2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) Winners!

Was able to view live on TV this years Mnet Asian Music Awards-the BEST Asian Music Festival held in Singapore. It's the time of the year where every artists and fans from Asia and around the world become one under the name "MUSIC". It gathers around 1.9 billion Asian People! Why, I got interested to watch this? I blame it on my younger sis who's into Korean music, dramas, fashion and anything Korean! We're following the Dimple Couple of We Got Married -actress Kang Sora and Super Junior's Leeteuk who are both in this Music Festival. I never thought I'll be back to my teeny-weeny years where I giggled on romantic gestures of this couple. If you're not into Korean and not watching We Got Married (popular reality South Korean variety show, in which the show pairs up Korean celebrities to show what life would be like if they were married. Each week, couples are assigned missions to complete, with candid interviews of the participants to reveal their thoughts and feelings.) then you can't relate with me.

Without much ado here are the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) Winners:

Grand Prize:

Song of the Year : 2NE1 "I am the Best" (We Filipinos have special attachment to Sandara Park, one of the members because she started her acting career in Philippines!)

Artist of the Year: Girl's Generation "The Boys"

Album of the Year: Super Junior "Mr. Simple" (Yeeeyyyy, the group's leader, Leeteuk, is the reason why we watched MAMA 2011!) . Here's Teuk's Album of the Year speech which is heartbreaking seeing the boys shed tears (source WGM Kang Sora and Leeteuk Fan Page) :

Hi, Singapore, with our members SJ, together passed the gorgeous 20th generation, very thanks to you all. Has experienced so many difficult things and its countless, the members are together helping and support each other, and also for the member who can not been together here, now maybe is watching tv, and also for the member who are far in the distance, I love you.

And also for our best and biggest fanclub, when there is no one who give us approval, when there is nobody knowing us, let us to become a best and famous people, the fan's name, makes me feel great scene of E.L.F from all around the world, thank you all once again!

We SJ are like ugly duck, we are expecting one day until the ugly duck to become a swan, always helping a lot of SMent CEO Lee Sooman, and Kim Yingmin ...etc and also who wrote the song for our Sorry Sorry of Yu Yunjin teacher, thanks a lot.

Keep named and thanks for those who helping SUPER JUNIOR;

Sincerely thanks to you all. Maybe this is the last award ceremory before I enlisted the army so this is a very memorable ceremony, we will continue to work hard to become a best SuperJunior ever in the future. Thank you everyone.

Cr taiwanluvsj

Aww, I nearly cried when the boys were crying but this speech! Heartbreaking. SJ you deserved this and much more!

xkyu

For the complete list of winners, visit the MAMA page here. My sis and I we're even enjoying ourselves capturing shots from the TV screen. Wish I could process them earlier and post some photos here.

Have a nice day everyone!

How To Stay Safe In The Cyber Monday Sale

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

I can't wait for "Cyber Monday" to do some shopping online. There are huge benefits of waiting until "Cyber Monday". Aside from avoiding the massive crowds, it's when online retailers traditionally knock down their prices, and millions of people will shop on the internet even when they wouldn't normally. Although online shopping is very safe, this is a prime time for scammers to suck you in. Make sure you follow these four security tips to stay safe in the Cyber Monday sale.

1) Keep Your Computer Protected

If you're using the internet at all then you need to keep your computer safe with antivirus software. Download all available updates to keep on top of the latest threats. When you are online, shopping in any Cyber Monday sale, you can also make sure your credit card details are safe when paying if you see the "https://" in the address bar, often accompanied by a lock symbol (depending on your system).

2) Be Wary Of Individual Sellers

If you're buying direct from big name websites, such as Amazon or Best Buy, then you're probably safe. But when you start buying from lesser-known online stores, or third party sellers, you need to exercise caution. Cyber Monday is an easy time for them to lure shoppers in with seemingly good deals. If you've never heard of a company, look them up with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check their feedback history if you're using a site such as eBay.

