10 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS AND HOW TO MAKE THEM WORK.


Posted at 01/01/2014 8:41 AM | Updated as of 01/01/2014 8:41 AM
MANILA – It’s that time again when people start making resolutions for the New Year. But how many of these are maintained and fulfilled?
Here are ten of the most common New Year’s resolutions and how you can make them work.
Resolution #1: I will lose weight.
How to make it work: Be more specific. How much weight do you want to lose? What is your time frame for reaching these goals? The more specific you are, the more likely you will be able to reach them. More importantly, make sure that you have a specific diet plan to fulfill this resolution. Here’s an example: “I will only eat half a cup of rice per meal and more vegetables.” The next thing you know, you are already two sizes smaller.
Click here for some safe weight loss tips.
Resolution #2: I will go to the gym.
How to make it work: Feeling guilty during the holiday binge, some people tend to sign up for gym memberships only to end up wasting them. If you have never stepped foot in a gym for the past six months, chances are it won’t change this coming year. There are plenty of ways to exercise outside the gym, from trying a sport to following fitness videos. If you don’t have time for both, you can start with this resolution: “I will take the stairs at work or when I’m out and about.” That will definitely burn some calories.
Click here for some exercise tips to kick start your day.
Resolution #3: I will save more money.
How to make it work: It’s easy to say this at the start of the year, but not when you are faced with a beautiful pair of shoes, or while you are hanging out at your favorite coffee shop. Skip the items you don’t need and watch your savings grow. Here’s a resolution that you can make: “I will drink coffee at home instead of buying that expensive latte.”
Read finance guru Suze Orman’s take on “latte expenses” here.
Resolution #4: I will never be late again.
How to make it work: This resolution requires breaking a habit by replacing it with another one. Make concrete steps -- sync your watches and clocks to follow the Philippine standard time. Sleep early. Set your alarm an hour earlier than you intend to wake up, and make this resolution: “I will stop hitting the snooze button.”
Resolution #5: I will keep my house clean and organized.
How to make it work: If you have always been disorganized, chances are you will have a hard time fulfilling this resolution. Start small by telling yourself: “I will organize my closet this Saturday.” Continue by cleaning other parts of your room until you finish the entire house.
Resolution #6: I will stop smoking.
How to make it work: Going cold turkey is not the most effective way for most people who want to stop smoking. Take baby steps instead – if you usually smoke two packs of cigarettes a day, reduce it by half. Here’s an example: “I will only smoke one pack of cigarettes a day.” After a few weeks, take it a step further by cutting the number of cigarettes you smoke daily to half a pack. The next thing you know, you won’t even miss it.
Resolution #7: I will spend less time on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
How to make it work: This is another tricky resolution to make, especially if you already have the habit of checking your social media pages throughout the day. Try this resolution instead: “I will not check my Facebook, Twitter and other social media accounts when I’m outside the house, unless it’s really important.” If this is too much for you, start with keeping your phone during meals. Less screen time will help you cultivate and maintain relationships with the people around you.
Resolution #8: I will be more concerned about the environment.
How to make it work: You don’t have to be a vegetarian to express your concern for Mother Earth. All you need is to change a few habits, from turning off lights and appliances that are not in use to using recycled items. Here’s another example to help you get started: “I will bring my own water bottle to work or school.”
Click here for more eco-friendly tips.
Resolution #9: I will start dating other people.
How to make it work: You cannot just decide to go out and date the first person you meet. It is not only dangerous – it will also make you look desperate. Make this resolution instead: “I will go out and make an effort to meet new people.” Making yourself more “visible” will boost your chances of finding a long-term partner. If it doesn’t work out, you still end up having more friends.
Resolution #10: I will spend more time with my family.
How to make it work: This may be hard for career-oriented people to fulfill. Free up some time to spend with your family by making this concrete resolution: “I will have dinner at home with my family every Sunday.” This will lessen the chances of you working overtime or accidentally scheduling a night out with friends.

FORUM: Kaye, Denise, Valerie share what they look forward to in 2014

All three ladies hope for more projects and challenging roles for 2014.- File Photo 
MANILA, Philippines- The year 2013 was filled with great opportunities for Kaye Abad, Denise Laurel, and Valerie Concepcion.
The three actresses had a number of projects, while  their personal lives were also blessed in different ways.
So now that 2014 is approaching, these three ladies of “Annaliza” share what they’re looking forward to this Year of the Horse.
Kaye Abad: “Mas exciting na taon sa lahat. And tsaka sa career din, na sana tuluy-tuloy pa rin. Simple lang, simple lang gusto ko, basta masaya lang.”
Denise Laurel: “Of course everyone is looking forward for a fruitful new year. Siyempre I was blessed na the moment I got back nakagawa ako ng different roles—sosyal, yung Pintada, yung Paraiso tapos ito. I’m looking forward to doing something completely different from everything I’ve done in the past year. And of course one week break lang, kasi I was blessed na sunud-sunod yung show, kahit one week break wala. So I’m looking forward na sana next year ganun pa rin and I want to show people all the different characters that I can pull off.”
Valerie Concepcion: “More projects! Kasi siyempre sa ngayon ang priority ko kasi is work dahil nga single ang lola mo. Tapos siyempre yung anak ko. So parang ang focus ko talaga is sa career, lalo na ngayon na na-experience ko maging kontra bida. I get to play different roles na parang mas gusto ko mag-focus sa gusto kong tahakin ko sa career ko na maging character actress.
Source: Philstar.com

