MTV has kicked off the 2010 awards season by unveiling the first host promo for this year’s 19th annual MTV Movie Awards, airing LIVE from Los Angeles on Sunday, June 6.
Watch as Parks & Recreation star/standup comedian Aziz Ansari gets endorsements from a few of his celebrity friends — including Zac Efron, Diddy, and Kristen Bell.
(What a cute baby!)
It’s not hard to wonder why people are seemingly apathetic when it comes to environmental issues when there isn’t more focus going towards environmental emergencies that could cause severe degradation to natural resources and wildlife. Did you know that right now approximately 42,000 gallons of oil per day is pouring into the water just 36 miles from the Louisiana coast? You may have if you’ve known where to look, but sadly this environmental emergency of epic proportions isn’t receiving the media attention that it should be.
This “Recalled Baby Products 2009-2010” graphic from the website hugamonkey is massive, and it shows how many types of products were recalled over the past 16 months. You can use it as a reference tool to see if there’s anything in your home on the list, or to remind yourself why you’d rather have a houseplant.
“Baby Gear Recalls: Are Your Baby Products Safe?” [Hugamonkey] (Thanks to Tamar!)
Someone is excited to be launching their first Android device. U.S. Cellular announced last week they would be selling the HTC Desire and now they shared a release time frame. Potential customers should circle July if they are interested in picking up the phone.
We initially thought the HTC Desire might land on more U.S. carriers, but that has not been the case so far. U.S. Cellular runs a CDMA network, but I don’t think we will see the Desire on the other large CDMA carriers like Sprint or Verizon. However, I have a feeling Cellular South might pick up some more Android phones and the Desire would be a nice addition to their lineup.
Hungry for more Android info? How about a peek at some specs for the gorgeous HTC Desire including a 3.7″ AMOLED touchscreen display, 5 MP camera with LED flash, Wi-Fi, GPS, Android Market and an 8 GB microSD card. How about news of a launch date around July? We’ll need to make sure our rigorous testing is complete before you can get your hands on this sweet phone. Stay tuned here for more exclusive Android updates!U.S. Cellularvia Facebook
Make sure to follow U.S. Cellular on Facebook to keep up with all the latest details.
[Thank you dmatthews for the tip]
Filed under: Technology, Volkswagen
Volkswagen is taking a page from the Apple playbook by inviting software developers to help shape the face of the automaker’s infotainment systems. The German manufacturer is holding an “App My Ride” contest where anyone can submit an application that they think would work well in future VW products. The ultimate goal is to put a little more control into the hands of the company’s customers in order to create an infotainment system that’s functional and easy to use, but there’s also around $18,600 worth of prizes on the table for the best apps.
On May 3rd, VW will launch a new web site where users can upload their apps and submit ideas. Volkswagen is hoping that a collaborative community will spring from the project where developers can discuss apps the company currently uses as well as hone their concepts.
In order to jump into the fray, you’ll need to come up with an idea for your very own app, a graphic design of the user interface and the appropriate programming in Adobe Flash or Flex. As part of the contest, VW is offering winning students a unique opportunity to study with the Volkswagen Research Group in Tokyo, Shanghai, California or Wolfsburg.
Winners will be picked by the “App My Ride” community and a panel of VW execs. One lucky developer will get to take part in a special vehicle unveil with their flight and hotel on the Volkswagen tab on top of cash prizes. Make the jump for the full press release.
Gallery: Volkswagen E-Up! Concept
[Source: VW]
Continue reading Volkswagen asks developers to design next-gen. infotainment systems
Volkswagen asks developers to design next-gen. infotainment systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Scientists from the University of South Florida have discovered the water purifying power of the prickly pear cactus. An extract from the desert-dweller is very effective at removing sediment and bacteria from dirty H2O and, even better, it grows all around the world.
