Home Blog Page 758

iPhone 5S launch date set for September 10

Nancy Clayson
-
0
iPhone 5S launch date set for September 10

September 10 has been announced as the date Apple launches its much anticipated new iPhone 5S.

iPhone 5S will take place at 10 AM Pacific time at the Apple Campus in Cupertino and according to rumors will see the unveiling not only of new and improved smartphone but also for the low-cost iPhone, dubbed the 5C.

The 5S will reportedly come with a new and improved camera and in different colored options, while the iPhone 5C will feature a plastic backing but remain essentially the same technology-wise as the iPhone 5.

Apple sent out invites to the press featuring the phrase: “This should brighten everyone’s day” along with a graphic depiction of multi-colored dots, which has led some to suggest indicates the new iPhone 5 will come in a variety of colors.

Indeed, the September 10 is due to be a bumper day for the Cupertino firm, with the announcement of iOS7, the first major overhaul of its mobile OS.

And the other highlights of the show will most likely include more details about iTunes Radio, which should launch for U.S. users on September 20th, along with iOS7.

As next week’s Apple iPhone event draws nearer, new images of what is rumored to be the iPhone 5C – boxed up and ready to be shipped – have been leaked online.

Apple is rumored to be releasing the iPhone 5C as a cheaper alternative to its upcoming iPhone 5S model at an event on September 10
Apple is rumored to be releasing the iPhone 5C as a cheaper alternative to its upcoming iPhone 5S model at an event on September 10

The photos, released by Chinese site iapps.im, show rows of the phones, with what is thought to be plastic casing, in pastel blue, pale yellow and powder pink.

Apple is rumored to be releasing the iPhone 5C as a cheaper alternative to its upcoming iPhone 5S model at an event on September 10.

The photos have since been removed by the Chinese site on the request of a “relevant party”, according to reports from Engadget.

In the images, each of the phones are also shown with a wallpaper in a corresponding color.

Rumors around Apple potentially launching two new handsets at an Autumn event surfaced in June.

They claimed that the California-based company wanted to launch a low-cost version of its iPhone 5 handset to compete with rivals Samsung.

It will be the first time in Apple’s iPhone history that the company has unveiled two handsets in the same month.

It was originally dubbed iPhone Mini, then iPhone Lite, and then leaked pictures from WeiPhone showing plastic cases suggest it could be called the iPhone 5C – with the C standing for colour.

The cheaper handset is expected to be made of plastic to keep costs down and may be sold in a range of colors including white, black, pink and blue.

According to analyst Brian White from Topeka Capital Markets, the iPhone Mini could be made of plastic and could cost as little as $99.

Other prices put it much higher at $400 and it is likely to be closer in price to Apple’s iPhone 4.

Apple does not comment on future products before its launch events.

Mark Gurman, a journalist for Apple fan site 9to5Mac wrote: “Because of the uncertain track record of the source of the image and the image’s overall low quality, it is difficult to judge if the images are legitimate.”

He continues that they do, however, mirror the technique of matching a wallpaper to the outer casing as seen in 2012 during Apple’s release of the iPod nano.

Other leaked images of the phone have shown the case in dark red, blue and green.

If the iPhone 5C follows suit with the iPod nano design, it may be released in red, pink, yellow, blue, green, black and grey as well as white.

The cheaper iPhone will be an entry-level device to go with the high-end iPhone 5S, which is expected to come in gold, black and white, have a fingerprint scanner, dual-flash camera to improve the quality of photos, and a faster processor.

[youtube HqXpkvgG388]


Mediterranean diet lowers risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia

Kathryn R. Bown
-
0
Mediterranean diet lowers risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia

A new research by the University of Exeter’s Medical School in UK found that eating a Mediterranean diet is good for the mind.

Scientists say people who eat large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish and olive oil have a lower risk of age-related diseases such as dementia.

The research is the first systematic review of previous studies into the Mediterranean diet’s benefits to the brain.

It comes after research last month showed the same diet could help counteract a genetic risk of strokes.

The team, supported by the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care in the South West Peninsula, analyzed 12 eligible pieces of research, 11 observational studies and one randomized control trial.

Eating a Mediterranean diet is good for the mind
Eating a Mediterranean diet is good for the mind

In nine of the 12 studies, a higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with better cognitive function, lower rates of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

However, results for mild cognitive impairment – the stage before Alzheimer’s or dementia, when someone could be experiencing some cognitive difficulties – were inconsistent.

Lead researcher Iliana Lourida said: “Mediterranean food is both delicious and nutritious, and our systematic review shows it may help to protect the ageing brain by reducing the risk of dementia.

“While the link between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and dementia risk is not new, ours is the first study to systematically analyze all existing evidence.”

Dr. Iliana Lourida added: “Our review also highlights inconsistencies in the literature and the need for further research. In particular research is needed to clarify the association with mild cognitive impairment and vascular dementia.

“It is also important to note that while observational studies provide suggestive evidence we now need randomized, controlled trials to confirm whether or not adherence to a Mediterranean diet protects against dementia.”

Australia economic growth beats forecast in Q2 2013

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Australia economic growth beats forecast in Q2 2013

Australia has reported better-than-forecast growth numbers for Q2 2013, boosted by gains in consumer spending.

Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 2.6% during the quarter, from a year earlier. Compared with the previous quarter, growth was 0.6%.

Most forecasts were for an annual growth closer to 2.5%.

Analysts said the data was likely to see the Australian central bank hold back on easing its policies further.

Australia has reported better-than-forecast growth numbers for Q2 2013, boosted by gains in consumer spending
Australia has reported better-than-forecast growth numbers for Q2 2013, boosted by gains in consumer spending

“This is probably a touch above what the Reserve Bank of Australia was expecting and this would decrease the probability of a near term rate cut,” said Matthew Johnson, an interest rate strategist at UBS.

Australia’s central bank, which has lowered borrowing costs to a record low in recent months, kept rates unchanged as it met on Tuesday.

Australia’s economy, which enjoyed robust growth in recent years, has seen its growth rate slow of late.

One of the biggest drags has been the slowing demand for its natural resources such as iron ore.

The sector has been hurt by a decline in demand from countries such as China, triggering concerns that Australia’s economic growth may dip further.

At the same time, other sectors of the economy have not picked up enough speed to offset the slowdown in mining.

Analysts said that while the latest numbers had helped allay some fears of a sharp slowdown, the economy was still under pressure.

Brian Redican, a senior economist at Macquarie Bank, said the latest numbers were a continuation of “this distinctly sub-trend growth that we’ve seen over the last nine months now”.

“It doesn’t suggest that the economy is falling into a hole yet, but there aren’t really signs that we’re going to break out of this rut either.”

