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"Moon," "Blind" face off again at box office

12/04/2009 12:45:00 PM kenmouse , Posted in , , , 0 Comments

Fanged phenomenon "New Moon" and the leggy Sandra Bullock drama "The Blind Side" -- which finished No. 1 and 2, respectively, at the box office this past weekend -- again will battle for the top spot in domestic rankings.


But the rousing box office rung up during the Thanksgiving period by Summit Entertainment's teen vampire romance and Warner Bros.' football-themed true story has produced a good news/bad news situation for film distributors.

Moviegoers clearly are in the mood to visit multiplexes, but theater owners are loath to surrender screens showing the two hits to pictures launching this weekend. None of this session's four wide openers will unspool in appreciably more than 2,000 locations, and none is likely to reach even the teen millions through Sunday.

"Exhibitors don't want to give up screens from the big films," a top film distribution executive groused.

Lionsgate's drama "Brothers," starring Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire, looks headed for the low-double-digit millions and could grab the bronze medal as the strongest of the market debutants. Set for 2,088 playdates, the R-rated "Brothers," directed by Jim Sheridan ("In America"), is a remake of a Danish film that focuses on a soldier and his brother caught in a love triangle.

Prerelease interest is soft for Sony Screen Gems' action thriller "Armored," toplined by Matt Dillon and Laurence Fishburne. So the movie about the heist of an armored truck is likely to get stuck in the middle-single-digit millions. Still, production costs were relatively modest, at about $20 million, and young males are showing sufficient interest to have studio executives sanguine about its opening prospects.

Miramax's dramatic comedy "Everybody's Fine," toplined by Robert De Niro, Kate Beckinsale and Drew Barrymore, appears headed for a bow in a similarly ho-hum range, while Full Circle's horror comedy "Transylmania" could fetch even less.

Among limited releases, Paramount unspools the George Clooney-starring "Up in the Air" in 15 theaters. The book-based drama will expand during the coming weeks.

On an industrywide basis, this weekend will be compared with a soft $82.4 million session in 2008, whose top opening was the limp $4.3 million bow by Lionsgate's action sequel "Punisher: War Zone." Year-to-date box office is up 5.5 percent, at $9.29 billion, according to Nielsen EDI.

More Pics - Lady Laga On Elle

12/04/2009 12:45:00 PM kenmouse , Posted in , , 0 Comments

Oh look, it’s Lady Gaga without anything weird on top of her head…….


The burgeoning icon says she may quit shocking the music world with outstanding compositions and outlandish costumes so she can raise a family.

The outrageous pop star hopes to trade in her wild style for a more traditional lifestyle in the future.





Bing Maps Beta: Microsoft Should Repent and Simplify

12/04/2009 12:44:00 PM kenmouse , Posted in , , , , 0 Comments

Microsoft has released a new beta of the map function inside its Bing "decision engine." After only a few minutes with the Bing Maps beta, just like Microsoft promises, I was able to make a decision: Enough already.


Maybe I am non-creative, not enough of a consumer, or not whoever it is that Bing has in mind, but I think this user interface is a disaster. All I want is a map.

I don't need a weather forecast. I don't need a Wikipedia link. I certainly don't need time-wasting panoramic photography or a bunch of seemingly random photos somehow related to the location. Nor do I need links to mapping applications on other sites.

I also don't need links to "Popular Categories" like "Apartments," "Banks," and "Taverns, Bars & Cocktail Lounges." I don't care "What's Nearby" and won't click on that, either.

The entire jumble I've just described can be found on a Bing Maps beta page. It's almost like the map is a second thought for Microsoft, after trying to get me to waste time and/or spend money before I even leave my office.

It's like the product team had a meeting, brainstormed every possible way to "add value" to their maps, and implemented all of them. Hint: Sometimes the less you do, the more value you create.

There are things on the page that I like, well, one thing: Current traffic. Click on that link and traffic conditions appear overlaid on the map. However, the traffic display isn't nearly as complete as what Google presents on its maps.

