Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 & Harry Potter Years 1-7 DVD/Blu-ray Is Available Today

Warner Home Video has released DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combos of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 today. Extras on the Blu-ray/DVD Combo release will include a sneak peek of an opening scene from the final film, a Maximum Movie Mode, Focus Points (“The Last Days of Privet Drive”, “Hagrid’s Motorbike”, “Amazing (or) Magical Tents!”, “Deatheaters attack Cafe”, “Creating Dobby and Kreacher”, “Godric’s Hollow”, “The Harry And Nagini Battle”, “The Frozen Lake”, “The Return of Griphook”), featurettes (“On the Green with Rupert, Tom, Oliver and James”, “The Seven Harry’s”, “Dan, Rupert, and Emma’s Running Competition”, “Behind The Soundtrack”), and additional scenes. Also available is be 7-disc DVD ($78.92) and 9-disc Blu-ray ($134.99) releases of the Harry Potter Years 1-7: Part 1 Giftset.

In this first half of the final installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) are on the run from Lord Voldemort and his henchmen. They must sever ties with all the people they love and go it alone.

Their quest is for the trio to track down various objects that will allow them to destroy Lord Voldemort’s secret to immortality. They seek a Horcrux containing a sliver of Voldemort’s soul, the sword of Gryffindor and a pendant that holds the key to the deathly hallows.

This is the darkest film within the Harry Potter films with superb action and great drama! Satisfying as this installment was, I cannot wait for the final movie later this summer.

New Trailer For Jon Favreau’s Cowboys & Aliens

Universal Pictures has released the new trailer for director Jon Favreau’s Cowboys & Aliens. Opening in theaters on July 29, the action thriller will take audiences into the Old West, where a lone cowboy leads an uprising against a terror from beyond our world. Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, Adam Beach, Paul Dano, Noah Ringer, Keith Carradine, Clancy Brown, Ana de la Reguera and Abigail Spencer star.

Thor – Behind the Scenes Sneak Peek

The epic adventure THOR spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the mystical realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. As a result, Thor is banished to Earth where he is forced to live among humans. When the most dangerous villain of his world sends its darkest forces to invade Earth, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero.

The movie is released on May 6th in both 3D and 2D theaters.

Apple Releases iOS 4.3.2 For iPhone, iPad & iPod touch

Apple has released iOS 4.3.2 for the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 (GSM), iPad, iPad 2, and third- and fourth-generation iPod touch. According to Apple’s release notes, the update “fixes an issue that occasionally caused blank or frozen video during a FaceTime call,” “fixes an issue that prevented some international users from connecting to 3G networks on iPad Wi-Fi + 3G,” and “contains the latest security updates.” In addition, Apple has released iOS 4.2.7 for the CDMA iPhone 4. Both updates are available now via the Update feature in iTunes.

Record Player Wedding Invitation

Mike Tarantino and Karen Sandler are both really into music, so when they decided to marry each other they commissioned designer Kelli Anderson to create for them a wedding invitation that transforms into a record player and plays a special wedding song they wrote.

Entertainment Weekly Covers The Last Harry Potter Film & 100 Summer Flicks

Potter fans, take heart: The top-grossing movie franchise of all time will not end with a whimper. “The new film is just a relentless action movie,” says Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2. “It Just. Does. Not. Stop.” In this week’s cover story, we visit the stars and filmmakers on the set and learn secrets of the final, climactic installment, which hits theaters July 15. Such as? Well, for one thing, the final showdown between Harry and evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) in a wand duel at Hogwarts will be a little different from what author J.K. Rowling described in her 2007 novel. This time, the chase leads through Hogwarts and culminates in a very physical brawl as the two foes “apparate” (i.e., teleport) toward and away from each other.

Speaking of action, Deathly Hallows — Part 2 features the long-awaited first kiss between Harry’s pals Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). “It has be to the most anticipated moment between the two of them in the whole series,” says Watson. “In general, though, Part Two is just plain hell-raising and scary. I get to get my Lara Croft on.”

