JYJ: Biggest Boy Band in the World

Trivia question: Who's the biggest boy band in the world? Backstreet Boys? *NSYNC? New Kids? Hanson? Take That? Menudo? Nope. According to reliable source Guinness World Records, it's JYJ.
Never heard of JYJ? Well, obviously you haven't been to Korea lately, where the group's singers, Kim Jaejoong, Park Yoochun, and Kim Junsu, are bigger than Justin Timberlake. Their popularity in their homeland landed them in Guinness in 2008 and 2009 for having the world's largest official fanclub (more than 800,000 members in Seoul alone) and for being the most photographed celebrities on the planet (they've been snapped professionally approximately 500 million times).
And now JYJ are going global, as they release their first English-language album, The Beginning, on Atlantic Records. The disc features production on two tracks, "Empty" and "Be My Girl," by superstar studio guru Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige), and the album's lead single, "Ayyy Girl," actually boasts vocals and production by a little American artist named Kanye West.                                







While the members of JYJ started performing together in 2003 in the Korean boy band TVXQ (who released four successful albums in Korea and four in Japan), the new album title The Beginning is apt here, since JYJ is a rebirth for them--and not just because they're finally launching their careers in America. It took a long and arduous journey for JYJ to reach this point. Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu, while still in TVXQ, had to sue their record label, SM Entertainment, in order to get out of what was basically a ludicrously unfair 13-year "slave" contract. Despite having sold millions of units and breaking world records in Asia, until they successfully extricated themselves from SM Entertainment, Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu were literally broke.
But things are looking up for JYJ now. A recent issue of Billboard with JYJ on the cover sold out in 24 hours, for instance, and their record label actually had to halt all pre-orders for the limited luxury edition of The Beginning due to too much demand. And obviously, JYJ's Western-friendly R&B sound has already earned them some very high-profile U.S. supporters.
"I'm really glad to work with JYJ on their debut album," says Jerkins. "It's all about the East meeting the West these days, and the world is becoming a melting pot of various cultures. To have Kanye and myself champion the cause of unifying the world through the international language of music and introducing top artists from one end of the globe to this end in America makes this a very special project to us." And JYJ add: "It was a great new experience that we are really privileged to have. We felt the pressure of working with such superstars initially, but our anxieties were allayed when Kanye/Rodney showed us great support. We were able to have a really good time working with them and exchanging ideas about music with one another."
Prepare to witness JYJ set a whole bunch of other Guinness records in the near future.
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Paul the 'psychic' World Cup octopus dies: aquarium

BERLIN (AFP) – Paul the octopus, who shot to fame during this year's football World Cup in South Africa for correctly predicting the outcome of games, has died, his aquarium in Germany said Tuesday.

"Management and staff at the Oberhausen Sea Life Centre were devastated to discover that oracle octopus Paul, who achieved global renown during the recent World Cup, had passed away overnight," the aquarium said in a sombre statement.

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Brock Lesnar vs Cain Velasquez Fight Video - UFC 121 - MAIN EVENT

MMA Fight Video of Champ Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez in the Main Event of UFC 121: Lesnar vs Velasquez in Anaheim, Calafornia on October 23, 2010.

http://mmafightvideosonline.blogspot.com/2010/10/brock-lesnar-vs-cain-velasquez-fight.html
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Typhoon in Philippines

With Super Typhoon Megi ravaging the Philippines on Monday, many have probably wondered, "Just what is a super typhoon?" Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What's the difference between a "super typhoon" and a regular typhoon? A super typhoon is the equivalent of a Category 4 or 5 hurricane, meaning it has maximum sustained winds of 150mph or more. It's basically a really intense typhoon, with the ability to produce high storm surges and torrential downpours, in addition to powerful winds.


How does a typhoon form? Much like hurricanes, typhoons develop over large bodies of warm water, which act as energy sources for tropical storm systems. Typhoons pose the biggest threat to coastal areas, since such storms typically lose strength as they move over land.

