From Huffington Post comes What Do a Rabbit, Colored Eggs, and Candy Have to Do With Jesus? The History of Easter Revealed by Kari Henley:

It turns out the celebrations of modern Easter’s egg-toting-rabbit evolves from a mythic German goddess named Ostara, (Oestre / Eastre) who was the Germanic Goddess of Springtime. According to the Encycolopedia Mythica:

“In ancient Anglo-Saxon myth, Ostara is the personification of the rising sun. In that capacity she is associated with the spring and is considered to be a fertility goddess. She is the friend of all children and to amuse then she changed her pet bird into a rabbit. This rabbit brought forth brightly colored eggs, which the goddess gave to the children as gifts. From her name and rites the festival of Easter is derived.”

All other European words for “Easter” derive from the Hebrew word “pasah,” to pass over, thus reflecting the Christian holiday’s Biblical connection with the Jewish Passover. I find it ironic the holiest day in the Christian faith, dedicated to celebrating the Son of God, is named after a goddess.
According to www.godchecker.com: Ostara was very popular with the Anglo-Saxon people, who worshiped her under the name Eostre.

At least now I have a bit of a better understanding of this whole Easter-Risen Christ-bunny-egg hunt connection.  The writer was right; at times, I wondered about the whole connection but never really bothered to find the connection.

Found something interesting about the Earth Hour on March 28th, observed in hundreds of cities around the world.  This event began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia as a way to vote against global warming.  Turning off the lights for an hour could serve as one’s vote, whether a tourist spot or simply a household, for the earth.  Further info from the official website:

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

See the many cities that observed Earth Hour: H-E-R-E. Click the photos and have javascript enabled to see the effects.

For everyone who uses Gmail, they are probably aware of the little icon on the upper right linking to gmail labs, where one can see the add-on features developed by the Gmail peeps.  Some of the things found there are good, some are just not as useful.   However, with the time I spend on Twitter lately, I found one “tweet” about this Gmail feature that I thought was genius. I’m not sure how useful it’s gonna be, but when I found out about it I was impressed.

Have you ever found yourself sending an email only to find out it was the wrong address or there was some unforgivable error contained in the text? Gmail seemed to have found a solution to that. It’s the Undo Send feature. However, after sending, of course you don’t have forever to withdraw the email.  After about 5 seconds or so, that “Undo Send” link that appears after sending will disappear. So you better be quick.

A pair of polar bears were born in Rhenen, Netherlands yesterday and they’re adorable. Taking some photos from the Telegraph web, see them after the jump. (I didn’t want to shrink the photos just to fit the narrow space on this page).

See the rest of the photos HERE.

Well, not when you’re stupid.

Find out why, after the jump.

Found this from another blog. Some guy who got offered a job posted this (tweeted) on Twitter:

But while he might have been smart enough to be offered a job by Cisco, some from the firm are just smarter than him.  Spot this: Both occurring 13 hours ago (from the writing of this post). Cisco peeps are indeed “versed in the web.”

I stumbled upon this article from the New York Times through someone in Twitter. I don’t know whether to think it as funny or ridiculous. How can it not be either if we’re talking about hiking in the nude? In the Alps… All they wear are their hiking boots and some sun screen. Location: Appenzell, Switzerland. Some are obviously bothered bumping into people who go all bare but the city cannot criminalize them because one, there is no law against hiking in the nude and two, “[s]imply being naked without any sexual connotation is no longer illegal,” say Daniel Kettiger, a legal expert who wrote a piece called: “The Bare Facts: On the Criminal Prosecution of Nude Hiking”.

But the city’s justice minister claimed he can draft something that would penalize these people and it could cost them up to $170.

The whole article HERE.

Presenting the latest addition to the iPod family- the latest, and smallest, iPod shuffle and MP3 player.

Apply never fails to come up with innovative ways to, well, innovate.  As the latest addition to its product line, this iPod shuffle boasts of a size smaller than a AA battery, a 4GB memory (capacity: 1000 songs), and the newest feature: a voice-over, which allows one to hear the title and artist of a song just by pressing-and-holding a button. And it’s multilingual! It can speak 14 languages: English, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanse, Chinese (Mandarin), Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish.

Another change to the player is that the controls are situated on the cord, right below the right ear.  Press the middle once to play the song, press it twice to skip to the next, press-and-hold to hear the song info and press-and-hold longer to reveal the playlist/s.  What made it more interesting was that it was only worth $75 bucks, making it more affordable (at least I presume more affordable than its predecessors in the eyes of the public). Battery life lasts for 10 hours per full charge and comes in 2 colors- silver and black.

