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Steve Jobs, Apple Inc. founder and Chief Executive, announced Monday that his doctors discovered a hormonal imbalance in his system that has been causing his weight loss.  The announcement came after rumors circulated that Jobs was in poor health.  Rumors actually started when Apple declared that Jobs would not be making his annual keynote address in the Macworld conference.  After surviving pancreatic cancer, many assumed the worst.

The 54-year old CEO said his treatment was relatively simple and he will remain at the helm of Apple.  He explains that the hormonal imbalance is robbing him of proteins that his body needs to be healthy.  This was confirmed by sophisticated bloodtest that he underwent.  As he now starts treatment, doctor’s anticipate that he will be able to recover his health by Spring.

The company’s board released a statement affirming their confidence in Jobs and that he will continue to lead the organization.

Probably the most frustrating cleaning activity I do is sanitizing the bathroom and keeping the walls stain-free.  However, despite my best efforts, mold and mildew are my worst enemies.  I have tried all the cleaners and formulas in the market.  Yet, the best that can happen is to lighten that stain.

A friend of mine suggested that I just leave it to the experts.  Aside from being very tedious work, the chemicals from the solutions I use may not be good for my health.  There is also no assurance that these pesky mold are harmless to the family’s health.  As such, it is best to let the professionals get rid of it totally.  The best one out there is Water Restoration 911.  Water Restoration provides experts in Black Mold Removal which should be treated with caution due to health risks.  They will eliminate the mold, mildew, or fungus by determining the cause and implementing the effective solution.

The company not only excels in cleaning molds, but are also highly trained to handle biohazard and toxic materials, proper disposal of waste, and repairing moisture problems.  Aside from mold and fungus remediation, they also do restoration of fire and smoke damage, and likewise solve sewage problems.  So, if you’re worried about the sanitation in your home, leave it to the experts.

Jett Travolta, 16-year old son of actor John Travolta was found dead in the Grand Bahama Hotel Friday.  The teen was discovered by the caretaker and was rushed to the nearest hospital.  Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead.

According to officials, Jett was prone to seizures and must have had one in the bathroom and hit his head on the tub.  No official cause of death has been released but 2 experts have been brought in to perform the autopsy.

Apparently, the family was on their regular vacation in the Bahamas when the tragedy occured.  Jett is John’s eldest and is known to be very close to his father.  Though John and Kelly Preston have not made any statements, friends close to the family say that both parents are devastated.  There had been previous rumors that Jett was autistic.  However, John and Kelly clarified that their son acquired Kawasaki Disease when he was 2 years old, which explains their son’s weak health.

The official autopsy report is expected to be released by Monday.

Gone are the days when fashion only encompasses shirts, dresses, pants, or shoes.  In the 21st century, accessories make more of a fashion statement as they highlight your entire look.  A bad-looking bag can ruin an entire wardrobe even if you’re wearing fashionable designer clothes.  And one of the more important accessory I consider essential in making a fashion statement are eyeglasses.

However, designer eyeglasses can be pricey.  While the economy is in a slump, it is best to be resourceful and find good value for your hard-earned money.  When it comes to quality and fashionable eyeglasses, no other retailer comes close to giving the best prices than Zenni Optical.  Zenni Optical offers frames for as low as $8.00.  Unlike other retailers, they make their own frames and sell them directly to customers — no middlemen to jack up the price higher.

And since they are so affordable, anyone can afford more than 1 set and find those than can match your different wardrobes.  Last I checked, they offer Holiday frames that would be perfect for the season.  I absolutely adored them and chose a blue frame with a print of Santa and reindeers across a starlit sky.  It is perfect and can become  a conversation piece at the office or even during holiday parties.  Check out their frames now and get a pair to match the spirit of the season.

Bristol Palin, daughter of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, just gave birth to a son Sunday.  The 18-year old named her son Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston.  The baby weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and is said to be in very good condition.

The baby’s father is Levi Johnston, a former hockey player at Alaska’s Wasilla High School.  During the campaign period, Levi announced that they were in love and did plan to get married even before Bristol got pregnant.  Johnston, who dropped out of high school to take a job on the North Slope oil fields as an apprentice electrician, said he was a little shocked to learn that Bristol was pregnant but quickly warmed to the idea of being a father.  He now looks forward to hunting and fishing with his son in the future.

A sad ending to 2008 is the start of a full-scale war between Israel and the Hamas, the ruling Palestinian political party in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.  Israel launched its deadliest campaign in decades against the Palestinians in response to rocket fired on civilians at southern Israeli towns.  The Palestinian attack was implemented following the end of the agreed ceasefire on Dec. 19, 2008.  Hamas leaders likewise threatened the increase of suicide attacks inside Israel.

