Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:07:46 GMT

Limewire Jumps on the MP3 Bandwagon

Limewire, the current leading P2P developer, is developing an online music store. Paid music files will be available via links in their P2P software and later included in P2P results. Music will be available in MP3 format. Independent labels IRIS Distribution and Nettwerk Music Group have already signed on.

It's an opportunity for consumers to do the right thing and pay for the music they've been downloading over P2P. On the other hand, it's like adding fuel to a fire. The same software that pays for the open MP3 file also shares it with thousands of others who likely will pay nothing.

For independents it's a way to make some revenues from a channel where they've made none. Bands and music distributors can join the program by contacting Limewire at storecontent@limewire.com.

The major recording labels though likely won't take such a charitable view. They are still in litigation with Limewire for abetting copyright infringement. From their perspective Limewire's online store, while a legal enterprise by itself, is only made possible through its position as a leading distributor of illegal software

Legitimate music distribution over P2P is not new, but the MP3 twist is. P2P distributors have long promoted both free and secured pay files in their software and across their network. Kazaa integrated Altnet songs directly into its P2P client years ago. Music distributor INTENT Mediaworks has distributed files through its own branded P2P software. Posted by: Marc      Read more     Source

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 23:28:08 GMT

Jessica Simpson breaks nose

The sexy star bust her conk while filming new movie 'Major Movie Star', which is about an American Hollywood actress who joins the army.

Jessica suffered the break after accidentally hitting herself in the face with a gun.

Jessica Simpson said: "I was running with a gun over my head and fell over and broke my nose, it really hurt!"

It wasn't just the break that left the 27-year-old star in pain. She has previously admitted her favourite body part is her slender nose.

Jessica, who is famed for her curvaceous body, said: "There are a lot of girls with a similar body to mine, but my nose is special and unique to me."

Meanwhile, the 'Dukes of Hazzard' star has confessed she dresses sexily to impress men.

Jessica admits she chooses outfits she knows will send men's pulses racing, and is happy to make the most of her desirable body.

She said: "I dress for men, and also for myself. But if I am dressing for men, then I know it's good for myself.

"Curves are better. Honestly, movie stars should be voluptuous and beautiful, and models should be voluptuous and beautiful." Posted by: Melissa      Read more     Source

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 15:37:17 GMT

Fun Friday: Sweet and Sour Rain

The New York Times has an amusing article Memo to the Dept. of Magical Copyright Enforcement. Stopping copyright infringement is difficult. And it's often on the fringe. Acquiring illegitimate content is often a lesson in getting what you pay for.

Case in point - the new release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" in Chinese. These unauthorized translations don't always make sense.

Here is one excerpt, translated back into English.

Harry becomes a fat, hairy dwarf after being caught in a "sour and sweet rain"; he loses all his magic and can get it back only by obtaining the magic ring. After he does, Harry becomes a dragon that fights evil. Voldemort has an even more powerful brother who makes trouble for Harry. Posted by: Marc      Read more     Source

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:30:58 GMT

Nielsen Ratings Top 20 TV Shows

Source:www.drexel.edu

Every TV channel and network, whether it's delivered off air, on cable, or from satellite, claims to have the "best" programming, and or the number 1 show.

Yeah I guess so, that's why there are so many jokes about having 250 channels of TV and there's still nothing on that's worth watching.

Nielsen has been around almost as long as has TV and generally they're the accepted standard for judging which TV shows are most popular.

But are they accurate?

I'm usually amazed at which shows are supposed to be the most watched, but then my tastes have typically run counter to those of the average TV viewer.

You can decide for yourself if you agree with the current Neilsen Top 20 TV shows. Posted by: jim      Read more     Source

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 08:24:17 GMT

Bruce Springsteen Is Back With The E Street Band

Source:www.pollstaronline.com

Bruce Springsteen has reunited "The E Street Band" and has a new CD, which is termed, "high energy rock and roll", coming out on October 2.

The album may be backed up with a world wide tour which will no doubt be well received since these guys have not been together for about 5 years.

I wonder if "The Boss" had to wait until lead guitar Steve Van Zandt's character got knocked off on "The Sopranos" before putting the band back together.

Here's the latest on the return of Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. Posted by: jim      Read more     Source

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 04:37:57 GMT

David Lee Roth Is Back

Source:www.concert-pictures.com

Well it finally happened, David Lee Roth, seen here looking a bit like Elton John, is back with Van Halen and a tour has been announced.

