Why Facebook is so Popular?

When you’re perusing your Facebook account, your brain might be fooling you into thinking you’re doing something incredibly creative and productive that will improve your life. If only that were true! Scientists in Milan and at M.I.T. examined the various physiological states of 30 people using Facebook compared to when they were relaxing looking at natural panoramas or taking a math test. 

They measured physical and psychological responses including breathing rate, brain activation, and pupil dilation, and found that only while looking at Facebook (not while looking at nature pics or doing math), the study subjects were transported into a “core flow state,” which is that thing that people often call, simply, flow. It’s what you might experience when you’re practicing an instrument, or if you’re writing and feeling like everything is just, well, flowing. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes it wonderfully in this TED talk. 

We already know Facebook is harder to resistthan cigarettes and alcohol. So it’s not all that surprising that Facebook is enjoyable. Cocaine is enjoyable! But like an addictive drug, the results suggest the social network might have a sinister effect: Facebook makes you think you’re being productive when really you’re probably just telling everyone how delicious your lunch was and discovering that your best friend’s cousin’s baby just ate squash. 

That’s why perhaps it’s important to keep in mind what Harvard’s Daniel Gulati said: over time, Facebook is making us miserable. Everyone is a shiny happy person on Facebook. Very few people share their insecurities, misgivings, evenings spent alone in the fetal position. And if you experience any of that you might feel very much alone if your visiting Facebook often. In which case maybe consider playing your favorite instrument, hanging out with your kids, working on that novel, or doing something else that leads to actual flow. [Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking]

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VIDEO: Taiwan tabloid cheers on PNoy, Pacman vs China's 'bully panda'

MANILA, Philippine – "Who is going to tell the Chinese how ridiculous their claims are?" asks the voiceover in an animated video commentary produced by Taiwan's tabloid sensation Next Media Animation (NMA.tv)

As NMA's video sees it, it takes nothing more than a hammer-wielding President Benigno Aquino III and an Uncle Sam-coached Manny Pacquiao to finally beat out China's bully panda over the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

In the video released on Thursday - a day before multi-country rallies staged by Filipinos to protest China's "encroachment" and "bullying" on Friday - Aquino is portrayed breaking a Chinese flag pole hoisted by a huge panda. 

Later on, Pacquiao dukes it out in the boxing ring with the panda. Pacquiao has in his corner America's icon of patriotism, Uncle Sam. -interaksyon.com

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PH must prepare for war, says Enrile

While most of the senators are calling for a peaceful resolution, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said the Philippines must be prepared for a possible war with China.

“That is already an indication that China is grabbing the place from us. Nagiging grabber na ang China,” Enrile said, commenting on the rising number of Chinese vessels in the disputed Panatag shoal. 
 
“We must prepare. We better buy war equipment. We better buy our weapons, our means of defense,” Enrile told reporters.

But in a separate interview, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said the Philippines has no capability to wage war.

Trillanes pointed out that the law which was supposed to ensure military modernization has failed due to corruption.

Some senators meanwhile urged the government to refrain from aggravating the tension with China.

Senators Trillanes, Loren Legarda, and Manny Villar said although it is clear that Scarborough belongs to the Philippines, the standoff should be resolved through diplomatic means.

“Hindi na kailangang palalain ang away sa China. Tumahimik na lang muna tayo. Hindi naman pagkaduwag iyon. Maliwanag na atin iyang Scarborough. Ito ay talagang sa diplomasya lang natin mareresolba,” Villar told reporters.

Legarda also urged both countries to “focus on what builds, not on what destroys” as any act of violence would only compromise peace and security in the region.

“Scarborough Shoal clearly belongs to the Philippines as it is within the 200 miles exclusive economic zone of the country and the Philippines has exercised effective jurisdiction and effective occupation over the area,” added Legarda, head of the Senate committee on Foreign Relations.

The standoff started when Chinese ships blocked a Philippine navy crew from arresting Chinese fishermen who were spotted taking marine species.

Based on its historical map, China claims sovereignty over the Panatag Shoal, which it refers to as Huangyan Island.

Nevertheless, Legarda said the current dispute over Scarborough Shoal will not affect the bilateral relations between the two countries.


YahooPH

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Philippines says US to protect it in South China Sea

AFP The Philippines said Wednesday the United States had pledged to protect it from attacks in the South China Sea, a day after China issued a warning over a territorial row in the waters.

Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said he had received the assurances during talks in Washington last week in which the Philippines' increasingly tense dispute with China over rival claims to a shoal in the sea were discussed.

Gazmin said US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defence Secretary Leon Panetta stressed they were not taking sides in the dispute, but they assured the Philippines the United States would honour a 1951 mutual defence treaty.

"It includes armed attack... (on) island territories in the Pacific (region)," Gazmin said, citing conditions for the allies coming to each other's aid.

In answer to a question about the dispute with China over Scarborough Shoal, Gazmin said he had interpreted remarks by Clinton to mean the United States would protect the Philippines from any attack in the South China Sea.

"Overall, with these statements, they cover our problem in the West Philippine Sea," he said, using the Philippine name for the waters.

