Web Surfing Chinese Style

     In a move to help protect what Chinese officials call rumors and vulgarity, the Chinese government is discussing a law that would mean people have to present their government-issued identity cards when signing up for computer network providers and mobile internet access.  The Chinese government says such a system is needed to prevent people from making malicious and anonymous accusations online and that many other countries already have such rules.  See full story, www.nytimes.com.

Television in The Next Decade

      Washington - "90 of the top 100 shows are on regular television", says Gordon Smith, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).  According to Smith regular broadcast television and radio will continue to become more interactive with broadband, internet, and cable television.  Smith also says radio and television will remain the constant if cable crashes in an emergency.  See also,  www.wired.com.

China's Elusive Entertaining First Lady

       She is a renowned soprano, but as China's first lady she must keep a low profile in accordance with the policy since Mao Tse-tung's power-hungry wife.  Many thought the 49 year-old Peng Liyuan would be a cosmopolitan western style first embodying a more open, modern China.  However, their is a balance that must be acheived between the party's own squeamishness about making officials' private lives public, and a gossipy media culture increasingly critical of elites lifestyles and behavior.  "There's still a feeling that women can lead men astray, especially in affairs of the state", says Ross Terrill author of "Mao Tse-tung And His Wife Jiang Qing.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Re-invigorated Tuxedos Are Taking The Red Carpet

     From Bryan Cranston ("Shades of Gray") to Jim Parsons ("The Big Bang Theory") style conscious guys are opting for color and bold tailoring.  The traditional black "penguin suite" in tonal variations of brown and navy (at times with largeer lapels for taller men) are influencing men who once did not like dressing up.  The versatility of velvet and hybrid tux-influenced styles such as silk with denim, or waxed cotton jeans with a stripe down the side are trending upward at this seasons holiday parties.  There is even a computer app that offers pages and pages of tuxedo choices.  The app covers a variety of topics and includes a tutorial on how to tie a bow tie.  See also, www.gentlemensquarterly.com.

Number of People Commenting on TV While Watching TV Increases

     New York - A recent Nielsen study estimated 41 percent of tablet owners and 38 percent of smartphone owners used their device while watching television at least once per day.  The Nielsen study also found that 35 percent of people sho used tablets while watching TV looked up information online about the program they were watching.  The social media websites these people visit while watching television can provide TV networks with real-time feedback on what is being aired at the moment.  The increase in people watching television and commenting about it online has not been affected by the fact that more people are also recording programs and watching them a later time.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Retailers Include Elements of Online Shopping

     Retailers are gearing up to stop the continous flow of shoppers to computers and smartphones. Some firms are vowing to match prices with their biggest online rivals. Others are expanding their assortment of products, or adding Wi-Fi and other digital upgrades inside stores. In some states traditional retailers are anticipating picking up more shoppers after online retailers started collecting taxes in September 2012, giving some crucial price advantage to traditional stores when consumers comparison shop. Walmart already allows shoppers to buy items online and pay for them in cash in stores. Toys 'R' Us is pushing the idea that shoppers can browse online the go pick it up immediately at their neighborhood store. See also, www.nytimes.com.

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is Already Spawning Collecitbles

       New Zealand's government is minting coins that feature characters from Middle-earth to commemorate the upcoming film "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." The coins range in price from a New Zealand one dollar coin that retails for $24.43, to a $10 coin made from pure gold that costs about $3,019.53. New Zealand is also releasing six postage stamps featuring characters from the film. See, www.nzpost.co.nz. 

Zombies In "The Walking Dead" Are Walking Ahead

      "The Walking Dead" has become a darling of horror and/or fantasy pop culture.  In its second season it set a record among young viewers.  An official magazine, video games, scores of blogs, a live companion talk show called "The Talking Dead", an appearance at San Diego's Comic-Con International, and just in time for Halloween, "The Walking Dead:  Dead Inside" maze is this year's centerpiece for Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights have made the show a franchise for AMC cable television.  See also , www.variety.com.

