Owner: We MaKe ThE LiFe EaSiEr! URL:http://life-easier.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 05:25:27 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: news, movie/music reviews and many more amazing articles Site statistics:Click here
Gates sees Microsoft leading Sony in video games 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Microsoft
chairman Bill Gates
has called the early success of its Xbox 360 game console a role-reversing change of fortune for the software giant looking to overtake market leader Sony
. Gates also announced Microsoft would offer an Xbox 360 that doubles as a set-top box for its fledgling Internet television (IPTV) service, or a 'living room device that does it all". The Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3 console and Nintendo's Wii game machi Read more:video
GOOGLE PARTNERS WITH CHINESE SERVICE PROVIDERS 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Google, the world's largest Internet search engine, and Xunlei Network Technology have reportedly forged a strategic partnership to serve telecom consumers in China, the world's second-largest Internet market.A Google spokesman declined to give details on the arrangement, but according to wire services, the China Daily reported that Google will team up with Ceyuan Ventures, a venture capital firm in Shanghai, to buy a stake in Xunlei, which is headquartered in Shenzhen.Xunlei offers music and video file-sharing services. The company claims more than 120 million users. According to industry sources, Xunlei's website attracts more than 50 million visitors a day and more than 80 million users have downloaded its software.Google, which recently bought online video-sharing company YouTube, has sought to expand its presence in the online video market.In a related development, Google announced it has formed a partnership with China Mobile, that nation's largest telecommunications carrie
Verizon offers live TV on cell phones 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The new Verizon
Wireless service will offer live broadcast TV on cell phones. And Verizon Communications will launch its next generation of Fios TV service, which will allow viewers to search for content and access video, photos and games more easily on all screens in the home. Both services are expected to launch within the next three months. Details on pricing will be announced at a later date, the company said. "Fifty or even five years ago, few people could not have fathomed these two products," said Denny Strigl, chief operating officer of Verizon. "And they are only just the beginning. We think if you look at Verizon and its three powerful networks--wireless, fiber and our backbone network--we have an unparalleled opportunity into the future." The new wireless service will offer viewers full-length and live programming from a number of networks, including NBC, CBS, Fox and MTV. The service, which will air shows after they appear on regular broadcast television, differs from Veri
The Nokia N800 Internet Tablet 1970-01-01 00:59:59 At the CES conference in Las Vegas today, Nokia
introduced its next generation widescreen Nokia Nseries multimedia computer, the Nokia N800 InternetTablet
.The sleek Nokia N800 combines a truly personal Internet experience with easy wireless connections, high resolution display and support for a wide variety of Internet applications.The Nokia N800 Internet Tablet has been optimized for enjoying the familiar Web experience anytime, anywhere.The Nokia N800 is built to be constantly in use.Internet calling, instant messaging and email keep you in touch with friends and family.With stereo audio, media support and new ergonomic design the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet is a portable Internet entertainment device; you will enjoy streamed or downloaded content free away from fixed location.Building on the success of the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet, the Nokia N800 introduces faster performance, full screen finger qwerty keyboard, easier continuous connections through Wi-Fi or via Bluetooth phone, in
Movie Review: United 93 and World Trade Center - A Tale of Two 9/11 Films 1970-01-01 00:59:59 In the past year, two films relating to 9/11 have been released: United
93, directed by Paul Greengrass, and WorldTradeCenter
, directed by Oliver Stone. Both have suffered at the box office and have revealed what many industry insiders have suspected: It is too soon for Hollywood to deal with 9/11. Now that these films are on DVD, I offer a comparison. Cinematic Masterpiece I can't believe I was, at first, suckered into not seeing United 93, Paul Greengrass's cinematic masterpiece. People told me "It was too depressing!" or "It is not the right time to make this film!" Having seen a recent documentary on Flight 93, I decided I would sit out this film because I did not want to experience the same heartache I did when watching the documentary.When renting it a couple of months ago, I saw what my eyes had missed from the movie screen: a touching - often heartbreaking - and well-documented film that chronicles the events of September 11, 2001, but concentrates on the heroes Read more:Films
, Movie Review
, Trade Center
