Eargasm of the Day: The 69 Eyes - "Dead Girls Are Easy"

 

Today's eargasm of the day is from an unreal Finnish rock band, The 69 Eyes.  This particular song is called, "Dead Girls are Easy."  Ain't that the truth?  Anyway, the song rocks and the video has some fantastic talent parading around in stripper warm-ups, what could possibly be wrong with that?  You'll go from six to midnight, promise.

Enjoy,

AM

Chupacabra verdade ou mais uma confusão?

Um morador da cidade de Lebanon Junction, no estado americano de Kentucky, afirma que encontrou e matou um exemplar da lendária espécie dos chupacabras. Mark Cothren atirou no animal ao vê-lo no quintal de sua casa. O caçador diz que se assustou ao não reconhecer a criatura.

"Eu pensei: 'todo bicho tem pelos, principalmente nesta época do ano'. Não entendi como um animal assim poderia sobreviver no inverno", afirmou Cothren, em entrevista à rede de TV americana FOX. "Agora todo mundo está curioso para saber que bicho é esse. O telefone não para de tocar."

O animal, abatido no dia 18 de dezembro, tem orelhas grandes, cauda e bigodes longos, e tem praticamente o mesmo tamanho de um gato doméstico. "Já me disseram de tudo, que seria um gato, um guaxinim ou mesmo um chupacabras."

Diversos animais já foram identificados como "chupacabras", a maioria cães e lobos. O misterioso devorador de rebanhos é uma lenda que se espalhou em países da América do Sul, incluindo o Brasil, e chegou ao sul dos Estados Unidos. Há registros de fazendas supostamente atacadas por "chupacabras" nos estados do Texas e Oklahoma.

 

Isso pra mim mais parece uma raposa sem pelos, isso de chupacabra acho que é mais lenda do que tudo, falaram que não podiam identificar o corpo do animal e saber oque era só pelas fotos, quando alguem for la examinar vai ver que deve ser algum animal conhecido mais com algum tipo de doença, não sei!

Mais vai saber né, tem de tudo nesse mundo o/

Eventos em andamento em Betim- Projeto Sopa

A palavra é um dominio sobre o mundo...

Trata-se de um sarau idealizado pelo Poeta Augusto Amaral e o músico betinense Eduardo Mendes. Em suma, musica adaptada à poesia.

Nos encontros quase sempre em bares e centros culturais, o evento é um resgate a cultura poética do Brasil.

Mais informações: (31)8786-6209 ou eduardoredguitar@hotmail.com

Entrada franca!

Painel IPS - Bom para Jogos (Final Digno de Oscar)

Realmente perder no Video Game para uma mulher é uma coisa muito humilhante para os homens, e ofendeu a todos nós homens cometendo está barbaridade, mais voce poderia treinar em vez de pular né ? hahaha

Boys to Men

Yesterday it has officially happened. The Arsenal so called boys are now men. Arsenal yesterday took apart Chelsea for the first time in a very long time. Full Time score, Arsenal 3 Chelsea 1

Being an Arsenal fan I have been through a lot since starting to support them. Mind you I have not been an Arsenal fan for a long time. It's been around 6 or 7 years and considering I've supported Ahly all my life and AC Milan since the early 90's it is brand new. I have yet to see them lift a trophy as a full fledged supporter and a club member. The closest I've come was the League Cup final when our reserve team lost to Chelsea's full team 2-1 (can't recall the year) and the Champions League final against Barca. Year after year I saw us fail to reach our true potential. Year after year I saw critics pounce on the Wenger and Arsenal philosophy. We need to buy ready made stars, nurturing youth is not working, we need to spend big in the market. Wenger had said no to all of this and yesterday at last he had something to smile about.

It was not just the fact that we beat Chelsea that was pleasing, it was the way we did it. Yes Chelsea are not on form but on any given day a team that has the likes of Cech, Terry, Essein, (Lampard) and Drogba is a force to be reckoned with. Wenger was gutsy to decided to shuffle things around. Tactically we did not change how we line up but the players involved were put there for Chelsea. Wenger played it right. Obviously Cesc and Fabianski back to the starting line up was a no brainer. In my opinion if Cesc is fit he should not leave the pitch. He is this kind of player, he can conjure up something out of nothing. His presence lifts the people around him. He is still lacking form, too many miss passes by his standards but then all of a sudden the killer pass or killer run and no one remembers his short comings. Yesterday he scored a goal and made one, what else could you ask for?

Playing Walcott was a surprise for me. He was not getting enough minutes and was not on that great of a run, form wise. It seems that Arsene has had enough with Arshavin, frankly I'm starting to get annoyed too. He is not putting in enough effort and seems uninterested at parts. He is a world class player talent wise but world class players show up every game, not every other game or when they feel like it! Theo was there for a reason. To keep Ashley Cole lodged back and to frighten the some what slow Chelsea center backs. In the first half he was not great but he did keep Cole at bay. Ashley never ventured forward. The second half he got room to run behind Cole and the Chelsea defense thanks to some excellent midfield pressure (our midfield was fantastic but I'll come to that later) and he ripped them apart. First laying off unselfishly a tap in for Fabregas and then finishing off brilliantly after being put through by the Fabregas via a killer through ball.

The real surprise from me was the central defense paring of Djourou and Koscielny. I think Djourou should be a starter, hes been fantastic and gives much needed height to our defense. I'm not sure if there was something wrong with Squillaci but Wenger saw that Djourou must be better equipped to deal with physical presence of Drogba. He was right and Djourou was very solid in containing the Drogs. Koscielny was there probably to add some pace to the core because frankly I'm still not convinced by him, although I think he was very good in the last two games vs top opposition. It is against the Stokes and the Birminghams that he is still prone to errors but in his defense he is still adjusting to the league.

The center midfield paring of Song and Wilshere were phenomenal and they were one of the main reasons we won that game. For once we bossed around the midfield. They dominated Essein, Mikel and Lampard who on paper should eat them alive. Wilshere who is still a boy was a titan and Song did his new job (scored a goal) and kept true to his main role as a destroyer. They out played, out passed, out ran, out muscled and out scored Chelsea!

Overall Arsenal was better. We dictated the pace of the game and were more aggressive. Also and more importantly we won most of the duels and 2 of these lead to goals. Van Persie gives something different to the team than Chamakh. He has a softer touch so easily maintains the rhythm and seems to know the other player more. He also adds a fear factor when in the team. Chamakh has been excellent and is a truly wonderful signing but on his day I would pick RVP over him. However Chamakh will get there and having a bench that includes him, Arshavin, Diaby, Bendtner and Rosicky shows us that for once we have a very strong overall squad. There is also Vermaelen still missing due to injury and if he plays with Djourou I think we will leak less goals. I am ecstatic however not to be seeing Almunia and frankly I wish I never have to see him again. I have to mention Nasri, although he was not a goal scorer he has been our player of the season thus far and possibly the best player in the league. It is good for him to be able to share the weight of the team with Theo, Cesc and RVP. Sagna too has been excellent but for me our weakest link has to be Clichy. He is not as good going forward and defensively he seems to be playing football for the first time. He has no sense of danger and that is a huge problem for a defender, the goal Clark scored for Villa will always be proof of that.

This win however will mean nothing if we go and lose to Wigan on Wednesday. We need to be consistent and although I'm pessimistic about actually winning the league I am hopeful. I think we should win the league cup at least this season to get the "not winning trophies monkey" off our backs and off the back of the players.