PHOTOS: BANANA SPLIT SET VISIT

Banana Split Extra Scoop is a musical/variety/comedy program that aims to entertain and make people laugh.

The show currently airs 4 main segments:

a) HOT ISSUE - Hot issue is a mock showbiz talk show where showbiz issues and entertainment news are made fun of.

b) CLOWN IN A MILLION - C.I.A.M. is the talent search for comedians, where funny people with no or little television experience battle it out to be proclaimed as the latest comedic talent discovery.

c) BANANA CLASSICS - BC is a sketch or comic skit where two or more actors portray roles to convey a simple story that culminates in a punchline, just to make people laugh. It is done before a live audience without cuts, thus requiring the material to be visual rather than verbal.

d) EXTRA SPOOF - This is the segment where the cast impersonates famous icons, idols, celebrities of past and present time, living or not. It is cohesively presented with a common theme like NOVELTY ICONS, ICONS FROM THE 80s, 90s, and the year 2000 and plus or PINOY PRIDE (Pinoy singers known Internationally)

Anchors of Balitang Six Six


John, Angelica and Pooh could not help but laugh while recalling funny moments on the set
John Prats
Jason Gainza
Jason Gainza sharing his experience as Tito Bhoy
Angelica smiles during the press interviews
Angelica Panganiban

Source: abs-cbn.com


HOW TO GET FRESH-FACE FOR THE NEW YEAR

Welcome 2014 by starting fresh and adding skincare from The Face Shop to your New Year’s resolution.  
MANILA, Philippines - Welcome 2014 by starting fresh and adding skincare to your New Year’s resolution. It’s never too early to invest in beautiful skin and never too late to prevent aging. Korea’s top beauty brand, The Face Shop, shares its beauty secrets:
1. Use facial masks at least once a week.
This is  one of the most effective yet low-maintenance beauty rituals practiced by Korean women. Instead of going to the dermatologist, you too can treat yourself to a relaxing facial at home, by choosing from a range of all-natural facial mask sheets packed with serum  that cater to different skin types.
Red Ginseng
The Face Shop harnesses the nourishing and revitalizing powers of red ginseng to relieve tired and languid skin. Each Red Ginseng Mask Sheet is packed with 2,000 ppm of six-year-old red ginseng. Popularly known as the most effective ginseng type available on the market, red ginseng is 100-percent organically grown and filled with essential vitamins and minerals that nourish skin. It also provides a calming effect that reduces mental fatigue.
Kelp
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Looking to improve dry, irritated skin? Go for The Face Shop’s Kelp Mask Sheet. This purifying and detoxifying mask promotes a pure skin appearance and a clearer complexion. Regular use protects the skin from the daily effects of air pollution and improves its ability to discharge impurities.
Rice
Who knew that rice had benefits that went beyond sustenance? The Face Shop’s Rice Mask Sheet has exfoliating and brightening features which smoothen and brighten dull, rough skin. A quick solution to dry, flaky skin, this mask drains out dead skin cells to reveal youthful-looking skin.
Cucumber
Each pack of The Face Shop‘s Cucumber Mask Sheet contains 1,000 mg of fresh cucumber extract. Known for its hydrating and revitalizing effects, this cucumber mask targets puffy and lackluster skin using cool hydrating minerals to energize and heal dryness and irritation.
Pomegranate
Firm up and revitalize with The Face Shop‘s Pomegranate Mask Sheet. This lifting, radiance mask contains vitamins B1, B2, and essential minerals that improve resilience and give skin a boost of radiance. It’s the perfect solution to dry, aging skin.
Raspberry
Did you know that raspberry extract is rich in anthocyanin, which helps prevent the oxidation of skin? With The Face Shop’s Raspberry Mask Sheet, you can beat the onset of premature aging. This antioxidant also refreshes skin and gives it a healthy glow.
Olive
Olive extracts moisturize and nourish skin. The Face Shop’s Olive Mask Sheet is packed with nature’s moisturizer, polyphenol, which helps soothe and soften dry, rough skin.
Lemon
The Face Shop’s Lemon Mask Sheet is the go-to-mask for instant brightening. Enriched with vitamin C, which densely penetrates skin, this mask combats dullness and maintains your skin tone’s translucence. It’s the perfect perk-me-up for dull, dry skin.
Aloe
Experience a rich sense of moisture unlike anything else with The Face Shop’s Aloe Mask Sheet. This soothing mask relieves puffy, sensitive skin and hydrates to replenish your skin’s moisture. It heals and smoothens, fights acne, and powers you up in the fight against aging.
Mung Bean
Pore care is at its best with The Face Shop’s Mung Bean Mask Sheet. This clarifying mask purifies pores and gives skin a clean, smooth texture. It is the best defense against oily and acne-prone skin.
2. Prevent and protect with a generous dose of collagen.
A battle against skin aging won’t be complete without collagen. The Face Shop’s line of collagen-infused foundation products merges three features in one: coverage, protection, and perfection, these products are packed with gold and caviar which nourish alongside collagen’s skin resilience inducing properties.
Face It Collagen Ex Skin Cover
The Face Shop’s Collagen Ex Skin Cover SPF20 PA++ glides effortlessly on skin for an ultra-smooth complexion. Choose from medium to full coverage and conceal fine lines, pores, dark spots, and blemishes with the swipe of a sponge. Active ingredient hyaluronic acid delivers hydration while caviar and pomegranate extracts promote skin resilience and nourishment. Packed with UV protection, this power foundation offers picture-perfect coverage for customers who want to beat the appearance of aging.
Face It Collagen Ex Two-Way Cake
Go for a natural, radiant finish with The Face Shop’s Collagen Ex Two-Way Cake SPF 30 PA+++ (P1,195). This velvety-soft cream foundation compact has got you covered and magically conceals imperfections. The result? Smooth, younger-looking coverage that lasts all day and traces away spots, fine lines, and loss of skin elasticity.
3. Go for a fresh face.
Go for pure monochromatic nudes without going easy on intensity. From eyeliners to blushers, lipsticks, and nail colors, The Face Shop allows you to get that barely-there look in a flash.
Make beauty a priority this 2014. Visit The Face Shop branches at leading malls.

