Category Archives: Video

Facebook reaches one billion active users

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A million users isn’t cool. You know what’s cool? A billion users.

Today Mark Zuckerberg announced that there are more than one billion people using Facebook actively each month. In his own words through a short but sweet blog post:

This morning, there are more than one billion people using Facebook actively each month.

If you’re reading this: thank you for giving me and my little team the honor of serving you.

Helping a billion people connect is amazing, humbling and by far the thing I am most proud of in my life.

I am committed to working every day to make Facebook better for you, and hopefully together one day we will be able to connect the rest of the world too.

Whether or not this incredible factoid will help boost the social network’s failing stock, it’s something to really think about. What this means is that one in seven people all around the world log on to Facebook and actively spend time there for at least a month. Zuckerberg tagged his post with a fact sheet that spits out other impressive bits of info like… there have been over 1.13 “likes” since the site’s launch; 219 billion photos uploaded; 17 billion location-tagged posts; 62.6 million songs have been played 22 billion times; Facebook now has 600M mobile users; the median age of the user is about 22 (close your account, mom!); and the list goes on.

To celebrate the milestone, Facebook teamed with ad agency Wieden & Kennedy to produce a minute-and-a-half “brand video” entitled The Things That Connect Us. In an interview with Ad Age, Facebook’s head of consumer marketing Rebecca Van Dyck shared the inspiration behind it. “What we’re trying to articulate is that we as humans exist to connect, and we at Facebook to facilitate and enable that process. We make the tools and services that allow people to feel human, get together, open up. Even if it’s a small gesture, or a grand notion–we wanted to express that huge range of connectivity and how we interact with each other.”

The ad is embedded after the break. Continue reading Facebook reaches one billion active users →

Adele is selected to sing the new Bond theme song “Skyfall”, hear it here

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With every Bond movie comes a title sequence theme song. For Bond 23 aka Skyfall, the Grammy-award winning sensation Adele was chosen to produce the latest 007 track. She collaborated with producer Paul Epworth, the man who helped her turn “Rolling In The Deep” into the massive hit it has become. Adele’s vocals shine in this composition definitely worthy of the James Bond seal of approvement. What do you think? Thumbs up? Purchase the track at iTunes.

Skyfall opens November 9. And while you’re here, check out some snazzy posters in the gallery below.

Update: A new trailer that features Adele was recently whipped together. Check it out after the break.

Continue reading Adele is selected to sing the new Bond theme song “Skyfall”, hear it here →

Discover new music: Turbo T. Double

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If you’re into the evolving rap/hip-hop scene, Turbo T. Double is a name to look out for. Especially if you’re into Kanye West’s rap collective G.O.O.D. Music. Turbo’s been rapping since he’s ten years old, and now some years later, he’s opened for Big Sean and most recently he’s travelled to Europe to perform internationally. Though his flow is similar to Big Sean’s and even Kid Cudi’s, he definitely has a unique sound that’s worth checking out. His YouTube channel features over 50 clips of him rapping, so you can get a decent sampling over there. It won’t take for you to discover Turbo’s interest in video games, specifically the classic arcade title Street Fighter; see his most viewed video “Gigaton Punch.” To see him in action in the studio, check out this video where he raps over Lupe Fiasco’s “Dumb It Down.” After you’ve checked out his talent on YouTube, head over to his official website to browse and download his varied collection of music.

I had the pleasure of working with Turbo in the past, and I can say without hesitation that he’s a force that will not go unseen in the rap community. He’s been producing tracks for years, but thanks to fan donations and his hard work and dedication to his craft, Turbo is about to really blow up. Need proof? He sent me a behind-the-scenes video for an upcoming track titled “Atoms: The World Is Our Hood.” An accompanied music video is on the way, and it features Turbo along with the same beautiful models ‘Ye used in his Runaway film. The vid is directed by Yemi A.D., another talented collaborator of Kanye’s.

