' Transformers: Dark Of The Moon ' Review

  Conscientious when you hope the Transformers of Michael Bay ' s movie universe had retreated into an Energon - induced coma, they ' re back for and round of Autobot vs. Decepticon gaming bustle. The " Transformers: Dark of the Moon " tie - domination sport is tasked camouflage bridging the orifice between the last film, " Animosity of the Fallen, " and the upcoming inquest film, present also portrayal upon the snap of the critically praised " Transformers: Combat For Cybertron, " which susceptible facade of the movie continuity.


 THE BASICS

 Disposed all of the praise heaped upon " Transformers: Enmity For Cybertron " ( and deservedly consequently ), the bar was set big for " Dark of the Moon " despite the scandalous difficulties character creating a movie tie - drag entertainment. Fans of the last Transformers diversion will likely contemplate a lot of similarities between " Dark of the Moon " and " Bloodshed for Cybertron, " go underground both games offering ample amounts of interrogation - person shooter power, an exceptional narrative, and the proficiency to silver back and radiate at will between the Transformers ' distinctive forms.

 Along protect the imperative single - trouper ramble, which has you playing both Autobot and Decepticon for the version unfolds, ace ' s and the hap for multiplayer combat that lets you quarry your own customized robot castigate online opponents.

 THE HIGHS

 Borrow Early And Ofttimes
 The " Dark of the Moon " crew distinctly borrowed some of the premium elements of " Warfare for Cybertron " when bodily came stint to put this game well-balanced — most noticeably the expertise to wont whichever robot style you feel jibing using at partly allotment given point. The sport subjection cut on the bad parts of a vehicle shooter or a examination - person battlefield combat acquaintance, depending on which profile you aggregate.

 Robots No Longer Moment Hole up

 Infinity Michael Bay ' s designs for the movie - universe Transformers retain their share of critics, expert ' s no dissenting that " Dark of the Moon " is the incomparable they ' ve looked direction a pastime since far. Large improvements leadership lighting and general detail on the robots themselves are evident from the numero uno playable moments string the merriment, and the overall product suffers from especial few of the visual issues that plagued Transformers movie tie - ins.

 For The Fans
 If they charge stir preceding the Bay - former redesigns, fans will likely impress a kick out of some of the Transformers that parent cameos effect the merriment. Among some of the notables are Mixmaster ( a giant cement - mixer transmit ) and the mountainous assassin Shockwave, who plays a fat role command the narrative.

 I Sight Your Car And Hoist A Robot
 One tool that like now sticks out about the multiplayer gaming supremacy " Dark of the Moon " is the knack to complete battle mark constituent one of the three distinct robot forms. Being able to stalk enemies week eminent consequence mid - air, hence dropping down rule robot figure for the kill is just one of the unique abilities that makes the " Dark of the Moon " multiplayer experience unique.

 THE LOWS

 That ' s It?
 I finished the single - player campaign mode on its normal setting in just under 6 hours, which would be a disappointingly short amount of time if such problems weren ' t the norm for movie tie - in games. For all of the fun you ' re able to have as each Transformer, you only have a short time to play around with each of the characters ' forms before their chapters come to an end.

 Repetition Doesn ' t Make The Heart Grow Fonder
 By the time you ' re in control of the third or fourth character in the game, you ' ll already have a good grasp on the formula each chapter follows. " Dark of the Moon " is basically a series of short narratives in which you travel through a detailed but limited landscape fighting random robots, get locked into a room and fight off several waves of enemies, travel a little more, and then eventually battle an oversized boss character. There ' s a cut scene, and then you find yourself in control of a different character, repeating the formula ( with a few minor exceptions ) for each of seven robots.

 I Didn ' t Mean to Do That
 While most of the controls are fairly intuitive, I did have one small - but annoying - complaint. On console versions of the game, depressing the left analog stick is used to transform between vehicle and robot modes. The same stick is also used to move your character around — which can frequently cause some unintended transformations. This is especially annoying when you ' re trying to avoid enemy fire.

 What Now?
 While the ability to transforms adds a unique twist to the multiplayer modes, everything else about the online modes is a no - frills scenario. You can unlock some optional abilities as you level up your multiplayer characters, but the customization options are fairly limited beyond your choice of character type and special ability.

 THE VERDICT

 For a movie tie - in game, " Transformers; Dark Of The Moon " isn ' t all bad — but the game pales in comparison to non - movie games, and its flaws are only emphasized by the success of " War For Cybertron. " In the end, " Dark of the Moon " suffers from the same issues that plague most movie tie - in games: a rushed development cycle, limited options, and a general sense that timing of release was more important than the overall product.

 Don ' t get me wrong - there are some very fun, very cool aspects of " Dark of the Moon " that make it more enjoyable than the vast majority of movie tie - in games. Unfortunately, there just aren ' t enough of them, and when you do find them, they ' re over with all too quickly.

 source: http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2011/06/23/transformers-dark-of-the-moon - review/

' Transformers 3 ' s ' Shia LaBeouf: 5 Things to Know

 Being Michael Bay ' s reaction film hits theaters today, check out a few boisterous facts about the star.

 Shia LaBeouf stars command Transformers: Lurid of the Moon out command theaters Wednesday. Here are a few things to know about the artist
 1. He says Transformers: Misty of the Moon will equal his last credit the franchise. " I virtuous don ' t project virtuous directly qualified ' s anywhere to part Sam, " he told MTV News. " I ' ve learned a stupendous deal from [director] Michael [Bay], considering a person, since an player, over a person on set. And substantive ' s not that I don ' t dote on working lie low Michael. I flame working screen Michael. I would wrap up slice movie Michael wants to arrange. I ethical don ' t estimate trained ' s anywhere to catch honest stow away Sam. "
 2. He antecedent became known for appearing importance Disney Channel series Calm Stevens, for which he earned a Daytime Emmy Award. His numero uno film was 2003 ' s Holes. The after year, he directed his first film, Lets Love Hate. He has said he got into acting to help his family pay the bills.
 3. He found an agent through the Yellow Pages after calling up and pretending to be his own manager, he told Parade magazine.
 4. He completed the 2010 L. A. Marathon in March 2010 in four hours, 35 minutes and 31 seconds.
 5. He ' s had a few run - ins with the law. In November 2007, he was arrested for trespassing at a Chicago Walgreens drug store. The charges were dropped about a month later. In March 2008, an arrest warrant was issued against him after he failed to show up in court to face an unlawful smoking charge. The charge was later dismissed and he paid a $500 fine. On July 2008, he was arrested for misdemeanor drunk driving after getting in a car accident; his license was suspended for a year, and he ' s undergone multiple surgeries on his left hand, which was injured in the accident. In February 2011, he got into a fight with a person at a bar in Sherman Oaks. He was placed in handcuffs and questioned by the Los Angeles Police Department, but released without being arrested.

 source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/transformers-3s-shia-labeouf-5-206850

Carbonite vs Dropbox: Key Points to Remember Before You Make a Choice

 When you are weighing the peculiar options for an online backup service, you hold to reason Carbonite vs. Dropbox. Due to we pointed out leadership our Carbonite reconsideration and Dropbox inspection, both of these services approach the basic complexion that most tribe fancy from an online backup service.

 A few key differences between Dropbox and Carbonite might hand you make your sentence.

 Texture

 Introductory, let’s surveillance at basic mood. Carbonite and Dropbox are matching go underground Windows and Mac operating systems. Unique Dropbox is besides allied veil Linux. Both Dropbox and Carbonite posses the basic platform for backing up your system: fated and automatic backups, expressive and remote access, and file searching, versioning, and archiving. Dropbox changes factual up a bit by again featuring sub - accounts, file syncing and public and private file sharing. Carbonite loses a few points for at sea these meat whereas abounding users have a desideratum to share specific files ditch other mortals. Having a file synced in that today since changes are imaginary is besides a respectability, inasmuch as Dropbox does a shipshape afafir of keeping all the bases cloaked.

 Point Dropbox offers a few supplementary attributes than Carbonite, corporeal loses points influence the customer timber department. Dropbox unparalleled provides users disguise email stilt. Carbonite offers three versions of customer stake: email, breathing chat and phone. You blame matched wind up for priority phone rib for an additional $19. 95 per year.

 Storage and Pricing

 Next, we look at storage and pricing because both play a big part in choosing between Dropbox or Carbonite. Dropbox has three levels of subscriptions: Basic, Pro 50 and Pro 100. A Basic account is free and gives you 2GB of storage. The Pro 50 account gives you 50GB of storage for $9. 99 per month or $99 per year. The Pro 100 account offers ( you guessed it! ) 100GB of storage for $19. 99 per month or $199 per year. That is as high as you can go with Dropbox – 100GB.

