's five-star hotels like The Peninsula Manila, the Shangri-La Hotel Makati and the Intercontinental Hotel Manila. Independent business travelers also benefit from budget hotels like the Saint Illian's Inn, El Cielito Inn, The Copa Businessman's Hotel, and The City Garden Suites, while serviced apartments like The Salcedo Suites, Fraser Place Manila, The Sunette Tower, and The Oxford Suites are gaining in popularity among business-minded travelers as well.

Makati came from the Tagalog word kati, which means tide. This primarily refers to the rise and ebb of the tide of the Pasig River on the city's northern border. The city was also known as San Pedro de Macati during the Spanish era.

Today the city is one of the most modern cities in the country and the Philippines' major global economic competitor in Asia. However, it faces challenges due to the disparate gap between the new city in the west, which contains the Central Business District, and the old city in the east, which is largely poor and where most of the city's slums are located.

That is just a taste of what is to be expected in this beautifully addicting Philippine city of Makati. Stay tuned for more as I will be featuring a lot of my favorite hang outs here in the of Makati.

Wellness Wednesday on Empty Streets: 10 Benefits of Sleep

I have been blessed with good health for the past couple of years and fortunate enough for me if ever I do feel sick or a little under the weather I simply find time to sleep a little longer. By the time I wake up from my slumber, what seemingly ails me has somewhat disappeared. That in a way got me a bit curious to check out and see what other things does sleeping bring to those that practice it often.

Here is what I found:
1. Sleep for a "Healthy Heart" . Heart attacks and strokes are more common during the early morning hours.
2. Sleep may prevent cancer
3. Reduce your stress with sleep.
4. Be more alert
5. Reduces Inflammation
6. Help lose weight. Studies show people who sleep less than 6-7 hours per night are more likely to be overweight.
7. Reduce the risk of depression
8. Repair your body
9. Naps make you "smarter" Naps improve memory, cognitive funtion and mood
10. Bolsters your memory

Amazing isn't it? I never thought that sleep could be such a powerful healing tool for us. I guess that is why the babies sleep so much during their development stage. Anyways here is a video to further demonstrate the topic of sleep and it's health benefits.

Right Ratio of Rest (Pt 2): Benefits of Sleep - The most amazing home videos are here

Technology Tuesdays on Empty Streets: Samsung Omnia

I am hooked on Samsung models this time around - more so with the touch screen versions. I have featured the Samsung Behold last time and now I am featuring the Samsung Omnia.



Here are the reasons why I love the Samsung Omnia a lot:

Key Features:

• Quad-band GSM support: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900

• 3G Network: HSDPA 2100 for Europe / Asia

• 3.2" 65K-color touchscreen with resolution of 240 x 400 pixels

• Thumbable virtual QWERTY keyboard with optional landscape mode

• Built-in accelerometer for auto screen rotation and call muting

• Optical joystick with virtual mouse functionality

• Handwriting recognition

• Available built-in Memory: 8GB / 16GB

• 128MB RAM, 256MB ROM

• Data Type: HSDPA, EDGE, GPRS

• Wi-Fi 802.11b/g

• Bluetooth capable

• USB 2.0

• 5 megapixel autofocus camera with wide dynamic range mode, face tracking, smile detection, geotagging

• Built-in GPS receiver with A-GPS support

• Java MIDP 2.0

• FM Radio with RDS

• Pocket Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, PDF viewer)

• MP3/AAC/AAC+/WMA/OGG/AMR player

• DivX/XviD/WMV/MP4 player (watch any movie files without conversion of format on i900)

• TV Out

• Voice memo

• Built-in handsfree

• OS: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional

• Card Slot: microSD (TransFlash), up to 8gb

• Colors: Modern Black

• Dimensions: 112 x 56.9 x 12.5 mm

• Weight: 127g



So many features to play with along with the ability to be an eye candy for those that lay their eyes on them makes the Omnia a truly strong iPhone contender to date.



With all that being said it is no wonder they have the right to say that Samsung Omnia is truly more than just a phone:


Samsung Omnia - More Than a Phone - Click here for more amazing videos

Music Monday on Empty Streets: Featuring T.I.

The most requested artist as of last week was T.I. and it is because of this that I got really curious about this guy. It didn't take long before I started flexing my internet search musles and found a lot about this very intriguing artist.



Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., (born September 25, 1980), better known by his stage name T.I., and also by his alter ego T.I.P., is an American rapper, songwriter, producer, actor and co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records. As of January 2009, T.I. has had nine Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 singles, with three of them reaching number one ("My Love" with Justin Timberlake, "Whatever You Like", and "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna).



T.I. has been in a relationship with former Xscape member Tameka "Tiny" Cottle since 2001. Together, they have two sons: Clifford 'King' Joseph III and Major Philant. Their daughter, Llayah Amour, was stillborn six months into a complicated pregnancy. He has two sons with ex-girlfriend Lashon Dixon: Domani Uriah and Messiah Ya'Majesty. T.I also has a daughter called Deyjah Imani from another relationship. Overall, T.I. has six children.



TI has also contributed a lot to communities. In addition to helping with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, T.I. worked with troubled youths at Paulding Detention Center in Atlanta, provided scholarships for single parent families at Boys and Girls Clubs, and headlined the Boost Mobile Rockcorps concert at New York's Radio City Music Hall, which featured such performers as Fat Joe, Slim Thug, and Kanye West, and was held exclusively for community service volunteers. As part of his community service time, T.I. has come to a number of middle-grade and high schools in Georgia, where he speaks with the students in an assembly holding a positive message, while maintaining a philathropic view about morals and growing up in the same areas as himself. In June 2005, The Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes Foundation, named for the deceased member of multi-platinum female group TLC, and Atlanta's V-103 honored T.I. with the 2005 Lisa Lopes Award for groundbreaking achievements in music and community service which was court ordered. With this steady list of growing accomplishments T.I. is being recognized as the "Jay-Z of the South," according to Pharrell Williams of multi-platinum production team The Neptunes.



T.I.'s night club, Club Crucial, hosted a giveaway of 200 bicycles to neighborhood children in the Boys and Girls Club with V-103 announcer Greg Street.



Here's a video of him singing Dead and Gone Featuring Justin Timberlake for your enjoyment.


Dead And Gone - TI Featuring Justin Timberlake - The most amazing home videos are here

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

Sports Saturday on Empty Streets: Most Searched Athletes 2008

I had to do some fishing for today's topic. I was rather curious to figure out who are the year's most searched athletes and amazingly enough after scouring the web for data I have finally completed my list and the research has been based off that of Yahoo.



Here is the top 10 most searched athletes of 2008 according to Yahoo!:



1. Maria Sharapova2. Gina Carano3. Danica Patrick4. Cristiano Ronaldo5. Amanda Beard6. Michael Phelps7. Kimbo Slice8. Leryn Franco9. Natalie Gulbis10. David Beckham



These athletes are amazing on their own and have given the media and the people that adore them a run for their money and attention. I have already featured a couple of these people here on Empty Streets 1027 and will be featuring the rest as we go along for the next couple Saturday specials. So without further delay I would like to get started on the topics with Maria Sharapova.



Maria Yuryevna Sharapova (Mariya Yur’evna Sharapova; born April 19, 1987) is a Russian professional tennis player. A former World No. 1, she was on February 23, 2009, ranked World No. 23 by the Women's Tennis Association. Sharapova has won three Grand Slam singles titles. In 2004, at the age of 17, she won Wimbledon, defeating Serena Williams in the final. She has since won the 2006 US Open, defeating Justine Henin in the final, and the 2008 Australian Open, defeating Ana Ivanović in the final.



Sharapova has represented Russia in Fed Cup, although her appearances have been controversial. She has been featured in a number of modeling assignments, including a feature in Sports Illustrated. Sharapova was the most searched-for athlete on Yahoo! in both 2005 and 2008. In July 2008, as a result of her success both on and off court, she was the world's highest-paid female athlete.



As of October 2008, she is coached by her father, Yuri Sharapov, and former player Michael Joyce.



And here is a cool video of the world's most searched athlete of 2008:


Maria Sharapova - Nike - The most amazing home videos are here

Food Fridays on Empty Streets: Chocolate Cake Overload

I love chocolates and I just can't get over the number of ways that one can enjoy and make these chocolatey goodies. After clearing up the chocolate myths I finally decided to have you enjoy a full Chocolate Cake Overload Recipe ;)

   4    Eggs
  1 c  Sour cream
1/2 c  Water
1/2 c  Oil
  1 pk Chocolate cake mix
  1 pk Chocolate instant pudding
 12 oz Semisweet chocolate chips
       Confectioner's sugar

Beat eggs, sour cream, water, and oil together in a large bowl until
thoroughly mixed. Add cake mix and pudding mix. Beat until smooth.
Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into Bundt or tube pan and bake at 350
F for 1 hour. When cool, sift powdered sugar on top of cake.
Variation: Replace 1/4 cup water with Grand Marnier. Serves 8-10.

