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Social Networking Losing Appeal?
2008-02-21 20:19:00
According to new reports, users have dropped slightly for many of the top social networking sites, including MySpace, Facebook, and Bebo.While analysts note that a single month of decline does not spell "the end" of any site or social networking, in general, it is the first decline since 2006, when data started being compiled on these sites.I have said many times before, on this very blog in fact, that social networking was going to even-out. The same is true of the big blog-boom of the past year or two. The WWW is a hotbed of fads and buzzwords and if you are serious about working it, you have to be somewhat guarded in your approach to these things. While social networking is a viable and integral part of the WWW, it - like everything else - "blew-up" into some big craze simply because a bunch of pencil-necked geeks, celebrities, and general casual-users started "buzzing" about it.Social networking has always been an element of the WWW: chatrooms, message boards, website forums ...
More About: Social Networking , Networking , Appeal

Working
2008-02-21 19:37:00
Hey guys, I am here today, just doing behind-the-scenes stuff.I have some timely press releases to get out to you, but other than that, it's going to be slow. I am working on the Champions pages for the site, just because they were such a huge draw on the old site. I am also editing some of the older entries for content (grammar, so forth), and I will likely get back to managing the tags some later on, so if your readers start feeding old posts, that's why.Just in case any sponsors are reading, I am going to institute some new rules where y'all are concerned. I understand we aren't Yahoo! or anything, but we get a decent amount of traffic, we are well-written, and we are pretty easy to work with; I love having sponsors and will gladly work with y'all on anything, but it's time to start drawing the line on certain things - such as no-follow tags and the duration of your posts. Face it, guys: $5.00 is not an ample amount for a lifelong post - specifically not when it jeopard...
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Stan Lee on the Skrulls, New Marvel Podcast!
2008-02-21 01:46:00
This is an official Marvel press release:The latest installment of the Mighty Marvel Podcast has been posted and this week's guest is none-other-than the legendary Stan Lee ! The man who created Spider-Man, the X-Men and the Incredible Hulk talks to Marvel Podcast host and Senior Art Director Jeff Suter as well as Assistant Manager of Sales Communication Jim McCann about the origins of the insidious villains taking center stage in this summer's blockbuster event, Secret Invasion – the Skrulls! The podcast is live right now so treat yourself to an earful of Mighty Marvel goodness!Listen to The Man recount how he created the Skrulls to battle the Fantastic Four all the way back in 1962's Fantastic Four #2 and how he was able to create villains that have lasted over 40 years. Plus, find out what Stan Lee thinks of one of today's greatest comic writers, Brian Michael Bendis. And watch Stan play What If? as he reveals who he would make a Skrull if he were the one writing Secret Inva...

Winehouse May Perform via Satellite
2008-02-07 21:47:00
Amy Winehouse may perform on the Grammys via satellite, but it does not look like the crack-addled pop-star is going to be granted that visa.Amy Winehouse was released from her stint in rehab the other day so she could file for a visa, allowing her to travel to the US and attend the Grammys. Unfortunately for her, the US denied her application. Winehouse is said to have "accepted the decision" and is "focusing on her recovery." Other sources say a rehearsal was scheduled for today, but has apparently been scratched. A crew is on standby overseas, but whether or not the pop-star will perform is as yet unknown.She is nominated for six grammys, including album of the year. Her short career has been plagued by her incessant, hardcore drug use, as well as that of her husband's. Winehouse is currently in rehab and her husband is in jail.© C Harris Lynn, 2008
More About: Satellite , Perform

Secret Invasion: Who Do You Trust?
2008-02-07 19:05:00
Marvel's next big event is gearing-up and set to begin. Secret Invasion #1 hits shelves April 2nd, but storylines throughout the Marvel Universe titles are already starting to tie-in to the highly-anticipated series.Secret Invasion is written by fan-favorite, Brian Michael Bendis, and penciled by Leinil Francis Yu, with covers by Gabrielle Dell'Otto, Steve McNiven, and Morry Hollowell.Rest assured, The Rundown will have much more Secret Invasion news as it develops.© C Harris Lynn, 2008
More About: Trust

