The Ultimate Fun

STANA KATIC from Castle Exclusive Interview

2009-10-01T04:34:00.000-07:00

This morning I got a chance to speak with STANA KATIC about the new season of Castle, on which she plays Detective Kate Beckett.

She dished on Castle and Beckett's relationship, some of the murders that will brace our screens this second season, and much more.

Castle premieres on September 21 at 10pm on ABC, but until then, enjoy the interview below.

Are you excited to be back for a new season?

Stana Katic: Totally stoked. Everyone is really glad. We start episode six on Wednesday or Thursday of this coming week. It's just been really, really fun this season.

So what's coming up this season?

Stana Katic: Well, last season we left on a cliffhanger. There was a question of whether Castle and Beckett will be able to work together again and whether that relationship will fall apart or find its way, after he broke her trust. Basically one of the things that Beckett said clearly was, 'Do not cross this line –' and the line was to not research her mother's murder. Of course Castle does and when she finds out it was kind of like, 'Okay, we're done.'

Then what happens is we open up the season with this fabulous PR stint for Castle's new book 'Heat Wave' which is based on Kate Beckett's character through a fictional character called Nikki Heat. So he decides to do this PR thing in the precinct and she's forced to talk about him. In the meantime there's a call coming in about a murder. The journalist ends up putting the two of them back together again and we go on a journey of crime solving and pretty much make amends quickly and get back to the fun of solving crimes together. I think that's what audiences enjoyed last year, that repartee, that kind of chemistry between the Beckett character and Nathan Fillion's character, Castle. So we get to do some more of that.

There are some really sexy murders I'm looking forward to showcasing. We're also going to delve into some of the other characters' lives as well which is really exciting because we have such a really fabulous all around cast. We get to build on Esposito and Ryan who are my two fellow detectives. We'll get a chance to learn more about Captain Montgomery played by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, who just won the lifetime achievement award from the NAACP which is really awesome. We were all very proud and gave him a huge standing ovation when he came to set that day. Then we go into Castle's home life as well with Martha and Alexis and learn a bit more about that. So I think it'll be really fun. I'm looking forward to this next episode. It's a Halloween episode. We go into that kind of vampire underground, coven kind of world. That'll be fun, too.

Very cool. I see that you're taking on the vampire aspect that everyone is crazy about right now.

Stana Katic: I know! It's so crazy. It's everywhere, even little TV shows are popping up aside from 'True Blood' which has been on for a little bit. I think The WB has something coming out. It's just madness.

Can you give me an example of one of the sexy murders you mentioned?

Stana Katic: This week we found a girl stuffed into a manhole and we literally had to go to a manhole and when they opened up the real city manhole there were swarms of cockroaches creeping out. We're all peaking out over this manhole and the cockroaches are charging at you full force. That's not super sexy though [laughs]. We have a murdered model. We go into the modeling world during Fashion Week which is really exciting, in New York. I'm trying to think what our first murder was, but that's probably the first example.

Is Beckett's mother's murder going to be brought up again and will there ever be a resolution for it?

Stana Katic: I think so. I can't imagine that if Beckett found out about it, or found out a piece of information; I mean last year we find out that that's the reason why she became a detective. From my talks with the writers and even trying to work on this character she was your average Manhattanite girl, going to university and getting ready for a fun life. That murder happened and that spun her into a different scenario and she decided to become a detective and didn't want anyone else to suffer that same injustice. I can't imagine that her finding a piece of the puzzle wouldn't inspire her to get back onto it and solve that crime that was basically the thrust of her entire new life, her entire new journey. I know that the writers plan on delving into it. It's going to take a little bit of time because that is a huge thing and so I think we'll work it out by the end of the season, but taking time to get there.

Do you think that Beckett and Castle will ever get together or should get together?

Stana Katic: They're definitely made for each other, definitely a fabulous pair and they solve crimes together so well. They're both obsessed with it. I think like any really, really good meal you're going to take your time enjoying it and I think the two of them have a lot to learn about each other still. There's the question from Beckett's perspective of what happened to Castle's last two relationships, why did they fall apart and why would she just jump into something. I think they haven't totally opened up with each other about their feelings for one another. Although, we do kind of flirt with the issue throughout this last episode that I'm doing right now which is really fun. We're going to take our time getting there as well. There's so much to learn about each other and I think since it is that kind of relationship that it makes sense and so why not enjoy the characters, enjoy what it is that makes them tick and then slowly bring them to that final point.

Is there something you wish would happen to your character, an event or a storyline so that you could play something specific?

Stana Katic: The writers are really fabulous and finding a lot of opportunities. There was a line last season that said, 'So many layers to the Beckett onion. However will you peel them all?' Beckett says that to Castle and he's basically poking at her, trying to get more information about her life and she's kind of like, 'No way, buddy.' I think this season especially the writers have a lot of fun, kind of peeling other layers of Beckett. We discover that she studied in Russia for a bit. You get to see another sassier, sexier side of Beckett which is really exciting to play. I think that a lot of those wishes are getting fulfilled because I think the reality of every working woman is that she has to be one kind of person at work. She has to be the consummate professional, but every working woman is I think a fun loving girl when she goes home.

So it's really exciting to be able to play that side of Beckett. I'd really love to see more of her home life. I'm sure that we'll delve into the relationship with her father, which I'd be really excited to play because that's her only parent now and the two of them share that history together and I think that'd be really beautiful. Also, then to get to know who she is outside of work, what she does when she decides to play. We've given some to it and I'm looking forward to the other stuff that we'll be able to work with as we move along in the season.

Since season one, have you found it easier to get into character, and generally how is the set working differently from the first season?

Stana Katic: What's amazing is that a huge majority of our crew came back to season two which is almost unheard of because so much of our crew are actually film people. So that was really neat, being able to step back onto a set and know everybody's name and just fall back into it. Literally, in that first week, within that first couple of hours we all looked at each other like, 'Wow, it doesn't even feel like we had a hiatus because we just stepped back into the groove.' Everyone knows each other and everyone understands each other's rhythms as we move forward. So it's been really easy to move back into it with everybody. A majority of the people are people from last season.

As far as my character is concerned we did a lot of the groundwork last season and so now we're having some time to play and discover the other things that make her tick which is really exciting. I think the first season they had a mandate to make her a detective and to communicate that and now we get to see that sassy, saucy side even more. I think that's what the audiences really enjoy, that Tracy/Hepburn kind of repartee. I'm loving playing that and Nathan is just a really great teammate, bouncing that kind of dialogue off of. We're getting to do a lot more of that and I think we did a fun job of it in the first season which is why we got a second season. So this season we're taking advantage of it even more.

Apart from your character on the show, who's your favorite?

Stana Katic: Of course Martha, right? She's just so fabulous and so theatrical. It's really great. I think she's that extra jewel on the show. She just flowers it and makes it super colorful. I really enjoy her. I met a lot of people in New York who really got her, really enjoyed her because she is that kind of Broadway Babe, that Broadway game. I really enjoy her and she's got great, great comedy, and especially this year I think they've really done her justice. It'll be fun to see her again this year.

The Top 5 heroes who rule the Bollywood

2009-09-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

They are the ultimate lean, mean, fighting machines or the masters of mush, melting hearts from 8 to 80. These top 5 heroes seem to have it all, the dancing feet that tap a rhythm to the top of the charts and the intensity that makes the audience watch spellbound.

From all out action, to perfection in execution, each of these men have different strengths that have taken them right to the crore and more league.

From mega grosses to memorable films, they bring it on, house, full-on style. Read on to find out what makes them special.
Shah Rukh Khan
Number of Releases - 53
First Release - Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (1992)
Movies to look out for - My Name is Khan (Directed by Karan Johar)
RA-1 (Directed by Anubhav Sinha)
Happy New Year (Directed by Farah Khan)

What makes him big:
He's the ultimate romantic hero! When it comes to mush nobody can beat that dreamy look in his eyes and those cute dimples.

Initially written off as an average actor, he came into his own when he started drifting away from the loverboy image. He won accolades for Chak de India and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, where he dared to be different. SRK is one of the few actors in B-Town who delivers one hit every year.

He also triggered off the six-pack abs ka bukhaar. After Om Shanti Om, the rest of B-Town (and industrialists and socialites) getting fitter bodies too.

Aamir Khan
Number of Releases - 36
First Release - Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)
Movies to look out for - Three Idiots (Directed by Raju Hirani)
Dhobi Ghaat (Directed by Kiran Rao)

What we like:
This Khan believes in being quality, rather than quanity. The current king of the box office after Ghajini, which is the biggest grosser in Hindi cinema yet. What sets Aamir apart from the clan that he has never been slotted.

He can play a college boy (Dil Chahta Hai) and village boy (Lagaan) with as much ease. Also he has an such an understanding of script and screenplay that even average directors have made their career best films with him.

Case in point (RGV in Rangeela, John Mathan in Sarfarosh and Rakeysh Mehra in Rang De Basanti. Aamir has the rare ability to get under the skin of a role and Mr. Perfectionist built a great body for Ghajini in just a few months.

His role is always sharply etched and played with a finesse that defines this awesome performer. And then he turned director and wowed us again.

Salman Khan
Number of Releases - 60
First Release - Biwi Ho Toh Aisi (1988)
Movies to look out for - Wanted (Directed by Prabhudeva)
Main Aur Mrs. Khanna (Directed by Prem Soni)
London Dreams (directed by Vipul Shah)

What we like:
Salman is erratic, eccentric and egocentric but he is the darling of the masses. No amount of his controversies has affected his popularity.

Though his last films (Yuuvraaj, God Tussi Great Ho, Heroes) didn't do well, the crowds still flock to the theatres to watch his films. This Bad Boy of B-Town will remain the heartthrob of the masses for the good work he does. Apart from his charity, he is known to be helpful to newcomers a chance.

His next release Wanted is touted as the Ghajini in Salman's career and is being talked about as a film which will have one of the biggest openings this year.

Akshay Kumar
Number of Releases - 82
First Release - Saugandh (1991)
Movies to look out for - Blue (Directed by Anthony D'Suza) De Dana Dan (Directed by Priyadarshan) Action Replay (Directed by Vipul Shah)

What we like:
The good old Punjabi munda, with his fair skin and good looks. Akshay Kumar is the fittest actor in B-Town. The ultimate action hero. He is forever leaping off an aircrafts and buildings.

This ladies man along the way AK moved from action to comedy and managed to rule the roost.

2007 was the luckiest year in Akshay Kumar's career. He had four hit movies back to back - Namastey London, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Welcome.

Singh is King was the third highest grosser in Bollywood. Khiladi Kumar is still a huge draw at the BO and he has a huge female fan following from 16 to 60, they are all reeling under the AK magic.

