Category Archives: News

Bape Store opens in Singapore

Fashion, Images, News, , , , ,

bape store singapore opening 7 BAPE STORE Singapore Opening

Japanese clothing company A Bathing Ape (Bape for short) is continuing its retail expansion with this latest opening in Singapore.  While there happens to be 18 Bape stores in its home country of Japan, Bape clothes and footwear are still very limited throughout much of the world.  The US only has two locations (in LA and NYC) and other stores can be found in Paris, London, Hong Kong, and Tapei.  Be sure to check out the images from opening night at the Singapore Bape store.  Also, don’t forget that there is finally a US version of the Bape website where you can browse and purchase the latest seasonal clothes and sneakers.

[Via KanyeBlog;  Hypebeast]

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Blu-ray Association announces final 3D specification

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The Blu-ray Disc Association has announced the finalization of the “Blu-ray 3DTM” specification.  So what does this mean?  Now the home entertainment industry has the go-ahead to produce and ship full-blown high definition (1080p) 3D experiences to capable television sets for consumers.  The specification allows Blu-ray players to display full HD in 3D to each eye.  Also, it’s agnostic, meaning that capable Blu-ray players and TVs will be able to display HD 3D images regardless of display type (LCD, plasma, etc.).  The spec features enhanced graphics for displaying menus and subtitles in 3D.  All Blu-ray 3D-enhanced discs will contain a 2D version of the content, thus making them backwards compatible with standard Blu-ray players.  Notice I’ve been careful to label Blu-ray players and TV sets as “capable.”  In order to receive the high definition 3D experience, you must own a 3D-capable TV and Blu-ray player.  This means that your current entertainment setup likely will not be compatible with the specification.  It is worthy to mention that there’s a lone exception; the Sony Playstation 3 will be forwards-compatible with the spec.  Sony has stated that it will become 3D ready via a future firmware update.  Remember, though, that a new HDTV with IR emitters and those pesky 3D glasses are necessary.  Expect all this new tech to release starting in 2010.  Full press release is after the break.

What’s to come of all this?  No one is certain of the future of 3D tech in the home.  For starters, many have been skeptical of this idea, labeling 3D movies a gimmick with silly glasses.  However, a number of people have admitted like movies like Pixar’s UP and the freshly released Avatar are better in 3D than 2D because instead of acting as in-your-face gimmicks they are great films that truly immerse you into the environment of the on-screen characters, making the movie experience better.  The real question is whether or not manufacturers will have success helping consumers transition from standard HDTV sets to 3D-capable ones.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Blu-ray Association announces final 3D specification →

Astronomers find a nearby water-rich “super-Earth”

News, space, ,

Astronomers have discovered GJ 1214b, a nearby planet that contains (supposedly) a plethora of water.  The 40-light years away planet is labeled a “super-Earth” because it’s recorded to be 2.7 times as large as Earth (and technically because it is between one and 10 times as large as Earth).  It orbits a star that is much smaller and less bright than our sun.  To the surprise of many scientists, this planet was sitting right underneath our noses; it was spotted “using an amateur-sized, 16-inch telescope on the ground.”  They never spotted it in the past because researchers don’t normally look for planets that orbit small stars.  David Charbonneau, a Harvard professor of astronomy: “Nature is just far more inventive in making planets than we were imagining.”  For those of you hoping that GJ 1214b contains life similar to that found on our Earth I have unfortunate news.  It’s been reported that its atmosphere is too thick and hot to support life like ours.  This being said, Charbonneau describes this as a breakthrough discovery and leaves the possibility of living organisms open due to the fact that the planet does contain water.  Now how about giving GJ 1214b a real name; it’s a start.

