EAST COUNTY GOOD SAMARITAN RECOGNIZED WORLDWIDE FOR PAYING IT FORWARD, HELPING STRANDED MOTORISTS

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Story and photos by Sharon A. Penny

December 1, 2013 (El Cajon)--Thomas Weller of El Cajon has had stories printed throughout the nation about his acts of kindness (by CBS News, The LA Times, People Magazine and NPR, among others), as well as international publications. Yet this East County man remains humble and steadfast in his pursuit of paying it forward.

Weller, known as the San Diego Highwayman ( www.sandiegohighwayman.com) has been helping distressed motorists for almost 50 years. He never accepts payment for his kind gestures - which include providing gas for empty tanks to replacing batteries to fixing flats. Instead, he hands each motorist a card with the following inscription:

"Assisting you has been my pleasure. I ask for no payment other than for you to pass on the favor by helping someone in distress that you may encounter."

These words were spoken to Weller when he was a teenager in Illinois.

"When I was 16, being a normal teenage boy, I was out chasing girls in my old black and white cruiser during a snowstorm. I lost control and ran into a snow bank," he said. "The only thing visible was the black trunk of my car sticking out. A kindly gentleman found me after several hours and rescued me - I'm convinced he saved my life. When I offered to pay him, he said those words that I now have printed on my card."

Weller explained it took him two more years to mature and truly grasp the meaning of paying it forward. By that time, he had moved to San Diego and graduated from Point Loma High School. At the ripe old age of 18, he began his quest to help motorists in distress and show kindness to strangers.

Beulah and Shela

For decades, Weller drove a Ghostbusters-inspired car, which he named Beulah, chosen from the book Code Three that he had read as a teenager. Weller's Beulah was a mixture of many makes, models and years of vehicles. The main body was a 1955 Ford Country sedan, with a 1956 Crown Victoria front metal clip. Sadly, Beulah was "killed," as Weller puts it, when he was sideswiped by a car in August 2011.

The car was totaled, and he now drives a former 1956 Mercury ambulance conversion. Although it is not Beulah, it distinguishes him from any other search and rescue vehicle on the road.

During the past 10 years, Weller's partner in his Good Samaritan work has been Shela, his faithful blank christmas cards collie/lab mix. She loves riding shotgun in his customized rescue wagon.

A mechanic by trade, now retired, Weller put his skills to good use, but more importantly, he continues to restore faith in humanity for some those who remain skeptical.

"I stopped to help one guy who was very leery and disbelieving that I just wanted to help him," he explained. "He turned out to be a TSA agent, so he often saw the worst in many people. It wasn't until I finished and headed out to leave that he finally got it. This very tentative, suspicious man suddenly turned animated and thanked me. I told him to pass it on."

He's had a few other people who were disbelieving of his kindness, especially women alone. He explained that he never imposes himself on anyone. Instead, he'll move along out of the way, but within watching distance to make sure that the person is safe with other help before he leaves.

The majority of people he encounters, however, are grateful, surprised and pleased to repeat random acts of kindness for his good-hearted deed. He estimates that he has helped more than 5,000 people.

"I've met so many great people. One family from San Jose stands out. They were visiting San Diego during a Fourth of July weekend when their alternator gave out. I lent them my booster battery to make it back to their hotel. Because they were from out of town and most repair shops were closed for the holiday, I knew they were going to have a hard time getting their alternator fixed. So I gave them my address to stop by before they went home. I installed their freshly charged battery and provided them with a second battery for their vehicle. I knew they could make it home on that and deal with the alternator in San Jose."

Weller explained the reason they stood out was the lovely thank you note/drawing he received from their young daughter, Whitney.

"She drew a car battery and my rescue mobile with Shela in the driver's seat, which is where Shela thinks she belongs," he laughed. "It's my favorite thank you ever."

Weller still gets in his rescue mobile with Shela almost every day - often seven days a week. A local college student, Sarah Brown, is currently making a documentary film about him that should be released in early 2014.

"As long as I'm able, I will continue to do this," he said. "I'll be 66 on Christmas day, but I still get as much joy from this as I did when I began it in 1966."

