New Kids on the Block, performing on NBC’s
Today show
Image Credit: NKOTB.com

Jonathan, 44, can be seen somehow uncomfortable during that night’s show, while performing live on stage with fellow New Kids on the Block members Jordan Knight, 42, Joey McIntyre, 40, Donnie Wahlberg, 43, and Danny Wood, 43. The 80/90s band was then singing their old songs, as well as their new ones.

However, around 20 minutes later during the concert, it was time for Jonathan to sing his part in of their new songs titled ballad, “Survive You,” from their latest album, ’10.’ Donnie Wahlberg told Jordan to pull his older brother in the middle so he can start singing solo.

“Jon, these people paid thousands of dollars for these tickets, for one reason. They heard that you [were] singin’ on this record. That lady in the front, she said, ‘Look at me, I turned in my kids’ college fund to be here to watch Jon sing.’” Donnie told Jonathan jokingly.

Jonathan can be seen laughing but was totally uncomfortable and shook his head, and left the stage as his fellow members look on. The camera focused on him for awhile, while the remaining four members continued to sing. They told the fans that Jonathan will be back but he never did until the end of the show.

On Friday, April 5, Jonathan Knight (@JonathanRKnight) tweeted, “I’m sorry……” but did not explain why he left the show. Back in 2000, he told Oprah Winfrey in an emotional interview that he sometimes suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, since his early career with New Kids On The Block.

Nevertheless, Jonathan seems to be fine now since he was seen performing “We Own Tonight” with the rest of the band on NBC‘s Today show, also on Friday. The New Kids on the Block is being set to perform next this Sunday at Sutter Home Winery in Saint Helena, California.

Credit: PNB.com.ph

According to their announcement published online at pnb.com.ph, all PNB branches will be closed from March 28, 2013 (Maundy Thursday) to March 30, 2013 (Black Saturday) including those branches that are normally open on Saturdays.

Furthermore, internet banking, mobile banking and phone banking will also be unavailable from 3:00 am of March 30, 2013 (Black Friday) to 10:00 pm of March 31, 2013 (Easter Sunday).

ATMs will be available during the upgrade, however, Funds Transfer, Bills Payment and Inter-bank Funds Transfer will not be available for PNB accounts, the advisory said.

PNB clients are being advised to schedule their regular banking transactions early to avoid inconvenience.

Below is a copy of PNB‘s Holy Week Advisory:

HOLY WEEK ADVISORY
To Our Valued PNB Clients:

Philippine National Bank will undergo a nationwide system upgrade during the Holy Week to further improve our service capabilities.

In this regard, ALL PNB BRANCHES WILL BE CLOSED from March 28, 2013 (Maundy Thursday) to March 30, 2013 (Black Saturday) including those that are normally open on Saturdays. We encourage you to schedule your regular banking transactions early to avoid any inconvenience during the Lenten holidays. Branches will resume operations on April 1, 2013 (Monday).

The following banking facilities will likewise be unavailable from 3:00 a.m. of March 30, 2013 (Black Saturday) to 10:00 p.m. of March 31, 2013 (Easter Sunday):

• Internet Banking
• Mobile Banking
• Phone Banking

Our ATMs will continue to be available during the entire Lenten holiday to serve your urgent cash requirements. We expect heavy usage during this time, so we encourage you to transact early and plan your ATM requirements. However, Funds Transfer, Bills Payment and Inter-bank Funds Transfer will not be available for PNB accounts.

For queries and other concerns, please contact PNB Customer Care at (632) 573-8888 or customercare@pnb.com.ph.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Justin Bieber Believe tour ad
Image Credit: Justin Bieber Facebook

According to a statement released by Portuguese concert promoter Everything Is New this Saturday, March 9, the Justin Bieber concert on March 12 (the second night) has been canceled, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” A refund will be made to Bieber fans who bought tickets for the concert.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Justin Bieber was forced to cancel the second operation, in Portugal, on 12 March. The Canadian singer is eager to play for the Portuguese fans on 11 March.” A statement reads on EverythingIsNew.pt, as translated in English via Google Translate.

“Holders of valid tickets for March 12 should head to its place of purchase to receive a refund within 30 days from the date of the concert, which ends April 11.” The statement added, without further explaining details of the so-called unforeseen circumstances. However, a report suggests that there was slow ticket sales.

