Sony Internet TV

If you like Google TV but don’t want to hook up another box then why not replace your current set with a Sony Internet TV ($600-$1,400). Available in sizes ranging from 24 to 46 inches, these Wi-Fi packing, LED side-lit sets feature Google TV built right in, Dual View, which lets you watch television while surfing, the upcoming ability to download apps form the Android Market, and a svelte design with slimline stand. It also comes with a fear-inducing RF QWERTY keypad remote with integrated optical mouse. (From Uncrate)

 

Co-Creator Of Yo Gabba Gabba, Christian Jacobs Discusses His Background & Influences

Christian Jacobs writes, produces, and directs Yo Gabba Gabba, a series on Nikelodeon that mixes live-action segments, short animated sketches, and musical numbers for kids. The costumes on the show give the appearance of the characters being cartoons or toys. Christian’s background as a child actor, an extra-curricular that left him without much time to hang out with other kids, fostered his passion for toys. As Christian grew-up, he decided he did not want to be an actor, and turned his ambitions towards music with his band, The Aquabats, a group notorious for their cartoonish costumes and larger than life persona.

Watch the video interview HERE as Christian discusses his background, influences and thoughts on taking chances.

 

Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis & Bruce Willis

Zach sits down with Bruce Willis; one of the stars of the new movie Red, to talk about the 80s and some of the prestigious awards he has been awarded.

Stephen King Named America’s Favorite Author

A new Harris poll says that Stephen King is still “America’s favorite author.”

He’s followed by:

No. 2: James Patterson
No. 3: John Grisham
No 4: Nora Roberts, who also writes as J.D. Robb
And, No. 5: Tom Clancy

So where’s Stephenie Meyer, author of the blockbuster Twilight series? She didn’t make the top 10. According to Harris, the poll was conducted online in the U.S. between Aug. 9 and 16 with 2,775 adults, aged 18 and over.

How about J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter author? She takes the No. 9 spot, tied with J. R.R. Tolkien. Dean Koontz, Danielle Steel and Dan Brown were 6, 7 and 8. (Reprinted from USA Today)

The Limited Edition Eames Hang-It-All

In August 2010, Herman Miller, Inc. introduced this limited edition Hang-It-All ($249) made with a black frame and solid walnut balls. This special item brings a sophisticated twist to the classic multi-colored version, and it will be in production for only a few months, ending in early 2011.

In the mid-1940s, Charles and Ray Eames began designing toys and furniture for children, including molded plywood animals, colorful building blocks and whimsical masks. “We have to take pleasure seriously,” said Charles Eames, and the Hang-It-All (1953) is an example of this mantra. They originally made the Hang-It-All for Tigrett Enterprises’ Playhouse Division, and Herman Miller reissued it in 1994.

This original wall hanger is an authentic, fully licensed product of Herman Miller. The Hang-It-All limited edition is made with a sturdy steel frame and solid wood balls, this design was created using the same technique for simultaneously welding wires that the Eameses developed for their low table bases and wire chairs.

 

Apple Holding Special Mac Event On October 20th

Invites for an Apple Mac event have just gone out to media. They’re even hinting at the next version of OS X with a lion! What could it be? What’s in store for OS X? We’ll find out October 20th and let you know!

 

Weezer’s Rarity Collection, Death to False Metal Due On November 2nd

Weezer released Hurley was last month, the Pinkerton reissue is due out November 2nd and their Memories Tour kicks off in late November. Now they’ve announced the release of a long-promised rarities collection, Death to False Metal: It’s due on November 2nd, the same day as the Pinkerton double-disc reissue.

The compilation will feature 10 tracks recorded between the early Nineties and now. Rivers Cuomo told NME that the tracks are “great songs, great recordings, but for some reason they didn’t make the final cut for a record.”

Death to False Metal Track Listing

1. “Turning Up the Radio”
2. “I Don’t Want Your Loving”
3. “Blowin’ My Stack”
4. “Losing My Mind”
5. “Everyone”
6. “I’m a Robot”
7. “Trampoline”
8. “Odd Couple”
9. “Autopilot”
10. “Un-Break My Heart”

Official Site For Stephen King’s Full Dark, No Stars Launched

Simon & Schuster has launched their official Full Dark, No Stars site. At the site you can download a screensaver, read an excerpt and more. Check it out HERE.