Jump after the break to watch the BTS footage; in it Turbo and Yemi talk about their experience working together and the inspiration behind awesome visuals featured in the music video. Check back here for when Turbo drops the clip in full. Continue reading Discover new music: Turbo T. Double →

Movie trailer round-up: ‘Movie 43’, ‘The Lone Ranger’, ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’ & ‘Lincoln’

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First up is the very NSFW red-band trailer for Movie 43, a raunchy comedy that brings together the most unlikely group of actors under the same roof. The large ensemble cast includes familiar funny people like Elizabeth Banks, Kristen Bell, Anna Faris, Johnny Knoxville, Justin Long, Jack McBrayer, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chris Pratt, Emma Stone, Jason Sudeikis, and Seann William Scott. Also thrown into the mix? A-listers such as Halle Berry, Richard Gere, Terrence Howard, Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Naomi Watts, and Titanic‘s Kate Winslet. So yeah.

Though the trailer doesn’t make it crystal clear, you will probably infer that Movie 43 consists various comedic vignettes. These segments were written by Rocky Russo, Jeremy Sosenko, Patrik Forsberg, Will Carlough, and James Gunn and they were received direction from a wide range of directors and even actors: Patrik Forsberg, Peter Farrelly, Elizabeth Banks, Steven Brill, Steve Carr, Rusty Cundieff, James Duffy, Griffin Dunne, James Gunn, Brett Ratner, and Bob Odenkirk (Saul from Breaking Bad!).

The highly inappropriate flick is lining up to be a hysterical laugh fest. It releases January 25.

Jump after the break for more trailers. Continue reading Movie trailer round-up: ‘Movie 43’, ‘The Lone Ranger’, ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’ & ‘Lincoln’ →

‘Arrested Development’ announces walk-on fan contest (video inside!)

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Arrested Development is in the middle of shooting its fourth season for Netflix. I know, it still hasn’t hit me yet. The creative team behind the show is collaborating with the streaming service for a fan contest aptly called “You’re Gonna Get Some Walk-Ons.” They’re going to allow six super fans to visit the set of the show in LA and appear in the upcoming episodes. So what do you have to do to win? It’s simple, really.

Show that you deserve a walk-on role by creating an original piece ofArrested Development content. Entries can be videos (less than 2 minutes), photos, artwork, essays and more.

We’re looking for entries that are the most creative, unique and relevant to the show.

That’s it. Entries can be shared via Instagram, Tumblr or Twitter with the hashtag #BluthWalkOn or submitted directly at the website youregonnagetsomewalkons.com. Hop over to that site to browse the latest entires if you’re short on ideas.

But you didn’t hear any of this from me. Jump after the break to get the news straight from George Michael! Continue reading ‘Arrested Development’ announces walk-on fan contest (video inside!) →

Seth MacFarlane is hosting the Oscars

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It was announced today that Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy, is set to host the 85th Academy Awards. MacFarlane is hot off his Saturday Night Live hosting stint and his motion picture directorial debut Ted which garnered over $420 million worldwide.

Oscars producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron had this to say about the newly minted host. “We are thrilled to have Seth MacFarlane host the Oscars. His performing skills blend perfectly with our ideas for making the show entertaining and fresh. He will be the consummate host, and we are so happy to be working with him.”

MacFarlane responded to the news like this: “It’s truly an overwhelming privilege to be asked to host the Oscars. My thoughts upon hearing the news were, one, I will do my utmost to live up to the high standards set forth by my predecessors; and two, I hope they don’t find out I hosted the Charlie Sheen Roast.” And with a video featuring his dad, embedded after the break.

In addition to his many voices (Family Guy, American Dad, The Cleveland Show), MacFarlane has a Grammy-nominated big-band jazz album under his belt, Music Is Better Than Words, so you can expect the jack of many trades to follow in his predecessor’s footsteps with a musical number, amongst other gags.

The Oscars air live Sunday, February 24 on ABC. Continue reading Seth MacFarlane is hosting the Oscars →

Cartoon Network celebrates 20 years with animated, nostalgic music video

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Cartoon Network is celebrating twenty years of animated entertainment today; the channel first launched on October 1, 1992. CN collaborated with record label Mad Decent and London-based design shop ILOVEDUST to create this original trippy tribute. The music video contains nearly 100 cartoon characters that have graced the network’s lineup during the course of its existence. Look it’s Dexter and Johnny Bravo and The Powerpuff Girls and Courage the Cowardly Dog and Samurai Jack! See how many classic ‘toons you can spot. Enjoy your trip down nostalgia lane.

TV reminder: ‘South Park’ premieres tonight (9/26) at 10PM on Comedy Central

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The second half of South Park season 16 premiere tonight at 10PM on Comedy Central. The episode is called “Sarcastaball” and if the logline has anything to say it’s that Randy Marsh is in the middle of it.

