Web Surfing Chinese Style

     In a move to help protect what Chinese officials call rumors and vulgarity, the Chinese government is discussing a law that would mean people have to present their government-issued identity cards when signing up for computer network providers and mobile internet access.  The Chinese government says such a system is needed to prevent people from making malicious and anonymous accusations online and that many other countries already have such rules.  See full story, www.nytimes.com.

Television in The Next Decade

     Washington - "90 of the top 100 shows are on regular television", says Gordon Smith, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).  According to Smith regular broadcast television and radio will continue to become more interactive with broadband, internet, and cable television.  Smith also says radio and television will remain the constant if cable crashes in an emergency.  See also,  www.wired.com.

China's Elusive Entertaining First Lady

     She is a renowned soprano, but as China's first lady she must keep a low profile in accordance with the policy since Mao Tse-tung's power-hungry wife.  Many thought the 49 year-old Peng Liyuan would be a cosmopolitan western style first embodying a more open, modern China.  However, their is a balance that must be acheived between the party's own squeamishness about making officials' private lives public, and a gossipy media culture increasingly critical of elites lifestyles and behavior.  "There's still a feeling that women can lead men astray, especially in affairs of the state", says Ross Terrill author of "Mao Tse-tung And His Wife Jiang Qing.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Re-invigorated Tuxedos Are Taking The Red Carpet

     From Bryan Cranston ("Shades of Gray") to Jim Parsons ("The Big Bang Theory") style conscious guys are opting for color and bold tailoring.  The traditional black "penguin suite" in tonal variations of brown and navy (at times with largeer lapels for taller men) are influencing men who once did not like dressing up.  The versatility of velvet and hybrid tux-influenced styles such as silk with denim, or waxed cotton jeans with a stripe down the side are trending upward at this seasons holiday parties.  There is even a computer app that offers pages and pages of tuxedo choices.  The app covers a variety of topics and includes a tutorial on how to tie a bow tie.  See also, www.gentlemensquarterly.com.

Number of People Commenting on TV While Watching TV Increases

     New York - A recent Nielsen study estimated 41 percent of tablet owners and 38 percent of smartphone owners used their device while watching television at least once per day.  The Nielsen study also found that 35 percent of people sho used tablets while watching TV looked up information online about the program they were watching.  The social media websites these people visit while watching television can provide TV networks with real-time feedback on what is being aired at the moment.  The increase in people watching television and commenting about it online has not been affected by the fact that more people are also recording programs and watching them a later time.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Retailers Include Elements of Online Shopping

     Retailers are gearing up to stop the continous flow of shoppers to computers and smartphones.  Some firms are vowing to match prices with their biggest online rivals.  Others are expanding their assortment of products, or adding Wi-Fi and other digital upgrades inside stores.  In some states traditional retailers are anticipating picking up more shoppers after online retailers started collecting taxes in September 2012, giving some crucial price advantage to traditional stores when consumers comparison shop.  Walmart already allows shoppers to buy items online and pay for them in cash in stores.  Toys 'R' Us is pushing the idea that shoppers can browse online the go pick it up immediately at their neighborhood store.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

""The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is Already Spawning Collecitbles

     New Zealand's government is minting coins that feature characters from Middle-earth to commemorate the upcoming film "The Hobbit:  An Unexpected Journey."  The coins range in price from a New Zealand one dollar coin that retails for $24.43, to a $10 coin made from pure gold that costs about $3,019.53.  New Zealand is also releasing six postage stamps featuring characters from the film.  See, www.nzpost.co.nz. 

Zombies In "The Walking Dead" Are Walking Ahead

     "The Walking Dead" has become a darling of horror and/or fantasy pop culture.  In its second season it set a record among young viewers.  An official magazine, video games, scores of blogs, a live companion talk show called "The Talking Dead", an appearance at San Diego's Comic-Con International, and just in time for Halloween, "The Walking Dead:  Dead Inside" maze is this year's centerpiece for Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights have made the show a franchise for AMC cable television.  See also , www.variety.com.

Homeland Attempts To Hold Viewership

     The cable television sensation Homeland has been ordered for a third season.  The show which recently started season two on September 23, 2012 attempts to portray the war on terror in an intriguing way.  Homeland, about two CIA agents, tries to hold audience viewership with a series of sharp story turns.  "You can't let the cat out of the bag too much in crafting this show", says Michael Cuesta, one of the shows directors.  Homeland's goal of keeping audiences off-balance, as the show slowly reveals its storyline, is so far being achieved.  See full story, www.variety.com.

First Black Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 In Monaco (18/12/2011)

New App Merges TV and Twitter

     British app Zeebox shows twitter feeds while simultaneously showing what you are currently watching in a "second screen." Primarily catered to the most avid TV watchers Zeebox has its own messaging service and trending topics called "z-tags" that make it easier to track what TV viewers are talking about. See also, www.nytimes.com.

The Hunt For A New Red Apple iPad In October

    California has not been one of Apple's most popular venues for product launches, but October 23, 2012, Apple will launch  a new smaller tablet than the 9.7 inch iPad.  The new smaller tablet is expected to feature a display that is between 7 inches and 8 inches.  The new smaller tablet will directly compete with Amazon's Kindle Fire HD, that only launched a year ago and already has 20% of the U.S. tablet market.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Surface is Not a Submarine

     Microsoft's new Surface tablet will have two cameras, a USB port, and will be Wi-Fi only.  A second, heavier, Surface tablet aimed at the new generation of "ultrabooks" (lightweight laptops) is expected on the market in a few months.  Market watchers speculated correctly that Microsoft would price it's new Surface low enough  to compete with Apple's less-powerful iPad2 and Amazon's Kindle Fire HD.  The Surface will run a simplified version of Windows 8 that is not compatible with old microsoft applications.  See full story, www.nytimes.com.

Boobytrapped Nuclear Equipment

     Iranian security experts discovered tiny explosives inside equipment the Iranian Islamic Republic had purchased for its nuclear program.  Iran accused Germany's Siemans firm of planting the explosives, a charge Siemens denied.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Spy Swap

     A yearlong investigation concluded by the chairman of the House Intellegence Committee (Republican) Representative Mike Rogers of Michigan and (Democratic) Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland, the top Democrat on the committee, said the United States government should not use equipment from the giant Huawei Technologies and ZTE Inc., both of China, and that other American companies should find alternative suppliers as well.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Rock Band No Doubt Releases New Album

     Gwen Steffani is still the lead singer in the energetic band No Doubt.  The band performed at the Radio I-Heart Festival in Las Vegas.  When asked about the length of time between record releases Steffani mentioned doing things like raising a child and taking care of other parts of the business.  The story of No Doubt continues following their smash 1990's single "Don't Speak", from the "Tragic Kingdom" album that spent four months a number one. The romantic relationship between bassist Tony Kanal and lead singer Steffani continues to evolve and provide pop culture with a source of new radio programming.  See also, www.billboard.com.

