https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosH__uVlc-fbhDW4QLnMT2-uGqAyy2DfykPBs2IGp4fvcs-fVwZJ1S9rkt9tIzkCicEiD6J8_2oOEZMx9weCWAZ2DSaiP4QROz5-Pfkk-h394-9mS4ZiMpnuKMPjr78bxUIaonrshdDJ7/s320/t1wide_bhutto_gi.jpg
She cited his government's denial of her request for additional security measures after the
October suicide bombing that targeted her upon returning to Pakistan from exile.
"Nothing will, God willing happen," she wrote to Mark Siegel, her U.S. spokesman,
lobbyist and friend.
"Just wanted u to know if it does in addition to the names in my letter to Musharaf of Oct 16nth, I wld hold Musharaf responsible. I have been made to feel insecure by his minions and there is no way what is happening in terms of stopping me from taking private cars or using tinted windows or giving jammers or four police mobiles to cover all sides cld happen without him."
Bhutto was seeking to become prime minister for a third time when she was assassinated; her death comes exactly two weeks before Pakistan's January 8 parliamentary elections.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Kidnapped French journalist 'okay'
CNN) -- A French journalist kidnapped while producing a television documentary about human trafficking in Somalia said he is "quite okay," and has been allowed to use a mobile phone to talk to his girlfriend in France, according to a short phone interview he gave to a Somali journalist.
Kidnappers with AK-47 machine guns guard French journalist Gwen Le Gouil, taken hostage last Wednesday.
Members of a tribal clan who took Gwen Le Gouil hostage last Wednesday have demanded an $80,000 ransom for his release, indicating the kidnapping is financial and not political, according to Mohamad Mohamed, the editor of Radio Garowe, which broadcasts from northern Somalia's Puntland province.
The president of the breakaway Somalia region of Puntland has been critical of Le Gouil for traveling without government consent in the area to work on the documentary about the mass smuggling of refugees from the Horn of Africa to Yemen, a perilous voyage across the Gulf of Aden.
The hostage-holders allowed Mohamed to speak by phone with Le Gouil Saturday.
"It's quite okay," Le Gouil said when asked about how he is being treated.
Another Somali journalist -- a member of the same clan as the kidnappers -- took photographs showing Le Gouil appearing relaxed, in a cave with two guards standing behind him, their faces covered and holding AK-47 machine guns.
Le Gouil said he was unaware of what efforts were being made to pay the ransom and gain his release.
"I am stuck in the middle of nowhere and I don't have any information about that," he said, adding he has been allowed to have phone calls with his girlfriend in France
Kidnappers with AK-47 machine guns guard French journalist Gwen Le Gouil, taken hostage last Wednesday.
Members of a tribal clan who took Gwen Le Gouil hostage last Wednesday have demanded an $80,000 ransom for his release, indicating the kidnapping is financial and not political, according to Mohamad Mohamed, the editor of Radio Garowe, which broadcasts from northern Somalia's Puntland province.
The president of the breakaway Somalia region of Puntland has been critical of Le Gouil for traveling without government consent in the area to work on the documentary about the mass smuggling of refugees from the Horn of Africa to Yemen, a perilous voyage across the Gulf of Aden.
The hostage-holders allowed Mohamed to speak by phone with Le Gouil Saturday.
"It's quite okay," Le Gouil said when asked about how he is being treated.
Another Somali journalist -- a member of the same clan as the kidnappers -- took photographs showing Le Gouil appearing relaxed, in a cave with two guards standing behind him, their faces covered and holding AK-47 machine guns.
Le Gouil said he was unaware of what efforts were being made to pay the ransom and gain his release.
"I am stuck in the middle of nowhere and I don't have any information about that," he said, adding he has been allowed to have phone calls with his girlfriend in France
christina aguilera Bio
Christina Aguilera Bio
One of the most accomplished performers of the last decade, Christina Aguilera has sold well over 25 million albums worldwide and cultivated a fan base that crosses generational, racial and gender lines. Now, segueing from the audacious sexuality of her second studio album, Stripped, the chameleon-like performer pays tribute to the music that has inspired her with her third studio album Back To Basics (RCA Records).Back To Basics has made Aguilera the biggest-seller in the SoundScan era for a female artist, passing Streisand's 2-CD "The Concert" release in '94. Her debut single, "Ain't No Other Man," off her double platinum album, was a huge success, along with her second single "Hurt," while her third single "Candyman" continues to climb the charts.Aguilera has garnered rave reviews for her current 41-city North American tour. The tour kicked off in Houston, Texas and has stopped in Los Angeles, Boston, Phoenix, Vancouver, Las Vegas and New York among others. The "Back to Basics" 2007 North American Tour features a unique stage design that allows Christina's fans unprecedented access to the stage with unbelievable sight lines as well as three distinct stage scenes, illuminated by more than 600 moving lights, and a state-of-the-art hydraulic system. Aguilera has assembled an acclaimed production team for her concert tour her concert tour featuring choreographer and director, Jamie King (Madonna, Janet Jackson, Prince) and Roberto Cavalli, who is the tour's exclusive costume designer. Working together, the team created a modern inventive vision fused with elements of retro glamour.
Aguilera's backstory is well-known. A native of Staten Island, the pre-teen began performing in local talent shows while growing up in Pennsylvania. In 1992, after appearing on "Star Search." She joined the cast of the Disney Channel's "The New Mickey Mouse Club." In 1998 Aguilera's song "Reflection" for Disney's Mulan led to a record deal with RCA and the release of her self-titled debut album in Summer, 1999. The album quickly hit #1 on the strength of its first dance/pop single, "Genie In A Bottle" (which dominated the charts for five weeks) and other chart toppers including "What A Girl Wants." It was a feat she would repeat the following year with Mi Reflejo, the smash Spanish-language version of her debut, followed by her hit holiday release, My Kind Of Christmas.In 2001 Aguilera joined forces with Pink, Mya and Lil' Kim on the smash "Lady Marmalade" single and video. That eye-popping slice of ear candy kept her front and center in the international spotlight even as she began, slowly and steadily, to lay the groundwork for her second album, Stripped. Released in October 2002, it sealed her status as an international superstar while transforming her previous squeaky-clean image into a fully sexualized woman with lots on her mind. Along with the superheated funk of the album's provocative debut single, "Dirrty," came such standout tracks as "Beautiful," "Can't Hold Us Down" and "Make Over."
Earning her first of four Grammy Awards in 2000 for Best New Artist, her subsequent trophies came in 2001 for "Lady Marmalade" (Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals), in 2003 for "Beautiful" (Best Female Pop Vocal Performance) and in 2007 for "Ain't No Other Man (Best Female Pop Vocal Performance), winning a Grammy for each of her albums. Among countless other honors, she is also the recipient of a 2001 Latin Grammy Award for Mi Reflejo (Best Female Pop Vocal Album), a 2000 Billboard Music Award for Female Artist of the Year, and two 2004 Rolling Stone Music Awards (Best Female Performer, Readers' Pick; and Best Tour, Readers' Pick, "Justified and Stripped"). Voted Sexiest Teen Idol in a VH1 poll, Aguilera's beauty and charisma have also led Teen People to list her among its "25 Hottest Stars Under 25" and Maxim to crown her Best International Female Singer (2000), one of the Sexiest Women of the Year (2003) and #1 on their "Hot 100" List (2003). Aguilera has also been honored with two NRJ Awards (Best International Female, Best International Album) as well as a 2007 MTV Europe Award (Best Female Artist).Today, while devoting the lion's share of her time to recording and touring, the 26-year-old is active in a range of philanthropy. A major contributor to the fight against AIDS, Aguilera has participated in the "What's Going On?" cover project for AIDS Project Los Angeles' Artists Against AIDS. In 2004 she became the new face for MAC cosmetic company and spokesperson for the MAC AIDS Fund. More recently she became involved in awareness campaigns with Youth AIDS and ALDO. She also sponsors and is actively involved in the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh for battered women and children.
One of the most accomplished performers of the last decade, Christina Aguilera has sold well over 25 million albums worldwide and cultivated a fan base that crosses generational, racial and gender lines. Now, segueing from the audacious sexuality of her second studio album, Stripped, the chameleon-like performer pays tribute to the music that has inspired her with her third studio album Back To Basics (RCA Records).Back To Basics has made Aguilera the biggest-seller in the SoundScan era for a female artist, passing Streisand's 2-CD "The Concert" release in '94. Her debut single, "Ain't No Other Man," off her double platinum album, was a huge success, along with her second single "Hurt," while her third single "Candyman" continues to climb the charts.Aguilera has garnered rave reviews for her current 41-city North American tour. The tour kicked off in Houston, Texas and has stopped in Los Angeles, Boston, Phoenix, Vancouver, Las Vegas and New York among others. The "Back to Basics" 2007 North American Tour features a unique stage design that allows Christina's fans unprecedented access to the stage with unbelievable sight lines as well as three distinct stage scenes, illuminated by more than 600 moving lights, and a state-of-the-art hydraulic system. Aguilera has assembled an acclaimed production team for her concert tour her concert tour featuring choreographer and director, Jamie King (Madonna, Janet Jackson, Prince) and Roberto Cavalli, who is the tour's exclusive costume designer. Working together, the team created a modern inventive vision fused with elements of retro glamour.
Aguilera's backstory is well-known. A native of Staten Island, the pre-teen began performing in local talent shows while growing up in Pennsylvania. In 1992, after appearing on "Star Search." She joined the cast of the Disney Channel's "The New Mickey Mouse Club." In 1998 Aguilera's song "Reflection" for Disney's Mulan led to a record deal with RCA and the release of her self-titled debut album in Summer, 1999. The album quickly hit #1 on the strength of its first dance/pop single, "Genie In A Bottle" (which dominated the charts for five weeks) and other chart toppers including "What A Girl Wants." It was a feat she would repeat the following year with Mi Reflejo, the smash Spanish-language version of her debut, followed by her hit holiday release, My Kind Of Christmas.In 2001 Aguilera joined forces with Pink, Mya and Lil' Kim on the smash "Lady Marmalade" single and video. That eye-popping slice of ear candy kept her front and center in the international spotlight even as she began, slowly and steadily, to lay the groundwork for her second album, Stripped. Released in October 2002, it sealed her status as an international superstar while transforming her previous squeaky-clean image into a fully sexualized woman with lots on her mind. Along with the superheated funk of the album's provocative debut single, "Dirrty," came such standout tracks as "Beautiful," "Can't Hold Us Down" and "Make Over."
Earning her first of four Grammy Awards in 2000 for Best New Artist, her subsequent trophies came in 2001 for "Lady Marmalade" (Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals), in 2003 for "Beautiful" (Best Female Pop Vocal Performance) and in 2007 for "Ain't No Other Man (Best Female Pop Vocal Performance), winning a Grammy for each of her albums. Among countless other honors, she is also the recipient of a 2001 Latin Grammy Award for Mi Reflejo (Best Female Pop Vocal Album), a 2000 Billboard Music Award for Female Artist of the Year, and two 2004 Rolling Stone Music Awards (Best Female Performer, Readers' Pick; and Best Tour, Readers' Pick, "Justified and Stripped"). Voted Sexiest Teen Idol in a VH1 poll, Aguilera's beauty and charisma have also led Teen People to list her among its "25 Hottest Stars Under 25" and Maxim to crown her Best International Female Singer (2000), one of the Sexiest Women of the Year (2003) and #1 on their "Hot 100" List (2003). Aguilera has also been honored with two NRJ Awards (Best International Female, Best International Album) as well as a 2007 MTV Europe Award (Best Female Artist).Today, while devoting the lion's share of her time to recording and touring, the 26-year-old is active in a range of philanthropy. A major contributor to the fight against AIDS, Aguilera has participated in the "What's Going On?" cover project for AIDS Project Los Angeles' Artists Against AIDS. In 2004 she became the new face for MAC cosmetic company and spokesperson for the MAC AIDS Fund. More recently she became involved in awareness campaigns with Youth AIDS and ALDO. She also sponsors and is actively involved in the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh for battered women and children.
How can I tell you what I feel for you?
How can I tell you what I feel for you?
When I think of you my feelings twist inside
As if someone's fist reached in and grabbed a few,
And turned and turned them tight and tangled.
I've tried Somehow to say: You're the sun in my sky,
The wind that takes me where I want to go,
The sweet incense that makes me feel so high
That loving you seems all I need to know.
But it all sticks in my throat!
It sounds too cute,Empty as a wrinkled paper bag.
You won't believe it!
Better I stay mute
Than offer you cliches that make you gag.
And yet I wish to tell you of my love,
If only love its own locks would remove!
When I think of you my feelings twist inside
As if someone's fist reached in and grabbed a few,
And turned and turned them tight and tangled.
I've tried Somehow to say: You're the sun in my sky,
The wind that takes me where I want to go,
The sweet incense that makes me feel so high
That loving you seems all I need to know.
But it all sticks in my throat!
It sounds too cute,Empty as a wrinkled paper bag.
You won't believe it!
Better I stay mute
Than offer you cliches that make you gag.
And yet I wish to tell you of my love,
If only love its own locks would remove!
US Army adds MACs as security protection
The Army’s Apple program to bring more Macs into military facilities is being led by Jonathan Broskey, a former Apple employee who says it’s not just that Macs are a less inviting target than Windows; Apple’s version of Unix is inherently more secure than Windows, he says. Some observers, however, are taking issue with that assessment. One of Apple’s major marketing themes is that Macs are less susceptible to viruses, Trojans, and other hacker attacks than Windows PCs. While that argument has yet to hold much sway with enterprise I.T. departments, it is causing the U.S. Army to add some Macs to its networks. Lt. Col. C.J. Wallington, a division chief in the Army’s office of enterprise information systems, told Forbes that the Army is adding Macs to make its networks harder to hack. Wallington said that making networks more heterogeneous might make it more difficult for attackers to compromise an entire group of computers.