For Radcliffe, one of the biggest challenges this time around was relishing the moment and taking nothing for granted. “I’ve become particularly aware on this film that I’m not always going to be able to play these action-hero-type parts,” says the actor, who’s currently starring in the Broadway musical revival How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. “You really have to enjoy it, make the most of it, have fun with it.”

For more on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2, plus scoop on 100 other summer movies, pick up the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, on stands Friday, April 15. (EW)

The Illustrious Omnibus of Super Powers Poster

The Illustrious Omnibus of Super Powers, the latest poster by Pop Chart Lab, charts 100 super powers of over 200 superheroes and supervillains. If you preorder by Friday, April 15, this print can be yours for $20.00—20% off the normal price of $25.00. Each 18″ x 24″ poster is signed by the artists and numbered, from an edition of 500.

Six Apple Stores to Visit Before You Die

Apple opened its first retail store in 2001. Since then the number of brick-and-mortar Apple stores has soared to more than 320 worldwide.

Shopping in an Apple Store is a unique retail experience. Customers can spend hands-on time with a product and seek advice from knowledgeable Apple Geniuses. Beyond that, the stores themselves are often inspired examples of modern design.

Among the hundreds of existing Apple stores, there are some very unique locations, and Apple has even won architectural awards for some of them. In 2003, its store in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood won a BusinessWeek/Architectural Record Award. If you’re traveling, there are some cities where the Apple store is definitely worth adding to your sightseeing list. HERE are the top six. (From PCmag.com)

In the city that never sleeps, there’s a store that never stops. Visit the Apple Store, Fifth Avenue, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to see and test-drive the latest Apple products.

How Technology Influences the New American Family

A new Nielson report takes a look at how multicultural families across America are adapting to today’s digital landscape. This new report — pieced together with data from the U.S. Census Bureau, The Pew Research Center, and numerous other studies conducted by the global leader in data compilation — paints a revealing and colorful portrait of how technology influences our everyday lives.

The report’s introduction states what most already know, namely that “The white, two-parent, ‘Leave It to Beaver’ family unit of the 1950s has evolved into a multi-layered, multi-cultural construct dominated by older, childless households.”

Some of the results are surprising–others not so much. Here’s a rundown of the most interesting data points:

- Mothers who visit blogs regularly (ages 21-49) spend less time watching live TV, but are more likely to use DVR playback. What in their queue? Blog-viewing moms are partial to (in no particular order): Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Biggest Loser 8, House, The Office, Modern Family, NBC Sunday Night Football, So You Think You Can Dance, Brothers & Sisters, and CSI.

- Mom’s who don’t read blogs? Keen on Desperate Housewives and Fox NFL Sunday.

- High-income families watch less television than other families, and spend far and away the most time browsing the Internet.

- High-income families also spend less time on Facebook and YouTube than others. What’s their digital poison? The report says they’re spending “more time on the Apple website than the average family, presumably downloading music or servicing their Macs.”

- While only 11 percent of Hispanic families do their banking online, 30 percent conduct transactions on their mobile phones.

- No one’s getting married anymore–or if they are, they’re taking their time. Why? The study cites “a period of extended adolescence” (supporting a popular NY Times article‘s thesis) and a bad economy post-graduation. In 1960, 72 percent of the United States’ adult population was married. In 2008, that’s plummeted to 52 percent.

- African-Americans own four or more TVs per household and spend more time watching premium cable than anyone. They also log the most cell phone airtime (1,261 minutes) per month–more than any other group.

- Asian-Americans log about 80 hours on the Internet per month while viewing a mind blowing 3,600 web pages. That’s 3.5 times more than any other group. Also interesting: While they watch less TV than any other group, they also stream twice as much online video. (From Techland)

Download Brandi Carlile’s “Before It Breaks” From Live at Benaroya Hall with The Seattle Symphony For Free

“Before It Breaks” from Brandi Carlile’s forthcoming live album, Live at Benaroya Hall with The Seattle Symphony (available May 3, 2011), is now available as a FREE download on Amazon.com. The free download will be available in the US only until April 19th. Tell your friends and download it HERE.