Britney, Britney, Where Art Thou, Britney?
2008-02-07 16:44:00
A lot has happened since last we jawed about our favorite wackjob celebrity, the one, the only, Britney Spears.While we experienced a rash of storms which left so many dead that they are still searching for the bodies, Brit-Brit's parents were busy swearing out declarations and restraining orders against one Osama "Sam" Lutfi. Among the allegations, Lynne Spears said she saw Lutfi drug the former pop princess, and "insert himself" in her, um, life. She claimed Lutfi admitted to her that he crushed-up pills and put them in Britney's food.Britney's mom claims Britney met Lutfi in or about October 2007, and the manager immediately moved himself into Brit-Brit's home and "took control of her life, home, and finances." She further claims he cut her phonelines, hid her cellphone chargers, disabled her cars, and "controls everything" - including her business manager and attorneys - even the security guards at the gate.While a judge signed the temporary restraining order Friday, Lutf...

MDC
2008-02-07 16:31:00
Man has had an affinity for gold since ancient times. It has adorned buildings, people, been worked into clothing, even fashioned into weapons and armor (not very militarily effective - gold is a "soft" metal - but certainly an awesome sight to behold no the battlefield!). These days, the power of gold lay in its ability to change men's financial lives.The Monex Deposit Company, or MDC, has been America's gold, silver, and precious metals investment company for over 30 years. Diversify your portfolio by investing in precious metals in coin or ingot form. Ready for immediate delivery to the bank or depository of your choice, Monex is your first and only choice for precious metals investing.

What!? No BritNews?
2008-02-07 07:31:00
Yes, I am fully aware of all the developments in little Ms. Spears' life over the last 48 hours or so - rest assured, The Rundown is on top of it - I just haven't been able to get to everything as quickly as usual the past couple days.I am in the midst of filing taxes, not to mention I have yet another inspection coming up next week. I have literally had it with all of these housing inspections. It incenses me that I have to be held to these kind of standards because of other morons' (in-)actions. See, one of these boobs set her apartment on fire and has been caught taking the batteries out of her smoke alarms twice since then. So, instead of throwing this dipshit out on the street where she belongs, they send out these letters, reminding everyone how it's a law that those of us who live in the apartment complexes have to have working smoke alarms. Same with the bugs!I DO NOT HAVE BUGS AND I DO NOT TAKE THE BATTERIES OUT OF MY SMOKE ALARMS! FURTHER, I ALWAYS BRING MY TRASHC...

Scud: The Disposable Assassin from Image
2008-02-07 02:28:00
This is an official Image Comics press release:6 February 2008 - After over a decade of anticipation, Rob Schrab returned to his seminal creation, SCUD THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN, but fans eager for a cover by him can only get it at this upcoming Wondercon."Ashley Wood, Jim Mahfood, Dave Hartman and Doug Tennapel have been big supporters since the beginning and it meant a lot to have them covering #21-24," said Schrab. "However, as I finished the final pages I couldn't resist the itch to illustrate one last SCUD cover myself."SCUD: THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN #21 is the first of four issues detailing SCUD's mission to destroy the planet in exchange for saving his lover's soul. Schrab's cover features SCUD emerging into the world, ten years later, mere seconds before he finds out nothing is as he remembers.SCUD: THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN #21 (DEC072049), a 32-page black and white comic book for $3.50 featuring a cover by ROBOTS VS. ZOMBIES' Ashley Wood, will be in stores this Wednesday. ...
More About: Assassin

Microsoft, Yahoo!, and Google - Who Loves Whom?
2008-02-06 19:38:00
Part ISome of you may be wondering why I haven't weighed-in on the Microsoft /Yahoo !/Google thing going on.Well, I'll be honest with you, I went into great depth and detail in a drafted post. It was copiously cross-linked, fairly well-researched, and got pretty down-to-the-dirty... and I scrapped it. Just up and threw it out. I wanted to make certain everyone understood what I was saying when I said it.See, no matter what else is reported, there are a few basic things you need to know about the Web, search engines, portals, and general history - things most of the people covering the Web today probably aren't even aware of. If they are, they likely did not go through it directly, as I did. If they did, they probably weren't right in the middle of it as it happened, as I was. If they were, then this story should be receiving better coverage!You probably think you know all of this already, but I'm going to break it down for you anyway. I do not mean to talk down to you - I ...
More About: Yahoo!

