Comedies Ramp Up in Fourth Quarter

       "Delivery Man", starring Vince Vaughn, hits theatres November 22, and is expected be Disney's main attempt at a comedy release for 2013.  Several comedies played strongly overseas as well as in the United States.  Warner Bros., "Hangover III," more than doubled its $112 million United States total with $239 million in foreign countries.  Seth Rogens directing debut, "This Is The End", was a surprise winner for Sony.  The tale of young celebs partying hearty through the apocalypse cost $32 million to make and has already brought in $101 million.  The tally this year has the wealth being spread between Paramount, Warner Bros., Universal, and Sony.  Each has two comedies that hit $100 million.  Fox had just one, but it was the years top-grossing comedy thus far.  "The Heat," starring Sandra Bullock  and Melissa McCarthy is a buddy cop tale that has taken in $160 million in the United States and $230 million in countries other than the United States.  Two other movies that have reached the $100 million stage are "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" and"Anchorman:  The Legend Continues".  See also, www.dreamworks.com.

In-Flight Entertainment

      Seattle, Washington - According to Boeing wireless media streaming will be available on all new Boeing airplanes in 2014.  Boeing continues to advance connectivity offerings on its family of commercial jetliners.  Systems to be installed during production in the 747-8 and 777 have the capability to provide in-flight entertainment (IFE), and live television broadcasts.  Some 787's provide in-flight use of personal cell phones and Wi-Fi connectivity for passengers and Boeing is working toward full connectivity.  Access will come through either headset screens or Wi-Fi.  Boeing's moves could lead to more use of in-flight Wi-Fi on top of ready-made wireless media streaming, due in 2014.  See also, www.aviationweek.com.

When Satellites Begin To Fall

        Berlin - While systems are still functioning spacecraft are maneuvered to try to be directed to where the chances of hitting land are the minimalist.  The are steered as far away from humans as possible, that typically means in an ocean.  As of 2013 there have been no known injuries or significant property damage caused by space junk, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).  Meteorites travel about three times faster than space junk.  When the old satellites and left-over pieces of rockets hit the ocean they are going about 125 to 195 mph.  See also, www.aviationweek.com. 

Las Vegas' Lady Luck Transformed Into Downtown Grand

      Las Vegas - Downtown Las Vegas is about 10 minutes north of the Las Vegas strip. Downtown Las Vegas has some of the towns oldest casinos. One casino that opened in 1964, "Honest Johns", later in 1968 renamed Lady Luck, was a pinball and slot machine parlor. In 2006 the Lady Luck closed. On Tuesday afternoon a new hotel-casino, The Downtown Grand had its grand opening. The hotel-casino has been operating since late October 2013. But, the marching band, ribbon cutting, and showgirls didn't happen until yesterday. CIM Group, which advertises itself as "investing in urban communities," reportedly spent $100 million to gut and remake the Lady Luck to conform with the downtown's new emphasis on walkability. See also, www.lasvegas.com.

Go To Space Says Gaga

        New York - Lady Gaga (Joanne Angelina Germanotta) is on an eye-catching unique publicity tour for her new album "Artpop". The album's first single "Applause," remains a top 10 hit. She's scheduled to tackle hosting and performing on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," she redesigned the Life section of US Today, she has a concert special coming up with Ryan Seacrest next week, she recently opened pop-up (designed to last three days to three months) stores in New York and Los Angeles, and she is scheduled to one of the main honorees at Glamour's Women of the Year ceremony. Gaga says, "You know what I realized? That I don't need to reinvent myself. What I realized is that in your lifetime, if you have one really great idea, run with it. And run all the way to outer space if you can."  See also, www.artpop.com. 

Charlie Sheen Says Lets Be Friends

      According to a gossip article Charlie Sheen is trying to mend fences with his ex-wife Brooke Mueller. But now, it appears Charlie Sheen has written a letter to his former producer, and creator of Two And a Half Men, Chuck Lorre. In the letter Charlie Sheen reportedly says, "hey Chuck, I have an idea that u need to hear after I make amends to you and yours, which I will do in person. Xox c." See also, www.twoandahalfmen.com.

Smart Watches Getting a Little Smarter For The Holidays

     Smart phones do the heavy work such as downloading apps and loading full web pages.  But smart watches may can now act like assistants to the smart phones.  Smart watches can now stay in contact with your smart phone and serve as a representative of the telephone to the outside world,  monitoring traffic between your smart telephone and other wireless devices.  Sony's SmartWatch2 uses a bigger screen and is water resistant.  For 2013 a smart watches main function is to act as a handy second screen for your smart phone.  The premise is to allow users to dismiss useless phone notifications and allow you to only grab the handset when absolutely necessary.  Smart watches linked to operating systems, like Android for example, will receive alerts for texts, calls, and social media updates while on the wearers wrist.  Smart watches will also be able to control your phones music player, so you won't have to reach into your purse or pocket to change volume or skip to the next track.  And, ultimately at the cash register, near field communication (NFC) is a natural component that allows a relatively secure way to pay bills, by simply waving your smart watch wearing wrist at   NFC enabled cash registers, while leaving your smart phone in your purse or pocket.  See also, www.sony.com.