Bing has added so much stuff to their beta map service that it's like they forgot about the map. Sure, the map is there, looks pretty, and does take up most of the page. Still, there is so much extraneous stuff in the sidebar that it distracts from why I am there: Maps and directions.

When I use online mapping on a PC, it's not because I am a tourist. Generally, I have a specific destination in mind and want to see where I am going before I get in the car. Once in the vehicle, my new Garmin nuvi 1490T GPS takes over and I generally follow its directions.

Once at the location, I use Google Maps on the iPhone to help me get around, and other Google services to help me find things, if a need develops.

Compare and contrast the Bing Maps beta display with Google Maps. The latter is quite barren, just as I like it. When I go to GoogIe Maps it is because I want a map--and that's what Google gives me. It also gives me reasonably-reliable traffic conditions down to the level of major local streets.

Google Maps are simply a thing of beauty that does a job and gets out of the way. Bing Maps are a cluttered mess. I will not be revisiting Bing Maps and see little reason why a business map user would stay as long as I did to write this piece.

Put simply: Bing is trying too hard. Microsoft is also confusing what Google Earth does, in presenting photos and other information, with what business users need in online mapping.

Apple 'iPad' Tablet to Arrive in 2010 -- Analyst

12/04/2009 12:44:00 PM kenmouse , Posted in , , , 0 Comments

Calling its prediction a "no-brainer," market research firm IDC is claiming that Apple will introduce its long-awaited tablet device by the end of next year. In the just-released "Top 10 Predictions" report for 2010, IDC chief analyst Frank Gens writes that the endless rumors are indeed true: Apple's "iPad"--or whatever you want to call it--will debut within a year:

"The 'iPad' will finally arrive. Last year, we predicted that we would not see the then-rumored Apple tablet in 2009. This year, however, we predict that Apple will finally introduce this new device family, which is more of an oversized (8-inch, 10-inch iPod Touch than a downsized Mac — and if you look at the developer energy around the iPhone/Touch platform, this should be no surprise at all. This prediction is a no-brainer: there's enormous appeal in sizing up the iPhone/Touch for a variety of applications and activities that people already use those devices for but would jump at the chance to have a larger screen — watching videos/movies, reading books/magazines/newspapers (it would take a big bite from the Kindle), surfing the Web, videophone, and online gaming. Look for Apple's "iPad" by year-end 2010. Oh, and don't be surprised to see Microsoft also announce its own device in this space."

The IDC report (pdf) doesn't suggest an iPad's retail price, which is rumored to be anywhere from a netbook-like $500 to an outrageously steep (and suicidal) $2000. It does, however, abide by the popular wisdom that the tablet will be more iPod touch than MacBook, a hybrid entertainment device that addresses a bold new consumer market.

But it remains to be seen whether consumers want a large-screen (and probably pricey) media player/Web browser/e-reader when a 13-inch laptop would suffice, sans the coolness. The answer, I suppose, depends on just how cool--and useful--the Apple tablet turns out to be.

The iPad prediction is just one of many in the 19-page IDC report, which focuses mostly on IT issues. Here are a few interesting calls on consumer tech:

· By the end of 2010, more than 1 billion mobile devices will be accessing the Internet, boosted by the growing popularity of smartphones and the Apple tablet.

· The mobile software market will explode: We'll see a tripling of iPhone apps to 300,000; Android apps will quintuple.

· The strain on public data networks will worsen. Blame the expansion of cloud computing, the boom in mobile devices and apps, and the growing popularity of online video.

· Netbooks aren't going away. In fact, they'll grow ever more popular. Shipments will rise to 40 million in 2010, up from 30 million this year.

· Google Android will emerge as a powerful competitor to the iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and Symbian platforms. But you knew that already.

Lindsay Lohan Not Hooking Up With Kevin Connolly, but What About Cash Warren?

12/04/2009 12:43:00 PM kenmouse , Posted in , , 0 Comments

Lindsay Lohan is not joining Kevin Connolly's entourage.

