I said at the time I would totally switch to Dish to get that feature, but I figured the future would be short-lived because television studios would sue. As expected, the Studios are now suing Dish over the feature. Fox, CBS, and NBC have all individually sued Dish Network for deleting their commercials. The only major network not suing Dish at this time is ABC.

Additionally, Dish Network has filed suit against all four major television studios seeking a declaration judgment by the courts of whether or not the feature is legal. I hope the courts say it’s legal, I would love to see this feature on all DVRs. Television studios need to understand that the vast majority of us no longer watch commercials and they’ll have to be more creative with their revenue streams. It’s not like there isn’t plenty of product placement and blatant advertising during the shows themselves these days anyway.

[via Hollywood Reporter]

The snapped cable ripped through the woman’s vehicle and struck her in the head. The cable moved with enough speed and force to remove about one-third of her skull and a part of her brain. The woman’s legal team alleged that the cable broke due to poor welding process. Apparently, the scene had failed to be filmed the day before, and the legal team alleges the production company was more interested in filming the scene that ensuring the extras were safe.

The injured woman now needs 24-hour a day care, has suffered from hallucinations, memory loss, and has significant cognitive difficulty. She has also apparently lost some of the mobility on the left side of her body, though she can still walk. The court awarded her $18.5 million and part of the award be set aside for monthly disbursements so that she has care for the remainder of her life. Given the fact that the film grossed over $1.1 BILLION, they can probably afford it.

[via The Miami Herald]

Unfortunately, some people from New York and the NYPD don’t agree. Miyakawa was arrested last Saturday (May 19th) for putting up some new illuminated sculptures in the city.

So here’s what happened: Miyakawa was putting up his art installations (which were inspired by the “I Love NY” plastic shopping bags from the NY Design Week 2012) when a resident complained about how he was going to get the lights down from his tree. The call got redirected from 311 to 911, and the police eventually came and arrested Miyakawa for “planting false bombs.”

Do these look like bombs to you?

A lot of people were outraged that this happened to Miyakawa. He’s currently being held at Rikers Island without bail, and a judge has recommended that he be held for mental evaluation.

A Facebook group has since been started to show support for the artist. Its wall is flooded with words of support and encouragement for Miyakawa during his detainment.

[via Spoon Tamago]

Regardless, a game with as much hype and cost as Diablo III should take a REALLY LONG time to beat. If this is really true, I guess the game is not as epic as many of us thought, which is a shame. Oh well. We have plenty of other games to play anyway.

[via Ubergizmo via Geeky-Gadgets]

It seems that it takes the average person about two pints of beer to reach that level. I wager much more than that you would turn into the drooling, drunken idiot your friends think you are. The study was conducted by the University of Illinois in Chicago. The researchers set up a bar game with 40 participants and 20 of the participants got to drink two cold pints before playing.

Participants were given three words in a series and then challenged to name a fourth word that would continue the theme. One example is users being given the words blue, cottage, Swiss and then answering cheese. Interestingly, these researchers think the alcohol may account for the reason why good ideas come to people when you’re having a glass of wine at dinner. It may also explain why some drunks like Ernest Hemingway were also able to write some of the best literature ever.

[via NYDailyNews]

Where the confusion comes in is that Amazon is claiming each episode of the TV series as an individual show. That means if you watch something like the X-Files with over 200 episodes, Amazon considers that 200 different TV shows. That’s one show to anybody with a sane mind.

The real number of TV shows and movies available on Amazon Prime is 1745 flicks, and 150 different TV series. That doesn’t sound nearly as good in the marketing material as 17,000 movies and TV shows. This reminds me of the Where’s the Beef commercial from the 1980s. It’s not only Amazon Prime either; Netflix does the same thing with the claim that it offers more than 60,000 streaming titles. Anyone can look at the library and know Netflix is also counting every individual episode of every TV show. Something like Top Gear that has been on for years and years would represent a huge number of shows if you look at the number of shows that way.

[via Fast Company]

The surgery was performed at the University of Maryland Medical Center, and was paid for by the U.S. Navy as part of a program to develop techniques to help soldiers with facial injuries from combat recover. The surgery lasted 36 hours and gave Norris new teeth, nose, tongue, and jaw. Physicians say the man is now recovering well and has brushed his new teeth and shaved since the surgery.

As you can see from the photo above before and after the operation, the face transplant made a huge difference in the man’s appearance. Before the surgery, he lived as a recluse never leaving home. The doctor says that he’s also regained his sense of smell after the surgery. The surgery included transplanting nerves and underlying muscles as well. Norris will have to take anti-rejection medications for the rest of his life to keep his body from rejecting the transplanted tissues, but that’s a small price to pay for the amazing outcome of these modern medical efforts.