Tips for Protecting the Home Computer 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Botnet programs and other malicious software largely take aim at PCs running the Microsoft Windows operating system, because Windows' ubiquity makes it fertile ground for network-based attacks. Using a non-Windows-based PC may be one defense against these programs, known as malware; in addition, anti-malware programs and antivirus utilities for the PC are available from several vendors. Windows users should use the Windows Update feature.Microsoft itself entered the computer-security business last year and now offers a free malware-removal tool for download from its Web site. The company says the program removes about two million pieces of malware each month, of which 200,000, or about 10 percent, are botnet infections. Like Windows, Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser is also a large, convenient target for code-writing vandals. Alternative browsers, like Firefox and Opera, may insulate users. Microsoft's most recent browser release, Internet Explorer 7, is said to offer Read more:Protecting
, Computer
Ford, Microsoft launch car software system 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Ford Motor Co. unveiled on Saturday a new entertainment and communication system running on software from Microsoft
Corp. that aims to bring the connectivity of a computer to the car.The "Sync" system allows drivers to make hands-free phone calls, listen to music on digital media players, including Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod, and have cell phone text messages read aloud.Ford and Microsoft announced Sync on the eve of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.Microsoft wouldn't say if it planned to pitch Sync to other auto makers, but Velle Kolde, a senior product manager, said the company saw an opportunity to put its software in more than 600 million cars worldwide.Computer systems for cars represents a potentially lucrative opportunity for the world's largest software maker as it looks to branch out from its core computer business."Microsoft certainly has its eyes on that market," said Gartner analyst David Smit
Best 10 albums of the year 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The list: 1. The Beatles - Love2. The Knife - Silent Shout3. Bruce Springsteen - We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions4. Various Artists - Monsieur Gainsbourg Revisited5. Joanna Newsom - Ys6. Liars - Drums Not Dead7. Justin Timberlake - Future Sex/Love Sounds8. Bob Dylan - Modern Times9. Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings The Flood10. The Roots - Game Theory Read more:albums
Microsoft Reveals 10.4 Million X360s Shipped- Xbox 360 IPTV Plans 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Speaking at CES in Las Vegas, Microsoft
's Bill Gates and Robbie Bach announced that the company has shipped 10.4 million units of its Xbox
360 worldwide up to the end of 2006, also revealing an early look at IPTV for the Xbox 360.As well as confirmed that it had exceeded expectations by hitting the 10.4 million console mark this holiday season, the company described the Xbox 360 as "the largest social network in the living room", with 5 million Xbox Live members.In addition, in just over a year, people have downloaded more than 100 million pieces of content to their Xbox 360 consoles, which include game content, television shows and movies, according to a Microsoft statement timed to coincide with the press conference.Robbie Bach provided an early look at a new service, IPTV on Xbox 360, which will include digital video recording capabilities, with gaming, movie viewing, and even voice and video communications. Apparently, users will be able to watch their favorite sporting event liv
Oscar watchers narrow list of top film nominees 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Anika Noni Rose, Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson in a scene from the film 'Dreamgirls', which is nominated for five Golden Globe awards. LOS ANGELES - Hollywood experts have narrowed their guesses for best film Oscar
candidates to a short list including widely touted musical Dreamgirls and crime thriller The Departed, after seeing this week's key award nominations.Close behind on the short list are comedy Little Miss Sunshine and searing cultural drama Babel. Several industry pundits caution that the final spot on the list of five vying for the movies' top honour could go to one of a range of films.The Queen, an inside look at the British royals, director Clint Eastwood's Letters from Iwo Jima, which tells the Japanese side of the World War II battle, September 11 drama United 93, and the comeback story this season, Bobby, about the legacy of former US Senator Robert Kennedy, are all being given a shot - if even a slim one in some cases."It's an incredibly stable group, b
Technology to speed up your laptop computer 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Patience may be a virtue, but when it comes to getting faster boot-up times for computers, no one will complain. That's why a new industry alliance is promoting a hybrid technology to speed the start-up process for laptops. Five leading hardware makers have come together to push for a new storage component that incorporates NAND flash memory onto a computer's hard drive. In addition to boosting a computer's ability to access stored data, the so-called hybrid hard drive also would prolong a laptop's battery life, according to the newly formed Hybrid Storage Alliance. The founding members of the alliance are Fujitsu, Hitachi, Samsung Seagate Technology
, and Toshiba. NAND flash is a type of memory commonly used in MP3 players and digital cameras. Unlike hard drives, which store data on spinning disks, flash memory stores the information on a microchip. This form of memory retains data even when the appliance is turned off, allowing more immediate access to information than with a