3)  Look Out For Red Flags

One important red flag to look out for is when you hear about a deal directly in an email. Does the Cyber Monday sale sound too good to be true? Has it been sent by someone you've never been into contact with before? Sometimes links can show one address, but send you to another when you click on them. Be very wary of such links, and don't click them if in doubt. You should also always avoid giving direct bank information or PayPal details unless you're logging in directly on the bank website - never send it via email.

4) Pay With Your Credit Card

If you're shopping with people or companies you've never used before then the best way to protect yourself in a Cyber Monday sale is by paying with a credit card. If you don't end up receiving the items then you can dispute the payment with your credit card provider. Many card providers also protect you from stolen card details. Just make sure to check your statements often so you know exactly what's going out of your account.

Camping in an RV

Are you interested in going on a camping adventure especially this December with your family? I observed through movies that in the United States, camping is a popular pastime. One of the many reasons why camping is so popular is because of all of the choices they have- in a recreational van (RV) / motor home or in a tent.

If you are able to camp in an RV, you may enjoy doing so, as many RVs appear as if they are small apartments or small homes. RVs often come equipped with working bathrooms, kitchens, and televisions! This is nice if you are looking to enjoy camping, while still being able to bask in the modern luxuries of life.

On the other hand, the biggest disadvantage of camping in an RV is the cost of doing so. RVs are expensive to buy and if you are looking to camp on a budget, you may not be able to afford to buy your own RV. Of course, with that in mind though, you should know that you don't actually have to buy an RV. There are a number of individuals and companies that have RVs available for rent. Renting an RV, instead of buying one, is a nice, affordable way to camp in style. Just don’t forget to include roadside assistance service plan. It is worth every penny for every road problems that might come your way. With roadside assistance service plan, you won’t worry if your tires need changing or do major (and even minor) rv repair because roadside assistance service plan got you covered.

Is it possible to do RV (or Home Car) camping in Thailand? Yes it is! Visit thairv.com – a community for car lover RV Thailand for details!

Giveaway Alert: Holiday Giveaway!

As the holiday season draws close, it’s great to have a little extra cash in your pocket; to buy that last minute gift, or treat yourself to something nice. Well, we are here to help. WIN extra CASH just in time for the Holiday Season!!! Enter for your chance to WIN one of three CASH prizes. 

The first place winner will receive $60.00 USD, second place $30.00 USD and third place $20.00 USD. It does not matter where you live (Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, South America, or the United States), you can participate. The winners will be paid via paypal. This giveaway is sponsored personally and is not part of a blog exchange giveaway, thus your chances of winning are great! So you might be asking yourself, How do I enter the Holiday Giveaway?

1) Simply copy and paste the html code provided HERE.  Post on your blog. Use the title Holiday Giveaway!!!

2) Go to each site in this post (below) and place a comment with a link to your site's post
(you must go to each site to be qualified).

3) That’s it!

One entry per domain name. The winners will be randomly selected on December 16, 2011. See the Giveaway Terms and Conditions page for details by clicking the contest banner.

alexajeanne.info

anliz.info

bloggeriam.info

gobamafans.com

kidzgrowfast.com

myfitnesspointer.com

mygamedayblog.com

mygoodlifeblog.com

mykidzpower.com

pinaylife.com

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How To Find The Best Amazon Black Friday Deals

Black Friday in 2011 is on Friday, the 25th of November. Mark your calendar because it’s the time of the year where you could get the biggest deal. Amazon.com is historically one of the best online stores that offer the biggest deals when it comes to online Black Friday deals. The problem is that the biggest deals are often claimed within seconds, leaving it very difficult to grab the products you want. If you want a better chance at securing great prices on Amazon Black Friday deals this year, take these 5 tips into account.

1) Black Friday Starts Early At Amazon.com

The first thing you need to know is that Amazon.com starts its Black Friday deals on the Monday before Thanksgiving (though this is subject to change). They want to get shoppers in the mood for deals all week long, so keep an eye out early on!