The scientists aren’t the first to realize this plant’s ability. Nineteenth-century Mexican communities used the cactus as a water purifier. The thick gum in the cactus that stores water is responsible for the purification. The scientists extracted the gum and then added it to water that had been dirtied up with sediment and bacteria.
The gum caused the sediment and bacteria to combine and settle to the bottom, filtering 98 percent of the bacteria from the water. The next phase is to test it on natural water.
The scientists see communities in developing countries using the cactus on daily basis. They could boil a slice of it to release the gum and then add it to water just like the scientists did. But there are hurdles to overcome. What resources would be necessary for widespread growth of the cactus for this purpose and how can people ensure the “treated” water is truly bacteria free? If these problems can be solved, cheap, clean water could be accessible for millions who are currently without.
via New Scientists
Governor M. Jodi Rell said that she will appeal the Obama administration’s denial Tuesday of her request for individual aid to homeowners, renters and employers hurt by last month’s heavy storms and flooding.
“The storms that battered our state last month left a trail of astonishing devastation in their wake – crushed cars, homes struck by trees, week-long power outages and staggering flooding,” Rell said. “This decision is not only disappointing – it’s wrong, and I will appeal it.”
President Obama Friday approved Rell’s request for a “major disaster declaration” allowing financial aid to the state and municipal governments in Fairfield, Middlesex and New London counties.
But Rell also had made a broader request covering New Haven and Windham counties in addition to the other three. She sought federal aid for individuals in those five counties, in which her office said 1,315 homes and 116 business suffered estimated damages of $10.6 million.
The broader request was denied Tuesday. A Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator told Rell in a letter that preliminary assessments in the five counties “revealed that the damage to the private sector was not of the severity and magnitude to warrant the designation of individual assistance under the major disaster declaration. … This denial may be appealed within 30 days.”
That’s what Rell will do. “I have directed our state emergency management officials to immediately gather whatever information may be needed to further support our application for assistance,” Rell said. “I will also work with our Congressional delegation and with [FEMA] to continue pursuing this matter until all avenues for aid are exhausted.”
Next quarter we’ll see just how revolutionary BlackBerry’s latest operating system is when it officially comes out, but for now Research In Motion has provided a brief glimpse of what the new phones will look like at its nearly week-long event in Orlando.
The presentation by RIM’s Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis—and cameo from Black-Eyed Peas’ will.i.am—focused primarily on a two-minute video that demonstrated how easy it was to tap the screen to select and then swipe to get to the next application or program. But much of it was still left to the imagination.
Although BlackBerry’s market share has grown quickly over the past few years, this overhaul may determine whether the Canadian handset-maker can keep up with the rapid pace of innovation in the space. While the OS was in development, Lazaridis said they kept in mind three principles: the OS had to be easy to use, but powerful; fun, but approachable; and fresh but familiar.
—Crackberry writes: “It keeps the best of BlackBerry and modernizes it with some of the features we have been seeing in other mobile operating systems (and adds some new ones of its own)…Will it be enough to keep RIM’s momentum going strong? We certainly hope so. During the keynote Lazaridis told us his mission… he wants to see the number of BlackBerry subscribers double from the current 41 million to over 100 million.”
—Quoting Black-Eyed Peas’ song “Boom boom Pow,” Digital daily’s John Paczkowski calls BlackBerry 6 “So 2008, So 2000 and Late.”… “As a mobile operating system, it’s nothing we haven’t seen before.”
—PC World focused on what’s new: “The whole user interface gets a facelift with crisper icons and visuals, new graphics, animations and transitions. There’s also a new homescreen with multiple views based on content type (all, favorite apps, downloads, media, etc.) as well as universal search.”
It’s deja vu all over again: For the second day in a row, Republicans blocked debate on the financial reform bill. Once more, the vote was 57-41. And, once more, Democrat Ben Nelson of Nebraska broke ranks and voted with Republicans against the bill. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to bring the bill up for a vote again tomorrow.