One key barrier — besides Apple’s price premium and the general I.T. resistance to Apple — has been incompatibility with Common Access Cards, a security key card program the military uses heavily. Early in 2008, the Army will adopt software that will allow Macs to use CACs. At least one security expert isn’t all that impressed with the Mac as a battle-hardened OS. Charlie Miller of Independent Security Evaluators said Apple had to patch security flaws five times as much as Microsoft. “I love my Macs, but in terms of security, they’re behind the curve, compared to Windows,” Miller told Forbes. Miller added that the Army needs a better security strategy than just adding Macs to the mix. He said attackers will just target whichever platform is weaker, which might just be the Macs that are supposedly more secure
One key barrier — besides Apple’s price premium and the general I.T. resistance to Apple — has been incompatibility with Common Access Cards, a security key card program the military uses heavily. Early in 2008, the Army will adopt software that will allow Macs to use CACs. At least one security expert isn’t all that impressed with the Mac as a battle-hardened OS. Charlie Miller of Independent Security Evaluators said Apple had to patch security flaws five times as much as Microsoft. “I love my Macs, but in terms of security, they’re behind the curve, compared to Windows,” Miller told Forbes. Miller added that the Army needs a better security strategy than just adding Macs to the mix. He said attackers will just target whichever platform is weaker, which might just be the Macs that are supposedly more secure
Camjackers 2006 DVDRip XviD-DOMiNO
DOMiNO have released another pretty much unknown film so i’m not going to comment on the movie itself but say if you like the look of it be my guest and get it. Now onto something I do know which is the quality of the release is pretty good with good video and audio.
“It’s cool man. We’ve got black friends…” Two rich, clueless film school grads (”the Filmfakers”) are shooting a modernized “ghetto” interpretation of an ancient Greek play on the mean streets of Los Angeles. Their equipment is “borrowed” by three street youths (”the Camjackers”), who shoot a compelling documentary on underground hip hop. The Filmfakers rip off the Camjackers’ film and rise to fame and fortune. The Camjackers see their stolen work on TV and seek revenge.
“It’s cool man. We’ve got black friends…” Two rich, clueless film school grads (”the Filmfakers”) are shooting a modernized “ghetto” interpretation of an ancient Greek play on the mean streets of Los Angeles. Their equipment is “borrowed” by three street youths (”the Camjackers”), who shoot a compelling documentary on underground hip hop. The Filmfakers rip off the Camjackers’ film and rise to fame and fortune. The Camjackers see their stolen work on TV and seek revenge.
2007: Top 10 TV shows
1. Planet Earth - No documentary in recent memory has captured the pristine delicacies of Mother Nature's wonderments like this 10-part experience from the BBC and Discovery Channel.
Each focusing on a different region of the Earth - from the rugged mountains to the cold, stark depths of the world's oceans - this visually stunning travelogue took us there and introduced us to the amazing creatures that dwell there. No television program this year better captured our imaginations thanks to more than 40 filmmakers who spent five years shooting the documentary. Sometimes that meant sitting in the same spot for months, waiting to get the right shot of, say, a great white snatching up a seal in its jaws or of mountain sheep ramming each other to claim their territory.
It's a monument to patience and a keen eye and certainly the greatest television discovery this year. And because it was built from the ground up for high-definition television, it's the best excuse to get an HDTV this year.
2. Mad Men - American Movie Classics wanted to created an original series for TV and hit the ground running with this engrossing, funny and critical look at the gender gap, sexual harassment and excess in the 1960s among Madison Avenue advertising executives.
3. Big Love - HBO's profile of a polygamous Utah family only got better in the second season with searing and heartfelt episodes about sexual values in the church and about a rival polygamous family competing with the Henricksons.
4. Entourage - This half-hour look at Hollywood's celebrity trappings through the eyes of a movie superstar has been on one of the most incredible runs in television. This last season was another gem, this time about the making of a pet film project that turns to disaster.
5. The Office - This irreverant yet wholly identifiable sitcom gets the award for one of the most consistently laugh-out-loud comedies for the past four years. Some of this year's episodes, like the one about the "Race for the Cure" for both rabies and Meredith's bad leg, were priceless.
6. Heroes - This pick really refers to the brilliant second half of the first season (which aired the first half of this year), which came to an explosive, edge-of-your-seat conclusion involving our heroes' fight with the evil Sylar. The series has somewhat faltered the beginning of the second season (but not by much), yet there's hope it will continue next year with a more exciting story arc.
7. Curb Your Enthusiasm - After a two-year break, Larry David returned with new episodes that were his funniest and most wicked in three seasons. In a bizarre twist, the story arc involved separating from his wife amid a divorce from real-life wife Laurie David.
8. Friday Night Lights - This wonderfully told drama about high-school football in a small Texas town is here for the same reason as "Heroes": an emotionally riveting first-season second half that nailed the struggles and dreams of rural America like no other series. The second season has included some missteps, including an unnecessary murder subplot, but still told its story with sincerity and style.
9. The Sopranos - I liked the ending to one of the most praised dramas on television. I liked its ambiguity, its mystery and certainly the controversy that surrounded it after it aired. But the whole season leading up to it - particularly the second half - was pure "Sopranos" mastery.
10. Flight of the Conchords - Think of a mellower, more wry version of Tenacious D, and you get a sense of how this offbeat comedy is as it follows the trials of two New Zealanders and their musical exploits in New York City. Hilarious, dry, with spot-on laughs
Each focusing on a different region of the Earth - from the rugged mountains to the cold, stark depths of the world's oceans - this visually stunning travelogue took us there and introduced us to the amazing creatures that dwell there. No television program this year better captured our imaginations thanks to more than 40 filmmakers who spent five years shooting the documentary. Sometimes that meant sitting in the same spot for months, waiting to get the right shot of, say, a great white snatching up a seal in its jaws or of mountain sheep ramming each other to claim their territory.
It's a monument to patience and a keen eye and certainly the greatest television discovery this year. And because it was built from the ground up for high-definition television, it's the best excuse to get an HDTV this year.
2. Mad Men - American Movie Classics wanted to created an original series for TV and hit the ground running with this engrossing, funny and critical look at the gender gap, sexual harassment and excess in the 1960s among Madison Avenue advertising executives.
3. Big Love - HBO's profile of a polygamous Utah family only got better in the second season with searing and heartfelt episodes about sexual values in the church and about a rival polygamous family competing with the Henricksons.
4. Entourage - This half-hour look at Hollywood's celebrity trappings through the eyes of a movie superstar has been on one of the most incredible runs in television. This last season was another gem, this time about the making of a pet film project that turns to disaster.
5. The Office - This irreverant yet wholly identifiable sitcom gets the award for one of the most consistently laugh-out-loud comedies for the past four years. Some of this year's episodes, like the one about the "Race for the Cure" for both rabies and Meredith's bad leg, were priceless.
6. Heroes - This pick really refers to the brilliant second half of the first season (which aired the first half of this year), which came to an explosive, edge-of-your-seat conclusion involving our heroes' fight with the evil Sylar. The series has somewhat faltered the beginning of the second season (but not by much), yet there's hope it will continue next year with a more exciting story arc.
7. Curb Your Enthusiasm - After a two-year break, Larry David returned with new episodes that were his funniest and most wicked in three seasons. In a bizarre twist, the story arc involved separating from his wife amid a divorce from real-life wife Laurie David.
8. Friday Night Lights - This wonderfully told drama about high-school football in a small Texas town is here for the same reason as "Heroes": an emotionally riveting first-season second half that nailed the struggles and dreams of rural America like no other series. The second season has included some missteps, including an unnecessary murder subplot, but still told its story with sincerity and style.
9. The Sopranos - I liked the ending to one of the most praised dramas on television. I liked its ambiguity, its mystery and certainly the controversy that surrounded it after it aired. But the whole season leading up to it - particularly the second half - was pure "Sopranos" mastery.
10. Flight of the Conchords - Think of a mellower, more wry version of Tenacious D, and you get a sense of how this offbeat comedy is as it follows the trials of two New Zealanders and their musical exploits in New York City. Hilarious, dry, with spot-on laughs
Bhutto said she'd blame Musharraf if killed
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated Thursday after addressing a large gathering of her supporters.
Bhutto died of a gunshot wound to the neck, the Pakistani Interior Ministry said. The attacker then blew himself up. The bomb attack killed at least 22 others, doctors said.
Video of the scene just moments before the explosion showed Bhutto stepping into a heavily guarded vehicle to leave the rally.
John Moore, a photographer for Getty Images, said Bhutto was standing through the sunroof of her vehicle, waving to supporters, when two shots rang out.
Bhutto fell back into the vehicle, and almost immediately a bomb blast rocked the scene, sending twisting metal and shrapnel into the crowd, he added.
Police sources told CNN the bomber, who was riding a motorcycle, blew himself up near Bhutto's vehicle. Watch aftermath of the attack.
Bhutto was rushed to Rawalpindi General Hospital -- less than two miles from the bombing scene -- where doctors pronounced her dead.
Her body was removed from the hospital -- carried above a crowd of supporters -- late Thursday night, and a Pakistan Air Force plane is flying the body to Sukkur, accompanied by her husband and three children, said Pakistan People's Party leader Sen. Safdar Abbasi.
Bhutto is scheduled to be buried in the ancestral graveyard of the Bhutto family at Gari-Khuda Baksh in Sindh province Friday afternoon, he added.
Chaos erupted at the hospital when former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived to pay his respects to Bhutto less than three hours after her death.
Hundreds of Bhutto supporters crammed into the entrance shouted and cried, some clutching their heads in pain and shock. Sharif called it "the saddest day" in Pakistan's history. "Something unthinkable has happened," he said. Watch Benazir Bhutto obituary »
Sharif said his party will boycott Pakistan's January 8 parliamentary elections in the wake of the assassination.
President Pervez Musharraf said the killers were the same extremists that Pakistan is fighting a war against, and announced three days of national mourning.
Police warned citizens to stay home as they expected rioting to break out in city streets in reaction to the death.
Rioters burned tires and blocked roads in Karachi and other cities, police sources said. Police fired on an angry mob, killing two people, in the city of Khairpur in the Sindh province, Geo TV reported.
Bhutto's husband issued a statement from his home in Dubai saying, "All I can say is we're devastated, it's a total shock." He arrived in Pakistan late Thursday.President Bush said those responsible "must be brought to justice" and praised Bhutto as a woman who had "fought the forces of terror." He said: "She refused to allow assassins to dictate the course of her country."
The number of wounded was not immediately known. However, video of the scene showed ambulances lined up to take many to hospitals.
Bhutto died of a gunshot wound to the neck, the Pakistani Interior Ministry said. The attacker then blew himself up. The bomb attack killed at least 22 others, doctors said.
Video of the scene just moments before the explosion showed Bhutto stepping into a heavily guarded vehicle to leave the rally.
John Moore, a photographer for Getty Images, said Bhutto was standing through the sunroof of her vehicle, waving to supporters, when two shots rang out.
Bhutto fell back into the vehicle, and almost immediately a bomb blast rocked the scene, sending twisting metal and shrapnel into the crowd, he added.
Police sources told CNN the bomber, who was riding a motorcycle, blew himself up near Bhutto's vehicle. Watch aftermath of the attack.
Bhutto was rushed to Rawalpindi General Hospital -- less than two miles from the bombing scene -- where doctors pronounced her dead.
Her body was removed from the hospital -- carried above a crowd of supporters -- late Thursday night, and a Pakistan Air Force plane is flying the body to Sukkur, accompanied by her husband and three children, said Pakistan People's Party leader Sen. Safdar Abbasi.
Bhutto is scheduled to be buried in the ancestral graveyard of the Bhutto family at Gari-Khuda Baksh in Sindh province Friday afternoon, he added.
Chaos erupted at the hospital when former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived to pay his respects to Bhutto less than three hours after her death.
Hundreds of Bhutto supporters crammed into the entrance shouted and cried, some clutching their heads in pain and shock. Sharif called it "the saddest day" in Pakistan's history. "Something unthinkable has happened," he said. Watch Benazir Bhutto obituary »
Sharif said his party will boycott Pakistan's January 8 parliamentary elections in the wake of the assassination.
President Pervez Musharraf said the killers were the same extremists that Pakistan is fighting a war against, and announced three days of national mourning.
Police warned citizens to stay home as they expected rioting to break out in city streets in reaction to the death.
Rioters burned tires and blocked roads in Karachi and other cities, police sources said. Police fired on an angry mob, killing two people, in the city of Khairpur in the Sindh province, Geo TV reported.
Bhutto's husband issued a statement from his home in Dubai saying, "All I can say is we're devastated, it's a total shock." He arrived in Pakistan late Thursday.President Bush said those responsible "must be brought to justice" and praised Bhutto as a woman who had "fought the forces of terror." He said: "She refused to allow assassins to dictate the course of her country."
