One of the more enlightening e-mails to spill out of the Climategate scandal is a report on the progress of Siberian fossilized tree ring work. The report, dated October 9, 1998, focuses on some two thousand samples of fossilized trees thirty-three nautical miles north of the present-day Arctic Circle. The report attempts to correlate the migration, north and south, of the tree line with annual tree ring dating so that an actual year can be assigned to a certain location of the Arctic Circle. The report correctly states that there has been migration of the polar tree line over the past several thousand years, but the investigators attribute this migration singularly to the cold tolerances of tree species.
Although the botanists are correct that cold tolerance does affect the northern limit of trees, they incorrectly attribute the migration solely to variation in climatic temperatures. This is only part of the answer. The other part lies in the in the geographic fact that creates the Arctic Circle in the first place.
The location of the Arctic Circle is a function of the tilt of the Earth’s axis, which is approximately twenty-three and a half degrees (23.5o) from the orbital plane of our planet. This is why the Arctic Circle is at sixty-six and half degrees (66.5o) north latitude, exactly 23.5o south of the North Pole, which is at ninety degrees (90o) north latitude. But this angle of axis tilt has not always been 23.5o.
Bureaucracy, the rule of no one, has become the modern form of despotism – Mary McCarthy
Exploitation by governments of global warming as a vehicle to take control requires drastic reaction. As climate became a political issue, bureaucrats in all countries expanded their role, became political and excluded independent experts.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was set up for the political purpose of proving human CO2 emanating from developed nations was causing global warming. It continued as a political process as one of the leaked emails from the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) from Mike Hulme to Phil Jones on April 22, 2002 notes, “All these decisions about IPCC chairs and co-chairs are deeply political (witness DEFRA’s support of Martin Parry for getting the WGII nomination).” We must eliminate the IPCC as the most corrupt, and then urge all countries to reduce weather agencies to data collection only. Any weather or climate related government agency must be reduced to a single function, the accurate collection, storage, and accessibility of data for citizens. Weather forecasting is so unreliable and inadequate nobody would suffer from its loss. If forecasting is essential companies can do it themselves or see a business opportunity. Piers Corbyn, a British climatologist consistently produces accurate weather forecasts months in advance for all regions of the world.
An Ontario judge has dismissed a multi-million paternity suit against actor Keanu Reeves. The Matrix star was sued by a Canadian woman who claims Reeves fathered her three adult children. Keanu, on the other hand, vehemently denies ever having met the woman. Karen Sala sought $3 million a month in spousal support, retroactive to November 2006, and $150,000 a month in child support, going back to June 1988.
A DNA test proved Reeves was not the father of Sala’s adult children, who are between 21 and 25 years old. Sala disputed the DNA results in court Thursday.
“I do know for a fact that he is the biological father,” said Sala, who represented herself, adding that she has proof but cannot show it to the court.
In her affidavit, the unemployed homemaker suggested Reeves changed the test results with the uses of hypnosis. Sala also believes Keanu disguises himself as different people, including her now ex-husband, who Reeves’ lawyer Lorne Wolfson said is the real father, as is stated in documents in their divorce proceedings.
Sala insists Reeves grew up down the street from her and she has known him since she was four or five. She did not connect him to the actor until much later because she knew him by the name Marty Spencer, she said. Keanu grew up in Toronto.
Sala maintains she had an affair with the star throughout her marriage, that they lived together and that he was present at the birth of her children.
At CES, The world’s greatest Elvis impersonator sings his song at the Motorola booth. This last year, Moto’s Android-powered Droid fast tracked them back to relevance.
In case you didn’t know, every year, Burning Man awards grants to artists to fund artwork for the playa. Yep, a portion of your ticket money goes directly to creating some of the amazing pieces of art that grace Black Rock City. Not bad, ‘eh? Right. So, thank you!
Our lovely and charming Grant Committee has sent us the following to relay to would-be submitters of grant proposals, and we thought it only right to pass it on to you. They say:
Hear ye! Hear ye! The Burning Man grant committee is now accepting applications for the 2010 grant season. In an effort to make the process easier, we’ve created a new format — an editable PDF. It asks all the same questions and requires the same information as we have always wanted, but now in a simple form. You can learn more and access the new PDF here. This new format is the new, mandatory format for applying for a grant. The deadline for grant application si 11:59 pm February 1st. This is a hard deadline — no late submissions will be considered. You can read more about it here.
