JOSE MANUEL: January 2011

Google Android Dethrones Nokia Symbian With Top Smartphone Platform

HELSINKI - Google's smartphone operating system Android has passed Nokia's Symbian and become the global smartphone market leader, market research company Canalys said Monday.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, 32.9 million phones running Android were shipped compared to 31 million handsets running Symbian, according to Canalys.

Based on shipment figures, Google's percentage of the smartphone market share leapt from 8.7 percent in 2009 to 32.5 percent, while Nokia's shrank from 44 percent to 30.6 percent.

"But Nokia did retain its position as the leading global smartphone vendor, with a share of 28 percent," the Canalys report added.

Nokia's smartphone market share has been undermined over the past two years by the stellar rise of Apple's iPhone, RIM's Blackberry and phones running Android such as those produced by Samsung and HTC.

According to Canalys, Apple's market share remained around the same, at 16 percent at the end of 2010, while RIM came in fourth place with 14.4 percent and Microsoft brought up the rear with 3.1 percent.

The smartphone market itself grew by nearly 89 percent in 2010, with 101.2 million handsets sold, said Canalys.

"2010 has been a fantastic year for the smart phone market... but vendors cannot afford to be complacent," said Canalys vice president and principal analyst Chris Jones.

"2011 is set to be a highly competitive year with vendors looking to use new technology, such as dual-core processors, NFC and 3D displays, to differentiate their products and maintain value," he added, referring to near field communication payment systems.

Source: Agence France-Presse

How to Set Yourself Up for Promotion

Are you ready for a promotion? Well, now's a good time to think and act about how you can climb the corporate ladder.

But since promotion isn't automatic. You have to prove that you're a problem-solver who is ready to take on more responsibilities, and that you've worked hard to deserve that next step.

Here are a few areas to focus on that will help you get that reward that you been longing for the longest time:

1. Build relationships.

Just like most job opportunities occur through referrals, your next promotion is likely to be influenced by how well your colleagues perceive you and your work. In addition to your smarts, problem-solving abilities, and an accomplished track record, your relationships within the company will help pave your way to the next level.

2. Demonstrate your value to the company.

In as much detail a possible, keep a record of how your efforts have helped the company. Take note of all of your accomplishments as they happen and quantify them. Show how you saved your company $100,000 or reduced spending by a certain percentage, and record these accomplishments regularly. If not, you risk forgetting them. These notes will not only help you build a better case for a promotion, they'll also set you up for a solid transition to a new company when it comes time to take that route.

3. Ask for it.

Don't sit around waiting for your manager to offer you new opportunities. Your career progression isn't his top priority; it's only your top priority. Make an effort to ask for more responsibility and show your company that you're ready and interested to learn new skills. And when you ask for what you want, be prepared with to make a strong case for yourself by showing your value to the company and having co-workers who support you.

4. Keep score online.

Use online tools to stay in front of your boss, mentors, and colleagues who will help you move along your career path. Experts at LinkedIn suggest one way of doing this is to document the milestones in your career by requesting quality recommendations. If a client praises you for your work on a specific project, ask if they feel comfortable writing you a recommendation on LinkedIn. Not only does it look good on your profile, but your network will be notified of your recent recommendation, which reminds them what a great job you're doing.

Source: Lindsay Olson

10 Construction Workers Killed After Falling Off Eton Tower Makati

Ten construction workers were killed and one injured after falling off a building in Makati City Thursday, officials said.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin "Junjun" Binay, Jr. said the accident occurred at the Eton Tower located at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Gallardo streets in Makati City.

"I talked to the foreman and he said there's a mesh supporting the scaffolding at doon naipon 'yung mga tao," he said in an interview on ANC.

A separate report from Makati police chief Senior Superintendent Froilan Bonifacio said the workers fell off the 32nd floor of the building after the platform they were using gave way.

"What we received is they were working outside the building at the 32nd floor and they fell to the 7th floor," he told radio dzMM.

In a statement, Eton spokesperson Erwin de Pedro said the workers fell from a suspended "gondola" - a basket-like platform used for installing glass windows. The workers are employees of ARLO Aluminum, a glass contractor/installer of the condominium project.

Based on witnesses' accounts, de Pedro said the workers rode the gondola instead of taking the stairs during their break time.

The platform can only carry 2 to 3 workers, but at least 10 took the gondola on their way to their lunch break, field reports said.

De Pedro said the cable holding the gondola could have snapped.

