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  • Goonzu
  • Tuesday, December 25, 2007

    Happy end of the year holidays!


    I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

    Christmas gift suggestions:

    To your enemy, forgiveness.
    To an opponent, tolerance.
    To a friend, your heart.
    To a customer, service.
    To all, charity.
    To every child, a good example.
    To yourself, respect

    -Oren Arnold

    New Years
    To leave the old with a burst of song;
    To recall the right and forgive the wrong;
    To forget the things that bind you fast
    To the vain regrets of the year that's past;
    To have the strength to let go your hold
    Of the not worth while of the days grown old;
    To dare go forth with a purpose true,
    To the unknown task of the year that's new;
    To help your brother along the road,
    To do his work and lift his load;
    To add your gift to the world's good cheer,
    Is to have and to give a Happy New Year.

    ~Author Unknown~

    Monday, December 17, 2007

    Banana Bread Recipe!



    The best recipes come tried and true from friends who begged them from other friends and so on and so on. That's the wonderful thing about sharing recipes - the more good recipes we share, the better we all get to eat! And now with Christmas coming closer, I thought it'd be a good idea to write about it!

    Banana Bread Recipe


    Prep Time:-
    Cook Time:-
    Serves:12

    Ingredients


    1. 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature, plus more for pan
    2. 1 cup sugar
    3. 2 large eggs
    4. 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
    5. 1 teaspoon baking soda
    6. 1 teaspoon salt
    7. 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas
    8. 1/2 cup sour cream
    9. 1 teaspoon vanilla
    10. 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans


    Nutrition Info

    Per Serving


    Calories: 273 kcal
    Carbohydrates: 34 g
    Dietary Fiber: 1 g
    Fat: 14 g
    Protein: 3 g
    Sugars: 20 g

    About: Nutrition Info
    Powered by: ESHA Nutrient Database

    Cooking Directions


    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Butter a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan; set aside. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, and beat to incorporate.
    2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture, and mix until just combined. Add bananas, sour cream, and vanilla; mix to combine. Stir in nuts, and pour into prepared pan.
    3. Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Let rest in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool.

    Yield: 12 servings

    Still Hungry?


    More Recipes Like This

    More From Martha Stewart


    Alternative Links:
    Banana Bread recipe from elise of Elise.com
    Banana Nut Muffins recipe from elise of Elise.com
    Peanut Butter Banana Bread from Nicky and Oliver of Delicious Days



    Recipe Provided By: Martha Stewart
    See more from Martha Stewart on Yahoo! Food

    Article Source:
  • Click here for the Yahoo! Article

  • Click here for the Elise.com Article


  • I never ate Banana Bread before, but I hope to try it real soon! By posting the recipe I'm getting a step closer to making it! I hope you like it and let me know your banana bread recipe's!

    Friday, November 23, 2007

    Global Goonzu >> Luminary: Rise of the Goonzu


    About this article:
    I play this game called "Goonzu" ever since may 2007, thanks to a good friend of mine who got me "hooked" on this unique game. And since there's so much to learn and discover I decided to write down a little info about the game. If you like it please make "Animatic" your recommender! Thanks in advance and I'll see you in there.

    Basic Questions


    1. Where do I see the amount of money I have?
    [M] (Marbles) is the currency. You can see the amount of Marbles you have in the top bar.

    2. How can I earn money?
    Besides doing quest's there are 4 other options where you can get cash.

    • Angelet - she buys things at a ripped off price. But it's good to occasionally sell off unwanted loot to her when you do not have enough space.

    • Market - If you completed Sarah Spencer's Quest's you should already know how to use this. Right click on the Market building inside a town (except Hanyang doesn't have a Market building). You can sell up to 4 items. But be careful of the 1-5% tax it'll charge on your goods. You'll notice that it takes 1-5% of the amount that you input. When an item is sold, 1-5% tax will also be charged by the bank (the fee the bank states, where you opened your bank account) as the money from market is deposited straight into ypur bankaccount.

    • Personal Shop - When you see people standing around with "Buy blah blah blah" sign above their heads, they have a personal shop open. To sell things to that person, right click on their character. Choose Personal Shop. Just click the item that he wants to purchase, choose the number of units you want to sell to him and press Sell Items.

    • Wallace - you can sell weapons/armors/etc to this merchant. But he buys at a ripped off price. But well... better than Angelet.


    3. Setting a mentor
    It's preferable for beginner to get a mentor who can teach you about the game or give you tips on how to play the game.
    Press Alt + T to see who are available and is willing to mentor you.
    (Note: If you are a low lvl without any mentor, the game will automaticly keep showing the mentorlist everytime you login)

    It's common to see people who offer you items or money to get you to make them their mentor. Why? Because when you reach lvl20, they will get a certain amount of reputation points and money depending on which lvl you add them at. About 57 reputation points and 130k if you add them at lvl1.

    This money is for mentor... which is why mentors get Marble's. Whether or not mentor's want to give you that sum of money is up to them. It's not a scam if they do not give you. The 100k when you get when you reach lvl20 is not the $ that mentor get. Please get that clear before accusing any mentor scamming your money. It's not yours until they choose to give it to you.
    (Be careful of people who promise you things, some mentors might just not give you the items they promise. ^^)
    (Some mentors will be wary of giving you items as well. There's a lot of seasoned players who will "pretend" they are new and try to scam mentors of their items and cancel them immediately when they receive the items.)

    Some people will say this is the way for higher lvl to make money off beginner. But it is not the right attitude to make someone your mentor just because you want "this" or "that". When people spend time to answer your questions, they are possibly in fact, putting aside time to earn money. So do not be too greedy and ask mentor for items just because they will get some money at the end of it.

    Just find someone who's friendly, who can answer your questions, and preferably be someone who uses your preferred weapon. And maybe someone who will become your friend in game. ^_^

    4. Where is Sarah/Siegfried/Angelet/McCoy/Floria/Reco/...?
    They can all be located inside Hanyang. These NPC's have an icon showing up on your mini-map..

    5. I'm hungry. What should I eat? Where to buy them?
    Eat Skewers. They can be bought from Angelet.
    (Note: Watch you digestive system! Eating too much or too little can make you get sick!)

    6. What to do if you're ill and what happens if you're ill?
    After your digestive system got messed up by bad eating habbits, depending on the severity of your illness, it'll say you need 1 digestive pill (other pills for such illness are: stomach pill (1 stomach pill = 10 digestive pills), cancer pill (1 cancer pill = 10 stomach pills))
    For best results, make sure your satiety is in "range" (range -> Digestive sytem: -3 (-83 ~ 83) <- the part between ( & ) is the "range") after you take the number of pill needed NOT more NOT less, then just sit down (press the "insert" key found above the arrow keys on your keyboard) and wait till your digestive system is back in "range"

    7. How to capture Evil Raccoon? (Sarah's First Quest)
    Just kill one evil raccoon outside of where you begun. It's easy to find one inside Beginner Hunting Ground.

    Inside Beginner Hunting Ground:
    North - Evil Raccoon
    East - Pink Pig
    West - Pink Rabbit
    South - Green Mushroom Boy

    (Note: Actually you dont "capture" the evil raccoon, you kill it...)

    8. How to retrieve items from post office?
    First, you need to enter a Town, e.g. Hanyang, Ankaran, Alamasha,...etc. Every town has a Post Office. Right click on the post office. Choose Inbox. Click Reading Receiving Box. Just move the items you want into your inventory.

    (Note: 1-5% tax is charged per sending item.)

    9. How do I whisper to someone who is not in my friend's list?
    Type /t name message. E.g. /t Animatic Hi, I read your blog!

    10. I can't see my inventory!! what happened?!!!
    Chances are you clicked on your Summons or Summon hero's Tab. Click back on your Person's tab to view your stuff.

    11. How can I get arrows and bullets?
    You can either buy them from Angelet, the Market, Personal Shop OR make them yourself!

    Weapons & Stats & Skills


    Strongest melee weapon - ax
    Strongest ranged weapon - cane
    The rest are average. But gun is the most popular weapon in global goonzu. Cane is an expensive job to start as because of the amount of mp medicine you have to eat.

    Pro's and Con's
    Sword - fast speed but low dmg.
    Spear - medium speed medium dmg.
    Ax - slow speed high dmg.

    Cane - great dmg with magic. Have delay. But need a lot of food and medicine.
    Not recommended for beginners without endurance because you're going to be poor. But if you're used to playing mage in other games. Why not? ^_^
    Gun - medium to slow speed high dmg
    Bow - fast to medium speed medium dmg (a lil slower than sword but higher dmg than sword)

    I personally use a bow because: It's CHEAP (arrows are cheaper than bullets, bows and bow tech books are cheapest to buy), ranged and slightly faster than gun. Most ranged users have an easier time because you use less medicine.

    Stats

    Strength: Each 5 points in strength give you +2 attack(damage).
    Agility: Agility determines your hit and dodge chance (also determines your hit-rate with magic attacks!)
    Wisdom: Each point in wisdom gives you 4MP. Also increases the damage of magic attacks.
    Vitality: Each point in vitality gives you 4HP.
    Dexterity: Increases chance of making better items when manufacturing.
    Luck: Increases chance of getting better drops when hunting.
    Please take note that certain magics like "freezing", "addition" requires agi to be able to hit.

