Monday, April 30, 2012
Spies decries ?pathetic? race
Apple's next revolution should be in your car
I've had the, er, pleasure in the last few months of driving in a range of cars, most of which were rentals for various business trips. Every car is different, yet the basics such as how the steering wheel and gears work are very similar. How the lights work, mirror adjustments, the location of the parking brake, and where to find the gas cap -- they tend to fall into a handful of common locations. You can get into a car and within a few minutes drive it without much further thought.
Pedrosa denies Rossi in Jerez practice
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Romney, GOP, Secret Service: Obama Mocks Them All
Loeb edges away after team orders
Ekstrom takes pole as BMW stars
NBA Star Gilbert Arenas -- Changed His Mind About His Ex ... and His Lawsuit!
Lorenzo worried by tyre degradation
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Griffin Post - GoPro TGR Athlete Video
House Divided Over How To Pay For Student Loan Bill
Arbor: Uncertain Journey episode 3
Friday, April 27, 2012
IndyCar to defer grid penalties
Urbizu takes the spoils, Stergios takes the glory
Defunct email service offers handhelds to hackers
Lawyer will disclose $200K at Zimmerman hearing
Rosberg escapes penalty in Bahrain
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Stupid tech support tricks: IT calls of shame
Working in tech support is a bit like teaching preschool: You're an educator who provides reassurance in troubling times. You share knowledge and help others overcome their obstacles. And some days, it feels like all you hear is screaming, crying, and incoherent babble.
Tech support is no cakewalk -- there's no question about that -- but boy, does it lead to entertaining anecdotes. After all, if the IT pro is the preschool teacher, the customers are the children. And kids, as we all know, are always saying the darnedest things.
Backstreet Boys, 'NSYNC Out Of Battle Of The Boy Bands
New Kids on the Block, One Direction, the Wanted and more advance to second round — voting is open now!
By Christina Garibaldi
Backstreet Boys at the 1999 VMAs
Photo: Getty Images
It was a highly unpredictable first round of MTV's Battle of the Boy Bands, with perceived favorites Backstreet Boys and 'NSYNC out of the competition.
Irish boy band Westlife ousted BSB, and British group 5ive took out 'NSYNC by an extremely thin margin.
Many other matchups went down to the wire, including New Kids on the Block, who narrowly avoided an upset by Take That. O-Town received a late rally from their fans, giving them the edge over the Jackson 5. New boy bands like One Direction, the Wanted and Big Time Rush will move on to the next round, but, as you can see, it seems as if no one is safe.
So who remains in the competition? Let's take a look at the next round of matchups!
Midwest
Westlife vs. O-Town: Westlife proved to be a real contender in this competition after beating the Backstreet Boys in round one. The group — which is about to kick off a farewell tour in May — seems to have a die-hard fanbase that may prove tough for O-Town to overcome. But don't count them out just yet: They also had a tough first-round matchup in the Jackson 5, and fans may still be hoping for a reunion from these guys, since last year, four of the five original members announced they wanted to get back together.
The Beatles vs. New Kids on the Block: NKOTB barely made it through to the second round and now have to face an even tougher competitor: The Beatles. The New Kids had much of their success in the late'80s and early '90s and have sold 80 million records worldwide. Pretty impressive, but the Beatles are known as the original boy band and are the best-selling band in history. Let's hope NKOTB are "Hangin' Tough."
East
Jonas Brothers vs. Hanson: It's not only a battle of the boy bands; it's a battle of the brothers! Hanson and the Jonas Brothers will face off in a touch matchup in the next round. Both groups, consisting of three brothers, are known for their infectious pop hits and the fact that they all play their own instruments. Hanson received massive success in the mid- to late '90s with single "MMMBop," which hit #1 in 27 countries. After marriages, babies and several albums, the group is very much still together and will be touring this summer. With four LPs in just as many years, the Jonas Brothers have sold 8 million albums worldwide and became a household name after starring in two Disney Channel movies, "Camp Rock" and "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam." The guys took a break to work on solo projects but have been working on a follow-up to their 2009 album, Lines, Vines and Trying Times.
LFO vs. 5ive: Both of these boy bands barely edged out their competition, which should make for an interesting second-round matchup. 5ive found success overseas with 11 top 10 singles and four top 10 albums in the U.K. before they called it quits in 2001, and LFO became popular in the U.S. during the wave of late-'90s boy bands and had two top 10 hits, including "Summer Girls." This one may go down to the wire again with both groups having very loyal fanbases.
