Category Archives: News

Lost: The Final Season: characters returning, end date marked

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Lost Picture

I love me my Lost news.  Let’s get right to it!

Remember that exclusive image I posted from Comic Con a while back now?  Well here it is in all it’s visible glory!  From left to right we can make out Faraday, Boone, Miles, Michael, Ana Lucia, Charlotte, Shannon, Desmond, Eko, Kate, Jack, Sawyer, Locke, Ben, Sayid, Libby, Sun, Jin, Claire, Hurley, Juliet, Charlie, Frank, Richard, Bernard, and Rose.  Notice Locke is facing away for reasons not fully explained yet.  Who is missing from the poster is equally important: Walt, Nikki, and Paulo.  Well, maybe not so much the latter two.  But where’s Walt??  WALT!!!  He was a season regular back in the beginning, and it is strange that he is not featured here alongside his season regulars (and some non-regulars) from over the years.  Check out the gallery below for up close shots of the poster to see for yourself.

In related news, EW has reported that Ian Somerhalder (Boone) is en route to Hawaii.  This can mean only one thing.  In fact Somerhalder confirms it: “I’m literally getting on a plane in 45 minutes to fly to Hawaii.  The only thing I can say is that I’m going back for several episodes….I have a script that weighs like 200 pounds, but I don’t really know what’s happening.”  This pretty much officially confirms Boone’s return to the island (or mainland), and the poster points to the remainder of the MIA/dead characters returning to the show.

And finally, I have exciting and sad news bunched into one.  The date has been pegged for the series finale of Lost: Wednesday, May 19th, 2010.  I just shed and tear and swallowed the bittersweet taste.

Look forward to LOST: The Final Season this January on ABC.

[Via IGN; EW]  Thanks, Steve.

Google’s mystery doodle is back for more

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goog_e

Enter the follow-up doodle in the series of alien-related Google doodles.  First it was the UFO-inspired doodle that searched for “unexplained phenomena.”  Now there is a crop-circle inspired doodle that searches for the keyword “crop circle.”  The first doodle’s image file name was “Go_gle.”  This image’s file name is “Goog_e.”  First the “o” was abducted, now the “l” is missing.  What this means no one knows.  On it’s Twitter page Google posted the following coordinates: 51.327629, -0.5616088.  Followers figured out that these specific coordinates reveal a location in the UK, a town called Horsell in Surrey, England, to be exact.  Interestingly this area is infamous for it’s prominent role in H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds;” it is the town where the aliens first land in the novel.

So, what does this all mean?  Unfortunately there are no solid answers…again.  Some theories include: Wells’ 143rd birthday falls on September 21; “It’s almost certainly a viral marketing campaign teasing people ahead of some launch in a week or two” (via UK Guardian); and my favorite–Google has been taken over by aliens from an unknown planet.  Just like before, all there is to do now is to continue theorizing and wait for the next doodle or a possible explanation from Google itself.

[Via CNET; Wired]

Early Emmy winners include Dr. Horrible, South Park, SNL

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The Creative Artsys Emmys 2009 awards precedes the televised Emmys every year, and this particular year had some great winners.

Comedy Central’s South Park won its fourth Emmy in the Animated Program (less than one hour) category.  Two Saturday Night Live talents won Emmys for their hilarious acts in the weekly late-night show.  Former cast member and writer Tina Fey won an Emmy for her perfect and timely portrayal of Sarah Palin, and recurring host and musical guest Justin Timberlake snagged an Emmy for his comedic triumphs during this past season.  The two Interactive Media awards went to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Lost for their awesome web content, the Digital Experience and “Dharma Initiative,” respectively.

Lastly, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog won an Emmy in the short-format live-action entertainment program category, a category, mind you, that was essentially created for the hit web act.  Congratulations Joss Whedon, the Whedon sons, Neil Patrick Harris, Felicia Day, Nathan Fillion, Maurissa Tancheron, and the rest of the Dr.H cast and crew.  You most definitely deserved an Emmy for your unique, crafty, and spectacular work.  We are all looking forward to a repeat win next year for the oft-rumored Dr.H sequel!

Make sure to catch the 2009 Emmy Awards next Sunday at 8PM on CBS.  It’s hosted by NPH, so it’s a must-see.

[Via IGN; image via Buffyfest] *To see more Creative Arts winners, check the IGN link.

Ellen DeGeneres joins American Idol

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Funnywoman and successful talk show host Ellen DeGeneres recently signed a deal that officially hits the nail in the coffin for Paula Abdul’s departure from Americal Idol.  DeGeneres has signed a 5-year deal with ICM.  She will be occupying Abdul’s vacant seat through at least the thirteenth season of AI.  Says DeGeneres: “I’m thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol.  I’ve watched since the beginning, and I’vealways been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I’ll save from not having to text in my vote.”  Question is, what does Ellen know about musical talent?  She’s a comedian; sure she’ll bring laughs to the show, but how can she properly contribute to the show’s search for the next greatest singer if she doesn’t have a trained ear for it?  I hope my perplexity is eased once things get rolling.  One thing’s for sure–I know I’ll miss drunken Abdul drinking “cola” from the judge’s table.  (FYI–I haven’t watched AI in its entirety since the premiere season.  If you do not watch the show, please let me recommend you to at least witness the hilarity that is the first few “audition episodes.”  It’s a treat.

