OK Go’s New Music Video Animated Entirely On Toast

To put together visuals for the latest video Last Leaf from Of the Blue Colour of the Sky, the Internet-friendly foursome, OK Go turned to Samsung, which sponsored this lightly-burnt stop-motion animation to promote their NX100 camera on which this short was shot.

The Hidden Games of ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops’

Who knew owners of Call of Duty: Black Ops were getting three games in one package?

A pair of hidden games — first uncovered by Kotaku — found on the menu screen of Activision’s first-person shooter.

When players press start to access the menu, they’ll find their character tied down to a chair in an interrogation chamber. Players can move the right thumbstick to control the camera.

To break their restraints, players quickly tap the left and right triggers alternately to escape. From their, they can explore the room.

To find the hidden games, turn left and walk around until you spot an old computer sitting on the right hand side, then hold X (or square for PS3) to use the computer.

Type “DOA” and unlock Dead Ops Arcade, a top-down, twin-stick shooter which offers a classic take on Black Ops’ Zombie mode.

Also, players can type “ZORK” to unlock the text-based adventure title Zork I: The Great Underground Empire. (Reprinted from USA Today – Thanks for the tip Don)

Brand New Full-Length Trailer For TRON: LEGACY

TRON: LEGACY is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world that’s unlike anything ever captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), a man once known as the world’s leading video-game developer. When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the old Flynn’s Arcade—a signal that could only come from his father—he finds himself pulled into a digital world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. With the help of the fearless warrior Quorra (Olivia Wilde), father and son embark on a life-or-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe—a universe created by Kevin himself that has become far more advanced with never-before-imagined vehicles, weapons, landscapes and a ruthless villain who will stop at nothing to prevent their escape. Presented in Disney Digital 3D and scored by Grammy Award-winning electronic music duo Daft Punk, TRON: LEGACY hits U.S. theaters on Dec. 17, 2010 in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX 3D.

Glee: The Music, Volume 4 Available On Tuesday November 30th

Get ready for Glee: The Music, Volume 4, the next official release in the Glee music catalog, available Tuesday November 30th. Glee: The Music, Volume 4 features 18 brand new songs from season two, including songs from special guests Gwyneth Paltrow and newcomer Darren Criss. Glee: The Music, Volume 4 features such memorable Glee performances as “Billionaire,” “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and “Empire State of Mind,” which had the single highest first day sales for any Glee track released to date.  This collection also includes 4 songs from the much talked about “Britney/Brittany” episode, which was the most watched episode with 16.1 million viewers.

The full track listing for Glee: The Music, Volume 4 is as follows:

1. Empire State of Mind

2. Billionaire

3. Me Against the Music

4. Stonger

5. Toxic

6. The Only Exception

7. I Wanna Hold Your Hand

8. One of Us

9. River Deep, Mountain High

10. Lucky

11. One Love

12. Teenage Dream

13. Forget You

14. Marry You

15. Sway

16. Just the Way You Are

17. Valerie

18. (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life

AMC Renews The Walking Dead

AMC has renewed its zombie frightfest, The Walking Dead, for a 13-episode second season. Since premiering in Mad Men‘s Sunday night timeslot on Halloween, the Frank Darabont-produced series has reached more adults 18-49 than any cable show in history. The premiere drew a total of 5.3 million viewers.

Pottery Barn Pulley Task Table Lamp

To create the Pulley Table Lamp ($349), Pottery Barn looked to the handsome functionality of early-20th-century industrial design. The lamp is crafted from brass with a hand-rubbed antique silver finish and measures 26.5″ wide x 11.5″ deep x 20–23″ high.

Adjust the height of its shade with the operating pulley; a weighted counterbalance holds it firmly in place. An on/off switch is located on the plug-in cord. Use with our Filament Bulbs (sold separately).

DVD & Blu-ray Releases of Dinner for Schmucks Announced For January 4th

Paramount Home Entertainment has announced DVD and Blu-ray releases of Dinner for Schmucks for January 4th. Extras will include 2 featurettes (“The Biggest Schmucks in the World”, “Schmuck Ups”), and deleted scenes. The Blu-ray release will also include 3 additional featurettes (“The Men Behind the Mouseterpieces”, “Meet the Winners”, “Paul and Steve: The Decision”).

