Wednesday, June 17, 2009

iPhone 3.0: Say 'Hello' to Copy and Paste


iPhone 3.0 upgrade day is finally here -- we've been waiting impatiently for it ever since it was announced back in March. It may sound absurd that a simple software update is generating so much buzz, but 3.0 packs so many features that users have been clamoring for. While AT&T customers will just have to wait for MMS (you can finally send media like pictures and movies via text message) and tethering until the carrier turns on the features, everyone will be able to immediately take advantage of copy-and-paste, landscape keyboard features, push notifications, and new Bluetooth profiles for stereo headphones and P2P data transfer. The update went live at 1pm EST, so just plug in your iPhone or iPod touch (don't forget about that $9.95 upgrade fee for the touch) and get your updating on. And remember, everyone else is likely rushing to download the latest update at the same time, so just relax if it seems to take a while. Your patience will be rewarded.

What's Michael Phelps Sporting?


Look at the scruff that Michael Phelps is sporting.  He's beginning to look like Yosemite Sam!

Michigan man claims he was N.Y. boy who vanished in 1955


For more than a half-century Jerry and Marilyn Damman wondered what happened to their 2-year-old boy, who mysteriously vanished into thin air outside a Long Island bakery.

Now, 54 years later, a Michigan man claims he is the missing child whose name was Steven Damman.  So far, authorities will not release the Michigan man's identity and won't say why he believes he is Steven Damman. The FBI is conducting DNA testing.

This will be such a great story of hope for those who have lost their children but it is also a reminder of just how quickly our children can be taken away from us.  

The Bangles, '80s hitmakers, still making sweet harmony

While shoulder pads and big hair are no longer part of the Bangles' repertoire, those glorious harmonies remain.

The '80s band (whose members aren't entirely sold on that description) recently powered through a set at Sirus XM Radio's New York headquarters as part of the company's "Artist Confidential" series.

An audience of happy fans watched from outside a studio as Susanna Hoffs and sisters Vicki and Debbi Peterson attempted to rattle the glass walls with the melodious "Manic Monday" and an electric "Hazy Shade of Winter." 



Adam Lambert goes GaGa


We may not know exactly what Adam Lambert’s debut album will sound like, but we do now know at least one of the project’s producers.
This season’s “American Idol” runner-up confirmed that he is working with RedOne, producer for Lady GaGa.

“I can say that is true,” Lambert said. “We have been writing the past couple days and I think we’re going to come out with some amazing tunes. I’m going to have my own sound but I do love Lady Gaga. I’m a huge fan.”

The glam rocker gets chatty about Perez Hilton’s “crush” on him, dealing with his newfound celebrity status and reuniting with fellow contestants.

He also reveals that he’s been rubbing shoulders with some big-name artists since the show ended, including Usher, Enrique Iglesias and Madonna.  With so much star power circling in Lambert’s universe, might he be lining up some killer duets for his project?

Obama to OK benefits for same-sex partners


President Obama will sign a memorandum today granting health care and other benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees, two senior administration officials said. The signing will take place in the Oval Office and follows sharp criticism of the president over a Justice Department motion filed last week in support of the Defense of Marriage Act, which opposes same-sex marriage. 

Susan Boyle: Coming to America’s Got Talent?


Susan Boyle may be jumping across the pond.

The breakout star of Britain’s Got Talent, who captured the attention of the entire world when her video of her audition went viral, has been invited to perform on the U.S. version of the show.

America’s Got Talent judge Piers Morgan spoke with reporters Tuesday and said the Scottish songstress is welcome to perform on the NBC talent competition.

“If she’s up for it and she is well enough,” said Morgan, “our feeling is she probably will [appear on AGT]. Absolutely!”

America’s Got Talent premieres June 23 on NBC.  I'm thinking that perhaps she should just stay home and get a bit of normalcy back in her life.  We already have enough celebrities right here in America crashing and burning out all over the place.  But I must say, Iove her and wish her the best.

'Maniac' Behavior Leads to Final Lohan-Ronson Split


As her name again crops up in the news – this time over a Scotland Yard investigation into some $400,000 worth of missing Dior jewels after a British Ellephoto shoot – Lindsay Lohan's terminally on-again, off-again relationship with Samantha Ronson has now hit an ultimate dead end.  Oh Boo hoo hooo hooo.  

Lohan's latest antics included Twittering nude photos of herself to the press and long hours of partying in Los Angeles and New York.   Can you say "Tried to make me go to rehab and I said no, no, no...?"  This girl is a walking train wreck and it's just a shame that in all probability this is happening to her while her mother is off living the good life and leaching off the youngest child now that her oldest seems to be in the crash-and-burn stage.

Mariah Carey Puts Finishing Touches on her new album MEMOIRS OF AN IMPERFECT ANGEL for August 25th release


Obsessed, first new single pick - hit the radio yesterday, June 16th - Written & Produced by Mariah, The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, who are responsible for the majority of tracks on the new album. MEMOIRS was executive-produced by Antonio "L.A." Reid.  The video for "Obsessed" will be directed by Brett Ratner. 

"The 1st single from my new album MEMOIRS OF AN IMPERFECT ANGEL is called 'Obsessed' and will be at radio next Tuesday. I'm a lil' exc ... Seriously, this is one of my favorite songs ever. I love the whole album. I'm completely immersed in it. I can't wait for you to hear it. LY"
- Mariah Carey, on Twitter


I've taken a listen and all I can say is that I just can't wait to hear the rest of the album.  This is another hot single and contains a diss' on another musical celebrity.  Take a listen and see if you can figure it out.

Kate Caught Spanking Kids


The world of Jon and Kate Gosselin is about to get even more dramatic (if that's possible), as photos of Kate apparently spanking one of her children have surfaced.  But let's be honest, what parent hasn't disciplined their child when needed?  Personally, I'd have to applaud Kate for at least caring enough about her children that she doesn't spare the rod and spoil the child.  We have a whole generation that hasn't been spanked already making things worse in this part of the world and feeling that they are entitled to whatever comes their way.  Maybe if we'd all go back to proper parenting with discipline not only in the home but schools we'd all be much better off.