Certified Blogaholic

After over a month writing for SocialSpark.com, I have made decent income from blogging and learned so much from the endeavor. More than the money I have earned, I also learned from the subjects and the companies that I have written and blogged about. I realized the importance of edu and gov links to site rank, affiliate marketing, and other websites that may prove useful in everyday living.

In this endeavor, it is fulfilling to know that both advertisers and bloggers benefit and help each other out. Thus, it would help the industry further if there are more advertisers in various businesses who would take part in the process. I am a person who loves to learn about new things. It would be good if we find more advertisers involved in renewable resources, new technology, and advanced research. I would love to know more about mankind’s efforts to reduce wastes and emissions complemented with new technologies that will utilize other sources of energy. With the current crisis in fuel prices, I’d love to see what companies have committed themselves to in finding an alternative source of energy. I know there are companies now that are pursuing the manufacture of hybrid engines, cars that run on compressed air, electricity, and solar energy.

It would also be great to find out more about advancement in the field of medicine and alternative ways of healing. I practice yoga and I am aware that the world is now realizing that there are better ways to heal the body and soul instead of popping pills in your mouth. New technologies are also a source of wonder and amazement for me. I love those small gadgets that can almost do anything and everything.

Overall, the variety of advertisers in Social Spark is not bad. However, it would be great if the doors are opened to an even wider variety of businesses that make the world such a unique and wonderful place to live in.

Despite the current real estate slump in the USA, luxury homes are not slipping with the rest of the pack.  This may be due to the tight market inventory for trophy-homes as explained by real estate experts.  Nevertheless, they clarified that sellers for this type of market are more flexible now than they were a year ago.  On the other hand, wealthy Americans feel this is a good time to invest in properties and are more inclined to meet sellers halfway when it comes to quality real estate.

At the top of our $100 million list in the market this year is a $165 million Beverly Hills mansion once owned by William Randolph Hearst, a Jacobean manor on 40 acres in Greenwich, Connecticut, and a Los Angeles château, both priced at $125 million; and another in Nevada’s Lake Tahoe on 210 acres of land with its own private cove priced at $100 million.  The Portobello estate in Corona del Mar, California, which has a listing price of $75 million  did not breach the $100 million mark even though it has eight bedrooms and 30,000 square feet of interior space, not to mention its own private beach.

Meanwhile, I’d like to go off-topic here and show you pictures of the the first billion dollar home, which is not in America,  owned by India’s richest man.  If you want to talk about indulgence and opulence, this is the epitome of it.  No pun intended on the rich people out there, but I do find things like this absurd and useless — a hands-down waste of money and life.  Had I been lucky enough to get my hands on that much money, I wouldn’t waste it on something as stupid as this.  And Angelina and Brad are questioned for their charity works . . .

This last picture is the first six floors of the building which is the garage for the family’s vehicles — I don’t think we have to imagine how many those are.  It will also house a full-pledged theater/cinema and a health plaza.  The partially-finished 27-floor tower is located in Mumbai and owned by Mukesh Ambani (6th richest man in the world).  It is named the Antilla and will serve as the home of his family.  It is expected to cost $2 billion upon completion.

Now, I realize why I find Buffet’s humility and simplicity admirable.

Apple seems to be looking at something sunnier as employees reported that it has filed a patent to place solar cells on portable devices. Apple’s devices such as the iPhone could be fitted with photovoltaic cells underneath the LCD touch screens to maximize the area that will harness the sun’s energy.

The filing indicated that the performance of a device’s solar cells could be displayed on the main screen next to info for battery power, text message alerts and time of day. Or it could also show on top of the solar cells themselves. Apple’s new technology could pave way for the next generation of wireless mobility. Users can finally charge their devices without the need to connect to the power grid.

Apple is not the only electronic manufacturer looking to harness the sun’s power since the 6.4-ounce Solio Mg ($200) from Better Energy Systems has already been out in the market. It has 3 magnesium blades that fan out to reveal solar panels which can store enough power to charge most phones and PDAs twice. According to sources, an hour of clear sun can provide cell phones about 25 minutes of talk time or an iPod an hour of playing time while it takes ten hours of direct sun to fully juice the device.