Mr. Peanut Speaks For The First Time In 94 Years

Today, Planters launches a new marketing campaign that features Mr. Peanut, the beloved icon, speaking for the first time in 94 years in a series of stop-motion animation commercials that bring to life the “Naturally Remarkable” world of Planters. The first commercial appears on Mr. Peanut’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mrpeanut) on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 12:00 a.m. EST.

Mr. Peanut will have a voice for the first time since his creation in 1916 – and he has a lot to say. The popular and witty character will introduce people to the nut-sized world of Planters to honor what’s important in life – family and friends; real, authentic experiences; delicious, wholesome foods; and having fun. The character will be voiced by Robert Downey Jr.

Mr. Peanut will appear in an innovative series of stop-motion animation commercials that peek into his multi-dimensional world, where people can experience his life, his humor and his friends as never before. The first commercial takes place during Mr. Peanut’s annual holiday party, giving the first glimpse into his personality and the things he cares about.

Michael Jackson’s New Single “Breaking News”: Is It Really Him Singing?

The Internet is abuzz with speculation about just how many of Michael Jackson‘s original vocals ended up on Michael, his upcoming album of unreleased material. Those rumors heated up today with the release of “Breaking News,” the first single from the album.

Some fans are convinced that the lead vocals on “Breaking News,” particularly during the verses, don’t sound enough like the late legend they remember. Others feel that perhaps Jackson was just using a different vocal timbre than usual.

Jackson’s label has acknowledged that at least some of the tracks on Michael were brought to completion after his death last year. Beyond that, specifics on these recording sessions are hard to come by, so it’s an open question for now.

Click on the image below to hear “Breaking News” and comment: Is that really Michael Jackson singing or not?

Machete DVD & Blu-ray Due On January 4th, 2011

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has just announced Machete for release on DVD and Blu-Ray Disc in January. From director Robert Rodriguez, and featuring an all-star cast including Danny Trejo, Robert De Niro and Jessica Alba, comes an action-packed, bare-knuckled fistful of carnage asada! Set up, double-crossed and left for dead, Machete (Danny Trejo) is an ass-kicking ex-Federale who lays waste to anything that gets in his path. As he takes on hit men, vigilantes and a ruthless drug cartel, bullets fly, blades clash and the body count rises. Any way you slice it, vengeance has a new name — Machete.

The release will contain Exclusive Deleted Scenes that reveal never-before-seen characters, twisting plot lines, and more bloody good action! On Blu-Ray you will also get Digital Copy of the film on a separate disc, which can now be transferred to your device wirelessly also. “Machete” can be yours to own on January 4th for $29.98 on DVD and $39.99 on Blu-Ray Disc.

BODUM LATTE Milk Frother

Every morning I start my day by making a cup of coffee using my BODUM French Press coffee maker.  My morning cup of java has always tasted good, but I have never been able to recreate the coffee shop or café taste.  I finally figured out the missing secret ingredient, frothed milk. This past week I have fallen in love with the BODUM LATTE Milk Frother ($29.95).  To make the perfect coffee topper, I simply filled the container to the measuring line (makes up to 0.2 l at a time) with cold milk, inserted the lid, and pressed the button on top of the rubber lid for 30 seconds.  The battery operated (4 AA batteries not included) spiral quickly rotated while at the same time moved up and down to create rich and creamy foam.  I then placed the container in the microwave for 20 seconds to warm the frothed milk, and enjoyed the very best cup of coffee that I have ever had in my home.  The frother can also be used as a light mixer for sauces, dressings, and protein drinks. BODUM is always coming out with new collections of products that combine form and function with their sleek design and great colors.  You can stay up to date with their latest news by joining their Facebook page here. (Reviewed by Meredith Fire-Hess)

