Johnny Depp to reportedly receive $35 million for 'Pirates 4'

Johnny Depp will receive at least $35 million for making the new 'Pirates of the Caribbean' film, it has been revealed.

The 46-year-old star - who plays the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow in the movie franchise - is returning for the fourth installment and is set to become Hollywood's highest-paid actor, topping the likes of Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson and Tom Hanks, with the huge pay day.

The 'Sleepy Hollow' actor is guaranteed the $35 million as a minimum for 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides', due for release in the 2011, and could receive even more should it be a huge box-office hit.

Disney bosses are paying Depp such a high fee because his co-stars from the previous three movies, Keira Knightley, 24, and 32-year-old Orlando Bloom, have dropped out.

Geoffrey Rush will once again play Captain Barbossa, while Penelope Cruz is rumored to be in line to take the female lead.

Depp recently vowed to save Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage from financial ruin after because of a massive unpaid tax bill.

The star pledged to support the 'Con Air' actor through his plight because of the assistance he gave him when he was first trying to make it in Hollywood.

A source said: "Johnny feels he owes his career to Nicolas and now wants to repay him - if Nicolas agrees."

Miley Cyrus not a 'Twilight' fan: 'I've never seen it, nor will I ever'

It’s like the Easter bunny just pooped on a unicorn. Miley Cyrus, tween America’s pole-prancing, party-in-the-U.S.A.-ing overlord, wants nothing to do with Twilight—arguably the only pop cultural benchmark more important to her target demographic than her own multi-media empire.

“I’ve never seen [Twilight], and nor will I ever,” she tells Ohio radio station Q92 in a filmed backstage interview. “I don’t believe in it—I don’t believe in it. I don’t like vampires, I don’t like any of the stuff, like the wolf that pops out of the screen when I’m watching my TV at night. I don’t like it, I don’t want anything to do with it. I don’t like the shirts, any of it.”

Watch the clip after the jump, beginning just before the one-minute mark:



Well, there goes her invite to Taylor Lautner’s Sweet 18! Though really, if a tree falls in the woods without a very special hip-hop moment, does it really make a sound?

Google hosting Chrome OS demo event Thursday

Google appears ready to show off its progress in developing Chrome OS, with plans to host an event Thursday at its headquarters.

Chrome OS, which is expected to launch next year, is Google's project to develop an operating system for Netbooks based on a lightweight browser-like experience. It announced the project to great fanfare in July, but has not had much to say about it since.

Expect that to change Thursday. Google will "show a few demos," according to an invitation distributed to members of the press Tuesday, as well as deliver a presentation from Sundar Pichai, vice president of product management, and Matthew Papakipos, engineering director for Google Chrome OS. We'll be there, so be sure to come back on Thursday if you're interested in learning more about Chrome OS.

Angelina Jolie's 'Salt' Poster!

We has your first look at the poster for Angelina Jolie's upcoming thriller Salt.


Due next July, the film centers around mysterious Evelyn A. Salt (Jolie), a rogue CIA operative trying to clear her name.

"She's a character you never know," Lorenzo di Bonaventura previously told USA Today. "People who think they know the real her may or may not. Those who think they can tell whether she's in a disguise also may or may not ... She tells you her agenda, but are you supposed to believe it?"

The role was intended for Tom Cruise but was rewritten for Jolie after Cruise dropped out.

Mnet Invited TVXQ For Their Year-end Awards

On the 16th, it was revealed by Mnet’s office that they have invited TVXQ, whose members are in the midst of a legal dispute with their management company, to attend their year-end awards “Mnet Asian Music Award” (hereafter known as MAMA). This year’s MAMA will be held on the 21st November, Seoul, Jamsil Gymnasium.

Their office said, “MAMA’s aim is to show the rest of Asia Korea’s culture” and “the award ceremeony will be aired across the 10 main countries in Asia, like Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, where TVXQ is the best artist. Thus, Korea’s top artist cannot be excluded from the invitation.”

On MAMA’s end, they have expressed interest in inviting TVXQ to attend their awards. On the 16th, they said that they would get in touch with TVXQ’s management to see whether it would be possible for them to attend or not. However, TVXQ’s company, SM Entertainment has declared that they would not be attending MAMA, so a lot of attention has been cast on TVXQ to see whether or not they will attend.

An official from the KPOP industry said, “Last month, the courts approved a partial injunction to the 3 members’ exclusive contract with the company, and the 3 members are allowed to participate in their own individual activities” and “while we hope that all 5 members can attend together, the possibility of only the 3 members attending is high”.

MAMA is holding their award ceremony on the 21st, which was originally the date of TVXQ’s concert in China. However, SM Entertainment claimed that, “The 3 members expressed that they did not wish to participate in the concert that was to be held on the 21st, and the remaining performances are uncertain.” In contrast, the 3 members’ side claimed that “From the beginning, the China concert (Shenzhen) was not in the contract.”

A representative from a company for idol groups said, “SM Entertainment and the 3 members have differing opinions, and the dispute is becoming more serious. Disbandment might be inevitable.”

Beyonce & Lady Gaga's Eyeball Popping 'Video Phone'

Watching Beyonce and Lady Gaga's music video 'Video Phone' made us dizzy because of the eyeball-popping colors and head-spinning edits. Honestly, watching it might be harmful to your health. (And what's with the duo manhandling AK-47s?) But interestingly enough, Lady Gaga is toned down and looks, dare we say, normal.

There have been mixed reviews on the video that just debuted November 16. The NY Post wasn't sold on the video: "In a massive attempt to bring hype and shock, Beyonce has released her video for 'Video Phone' featuring eight new looks... and glorified back-up dancer Lady Gaga. I will admit the video is pretty to look at, and Lady Gaga holds her own... but the womanizing undertones and dance for your dinner chair routine have my tummy feeling icky."


Even Creative Loafing questioned some of the video antics, "Why exactly was Lady Gaga in this video? Her voice adds nothing to what was actually a pretty mediocre song. And the dance sequence with Beyonce and Lady Gaga? Hey, Gaga can't keep up with Beyonce's poppin' and shakin.' (But, then, who can?!) On top of that, Gaga looks a little emaciated next to the more athletic B. Regarding other aspects of the video, what's up with all the guns? Not sure what that has to do with a video phone."