Christmas shopping? Leave the card at home - HispanicBusiness.com

Dec. 05 --TRIAD -- It's time again to spread holiday cheer, and hopefully not go broke doing it. According to the National Retail Federation , the average consumer spent $752 in 2012 during the holidays. This amount includes gifts for family, friends and coworkers, decorations, food and candy, and holiday cards. So how do you stop yourself from blowing the bank during the holidays? Susan animated christmas cards online , executive vice president of retail banking with High Point Bank and Trust , suggests that consumers start planning and putting money aside early. "You should open an account that is designated for holiday spending or special occasions like vacation," Apple said. "You should do an automatic transfer into the account throughout the year. If you don't see it, you don't think about it much of the time." Apple said a lot of banks offer incentives or match the funds that you save in that account. If you still have not finished your holiday shopping, Apple warns consumers to be aware of how much they are spending. She said consumers should steer clear of the credit cards. "The credit card bills come in January and are overwhelming a lot of the times," Apple said. "You create balances that are hard to pay off." Apple encourages consumers to lock up their credit cards or leave them at home. She said it will cut down on buyer's remorse and credit card payments. "For some reason, spending cash feels more like 'spending' than pulling out the plastic," Apple said. "It is almost psychological. If you have cash, and you know that is all the cash you have to spend for that day, you are not going to go over that amount of cash." Apple also suggests thinking of creative ways to give if consumers don't have the money to spend. "Do something that is not expensive," Apple said. "Think about what those people like and enjoy and make them meaningful gifts. It is inexpensive but full of thought." cdavis@hpe.com -- 888-3657 Holiday Shopping Tips - --Make your decisions before shopping. --Set a limit. --If you lack discipline, leave the credit cards at home. Bring cash instead. --Shop for bargains. Do the research to get the best price. --Watch the need to impulse shop. --Give yourself a present by saving for next year. Open up an account specifically for Christmas savings. ___ (c)2013 The High Point Enterprise (High Point, N.C.) Visit The High Point Enterprise (High Point, N.C.) at www.hpe.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

Nikon's New D5300 Digital SLR comes with Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS

<Nikon D5300 Couponsp>Nikon has just released the new D5300 Digital SLR camera that comes with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, a first for the company in single-lens reflex camera design. Previously, you could purchase the Nikon WU-1 wireless mobile adapter to connect your Nikon camera without a cable. But this is the first time Wi-Fi has been built into the camera itself, making sharing and exporting images that much easier. Upon transfer, users can select between two different file sizes (depending on the destination storage capacity) and copy to other devices via wireless network. Images can also be shared with family, friends, or website destination via the Wireless Mobile Utility app (a free download). GPS is also integrated into the D5300, allowing you to automatically map and geotag location data such as longitude, latitude, and altitude within images. The GPS function, according to Nikon, works seamlessly with ViewNX 2 and Nikon Image Space.

As far as image quality, the entry-level DX-format digital camera boasts an effective pixel count of 24.2-million pixels. The camera houses a Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), improving upon image resolution and rendering from NIKKOR lenses. The CMOS sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to 12800, but can also be expanded up to ISO 25600 equivalent (Hi 1) for shooting at higher shutter speeds in low light with little noise. The D5300 features Nikon's new high-performance EXPEED 4 image-processing engine for better results in noise reduction (NR), auto white balance, color reproduction characteristics, tone processing, and image quality at high sensitivities.

Images on the Nikon D5300 can be shot in three sizes that include 6000 x 4000 (Large), 4496 x 3000 (Medium), and 2992 x 2000 (Small). Supported image formats include NEF (RAW) in 12 or 14 bit compressed, JPEG, and NEF+JPEG - giving you both file formats to work with. And, the D5300 includes a 39-point high-density autofocus system with 9 cross-type sensors to maximize clarity within the areas you want in focus.

For video, the D5300 records full-HD movies at up to 1920 x 1080 at 60p for a maximum length of 10-minutes in high quality movie mode (or 20-minutes in normal movie quality). And, a Special Effects feature is included with nine options that can be applied to photos and movies to alter the look of your video or still images. Effects include Night vision, Color sketch, Toy Camera effect, Miniature effect, Selective color, Silhouette, High key, Low key, and HDR painting. For stills, Color sketch, Miniature effect, and Selective color can be applied in post-production by using the camera's retouch menu.