    Skills

    Techique skills can be added by right clicking technique or manufacture books.

    1. This is your basic skill lvl which you can improve by reading a book, e.g. archery technique book.

    The maximum books you can read are 30 books.

    Archery tech lvl 1 to 10 - beginner
    Archery tech lvl 11 to 20 - intermediate (monster do not drop this)
    Archery tech lvl 21 to 30 - advanced (monster do not drop this)

    2. Experience skill lvl - this is lvled by getting skill exp pts. When you hit a monster, usually there'll be a "+ 4 archery" etc word that pop up above your head. That is your skill exp points.

    Maximum lvl by experience is 70.

    3. Tech pts - you get 1 tech point per each lvl up. Tech points will not be reset at lvl10. You cannot change tech pts once they are changed into skills EXCEPT: at lvl 10 and lvl 30 (deduct by 1) or reset tickets from item mall.

    *** Every weapon has magic skills. Press Alt + M to see the skills available to each weapon class. To use the skill, press CTRL + 1/2/3/etc to make it your current skill. Right click on monster to unleash the magic. ***

    Common Questions


    1. When is double exp time/double production time?
    GMT - [Double exp bonus] 0am to 1am, 8am to 9am, 6pm to 7pm
    GMT - [Double production bonus] 1am to 2am, 9am to 10am, 7pm to 8pm
    (Note: Goonzu day give's 300% bonus on both exp and production exp for 24hrs! It's the second saturday (GMT 0 till GMT 24) of the month!)

    2. How do I find artisans to make my weapon/armor/etc?
    Press Alt + C. Look at their info to see if they charge for production. Most don't. Try to whisper to them.

    3. How to request item manufacturing from an artisan?
    Right click on artisan. Choose Request Repair. Unequip whatever you want to repair. Upload the item inside the box. Input the money if you want to tip or if the artisan charges for repair. Press Accept.

    4. Will tools disappear after I use them?
    Yes, tools will have a certain expiry date. So after you unseal the item, the item will start to expire. When you have 3 days or less left, you'll get a notify popup. Please note: High Grade items expire too (approximately 14 real days, but can be extended by using "extension stone")

    5. When and how do I get a horse? How to use horse's inventory?
    At lvl20, you can ride a horse. Buy a Small Medal from the market and open it. Or buy an opened horse (Brown Horse) from the horse market.
    0 days life left horses are DEAD do NOT buy these, or you'll be paying for nothing!
    Each 33 horse life days = 1 Real day
    E.g 2100 life left = 70 days before it dies!

    (Note: A full trained horse has speed: 15 str: 30 agi: 30 wis: 30)

    Just below your Ring slots, there are two Arrows for shifting items. Just click on the item you want to move and click on the appropriate Arrow (eg: to horse) and it will appear in the inventory list you want.

    6. When and how do I get a warehouse? How do I renew my warehouse?
    When you're lvl 30, you can apply for a warehouse in either Alamasha, Turphania or any other ACTIVE town. Right click the building, go to Application tab. And click lease application. Monthly fees = what you pay per day (in real life) for the warehouse. The contract time = the amount of time you can use the warehouse for the monthly fees you leased the warehouse at.

    If you want to stop using the warehouse and don't want to pay the daily fees, you have to trade that warehouse to a lvl 30 character with no money. The warehouse will only end when the contract expires.

    If you don't have enough lvl to use warehouse or not enough money to be able to pay 10k or 15k (can even go higher, so please take note before renting one!) everyday. Use the post office as your storage. Make a few low lvl characters and post items to them.

    To renew your contract with the warehouse, when you're inside your warehouse, click Management. Click Contract Extension.

    7. If I forget to renew my warehouse and it's revoked, what happens to all my items?!?!?!
    Go to Clara, the ticket seller. Click the 3rd Option. You will have to pay 1% of the market price of the item. A pop up will appear, click the left option to get back your item.

    (Note: She'll only store them for you for 2 years in game time! Also you'll be charged 10% of the market value of your items!)

    8. When and how do I get a pet summon?
    When you're lvl 20, you can get a pet Evil Raccoon. Buy some from the market and right click on them. You might have to try more than once as it might fail. (I tried 2 times to get my first Evil Raccoon)
    After getting your first pet, click Alt + A, click Summon tab. Put your pet on Standby mode so it doesn't blindly attack whatever monster you're attacking and die from it.
    If you have pet medicine - (medicine for summons +50hp or HP potion for summons +150hp), you can check Use Summons Automatic Recovery box, so that your pet can recover hp by itself.
    MP of pet will not auto recover without medicine.
    HP of pet will not auto recover without medicine.

    For more info on pets and how to evolve them - refer to this guide by Pucca - http://summons.notlong.com

    9. Are there any guilds/clans in this game?
    Residents of a town are able to chat in Town Chat. That won't be as boring then when you can chat and share things.

    You can apply to become resident of a town when you're lvl 40+. That's the minimum for applying to become resident nowadays. The lvl requirement is set by the Town Chief of the towns. Just go to the Town Hall and click Apply when you're lvl 40+.

    If you have applied before when u're below lvl40. Try to cancel application first and reapply. After applying, msg the Town Chief of that town to inform him about it.

    10. Why is it that an artisan takes ages to make my "weapon/armor/etc"?
  • Because he/she is playing the mini-game that comes with crafting. Playing the game will take roughly 5-10mins, depending how good he/she is at the game and what points he/she stops at. Maximum improvement bonus by mini game - 10% (10,000 points)

  • He/she has many msg.
    So don't go around and keep dealing artisan when he is making your item, thinking he has run away with your item. It can be annoying and frustrating.

    Another thing. If you send by post office instead of trading the artisan your materials, even though you waste a bit of money, you can ensure you have a record that you have sent that person your items. Right click the post office. Go to Descriptions. Click Reading Sending/Receiving Description. You can see a record of what you have sent and received. Good way to have proof that you have sent things. It's not fool-proof that artisans will not run away with your items. But you can ruin that person's reputation this way if he does it to you. ;p


  • 11. What's an Artisan PD?
  • As you can see i have a PD sign above my head.

  • Because I'm the first name on the Bow Artisan list, that's why I have a PD sign. This PD sign is only given to the artisans that are online. Once I go offline, the next bow artisan will get the PD sign.

  • This is the info written by artisans. It can by anything non serious to requirements for repair or production.


  • 12. Where is Tiny Thicket?
    About south of Baronia and Alamasha, but please look at the map for a more accurate view.

    13. Where can I get Tiger, Wolf, Kitty Carpet, Dog Box, certain cloths?
    They can only been obtained by getting the raccoon rare item of the month. After the month is over the item will no longer be available to obtain. And a new rare item will become available. So if you didn't get any of those yet... You'll most likely NEVER will!

    14. How can I get rare item?
    You can get the rare item by using keys, Bronze(1%)/Silver(4%)/Gold(7%) Each key adds a % indicated between () on your luckybar, the higher your lucky bar the more likely you'll get the rare item!

    15. How much do those keys cost and where can I get them?
    You can buy them from the game's Item Mall, a Bronze Set costs 1299 Gcoin, Silver Set 2499 Gcoin, Gold Set 3699 Gcoin. If you don't have Gcoins, you can always try to buy with marbles from item mall sellers. This is at your OWN risk! Never give your password to the seller! These keysets prices in marbles are: Bronze Set 20-25 mill, Silver Set 40-50 mill, Gold Set 75 mill (These prices are just "guidelines" each seller and buyer has to decide what it's worth)

    16. How to avoid being scammed?
    -Don't trade low levels
    -Use a third party member to make the trading safer (high ranking 3rd party member such as a Minister GA or judge TC town head)
    -Ask around more than 1 person to find out if the person is a scammer(if nobody can say that he is or isn't a scammer wait for more evidence to sway you in a way that will be more conclusive)
    -Screenshot every part of the deal incase you do get scammed and give to a high ranking person.
    -Do not give out personal info such as passwords!!

    17. What are Gcoins?
    Gcoin is the Item Mall currency. 1000 Gcoin = 10 Usd($)
    If you buy more Gcoin you can get bonus Gcoin, please visit the game's website for more info.

    18. Tell me more about Wolf/Tiger & Kitty/Doggy & cloths?

    • Wolf and Tiger are 2 mounts (like a horse) that will NEVER die and have the best stats!

    • Kitty Carpet and Doggy are similar, the only diff between them is that one is a cat next to you and the other one a dog. They only work when you're sitting! They work like stinky soup (prevents preemptive attacks) and also restore HP and MP more quickly. Another advantage is that you can tele for free to Hanyang while sitting.

    • Cloths give different bonus depending on the item, please refer to the item's info for more info about a particular item.

    (Note: Both the Kitty/Doggy and Cloths appearance depends on which character you use! Western Male, Western Female, Eastern Male and Eastern Female. So these items have 4 versions of it, though they ALL work the same!)

