Omensay

The Aquapub

2007-09-06T01:35:00.001-07:00

Although here in the Midwest pool season is almost over, there are those lucky to be living in areas where they may just be getting started with the warm season or else it's toasty all year round. For those folks (or those of us in colder climates can put it on our wish list for next year) this Aquapub not only looks like bunches of fun, but it looks like unique fun your neighbors probably aren't offering. It's one thing to enjoy a Mai Tai by the pool, but what about in it? That can be a little awkward unless you have the Aquapub that seats six and comes complete with cup holders, 2 stashes, and an umbrella. It drains water, is a portable 90 lbs and is made of recycled materials. What more could you want?

Make your Internet Speed 20% Faster

2007-08-28T23:17:00.000-07:00

Make Your INTERNET SPEED 20% Faster - video powered by Metacafe

This only works on Win XP Pro. It really works. I've been using it for years, some time it goes over 20% faster

China to ban tobacco marketing within four years?

2007-08-28T23:07:00.000-07:00

I find this fascinating -- the Chinese media said today that the world's largest country by population will ban all tobacco advertising by 2011. China is currently the largest cigarette producer and consumer, which makes this announcement even more baffling.

It's estimated that there are 300 million avid smokers in China, more than the entire population of the U.S. With that fact comes an intense focus of international health concerns, but banning tobacco marketing in four years seems too short a timeframe from my viewpoint, although I applaud it heavily.

Perhaps China does not want to see a cigarette-smoking epidemic alongside its rapidly growing economy after watching an obesity epidemic explode in the U.S. recently.

Sugar found to be more addictive than cocaine

2007-08-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

We've known for years that sugar isn't good for us. It promotes tooth decay, provides quick highs and lows and offers nothing but empty, nutritionless calories that pack on the pounds. However, it appears that it is even worse than we previously thought. Researchers recently determined that refined sugar is actually more addictive than cocaine. In a recent study rats were given a choice between sugar water and cocaine, and 94% them chose sugar. Even the rats that had previously been addicted to cocaine switched to the sugar once it was a choice. No wonder it's so hard to give up that 3 pm pack of M&M's, it's more addictive than illegal drugs.

The 10 Most caffeinated diet sodas

2007-08-28T05:44:00.000-07:00

When most people choose a diet soda over a regular one, they are doing it for their waistline. In other words, they are only paying attention to the zero or low calorie number. Very rarely are they looking at the caffeine content.

If you are watching your caffeine intake, it's worth noting that most diet versions of their regular counterparts contain more caffeine. Though it's not the highest content among all diet drinks, Diet Coke has 30% more caffeine that regular Coke! To get an idea of how much of a difference there is, and to see how the diet sodas stack up against each other, Diet Blog has put together a list of the 10 Most Caffeinated Diet Drinks. Number one? Pepsi Max, with 69 mg of caffeine. As a reference point, 1 tsp of instant coffee powder has 57 mg of caffeine.

Of course, if you're "dieting," then you might actually appreciate that extra caffeine.

The King Is Dead: The Truth About Elvis

2007-08-22T00:09:00.001-07:00

Elvis Presley died 30 years ago on Aug. 16. End of story.

He did not fake his death. He did not enter the witness protection program. He does not troll the nation's back roads for cheeseburgers.

He died. And he died precisely because he trolled the nation's back roads for cheeseburgers or some comparable artery-clogging delicacy. At least that was the essential conclusion of the autopsy performed on Presley back in 1977.

You know, when he died.

For the hard to convince, Find a Death has the two-page autopsy report (page 1, page 2), which cites cardiovascular disease teamed with cardiac arrhythmia as the cause of death. The report can be found on other sites as well, but Find a Death gets points for posting a PDF version that's pretty easy to read, and even more points for translating the stuff that's not at all easy to read (like the cause of death). Suffice to say, the Tennessee medical examiner who signed the report, one Dr. Jerry Francisco, suffered from a bad, bad case of illegible handwriting.

Among the report tidbits that can be readily deciphered: Elvis died in the dressing room, unclothed and, per the checked box on page one, uncircumcised. As far as we can tell, there's no mention of drugs, 'nana sandwiches, and the bathroom, which later accounts would peg as the death scene. If this doesn't jibe with what we know of Elvis' final days today, keep in mind, Francisco was on a quick turnaround schedule, releasing the initial autopsy findings on the night of Presley's death.

Yes, the night of his death.

Sorry about that.

The $40,000 iPod Shuffle

2007-08-21T23:55:00.001-07:00

I don't quite get it, but we seem to be seeing the smallest of the iPods, the Shuffle, getting decked out more than any of the others. Now don't get me wrong, the Shuffle is cute as a button and the bling looks good on it, I just can't understand why people would bother to decorate a gadget that costs less than $100 and is the "lowest" member of its own family.

But if you're going to do it then do it all out, right? How about $40,000 worth of 'all out?' Because that's how much this pretty little diamond and gold coated iPod will run you. And for that price no detail is overlooked -- there's even diamonds and gold on the earbuds.

Girls biologically pre-disposed to pink

2007-08-21T23:48:00.001-07:00

As the father of a daughter, I've always fought the notion that little girls had to wear pink. Every time my family asked about the kinds of clothes she needed, I told them to "buy, yellow, green, purple, anything -- anything but pink!"
But in spite of it all, my daughter loves the very color I'd been hoping she would avoid. In fact, as soon as she learned how to talk, she proudly declared it was her favorite.

According to a recent study, there was nothing I could do about it. Scientists say that, based on the way humans have evolved, girls prefer pink and boys prefer blue and that's all there is to it. Says one researcher: "There are biological reasons for [women] liking reddish things."

So ladies, next time you're choosing between a cute new pink dress and one of another color, ask yourself: "Do I really prefer the pink one, or is this just my biological pre-disposition talking?"

by: jonathon morgan

Breaking up is not that bad after all

2007-08-21T23:40:00.000-07:00

Breaking up from that relationship is displayed in the media as one of the hardest things to do in life. But, a recent study says that breaking up really is not that hard to do. Heartbreak is easy to recover from, in other words.

If you are an ardent giver of affection, you probably feel that you would be lost in the world if a serious relationship was to go south. However, results show that those expectations did not match reality

The next time a serious relationship you have starts turning sour, will you despair or realize that you will be able to recover? Quite an interesting thought to noodle over, huh? once a split was final and both parties went their separate ways.

It's Private Jets Only For David Beckham

2007-08-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

The rules in major league soccer in the United States state that players are not to travel by private jet so as to not seem different from the fans. That just wouldn't do for superstar David Beckham. The LA Galaxy got a special dispensation to fly Becks and the squad via private jet because Beckham is so mobbed by fans and there are security concerns. I wonder how the rest of the team feels about the special treatment. It probably doesn't do wonders for the team's reputation around the rest of the league

The Top 10 Best First Class Airlines

2007-08-14T04:03:00.001-07:00

Flying first class used to just mean more leg room and a better meal, but anymore some airlines are really going over the top. And the word is some airlines because not all of them even offer first class anymore, having done away with it to focus instead on business class. About 35 airlines offer first class right now, and the competition is getting steeper and steeper as they all compete to get that "wow factor" from customers. They're providing everything from fully flat beds, 3:1 passenger to crew ratios, exotic high end linens, pillows, toiletries, and even 7 course gourmet meals with caviar and Dom Perignon champagne. All that's missing is a jacuzzi!

Recently Skytrax came up with their annual list of the top 10 first class airline experiences, and here's who made their cut as the best of the best:

Agree? Disagree? I wouldn't be opposed to trying them all and giving my opinion, if someone else would sponsor me that is...

Telecommuters work naked

2007-08-14T03:58:00.000-07:00

Sure, it's easy to pick out an outfit for the office. Even if you're only marginally interested in fashion, chances are that you'll outshine the lackluster efforts of your mostly drab co-workers.

But what should you wear when your office...is your couch?

For those of us who telecommute, or work from home, our standard get-up for the daily grind is our favorite pair of pajamas. However, the latest trend amongst home-office types is nothing of the sort -- it's nothing at all, actually.

Naked. Nude. In the buff. That's how 1 in 8 men and 1 in 14 women like to work from home. The desire to bare all while bringing home the bacon is becoming so popular that one California-based clothing-optional resort reports that 80% of their guests aren't on vacation -- they just like to work without covering their bits and pieces.

So the next time you're chatting with your accountant, graphic designer, publicist -- or anyone else who might be free to work out of their house -- picture them naked. It's quite possible that they already are.

"Light" cigarettes may lose label in Canada

2007-08-14T03:16:00.000-07:00

Are you fooled by the "light" and "low tar" labels on some brands of cigarettes? Although there may be a smidgen of truth under those marketing claims, smoking is smoking. In other words, I highly doubt there is a "better" version.

Some in Canadian government must agree, as proposed regulations there may soon may claims like "light" or "mild" illegal to present on cigarette packages. Oh no -- the market segmentation of cigarettes may be shot to pieces!

Anyway, three Canadian-based tobacco companies must have seen this coming, as they have already agreed to change labeling (even as of late last year). Europe and Australia already have these regulations in effect, but they're nowhere to be seen in the U.S. I guess here, all those "light" ciggies are really better for you.

Girl sent to hospital from an overdose of coffee

2007-08-14T03:10:00.000-07:00

Evidently drinking seven double espressos isn't all that good for you. Just ask Jasmine Wills, a teenager who was taken to the hospital after overdosing on 14 shots of espresso coffee.

In her defense, she thought the cups of coffee were only single doses -- even then seven cups of espresso is probably too much for anybody to handle. I can easily get the shakes after one shot of espresso, I can't imaging what she was feeling after 14!

Yes, coffee really can be good for you, but even still -- as with anything -- you shouldn't overdo it. Researchers at Duke University found that drinking five cups of coffee a day (not even espresso, just regular coffee) could raise your blood pressure enough to increase the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Let's not forget: Caffeine -- as mild as it is -- is still classified as a drug.

Movies on your watch

2007-08-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

First there were portable DVD players, then iPods that played video, and now the Home Theater Watch -- specially made on-the-go movie fans who have really good eyesight!

It seems stylish enough. The straightforward black band will go with most of your stuff, and the sleek, modern design will keep your new gadget from looking like a geeky sports-watch. And best of all, it holds up to 2GB worth of stuff, so you can watch a full-length movie wherever you want.

Waiting at the doctor's office? Killing time during an oil change? Stuck in traffic? Just pull up your newly downloaded copy of your favorite feature film, or a couple episodes of that hot new TV show, and you'll never have to be bored again.

Best of all, it even tells time.