Hrithik Roshan
Number of Releases - 14
First Release - Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (2000)
Movies to look out for - Kites (Directed by Anurag Basu) Guzaarish (Directed by - Sanjay Leela Bhansali)

What we like:
However popular Aamir, Akshay or Salman can be at the BO it's difficult to beat the charisma and stardom of Hrithik Roshan.

Though his films have become few and far between in the last couple of years Hrithik remains in the top five as he is a fabulous performer and lets not forget his dancing skills and the stunning good looks.

He became an overnight sensation with his very first film. A perfectionist, he is always pushing himself and that's going to be tough for anyone who tries to compete with Roshan Jr.

Megan Fox

2009-09-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

Madonna world tour becomes the highest grosser...

2009-09-10T04:32:00.001-07:00

Queen of Pop Madonna's Sticky and Sweet world tour is said to have made the highest amount ever earned by a solo artist grossing at 408 million dollars, revealed promoters Live Nation.

Madge, 51, had played her last gig on September 2 in Israel, after performing in 32 countries.

And she is said to have broken her own record, set by her Confessions tour, which was named the all-time top in 2006, after it made 194 million dollars.

"She is absolutely one of the great performers of all time ," the BBC quoted Arthur Fogel, from Live Nation, as saying.

"That this tour will take its place as the second highest grossing tour in the history of our business says it all," he added.

The Rolling Stone s' Bigger Bang tour, which ran from 2005 to 2007, is the highest grossing tour of all time, with an earning of 558 million dollars.

Madonna played 85 shows, and even set an attendance record for the biggest crowds in history in Zurich, Switzerland, where she drew 72,000 fans.

And in Helsinki, Finland, Madonna sold more than 85,000 tickets, making it the biggest single show by an artist in history in Scandinavia.

Kingfisher Calendar Babe goes nude for a shoe ad!

2009-09-10T04:26:00.000-07:00

Only a few films old Shaurya Chauhan, is all ready to take risks in the initial stages of her career.

Till now this model turned actress has experimented vividly with her roles, which range from lead and character oriented to some sizzling item numbers. And now, she along with Bunny Anand- who is on the threshold of his career with Veer and Lamha yet to release, have become the face of a shoe brand..

Interestingly, the advertisement will showcase the duo in the most sensuous avatar. Our reliable sources reveal, “Shaurya and Bunny have already shot for the ad where the duo has oozed out oodles of sexuality by draping nothing except a thin cloth over them.”.

Shaurya has appeared in ‘Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar’ shot by ace lensman Atul Kasbekar. Bunny has not attempted something of this sort before. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see the chemistry between the two on screen. .

However, one query, which still remains unanswered, is what has sensuality to do with shoes. Well, that remains for everyone to wait and watch. “Soon, the hoardings will be posted all over,” the source, signs off.

Shocking: Lisa Ray has incurable cancer

2009-09-10T04:22:00.000-07:00

Here's a shocking news for all Lis Ray fans. Lisa Ray has been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and she has already started her first cycle of treatment. Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cell, is an incurable but treatable disease.

On September 3, she wrote on her blog:"I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma on June 23. Started my first cycle of treatment July 2. Not long ago. For me, it was a relief to hear what was wrong."

"The plasma cells in my bone marrow were rampaging, multiplying, squeezing out the red blood cells and it was time to begin doing something about it. I was also tired of being tired all the time.

So when I sat there with Bobcat, my life partner and reservoir of Yellow, and got the news I didn't react and I didn't cry. I'm an actress, believe me, I can be dramatic. Not just then though," she added.

The model-turned-actress decided to undergo medical examination a few months ago after she felt "exhausted, pale and drained" all the time.

Explaining her disease, Lisa said: "Myeloma is incurable. It's a relatively rare cancer of the bone marrow... Every year, approximately 2,100 more cases are diagnosed. I'm a junior member in many ways, having been diagnosed at 37, while the average age is 65... makes the disease not quite as 'sexy' as other cancers."

However, Lisa is hopeful that "it can be cured" with the new treatments available in the healthcare sector these days.

"So today with Velcade and, Revlimid and other promising new treatments in the pipeline, our survival rates are improving. But only with an ever expanding toolbox of treatments and awareness can this cancer be beat.

So I'm going to do everything I can to wrench the spotlight onto myeloma and cancer awareness. I believe it can be cured. That's the dirty realist in me," she wrote.

Lisa was born to a Bengali father and a Polish mother. She joined showbiz as a model and later ventured into films with Tamil movie "Nethaji". After that she was seen in Vikram Bhatt's "Kasoor" in 2001, but stayed away from mainstream Hindi films as she could not speak the language fluently.

In 2002, internationally renowned filmmaker Deepa Mehta cast her opposite Rahul Khanna in the crossover film "Bollywood Hollywood". The Canada-based director later repeated Lisa in her Oscar-nominated period drama "Water" (2005), in which she impressed critics with her performance as a young widow.

Hot Celebrities News

2009-09-05T01:10:00.000-07:00

Angelina Jolie’s raunchy wild past seems to be catching up with her, as filmmakers 'Gia' have decided to re-release her steamy film.

The film that had Jolie in a censored lesbian love making scene will now be available sans any cuts.

The flick features the Oscar winning hottie in some sizzling and sensual scenes with Lost actress Elizabeth Mitchell.

Jolie, 34, and Liz, 39, played lovers in Gia.

Now, film bosses have come up with an uncut, uncensored version of the film, which is based on a real life story, reports the Sun.

The revived edition is an improved high definition video version.
Angelina plays a tragic supermodel Gia Carangia who got contracted HIV due to the use of an infected injection needle and died at 26 in 1986.

Madonna's Music Video

2009-09-03T04:24:00.000-07:00

Madonna`s Hot New Video
Madonna always done a great job for her fans, Another really good video of her new music release and she looks great in this video....

Movie Review

2009-09-03T02:39:00.000-07:00

AVATAR

Writer and Director: James Cameron

Cast: Sam Worthington, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, Stephen Lang, CCH Pounder, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana, Laz Alonso, Joel David Moore, Matt Gerald

Trailer:

How Rani Mukherjee lost 8kg to fit into Bikini

2009-09-03T02:08:00.000-07:00

Revealed: How Rani Mukherjee managed to sizzle in bikini
Rani Mukherjee was out of sight after giving several flops. But now she is back, and is looking like a bombshell after shedding those extra kilos, which made her look like an onscreen aunt. With her flick Dil Bole Hadippa, opposite Shahid Kapoor, Rani is looking stunning in bikini.

Well the secret of how she lost 8 kilos is revealed. “Rani has been following a strict diet, yoga and weight plus cardio training. Also, she had a regular eye on her food habits, which helped her lose those extra pounds, ” says the source.

“The actress being a Bengali loved to eat fish curry with steamed rice, but she replaced it with brown rice. Also, she had been gulping down lots of not so tasty vegetable juices, but at the end, the result is for everyone to be seen, ” adds the source.

Rani’s fitness has become the talk of the town. “She, herself has worked hard for her new look. Rani was always regular to the gym and never missed even a single day. She is happy to get a slim look, as now she can wear whatever she wishes, and doesn’t need to think much, ” concludes the source.

Well Rani better late than never is all we can say.

The Babes of US OPEN 2009

2009-09-03T01:11:00.000-07:00

Elena Dementieva
WTA Ranking: 04
US Opens Played: 10
Age: 27
Home Country:Russia

Ana Ivanovic
WTA Ranking: 11
US Opens Played: 4
Age: 21
Home Country:Serbia

Maria Kirilenko
WTA Ranking: 59
US Opens Played: 6
Age: 22
Home Country: Russia

Maria Sharapova
WTA Ranking: 31
US Opens Played: 5
Age: 22
Home Country: Russia

Sabine Lisicki
WTA Ranking: 25
US Opens Played: 1
Age: 19
Home Country: Germany

Mathilde Johansson
WTA Ranking: 97
US Opens Played: 1
Age: 24
Home Country: France
Julia Goerges
WTA Ranking: 92
US Opens Played: 2
Age: 20
Home Country: Germany

Caroline Wozniacki
WTA Ranking: 9
US Opens Played: 2
Age: 19
Home Country: Denmark

Daniela Hantuchova
WTA Ranking: 24
US Opens Played: 8
Age: 26
Home Country: Slovakia

Sania Mirza
WTA Ranking: 74
US Opens Played: 3
Age: 22
Home Country: India

Victoria Azarenka
WTA Ranking: 8
US Opens Played: 3
Age: 20
Home Country:Belarus

Viktoriya Kutuzova
WTA Ranking: 79
US Opens Played: 2
Age: 21
Home Country: Ukraine

Agnieszka Radwanska
WTA Ranking: 12
US Opens Played: 3
Age: 20
Home Country:Poland

Iveta Benesova
WTA Ranking: 34
US Opens Played: 7
Age: 26
Home Country: Czech

Gisela Dulko
WTA Ranking: 40
US Opens Played: 6
Age: 24
Home Country: Argentina

Bethanie Mattek-Sands
World Rank: 124
US Opens Played: 8
Age: 24
Home Country: United States
Elena Vesnina
WTA Ranking: 23
US Opens Played: 3
Age: 23
Home Country: Russia

Stefanie Vogele
WTA Ranking: 77
US Opens Played: 1
Age: 19
Home Country: Switzerland
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
WTA Ranking: 36
US Opens Played: 1
Age: 18
Home Country: Russia

Alona Bondarenko
WTA Ranking: 32
US Opens Played: 4
Age: 25
Home Country: Ukraine

Imran Khan Engaged....!!!

2009-09-03T00:46:00.000-07:00

Engaged: Imran proposes, Avantika says, YES!

Sorry girls, for breaking your heart but your sweetheart Imran Khan is now offically engaged to his sweetheart and longtime girlfriend, Avantika Malik.

Avantika is Vandana Malik's daughter, who heads Studio18 and a very close friend of Aamir Khan.

“Yes it’s true. But we’re planning to have a proper ceremony later, so right now it’s just for us and our families,” admitted Imran refusing to reveal the wedding date.

A source adds, “Imran had thrown a surprise party for Avantika on her birthday on July 18, a very private affair, with only very close family and friends present. There he surprised everyone by proposing to Avantika. Amidst much cheering, she accepted.”

Though the formal engagement ceremony will be held in January, Bollywood got a whiff of the news over the weekend at Arjun Rampal's lounge bar cum restaurant opening in the Capital where the enthusiastic host made the announcement public amongst all the Bollywood biggies who congratulated the couple.