[via BBC]

Space junk poses a hazard not only the satellites that we need for communications and other things, but the lives of astronauts living on the International Space Station. In fact, this past Saturday morning the crew of the ISS had to board the two Russian escape vessels attached to the ISS due to debris that came too close the ISS for NASA’s comfort.

NASA didn’t discover the debris in time to move the ISS to a higher altitude and avoid the problem. Chunks of satellite debris passed within 9 miles of the ISS. While that doesn’t sound that close, even tiny chunks of space debris traveling at speeds of about 17,500 miles an hour can have devastating effects if it impacts the space station, so caution was the best option for the crew. For now, all is back to normal on the ISS, but this underscores how much of a problem space junk poses for the ongoing exploration of space.

[via NYT]

The filmmakers came clean on the Dutch TV show called Wereld Draait Door. The video was very well made and the video makers even set up social networking background for the fake wing builder, Jarno Smeets. The fakers set up Facebook, twitter, and LinkedIn accounts for Smeets – all in an attempt to lend more credibility to the video, and it worked very well.

I can’t say that I’m surprised the video was fake. After all, the segment in which he was flying in the air looked pretty unreal. I can’t say that I’m not disappointed it’s fake though. I really wanted it to be possible. What do you think about videos like this that go to extremes to convince people they are real, only to come back later and say “haha, fooled you?” Fun and games, or lying bastards?

[via Fox News]

Passengers have been allowed to use most types of gadgets when the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet for a long time – and some flights already offer Wi-Fi service too. The FAA has now promised to take a “fresh look” at allowing passengers to use some of their gadgets (such as tablets and e-Readers) during other aspects of flight. The tip comes from FAA Deputy Assistant Administrator for Public Affairs Laura J Brown. I think it’s about time the FAA allowed broader use of certain gadgets, we all know they don’t affect avionics in any meaningful way.

Apparently, the FAA is still not considering allowing the use of smartphones on flights. I don’t mind not being able to use mobile phones during flights, I can only imagine how annoying it would be to have people around you talking constantly.

[via NYT]

The checklist brought $390,000 at auction, but then NASA stepped in and claimed Lovell didn’t own the checklist, and that it was NASA property. The checklist went into the vault of the auction house and still sits there until this is all sorted out. It appears that it will literally take an act of Congress to get NASA to agree to let astronauts keep the items they took home after their missions. A bill is before Congress right now that was introduced by Rep. Ralph Hall, R-Texas, chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, and the panel’s top Democrat, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas would let astronauts keep certain items.

The bill sponsors wrote a letter to congressional colleagues asking to allow the “first generation of astronauts to retain spaceflight artifacts that have been in their possession… in many cases for more than 40 years.” In plain terms that sounds like NASA GTFO to me. The only thing the bill wouldn’t allow astronauts to keep are moon rocks.

[via PhysOrg]

This was probably what Eric, aka the Vigilante Rider, felt because he took the law into his own hands and shut people up by firing up his cellphone jammer.

Eric hails from Philadelphia, where he takes the #44 SEPTA bus on his way to work. When he feels like the noise in the bus has become unbearable, he whips out his cellphone jammer and fires it up to shut everyone up.

NBC Channel 10 did an interview with Eric and asked him about the legality of his actions, to which Eric only replied that it was a “gray area.” However, the FCC has since responded to the story and said that his actions were subject to a $100,000 fine and even jail time.

When he was informed of these possible sanctions, the Vigilante Rider decided to shut himself up and switch his jammer off – for good.

[via NBC Philadelphia via Dvice]

The artwork shows the new Assassin wearing what appears to be an 18th-century military jacket and holding matching weapons. There’s also the flag in case those clues weren’t enough. Some are also saying that the face of the character looks native American, but I’m not sure how you can tell that from the picture.

Ubisoft is keeping silent for the moment and hasn’t confirmed anything yet. We will know in due time though as Assassin’s Creed III will be out on October 30th on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and the PC. I for one, would welcome a game set in this era, since it seems pretty rare. What do you guys think?

[via Kotaku via Geeky Gadgets]

The SWAT team really showed up 20 minutes later, scaring the entire family who were all in the home. The mom called 911 and eventually they persuaded the family that it was alright to go outside.

They are now investigating the situation. They know that someone used a telephone relay service to send a message to the police pretending to be someone from inside the house. The message said that someone had been shot and that there was gunfire.

I’d hate to be the prankster when the police catch him.

[CBSDFW via armedgamer]

Sad, isn’t it? I mean, I have nothing against social networks. In fact, I think they could actually be helpful and useful in many cases. But sometimes, there are those who put too much of their worth or their life into these sites, that they’re driven to do really crazy stuff in some extreme situations.

Just a few days ago, a couple from Tennessee were murdered because they “unfriended” a woman named Jenelle Potter. In a fit, her father and some other guy went to the couple’s home and shot them in the head. Their 8-month old baby was found unharmed in the mother’s arms. Maybe there was more to this than just the Facebook unfriending, but as things stand right now, the whole thing sounds pretty sick.