Elvis Presley Piano on eBay

2007-08-14T02:50:00.001-07:00

Elvis Presley may have forever left the building 30 years ago this month, but his memory is alive and well for fans the world over. I am one of those fans and if it were at all possible, I would buy this white Knabe & Co. Baby Grand piano, one of the original furnishings at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. Alas, it is not possible. But for those who can afford the $250,000 starting bid on E-Bay, the King's very own piano could be yours.

The piano's original home was in the Ellis Auditorium & Performance Hall in Memphis where such notables as WC Handy, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Cab Calloway played it. Elvis bought it in 1957 and had it refinished to his taste - white with gold trim. It was placed in the music room at Graceland, where it remained until Priscilla Presley presented Elvis with another piano as an anniversary gift in 1969. The piano was stored until 1976, when Vernon Presley sold it to Ted Sturges, owner of Sturges Recording Studio. There, it was used during the recording of over 50 albums by various artists including Jerry Lee Lewis.

The baby grand is currently in private ownership and includes several certificates of authenticity. Pre-qualified buyers have until August 18th to bid on this piece of American music history. Oh, to be a pre-qualified buyer.

Oh The Horror! XM Makes Its Way Into a Ferrari

2007-08-14T02:46:00.000-07:00

Ferrari purists, you might want to be sitting down for this one.

Years ago, it was sacrilege when Ferrari put so much as a radio in its cars, which at the time were likened to off-track race cars and sported similar amenities -- next to none. Now, as Rolls-Royce and other high-end brands are jumping on the infotainment bandwagon, Ferrari is following suit.

Modena has chosen XM over Sirius for its cars, opening Ferrari drivers up to the world of possibilities that not only offers up satellite radio programming, but also provides NavTraffic, a service alerting drivers to real-time traffic information en route.

The 612 Scaglietti is the first in Ferrari's stable to receive the equipment, which comes with a three-year subscription to new owners.

Milk or cheese? One of them sneaks past the radar

2007-08-07T06:16:00.000-07:00

Your body has no idea that liquids contain nutrients.

Or so that's the theory scientists have come up with based on a recent study that took the idea that liquids are less filling to the next level. They found that although liquid and solid calories of comparable nutrient value filled people up about the same right away, the people who had the liquid calories reported feeling hungrier sooner afterwards. And in the study it didn't seem to matter if the liquid/solid fullness comparisons came from high carb, high fat, or high protein sources -- a glass of juice or milk isn't nearly as filling in the long-term as a piece of fruit or a hunk of cheese.

Interesting. I can totally see this principle working in my life everyday, can you?

How acidic are your favourite drinks?

2007-08-06T06:19:00.000-07:00

We're usually too wrapped in in calories to consider another important factor to what we're drinking -- the acidity. Acidic drinks can not only lead to ulcers, but they can rot your teeth too. Fitsugar has a handy breakdown of the worst offenders acid-wise. What are the some of the worst offenders?

Coke, with a pH of 2.63
Pepsi at 2.49
Gatorade at 2.95
Doctor Pepper at 2.95
Minute Maid at 2.8

For comparisons sake, consider this: Neutral pH (water) is 7.0. Battery Acid is 1.0 and you mouth's normal pH should be about 6.2-7.0. So if you haven't quit drinking soda for the sake of your health, maybe you should consider giving it up for the sake of your pearly whites?

Carbonated water: Good or evil?

2007-08-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered if carbonated water was bad for your health? I've heard both sides, that it's good for dieting because it can help you feel fuller, and that it might have negative side-effects due to acidity and lack of fluoride. So is it or isn't it a bad idea? Honestly, there haven't been enough studies looking at just water (as opposed to other carbonated beverages) to really know for sure, but experts say that all arrows point to a very small risk, if any, for negative health effects. A bigger risk? Not drinking enough water of any kind, period.

The anatomy of a fainting spell

2007-08-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Do people still faint anymore? I don't think I've ever seen anyone faint in person, although I know it happens. Based on TV and movies it seems like people faint left and right, but have you ever wondered what exactly causes somebody to suddenly lose consciousness and hit the floor?

Fainting is caused by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain, which causes loss of consciousness usually just for a few seconds, and people often feel dizzy or nauseous after they wake up. Things that can trigger fainting include any kind of straining or pushing, excessive coughing, medications, drugs, low blood sugar, pain, and of course the Hollywood favorite: emotional distress.

Lindsay Lohan's Luxurious Utah Rehab

2007-08-06T05:34:00.000-07:00

ET Online is reporting that Lindsay Lohan has entered rehab for the third time and this time the young starlet has not chosen Promises or any of the other Southern California rehabs. Instead, she is at the rustic Cirque Lodge drug and alcohol rehab in Sundance, Utah. The Cirque Lodge sounds more like some of the estates we have covered than a rehab. The Lodge has a log cabin look and can accommodate 16 residents. Rooms have access to a private bath including a Jacuzzi tub and shower and the bedrooms have fireplaces and views. The main room is a two-story great room with two fireplaces. There is also an exercise room, a media room, a cedar sauna and a circular meditation room on the third floor which is ideal for quiet contemplation. It is reported that Mary-Kate Olsen and David Hasselhoff have both spent time at Cirque and the rehab can cost upwards of $30,000.

How buses, lithium ion batteries are made

2007-08-06T01:33:00.000-07:00

How It's Made is a great show on Discovery's Science Channel. This segment takes a look at the making of a city bus. You might be familiar with a regular car assembly line but making a bus is a little different. The part I found most interesting is the installation of air tanks. That strange sound you hear when a bus door opens is actually compressed air being released.

In this segment, How It's Made takes a look at the production of a lithium battery for an electric car. The coolest part of that video is the spraying on of molten metal. The electric car in the video looks like Th!nk's but I might be wrong. How It's Made has also taken taken a look at the making asphalt, which is made from oil. Many people know gas is made from oil but are surprised to learn things like plastics and asphalt are made from oil as well.

Fan Pulls Off Tim McGraw’s Ring

2007-08-06T01:18:00.000-07:00

The crowd at Tim McGraw’s concert in Louisiana last Saturday really couldn’t keep their hands off the country singer.

This time, they grabbed his jewelry. In a second video from the Cajundome show now circulating online, McGraw is seen moving along a row of fans during the show, reaching out to touch them, when one of them pulls a ring off his left hand.

Usher Marries Tameka Foster in Private Ceremony

2007-08-06T01:09:00.000-07:00

After abruptly canceling his Hamptons wedding to stylist Tameka Foster last Saturday, Usher became a married man Friday in Atlanta, a source confirms.

The two reportedly exchanged vows in the office of his lawyer – a far different affair than the event planned for last weekend at music mogul L.A. Reid’s Sagaponack, N.Y., home. The couple had spent $10,000 on invitations alone, and had lined up singer Robin Thicke to perform and renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, along with Sylvia’s of Harlem, to cook.

Porsche And Armani Set To Enter The Cell Phone Market

2007-07-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

It's a busy few weeks for cellphone watchers as everyone wants to create the next phone that makes all the cool kids go crazy the way the iPhone has. Born Rich reports that Porsche Design is working on the shiny new gadget shown above. The P9521 cell phone is created from a block of aluminum and has a scratch-resistant screen which rotates 180 degrees, a three-megapixel camera, a fingerprint reader and a MP3 player. This baby will set you back way more than the iPhone, it is expected to sell fo $1600.

Another hot cellphone story is that Samsung is reportedly working with Armani to create a phone. The Armani phone is said to have "exclusive content" and undoubtedly minimalist design to die for.

Lennon's Glasses to Sell for $1.5 Million or More at Auction

2007-07-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

John Lennon's glasses, yes the legend himself, are up for auction on the British site 991.com. The Beatle's gold wire rimmed sunglasses are currently owned by a Japanese TV producer named Junishi Yore who got them back in 1966 when he worked as a translator for the Beatles, and they'll come with a handwritten note from Yore explaining how he came to get them from Lennon. Estimates are predicting the auction will end somewhere around $1.5 million or higher, although it's a private auction so we'll have to wait and see when the bidding ends on July 31st.

Samsung Plans Gold Phone For The Olympics

2007-07-19T13:48:00.001-07:00

Those at China's Olympics can keep in touch with a gold phone. Samsung will make a special 18-carat gold-plated mobile phone in China to celebrate the Olympics in Beijing. The P318 phone will be black with gold trim and gold along the bottom half of its back. The phone will only be sold in China and no launch date has been set yet.

Teen Buys PS2 on eBay and Gets a Box Stuffed with $90,000 in Cash

2007-07-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

Well here's one way to get rich quick: order from the same eBay seller this kid did in the UK. A teen recently won an auction for a PS2 for £95 that was supposed to come with 2 games. He got the console but instead of the games the box was stuffed with £44,000 (or just over $90,000) in cash. The kids parents alerted police, who have confiscated the money and are holding it while the situation is investigated.

eBay was quoted as saying the contents of the box are "somewhat unusual." Only somewhat? I need to do more online shopping.

$100,000 Super Bowl Pepsi Can

2007-07-17T06:32:00.000-07:00

Sports fans take note: at the Super Bowl this year, Pepsi will giving away a super can valued at $100,000, along with lifetime Super Bowl tickets. Pepsi sales have been in decline for the past year or so, so a contest is just what the brand feels it needs to reinvigorate its customer base. The can is one of a kind, made of sterling silver and studded with diamonds, rubies and sapphires. It bears logos for both Pepsi and the NFL and was "inspired by 40 years of Super Bowl rings."

For a chance at winning, you can pick up a code for the contest at the Pepsi site. The winning code will be announced during the Super Bowl game on February 4th.

hummel 8.4 PIO FGX

2007-07-17T06:28:00.000-07:00

It must be because David Beckham is moving to Los Angeles to play in MLS for the LA Galaxy, because I can't think of another reason why some fancy soccer cleats would otherwise be exciting for a nonsoccer player (albeit a soccer fan). The hummel 8.4 PIO FGX football boots were designed by Richard Kuchinsky to offer superior performance, comfort and looks to players. The insoles of the shoes, which will be released in limited quantities, custom mold to the players' feet using heat. Externally, the outsole is designed for ultimate precision and grip of the ground. The upper is made of white goat leather that has been laser-etched with a Monogram Bee logo pattern in gold.

