22 inches tall Philippines teen to be crowned world's shortest man
By ANI | ANI – Thu, Mar 10, 2011 1:25 PM PHT
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London, March 10 (ANI): A 17-year-old teenager in Philippines, who might only be slightly taller than a glass bottle, is all set to break big world records.
Junrey Balawing will soon be crowned the world's smallest man, standing at a mere 22 inches.
The minuscule man from Zamboanga del Norte is just the same size as a one-year-old.
And when he celebrates his 18th birthday in June he is expected to shave five inches of the current Guinness World Record.
He struggles to walk and can't stand for long, but he looks forward to wearing the crown with pride.
'If I were the smallest man in the world, it would be very cool," the Daily Mail quoted him as saying
His mother, Concepcion, 35, says she noticed something was wrong as Junrey approached the age of two but no doctor was able to help.
"He was always sick and we noticed he wasn't growing so we took him to see a doctor but they were baffled," she said.
When Junrey was 12 the family took him back to the doctor but their only advice was to take more vitamins, which the family couldn't afford.
"I would love to be able to work while my other children are at school but I can't leave Junrey. He needs my care every minute of every day.
"Junrey can only walk with some help and he can't stand for too long because he's in too much pain. But he loves it when I tell him he's the smallest man in the world, he just smiles with pride," she added.
Based on the Guinness Book of Records, the current smallest man in the world is 24-year-old Niqo Hernandez of Colombia, standing at 27 inches. (ANI)
Thursday, March 10, 2011
World’s Billionaires 2011
World’s Billionaires 2011
BRIC countries surge; Carlos Slim widens lead atop list.
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Luisa Kroll and Kerry A. Dolan, On Thursday 10 March 2011, 9:18 SGT
This 25th year of tracking global wealth was one to remember. The 2011 Billionaires List breaks two records: total number of listees (1,210) and combined wealth ($4.5 trillion). This horde surpasses the gross domestic product of Germany, one of only six nations to have fewer billionaires this year. BRICs led the way: Brazil, Russia, India and China produced 108 of the 214 new names. These four nations are home to one in four members, up from one in 10 five years ago. Before this year only the U.S. had ever produced more than 100 billionaires. China now has 115 and Russia 101.
Atop the heap is Mexico's Carlos Slim Helú, who added $20.5 billion to his fortune, more than any other billionaire. The telecom mogul, who gets 62% of his fortune from America Movil (NYSE: AMX - News), is now worth $74 billion and has pulled far ahead of his two closest rivals. Bill Gates, No. 2, and Warren Buffett, No. 3, both added a more modest $3 billion to their piles and are now worth $56 billion and $50 billion, respectively. Gates, who now gets 70% of his fortune from investments outside of Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT - News), has actually been investing in the Mexican stock market and has holdings in Mexican Coke bottler Femsa and Grupo Televisa (NYSE: TV - News).
While nearly all emerging markets showed solid gains, wealth creation is moving at an especially breakneck speed in Asia-Pacific. The region now has a record 332 billionaires, up from 234 a year ago and 130 at the depth of the financial crisis in 2009. Sizzling stock markets are behind the surge. Three-fourths of Asia's 105 newcomers get the bulk of their fortunes from stakes in publicly traded companies, 25 of which have been public only since the start of 2010.
America's wealthiest still dominate the global ranks, but the U.S. is losing its grip. One in three billionaires is an American, down from nearly one out of two a decade ago. It has 10 more than last year but 56 fewer than its 2008 peak. The U.S. is adding new billionaires at a much slower pace; just 6% of its 413 billionaires are new this year compared with 47% of China's and 30% of Russia's.
Still there are plenty of inspiring newcomers who figured out clever ways to get rich. The most obvious example is the success of Facebook, whose soaring valuation over the past couple of years — based on the most recent institutional round the company is worth $50 billion — has spawned six billionaires. Leading the group is Facebook's CEO Mark Zuckerberg, whose fortune jumped 238% to $13.5 billion in the past year. Also joining him in the world ranks are his cofounders Eduardo Saverin and Dustin Moskovitz, its first president Sean Parker (played by Justin Timberlake in "The Social Network") and the Russian Internet investor Yuri Milner. Moskovitz, 26, is eight days younger than his former college roommate Zuckerberg, making him the world's youngest billionaire.
The frenzy among big investors for all things social pushed up private market values of online gaming outfit Zynga and online group-buying site Groupon, creating two more new billionaires, Mark Pincus (who taught people to farm on Facebook) and Eric Lefkofsky (who was Groupon's lead investor).
Other notable American newcomers include Do Won and Jin Sook Chang, the cofounders of Forever21, and Chris Cline, who owns 3 billion tons of coal reserves, mostly in Illinois.
Why do we spend so much time counting other people's money? Because these moguls have the power to shape our world. Telecom billionaire turned prime minister Najib Mikati is keeping Lebanon's government together. Ernesto Bertarelli, who lost the America's Cup to Larry Ellison last year, is now focusing on saving the oceans from mass extinction. Gates and Buffett have already traveled to three continents working to change giving practices among the ultra-rich.
Where their inspiration leads, we will follow.
A note on methodology: More than 50 reporters in 13 countries worked on compiling the list this year, valuing individuals' public holdings, private companies, real estate, yachts, art and cash. Net worths were locked in using stock prices and exchange rates from Feb. 14.
The Top 10 Billionaires in the World
1-carlos-slim-helu.jpg Chris Goodney/Bloomberg via Getty Images
No. 1 Carlos Slim Helú & family
Net Worth: $74 billion ↑
Source: Telecom
Citizenship: Mexico
The world's richest person for a second year in a row, the Mexican telecom mogul is also the year's biggest gainer, having added $20.5 billion to his fortune and widened the gap between him and No. 2, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, to $18 billion. A 19% rise in the Mexican stock market, a stronger peso, and successful mining and real estate spinoffs from conglomerate Grupo Carso all contributed to the astonishing increase. He also merged his fixed-line telecom company into America Movil, Latin America's largest wireless carrier; the Slim family stake in that holding accounts for 62% of his net worth. He has other holdings in retailer Saks and the New York Times. Recently unveiled a new building for his Soumaya Museum, which houses his vast art collection. It is open to the public for free.
2-bill-gates.jpg Jin Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images
No. 2 Bill Gates
Net Worth: $56 billion ↑
Source: Microsoft
Citizenship: U.S.
Microsoft mogul, futurist and America's richest person has, with help from billionaire buddy Warren Buffett, convinced nearly 60 of the world's wealthiest to sign his "Giving Pledge," promising to donate the majority of their wealth to charity either during their lifetime or after death. He is no longer the planet's richest person, but that's because he's given away $30 billion to his foundation. The Gates Foundation, the world's most influential charity, tackles tuberculosis and polio and funds famine-resistant crops to fight hunger. He is calling for a higher sense of urgency in AIDS vaccine development and also pushing for better tools to rate teacher performance. Gates holds 70% of his wealth in investment fund Cascade, dabbling in everything from autos to hedge funds to Mexican Coke bottler Femsa; the rest of his wealth is held in Microsoft stock.