Homeland Attempts To Hold Viewership

      The cable television sensation Homeland has been ordered for a third season. The show which recently started season two on September 23, 2012 attempts to portray the war on terror in an intriguing way. Homeland, about two CIA agents, tries to hold audience viewership with a series of sharp story turns. "You can't let the cat out of the bag too much in crafting this show", says Michael Cuesta, one of the shows directors. Homeland's goal of keeping audiences off-balance, as the show slowly reveals its storyline, is so far being achieved. See full story, www.variety.com.

First Black Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 In Monaco (18/12/2011)

New App Merges TV and Twitter

     British app Zeebox shows twitter feeds while simultaneously showing what you are currently watching in a "second screen." Primarily catered to the most avid TV watchers Zeebox has its own messaging service and trending topics called "z-tags" that make it easier to track what TV viewers are talking about. See also, www.nytimes.com.

The Hunt For A New Red Apple iPad In October

    California has not been one of Apple's most popular venues for product launches, but October 23, 2012, Apple will launch  a new smaller tablet than the 9.7 inch iPad.  The new smaller tablet is expected to feature a display that is between 7 inches and 8 inches.  The new smaller tablet will directly compete with Amazon's Kindle Fire HD, that only launched a year ago and already has 20% of the U.S. tablet market.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Surface is Not a Submarine

       Microsoft's new Surface tablet will have two cameras, a USB port, and will be Wi-Fi only. A second, heavier, Surface tablet aimed at the new generation of "ultrabooks" (lightweight laptops) is expected on the market in a few months. Market watchers speculated correctly that Microsoft would price it's new Surface low enough to compete with Apple's less-powerful iPad2 and Amazon's Kindle Fire HD. The Surface will run a simplified version of Windows 8 that is not compatible with old microsoft applications. See full story, www.nytimes.com.

Boobytrapped Nuclear Equipment

   Iranian security experts discovered tiny explosives inside equipment the Iranian Islamic Republic had purchased for its nuclear program. Iran accused Germany's Siemans firm of planting the explosives, a charge Siemens denied. See also, www.nytimes.com.

Spy Swap

       A yearlong investigation concluded by the chairman of the House Intellegence Committee (Republican) Representative Mike Rogers of Michigan and (Democratic) Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland, the top Democrat on the committee, said the United States government should not use equipment from the giant Huawei Technologies and ZTE Inc., both of China, and that other American companies should find alternative suppliers as well.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Rock Band No Doubt Releases New Album

  Gwen Steffani is still the lead singer in the energetic band No Doubt.  The band performed at the Radio I-Heart Festival in Las Vegas.  When asked about the length of time between record releases Steffani mentioned doing things like raising a child and taking care of other parts of the business.  The story of No Doubt continues following their smash 1990's single "Don't Speak", from the "Tragic Kingdom" album that spent four months a number one. The romantic relationship between bassist Tony Kanal and lead singer Steffani continues to evolve and provide pop culture with a source of new radio programming.  See also, www.billboard.com.

Microsoft Faces Fine

     Warsaw - Microsoft agreed nearly three years ago to allow European consumers better access to rival browsers. Microsoft acknowledged its error in not distributing its software in a manner that allowed other browsers such as Mozilla's Firefox and Safari. Microsoft, the world's largest software company, has blamed the three-year delaly on a technical glitch. "The size of the fine could be fairly significant," says anti-trust lawyer Rachel Bickler. See also, www.nytimes.com.

Necessary Extraditions of Britains to America

      Washington - The United States does not see itself as an arrogant, prosecution-happy country, eager to mete out vigilante justice to Americans and non-Americans alike.  Spokespeople in Washington, D.C. say  a treaty signed in 2003 is good as it stands written.  But, to others in Britain, e.g. 24 year-old Richard O'Dwyer of Bolsover, England, the treaty is a sign of an Anglo-American extradition agreement that's grossly weighted in favor of the United States.  O'Dwyer is accused of running an illegal website.  The issue has gotten particular attention lately because of the case of Julian Assange, the founder of the whistle-blowing website Wikileaks.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Apple Rolls Out Newest Product Free of Patent Infringements

       According to a judge at the International Trade Commission (ITC), Friday, September 14, 2012, Apple Inc. did not violate patents owned by Samsung Electronics in making the iPod, iTouch, iPad.  See also, www.wired.com.