Microsoft Faces Fine

     Warsaw - Microsoft agreed nearly three years ago to allow European consumers better access to rival browsers.  Microsoft acknowledged its error in not distributing its software in a manner that allowed other browsers such as Mozilla's Firefox and Safari.  Microsoft, the world's largest software company, has blamed the three-year delaly on a technical glitch.  "The size of the fine could be fairly significant," says anti-trust lawyer Rachel Bickler.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Necessary Extraditions of Britains to America

     Washington - The United States does not see itself as an arrogant, prosecution-happy country, eager to mete out vigilante justice to Americans and non-Americans alike.  Spokespeople in Washington, D.C. say  a treaty signed in 2003 is good as it stands written.  But, to others in Britain, e.g. 24 year-old Richard O'Dwyer of Bolsover, England, the treaty is a sign of an Anglo-American extradition agreement that's grossly weighted in favor of the United States.  O'Dwyer is accused of running an illegal website.  The issue has gotten particular attention lately because of the case of Julian Assange, the founder of the whistle-blowing website Wikileaks.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Apple Rolls Out Newest Product Free of Patent Infringements

     According to a judge at the International Trade Commission (ITC), Friday, September 14, 2012, Apple Inc. did not violate patents owned by Samsung Electronics in making the iPod, iTouch, iPad.  See also, www.wired.com.

Michael Jackson Was Day-To-Day On Concert Tour

     Los Angeles - 250 pages of email messages illuminate the extent top executives were aware of doubts about Michael Jackson's stability as they prepared for a 50-show concert run at a London arena.  See also, www.ew.com.

CNN Faces Declining Ratings

     With people able to get news and information around the clock  CNN finds itself with plunged ratings.  The cable news network (CNN) that dominated political talk shows during the 1990s has shrunk in ratings by as much as 40% compared to four years ago.  Critics say the Time-Warner owned network is rudderless, not suggesting how people should vote.  A long term policy at CNN has been to avoid taking sides.  Now, some people in the industry are saying CNN should be more like Fox and MSNBC.  See also, www.ew.com.

New "Live!" Co-host Michael Strahan Was Most Concerned About Not Tripping

     New York - Michael Strahan's only worry when he made his entrance Tuesday, September 4, 2012, as the new co-host of  "Live!" was, "Dont trip", he summed up after the show.  Strahan will continue as a host of "Fox NFL Sunday", which originates from Los Angeles, where he lives.  He will commute to New York to do "Live!"  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Olympians Still See Television As a Second Career

     Olympians have a small amount of time to cash in on their gold medals.  Olympians can extend their visibility, by transitioning into a career on television.  In recent years more than a dozen Olympians have gone to television for a job, including:  gymnast Shawn Johnson ("Dancing With The Stars"), short-track speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno ("Dancing With The Stars"), gymnast Gabby Douglas ("America's Got Talent"), swimmer and aspiring actor Ryan Lochte ("90210", "Fashion Police", and "The Tonight Show"), and decathlete Bruce Jenner ("The Kardashians").  For an increasing number of image-savvy olympic athletes, working on television has become at least as appealing as appearing on the from of a wheaties  box.  Evan Morganstein, chief executive of PMG Sports, an agency that represents swimmer Mark Spitz says, "they're forced to do this because the athletes are paid a relatively meager stipend, even though their efforts generate billions of dollars for the International Olympic Committee.

The Apple vs. Samsung Trial Over Screen Size and Smartphone Technology Nears a Close

    A lawyer for Apple Inc. says Samsung Electronics Co. illegally tried to cash in on the success of the iPhone.  Apple says Samsung should pay $2.5 billion for ripping off its iPhone and iPad technology when Samsung marketed rival devices.  Samsung countersued for $399 million, claiming Apple Inc. used Samsung technology in making the iPhone and iPad.  The competing claims came during closing arguments at the multi-billion-dollar patent trial, after last minute talks between chief executives failed to resolve the dispute.  See also, www.wsj.com.

An Apple Sells For $374,500

     This Apple is the original computer board that would eventually make Apple Inc. the biggest company in the world.  When Apple II came out about a year later, it provided the now familiar computer case that we all know today (that houses circuit boards, power supply, fan sound card, video card, etc).  Apple II also included a monitor and keyboard.  Sotheby's auction house recently sold a working Apple I computer.  In 1976 when Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak were assembling these computers they retailed for $666.66.  The one at Sotheby's of New York went at auction for $374,500.  See full story, http://www.nytimes.com/.  

Pixelization Makes Some Look at Television's Decency

          Pixelization allows shows to skirt decency issues by blurring nudity. Pixelization uses modern editing equipment in the post production (after taping) phase of television.  The technique displays a certain area of a photograph or film footage at a much lower resolution, obscuring everything from license plate numbers to human faces when necessary.  When television makers use pixelization merely to increase ratings it pokes fun at the standards of what is considered decent, and underscores a longer debate about what should be allowable on television.  This issue recently reached the United States Supreme Court, when justices struck down fines for ABC and FOX, which had aired partial nudity and swear words.  The broader issue is, of course, how far networks can push the boundaries of their content.  See also, www.hollywoodreporter.com.

China's Miss World Would Like to Teach Music

     China's Yu Wenxia has been crowned the 2012 Miss World.  The 23-year-old, Yu Wenxia, is a music student who says, she wants to become a music teacher.  This is the second time Miss China has has been awarded the title.  The previous time was in 2007 when Zhang Zilin won the honor.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

We Accept Cash, Check, Credit Card, or Smartphone

     As smartphones have grown in popularity mobile payments have become such big business that the largest banks and credit card firms are partnering with wireless carriers, phone makers, and software developers to push the smartphone further into the center of global commerce.  More than a dozen merchants, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Target Corp., Best Buy Co., and Sears Holdings Corp., say they are teaming up to develop their own walletless platform, including an app, that will enable tech-savvy customers to quickly pay for goods with their smartphones.  Electronic money is easier and quicker to process than cash or plastic, possibly making long lines a thing of the past.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Some Stars Like Their Laundry Done Quickly, Not The Kardashians

   The Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes divorce took a matter of weeks to do.  Legal bickering means it is unlikely the Kim Kardashian, Kris Humphries divorce, or annulment, will be granted before next year.   See also, www.variety.com.

Cell Phones Distracting The Office Environment

     The cell phone has forever changed the way we do things.  According to The Wireless Association's website, nearly a quarter of households have ditched traditional landline methods of calling, to go wireless. The cell phone is a miracle of modern technology, but sometimes it is a distraction in the workplace.  "It's really tough to have a meeting these days and hold everybody's attention", says David Lewis president of OperationsInc.  A meeting is not a closed, quiet, and focused environment, unless you ask for the cell phones at the door."  However, "if used properly, cell phones can be an excellent tool in the workplace, allowing for real time communication in several formats", says Brian Flynn vice-president of operations at Xtel Communications, Inc.  See also, www.ctia.org.