Napoleon Dynamite Cartoon Coming To TV

Fox is giving a series order to a cartoon project based on the indie hit, Napoleon Dynamite. The studio has picked up six episodes of the show, with the original cast on board as voice talent — including Jon Heder as the title character.

The comedy follows the misadventures of an awkward high school teenager and his quirky friends as they struggle to navigate life in rural Idaho.

Jared Hess, Jerusha Hess, and “Simpsons” veteran Mike Scully are writing and executive producing “Dynamite.”

Danny Elfman & Nightmare Before Chritmas In 4-D Come To Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – the stop-motion masterpiece from director Henry Selick – returns to Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre from Oct. 21 through Oct. 31 but for the first time ever it will do so in “4-D” (Disney 3-D plus special effects in the theater itself, such as wind and fog.)

There will also be a famous face and voice joining the festivities, as composer/songwriter Danny Elfman is scheduled to appear before the October 21. screening. The mad genius of Oingo Boingo will take the stage to introduce bonus material from the soon to be released “Danny Elfman & Tim Burton 25th Anniversary Music Box,” the lavish 16-CD boxed set featuring 19 hours of music from all 13 Burton/Elfman films.

Tickets can be purchased at the El Capitan box office (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), at the online box office or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6.

 

Criterion Edition Of Wes Anderson’s The Darjeeling Limited Released Today On DVD & Blu-ray

In director Wes Anderson’s The Darjeeling Limited, three estranged American brothers reunite for a meticulously planned, soul-searching train voyage across India one year after the death of their father. Armed with eleven suitcases, a laminated itinerary, a can of pepper spray, a supply of over-the-counter painkillers, and a host of family conflicts ready to erupt, Francis, Peter, and Jack eventually find themselves stranded alone in the middle of the desert—at which point an unexpected new chapter in their journey begins. Featuring a sensational cast, including Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman, and Anjelica Huston, The Darjeeling Limited is a dazzling and hilarious film that takes Anderson’s work to deeper places than ever before.

Special Features include:

-New high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by director Wes Anderson (with DTS-HD Master Audio on the Blu-ray edition)

- Hotel Chevalier (part one of The Darjeeling Limited)

- Audio commentary featuring Anderson and cowriters Jason Schwartzman and Roman Coppola

- Behind-the-scenes documentary by Barry Braverman

- Discussion between Anderson and filmmaker James Ivory on the music used in the film

- Anderson’s American Express commercial

- On-set footage shot by Coppola and actor Waris Ahluwalia

- Video essay by critic Matt Zoller Seitz

- Audition footage

- Deleted and alternate scenes

- Original theatrical trailer

- Stills galleries from James Hamilton, Laura Wilson, and Sylvia Plachy

- PLUS: An insert featuring an essay by critic Richard Brody and original illustrations by Eric Chase Anderson

 

AMC Releases “Walking Dead” Mini-Documentary

With less than three weeks until the debut of the series, AMC has released a 17-minute behind-the-scenes mini-documentary on the development and making of “The Walking Dead.” The video features series creator Robert Kirkman, director Frank Darabont, along with members of the cast and crew.

“The Walking Dead” debuts on AMC Halloween night at 9PM.

 

Stephen King Will Sign Full Dark, No Stars On December 2nd

RiverRun Bookstore located at 20 Congress Street in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire will be hosting world famous bestselling author Stephen King for his new book: Full Dark, No Stars. This event will be on Thursday, December 2nd at 7pm.

This is a ticketed event. Please see below for details before contacting us. You must e-mail the store in order to get your ticket at riverrunking@gmail.com if you wish to attend.

More info about this rare appearance can be found HERE.

 

Superman’s Social Network Nightmare

Motorized LEGO Walking AT-AT

Join forces with the Empire to crush the Rebel Alliance with the ultimate LEGO Motorized Walking AT-AT ($130). Thanks to the Power Functions System, the mighty All-Terrain Armored Transport really walks forward or backward into battle and its head moves up and down.

