Author: Serkadis

Hoping for a Final Fantasy VII remake, aren’t you? Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’ not gonna happen. You don’t have to take my word for it, though. You can take Tetsuya

An official press release from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that British car production rose 58.5 percent on the year in December, which represents the biggest rise the industry has seen since 1976.

While the full year figures for 2009 were considerably lower than in 2008, dropping some 30.9 percent, the SMMT considers the December figures are sign of economic recovery. Yes, the automotive industry suffered a major blow in 2009, with many corporations struggl… (read more)

Filed under: Hardware, Apple, Macbook Pro

I’ve always been jealous of the folks who get free laptops from their work or school (back when I was in school, I used a paper notebook and a pen and liked it!), but I’m especially jealous of the folks from the University of Oregon’s Center for Student Athletes, who not only get some sweet MacBook Pros to use courtesy of Apple and Nike, but have each one laser engraved with the school’s symbolic O.

The engraving isn’t just aesthetic; it’s useful, too. In addition to the school branding, each laptop has a specific number engraved on the bottom of it, which helps prevent theft and helps the school track down wayward laptops. Cult of Mac has a great little interview with the engraver, with some fun insider info about how this is all done (he’s even engraved fingernails, which sounds a little gross). We’ve seen some cool engraving projects before, but I like this one; functional and good-looking.

TUAWUniversity of Oregon shows off engraved MacBook Pros originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]

Read Original Article

American manufacturer Cyclone Power Technologies announced its support for the House Bill 4144, which would expand the Investment Tax Credit for waste energy recovery systems and, in part, amend the Internal Revenue Code definition of combined heat and power (CHP) units. CHP only qualifies for a 10 percent federal investment tax credit at the moment, but would get 30 percent thanks to the new bill.

To help systems like ours compete effectively with a ‘do nothing’ approach, we encourage … (read more)

SSDs may be what’s “next,” but seriously — magnetic tape storage is the real heat. This darn near antediluvian storage medium is amazingly still around and kicking, and what’s even more incredible is that real advancements are taking place. Just under four years ago, IBM and Fujifilm were doing the Cha Cha Slide Tango as they introduced 8TB cartridges; today, the two are rolling out (quite literally, actually) a 35TB version into the wild, wild world that we call home. Nah, you won’t find these on any Best Buy shelves, but your great grandchild’s medical records may one day end up on something built in the year 2010. Just think about that. Think about it.

Continue reading IBM and Fujifilm develop 35TB magnetic tape cartridges, unveil it in black and white

IBM and Fujifilm develop 35TB magnetic tape cartridges, unveil it in black and white originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Engadget German  |  IBM  | Email this | Comments

Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]

Article

Facebook and Twitter are no longer a novelty to any Internet user, whether they are an active member or not, as social networking has increased at a crazy pace during the past years and it still shows no sign of slowing down. In this context, the recent report published by Forrester Research on the behavior of US Internet users is quite ju… (read more)

The rapidly growing social platform of Twitter will unlock all usernames that have not been active for some time now. Due to its great popularity, it is only understandable that more and more people want a piece of its action, in other words will make an account using the username that best suits their preferences.

Also understandably… (read more)

After a McDonald’s microsite licensed one of Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand’s without their direct approval, as record labels are wont to do, singer for the group Alex Kapranos tweeted some infelicitous words about the fast food joint. Specifically, “Dirty bastards. Stupid arrogant motherf***ing pig-brained arseholes. I’d rather eat a cowpat on a bun than a bloody McDonalds.” I dunno, Alex, have you tried their new Angus burgers? They’re pretty tasty and they come with a big slice of fresh onion. [@alkapranos via NME via Eater]

Article Tags: ClimateGate, YouTube

Below is the link to the NY Times article on this hearing:

Chu Defends U.N. Climate Science, Admin Efforts on Nuclear Waste

Read in full with comments »   

{img align=left}The first North American OEM customer for Chinese supplier China Automotive Systems (CAAS) is non other than American carmaker Chrysler, the Chinese announced today, one year after in CAAS received the first order from Chrysler. If you’re wondering what the Chinese have to offer, we tell you they supply the power steering gears for the Jeep Wrangler.

"We are very excited about our strengthening relationship with Chrysler and the deep potential for the vast North American… (read more)

@intcopy:<*d(1,3)><z11><zgt;For his most recent work, “Youth in Revolt,” Michael Cera sticks to what he knows best and presents the similar, outcast, hormonal teen that we have seen so many times before. I don’t know how much longer Cera will be able to act the same in every movie and still be popular, but for now, it works.