Liverpool To Get The U.K.'s Highest Living Spaces

2007-07-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

The town of Liverpool in England may become home to the highest living space in the entire U.K. The King Edward Tower is a £130m skyscraper which will have 54 stories with 412 apartments, 25,000 sq ft of commercial office space and 7,500 sq ft of retail and leisure space. The penthouses on the 54th floor will be the highest living spaces in the country. The top of the tower will also have a rooftop bar/ restaurant that will have an express elevator from the ground floor. Construction is planned to start in mid-2008 and is projected to take three years

Via Genova, A Cafe Devoted To Luxury Waters

2007-07-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

While I've heard of a "water sommelier" at some restaurants in Los Angeles, in Bill and Hillary Clinton's adopted hometown of Chappaqua, New York there is a luxury water bar. Via Genova has nearly 80 different types of water from around the world including the 10 Thousand BC water from British Columbia for $30 U.S. and the crystal-covered Bling water for $55. The restaurant also serve a light menu. They will even cater water for events, doing water tastings and weddings. Would you go to a cafe just for the water?

The Mile Below Club

2007-07-17T06:00:00.001-07:00

We've talked about the mile-high club before but the new frontier is the mile-below club. A unique place that can only be reached via submarine. it turns out that the intimate quarters of a sub traveling under the sea may be the new hot spot for romantic travelers who've done it just about everywhere else. The London Times picks up on a Bloomberg interview last week with Hervé Jaubert, a former French navy commando who founded the submarine company Exomos that mentioned the challenges of underwater love. Bruce Jones, the president of US Submarines confirms that the sight of couples en flagrante is interesting to dolphins who bang on the windows with their noses. How long before some enterprising person creates a service to offer travelers the chance to get busy below similar to the services they offer in the sky.

Brazil Are Copa Kings!

2007-07-15T22:57:00.001-07:00

Brazil produced a ruthlessly efficient performance to beat old rivals Argentina 3-0 on Sunday and win the Copa America for the second time in a row.

Brazil stung Argentina with a fourth-minute goal from Julio Baptista then Argentina captain Roberto Ayala, making his 115th appearance, put through his own goal before halftime.

Although Argentina had more possession, Daniel Alves added a third as Argentina coach Alfio Basile, who won the 1991 and 1993 tournaments in a previous stint, lost a Copa America match for the first time in a run spanning 19 games.
It was a bitter pill for Argentina, who lost on penalties to the same opponents in the 2004 final and were favourites to win this time against a Brazil team missing Kaka and Ronaldinho, who asked to be rested.

Argentina had scored 16 goals in five games before the final while Brazil lost to Mexico in the group stage and needed a penalty shootout to beat Uruguay in the semi-finals.

Argentina were also attempting to end a 14-year title drought stretching back to their 1993 Copa America title under Basile.

With the temperature at kickoff time around 32 Celsius and the tropical sun still burning, a cagey opening had been expected but instead Brazil snatched a quick lead.

A long crossfield ball by Elano found Julio Baptista on the left and, as Ayala held off, the player known as 'the Beast' advanced menacingly and unleashed a shot into the top right hand corner.
Argentina nearly produced a quick reply when Juan Roman Riquelme rifled a shot against the post five minutes later.

The number ten was close again in the 35th minute but his shot was brilliantly turned away by Brazil goalkeeper Doni.

But Argentina's usual flowing game was interrupted by systematic Brazilian fouling in midfield, while their defence always looked shaky against Brazil's counterattacks.

Maicon nearly added a second in the 17th minute when Roberto Abbondanzieri fumbled his low shot and the same player forced Javier Zanetti to clear off the line one minute later.

Five minutes before halftime, Daniel Alves, who replaced the injured Elano, produced a dangerous inswinging cross from the right and Ayala turned the ball into his own net.

Brazil continued to frustrate Argentina after halftime as goalkeeper Doni and Gilberto were both booked for time-wasting.

And as Argentina struggled to impose their style, Brazil produced the killer punch as Vagner Love broke down the left and fed Daniel Alves, who scored with a clinical shot into the bottom right-hand corner.

The Desert Islands Project In Abu Dhabi

2007-07-15T22:49:00.001-07:00

Abu Dhabi is catching up with Dubai in terms of ambitious projects. The latest is their own island project. The Desert Islands will be a tourism destination off the coast of Abu Dhabi's western coastline. It will be eight separate islands including the Sir Bani Yas eco-resort and an onshore gate. The islands will include a nature preserve, a cultural destination and a showcase for world-class environmental, conservation and ecological tourism. The Desert Islands comprise the former Royal nature reserve of Sir Bani Yas Island, Dalma Island and the Discovery Islands – six nearby offshore outcrops, all of which will be linked by a ferry and hydrofoil service, water taxis and sea planes.The 'Marsa Jabel Dhanna' gate, which will include a 150-room beachfront hotel in Jabel Dhanna and will be the destination's arrivals, departure and logistics hub. Sir Bani Yas Island will be at the heart of the destination and the Arabian National Park, which will be home to free roaming animals, will take up more than three quarters of the entire island with resorts, eco-lodges and campsites, and at its center, the Falcon Lodge Peak, where visitors can take lessons in falconry. Dalma Island, will provide a heritage experience with archaeological finds and a place where traditional fishing, farming and aquaculture livelihoods continue. Two of the Discovery Islands will be protected areas reserved for existing breeding grounds for birds and turtles, two will be devoted to exclusive resort and the remaining two islands will provide a 'wild camp' experience delivering the experience of staying on a deserted island.The first place will be completed in 2010 and the hope is that the resort will attract over a million tourists by the time the resort becomes fully operational in 2017. An exhibition devoted to the Desert Islands has opened at the Emirates Palace Hotel in the UAE capital city.

Bipasha Basu’s Boyfriend Upset Over Ronaldo Kiss

2007-07-14T02:27:00.000-07:00

According to sources he’s not taking the news too well...

John Abraham is reportedly fuming over pictures showing his girlfriend Bipasha Basu locking lips with Man United Ace Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to sources Abraham, who recently declared his love for Basu amid rumours of a split, is said to have found the pictures on the internet.

“When John started surfing the net, he was shocked to see pictures of Bipasha splashed everywhere” a source told the Mumbai Mirror “Obviously, Bipasha had not informed him about this whole episode”
“John seemed very upset and what added to his misery was that everyone knew about the episode,”
Whilst the Bollywood starlet claims that the photo was taken out of context, Abraham is reportedly refusing to discuss the matter with anyone;
“Yesterday he only came out of his make-up room when he was called for the shot. He shot for the film, but it was very clear that he was very embarrassed” adds the source.
“It is still very unclear whether he had spoken to Bipasha after this news had come out."

Beckhams arrive in Los Angeles

2007-07-14T02:10:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES --Soccer star David Beckham and his wife, Victoria, arrived Thursday night to begin their new lives in the United States. The British power couple smiled and held hands as they walked out of a Los Angeles International Airport terminal shortly before 8:20 p.m. after arriving aboard a British Airways flight from London.

Dozens of reporters and photographers pushed and shoved behind barriers set up at the terminal before the duo, surrounded by security guards, left in a black sport utility vehicle without commenting.

Their three children accompanied them on the flight, but didn't exit the terminal with them. Victoria Beckham, also known as Posh Spice of the Spice Girls, wore a sleeveless black dress and sunglasses and gave a quick wave to the paparazzi. David Beckham was dressed in a black jacket and jeans.

Several people at the airport to pick up passengers became paparazzi themselves, snapping images with their cell phones.

"It was so awesome, he looks better in person than in the magazines," said devoted Beckham fan Priscilla Flores, 15. "I'm really excited to see him play his first game here. He'll make soccer more popular here."

The media swarm also attracted curious onlookers, though not everyone knew what the big deal was.

"Who's David Beckham?" asked Austin Baker, an 11-year-old California boy waiting for a connecting flight, before the world's biggest soccer star arrived.

The English midfielder, who helped Real Madrid win the Spanish title last month, will play for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer. He's set to be introduced by the Galaxy on Friday, and make his playing debut in an exhibition match against Chelsea on July 21 in Carson, Calif.

Beckham, who has returned to the England lineup after initially being dropped following the 2006 World Cup, is scheduled to make around $32.5 million over five years with the Galaxy and millions more in endorsement deals.

Despite playing thousands of miles away, Beckham hopes to stay in the England lineup and help the team qualify for next year's European Championship.

The Beckhams will make their new digs in a reported $22 million, 13,000-square foot villa in Beverly Hills, where neighbors include their friends Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Avril Lavigne sued for stealing tune

2007-07-14T01:48:00.000-07:00

Avril Lavigne is being sued by the members of a 1970s rock band who claim her hit song "Girlfriend" rips off one of their tunes.

Songwriters Tommy Dunbar and James Gangwer alleged in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court that Lavigne and her co-writers lifted their 1979 song "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend," which was originally performed by new wave band The Rubinoos.

"We are not so naive as to chalk it up to some sort of cosmic coincidence," Dunbar said Thursday. "The lyric, the meter, the rhythm -- they're identical."

The first court date has been set for Aug. 28 in Oakland.

A spokeswoman for Lavigne declined to comment.

Videos comparing Lavigne's song with the Rubinoos' tune were among the most popular on YouTube Friday. Nearly half a million people had watched various clips highlighting the similarities between the songs.

The lawsuit is not the first mention of the similarities between the songs. Music critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine, in a review published on Billboard magazine's Web site, noted that the chorus of "Girlfriend" was a "total lift from the Rubinoos' 'I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.'"

The Rubinoos toured and recorded from 1975 to 1983 and had a hit with a cover version of Tommy James and the Shondells' "I Think We're Alone Now." They also wrote the theme song for the movie "Revenge of the Nerds."

"Girlfriend," from Lavigne's 2007 RCA Records release "The Best Damn Thing," topped the Billboard 200 singles chart in May. RCA is a unit of Sony BMG Music Entertainment, a joint venture between Sony Corp. and Bertelsmann AG.

Snoop Dogg's life to be E! reality show

2007-07-14T01:45:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES --Snoop Dogg's home and work lives will be on display in a new reality series, E! Entertainment Television said Friday.

The series, scheduled to debut in late 2007 and described by the cable channel as "hilarious and heartwarming," will show the hip-hop heavyweight trying to balance his different worlds.

"The juggling act that Snoop faces day-in, day-out between career and family is certain to resonate with our viewers," said Ted Harbert, president and CEO of Comcast Entertainment Group, which operates the E! channel.

The rapper, whose real name is Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr., has three children, is active in community causes and is involved in a youth football league he founded, E! said.

He's also had court-ordered obligations on his plate. In April, he was sentenced to five years' probation and 800 hours of community service after he pleaded no contest to felony gun and drug charges. The charges followed his arrest last year at an airport in Burbank for investigation of transporting marijuana. Police later found a gun at his home.