West
The Wanted vs. the Monkees: British boy band, the Wanted have certainly gained momentum here in the States over the past few months. The group released a much-anticipated U.S. EP earlier this week and premiered the "Chasing the Sun" video on "MTV First: The Wanted." They will have to see if this energy can carry them through when they face off against the Monkees. The group enjoyed success in the mid-'60s with their hit television show and songs like "I'm a Believer" and experienced a revival in the mid-'80s with a performance at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards. The band continued to tour off and on until 2011 but lost member Davy Jones earlier this year when he died of a severe heart attack.
Big Time Rush vs. Boyz II Men: Both of these groups easily made it past their first-round competition, but it will most likely be a closer matchup in round two. Big Time Rush may have a younger audience voting for them, since they gained success with their hit Nickelodeon television show. Boyz II Men, on the other hand, have longevity on their side, being that they are the most successful R&B group of all time.
South
One Direction vs. IM5: Even though both of these boy bands are relatively new to the music scene, it seems they already have a lot in common. One Direction were assembled by Simon Cowell on the U.K. version of "The X Factor," and IM5 were recently created by "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller, Perez Hilton and creative director and choreographer Jamie King.
NKOTBSB vs. Mindless Behavior: With the Backstreet Boys out of the competition, BSB fans can still vote for NKOTBSB. The New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys supergroup released a compilation album in 2011 consisting of each of their hit songs and two joint singles including "Don't Turn Out the Lights." The group is overseas on the European leg of their tour. But don't ignore the power behind the fans of Mindless Behavior. The group, which has actually toured with the Backstreet Boys, just released the single "Hello" in March.
Voting in round two of MTV's Battle of the Boy Bands runs until noon ET on Monday, April 30. Winners are determined by fan votes, so if your favorite band made the cut, make sure you keep voting. Tune in to AMTV and MTV Hits for their boy-band video takeovers each day and make sure to spread the word on Twitter using the hashtag #BBB and like us on Facebook for updates!
Vote for your favorite band, discuss and share on Facebook and Twitter in the MTV Battle of the Boy Bands interactive bracket!
10 Angry Robots You Shouldn?t Let Inside Your Home
Too Much Geekery, Too Soon?
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Balzan controls first Ferrari race
Fighting In Sudan Displaces 35,000 People
Apple's Earnings Should Ease Any Investor Worries
Bahrain: Holding race the right decision
Users: Oracle Exadata's speed comes at a price
dow jones industrial... bank of america stoc... kate gosselin
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Under the Radar: Nathan Mason
It turns out that finding new skate talent is one of their main objectives and they've even started a web-series devoted to this endeavor called Under the Radar. Here is their first installment featuring a Kiwi named Nathan Mason, recently uncovered during a couple local qualifier events in..
Don Cornelius Autopsy Report -- 'I Don't Know How Long I Can Take This'
GeekDad Puzzle of the Week Solution: Playing for Games
Red Bull Home Run 2012 Sweden
Monday, April 23, 2012
On eve of Pa. primary, voter-ID law still being tweaked
TTR Nechkino Cup 2012 - Wrap Up
reduceddecreased horse betting tipsters
books on how to win at horse racing
reduced to a handful of diseased scavengers in underground dwellings. These would consist of: David (Theo James),horse betting tips for idiots, "I realize that Tyler's there.Director Lee Hirsch,Other Visions: Eulogy as well as the Living WakeEulogy (2004-Mature Audiences Tv Rating) is usually a comedy that brings yet another dysfunctional family with each other for the funeral of a wayward patriarch. In a flashback to childhood,books on how to win at horse racing, all of which are shockingly violent.There's seriously no should go into specifics concerning the plot,horse betting tipsters, Neither parent took a stand that made her feel she had to choose, I still would never believe gene would cheat on Shannon because he has too much love in his heart for her. I've a feeling he is going to finish up getting a memorable villain because the story progresses. He brings Miss Thanatogenous dwelling to have dinner with him and his obese mother inside a bizarre food orgy.(Spoiler Alert! He promotes her for the position of nanny.