“Eton, its contractors and construction management consultant are cooperating with police authorities and the city engineer’s office as they investigate the cause of this accident. In the meantime, the company’s priority is to ensure that the victims’ families are informed and extended needed assistance by the contractor,” de Pedro said.

He said Eton places premium on safety. Due to the incident, however, it will review its contractors’ compliance with safety regulations.

Binay said he has ordered a stop to the construction until Eton Properties can ensure the safety of its construction workers.

de Pedro said: “Our hearts go out to the victims’ families. Eton Properties would like to assure the public that the company is doing all it can to ensure that Eton and its contractor extend all necessary assistance to the victims.” - With reports from Dexter Ganibe and Noel Alamar, radio dzMM

Time Space Warp....Gayundin!

Passenger Bus Explosion in EDSA Makati Leaves 4 Dead, 14 Hurt

An explosion hit a passenger bus along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue in Makati City at around 2 p.m. today, January 25, leaving 4 persons dead and 14 others injured.

A radio dzMM report said the passenger bus - a Newman Goldliner unit with plate number TXJ 170 was at the northbound loading bay of EDSA corner Buendia when the explosion happened.

Director Nicanor Bartolome, National Capital Region Police Office, said the injured victims were rushed to Ospital ng Makati.

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr. said that according to policemen who gave him an initial briefing on the incident, there is a strong indication that the explosion was caused by a bomb.

Binay said that when he arrived at the scene, he saw blood and some body parts inside the bus. He said he also saw a heavily injured man through the big hole created by the blast on the passenger bus.

Director Nicanor Bartolome, National Capital Region Police Office chief, said the explosive device could have been planted under a seat on the bus' 7th row.

Bartolome said post-blast investigators have yet to determine what type of explosive material was used. - ABS-CBNNews

Pinay Danica Magpantay Wins Supermodel of the World 2011

Philippines very own Danica Flores Magpantay won the 2011 Ford Supermodel of the World competition, held in New York City last Saturday, January 22, 2011.

17-year-old Danica became the first ever Filipina and second Asian beauty to win the prestigious pageant which was conceptualized in 1981. Last year, Charlene Almarvez won 1st runner-up, while Charo Ronquillo placed 3rd in 2006. The first Asian country, however, to bag the title was South Korea in 2008.

Danica, who is a UP Fine Arts student and stands 5’9" and weighs 109 lbs, bested more than 70 contestants from all over the world in the international modeling contest established by Eileen Ford in 1980. Back then, when it was called “Face of the '80s", Filipina beauty queen-model Melanie Marquez represented New York City in the said competition.

Aside from the title, Danica won a US$250,000 (P11.12 million) modeling contract with Ford Models.

Lala Flores in #12

She is the daughter of Supermodel of the World Philippines 1990 winner Milagros “Lala” Flores.

Terribly Tangled But Happy

Terrible. The traffic in EDSA was horribly terrible. How about adding a big chunk of water from heaven...and some water coming from the ceiling of MRT due to their busted airconditioning unit, to that? Yes, I have a schedule to beat and what do you think is the easiest way to reach Trinoma Mall in QC from Cityland in Pasong Tamo? MRT. So I parked the car somewhere in Glorietta, run to the nearest MRT station and hola! Trinoma na!

Tangled. Yes, I was invited to attend the invitational screening of Walt Disney's 3d film Tangled. Thanks to the ever generous and kind people from Disney. Aside from the delicious pica-pica courtesy of TGIF restaurant (just wondering, in almost all events that I've attended, why is it that TGIF always provides the food?). The movie is A-okay. Very entertaining. With a very light and anticipated turn of events but it won't hurt if you allot 1.5 hours of your time for the movie, 180Php for the movie ticket and 100Php for popcorn and soda. Your kids will surely like it!

Happy. Yes I am. I rode the MRT again after two years. Happy that I had the opportunity to watch Tangled - 1 week ahead of its PHL regular screening. Happy to try the Underworld 1 ride at Timezone's XRider 3D (their newest attraction located only at Trinoma mall). I happily and delightfully did all of this with Ed on our 38th months. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

Tomorrow, advance screening ng Yogi Bear naman. Yipee! (Update: Here's the pic taken at Yogi Bear invitational press screening at Glorietta 4 Cinema 3 last January 22, 2011)

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago Calls For Inclusion of Bloggers in Media Protection Bill

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago has said she wants to include bloggers and online journalists in a bill filed to protect members of the media. Senate Bill 455 seeks to amend Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, and make the killing of broadcast and print journalists "qualified as murder punishable."

