Author: Serkadis

Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment have announced the creation of a new long-term global venture to focus on the production and exploitation of music, television, film and digital content. The new venture will own all of the existing Syco television and music assets, which include the global TV franchises “The X Factor” and “Got Talent”, as well as superstar artists such as Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle and Il Divo. The new venture, which will continue to use the “Syco” name, will be co-owned by Sony Music and a Simon Cowell-owned company. Syco will be based in London and will also have offices in Los Angeles.

As the first project under the new Syco banner, Fox Television announced (seen above from January 11th) that it will launch the U.S. version of the worldwide hit TV show, “The X Factor”, in the fall of 2011. Cowell will serve as both executive producer and judge on the U.S. version of the show.

“The X Factor” is a Syco-owned television format, which currently airs in 17 countries and has been the #1 UK entertainment show for the last three years, reaching record UK audiences in 2009 of 20 million with 60% audience share. “The X Factor” is the No.1 music- entertainment format in Europe.

In addition to “The X Factor”, Syco is also the owner of the “Got Talent” TV format which currently airs in 27 countries and is the UK’s most successful TV format export. In 2009, “Britain’s Got Talent” launched the global music career of Susan Boyle, whose debut album, “I Dreamed A Dream”, sold over 8 million albums in six weeks, making it the world’s biggest selling album of 2009 and the fastest selling album in history.

Syco is also the record label home for such diverse international recording stars as Leona Lewis and Il Divo. Cowell has worked with artists selling more than 180 million albums and delivered more than 150 No.1 records. In 2009, Cowell was named No. 1 in Hollywood Reporter’s Top 50 Most Powerful in Reality TV and one of Entertainment Weekly’s Top Entertainers of the Year.

“I have had a fantastic relationship with Sony for many years and I’m delighted we are launching this venture together,” Cowell said.

“Over the past 20 years, Simon Cowell has been a great partner and is an integral part of the Sony Music global family. We are extremely excited to be able to continue and further develop our relationship with Simon, and significantly grow the Syco venture,” said Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment.

“Simon Cowell is one of the most prominent and successful creative music and television executives in the entertainment business today. This new venture will allow Sony Music and all Sony divisions to develop and pursue a host of new opportunities with this supremely talented individual,” said Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation.

“I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to extend our long and mutually beneficial partnership with Simon. He is an inspiring and stimulating business partner and working with him closely over the last 10 years has been an absolute pleasure. With the launch of “The X Factor” in the US, we look forward to replicating the unprecedented success the show has had in the UK globally,” said Ged Doherty, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Entertainment UK.

Nothing too surprising in this video of the HTC HD2 launch at the Sydney Opera House in Australia, but I just love the accent, and I bet I am not the only one.

Have any of our Australian readers (where is about 10 am tomorrow now) picked up the device? Let us know your experience below.

An 18-year-old woman was shot in the leg this afternoon outside of Gage Park High School this afternoon, officials said.

Paramedics on the scene reported that the woman suffered a graze wound to one leg, said the spokesman, Larry Langford. She was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, he said.

The school is at 5630 S. Rockwell St. Langford said the paramedics responded to 5650 S. Rockwell.

Chicago police officials said the shooting was reported at 3:55 p.m. near the school. No one was in custody, police said.

There is no indication that the woman was a student at the school.

– Staff report

Read the original article from Tribune News Services.

Robert Downey Jr. and Beyonce are tipped to take the lead roles in Nick Cassavettes’ remake of the 1930s cinema classic A Star Is Born, Deadline Hollywood reported Friday.

First released in 1937, the musical has been remade for the silver screen twice; once with Judy Garland and James Mason in 1957 and a second time with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson in 1976. Will Smith and Jennifer Lopez were linked to a abandoned remake planned by director Joel Schumacher.

John Hamm, Alicia Keys and Rihanna are rumored to appear in the Cassavettes feature. A Star Is Born is expected to dance into theaters in 2012.