    19. What is dark army?
    Sometimes a Dark Army (DA) event happens. You need to kill "Dark Army" monsters (gunner, spearman, swordman, sabre fighter, dark lord) you get "credits" for killing without dying. At the end you get your prize (credits * a random item like topaz) If you die by a Dark Army monster you won't lose xp or marbles, but you will be teleported to the nearest town.

    20. A town is under attack, what does this means?
    It means a GM is releasing monsters in a town, if you have time please go help as you will get nice xp and drops! Don't forget to use the services in that town, they will be thankful for doing so.


    21. What are reputation points for and how do I get them?
    You get reputation points for completing a quest (2 reputation points), for being a mentor and getting your mentee reaching lvl 50 and for making a Master Grade (MG) or Perfect Grade (PG) item (100 reputation points). Just like with your character lvl, you need x amount of points before lvling up your reputation lvl. The reputation lvl is needed for wearing certain equipment. E.g Recommender Necklace (you need lvl 3 Reputation before being able to wear the necklace)

    Recommender Questions


    1. What is a recommender?
    A recomender is the person who introduced you to the game. When you first create a character it'll ask you to fill in your recommender's name. (E.g. Animatic)

    2. What are the rewards?
    Only the person's name you filled in as your recommender get's something in return. Elemental stones, Blessing Stones and Reco Points.

    3. When does my recommender get those rewards?
    Lvl 20: 3 random elemental stones (E.g. 3 Fire Stones)
    Lvl 30: 6 random elemental stones (E.g. 6 Land Stones)
    Lvl 40: 9 random elemental stones (E.g. 9 Wind Stones)
    Lvl 50: 10 Blessing Stones
    Every lvl up: Your recommender will get reco points, which he/she can exchange for items with NPC Reco in Hanyang. The higher lvl you are the more reco points your recommender will get each time you lvl up, since each lvl up you need more xp for reaching the next.

    4. What can I get with reco?
    For up to date list of available items, please go visit NPC Reco in Hanyang. But the things that are really worth getting from NPC Reco are:
    "Recommender Necklace" costs 500 Reco (equivalent of a lvl 42 recommended character) and boosts your skills for 3-8 lvls and lasts 30 days.
    "Vixen Orb" costs 5000 Reco This is the only way how you can get a vixen (pink fox to use like a horse, but with better stats and longer life span)

    (Note: Both the necklace and the vixen are only obtainable through Reco!)

    Tips


    1. Shortcuts?
    Try to familarize yourself with the game buttons. There's some shortcuts to certain windows, even though you can use the buttons on the top bar or bottom.
    Alt + E - Configuration
    Alt + I - Inventory
    Alt + S - Skills
    Alt + M - Magic
    Alt + A - Status
    Alt + W - Mini-map
    Alt + T - Mentor
    Alt + F - Friends
    Alt + H - In-game Help
    Alt + C - Artisans Info
    Alt + V - Town Chat (only available if you are resident of a town)
    Alt + P - Screenshot
    Alt + D - change clothes (only if you are wearing both armor and clothes)
    Tab - change weapons (only if you are equipping 2 weapons)
    F1 to F5 - the hotkeys in your inventory first row.
    F6 & F7 - the hotkeys to summon/recall your first and 2nd pet
    F9 - to ride/dismount from horse

    /t name msg - whisper someone with a msg E.g. /t Animatic Hi I read your blog!
    /t name - Sends a blank whisper to someone E.g. /t Animatic
    /p name - Adds someone to the party E.g. /p Animatic

    2. How to save money...
    a. Bank - You'll not be charged commission if you use the bank you had opened an account at. Try to open bank account at the place where you hang out the most.
    b. Inventory full - Beginner will always face this problem. You have too many loot. What should you do? Make 2 more characters and post items to them. Or you can make another account and characters so you can transfer to them manually.
    c. After lvl 20, when you die, you'll lose 10% of the money that you hold and some exp (lvl*10 = exp you lose when you die. Eg. lvl 10 loses 100 exp, lvl 80 loses 800 exp). So always deposit your money into bank. Or if not needed, try to have no more than 10% of your total cash with you, with a maximum of 10k-20k marbles.
    d. Always find artisans to make your weapon/armor/etc.
    e. Sell on market instead of selling it to Angelet or Wallace.
    f. To quickly transport you can use "teleportation ticket" BUT they cost alot and NOT worth it! Instead use teleport to Hanyang (status window). And walk from there to your location (If Hanyang is closer to you destination)
    g. If you read a. you'll know that your main bank doesn't charge commission fee's. So if you need money from your bank, better use the bank you opened an account with. I use Alamasha and if I need to pay more commission than my teleport to Hanyang cost's I'll teleport. (Teleport to Hanyang fee is calculated as follow: lvl*(lvl/2) E.g.: lvl 20 = 20*(20*2)= 200 Marbles and lvl 80 = 80*(80/2)= 3200 Marbles)
    h. Skewers and Mediocre Potions are the best satiety and hp improvers for the lowest price, however using them alot makes you get more sick often, so use beef ribs once in a while to prevent "something is stuck" from getting worse!

    3. BEWARE
    1. Automatic hunting (botting) is illegal and will be causing your account to be jailed/banned!

    2. Do NOT visit powerleveling or goonzu gold site's! There is NO goonzu gold in game whatsoever! Visiting these site's will result in hacked accounts and infected pc's!


    Article Source:
  • Click here for the original forum post

  • Click here for the original forum post

  • Click here for the full unclouded gameguide


  • If you like it please make "Animatic" your recommender! Thanks in advance and I'll see you in there. If you haven't already, visit Goonzu.com for more information!

    Sunday, November 18, 2007

    25 Weird animals


    Copito de Nieve (c. 1964 – November 24, 2003) was an albino gorilla, the most popular resident of the Parc Zoològic de Barcelona in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. He was originally named Nfumu Ngi (Fang, "white gorilla"), then later on nicknamed Snowflake by National Geographic magazine, and then translated as Copito de Nieve (Spanish) and Floquet de Neu (Catalan). The asteroid 95962 Copito is named in his honour.

    Article Source:
  • Click here for the Wiki Article


  • About this article:
    Today I got the email shown below, from a very good friend of mine. I found it a really good mail to post on this blog and so I did. Thanks for sending me this wonderfull mail! The White Gorilla was to show that each animal is different and unique in it's own way. The email below shows and describes 25 "weird" animals, some a little more rare than the other. If you want to learn more about them, please click the title to be redirected to the wiki article!

    Sun Bear



    The Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) is a bear found primarily in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia .
    The Sun Bear stands approximately 4 ft ( 1.2 m) in length, making it the smallest member in the bear family. It is often called the dog bear because of its small stature. It has a 2 in (5 cm) tail and on average weighs less than 145 lb (65 kg). Males tend to be slightly larger than females.
    Unlike other bears, the Sun Bear's fur is short and sleek. This adaptation is probably due to the lowland climates it inhabits. Dark black or brown-black fur covers its body, except on the chest where there is a pale orange-yellow marking in the shape of a horseshoe. Similar colored fur can be found around the muzzle and the eyes. This distinct marking gives the sun bear its name.

    Komondor Dog



    Females are 27 inches (69cm) at the withers. Male Komondorok are a minimum of 28 inches at the withers, but many are over 30 inches tall, making this one of the larger common breeds of dog. The body is not overly coarse or heavy, however, and people unfamiliar with the breed are often surprised by how quick and agile the dogs are.
    Its long, thick, strikingly corded white coat (the heaviest amount of fur in the canine world) resembles dreadlocks or a mop. The puppy coat is soft and fluffy. However, the coat is wavy and tends to curl as the puppy matures. A fully mature coat is formed naturally from the soft undercoat and the coarser outer coat combining to form tassels, or cords. Some help is needed in separating the cords so the dog does not turn into one large matted mess. The length of the cords increases with time as the coat grows. Shedding is very minimal with this breed, contrary to what one might think (once cords are fully formed). The only substantial shedding occurs as a puppy before the dreadlocks fully form. The Komondor is born with only a white coat, unlike the similar-looking Puli, which is usually white, black or sometimes grayish. However, a working Komondor's coat may be discolored by the elements, and may appear off-white if not washed regularly.

    Angora Rabbit



    The Angora rabbit is a variety of domestic rabbit bred for its long, soft hair. The Angora is one of the oldest types of domestic rabbit, originating in Ankara , Turkey , along with the Angora cat and Angora goat. The rabbits were popular pets with French royalty in the mid 1700s, and spread to other parts of Europe by the end of the century. They first appeared in the United States in the early 1900s. They are bred largely for their long wool, which may be removed by shearing or plucking (gently pulling loose wool).
    There are many individual breeds of Angora rabbits, four of which are ARBA recognized. Such breeds include, French, German, Giant, English, Satin, Chinese, Swiss, Finnish, to name a few.

    Red Panda



    The Red Panda, Ailurus fulgens ("shining cat," from a Latinized form of the Greek, ailouros, "cat," and the participial form of the Latin fulgere, "to shine") is a mostly herbivorous mammal, slightly larger than a domestic cat (55 cm long). The Red Panda has semi-retractile claws and, like the Giant Panda, has a "false thumb" which is really an extension of the wrist bone. Thick fur on the soles of the feet offers protection from cold and hides scent glands. The Red Panda is native to the Himalayas in Nepal and southern China . The word panda is derived from Nepalese word "ponya" which means bamboo and plants eating animals in Nepal .