Also recently, in 2006 he and five other men were arrested on charges of violent disorder and starting a brawl when some in his party were denied entry to British Airways' first-class lounge at Heathrow Airport.

His platinum-selling albums include his most recent, "Tha Blue Carpet Treatment." He's also a producer and actor.

Are You Ready For Mansinthe?

2007-07-14T00:22:00.000-07:00

What does Marilyn Manson drink? Believe it or not the answer just might be Mansinthe his new absinthe which is set to debut in Europe in August. Liquor Snob reports that the distiller, Matter-Luginbuhl, is a famed maker of high-end absinthes in Switzerland. Manson is a noted lover of absinthe and the project has been in the works for several years. The absinthe is made from herbs such as grand wormwood, fennel and anise and is not sugared and the label artwork is by Manson. There are two pricey prereleases: a limited edition for 300 euros and a special signed edition with a different label available from Gallery Schenk in Cologne that sells for 500 euros. There are some more pictures on the Mansinthe website.

Eva Longoria's Wedding Photos Worth $2 Million

2007-07-07T05:36:00.001-07:00

Most brides just have to worry about who they're going to have take their wedding pictures, but Eva Longoria and fiancé Tony Parker also had to decide who would get the rights to publish them. The biggest bidders for exclusive rights to wedding coverage were People magazine and OK!, with OK! coming out on top by offering $2 million dollars.

The wedding is planned for this weekend, July 7th, in a castle just outside of Paris. I wonder how much Eva and Tony are paying for their own personal wedding photos? Think $2 million will cover it?

Ferrari GTO cufflinks made of real Ferrari GTO

2007-07-07T05:27:00.000-07:00

Much like the Sex Panther cologne in Anchorman, which was "made with bits of real panther," Alfred Dunhill's enthusiast-oriented Provenance cufflinks are shaped like miniature Ferrari 250 GTOs, and are made of actual Ferrari 250 GTO aluminum body panels. Worry not, friends, as we're quite certain that Dunhill isn't wantonly slaughtering GTOs for the sole purpose of keeping French cuffs stylishly managed. A few panels were probably enough to make a full production run of the limited-edition baubles, which are as close to actual Ferrari GTO ownership as some buyers are going to get. With a price tag of $1800, even that subset of customers will assuredly be among the very well-heeled.

Lamborghini, The Perfume

2007-07-07T05:18:00.000-07:00

This week on Monday the world's leading fragrance company, Coty Inc., announced that they've agreed to create a new innovative fragrance line for men under the Tonino Lamborghini brand name. Coty plans to play off the brand's "sexy, sleek, and exclusive" appeal to create something "explosive" in men's fragrance. Expect to see the resulting Tonino Lamborghini fragrance in Europe and Asia in the spring of 2008, and in the U.S. and around the world sometime after that.

And if you go for auto-inspired fragrances but can't wait until next year or later to start smelling good there's always scents available from Mustang, Hummer, and even the Daytona 500 to hold you over.

Epic Elite Jet

2007-07-07T05:13:00.001-07:00

Epic Aircraft's entry into the very light jet market is the twin-engine Elite. The Elite made its first flight earlier this month. The carbon-fiber Elite uses two Williams Jet FJ-33-4 engines and can cruise at 412 KTAS and travel more than 1600 nautical miles with a payload of nearly 1700 lbs. The cabin has leather seats with lavatory and mulitmedia options available. The Elite will be available as a six-seat experimental category jet in 2007. The six-to-eight-place certified version of the jet is scheduled for 2009. The Epic Elite will make its official debut July 23 during AirVenture in Oshkosh.

[via General Aviation News]

Nokia debuts totally fugly 7500 Prism in China

2007-07-03T23:04:00.001-07:00

By all accounts, Nokia's designers are either on a cutting edge so far into the future and so deeply advanced that we can't understand it, or they've all gone off their medication. The bizarre 7500 Prism (which may or may not be the similarly styled 7900) made its debut at a Nokia fashion event in China today, along with the 8600, 8800 Sirocco, 6110 navigator, 5700 XpressMusic, 6500 classic, 6500 slider and the 3500 -- though none of them were as totally zany looking as the Prism. The phone's specs are at least fairly normal, featuring a 2 megapixel camera, microSD slot, a QVGA screen and rocking the S40 (version 5) OS. It's unclear at this point why the company believes people will want a diamond shaped keyboard, but since the FCC has already approved this model, we'll soon learn if they really do.

Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru

2007-07-03T22:57:00.000-07:00

The Banyan Tree Hotels is opening their fourth property in the idyllic Maldives, the Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru. The property unveils the hotels first tented pool villa concept in the Maldives. Each villa is comprised of three tents that form living, sleeping and bath areas. The bath tent also includes spa beds for in-tent massages and facials. The tents have timber floors, rattan and teak furniture and big ceiling canopies. The villas are priced starting at $3900 but the resort is offering a special deal of 50% savings on accommodation, 25% savings on seaplane transfers, in-villa couple spa treatment, complimentary meals and selected beverages now through October 31st 2007 with minimum three nights' stay

Aston Martin, Give This Man a Job

2007-07-03T22:50:00.000-07:00

Not since Chris Bangle's 7-series revolutionized BMW has a brand refresh been so dynamic and perfect. The Aston Martin DB-ONE is the fastest looking car standing completely still, embodying what could be the next generation of the famous British sports car.

The only problem is this: Spanish designer Ruben Vela doesn't actually work for Aston Martin. The recent Polytechnic University graduate developed the Aston Martin DB-ONE as a study in "dynamism," a play on the lines and planes of the vehicle that make it feel kinetic even when it's static. The big fat grille and exaggerated front end play on Aston Martin's typical long nose, yet the angles indicate thought beyond today's standards.

Criss Angel sued for divorce

2007-07-03T02:19:00.001-07:00

According to the New York Post, Criss Angel's wife, Joanne Sarantakos (Sarantakos is Angel's actual surname), is suing her husband for divorce, claiming that he kept their marriage a secret to help his career and make him more appealing to fans.
Their marriage was enough of a secret that I had no idea he was even married, though it's not as if I spend every waking moment keeping up with Angel's personal life. Still, whenever a girl was by Criss' side on Mindfreak, she was always just credited as "Criss' girl" as far as I remember.

BECKHAM ANGERS FASHION DESIGNER

2007-07-03T02:09:00.001-07:00

VICTORIA BECKHAM has angered a British fashion designer by wearing one of his designs in public without permission. Christopher Kane admits Beckham asked to borrow one of the items from his new collection, but he refused because he did not think her figure was right for his designs. But the former Spice Girl found a way around the problem - by buying the dress regardless of the designer's objections. Kane says, "I couldn't do anything about it, to be honest. She wanted to borrow something, but I said no, so she went out and bought it. "I've got nothing against her, but she's not the woman I imagine wearing my dresses. I think more of women like (French Vogue's Editor-In-Chief) Carine Roitfeld because she's sexy and intelligent. Posh Spice doesn't even get a look-in."

Angelina in black face?

2007-07-03T01:53:00.000-07:00

Despite disappointing box office sales, Angelina Jolie's latest movie A Mighty Heart has sparked its fair share of controversy in the media. At the heart of the matter is not whether Hollywood exploited the tragic death of journalist Daniel Pearl to make summer blockbuster cashola (my beef with the movie, for the record).

Rather, critics are up in arms about the decision to cast a very white Angelina Jolie as a woman of color. Insult, they say, was added to injury by the production company's decision to darken Jolie skin, change her eye color with contact lenses, and put her in a wig that resembled the Afro-Cuban-Dutch heroine Marianne Pearl's dark, thick, curly hair.

K. Emily Bond of the Huffington Post calls it "black-face" and goes on to suggest that "this casting choice illustrates the magnitude of the time warp Hollywood got sucked into or the vacuum within which it exists." Bond also makes the point that if they film wanted to downplay the interracial aspect of Daniel and Marianne's relationship, they should have left Angelina fair-skinned and blue-eyed.

But since the film obviously opted to portray Marianne's race, Bond suggests it would have been more "sensitive" to cast one of the many talented actresses of color such as Thandie Newton or Halle Barry, who she points out is just as hot as Jolie according to AskMen.com.

So what do you think? Is it acceptable for Hollywood to cast white actresses as women of color? If it is, how should they negotiate the difference in skin color? Is it better to leave the actress as she is, or to, as Bond puts, dress her up in black-face?

What the butt?!

2007-07-03T01:39:00.000-07:00

Could butts be the latest fashion accessory? Kim Kardashian clearly thinks so. In a barely there flesh toned dress, Kim's asset looks huge massive (which was clearly the goal, so well-played).

Having Kim's "junk" block my vision makes me wonder if she will bring asses back. JLo surely did a few years back. Remember when JLo took out a million dollars worth of insurance on her backside and everyone wanted a piece? I was in college at the time and the flat-backed girls were doing all that they could to fill their jeans. Now I was in fashion school, so they weren't eating to fill them ... they were making butt pads to put inside their pants. Sounds crazy, but at the time they were actually on the market (seriously).

Kimmy here obviously had some work done because that thing just isn't natural. Do you think women will get so inspired by her curves to start filling out some jeans with booty power? I think a butt that big would be a curse, imagine how hard it would be to find pants.

by Lauren Messiah

Maria Sharapova: tennis goddess/fashion icon

2007-07-03T01:30:00.000-07:00

For better or for worse, women's tennis these days is as much about a player's looks as it is about her backhand.

At the moment, my favorite "fashionable" tennis player is Maria Sharapova. The blond Russian, who also moonlights as a spokesperson for Canon, showed up to her match against Severine Bremond of France on Thursday wearing an incredible white dress by Nike. The tiered skirt with distinctive ruffled angel wings along the back made the high performance outfit seem as street-worthy as it was court-worthy.

While the feminist in me hates to reduce talented female athletes to their looks, the fashionista in me says Maria's dress was a definite tennis DO!

Would you wear a diamond made from a peanut?

2007-07-03T01:05:00.001-07:00

Diamonds are expensive because they're rare -- or at least that's what the diamond industry wants us to think. But the truth about diamonds (not the Nicole Richie book, by the way) is that they're extremely common, and they're also made from a very ordinary substance: coal.

A team of scientists in Scotland is doing its part to muck up the diamond economy. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are developing laboratory processes that replicate the atmospheric pressure that converts coal into diamonds.

The hope is that with a laboratory-controlled process "large gem-quality diamonds... [could be made] artificially" from all sorts of carbon-based materials, including peanut butter!

The PB bling is made by squeezing the spread between the tips of two diamonds, resulting in something called the "stiletto heel effect".

