New York City is one place you can spend a week in and find yourself wanting more. Here are some interesting things to do and see.
The least expensive way to get from the airport into NYC is using the SUper Shuttle. You should contact them and arrange pick up prior to leaving for New York:
http://www.supershuttle.com/htm/cities/nyc.htm
Take advantage of the New York City official website : http://www.nyc.gov Click on visitors information. You can find virtually any and all info on what to do in New York City on that website.
The Subway System in New York can get you virtually anywhere you want to go. Review the routs online, and ask for a map at any manned subway booth - it is really easy to get around if you use the maps. There are many buses in New York City as well, but the buses can seem exceedingly slow. Bus maps are available online as well.
A Metro Card will allow you to use the buses and subways. There are many types of cards available, as well as an unlimited one day pass. Read about them here: http://mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm#unlimited
There are two companies in New York City that offer Hop On Hop Off Double Decker Bus tours. These are tours where you can get on and off the buses as various locations to take advantage of sightseeing in many area of New York City.
City Sights NY: www.citysightsny.com Offers Downtown, Uptown & Night Tours.
Gray Line Bus Tours: http://www.coachusa.com/newyorksightseeing/ Offers uptown, downtown, Brooklyn, night tours and combination tours. On to the many classic "must sees" of New York:
The Empire State Building: http://www.esbny.com/index2.cfm Take advantage of the Sky Ride, a breathtaking view of New York City as seen through a helicopter.
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island - http://www.circlelinedowntown.com/ Buy tickets online in advance to guarantee you will get in to visit the Statue. While tickets can be purchased at the Ferry itself, only a limited number of tickets are given out daily to visitors who want to access the inside of the Statue. If you purchase your tickets in advance, you will guarantee entrance to the Statue. Then take the ferry to Ellis Island for a tour of the place where millions of immigrants arrive in the U.S.
While you are on the website for tickets, you can also take a look at the Circle Line Ferry schedule for other areas - you can get a great "cruise" around Manhattan Island and see many interesting areas.
Take a look at Grand Central Station: http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/pages/default.aspx
New York is home to many interesting museums - I can personally recommend many of the Art Museums as well as the Museum of Television and Radio, the Intrepid Museum and the Museum of Natural History: http://www.amnh.org/ http://www.nyc.gov/portal/index.jsp?epi_menuItemID=5344998baa00eff6a62fa24601c789a0&epi_menuID=b89ffdd82b13aff6a62fa24601c789a0&epi_baseMenuID=27579af732d48f86a62fa24601c789a0
No trip to New York is complete without visiting Times Square for tickets to a show! In the middle of Times Square is the famous TKTS booth, where you can purchase half price tickets for shows the day of the show. Read about the TKTS booth here: http://www.tdf.org/tkts/
If you don't see the shows you like available at the TKTS booth (many of the most popular shows aren't available at the Booth) on the day of the show, got o the theater box office - unsold tickets may be available.
If you know in advance what you'd like to see, go to Broadway.com to see if tickets are available in advance of arriving in New York: http://www.broadway.com/
Don't forget off Broadway Shows as well - great family shows are "Stomp" and "The Blue Man Group".
Take a tour of the South Street Seaport. Take a subway to the Bronx Zoo or Yankee Stadium or Shea Stadium for a game. Don't miss Chinatown or Little Italy. Visit Soho. Go to Central Park, you can spend days there., There is also a small zoo in Central Park, the Central Park Zoo. Take a horse and buddy ride through and around the park.
Many talk shows are taped in New York City with free tickets available. Most of them you do need to request well in advance of your arrival, however, many shows have stand by lines detailed on their websites with info on how to obtain them. Here is a partial list of show tapings - you can go online and see if tickets are available for many (please note - some shows, such as The People's Court, don't tape in the summer):
Live with Regis & Kelly: http://tvplex.go.com/buenavista/regisandkelly/showinfo/tickets.html
The Late Show with David Letterman: http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/show_info/ls_show_info_get_ticket.shtml
Late Night with Conan O'Brien: http://www.nbc.com/nbc/Late_Night_with_Conan_O'Brien/tickets/
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_daily_show/tickets/tickets.jhtml
Saturday Night Live: e:mail - snltickets@nbc.com
The People's Court: Call 1-888-780-8587
Montel Williams: http://www.montelshow.com/misc/tickets
The View: http://abc.go.com/daytime/theview/tickets.html
Good Morning America: http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=144752 or Come by weekday mornings from 7am to 9am to see Diane Sawyer. Robin Roberts and Charles Gibson. (You will usually be seen outside the studio - e-mail for tickets inside)
The Today Show: The Today Show's studio is on the ground floor at the corner of 49th Street and Rockefeller Center. Inside, Katie Couric and Matt Lauer tell the country what's going on; outside a crowd of people waves signs and hopes to get on television. The show airs Monday--Friday 7am--10am. If you want a good spot, get there pre-dawn, try to stand toward the southeast corner (directly behind the anchor desk) and carry a sign that says something goofy enough to be noticed.
The Early Show: The ground-level set, located in the General Motors Building at Trump International Plaza next to FAO Schwarz, is visible to passersby through huge glass windows. Join Dave Price on the plaza weekdays at 8 and 8:30 as he does the weather forecast. CBS News also films other national and local news broadcasts here. Early Show audience services: 212/975-7636.
Who Wants to be a Millionaire: http://www.millionairetv.com/tickets.html
Total Request Live: (1550 Broadway, bet. 44th and 45th Sts., 212/258-8000) -- Young visitors gather at 3:30pm weekdays outside MTV's studios hoping to catch a glimpse of Total Request Live host Carson Daly. Although part of the studio faces the street, it's on the second floor, so street-level fans can't see too much. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 who want to be part of the studio audience can call the TRL audience hotline at 212/398-8549 or try for standby tickets starting at 2pm by lining up at 44th St. and Broadway.
Emeril Live: A ticket lottery is held at least once a year. Emeril Live will notify fans of entry dates through the Food Network newletter and on www.foodnetwork.com
New York City is a place full of yearwide events ? check out this calendar for events to take advantage of during your stay: http://www.nyc.gov/portal/index.jsp?epi_menuItemID=bd175b51da17d74f472ae1852f8089a0&epi_menuID=bd175b51da17d74f472ae1852f8089a0&epi_baseMenuID=27579af732d48f86a62fa24601c789a0
The rebuilding of Ground Zero is ongoing. Travel down to the area to see the massive effort at rebuilding this area.
New York City if for kids ? check this portal to see many of the things available for kids: http://www.nyc.gov/portal/index.jsp?epi_menuItemID=40e9c8417fc1a007a62fa24601c789a0&epi_menuID=e2a1b26d9be35ff6a62fa24601c789a0&epi_baseMenuID=27579af732d48f86a62fa24601c789a0
New York City is home to two of the most famous toy stores in the world ?
FAO Schwarz, located at 767 Fifth Avenue (Fifth Avenue at 58th Street) New York, NY 10153 212-644-9400 ext. 4242 Hours: Mon - Sat: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sun: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Take a Ferris Wheel ride in the largest Toys R Us in Times Square ? see their huge Lego display and the roaring dinosaur. Located at 44th and Broadway.
While you are in Time Square, have your picture taken with the Naked Cowboy, a sight you won?t soon forget. (P.S. ? He?s not naked but is in his undies even when it?s cold and he?s not a real cowboy either!)
Visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Times Square as well: http://www.nycwax.com/
As you can see, there is plenty to do on your visit to New York City.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Will the Real Marilyn Monroe Please Stand Up?
There have always been Marilyn Monroe impersonators capturing the essence and beauty that was Marilyn, however, now some of the top celebrities are getting into the Marilyn Monroe act.
Whether it was by intention or just coincidence, we have to admit that a photo of Paris Hilton performing in a champagne glass in a Swarovski crystal covered lingerie outfit does captured the Marilyn look.
Paris Hilton celebrated her 27 birthday by performing with the Pusscycat Dolls at Pure in Las Vegas, with her sister Nicky Hilton and beau David Katzenberg in the audience.
The Pussycat Dolls sang "Happy Birthday" to her and surprised her with an orange and chocolate striped cake with pink roses.
But we think the most interesting part of the performance resulted in one photo that reminds us of Marilyn.
Meanwhile, photographer Bert Stern tried to recreate the famous photo shoot he did with Marilyn Monroe in 1962 at Hotel Bel-Air.
The photo shoot with Marilyn Monroe became know at "The Last Sitting", occurring just 6 weeks before Marilyn Monroe died of a reported overdoes at age 36.
Lindsay Lohan was chosen to portray Marilyn Monroe for the photo shoot, which was featured on the cover and a spread in New York magazine.
Lindsey Lohan donned a blond wig, but was naked except for some props - see through scarves, veil, diamonds and lots of freckles.
The initial stories on the web about Lindsay Lohan - Marilyn Monroe shoot brought New York magazine web site to a crawl.
New York magazine web site published the story and photos entitled Lindsay Lohan as Marilyn Monroe in 'The Last Sitting' which included additional photos from the shoot that did not make it into the New York magazine photo spread.
So what do you think, mirror, mirror on the wall, who really looks like Marilyn Monroe?
Well, if you think you or your friends look like Marilyn Monroe, why not get a wig and dress and create your own Marilyn Monroe photo shoot?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Sporty Spice Spectacular Back Flip Caps The Return of the Spice Girls World Tour
Melanie Chisholm - Sporty Spice performed a spectacular back-flip on stage that brought the audience to its feet with cheers and applause, as part of the emotional farewell to the The Return Of The Spice Girls world tour.
Not only has the Spice Girls music touched several generations of fans, but also their sexy outfits have added spice and glamour to the fashion world and, a course, sensuality to their shows.
World famous designer Roberto Cavalli created the lavish tour costumes for The Return of the Spice Girls world tour.
The designer carefully created each costume to match the personality of each of the Spice Girls.
Working with his beautiful wife, Eva Duringer, Roberto Cavalli created an eye-catching wardrobe for the Spice Girls that is unlike anything they had worn before on stage.
For each performance of The Return of The Spice Girls world tour, Roberto created very special costumes including white and black tuxedos, silver space age outfits, shiny mini dresses embroidered with Swarovsky crystals and feathers, sexy, formfitting leather corsets and brightly colored jumpsuits.
Before they closed the final performance with their song "Spice Up Your Life", an emotional Geri Halliwell - Ginger Spice said "This is the last night of the tour and we never dreamt we'd ever be back together and be such a success and who knows if we'll ever get back together again."
Victoria Beckham - Posh Spice, thanked all Spice Girls children, parents, and people who make the show possible.
Emma Bunton - Baby Spice said "I like to thank the girls", who was quickly joined by Mel Brown - Scary Spice as she pointed to each of the Spice girls to thank them for making the tour possible, followed by a big group hug and kissing.
Melanie Chisholm - Sporty Spice performed a spectacular back flip as her salute to the final performance.
The Spice girls performed their final concert in Toronto, Canada on Tuesday February 2/26/2008.
After the concert, the girls posted a message on their official website thanking fans for all their support.
"Our time is up. We've come to the end of the road. There are tears of both sadness and joy. Look how far we've come!
Who would have though that our reunion could have turned out to be this amazing? It just shows what can grow out of an exciting through, an idea, a hope, a dream. Yes, our reunion tour is proof that dreams do come true.
Well, the Spice Girls "The Return of the Spice Girls" world tour may have come to an end, but I am sure we will be hearing from the Girls: Geri Halliwell - Ginger Spice, Victoria Beckham - Posh Spice, Melanie Brown - Scary Spice, Emma Bunton - Baby Spice and Melanie Chisholm - Sporty Spice for years to come.
For a look back down memory lane, be sure to read or reread our story Sugar and Spice Unite and for some fascinating glimpses behind the tour, including stories about the The Spice Girls makeup, hair, bloopers, and stories from each of the Spice Girls official blog.
If you cannot see the video clip in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Spice Girls Final Show.
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Reduce/lower cholesterol- the best food to reduce cholesterol and protect your heart
Cholesterol: The best foods to lower your cholesterol and protect your heart
What's in? What's out? From one day to the next, you can't be sure. Find out the best foods to reduce your cholesterol and protect your heart.
Can a bowl of oatmeal help prevent a heart attack? How about a handful of walnuts, or even your baked potato dressed in sterol-fortified margarine? A few simple tweaks to your diet — like these — may be enough to stave off a cholesterol problem.
Oatmeal and oat bran
Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, brussels sprouts, apples, pears, psyllium, barley and prunes.
Soluble fiber appears to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your intestines. Gel-like soluble fiber binds bile (which contains cholesterol) and dietary cholesterol so that the body excretes it.