    Sloth



    Sloths are medium-sized mammals that live in Central and South America belonging to the families Megalonychidae and Bradypodidae, part of the order Pilosa. Most scientists call these two families the Folivora suborder, while some call it Phyllophaga.
    Sloths are omnivores. They may eat insects, small lizards and carrion, but their diet consists mostly of buds, tender shoots, and leaves.
    Sloths have made extraordinary adaptations to an arboreal browsing lifestyle. Leaves, their main food source, provide very little energy or nutrition and do not digest easily: sloths have very large, specialized, slow-acting stomachs with multiple compartments in which symbiotic bacteria break down the tough leaves.
    As much as two-thirds of a well-fed sloth's body-weight consists of the contents of its stomach, and the digestive process can take as long as a month or more to complete. Even so, leaves provide little energy, and sloths deal with this by a range of economy measures: they have very low metabolic rates (less than half of that expected for a creature of their size), and maintain low body temperatures when active (30 to 34 degrees Celsius or 86 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit), and still lower temperatures when resting. Sloths mainly live in Cecropia trees.

    Emperor Tamarin



    The Emperor Tamarin (Saguinus imperator) is a tamarin allegedly named for its similarity with the German emperor Wilhelm II. The name was first intended as a joke, but has become the official scientific name.
    This tamarin lives in the southwest Amazon Basin , in east Peru , north Bolivia and in the west Brazilian states of Acre and Amazonas.
    The fur of the Emperor Tamarin is predominantly grey colored, with yellowish speckles on its chest. The hands and feet are black and the tail is brown. Outstanding is its long, white mustache, which extends to both sides beyond the shoulders. The animal reaches a length of 24 to 26 cm, plus a 35 cm long tail. It weighs approximately 300 to 400 g.
    This primate inhabits tropical rain forests, living deep in the forest and also in open tree-covered areas. It is a diurnal animal, spending the majority of its days in the trees with quick, safe movements and broad jumps among the limbs.

    White-faced Saki Monkey



    The White-faced Saki (Pithecia pithecia), also known as the Guianan Saki and the Golden-faced Saki, is a species of saki monkey, a type of New World monkey, found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. This monkey mostly feed on fruits, but also nuts, seeds, and insects.

    Tapir



    Tapirs are large browsing mammals, roughly pig-like in shape, with short, prehensile snouts. They inhabit jungle and forest regions of South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia . All four species of tapir are classified as endangered or vulnerable. Their closest relatives are the other odd-toed ungulates, horses and rhinoceroses.

    Hagfish



    Hagfish are marine craniates of the class Myxini, also known as Hyperotreti. Despite their name, there is some debate about whether they are strictly fish (as there is for lampreys), since they belong to a much more primitive lineage than any other group that is commonly defined fish (Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes). Their unusual feeding habits and slime-producing capabilities have led members of the scientific and popular media to dub the hagfish as the most "disgusting" of all sea creatures.
    Hagfish are long, vermiform and can exude copious quantities of a sticky slime or mucus (from which the typical species Myxine glutinosa was named). When captured and held by the tail, they escape by secreting the fibrous slime, which turns into a thick and sticky gel when combined with water, and then cleaning off by tying themselves in an overhand knot which works its way from the head to the tail of the animal, scraping off the slime as it goes. Some authorities conjecture that this singular behavior may assist them in extricating themselves from the jaws of predatory fish. However, the "sliming" also seems to act as a distraction to predators, and free-swimming hagfish are seen to "slime" when agitated and will later clear the mucus off by way of the same travelling-knot behavior.

    Star-nosed Mole



    The Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata) is a small North American mole found in eastern Canada and the north-eastern United States . It is the only member of the tribe Condylurini and the genus Condylura.
    It lives in wet lowland areas and eats small invertebrates, aquatic insects, worms and molluscs. It is a good swimmer and can forage along the bottoms of streams and ponds. Like other moles, this animal digs shallow surface tunnels for foraging; often, these tunnels exit underwater. It is active day and night and remains active in winter, when it has been observed tunnelling through the snow and swimming in ice-covered streams. Little is known about the social behavior of the species, but it is suspected that it is colonial.
    The Star-nosed Mole is covered in thick blackish brown water-repellent fur and has large scaled feet and a long thick tail, which appears to function as a fat storage reserve for the spring breeding season. Adults are 15 to 20 cm in length, weigh about 55 g, and have 44 teeth. The mole's most distinctive feature is a circle of 22 mobile, pink, fleshy tentacles at the end of the snout. These are used to identify food by touch, such as worms, insects and crustaceans.

    Proboscis Monkey



    Nasalis larvatus also known as Long-nosed Monkey is a reddish-brown arboreal Old World monkey. It is the only species in monotypic genus Nasalis.
    The most distinctive trait of this monkey is the male's large protruding nose. The purpose of the large nose is unclear, but it has been suggested that it is a result of sexual selection. The female Proboscis Monkey prefers big-nosed male s, thus propagating the trait.
    Males are much larger than females, reaching 72 cm (28 inches) in length, with an up to 75 cm tail, and weighing up to 24 kg (53 pounds). Females are up to 60 cm long, weighing up to 12 kg (26 lb).
    The Proboscis Monkey also has a large belly, as a result of its diet. Its digestive system is divided into several parts, with distinctive gut flora, which help in digesting leaves. This digestive process releases a lot of gas, resulting in the monkey's "bloated" bellies. A side-effect of this unique digestive system is that it is unable to digest ripe fruit, unlike most other simians. The diet consists mainly of fruits, seeds and leaves.

    Pink Fairy Armadillo



    The Pink Fairy Armadillo (Chlamyphorus truncatus) or Pichiciego is the smallest species of armadillo (mammals of the family Dasypodidae, mostly known for having a bony armor shell). It is approximately 90-115 mm long excluding the tail, and is pale rose or pink in color. It is found in central Argentina where it inhabits dry grasslands and sandy plains with thorn bushes and cacti. It has the ability to bury itself completely in a matter of seconds if frightened.
    The Pink Fairy Armadillo burrows small holes near ant colonies in dry dirt. It feeds mainly on ants and ant larvae near its burrow. Occasionally it feeds on worms, snails, insects and larvae, or various plant and root material.

    Axolotl



    The Axolotl (or ajolote) (Ambystoma mexicanum) is the best-known of the Mexican neotenic mole salamanders belonging to the Tiger Salamander complex. Larvae of this species fail to undergo metamorphosis, so the adults remain aquatic and gilled. The species originates from the lake underlying Mexico City . Axolotls are used extensively in scientific research due to their ability to regenerate most body parts, ease of breeding, and large embryos. They are commonly kept as pets in the United States , Great Britain , Australia , Japan (where they are sold under the name Wooper Rooper, and other countries.
    Axolotls should not be confused with waterdogs, the larval stage of the closely related Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum and Ambystoma mavortium), which is widespread in much of North America which also occasionally become neotenic, nor with mudpuppies (Necturus spp.), fully aquatic salamanders which are unrelated to the axolotl but which bear a superficial resemblance.

    Aye-aye



    The Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is a strepsirrhine native to Madagascar that combines rodent-like teeth with a long, thin middle finger to fill the same ecological niche as a woodpecker. It is the world's largest nocturnal primate, and is characterized by its unique method of finding food; it taps on trees to find grubs, then gnaws holes in the wood and inserts its elongated middle finger to pull the grubs out.
    Daubentonia is the only genus in the family Daubentoniidae and infraorder Chiromyiformes. The Aye-aye is the only extant member of the genus (although it is currently an endangered species); a second species (Daubentonia robusta) was exterminated over the last few centuries.

    Alpaca



    The Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is a domesticated species of South American camelid developed from the wild alpacas. It resembles a sheep in appearance, but is larger and has a long erect neck as well as coming in many colors, whereas sheep are generally bred to be white and black.
    Alpacas are kept in herds that graze on the level heights of the Andes of Ecuador, southern Peru , northern Bolivia , and northern Chile at an altitude of 3500 to 5000 meters above sea-level, throughout the year.
    Alpacas are considerably smaller than llamas, and unlike them are not used as beasts of burden but are valued only for their fiber. Alpacas only have fleece fibers, not woolen fibers, used for making knitted and woven items much as sheeps wool is. These items include blankets, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, a wide variety of textiles and ponchos in South America , and sweaters, socks and coats in other parts of the world. The fiber comes in more than 52 natural colors as classified in Peru , 12 as classified in Australia and 22 as classified in America .