Movie Review: Happily N'Ever After 1970-01-01 00:59:59 One thing became abundantly clear the further I got into watching Happily N'Ever After. It was apparent that the title wasn't just a clever title - it was indicative of the lack of fun it contained. I went in hoping it would be along the lines of last year's Hoodwinked, which was very enjoyable. Happly N'Ever After just plodded along, never catching stride, and rehashing jokes that have been done before. A shame, really. I wanted to like it, but sadly the energy was as leaden as the story turned out to be. The story has the Wicked Stepmother (Sigourney Weaver), of Cinderella fame, band together all the villains of Fairytale Land to put an end to the cycle of happy endings that plagues all the tales. Fighting on the side of good is Cinderella, better known here as Ella (Sarah Michelle Gellar). Ella has the twofold adventure of trying to meet the man of her dreams, the dumber than a bag of hammers Prince Charming (the brilliant Patrick Warburton), while also putting a stop to he Read more:Movie Review
Blockbuster reaches agreement to sell Rhino Video Games to GameStop 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Blockbuster Inc. has reached a definitive agreement for the sale of its Rhino
Video Games
chain to GameStop
Corp. for an undisclosed price. The sale is expected to close by the end of January.Rhino Video Games
is a regional retail chain specializing in buying, selling and trading video games. Rhino currently has 72 stores located in the Southeastern U.S. including Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.John Antioco, Blockbuster Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Today's announcement is in line with our goal to maintain focus on our Blockbuster-branded assets. We wish the Rhino concept ongoing success under its new ownership, and while games remain an integral part of our Blockbuster business, we will continue to focus on growing our overall share of the video rental market both through our stores and through BLOCKBUSTER Total Access(TM), which gives our online subscribers the option of returning their DVDs through the mail or exchanging them Read more:Blockbuster
Helicopter pilots reach south pole in world record attempt 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Two British helicopter pilots on a record-seeking journey to fly around the world by way of the poles have reached the south pole three days ahead of schedule, a spokeswoman for the duo said Monday. Reaching the south pole Sunday marked a milestone for Jennifer Murray and Colin Bodill, both of whom were seriously hurt in 2003 when they crashed in Antarctica while trying to set the same record. Murray, 66, and Bodill, 55, have traveled more than 10,000 miles since leaving Fort Worth on Dec. 5, said Emma Drew, who has stayed in contact with the pilots by sattelite phone. They have about 26,000 miles and 94 remaining stops to make in their Bell 407 helicopter. Murray was the first woman to pilot a helicopter around the world in 1997, and in 2000 was the first woman to do it solo. Read more:Helicopter
, attempt
Win XP 20 things you do not know 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Now it's time go into bit deeper and uncover some of Windows XP's secrets.1. It boasts how long it can stay up. Whereas previous versions of Windows were coy about how long they went between boots, XP is positively proud of its stamina. Go to the Command Prompt in the Accessories menu from the All Programs start button option, and then type 'systeminfo'. The computer will produce a lot of useful info, including the uptime. If you want to keep these, type 'systeminfo > info.txt'. This creates a file called info.txt you can look at later with Notepad. (Professional Edition only).2. You can delete files immediately, without having them move to the Recycle Bin first. Go to the Start menu, select Run... and type ' gpedit.msc'; then select User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Explorer and find the Do not move deleted files to the Recycle Bin setting. Set it. Poking around in gpedit will reveal a great many interface and system options, but take ca Read more:things
PS3 Charging Base, PS2 Controller Adapter Coming 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Nyko today unveiled a line up of Playstation 3 peripherals that include a charging base for the Sixaxis and an adapter for using PS2 controllers on your PS3. While there are a couple of products that piqued my interest, the most interesting by far is the Play Adapter
which will let you use Dual Shock controllers, racing wheels and yes, oh yes, a Guitar Hero controller on your Playstation 3. I know these are already out there, but they are impossible to find right now, so hopefully this will ease that problem. The Play Adapter will sell for $15. The Charging
Base is another cool idea. It lets you charge up to four PS3 controllers with a wall outlet and sells for $40. There's also a two controller model that sells for $25. Another cool item is the Blue Com Wireless Headset for the PS, which uses Bluetooth 2.0 for in-game chatting. It's going to be $60. The press release on the jump also details the PS3 Intercooler, an HDMI cable, a non-HDMI cable and a 10-foot-long cable for PS3 ch
Yahoo! Instant Messaging Gets a Makeover for Vista 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The evolution of online chatting continues with Yahoo
!'s recent announcement that they're working on a brand new version of Yahoo! Instant Messenger that is tailored specifically for Windows Vista
