May 03, 2009: Pacquiao vs Hatton Fight

They look around at the fighters in recent times collecting belts in an assortment of weight classes and say, “It’s not the same as it used to be.” While the idea that titles were once always undisputed is flawed, the term “World Champion” still meant one guy more often than not prior to the 1960s and into today.

This weekend, what Manny Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KO) will attempt to do in pursuing a lineal crown in a fourth weight division, a title in a sixth division overall, is one of those times.Over the last two months, this corner has examined the title reigns of Manny Pacquiao as well as the men who have held title claims in four, five and six divisions, identifying their various title claims to understand where each fell short, including Pacquiao so far, of becoming the first man in the sport’s history to capture four lineal World titles.

What Pacquiao has done to date is already special no matter the outcome against World Jr. Welterweight champion Ricky Hatton (45-1, 32 KO). In staking a claim to three lineal World championships so far at Flyweight (112), Featherweight (126) and Jr. Lightweight (130), he went through the hardest roads available.

In winning the first two crowns (against Chatchai Sasakul and Marco Antonio Barrera), he defeated not only the champion established by historical lineage but also the consensus choices at the time for best fighter in the division when he met them. In winning the third crown, vacant prior to the bout, he had to get by the easy choice for ‘other’ top contender in class, Juan Manuel Marquez.Winning titles in just four divisions, lineal or otherwise, has been a mountain too high for some outstanding practitioners of the sweet science.

Nowhere is that more the case than in the biggest historical names which are likely to can be used as comparison points should Pacquiao topple Hatton this weekend.

The first is the most obvious, bandied about freely since Pacquiao’s win over De La Hoya last December even if their circumstances are wildly different. Henry Armstrong (149-21-10, 101 KO) didn’t just win three lineal titles in three divisions; he held three of them at the same time. In a savvy move intended to move Armstrong out from under the shadow on the Heavyweight division, Armstrong defeated Petey Sarron to win the honors at Featherweight in October 1937, leapt all the way to Welterweight to knock off Barney Ross for the championship in May of the following year, and then three months later dropped to Lightweight to defeat Lou Ambers for a one-of-a-kind triple crown.

Pacquiao is attempting this weekend to bridge 112 to 140, coming up a few pounds short at a span of 28. Pacquiao moved from those small points on the scale to post a victory over the former Welterweight champion De La Hoya in the now retired Golden Boy’s final fight.

None of this analysis means a Pacquiao win automatically puts Pacquiao on a pedestal next to the Armstrong’s and Canzoneri’s of history. Those are debates for after the fight, and for all time, if it happens.None of this even should be taken to mean Pacquiao is certain to succeed. Hatton will have a ton to say about it on Saturday night. He’ll come to win and if history has anything to say about it, the odds are in his favor to do so (or at least draw). Have no doubt about it though. This is one of the really special occasions, a moment when one of the men of our time will try for one of the truly remarkable accomplishments. This is the chance for real history and Saturday can’t get here soon enough.

Protect yourself and your family: Swine Flu Symptoms

Swine Flu Symptoms

The swine flu is a viral infection that originated from pigs. It was first isolated from pigs in the 1930s. Antibiotics do not help this infection since it is not from a bacteria. From 2005 up to 2009, 10 cases of swine flu were reported in the USA according to the CDC. About 8 cases have been confirmed in the last month.
The symptoms reported when infected with the swine flu are similar to the regular influenza virus most are familiar with. The good news is that most people who become infected will do fine and will not have any long term complications. Those who are immune compromised, older or pregnant may be at higher risk of complications or serious respiratory illness. The most common symptoms of swine flu include:

Cough
Congestion
Nasal Congestion
Body aches
Joint Pains
Fevers
Sore throat
Headaches
Fatigue
Decreased energy
Rarely death

The viral infection is transmitted to humans who are in contact with swine, although there are several cases of swine flu in people who had no known exposure to either infected people or pigs.

Once the species barrier is crossed, human to human transmission can occur with casual contact or airborne transmission, like when one sneezes or coughs. Eating pork products will not cause one to develop the swine flu.

Washing hands routinely with soap and warm water will malp protect you. If you are planning on traveling by air, having and wearing a mask would be a good idea.

If you contract the swine flu, there are 2 flu medications which can be helpful. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. These medications can also be used for the usual avian influenza. Remember- most with flu symptoms simply have a viral infection and NOT the swine flu. The swine flu is diagnosed if your physician suspects infection, and sends a nasopharyngeal swab in a special viral collection container to a special lab to be tested.

At this time, there is no vaccine available to help prevent the swine flu. If you did receive a flu vaccine this year, it will not offer you protection against the swine flu. Baxter Pharmaceuticals however issued a press release saying they are working on a vaccine. However, this would not be available for several months at the earliest.A study by Dr. Cannell from California also showed that vitamin D can help prevent traditional influenza infections by strengthening the immune system. A daily intake of 2,000 IU daily should be taken at minimum, by most. A dose of up to 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily for a few days may also be helpful. Talk to your doctor about this. However, there are no studies specifically which show swine flu is prevented by vitamin D.

Visit some of the white beaches of the Philippines this summer

White-Sand Beaches

Boracay Island

Widely known as one of the finest swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. Boracay also boasts of sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches. Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea. The island is made up of little communities: Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, and Manocmanoc in the south. Hilly elevations up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manocmanoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages together but many sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles. To get to Boracay, one has to book a flight to Kalibo, the capital of Aklan province. Air-conditioned coasters or public buses offer one-hour-and-a-half drive to Caticlan where one can board a motorized banca for a 30-minute trip to Boracay.