Bill Information and Status [Thomas]
Theoretically speaking, we could exponentially increase computing power by manipulating the way in which electrons in individual atoms spin. Researchers in Germany have seen atomic spin for the very first time, and captured a few tiny images to prove it. More »
There’s not much secret left in the sauce for the iPad’s A4 chip—it’s a faster, customized version of what’s inside the iPhone 3GS. But the recipe probably comes from a tiny chip design firm Apple purchased, called Intrinsity. More »
Read it in full after the jump:
The first restaurant chain in the world to show the carbon footprint of its menu items, believe it or not, is not McDonald’s. It is vegetarian restaurant chain Otarian. Otarian debuted this innovative menu at its first restaurant opening last week in New York.
In the next few months, Otarian is planning to open another restaurant in New York and two more in London.
American Idol Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert will embark on his first solo tour this June, taking the stage to headline 19 US dates alongside fellow Idol 8 rocker Allison Iraheta and guitarist Orianthi.
Lambert, 28, will kick off his “Glam Nation Tour” in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania on June 4, RCA Records and 19 Entertainment have announced.
“I hope the audience will be able to escape for a few hours and fall into a world full of glam, drama and excitement,” Adam said in a statement Tuesday. “And I would love everyone to come away with a new appreciation for the music on my album.”
Adam’s debut album For Your Entertainment has sold over 600,000 copies since making it’s debut on the Billboard Top 200 chart (on which it peaked at No. 3) in November.
Lambert finished second to Kris Allen on the top-rated TV talent competition in 2009.
Adam Lambert “The Glam Nation Tour” Dates:
6/4 – WILKES-BARRE, PA – THE FM KIRBY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
6/5 – SAYREVILLE, NJ – STARLAND BALLROOM
6/8 – TOLEDO, OH – OMNI
6/10 – COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – HARRAH’S BALLROOM
6/11 – MAHNOMEN, MN – SHOOTING STAR CASINO
6/12 – PRIOR LAKE, MN – MYSTIC LAKE CASINO HOTEL
6/14 – COLUMBUS, OH- LC PAVILLION
6/15 – MILWAUKEE, WI – RIVERSIDE THEATER
6/17 – HAMMOND, IN- THE VENUE AT HORSESHOE CASINO
6/18 – ROYAL OAK, MI- ROYAL OAK THEATER
6/19 – WEST TORONTO, ON/CANADA – MOLSON AMPHITHEATRE
6/22 – NEW YORK, NY- NOKIA THEATRE
6/24 – MASHANTUCKET, CT- MGM GRAND THEATER AT FOXWOODS
6/26 – ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – BORGATA SPA & RESORT – EVENT CENTER
7/15 – KANSAS CITY, MO – MIDLAND THEATRE
7/27 – COSTA MESA, CA – OC FAIR – PACIFIC AMPHITHEATRE
7/28 – COSTA MESA, CA – OC FAIR – PACIFIC AMPHITHEATRE
8/13 – BETHLEHEM, PA – ARTSQUEST
9/18 – ST. PETERSBURG, FL – TROPICANA FIELD
For tour updates, visit AdamOfficial.com!
by Jonathan Hiskes
The EPA draws
inspiration from The Biggest Loser in a new competition that pits 14 buildings
against each other to see which can trim its energy usage the most.
The National
Building Competition is explicitly modeled after the weight-loss reality TV
show, spotlighting structures that include a 23-story Manhattan office
building, a San Diego Marriott hotel, a Colorado elementary school, and a Chapel
Hill, N.C., dormitory. The 200 applicants were required to use a host of energy-efficiency tools from the EPA and Department of Energy. The 14 contestants are having their energy use measured from September 2009 through this August. The
building that saves the most will be announced the winner on Oct. 26.
It’s an attempt to
inject a shot of drama into the, uh, titillating world of building efficiency.
It’s a really important policy sector, proven by the fact that it has charts
like this:
To back off from the
flippancy, building efficiency overhauls should be among
the least controversial of clean-energy improvements, since most steps pay
for themselves fairly quickly.