Five to 10 grams of soluble fiber a day decreases LDL cholesterol by about 5 percent. Eating 1.5 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 4.5 grams of fiber — enough to lower your cholesterol. To mix it up a little, try oat bran or cold cereal made with oatmeal or oat bran.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
* Dietary fiber: An essential part of a healthy diet
Walnuts, almonds and more
Studies have shown that walnuts can significantly reduce blood cholesterol. Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, walnuts also help keep blood vessels healthy and elastic. Almonds appear to have a similar effect, resulting in a marked improvement within just four weeks.
A cholesterol-lowering diet in which 20 percent of the calories come from walnuts may reduce LDL cholesterol by 12 percent. For a 1,200-calorie per day diet, a little less than 1/3 of a cup of walnuts is about 240 calories, or 20 percent of the total calories for the day.
All nuts are high in calories, however, so a handful will suffice. As with any food, good or bad, eating too much can cause weight gain, and being overweight places you at higher risk of heart disease. To avoid gaining weight, replace foods high in saturated fat with nuts. For example, instead of using cheese, luncheon meat or croutons in your salad, add a handful of walnuts or almonds.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
* Dietary fats: Know which types to choose
Fish and omega-3 fatty acids
Studies in the 1970s showed that Greenland Eskimos had a lower rate of heart disease than did other individuals living in Greenland at the same time. Analysis of dietary differences between the groups showed that the Eskimos ate less saturated fat and more omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and whale and seal meat.
Research since that time has supported the heart-healthy benefits of eating fish. If you can't dine with the Eskimos, other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil and soybean oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids are noted for their triglyceride-lowering effect, but they also help the heart in other ways such as reducing blood pressure and the risk of blood clots. In people who have already had heart attacks, fish oil — or omega-3 fatty acids — significantly reduces the risk of sudden death.
Doctors recommend eating at least two servings of fish a week. The highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are in mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon. However, to maintain the heart-healthy benefits of fish, bake or grill it.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
* Fish FAQ: The merits and hazards of eating fish
* Ground flaxseed: Better than whole?
Foods fortified with plant sterols or stanols
Foods are now available that have been fortified with sterols or stanols — substances found in plants that help block the absorption of cholesterol.
Margarines and orange juice fortified with plant sterols can help reduce LDL cholesterol by more than 10 percent. The amount of daily plant sterols needed for results is at least 2 grams — which equals about two 8-ounce servings of plant sterol-fortified orange juice a day.
Plant sterols or stanols in fortified foods don't appear to affect levels of triglycerides or of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Nor do they interfere with the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins — vitamins A, D, E and K.
However, the American Heart Association recommends foods fortified with plant sterols only for people who actually have high levels of LDL cholesterol.
Soy
Long thought to have cholesterol-lowering effects, a recent meta-analysis by the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee showed soy protein actually has very little impact on reducing cholesterol levels. In January 2006, the American Heart Association issued a statement saying the cardiovascular health benefits of soy protein are minimal at best. No benefit was seen on HDL, triglycerides, or blood pressure and even with a large intake of soy, only a small impact on LDL was seen.
Though it may not lower your cholesterol, soy does contain vitamins and minerals and is a good source of fiber. It's also a healthy low-fat alternative source of protein.
Cut fats first
The first step for a heart-healthy diet is to reduce your intake of bad fats — especially saturated and trans fats. If cutting out bad fats isn't enough to reduce your cholesterol, you may want to try adding soluble fiber, nuts and fish to your diet. If you need more boost from your foods, try adding foods fortified with plant sterols.
Eating a combination of these cholesterol-lowering foods increases the benefit. But dietary changes alone are not always enough for everyone. If your cholesterol is still high after you've revised your diet and increased your physical activity, your doctor may suggest adding cholesterol-lowering medications to your treatment plan.
What's in? What's out? From one day to the next, you can't be sure. Find out the best foods to reduce your cholesterol and protect your heart.
Can a bowl of oatmeal help prevent a heart attack? How about a handful of walnuts, or even your baked potato dressed in sterol-fortified margarine? A few simple tweaks to your diet — like these — may be enough to stave off a cholesterol problem.
Oatmeal and oat bran
Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, brussels sprouts, apples, pears, psyllium, barley and prunes.
Soluble fiber appears to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your intestines. Gel-like soluble fiber binds bile (which contains cholesterol) and dietary cholesterol so that the body excretes it.
Five to 10 grams of soluble fiber a day decreases LDL cholesterol by about 5 percent. Eating 1.5 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 4.5 grams of fiber — enough to lower your cholesterol. To mix it up a little, try oat bran or cold cereal made with oatmeal or oat bran.
* Dietary fiber: An essential part of a healthy diet
Walnuts, almonds and more
Studies have shown that walnuts can significantly reduce blood cholesterol. Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, walnuts also help keep blood vessels healthy and elastic. Almonds appear to have a similar effect, resulting in a marked improvement within just four weeks.
A cholesterol-lowering diet in which 20 percent of the calories come from walnuts may reduce LDL cholesterol by 12 percent. For a 1,200-calorie per day diet, a little less than 1/3 of a cup of walnuts is about 240 calories, or 20 percent of the total calories for the day.
All nuts are high in calories, however, so a handful will suffice. As with any food, good or bad, eating too much can cause weight gain, and being overweight places you at higher risk of heart disease. To avoid gaining weight, replace foods high in saturated fat with nuts. For example, instead of using cheese, luncheon meat or croutons in your salad, add a handful of walnuts or almonds.
* Dietary fats: Know which types to choose
Fish and omega-3 fatty acids
Studies in the 1970s showed that Greenland Eskimos had a lower rate of heart disease than did other individuals living in Greenland at the same time. Analysis of dietary differences between the groups showed that the Eskimos ate less saturated fat and more omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and whale and seal meat.
Research since that time has supported the heart-healthy benefits of eating fish. If you can't dine with the Eskimos, other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil and soybean oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids are noted for their triglyceride-lowering effect, but they also help the heart in other ways such as reducing blood pressure and the risk of blood clots. In people who have already had heart attacks, fish oil — or omega-3 fatty acids — significantly reduces the risk of sudden death.
Doctors recommend eating at least two servings of fish a week. The highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are in mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon. However, to maintain the heart-healthy benefits of fish, bake or grill it.
* Fish FAQ: The merits and hazards of eating fish
* Ground flaxseed: Better than whole?
Foods fortified with plant sterols or stanols
Foods are now available that have been fortified with sterols or stanols — substances found in plants that help block the absorption of cholesterol.
Margarines and orange juice fortified with plant sterols can help reduce LDL cholesterol by more than 10 percent. The amount of daily plant sterols needed for results is at least 2 grams — which equals about two 8-ounce servings of plant sterol-fortified orange juice a day.
Plant sterols or stanols in fortified foods don't appear to affect levels of triglycerides or of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Nor do they interfere with the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins — vitamins A, D, E and K.
However, the American Heart Association recommends foods fortified with plant sterols only for people who actually have high levels of LDL cholesterol.
Soy
Long thought to have cholesterol-lowering effects, a recent meta-analysis by the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee showed soy protein actually has very little impact on reducing cholesterol levels. In January 2006, the American Heart Association issued a statement saying the cardiovascular health benefits of soy protein are minimal at best. No benefit was seen on HDL, triglycerides, or blood pressure and even with a large intake of soy, only a small impact on LDL was seen.
Though it may not lower your cholesterol, soy does contain vitamins and minerals and is a good source of fiber. It's also a healthy low-fat alternative source of protein.
Cut fats first
The first step for a heart-healthy diet is to reduce your intake of bad fats — especially saturated and trans fats. If cutting out bad fats isn't enough to reduce your cholesterol, you may want to try adding soluble fiber, nuts and fish to your diet. If you need more boost from your foods, try adding foods fortified with plant sterols.
Eating a combination of these cholesterol-lowering foods increases the benefit. But dietary changes alone are not always enough for everyone. If your cholesterol is still high after you've revised your diet and increased your physical activity, your doctor may suggest adding cholesterol-lowering medications to your treatment plan.
REDUCE/LOWER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
High Blood Pressure: Things You Can Do to Help Lower Yours
What is high blood pressure?
Imagine that your arteries are pipes that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. High blood pressure (also called hypertension) occurs when your blood moves through your arteries at a higher pressure than normal.
What do the numbers mean?
Blood pressure is really two measurements, separated by a slash when written down, such as 120/80. You may also hear someone say a blood pressure is "120 over 80."
The first number is the systolic blood pressure. This is the peak blood pressure when your heart is squeezing blood out. The second number is the diastolic blood pressure. It's the pressure when your heart is filling with blood--relaxing between beats.
A normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 140/90, you have something called "prehypertension."
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
Blood pressure is measured by putting a blood pressure cuff around your arm, inflating the cuff and listening for the flow of blood. Your doctor will measure your blood pressure at more than one visit to see if you have high blood pressure.
How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
Even in children, blood pressure should be checked occasionally, beginning at about age 2. After age 21, have your blood pressure checked at least once every 2 years. Do it more often if you have had high blood pressure in the past.
What problems does high blood pressure cause?
High blood pressure damages your blood vessels. This in turn raises your risk of stroke, kidney failure, heart disease and heart attack.
Does it have any symptoms?
Not usually. This is why it's so important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
How is it treated?
Treatment begins with changes you can make to your lifestyle to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease (see the box below). If these changes don't work, you may also need to take medicine.
Even if you must take medicine, making some changes in your lifestyle can help reduce the amount of medicine you must take.
Lifestyle changes
* Don't smoke cigarettes or use any tobacco product.
* Lose weight if you're overweight.
* Exercise regularly.
* Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables and is low in fat.
* Limit your sodium, alcohol and caffeine intake.
* Try relaxation techniques or biofeedback.
How do tobacco products affect blood pressure?
The nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products causes your blood vessels to constrict and your heart to beat faster, which temporarily raises your blood pressure. If you quit smoking or using other tobacco products, you can significantly lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack, as well as help lower your blood pressure.
What about losing weight and exercising?
If you're overweight, losing weight usually helps lower blood pressure. Regular exercise is a good way to lose weight. It also seems to lower high blood pressure by itself.
Is sodium really off limits?
Not everyone is affected by sodium, but sodium can increase blood pressure in some people. Most people who have high blood pressure should limit the sodium in their diet each day to less than 2,400 mg. Your doctor may tell you to limit your sodium even more.
Don't add salt to your food. Check food labels for sodium. While some foods obviously have a lot of sodium, such as potato chips, you may not realize how much sodium is in things like bread and cheese.
Do I need to quit drinking alcohol altogether?
In some people, alcohol causes blood pressure to rise quite a lot. In other people, it doesn't. If you drink alcohol, limit it to no more than 1 or 2 drinks per day. One drink is a can of beer, a glass of wine or 1 jigger of liquor. If your blood pressure increases with alcohol, it's best not to drink any alcohol.
Does stress affect my blood pressure?
Stress may affect blood pressure. To help combat the effects of stress, try relaxation techniques or biofeedback. These things work best when used at least once a day. Ask your family doctor for advice.
What about medicine?
Many different types of medicine can be used to treat high blood pressure (see the box below). These are called antihypertensive medicines.
The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure to normal levels with medicine that's easy to take and has few, if any, side effects. This goal can almost always be met.
If your blood pressure can only be controlled with medicine, you'll need to take the medicine for the rest of your life. Don't stop taking the medicine without talking with your family doctor or you may increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
Return to top
Types of antihypertensive drugs
* Diuretics: These drugs help your body get rid of extra sodium and fluid so that your blood vessels don't have to hold so much fluid.
* Beta-blockers: These drugs block the effects of adrenaline.
* Alpha-blockers: These drugs help your blood vessels stay open.
* ACE inhibitors: These drugs prevent your blood vessels from constricting by blocking your body from making angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a chemical that constricts blood vessels.
* Calcium channel blockers: These drugs help prevent your blood vessels from constricting by blocking calcium from entering your cells.
* Combinations: These drugs combine an ACE inhibitor with a calcium channel blocker.
What are the possible side effects of medicine?
Different drugs have different side effects for different people. Side effects of antihypertensive drugs can include feeling dizzy when you stand up after lying down or sitting, lowered levels of potassium in your blood, problems sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, bloating, constipation and depression. In men, some antihypertensive drugs can cause problems with having an erection.
Talk to your family doctor about any changes you notice. If one medicine doesn't work for you or causes side effects, you have other options. Let your doctor help you find the right medicine for you.
Heart Disease & Stroke
* Vascular Disease: How to Prevent It
* What Is My Risk?
* Reducing Heart Disease Risk
* Cholesterol
* Advice for Women
* Diabetes and Heart Disease
* Quitting Smoking
Other Organizations
* American Heart Association
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231
1-800-242-8721
* Revolution Health Heart Health Community
Source
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
What is high blood pressure?