Asin

2009-09-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Beyond The iPhone

2009-09-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

SAMSUNG OMNIA
THIS TOUCHSCREEN FEATURES GPS, MOVIES, AND THE FAMILIAR WINDOWS EXPERIENCE
The Samsung Omnia brings a world of features to the palm of your hand. From a fully customizable touch screen to a 5 megapixel camera, high-speed Internet access and e-mail to GPS navigation and a movie player. Not to mention the familiar and expandable Windows experience with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional. Nice touch, right? $199.99, samsungmobileusa.com

Alex Zinina

2009-09-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hot Girls Like Video Games

2009-08-31T09:15:00.000-07:00

HOT GIRLS LIKE VIDEO GAMES

THE STUNNING MODEL-TURNED-ACTRESS MAGGIE Q EXPLAINS WHY GAMER GUYS ARE A TURN-ON
"My mom was a bartender, so I grew up playing video games and pinball at her bar," says the 29-year-old Maggie Q, as we walk along Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood.
Tomorrow, the eye-melting model-turned-actress-who played edgy, sexy bad girls in Live Free or Die Hard, Mission Impossible III, and Balls of Fury-will be jetting off to the Gobi desert to shoot a Chinese period film. But today, she's hell bent on rocking the classic Ms. Pac Man at Barney's Beanery, a local watering hole. "They also have air hockey, shooting games, and racing games," she says cheerfully. "And it's dank and it smells!"

While her personal gaming preferences are old school, Q's newest venture is anything but: She plays the main character in Electronic Arts' Need for Speed: Undercover, the twelfth iteration of the seminal racing game that's set for release on November 18. Not only does Q grace the cover, but she also stars in its live action sequences. "We did something that's never been done before," she explains. "It's like a movie has been folded into the video game."

"What's the plotline?" I ask.
"You'll have to play the game! And expect to be completely frustrated!"

As much as Q loves games, there's one area of her life that's devoid of them: her relationships. "I can be very direct," she says. "I have an ex who constantly e-mails," she says. "The last time we had dinner together, he said, ‘Hey Mags, when will I see you again?' And I said, you'll see me when you don't have your BlackBerry with you."

Of course, you wouldn't make that mistake, right? If you said no, Maggie Q doesn't believe you. In many of her relationships, the guy's gadgets have become a third wheel. So if you want to lure, land, and keep a woman like her, you best obey her six new rules of technology and dating.

Rule 1: Turn it off to turn her on
Sadly for Q, Barney's is closed. So we settle into a booth at a restaurant up the street. As soon as Q sits down, she pulls out her phone and shuts it off. Then she does the same with her BlackBerry. I now have her undivided attention, and it feels . . . weird. I ask if she did it for my benefit-a little show for the reporter across the table, especially in light of the story about her ex. Her answer is an emphatic no. "When I eat dinner, I eat dinner," she says. "When I work, I work. No one wants to share a meal with someone who's e-mailing the whole time."

Rule 2: Master your game . . .
"Having a complete mastery of a video game-especially a fighting game-would definitely be a turn on for me," says Q. But the same principle applies to lots of other things. "If a guy is good at something he loves, whether it's photography or martial arts, it's sexy. Whatever you do, do it well, and women will find you attractive."

Rule 3: . . . and include her, too
Gaming isn't just for guys. Q says there's a romantic side to video games, too. Like most people her age, she grew up with an Atari--"I played Combat and Space Invaders and Centipede, every game really"-and remembers those times fondly. For that reason, she says, going to an arcade that has a bunch of vintage games can make a great first date. When in doubt, try a racing game, she adds: "They're the most exciting games. And women love them because they're simple to learn."

Rule 4: Ear pieces aren't earrings
"Bluetooth headsets aren't sexy," says Q. "They're disgusting. If you want to use one, great. But when you're done talking, take it off and put it back in your pocket."

Rule 5: Take dirty pictures, but don't keep them
"Technology has made the world a scandalous place," says Q, who Hong Kong tabloids allege made a sex tape with an ex (a charge she denies). She understands how taking revealing pictures can spice up a relationship, but guys who horde them make women suspicious. "For some guys, there's a keepsake value. They become collectors. But this doesn't deepen a relationship; it just feeds their ego. There's a bigger issue there."

Rule 6: Know how to e-mmunicate
Need directions to a restaurant? Yeah, e-mail her. Want to create a flirty undercurrent for your rendezvous later that night? Sure, send her an "I can't wait to see you" text. But don't ever analyze your relationship electronically. "It's inappropriate to communicate about relationship issues via text or e-mail," says Q. If you really want to get into her heart (and, okay, her pants), write her a handwritten letter, says Q. "It's a huge turn on."

Dancing With Stars

2009-08-29T04:16:00.000-07:00

DANCING WITH THE STARS Season 9 Contestants

The time has come to check out the first pictures of all 16 contestants of Season 9 DANCING WITH THE STARS Season 9 which premieres MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.

In alphabetical order, the 16 stars -- with their professional partners -- making their ballroom dancing debut are:

* AARON CARTER and KARINA SMIRNOFF
Triple platinum selling music artist/songwriter, producer, actor and younger brother of Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter, Aaron Carter has established himself worldwide as a pop and teen sensation. Beginning his career at the age of eight, he is currently the youngest solo artist to have four Top 40 singles. He has released four studio albums since 1997, two of which have been certified platinum, and has appeared on several television series, including "Lizzie McGuire" and "7th Heaven," as well as making his Broadway debut playing JoJo the Who in "Seussical the Musical" in 2001. He sang vocals on soundtracks for Disneymania ("The Lion King"), "Ella Enchanted," "Pokemon" and "Rugrats the Movie." In 2006 Carter starred in the E! reality show, "House of Carters," which featured all five of the Carter siblings living in the same house. He teams with KARINA SMIRNOFF, who returns for her seventh season.

AARON CARTER & KARINA SMIRNOFF

AARON CARTER

KARINA SMIRNOFF

* NATALIE COUGHLIN and ALEC MAZO
Olympic swimming gold medalist Natalie Coughlin is the most decorated female athlete of both the 2008 Beijing and 2004 Athens Games. Coughlin has won a medal in every single Olympic event that she has ever entered, for a total of 11 Olympic medals. In 2008 she became the first American female athlete to win six medals in one Olympiad, in addition to becoming the first woman to win consecutive individual Olympic gold medals in the 100m backstroke. She is also the most decorated female swimmer in World Championship history, with 16 medals. Born and raised in northern California, Coughlin attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a BA in psychology in 2005. She teams with Season 1 champion ALEC MAZO, who returns for his fifth season.

NATALIE COUGHLIN & ALEC MAZO

NATALIE COUGHLIN

ALEC MAZO

* MARK DACASCOS and LACEY SCHWIMMER
Famously known as "The Chairman" and host of Food Network's "Iron Chef America," Mark Dacascos is also a trained martial artist and an actor. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, his passion for martial arts began at an early age under the tutelage of his parents, who are both former national champions and teachers. After being discovered in San Francisco's Chinatown, Dacascos began to establish a film and television career playing not only martial artists but a wide arrangement of other characters before joining "Iron Chef America" in 2005. He has appeared in several feature films, including the internationally acclaimed French epic, "Brotherhood of the Wolf," the cult classic "Only the Strong," "Cradle to the Grave", opposite Jet Li, "Only the Brave," "Nomad" and "The Lost Medallion," to be released later this year. He joins LACEY SCHWIMMER, who returns for her third season.

MARK DACASCOS & LACEY SCHWIMMER

MARK DACASCOS

LACEY SCHWIMMER

* TOM DELAY and CHERYL BURKE
The former House Majority Leader is a prominent Republican and conservative firebrand. He was first elected to Congress in 1984, and when Republicans took control of the House, his colleagues elected him Majority Whip, and later Majority Leader. His leadership was characterized by his aggressive "Grow the Vote" method of party discipline, where he never lost a vote, leading the Washington Post to nickname him "The Hammer." He and his wife, Christine, also served as foster parents and founded a community in Texas that serves as a safe, permanent home for abused and neglected children. DeLay is currently president of First Principles LLC, a strategic political consulting firm based in Washington DC and Houston, Texas. He teams up with two-time champion CHERYL BURKE, who returns for her eighth season.

TOM DELAY & CHERYL BURKE

TOM DELAY

CHERYL BURKE

* MACY GRAY and JONATHAN ROBERTS
Macy Gray first burst onto the music scene with her debut album, "On How Life Is," and the hit single "I Try," both of which went to number one. She has gone on to sell more than 20,000,000 albums worldwide and has won and been nominated for five Grammy Awards and six MTV Video Music Awards. She has collaborated on stage and in the recording studio with some of music's greatest artists, including Justin Timberlake, Carlos Santana, Erykah Badu, Fergie, will.i.am (Black Eyed Peas), John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers) Nas and Natalie Cole. Gray has also appeared in numerous films, including "Spider Man," "Training Day," "Idlewild" (with Outkast) and the award-winning HBO Film, "Lackawanna Blues." She teams with JONATHAN ROBERTS, who returns for his seventh season.

MACY GRAY & JONATHAN ROBERTS

MACY GRAY

JONATHAN ROBERTS

* ASHLEY HAMILTON and EDYTA SLIWINSKA
Actor, songwriter, comedian and son of former "Dancing with the Stars" contestant George Hamilton, Ashley is a multi-talented, multi-hyphenate with experience in film, comedy and television. An accomplished singer, Ashley had a 2003 top 20 single released by Sony, and as a songwriter co-wrote the top 10 Robbie Williams hit entitled "Come Undone." He has writing credits for Hillary Duff among other top acts. Hamilton has made various television and film appearances in his career, including a starring role in "Sunset Beach." Since 2007 he has been performing stand-up comedy at the Laugh Factory, the Hollywood Improv, the Comedy Store and Room 5 in Los Angeles. He teams with EDYTA SLIWINSKA, who is the only pro to compete in all nine seasons of "Dancing with the Stars."

ASHLEY HAMILTON & EDYTA SLIWINSKA

ASHLEY HAMILTON

EDYTA SLIWINSKA

* MELISSA JOAN HART and MARK BALLAS
Known for her starring roles in the television series "Clarissa Explains It All" and "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," Melissa Joan Hart began her career at the early age of four with television commercials and various television appearances. She starred in the film "Drive Me Crazy" alongside "Entourage's" Adrian Grenier, as well as the ABC Family Original Movie "Holiday in Handcuffs," opposite "Dancing with the Stars" alumnus Mario Lopez, which was the highest rated program in the history of the network. In 2009 Hart starred in another ABC Family Original Movie, "My Fake Fiance" that also garnered huge ratings. In 1993 she started her own production company, Hartbreak Films, and is set to release her first thriller film, "Nine Dead," to DVD in January 2010. Hart and husband Mark Wilkerson are the proud parents of two sons, Mason, age three, and Braydon, 17 months. She teams up with reigning two-time "Dancing with the Stars" champ MARK BALLAS, who returns for his fifth season.