Most of all I am happy for Arsene Wenger. He has had to put up with criticism from every one and to defend his players and the club philosophy day in and day out. I'm looking forward to playing Evra the clown at the Emirates and watch Theo rip him to shreds like he did Cole

Come on Arsenal!

LG Display renova site que explica tecnologia IPS

A LG Display, detentora de tecnologia IPS que está presente em boa dos TVs LCD de empresas como LG, Panasonic, Philips e Sony, renovou o visual do sitewww.painelips.com.br para deixar mais claro para o consumidor os benefícios da tecnologia nos atuais televisores LCD (incluindo os com backligth de LED).

No novo site é possível encontrar explicações detalhadas sobre o painel IPS, vantagens, funcionamento e suas aplicações em TVs, Monitores e Public Display. O novo espaço ainda conta com um espaço dedicado à imprensa, chamado "Comunidade", com a página de notícias e destaques, onde é possível obter informações complementares sobre a tecnologia e suas novidades.

Ao acessar "Experiência", é possível assistir aos vídeos que demonstram o desempenho, benefícios, além de conteúdos como animações e anúncios veiculados nos diversos canais de comunicação.

Entre os principais benefícios da tecnologia IPS, estão o menor tempo de resposta, menor reflexão da luz, maior ângulo de visão e maior estabilidade do painel quando tocado (para telas touch), sem deformação da imagem.

Fonte: IPS



UFC 125 Resolution: The Preview

While the Christmas holiday usually puts a halt to all major Mixed Martial Arts action, the New Year's holiday does just the opposite. A long-time staple for huge shows in Japan, this year is no different in the land of the Samurai with next weekend's DREAM 'Dynamite 2010' show. However, it is also the springboard for the Ultimate Fighting Championship's next card, UFC 125 Resolution, which is a dynamite card of its own.

This card features a main event for the world lightweight (155 lbs.) championship between current champ Frankie 'The Answer' Edgar and number one contender Gray 'The Bully' Maynard. Also the co-main event between middleweight contenders Chris 'The Crippler' Leben and Brian 'Stann has the UFC looking to start 2011 off with a bang. Those two fights along with the rest of the main card bouts should have no problem doing just that in the New Year.

The lightweight tilt between Edgar and Maynard is a rematch of a fight the two had back in April 2008. At that time, it was a fight featuring two young up and coming prospects. Maynard (10-0, 2 KO's) grounded out a unanimous decision victory after the three rounds over Edgar (13-1, 2 KO's 3 subs) giving him his only loss. Since then, the two have taken similar paths, only Edgar's has been more accelerated and celebrated. They both have had five fights since, however Edgar has fought stiffer competition, including two successive victories over former lightweight champion B.J. Penn.

Both coming from a wrestling pedigree and each having evolved their all-around MMA fight game, this is about as evenly matched as you can get in a title fight. Maynard's size and strength compared to Edgar, who is clearly a featherweight (145 lbs.) with a lightweight belt, proved the difference in the first meeting and it may do the same here. However, Edgar's strength has improved in the last couple of years and his stand-up game, especially his boxing, is clearly better than Maynard's. Therefore, because of those factors, I am giving the nod to Edgar in a five-round decision.

In the co-main event, the seasoned Leben (25-6, 13 KO's 6 subs) takes on Stann (9-3, 6 KO's 1 sub), a former WEC middleweight champion, who makes up for his inexperience with heavy hands. Stann, a former U.S. Marine, is 3-2 in the UFC since coming over from the WEC, while Leben found a resurgence in 2010 with three straight victories since January, including huge wins over Aaron Simpson and Yoshihiro Akiyama in a two week span. Although one punch from Stann can end things quickly, I see Leben with an accumulation of punches ending Stann's night via TKO and keeping his run alive.

The undercard features some very intriguing match-ups that should be very entertaining. In the welterweight (170 lbs.) division, Nate Diaz (13-5, 3 KO's 9 subs), from the famed Cesar Gracie Fight team, takes on South Korean Dong Hyun 'Stun Gun' Kim (13-0-1, 6 KO's 1 sub). While Kim has some punching power, he's had five fights in the UFC resulting in four wins, three by decision, and one no-contest. Diaz meanwhile has a granite chin and a slick submission game, which I envision him using at some point to sub Kim to continue his already two fight win streak.

Also on the undercard, a light-heavyweight (205 lbs.) tilt between Brandon 'The Truth' Vera (11-5, 7 KO's 1 sub) and Thiago Silva (14-2, 11 KO's 2 subs). Both guys are coming off losses and a long lay-off due to injury, so there are questions regarding ring rust and health. Seeing that both have the same factors at hand, my determination is a mental one. Silva, with a back injury, lost a unanimous decision to former champ Rashad Evans. However, Vera got smashed, literally, by Jon Jones with some vicious elbows to the face resulting in a fractured cheekbone. Thus, I feel that beatdown will make Vera gun shy mentally, which can be dangerous against a heavy-handed Silva. I've got Silva by KO in the second.

Finally, hold onto your seats as the pay-per-view will start with fireworks when lightweights Clay 'The Carpenter' Guida (27-11, 4 KO's 14 subs) and Japanese legend Takanori 'The Fireball Kid' Gomi (32-6, 12 KO's 6 subs) step into the cage. Both notoriously quick starters, the difference here is that Guida's energy won't stop, while Gomi has a history of gassing in later rounds. Thus, I see Guida, a human energizer bunny, going non-stop on his way to a decision or possibly winning by submission. Either way, it will be a great way to start off a great card and hopefully a great 2011.

And I thought the Simpsons stopped being funny 15 years ago...

I was always taught to go out on a high note, so...Happy Holidays Everybody!!!

Cody

The procrastinators holiday gift guide

Ho ho ho...

As we near the end of the holiday season, with only three days until Xmas, I'm sure all of you are done shopping and have your gifts nicely wrapped and tucked away in your closet deeper than your love of all things Gaga.

However, if you are like me and haven't done shit for shopping (mainly because you've been busy being selfish and drunk) don't fret.  There's plenty of time to get all your shopping done.  Here's the list of awesome gear that will bring joy to even the hardest to shop for person.

Quick tangent to those people, stop being a selfish douche.  It isn't cool to be 'hard to shop for'.  You know who else is hard to shop for?  Jennifer Lopez.  And you what she she is?  A terrible person.  So be a little more forthcoming and a little less 'Jenny from the Block' when it comes to gift ideas.

Without further ado here is Raucus Procrastinators Holiday Gift Guide, because you're short on time I've made it idiot proof.  There are four different gift ideas, just play the music videos.  If the person you;re shopping for would like that song then choose the corresponding gifts and gear.



1. iTunes single stocking stuffer: Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter

Super Trendy Gift: Life by Keith Richards.  Buy it here.

pic props amazon.com

Gear: Parliament of Rooks and Back in Black

2. iTunes single stocking stuffer: Das Racist - You Outta Know

Super Trendy Gift: Family Guy Star Wars 3 pack, buy it here. 

pic props amazon.com

Gear: Purple Haze, Panama Red and Pretty Bird

3. iTunes single stocking stuffer: Notorious BIG and Frank Sinatra

Super Trendy Gift: Exit Through the Gift Shop Buy it here.

pic props amazon.com

Gear: Vintage Tonic

4. iTunes single stocking stuffer: I Wanna Know Now - Xaphoon Jones Remix (MGMT and Bob Marley)

Super Trendy Gift: Wild Thing Max print by Nan Lawson.  Buy it here.

pic props amazon.com

Gear: Maui Wowie or Pretty 'n' Pink

Everyone have a safe holiday and remember to get laid this season, it makes you less of an asshole.