[youtube ENuThA2fSbw]

John McCain caught playing poker on iPhone during Senate hearing on Syria action

Nancy Clayson
-
0
John McCain caught playing poker on iPhone during Senate hearing on Syria action

Arizona Republican Senator John McCain was caught playing poker on his iPhone while America’s most senior foreign policy and military officials made President Barack Obama’s case for using military force against the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

A Washington Post photographer snapped an over-the-shoulder picture of John McCain casually betting play money on his electronic cards, while Syria’s fate was the subject of passionate statements and often carefully manicured rhetoric.

Minutes after the Post published the photo online, John McCain cracked a joke in the hope of limiting what is bound to be an embarrassing news cycle.

“Scandal!” read John McCain’s sardonic tweet.

A Washington Post photographer snapped an over-the-shoulder picture of John McCain casually betting play money on his electronic cards, while Syria's fate was the subject of passionate statements and often carefully manicured rhetoric
A Washington Post photographer snapped an over-the-shoulder picture of John McCain casually betting play money on his electronic cards, while Syria’s fate was the subject of passionate statements and often carefully manicured rhetoric

“Caught playing iPhone game at 3+ hour Senate hearing – worst of all I lost!”

As the news broke, John McCain was waiting to appear on CNN to discuss the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing.

“Occasionally I get a little bored and so I resorted,” he admitted on the air.

CNN associate producer Ashley Killough tweeted afterward that John McCain “said he lost <<thousands>> of fake dollars” during the marathon Capitol Hill session.

John McCain may have been distracted by the presentations from Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey. He had, after all, already made up his mind to side with the president and his request for authorization to bomb Syria.

“If the Congress were to reject a resolution like this, after the president of the United States has already committed to action, the consequences would be catastrophic,” John  McCain said after her emerged from a closed-door meeting with Barack Obama on Tuesday morning, “in that the credibility of this country with friends and adversaries alike would be shredded”.

“And there would be not only implications for this president, but for future presidencies as well.”

[youtube XwFWvsIx_U8]

Power blackout hits 70% of Venezuela

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Power blackout hits 70% of Venezuela

A power blackout has left 70% of Venezuela without electricity, including parts of the capital Caracas.

The power cut disabled traffic lights in the city, causing traffic chaos. It also partially disrupted the underground transport system.

Thousands of workers were sent home. Power was slowly being restored in different areas after the cuts.

President Nicolas Maduro blamed the opposition for “sabotage” to power transmission lines.

“Everything seems to indicate that the extreme right has resumed its plan for an electrical strike against the country,” he said in a tweet.

In a live address on state television, the president also said the cuts were “part of a low-level war” against the country, a “folly by twisted and desperate minds”.

Nicolas Maduro did not give any evidence of the “sabotage” but said he had instructed the military “to protect the entire country”.

The power blackout has left 70 percent of Venezuela without electricity, including parts of the capital Caracas
The power blackout has left 70 percent of Venezuela without electricity, including parts of the capital Caracas

Opposition leader Henrique Capriles said the government was trying to divert public attention from the country’s problems by concocting the conspiracy theory.

Deputy Electrical Energy Minister Franco Silva said a fault had occurred in one of the national grid’s main transmission lines on Tuesday at 12:30 local time.

The cut affected large parts of the country for about three hours, after which time power was gradually restored.

The oil industry was not affected as Venezuela’s oil refineries are powered by separate generator plants.

Government officials have in the past said that high energy consumption at peak times and poor maintenance of transmission lines have led to a high incidence of cuts.

In 2010 the late President Hugo Chavez signed a decree declaring an “electricity emergency” to help his government tackle power shortages.

The opposition says the government of Hugo Chavez and his successor, Nicolas Maduro, may have spent billions of dollars on programmes to garner votes from the poor but has failed to invest in the upkeep and expansion of the electrical grid to meet growing demand.

Although Venezuela has big oil reserves, it is dependent on hydro-electricity for some 70% of its power.

Power cuts are common in Venezuela, especially in the country’s interior states, but rarely affect the capital, Caracas.

[youtube yQ0_mOMyPis]

Vladimir Putin warns US over Syria military strike

Roy Siemens
-
0
Vladimir Putin warns US over Syria military strike

Vladimir Putin has warned America and its allies against taking one-sided action in Syria.

The Russian president said any military strikes without UN approval would be “an aggression”.

President Barack Obama has called for punitive action in response to an alleged chemical weapons attack.

Vladimir Putin said Russia did not rule out supporting a UN Security Council resolution authorizing force, if it was proved “beyond doubt” that the Syrian government used chemical weapons.

On Tuesday evening, members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee agreed on a draft resolution backing the use of US military force.

The measure, to be voted on next week, sets a time limit of 60 days on any operation.

According to the draft resolution, the operation would be restricted to a “limited and tailored use of the United States Armed Forces against Syria”, and ban the use of any ground forces.

The US has put the death toll from the alleged chemical attack on the outskirts of Damascus on August 21 at 1,429, though other countries and organizations have given lower figures.

Vladimir Putin has warned America and its allies against taking one-sided action in Syria
Vladimir Putin has warned America and its allies against taking one-sided action in Syria

Vladimir Putin was speaking ahead of the G20 summit in St Petersburg, which opens on Thursday and is supposed to concentrate on the global economy, but now looks likely to be dominated by the Syrian crisis.

In a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press and Russia’s state Channel 1 television, Vladimir Putin said it was “ludicrous” that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, an ally of Russia, would use chemical weapons at a time when it was gaining ground against the rebels.

“If there is evidence that chemical weapons were used, and by the regular army… then this evidence must be presented to the UN Security Council. And it must be convincing,” Vladimir Putin said.

But in what correspondents say is an apparent change in stance, Vladimir Putin said Russia would “be ready to act in the most decisive and serious way” if there was clear proof of what weapons were used and who used them.

Vladimir Putin said it was “too early” to talk about what Russia would do if America took action without a UN resolution.

He confirmed that Russia had currently suspended delivering further components of S-300 missile systems to Syria.

“But if we see that steps are taken that violate the existing international norms, we shall think how we should act in the future, in particular regarding supplies of such sensitive weapons to certain regions of the world.”

The US Congress is expected to vote next week on whether to back President Barack Obama’s push for military strikes in Syria.

Ahead of next week’s vote in Congress on whether to back military strikes in Syria, US Secretary of State John Kerry appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday to promote the Obama administration’s case.

[youtube NzF2T70CLao]

Ariel Castro dead: Cleveland kidnapper found hanging in his cell

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Ariel Castro dead: Cleveland kidnapper found hanging in his cell

Cleveland kidnapper Ariel Castro has died after being found hanging in his cell.

Prison officials said Ariel Castro, 53, died in hospital late on Tuesday, after prison medical staff failed to revive him.

Ariel Castro held three women against their will for about a decade until May this year. He kept his victims chained up and raped them.