Free Online Preview of Lords of Avalon
2008-02-06 19:13:00
Marvel's Lords of Avalon #1 hit shelves today. Marvel has posted the first eight pages of this new title online in their Digital Comics Unlimited area for you to preview.There is no cost to check it out, so give it a shot. You might just discover a new title you enjoy.Lords of Avalon is based on the New York Times bestselling novel series by Sherrilyn Kenyon (penned under the pseudonym, Kinley MacGregor). Pencils and inks by Tommy Ohtsuka, Lords of Avalon also sports variant covers by fan-favorite, Tom Grummett.© C Harris Lynn, 2008
More About: Preview , Free , Online

Car Shopping Made Easy
2008-02-06 19:01:00
Car shopping is a very important, time-consuming process - but it doesn't have to be.Simply surf over to Cars Blvd. and choose the exact car you want to shop for. Compare Car Prices and let dealers fight over you! It doesn't matter what brand, model, make, color - whatever you want, Cars Blvd.'s dealers have you covered. Simply fill in the fields and click the button to get your free quote!Car shopping has never been this fast, easy, or convenient. Follow the link above and check it out for yourself!
More About: Shopping , Made , Easy

Heath Ledger's Death Due to Accidental OD
2008-02-06 18:40:00
Autopsy results released earlier prove that actor, Heath Ledger, died from an accidental overdose.Drugs found in his system included oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), diazepam (Valium), Xanax, and more. While none of the drugs present were found in excess, the combination proved deadly. Ledger suffered from anxiety and insomnia. Most of the medications were prescribed in Europe.Ledger's family made a public announcement, saying, "Heath's accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even at low dosage."Some insist Ledger fell victim to an overdose through abuse, but there is little evidence to support that. While a video surfaced, showing Ledger at a party where drugs were being taken, it did not show Ledger himself indulging. Further, Heath Ledger did not have a reputation for drug abuse of any kind. He discussed his anxiety and lack of sleep publicly prior to his death and two of the medications found in his ro...
More About: Death

We Weathered the Storm
2008-02-06 18:28:00
Well... yesterday was obviously a bust!We were directly in the line of the big storm system that swept through the South yesterday and last night, but we managed to miss almost all of the really bad weather. That's twice that's happened!A few months back, there was a huge storm system that rushed through here, resulting in something like 46 separate tornadoes in literally every county surrounding mine, but not one here; the storms on the weather maps literally encircled this awful county, but didn't touch it!And that's pretty much what happened yesterday. Several of the surrounding counties were hit very hard - softball-sized hail, tornadic activity, straight-line winds - but we made it out just fine. A little wet, hair a little wind-damaged, but otherwise just fine.Still, we lost cable and electricity off and on literally all day long and well into the night. Most of the clocks are still flashing, and I got a work order number from the cable company so I have to call them t...
More About: Storm

Wolverine in Black & White
2008-02-05 22:40:00
Now this is why I wish the comics companies had not thrown out the old technology.When Image Comics came along and started making slicks instead of rags (slicks are the "slick" magazines; rags are those that used to be printed on newsprint), all the comics companies followed suit. Sure, the art stands-out more and it's an overall better effect, but what's the point in having this technology for black and white comic books!?Let me tell you: none. There is no advantage to having black and white comic books printed on magazine stock paper!Colors were done with toner. Toner is little dots of color. The closer together the dots are, the more vibrant the color; the farther apart, the less. That means red is done with closely-arranged dots, while pink toner uses red dots spaced farther apart. Solid colors absolutely look more vibrant, not to mention that magazine stock allows you to reprint great effects, such as watercolor, acrylics, and so forth.But black ink is solid! Black sho...
More About: White , Wolverine

