Random Nerd Fact
The TOP Spot-1/28/10
Posted by Sinatra The Tank | Posted in Dead Rising, The Top Spot, Videogame | Posted on 8:01 PM
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Things have slowed down a bit this week due to some little game called MASS EFFECT 2 but we are still alive and kicking (for now) so in honor of that we have a new TOP Spot:
At today's highly-anticipated media event, Apple announced the iPad tablet device, featuring a 9.7-inch, 1024 x 768 display and 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB capacities. Carrying a custom 1 GHz "Apple A4" chip, the iPad weighs in at 1.5 pounds and is .5-inch thin. The iPad will be priced at $499, $599, and $699 for the varying capacity models without 3G, and $626, $729, and $829 with 3G. Wi-Fi only models are scheduled to ship in 60 days, with 3G-capable model shipping in 90 days. A video preview is also available.
In terms of standard connectivity, the iPad offers Wi-Fi (802.11n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, with 3G models also offering cellular data connectivity. All iPad models have an accelerometer, compass, speakers, a microphone, and a 30-pin dock connector. The iPad also offers a claimed 10 hours of battery life for viewing video, with 1 month of standby battery life.
Models with 3G will be unlocked and will be able to use GSM micro SIMs. In the U.S., AT&T will offer two data plan options – $14.99 for up to 250 MB per month and $29.99 per month for unlimited data. No contract is required for either option, and free access to AT&T's Wi-Fi hot spots is included. Data packages for iPad users outside of the U.S. will by in place by June.
The iPad will have standard apps for personal information management, including an address book and calendar, along with e-mail, Safari, Google Maps, and Notes. A special version of iTunes is also on board to provide an optimized browsing experience on the device's 9.7-inch screen.
Accessories will also be available for the iPad, including a dock with a mechanical keyboard that will accommodate the iPad in portrait orientation and a case with a built-in stand for video viewing. Prices on these accessories were not announced. The iPad also supports Bluetooth keyboards.
Multiple demos showed unmodified iPhone apps working on the iPad at original resolution and scaled up to take advantage of the iPad's increased screen real estate. According to Scott Forstall during his time on stage, the iPad can run "virtually every" app without modification, with an on-screen button to scale an app's resolution up and down as desired. iPhone users will not need to re-purchase apps to load them onto an iPad.
The event was also rife with demos, showcasing Gameloft's N.O.V.A., an art app called Brushes, Electronic Art's Need for Speed Shift, and video within a Major League Baseball app.
As expected from recent rumors about Apple's negotiations in the past few weeks with major media publications, the New York Times was on hand to demo a dedicated New York Times app, stating they were proud to "pioneer the next generation of digital journalism." The app offers an expanded view of the paper's content with in-line video viewing and synchronization capability with the iPhone app.
Jobs then unveiled the iBooks app, referencing Amazon's Kindle and describing that they wanted to "stand on their shoulders and go a little further." The iBooks app has a store - the iBookstore - featuring content from Penguin, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and Hachette Book Group. iBooks uses the open ePub standard and offers tables of contents and intuitive page navigation on the iPad, along with the ability to read in portrait and horizontal orientations using the built-in accelerometer. Jobs highlighted True Compass by Edward M. Kennedy, describing its $14.99 price tag in the iBooks store.
Kilowog...FOR REALS???
Posted by Sinatra The Tank | Posted in Green Lantern, Movie | Posted on 10:53 AM
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"I don't know what the percentage is, but there's quite a bit in space," said the director in an exclusive interview. "The initial trip up there, the training sessions he has to go through in order to become a Green Lantern. Then, of course at the end, he goes back up to Oa again."
That's not to say that "Green Lantern" won't spend significant time on Earth. If Hector Hammond is the film's central villain, there's bound to be a strong focus on the character's exploits on our planet. Further, Carol Ferris isn't likely to reach outer orbit — certainly not without the aid of Ryan Reynolds' Hal Jordan.