MELISSA JOAN HART & MARK BALLAS

MELISSA JOAN HART

MARK BALLAS

* KATHY IRELAND and TONY DOVOLANI
Kathy Ireland the super model is now wife, mother of three, author, Sunday school teacher and fashion CEO of kathy ireland Worldwide® (KIWW)®. Forbes, Newsweek and the Wall Street Journal celebrate KIWW® as a $1.4 billion design empire. Ireland powerfully supports many non-profits, including the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AIDS Foundation, Feed the Children and the Alliance for Christian Education. UCLA has named her as one of the Top Ten Women's Health Advocates in America. She teams with TONY DOVOLANI, who returns for his eighth season.

KATHY IRELAND & TONY DOVOLAN

KATHY IRELAND

TONY DOVOLAN

* MICHAEL IRVIN and ANNA DEMIDOVA
Regarded as one of the most successful wide receivers in the history of the NFL, former Dallas Cowboy Michael Irvin is a three-time Super Bowl champion and former broadcaster for ESPN's "NFL Countdown." Known as "The Playmaker" and one of "The Triplets" alongside fellow Cowboys Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, Irvin was a recipient of the Dallas Cowboys' Ring of Honor in 2005. In 2007 he was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame and has appeared in various television shows, as well as co-starring in "The Longest Yard" with Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. Last fall Irvin executive-produced/hosted the reality TV series "4th and Long" for Spike TV, in which one football hopeful was given a shot at making the Dallas Cowboys roster. Most recently he appeared on the Hall of Fame inductions on the NFL Network, and he hosts his own radio show in Dallas for ESPN Radio. He teams with Season 8's Professional Dancer Competition winner ANNA DEMIDOVA, who makes her debut

MICHAEL IRVIN & ANNA DEMIDOVA

MICHAEL IRVIN

ANNA DEMIDOVA

* JOANNA KRUPA and DEREK HOUGH
Polish-born Joanna Krupa was born in Warsaw and raised in Chicago. After high school she moved to LA to pursue a career in modeling and acting. Her hard work and positive spirit led her to become one of the most requested models/covergirls in the world. PETA's "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign featuring Krupa became a phenomenon. She's been featured in E!'s The Sexiest as one of the sexiest women in the world. In 2009 she was selected as the cover model for Ocean Drive magazine, and Maxim voted her among their TOP 100 women in the world. Film and TV credits include "Six Days in Paradise," due in the fall, "Ripple Effect," "Las Vegas" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." Most recently she competed in ABC's "The Superstars," teaming with Buffalo Bills NFL star Terrell Owens. She teams with Season 7 champ DEREK HOUGH, who returns for his fifth season.

JOANNA KRUPA & DEREK HOUGH

JOANNA KRUPA

DEREK HOUGH

* CHUCK LIDDELL and ANNA TREBUNSKAYA
Chuck Liddell is the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and the icon of Mixed Martial Arts -- the fastest growing sport in America. In 1998 he won his first UFC Mixed Martial Arts fight. Soon after, Liddell rose through the ranks to become the light-heavyweight champion of the world. In July of 2009, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. He is tied for the most wins by a UFC fighter, with 16, and also holds the most knockout wins with 10. In 2008 Liddell penned his autobiography, Iceman: My Fighting Life, which quickly became a New York Times bestseller. He has a BA in Business/Accounting from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he also wrestled. He teams with ANNA TREBUNSKAYA, who returns for her fourth season.

CHUCK LIDDELL & ANNA TREBUNSKAYA

CHUCK LIDDELL

ANNA TREBUNSKAYA

* DEBI MAZAR and MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY
Debi Mazar's feature film debut in Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" set the stage for an extensive career in both television and film. She has consistently worked with notable directors -- including Oliver Stone, Spike Lee, Woody Allen, Michael Mann and Joel Schumacher -- often portraying a sharp-tongued New Yorker in both dramas and comedy. Her television credits include "Friends," "Ugly Betty" and her own sitcom, CBS' "Temporarily Yours." Mazar presently stars as publicist Shauna on HBO's hit series "Entourage." She also co-hosts "Under the Tuscan Gun," a successful internet show focused on Tuscan cuisine, with her husband. The couple have two young daughters and presently reside in both Los Angeles and Tuscany, Italy. She teams with MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY, who returns for his seventh season.

DEBI MAZAR & MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY

DEBI MAZAR

MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY

* MYA and DMITRY CHAPLIN
Grammy Award® winning multi-platinum artist Mya, became a star at the age of 18 with her eponymous debut album which yielded three Top 10 singles. In addition to releasing five full length albums, one of which went platinum and another gold, she starred in the acclaimed film "Chicago." Since then Mya has appeared in several other movies and signed a modeling contract. Her fourth and fifth studio albums, "Liberation" and "Sugar & Spice," respectively, have been released in Japan, and her sixth studio album is due to be released on her independent label. A longtime advocate for young women, Mya founded The Mya Arts & Tech Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing disadvantaged youth growth and opportunity through arts & technology education, where she serves as both executive director and teacher. She teams with DMITRY CHAPLIN, who returns for his second season.

MYA & DMITRY CHAPLIN

MYA

DMITRY CHAPLIN

* KELLY OSBOURNE and LOUIS VAN AMSTEL
A singer, actress and media personality, Kelly Osbourne's father is rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, and her mother is well-known TV personality Sharon Osbourne. Kelly got her start at the age of 16 in the first-ever "celebrity reality" TV show, "The Osbournes," with her famous family, which garnered an Emmy Award (r) for Outstanding Reality Program in 2002. That same year, Kelly released her debut music album, "Shut Up!," which included a cover of Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach." Her second album, "Sleeping in Nothing," was released in 2005 with its first single, "One Word," hitting No. 1 on all three Billboard Dance charts simultaneously. She made her dramatic acting debut in a starring role on the ABC series "Life As We Know It". In recent years Osbourne has worked primarily in the UK, where she's done theatre (including a successful run in "Chicago" in London's West End in 2007), hosted her own weekly radio show on BBC Radio and presented numerous UK TV projects, including "Project Catwalk," the UK's version of "Project Runway." She teams up with LOUIS VAN AMSTEL, who returns for his fifth season.

KELLY OSBOURNE & LOUIS VAN AMSTEL

KELLY OSBOURNE

LOUIS VAN AMSTEL

* DONNY OSMOND and KYM JOHNSON
Donny Osmond won the hearts of millions as both a member of the Osmonds and, with his sister (and "Dancing with the Stars" alumna) Marie, as the youngest co-hosts in primetime history on the iconic ABC variety series, "The Donny & Marie Show." He and Marie are currently performing at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hotel through 2012. For nearly five decades, Donny has been a singer, musician, Broadway and film actor, talk show and game show host, bestselling author, and even a champion race car driver. He is paired with KYM JOHNSON, who returns for her seventh season.

DONNY OSMOND & KYM JOHNSON

DONNY OSMOND

KYM JOHNSON

* LOUIE VITO and CHELSIE HIGHTOWER
Professional snowboarder Louie Vito is among the U.S.' elite snowboarders favored to make the 2010 Olympic team. Competing in both the Pipe and Slopestyle disciplines, Vito continues to train for the Grand Prix qualifying. The 21 year-old native of Bellefontaine, OH turned pro in 2006 and has competed in multiple Winter X-Games competitions. He is also a two-time winner of the USSA Grand Prix Halfpipe Series. He joins CHELSIE HIGHTOWER, who returns for her second season.

LOUIE VITO & CHELSIE HIGHTOWER

LOUIE VITO

CHELSIE HIGHTOWER
It seems like it is going to be a very competitive season. What do you think?

Blue Movie Review & Wallpapers

2009-08-28T00:35:00.000-07:00

BLUE
The Most Expensive Movie
250 ft deep lies the secret of Blue. Treasure hunters come in droves, lured by tales of a fabled treasure.

But none but one has ever returned from the deadly depths of the Pacific Ocean; leaving behind a bloody trail and even more intriguing rumours... For not only is the treasure inaccessible; it's guarded night and day by deadly sharks.

Aarav, Sagar and Sam- three men with differing motives- find themselves diving deep into these murky depths- to hunt for the treasure.

For wealthy Aarav, it's about the intoxicating high of more money and more risk.

For honest Sagar, it's only about saving his girlfriend Mona and his brother.
For dare devil Sam, it's simply a matter of life and death- his own.

As emotions run high and motives run deep, the dark side of human nature lays bared. And hundreds of feet underwater, Aarav, Sagar and Sam grapple, initially with sharks, and then with the demons of greed, betrayal and above all, their own pricking conscious...

MOVIE TRAILER:

MOVIE WALLPAPERS:

Super Hero Akshay Kumar

2009-08-28T00:23:00.000-07:00

Akshay Kumar all set to play Super-Hero
By Subhash K Jha

One of Akshay’s secret plans is to play a super-hero for his son. However Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan have already gotten to the super-hero roles in Krissh and (soon-to-be-shot) Ra.1, respectively. Even Vivek Oberoi is playing a super-hero in Prince, It’s Showtime.

The idea is to play the role like never before. And Akshay is working on it. Mainly because Akshay’s son Aarav loves Akshay in noble and/or larger-than-life characters.

Akshay Kumar’s biggest fan is son Aarav who is already an expert swimmer has never been more excited about any of his dad’s film as he is about Blue where Akshay spends most of his time underwater looking for a treasure.

But this is a role with an extra punch….in more ways than one. Akshay plays an out-and-out negative character, greedy ruthless and ready to go to any lengths to get what he wants.

Now even when the film is ready Akshay is eager to show Blue to his son.

Says a source, “ Akshay knows Aarav will be kicked by the idea of his dad playing a champion swimmer and that too named Aarav after his son. In Aarav’s eyes Akshay is the true hero.

When Akshay tells Aarav pauranic stories Aarav always seen his dad as Rama or Arjun, valorous and ready to conquer the world. To watch his dad play a man of dubious morals and grey aspirations would be a new experience for Aarav.”

Akshay has earlier played a negative character in Khiladi 420. But that was double role with one of the twins turning evil. Besides Aarav wasn’t born when it was released.

Says the Blue director Tony D’Souza, “It’s true, Akshay plays a man who thinks getting what he wants is more important than how you get there. I wrote the character for Akshay. He was to be called Akshay Malhotra. But then when I saw that Akshay had tattooed his son’s name on his back I decided to change the character’s name to Aarav.”

Yamaha Bikes

2009-08-28T00:15:00.000-07:00

Best Softwares

2009-08-27T23:58:00.000-07:00

THE BEST SOFTWARE SUBSTITUTES

Licensed programs are pricey CPU-hogger. Try these multi-platform freebies instead

Licensed programs can be pricey ($700 for Photoshop? Gulp.), and netbooks don't necessarily have the right stuff under the hood to run the resource-sucking software. So, if you're looking to stock a less-powerful machine or save a few bucks, try the programs below. Their features mimic their costlier cousins, they're free, and most run on Windows, Mac, and Linux alike.