Also as part of this year’s grant season, Burning Man is soliciting applications for the plazas — the 3:00, 4:30, 7:30 and 9:00. We’ve set aside some funds from our grant budget to cover these locations. It’s a unique opportunity to create something interactive, something thought-provoking, and something fun in the neighborhoods of Black Rock City. There have been amazing pieces in the plazas from such award-winning artists as David Best and Charlie Smith, and the pieces have been as thought-provoking and whimsical as Black Rock City has ever seen … like Bruce Bender’s “Ketchup!” for instance.
Ketchup by Bruce Bender
In addition, we are asking for grant applications for the Cafe portal. The Cafe ‘Front Portal’ Art is a specific art installation positioned just in front of the entry to the Café as it faces The Man. Though named the Front Portal, it is NOT necessary that this Art be a portal, arch, gateway or similar shape. See below for images of some Portal pieces from previous years. This is the first year we are including the process for selecting the Café Front Portal Art in the larger grant cycle – in the past these artists were hand-picked by Café leadership by virtue of their familiarity with the Café and prior playa works. Since 2000 (when David Best created the first Front Portal) the art location has evolved away from the structure itself, with large-scale Art proudly marking the front entrance to the Center Camp Café. This is notto be confused with the Keyhole location, the Front Portal is quite close to the Café structure. The Cafe portal position is a place of honor in front of the Cafe. Here are some images of previous Café Front Portal Art pieces:
2008: The Curmudgeon by Michael Taluc
2007: Bike Rack (aka Bike Arch) by Mark Grieve and Ilana Spector
2006: Leaping Giants by Dan DasMann and Karen Cusolito
2005: The Ancestors by Marlene Kryza
2004: The Sirens by Rosanna Scimeca
2003: Cafe Portal by Michael Christian
Illuminated Arch by Finley Fryer
Don’t forget our grant deadline is February 1st. We look forward receiving your grant applications!!
EA shows off Sims 3 World Adventures screenshots — The game company, trying to take full advantage of the popularity of its products designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch, is keeping the hype going by revealing parts of its new Sims game, World Adventures. See more here.
Boeing tips hand full of solar thermal patents — While not usually considered a player in the solar industry, the massive aerospace company has apparently been collecting patents for solar thermal technology, racking up 14 of them since 2002. Earth2Tech has full details.
Mashable puts AOL acquisition rumors to rest — The consumer technology news blog says that while it is interested in forging partnerships that would add value to its business, it will be remaining independent for the forseeable future. This announcement came in response to speculation that the site was close to being bought by AOL.
Rovi beefs up its media guide with new premium TV shows — The company, which serves digital entertainment from many sources and locations directly to consumers, has expanded its portfolio by adding programming from premium networks like Showtime, as well as ZillionTV. It released this news today at CES.
Napster opens API after 10 years of evolution — The original online music sharing service, now a world away from its origins and owned by Best Buy, has released its API to the general public, making it possible for third-party developers to create music applications for people’s televisions, mobile phones and web sites.
Dept. of Energy invests $47M in data center efficiency — Fourteen projects working to make data centers and information technology companies more energy efficient, have been selected to receive federal stimulus money to expedite their efforts. The DOE has more.
Belgian driver Jerome D’Ambrosio denied the recent reports that he is seeking a drive with Renault F1 Team for the 2010 season of Formula One. The 24-year old has been a regular GP2 racer in the last couple of years and insisted that he first needs to win races in the Formula One feeder series before he makes the big step into the Great Circle.
F1 is not on the agenda. Everything that has been happening in recent weeks has been positive for me, but it is no guarantee of anything. … (read more)
The term “lobbyist” has certainly become a dirty word in many circles — for a very valid reason in many cases. I’ve noticed that many more people have been trying to make sure they’re not referred to as lobbyists, even if the activity they do is very much lobbying (accepting money from a specific set of companies for the express purpose of pushing a policy agenda that supports what those companies want). Now Copycense alerts us to a new operation that has sprung up that apparently is trying to contort itself around the rules so as not to be called lobbyists, even though they’re engaged in typical lobbyist behavior. It makes you wonder… who lobbied for the rules on how you define what a lobbyist is?