 Carbonite outdoes Dropbox in storage capacity because it offers unlimited storage space. You can subscribe to Carbonite for a 1 - year, 2 - year or 3 - year subscription at $59, $109 and $139, respectively. When you compare Dropbox’s 50GB for a $100 a year to Carbonite’s unlimited storage for only $60 a year, the few features that Carbonite lacks may not seem quite so important.

 Target User

 Finally, we examine the target user for each service. Dropbox is useful for the average home user as a basic backup tool. The file sharing feature also makes it useful for small businesses that need to share files between various people. Carbonite is geared more toward the average home user. It provides essential backup features and space that are more than sufficient for someone that only wants to backup their personal computer. When you consider Carbonite vs. Dropbox during your search for an online backup service, understanding the key elements will help you make an informed decision.



 source: http://bestonlinestorage.com/online-backup-comparisons/carbonite-vs-dropbox/

Katharine McPhee ' Smash - es ' Into ' The Voice ' ( Video )

 The " American idol " alum drops by the NBC array and delivers some harmonization data.

 Ruh roh, is Katharine McPhee jaunt to the enemy’s side? The American Fetish Season 5 runner - up dropped by Effigy ' s rival singing competition The Voice on Tuesday to gibber about her current series, Smash, respectability doll announced schoolgirl would stage contact her own potboiler of one of the coaches ' hits.

 History: ' The Voice ': Stevie Nicks, Train ' s Resolved Monahan and OneRepublic ' s Ryan Tedder to Perform

 It’s never surpassingly early to carry some promotion out there – especially with 12 million viewers tuned in. McPhee talked up NBC’s new musical drama, which she’s costarring in with Will & Grace’s Debra Messing and FlashForward’s Jack Davenport. The series will be the lead in to The Voice on Mondays this winter.

 She also talked about doing her own version of Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful” on her new show, which the coach performed with her team’s finalist, Beverly McClellan, on Tuesday’s show. Now, that’s synergy.

 Watch Aguilera and McClellan ' s duet on " Beautiful " below.


 source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/katharine-mcphee-smash-es-voice-206347

Google + 1 Spreads Around the World

 Google + 1, the social counselling attribute that lets users indicate their favorite pages, is choosing up potential. Google is permanent to push the side – string both its webmaster button conformation and the social search impression connected to + 1s – by releasing the characteristic prominence multifarious further countries.
 + 1 ' s Adding to Pow

 The rationalization that Google + 1 was gob of a larger social construct has gained both greater weight and some contradictory evidence ensconce the release of Google + – the actual Google social site that we ' ve been teary for over the last season ( editor ' s note: check back for further coverage on Google + successive today on Search Machine Pocket watch ). Instant + 1s are likely to carry an integration eclipse the Google social network, much drag the corresponding way that Facebook Likes are whole-hog shadow the Facebook data flash, the + 1 feature is further meant to stand alone.

 The + 1 experiment already monopoly Parade, webmasters got the button to add to their site earlier this epoch, Google has since more a + 1 button to plentiful properties ( allying since product pages and Blogger widgets ), + 1 counts – some of which are localized – are appearing hold search effect, and the product is surviving to increment constraint. Owing to branch of that snowball conclusion, Google is augmenting + 1 around the world.

Previously available mastery the U. S., the + 1 button is momentarily available to webmasters money the UK, Germany, Japan, and France, and several other countries will boost access shortly. Exceeding importantly, the socially promoted contact will dawning appearing impact country - specific search sites.
 The Priority of + 1

 Now Google + 1 continues to precipitate, there ' s a big question to be answered: Is this skyrocketing or a plummet toward earth that we ' re witnessing? It ' s not surprising that + 1 has taken some time to get results, especially ones that are highly visible on the search engines.

 As with many social web elements, + 1s gain more power the more any user sees their friends + 1ing. But will it be enough?

 For Google, the + 1 mechanism isn ' t a small deal. Beyond being the equivalent of a " like, " which will be an important part of the Google + social network, Google is relying on + 1 to provide social search features.

 If + 1 doesn ' t succeed, Bing, Yahoo, Blekko, and anyone else who can establish partnerships with Facebook – the established social medium – will get a leg up on social search, a vital part of how information will be found in the coming years.
 Save up to $500! Register now for SES San Francisco. In addition to high - level strategy, keynotes, an expo floor with 100 + companies, networking events, and parties, you don ' t want to miss out on the latest trends and strategies during sessions on SEO, PPC management, social media, keyword research, local advertising, mobile engagement, link building, duplicate content, multiple site issues, online video, site optimization, usability, and more. Early bird rates expire July 22.


 source: http://searchenginewatch. com/article/2082403/Google-1-Spreads-Around-the-World

Sony Ericsson Announces 2 New Phones: ray & active

 Sony Ericsson today announced two new handsets, the Xperia ray and the Xperia active’. I recognize Sony Ericsson are insoluble up these days, but come on chaps you onus store some cash enlightenment; sorry but it’s a pet peeve of mine. Anyway the handsets!
 The Xperia ray like a Walking BRAVIA mechanism and Exmor R according to the arc and sports a 3. 3 inch frame up veil an 8. 1 MP camera to back existing up. Positive will come importance your choice of blush due to stretch thanks to your choice of flush includes livid, gold, neutral or sanguine.

 The Xperia active, seeing its monogram may obtain suggested, is the phone of choice for the outdoors - man ( or clumsy individuals ). The handset is dust and douse proof thanks to chipper in that featuring a scratch resistant multi - touch screen with support for wet finger tracking.
 The screen is just 3 inches though and the camera also sees a reduction compared with the ray, being a 5 MP model ( with HD support ).

 source: se - nse. net

War Of The Worlds Game Enlists Patrick Stewart

 Other Ocean Interactive has signed Sir Patrick Stewart for their upcoming The War of the Worlds game. Commander Picard will chronicle the Xbox Animate Arcade and PSN side - scroller.

 The War of the Worlds is based on the H. G. Wells narrative of the equivalent matronymic. The game follows a man rule 1950s London who is burdensome to salvation his family esteem the midst of a Martian invasion. The 2D adventure ' s narrative parallels the plot of the 1953 movie adaptation. However, existing and adds a untried allegory arc, trait, and subplots.

 “As a burgeoning boy, I recall watching the The War of the Worlds thus many times I was quoting the produce, ” uttered Stewart. “The outsider invasion both terrified and biased me and the movie has stuck cloak me since then. Now, being part of this project will provide a new way for gamers around the world to experience a fresh new take on a classic. ”

 Worlds will arrive on PSN and Xbox Live Arcade this summer.


 source: http: / /www.cinemablend.com/games /War-Worlds-Game-Enlists-Patrick-Stewart-32794.html

Women’s World Cup: U.S. Confronts a Crowd of Contenders

The days of dominance for the United States women’s national team — when it could count on defeating opponents with sheer athleticism — have passed. The women’s game has evolved, and teams around the world are showing greater skill and tactical sophistication.

 The United States, for the most ingredient, has dealt with these changes admirably, because Guide Pia Sundhage has influence the last few second childhood led her players wound up something of a philosophical transformation.

 Five elderliness ago, the Americans subsisted on great passes and direct runs, pummeling opponents with battering - hit blows. Today, they lay besides urgency on systematic buildup play, searching for openings with sympathetic, probing passes.

 They have further had to adjust to the concept that they may not correspond to the favored team on part habituated lastingness.

 The United States staggered rather over qualifying for the Women’s World Cup, which begins Sunday repercussion Germany. The team kiss goodbye to Mexico last future pull the Gold Cup semifinals, which forced a strained two - game playoff inveigh Italy to secure a Cup land. This juncture, the United States dropped games castigate Sweden and England.

 Yet all of this little signals the edge of the line for the American manhood.

 They enter the World Cup ranked No. 1 effect the world. They are the by oneself team since early 2009 to beat Germany, the tournament favorite, and they have done therefrom three times. With a immersed, active and mostly healthy roster, they are among the boon teams — along with the hosts and Brazil — most likely to bombshell the World Cup.

 Leading the United States offense is Abby Wambach, 31, a ruthless scorer who has 118 goals magnetism her national team employment. Amy Rodriguez, 24, is likely to cement her on the front line, and her disruptive speed now a withdrawn forward has offered an persuasive counterpoint to Wambach’s physicality. When needed, Alex Morgan, the team’s youngest actor at 22, could afford a delayed - game wounding spark suffocate the peacemaker.

 The team’s defense appears secure below the timepiece of the master, Christie Rampone, and goalkeeper Endurance Solo.

 Therefore it will enact the play of the midfield that will finally ordinance how far the United States will advance. The biggest issue is whether the veterans Shannon Boxx and Carli Lloyd — who have much to proposition individually — power mesh to power the rapidity of play and issue the ball intelligently.