    Tarsier



    Tarsiers are prosimian primates of the genus Tarsius, a monotypic genus in the family Tarsiidae, which is itself the lone extant family within the infraorder Tarsiiformes. The phylogenetic position of extant tarsiers within the order Primates has been debated for much of the past century, and tarsiers have alternately been classified with strepsirrhine primates in the suborder Prosimii, or as the sister group to the simians (=Anthropoidea) in the infraorder Haplorrhini. Analysis of SINE insertions, a type of macromutation to the DNA, is argued to offer very persuasive evidence for the monophyly of Haplorrhini, where other lines of evidence, such as DNA sequence data, had remained ambiguous. Thus, some systematists argue that the debate is conclusively settled in favor of a monophyletic Haplorrhini.
    Tarsiers have enormous eyes and long feet. Their feet have extremely elongated tarsus bones, which is how they got their name. They are primarily insectivorous, and catch insects by jumping at them. They are also known to prey on birds and snakes. As they jump from tree to tree, tarsiers can catch even birds in motion. Gestation takes about six months, and tarsiers give birth to single offspring. All tarsier species are nocturnal in their habits, but like many nocturnal organisms some individuals may show more or less activity during the daytime. Unlike many nocturnal animals, however, tarsiers lack a light-reflecting area (tapetum lucidum) of the eye.

    Dumbo Octopus



    The octopuses of the genus Grimpoteuthis are sometimes nicknamed "Dumbo octopuses" from the ear-like fins protruding from the top of their "heads" (actually bodies), resembling the ears of Walt Disney's flying elephant. They are benthic creatures, living at extreme depths, and are some of the rarest of the Octopoda species.

    Frill-necked Lizard



    The Frill-necked Lizard, or Frilled Lizard also known as the Frilled Dragon, (Chlamydosaurus kingii) is so called because of the large ruff of skin which usually lies folded back against its head and neck. The neck frill is supported by long spines of cartilage, and when the lizard is frightened, it gapes its mouth showing a bright pink or yellow lining, and the frill flares out, displaying bright orange and red scales. The frill may also aid in thermoregulation.
    They may grow up to one metre in total length. They often walk quadrupedally when on the ground. When frightened they begin to run on all-fours and then accelerate onto the hind-legs. In Australia , the frill-necked lizard is also known as the "bicycle lizard" because of this behaviour. Males are significantly larger than females both as juveniles and when mature. The frill of the Australian frilled dragon is used to frighten off potential predators - as well as hissing and lunging. If this fails to ward off the threat, the lizard flees bipedally to a nearby tree where it climbs to the top and relies on camouflage to keep it hidden.

    Narwhal



    The Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is an Arctic species of cetacean. It is a creature rarely found south of latitude 70°N. It is one of two species of white whale in the Monodontidae family (the other is the beluga whale). It is possibly also related to the Irrawaddy dolphin.
    The English name narwhal is derived from the Dutch name narwal which in turn comes from the Danish narhval which is based on the Old Norse word nar, meaning "corpse." This is a reference to the animal's colour. The narwhal is also commonly known as the Moon Whale.
    In some parts of the world, the Narwhal is colloquially referred to as a "reamfish."

    Sucker-footed Bat



    The Madagascar Sucker-footed Bat, Old World Sucker-footed Bat, or Sucker-footed Bat (Myzopoda aurita and Myzopoda schliemanni) is a species of bat in the Myzopodidae family.

    Pygmy Marmoset



    The Pygmy Marmoset (Callithrix (Cebuella) pygmaea) is a monkey native to the rainforest canopies of western Brazil , southeastern Colombia , eastern Ecuador , and eastern Peru . It is one of the smallest primates, with its body length ranging from 14-16 cm (excluding the 15-20 cm tail) and the smallest monkey. Males weigh around 140 g (5 ounces), and females only 120 g ( 4.2 ounces).
    TDespite its name, the Pygmy Marmoset is somewhat different from the typical marmosets classified in genus Callithrix. As such, it is accorded its own subgenus, which was formerly recognized as its own genus, Cebuella.
    TThe Pygmy Marmoset has a tawny coat, and a ringed tail that can be as long as its body. Their claws are specially adapted for climbing trees, a trait unique to the species. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruit, leaves, insects, and sometimes even small reptiles. Much of their diet, however, comes from tapping trees for sap. Up to two-thirds of their time is spent gouging tree bark to reach the gummy sap. The Pygmy Marmoset has specialized incisors for gouging holes in bark. Unfortunately, because of its small size, and its swift movements, it is very hard to observe in the wild.
    TIn captivity, the Pygmy Marmoset can live up to 11 years.

    Blobfish



    The blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus) is a fish that inhabits the deep waters off the coasts of Australia and Tasmania . Due to the inaccessibility of its habitat, it is rarely seen by humans.
    Blobfish are found at depths where the pressure is several dozens of times higher than at sea level, which would likely make gas bladders inefficient. To remain buoyant, the flesh of the blobfish is primarily a gelatinous mass with a density slightly less than water; this allows the fish to float above the sea floor without expending energy on swimming. The relative lack of muscle is not a disadvantage as it primarily swallows edible matter that floats by in front it.

    Platypus



    The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semi-aquatic mammal endemic to eastern Australia , including Tasmania . Together with the four species of echidna, it is one of the five extant species of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. It is the sole living representative of its family (Ornithorhynchidae) and genus (Ornithorhynchus), though a number of related species have been found in the fossil record.
    The bizarre appearance of this egg-laying, duck-billed mammal baffled naturalists when it was first discovered, with some considering it an elaborate fraud. It is one of the few venomous mammals; the male Platypus has a spur on the hind foot which delivers a poison capable of causing severe pain to humans. The unique features of the Platypus make it an important subject in the study of evolutionary biology and a recognizable and iconic symbol of Australia ; it has appeared as a mascot at national events and is featured on the reverse of the Australian 20 cent coin.
    Until the early 20th century it was hunted for its fur, but it is now protected throughout its range. Although captive breeding programs have had only limited success and the Platypus is vulnerable to the effects of pollution, it is not under any immediate threat.

    Shoebill



    The Shoebill, Balaeniceps rex also known as Whalehead is a very large bird related to the storks. It derives its name from its massive shoe-shaped bill.
    The Shoebill is a very large bird, averaging 1.2 m (4 ft) tall, 5.6 kg (12.3 lbs) and 2.33 m (7.7 ft) across the wings. The adult is mainly grey, the juveniles are browner. It lives in tropical east Africa, in large swamps from Sudan to Zambia .
    The Shoebill was added rather recently to the ornithological lists; the species was only discovered in the 19th century when some skins were brought to Europe . It was not until years later that live specimens reached the scientific community. The bird was known to both ancient Egyptians and Arabs however. There exist Egyptian images depicting the Shoebill while the Arabs referred to the bird as abu markub, which means one with a shoe. Clearly, this refers to the striking bill.

    Yeti Crab



    Kiwa hirsuta is a crustacean discovered in 2005 in the South Pacific Ocean . This decapod, which is approximately 15 cm (6 inches) long, is notable for the quantity of silky blond setae (resembling fur) covering its pereiopods (thoracic legs, including claws). Its discoverers dubbed it the "yeti lobster" or "yeti crab".
    K. hirsuta was discovered in March 2005 by a group organised by Robert Vrijenhoek of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in Monterey , California , using the submarine DSV Alvin, operating from RV Atlantis. The discovery was announced on the 7th of March, 2006. It was found 1,500 km (900 miles) south of Easter Island in the South Pacific, at a depth of 2,200 m (7,200 feet), living on hydrothermal vents along the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge. Based on both morphology and molecular data, the species was deemed to form a new genus and family (Kiwaidae). The animal has strongly reduced eyes that lack pigment, and is thought to be blind.
    The 'hairy' pincers contain filamentous bacteria, which the creature may use to detoxify poisonous minerals from the water emitted by the hydrothermal vents where it lives. Alternatively, it may feed on the bacteria, although it is thought to be a general carnivore. Its diet also consists of green algae and small shrimp.

    Friday, November 9, 2007

    Males and females



    Are Women Like Beer?


    That's what Homer Simpson, who is mighty fond of both, told Bart. But while it's human nature to categorize men and women into neat packages, and while some of the differences are as distinct as the pinks and blues in nurseries (think height, muscle-to-fat ratio and hair distribution), others are not as apparent. This X-Ray of a typical couple, a result of a mishap when Marge brought Homer's lunch to the nuclear-power plant, shows some contrasts. Sorry, Homer, beer is not the answer to everything.

    As you can see in the image, these are the REAL differences between males and females (please note: for ease of explanation, the simpsons are used):

  • Corpus Callosum: The bridge joining the two halves of the brain, called the Corpus Callosum, is larger in Marge than in Homer. Marge can integrate information from the two halves of the brain, meaning that she can simultaneously make Homer's lunch, listen to Lisa's saxophone playing and insure Bart doesn't burn anything. While Homer has trouble combining singing and driving without crashing into a chesnut tree.

  • Heart and circulatory system: While Marge is young, Bart's shenanigans are less likely to give her high-blood pressure than Homer's. Her higher levels of estrogen prevent cholestrol deposits from forming on artery walls. From the time Lisa graduates from Yale, however, Marge's risk for heart disease will begin to match his.

  • Lymphatic system: If Marge get's a cold, her immune system will respond more forcefully than Homer's immune system. But she's also more likely to suffer from diseases, like rheumatoid arthrithis and lupus erythemathosus, linked to a highly active immune system that malfunctions.