Given the dirty dealings and unethical practices of the diamond trade, I'm pleased to hear that the days of the status quo are numbered. Just the same I doubt many women will forgo the "Diamond is Forever" mentality for a rock made in a lab from jar of Skippy.

What do you think? Would you be happy wearing a diamond made from peanut butter?

[via BBC.co.uk]

Alfa Romeo to produce 8C Spider in 2008

2007-07-03T00:48:00.000-07:00

Following the initial confirmation from Alfa Romeo that the drop-dead-sell-my-soul-and-both-kidneys-gorgeous 8C Competizione was going into production, however limited, the temporarily satiated hearts and minds of Italian sportscar fans (and really, who isn't a fan of Italian sportscars?) turned to the next obvious question: what about its equally jaw-dropping open-aired sister, the 8C Spider? We've been patiently awaiting any indication from the Milanese automaker, and the latest reports suggest that Alfa will indeed produce a limited run of the rolling piece of alfresco art.

Italian automotive publication Quattroroute claims that the 8C Spider will begin rolling out of the factory at the end of next year. Like the instantly sold-out fixed-roof version, only 500 examples will be produced, with a corresponding price increase to €180,000.
So, seriously...anyone interested in buying a kidney?

Biggest safari yacht gutted and sinks

2007-06-30T23:37:00.000-07:00

The largest safari yacht in the "Nooraanee Queen" has burnt completely after it caught fire at about 10.25 friday night. The yacht has sunk yesterday morning at about 7.The US 4.7 million dollar luxury vessel has 34 beds for tourists was anchored in Male' Atoll Guraidhoo had no tourists when it caught fire. But reports say one of the 12 members of crew Ali Easa of Raa Rasgetheemu is missing. Coast guard and divers have searched for the missing person but the search has not been successful. Ali was wearing a light blue shirt with floral design and a cream short. The cause of fire has not been confirmed. Police are investigating the matter.
We tried to contact a surviving crew of the vessel for comment on how the vessel caught fire. But they could not be contacted.
Nooranee Queen is owned by Mr. Zahir Adam of Moving International. Zahir Adam is the Gaafu Dhaalu member of the People's Majlis. He has been in tourism business for several years. He wanted to build a luxury yacht for providing exclusive service to tourists and Nooraanee Queen is the result of his vision and hard work. The yacht was built in the , and it has become very popular for visiting tourists.
According to our information, Nooraaanee Queen is fully insured vessel.

The Floater

2007-06-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

This gadget is for just for users of Apple laptops. The Floater is made out of a block of solid aluminum and is designed to hold your computer when you have it hooked up to an external keyboard and monitor. The Floater has airflow designed to keep your Apple cooler. The stand has drilled channels for the cables and silicon pads to grip your Mac without scratching it. Although it looks precarious, the company also promises that the Floater is perfectly stable. It has the same pared down aesthetic as Apple products and sells for $305.

Police: Benoit Killed Wife, Child Before Suicide

2007-06-26T22:52:00.000-07:00

"This is a terrible tragedy and an unbearable loss."

So proclaims World Wrestling Entertainment after one of its marquee superstars,Chris Benoit, apparently killed his wife and seven-year-old son in their Georgia home over the weekend before taking his own life.

At a press conference Tuesday, officials with the Fayetteville County Sheriff's Department said that based on the autopsies and evidence found at the scene, Benoit strangled his wife, Nancy, Friday night in a home office and then smothered his son, Daniel, early Saturday morning in the child's bedroom.

According to the WWE, Benoit sent five text messages to some of his co-workers between 3:51 a.m. and 3:58 a.m. Saturday.

Messages one, three and four read, "My physical address is 130 Green Meadow Lane, Fayetteville, Georgia. 30215."

Message five just gave his address, and message two read, "The dogs are in the enclosed pool area. Garage side door is open."

Sometime between then and early Monday, he went down to his basement weight room and hanged himself using a pulley cord from one of his workout machines.

Based on the text message and worried about Benoit's welfare after he failed to show up for a wrestling event in Beaumont, Texas, Saturday and WWE's "Vengeance: Night of Champions" in Houston on Sunday, one of Benoit's friends alerted the WWE, which in turn contacted the authorities in Fayetteville.

Investigators initially had difficulty entering the home; the perimeter was guarded by two German shepherds. But by Monday afternoon, officers had discovered the three bodies.
The cause of death for all three was asphyxiation.

The sheriff said there are no other suspects and Benoit did not leave a suicide note.
Detectives found several legally obtained prescription drugs, including anabolic steroids. Investigators say it will take up to two weeks to determine what drugs Benoit had in his system. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's crime lab is conducting a battery of tests, including toxicology.

"WWE was stunned and saddened by the details released today by local authorities and is continuing to monitor the investigation," the organization said in an additional statement released Tuesday evening.

Although medical studies have linked steroid use to behavioral changes, including overly aggressive mood swings, paranoia, depression and angry outbursts—commonly known as "'roid rage"—the WWE had earlier cautioned against any rush to judgment.
"There is no current evidence that Benoit even had steroids or any other substance in his body," the organization said in a lengthy statement attempting to quell "sensationalistic reporting and speculation."

"On the last test done on Benoit by WWE's independently administered drug-testing program, done on April 10, 2007, Benoit tested negative.

"
The statement continued, "The physical findings announced by authorities indicate deliberation, not rage."

Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard told reporters he was flummoxed by the murders and Benoit's subsequent suicide.

"In a community like this, it's bizarre just to have a murder-suicide and certainly [one] involving the death of a seven-year-old child," the prosecutor said.

Even stranger, Ballard noted that Benoit placed Bibles by the bodies of his deceased wife and son. Investigators also found 43-year-old Nancy Benoit wrapped in a towel, both her feet and wrists bound and blood under her head.

According to court records obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the couple had suffered through a period of marital strife capped by Nancy Benoit filing for divorce in 2003. Per the petition, she sought permanent custody of Daniel and child support. She also obtained a restraining order against her 5-foot-10, 220-pound husband.

"[Benoit] lost his temper and threatened to strike the petitioner and cause extensive damage to the home and personal belongings of the parties, including furniture and furnishings," the petition stated. "Petitioner is in reasonable fear for petitioner's own safety and that of the minor child."

Three months later, however, she had the divorce papers and protective order dismissed, and the couple reconciled.

Benoit, otherwise known as the "Canadian Crippler" because he hailed from Montreal, met Nancy Daus, a wrestling manager who went by the stage name "Woman," in 1997 during a stint with the now defunct World Championship Wrestling organization.

After Daus' then husband hatched a romantic storyline for her and Benoit in the ring, the two reportedly became romantically involved. Daus divorced her husband and married Benoit in 2000.

The murder-suicide has stunned pro wrestling fans. The WWE's Website and fanboards have been deluged with messages about one of the company's premiere athletes, who won the WWE's world heavyweight championship in 2004.

Many fans also called on the WWE to ditch the "Vince Is Dead" plot. The whodunit storyline focuses on the supposed demise of WWE mastermind Vince McMahon and has been dominating the organization's Monday-night program, Raw.

While the WWE did not address the McMahon angle, the organization did cancel Monday night's three-hour live Raw broadcast on USA Network, replacing it with a tribute to Benoit's life and career.

"Chris was beloved among his fellow superstars and was a favorite among WWE fans for his unbelievable athleticism and wrestling ability," the WWE said in a statement. "He always took great pride in his performance, and always showed respect for the business he loved, for his peers and toward his fans."

Digital Do-Over: Lara Croft Gets a New Look

2007-06-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

Back in 1996, everyone loved Lara Croft: the curves, the can-do spirit, the double-barreled shotgun. But over the years, those polygons have started to show their age, and, well, even virtual vixens can use a little touch-up now and then. Don't fret. The good geeks at Eidos know how to take care of their hot property, and they've spruced up this adventurer—and the adventures, too—with Tomb Raider: Anniversary for PS2. They ditched most of the annoying bad guys from more recent titles and returned to doing things that made Lara Croft such a hit in the first place. Not that they had to bring everything back: Sure, the T.rex is bigger, badder and louder than ever, but it takes forever to defeat. No matter, this is one anniversary present we'll never forget.

Poseidon 180 Yacht

2007-06-26T22:34:00.001-07:00

From the Giancarlo Zema Design Group (the same folks that brought us the Jellyfish 45) comes this exciting yacht, the Poseidon 180 being developed by Bugatti Yachts. The 180-foot yacht has floating decks under a giant glass dome. It has eight staterooms that offer panoramic ocean views. The yacht uses Bugatti Marine engines that can hit 40 knots. The price is $50 million and it looks to be just a design at this point, still, what a design it is. Check out the pictures after the jump for more looks at this unique vessel.

Cabo Uno Tequila

2007-06-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

I've been a fan of Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo tequila for a while, now the musician's company has introduced a new premium version, Cabo Uno Tequila Añejo Reserva. The tequila is aged 38 months in oak casks and the company plans to only produce around 1,800 cases per year. The tequila comes in a lead-free crystal decanter and boxed in wood and leather. The premium tequila can be found for around $200. For more background on the pricey potion check out this Wine Spectator article from back in March, it seems that Sammy takes quite an interest in his tequila, tasting all the batches.

First Residents Move Into the Palm Jumeirah

2007-06-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

The first residents of the Palm Jumeirah, the massive palm-shaped island off the coast of Dubai, have moved in and as the AP reports they seem quite content so far. The AP profiles Andrew Dukes who was the first to move into his island mansion. Dukes, formerly an executive with a London-based Internet company, paid around $1.36 million for his house over a year ago and it is now worth nearly double. The new land which was made from sand dredged up from the sea and rock from nearby mountains, will also be home to hotels, including one by Donald Trump, a monorail, and a water theme park. Buyers of the development include citizens of the United Arab Emirates and neighboring countries and speculators and residents from around the world. Part of the Palm Jumeirah also serves as a labor camp for the thousands of construction workers working on the project. The other projects by Nakheel including the ambitious "World" project are still under development.

Soneva Fushi Goes Green

2007-06-26T00:52:00.001-07:00

I've written before about the luxurious Soneva Fushi resort in the Maldives. Now the resort is in the news again not for its luxury but for being the latest resprt to announce that it is going green. The property is the first of the Six Senses group of properties to createa program to offset its guests' flight emissions. This first step will make Soneva Fushi carbon neutral by 2008 with a goal of having Soneva Fushi be carbon free by 2010. The Six Senses Carbon Offset Fund will support the Converging World project which focuses on alternative energy production methods.