[Via CNN]

Another ‘zine publisher joins the push towards digital media

News, Print Media, Technology, Video, , , , , , ,

The publishers at Popular Magazine have joined the digital revolution in print media with their rendition of a concept tablet device displaying their magazine in a digitized form.  PopSci publisher Bonnier teamed up with design agency BERG to create this mock tablet called Mag+ that does its best to recreate the magazine in a digital environment.  Bonnier joins Time Inc.’s Sports Illustrated and Conde Nast’s Wired in the movement towards a digital future for magazines.  If this is indeed the future for magazines and even newspapers, I say bring it on.  Technology and interactivity could be long sought solution for keeping print media alive in a digital age ruled by the Internet.

[Via Gizmodo]

2010 Golden Globe nods are in!

Movies, News, Television, , , , ,

The Golden Globes are all about celebrating the best of the best in film and television.  And I’m glad to share that many of my favorite TV shows and movies of the year received nominations this Tuesday.  In the television categories, the FOX sensation that is Glee nabbed four nominations (best comedy or musical, acting nods for Matthew Morrison, Lea Michelle, and Jane Lynch); House received two nominations (best drama, acting nod for Hugh Laurie); newcomer Modern Family received one nomination (best comedy or musical); and Lost‘s Michael Emerson, HIMYM‘s Neil Patrick Harris, and Entourage‘s Jeremy Piven all received acting nods.

With talk of award show nominations always comes the necessary mention of who got screwed over.  Although there are so many snubs to mention (as there usually always are) I will keep my rant in check with one actor who was overlooked this year and that is Fringe’s John Noble.  Noble, who plays the eccentric mad scientist and genius Walter Bishop, is a phenomenal actor who by all standards deserves an award for his acting achievements.  Walter is a strong, emotional character who is, frankly, the best character of the show.  Noble stands out among a solid cast because of his wide-range of skills; he knows how to balance being a crazy mad scientist and a loving and caring father.  His character calls for a great actor to represent him, and Noble was the perfect fit.  Although Fringe is in a bit of a sophomore slump ratings-wise, it continues to push the boundaries of what is shown on TV these days, and John Noble’s Walter Bishop carries it all on his talented shoulders.

Let’s talk film.  Inglourious Basterds, a personal favorite, made the cut along with Avatar, The Hurt Locker, Precious, and Up in the Air for Best Picture (Drama).  The Hangover got a nod for Best Picture (Comedy).  The Best Animated film category includes Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, Coraline, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Princess & The Frog, and (my pick) Up.  Up also got a nod for Best Score.  Some notable acting nods include Robert Downey Jr. (Sherlock Holmes) and Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds). For Best Director there’s Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds), James Cameron (Avatar), and Clint Eastwood (Invictus), among others. District 9′s Neill Blomkamp received a nod for Best Screenplay.

Head after the break for the full listing of nominations.  The 67th Golden Globe Awards airs January 17 on NBC.  The hilarious Ricky Gervais hosts.  I know I’ll be cheering for Glee, Modern Family, Lost, House, District 9, Up…..

[Via EW, here & here]

Continue reading 2010 Golden Globe nods are in! →

Operation Chokehold: A mission to destory AT&T this Friday

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Hello soldier.  That’s right, you are a soldier in a war against a strong and controlling enemy, AT&T Wireless.  For as far back as we can remember, AT&T’s cell and data service have been atrocious (for the most part) with dropped calls and sucky 3G coverage.  Verizon gave a hand in this fight with their “there’s a map for that” ads, proving to the world that AT&T’s 3G coverage is abysmal.  Now it’s our turn.  Fake Steve is leading the next phase in the war against AT&T with a foolproof plan that will bring AT&T “to its knees” this Friday.  I oblige you to read this very important memo:

Subject: Operation Chokehold
On Friday, December 18, at noon Pacific time, we will attempt to overwhelm the AT&T data network and bring it to its knees. The goal is to have every iPhone user (or as many as we can) turn on a data intensive app and run that app for one solid hour. Send the message to AT&T that we are sick of their substandard network and sick of their abusive comments. The idea is we’ll create a digital flash mob. We’re calling it in Operation Chokehold. Join us and speak truth to power!