. In a world where some of my friends would rather chat via instant messenger than pick up the phone to call me, giant leaps are being made to accommodate those friends and improve the interface and functionality of Yahoo! Instant Messenger for Vista. The tab interface that is now so popular with internet chatting is making an appearance, and the screens look very organized and streamlined. More information than ever before is also available at a glance. Change the look of your contact list on the fly, with different interface options, or use the Windows Vista Sidebar to keep up with your best friends without ever opening Yahoo! Instant Messaging
. If your friends have an Xbox Live, or a Flickr account, you can view that information through your contact list. Automated groups are also cre Read more:Makeover
Movie Review: The Pursuit of Happyness 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Your first question is probably, "Why is "happyness' spelled with a "y?'" No worries; the answer arrives within minutes of the opening. Your second question is most likely, "How good is Will Smith's performance?" No fear; the answer becomes apparent mid-film.The Pursuit of Happyness
is not only a vehicle to showcase the depth and emotion of a truly developed actor in his prime. It is also a heartrending story that drains you of all selfishness and pumps you full of willpower. It pushes the importance of protecting dreams and being a go-getter in the most destitute of circumstances and it truly comes close to leaving you without breath.The plot is "inspired by a true story," and the film itself is laid out into chapters. They are titled "Riding the Bus," "Being Stupid," "Running," "Internship," and "Happiness"Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is a salesman who constantly strives to support his family, wife Linda (Thandie Newton) and son Christoph Read more:Movie Review
Samsung and Google Align to Create Rich Experience for Mobile Phone Users Worldwide 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Samsung, a leading provider and innovator of mobile phones, and Google
Inc. today announced a global cooperation to enable mobile phone users worldwide with quick and easy access to GoogleTM products and services - directly from their Samsung mobile phones. Samsung mobile phones equipped with GoogleTM applications will enable consumers to search information, find locations, and manage their email on the move. Samsung's mobile phones offer today's latest technologies with unique applications and mobile designs. Now, the combination of GoogleTM applications and Samsung's advanced mobile devices represents two companies' dedication to offering a hassle-free mobile Internet experience for consumers world-wide. Beginning in early 2007, selected Samsung phones will be provided with a range of GoogleTM products and services aimed to create a more dynamic user experience, including:GoogleTM search: Samsung handsets will include a GoogleTM icon in the application menu, providing users with Read more:Samsung
, Align
, Mobile
, Worldwide
Bird flu: H5N1 virus detected in HK 1970-01-01 00:59:59 A dead wild bird recently found in Hong Kong has tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu. The dead "scaly-breasted munia" was discovered in the busy shopping area of Causeway Bay on New Year's Eve. Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said the bird was the only one of six dead birds found that tested positives for the deadly virus
. Local authorities stepped up inspections, and workers have cleaned the area where the infected bird was found. Officials have reminded people to observe good personal hygiene and to avoid contact with wild birds and live poultry. Read more:Bird flu
2006 at the Movies Part I: Top Ten 1970-01-01 00:59:59 2006 had its fair share of good movies, it had more than its share of mediocre movies, and of course there were the movies you do not wish on your worst enemies, much less your own eyes. What you have just begun to read is part I in my recapping of the best, and worst, experiences I had at the theater in 2006.This part contains my top ten movies of the year. The only films that are eligible are films that I saw on the big screen and had their official release during the 2006 calendar year. Sure, there are a few movies that I have missed, or have not yet seen, so this list is likely to change. For this reason I will post a revised list, if necessary, around Oscar time as more of those late December limited Oscar eligibility releases get rolled out to the rest of the country. The same thing goes for the lists that follow this — changes will be made and announced as needed.As I went through the films I saw last year, I found one thing that I hope to change in 2007. There is a dearth of Read more:Top Ten
GM Wins North American Car and Truck of the Year 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Jill Lajdziak, general manager for Saturn accepts award for NorthAmerican
Car of the Year. (Photo: GM) Every year before the first cloths are pulled off new production and concept cars, before any new vehicles debut, but after the first round (or two) of coffee has been served, the North American International Auto Show begins by unveiling its winners of the North American Car and Truck