Source: Philstar.com

BOOKMARK THIS: PH HOLIDAYS OF 2014

Photo from ABS-CBNnews.com
These days, it pays to plan your vacations (or staycations) ahead of time. Mark these dates so you can make the most out of them. Combine your leaves with these non-working days so you'll be able to maximize your breaks.
The following is a list of holidays for 2014, declared by virtue of Proclamation No. 655, s. 2013, unless otherwise specified:


JANUARY
January 1, 2014, Wednesday – New Year’s Day (Regular Holiday)
January 31, 2014, Friday – Chinese New Year (Special non-working day)

FEBRUARY
February 25, 2014, Tuesday – EDSA Revolution anniversary (Holiday for all schools)

APRIL
April 9, 2014, Wednesday – Araw ng Kagitingan (Regular Holiday)
April 17, 2014 – Maundy Thursday (Regular Holiday)
April 18, 2014 – Good Friday (Regular Holiday)
April 19, 2014 – Black Saturday (Special non-working day)


MAY
May 1, 2014, Thursday – Labor Day (Regular Holiday)


JUNE
June 12, 2014, Thursday – Independence Day (Regular Holiday)

AUGUST
August 21, 2014, Thursday – Ninoy Aquino Day (Special non-working day)
August 25, 2014, Monday – National Heroes Day (Regular Holiday)


NOVEMBER
November 1, 2014, Saturday – All Saints Day (Special non-working day)
November 30, 2014, Sunday – Bonifacio Day (Regular Holiday)


DECEMBER
December 24, 2014, Wednesday – Additional special non-working day (Special non-working day)
December 25, 2014, Thursday – Christmas Day (Regular Holiday)
December 26, 2014, Friday – Additional special non-working day (Special non-working day)
December 30, 2014, Tuesday – Rizal Day (Regular Holiday)
December 31, 2014, Wednesday – Last day of the year (Special non-working day)

*Separate proclamations will be issued for the observance of Eid’l Fitr and Eidul Adha


WHAT IS YOUR BIG DREAM FOR 2014?

RAISING CHILDREN WITH HIGH FQ By Rose Fres Fausto image
Last week we learned about the Memorable Christmas Gifts of some of the movers of the Finance industry. Today let’s see what their plans are for 2014.
Here are their answers to the question, “What’s that big dream that you plan to accomplish in 2014?”
1. Edward LeeCOL Financial, Inc., Chairman of the Board
“Next year we will conduct more seminars since we will have more time due to the cyclicality of the industry.”
2. Riza MantaringSunlife of Canada (Philippines), Inc., President and CEO
“









