This T.V. was very easy to set up, and Without any adjustments (except passcode) for my Router. I did not have any other adjustments. The picture was first rate. I say this is a great buy for anyone that wants a 55″ at a great price. I highly recommend this HDTV. Bill I was looking for a very large screen TV with a good picture but without bells and whistles I won#39;t use (especially the doomed current 3D technology). This 55″ Vizio fills that bill at a very good price. Its picture is excell
This T.V. was very easy to set up, and Without any adjustments (except passcode) for my Router. I did not have any other adjustments. The picture was first rate. I say this is a great buy for anyone that wants a 55″ at a great price. I highly recommend this HDTV. Bill I was looking for a very large screen TV with a good picture but without bells and whistles I won#39;t use (especially the doomed current 3D technology). This 55″ Vizio fills that bill at a very good price. Its picture is excell
The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival unveiled its lineup of 109 features including 69 world premieres Thursday. The festival, which overlaps with SXSW’s music and interactive programs, also includes 14 North American and five U.S. premieres. SXSW will screen eight films each in its Narrative Feature and Documentary Competitions. [ Related: ‘The Incredible Burt Wonderstone’ To Open The SXSW Film Festival ] As previously announced, Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi starrer The Incredible Burt Wonderstone will open the festival, taking place in downtown Austin, TX. The film will screen as part of SXSW’s Headliners section along with Harmony Korine’s Toronto debut Spring Breakers with James Franco and Selena Gomez, Stephen Finningan’s Hawking and Fede Alvarez’s Evil Dead . SXSW veteran Joe Swanberg ‘s Drinking Buddies will screen in the festival’s Narrative Spotlight section along with fellow vet and Austin-based filmmaker Bryan Poyser’s The Bounceback and John Sayles ‘ Go For Sisters with Edward James Olmos. SXSW’s Festival Favorites section will have a good dose of Sundance offerings this year, including Austin’s Richard Linklater ‘s Before Midnight , Andrew Bujalski’s Computer Chess , Joseph Gordon-Levitt ‘s Don Jon’s Addiction , Yen Tan’s Pit Stop , David Gordon Green ‘s Prince Avalanche and Shane Carruth’s Upstream Color . “It’s an incredible privilege to sift through so much exciting work, and every year brings new surprises. Though trends emerge after the fact, not consciously while we’re programming, much of this year’s program embraces love and the need/search/desire for connection,” commented SXSW festival producer Janet Pierson in a statement. “Many films reflect importantly on our culture and include intimate looks at iconic figures, and we’re lucky to have a plethora of hugely entertaining and audience pleasing films. Even more thrilling is the opportunity to support so many filmmakers we’ve followed for years who’ve made enormous creative leaps in their work.” The 2013 SXSW Film Conference and Festival takes place March 8 – 16. Music takes place March 12 – 17 and the tech-laden Interactive component takes place March 8 – 12. For more information, visit their website . The 2013 SXSW Film Conference and Festival lineup follows with information provided by organizers). Narrative Feature Competition (This year’s 8 films were selected from 1,191 submissions. Each film is a World Premiere): Awful Nice Director/Screenwriter: Todd Sklar, Screenwriter: Alex Rennie Estranged brothers Jim and Dave must travel to Branson together when their father dies and leaves them the lake home. A series of hilarious mishaps and costly misadventures follow as they attempt to restore the house and rebuild their relationship. Cast: Alex Rennie, James Pumphrey, Christopher Meloni, Brett Gelman, Keeley Hazell (World Premiere) Burma Director/Screenwriter: Carlos Puga On the eve of an annual sibling reunion, a troubled young writer is sent reeling with the arrival of an unexpected guest. Cast: Christopher Abbott, Gaby Hoffmann, Chris McCann, Dan Bittner, Emily Fleischer (World Premiere) Improvement Club Director/Screenwriter: Dayna Hanson When their big gig falls through, a ragtag, avant-garde performance group with a political message struggles to find their audience—and the motivating force behind their work. Cast: Magge Brown, Dave Proscia, Wade Madsen, Jessie Smith, Pol Rosenthal (World Premiere) LICKS Director/Screenwriter: Jonathan Singer-Vine, Screenwriter: Justin “Hongry” Robinson The story of a young man, D, as he returns to his Oakland neighborhood after two years served in prison for a robbery gone wrong… Cast: Stanley “Doe” Hunt, Koran Jenkins, Tatiana Monet, Devon Libran, Les “DJ Upgrade” Aderibigbe (World Premiere) The Retrieval Director/Screenwriter: Chris Eska On the outskirts of the Civil War, a boy is sent north by a bounty hunter gang to retrieve a wanted man. Cast: Ashton Sanders, Tishuan Scott, Keston John, Bill Oberst, Jr., Christine Horn, Alfonso Freeman (World Premiere) Short Term 12 Director/Screenwriter: Destin Daniel Cretton The film follows Grace, a young supervisor at a foster-care facility, as she looks after the teens in her charge and reckons with her own troubled past. An