The D5300 weighs in at just 530 grams (without lens), and measures 125mm (W), 98mm (H), and 76mm (D). A side-hinged vari-angle 3.2-inch monitor opens from 0 to 180° at the side, and can be rotated up to 90° clockwise or 180° counter-clockwise. (See rotations in pic below.)

The Nikon D5300 is modestly priced at $799 (body only) and available black, red, and a new Nikon gray finish.

Source: Gadgetreview

Nikon D5300 hands-on review

Nikon Nikon D5300 Cyber Monday Deal at a glance:

• 24.2-million-pixel, APS-C-sized CMOS sensor
• 1.037-million-dot, 3.2in, 170° LCD screen
• Expeed 4 image processor
• 39-point AF system with nine cross-type sensors
• ISO 100-25,600
• Price £730 body only

Nikon D5300 - Introduction

While the serious enthusiast is unlikely to be swayed into buying a Nikon DSLR over a Canon model purely because the Nikon camera is newer, the reality is that at the non-premium end of the market this is how some people make their buying decisions. 'Newer' must mean 'better'.

This demand for the 'new' explains why we see such short product cycles in the camera market, and why manufacturers feel the need to introduce even small advances in technology or feature sets in cameras with completely new names - rather than a 'Mark II' type of naming format.

Those familiar with Nikon's range of DSLRs may not see the sense in the company's introduction of the new D5300, especially as Nikon will maintain the D5200 alongside this model in the range - new and old together. By doing so, though, Nikon expands the number of cameras it has on offer and the number of price points it can cover, while also being able to have a model that can carry a 'New' sticker, and which introduces new features to the price band in which it will sit.

That's not to say that the Nikon D5300 isn't different to the D5200, though, as a new processor, new body design and the integration of wireless communications do genuinely bring additional benefits to the photographer.

Nikon D5300 - Design and handling

Nikon is very pleased that it has achieved a new way of constructing camera bodies, which it describes as a 'monocoque'. Instead of there being a chassis, onto which the components and the body shell are attached, the D5300 is designed to have everything screwed to the insides of the body form itself: exoskeleton, rather then the usual endoskeleton.

Image: The top of the camera houses only a few control points, keeping the layout simple and unintimidating for newcomers. A stereo microphone lives in front of the hotshoe

The D5300's body shell is also made of a new material, although Nikon won't say what that new material is - just that it is new. The upshot is that the body is less heavy than it might have been, and is 25g lighter, including the battery, than the camera it doesn't replace, the D5200.

I'm not entirely sure that when I used the camera I could appreciate the exact weight loss that has occurred, but I was able to enjoy the fact that this is truly a lightweight DSLR, of the type that we might not mind carrying all day, over the shoulder, in a bag or in a large pocket. The body is very small too, although it is balanced with a reassuringly large grip for the right hand. It seems ironic that a small and light camera should need a large grip, but I found it allowed me to be aware I was carrying the camera, and should a larger lens be attached it will help to support the forward pull of such a weight distribution.

Image: The body styling will be familiar to those used to the Nikon 5000 series, as will the standard menu. The 3.2in flip-out screen has impressive visibility

The buttons are arranged much as one might expect, with all the principal controls falling easily to the finger or thumb. The rear 3.2in LCD is very nicely bright and clear, with its 1.037-million-dot resolution. Nikon has set the viewing panel into the glass screen, so there are no gaps or internal reflections, which produces good contrast and a clear view from a quoted angled of up to 170°. I am impressed.

In live view, the screen works well when the camera is held low or high, and I found the AF quick enough and seemingly accurate. The response of the shutter in live view also seems good.

Image: Nikon has retained its choice of layouts for the rear-screen display, with text-based and graphically expressed options to suit personal preferences

Nikon D5300 - Still to test

The principal changes in this model are of the sort that will only be proved in testing, but at this stage their potential is worth pointing out. Using the higher-capacity Expeed 4 processor, Nikon claims it has been able to reduce noise in its images through the use of more complicated calculations. A related benefit is that now noise levels are lower the company is comfortable offering a higher ISO setting - the Nikon D5300 allows ratings of up to ISO 25,600. More complex calculations also provide the potential for better white balance assessment in automatic modes via a more comprehensive assessment of the scene, and a better rendition of colour overall.