For his most recent work, “Youth in Revolt,” Michael Cera sticks to what he knows best and presents the similar, outcast, hormonal teen that we have seen so many times before. I don’t know how much longer Cera will be able to act the same in every movie and still be popular, but for now, it works.

Based on the wildly popular book by C.D. Payne, this story follows the young Nick Twisp (Cera) as he employs any means to be reunited with the love of his live/weeklong fling, Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday). Nick eventually realizes that he will have to be ruthless to get want he wants, so he creates an alternate, chain-smoking and utterly French ego, Francois, to handle these often-nefarious endeavors.

For the plot being so incredibly outlandish, the movie did well to provide a realistic portrayal. It was believable that this young, unsure character would fall in love with a girl so easily and then decide to do such crazy things (think burning down the town of Berkeley) to return to her. And even if there are some things that do not make perfect sense or seem improbable, the movie is clearly lighthearted and fun, and certainly not to be taken seriously.

The beginning of the movie establishes Nick as very solitary. With a mom who has a different boyfriend every week (one being a hysterical cameo by Zach Galiafinakis) and a dad who is dating a much younger woman, and neither parent is particularly secretive about the amount of sex he or she is having, it makes sense for Nick to be vigorously searching for a partner. He becomes obsessed with the first girl that gives him any attention–Sheeni.

A major flaw with the movie revolves around Sheeni’s character. I’m unsure if Sheeni was supposed to be odd or if Doubleday needs to practice her acting, but Sheeni was especially strange. It was understandable for Nick to fall for Sheeni, but I could not figure out why Sheeni would fall for Nick. Sheeni is relatively attractive, has a seemingly perfect boyfriend before she meets the socially crippled Nick and is sent away to her dream school, yet still wants a relationship with Nick as much as Nick wants a relationship with her. There are certain aspects about Sheeni that would explain why she would be attracted to Nick; however, I think casting an attractive actress to play the part muddles the effect she is supposed to convey to the audience. Is she hot or is she not? I don’t know.

As per usual, Cera is really funny and especially awkward, which is enjoyable and entertaining. I’m just curious as to how many times I can watch the same character and still be interested. I’ve seen it in “Arrested Development,” “Superbad” and “Juno,” but at least then it had some novelty. By the time “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” rolled around, I was sick of it. Granted, this movie is better and has more substance than “Nick and Norah,” but why do I keep going to his movies to see the same thing? The bottom line is that a character who is blundering, unintimidating and looking for some action is relatable. Even if one is the most social of butterflies, we all know what that feels like.

Probably after seeing a carmaker the size of Fiat has the audacity to paint and then hope to sell a pink Fiat 500, David Sheath, a 28-year old Brit decided he can do better, but with a twist: he will not use regular paint, but nail polish (you guessed it, pink nail polish) and, what’s even more frustrating, he will use the tiny brushes which come with the polish…

The endeavor which will make Sheath’s family so proud (not) started on January 21 and is not even half way through. The progress… (read more)

@intcopy:<*d(1,3)><z11><zgt;Few people can ever say that they have been nominated for an Oscar, starred in multiple blockbusters and critically acclaimed films and have worked with the industry’s most widely respected directors. Even fewer people can say that when they are under the age of 16. Starring in the upcoming film adaptation of Alice Sebold’s best-selling novel, “The Lovely Bones,” (directed by the legendary Peter Jackson) is Saoirse Ronan, who has one of the most impressive resumes people could ever hope for in a lifetime, let alone in little under a decade. Intermission got to listen in as Ronan discussed her upcoming film and what bringing this powerful story to the big screen was like.

Few people can ever say that they have been nominated for an Oscar, starred in multiple blockbusters and critically acclaimed films and have worked with the industry’s most widely respected directors. Even fewer people can say that when they are under the age of 16. Starring in the upcoming film adaptation of Alice Sebold’s best-selling novel, “The Lovely Bones,” (directed by the legendary Peter Jackson) is Saoirse Ronan, who has one of the most impressive resumes people could ever hope for in a lifetime, let alone in little under a decade. Intermission got to listen in as Ronan discussed her upcoming film and what bringing this powerful story to the big screen was like.

Queens College: How have your roles in “Atonement” and “The Lovely Bones” influenced your outlook on life?

Saoirse Ronan (SR): With “Atonement,” it wasn’t that influential because it, you know, it was a bitter girl who’s very in on herself. I mean, I suppose that it would make you think more before you speak if anything, but “The Lovely Bones” in particular, just made me appreciate what I have. You know, that I’m lucky to be here, I’m lucky to have the amazing family that I have. It’s also made me more aware of things that go on in the world, these awful crimes that are committed every day. So, yeah, so it’s boosted my awareness.