What's the difference between a hurricane, a cyclone and a typhoon? Essentially none, apart from the question of where they tend to hit. All three form over warm water and feature a circular "eye" in their center. A typhoon is a storm that develops in the Pacific Ocean north of equator, most typically in the northwest Pacific region.

Click image to see Typhoon Megi damage photos

Reuters

How frequent are typhoons? Unlike Atlantic hurricanes -- which form between June 1 and Nov. 30 -- typhoons take shape year-round, though they form most frequently when the water is warmest, August to October. The most active season was in 1997, when a number of typhoons intensified to super typhoon status. Super Typhoon Tip in 1979 was the most intense such storm on record, stretching out to cover just under 1,400 miles, with winds reaching 190 mph.
[Photos: Rare waterspout captured off the coast of Japan]

What countries are most affected by typhoons? Typhoons turn up most commonly in countries in East Asia, such as Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, the Philippines and China. U.S. territories in the region, such as Hawaii and Guam, also frequently suffer typhoon damage.
How do typhoons get their names? The nations around the western Pacific region began using a new system for naming typhoons in 2000 that include personal names, names of animals and flowers, and even astrological signs.


source: yahoo news
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India’s richest man has moved into world’s biggest private residence- Mukesh Ambani's Antilia Home

Marking the end of seven years of construction work, India's richest man is planning a housewarming party for his 27-story palatial new home in Mumbai, replete with no fewer than three helipads and an air-traffic control station on its roof.

The 570-foot-tall glass tower, called Antilia, "features a swimming pool, a health club, a salon and a mini-theatre," reports the Times of India. "The first six levels comprise the garage where more than 160 cars can be parked. Atop the parking lot is Antilia's lobby, which has nine elevators."  The house also has a garden that can accommodate trees, according to the Telegraph, and a separate ballroom. About 600 staffers will be required to run Antilia, named after the mythical island in the Atlantic.


The house belongs to Mukesh Ambani, who owns much of the oil and retail giant Reliance Industries. He is estimated to be worth about $27 billion. Experts told the Guardian that "there is no other private property of comparable size and prominence in the world." Ambani, the fourth-richest man in the world, co-ran Reliance with his brother before the two had a falling-out and split the company.

Some were surprised at the conspicuous show of wealth, since Ambani is known as a deeply private person not fond of hanging out with India's super-rich. "Perhaps he has been stung by his portrayal in the media as an introvert. Maybe he is making the point that he is a tycoon in his own right," Hamish McDonald, author of the book "Ambani and Sons," speculated in the Guardian.

In a 2008 New York Times profile, friends described the tycoon as something of a contradiction: a cold-blooded businessman whose heart also "bleeds for India." He wants to help pave the way for a better life for the country's poor, they said. A Reliance spokesman told the Times the house would cost about $70 million, but the Guardian says it's closer to $1 billion.

Click image to see photos of Antilia, Mukesh Ambani's home

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Yu-Na Kim wins Sportswoman of the Year!!

Just got back from New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where the Women's Sports Foundation held its 31st Annual Salute to Women in Sports. Had great conversations with Yu-Na Kim, Michelle Kwan, Sarah Hughes, Billie Jean King, and others (all of which will be featured in upcoming videos). But wanted to share great news about Yu-Na, who looked very elegant and might I say, Hollywood (not surprising given her relocation to Los Angeles). She received Sportswoman of the Year. Also nominated were Kelly Kulick (first woman to be part of the previously all male Professional Bowlers Association Tour), Alana Nichols (Paralympic champion in wheelchair basketball and alpine skier), Sanya Richards (Olympic champion in track and field) and Anna Tunnicliffe (Olympic champion sailor).
The full release follows -- will share more in the coming days:
Women’s Sports Foundation Honors Top Female Athletes and Announces Collaboration with espnW at Annual Salute to Women in Sports Awards Dinner