Despite a report by In Touch that the two have been "hooking up" and are "taking the relationship to the next level," a source close to the actor says that's so not the case.

"There isn't even 1 percent of truth to that," says the source on the subject of romance rumors. "I don't know where that came from. He barely knows her."

Connolly's rep echoed the denial to E! News as well.

Both attended Leonardo DiCaprio's birthday party at Villa, as well as a private bash in his Hollywood Hills home, but separately.

But now, what's with this about Linds and Cash Warren?

Us Weekly claims LiLo was making out with Jessica Alba's hubby at Villa on Nov. 19. "Lip on tongue," the reported eyewitness told the mag. "It was raw. They were not shy!"

However, Lindsay herself denied the makeout sesh to the mag, saying, "He is married. I wouldn't dare kiss him."

Reps for Lindsay and Cash didn't immediately return requests for comment, but a source close to Warren refutes the Us Weekly report.

"This is not true. He's a husband and a father."

Biological daughter Tavia Yeung and Charmaine Sheh did not attend blessing ceremony and prepared to lose out

12/04/2009 12:43:00 PM kenmouse , Posted in , , , 0 Comments

The hot favourite for Best Actress, Charmaine Sheh and Tavia Yeung did not attend the blessing ceremony for TVB Anniversary Awards yesterday. Due to this, everyone starts guessing whether they have prepared to lose out on awards presentation night but both of them denied this.

The fighting for the Best Actress award this year is intense. Charmaine Sheh and Tavia Yeung are picked as hot favourite for Best Actress award based on their roles, Lau Sam Ho and Yiu Kam Ling in Beyond The Realm Of Conscience. Another hot favourite is “Fourth Mistress” Sheren Tang. Yesterday, it was said that Wayne Lai and Sheren Tang will win Best Actor and Best Actress award this year.

Therefore, Charmaine Sheh and Tavia Yeung did not attend the blessing ceremony together. It is hard to avoid the guessing amongst peoples that they have already prepared to lose out. Tavia Yeung said, “Of course not! This is because I went for a commercial shooting and couldn’t attend the blessing ceremony.” When asked whether she will feel not worthy if she is unable to win Best Actress award although the ratings for the series was successful, she said, “We cannot use the ratings to measure the performance of the female lead!” Regarding Best Performance award which was added this year, Tavia Yeung did not know anything about it. She said, “Huh? Really? I don’t know there is such an award! (Is it consolation award?) I don’t think so. It will be much happier if more peoples have chance to gain awards.”

Still happy no matter win or lose
Tavia Yeung who portrayed villain role for the first time, is the most junior amongst the hot favourite for Best Actress. She expressed that she already felt being promoted due to the nomination. When asked whether she has confidence to win the award, she said, “Actually, Sheren Tang is my selected choice for Best Actress. This is because her acting skills are lively. It is natural and doesn’t seem like she is acting. I really admire her. I never thought of win or lose. If I win, of course I will be happy but even if I lose out, I will be happy for others.”

Charmaine Sheh explained that she needed to attend the press conference for [72 Tenants], shoot movie poster and MV and therefore couldn’t attend the blessing ceremony. “This was arranged by company.” She denied on preparing to lose out. When asked if supposing the one who wins is herself and not Sheren Tang, will she dare to receive the award? Charmaine said, “I will not answer supposing questions. (You became the hot favourite for opinion poll?) There is no need for guessing. The results will be released soon.” About Best Performance award which was regarded as consolation award, Charmaine said, “There is a significant meaning behind every award.”

Everyone is competitor
Charmaine Sheh expressed that she will use a usual mind to look upon awards and she does not want to give too much pressures to herself. When talked about the high popularity of Sheren Tang, Charmaine said, “Everyone is competitor. There are no main competitors. Everyone who was nominated performed very well. (Have any expectations?) I believe that nobody will place a disappointment mood to enter competition. I do not want to guess. It is just like giving birth. I will not scan it so that there will be surprise whether it is a boy or girl.”