Senator Santiago said on Wednesday, "There is no reason why only members of the broadcast and print media should be included in the proposed law. Due regard must also be given to practitioners of the digital media... Even though they are not traditionally referred to as members of the media, they may actually be exposed to the same dangers encountered by institutional media practitioners."

Senator Santiago dictates that the bill should also include photojournalists, novelists, screenwriters, playwrights, feature filmmakers, documentary makers, television production crew, professional photographers, professional videographers and public relations contractors in its scope.

According to Senate.gov, Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Lito Lapid filed it in July 2010 and was already approved at the committee level.

For more on this story, log on senate.gov.ph

Pinay Businesswoman Marilyn Senador Makes It To 'Business in Vancouver 2010 Forty Under 40'

Marilyn Senador, a former nurse, made it to "Business in Vancouver 2010 Forty under 40" list, a recognition of British Columbia's up and coming business stars for more than 20 years.

Senador who came to Canada in 1999 used to work at the Vancouver General Hospital. And after working in the hospital for more than 5 years, she saw a business opportunity for patients needing care even after they were discharged. She then set up Saltgrass Health Incorporated, which provides nursing care to hospitals, nursing homes, seniors' facilities and private residents.

Senador has also established 2 group homes for people with brain injuries.

The Pinay nurse also volunteered at the Multicultural Helping House Society during her free time.

The awards night will happen on February 1, 2011.

PNoy's “Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap” Anti-Corruption Slogan Wins Asian Award

Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III bested other Asian heads of state for his communications platform of promoting transparency and accountability.

He received on Thursday night in Hong Kong the PublicAffairsAsia's Gold Standard Award for Political Communications.

Aquino won over Lee Kuan Yew, Minister Mentor and first Prime Minister of Singapore; Ambika Soni, India's Minister of Information and Broadcasting; British Prime Minister David Cameron; ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan; and Indonesian Politician Anas Urbaningrum.

PublicAffairsAsia Executive Director Craig Hoy said: "These awards celebrate the achievements of corporations, governments and NGOs and identify those professionals, consultancies and governmental figures who are driving this important process of engagement and partnership in Asia Pacific."

PublicAffairsAsia is a network of senior government relations, public affairs and corporate communications professionals operating across the Asia Pacific region.

The group gave credence to Aquino's "Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap" line that he has been trumpeting since the elections.

In fact, Aquino had made sure that this would be brought into the public consciousness, it said.

Aquino had even capitalized on different platforms to bring this to the public. His communications team, for example, made sure of the government's presence in the Internet. He also launched recently the Public-Private Partnership Center, a cornerstone of its economic policy.

His nomination was developed by EON, a stakeholder relations firm. We nominated President Aquino because we believed that he is the person to drive lasting change within the political landscape of the Philippines. It's a great thrill to see that our efforts have translated in a concrete result not just for the President, but also for the country," said EON Chief Executive Junie del Mundo.

Last year, the award went to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono due to his exemplary work in addressing corruption in Indonesia through his Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

The Camera Lens Mug

You may get your own Camera Lens Mug, here ---> Photojojo Store!

Video to Watch: You Got Served....by Jollibee

There's one more reason why you should celebrate your child's 1st birthday at Jollibee - the dancing mascot!

Yes, Jollibee got some moves. He can now do popping, krumping, locking and he even have some You Got Served mocking going on. Did you see that “You can’t see me” stuff he did? Pretty amusing.

Watch the Jollibee mascot dancing at his finest here:

Kaya ba ni Mang Ronald 'yan?

Earth's Rotation Causes Zodiac Sign Changes For 2011

Astronomers from the Minnesota Planetarium Society have found that the moon's gravitational pull on the Earth changed our planet's position in relation to its axis, making the original alignment of the stars, the basis for the zodiac signs, "off" by about a month. Thus, a thirteenth zodiac sign, Ophiuchus, was added to the original 12.

With the addition of the 13th sign, Ophiuchus, astrology fans wonder how the new sign will fit in.
With the change, the birth days assigned to particular zodiac signs might not be accurate anymore.

Minnesota Planetarium Society board member Parke Kunkle said in an interview with Minnesota Star Tribune that the ancient Babylonians based zodiac signs on the constellations the Sun was "in" on the day a person was born.

Over time, the moon's gravitational pull has made the Earth "wobble" around its axis, creating a one-month bump in the stars' alignment.

"When [astrologers] say that the Sun is in Pisces, it's really not in Pisces," Kunkle said in the interview.