To reiterate Fake Steve’s orders: On December 18 (this Friday) at 3:00 PM EST, take up arms by whipping out your iPhone and running the most data intensive apps you got for one hour.  It’s time to take a stand and show AT&T we are no longer going to stand by idly as they publicly spend money on anti-Verizon ads instead of beefing up their cell and data coverage across the nation.

Mission: Operation Chokehold commenses tomorrow.  Soldier, be prepared and make us proud.  I will report back with results after the mission is completed.  Good luck.

Continue reading Operation Chokehold: A mission to destory AT&T this Friday →

Anticipated games premiere at VGAs (Halo: Reach, Arkham Asylam 2, and more)

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Many publishers used this year’s Spike Video Game Awards as a launching pad for their future games lineup.  Notable titles include Halo: Reach and Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands.  Surprise announcements include Arkham Asylum 2, a reboot of the Medal of Honor series, a stand-alone Green Day Rock Band game, and a lead up to the 2010 Tron movie called Tron Evolution.  Check out the Halo: Reach and Green Day: Rock Band trailers below and look after the break for trailers for the rest of the games mentioned here, plus more!  2010 already looks to be a solid year for video gamers.  Get pumped.  And for those who are curious–The Beatles: Rock Band won (and rightfully deserved) music game of the year and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves nabbed Game of the Year.  Look after the break for the full rundown of winners.

Note: A press release announces that the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta begins Spring 2010.

[Via Kotaku, here & here]

Continue reading Anticipated games premiere at VGAs (Halo: Reach, Arkham Asylam 2, and more) →

Digital Comics come to the PSP

Comics, News, Technology, , , , , , ,

Digital Comics by PlayStation.Blog.Europe.

Your favorite comics have finally come to the PSP with the launch of the Digital Comics service.  This is what you can expect from the initial catalog: “Choose from the battling superheroes of Marvel, including Spider-man, X-Men and the Fantastic Four, to Disney’s Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. You’ll find TRANSFORMERS and Star Trek from IDW, alongside characters from Titan, iVerse and 2000AD, as well as the latest underground sensations and works from local publishers.”  In the Playstation Store you will now find a Comic Store section where you can browse and purchase the available comics selection.  With a feature called AutoFlow you can move your comic frame-to-frame and zoom in and out.  You also have the option to listen to your music while you read.  Head over to the Playstation Comics website to browse the catalog and chat with other users.  It’s worth mentioning that there is a “free comics” category, so if you’ve got a PSP try it out!  Jump after the break to watch an introduction video to the service.

[Via Engadget; PlaystationBlog]

Continue reading Digital Comics come to the PSP →

Apple tablet rumors are back; iPhone coming to Verizon next?

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We’ve been here before, so let’s do it again.  According to an Oppenheimer research note from analyst Yair Reiner, who apparently has no real connection to Apple, the oft-rumored Apple tablet will release around March or April with production starting as soon as February.  Reiner says that the tablet will feature a multitouch 10.1 inch screen, it will look similar to the iPhone, and will sell for $1,000.  He also says that Apple has approached book publishers in hopes of forming “a very attractive proposal” to distribute their content digitally.  Reiner: “As innovative as it is, we believe the [Amazon] Kindle has disgruntled the publishing industry (book, newspaper, and magazine) by demanding exclusivity, disallowing advertising, and demanding a wolfish cut of revenue.  The tablet is set to change that.”  According to Reiner, Apple has offered the publishers a revenue cut of 70% without requiring exclusivity.  Sure, this is interesting and all, but there has still been no word at all from Apple about this tablet device and Reiner’s information is not entirely substantiated with proper evidence.  Folks, take all of this with a grain of salt, would you?