Imagine that your arteries are pipes that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. High blood pressure (also called hypertension) occurs when your blood moves through your arteries at a higher pressure than normal.
What do the numbers mean?
Blood pressure is really two measurements, separated by a slash when written down, such as 120/80. You may also hear someone say a blood pressure is "120 over 80."
The first number is the systolic blood pressure. This is the peak blood pressure when your heart is squeezing blood out. The second number is the diastolic blood pressure. It's the pressure when your heart is filling with blood--relaxing between beats.
A normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 140/90, you have something called "prehypertension."
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
Blood pressure is measured by putting a blood pressure cuff around your arm, inflating the cuff and listening for the flow of blood. Your doctor will measure your blood pressure at more than one visit to see if you have high blood pressure.
How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
Even in children, blood pressure should be checked occasionally, beginning at about age 2. After age 21, have your blood pressure checked at least once every 2 years. Do it more often if you have had high blood pressure in the past.
What problems does high blood pressure cause?
High blood pressure damages your blood vessels. This in turn raises your risk of stroke, kidney failure, heart disease and heart attack.
Does it have any symptoms?
Not usually. This is why it's so important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
How is it treated?
Treatment begins with changes you can make to your lifestyle to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease (see the box below). If these changes don't work, you may also need to take medicine.
Even if you must take medicine, making some changes in your lifestyle can help reduce the amount of medicine you must take.
Lifestyle changes
* Don't smoke cigarettes or use any tobacco product.
* Lose weight if you're overweight.
* Exercise regularly.
* Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables and is low in fat.
* Limit your sodium, alcohol and caffeine intake.
* Try relaxation techniques or biofeedback.
How do tobacco products affect blood pressure?
The nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products causes your blood vessels to constrict and your heart to beat faster, which temporarily raises your blood pressure. If you quit smoking or using other tobacco products, you can significantly lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack, as well as help lower your blood pressure.
What about losing weight and exercising?
If you're overweight, losing weight usually helps lower blood pressure. Regular exercise is a good way to lose weight. It also seems to lower high blood pressure by itself.
Is sodium really off limits?
Not everyone is affected by sodium, but sodium can increase blood pressure in some people. Most people who have high blood pressure should limit the sodium in their diet each day to less than 2,400 mg. Your doctor may tell you to limit your sodium even more.
Don't add salt to your food. Check food labels for sodium. While some foods obviously have a lot of sodium, such as potato chips, you may not realize how much sodium is in things like bread and cheese.
Do I need to quit drinking alcohol altogether?
In some people, alcohol causes blood pressure to rise quite a lot. In other people, it doesn't. If you drink alcohol, limit it to no more than 1 or 2 drinks per day. One drink is a can of beer, a glass of wine or 1 jigger of liquor. If your blood pressure increases with alcohol, it's best not to drink any alcohol.
Does stress affect my blood pressure?
Stress may affect blood pressure. To help combat the effects of stress, try relaxation techniques or biofeedback. These things work best when used at least once a day. Ask your family doctor for advice.
What about medicine?
Many different types of medicine can be used to treat high blood pressure (see the box below). These are called antihypertensive medicines.
The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure to normal levels with medicine that's easy to take and has few, if any, side effects. This goal can almost always be met.
If your blood pressure can only be controlled with medicine, you'll need to take the medicine for the rest of your life. Don't stop taking the medicine without talking with your family doctor or you may increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
Return to top
Types of antihypertensive drugs
* Diuretics: These drugs help your body get rid of extra sodium and fluid so that your blood vessels don't have to hold so much fluid.
* Beta-blockers: These drugs block the effects of adrenaline.
* Alpha-blockers: These drugs help your blood vessels stay open.
* ACE inhibitors: These drugs prevent your blood vessels from constricting by blocking your body from making angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a chemical that constricts blood vessels.
* Calcium channel blockers: These drugs help prevent your blood vessels from constricting by blocking calcium from entering your cells.
* Combinations: These drugs combine an ACE inhibitor with a calcium channel blocker.
What are the possible side effects of medicine?
Different drugs have different side effects for different people. Side effects of antihypertensive drugs can include feeling dizzy when you stand up after lying down or sitting, lowered levels of potassium in your blood, problems sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, bloating, constipation and depression. In men, some antihypertensive drugs can cause problems with having an erection.
Talk to your family doctor about any changes you notice. If one medicine doesn't work for you or causes side effects, you have other options. Let your doctor help you find the right medicine for you.
Heart Disease & Stroke
* Vascular Disease: How to Prevent It
* What Is My Risk?
* Reducing Heart Disease Risk
* Cholesterol
* Advice for Women
* Diabetes and Heart Disease
* Quitting Smoking
Other Organizations
* American Heart Association
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231
1-800-242-8721
* Revolution Health Heart Health Community
Source
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
3.5mm to 2.5 blackberry adaptor- want to connect your blackberry to your home or auto audio system
Question: want to connect your blackberry to your regular headphone or home or auto audio system
Answer: get the 3.5mm to 2.5 blackberry adaptor
This adapter converts the BlackBerry 8830, 8820, 8800, 8703e, or Pearl 8100 built-in 2.5 mm headset jack into a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack - perfect for listening to MP3s, playing games and more.
There are tons out there in ebay. make sure the adaptor is deep enough and ask the seller if it works with a blackberry. Check out Amazon.com too.
From my experience i actually bough one adaptor that didnt work. so always ask before you buy.
Answer: get the 3.5mm to 2.5 blackberry adaptor
This adapter converts the BlackBerry 8830, 8820, 8800, 8703e, or Pearl 8100 built-in 2.5 mm headset jack into a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack - perfect for listening to MP3s, playing games and more.
There are tons out there in ebay. make sure the adaptor is deep enough and ask the seller if it works with a blackberry. Check out Amazon.com too.
From my experience i actually bough one adaptor that didnt work. so always ask before you buy.
BLACKBERRY HOT KEYS/Shortcuts
Tips for the BlackBerry Pearl 8100
Basic Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in many applications:
* To move the cursor, roll the trackball.
* To exit a screen or to move to a previous page in a browser, press the Escape key.
* To move upwards in a screen, press 3.
* To move downwards in a screen, press 9.
* To move to the top of a screen, press 1.
* To move to the bottom of a screen, press 7.
* To move to the next item, press 6.
* To move to the previous item, press 4.
* To move to a list item or menu item, type the first letter of the item.
* To select or clear a check box, click the trackball.
* To select adjacent items, hold the Shift key and roll the trackball.
* To delete a selected item, press the Delete key.
* To switch applications, hold the Alt key and press the Escape key. Continue holding the Alt key and select an application. Release the Alt key.
* To return to the Home screen, press the End key.
* To lock the keyboard, from the Home screen, hold the asterisk ( * ) key.
* To unlock the keyboard, hold the Send key and press the asterisk ( * ) key. Type your password.
* To switch between the Default and Vibrate notification profiles, from the Home screen, hold the pound ( # ) key.
* To turn on a theme or notification profile, select a theme or notification profile, then press the Space key.
Phone Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the phone application or during a phone call:
* To answer a phone call, press the Send key.
* To place an active phone call on hold and answer a second incoming phone call, press the Send key.
* To view the contact list, hold the Send key.
* To insert a plus sign ( + ) when typing a phone number, hold 0.
* To add an extension to a phone number, press the X key, then type the extension number.
* To assign a speed dial number to a key, from the Home screen or in the Phone application, hold the key you want to assign. Type the phone number.
* To check your voice mail, hold 1.
* To view the last phone number that you dialed, scroll to the top of the Phone screen, then press the Enter key. Press the Send key to dial the number.
Camera Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Camera application:
* To take a picture, press the Right Convenience key.
* To zoom the camera in, press the Volume Up key.
* To zoom the camera out, press the Volume Down key.
Message Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Messages application:
* To compose a message from the message list, press the comma ( , ) key.
* To reply to a message, press the exclamation point ( ! ) key.
* To reply to all, press the question mark ( ? ) key.
* To forward a message, press the period ( . ) key.
* To view received messages, hold the Alt key and press 3.
* To view call logs, hold the Alt key and press the period ( . ) key.
* To view voice mail messages, hold the Alt key and press 7.
* To view SMS text messages, hold the Alt key and press the question mark ( ? ) key.
* To view your message list again, press the Escape key.
* To move up a message in the list, press 2.
* To move down a message in the list, press 8.
Typing Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used when typing text in an application:
* To type the alternate character on a key, hold the Alt key and press the character key.
* To type an accented or special character, hold the letter key and roll the trackball left or right. Click a selected character.
* To type a symbol, press the Symbol key. To view more symbols, press the Symbol key again. Type the letter that appears below the symbol to enter the corresponding symbol.
* To insert a period, press the Space key twice. The next letter is capitalized.
* To capitalize a letter, hold the letter key until the capitalized letter appears.
* To turn on NUM lock, hold the Shift key and press the Alt key.
* To turn off NUM lock, press the Alt key.
* To insert an at sign ( @ ) or a period ( . ) in an email address field, press the Space key.
* To type a number in a number field, press a number key. You do not need to press the Alt key.
* To type a number in a password field, hold the Alt key and press the number key.
* To type a letter in a number field, hold the Alt key and use the multi-tap input method to enter the letter.
* To switch typing input languages, hold the Alt key and press the Enter key. Select a language, then release the Alt key. Note: To allow this functionality, on the Language screen, verify that the Use Input Method Shortcut field is set to Yes.
* To select a line of text, press the Shift key and roll the trackball.
* To select text character by character, hold the Shift key and roll the trackball left or right.
* To cancel a text selection, press the Escape key.
* To cut selected text, hold the Shift key and press the Delete key.
* To copy selected text, press the Alt key and click the trackball.
* To paste your cut or copied text, press the Shift key and click the trackball.
Search Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used when searching in an application:
* To search for a contact in a list of contacts, type the contact name or initials separated by a space.
* To view the criteria of your last search, in your list of searches, press the Menu key. Click Last.
Attachment Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used when viewing attachments:
* To search for text in an attachment, press Q.
* To switch between the table of contents and the full content of an attachment, press O.
* To change the size of a column in a spreadsheet, press Z.
* To move to a specific cell in a spreadsheet, press A.
* To view the content of a cell in a spreadsheet, press the Space key.
* To view a slide show presentation, press A.
* To stop a slide show presentation, hold the Escape key.
* To switch presentation views, press Z.
Browser Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the browser applications:
* To insert a period ( . ) in the Go To dialog box, press the Space key.
* To insert a forward slash ( / ) in the Go To dialog box, hold the Shift key and press the Space key.
* To open the bookmark list from a web page, press 5.
* To add a bookmark from a web page, press the question mark ( ? ) key.
* To view a thumbnail version of a web page, press X. To return to the normal view, press any key.
* To stop loading a web page, press the Escape key.
* To move to a specific web page, press the period ( . ) key.
* To hide the banner on a web page, press the exclamation point ( ! ) key. To view the banner on a web page, press the exclamation point ( ! ) key again.
* To close a browser, hold the Escape key.
Media Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Media application:
* To pause a video, press the Mute key. To resume playing the video, press the Mute key again.
* To zoom in to a picture, press 3.
* To zoom out from a picture, press 9.
* To return to the original picture size, press 5.
* To rotate a picture, press the comma ( , ) key.
* To pause a slide show, press the Space key. To resume the slide show, press the Space key again.
* To pause a song, press the Mute key. To resume playing the song, press the Mute key again.
Maps Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Maps application:
* To zoom in to a map, press L.
* To zoom out from a map, press O.
* To view the status information at the top of a map, press Q. To hide the status information at the top of a map, press Q again.
Calendar Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Calendar Day view:
Note: To allow shortcuts in Day view, in the Calendar options, set the Enable Quick Entry field to No.
* To schedule an appointment, press the period ( . ) key.
* To move to the next day, press 6.
* To move to the previous day, press 4.
* To move ahead one hour, press 2.
* To move back one hour, press 8.
Basic Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in many applications:
* To move the cursor, roll the trackball.
* To exit a screen or to move to a previous page in a browser, press the Escape key.
* To move upwards in a screen, press 3.
* To move downwards in a screen, press 9.
* To move to the top of a screen, press 1.
* To move to the bottom of a screen, press 7.
* To move to the next item, press 6.
* To move to the previous item, press 4.
* To move to a list item or menu item, type the first letter of the item.
* To select or clear a check box, click the trackball.
* To select adjacent items, hold the Shift key and roll the trackball.
* To delete a selected item, press the Delete key.
* To switch applications, hold the Alt key and press the Escape key. Continue holding the Alt key and select an application. Release the Alt key.