The number of wounded was not immediately known. However, video of the scene showed ambulances lined up to take many to hospitals.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth launches video site on YouTube
LONDON - Just call her Queen e-Lizabeth. The 81-year-old British monarch launched her own video site on YouTube Sunday, featuring old news reels and film snippets of daily royal life. Buckingham Palace said Queen Elizabeth II keeps up with new ways of communicating with people and was hoping to reach a wider, and younger, audience through the popular video-sharing Web site. The palace began posting archive and recent footage of the queen and other royals on the official Royal Channel on YouTube on Sunday, with plans to add new clips regularly. The queen will use the site to send out her annual televised Christmas message, a tradition that she began 50 years ago. ''The queen always keeps abreast with new ways of communicating with people,'' Buckingham Palace said in a statement. ''She has always been aware of reaching more people and adapting the communication to suit. This will make the Christmas message more accessible to younger people and those in other countries.'' The royal page - which bears the scarlet lettered heading ''The Royal Channel - The Official Channel of the British Monarchy'' - features a picture of Buckingham Palace flanked by the queen's Guards in their trademark tall bearskin hats and red tunics. Palace officials said the queen's Christmas message this year will urge people to care for the vulnerable and those excluded from society. She will also pay tribute to the sacrifices made by the armed forces.
The queen chooses a different theme for each annual address, the one occasion in the year when she writes her own speech without government advice. In a preview of this year's speech, the monarch is seen standing in Buckingham Palace, watching black and white footage of herself delivering her first televised broadcast. Dressed in an apricot colored dress, the queen can be seen walking into the palace's opulent 1844 Room, which is filled with lights and production equipment, and preparing to start her address. The speech remains confidential until it is aired, both on TV and radio, on Christmas Day. YouTube, which allows anyone to upload and share video clips, was founded in 2005 and bought by Google last year.
On the Net:
* The Royal Channel: www.youtube.com/ theroyalchannel
The queen chooses a different theme for each annual address, the one occasion in the year when she writes her own speech without government advice. In a preview of this year's speech, the monarch is seen standing in Buckingham Palace, watching black and white footage of herself delivering her first televised broadcast. Dressed in an apricot colored dress, the queen can be seen walking into the palace's opulent 1844 Room, which is filled with lights and production equipment, and preparing to start her address. The speech remains confidential until it is aired, both on TV and radio, on Christmas Day. YouTube, which allows anyone to upload and share video clips, was founded in 2005 and bought by Google last year.
On the Net:
* The Royal Channel: www.youtube.com/ theroyalchannel
2007: Top 10 films
"1. I'm Not There" First there was the idea: Depict the life and career of Bob Dylan not through one actor but by a multitude, each one capturing a facet of the musician's chameleonic personae. But this ambitious exploration of Dylan's character, his music and his times wouldn't have worked without actors willing to join writer-director Todd Haynes out on that limb. Haynes got some great performances - notably Christian Bale as the earnest folkie, Heath Ledger as the jaded celebrity, Richard Gere as the activist in winter, and best of all Cate Blanchett as the non-sequitur-dropping post-electric hipster - to match his brilliantly kaleidoscopic mixture of biography, fantasy and history.
"2. No Country For Old Men" Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen - When even the uncrumpling of a candy wrapper can send shivers down your spine, you know you're dealing with masters of suspense. The Coen brothers, adapting Cormac McCarthy's novel of a cold-eyed killer (Javier Bardem) pursuing a man (Josh Brolin) with stolen drug money and a step ahead of a world-weary sheriff (Tommy Lee Jones), reached back to their glory days of "Blood Simple" and "Fargo" for an unforgettable look at implacable evil.
.3 "Once" Directed by John Carney - It's so simple: Boy meets girl, boy fixes girl's
vacuum cleaner, boy sings plaintive duet while girl plays piano, boy and girl go to a recording studio to lay down some tracks. But the songs Irish rocker Glen Hansard and Czech musician Marketa Irglova wrote for themselves to sing bear the emotional weight of this soulful romance.
4. "Juno" Directed by Jason Reitman - A teen girl gets pregnant, but what follows isn't an after-school special but a sharply funny story about making choices and making the best of a bad situation. This delightful teen movie highlights a stellar debut by screenwriter Diablo Cody, whose dialogue is as smart as Tarantino's but twice as sweet, and a star-making performance by Ellen Page as the punky preggo with whom you can't help falling in love.
5. "Michael Clayton" Directed by Tony Gilroy - George Clooney has played the redeemable cad before (three times as Danny Ocean), but never have the stakes been so high. As the title character, a law-firm "fixer" who has a sudden attack of conscious in the middle of a billion-dollar pollution case, Clooney makes his roguish charm and its underlying menace work for him beautifully. Writer and first-time director Tony Gilroy, channeling the riveting pace of his "Bourne" screenplays, also benefits from a strong supporting cast that includes Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson and Sydney Pollack, all at the top of their respective games.
6. "Offside" Directed by Jafar Panahi - All they wanted to do was root for their national soccer team. But they are women and this is Iran, where the sexes are segregated and women run the risk of arrest or worse if they try to enter the stadium. Director Jafar Panahi spins this scenario out into a gentle but pointed satire about the divisions of gender and class in Iran - and how sports can be the great leveler.
7. "Knocked Up" Directed by Judd Apatow - Another unexpected pregnancy, another unexpectedly moving comedy. This time the focus is on a jobless slacker (Seth Rogen) who has to grow up fast when his one-night-stand with a beautiful TV producer (Katherine Heigl) leads to her being pregnant - and them becoming an unlikely couple. Writer-director Judd Apatow borrows heavily from his own life as a clueless husband and father (that's Apatow's wife, the hilarious Leslie Mann, as Heigl's married-with-kids sister) for a profanely funny and emotionally authentic movie.
8. "The Host" Directed by Bong Joon-ho - When the giant monster emerges from the Han River, attacking the Seoul lunch crowd and dragging a schoolgirl to the murky depths, you gasp. When the girl's family bickers about how to save her, you laugh. When the girl's father sacrifices all to save her, you cry. All the emotions are in play in this superior monster movie from Korea.
9. "Jindabyne" Directed by Ray Lawrence - Stewart Kane (Gabriel Byrne) is a garage mechanic who goes fishing with his buddies, and they find the body of a naked Aboriginal floating in the water. What happens next in this heart-wrenching drama, movingly adapted from a Raymond Carver short story, is a fateful decision that brings out guilt in Stewart, disgust from his wife (Laura Linney) and recriminations from the community.
10. "Into the Wild" Directed by Sean Penn - Was Chris McCandless, who chucked his upper-class life to tramp around the country and ultimately die in the Alaskan wilderness, a Thoreau-fueled idealist or a dumb kid who got in over his head? The glory of Sean Penn's adaptation of Jon Krakauer's nonfiction book is that this question is left for us to decide. Along the way, we are treated to breathtaking scenery and Emile Hirsch's stunning performance as the adventure-seeking McCandless.
-Sean P. Means
"2. No Country For Old Men" Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen - When even the uncrumpling of a candy wrapper can send shivers down your spine, you know you're dealing with masters of suspense. The Coen brothers, adapting Cormac McCarthy's novel of a cold-eyed killer (Javier Bardem) pursuing a man (Josh Brolin) with stolen drug money and a step ahead of a world-weary sheriff (Tommy Lee Jones), reached back to their glory days of "Blood Simple" and "Fargo" for an unforgettable look at implacable evil.
.3 "Once" Directed by John Carney - It's so simple: Boy meets girl, boy fixes girl's
vacuum cleaner, boy sings plaintive duet while girl plays piano, boy and girl go to a recording studio to lay down some tracks. But the songs Irish rocker Glen Hansard and Czech musician Marketa Irglova wrote for themselves to sing bear the emotional weight of this soulful romance.
4. "Juno" Directed by Jason Reitman - A teen girl gets pregnant, but what follows isn't an after-school special but a sharply funny story about making choices and making the best of a bad situation. This delightful teen movie highlights a stellar debut by screenwriter Diablo Cody, whose dialogue is as smart as Tarantino's but twice as sweet, and a star-making performance by Ellen Page as the punky preggo with whom you can't help falling in love.
5. "Michael Clayton" Directed by Tony Gilroy - George Clooney has played the redeemable cad before (three times as Danny Ocean), but never have the stakes been so high. As the title character, a law-firm "fixer" who has a sudden attack of conscious in the middle of a billion-dollar pollution case, Clooney makes his roguish charm and its underlying menace work for him beautifully. Writer and first-time director Tony Gilroy, channeling the riveting pace of his "Bourne" screenplays, also benefits from a strong supporting cast that includes Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson and Sydney Pollack, all at the top of their respective games.
6. "Offside" Directed by Jafar Panahi - All they wanted to do was root for their national soccer team. But they are women and this is Iran, where the sexes are segregated and women run the risk of arrest or worse if they try to enter the stadium. Director Jafar Panahi spins this scenario out into a gentle but pointed satire about the divisions of gender and class in Iran - and how sports can be the great leveler.
7. "Knocked Up" Directed by Judd Apatow - Another unexpected pregnancy, another unexpectedly moving comedy. This time the focus is on a jobless slacker (Seth Rogen) who has to grow up fast when his one-night-stand with a beautiful TV producer (Katherine Heigl) leads to her being pregnant - and them becoming an unlikely couple. Writer-director Judd Apatow borrows heavily from his own life as a clueless husband and father (that's Apatow's wife, the hilarious Leslie Mann, as Heigl's married-with-kids sister) for a profanely funny and emotionally authentic movie.
8. "The Host" Directed by Bong Joon-ho - When the giant monster emerges from the Han River, attacking the Seoul lunch crowd and dragging a schoolgirl to the murky depths, you gasp. When the girl's family bickers about how to save her, you laugh. When the girl's father sacrifices all to save her, you cry. All the emotions are in play in this superior monster movie from Korea.
9. "Jindabyne" Directed by Ray Lawrence - Stewart Kane (Gabriel Byrne) is a garage mechanic who goes fishing with his buddies, and they find the body of a naked Aboriginal floating in the water. What happens next in this heart-wrenching drama, movingly adapted from a Raymond Carver short story, is a fateful decision that brings out guilt in Stewart, disgust from his wife (Laura Linney) and recriminations from the community.
10. "Into the Wild" Directed by Sean Penn - Was Chris McCandless, who chucked his upper-class life to tramp around the country and ultimately die in the Alaskan wilderness, a Thoreau-fueled idealist or a dumb kid who got in over his head? The glory of Sean Penn's adaptation of Jon Krakauer's nonfiction book is that this question is left for us to decide. Along the way, we are treated to breathtaking scenery and Emile Hirsch's stunning performance as the adventure-seeking McCandless.
-Sean P. Means
The Bottom 10:
You can't take good without taking the bad. And these were the worst:
1. "I Know Who Killed Me" - It was a bad year for Lindsay Lohan, what with rehab and arrests and tabloid torment, but starring in this brainless thriller was the fetid icing on the rancid cake.
2. "P2" - Playing a stupid psycho-killer in a parking garage, Wes Bentley's career went the way of that plastic bag he was videotaping in "American Beauty."
3. "Rush Hour 3" - The best thing you can say about this unnecessary sequel: As long as Chris Tucker keeps counting his money from this franchise, it keeps him from stinking up other movies.
4. "Mr. Woodcock" - A sadistic coach vs. an arrogant ex-student - who do I root for again?
5. "Are We Done Yet?" - This kiddie comedy took its title from the question asked of anyone unfortunate enough to buy a ticket.
6. "Youth Without Youth" - Francis Ford Coppola's first movie in 10 years is an incoherent mess of images and self-absorbed nonsense.
7. "Vacancy" - If you want me to care about a couple being terrorized in a motel, don't cast Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale, the world's blandest actors.
8. "Wild Hogs" - Gee, you'd think guys wearing so much leather wouldn't be so homophobic.
9. "Bratz" - Your daughter's dolls have more personality, and could probably write better dialogue.
10. "September Dawn" - Making a cliche-ridden, ineptly acted (in the case of Jon Voight, grossly overacted) and demonizing movie is no way to honor the 120 Arkansas settlers killed at the Mountain Meadows Massacre
1. "I Know Who Killed Me" - It was a bad year for Lindsay Lohan, what with rehab and arrests and tabloid torment, but starring in this brainless thriller was the fetid icing on the rancid cake.
2. "P2" - Playing a stupid psycho-killer in a parking garage, Wes Bentley's career went the way of that plastic bag he was videotaping in "American Beauty."
3. "Rush Hour 3" - The best thing you can say about this unnecessary sequel: As long as Chris Tucker keeps counting his money from this franchise, it keeps him from stinking up other movies.
4. "Mr. Woodcock" - A sadistic coach vs. an arrogant ex-student - who do I root for again?
5. "Are We Done Yet?" - This kiddie comedy took its title from the question asked of anyone unfortunate enough to buy a ticket.
6. "Youth Without Youth" - Francis Ford Coppola's first movie in 10 years is an incoherent mess of images and self-absorbed nonsense.
7. "Vacancy" - If you want me to care about a couple being terrorized in a motel, don't cast Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale, the world's blandest actors.
8. "Wild Hogs" - Gee, you'd think guys wearing so much leather wouldn't be so homophobic.
9. "Bratz" - Your daughter's dolls have more personality, and could probably write better dialogue.
10. "September Dawn" - Making a cliche-ridden, ineptly acted (in the case of Jon Voight, grossly overacted) and demonizing movie is no way to honor the 120 Arkansas settlers killed at the Mountain Meadows Massacre
Sunday, March 30, 2008
SXSW: Inside the Playboy Party With Moby and Justice
By Angela Watercutter March 14, 2008 7:57:47 PMCategories: Music, Sex, SXSW
AUSTIN, Texas -- A Playboy party is pretty much everything you'd expect. Almost all the drinks involve Jack Daniel's. Everything you sit on is glittery enough for a Mariah Carey video. Bunnies and the men who guard them stroll amongst the common folk (although in this alternate universe the "common folk" look like they were flown in from Los Angeles). Dudes in raccoon costumes are posing for photos. And, oh look! It's Perez Hilton!