China and the Philippines have had vessels stationed at Scarborough Shoal for more than a month in an effort to assert their sovereignty over the area.

China claims virtually all of the South China Sea as its own, even waters close to the coasts of other Asian countries.

The Philippines insists it has sovereignty over the shoal because it falls within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

The shoal sits about 230 kilometres (140 miles) from the Philippines' main island of Luzon and 1,200 kilometres northwest from the nearest major Chinese land mass, according to Filipino navy maps.

Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia also claim parts of the South China, which is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas resources, making the area one of Asia's potential military flashpoints.

China warned on Tuesday it was prepared for "any escalation" in the dispute with the Philippines, which followed an editorial in a newspaper run by the ruling Communist Party calling for a small-scale war to end the stand-off.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario also issued a statement on Wednesday saying that Clinton and Panetta had reaffirmed during the Washington talks US commitment to the mutual defence treaty with the Philippines.

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China TV: The Philippines belongs to China

Beijing  -- An anchor on China's state-run television network has accidentally declared the Philippines a part of China, in an embarrassing gaffe as tensions between the two nations run high.

He Jia, anchor for China Central Television's (CCTV) nationally televised news broadcast, made the claim during a late Monday broadcast that has been repeatedly replayed on the Internet.

The presenter apparently meant to say that the Huangyan islands -- known in the Philippines as the Scarborough Shoal, and claimed by both nations -- is China's territory.

"We all know that the Philippines is China's inherent territory and the Philippines belongs to Chinese sovereignty, this is an indisputable fact," He said in the broadcast, which has since disappeared from the CCTV website but is available elsewhere on the web.

Viewers joked in online postings that the presenter's nationalistic fervour led to her mistake.

"This anchor woman is great, a good patriot, she has announced to the world the the Philippines belongs to China," said a microblogger named helenjhuang.

"We should attack directly, send (Philippine President Benigno) Aquino packing and take back our inherent territory."

Another microblogger named kongdehua said, "the Philippines have basically been making irrational trouble, if they want to start a war then we will strike, no one fears them.

"If every Chinese spat once, we could drown (the Philippines)."

CCTV officials refused comment on He's gaff when contacted by AFP and would not say whether the station had apologised.

When commenting on territorial disputes and separatist movements in Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang and neighbouring sea areas, Chinese diplomats and media routinely claim all such areas as an "indisputable part of China's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying said late Monday Beijing was ready for "any escalation" of the maritime standoff with the Philippines that has become one of the most high-profile flare ups over the South China Seas and its vast oil and gas deposits in years.

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Sleep like astronauts in new Xi'an hotel

XI'AN, May 7 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Ordinary people in China wanting to experience what life is like in space can now stay in new budget hotel rooms modeled on an astronaut's living quarters.

A "capsule" hotel -- featuring science-fiction design and bedrooms just long enough for most people to lie down in, in Xi'an, capital of central China's Shaanxi province -- has been doing good trade since opening two weeks ago.

Manager Xu Meijang was inspired to open the unusual business, thought to be the first licensed capsule hotel in China, by such accommodation's popularity in Japan and by the number of generally young, adventurous travelers requiring an affordable night's stay in the area.

Occupancy rates at the hotel, in Xi'an's Minleyuan Wanda Plaza, have been over 60 percent so far, and it was full over the Labor Day holiday.

2012: A SPACE ODDITY

Capsule hotels' lack of services compared to conventional hotels is compensated for by the novel experience and their good value.

Each bedroom is a modular fiberglass block roughly two meters long, one meter wide and 1.2 meters in height. The hotel charges 59-65 yuan (about 9.4-10.3 U.S. dollars) per person per night.

The 480-square-meter building consists of 86 capsules in nine rooms named after star signs to reflect the space theme.

The capsules are stacked side by side and two units top to bottom, with steps providing access to the upper rooms. Privacy is ensured by a bamboo curtain.

Upon checking in, guests are given a basket filled with a cup, a card for electricity, locker keys, a TV remote control and a set of wireless headphones for watching TV. Wireless Internet is also provided.

Each capsule is furnished with a light, a ventilation device, plug sockets, a foldable flat-screen TV and desk, coat hooks, a blanket and a pillow.

Luggage and shoes can be put in lockers outside the sleeping zone, and there are separate lavatories, showers and a shared lounge.

IN SPACE, NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU SNORE

Safety and privacy are the two issues guests are most concerned about, says Xu.

It has been reported that Shanghai hoteliers in 2011 applied to have their business passed as China's first licensed capsule hotel. But authorities denied certification due to fire and personal safety worries.

According to Xu, the materials used in this case for the capsules and indoor decorations are nonflammable. Each capsule has a fire extinguisher and smoke detector, and security cameras are installed in the hallways.

Though all guests are asked to turn their cell phones to silent and there are even more isolated rooms for those who snore, "it is still a place where deep sleep is rare," says He Ni, a regular backpacker from Shanxi province.

But she believes it is still cost-effective to stay here, considering its low prices and comprehensive service guaranteeing clean bathrooms, lavatories and self-help washing machines.

TOTAL RECALL

Mixed views on capsule accommodation are accurately reflected by the new hotel's guests.