Gaga told MTV that she wanted to honor Beyonce for creating her own style. "I wanted to [work with her] because this was an era for her in her career where she defined herself aesthetically," she said. "And that should be applauded that a woman did that. She's so great at what she does."

Gaga revealed she told Beyonce, "I don't want to show up in some frickin' hair bow and be fashion Gaga in your video.' I said, 'I want to do you.'"

64-bit Windows safer, claims Microsoft

But lower infection rates for 64-bit won't stand, counters researcher

Windows users running 64-bit versions of the operating system are less likely to get infected by attack code, Microsoft's security team said yesterday.

But that doesn't mean they won't, countered an outside security researcher.

"64-bit Windows has some of the lowest reported malware infection rates in the first half of 2009," said Joe Faulhaber of the Microsoft Malware Protection Center in a post to the group's blog yesterday. "64-bit malware is still exceedingly rare in the wild."

Faulhaber cited statistics gleaned from Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRC), a free malware detection and deletion utility the company updates and pushes to users monthly. According to Microsoft's data, the 64-bit version of Windows XP was 48% less likely to be infected than the 32-bit edition during the first half of 2009; PCs running Vista 64-bit, meanwhile, were 35% less likely to be infected than Vista 32-bit.

Windows 7, which was not included in the data for the first half of this year because it had not been released in final form, also is available in both 32- and 64-bit editions. Faulhaber noted that Windows 7 64-bit is the dominant flavor of that new OS as he touted its security. "Most PCs shipping with Windows 7 come with the 64-bit versions of Windows," he observed.

Windows 64-bit is safer to run, he argued, in large part because malware, which is written for the much more widely used 32-bit versions of Windows, is "confused by 64-bit."

That's not necessarily true, said Alfred Huger, formerly with Symantec and currently vice president of engineering at security start-up Immunet. "There's a lot of 64-bit malware," said Huger. "They can run their code in compatibility mode, or they can compile it for 64-bit. The reason they're not is that there's still not a lot of 64-bit deployment. There's 64-bit malware out there, just like there's Mac OS malware out there. But right now, [64-bit] is just not as opportune a target as 32-bit."

It's relatively simple for criminals to customize their attacks against 64-bit systems, Huger maintained. "We almost never see just one [piece of malware] on a machine. It's almost always eight or ten or a dozen," he said. "Most malware gets on your system because you put it there, and one of the things most attacks do is download a bootstrapper that then downloads other malware. It's easy for attackers to have their bootstrapper check whether the OS is 64-bit, then grab 64-bit malware to download onto the PC."

In the end, said Huger, there just isn't a "compelling reason" for hackers to bother with 64-bit, but there's nothing inherently more secure about a 64-bit operating system. "Malware is just software," he observed. "It can execute on 64-bit just like other software."

Faulhaber argued that 64-bit Windows was safer by design than the less-powerful 32-bit version, ticking off such measures as PatchGuard, which makes it more difficult for malware to tamper with the operating system's kernel. PatchGuard is included in the 64-bit versions of XP, Vista and Windows 7. He also mentioned WOW64 (Windows On Windows 64), the lightweight emulation mode that lets 64-bit versions run 32-bit code. "The additional protections built into 64-bit Windows will make it harder for malware to make the 64-bit jump," Faulhaber said.

While Faulhaber trumpeted 64-bit XP's and Vista's -- and by extension, Windows 7's -- ability to sidestep more malware, the bi-annual Microsoft Security Intelligence Report he cited said that some of the lower infection rates might have nothing to do with the OS, and everything to do with the user.

"Infection rates for the 64-bit versions of Windows XP and Windows Vista are lower than for the corresponding 32-bit versions of those platforms, a difference that might be attributable to a higher level of technical expertise on the part of people who run 64-bit operating systems," the report concluded. "This difference may be expected to decrease as 64-bit computing continues to make inroads among mainstream users."

Nor did Faulhaber go so far as to claim that 64-bit Windows, even Windows 7, was stout enough to do without security software. "64-bit Windows needs 64-bit anti-malware software like Microsoft Security Essentials to protect the whole computer," he acknowledged, touting his company's free security suite, which shipped in late September.

Rihanna's limo nightmare: Singer flashes her dimpled thighs as she makes a rather ungraceful getaway

It had been a triumphant night for Rihanna, who managed to dazzle London fans with a secret preview of her new album at the Brixton Academy. But it ended in less spectacular fashion.



The pop star was seen struggling into a limo while leaving an after-party held at Mahiki nightclub in the early hours of this morning.

Her mini-dress proved that bit too short, her fashionable shoe-boots that bit too high, resulting in an altogether calamitous scene.

The 21-year-old gave a glimpse of her dimpled upper thighs - confirming that even the most glamorous of stars have a bad angle - and then seconds later flashed her nude underwear.



At one point she even ended up horizontal in the back seat of the car before eventually regaining her cool composure.

Rihanna had been partying at the celebrity haunt with her music mentor Jay-Z, who had earlier made a guest appearance with her on stage, and his wife Beyonce, who had come straight from a performance of her own at the O2 Arena.

It was the second night out in a row for the power couple, who were spotted at Whiskey Mist just 24 hours earlier.



The 21-year-old Barbadian is on a promotional visit to the capital ahead of the highly anticipated release of her new album, Rated R.

While she's been away from the stage for most of this year recovering from the fall-out of her assault by ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, she proved last night that when it comes to her confidence in front of a crowd, she's never been in better form.

'Autumn's Concerto' Tiffany Hsu's character very loveable; audience finds it hard to choose

SETTV idol drama ‘Autumn’s Concerto’ ratings have reached a new high. The second female lead Tiffany Hsu’s character is very loveable, making the audience unsure of whether to support her or the female lead Ady An.