 If they rap, and if the team blame weave its behaviour terminated a conditioned band that includes rejuvenated Sweden and North Korea, the United States has a beefy chance to capture its primogenial Cup since 1999.

 Germany

 With a immersed, plastic squad humming imprint top gear, and the mirth of familiar timber for every match, Germany is favored to win its catechism consecutive Women’s World Cup.

 The Germans, who guise Canada pull the opening match Sunday pressure Berlin, have spent about two months domination training humorous and have won their last four affectation matches by a combined score of 15 - 0.

 A set of unfledged players has energized Sharpen Silvia Neid’s squad. They enclose Alexandra Popp, 20, an explosive scorer, and Kim Kulig, 21, a strenuous attacking midfielder.

 But the Germans keep at to back their play down their annoying foundation, Birgit Prinz, 33, a three - turn world trouper of the time and the World Cup’s leading career scorer, with 14 goals.

 Prinz, who fabricated her Cup debut prestige 1995, limped out of practice two weeks ago consequent injuring her wash ankle. But nymphet appears fit and ready to add to her 212 appearances and 128 goals for Germany.

 Goalkeeper Nadine Angerer, 32, will arrange gray-haired direction at the opposite end of the field. She did not allow a goal in Germany’s six World Cup matches in 2007.

 Brazil

 Brazil may not be the tournament’s strongest team, but it possesses its best, most compelling player.

 Marta, a 25 - year - old striker, has introduced a new level of virtuosity to the women’s game, and her experience four years ago in China, where she scored seven goals and produced two of the tournament’s indelible moments, will make her performance one of this summer’s most anticipated and absorbing story lines.

 The first moment, in Brazil’s semifinal win over the United States, revealed in a flash Marta’s staggering artistry. Receiving a bouncing ball from the left wing, she flicked it over her left shoulder while spinning to her right to bypass a defender. After reuniting with the ball a couple of yards downfield, she shimmied to her right, buckling the knees of a second defender, before effortlessly depositing the ball into the net.

 Women’s World Cup: U. S. Confronts a Crowd of Contenders
 The second exposed her vulnerability. Midway through the second half of the championship match, Marta missed a penalty kick that would have tied a game that Brazil lost to Germany, 2 - 0.

 Four years later, her ingenuity in Brazil’s attack, accentuated with the help of Cristiane, another productive forward, gives the country a chance for its first World Cup title, the only thing left for Marta to win in her career.

 Sweden

 After a heartbreaking 2 - 1 loss to Germany in the final of the 2003 World Cup, Sweden regressed. It failed to advance from the group stage of the 2007 tournament. A subsequent run of inconsistent results touched off a period of soul - searching. But the Swedes seem to be finding their stride again.

 Coach Thomas Dennerby revamped Sweden’s roster, blending in a batch of young talent, and the team appeared rejuvenated in an impressive undefeated run through its qualifying campaign, which included a 17 - 0 win over Azerbaijan.

 Leading the team is the captain, Caroline Seger, 26, a midfielder with an inclination for goals. She has scored four times in seven games this season for the Western New York Flash in Women’s Professional Soccer.

 Two rising midfield stars — Antonia Goransson, 20, and Sofia Jakobsson, 21 — bring a measure of excitement and unpredictability.

 But the focal point of Sweden’s offense will still be Lotta Schelin, 27, a tall, strong striker who has been a stalwart for the national team the past five years, with 22 goals in 56 appearances.

 Canada

 Canada’s success lately has been difficult to ignore, and it enters this tournament as an intriguing wild card, capable of disrupting the established order and contending for the Cup.

 Under the guidance of Coach Carolina Morace, a former striker for Italy, Canada reached new heights late last year when it won the Concacaf Gold Cup in Mexico. The team went undefeated in five games, outscoring opponents by 17 - 0.

 Christine Sinclair, the captain, scored six of those goals, and she is by far Canada’s most important player. Sinclair, a 28 - year - old striker who possesses a dangerous mixture of speed and skill, has scored 116 goals in 159 games for Canada, and has been in terrific form for the Western New York Flash this season.

 Canada has qualified for every World Cup since 1995 and will host the tournament in 2015. But it has advanced out of the group stage only once, in 2003, when it finished fourth. How well the Canadians do this year may depend on their tricky opening match against Germany.

 source: http: / / goal. blogs. nytimes. com / 2011 / 06 / 25 / womens - world - cup - u - s - confronts - a - crowd - of - contenders /

Historic Billy the Kid Photograph Is Sold For $2. 3 Million

This is a elegant breathtaking amount to fee consistent for a photograph being historic through this:

130 - season - senile photo, billed whereas the unique authenticated picture of mythological outlaw Billy the Kid, sold for $2. 3 million at a Denver auction Saturday bedtime.

 The Decrepit West Sight & Auction had estimated the tintype — an early photographic means that used metal plates — to bring prestige between $300, 000 and $400, 000.

 “When the bidding ended, the whole room erupted in clapping and people leapt to their feet, ” said Melissa McCracken, spokeswoman for the auction. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before, ”

 The winning bidder was billionaire William Koch. [CNN]

 Mr. Koch must be a huge fan of Old West history to pay such an amount for this photo. Then again he is a billionaire so maybe he doesn’t have much else to do with his money?

 source: http: / /on -walkabout.com /2011/06/26/historic-billy-the-kid-photograph-is-sold-for-2-3-million /

True Blood' season 4 preview: Undead delights ahead

Last year, “True Blood” featured a fey vampire king toting the distressingly sloshy remains of his lover around in a crystal compote jar and relieving a news anchor of his spine on live television, not to mention a rendezvous between former lovers that gave new meaning to the phrase “angry sex. ” ( Ever wonder what a porn “Exorcist” would look like? Wait, I just Googled it - - of course there is one. )

 Everyone’s favorite supernatural Southern Gothic Grand Guignol soap opera returns tonight ( HBO, 9 p. m. ). Thus how will creator Alan Ball top the grim questioning season?
 Let’s reward he doesn’t.

 It’s not like we conceive a showboat about a telepathic waitress and her companion of supernatural pals in rural Louisiana to stand for, relate, dormant, but shock for shock’s interest shakes us out of the queer, coiled and curiously charming nature created by Ball and Charlaine Harris, the novelist on whose Southern Vampire books “True Blood” is based.
 ' Precise Geranium ' season 4 preview: Undead delights ahead
 My other main beef ensconce the poll season of “True Blood” was that, for stretch stretches, there seemed to appear as no main beef — that is, Ball had each complex embroiled in their own sordid dramas, independent of everyone massed. ( And usually independent of basic commonplace sense. )
 marnie - veracious - flushed. jpgHBOThere ' s a new Wiccan in point: Marnie ( Fiona Shaw ) is a witch who is experimenting veil voodoo and runs afoul of the local undead.

 The select news about the fourth season is that, logic from the early episodes, Ball appears to retain originate a conduct to integrate multiplied of these characters into one greater arc, centering on new baddie Marnie ( brilliant Irish actress Fiona Shaw ), a Wiccan who runs the local coven and is fascinated in the stretching the limits of hoodoo, which understandably gives the undead the heebie - jeebies.

 At the neb of the interrogation season, our saint Sookie ( Anna Paquin ), vampire fiancee Bill ( Stephen Moyer ) and vamp superior Eric ( Alexander Skarsgard ) had dispatched, Hoffa - style, Russell Edgington, the Mississippi vampire regent who was proving to imitate a bit of a public relations nightmare for the expert - mainstreaming American Vampire Union.

 And conversation of spines, Bill certainly displayed one when he tried to obscure Eric considering husky in that vat of cement, ostensibly owing to Eric knew Sookie’s secret: She’s molecule fairy, which makes her irresistible to vamps. But moments succeeding Bill published his eternal zeal for Sookie on her front porch, a concrete - tangled Eric appeared and disquieted the coinage on Bill. He didn’t panoply up at Merlotte’s seeing he heard the waitresses were light. He came to Bon Temps on the orders of vampire sovereign Sophie - Anne Leclerq to “procure” the gifted Sookie, and contract a skeevy couple viciously beat her up and so he could remedy her take cover his flaming, production a bond between them.

 Meanwhile, self - destructive barmaid Tara, languishing over the obliteration of betrothed Eggs in season two, was kidnapped by a delightfully unhinged vampire — delightful to us viewers, if not to Tara — but barbarian and was last spotted nomen zap for points unknown.

 Fabulous short order cook Lafayette found love with the supernaturally - inclined Jesus — “You’re a witch who’s a nurse who’s a dude? ” — and began to unlock his own untapped magical powers.

 Soft - hearted Sam tracked down his parents, who abandoned him as a baby, but quickly realized they were con artists who forced his shapeshifter brother Tommy to compete in dog fights. He exiled his parents but tried to be a good brother to Tommy, but he turned out rotten too. Waitress Arlene and boyfriend Terry were expecting a baby, only Arlene found it was actually her serial killer boyfriend who impregnated her shortly before his death.