Michael Jackson Was Day-To-Day On Concert Tour

       Los Angeles - 250 pages of email messages illuminate the extent top executives were aware of doubts about Michael Jackson's stability as they prepared for a 50-show concert run at a London arena.  See also, www.ew.com.

CNN Faces Declining Ratings

     With people able to get news and information around the clock  CNN finds itself with plunged ratings.  The cable news network (CNN) that dominated political talk shows during the 1990s has shrunk in ratings by as much as 40% compared to four years ago.  Critics say the Time-Warner owned network is rudderless, not suggesting how people should vote.  A long term policy at CNN has been to avoid taking sides.  Now, some people in the industry are saying CNN should be more like Fox and MSNBC.  See also, www.ew.com.

New "Live!" Co-host Michael Strahan Was Most Concerned About Not Tripping

       New York - Michael Strahan's only worry when he made his entrance Tuesday, September 4, 2012, as the new co-host of  "Live!" was, "Dont trip", he summed up after the show.  Strahan will continue as a host of "Fox NFL Sunday", which originates from Los Angeles, where he lives.  He will commute to New York to do "Live!"  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Olympians Still See Television As a Second Career

      Olympians have a small amount of time to cash in on their gold medals.  Olympians can extend their visibility, by transitioning into a career on television.  In recent years more than a dozen Olympians have gone to television for a job, including:  gymnast Shawn Johnson ("Dancing With The Stars"), short-track speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno ("Dancing With The Stars"), gymnast Gabby Douglas ("America's Got Talent"), swimmer and aspiring actor Ryan Lochte ("90210", "Fashion Police", and "The Tonight Show"), and decathlete Bruce Jenner ("The Kardashians").  For an increasing number of image-savvy olympic athletes, working on television has become at least as appealing as appearing on the front of a wheaties  box.  Evan Morganstein, chief executive of PMG Sports, an agency that represents swimmer Mark Spitz says, "they're forced to do this because the athletes are paid a relatively meager stipend, even though their efforts generate billions of dollars for the International Olympic Committee.

Yahoo's Movieland Game

     In order to promote films, users will be able to watch movie trailers, answer trivia questions, buy tickets, and win prizes.  Movieland is an interactive online game that promotes 35 upcoming big budget films.  Movieland was developed with the participation of all the major movie studios.  Movieland, "game-ifies moviegoing in an interesting way.  It sucks people into an experience," says Ken Fuchs, vice-president and head of sports, entertainment and games at Yahoo Media Network.  The game debuted Tuesday, May 15 2012, on Yahoo movies.  Movieland will head Yahoo's efforts this summer to promote its Yahoo Movies site.  See also, www.http://www.www.hollywoodreporter.com/.

The Apple vs. Samsung Trial Over Screen Size and Smartphone Technology Nears a Close

      A lawyer for Apple Inc. says Samsung Electronics Co. illegally tried to cash in on the success of the iPhone.  Apple says Samsung should pay $2.5 billion for ripping off its iPhone and iPad technology when Samsung marketed rival devices.  Samsung countersued for $399 million, claiming Apple Inc. used Samsung technology in making the iPhone and iPad.  The competing claims came during closing arguments at the multi-billion-dollar patent trial, after last minute talks between chief executives failed to resolve the dispute.  See also, www.wsj.com.

Movie Tax Credits Less Popular When Production is Down

     Hollywood's feature film production is much smaller today than it was at its peak in 1996.  Some lawmakers balked at setting aside $500 million, for movie production tax credits, at a time when the state of California is confronted with having to cut social services and lay off teachers in the face of large budget demands.   See also, http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/.