University of Michigan: So, Susie Salmon’s character, she’s had a very serious, traumatic experience. Did you find this role challenging and how did you prepare for a role that dealt with such heavy issues?

SR: Yeah, it was challenging, it–as you said–it’s a very serious subject matter and it was always going to be a challenge for me because I hadn’t done anything quite that deep before. But, it’s also very light and, you know, it’s full of hope and so in that way, it was easy. But, when we dealt with very, you know, emotional scenes, intense scenes, there would be a lot of discussion between me and Pete and Fran and Philippa, who are the writers, as well. So, yeah, we just talked a lot about it and just made sure that we were going in the same direction and we were on the same page.

Northern Arizona University: What should viewers learn and take away from this film?

SR: Well, I think that the message of this movie, although it may not seem like it to people who haven’t seen it yet, is ultimately hope and how you get there. You know, when Susie arrives in the in-between, she doesn’t want to go forward, which would mean accepting her death. She wants to be back on Earth with her family and she knows she can’t do that. And to get there, you know, it’s about her love for her family and not the hate and vengeance that she has for her murder. So, yeah, so it’s hope for sure.

Northwestern: You’re already such a successful actress at such a young age, so did working on this film with some of the other more experienced actors help you kind of carry away something in regards to your acting skills that you can use maybe in your future films and your future works of art?

SR: I think it’s just the way they are on set. I mean, I’ve worked with a lot of actors that just have a really good approach with–to working with other people to being with other people every day and you need that when you’re working on a movie. You become a family unit, so it’s very important to get on with everyone.

For many of us, the idea of life after college is really scary. Some might be excited to be launched out in the real world, finally gaining some ground on that career that they have been dreaming of for years, but for most, we wish would could stay at Stanford for the rest of our lives. In “Avenue Q,” one of the most popular musicals of the decade, the lead character Princeton deals with this issue head on.

This parody of “Sesame Street” deals with the aforementioned recent college grad, his assimilation into the real world and his journey to find his “purpose.” Along the way he meets Kate Monster, a girl who has always wanted to open up a special monster school, Nicky and Rod (a Bert and Ernie-like duo that deal with homosexuality), Gary Coleman and a Cookie Monster that uses the Internet exclusively for porn and never leaves his apartment.

Sound pretty mature for puppets? That’s because it is. Intended for mature audiences only, “Avenue Q” is chock-full of inappropriate, crude and raunchy dialogue, not to mention a sex scene. That’s right–full puppet nudity. The Bad Idea Bears, who happen to look exactly like Care Bears, plant ideas in Princeton’s head like drinking games, one night stands and hanging himself. Songs like “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist” and “You Can Be As Loud as the Hell You Want When You’re Making Love” will make you laugh until you cry.

However, this show doesn’t stand alone on lewd dialogue and inappropriate musical numbers. The technical aspects are something to be marveled at as well. Giant televisions descend to show “Sesame Street”-like vignettes, dealing with subjects like one-night stands and schadenfreude (feeling happiness at the expense of somebody else’s pain). The actors are puppet masters, managing to convey emotion through both their actual bodies and the puppets’. It became a conundrum when deciding whom to watch.

While “Avenue Q’s” run in San Jose seems far too short, expect this relatable and hilarious musical to stick around for quite some time. Through all of the smut and expletives, it teaches us a message–things may be bad at the moment, but everything in life is only for now.

Few musicals ever address themes like education, pornography, racism and homosexuality. Even fewer shows address these themes with an ensemble of puppets. “Avenue Q,” the Broadway show that has swept the nation, is coming to San Jose for a limited engagement from Jan. 12 to Jan. 17. Intermission got to sit down with Princeton, the star puppet of the show ask him what life after college is really like.

Intermission(i): Is college really the happiest time of our lives? Is there nothing else to look forward to?

Princeton (P): College was a BLAST, it’s true. And since I graduated, life definitely has [had] its share of ups and downs. But, something good is coming, I can feel it. You never know what’ll happen next!

i: What advice would you give to those who actually are getting their B.A.s in English?

P: Make sure the companies you work for aren’t laying employees off before their first day. That was rough.

i: Stanford is located in the heart of the Silicon Valley, where the Internet is being further developed every day. Is the Internet really just for porn?

P: Well, my neighbor, Trekkie Monster, seems to think so. And, for me, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t PART of my Internet experience. But, I use it for other things too…I swear…

i: You’ve had your share of relationship problems. Do you have any love advice to give?

P: Honestly, I’m the last person to ask about love advice! No matter what I do, it seems like I’m always screwing up! I’m getting better, though…I think.

Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]

Read Original Article