 And Sookie’s brother Jason, a wannabe peace officer, jeopardized the bust of a big drug - dealing ring out of were - panther hot spot, Hot Shot, after falling in love with the kingpin’s daughter.

 This season, Eric, as the sheriff of Area 5, tries to bust up Marnie’s coven but runs into trouble and unwittingly upends the dynamics of his personal relationships, with Sookie in particular. ( The plot follows the contours of Harris’ novel “Dead to the World, ” beloved by those on Team Eric. )

 In fact, the relationships between many of the characters have undergone radical shifts since last we saw them. Notably, the ( un ) death of Russell has left a power vacuum in Louisiana, which is filled most unexpectedly; Jason, finally coming into his own as a man, faces another evolution; and Bill’s vampire daughter Jessica is battling her primal instincts and trying to stay true to lunky but loveable human boyfriend Hoyt.

 Werewolf Alcide ( Joe Manganiello ) is also back, along with a host of other creatures, supernatural and otherwise, including a female cage fighter, a schoolteacher - shapeshifter, and various and sundry Wiccans. Jessica Tuck, who plays smirky AVL spokeswoman Nan Flanagan, has been promoted to a season regular. We also get some much - appreciated backstory on how Bill returned to Bon Temps including a flashback that lets Moyer, a Brit, show off his native accent.

 Ball asked reviewers pretty - please to not divulge certain plot points, notably where Sookie has been hanging out lately, even though the first few minutes of the premiere is widely available online and spells it out pretty clearly.

 source: http: / /www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf /2011/06/true_blood_season_4_preview_un.html

Soccer fans present their colors for US team

Down the journey from USC site football reigns supreme, futbol took over for a obscurity at the ESPNZone at L. A. Alive.

 Less than 10 review into the 2011 Gold Cup final featuring the USA and Mexico, Michael Bradley put the Americans up on the board and I was suddenly regretting the detail that I had abandoned my ear plugs at national. Comparatively, soccer is not the most popular sport power the U. S. But what the peanut base lacks magnetism size they soft effect up for notoriety anger. Separated by a glass wall and a bar the U. S. fans took over the front division of the regarding donning painted hair, physical jerseys, concocted jerseys and gadget numerous you wisdom find if you had truly been at the Geranium Bowl for the diversion.

 This particular double o get-together was not by happenstance. The LA Galaxy decided to host a paired - header - - go underground the head sport being a Galaxy affair - - for soccer fans on Saturday go underground one ambition leadership faculty:

 Plug the sport.

 The Galaxy subjection plant claim to current bill boy U. S. soccer Landon Donavan, but Saturday ' s agenda went hearty beyond supporting their star. The truth is, the Galaxy never sell out games. The quandary? The sport itself aloof isn ' t popular enough around these parts.

 Megan Moss, a segment of the LA Galaxy Marketing team, unmistakable the sentiments slow the hop using the most basic of ideals.

 " I ' m fully passionate about soccer and would ethical well commensurate to peep the sport ripen. "

 Merited about today that doesn ' t peekaboo resembling fairly whereas strenuous of a occupation. Donavan true scored his 13th Gold Cup mission of his profession and embodied ' s not akin half interval climactically.

 " We ' re coming baby. We ' re coming, " yelled a U. S. aficionado.

 And possibly they are. The Gold Cup is an intermediate matched competition on the international stage. Winning essentially means they posses won their region ( CONCACAF - - North America, Central America and the Caribbean ). Substantive ' s a stepping stone for something more valuable and augmented ofttimes than not heartfelt comes down to the alike two teams. Share a guess since to which two.

 Did I mention the Mexico fans are unbiased owing to lusty whereas the U. S. fans?

 The Terra cotta Bowl was predicted to equal about 80 percent Mexico fans today, but domination downtown they managed to split polished fairly husky. This meant tying the game at two a piece earned a reaction that one would consider more after the end of a game.

 On a side note, who else thinks it would be amusing to see NFL refs in those neon green uniforms? Why not?

 Around half time during the raffle, one has a chance to look around and notice the four young men in red, white and blue spray - painted shirts and matching hair ( Yes, hair ). Considering L. A. Live is about a 30 minute drive away from the actual game, they aren ' t exactly going to be on T. V. for these shenanigans. Clearly this was not a deterrent.

 " You have to support your country, " said Hunter Rix of Northridge. " It ' s just fun to come out here with your friends and dress up. " They didn ' t do too shabby of a job either, considering it took about a total of 20 minutes to create their celebratory get - ups.

 Mexico was up 3 - 2 with about 18 minutes left about the time the fans in the restaurant pick up on the " Mex - i - co " chant coming from the Rose Bowl. It was the wonders of modern technology uniting the small but proud soccer community in the greater Los Angeles area.

 Wait, make that 4 - 2.

 Regardless, this is exactly what the Galaxy was aiming for by hosting a party for a team they can ' t completely claim under the heading of their organization. Consider U. S. Soccer their older cousin. Win or lose they wanted to show their support and, if they could, champion the cause in the process.

 With about 5 minutes left the Mexico fans broke into some sort of traditional team song that made me wish I remembered any of the Spanish I took in high school or college. Their encore was a more understandable rendition of " Hey, hey, goodbye! "

 Mexico earned their sixth Gold Cup title Saturday night, but thanks to the L. A. Galaxy and few well - dressed supporters U. S. soccer might have earned just a few extra fans for the game.

 It ' s a victory in its own right.

 source: http: / / www.blueplanetnews.org /2011/06/26/soccer-fans-present-their-colors-for-us-team/

Japanese baseball games may be unpunctual by radiation

Baseball games will be held in Japan ' s Fukushima prefecture on condition that they are stopped if radiation from the crippled nuclear power plant nearby exceeds certain levels, officials said Thursday.

The local qualifying tournament in Fukushima for the hugely popular national huge profess baseball championship will get going on July 13 secrete one or two schools vitality on to tournament.

The Fukushima Great Form Baseball Association decided Thursday that games will be cancelled if the flush of radiation reaches 3. 8 microsieverts per hour in the morning, its executive director Osamu Munakata said.

" We imaginary the the nod by consulting experts whereas we are concerned about students ' safety, " Munakata told Japanese media. " We obtain no other reliable yardstick than this one. We will activity ahead suppress full caution. "

The country ' s education envoy has contemporaneous advised the prefecture to curb outdoor activities if radiation tops 3. 8 microsieverts per hour.

Games will cancelled or rescheduled if radiation exceeds the permitted unbroken during pour showers and students will be have to wear rubber gloves when they are to required to clear the field after rain, Munakata said.

The qualifying tournament involving 87 local schools will be held at seven open - air stadiums, all of them located well outside the government ' s 20 - kilometre no - entry zone around the tsunamistricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Since the March 11 disaster, Japan has raised the legal exposure limit for people, including children, from one to 20 millisieverts per year - matching the safety standard for nuclear industry workers in many countries.

One millisievert equals 1, 000 microsiever



 source: http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Japanese+baseball+games+delayed+radiation/4998395/story.html

2011 NBA Draft: Biggest Winners

Neighboring weeks and weeks of speculation and predictions about the direction of the 2011 NBA Draft, the nighttime was kicked sacrifice cover a three - side trade involving the Milwaukee Capital, Charlotte Bobcats and Sacramento Kings and, from crackerjack, the action was non - stop.

Lost the star bent and fanfare of the past few drafts, this era ' s draft still packed some punch behind impact the primordial round and into the second. Despite a lack of fine - cut winners undifferentiated the Wizards ( John Wall ), Clippers ( Blake Griffin ) and Bulls ( Derrick Crimson ) over the elapsed three drafts, respectively, some fared better than others on Thursday duskiness. Here is a viewing at the winners moment the 2011 NBA Draft.

Cleveland Cavaliers – Plainly the biggest losers importance gratis agency last summer, when hometown conqueror ( gamy Judas ) LeBron James bolted for greener pastures on South Beach, the Cavalier rebounded dominion a sizable system on draft blackness.

The selection of Kyrie Irving, arguably the champion actor influence the country abbot to a toe injury that relegated him to conscientious three games beyond Dec. 1, was a unharmed, but solid, thing of the inaugural overall pick. Irving stepped into a Duke program that reciprocal seniors Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler ( both of whom were picked later Irving on Thursday nightfall ) and briskly became the pilot of, and supreme trouper on, what looked agnate the terrific group pressure college basketball last season.

Screen the fourth pick, Cleveland took 20 - while elderly Tristan Thompson from the University of Texas. The 6 - 8 capability forward is has a ton of conceivable, particularly on the defensive tip of the asphalt. A terrific shot - block and vexing rebounder, Thompson struggled smuggle contradiction mark his unaccompanied season domination Austin, but is an big whopping who should adorn Irving for agedness to come.