Xu, 35, says most of them are young backpackers from Japan, the Republic of Korea and Thailand, although some are from further afield, and that they have generally found their way here through the Internet.

Colombian architect Tavo gives two thumbs up, with the praise, "The hostel is amazing, nice, so nice. It also feels cozy inside."

When Luo Fanshao, a 20-year-old student at Lanzhou City University, came across Xi'an's capsules online, he canceled his stay in express hotels in the city. Besides the fair price, Luo favors the atmosphere in his new choice.

"I like travelling on my own, so instead of being in a single hotel room, staying in this kind of hostel provides me with the opportunity to exchange what I saw and thought during the daytime with other travelers," explains Luo.

But the idea of staying in such a compact space is not appealing to everyone.

"Staying in the capsule is like lying down in a coffin," complains Liang Hua, a college student from Xi'an. "And the price is almost as much as a bed in a youth hostel." (PNA/Xinhua)
DCT/ebp

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NATO won't abandon Afghanistan

KABUL, May 7 (PNA/Xinhua) -- NATO and its allied nations will not leave Afghanistan after Afghan security forces take full control of security from NATO and U.S. forces by the end of 2014, a NATO spokesman said Monday.

"NATO is clearly committed to supporting Afghanistan beyond 2014, when the gradual transition of responsibility for the security of the country from ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) troops to Afghan forces will be fully implemented," NATO civilian representative spokesman Dominic Medley told a news conference. The United States is going to host NATO members at a Chicago summit expected on May 20-21, with Afghanistan at the top of its agenda. Afghan President Hamid Karzai is set to participate in the summit. Transition of security responsibilities from NATO forces to Afghan army and police began in July last year and lasts till 2014 when Afghanistan is due to take over the its full security duties from U.S. and NATO forces. According to U.S. President Barack Obama's withdrawal plan, 10, 000 U.S. troops already pulled out from Afghanistan last year and another 23,000 will return home by September this year. "This is the 25th NATO Summit and is set to be the largest ever," Medley said. He added "Around 60 leaders of countries and international organizations are expected to attend, including the United Nations, World Bank and European Union," "At Chicago, leaders will make clear their commitment to a strong partnership with Afghanistan beyond 2014," he said. "NATO will support Afghanistan after transition is completed, NATO will continue to train, advise and assist Afghanistan and NATO and ISAF partners will carry a fair share of funding Afghan National Security Forces and this is a commitment for the whole international community," he noted. ISAF spokesman Brig. Gen. Carsten Jacobson told the same press briefing: "This past week, we witnessed the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the United States and Afghanistan. "This is a message to the Taliban and others that Afghanistan's allies will not abandon this country after 2014." U.S. President Barack Obama paid a surprise visit to Kabul late Tuesday night. During his tour, Obama inked the strategic pact with Karzai and visited main U.S. military facilities in Bagram. Karzai said that under the pact, the United States needs to support Afghanistan in all fields including economy and security. (PNA/Xinhua) hbc/ssc

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U.S.-based Bose to open manufacturing plant in Malaysi

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (PNA/Xinhua) -- U.S.-based professional audio equipment maker Bose Corp. announced Monday plans to build its first manufacturing plant in Asia.


The manufacturing plant would be built on a 9.2-hectare site in Batu Kawan in Malaysia's industrial Penang state and is to open by mid-2013.

"We know Malaysia is the right place for our investment as the country knows how to protect it," Bose Corp's manufacturing and global supply chain Vice President Bryan Fontaine told a press conference.

He said the company is "reconsidering its footprint in the U.S., " although it has not closed any operations there.

Fontaine, however, declined to disclose the size of the company 's investment in Malaysia.
Bose's plant in Penang would be a distribution hub for its Asia Pacific business in Australia, China, India, Japan, the UAE and the ASEAN countries.

The company runs five manufacturing facilities, two in the United States, two in Mexico and one in Ireland.
Founded in 1964, the company employs over 9,000 staff and recorded over 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in annual sales last year. (PNA/Xinhua)
hbc/ssc

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New weapon in Scarborough standoff: Bananas

MANILA, Philippines - The government on Friday said banana exporters have been problems with their shipments to China as a result of the ongoing stand-off between the two countries over Scarborough Shoal.

In a press briefing,
Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte said they would raise the issue with concerned government agencies to help banana exporters. 

Because of the ongoing stand-off, Filipino banana producers said China imposed stricter regulations on Philippine-produced bananas entering the Chinese market. “We will take that concern up with our agencies. Meron kaming tinanong recently sa Department of Agriculture na concern din ng mga banana farmers and exporters, but we will take that up also with the DA,” Valte said.

 “But as far as the relationship is concerned, we continue to talk… It’s just one facet of the relationship that we have with China. We have quite a broad relationship with them and we hope that this will not affect the other facets of our relationship with them.” Local banana producers said that tension between the Philippines and China may impact on the country’s banana industry as China recently imposed a tighter rule on incoming banana shipments.

 The Scarborough Shoal issue, according to banana exporters may be a political one but it could have a devastating effect on the trading relations between the Philippines and China.

sources: interaksyon.com

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