He was sentenced on August 1st to life imprisonment without parole plus 1,000 years. His house was demolished.

The former school bus driver abducted Michelle Knight, 32, Amanda Berry, 27, and Gina DeJesus, 23, from the Cleveland streets between 2002 and 2004.

A spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, JoEllen Smith, said: “He was housed in protective custody which means he was in a cell by himself and rounds are required every 30 minutes at staggered intervals.

“Upon finding inmate Castro, prison medical staff began performing life saving measures. Shortly after he was transported to [the prison medical facility] where he was pronounced dead at 10:52 pm.”

“A thorough review of this incident is under way,” she added.

Ariel Castro was placed in protective custody because of the notoriety of his case, but was not on suicide watch.

Gina DeJesus was 14 years old when she disappeared. Amanda Berry was 16, and Michelle Knight, 21. Ariel Castro also fathered a child with Amanda Berry, who was rescued after she escaped from the house and contacted police.

Ariel Castro has died after being found hanging in his cell
Ariel Castro has died after being found hanging in his cell

Ariel Castro was arrested the same day. He was charged with multiple counts of kidnapping, rape and aggravated murder.

At his sentencing, Ariel Castro told the court: “I’m not a violent predator… I’m not a monster, I’m a normal person.

“I’m just sick. I have an addiction, just like an alcoholic has an addiction.”

He said he never planned to abduct the women, but acted on the spur of the moment when he kidnapped his first victim. He said that he was “truly sorry” for what he had done.

But passing sentence, Judge Michael Russo told Castro there was no place in the world for people who enslave others.

Ariel Castro pleaded guilty to 937 charges related to the ordeal of his victims, including numerous rapes.

A deal with prosecutors spared him a possible death penalty for murder.

In a victim impact statement made to the sentencing court, Michelle Knight told how their captor went to church every Sunday, before coming home to “torture” the women.

“I spent 11 years in hell. Now your hell is just beginning,” she said.

“You will face hell for eternity.

“From this moment on, I will not let you define me, or affect who I am. I will live on, you will die a little every day.”

Michelle Knight was the only victim to speak in person at the hearing.

Ariel Castro lured one of them into his home with the promise of a puppy, and enticed another by inviting her to meet his daughter.

The judge banned Ariel Castro from ever seeing the daughter Jocelyn, now six years old.

In an interview last month after his conviction, Ariel Castro’s lawyers said that he fitted the profile of someone with a sociopathic disorder. They expressed hope that researchers would study him for clues that could be used to stop other predators.

The three women escaped from Ariel Castro’s home on May 6, when Amanda Berry broke part of a door and yelled to neighbors for help.

The two other women were so frightened that at first they were reluctant to leave the house despite the presence of a large number of police officers.

[youtube 4zGoik1PUi0]

Syria intervention: Barack Obama wins key backing for military strike

Roy Siemens
-
0
Syria intervention: Barack Obama wins key backing for military strike

President Barack Obama’s plans for a military strike on Syria have won backing from key US political figures.

Barack Obama said a “limited” strike was needed to degrade President Bashar al-Assad’s capabilities in response to an alleged chemical weapons attack.

Key Republican leaders John Boehner and Eric Cantor both signaled their support for military action. Congress is expected to vote next week.

The UN earlier confirmed that more than two million Syrians were now refugees.

More than 100,000 people are thought to have died since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011.

President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden met House Speaker John Boehner, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and the chairmen and ranking members from the national security committees in Washington on Tuesday.

John Boehner signaled his support for Barack Obama’s call for action, saying that only the US had the capacity to stop President Bashar al-Assad. John Boehner urged his colleagues in Congress to follow suit.

Eric Cantor, the House of Representatives majority leader, said he also backed Barack Obama.

President Barack Obama’s plans for a military strike on Syria have won backing from key US political figures
President Barack Obama’s plans for a military strike on Syria have won backing from key US political figures

The Virginia Republican said: “Assad’s Syria, a state sponsor of terrorism, is the epitome of a rogue state, and it has long posed a direct threat to American interests and to our partners.”

Nancy Pelosi said she did not believe Congress would reject a resolution calling for force.

Barack Obama said that Bashar al-Assad had to be held accountable for the chemical attack and that he was confident Congress would back him.

He said he was proposing military action that would degrade Bashar al-Assad’s capacity to use chemical weapons “now and in the future”.

“What we are envisioning is something limited. It is something proportional,” the president said.

“At the same time we have a broader strategy that will allow us to upgrade the capabilities of the opposition.”

Secretary of State John Kerry, Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel and the top US military officer, Gen Martin Dempsey, are appearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

John Kerry told the panel that US allies such as Israel and Jordan were “one stiff breeze” away from potentially being hurt by any fresh chemical weapons attacks, and that US inaction would only embolden the Syrian president.

“This is not the time for armchair isolationism,” John Kerry said.

“This is not the time to be spectators to slaughter. Neither our country nor out conscience can afford the cost of silence.

“We have spoken up against unspeakable horror many times in the past. Now we must stand up and act.”

But John Kerry said again that there would be no American boots on the ground in Syria and that Barack Obama was “not asking America to go to war”.

Chuck Hagel said that “the word of the United States must mean something” and echoed John Kerry when adding: “A refusal to act would undermine the credibility of America’s other security commitments, including the president’s commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.”

There will also be a classified briefing for all members of Congress.

Barack Obama will head to Sweden late on Tuesday for a G20 meeting sure to be dominated by Syria.

France has strongly backed the US plan for military action.

President Francois Hollande said on Tuesday: “When a chemical massacre takes place, when the world is informed of it, when the evidence is delivered, when the guilty parties are known, then there must be an answer.”

Francois Hollande called for Europe to unite on the issue, but said he would wait for the Congress vote.

[youtube N3Es9-e3Hww]

30 Auschwitz death camp guards face prosecution in Germany

James J. Williams
-
0
30 Auschwitz death camp guards face prosecution in Germany

Thirty former Auschwitz death camp guards should face prosecution in Germany, justice officials have said.

The Baden-Wuerttemberg state justice ministry, heading the investigation, said 49 guards had been investigated, of whom 30 should be prosecuted.

The 30 are spread across Germany, and another seven are living abroad. They are said to be aged up to 97.

Auschwitz was the biggest Nazi death camp. More than 1.1 million people, most of them Jews, were murdered there.

The case of Ukrainian-born John Demjanjuk two years ago changed the legal situation concerning people who worked at the death camps.

John Demjanjuk died last year while appealing against his five-year jail sentence for complicity in the murder of more than 28,000 Jews at the Sobibor camp in Nazi-occupied Poland.

Thirty former Auschwitz death camp guards should face prosecution in Germany
Thirty former Auschwitz death camp guards should face prosecution in Germany

A judge had ruled that even though there was no clear evidence that he had committed murder directly, his mere activities as a worker at the death camp facilitated mass murder.