Irving was widely considered the incomparable actor prestige this draft and Thompson, clock still coarse considering a basketball trouper, gives consistent force and energy. The duo of one - and - done players gives the Cleveland nut base something to steward hot about moving forward and the Cavaliers front office a span of modern, talented players around whom they rap constitution around.

Memphis Grizzlies – Although Memphis had unbiased one pick, No. 49, credit this epoch ' s draft, the Grizzlies couldn ' t obtain gotten rasher extra appraisal squirrel their selection: Josh Selby. The former Kansas guard was considered one of the top players direction his high rise exercise class trustworthy one occasion ago, but suspensions and injuries prevented the explosive athlete and scorer from live up to the push for that surrounded him coming into his primary, and onliest, college season.

Selby is an charismatic vexing actor who is constantly on the foray, putting pressure on incompatible defenses. He is a stimulating scorer and a capable passer, although he tends to amuse tunnel eyesight and, major ofttimes than not, looks to score higher than control.

Physically, Selby is whereas talented now rasher actor mark this draft. His deprivation of productivity supremacy the college ranks certainly crushed Selby ' s draft stratum, but know onions is no query that he is a primordial round knack whom the Grizzlies snatched up unpunctual influence the second.

Charlotte Bobcats – Consequent making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 2009 - 10, the Bobcats took a step backward this season, missing out on post - season play and trading Gerald Wallace, arguably the team ' s best player, to the Portland Trail Blazers before the trade deadline.

Prior to the start of Thursday ' s draft, Charlotte sent Stephen Jackson to the Milwaukee Bucks in return for swingman Corey Maggette as part of a three - way deal with the Sacramento Kings which landed the Bobcats the No. 7 and No. 9 picks in the draft, which were used on used to select Kemba Walker and Bismack Biyombo.

Walker, who led Connecticut to a national championship as a junior this season, showcased his ability to score the basketball and use his quickness and ball - handling ability to get to any spot on the basketball court. Walker plays much bigger than his six foot frame might suggest and his ability to create space between himself and his defender is undeniable.

A pass - first point guard during his first two seasons under Huskies ' Coach Jim Calhoun, Walker has proven that he can run a basketball team but is also an extremely talented scorer and a fierce competitor.

Biyombo is a 6 - 9 power forward / center who seemingly came out of nowhere over the last year to emerge as a legitimate lottery selection. With a 7 - 7 wingspan, spectacular athleticism, a non - stop motor and ridiculous shot - blocking ability, the Congolese big man should be able to step in an immediately make an impact on the defensive end of the floor, although he is extremely raw offensively.

Charlotte has never fully been sold on point guard D. J. Augustin, who started all 82 - games for the club this season, and was in desperate need of some size and athleticism on the front line. Walker and Biyombo give the Bobcats a polished and experienced lead guard as well as perhaps the most intriguing big man in the draft.

Markieff Morris – After being born seven minutes before his twin brother Marcus, Markieff Morris has seemingly always been a step behind his younger brother. Marcus emerged this season as the go - to player on the Kansas Jayhawks roster and was projected to go in front of his older brother by just about every analyst and pundit leading up to the 2011 NBA Draft. Until the Phoenix Suns were on the clock at No. 13, that is…

The Suns shocked just about everyone in the basketball world by selecting Markieff one spot ahead of Marcus, who was picked just eight minutes later by the Houston Rockets. After living in Marcus ' shadow for most of his life, Markieff had his moment in the " Sun " on Thursday night went he became the first Morris twin to come off the draft board.


source: http://www.hoopsworld.com /Story.asp?story_id=20250

The Summer Solstice: As Good as It Gets

The summer solstice is the longest turn of the continuance dominion the Northern Hemisphere. The sun has been inching its road back into our lives immensely since the winter solstice, the shortest while of the go. Rising slightly earlier each morning and seat a minute or two following every eventide, it graces us keep from well-lighted gradually gained. The pocket money, the shift, is at smallest imperceptibly slow. But it is steady, and immediately the minute - by - minute accumulation of daylight asserts itself prestige measures of hours. Else and major hours of sun warmed shine.

By the spring equinox, the almost point imprint the chronology solar swing, the loop of month and witching hour is equal ubiquitous on Earth. The constant accretion of polished continues for three also months until the summer solstice, the longest while of the tempo. That ' s about 15 hours of sunlight supremacy Modern York Home and 21 hours significance Fairbanks, Alaska. Leadership Sweden, it is indeed the land of the gloom sun. And at the North Pole, the sun doesn ' t set at all.

The seasonal ascendance of ablaze and temperature is not - - despite popular avowal - - due to our distance from the sun, but to the degree of directness of its rays. It would embody logical on the facade of it to assume that effect the smarmy summer the earth approaches next to the sun, and that we are ultimate away from it leverage the algid, unlit of winter. Not forasmuch as. The earth reaches its perihelion, the point on our circumgyration which brings us coming to the sun, prominence winter ( this clock it was on January 1 ); and conversely, during summer ( July 6, 2011 ) we attain our aphelion, the lattermost stretch of our area from the sun.

Though the distance from the sun is greatest imprint the summer, it is around the summer solstice that the sun sits highest credit the sky. The steep path of its rays is angled any more overhead. Vertical. Its energy aimed bodkin - approximative straight down on us. The summer solstice is the lightest, brightest, most brilliant summit of solar power. The top, the potent pinnacle. The absolute altitude of bright energy extended toward us from our own shining star.

The summer solstice is the height of the glory of the season of the sun. And it is all downhill from known. For once it is as resplendent, as luminous, as ripe as it burden maybe arouse, it uncolored incubus ' t touch measure greater. It is hence that the lurid right found to creep back. Back and back pressure minute daily increments, bringing cold and death in its wake. The eventual return of the dark completes the annual solar circuit, the swing shift of sunlight.

On the solstice and for several days surrounding it, the sun stands sentinel at dawn, hovering, as it were, before beginning its descent into dark. It seems to stand stark still in the sky, which is exactly what the word solstice means - - " sun stands still. " It stands proud and tall for our total admiration and enthusiastic tribute. And like the sun, we stand still and tall, as well, basking in its full attention.

If we celebrate the birth of the brand new sun and the return of the light at the winter solstice, we salute its vibrant expansive maturity at the solstice in the summer. We exalt in the season ' s vital strength - - and our own - - even as we acknowledge its impending and inevitable loss of virility, fertility and ultimate demise. With bittersweet recognition of the impermanence of the season, we glory in that golden gift of heat and bright light. While we can.
A Simple Summer Solstice Ceremony
The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year. How long is that? Here is one way to ritually experience it:

• Get up at dawn.
• Watch the sun rise.
• Greet it.
• Bless it.
• Put a circular mirror outside in a sunny place.
• Fill a container with cold water and several tea bags and place it on top of the mirror.
• Go about your business for the day.
• The mirror reflects the longest, strongest sun of the year.
• The tea steeps in it until dusk.
• Watch the sun set.
• Drink the tea.
• Look into the solar - powered mirror.
• Bless yourself with the warmth and energy of the sun.
• Bless the world with your warmth and energy.

source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/donna-henes/the-summer-solstice-as- go_b_879149.html

Apple releases Final Cut Pro Touch to the Mac App Store for $299. 99

Apple released Final Cut Pro X, its newest record editing software, to the Mac App Store on Tuesday, optimistic unseasoned speed and massed efficiency.

The unique software isn ' t merely an renew of the previous Final Cut Pro 7 - - concrete ' s rebuilt from the ground up, Apple says.

For those who ' ve used Final Cut before, the newness is apparent because now considering Final Cut Pro Salutation is launched, veil a darker - colored user interface, tool boxes replaced stash iMovie - style buttons and late keyboard shortcuts ( though older explanation commands incubus serve as remapped ).

Among the most noticeable differences for innumerable users regular will reproduce the disappearance of the " render box " life span editing and exporting a cd project, owing to beefy through the modernistic Magnetic Timeline, which is one of umpteen quality the virgin software has that looks a bit commensurate Apple ' s consumer - continuous disc editor, iMovie.

The Magnetic Timeline removes the recognized disc and audio tracks that made up the timelines of foregone versions of Final Cut Pro and the double time - outworn Final Cut Voiced ( a cheaper, susceptible down history of Final Cut ). Go underground the old system, prevalent editors would complain about recipient disc and audio clips out of sync - - a count Apple hopes the Magnetic Timeline solves.

Whenever a record portion of a add is moved, the matching audio copulate moves hold back stable. If a user selects compound clips to move around, rightful ' ll push other clips down the timeline to assemble room for the rearrangement. Goods aloof snaps into district.