Here’s the EPA competition
explained by Bob Harper, who is apparently a guy from TV:
Related Links:
Senate Dem leader vows action on both climate and immigration
Engineers plan underwater dome to contain Gulf oil spill
Andy Rubin, VP of Mobile Platforms at Google, confirmed in an interview with the New York Times that Android 2.2 (a.k.a Froyo) will come with full Flash 10.1 support. We suspected this was a strong possibility for the Froyo release and expressed as much in our post last week.
Now we know that first gen devices will not support Flash 10.1, but with this new information a couple new question marks pop up.
Is Flash 10.1 exclusively supported by Android 2.2, or will users currently on Android 2.1 be able to download Flash separately somehow?
If it is exclusive to Android 2.2, which devices will be getting that update and when?
Does this news give any pause to any future Droid Incredible owners? The one major advantage that the Nexus One offered over the Incredible was the potential for rapid OS updates and with Flash potentially requiring just such an update that distinction just got a lot more significant.
Bruce V. Bigelow wrote:
If a consumer-oriented Web-based services company goes out of business, shouldn’t its PayPal account expire too?
I’m just wondering if other online consumers have had a similar experience to Encinitas, CA, resident Judd Handler. He says he recently discovered that he had been charged $17.95 on his PayPal account for a junk-mail screening service provided through ProQuo, a San Diego-based startup that went belly up last October.
Handler says he vaguely remembers signing up for the service just over a year ago at a booth during the 2009 Earth Day festivities in San Diego’s Balboa Park. He says he hates junk mail, and signed up for what he thought was a free Web-based subscription service to block unwanted catalogs, flyers and other snail mail marketing come-ons. But ProQuo’s offer was only free for the first year. After that, the company began charging its subscribers $17.95 a year for the service, whose actual function enabled users to fill out an online form that specified the junk mail they wanted to block.
After conducting a quick online search, Handler saw that I had reported last fall on the demise of ProQuo, which had raised $15 million in venture capital before ceasing operations. He asks, “Wouldn’t you think the merchant account would be shut down?”
Good question.
As it turns out, I happen to know Bob Nascenzi, an experienced software industry executive who was hired by ProQuo’s board to unwind the business after the founding CEO departed at this time last year. Nascenzi was surprised by the story. “I don’t know where that money would have gone,” he says, “because ProQuo doesn’t exist any more.”
Good point.
Nascenzi checked with ProQuo’s former CFO and says he learned that when she was terminating the company’s business relationships last year, PayPal told her it could not cancel the ProQuo account. He says that Handler “should definitely challenge that charge, because there’s no place for the money to go.”
This particular transaction seems less interesting to me than the concept that a company might go out of business, while its billing arrangements continue to live on. PayPal has not responded to my requests for comment. I sent a couple of e-mail inquiries to Kimberly Conley and another public relations representative last week, and left a voice message for Conley again today.
We’re not consumer advocates here at Xconomy, and I’m not in a position to help anyone resolve their billing disputes with PayPal. But we are curious about just how widespread this issue might be. So add a comment below if Handler’s tale sounds all-too-familiar to you.
UNDERWRITERS AND PARTNERS
By Matt Hawes
Congressman Paul’s speech in support of the bill is currently displayed in our top box.
Here’s the press release from his office:
Paul, Mitchell Again Block Congressional Pay Raise
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ron Paul and Congressman Harry Mitchell have again stopped the increase in pay that Members of Congress automatically get every year unless it is voted down.
Their efforts to block the pay raise for 2010 was successful last year, and today their bill to block the pay raise for 2011 passed overwhelmingly in the House after passing the Senate last week.
“We should not be padding our pocketbooks when our constituents are still tightening their belts and losing their jobs,” stated Congressman Paul. “As well, we could continue with this symbolic first step and stop increasing taxes, expanding the federal budget, and spreading our military so thin. These additional measures would do much to begin our economic recovery.”
by Brad Johnson
Cross-posted from Wonk Room.