* To return to the Home screen, press the End key.
* To lock the keyboard, from the Home screen, hold the asterisk ( * ) key.
* To unlock the keyboard, hold the Send key and press the asterisk ( * ) key. Type your password.
* To switch between the Default and Vibrate notification profiles, from the Home screen, hold the pound ( # ) key.
* To turn on a theme or notification profile, select a theme or notification profile, then press the Space key.
Phone Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the phone application or during a phone call:
* To answer a phone call, press the Send key.
* To place an active phone call on hold and answer a second incoming phone call, press the Send key.
* To view the contact list, hold the Send key.
* To insert a plus sign ( + ) when typing a phone number, hold 0.
* To add an extension to a phone number, press the X key, then type the extension number.
* To assign a speed dial number to a key, from the Home screen or in the Phone application, hold the key you want to assign. Type the phone number.
* To check your voice mail, hold 1.
* To view the last phone number that you dialed, scroll to the top of the Phone screen, then press the Enter key. Press the Send key to dial the number.
Camera Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Camera application:
* To take a picture, press the Right Convenience key.
* To zoom the camera in, press the Volume Up key.
* To zoom the camera out, press the Volume Down key.
Message Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Messages application:
* To compose a message from the message list, press the comma ( , ) key.
* To reply to a message, press the exclamation point ( ! ) key.
* To reply to all, press the question mark ( ? ) key.
* To forward a message, press the period ( . ) key.
* To view received messages, hold the Alt key and press 3.
* To view call logs, hold the Alt key and press the period ( . ) key.
* To view voice mail messages, hold the Alt key and press 7.
* To view SMS text messages, hold the Alt key and press the question mark ( ? ) key.
* To view your message list again, press the Escape key.
* To move up a message in the list, press 2.
* To move down a message in the list, press 8.
Typing Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used when typing text in an application:
* To type the alternate character on a key, hold the Alt key and press the character key.
* To type an accented or special character, hold the letter key and roll the trackball left or right. Click a selected character.
* To type a symbol, press the Symbol key. To view more symbols, press the Symbol key again. Type the letter that appears below the symbol to enter the corresponding symbol.
* To insert a period, press the Space key twice. The next letter is capitalized.
* To capitalize a letter, hold the letter key until the capitalized letter appears.
* To turn on NUM lock, hold the Shift key and press the Alt key.
* To turn off NUM lock, press the Alt key.
* To insert an at sign ( @ ) or a period ( . ) in an email address field, press the Space key.
* To type a number in a number field, press a number key. You do not need to press the Alt key.
* To type a number in a password field, hold the Alt key and press the number key.
* To type a letter in a number field, hold the Alt key and use the multi-tap input method to enter the letter.
* To switch typing input languages, hold the Alt key and press the Enter key. Select a language, then release the Alt key. Note: To allow this functionality, on the Language screen, verify that the Use Input Method Shortcut field is set to Yes.
* To select a line of text, press the Shift key and roll the trackball.
* To select text character by character, hold the Shift key and roll the trackball left or right.
* To cancel a text selection, press the Escape key.
* To cut selected text, hold the Shift key and press the Delete key.
* To copy selected text, press the Alt key and click the trackball.
* To paste your cut or copied text, press the Shift key and click the trackball.
Search Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used when searching in an application:
* To search for a contact in a list of contacts, type the contact name or initials separated by a space.
* To view the criteria of your last search, in your list of searches, press the Menu key. Click Last.
Attachment Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used when viewing attachments:
* To search for text in an attachment, press Q.
* To switch between the table of contents and the full content of an attachment, press O.
* To change the size of a column in a spreadsheet, press Z.
* To move to a specific cell in a spreadsheet, press A.
* To view the content of a cell in a spreadsheet, press the Space key.
* To view a slide show presentation, press A.
* To stop a slide show presentation, hold the Escape key.
* To switch presentation views, press Z.
Browser Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the browser applications:
* To insert a period ( . ) in the Go To dialog box, press the Space key.
* To insert a forward slash ( / ) in the Go To dialog box, hold the Shift key and press the Space key.
* To open the bookmark list from a web page, press 5.
* To add a bookmark from a web page, press the question mark ( ? ) key.
* To view a thumbnail version of a web page, press X. To return to the normal view, press any key.
* To stop loading a web page, press the Escape key.
* To move to a specific web page, press the period ( . ) key.
* To hide the banner on a web page, press the exclamation point ( ! ) key. To view the banner on a web page, press the exclamation point ( ! ) key again.
* To close a browser, hold the Escape key.
Media Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Media application:
* To pause a video, press the Mute key. To resume playing the video, press the Mute key again.
* To zoom in to a picture, press 3.
* To zoom out from a picture, press 9.
* To return to the original picture size, press 5.
* To rotate a picture, press the comma ( , ) key.
* To pause a slide show, press the Space key. To resume the slide show, press the Space key again.
* To pause a song, press the Mute key. To resume playing the song, press the Mute key again.
Maps Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Maps application:
* To zoom in to a map, press L.
* To zoom out from a map, press O.
* To view the status information at the top of a map, press Q. To hide the status information at the top of a map, press Q again.
Calendar Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Calendar Day view:
Note: To allow shortcuts in Day view, in the Calendar options, set the Enable Quick Entry field to No.
* To schedule an appointment, press the period ( . ) key.
* To move to the next day, press 6.
* To move to the previous day, press 4.
* To move ahead one hour, press 2.
* To move back one hour, press 8.
BLACKBERRY VS APPLE IPHONE
For starters, a BlackBerry set up with Microsoft Exchange Server sports intelligent push email while the iPhone does not. When an email is sent to an account on a BlackBerry, the message is downloaded immediately and an LED on the phone notifies the user that he or she has a new message. The iPhone, on the other hand, recognizes new messages at most every 15 minutes and must be checked actively to see if anything has arrived. This deficiency makes handling email on the iPhone slower and less efficient; it also translates into wasted battery power as users need to perform the extra step of opening the iPhone’s email program every time they want to check for new mail.
addition to these major drawbacks of the iPhone, our venture capitalist cites the following as reasons to prefer the BlackBerry:
* The BlackBerry 8800 possesses GPS, which makes Google Maps much more useful, especially for turn-by-turn directions
* The iPhone lacks basic cut and paste capabilities
* Despite Apple’s reputation for superior user interface design, the BlackBerry possesses keyboard shortcuts that make navigation around and between applications a breeze
* The BlackBerry’s phone quality is better than the iPhone’s
* The Safari browser is certainly more stunning than the BlackBerry’s primitive browser, but the iPhone seems to load even text-only pages more slowly than the BlackBerry over the EDGE network
* The BlackBerry possesses a general contacts application that makes contacting people by any given method more convenient
* The battery runs out faster on the iPhone simply because it is used for more tasks. This makes it less reliable for when one must take the device somewhere overnight without the opportunity to recharge.
Despite all of these criticisms of the iPhone, our venture capitalist admits that he would switch over to the iPhone if only it supported push email, calendar and contacts synchronization, and GPS. For him, the prospect of ridding his pockets of a separate device for music (an iPod nano), as well as enjoying all of the iPhone’s slick features (such as full-featured web browsing, stocks and weather apps, and its YouTube program), makes the iPhone very tempting. However, until Apple resolves these shortcomings (and perhaps Google makes its applications, especially Gmail, work as seamlessly with the iPhone as Microsoft makes Exchange work with the BlackBerry), others are going to have to pry his BlackBerry from his cold, dead hands (his words, mind you, not ours).
addition to these major drawbacks of the iPhone, our venture capitalist cites the following as reasons to prefer the BlackBerry:
* The BlackBerry 8800 possesses GPS, which makes Google Maps much more useful, especially for turn-by-turn directions
* The iPhone lacks basic cut and paste capabilities
* Despite Apple’s reputation for superior user interface design, the BlackBerry possesses keyboard shortcuts that make navigation around and between applications a breeze
* The BlackBerry’s phone quality is better than the iPhone’s
* The Safari browser is certainly more stunning than the BlackBerry’s primitive browser, but the iPhone seems to load even text-only pages more slowly than the BlackBerry over the EDGE network
* The BlackBerry possesses a general contacts application that makes contacting people by any given method more convenient
* The battery runs out faster on the iPhone simply because it is used for more tasks. This makes it less reliable for when one must take the device somewhere overnight without the opportunity to recharge.
Despite all of these criticisms of the iPhone, our venture capitalist admits that he would switch over to the iPhone if only it supported push email, calendar and contacts synchronization, and GPS. For him, the prospect of ridding his pockets of a separate device for music (an iPod nano), as well as enjoying all of the iPhone’s slick features (such as full-featured web browsing, stocks and weather apps, and its YouTube program), makes the iPhone very tempting. However, until Apple resolves these shortcomings (and perhaps Google makes its applications, especially Gmail, work as seamlessly with the iPhone as Microsoft makes Exchange work with the BlackBerry), others are going to have to pry his BlackBerry from his cold, dead hands (his words, mind you, not ours).
No-Fee Apartments
No-Fee Apartments
Fee vs. No-Fee
Real estate agents charge a fee for their services. The standard realtor fee in New York is 15% of the first year's rent. For a $1,000 / month apartment, that's $1,800 up front and out of your pocket. Given these sums, many people try to find no-fee apartments. No-fee apartments are apartments that are being rented out directly by their owners. Sometimes the owners are individuals and sometimes they are companies that own apartment buildings.
No-Fee Brokers
Given the current fervor for finding no-fee apartments, many real estate agents have jumped on the no-fee bandwagon. It is not uncommon for apartments to be listed as no-fee that are actually being rented by a realtor, who is being paid by the owner or landlord. As they say, there's "no free lunch": the presence of a broker will usually be reflected in a higher rent price.
Finding No-Fee Apartments
Finding a good no-fee apartment is not always easy. Backpage and Craigslist have large no-fee sections, as do many other online listings sites. There are also companies (many of whom lure in customers through online listings) that provide lists of no-fee apartments for a small ($100-$200) fee, which they claim will be refunded if you don't get your apartment through them. Some of these companies are legitimate, but there are many that are not, providing poor-quality listings and then refusing to refund your payment at the end. As always, be careful before handing over your money. One of the best ways to find a no-fee apartment is simply to find someone whom you know to be moving out of his or her apartment, and contact their landlord directly. Another option is to contact the companies that manage large apartment buildings. If you find a building that you would like to live in, look for the contact information of the building manager (usually right by the mailboxes in the entrance) and give them a call. There's a good chance that they'll know of an upcoming opening in that building, or in one of their other similar properties.
No-fee apartments are apartments that are being rented out directly by their owners. Sometimes the owners are individuals and sometimes they are companies that own apartment build
Fee vs. No-Fee
Real estate agents charge a fee for their services. The standard realtor fee in New York is 15% of the first year's rent. For a $1,000 / month apartment, that's $1,800 up front and out of your pocket. Given these sums, many people try to find no-fee apartments. No-fee apartments are apartments that are being rented out directly by their owners. Sometimes the owners are individuals and sometimes they are companies that own apartment buildings.
No-Fee Brokers
Given the current fervor for finding no-fee apartments, many real estate agents have jumped on the no-fee bandwagon. It is not uncommon for apartments to be listed as no-fee that are actually being rented by a realtor, who is being paid by the owner or landlord. As they say, there's "no free lunch": the presence of a broker will usually be reflected in a higher rent price.
Finding No-Fee Apartments
Finding a good no-fee apartment is not always easy. Backpage and Craigslist have large no-fee sections, as do many other online listings sites. There are also companies (many of whom lure in customers through online listings) that provide lists of no-fee apartments for a small ($100-$200) fee, which they claim will be refunded if you don't get your apartment through them. Some of these companies are legitimate, but there are many that are not, providing poor-quality listings and then refusing to refund your payment at the end. As always, be careful before handing over your money. One of the best ways to find a no-fee apartment is simply to find someone whom you know to be moving out of his or her apartment, and contact their landlord directly. Another option is to contact the companies that manage large apartment buildings. If you find a building that you would like to live in, look for the contact information of the building manager (usually right by the mailboxes in the entrance) and give them a call. There's a good chance that they'll know of an upcoming opening in that building, or in one of their other similar properties.
No-fee apartments are apartments that are being rented out directly by their owners. Sometimes the owners are individuals and sometimes they are companies that own apartment build
finding a rental property in Hawaii, New York, apartment, condo and single family homes
Apartment-Hunting Tips
Use word of mouth. Start any search with your friends, family, work, or school connections. Like jobs, the best apartments in New York City often come through personal connections and social networks. Email everyone you know and tell them when you are moving and what you are looking for. Ask them to email everyone they know. This approach takes some time, but is definitely worth it.