For 2014, I would like to accomplish our two remaining goals in Sun Life for 2015. We were able to do the first two in 2013, two years ahead of schedule. We'd like to do the rest next year!”
3. Noet RavaloBangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Managing Director, Central Supervisory Support Sub-sector
“I hope to finally put in place the office re-alignments that I’ve always planned for. It’s been years in the works and we may be just about to get there. It’s not just a re-org thing but a better way to serve the public.”
4. Hans SicatPhilippine Stock Exchange, President
“As for 2014 I hope I can be an advocate for less bureaucracy, red tape, regulations, taxation. The country, not just the capital markets, should benefit from improved efficiencies, lower friction costs, hopefully a more competitive Philippines.”
5. Gus CosioFirst Metro Asset Management, Inc., President
“As to my personal wish, it is rather quixotic. I really wish that Filipinos can have a better grasp of economics. I think the reason why our economy always has a hard time taking off is because the greater portion of the population does not understand the basic supply-demand concept. They want the government to regulate everything, not realizing that they eventually end up paying with a poor economy. I wish for this country to prosper, but for that to happen inclusively, people and government must learn to respond rationally to the price mechanism.”
6. Marvin FaustoBDO, Chief Investment Officer
“Dream for 2014: To contribute in a meaningful way in creating the vehicle to make investing for everyone.”
7. Smith ChuaBPI, VP for Asset Management & Trust Group
“A balanced work & family life.”
8. Ysmael BaysaJollibee Foods Corporation, CFO
“I'm sorry that I do not tell my personal dreams to other people. I keep them to myself and I tell them when they are already accomplished. Like the church chandeliers; I had them in my mind for many years but I didn't tell anyone about them. Anyway, if and when these dreams are realized, I would tell you at the right circumstance.”
9. Alvin LaoD & L Industries, Inc., CFO
“Big dream I plan to accomplish for 2014 would be to roll out our company's stock option plan, to allow our people to be true participative owners of the company and have their compensation tied to the company's performance.”
10. April TanCOL Financial, Inc. VP Head of Research
“Big dreams – to pay off the mortgage on my dream house which we are currently leasing out so we can move in ourselves; and for COL’s net income to reach Php1 Billion and for the share price to reach Php60!!!”
11. Salve DuplitoANC On The Money Resident Financial Adviser
“For my one-on-one financial mentoring advocacy to bear fruit. For more mentors to join and take on cases pro bono and for the mentorees to truly take on the challenge and be debt-free and turn into investors.”
12. Edric MendozaANC On The Money Host
“To change the world somehow; possibly through a World Family Congress.”
13. Melissa GecoleaANC On The Money Co-host
“For this year it’s pretty simple. I plan on paying off my mortgage (I hate debt) and increasing my income through other sources. I think yearly goals need to be attainable rather than too big that you'll feel bad if you don't manage to attain them.”
14. Efren CruzPersonal Finance Advisers Philippines Corp, Chairman & President
“For EnRich to be one of the most sought after personal finance training programs in the country.”
15. Tony HerbosaCorporate Finance & Consulting at Center for Global Best Practices, Managing Director
“I have three clients looking to go public within 12 to 18 months: 1.) a Filipino owned but global cargo & remittance co.; 2) a resort company in the south; and 3) a consumer retail company with strong 'top of mind' branding. It's really all about execution now and I hope they go flawlessly




... in 2014









.”
All our hopes are high at the start of the year. My own wish is to further my advocacy on purposeful parenting and financial literacy. How about you? What are your big dreams for 2014? I hope you don’t get tired setting your goals just because the ones you set last year were not met. Setting goals and partially meeting them is better than not setting any direction at all. We love to set our goals at the start of the year because it’s like turning a new leaf and starting with a clean slate, which gives us renewed energy and drive.
I hope all our good wishes come true. For if they do, the entire country benefits.
Happy New Year and cheers to a more prosperous 2014 for everyone!
Rose
(Rose Fres Fausto is the author of the book Raising Pinoy Boys. Click this link to download free book sample To read her other articles go to www.RaisingPinoyBoys.com or PhilStar.com Author Archive. Send your questions and comments via email to maryrose_fausto@yahoo.com or text to 0917-5395770.)
This article is also published in RaisingPinoyBoys.com.
Attribution: Photos of the respondents from their corporate websites and Facebook.

Comments Below!

5 EASY WAYS TO CLEANSE AFTER UNHEALTHY EATING


We all like to go all-out for the holidays-eating cookies, cheese, casseroles-and in the days (scratch that, weeks) we spend celebrating the season, our bodies are on sugar and fat overload.

Related Article: The Photo That'll Help You Slim Down

Before you ring in the New Year (with champagne overload!), give your body this simple detox to get back to normal and ring in the new year right. No starvation or weird juice required, we promise!

Related Article: This Diet Transformed Our Skin

Skip the Coffee
Spend the next few mornings coffee free. You may think the jolt of caffeine is just the thing to get you out from under the covers, but it'll also build up carb and sugar craving for the entire day. Instead, get your caffeine fix with a cup of green tea. Just one cup helps to speed up liver activity-and after all that egg nog, you may need it!