“A national newspaper had said that, while the first date was sold out, ticket sales had been suspended for the second night due to insufficient demand.” A statement reads of the Facebook page of Portugal News, but did not mention the name of the newspaper so the report cannot be confirmed.

So far, the 19-year old “Boyfriend” singer is believed to be back on his good health after he passed out during his show at O2 Arena in London. The Justin Bieber Believe concert tour’s next stop will be in Spain later this week, and will be followed by shows in other parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.

Pope Benedict XVI on Monday, February 11, 2013 announces his resignation effective February 28, 2013 due to health reasons. Below is a full text of his declaration, as published on Vatican Radio website:

Dear Brothers,

I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering.

However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.

Dear Brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the Holy Church to the care of Our Supreme Pastor, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the Cardinal Fathers with her maternal solicitude, in electing a new Supreme Pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer.
From the Vatican, 10 February 2013

BENEDICTUS PP XVI

This is the first time in the modern era that a pope resigns from his office. Pope Benedict XVI, 85, was one of the oldest new popes in history when elected, reports said.

Beyonce Mrs Carter Show World Tour ad
Image Credit: Beyonce.com

As announced at Beyonce.com on Sunday, February 3, 2013, the 2013 Beyonce Mrs. Carter Show World Tour has a 24-date concert in Europe and UK, which will start from April 15, 2013 to May 29, 2013. The European countries where Beyonce is set to perform include Serbia, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, and Sweden.

After resting for a month, Beyonce will proceed to her 22-date 2013 concert tour in North America, which will start on June 28 and will end on August 3, 2013. Among the venues where Beyonce will perform include MGM Grand Garden Arena, American Airlines Arena, Air Canada Centre, and Barclays Center.

Below is the complete list of dates and venues for the Beyonce Mrs. Carter Show World Tour taken from Beyonce.com, along with the details of tickets sale and its teaser ad video.

Related Post: Beyonce halftime show features Destiny’s Child reunion, rocks 2013 Super Bowl fans (Video)

*Europe:

April 15: Kombank Arena, Belgrade, Serbia – On Sale Mon. Feb 11

April 17: Arena Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia – On Sale Mon. Feb 11

April 19: Slovnaft Arena, Bratislava, Slovakia – On Sale Fri. Feb 8

April 22: Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam, Holland – On Sale Fri. Feb 8

April 24 & 25: Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, Paris, France – On Sale Mon. Feb 11

April 26: LG Arena, Birmingham, UK – On Sale Sat. Feb 23

April 29 – May 1: The O2, London, UK – On Sale Sat. Feb 23

May 03: The O2, London, UK – On Sale Sat. Feb 23

May 07: Manchester Arena, Manchester, UK – On Sale Sat. Feb 23

May 11-12: The O2, Dublin, Ireland – On Sale Mon. Feb 11

May 14: Sportpaleis, Antwerp, Belgium – On Sale Fri. Feb 8

May 17: Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland – On Sale Mon. Feb 11

May 18: Mediolanum Forum, Milan, Italy – On Sale Fri. Feb 8

May 20: Park & Suites Arena, Montpellier, France – On Sale Mon. Feb 11

May 22: Olympiahalle, Munich, Germany – On Sale Fri. Feb 15

May 24: O2 World, Berlin, Germany – On Sale Fri. Feb 15

May 25: National Stadium-Orange Warsaw Festival, Warsaw, Poland

May 27: Forum, Copenhagen, Denmark – On Sale Mon. Feb 11

May 28: Telenor Arena, Oslo, Norway – On Sale Mon. Feb 11

May 29: Ericsson Globe Arena, Stockholm, Sweden – On Sale Mon. Feb 11

*North America:

June 28: BET Experience/Staples Center, Los Angeles – On Sale Mon. Feb. 11

Jun 29: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV -On Sale Mon. Feb. 11

Jul 2: HP Pavilion at San Jose, San Jose, CA – On Sale Mon. Feb. 11

Jul 5: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK – On Sale Fri. Feb. 15

Jul 6: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX – On Sale Mon. Feb. 11

Jul 9: BB&T Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL – On Sale Mon. Feb. 11

Jul 10: American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL – On Sale Mon. Feb. 11

Jul 12: The Arena @ Gwinnett Center, Atlanta, GA – On Sale Sat. Feb. 16

Jul 13: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN – On Sale Fri. Feb. 15