Image credit: DarkDelaqroux

There’s also this video on YouTube that’s gone viral the past few days. It’s from an IT pro named Tommy Jordan who talks about Facebook parenting. In the clip, he shoots his daughter’s laptop because she posted “disrespectful status updates.” There’s some NSFW language in the video, so be aware before hitting play.

Maybe the video was just made to drive traffic, but it kind of makes you think: what’s happening to society? It’s not that the daughter’s status updates were appropriate by any means, but it’s a bit of a hyperbolic response to her behavior. Why not just take her laptop away – or donate it to charity?

I really don’t think that anything that happens on Facebook is worth taking someone else’s life – or shooting a laptop, for that matter.

While Netflix caved and signed the agreement with Warner, Redbox has simply let its agreement that has been in place with Warner for a few years expire. That agreement allowed Redbox to buy new DVDs and Blu-rays in bulk at a discount directly from Warner.

By letting the agreement lapse, Redbox has done two things. The first thing is Redbox no longer has to delay the launch of new DVD and Blu-ray releases in its kiosks by the 28 days that the old Warner contract had stipulated, much less than the 56 day delay that Warner now wants. The second thing that not signing the contract has done is force Redbox to buy DVDs in bulk from retailers and wholesalers at higher prices. That could mean the rental prices at the kiosks will go up, but it should give them a competitive advantage over other outlets who have to wait if they want discounted discs for rentals. FWIW, Blockbuster made the same move with Warner recently, too.

Personally, I would gladly pay a little more money at the kiosk then have to wait two months to watch a new film that I want to see. What do you think of this move? Would you be willing to pay a little more to rent a movie if Redbox refuses to renew these contracts that force delays in getting the movies you want to see?

[via LA Times]

Apparently, the protest was over the fact that some workers on the line were being moved to other facilities. Reports say that about 45 workers voluntarily quit and were given salary and bonuses based on how long they were with the company.

Microsoft has noted that the production change that required 150 workers to be removed for the facility was due to regular production adjustments. I wonder if this is any sort of indication that a new Xbox might be coming soon and the move is to reduce inventories. Probably not, but you never know.

[via PCWorld]

The 13-ton probe failed to get into space far enough to continue its journey and will now fall back to Earth sometime this coming weekend. The swath of land that the remnant satellite parts could fall onto include some of the most populous cities on Earth. The Russian space agency director Vladimir Popovkin has now hinted that some sort of weapon might have caused the satellite to fail.

Previously, a retired commander that was in charge of a missile early warning station said that strong radar signals from Alaska could have damaged the spacecraft. Russia didn’t accuse the US or any other countries of attacking its satellites. However, the insinuation was there. Popovkin said, “We don’t want to accuse anybody, but there are very powerful devices that can influence spacecraft now. The possibility they were used cannot be ruled out.”

[via NYTimes]

The new product line will be focused on a younger, tech savvy generation, and will eventually offer products across the consumer electronics spectrum. B&O describes the brand as “playful,” “outgoing” and “vigorous.” The first device in the B&O Play line is the new Beolit 12, a portable sound system which was floating around the web via some leaked FCC pics last month.

I’ve had a chance to hear the Beolit 12 up close and personal, and it sounds awesome for its size, filling a room with smooth sound and punchy natural bass. The Beolit 12 portable sound looks sort of like a lunch box, with an aluminum case and grille, and a high quality leather carrying handle. It’s wireless, with full AirPlay support, and has its battery and power adapter built in. It’s a true 2.1 system with a 120 watt class D amp – a lot of power for a portable for sure. It’s got two 2″ tweeters, and a 4″ woofer for boom. Battery life is rated at 8 hours via line input, dropping to 4 hours over AirPlay.

So what about pricing? At $799(USD)/€699(EUR), it’s not cheap, but by Bang and Olufsen standards, it’s a bargain, especially when you realize the audio system was designed by the same team who makes $20,000 speakers.

The Beolit 12 is expected in the Bang & Olufsen online store and select Apple Stores sometime in late January/early February, and B&O Play will continue to roll out new gadgets on and ongoing basis.

Lovell apparently signed an affidavit that asserted he owned the title to the ring-bound checklist. However, NASA says that there is no indication that Lovell was ever assigned the title to the document. NASA’s legal eagle noted that only NASA has the right to sell NASA property.

The auction firm, Heritage Auctions, is keeping the document in its vault and has suspended the sale until the legal wrangling is over. Lovell had sold the checklist at the auction house for $380,000. Apollo 13 was the moon mission that had a tank explosion 200,000 miles from Earth, which forced the crew to return home. NASA is also disputing the legal right to several other space items Heritage Auctions has sold in the past.

[via ABCNews]