Drink Up
Drink water, that is. Between the wine, hot toddies and spiked egg nog, rehydration is key. Focus on downing six to eight glasses of water daily. Add a lemon or orange slice for vitamin C to burn fat and decrease inflammation. Both your stomach and skin will thank you for it!
Get Your Fiber Fix
After over-indulging, you need to get your digestive system back on track, and fiber will do just that. Start with a high fiber breakfast, such as oatmeal or almond butter toast, to regulate the system and fill you up.
Give Your Muscles Some TLC
Feeling a little stiff? Add just five minutes of yoga stretches to your morning routine to open up. The twisting of the muscles during the various positions releases fresh blood as well as nutrients and oxygen to the muscles-all of which will help you recover faster. Got some extra time? Get in some cardio to really sweat it out.
Break Up With Sugar
Nothing helps you recover faster than a quick break-up. (But none of that "friends with benefits" stuff! Take a full-on break, Rachel and Ross-style.) To rid yourself of those sugar cravings, you need to go cold turkey. Skip the sweets and processed foods (which can pack in hidden sugars) in favor of veggies, fruit and whole grains.
Come New Year's Eve, your body will be ready for the overload, part two!

More from Daily Makeover:
The First Thing You Should Do When You Get To The Gym
7 Exercises for Better Sex
Find Your Perfect New Year's Eve Hairstyle

Source: Yahoo.com

HONGKONG RINGS IN NEW YEAR 2014 - FIRE WORKS DISPLAY



Thousands ring in the New Year along Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbor with a spectacular fireworks display. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).

FIREWORKS, BULLETS INJURE 260 IN PHILIPPINES NEW YEAR COUNT DOWN


Philippine authorities said more than 260 people had been injured by fireworks or stray bullets in the days leading up to New Year's Eve.



The victims of early celebrations on Tuesday included an eight-year-old boy in the central city of Cebu who lost his right hand due to a powerful firecracker and a 40-year-old woman in Manila with an accidental gun wound.
The Health Department said fireworks had injured 253 people while eight others were hit by stray bullets and warned that more injuries or even deaths were expected as the country of 100 million greets the New Year in typically noisy fashion.
Spokesman Eric Tayag said they were bracing for "50-80 fireworks related injuries every hour in the 12-hour period" before and after midnight.
It is a belief in the mostly Catholic nation that making noise to welcome the New Year drives evil spirits away and ushers in good luck.
But many take it to the extreme by firing guns into the air and letting off powerful firecrackers despite a government ban.
Last year, two children were killed by stray bullets while more than 400 people were injured.
The deaths had triggered widespread public calls for stricter gun controls in a country with a thriving black market for guns where unlicensed pistols can be bought for as little as $100.
By law shops are only allowed to stocks small fireworks but many still sell large ones that could maim or kill if not handled properly.
And on Tuesday, last minute customers were rushing to buy their supplies, ignoring government calls for solemn celebrations.
"It will not be complete without firecrackers. It's a family tradition and we can't stop it just like that," said Jepy Roxas after buying boxes of powerful firecrackers.
Among the favourites are "Judas' belt", named after the disciple who betrayed Jesus Christ, which consists of a string of triangular crackers that pop like machine gunfire when set off.
A longer version, known by the Filipino word for python, is wrapped around lamp posts or trees to be set off minutes before the clock strikes midnight.


TOP 10 FASTEST SPEED BIKES IN 2013


Speed bikes give that immense feel of adrenaline rush to its rider. That thrill factor is undeniably present with just the purr of the bike’s engine. Onlookers would whistle with admiration and excitement at the sight of a speed bike passing by almost like a flash of lightning. Bike enthusiasts are always on the lookout for what is new and to compare the specifications of each new model on the market. They would even let the hours pass by discussing and debating amongst themselves which is better. It is inherent for men to love activities that give them that thrill which why speed bikes never fail to catch their attention. Apart from speed, teenagers and adults alike find bikes a convenient way to travel. And that is why bikes are increasingly becoming more popular than they were years ago.
Several movies feature speed bikes with actors riding them. Mission Impossible II andTorque are just two Hollywood movies that used speed bikes. Notably one very high-tech and high speed monster machine is the one seen in the Batman films.
Fasten your seat belt because here are the 10 fastest bikes in 2013 that are worth looking into.

10. Ducati 1098 S

10
Number ten on the list is Italian-made Ducati 1098 S, which was first introduced to the market in 2007. This road beauty runs to a recorded speed of 169 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a matter of 3 seconds. The Ducati 1098 S bike weighs about 173 kg and it is powered by an L-twin cylinder, 4-valve per cylinder Despodromic and liquid cooled engine.

9. BMW K 1200 S

9
Ranking in ninth place is the BMW K 1200 S. Speed lovers simply adore this captivating and charming bike. The sound of its roar is proof that it really is a king of the road and it is ready to give its rider a fantastic, high speed, riding experience. This model from BMW runs at top speed at 174 mph. It is powered by 16 valves, 4 valve per cylinder, DOHC, horizontal in-line, liquid cooled engine. Without a doubt, its high-performance parts helped it earn the ninth spot on this list.