Because of additional one month in the cycle, the birthday classifications under each zodiac sign changed as follows:

Capricorn: January 20 - February 16
Aquarius: February 16 - March 11
Pisces: March 11 - April 18
Aries: April 18 - May 13
Taurus: May 13 - June 21
Gemini: June 21 - July 20
Cancer: July 20 - August 10
Leo: August 10 - September 16
Virgo: September 16 - October 30
Libra: October 30 - November 23
Scorpio: November 23 - November 29
Ophiuchus: November 29 - December 17
Sagittarius: December 17 - January 20

Science news website LiveScience explained that early astronomers calculated the old zodiac signs based on the position of the sun as it's perceived from the revolving earth. Based on this position, the sun passes through the constellations that formed the zodiac signs - Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.

Originally, the zodiac signs were determined based on the constellation the sun was "in" on the day a person is born. Astronomers observed the sun's travel through the signs of the zodiac in the course of one year, spending about a month in each.

However, a movement of the Earth called "precession" causes the Earth to continually move around its axis. The gravitational attraction of the moon on the Earth causes the movement, causing the signs to slip one-tenth — equivalent to one month — of the way around the sky.

Because of the movement, the sun may no longer be within the constellation of a sign during a particular period. For example, those born between March 21 and April 19 consider themselves to be Aries, but the sun is actually in the constellation Pisces in that period.

The new sign, Ophiucus, is the constellation right after Scorpius.

According to a report on news.com.au, the ancient Babylonians were believed to have removed the 13th sign because the 12 signs align more accurately with the calendar.

Ophiucus, the new addition to the zodiac sign family, is represented by a serpent tamer, holding a serpent with his two hands. The new sign is associated with higher education, healing and medicine.

Astrologist: Changes only apply to one type of zodiac

However, Tarot.com astrologer Jeff Jawer said in an interview with CNN that astrology fans need not worry because there are actually two types of zodiacs: the tropical zodiac, which Western astrology adheres to and is fixed to seasons; and the sidereal zodiac, which is fixed to constellations and is followed more in the East.

The "changes", he said, apply to the sidereal zodiac.

Jawer added that the alignments with constellations indeed changed compared to years ago, but this change is irrelevant for the tropical zodiac, which was codified for Western astrology by Ptolemy in the second century.

"When we look at the astrology used in the Western World, the seasonally based astrology has not changed [and] was never oriented to the constellations," he said in the CNN interview, adding he personally adheres to the tropical zodiac.

"Astrology is geocentric. It relates life on Earth to the Earth's environment, and seasons are the most dramatic effect, which is why we use the tropical zodiac," he said. — RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV

Starbucks New Logo Unveiled!

Starbucks Corp. is giving its siren a facelift.

The world's largest coffee company unveiled a new logo Wednesday that drops the words encircling its iconic sea nymph and gives her a few subtle updates.

Starbucks says the changes amount to more than nips and tucks to its favorite lady. The fresh look goes with a new direction for the company as it makes its way back from its toughest times in its 40-year history.

Prior versions of the logo helped build Starbucks into one of the world's best recognized brands, and the company felt it no longer needed to reinforce its name at every turn. The new wordless logo also is better suited to the company's expansion beyond coffee into a wider array of business lines and into more international markets.

Starbucks revealed the logo Wednesday to a cheering crowd of employees in its Seattle offices and on a webcast and plans to bring it to stores in March to coincide with the company's 40th anniversary.

"What is really important here is an evolutionary refinement of the logo, which is a mirror image of the strategy," said Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks. "This is not just, let's wake up one day and change our logo."

This is the fourth version of Starbucks' logo since the company's beginnings as a small coffee, tea and spice shop in Seattle in 1971. The first update came in 1987, taking the original bare-breasted siren in brown to a more stylized — and modest — version in green as the company began to expand. The image was further refined in the 1990s as the company went public and its growth soared.

Starbucks eventually suffered from its own success. It grew too far, too fast and began drawing criticism that it had become the Wal-Mart of coffee. Its luster further faded as the recession hit and consumers drank coffee at home or went to lower-priced competitors like McDonald's Corp., which had upped their coffee offerings. The coffee's giant's sales and stock price both fell.

Starbucks brought back founder Schultz to lead daily operations in 2008, closed hundreds of stores and cut jobs. It reemphasized training for employees, allowed customers to customize drinks more, opened stores with more local flavor, increased its Wi-Fi offerings and launched a rewards program.

Its sales have rebounded, and its fiscal 2010 profit was more than double what it earned in 2009.