NBC Pre-empts Olympics For a Little Monkeying Around

     Sunday's package of  Olympic 2012 highlights yielded to a preview of a new NBC comedy called, "Animal Practice," which was then followed by a half-hour of local news.  When taped Olympic 2012 coverage came to a halt at 11 p.m.Eastern time, viewers were advised that the festivities would resume in one hour.  At midnight Eastern time, Ryan Seacrest greeted viewers who had chosen to stay tuned.  Many viewers wondered why the ceremony could not have been presented in one block, while only slightly delaying NBC's monkey business.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

London 2012 Most Viewed Olympic Summer Games

   Complaining about Olympic coverage has been going on as long as they've been televised. In 2000 critics ripped NBC for what they deemed excessive use of tape delays.  Dick Ebersol, the then chairman of NBC Sports, complained that much of the moaning was coming from jealous journalists, "editors have a hard time getting used to the dominance of television in the Olympics," Ebersol said.  "Ratings are terrific by almost any objective measure," said Andrew Billings, a professor and sports broadcasting expert at the University of Alabama.  The first weekend of London 2012 Olympics averaged 35.8 million total viewers in prime time, according  to Nielsen, a media ratings company.  That is the best first weekend for any Olympics in history.  See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

The Dark Knight Rises in IMAX

     An IMAX camera is bulky, approximately 10 times the size of a regular camera.  However, Warner Bros. says, Christopher Nolan shot nearly half of his Batman finale using, the still bulky, IMAX cameras.  Nolan also insisted that Warner Bros. release "The Dark Knight Rises" in at least 100 IMAX cinemas that can project it on film rather than the new digital format that is gradually replacing film.  See also, http://www.wired.com/.

Network Television And Cable Still Have a Large Presence At Comic-Con

     In recent years film has taken some of the air out of the TV coverage, but there is still a huge TV element to Comic-Con.  More than 80 television series courted the crowds at Comic-Con last year.  At this year's festival the numbers are just as high. "The intense relationship of the fans to the show, the passion people feel, that's what Comic-Con has turned into," says Linda Schupack, AMC's executive vice president of marketing.  See also, http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/.

Former Star of Two And-a-Half Men Interested in American Idol Gig

     In an interview on Ryan Seacrest's radio show, Charlie Sheen said, 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe mentioned his name, Sheen's, as a possible 'American Idol' judge.  Other names that have been considered as possible replacements include, Mariah Carey and former 'American Idol' runner-up Adam Lambert.  Charlie Sheen may not have music experience, but neither did Ellen DeGeneres before she was named a judge for, then, season number nine.  Sheen says, "FX and his 'Anger Management' teams would have to be into it."  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler Leave Idol

     After two seasons Jennifer Lopez will be leaving American Idol.  Other stars, including Steven Tyler, Ellen DeGeneres, and Kara Dio Guardi,  have also used the show to re-popularize themselves with American  pop culture. Analyst Adgate says, "they got back into the mindset of pop culture followers."  The day before Lopez announced her departure, Steven Tyler said he was leaving American Idol to concentrate on his role as Aerosmith's frontman.  Jennifer Lopez says, "I honestly feel like the time has come that I have to get back to doing the other things that I do, that I've put kind of on hold because I love 'Idol' so much."  See also, http://www.variety.com/.

Tom Cruise Cruises To a Divorce Settlement With Katie Holmes

  Some issues remain unresolved, but, for now, the couple appear to have reached a divorce settlement.  Lawyers for the two may enter courtrooms again, however, the focus of this first phase of the case was to keep the breakup out of the news.  "I don't think either of the high-profile celebrities want their dirty laundry aired in technically a public forum," said Russel I. Marnell, an East Meadow, New York-based divorce lawyer.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

The House Walt Disney Was Born In Still Not a Historic Landmark

   Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901, on the second floor of the house in the Hermosa neighborhood of Chicago.  Now a largely Latino community, the Disney home lacks a historic landmark designation, a campaign by preservationists stalled as early as 1991.  Getting homes landmark status can be a drawn-out process.  See also, http://www.chicagotribune.com/.

Leave It To Justin Bieber

        Justin Bieber is used to fans following him.  But, Friday July 6, 2012, something triggered his instinct that led to a speeding ticket for the teen idol.  Calls came in complaining of a freeway chase on southbound U.S. Highway 101 near Studio City, California.  The chase claim is backed by a credible eyewitness, Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine, called authorities after seeing Bieber's distinctive chrome Fisker Karma being chased by five or six other cars.  See also, http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/.

Quick Fix Eludes Power Outage Problems in United States

   Sweltering residents and elected officials are demanding to know why it takes so long to restring power linees.  "Its a system thats beginning to age, has been aging," said Gregory Reed, a professor of electrical power engineering at the University of Pittsburgh.  "We haven't expanded and modernized the bulk of the transmission and distribution network."  Maryland state Senator James Rosapepe says, "they obviously need to invest more in preparing for getting the power back on." Some people say rates are high enough and the utility companies should do a better job of trimming trees and branches that threaten power lines.  Though the country's infrastructure is reliable, it was mostly built between the 1930's and 1970's," said Reed of the University of Pittsburgh.  See also, http://hosted.ap.org/.

The New Spider-Man Snares $7.5 Million in Midnight Releases

     The new spider man, titled "The Amazing Spider Man," launched with a respectable $7.5 million ticket revenue count in its 12am debut Tuesday night.  That matches the amount "Spider-Man 3" took in from its first 12 am screening.  Midnight screenings have gained in popularity over the past five years, hitting a peak when fans shelled out $43.5 million for Harry Potter" last summer.  See also, http://www.spiderman.com/.

Smartphone Program Turns Phone Into Credit Card

     Still in its embryonic stage, smartphone payments, that allow users to pay via their smartphone and avoid the need to carry cash or credit cards, are on the rise.  The software that provides these wireless smartphone transactions, usually e-mails the user an electronic receipt for their records. Near frequency chip (NFC) technology will soon (within a year, or so) allow customers to pay by having his or her phone near a credit card terminal.  Various subway systems around the U.S. have already experimented with letting riders walk through turnstiles by having them wave their phones near a machine.  See also, http://www.wired.com/.

Communicating by 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 [v12]

California Adventures $1.1 Billion Upgrade

     California Adventure has not been as successful as Disney had expected.  Now, with its new $1.1 billion 12 acre attraction; California Adventure is set to become a theme park next to a theme park.  Hurricane Harbor is next door to Magic Mountain, so California Adventure will provide fans and visitors more restaurants, gift shops, and attractions as Disney had planned for the California Adventure Park when it opened in 2001.  Now California Adventure might truly become a second them park to Disneyland.  See also, http://www.latimes.com/.

Cellphone Maker Nokia To Cut 10,000 Jobs

    In a cost cutting effort Nokia the giant cellphone manufacturer based in Finland, is trimming its workforce by 10,000 jobs.  The measure is aimed at saving $2 billion by the end of 2013.  Nokia faces heavy competition in its smartphone sector from companies like Apple, Samsung, and HTC (a Taiwanese company).  It's lower end, entry level feature phones are facing competition from emerging manufacturers in China, such as China's ZTE.  The planned cuts include closing some research and development (R&D) facilities.  Nokia has also agreed to sell its luxury phone brand Vertu.  See full story www.nytimes.com.