The process-based and partisan bickering that is derailing the Senate effort to craft climate legislation provides a good opportunity to question why this ugly process is even worthwhile. Politicians seem worried that re-election is more important than policy action, failing to recognize that clean energy reform is actually the key to political success. The mood in Washington’s marble halls and office cubicles is completely disconnected with the sense of urgency and hope found just a few blocks away on the National Mall this Earth Day weekend, in the streets of Detroit, or in the farms of Roscoe, Texas. Business as usual is waging war on America’s working families, with profits for the few and irresponsible coming at the expense of everyone else’s future. Progressive clean energy reform will change the status quo, putting America to work building a stronger, fairer green economy.
What clean energy reform really means
Real benefits for real people. The economy of the past, dependent on dirty fuels, puts burdens on real people – harming their health, their children, and their pocketbook. From machinists in Eaton Rapids to entrepreneurs in New Orleans, clean energy reform gives real benefits to real working families from day one, making the air cleaner and the world safer while freeing them from enriching polluters and dictators for their energy needs.
Reward work instead of pollution. The gray energy economy relies on fossil fuels that are “cheap” only because their real costs are hidden. Money flows into low-labor, high-waste energy profiteers even as society is stuck with what the market calls “externalities.” Closing the carbon loophole will get Wall Street to invest in efficiency and renewable energy jobs that can’t be exported, restoring American manufacturing in the 21st century.
Profits with principles. The Bush-Cheney-Gingrich energy scheme is a race to the bottom, as corporations create short-term shareholder and executive profits by corrupting the law and trashing principles of worker safety, public health, and environmental protection. Clean energy reform will allow America to dig out of this toxic hole, rewarding ethical investment instead of crony capitalism.
Give everybody a fair shot at a fair deal. Millions of Americans are ready and able to work hard to care for their families, but unregulated speculators and power merchants have left Main Street in disrepair. From the ashes of the gray economy we have the opportunity to rebuild America right, returning power to communities and giving people willing to work a fair shot at a clean and prosperous future.
Progress is good politics. The destruction of our planet’s climate, with increasing floods, fires, storms, and droughts, threatens the hope of recovery and the fate of our nation. The grip over our political system by polluters who siphon the wealth of working Americans into offshore accounts weakens our economy. The American people have demanded change, and want action. Politicians who have the courage to become leaders in this time of crisis can rekindle our faith in the promise of America.
As President Barack Obama said of “comprehensive energy and climate legislation” today at a wind turbine plant in Fort Madison, Iowa, “Our security, our economy, and the future of our planet depend on it.”
Update: Potentially ending his spat with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) admits that “the energy bill is ready”:
The energy bill is much further down the road … Common sense dictates that if you have a bill that’s ready to go, that’s the one I’m going to go to. The energy bill is ready and we’ll move that more quickly than the bill we don’t have. I don’t have an immigration bill.
Update: Tribune reporter Jim Tankersley tweets that Graham has also dialed back his rhetoric: “Source: Graham floats compromise plan to revive #climatebill: Climate goes first; #immigration comes to vote after Nov. election.”
Related Links:
Obama climate agenda in turmoil after Republican pulls out of compromise
Graham says he’s going to bail on the climate bill
NYPD trashes hundreds of bikes in security response
Güs is a new men’s accessories line that prides itself in incorporating traditional craftsmanship of Italian leather goods with the addition of today’s style and functionality. Products such as wallets, passport folios, card cases, and more are hand-crafted from Italian, vegetable-tanned leather, with calf skin lining, hand stitched corner trim and their own “Splitshot” perforation pattern that is cut using a multiple step process to give the items a very authentic and worn appearance. Their newest items in their online shop are the notepad wallet, the large horizontal wallet, the edge case, and the lille embossed wallet. For more information on güs and their other products, visit their site at gussstyle.com.
Continue reading for more images.