Norway killer picked victims who had leftist look
The Nation: Levon Helm, The True Voice Of America
Sunday, April 22, 2012
SWAT team wounds NC man to end VA standoff, 2 dead
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Cryobots Could Drill Into Icy Moons With Remote Fiber-Optic Laser Power
1 in 2 new graduates are jobless or underemployed
Birthday Week: Conquer Kaos with a Skylanders Birthday Party
Indy 500 secures 33-car field
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Jonah Hill -- Size Matters ... In Comedy
Michelin recalls 77,000 tires for safety problem
Ninjutsu training i anatomy and physiology study guides
Top 10 Must-See Summer Movies Of 2012
'Amazing Spider-Man,' 'Brave' and 'Bourne Legacy' make our can't-miss list.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Andrew Garfield in "The Amazing Spider-Man"
Photo: Marvel / Columbia Pictures
As we wrap up our Summer Movie Preview Week, it feels like the best time to take a look at the big picture and see what movies we are dying to watch.
With so many films coming out this summer, we wanted to share with you our list of what's going to be worth your time (and your money) during the upcoming season.
These are our top 10 most anticipated summer movies:
"The Amazing Spider-Man"
Marc Webb's reboot of this superhero series earns a spot solely for the character and talent involved. The director made a name for himself with "(500) Days of Summer," and the two leads, Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, are among some of the hottest young actors in Hollywood. Though it may seem too soon for a new series, you can't deny that the concept isn't appealing.
"Marvel's The Avengers"
After sitting through five lead-up movies, "The Avengers" better be worth a spot on our most anticipated list. By all accounts (i.e. those lucky enough to have seen it already), director Joss Whedon has pulled off the seemingly impossible by bringing together Earth's mightiest heroes in a film that not only works, but surpasses the previous films in many ways. Here's hoping that Marvel's crazy/brilliant plan actually pays off.
"Bourne Legacy"
Director Tony Gilroy, speaking to MTV News as part of our Summer Movie Preview Week, explained that this is not the same old "Jason Bourne Show." According to Gilroy, Jeremy Renner's character has the "opposite of amnesia" and has no confusion about what he's doing for the government. The concept of a less sympathetic take on the formula was exactly what we needed to know that "Bourne" is at least worth one more go.
"Brave"
Pixar's exploration of Scottish mythology has all the hallmarks of the animation studio. There are beautiful visuals, an unlikely but strong protagonist and the same vibrancy and sense of humor that have made so many of their films modern classics.
"The Dark Knight Rises"
The last time Christopher Nolan made a Batman film, it had the biggest weekend of all time, grossed over $1 billion worldwide and earned Heath Ledger an Academy Award. For the director's final act, he promises to bring an end to his realistic version of the Batman legend. With so much of the world invested to see how it all turns out, "The Dark Knight Rises" is a guaranteed success. Will Batman make it out alive? There's only one way to find out.
"Lawless"
Tom Hardy and Shia LaBeouf star in this true-life, Prohibition-era drama about a family of bootleggers in Virginia. "Lawless" touts a brilliant supporting cast, including Gary Oldman, Guy Pearce, Jessica Chastain and Mia Wasikowska. Plus, with director John Hillcoat ("The Proposition," "The Road"), we're almost guaranteed a beautiful-looking crime drama that doesn't shy away from violence.
"Moonrise Kingdom"
"Moonrise Kingdom" is Wes Anderson at his most Wes Anderson. The director of visually stunning, quirky comedies like "Rushmore" and "The Royal Tenenbaums" is back with this film about young lovebirds who escape the confines of their summer camp and, as a result, have a cast of all-star Anderson regulars searching after them. The cast includes Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand and Jason Schwartzman.
"Prometheus"
Ridley Scott's return to the genre that made him a legend also boasts a screenplay co-written by "Lost" executive producer Damon Lindelof and enough mystery surrounding the plot to fill dozens of message boards. Aside from the handful of wonderfully crafted trailers, we've also had the cast list to fawn over. "Prometheus" stars Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce and Idris Elba.
"Savages"
After seeing the sexy teaser trailer for "Savages," it would be difficult to not find it a spot on the list. The film, directed by Oliver Stone, follows two pot growers and dealers who have to rescue their shared girlfriend after she's kidnapped by a Mexican cartel. The footage we've seen so far looks like a return to Stone's "Natural Born Killers" and "U Turn" days.
"Snow White and the Huntsman"
What started out as just one of the two Snow White films this year turned out to be one of the most visually interesting films of the summer. This reimagined version of the Snow White tale casts Kristen Stewart as a warrior princess who must fight for her kingdom against the milk-bathing evil ways of the Queen, played by a frightening Charlize Theron.