Last week, ‘Autumn’s Concerto’s storyline entered a new phase. SETTV expressed that not only did ratings reach a new high of 4.25, the 15-44 year old segment rating also reached a new high of 5.7. After main leads Vanness Wu & Ady An received affirmation from the audience, Tiffany’s character and performance is also very loveable, and the audience feel that her love and dedication isn’t any less than Ady’s character. Recently, Tiffany has also become a hot topic in online discussion forums.

Towards receiving affirmation from the audience and the good ratings, Tiffany feels surprised but happy. She said that she previously spent a long time discussing with the director about the best way to play her character Yi Qian. So to get rid of her past selfish and annoying roles, she decided to use a rather neutral method to interpret her character this time. Unexpectedly, this has allowed her to receive affirmation from the audience but many people expressed: “A too loveable second female lead makes us sink into a dilemma, who should we support?”

Last week’s storyline showed Vanness lying in Tiffany’s arms, and this made her so touched that natural tears started pouring out. To adjust her mood for this scene, Tiffany first arranged a situation in her mind, making herself completely immersed into the scene. She said: “When filming crying scenes, I usually think of my sick family members, so then I can completely relax my mood and cry!”

Other than this, Xiao Xiao Bin’s cuteness is invincible. His first appearance in ‘Autumn’s Concerto’ last week immediately captured the audience’s hearts. Many netizens felt that Xiao Xiao Bin is too cute, and even more talented than his father Xiao Bin Bin. His each and every expression was portrayed very well, and after Xiao Bin Bin heard this, he laughed saying he didn’t mind: “Right now as a father, all I feel is immense pride!” Xiao Xiao Bin’s dialogue is very smooth, his baby voice is extremely loveable, he’s extremely cute and has been given the title of ‘child prodigy’.

Jennifer Morrison speaks out about departure

It’s fitting that Jennifer Morrison’s first comments concerning her departure from House would come on the same night that Cameron bid adieu to Princeton-Plainsboro.

Appearing at the Star Trek DVD launch party in Hollywood this evening, Morrison confessed to EW.com that even she was a little puzzled by her sudden exit. “I find the entire situation sort of confusing,” she said.

Although House execs David Shore and Katie Jacobs have said they are leaving the door open for Cameron to resurface at some point, Morrison said she had no news to share on that front. In fact, she had very little information to share at all, other than the fact that she is being paid for the remainder of the season. “I don’t know anything about anything,” she said. “That’s the thing. Everyone expects me to have an answer and there’s no answer to have because there’s… no answer.”

Emotionally speaking, Morrison said she hasn’t “packed [Cameron] away” yet.

“I love our writers,” she added. “I think David Shore is incredibly talented. All of the characters he’s created I’ve loved. I think he’s very committed to keeping the characters’ stories authentic.”

Asked whether she felt her own storyline felt authentic, Morrison said, “I’m not writing the show but I do think that [David] is an authentic writer.”

Morrison said she’s been comforted by the enormous outpouring of support from fans in the wake of her House dismissal. “I love the fans,” she enthused. “Honestly, I have to say one of the most amazing things that’s come out of this job is how incredible the fans have been and how supportive they’ve been. I never could have imagined asking for a more amazing group of people and I’m so thankful for their support.”

Once a class act, always a class act.

Can Anything Replace Windows XP As the Best Netbook Operating System?

As someone who has been running Windows XP as a primary operating system for the past eight years and has seen more netbooks with the dated OS in the last year or so, I was probably more excited about the arrival of Windows 7 than Twilight fans are about the upcoming release of the vampire packed New Moon movie. However, the last two netbooks I have gotten my hands on run the lower-end and feature-missing Windows 7 Starter edition. Although it pains me to admit it, I miss the rolling green mountains and blue skies of Windows XP.

Netbook manufacturers, including ASUS, HP and Toshiba, have chosen to put Windows 7 Starter on the newest crop of netbooks and, without a doubt, did so with a push from Microsoft. (Don’t forget about the higher profit margins on Windows 7 netbooks.) In fact, Retrevo.com, which is similarly evidencing dissatisfaction with Win 7 Starter, reports that 23 of the 28 netbooks on sale at Amazon.com right now are preloaded with Starter edition. And it doesn’t surprise me that Retrevo’s survey on netbooks with Windows 7 Starter found that 54 percent of consumers would be unsatisfied with a new netbook equipped with Windows 7 Starter Edition because of limitations in the OS. I am, without a doubt, in the same camp as that 54 percent.

Though Microsoft lifted the three-application limit before releasing the slimmed-down version of its operating system in October, it managed to include a number of restrictions including lack of support for DVD playback and the graphical Aero Peek interface. My major gripes, however, lie with the following shortcomings of the OS, which are far greater than dealing with the aging Windows XP.

Locked desktop background – You cannot change the desktop background on any Windows 7 Starter system. That’s simply ridiculous. I have been changing backgrounds in Windows since my very first desktop that ran Windows 95! Can I live with a blue Windows logo on my netbook’s desktop? Sure, but why should I? Yes, Windows 7 may be more aesthetically appealing than Windows XP, but who wants to look at a blue shaded Windows logo forever?

No multi-monitor support – Last week I discovered the hard way that the Nokia Booklet running Windows 7 Starter wouldn’t let me extend its 10-inch desktop to an external monitor. Since you can only clone the desktop in Windows 7 Starter, don’t plan on keeping an email client open on the 10-inch display and your browser open on a larger monitor. (Yes, that’s my netbook setup and it’s too good to part with.)

Subpar battery life – According to reports from LAPTOP Magazine and Liliputing, Windows 7 Starter edition is getting an average of 40 minutes less battery life than netbooks running Windows XP. That is quite a bit of wasted juice. Given that battery life is one of the best selling points of netbooks, I’d prefer to get some extra run time and sacrifice some of Windows 7’s features.

Don’t get me wrong; there are a number of things better about Windows 7 Starter than Windows XP, like the ability to connect to multiple networks and connect quickly. But, as I’ve said before, I’d rather have function over form and losing the core functionality of an operating system just rubs me the wrong way. While I am aware that most of my complaints can be solved by paying $80 and upgrading to Windows 7 Home Premium, adding 80 bucks to a netbook isn’t an insignificant cost and, in some cases, that’s as much as a quarter of the cost of the system itself.