unsparingly authentic film, full of both heart and surprising humor. Cast: Brie Larson, John Gallagher Jr., Kaitlyn Dever, Rami Malek, Keith Stanfield (World Premiere) Swim Little Fish Swim (USA, France) Director/Screenwriter: Ruben Amar, Lola Bessis Between surrealism, unusual characters, art and magic tricks, Swim Little Fish Swim is a dreamlike journey from childhood to adulthood. Cast: Dustin Guy Defa, Anne Consigny, Brooke Bloom, Lola Bessis, Olivia Durling Costello (World Premiere) This Is Where We Live Directors: Josh Barrett, Marc Menchaca, Screenwriter: Marc Menchaca A struggling family’s dynamics are challenged and a unique friendship is born when a small-town Texas handyman becomes caregiver to their son with cerebral palsy. Cast: Ron Hayden, CK McFarland, Marc Menchaca, Tobias Segal, Frankie Shaw (World Premiere) Documentary Feature Competition (This year’s 8 films were selected from 905 submissions. Each film is a World Premiere) 12 O’Clock Boys Director: Lotfy Nathan Pug, a young boy growing up on a combative West Baltimore block, finds solace in a gang of illegal dirt bike riders known as The 12 O’Clock Boys. (World Premiere) Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton Directors: Stephen Silha, Eric Slade A documentary about embracing your passions and becoming the person of your dreams, disguised as an inspiring biopic about pioneering filmmaker and poet James Broughton (1913-1999). (World Premiere) Hey Bartender Director: Douglas Tirola The story of the bartender in the era of the craft cocktail. (World Premiere) Los Wild Ones Director: Elise Salomon Wild Records is an indie label reminiscent of the early days of Sun Records. The label is based in LA and run by Reb Kennedy aka Mr. Wild Records and is comprised of young Latin musicians who write and perform 50s Rock n Roll. (World Premiere) The Short Game Director: Josh Greenbaum Each year, the world’s best 7-year-old golfers descend on Pinehurst, North Carolina to determine the next “world champion” and who might become golf’s next phenom. The Short Game follows 9 young golfers on their quest for greatness. (World Premiere) Touba Director: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi With unprecedented access and dynamic 16mm cinematography, Touba reveals a different face of Islam by chronicling Sufi Muslims’ annual pilgrimage to the city of Touba.(World Premiere) We Always Lie To Strangers Directors: AJ Schnack, David Wilson A story of family, community, music and tradition set against the backdrop of Branson, Missouri, the remote Ozark Mountain town that is one of the biggest tourist destinations in America. (World Premiere) WILLIAM AND THE WINDMILL Director: Ben Nabors William Kamkwamba builds a windmill from scrap to rescue his family from famine, transforming his life and launching him onto the world stage. His success leads to new opportunities and complex choices, distancing him from the life he once knew. (World Premiere) Headliners (The section features red carpet premieres and gala film events with some major and rising names in cinema.) Evil Dead Director/Screenwriter: Fede Alvarez, Screenwriter: Rodo Sayagues Five friends, holed up in a remote cabin, discover a Book of the Dead that unwittingly summons up dormant demons which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left to fight for survival. Cast: Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jessica Lucas, Elizabeth Blackmore (World Premiere) Hawking (UK) Director: Stephen Finnigan A brief history of mine: a look at the life of Stephen Hawking (World Premiere) The Incredible Burt Wonderstone Director: Don Scardino, Story by Chad Kultgen & Tyler Mitchell and Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley. Screenplay by Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley As superstar Vegas magicians and former best friends Burt and Anton grow to secretly loathe each other, their long-time act implodes, allowing an ambitious rival street performer the big break he’s been waiting for. Cast: Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Olivia Wilde, with Alan Arkin, James Gandolfini and Jim Carrey (World Premiere) Spring Breakers Director/Screenwriter: Harmony Korine Four college girls who land in jail after robbing a restaurant in order to fund their spring break vacation find themselves bailed out by a drug and arms dealer who wants them to do some dirty work. Cast: James Franco, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, Rachel Korine, Gucci Mane (U.S. Premiere) When Angels Sing Director: Tim Mccanlies, Screenwriter: Lou Berney Michael despises Christmas. Now Christmas is getting even. Cast: Harry Connick Jr., Connie Britton, Chandler Canterbury, Fionnula Flanagan, Lyle Lovett, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Eloise DeJoria, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson (World Premiere) [More World, North American and U.S. Premieres in following pages.] —