3-warren-buffett.jpg Jemal Countess/Getty Images
No. 3 Warren Buffett
Net Worth: $50 billion ↑
Source: Berkshire Hathaway
Citizenship: U.S.
The venerable investor's Berkshire Hathaway climbed more than 15% over the last year, adding $3 billion to his fortune. The 80-year-old is still hunting big deals:
"Our elephant gun has been reloaded, and my trigger finger is itchy." Along with bridge partner Bill Gates, the Oracle of Omaha is coaxing America's richest to pledge half their fortunes to charity. "Too often a vast collection of possessions ends up possessing its owner. The asset I most value, aside from health, is interesting, diverse and long-standing friends." Buffett faked breathing problems when he was 12 so he could move back to Omaha from Washington, D.C., where his father was a freshman congressman. He had read every book about investing in stocks in the Omaha Public Library by the time he was 12. He met value investor Benjamin Graham at Columbia; bought textile firm Berkshire Hathaway in 1965, and transformed it into massive holding company: food, insurance, utilities, industrials. Buffett acquired railroad giant Burlington Northern Santa Fe for $26 billion in 2009.
4-bernard-arnault.jpg Eric Piermont/AFP/Getty Images
No. 4 Bernard Arnault
Net Worth: $41 billion ↑
Source: LVMH
Citizenship: France
The Lord of Luxe easily retains title of richest European. Fortune surged by $13.5 billion as shares of his luxury goods outfit, LVMH, rose by more than half over the past year thanks to strong demand for luxuries like Dom Perignon champagne, Cognac Hennessy, Tag Heuer watches and Louis Vuitton accessories, particularly in Asian markets like Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City. The group acquired 20% of Hermes last year; Arnault insists he is a friendly shareholder but Hermes sees it as hostile. In March the Bulgari family transferred its majority holding in its brand to LVMH in exchange for LVMH shares and board seats. LVMH fired Christian Dior designer John Galliano after he apparently made anti-Semitic remarks. Renaissance man also owns yacht builder Royal Van Lent, a hotel in Courchevel; has stakes in French retailer Carrefour and French tour operator Go Voyages.
5-larry-ellison.jpg ZUMA Press/Newscom
No. 5 Larry Ellison
Net Worth: $39.5 billion ↑
Source: Oracle
Citizenship: U.S.
The Oracle chief sits atop a fortune that is $11.5 billion bigger than last year thanks to a 30% jump in the software company's shares. In November Oracle won a mud-slinging copyright infringement court battle against German software rival SAP worth $1.3 billion. SAP is contesting the outcome. Oracle has acquired 75 companies over the years worth $40 billion, and figured out a way to turn a profit on its latest big buy, Sun Microsystems, in 2010. One of the highest-paid executives in the U.S., Ellison reaped $960 million in compensation in the past five fiscal years, mostly from exercising stock options; he recently cut his salary to $1. An avid yachtsman, Ellison spent a decade and over $100 million on his quest for the America's Cup, which he finally won in February 2010, beating Swiss rival (and billionaire) Ernesto Bertarelli. He is bringing the America's Cup to San Francisco in 2013. Intends to give 95% of wealth to charity.
6-lakshmi-mittal.jpg Lefteris Pitarakis/AP Photo
No. 6 Lakshmi Mittal
Net Worth: $31.1 billion ↑
Source: Steel
Citizenship: India
Net profits at his ArcelorMittal, world's largest steelmaker, were up 18-fold to $2.9 billion in 2010 due to recovery in steel demand and higher margins. Group spun off its stainless steel unit into Aperam, a new listed company, and also acquired Canadian miner Baffinland Iron Mines. Funding a 377-foot sculpture called ArcelorMittal Orbit in London's Olympic Park for the 2012 Olympics. Europe's richest resident who lives in London, he bought Alderbrook Park, a 340-acre country estate outside of the city, where he plans to build an eco-friendly country mansion for a reported $40 million. Daughter Vanisha acquired stake in Roc Capital Management, a New York hedge fund. Daughter-in-law Megha owns German fashion house Escada.
7-amancio-ortega.jpg Cabalar/EFE/Newscom
No. 7 Amancio Ortega
Net Worth: $31 billion ↑
Source: Zara
Citizenship: Spain
Amancio Ortega stepped down as chairman of Inditex, the $15.8 billion (sales) fashion company, in January; he still gets 87% of his fortune from his stake in the publicly traded firm. The company, which operates under several brand names including Zara, Massimo Dutti and Stradivarius, has 5,000 stores in 77 countries.
More at Forbes.com:
• The 20 Richest People in the World
• The World's Youngest Billionaires 2011
• Notable Newcomer Billionaires 2011
Ortega also owns properties in Florida, Madrid, London and Lisbon, a horse-jumping circuit, a stake in a soccer league; and has interests in gas, tourism and banks. Railway worker's son, he started as a gofer in a shirt store. With then-wife Rosalia Mera, also a billionaire, started making dressing gowns and lingerie in living room. Daughter Marta works for Inditex.
8-Eike-Batista.jpg Newscom
No. 8 Eike Batista
Net Worth: $30 billion ↑
Source: Mining, oil
Citizenship: Brazil
Brazil's richest man is gearing up to take over the world. Making a play for foreign investors, Batista announced this year the opening of an office in New York and his intention to list some of his companies on the London Stock Exchange. Through his holding company, EBX, Batista controls businesses spanning mining, shipbuilding, energy, logistics, tourism and entertainment. After months of discussions, he was triumphant in February in taking control of Canadian gold outfit Ventana. Two-thirds of his fortune comes from OGX, the oil and gas exploration company he founded in 2007 and took public a year later. He says the company will start producing oil this year. In rare recent setback, his planned IPO for his shipbuilding business (OSX), meant to be the world's largest IPO in 2010, was a disappointment and has had a lukewarm reception in the Brazilian market. The son of Brazil's revered former mining minister, who presided over mining giant Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, got his start in gold trading and mining. Onetime champion offshore powerboat racer; formerly married to Playboy cover girl. In media interviews he's been warning Carlos Slim Helú that he'll soon take his spot as the world's richest man, but he still has a ways to go.