2) Deals Are Very Limited

Always keep an eye on the Amazon.com Black Friday section so you know what's happening. You can be present as your chosen deal goes live! Amazon.com Black Friday deals are limited in the time they're available and often only available to a select number of customers. This works on a first come, first served basis.

3) Deals Constantly Change

It's important to keep an eye on their Black Friday page so you know what they're planning in advance (http://www.amazon.com/Black-Friday-After-Thanksgiving-Sale/b?ie=UTF8&node=384082011). Amazon Black Friday deals will change each and every day, sometimes multiple times throughout the day. They may not give details of every single deal, but it'll certainly help you decide what you're interested in so you can be there on time.

4.) Sign Up To Be the First to Know

You need to sign-up because if you're an Amazon.com customer, chances are you'll get an email to let you know about the general Black Friday plans (but check your email delivery settings just in case). Make sure you also like their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/Amazon) and follow them on Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/amazondeals), as they often announce deals here first.

5) Check Your Favorite Discount Websites

Lastly, keep eyes on the big discount websites or Black Friday resources coming up to the point at which you want to buy. Amazon Black Friday deals often leak in advance, giving you extra time to do your research and be ready to grab that deal as soon as it goes live!

When Black Friday arrives, Amazon.com will let you know how many deals are left. Don't delay if you want something - you have to click quickly if you're going to be in with a chance of grabbing the best offers!

Happy Black Friday Shopping!

Loy Krathong Festival 2011

My hands are so full since Hyzyd became officially a preschooler since last week that I forgot about Loy Krathong last November 10!

I'm looking forward for this year's Loy Krathong. Why? I've been here in Thailand for 5 years but I haven't got the chance to see this celebration up close and personal...teeheee...You see, the first time I was here (year 2006), bombings everywhere so we refrain from large crowds and the year after that...hmmmmmm..I'm contented by just staying in our apartment and watched from the distance the beautiful fireworks and floating lanterns in the sky.

What's Loy Krathong? Loy (some spelled it "Loi")  literally means 'to float,' while krathong refers to the lotus-shaped receptacle which can float on the water. It's the time of the year where Thais will float their krathongs on a river, canal or a pond lake during the night of the full moon. It's an event which does not occur on the same date every year; instead it counts on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month which usually falls on November. The festival is believed to originate in an ancient practice of paying respect to the spirit of the waters. Today it is simply a time to have fun. 

 In our school, they're celebrating by holding Krathong-Contest Making for K-3 students. Originally, the krathong was made of banana leaves or the layers of the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant. A krathong contains food, betel nuts, flowers, joss sticks, candle and coins. But some tried to make modernized krathongs - often made of bread or styrofoam. Regardless of the composition, a krathong will be decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense sticks.

Here are the winning Krathong-creations of the students: 

This one is personally made by the Head of the Preschool Department, Pha Oi. She's really creative!

The K-1 has their Recycle Wear contest ! Look how creative the teachers are in turning plastic bags, papers, cardboard, plastics , and others into something wearable. Here are the top 5:

In the afternoon, our preschoolers were introduced to the tradition of floating the krathongs  in inflatable ponds. They were told that the act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one's grudges, anger and defilement, so that one can start life afresh on a better foot. Some people will also cut their fingernails and hair and add them to krathong as a symbol of letting go of the bad parts of oneself. 

Governmental offices, corporations and other organizations usually create big decorated rafts. There are also local and officially organised raft competitions, regarding its beauty and craftsmanship. In addition, there are also fireworks and beauty contests during the celebration of the festival. Unfortunately, this is what I missed on that day! I'm so tired that I fall asleep as early as 8:00 PM! When I woke up at 10:00 PM I was able to witnessed the fireworks and floating lanterns out from our window. Hopefully next time we could finally witness the celebration especially the lighting of the floating lanterns like this one:

Online Black Friday Deals: Making Sure You Get What You Really Want

Are you ready for Black Friday 2011? Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving Day in the USA and falls on the Friday after the fourth Thursday in November. It is a busy shopping day and is a holiday in some states. As far as some passionate shoppers are concerned, they look forward to this day as much as they do to Christmas or the other winter holidays. Black Friday is known as one of the best days during the holiday season to find great bargains and shopping deals both in the brick and mortar stores and online stores.

