Bill Gates
Image Credit: Aaron M. Sprecher/Bloomberg

As noted by Bloomberg, Bill Gates regained the world’s richest man title yesterday from Mexican investor and philanthropist Carlos Slim, who is the Chairman and CEO of of Telmex, Samsung Mexico, Grupo Cars, and America Movil. Slim, 73, was ranked by Forbes as the richest person in the world from 2010 to 2013.

But as Bloomberg reported, Slim‘s shares value at America Movil, dubbed as the largest cellphone carrier in the Americas, has declined 14% this year after Congress of Mexico passed a bill that could repeal his dominance in the market. This resulted to a $3 billion reduction from his net worth.

“When they’re talking about reform in a country that’s generally poor, and the guy shows up No. 1 on the list — not a good thing.” Greg Lesko, managing director at Deltec Asset Management, which keeps an eye on $750 million and has an “underweight” position at America Movil, was quoted in the report.

“He’s had a pretty good monopoly situation in Mexico, and the Mexican cellphone user has been paying more than he should. We applaud it for the country.” Lesko added. America Movil is Mr. Slim‘s flagship company and its headquarters are located in Mexico City, and has 246 million mobile subscribers in 18 countries.

Meanwhile, Gates, 57, has most of his wealth at Cascade Investment, and has donated $28 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, after establishing it in 2000. This year, Microsoft shares have climbed up 28 percent, and closed at a five-year high this Thursday for two times this week.

On the other hand, Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ranked third in world’s richest people list in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, with $59.7 billion net worth. Buffett, 82, is $3.7 billion richer than Spaniard Amancio Ortega, the richest person in Europe.

Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith, photobombed
by Craig Sager
Image Credit: NBA video

As noted at NBA.com, Will and Jaden Smith were sitting courtside during the Game 5 of the NBA playoff for the Eastern Conference semifinals between the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat at the AmericanAirlines Arena, in Miami, Florida. Steve Kerr and Marv Albert were doing the anchor that time.

With 7:23 minutes remaining at the third quarter of the game after returning from a commercial break, the father and son tandem was focused by the TV camera and was seen talking to each other. But when Marv Albert acknowledged their presence, Craig Sager was at the right place on the right time.

Sager, who was then wearing pink and blue checkered blazer, was reportedly encouraged by Albert and Kerr to do the photobomb. He was seated behind Will and Jaden, when he noticed that the camera was focusing them. Sager positioned himself, making sure that he is seen on camera, and waved his hand, smiling at the camera.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat beat the Chicago Bulls, 94-91, and has advanced to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals for the third consecutive season after their 4-1 series victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder last season. For Will and his son Jaden, their movie “After Earth” will premiere in the US on May 31, 2013, which receives a free promotion during the Will Smith photobomb, as flashed on the TV screen.

Erap and Isko Moreno, proclaimed winners as
elected Manila mayor and vice mayor
Image Credit: GMA News video

As announced by COMELEC today, Tuesday, May 14, 2013, Erap has been proclaimed as the mayor-elect of Manila, after 96 percent of the total number of votes has been counted. As of 12:46 p.m. today, Erap has 288,058 votes, while incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim has only 257,631 votes.

COMELEC noted that the above figures represent 80.92% of Manila, or 563,245 of 953,382 registered voters of the city. Meanwhile, Isko Moreno, Erap‘s running mate, also won as vice mayor-elect, with 329,596 votes against 196,967 votes for Lou Veloso.

“I thank the great people of Manila for putting a true son of Manila at the helm of the Philippine capital city. Dear Manileños, I will not fail you. I was born in Manila, and I will die working to bring back the glory and pride to Manila.” Estrada was quoted in a statement last night, after he was proclaimed winner.

For the senatorial race, Grace Poe is consistently leading, with 14,585,700 votes as of 1:38 p.m. today, based 68.35% of the Nationwide Election Returns, or 53,427 of 78,166 Election Returns from COMELEC‘s Transparency Server. Loren Legarda and Alan Peter Cayetano are still in the second and third spots, respectively. Chiz Escudero is still fourth, while Nancy Binay maintains its fifth place.

Below is the latest partial and unofficial list of the Top 12 Senatorial candidates and their COMELEC vote counts, along with the remaining candidates who landed on the Top 20.