9-mukesh-ambani.jpg Rajanish Kakade/AP Photo
No. 9 Mukesh Ambani
Net Worth: $27 billion ↓
Source: Petrochemicals
Citizenship: India
His oil and gas conglomerate Reliance Industries, India's most valuable company, just forged a partnership with BP, selling 30% stake in 23 oil blocks in India for $7.2 billion and forming a marketing joint venture. The deal is being touted as one of biggest foreign investments in India. He's also betting on shale gas, having bought stakes in three American energy firms for $3.3 billion last year. He and wife Nita host parties at their recently completed 27-story sky palace in Mumbai, but have yet to move in permanently.
10-christy-walton.jpg L. Matthew Bowler
No. 10 Christy Walton & family
Net Worth: $26.5 billion ↑
Source: Wal-Mart
Citizenship: U.S.
Widow of John Walton inherited her wealth after the former Green Beret and Vietnam War medic died in an airplane accident near his home in Wyoming in 2005. Now world's richest woman, she got an extra bump in her fortune because of her late husband's early investment in First Solar; shares up nearly 500% since 2006 initial public offering. But bulk still comes from her holdings in Wal-Mart, the retailer founded by her father-in-law Sam Walton and his brother James in 1962. Today Wal-Mart has sales of $405 billion, and employs more than 2.1 million people. The philanthropist supports museums, education and organic gardening.
BRIC countries surge; Carlos Slim widens lead atop list.
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Luisa Kroll and Kerry A. Dolan, On Thursday 10 March 2011, 9:18 SGT
This 25th year of tracking global wealth was one to remember. The 2011 Billionaires List breaks two records: total number of listees (1,210) and combined wealth ($4.5 trillion). This horde surpasses the gross domestic product of Germany, one of only six nations to have fewer billionaires this year. BRICs led the way: Brazil, Russia, India and China produced 108 of the 214 new names. These four nations are home to one in four members, up from one in 10 five years ago. Before this year only the U.S. had ever produced more than 100 billionaires. China now has 115 and Russia 101.
Atop the heap is Mexico's Carlos Slim Helú, who added $20.5 billion to his fortune, more than any other billionaire. The telecom mogul, who gets 62% of his fortune from America Movil (NYSE: AMX - News), is now worth $74 billion and has pulled far ahead of his two closest rivals. Bill Gates, No. 2, and Warren Buffett, No. 3, both added a more modest $3 billion to their piles and are now worth $56 billion and $50 billion, respectively. Gates, who now gets 70% of his fortune from investments outside of Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT - News), has actually been investing in the Mexican stock market and has holdings in Mexican Coke bottler Femsa and Grupo Televisa (NYSE: TV - News).
While nearly all emerging markets showed solid gains, wealth creation is moving at an especially breakneck speed in Asia-Pacific. The region now has a record 332 billionaires, up from 234 a year ago and 130 at the depth of the financial crisis in 2009. Sizzling stock markets are behind the surge. Three-fourths of Asia's 105 newcomers get the bulk of their fortunes from stakes in publicly traded companies, 25 of which have been public only since the start of 2010.
America's wealthiest still dominate the global ranks, but the U.S. is losing its grip. One in three billionaires is an American, down from nearly one out of two a decade ago. It has 10 more than last year but 56 fewer than its 2008 peak. The U.S. is adding new billionaires at a much slower pace; just 6% of its 413 billionaires are new this year compared with 47% of China's and 30% of Russia's.
Still there are plenty of inspiring newcomers who figured out clever ways to get rich. The most obvious example is the success of Facebook, whose soaring valuation over the past couple of years — based on the most recent institutional round the company is worth $50 billion — has spawned six billionaires. Leading the group is Facebook's CEO Mark Zuckerberg, whose fortune jumped 238% to $13.5 billion in the past year. Also joining him in the world ranks are his cofounders Eduardo Saverin and Dustin Moskovitz, its first president Sean Parker (played by Justin Timberlake in "The Social Network") and the Russian Internet investor Yuri Milner. Moskovitz, 26, is eight days younger than his former college roommate Zuckerberg, making him the world's youngest billionaire.
The frenzy among big investors for all things social pushed up private market values of online gaming outfit Zynga and online group-buying site Groupon, creating two more new billionaires, Mark Pincus (who taught people to farm on Facebook) and Eric Lefkofsky (who was Groupon's lead investor).
Other notable American newcomers include Do Won and Jin Sook Chang, the cofounders of Forever21, and Chris Cline, who owns 3 billion tons of coal reserves, mostly in Illinois.
Why do we spend so much time counting other people's money? Because these moguls have the power to shape our world. Telecom billionaire turned prime minister Najib Mikati is keeping Lebanon's government together. Ernesto Bertarelli, who lost the America's Cup to Larry Ellison last year, is now focusing on saving the oceans from mass extinction. Gates and Buffett have already traveled to three continents working to change giving practices among the ultra-rich.
Where their inspiration leads, we will follow.
A note on methodology: More than 50 reporters in 13 countries worked on compiling the list this year, valuing individuals' public holdings, private companies, real estate, yachts, art and cash. Net worths were locked in using stock prices and exchange rates from Feb. 14.
The Top 10 Billionaires in the World
1-carlos-slim-helu.jpg Chris Goodney/Bloomberg via Getty Images
No. 1 Carlos Slim Helú & family
Net Worth: $74 billion ↑
Source: Telecom
Citizenship: Mexico
The world's richest person for a second year in a row, the Mexican telecom mogul is also the year's biggest gainer, having added $20.5 billion to his fortune and widened the gap between him and No. 2, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, to $18 billion. A 19% rise in the Mexican stock market, a stronger peso, and successful mining and real estate spinoffs from conglomerate Grupo Carso all contributed to the astonishing increase. He also merged his fixed-line telecom company into America Movil, Latin America's largest wireless carrier; the Slim family stake in that holding accounts for 62% of his net worth. He has other holdings in retailer Saks and the New York Times. Recently unveiled a new building for his Soumaya Museum, which houses his vast art collection. It is open to the public for free.
2-bill-gates.jpg Jin Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images
No. 2 Bill Gates
Net Worth: $56 billion ↑
Source: Microsoft
Citizenship: U.S.
Microsoft mogul, futurist and America's richest person has, with help from billionaire buddy Warren Buffett, convinced nearly 60 of the world's wealthiest to sign his "Giving Pledge," promising to donate the majority of their wealth to charity either during their lifetime or after death. He is no longer the planet's richest person, but that's because he's given away $30 billion to his foundation. The Gates Foundation, the world's most influential charity, tackles tuberculosis and polio and funds famine-resistant crops to fight hunger. He is calling for a higher sense of urgency in AIDS vaccine development and also pushing for better tools to rate teacher performance. Gates holds 70% of his wealth in investment fund Cascade, dabbling in everything from autos to hedge funds to Mexican Coke bottler Femsa; the rest of his wealth is held in Microsoft stock.
3-warren-buffett.jpg Jemal Countess/Getty Images
No. 3 Warren Buffett
Net Worth: $50 billion ↑
Source: Berkshire Hathaway
Citizenship: U.S.