*Want to edit photos? Try GIMP, the poor man's Photoshop. Like the image editing stalwart, GIMP can edit Photoshops's .psd files and features various toolsets (e.g. custom brushes, pencil, airbrush, clone), layers, multiple undo/redo steps, path tool selections, and its own set of 100+ plug-ins. gimp.org

*Want to produce polished layouts? Try Scribus, similar to QuarkXpress or Adobe PageMaker. Scribus can lay out newsletters, flyers, and magazines, and offers templates for download at scribusstuff.org. One drawback? You can't edit native QuarkXPress, Microsoft Publisher, or InDesign files. scribus.net

*Want to create or edit word documents, spreadsheets, or presentations? Try OpenOffice or Google Docs instead of Microsoft Office. The Microsoft Office clone offers the same basic and advanced functions, and can even save files as .doc's. The web-based Google Docs has basic document editing functionality, and the advantage of storing documents in a virtual "cloud" that can be accessed from any computer connected to the Internet. openoffice.org; docs.google.com

3D Fantasy Girls

2009-08-27T23:32:00.000-07:00

Troubleshoot your Shooting

2009-08-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

THERE ARE HURDLES TO MAKING YOUR OWN SMASH-HIT VIDEO. HERE'S HOW TO CLEAR THEM

With an HD camcorder in your possession, you have everything you need to make a box-office smash, says Bryan Michael Stoller, who has made more than 80 music videos, TV shows, and feature films. Of course, there will be hurdles on your Oscar track. Here's how to clear them.

Hurdle #1: The colors seem off
The fix: Reset the white balance, says Stoller. Switch your white balance mode from auto to manual, and then aim the lens at a white piece of paper, zooming in until the frame is completely filled. Hit the white balance button again or "OK."

Hurdle #2: Movie run time rivals a marathon
The fix: Get to the point. When you're stringing together clips, each should be truncated to the best 3 or 4 seconds. And unless it's a life event (birth, graduation, wedding), shoot to edit. Twenty minutes of raw footage should yield 2 minutes of finished product, advises Stoller.

Hurdle #3: Wind noise is wreaking havoc on the audio
Fix: Find a quieter spot and record a couple minutes of "room tone," which is simply ambient noise. Swap this in during edit, says Stoller, and your video won't sound wind scratched or awkwardly silent had you muted the audio altogether. This trick is good in other situations, too, like covering up Uncle Louie's f-bombs at the wedding reception.

Hurdle #4: Your clips are clipped
The fix: It takes about a second and a half to start capturing footage after you hit record, says Stoller, so you'll miss anything in the transition period. As a guideline, start recording 5 seconds before you think you'll need to, and keep rolling for 5 seconds after the action stops. Extra footage at the end also makes for easier editing.

Hurdle #5: Your scenes are bland
The fix: Pepper your movie with B-roll, suggests Stoller. Capture interesting people and objects from various angles and at different times. At the beach? Shoot surfboarders wiping out. At the carnival? Film close-ups of fair food and midway game operators. Sprinkle these in the edit for visual variety.

Beautiful Models

2009-08-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

Save Your Relationship

2009-08-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

16 Ways to Save Your Relationship
By: Mike Zimmerman

1. After your next screaming match, right before the makeup sex, don't bother with the "I love you" cliché. Just tell her, "You know, you're the only person I'd ever tolerate talking to me like that. You're that amazing."

2. No screaming matches lately? Have one, fast. If she's screaming at you, she still gives a damn. Silence from a woman means something has died. (Or will die. Tonight. In his sleep.)

3. Drop this bomb: "You remember the time we [insert personal-best sex saga here]? I bet we could do even better."

4. Thinking about leaving her? Think about this first: No woman is perfect. The next one you pick up could indeed be cooler, hornier, and wealthier. But you'll soon grow tired of her crap, too.

5. Maul her for 10 seconds when she least expects it. A mini-maul here, a mini-maul there. Next thing you know, you'll have a strip-maul.

6. All the stuff you'd want after a breakup—nights on the town, drop-of-a-hat vacations, those long-put-off season tickets—you can enjoy right now. With a built-in date. So pick something fun and do it.

7. Learn a new sport together—like golf or fencing—that encourages you to admire each other's form.

8. As you ask your buddy for counsel on your girl's dropping temperature and increasing distance, did it ever occur to you to ask her?

9. Go Gomez Addams on her. Speak Spanish. Dance the Mamushka. Kiss her from her wrist to her armpit. Blow up a train set together. Cara mia!

10. Commit an unsolicited act of cleanliness.

11. This weekend, take her to the grocery store to buy ingredients for a great dinner. Also pick up food specifically earmarked as body paint.

12. You're both 10 excess pounds away from feeling good about yourselves again. Drop 'em together. It'll be you and her against the world, just like old times.

13. You haven't offered up a late-night postcoital confession in a very long time. Surprise her.

14. Reinstate one courtesy toward her that's been lost since your courtship: opening the car door for her, bringing her flowers, holding in your gas.

15. Organize a cheesy diamond-commercial moment—like reproposing to her at Trafalgar Square in front of family. Overwrought? Yeah, but do the math: jewelry + effort + pigeons + her parents = months of rough sex.

16. Tried everything on this list and she's still unresponsive? It's time to smile, hold her hand, and offer her these five risky words: "Now it's up to you."

Cute Kids

2009-08-24T04:25:00.000-07:00

Hot Celebrity Interview

2009-08-24T04:11:00.001-07:00

MICHAELA CONLIN from Bones Exclusive Interview
I recently got a chance to interview the lovely MICHAELA CONLIN, who plays Angela Montenegro on Bones.

Last season of Bones ended with quite the controversy, and Michaela Conlin was nice enough to share her thoughts on the matter. She also dished on what new things are coming up for Angela this season, which includes her going to see a psychic played by none other than Cyndi Lauper.

Season 5 of Bones premieres on Thursday, September 17, at 8pm on Fox, but for now enjoy Michael Conlin's interview below.

Congratulations on getting renewed for two seasons. That's awesome.

Michaela Conlin: I know, I know. Isn't that crazy. It's crazy in the network television world.

I'm sure the fans have been excited all over.

Michaela Conlin: Yeah. I traveled this summer. I went to Paris and Turkey and it was really crazy to be stopped by those people on the other side of the world, very strange.

The final episode last season generated some controversy with fans because of the whole Bones and Booth relationship. What's your take on that?

Michaela Conlin: That's a good question, a good provocative opener. Step right into the fire. I think a couple of different things about it. I think it was a tough decision. I think the show has these really loyal and ardent fans that have followed the show from the beginning. I think that the episode, at least in my opinion and I think in Hart's [Hanson] opinion, was really sort of an homage to the show. There were a lot of people from the past and inside jokes. It was sort of a referential season finale for that particular season. In regards to them getting into bed together, I think it's hard because I think people don't really know what they want. I think that some people would love to see them in bed and then will get upset when they're in bed. I think it's hard to sustain the kind of lightening in a bottle thing that David [Boreanaz] and Emily [Deschanel] have, and I think that Hart has done a really good job with that. In my opinion, I thought it was a really clever way to do it. But I know they have more to unleash, hopefully this season they'll be able to let out everything that they couldn't get out in that season finale.

Do you know when the finale will be resolved this season? David told me they probably wouldn't keep the amnesia story for too long.

Michaela Conlin: I don't know, actually. I have no idea. I know that in the episodes we've begun to shoot this season they're definitely dealing with the residual effects of him being in the coma. But I'm not sure how long that's going to last now.

What's coming up for Angela this season?

Michaela Conlin: It's an interesting season. Cindi Lauper is playing Angela's psychic in the season opener. I'm not sure if you knew that, or not.

No, but fun.

Michaela Conlin: Yeah, it is really fun. I think it's hilarious that Angela is always surrounded by musician types. Her dad is ZZ Top. I think that maybe Cindi Lauper and ZZ Top should do a duet on the show, her dad and her psychic. She was a real joy to have on the set. She was great. She came in and did the season opener with us. There's a great scene with Emily and her and I at the beginning of the show. So that's been a really fun treat and I hear that she's going to be back being that she may have some things to predict. So we'll see how that goes.

Is she a real psychic or is it just a scam?

Michaela Conlin: In real life?

In the show.

Michaela Conlin: In the show. Yeah, I was like, 'I'm not sure.' [laughs] She plays Angela's psychic, a real bona fide psychic. So I have a hypnotist and a psychic at this point. I think Angela just needs straight up therapy. She needs to just go and see Sweets a couple of times this season, which I also hear is going to happen which will be fun.

You just mentioned her dad. Will we see some more storylines with him this season?

Michaela Conlin: I hope so. I also hear that we might meet her mom at some point, which I think would be really interesting. I'm not quite sure yet when that will be, but that should be kind of cool. It's always hard to say what a season will bring, but that's what I'm hearing and is kind of cool.

Do you think that Angela and Hodgins will get back together or is there a new love interest in the air?

Michaela Conlin: I hear that Angela resolves her celibacy pact, or she ends it. I should say that she concludes her celibacy run. But I can't tell you with who. It'll be pretty funny and fun. In regards to Hodgins, I don't have any information. I feel like I keep saying that I don't have any information. I don't know what's going to happen to the two of them. We'll just have to see, but I know there are other things on the horizon for Angela that should be pretty interesting.

Is there anything you wish would happen to her this season, after four seasons and going into the fifth?

Michaela Conlin: Yeah. I've spoken to Hart about this, but Emily and I, both Brennan and Angela, we'd really love to see more of them and how they became friends because it was a strong point in the opening of the series, with the pilot, and subsequent episodes in the first season dealt a lot with their friendship. I'd really like to see us go back to that, go back to how they met and how they became friends and kind of get into that because I think it's a really unlikely friendship that was struck up. I'd also like to see Angela maybe deal with, she never really wanted to quite be in that lab. She was very grossed out by the bodies in the beginning of the series. I'd like to see her sort of deal with all of that stuff again. I love when people from the past come back. I loved when Roxie came back last season and I love when our parents visit. It tells us a lot about these characters that are predominantly just inside that lab. So when someone from the outside comes in, we learn a lot about them. So I always think it's nice when we have people visiting or even the new round of interns that have been coming through, I think it's an important aspect of the show at this point.

The male characters in the lab have regular contests about who's going to be king of the lab. Do you think there should be a queen of the lab contest with the girls?

Michaela Conlin: Oh my God, that's such a good question. I've never had anyone ask that before. I'm totally bringing that up to Hart. I'm going to bring that up to Hart and I'll give you credit [laughs]. I'd like to be queen of the lab. I'm sure we all would. I think all three ladies are queen of the lab in their own domains. I think Brennan with the bones, Cam with the flesh and Angela with all of the forensics and all the restoration of the skulls. So I think they're all, in their own minds, queen of the lab.