Love Begrudgingly,

Cody

Eargasm of the Day: Lonely Island feat. Akon - I just had Sex

Thanks to the Lonely Island Boys for giving me something to do after sex besides crying and smearing lipstick all over my face.*

Domo Arigato,

Cody


*Just a heads up to any hookers escorts out there, I'll probably still do the lipstick thing.  I mean, why not?  I did paid extra for it.

Descoberta de Cientistas ja pode ter descoberto cura da AIDS

Cientistas em Berlim, na Alemanha, acreditam terem alcançado a cura para o vírus HIV, segundo afirma o The Huffington Post. Eles creditam à cura a um tratamento com transplante de células tronco.
Timothy Ray Brown, o paciente em questão, recebeu o transplante em 2007 como parte de um longo tratamento contra leucemia. Seus médicos recentemente publicaram um relatório afirmando que os resultados de extensos testes “sugerem que a cura para o vírus HIV foi alcançada“.
Enquanto Brown é a primeira pessoa a ser considerada curada da AIDS, seu caso estabelece um caminho rumo a um tratamento através de células tronco geneticamente modificadas.
Enquanto estas novidades não significam que uma cura pro vírus tenha sido definitivamente encontrada, elas certamente representam uma nova esperança para os 33 milhões de pessoas que sofrem com a doença.

Isso realmente é incrivel, saber que essas coisas andam avaçando muito rápido, tecnologias, curas de doenças, com o passar dos anos vamos nos surpreender muito ainda

For Love of the Game

This is a truly inspiring story by BBC's resident blogger Tim Vickery. He is an expert on South American Football.

This takes place in the Peruvian League. It is a must read piece about the true sole of football.

Winning is not Everything

Arsenal's Christmas Card...Very Funny!

To all Gooners or non Gooners

The Arsenal X-Mas Greeting!

Check it out LOL


Here

What About Board Breaking?

Recently, a friend of mine who is a black belt, suggested I get some breaking boards to work with the next time I get some friends together to work out. I was expecting to him to say that, before the day was over. Perhaps the first image that one has upon hearing the words "martial arts" or "Karate" is that of a practitioner breaking through a stack of boards or bricks with a powerful side kick or reverse punch. It's become such a basic facet of martial arts lore and tradition that few people stop to consider what it's for or whether it's even useful. And that's the point of this blog post.

Board breaking is used to demonstrate a practitioner's perfection of technique: form, power, balance, etc. One person holds the board, or several in a stack, if the practitioner is really good, and the other executes a specific strike in attempt to break it.The boards are usually made of pine and vary in thickness. This practice, along with Kata, has become one of the most important facets of most classical martial arts curriculum. Instructors and students alike will swear by it and it is required in all belt testing.

There are certain issues I must take up against board breaking. First, it's a gimmick. Breaking a board only means one thing: you can break a board. Boards do not move, hit back, or even feel like a real opponent. If someone stacks up ten boards and side kicks through them all in one shot, that same person might miss an opponent who can only break two boards but spent more time on footwork. It's not a coincidence that few champion board breakers become champion full contact fighters. If board and brick breaking were proof of real life technique mastery, then why doesn't the world champion brick and board breaker enter into the UFC and break Anderson Silva or Frankie Edgar in half with the same move they used to split ten cinder blocks? All they would have to do is hit them once, right?

Consider this: If a fighter becomes undisputed world champion by using fast techniques with a little power, deceptive speed and good timing and can break three or four boards with the same moves, is he less advanced than other practitioners who can break ten boards with their classical methods? Is their technique "better", or is there more to technique development than how many boards you can break? Why are we judging techniques that were designed to enforce our will over our opponent by how well they damage the fibers found in one inch slats of American pine? How does "enforcement of will" relate to "disruption of cellulose"?

Peringatan Hari Ibu (PHI) ke-82 Tahun 2010

Sebagaiamana Buku Pedoman Peringatan Hari Ibu Ke-82 Tahun 2010 yang diterbitkan Menteri Negara Pemberdayaan Perempuan dan Perlindungan Anak mengandung makna serta mengambil tema dan slogan sebagai berikut :

Makna Peringatan Hari Ibu Ke-82

1. Peringatan Hari Ibu ke-82 menunjukkan bahwa perjuangan kaum perempuan Indonesia telah menempuh jalan panjang dalam mewujudkan peranan dan kedudukan perempuan Indonesia dalam kehidupan berbangsa dan bernegara dalam rangka menuju kemerdekaan Indonesia yang aman, tentram dan damai serta adil dan makmur.
2. Merupakan momentum untuk merenungkan tentang apa yang telah dikerjakan dan apa yang belum tercapai oleh perempuan Indonesia untuk kepentingan perempuan Indonesia khususnya dan bangsa Indonesia pada umumnya.
3. Memberikan kesempatan untuk mengoreksi kekurangan dan kelemahan yang di hadapi kaum perempuan Indonesia dalam memperjuangkan peranan dan kedudukannya dalam kancah kehidupan berbangsa dan bernegara.
4. Sesungguhnya perjuangan meningkatkan peranan dan kedudukan kaum perempuan Indonesia dalam kehidupan berbangsa dan bernegara masih panjang, namun keberhasilan yang telah dicapai selama ini hanyalah langkah awal dalam menuju cita-cita kemerdekaan Indonesia yang aman, tentram dan damai serta adil dan makmur.

Tema dan Slogan Hari Ibu ke-82 Tahun 2010

Tema Utama: Kesetaraan Perempuan dan laki-laki untuk membangun karakter bangsa dalam mewujudkan masyarakat yang sehat dan bermartabat.

Sub Tema: Dengan semanagat Hari Ibu ke-82, kita membangun sinergitas antara pemerintah, masyarakat, dunia usaha dan swasta dalam :
1. Peningkatan upaya pembentukan karakter bangsa melalui pendidikan sejak dini; Peningkatan upaya pembentukan karakter bangsa melalui pendidikan yang dimulai dalam keluarga, sekolah, dan lingkungan masyarakat;
2. peningkatan penghargaan dan toleransi terhadap kemajemukan suku, umat beragama, ras, antargolongan, dan gender;
3. peningkatan penghapusan kekerasan dan diskriminasi terhadap perempuan sebagai bagian dari upaya mewujudkan peradaban bangsa;
4. peningkatan kesetaraan perempuan dan laki-laki sebagai prasyarat untuk membangun karakter bangsa, mewujudkan masyarakat yang sehat dan bermartabat;
5. peningkatan kesadaran pentingnya peran perempuan dan laki-laki dalam mengatasi gizi buru;
6. peningkatan solidaritas social dengan melakukan kegiatan donor darah.

Slogan PHI ke-82 Tahun 2010

1. Perempuan dan laki-laki Indonesia membentuk dan menyiapkan generasi penerus bangsa yang berkarakter, berakhlak mulia, sehat dan bugar;
2. Libatkan perempuan dan laki-laki dalam penangulangan kemiskinan dan menciptakan lapangan pekerjaan di pedesaan;
3. tingkatkan peran perempuan sebagai penggerak sektor riil, usaha mikro, kecil dan menengah dalam penanggulanagn kemiskinan;
4. Hapus segala bentuk kekerasan dalam rumah tangga, perdagangan perempuan, dan anak;
5. perang terhadap bahaya narkoba dan HIV/AIDS;
6. waspadai kerusakan lingkungan, bencana alam, dan konflik sosial yang membawa penderitaan bagi perempuan dan anak;
7. Hemat energi dan gunakan energi pengganti, merupakan tindakan bijak perempuan dan laki-laki Indonesia;
8. setetes darah sangat berguna bagi yang membutuhkan

Arti Logo PHI ke-82 Tahun 2010

Setangkai Bunga Melati

• Kuntum menggambarkan :
1. kasih sayang kodrati antara ibu dan anak;
2. kekuatan, kesucian antara ibu dan pengorbanan anak;
3. kesadaran wanita untuk menggalang kesatuan persatuan, keiklasan bhakti dalam pembangunan bangsa dan negara.