With only the weekend left before the start of the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the automotive scene heats up as manufacturers begin to release information on the cars to attend the event.
Among them, American manufacturer Chrysler announced the arrival of the 2010 Chrysler 300 S6 and S8, two "serious, low-key" versions of the 300. Both versions come with a distinctive look, which sets them apart from the mainstream 300, as well as wit… (read more)
Chevrolet has just presented the Aveo RS show car to be displayed at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. As you can see for yourselves in the adjacent photos plus in the pictures included in the photo gallery, the car is longer, wider and more spacious than the current production flavor of the Aveo, boasting a much sportier and more aggressive look than the base model.
It is finished in Boracay Blue and comes with styling elements such as a dual element grille, round … (read more)
Rumor: Miley Cyrus has a new roomie — her 19-year-old boyfriend, Liam Hemsworth! Word on The Gossip Wire claims Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus have allowed the Australian actor romantically-linked to their famous teen daughter to move into the family’s home in Toluca Lake, California.
(Since this is an National Enquirer scoop, I’d advise you to consider the source and take this with a grain of salt. However, given The Cyrus’ track record for letting this girl get away with murder, it really isn’t that hard to believe. Movin’ on….)
The permissive showbiz parents were “pressured” into the controversial living arrangement after Miley, now 17, threw a tantrum and threatened to move out if she didn’t get her way, tattling tipsters divulge in the Jan. 18 issue of The National Enquirer. To keep Miley at home, Billy Ray and Tish have allegedly agreed to allow Liam move into the family guest room until he finds his own pad in Los Angeles.
“In the end, Billy Ray and Miley’s mom, Tish, decided they’d rather have Miley under their roof with Liam than not knowing where she is at night,” a family friend tells the tabloid. “Her parents want Miley with them for as long as possible.”
This isn’t the first time The Cyrus Clan has raised eyebrows with their parental approaches. There was “ShoulderGate 2008″ that swept the country after Miley appeared covered with just a sheet in the November 2008 issue of Vanity Fair. And then there was that time that America’s Most Famous Teen was allowed to date an underwear model five years her senior. A source close to the family says there’s good reason for that:
“Billy Ray believes it’s better to keep Miley on a short leash and to monitor her, rather than alienating her and risking a rebellion….”
Television’s Hannah Montana began dating Liam last summer, when the lanky young man played Miley’s interest in the coming-of-age drama The Last Song. The Disney superstar was instantly smitten. So was Liam, he allegedly dumped his then-girlfriend to take up with Miley.
We never knew just how much work it was moving our mouse around our desktop until we blew ourself silly on Zyxio’s breath-enabled sensawaft tech. The sensor detects the directionality of breathing, which sounds really easy in theory but took a bit of learning in practice. After a couple minutes of trying, however, we were “blowing with our mind” as the promotional materials suggest, and while we wouldn’t call ourselves halfway accurate, we could see ourselves suggesting a mild amount of cursor direction with very little effort after a day or so of use. There’s an obvious application for the disabled, but Zyxio also thinks it can talk gamers into using it as a “third hand,” and envisions other applications such as controlling a mobile phone or zooming in and out of a GPS view in a car. We can’t see it taking the industry by storm, but sensawaft is certainly an impressive and entertaining technology, and with devices in the projected $70 range in Q2 or Q3 of this year, it might not be too expensive for a novelty buy. Check out a video of it in action after the break.