Angela doesn't usually go out into the field with Bones and Booth. Do you think this season will be any different in that regard, or do you hope to get out more?

Michaela Conlin: Absolutely, yeah. It's tricky with those because the show is structured in a way where Brennan and Booth are out in the field while there's a case running concurrently, we're working on something back in the lab. So it's sometimes tricky to further the story along with us not there. It does become a sort of structurally difficult thing sometimes. But I would absolutely love to. I think that Angela is going to be snooping around in a lot of people's business this season. She definitely loves to stir the shit up and find out who's sleeping with who. So I think that'll find her in a few different situations. I hear that there might be a lot of moments with Angela and Sweets, as well as more with Brennan and Booth.

What has been your favorite storyline on 'Bones' so far?

Michaela Conlin: I think my favorite so far would not be the falling in love between Angela and Hodgins but the trying to find her ex-husband. I thought that was a really great storyline and it gave us a lot to do and was really funny, and was just a fun storyline to play. It was like a comedy of errors. So I really enjoyed that storyline, them trying to figure out if they were supposed to be together. It felt real to me. A lot of my friends are in relationships that are difficult. I liked that it wasn't all roses. I thought that was nice.

After being on a show now for four seasons do you find it easier to prepare for each new episode?

Michaela Conlin: Yes and no. The rhythm of each of the characters is really specific and so in that respect, line memorization and all the technical aspects of the show are definitely easier. The hours and being used to working on series television which is such a marathon, we shoot ten months of the year, fourteen hours a day that I'm definitely physically much more used to it. I think that as far as the work for the character goes it can sometimes be even harder because I think audience members get used to seeing characters certain ways and they think that they know you, and as you know, we're all different every moment of the day. So it's hard to sort of bring new parts of her forward without sort of offending this loyal audience, because you want to make sure she's a real person and not just a one note TV character. So that's been challenging.

In regard to your process, is there something special you do for each new script?

Michaela Conlin: Yeah. I've been working with an acting coach for eight years out here in Los Angeles. I went to NYU and studied theater. I've been studying for a long time and there are definitely certain things that are much more helpful than others. For me it's just voice and body. It's getting into my body and then working with my voice, not a singing voice, but just connecting your breath to what you're saying. I studied that in school in New York and I continue to study it out here. I work every week with an acting teacher. I did a lot of movement classes and yoga classes and dance classes. I think it's really important to physically stay in your body, especially with the hours that we shoot where we're standing for really long periods of time. So those are the two things that help me the most.

Aside from your character who's your favorite character on 'Bones'?

Michaela Conlin: Good questions. No one has asked me these questions before, in four years of the show. Can you believe it? Who is my favorite character? Michaela's favorite or Angela's favorite?

How about both?

Michaela Conlin: I think that Angela's favorite character is Brennan because I feel like they're much more similar than they let on. I think they're opposite sides of each other and I think they really need each other to balance each other out even though they don't want to admit that to each other. I think that Michaela's is Sweets' character, who's really interesting because he's so young. John Daley is a great actor, but the character, the fact that he comes from such a psychological viewpoint I think makes him a really interesting character, and we'll hopefully see more of him too.

You weren't at Comic Con this year. Would you be interested in going next year?

Michaela Conlin: I know. Bummer. We were there last year. We were all working. Yeah, I'd love to go again. We all went last year, I think it was last year and it was great. Everybody warned us that it was going to be really crazy and packed which it was, but I was really struck by just how enthusiastic and supportive people were about the show and also everything else that was there. People were just really thrilled to be there and it sounds cheesy, but sort of celebrating the stuff that we do. I was really sort of inspired by that honestly and thought that it was really cool. We had a lot of fun. I'd love to go back.

If you could guest star on any other show which one would it be?

Conlin: Oh, wow. 'Mad Men'. 'Nurse Jackie' is pretty good, too, but I'll stick with 'Mad Men' though.

Oracle, Sun Deal Approved By Justice Dept.

2009-08-22T01:04:00.000-07:00

The Justice Department ruling came earlier than expected, a possible response to Sun Microsystems' declining revenues in a steep recession.

By Charles Babcock

Oracle (NSDQ: ORCL) announced late Thursday that the U.S. Department of Justice has approved its proposed acquisition of Sun Microsystems (NSDQ: JAVA).

The European Commission has still to rule on the deal, a step that will be required before it can close. That body has indicated it will issue an initial opinion on Sept. 3, according to the Wall Street Journal. It may OK the deal at that time or launch a four-month probe of it.

Oracle had originally hoped to complete the acquisition in August. Sun shareholders on July 16 approved the $5.6 billion deal by a wide enough margin for the Justice Department to terminate the waiting period normally required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. Oracle announced the planned acquisition in April.

The Justice Department ruling came earlier than expected, a possible response to Sun's declining revenues and precarious business position in a steep recession, as the required reviews proceeded.

The antitrust unit of the department announced a second round of review into the ramifications of the deal in June. That round was completed promptly for DOJ's approval to be announced Thursday.

One antitrust concern was that Oracle will become the owner of the widely used Java programming language. Oracle's database and middleware competitors, such as IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Red Hat (NYSE: RHT), rely on Java.

Oracle will also acquire the Solaris operating system, a portfolio of Java middleware and the open source database system, MySQL, in the acquisition.

Burton Group analyst Nik Simpson said in a July Webcast that Sun's hardware business was "between a rock and hard place." Rock, noting it was the code name for Sun's next generation of UltraSparc servers. UltraSparc sales "never really recovered from the Dotcom bust," he said during the Webcast.

In the most recent quarter, hardware sales were down 33%. Sun's design project for its next generation UltraSparc architecture, code named "Rock," has been cancelled, according to numerous reports. "That leaves them without a next-generation architecture," Simpson said.

As a result, HP (NYSE: HPQ) and IBM have been making offers aimed squarely at migrating UltraSparc server users to their own brands of hardware.

The U.S. Department of Justice has approved Oracle's acquisition of Java and other assets in its $5.6 billion acquisition of Sun Microsystems.

"Falling Down" Music Video Premiere

2009-08-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

Selena Gomez and the Scene's Music Video "Fallin Down" Premiere

DISNEY CHANNEL TO PRESENT WORLD PREMIERE OF SELENA GOMEZ AND THE SCENE'S MUSIC VIDEO "FALLING DOWN," FRIDAY, AUGUST 28.

--"Falling Down," the First Single from Gomez's Solo Recording Debut, to Premiere Friday, August 21 on Radio Disney--

Disney Channel will present the world premiere of Selena Gomez and The Scene's first music video, "Falling Down," from their upcoming debut album, "Kiss & Tell," FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 following the premiere of "Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie." "Falling Down," the band's first single, will debut as a Radio Disney Planet Premiere FRIDAY, AUGUST 21.

The music video for the energetic pop-rock song was directed by Chris Dooley (Jewel "Stand," The Scissor Sisters "Land of a Thousand Words") and features Gomez and her four member all-guy band on a black circular stage rocking out in front of a large projection of patterned animated images towering in the background. "Falling Down" was written by Ted Bruner, Trey Vittetoe and Gina Shock.

Gomez's freshman album "Kiss & Tell" releases worldwide Tuesday, September 29 on Hollywood Records. "Falling Down" will be available as a digital single on iTunes August 25.

Hot Models

2009-08-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hot Celebrities News

2009-08-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

Kareena and Saif's Secret Love Nest
Nothing stops Kareena from being a loving girlfriend to Saif, not even her packed schedule.

She took off with Saif to an undisclosed location near Chicago for a secret vacation, as a birthday present to Saif (his birthday was on August 16). They took off after completing their professional commitments and spending some time with close friends.

Incidentally, they left for their secret retreat a day after Saif’s birthday. According to sources, they were busy with prior commitments in Houston due to Independence Day, after which they had to attend a meet and greet event in Chicago.

They reached Chicago late in the evening on August 15 and attended the event with Shah Rukh and Katrina, after which they had dinner with them.

Kareena planned the holiday to surprise Saif, informed sources. The destination is still unknown and they will be back in Mumbai by the end of this week.

Beautiful & Hot Models

2009-08-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

Deepika Padukone takes time off... Finally

2009-08-20T10:28:00.001-07:00

Deepika Padukone takes time off...Finally!!!
By Subhash K Jha

After the attack of malaria in London Deepika Padukone has had no time to slow down let alone take a break.

In fact she was determined to continue working through her delicate post-illness phase specially since she flew down to Delhi for the release of Love Aaj Kal and therefore lost more precious shooting days.

But then Deepika hadn’t really bargained for a unit as large-hearted as Sajid Nadiadwala’s. In spite of the lost dates the producer, director and the leading man Akshay Kumar got together to give Deepika some time off this week.

Says a source, “Since the cast involves many other permutations and combinations between Akshay and the rest of the cast they decided to let Deepika rest it out for a week and do scenes with the rest of the cast.”

Deepika promptly called her family over to relax and feel at home in the city where she’s constantly shooting. First Love Aaj Kal now House full “My Dad, Mum and sister were here for a few days.

I got to spend some much-needed time with them. I hardly get to visit them in India. They visit me in Mumbai more than I visit them in Bangalore. And they visit me when I’m abroad.

They came to Bangkok during Chandni Chowk To China. Now they were here in London. I don’t want them to come to boring places. They should’ve fun when they visit me.”

First Look

2009-08-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Season 6 - First Look

Check out a first look at the SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Season 6 premiere airing Wednesday, Sept. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Show Summary: SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Season 6 - In the search for America’s favorite dancer, some contestants will collapse under the pressure, some will reveal two left feet but only one will dance his or her way into the hearts of the nation.

Beautiful Fantasy Girls 3D

2009-08-20T02:14:00.000-07:00

So You Think You Can Dance

2009-08-19T10:17:00.001-07:00

Jeanine Mason Dancing On Live With Regis & Kelly

And The Winner is

2009-08-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Season 5 "And the Winner Is..."

It's had finally come to an end and the season 5 winner of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE is...

JEANINE MASON
The two hour show was mostly filled with encore performances of the judges' favorite routines.

One of my favorite routines that they performed again was the Kayla and Kupono/Mia Michaels routine on the song "Gravity," it's so beautiful. I think it's one of my favorite routine ever on the show and I'm so glad I got to see it again.

Unfortunately, they didn't perform the Jeanette and Brandon/Wade Robson routine again, which I absolutely loved.

As for Jeanine winning I guess it's ok, although between Brandon and Jeaning, I would have picked Brandon. But I like Jeanine too, since I did pick her or Brandon as the winner.

One thing is for sure, we'll definitely see some of this season's dancers back on the show soon.