These steps are part of the Six Senses Zero Emissions Objective commitment to sustainable development and to the environment. The resorts will develop climate-sympathetic accommodations which use local materials, take steps toward reducing some food transportation energy by growing fresh produce in its own organic gardens and plan to power the entire Soneva Fushi property with zero-carbon energy. By adding energy and heat recovery systems as well as reducing wastage and loss, up to 30% of the current energy used is expected to be saved. Another plan is to include using seawater intake from boreholes and/or deep wells for a reverse osmosis desalination plant with an energy recovery pressure intake system would be expected to reduce 30% of energy usage with a 40% water production increase. The use of biodiesel – derived essentially from coconut meat - is being considered as a fuel for the fleet of water craft and also as an alternative to diesel fuel imports for back-up and residual electricity needs at the resort. The ultimate goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in greenhouse gasses by January 2008 and to use no fossil-fuel-derived energy sources by 2010.[via Breaking Travel News] :by deidre-woollard

Is It A Sin To Own A Ferrari?

2007-06-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

When it comes to luxury sports cars, Ferrari begs to differ with the Pope.

The Vatican issued a document listing its rules of the road, including one warning against using cars "as a means for outshining other people and arousing a feeling of envy."

Ferrari's general manager acknowledged the Vatican's concern that some drivers could use the cars as status symbols, but he said most people bought Ferraris for the love of driving.

"Unless having fun has become a sin, I don't believe it (to be wrong)," Amedeo Felisa told Reuters this week at an event celebrating Ferrari's 60th anniversary in its hometown southeast of Milan.

A unit of Italy's Fiat, Ferrari makes some of the world's most exclusive cars, each worth more than 100,000 euros.

Felisa was convinced that buying a Ferrari was not a sin.

"I hope not -- but you should commit at least one from time to time," he said

Lazare Kaplan $1 Million Ice Cream Cone

2007-06-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

This is the most expensive ice cream cone in the world - and it doesn’t melt. The $1 million cone is made of diamonds, gold and precious jewels. It is 18-carat white and yellow gold and is topped with a 5 carat gem. It was made by US jewellers Lazare Kaplan for the ice cream giant Bruster’s.

Rapper Brown attacked by pimps ‘women’!

2007-06-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

Rapper Foxy Brown has been beaten up by a gang of women - who pulled out her hearing aid and stole her designer handbag, according to US reports.

Police say Brown was set upon by three women after Brown dumped her boyfriend because she found out he was a pimp. A police source said: “This ex-boyfriend called some of his women, and they pounced on her. They beat her bad. They ripped out her hair weave. Her hair was a mess - and that seems to be what she cared about most.” The women also stole Brown’s Louis Vuitton handbag, credit cards and $500.

The assault occurred after the hip-hop artist dumped her beau at 5.30 am on Saturday in Brooklyn, but sources say she was unaware of his criminal past and met him in a recording studio. After the assault, Brown - real name Inga Marchand - filed a complaint at a police station in Brooklyn, New York. It is not Brown’s first brush with the law as she got three years’ probation after being accused of attacking two manicurists in 2004.

Now your computer can be a big-ass table!

2007-06-25T01:36:00.000-07:00

cool isn't it :D

50 Cent in court over child support

2007-06-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

The $25,000 a month in child support and household expenses that rapper 50 Cent pays to the mother of his 10-year-old son is not enough, says the boy's mother, Shaniqua Tompkins.

The rapper is "worth tens and tens of millions of dollars," said her attorney, Raoul Felder.

The parents of young Marquise Jackson are wrangling over the issue in family court in this Long Island community, where 50 Cent arrived Friday in an armored SUV equipped with a satellite dish.

50 Cent no longer needs to worry about the choice he famously expressed on a 2004 album — "Get Rich or Die Tryin'."

With his G-Unit record label, clothing line, ring tones and other enterprises, 50 Cent — whose real name is Curtis Jackson — reeled in an estimated $33 million in the past year, according to Forbes. He has sold more than 11 million albums and has a new album, "Curtis," due out in September.

His lawyer, Brett Kimmel, called Tompkins "insatiable."

"Her demands keep escalating," he told the Daily News.

Closed-door hearings on the child-support case are scheduled to continue this coming week.

The African Teen: Aya's Graphic Storytelling

2007-06-23T02:12:00.000-07:00

Africa may inspire images of poverty, disease, violence and Bono, but graphic novelist Marguerite Abouet and illustrator Clément Oubrerie offer a different perspective, one atypical from the usual stories about the continent. Set in late 1970s Ivory Coast, Aya follows the 19-year-old title character as she pursues her dream of medical school while her girlfriends deal with dating and other teen pitfalls. The girls’ trials with relationships, abusive parents and teen pregnancy often resemble the Lifetime movies we secretly love so much, but Oubrerie’s vibrant artwork and an undercurrent of humor prevent the story from becoming overly melodramatic. Abouet shows us an Africa we rarely see on the news or in movies, and drives home the point that growing up is the same difficult journey in Africa as it is anywhere else. So, while you take your time choosing which of the 20 covers you want of the Vanity Fair Africa issue (we’re always a sucker for Clooney here), pick this up, too.

Pocketful of Miracles: We Get Pokémon Fever

2007-06-23T02:08:00.000-07:00

Never caught Pokémon fever? Join the club. But that shouldn't stop you from checking out two spiffy new Pokémon iterations for Nintendo DS, Diamond and Pearl. The two games (which are basically the same with different monsters) are really just stripped-down role playing for kiddies; it's their simplicity that makes them so addictive. (Even the online play is a breeze to set up.) So, in no time, you’ll be battling the little critters and catching them all for the “Pokédex” database or getting your virtual shop on at the local Poké Store. Just be wary of leveling up your little critters: they get stronger as they evolve. Which means what exactly? Trust us, that wee Zubat of yours won’t stay cute for long.

YouTube begins rolling out international sites

2007-06-20T01:23:00.000-07:00

YouTube has launched nine localized versions of its video-sharing site for the following countries: Brazil, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the UK. YouTube co-founder Steve Chen announced the international sites have custom-translated pages and interfaces. He noted that more local features were coming in the future, including channelling country-specific videos, categories, and sections onto each site, as well as displaying country-specific ratings and comments.

Google, YouTube’s parent company, has said a version localized for Germany should be in the works soon, along with localized versions for other unannounced countries. Along with the announcement came news that YouTube also signed partnership agreements with various content providers, including the BBC, French news channel France 24, France Televisions, and several Spanish channels. Additionally, YouTube has struck deals with football (soccer) clubs in Europe such as Chelsea, AC Milan, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.

Axe Grinding: Get the Goods on Guitar Hero 2

2007-06-19T02:13:00.000-07:00

Activision brought the latest Guitar Hero, not to mention Slash, to last month's South by Southwest conference, and the game was a hit with the crowd. It's easy to see why: Although Guitar Hero II (360) remains basically the same game as it was on PS2, it now features 360 add-ons such as downloadable (though a tad pricey) new songs, leaderboards to post and compare your scores with other gamers and glorious HD picture with 5.1 surround sound. What more can a wannabe rock god ask for? Besides groupies, that is. Well, we'd also suggest that a wireless guitar woulda been sweet, not to mention making it possible to set up an online battle of the bands. But minor blemishes aside, this sucker will have you rocking all night long.

H&M Sets Up Virtual Shop

2007-06-19T02:07:00.000-07:00

Even if you've found plenty of reasons not to get into the Sims, this might be the one to make you start: You can now stock your virtual reality with trendy outfits and accessories inspired by real H&M designs. This month, Electronic Arts is releasing the Sims 2 H&M Fashion Stuff pack with virtual garment replicas, as well as everything gamers with retail ambitions need to create their very own store, from mannequins and clothing racks to cash registers and fitting rooms and more. Players are also invited to create outfits for six design themes that could be featured in a fashion runway showcase; the winning garment will be produced and sold in actual H&M stores. We love the creativity and inspired pairing of geeks and great style, but most of all, we like the idea of a virtual spree that comes without the real-life sting of credit card bills.

Book or Game? It's a Mystery

2007-06-19T01:46:00.000-07:00

Careful, people, Nintendo DS may be stalking you nongamers out there. First they offer the oh-so-cute puppy sim of Nintendogs, then follow it up with the noggin-nourishing Brain Age. Now, here's the incredibly cool Hotel Dusk, which is—get this—an interactive book. Here's the setup: Set in the late '70s, the game concerns a cop turned salesman who makes a sales call at the titular hotel—and then must stick around to solve some mysteries. With some pointing and clicking, you’re soon questioning residents, rooting out clues and spouting dialogue straight out of a Raymond Chandler novel. We suspect you'll be hooked in no time.

Stunt Maniacs

2007-06-18T07:15:00.001-07:00

learn how to do extreme stunts :D

Real Madrid win Spanish title after nail-biting finale

2007-06-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid captured a record 30th Spanish League title on Sunday with a come-from-behind 3-1 win over Real Mallorca
.
They finished equal on 76 points with bitter rivals Barcelona, who won 5-1 at bottom club Gimnastic Tarragona, but finished ahead of the Catalan club thanks to their better head-to-head record.

"To win we had to suffer. We always seem to have to suffer for our victories, but I'm very happy," said Real coach Fabio Capello.

The victory also sent David Beckham away to Los Angeles with a league championship medal although the former England skipper was substituted before the end of the game.

"It's here and it's very deserved. The people who deserve it most are those who believed in us through the bad times. It's a victory and title for a team that's united and together," said Real captain Raul Gonzalez
.
Real went unbeaten over their last 12 games of the season and, after lying third in mid-March, they clawed back a five-point advantage from both Barcelona and Sevilla.

They only needed to beat Mallorca to claim La Liga but the visitors' Fernando Varela silenced the 76,000 Real fans in the Santiago Bernabeu - which included film star Tom Cruise and his wife Katie Holmes - when he found the net after 17 minutes.

A defensive lack of concentration saw Juan Arango go around Sergio Ramos, and Michel Salgado failed to cut out the Venezuelan's cross, before Varela sloted the ball past Iker Casillas.
Madrid pressed hard and both Raul and Robinho went close but Real suffered another blow when Ruud van Nistelrooy, scorer of 26 goals this season, had to be taken off with a hamstring injury after 30 minutes.

Van Nistelrooy's departure meant he will only get a share of the European Golden Boot award with Roma's Francesco Totti.

Varela almost got a second goal after 55 minutes but, with only Casillas to beat, pushed the ball wide.

Beckham's four-year career at the Spanish club ended 65 minutes into his last game when he limped off, clearly still feeling the effects of the ankle injury he sustained during England's 3-0 win over Estonia 10 days ago.