Give yourself some time. If you can move to the city and stay with friends, or sublet for a few weeks or even a month, do so. This will give you some time to get the lay of the land before deciding on a place to live.
Determine your budget. Your percent of rent in relation to your income in NYC could be higher than the standard 25%. Many New Yorkers spend between 30% and 40% of their post-tax income on rent, especially those making under $60,000 a year. A simple rent calculation is to double your income, and remove two zeroes. So, if your salary is $40,000 per year, the amount of rent you pay should very roughly be around $800 per month.
Look at the right time. The apartment rental market is most active during the summer, especially in August and September. The first and last week of each month are the best times to look. Usually tenants give 30 days notice at the beginning of the month. By the end of the month, owners are getting desperate if places are not filled.
Narrow your search. Form a picture of the kind of place you are looking for and can afford. Then stick to your guns and focus your search on that picture. That way you'll know when to pounce on a place, and when to walk. To keep from getting overwhelmed, try focusing your search on one or two neighborhoods.
Visit neighborhoods. Walk around each neighborhood and plan to spend some time there. Find a cafe or park and observe the environment to see if you like it. Try using the transit you would be using to go to work or school at different times of the day to determine if the commute will work for you.
Ask questions. When visiting apartments ask questions about noise, morning and evening light, neighbors, electrical and plumbing age, pests, as well as security. Also, be sure to ask whether or not the heating and utility costs are included in the rent. Heating costs in the winter can easily be as high as $300 a month.
Consider your commute. Easy travel to work or school should not be undervalued. As you will quickly realize, rent prices are almost always higher near subway stations, especially those in Manhattan. One common trade-off is between apartment size and commute length. You can get a much bigger place if you're willing to walk further or take a longer train ride.
Be ready to decide. Apartments do go quickly in this city, so come prepared to make a decision. It's a good idea to carry copies of your credit report and be sure to bring along any roommates who will be making the decision with you. All this being said, don't let people push too hard. If you need to think about it, take your time, but understand that the apartment may be gone by the time you decide.
Stick to your price. It is important to decide how much you can afford to pay for rent before you begin looking. When dealing with a real estate agent, it is a good idea to be clear about your budget, and to stick to it. If they offer to show you an apartment that is above your maximum, tell them that you're not interested. Remember: the higher your rent, the higher their fee.
Know your rights. Obviously, a lease is a legal document. Before signing one, you should know your rights as a tenant. Given all the things that can go wrong with an apartment (plumbing, leaky roofs, pests, noise, theft, etc), it's important to understand what your landlord is and isn't responsible for. Fortunately, the State of New York provides a great online Tenants' Rights Guide.
Use word of mouth. Start any search with your friends, family, work, or school connections. Like jobs, the best apartments in New York City often come through personal connections and social networks. Email everyone you know and tell them when you are moving and what you are looking for. Ask them to email everyone they know. This approach takes some time, but is definitely worth it.
Give yourself some time. If you can move to the city and stay with friends, or sublet for a few weeks or even a month, do so. This will give you some time to get the lay of the land before deciding on a place to live.
Determine your budget. Your percent of rent in relation to your income in NYC could be higher than the standard 25%. Many New Yorkers spend between 30% and 40% of their post-tax income on rent, especially those making under $60,000 a year. A simple rent calculation is to double your income, and remove two zeroes. So, if your salary is $40,000 per year, the amount of rent you pay should very roughly be around $800 per month.
Look at the right time. The apartment rental market is most active during the summer, especially in August and September. The first and last week of each month are the best times to look. Usually tenants give 30 days notice at the beginning of the month. By the end of the month, owners are getting desperate if places are not filled.
Narrow your search. Form a picture of the kind of place you are looking for and can afford. Then stick to your guns and focus your search on that picture. That way you'll know when to pounce on a place, and when to walk. To keep from getting overwhelmed, try focusing your search on one or two neighborhoods.
Visit neighborhoods. Walk around each neighborhood and plan to spend some time there. Find a cafe or park and observe the environment to see if you like it. Try using the transit you would be using to go to work or school at different times of the day to determine if the commute will work for you.
Ask questions. When visiting apartments ask questions about noise, morning and evening light, neighbors, electrical and plumbing age, pests, as well as security. Also, be sure to ask whether or not the heating and utility costs are included in the rent. Heating costs in the winter can easily be as high as $300 a month.
Consider your commute. Easy travel to work or school should not be undervalued. As you will quickly realize, rent prices are almost always higher near subway stations, especially those in Manhattan. One common trade-off is between apartment size and commute length. You can get a much bigger place if you're willing to walk further or take a longer train ride.
Be ready to decide. Apartments do go quickly in this city, so come prepared to make a decision. It's a good idea to carry copies of your credit report and be sure to bring along any roommates who will be making the decision with you. All this being said, don't let people push too hard. If you need to think about it, take your time, but understand that the apartment may be gone by the time you decide.
Stick to your price. It is important to decide how much you can afford to pay for rent before you begin looking. When dealing with a real estate agent, it is a good idea to be clear about your budget, and to stick to it. If they offer to show you an apartment that is above your maximum, tell them that you're not interested. Remember: the higher your rent, the higher their fee.
Know your rights. Obviously, a lease is a legal document. Before signing one, you should know your rights as a tenant. Given all the things that can go wrong with an apartment (plumbing, leaky roofs, pests, noise, theft, etc), it's important to understand what your landlord is and isn't responsible for. Fortunately, the State of New York provides a great online Tenants' Rights Guide.
AMAZON MP3 VS ITUNES MP3
Nowadays Amazon launched a beta version of a music store that breaks this lock-in. All of Amazon's tracks are sold as unrestricted MP3s, free of Digital Rights Management, or DRM. And they will work on just about any music player in the world, including an iPod, iPhone, PSP, Zune. The store marks iTunes' first real competition. In fact, I think it kicks iTunes' buttons.
ong quality
Amazon: MP 3, encoded at a 256 kbps variable bit rate
iTunes: encoded as AAC files with a bit rate of 128 kbps
Price
Amazon: Tracks $0.89, full albums $8.99
iTunes: Tracks $0.99, full albums $9.99
Easy of use
Amazon: download a small companion program (works on Windows and Mac), you can reproduce
iTunes: buy a song with one click, it's integrated into your music player(you never have to fiddle with files on your hard drive to get the songs into your iPod)
selections
Amazon: 2 million songs (EMI and Universal)
iTunes: 6 million songs
restrict
Amazon: everything is unrestricted, everything will word for ever
iTunes: copy-protection scheme (put your songs on just five computers at a time; make only seven CD copies of a particular playlist), DRM protected
1. Song quality: Audiophiles can argue forever on the merits of higher-bit MP3s versus lower-bit AACs
listening to the same song purchased from each store they are almost the same
2. I found that "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness," Smashing Pumpkins' 1995 double album, is just $8.99, DRM-free, on Amazon. On iTunes it's $19.99.
From now on when I look for music, I'm going to go to Amazon first. Only if I don't find something there will I think about buying from iTunes. If you value your freedom, I may accept my way and follow someday.
ong quality
Amazon: MP 3, encoded at a 256 kbps variable bit rate
iTunes: encoded as AAC files with a bit rate of 128 kbps
Price
Amazon: Tracks $0.89, full albums $8.99
iTunes: Tracks $0.99, full albums $9.99
Easy of use
Amazon: download a small companion program (works on Windows and Mac), you can reproduce
iTunes: buy a song with one click, it's integrated into your music player(you never have to fiddle with files on your hard drive to get the songs into your iPod)
selections
Amazon: 2 million songs (EMI and Universal)
iTunes: 6 million songs
restrict
Amazon: everything is unrestricted, everything will word for ever
iTunes: copy-protection scheme (put your songs on just five computers at a time; make only seven CD copies of a particular playlist), DRM protected
1. Song quality: Audiophiles can argue forever on the merits of higher-bit MP3s versus lower-bit AACs
listening to the same song purchased from each store they are almost the same
2. I found that "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness," Smashing Pumpkins' 1995 double album, is just $8.99, DRM-free, on Amazon. On iTunes it's $19.99.
From now on when I look for music, I'm going to go to Amazon first. Only if I don't find something there will I think about buying from iTunes. If you value your freedom, I may accept my way and follow someday.
HD VS BLUE RAY- BLE RAY WINS
Blu-ray wins
That's all, folks: it's safe to stick your head above the technological parapet. The next-generation DVD format war is officially over.
With the news this week that Toshiba was raising the white flag of surrender for its preferred format, HD-DVD, the victory for rival disc Blu-ray was complete.
In truth, the rot set in some time ago, but the pace of HD-DVD's demise accelerated dramatically and irreversibly when Warner Bros announced in January that it would only be releasing DVDs on Blu-ray.
advertisement
Support for HD-DVD began to fall, with US firms such as Netflix, Wal Mart and Best Buy throwing their weight behind Blu-ray.
It's a sweet victory for the Sony-backed Blu-ray format. Sony's technically superior Betamax video format lost out to JVC-backed VHS when those formats went head to head in the 1980s.
The battle between HD-DVD - backed by Toshiba and Microsoft, and ultimately just two film studios, Paramount and Universal - and Blu-ray - championed by Sony, Dell, HP, Philips and most of Hollywood's major movie makers - has been rumbling on for about two years. Sales of standalone Blu-ray and HD-DVD players have been relatively low, with only early adopters willing to hedge their bets and part with their cash on technology that could soon become obsolete.
Most ordinary consumers' only contact with the next-generation formats has been through games consoles - Sony's PlayStation 3 has a built-in Blu-ray player, while users of Microsoft's Xbox 360 have been able to buy an HD-DVD player for their console.
Sony's decision to incorporate Blu-ray playback into the PS3 is thought to have been a decisive factor in the format emerging victorious. According to industry statistics, 3.2 million PlayStation 3 consoles have been sold in Europe, plus 34,000 standalone Blu-ray players. But only 55,000 HD-DVD players, including the HD-DVD player add-on for the Xbox 360, have been sold in Europe. And once several big film studios began to release their films solely in Blu-ray, HD-DVD was always going to be on the losing side.
Interestingly, despite Apple giving its backing to the Blu-ray format, it has yet to produce a single computer with a Blu-ray drive. Instead, Apple seems to be concentrating on movies delivered across the internet, through iTunes and the new Apple TV, rather than on physical discs.
So although Blu-ray has won this battle, it may not have won the war. As home internet speeds become faster and consumers get used to video on-demand services, the movie market could undergo a similar change to the music sector, with films downloaded rather than physically bought.
That's all, folks: it's safe to stick your head above the technological parapet. The next-generation DVD format war is officially over.
With the news this week that Toshiba was raising the white flag of surrender for its preferred format, HD-DVD, the victory for rival disc Blu-ray was complete.
In truth, the rot set in some time ago, but the pace of HD-DVD's demise accelerated dramatically and irreversibly when Warner Bros announced in January that it would only be releasing DVDs on Blu-ray.
advertisement
Support for HD-DVD began to fall, with US firms such as Netflix, Wal Mart and Best Buy throwing their weight behind Blu-ray.
It's a sweet victory for the Sony-backed Blu-ray format. Sony's technically superior Betamax video format lost out to JVC-backed VHS when those formats went head to head in the 1980s.
The battle between HD-DVD - backed by Toshiba and Microsoft, and ultimately just two film studios, Paramount and Universal - and Blu-ray - championed by Sony, Dell, HP, Philips and most of Hollywood's major movie makers - has been rumbling on for about two years. Sales of standalone Blu-ray and HD-DVD players have been relatively low, with only early adopters willing to hedge their bets and part with their cash on technology that could soon become obsolete.
Most ordinary consumers' only contact with the next-generation formats has been through games consoles - Sony's PlayStation 3 has a built-in Blu-ray player, while users of Microsoft's Xbox 360 have been able to buy an HD-DVD player for their console.
Sony's decision to incorporate Blu-ray playback into the PS3 is thought to have been a decisive factor in the format emerging victorious. According to industry statistics, 3.2 million PlayStation 3 consoles have been sold in Europe, plus 34,000 standalone Blu-ray players. But only 55,000 HD-DVD players, including the HD-DVD player add-on for the Xbox 360, have been sold in Europe. And once several big film studios began to release their films solely in Blu-ray, HD-DVD was always going to be on the losing side.
Interestingly, despite Apple giving its backing to the Blu-ray format, it has yet to produce a single computer with a Blu-ray drive. Instead, Apple seems to be concentrating on movies delivered across the internet, through iTunes and the new Apple TV, rather than on physical discs.
So although Blu-ray has won this battle, it may not have won the war. As home internet speeds become faster and consumers get used to video on-demand services, the movie market could undergo a similar change to the music sector, with films downloaded rather than physically bought.
finding a rental property in Hawaii- living in Hawaii
The Cost of Living in Paradise is High!