Donate Your... Car!?
2008-02-05 22:14:00
That's right! Car Angel (www.carangel.com) is a non-profit company that uses car and other donations to make videos for kids and teens. They have given away over 2.4 million videos.You can donate your car, RV, boat - even your house! - and get full tax write-off credit for your donation. You choose the charity to which your donation benefits (CarAngel Ministries helps single mothers, orphans, homeless, and many more); CarAngel Ministries does free pick-up - running or not - with some restrictions; they handle the title work and repair negotiations; and all you have to do is write-off the donation and receive your tax credit! What could be easier?Your car donation is used to make videos for children, including anti-drug programs and prison literature, in hopes of ensuring a new generation doesn't end up in and out of the clink. They'll do the hard work and you get to reap the benefits - both financially and otherwise.
More About: Donate

Technical Difficulties
2008-02-05 21:49:00
Hey guys, we're right, smack-dab in the middle of all the storm and tornadic activity down here in The South, so we've been fighting intermittent connectivity issues all morning long.I'll get the Bad Grrlz update post out right now (I was writing it when everything went out the first time) and then the rest of the day will be touch-and-go.Act o' God stuff.The Bad Grrlz post is right before this one; I just left the timestamp as it is.© C Harris Lynn, 2008
More About: Technical

Update: Bad Grrlz
2008-02-05 17:19:00
So we've been covering the Britney thing in-depth, but developments have been sparse lately - what with her being on lockdown and shit - and some other chick-news has cropped-up in her absence, so I decided to put together one of our good old-fashioned Rundowns to get y'all caught-up.Remember, The Rundown contains natural products which may cause allergic reactions.An attorney appeared in court yesterday on Britney Spears' behalf to contest her father's role as conservator of her estate. However, a medical professional testified that Britney was incapable of making rational, intelligent decisions regarding her welfare on her own. The conservatorship was extended to February 14th. Both of Britney's parents visited her yesterday, but the judge upheld a ruling barring manager, Sam Lutfi, from having any contact with her.Mere days after the Spice Girls announced they are canceling their world tour, Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) revealed she is leaving the group. The "band" cited fa...
More About: Update

Today's Excuse - #2340972340975
2008-02-05 04:52:00
Hey guys. We got a few things out to you today, and then we came to an almost complete halt, and I wanted to apologize for that.My neck is really hurting me today - probably because I have been on the computer basically since I crawled out of bed. It hurts so bad I can't focus and I can't really accomplish anything. Unfortunately, I am forced to get some things done, so I have been taking as much of my pain medicine as I can and I'm stressed-out the doctor is going to get onto me for doing so... but what the hell can I do!? If I can't work and can't accomplish the things I have to do, then what choice do I have!?I mean, I got my 1099s today and it's the first of the month, so I was busy paying bills online all day, as well as making lists for all the things I have to do the rest of this week (groceries, legal, etc.). I still have to print-out the tax forms I need and look into TurboTax. Of course, I have been bloggnig as much as I felt able to, and washing dishes, cookin...
More About: Excuse

WAMU Checking Account
2008-02-05 04:44:00
While we often decry the necessity of a credit card in today's world - specifically if you shop online - everyone needs a checking account. I mean, everyone; even if you manage without a credit card, everyone has to have a checking account.Of course, everyone also has at least one bad banking story. Whether they "lost" a deposit, put your deposit in late and bounced a check, or any of at least 30 all-too common mistakes banks make, we have all been there. So many of us have come to despise checking accounts.But WAMU is trying their best to change all of that. And if you take a look at the information found by following the link above, you will see just how hard - and how serious they are about it! It doesn't matter if you (like me) make almost no money or if you make so much that you have several checking accounts and earn interest on them, WAMU gives you all the features and functions you need and treats us all the same!
More About: Account

Burglary at Brit-Brit's
2008-02-04 22:06:00
It just don't stop.E! News discovered that Britney Spears' dad filed a report with the LAPD Friday, just after he was given conservatorship over his daughter and her estate. The report claims several small, "valuable" items were missing from the premises, but no one knows exactly what those items are.The case is still open, but police have no suspects. It is unclear if they have questioned any of Britney's friends or relatives.One of the first things Wallet and Jamie Spears did (after filing this report) was change the locks at the estate and eject anyone they felt shouldn't be there. We are still waiting to hear whether or not their conservatorship will be extended, though it is expected to be.© C Harris Lynn, 2008
More About: Burglary