The venerable investor's Berkshire Hathaway climbed more than 15% over the last year, adding $3 billion to his fortune. The 80-year-old is still hunting big deals:
"Our elephant gun has been reloaded, and my trigger finger is itchy." Along with bridge partner Bill Gates, the Oracle of Omaha is coaxing America's richest to pledge half their fortunes to charity. "Too often a vast collection of possessions ends up possessing its owner. The asset I most value, aside from health, is interesting, diverse and long-standing friends." Buffett faked breathing problems when he was 12 so he could move back to Omaha from Washington, D.C., where his father was a freshman congressman. He had read every book about investing in stocks in the Omaha Public Library by the time he was 12. He met value investor Benjamin Graham at Columbia; bought textile firm Berkshire Hathaway in 1965, and transformed it into massive holding company: food, insurance, utilities, industrials. Buffett acquired railroad giant Burlington Northern Santa Fe for $26 billion in 2009.
4-bernard-arnault.jpg Eric Piermont/AFP/Getty Images
No. 4 Bernard Arnault
Net Worth: $41 billion ↑
Source: LVMH
Citizenship: France
The Lord of Luxe easily retains title of richest European. Fortune surged by $13.5 billion as shares of his luxury goods outfit, LVMH, rose by more than half over the past year thanks to strong demand for luxuries like Dom Perignon champagne, Cognac Hennessy, Tag Heuer watches and Louis Vuitton accessories, particularly in Asian markets like Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City. The group acquired 20% of Hermes last year; Arnault insists he is a friendly shareholder but Hermes sees it as hostile. In March the Bulgari family transferred its majority holding in its brand to LVMH in exchange for LVMH shares and board seats. LVMH fired Christian Dior designer John Galliano after he apparently made anti-Semitic remarks. Renaissance man also owns yacht builder Royal Van Lent, a hotel in Courchevel; has stakes in French retailer Carrefour and French tour operator Go Voyages.
5-larry-ellison.jpg ZUMA Press/Newscom
No. 5 Larry Ellison
Net Worth: $39.5 billion ↑
Source: Oracle
Citizenship: U.S.
The Oracle chief sits atop a fortune that is $11.5 billion bigger than last year thanks to a 30% jump in the software company's shares. In November Oracle won a mud-slinging copyright infringement court battle against German software rival SAP worth $1.3 billion. SAP is contesting the outcome. Oracle has acquired 75 companies over the years worth $40 billion, and figured out a way to turn a profit on its latest big buy, Sun Microsystems, in 2010. One of the highest-paid executives in the U.S., Ellison reaped $960 million in compensation in the past five fiscal years, mostly from exercising stock options; he recently cut his salary to $1. An avid yachtsman, Ellison spent a decade and over $100 million on his quest for the America's Cup, which he finally won in February 2010, beating Swiss rival (and billionaire) Ernesto Bertarelli. He is bringing the America's Cup to San Francisco in 2013. Intends to give 95% of wealth to charity.
6-lakshmi-mittal.jpg Lefteris Pitarakis/AP Photo
No. 6 Lakshmi Mittal
Net Worth: $31.1 billion ↑
Source: Steel
Citizenship: India
Net profits at his ArcelorMittal, world's largest steelmaker, were up 18-fold to $2.9 billion in 2010 due to recovery in steel demand and higher margins. Group spun off its stainless steel unit into Aperam, a new listed company, and also acquired Canadian miner Baffinland Iron Mines. Funding a 377-foot sculpture called ArcelorMittal Orbit in London's Olympic Park for the 2012 Olympics. Europe's richest resident who lives in London, he bought Alderbrook Park, a 340-acre country estate outside of the city, where he plans to build an eco-friendly country mansion for a reported $40 million. Daughter Vanisha acquired stake in Roc Capital Management, a New York hedge fund. Daughter-in-law Megha owns German fashion house Escada.
7-amancio-ortega.jpg Cabalar/EFE/Newscom
No. 7 Amancio Ortega
Net Worth: $31 billion ↑
Source: Zara
Citizenship: Spain
Amancio Ortega stepped down as chairman of Inditex, the $15.8 billion (sales) fashion company, in January; he still gets 87% of his fortune from his stake in the publicly traded firm. The company, which operates under several brand names including Zara, Massimo Dutti and Stradivarius, has 5,000 stores in 77 countries.
More at Forbes.com:
• The 20 Richest People in the World
• The World's Youngest Billionaires 2011
• Notable Newcomer Billionaires 2011
Ortega also owns properties in Florida, Madrid, London and Lisbon, a horse-jumping circuit, a stake in a soccer league; and has interests in gas, tourism and banks. Railway worker's son, he started as a gofer in a shirt store. With then-wife Rosalia Mera, also a billionaire, started making dressing gowns and lingerie in living room. Daughter Marta works for Inditex.
8-Eike-Batista.jpg Newscom
No. 8 Eike Batista
Net Worth: $30 billion ↑
Source: Mining, oil
Citizenship: Brazil
Brazil's richest man is gearing up to take over the world. Making a play for foreign investors, Batista announced this year the opening of an office in New York and his intention to list some of his companies on the London Stock Exchange. Through his holding company, EBX, Batista controls businesses spanning mining, shipbuilding, energy, logistics, tourism and entertainment. After months of discussions, he was triumphant in February in taking control of Canadian gold outfit Ventana. Two-thirds of his fortune comes from OGX, the oil and gas exploration company he founded in 2007 and took public a year later. He says the company will start producing oil this year. In rare recent setback, his planned IPO for his shipbuilding business (OSX), meant to be the world's largest IPO in 2010, was a disappointment and has had a lukewarm reception in the Brazilian market. The son of Brazil's revered former mining minister, who presided over mining giant Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, got his start in gold trading and mining. Onetime champion offshore powerboat racer; formerly married to Playboy cover girl. In media interviews he's been warning Carlos Slim Helú that he'll soon take his spot as the world's richest man, but he still has a ways to go.
9-mukesh-ambani.jpg Rajanish Kakade/AP Photo
No. 9 Mukesh Ambani
Net Worth: $27 billion ↓
Source: Petrochemicals
Citizenship: India
His oil and gas conglomerate Reliance Industries, India's most valuable company, just forged a partnership with BP, selling 30% stake in 23 oil blocks in India for $7.2 billion and forming a marketing joint venture. The deal is being touted as one of biggest foreign investments in India. He's also betting on shale gas, having bought stakes in three American energy firms for $3.3 billion last year. He and wife Nita host parties at their recently completed 27-story sky palace in Mumbai, but have yet to move in permanently.
10-christy-walton.jpg L. Matthew Bowler
No. 10 Christy Walton & family
Net Worth: $26.5 billion ↑
Source: Wal-Mart
Citizenship: U.S.