But if said Playboy party happens to be at South by Southwest, then the musical vibe has to be a little more raw. This is indie rock spring break after all, and it's likely that Kid Rock wouldn't fare as well here as he would if he were throwing down at Hef's. So for Playboy's Rock the Rabbit party the likes of Moby, French electronica duo Justice, Brooklyn rockers MGMT and the U.K.'s own the Heavy were brought in to entertain the revelers.
"We were just like, 'This will be a great opportunity to let people believe that we are playboys and cool guys, when actually we are just fucking dorks," Justice's Xavier de Rosnay joked to me before he went on. "Because tonight there's like Moby. I mean, Mo-motherfucking-by, who I think is like the biggest playboy and gangster on Earth. We're just Christian boys."
In retrospect, he had a point. Even though MGMT and the Heavy put on first-rate sets, it wasn't until Moby took to the stage that even the most jaded revelers, Playmates included, got into the groove. Moby's been getting some props lately for his return to making great dance music, and he deserves it. But if Thursday's, or rather Friday morning's, performance is any indication, he's back to prime form as a straight-up turntable man. By the time he dropped the apropos "Paradise City" by Guns 'N Roses to end his set, a large chunk of the crowd was on stage surrounding his turntables as he played.
Continue reading "SXSW: Inside the Playboy Party With Moby and Justice" »
Post Comment Comments (14) Permalink
Ellen Page and Andy Samberg: The Impassioned Follow-Up
By Angela Watercutter March 02, 2008 11:00:00 AMCategories: Celebrity, Comedy, Current Affairs, Feminism, Sex, Video
So, it doesn’t feature rapping. There’s no genitalia topped off with a bow and no one is doing Michael Cera (sorry, Sonia).
It was more like “I’m F**king Whoever I Want. Deal With It.”
When I started going through clips of last night’s Saturday Night Live deciding which to post as a follow-up to my fanboy drool-fest post about the pairing of Ellen Page and Andy Samberg, I thought sure the opening monologue was the one.
Like many SNL openers before, it gave a knowing wink to the current zeitgeist surrounding its host - in this case the blogged-out jargon screenwriter Diablo Cody wrote for Page’s Juno that hipsters from Williamsburg to Silver Lake take relish in hating. The bit was priceless. Hearing Samberg-as-Cody (in a dress!) valley-girl up his voice to roll out zingers like “My bologna has a first name - it’s O-S-C-A-R” had me laughing out loud. And it was rad to see Page sarcastically put to rest any lingering misgivings that she actually speaks like the character that's made her famous.
But that wasn’t the highlight. That award is reserved for this (above right), which alludes to the other zeitgeist currently surrounding Page: the tongue-wagging about her sexuality. It's hard to say whether this was written before or after Michael Musto's blog post over at the Village Voice brought Ellen Page Sexuality Watch to its boiling point. But that doesn't matter because, as this sketch shows, it doesn't matter. Moreover, it seems Page couldn't really give less of a crap what people think. (Respect.) Homegirl isn't one to suffer fools, and she ain't about to start. (Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Musto.)
Not that this skit is really all about a "message." Page compassionately terminates a slew of stereotypically lesbian sacred cows (personal fave: the reference to a Suze Orman gay mortgage booth) here in her attempt to explain to her boyfriend (Samberg) that she didn't "go gay" at a Melissa Etheridge concert. But when she laments that she can't "just hug a woman with my legs in friendship" without being labeled a lesbian, she nails it. The joke and the point.
It's not laugh-till-you-cry funny, true. Will it go viral? Dunno. But when Samberg, who heretofore has played the role of guy who is concerned his girlfriend is pulling a reverse Chasing Amy, turns to Page and says he'd go to surprisingly great lengths to be around her even if "it turns out you're a real lez" it is magic.
See also:
Ellen Page and Andy Samberg: Will There Be Magic?
Toronto: Ladies and Gentlemen, Sex Symbols Michael Cera and Ellen Page
Viral Vidiots: Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone - The Lonely Island and Saturday Night Live
A Blogger Turned Stripper Turned Screenwriter Pens a Flick That's Taking Off
Post Comment Comments (9) Permalink
The Saga Continues: Elizabeth Banks Is Banging Seth Rogen
By Angela Watercutter February 26, 2008 1:47:27 AMCategories: Celebrity, Comedy, Sex, Video
In the lightning-fast world of viral video it's hard to say how many times something must be parodied before it becomes a meme. (In the case of the Leave Britney Alone guy, lots.) But I'm going to go out on a limb and say third time is a charm. Now that Sarah Silverman has established the tone, and her beau has responded in kind, the doors are wide open for bandwagon-jumping.
Luckily, the first (that we've found, at least) offering comes from the likes of Seth Rogen and Kevin Smith. Shot on the set of Smith's upcoming Zack and Miri Make a Porno, this completely uncensored and NSFW clip disentangles the treacherous web a young starlet -- in this case Elizabeth Banks, Rogen's co-star -- weaves when trying to get ahead in Hollywood (the Faustian bargain should be obvious). Sadly, there's no McLovin cameo, but walk-ins from the likes of Traci Lords and Jason "Jay" Mewes (keeping it real, Affleck-style) totally make up for it.
Often the quality of response videos can vary greatly, but if any other future endeavors match this video's caliber then we're all in for a lot of treats. We here at the Underwire will, however, really have to start banging our heads against our keyboards in search of more euphemisms for f*&king. But riddle me this readers: If you could choose, who should be zooomin' who in the next viral (ew.) sensation?
[via Quick Stop Entertainment]
See also:
Kimmel's Comeback Video: I'm Boinking Ben Affleck
Sarah Silverman's Super Song About Boinking Matt Damon
'Shoes' Walks Away With People's Choice Award
Post Comment Comments (2) Permalink
ord=Math.random()*10000000000000000;
document.write('');
AUSTIN, Texas -- A Playboy party is pretty much everything you'd expect. Almost all the drinks involve Jack Daniel's. Everything you sit on is glittery enough for a Mariah Carey video. Bunnies and the men who guard them stroll amongst the common folk (although in this alternate universe the "common folk" look like they were flown in from Los Angeles). Dudes in raccoon costumes are posing for photos. And, oh look! It's Perez Hilton!
But if said Playboy party happens to be at South by Southwest, then the musical vibe has to be a little more raw. This is indie rock spring break after all, and it's likely that Kid Rock wouldn't fare as well here as he would if he were throwing down at Hef's. So for Playboy's Rock the Rabbit party the likes of Moby, French electronica duo Justice, Brooklyn rockers MGMT and the U.K.'s own the Heavy were brought in to entertain the revelers.
"We were just like, 'This will be a great opportunity to let people believe that we are playboys and cool guys, when actually we are just fucking dorks," Justice's Xavier de Rosnay joked to me before he went on. "Because tonight there's like Moby. I mean, Mo-motherfucking-by, who I think is like the biggest playboy and gangster on Earth. We're just Christian boys."
In retrospect, he had a point. Even though MGMT and the Heavy put on first-rate sets, it wasn't until Moby took to the stage that even the most jaded revelers, Playmates included, got into the groove. Moby's been getting some props lately for his return to making great dance music, and he deserves it. But if Thursday's, or rather Friday morning's, performance is any indication, he's back to prime form as a straight-up turntable man. By the time he dropped the apropos "Paradise City" by Guns 'N Roses to end his set, a large chunk of the crowd was on stage surrounding his turntables as he played.
Continue reading "SXSW: Inside the Playboy Party With Moby and Justice" »
Post Comment Comments (14) Permalink
Ellen Page and Andy Samberg: The Impassioned Follow-Up
By Angela Watercutter March 02, 2008 11:00:00 AMCategories: Celebrity, Comedy, Current Affairs, Feminism, Sex, Video
So, it doesn’t feature rapping. There’s no genitalia topped off with a bow and no one is doing Michael Cera (sorry, Sonia).
It was more like “I’m F**king Whoever I Want. Deal With It.”
When I started going through clips of last night’s Saturday Night Live deciding which to post as a follow-up to my fanboy drool-fest post about the pairing of Ellen Page and Andy Samberg, I thought sure the opening monologue was the one.
Like many SNL openers before, it gave a knowing wink to the current zeitgeist surrounding its host - in this case the blogged-out jargon screenwriter Diablo Cody wrote for Page’s Juno that hipsters from Williamsburg to Silver Lake take relish in hating. The bit was priceless. Hearing Samberg-as-Cody (in a dress!) valley-girl up his voice to roll out zingers like “My bologna has a first name - it’s O-S-C-A-R” had me laughing out loud. And it was rad to see Page sarcastically put to rest any lingering misgivings that she actually speaks like the character that's made her famous.
But that wasn’t the highlight. That award is reserved for this (above right), which alludes to the other zeitgeist currently surrounding Page: the tongue-wagging about her sexuality. It's hard to say whether this was written before or after Michael Musto's blog post over at the Village Voice brought Ellen Page Sexuality Watch to its boiling point. But that doesn't matter because, as this sketch shows, it doesn't matter. Moreover, it seems Page couldn't really give less of a crap what people think. (Respect.) Homegirl isn't one to suffer fools, and she ain't about to start. (Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Musto.)
Not that this skit is really all about a "message." Page compassionately terminates a slew of stereotypically lesbian sacred cows (personal fave: the reference to a Suze Orman gay mortgage booth) here in her attempt to explain to her boyfriend (Samberg) that she didn't "go gay" at a Melissa Etheridge concert. But when she laments that she can't "just hug a woman with my legs in friendship" without being labeled a lesbian, she nails it. The joke and the point.
It's not laugh-till-you-cry funny, true. Will it go viral? Dunno. But when Samberg, who heretofore has played the role of guy who is concerned his girlfriend is pulling a reverse Chasing Amy, turns to Page and says he'd go to surprisingly great lengths to be around her even if "it turns out you're a real lez" it is magic.
See also:
Ellen Page and Andy Samberg: Will There Be Magic?
Toronto: Ladies and Gentlemen, Sex Symbols Michael Cera and Ellen Page
Viral Vidiots: Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone - The Lonely Island and Saturday Night Live
A Blogger Turned Stripper Turned Screenwriter Pens a Flick That's Taking Off
Post Comment Comments (9) Permalink
The Saga Continues: Elizabeth Banks Is Banging Seth Rogen
By Angela Watercutter February 26, 2008 1:47:27 AMCategories: Celebrity, Comedy, Sex, Video
In the lightning-fast world of viral video it's hard to say how many times something must be parodied before it becomes a meme. (In the case of the Leave Britney Alone guy, lots.) But I'm going to go out on a limb and say third time is a charm. Now that Sarah Silverman has established the tone, and her beau has responded in kind, the doors are wide open for bandwagon-jumping.
Luckily, the first (that we've found, at least) offering comes from the likes of Seth Rogen and Kevin Smith. Shot on the set of Smith's upcoming Zack and Miri Make a Porno, this completely uncensored and NSFW clip disentangles the treacherous web a young starlet -- in this case Elizabeth Banks, Rogen's co-star -- weaves when trying to get ahead in Hollywood (the Faustian bargain should be obvious). Sadly, there's no McLovin cameo, but walk-ins from the likes of Traci Lords and Jason "Jay" Mewes (keeping it real, Affleck-style) totally make up for it.
Often the quality of response videos can vary greatly, but if any other future endeavors match this video's caliber then we're all in for a lot of treats. We here at the Underwire will, however, really have to start banging our heads against our keyboards in search of more euphemisms for f*&king. But riddle me this readers: If you could choose, who should be zooomin' who in the next viral (ew.) sensation?
[via Quick Stop Entertainment]
See also:
Kimmel's Comeback Video: I'm Boinking Ben Affleck
Sarah Silverman's Super Song About Boinking Matt Damon
'Shoes' Walks Away With People's Choice Award
Post Comment Comments (2) Permalink
ord=Math.random()*10000000000000000;
document.write('');
Google Goes Black for Earth Hour
By Lewis Wallace March 29, 2008 10:29:46 AMCategories: Enviro, Web/Tech
Google's elegant white homepage went basic black Saturday to draw attention to an environmental campaign called Earth Hour.
The website, which is known for tinkering with its logo for various holidays, switched its entire homepage color scheme and posted a simple message below its search box: "We've turned the lights out. Now it's your turn."
The official Earth Hour page explains the idea behind Saturday's environmental event: "On March 29, 2008, at 8 p.m., join millions of people around the world in making a statement about climate change by turning off your lights for Earth Hour, an event created by the World Wildlife Fund."
Will Google stay black? Nope -- because there's no reason to, according to a note on the site. "As to why we don't do this permanently -- it saves no energy; modern displays use the same amount of power regardless of what they display," says Google.
See also:
How Google Got Its Colorful Logo
Hip-Hop Newbie Raps About Google
Short Skit Visualizes Google's Dark Side
All Google's Roads Lead to Kansas
reddit_url='http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/03/google-goes-bla.html';
reddit_title='Google Goes Black for Earth Hour';
reddit_css='http:\/\/www.wired.com\/css\/redditsocial.css';
digg_url = 'http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/03/google-goes-bla.html';
digg_title = 'Google Goes Black for Earth Hour';
digg_bgcolor = 'transparent';
digg_skin = 'compact';
digg_window = 'new';
wired:http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/03/google-goes-bla.html
Yahoo! Buzz
StumbleShareThis
// var obj = SHARETHIS.addEntry({
ord=Math.random()*10000000000000000;
document.write('');
Google says so? Well, what did they mean by "modern displays"?
LCD's actually consume a little more energy when displaying black than when displaying white. See this link for more info:
http://www.oledbuyingguide.com/oled-tv-articles/oled-tv-vs-lcd-tv.html
Posted by: Raul Saavedra Mar 29, 2008 9:16:47 AM
I'm just glad google is out there raising awareness. My social consciousness needed a refill after live earth.