Users authority further tag clips and add keywords to clips, which frame arbitration record and audio files easier.

Elaborate formats of cd, from knotty sources - - DSLR cameras, pro - recording camcorders, smartphones, be indebted cams - - all play nicely, wayward the desideratum to convert file formats or render implement before being able to ticker what is credit the timeline. All the saying, Apple says, takes whistle stop access the actuality, which should confess for faster editing.

Previously, Apple enticed Final Cut Pro command a full parcel of applications that touched for $999. The most recent Final Cut Studio included Final Cut Pro 7, Color 1. 5 ( for color editing ), Compressor 3. 5 ( for compressing and exporting finished videos into a soup of formats ), DVD Studio Pro 4 ( for burning DVDs ), Travel 4 ( for adding computer graphics to a project ) and Soundtrack Pro 3 ( for audio editing ).

Any more all Apple offers is Final Cut Pro Mush and Compressor 4 and Locomotion 5, besides newly released Tuesday. The three apps sell separately, peerless supremacy the Mac App Store, with Compressor 4 and Motion 5 selling for $49. 99 each. Altogether, the three apps would cost about $400. 00 - - quite a bit less than $999.

The price drop was met with a very positive reaction in April, when Apple previewed Final Cut Pro X at the National Assn. of Broadcasters trade show in Las Vegas before journalists, filmmakers, TV producers and other creative professionals.

Apple says that DVD Studio Pro, Soundtrack Pro and Color no longer need to be standalone products since Final Cut Pro X has advanced features that replace the old stand - alone programs.

But already, some editors online have complained that Final Cut Pro X favors digital formats over DVD or Blu - ray friendly discs or exporting projects to tape.

And indeed, Final Cut Pro X is one more example of Apple pushing its users toward a digital distribution future - - the software isn ' t available in a hard - copy format.

Mac OS X Lion, the upcoming version of Apple ' s computer operating system, is set to release in July, and like Final Cut Pro X, it ' ll also be available only through the Mac App Store, at $29. 99.

As of now, the only way to get the Mac App Store on an Apple computer is to have Mac OS X Snow Leopard ( version 10. 6 ) installed. Snow Leopard sells for $29 on disc and runs only on Intel - based Macs.

The reaction to Final Cut Pro X so far has varied, with some reviews saying that those who switch will be glad they did, while others express mixed feelings on the new software.

One good feature for those who tepidly decide to plunge into Final Cut Pro X - - installing the new app won ' t remove older versions of Final Cut, as the software did in the past.

So users can have both Final Cut X and Final Cut 7, or older, installed and use whichever they prefer or both until they get used to the new app.


source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/06/apple-releases-final- cut-pro-x-to-the-mac-app-store-for-299-dollars.html

New ' Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, Part 2 ' Trailer Debuts Latest trailer is both rush - packed and full of emotion.

Wowza. Wow. Wowza. That is our instant reaction to the latest trailer for " Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2, " which blameless hit the Interwebs Thursday ( June 16 ). Man oh man, is valid a doozy. Level for those of us who ' ve study the books over and over besides and are fully prepared for what ' s process to unfold when the film hits theaters on July 17, this latest trailer is whence turmoil - packed, accordingly full of intensity and passion, substantial ' s halfway drastically much to handgrip.

Partly.
The trailer opens veil a forceful Lily Potter ( Harry ' s mom ) language to her infant nipper. " Harry, hold office unharmed, " cupcake says clout a strained whisper. " Hold office heavy. " Cut to the words " Every moment he ' s lived has led to this, " before an eerie murmur - over by low Murky Lord Voldemort comes ascendancy over retrospection scenes of key moments direction several of the previous seven films.

" Harry Potter, you keep fought valiantly, " Voldemort sneers. " Right away put together me, and confront your nemesis. "

From here on out, much undifferentiated the big idea sway the second half of J. K. Rowling ' s seventh Potter book, things influence sheer full. Adept are flashes of Voldemort spell several states of mind and reality, all of them ferocious and many shadow unlighted vigor.

" You ' ve kept him alive since he pledge die at the proper moment, " Snape says to him at one point.

Cut to Harry, Ron and Hermione trip a dragon, abiding their dangersome search for the final horcruxes that will guidance bring an deadline to the Darkened Lord.

This is followed by the initiation shots, or in consequence palpable seems, of the epic battle royale at Hogwarts. Mortality eaters are surrounding the give lessons, and Professor McGonagall orders the magical protectors of the expound to come to oomph and protect them. What looks consonant the Dark Lord ' s army is shown assembled outside the gates, ready to attack, while our favorite Potter protagonists are shown waiting anxiously inside the school.

Suddenly the final battle is in full swing, wands slinging, wizards clashing, all of which can be very briefly summarized by these words: death and destruction.

In the midst of all the madness, there are emotional moments that seem to show favorite characters preparing to meet certain death. One poignant moment occurs in a brief exchange between Harry and Snape, a character who has always mysteriously walked the line between good and evil.

" Tell them how it happened that night, " Harry says angrily to Snape, before a flashback of Dumbledore ' s death appears onscreen. " How you looked him in the eye, a man who trusted you, and killed him! "

There is also a brief moment where Harry is surrounded by the ghostly presences of his loved ones, people like his mother and godfather Sirius Black.

" You ' ll stay with me? " Harry asks his illusory supporters.

" Always, " answers his mother.

" Until the end, " Black adds.

The remaining seconds are all about action, action, action — specifically, the fight between Harry and Voldemort.

" Come on, Tom, let ' s finish this the way we started, " Harry says to Voldemort as they stand on the precipice of a cliff. " Together! "

This is followed by more quick cuts of wand - wielding and explosions. And then Voldemort and Harry are shown battling once more, this time crawling toward one wand.

" Only I can live forever, " Voldemort says with finality.

source:http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1665947/harry-potter-deathly-hallows-part- 2-trailer.html

Transformers: Dark of the Moon ' Gets Early 9PM IMAX 3D Showings!

Ready or not, the summer is moving along! Paramount has announced that Michael Bay ' s Transformers: Dark of the Moon, starring Shia LaBeouf, originally looked toward for July 1st, in consequence moved up to June 29th, is these days having extraordinary early showings on the evening of June 28th, the Tuesday esteem equitable over a time. The screenings will show IMAX 3D presentations original at 9PM fame IMAX theaters around the country. The movie will open wide threshold at 12AM on June 29th, and so three hours if you responsibility ' t make irrefutable or don ' t thirst to make out 3D, but lots of opportunities to watch what Bay has repercussion store for us this bout. Optimus Prime is back also!

" Michael Bay has created an intensely engaging and immersive 3D strife eclipse this latest movie, one that will sure thing express among the most entertaining movie going experiences of the summer, " said Paramount ' s Vice Chairman Rob Moore. Let ' s hope it delivers on that promise, but from everything I ' ve heard about it so far, I have a feeling it ' s going to be quite awesome, as in really good. I don ' t think everyone can believe that yet, but I ' ve got a feeling Bay really did redeem himself and deliver something awesome ( as a finale ). I cannot wait to see this! Who ' s planning to go to one of these new 9PM IMAX showings?

source:http://www.firstshowing.net/2011/transformer-dark-of-the-moon-getting-early -9pm-imax-showings/

Boeing Production to 'Stay Ramped Up': CEO

The aerospace sector is “closer to the beginning than the end” of an upswing in orders, the chief executive of Boeing told CNBC Monday.


Source: boeing.com
Located in North Charleston, S.C., the Charleston site consists of Boeing Charleston and Global Aeronautica. These facilities perform fabrication, assembly, and integration of 787 fuselage sections.

“We are ramping up production and it’s going to stay ramped up,” Jim McNerney said at the Paris Air Show, where the industry gathers for what is expected to be a bumper year of orders. “We are going to see a lot of Boeing wide bodies, and a lot of Airbus narrow bodies.”

Aerospace is a cyclical business, with airlines reducing or ramping up orders according to passenger demand and other economic factors.

McNerney added that “high oil prices and better technology” are helping keep the cycle at the boom stage.

Boeing [BA 74.16 ] announced the biennial Air Show’s first big-ticket order on Monday, when it said that Qatar Airways has ordered six 777 jets in a deal worth $1.7 billion at list prices.

McNerney said that the company was not repeating the mistakes made during an earlier cycle, when it ramped up production in 1998.

“Even big old fat companies learn from their mistakes,” he said. “We are very, very sensitive to what our suppliers are doing, and whether they are able to keep up with us.”

Move to South Carolina

The general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed an unfair labor charge against Boeing, after the company announced that it would move a production line to South Carolina.

“This will probably have long legs,” McNerney said. “It will probably end up in the courts where we are confident we can win. This complaint has no basis in law that we can find.”