  • Liver: Homer metabolizes faster and more effeciently than Marge does, so he's less likely to get a hangover. But that immunity may partly explain why more men are alcoholics.

  • Stomach: No one can dispute that Homer is the gourmand of the Simpsons. He is unable to resist pork chops, chocolate and Vaseline. But in the unlikely event that he decided to lose weight, he could diet. For Marge, however, would not only require giving up Jello desserts, but exercising.

  • Skeletal System: Homer's body will always produce testosterone, but estrogen production virtually halts when a woman goes through menopause. Because these hormones rejuvenate bones, this means that while Homer will always survive falls on Bart's skateboard unscathed, Marge's bones could become more brittle.


  • By Constanza Villalba

    Article Source:
  • NYTimes.com


  • The male and female human brains are different. Some of the better documented differences are similar to differences seen in other mammals. They are hard to find, very small, and may or may not be of great significance. Obviously, some are very important because they probably relate to such things as the ability … or lack thereof … to bear offspring. But this is hardly ever considered in the parodies we see of these differences.


    You have all seen the sometimes funny, sometimes not cartoon depictions of these differences, for example this one:





    Obviously, this is in part a joke: If you looked at someone’s brain, you would not find it to be structured in this way at all. These vastly different “regions” are meant to lampoon culturally widespread perceptions of male-female differences in overall behavior, attitude, etc. by showing huge corresponding brain differences in the cartoon. It is interesting to consider that the differences purported in this sort of cartoon are huge, but the actual neurological differences we see in the real brains are small.


    Read the whole article on GregLaden.com

    Article Source:
  • GregLaden.com


  • To finish...


    I came across this Female and Male movie about the male and female stereotypes. I found it a nice "short movie", the simplicity, the music,... it made the clip a "work of art". So click the url and see if it looks familiar to you! Enjoy!

    Thursday, November 1, 2007

    I just installed the Care2 Toolbar!


    PLEASE Comment what YOU think about this toolbar!


















    About this article:
    Today I installed the Care2.com carbon neutralising toolbar. In this article I will review this freshly installed toolbar (some of the features and "tweaks" regarding this toolbar).

    Care2 Toolbar helps fight Global Warming


    With Care2's free toolbar, you're always a click away from your favorite Care2 features like e-cards, click to donate, My Care2, daily action, online petitions, Care2 News Network, Care2 search and more. Stay connected to the Care2 features you love. Download the Free Toolbar »

    Make Your Computer Carbon Neutral — FREE!

    Using your computer burns energy, and for most of us that means adding to global warming. Every day you use the Care2 toolbar, we'll make a donation to save 25 square feet of Amazonian Rainforest to recapture that carbon dioxide and reduce global warming gases. You can think of it as the Carbon Neutral Toolbar.

    Email Notification

    Care2's toolbar lets you know when you've got new e-mail, personal messages, discussion posts or blog updates from your friends. Works for Yahoo, gmail and Hotmail too!

    Kudos

    Brighten your day with instant butterfly, green star, golden note, and testimonial notification.

    Click to Donate — FREE!

    It's now really easy to click to donate daily on Care2's free donation sites. Help Children, Pets, Protect Women's Rights, Save Seals, and much more.

    Smilies

    We have a huge collection of fun and original smiley faces; with the Care2 toolbar you can easily use them in discussion posts, emails, and more.

    Share Webpages

    Use the handy feature to post a webpage to the Care2 News Network, or blog about it on Care2 Share.

    Action Alerts

    Stay on top of the most important action opportunities from hundreds of our nonprofit partners.








    The Care2 Toolbar is free, works with IE 5.0+ or Firefox 1.0.1+, requires no personal information and is very easy to install or uninstall.

    It contains no spyware, adware, or malware. It has a pop-up blocker and a tool for clearing cookies, your browser cache and browser history.




    My experience and tweaks


    I'm using Firefox for surfing and I'm a typical firefox user, meaning I like to tweak things a little bit :D
    So after installation I tested all the buttons on the toolbar and decided to tweak it.
    I went to "addons" and there I looked for the care2 toolbar addon.
    I went to options and hid the "Action alert" function (addons -> care2 toolbar -> predefined components -> last option "care 2 click2donate" and unchecked it)
    I configured the mail notifier (picked my yahoo account since it's the least of all my accounts I expect mail hehe :D) after that I changed the weather forcast (you can do this by clicking on it and click on the 3 links on the top right, eg you can change °F to °C and the location you want to know the weather from!) I also noticed the radio didn't work so I decided to hide that too (for this you need to go the "addons -> toolbar -> options" again and uncheck "online radio player" in the "personal components" tab) then I changed the width of the care2 searchbar so the "weather forcast" almost hit the outermost right of the bar.
    After all this... Well I enjoy using a "carbon neutral" pc! I'm sure you will feel alot better yourself, so why not give it a try?
    If you tried the toolbar yourself, leave a comment!

    Toolbar technology by Conduit they are also the company behind the Greenpeace toolbar and other companies/clubs. You can look at some of the featured toolbars at the Conduit featured gallery




    Wow — that's one amazing toolbar to help you make a difference! Absolutely no spyware, malware, adware. It's 100% organic, vegan and cruelty free. Take it for a test drive and make your computer carbon neutral!
    Download the Free Care2 Toolbar Now »
    Article Source:
  • Care2.com Toolbar Download

  • Care2.com
  • Wednesday, October 31, 2007

    Happy Halloween!



    The image above is a "Jack-O-Lantern" made from a cutout pumpkin.

    About this article:
    Around this time of the year alot of people celebrate "Halloween", but what is halloween exactly? How did it all started? And where in the world is it celebrated?

    What is Halloween?


    Halloween, or Hallowe'en, is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31. Traditional activities include trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lantern's, Halloween festivals, bonfires, costume parties, visiting "haunted houses" and viewing horror films.

    How did it all started?


    Halloween originated from the Pagan festival Samhain, celebrated among the Celts of Ireland and Great Britain. Irish and Scottish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the nineteenth century. Other western countries embraced the holiday in the late twentieth century.

    Where in the world is it celebrated?


    Halloween is now celebrated in several parts of the western world, most commonly in Ireland, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom and occasionally in parts of Australia and New Zealand.

    If you want to find out more, you can always click the "Article Source" URLs! Please visit them if you liked this article!

    Article Source:
  • Click here for the Wiki Article


  • You can take this opportunity to send an e-card to the ones you have close to your heart. I recommend sending an e-card through Care2.com Halloween e-cards They have over 200 FREE Halloween E-cards! Find the one you like, edit and fill in your message and sent it! Each e-card will generate a donation as well! So make everyone happy and send an E-card NOW! I know I did :D

    To finish up, here's a little "quiz" about "Halloween":

    Q: At Halloween parties, guests traditionally "bob" for?
    A: Apples

    Q: In Scotland, what vegetable was traditionally carved into a jack-o-lantern?
    A: A turnip

    Q: What "phobia" do you suffer from if you have an intense fear of Halloween?
    A: Samhainophobia

    Q: Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF was created when children collected $17 in decorated milk cartons for to help kids left vulnerable by?
    A: World War II

    Q: True or False? Kids in the U.S. donated millions of dollars to children affected by the South Asia Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina when they raised funds for UNICEF while trick-or-treating.
    A: True

    Enjoy! And thanks for reading! Now SHOO, go away behind the screen and enjoy yourself in the "real world"! :D

    Wednesday, October 3, 2007

    I Celebrate You



    On your birthday, I celebrate you!
    On your special day,
    I’m thinking of all the wonderful things you are
    that bring so much joy to others, including me!
    I celebrate your unconquerable spirit,
    that lets you meet every challenge
    with confidence, enthusiasm and persistence.
    I admire your sensitivity.
    You see needs that cry out to be met
    that no one else sees,
    and you meet them,
    out of your deep and caring heart,
    out of your wisdom,
    out of your strength.
    I treasure your uniqueness;
    There is no one else like you,
    and I feel blessed to know
    such an extraordinary person.
    I appreciate you, respect you,
    cherish you, look up to you.
    Happy, happy birthday!
    May each new birthday
    be the best one ever for you;
    You deserve it!
    By Joanna Fuchs



    You're the friend I know I can act like a complete idiot with and no matter what you will stand there laughing with me.
    You're the friend that I can get completely mad at, and then having you stand there with a funny face completely ignoring the fact that I'm mad at you, and just burst out laughing
    You're the friend that I can trust with everything. There isn't a thing in the world I would doubt telling you about because I trust you with my whole heart.
    You're the friend that has been through rough times with me and we will still come out standing strong.
    You're the friend that I will run to if in trouble.
    You're the friend that has always tried to help me out.
    And well you know what? You're a person that I consider..., well euhm "very special" (to say the least :D)!