So, big deal that Windows XP looks outdated, it provides me and other netbook users with the right price along with the essentials — the ability to change the wallpaper to an image of choice, longer battery life and the capability to extend the desktop to another monitor. Of course, word is that Microsoft could be finally pulling the life support on Windows XP before the end of the year on netbooks. Maybe the threat of Google’s Chrome OS, which is supposed to be shown in an early beta form this week, will be a viable alternative or perhaps scare Microsoft from pushing Starter onto netbooks. Until then, I am continuing to name Windows XP my netbook operating system of choice.

High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale takes a break to top up her tan poolside in Mexico

High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale took a break from her singing career to enjoy a break poolside in Mexico.



The actress turned singer who shot to fame as part of the wildly successful High School Musical films topped up her tan in a hippie-style purple and white bikini tie-dye bikini yesterday.

Ashley, 24, was soaked up in the sun while on holiday in Mexico with her family and boyfriend.

Showing off her petite athletic figure, the 5'3" star worked on her tan as she sipped frozen cocktails.


Tisdale has credited a combination of pilates and boxing with helping her keep in shape.

She said: 'I always make time for it, because not only is it healthy for you, but it also relieves my stress. I’m so busy doing stuff and I get stressed a lot that working out takes me away from that.'

She also regularly visits the gym with her close friend and High School Musical co-star Vanessa Hudgens.



She explained: 'Vanessa and I always have so much fun working out together. It’s definitely fun to hang out with your girlfriends, and to go workout. Especially when it’s an early-morning class.

It appeared purple bikinis are the beachwear of choice for celebrities staying in the Mexican resort of Cabo San Lucas at the moment - Jennifer Aniston has been photographed wearing the same colour a few hotels away.

Currently enjoying a break between gigs, Tisdale whisked her parents, siblings and video director boyfriend Scott Speer away to Mexico.

Writing on her Twitter micro-blogging page three days ago, she enthused: 'On vaca! Cabo San Lucas here I come!



She is expected to return to Los Angeles on Saturday for her gig at The Citadel.

Tisdale is currently carving a name for herself in more adult TV and film roles after playing spoilt teen Sharpay Evans in the HSM series.

She has also been promoting her latest single Crank It Up, from her second album Guilty Pleasure.

Hero Jaejoong's Acting "As Natural As Breathing" ; Jaejoong vs Top on the Big Screen

Hero Jaejoong's Acting "As Natural As Breathing"

The movie <Heaven's Postman> starring Hero Jaejoong and Han Hyo Joo, has received about 70945 viewers in Korea between the date it first premiered to the 15th of November. Under the never-ending compliments for the movie, it will definitely receive much more attention.

Asia's most popular idol, Hero Jaejoong, debut movie <Heaven's Postman> is currently showing in Korea and the sales have achieved good numbers.

The especially beautiful images in the movie has moved the viewers. After watching it, it feels as if one self has been engulfed into the beautiful fairy tale story in the movie. Hero Jaejoong and Han Hyo Joo's acting in the movie has also received many approvals from the viewers, especially Hero Jaejoong who is acting for the first time. "His acting is as natural as breathing" was the comments received from the viewers.

YoungWoong Jaejoong Vs. TOP On The Big Screen

TVXQ member, Hero Jaejoong's movie has won Big Bang's member, TOP's movie by an obvious difference.

On the 16th, the total number of tickets sold for each movie through the cinemas show that the movie which had went on-screen from the 11th, <Heaven's Postman> that stars Hero Jaejoong and Han Hyo Joo, is placed 6th with a total number of 34158 viewers. The total number of viewers from the 11th to 15th was 70495.

For TOP, who starred in the movie <19-Nineteen> also went on-screen from the 11th, had a total number of viewers from 13563, giving it the 7th place. The total number of viewers from the 11th to 15th is 26687.

Katy Perry forgoes her stage make-up as she tries out a natural look

Katy Perry is normally never seen without her cherry lipstick and glittery eyeshadow.

So it was quite a surprise to see the I Kissed A Girl singer looking remarkably fresh-faced in Hollywood last night.



Dining out for a friend's birthday at Philippe Chow, the 25-year-old pop star looked tired, but pretty as she stepped out wearing a tiny hint of make-up.

Her bare-faced appearance was in contrast to the dramatic make-up she wore on stage in the Philippines on Saturday.

Performing at a charity concert for the the survivors of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, Katy went for her usual retro glamour with her bright lipstick, false eyelashes and glittery eyeshadow.



Leaving the Chinese restaurant last night with best friend, actor Markus Molinari and singer/songwriter Ferras AlQaisi, Katy looked unprepared to be photographed.

She was dressed down in a multi-coloured knitted dress and thigh-high boots.

After complaining about a 'massive zit' on her face in recent days, maybe Katy has decided to give her skin a rest from her usual heavy make-up.

Writing on her Twitter micro-blogging page over the weekend she said: 'Hope this massive zit on the back of my necks a good luck sign for tonight.

'Not gonna lie, I always feel WAY more important with police escorts.'

Responding to her skin fears, her new boyfriend Russell Brand replied: 'The police are there to guard the zit you egomaniac. Let the zit close the show with you. Good luck. x'

Katy then added: 'Gross boyfriend stop! (blushes).'



The singer returned to her native California on Sunday after spending the past few weeks in Europe with her new boyfriend.

Two weeks ago, she hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards in Berlin and teased football fan Russell by wearing a specially-customised West Ham lingerie set on stage.

Katy and Russell have fast becoming one of the celebrity world's hottest couples since they started dating in September.

The lothario has sworn off his womanising ways and claimed he is 'in love' with the American star.

However, he denied reports he is buying a Hollywood home with his new lover after it was revealed he is selling his house in Hampstead, north London.

He said: 'I'm not moving to America, I will sometimes go there. I have to go there to make films.'

Kevin Cheng and Charmaine Sheh rumoured to be getting hitched next year

One of Hong Kong’s TVB station most widely-discussed pairing, Kevin Cheng and Charmaine Sheh, reportedly called it quits and publicized their high-profile separation a few months ago.