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Rumormill

He hails from Santa Fe, builds cars inspired by an Argentinian, in his factory in Italy, with engines from a top German manufacturer. His name is Horacio Pagani, and his Pagani Zonda is one of the most revolutionary supercars of the modern era. Starting with the C12 back in 1999, the Zonda has evolved from a 400-horsepower exotic to a 739-horsepower track star in the form of the Zonda R Clubsport. The final edition Zonda Cinque and Cinque Roadster will push Zonda production numbers close to 120 units before it is phased out at the end of the year. The car that will replace has been dubbed the C9 and although we’ve seen spy shots of test mules alone and alongside an SL65 Black Series, we haven’t heard a lot of the other details – until now. Follow the jump to hear what Horacio had to say.

[Source: Argentina Auto Blog]

Continue reading Report: Horacio Pagani updates plans for Zonda and C9

Report: Horacio Pagani updates plans for Zonda and C9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rocker Bo Bice and his wife, Caroline, are celebrating the arrival of their third son. The crooner is best remembered as runner-up to Carrie Underwood on Season 4 of American Idol. Bo — who has been married for four years — made the big baby announcement on his Twitter page on Friday.

“EAN JACOB BICE,” Bo Tweeted. “10:30am, 8.5lbs. Welcome To Life My Son, U Make Us Proud.” Ean joins older brothers Caleb James, 1, and Aidan Michael, 4.

Spencer Pratt is not known for keeping his mouth shut, but The Hills star has been noticably mum since his wife, reality personality Heidi Montag, appeared on the cover of PEOPLE last week to reveal what she looks like after having ten plastic surgery procedures to perfect her looks.

Spencer didn’t think his wife needed to undergo cosmetic surgery to change her appearance, but says he didn’t feel he had the right to ask Heidi to forego the surgeries.

“Anytime I hinted that it might be a little much or if I just asked if she was sure, I even felt like I was crossing lines,” Spencer, 26, told PEOPLE Friday. “I’m not in charge of what she does with any part of her body. I’m her husband – not her owner. I may not be OK with things, but it’s not my call,” he added. “Everyone sees themselves differently when they look in the mirror… Nobody truly understands how she feels except her.”

Quest Technologies, a 3M company, is pleased to announce the release of the photoionization detector (PID) parts per billion (ppb) sensor for the EVM Series of Environmental Monitors.

Superior Performance 10.6eV PID ppb

The high sensitivity photoionization detector enables users to accurately sense hundreds of volatile organic compound gases within a 0 to 50,000 parts per billion measurement range. This superior performance 10.6eV PID ppb features rapid response time, humidity compensation and contamination resistance technology, increasing the already advanced VOC detection capability of the EVM Series. The EVM’s removable sensor bar provides easy access to the lamp and sensor, for quick field change-out and lamp maintenance.

Dual Purpose Monitoring for a Variety of Applications

The EVM-7 allows users to simultaneously monitor both particulates and gas concentrations in one compact instrument. This innovative two-in-one monitor reduces the need for multiple instruments and offers a lower cost of ownership. The ability to measure and log particulates (mass concentration), VOCs, toxic gas, carbon dioxide, relative humidity, temperature and air velocity (with optional accessory) make this dual purpose monitor well-suited for applications from LEED Certification to IAQ industrial hygiene surveying.