• Angka delapan puluh dua
Delapan puluh satu sudah para perempuan Indonesia yang tergabung dalam berbagai organisasi dan lembaga swadaya masyarakat, baik secara kelompok maupun individu, turut berpartisipasi aktif dalam membangun bangsa di berbagai lini sektor.

• Merah Putih Berkibar
Malambangkan bahwa bendera telah dikibarkan oleh perempuan Indonesia, berarti perjuangan perempuan pantang menyerah mempertahankan dan mengisi kemerdekaan untuk kemajuan dan kesejahteraan bangsa.


>> Unduh Buku Pedoman Peringatan Hari Ibu ke-82 Tahun 2010

Sejarah dan Makna Hari Ibu di Indonesia

Hari Ibu ditetapkan sebagai perayaan nasional dan di rayakan di Indonesia setiap tahunnya pada tanggal 22 Desember. Berikut sejarah singkat di tetapkannya tanggal 22 Desember sebagai Hari Ibu dan Makna Hari Ibu, yang dikutip dari Pedoman Penyelenggaraan Peringatan Hari Ibu (PHI) Ke-82 Tahun 2010.

Sejarah Singkat Hari Ibu

Gema sumpah pemuda dan lantunan lagu Indonesia Raya yang pada tanggal 28 Oktober 1928 di gelorakan dalam Kongres Pemuda Indonesia, menggugah semangat para pimpinan perkumpulan kaum perempuan untuk mempersatukan diri dalam satu kesatuan wadah mandiri. Pada saat itu sebagian besar perkumpulan masih merupakan bagian dari organisasi pemuda pejuang pergerakan bangsa.

Selanjutnya atas prakarsa para perempuan pejuang pergerakan kemerdekaan pada tanggal 22-25 Desember 1928 diselenggarakan Kongres Perempuan Indonesia yang pertama kali di Yogyakarta. Salah satu hasil keputusannya adalah dibentuknya satu organisasi federasi yang mandiri dengan nama Perikatan Perkoempoelan Perempoean Indonesia (PPPI).

Melalui, PPPI tersebut terjalin kesatuan semangat semangat juang kaum perempuan untuk secara bersama-sama kaum laki-laki berjuang meningkatkan harkat dan martabat bangsa Indonesia menjadi bangsa yang merdeka, dan berjuang bersama-sama kaum perempuan untuk meningkatkan harkat dan martabat perempuan Indonesia menjadi perempuan yang maju.

Pada tahun 1929 Perikatan Perkoempoelan Perempuan Indonesia (PPPI) berganti nama menjadi Perikatan Perkoempoelan Perempuan Istri Indonesia (PPII). Pada tahun 1935 diadakan Kongres Perempuan Indonesia II di Jakarta. Kongres tersebut disamping berhasil membentuk Badan Kongres Perempuan Indonesia, juga menetapkan fungsi utama Perempuan Indonesia sebagai Ibu Bangsa, yang berkewajiban menumbuhkan dan mendidik generasi baru yang lebih menyadari dan lebih tebal rasa kebangsaannya.

Pada tahun 1938 Kongres Perempuan Indonesia III di Bandung menyatakan bahwa tanggal 22 Desember sebagai Hari Ibu. Selanjutnya, dikukuhkan oleh Pemerintah dengan Keputusan Presiden Nomor 316 Tahun 1959 tentang Hari-hari Nasional yang Bukan Hari Libur tertanggal 16 Desember 1959, yang menetapkan bahwa Hari Ibu tanggal 22 Desember merupakan hari nasional dan bukan hari libur. Tahun 1946 Badan ini menjadi Kongres Wanita Indonesia di singkat KOWANI, yang sampai saat ini terus berkiprah sesuai aspirasi dan tuntutan zaman. Peristiwa besar yang terjadi pada tanggal 22 Desember tersebut kemudian dijadikan tonggak sejarah bagi Kesatuan Pergerakan Perempuan Indonesia. Hari Ibu oleh bangsa Indonesia diperingati tidak hanya untuk menghargai jasa-jasa perempuan sebagai seorang ibu, tetapi juga jasa perempuan secara menyeluruh, baik sebagai ibu dan istri maupun sebagai warga negara, warga masyarakat dan sebagai abdi Tuhan Yang Maha Esa, serta sebagai pejuang dalam merebut, menegakan dan mengisi kemerdekaan dengan pembangunan nasional.

Peringatan Hari Ibu dimaksudkan untuk senantiasa mengingatkan seluruh rakyat Indonesia terutama generasi muda, akan makna Hari Ibu sebagai Hari kebangkitan dan persatuan serta kesatuan perjuangan kaum perempuan yang tidak terpisahkan dari kebangkitan perjuangan bangsa. Untuk itu perlu diwarisi api semangat juang guna senantiasa mempertebal tekad untuk melanjutkan perjuangan nasional menuju terwujudnya masyarakat yang adil dan makmur berdasarkan Pancasila dan UUD 1945.

Semangat perjuangan kaum perempuan Indonesia tersebut sebagaimana tercermin dalam lambang Hari Ibu berupa setangkai bunga melati dengan kuntumnya, yang menggambarkan :
1. kasih sayang kodrati antara ibu dan anak;
2. kekuatan, kesucian antara ibu dan pengorbanan anak;
3. kesadaran wanita untuk menggalang kesatuan dan persatuan, keikhlasan bakti dalam pembangunan bangsa dan negara.

Semboyan pada lambang Hari Ibu Merdeka Melaksanakan Dharma mengandung arti bahwa tercapainya persamaan kedudukan, hak, kewajiban dan kesempatan antara kaum perempuan dan kaum laki-laki merupakan kemitrasejajaran yang perlu diwujudkan dalam kehidupan berkeluarga, bermasyarakat, berbangsa dan bernegara demi keutuhan, kemajuan dan kedamaian bangsa Indonesia.


Makna Hari Ibu

Hari Ibu adalah hari kebangkitan perempuan Indonesia dan merupakan persatuan dan kesatuan kaum perempuan yang tidak terpisahkan dari kebangkitan dan perjuangan bangsa.

Kaum perempuan Indonesia tidak hanya menjadi pengguna hasil pembangunan, namun juga ikut berperan melaksanakan dan berpartisipasi di segenap aspek pembangunan nasional. Peran politik berarti ikut serta dalam proses pengambilan keputusan dalam upaya membentuk keluarga, masyarakat, bangsa, dan negara.

Perempuan memiliki posisi yang lebih dekat dengan keluarga dan telah menggunakan sebagian besar waktunya untuk keluarga, anak, dan orang tua. Oleh karena itu kebutuhan spesifik kaum perempuan akan lebih terdukung apabila perempuan memperoleh akses, dan manfaat berpartisipasi serta melakukan kontrol di segenap aspek pembangunan nasional.

Perempuan memiliki hak asasi yang sama dan integral dengan hak asasi manusia. Oleh karena itu perlu dipelihara kodrat, harkat dan martabatnya sebagai Ibu Bangsa yang berhasil membina keluarga yang harmonis dan sejahtera.