The New Spider-Man Snares $7.5 Million in Midnight Releases

     The new spider man, titled "The Amazing Spider Man," launched with a respectable $7.5 million ticket revenue count in its 12am debut Tuesday night.  That matches the amount "Spider-Man 3" took in from its first 12 am screening.  Midnight screenings have gained in popularity over the past five years, hitting a peak when fans shelled out $43.5 million for Harry Potter" last summer.  See also, http://www.spiderman.com/.

Communicating by 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 [v12]

South Korean TV Show Features Guests That Have Defected From North Korea

     The show is titled "Now On My Way To Meet You," it is part talent show and part talk show, a variety show.  The show has a growing viewership and handles the topic of North Korean defectors.  These North Korean defectors are attempting to raise awareness between themselves and South Koreans.  The more than 25,000 North Korean defectors sometimes face discrimination and even contempt when their backgrounds become known.  See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Pixelization Makes Some Look at Television's Decency

      Pixelization allows shows to skirt decency issues by blurring nudity. Pixelization uses modern editing equipment in the post production (after taping) phase of television.  The technique displays a certain area of a photograph or film footage at a much lower resolution, obscuring everything from license plate numbers to human faces when necessary.  When television makers use pixelization merely to increase ratings it pokes fun at the standards of what is considered decent, and underscores a longer debate about what should be allowable on television.  This issue recently reached the United States Supreme Court, when justices struck down fines for ABC and FOX, which had aired partial nudity and swear words.  The broader issue is, of course, how far networks can push the boundaries of their content.  See also, www.hollywoodreporter.com.

China's Miss World Would Like to Teach Music

      China's Yu Wenxia has been crowned the 2012 Miss World.  The 23-year-old, Yu Wenxia, is a music student who says she wants to become a music teacher.  This is the second time Miss China has has been awarded the title.  The previous time was in 2007 when Zhang Zilin won the honor.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

We Accept Cash, Check, Credit Card, or Smartphone

        As smartphones have grown in popularity mobile payments have become such big business that the largest banks and credit card firms are partnering with wireless carriers, phone makers, and software developers to push the smartphone further into the center of global commerce.  More than a dozen merchants, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Target Corp., Best Buy Co., and Sears Holdings Corp., say they are teaming up to develop their own walletless platform, including an app, that will enable tech-savvy customers to quickly pay for goods with their smartphones.  Electronic money is easier and quicker to process than cash or plastic, possibly making long lines a thing of the past.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Some Stars Like Their Laundry Done Quickly, Not The Kardashians

      The Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes divorce took a matter of weeks to do.  Legal bickering means it is unlikely the Kim Kardashian, Kris Humphries divorce, or annulment, will be granted before next year.   See also, www.variety.com.

Cell Phones Distracting The Office Environment

     The cell phone has forever changed the way we do things.  According to The Wireless Association's website, nearly a quarter of households have ditched traditional landline methods of calling, to go wireless. The cell phone is a miracle of modern technology, but sometimes it is a distraction in the workplace.  "It's really tough to have a meeting these days and hold everybody's attention", says David Lewis president of OperationsInc.  A meeting is not a closed, quiet, and focused environment, unless you ask for the cell phones at the door."  However, "if used properly, cell phones can be an excellent tool in the workplace, allowing for real time communication in several formats", says Brian Flynn vice-president of operations at Xtel Communications, Inc.  See also, www.ctia.org.