If you are thinking of making Hawaii your home, consider the following facts:
Sources indicate a cost of living ranging from 30%1 above the national average to well over 60%2 for certain family sizes.
* In 2006, a family of 4 renting accommodation in Honolulu needs to earn $111,695 or 55% more income to maintain a lifestyle similar to a comparable family earning $72,000 in the continental United States.2
* Although the 2003 median income of $71,320 for a family of 4 in Hawaii was higher than the national figure of $65,093, this is still below the amount required to maintain the same standard of living for a family of 4 in Hawaii as elsewhere in America.3
Hawaii's High Cost of Housing and Low Income
A major component of Hawaii's high cost of living can be attributed to its high cost of housing and low income.
* In 2005, the State of Hawaii ranked number 10 out of 47 States surveyed (Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana were excluded) for having the most expensive housing market based on a 2200 sq. ft. (approx.) single family dwelling with 4-bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room (or equivalent) and a 2-car garage in a corporate middle-management neighborhood. Hawaii ranks number 47 (bottom of the list) for the most affordable housing market! 4
* The national average of the markets surveyed in the above study was $401,767. The survey showed that the 2005 Average Sales Price for the most expensive Hawaii market was $745,454 (Kihei, Maui) and the most affordable was $737,625 (Honolulu, Oahu) - well over the national average.
* 2005 set record high prices for single family dwellings on the Island of Oahu. The 2005 median resale price of a single family home was $590,000. The 2005 median resale price for a condominium was $269,000.5 The cost of housing on neighbor islands was even higher and higher incomes were harder to obtain.6
* In 2004, Hawaii's home ownership rate (proportion of owner households to the total number of occupied households) was only 60.9%, ranking Hawaii as 48th (one of the lowest) in the nation - indicative of widespread speculative investment.7
* In 2005, Hawaii's total personal income grew by 8% - the biggest increase since 1990 and the third largest increase in the nation.8 However, Hawaii's 2004 Per Capita Personal Income of $32,606 ranked 20th in the United States, below the national average of $33,041.9
For salary and cost of living comparisons between Honolulu and other U.S. cities, see the Cost of Living Wizard.
Even with 2 adults working full time, rental housing and home ownership are becoming increasingly unaffordable, if not impossible, for the average family in Hawaii.
Cost of Food
Amazingly, Hawaii has less than a seven day supply of many foods, especially perishables. Some 90% of our food is still imported.
In recent years, the cost of food in Hawaii has been offset to some degree with the arrival of major warehouse outlets throughout the Islands (e.g. Costco, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart). However, the Economic Research Institute's 2006 Cost of Living Analyses for Honolulu shows that the cost of consumables weighted to pricing patterns of grocery and drug store chains is as much as 66% more than the U.S. average depending upon family size, earnings level and spending patterns.2
Perhaps 10,000 acres could grow all the perishable food Hawaii needs. Unfortunately, key factors in utilizing these acres are the high cost of some land, tax laws and leasing difficulties, water, labor and transportation.
You just can't grow cucumbers on $95,000+-an-acre land!
Land Availability
Nearly half of Hawaii's 4.1 million acres are managed by the State or Federal Government and of the remaining 50% in private ownership, approximately 20 percent is controlled by seven private landowners.10
Of the total acreage, the State Land Use Commission classifies 95% as belonging to either Agriculture or Conservation Districts and only 5% to Rural and Urban Districts.11
Increasing urbanization and growing pressure from developers to use agricultural land for resort and large subdivision development is likely to continue fueling the high price of housing, food, and cost of living in Hawaii.
America's Health Care - A System in Crisis
The Nation's health care costs in 2006 have hit the $1.9 trillion mark and now consume 16 percent of the gross domestic product.
Half of the people filing for bankruptcy in the United States cited medical costs as the reason. About 75 percent of those filing had health insurance when they became ill.
Currently, 46 million Americans are uninsured and millions more have inadequate health insurance. In terms of health indicators like life expectancy, infant and maternal mortality, and obesity, the United States ranks close to the bottom of the list of Western countries.12
Health Care Costs in Hawaii
As at January 1, 2006, the average cost for HMO (Managed Care) for an individual in Hawaii was $437 a month - for a family $747 a month. The average cost for Indemnity (Non Managed Care) for an individual was $563 a month - for a family $936 a month.2
The 2006 U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Poverty Guideline for a family or household of 4 people in Hawaii is $23,000 a year.13 In Hawaii, approximately one in ten persons were living "at or below poverty level" in 2004. Of those below poverty, 12.4% were uninsured (compared to 4.4% of those above poverty).14
Hawaii Quest is a State program that provides health coverage through managed care plans for eligible lower income Hawaii residents. To be eligible for Hawaii Quest, you must have income not more than 100% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines.15
In 2004, the percentage of the Nation's population without health insurance remained unchanged, at 15.7% percent.16 Hawaii had a total uninsured population of 5.2% in 2004.17
Beginning in 2006, Hawaii intends to extend Medicaid coverage to an additional 29,000 people over the next six years.8
Many Hawaiians believe that health care is a precious human right that cannot be trusted to the vagaries of the profit-driven market model.
In spite of everything, Hawaii is still a better place to be.
We draw strength from our diversity.
Some of the best people in one of the best places in the world!
If you are thinking of making Hawaii your home, consider the following facts:
Sources indicate a cost of living ranging from 30%1 above the national average to well over 60%2 for certain family sizes.
* In 2006, a family of 4 renting accommodation in Honolulu needs to earn $111,695 or 55% more income to maintain a lifestyle similar to a comparable family earning $72,000 in the continental United States.2
* Although the 2003 median income of $71,320 for a family of 4 in Hawaii was higher than the national figure of $65,093, this is still below the amount required to maintain the same standard of living for a family of 4 in Hawaii as elsewhere in America.3
Hawaii's High Cost of Housing and Low Income
A major component of Hawaii's high cost of living can be attributed to its high cost of housing and low income.
* In 2005, the State of Hawaii ranked number 10 out of 47 States surveyed (Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana were excluded) for having the most expensive housing market based on a 2200 sq. ft. (approx.) single family dwelling with 4-bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room (or equivalent) and a 2-car garage in a corporate middle-management neighborhood. Hawaii ranks number 47 (bottom of the list) for the most affordable housing market! 4
* The national average of the markets surveyed in the above study was $401,767. The survey showed that the 2005 Average Sales Price for the most expensive Hawaii market was $745,454 (Kihei, Maui) and the most affordable was $737,625 (Honolulu, Oahu) - well over the national average.
* 2005 set record high prices for single family dwellings on the Island of Oahu. The 2005 median resale price of a single family home was $590,000. The 2005 median resale price for a condominium was $269,000.5 The cost of housing on neighbor islands was even higher and higher incomes were harder to obtain.6
* In 2004, Hawaii's home ownership rate (proportion of owner households to the total number of occupied households) was only 60.9%, ranking Hawaii as 48th (one of the lowest) in the nation - indicative of widespread speculative investment.7
* In 2005, Hawaii's total personal income grew by 8% - the biggest increase since 1990 and the third largest increase in the nation.8 However, Hawaii's 2004 Per Capita Personal Income of $32,606 ranked 20th in the United States, below the national average of $33,041.9
For salary and cost of living comparisons between Honolulu and other U.S. cities, see the Cost of Living Wizard.
Even with 2 adults working full time, rental housing and home ownership are becoming increasingly unaffordable, if not impossible, for the average family in Hawaii.
Cost of Food
Amazingly, Hawaii has less than a seven day supply of many foods, especially perishables. Some 90% of our food is still imported.
In recent years, the cost of food in Hawaii has been offset to some degree with the arrival of major warehouse outlets throughout the Islands (e.g. Costco, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart). However, the Economic Research Institute's 2006 Cost of Living Analyses for Honolulu shows that the cost of consumables weighted to pricing patterns of grocery and drug store chains is as much as 66% more than the U.S. average depending upon family size, earnings level and spending patterns.2
Perhaps 10,000 acres could grow all the perishable food Hawaii needs. Unfortunately, key factors in utilizing these acres are the high cost of some land, tax laws and leasing difficulties, water, labor and transportation.
You just can't grow cucumbers on $95,000+-an-acre land!
Land Availability
Nearly half of Hawaii's 4.1 million acres are managed by the State or Federal Government and of the remaining 50% in private ownership, approximately 20 percent is controlled by seven private landowners.10
Of the total acreage, the State Land Use Commission classifies 95% as belonging to either Agriculture or Conservation Districts and only 5% to Rural and Urban Districts.11
Increasing urbanization and growing pressure from developers to use agricultural land for resort and large subdivision development is likely to continue fueling the high price of housing, food, and cost of living in Hawaii.
America's Health Care - A System in Crisis
The Nation's health care costs in 2006 have hit the $1.9 trillion mark and now consume 16 percent of the gross domestic product.
Half of the people filing for bankruptcy in the United States cited medical costs as the reason. About 75 percent of those filing had health insurance when they became ill.
Currently, 46 million Americans are uninsured and millions more have inadequate health insurance. In terms of health indicators like life expectancy, infant and maternal mortality, and obesity, the United States ranks close to the bottom of the list of Western countries.12
Health Care Costs in Hawaii
As at January 1, 2006, the average cost for HMO (Managed Care) for an individual in Hawaii was $437 a month - for a family $747 a month. The average cost for Indemnity (Non Managed Care) for an individual was $563 a month - for a family $936 a month.2
The 2006 U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Poverty Guideline for a family or household of 4 people in Hawaii is $23,000 a year.13 In Hawaii, approximately one in ten persons were living "at or below poverty level" in 2004. Of those below poverty, 12.4% were uninsured (compared to 4.4% of those above poverty).14
Hawaii Quest is a State program that provides health coverage through managed care plans for eligible lower income Hawaii residents. To be eligible for Hawaii Quest, you must have income not more than 100% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines.15
In 2004, the percentage of the Nation's population without health insurance remained unchanged, at 15.7% percent.16 Hawaii had a total uninsured population of 5.2% in 2004.17
Beginning in 2006, Hawaii intends to extend Medicaid coverage to an additional 29,000 people over the next six years.8
Many Hawaiians believe that health care is a precious human right that cannot be trusted to the vagaries of the profit-driven market model.
In spite of everything, Hawaii is still a better place to be.
We draw strength from our diversity.
Some of the best people in one of the best places in the world!
LIFE IN HAWAII
Life in Hawaii
When we left New York, Feb 28, 2007, it was about 25 degrees Celsious. It was in the low 80's. I took off my long-sleeved shirt at the airport and enjoyed the beautiful sights.
We were greeted in Honolulu by thick clouds that shrouded the mountains. They were the kind of clouds that would make us expect a thunderstorm. We soon realized that these clouds are always there - that it is always raining 'mauka' (toward the mountains) and that it is usually clear 'makai' (toward the ocean). The phenomena is called orographic precipitation and you don't get to see it in New York.
I was in Hawaii for a 2 week vacation.
Waikiki is the tourist hot-spot in Honolulu. Its tall buildings contribute to one of the highest population densities in the world. ecture from the elegant greek revival to the 60's factory look.
One of our favorite places to visit was Hanauma Bay, a beach and coral reef fish sanctuary near Honolulu. The Bay is filled with fish. Snorkeling is a favorite activity here and you can see many types of tropical fish.
The cost of living is high in Hawaii. Our apartment is $800 a month. Food prices are at least 1/3 higher than on the mainland (never refer to it as 'the states;' you'll be corrected). A gallon of milk is $4.65. Bulky items are particular expensive. Breakfast cereal varies between $5.00 to $8.00 a box. There are sales and we found one grocery store that sells milk regularly at $2.99 a gallon. Of course, the cost of housing is astronomical. They generally start at about $350,000. This house would be about $500,000.
The weather is almost always perfect and one wonders why people would choose to live in any other type of climate. Daytime temperatures are in the mid-80's. At night, it usually gets down to 70 degrees. One night, it got down to 59. People thought that was very cold.
Two agricultural crops have been dominant in Hawaii - sugar cane and pineapples. Both are in decline. This sugar mill recently went out of business in Waipahu, near Honolulu. There is now only one sugar cane processing plant left on the island. By the way, only raw sugar is made in Hawaii. The raw sugar is sent to California to be processed (C&H Sugar stands for California and Hawaii).
Pineapples are also no longer canned on the island of Oahu. Pineapples are still grown in the central part of the island. They are consumed locally or exported as whole pineapples.
The North Shore of Oahu is particularly beautiful. Waimea Bay is a favorite spot for surfing and swimming.
There are many other beaches along the North Shore.