Online Black Friday deals are now becoming more and more common, with some discounts just too good to pass up. But it's only really a saving if you wanted that product anyway, and if you get what you were expecting. Here are four ways of making sure the deals are really worth going for.

1) Plan In Advance

Shoppers move so fast on Black Friday (even online) that you'll need to know exactly what you want before the day comes around. It’s best to do research on different models, noting down a few possibilities in case your first choice is sold out or not on offer. Knowing what you want beforehand means you can grab what you want as soon as you see it and you won't miss out on the best, earliest discounts.

2) Compare Packages

Don’t forget to read all the details so you know what you're getting. For example, you could be getting a huge deal on the Amazon iPad only to discover it's an old or refurbished model. Although it could still be in perfect condition, you'd be left pretty disappointed if you weren't expecting it, or if it didn't come with the same warranty/ refund policy that you'd usually get with that item.

3) Not Sure About A Deal? Visit Forums to Check

The best thing about the internet is that you can easily find out what other people think about deals. If you've found out about a deal before it launches, and have some time to look into how good it really is, chances are people are already talking about this in popular money-saving forums.

4) Know Your Prices

This tip really follows on from point one above. By doing your research and planning in advance, you'll have an idea of what the item usually costs from various retailers. Arming yourself with this knowledge will leave you in a better position to make a snap decision as to whether you'll want to buy the item or not, or whether it's just a poor deal.

It's easy to get caught up in the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Items sell out quickly, so you can't usually take the time you normally would to make your decisions. This is why it's so important to do your research, and stick to your guns when it comes to only buying what you really want.

3 Ways to Tune a Civic for Enhanced Performance

The Honda Civic has been and remains one of the most modified vehicle models globally. Prior to the release of more recent iterations of the model, the Civic was classified as a subcompact, meaning it was small, lightweight, and perfect for modification. Considering the entry-level pricing of this model and its commonplace appearance around the world, it was an ideal car to upgrade in order to separate it from like models, and also to amplify its speed, handling, and other performance attributes. More recent Civic generations are now compacts, resulting in reduced (though still quite high) interest in Civic tuning. Though the inclusion of MacPherson struts and the higher weight class of the vehicle are impediments to some for using these cars for tuning, there are still several ways to get more out of your Civic.

Engine Upgrades

Honda Civics have popularly had their OEM engines traded out for more powerful versions that are still optimized for the size of this particular model of car. The K20, an incredibly powerful engine replacement, is among the most popular, though the B18C is also a common choice. Engine swapping allows for a driver to maintain the body and build of his car while giving it more horsepower output potential and better engine responsiveness, essential components to making a Civic race-ready. Though this type of modification is best kept to experienced or expert-level tuners, it is an important one to consider.

Performance Chips

For the non-experts out there, a novice-ready Civic performance upgrade is a good way to start. Using Civic performance chips, drivers are able to enhance both the horsepower output and fuel economy of their cars. Though more apt to provide greater power increases on Civics that have already been turbocharged, installing a chip on a stock Civic can still result in double digit horsepower increases. Plus, a chip is also capable of improving a vehicle’s fuel economy by 4-7 miles per gallon. Your Civic may already be fairly fuel efficient, but an extra boost can never hurt.

Rear Spoilers

The most glaring and noticeable of additions many tuners install on their cars, and quite often found on Civics specifically, rear spoilers certainly aren’t upgrades for everyone. Still, if their appearance suits your taste, there are some performance benefits to using a spoiler. Civic rear spoilers are designed to improve the aerodynamics of the car’s body, in order to spoil speed-decreasing air resistance. Though they may make your car look faster than it’s increasing in actual speed potential, the rear spoiler is a great performance upgrade for someone who wants to upgrade his Civic’s performance results and exterior appearance in one tuning project.