The cockpit opens and laser cannons rotate for even more realistic play. Includes AT-AT Pilot, General Veers, Snowtrooper and Luke Skywalker with grappling line and lightsaber. And when the battle is over, just grab the handle on top for easy transport.

 

Google Doodle Video Tribute To John Lennon

Google UK pays tribute to John Lennon on the occasion of what would have been his 70th birthday (10/9) with its very first video doodle.

 

Sam Raimi To Direct Disney’s Oz: The Great And Powerful

According to Deadline Hollywood, the Evil Dead and Darkman creator, Sam Raimi has signed up to direct Disney’s Oz: The Great And Powerful. Raimi has been circling the movie, which details how the Wonderful Wizard arrived in Oz and gained his reputation, since this summer, and his arrival also heralds a new writer being brought on board to rewrite the existing script; Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire is now the man responsible for crafting the script that will perhaps get rumored Robert Downey Jr. to join the production in the title role.

Production is expected to begin on the movie next year.

Zac Freeman’s “Junky” Art

There is a saying that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure…

You know all that stuff you either toss away of throw in the kitchen ‘junk’ drawer? Buttons, old remote controls, pen caps, paper clips, Altoid tins, Lego Minifigs, wire, plastic bits and pieces from lord-knows-what? Artist Zac Freeman uses those throwaway objects in creating one of a kind portraits.

Beginning in 1999, Zac began collecting junk, found objects and general trash which he then glued to wooden cases to form an image. His assemblage artworks are made on a large scale (the pieces average about 28″ by 35″) and when viewed close up look like scraps of junk cobbled together with a hot glue gun, but when viewed from afar are impressive, compelling and simply beautiful portraits.

Garrett

Garrett Close Up

Courtney

Courtney Close Up

Dave

Dave Close Up

Logitech Revue Brings Google TV To Your Living Room

Logitech’s box for Google TV is called the Revue and will cost $300. It will combine cable programming with access to video from the web, photos from Flickr, games, and music from sites such as Pandora and Rhapsody. It will include HD video calling capability, Netflix, Chrome browser and an app that lets you use your iPhone or Android phone as a remote for the device.

The box is currently available for pre-order on the company’s website, Amazon.com and BestBuy.com. It will be in retail stores by the end of the month.

The Logitech Revue is a slim device powered by an Intel Atom CE4100 processor and a keyboard controller. To use it, consumers will need a broadband connection. With the bundled HDMI cable, users can link the Revue to the port on their TV, while another HDMI cable connects the Revue to the cable TV box.

Logitech’s thin, lightweight keyboard controller lets users interact with the device, search and choose what they want to watch.

The controller also has a rather smooth touch pad with scroll and buttons such as back and home. Logitech has included buttons that control the TV, A/V receiver and DVR, which explains why the entire device looks so complicated. After all, it combines the TV remote and a computer keyboard into a single package.

One of the interesting features of the Logitech Revue box is the ability to make HD quality video calls from the TV. The accessories–Logitech TV Cam and Logitech Vid HD–lets consumers connect to the the Revue using USB and make calls without the need for a computer.

The TV cam has a wide-angle lens so it can capture the entire living room. And it includes 5x digital zoom so consumers can get up, close and personal, if they want.

The TV Cam and Vid HD software enable high-definition video calls of up to 720p. It includes some neat features such as call notifciation. For instance, if you receive a video call, the TV cam will blink to alert you of an incoming call.

If your TV screen is on, you will hear it ring and have the option to pick up or miss the call. The software also ensures that the TV lights up when you’ve missed a call – even when your TV is off.

Overall, the Logitech Revue seems impressive with its hardware specs (1080p, 60 frames per second output, two USB ports, Wi-Fi and ethernet connectivity). (Reprinted from Wired.com)

Lifesize Edible Gingerbread Playhouse

Nothing matches the childhood joy of building, admiring—then devouring—a holiday gingerbread house. This mouthwatering gift lets you expand that tradition with enough glee for all the children, grandchildren, godchildren, relatives, and lucky friends of all ages.