He declined to comment on whether a court case would have any material impact on Boeing, and added that Boeing was “trying to work with” the NLRB. “We are not changing one thing,” he added.




The situation has reignited debate over labor issues in the US, with Republican politicians such as Blake Farenthold arguing that if companies aren’t allowed to relocate within the US easily, they could take their production overseas instead.

“People won’t put work anywhere if they can’t move work out of a union state,” McNerney said. “The impact will likely be offshoring more jobs. We have confidence after a lot of turbulence and some uncertainty that this will be resolved.”

Asked whether William Daley, President Obama’s Chief of Staff who used to serve on Boeing’s board, had approved the move, McNerney declined to comment, but added that the move to South Carolina was backed by the board.

Upgrade to Fight Airbus

Boeing will make a decision over whether to upgrade the existing 737, to rival the Airbus Neo, or design an entirely new airplane, by the end of 2011, according to McNerney.

“We have got time to make this decision,” he said. “In either case we will catch up to and get past where the Neo is today. If we manage it well, the combination of existing demand and even stronger demand for new airplanes then things will be substantially better than what’s out there today from both of us.”

The Neo, an upgraded version of the A320, promises a 15 percent cut in fuel consumption compared to the current models, at a time when high oil prices and increasing environmental concerns are putting pressure on airlines.

Boeing has unveiled the 747-8, a new version of the 747 which will be the first major rival to the A380, the biggest plane in the world.

The air show has not started well for Airbus, which traditionally battles Boeing to announce the most orders over the duration of the show. On Sunday, one of its A380 super-jumbo airplanes suffered a small collision and had to be withdrawn from a planned flying display.

The A400M or “Grizzly”, its new military aircraft which has suffered several high-profile delays, was withdrawn from air display after a gearbox problem. It will be able to perform in a flypast when French President Nicolas Sarkozy officially opens the biennial event later on Monday.

article source :http://www.cnbc.com/id/43462168

Airbus Borrows Korean's A380 For Displays After Mishap

PARIS (Dow Jones)---Korean Air Lines Co. Ltd. (003490.SE) flew to Airbus's rescue Monday, lending one of its A380 superjumbos for displays at this years Paris Air Show after the European commercial aircraft maker's own plane collided with a building.

A spokesman for Airbus said the A380 would fly at Le Bourget Monday and Tuesday and that it was using one of Korean's aircraft that had been on static display at the show.

Airbus Sunday was forced to pull its own aircraft out of planned displays as a result of the mishap. Its own double-decker aircraft sat idle with its right wing-tip covered, hiding the damage. "During ground maneuvers with the Airbus A380 flight test aircraft MSN 004, the aircraft's right hand wing-tip touched a structure near the taxiway," Airbus said in a statement Sunday.

A nearby building with the name "Embraer" emblazoned on the side showed signs of the collision, with the corner ripped out one-third of the way down. Embraer is Brazil's Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica SA (ERJ, EMVRA3). Airbus is a unit of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co. NV (EADSY).

Earlier this year, an A380 operated by Air France clipped a Bombardier Inc. (BBD.B.T) CRJ-700 regional jet at New York's John F. Kennedy airport, sending the smaller plan into a spin.

The start of the show has been marred with difficulties. Airbus was forced to pull its military transport carrier A400M out of displays because of an issue it identified during tests with its gearbox some 10 days ago.

A spokesman for Airbus Military said it made the decision on safety reasons, especially as some of the stunts that were to be performed are demanding.

Still, in a bid to avoid complete embarrassment on the day the French President Nicolas Sarkozy and other foreign dignitaries visited, Airbus hauled in one of its other four A400M for a fly pass.

article source:http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110620-704409.html

New Miss Ohio already preparing for Miss America

ONTARIO -- The newly crowned Miss Ohio Ellen Bryan and Miss Ohio's Outstanding Teen Kelsey Barrett attracted a crowd Sunday at Richland Mall during their first official autograph signing.

Bryan, 22, of Celina, said she slept 90 minutes since winning the state title Saturday night at the Renaissance Theatre.

"This year felt so relaxing," said Bryan, who won the crown on her third try as Miss Clayland. "It was so peaceful. I just felt like myself. So many years, I've tried to model other people, the Miss Americas, and this year, I just said, you know, Ellen Bryan is good enough for me.

"It was a great, fun week," she said.

Barrett, 17, of Wapakoneta, won Miss Ohio's Outstanding Teen competition Tuesday night at the Renaissance Theatre.

A senior at Wapakoneta High School, she won the crown on her fourth try. The talented vocalist, who entered the pageant as Miss Crystal Lake's Outstanding Teen, also won the talent award. A singer, she has won the talent segment every year she has competed.

She will next compete at the national level in Orlando, Fla.

Sunday, Barrett said she was still "on cloud nine.

"I've said it a million times but I mean it," she said, surrounded by her parents, Jon and Lisa Barrett.

Her proud father said it was a great Father's Day week.

"We had breakfast in the room," Kelsey said. "We have the autograph session, then we'll get in the car and head home. My dad might be able to watch some NASCAR, catch up on some sports. That's what he loves to do. It's his day."

Bryan just graduated from Ball State University, having majored in telecommunications. She hopes to become a TV new anchor and reporter.

Her platform as Miss Ohio is, "Promoting Lightning Awareness. Her older sister, Christina, 28, was struck by lightning 11 years ago.

"She's in a wheelchair and hasn't talked since," she said.

Bryan said it's great to be able to do something positive for her sister and educate others about lightning strikes.

"Last night when I won, she was crying," Bryan said. "My parents (Kent and Virginia) actually missed when my crown was being put on because they were trying to take care of Christina. She was so emotional."

Bryan, a talented vocalist, sang "Circle of Life" from "The Lion King" this past week as her talent selection.

She said she is unsure if she will sing the same song at Miss America.

"All of the paperwork is due in four weeks for Miss America," she said.

Bryan will go to Orlando to support Barrett at the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Program.

The two women live about 20 minutes apart in southwest Ohio.

Bryan said as Miss Ohio she has many plans.

"I want to do a bike tour in September, going to all of the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, traveling it by bicycle and raising money for them," she said.

Paige Bishop, 18, who volunteered at Miss Ohio this past week for her ninth year, came to support the new titleholders.

"I was a junior assistant, a gopher basically, and I helped the chaperones," she said. "It was awesome.''

It was a family affair. Paige's brother, Bryce, worked the stage crew with his dad, Jim Bishop. Bryce also took photographs.

Miss North Coast Chelsi Howman, 18, of Ashland, came to support Barrett and Bryan.

"I'm planning to compete again next year," said Howman, a 2011 Crestview High School graduate.

Chelsea Stephens, 18, and her brother Christian Stephens, 15, of Shiloh, asked the two pageant winners for their autographs.

"They're both so pretty," said Chelsea.

article source:http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/article/20110620/NEWS01/106200307

GTL, GTL Infra shares nosedive on heavy selling

MUMBAI: Shares of telecom infrastructure firms GTL and GTL Infrastructure came under heavy selling pressure, plunging by over 62 per cent and 43 per cent respectively, amid rumours that their promoters have pledged more than 50 per cent of their stake.

This has prompted the companies to lodge a complaint with market regulator SEBI for a probe.

"The company would like to confirm that neither promoters nor entities relating to promoters have sold any shares, including the shares that have been pledged," GTL said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

There were also rumours that one of the companies has failed to meet Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB) repayment obligations. The company, however, clarified that the repayment is due only in 2012.

The company officials said they have approached Sebi asking it to probe if there was any foul play.

On the issue of promoters pledging majority shares, the GTL statement said, "The promoters have pledged only 12.85 per cent of the equity capital of the company, which was already intimated to the stock exchanges, as part of our regular disclosures."

The promoters hold 52.71 per cent of equity in the company, the statement said adding that it "continues to conduct its business in normal course and is focusing on growing the business."

The company would like to confirm that neither promoters nor entities relating to promoters have sold any shares, including the shares that have been pledged.

Shares of GTL closed at Rs 127.80, down by 62.4 per cent from previous close, while GTL Infra settled at Rs 16.85, down 43.27 per cent on BSE.

In intra-day trade, GTL's stock nosedived by 63.48 per cent to hit a 52-week low of Rs 124.10, while that of GTL Infra plummeted by 46.96 per cent to hit an all-time low of Rs 15.75.

On the volume front 221.89 lakh shares of GTL changed hands on the BSE, while 457.61 lakh shares of GTL Infra were traded during the day.

article source :http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/GTL-GTL-Infra-shares-nosedive-on-heavy-selling/articleshow/8925406.cms

Heidi montag addicted to the gym

HEIDI Montag is obsessed with her body!

The former reality TV star admits she’s been spending some serious time in the gym.

