Tonight's Full Moon is Largest and Brightest of 2008

If tonight's full moon appears larger and more luminous than usual, it's not because you're loony or due for a new pair of glasses. The moon, you see, orbits Earth in an ellipse with one end closer to Earth than the other; tonight's full moon corresponds closely with the orbit's perigee, the closer end of that ellipse. (The more distant end of the ellipse is known as apogee.) What's more, tonight's perigee will bring the moon and Earth closer together than they have been at full moon since 1993. (Left photo courtesy of NASA).

That means that tonight's moon will appear 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than the usual full moons this year. While the size of the moon can be difficult to gauge in the middle of the night sky, its luminosity should be more readily apparent: the nearby moon should light up the outdoors tonight "like a cosmic floodlamp,".

I have my own shot of tonight's heavenly wonder courtesy of my mobile phone's camera(picture at right). I waited patiently for the moon to appear at its largest and brightest which was said to be at around 7:45 p.m. (Manila time zone), Saturday night, the 13th of December 2008.

A lot of stories, both fact and fiction, have been associated with full moons. The full moon has been linked to crime, suicide, mental illness, disasters, accidents, birthrates, fertility, and werewolves, among other things. Some people even buy and sell stocks according to phases of the moon, a method proven to be quite successful according to some who practice this one.

Numerous studies have tried to find lunar effects on the many aspects of human life and behavior. So far, the studies have failed to establish much of interest. Lunar effects that have been found have little or nothing to do with human behavior, e.g., the discovery of a slight effect of the moon on global temperature which in turn might have an effect on the growth of plants. Of course, there have been studies here and there that have tried to establish correlations between various phases of the moon and this or that phenomenon, but nothing significant has been replicated sufficiently to warrant claiming a probable causal relationship.

For now, we can only believe those that were proven through scientific investigations. And for the more fascinating stories link to full moons, some of them may be proven in time by science.

Hello and goodnight, full moon.

SM Mall of Asia: Largest in Southeast Asia, 7th Largest in the World

From a department store in Quiapo, Manila, SM has come to define the country's biggest and best malls. As early as the 1970's they built their branch in Makati which was then a sizable one. In 1997, they built SM Megamall, the biggest mall of that time. Cut to May 2006, and they've done it again by building the largest mall now.

The SM Mall of Asia is the largest shopping mall in the Philippines and the 7th largest shopping mall in the world. In terms of gross floor size, it is next to the South Dongguan Mall, Golden Resources Mall, Central World Plaza, Seacon Square, Runwal Arcade - Mumbai.

The name SM Mall of Asia has captured the imagination not just of Filipinos but also of tourists from around the world. The sheer size and uniqeness of it is enough to draw the day tripper's curiosity.

The numbers can be mind boggling: 600 shops, 150 restaurants, 5,000 parking spaces and an Olympic size skating rink which is described as the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Two elevated walkways from the second level of the mall that extend across an avenue towards the Manila bay. The result is a clear and wide ranging view of the most spectacular sunset in the world.

One of the mall's main attractions is the first ever IMAX theater in the country, along with a Director's Club Theater for intimate screenings, a Premiere Cinema, and the CenterStage Cinema which can used for live musical concerts and theatrical performances.

The Mall of Asia is far from just being a mall, it's an extension of the Filipino home for the rest of the world to see and visit.

Post-Mortem on Pacquiao-Hoya Bout: My Faltered Forecast

Now the outcome of the Pacquiao-dela Hoya bout turned my fearless forecast into a faltered one. (Please read below).

But I had never doubted Pacman’s big heart. More than anything else, that has been his most potent weapon. On the other hand, I just thought that dela Hoya was such a formidable foe for him considering all the tales of the tape. Matter of fact, I was not alone. Many, if not all fans and followers of Pacquiao, were also as arbitrary as anyone. Proof was the betting odds (100:165) which never changed until the last minute. Manny was the underdog all the way.

Then the actual fight was a bit different. From the first to the eight round Manny was slightly ahead of dela Hoya on points (10-9 per round). Though on the last few minutes of the first round dela Hoya unleashed some few combinations which Manny skillfully evaded, though he was hit a couple of times. As expected Manny came in the aggressive fighter landing 169 punches on the first 6 rounds as against dela Hoya’s 69. Dela Hoya was trying to conserve energy by dancing around and giving occasional shots while Manny was relentlessly coming into his face and body until on the fifth round he caught up with dela Hoya on the left eye.

By the seventh round, dela Hoya had an obviously swollen face. Manny took advantage of this and continued to unleash a barrage of punches on the eight round hitting dela Hoya all over. This time, dela Hoya’s left eye seems to be badly swollen.

Then came the buzzer for the ninth round. Surprisingly, the handlers of dela Hoya threw in the towel signaling the end of the fight. They must have sensed that with a badly swollen left eye and the way Manny is attacking dela Hoya, it was safer to give up the fight that early rather than suffer humiliation by seeing their protégée fell down to the canvass. That was still a technical knockout (TKO).

This fight affirmed more than ever that the big-hearted Manny Pacquiao is the greatest Filipino fighter today and of the recent past.