Previously German courts only considered cases where Nazi suspects were accused of personally committing atrocities.

In July the US-based Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish organization which investigates Nazi war criminals, launched a poster campaign in Berlin seeking evidence on such fugitives from justice, with the slogan “Late – but not too late”.

The justice agency in Ludwigsburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, which heads German investigations into Nazi war crimes, said that of the 49 ex-guards from Auschwitz, in Nazi-occupied southern Poland, nine had died.

The agency said it was now handing over its findings to prosecutors in the German states.

Six of the cases will be handled by Baden-Wuerttemberg, seven by Bavaria, two by Saxony-Anhalt, four by North Rhine-Westphalia, four by Lower Saxony, two by Hesse and one each by Rhineland-Palatinate, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

The agency says it now plans to re-examine the actions of all former Nazi staff who served in extermination camps and special killing squads. It says the work will be “extremely time-consuming” and will include research in archives kept in Russia, Belarus and Brazil.

In the next six months the agency plans to re-examine the files on Nazis who served at Majdanek death camp in eastern Poland.

More than 7,000 SS personnel served at the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp complex in 1940-45, but only a few hundred were ever prosecuted.

The Nazis murdered most of their victims – Jews, Roma and Sinti and other persecuted groups – in gas chambers. Many others were shot, starved to death or killed in medical experiments.

Phil and Miss Kay Robertson separated for 3 months due to his hard-drinking habit

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Phil and Miss Kay Robertson separated for 3 months due to his hard-drinking habit

Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson and Miss Kay renewed their wedding vows on Season 4 premiere of the popular A&E reality show.

However, their romance hasn’t always been easy and according to a report in the National Enquirer, at one point, Phil and Miss Kay Robertson were separated for three months and hard-drinking Phil practically abandoned his kids.

When Phil Robertson was a young man in his 20s he leased a gritty dive bar, but when the couple who owned it tried to raise the rent, Phil got into a vio­lent fight with them. He ended up beating them so savagely they had to be rushed to the hospital. Phil Robertson then fled the state.

Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson and Miss Kay renewed their wedding vows on Season 4 premiere
Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson and Miss Kay renewed their wedding vows on Season 4 premiere

Speaking of the incident at a recent benefit in Dallas, Phil Robertson’s son Willie said: “State troopers were search­ing for him, so he runs into the woods and lives in the woods for four months running from the law.”

According to the National Enquirer, Miss Kay Robertson – who was just 15 when they tied the knot 49 years ago – sweet-talked the bar owners and they didn’t file criminal charges. But they took out a restraining order against Phil.

When Miss Kay tried to get Phil Robertson to stop drinking, he threw her and their kids out of the house. She then moved into an apartment with the boys. Eventually, Phil Robertson found God and begged her to take him back – and she did.

“You would never guess it from watching the show because Phil and Miss Kay are still so much in love and devoted to each other,” said a source.

“She stood by him when he was drinking and staying out all night, but he came very close to losing ev­erything. Miss Kay was so sick of Phil that she wanted a divorce.”

[youtube nkHebuhBe2M]

Honey Boo Boo celebrates 8th birthday in Panama Beach

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Honey Boo Boo celebrates 8th birthday in Panama Beach

Honey Boo Boo received not one but three cakes to celebrate her eighth birthday over this past weekend.

However, it seems that Honey Boo Boo didn’t even get to enjoy them, for most of the pink dessert ended up on her parent’s faces.

A food fight between Mama June and Sugar Bear broke out after Alana Thompson blew out the candles of her cake.

Over the Labor Day weekend the reality TV family travelled to Panama Beach in Florida.

While on vacation, June Shannon decided to throw a birthday celebration for her daughter at their 400-room Holiday Inn hotel.

Mama June invited all the guests staying at the hotel to join the family down at the pool for swimming, cake and a photo opportunity with the clan.

A flyer was placed on every room, reading: “You are invited to come down to the pool from 6-8pm to celebrate Alana (Honey Boo Boo)’s 8th birthday!

“Come down and hang out with the family and have some cake and go swimming! Hope to see you there!!!! Alana.”

The hotel was sold out over the weekend due to the American holiday so guests were excited to find out that Honey Boo Boo’s family was staying in the resort.

Mama June took to the microphone and had everyone line up for a photo with the family.

Honey Boo Boo received not one but three cakes to celebrate her eighth birthday
Honey Boo Boo received not one but three cakes to celebrate her eighth birthday

After an hour of happy snaps, everyone got together and sung happy birthday to Honey Boo Boo.

June Shannon had two huge Hello Kitty cakes to cut up and hand out to the hotel fans.

But at the end of the night a cake fight had broken out between a family friend and Mama June.

Sugar Bear also jumped in on the fun and his brother Uncle Poodle joined too with all four covered in the sugary treat.

During their vacation, the family also spent time at the hotel pool and beach where Honey Boo Boo had a blast on a lobster float and a shark boogie board.

At one point in the day, Honey Boo Boo and Lauryn had pushed their bodyguard into the pool for some fun.

And no trip to Panama Beach would be complete without a trip to Miracle Strip Pier.

The family headed straight to the amusement park where they went on several rides and had their faces painted.

At one point Sugar Bear and Mama June even shared a tender kiss.

The couple recently tied the knot during a ceremony in May at their home in Georgia.

June Shannon and Mike Thompson met on an online chat room nine years ago following relationship break-ups.

After hitting it off they got together and their daughter, Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson was born two years later.

Honey Boo Boo shot to fame on the fly-on-the-wall pageant show Toddlers & Tiaras in 2009, which saw her score her own spin-off series last year. Her three stepsisters and parents also star.

Sugar Bear, 41, proposed to Mama June twice previously but got a ‘no’ both times.

However, when he popped the question this year June Shannon decided to accept the offer.

Honey Boo Boo was born on August 28, 2005.

Miley Cyrus says she made history with her VMA’s performance

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Miley Cyrus says she made history with her VMA’s performance

Miley Cyrus broke her silence to speak out about her VMA’s performance, which included grinding up against Thicke and touching the R&B singer seductively with a foam finger.

In an interview with MTV, Miley Cyrus, 20, compared herself to Madonna and Britney Spears, who also made headlines when they locked lips during a passionate on air kiss 10 years ago at the 2003 VMAs.

Miley Cyrus also revealed that Thicke was very much aware of what he was in for, and that they both knew “they were about to make history”.

Speaking to MTV News in an exclusive interview, Miley Cyrus said: “I don’t pay attention to the negative because I have seen this play out. How many times have we seen this play out in pop music?  

“You know now… you know what’s happened. Madonna’s done it, Britney’s done it. Every VMA performance, anyone that performs…that’s what you are looking for.