Stephen King’s Dark Tower Film Adds Writer Mark Verheiden

Mark Verheiden will join Akiva Goldsman as co-writer of the multi-tiered film and television adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower.

Envisioned as three films and a television series, the project will bring to the screen King’s fantasy epic that spreads across seven published novels. Ron Howard plans to direct the first part of the series and would at least oversee the rest of the massive adaptation.

Verheiden, who has written for “Smallville,” “Heroes,” “Battlestar Galactica” and many more television series, is the co-executive producer of the upcoming “Falling Skies.” He will also executive produce The Dark Tower alongside Goldsman.

Casting is still underway for the adaptation with Javier Bardem still said to be “locked in psychologically” for the part of Roland Deschain, the Gunslinger.

Download My Morning Jacket Circuital Here

My Morning Jacket have unveiled the title track of their new album ‘Circuital’ as a free download.

Due to be released on June 6th, the album ends a three year wait for new material. In that time, Jim James has released a solo EP – though recorded much earlier – and taken part in the Monsters of Folk project.

Set to be released this summer, a deluxe edition of ‘Circuital’ comes equipped with an exclusive 30 minute documentary DVD, high quality lithograph portrait taken by Danny Clinch and many other goodies.

Flip Video Camera R.I.P.

Two years after paying $590 million for it, Cisco Systems Inc. is shutting down its Flip video camera unit. In the dramatic move, the company will cease all production of Flip Video products globally, but has said that it will support the company’s FlipShare service for existing customers, while it formulates a “transition plan.”

“We are making key, targeted moves as we align operations in support of our network-centric platform strategy,” said John Chambers, Cisco chairman and CEO. “As we move forward, our consumer efforts will focus on how we help our enterprise and service provider customers optimize and expand their offerings for consumers, and help ensure the network’s ability to deliver on those offerings.”

In March 2009, Cisco acquired Pure Digital as part of a push to expand beyond its traditional business of selling high-end networking gear to giant corporations. But the Flip’s popularity began to wane as consumers embraced smartphones like the Apple’s iPhone and phones using Google’s Android software. Generally, such phones contain high-definition video cameras, eliminating the need to purchase a separate device.

In addition to dropping the Flip, Cisco is laying off 550 employees-one of the “bold steps” that CEO John Chambers says the company is taking to reorganize its business.

The Burger King Meat Monster

Burger King Japan’s new Meat Monster Whopper is composed of a standard Whopper, two cheese slices, three strips of bacon, a second beef patty and a Tendergrill Chicken Patty. With all those listed additions, the sandwich will run you ¥820 ($9.70).

Steak Buttons

Rare? Medium? Well-done? Use these inventive little “Steak Buttons” ($20/4-pack) in the oven or on the grill to determine your desired degree of doneness. The handy thermometers are made of stainless steel and glass. When finished, simply wipe them clean.

National Record Store Day Is On Saturday April 16, 2011

One of the best days of the year for a music addict or vinyl collector is “Record Store Day“. It’s like Christmas in spring and many plan in advance and map out their day around the route to favorite record stores in their respective communities and cities.

Record Store Day was begun in 2007 by Chris Brown, Eric Levin, Michael Kurtz, Carrie Colliton, Amy Dorfman, Don Van Cleave and Brian Poehner. It is meant to be, ”A celebration of the unique culture surrounding over 700 independently owned record stores in the USA, and hundreds of similar stores internationally.”

The official Record Store Day website notes that, “This is the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day and hundreds of artists in the United States and in various countries across the globe make special appearances and performances.

This year Record Store Day is slated for April 16, 2011. Click HERE to see a list of the special releases planned for the day. To see if a record store near you is participating, please click HERE.

Today Tuesday, April 12th Is Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day

Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cones will be free today from noon to 8 PM. As a way to thank customers for their support and to celebrate 33 years of scooping the chunkiest, funkiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet, Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops are happily giving it away!