Jul 15: Toyota Center, Houston, TX – On Sale Mon. Feb. 11

Jul 17: United Center, Chicago, IL – On Sale Mon. Feb. 11

Jul 18: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN – On Sale Fri. Feb. 15

Jul 20: The Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit, MI – On Sale Mon. Feb. 11

Jul 21: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON – On Sale Mon. Feb. 11

Jul 22: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC – On Sale Sat. Feb. 9

Jul 23: TD Garden, Boston, MA – On Sale Mon. Feb. 11

Jul 25: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA – On Sale Fri. Feb. 15

Jul 26: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ – On Sale Fri. Feb. 15

Jul 27: Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, NC – On Sale Fri. Feb. 15

Jul 29: Verizon Center, Washington, DC – On Sale Mon. Feb. 11

Aug 2: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT – On Sale Fri. Feb. 15

Aug 3: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY – On Sale Mon. Feb. 11

Read Beyonce halftime show features Destiny’s Child reunion, rocks 2013 Super Bowl fans (Video)

Beyonce sings the US National Anthem live at 2013 Super Bowl press conference on Thursday, January 31, 2013, as shown in the video below. Later, for the first time, she spoke about the lip sync controversy during her performance during the Obama inauguration. And yes, she finally admitted that she did not really sing live in that event.

Beyonce, singing the National Anthem live at
the 2013 Super Bowl press conference
Image Credit: NFL Network video

As featured at NFL Network that day, Beyonce opened the Super Bowl press conference at Conference Room C at the Ernest N Morial Convention Center by asking the audience to stand up and performed a cappella of the “The Star-Spangled Banner.” And yes, she sang live and obviously, with flying colors.

“Any questions?” Beyonce asked the press, right after her stunning live performance that silenced the entire room for more than two minutes. It has been 10 days since she sang National Anthem during the Obama inauguration with the US Marine Corps Band, where she allegedly lip-synched the song.

“I am a perfectionist, and one thing about me, I practice until my feet bleed. I did not have time to rehearse with the orchestra. It was a live television show and a very, very important emotional show for me. One of my proudest moments.” Beyonce told the crowd.

“Due to the weather, due to the delay, due to no proper sound check, I did not feel comfortable taking a risk. It was about the president and the inauguration, and I wanted to make him and my country proud. So I decided to sing along with my pre-recorded track, which is very common in the music industry, and I’m very proud of my performance.” Beyonce added.

“I will absolutely be singing live. I am well rehearsed and I will absolutely be singing live. This is what I was born to do. What I’m born for.” Beyonce replied, when asked if she will sing live in the upcoming Super Bowl XLVII this coming Sunday, February 3. However, she did not mention anything about the rumored Destiny’s Child reunion.

Related Post: Beyonce spoof on Obama inauguration singing National Anthem helps us forget the lip synch controversy (Video)

Labrador Retriever
Credit: AKC.org

For the 22nd straight year, Labrador Retrievers has claimed the top spot as the most popular dog breed in the US. German Shepherds is in second place. Golden Retrievers snatched the number three spot from Beagles, the previous year’s third placer. Bulldogs entered the top five list, beating out Yorkshire Terriers.

Dropping out of the top ten list of most popular dogs this year are Rottweilers and Dachshunds.

In a statement by AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson, she said that,

Bigger breeds are making their move. The popularity of the pint-sized, portable pooch just gave way to a litter of larger breeds in the Top 10. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love.

There were a total of 174 dog breeds included in the AKC Dog Registration Statistics. Below is the complete list of most popular dogs in the US for 2012.