The analog APCIe-3021 input board is available with 16, 8, or 4 single-ended or with 8 or 4 differential inputs. The signals are acquired with a resolution of 16 bits. The following input ranges can be set via software for each channel: 0-10 V, ±10 V, 0-5 V, ±5 V, 0-2 V, ±2 V, 0-1 V, ±1 V, 0-20 mA (optional). Gains are possible for small voltages. There are different acquisition modes and trigger settings to control data acquisition. The APCIe-3021 has a PCI Express DMA controller for direct data exchange with the PC memory. The board is designed with 500 V optical isolation, has input filters and is protected against overvoltages. The APCIe-3021 is equipped with 4 opto-isolated digital inputs and outputs. One digital input is interruptible.
Free drivers for Windows 7/Vista/XP (32-bit) and Windows 2000, LabVIEWTM from version 5.01 and LabWindows/CVITM are delivered as standard, as well as samples for Microsoft .Net, VC++ 5.0, Borland C++ 5.01, Visual Basic 5.0 and Delphi 4.0. In order to guarantee compatibility with PCI boards from Addi-Data, PCI Express boards are supplied with the ADDIPACK universal driver. Drivers for other operating systems such as Linux and software packages are available on request.

A traditional single or multi stage vacuum pump must be equipped with additional peripheral modules necessary for its functioning: solenoid-pilots, valve and electronic circuit, supply pressure regulator, vacuum switch and blow-off valve, which lead to increased dimensions, weight, complex wiring and additional cost of the overall vacuum system.

DIRECT CONTROL, 24VDC – 0.7W
COVAL innovation, the integration of the micro solenoid pilots, the valves and the electronic control circuit makes the module independent and simplifies its implementation: Direct connection from a programmable controller, normalized M12 connector, built-in visual LEDs and auxiliary manual controls facilitate the operation.

MC-Damper are used as safety and function elements in order to damp speed and to slow down masses.

MC-dampers (motion control) is the generic term for special, delaying (damping) easylift products which can be used for many different safety and operating functions.

Easylift MC-dampers slow down masses or damp speed according to the model. (They are not shock-, impact absorbers, or limit stop dampers.)

MC-damper with floating piston
If the installation is horizontal or undefined, the free movement of the standard specification can be inconvenient. Therefore, the easylift system provides also a damping variety with floating piston.

The separation of the oil- and gas chamber guarantees a smooth damping movement in every required position.

For the stabilization of the floating piston, it has to be pressurized by at least 20N. Depending on the position of the floating piston, the damper can be installed stable either in push- or in pull direction.

Gentech Sensors has been selected to provide Interlocking solution for JCB Backhoe Machine.

The Gentech Sensors, “PSS vane sensor” range offers ready-made solutions to switching and interlock applications in construction equipment, vehicle and industrial applications.

Gentech PSS range sensors are extensively used as handbrake lever switches; stabiliser leg indicators/interlocks switches and swivel seat interlock switches in backhoe and other construction applications.

The PSS vane sensor offers the key advantage of combining the actuating magnet and switch in one single housing, hence eliminating the need for the design engineers to select and match the actuating magnet and the switch assembly.

A simple “ferrous metal shunt”, brought into position between the magnet and switch on the sensor housing, is all that is required to change switch status. A suitably shaped chassis member, or linkage to perform the necessary switching function can conveniently supply this “magnetic shunt”.

The PLS HVR 505 is a compact, durable, mid-range rotary laser for light commercial, residential and remodeling projects. The HVR 505 is versatile for short and mid-range layout, horizontal and vertical applications with an accuracy of +/- 1/8 inch at 100 feet.
The PLS HVR 505 comes in either red or a green beam. The green beam has a maximum visibility and is ideal for interior layout.

About the company:

PLS laser tools were developed to give contractors the ability to
transfer critical layout reference lines and points for any job site task. All PLS laser tools are self-leveling, compact and durable laser alignment tools.

Visit www.plslaser.com for more information.

FAST MOTIONS – THE PORTABLE WITH HIGH PERFORMANCES – RECHARGEABLE BATTERY POWER SUPPLY

With the new D20 stroboscope it is possible to obtain stationary images of an object always with a high flash brightness at
any movement speed, thanks to an innovative microprocessor circuit that automatically devides real frequency each time a certain limit has been overcome: stopped image happens at submultiple frequencies of the real frequency, while flash brightness is always with high intensity.

Functionality and reliability of instrument will be particularly appreciated: a high flash brightness is always available for constant optimal observation and the problems of over-range and over-heating due to flash synchronization of fast speed by external trigger are totally eliminated.