This unique edible playhouse ($15,000) is handcrafted of 381 lbs. of gourmet gingerbread and 517 lbs. of royal icing by the expert confectioners at Dylan’s Candy Bar. The munchable manor, which stands 6.6 feet high by 5.25 feet wide by 4.1 feet deep, incorporates the best confections from the world’s largest candy store in New York City. With literally thousands of signature gourmet sweets from which to choose, it is both artfully designed and decadently delicious. It includes giant cookies, lollipops, gummies, mints, gumdrops, and (of course) a candy-encrusted roof. There’s also a lollipop tree inside, just for good measure.

CEO and self-proclaimed Candy Queen Dylan Lauren was inspired as a child when she watched the classic movie Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.

Butter Sculptures, Robot Pancakes & Floating Darth Vader

My nephew Ben, who happens to turn 10 tomorrow (Happy Birthday!) is THE FIRE WIRE’s youngest correspondent. You might remember his riveting video review of the Perplexus. Ben who lives in South Portland, Maine was kind enough to scour the internet and find some pretty cool things that are really interesting. So I thought that I would share them with you.

And who knows, maybe we can coax Ben to make this a weekly occurrence?

 

Amazing Food Sculptures

Robot Pancake Maker

Darth Vader Hot Air Balloon

Student Built Electric Vehicle

The Bookshelf Chair

The Extreme Hangover Edition arrives On Blu-ray Disc & DVD On October 12th

Some Guys Really Can’t Handle Vegas. Re-live the bachelor party gone wrong when The Extreme Hangover Edition arrives on Blu-ray Disc and DVD on October 12th from Warner Home Video. From the director of Old School, comes a laugh-out-loud comedy about three groomsmen and their journey to retrace their steps from a downright crazy Vegas night in hopes of finding the missing groom. Timed for holiday gift giving, The Extreme Hangover Edition contains an exclusive never before seen 28-page wedding album featuring missing photos from the ill-fated Vegas wedding and more incriminating photos from the lost camera that you couldn’t see in theaters! Additionally, the Extreme Edition boasts everything from the original 2-disc Special Edition, including a Map of Destruction – retracing the fate-filled evening, action and cursing mash-ups, extras from The Dan Band, Iron Mike and the three groomsmen, including a hilarious gag reel. The Extreme Hangover Edition on Blu-ray contains exclusive BD-Live content and picture in picture commentary featuring Bradley Cooper, Zack Galifianakis, Ed Helms and Todd Phillips.

Two days before his wedding, Doug drives to Las Vegas with his best buddies for a blow-out bachelor party they vow they’ll never forget…only they did. When the three groomsmen wake up the next morning with pounding headaches, their hotel suite is trashed and the groom is lost. With little time to spare, the trio attempts to retrace their bad decisions from the night before to figure out where things went wrong in the hopes of finding Doug and getting him back to L.A. in time for his wedding.

Directed and produced by hit comedy director Todd Phillips (Road Trip, Old School, Starsky & Hutch and the upcoming Due Date and The Hangover 2), The Hangover stars Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers, He’s Just Not That Into You, Yes Man, The A-Team), Ed Helms (TV’s The Office, TV’s The Daily Show), Zach Galifianakis (What Happens in Vegas), Heather Graham (Boogie Nights, Scream 2), Justin Bartha (National Treasure, National Treasure: Book of Secrets), Ken Jeong (Couples Retreat, Furry Vengance and TV’s Community) and Jeffrey Tambor (TV’s Arrested Development).

The Extreme Hangover Edition will be available on Blu-ray for $49.99 and on 2-disc Special Edition DVD for $39.92.

Wahoo Fitness Products

Wahoo Fitness is an innovative company that is dedicated to making fitness technology both affordable and accessible via the use of your smart phone coupled with their ever increasing line of hardware and accessories.