Randy’s attitude toward new safety rules in the game of football CHANGES THE SPORT IN A BIG WAY. As a concerned parent, Randy radically changes the way football is played at South Park Elementary. The new version of the game quickly becomes the nation’s most popular sport. One gifted student emerges as a star athlete in Sarcastaball.

In a preview embedded above, Randy has a hard time with sarcasm. This is lining up to be a good’un.

California Governor signs a bill bringing autonomous vehicles closer to reality

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On Tuesday a bill was put into California law that creates a legal framework and operational safety standards for the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles on state roads and highways. California Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill “SB1298” at Google HQ with Google’s Sergey Brin on hand to provide additional information regarding the development of self-driving cars.

Google has been working hard on making autonomous vehicles a reality for over two years now. Brin admits that there is “a long list” of issues to get through before such vehicles will be able to take over the road. His team must take into account every possible “eventuality” a car might experience on the road. He does promise, however, that an autonomous car will never speed through a red light. At the signing, a reporter asked if Google has plans to manufacture their own vehicles at some point. Brin responded by saying such plans are not in the works; Google is busy developing the technology to make cars drive themselves and talks are already underway with popular car manufacturers and they will implement Google’s tech when it’s ready for primetime. And then there’s the ultimate question: when can we expect to actually see and use these smart cars? “You can count on one hand the number of years until ordinary people can experience this,” teased Brin. With the law in place it’s only a matter of when, not if. The future is coming.

Watch the California Governor and the Google genius talk about the bill and the initiative behind it in the video embedded above. Brin gives his two cents around the 6 minute mark. And yes, he’s sporting his pet Project Glass.

[Via Google+)

2012 Emmys results: ‘Modern Family’ & ‘Homeland’ big winners

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On Sunday night, Modern Family and Homeland scored big wins at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards. The ABC comedy was awarded a total of four Emmys: Eric Stonestreet for Outstanding Supporting Actor; Julie Bowen for Outstanding Supporting Actress; Steven Levitan for Outstanding Director; and the show was named Outstanding Comedy. Elsewhere in comedy, Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep) managed to beat Amy Poehler for Outstanding Actress; Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men) rock his category to surpass Jim Parsons, Louis C.K., Larry David, and Alec Baldwin to win Outstanding Actor. Speaking of Louie, the comedian took home two Emmys–one for Outstanding Writing for the Louie episode “Pregnant” and another writing achievement for his standup special Live at the Beacon Theatre.

The Showtime political drama Homeland was awarded five Emmys: Claire Danes for Outstanding Actress; Damian Lewis for Outstanding Actor; Outstanding Writing for the “Pilot” epiosde by Alex Gansa, Howard Gordon, and Gideon Raff; at the Creative Emmys the show picked up Best Casting; and lastly it broke Mad Men‘s impressive streak and won Outstanding Drama. Elsewhere in drama, Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey) was crowned Outstanding Supporting Actress; Aaron Paul triumphed over his Breaking Bad co-star Giancarlo Esposito to win Outstanding Supporting Actor; and Tim Van Patten nabbed Outstanding Director for his work on Boardwalk Empire.

Other notable wins… the HBO movie Game Change swept the Miniseries/Movie category with five wins including Outstanding Actress (Julianne Moore), Outstanding Writing (Danny Strong), Outstanding Directing (Jay Roach), Best Casting, and it took home Outstanding Miniseries or Movie. The highly rated History channel miniseries Hatfields and McCoys won two Emmys and Jessica Lange nabbed Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role in FX’s American Horror Story. And like clockwork Comedy Central’s The Daily Show With Jon Stewart won Outstanding Variety Series for the tenth year in a row.

Jump after the break to see all the night’s winners. Continue reading 2012 Emmys results: ‘Modern Family’ & ‘Homeland’ big winners →

Parker Posey teaches you how to give the perfect Emmy speech

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Indie film star Parker Posey, recently off a guest star stint on FX’s Louie, teaches a class how to give the perfect Emmy speech. “The most important part of any actor’s career is the Emmy Awards acceptance speech,” says Posey posing as as legendary acting coach JA,N. Watch the very funny clip and you’ll get it. Posey is brilliant. Enjoy.

And just in case you were wondering, the Emmys air live this Sunday, September 23 at 7PM ET on ABC hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.