Think Internet Explorer sucks? You’re obviously right, but so does Microsoft, which makes that fact part of its new ad campaign for IE 10. Say what now? Titled “Do you know this guy?” the video below shows a typical web user firing off endless complaints about IE (before eventually coming around of course): Internet Explorer 10 Ad The ad directs users to a Microsoft site, browseryoulovedtohate, which promotes Internet Explorer 10, the newest version running on Windows 8 devices. It’s billed as a much improved model compared to its predecessors, and references past suckitude in its navigation headings: “Curious?” “It’s Good Now” and “No, Really.” As marketing tactics go, admitting you have to rebuild your own brand may seem self-defeating, but consumers do appreciate honestly and it can work if done right. Like Domino’s ads showing the chain focus grouping its infamously terrible pizza, the tech giant hopes people will give its revamped version another shot. The campaign is funny and refreshingly candid about the history of IE , which once had a lock on the web browser market, only to decline precipitously. While IE is still tops in terms of the number of devices it’s on, Chrome has become the world’s most popular browser by usage, with Firefox in second. In recent years, Internet Explorer has basically become the browser for people who don’t know other browers exist, something Microsoft is apparently aware of. Will this turn around the maligned product? Stay tuned.
Think Internet Explorer sucks? You’re obviously right, but so does Microsoft, which makes that fact part of its new ad campaign for IE 10. Say what now? Titled “Do you know this guy?” the video below shows a typical web user firing off endless complaints about IE (before eventually coming around of course): Internet Explorer 10 Ad The ad directs users to a Microsoft site, browseryoulovedtohate, which promotes Internet Explorer 10, the newest version running on Windows 8 devices. It’s billed as a much improved model compared to its predecessors, and references past suckitude in its navigation headings: “Curious?” “It’s Good Now” and “No, Really.” As marketing tactics go, admitting you have to rebuild your own brand may seem self-defeating, but consumers do appreciate honestly and it can work if done right. Like Domino’s ads showing the chain focus grouping its infamously terrible pizza, the tech giant hopes people will give its revamped version another shot. The campaign is funny and refreshingly candid about the history of IE , which once had a lock on the web browser market, only to decline precipitously. While IE is still tops in terms of the number of devices it’s on, Chrome has become the world’s most popular browser by usage, with Firefox in second. In recent years, Internet Explorer has basically become the browser for people who don’t know other browers exist, something Microsoft is apparently aware of. Will this turn around the maligned product? Stay tuned.
You’ve heard of bitter pills, now get ready for some Twitter Pills! High fives! Nobody? Ok. Whatever. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World and The Newsroom star Alison Pill says that she didn’t mean to tweet this pic of herself topless in bed to her 13,790 followers. But as we all know, once you tweet something, it’s on the internet forever–even if you go back later and delete the post . Twitter– you gotta love it! Alison has owned up to the pic and issued an apology earlier this afternoon (” Yep. That picture happened. Ugh. My tech issues have now reached new heights, apparently. How a deletion turned into a tweet… Apologies ,” she says), but we say she’s got absolutely nothing to be sorry for. In fact, we should be thanking you, Alison–you and your tech issues. This isn’t the first time Alison Pill has flashed her assets to the world- see her nude in 2005’s Dear Wendy right here at MrSkin.com!
Aubrey O’Day may not be a slut , but she is out of a job. The outspoken … whatever she is gave it her best all season long, but she was fired Sunday on Celebrity Apprentice, leaving Clay Aiken and Arsenio Hall as the last men standing and vying for the top spot next week. Did Donald Trump make the right call axing Aubrey? The boss man called the singer “transparent,” sending her packing and leaving Arsenio and Clay to battle it out, with former teammates back in the fold. Clay got some help from Penn Jillette, Dee Snyder, Debbie Gibson and Aubrey O’Day . Arsenio, picked Paul Teutul Sr., Teresa Giudice, Lisa Lampanelli and Adam Carolla. Team Clay and Team Arsenio were then told to direct, produce and star in a variety show to raise money for their charities, sell tickets and create a PSA. Clay decided to put on a musical, asking Debbie for musical advice and Penn to help write and conceptualize. Clay and Debbie quickly sparred over it. The former American Idol runner-up was a fan of micromanaging more than Arsenio, but both men were dedicated to raising funds for their causes. Clay, a former special education teacher, was happy and right in his element when working with children for a National Inclusion Project PSA. Arsenio, who was raising money for the Magic Johnson Foundation, took a humorous approach to the task. He even involved Magic in the PSA. Unfortunately for Team Arsenio, a miscommunication with the tech team made much of Magic’s essential shot unusable, possibly dooming him. It’s all about the ticket sales and contributions raised, though, and both will play a key role in who wins the Celebrity Apprentice next weekend. Who do you think it’ll be, Clay or Arsenio? Tell us below.