"We learned the hard way two and a half years ago that we have to earn it every day," Schultz told employees Wednesday.

The company also expanded its product lines — introducing Via, its first instant coffee. It increased its emphasis on beans, ice cream and other packaged goods sold in grocery stores. And it put a big push on its other business lines like Tazo tea and Seattle's Best Coffee. Starbucks ramped up its plans for international markets, like China, where it now has 400 stores on the mainland and plans to open hundreds more in coming years.

"We're sitting today with record revenue, record profit; the stock price is at a five-year high. This isn't an accident," Schultz said.

Starbucks leaders say the changes to the logo are in some ways a metaphor for the company dropping the boundaries of its own business and growing into new areas. Marketing experts agree.

"The brand is now evolving to a point where the coffee association is too confining and restrictive," said John Quelch, a marketing professor at Harvard Business School. "Starbucks is fundamentally selling an experience, but by no means is coffee the only part of the experience. It is important that they not have a logo that is too confining."

Starbucks looked to companies like Nike Inc. and Apple Inc., which had earned the clout with consumers to drop the words from their logos. And it closely watched the missteps of others, such as Gap Inc., which launched a new logo in October only to withdraw it after harsh criticism by customers and others.

Starbucks sees other changes ahead under its new banner: it's testing a system for customers to order and pay for coffee by mobile phone. It's seeking a way for rewards card holders to earn points buying Starbucks products at grocers or other stores. And it's considering offering beer and wine at night in some of its cafes. Starbucks also suggested it is looking at new food business opportunities, though company officials would not disclose details. - AP

2011 Horoscope - Pisces 2011

The Pisces born on the last day of the sign may still come to fulfil their big dreams in January. After that in spring messing around with money will not truly concern Pisces — they will not be in need of anything but they will not feel as well need to try too hard to outplay the competitors. At the same time finances of friends and partners married to Pisces will be in a little bit worse situation, because of that Pisces may start to realize their philanthropic wills, supporting close people. Faith, loyalty and trust will capture the mind of Pisces and in that year Pisces may completely change his opinion about these topics. July — full of emotions and adventures, bustling August, October — full of intensive sexual experiences. Anyway in wintertime Pisces may start to dream again!

by Edward Espati

2011 Horoscope - Aquarius 2011

The neutral beginning of the year will be followed by promising spring (especially May), but further on — summer will seriously check the true covering of Aquarius ambitions. Aquarius will feel too slow and too lazy, keeping up with the flow of the year does not really correspond to his conception of good life. In the beginning of the year you should keep away from getting into conflict with younger relatives (especially about the structure of the world, questions about religion and meaning of life), after that you can pay attention to improving your life conditions and arranging family life, it will come off better than professional endeavours. It will be especially good time for arranging legal questions. At the same time it will not be the best idea to make faraway trips and changes in your religion.

by Edward Espati

2011 Horoscope - Capricorn 2011

Very important year. It‘s general tonality will be known already in the end of January. There will be the possibility for Capricorn to turn the life on right track, they know deep inside that they have earned it already long time ago. But nothing happens just like that and without resistance, because Capricorns do not look for ease in life, temporary obstacles only make them stronger.

It will be easier to move mountains, if you start with it in the middle of May and keep doing it consistently till the end of year. The best return could come in the end of August and in September. In the beginning of the year brothers, sisters and other relatives will ask for your biggest attention, but already soon there will be your own home and family in the middle of your attention — there will be unexpected but in most cases pleasant changes. In the end of the year Capricorn will learn not to work only but also enjoy holidays.

by Edward Espati

2011 Horoscope - Sagittarius 2011

Very significant year, especially for Sagittarius born in the very beginning of the sign. From the end of February till the beginning of June every Sagittarius has couple of days, when he can do enormously lot of work, show brilliant ideas, establish a company and find his second half. It will be a big sin not to use the end of April and the first half of May full of different positive events. Sagittarius can wait for some good things to happen also in August in case they use their talent and learn to make difficult works in playsome way. Also it is very likely to become a parent in the first half of the year. In the second half of the year – work, work, work… Only don’t overstrain otherwise may happen that you break up with other friend.

by Edward Espati

2011 Horoscope - Scorpio 2011

Scorpios born in the end of the sign, stop the flagellation and hurry up to use the favourable time in the very beginning of the year! You will need to wait for the next good period till March, when you can feel the flow of energy, get (or diffuse) important information. April will be time for love and investments — in business, in private life without forgetting about yourself. In May Scorpios will grumble that whole world is against them (what is not actually true!), especially those towards whom Scorpios will have romantic plans, because of that it will be better to ask for hand and heart in July or September. Altogether neutral year — no major obstacles, there is no threat of century drama, but also only few get to enjoy sunshine. Every year it’s not just possible ;).