1. Labrador Retrievers
2. German Shepherd Dogs
3. Golden Retrievers
4. Beagles
5. Bulldogs
6. Yorkshire Terriers
7. Boxers
8. Poodles
9. Rottweilers
10. Dachshunds
11. Shih Tzu
12. Doberman Pinschers
13. Miniature Schnauzers
14. French Bulldogs
15. German Shorthaired Pointers
16. Siberian Huskies
17. Great Danes
18. Chihuahuas
19. Pomeranians
20. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
21. Shetland Sheepdogs
22. Australian Shepherds
23. Boston Terriers
24. Pembroke Welsh Corgis
25. Maltese
26. Mastiffs
27. Cocker Spaniels
28. Havanese
29. English Springer Spaniels
30. Pugs
31. Brittanys
32. Weimaraners
33. Bernese Mountain Dogs
34. Vizslas
35. Collies
36. West Highland White Terriers
37. Papillons
38. Bichons Frises
39. Bullmastiffs
40. Basset Hounds
41. Rhodesian Ridgebacks
42. Newfoundlands
43. Russell Terriers
44. Border Collies
45. Akitas
46. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
47. Miniature Pinschers
48. Bloodhounds
49. St. Bernards
50. Shiba Inu
51. Bull Terriers
52. Chinese Shar-Pei
53. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
54. Airedale Terriers
55. Portuguese Water Dogs
56. Whippets
57. Alaskan Malamutes
58. Scottish Terriers
59. Australian Cattle Dogs
60. Cane Corso
61. Lhasa Apsos
62. Chinese Crested
63. Cairn Terriers
64. English Cocker Spaniels
65. Dalmatians
66. Italian Greyhounds
67. Dogues de Bordeaux
68. Samoyeds
69. Chow Chows
70. German Wirehaired Pointers
71. Belgian Malinois
72. Great Pyrenees
73. Pekingese
74. Irish Setters
75. Cardigan Welsh Corgis
76. Staffordshire Bull Terriers
77. Irish Wolfhounds
78. Old English Sheepdogs
79. American Staffordshire Terriers
80. Bouviers des Flandres
81. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs
82. Japanese Chin
83. Tibetan Terriers
84. Brussels Griffons
85. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons
86. Border Terriers
87. English Setters
88. Basenjis
89. Standard Schnauzers
90. Silky Terriers
91. Flat-Coated Retrievers
92. Norwich Terriers
93. Afghan Hounds
94. Giant Schnauzers
95. Borzois
96. Wire Fox Terriers
97. Parson Russell Terriers
98. Schipperkes
99. Gordon Setters
100. Treeing Walker Coonhounds
101. Keeshonden
102. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
103. Toy Fox Terriers
104. Leonbergers
105. Norwegian Elkhounds
106. Belgian Tervuren
107. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs
108. Welsh Terriers
109. Black and Tan Coonhounds
110. Pointers
111. Tibetan Spaniels
112. Neapolitan Mastiffs
113. American Eskimo Dogs
114. Spinoni Italiani
115. Smooth Fox Terriers
116. Boykin Spaniels
117. Bearded Collies
118. Salukis
119. Norfolk Terriers
120. Black Russian Terriers
121. Manchester Terriers
122. Briards
123. Australian Terriers
124. Belgian Sheepdogs
125. Welsh Springer Spaniels
126. Miniature Bull Terriers
127. Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeens
128. Kerry Blue Terriers
129. Tibetan Mastiffs
130. Irish Terriers
131. Clumber Spaniels
132. Redbone Coonhounds
133. Bluetick Coonhounds
134. English Toy Spaniels
135. Lakeland Terriers
136. German Pinschers
137. Xoloitzcuintli
138. Affenpinschers
139. Scottish Deerhounds
140. Beaucerons
141. American Water Spaniels
142. Ibizan Hounds
143. Icelandic Sheepdogs
144. Bedlington Terriers
145. Pulik
146. Greyhounds
147. Field Spaniels
148. Swedish Vallhunds
149. American English Coonhounds
150. Plotts
151. Kuvaszok
152. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs
153. Curly-Coated Retrievers
154. Irish Water Spaniels
155. Irish Red and White Setters
156. Lowchen
157. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
158. Pharaoh Hounds
159. Canaan Dogs
160. Finnish Spitz
161. Sealyham Terriers
162. Glen of Imaal Terriers
163. Norwegian Buhunds
164. Finnish Lapphunds
165. Pyrenean Shepherds
166. Skye Terriers
167. Sussex Spaniels
168. Otterhounds
169. Komondorok
170. Dandie Dinmont Terriers
171. Harriers
172. American Foxhounds
173. Norwegian Lundehunds
174. Cesky Terriers
175. English Foxhounds

Westminster Kennel Club logo
Credit: The Westminster Kennel Club

Considered as the most famous dog show in the US, the 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show will feature two new dog breeds that will compete in separate categories.

Reports say that the new dog breeds that will be participating in the 2013 Westminster Dog Show include the Russel Terrier and Treeing Walker Coonhound.