While 3D is all the rage at CES this year, we learned today from the BDA that one of the biggest sources of 3D content isn’t what it could be. The first thing that could, should, be better is the limited support for frame rates. Movies have been recorded at 24 frames per second for longer than our parents have been alive, and for about the same amount of time we’ve had to endure frame rate interpolation to make movies play back on our 30Hz TVs — you know, like 3:2 pull-down. That changed recently with 120hz LCDs and 72Hz plasmas because those numbers share a common denominator with 24 (so the same frame is just shown three or four times). Well so much for that because the frame rates of the new 3D displays don’t share a common denominator any more (either 30 or 60 hz per eye). But honestly the worst part is that the new 3D cameras can capture 3D at higher frame rates. Now even if new movies were recorded at a higher frame rate, the new 3D Blu-ray spec doesn’t support it. The other issue we take with the new spec is that contrary to early reports, it is possible to create a 3D Blu-ray Disc that won’t play on 2D only players. Not as big of a deal, but still sad is that even if the creator goes through the trouble to encode the movie in both formats, depending on the 3D player, you may have no choice but to watch it in 3D — say if you lost your glasses or whatever. Now don’t get us wrong we’re pretty excited about the new 3D technology, but the way we see it is that anything worth doing, is worth doing right the first time.
The drive should give Gilbert some confidence, although it was a tough learning experience to finish the drive as they still trail, 14-6.Texas defensive tackle Lamarr Houston dove past Alabama QB Greg McElroy on a sack attempt, but scrambled back to his feet and still lassoed McElroy for an 8-yard loss in the first quarter.
Best Heisman affirmation
There were plenty of naysayers in December when Mark Ingram became Alabama’s first Heisman Trophy winner.
But Ingram certainly looked Heisman-worthy on his last four carries of the first quarter when he reeled off runs of 18, 8, 9 and 9 yards.
Best Heisman look-alike
Ingram’s backup, freshman Trent Richardson, is considered by many to be as good as Ingram. Hard to argue with that when he took a handoff on a simple run up the middle midway through the second period and didn’t stop until he crossed the goal line 49 yards later. Texas’ defense was fast but not fast enough to catch the 220-pound Richardson.The BCS is completing the second of a four-year cycle that evaluates which conferences receive automatic bids. The champions of the Big 12, Southeastern, Atlantic Coast, Big Ten, Pacific-10 and Big East conferences currently receive automatic bids.
For the first time, two teams from nonautomatic qualifying conferences, Boise State of the Western Athletic and Texas Christian of the Mountain West, played in a high-paying BCS bowl.
“None of us ever would have suspected 10 years ago that Boise State and TCU would be playing in a major bowl game,” Hancock said. “It happened because of the BCS.”
Burke Magnus, ESPN senior vice president for college sports programming, said 2009 was the most watched college football season on his network since 1994. Bowl-game ratings are ahead of last year and described the sport’s fan following as “a seemingly bottomless pit of passion.”
Following a leak a couple hours ago, we can now share with you the official details and images on the new Chevrolet Aveo RS Concept, which will debut on Monday at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Seen by GM as “a wake-up call for the small-car segment,” the Aveo RS Concept features European design that will appeal to young enthusiasts while offering a strong hint at the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo.
The new Chevy Aveo will be longer, wider and more spacious than the current model and will feature a more upscale look and a redesigned interior inspired by the Chevrolet Cruze.
Besides its “Fast and Furious” looks and 19-inch wheels, the Chevrolet Aveo RS Concept carries a powerful, yet efficient 1.4L I-4-cylinder Ecotec turbocharged unit making 138-hp. It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission to appeal to those who enjoy spirited driving. GM designers also created a special engine cover in graphite silver with brushed aluminum insert with the coolant and power steering fluid fill caps rimmed in ice blue.
The next-generation Chevrolet Aveo, which will look like this without the bells and whistles, will go into production at GM’s Orion Assembly plant in 2011. The move will restore 1,200 jobs in Southeast Michigan. Retooling for the Orion plant will start in late 2010.
Make sure you join us for live coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show on Monday and Tuesday.
Hit the jump for the high-res image gallery and the press release.
2011 Chevrolet Aveo RS Concept:
Press Release:
Chevrolet Aveo RS Show Car: A Wake-Up Call For The Small-Car Segment
– Dynamic hot hatch designed to appeal to young enthusiasts
– Personalization is built into the design
– Roominess and upscale amenities not usually found in subcompacts
– 1.4L I-4 Ecotec turbo delivers exceptional fuel economy with performance when needed
DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced the world debut of the Aveo RS show car at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. It features a European-inspired hot hatch look designed to appeal to young enthusiasts, and hints at the next-generation Aveo.