Mabuhay ka Manny! Mabuhay ang Pilipino!

The Pacquiao-Dela Hoya Caper: My Fearless Forecast

Much has been said and written about the Pacquiao – Dela Hoya encounter on Sunday, December 7, 2008 (Manila time zone). And there is almost no more room for another analysis much more a fearless forecast, so-to-speak. But even then, I feel that I still have the right to assert mine, and me - never been an authority in boxing – notwithstanding.

In terms of height dela Hoya is 5-inch taller (5’11”) than Pacquiao (5”6”) but this gap shall be made even by Manny’s speed and agility.

In terms of reach dela Hoya has 6-inch advantage (73”) over Pacquiao (67”) but this will be overcome by Manny’s ability to dive in with his punches and pull away at the blink of an eye. This time, he should do a Muhammad Ali: “sting like a bee and dance like a butterfly”; and one more thing: he should heed Tyson’s unsolicited advice: “never approach dela Hoya head first, rather ride on a barrage of punches..”. Fine.

In terms of experience dela Hoya held the champ belts in six divisions while Pacquiao is king in four divisions but Pacquiao had 49-3-1 record compared to dela Hoya’s 38-5-2. By number of fights, Pacquiao had more.

Pacquiao’s only edge are his youth (7 yrs younger than dela Hoya), his speed and agility, and probably his punch power too. But we have yet to see the effect of added pounds on Pacquiao’s punch power and agility since he is climbing up a heavier weight class. To some boxers this was an advantage, but to some it turned out to be a jinx.

Dela Hoya says, they can box, counter-punch or brawl and this is the kind of fight that's gonna end in a knock-out. Pacquiao says, this is the most important fight in his boxing career.

I say that this fight is gonna end like this:

The fight shall go the distance with both men still standing up to the last round and the winner shall be declared by a split decision. In such case, nobody is real winner and loser. That will be good for both of them in their boxing career and the re-match will certainly be more exciting than this first one.

Ros-Lehtinen hangs up on Obama. Twice!

Is Ileana Ros-Lehtinen a little paranoid?

Maybe.

On Wednesday, the Republican congresswoman got a call from President-elect Barack Obama, didn't believe it was him, and hung up on him. Twice.

According to Ros-Lehtinen's flack Alex Cruz, the congresswoman received the call on her cell phone from a Chicago-based number and an aide informed her that Obama wanted to speak to her. When Obama introduced himself, Ros-Lehtinen cut him off and said, "I'm sorry but I think this is a joke from one of the South Florida radio stations known for these pranks." Then she hung up.

Moments later, Obama tried again, this time through his soon-to-be chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel.

"Ileana, I cannot believe you hung up on the President-Elect," Emanuel said. And then--yes, you know what's coming--she hung up on Emanuel saying she "didn't believe the call was legitimate."

A short time later, Ros-Lehtinen received an urgent call from Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, who informed her that she indeed hung up on Obama.

So, Obama tried again and this time he was successful. (Phew!)

"It is very funny that you have twice hung up on me," Obama said. Ros Lehtinen responded by telling Obama that radio stations in South Florida always make these sorts of jokes. Obama said similar pranksters reside in Chi-town.

"You are either very gracious to reach out in such a bipartisan manner or had run out of folks to call if you are truly calling me and Saturday Night Live could use a good Obama impersonator like you," Ros-Lehtinen joked with the president-elect.

Ros-Lehtinen then congratulated Obama on his victory and pledged to work together on behalf of all Americans. She also asked Obama to call Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Rep. Albio Sire (D-NJ) to discuss Cuba policy.

Here's hoping they don't hang up on him.

Pres. Obama's Economic Recovery Plan

With the economy in crisis, President-elect Barack Obama urged the new Congress to pass a quick economic stimulus bill, pledged help for the troubled auto industry and bless the Bush administration's bailout of the financial industry.

Even so, he conceded, "The economy is likely to get worse before it gets better," a downbeat forecast, delivered 57 days before he takes the oath of office and as Americans headed into the year-end holiday season.

Barring swift action, "most experts now believe that we could lose millions of jobs next year," he said, urging the newly elected Congress to act quickly on his plans after opening its session on Jan. 6.

At a news conference, Obama was critical of the Big Three automakers, saying he was surprised they did not have a better-thought-out plan for their future before asking Congress to approve $25 billion in emergency loans.

He said once he sees a plan, he expects "we're going to be able to shape a rescue."

Obama declined to say how large a stimulus package he wants from Congress. Democratic lawmakers speculated over the weekend that the price tag could reach $700 billion over two years as the nation struggles to emerge from a recession compounded by a credit crunch. "It's going to be costly," the president-elect said.

The stock market had been climbing before Obama spoke but then slipped during his news conference, reducing its gain from 300 points to 200. It rose higher again later. Analysts said investors were looking for more specifics of an economic stimulus plan, and also wanted Obama to state that he would set aside a plan to raise taxes on the richest Americans.