Moreover a “direct readout” function is available to directly measure the real speed of an object: flash frequency is not devided by microprocessor and it is possible to observe and to measure the real speed of an object in a precise way.

DESIGN AND OPERATION
The D20 stroboscope is is a portable professional instrument that combines compact dimension with good performance and
reliability, suitable to observe and to measure fast motions.

Revolution readout in RPM is easy thanks to a large dot matrix lcd display. The synchronization of the flash lamp occurs by means of external trigger (with tachimetric function) such as the
internal oscillator with coarse and fine regulation for a quick and precise adjustment.

Double AC/DC power supply permits to use the instrument without connection cables, also when the AC power supply is not available or in uncomfortable conditions.

Internal rechargeable battery makes it possibile to use the instrument for a long time , without need of connection cable, while it is always possibile use the stroboscope with AC power supply (by means of the supplied AC adapter).

High brightness internal lamp with DIV STROB function permits constant optimal observation. The phase shifter circuit allows
an image shifting of 360°, to obtain the angle of observation into the most favourable position.

Compact dimension and lightweight makes D20 stroboscope ideal for hand-held operation. The instrument is encased in a rugged, high-impact plastic housing. Carrying case and battery charger supplied.

APPLICATIONS
The D20 stroboscope is always used in all Production and Maintenance Industries, wherever motion sequences have to be
analysed or rotation speeds have to be measured.: observation on textile and printing machines – quality control – observation
of mechanical deformations – packaging – laboratories – etc.

For all the talk of sexting, you’d think it was the only kind of text out there. Not so! There’s plenty of other ways to message, most of which come with just as much regret:

Becksting:

Texting after one too many fine imported lagers

Sectsting:

Blasts to give your cult to-the-minute updates on Xenu’s ETA

Flexting:

A picture message that doubles as an Admit One to the gun show

Anorexting:

Updating your friends on calorie counts and Weight Watchers points

Hexting:

Sending bad juju via SMS

T. Rexting:

Sending out obscure lyrics from 70s glam-rock bands

Dexting:

Sharing your Dexter fan fiction, 160 characters at a time

Treksting:

Spending an hour creating the perfect ASCII Vulcan salute

A market survey was carried out in 2007 to discover the degree of interest in a crimp station which was primarily suited to cable harness production.

The response from the market was quite positive and work started on designing the CS2500. We received initial indications of the machine’s potential when the first items were manufactured and tested by customers.

Users were above all extremely pleased with the safety for the operator and the control over the crimping result with subsequent excellent connections.

Only requires crimping once

The dies are closed with very little force, and the risk of pinching injury is minimal. Once actual crimping is complete, the
machine automatically resets to high pressure, 13 or 20 tons, and only a single crimping is needed throughout the
whole work area of 10-300 mm2.

When crimping a 240 mm2 cable, the crimping time is halved compared with a traditional crimping tool. The analyzer software
included is used to quality assure connection crimping and save data for quality documents. Using simple means, all crimping can be studied by computer, where they are given individual ID
numbers for complete traceability. This convenient solution opens up a multitude of new quality assurance options.

Safety and ergonomy are important

The crimping station is controlled using hydraulic pump PS700 equipped with a foot pedal for maximum safety and ergonomy. The compact design of the CS2500 is intended to reduce the static work load on neck and shoulders.

The CS2500 is CE approved and meets the stipulations of the machinery safety regulations.

Two new pliers have been added to the Elpress range.

ES2258 for the crimping of Cu connections of type KR/KS 4-10 mm2 and CUT 6-16 mm2. For large areas we have the EL2258 for
the crimping of Cu connections of type KRF/KSF 16-25 mm2.

Both pliers are certified, i.e. every tool is quality controlled and a test certificate is supplied with the tool.

Installation work is facilitated by the ergonomic handle and the pliers jaws with their scissor movement, which provides optimum
access in inaccessible spaces.