Siargao Island

This newly discovered island boasts of white-sand beaches and surfing waves compared to that of Hawaii. Lying 800 kilometers southeast of Manila, the tear-shaped Siargao Island is a perfect haven for the sun, sea, and surf buffs. It lies on the eastern portion of Surigao del Norte and on the southeastern tip of Mindanao. The island is a mass of tropical land with scores of reefs, points and white beaches. Its promise as a surfing mecca in the making was discovered in 1993 by American surf photographer John Callahan who went to investigate the rumors of spectacular waves in a little known Mindanao town. He came back from his trip armed with stories about the lovely sun-drenched island and documented his find with beautiful photographs. Siargao opened itself to the international surfing community by playing host to the Siargao Surfing Cup in the municipality of General Luna. Siargao's Cloud Nine break is said to be among the best in the world and foreign sportsmen view "the unparalleled surf of Siargao as a magnet for deep sea fishing, sailing, wind-surfing, kayaking, and sunbathing on miles of white sandy beaches that the reef-ringed island and its rich waters afford the visitor.

Samal Island

Samal Island offers unending fascination with its white-sand beaches, thick mangroves, coral reefs, rolling hills and rock formations.It is an archipelago of nine islands located in the Davao Gulf about 700 meters south of Davao City. An ideal model for resort and development, Samal Island provides a fabulous site for sunrise and sunset. Samal Island, like the rest of Mindanao, is outside of the typhoon belt, and enjoys relatively calm weather. Its coastline is characterized by tall, swaying coconut trees, white sand beaches, rock formations, mangroves, coral reefs, and small fishing villages, all suggestive of a tropical island paradise. Almost all of the beach areas have white sand, with widths varying from only a few meters to more than 10 meters. It provides ample space for picnic huts, reclining chairs for sun bathing, or for simply relaxing and enjoying the tropical scenery.The water is crystal clear throughout the coastline, which varies in terrain from gently sloping sand beaches to steep cliffs and rock formations. The colors of the coastline at the beach areas transforms itself from the green lush vegetation of coconut trees, to the white sandy beaches, to the dark blue color of the sea, with its deep waters and coral reefs. Among its popular attractions are the Aguinaldo Pearl Farm, the caves of Talikud Island, the White Stone Mountain, and the San Jose Muslim Fishing Village.

Visit some of the world's hottest destination for your summer vacation

A tiny island close to Auckland in New Zealand, the Civil Rights Trail in Alabama, and beautiful Cape Town have all made it onto this year's list of the world's top 12 travel destinations, compiled by influential travel guide Frommers.

Arthur Frommer launched his career on the travel scene in 1957, when he self-published "Europe on $5 a Day." Today, some 350 titles are offered through the best-selling Frommer's Travel Guides and their annual 'world's best destinations list' has become a bible for travellers all over the world.

According to the Frommers website, this year's list is 'a mix of value picks that will still wow you; cities that are sprucing up for big events, smart alternatives to overrun spots nearby and destinations that are justifiably hyped.'

Check out some of the 2009 choices:

Cartagena, Colombia
Traditionally avoided as a holiday spot due to safety concerns, Colombia has come into its own and is starting to attract hoards of tourists.

Especially popular with Americans due to the short flight - 2.5 hours from Miami – Cartagena has stunning coastal views, sandy beaches and 17th Century cathedrals to explore.

Cape Town, South Africa
The 2010 World Cup has kicked off a new wave of interest in South Africa. The completion of the new international airport and the improved infrastructure is expected to pull in thousands more visitors and international property investors.

Cape Town, the oldest city in southern Africa, is regularly heralded as one of the most beautiful on earth. With so much to see – from Table Mountain, to Nelson Mandela's prison on Robben Island, to the diamond shops glittering around the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront – Cape Town is a true feast for the senses.

You can also visit African Penguin colonies at Boulders Beach along False Bay or drive to one of the safari parks and get up close and personal to some South African wildlife.

Washington, D.C., United States
The appointment of Barack Obama has heralded a new dawn for America. The 'Obama effect' is already attracting more visitors to the capital, all eager to see what the new President will do to change the American way.

Frommers has called Washington one of the world's great 'budget cities,' as virtually every major attraction the city has to offer - from the Smithsonian Museums to the National Monuments to the National Zoo - is free and transportation via the city's Metro system is quick and easy.

There is also a new museum coming this year, so book your flight to DC and check out the National Museum of Crime and Punishment.

Waiheke Island, New ZealandThe tiny island of Waiheke is the gem of the Hauraki Gulf and lies 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland in New Zealand.

A summer favourite with Kiwis, many of whom own summer houses on the island, Waiheke is also 'a hot spot for New Zealand's massive wine and olive industries.'

According to Frommers, 'Growers of both grapes and olives have caught wind of all those travelling foodies and responded by building sleek and modern accommodations amongst the vines, providing high-end creature comforts, menus offering food for the sophisticated palate and spectacular views of the bay and distant Auckland.'

The other destinations on the 2009 list were Saqqara, Egypt; Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada; Lassen Volcano National Park, California, United States; Berlin, Germany; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Istanbul, Turkey and Cambodia (but not Angkor Wat).