Here’s a roundup of the tech or game-related April Fools jokes of the day. Did you get fooled by any of these? Conan O’Brien buys Mashable and boots out Pete Cashmore. Sony comes up with the world’s smallest Ultrabook. Its … Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : VentureBeat Discovery Date : 01/04/2012 06:53 Number of articles : 4
So sad: Louisiana Tech running back Tyrone Duplessis died Thursday morning after medics responded to an emergency call at his off-campus apartment. Hazel Woods, the chief investigator for the Lincoln Parish coroner’s office, said the cause of death was not yet known and an autopsy is pending. Ruston police Lt. Tim Parker said authorities are not investigating at this time and are awaiting the coroner’s report. “Tyrone was a valuable part of this football family,” Bulldogs coach Sonny Dykes said. “This is a tragic, senseless loss, but he made a lasting impact on this team, university and everyone that knew him.” A roommate of Duplessis made the emergency call after the running back woke up with chest pain, Louisiana Tech spokesman Patrick Walsh said. The 21-year-old Duplessis, a third-year student from New Orleans, recently completed his sophomore season of eligibility. Dykes has informed his players of Duplessis’ death and the team held a meeting to discuss it. The university has also made grief counselors available to the team. “We were deeply saddened,” Louisiana Tech President Dan Reneau said. “Tyrone was not only a valuable member of our football program, but much more importantly, he was a valued member of the Tech Family. This is a painful loss for our campus community and our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.” “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tyrone and his family,” Athletics Director Bruce Van De Velde said. “Tyrone was a special young man who was loved and respected by the Tech Family. He will be dearly missed, but I am sure his teammates and friends will honor and remember him through their commitment to fulfilling their potential.” Duplessis was recognized as an all-state running back at O.P. Walker High School, where he won a state championship in 2007. He is survived by his parents, George and Mary, and two siblings, George III and Levoneshia Dixon. R.I.P. Source More On Bossip! Ladies, Can We Watch?: RihRih Asks Ochocinco’s Permission To Get In Evelyn Lozada’s Panties Lady Lovin’: The 10 Most “Lesbihonest” Cities in America (Part 2) Wait, There’s More! A History Of Slore-y “Journalists” That Showed Off Their Cakes At Super Bowl Media Day For The Ladies: The Best Super Bowl Bangin’ Baller BAWWWWDIES!!! [Photos]
We also check in with Justin Guarini, Ruben Studdard, Constantine Maroulis and more ‘Idol’ alumni before season 11 kicks off. By Jim Cantiello Katharine McPhee Photo: Getty Images “American Idol” kicks off its 11th season Wednesday night with its first of eight audition episodes. But before we’re inundated with a new batch of contestants (many of whom we’ll forget about by June), let’s play catch-up with some noteworthy alums. Sure, our Kellys and Carries have remained household names throughout the years, but others — like Katharine McPhee and Leah LaBelle — are poised to have their biggest post-“Idol” years yet. Let’s check in with standouts from seasons one through five: Season One The One You Know : Kelly Clarkson’s fifth studio album, Stronger, is selling just fine, even if recent “Ron Paul sales bump” rumors were proven to be a bunch of hooey. The original Idol just kicked off her latest tour last week. On the radio, you’ll hear “Mr. Know It All” approximately 17 times an hour, until it’s replaced by new single “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” The Goofy One : Justin Guarini hasn’t released a full-length album since 2005’s Stranger Things Have Happened, but the inaugural runner-up kept busy in 2011 appearing in Broadway’s “American Idiot” as well as touring companies of “Rent” and “Chicago.” On a personal note, the crooner and his wife had a baby boy last April. And yes, since “Idol,” he’s chopped his signature “Felicity-meets-Sideshow Bob” locks. Season Two The One You Know : Clay Aiken can be seen in promos for the upcoming season of “Celebrity Apprentice,” accusing a teammate of being patronizing — all in the name of charity. Although his last few albums haven’t made a big dent in pop culture, Clay still remains the fourth-best-selling “Idol” contestant ever, right behind the holy trinity. (That’s Underwood/Clarkson/Daughtry, obviously.) The One You Shouldn’t Count Out Just Yet : Most of America hasn’t