Posted by: yarrrr Mar 29, 2008 9:47:14 AM
Another liberal "style over substance" gesture of no import whatsover.
Posted by: John Mar 29, 2008 11:39:04 AM
What makes it liberal? Getting people to reduce energy waste is liberal? Multi-billion-dollar corporations are liberal? Trying to fix a problem by changing individual behavior before the government or the market forces your hand is liberal?
Okay, if you say so.
Posted by: Matt Mar 29, 2008 11:54:31 AM
Matt, does Magic Earth Hour do any of that? It's all a bunch of pretentious feel good asshatery for faux altruists. We're aware now, please STFU.
Posted by: yarrrr Mar 29, 2008 12:12:29 PM
Doing things that just may interrupt people from their every day hub-bub and ask them to think about the world that they live in MUST be a 'liberal' (use whichever label you like, divisionists) action. You sure as shit don't see the radical neo-cons doing similar.
Posted by: Kent Mar 29, 2008 12:22:01 PM
The radical right leans toward AVOIDING thought, baby Bush is an obvious example. I think it is a nice gesture by Google.
Posted by: Darla Jean Mar 29, 2008 1:08:59 PM
It's funny that the http://www10.earthhourus.org/ website use an animated javascript which is using a lot of calculation power, so the computer energy comsummation increases when such web pages are displayed by navigator!
What a pity!
Posted by: David GOLIATH Mar 29, 2008 1:30:46 PM
Those wacky liberals and their crazy ideas of conservation. Thank goodness conservatives don't believe in that nonsense, right?
Posted by: Max Mar 29, 2008 1:34:35 PM
Funny, this. Wouldn't it be more impressive if Google shut down all their servers for the hour... that's the whole point, right? Use less electricity, not tell people to use less electricity.
Posted by: Clint Mar 29, 2008 1:44:43 PM
The earth hour is bullshit. But, if we can help the Liberals soothe their guilt complex for an hour, I guess it's the least we can do for the mentally challenged and mentally disturbed.
Have fun with it Liberals !!!
Posted by: Ridelights Mar 29, 2008 1:46:54 PM
Humans aren't causing global warming FFS. Fucking Liberals. You think you can observe major climate changes in the small lifespan of a human? "look around, theres ice shelfs breaking off", no shit how do you all suppose the pole got its jagged edges to begin with? Shits always breaking off. Just rare to see within a human life time.
Posted by: Akrid Mar 29, 2008 2:00:34 PM
Boy, it sure is Fox News around here.
Posted by: Anonymous Mar 29, 2008 2:09:55 PM
Great, first they nag me to death for smoking, now I get nagged to death about having lights on. nag nag nag.
Posted by: nug Mar 29, 2008 2:10:45 PM
Bid deal, sign this petition : http://www.geocities.com/poi243
Posted by: vasile Mar 29, 2008 2:32:25 PM
so what have the liberals gone and done now? thought about someone other than themselves? those guys are just kerrrrazy.
Posted by: david Mar 29, 2008 2:35:37 PM
Wanna save energy? Build more nuclear power plants morons!
Posted by: Robert Mar 29, 2008 3:06:01 PM
The amount of seething hatred and flawed logic in these comments is astounding. No wonder we got the boy blunder as a president.
Posted by: Something for Nothing Mar 29, 2008 3:14:50 PM
Think Earth Hour is worth bothering over? Think paying a Global UN Carbon Tax is worth paying? Have you ever stopped for a moment and tried to look at the reasoning behind it? Like you, I bought into the Al Gore political ideology about Global Warming and CO2 emissions, but after finding a few interesting videos on Youtube, my perspective changed.
We need to understand the political motivation behind Global Warming. Watch this video and more, and try and get the other side of the argument, and don't for a second believe everything you read or see on the Mainstream Media. Because they're motivated by something... and it's usually greed. The people behind them have various ideologies that aren't always for the betterment of mankind.
Go on youtube. Watch "The Great Global Warming Swindle"
Posted by: Nathan Mar 29, 2008 3:38:26 PM
WOW and where is all this "SAVED" energey goiong to go. In a battery backup the size of China? Comon people you cant actually SAVE power that way. if anything you Waste it. Coal still needs to burn Reactors just get tuned down a little and hydro still flows. Its not Like it gets Magicly saved for use later.
Posted by: m3kt3k Mar 29, 2008 3:54:55 PM
It sounds like some people are simply scared that maybe, just maybe, acting like everything is going to be ok won't fix anything. How did the ozone hole et fixed? That's right, we took action and banned the stuff that was causing it.
This is an awareness campaign. No one is forced to turn out their lights. Just like on the one year anniversary of 9/11 no one was forced to light candles... but some of us did. Awareness that there isn't an infinite amount of energy and that maybe, just maybe, we need to conserve a bit is not a liberal or conservative argument. It is a practical argument. Anyone opposed to practicality is simply an idiot and can be ignored.
Posted by: Sean Mar 29, 2008 3:59:38 PM
m3kt3k: If that's the case, then what the hell were companies like Enron doing?
Posted by: Something for Nothing Mar 29, 2008 4:01:03 PM
What makes this even worse is that the WWF is opposed to nuclear energy and that's about the only way something like Kyoto would ever work.
Posted by: yarrrr Mar 29, 2008 4:29:23 PM
@Akrid, I think I'll go with the overwhelming majority of scientists, rather than accept your "Shit's always breaking off" hypothesis.
The Conservative Plan for the environment: Just keep using more resources every year forever. Any mention that the Earth is of finite size is just Liberal Media Lies.
Posted by: cartouche Mar 29, 2008 4:59:01 PM
Someone has already beaten Google to this a long time ago. It's called Blackle.com... started up by an Australian company called Heap Media.
Posted by: Derek Mar 29, 2008 5:20:27 PM
I'm sure that saved a lot of energy!
http://fakesteveballmer.blogspot.com
Posted by: steveballmer Mar 29, 2008 5:53:12 PM
Derek: Google knows about Blackle. http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2007/08/is-black-new-green.html They also point to a study that shows black uses more power for LCDs.
Posted by: Reikon Mar 29, 2008 6:03:35 PM
The reason it is "liberal" is because liberals have concluded that "the debate" on climate change is over. It is clear that Google's position is that our presence is significantly changing the Earth's climate. Thousands of scientists do not think this is the case. It is clear that Google has a left-of-center agenda. I say this with love of Google as a company that produces great tech, but they definitely have a political agenda.
And no I'm not a red neck from the mid west, I'm a computer science graduate student at UCSD
Posted by: A Guy Mar 29, 2008 6:06:24 PM
I think that it would have made a more profound statement if they would have made all of their services black. Gmail, reader, analytics, documents, and etc...
Posted by: steve Mar 29, 2008 6:06:29 PM
@Sean if you think "the ozone hole is fixed" you obviously haven't visited New Zealand lately. You can feel the burn after about five minutes, even in Autumn. Tourists fall asleep in the sun for an hour and get third-degree burns FFS.
As a kid I could sit at the beach all day, reapply my SPF15 twice and have a great time, no pain or peeling skin.
Now we all wear nano-particles of titanium and $600 sunnies to protect ourselves but all you truck-driving yanks are still fucking ARGUING about it!
Posted by: Dave Mar 29, 2008 6:09:54 PM
I turned my lights off, and my tv and laptop - and it was peaceful, like when the power's out or your stuck home in a snowstorm. I think next year Ill have a earth hour party, invite all my friends & family over and have a bonfire in the back yard. It gives you a reason to all stop for a moment without tv, computer, cleaning, nothing...unless like the many of you here complaining,(negativity sucks) your afraid you'll have nothing else to do. ;-)
Posted by: Sephi Mar 29, 2008 6:18:26 PM
Even if you don't agree with the concept of global warming, or think it is some lefty plot for world domination, in the scheme of things its about conserving. On the whole, humans are pretty wasteful when it comes to most things. This at least demonstrates to people that you CAN go at least an hour without all the power booming in your house. It also goes to show how you CAN organize a large number of people to stand up for something all at once (very "V for Vendetta"). At the very least you can look at it from an economical viewpoint- thats one hour of energy that wont show up on your bill.
Posted by: Keelin Mar 29, 2008 6:23:50 PM
if it saves no power do somthing that WILL!!!!!
Posted by: samantha Mar 29, 2008 7:10:00 PM
"the lights out campaign in Bangkok saved 73.34 megawatts of electricity, which would have produced 45.8 tons of carbon dioxide." That's just in Bangkok. Just imagine what we're doing worldwide. In just one hour, on just one day. Wake up people--we can have an effect!
Posted by: JMW Mar 29, 2008 7:36:58 PM
Notice how right-wingers have changed their tune. They can no longer deny the fact of global warming, so they have now changed their language to deny 'man-made' global warming and hope we don't notice. Of course, it doesn't matter HOW global warming is occurring, but whether humans can do anything about it, which, of course, we can.
Posted by: Chris j. Mar 29, 2008 8:22:16 PM
A Zen perspective on Earth Hour...
http://www.valleyzen.com/2008/03/29/valleyzen-shuts-down-for-earth-hour/
Posted by: Drue Kataoka Mar 29, 2008 9:27:39 PM
Is Earth Hour going to be an annual event like Earth Day, or was this a one time only thing?
Posted by: Murray Mar 29, 2008 9:38:56 PM
Nathan, ok...so global warming isn't caused by us. So how do we fix Peak oil? lol...Whether global warming is caused by us or not shouldn't be the issue. I think the issue should be peak oil. Whether the globe warms or it doesn't, we are still consuming oil pretty fast, we'll need alternative energy anyways, with or without global warming. I think earth hour will save a little oil. Not a lot though, earth hour is just to make people more aware of the effects of their consumption, it's not to make them stop or do something they don't want to.
Posted by: Garrett Mar 29, 2008 9:48:57 PM
i really like the Black... its soo much easier to read.. can i make it stay that way? it really doesnt light up the whole room like the white screen does.. besides... my 22"widescreen seems to look even sweeter with it blacked out....
Posted by: ray d Mar 29, 2008 9:52:49 PM
I'm calling a spade a spade on this issue. This whole man made (US made) Global Warming issue is suspect with numerous scientists calling foul against it. Also interesting to note that Gore himself has been called to the table for the scam that this is appearing to be, with his "carbon credits." He like others are profiting from this in a big time matter, and they are doing it in such a way to play on peoples' guilt of being "wasteful." They make us feel guilty about wasting, and using energy, and call us pigs for that. Then they turn around and offer stupid programs called "carbon credits" to supposedly off-set our wasteful usages. In turn disguising it to look like the feel good message of the century, when in fact they are looking for a profit. While he himself continues to live like a king in his mansion. Gore is nothing more the PoS for his "contributions" that are now being brought forth to a court of law. Instead of buying the crap that this idiot and the drive-by media offers, maybe some of you would do yourself justice and recall some basics of your old science classes about solar activity, and weather patterns of this earth. As for those of you are "doing my part for mother earth" enjoy what those compact fluorescents do to your water with the mercury in them. Or what they expect you to do when one said bulb breaks.
Posted by: Spade Mar 29, 2008 9:52:51 PM
Call me stupid, but I don't see how conserving resources makes Al Gore rich.
Posted by: Murray Mar 29, 2008 10:17:08 PM
Wow... I am often shocked at the misinformation that circulates about climate change. I have studied the physics of climate change, and I've talked with scientists who are leaders in researching the climate system. Climate change is being observed, and it is very likely due to human activities. Yes, climate variability does happen on natural cycles, BUT that doesn't mean humans can't also cause climate change!
There are a few scientists who disagree, but I dispute the claim that there are "thousands". There is a small chance that we are wrong about climate change, but that does not mean we should not try to prevent major impacts on food, water supply, et cetera. That is a gamble I don't think we can afford to make. Especially since reducing energy/oil use also has many positive side effects, regardless of whether climate change is happening at all. We can reduce pollution, end dependence on foreign oil, and save money.
I for one did turn off my lights, as a gesture to raise awareness. It certainly didn't do me any harm, and I took some time to reflect on my energy consumption.
Posted by: Laura Mar 29, 2008 11:06:59 PM
really, what does one hour prove? why can't this be done through all hours of the night (and day for that matter)? why are the responsible allowed only one hour of twenty four? too few people will be aware of the earth "hour". i say we make this a nightly occurrence which will only then spread awareness, even if it's merely through curiosity.
Posted by: pisanorama Mar 30, 2008 2:52:27 AM
A comedian at the laugh factory said it best, "stupid people are clever and continually procreating." It is clear by some of these posts that the stupid and/or bigots of the world are multiplying. Think of the earth as a person and place humanity in a category that best fits the group based on observation. We would more than likely fit into the category of a parasitic organism or flesh eating virus. We take without regard for our host(earth). Practically speaking... How long do you think our ever expanding and exponentially consuming populace will survive on a "ignorance is bliss" ideal?
Posted by: Nic Mar 30, 2008 3:15:40 AM
all that is vital and leisurely in life is ultimately made possible by human-independent systems whether you believe it or not. this entire issue goes well beyond monetary or material concerns. our ignorant and wasteful lifestyle is only perpetuating the deterioration of said life-sustaining systems to the extent that their destruction (and hence that of most living organisms, including humans) is nearly inevitable. please please think about your personal and professional principles and practices and their impact on our lifeblood before dismissing other's point of view.
Posted by: pisanorama Mar 30, 2008 3:35:37 AM-->
hostName = '.wired.com';
Post a comment
You are currently signed in as (nobody). Sign Out
Name:
Email Address:
Comments:
//commentSignIn();
Google's elegant white homepage went basic black Saturday to draw attention to an environmental campaign called Earth Hour.