Lower noise should also lead to better resolution of detail from the 24.2-million-pixel sensor, as should Nikon's decision to do without the micro-blurring effects of a low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter. Leaving the low-pass filter off the sensor has become very fashionable, and I suspect it will be a great draw for many photographers. Moiré in images created by a sensor with 24 million pixels, even an APS-C-sized sensor, is still something that is quite likely to occur, but there is also plenty of software to correct it after the event.

The other thing to note is that this model sees the introduction of a new battery cell, which Nikon says increases capacity from 500 shots to 600 compared to the cell used in the D5200. It annoys me when companies change their battery forms, but on this occasion the new cell and that used in the D5200 are interchangeable.

Obviously, I couldn't test the battery life of the camera, but we should take the increase as good news. I will also have to wait to test the Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities of this new model, but neither can be held as negative points just for their inclusion. The Wi-Fi integration means users will be able to control the camera from an Android or iOS device, and will be able to wirelessly transfer images for viewing, editing and sending while on the go.

Image: The new battery, which is backwards compatible with the D5200, offers a longer life. There is no low-pass filter on the sensor, for extra resolution

Nikon D5300 - Conclusion

It would be easy to dismiss the Nikon D5300 for being too similar to the D5200, but that really isn't the point. There is not much wrong with the D5200, and the changes that this new model brings can only make it better. Perhaps Nikon could have called it the D5200 ll, but I'm not sure it matters one bit.

The Nikon D5300 will cost around £730 body only and be available from 14 November.

Source: Amateurphotographer

Nikon uses HP Autonomy to power education site

<Nikon D5300 Discountp>The Nikon Learn & Explore website is using HP Autonomy web content management software to deliver customised content to photographers.

According to Nikon, the site provides tips and tricks, instruction and inspiration mapped to users' skill level and experience.

Developed by content consultancy Kanban Solutions, the website enables Nikon to engage more closely with its customers.

The site uses HP TeamSite and HP LiveSite to deliver dynamic, targeted and interactive content to visitors.

"We needed to deliver a dynamic, more personalised and inspiring experience for Nikon consumers seeking photography-specific educational and instructional content," said David Dentry, senior general manager, customer experience, at Nikon.

"HP Autonomy and Kanban Solutions not only provided this experience, but they delivered a system that significantly improved the behind-the-scenes workflow, and also delivered a channel that actually drives commerce through content," he said.

TeamSite is a web design took for creating web page content and managing individual workflows. Nikon media assets are stored in HP Media Bin and are integrated with the TeamSite workflow. Integration between media streaming site BrightCove and TeamSite allows content authors to upload instructional videos directly, according to Nikon.

HP acquired Autonomy in 2011 for £7.1bn as part of a failed attempt to offload its PC business. Earlier this year, the UK's Financial Reporting Council (FRC) began an examination of the accounts of Autonomy, after HP complained the acquisition price had been inflated.

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Source: Computerweekly

Kodak wins in patent dispute with Ricoh, and Nikon goes after Polaroid

<Nikon D5300 Offersp>by Tim Barribeau

The world of legal battles between camera companies is a murky one. Between technology patents, similar looking and sounding cameras, and all sorts of licensing, it can be difficult to keep track of who owns what, and who owes what to whom. But recently, a number of companies have become involved in courtroom battles for an array of technologies.

According to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Ricoh has agreed to pay Kodak $76 million in a patent battle. Kodak alleged that when Ricoh purchased Pentax in 2011, they owed back royalties since Pentax had never licensed the imaging technology from Kodak. Ricoh said there was no evidence of Pentax having violated Kodak copyright. However, it seems that now Ricoh has agreed to pay out $75.8 million over the issue. A Kodak spokesperson talked to Amateur Photographer, and said "'Kodak is gratified that both the judge and jury have validated our contract claim. These decisions certainly also demonstrate the value of the technology that Kodak created.'