The Voltaic Systems’ Generator laptop bag is another device which is covered in solar cells to charge any laptop. It can generate up to 14.7 watts after a day of direct sunlight and can carry a 17-inch Apple Powerbook. The bag comes with adapters that allow other electronics, such as cell phones, to be charged.

These amazing new technologies are definitely making gadget freaks like me giddy with excitement.

Online gambling has been a popular diversion for a lot of people for the past few years. The advantage of playing online is that you get the same chance in winning as those who play in actual casinos without the additional costs of traveling and other out-of-pocket expenses. However, it seems that most players have had difficulty in looking for online game sites for the Macintosh. Since there are few around, finding one that is trustworthy and credible is likewise difficult.

For Mac users who have been itching to play online, you can check out Macpokeronline.com and get a list of reliable gambling sites for the Mac. Like most casino review sites, the website provides valuable information that will not only improve your chance in winning, but will also help you play securely. Right off the home page, you already get a glimpse of the recommended sites and a summary of the special offers available.  The best sites have reviews linked on the home page which include Party Poker, Pacific Poker, Fulltilt Poker, and Poker Stars.

Other special services offered by the website are include an Easy Beginners’ Guide, Current Poker Tournaments, Casino Bonuses, and Poker Bonuses.  It is also interesting that you can get news articles relevant to poker, casinos, and even the Mac.  It has all the tools a Mac poker and casino player will need to equip him with the skills the he needs to improve his chances to win.

There is nothing more interesting than to find new species of animal no human eye has ever seen before. During the voyage of an international team of scientists aboard the German vessel Polarstern between 2002-2005, the team had great success taking home several new sea creatures never before seen by humans. To find these creatures, they had to go where no man has ever gone before. They explored the deep Weddell Sea and nearby seas, going to depths of about 2,300 to 19,700 feet (700 to 6,000 meters). It was called the Antarctic Benthic Deep-Sea Biodiversity Project, or ANDEEP.

This baby isopod Ceratoserolis (above) is one of 585 new species of isopod- a type of marice crustatcean related to wood lice.

This glass sponge was one of 76 sponge species found during expeditions. The deep-sea fauna found during the trips now challenged a belief that the ocean depths do not nurture a diversity of animals. According to marine biologist Katrin Linse, in other oceans the number of species drops the deeper you go. In the Southern Ocean, the trend was the opposite.

This is a male Munna, another organism the team managed to find during the expedition.

More than 700 new species discovered during the research efforts provide the first insights into the biodiversity of the oceans around Antarctica. The difficulty in exploring the Antarctica has now been remedied by technology and it will no longer remain an enigma to scientists.

Did you know that assembling your own personal computer is actually a simple task? Our personal computer at home was assembled by my brother. Although he did consult the computer store regarding compatibilities of the parts he bought, it was actually a simple process. He also assembled a computer for my officemate years ago. According to him, the advantage of doing it yourself is that you get to choose the parts that go with it. He chooses reliable brands instead of those they put on PC clones that bog down after just a few months. We end up saving precious bucks because of his efforts.

Actually, anyone with common sense can do it. There are even kits in the web that can help you in the step-by-step process. EasyasmyPC.com is one site that provides DIY PC Kits (barebones computers) that can help you assemble your own computer in just a few hours. The computer components that come with the kit are from the world’s best brands and covers full manufacturer warranties. You can choose the kit that will best suit your requirements. There are gaming kits, business kits, and the basic DIY PC kits depending on how you intend to use your PC. If you already have a personal computer, you can choose upgrade kits and save more money.

Regardless of what you choose, it is guaranteed that a DIY PC kit will save you hundreds of dollars versus buying a pre-assembled PC. Not only does it save you money, but it will definitely improve your knowledge and skills regarding computer hardware. After you have assembled your PC, you will definitely have something to brag about.

It already cost Ed Greenwood his job when New York City mayor Michael  Bloomberg caught him playing the game round the clock.  It is a game included in Windows default games and keeps bored employees busy. What is it?  It’s Solitaire.

I was never addicted to the game.  I prefer Zuma or Bejeweled.  Apparently, it is the game that keeps people glued to their PCs, forgetting that they still have more productive things to do.  My Mom plays it once in a while.  But she still prefers scrabble which keeps her brain working which is important when you are already 71 years old.