The website, which is known for tinkering with its logo for various holidays, switched its entire homepage color scheme and posted a simple message below its search box: "We've turned the lights out. Now it's your turn."
The official Earth Hour page explains the idea behind Saturday's environmental event: "On March 29, 2008, at 8 p.m., join millions of people around the world in making a statement about climate change by turning off your lights for Earth Hour, an event created by the World Wildlife Fund."
Will Google stay black? Nope -- because there's no reason to, according to a note on the site. "As to why we don't do this permanently -- it saves no energy; modern displays use the same amount of power regardless of what they display," says Google.
See also:
How Google Got Its Colorful Logo
Hip-Hop Newbie Raps About Google
Short Skit Visualizes Google's Dark Side
All Google's Roads Lead to Kansas
reddit_url='http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/03/google-goes-bla.html';
reddit_title='Google Goes Black for Earth Hour';
reddit_css='http:\/\/www.wired.com\/css\/redditsocial.css';
digg_url = 'http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/03/google-goes-bla.html';
digg_title = 'Google Goes Black for Earth Hour';
digg_bgcolor = 'transparent';
digg_skin = 'compact';
digg_window = 'new';
wired:http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/03/google-goes-bla.html
Yahoo! Buzz
StumbleShareThis
// var obj = SHARETHIS.addEntry({
ord=Math.random()*10000000000000000;
document.write('');
Google says so? Well, what did they mean by "modern displays"?
LCD's actually consume a little more energy when displaying black than when displaying white. See this link for more info:
http://www.oledbuyingguide.com/oled-tv-articles/oled-tv-vs-lcd-tv.html
Posted by: Raul Saavedra Mar 29, 2008 9:16:47 AM
I'm just glad google is out there raising awareness. My social consciousness needed a refill after live earth.
Posted by: yarrrr Mar 29, 2008 9:47:14 AM
Another liberal "style over substance" gesture of no import whatsover.
Posted by: John Mar 29, 2008 11:39:04 AM
What makes it liberal? Getting people to reduce energy waste is liberal? Multi-billion-dollar corporations are liberal? Trying to fix a problem by changing individual behavior before the government or the market forces your hand is liberal?
Okay, if you say so.
Posted by: Matt Mar 29, 2008 11:54:31 AM
Matt, does Magic Earth Hour do any of that? It's all a bunch of pretentious feel good asshatery for faux altruists. We're aware now, please STFU.
Posted by: yarrrr Mar 29, 2008 12:12:29 PM
Doing things that just may interrupt people from their every day hub-bub and ask them to think about the world that they live in MUST be a 'liberal' (use whichever label you like, divisionists) action. You sure as shit don't see the radical neo-cons doing similar.
Posted by: Kent Mar 29, 2008 12:22:01 PM
The radical right leans toward AVOIDING thought, baby Bush is an obvious example. I think it is a nice gesture by Google.
Posted by: Darla Jean Mar 29, 2008 1:08:59 PM
It's funny that the http://www10.earthhourus.org/ website use an animated javascript which is using a lot of calculation power, so the computer energy comsummation increases when such web pages are displayed by navigator!
What a pity!
Posted by: David GOLIATH Mar 29, 2008 1:30:46 PM
Those wacky liberals and their crazy ideas of conservation. Thank goodness conservatives don't believe in that nonsense, right?
Posted by: Max Mar 29, 2008 1:34:35 PM
Funny, this. Wouldn't it be more impressive if Google shut down all their servers for the hour... that's the whole point, right? Use less electricity, not tell people to use less electricity.
Posted by: Clint Mar 29, 2008 1:44:43 PM
The earth hour is bullshit. But, if we can help the Liberals soothe their guilt complex for an hour, I guess it's the least we can do for the mentally challenged and mentally disturbed.
Have fun with it Liberals !!!
Posted by: Ridelights Mar 29, 2008 1:46:54 PM
Humans aren't causing global warming FFS. Fucking Liberals. You think you can observe major climate changes in the small lifespan of a human? "look around, theres ice shelfs breaking off", no shit how do you all suppose the pole got its jagged edges to begin with? Shits always breaking off. Just rare to see within a human life time.
Posted by: Akrid Mar 29, 2008 2:00:34 PM
Boy, it sure is Fox News around here.
Posted by: Anonymous Mar 29, 2008 2:09:55 PM
Great, first they nag me to death for smoking, now I get nagged to death about having lights on. nag nag nag.
Posted by: nug Mar 29, 2008 2:10:45 PM
Bid deal, sign this petition : http://www.geocities.com/poi243
Posted by: vasile Mar 29, 2008 2:32:25 PM
so what have the liberals gone and done now? thought about someone other than themselves? those guys are just kerrrrazy.
Posted by: david Mar 29, 2008 2:35:37 PM
Wanna save energy? Build more nuclear power plants morons!
Posted by: Robert Mar 29, 2008 3:06:01 PM
The amount of seething hatred and flawed logic in these comments is astounding. No wonder we got the boy blunder as a president.
Posted by: Something for Nothing Mar 29, 2008 3:14:50 PM
Think Earth Hour is worth bothering over? Think paying a Global UN Carbon Tax is worth paying? Have you ever stopped for a moment and tried to look at the reasoning behind it? Like you, I bought into the Al Gore political ideology about Global Warming and CO2 emissions, but after finding a few interesting videos on Youtube, my perspective changed.
We need to understand the political motivation behind Global Warming. Watch this video and more, and try and get the other side of the argument, and don't for a second believe everything you read or see on the Mainstream Media. Because they're motivated by something... and it's usually greed. The people behind them have various ideologies that aren't always for the betterment of mankind.
Go on youtube. Watch "The Great Global Warming Swindle"
Posted by: Nathan Mar 29, 2008 3:38:26 PM
WOW and where is all this "SAVED" energey goiong to go. In a battery backup the size of China? Comon people you cant actually SAVE power that way. if anything you Waste it. Coal still needs to burn Reactors just get tuned down a little and hydro still flows. Its not Like it gets Magicly saved for use later.
Posted by: m3kt3k Mar 29, 2008 3:54:55 PM
It sounds like some people are simply scared that maybe, just maybe, acting like everything is going to be ok won't fix anything. How did the ozone hole et fixed? That's right, we took action and banned the stuff that was causing it.
This is an awareness campaign. No one is forced to turn out their lights. Just like on the one year anniversary of 9/11 no one was forced to light candles... but some of us did. Awareness that there isn't an infinite amount of energy and that maybe, just maybe, we need to conserve a bit is not a liberal or conservative argument. It is a practical argument. Anyone opposed to practicality is simply an idiot and can be ignored.
Posted by: Sean Mar 29, 2008 3:59:38 PM
m3kt3k: If that's the case, then what the hell were companies like Enron doing?
Posted by: Something for Nothing Mar 29, 2008 4:01:03 PM
What makes this even worse is that the WWF is opposed to nuclear energy and that's about the only way something like Kyoto would ever work.
Posted by: yarrrr Mar 29, 2008 4:29:23 PM
@Akrid, I think I'll go with the overwhelming majority of scientists, rather than accept your "Shit's always breaking off" hypothesis.
The Conservative Plan for the environment: Just keep using more resources every year forever. Any mention that the Earth is of finite size is just Liberal Media Lies.
Posted by: cartouche Mar 29, 2008 4:59:01 PM
Someone has already beaten Google to this a long time ago. It's called Blackle.com... started up by an Australian company called Heap Media.
Posted by: Derek Mar 29, 2008 5:20:27 PM
I'm sure that saved a lot of energy!
http://fakesteveballmer.blogspot.com
Posted by: steveballmer Mar 29, 2008 5:53:12 PM
Derek: Google knows about Blackle. http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2007/08/is-black-new-green.html They also point to a study that shows black uses more power for LCDs.
Posted by: Reikon Mar 29, 2008 6:03:35 PM
The reason it is "liberal" is because liberals have concluded that "the debate" on climate change is over. It is clear that Google's position is that our presence is significantly changing the Earth's climate. Thousands of scientists do not think this is the case. It is clear that Google has a left-of-center agenda. I say this with love of Google as a company that produces great tech, but they definitely have a political agenda.
And no I'm not a red neck from the mid west, I'm a computer science graduate student at UCSD
Posted by: A Guy Mar 29, 2008 6:06:24 PM
I think that it would have made a more profound statement if they would have made all of their services black. Gmail, reader, analytics, documents, and etc...
Posted by: steve Mar 29, 2008 6:06:29 PM
@Sean if you think "the ozone hole is fixed" you obviously haven't visited New Zealand lately. You can feel the burn after about five minutes, even in Autumn. Tourists fall asleep in the sun for an hour and get third-degree burns FFS.
As a kid I could sit at the beach all day, reapply my SPF15 twice and have a great time, no pain or peeling skin.
Now we all wear nano-particles of titanium and $600 sunnies to protect ourselves but all you truck-driving yanks are still fucking ARGUING about it!
Posted by: Dave Mar 29, 2008 6:09:54 PM
I turned my lights off, and my tv and laptop - and it was peaceful, like when the power's out or your stuck home in a snowstorm. I think next year Ill have a earth hour party, invite all my friends & family over and have a bonfire in the back yard. It gives you a reason to all stop for a moment without tv, computer, cleaning, nothing...unless like the many of you here complaining,(negativity sucks) your afraid you'll have nothing else to do. ;-)
Posted by: Sephi Mar 29, 2008 6:18:26 PM
Even if you don't agree with the concept of global warming, or think it is some lefty plot for world domination, in the scheme of things its about conserving. On the whole, humans are pretty wasteful when it comes to most things. This at least demonstrates to people that you CAN go at least an hour without all the power booming in your house. It also goes to show how you CAN organize a large number of people to stand up for something all at once (very "V for Vendetta"). At the very least you can look at it from an economical viewpoint- thats one hour of energy that wont show up on your bill.
Posted by: Keelin Mar 29, 2008 6:23:50 PM
if it saves no power do somthing that WILL!!!!!
Posted by: samantha Mar 29, 2008 7:10:00 PM
"the lights out campaign in Bangkok saved 73.34 megawatts of electricity, which would have produced 45.8 tons of carbon dioxide." That's just in Bangkok. Just imagine what we're doing worldwide. In just one hour, on just one day. Wake up people--we can have an effect!
Posted by: JMW Mar 29, 2008 7:36:58 PM
Notice how right-wingers have changed their tune. They can no longer deny the fact of global warming, so they have now changed their language to deny 'man-made' global warming and hope we don't notice. Of course, it doesn't matter HOW global warming is occurring, but whether humans can do anything about it, which, of course, we can.
Posted by: Chris j. Mar 29, 2008 8:22:16 PM
A Zen perspective on Earth Hour...
http://www.valleyzen.com/2008/03/29/valleyzen-shuts-down-for-earth-hour/
Posted by: Drue Kataoka Mar 29, 2008 9:27:39 PM
Is Earth Hour going to be an annual event like Earth Day, or was this a one time only thing?
Posted by: Murray Mar 29, 2008 9:38:56 PM
Nathan, ok...so global warming isn't caused by us. So how do we fix Peak oil? lol...Whether global warming is caused by us or not shouldn't be the issue. I think the issue should be peak oil. Whether the globe warms or it doesn't, we are still consuming oil pretty fast, we'll need alternative energy anyways, with or without global warming. I think earth hour will save a little oil. Not a lot though, earth hour is just to make people more aware of the effects of their consumption, it's not to make them stop or do something they don't want to.
Posted by: Garrett Mar 29, 2008 9:48:57 PM
i really like the Black... its soo much easier to read.. can i make it stay that way? it really doesnt light up the whole room like the white screen does.. besides... my 22"widescreen seems to look even sweeter with it blacked out....
Posted by: ray d Mar 29, 2008 9:52:49 PM
I'm calling a spade a spade on this issue. This whole man made (US made) Global Warming issue is suspect with numerous scientists calling foul against it. Also interesting to note that Gore himself has been called to the table for the scam that this is appearing to be, with his "carbon credits." He like others are profiting from this in a big time matter, and they are doing it in such a way to play on peoples' guilt of being "wasteful." They make us feel guilty about wasting, and using energy, and call us pigs for that. Then they turn around and offer stupid programs called "carbon credits" to supposedly off-set our wasteful usages. In turn disguising it to look like the feel good message of the century, when in fact they are looking for a profit. While he himself continues to live like a king in his mansion. Gore is nothing more the PoS for his "contributions" that are now being brought forth to a court of law. Instead of buying the crap that this idiot and the drive-by media offers, maybe some of you would do yourself justice and recall some basics of your old science classes about solar activity, and weather patterns of this earth. As for those of you are "doing my part for mother earth" enjoy what those compact fluorescents do to your water with the mercury in them. Or what they expect you to do when one said bulb breaks.
Posted by: Spade Mar 29, 2008 9:52:51 PM
Call me stupid, but I don't see how conserving resources makes Al Gore rich.
Posted by: Murray Mar 29, 2008 10:17:08 PM
Wow... I am often shocked at the misinformation that circulates about climate change. I have studied the physics of climate change, and I've talked with scientists who are leaders in researching the climate system. Climate change is being observed, and it is very likely due to human activities. Yes, climate variability does happen on natural cycles, BUT that doesn't mean humans can't also cause climate change!
There are a few scientists who disagree, but I dispute the claim that there are "thousands". There is a small chance that we are wrong about climate change, but that does not mean we should not try to prevent major impacts on food, water supply, et cetera. That is a gamble I don't think we can afford to make. Especially since reducing energy/oil use also has many positive side effects, regardless of whether climate change is happening at all. We can reduce pollution, end dependence on foreign oil, and save money.