    I've posted this post to celebrate that "very special" person's birthday. I'm sure that person know's I meant her! Well Have a BLAST today... and only better ever after :D I hope you like it! :D

    Friday, July 20, 2007

    Chinese "Beauty"


    The image above is the chinese sign for "beauty" (for your interest: the mandarin word for beauty is pronounced "mei")

    About this article:
    First you'll see the "main" article, it tells you the history of beauty in China.
    The second part are smaller articles that focus on specific keywords mentioned in the main article. So if you want to know more, keep reading or just scroll down! :D

    Chinese Beauty through the Changes of Time


    Women in China have traditionally been associated with the pursuit of beauty. For example, the Confucian scholar Liu Xiang ( c 77-6 BC) wrote "[she] takes delight in one's appearance" (1). The Chinese word 'beautiful' originally meant 'pleasant to sight' and is one of the earliest characters inscribed on oracle bones from 16-11 BC. However, standards of beauty have changed significantly throughout Chinese history. From slender to plump and frail to graceful, shifting ideals of feminine aestheticism in Imperial China can be traced through paintings, sculptures and contemporary accounts of women famous for their beauty. Although such women appeared as leading politicians and warriors, it was nevertheless from within a predominantly male-centred society that expectations of femininity were constructed. Conversely, the emancipation of women since the 1920s and increasing globalisation in the twenty-first century have effected further changes in ideals of beauty and fashion in modern China.

    Western Han dynasty (206 BC - AD 8)


    Founded by Liu Bang in 206 BC, this became one of the great dynasties of Chinese history. It was in this period that Confucianism was established as the main ideology of government in China. Chao Fei-yen is reported to have been one of the most beautiful women in this dynasty. The Emperor Ch'en-ti was attracted by her slim and graceful figure. She displayed her agile body as a vivacious and energetic dancer. With her sister, Chao Hede, she used her beauty as a weapon against the Emperor, of whom she was a concubine. The government was thrown into chaos in an internecine struggle for power. Although she was ultimately unsuccessful, her story shows that strength and confidence were highly regarded as virtues in a woman during this period. This is in stark contrast to the frailty and wilting beauty that was later to be admired in the Ming and Ch'ing dynasties.

    Similar strength of character and resilience can be seen in Wang Zhaojun, also highly regarded for her beauty during the Han dynasty. Having caught the attention of many at the refined and sophisticated Chinese court, Wang Zhaojun continued to flourish despite having been bargained in marriage to strengthen an alliance with the Huns in the wilderness of the Asiatic steppes.

    Terracotta sculptures that survive from the Han dynasty reflect the tall, slender ideal of feminine beauty so admired by the Emperor. Tomb figures from this period strive to capture the life and vitality of the subject and are noted for their graceful, slender style. Robes worn by noble women during the Han dynasty had a long train that trailed behind, gracefully emphasizing the women's height and stature.

    The Lienuzhuan


    The Lienuzhuan , compiled by the Han Confucian scholar Liu Xiang, contains 125 biographies of exemplary women. Aiming to promote dignity and moral virtue as necessary components of beauty, the Lienuzhuan can be seen as an attempt to caution women against using their beauty to gain power as the sisters Chao Fei-yen and Chao Hede had done. Many stories maintain that external physical beauty is merely a manifestation of internal beauty in the form of virtue. The book contains several biographies of physically ugly women who nevertheless married emperors and became empresses as a result of their attractive, special inner qualities. Women lacking such virtue, on the other hand, are described as scheming to entrap men in sensual pleasures in order to distract them and fulfil their own selfish plans. These women are attributed with causing disruption and breakdown in families and the state. It appears therefore that, whilst not regarded as necessarily dangerous, beauty at this time was strongly linked to female virtue. As such, beauty could be displayed primarily through strength of character and moral disposition.

    T'ang dynasty (AD 618 - 907)


    The T'ang dynasty is renowned for the artistic and personal freedom it afforded women. Artwork from the period shows energetic, full-bodied women engaged in outdoor athletic sporting pursuits such as polo on horseback (2). Delicate features and plump faces in sculptures of aristocratic ladies of the T'ang dynasty convey the ideal image of feminine beauty. Ceramic figures of elegant female courtiers that were used as tomb furnishings in the period are known today as 'Fat Ladies' for their fleshy faces.

    The origin of this standard of beauty can be attributed to the T'ang emperors' preference for plump women as a sign of wealth and privilege. An example of such a woman is Yang Kuei-fei, a heavy and robust concubine with whom the Emperor Ming Huang became infatuated. Known as the 'Jade Beauty', she is celebrated as one of the most beautiful women in Chinese history. Chroniclers at the time described her white skin and delicate features, comparing them to fine carvings in the jade with which she surrounded herself.

    Song dynasty (AD 960 - 1279)


    The Song dynasty was marked by a return to Confucianism and a desire to live a simpler life than in the former T'ang dynasty. Peace and economic security encouraged a flourishing of such educational and intellectual activity. This is reflected in a plainer style of dress for both men and women during this period.

    In contrast to the T'ang dynasty, women were now encouraged to remain indoors and to be seen by none but their husbands. It was socially expected that women should display their virtue physically. This expectation was instrumental in establishing the practice of footbinding during the Song dynasty. The physical limitations of bound feet were intended to emphasize female delicacy and vulnerability in comparison with superior male strength, thereby confirming men's sense of mastery over women. In effect, female subservience to men in Song society was encouraged as a display of the highest form of chastity and virtue. Attention to physical appearance was therefore crucial to women in attracting the interest of both powerful men for marriage, and husbands in competition with their other wives and concubines. Paintings commissioned by emperors during the Song dynasty portray women according to these presiding standards of graceful and plaintive beauty (3).

    Ming dynasty (AD 1368 - 1644)


    Between 1279 and 1368, China was under the foreign domination of the Monguls. During this period, the Monguls restricted the assimilation of Chinese culture and attempted to preserve their own national character. Following the success of an uprising against the Mongols in the 1350s, a new Chinese dynasty with the name Ming was declared in 1368. The founder, Zhu Yuanzhang, aimed to restore a traditional Han cultural identity. The growth of urban prosperity and cosmopolitan entertainment can be contrasted with the solitude and reclusion expected of women. They were classed as outsiders as a result of male anxiety and warnings about the dangers of their beauty.

    Footbinding became more widespread and severe during the Ming dynasty as the "symbol for feminine beauty, hierarchy and morality" (4). The author Wang Ping comments on poetry from the period, writing that "The women presented in these poems and literary works all have the same qualities: they are floating and weightless like unreachable treasure. Men cannot help feeling pity for them and falling in love with them" (5). The ideal of beauty portrayed in such poetry emphasizes sickness, fragility and suffering as much as it does delicacy, elegance and grace.

    However, the meaning of bound feet in the Ming dynasty was essentially grounded in eroticism. Bound feet were central to a woman's identity as an aspect of her beauty that she could control. An outpouring of novels, plays and poetry by female writers at this time highlights the erotic associations of bound feet. The 'Three Inch Golden Lotus' standard of perfection in foot length was therefore closely associated with an expression of sexuality. As such, footbinding formed part of a larger valorisation of passion, or qing, that is characteristic of the Ming dynasty. A high point of Chinese erotic culture, the cult of qing helped to bring explicit sensual and passionate significance to ideals of beauty in women.

    Ch'ing dynasty (AD 1644 - 1911)


    The conquest of the Ming dynasty by the Manchus in 1644 brought China under the authority of the Ch ing dynasty. The State attempted to regulate the sexual and gender roles of women through the prohibition of footbinding and the promotion of chastity in widowhood. Although footbinding continued among upper-class women, as the historian Susan Mann writes, "the meaning of bound feet shifted away from eroticism and toward social responsibility" (6). In other words, footbinding became a mark of social elitism and feminine morality rather than a symbol of eroticism as it had been in the Ming dynasty. Indeed, 'beauty' was no longer a formal requirement in ideal standards relating to the role of women during this period. Women were expected to possess virtue and talent, but beauty as a suggestion of passion and sexuality was inhibited.

    The difference between ideals of beauty in the Ming and Ch'ing dynasties is revealed in the exclusion of all poems dealing with love, sex or romance from a collection of women's poetry by Wanyan Yun Zhu, published in 1831 (7). She wrote that, "in compiling this anthology, I have attached the greatest importance to purity of emotional expression and the harmony and elegance of rhymes poems about sexual love and romance by courtesans, whom earlier compilers anthologised profusely and rhapsodised over, are not included here."

    Political, economic and social change (1911 - 1976)


    Underlying currents of nationalist protest against Manchu authority in China fuelled the organization of a Republican movement in the 1890s. In 1911, Sun Yat-sen was elected provisional president of the Republic of China. Following the May 4 th Movement of 1919, nationalist movements involving large sections of the population aimed to push China towards modernization. Increased contact with the West through trade and commerce brought many women in China together with new Western ideas of gender equality and women's rights. Not surprisingly, ideals of feminine beauty were influenced by women's emancipation and pursuit of education, employment and independence. The practice of footbinding declined and many women wore the cheungsam or qipao . In response to the shorter skirts seen in Western fashion, the cheungsam was tight fitting with high side-slits. It revealed more of a woman's body than any previous style of Chinese clothing. 'The Changing Face of Chinese Beauty' (8) details the rise in popularity of lipsticks, eyebrow plucking and shorter fringe lengths during this period, and the way in which women continued these practices surreptitiously during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76). These changing aspects of beauty symbolized the transition from more restrictive traditions to women s newfound freedom in China.