Widow of John Walton inherited her wealth after the former Green Beret and Vietnam War medic died in an airplane accident near his home in Wyoming in 2005. Now world's richest woman, she got an extra bump in her fortune because of her late husband's early investment in First Solar; shares up nearly 500% since 2006 initial public offering. But bulk still comes from her holdings in Wal-Mart, the retailer founded by her father-in-law Sam Walton and his brother James in 1962. Today Wal-Mart has sales of $405 billion, and employs more than 2.1 million people. The philanthropist supports museums, education and organic gardening.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Human Resources Department
The Elizabeth Hotel
24 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228518
Email: hr@theelizabeth.com.sg
TRIANON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Suite 503 Narra Building, 2276 Pasong Tamo Extension Makati City
Tels #: 892-0723 / 892-0724 Fax # 892-8514
Email: hr.trianongroup@gmail.comor hr@fame.ph
INTERVIEW DATE WILL BE ON FEBRUARY 25, 2011
Please contact Ms. Hazel / Ms. Joy / Ms. Margaret
Address: 1636 F. Agoncillo St. Malate Manila
Telephone No: 525-1031 Loc. 108
taiwan2@grandplacement.com
The Elizabeth Hotel
24 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228518
Email: hr@theelizabeth.com.sg
TRIANON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Suite 503 Narra Building, 2276 Pasong Tamo Extension Makati City
Tels #: 892-0723 / 892-0724 Fax # 892-8514
Email: hr.trianongroup@gmail.comor hr@fame.ph
INTERVIEW DATE WILL BE ON FEBRUARY 25, 2011
Please contact Ms. Hazel / Ms. Joy / Ms. Margaret
Address: 1636 F. Agoncillo St. Malate Manila
Telephone No: 525-1031 Loc. 108
taiwan2@grandplacement.com
Monday, January 24, 2011
Jerry Yan, nabighani kay Frencheska!
Jerry Yan, nabighani kay Frencheska!
Ni ABU TILAMZIK
Excited naman si Frencheska Farr sa pagkukuwento sa amin sa Party Pilipinas kahapon na very memorable daw sa kanya ang karanasan niya sa pagtanggap niya ng Asian Female Model Award sa Seoul, Korea nu’ng nakaraang linggo.
Sa Pilipinas ay sila nga ni Aljur ang binigyan ng modeling award na iyun at tuwang-tuwa itong nakasabay raw niya sa event na iyun ang Chinovela actors na sina Jerry Yan at si Cholo ng Stairway to Heaven.
Pinakanta raw kasi si Francheska sa modeling competition at kahit hindi raw nila naintindihan ang kinanta ay nagustuhan daw ito ng mga nandu’n lalo na ang mga Koreano na sumabay-sabay pa sa pag-indak habang kumakanta ito.
Medyo mailap nga raw si Jerry Yan sa mga gustong magpalitrato pero nang hinabol daw ito ni Frencheska at nagpakilalang isa siyang Pinay ay kaagad na nagpalitrato raw itong sikat na Taiwanese actor.
Kuwento ni Aljur sa amin, ang tagal daw na nakatitig si Jerry kay Frencheska at parang nabighani nga raw ito sa ganda ng young singer/actress pero nahihiya naman si Frencheska na pag-usapan iyun.
Basta ang importante nakapagpa-picture daw siya kay Jerry Yan.
Nagpapasalamat si Frencheska sa GMA 7 at higit sa lahat kay Ms. Ida Henares dahil sa magandang break na naibigay sa kanya at nakuha pa niya ang award na iyun sa Korea.
May isinali rin pala ang GMA Artists Center sa modeling competition na iyun. Si Suzuki Sadatsugu ang isinali sa mga male models at nakakuha raw ito ng Mr. Congeniality award.
Ni ABU TILAMZIK
Excited naman si Frencheska Farr sa pagkukuwento sa amin sa Party Pilipinas kahapon na very memorable daw sa kanya ang karanasan niya sa pagtanggap niya ng Asian Female Model Award sa Seoul, Korea nu’ng nakaraang linggo.
Sa Pilipinas ay sila nga ni Aljur ang binigyan ng modeling award na iyun at tuwang-tuwa itong nakasabay raw niya sa event na iyun ang Chinovela actors na sina Jerry Yan at si Cholo ng Stairway to Heaven.
Pinakanta raw kasi si Francheska sa modeling competition at kahit hindi raw nila naintindihan ang kinanta ay nagustuhan daw ito ng mga nandu’n lalo na ang mga Koreano na sumabay-sabay pa sa pag-indak habang kumakanta ito.
Medyo mailap nga raw si Jerry Yan sa mga gustong magpalitrato pero nang hinabol daw ito ni Frencheska at nagpakilalang isa siyang Pinay ay kaagad na nagpalitrato raw itong sikat na Taiwanese actor.
Kuwento ni Aljur sa amin, ang tagal daw na nakatitig si Jerry kay Frencheska at parang nabighani nga raw ito sa ganda ng young singer/actress pero nahihiya naman si Frencheska na pag-usapan iyun.
Basta ang importante nakapagpa-picture daw siya kay Jerry Yan.
Nagpapasalamat si Frencheska sa GMA 7 at higit sa lahat kay Ms. Ida Henares dahil sa magandang break na naibigay sa kanya at nakuha pa niya ang award na iyun sa Korea.
May isinali rin pala ang GMA Artists Center sa modeling competition na iyun. Si Suzuki Sadatsugu ang isinali sa mga male models at nakakuha raw ito ng Mr. Congeniality award.
May dayaan ba sa ratings?
Share1020
May dayaan ba sa ratings?
Alfie Lorenzo
EMAIL ito ng isang avid reader ng Abante Tonite na hindi namin puwedeng deadmahin. Sure ako na kahit kayo ay mag-iisip once na mabasa niyo ang email na ito ni Mirasol De Guzman (teachermirasol@yahoo.com.ph).
Dear Tito Alfie,
“Avid reader ako ng Abante eversince, simula pa lamang mabuo ang troika ninyo nina Ka Oskee at Atty. Billy. Ang Abante ang para sa akin ay may credibility pagdating sa entertainment news dahil sa inyo.
“Hindi ko po alam ang email ad ninyo kaya naisipan kong mag-email sa Abante sana ay makarating sa inyo at mailathala ninyo para mabasa worldwide. Nagtataka kasi ako sa National Rating daw ng TNS na obvious na ang ABS-CBN ang nagbabayad.
“Lagi na lang napag-iiwanan ang TV shows ng GMA 7 lalo na ang Darna, Stairway to Heaven at noon ang Zorro. Halata po na may padding na nangyayari na pakana ng mga taga-ABS CBN just to please Mr. Gabby Lopez.