NBC Pre-empts Olympics For a Little Monkeying Around

     Sunday's package of  Olympic 2012 highlights yielded to a preview of a new NBC comedy called, "Animal Practice," which was then followed by a half-hour of local news.  When taped Olympic 2012 coverage came to a halt at 11 p.m.Eastern time, viewers were advised that the festivities would resume in one hour.  At midnight Eastern time, Ryan Seacrest greeted viewers who had chosen to stay tuned.  Many viewers wondered why the ceremony could not have been presented in one block, while only slightly delaying NBC's monkey business.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

London 2012 Most Viewed Olympic Summer Games

     Complaining about Olympic coverage has been going on as long as they've been televised. In 2000 critics ripped NBC for what they deemed excessive use of tape delays.  Dick Ebersol, the then chairman of NBC Sports, complained that much of the moaning was coming from jealous journalists, "editors have a hard time getting used to the dominance of television in the Olympics," Ebersol said.  "Ratings are terrific by almost any objective measure," said Andrew Billings, a professor and sports broadcasting expert at the University of Alabama.  The first weekend of London 2012 Olympics averaged 35.8 million total viewers in prime time, according  to Nielsen, a media ratings company.  That is the best first weekend for any Olympics in history.  See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

The Dark Knight Rises in IMAX

      An IMAX camera is bulky, approximately 10 times the size of a regular camera.  However, Warner Bros. says, Christopher Nolan shot nearly half of his Batman finale using, the still bulky, IMAX cameras.  Nolan also insisted that Warner Bros. release "The Dark Knight Rises" in at least 100 IMAX cinemas that can project it on film rather than the new digital format that is gradually replacing film.  See also, http://www.wired.com/.

Network Television And Cable Still Have a Large Presence At Comic-Con

     In recent years film has taken some of the air out of the TV coverage, but there is still a huge TV element to Comic-Con.  More than 80 television series courted the crowds at Comic-Con last year.  At this year's festival the numbers are just as high. "The intense relationship of the fans to the show, the passion people feel, that's what Comic-Con has turned into," says Linda Schupack, AMC's executive vice president of marketing.  See also, http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/.

Former Star of Two And-a-Half Men Interested in American Idol Gig

     In an interview on Ryan Seacrest's radio show, Charlie Sheen said, 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe mentioned his name, Sheen's, as a possible 'American Idol' judge.  Other names that have been considered as possible replacements include, Mariah Carey and former 'American Idol' runner-up Adam Lambert.  Charlie Sheen may not have music experience, but neither did Ellen DeGeneres before she was named a judge for, then, season number nine.  Sheen says, "FX and his 'Anger Management' teams would have to be into it."  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler Leave Idol

     After two seasons Jennifer Lopez will be leaving American Idol.  Other stars, including Steven Tyler, Ellen DeGeneres, and Kara Dio Guardi  have also used the show to re-popularize themselves with American  pop culture. Analyst Adgate says, "they got back into the mindset of pop culture followers."  The day before Lopez announced her departure, Steven Tyler said he was leaving American Idol to concentrate on his role as Aerosmith's frontman.  Jennifer Lopez says, "I honestly feel like the time has come that I have to get back to doing the other things that I do, that I've put kind of on hold because I love 'Idol' so much."  See also, http://www.variety.com/.

Tom Cruise Cruises To a Divorce Settlement With Katie Holmes

     Some issues remain unresolved, but, for now, the couple appear to have reached a divorce settlement.  Lawyers for the two may enter courtrooms again, however, the focus of this first phase of the case was to keep the breakup out of the news.  "I don't think either of the high-profile celebrities want their dirty laundry aired in technically a public forum," said Russel I. Marnell, an East Meadow, New York-based divorce lawyer.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

The House Walt Disney Was Born In Still Not a Historic Landmark

     Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901, on the second floor of the house in the Hermosa neighborhood of Chicago.  Now a largely Latino community, the Disney home lacks a historic landmark designation, a campaign by preservationists stalled as early as 1991.  Getting homes landmark status can be a drawn-out process.  See also, http://www.chicagotribune.com/.

Leave It To Justin Bieber

     Justin Bieber is used to fans following him.  But, Friday July 6, 2012, something triggered his instinct that led to a speeding ticket for the teen idol.  Calls came in complaining of a freeway chase on southbound U.S. Highway 101 near Studio City, California.  The chase claim is backed by a credible eyewitness, Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine, called authorities after seeing Bieber's distinctive chrome Fisker Karma being chased by five or six other cars.  See also, http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/.