Perjuangan perempuan agar bebas dari segala bentuk tindak kekerasan, diwujudkan dalam bentuk kesetaraan dan keadilan dalam segenap aspek kehidupan. Hal ini perlu diupayakan setiap waktu. Kelanjutan perjuangan persatuan kaum perempuan Indonesia selalu diperingati pada setiap tanggal 22 Desember sebagai Hari Ibu.

Partitur Mars Hari Ibu

Mars Hari Ibu

Lihat Partitur Himne Hari Ibu

Download Himne Hari Ibu Mp3

Partitur Himne Hari Ibu

Himne Hari Ibu

 

Download Himne Hari Ibu Mp3

Versão miniatura do Mata a Mãe e Xinga a Impresa

Um vídeo que virou uma febra na internet e que todos por aqui ja devem ter visto, e depois do sucesso que fez na web veio agora a versão miniatuatura dele haha

Pemberian Bantuan Biaya Pendidikan Peserta Didik Bagi Orang Tua/Wali Tidak Mampu (Permendiknas Nomor 30 Tahun 2010)

Pemerintah melalui Menteri Pendidikan Nasional telah menetapkan Pemberian Bantuan Biaya Pendidikan Kepada Peserta Didik Yang Orang Tua Atau Walinya Tidak Mampu Membiayai Pendidikan, yang dituangkan dalam Peraturan Menteri Pendidikan Nasional Nomor 30 Tahun 2010.

Bantuan biaya pendidikan diberikan kepada peserta didik pada Sekolah Dasar/Sekolah Dasar Luar Biasa, Sekolah Menengah Pertama/Sekolah Menengah Pertama Luar Biasa, Sekolah Menengah Atas/Sekolah Menengah Atas Luar Biasa, Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan, dan perguruan tinggi yang orang tua atau walinya tidak mampu membiayai pendidikan.

Pemberian bantuan biaya pendidikan bertujuan membantu peserta didik yang orang tua atau walinya tidak mampu membiayai pendidikan untuk dapat menyelesaikan pendidikan pada masing-masing jenjang pendidikan.

Bantuan biaya pendidikan diberikan kepada peserta didik diutamakan untuk keperluan :
a. pembelian buku; dan
b. alat tulis.

Selain bantuan biaya pendidikan untuk keperluan sebagaimana dimaksud di atas, bantuan dapat diberikan kepada peserta didik untuk keperluan :
a. makan;
b. pakaian;
c. tempat tinggal
d. transportasi; dan/atau
e. informasi dan komunikasi.

Pemberian bantuan biaya pendidikan kepada peserta didik pada satuan pendidikan dasar dihentikan apabila :
a. kehadiran peserta didik dalam proses pembelajaran kurang dari 65% (enam puluh lima persen) dari total kehadiran selama 1 (satu) tahun;
b. menerima bantuan biaya pendidikan lain yang bersumber dari anggaran pendapatan dan belanja negara atau anggaran pendapatan dan belanja daerah;
c. menerima beasiswa yang lebih besar daripada bantuan biaya pendidikan; atau
d. terlibat penyalahgunaan narkotika, obat terlarang, dan zat adiktif.

Pemberian bantuan biaya pendidikan kepada peserta didik pada satuan pendidikan menengah dan tinggi dihentikan apabila :
a. kehadiran peserta didik dalam proses pembelajaran harus memenuhi syarat yang ditentukan oleh masing-masing satuan pendidikan;
b. menerima bantuan biaya pendidikan lain yang bersumber dari anggaran pendapatan dan belanja negara atau anggaran pendapatan dan belanja daerah;
c. menerima beasiswa yang lebih besar daripada bantuan biaya pendidikan;
d. terlibat penyalahgunaan narkotika, obat terlarang, dan zat adiktif; atau
e. tidak mematuhi peraturan dan tata tertib satuan pendidikan.


Untuk lebih jelasnya, isi dari Permendiknas No 30 Tahun 2010 tersebut dapat diunduh di bawah ini :

> Permendiknas No 30 Tahun 2010

Standar Pelayanan Minimal Pendidikan Dasar di Kabupaten/Kota

Pemerintah melalui Menteri Pendidikan Nasional telah menetapkan Standar Pelayanan Minimal Pendidikan Dasar, yang dituangkan dalam Peraturan Menteri Pendidikan Nasional Nomor 15 Tahun 2010.

Standar pelayanan minimal pendidikan dasar selanjutnya disebut SPM pendidikan adalah tolok ukur kinerja pelayanan pendidikan dasar melalui jalur pendidikan formal yang diselenggarakan daerah kabupaten/kota.

Penyelenggaraan pelayanan pendidikan dasar merupakan kewenangan kabupaten/kota. Yang di dalamnya meliputi :

a. Pelayanan pendidikan dasar oleh kabupaten/kota :

1. Tersedia satuan pendidikan dalam jarak yang terjangkau dengan berjalan kaki yaitu maksimal 3 km untuk SD/MI dan 6 km untuk SMP/MTs dari kelompok permukiman permanen di daerah terpencil;
2. Jumlah peserta didik dalam setiap rombongan belajar untuk SD/MI tidak melebihi 32 orang, dan untuk SMP/MTs tidak melebihi 36 orang. Untuk setiap rombongan belajar tersedia 1 (satu) ruang kelas yang dilengkapi dengan meja dan kursi yang cukup untuk peserta didik dan guru, serta papan tulis;
3. Di setiap SMP dan MTs tersedia ruang laboratorium IPA yang dilengkapi dengan meja dan kursi yang cukup untuk 36 peserta didik dan minimal satu set peralatan praktek IPA untuk demonstrasi dan eksperimen peserta didik;
4. Di setiap SD/MI dan SMP/MTs tersedia satu ruang guru yang dilengkapi dengan meja dan kursi untuk setiap orang guru, kepala sekolah dan staf kependidikan lainnya; dan di setiap SMP/MTs tersedia ruang kepala sekolah yang terpisah dari ruang guru.
5. Di setiap SD/MI tersedia 1 (satu) orang guru untuk setiap 32 peserta didik dan 6 (enam) orang guru untuk setiap satuan pendidikan, dan untuk daerah khusus 4 (empat) orang guru setiap satuan pendidikan;
6. Di setiap SMP/MTs tersedia 1 (satu) orang guru untuk setiap mata pelajaran, dan untuk daerah khusus tersedia satu orang guru untuk setiap rumpun mata pelajaran;
7. Di setiap SD/MI tersedia 2 (dua) orang guru yang memenuhi kualifikasi akademik S1 atau D-IV dan 2 (dua) orang guru yang telah memiliki sertifikat pendidik;
8. Di setiap SMP/MTs tersedia guru dengan kualifikasi akademik S-1 atau D-IV sebanyak 70% dan separuh diantaranya (35% dari keseluruhan guru) telah memiliki sertifikat pendidik, untuk daerah khusus masing-masing sebanyak 40% dan 20%;
9. Di setiap SMP/MTs tersedia guru dengan kualifikasi akademik S-1 atau D-IV dan telah memiliki sertifikat pendidik masing-masing satu orang untuk mata pelajaran Matematika, IPA, Bahasa Indonesia, dan Bahasa Inggris;
10. Di setiap Kabupaten/Kota semua kepala SD/MI berkualifikasi akademik S-1 atau D-IV dan telah memiliki sertifikat pendidik;
11. Di setiap kabupaten/kota semua kepala SMP/MTs berkualifikasi akademik S-1 atau D-IV dan telah memiliki sertifikat pendidik;
12. Di setiap kabupaten/kota semua pengawas sekolah dan madrasah memiliki kualifikasi akademik S-1 atau D-IV dan telah memiliki sertifikat pendidik;
13. Pemerintah kabupaten/kota memiliki rencana dan melaksanakan kegiatan untuk membantu satuan pendidikan dalam mengembangkan kurikulum dan proses pembelajaran yang efektif; dan
14. Kunjungan pengawas ke satuan pendidikan dilakukan satu kali setiap bulan dan setiap kunjungan dilakukan selama 3 jam untuk melakukan supervisi dan pembinaan.