1. Grace Poe – 14,585,700
2 Loren Legarda – 13,344,941
3. Alan Cayetano – 12,622,924
4. Francis “Chiz” Escudero – 12,615,514
5. Nancy Binay – 11,898,767
6. Edgardo “Sonny” Angara – 11,469,497
7. Bam Aquino – 11,054,324
8. Koko Pimentel – 10,575,307
9. Antonio Trillanes – 10,159,200
10. Cynthia Villar – 9,898,726
11. JV Ejercito Estrada – 9,822,611
12. Gringo Honasan – 9,479,987

The rest of the Top 20 Senatorial candidates:

13. Richard “Dick” Gordon – 9,056,119
14. Migz Zubiri – 8,474,847
15. Jack Enrile – 8,195,934
16. Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr. – 8,175,102
17. Risa Hontiveros – 7,939,694
18. Edward Hagedorn – 6,119,455
19. Bro. Ed Villanueva – 4,994,694
20. Jamby Madrigal – 4,833,351

Read 2013 Election Results: Grace Poe still leading, Erap wins, based on partial and unofficial COMELEC count

Manila, Philippines – Grace Poe continues to lead the 2013 elections results for the senatorial race, based on the latest partial and unofficial count from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Poe, 44, is FPJ‘s daughter and former chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

According to the record at COMELEC‘s official website 2013electionresults.COMELEC.gov.ph this Monday night, Grace Poe has 9,891,318 votes, with 6.86% of all the votes. This represents 43.57% of the Senator Election Returns, or 34,057 of the 78,166 Election Returns, as of 9:50 p.m. (local time).

Re-electionist Senator Loren Legarda still landed on the second spot, just like in the initial and unofficial COMELEC count released minutes after 7 p.m., when the election officially ended. However, Bam Aquino, who earlier landed as third, is now on the 7th spot, and Chiz Escudero replaced him on the 3rd slot.

Alan Cayetano is now on the fourth, while Nancy Binay is on the fifth spot. Edgardo “Sonny” Angara went down the sixth place from the fifth place earlier, followed by Koko Pimentel, Antonio Trillanes, JV Ejercito Estrada, Cynthia Villar, and Gringo Honasan to complete the Top 12 Senatorial candidates.

As reported earlier, the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), composed of COMELEC chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. and its six members suspended the national canvassing of votes set this evening, and will resume at 10 in the morning, tomorrow, Tuesday, May 14. The unofficial counting will continue, though.

Later, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) admitted the wrong counting of its partial and unofficial count of the senatorial race. PPCRV Communications Head Anna de Villa Singson told reporters that the error was due to double counting of the results. The agency apologized for the incident, but noted that the format has already been corrected.

Below is the latest partial and unofficial list of the Top 12 Senatorial candidates and their COMELEC vote counts, along with the remaining candidates who landed on the Top 20.

1. Grace Poe – 9,891,318
2 Loren Legarda – 8,951,142
3. Francis “Chiz” Escudero – 8,600,584
4. Alan Cayetano – 8,530,966
5. Nancy Binay – 7,874,404
6. Edgardo “Sonny” Angara – 7,755,429
7. Bam Aquino – 7,365,097
8. Koko Pimentel – 7,172,648
9. Antonio Trillanes – 6,918,695
10. JV Ejercito Estrada – 6,666,994
11. Cynthia Villar – 6,613,547
12. Gringo Honasan – 6,433,547

The rest of the Top 20 Senatorial candidates:

13. Richard “Dick” Gordon – 6,322,425
14. Migz Zubiri – 5,682,694
15. Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr. – 5,541,152
16. Risa Hontiveros – 5,464,724
17. Jack Enrile – 5,463,084
18. Edward Hagedorn – 4,299,833
19. Bro. Ed Villanueva – 3,472,482
20. Jamby Madrigal – 3,222,764

Top 12 Leading Senatorial candidates for 2013 elections, as of 9:50 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2013
Image Credit: GMANetwork.com

Read 2013 Election Results: Grace Poe still leading, Erap wins, based on partial and unofficial COMELEC count

Manila, Philippines – Grace Poe is leading the 2013 senatorial elections results, with 4,607 votes based on the initial and unofficial count from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Poe, 44, is the daughter of the late Fernando Poe, Jr. (FPJ), the King of Philippine Movies and a former presidential candidate.

As aired at local early evening news on Monday, May 13, 2013, the initial, partial, and unofficial senatorial results came from 30 of 78,166 Election Returns from the COMELEC. Re-electionist Senator Loren Legarda landed on the second spot, while Bam Aquino, cousin of President Noynoy Aquino (PNoy), landed on the third spot.

As noted in reports, the result came from COMELEC‘s transparency server as of 7:23 p.m. (local time) and only represents 0.03% of expected total votes, and therefore may not be the actual trend of the final results. All polling center nationwide were officially closed at 7 p.m., but there are still voters waiting in line.

Meanwhile, the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), composed of COMELEC chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. and its six members announced later today that the session set this evening has been suspended, will resume at 10 in the morning Tuesday, May 14. The unofficial counting will continue, though.