"There are a couple of bits [on Earth] in between [the space scenes]," said Campbell. "I think there will be enough [of a balance between space and Earth] to satisfy everybody."
Islands of Adventure is Magical
Posted by Sinatra The Tank | Posted in Harry Potter, Islands of Adventures, Universal | Posted on 8:30 AM
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Universal Orlando Resort, together with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, today revealed first-ever details about the incredible scope of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal also announced that the highly anticipated land will open in spring 2010.
Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters - and faithful to the visual landscapes of the films - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple attractions, shops and a signature eating establishment. This completely immersive environment will transcend generations and bring the wonder and magic of the amazingly detailed Harry Potter books and films to life.
The expectations of Harry Potter fans are high and Universal Orlando Resort is collaborating closely with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and the Warner Bros. Harry Potter brand team to ensure that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be an experience of a lifetime. The Harry Potter films’ production designer, Stuart Craig and art director, Alan Gilmore, in cooperation with a corps of artisans from Universal Creative are working daily to construct the most authentic Harry Potter experience possible. Guests will be able to sip Butterbeer in Three Broomsticks, buy Extendable Ears at Zonko’s and experience a state-of-the-art attraction that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life in a way never before imagined.
“All of the action and adventures of Harry Potter’s world will come to life here at Universal Orlando Resort,” said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts. “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be unlike any other experience on earth and we can’t wait to see the looks on our guests’ faces as they enter this rich environment.”
“Harry Potter continues to spark the imaginations of fans of all ages and we really have seen the anticipation continue to build for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” added Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “We are excited to share with fans a first glimpse into the truly enchanted world we are bringing to life with all of our partners at Universal Orlando Resort.”
From the front archway of Hogsmeade to the immensity of Hogwarts castle, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature the locations listed below:
At the entrance of Hogsmeade, billowing steam and an iconic whistle signal the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station Across the way is Zonko’s, a joke shop with a collection of tricks and jokes, including Extendable Ears, Boxing Telescopes and Sneakoscopes Honeydukes is next door and full of treats like Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans The Three Broomsticks and adjacent Hog’s Head pub will serve traditional British fare and drinks including Butterbeer and pumpkin juice Across from the Three Broomsticks is The Owlery, where owls roost and await their next delivery The Owl Post sends letters with a certified Hogsmeade postmark and sells official stamps from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ollivanders wand shop is an incredible interactive experience where the wand chooses the wizard Completing Hogsmeade is Dervish and Banges, the magical instruments and equipment shop featuring Quidditch equipment, Triwizard apparel, Spectrespecs and Remembralls The first attraction, Dragon Challenge, features a twin high-speed roller coaster with many iconic elements from the Triwizard Tournament Next is Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster simulating a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts castle Located in Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a thrilling new state-of-the-art attraction that uses entirely new technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced Before exiting back into Hogsmeade, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods is full of Ministry of Magic and magical creatures merchandise, Omnioculars, and even remote control Golden Snitches “This Universal Creative and Warner Bros. team shares an incredible passion and commitment to making this destination an exceptionally immersive environment that will touch the lives of our guests,” said Mark Woodbury, President, Universal Creative.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is yet another way that fans will be able to experience and enjoy Harry Potter for many years to come,” said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment, who is also responsible for overseeing the Harry Potter brand team worldwide. “The power of this brand speaks for itself, as the enthusiasm of our dedicated fans around the world continues to grow even stronger as we move into the future.”
Universal Orlando Resort is a theme park destination that places you and your family in the heart of pop culture’s most incredible and timeless stories - making you the superstar in a world-class adventure story and allowing you to discover your own inner hero. Guests experience two exciting theme parks - Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure as well as Universal CityWalk, a 30-acre restaurant, shopping and nighttime entertainment complex; and three magnificently themed on-site hotels - the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Flagship experiences featured in the theme parks include “The Simpsons Ride,” “Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride,” “The Incredible Hulk Coaster” and “The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.” More information is available at www. universalorlando.com
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. The series of books by author J.K. Rowling has been translated into 67 languages with more than 400 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world. The films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $5.3 billion at the box office worldwide, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history.