I for one did turn off my lights, as a gesture to raise awareness. It certainly didn't do me any harm, and I took some time to reflect on my energy consumption.
Posted by: Laura Mar 29, 2008 11:06:59 PM
really, what does one hour prove? why can't this be done through all hours of the night (and day for that matter)? why are the responsible allowed only one hour of twenty four? too few people will be aware of the earth "hour". i say we make this a nightly occurrence which will only then spread awareness, even if it's merely through curiosity.
Posted by: pisanorama Mar 30, 2008 2:52:27 AM
A comedian at the laugh factory said it best, "stupid people are clever and continually procreating." It is clear by some of these posts that the stupid and/or bigots of the world are multiplying. Think of the earth as a person and place humanity in a category that best fits the group based on observation. We would more than likely fit into the category of a parasitic organism or flesh eating virus. We take without regard for our host(earth). Practically speaking... How long do you think our ever expanding and exponentially consuming populace will survive on a "ignorance is bliss" ideal?
Posted by: Nic Mar 30, 2008 3:15:40 AM
all that is vital and leisurely in life is ultimately made possible by human-independent systems whether you believe it or not. this entire issue goes well beyond monetary or material concerns. our ignorant and wasteful lifestyle is only perpetuating the deterioration of said life-sustaining systems to the extent that their destruction (and hence that of most living organisms, including humans) is nearly inevitable. please please think about your personal and professional principles and practices and their impact on our lifeblood before dismissing other's point of view.
Posted by: pisanorama Mar 30, 2008 3:35:37 AM-->
hostName = '.wired.com';
Post a comment
You are currently signed in as (nobody). Sign Out
Name:
Email Address:
Comments:
//commentSignIn();
Monday, March 3, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
January 17, 2008
January 17, 2008
Three new languages and a whole new direction for Blogger
We are excited to announce that Blogger is now available in three more languages: Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian!
Blogger in Hebrew, Arabic, and PersianSupporting these languages is a huge milestone for us because — unlike the other 37 languages Blogger is translated into — Arabic, Persian, and Hebrew are written from right to left. As you can see from the above screenshot, we had to flip the whole interface around.Besides localizing the Blogger interface into these three languages, we have right-to-left templates and have added new toolbar buttons for bi-directional text editing in the post editor.The effort was worth it, however, and we’re tremendously happy to be a part of the growing Arabic-, Hebrew-, and Persian-language blogging communities.Changing your language preferences and settingsTo see the Blogger interface in one of these languages, just use the menu on your Dashboard. You can also choose your language on Blogger’s homepage and via the “Language” link in the footer of most pages.From then on, all new blogs you create will default to using your new language choice.If you need to change the language of an existing blog, just go to Settings > Formatting and select a new language there. Your blog language affects date formatting and other blog text, and, with today’s release of Blogger, your blog’s comments form as well.Right-to-left templatesFor Arabic, Persian, and Hebrew blogs, we will also rearrange your template to read more logically from right to left. So, a blog that once looked like this:will now look like this:Please note that your template won’t change if you’ve customized it with Edit HTML; we wouldn’t dare muck with your data! Also, if you’re still using a Classic template you will have to upgrade to Layouts in order to take advantage of bidirectional language templates. Learn how.Bidirectional text editingWe’ve also added right-to-left and left-to-right buttons to Blogger’s post editor. They’ll appear if your Dashboard language or your blog’s language setting is for a right-to-left language.Clicking on these buttons will set the paragraph you are currently editing to either right-to-left or left-to-right mode. This way you can write truly bidirectional posts.Happy rtl-blogging!
posted by Tyrone at 2:00 PM links to this post
Three new languages and a whole new direction for Blogger
We are excited to announce that Blogger is now available in three more languages: Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian!
Blogger in Hebrew, Arabic, and PersianSupporting these languages is a huge milestone for us because — unlike the other 37 languages Blogger is translated into — Arabic, Persian, and Hebrew are written from right to left. As you can see from the above screenshot, we had to flip the whole interface around.Besides localizing the Blogger interface into these three languages, we have right-to-left templates and have added new toolbar buttons for bi-directional text editing in the post editor.The effort was worth it, however, and we’re tremendously happy to be a part of the growing Arabic-, Hebrew-, and Persian-language blogging communities.Changing your language preferences and settingsTo see the Blogger interface in one of these languages, just use the menu on your Dashboard. You can also choose your language on Blogger’s homepage and via the “Language” link in the footer of most pages.From then on, all new blogs you create will default to using your new language choice.If you need to change the language of an existing blog, just go to Settings > Formatting and select a new language there. Your blog language affects date formatting and other blog text, and, with today’s release of Blogger, your blog’s comments form as well.Right-to-left templatesFor Arabic, Persian, and Hebrew blogs, we will also rearrange your template to read more logically from right to left. So, a blog that once looked like this:will now look like this:Please note that your template won’t change if you’ve customized it with Edit HTML; we wouldn’t dare muck with your data! Also, if you’re still using a Classic template you will have to upgrade to Layouts in order to take advantage of bidirectional language templates. Learn how.Bidirectional text editingWe’ve also added right-to-left and left-to-right buttons to Blogger’s post editor. They’ll appear if your Dashboard language or your blog’s language setting is for a right-to-left language.Clicking on these buttons will set the paragraph you are currently editing to either right-to-left or left-to-right mode. This way you can write truly bidirectional posts.Happy rtl-blogging!
posted by Tyrone at 2:00 PM links to this post
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
hamdy love u 4 ever
July 17, 2006
Blogger in India
It has been widely reported that Internet users across India are being blocked from accessing a number of blog hosting sites, including Blog*Spot. We are disappointed and a bit puzzled by these reports. We are also working to understand the situation, and are looking into what we can do to help resolve it. A big thanks to the many bloggers in India and elsewhere who are investigating, reporting, and working to restore access.
posted by Jason Goldman at 2:43 PM links to this post
It's BlogHer time
That's right -- our friends at the homonymous BlogHer are getting ready for their second annual conference, which takes place on July 28-29 in San Jose, CA. Last year over 300 attendees learned about issues important to women bloggers, and this year the organizers are expecting double the number of people and sessions. A sampling of the second day's sessions:
7:00 - 7:45: Free Morning Yoga
Blog Crushes: Caffeine and Birds of a Feather out by the pool.
Is the Next Martha Stewart a Blogger?Passes to the second day are still available (the first sold out), and if you happen to be wondering given the conference's name...YES, gentlemen are invited too!Check out http://blogher.org/about-blogher-conference-06 for all the details.
posted by Alex V at 1:53 PM links to this post
July 16, 2006
Act break
Alex Epstein has a cool blog about screenwriting in which he gives advice, talks about what he's working on and recently tackled the most important question of our time: Why did Serenity fail to succeed in the box office?Team Blogger has much love for Serenity and ecourages you to check it out. Also, Joss Whedon? You should come to lunch at Google.
posted by Jason Goldman at 11:55 AM links to this post
July 13, 2006
Here comes the hammer
Congrats to Blogger user F-train for winning the World Poker Blogger Tour 2006 Summer Tournament this past weekend in Vegas. I've been digging on poker blog scene for a while now and was stoked to see the number of folks rocking it on Blog*Spot. Some recommendations include:
Poker Wannabe
Tao of Poker
Party Poker Blog
Sound of a Suckout
Mean GeneNice to see folks getting together IRL to play some cards.
posted by Jason Goldman at 2:35 PM links to this post
July 10, 2006
New Blogger Book
We recently heard from the folks at Mann Publishing that their new Blogger book has been released! Here's what it covers:
"With this book, you will learn how to use Blogger’s Post Editor and Dashboard to create sophisticated postings that include images and hyperlinks, and how to change the look and feel of your blog using templates. Other topics include making money using Google’s AdSense and Amazon.com’s Associates program, using photo blogging services, adding a site counter so that you can track your readership, using Blogger Mobile for mobile blogging, and how to archive your blog. For those of you who have your own Web hosting, you will learn how to publish your blog to your own server."
posted by Eric at 5:05 AM links to this post
Blogger in India
It has been widely reported that Internet users across India are being blocked from accessing a number of blog hosting sites, including Blog*Spot. We are disappointed and a bit puzzled by these reports. We are also working to understand the situation, and are looking into what we can do to help resolve it. A big thanks to the many bloggers in India and elsewhere who are investigating, reporting, and working to restore access.
posted by Jason Goldman at 2:43 PM links to this post
It's BlogHer time
That's right -- our friends at the homonymous BlogHer are getting ready for their second annual conference, which takes place on July 28-29 in San Jose, CA. Last year over 300 attendees learned about issues important to women bloggers, and this year the organizers are expecting double the number of people and sessions. A sampling of the second day's sessions:
7:00 - 7:45: Free Morning Yoga
Blog Crushes: Caffeine and Birds of a Feather out by the pool.
Is the Next Martha Stewart a Blogger?Passes to the second day are still available (the first sold out), and if you happen to be wondering given the conference's name...YES, gentlemen are invited too!Check out http://blogher.org/about-blogher-conference-06 for all the details.
posted by Alex V at 1:53 PM links to this post
July 16, 2006
Act break
Alex Epstein has a cool blog about screenwriting in which he gives advice, talks about what he's working on and recently tackled the most important question of our time: Why did Serenity fail to succeed in the box office?Team Blogger has much love for Serenity and ecourages you to check it out. Also, Joss Whedon? You should come to lunch at Google.
posted by Jason Goldman at 11:55 AM links to this post
July 13, 2006
Here comes the hammer
Congrats to Blogger user F-train for winning the World Poker Blogger Tour 2006 Summer Tournament this past weekend in Vegas. I've been digging on poker blog scene for a while now and was stoked to see the number of folks rocking it on Blog*Spot. Some recommendations include:
Poker Wannabe
Tao of Poker
Party Poker Blog
Sound of a Suckout
Mean GeneNice to see folks getting together IRL to play some cards.
posted by Jason Goldman at 2:35 PM links to this post
July 10, 2006
New Blogger Book
We recently heard from the folks at Mann Publishing that their new Blogger book has been released! Here's what it covers:
"With this book, you will learn how to use Blogger’s Post Editor and Dashboard to create sophisticated postings that include images and hyperlinks, and how to change the look and feel of your blog using templates. Other topics include making money using Google’s AdSense and Amazon.com’s Associates program, using photo blogging services, adding a site counter so that you can track your readership, using Blogger Mobile for mobile blogging, and how to archive your blog. For those of you who have your own Web hosting, you will learn how to publish your blog to your own server."
posted by Eric at 5:05 AM links to this post
12312365
March 30, 2007
New Template Widgets: Newsreel and Video Bar
Thanks to our friends from the Ajax Search API team, we now have two more fun and useful widgets you can add to your new Blogger blog: Newsreel and Video Bar:The Newsreel searches Google News for your chosen keywords and displays an ever-updating list of their search results. The Video Bar does the same for Google Video and YouTube searches, and even lets you play the videos without leaving your blog! Check out Pete's mobile blog for particularly erudite examples of the Newsreel and Video Bar in action.To use the new widgets, click your blog's Layout link on your Dashboard, then click "Add a Page Element." You'll find the new widgets right at the top. As a bonus, the Newsreel will change from a list of summaries to a scrolling ticker depending on whether it's in the sidebar or the main column, so drag 'em around and see what you like.Not using the Layouts feature of the new Blogger? We have a help article that explains how to switch your classic template to Layouts.
posted by Eric at 3:30 PM links to this post
March 08, 2007
Blogger and Picasa Web Albums
Ever wanted to see all the photos you've uploaded to your blog in one place? Head over to Picasa Web Albums and now you can! We've been working closely with the Picasa team on this project - all the photos you've uploaded since December will appear in an album there, and we're working on migrating your older photos as well. (It'll take a while though - there are a lot of them.)Each of your blogs now has its own album in Picasa Web Albums, which is exciting because you now have a photo management interface for your blog's photos - for example you could order prints, use the fancy email this photo feature, or easily embed the album somewhere else on the web. Be careful when you delete photos though, because deletions will affect both your blog and its album. Lastly, Blogger photos are now part of Picasa Web Albums' 1GB of free quota, which can be upgraded.Check out Picasa and Picasa Web Albums!
posted by Eric at 5:13 PM links to this post
March 07, 2007
Blogger SXSW Party, Sunday in Austin, TX
The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival/conference/hipsterstravaganza starts this weekend! If you’re going, or just happen to be around Austin, TX for kicks or livelihood, make sure that you party with us on Sunday.
Drinks are on Blogger (also dancing)Sunday, 11 March 2007, 6–9PMClub De Ville900 Red River St.Austin, TXupcomingmapThis is an invitation only event! The only way you can get in is to find someone from Blogger beforehand and get an invitation - we'll be wearing Blogger gear. There are a ton of us hanging around the conference and we’ll be passing out the invitations wherever we go.Update: Looking for ways to get around Austin? Google Transit just launched service for Austin today. Check it totally out, and use public transportation to join SXSW in being carbon neutral.
“This is Blogger. And we party with scarves on.”
posted by Pete at 6:44 PM links to this post
March 02, 2007
An Emacs Client For Blogger
Post by T.V. Raman, Google Research ScientistFrom The Everything Can Be Done In Emacs Dept...Blogger exposes a clean API based on Atom Publishing Protocol (APP) and Google Data APIs (GData). This Emacs module leverages this functionality to enable one to blog from within the comfort of a full-featured editing environment.Where to get itThe Emacs Blogger client is part of g-client, a suite of Emacs clients for accessing Google Services. The current distribution can be downloaded from Google Code and the source code is available via Subversion.Installation
Unpack the tar archive and place the resulting g-client directory on your emacs load-path.