“Now, the system of canvassing is ready for transmission results so bukas na ‘yan. Pero we don’t expect to be receiving much of the results in the next two hours so we decided to adjourn. By that time, a substantial number of electronic results shall have been received by the system.” Sixto Brillantes, Jr. told reporters.

“On Wednesday, May 15, about 7 p.m., that should be the culmination of this political exercise,” Brillantes added. On the other hand, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) will continue accepting election results and will feature an unofficial tally on its site.

Below is the list of the Top 12 Senatorial candidates and their initial, partial, and unofficial COMELEC vote counts, along with the remaining candidates who landed on the Top 20.

1. Grace Poe – 4,607
2 Loren Legarda – 4,589
3. Bam Aquino – 4,548
4. Nancy Binay – 4,036
5. Francis “Chiz” Escudero – 3,924
6. Alan Cayetano – -3,888
7. Edgardo “Sonny” Angara – 3,717
8. Cynthia Villar – 3,532
9. Koko Pimentel – 3, 426
10. Antonio Trillanes – 3,266
11. Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr. – 3,187
12. Migz Zubiri – 3,076

The rest of the Top 20 Senatorial candidates:

13. Risa Hontiveros – 2,934
14. JV Ejercito Estrada – 2,699
15. Richard “Dick” Gordon – 2,471
16. Jack Enrile – 2,421
17. Gringo Honasan – 2,328
18. Jamby Madrigal – 2,023
19. Mitos Magsaysay – 1,656
20. Edward Hagedorn – 1,444

Related Post:

2013 Election Results: Grace Poe continues to lead, based on partial and unofficial COMELEC count

Top 12 Leading Senatorial candidates for 2013 elections
Image Credit: GMANetwork.com

Barbara Walters
Credit: Donna Svennevik/ABC

“Big news – and I want to tell you first: (Looking forward to one more great year!)” Barbara Walters (@BarbaraJWalters) tweeted this Sunday, May 12, 2013, adding a link to a report at ABC News, announcing her retirement in 2014.

“For decades, Barbara Walters has inspired millions with her groundbreaking interviews — but after 37 years with ABC News, the newscaster is announcing on “The View” Monday that next summer, she will retire from TV journalism.” A statement reads at ABCNews.go.com this Sunday.

According to ABC News, Walters, 83, will still appear on “The View,” and will be anchoring specials throughout the year, including a “20 Years of 10 Most Fascinating People” special this coming December. She will also remain as the Executive Producer of “The View,” which she created back in 1997.

“I am very happy with my decision and look forward to a wonderful and special year ahead both on ‘The View’ and with ABC News. I created ‘The View’ and am delighted it will last beyond my leaving it.” Barbara Walters said. She started her hosting career in 1961 at NBC‘s “Today Show,” and later became the show’s co-host.

“No one was more surprised than I, I wasn’t beautiful, like many of the women on the program before me, [and] I had trouble pronouncing my r’s. I still do!” Walters added, became the first female anchor on an evening news program via ABC‘s “Evening News” in 1976.

“There’s only one Barbara Walters. And we look forward to making her final year on television as remarkable, path-breaking and news-making as Barbara herself. Barbara will always have a home at ABC News and we look forward to a year befitting her brilliant career, filled with exclusive interviews, great adventures, and indelible memories.” ABC News President Ben Sherwood said.

Seth Meyers
Credit: NBC

According to a report at Today.com this Sunday, May 12, 2013, Seth Meyers was named as the new “Late Night” show host, and the show will be titled “Late Night With Seth Meyers.” As part of his SNL gig for 12 seasons, Meyers has been also the host of its parody segment “Weekend Update’ desk for seven seasons.

“We think Seth is one of the brightest, most insightful comedy writers and performers of his generation. His years at SNL‘s ‘Weekend Update’ desk, not to mention being head writer of the show for many seasons, helped him hone a topical brand of comedy that is perfect for the ‘Late Night’ franchise.” NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt was quoted in a statement.

“On behalf of Steve Burke, Ted Harbert and Paul Telegdy, we couldn’t be happier that Seth and Jimmy Fallon will be continuing their careers at NBC after growing up in this network’s late night legacy.” Greenblatt added. No details were given on the exact date for the “Late Night With Seth Meyers.”

“I only have to work for Lorne (Michaels) for five more years before I pay him back for the time I totaled his car. 12:30 on NBC has long been incredible real estate. I hope I can do it justice.” Seth Meyers said. Michaels is the executive producer of “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” and will also be working with him on the reiteration of the “Late Night” show.