paid much attention to the Velvet Teddy Bear since “Sorry (2004),” and Ruben Studdard finally realized fans like him best when he sings about calendars. Studdard kicked off 2012 with a well-reviewed single called “June 28th (I’m Single)” about his recent divorce. The catchy throwback jam is currently climbing the urban charts, so don’t be surprised if his upcoming album moves some serious units when it lands in March. The One You Had No Idea Was On “Idol” : Ashley Hartman had a six-episode stint on the first season of “The O.C.” as Summer and Marissa’s buddy Holly. Turns out Simon Cowell’s “You should act, not sing” critique was correct! Season Three The One You Know : Seventh-placer Jennifer Hudson spent 2011 promoting her sophomore album, I Remember Me, but her turn as Weight Watchers’ official spokesperson kept her skinny body in the spotlight and earned her a book deal. The Oscar winner’s turn as Winnie Mandela has yet to be released in the U.S., but she’ll appear as a nun in the Farrelly Brothers’ “Three Stooges” big-screen update this year. Might we suggest a remake of Lily Tomlin’s “The Incredible Shrinking Woman” next? The One We Can’t Stop Rooting For : Fantasia, Fantasia, Fantasia. Your 2010 album Back to Me was full of retro nuggets like the Grammy-winning “Bittersweet” and shoulda-been-a-hit “Collard Greens and Cornbread,” but just when your music career gets back on track, your life spins out of control. Here’s hoping you can turn your personal drama into big-screen gold when you star as Mahalia Jackson in your first official feature-film role. The One You Shouldn’t Count Out Just Yet : Leah LaBelle barely made the top 12 back in 2004 — when she was a cocky 17-year-old with shaky vocals living under the shadow of a Bulgarian pop-star mother — but the 25-year-old just made headlines by getting signed to L.A. Reid’s Epic Records under the guidance of heavyweights Jermaine Dupri and Pharrell Williams. Seriously! The One You Had No Idea Was On “Idol” : Soap fans might remember Duke Buchanan on “One Life to Live” before he was killed by a tornado in 2006. The Matthew Morrison look-alike got his start on “Idol” as a semifinalist. Season Four The One You Know : In 2011, country megastar Carrie Underwood starred in a hit film, “Soul Surfer,” reached her 11th #1 single on a duet with Brad Paisley and finally surpassed Kelly Clarkson as the biggest-selling “Idol” winner ever. She’s got a new album on the way and hinted that she’ll be participating in “something special” with Steven Tyler, fueling a rumor that she’ll be taking the CMT “Crossroads” stage with the new “Idol” judge and — randomly — ’90s band Sugar Ray. The Goofy One : Constantine Maroulis finally got some respect with a Tony-nominated turn in Broadway’s “Rock of Ages” in 2009. Constantine fans might be bummed that he won’t be reprising the Drew role in the big-screen adaptation coming out in 2012, but keep your eyes peeled, because director Adam Shankman gave him a quick walk-on appearance as a producer. The One You Had No Idea Was On “Idol” : Prior to winning the sixth season of “Nashville Star,” Melissa Lawson made it to the top 75 during Hollywood Week on “Idol.” Season Five The One You Know : Daughtry’s 2011 album Break the Spell went gold in December. Chris and the band will be hitting the road for their second headlining tour this March. The One You Shouldn’t Count Out Just Yet : Katharine McPhee’s career has been full of starts and stops. But now that she’s on NBC’s high-profile midseason replacement “Smash” (including an inescapable ad campaign that claims to be “introducing” McPhee to America’s living rooms), expect to see the season five runner-up reach new heights. You saw her hobnobbing with Hollywood’s elite at the Golden Globes this past Sunday. Twelve months from now, you may just see her onstage holding a Globe of her own. The Goofy One : Taylor Hicks got some love last April when Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert invited him to appear on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” during Colbert’s cover of Rebecca Black’s “Friday,” a performance that instantly went viral and showed that Hicks is still as charmingly offbeat as you remember. The other goofy alum of season five, Kellie Pickler, is ready to show her mature side with a traditional country album, 100 Proof, out next week. On Thursday, Jim will check in with standouts from seasons six through 10. Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos On The Red Carpet At The Golden Globes MTV News Extended Play: Kelly Clarkson Related Artists Katharine McPhee