The band did not mention any new songs, so this is a nostalgia tour of 25 cities, starting September 27, which is OK because Van Halen's stuff never gets old.

The band has undergone a personnel change besides Roth's return and Dave Anthony, the original bass player has been replaced by Wolfgang Van Halen.

That's right, another Van Halen, Wolfgang, who is Eddie's 16-year-old son joins the Van Halen circus.

Here's the link to the announcement video on G4.

For a look at some really great concert photos, like the one above, check out Kevin Pletcher's website, "Concert-Picturtes.com" Posted by: jim      Read more     Source

Sat, 25 Aug 2007 23:21:51 GMT

The Nanny Diaries.

"The Nanny Diaries, based on Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus's best-selling novel (a roman à clef), is a grim slog," writes David Edelstein in New York. "Most American movies downplay issues of class and privilege; this one creates museum tableaux to illustrate them. But what follows is nothing but stereotypes - and an argument for why anthropology should inform drama rather than shape it. Your first look at a character tells you everything you need to know. As you watch the nannies mistreated and the children left to cry themselves to sleep, the only surprise is that there are no surprises. It's zombie-land."

Also: Bilge Ebiri's "guide to how accurately (or implausibly) other films have tackled New York worlds."

Updated through 8/25. Posted by: dwhudson      Read more     Source

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 20:40:49 GMT

Go From Sour Notes to Guitar Wizard

Mattel is launching a new instrument game like product that's bound to bring out the inner Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix or John Mayer in someone- whether they are child or adult. This program/instrument was introduced at the International Toy Fair, the from Fischer Price is dropping" this month to the tune of about $100.00 and will include the noted Allegro Multimedia Guitar Wizard Method for picking up that guitar and making it hum



The system includes a "Family Favorites" software cartridge featuring 8 well-known songs, and two warm-up games for the entire family. Additional cartridges featuring SpongeBob and Barbie themes are available at any major toy store. The I Can Play Guitar package includes a brochure featuring tips for parents about what to look for when a child is prepared to move on to guitar lessons, and how to choose a teacher.

Geared for kids 5 and older, this is an elementary level of playing that won't have them churning out the licks like Bon Jovi but will give them the fundamentals to progress to the more advanced edtion for ages 12 + later this year. This is a great way to teach kids how to play a guitar because it's a lot like a computer game and will help suss out musical talent (or not). At least it's fun and musically challenging for a kid- though parents might get a bit tired of hearing it cranked up a bit.

Select the package that's right for you. The software is rated "E" for everyone, and is compatible with either Windows PC or Mac. Posted by: Stevie Wilson      Read more     Source

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:13:13 GMT

Samsung Max-DX79 DVD: Menacingly Loud

This is somewhat perplexing print advertisement campaign to promote its Samsung Max-DX79 DVD systems. The campaign apparently aims at conveying the fact that this system is capable of generating so loud sound that could be proved to be troublesome even for those who are used to listen loud music, especially rock listeners. The campaign has featured some members from well-known rock bands such as Kiss, ACDC, and they have been portrayed as if they are greatly disturbed by the loud sound produced by the Samsung product.

The presentation of the campaign has invoked mixed response as majority of opinion held that it is not that impressive while few have argued that the portrayal effectively conveys the product benefit. However, the concept and the idea of illustration, both, seem to be falling short of becoming effective. Moreover, same concept in all three advertisements is certainly seems to stretching too much. The campaign was created by Leo Burnett, Chile.

Via Twenty Four Posted by: Balendu      Read more     Source

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 11:01:57 GMT

India, 8-9.

"For six days starting Friday, a handful of Los Angeles venues will play host to venerable actors from India (even the couple dubbed 'the Brangelina of India'), some of the country's best-known movies, a parade of fashion models dressed in rustling embroidered silks and workshops helmed by some of India's more prominent artists," writes Kavita Daswani, opening a Los Angeles Times package on "India Splendor, a multicultural event.... designed to showcase the film, fashion, art - and even spirituality - of India." More on the lineup and on LA-area Indians, "a demographic being catered to by a number of promoters organizing Bollywood-inspired dance nights, hoping to draw in crowds homesick for the film music, pop videos and people of their native country."

Updated through 8/11. Posted by: dwhudson      Read more     Source