Williams-Sonoma Professional Multi-Chopper Review

The Williams-Sonoma Professional Multi-Chopper ($39.95) makes easy work of dicing and creating uniform slices of your favorite fruits and vegetables.  I discovered this handy chopper as I was seeking a quick way to prepare healthy oven baked French fries for my family.  My previous attempts at making oven fries had not turned out so well, as some slices were too thin and some were too fat causing uneven cooking throughout.  I was thrilled at how easy this device quickly turned 3 potatoes into a tray of crisp and perfectly cooked French fries. The chopper not only slices potatoes, but can also slice through tomatoes, citrus, apples, carrots, cucumbers, and onions with ease.  The device comes with three pushers and four interchangeable stainless steel blades that allow the unit to slice, dice, wedge, and core fruits and vegetables.  To use you simply load the desired attachment and matching pusher into the unit. Then with a good strong push of the spring-loaded lid, the fruit or vegetable gets cut and deposited directly into the storage container below. The lid also has a telescoping arm that allows you to accommodate larger ingredients. Cleanup could not be easier as the chopper and blades are dishwasher safe.  The chopper also comes with a handy cleanup tool that allows you to get into the small crevices to remove any remaining food from the blades and pusher before washing. Best of all, the unit is compact.  Each of the blades can be stored easily inside the container and only take up 8″ x 6″ x 7 ½” of space. (Reviewed by Meredith Fire-Hess)

The Sol Cinema: The World’s Smallest Solar Powered Cinema

The Sol Cinema is a micro movie house powered entirely by the sun. The micro movie house can accommodate 8 adults comfortably for a unique cinematic experience. They have a full library of comedy, quirky, music videos and short films with inspiring environment themes.

Just Go With It Trailer

Here is the trailer for the upcoming romantic comedy “Just Go With It,” starring Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, and Brooklyn Decker.

The story revolves around a plastic surgeon (Sandler), who enlists his loyal assistant to pretend to be his soon to be ex–wife (Aniston), in order to cover up a careless lie he made while romancing a much younger schoolteacher (Decker). When more lies backfire, the assistant’s kids become involved, and everyone heads off for a weekend in Hawaii that will change all their lives.

The new movie is directed by frequent Sandler collaborator Dennis Dugan (Grown Ups, Happy Gilmore) and is scheduled to hit theaters on February 11th.

Refrigerator Upgrade Magnet

This Refrigerator Upgrade Magnet ($7.95) looks just like one of those fancy ice and water dispensers found on the door of most high-end refrigerators.

Upon closer inspection some peculiar options are revealed like “Frozen Yogurt,” “Nacho Cheese,” and “Chicken Wings.” Sure to frustrate your friends as they desperately press the “French Fries” button to no avail!

Hall Pass Trailer

Here is the first official trailer for the Farrelly Brothers’ Heartbreak Kid follow-up, Hall Pass.

The film, which stars Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, Christina Applegate, Jenna Fischer, Stephen Merchant, and J.B. Smoove, is due in theaters February 25th.

New Michael Jackson Album To Be Released On December 14th

The much anticipated album of newly completed recordings from Michael Jackson entitled MICHAEL will be released on December 14th by Epic Records in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson. Tomorrow, an exclusive teaser for the project will appear on www.michaeljackson.com; on Monday, November 8th the world premiere of “Breaking News,” a full track from the album, will stream on the site for one week only.

The creative process never stopped for the King of Pop who was always planning for his next album; unbeknownst to many fans around the world Michael Jackson was writing and recording songs continuously everywhere from a friend’s home in New Jersey to studios in Las Vegas and Los Angeles with a small group of handpicked collaborators. Now, through the unique stories that will be told about the songs that comprise MICHAEL, fans will get mind-blowing insight into how this artist worked and a chance to hear the songs he most recently created along with tracks that Michael had a desire to bring to fruition.

“Breaking News,” a never heard before song by Michael that appears on the new album was recorded in New Jersey in 2007 and recently brought to completion. Fans can begin pre-ordering the album on www.michaeljackson.com in the next 24 hours.

The album cover of MICHAEL was created by painter Kadir Nelson in 2009. In the oil painting, Kadir – who is known for story telling through his art – takes us on a journey through some key moments and important people in Michael Jackson’s life.

Watch The First 5 Minutes of Megamind

Stephen Sommers Confirmed To Direct Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas Film

Screen Daily has confirmed that Stephen Sommers (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, “The Mummy” movies) is attached to direct an adaptation of Dean Koontz’s “Odd Thomas.”