Longer, wider and more spacious than the current production Aveo, the Aveo RS showcases the car’s upscale-looking design cues both inside and out, and presents the many personalization options potentially available on the next-generation car.
“We hope the Aveo RS show car will demonstrate that we are as serious about redefining the Aveo and its place in the small-car segment as we were about reinventing the Malibu,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager.
First impressions
The Aveo RS show car, finished in electric Boracay Blue, wears global Chevrolet design cues such as the dual element grille, round taillamps and fender flares, but designers turned up the attitude on the show car with low openings and a lower mouth trimmed in a combination of brushed and polished aluminum. Outboard fog lamps are integrated into an exaggerated brake-cooling inlet that flows into the front fender flares, creating an aggressive-looking face.
Exposed headlamps, with their brushed aluminum structural surround, are inspired by the designers’ affection for motorcycles. The sleek side profile is characterized by uninterrupted body side lines, a high beltline and low roofline. The side mirrors with amber-colored turn signal indicators carry the same shape as the car and seemingly disappear into the profile. At first glance, the car actually looks like a three-door hatch because the rear door handles are discreetly located in the “C”-pillar area.
“The Aveo RS show car demonstrates how progressive design can inject personality into a small car,” said Michael Simcoe, executive director, North American Exterior Design. “We want customers to see it and have an emotional reaction to it.”
No performance-minded car earns its street cred without large wheels and tires. The Aveo RS show car’s wheels are 19-inch, five-spoke with a gun metal metallic finish Chevrolet logo. The wheel openings reveal large Boracay Blue brake calipers.
The rear of the show car continues the sport theme, with an integrated spoiler that flows from the roof, a center-mounted exhaust and chrome exhaust tips. The exposed motorcycle-inspired rear taillamps feature tinted aluminum housings and a discreet Bowtie logo.
Spacious and stylish interior
With its matte black interior highlighted by gloss black, metallic and blue accents, the Aveo RS show car reflects as much attention to detail as the exterior. The Boracay Blue theme continues inside, with accent stitching across the dual cockpit instrument panel, front and rear door insert, steering wheel rim, gear shift boot, parking brake, leather seat bolster and even the floor mats. The integrated center stack holds the gearshift, HVAC controls and the sound system, including a USB port. Ice-blue backlighting on the audio display, telltale indicator screen and knobs augments the blue stitching.
The motorcycle inspiration also carries inside, with a round, analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout also trimmed in milled metal with round cutouts; and round, aluminum-trimmed side vents.
The interior is as functional as it is stylish, with storage compartments in the center stack and doors. The rear seats fold flat for carrying larger items.
Efficient performer
The Aveo RS show car is powered by the same highly efficient 138-horsepower (103 kW) 1.4L I-4 Ecotec turbocharged engine that will be available in the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze.
A six-speed manual transmission is designed to ensure the car will provide a spirited driving experience.
For the show car, designers created a special engine cover in graphite silver with a brushed aluminum insert. The coolant and power steering fluid fill caps are rimmed in ice blue, and the honeycomb vents flanking the center of the cover are matte-finished in shadow chrome and designed to match the wheel color.
Chevrolet has previously announced the new Aveo will be built at Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Mich., in 2011, a move that will restore 1,200 jobs to Southeast Michigan. Timing for retooling Orion Assembly for Aveo production is anticipated to begin in late 2010.
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS: AVEO RS SHOW CAR
Model:
Chevrolet Aveo RS show car
Body style / driveline:
five-door, five-passenger front-engine transaxle, front-wheel drive subcompact car
Engine:
1.4L turbocharged DOHC I-4 with VVT (138 hp / 103 kW – est.)