It is so easy that it will leave you craving for more. It is much better to do this with the entire family as a Sunday activity - just dont forget to clean up the tasty mess ;)

Here's a video of another Chocolatey Cake Overload:

Travel Thursday on Empty Streets: Moriones Festival

I had presented a list of Philippine Festivals and Holidays in last week's article and I had a friend that commented that I missed out on a very popular festival known to us as the Moriones Festivals. She was right and this is a very important festival for us and for that I would like to thank my blogger friend Nedekcir. She is a very talented blogger too so I strongly recommend to please check her out and the articles that she has:

Girls Are Made Of Sugar & Spice And Everything Nice
Everything Has A Reason
In My Kitchen
In The Life Of..."Mně"
My Vegetables Garden

With that aside I would like now to present to you the Moriones Festival details:

The Moriones is an annual festival held on Holy Week on the island of Marinduque, Philippines. The "Moriones" are men and women in costumes and masks replicating the garb of biblical Roman soldiers as interpreted by local folks. The Moriones or Moryonan tradition has inspired the creation of other festivals in the Philippines where cultural practices or folk history is turned into street festivals.

Festival

The Moriones Festival is known widely as one of the most colorful festivals celebrated on the island of Marinduque and the Philippines. Morion means "mask" or "visor," a part of the medieval Roman armor which covers the face. Moriones, on the other hand, refers to the masked and costumed penitents who march around the town for seven days searching for Longinus. Morions roam the streets in town from Holy Monday to Easter Sunday scaring the kids, or engaging in antics or surprises to draw attention. This is a folk-religious festival that re-enacts the story of Longinus, a Roman centurion who was blind in one eye. The festival is characterized by colorful Roman costumes, painted masks and helmets, and brightly-colored tunics. The towns of Boac, Gasan, Santa Cruz, Buenavista and Mogpog in the island of Marinduque become one gigantic stage. The observances form part of the Lenten celebrations of Marinduque. The various towns also hold the unique tradition of the pabasa or the recitation of Christ's passion in verse. Then at three o'clock on Good Friday afternoon, the Santo Sepulcro is observed, whereby old women exchange verses based on the Bible as they stand in wake of the dead Christ. One of the highlights of this festival is the Via Crucis. A re-enactment of the suffering of Christ on his way to the calvary. Men inflict suffering upon themselves by whipping their backs, carrying a wooden cross and sometimes even crucifixion. They see this act as their form of atonement for their sins. This weeklong celebration starts on Holy Monday and ends on Easter Sunday.


Background

The term "Moriones" was concocted by the media in the 60s, but local inhabitants have kept the original term, "Moryonan". Many practitioners are farmers and fishermen who engage in this age-old tradition as a vow of penance or thanksgiving. Legend has it that Longinus pierced the side of the crucified Christ. The blood that spurted forth touched his blind eye and fully restored his sight. This miracle converted Longinus to Christianity and earned the ire of his fellow centurions. The re-enactment reaches its climax when Longinus is caught and beheaded.

History

The name Moriones is derived from the Spanish word 'Morion' meaning mask or helmet. The Spanish conquistadores were wearing Moriones. The origin of the festival is traced to Mogpog and the year 1807 when the parish priest of said town, Fr. Dionisio Santiago, organized it for the first time.

And to further tantalize you with this upcoming Holy Week Celebration here is a video featuring this festive event:

Wellness Wednesday on Empty Streets: Chocolate Myths

I am addicted to sweets and that is something I have to say and confess :) Most especially to a good bar of chocolate. But many have claimed that it is a health risk and should be avoided. Fortunate for us scientists (i think most especially those addicted to them tasty treats) put these myths to the test and here are the things they found about chocolates.

Chocolate myths:

Chocolate gives you pimples

False!

Real chocolate contains anti-oxidants, which can actually help your skin look better. However the milk that is often mixed with chocolate can cause acne.

Chocolate causes cavities

False!

