Apple Updates And Improves Their MacBook Laptop

Apple has updated its $999 MacBook laptop to include a new 10-hour battery that can be recharged up to 1,000 times–about five years before needing to be replaced.

There’s also a new NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics system that’s “up to 1.8x faster than the previous-generation MacBook,” which Apple’s positioning as being powerful enough to handle graphics-intensive games, yet energy efficient enough to provide up to 10 hours of battery life for more mundane tasks like surfing the web.

Pricing starts at $999 for a system with a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, 2GB of DDR3 RAM, 250GB hard drive, DVD burner, and a 13.3-inch LED backlit screen with 1280×800 resolution. As far as configuration options go, the RAM and hard drive can be upgraded.

The Periodic Table of Super-Powers

With 70 years of super-hero comics behind us, there have been a lot of super-powers on the printed page — so many, in fact, that even the most dedicated comics reader can occasionally have a hard time keeping them straight. That’s why ComicsAlliance senior writer Chris Sims took it upon himself to finally get things organized with The Periodic Table of Super-Powers, an arranged listing of 84 common (and decidedly uncommon) characteristics of your favorite super-heroes!

(Click for the full-sized version!)

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JBL On Stage III Review

The Harman: JBL On Stage III ($169) delivers surprisingly good clarity and volume for such a compact device.  The unique round design allows sound to fill the entire room from all directions. The docking system is very simple to use, easily plug and play your favorite music through a wide array of music devices.  The speaker is compatible with the iPhone and most versions of the iPod, including the iPod touch, classic, nano 3G. In addition, a stereo mini-jack connection also allows you to enjoy high-quality audio from a variety of other devices such as MP3 and CD players, satellite radio, laptops and desktop computers.

The unit comes complete with a variety of adapters that ensure your music player sits comfortably in the docking section.  For your convenience, an IR remote control is also included. The remote will operate through walls up to 50 feet; and features several modes of operation. The music mode allows you to control the volume, change tracks, fast forward and fast reverse. The navigation mode allows you to access menus on your iPod just as if you were controlling the unit itself. You can search your music, watch your slideshows, and find and play your videos

The On Stage III runs on AC or DC power or for total portability the unit can be powered by 6 regular or rechargeable AA batteries. The system charges your iPod, even when not connected to the computer or if the system is off. The On Stage III can be connected directly to your computer’s USB port, giving you an integrated solution to charge, playback and update music directly to your iPod.

If you are looking for a portable way to enjoy your music with rich sound quality and a depth of volume that truly fills your space, you will be very pleased with the JBL On Stage III. (Reviewed by Meredith Fire-Hess)

Comic Book Pick Of The Week: Avengers # 1

Courtesy of Marvel Comics, Comic Book Resources presents an exclusive 7-page preview of Avengers issue # 1 ($3.99) by the team of Brian Michael Bendis and John Romita Jr.

The new Heroic Age kicks off for the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes this Wednesday, May 19th. Click HERE to preview the issue now.

LOST “What They Died For” Sneak Peeks

As Locke plans a new strategy, Jack’s group searches for Desmond. The episode guest stars: Michelle Rodriguez (Ana-Lucia), Mira Furlan (Danielle Rousseau), Alan Dale (Charles Widmore), Tania Raymonde (Alex), Mark Pellegrino (Jacob), Dylan Minnette (David), Sheila Kelley (Zoe), Kenton Duty (Young Jacob), Wendy Pearson (Nurse Kondracki), Ashlee Kyker (student), Ernesto Lopez (LAPD cop).

2010 Fast Cities

Constructing the perfect city means blending the best and boldest ideas from across the nation. Fast Company Magazine compiled 12 cities that they hope all future cities will embrace. (Thanks for the tip Don)

Craftsman Music Experiment

What you are watching is built entirely from the sounds of Craftsman tools mixed and edited by Kutiman. No musical instruments were used.

Los Angeles to Vegas Luxury Train

Planned to launch in late 2011, the X-Train will bring passengers from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and provide an entertainment package with sports bar and food and beverage service along its 300 mile track.