2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Image Credit: Chrysler via Edmunds.com

According to pdf file document posted at the official website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) dated Tuesday, May 7, 2013, the recalled vehicles include 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee manufactured from February 11, 2004 to March 9, 2010, and 2005-2010 Jeep Commander produced from January 31, 2005 to March 10, 2010.

As noted in the report, Chrysler opened an investigation on January 18, 2012, as a response to a customer complaint regarding a 2007 MY Grand Cherokee that shifted to neutral and rolled upon a remote start. Chrysler issued a voluntary recall last April 30 to reflash the final drive controller of the affected models.

On the same report, Chrysler said that on September 25, 2012, they obtained the software source code from the control supplier and began evaluating them. The software modification was completed on December 3, and on March 19, 2013, the validation of the new software has been completed.

The New York Times reported this Saturday that Eric Mayne, a Chrysler spokesman, sent them an email stating that there have been 26 reported accidents and two injuries apparently related to the problem. Although no additional details were revealed, Mayne stressed out that none of the victims were in fatal condition.

Chrysler said that they will start notifying affected owners this coming June via letter, and will re-program the transmission software with no extra charge. For more information about this Chrysler Jeep recall, owners are being advised to call Chrysler directly at 800-853-1403, or NHTSA‘s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

Jay Leno gas station prank singing couple
Will and Monifa Sims
Image Credit: Tonight Show NBC video

Just recently, Will and Monifa Sims stopped in a gas station. Will stepped out from their car and is about to load gas, when a TV screen with an interactive news segment host Jack Rafferty (portrayed by comedian Timothy Stack), but Will did not mind him and start humming a song while preparing to pay for the gas.

Then, Tim Stack called his attention, saying that he has a good singing voice. At first, Will did not realize that the host was talking to him, and was later surprised but managed to keep his composure. Stack offered him a free gas if he can sing a song to him right away and Will agreed without any hesitation, saying that he is an 80s kid and loves the songs of Bon Jovi.

The host asked Will if he can sing Bon Jovi‘s “Living on a Prayer” and offered him lyrics on the karaoke, but Will replied, “No, I know them baby,” and began to sing. His wife Monifa, who was left inside the car, cannot help but to laugh, as Will starts to attract attention from other gas customers. The couple did not know that there were hidden cameras capturing that entertaining moment.

After Will finished the song, Stack asked him if wants to do a duet with his wife. At first, he declined the offer, but Monifa was eventually convinced to step outside the cat, and later belted the song “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics. The couple sang and danced, and was very entertaining, that the host invited them to guest at “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” where they sang again “Living on a Prayer.”

A very happy and energetic couple, just in time to help us breathe some fresh from the recent bad news. What do you think?

LeBron James pushed by Nazr Mohammed
Image Credit: NBA video

As NBA fans have watched the game last Friday night, Nazr Mohammed was ejected from the game after he shoved LeBron James to the floor during the second quarter. The incident started when Mohammed tried to stop to James when the league’s MVP was bringing the ball to their court.

With 9:29 minutes remaining on the 2nd quarter and the Chicago Bulls are ahead of 3 points from the Miami Heat (31-28), Mohammed, 35, who plays center for the Bulls, grabbed the Miami Heat superstar to stop him from a possible fast break, but James pushed him to the ground.

Referee Joey Crawford, who was near them and saw the push, immediately called a technical foul to LeBron James. The four-time MVP was seen surprised and reacted on the charge. Mohammed stood up from the floor and returned a push to James, who was thrown more than 10 feet backwards to the floor.

Some players from both teams started to push each other, and coaching staff stepped inside the court until the situation was controlled. Nazr Mohammed was ejected from the game, and Miami Heat won the game, 104-94, and is now leading the series, 2-1. But the Chicago Bulls did not take the issue sitting down.

“From my angle, I just saw a guy, basically flop. And I’m going to leave it at that.” Thibodeau was quoted at CSNChicago.com this Saturday. “I didn’t think it warranted an ejection. I understand a flagrant foul. I understand that, but an ejection, no. No. Nope.”

“You see LeBron in a lot of commercials, a lot of good acting.” Chicago Bulls guard Nate Robinson told Yahoo Sports, apparently doubting that Mohammed could be strong enough to be able to push James that far to the ground.

“I don’t think it warranted an ejection. I do believe it warranted a tech. I mean, just give a foul so a guy doesn’t start a break. He pushes you, throws you down, sometimes instincts take over. But that definitely doesn’t warrant an ejection,” Mohammed told reporters. “It was a soft foul. It wasn’t like I fouled him hard. You expect that when you foul a guy hard. You expect him to give you a little extra, but not on a soft, stop-the-break type foul.”