I had the privilege of testing the following items that I used for running / walking; the Fisica Fitness Sensor Key, Stride Sensor, Soft Heart Rate Belt, and the Sport Armband. The setup was extremely easy and user friendly. I simply attached the Fisica Fitness Sensor Key with ANT+ wireless technology to the bottom of my iPhone. The key is compatible with the iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, iPod Touch > 3.0, and iPad. The key enables data to be seamlessly transferred to your device wirelessly from the Wahoo Fitness sensors, as well as a whole host of sensors from other popular fitness brands and models. I placed my phone in the Sport Armband.  I loved the fact that there was plenty of room for me to put my phone inside of it, even with my protective case still attached.  There is a cut out at the bottom, where the key is able to fit through the pouch.  I then attached the soft Heart Rate Belt to my chest, and easily clipped the Stride Sensor to one of my running shoes, strapped on the Sport Armband and I was ready for a run.

I had previously downloaded both the Fisica Fitness App and the Fisica Sensor Utility to my iPhone, which are both free in iTunes. The Fisica Sensor Utility allowed me to pair both of my sensors with my iPhone. Both my Stride Sensor and Soft Heart Rate Belt were recognized immediately. There was no guesswork regarding whether the sensors were working properly unlike many of the popular sensors on the market today. I then went into the Fisica Fitness App where I was able to view a whole host of metrics such as; lap time, heart rate, pace, stride rate, lap distance, elapsed time, and more. While this software is useful for those individuals looking specifically for performance data only, there are several apps that are compatible with the Fisica Sensor Key and a multitude of new apps currently in development. These apps range from having features such as social networking, individualized workouts, and voice feedback, to name but a few.

The Wahoo Fitness product line is customizable. For instance if you are not an armband person, you can choose the Sport Belt Model.  Perhaps you are looking for a more streamlined way to receive your data; you can choose the Fisica Fitness Sensor Case which offers ANT+ technology with a protective case all in one unit.  Wahoo Fitness also offers additional sensors for biking such as the Premium Speed and Cadence Bike Sensor. Additional sensors are in development, so visit the Wahoo Fitness website often for updates and be sure to check them out on Facebook here. (Reviewed by Meredith Fire-Hess)

Apple TV Review

The face of television is changing. The audience can now pick and choose what they want to view and when they want to view it. For the cost of an average cable bill ($100) you can purchase the newly redesigned Apple TV and perhaps consider getting rid of the cable box altogether. The new business model may be pay for what you watch. Although I have over 200 channels now that I pay for, I only end up watching about 6 of them.

Apple TV allows you to rent HD movies and TV programs plus the ability to watch Netflix, YouTube, and other Internet content. In addition, Apple TV lets you stream videos, photos and music from your computer to your high-definition TV.  All this from a device that is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

The sleek new black gadget is 1/4 the size of its predecessor making it unobtrusive and easy to place amongst your media components. The enclosure measures 3.9-inch-square inches and is less than an inch tall. The dramatic size reduction is due to the elimination of a hard drive. Apple figured out that most people do not care about storing their content and would prefer to have immediate access via rentals or streaming.

The Apple TV takes less than a minute to set up.  It’s only two steps…plug the power cord into the wall and connect to your widescreen TV using an HDMI cable (sold separately).

The new interface is incredibly easy to navigate without the need of any prior instruction. You choose your options via the included aluminum remote.

If you decide to rent, you have 30 days to watch a movie or TV show from the time you initially rent it. Movies must be consumed within 24 hours of starting it, while TV shows have a 48-hour window. Rentals start at $2.99 for movies and .99 for TV shows. The selection is huge; it’s like having a Redbox in your home without the hassle of returns.

If you are a Netflix customer, you will love this feature. Apple TV smartly organizes the Netflix catalog of movies and TV shows so you can find exactly what you’re looking for in a matter of clicks. When you find something you like, watch it right away or add it to your instant-watch queue.

Apple TV easily allows you to share home content. You can stream the music from your iTunes library as well as the photos and videos from your computer to your TV.  Just turn on Home Sharing in iTunes on your computer and you’ll be able to stream music, photos, and videos right to your TV.

If you are looking for an affordable and easy to use solution to access all of your iTunes movies, TV shows and stream Netflix on that new flat screen, then the Apple TV is the way to go!

5 Questions For Zach Galifianakis