The trip will take approximately 5 1/2 hours and the initial schedule will be 5 days beginning each Thursday – Monday.  Additional trips per week are planned as capacity allows.

The round trip ticket price has yet to be announced.

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant Plan New Comedy Series

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, creators of “The Office” and “Extras,” have been commissioned to write a new series for BBC2, BBC News reported. The 30-minute comedy, called “Life’s Too Short,” will revolve around Warwick Davis, right, an actor who has dwarfism. The show will follow Mr. Davis, best known for his performances in the “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars” films, in his daily life, with occasional appearances from Mr. Gervais and Mr. Merchant. “We’re having so much fun working with Warwick,” Mr. Gervais said. “Pound for pound he is one of the funniest men I know.” The show is also being developed for HBO in the United States; broadcast dates for both networks have not been announced.

Inappropriate Golden Books

The artist Josh Cooley spent 2 years creating these Inappropriate Golden Book sketches for fun. Now he has finally compiled them along with a couple new onesvinto a new book entitled “Movies R Fun”.  The book will be available at Comic-Con this year and also on his blog.

High quality prints from the Inappropriate Golden Book will be available as well. Perfect for framing and placing into any child’s nursery.

LOST Gets A Letter From George Lucas

At Thursday’s (May 13th) “LOST Live: The Final Celebration,” ABC Studios executive Barry Jossen read a letter from George Lucas to executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, congratulating the show on its run and offering some words of support.

Here’s the text of the letter:

“Congratulations on pulling off an amazing show. Don’t tell anyone … but when ‘Star Wars’ first came out, I didn’t know where it was going either. The trick is to pretend you’ve planned the whole thing out in advance. Throw in some father issues and references to other stories — let’s call them homages — and you’ve got a series.

In six seasons, you’ve managed to span both time and space, and I don’t think I’m alone in saying that I never saw what was around the corner. Now that it’s all coming to an end, it’s impressive to see how much was planned out in advance and how neatly you’ve wrapped up everything. You’ve created something really special. I’m sad that the series is ending, but I look forward to seeing what you two are going to do next.”

Afterward Lindelof said, “I just want to apologize to Mr. George Lucas for everything I said about the prequels …” — drawing one of many big laughs from the hugely appreciative crowd at UCLA’s Royce Hall.

Stephen King To Be Awarded The Literary Award For His Contribution To Literature

On Wednesday, May 19th, 2010, the 15th Annual Los Angeles Public Library Awards Dinner will be held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles hosts the Library Awards Dinner each spring to help augment critical funding. The proceeds of the 2010 Awards Dinner will help the Los Angeles Public Library provide reading enrichment and literacy programs and related books and materials, educational and cultural activities for all ages, and public access to the latest electronic information resources.

During the dinner, Stephen King will be awarded The Literary Award for his tremendous contribution to literature.

Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine in 1947.  He made his first professional short story sale in 1967 to Startling Mystery Stories. In the fall of 1973, he began teaching high school English classes at the public high school. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels. In the spring of 1973, Doubleday & Co. accepted the novel Carrie for publication, providing him the means to leave teaching and write full-time. He has since published over 40 books and has become one of the world’s most successful writers. King is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, 2007 Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America, American Library Association’s 1978 and 1981 Best Books for Young Adults. King lives in Maine and Florida with his wife, novelist Tabitha King. They are regular contributors to a number of charities including many libraries and have been honored locally for their philanthropic activities.

Information about the event can be found HERE.

Ricky Gervais Live: Out of England 2 At The Nokia Theatre In Los Angeles

Following the complete sell out of his UK tour, multi-award-winning writer/comedian Ricky Gervais brought his new stand up show Ricky Gervais Live: Out of England 2 to Los Angeles.

Performing Sunday night at the Nokia Theatre, Gervais delivered an honest, hilarious, tasteless and thought provoking 75-minute set that thrilled the celebrity studded audience featuring such fans as Kathy Griffin, Ben Stiller, Rob Reiner, Jamie Lee Curtis, Christopher Guest and Ed Norton.

Todd Barry opened the show with his droll New York observational humor and  deadbeat delivery. This was followed by a short film featuring fellow comic Louis C.K. that set the bar for raunchiness.