In related Apple news, analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray says that the Verizon network with be “the next big feature” of the iPhone.  Munster: “We continue to believe there is a 70% chance that Apple will launch the iPhone with Verizon in mid-CY10.”  He also mentions that the next-gen iPhone may feature hardware support to read RFID chips, enabling swipe payments.  “The iPhone could feasibly become a full digital wallet,” says Munster.  News of a new iPhone comes from another direction with Eldar Murtazin, editor in chief of Mobile Review. Murtazin tweeted “Foxconn received order for next generation iphone.”  Engadget calls him “the ultimate insider” when it comes to mobile news, so maybe you can take his word of a manufacturer ramping production for a new iPhone with a smaller pinch of salt.

Whether these rumors about the tablet and next-gen iPhone are true or not, sompthin’ is a brewin’ at Apple and we can all smell it.

[Via Engadget, here & here; Reuters; AppleInsider]

Flight of the Conchords (the show) is over

Music, News, Television, ,

Though news of Flight of the Conchords not returning to the small screen does not come with much surprise, the finality of it all still makes me really, really sad.  The show had a great run with two seasons filled with much joy, laughter, and nonsense that will truly be missed.

Stars Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement met with show director James Bobin to discuss the future of the show.  Unfortunately for us, the fans, they decided not to create another 12 episodes and 24 some-odd new songs for a third season.  The duo broke the hard to swallow news on their new website:

“We’ve noticed the less we say about the future of the show, the more people want to talk about it, so in an effort to reverse this trend we are today announcing that we won’t be returning for a 3rd season. We’re very proud of the two seasons we made and we like the way the show ended. We’d like to thank everyone who helped make the show and also everyone who watched it. While the characters Bret and Jemaine will no longer be around, the real Bret and Jemaine will continue to exist.”

I’m glad to hear that “the real”  Bret and Jemaine are sticking around.  I hope they continue to share with us their awkwardly groundbreaking comedic brilliance by adding to their collection of two full-length albums and coming back to America with another US tour.  I know I will never get too tired of listening to “Too many mutha’ ‘uckas, ‘uckin with my shi’! and “They call me the Hiphopopotamus, Flows that glow like phosphorous, Poppin’ off the top of this esophagus, Rockin’ this metropolis…”  And I’ll always remember that “a kiss is not a contract, but it’s very nice, yes it’s very nice.”

Oh, be sure to check out their newly renovated official website.  It includes FOTC news updates, merch, video, photo galleries, fan art, chords and lyrics, and more.  Also, you can follow Bret and Jemaine on Twitter; they’re @fotc.

[Via IGN; image via FOTC website]

J.J. Abrams sits back in the director’s chair for NBC’s Undercovers

News, Television, , , ,

It’s been too long since we’ve had the pleasure of watching a J.J. Abrams-directed series premiere on television (the Lost premiere, to be exact).  According to The Hollywood Reporter, Abrams will direct the premiere episode of NBC’s upcoming spy show Undercovers.  The episode is co-written between Abrams and Felicity pal Josh Reims.  According to numerous sources the show is being described as has been described as Mr. and Mrs. Smith meets The Bourne Identity.

Abrams adds Undercovers to a growing list of other new shows he plans on unveiling in the near future.  There’s the HBO medical drama called Anatomy of Hope and a not-yet-titled FOX comedy.  With Lost beginning its heavily anticipated final season this February, Abrams better have a deep arsenal of amazing TV dramas in his pockets.  As hard as it is for me to imagine a future without Lost, news that Abrams is hard at work with new offerings gives me a glimpse of a hopeful future post-one of the best shows ever made.

[Via IGN; NYMag]

House on House; Hugh Laurie to direct upcoming episode

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You may or may not know this but Hugh Laurie is the star and one of the producers of FOX’s House.  Laurie plans on adding to his resume the position of director.  He will direct this season’s 17th episode which airs on March 22.  Says executive producer Katie Jacobs: “Hugh has been there since day one through every single episode, so he’s phenomenally smart and his instincts are [impeccable].” “This is going to be great for morale, because there’s no one that the cast and crew and the writers want to work harder for than our leader.”  Though the plot is top-secret, Jacobs hints that “it’s not a traditional episode.”  Two words:  Can’t wait.

[Via EW]