Type make to compile the code.
In your .emacs, add (load-library "g") to set it up.Google Blogger gbloggerThis client implements posting, editing and deleting of blog entries using the new Blogger API --- it replaces the now obsolete atom-blogger that implemented similar functionality using the old Blogger API. It uses value of customization option g-user-email by default; this can be overridden via option gblogger-user-email. See Blogger GData API for the underlying APIs used. For editing posts, I recommend installing nxml-mode.
Browse command gblogger-blog brings up the list of blogs owned by the currently authenticated user.
Posting command gblogger-new-entry takes a post URL and sets up a special buffer where you can compose your article. The post url is obtained from the feed of blogs above; use the post link for the blog to which you wish to post.
Browsing command gblogger-atom-display displays the atom feed for a specified blog as a browsable HTML page. In addition to reading your blog, this helps you find the edit url for individual posts.
Editing command gblogger-edit-entry takes the edit url of a previously posted entry. It retrieves the entry, and sets up a special composition buffer where you can edit the entry.
Submitting - the special composition buffer created by commands gblogger-new-entry and gblogger-edit-entry provide a special command gblogger-publish (bound to C-c C-c) that submits the entry to blogger.
Deleting Command gblogger-delete-entry deletes an entry specified by its edit url.The emacspeak blog has further details.
posted by Eric at 11:55 AM links to this post
March 01, 2007
Blog Search Update
Attention blog searchers: if you use Google Blog Search from within Blogger, you'll notice some slight changes to its look and feel - it was just updated today to be more consistent with the Google styling, and it tested much better in the usability lab.It also means new functionality for the Blogger look 'n feel, notably the date-restrict options in the sidebar. For example, "earthquake san francisco" restricted to March 1st will tell you about the earthquake that just happened, and "snow south lake tahoe" restricted to Feb18-28 reveals some pretty excited people (myself included ;).Check it out!
posted by Eric at 9:15 PM links to this post
New Template Widgets: Newsreel and Video Bar
Thanks to our friends from the Ajax Search API team, we now have two more fun and useful widgets you can add to your new Blogger blog: Newsreel and Video Bar:The Newsreel searches Google News for your chosen keywords and displays an ever-updating list of their search results. The Video Bar does the same for Google Video and YouTube searches, and even lets you play the videos without leaving your blog! Check out Pete's mobile blog for particularly erudite examples of the Newsreel and Video Bar in action.To use the new widgets, click your blog's Layout link on your Dashboard, then click "Add a Page Element." You'll find the new widgets right at the top. As a bonus, the Newsreel will change from a list of summaries to a scrolling ticker depending on whether it's in the sidebar or the main column, so drag 'em around and see what you like.Not using the Layouts feature of the new Blogger? We have a help article that explains how to switch your classic template to Layouts.
posted by Eric at 3:30 PM links to this post
March 08, 2007
Blogger and Picasa Web Albums
Ever wanted to see all the photos you've uploaded to your blog in one place? Head over to Picasa Web Albums and now you can! We've been working closely with the Picasa team on this project - all the photos you've uploaded since December will appear in an album there, and we're working on migrating your older photos as well. (It'll take a while though - there are a lot of them.)Each of your blogs now has its own album in Picasa Web Albums, which is exciting because you now have a photo management interface for your blog's photos - for example you could order prints, use the fancy email this photo feature, or easily embed the album somewhere else on the web. Be careful when you delete photos though, because deletions will affect both your blog and its album. Lastly, Blogger photos are now part of Picasa Web Albums' 1GB of free quota, which can be upgraded.Check out Picasa and Picasa Web Albums!
posted by Eric at 5:13 PM links to this post
March 07, 2007
Blogger SXSW Party, Sunday in Austin, TX
The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival/conference/hipsterstravaganza starts this weekend! If you’re going, or just happen to be around Austin, TX for kicks or livelihood, make sure that you party with us on Sunday.
Drinks are on Blogger (also dancing)Sunday, 11 March 2007, 6–9PMClub De Ville900 Red River St.Austin, TXupcomingmapThis is an invitation only event! The only way you can get in is to find someone from Blogger beforehand and get an invitation - we'll be wearing Blogger gear. There are a ton of us hanging around the conference and we’ll be passing out the invitations wherever we go.Update: Looking for ways to get around Austin? Google Transit just launched service for Austin today. Check it totally out, and use public transportation to join SXSW in being carbon neutral.
“This is Blogger. And we party with scarves on.”
posted by Pete at 6:44 PM links to this post
March 02, 2007
An Emacs Client For Blogger
Post by T.V. Raman, Google Research ScientistFrom The Everything Can Be Done In Emacs Dept...Blogger exposes a clean API based on Atom Publishing Protocol (APP) and Google Data APIs (GData). This Emacs module leverages this functionality to enable one to blog from within the comfort of a full-featured editing environment.Where to get itThe Emacs Blogger client is part of g-client, a suite of Emacs clients for accessing Google Services. The current distribution can be downloaded from Google Code and the source code is available via Subversion.Installation
Unpack the tar archive and place the resulting g-client directory on your emacs load-path.
Type make to compile the code.
In your .emacs, add (load-library "g") to set it up.Google Blogger gbloggerThis client implements posting, editing and deleting of blog entries using the new Blogger API --- it replaces the now obsolete atom-blogger that implemented similar functionality using the old Blogger API. It uses value of customization option g-user-email by default; this can be overridden via option gblogger-user-email. See Blogger GData API for the underlying APIs used. For editing posts, I recommend installing nxml-mode.
Browse command gblogger-blog brings up the list of blogs owned by the currently authenticated user.
Posting command gblogger-new-entry takes a post URL and sets up a special buffer where you can compose your article. The post url is obtained from the feed of blogs above; use the post link for the blog to which you wish to post.
Browsing command gblogger-atom-display displays the atom feed for a specified blog as a browsable HTML page. In addition to reading your blog, this helps you find the edit url for individual posts.
Editing command gblogger-edit-entry takes the edit url of a previously posted entry. It retrieves the entry, and sets up a special composition buffer where you can edit the entry.
Submitting - the special composition buffer created by commands gblogger-new-entry and gblogger-edit-entry provide a special command gblogger-publish (bound to C-c C-c) that submits the entry to blogger.
Deleting Command gblogger-delete-entry deletes an entry specified by its edit url.The emacspeak blog has further details.
posted by Eric at 11:55 AM links to this post
March 01, 2007
Blog Search Update
Attention blog searchers: if you use Google Blog Search from within Blogger, you'll notice some slight changes to its look and feel - it was just updated today to be more consistent with the Google styling, and it tested much better in the usability lab.It also means new functionality for the Blogger look 'n feel, notably the date-restrict options in the sidebar. For example, "earthquake san francisco" restricted to March 1st will tell you about the earthquake that just happened, and "snow south lake tahoe" restricted to Feb18-28 reveals some pretty excited people (myself included ;).Check it out!
posted by Eric at 9:15 PM links to this post
123
December 21, 2007
2007 Roundup
2007 has been Blogger's most amazing year yet! As you'll remember, we began it just after we had taken the new version of Blogger out of beta. Here's a quick run-down of many of the fun things we did since then:
Domain association and purchasing
Hindi transliteration
Blogger Photos in Picasa Web Albums
26 new languages
widgets: Videobar, Newsreel, Header Images, Polls, Search Box, Google Gadgets, Slideshow, Subscriptions Links
1000th Blog of Note
Old Blogger shut down, New Blogger for all, and Blogger's 8th birthday
Autosave
Profile Search
Blogger in Draft
Video Upload
Feed Enclosures and Redirects
Blogger Play
Comments: Subscribe via Email, OpenIDIf you're not using any of these on your blog, click through to the various Buzz posts and Help articles that explain them, and check them out — they're really nifty. And many thanks for sticking with Blogger through the transition to the new version earlier this year — it's a powerful and scalable platform on which we'll be building lots of exciting new features in 2008!
posted by Eric at 4:40 PM links to this post
2007 Roundup
2007 has been Blogger's most amazing year yet! As you'll remember, we began it just after we had taken the new version of Blogger out of beta. Here's a quick run-down of many of the fun things we did since then:
Domain association and purchasing
Hindi transliteration
Blogger Photos in Picasa Web Albums
26 new languages
widgets: Videobar, Newsreel, Header Images, Polls, Search Box, Google Gadgets, Slideshow, Subscriptions Links
1000th Blog of Note
Old Blogger shut down, New Blogger for all, and Blogger's 8th birthday
Autosave
Profile Search
Blogger in Draft
Video Upload
Feed Enclosures and Redirects
Blogger Play
Comments: Subscribe via Email, OpenIDIf you're not using any of these on your blog, click through to the various Buzz posts and Help articles that explain them, and check them out — they're really nifty. And many thanks for sticking with Blogger through the transition to the new version earlier this year — it's a powerful and scalable platform on which we'll be building lots of exciting new features in 2008!
posted by Eric at 4:40 PM links to this post
hamdy elhalwany
December 19, 2006
The New Version of Blogger
The new version of Blogger in beta is dead!Long live the new version of Blogger!(P.S. The old version of Blogger is not dead, but it would like to retire for a little while... maybe go to Hawaii or play World of Warcraft all day? It begs you to let it play World of Warcraft all day.)I am overjoyed to announce that today we have o’ficially graduated the new version of Blogger from “in beta” to “.” Why is this significant? Allow me to explain via analogy:
Battlestar Galactica with Lorne Greene : Battlestar Galactica with Edward James Olmos :: Old Blogger : New BloggerThe new version of Blogger is metaphorically bursting with features, from the big guns like drag-and-drop template editing and post labels (which are perfect, by the way, for indexing the 131 historical figures you may have written about), to little polishes like a better-designed Dashboard or that you no longer need to solve a word verification CAPTCHA to post a comment on your own blog.We’re excited about the new version of Blogger, both for what it can do now (which also includes access control for blogs and better input fields for post dates) and what we’ll add to it in the future, now that we have a new, stable, powerful infrastructure to work with. We’re done with “beta,” but we’re far from done with the new Blogger.It’ll still take a bit more transition time to move everyone from the old version to the new, so for now we ask on our homepage which version of Blogger you use. If you’ve been using the beta, either because you switched or because you created your account after 10 November 2006, click “New Blogger” and sign in with your Google Account.If you haven’t yet switched, click “Old Blogger” and use the same Blogger account you’ve always used, or — and this is the better choice — click “Switch Now” button*. After you sign in with or sign up for a Google Account (free!), you’ll be switched over to the new Blogger, which is both reassuringly the same (your blogs will keep the same URLs, and your templates and profile will be the same too) and significantly better (see above sampling of new features and comparisons to a masterful science fiction television program).Finally, shouts out to all of the people and teams who have made this possible; the new Blogger is the combined effort of engineering, QA, support, management, product, marketing, PR, infrastructure, [music swells] design, partners, clients, users, hackers, Blog*Stars, cats, dogs, ferrets, and everyone and everything else that helped, assisted, or enabled. Thank you!* = Update, 12/20: If you don’t see the “Switch Now” button on the homepage, it’s because a ton of people are already switching to the new Blogger, and we only let so many run simultaneously in order to give everyone a good experience. Just log in to old Blogger for now, and we’ll give you a heads up on your Dashboard when we’re ready for you.
posted by Pete at 5:30 PM
The New Version of Blogger
The new version of Blogger in beta is dead!Long live the new version of Blogger!(P.S. The old version of Blogger is not dead, but it would like to retire for a little while... maybe go to Hawaii or play World of Warcraft all day? It begs you to let it play World of Warcraft all day.)I am overjoyed to announce that today we have o’ficially graduated the new version of Blogger from “in beta” to “.” Why is this significant? Allow me to explain via analogy:
Battlestar Galactica with Lorne Greene : Battlestar Galactica with Edward James Olmos :: Old Blogger : New BloggerThe new version of Blogger is metaphorically bursting with features, from the big guns like drag-and-drop template editing and post labels (which are perfect, by the way, for indexing the 131 historical figures you may have written about), to little polishes like a better-designed Dashboard or that you no longer need to solve a word verification CAPTCHA to post a comment on your own blog.We’re excited about the new version of Blogger, both for what it can do now (which also includes access control for blogs and better input fields for post dates) and what we’ll add to it in the future, now that we have a new, stable, powerful infrastructure to work with. We’re done with “beta,” but we’re far from done with the new Blogger.It’ll still take a bit more transition time to move everyone from the old version to the new, so for now we ask on our homepage which version of Blogger you use. If you’ve been using the beta, either because you switched or because you created your account after 10 November 2006, click “New Blogger” and sign in with your Google Account.If you haven’t yet switched, click “Old Blogger” and use the same Blogger account you’ve always used, or — and this is the better choice — click “Switch Now” button*. After you sign in with or sign up for a Google Account (free!), you’ll be switched over to the new Blogger, which is both reassuringly the same (your blogs will keep the same URLs, and your templates and profile will be the same too) and significantly better (see above sampling of new features and comparisons to a masterful science fiction television program).Finally, shouts out to all of the people and teams who have made this possible; the new Blogger is the combined effort of engineering, QA, support, management, product, marketing, PR, infrastructure, [music swells] design, partners, clients, users, hackers, Blog*Stars, cats, dogs, ferrets, and everyone and everything else that helped, assisted, or enabled. Thank you!* = Update, 12/20: If you don’t see the “Switch Now” button on the homepage, it’s because a ton of people are already switching to the new Blogger, and we only let so many run simultaneously in order to give everyone a good experience. Just log in to old Blogger for now, and we’ll give you a heads up on your Dashboard when we’re ready for you.
posted by Pete at 5:30 PM
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)