Gervais, looking trimmer in his customary black t-shirt and jeans covered such taboo topics as obesity, homosexuality, religion and racism.

The British comic utilized a slide show presentation and giant pointer allowing him to deconstruct a children’s book about Noah’s Ark and then delve into the prevalence of homosexuality in the animal kingdom.

The best moments were when the comedian riffed beyond the intended material.  Hopefully HBO will air this new act as a special so the rest of the world can bask in the genius of Gervais!

Pretzel M&M’s

M&M’s Pretzel Chocolate Candies combine sweet and salty in every bite-size piece. The new candy features a crunchy, salted pretzel center covered in M&M’s brand milk chocolate and coated in a colorful candy shell. The product is available now.

A multi-faceted marketing campaign will support the introduction of M&M’s Pretzel Chocolate Candies, including advertisements in TV, print, online and movie theaters, in-store POP, sponsorships, a consumer promotion and an extensive public relations plan.

M&M’s Pretzel Chocolate Candies are available in a 1.05-ounce single size ($0.79 SRP); 9.9-ounce medium bag ($3.49 SRP); 15.4-ounce large bag ($4.99 SRP); and 30-ounce stand up pouch ($8.99 SRP).

Glee: The Music – Journey To Regionals CD

A fifth Glee album containing 6 songs entitled: Glee: The Music – Journey To Regionals will be released on June 8th. The EP is filled with music from the season finale episode. The track list is as follows:

1. Faithfully

2. Any Way You Want It/ Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’

3. Don’t Stop Believin’ (Regionals Version)

4. Bohemian Rhapsody

5. To Sir, With Love

6. Over the Rainbow

‘LOST’ Reading List: The Show’s Creators Discuss Literary Influences, From Stephen King to Flannery O’Connor

Ever since Sawyer was shown reading “Watership Down” in Season One of “LOST,” an abundance of  carefully placed works of literature have been featured on the show  (in gym bags, on book shelves, in episode titles), spawning “LOST” book clubs and blogs filled with eager readers combing for clues to the fate of the stranded Oceanic Flight 815 survivors.

The unpredictable nature of the show left fans hungry for answers week after week and the referenced books have provided plenty of theorizing and heated discussions, even as the show moves towards its conclusion.

Executive producers and writers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse grew up reading a lot of the same authors (Stephen King, John Steinbeck and Kurt Vonnegut) and have acknowledged literature’s influence in the way they have shaped the show.

“It’s a nod to that process,” Lindelof (who is also co-creator) explained last year. “We pick the books with a great deal of meticulous thought and specificity and talk about what the thematic implications of picking a certain book are, why we’re using it in the scene and what we want the audience to deduce from that choice.”

Because “LOST” was not a carbon-copy cop show, legal drama or medical show, there was not a lot of precedence for its unique structure.  Lindelof and Cuse found inspiration in the making of the show in books as opposed to movies or other TV shows.

They noted Stephen King’s “The Stand” as a blueprint for early episodes. “It was this very long, character-oriented book that hung on a high-concept premise that the entire nation had been infected with this super-flu, and it was the equivalent of people crashing on this mysterious island. Both based on incredibly intricate and involved character dynamics,” Cuse said.

Read more HERE.

The Tarantino Shot

Quentin Tarantino loves his trademark trunk shots

HBO’s Boardwalk Empire Trailer

HBO will follow the rise of the “Boardwalk Empire” this year.

The cable channel has picked up the series about Atlantic City in the early 20th century to premiere in 2010. The network has ordered 12 episodes, including the Martin Scorsese-directed pilot.

The series stars Steve Buscemi as Nucky Thompson, a Prohibition-era bootlegger and prominent figure in the Atlantic City of the early 1920s, someone who’s described as “equal parts politician and gangster.” Kelly Macdonald (“No Country for Old Men”), Michael Pitt (“The Village”), Michael Kenneth Williams (“The Wire”), Michael Shannon (“Revolutionary Road”) and Dabney Coleman also star.

