When in New York, Don't Fail to Watch the "Lion King" Broadway Stage Musicale

Never fail to see the "Lion King Broadway Musicale," with the whole family if possible, when you're in New York. Now don't tell me you won't as you had already seen the movie with your kids.

"Lion King" the movie is not and will never be the same as the theater show. And yes, every single cent you spend on the multi-awarded Broadway stage musicale is worth the experience.

Also currently playing in London, Hamburg, Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Paris, the Disney theater production is said to have been watched by over 34 million people from around the world. It is based on the Disney film "Lion King" which depicts a father's great love for his child, risking his very own life to save his son's.

And, as many have observed, it is a retelling of the Biblical story of the prodigal son who returns to his homeland a mature, responsible person, ready to take on his designated role in life, in this case, for Simba, as the true King of Pridelands, which position was usurped from his well-loved father Mufasa by his villainous uncle Scar.

Directed by Julie Taymor, the musicale has won more than 70 major awards worldwide, including the Tony Awards for Best Musicale, Best Scenic Design of a Musicale, Best Costume Design of a Musicale, Best Choreography, and Best Direction for a Musicale. The book (music and lyrics) is a collaboration between Sir Elton John and Tim Rice, with the already recognizable songs given new life: Circle of Life, Can You Feel the Love Tonight?, the unforgettable 'Hakuna Matata' with pulsating beats by live drummers visible on both sides of the theater that would make you want to learn how to play drums that very moment. [Read Full Review]

Music Album Review: Regina Spektor's "Begin to Hope"

I got myself last week a special 2-CD edition of Regina Spektor's newest album, "Begin to Hope". And the only absolute thing I can say about it is that it's full of surprises. But, those familiar with the Russian-American singer-songwriter's work know that to listen to Spektor is to expect the unexpected.

For those unfamiliar with Regina Spektor's music, be warned: Her second major-label release, "Begin to Hope" (the first being "Soviet Kitsch" released worldwide in 2003/2004), is misleading. The seemingly sentimental title and the cute picture of the artist on the cover will have you thinking easy-listening and adult contemporary.

Indeed, one minute into the first song, everything sounds like your usual radio-friendly number-light, synthesized and easily "digestible." Before the minute is over, however, you'll get your first hint of Spektor's idiosyncratic style when you hear her chop the word "heart" into a dozen syllables! [Read Full Review]

Gadget Review: Nokia E65

My youngest sister turn to be generous as she allowed me to "study" her new Nokia E65 smartphone for two days last week. The smooth-sliding Nokia E65 is one attractive smartphone that exhibits a lot more style than the first generation of E-series devices. The Nokia E65, for instance, is one of the smallest in its class at 105x49x15.5mm, which is just slightly longer than a calling card. It weighs just 115 grams, with rounded edges and easy-to-grip, leather-like materials that make it a joy to hold.

The Nokia E65 has a lot of buttons, though, which take some getting used to. There are 11 upfront: the usual navigator key, four control keys, plus a one-touch key each for Conference, Contacts, My Own, Mute, Menu, and Backspace. There are 12 on the keypad when the phone is spread, and there are four on the side for recording.

On the plus side, the user of a Nokia E65 smartphone can access basic commands with just one touch of a button - once all the buttons are figured out. Experimenting with one-touch buttons shows market sensitivity on Nokia's side, since the feature is becoming more important to consumers. Buttons also access features for reading text messages aloud and setting Voice Controls, which can be accessed by holding down the record button on the side of the device. [Read Full Review]

A Review of the Highlights of the 2007 "American Idol" Finals

The finals of the 2007 "American Idol" had Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks squaring off for the singing tilt's much-coveted title, and it looked like Jordin had the competition all wrapped up.

Jurors Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell appeared to concur with the general observation, as Blake had a hard time matching Jordin's vocal prowess, and resigned himself to doing his "beat box" best.

But Jordin couldn't start celebrating just yet. There was always the great, big question mark of how the show's voters would go. In the past, they have been known to sustain unsustainable dreams (Sanjaya's), or grimly sunder deserving champions' brightest hopes (Katharine McPhee, Melinda Doolittle).

So we had to wait for the tilt's "revelation" episode for the confirming voters' verdict to write in stone what many viewers already felt in their hearts: That Jordin Sparks was indeed the 2007 American Idol. [Read Full Review]

Essential Safety Measures in e-Banking

Doing e-Banking is without a doubt faster than making transactions over a bank's counter. It provides the convenience of drawing cash anytime of the day from wherever an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is located. On the other hand, doing online banking lets you stay in the comfort of your office seat while making transactions through your PC or laptop. Against these conveniences, however, are real dangers that lurk around. It won't hurt a bit if the following safety reminders are kept in mind:

- Your ATM card is like cash. Treat it therefore as you would your crisp bills. Always keep it in a safe place.
- Your card number, account number, and Personal Identification Number (PIN) must be known only to yourself. Do not disclose to, or share with, anyone these information.
- Avoid using a PIN that is much akin to information pertaining to yourself such as your birthday, your address, or your phone number. While it may be easier for you to remember, it will not be too difficult as well for others to make a supposition of the same.
- It is best that you memorize your PIN. Never write it on your ATM card or on any material that may be found with your card.
- Be sure to block the view of others when using the ATM. Do not allow anyone to see its screen while making your transaction. Remember also to cover your fingers as you enter your PIN on the machine's keypad. [Read Full Article]