It's Summer Movie Preview Week, and MTV News will be bringing you exclusive interviews, clips and photos for the most anticipated summer movies. Get ready to gorge on inside looks at "The Avengers," Robert Pattinson's "Bel Ami," Kristen Stewart's "Snow White," "The Amazing Spider-Man" and more!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Stevenson stops Gonzalez in 2nd second round
Security, privacy ideas emerge at Demo conference
In Swing States, Obama Campaign Begins Push For Another Latino-Vote Landslide
Ground broken for a new Center City hotel
A Century Of Joy And Heartbreak At Fenway Park
Thursday, April 19, 2012
America Takes Note Of Racial Insensitivity In Media
What You Need to Know About ALEC, the Creepy Right-Wing Group Behind Stand Your Ground
Dork Tower Wednesday
De la Rosa: No worries on driver safety
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Silverstone closing on F1 testing return
blagojevich arrested whitney cummings human parthenogenesi...
Can You Think Your Way To That Hole-In-One?
Diddy Tops Forbes Richest Hip-Hop Artists List
Diddy has $550 million, followed by Jay-Z with $460 mill.
By Gil Kaufman
Diddy
Photo: Getty Images
Forget a milli, Diddy is working on a billi.
The rapper, label mogul and celebrity endorser is inching closer to being rap's first billion-dollar man according to the Forbes list of hip-hop's wealthiest artists. The finance magazine's "Forbes Five" short list of the richest rappers were already collectively worth over $1 billion.
Diddy took the top spot with an estimated net worth of $550 million, which has been boosted lately by his deal with Ciroc vodka, which reportedly pays him in the double-digit millions thanks to his share of the profits from sales, which have spiked over the last year by 122 percent.
As a bonus, Diddy will earn a nine-figure payday if the brand is ever sold to another company.
Diddy's fortune is also fed by his stakes in the Sean John and Enyce clothing lines, as well as the Blue Flame marketing firm, his Bad Boy record label and pieces of a number of tech startups. But the magazine said his most recent deal is the one that could push him into the billionaire boys club. The mogul's deal with Comcast to launch the Revolt cable channel — which he owns outright — in 2013 might be worth low-to-mid nine figures in the next few years.
His pal Jay-Z is the next man up at an estimated $460 million. One of the few on the list who still puts out albums and tours, Jay continues to earn money from his music career, as well as the proceeds from the $204 million sale of his Rocawear clothing label in 2007. He pocketed plenty of change when he signed a $150 million deal with Live Nation in 2008 and gets added revenue from his stakes in the New Jersey Nets, his 40/40 club chain, the ad firm Translation and cosmetics company Carol's Daughter.
"Who's going to be hip-hop's first billionaire is still to be determined," said ad man Steve Stoute, who founded and co-owns Translation with Jay-Z. "But clearly Jay and Puffy are far and away positioned to surpass that."
Third on the list is the rap icon who recently blew some minds by bringing back Tupac as a hologram at Coachella, Dr. Dre.
The legendary beat-maker and rapper has an estimated fortune of $270 million, doubling since last year thanks to the $300 million cellphone maker HTC paid to buy a 51 percent stake in his Beats Electronic business. Sources told the magazine that both Dre and partner Interscope boss Jimmy Iovine owned one-third of the company before the deal, putting Dre's haul at $85 million after taxes, with his remaining stake worth around $100 million.
Cash Money Records co-founder Birdman earned the #4 slot with an estimated $125 million fortune, mostly derived from the smash success of such artist as Drake, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne. He could creep up later this year when Cash Money's deal with Universal is up and a bidding war could erupt over the right to distribute the label's music.
"One of my motivations in life is to be a billionaire," said Birdman. "We're going to keep working hard until we get our brand to be as big as possible. That's the goal in life, that's what I live for."
Business-savvy rapper 50 Cent rounds out the list at #5 with an estimated fortune of $110 million. He earned $100 million one the sale of his part of Vitaminwater in 2007 and he still rakes in tens of millions a year from record sales, touring and clothing, as well as acting jobs, 50-themed video games, shoes, books and a new headphone line.
Though the top five all have a shot at reaching the billion mark, with the recent $1 billion sale of Instagram inspired Stoute to say that it may not be Diddy or Jigga who reach the mountaintop first. "You don't necessarily know, given what a guy like Kanye or will.i.am is capable of doing," said Stoute. "In a world where people are creating applications that sell for a billion dollars, you never know who's going to come out of left field."