No, we haven't surfed. We did go to Sandy Beach one day and I went into the water in an area that has very high waves called 'The Gas Chambers' . Locals go out with their boogie boards (short surf boards used for body surfing). The power of the waves is amazing. I got caught under the curl a few times. Once, the curl put my face down into the sand and scraped it along the bottom for awhile. I may have done a somersault but I'm not sure. I lost all sense of orientation. I got back on the beach and walked-off in a daze.
Swimming isn't always possible at the beaches because the waves may be too high. In the winter, they're too high on the north and western side of the islands. In the summer, they're too high on the southern side. The waves are usually 1-3 feet. You can't go near the water when the waves are 3-5 feet. Winter waves on the north shore get up to 25 feet. The surf report is a major part of the weather forecast.
We will miss Hawaii. The people have always been very friendly. But, in many ways, it's easier visiting than living in paradise.
When we left New York, Feb 28, 2007, it was about 25 degrees Celsious. It was in the low 80's. I took off my long-sleeved shirt at the airport and enjoyed the beautiful sights.
We were greeted in Honolulu by thick clouds that shrouded the mountains. They were the kind of clouds that would make us expect a thunderstorm. We soon realized that these clouds are always there - that it is always raining 'mauka' (toward the mountains) and that it is usually clear 'makai' (toward the ocean). The phenomena is called orographic precipitation and you don't get to see it in New York.
I was in Hawaii for a 2 week vacation.
Waikiki is the tourist hot-spot in Honolulu. Its tall buildings contribute to one of the highest population densities in the world. ecture from the elegant greek revival to the 60's factory look.
One of our favorite places to visit was Hanauma Bay, a beach and coral reef fish sanctuary near Honolulu. The Bay is filled with fish. Snorkeling is a favorite activity here and you can see many types of tropical fish.
The cost of living is high in Hawaii. Our apartment is $800 a month. Food prices are at least 1/3 higher than on the mainland (never refer to it as 'the states;' you'll be corrected). A gallon of milk is $4.65. Bulky items are particular expensive. Breakfast cereal varies between $5.00 to $8.00 a box. There are sales and we found one grocery store that sells milk regularly at $2.99 a gallon. Of course, the cost of housing is astronomical. They generally start at about $350,000. This house would be about $500,000.
The weather is almost always perfect and one wonders why people would choose to live in any other type of climate. Daytime temperatures are in the mid-80's. At night, it usually gets down to 70 degrees. One night, it got down to 59. People thought that was very cold.
Two agricultural crops have been dominant in Hawaii - sugar cane and pineapples. Both are in decline. This sugar mill recently went out of business in Waipahu, near Honolulu. There is now only one sugar cane processing plant left on the island. By the way, only raw sugar is made in Hawaii. The raw sugar is sent to California to be processed (C&H Sugar stands for California and Hawaii).
Pineapples are also no longer canned on the island of Oahu. Pineapples are still grown in the central part of the island. They are consumed locally or exported as whole pineapples.
The North Shore of Oahu is particularly beautiful. Waimea Bay is a favorite spot for surfing and swimming.
There are many other beaches along the North Shore.
No, we haven't surfed. We did go to Sandy Beach one day and I went into the water in an area that has very high waves called 'The Gas Chambers' . Locals go out with their boogie boards (short surf boards used for body surfing). The power of the waves is amazing. I got caught under the curl a few times. Once, the curl put my face down into the sand and scraped it along the bottom for awhile. I may have done a somersault but I'm not sure. I lost all sense of orientation. I got back on the beach and walked-off in a daze.
Swimming isn't always possible at the beaches because the waves may be too high. In the winter, they're too high on the north and western side of the islands. In the summer, they're too high on the southern side. The waves are usually 1-3 feet. You can't go near the water when the waves are 3-5 feet. Winter waves on the north shore get up to 25 feet. The surf report is a major part of the weather forecast.
We will miss Hawaii. The people have always been very friendly. But, in many ways, it's easier visiting than living in paradise.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Darker Elegance for Academy Awards 2008
Basic black or dark brown colors were favorites of several actress at this years 80th Academy Awards, including Jennifer Garner, Hilary Swank, Kristin Chenoweth, Nicole Kidman and Rebeca Miller, wife of Academy Awards Best Actor Daniel Day-Lewis.
Well, what can you say - Juno actress - Jennifer Garner and a beautiful gown by Oscar de la Renta, a real winning combination.
Jennifer Garner wore a black; off the shoulders layered gown by Oscar de la Renta with bellowing huge ruffles radiating from the knee.
Adding sparkles to this beautiful black gown, were a vintage necklace, bracelet and rings from Van Cleff & Arpels.
A really glamorous look.
Also choosing black was two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank.
Hillary Swank wore a exquisite black Versace gown with hairclips, diamond earrings and diamond bracelet by Chopard.
Kristin Chenoweth wore a beautiful brown lace strapless gown by Armani Prive with shoes by Christian Louboutin and jewelry by Tiffany & Co.
Kristin Chenoweth performed the Oscar nominated best original song "That's How You Know" from the motion picture Enchanted.
A pregnant Nicole Kidman and country star Keith Urban arrived on the red carpet together. The couple is expecting their baby in July.
Nicole Kidman wore a black Balenciaga dress that concealed her baby bump.
Crowning Nicole Kidman gown was a diamond sautoir necklace designed by L'Wren Scott which contained a total of 7,645 diamonds, including rough, faceted, and polished diamonds which total nearly 1,400 carats.
The necklace certainly drew attention away from her baby bump.
Daniel Day-Lewis, who won the Oscar for Best Actor for the movie There will be Blood, wife Rebeca Miller also wore a black gown on the red carpet.
See the complete list of 2008 Oscars winners at the official Academy Awards Oscar site.
For more pictures from the Academy Awards red carpet, just enjoy the red carpet slide show.
If you cannot see the slide show in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Darker Elegance at Oscars.
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Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Ladies in Red at Academy Awards 2008
Red was the favorite color of many of ladies of the red carpet, including Heidi Klum, Anne Hathaway, Katherine Heigl, Miley Ray Cyrus and Jillian Fink Dempsey, among others.
Heidi Klum red silk taffeta bustier gown with drape detail by John Galliano Haute Couture was especially riveting.
The gown had a very royal look to it, sort of the over powering look that a queen from a Disney movie may possess or perhaps the regal empress presiding over Project Runway.
Definitely one of the top gowns on the red carpet.
We understand that the gown will be auctioned off as part of The Heart Truth campaign to raise awareness about women and heart disease.
So if you really want to look regal and have Heidi figure, you may want to bid on this gown.
Anne Hathaway also picked a red gown by Marchesa.
The one shoulder strap gown featured an elegant rose design on the single shoulder strap.
Hathaway was accompanied by her tall, dark and handsome boyfriend Raffaello Follieri and was there to present the Best Animated Feature category.
Red was also the choice of Katherine Heigl.
Katherine Heigl wore a form fitting tight red silk georgette Escada column gown with one shoulder strap and draped and pleated bodice.
Patrick Dempsey wore a slim lapel tuxedo by Versace, while his wife Jillian Fink Dempsey chose a strapless red Versace gown.
Miley Ray Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana, was also in red.
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She choose a bright red Valentino chiffon gown with bow detail and a bronze lizard clutch with Swarovski crystals by Mary Norton and shoes from Sergio Rossi.
See the complete list of 2008 Oscars winners at the official Academy Awards Oscar site.
For more pictures from the Academy Awards red carpet, just enjoy the red carpet slide show.
If you cannot see the slide show in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Red Gowns at Oscars.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Feathery Bodice Gowns at Academy Awards 2008
Both Penelope Cruz and Jessica Alba choose off the shoulder gowns with feathery bodice for their Academy Award red carpet walk.
Penelope Cruz wore a navy blue feather embroidered gown specially designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Haute Couture.
The gown had layers of draped material from the waist, with the fabric gathered at the knee and flared out to the base from the knee.
Penelope Cruz makeup was by Chanel Beaute and she wore her hair in a very tight braided bun.
Pregnant Jessica Alba wore a loose fitting plum strapless Marchesa gown with feathers in the bodice.
Jessica Alba shoes and evening purse were by Jimmy Choo and her jewels were from Cartier.
The loose fitted gown helped to concealed her baby bump.
See the complete list of 2008 Oscars winners at the official Academy Awards Oscar site.
For more pictures from the Academy Awards red carpet, just enjoy the red carpet slide show.
If you cannot see the slide show in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Feathery Bodice Gowns at the Academy Awards.
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Best Actress and Gown Marion Cotillard - Academy Awards 2008
First time Academy Awards nominee, actress Marion Cotillard won the Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of the role of Edith Piaf, the legendary French singer who rose to international fame from her beginnings on the streets of Paris in the movie La Vie En Rose.
If there were a category for best gown on the red carpet, surely she would have won in that category also.
Marion Cotillard mermaid inspired designer gown was created by Jean Paul Gaultier and featured fabric shaped into white scale patterns.
The gown was gathered at the knee and flared into a fish tail like base.
This technique, we noted, was used in Rihanna green dress that she wore to the World Music Awards.
Marion Cotillard jewelry by Chopard included a champagne necklace layered with brown diamond bead necklaces and a square cut yellow diamond ring.
Designer Jean Paul Gaultier is famous for having created the famous breast cones worn by Madonna in 1984 and the cage dress worn by Grace Jones at the height of her notoriety
See the complete list of 2008 Oscars winners at the official Academy Awards Oscar site.
For more pictures from the Academy Awards red carpet, just enjoy the red carpet slide show.
If you cannot see the slide show in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Marion Cotillard - Best Actress and Gown.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Enrique Iglesias Awards
Awards and achievements
1996
Premio Lo Nuestro: Best Interpretation (Si Tú Te Vas)
Premio Lo Nuestro: Best Composer (Si Tú Te Vas)
Premio Lo Nuestro: Best New Artist
Premios Eres: Best Song
Premios Eres: Best Video
Premios Eres: Best Launch
Ace Award: Vocalist of the Year
Premio TV Novelas: Best Male Vocalist
Billboard Award: Album of the Year - New Artist
World Music Award: Hispanic Artist of the Year
World Music Award: Revelación of the Year
1997
Grammy: Best Latin Performer
ASCAP Award: Si Tu Te Vas
ASCAP Award: No llores Por Mi
ASCAP Award: Por Amarte
ACE Award: Performer of the Year
Radio Music Awards : Best Artist Contemporary Format
1998
Billboard Award: Best Latin Pop Artist
1999
American Music Award: American Music Award: Favorite Latin Artist
2001
World Music Award: Best Selling Pop Male Artist
World Music Award: Best Selling European Pop Artist
World Music Award: Best Latin Artist
American Music Award: Favorite Latin Artist
2002
Premio Ondas: Most Successful Spanish Artist of the Last Decade
American Music Award: Favorite Latin Artist
National Music Award: Favorite Album (Escape)
2003
Latin Grammy: Best Male Pop Album (Quizás)
2004
MTV India Awards: Best Male Pop Act International
2005
Premio Lo Nuestro : Not in Love/No Es Amor Club Remixes
2007
TMF Award : Best International Video (Do You Know)
1996
Premio Lo Nuestro: Best Interpretation (Si Tú Te Vas)
Premio Lo Nuestro: Best Composer (Si Tú Te Vas)
Premio Lo Nuestro: Best New Artist
Premios Eres: Best Song
Premios Eres: Best Video
Premios Eres: Best Launch
Ace Award: Vocalist of the Year
Premio TV Novelas: Best Male Vocalist
Billboard Award: Album of the Year - New Artist
World Music Award: Hispanic Artist of the Year
World Music Award: Revelación of the Year
1997
Grammy: Best Latin Performer
ASCAP Award: Si Tu Te Vas
ASCAP Award: No llores Por Mi
ASCAP Award: Por Amarte
ACE Award: Performer of the Year
Radio Music Awards : Best Artist Contemporary Format
1998
Billboard Award: Best Latin Pop Artist
1999
American Music Award: American Music Award: Favorite Latin Artist
2001
World Music Award: Best Selling Pop Male Artist
World Music Award: Best Selling European Pop Artist
World Music Award: Best Latin Artist
American Music Award: Favorite Latin Artist
2002
Premio Ondas: Most Successful Spanish Artist of the Last Decade
American Music Award: Favorite Latin Artist
National Music Award: Favorite Album (Escape)
2003
Latin Grammy: Best Male Pop Album (Quizás)
2004
MTV India Awards: Best Male Pop Act International
2005
Premio Lo Nuestro : Not in Love/No Es Amor Club Remixes
2007
TMF Award : Best International Video (Do You Know)
Enrique Iglesias Albums
"Enrique Iglesias" (1995)
In 1995, he released his first album titled Enrique Iglesias, a collection of light rock ballads, including such mega-hits as "Si Tú Te Vas", "Experiencia Religiosa", and others. The record sold half a million copies in its first week, a rare accomplishment then for an album recorded in a language other than English.