b. Pelayanan pendidikan dasar oleh satuan pendidikan :

1. Setiap SD/MI menyediakan buku teks yang sudah ditetapkan kelayakannya oleh Pemerintah mencakup mata pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia, Matematika, IPA, dan IPS dengan perbandingan satu set untuk setiap peserta didik;
2. Setiap SMP/MTs menyediakan buku teks yang sudah ditetapkan kelayakannya oleh Pemerintah mencakup semua mata pelajaran dengan perbandingan satu set untuk setiap perserta didik;
3. Setiap SD/MI menyediakan satu set peraga IPA dan bahan yang terdiri dari model kerangka manusia, model tubuh manusia, bola dunia (globe), contoh peralatan optik, kit IPA untuk eksperimen dasar, dan poster/carta IPA;
4. Setiap SD/MI memiliki 100 judul buku pengayaan dan 10 buku referensi, dan setiap SMP/MTs memiliki 200 judul buku pengayaan dan 20 buku referensi;
5. Setiap guru tetap bekerja 37,5 jam per minggu di satuan pendidikan, termasuk merencanakan pembelajaran, melaksanakan pembelajaran, menilai hasil pembelajaran, membimbing atau melatih peserta didik, dan melaksanakan tugas tambahan;
6. Satuan pendidikan menyelenggarakan proses pembelajaran selama 34 minggu per tahun dengan kegiatan tatap muka sebagai berikut :
a) Kelas I – II : 18 jam per minggu;
b) Kelas III : 24 jam per minggu;
c) Kelas IV - VI : 27 jam per minggu; atau
d) Kelas VII - IX : 27 jam per minggu;
7. Satuan pendidikan menerapkan kurikulum tingkat satuan pendidikan (KTSP) sesuai ketentuan yang berlaku;
8. Setiap guru menerapkan rencana pelaksanaan pembelajaran (RPP) yang disusun berdasarkan silabus untuk setiap mata pelajaran yang diampunya;
9. Setiap guru mengembangkan dan menerapkan program penilaian untuk membantu meningkatkan kemampuan belajar peserta didik;
10. Kepala sekolah melakukan supervisi kelas dan memberikan umpan balik kepada guru dua kali dalam setiap semester;
11. Setiap guru menyampaikan laporan hasil evaluasi mata pelajaran serta hasil penilaian setiap peserta didik kepada kepala sekolah pada akhir semester dalam bentuk laporan hasil prestasi belajar peserta didik;
12. Kepala sekolah atau madrasah menyampaikan laporan hasil ulangan akhir semester (UAS) dan Ulangan Kenaikan Kelas (UKK) serta ujian akhir (US/UN) kepada orang tua peserta didik dan menyampaikan rekapitulasinya kepada Dinas Pendidikan Kabupaten/Kota atau Kantor Kementerian Agama di kabupaten/kota pada setiap akhir semester; dan
13. Setiap satuan pendidikan menerapkan prinsip-prinsip manajemen berbasis sekolah (MBS).

Selain pelayanan pendidikan di atas, di kabupaten/kota tertentu wajib menyelenggarakan jenis pelayanan sesuai kebutuhan, karakteristik, dan potensi daerah.

Untuk melihat isi dari Permendiknas No 15 Tahun 2010 ini selengkapnya, dapat diunduh dengan mengklik tautan di bawah ini.


>> Permendiknas No. 15 Tahun 2010 Tentang Standar Pelayanan Minimal Pendidikan Dasar di Kabupaten/Kota

WEC: The Little Engine that Could

September 28, 2001 is a significant date in Mixed Martial Arts because it marks the day of UFC 33, the first event promoted under the new Zuffa ownership. That will forever be looked upon as the date MMA came out of the darkness to begin its ascent as the fastest growing sport in the world.

However, three months earlier, during the "Dark Age", another historical date in MMA took place. June 30, 2001 was the day that World Extreme Cagefighting was born @ The Palace Indian Gaming Center in Lemoore, CA with an event called 'WEC 1 - 'Princes of Pain'. Using the number one in their event title, the promotion that was the WEC just knew they were going to have more than one event and they did; 52 more to be exact.

What they probably didn't know was that the sport of MMA would grow to be a worldwide phenomenon and that they would play a significant role in that growth. Kind of ironic that growth would be attributed to a company whose focal point the last few years were lighter weight classes, which featured fighters that did not grow to be very big. However, that was only in terms of stature. In terms of skill, entertainment and popularity, the WEC and their fighters was 'The Little Engine that could'.

They proved just that this past Thursday as WEC 53 - Henderson vs. Pettis, was not only a great event, but also a crowning achievement in WEC history. It was the last event for the promotion as they are now being merged with the UFC under the Zuffa banner; thus the date of December 16, 2010 will also go down as another important date in MMA history. So too will be the answer to the trivia question, what was the last fight ever in WEC history?

The answer of course was the lightweight (155lbs.) championship main event between titleholder Benson 'Smooth' Henderson (12-2, 2 KO's, 8 subs) and challenger Anthony 'Showtime' Pettis (13-1, 5 KO's 6 subs). Not only did Pettis and Henderson live up to Pettis's nickname and put on a show, but also it was a great fight and a fitting way to end an important chapter in MMA. In the end, Pettis won a five round unanimous, but close decision, thus becoming the new and last WEC lightweight champion.

BTW, for those that did not see the fight, Pettis's "jump off the cage flying right round kick to Henderson's face" in round five that knocked down the former champ is a highlight that will also go down in MMA history. In the 17 years the sport has been around I've never seen anything like it, but then again that is what the WEC has always been good for. Classic fights, chock full of action-packed highlights that will live on forever.

Look at some of the names of the fighters that have fought in the WEC and the list reads as a virtual who's who of MMA. Horn, Pellegrino, Melendez, Shamrock, Diaz, McCullough and Torres to name but a few. Even the main event way back @ WEC 1 featured a pioneer of the sport in UFC Hall of Famer Dan 'The Beast' Severn against Travis Fulton. However, when you think WEC there is one name that has become synonymous with the organization, Urijah Faber.

'The California Kid', a homegrown product from Northern California, birthplace of the organization, not only became the poster boy for WEC, but it's ambassador as well. A former featherweight champion, who is one of the sports biggest stars, he took the promotion, put it on his back and made sure the world knew it was more than just a regional show. It was Faber, along with current featherweight champ Jose Aldo, who spearheaded the WEC's one and only pay-per-view event and made it a rousing success by selling out the ARCO Arena in Sacramento, California earlier this year.

Along the way, the WEC went on to garner a television contract with The Versus Network, attract international stars from all around the globe and carve its own niche as the premiere organization for featherweight (145 lbs.) and bantamweight (135 lbs.) fighters in the world. Reed Harris, President of the WEC has much to be proud of, yet now it is but a memory, albeit an important one. However, it leaves a profound legacy that will continue to live on through its fighters who will now compete in the UFC. Thank you WEC for the memories and for always living up to your name and being totally extreme.