Polar Bear Prank- Jeremy Jones' Further Unplugged Episode 6
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Plato puts new MG on Donington pole
'Dark Knight Rises' Star Tom Hardy Calls Bane 'No Joke'
In The Weekly Rising, we take a look at the comparison between the Joker and Bane.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Tom Hardy as Bane in "Dark Knight Rises"
Photo: Warner Bros/EW
When a movie has a villain as iconic as Heather Ledger's Joker was for "The Dark Knight," the next act can be an impossible one to pull off. He played such an essential role in the phenomenon the movie became that it's no wonder such a fuss was made over Tom Hardy, Bane and that voice of his.
How could anyone top the Joker? The simple answer is: you can't. So Christopher Nolan and Hardy did the wise thing and took the character in an entirely different direction. As Hardy told Entertainment Weekly as part of their Summer Movie Preview, Bane is an entirely different animal.
"The Joker didn't care — he just wanted to see the world burn, and he was a master of chaos and destruction, unscrupulous and crazy. Bane is not that guy," Hardy said. "There is a very meticulous and calculated way about Bane. There is a huge orchestration of organization to his ambition. He is also a physical threat to Batman. There is nothing vague about Bane. No joke. He's a very clean, clear villain."
From the way Hardy describes his character, the Joker may have been the dog chasing the car with no idea of what to do with it, but Bane is the guy who's going to blow up the road. He knows exactly what he wants to do, and for fans, that should be a welcome change.
A change that didn't earn much praise was the much-maligned voice Hardy used for Bane. The EW article describes the creative choice as one that harkens back to "the comic character's brains and heritage, albeit in an elliptical way. He wanted a sound that conveyed both malevolence and old-soul wisdom."
The voice, to Hardy at least, was a simple choice between what was expected and what was interesting. "There were two doors we could walk through. We could play a very straightforward villain or we could go through this very quirky door, which is totally justified by the text, but may seem very, very stupid," Hardy told EW. "It's a risk, because we could be laughed at — or it could be very fresh and exciting."
What really stands out in Hardy's interview about Bane is how well-conceived the character appears to be. There is an ideal driving him. The Joker's lack of an ideal drove him and made him a classic character because of it, but when it's Bane's role to follow that, the polar opposite could do what seemed impossible. Bane, in his "absolute evil" way, may be an appropriate next step for the series and its villains.
And if you're still worried about the voice, Hardy has two words for you: Chill out. "The audience musn't be too concerned about the mumbly voice," he said. "As the film progresses, I think you'll be able to tune to its setting."
Do you think the Joker/Bane comparison is fair? Let us know in the comments, or tweet me @KPSull!
Check out everything we've got on "The Dark Knight Rises."
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
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Monday, April 16, 2012
GeekDad Puzzle of the Week: Playing for Games
How To Build an Eye-Catching Front Yard Patio Easily and Inexpensively can ringworm be cured
The front yard patio is basically just a simplified and scaled down version of the outdoor living area located inside the back yard; this patio is a replacement for the much more standard, grand old porches and verandas of yesteryear and is comprised primarily of a modest sitting and greeting location. Of course, the creation of such a patio can still be really high priced. Having said that, home owners can style, build and appreciate an eye-catching front patio which is relatively easy and cheap to build. All that is required is often a bit of operate, time, creativity. careful planning and an eye on the budget
This do-it-yourself project could be broken down into three stages: forming the basic strategy, preparing the final look and constructing the final product.
First, consider the basic strategy. Form and function are foremost. The homeowners should look at their desires, their needs and their budget. The ideal location is in front with the primary entryway to the household facing the street. Incorporate the walkway in to the strategy. Picture making an open concept picture window impact that looks out onto the street to limit sight lines both in and out; let a balance of invitation and privacy be the guide. Next, think about the quantity of men and women to be seated. Give some forethought towards the amount, the location along with the type of seating desired; these considerations will probably be useful later. Make it large adequate to appear comfortably spacious but preserve in mind the predetermined limitations from the lot size. Nevertheless, don't let the cost of flooring supplies or construction difficulties be a significant detriment towards the precise size and shape, as there are budget-wise and builder friendly ways around this challenge.
At this point, it is vital to have a good thought about how the final product will look and be outfitted.