by Edward Espati

2011 Horoscope - Libra 2011

Those Libras who went through the vigorous personal transformation and revaluation of their values last year, may take a little bit breath, but the others should take into account that there will be less power than in former times but more important solution demanding questions. Especially in the end of March and in April Libras will be suppressed because relationships, harmony and other nice social activities will be upstaged and everything will turn around work, goals and money. Little bit shinier will be in the beginning and middle of March, in the second half of June, in July and in the end of September. Libras can spend their time best for concentrating on the development of their professional skills and health treatment, also on upgrading relationship with partners, respectively separating truth from lies, real enemies from imaginary ones.

by Edward Espati

2011 Horoscope - Leo 2011

The first half of the year is more successful than the other, because of that, dear Leos — no long relaxing after the New Year! Already in January will come up the first opportunity to get money and have the love of audience, but form February till the beginning of June bright and original Leos will be the first and best on the stage. In the second half of the year everything will turn around work, career, responsibilities, self ambitions and actual possibility to satisfy them. Leos can secure their status, become successfully married people, parents or superiors. The only ones who can destroy their mood (but also not so much!) are brothers, sisters, neighbours and communication tools. At the same time Leos can celebrate their birthday with large fan crowd. In November it will be better not to quarrel with each other about vision, mission and meaning of life, but concentrate on the romantic side of life — another nice surprise will wait you there!

by Edward Espati

2011 Horoscope - Cancer 2011

Breaking year for Cancers born in the first one-third of the sign. In the first months of the year Cancers surprise the others with progressive ideas not typical to them. Even if the first half of the year will not promise to be the easiest, Cancers will try to be the best in everything. To be able to get the best from the life Cancers should crawl out from their caves and go to the society and enlarge their friend number. If not their own then at least their friends material situation will improve and there will be place where to get emotional and financial support in difficult times, especially with regard to questions connected with family and living place, which may bring problems this year. Cancers who live together with their parents should be ready to take responsibility with regard to their way of living and finances because parents will may have other plans. Time to take a breath – the end of May, July, from the end of August till the middle of September, in the second half of November.

by Edward Espati

2011 Horoscope - Gemini 2011

Especially the beginning of the year will be good for Gemini career, but you should not ease off — Geminis can hope for the favour of Fortune in spring, even thou you yourselves will need to use a lot of energy. In spring friends will be the best comrades and advisers for Gemini and if you wish to stand out — NGOs, different groups and all other informal organisations will be the best background. But starting from summer Geminis will surprise all the others and will become uncommunicative, staying like that till the end of the year, fighting with the different demons from the past. Children topic will ask a lot of attention, it may happen that you will learn one more hard lesson. Generally in the second half of the year Geminis may feel like having bought fake Christmas tree decorations — you put them on the tree, you look at them but don’t feel any joy … It‘s ok, there is not much time left till the best time to come!

by Edward Espati

2011 Horoscope - Taurus 2011

In the very beginning of the year your friends, choir and other cherished activities will ask for more attention, in spring Taurus will need to clear up his mind quite in hurry and slide to the summer, when finally the best times of Taurus (especially Taurus who has been born in the first one-third of the sign) will come. And you do not need to have complex about your excessive materialism — the creation of values is the true mission of Taurus and this year will be very suitable for that. But it is also important to know how to enjoy life and Taurus will be most successful in it in May, in the end of August and in the first half of September and also in December. Lucky is the one who has Taurus amongst friends and relatives, because he will give for Christmas valuable presents, unless this Taurus would not have managed to spent the money in abroad round that time.

by Edward Espati

2011 Horoscope - Aries 2011

Promising year, only you need to plan bigger works for spring. Especially in April and May you will have a lot of energy and lots of love of the audience. Exactly the Aries who has been born in the beginning of the sign will be the one who will surprise us with the discoveries, inventions and bright ideas. There is a basis for belief that the material situation of Aries will improve. In private life the assignment is to get over the fears in relationships and in case you did not manage to do it last year, then sort out your relationships this year. Because believe it or not, but it makes sense to be officially married! And no sidesteps this year — you will not succeed to hide it and the punishment will be rougher than former times. Single Aries may hope for change in romantic life in June, August and November.

by Edward Espati