Whether it becomes the “recession-proof” Apple product is still to be tested.  Its affordability might not necessarily translate to high consumer demand.  If I am to say one thing about its design, I wish the control was either in the center (where the left and right ‘cords’ meet) or somewhere lower.

The AAPL stock reacted to the launching of the product with a 4.5% increase, beating the index, which only rose a percent.  Analysts view this product to be the company’s way of gaining market share on the lower segment of the market.  Some rival companies such as SanDisk and Creative Technology are very aggressive with their MP3 players;  SanDisk is selling a similar 4GB player with a small display screen a third less, $50.  Despite that, AAPL is still a company that relies on brand equity.  Its fundamentals are strong, with strong cash position ($28 of cash per share), no debt and strong profitability.  P/E ratio are 17 (trailing) and a tad cheaper at 15.76 (forward). Just a couple of days ago, the stock closed at 83.11 and since then has moved almost 12 percent to today’s closing of $92.68.  It was $200 stock in December of 2007 and just $10 cheaper sometime in May/June of last year.  That translates to more than a 50% plunge in price.  As a company of innovation, there’s no reason not to love this firm.

As we grow up, our definition of what heroes are or who they are in our lives is modified.  Some look up to their dads, some to their partners, and some even to political and socially-figures in their countries as life heroes.  Meanwhile, there are those who take a more social definition of it and look at firefighters, at times the cops, and more importantly the soldiers fighting in wars to be members of the same group.  But have a trip down memory lane, from 10-15 years ago and none of what has been said above would apply.

As kids, our world revolved around skilled, powerful, and masked men- ginormous or regular-sized, who wore jumpsuits of different colors.  Thanks to the Japanese, we managed to find more than a simple pasttime but more reasons to shout out loud at home as our favorite characters transformed from being humans just like us.  And thanks to my friend Niq’s post on her blog about MMPR, nostalgia got me digging up the past and scouring all over the net for photos most familiar to us and would easily remind us how much we loved these shows.

BIOMAN

Originally aired from February 4 ‘84 to January 26 ‘85 in Japan through TV Asahai, Choudenshi Bioman became known to many of us as simply Bioman.  The story’s five heroes are identified by the color of their armor:

Red 1, a pilot

Bioman Ability: Choudenshi Radar

Weapons and Attacks: Fire Sword and Spark Sword; Diving Attack and Sky Punch

Green 2, a race car driver

Bioman Ability: Choudenshi Scope

Weapons and Attacks: Hurricane Sword and Green Boomerang; Break Action

Blue 3, a swimmer and the one I identified with

Bioman Ability: Choudenshi Ear

Weapons and Attacks: Electric Sword; Super sky Diving

Yellow 4, a photographer

Bioman Ability: Choudenshi Holograph

Weapons and Attacks: Thunder Sword and Bio Arrow

Pink 5, a flutist

Bioman Ability: Choudenshi Barrier

Weapons and Attacks: Laser Sword and Pink Flash; Spin Chop

Together, we shout:  Bio Team Fight! Bioman!

And what are superheroes without the villains? Remember Dr. Man, Farra and the rest of the gang?

MASKMAN

Then there was Maskman.  I’m having a hard time remembering if this was shown the same time as Bioman. But memory serves that this came after.  Even if it aired between 1987 and 1988, I’m not sure I saw it during those two years. I was only 3 then.  Called in Japan as Hikari Sentai Maskman, it was the eleventh installment in Toei’s Super Sentai series (Bioman was eighth).  The plot apparently does not hold a stark difference from Bioman. Only the way the heroes are called as well as the way they turn into heroes.  Similr to Bioman, I pretended to be Blue Mask. The Filipino counterpart of Blue Mask being called Adrian (but he was called Heydrian) certainly helped.

I have less recollection of this series except that they use their hands to transform into Maskmen.  I can hardly remember the villains, even how their robot looked.  All I know is I had a toy of their fighter jet, before it turns into a humongous robot.  As they transform (below), there’s still fascination in seeing the fiery background as the blower blew on their faces and let their hair flutter, as if a strong force of wind just blew past them.

See the Maskmen utilizing their Shot Bomber (left) and the Jet Cannon where Red Mask is standing on (right) is one of my favorite toys in my childhood.

SHAIDER

Pulis Pangkalawakan. Belonging to a gang of three, he usually fulfills his mission with Annie, with the aid of Commander Com.  Headquartered at the giant spaceship Vavilos, capable of firing Vavilos Beam from its wings, Uchuu Keiji Shaider as known in Japan also fights for world peace through his motorcycle and Shaider Cutter (heard on TV as Kata)

Along with Maskman’s Jet Cannon, I head the immense pleasure of owning a miniature Vavilos, which transforms into a gun called the Big Magnum.