He sat glumly in the dugout, under the gaze of his pop star wife Victoria who was sitting alongside Cruise, but his initial disappointment turned to joy as his replacement Jose Antonio Reyes found the net twice.

After only being on the field for three minutes, Reyes side-footed the ball past Mallorca goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya after Gonzalo Higuain, Van Nistelrooy's replacement, had pulled the ball back from the dead ball line.

Nine minutes from time, Real finally got their noses in front when the ball glanced off an unlucky Angelos Bassinas after Moya had pushed a Mahamadou Diarra header onto his team mate.
Reyes then crowned Madrid's night to remember with a tremendous left foot shot two minutes later.

"There have been a lot of bad times this season but where you finish is more important than how you got there," said Reyes.

Barcelona completed their part of the bargain hoping that Real would slip up.

Carlos Puyol opened the scoring with a left foot shot from the edge of the six yard box, with the Barca captain hammering home a Lionel Messi pass after 20 minutes.

Messi then added a second after 35 minutes with an exquisite chip from just inside the area.
Ronaldinho made it 3-0 from a direct free kick three minutes later and Messi then got his second of the night five minutes after the break.

Swedish striker Tobais Grahn got a late consolation goal for Gimnastic late in the game before Barca's Gianluca Zambrotta ended their scoring spree in injury time.

Sevilla started the night in third place, two points in arrears of the leading two, but went down 1-0 at home to Villarreal, who secured fifth place.

Fabricio Fuentes header after 50 minutes provided Villarreal with their eighth consecutive win and a place in the UEFA Cup next season.

Real Zaragoza finished sixth and secured the other slot in the UEFA Cup.

Totti Wins Golden Shoe

2007-06-18T06:11:00.000-07:00

After Real Madrid's title winning victory against Mallorca, in which Van Nistelrooy suffered a first half injury and was unable to add to his tally, Francesco Totti has ended up as the top scorer in the top European leagues.

Francesco Totti has won the Golden Shoe award as Europe’s top League scorer, with 26 goals in the Serie A.

Until this evening, Ruud van Nistelrooy was also in the race for the award, but the Dutchman had to leave the pitch due to an injury in the first half of Real Madrid's title-deciding game against Mallorca.

This is the second consecutive year that an Italian has managed to win this prestigious award.
Luca Toni won it last year after he scored a mammoth 31 times in Serie A for Fiorentina.

The contest is decided with a coefficient system based on the difficulty of scoring in each nation.
With two points awarded for each goal scored in either England, Italy or Spain, Totti earned 52 points, while van Nistelrooy ended with 50.

Alfonso Alves, despite scoring 34 goals for Heerenveen in Holland, finished in 2nd place, with 51 points.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer

2007-06-18T01:26:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: The enigmatic, intergalactic herald, The Silver Surfer, comes to Earth to prepare it for destruction. As the Silver Surfer races around the globe wreaking havoc, Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben must unravel the mystery of the Silver Surfer and confront the surprising return of their mortal enemy, Dr. Doom, before all hope is lost.

iPhone will be released on June 29

2007-06-18T00:56:00.000-07:00

Bitchin' in the Kitchen: Top Chef Returns

2007-06-17T00:04:00.000-07:00

It's no Project Runway, but Bravo's Top Chef ain't bad as a stopgap replacement. (And it's a thousand times better than Top Design, which attempted to re-create the PR magic and went horribly awry. See ya later, decorators!) Returning tonight at 10 p.m. for its third-season premiere, Top Chef moves the action to Miami Beach and adds Queer Eye's Ted Allen as a recurring judge, along with regular tasting buds Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons. The series vastly improved last season—the languorous Lakshmi rubs some viewers the wrong way, but she was a huge improvement over season one's wooden, robotic Katie Lee Joel—but Chef often seemed more interested in distracting antics than in choosing a worthy winner. (It shoulda been you, Sam!) That said, we're hungry for some overcooked drama—not to mention missing Tim Gunn—so we'll belly up to the table one more time.

Alba and Jackman are hottest heroes

2007-06-16T23:40:00.000-07:00

Jessica Alba and Hugh Jackman have been voted the sexiest superheroes of all time.

Stunning Jessica, who won for her role as Susan Storm in 'The Fantastic Four', beat off stiff competition from 'Daredevil' star Jennifer Garner and 'X-Men' beauty Halle Berry.
A spokeswoman for Pearl and Dean, the cinema advertisers who conducted the poll, said: "It's no surprise that so many people find superheroes sexy in the movies. The combination of toned bodies, incredible powers and the all-important tight-fitting costume on the big screen is too appealing to resist. Although it looks like underpants-over-the-trousers look hasn't worked so well for Superman."
But Jessica recently said she wanted to be admired for her acting ability and not her sex appeal.
She told America's GQ magazine: "I hope all my new work will help producers in getting past my hotness."
The other heroines to make the poll's top five were Supergirl Helen Slater and Alicia Silverstone for her portrayal as Batgirl in Batman and Robin.
Hugh was the clear winner in the men's poll for his role as Wolverine in X-Men, leaving Batman Christian Bale and Spider-man Tobey Maguire to battle it out for second and third place.
Ghost Rider star Nicolas Cage and Brandon Routh -who played Superman in Superman Returns - were also in the top five.

Sexiest Superheroines

1. Jessica Alba as Susan Storm - Fantastic Four
2. Jennifer Garner as Elektra - Daredevil/Elektra
3. Halle Berry as Storm - X-Men
4. Helen Slater as Supergirl - Supergirl
5. Alicia Silverstone as Batgirl - Batman & Robin
Sexiest Superheroes

1. Hugh Jackman as Wolverine - X-Men
2. Christian Bale as Batman - Batman Begins
3. Tobey Maguire as Spider-man - Spider-Man
4. Nicolas Cage as Ghost Rider - Ghost Rider

5. Brandon Routh as Superman - Superman Returns

A Lover's Guide to 300

2007-06-14T04:49:00.000-07:00

300 isn't a date movie.

But if you're really dying to see this gory adaptation of Frank Miller's gory novel about a gory Greek conflict, here's a few things you might say to help convince your special someone to go with you:

1. "Yes, it's incredibly violent...but it's choreographed violence." Just the word choreography makes everything seem more cultured and refined.

2. "It's a costume drama." 'Cause it's like Pride & Prejudice but with guys in Speedos.
3. "This film has a message." And it does. Unfortunately, it gets kind of obscured under all the dead people.

4. "It's visually sumptuous." Totally true. Everything from the spraying viscera to the Spartan dudes' six-packs looks incredible. (The soundtrack is nice, too.)

5. "But it's got the guy from The Wire in it!" This is the clincher. Everyone knows The Wire is, like, the best thing ever, even if they've never actually seen it, so this has to be a cultural high-water mark, right?

If any of this actually works, and you really do go to this bloody film, we suggest you soothe your date's shattered nerves with a postfilm chat about how you wished they'd focused on the smarter, more cultured Athenians instead. Those guys, who had other interests besides the complete decimation of the enemy, totally had their priorities straight.

From Heroes to Zero: DC's Comic Countdown

2007-06-14T04:43:00.000-07:00

In a move that could prevent some people from ever leaving the house, DC Comics announced today that it will team with MySpace to launch its new yearlong weekly series, Countdown. On May 4, the first 10 pages will preview on the MySpace Comic Books page, with updates taken from the first two issues to follow during the next two weeks. Following the online preview, the series hits the stands May 9 with issue 51 and will work its way down to zero by next year. Created by Lost writer and story editor Paul Dini, the series promises to romp around through the DC universe and its many characters. Sounds good to us. Our only lingering question? Will MySpace mascot Tom make an appearance?

Arch Madness: The Joys of 80-Proof Footware

2007-06-14T02:54:00.000-07:00

Just what everyone needs: Booze that tastes like hot, sweaty feet. The surf apparel geniuses at Reef have created the Dram, a sandal with a canteen in the heel that can hold up to three ounces of liquid and opens via a handy screw cap. (These diabolical dudes have already produced one with a built-in bottle opener.) This information leads us to the following conclusions: Reef must be a great place to work, the research and development team probably schedules its meetings during happy hour, and, no matter how cool it seems to holler "Hot Dram!" at the top of our lungs, we'd still prefer to carry our beverages in a picnic cooler.

"D.A.N.C.E." Fever: Summer Already Feels Hot

2007-06-14T02:46:00.000-07:00

JUSTICE - D.A.N.C.E.
Uploaded by edbangerrecords

The season hasn't even officially started, but record labels are already releasing the jams you'll be rocking to at clubs, rooftop parties and beach bashes this summer. And we warn you: You're going to want to “D.A.N.C.E.” The French label Ed Banger Records brings you our favorite (so far) dance track by the electronic duo Justice. To make the magic, they pair a heavy disco beat with a children’s choir. While you won’t hear this song on your local top 40 station, you will hear it in every club that's worth the seven bucks it takes to get a beer. Check out the equally awesome music video created by fellow Ed Banger So Me that features a kaleidoscopic swirl of t-shirt images. And don't miss the Banger crew if they come to your town: We can personally attest to the supreme awesomeness of their live shows, even if the undulating mass of sweaty hipsters kinda makes you feel like you're in an American Apparel ad come to life.

Spidey Sense: Turn Your Kid a Superhero

2007-06-14T01:04:00.000-07:00

Now that you and everyone else on the planet has finally seen Spider-Man 3, the question remains: What next for discerning fans of the friendly neighborhood arachnid dude? How about actually becoming Spidey? A new DVD lets you do just that. PixFusion's I Am the Amazing Spider-Man puts you, or more likely, your child, into a 25-minute DVD in which the Marvel superhero tussles with old-school villains Electro and Lizard. All it takes it is a color photo—and, uh, $39.95—and soon Peter Parker will look a lot more like a five-year-old. Or a thirtysomething hipster. Or your dog? Heck, a resourceful parent might even be tempted to convince an unruly child that Mom or Dad is Spider-Man...So, go clean your room unless you want to end up like the Sandman, kid.