It will never rank at the top of the list for gamers.  Yet, none of them can argue that more people play it than those complicated role-playing games or fighting games they are hung up with.  Then again, if your kids choose this over the current computer games in the market, there is no risk of making them numb to violence and gore.  On the other hand, don’t be surprised if they end up spending time in a casino when they get older.

Fuel prices continue to soar.  The UN believes an impending World Food Crisis is coming.  The economy is not getting better.  It seems the world is starting to spin out of control.  Are we all headed for an economic crisis?  The more important question is, are you ready for the worst?

If you are currently in a financial fix, it is about time you start rebuilding your financial track record or your credit rating.  A bad credit rating increases your risk to being unable to cope with whatever storm seems to be brewing ahead.  Some people believe that when your credit rating slumps, it’s nearly impossible to repair.  That is not exactly true.

There are still ways and options to repair your credit rating.  Badcreditoffers.com assists people who have ruined their credibility in the financial and credit market by providing them with guides on the institutions that offer credit for those with bad credit.  It is the ultimate resource for those who wish to repair their credit rating or those who badly need loans but are unable to due to bad credit.  The site will provide consumers with data to compare prices on bad credit credit cards,  debt relief, home loans, personal loans, and even compare services of agencies who provide credit reports.  With the information, a consumer will be armed with the right information to choose the credit that will best suit their requirements.

This is not the time to stall.  Now is the time to find debt relief and stabilize your financial position.  Badcreditoffers may be the hand you need to pick you up from your fall.

It’s sad that there are more news of atrocities than kindness lately. After news broke out about a father imprisoning his daughter for years in the basement and impregnating her, now a German couple offers their 7-month old baby at Ebay for 1 Euro.

“Offering my nearly new baby for sale, as it has gotten too loud. It is a male baby, nearly 28 inches (70 cm) long and can be used either in a baby carrier or a stroller,” police quoted the ad as reading.

Police are currently investigating the 23-year old mother and 24-year old father for child trafficking. No offers were made for the child in the two hours and 30 minutes the ad was posted on Tuesday. EBay later deleted the posting, but assisted police in tracking down the parents.

The mother claims that the ad was merely a joke. How come no one is laughing?

I am a shopaholic. Besides birthdays of loved ones and Christmas, there is no other day more exciting for me than Black Friday. To kick-off Christmas shopping, almost every retailer will provide discounts on the day after Thanksgiving. Most shoppers will line up outside malls or shops as early as 5 am to get the best discounts and the best items. Those who cannot tolerate huge crowds would rather stay in during this day. However, it does not mean that they cannot get the same privileges as those who line up outside the stores.

Did you know you can do your shopping online on Black Friday? There are online shops that also offer discounts without you having to go out and get it yourself. On of these online shops is black-friday.net. Major retailers such as Macy’s, Overstock, JCPenny, and Costco have ads listed with the site showing the items that are on sale and the price. From the shop’s ad page, you can click the specific item you are interested in and you will be automatically redirected to the online site to purchase the item. Convenient, isn’t it? Instead of letting your feet do the walking on Black Friday, you can let your fingers do it while sitting comfortably on a chair in front of your computer. No need to go home carrying heavy loads and getting stuck in traffic. Your items will be delivered right on your doorstep.

Black-friday.net will even provide the extra service of notifying you via email whenever there are new ads that have been made available in the site. You have your own shopping assistant to notify you when a good discount is already available. This, I believe, is one of the best things to come out in the cyberworld.

Nintendo’s Wii revealed its own portfolio of original and downloadable games this month with the WiiWare.  It was intended to widen consumers options through digital download services and take out the costs of both publisher and retailer.  It will provide developers more room and less risk — ultimately giving consumers a better deal.

However, initial reports show that there are big problems with the system that still had to be worked out.  There is only 512 MB on-board storage and the interface is not exactly the best.  the limited room limits the players choices.  Though you can store the games in an SD card, you will still need to copy them back before playing.  This will definitely bring out complaints from heavy users.  While it is still in its maiden stage, space is already limited.  It will definitely not fare any better in the coming years.  Nintendo seems to have blundered this great opportunity.  We’ll have to wait and see how they will work this out.