New flavors being offered in Scoop Shops are:

- Late Night Snack: Inspired by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon – Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with a Salty Caramel Swirl & Fudge Covered Potato Chip Clusters

- Bonnaroo Buzz: – Light Coffee & Malt ice creams with Whiskey Caramel swirls & English Toffee pieces. This flavor was inspired by the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

- Stephen Colbert’s AmeriCone Dream: Vanilla ice cream with fudge covered waffle cone pieces & a caramel swirl

- Clusterfluff: Peanut Butter Ice Cream with Caramel Cluster Pieces, Peanut Butter & Marshmallow Swirls

This year Ben & Jerry’s has a new app that will guide you to the closest free cone location and even provide a Free Cone Day frame to send photos to friends and loved ones to see what fun they’re missing. iPhone users – Download Ben & Jerry’s Scoop of Happiness today! Droid users – check your Droid App Market!

Read Stephen King’s Herman Wouk Is Still Alive From The May 2011 Atlantic Magazine

The May 2011 issue of The Atlantic features the short story “Herman Wouk Is Still Alive,” by Stephen King. The story’s origins are unusual. As part of The Atlantic’s package on “First Drafts,” James Parker, The Atlantic’s entertainment columnist, talked to King about how the story came into being, about King’s creative process, about the state of short fiction today, and about the relative merits of Black Sabbath and Judas Priest as background music to write to. They spoke on April 1.

Steve Jobs Authorized Biography Due In 2012

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has finally agreed to participate in a book about his life. Simon & Schuster announced Sunday that Walter Isaacson’s “iSteve: The Book of Jobs” will be published in early 2012. Isaacson has been working on the long-rumored biography since 2009 and has interviewed Jobs, members of his family, colleagues at Apple and competitors.

Many books have been published about Jobs, but not with his approval. Isaacson has written best-selling biographies of Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein.

Fifty-six-year-old Jobs has had numerous health problems and announced in January that he would take his third leave of absence in seven years. During that time, he has survived a rare but curable form of pancreatic cancer and undergone a liver transplant. He appeared at a press conference in early March to announce the iPad 2.

Hot Wheels Outdoor Advertising

Ad firm Ogilvy & Mather is responsible for these clever outdoor ad campaigns for Hot Wheels. The giant loop was placed on an overpass in Columbia and the giant children watching passing cars were installed on a highway in Mexico.

Clockbusters

Clockbusters is an addictive online game where you guess the movie based on the three photos shown in 60 seconds. Even with 50 questions it’s a very quick and fun time-waster. Click HERE to start playing.

Cast of Welcome Back Kotter Reunites

Today on on Good Morning America the cast of Welcome Back, Kotter reunited. John Travolta recalled his days as Vinnie Barbarino but Horshack (Ron Palillo) was “under the weather” and couldn’t attend. The Sweathogs got back together to honor the 1970s comedy’s 35th anniversary at the TV Land Awards 2011. Click HERE to see what the cast is up to today.

Michael Shannon To Star In Zack Snyder’s Superman Film, “Man of Steel”

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that Michael Shannon will star in the role of General Zod in director Zack Snyder’s new Superman film, titled “Man of Steel.”

Snyder stated, “Zod is not only one of Superman’s most formidable enemies, but one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don’t.  Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role.”

As General Zod, Shannon will go toe-to-toe with Henry Cavill, who plays the new Clark Kent/Superman in the film.  The main cast also includes Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as Martha and Jonathan Kent.

Michael Shannon was honored with an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Sam Mendes’ “Revolutionary Road,” with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.  Shannon was most recently seen in the award-winning HBO drama series “Boardwalk Empire,” from executive producer Martin Scorsese.  He will next be seen in Sony Pictures Classics’, “Take Shelter,” from director/writer Jeff Nichols.

Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film.  The screenplay is being written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan.  Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers.

Breakdancing Mickey

Here’s a video of Mickey Mouse accepting a breakdancing challenge from a kid at Disneyland. Nice moves MM.

Clever Tear-Off Ads

Here are some of the most creative tear-off ads on the internet that were designed to make you look twice.

Foreign Language School

Male Pattern Baldness

Hair Salon

Weight Loss

Dentist

Waxing

Piano Lessons

Circumsiser

Strength Trainer – Printed on Phonebook