Miley Cyrus broke her silence to speak out about her VMA’s performance in an interview with MTV
Miley Cyrus broke her silence to speak out about her VMA’s performance in an interview with MTV

“You wanting to make history.  Me and Robin the whole time said <<You know you are about to make history right now?>>.”

Miley Cyrus also added that she loved the fact that people were still talking about the raunchy show.

“It is an amazing thing that I think now it is three days later and people are still talking about it,” she gushed.

And for all of those critics out there, Miley Cyrus simply believes that they are just “over thinking it”.

“They’re over thinking it. You’re thinking more about it than when I did it. Like I didn’t even think about it because that is just me,” the singer said.

The former Disney star has been a hot topic of conversation for days after her extremely raunchy performance at MTV’s Video Music Awards.

Miley Cyrus was seen twerking on Thicke during a duet of his hit Blurred Lines, while wearing latex and repeatedly sticking out her tongue.

She is currently drumming up publicity for her new album Bangerz, and released promotional images for the record last week.

Miley Cyrus’ new album is set for release in the U.S. on October 8 and includes her hit single We Can’t Stop and her new song Wrecking Ball.

[youtube bj2-D8foYOM]

Mohamed Morsi supporters sentenced to life in prison over Suez unrest

Roy Siemens
-
0
Mohamed Morsi supporters sentenced to life in prison over Suez unrest

Eleven supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi have been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of attacking the Egyptian army.

The men were accused of wounding soldiers, sabotaging armored vehicles and burning churches during riots in the port city of Suez last month.

Forty-five others received five-year sentences, while five were acquitted.

The riots followed a deadly crackdown by security forces on two pro-Morsi protest camps in the capital, Cairo.

Hundreds of people, mostly members of Mohamed Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood, were killed when the sit-ins outside the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque and at Nahda Square were cleared on August 14.

The unrest in Suez, 87 miles to the east of Cairo, on August 14 and 16 left more than 30 dead.

It is not clear if those convicted on Tuesday are Brotherhood members. But if they are, the verdicts would be the first affecting the Islamist group since the military launched a campaign against it after ousting Mohamed Morsi.

Eleven supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi have been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of attacking the Egyptian army
Eleven supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi have been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of attacking the Egyptian army

State prosecutors announced on 1 September that after almost two months in detention at a secret location, Mohamed Morsi would stand trial for inciting murder and violence.

The charges relates to the deaths of at least seven people during clashes between opposition protesters and Brotherhood supporters outside the Ittihadiya presidential palace in Cairo in December 2012.

Fourteen other senior Muslim Brotherhood figures, including Mohammed al-Beltagi and Essam al-Erian, will be tried on the same charge.

Also on Tuesday, a court in Cairo ordered the closure of four television stations, including the Brotherhood’s Ahrar 25 TV and al-Jazeera’s Egyptian affiliate Mubasher Misr, saying they were operating illegally.

The stations were seen by the authorities as being sympathetic to the Brotherhood.

The group called for protests demanding the reinstatement of Mohamed Morsi in the capital on Tuesday under the slogan: “The coup is terrorism.”

The state news agency, Mena, said security forces had sealed off some roads in the capital. Military vehicles were reported to be blocking the entrances to the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque and Tahrir Square, the centre of the anti-government protests which triggered the Egyptian revolution in 2011.

The resumption of national rail services after 17 days was also delayed.

[youtube Pad9uVHRkW0]

New York Fashion Week is a highly chaotic circus, says Oscar de la Renta

Lisa.Felice
-
0
New York Fashion Week is a highly chaotic circus, says Oscar de la Renta

Fashion mogul Oscar de la Renta has slammed celebrities for turning New York Fashion Week into a “highly chaotic circus”.

Oscar de la Renta, 81, told WWD that he is sick and tired of the “huge crowds of people’ who pile into shows, ‘with no direct connection to the clothes”.

As a result, for his September 10 show at his midtown Manhattan showroom, he will only be allowing 350 invitees with a “legitimate professional purpose” to enter.

Explaining his motivation further, Oscar de la Renta said: “When you do megashows, it loses the reason of why we’re showing.

“It’s important for [certain industry professionals] to look at the clothes and see them. 

Oscar de la Renta has slammed celebrities for turning New York Fashion Week into a highly chaotic circus
Oscar de la Renta has slammed celebrities for turning New York Fashion Week into a highly chaotic circus

“They shouldn’t have to go through 30,000 people . . . who are trying to take pictures of all of those people who are totally unrelated to the clothes.

“I feel [inviting a more targeted audience] is the most manageable way and the most civilized way.”

In another interview with the Guardian, Oscar de la Renta explained that when shows are “highly chaotic and real circus, the people that do matter aren’t going to be put into the best of moods”.

He says for that those not invited to his presentation, all of the action will be available online, 20minutes later.
Echoing Oscar de la Renta’s sentiments, fashion journalist, Suzy Menkes wrote in the New York Times earlier this year that “today, the people outside fashion shows are more like peacocks than crows”.

“You can hardly get up the steps at Lincoln Center, in New York . . . because of all the photographers snapping at the poseurs.”

Meanwhile, retail consultant Robert Burke told the Guardian that once inside it’s often impossible to see what’s going on because people are “jumping to photograph” famous faces on the front row.

He points out that bloggers and celebrities are important, “but there needs to be balance”.

New York Fashion Week runs from September 5 to 12, with more than 80 designers set to show their spring/summer 2013 collections.

Duck Dynasty event at Rupp Arena in Hazard on September 29

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Duck Dynasty event at Rupp Arena in Hazard on September 29

A group of students arrived in Hazard, Kentucky, to promote a Duck Dynasty event in Lexington held later this month.

Ten students from Frankfort Christian Academy are promoting an event at Rupp Arena on September 29th for Duck Dynasty.

Ten students from Frankfort Christian Academy are promoting an event at Rupp Arena on September 29th for Duck Dynasty
Ten students from Frankfort Christian Academy are promoting an event at Rupp Arena on September 29th for Duck Dynasty

The Quack Commander RV will be at Wal-Mart for a ticket giveaway.

The Duck Dynasty cast will not be in attendance.

Duck Dynasty Dinner featuring Jase Robertson and Justin Martin in Morgantown

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Duck Dynasty Dinner featuring Jase Robertson and Justin Martin in Morgantown

Duck Dynasty stars come to Morgantown, West Virginia, on Saturday, September 21st.

Jase Robertson and Justin Martin of Duck Dynasty will join the Auxiliary Of Mon General Hospital at the Waterfront Place Hotel and Morgantown Event Center.

Jase Robertson and Justin Martin of Duck Dynasty will join the Auxiliary Of Mon General Hospital at the Waterfront Place Hotel and Morgantown Event Center
Jase Robertson and Justin Martin of Duck Dynasty will join the Auxiliary Of Mon General Hospital at the Waterfront Place Hotel and Morgantown Event Center

Dine at the Wild Game Buffett and see the Outdoor Show. Everyone is registered for the door prize… a new camper!