David Cross(es) the Pond (Sinatra reveiws The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret)
Posted by Sinatra The Tank | Posted in David Cross, Review, Television, Todd Margaret | Posted on 3:39 PM
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The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret
So I’ve been looking for something to review for those interested that you havnt perhaps seen yet, I’m too far behind on Movies and TV at the moment but I did happen to watch a pilot for a new British comedy starting David Cross and Will Arnett both of Arrested Development fame. The show has had a pilot episode and has since been picked up for a full 6 episode series and will be co-produced by British and American forces so it may very well air in the U.S. eventually, anyway on to the review.
The show tells the story of Todd Margaret (Cross) who basically plays along with his new Boss (Arnett) whom has mistaken Margaret for a completely different kind of individual then he really is. After the little bluff on Todd’s part he is given a (seemingly) fantastic job in London selling energy drinks which according to Arnett “is like fucking crack to these people”. So Todd breaks all his ties (he has none) and heads off to start his new life in London.
Once he arrives we get the standard ignorant American in a ne country jokes such as trying to pay for his taxi with Dollars instead of Pounds. It’s the common kind of situation but Cross plays it in a very timid and funny way. After some scenes in a cafĂ© Todd heads to his new office ready to introduce himself to his new co-workers only to come to the realization that the only workers are himself and one other employee named Dave (Russell Tovey) who is only interested in making Todd look like more of ass then he is already doing on his own.
We get a couple of more scenes of Todd trying to adjust to British life with the (un)assistance of Dave which leads to more trouble. Eventually the duo end up in a diner and Todd starts to sip down energy drink after energy drink and thus begins one of the funniest scenes to grace my computer screen in some time. I won’t ruin anything here but it gets pretty outrageous and Cross plays it perfectly. The episode ends with Todd lying on the floor of his room after the longest day of his life simply saying, “Oh man, this sucks” but show does anything but.
David Cross is one of those comedians who I could have cared less about a few years back but once I gave the guy a chance I really learned to love his style and in my mind Will Arnett is one of the funniest guys in America, his voice alone makes people tremble in fear. Also special mention should be made about Russell Tovey who plays a much different kind of comedy part then he plays in say Being Human. He is playing a straight up jackass but its funny; I only hope that when the series continues the two grow some kind of bond no matter how superficial.
Just type in the words Todd and Margaret in your local torrent search if you’re a American who has no access to it. I mean just watch the clip above and try not to laugh.
Final Verdict
9 out of 10
Sinatra likes Todd Margaret
I'm Here, So watch me!
Posted by Sinatra The Tank | Posted in I'm Here, Movie, Spike Jonze | Posted on 10:47 AM
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The Nerdgasm
Posted by Sinatra The Tank | Posted in Avatar, Daft Punk, Nerdgasm, Primeval, The Hobbit, Tron | Posted on 11:36 PM
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Once the script for the second film is in -- Jackson and his longtime collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are working on it with Del Toro -- New Line will work up a budget for both films and start casting. New Line exec Michael Disco, who was once Emmerich's assistant, will oversee for the studio.
Horn won't predict when the first of the two "Hobbit" films will be out, but says the most probable scenario would be a release in the fourth quarter of 2012.
"It's a big bet for us. But it's one we think will pay off given the success of 'Lord of the Rings,'" says Emmerich. "This is one of the few movies it feels like people are waiting for."
There will be an aspect of the future in [the fourth season], which is new for us... [I]f you think of the future predators from other series, we're going to have a kind of variation on that idea. There may also be some human intervention from the future as well.
Pinstripe15’s Top 5 Favorite SNL “Skit-Based” Flicks
Posted by Jeff E. | Posted in | Posted on 4:31 PM
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Since only 10 actual SNL Skit-inspired movies have been made, (11 counting the up-coming MacGruber) I thought it only fair that some get cut; here are my best of the best.
