Category: News

It was the first year I have ever stood in front of a display board at an 11 screen multiplex and failed to find a single movie that appealed to me. Great films are still getting made but for the first time in 30 years they are rarely making it out of London or the big cities.

I’m not a film snob. I love big screen spectacles like Avatar but I also want something more thoughtful – something like Me and Orson Welles, which also came and went in a blink of an eye. Cinemas may say that attendances for these films are not great. I would argue that scheduling these movies with an 11.30 pm or midnight finish is not great programming – particularly if you have a 30 minute drive home in front of you.

Choice lay at the heart of the multiplex rebirth of cinema. Cinema admissions in 1984 were down to a paltry 54 million. By 2002 that figure had grown to a 30 year high of 175.5 million. Last year it still managed a respectable 164 million. The driving force behind the rebirth of cinema is not just comfortable surroundings it is a choice of films on offer.

By only offering big budget, teen friendly blockbusters multiplexes are behaving as if a well regarded restaurant suddenly started offering nothing but chicken and chips.

If cinema is not to suffer an admissions collapse on a scale of the 1980s then to needs to start nourishing its audience – all its audience not just the popcorn buying, coke swilling teenage crowd.

The advent of 3-D cinema will not be enough to save the 20th century’s greatest art form from the harsh realities of life in a time-starved 21st century.

An indication of the screen crisis that was to define the film world in 2009 came within the first weeks of the year when leading Oscar contenders found it hard to find space to attract an audience. In January alone we had Che – Part One, The Reader, Slumdog Millionaire, The Wrestler, Frost/Nixon, Milk, Rachel Getting Married, Valkyrie and Revolutionary Road all vying for a similar audience.

Of those films only Slumdog Millionaire had any real legs. Valkrie lasted longer than the others simply because it had the name of Tom Cruise above the title to bolster ticket sales but even so in barely lasted two weeks on most sites. Turning their back on critically acclaimed Oscar winners, cinemas instead opted for horror and formulaic, teen-friendly romantic comedy. In most mainstream cinemas January welcomed My Bloody Valentine 3-D with open arms and swiftly followed that with Underworld 3: Rise Of The Lycans. The rom-com crowd were palmed off with Bride Wars and Beverley Hills Chihuahua. Both films singly failed to provide audiences with anything different or even slightly original but it didn’t stop cinema chains from playing these for weeks on end while the films being feted at the Academy Awards were being largely ignored.

The situation didn’t improve in February with Doubt, the Oscar-winning Vicky Cristina Barcelona with Penelope Cruz, Brad Pitt’s The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button and Che – Part Two all being given short shrift in favour of such lamentable offerings as Hotel For Dogs, The Pink Panther 2 and the curiously titled He’s Just Not That Into You – which turned out to be yet another teenage rom-com fantasy.

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Are you looking for a new cupcake recipe?  These creamy miniature coconut cupcakes are created with the help of boxed cake mix. They are perfect for a party! This recipe is courtesy of The Food Channel and makes 48 mini cupcakes.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Image: The Food Network

Foodie Byte: If the boxed cake mix calls for eggs, allow the eggs to come to room temperature before preparing the batter. This will make the cupcakes more tender and help them rise.

Ingredients

• 1 box vanilla cake mix, cake batter prepared to package directions
• 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 2 teaspoons almond extract, divided
• 1 pound cream cheese, room temperature
• 3/4 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 pounds powdered sugar
• 2 3/4 cups sweetened coconut, shredded

Preparation

1. Preheat oven according to box cake mix instructions.
2. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract to the prepared cake batter.
3. Line mini cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Fill each cup with batter. Bake according to cake mix instructions.
4. Remove mini cupcakes from the oven and completely cool on a cooling rack.
5. Combine cream cheese and butter in bowl of an electric mixer and mix until smooth. Add powdered sugar in three equal batches, ensuring mix is combined and smooth before adding the next batch. Add remaining almond and vanilla extract.
6. Apply the icing to the cupcakes and top with shredded coconut.

Post from: Blisstree

Mini Coconut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Yes, me neither. But these guys almost did, filming this crystal clear video—much better and vertigo-inducing than the previous one, thanks to a better camera and wider lens angle—on December 31, from the tip of the Burj Dubai.

Last night, as we waited for Carson Daily to tell us that it was time to make a lot of noise, I found myself laying on my buddy’s lawn with glass number one-too-many of something toxic in my hand. As I stared up at the stars, I pondered something I’d imagine most of the country was pondering as well:

Does Steve Jobs make New Years Resolutions?