Yuna Kim, Katie O’Donnell, Amy Palmiero-Winters and Caitlin Baker among award recipients
NEW YORK, N.Y., OCTOBER 12, 2010 - Tonight, at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, Billie Jean King, Women’s Sports Foundation Founder, and Mary Carillo, sportscaster and former professional tennis player, hosted the Women’s Sports Foundation’s 31st Annual Salute to Women in Sports awards dinner. Sports fans and champion athletes from Jessica Mendoza and Laila Ali to Annika Sorenstam and Michelle Kwan gathered to recognize and honor talented female athletes who, through their accomplishments, have been inspiring role models for girls and women worldwide. As part of the celebration, Women’s Sports Foundation CEO Kathryn Olson, announced that the foundation has been chosen as the “Official Charity of espnW,” the soon-to-be-launched digital arm of ESPN that will serve, inform and inspire the female athlete and fan.
“It is an absolute honor to be chosen as the Official Charity of espnW,” said Kathryn Olson, CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation. “We applaud and support espnW in their effort to tell the story of female athletes and help the Women’s Sports Foundation to continue our mission of advancing the lives of girls and women through sport and showcasing female athletes as individuals with limitless potential.”
The Women’s Sports Foundation will work closely with espnW, expanding support of programs for girls and women by sharing content across joint media assets and driving awareness for specific Women’s Sports Foundation programs. Top programs include GoGirlGo!, which uses sport and physical activity as an educational intervention for young girls; Travel & Training Fund, a fund that provides financial assistance for coaching, specialized training and equipment for female athletes; and a future media-based campaign featuring celebrity dads with their daughters which will emphasize the importance of sports participation and family involvement. espnW will share content with the Foundation’s SHE Network, launching in early 2011, and ESPN RISE for Girls – which serves high school girl athletes – will work closely with the foundation on target initiatives.
Laura Gentile, vice president, espnW and ESPN RISE digital and publishing, said, “ESPN has been a supporter of the Women’s Sports Foundation since its very beginning.  As we now join the effort to serve female athletes in a more comprehensive way with espnW, we’re delighted to expand this relationship with focused cross-promotion and programs.”
The espnW announcement was just one pinnacle in a phenomenal tribute to women in sports and the girls they inspire. The awards dinner celebrated the accomplishments of outstanding female athletes who have made their mark on the world of sports in 2010. Figure skater Yuna Kim and field hockey star Katie O’Donnell were honored with the prestigious Sportswoman of the Year Awards in the individual and team categories, respectively. The Wilma Rudolph Courage Award went to Amy Palmiero-Winters, below-knee amputee ultramarathon athlete, while 16 year-old swimmer, Caitlin Baker, accepted the ANNIKA Inspiration Award. In addition to these outstanding athletes, Launny Steffens received the Billie Jean King Contribution Award.
Figure skater, Yuna Kim received the Sportswoman of the Year Award for individual sport athletes. At the Ladies’ Singles event at the Trophée Eric Bompard event in Paris, Kim became the first woman to have a combined final score of over 210 points and finishing 36.04 points ahead of her closest competitor. Kim has set two world records and in February 2010, she won the gold medal at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games in the Ladies’ Singles event, making her the first Korean to medal at an Olympic Winter Games. Kim is currently ranked No.1 by the International Skating Union.
Katie O’Donnell was presented with the Sportswoman of the Year Award for team sport athletes. As a University of Maryland Terrapin, O’Donnell was the strongest offensive threat in women’s field hockey during the 2009 season. She led the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) with 87 points and 31 assists during the regular season. She was named the National Player of the Year and Offensive MVP by womensfieldhockey.com. and was named a First Team All-American by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association and womensfieldhockey.com. O’Donnell is also a starting center forward on the U.S. National team.
The Wilma Rudolph Courage Award was presented to Amy Palmiero-Winters, below-knee amputee and ultramarathon, marathon and triathlon athlete, for exhibiting great determination and strength in both her professional and personal life. Despite losing her foot in a motorcycle accident in 1994, Palmiero-Winters – fit with a custom-made running prosthetic – continued to run marathons and went on to set 12 world records, On January 1, 2010, she was the overall winner (beating all men and women) of the “Run to the Future,” a twenty-four race in Glendale, Ariz., by running 130.04. Her performance earned her the distinction of being the first amputee to qualify for the U.S. National Track & Field Team.
John L. “Launny” Steffens received the 2010 Billie Jean King Contribution Award. He was recognized for making significant contributions to the development and advancement of women’s sports and for having a profound impact on the Women’s Sports Foundation, specifically. In 1996, Steffens was the President of the Private Client Group for Merrill Lynch when he decided to take a chance on a non-traditional organization like WSF and sponsor its 17th Annual Salute to Women in Sports. For the past 15 years, Steffens has supported the organization by serving on the WSF’s Board of Stewards, encouraging high profile businessmen and women to serve on the WSF trustee board and acting as a strategic advisor. Steffens carried his commitment to WSF beyond his 38 years at Merrill Lynch through to a new position as Founder and Managing Director of Spring Mountain Capital, LP.  The Women’s Sports Foundation honors Launny Steffens with the Billie Jean King Contribution award for his years of support, unwavering generosity and his relentless effort helping women athletes to strive, compete and realize their dreams.
The ANNIKA Inspiration Award, presented by WSF and ANNIKA Foundation, honors a deserving individual girl who demonstrates athleticism, dedication, leadership and the ability to inspire others. Caitlin Baker accepted the honor from Annika Sorenstam, the most dominant player in women’s golf and among the greatest icons in sports. Baker, a 16-year old competitive swimmer from Norman, Oklahoma, accepted the award in its inaugural year. Baker has been swimming since the age of 8 and turned to competitive swimming at age 11. It was around that time that Baker realized there were few swimmers of Native American heritage from rural Oklahoma and founded CAITLINB – which stands for Competitive American Indians Turning Lifestyles into New Beginnings. She has become a national spokesperson and symbol on the challenges facing young Native Americans.
In addition to recognizing women in sports and their supporters, the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Annual Salute to Women in Sports gala helps amplify its mission, promote gender equality in women’s athletics, and raise funds to support programs that help girls become physically active. The Annual Salute to Women in Sports was co-presented by ESPN and Gatorade®. Event sponsors included official airline sponsor American Airlines, beauty salon partners MAC and UNITE, and photo partner Getty Images.
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Missing (and Valuable) Painting by Giovanni Boldini Found in Paris