While that lawsuit is ending, another is just getting under way. Remember the unexpected (and slightly bizarre) Polaroid mirrorless camera, the iM1836 manufactured by Sakar? Nikon is filing a lawsuit "for design patent and trade dress infringement". The company alleges that the Sakar/Polaroid camera for looking too similar to Nikon products. And looking at the comparison below (via Engadget), you have to admit it's a dead ringer for the Nikon J1. According to the press release, "Nikon seeks injunctive relief against Sakar in the lawsuit to prevent them from manufacturing and selling their Polaroid brand digital still camera, "Polaroid iM1836"." The iM1836 has popped up on Amazon recently, where it's being widely disparaged, despite not yet having shipped.

Source: Imaging-resource

Travelocity Names Top 13 Halloween Destinations From Around The World

<chicago costume jobsp>/PRNewswire/ -- As candy lines store shelves and jack-o'-lanterns make their front porch debut, people of all ages know it's time for a few frights. To help Halloween devotees celebrate, Travelocity's travel experts have identified 13 destinations for a ghastly getaway either at home or abroad.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130501/MM05302)

U.S.

INTERNATIONAL

Vancouver, BC: Death, murder and mayhem. Vancouver has seen plenty of each, and rumor has it that at this time of year is when those spirits are the most active. From the hitchhiking ghost of UBC to the haunted and historic Mountain View Cemetery there is no shortage of scares in this city. Where to stay: At the very heart of this scenic city's core is the landmark Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, noted for gorgeous architecture it's also said that the elevators sometimes make unscheduled stops on the 14th floor, and upon the doors opening, a lady dressed in red floats down the hallway.

Ottawa, ON: Locals and newcomers alike are fascinated by the glimpses into the darker history and haunting of the nation's capital. From the haunting of the Bytown Museum, Grant House and Chateau Laurier there is a healthy supply of spooky sites. You can even take a ghost walk with the haunted walk of Ottawa tour guides who are now operating in their 18th season as they will be sure to highlight the haunted history of this famous city you never expected. Where to stay: The Fairmont Chateau Laurier celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. With plenty of famous visitors, artwork and beautiful architecture this hotel is a must see, so why not stay the night! But be careful - numerous guests have reported seeing the ghost of Charles Melville Hays.

About Travelocity

Travelocity wants to inspire you to Go & Smell the Roses! Travelocity helps make your traveling experience memorable with innovative apps, competitive prices and 24/7 customer service. Travelocity believes that travel makes us better and is dedicated to being the traveler's kindred spirit - a travel companion and a travel instigator, roaming the world beside travelers everywhere. Travelocity provides discounts on Hotels, Flights, Vacation Packages, Cruises and Rental Cars.

About Travelocity Global

Travelocity Global is one of the world's largest travel companies, serving the needs of travelers from all walks of life. Based in Southlake (Dallas/Fort Worth), Texas, with offices and customer care centers around the world, Travelocity Global owns and operates: Travelocity® in North America, Travelocity Business® for corporate travel; igougo.com, a leading online travel community; and lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel. Travelocity Global is owned by Sabre Holdings, a global technology company whose innovative technology is used by more than a billion people around the world to plan, book and get to their destination at a time and price that's right for them.

Contact: Edelman Mattie Walker 214.443.7589 Mattie.walker@edelman.com

SOURCE Travelocity

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Source: Sacbee

Benedict Cumberbatch, just as lovely as you think he is / PBS

Date : 13 October 2013 Pazar - 18:48, Category : ENTERTAINMENT

Benedict Cumberbatch, just as lovely as you think he is / PBS

Benedict Cumberbatch, just as lovely as you think he is / PBS

Benedict Cumberbatch's career:?Once only know to Americans as PBS's "Sherlock," Benedict Cumberbatch is having a breakout years with "The Fifth Estate" and "12 Years as a Slave."

TORONTO - Benedict Cumberbatch sweeps into an empty hotel ballroom, cutting a natty figure in a black-and-white glen plaid jacket, checked shirt and striped canvas sneakers. "I see you have your festival bag," he says confidingly, taking note of the crumpled Toronto International Film Festival tote at an interlocutor's feet. It's a substitute for the one that broke at customs, overstuffed with a laptop and sundry travel necessities.