Back then, a tightlipped Charmaine revealed that they have been separated ever since filming for Beyond The Realm of Conscience concluded. It is now said that rumours of their high-profiled separation was released in an attempt to divert the attention away from their romance.

The pair are said to be dating still and have started an underground relationship. They hope to resuscitate Kevin’s reputation as a heartless man and his flagging career in the entertainment industry with this drastic move.

Although the relationship between the couple may appear lukewarm at their various press conferences, it was reported that Charmaine’s mother successfully convinced Kevin into getting married during her recent visit in June.

The duo went on leave during August and September and allegedly prepared for their impending marriage during their breaks. They were said to have visited Hawaii to prepare for their marital union and visited San Francisco to meet with Kevin’s side of the family.

What's next for Microsoft's Azure cloud platform?

In the past year, customers and developers testing Windows Azure have been running primarily brand-new (and largely Web 2.0 style) apps on Microsoft’s cloud operating system. But when will Azure be tuned to handle host legacy enterprise apps? And when and how will users be able to take advantage of some of the Azure technologies inside of their own “private clouds”?


Microsoft officials didn’t share dates for its next phases of the Windows Azure platform. But they did talk about some of their plans for their next steps with Microsoft’s cloud platform during meetings and sessions at the company’s Professional Developers Conference (PDC) on November 17.

Microsoft said the Windows Azure platform — which is the Windows Azure operating system and the SQL Azure database — is feature-complete as of today. (Officials said a few weeks ago that Microsoft wouldn’t begin charging customers to use the platform until February 1, 2010.)

“Our initial focus on the platform was on enabling Web 2.0 customers to develop and run their apps on it,” said Amitabh Srivastava, Senior Vice President in charge of Windows Azure. These kinds of applications are Xcopy-deployable, while older, legacy apps typically are not, Srivastava said.

Microsoft’s next Azure steps — which it will be executing largely in parallel — will be to get existing, and typically more complex, line-of-business apps to run on the platform and to make it possible for customers to implement Azure technologies in their own data centers (a k a, to be able to create private clouds).

To enable existing apps to run on Azure, Microsoft is planning to make virtual machines (VMs) available to developers, which they will be able to customize and run their legacy apps inside them. Srivastava wouldn’t provide a timetable or more details as to how or when Microsoft will do this. Apps running in VMs won’t be able to take full advantage of the elasticity, multitenancy, and other cloud functionality, but they still will derive some benefits, such as automatic cloud backup for apps running on the Azure platform.

On the private cloud front, Microsoft didn’t have much new to say at the PDC. Microsoft officials have said in the past that Microsoft won’t allow customers to run the Azure operating system in their own datacenters. Microsoft’s main focus here continues to be to provide customers with software like Windows Server, SQL Server, Exchange Server, etc., for them to run in their own datacenters. That said, Microsoft isn’t simply leaving the delivery of a private cloud solution to Amazon and other cloud competitors.

“Lots of the technologies we have in the cloud are things people want to run in their datacenters,” Srivastava
acknowledged.(He cited as an example the ability to run a scalable cloud-storage appliance on premises.)

Microsoft is working on a longer-term solution that would allow the company to offer datacenter containers that can be dedicated to individual customers, Srivastava said. That way, clouds can be customized for individual users and users will be able to manage these containers themselves. Again, Srivastava wasn’t ready to talk about deployment specifics or timetables for this. That said, “Project Sydney” (Microsoft’s newly announced connectivity offering for private datacenters and public clouds) shows the general direction where we are going,” Srivastava said.

Microsoft officials made a vague reference in this morning’s keynote to System Center in the cloud. I asked Srivastava if this meant Microsoft was looking to offer System Center as a Microsoft-hosted service, the way that it is offering Exchange and Office Communications Server as Microsoft-hosted offerings. That isn’t the case, he said; instead, Microsoft has opened up the Windows Azure management programming interfaces so that System Center — as well as third-party management products like HP OpenView — can manage Azure-hosted applications.

Not everything about what’s next for Azure is a longer-term direction. In sessions on November 17, Microsoft officials outlined some of the nearer term deliverables for Microsoft’s cloud platform. The recently introduced content-delivery-network (CDN) support for blobs in Windows Azure’s storage system is one of those deliverables. Another is a capability MIcrosoft is calling “Windows Azure Drive” (also known as Xdrive) which allows Azure developers to create a drive inside their virtual machines, providing them with an automatic back up capability. Microsoft plans to officially “turn on” Xdrive support in January, officials said.

Photos of After School’s new member Nana



After the pretty girls of After School revealed their new members, Nana (18 / 19 in Korea) and Changmin Lover Reina (20 / 21 in Korea), netizens went to quick work to find photos of them. Nana may be blonde now but she wasn't not too long ago. Here are some photos of Nana for the 2009 Asia Pacific Super Model Contest:


Although Nana looked razor thin in the new After School photo, she looks really beautiful above. I can see why they chose her to be a new member. If photos of Reina surface, we'll make sure to share them with you.

Is Ugly Betty Ending? And Who Gets the Girl?

Chris Gorham just twittered an hour ago that he's back on the set of Ugly Betty and that "Ana Ortiz's baby is beautiful."

This makes us worry.

Not because of the baby comment (we've seen Ana's Paloma; she's a living angel!), but because of what sources have been spilling about Betty's fate: That the end may be near and Betty's ghosts of suitors past are circling.

Although Gorham himself has clarified via Twitter, "I'm not back on Ugly Betty. Just dropped by to visit my friends," according to sources, he may be very soon...

Inside sources tell me that ABC has been working on ways to try to save Ugly Betty (including the possibility of moving it to Wednesdays, as previously reported); however, if ratings don't improve by mid spring, it's possible that Betty will be canceled in May.

To that end, one well-placed Betty mole tells me: "The writers have accepted that this season may be the last and are brainstorming endings now, just in case. The big question is: Who will Betty end up with? The writers room is deeply divided."

I'm told it's down to three contenders, and they are...

Gio (Freddy Rodriguez), Daniel (Eric Mabius) or yep, you guessed it, Henry (Chris Gorham).