ID Theft Policies Reviewed
2008-02-04 21:15:00
We have discussed identity theft before and even brought you sponsors who protect you from this dangerous and potentially (financially) crippling crime. But how do you know which program and policy is the best for you?That's where Debix comes into play.Just follow the link above to see how LifeLock stacks up against LoudSiren. An easy-to-read and simple to understand comparison chart runs down the benefits of both programs and offers you a great discount on LoudSiren while you're there!If you are a big Webhead, ID theft is definitely something with which you should be concerned - before you fall victim to it! Follow the links above for more information.
More About: Policies , Theft

Brit-Brit's Woes Judged
2008-02-04 20:49:00
As reported, the custody hearing for Britney Spears' and Kevin Federline's kids went as expected earlier today. In effect, there was no change.Britney has not seen her children since January 3rd, following a standoff with police in her home. She was disallowed visitation rights at a hearing shortly thereafter and was expected to request a change the next time she appeared in court. But Britney did not appear in court; instead, she elected to drive around the court, then go to a church, and then go out to eat.We are waiting to hear how the court proceedings scheduled for today go. This one will determine whether or not her father, Jamie Spears, will remain custodian of her estate. As custodian, he is legally empowered to make decisions regarding the former pop-princess' medical and financial matters. Attorney Andrew Wallet is also listed as a 3rd-party custodian in the matter.Britney remains in treatment and is unable to attend either hearing.But Britney never bothered to sh...
More About: Judged

Marvel Comics Shipping 02-06-08
2008-02-04 20:42:00
Here you go, True Believers - your official list of Marvel titles shipping this Wednesday, February 6th, 2008:Comics On-Sale:AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #549 (BND)AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #549 FINCH VARIANT (BND)ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES #8ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES #8 BOOTH VARIANTANNIHILATION: CONQUEST #4CLANDESTINE #1LORDS OF AVALON: SWORD OF DARKNESS #1LORDS OF AVALON: SWORD OF DARKNESS #1 SKETCH VARIANTLORDS OF AVALON: SWORD OF DARKNESS #1 VARIANTMARVEL ILLUSTRATED: MOBY DICK #1MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE #8MOON KNIGHT #15MS. MARVEL #24NEW AVENGERS POSTER BOOKOMEGA: THE UNKNOWN #5SILVER SURFER: IN THY NAME #4THE TWELVE #2UNCANNY X-MEN #495 (DWS)Collections On-Sale:ESSENTIAL AVENGERS VOL. 6 TPBMARVEL ADVENTURES IRON MAN VOL. 2: IRON ARMORY DIGESTSUPER-VILLAIN TEAM-UP: MODOK'S 11 TPBTHOR VISIONARIES: WALTER SIMONSON VOL. 5 TPBULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN VOL. 19: DEATH OF A GOBLIN TPBPosters On-Sale:GIANT-SIZE ASTONISHING X-MEN POSTERTHOR BY COIPEL & DJURDJEVIC POSTER*B...
More About: Shipping , Marvel Comics

Blueberry Wine
2008-02-04 20:22:00
I love finding out about new things - especially when they are things I know y'all will enjoy - and this is something I truly was not aware of.Those of us who read comic books, play tabletop RPGs, and the like, have a reputation for appreciating things most people are unaware of - we are the "alternative" culture to... pretty much every mainstream anything out there! And we like that distinction - most of us take great pride in it, in fact.So when I learned about blueberry wine from the Keel and Curley Wine ry in Plant City, Florida, I was a little bowled-over. Especially when I checked out their website and found out that blueberry wine has more antioxidants than either red or white wines! Not only can you stand-out from the crowd and enjoy a terrific wine, it's healthier to do so!Follow the link above for more information. It is a beautiful, well-designed site that;s really easy to navigate and chockful of information on their selection and blueberry wine, in general. You ca...