Bronkhorst High-Tech BV, specialists in low flow measurement and control, have designed a new series of mass flow meters, offering a modern, economical, digital alternative to conventional VA meters (variable area meters) also known as purge meters.

The new MASS-VIEW® flow meter series incorporates a digital bar graph of actual gas flow, which is, clearly visible from all angles, as well as indicating flow units, gas type and totalised figures. Also available with an optional in-built needle valve for flow control duties, it is designed to mimic the straightforward features and vertical format of the VA meter, but with the considerable added benefits of an electronic output signal, high measuring accuracy, virtual independence from gas temperature and pressure variations, freedom from parallax error and inherently safe construction, with no fragile glass components in the flow path.

MASS-VIEW® operates on the principle of direct thermal mass flow measurement and is virtually independent from gas temperature and pressure. MASS-VIEW® instruments are suitable for flow rates from 0.01 to 200 ln/min (SLM), offering an accuracy of ±2%RD if the flow is higher than 50% of it’s maximum full scale and ±1%RD plus ±0.5%FS on lower flows. The instruments can handle operating pressures up to 10 bar(g) / 150 psi(g). One can easily select a pre-installed gas (Air, N2, O2, Ar, CO2, CH4 and C3H8) which eliminates the need to recalibrate for different gases. Recently the the product line has been extended with models for 1 up to 100 ln/min H2 and Helium (full scale values).

Power consumption is low and mechanical process connections are fitted for straightforward VA meter replacement. MASS-VIEW® incorporates the latest OLED technology, which gives a brighter readout than LCDs and can be viewed from virtually any angle. Alarm settings and the selection of pre-installed gas or flow range are accessed via a user-friendly menu, using a
4-way navigation button mounted on the front plate. An analog output signal enables data logging against various parameters and full accountability of gas flow, such as for shared ring main applications.

The MASS-VIEW® can be easily ordered from stock at Mass Flow ONLINE B.V. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on www.massflow-online.com.
From this web shop, we deliver competitively priced, high quality products with excellent delivery time. Your on-line order will be shipped within two working days.

Designed to meet the heavy demands of grinding and metal-cutting operations, Eriez® Magnetic Coolant Cleaners provide unmatched extraction of ferrous particles. These powerful Ceramic and Rare-Earth Magnetic Coolant Cleaners extend life of coolant, cutting tools, grinding wheels, pumps and other filtering devices. Radial-design magnetic circuits extract ferrous particles to help meet tolerances and improve surface finish.

Designed for use with surface grinders, gear grinders, honing and lapping machines, broaches, milling and drilling machines, face grinders and oil reclaiming machines, Eriez Magnetic Coolant Cleaners are an essential and powerful tool wherever clean coolant is required.

To meet customers’ specific needs, a wide variety of models are available. John Mackowski, Eriez’ Product Manager explains, “Our Ceramic Magnetic Coolant Cleaners remove ferrous particles as small as 15 microns, while Eriez Rare-Earth Magnetic Coolant Cleaners remove ferrous particles as small as 3 microns. With the array of options available, customers can easily find the right coolant cleaner to fit their particular needs.”

Eriez’ permanent ceramic magnetic indexing units, available with either a smooth-faced or extended-pole roll, can be used when both ferrous and nonferrous contaminants are present. Non-indexing models are ideal for applications where little or no non-magnetic contaminants are present in the coolant.

Eriez ceramic magnetic coolant cleaners are reliable and rugged. They are available in several sizes and can handle up to 600 gallons per minute of water-soluble coolant.

Eriez’ Xtractor Rare-Earth Coolant Cleaner utilizes a powerful magnetic field, designed to maximize removal of fine ferrous particles from coolant. Available in four sizes, the unit will handle up to 120 gallons per minute of water-soluble coolant.
All Eriez Coolant Cleaner models can be easily installed on new or existing machines to provide years of maintenance free operation.