Ronnie claims he was provoked while he was walking home from a bar with Snooki and their costar Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola. According to Ronnie, the other person involved in the fight was being disrespectful to his friends, shouted “racist” remarks at their African-American security guards and might have spat on him. He however regrets the incident, “I definitely felt out of place,” he says of being in jail. “It’s definitely a place I never want to go back to again. Definitely a lesson learned.”Recap: Before we get to the recap, a couple things I learned today: 1) Mike “The Situation” has said that MTV wants the same cast back for Jersey Shore 2, which would tape next summer in lovely Seaside Heights, N.J. Given the boffo ratings and publicity (even if much of it is negative), there’s no surprise in a Season 2. The return cast would be a bit of a curveball, as MTV was expected to bring in eight new tanned, tattooed, party-goers of Italian-American descent with little in the way of job prospects. I admit I liked the suggestion of ESPN.com columnist Bill Simmons, who said the Season 1 cast could be transplanted to someplace like Malibu for Season 2, to ensure they would remain weird outcasts. 2) Mike, Pauly D, Snooki and Jenni are presently charging $7,500 as appearance fees at parties and social events. Vinny is only charging $3K, which seems about right given his lack of tattoos, implants or tendency to say really stupid things. Interestingly, Ronnie and Sammi are a steal at $3,500 for the lovestruck pair. But then again that’s a lot of money to pay two people to sit in a corner by themselves and make out.
Magro and the other man had allegedly fought because the perpetrator was harassing his roomies, Snooki and Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola, and hurling racial insults at their security guards, who were African American.
“He was just being a drunk jerk, saw the camera … [and] I think he chased us down like two blocks or something like that,” he said to . “At that point, you’re like, ‘What am I gonna do?’”
The fight was documented by MTV cameras, and will air in the January 7 episode of ‘Jersey Shore.’
“I definitely felt out of place,” he said about his time behind bars. “It’s definitely a place I never want to go back to again. Definitely a lesson learned.”
The show is no stranger to fighting. Snooki was assaulted by an intoxicated man at the Beachcomber Bar & Grill back in August. Part of the incident made it to a very special episode of the series.
Ronnie claims he was provoked while he was walking home from a bar with Snooki and their costar Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola. According to Ronnie, the other person involved in the fight was being disrespectful to his friends, shouted “racist” remarks at their African-American security guards and might have spat on him. He however regrets the incident, “I definitely felt out of place,” he says of being in jail. “It’s definitely a place I never want to go back to again. Definitely a lesson learned.”Recap: Before we get to the recap, a couple things I learned today: 1) Mike “The Situation” has said that MTV wants the same cast back for Jersey Shore 2, which would tape next summer in lovely Seaside Heights, N.J. Given the boffo ratings and publicity (even if much of it is negative), there’s no surprise in a Season 2. The return cast would be a bit of a curveball, as MTV was expected to bring in eight new tanned, tattooed, party-goers of Italian-American descent with little in the way of job prospects. I admit I liked the suggestion of ESPN.com columnist Bill Simmons, who said the Season 1 cast could be transplanted to someplace like Malibu for Season 2, to ensure they would remain weird outcasts. 2) Mike, Pauly D, Snooki and Jenni are presently charging $7,500 as appearance fees at parties and social events. Vinny is only charging $3K, which seems about right given his lack of tattoos, implants or tendency to say really stupid things. Interestingly, Ronnie and Sammi are a steal at $3,500 for the lovestruck pair. But then again that’s a lot of money to pay two people to sit in a corner by themselves and make out.
Magro and the other man had allegedly fought because the perpetrator was harassing his roomies, Snooki and Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola, and hurling racial insults at their security guards, who were African American.
“He was just being a drunk jerk, saw the camera … [and] I think he chased us down like two blocks or something like that,” he said to . “At that point, you’re like, ‘What am I gonna do?’”
The fight was documented by MTV cameras, and will air in the January 7 episode of ‘Jersey Shore.’
“I definitely felt out of place,” he said about his time behind bars. “It’s definitely a place I never want to go back to again. Definitely a lesson learned.”
The show is no stranger to fighting. Snooki was assaulted by an intoxicated man at the Beachcomber Bar & Grill back in August. Part of the incident made it to a very special episode of the series.