Foods that contain fermentable carbohydrates (FCs) cause cavities. Although FCs are found in chocolate, the cocoa butter in chocolate coats the teeth, making it less likely to cause tooth decay. While chocolate may be high in sugar, it melts quickly in your mouth. This leaves little time for bacteria to attack your teeth and cause cavities. However, like all high sugar foods - moderation is certainly the key.

Chocolate is high in caffeine

False!

The amount of caffeine in a piece of chocolate is a lot lower than a cup of coffee. A regular cup of coffee has 130-150 mg of caffeine, while an ounce of milk chocolate contains only 6 mg.

Chocolate may protect against heart disease

True!

Real chocolate can help prevent heart problems because it's high in cocoa butter, which reduces cholesterol. Real chocolate also has vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium, which all help muscles, joints and nerves function normally.

Chocolate may protect against cancer

True!

Dark chocolate is a great source of flavonoids, which contain antioxidants that protect you from toxins in the environment like cigarette smoke. Scientists have found that dark chocolate has four times the antioxidants of green tea. Approximately 100 ml of tea contains 13.9 mg of catechins (an antioxidant that fights cancer), whereas 100 g of chocolate has 53.5 mg.

Chocolate causes migraine headaches

False.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of chocolate's ability to induce headaches in 63 women with chronic headache was conducted in 1997 at the University of Pittsburgh Pain Evaluation and Treatment Institute.

The University of Pittsburgh study concluded that "contrary to the commonly held belief of patients and physicians, chocolate does not appear to play a significant role in triggering headaches in typical migraine, tension-type or combined headache sufferers."

However, while the science has been so far unable to prove the connection - many migraine sufferers are convinced of a connection.

Chocolate is addictive

False.

Although many people experience cravings for chocolate, there is little evidence from existing studies that these are due to addiction.

Chocolate is an aphrodisiac?

"?"

Chocolate is the traditional gift of love, ranking right up there with roses as the most romantic gift one can give. But is it really an aphrodisiac? There is no definitive evidence to say yes. However, chocolate contains three substances, caffeine, theobromine and phenyethylamine that might be related to this myth.

Caffeine acts as a stimulant. Theobromine stimulates the heart muscle and the nervous system and phenyethylamine is reputed to be a mood elevator and an anti-depressant.

The combination of these three substances, giving you extra energy, making your heart beat faster, making you a bit jumpy and slightly giddy....well, you can see how chocolate could be linked to love. In fact, Montezuma used to drink a frothy chocolate beverage before going to visit one of his wives.

Before you go out to buy several cases of chocolate to ply your lover with tonight, remember that these substances show up only in small quantities in chocolate

Here's a news video further debunking all the chocolate myths:

Plugged In: Myths & Facts About Chocolate - Click here for funny video clips
I do hope that this helps you justify your guilty pleasure - But do remember too much is always bad and that goes for everything ;)

Technology Tuesdays on Empty Streets: Samsung Behold

I just love touch screen phones. Ever since the iPhone began a touch screen revolution a lot of mobile phone companies have followed up with phone specials of their own. One such company is Samsung - releasing the latest Samsung Behold. This phone has definitely a lot to behold.

Here are its specifications

Usability
Display Resolution	240x320px
Display Color	256K
Display Technology	TFT
Input / Navigation	Touch Screen Display
Talk Time	3h
Stand-by Time	250h
Vibration	Available
Ringtones	MP3 Polyphonic

Connectivity
Compatible Networks	UMTS 1700 (3G) GSM 900 GSM 1800 GSM 1900 GSM 850
Positioning System	Integrated GPS
USB	v2.0
Bluetooth	v2.0
EDGE	Class 10 *
Radio	FM
GPRS	Class 10

Software
Operating System	Proprietary
Java	MIDP 2

Hardware
Processor Speed	Proprietary
External Memory	microSD
Camera Resolution	5 Megapix
Camera Flash	LED
Video Recording	Available

Ergonomics
Dimensions	98x55x11.4mm
Weight	100g
Form Factor	Candy Bar

And as I always do, here is a video to further keep yah in awe - Behold Samsung Behold ;)

Music Monday on Empty Streets: Featuring Kelly Clarkson

From American Idol to Pop star sensation - Kelly Clarkson is definitely moving people with her powerful vocals and has continued to hit the airwaves with new singles every chance she gets.