“Kung totoo ang rating nila bakit ang Ruffa & Ai ay natigok? (Huwag sana ma-offend si Annabelle Rama, waray din ako at gusto ko sina Ruffa at Richard). Simula pa lamang mag-air ang Ruffa & Ai lagi na itong panalo sa rating ng TNS against SiS noon.
“Eh, may top-rated bang matitigok sa ere? So, dinadaya ba nila ang rating nila? They tried to misled the public by saying nationwide ang rating nila gayung Visayas-Mindanao lang ang coverage nito na may 25% audience share kasi wala namang may TV sa mga isla at bundok doon.
“Unlike sa AGB rating, kahit Mega-Manila/Luzon lang ito ay 75% naman ang audience share kasi kahit taga-squatter area ay may TV set. Bakit hindi ilabas ng TNS ang Mega-Manila/Luzon rating nila?
“Sa ABS CBN ay mga show lang naman talaga ni Juday sa primetime ang pinapanood, kaya dapat ibalik siya sa primetime dahil siya ang tunay na reyna ng primetime at nagpayaman sa ABS CBN.
“Kaya dapat maging alerto si Mr. Lopez sa mga executives niya na pinapaniwala siya na top rated ang show nila at blockbuster ang mga pelikula nila, baka magising na lang siya isang araw na sa statistics may milyones pa ang kanyang kumpanya pero pagdating sa cash on hand at savings, puro singko na pala ang nakadeposito.
More Power, Alfie -- Mirasol.
***
Naku Mirasol de Guzman, ako man ay nagtataka rin kung bakit magkaiba ang survey ng dalawang ratings body na tila PMPC at Enpress Awards na may kanya-kanyang manok at paborito.
Amused lang ako kapag ang Kantar national rating, ang “24 Oras” ng GMA7 ay swak din sa numero nitong 24% lang while ‘yung katapat ay more than 30% sa taas at ang “Willing Willie” ni Willie Revillame ay ewan ko kung willing tanggapin ang ratings na binibigay dito na 9% lang!
Hindi ba gosh! Abelgosh ‘yan?
May dayaan ba sa ratings?
Alfie Lorenzo
EMAIL ito ng isang avid reader ng Abante Tonite na hindi namin puwedeng deadmahin. Sure ako na kahit kayo ay mag-iisip once na mabasa niyo ang email na ito ni Mirasol De Guzman (teachermirasol@yahoo.com.ph).
Dear Tito Alfie,
“Avid reader ako ng Abante eversince, simula pa lamang mabuo ang troika ninyo nina Ka Oskee at Atty. Billy. Ang Abante ang para sa akin ay may credibility pagdating sa entertainment news dahil sa inyo.
“Hindi ko po alam ang email ad ninyo kaya naisipan kong mag-email sa Abante sana ay makarating sa inyo at mailathala ninyo para mabasa worldwide. Nagtataka kasi ako sa National Rating daw ng TNS na obvious na ang ABS-CBN ang nagbabayad.
“Lagi na lang napag-iiwanan ang TV shows ng GMA 7 lalo na ang Darna, Stairway to Heaven at noon ang Zorro. Halata po na may padding na nangyayari na pakana ng mga taga-ABS CBN just to please Mr. Gabby Lopez.
“Kung totoo ang rating nila bakit ang Ruffa & Ai ay natigok? (Huwag sana ma-offend si Annabelle Rama, waray din ako at gusto ko sina Ruffa at Richard). Simula pa lamang mag-air ang Ruffa & Ai lagi na itong panalo sa rating ng TNS against SiS noon.
“Eh, may top-rated bang matitigok sa ere? So, dinadaya ba nila ang rating nila? They tried to misled the public by saying nationwide ang rating nila gayung Visayas-Mindanao lang ang coverage nito na may 25% audience share kasi wala namang may TV sa mga isla at bundok doon.
“Unlike sa AGB rating, kahit Mega-Manila/Luzon lang ito ay 75% naman ang audience share kasi kahit taga-squatter area ay may TV set. Bakit hindi ilabas ng TNS ang Mega-Manila/Luzon rating nila?
“Sa ABS CBN ay mga show lang naman talaga ni Juday sa primetime ang pinapanood, kaya dapat ibalik siya sa primetime dahil siya ang tunay na reyna ng primetime at nagpayaman sa ABS CBN.
“Kaya dapat maging alerto si Mr. Lopez sa mga executives niya na pinapaniwala siya na top rated ang show nila at blockbuster ang mga pelikula nila, baka magising na lang siya isang araw na sa statistics may milyones pa ang kanyang kumpanya pero pagdating sa cash on hand at savings, puro singko na pala ang nakadeposito.
More Power, Alfie -- Mirasol.
***
Naku Mirasol de Guzman, ako man ay nagtataka rin kung bakit magkaiba ang survey ng dalawang ratings body na tila PMPC at Enpress Awards na may kanya-kanyang manok at paborito.
Amused lang ako kapag ang Kantar national rating, ang “24 Oras” ng GMA7 ay swak din sa numero nitong 24% lang while ‘yung katapat ay more than 30% sa taas at ang “Willing Willie” ni Willie Revillame ay ewan ko kung willing tanggapin ang ratings na binibigay dito na 9% lang!
Hindi ba gosh! Abelgosh ‘yan?
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Applications and Resumes can be submitted online or in person at 710 AXA Life Center, 1286 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., (corner Tindalo St.), San Antonio Village, Makati City 1203.
TRIANON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Suite 503 Narra Building, 2276 Pasong Tamo Extension Makati City
Tels #: 892-0723/ 892-0724 Fax # 892-8514
Email: hr.trianongroup@gmail.comor hr@fame.ph
PHARMA DYNAMIC, INC.
162 Boni Ave., Mandaluyong City
(after the city Hall from EDSA)
Contact Nos.: 534-1461/ 534-8242
Interested parties may also drop their resume in person, Monday to Friday (8:00am to 2:00 pm) or send letter of application, resume with 2x2 colored picture, diploma and transcript of records to: The Human Resource Department - ISOPHARMA, INC. G/F JM Business Center, Osmeña Highway corner Rockefeller St., Makati City Email Address: hrd@isopharma.com.ph Tel # 889-9496 to 97 * Fax # 844-70-43
Multicare Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc.:
Makati Business District
26th Floor Rufino Tower
Ayala Avenue 1226 Makati City Philippines
Tel + (632) 811-0636
Fax + (632) 811-0542
Visit us at www.multicare.com.ph
Laurence Delica
HR Assistant
PETNET, INC. 2/F East Offices Bldg, 114 Aguirre Street
Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines
Tel. Nos.: (632) 812-9209 Fax No. : (632) 867-8633 Email: ledelica@petnet.com.ph
Dear Dannie,
Thank you for using JobStreet.com for your job applications. Here are some interview tips to help ensure the best results for you. These tips have been carefully summarised based on feedback that we receive from employers.