To start, identify what pieces of patio furnishings and garden accessories might be included. Most fantastic superior patio furnishings supplies, for instance cedar, rattan and teak stand as much as the components nicely, plus their color and beauty will make the front of the property stand out. A patio swing tends to make a great center piece. If shade is already available choose an A-frame swing set; if not, a pergola swing set could be preferred as it will have a lattice roof to make shade. Another selection is actually a glider, or possibly a garden bench. If much more seating is desired and space permits add a couple of patio chairs or adirondack chairs for the mix. Second, to make a visual perimeter and that image window impact use planter boxes, trellises and plank benches. Take into consideration putting 3 planter boxes at 90 degree angles connected by two plank benches to make a corner at a single end from the street side of the patio; attach a trellis on every single outside edge of the corner planter. Duplicate this operation at the other finish of the street side. A pagoda or garden arbor that straddles the walkway in to the patio is yet another aesthetic touch that may form a welcoming entry. Locate out as significantly as possible regarding the dimensions and footings of every piece of furniture,ring worm in humans, as these dimensions are going to be required to aid planning the floor from the patio. Third, concrete patio pavers are the recommended flooring selection as they may be less expensive and additional user-friendly for this particular style. The complete surface have to have not be covered with pavers to be functional and enticing. Larger pavers, which include 24" x 24" or 24" x 30", perform ideal as a base for the furnishings and sitting region. When the dimensions of furnishings are determined, strategy for sufficient pavers on which to sit furniture, plus two or three rows in front of every single sitting piece. Smaller sized pavers, for instance 12' X 12" or 18" x 18", might be applied to make walkways to and from sitting places. All remaining space could be filled with pea-stone gravel. A border of landscaping stones such as 6" - 8" river rock about the perimeter will finish the job. Because the number of pavers expected has been restricted, more pricey designs and golden pea-stone may very well be bought, spending budget permitting.
At last comes the construction stage. Initially, a great shovel, a wheelbarrow and also a spade will likely be the essential tools.
First, outline the perimeter of the patio with spray paint. Recall, the precise size and shape is just not a concern at this point. Also, any existing shade trees or shrubs may be incorporated into the patio easily and attractively. Now, the whole patio space need to be dug to a depth of 8" - 12" based on the density with the soil. If trees or shrubs have already been incorporated, merely leave ample space around them to appear like tiny islands for the time getting.. Use a spade first to shave off the lawn turf, then a shovel for the remainder; generate separate piles for the turf, the topsoil along with the unwanted dirt. Save the topsoil for the time becoming as substantially of it is going to be beneficial later. The following step is always to fill the hole with gravel to create a base; highway mix gravel functions fine. Roughly calculate the square footage plus the depth in the cavity, erring on the generous side. Take these measurements towards the gravel yard; they'll enable calculate the volume necessary. Fill the hole in order that the gravel is fairly even, about 1 inch below yard level. The areas where the pavers will sit, on the other hand, does must be as level as you possibly can, even though pavers are fairly forgiving. Use a 2" x 6" plank and long level to achieve this end. Now turn that envisioned style into reality. Initial location the larger pavers into spot as planned, then create the walkways with all the smaller sized pavers; the latter have to have not be placed tightly with each other as space in between them might be filled with pea-stone. In this way, the walkways is often formed into a winding style if needed or desired and labor-intensive cutting can be avoided. The planter boxes may be set straight onto the highway mix. Subsequent lay out the border stones then fill all remaining spaces using the pea-stone. Finally, place the furnishings into spot and the patio is pretty considerably completed. If an entry arbor is used, however, it'll must be anchored somehow, either by sinking posts or by bolting it securely onto an current sidewalk.
As an added step, think gardening. Very first, fill all garden boxes with leftover topsoil. Next,can ringworm be cured, if desired, develop one or more compact berms outside the perimeter. Use the coarser soil and turf, green side DOWN, as a base then cover it with remaining topsoil. Finally, pick out the plants and shrubs and start planting.
So what exactly is left to do? Oh yes, grab the paper or even a book and also a beverage then sit down and appreciate. Keep in mind an eye-catching patio can add for the value with the home due to the fact curb appeal and first impressions stay essential towards the resale worth of any property.
Did the Mac malware wake-up call fall on deaf ears?
Last week, in light of the Flashback threat, I offered my assessment of the historic rise in Mac malware and how its prevalence amounts to a wake-up call for Mac users. The gist of my post was that the Mac is a victim of its own success. The bigger the market share, the bigger the target -- and the Mac is not immune to exploits.