Here is a lot more about this phenomenal artist:

Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24, 1982) is an American singer-songwriter and occasional actress. Clarkson made her debut under RCA Records after she won the highly-publicized first season of the television series American Idol in 2002.

She was originally marketed as a pop musician with her debut album Thankful (2003). With the release of her multi-platinum second album, Breakaway (2004), Clarkson moved to a more pop rock-oriented style of music. Clarkson's third album, entitled My December, was released on June 26, 2007. According to Sony Music, Clarkson has sold over 20 million albums worldwide. Clarkson has had nine of her singles become Top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Her first three albums have sold over 9.5 million copies in the United States. In 2008, she joined VH1's list of 10 sexiest women of the new millennium at #8. She also hit #28 on Vh1's Top 30 Hottest Rock Front Women. As of 2008 she is one of the 10 most played artists on adult contemporary radio. Clarkson's fourth album titled All I Ever Wanted was released on March 10, 2009. Her latest single, "My Life Would Suck Without You", advanced from No. 97 to No. 1 on the Hot 100 in its first week of release, breaking the record for the largest leap to the position in chart history. She is currently the only American Idol contestant to have reached number one in the UK. She claimed number one on March 1st 2009 when "My Life Would Suck Without You" debuted number one on downloads alone.

And now with her single including subtitles so you can sing along is her latest single My Life Would Suck Without You

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

Sports Saturday on Empty Streets: Pete Sampras

Pete Sampras has been my childhood sports idol and apparently am not the only one. A very good friend of mine iWalkU2 is an avid fan of this former No.1 Tennis Star. Before I do talk about Pete Sampras let me give you a little background about my friend - iWalkU2 has been an amazing friend to me but more than anything I was primarily drawn to her amazing website due to the vivid and lively images of her travels and experiences. Most of it is about China and Tibet, and from what I have learned through her is so spectacular. The way she uses her camera lenses to show you her world through her eyes will definitely keep you captivated and craving for more. I myself can't wait for the holidays to hit and come over to see the magical places she has shown and much more.

Now with all that said I do hope you come and visit her and check it out yourself. In the meantime let's go back to topic.

Petros "Pete" Sampras (born August 12, 1971, in Washington, D.C.) is a former World No. 1 tennis player from the United States of America. During his 15-year career, he won a record 14 Grand Slam men's singles titles (two Australian Open, seven Wimbledon, five US Open), and had a 203–38 win-loss record over 52 Grand Slam singles tournament appearances.

He debuted on the professional tour in 1988 and played his last top-level game in 2002. He was the year-end World No. 1 for six consecutive years (1993–1998), a record for the open era and tied for third all-time. His seven Wimbledon singles championships is a record shared with William Renshaw. His five US Open singles titles is an open era record shared with former World No. 1s Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer. He is considered to be one of the greatest players of all time. The American journalist and television sportscaster Bud Collins has named Sampras as one of the top five men's tennis players of all-time, and Tennis Magazine has named him the greatest tennis player from 1965 to 2005. On July 17, 2007, Sampras was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Here's Pete and Andre in action ;)

Nike Commercial - Agassi Vs Sampras - Funny blooper videos are here

Food Fridays on Empty Streets: Tortilla Recipe

I have to admit that I haven't been visiting my favorite friends for the past couple of days because I have been terribly busy but I want to make you know that you are always remembered. So for my friends and readers alike I have prepared this special Tortilla Recipe for all of you.

Enjoy ;)

Serving Size : 12

• 4 cups Unbleached all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 4 teaspoons Baking powder
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable shortening
• 1 1/2 cups Warm water or more if needed

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt and baking powder. With a pastry blender, a fork or your hands, gradually work in the lard or shortening until it is all incorporated. Add enough warm water to make a soft but not sticky dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead for 5 minutes.
Divide the dough into 1/4 cup (3 oz) portions and form them into balls.
Roll each ball into a flat round about 6 inches in diameter and 1/8 inches thick.
Heat a large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Place the tortillas one at a time into the dry hot skillet; cook until brown on one side, then turn and brown the other side.
Remove from the skillet and keep warm in cloth towel.
Source: Southwest cookbook

For those that prefer a video tutorial don't fret for I have just that for you here:

FLOUR TORTILLAS (Step-by-step Recipe) - The funniest videos clips are here

This is for you my Friends - Enjoy ;)

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