See the New Iron Man Commercial Online
2008-02-04 19:45:00
Did you watch the Superbowl?I know, we geeks aren't exactly known for being big sports fans, but the Superbowl is one of those American cultural events that has knocked down such borders, particularly over the last several years, mainly because as many people watch it now for the commercials and halftime show as for the game itself - maybe more!I did not watch it, I'll admit. We actually turned it on for a few minutes, but it wasn't like we were actually watching it, so we turned it off.But we did miss the new Iron Man movie spot. Luckily, Marvel is showing it online for geeks like me. So even if you missed it last night, you can still check it out.© C Harris Lynn, 2008
More About: Commercial , Online

Breaking Britney News
2008-02-04 00:53:00
Britney Spears' 72 hours is nearly up, but sources say she isn't going anywhere.While conservatorship has been granted her father for the time being, Britney cannot legally be held against her will. However, it is being reported that even she understands that where she is is the best place for her to be at this point.These same sources say that the doctor in charge of her case suggests Britney stay put for at least another 11 days (for 14 in total). But if Britney decides to go all legal, she may be able to leave earlier. While Jamie Spears technically has control over her and her estate, only her doctor can make an involuntary stay request to courts; she is not legally required to remain at the hospital but she will have to legally contest if she decides to leave.Ms. Spears is the subject of two court cases this Monday. First, lawyers for her and Kevin Federline will meet, concerning custody of their two children. After that, her father and lawyer, Andrew Wallet, will decide...
More About: News , Britney , Breaking

Online Billiards
2008-02-03 23:15:00
Where I grew up, there was nothing to do - I mean absolutely nothing! It was a small, rural "community" that wasn't even incorporated. Needless to say, we played a lot of pool (billiards, if you like), and I got okay at it - not great or anything, but I could often hold my own against other casual players. Of course, I don't have room for a pool table in my little one-bedroom apartment - don't have room for a trapkit, either - so I am forced to play online.BilliardMagic.com has all sorts of billiards games - online snooker, 8-ball, 9-ball, and more - as well as all sorts of information on the sport, including Billiard tournaments. It is a clean, well-designed site that's easy to navigate and fun to look at. So surf on over, play snooker, get involved in the daily tournaments, and have a good time!
More About: Online

Kenny vs. Spenny - A Review
2007-12-23 20:48:00
I love Trey Parker and Matt Stone - just everything they do. They have a fantastic sense of humor that goes far beyond their well-known predilection for the jejune. Cannibal: The Musical is easily one of the funniest things I have ever seen, and I don't care how poorly reviewed BASEketball was, I laughed my ass off at it. And then, of course, there's South Park - what's left to say about that? So, when I saw the promos for their new Comedy Central show, Kenny vs. Spenny, I knew I had to check it out.Well, a couple, three weeks back, I watched "The Boner" episode and was none too impressed. I have to admit, I wasn't feeling very well, but I just found it to be overly-simplistic, gross-out, college frat-boy kind of humor. Far less Trey and Matt; far more Adam Sandler. Needless to say, I did not enjoy it and did not watch any more episodes.So I'm lying awake at 2 in the AM and there's absolutely nothing on. I had gone to sleep early (far too early, obviously), so I was up...
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Manhunt 2 Banned, to Face Trial
2007-12-21 20:58:00
We discussed the possible British ban of the Rockstar video game, Manhunt 2, just the other day. I said then that I wasn't sure when the whole thing was actually going to trial, since this has been brewing for several years now, but it appears the ban, momentarily lifted, has been reinstituted.While some may decry this as a matter of free speech, I just can't buy that. On the other hand, I also don't accept that when it comes to pornography. You just can't pick and choose which subjects - or people - you apply the law to; either the law is applied uniformly or it cannot be applied at all. And while there is obviously a difference between outright violence and porn, that line is becoming more and more blurred with each passing day - but that is not my point.No, my point is: how can you say that Manhunt 2 and similarly violent material encourages violence without saying that pornography encourages irresponsible sexual behavior and the objectification of others? Or even rape?I...
More About: Trial , Face , Banned