For additional nostalgiic pleasure, don’t forget Ultraman and Mask Rider Black.

A quick note about Ultraman: I was highly fascinated by the sheer number of Ultraman robots.  Without any recollection of their names, all I could remember was being amazed at how human they were.  Although with powers, it was a break for me from robots. Their enemies, however, remained fugly.

If I remember it right, this creature gave Ultraman one of his toughest battles.

Lastly, the black-bee looking hero.

Even after what seemed like an eternal childhood, it comes surprising for me to know that Bioman and Maskman only had 51 episides each and Shaider, even less- 48.  Just look at that. As a kid, your day was never complete without seeing any of those series and the sheer entertainment we got was enough for us (or me at least) to not care or even recognize that that entertainment emanated from years of recycled episodes.

How about singing along, at the very least watching again, each of their opening songs?

Bioman

Maskman

Shaider

I am not a big fan of wines but a feature on the CNBC website roused my interest and I thought I’d copy its contents here. Just for keeps.

—————–

“Since Thanksgiving is an American holiday, I’m going with American wines for the most part. And even at Thanksgiving, there’s no predicting exactly what will be on the table, so we need versatile, light- to medium-textured wines that will match with the 10,000 mains and sides they’re likely to encounter.

First, a Pinot Gris from Washington State or California, like the Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Pinot Gris ($16). A bit tart, a bit spicy, very fruity and crisp. And then, shoot me for being predictable: Pinot Noir. Let’s pull J Vineyards & Winery 2005 Nicole’s Vineyard from Russian River Valley ($42). Again, a touch of spice – the Thanksgiving meal can be so “same-old, same-old” from year to year, you need to wake it up – but mostly great cherry fruit on the silkiest pillow imaginable.”

“On special occasions, some people like to drink sparkling wine, before, during and after the meal. For that, I recommend we stray outside American shores, but first, you must ask yourself: just how special is Thanksgiving to you? If we’re talking really, really special, you can spring for a Louis Roederer 2002 Cristal Champagne ($250). Biscuity, fruity, with all the depth, balance, intrigue and long finish you can ask for. Taittinger, Moet & Chandon, Bollinger and Krug are some other top producers, and recent quality vintages that are drinking well are 2000 and 2002.

At the other end of the scale, price wise, I recommend Prosecco, a sparkling wine from Italy. Refreshing, light, inexpensive bubbly — you can even serve this to Aunt Hattie while you sip the Cristal in the kitchen. Mionetto is a dependable Prosecco producer; these are largely nonvintage wines.

“If you want to top the meal off with a dessert wine, I recommend you don’t skimp. There is artful, delightful sweetness and then there are those that just make your teeth ache and your head throb. I recommend an ice wine. Just like it sounds: the grapes are allowed to freeze, concentrating the sugars, and in the right hands, the resulting wines are exquisite. Quite reasonable, and utterly dependable, are the ice wines from Inniskillin in Canada’s Niagara Peninsula. Try the 2003 ($75).”"
“Champagne is my first choice. I think a crisp, clean blanc de blancs champagne such as Dom Ruinart 1996 ($150) or Pierre Gimmonet’s Cuvee Gastronome ($50) is very festive, pairs well with a number of foods, and has a light freshness that is a great counterpoint to rich holiday fare.”

“Among still wines, I have to admit I’m torn. One would want a red, certainly, and here red Burgundy would be my pick. A wine with a rich, developed fruit aroma and an undercurrent of earthy complexity is also very versatile, and stands up well to the heartiest fare. Recent releases such as the 2006 Morey-St.-Denis from Domaine Dujac ($90) provide good value. One would find many of the same virtues in the 2005 Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir ($55) from Domaine Serene in Oregon.”

“It is difficult to rule out Riesling, however, since this is almost the best of both worlds: light, crisp, and fresh like champagne, but showing great depth of flavor and complexity like a red Burgundy. Here I would prefer a drier example, from Alsace or the Pfalz, or perhaps from Austria. The 2005 Riesling Smaragd “Terrassen” from F.X. Pichler ($44) would be stunning.”

“A roasted turkey will accommodate a wide range of wines, so the first rule of pairing applies: drink what you like!

Wine lovers may look at holidays as an opportunity to share some of their better bottles with family and friends. In that case, we recommend keeping the side dishes simple, and not too sweet (no marshmallows on the sweet potatoes, for example).