The Westminster Kennel Club described the Russell Terrier as “the ultimate working earth terrier due to their small size (10″ to 12″ tall) and unique chest.” This new dog breed features a “small, oval-shaped, spannable, compressible chest, which allows them to hunt efficiently below ground, pulling, pushing and bending through tight turns and narrow tunnels.”

Another newcomer in the competition is the intelligent, confident and sociable hound dog, Treeing Walker Coonhound. This new dog breed was described by WKC as a “fast, alert, hot-nosed hunter with superb endurance, treeing ability and the desire to perform. It has a clear, ringing bugle voice or a steady clear chop with changeover at the tree.”

All judging for the 137th Annual Dog Show competition will held indoors. According to the Westminster Kennel Club, show hours will be from 8:00 A.M. E.T. to 11:00 P.M..

Breed Judging/Benching and Junior showmanship preliminaries will be held at piers 92 and 94. The Junior showmanship Finals and Variety Group Judging/Benching will be at the Madison Square Garden Center Pennsylvania Plaza.

President Obama meets Psy and shook hands,
as Scotty McCreery looks on
Image Credit: AP

As noted in a post at the official White House blog on Monday, December 10, President Obama attended the annual ‘Christmas in Washington‘ concert, which was hosted by Conan O’Brien, and featured the performances of Diana Ross, Demi Lovato, Megan Hilty, among others.

“Tonight is a chance to get in the Christmas spirit, to spread some joy and sing along with artists who have much better voices than we do.” President Obama jokingly said in his speech, noting that it is also the chance to help patients at Children’s National Medical Center, where the show proceeds will go.

“Many of these kids and their parents are going through tough times right now, and your support helps give them a reason to hope –- not just during the holidays, but all year round. And that’s really what Christmas is all about.” Mr. Obama added, who was joined by US First Lady Michelle Obama.

“So yes, tonight is about Conan and Diana Ross and Santa and all the other talented folks on this stage. But it’s also about the Americans who are spending this holiday in a hospital bed, or a shelter, or protecting our freedom on a battlefield far from home.” The US President said further.

Meanwhile, President Obama and the South Korean superstar were seen on stage shaking hands and with all smiles, along with host Conan O’Brien and American Idol Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery. The ‘Christmas In Washington‘ concert will be aired on TNT on Friday, December 21, 2012.

Forbes‘ complete 2012 rankings include several state leaders, businessmen, philanthropists and financiers.

Hundreds of candidates were chosen from all sectors around the globe. According to Forbes, those included in the final rankings for the 2012 World’s Most Powerful People, “10 of its Senior editors ranked all candidates based on the following dimensions and individual rankings were averaged into composite score.”

• The candidate has power over lots of people.
• The financial resources controlled by each person.
• The candidate is powerful in multiple spheres.
• The candidates actively used their power.

Below is the complete list of the World’s Most Powerful People for 2012 with their position, place of origin and age.

1. Barack Obama – President, United States of America. Age: 51
2. Angela Merkel – Chancellor, Germany. Age: 58.
3. Vladimir Putin – President, Russia. Age: 60.
4. Bill Gates – Co-chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Age: 57.
5. Pope Benedict XVI – Pope, Roman Catholic Church. Age: 85.
6. Ben Bernanke – Chairman, U.S. Federal Reserve. Age: 59.
7. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud – King, Saudi Arabia. Age: 88.
8. Mario Draghi – President, European Central Bank. Age: 65.
9. Xi Jinping – General Secretary, Communist Party Of China. Age: 59.
10. David Cameron – Prime Minister, United Kingdom. Age: 46.
11. Carlos Slim Helu – Chairman, Carlos Slim Foundation. Age: 72.
12. Sonia Gandhi – President, Indian National Congress. Age: 66.
13. Li Keqiang – Vice Premier, People’s Republic Of China. Age: 57.
14. Francois Hollande – President, France. Age: 58.
15. Warren Buffett – CEO, Berkshire Hathaway. Age: 82.
16. Michael Bloomberg – Mayor, New York City. Age: 70.
17. Michael T. Duke – CEO, Wal-Mart. Age: 63.
18. Dilma Rousseff – President, Brazil. Age: 65.
19. Manmohan Singh – Prime Minister, India. Age: 80.
20. Sergey Brin and Larry Page – Co-founders, Google. Ages: 39.