Tickets go on sale June 10th by calling 304-598-1324 or, get Duck Dynasty Dinner tickets this Saturday in person at the Waterfront Place Hotel. Proceeds benefit patient care at Mon General Hospital.

Saturday, September, 21, 2013

02:00 PM – 09:00 PM

Cost:

VIP $500, Preferred $250, Gen. Admission $100

Location:

Morgantown Event Center

Three Waterfront Place
Morgantown, WV 26501

Justin Martin to appear at the annual Maine Sportsman’s Night on October 12

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Justin Martin to appear at the annual Maine Sportsman’s Night on October 12

Justin Martin, one of the stars of the reality show Duck Dynasty, is making an appearance in Maine.

Justin Martin is appearing along with several game wardens from the Maine-based reality show North Woods Law at the annual Maine Sportsman’s Night on October 12, at Mount View High School in Thorndike.

Justin Martin is appearing along with several game wardens from North Woods Law at the annual Maine Sportsman's Night on October 12
Justin Martin is appearing along with several game wardens from North Woods Law at the annual Maine Sportsman’s Night on October 12

Duck Dynasty is in its fourth season and has broken viewership records on A&E.

The reality TV show chronicles a Louisiana family that made a business out of making duck calls. The Robertson family’s men are known for their long beards.

Justin Martin, who’s often given grief for his large size, appears on the show as one of the employees of the family business, called Duck Commander.

Si Robertson book: Uncle Si on life, his family, marriage proposals and faith

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Si Robertson book: Uncle Si on life, his family, marriage proposals and faith

Si Robertson’s new book, Si-Cology 1: Tales and Wisdom from Duck Dynasty’s Favorite Uncle will be available from today, September 3.

Duck Dynasty’s Uncle Si Robertson said in a recent interview with The Christian Post that he didn’t want to write a book about his life, because he felt that with having served in the military for 25 years, he hadn’t created enough memories with his family to share with his fans.

“I was in the military, so I told my wife that I was never there for the kids when they were growing up. And she said, ‘oh yeah you were. Let me go get a photo album.’ And she was showing me dressed as a bunny rabbit, rooster, and Santa Claus during Christmas time. Personally, I didn’t feel that I was there enough,” Si Robertson said.

But with pressure mounting against him, Si Robertson finally relented and agreed to write a book about his life.

“They just kept bothering me, so I said, OK.”

In his book, Si Robertson shares a spattering of stories about his childhood – skipping school to go fishing with his older brothers – and how he managed to earn A’s at Louisiana Tech after he skipped most of his classes during an entire semester.

Si Robertson didn't want to write a book about his life because he felt that with having served in the military for 25 years he hadn't created enough memories with his family to share with his fans
Si Robertson didn’t want to write a book about his life because he felt that with having served in the military for 25 years he hadn’t created enough memories with his family to share with his fans

Si Robertson’s mastery of storytelling runs throughout his descriptions of the Vietnam War and how he met his wife, Christine. The always-jovial Uncle Si also speaks candidly about the difficulties he and Christine have faced, and how God has blessed and sustained them throughout their 43 years of marriage. He also shares their unexpected blessing of having two children, Trasa (married Cobern) and Scott, and eight grandchildren.

Although he’s spoken for, the marriage proposals keep rolling in for Si Robertson. All the single ladies who envision themselves walking down the aisle with the elder duck hunter are shattered when Si Robertson breaks the disappointing news that he can’t marry them because his wife will get mad.

“I was at an event in Arkansas, and a woman walked up and was standing there, and I was waiting for her to hand me something to sign – a T-shirt, a hat or whatever. And she said, <<Well, I’m ready>>. And I looked up and I said, <<Ready for what?>>. <<Ready to marry you. I drove 450 miles here just to marry you>>. I told her we’ve got a slight problem here, lady. And she said, <<What’s that?>>. << I’m already married and my wife probably wouldn’t like me marrying you>>. <<You mean I drove 450 miles for nothing?>> I said, <<No. Isn’t that a T-shirt you’ve got hanging over your shoulder>>. <<Yeah>>. Well, I’ll sign it for you darlin’ that’s the best I can do for you,” he said.

According to Si Robertson, marriage is a union between two imperfect people who are destined to make mistakes. But at the end of the day, their love for each other and faith in Jesus Christ will bring them through every hardship and enrich the most joyous times of their lives.

“People have got to understand that you’ve got to learn to laugh at yourself when you make a mistake,” Si Robertson advised.

“Don’t get mad and fly off the handle, OK. We’re all human, and we make mistakes.”

“What I tell young couples that are getting married is: you’re going to have quarrels, and on some things, you’re just going to have to agree to disagree. And when you go to bed at night, kiss each other and tell each other that you love each other. Don’t go to bed mad. Life is too short. Keep it simple.”

Asked what he thinks about seeing his face on Duck Dynasty merchandise at various stores throughout the country, Si Robertson said it’s a humbling experience, but his nephew Alan thinks it’s a frightening and funny commentary about popular culture.

“It’s very humbling, number one,” Si Robertson stated.

“There’s a lot of kids who look-up to me, and that’s humbling. Because being human, I don’t want to fail them. But being human, I will. That’s why it’s so important to have your faith put in something that won’t fail you. And that means the son of God’s kingdom.”

However, Alan Robertson has a different take and joked about how ironic it is to see his uncle’s face surrounding him everywhere he goes inside a Walmart.

“It’s kind-of scary to me. You know, Si’s got a funny look about him, and to see him everywhere I turn around at Walmart, it makes me think, what kind of crazy world are we living in?”

[youtube EznpibDlaQc]

More than 2 million refugees have fled Syria

Diane A. Wade
-
0
More than 2 million refugees have fled Syria

More than 2 million Syrians refugees have left the country until now, the UN says.

At least 700,000 have fled to Lebanon, and more Syrians are now displaced than any other nationality, the UNHCR says.

France and the US are continuing to push for military action over alleged chemical weapons use by Syrian forces.

There are suggestions that President Barack Obama may be planning much wider action than the limited strikes that have been publicly proposed.

The reports emerged as senior US politicians were set to speak before a congressional committee, to rally support for intervention.

The UNHCR said in a statement on Tuesday: “Syria is haemorrhaging women, children and men who cross borders often with little more than the clothes on their backs.”

Around half of those forced to leave are children, UN agencies estimate, with about three-quarters of them under 11.

More than two million Syrians are now refugees
More than two million Syrians are now refugees

Just 118,000 refugee children have been able to continue in some sort of education, and only one-fifth have received some sort of counselling, with agencies warning of a “lost generation” of child refugees ill-equipped to help rebuild Syria in the future.