So what do you guys think of America's choice for their favorite dancer this season?

Avril Lavigne

2009-08-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

Feel Happy at Work

2009-08-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

How to Feel Happy at Work - 7 Secrets of a "Thank God It's Monday" Workplace
What accounts for the difference between "Oh crap, it's Monday" and "Thank God it's Monday"? It's your happiness. And, for your own emotional and mental health, you need to feel happy at work.

It all boils down to seven habits that can change everything about the culture of your workplace.

1. Show up fully and commit with all your heart
At work, we think of home. At home, we think of work. Time to stop that. The first step toward a TGIM workplace is being present and accounted for at work. Thinking about being elsewhere leads to resenting where you are.

While you are at work, commit to work with all your heart. This is what I call throwing your heart over the bar--committing 100 percent to the moment and task before you.

2. Communicate clearly
Use powerful and positive language about what you will do and the attitude you expect from others. If a TGIM workplace is your goal, take the time to make your communications clear on every level.

3. Go beyond the job description
Going beyond the job description happens when you pitch in and help others at work without expecting reward. Willingly share the load. If you're caught up on your tasks, help someone else who is crunching for a deadline. Instead of feeling like it's an extra burden, you will actually feel like you play a bigger role in your company than you ever did before.

4. Don't tolerate dysfunctional behaviors
Establish a zero-tolerance policy for talking behind another person's back. Then give each other permission to address conflict head-on, out loud, courageously and honestly. Create a trusting and open environment and watch the dysfunction ebb away.

5. Clean up your messes
Relationships are built on trust. Without that foundation, there is no basis for a relationship. We breach the trust each time we don't do what we said we would do. But here's the thing--that breach can be healed quickly IF you come back and clean up the mess. Acknowledge that the results are not okay then make a commitment to make things right and prevent a recurrence.

6. Live a life of profound service
Once you place yourself in the service of those around you--your family, your colleagues and your customers--every moment becomes imbued with purpose and significance. You will feel GOOD.

As you drive to work, begin thinking about how the work you do is serving others and contributing to their success and happiness. This is the essence of true service, and the key to a workplace that draws you happily back, Monday after Monday after Monday.

7. Celebrate
Every project consists of little steps and little victories along the way. Recognize and celebrate them in both large and small ways. Build a system of celebrations and rewards--quarterly, weekly, daily--and follow through like your company's life depends on it. Because, (psst) it does.

Acquire these seven habits and spread them through your workplace. Then be sure to notice the first Monday your hand reaches for the alarm--and you smile. You can love your job and feel happy at work if you follow these 7 secrets.

About the Author
Roxanne Emmerich is renowned for her ability to transform the "ho-hum" attitudes of leaders, executives, business owners and entrepreneurs just like you into massive results-oriented "bring-it-on" attitudes. To discover how you can get motivated and love your job again, check out her new book – Thank God It's Monday. Now, you can get a free sneak preview at: http://www.thankgoditsmonday.com/preview_the_book/

Gemma Atkinson

2009-08-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

How to Set Your Goals

2009-08-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

If you find the conventional information is not usable?
Knowing our goals makes it much more likely we will attain them. After all, if we don't know what we want, how can we attain it? Experts tell us that those who set goals do so much better than those who don't. Yet many of us become confused when asked to state our goals. Our minds go blank. And all this talk of goal setting and goal getting just seems so tedious.

Well - at last - we can take another approach. Now, let's get going and set some goals:
1- What don't you want in your life? At work? At home? If you take the opposite of these, then you have got a list of goals.
2- Instead of saying goals, say results. What results do you want from your life? Does changing that one word make a difference? Can you think of another word more suited to you? For some of us it makes a big difference! Make a list!
3- Suppose you had all your concerns met. Imagine this now. What would you do in your life different from what you do now? Write these down as your list of goals, or results.
4- Think of areas of your life you might consider. For example, health, wealth, love, relationships, work, education, spiritual, etc. Use all the above techniques (1 to 3) in these areas and write down your list.
5- Write your epitaph!

Have you got a list of goals now?
Are you aware of how easy it is to change when you know how to?

Beautiful Fantasy Girls 3D

2009-08-16T05:15:00.000-07:00

Kaminey

2009-08-16T04:04:00.000-07:00

"Watching Kaminey on big screen is something else" - Priyanka Chopra
"We are very afraid that piracy may affect our collections," says a concerned Priyanka Chopra because Kaminey is not releasing in Mumbai and Pune this Friday due to the Swine Flu scare. "As a citizen I'm worried (about Swine Flu), we all have to be careful and cautious. I hope once it's over people will come and watch the film." As has been reported earlier, due to the Maharashtra Government shutting theatres in Mumbai and Pune, Kaminey shall not be releasing before Sunday.

"The critics have really loved the film and we are hoping that people won't indulge in piracy and instead actually watch the film in theatres because the experience of watching Kaminey with its sound quality on big screen is something else. It will never be the same on pirated version. It's my request, we've put in our blood, heart and soul in the film, just support us, support the film, do justice to the movie," says Priyanka earnestly.

Lamborghini- A Dreamy Car

2009-08-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Professional Theif robs 4 men on stage!

2009-08-15T02:44:00.000-07:00

Bob Arno steals watches, pens, belts, suspenders, underwear. Even shirts! Funny and awesome...

New Fitness Mantra

2009-08-14T22:33:00.000-07:00

Posh’s new fitness mantra making her wild in bedroom

Pop star Victoria Beckham has embarked upon a new fitness regime, which is reportedly making her wild in the bedroom.

Victoria, who has been toning up for an Armani underwear advert, is thrilled with her ultra toned look and wants to entice her football star husband David with her newly toned body.

“She finds her new body a real turn-on and wants David to see as much of it as possible,” the Daily Star quoted a source as saying.

Meanwhile, Victoria, who is a mother to three kids, is happy to shape up and get her youthful looks back.

“As a 35-year-old mother of three, I’m looking okay,” she said.

Source
Posh’s new fitness mantra making her wild in bedroom

Salma Hayek

2009-08-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

John Mayer

2009-08-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

John Mayer’s oversized ego revealed

American musician John Mayer is said to be the most vain celebrity ever, especially after he sent his then girlfriend Jessica Simpson a video of himself on her birthday.

Mayer, 31, had failed to make it to Simpson’s birthday party as he was on tour, and so he sent her a DVD of himself in concert.

“Several years ago when he was dating Jessica Simpson, he couldn’t go to her birthday party because he was on tour,” the New York Post quoted an insider as saying.

“So the night of her birthday she had dinner with [hairdresser] Ken Paves and a few friends.

“Everyone thought John would forget her birthday, but then a gift arrived from him — it was a DVD of him in concert.

“Jessica spent the rest of the night watching the DVD on a loop, ‘being with him.’ It was so sad,” the insider added.

A representative for Mayer has declined to comment on the matter.

Source:
John Mayer’s oversized ego revealed

Hot & Beautiful Models

2009-08-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

iTunes

2009-08-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

Apple to get ‘Social’ networking app for iTunes 9
by pallavi gupta

Rumors surrounding iTunes 9 have it that Apple is planning to make a major thrust in social networking. With digital media ready to come up with ‘Social’ application, it is believed that iTunes 9 is heading to enter the world of online communities.

It is being said that the application will be different from iTunes and would work like Yahoo’s One Connect software and will allow you to update Facebook status.
It has, however, yet not been revealed as to whether it will be an iPhone app or one to be used on computer.
With your music integrated into the process, with this application, you will be able to broadcast the music you are listening to.
Apart from that, you will also be able to share your music likings with your friends and broadcast your music status as well.
It will also enable you to share your iTunes library with others.

New Tatto by Lady Gaga

2009-08-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga shows off new tattoo in Japan

Pop star Lady Gaga showed off her new tattoo on her arm during her trip to Japan.

The ‘Poker Face’ hit maker has inked a curling script in German, which is attributed to the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, who the star has named as her “favorite philosopher”.

“It says ”In the deepest hour of the night, confess to yourself that you would die if you were forbidden to write. And look deep into your heart where it spreads its roots, the answer, and ask yourself, must I write?” When you are an artist, your solitude is a lonely place that you embrace,” Contact music quoted Gaga as saying.

The 23-year-old is currently touring Asia to promote her debut album, The Fame.

Source
Lady Gaga shows off new tattoo in Japan

Beautiful 3D Models

2009-08-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

Blizz Con

2009-08-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

Preparing for BlizzCon: What to pack in your suitcase
by Robin Torres

BlizzCon approaches! Preparing for BlizzCon is your regular source for tips on how best to prepare for Blizzard's gaming extravaganza. These helpful hints are particularly suited for convention rookies. But if you are a con veteran, we'd love to hear your advice and wisdom in the comments as well.

If you don't travel often, packing can be rather daunting -- particularly with all of the post-9/11 air travel precautions. Because you'll probably be bringing back more than you take, I recommend checking a bag rather than trying to carry everything on the plane. Yes, the baggage claim area adds extra time, but checking your luggage will allow you to bring a larger bag and you'll avoid having to worry about 3-1-1.

Though I have been humbled (and educated) by reading the exploits of a truly expert packer, I used to travel a lot for business and have several tips for the infrequent traveler heading to BlizzCon.

Clothes

Bottoms: Bring one or two basic bottoms to re-wear. Despite the heat of August in Southern California, jeans are a good choice. It's cool at night and in the convention center.
Tops: Geeky tees are the fashion choice this con season. Bring enough for at least 2 a day. You'll have meetups to attend at night and you'll want to have funk-free tops for the evenings.
Something long-sleeved: Bring an overshirt, windbreaker, light cardigan -- again, it may be a little chilly in the convention center and evenings.

Everything else

Mental checklist: Travel checklists are nice, but no one knows your routine. Go through your morning and evening grooming routines in your head and make sure that everything you need to accomplish those tasks are included in your bags.
Common Sense: Use it. Don't overpack. Make sure you have the things you personally need to be comfy while you are away from home.
Backpack: We already covered this.

If you forget something, most hotels have basic toiletries like combs and toothbrushes for the forgetful traveler. Also, Anaheim is in the middle of a bustling civilization. There will be plenty of retail options available for filling in the gaps.

BlizzCon 2009 is coming up on August 21st and 22nd! We've got all the latest news and information. At BlizzCon, you can play the latest games, meet your guildmates, and ask the developers your questions. Plus, there are some great looking costumes.

Ashlee Simpson

2009-08-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

Latest Technology

2009-08-14T04:27:00.000-07:00

Stylish ceramic speakers: expensive but very cool
by Devin Coldewey

These speakers are pretty crazy looking, but apparently they sound quite good due to the acoustic qualities of porcelain-enclosed cork. The raw design is eye-catching but a little busy, although the toaster-esque volume control looks totally awesome. You’re not going to pick them up at your local electronics store, though; they’re being custom made and are likely going to cost at least $400.