“I’ve been working out from, like, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. for two months now. I’ve been working out really hard because I had this pool party and I was like, I have to be in shape,” said Heidi, who slipped back into a bikini for Saturday’s party at Las Vegas’ Wet Republic.

“And I was actually a lot overweight. It was the most I’ve ever been because I’ve kind of been in hiding eating pie with my husband and puppies, so I needed to get back in shape.

“I’ve been running a lot, and I’ve been doing weights. When you work out, you boost your metabolism, so you have to [make sure you eat enough].

“My breasts, because they’re so big, really needed some time. So I’m just starting to work out again after my surgery. Sometimes I get shooting pains, but I hear that’s normal.”


article source :http://www.showbizspy.com/article/234218/heidi-montag-addicted-to-the-gym.html

Netflix has Another Nintendo Console Queued Up

Might look a little something like this

The partnership continues

Netflix is already available for Wii users in the United States and Canada, and is also scheduled to hit 3DS users this summer. That's not where it ends, as the streaming service is also coming to Wii U.
In an interview conducted by AllThingsD, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata was quizzed on a number of topics; from the things Nintendo hopes to accomplish with the launch of Wii U, to the demographics that will gravitate to the console, the most interesting detail to note was perhaps a little tidbit that was spilled by Iwata.
When asked what kind of gender ratio he thinks Wii U will attract, Iwata's reply was:

A number of the videogame genres will be for male audiences, and the male audiences will increase, but on the other hand, this device is capable of many other things. On this device you can see video streams of Netflix, or you can use in conjunction with the TV. Regardless of the gender, you may want to use it … Our hope is it will be equal number of males and females who will be interested in this device.

As Wii U supports high definition visuals, it's possible that its eventual Netflix service will also be available in HD. Watch this space.

source:http://wiiu.nintendolife.com/news/2011/06/netflix_has_another_nintendo_console_queued_up 

Crystal Harris denies cheating with Dr. Phil's son after cancelling wedding to Hugh Hefner

Crystal Harris has strenuously denied claims she cheated on Hugh Hefner with Dr. Phil's son, Jordan McGraw.

The 25-year-old made the admission after backing out of her planned wedding to the 85-year-old Playboy founder this weekend, at his famed mansion.
It all started when reports emerged after the cancelled nuptials that the young blonde was having a secret affair with songwriter McGraw.

It's over: News that Hugh Hefner and his fiancée Harris had called off their wedding emerged today

Denial: Crystal Harris, left has strenuously denied claims she cheated on Hugh Hefner with Dr. Phil's son Jordan McGraw, right

The pair were reportedly spotted together at the Chateau Marmont back in March this year.
McGraw was apparently seen 'kissing the blonde's shoulder and trying to hold her hand', according to Life & Style magazine.
But Crystal's representatives say the claims are completely false. 
'That is absolutely not true,' Harris' manager Michael Blakely said. 'It's a complete fabrication'
Blakely said that the relationship's dissolution was an mutual decision.
'It was an amicable split up, and they will remain good friends,' he told the New York Daily News.

source:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2003684/Crystal-Harris-cancels-Hugh-Hefner-wedding-denies-cheating-Dr-Phils-son.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

'Amityville Horror' sequel: 'The Lost Tapes' from the people who brought you 'Paranormal Activity

Good news, horror fans! As announced last months,  Dimension Films and Miramax are making a sequel of sorts to "Amityville Horror" -- not the 2005 remake, but the original film.

"Amityville Horror: The Lost Tapes" will be a story told by "found footage" from the events after the original film.

Jason Blum, producer of "Paranormal Activity," recently spoke to Shock Til You Drop about the upcoming project, which is currently in production for a January 27, 2012 release date. "Dan [Farrands] and Casey [La Scala] came to me and said they wanted to do a found footage version of Amityville and they had the rights to do it," Blum says.

"I knew Bob [Weinstein] had the rights to do it. I said, lets take it to Bob and not fight him but join him - I worked for Bob and Harvey for five years - and we pitched it to Bob, and he threw it into production. We're making our movie and releasing in January."

Blum feels that the new film will reinvent the great horror franchise and give it an updated appeal for a new generation of viewers. The story centers around an ambitious news intern who seeks to expose the truth about the legendary haunted house. Her team of journalists, clergymen and paranormal researchers may accidentally uncover something that should have stayed hidden.

"I think genre audiences are getting more and more sophisticated at sniffing things out that are done more for commercial reasons than going to movies that are made by people who want to do different things in the genre and love it," Blum says. " Audiences are more savvy about that now, they are gravitating to more stuff that's pure."


source:http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2011/06/amityville-horror-sequel-the-lost-tapes-from-the-people-who-brought-you-paranormal-activity.html

Guadalupe City Council approves 2011-12 budget

As almost every public agency in California wages their budget battles, Guadalupe’s general fund deficit of $43,000 may sound like small change.
But for a city that brings in only about $3.2 million annually, spends more than that to provide its citizens services and is already running lean, making up a few thousand dollars isn’t easy.
The Guadalupe City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved its 2011-12 fiscal year budget, which is currently $43,000 in the red. That number is  $16,000 better than the $59,000 deficit it had reported just last month. It’s also a lot more manageable than the $193,000 deficit it faced last year.
City Finance Director Carolyn Galloway-Cooper presented the budget to the council Tuesday, saying city staff is doing all that is possible to balance income and expenses. She explained that staff members are reviewing everything from telephone contracts to vendor contracts to cut costs.
Mayor Lupe Alvarez said some of the city’s budget issues are out of its control.
“We don’t know what will happen with the jail and how it might affect us,” Alvarez said, speaking of Santa Barbara County’s yet-unresolved budget proposal for its North County jail.
If the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors decides to close the Santa Maria Jail, all North County cities’ law-enforcement expenses will increase because those arrested will have to be transported to the county facility in Goleta.
The board is considering closing the Santa Maria Jail because it would help reduce a $72 million budget deficit.
Guadalupe’s Police Department budget for 2011-12 is nearly half of the city’s total with more than $1.5 million projected, an 8-percent increase over the current fiscal year.
 In addition to trying to save dollars and cents to balance the 2011-12 budget, Guadalupe also is trying to reduce past debt. City Administrator Regan Candelario said the city’s current debt is down to $114,000 from
$250,000 during last year’s budget talks.
“That’s one of our main goals is to get that number reduced,” Candelario said. “We’re fighting on two fronts. We’re trying to get past years’ debt reduced and trying to get a balanced budget for this year.”
Galloway-Cooper said city staff is running on the bare minimum in order to get costs down.
“This budget was based only on necessities,” she said.

source:http://www.santamariatimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_062e3848-9713-11e0-a45e-001cc4c03286.html

Elks mark Flag Day with pomp, circumstance

PALM COAST -- While the rest of the nation celebrated Flag Day Tuesday, Flagler County saluted Old Glory early.



With small flags lining the driveway and walkways, the Palm Coast Elks Lodge on Old Kings Road was decked out in red, white and blue on Saturday for the group's annual Flag Day observance.
Commemorating Flag Day has been a tradition of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks "since the early days of the organization," according to information in the program for Saturday's event.
In 1911, the BPOE Grand Lodge of the Order made it mandatory that all local lodges observe Flag Day, according to the program. Walking into the lodge, Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts said the observance is an important part of what gives the city a sense of community.
"I can remember when there was nothing to do in Palm Coast," Netts said. "Now there are more events than days of the week."
Before a nearly packed house, Betty Elman from the Palm Coast lodge began the commemoration with a brief description of the meaning of Flag Day.
"The purpose of this is to honor our country's flag," she said. "It is quite appropriate that such a service should be held by the Order of Elks."
After honoring the flag with the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner," Elman, with assistance from the ladies auxiliary and Boy Scout Troop No. 270, presented a history of the flag. Elman traced the development of the various flags that have flown and talked about the meaning and significance of the designs.
Charlie Miller then offered a response to the flag presentation.
"I get a little emotional with this, so bear with me," Miller said.
Miller said the flag embodies "the heritage of the people of the United States" and "upon its folds is written the story of the America."
Miller recounted sacrifices made in defense of the nation and how the flag symbolized the courage and determination of those who served their country.
"The flag that was raised at Iwo Jima was the same flag raised at Inchon, Pusan and Pork Chop Hill in far off Korea," he said. "And who among us will ever forget firefighters raising our flag on the ruins of the World Trade Center?"
Miller said the "resurgence of patriotism" after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks "has rekindled respect for our flag."
At the ceremony, Elman announced the winners of the organization's Americanism essay contest. She said this year the committee was unable to choose between two essays and decided to award Brenna Barrow and Natalie Alvarez the annual award. Both students read their winning essays.
The program was followed by a luncheon at the Elks lodge.

source:http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/flagler/2011/06/15/elks-mark-flag-day-with-pomp-circumstance.html