8. Aprilia RSV1000 Mille

8
Landing the eighth spot is the Aprilia RSV1000 Mille. Its elegance, smoothness and balance merited the high regard of many bikers. It was first introduced in 2004 and it runs with a speed of 175 mph. The Aprilia RSV1000 S is far better than the Ducati model. This speed bike owes its prowess to its 998 cc, 60 degree V-twin engines with a dry sum for extra firmness and steady lubrication.

7. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 (ZZR1400)

7
In seventh place comes the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 (ZZR1400) from Japan. This speed monster is the fastest and most powerful model ever manufactured by the Japanese company. It can reach a speed of 176 mph thanks to its 1052 cc 4-stroke, 4 valve per cylinder, DOHC and liquid-cooled engine. Likewise, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. The exterior physique of this powerful bike consists of an aluminum frame and masculine outline which makes bike enthusiasts swoon with admiration.

6. MV Agusta F4 1100 CC

6
The sixth spot is MV Agusta F4 1100 CC. Riders swear that they get the chill thrill when driving this hotshot of a bike. It can run at top speed of 185 mph as it is powered by a liquid cooled engine comprising of 16 radial valves, hemispherical 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC and inline. This bike has the traditional MV Agusta red and silver livery for its exterior, making it look uniquely stylistic as well.

5. Yamaha YZF R1

5
Landing the fifth spot is another speedbike from another well-known Japanese firm named Yamaha. This bike can run at top speed of 186 mph with a compression ratio of 11.8:1 with a six-speed transmission and multi-plate clutch. The R1 as it is also called is quicker compared to the Ninja ZX-14. This high speed road beauty is a real mean-machine.

4. Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird

4
Fourth place for this list is the Honda CBR1100XX speed bike. It was manufactured to challenge the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14. Back in the 1990′s, Honda was recognized in the industry to produce high-speed motorcycles. With an engine that has 1137 cc, 4 valves per cylinder and liquid-cooled, it can achieve a top speed of 190 mph thanks to its output of 153 hp at 10,000 rpm.

3. MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K

3
Hitting the number three spot is the MTT turbine Super Y2K designed by Ted McIntyre and manufactured by Marine Turbine Technologies. Bikers agree that this is one of the most stylish bikes there is. With a Rolls Royce 250-C20 Turbo engine installed, without a doubt, this bike can reach a top speed of 227 mph with ease. It has an output of 320 hp at a staggering 52,000 rpm which is why it is called Superbike Y2K.

2. Suzuki Hayabusa

Suzuki Hayabusa (GSX 1300R) takes the second spot, which is named after the Japanese term of the peregrine falcon known for its speed at vertical hunting dive. Its immense speed can reach up to 248 mph thanks to its high powered engine. This speed bike is not only known for its monster speed but for its stylishness as well, which delights the aesthetic taste of racing enthusiasts.

1. Dodge Tomahawk

1
Hitting the top spot for the fastest speed bike in the world for 2013 is the Dodge Tomahawk. This super bike can achieve an astounding top speed of 350 mph and it can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in just 1.75 seconds. Its engine is powered with 10 cylinder V-type that produces an output of 500 horse power. Its physique is quite unique. The design makes it different from the rest of the speed bikes mentioned here. Racing aficionados can definitely get that extreme feel with the Dodge Tomahawk and travel places in no time.