New Super Computer Could Help Predict Sun Spots and Detail Their Effects

     The name of the computer is Yellowstone, and it is 30 times more powerful than the computer the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) previously used, known as the Bluefire system.  The new Yellowstone  super computer will be housed at a $70-million 24-acre compound in Cheynne, Wyoming.  It is the largest computer ever devoted to the study of atmospheric science.  One area Yellowstone will delve into is solar flares.  Solar flares are the superheated gases that emanate from the sun.  Solar flares have the potential to be disruptive on Earth.  From energy companies to farmers, the information that will come from Yellowstone could be used to prevent power surges and warn farmers when their Global Positioning Systems (GPS's), that tell them where to plant crops, will be less effective due to these  solar flares.   See also, http://www.popularscience.com/.

South Korean TV Show Features Guests That Have Defected From North Korea

     The show is titled "Now On My Way To Meet You," it is part talent show and part talk show, a variety show.  The show has a growing viewership and handles the topic of North Korean defectors.  These North Korean defectors are attempting to raise awareness between themselves and South Koreans.  The more than 25,000 North Korean defectors sometimes face discrimination and even contempt when their backgrounds become known.  See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Auditions Held For New York City Subway Performers

   These auditions are being held for performances that are not in a theatre, concert hall, or  sports arena.  These performances will be given in the underground, really underground, in New York city's subway system.  It is the 25th anniversary of the music under New York.  Part of the city's metropolitan transit authority (mta).  The program was launched to relax passengers navigating the city's subway system.  The tryouts are free and are held for 33 judges.  At stake are the high traffice areas that bring the highest tips.   See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Tips For Making Movies

     Knowing how to write will help you sell your movie to a movie studio, production company, or television station.  But, having these key elements can increase your chances of success: (1) capture the audience's attention near the beginning of the film, (2) make the villain as close to being likeable as possible, this will help keep the audience intrigued, and  (3) make the happy ending where the hero wins, as unpredictalbe as possible until the conclusion of the movie, this too will help keep the audience on the edge of their seats.  See full story, http://www.latimes.com/.

'Basketball Wives' Fourth Season Sees Growing Pains and Directional Issues

      These wives, girlfriends, and exes, of NBA players regularly use fierce language, hurl wine bottles, pull hair, slap faces, etc.  But, now some are questioning the direction of reality TV.  'Basketball Wives' is just one of several increasingly controversial reality shows that are real, but can also be real raunchy.  A table at a restaurant with champagne and caviar on it may suddenly pop off into a ruckus.  VH1 executives maintain they are merely evolving the network into a more realistic reflection of the world.  'Basketball Wives', which has become VH1's answer to Bravo's popular 'Real Housewives' franchise, will return for a fifth season.  See also, www.variety.com.

RealD Reaches Deal With HNA Group

     Hollywood is capitalizing, or filling the damand of growth opportunities in China.  China recently surpassed Japan as the world's largest foreign market for Hollywood films.  RealD, Inc., the world's leading supplier of 3-D technology to cinemas, has reached an agreement with Chinese conglomorate HNA Group to install the company's 3-D technology on as many as 500 screens on HNA's theatre circuit.  Companies such as RealD are hoping to take advantage of the rapid growth of China's theatre industry.  RealD's 3-D cinema system is available on 650 screens in China with an additional 1,250 screens that are going to be installed.  RealD also recently signed agreements with Bona Film Group and Poly Film Investment Co. to add 200 RealD screens.   See also, http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/.

Activision Reaches Out of Court Settlement

      At question are royalties and bonuses in the "Call of Duty" series video game.  The lawsuit claimed damages that totaled more than $2 billion.  The countersuit filed by Activision, accused some of its video game developers of being insubordinate, self-serving schemers, who had breached their contracts with Activision, when they went to work for Electronic Arts, Inc.  The legal battle which began between 2009 and 2010, has been called the most significant legal battle in video game history.  "This legal battle is the most significant in video history," said Evan Wilson, an analyst at Pacific Crest Securities.  The settlement, which likely has already been paid for from profits on "Diablo III", a game Activision released last month, is estimated at $140 million.  See also, http://www.wired.com/.

Disney Studios Get New CEO

     Moviemaking is one part of Disney.  Now the movie studio that owns disneyland, disneyworld, and theme parks on several continents is getting a new CEO.  The new CEO, Alan Horn, is a veteran filmmaker and studio head.  Horn, co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment, he was CEO and Chief Operating Officer of 20th Century Fox, and was President of Entertainment at Warner Bros.  Making movies that have broader audience appeal, to the family as a whole, is an important goal of The Disney Studios.  Walt Disney once said his company's films were not solely for children, but rather, "for the child in all of us."  "Toy Story 3," "The Avengers," and Pirates of the Caribbean: On stranger Tides," all surpassed $1 billion.  This is an attempt to help its family friendly films like "Prom" and John Carter.  See full story, http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/.

Flame Virus Hits Iran

     Flame is a very complex computer virus.  It is commonly known as a 'trojan horse,' a virus designed to siphon information from infected computers.  The highly innovative virus, known as flame, uses unusually complex and large amounts of code and programming languages.  See full story, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Yahoo's Movieland Game

     In order to promote films, users will be able to watch movie trailers, answer trivia questions, buy tickets, and win prizes.  Movieland is an interactive online game that promotes 35 upcoming big budget films.  Movieland was developed with the participation of all the major movie studios.  Movieland, "game-ifies moviegoing in an interesting way.  It sucks people into an experience," says Ken Fuchs, vice-president and head of sports, entertainment and games at Yahoo Media Network.  The game debuted Tuesday, May 15 2012, on Yahoo movies.  Movieland will head Yahoo's efforts this summer to promote its Yahoo Movies site.  See also, www.http://www.www.hollywoodreporter.com/.

Tax Credits Less Popular When Production is Down

      Hollywood's feature film production is much smaller today than it was at its peak in 1996.  Some lawmakers balked at setting aside $500 million, for movie production tax credits, at a time when the state of California is confronted with having to cut social services and lay off teachers in the face of large budget demands.   See also, www.hollywoodreporter.com.

Online Retailers to Begin Collecting Sales Tax

   California's desire to tax online retailers will mean millions of dollars to companies like Amazon.com Inc.  As part of a pact reached last year with state lawmakers, some online retailers have agreed to begin collecting a sales tax this fall.  See full story, http://www.wired.com/.

Former News International Executive Charged in Hacking Case

   Rebekah Brooks 43, who oversaw News of The World and the Sun tabloids has been charged with three counts of trying to obstruct justice. The ongoing telephone hacking and media corruption scandal, has been under investigation in Britain.  The long-running saga has produced dozens of arrests and somewhat shaken up Rupert Murdoch's global media empire.  The charges are the most serious allegations of wrong-doing to emerge so far from the police investigation of news gathering practices at the News of The World and the Sun tabloids; charges that have so far included , illegally accessing private voice-mail and paying public officials for information.  Rebekah Brooks' husband, Charlie Brooks 49, along with four of her former colleagues, was also charged with two counts each of "conspiracy to pervert the course of justice."  See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Commercial Skipping Device

   Satellite broadcaster Dish Network has developed a new 'Auto Hop' feature.  The device makes it easier for viewers to avoid watching commercials.  Customers can avoid commercials on recorded shows that aired the day before on broadcast networks ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.  If the show aired the previous day, the 'Auto Hop' feature hops, or skips over commercials.  It does not work on live programming, or, on shows that have been broadcast the same day.  See also,http://www.wired.com/.

Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation Sets Sight on Beijing's Bona Film Group

   "What we are seeing is a new willingness by the big Hollywood studios to come into China with a minority stake, hoping to gain a foothold and leverage over time," says David Wolf, an independent media analyst in Beijing, China.  The investment by News Corp. is seen by industry observers as an attempt by CEO Rupert Murdoch to crack China's strictly regulated media and entertainment market.  However, the acquistion of 19.9% of Bona Film Group by the parent of 20th Century Fox is also an attempt by Bona Film Group to use "News Corps. extensive global reach, investment, and distribution," says Yu Dong, Bona Film Group's chief executive.  "This will help accelerate our strategy to expand our global footprint."  See full story, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Britney Spears joins X Factor USA judges on stage

Yahoo CEO Attempts to Energize The Perennial Giant

   Ross Levinsohn, the new CEO of Yahoo, Inc., is attempting to blend the technology of Yahoo with the presence of other media to help boost Yahoo's adverstisement profits.  Levinsohn, who has been with Yahoo since 2010, has long partnered with ABC News to provide content to Yahoo's websites, including a series starring news personality Katie Couric.  Former head of content and advertising sales, Levinsohn plans dedicated coverage to major news events such as the Olympics, the Oscars, and the 2012 presidential election.  "He is the perfect meld of both media and high-tech experience," said Peter Chernin, News Corps. former chief operating officer.  See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Universal Music's New Venture

   Universal Studios music company, Universal Music Group has announced plans to start a new global distribution company dubbed, Global Creative Investment Program.  The multi-million-dollar effort is intended to form ventures with promising tech savvy entrepreneurs in the music business.  Universal's 30% of global music sales makes it the world's largest record company.  With the Global Creative Investment Program it is looking to tap into hot young talent to remain relevant and connect to a new generation of consumers.  "There's a new social contract emerging between music companies, artists, and entrepreneurs.  The challenge comes in creating a structure that is open to opportunity in the midst of a discombobulation of everything we've ever known", says Lucian Grainge, Chairman of Universal Music Group.  See full story, http://www.latimes.com/.

Internet Poker Plans

   Casino operators are pushing a legalization bill that could raise hundreds millions of dollars for some states.  Federal law does not prevent states from allowing some forms of Internet gambiling.  Bills to legalize online poker have been introuduced in Iowa, New Jersey, Hawaii, Mississippi, and Florida.  Nevada  can get specific federal permission.  A separate small group of Indian tribes is lobbying to stop the legislation in California, saying it would violate their excissive right to operate certain electronic games and take customers away from casinos.  See also, http://www.wired.com/.

Requests for Rides Routine Refills and Other Non-Urgent Calls Increases Response Time for 911

   Increasingly uninsured patients are relying on 911 as their only way into the healthcare system, e.g. to get routine refills, and as a means of transportation to doctor appointments.  In order to save money, improve care, and reduce ER overcrowding officials across the nation are considering changes to cope with the growing number of non-emergency calls to the 911 system.  Paramedics in Maine, Minnesota, and Colorado are beginning to treat patients in their homes doing preventive and follow up care, and helping manage chronic illness.  "The emergency room is expensive and not always a pleasant experience for patients," said Maine's community para-medicine co-ordinator, Kevin McGinnis.  It is much better to treat them where they are."

President Obama Switches From Reconaissance to Attack Mode

   A two minute TV advertisement  done in quasi-documentary style to garner viewer attention by imposing a veneer of seriousness on a political snipe at the opposing candidate, is directed at states like Ohio, Virginia, Colorado, Iowa, and Pennsylvania.  The TV ad is part of a wider effort by the incumbent candidate to disqualify Mitt Romney among members of the swing-voter group, working-class white men.  The TV ad attempts to cast Romney as a 'job destroyer'.  Romney once said, "he enjoyed firing people".  See also http://www.nytimes.com/.

Yahoo Not Thrilled Over Former CEO

   Scott Thompson, CEO of Yahoo Inc., resigned after it was found he misrepresented his college credentials.  Daniel Loeb, an activist shareholder of the hedge fund Third Point, questioned Thompson's representation of his academic degrees.  Loeb, who had been unhappy with the direction of Yahoo, found Stonehill College in Massachusetts, a private Catholic school near Boston, didn't begin offering computer scienence degrees until four years after Thompson graduated.  See also, http://www.wired.com/.

Men In Black Three (MIB 3)... Difficult Task

   The challenge of making a sequel fresh and original, while delivering on the core values of the franchise is "actually more difficult than the original", says Walter Parkes (producer of all three MIB's).  "To come back to a franchise after 10 years and try to recapture the spirit of the originial from 15 years ago is very unusual and requires you to be bold creatively", said former top Sony executive Jeff Sagansky whose from Hemisphere Media Capital covered about 25% of the movie's budget.  Combined with multiple script rewrites, a discontented star (Will Smith wanted several changes), and the length of time between movies made MIB 3 a complicated picture to produce.  See also, http://www.billboard.com/.

Communicating via SpaceX

   If it fails, it could trigger doubts about NASA's decision to hand some of its responsibilities to a new generation of private space industry.  If it succeeds, NASA, could begin outsourcing some of its space missions to private companies, at a lower cost than what it now pays for a Russian Soyuz rocket to deliver cargo to the International Space Station (ISS).  Saturday, May 19, 2012 engineers, while sitting at the controls in Hawthorne, California, will launch a rocket that is sitting on a launch pad 2,600 miles away in Cape Canaveral, Fla.  The rocket known as Falcon 9 will carry a payload called the Dragon, a space capsule, into orbit.  Three days later the Dragon will rendevous with the ISS.  See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Carsoni, Carnac, and The Host of 'The Tonight Show'

   From his beginning as 'The Great Carsoni', to his trademark characters, such as Carnac 'The Magnificent', Crabby Aunt Blabby, and the lascivious "Tea Time Movie" huckster Art Fern, Johnny Carson forever changed the world of late-night talk.  Carson showed a variety of talents, that eventually made "The Tonight Show" directly responsible for producing a fifth of the television network NBC's profit during the length of the show, and helped make NBC the top television network during the mid-1970's to mid-1980's.  With his designer suites (he had his own clothing line) and quick wit, Carson's opening monologue, combined current news of the previous day, with light hearted commentary and jokes.  That put him at the top of television comedy.  As one of the greatest television comedians, Carson proved humor is truly derived from intellect, and set the mark that hosting late-night television is no easy gig (job).  Now, a new PBS doccumentary gives us an in-depth look at the former "Tonight Show" host.  "Johnny Carson: King of Late Night" will soon air on PBS.  See also, http://www.pbs.org/.

Video Game Sales Decline 42% in April on Fewer Releases

   Retailers rang up $292.1 million last month, that's down from $503.2 million a year earlier.  Companies churned out fewer releases in April 2011 than April 2012.  Sales of game consoles also took a hit, falling 32% to $189.7 million.  Sales of other accessories, such as extra game controllers, held steady at $148.6 million in April.  See full story, http://www.nytimes.com/.