1. Read the job description and company profile carefully so that you are aware of the job details when an employer calls you about your application. If the job advertisement does not contain enough information, ask the employer for more details.
2. Remember to write down the name & contact number of the recruiter in case you need to call back later.
3. Prepare for the interview by finding out more about the company, the job and the industry.
4. Be punctual for your interview. Bring your resume, transcripts, certificates and relevant documents to the interview.
5. IMPORTANT: If you cannot attend the confirmed interview for whatever reason, you must contact the employer at least one day beforehand to let them know.
Keeping a good interview attendance record will help to ensure opportunities for interview in the future, as employers have the right to share their "No show" and late cancellation records.
If you do not have the employer's contact details, look under the Company Profile in the Application Status page of your MyJobStreet account or look in the telephone book or Yellow Pages.
6. Send the employer a Thank You email after the interview.
7. Follow up with the employer on the status of the interview after two or three days. This shows your interest for the job and may increase your chances of success.
At JobStreet.com, employers have the option to blacklist you if you fail to attend an interview or falsify your resume data. Therefore, always be professional and courteous. We wish you all the best in your job search!
For more tips and articles on job interviews, click here: http://ph.jobstreet.com/career/search/default.htm#interview
Best Regards,
LiNa, your Personal Career Agent
JobStreet.com
TRIANON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Suite 503 Narra Building, 2276 Pasong Tamo Extension Makati City
Tels #: 892-0723/ 892-0724 Fax # 892-8514
Email: hr.trianongroup@gmail.comor hr@fame.ph
PHARMA DYNAMIC, INC.
162 Boni Ave., Mandaluyong City
(after the city Hall from EDSA)
Contact Nos.: 534-1461/ 534-8242
Interested parties may also drop their resume in person, Monday to Friday (8:00am to 2:00 pm) or send letter of application, resume with 2x2 colored picture, diploma and transcript of records to: The Human Resource Department - ISOPHARMA, INC. G/F JM Business Center, Osmeña Highway corner Rockefeller St., Makati City Email Address: hrd@isopharma.com.ph Tel # 889-9496 to 97 * Fax # 844-70-43
Multicare Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc.:
Makati Business District
26th Floor Rufino Tower
Ayala Avenue 1226 Makati City Philippines
Tel + (632) 811-0636
Fax + (632) 811-0542
Visit us at www.multicare.com.ph
Laurence Delica
HR Assistant
PETNET, INC. 2/F East Offices Bldg, 114 Aguirre Street
Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines
Tel. Nos.: (632) 812-9209 Fax No. : (632) 867-8633 Email: ledelica@petnet.com.ph
Dear Dannie,
Thank you for using JobStreet.com for your job applications. Here are some interview tips to help ensure the best results for you. These tips have been carefully summarised based on feedback that we receive from employers.
1. Read the job description and company profile carefully so that you are aware of the job details when an employer calls you about your application. If the job advertisement does not contain enough information, ask the employer for more details.
2. Remember to write down the name & contact number of the recruiter in case you need to call back later.
3. Prepare for the interview by finding out more about the company, the job and the industry.
4. Be punctual for your interview. Bring your resume, transcripts, certificates and relevant documents to the interview.
5. IMPORTANT: If you cannot attend the confirmed interview for whatever reason, you must contact the employer at least one day beforehand to let them know.
Keeping a good interview attendance record will help to ensure opportunities for interview in the future, as employers have the right to share their "No show" and late cancellation records.
If you do not have the employer's contact details, look under the Company Profile in the Application Status page of your MyJobStreet account or look in the telephone book or Yellow Pages.
6. Send the employer a Thank You email after the interview.
7. Follow up with the employer on the status of the interview after two or three days. This shows your interest for the job and may increase your chances of success.
At JobStreet.com, employers have the option to blacklist you if you fail to attend an interview or falsify your resume data. Therefore, always be professional and courteous. We wish you all the best in your job search!
For more tips and articles on job interviews, click here: http://ph.jobstreet.com/career/search/default.htm#interview
Best Regards,
LiNa, your Personal Career Agent
JobStreet.com
3 good reasons to make the first move By Theo Pauline Nestor
3 good reasons to make the first move
By Theo Pauline Nestor
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3 good reasons to make the first move
When my friend Stuart was a teenager, he and his friend were on a mission to find some fireworks. They stumbled into a convenience store where Stuart found himself face to face with a young and attractive clerk. Stuart then meekly inquired, “Do you have any firecrackers here?” The young woman, he recalls, scanned him from head to toe in a slow once-over and then breathily replied, “Just me, honey.”
Shy and flustered, Stuart admits he left the store that day pretty darn fast, but also confesses that most of his relationships throughout his life have been initiated by women because, as he tells it, he’s a “chicken” when it comes to making the first move. While I rather admire the nervy convenience store clerk, I tend to be a little more like Catherine, a 41-year-old nurse who was taught that nice girls don’t make the first move. Two years ago, Catherine decided to challenge the rules she grew up with and contacted a guy on Match.com whose profile caught her eye.
“This was a biggie for me,” Catherine says, “after being raised by a Catholic ex-Marine with four daughters who always said guys will think you are easy if you call them. Of course, he refused to let us pierce our ears or wear makeup because he wasn’t, after all, ‘raising a bunch of harlots.’” Today, she’s still going strong with the man with the intriguing profile. All good-girl Catherine needed to do was take a chance and break out of her ingrained (but outdated) patterns concerning dating stereotypes.
Browse Local Singles at Match.com on Yahoo!
I am a:
Seeking a:
Near:
Like Catherine, many women have decided they’re not interested in waiting around and have realized that there are a lot of good reasons why a man might not be making the first move. Here are a few possibilities to consider:
1. He’s not so good at flirting
You might think of it this way: there’s one set of skills that are crucial for initiating relationships (flirting, for example), and there’s a completely separate set of skills for sustaining an established relationship. The man you’re interested in could be very skilled at sustaining a relationship, but have no clue when it comes flirting (and if you think about it, a guy like this might be a very good catch). Remember my friend, Stuart? He belongs to the latter category. “I’ve made the first move a couple of times,” Stuart says, “and they’ve been disasters. One previous girlfriend noted that I have zero flirting skills, which is what most people use to judge the terrain before making a move. Because I just lumber in, it’s usually a disaster. So almost all of my, uh, dates have been initiated by the woman or have been low-risk setups.”
2. He’s just a wee bit intimidated
Remember that annoying “Out of your league” expression? As in, “Don’t even try it, man. She’s waaaaaaaaay out of your league.” Well, as silly as that sort of thinking is to us now that we’re grown, it can linger on in some men’s brains and create confidence-crushing fantasies, such as this one: 1) Glance at beautiful woman; 2) Wonder momentarily if maybe, just maybe, she’d… 3) Have fantasy brutally interrupted by memory of “frenemy” (think Reggie from the Archie comic books or Iago from Othello) jeering: “Forget about it, man. She’s waaaaaay outta your...” and scene. Some fantasy, right?