So pop quiz! Who is Betty's true soul mate? I know you fans have an opinion, so please sound off below. (The writers may be listening.)

Meanwhile, it is so not time to give up on Ugly Betty yet! If you saw the latest episode (in which Justin was crowned Homecoming queen as a cruel joke but flipped it all around to give his mother the honor), you know that Betty is getting back to the heart-tugging creativity we all used to love.

According to insiders, that's just the beginning, and there's a creative resurgence in the works that includes a "Run Betty Run" episode (in the vein of Run Lola Run), a splashy trip to the Bahamas with guest stars Christie Brinkley and Shakira and a big, fabulous Fashion Week episode focusing on Amanda (Becki Newton) and Betty (America Ferrera), not to mention a heating up of their current love triangle with Matt.

Bosco admits that Myolie is his girlfriend

Bosco openly "admits" that Myolie is his girlfriend! Bosco even told reporters that the reporters don't have to secretly follow them and take pictures of them when they go for holiday. He will take the photos himself and send it to them. In other words, both of them will be going for more sweet trips together and Bosco straighforwardly admited Myolie's status as his girlfriend.

"Onscreen Couple" Bosco Wong and Myolie Wu have been having rumours for 5 years, but neither of them has admitted to their relationship. On August 2nd, this year, both of them left for a holiday together in Japan, Okinawa. They were photographed by reporters. When Bosco mentioned about the Okinawa trip with his girlfriend, he said happily: "yes, it is me, i have gone to Japan. The next time, i won't let anyone take photos secretly. I will take it myself and send it to everyone, (This is said by you?) yes, i said it!"

Bosco who has been flying frequently said that Myolie is more busy than him. Both of them are seldom in Hong Kong and he admits that they can only rely on mobile phone to maintain the relationship.

Over the years, with regards to his relationship with Myolie, Bosco has been taking a "didn't admit, or didn't deny" attitude. However, this time, he admitted instead. Is it a special treatment given to Malaysia media? Or is he giving Myolie, who has just turned 30 on 6th November, an assuring pill, admitting her status as his girlfriend?

Dell's Adamo XPS now on sale starting at $1,799



Dell's slimmest laptop ever still isn't shipping out to eager consumers, but at least the Win7-packin' Adamo XPS is now configurable over on the outfit's website. The base $1,799 configuration includes a 1.4GHz Core 2 Duo SU9400 CPU, a 128GB solid state drive, 13.4-inch WLED panel, 2 megapixel camera, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, GS45 integrated graphics, WiFi and a USB Ethernet adapter. Unfortunately, hardly any of the components are upgradable, but there are a few select upgrades available for those with the cheddar. The scary part? That December 22nd estimated ship date. Better spring for overnight and cross those toes!

Jaebeom attended 2PM’s comeback performance

"We're always happy," is what 2PM members are touting and justifiably so, especially now.


Recent reports have surfaced that on 2PM's 6-member comeback performance on the 13th via KBS2 TV Music Bank, ex-leader Jaebeom was in attendance. Although not physically, prior to performing, Wooyoung called Jaebeom using his cellphone, to which Jaebeom said, "What time is it now?" Needless to say, the members showed how close they are and received lots of applause from others who were in the waiting room.

JYP Entertainment stated:

"It was an extremely tearful scene for everyone in the waiting room. Because 2PM has to go on without Jaebeom, as a sign of their emptiness, they had decided to withdraw from variety shows."

What time is it now? I guess it's almost 2PM.

Leona Lewis to sing theme tune for new James Cameron 3D film Avatar

Leona Lewis has recorded the theme for Titanic director James Cameron's eagerly anticipated new sci-fi film Avatar.


Chart-topping X Factor winner Lewis sings the track I See You during the closing credits of Cameron's upcoming 3D movie, which is expected to set new standards in big screen special effects.

A message on 24-year-old Lewis's website confirmed: 'We are proud to announce that Leona will record the signature song to the upcoming science fiction film, Avatar.'

James Horner and Simon Franglen, who were behind Celine Dion's massive hit My Heart Will Go On from 1997's Titanic, have produced the new track.

The song will feature on the film's soundtrack, Avatar: Music From The Motion Picture, in December.



Avatar, which stars Sigourney Weaver and Sam Worthington, is about an alien race defending their land against human invasion and will also be released next month.

It was announced last week that Lewis, 24, has lent her famous voice to the soundtrack of one of the world's best-selling video game franchises.

The song My Hands, taken from the singer's second album Echo, will feature on Final Fantasy XIII, the latest chapter in the role-playing saga.

Conflict Between Jerry Yan and Vic Chou Complicates F4 Reunion Efforts

While members of legendary Taiwanese boy band F4 (JVKV) have been pursuing solo activities for several years, appeals for the group to reunite still remain prevalent. With news of Jiangsu Satellite TV inviting F4 to perform for their New Year’s Eve Concert spreading like wildfire, discussions are heating up once again.

In addition to the New Year’s Eve festivities, there have been rumors of the group reuniting for next year’s Spring Festival evening festivities. As of now, some members of the group have responded to such an invitation, but some have yet to reply back. Furthermore, since the schedule of the invitation has yet been set, chances appear slim of it occurring. There are currently problems with F4 getting back together to perform, as it appears that such a reunion trip may rest on Jerry Yan’s schedule at the moment. However, informed sources have recently conveyed hidden reasons in the difficulties in an F4 reunion.

It has been reported that an F4 reunion is the one trump card for the New Year’s Eve event, and the newest developments regarding the invitation for F4 to participate has remained tightlipped with the organizers, whom have stated that “they are still striving for it, but it is still difficult to determine F4’s schedule.” Yet, informed sources have reported that the statement provided by the organizers served only as pretext to the real reason, which is that Jerry Yan and Vic Chou no longer wish to perform on the same stage.

Contrary to what has been observed at the various events attended by F4 in recent years, the state of the group has often been one where not all members have been fully committed in participating, including news of Jerry Yan and Vic Chou’s slim changes of sharing the same stage.