2020 Will Show Less Weather Satellites

   Low budgets and several rocket accidents are the cause of the predicted decline.  These satellites would have been operating for up to ten years each.  For example, a global climate change satellite that launched from Vandenburg Air Force base in California ignited its first and second stage rockets, but somehow crashed into the south pacific ocean  near Chile, enroute to an antarctic rendevous.  Accidents like this, along with downsized budgets at NASA, is predicted to lower the number of United States satellites watching the Earth.  A study recently published by the nations top science advisers, estimated that the fleet of science satellites operated by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), would decline from a peak of 110 in 2011, to fewer than 30 in 2020.  See full story, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Silicon Valley Technology Companies Tout Healthy Websites and Healthy Bodies

   After twenty-something billionaires like Dustin Moskovitz and Mark Zuckerberg gained the Facebook 15 (15 pounds) a nutritionist was hired and health foods became the normal cuisine at its Silicon Valley headquarters.  Things like ergonomic treadmill workstations that allow you to work while exercising, a seven person bicycle that provides an alternative to piling into conference rooms  for meetings, food that implies healthiness, and tricky new gadgets that measure performance  are all helping to increase creativity and productivity in the digital fitness age at some Tech firms in Silicon Valley.  See also, http://www.latimes.com/.

K-Pop...Butt Kicking Import

   The sprawling genre commonly known as K-Pop has operated outside the American pop lime-light.  But now, A-list producers like Kanye West, are lining up to work with South Korean artists.  K-Pop comes alongside a tide of Korean filmmaking and culinary interest in Los Angeles and the United States.  The fan scene in America has been largely centered on major immigrant hubs like Los Angeles and New York. That some K-Pop stars are American born or raised influences their personalities and deepens their connection to United States audeiences.  2012 may be the year a K-Pop artist makes an American pop crossover.  See also, http://www.billboard.com/.

California's Top Lobbyist is AT&T

   When it comes to state government, AT&T spends more money, in more places, than any other company.  This year AT&T  is part of a coalition of telecom and high-tech companies seeking to strip state regulators of authority over some basic telephone services.  AT&T has shown the power to exercise political power on an unprecented scale.  Ken McNeely, president of AT&T California, said his company is active in Sacramento, California because of its large presence in California.  "We have about 40,000 employees, we have about 50,000 or so retirees, millions of customers, and millions of shareholders in the state," said McNeely.  Many of the company's victories have come at the California Public Utilities Commission, a five-member panel appointed by te governor that oversees the telecommunications industry.  See also, http://www.wired.com/.

President Barack Obama at the 2012 White House Correspondents' Dinner

Comedic President Barack Obama

   There were no punches held during this years White House Correspondents Association Dinner.  The president saved his most pointed jokes for the presumtive  Republican presidential nominee, rattling off a series of one-liners aimed at the former Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney.   See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Apple Profits Nearly Double on Strength From Asia

   Asian sales of iPhones offset recent drops in U.S. orders.  The company reported record earnings Tuesday, April 24, 2012.  Nearly 20% of Apples first quarter revenue came from China, and surrounding countries.  That nearly tripled its revenue from the region a year ago.  "It was an incredible quarter in China," said Apple Chief Executive, Tim Cook.  Chinese consumers bought five times the number of iPhones they did a year earlier.  The strong earnings report sent Apple shares up $41, or 7.31%, to $601 per share, erasing parts of a weeks-long decline that saw the stock lose 13% since it's all-time high of $644 on April 10.  See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

It Is Not A Raid On Four Major Hollywood Studios

   Walt Disney, Dreamworks Animation, Universal, and Sony see profit in China.  The Securities and (SEC) has sent letters to at least these four Hollywood studios.  The letters center on the studio's dealings with China Film Group, a state-run company whose, responsibilities include determining foreign movies get access to a limited number of slots each year for revenue sharing deals in the red-hot Chineese movie market, which is now the second largest in the world behind the United States.  China allows access 34 foreign movies per year, and collects up to 25% of the box office revenue.  The SEC letters may be related to compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practice Act.   See also, http://www.reuters.com/.

AT&T Earnings Higher Than Expected

   Loser smartphone upgrade costs and an increase in wireless data sales for Apple Inc's iPad helped increase first quarter earnings for  AT&T.  Dallas-based AT&T net revenue rose 5.2% to $3.58 billion, or $.60 per share, from $3.41 billion, or $.57 per share a year earlier.  See also, www.bloombergnews.com.

Candy Spelling is Not The Only Thing That Sounds Good at The Century

   The Century is a luxury condominium high-rise tower in Los Angeles.  It's construction was completed in 2010.  The 41-story Century will include a restaurant run by high-profile Los Angeles chef David Meyers.  This undertaking is the first chef-driven restaurant in Los Angeles.  Candy Spelling, widow of television mogul Aaron Spelling, was one of the first buyers and is still decorating her penthouse.  See also, http://www.betterhomesandgardens.com/.

Three Minute Video on Cambodian Deportees Not Selected to White House

   The video by two students in Chicago, Anide Yoeu and Masahiro Sugano, is about issues affecting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.  They put together a film on the plight of Cambodian deportees.  The video was in response to a White House contest that would invite six of 11 finalists to the White House.  The event called "Champions of Change" is one of a series of events meant to honor people making a difference in their community.  The finalists feel that the fact that they were not included in the trip to Washington is due to the films close topic to a controversy over the record number of immigrants deported by the Obama Administration.  See also, http://www.washingtonpost.com/.

Unauthorized Audio from NBC Producer

   New York - NBC news fired one of its producers for submitting an edited recording of the neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman's 911 call.  The recording aired on NBC's "Today" show.  NBC has since apologized for having aired, what some call, misleading audio.  See also, http://www.nytimes.com./

Veteran Online Travel Pioneer Changes With The Times

   Travelocity turned 16 last month.  We sometimes think of themselves as, "one of the elderly companies in the space because we have been around since its inception...Yet 16 is quite young for a multi-billion dollar company," says Chief Executive Carl Sparks.  Travelocity was created in 1996 by the Sabre Group, then  part of American Airlines parent company, AMR Corporation.  In 2007 Sabre was taken private by Texas Pacific Group and Silver Lake Partners in a $5-billion deal.  Travelocity first offered travel content to consumers browsing the Web with 28.8 Kbps modems.  Since Sparks took the top job a year ago, he and his executive team have refocused the Southlake, Texas company on hotel products, build-your-own vacation packages, and mobile devices.  In February the company launched its first iPad app.  And, it is heavily promoting its "Travelocity Guarantee", under which Travelocity will match any lower price and give the customer $50 off another trip.  See also, http://www.wired.com/.

Digital Film Effects Artists Start Unionization Initiative

   Some picture industry workers call it sweatshop conditions sometimes.  Seven day work weeks, with 12-hour shifts is not uncommon for the 'electronic sweatshops'.  These artists that use computers to create digital images, are seeking health insurance and other benefits.  Visual effects artists are sometimes so poorly regarded, that their film credits are typically listed below the caterer.  See also, http://www.billboard.com/.