On the third day of its Gaza assault, Israel’s air force turned to rubble symbols of Hamas power, striking next to the Hamas premier’s home, devastating a security compound and flattening a building at a university linked to the Islamic group.  Death toll has reached 315 while 1,400 are wounded.  According to the UN, 51 of the dead are civilians with 8 under the age of 17.  Since midday Saturday, Israel has launched about 300 airstrikes on Gaza.

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After turning 50 a few months ago, rumor has it that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, is in very critical health condition and may need a lung transplant.  Jackson’s biographer, Ian Halperin, revealed that Jackson is struggling with a genetic disease caled A1AD (alpha-1 anti-trysin deficiency) where the affected person lacks a certain protein that protects the lungs.

Halperin claims that the pop idol also has emphysema and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding which doctors have difficulty controlling.  Jackson allegedly even has trouble speaking.  And to make matters worse, Halperin claims that 95% of Jackson’s vision in his left eye is already gone.

Though there has been no confirmation on the report, it was notable that Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s brother, commented that his little brother is not doing so well when asked about the situation.

Whether it is true or not, hope things get better.  Michael Jackson has lived an extraordinary difficult life despite the fame and the affluence.

Resources leaked that TR Knight, the actor that plays Dr. George O’Malley, is set to be released from his contract in Grey’s Anatomy. The 35-year old actor still has 3 years to go under his contract. However, he asked to be released as he is unhappy with the storyline.

ABC reps refuse to comment as the negotiation is till hush hush at the moment. TR Knight had previous issues with male co-stars who made jokes about the actor being gay. TR had always been open about his sexual orientation but felt maligned when his co-stars make fun of it.

I haven’t seen Grey’s Anatomy after the first season. The drama of medical doctors and their personal lives and love stories felt old to me. With TR Knight out of the show, I doubt the show will get more mileage than it should. Staring at McDreamy and his lovelife can get pretty tiring too.

Manny Pacquiao proved that youth was better than experience in his fight with Oscar de la Hoya on December 6, 2008. Pacquiao dominated the fight from the start till the 8th round hitting the older fighter continuously while dodging and dancing around avoiding hits.
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Gunmen in separate groups stormed luxury hotels, a popular restaurant, hospitals and a crowded train station in coordinated attacks across India’s financial capital, Mumbai, killing at least 100 people and wounding about 120 people. The group likewise took Westerners hostage. A group of suspected Muslim militants claimed responsibility for the attacks.
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The most awaited boxing match this year is the bout between Oscar de la Hoya and Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on December 6, 2008. According to the MGM/Mirage Race and Sports Book, De La Hoya is about a 2-1 favorite over Pacquiao. This is can be attributed to De La Hoya’s 4-inch height advantage and the fact that current lightweight champion (135-pound) Pacquiao has never fought at the 147-pound agreed weight level.
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Here’s good news for techies and IPhone junkies. Apple just released its 2.2 Firmware update and other goodies for the IPhone.  Also available is Google Street View and over the air Podcast downloads from iTunes.  Google Street View shows public transit and walking directions plus the ability to share your location via email.

Aside from bug fixes and Safari enhancements, the ability to toggle auto-text correction was added as an additional feature.  Another big update are podcast downloads.  Here are more shots courtesy of Engadget.

After 15 years, Guns N Roses finally releases its long-awaited album Chinese Democracy. The album is expected to sell like pancakes as it makes history as the longest album ever in production. Adding to the hype and marketing is the free Dr. Pepper soda that will be given to everyone. Yes, that’s right. Believing that the band will not be able to release the album in 2008, Dr. Pepper promised in March free sodas for everyone if Chinese Democracy is released within 2008. The album will be exclusively available at Best Buy and ITunes.

Now, that’s what I call marketing. You think the soda company will lose money? Well, it will probably be one of their most expensive marketing campaigns, but the stunt could also prove to be profitable as Dr. Pepper is currently the most searched for word today in Google. I expect that the report will be in most blogs at the moment while having a Dr. Pepper in your hand will be the hottest fashion within the next few weeks.

You can register at www.drpepper.com and get your coupon for the free soda. Registration is available only today, so grab the opportunity now. However, traffic is said to be enormous and it will not be surprising if you find yourself waiting for your free coupon.

More than 40 years after John Lennon declared that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus Christ, the Vatican newspapers apparently has granted its forgiveness to the blasphemy. Vatican press declared that the remark was nothing more than a young man’s boastful statement following sudden fame. The article went on to offer their praise to the pop band as it remembered the 40th anniversary of the Beatles’ The White Album.
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After announcing massive layoffs from large corporations, reports have come in that unemployment is at a 16-year high with over 10 million jobless. As the impact of the economic crises continues to millions of Americans, incumbent President George W. Bush makes last-minute laws to aid ailing citizens before he steps down. Bush signed a bill Friday extending unemployment benefits by another 7 weeks in all states and another 13 weeks for states with unemployment rates that have averaged 6% or higher over the most recent three months.
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