When my brother moved from the Philippines to the United States, everything was in chaos. Even with our help, the tension brought out high tempers and all stress-related complications. Moving away from other family members is difficult enough as it is. Imagine how much more complex it would get if you have to relocate most of your furniture to a place thousands of miles away. You worry about being too far away from your family plus you also worry how to get all your things in the right destination in good condition.

Just breathe it out and relax. There can be easier ways to relocate. There are moving companies in the web that can solve all your problems with just a few clicks. Relocation.com can assist you from finding the right place to finding mortgages, moving companies, and even help you with job opportunities. Moving away from home does not have to a painful experience. They have a vast network that will provide you will everything you need to adjust in your new location. Carmovers.com offer free auto shipping quotes while Internationalmovers.com will provide shipping quotes for overseas relocation. They will provide you the entire range of assistance no other relocation company can give.

So, don’t let tempers flare and throw out the kitchen sink. Calm down and let the professionals help you with everything you need and more.

The popular Guitar Hero from Activision is adding drums, bass guitar, and a microphone to rev up the video game. They have one objective — win away fans from its rival game Rock Band.

Guitar Hero World Tour will include the capability for 2 groups of 4 people to compete online. Moreover, it will also allow players to compose and play their own music. This is a fantastic game for band players and will definitely enhance their musical talents.

My kids have been bugging me to get them a guitar for the game console for months now. I told them they have to earn it first. With these new features, they may start asking for the whole set now. Well, on the good side, this will give them a chance to cull their musical abilities — if there are any.

In the 21st century, most of the high technology services travels through wires or cables or phone lines. It has shown significant demand through the years as more and more people subscribe with these services. And with more customers come more entrepreneurs. Now, the bigger problem for consumers is choosing the right company to best serve their specific needs at the least cost.

This is where a good website can prove that it has the resources and credibility to help people decide. Getisp.info helps consumers decide which service to take since despite confusing and numerous advertisements out there.  Not only will they help you find the right provider, they can also assist in guiding consumers what type of internet service they prefer. Do you prefer DSL, cable internet or even satellite internet.  Though each one varies in speed and quality of service, the fastest one may not be the best.  An important aspect is finding the right one to suit your needs and your budget. Each page describes in detail the similarities or differences that each provider offers.  They are written in a factual manner with no partiality to any of the providers.  They aim only to assist consumer with their choice.  They even have a portion for those who opt for free internet service or low cost ISP providers.

Aside from the regular internet service, they also provide information on Voice Over IP (VOIP) to help those who require the service.  Phone bills can be staggering especially for a family that have regular international calls.  You can choose either  digital home phone service from Vonage, Packet 8 or ViaTalk.

Before upgrading your service or simply just checking out the latest technology in internet service, it is wise to visit a website that will give you the lowdown on all the services available.  Don’t dive in and get drowned, get all the facts straight from Getisp.info.

Could it be that in the console war between the Xbox 360, PS3, and the Wii, the casualty are the players? Considering that my players include a 13-year old kid and 2 younger boys, this can be alarming news for Moms like me. I want all my boys to get the best out of their childhood. As much as possible, I want to balance learning with enjoyment. Thus, I got them the best consoles to make their leisure the best ones possible.

Greenpeace released in their new Playing Dirty report that all three home video game consoles, Sony’s PS3, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Nintendo’s Wii, tested positive for hazardous chemicals such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), beryllium, bromine, and phthalates.Phthalates were found in relatively high levels in both the Xbox 360 and PS3. These are not allowed as components in toys or any childcare product. But game consoles are not classified as toys and thus, are not subject to existing legislation.

All three systems also contained significant levels of bromine which has been linked to impaired memory functions and other health problems. One of the phthalates found in the 360 and PS3 is also known to cause problems with sexual development in mammals.However, they also indicated that the three console manufacturers have “avoided or reduced uses of individual hazardous substances in certain materials within their consoles.” As such, if would be possible to make a green console if the 3 manufacturers combined efforts to do.

Please . . . I’d really like to have grandchildren.