In Paris, an apartment sat locked up and untouched for 70 years. But it wasn't abandoned or empty. The rent was being paid, and the swanky pad was filled with furniture, books, and various works of art. One of those paintings, it turns out, was worth a lot of money.

A very buzzy story from the U.K.'s Telegraph explains that the valuable work of art is by Italian artist Giovanni Boldini. It recently sold for €2.1 million (around US$2.9 million) at auction. The painting's subject, "a woman in a pink muslin evening dress," was apparently Boldini's muse, Marthe de Florian. That hunch was legitimized by another titillating discovery in the apartment: a scribbled love note from the artist to de Florian. The apartment belonged to de Florian's granddaughter, who recently passed away at age 91.

One might well ask, "Why leave an apartment untouched and unused, but still pay for it every month?" Good question. According to the Telegraph, the granddaughter left the apartment just before the start of World War II and never returned. After her recent death, experts were sent to catalogue the inventory.

As the Telegraph writes, "Entering the untouched, cobweb-filled flat in Paris' 9th arrondissement, one expert said it was like stumbling into the castle of Sleeping Beauty, where time had stood still since 1900." Imagine their surprise when they saw, lying among the items, a painting worth millions. 
News of the discovery sent Web searches on "giovanni boldini" skyrocketing 2,800% in just over 24 hours. Suddenly, it seems, people are eager to know more about the artist. Perhaps they want to compare his work to a few paintings gathering dust in their basements. Could one be worth big money? Hope springs eternal, but before you get too excited, remember that Boldini never dabbled in the subject of dogs playing poker. Sorry.
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All That Skate- Dream on: Day 2

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