of the Year. As far as awards go, this one's pretty important given the sheer volume that the North American sales market represents.One of the biggest surprises was the verdict on Car of the Year. Jurors chose Saturn's midsize Aura sedan, ranking it first with 205 out of the 490 total points, beating out its chief rival, the popular midsize Toyota Camry. The Aura also faced stiff competition from Honda's economical and very clever Fit. "We're extremely pleased that the Aura has been named the North American Car of the Year," said Jill Lajdziak, general manager for Saturn. "The Aura
Interesting Facts (Strange But True) 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Truly Strange
1.The average four year-old child asks over four hundred questions a day.2.The three wealthiest families in the world have more assets than the Combined wealth of the forty-eight poorest nations.3.The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.4.The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows.5."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language6.The smallest unit of time is the yoctosecond.7.Wearing headphones for an hour increases the bacteria in your ear 700 times.8.Women blink nearly twice as much as men!!9.TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.10.It is impossible to lick your elbow.11.People say "Bless you" when you sneeze because when you sneeze, your heart stops for a millisecond.12.It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.13.The "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.14.111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12
Amazing Facts 1970-01-01 00:59:59 AMAZING FACTS:=============Coca-Cola was originally green.The most common name in the world is Mohammed.The name of all the continents end with the same letter that they startwith ?The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue.TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only onone row of the keyboard.Women blink nearly twice as much as men!!You can't kill yourself by holding your breath.It is impossible to lick your elbow.People say "Bless you" when you sneeze because when you sneeze, your heartstops for a millisecond.It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.The "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is said to be thetoughest tongue twister in the English language.If you sneeze too hard, you can fracture a rib. If you try to suppress a sneeze, you can rupture a blood vessel in your head or neck and die.Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history.Spades - King DavidClubs - Alexander the Great,Hearts - Charlemag Read more:Amazing
, Amazing Facts
Bizarre facts around the World 1970-01-01 00:59:59 In Lebanon, men are legally allowed to have sex with animals, but the animals must be female. Having sexual relations with a male animal is punishable by death. (Like THAT makes sense.)Muslims are banned from looking at the genitals of a corpse. This also applies to undertakers the sex organs of the deceased must be covered with a brick or piece of wood at all times. (A brick??)There are men in Guam whose full-time job is to travel the countryside and deflower young virgins, who pay them for the privilege of having sex for the first time...Reason: Under Guam law, it is expressly forbidden for virgins to marry. (Let's just think for a minute is there any job anywhereelse in the world that even comes close to this?)In Hong Kong, a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her adulterous husband, but may only do so with her bare hands. The husband's lover, on the other hand, may be killed in any manner desired. (Ah! Justice!)Topless saleswomen are legal in Liverpool, England - but only i Read more:Bizarre
, facts
, World
creepy facts....about lincoln n kennedy 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.Both wives lost their children while living in the White House.Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.Both Presidents were shot in the head.Now it gets really weird.Lincoln 's secretary was named Kennedy.Kennedy's Secretary was named Lincoln.Both were inated by Southerners.Both were succeeded by Southerners named Johnson.Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808.Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.John Wilkes Booth, who inated Lincoln, was born in 1839.Lee Harvey Oswald, who inated Kennedy, was born in 1939.Both ins were known by their three names.Both names are composed of fifteen letters.Now hang on to your seat.Lincoln was shot at the theater named 'Ford.'Kennedy was shot in a car called ' Lincoln' made by 'Fo Read more:facts
, creepy
Movie Review: The Executioner II: Karate Inferno 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Guess what? Sonny Chiba is the bee's knees. No joke! His unique brand of hyper-violent karate madness has made him quite the cult icon as of late, resulting in a low-profile comeback for the charismatic Japanese actor. Did he ever really go away, you ask? Not really, but let's just say that no one was putting him in American films until Quentin Tarantino gave him a small yet crucial role in Kill Bill, Vol. 1. Anyone who's witnessed the sheer brilliance of 1974's The Street Fighter can attest to the madcap energy he brings to even the shoddiest of productions.This may explain why I thoroughly enjoyed his other 1974 effort The Executioner II: KarateInferno
more than I probably should have. Loaded with bawdy humor and a surprising lack of both karate and infernos, the film barrels along with the type of manic glee reserved for Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin vehicles. In fact, had the aforementioned duo laced their comedies with numerous dick and fart jokes, the outcome may look Read more:Movie Review
Recommend Site To A Friend