No. 5
The Ladies Man, 2000
Something about the way Tim Meadows portrays smutty radio host Leon Phelps, with his suave lisping swagger, it makes for an all around great comedy. Oh, and lets not forget Kelly Kapowski looking super fine. This movie will put anybody in the mood.
No. 4
Coneheads, 1993
Bizarre, obscure, and outrageously entertaining! Watching the Coneheads trying to fit in, and cope with the human norms makes for an eccentric, WTF kind of movie. A perfect Saturday afternoon flick!
No. 3
A Night at the Roxbury, 1998
Ah, the glory days of young Will Ferrell crafting his signature comedic style and a time when people knew who Chris Kattan was. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard the “What is Love Song” at parties and watched drunk guys use it as an excuse to start bobbing their heads and hit on chicks. I guess they consider it a good icebreaker. Well, It’s not, girls are repulsed by you doing this, trust me! I know from experience.
No. 2
Wayne’s World 2, 1993
A sphincter says what? Ooohhhwaahhhh? While Wayne’s World 1 has its moments, I prefer two: Bigger stage for Wayne and Garth, bigger bands, and a bigger adventure. Oh, and lets not forget another classic oddball performance by funny man, Christopher Walken.
No. 1
The Blues Brothers, 1980
Comedy, and music and its best, John Landis, Dan Aykroyd, and the only Belushi brother that matters. I can’t say enough about this wildly imaginative movie, capturing the essence of a Chicago lifestyle, the blues scene, and performances by insanely huge artists! The police, the nuns, the chicken wire bar, the car chase scene, the crazy sadistic woman, played by Carrie Fisher, everything about this movie is comedy genius. The soundtrack is even awesome. I can watch Jake and Elroy embark on their mission from God trying to re-unite the band over and over again. Comedies don’t get much better than The Blues Brothers.
BBC is playing games
Posted by Sinatra The Tank | Posted in BBC, Doctor Who, Top Gear, Videogame | Posted on 11:55 AM
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Via MCVUK.com
After spending years sat on the fence, the BBC is returning to games in a big way, MCV can exclusively reveal.
Via its commercial arm BBC Worldwide, the broadcaster is courting both publishers and developers to turn Doctor Who, Top Gear, In The Night Garden and many, many more into games for all audiences.
No stone will go unturned: the BBC wants to see its brands on iPhone and Facebook as much as it wants to see them on DS and Wii.
“We are open to conversations with anybody in games about all kinds of business models to see how we can extract more value,” said Neil Ross Russell, MD of children’s and licensing.
“Outside of Disney we have the most well-known line-up of children’s characters around the world.”
It’s a big about-turn for the broadcaster. The BBC closed its Multimedia division in 2005 after sales crashed in its boxed product business, subsequently aborting an attempt to get a PS2 game of spy thriller Spooks
off the ground.“We’ve been reactive to the market in the last few years,” explained Dave Anderson, head of multimedia development at BBC Worldwide.
“There were a few opportunistic licensing deals, but we were largely aggregating and holding on to our properties to wait and see how the market developed.”
The new effort will push key kids’ IPs towards games for DS and Wii, while more long-running brands find their feet on all sorts of platforms.
But the move goes beyond just licensing out properties.
Said Ross Russell: “What we’re trying to do is build the brands here – this is not about opportunistic licensing. If we wanted to do that we would have done more with these key brands over the last few years.”
As part of the move, BBC Worldwide has hired former EA and Yahoo exec Robert Nashak as EVP of digital entertainment. More details on his appointment will follow tomorrow.
MCV will reveal more on BBC's new strategy to fund new titles based on its properties and work closer with games publishers and developers next week.
(it could look like this!)
I could not be more happy as this gets me one step closer to a Doctor Who videogame. I still think Telltale games should get the Who license and make a sweet adventure game. Well at least now the dream is still alive.