I mean, really; outside of continuing to kick cancer’s ass and perhaps expanding his wardrobe, there’s probably not much that needs resolving in El Jobso’s personal live. His number one pet project (outside of that other one), however, could probably use a bit of work right now.

Read the rest of this post at MobileCrunch >>

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Limbaugh said he expects to be back on the radio on Wednesday (Jan. 6).
Rush talked about something I totally understand, which is not taking one’s health for granted and not believing one is invincible. I’ve got to admit, I love that Rush is back. Even though I disagree with his views, Rush Limbaugh is a major part of American Popular Culture, which I love.

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Filed under: Software, iPhone, iPod touch

It’s no secret that TUAW bloggers love Pastebot, the new and tasty iPhone / iPod app from Tapbots. Dave Caolo even referred to Pastebot as “his mistress,” and I find that I’m using it constantly to move text and images between my Macs and iPhone.

Well, Tapbots wants you to join in on the goodness, so we’re going to have a quick giveaway here at TUAW. We have 15 Pastebot promo codes to hand out, and you can enter the giveaway! Here’s the scoop:

• Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.
• To enter leave a comment telling us how Pastebot will help you keep a New Year’s resolution.
• The comment must be left before Saturday, January 2, 2009, 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time.
• You may enter only once.
• Fifteen winners will be selected in a random drawing.
• Prizes: Promo Code for one copy of Pastebot (Value: US$2.99)
• Click Here for complete Official Rules.

If you didn’t read my review of Pastebot last month, be sure to read up on the features of this unique and useful utility.

TUAWFifteen lucky TUAW readers will start 2010 with a free copy of Pastebot originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: OS, Rumors

Electronista summarizes John Gruber’s report that a “cone of silence” exists surrounding those developing the tablet and virtually no information comes from those directly involved. Many of the tablet team are reportedly the same as those that developed the Calender, Mail, and Safari iPhone apps – and those people are used to this. They underwent a similar radio-lockdown in late 2006.

Gruber also maintains that Steve Jobs has given the tablet his “undivided attention” since returning to Apple in September. Apple’s secrecy is legendary and Gruber’s assertions seem to be more conjecture than insider knowledge. He does admit “I don’t know anyone who works at Apple who doubts these things; nor do I know anyone at Apple who knows a whit more. I don’t know anyone who’s seen the hardware or the software, nor even anyone who knows someone else who has seen the hardware or software.”

Gruber does seem more confident that his sources say Mac OS X 10.7 is on track for a developer release at WWDC in June. Unfortunately they haven’t mentioned any public-release time frame or a possible name – although I’m hoping for “10.7 Lynx.”

TUAWApple tablet team in a “cone of silence”, 10.7 to be previewed originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It takes your food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.

One human hair can support 3 kg (6.6 lb).

The average man’s penis is three times the length of his thumb.

Human thighbones are stronger than concrete.

A woman’s heart beats faster than a man’s.

There are about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet.

Women blink twice as often as men.

The average person’s skin weighs twice as much as the brain.

Your body uses 300 muscles to balance itself when you are standing still.

If saliva cannot dissolve something, you cannot taste it.

Women are now through reading this.

Men stopped reading after the third fact and are still busy checking the length of their thumbs.

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Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

As we move into 2010, Switched On is proud to present the Saluting Wares Improving Technology’s Contribution to Humanity awards, also known as The Switchies, where innovative devices are sorted into categories and presented trophies by their secretly seething jealous contemporaries. This year marks the fourth annual Switchies, which are decided based on a rigorous examination of the opinion of me, and does not reflect the opinion of Engadget or its editors. For that honor, nominees will need to win an Engadget Award. Let’s roll out the red carpet then.

The “Sharing is Caring” and the Product of the Year Award goes to the Seagate DockStar, which uses PogoPlug technology from Cold engines. Like the original and recently upgraded PogoPlug device, the DockStar attacks what has been the thorny NAS market with an inexpensive device that allows easy sharing of photos and other files, eliminating tedious uploading. Honorable Mention goes to the Axentra HipServ-powered Netgear Stora, which offers many of the features of Windows Home Server at a fraction of the price of many products using that operating system.

The “Phone So Good It’s Smart” Award for Best New Smartphone goes to the Palm Pre, which debuted the well-conceived and elegant webOS. The hardware still needs to match the software with larger screens and a faster processor, but in many ways webOS feels like what the iPhone OS wants to be when it grows up. Honorable Mention goes to the Motorola Droid, which saw a revamped Android paired with a disappointing keyboard, but showed that Motorola is climbing back into the game.