    Consumer culture and beauty industries (1976 - 2003)


    The death of Mao Zedong on September 9 th 1976 heralded the end of an era and the beginning of an 'open-door' policy with further economic reforms in China. The first Chinese fashion magazine, Shizuang , or 'Fashion', was published in Peking in 1979. Receptive attitudes and experimentation with regard to Western fashion styles signalled a growing interest in personal appearance, beauty and consumer culture. Within this consumer culture, changing attitudes to women in China can be discerned. Female beauty became a commodity in a renewed importance of the expression of body and gender ideals. Consumerism provided an alternative arena for femininity outside the domination of the Party State.

    However, a dichotomy between nature, tradition and China on the one hand, and culture, modernity and the West on the other hand, can be seen to underlie contemporary Chinese consumer culture. Whilst women in China are advised to make themselves 'modern', sexy and alluring, they are also expected to represent Chinese culture and values through the proper enactment of chastity and submission in their roles as housewives. The tension between these two ideals is expressed in magazine advertisements. For example, whilst advertisements for bust enhancers portray uninhibited women with natural curves symbolizing modernity and Western civilisation, those for skin care products tend to rely on pictures of chaste, shy women wearing traditional Chinese dresses in domestic settings. Similarly, the rising popularity of beauty pageants in China, with the Beauty Queen Guan Qi being crowned Miss China on September 21 st 2003, reveals a conflict between the desire to embrace a Western tolerance towards activities once suppressed as being bourgeois and decadent, and the need to justify the competitions in terms of providing suitable role models for women. An emphasis on the judgement of beauty in manners and education as well as in appearance is reminiscent of the traditional Chinese ideals of inner virtue and talent in women regarded as beautiful.

    Furthermore, the export of American entertainment products such as films, music and MTV, together with the aim of opening markets for Western beauty products and technologies in China are reflected in the rapidly changing norms of attractiveness among Chinese women in recent years. As a result, the processes of globalization are implicated also in the establishment of beauty industries in China. Practices promoted by these industries typically include breast enlargements, skin whitening procedures, limb lengthening and the creation of 'double' eyelids. Cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly popular as a means of altering the shape of noses and eyes to accord with Western appearances (9). Ideals of beauty in contemporary Chinese culture can therefore be seen to be attached to symbolic meanings based on China's transformation from a closed socialist society to a globalized consumer culture.

    Sources:
    (1) In The Machinations of the Warring States , a 33 volume work by Liu Xiang ( c 77-6 BC) of the Former Han period.
    (2) For example, the Tri-color Glaze Pottery Figure of a Lady playing Polo in the permanent collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei.
    (3) For example, Looking in a Mirror by an Ornamental Box by an anonymous Song painter in the permanent collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei.
    (4) Ping, W. (2000) Aching for beauty: Footbinding in China , Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press.
    (5) Ping, W. Ibid.
    (6) Mann, S. (1997) Precious Records: Women in China's Long Eighteenth Century , Stanford, Stanford University Press.
    (7) Wanyan Yun Zhu (1831) Correct Beginnings: Women's Poetry of our August Dynasty (Guochao quixiu zhengshi ji).
    (8) http://www.chinavista.com/experience/old/beauty.html
    (9) BBC News, Chinese woman seeks perfect beauty , published 2003/07/24

    Article Source:
  • beautymatters blog


  • Terra Cotta Warriors



    The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum, Lintong County, Shaanxi province. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China.

    Terracotta Warriors in XianUpon ascending the throne at the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, later the first Emperor of all China, had work begun on his mausoleum. It took 11 years to finish. It is speculated that many buried treasures and sacrificial objects had accompanied the emperor in his after life. A group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging for a well nearby the royal tomb in 1974. It caught the attention of archeologists immediately. They came to Xi'an in droves to study and to extend the digs. They had established beyond doubt that these artifacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211 --206 BC).

  • Map of Terracotta Warriors


  • Terracotta Warriors in XianThe State Council authorized to build a museum on site in 1975. When completed, people from far and near came to visit. Xian and the Museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses have become landmarks on all travelers' itinerary.

    Life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations are the star features at the museum. They are replicas of what the imperial guard should look like in those days of pomp and vigor.

    Terracotta Warriors in XianThe museum covers an area of 16,300 square meters, divided into three sections: No. 1 Pit, No. 2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit respectively. They were tagged in the order of their discoveries. No. 1 Pit is the largest, first opened to the public on China's National Day, 1979. There are columns of soldiers at the front, followed by war chariots at the back.

    No. 2 Pit, found in 1976, is 20 meters northeast of No. 1 Pit. It contained over a thousand warriors and 90 chariots of wood. Terracotta Warriors in XianIt was unveiled to the public in 1994. Archeologists came upon No. 3 Pit also in 1976, 25 meters northwest of No. 1 Pit. It looked like to be the command center of the armed forces. It went on display in 1989, with 68 warriors, a war chariot and four horses.

    Altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed from these pits. Most of them have been restored to their former grandeur.

    Terracotta Warriors in XianThe Terracotta Warriors and Horses is a sensational archeological find of all times. It has put Xian on the map for tourists. It was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as one of the world cultural heritages.

    Article Source:
  • chinadiscover.net

  • Click here for the Wiki Article


  • History - Chinese Foot Binding


    Click here to see a picture of a Chinese Bound Foot (explicit content warning!)
    Throughout history women have had to endure horrible things to be deemed beautiful. The ancient tradition of foot binding in China, however, takes the "beauty is pain" concept to a whole new level.

    The Origins of Foot Binding - The Golden Lotus

    In the early 10th century, emperor Li Yu of the Southern Tang dynasty in China ordered one of his slave girls to bind her feet in silk ribbons and dance on a platform littered with golden lotus flowers. From that day on, foot binding was often associated with the term golden lotus. At first, foot binding was something practiced only by those within the royal court but soon women of all social classes were eager to have dainty, "beautiful" and desirable feet.

    How Were Feet Bound?

    So exactly what did foot binding do to the feet? Well, young girls would have their feet bound for the first time when they were about five years old. Their mothers would take long lengths of cloth and bind the feet so that the toes would bend under and the bones in the foot would break, forcing the front and back of the foot together, giving the appearance
    Click here to see a picture of a normal foot compared to a Chinese Bound Foot
    of a high arch and tiny foot. The ultimate foot was to be between three and four inches (about 10 cm) long. Over the course of about three years, a girl's foot would be broken numerous times to get it to the perfect shape.

    Foot Binding Facts

  • Since foot binding made it virtually impossible for women to get around on their own, many peasant women did not bind their feet. They had to work in the rice fields, and later the tea factories, so they had to be able to use their feet.
  • Foot binding was seen as a sign of beauty and attractiveness. Once a girl was of marriageable age, prospective mother-in-laws would come around and pick a wife for her son by the appearance of the girl's feet.
  • Bound feet were thought to be so alluring because they were always hidden. Bound feet were covered in bindings, socks and shoes and then doused in perfume and scented powder. They were then hidden under layers of leggings and skirts.

    Article Source:
  • kidzworld.com

  • Click here for the Wiki Article


  • China to hold fake beauty pageant



    Miss China, Qi Guan, who came third in Miss World 2003
    Natural beauties like Miss China Qi Guan will not be eligible


    Plastic surgeons around the world are being given the chance to show off their talents, in a new artificial beauty pageant in China.

    A contest will be held in October among women who have undergone cosmetic surgery, according to state media.

    It will be open to any woman who can prove her beauty is man-made.

    Plastic surgery is on the increase in China, China Daily newspaper said, with around 20bn yuan ($2.4bn) spent yearly on beauty treatments.

    The idea for "Miss Plastic Surgery" was reportedly born after a woman was barred from a traditional beauty contest after spending $13,000 on 11 cosmetic operations.

    The paper said China now had a million beauty salons, employing six million people.

    Their clients range from body-conscious teenage girls to women in their 30s seeking facial jobs and breast implants, it added.

    The rise of the salons is based on the assumption that beauty is a route to success, China Daily said, citing findings by US economists which indicated that good looks increased overall hourly income by 5%.

    China recently lifted a 54-year ban on beauty pageants, which the authorities used to see as bourgeois and decadent.

    But the explosion of economic growth and the loosening of social controls of the past few years has led to a growing preoccupation with how people look.

    The Miss World contest was held in China for the first time in 2003.

    Article Source:
  • news.bbc.co.uk


  • There's so much competition among the chinese (and other people) that they even spend $$ to just get that lil advantage when being on a job hunt. Now people when do you realise that if you all would get plastic surgery, that you ALL look the SAME!
    For all you know next decennia beauty might mean having NO double eyelids at all! So remember every person is special in his/her own way, so PLEASE let us keep it that way! Better spend the money on proper education than on fashion. Because educated people know better! ;-) Remember Caesar once said: "Divide et Impera" (divide and conquer) and that my friend is what marketing is about... Making you feel bad, so they can sell stuff to you! So next time you spend $$ think about it if you REALLY need it or just REALLY want it.

    If you have read all the above, but even if you aren't "strong" enough to follow the above rule of thinking, atleast you educated yourself some more! :D