Posh and Becks' Real Deals

2007-06-14T00:47:00.000-07:00

Victoria and David Beckha are all about reality checks.
While plans for a fly-on-the-wall series starring the erstwhile Posh Spice have fizzled slightly, her soccer-playing hubby has landed an unscripted series of his very own.
As expected, NBC confirmed Wednesday that a previously announced reality series starring Victoria had been downsized to a one-hour special, airing July 16.
The show, dubbed Coming to America: Victoria Beckham, promises an insider's perspective of the footballer's wife as she relocates from London to Los Angeles.
"Viewers will get a first-hand glimpse into what it's like to be one of the most sought after celebrities in the world," NBC Entertainment Vice President Craig Plestis said in a statement. "Victoria's every move is documented by the paparazzi, but only our cameras have been allowed inside the world of what being Victoria Beckham is really like."
The soon-to-be hometown girl was busy filming scenes for the show Tuesday at Dodgers Stadium, where she threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Dodgers-New York Mets Game.
She said her family was "really excited" about moving to Los Angeles, which they plan to do in "mid-July, I reckon."
In the meantime, a camera crew from Britain's ITV has been following David Beckham as he wraps up his career with Real Madrid and prepares to join the L.A. Galaxy.
The crew will accompany the soccer star to California and document his first season on the Major League Soccer team, as well as his assimilation into American culture.
The show is not expected to feature Victoria or the couple's sons, as the network is eager to keep it soccer-focused.
"The move to America and the recall to the England team adds a new and fascinating chapter to the David Beckham story," ITV boss Jeff Anderson said. "We're delighted to have access to that story from the inside."
The British network also plans to acquire the rights to Victoria's NBC show, which it will air as a companion piece to her husband's series. No word on whether NBC will do the same with David Beckham's series.

Joss Stone 'wants to turn lesbian'

2007-06-14T00:30:00.000-07:00

Devon-born singer Joss Stone is having such a troubling time with her love life that she has announced she would like to give up on men completely.'I think I'll have to run lesbian. Every girl my age wants a relationship. I haven't had one in two years and look how that ended,' she told the Mirror of her relationship with former boyfriend Beau Dozier.He ended up selling a story about her to a tabloid newspaper, an act which Joss has branded foul.'Oh my God, disgusting! Maybe one day I'll understand why he decided to do that but, right now? It's beyond my comprehension,' she fumed.Joss caused controversy when she got with music producer Beau when she was just 17 and he was 25. She moved in with him in the LA hills but under Californian law, sex is only for over-18s so there was always a chance Beau could face prosecution for so-called statutory rape. Her parents issued their concerns that their daughter was living with such an older man and that he may introduce her to the LA 'fast set' which would be emotionally ruinous for her.

ROWLAND 'DIDN'T HAVE TIME' TO CRY OVER FAILED ENGAGEMENT

2007-06-13T23:19:00.000-07:00

R+B star KELLY ROWLAND didn't cry over her failed engagement to American footballer ROY WILLIAMS - because she was "too busy" to be sad. The Like This singer was set to marry the Dallas Cowboy in March 2005 - but broke off the engagement and ended the relationship two months (Jan05) before her big day. Rowland admits she didn't want to burden her former Destiny's Child bandmates Beyonce Knowles and Michelle Williams with her relationship woes, so kept her problems to herself. She says, "I didn't have time to be sad. The group was about to go on tour, and I didn't want to put a damper on B and Michelle." And the Bootylicious beauty insists she has "no need" for sex. She adds, "I don't need it. It's overrated. I get better kicks from going to beautiful countries and hanging out with my friends."

Lohan sued over car crash

2007-06-13T22:51:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Lindsay Lohan's legal problems continue even while she recovers in rehab.

The 20-year-old actress has been sued by Grandeur Inc., which claims Lohan crashed into a company van in October 2005.
Lohan was behind the wheel in Beverly Hills when her car collided with a parked van, according to small claims court papers filed May 18. Grandeur Inc. is seeking $3,624.84 in damages, the celebrity news Web site CelebTV.com reported.
Lohan's spokeswoman had no comment Tuesday.
A judge will hear the matter on June 20.
Lohan checked into rehab May 28 after a wild Memorial Day weekend during which she crashed her Mercedes-Benz into a curb, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and was photographed slumped in the passenger seat of a friend's car. It is Lohan's second rehab stint this year.
She said in January that she had checked into a rehabilitation center for substance abuse treatment.

One Olympics, similar logos

2007-06-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

Two logos by different designers, one very similar idea for the 2012 Olympics... how could it be?

When the BBC News website asked readers to come up with their own design for a motif to the London Olympics, graphic designers Richard and Chris Voysey dashed off the logo above left, and e-mailed it in. It went on to win a vote as the readers' favourite.

But when fellow designer David Watson saw it, he was reminded of a similar idea (above right) he had come up with for a competition, four years ago, to design a logo for what was then London's Olympic bid.

Even the official 2012 logo was seen as derivative by someThe key similarity is the graphic illusion of turning the first three letters "LON" into the date 2012.

Mr Watson's emblem was short listed by the bid committee at the time.

But if experts in the graphic design field spotted the similarity for themselves, they might equally ruminate on the theory that, in the world of logo design, particularly when it comes to a brief such as the Olympics, originality is hard to come by.

Perhaps that is why the startlingly bold official 2012 logo, unveiled last week, has proved more of a hit in the design community than among the public.

Clive Challis, who heads the advertising course at Central St Martins College of Art and Design in London, is not surprised that different designers can independently come up with similar looking Olympic logos.
They would strive to include what, in the industry, are known as mandatory elements in their work - in this case:• the numerals 2012• the Olympic rings• the word "London"

"They would always look for some degree of synthesis and normally you don't have to accommodate three things together in the same logo," says Mr Challis.

"You can understand their dilemma - having these elements you don't want to complicate things."

Great minds

Back in 2003, David Watson, of Trebleseven Design Associates, spent more than 40 hours developing his logo and employed a professional lettering artist to finesse the project.

The logo, which appeared in the industry magazine Design Week and has extensively featured in his own promotional literature, was further developed with funding from the Olympic bid committee.
"I am just surprised the Voyseys' logo resembled mine and that they had not seen a design that was already in the public domain," he says.

"Despite all the time put into the official Olympic logo, it's amusing that the public seem more in favour of the rendition the Voyseys came up with, which resembles my own."

The Voyseys say they were not aware of the bid logo competition and had not seen any of the entries or the shortlist. Their logo design was not developed or researched in a way their other works might be.
"It wasn't a pitch, or fee-paying project," Chris Voysey says.

"Our design submission was made at a stage where there was no competition or poll being run - merely the BBC asking for reader suggestions - hence the limited time we spent on it.
"The graphical trick of substituting numerals for characters is in no way unique or novel - you see it every day on car number plates."

Zoomedia's effortIndeed, Mr Watson was not the only one to seize on the visual LON-2012 trickery when the call went out for designs in 2003. Another design agency, Zoomedia, had the same wheeze.

"It's quite possible to get the same idea as someone else," says Robert Shepard, creative director of Zoomedia. "Only last week I took a logo to a client. The client loved it until someone pointed out it looked like a competitor's logo. The brief we had was probably quite similar to the competitor's brief."

As for the concept behind his 2012 bid logo, "It just happened to work. We had London 2012 written down and someone pointed out you can make the word London from that."

Microsoft unveils patch package

2007-06-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

One of the patches is for the Windows Vista operating systemWindows users are being urged to install the June package of security patches from Microsoft.
The security update contains six patches which close 15 vulnerabilities found in a variety of Windows programs.
The patches help to shut loopholes in Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Windows Mail and Windows Vista.
More than half the loopholes are rated as "critical" which often means they can be exploited without a PC owner's knowledge or consent.

Secure channel

Malicious code to exploit one of the vulnerabilities in the package is already known to be circulating online.
Using this code hi-tech criminals could craft e-mail messages or booby-trapped webpages that could take over PCs.
Some of the vulnerabilities fixed by the patch rated as "critical" are for various versions of Internet Explorer including the one that runs on the Vista operating system.
Vista, the latest edition of Microsoft's operating system, gets a patch for itself which aims to stop malicious hackers exploiting a loophole to steal administrative passwords.
Included in the bundle is a patch that tackles a serious problem in the way that Windows handles part of a program called the Windows Secure Channel.
This vulnerability could be targeted by malicious hackers as it is used by many websites to handle security certificates and keep user data confidential.
Windows users can get hold of the patches by turning on the automatic update feature in the operating system or by visiting the Microsoft Update site and downloading them.
The second Tuesday of every month is the date on which Microsoft typically issues security patches for its software programs.

Hilton's parents skip line on jail visit

2007-06-13T08:06:00.000-07:00

Paris Hilton's parents visited their daughter after breezing past others waiting to see loved ones -- an incident that raised new complaints that the heiress is receiving special treatment.
The visit came less than a week after Hilton was reassigned to house arrest days after being jailed for violating parole. The 26-year-old celebrity was later ordered back to jail.
Alvina Floyd, one visitor to the at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, waited more than four hours to visit her fiance. It normally takes two hours, and Floyd, 20, blamed the Hiltons for the delay.
"I have to be at work later," she said. "I can't wait here all day."
Shatani Alverson, 23, said she was hustled out of the jail's visiting room moments after her husband walked in because of the Hiltons. She was told to come back after lunch.
Steve Whitmore, a sheriff's spokesman, said it was routine for high-profile inmates to receive visitors during lunch, a time when the visiting room is normally cleared out and closed.
The visit came shortly after the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors ordered Sheriff Lee Baca to respond by next week to allegations of favoritism for reassigning Hilton to house arrest. At the time, Baca cited an undisclosed medical condition as the reason for making the decision.
Hilton was sent to a medical ward, where sheriff's officials said it costs $1,109.78 a day to house a female inmate compared to $99.64 a day in the general population.
Mary Tiedeman, who regularly visits the jails as a monitor for the ACLU, said the area where Hilton was being housed was usually reserved for high-security inmates or those worse off than Hilton has appeared.
"I don't know what her health issue is, but you have got to have a pretty intense medical or mental health problem to be in that part of the jail," she said.

Smudge seeks assurances

2007-06-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

Alan Smith insists he is happy to stay at United, but is eager to receive assurances that he has a future at the club.

The England striker, who joined the Reds from Leeds in 2004, is highly coveted by a host of Premiership clubs after struggling to win a regular starting berth at Old Trafford.
Smith told The Sun: "If the manager tells me he wants me, I'm there for him. If he doesn't, it's time to move on. If you're no longer wanted, then you have to consider your options. I want to be out there from the start."
Fans' favourite Smith spent most of last season recovering from an horrific broken leg and dislocated ankle, but returned in the campaign's crucial latter stages.
The firebrand striker's comeback injected vigour into the Reds' performances, most notably in the 7-1 thrashing of Roma, in which Smith scored his only goal of the campaign.
Tabloid rumours are contrasting over whether or not the 26-year-old will be offered a contract extension at United, but Smith concedes he remains in the dark for the time being.
"If they are going to sell me, I'd like to know," he said. "But I won't find out unless I get to speak to the manager."