"That's exactly what happens to me," he offers enthusiastically. "Because I'm packing all the time. I'm always killing really perfectly good bits of luggage by shoving loads of stuff in them, and then the seams break, handles drop off, you know."

Sure, we know. But, let it be stipulated, no one can really know what it's like to be Cumberbatch, who has had a year that has been, well, especially packed. The 37-year-old Brit, who has been a cult heartthrob among the PBS-BBC-plummy-literary-adaptation set, played the Necromancer in last year's "Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." But he truly burst into mass popular consciousness this past summer, when he thoroughly dominated the role of Khan in "Star Trek Into Darkness." On Oct. 18, he will star as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in "The Fifth Estate" and has supporting roles in two high-profile films arriving soon: "12 Years a Slave," directed by Steve McQueen, and "August: Osage County," adapted from Tracy Letts's Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

"A packed year, exactly," Cumberbatch says with a reflective sigh. "It's been amazing. It's been amazing. But two years really, because 'Trek' we filmed the beginning of last year, and before that - God, it winds back quite a ways. I mean, literally, just sort of the height of what I could ever imagine myself being asked to do as an actor has been going on pretty much now for about four or five years."

Cumberbatch speaks at a breathless clip, his words spilling out in a joyous, oncoming rush that suggests he really is thrilled to be here, however tempting it would be to read his gee-whiz protestations as the practiced act of a canny ingenue. He is, quite simply - and this is for all those self-proclaimed Cumberb**ches out there who have designated him an unlikely pin-up idol - just as chiseled, engaging, well-mannered and disarmingly modest as they imagine in their wintry, wind-tossed fantasies.

He comes by it honestly. Cumberbatch is the son of two actors - Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham - who grew up in London and is as at home in the posh precincts of Burke's Peerage (an ancestor was a consul under Queen Victoria) as in the klieg-lighted world of Show People. (So how did Cumberbatch end up with his last name? It was his father's surname; Carlton a middle name turned stage name. So Benedict has simply reclaimed the family name.) But his career has followed contours that even his parents couldn't prepare him for. He's done high-profile work in such highly regarded films as "Atonement," "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" and "War Horse," as well as on television, in "Hawking," "Sherlock" and "Parade's End." He's a celebrated figure of the London stage: In 2010 he earned kudos for his performance in a revival of Terence Rattigan's "After the Dance," and the following year he won an Olivier Award, along with fellow Sherlock Jonny Lee Miller, for his work in an experimental version of "frankenstein makeup game," adapted by Danny Boyle. It was "After the Dance," he says, that marked the turning point when the phone started ringing. It hasn't stopped.

"I knew when I started out that I wanted something very different from what Mom and Dad had anyway, but I didn't know quite what - I didn't know how it would manifest - but even they look at it and go, 'Whoa,' " Cumberbatch says. "It's beyond everyone's sort of expectation. But also the workload and everything, it's different to their game."

It's enough to turn a boy's head. But Cumberbatch, along with such contemporaries as Michael Fassbender, is forging the kind of career that actors covet these days, combining recurring roles in huge franchises like "Star Trek" and "The Hobbit" with artier indie fare. His role model, he says, is James McAvoy (his one-time co-star in "Starter for 10"), who along with Fassbender appears in the "X-Men" movies.

"I know James really well. I've sort of been working with him for a while, and I just love what he did," Cumberbatch explains. "He let the game come to him. It's about the quality of his work, and I wanted the same thing. I didn't want to go and try and force myself on people. I wanted people to go, 'Oh, that guy could be quite interesting,' and that's sort of what's happening."

"Quite interesting" is an understatement when it comes to Cumberbatch's work, which has found him slipping into personae and physical types with the ease of a practiced shape-shifter. Nowhere are his skills in finer form than "The Fifth Estate," in which he seamlessly masters Assange's signature Australian accent, lisp and fey, look-at-me-don't-look-at-me demeanor (admittedly with the help of a blond wig). Early in the process of making "The Fifth Estate," Cumberbatch e-mailed Assange hoping that they could meet. He got no response until the day before shooting began, when Assange sent the actor an email begging him not to do the film.