Continue reading Switched On: The 2009 Switchies

Switched On: The 2009 Switchies originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Henneke and I are getting great exercise. We’re listening to the game on the radio, which is several seconds ahead of the TV broadcast. On big plays, we dash to the TV in the conference room — a distance of 51 feet. I figure we’ll put in a mile before the game is over.

I enjoy listening the Jerry Allen call the plays on the radio, more than Brent Musberger on ABC.

Ohio State gets two more field goals and takes a 16-10 lead into halftime. The Buckeyes’ defense is living up to its stingy reputation. … Four fields goals — three by Ohio State and one by Oregon. The kicking game may decide this thing.

Alex and photographer Jesse Skoubo are back from the Rio Theater, where nearly 150 Duck fans turned out.

“How was it?” I asked Jesse. “I don’t know?” he replied. “I was too busy taking pictures.”

How did halftime fly by so fast?

The Ducks finally take the lead in the third quarter. Jeremiah Masoli fakes a handoff to Blount, then almost walks in for a 1-yard TD.

Another field goal by Ohio State puts the Buckeyes back on top 19-17. The Ducks drive on the next possession, but Blount coughs it up and the Buckeyes get a touchback.

The Ducks get a pick at Ohio State’s 42 with 2:50 left in the third. The Ducks go three and out, but kick it to the Buckeyes’ 10.

We’re going into the fourth quarter. It’s going to be a wild finish

Editor Hasso Hering arrived awhile ago to edit some stories for Saturday’s paper. He is oblivious to what’s going on in the game. He looks up at one point and asks, “What’s the score?”

“19-17 Ohio State.” someone says. Hasso chuckles, then continues reading.
UNDER the 47.5-point total.
Oregon took control in the second half and outlasted Oregon State 37-33 in Week 14. Oregon failed to cover the 9.5-point spread, but the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 63.
LaMichael James ran for 166 yards off 25 carries with three touchdowns in that win.
Team records:
Ohio State: 10-2 SU, 8-4 ATS
Oregon: 10-2 SU, 7-5 ATS
Ohio State most recently:
When playing in January are 4-6
When playing on grass are 6-4
After outgaining opponent are 8-2
When an underdog on the road are 4-6

Oregon most recently:
When playing in January are 1-1
When playing on grass are 6-4
After outgaining opponent are 9-1
When favored at home are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Ohio State is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oregon’s last 5 games
Oregon is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
Oregon is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games

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Before the internet, there were movies. And before movies, there were typewriters. And before typewriters, there was chewing gum. And before chewing gum, there were only cavemen. Is this dude a caveman chewing gum in a typewriter movie? Maaaybe. [Obsolete]

Hair loss is one of the most embarrassing problem facing most men and women in the world today. It is a common notion that hair loss occurs normally with advancing age, and nothing can be done about that. But that is a wrong belief. There are several effective ways in which hair loss and other hair related problems can be nipped in the bud. The following are some of the most effective home remedies in which this can be achieved.

Treatment with Simple Home Remedies

Remedy 1

This remedy works if your hair are continuously breaking off and falling. Extract the juice of a single lemon. Finely grind the powder of the root of a banyan tree and mix thoroughly in the lemon juice. Wash your hair with this solution. When done, dry your hair with a drier and then apply more than the normal amount of coconut oil on the scalp. Do this regularly. Within a few days you will find the quality of your hair improving.

Remedy 2

Prepare the fine powder of the amalaki (Indian Gooseberry) and soak it in water. Keep this overnight. In the morning, squash the powder in the water and let it exude thoroughly into the water. You will get a mild pasty consistency. Then squeeze the juice of a lemon or two. Use this vitamin C rich solution to wash your hair. The solution will foam. Work your hands into the roots of the hair till the foam is profuse. After fifteen minutes of this treatment, you can wash it off. This kind of treatment will not only treat hair loss, but it will also make the hair blacker, denser, longer and softer. A month of this treatment on a daily basis will show you the positive results.

Remedy 3

Boil some udad daal (lentils) in water. When boiled enough, let them cool. Then mash the daal and apply it vigorously on the hair, working at the roots. This treatment provides proteins to your hair, which is very necessary for their proper growth. Within a few days of this continuous treatment, your hair loss problems will begin to dwindle.

Remedy 4

This treatment works for alopecia, i.e. baldness or thinness of hair. Take a dry ripe amalaki fruit and grind it to a powder. Put this powder in coconut oil or chameli (Jasminum grandiflorum, Spanish Jasmine) oil. Use this oil to massage the scalp. Then put this solution in water and wash the hair thoroughly. Continue this for a month to observe benefits. You must also chew on the dry amalaki fruit several times a day.