His song "Por Amarte" was included in Televisa's telenovela Marisol, but with a twist: instead of Por amarte daria mi vida (To love you, I'd give my life), the words were Por amarte Marisol, moriría (To love you, Marisol, I'd die). The CD also yielded Italian and Portuguese editions of the album, with most of the songs translated into those languages.
Five singles released from this album, such as "Por Amarte", "No Llores Por Mí", and "Trapecista" topped the Latin charts. The album went on to win Iglesias a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Performance.
This album's production year is mistakenly listed as 1998 by iTunes and Window Media Information (via Windows Media Player). This can easily be seen by going to iTunes and searching for the album or playback of the physical CD on either iTunes or Windows Media Player. The mistaken production year was most likely inserted as 1998 due to the fact that this was the year Enrique Iglesias was signed by Universal who bought out all his projects from Fonovisa, now known as Univision Records and re-released all his prior albums under the Universal label.
"Vivir" (1997)
In 1997, Iglesias' star continued to rise with the release of Vivir (To Live), which put him up with other English language music superstars in sales for that year. The album also included a cover version of the Yazoo song "Only You", translated into Spanish as "Solo en Tí".
Insisting on playing large arenas and stadiums, that summer, Enrique, backed by sidemen for Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel, played to sold-out audiences in sixteen countries. Beginning the tour in Odessa, Texas the tour went on to three consecutive nights in Mexico's Plaza de Toros and two at the Estadio River Plate in Argentina to over a hundred and thirty thousand people as well as nineteen arenas in the U.S. The tour is considered by many to be the biggest tour by a non-English speaking act of that time.
Three singles released from Vivir, "[Enamorado Por Primera Vez]]", "Solo en Tí" and "Miente" topped the Latin singles chart as well as those in several Spanish-speaking countries. Along with his father and Luis Miguel, Iglesias was nominated for an American Music Award in the first-ever awarded category of Favorite Latin Artist. It was said beforehand that the elder Iglesias would walk out if he did not win the award. Iglesias lost out to his father this time, but did perform the song "Lluvia Cae" at the event.
"Cosas del Amor" (1998)
In 1998, Iglesias released his third album, Cosas del Amor (Things of Love). Taking a more mature musical direction, the album, aided by the popular singles "Esperanza" and "Nunca Te Olvidaré", both of which topped the Latin singles chart, helped cement his status in the Latin music scene.
Iglesias did a short tour of smaller venues to accompany the release of the album, with one show being televised from Acapulco, Mexico. This was followed by a larger world tour of over eighty shows in even bigger venues. The Cosas del Amor Tour was the first ever concert tour sponsored by McDonald's.
He won an American Music Award in the category of Favorite Latin Artist against Ricky Martin and Los Tigres del Norte. The song "Nunca te Olvidaré" was also used as the theme music for a Spanish soap opera of the same name and he sang the song himself on the last episode of the series.
"Enrique" (1999)
By 1999, Iglesias had begun a successful crossover career into the English language music market. Thanks to other successful crossover acts, most notably that of Ricky Martin, Latino artists and music had a great surge in popularity in mainstream music. Iglesias' contribution to the soundtrack of Will Smith's movie Wild Wild West, "Bailamos" became a number one hit single.
After the success of "Bailamos", several mainstream record labels were eager to sign Enrique. Signing a multi-album deal after weeks of negotiations with Interscope, Iglesias recorded and released his first full CD in English, Enrique. The pop album, with some Latin influences, took two months to complete and contained a duet with Whitney Houston called "Could I Have This Kiss Forever" and a cover of the Bruce Springsteen song "Sad Eyes". The album's third single, "Be with You", became his second number one.
The final single from the album was the song "You're My #1", re-recorded and released in selected territories as a duet with local acts - Alsou in Russia, Sandy & Junior in Brazil and Valen Hsu in Asia.
"Escape" (2001)
Iglesias followed up in 2001 with the album Escape. Where most of the Latin crossover acts of the previous year experienced some difficulty matching the record sales of their first English language albums, Iglesias actually went on to sell even more. The album's first single, "Hero", became a number one hit in the United Kingdom, and in many other countries. The entire album was co-written by Iglesias.
Escape is his biggest commercial success to date. The singles "Escape" and "Don't Turn Off the Lights" became radio staples, fairing well and placing highly or topping various charts both in North America and elsewhere. A second edition of the album was released internationally and contained a new version of one of Enrique's favorite tracks, "Maybe", as well as a duet with Lionel Richie called "To Love a Woman".
Iglesias capitalized on the album's success with his "One-Night Stand World Tour" consisting of 50 sold-out shows in 16 countries. Including Radio City Music Hall and three consecutive nights in London's Royal Albert Hall, the tour ended with a big show at Stadium National Lia Manoliu in Bucharest, Romania. The concert launched MTV Romania, with the video for "Love to See You Cry" being the first to be shown on the channel.
The second leg of the tour, "Don't Turn Off the Lights", was completed in the summer of 2002, with two sold-out nights in Madison Square Garden and another two in Mexico's National Auditorium. The tour finished with a single show in the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
"Quizás" (2002)
Returning to his native language, and hot on the heels of his biggest-selling album, in 2002, Iglesias chose to release a fourth Spanish-language album titled Quizás (Perhaps). A more polished musical production than his previous Spanish albums and containing more introspective songs, the album's title track is a song about the strained relationship Iglesias has with his famous father.
The album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, the highest placement of a Spanish language album on the chart at the time. Quizás sold a million copies in a week, making it the fastest-selling album in Spanish in five years. The three singles released from the album all ended up topping the Latin chart, giving Iglesias a total of sixteen number ones on the chart. He currently holds the record for the most number one singles on Billboard's Latin Chart. His last single from the album, "Para Que la Vida", reached a million spins on U.S. radio, the only Spanish language song to do so.
The video to the song "Quizás" was the first Spanish language music video to be added to the selection on MTV's popular show Total Request Live. Iglesias performed the song on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, becoming the first to sing a Spanish song on the show, and opening doors for other artists such as Ricky Martin, Juanes and Jorge Drexler to perform their Spanish material. Iglesias included songs from Quizás in his "Don't Turn Off the Lights Tour", and the album went on to win a Latin Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.
"7" (2003)
In 2003, Iglesias released his seventh album, which he called 7, the second to be co-written by Iglesias. Among its more 1980s-inspired material, it features the song "Roamer", which he wrote with his friend and longtime guitarist, Tony Bruno. The CD also contained the song "Be Yourself", a song about independence (the chorus talks about how Iglesias' own parents didn't believe he'd ever succeed in his singing career). The first single was the song "Addicted", and was followed closely by a remix of the song "Not in Love", featuring Kelis.
With this album, Iglesias went on his biggest world tour to date. The highly publicised tour started with twelve shows in the United States and continued on to several countries, most of which he'd never previously visited playing to sold-out arenas and stadiums in Australia, India, Egypt and Singapore before ending his tour in South Africa.
Celebrity status
He has made a number of guest appearances in the media. He has been a guest on Oprah Winfrey's talk show, surprising one of his fans and spending the day with her. He also appeared at the Premios Juventud and was a musical guest on the final broadcast of Diego Maradona's television show in Argentina.
Iglesias has also attended various promotional events for the Tommy Hilfiger fragrance called True Star Men, which he is endorsing. Enrique stars in the commercial for the fragrance itself with the theme song "Ring My Bell" which is a track on his latest album. Iglesias has also appeared on the season finale of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition singing a song called "Somebody's Me", also from his latest album.
More recently, Iglesias has also performed live in one-off concerts in Italy, Uruguay and Israel, as well as performing at a festival for MTV in Malaga alongside Paulina Rubio and has completed a series of concerts in the States. The "For the Fans Tour" featured much of his older repertoire as well as new songs in both English and Spanish. Iglesias appeared on the May 7, 2007 episode of CBS' Two and a Half Men as 'Fernando' the Handyman.
The first single, "Do You Know? (The Ping Pong Song)" from his new album Insomniac released on June 12 was premiered on Ryan Seacrest's radio show on KIIS-FM on Tuesday, April 10, 2007. He also played at the German leg of Live Earth in Hamburg. On May 15, 2007, Enrique performed "Do You Know?" as well as "Hero" for a live taping of the U.S. series of Dancing with the Stars.
The Single "Do You Know" was featured in an episode of Rob and Big where Rob started singing the song in a car wash. This was the first episode of season 3.
"Insomniac" (2007)
Iglesias released his new album Insomniac on June 12, 2007. The first single was "Do You Know? (The Ping Pong Song)". It reached number 2 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart (the Bubbling Under chart is generally seen as an extension of the Billboard Hot 100) before making its 'Hot Shot' debut on the official singles chart at number 33 (eventually peaking at number 21 - his biggest hit on the Hot 100 for quite some time), and the song also made a 48-position leap jump from number 49 to number 1 on the Hot Latin Tracks. Some of the record's highlights include "Push", a hip-hop-flavored collaboration with rapper Lil' Wayne, as well as "Ring My Bells", a moody track that Enrique wrote in Los Angeles together with two of his favorite songwriting partners, Swedish composer Kristian Lundin as well as Savan Kotecha. The album also contains a cover of Ringside's "Tired of Being Sorry".
Enrique Iglesias fully launched his Insomniac promo tour in Los Angeles with a signing at the Virgin Megastore.
Enrique recently shot his new video for "Tired of Being Sorry" which was released in Europe. Enrique had stated on an appearance on MTV's show TRL that either "Push" or "Somebody's Me" would be the next single for the US and that he and his management would be looking throughout the Internet to choose which would be the more popular choice. In spite of many positive write ups from people on music forums, music Blogs, Youtube posts and many on his official message board stating they'd rather have "Push" it seems that Iglesias' management have chosen to ignore this and instead "Somebody's Me" is being released, as was hinted in an interview which he gave to Univision prior to his appearance at Premios Juventud. It is expected that he will launch "Somebody's Me" simultaneously with "Alguien Soy Yo", a Spanish version which bears little resemblance to the English aside from the music and the title, a direct translation.
In July 2007, a humble and encouraging Iglesias visited Canadian Idol in Toronto, Ontario, Canada: his first appearance on the show was to coach the Top Eight contestants July 30, 2007 from Canadian Idol (Season 5) followed by his second appearance July 31, 2007 to perform "Somebody's Me" from Insomniac and his 90's hit "Be with You." His performance was enthusiastically received by both the audience and judges who all gave Enrique a standing ovation. Enrique made a rare appearance on UK chat show, The Paul O'Grady Show singing one of his tracks from the new album and chatting with the host. He came across very well and made an impression on the audience with his good looks and heart melting voice. On July 4, Enrique Iglesias became the first Western artist to play a concert in Syria in three decades when he performed his steamy Latin-inflected pop for a sold-out crowd of 10,000 in the capital city of Damascus.
The single "Tired of Being Sorry" was released in Europe, and is doing well. It has reached the UK and Swedish Top 20 and #1 in Finland. The video for "Tired of Being Sorry" features the cast of America's Next Top Model. The video for the US single "Somebody's Me" premiered on TRL on August 14. It has since been charting on the Canadian charts, and has reached the Billboard "bubbling under" list, and the Spanish version has entered the Billboard Latin Top 5. The video for "Amigo Vulnerable" (Spanish version of "Tired of Being Sorry") is now being played on MTV TR3's in the US.
Enrique has been nominated for three 2008 Premios Lo Nuestro Awards and four Latin Billboard awards
Enrique announced on a radio show that Push will be the next single in the US and he filmed the video for it in LA. The song will be included in the soundtrack of the movie Step Up 2 the Streets which will be released on February 14, 2008.
"Spanish Greatest Hits Album: 95/08" (2008)
Enrique will release a Spanish Greatest Hits album in March 25th, 2008, which will include his seventeen #1 songs on Hot Latin songs chart plus two new songs. The first single will be the song "Donde Estan Corazon" which is written by Argentinean star Coti. the other song is called "Lloro Por Ti". "Donde Estan Corazon" debuted at #4 on the Hot Shot debut of the week on Billboard's Hot Latin songs on 2/14/08.
The new single/remix "Push" featuring Prophet (www.myspace.com/prophlogic) premiered on the Ryan Seacrest Show On Kiss Fm (L.A.) which will be on the soon to be released "Step Up 2" Soundtrack limited release and also on the new Enrique Iglesias album. A video was also shot for this version of "Push" featuring the stars of the movie.
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