I find the subtle flavors of simply roasted turkey complement the elegance and complexity of fine Burgundies, both red and white. The 2005 vintage is excellent for reds, while 2006 shines for whites.”

Splurge: Grand Crus, the most exalted vineyards in Burgundy

Red: G. ROUMIER Bonnes Mares 2005
Dense with ripe black fruit: plum, blackberry and black currant, along with mineral and spice, this starts out lush and silky. The tannins are there, but discreet and supportive, letting the fruit take center stage. It shows great freshness and length, as the complex fruit washes over the palate. Best from 2015 through 2040. 110 cases imported. –BS
Score: 97
Release Price: $220

White: BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS Chevalier-Montrachet 2006
Entices with its floral and citronella aromas, then follows through with macaroon, lime and mineral flavors. These are set against a refined structure and a creamy texture that lends a lighter-than-air feel. The finish goes on and on. Best from 2010 through 2025. 70 cases imported. –BS
Score: 96
Release Price: $399

Moderate: Fine village wines with great pedigree

Red: LOUIS LATOUR Beaune Vignes Franches 2005
Silky and complex, this red shows succulent cherry, red currant and bilberry flavors matched to a firm structure. Great character and depth, with an old-vine intensity. Long, sweet fruit finish. Best from 2013 through 2025. 1,200 cases made. –BS
Score: 92
Release Price: $50

White: LOUIS JADOT Meursault 2006
A focused style, with a creamy texture wrapped around hazelnut, butterscotch and spice notes. This is lush enough to approach now, yet firm enough to develop. Drink now through 2014. –BS
Score: 90
Release Price: $50

Value: Lesser-known appellations that deliver excellent quality

Red:JOSEPH DROUHIN Chorey-lès-Beaune 2005
Very pretty cherry and spice aromas and flavors highlight this light-bodied, juicy red. It shows balance and a vibrant structure, with well-integrated tannins. Drink now through 2016. 500 cases imported. –BS
Score: 90
Release Price: $25

White: DOMAINE GILLES NOBLET St.-Véran 2006
Clean, round and succulent, this white evokes peach, apricot and vanilla cream flavors. Open and accessible, with a good underlying structure keeping it focused. Drink now through 2010. 500 cases made. –BS
Score: 88
Release Price: $24

“This holiday I’ll be bringing some super-classic bottles. Thanksgiving, with its root vegetables and holiday spices, always leads me to wines that feel a bit older. For the red, traditional style Rioja is this year’s approach. The 1989 vintage of La Rioja Alta’s Gran Reserva 904 ($85) has the perfect flavor set for the meal. The pretty red fruit is starting to show some stewed qualities along with the classic spice and leather aromas that old-style Rioja is so well known for. You get the complexity and elegance of an old Burgundy for a fraction of the price.”

Restauranteurs Lidia and Joe Bastianich recommended a menu paired with wines:

Aperitif:
Monte Rosso Franciacorta Cabochon Brut 2001 ($45)

Passed hors d’oeuvres:
Black truffle butter bruschetta
Sliced speck and apple
Beet and goat cheese salad in a spoon

Primo:
Crespelle al forno con funghi
Castello dei Rampolla 2000 Sammarco ($75)

Main course:
Balsamic glazed roasted turkey
Cranberry and quince chutney
Braised brocoli di rape garlic and oil
Roasted winter squash
Skillet brussels sprouts
Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco 2000 Riserva ($95)

Dessert:
Apple walnut strudel with vanilla cinnamon ice cream
Roberto Anselmi Recioto di Soave I Capitelli 1989 ($35)

Espresso
Nonino Ue Decennale Grappa ($50)

Going back to more than 3 months ago, in July, the price of oil peaked at $147 per barrel. While some analysts predicted oil going up even as high as $200 per barrel, many others saw this as nothing but a bubble that soon will burst and undergo price correction. The past couple of weeks, oil has been hovering under $70 a barrel bringing down majority of the prices in gas pumps to less than $3 a gallon. Today, the oil settled at $65.25 pb; it dipped to as low as under 64 just several days ago.

The big spike in oil price months back certainly boosted revenues of major oil producing countries, whose windfall profits helped fatten some of the existing sovereign wealth funds. It is therefore no surprise that Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar and Libya find themselves on the list of the biggest funds. Despite that, it would still be good and interesting to know that not all these states earn, let alone big amounts. Even at $80 or $90, some of these states might still be losing money.

Based on a CNBC report, along with IMF data, following is a table of both OPEC and non-OPEC countries alike and the corresponding oil prices they need to avoid budget deficits (break-even):