You can pre-order them starting in September, and pre-preorder at the designer’s site. At just 10W per speaker, they’re not going to be filling a room, though for a desk they would be both sufficient and efficient due to their small footprint.

[via Cool Hunting]

Eva Mendes

2009-08-14T04:16:00.000-07:00

Pay Per Post offers to sell your soul

2009-08-14T04:12:00.001-07:00

Ted Murphy, CEO of advertising firm Mindcomet, has launched a new service called PayPerPost.com. You guessed it, it’s a marketplace for companies to connect with bloggers who are willing to blog about a product - for a price. The companies can set guidelines for their requests such as whether a picture must be included and whether they will only pay for positive blog coverage. There does not appear to be any requirement that the payment for coverage be disclosed. There is a requirement that PayPerPost.com must approve your post before you are paid. Wow.

TechCrunch does not accept payment for posts.

Is this a bad joke designed to torpedo the blogosphere’s credibility in general? It doesn’t appear to be. If we’re all trying to negotiate a space between Hollywood and mainstream journalism, this is taking things way too far towards the most insipid parts of Hollywood.

Clearly comfortable with the “all press is good press” paradigm, Murphy is emailing bloggers with a link to scathing coverage at Business Week (”Polluting the Blogosphere“) and even includes the words “As seen in Business Week” in the company logo. Blogger Jeremiah Owyang gave us the tip on PayPerPost.com and assures us that though he has grave concerns about this, Ted Murphy is not the devil. I don’t know if I’m convinced.

If you visit the Mindcomet.com website you’ll see that they do advertising for some very high profile clients. I can imagine many of them wouldn’t want to be associated with a project like this at all. Like EarthLink. They have a major campaign underway to improve advertising by paying people to make authentic promotional materials for them. How ironic.

Beautiful Bollywood Celebrities

2009-08-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

Hot Celebrities News

2009-08-14T00:12:00.000-07:00

Alex Reid feels he`s Katie Price`s sex slave
Kate Price’s lover Alex Reid has reportedly told friends that he feels under the thumb, and is exhausted after marathon romps with the British celebrity.

According to reports, the cage fighter moaned to pals that he is a “sex slave” kept under lock and key in Jordan’s mansion, reports The Daily Star.

A pal said, “He’s meant to be the hardened cage-fighting champion, but she has left him exhausted with her demands. He feels like a sex slave, while his mates are all moaning that he never returns their calls.”

The pal added, “He is genuine about Kate, but it gets too much for him sometimes. Alex is saying that it will get better after the divorce.”

Rachel Bilson

2009-08-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

Movie Trailer

2009-08-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Fourth Kind
Theatrical Release: Friday, November 6, 2009 (Wide)
Staring:
* Milla Jovovich
* Elias Koteas
* Enzo Cilenti
* Corey Johnson
Directed by:
* Olatunde Osunsanmi
Genres: Thriller Suspense
Distributor: Universal Pictures

SYNOPSIS:
Fact-based thriller involving an ongoing unsolved mystery in Alaska, where one town has seen an extraordinary number of unexplained disappearances during the past 40 years and there are accusations of a federal cover up.

Movie Trailer:

Final Destination 4 (2009)

2009-08-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

A teen's premonition of a deadly race-car crash spares his life and those of few lucky others, but death continues to stalk them.

Genres: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Suspense/Horror and Sequel
Release Date: August 21st, 2009 (wide)
Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution
Starring: Shantel VanSanten, Bobby Campo, Nick Zano, Krista Allen, Andrew Fiscella
Directed by: David Richard Ellis
Produced by: Craig Perry

SYNOPSIS:
On what should have been a fun-filled day at the races, Nick O'Bannon has a horrific premonition in which a bizarre sequence of events causes multiple race cars to crash, sending flaming debris into the stands, brutally killing his friends and causing the upper deck of the stands to collapse on him. When he comes out of this grisly nightmare Nick panics, persuading his girlfriend, Lori, and their friends, Janet and Hunt, to leave...escaping seconds before Nick's frightening vision becomes a terrible reality. Thinking they've cheated death, the group has a new lease on life, but unfortunately for Nick and Lori, it is only the beginning. As his premonitions continue and the crash survivors begin to die one-by-one--in increasingly gruesome ways--Nick must figure out how to cheat death once and for all before he, too, reaches his final destination. The film marks the latest in the highly popular "Final Destination" series, and its first 3D installment, giving horror fans an especially visceral thrill ride.

Movie Trailer:

WWE Super Stars

2009-08-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

Funky Things That Our Body Do

2009-08-13T11:18:00.001-07:00

Learn the common causes behind your bodys little quirks
Whether uncomfortable, embarrassing or just plain weird, there are some pretty funky things that our bodies do. Curious about the causes of such reactions as hiccups, goose bumps and eye twitches, we spoke with Eric Plasker, DC, author of The 100 Year Lifestyle, to get the real scoop. Read on to discover the common reasons for 14 peculiar bodily functions.

Yawns
If your body is low on oxygen, your mouth opens wide and tries to suck more in. Yawning is a way to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood. Unfortunately, yawns are nearly impossible to stifle.

Eye Twitches
Serious eye twitches can be a symptom of neurological disorders, but often there is a more mundane explanation. Common causes for eye twitches include stress, lack of sleep , extended staring or eye strain. Before you get frantic, try reducing your stress level, cutting back on caffeine and catching up on sleep.

Itches
According to Dr. Plasker, our skin most often gets itchy because of dryness associated with the environment or over-washingâ€”water and soap can strip skin of its natural oils, thus sapping moisture. Face or body lotion should be able to keep these types of itches under control; also look for body washes and soaps labeled â€œmoisturizing.â€ If you still have itchy patches, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to a chemical, plant, food, animal or drug. See an allergist if the itching is persistent.

Hiccups
If youâ€™ve frequently got a case of the hiccups, try slowing down when you eat and drink, suggests Dr. Plasker. Doing either too quickly causes your stomach to swell; this irritates your diaphragm, which contracts and causes hiccups. You may also get hiccups in emotional situations or if your body experiences a sudden temperature change. In both of these cases, the hiccups are a result of a glitch in your nerve pathways, which is why a sudden scareâ€”which might shake up and reset your nervesâ€”can sometimes end an episode.

Goose Bumps
Those tiny bumps that cover your skin when youâ€™re cold or scared are actually a defense mechanism. Goose bumps occur when the arrector pili, a tiny muscle that connects the hair follicle with skin, contracts and makes the hair stand on end. If you had more hairâ€”like cavemen didâ€”the upright hair would trap air to keep you warm or make you look bushier and therefore more threatening to predators.

Sneezes
Sneezes happen when your body is trying to expel an irritant from the nasal cavity. If you have allergies, pollen or pet dander is usually to blame. If you have a cold, your body makes mucus to trap the virus, and sneezing helps force it (and the sickness) out of your body. An over-the-counter allergy or cold medicine helps suppress your reaction to allergens or reduce mucus production, which should prevent sneezing fits.

Coughs
A cough is another mechanism your body uses to get rid of irritants. There are special cells along your air passage, says Dr. Plasker, that recognize irritants and force them out. Common colds, sinus infections and pneumonia all increase your bodyâ€™s mucus production, which triggers coughing. Smoking and asthma also tend to irritate the cells. To help cut down on chronic coughing, exercise regularly and practice good posture to keep your air passage open.

Charley Horses
These sudden, super-painful muscle spasms can be blamed on several things, including dehydration or electrolyte imbalancesâ€”often from strenuous exercise. After a demanding workout or an extra-long run, sip a sports drink to keep your system running smoothly. If you experience this type of cramping, walk around to help relieve the pain.

Shivers
Shivering, says Dr. Plasker, is full-body muscle twitching. When your temperature drops too low, your body shakes all over in an attempt to generate heat. The only way to cure these kind of shivers is to get your temperature back to 98.6Â°F.

Ear Ringing
Ear ringing, or tinnitus, can happen for two reasons. If you have fluid or an infection in your middle ear, you may hear a constant buzz. However, the more common cause is damage to the microscopic ends of your hearing nerves, which often happens when youâ€™re exposed to loud noises. To prevent permanent damage (and preserve your hearing), wear earplugs at concerts and sporting eventsâ€”or even when you mow the lawn.

Stomach Rumbles
As food, liquid and gas move through your digestive tract, your stomach muscles and intestines contract and cause rumbling noisesâ€”borborygmi is the scientific name. Everyoneâ€™s stomach makes noise during digestion, but if you have extra-loud rumbles, a teaspoon of olive oil or a cup of herbal tea with lemon may help ease them, says Dr. Plasker.

Limbs Falling Asleep
When thereâ€™s consistent pressure on part of a limbâ€”like when you sit on your feet or rest your head on an armâ€”the pressure squeezes your nerve pathways and scrambles messages sent to your brain. The mixed messages make you lose feeling in the squished body part because your brain has trouble telling it what to do. To prevent a case of pins and needles, avoid sitting or lying in positions that compress your nerves.

Seeing Stars
If you stand too quickly, suffer a blow to the head or are stricken by a migraine, thereâ€™s a good chance youâ€™ll see stars as blood surges to different parts of your body. Generally these tiny flashes of light will fade in a few seconds. If you see stars for more than a few moments, you could have a tear or tiny clot in your retina, and you should consult a physician immediately.

Ear Popping
The Eustachian tube in your inner ear is responsible for maintaining equal pressure on both sides of your eardrum. When you experience a rapid change in altitudeâ€”during takeoff in an airplane or when riding an elevator in an extra-tall buildingâ€”the Eustachian tube opens to release pressure, and you hear a pop. To force the tube open (and â€œpopâ€ your ears), squeeze your nostrils closed while exhaling forcefully through your nose.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

2009-08-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

Mallika Sherawat to endorse Playboy?

2009-08-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

She came, she saw (or is it 'showed'), she conquered! We are indeed talking about the one and only Mallika Sherawat. After having won everyone's hearts alike with her superlative performance in Murder, Mallika went onto become one of Bollywood's most prized and desirable possession, a tag that she carries with her till today, with elan!

For those who feel that Mallika has done the great vanishing trick after her last release Welcome, here's some news that will actually act as some fragrance! Well, the news is that the international brand 'Playboy' (not the magazine, but the perfume) has been rumored to have roped in Madame Mallika for its launch in India, which should happen anytime mid-April. Although it's not clear as to whether she will be endorsing the brand or be merely inaugurating the launch party, one thing is for sure, that not just the 'Playboy' perfume will be a huge sellout, but also will garner lots of bunny points for itself. What say, Mallika!
By Bollywood Hungama News Network

Amazing Flexible Girls

2009-08-13T09:30:00.000-07:00