Obama made his comments as he unveiled the top members of his economic team, beginning with New York Federal Reserve President Timothy Geithner to be his treasury secretary. Geithner, 47, is a veteran of financial crises at home and overseas and has worked closely with the Bush administration in recent months.

Obama chose Lawrence Summers as director of his National Economic Council. Summers was treasury secretary under former President Bill Clinton.

Obama said his newly minted economic team offered "sound judgment and fresh thinking" at a time of economic peril.

He expressed confidence the nation would weather the crisis "because we've done it before."

Obama also announced two other members of his economic team in the making. He named Christina Romer as chair of his Council of Economic Advisers, and Melody Barnes as director of his White House Domestic Policy Council.

Obama's principal theme was urgency.

"We do not have a minute to waste," he said, citing the turmoil in the financial markets as well as the deterioration of the broader economy.

He also said he would "honor the commitments made by the current administration" to deal with the problems, signaling approval of the Bush administration's latest effort to rescue Citigroup as well as the broader $700 billion bailout designed to shore up the financial markets.

Bush said earlier in the day that the government's dramatic rescue of Citigroup was necessary to "safeguard the financial system" and help the economy recover, and he said there could be more such moves if other institutions need help.

"We have made these kind of decisions in the past. We made one last night. And if need be we will make these kind of decisions to safeguard our financial system in the future," Bush said.

As a candidate, Obama was a supporter of the $700 billion bailout measure.

Any stimulus plan would greatly exceed the $175 billion price tag Obama had suggested as a candidate.

At the news conference, he said he wanted to create 2.5 million jobs by the end of 2010. He also said he wants the legislation to incorporate his campaign ideas for new jobs in environmentally friendly technologies — the "green economy." He added that deficit concerns would have to take a back seat to the goal of reinvigorating the economy.

As a candidate, Obama called for cutting taxes for the middle class and said he wanted to eliminate Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthy. In his news conference, he reaffirmed support for reducing the burden on the middle class but was equivocal on how quickly he would act on taxes affecting those who are better off. Many economists caution that raising taxes can make a recession worse, and the president-elect said he would await a recommendation from his advisers on whether to follow through on his earlier pledge.

His call for quick congressional action was welcomed by Senate Majority leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. "With the cooperation of our Republican colleagues, we intend to send a plan to the White House as soon as possible following President-elect Obama's inauguration," Reid said.

Obama spoke one day after a senior adviser, David Axelrod said, "We want to hit the ground running on Jan. 20."

Echoing that, the second-ranking House Democrat, Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, said, "We expect to have during the first couple of weeks of January a package for the president's consideration when he takes office."

While Obama and his team are focused on the work of the new Congress, they also weighed in on work pending before the current one.

Axelrod warned automakers seeking billions in government help to devise a plan to retool and restructure that they can present to Congress next month. Otherwise, he said, "there is very little taxpayers can do to help them."

The emphasis on the economy began Saturday when Obama outlined the framework to save or create 2.5 million jobs by the end of 2010.

But there were no plans to balance the tax cuts with an immediate tax increase on the wealthy. During the campaign, Obama said he would pay for increased tax relief by raising taxes on people making more than $250,000.

"There won't be any tax increases in the January package," said one Obama aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the details of the Obama package have not been fleshed out.

Obama could delay any tax increase to 2011, when current Bush administration tax cuts expire.

House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio urged Obama to make that explicit. "Why wouldn't we have the president-elect say, `I am not going to raise taxes on any American in my first two years in office?'"

Some economists have endorsed spending up to $600 billion to revive the economy. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and former labor Secretary Robert Reich, a member of Obama's economic advisory board, both suggested $500 billion to $700 billion.

Pres. Obama's first job: putting the financial turmoil in order

We all know that Barack Obama is the newly elected president. Now, that the US has a new president does it mean that he can alleviate the financial turmoil of his country?

Obama’s first job out of college was in 1983 at the corporate consulting firm Business International Corp. located in Manhattan. He started as a researcher that turns quickly to the position of financial writer. He sometimes imagine himself as a “captain of industry, barking out orders, closing the deal,” when he caught his image in the shiny elevator doors.

Though, the inconvenient twists of history are about to force President Obama into becoming that man he saw in the elevator image. He developed earnest position papers on tax policy, health-care reform and clean energy.

After being elected President of the United States and realize that his imagination is turning into reality, Obama begin his job as President to help his country and its people. He pursues to open tax breaks for small businesses and create new jobs for the big companies. He is in the position to shape the future of a fragile housing industry and its related financial markets.

Many opportunities are in store for the American citizen if President Obama will do what he says on his platform. But critics say his Democratic Congress who push for card-check legislation will only lead to higher wages and a dangerous drag on job creation.

He convened a summit on the impending financial crisis that also included Robert Rubin, former Bush Treasury chief Paul O’Neill, J.P. Morgan Chase, CEO Jamie Dimon, Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, as well as top union leaders.

Most of the US Presidents are governors for the reason that they already experienced running a large, complex organization but in Obama’s case the only major organization he has ever run is his own campaign but it was an impressive enterprise.

Truly, Obama is breaking history and may he also do something new for the betterment of his country and the world as well.