"I was just doing the last fittings for the wig and makeup and stuff, and this very erudite, charming and lucid and intelligent e-mail [arrived], imploring my better nature to step away from the project that he thought would be abhorrent and damaging to his cause," Cumberbatch recalls. "It was a very powerful thing to suddenly land in your inbox."

Cumberbatch wrote Assange back. "And my response was equally as considered and I hope as charming. I completely respected his point of view, but I really tried to illustrate for him two things: one is that this film is not a documentary, it's not a piece of evidence admissible in a court of law, not a factual entity that shifts perceptions or point of view of being the truth, it is a truth.

"Secondly - well, actually, there are three points. Secondly, it is just a film. It's not going to be able to shift perception. It's a film of its own genre [that's] not going to be 'The Hobbit' or 'Star Trek.' It's not going to have a massively popular tidal-wave effect. I really want people to see it, but his fear of it being some mass propaganda tool that's going to damage him was really overstretching the point. And thirdly and most importantly, it was never going to be antithetical to his point of view or him or vilify him. No one was interested in portraying something that was going to tell the audience what to think."

One result of the exchange was that Cumberbatch become something of Assange's advocate on the set, demanding that his point of view be aired when others had had their say. ("The Fifth Estate" is based on the accounts of two disaffected former Assange colleagues, Daniel Domscheit-Berg and Guardian investigative journalist David Leigh.) "It was great, because it was sort of like having Julian there," says "The Fifth Estate" director Bill Condon. "This was a movie where there was more conversation about the context of scenes than almost any I've done, which was really stimulating. Because it forced you to look for the 10th, 11th, 12th time at the validity of what you were dramatizing."

Cumberbatch admits now that he was "really kind of winded" by Assange's last-minute plea. Condon recalls his frustration at not being able to stop the correspondence, which was clearly rattling his leading man. "I realized what an unfair position it put him in, in a way he didn't even understand. Can you imagine? It's almost like being schizophrenic. Because you're walking around thinking like a person who's also saying, 'Don't be me.' I've talked to him about it and he said, 'I wanted to take that on because it's part of understanding his predicament.' I think he's right, but I still feel like I saw the torment that it put him through."

Now, a few days after "The Fifth Estate" made its world premiere as the opening night film in Toronto, Cumberbatch shows no sign of torment. Far from it. One minute he's fondly recalling how he danced with Fassbender (a.k.a. "Fassy") at the "12 Years a Slave" party the night before; the next, he's sharing warm memories of living in Los Angeles while filming "Star Trek," hanging with best friend Adam Ackland (grandson of actor Joss), lifelong mate Tertius Bune and "Starter for 10" and "Trek" co-star Alice Eve. He'll be flying back to London soon to begin rehearsals with Keira Knightley for "The Imitation Game," about encryption specialist Alan Turing; he's also agreed to star in the action adventure "The Lost City of Z," produced by his "12 Years" producer Brad Pitt.

"I love it. I'm really enjoying it," he says of the red-carpet-let's-take-a-meeting-flavor-of-the-moment whirl. He loves L.A.; he loves Pitt and his production company, Plan B; he loves New York and wants to work there one day; and he really loves London, especially his neighborhood near Hampstead Heath. "I go running and swimming there, it's fantastic," he says, those words still coming in a bubbling rush. "It's a beautiful, neighborly part of the world as well - families, it's quiet, especially during the night, it's gorgeous. It's a really nice place to go home to."

As for the foreseeable future, though, Cumberbatch is cheerfully resigned. "I don't know," he says with a barely fatigued sigh. "Have suitcase will travel." Bursting seams and all.

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Source: Womencitizen

Decoding Zack Snyder's Two-Minute History of Superman (Video)

<costumes stores in map>

The collaboration between Zack Snyder and Bruce Timm celebrating this year's 75th birthday of Superman has finally made its way online, offering up two minutes filled with Easter Eggs, homages and celebrations of the career of the Last Son of Krypton. In case you couldn't decode everything on show, here's a guide to what you might have missed.

(Spoilers: a working knowledge of DC Comics continuity isn't a must, but will definitely be a plus for those trying to keep track of everything that follows. Also, Tom Welling fans, prepare to be disappointed.)