Quick Fix Eludes Power Outage Problems in United States

     Sweltering residents and elected officials are demanding to know why it takes so long to restring power linees.  "Its a system thats beginning to age, has been aging," said Gregory Reed, a professor of electrical power engineering at the University of Pittsburgh.  "We haven't expanded and modernized the bulk of the transmission and distribution network."  Maryland state Senator James Rosapepe says, "they obviously need to invest more in preparing for getting the power back on." Some people say rates are high enough and the utility companies should do a better job of trimming trees and branches that threaten power lines.  Though the country's infrastructure is reliable, it was mostly built between the 1930's and 1970's," said Reed of the University of Pittsburgh.  See also, http://hosted.ap.org/.

An Apple Sells For $374,500

     This Apple is the original computer board that would eventually make Apple Inc. the biggest company in the world.  When Apple II came out about a year later, it provided the now familiar computer case that we all know today (that houses circuit boards, power supply, fan sound card, video card, etc).  Apple II also included a monitor and keyboard.  Sotheby's auction house recently sold a working Apple I computer.  In 1976 when Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak were assembling these computers they retailed for $666.66.  The one at Sotheby's of New York went at auction for $374,500.  See full story, http://www.nytimes.com/.   

Smartphone Program Turns Phone Into Credit Card

           Still in its embryonic stage, smartphone payments, that allow users to pay via their smartphone and avoid the need to carry cash or credit cards, are on the rise.  The software that provides these wireless smartphone transactions, usually e-mails the user an electronic receipt for their records. Near frequency chip (NFC) technology will soon (within a year, or so) allow customers to pay by having his or her phone near a credit card terminal.  Various subway systems around the U.S. have already experimented with letting riders walk through turnstiles by having them wave their phones near a machine.  See also, http://www.wired.com/.

California Adventures $1.1 Billion Upgrade

       California Adventure has not been as successful as Disney had expected.  Now, with its new $1.1 billion 12 acre attraction; California Adventure is set to become a theme park next to a theme park.  Hurricane Harbor is next door to Magic Mountain, so California Adventure will provide fans and visitors more restaurants, gift shops, and attractions as Disney had planned for the California Adventure Park when it opened in 2001.  Now California Adventure might truly become a second them park to Disneyland.  See also, http://www.latimes.com/.

Cellphone Maker Nokia To Cut 10,000 Jobs

     In a cost cutting effort Nokia the giant cellphone manufacturer based in Finland, is trimming its workforce by 10,000 jobs.  The measure is aimed at saving $2 billion by the end of 2013.  Nokia faces heavy competition in its smartphone sector from companies like Apple, Samsung, and HTC (a Taiwanese company).  It's lower end, entry level feature phones are facing competition from emerging manufacturers in China, such as China's ZTE.  The planned cuts include closing some research and development (R&D) facilities.  Nokia has also agreed to sell its luxury phone brand Vertu.  See full story www.nytimes.com.

New Super Computer Could Help Predict Sun Spots and Detail Their Effects

     The name of the computer is Yellowstone, and it is 30 times more powerful than the computer the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) previously used, known as the Bluefire system.  The new Yellowstone  super computer will be housed at a $70-million 24-acre compound in Cheynne, Wyoming.  It is the largest computer ever devoted to the study of atmospheric science.  One area Yellowstone will delve into is solar flares.  Solar flares are the superheated gases that emanate from the sun.  Solar flares have the potential to be disruptive on Earth.  From energy companies to farmers, the information that will come from Yellowstone could be used to prevent power surges and warn farmers when their Global Positioning Systems (GPS's), that tell them where to plant crops, will be less effective due to these  solar flares.   See also, http://www.popularscience.com/.