Journalists From Sun Daily Tabloid Arrested in London

   An employee of News Corps. Sun newspaper was arrested at his home in Kent, England at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2012.  At about the same time, in Lancashire England, another employee was arrested as his home.  The employee from Lancashire was assigned to cover Britain's royal family.  He stated, that he had seen no evidence of mobile telephone voice-mail hacking at the Sun.  See also, http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/.

Theatre Company Expands Beyond It's First State

    Austin, Texas - Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, a 10 theatre chain, that offers special food nights and themed nights on 'movie nights' in Austin,Texas, along with its distribution company, Alamo Distribution, is expanding nationwide, opening new theatres in New York, Denver, and possibly Los Angeles.  See full story, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Tupac Hologram | 2012 Tupac Performs Live on Stage - Coachella

Still Burgeoning Telephone, CableTV, and Internet Companies

   A bill to de-regulate internet-enabled voice and data transmissions won unanimous approval from a state Senate committee in its first legislature hearing.  The number of companies may be getting smaller in some large categories, such as internet providers.  And, the size of the companies may be getting larger as companies get acquired by still larger companies.  But, some of the issues of the internet, still make it seem like, the concept of linking as many computers together as possible is a young idea.  Silicon Valley, California companies need to have as little government regulation as possible, to provide "the certainty" to continue developing innovative, internet-powered products and programs", says Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima).  See also, http://www.wired.com/.

Iron Man 3 Set to Film in China

    The Chinese firm DMG, an advertising firm turned film producer and possible distributor, and Disney's Marvel Studio unit, are co-financing and distributing "Iron Man 3".  Filming on "Iron Man 3" will start in the U.S. in May and in China in late summer, for release in May 2013.  DMG will manage the Chinese production elements of  "Iron Man 3" and keep the China distribution righs.  "The co-production of "Iron Man 3" in China is testimony to the importance of this audience to Disney", says Stanley Cheung, Disney's greater China managing director.  See also, http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/.

International Success at Warner Brothers Studios

   At 56, Jeffery Schlesinger is head of International Television at Warner Bros.  He oversees sales of Warner television and movie products internationally. He also heads 12 WB owned production companies in Britain and the Netherlands.  International sales of Warner content generate billions of dollars a year in revnue, for parent company Time Warner, Inc.  See also, http://www.latimes.com/.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Show Still Goes Without Axl Rose

     Axl Rose wasn't there, but the Rock and Roll  Hall of Fame ceremony went on without him.  The emotional ceremony in the past has been rowdy, awkard, and even touching, with tributes and unforgettalbe performances by some legndary rock groups.  Many of music's biggest stars paried in Cleveland, Ohio to live performances by Green Day, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Guns 'n' Roses.  "It dosen't appear to be somewhere I''m actually wanted, or respected", says Rose.

Music Therapy Puts Toys to Good Use

   Somehow elderly alzheimer, and possibly dementia patients, respond to the soul stirring vibrations of music.  The first time you see a telephone with big numbers for handicapped people to see easier, you might think, 'cool'.  Nintendo's Wii is being used is retirement homes to help seniors get exercise.  Ipods are now sprouting up retirement homes, as medical studies say there may be benefits of music as treatment.  Whether there is a physiological reason, or a simple cultural enjoyment has yet to be determined.  However, a New York city non-profit group, called Music and Memory, that donates iPods to nursing homes is attempting to enable the program to every nursing home in the U.S.  See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Forty Percent of One Billion Dollars Equals Kevin Systrom

   "We want to change the way people communicate and share in the real world", says CEO and co-founder Kevin Systrom, of Instagram (a photo sharing app on mobile devices).  Facebook announced a deal to buy the San Francisco company for $1 Billion, in order to allow facebook a stronger push into mobile devices.  See also, http://www.wired.com/.

Dodgers Organization Needs A Lot of Work

   For the team to be profiftable it may have to clench valuable television rights and spruce up the stadium.  Television rights are kind of formulaic, teams know from previous deals approximately how much money to expect from a particular deal.  However, when a team has to attract fans to a 50-year old baseball stadium, in an era when fans can view the game from many media outlets (television,computers, telephones, sports bar and grills, radio, etc.) one must wonder whether the Dodgers will attempt an L.A. Live-like development, or merely update concession stands and restroom areas.  See also, http://www.sportsillustrated.com/.

Some Tribune - Direct TV Channels Go On Standby

   From WPIX-TV in New York to KTLA-TV in Los Angeles, battles over fees between programmers and distributors have put some CWNetwork stations on stand-by.  Tribune Co. and satellite broadcaster DirectTV are squabbling over fees that Tribune wants DirectTV to carry its local television stations.  Early Sunday, Tribune signals around the country started coming off DirectTV's satellite service, including WGN America.  In 2010, Fox pulled its TV stations off Cablevision Systems, a large East Coast cable operator, for more than two weeks until a new contract was signed. See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Californian's Concerned of Big Corporations Collecting Private Data

   Those polled distrusted major internet and smartphone corporations intrusion into data gathering.  A majority of Californians surveyed said they distrusted, even well-known, firms.   Many of those surveyed in the latest USC Dornsife/Times Poll said they were concerned personal data could become public, or be harvested to sell them products.  In recent months, federal lawmakers have held numerous hearings about the need for privacy laws.  See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Don't Download That Movie Until You're Sure

      Kiosks for Warner Bros., Sony, Paramount, Lions Gate movies will be available at airports. Santa Monica - based Digiboo is aimng this service to air travelers who don't have access to internet streaming while on a plane.  The exceptions are some flights on Delta Airlines and American Airlines that have begun offering passengers downloadable movies and TV shows via an aircraft computer system.  "It's a convenience", said Blake Thomas, Digiboo's chief marketing officer.  "A customer can decide if they want to download when they get to the airport.

Interactive Hunger Games Party

   For those who wanted more of The Hunger games a 92 screen theatre called, Megaplex, in Sandy, Utah hosted a premier party that let moviegoers get more into their favorite film characters in The Hunger Games.  The first screenings of The Hunger Games let teen fans, and some adults, dress up in sumo wrestling suits, using laser guns, jousting with inflatable swords, and wearing make-up like the films heroine, Katniss.  It might be more than 3-D, however, the winner of the battling theatre goers was awarded a Hunger Games backpack and lunch box.  The premiere party cost patrons $34, but if one didn't need to participate in the permiere party the cost of a theatre tichet in Utah at the Megaplex was $8.75.  See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

One of America's Smallest Cities Will be Getting Broadband

  The main activity in this city of between 36-50 individuals is the morning mail, the city is to remote for newspaper access.  For necessities the residents drive 90 miles to the nearest shopping center.  This western frontier-like town will be getting  federal government funding to help bring the internet (information superhighway) to this Inyo County, California town.  Like telegraph lines that once had to be strung across the West, a broadband signal has to be installed for these desert dwellers to receive a broadband signal.  The city of Darwin, California, not far from the three rural communities of, Lone Pine, Bishop, and Mammoth Lakes is now being served by the equivalent of tin cans connected to yarn.  The Government's so-called Digital 395 Project which will bring broadband infrastructure to the rural communities is targeted for completion in mid-2013, and is itself named after U.S. Interstate Highway 395 that borders the town of Darwin, California.  See also, http://www.latimes.com/.