Despite the fact that the four members of F4 have often demonstrated public displays of solidarity, the vast differences between what is publicly displayed and what actually occurs between the members are often heard in the news. One case involved Jerry Yan’s unwillingness to compromise on the release of CDs and DVDs from their 2006 concert in Hong Kong, which led to the loss of tens of millions of Taiwanese dollars in royalties. In another case when F4 was invited to go to Japan, the group arrived to the airport in separate cars, and then deliberately went into the same car afterwards.

While an F4 reunion is wished upon by many viewers, such a possibility has been complicated with the four members belonging to different management. It took three years to organize the four members’ schedules to sync for their 2008 concert in Japan, so while organizers are working hard to get F4 to participate in the New Year’s Eve festivities in good faith, time constraints may diminish the success of such participation.

When a reporter contacted a representative of the group organization, the representative did not deny a statement in regards Jerry Yan and Vic Chou making it difficult for F4 to reunite. He only expressed that while the organization has not received a clear response from F4, both sides are actively working hard at it, and are still seeking ways to further communications.

Internet Explorer 9 not coming at PDC

Although Microsoft intends to talk a bit about its plans for the future of Internet Explorer this week, the company won't offer preview code of its next browser, CNET has learned.

The software maker is also not planning to announce a move to the WebKit engine, as some had speculated.

In his opening keynote at the Professional Developers Conference on Tuesday, Chief Software Architect Ray Ozzie pledged that Microsoft will make Internet Explorer the absolute best Windows browser, but did not offer further details.

Microsoft is expected to talk more about its browser plans as part of Wednesday's keynote speech. During that talk, he is expected to talk about some--but not all--of its "focus areas" for the next browser version, a Microsoft representative told CNET.

The latest version of IE 8 was released in March and is also built into Windows 7. Despite the new release, though, Microsoft faces intense competition from Firefox as well as from Google and Apple.

In addition, Microsoft has struggled to get Internet Explorer users to move past IE 6.

Tensions heighten between TVXQ and agency

The rift between three members of boy band TVXQ and their agency SM Entertainment grew deeper last week as the singers failed to notify SM on whether they are willing to resume their activities in Korea next year as a five-member group.

The agency, in a legal dispute with Hero Jaejoong, Micky Yoochun and Xiah Junsu who asked a court in late July to nullify their exclusive contract with SM, had announced during a press conference in early November that it would give the three singers 10 days to make the decision but the three did not hand a response to SM by the deadline last Thursday.

"TVXQ will not be able to make a comeback to the local music scene early next year since in actuality, they refused to be members of the group," SM said in a statement, adding they are "sorry to see such an outcome despite our will to see the band continue its activities."

SM added that the three members however, told the company that they would not take part in a concert set to take place in Shenzhen of China on November 21, leaving the future of other pre-scheduled shows uncertain.

The concert was one of the total 12 shows TVXQ was set to perform at as part of their third Asia tour which had been agreed upon in the middle of last year, and the three singers had agreed to participate and perform at all shows already set, despite the ongoing legal battle, SM explained.

A legal representative for the Hero, Micky and Xiah refuted SM's argument, saying SM notified the group of the concert after the three singers had applied for provisional disposition of their 13-year contract with SM and failed to disclose a contract detailing the terms regarding the show.

"Even their fans know the concert in Shenzhen had not originally been on their agenda...... The three asked SM to provide them with the contract but they never got to see it so they decided not to perform," Lim Sang-hyuk, attorney at law firm KIM & SHIN said.

He also added that the three members are still willing to talk with the agency as soon as issues over their unfair contract and shares of profit are resolved.

TVXQ, who debuted in 2004 with album "Hug", is one of Korea's most successful K-pop groups. They are stars throughout Asia, reportedly having the largest fanbase in the world, and have enjoyed great success in the Japanese music industry in particular.

The band became the first foreign artist to top the Oricon singles charts six times with their 27th single "Share the World/We are!" released this year.

MySpace Close To Acquiring iMeem

MySpace is in late stage negotiations to acquire music streaming service iMeem, we’ve confirmed from multiple sources. MySpace is on a bit of an acquisition spree – they acquired iLike, another music service, three months ago.

The iMeem acquisition isn’t yet finalized, we’ve heard from sources, and awaits approval from various stakeholders.

We don’t know the price of the acquisition, but this isn’t going to be a big win for investors. iMeem has raised at least $25 million (that we’ve been able to track) plus at least another $10 million in debt. But the difficultly in making a free streaming music service work as a business model forced them to make some hard decisions. Earlier this year they renegotiated label contracts and recapitalized the company, bringing in $6 million in fresh capital.

iMeem found a way to survive a few more months. But now they’re under the financial gun again, we’ve heard, and investors aren’t willing to put more capital into the company. But MySpace is stepping in to acquire the company.

What’s in it for MySpace – the acquisition of a seasoned team with lots of experience in music. Plus the iMeem and SNOCAP intellectual property. It’s not clear if the iMeem brand will live on, but iMeem users will certainly be welcome at MySpace, I’m sure.

This is another blow for free streaming music lovers. iMeem and MySpace Music were among the last free streaming services in the U.S. And MySpace Music, we’ve heard, will soon be forced to turn to subscriptions to manage costs.

iMeem was founded six years ago by then 23 year old Dalton Caldwell The first product was social networking via a client application that included file sharing, status messages, etc. It morphed into a music streaming service over time. According to Comscore, iMeem had 16 million unique visitors worldwide in September.

Jay Chou supports good friend Jerry Yan; 'Pandamen' will soon compete against 'Down With Love'

Last year in May, Jerry Yan & Jay Chou began their work co-operation, however both sides never signed a formal contract. Nevertheless, Jay fully displayed his generosity; not only letting Jerry’s personal company borrow JVR’s office space, he even arranged for JVR staff members to help Jerry take care of his work business. However, recently there are rumours suggesting that the relationship between the 2 parties has changed. Coincidentally, Jay’s first television series ‘Pandamen’ will be airing at the same time as Jerry’s ‘Down With Love’. Not only have the 2 kings gone their separate ways, their respective television series will also compete against each other in January next year.