[Via Deadline]

Facebook lite

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Facebook lite is basically a stripped down version of it’s more encompassing counterpart.  Facebook says, “Facebook Lite is a faster, simpler way to keep in touch with your friends. If you like it, you may choose to use it instead of the regular Facebook.”  By simplerthey mean dumbed down.  The site is literally a bare-bones version of Facebook that will allow older folks and younger kids (why are they even registered on Facebook, anyway) to join in on the fun that is social networking and such.  The site is easier to navigate with larger buttons and less clutter.  However, features are missing from the standard Facebook website and it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth doing away with functionality for simplicity.  Check it out for yourself at http://lite.facebook.com/.

[Via CSMonitor]

Apple Keynote [September 2009] roundup

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Guess who’s back, back again?  Steve Jobs graciously owned the stage in San Fransisco on Thursday during the latest Apple keynote presentation.  There was lots of discussion and reveals on the iTunes and iPod front.  Let’s not waste any time and get right to it.  Read on for all the juicy details of the keynote.

  • iPhone OS 3.1
    • Genius will now “automatically make recommendations from the App Store based on the applications you own.”  Think of it as iTunes Genius for your music, but now for your purchased apps.
    • Ringtones – over 30,000 ringtones available to purchase at $1.29 each.  All four major record labels are on-board.
    • 3.1 firmware update is a free download available now for iPhone and iPod touch owners (there is a $5 upgrade price for those iPod touch users who have not upgraded to 3.0)
  •  iTunes 9
    • Features a cleaner, easier-to-navigate UI with a redesigned store
    • Genius Mixes – Think of this as your own personal DJ spinning your favorite songs continuously.  Genius Mixes takes your current music library and groups songs/artists/genres together for you to listen to; it’s like listening to your preferred radio station.
    • Improved syncing – Now you have the option to manually sync exactly what you want (for example, you can sync specific artists, genres, albums, etc.)
    • App organization – You can arrange your apps in iTunes.  Plug in your iPhone or iPod touch and you get a visual copy of your home screen and your multiple pages; you simply drag and drop 1 or more apps at a time.  This couldn’t be any simpler.
    • Home Sharing – Allows you to “manage your family’s iTunes collection between computers in your home.”  You can copy songs, movies, TV shows, etc. with up to 5 computers.  For example, say you have 5 family members each with their own computer and iTunes accounts.  Now you can all easily share your iTunes content by dragging and dropping other family members’ songs into your library.  The files copy right over and viola–you now have songs in your library that originally resided in your brother’s music library.
    • iTunes LP – Tools are now given to record labels and artists to create and distribute  many album extras in their digital music albums.  These extras include behind-the-scenes videos, photos, liner notes, lyrics, chronology of albums, credits, animations, and more.  Although digital downloads will never be the same as buying a physical CD or record in a retail store, iTunes LP is a step in the right direction for those who have switched to digital music and who miss receiving the entire “album experience” you get when you purchase your favorite artist’s latest album.
    • iTunes Extras (for movies) – Think of the extras you would find on a DVD; they will now be included when you purchase a movie from the iTunes Store
    • Facebook and Twitter integration – You now have the option to share your favorite songs and artists with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.  There is an embedded option that allows you to link a song, artist, or album information to your Facebook and Twitter accounts.
    • iTunes 9 is available today as a free download
  • iPod
    • iPod touch
      • Lineup: $199 (8GB); $299 (32GB); $399 (64GB)
      • cheaper and new storage capacity
      • up to 50% faster; OpenGL|ES Version 2.0 (adds more realism in games)
      • Publishers discuss upcoming games for the App Store – Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed II Discovery; Tapulous’s Riddim Ribbon (an awesome music game that incorporates racing and DJ control); Gameloft’s Nova; EA’s Madden NFL 10
    • iPod classic
      • Lineup: $250 (160GB) (holds 40,000 songs)
      • Same price, capacity upgrade from 120GB
    • iPod shuffle
      • Lineup: $59 (2GB); $79 (4GB); $99 (4GB Special Edition in stainless steel, Apple Store exclusive)
      • all new shiny colors: black, silver, pink, green, blue
      • expand range of headphones with an adapter that will allow you to change volume/tracks
      • new VoiceOver features ( reads statuses, like battery level)
    • iPod nano
      • Lineup: $149 (8GB) and $179 (16GB)
      • all new colors in polished anodized aluminium: green, blue, purple, black, silver, pink, red, orange, yellow
      • larger 2.2 inch display
      • new included apps: FM radio, Voice Recorder, pedometer (syncs with Nike +)
      • VIDEO CAMERA (the one more thing) – Integrated video camera; only shoots videos (no picture stills); VGA resolution (640×480); includes microphone and speaker

Note:  When asked why Apple did not include a video camera in the new iPod touch, Jobs responded: “Originally, we weren’t exactly sure how to market the Touch. Was it an iPhone without the phone? Was it a pocket computer? What happened was, what customers told us was, they started to see it as a game machine.  We started to market it that way, and it just took off. And now what we really see is it’s the lowest-cost way to the App Store, and that’s the big draw. So what we were focused on is just reducing the price to $199. We don’t need to add new stuff. We need to get the price down where everyone can afford it.”