Eargasm of the Day: Nicki Minaj - Monster

Wow...Nicki Minaj should be behind bars because she absolutely murdered Jay Z, Kanye and Rick Ross on the track 'Monster'.  Normally these hip hop heavyweights (literally in the case of Ricky Ricky Ross) hold their own, but Minaj came from a completely different planet and eviscerated this song.  Without further ado...Ms. Minaj.

I think I might be in love,

Cody

The kick heard around the world

Last night marked the final event for the WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting) in Scottsdale, Arizona.  This one of the very few organizations that closed up shop while still being a successful company.  The end of their reign coming due to the merger with their big brother the UFC.

I went into this card with a small tear in my eye remembering all the great fights and fighters who battled under the WEC banner.  However, this night will be forever remembered by what's now being referred to as 'The Showtime' kick.  Going into the fifth round of their title fight Anthony 'Showtime' Pettis was squaring off against Ben 'Smooth' Henderson (I'll let you guess which one threw the kick...)  This was already a very memorable fight, these two had been kicking the shit out of each other for twenty four minutes and then BAM!!! Pettis pulled off a move that Jet Li probably jerks it to.  Check it out below:

Domo Arigato,

Cody

Máquina de lavar, simples instalação (simples mesmo)

Vi este Video no Nova e Moderna e achei interessante pra quem posso ter dúvidas quanto a isto !

Acredite se quiserem, algumas pessoas estavam com dificuldades para fazer a instalação da mangueira na máquina de lavar LG, alguns por falta de espaço no apartamento, outros por que não queriam ter que por a mão na massa para realizar uma tarefa tão simples, até é compreensível. Digo isso pelo fato de a assistência técnica da LG fazer a instalação da máquina de lavar gratuitamente.

Confira este vídeo de apenas 1.50 explicando:



As pessoas estavam se complicando entre as mangueiras de água quente e água fria, como você viu no vídeo, não existe nenhum mistério.

Wingman of the Week: Sterling Archer

For the second installment of Wingman of the Week I've chosen to go with another wild card, Sterling Archer, code name Isis.  Archer has all the tools to be a great wingman; looks, being a secret agent, good with guns, doesn't wear condoms, etc... The list goes on, but it's the intangibles that really set him apart.  His willingness to go the extra mile for women the morning after is truly something to behold.

With Archer you never know where your night will end up, just know you're never far from the danger zone or a cross dressing Irish assassin.  I didn't say he was a wild card for nothing.  

You can catch Archer's second season Thursday nights on FX starting January 27th at 10 pm ET.  Also, buy the first season here, it makes for a great Christmas gift (hint, hint Santa)

Domo arigato,

Cody

Novas Cédulas do Real ja começam a rodar !

Cédulas atuais continuarão valendo até serem retiradas de circulação.
Novas notas custam cerca de 25% a mais do que os modelos antigos.

Começou nesta segunda feira dia 13, a rodar por ai as novas cédulas do Real. Sendo os primeiros a serem lançadas as notas de R$100 e R$50, por serem as mais visadas na falsificação, sendo elas bem mais bem feitas para conter a falsificação.

E as R$20 e R$10 serão lançadas só apartir do ano que vem, e as de R$5 e R$2 apenas em 2012.



As novas notas entrarão em circulação por meio dos bancos comerciais, sendo que as cédulas atuais continuarão valendo e somente serão retiradas de circulação em decorrência do desgaste natural, informou o Banco Central.

Chinesse MOdel SuSU

Eargasm of the Day: Kanye West - 'All of the Lights'

Whether you love him or hate him Kanye West is absolutely killing it right now.  His new album 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' is incredible.  One of the best tracks is 'All of the Lights'  it has two of my favorites making guest spots as well, Rihanna and Kid Cudi.

For all you who can't stomach Mr. West, but love fish sticks don't fret. We're full service over here at Raucus.  Below is South Park's greatest music video.

Later boners,

Cody

Need a pick me up?

Probably the greatest motivational video since two girls one cup.  Before you automatically dismiss the last sentence, understand where I'm coming from.  Initially I thought the worst spot my daughter to end up was on the pole, but now I realize that's not anywhere near rock bottom.  Now I have absolutely no problem with my little girl dancing for dollars as long as she isn't working on any of the six days a week I'm there.  Not because I wouldn't want to support her, but I'd feel obligated to and that's when it would get a little weird.

Later boners,

Cody

"From the Fields to the Garden" and then some

While I enjoy reading, I have to admit, it's far and few in between the books I can find that can instantly grab my attention to the point where I can't literally put it down. Many of those in my lifetime have usually been biographies of people involved in things that stir my interest such as the underworld, sports or historical figures.

Luckily for me, I found that and then some in 'From the Fields to the Garden: The Life of "Stitch" Duran'. Of course, anyone reading this column has to know who Jacob 'Stitch' Duran is. However, if you are just a casual fan of combat sports and may be unfamiliar with this legendary figure, he is the famed cutman for the UFC and in the world of boxing.

Wondering how a guy who inconspicuously works in the corners of fighters, quietly repairing cuts and keeping fighters safe can make such a name for himself? That is what makes Stitch's story such an interesting one and makes this book such a great read.

"From the Fields," addresses the early part of Stitch's life when he was a young boy working alongside his family in the farmlands of Northern California. An extremely humble beginning for a man who's had his image on giant like billboards outside arenas and has worked in both film and television.

"To the Garden", speaks about his dreams and aspirations to someday make it to what he deemed for himself to be the pinnacle of his sport and trade, Madison Square Garden. Well the poor kid from Planada, California has made it there and back numerous times with some incredible stories to go with it.

That is where "The Life of 'Stitch' Duran" comes in; in between the beginning and the end, there are the most interesting stories from discovering Taekwondo and Muay Thai in the jungles of Thailand while in the military, to eating and drinking in a traditional German Schnapps House. Then there are the stories that interested me the most, which are the ones you never hear about from the inner world of boxing and MMA.

Stitch's book takes you behind the scenes and in the locker rooms. It reveals the inner thoughts of many of the great and legendary fighters we have become fans of. It also explains in detail, how far both sports have come, yet how much farther they each have to go in terms of safety. This is of utmost importance to Stitch in his career as a cutman, but even more so in his compassion for the fighters he looks after.

So many of them have come to respect the man and his work. That is quite evident in the number of fighters that request him specifically and no one else when it comes to wrapping their hands. I asked Stitch how is it that he can accommodate all the requests when there are so many fighters on a particular UFC card? "It comes down to seniority, status and priority," he said. "Obviously, someone the likes of a Randy Couture, Mirko Cro-Cop or Brock Lesnar will take precedence over most fighters."

Another interesting part of the book is on his actual work and trade as a cutman, which he has helped to cultivate in his thirty plus years in the game. When I asked if he sees the cutman trade evolving in the same way fighters is constantly evolving, he said, "absolutely 100%." "Unlike cutmen in the past when I was coming up who refused to share their knowledge, I'm constantly educating through seminars and the younger people are innovating and evolving ideas from things they learn from me."

A former farm boy, baseball player, soldier, martial artist and so on, Stitch's is a real life rags to riches story; one of dreams, hopes and realities. A must have for any true combat sports fan, it is a great complement and addition to any library. It is also the perfect Christmas gift for those you know who love boxing, MMA or just an interesting story; one that will take you "From the Fields to the Garden" and then some.