Ronnie claims he was provoked while he was walking home from a bar with Snooki and their costar Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola. According toRonnie , the other person involved in the fight was being disrespectful to his friends, shouted “racist” remarks at their African-American security guards and might have spat on him. He however regrets the incident, “I definitely felt out of place,” he says of being in jail. “It’s definitely a place I never want to go back to again. Definitely a lesson learned.”Recap: Before we get to the recap, a couple things I learned today: 1) Mike “The Situation” has said that MTV wants the same cast back for Jersey Shore 2, which would tape next summer in lovely Seaside Heights, N.J. Given the boffo ratings and publicity (even if much of it is negative), there’s no surprise in a Season 2. The return cast would be a bit of a curveball, as MTV was expected to bring in eight new tanned, tattooed, party-goers of Italian-American descent with little in the way of job prospects. I admit I liked the suggestion of ESPN.com columnist Bill Simmons, who said the Season 1 cast could be transplanted to someplace like Malibu for Season 2, to ensure they would remain weird outcasts. 2) Mike, Pauly D, Snooki and Jenni are presently charging $7,500 as appearance fees at parties and social events. Vinny is only charging $3K, which seems about right given his lack of tattoos, implants or tendency to say really stupid things. Interestingly,Ronnie and Sammi are a steal at $3,500 for the lovestruck pair. But then again that’s a lot of money to pay two people to sit in a corner by themselves and make out.“I rattling don’t see intense for the altercations that I did intend into in Seaside because I’m rattling not a mortal who likes to fight,” Daffo explained. “He was meet existence a inebriate jerk, saw the camera… [and] I conceive he chased us downbound same digit blocks or something same that. At that point, you’re like, ‘What am I gonna do?’”
Ronnie claims he was provoked while he was walking home from a bar with Snooki and their costar Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola. According to Ronnie, the other person involved in the fight was being disrespectful to his friends, shouted “racist” remarks at their African-American security guards and might have spat on him. He however regrets the incident, “I definitely felt out of place,” he says of being in jail. “It’s definitely a place I never want to go back to again. Definitely a lesson learned.”Recap: Before we get to the recap, a couple things I learned today: 1) Mike “The Situation” has said that MTV wants the same cast back for Jersey Shore 2, which would tape next summer in lovely Seaside Heights, N.J. Given the boffo ratings and publicity (even if much of it is negative), there’s no surprise in a Season 2. The return cast would be a bit of a curveball, as MTV was expected to bring in eight new tanned, tattooed, party-goers of Italian-American descent with little in the way of job prospects. I admit I liked the suggestion of ESPN.com columnist Bill Simmons, who said the Season 1 cast could be transplanted to someplace like Malibu for Season 2, to ensure they would remain weird outcasts. 2) Mike, Pauly D, Snooki and Jenni are presently charging $7,500 as appearance fees at parties and social events. Vinny is only charging $3K, which seems about right given his lack of tattoos, implants or tendency to say really stupid things. Interestingly, Ronnie and Sammi are a steal at $3,500 for the lovestruck pair. But then again that’s a lot of money to pay two people to sit in a corner by themselves and make out.“I rattling don’t see intense for the altercations that I did intend into in Seaside because I’m rattling not a mortal who likes to fight,” Daffo explained. “He was meet existence a inebriate jerk, saw the camera… [and] I conceive he chased us downbound same digit blocks or something same that. At that point, you’re like, ‘What am I gonna do?’”
At CES, The world’s greatest Elvis impersonator sings his song at the Motorola booth. This last year, Moto’s Android-powered Droid fast tracked them back to relevance.
EA shows off Sims 3 World Adventures screenshots — The game company, trying to take full advantage of the popularity of its products designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch, is keeping the hype going by revealing parts of its new Sims game, World Adventures. 
Google mulls the idea of ads in Street View – 
Belgian driver Jerome D’Ambrosio denied the recent reports that he is seeking a drive with Renault F1 Team for the 2010 season of Formula One. The 24-year old has been a regular GP2 racer in the last couple of years and insisted that he first needs to win races in the Formula One feeder series before he makes the big step into the Great Circle.
With only the weekend left before the start of the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the automotive scene heats up as manufacturers begin to release information on the cars to attend the event. 
Chevrolet has just presented the Aveo RS show car to be displayed at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. As you can see for yourselves in the adjacent photos plus in the pictures included in the photo gallery, the car is longer, wider and more spacious than the current production flavor of the Aveo, boasting a much sportier and more aggressive look than the base model.