WHERE THE ROYALS AND MILLIONAIRE ARE PARTYING THIS NEW YEARS EVE 2013

Where The Royals And Millionaires Are Partying This New Years Eve
Many people are wondering where the millionaires and billionaires are going to be spending New Year’s Eve this year. In addition the public can’t wait to hear who will be attending their parties and what surprises are in store. Like all the previous years, the money makers of the world are pulling out all the stops to ensure the most extravagant and memorable shows within their highly exclusive locations.
It might come as a surprise but most affluent individuals prefer to keep their plans private and confidential, if not they intend to keep the events very exclusive. Those who do like the limelight are out in full force, whether they are lashing out money on expensive shows to entertain their guests or simply making appearances. One thing is sure; when they do organize a party you are sure that a long list of celebrity attendances will be among the guests. Here is a look at some of the most rich and famous individuals in the world and their plans this New Years Eve.
Richard Branson
104_1richard_branson_2It’s rather predictable that the popular Virgin enterprise owner, Mr. Branson, be featured. Apart from the fact that he is wealthy beyond imagination, he will be celebrating New Year’s Eve on his notorious Necker Island. According to sources, he has invited numerous A-list celebrities to join him in the festivities. Rumored celebrities included on the invitation list are Justin BieberBrad PittKate Winslet and Ashton Kutcher. What is certain though is that the pop group One Direction will be responsible for the main entertainment and Mr. Branson aims to provide a fun and relaxing scene for his guests.
Roman Abramovich
Roman-Abramovich1The owner of the Chelsea football club, Roman Abramovich will be celebrating on his 70 acre Gouverneur Bay Estate located in the Caribbean. With a net worth of $13.6 billion, he is well known for throwing spectacular parties with a variety of celebrity guests and famous performers. Last year he recruited the legendary rock band Kings of Leon, and this year he wants Adele to be the main attraction. Whether she will make the anticipated appearance is not set in stone, but there is no news about other artists being contracted, so she might actually show. Apparently a great firework display will be awaiting his guests. Apparently the party will be running a bill of 5 million pounds (8.2 million  USD).
Prince William
PRINCE-WILLIAM-KATE-MIDDLETON-OFFICIAL-ENGAGEMENT-It is on good authority that Prince William and wife Kate will be spending New Year’s Eve with Kate’s parents in Bucklebury, Berkshire. Although they are going to try and spend time with both families, it seems they are going to ring in 2014 with their closest family members. There aren’t any rumors of a big party and considering the new born baby Prince George, it should remain a quiet event. Brother to Prince William, Harry also received an invitation to Richard Branson’s party.
Donald Trump
"The Celebrity Apprentice" Season FinaleOne would think for such an eccentric billionaire there would be some big activity around the Trump household. On the contrary, Mr. Trump humbly stated on twitter that he will be spending New Year’s Eve at home with wife  Melania Trump and son Barron. Apparently he likes to keep to this family tradition and which home he is talking about is not clear.
Paris Hilton
celebrities-paris-hilton-223337This outspoken celebrity millionaire mentioned her January 31st whereabouts on Twitter, stating she would be on the Las Vegas strip with numerous other stars, more specifically the Hyde Bellagio. She will be joined by the likes of Bruno Mars and John Legend in celebrating the last night of 2013. Hilton will be hosting nightclub bashes which are sponsored by the casinos and will no doubt entertain the guests with her celebrity status.
Ryan Seacrest
10943Real time millionaire Ryan Seacrest will be joining a gang of celebrities in Time Square in anticipation for the ball to drop. He will be hosting the show, Dick Clark‘s New Year’s Rockin Eve with Ryan SeacrestJenny McCarthy will be co-hosting while talents like Miley Cyrus are going to perform.

SOURCE: http://www.therichest.com


WHERE ARE THE 10 BEST COUNTRIES TO LIVE, IN 2014


Have you ever wondered how much better your life might be if you lived abroad? If so, you’re not alone; while Dorothy might have been right that there’s no place like home, millions of people across the world still emigrate yearly in pursuit of a better standard of living comparative to their home country.
What is it that makes one country a ‘better’ place to live than another? Of course, on one level that’s a subjective issue – the answer to which depends on your priorities. If you have children, being in a place that can provide a safe and secure environment might be essential. A young student will want to live in a place that provides affordable education. As an adult forging your career path, you’ll probably want to be somewhere that offers the highest possible income for your skill set. For newlywed couples, affordable housing is often a concern. If you’re struggling to find a job, you might be inclined to move somewhere with a lower unemployment rate. Sometimes, people just want to live in a place where they can feel like they belong; a place with a strong sense of community. And finally, let’s not forget something we all need – our health. Ease of access to healthcare, clean water and the sanity of public facilities has a huge impact on overall well-being.
But there is a generally accepted, objective scale for assessing the overall well-being of a nation. Each of the member countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development are assessed and ranked according to the ‘better life index’, which examines how satisfied a nation is with every crucial aspect of their life; from housing to income and jobs, to civic engagement and community. Things like work/life balance, education and safety feature on the scale too. With every aspect of life given equal importance, the Better Life Index tells us which countries are objectively ‘better’ according to the statistics. Read on to find out which ten countries have been impartially assessed as having the best quality of life in the world, according to the most recent report from the OECD Better Life Index. The quality of life is assessed out of 10; when you check out these figures, contextualise it with the fact that Turkey has the lowest score of all the OECD countries with a quality of life of just 2.71 / 10…

10. United Kingdom: 7.56


Citizens in the United Kingdom have a generally comfortable income and an above-average rate of employment. The UK consistently ranks high on the Better Life index, and this year it scored 8.8 out of 10 on the Community scale, meaning that the Brits are some of the most community-centric people in the world today. This means the British public are generally heavily involved in volunteer work, are conscientious neighbors and good Samaritans. The United Kingdom also got an excellent score on the Environment scale; there’s plenty of untouched landscape, protected regions and minimal air pollution compared to most countries in the world – although we’d guess that London must be an exception to that rule! It’s not good news for the poor in Britain though, as there’s still a huge gap between the rich and poor with the top 20% of the population earning about 600% more than the bottom fifth of the population.