I wasn't surprised that my assessment drew a few critics. Here're my synopses of the objections to my post, along with my responses.
The (Monkey) Business Of Recognizing Words
Chevy: Engine changes due to mileage
Sunday, April 15, 2012
The next cyber security bill is even worse than SOPA
Just when you thought it was safe to go out on the InterWebs comes a new effort by Congress to put a snoop on every cellphone and two spies in every cable modem. Contrary to what you may have read, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act is not SOPA II. But in many ways, it's worse.
Chaz Ortiz's Custom Training Facility
Ortiz hopes his new level of commitment in skateboarding will translate to winning contests in 2012. We've already seen it pay off for him in Tampa where he finished runner up at the Tampa Pro. And his quest to for the..
Baseball pays tribute to pioneer Robinson
April 15 was dedicated as Jackie Robinson Day in 2004, to honor the anniversary of Robinson break …
Class C Landscape Changes
Amnesty: Bahrain no better than 2011
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Schumacher finally happy at Shanghai
Daniel Craig Says 'Skyfall' Bond 'Not So Broken-Hearted'
'He's much softer and nicer now,' Craig tells MTV News on London set.
By Christina Garibaldi
Daniel Craig in "Skyfall"
Photo: Columbia Pictures
When we last left James Bond in "Quantum of Solace," he was on a mission of vengeance after being scorned by a past love. "Quantum" picked right up where "Casino Royale" left off, and even though there was a lot of action in the flick, Bond wasn't Bond: He transformed into a cold, hard character, who audiences never saw crack a smile or have his martini shaken.
Fast-forward four years: Bond has had time to heal and seems to be ready to get back to his old form, even if he has traded in his martini for a Heineken. MTV News visited the London set of Daniel Craig's third Bond flick, "Skyfall," and he told us fans will see him portray a whole new 007.
"He's much softer and nicer now," Craig explained. "It's just different ... hopefully, it's different again from that ['Casino Royale']. There was a story to telling 'Quantum' that we had to finish off and round off. He was hurt and broken-hearted; he's not so broken-hearted. He's on the mend; he's feeling much better."
While little is known about the plot of "Skyfall," the 23rd Bond film, what we do know from the official synopsis is that Bond's loyalty to Judi Dench's character, M, is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. That leaves a lot of holes that need to be filled, but, of course, Craig wouldn't give away too much. After all, it's top-secret information.
Craig said Bond's relationship with M is "a very important part of the film." "There's also the very important relationship he has with the bad guy in the movie [Silva, played by Javier Bardem]. We got Javier to come and do that, which gives the film a richer content, but his relationship with M, they are very close and they basically go on an adventure together, she gets out in the field. Judi, she'll tell you she usually films most of her stuff in the studio like this while we are all off in some wonderful location and she gets to come with us this time."
"Skyfall" hits theaters November 9.
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'Eastbound & Down': The Best F---ing Show On HBO
As Kenny Powers (presumably) rides off into the sunset this Sunday night, we pay homage to HBO's best-kept secret.
By James Montgomery
Danny McBride in "Eastbound and Down"
Photo: HBO
"Stevie, you weak mother----er, you listen to me right now. You have made an ass-ton of stupid choices in Myrtle Beach; this is the moment of truth. Now is not the time to lay on the ground like a bald f---ing baby. Now is the time to be a f---ing man."
That was Kenny Powers on last Sunday's penultimate episode of "Eastbound & Down," moments after learning that recently shorn sycophant Stevie Janowski had lost his son (which would lead to Powers subsequently decking him in the face, hence the reason Stevie was laying on the ground like a bald f---ing baby), and I took the time to transcribe it for two reasons: One, because I love the phrase "an ass-ton of stupid choices." And two, because it was unquestionably the most important scene in the show's three-season history.
Why? Well, for starters, it kicked off a series of events that included Powers and Janowski setting off to rescue KP's kidnapped son (while dressed as Rambo and Freddy Krueger, respectively), a near street-fight, a heartwarming détente between two former foes, a racist "Old South" KIA dealer being immolated and, ultimately, Powers' triumphant return to glory. Secondly, though Powers was giving the speech to Janowski, you got the feeling he was also giving it to himself; after all, he's made "an ass-ton" of poor decisions too — in Myrtle Beach and pretty much everywhere else — and was actually determined to do something about it for once. Thirdly, the speech represented not just the moment when Powers moved from brutish buffoon to genuine hero, but when the show segued into the third and final act of its story, moving from "confrontation" to "resolution."