Lebanon has received the highest number of refugees, even though it is the smallest of Syria’s neighbors and one of the least able to cope.

There is now thought to be one Syrian refugee in Lebanon to roughly every six Lebanese. Jordan and Turkey have taken in the second and third highest numbers respectively.

As well as those who have left the country, a further 4.25 million have been displaced within Syria, the UNHCR says, meaning that more Syrians are now forcibly displaced than is the case with any other country.

Pointing out that more than 97% of Syria’s refugees are being hosted by countries in the surrounding region, the UNHCR said the influx was “placing an overwhelming burden on their infrastructures, economies and societies”.

It once again appealed for “massive international support” to help neighboring countries deal with the crisis.

International aid agencies are also struggling to cope with the crisis, having only 47% of funds required to meet “basic refugee needs”, the UNHCR says.

“It took two years to reach the first million refugees. It took six months for the second million to be reached,” said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres.

He said officials could envisage three million refugees by the end of 2013.

One of the biggest single waves of refugees occurred in mid-August, when thousands from north-eastern Syria poured over the border into Iraqi Kurdistan.

Iraq has the fourth largest population of Syrian refugees, with over 170,000.

The UN says the conflict in Syria has caused the world’s worst refugee crisis for 20 years, with numbers not seen since the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

More than 100,000 people are thought to have died since the uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011.

[youtube os1sujG6PMc]

Dennis Rodman heads back to North Korea to meet Kim Jong-un

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Dennis Rodman heads back to North Korea to meet Kim Jong-un

Dennis Rodman is visiting North Korea for the second time this year to meet leader Kim Jong-un.

The retired basketball player said meeting “my friend Kim”, who is a basketball fan, was part of his “basketball diplomacy tour”.

Dennis Rodman told reporters he would not be discussing the case of jailed Korean-American Kenneth Bae with Kim Jong-un.

Last week, North Korea revoked a trip by a US envoy seeking Kenneth Bae’s release.

Dennis Rodman, a former NBA star, spent time with Kim Jong-un in March while filming a documentary with a US media company.

He visited with members of the Harlem Globetrotters team, who played a game with members of North Korea’s “Dream Team”.

Dennis Rodman is visiting North Korea for the second time this year to meet leader Kim Jong-un
Dennis Rodman is visiting North Korea for the second time this year to meet leader Kim Jong-un

Dennis Rodman remains the most high-profile American to meet Kim Jong-un since the leader took over after his father died in 2011.

On his way from Beijing, China, to Pyongyang, North Korea, on Tuesday, Dennis Rodman told reporters: “I just want to meet my friend Kim, the marshal, and start a basketball league over there.”

“I have not been promised anything. I am just going there as a friendly gesture.”

Asked if he was going to discuss the jailed American, Dennis Rodman said: “I’m not going to talk about that.”

Last week, North Korea revoked an invitation for Robert King, the US special envoy for North Korean rights, to visit Pyongyang.

Robert King was expected to appeal for the release of Kenneth Bae, 45, sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in May, on humanitarian grounds.

North Korea said Kenneth Bae, described as both a Christian missionary and tour operator, used his tourism business to plot sedition.

Kenneth Bae (known in North Korea as Pae Jun-ho) was arrested in November 2012 as he entered the north-eastern port city of Rason, a special economic zone near North Korea’s border with China.

His trial and conviction came at a time of high tension between the US and North Korea, in the wake of the communist state’s third nuclear test.

[youtube xdlHZl1EMWA]

Microsoft buys Nokia mobile phone business for $7.2 billion

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Microsoft buys Nokia mobile phone business for $7.2 billion

Microsoft has agreed a deal to buy Nokia’s mobile phone unit for 5.4 billion euros ($7.2 billion).

Nokia will also license its patents and mapping services to Microsoft. Nokia shares jumped 45% on news of the deal.

The purchase is set to be completed in early 2014, when about 32,000 Nokia employees will transfer to Microsoft.

While Nokia has struggled against competition from Samsung and Apple, Microsoft has been criticized for being slow into the mobile market.

“It’s a bold step into the future – a win-win for employees, shareholders and consumers of both companies,” Steve Ballmer, chief executive of Microsoft, said in a statement.

The transaction is subject to approval by Nokia shareholders and regulators.

Microsoft, one of the biggest names in the technology sector, has struggled as consumers have shunned traditional PCs and laptops in favor of smartphones and tablet PCs.

Critics say the firm has been too slow to respond to the booming market for mobile devices. It launched its Surface tablet PCs last year, but sales of the devices have been relatively slow.

Microsoft has agreed a deal to buy Nokia's mobile phone unit for 5.4 billion euros
Microsoft has agreed a deal to buy Nokia’s mobile phone unit for 5.4 billion euros

Analysts said that the company wanted to make sure that it got its strategy right in the mobile phone market.

Nokia was once a leader in mobile phones, but the firm’s sales fell 24% in the three months to the end of June from a year earlier.

It sold 53.7 million mobile phones during the quarter, down 27% on last year.

However, sales of its new Lumia phones, which run a Microsoft operating system, rose during the period.

Microsoft has also agreed a 10-year licensing arrangement with Nokia to use the Nokia brand on current mobile phone products.

Nokia also announced changes to its leadership team as a result of the sale.

Stephen Elop will step down as president and chief executive of Nokia Corporation and resign from the company’s board.

The firm said that he would become the executive vice president of the Devices & Services unit, adding that it expected him to “transfer to Microsoft at the anticipated closing” of the deal.

The transfer of Stephen Elop to Microsoft comes at a time when the company is looking for a new chief executive.

The current head of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer, announced last week that he would be retiring and is expected to leave the company within the next 12 months.

Stephen Elop who left Microsoft to join Nokia in 2010, has been cited by some as one of the frontrunners to replace Steve Ballmer.

Nokia said that once the sale is completed, it will concentrate on three key businesses – network equipment manufacturing, mapping and location services, and the development and licensing of technology.

Earlier this year, it agreed to buy Siemens’ 50% stake in their joint venture, Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), which makes telecoms network equipment, for 1.7 billion euros.

[youtube ouBUrz8A7Po]

Walmart cuts iPhone 5 and iPad prices ahead of Apple new launches

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Walmart cuts iPhone 5 and iPad prices ahead of Apple new launches

Walmart has announced that it has slashed the price of the 16 gigabyte iPhone 5 to $98, down from its previous offer of $129.

The offer means it is selling it can less than half the usual $200 price tag of the iPhone 5. To get the discount, customers will however need to sign a new two-year contract with AT&T, Verizon or Sprint.

Walmart also has fresh offers on 10-inch iPads with $50 off its previous price. The latest iPad with Retina Display now costs $449 and the price of the iPad 2 is $349.

However, the iPad mini did not get a discount and costs $330.