Auditions Held For New York City Subway Performers

     These auditions are being held for performances that are not in a theatre, concert hall, or  sports arena.  These performances will be given in the underground, really underground, in New York city's subway system.  It is the 25th anniversary of the music under New York.  Part of the city's metropolitan transit authority (mta).  The program was launched to relax passengers navigating the city's subway system.  The tryouts are free and are held for 33 judges.  At stake are the high traffic areas that bring the highest tips.   See also, http://www.nytimes.com/.

Tips For Making Movies

     Knowing how to write will help you sell your movie to a movie studio, production company, or television station.  But, having these key elements can increase your chances of success: (1) capture the audience's attention near the beginning of the film, (2) make the villain as close to being likeable as possible, this will help keep the audience intrigued, and  (3) make the happy ending where the hero wins, as unpredictalbe as possible until the conclusion of the movie, this too will help keep the audience on the edge of their seats.  See full story, http://www.latimes.com/.

'Basketball Wives' Fourth Season See Growing Pains and Directional Issues

          These wives, girlfriends, and exes, of NBA players regularly use fierce language, hurl wine bottles, pull hair, slap faces, etc.  But, now some are questioning the direction of reality TV.  'Basketball Wives' is just one of several increasingly controversial reality shows that are real, but can also be real raunchy.  A table at a restaurant with champagne and caviar on it may suddenly pop off into a ruckus.  VH1 executives maintain they are merely evolving the network into a more realistic reflection of the world.  'Basketball Wives', which has become VH1's answer to Bravo's popular 'Real Housewives' franchise, will return for a fifth season.  See also, www.variety.com.

RealD Reaches Deal With HNA Group

     Hollywood is capitalizing, or filling the damand of growth opportunities in China.  China recently surpassed Japan as the world's largest foreign market for Hollywood films.  RealD, Inc., the world's leading supplier of 3-D technology to cinemas, has reached an agreement with Chinese conglomorate HNA Group to install the company's 3-D technology on as many as 500 screens on HNA's theatre circuit.  Companies such as RealD are hoping to take advantage of the rapid growth of China's theatre industry.  RealD's 3-D cinema system is available on 650 screens in China with an additional 1,250 screens that are going to be installed.  RealD also recently signed agreements with Bona Film Group and Poly Film Investment Co. to add 200 RealD screens.   See also, http://www.variety.com/.

Activision Reaches Out of Court Settlement

     At question are royalties and bonuses in the "Call of Duty" series video game.  The lawsuit claimed damages that totaled more than $2 billion.  The countersuit filed by Activision, accused some of its video game developers of being insubordinate, self-serving schemers, who had breached their contracts with Activision, when they went to work for Electronic Arts, Inc.  The legal battle which began between 2009 and 2010, has been called the most significant legal battle in video game history.  "This legal battle is the most significant in video history," said Evan Wilson, an analyst at Pacific Crest Securities.  The settlement, which likely has already been paid for from profits on "Diablo III", a game Activision released last month, is estimated at $140 million.  See also, http://www.wired.com/.

Disney Studios Get New CEO

     Moviemaking is one part  of Disney.  Now the movie studio that owns disneyland, disneyworld, and theme parks on several continents is getting a new CEO.  The new CEO, Alan Horn, is a veteran filmmaker and studio head.  Horn, co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment, he was CEO and Chief Operating Officer of 20th Century Fox, and was President of Entertainment at Warner Bros.  Making movies that have broader audience appeal, to the family as a whole, is an important goal of The Disney Studios.  Walt Disney once said his company's films were not solely for children, but rather, "for the child in all of us."  "Toy Story 3," "The Avengers," and Pirates of the Caribbean: On stranger Tides," all surpassed $1 billion.  This is an attempt to help its family friendly films like "Prom" and John Carter.  See full story, http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/.

Flame Virus Hits Iran

     Flame is a very complex computer virus.  It is commonly known as a 'trojan horse,' a virus designed to siphon information from infected computers.  The highly innovative virus, known as flame, uses unusually complex and large amounts of code and programming languages.  See full story, http://www.nytimes.com/.