MMA and Boxing closing out 2010 with a bang

With less than three weeks till 2011, both MMA and Boxing are closing out 2010 with a bang. After last weekend's KO fest at Strikeforce and a strong past month and a half for boxing, combat sports fans have had much to cheer about and enjoy.

This past weekend, the trend continued with an entertaining UFC 124: St. Pierre vs. Koscheck card from Montreal, Canada. On the same night from one of the UFC's regular stomping grounds, Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, a candidate for fight of the year in boxing was waged as Amir 'King' Khan defended his WBA light welterweight championship against Argentinean contender Marcos Maidana.

In the main event of the UFC, welterweight (170 lbs.) champion Georges 'Rush' St. Pierre (21-2, 8 KO's 5 subs), ironically used his boxing skills as he literally jabbed his way to a decisive unanimous decision over Josh 'Kos' Koscheck (15-5, 4 KO's 5 subs). St. Pierre's jab throughout the fight was so quick, effective and on target, that Koscheck's right eye was pretty much swollen shut after two rounds.

Mixing up his effective striking with an occasional takedown (pictured above), the champion was never really challenged or in any serious danger throughout the five rounds. Koscheck was unable to mount any offense, having to resort to swinging wildly in the hopes of catching St. Pierre on the chin. So, how is it then that this was voted "fight of the night" and earned both St. Pierre and Koscheck a bonus of $100,000 each?

The UFC and its president Dana White, always hand out bonuses for 'Fight of the night', 'KO of the night' and 'Submission of the night' as an incentive for fighters to go out and try to finish their fights in exciting fashion. Great idea, but it's a real shame when two fighters deep on the undercard such as welterweights Matt Riddle and Sean Pierson, put on a great show for the fans and are not rewarded for it.

Those two slugged it out for three rounds, acknowledged each others efforts throughout and clearly earned the fans appreciation for it by their rabid reaction. That fight must've left an impression as it wasn't even on the main card and has no significance whatsoever in the scheme of what's to come in the welterweight division, yet the UFC felt it worthy enough to show on the pay-per-view portion of the show.

It is why I chose to comment on it besides any other fight outside the main event. My small tribute may not be worth $100,000 dollars, but as a fan all I can say is thanks for the effort; which brings me to the main event of the HBO boxing card, Khan vs. Maidana. What Riddle and Pierson did for three rounds in a cage, these two did for twelve in a ring.

Khan (24-1, 17 KO's), a budding superstar in a stacked division of budding superstars, the 140 lbs. class, defended his title against another of the young hungry lions within the division Maidana (29-2, 27 KO's). Defend is the operative word as Khan needed every bit of skill and heart he could muster to ward off the hard charging Maidana.

Strangely, the fight looked like it wouldn't amount to much as Khan, using superior hand speed, foot work and punching combinations, dropped Maidana with a punishing left hook to the liver, that had the challenger wincing in pain for the final minute of the first round. Maidana weathered the storm and ended up creating one of his own. His only downfall was a fifth round point deduction from referee Joe Cortez for a blatant elbow he threw at Khan's face, which luckily missed, but caught Cortez flush in the chest.

Besides that, the two battled back and forth over 12 rounds with Khan landing crisp combinations and Maidana smashing Khan with vicious uppercuts and an overhand right in the eighth that clearly had the champion on Wobble street. A scheduled fight next month between the other two champions in the division, Devon Alexander (WBC, IBF) and Timothy Bradley (WBO), has the present and future for boxing looking extremely promising.

As for UFC 124, three fights of note on the main card all ended in the first round as 6'11" heavyweight Stefan 'Skyscraper' Struve defeated 6 '7" Sean 'Big Sexy' McCorkle via TKO referee stoppage; also, lightweight (155 lbs.) Jim Miller derailed the undefeated record of young Charles Oliveira with a slick knee bar submission. Finally, it took lightweight Mac Danzig less than two minutes to finish Joe Stevenson via KO with a crushing left hook to the jaw.

UFC 124 St. Pierre vs. Koscheck: The Preview

If there is one constant in the world of MMA among the many hardcore and casual fans, it is that UFC Welterweight (170lbs.) Champion Georges St. Pierre is arguably the most popular fighter in the sport. By the same token, another constant is that welterweight contender Josh Koscheck is easily the most unpopular. However, when the two square off this Saturday night in Montreal, Canada, although the fan support will be lopsided, that doesn’t mean the fight will be.

Hardly strangers to one another, St. Pierre (20-2, 8 KO’s, 5 subs) and Koscheck (15-4, 4 KO’s, 5 subs) were coaches on the latest season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ reality series and actually fought once before three plus years ago, in August 2007. At that time, St. Pierre won a decisive unanimous decision over Koscheck, actually defeating him using Koscheck’s biggest weapon, wrestling.

While Koscheck is a former Division One National Champion and four-time All-American from Edinboro University, he got worked when it came to wrestling in MMA by the Canadian champion. The question is does St. Pierre do it again? Or better yet, will he?

St. Pierre is well known for being a very cerebral fighter besides using his gifted physical talents. He always devises a certain game plan for his opponents and while using wrestling against the wrestler was the perfect formula the first time around, that doesn’t mean it will work again. Koscheck has undoubtedly been working that part of his game to perfection at his camp at American Kickboxing Academy along with doing the same for all parts of his game.

Not just a wrestler anymore, Koscheck has shown power and skill in his hands and an ever improving ground game as he has become a brown-belt in Jiu-Jitsu under renowned trainer Dave Camarillo. Yet, for all the growth he has experienced as a fighter, so too has St. Pierre.

Riding a seven-fight win streak in the octagon, after a surprising KO loss to former champ Matt Serra, St. Pierre has shown a more precise and disciplined fighting style with every fight. Only problem is, some people feel it may be too precise and more on the cautious and safe side as four of those seven wins have been by decision.

I disagree for two reasons. One is the caliber of opponents he went the distance with. Dan Hardy, Thiago Alves, Jon Fitch and Koscheck are hardly tomato cans. All top ten welterweights in the world who all have risen to #1 contender status. Second reason is his game planning and deliberateness to carry it out. What some may call a boring fighter, I call a smart one.

For that reason I see St. Pierre winning again. This time though I think he will finish Koscheck, mostly likely via TKO from a ground and pound beating he will unleash on the trash talking former wrestling champion with the Harpo Marx haircut. Just calling it like it is.

On the undercard there are two intriguing fights. One features welterweight contenders John ‘Doomsday’ Howard (14-5, 4 KO’s 6 subs) against the aforementioned Alves (17-7, 11 KO’s 1 sub). If this fight goes the distance, I’ll be very surprised as both love to throw hands and knees for that matter. However, I think Alves, is naturally bigger and more explosive, which is why I see the ‘Pitbull’ taking this one by KO.

The fight of interest is the lightweight (155lbs.) match-up between Joe ‘Daddy’ Stevenson (31-11, 6 KO’s, 15 subs) and Mac Danzig (19-8-1, 4 KO’s, 10 subs). Both for ‘Ultimate Fighter’ winners, Stevenson in season two and Danzig in season six, with a lot of promise, I think the loser of this fight will be cut from the UFC.

Danzig is (1-4) in his last five fights, while Stevenson is not much better at (2-3). With the recent merger and absorption of WEC lightweights onto the UFC roster, something’s got to give here. While Stevenson may have the edge in experience and tougher opponents, I’m giving the nod to Danzig via decision. Sorry Joe Daddy, you’re a nice guy, but as Leo Durocher said, “nice guys finish last.”