Terence Winter, a writer and producer on “The Sopranos,” created the show and will executive produce along with Scorsese, who has pledged to remain involved in the show and may direct another episode. Fellow “Sopranos” alum Tim Van Patten and “Entourage’s” Mark Wahlberg and Stephen Levinson are also executive producing.

All of LOST Told in 108 Seconds

Need a refresher before the last week of LOST ever? TIME’s LOST authority James Poniewozik does a tidy little recap of all six seasons.

Gold Dispensing ATM

Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace has redefined luxury by adding a gold-dispensing machine. The ATM-style kiosk monitors the daily gold price and offers small 10g bars or customized coins.

Cooper-Hewitt Asks: Can Designers Save the World?

Today, the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum unwrapped, the National Design Triennial, an omnibus exhibition that occurs only once every three years. And this time, it’s titled “Why Design Now,” and packed with 134 projects that aim to fix the worlds problems. Instead of prettified gewgaws and ironic flights of fancy, there’s everything from carbon-neutral buildings to baby incubators made of scrap parts.

HERE is a preview of the exhibition. (Thanks for the tip Don)

The Haptica Braille watch, by David Chavez. Watches for the blind usually employ loud audio or hard-to-read exposed faces, but this watch presents time in your standard military format.

If You Buy It, They Will Come

You can now own a major piece of movie memorabilia by purchasing the Field of Dreams Farm ($5.4 million). This 193-acre property includes the baseball field and two-bedroom, 1.5 bath farmhouse seen in the 1989 film, two souvenir stands, and six other assorted farm buildings. With approximately 65,000 movie buffs visiting the site each year, it’s a modest tourist attraction, along with actually being a farm.

Get To Know Your Favorite Celebrity With MYMAG

Film and music-video director Brett Ratner, Dim Mak Records president and superstar DJ Steve Aoki, and supermodel/actress Olivia Munn are the first celebrities to create their own exclusive magazines and online “universes” via MYMAG, the new multi-platform media outlet that recently launched.

Each limited-edition issue of MYMAG has been created by a celebrity tastemaker for distribution to his/her fans in order to share first-person and unfiltered insights on his/her interests and inspirations.

MYMAG comprises both a glossy print magazine and a Web site — the celebrity’s ever- expanding online “universe” — providing exclusive video, commentary and links. Each issue mixes original content with archived and topical articles, chosen by the celebrity, from thier favorite publications.

Deepak Chopra, a world-renowned authority in the field of spirituality, well-being and mind-body medicine, is the next celebrity set to launch his signature MYMAG magazine which includes personal writings, photographs and correspondence from numerous celebrity friends — a revealing glimpse into his life, insights and inspirations.

Each issue costs $10 and can be ordered HERE or through select select non-traditional retail outlets.

LOST The Auction

Unless you live in a hatch underground, you are probably aware that LOST is coming to an end on Sunday, May 23rd (grab your tissues) and to commemorate this epic television series, Profiles in History is auctioning off iconic props from the show.

Personal Note: If there is a generous benefactor out there who would like to send some moola my way, I could do some real damage at this shindig.

There are too many items up for auction to list them all here, but the ones that really caught my eye were Charlie’s Drive Shaft ring, Desmond’s picture of himself with Penny, Eko’s Jesus stick, Faraday’s journal, Kate’s toy airplane and Locke’s wheelchair.

Here are some of the great items available to bid on.

Locke’s Wheelchair

Kate's Toy Airplane

Hurley’s Winning Mega Lotto Jackpot Ticket

Faraday’s Journal with Handwritten Inscription from His Mother

Eko's Signature Staff with Bible Scripture Carvings

Desmond’s Photograph of Himself and Penny

Desmond's Fail-Safe Key with “Joe Inman” Dog Tag

Charlie’s "Drive Shaft" Ring

The 40 Best Cartoon Characters of All Time

Paste Magazine thought it would be interesting to celebrate TV cartoon characters, young and old, that they hold dear. The magazine came up with 50 great ones like The Simpsons and Looney Tunes, but also tried to diversify the list. Who made # 1? Find out HERE. Are there any favorite cartoon characters of yours that did not make the cut?