9. Iceland: 7.56


Iceland, ranking marginally above the UK, is off-the-scale in terms of its Community, with a neat 10/10 on the scale in a country full of do-gooders and volunteers. The Icelandic people are also big on the environment, like so many of their fellow Europeans; lots of recycling, clean water, pure air and renewable energy means Iceland scores 9.2/10 on the Environment scale. People in Iceland are generally well-educated, with a higher level of literacy than the average and with girls outperforming boys in school. A lower than average yearly income doesn’t seem to get them down; they have a 94% level of Life Satisfaction. The OECD Better Life scale found that people with a higher level of education generally experience a higher level of life satisfaction, so that could have something to do with Icelanders’ positive outlook.

8. Netherlands: 7.59


When it comes to doing your civic duty, people in the Netherlands know how to get the job done. Having a voice when it comes to governmental elections is one of the most patriotic feelings a citizen can have. In the Netherlands, there is an 88% voter turnout among registered voters. Talk about power in numbers!

7. Denmark: 7.66


We’re sticking with Europe for the seventh best country in which to live. If you feel like you spend far too much time at work, and crave more time enjoy hobbies or spend with your family, then Denmark’s the place for you. With a high level of Life Satisfaction, a clean environment and an 8.8/10 for safety, the Danes have their well-being covered. But best of all, is their incredible work-life balance; only 2% of Danes reported working long hours. On average, employees in Denmark only work 1,522 hours annually – compared to the international OECD average of 1,776 hours.


6. United States: 7.67


The land of the free (market) is the place to go to make money. When it comes to personal income, no one comes close to the United States. In the United States, the average household net-adjusted disposable income is $38,001 USD. More money means more spending, which has established the U.S. as an economic giant – the U.S. has a 10/10 score in the Income category of OECD’s Better Life index. Of course, there’s a dark side to this attractive statistic; the top 20% in the U.S. earn a shocking 800% more than the bottom fifth, making this one of the worst wealth gaps in the world. America also scores relatively high for safety, but falls just below average on literacy. America’s lowest scoring category was civic engagement, with only 5.8/10; meaning the U.S. citizens aren’t big on exercising their democratic vote as a nation, and the government in turn isn’t very easily accessible or transparent. It’s interesting to note that the wealth gap might influence the U.S. civic engagement; voter turnout was significantly lower among the bottom 20% of the country’s earners compared with the top.

5. Switzerland: 7.85


Considering that the OECD covers 34 countries, it’s remarkable that a full four of the five Nordic countries feature in the top 10 of the Better Life index. Switzerland ranks among the top achievers for its fantastic employment rate, it’s sense of community, its stunning health rating – 9.3/10 – and its perfect 10 score for Life Satisfaction. They fall down on the civic engagement though; with a score of only 3.6/10, voter turn-out is far below average in Switzerland. Maybe they’re so content they simply aren’t bothered to change a thing!

4. Norway: 7.88


Looking for a job? You’ll probably find it in Norway. Over there, 75% of the working-age population has a paid job and Norwegians rated their Job market at 8.6/10 – meaning job security is good, long-term unemployment is low and average earnings are comfortable. Norway also scores particularly high – over 9/10 – in the area of Life Satisfaction, Safety and Work-Life balance.

3. Canada: 7.91


The image of the happy-go-lucky, welcoming Canuck is a cliché for a reason; Canada is one of the very safest places of the OECD member countries. When it comes to most serious crimes like assaults and homicide, Canada’s numbers are very low – only 1.3% of Canadian residents reported themselves victims of assault in the last year, far below the OECD average of 4%. And when it comes something as simple as an evening stroll, 81% of people feel safe walking alone at night. Canada’s health system scores high too, with a life expectancy of 81 years and a higher than average annual government spending on health care.

2. Sweden: 7.95


Sweden is a nation of academics, with an over 10% higher than average rate of high school graduates. Unusually, though, the level of literacy is slightly lower than the average – which goes to show that statistics can be deceiving! Sweden is at number 2 on our list because it doesn’t rank particularly low in any of the categories for overall well-being; with a good score on Civic Engagement, a high level of life satisfaction, a great environment and a positive work/life balance, Sweden is an attractive choice for the ambitious traveller.

1. Australia: 7.95


If you want to move up in the world, go Down Under. In Australia, they live long and well. Life expectancy at birth in Australia stands at 82 years, which is two years more than the average. The Ozzies are more involved with their government than any other country, with an unprecedented 9.5/10 for Civic Engagement. It looks like democracy works, at least for Australians; they’ve got a high level of life satisfaction, a very high level of safety and are generally in very good health. They work hard though, and their work-life balance is lower than most of the countries in the top 10. All things considered though – including housing, education, income and jobs – Australia tops the list as the country with the highest level of well-being in the world, ranking just slightly above Sweden. It’s no wonder Oz is one of the countries with the highest rates of immigration in the world.

Source: http://www.therichest.com