Besides that, Moses Chan who was nominated as Best Actor has confidence on Wayne Lai. “The road that Chai Gao went through was plentiful. Moreover, Wayne always feels that he has no chance to become main lead. This time he really can prove to everyone that he has the ability.”

Bing Bombs

12/04/2009 12:43:00 PM kenmouse , Posted in , , , 0 Comments

Wow. Bing is completely and utterly down right now and has been for several minutes. The tweets about it are flying in at a massive pace — as are the tips to us. [Update below, it's back after about 30 mins of downtime.]


It’s one thing when startups, like Twitter, go down, which happens all the time. It’s another when a major search portal does it. If this is part of the new strategy to beat Google, Microsoft didn’t mention it in the Fall Release event the other day.

Remember the shitstorm when Gmail went down several months ago? Just imagine if it were Google itself — the Internet would grind to a halt.

A Bing team member writes that they are “working on bringing @bing back up.”

And at least now they have an error page (below):



And they’re back. Total downtime around 30 minutes…

Celebrating 15 Years Of PlayStation!

12/04/2009 12:42:00 PM kenmouse , Posted in , , 0 Comments

It all began 15 years ago today. On December 3, 1994, Sony released the PlayStation in Japan. The rest, as they say, is history.


Yes, it's hard to remember now, but there once was a time, before WipeOut, before Tomb Raider, before PaRappa, that Sony entering the gaming business didn't sound like such a sure bet.

There was a failed attempt at a CD-based system in partnership with Nintendo. There was the fact Sony were an unproven force in a market dominated by Nintendo and Sega. And the PlayStation's approach was all so adult.

Time, of course, has proven any doubts unfounded. The original PlayStation blew people's minds from the moment it launched, and its successor - the PS2 - is still the #1 selling video game console of all time. So it too did OK.

True, things haven't quite been the same for the company since, with both the PSP and PS3 failing to achieve the same level of market dominance. Oh well. There's still plenty of time left for both platforms (well, at least the PS3, which has been coming along in great strides all year), and besides, today isn't a day for nit-picking.

It's a day for clinking glasses. Happy birthday, PlayStation. Think it's safe to say the video game business wouldn't have been the same without you.

Taylor Swift Bikini [VIDEO]

12/04/2009 12:41:00 PM kenmouse , Posted in , , , 0 Comments



Get a load of Taylor Swift in a two-piece. This newly-released home video of the eight-time Grammy-nominated star frolicking around the sandy surf in a bikini is growing in popularity with Swift’s fans. The bikini clad teen singing sensation reportedly recorded the footage as a part of music video to accompany her song “I’m Only Me When I’m With You.”

Taylor still can’t believe she’s up for eight of the most coveted prizes in American music.

After hearing the news Wednesday, “I started freaking out and jumping up and down,” Swift, 19, told The Associated Press. “I honestly never would have predicted this, eight nominations — I’m ecstatic, and blown away and so, so thankful.”

SS501 and Hong Kong girls are “just friends”

12/04/2009 12:41:00 PM kenmouse , Posted in , , , 0 Comments

Back in August, SS501 took some time off from their Japanese concert promotions by vacationing in Hong Kong. Two of the members of SS501, Kim Hyun Joong and Heo Young Saeng were spotted getting into a cab with 2 random Hong Kong girls.


The media circulated rumors that the boys went to Hong Kong for "extracurricular activities," that they secretly flew into Hong Kong for a secret get-away vacation with females. While DSP Entertainment denied the claims and stated, "It's just tabloid / paparazzi work. SS501 was tired from the Budokan concerts in Japan and they went to Hong Kong to unwind with 8 friends that they knew as kids. It's just the Hong Kong media twisting the story around from the photos showing the two females getting into a cab with Hyun Joong and Young Saeng."

Well earlier today, the SS501 members were guests on MBC's Golden Fishery and addressed the issue by stating that the women "were just friends who happen to live in Hong Kong."

So this begs the question, was it friends with benefits or just friends? Also they should've known better since Lan Kwai Fong is one of the trendiest spots in Hong Kong littered with paparazzi. Hopefully they learned their lesson.

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