Israel's President Shimon Peres Visits Facebook In The Silicon Valley

   Shimon Peres came to Facebook to launch his official personal page that he hopes will open dialogue with Arabs around the world.  During the visit he met with Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg.  Facebook's former headquarters was in Palo Alto, California.  See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Solar Flare

Solar Flare

   A powerful solar flare has been detected coming off the surface of the Sun.  It is still unclear what effect, if any, this flare will have on Earth's communication satellites and  communication equipment.  A previous separate solar flare was reported last Friday, the solar cloud it spouted did not reach Earth's atmosphere, and did not affect any Earth communication.  A separate solar flare, a coronal mass ejection (a solar flare with a different form of radiation) was reported on the far east side of the Sun.  This solar flare will not affect Earths communication capabilities. These flares have a number, the so-called x-factor.  The number might range from say, 1-99.  The solar flare we are hearing about today is an X-5.  Previous solar flares have been the x-39 or higher category.   Obviously a flare that faces Earth, and is in the x-37 or higher category, could cause serious damage to telecommunication equipment and aircraft that are in the air at the time.  See also http://www.aviationweekandspacetechnology.com/.

Superstar "Sledgehammer" Rush Limbaugh Not Suspended

   Top of the talk radio heap, Rush Limbaugh, is not suspended from the airwaves after a week-end of wild speculation that he might even be fired from some of his clear channel affiliates.  Peter Gabriel has asked that his song "Sledgehammer" no longer be used on Rush Limbaugh's radio program.  However, one political action committee stepped up to buy even more adverstising on  his program.  A rare apology has been given by the conservative radio host, who called a Georgetown University student a "slut" and a "prostitute",  with earnings in the tens-of-millions of dollars per year.  It appears that Mr Limbaugh is more than Dom Imus, or other, shock radio disc jockeys that get paid to keep us on the edge of our seats.  See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Communicating by Car: BMW

  For a lot of us four dollars per gallon gasoline will mean four-cylinder cars.  Luxury car manufacturer BMW is preparing for that market.  After 10 years of not producing a four-cylinder model.  The German automaker will offer a three-series car with a four-cylinder engine.  See also, caranddriver.com.

2012 Oscars: Sacha Baron Cohen vs. Ryan Seacrest

The Dictator (aka Sacha Baron Cohen) Responds To Oscar Ban

Introducing the Huawei Ascend D quad

Disneyland's Swiss Alpine Matterhorn Not Part of New Film

   The Matterhorn, Disneyland's  very popular ride attraction, is undergoing a $1-million overhaul.  Disney officials say the rennovations will not result in significant changes to the ride.  The almost 15-story roller coaster will be covered in scaffolding and closed for repairs for six months. Like all rides and/or attractions, the Matterhorn has to be maintained.  Typically the repairs on the Matterhorn last 30-60 days per year.  To reduce the effect of repair closures on a park's business most theme parks, like Universal Studios and Knott's Berry Farm, try to schedule major rennovations during the slowest part of the year- between the Christmas holiday and spring break, or in the autumn, after the peak summer season.  Disneyland says, there are no plans to connect the Matterhorn rennovations with an adventure movie that Walt Disney Studios is developing that is largely in the Pennine Swiss Alps.  See also, http://www.latimes.com/.

Pop Superstar MADONNA at Super Bowl XLVI, HALFTIME Show

Madonna's Super Marketing

   Madonna was not concerned that many of the fans from Indiana that were at Super Bowl XLVI were conservative Republican, and do not really consider themselves fans of Madonna.  Super Bowl XLVI's Halftime Show performance was possibly more outrageous than the one of the more famous (or infamous) shows of pervious years...Janet Jackson's nipple incident.  Known as one of the most talked about 10 minutes on American television, the Super Bowl has never been short on entertaining milestones.  Part of the success of, marching warriors pulling a massive chariot, trumpets announcing the arrival of Madonna, bejeweled human serpents, a tightrope walker who back flips from his tightrope as Madonna walks by, Madonna looking like a 53-year-old cheerleader, etc., is that the performance was well rehearsed and ingeniously used as an extravagent halftime show to promote Madonna's upcoming album, tour, and new videos.  The chariot, choir, and cheerleader, might be coming to a city near you, as her tour is expected to start sometime in May 2012.  See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Netflix Television Streaming Getting Bigger Than Big

   Launched in 1997 with the goal of people not having to drive to the video store, Netflix Inc. became a hit with consumers and helped push the movie rental chain Blockbuster into bankruptcy.  The video-by-mail company, Netflix, charged customers a small monthly fee for unlimited DVDs by mail.  Netflex then expanded into Internet streaming in 2007.  For most of that time motion pictures consisted of more than 80% of the DVDs shipped and almost all of the Internet streaming consisted of motion pictures.  Now less than 40% of the 2 billion-plus hours of video streamed via Internet during the fourth quarter of 2011 originated on the big screen.  The ability to 'package' entire seasons of television production into a single DVD volume, with say, one or two video discs is leading the attractiveness to consumers.  For instance, if you didn't see 13 episodes, a typical number of episodes for a television season, of any one of your favorite television shows you simply order the weeks you want from Netflix, and catch up on everything you've missed.   See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

2012 Will Be a Big Music Concert Tour Year

   The prospect of a possible farewell tour for the Rolling Stones, compared to their large tours of previous years, figures to lead a ticket buying frenzy that could lead to higher box office revenue.  Michael Rapino, president and chief executive of Live Nation Entertainment, the world's largest music concert promoter, said business is up 14% to 15% in terms of ticket sales and the number of shows the company is promoting.  Anytime the Rolling Stones go on tour records for box office revenue start looking within reach.  2012 will see stars like the following possibly plan to announce tours:  Tim McGraw/Kenny Chesny (arena tour), Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band, Madonna, Van Halen re-united with David Lee Roth, Justin Bieber, The Beach Boys, and Fleetwood Mac this year.  See also, http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/.

Sports is Still Showbiz Too

   Sports is entertainment by its very definition.  Joe Dimaggio dated Marilyn Monroe.  Prince Fielder's nine-year $214-million dollar deal and Albert Pujols 10-year $240-million dollar deal, prove sports is still showbiz.  This  becomes particularly true when one considers the fact that much of these salaries is coming from television broadcast rights.  With sports the live television medium is booming.  http://www.billboard.com/.

Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour - Official Trailer - Cirque du S...

"The Immortal" (Michael Jackson) Cirque du Soleil Tribute Tour

   The Cirque du Soleil/Michael Jackson tribute tour, "The Immortal", rolls into Hollywood, California at the Los Angeles Staples Center, Friday Jan. 27th until Sunday Jan. 29th, 2012.  "The Immortal" tour may be coming to a city near you before it returns to Las Vegas, Nevada to reside permanently in 2013. The show which uses 65 Michael Jackson songs, numerous video clips, 30 dancers, 25 acrobats, 10 musicians, and 10 choreographers partially takes place at Neverland Ranch, one of Michel Jackson's former homes.  See also, http://www.latimes.com/.