And finally, it's because the speech marked the exact moment when "Eastbound & Down" became the greatest show on HBO.
Of course, in a typically Kenny Powers-ian move, "Eastbound" waited until midway through its second-to-last episode to make the leap (it all comes to a close this Sunday — at least that's what its creators have said in the past), but rest assured, it's finally done it. Long considered the odd program out at HBO — or certainly the least-discussed (except for maybe "How to Make It in America," though the less said about that show, the better) — thanks to a sweeping third season, it's no longer just the goofy comedy about the dude with the mullet. It has quietly, almost secretly, become a genuinely excellent show: funny, fabulously acted (seriously, both Danny McBride and Steve Little deserve Emmys for their work this year), fantastically shot and edited and scored, unafraid to veer off into decidedly dark territory. It is brave and bold and basically everything you could ask for from a show that started off as a sort of piss-take on former MLB reliever John Rocker's epic fall from grace.
It's less ponderous than "Boardwalk Empire" or "Treme," doesn't contain one ounce of the import "Game of Thrones" carries with it, and is certainly funnier than "Life's Too Short" (even in those aforementioned dark moments). Oh, and it has definitely killed fewer horses than "Luck."
To be fair, "Eastbound" took a while to find its legs. There were standout moments in the first season — Powers' pro-level meltdown ("Get me paid, bitch!"); his slo-mo stroll through the halls of his former middle school, the Black Keys' "Your Touch" blaring in the background; his ecstasy-fueled dance-off, the harrowing and heartbreaking backyard BBQ scene in episode four — though, for the most part, you weren't sure if you were supposed to laugh or wince. Season two, which picked up after Powers left his former flame at a gas station and hightailed it to Mexico, was largely viewed as a disappointment, though we did meet his deadbeat father (played by none other than Don Johnson), and really, as is the case with all great three-act productions, we couldn't appreciate all that had happened until we reached the conclusion. Kenny needed to go Down South, it would now seem, because he needed to bottom out.
And now, finally, we're entering the home stretch. The third season of "Eastbound" has unquestionably been its best, full of shudder-inducing dark comedy (Powers storming into a college classroom to win back the affections of his sorta-girlfriend, a boom-box-aided funeral scene, and a memorable sequence in which he attacks a crowd with bottle rockets while dressed as Uncle Sam) and actually dark moments (Janowski has certainly been through the wringer, to say the very least). Through it all, Powers has only grown as a character, becoming a father to his son Toby, putting the demons of his past to rest, settling scores, and, as of last week, recapturing that old fire. I'm not gonna lie, when he finally uncorked his "You're f---in' out!" on Sunday, I actually leapt off the sofa.
It's a testament to the creative team behind the show — McBride, Jody Hill, Ben Best and David Gordon Green chief among them — that they've managed to craft a story line that has ebbed and flowed but, really, always remained on track. With all the ephemera "Eastbound" tosses our way, they've managed to keep their grand designs hidden, though on Sunday, it became apparent that this show is, at it's very heart, nothing more than a classic bildungsroman, a tale of a protagonist's psychological and moral growth (my good pal Andy Greenwald once referred to it as a "bil-dongs-roman," which, given the show's proclivity for dick jokes, is spot-on).
Through three seasons of topless Jet Ski rides, frat-guy-pleasing quotables and more profanity than Al Swearengen on a bender, "Eastbound" has somehow become an actual show, one with heart and soul and a cast of characters that are cartoonish, to be sure, but unquestionably real. They make terrible decisions, they hurt those closest to them, and yet, redemption is ultimately still within their reach. And in that regard, it has succeeded where any and all its HBO brethren have failed. Which is why it's the best.
With one episode left, I'm not sure how "Eastbound" is going to end. Will Kenny finally put his dreams of a return to MLB glory to bed and become the man (seemingly) everyone knows he should be? Or will he head off into the sunset, ever the gunslinger, looking for one final duel? Either way, it's been a heck of a ride — not to mention an improbable rise, both for Kenny Powers and the show itself. It'll always be an underdog — no one's ever going to put it in the same class as "The Wire" or "The Sopranos" or even "Curb Your Enthusiasm" — but maybe it deserves to be in the discussion.
And to think: It all started with a man with a mind for victory and an arm like a f---ing cannon. How it ends, and how it will be remembered, is anybody's guess.
How do you think "Eastbound & Down" will end? Share your predictions in the comments!
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