Walmart has announced that it has slashed the price of the 16 gigabyte iPhone 5 to $98, down from its previous offer of $129
Walmart has announced that it has slashed the price of the 16 gigabyte iPhone 5 to $98, down from its previous offer of $129

Apple typically announces new products during the second week of September and is widely expected to unveil new versions of the iPhone and iPad on Sept. 10

Walmart isn’t the only retailers slash prices to clear out inventory ahead of the anticipated new product launches.

RadioShack is currently offering a $50 discount on all iPhones, including the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, and customers don’t need to sign a new contract to get the price-cut.

T-Mobile is offering the iPhone 5 for $149 with a new two-year payment plan.

Best Buy is offering $100 off the iPhone 5, but customers need to trade in their old iPhone to get the deal.

Walmart’s deal undercuts all of them. The retailer has also cut the price of the iPhone 4S to $39, down from $89. Typically the iPhone 4S sells for $100 with a new contract.

IFA Berlin 2013: LG’s G Pad and Acer’s Liquid S2 phone to be launched at tech show

Nancy Clayson
-
0
IFA Berlin 2013: LG’s G Pad and Acer’s Liquid S2 phone to be launched at tech show

LG and Acer are both claiming “world firsts” with their latest product launches, revealed ahead of Berlin’s IFA tech show.

LG is returning to the tablet market with the G Pad, which the company is marketing as the only 8in-class device to feature a “full-HD display”.

Acer has announced the Liquid S2 , the first smartphone capable of recording video in the 4K “ultra-HD” format.

It allows the companies to get the jump on rivals in what will be a busy week.

Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, Lenovo, Toshiba, Philips and Dyson are among other companies to have scheduled press conferences between 4 and 11 September at the consumer electronics event in the German capital.

The 8.3in G Pad marks LG’s return to the sector following its announcement in June 2012 that it was putting “tablet development on the back burner” in order to focus on smartphones.

LG has since improved its standing to become the world’s third best-selling smartphone-maker after Samsung and Apple, according to tech analysis firm Gartner.

Its latest figures suggest LG sold 11.5 million handsets in the April-to-July quarter giving it a 5.1% market share.

LG is returning to the tablet market with the G Pad, which the company is marketing as the only 8in-class device to feature a full-HD display
LG is returning to the tablet market with the G Pad, which the company is marketing as the only 8in-class device to feature a full-HD display

LG hopes to replicate that success by launching an 8.3in tablet with a display featuring 273 pixels per inch (ppi), which is actually slightly higher than that needed to show 1080p video in full-quality.

The extra resolution should also make text sharper, although it also means the device’s processor has to work harder to display all the pixels which will take its toll on battery life.

LG is also promoting the inclusion of its proprietary QPair app which allows the G Pad to be paired with other Android smartphones so that calls or messages can be handled via the tablet.

“LG’s recent financial results have looked quite promising when it came to smartphone sales, but I think this particular tablet might struggle to match them for third place in the market,” said Jas Badyal, an analyst at telecoms consultancy CCS Insight.

“Along with the iPad Mini and Amazon tablets there’s also reports that Tesco plans a tablet of its own, so the firm even faces the worry of the supermarkets getting involved in the future.”

Acer’s Liquid S2 is able to shoot 4K video thanks to its inclusion of Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 800 processor.

But as the 6in-screen on the Taiwanese company’s phone has a lower resolution, owners will need a 4K-television or alternative display to make the most of the format.

The extra processing horsepower does, however, mean that users can film video in 1080p at 60 frames per second allowing them to create a four-times slow-motion effect.

Other devices running off Qualcomm’s chip – or alternatively Nvidia’s rival Tegra 4 processor, which also supports the ultra-HD standard – may also be announced at Ifa, meaning the Liquid S2’s unique status could be short-lived.

French company Archos has also opted to unveil its new devices ahead of the tech show.

Its new line-up includes the 80 Childpad – a tablet featuring an application which takes owners to a special version of Google’s Play Store which only features programs that Archos’ staff have judged to be suitable for a younger audience.

Sony has already announced plans for its Android-compatible SmartWatch 2 but has yet to put the device on sale.

The Korea Times has quoted a Samsung executive as saying the firm would unveil its first Galaxy Gear smartwatch at Ifa, but that the device would not feature the flexible display shown in recent patent documents.

Social Butterfly Blue: Facebook sells nail polish at its Menlo Park headquarter

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Social Butterfly Blue: Facebook sells nail polish at its Menlo Park headquarter

According to a picture tweeted by Huffington Post editor Bianca Bosker, Facebook sells a shade of nail polish at its Menlo Park, California, headquarters called Social Butterfly Blue, for $4.95 a bottle.

While Facebook’s logo isn’t featured on the packaging, the distinctive blue is recognizable to anyone familiar with the social network’s home page.

Facebook sells a shade of nail polish at its Menlo Park, California, headquarters called Social Butterfly Blue, for $4.95 a bottle
Facebook sells a shade of nail polish at its Menlo Park, California, headquarters called Social Butterfly Blue, for $4.95 a bottle

According to an article published in the New Yorker in April, Mark Zuckerberg chose that particular color for his website because he is red-green colorblind.

Mark Zuckerberg, 29, explained: “Blue is the richest color for me – I can see all of blue.”

Another possible reason behind the iconic hue is that blue has been proven to trigger certain emotions when it comes to marketing.

The nail polish bottles, which can only be purchased at the Facebook campus, are adorned with tiny butterflies.

Kris and Bruce Jenner’s marriage is just business

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Kris and Bruce Jenner’s marriage is just business

Kris Jenner’s marriage to Bruce Jenner is said to have hit a new low, according to a report by In Touch.

“They’ve had problems for a long time and have been separated for months,” a source told the publication.

The report claims that Kris Jenner is no longer wearing her wedding ring, and that they “just have a business relationship at this point. Their marriage is over”.

Kris Jenner’s marriage to Bruce Jenner is said to have hit a new low
Kris Jenner’s marriage to Bruce Jenner is said to have hit a new low

However, today Kris Jenner took to her Twitter account to promote a scene with her and husband Bruce in a new episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

“Bruce and I make a confession on tonight’s [show]” she tweeted, in reference to the revelation that the pair once made a s** tape.

A source close to Bruce Jenner added to the publication that he is “sick of the Kardashian machine and Kris’ antics. He knows she’s making him look foolish”.

Last year Kris Jenner denied reports that her marriage with the Olympic athlete was over.

Kris Jenner said: “You just have to take it in stride. Life is so good right now. We can laugh about it. We’re strong. We’ve been such a tight-knit family for so long. To keep addressing [the rumors] every single time just gets old.”

Bruce and Kris Jenner – who have teen daughters Kendall and Kylie together and a $155 million fortune – renewed their wedding vows in 2011, which was aired during an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

1...757758759...1,245Page 758 of 1,245