2 sides never signed a formal contract

Jerry only joined JVR last year. The 2 kings haven’t even had an official collaboration together and already, there are rumours of the 2 going their separate ways. Coincidentally, they will also soon be on-screen enemies due to their respective works. Jay’s self-directed & self-produced television series ‘Pandamen’ has been confirmed to air on CTS at around the end of January - beginning of February next year. And Jerry’s idol drama ‘Down With Love’ will follow ‘Momo Love’, also airing at the end of January next year. The 2 will be battling against each other.

Jay looks after Jerry like a brother

Towards rumours of Jerry leaving JVR, according to sources, JVR staff members are actually breathing a sigh of relief. Staff members revealed in private that Jay actually doesn’t mind helping Jerry, as Jay has always been known to look after his elders and fully supports his good friends. And he has looked after Jerry, treating him like his best friends Will Liu & juniors Devon (Dan Tou).

JVR expressed that Jay extremely values his first television series ‘Pandamen’. Even though he is currently in America filming ‘The Green Hornet’, he will still take time out of his busy schedule to discuss post-production issues with the drama crew through mail. And when the series airs early next year, he will try his best to work around his busy work schedule to do promotions. On the other hand, Jerry’s manager Fenny expressed that the audience are fortunate to see their drama, no matter which station it will broadcast on.

Dance Microsoft Store employees, dance!



Why is it that whenever Microsoft tries to have a little "fun" it comes across as creepy or overly controlled? This time it's Microsoft's Mission Viejo Store employees engaged in a fit of awkward boogie that some would call the Electric Slide. Oh boy, corporate fun... it's a bit like corporate rock only less natural. Now go ahead and view the entire 4 minutes and 44 seconds of the video after the break, we double-dog dare you.

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Oricon – “I want to have a face like hers!”

Oricon did their annual "I want to have a face like hers!" (or: I’m envious of her face! / I want her face!) survey among women and surprisingly Matsushima Nanako was able to get the first place this year. In the past years we saw Sawajiri Erika, Aragaki Yui and Shibasaki Kou taking the upper spot. They’ve been very active in the years they got voted first, so it was really a surprise to see a veteran like Matsushima on the first place.

Matsushima made her first beg step into the acting industry with the dorama "GTO", but it wasn’t until "Yamato Nadeshiko" that she had her big breakthrough. Women of all ages praise her refined looks and her stunning charm. Getting back to what I’ve said in the first paragraph, it might actually not be that much of a surprise for her to come in first this year. After all there have been a lot of people who were amazed by her comeback as an actress in "Kyumei Byoto 24 Ji – Season 4" after going through marriage and giving birth to a child. With her still very pure looks, she even was able to score a deal with Nintendo for their Wii commercials. The support from women her age is simply overwhelming these days.

Kitagawa Keiko is another newcomer in the ranking this year. She totally falls into the category that I described at first, be active or have a popular dorama and you’ll secure yourself a sport in the upper half of such rankings. In Kitagawa’s case, "Buzzer Beat" really helped her to gain much more popularity, not just among men but women as well. The 3rd place goes to Miyazaki Aoi, something she should be used to by now. In 2007 she was 3rd as well, behind Sawajiri and Aragaki who shared the 1st place back then, and in 2008 she even reached the 2nd place thanks to "Atsuhime". Her popularity probably won’t decrease in the next couple of years.

AT&T BlackBerry 9700 unboxing



While it is set to go on sale November 22nd, business customers on AT&T have been able to order the 9700 starting yesterday morning. If you got in early enough, there’s a good chance your unit shipped out the same day just as ours did. Here’s a quick unboxing for anyone desperately waiting for their BlackBerry 9700s to arrive, and you can always re-read our BlackBerry 9700 review in case you really want to tear your hair out. Also, if anyone else picked up an AT&T unit, or even a T-Mobile unit for that matter, we salute you, friends. BlackBerry fiends need to stick together…



Wang Lee Hom and David Tao performed together under the rain; rumor not to be in good terms

There were rumor saying that Wang Lee Hom and David Tao were not in good terms because no flowers were received during the concert. Coincidently, the both of them performed on the same stage in Nanjing; singing the opening and the finale respectively. They both sang together with the spectators under the rain. Recently, the both of them are heading towards filming movies direction and there are reports saying that the both of them are competing with each other. However, staff revealed that both of them not in good terms does not exist. If see each other, they would still greet like good friends.

Right after Lee Hom finished his performance, he flew to Hong Kong to film an advertistment. At the same time, he have been burning mid night oil preparing for his new album as well as filming movies. The initial planning of releasing an album every year needs to be delayed till next year after the Chinese New Year on the Lunar calender. Fans have been saying that the album would be released in May next year.

Recently, Lee Hom revealed that the album's style would be based on the international route style. However, Lee Hom insisted to keep his mouth shut and refused to disclose his album's music style to give his fans a surprise. At the moment, 20-30 percent of his album have been completed. He was surprised with the statement saying that he would be releasing his album in May next year. He also said that he would be in Taiwan for this year's New Years Eve. He would be performing starting from Taichung to Taoyuan and finally Taipei; 3 shows.

Co-starring with Jackie Chan in movie [Little Big Solider] would be released in January 2010. He plays a bad tempered, not following orders and fierce character in this movie. And in the trailer, his whole body was covered with mud and even his fans could not recognized him.

Activision: 'Call of Duty' Not Banned in Russia

Activision Blizzard has reportedly denied that its latest hit game, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," has been banned in Russia.


"Reports that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has been banned in Russia are erroneous. Activision only released a PC version of the game in Russia which went on sale on Tuesday, Nov. 10," the U.K's Daily Telegraph reported, citing an official company statement.

The game, which has been a monster hit worldwide, reportedly contains a level in which users are asked to play an undercover operative accompanying a band of Russian terrorists, who assault a civilian airport. As expected, reaction to the level in Russia was extremely negative.

However if Google Translate is to be believed, the game was never actually banned in Russia, although the distinction may be a fine one. GotPS3.ru reported that a PC version without the offending level was shipping to stores, with the Russian version of the game delayed for an indefinite period.

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