Remedy 5

If your hair is thinning out, then the following remedy can help. Prepare a mixture of the powders of the seeds, leaves and peel of a pomegranate. Add this to mustard oil. Keep it on a flame. The powders will begin to get cooked. When the powders seem cooked enough, then strain the oil through a cloth and collect the filtrate in a bottle. Cork this bottle. Apply this oil twice or thrice on the scalp in a day. Within a few days, hair loss will stop and new hair will begin growing.

Remedy 6

Grind some green coriander and extract the juices from it. Use these juices to massage onto the scalp. This will make your hair soft and black and stop hair loss. This remedy is simple but it is so effective that it can even make hair grow back on the scalp. Hence it is looked upon as a treatment for alopecia.

Remedy 7

This is not a specific remedy, but it is a general method to care for your hair to stop hair loss in the future. Collect one tablespoon of powder of shikakai (Acacia concinna, acacia) and ritha (Sapindus mukorossi, soapnut). Add this powder to half pint of water and boil it. When the boiling has taken place properly, then cool it, strain it, and use the filtrate as you would use a regular shampoo. This is the best natural shampoo in the world, and perhaps the world’s oldest pH balanced shampoo. Daily using this shampoo will keep all hair loss problems at bay.

Treatment with Special Ayurvedic Methods

Bhringaraja is the drug of choice for hair problems. It is either taken orally or is used for massaging the scalp on a daily basis in the form of Maha Bhringaraja taila or Nilibhringadi taila. The general mode of using it is to massage on the scalp thoroughly and then to have a bath one hour later. But it must be remembered that Bhringaraja will first remove the weak hair from the scalp. Hence it may appear that the hair is thinning more in the beginning. This is temporary though; the new hair that will grow will be healthier and stronger.

Hair loss (and in fact, all problems relating to hair) are kapha problems. They happen when the kapha dosha is vitiated. Hence, kapha must not be allowed to accumulate in the body. This happens when there is a common cold. For this reason, common colds must be treated quickly. The same can be said about sinusitis.

Susan woke up one fine day to find tufts of hair on her pillow. An extremely worried Susan stood in front of her mirror to examine the gravity of her hair loss. She called up Margaret, a friend and a doctor at the same time.

“Why me?” was Susan’s first question to Margaret. Her question echoes that of almost every person approaching the doctor for hair loss treatment. Margaret assured Susan that hair loss is a normal routine of the hair life cycle. Each hair passes through a particular cycle: it grows, rests, and then sheds. Ten percent of the scalp hair is in a resting phase at any one time. This phase lasts between two and three months. At the end of this stage, it goes through the shedding phase.

Shedding of 50-100 hairs a day is considered normal. They are normally replaced by new hair from the same follicles located just beneath the skin surface. So hair loss within this limited range is not a matter to worry about.

“There are number of hair loss treatments available today, but we need to evaluate the causes of hair loss before you go in for any hair loss solution,” cautions Margaret.

Although there are various reasons for hair loss, the most common is androgenetic alopecia or hereditary hair loss. It is commonly thought that there is little that can be done about hereditary hair loss but it’s just not true. Other causes include hormonal imbalance, stress, hair styling and inadequate intake of proteins and calcium. So teenagers beware! If you have eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia you have a good chance of your hair suffering as well.

In women, childbirth can result in temporary hair fall – this is called postpartum hair loss. Certain medications like those given for gout, arthritis, acne and cancer can result in hair thinning and shedding too.

For men, the Norwood scale is the most common way of evaluating the severity of hair loss while for women it is the Ludwig scale, which determines the severity of hair loss.

Currently, the two popular prescription medications for treating hair loss are Rogaine and Propecia. While Rogaine is a topical solution Propecia is taken orally. Propecia is not suitable for women as it can cause birth defects. Neither medication is ideal as both are only temporary and both offer side-effects.

Revivogen is a natural option that helps stops hair loss and promotes new growth. There are many natural options out there that can offer, in our opinion, better results than the prescription medications.

The final solution to consider is hair transplants, which has advanced over the years, though it is very expensive it is at least permanent, assuming that there are no complications such as scalp infection of course.

“So, it’s important to first rule out any medical reasons for your hair loss first. Once that’s done the next step it to evaluate the severity of your hair loss and we can then decide which hair loss products are best suited to you.” reiterates Margaret.

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