In fact, I think this is exactly what may have happened to Sara’s future husband, Tom. At the time — some 15 years ago now — Sara and Tom were both working as promoters in the music industry. “People at radio stations all around the country would say to me, in a sing-song voice, ‘Somebody liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiikes you!’” says Sara, now a 44-year-old psychotherapist. “It actually began to annoy me, because I felt that if he liked me so much he should let me know. I refused to make the next move because I thought the whole thing smacked of high school.”
But when Tom did finally work up the nerve to call Sara, her roommate told him she was in Santa Fe for the weekend. Tom then conjured up the idea that if a beautiful woman like Sara were in Santa Fe, she must be there on a romantic weekend with a boyfriend. So, intimidated and discouraged, Tom decided not to ask Sara out. A year later when Sara spotted Tom at a party, she decided to make the first move. “Are you ever going to ask me out?” asked Sara. “I will now,” Tom replied. And he did. They’ve been married for 15 years.
3. He’s been treated badly in past relationships
Maybe you’re a bit like Sara and you’re thinking, “If he likes me so much, surely he can ask me out!” But before you dismiss him on the grounds of “not stepping up to the plate,” stop to consider what he’s been through. A painful, recent rejection — a long relationship ending suddenly against his wishes, perhaps — might be one reason why he’s hesitant to put himself on the line.
Sometimes, making “the first move” doesn’t even mean asking the guy out. It can be as easy as taking the conversation with an acquaintance to the next level by turning it from what’s happening in the news to what’s happening over the weekend. As Sara recalls, “It worked out well, my making the first move, but there was a lot of groundwork to be put down beforehand that helped me make that move a little bit easier.”
Theo Pauline Nestor is a regular contributor to Happen magazine and author of How to Sleep Alone in a King-Size Bed: A Memoir of Starting Over (Crown 2008).
By Theo Pauline Nestor
* Share:
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3 good reasons to make the first move
When my friend Stuart was a teenager, he and his friend were on a mission to find some fireworks. They stumbled into a convenience store where Stuart found himself face to face with a young and attractive clerk. Stuart then meekly inquired, “Do you have any firecrackers here?” The young woman, he recalls, scanned him from head to toe in a slow once-over and then breathily replied, “Just me, honey.”
Shy and flustered, Stuart admits he left the store that day pretty darn fast, but also confesses that most of his relationships throughout his life have been initiated by women because, as he tells it, he’s a “chicken” when it comes to making the first move. While I rather admire the nervy convenience store clerk, I tend to be a little more like Catherine, a 41-year-old nurse who was taught that nice girls don’t make the first move. Two years ago, Catherine decided to challenge the rules she grew up with and contacted a guy on Match.com whose profile caught her eye.
“This was a biggie for me,” Catherine says, “after being raised by a Catholic ex-Marine with four daughters who always said guys will think you are easy if you call them. Of course, he refused to let us pierce our ears or wear makeup because he wasn’t, after all, ‘raising a bunch of harlots.’” Today, she’s still going strong with the man with the intriguing profile. All good-girl Catherine needed to do was take a chance and break out of her ingrained (but outdated) patterns concerning dating stereotypes.
Browse Local Singles at Match.com on Yahoo!
I am a:
Seeking a:
Near:
Like Catherine, many women have decided they’re not interested in waiting around and have realized that there are a lot of good reasons why a man might not be making the first move. Here are a few possibilities to consider:
1. He’s not so good at flirting
You might think of it this way: there’s one set of skills that are crucial for initiating relationships (flirting, for example), and there’s a completely separate set of skills for sustaining an established relationship. The man you’re interested in could be very skilled at sustaining a relationship, but have no clue when it comes flirting (and if you think about it, a guy like this might be a very good catch). Remember my friend, Stuart? He belongs to the latter category. “I’ve made the first move a couple of times,” Stuart says, “and they’ve been disasters. One previous girlfriend noted that I have zero flirting skills, which is what most people use to judge the terrain before making a move. Because I just lumber in, it’s usually a disaster. So almost all of my, uh, dates have been initiated by the woman or have been low-risk setups.”
2. He’s just a wee bit intimidated
Remember that annoying “Out of your league” expression? As in, “Don’t even try it, man. She’s waaaaaaaaay out of your league.” Well, as silly as that sort of thinking is to us now that we’re grown, it can linger on in some men’s brains and create confidence-crushing fantasies, such as this one: 1) Glance at beautiful woman; 2) Wonder momentarily if maybe, just maybe, she’d… 3) Have fantasy brutally interrupted by memory of “frenemy” (think Reggie from the Archie comic books or Iago from Othello) jeering: “Forget about it, man. She’s waaaaaay outta your...” and scene. Some fantasy, right?
In fact, I think this is exactly what may have happened to Sara’s future husband, Tom. At the time — some 15 years ago now — Sara and Tom were both working as promoters in the music industry. “People at radio stations all around the country would say to me, in a sing-song voice, ‘Somebody liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiikes you!’” says Sara, now a 44-year-old psychotherapist. “It actually began to annoy me, because I felt that if he liked me so much he should let me know. I refused to make the next move because I thought the whole thing smacked of high school.”
But when Tom did finally work up the nerve to call Sara, her roommate told him she was in Santa Fe for the weekend. Tom then conjured up the idea that if a beautiful woman like Sara were in Santa Fe, she must be there on a romantic weekend with a boyfriend. So, intimidated and discouraged, Tom decided not to ask Sara out. A year later when Sara spotted Tom at a party, she decided to make the first move. “Are you ever going to ask me out?” asked Sara. “I will now,” Tom replied. And he did. They’ve been married for 15 years.
3. He’s been treated badly in past relationships
Maybe you’re a bit like Sara and you’re thinking, “If he likes me so much, surely he can ask me out!” But before you dismiss him on the grounds of “not stepping up to the plate,” stop to consider what he’s been through. A painful, recent rejection — a long relationship ending suddenly against his wishes, perhaps — might be one reason why he’s hesitant to put himself on the line.
Sometimes, making “the first move” doesn’t even mean asking the guy out. It can be as easy as taking the conversation with an acquaintance to the next level by turning it from what’s happening in the news to what’s happening over the weekend. As Sara recalls, “It worked out well, my making the first move, but there was a lot of groundwork to be put down beforehand that helped me make that move a little bit easier.”
Theo Pauline Nestor is a regular contributor to Happen magazine and author of How to Sleep Alone in a King-Size Bed: A Memoir of Starting Over (Crown 2008).
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