“As soon as I read the book I felt compelled to turn it into a movie,” Sommers said. “It’s a fantastic love affair between these two wonderful characters.

“The story combines action with heart, laughs and scares. It felt right to be doing this independently and I’m excited to take this to the market.”

First appearing in 2003′s “Odd Thomas,” Koontz has returned to the character, a clairvoyant with the power to see (but not hear) the dead, for three subsequent books, “Forever Odd,” “Brother Odd” and “Odd Hours,” as well as for two graphic novels.

Dunkin’ Donuts’ Pancake Bites & Jones Bacon Soda

Dunkin’ Donuts’ latest offering is called Sausage Pancake Bites, introduced Wednesday and resembling oblong doughnut holes or hush puppies. They are bite-sized sausage encased in maple-flavored pancake balls.

Available all day, the limited-time bites play off of two trends in fast food — breakfast and snacking. The chain added a 99-cents all-day breakfast menu last year.

Each three-piece ($1.59; six pieces for $3) contains 300 calories, 20 grams of fat (7 of them saturated), 550 milligrams of sodium and 23 grams of carbohydrates.

To wash your pancake ball down, you might want to try Jones Soda’s latest concoction, Bacon Soda. Yes, you heard correctly, bacon soda.

The pork flavored soda is made in partnership with J&D’s Foods, the maker of such bacon flavored products as Bacon Salt, Baconnaise, BaconPOP and Bacon Gravy.

“Bacon is like the eighth wonder of the world,” said Jones Soda Marketing Director, Mike Spear. “We spend a lot of time listening to our customers on social media sites, and we couldn’t help but take notice of the hundreds of thousands of people taking part in bacon discussion boards and fan groups right now. We felt it was our duty as leaders in the premium soda category to carbonate bacon’s salty goodness.”

Available today at www.myjones.com/store and www.store.baconsalt.com, bacon fans can purchase two bottles of the salty new soda; a bag of J&D’s Cheddar BaconPOP bacon and cheddar flavored popcorn; J&D’s Bacon Lip Balm and a package of J&D’s Bacon Gravy for $9.99 plus shipping and handling.

Giants World Series Poster By Dave Eggers

Just in time to celebrate the first World Series champion in San Francisco history, McSweeney’s presents a 24″ x 36″ poster made of these drawings by Dave Eggers (commissioned by the Bay Citizen).

These limited-edition posters ($10) are being printed as you read this sentence, and orders placed now will be fulfilled as soon as the posters are off the press.

San Franciscans will also be able to find the posters at Electric Works gallery and Green Apple bookstore.

Sucker Punch Trailer

Here is the first full-length trailer for Zack Snyder’s highly-anticipated action-fantasy film Sucker Punch.

The film, which stars Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish, Jamie Chung, Jena Malone, Carla Gugino, and Jon Hamm, is due in theaters March 25, 2011.

Holy Secret Identity, Batman

The end of this week’s issue of Batman and Robin doesn’t just wrap up the five-year storyline that Grant Morrison has been cooking up, bringing back Bruce Wayne from throughout time, explaining who Dr. Hurt is, and restoring order to Gotham City – It also sets up the new status quo in its final pages as Bruce Wayne outs himself as the man who’s been funding Batman all along to the press and announces Batman Incorporated, a plan to take the Dark Knight’s war on crime global. Techland spoke with DC’s editor-in-chief Bob Harras about what this means for Batman’s future. Read the interview HERE.

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard

Tired of replacing or recharging the batteries in your wireless keyboard? Ditch the AAs and harness the power of the sun with the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard ($80). In addition to integrated solar panels and the ability to run for up to three months in total darkness, the Solar Keyboard features a 7.5mm-thick body, low-profile Incurve keys, an included Unifying receiver that works over 2.4 GHz with 128-bit AES encryption to connect with your computer, and a companion application to let you check battery levels without ever looking away from the screen (From Uncrate)

Bang! Lights Out

“Bang! Lights Out!” from Japanese design studio bitplay INC.(Jack Chang + Josh Cheng) gamifies the traditional desk lamp by adding a gun-shaped remote than not only turns the light off, but also causes the lampshade to tilt as if hit. The lamp is currently only a concept but will hopefully go into production soon.