Check out the gallery below for some official press shots of the new products and services.

[Gallery images via Apple]

Apple rumor roundup, predictions

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Let’s do this, bullet-point style.

  • New iPods:  It is very likely that new iPod touches and nanos will be announced.  This is a “music event,” afterall.  Both the touch and the nano will have 3.2MP cameras, and the touch will receive a built-in mic.  Also, both devices will receive a storage upgrade, possibly to 64GB or higher.  Overall design should remain the same.  Due to the recent rumor that claims Apple is having technical difficultieswith the camera mechanisms with the iPod touch there is a chance the product release may not be instantaneous with the announcement.  Also, the death of the iPod classic may be imminent.
  • iTunes 9: Last we heard about iTunes 9 was a BGR source stirring up the rumor mill with these claims: Blu-Ray support; Facebook, Twitter, last.fm integration; and the ability to organize purchases apps.  Blu-Ray support only makes sense if Apple plans on releasing iMacs and Macbooks with Blu-Ray drives.  Also on the table is “Project Cocktail.”  Sources say that albums sold in the iTunes Store will not only come with digital PDF booklets; they will also come with “interactive album material.”  The point of this is to entice customers to purchase entire albums instead of only the 99 cent singles.
  • THE BEATLES: According to Yoko Ono herself the entire Beatles collection will finally be digitally distributed on the iTunes Store.  EMI, the record company, told The Financial Times that this will not be announced tomorrow, though. [Via Engadget]
  • Apple TV: Ah yes, the “hobby” that is the Apple TV.  Jobs announced this product three years ago, and not much has changed since its release (besides a UI upgrade via a software upgrade).  The latest rumors predict a new Apple TV device that supports DVR and CableCARD functionality.  Today, though, these exact rumors were shot down by Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer.  He said such capability does not match Apple’s service scheme.  And this makes sense; why would Apple allow its customers to freely record TV shows or movies when they have the iTunes Store for those needs.  I do not see an upgrade to the aging Apple TV at this event. [Via Engadget]
  • Apple tablet:  The tablet will not be announced at this event.  The most recent rumors point to a 2010 (or beyond) release.
  • Steve Jobs appearance:  It has been way too long since we’ve seen Jobs appear on stage at the helm of an Apple event.  Now that his health has rebounded and he is back at work on the Apple campus in Cupertino, I expect him to at least make an appearence if not host the event.

Be sure to check back here for all the Apple news once it is announced.  It takes place tomorrow at 10AM PDT (1PM ET).  Get pumped!

Beats for the everyday man (..or not)

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Adding to yesterday’s news of Lady Gaga’s Heartbeats is today’s announcement of a smaller, cheaper version of the original Studio Beats headphones.  This product finds its home between the Tour Beats ($149) and the Studio Beats ($299).  The Beats Solo is smaller and lighter than its older brother and will cost a mere $220.  They will be available in black and white this November.  According to Monster, the Beats Solo have the same sound quality as the Studio Beats.  If Dr. Dre and the team at Monster Cable found a way to create the original Beats in a tinier form factor then all the power to them.  However, I’d play it safe and wait for initial reviews before going out to make a purchase.

[Via Gizmodo; DVICE]

Lady Gaga creates her own Beats

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Fashion and music maven Lady Gaga has teamed up with Dr. Dre and Monster Cable to create her own line of Beats headphones.  Heartbeats is designed by Lady Gaga herself.  They will be available in October in pink/white, silver, white, and black color variations and price will range from $99.95 to $149.95, depending on body type and jewel design.  Included are multiple ear tips, a red travel case, and Monster’s tangle-resistant flat cable design, and Monster’s ControlTalk connection that allows you to swap between music and phone calls.  For more information about the Heartbeats, see the press release after the break.  Check out the gallery below for some product images and more.

[Via Engadget; ChipChick; Beatsbydre]

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UFO sighting by chinese scientists

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Scientists at the Purple Mountain Observatory in Nanjing have captured 40 minutes of (what they believe to be) UFO footage recorded during a solar eclipse back on July 22.  According to Chinese TV, people witnessed a “glowing blue sphere” that changed its shape repeatedly.

Observatory director Ji Hai-sheng: “Purple Mountain Observatory and Chinese Academy of Sciences said that during the July 22 total solar eclipse observation, China had discovered near the sun, by observing staff, an unidentified object, it’s physical nature remains to be further studied. Currently manpower is being organized to deal with this data, complete the data analysis and reveal the scientific results and this will take at least one year’s time to finalize.”

What do you think about this startling footage?  Have you ever had a UFO sighting?  Sound off in the comments below.

[Via Gizmodo; Telegraph.co.uk]