STORY: Warner Bros., DC Unveil Superman Anniversary Logo, Promise Zack Snyder Short (Exclusive)

0:00: John Williams' classic theme for Superman The Movie, of course.

0:09: The cover for Action Comics Vol. 1, #1 (The series was relaunched along with the rest of DC Comics' superhero line, in September 2011), from 1938, by Joe Shuster -- the first public appearance of the Man of Steel.

0:12: Superman runs through the crowd and traffic before eventually leaping into the air (over the Daily Planet building, of course), mirroring his power upgrade in the early comic books -- remember that, according to the 1940s Superman cartoons, he was "able to leap tall buildings in a single bound," as opposed to actually flying (He didn't actually start flying until 1941). It's barely noticeable, but Superman becomes more simplistic in look as he runs, again in parallel the character's visual evolution as other artists began to assist Shuster on the strip.

0:23: The character (and animation style) now resembles the 1940s cartoons from Max Fleischer's Fleischer Studios (and, latterly, the successor Famous Studios). The first of these cartoons was released in 1941, the same year Superman started to fly -- and the year that the U.S. declared war on Germany. Now you see why he attacks those planes.

0:29: That's Lex Luthor getting hit through a wall on the cover of Action Comics #47 by artist Fred Ray -- the first time that the character appeared on a comic book cover (He made his first appearance in Action Comics #23). Whether intentional or not -- and judging by the rest of this video, let's go with "intentional" -- Superman looks less like the Shuster original and more like Wayne Boring's version of the character when he flies off the page.

0:31: The change to black and white comes as Superman changes into someone that very closely resembles George Reeves, who played the Man of Steel in Adventures of Superman, which ran from 1952 through 1958. The shot of Superman standing atop a rotating globe echoes that show's opening titles.

0:38: Yes, Jimmy Olsen has become "The Giant Turtle Man" on the cover of 1961's Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #53, thanks to artist Curt Swan. We're officially into the Silver Age era of comics by this point -- when this comic was published, Barry Allen had become the Flash, Hal Jordan had taken over as Green Lantern and the Justice League of America had come together. As superhero comics were beginning a renaissance, Superman was still stuck dealing with goofy transformations and unlikely plot contrivances to stop Lois Lane figuring out his secret identity.

0:41: Brainiac and the Bottle City of Kandor make an appearance, in a scene homaging (in a somewhat out of sequence manner) the cover of Action Comics #242 from 1958, again by Curt Swan.

0:44: Brainiac is replaced by Bizarro, the imperfect clone of Superman, who first appeared in Superboy #68 (1958), fighting above the classic Fortress of Solitude, which also appeared in 1958 (This time in Action Comics #241). That square Earth in the background? That's Bizarro Earth, as built by Bizarro. He am so goofy.

0:50: Blink and you'll miss them, but that's Superman's extended Silver Age family right there -- Supergirl, Beppo the Super-Monkey, Streaky the Super-Cat and Krypto, the Super Dog. Missing for some reason is Comet, Supergirl's half-human, half-horse lover. The Silver Age Superman stories are kind of weird, you guys. They're flying over the Kent Farm in Metropolis, for what it's worth.

0:51: Even more blink and you'll miss him, but that's Mister Mxyzptlk for an instant, the fifth-dimensional imp who liked to show up and cause trouble until he was tricked into saying his name backwards and banished back to where he came from. Because, yes, "Kltpzyxm" is even harder to say than "Mxyzptlk" (For the record, it's "mix-yez-pittle-ick").

0:55: See? Comic books are art -- why else would Clark Kent and a brunette that's probably Lois Lane (but could be the depowered Wonder Woman of the late 1960s) be hanging out with Andy Warhol to gaze at panels from Superman comics, all Roy Lichtenstein-like? Worth looking at in particular is the panel all the way on the left -- that's from the infamous "I Am Curious (Black)!" ( Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane #106, from 1970), in which Lois Lane temporarily became a black woman to live the black experience for herself. Look, everyone involved meant well, okay...?

0:57: Just in time to wash away the awkward taste in everyone's mouth, it's the Super Friends! This image in particular is based on the Alex Toth-illustrated cover to DC's DC Limited Collectors' Edition presents SUPER FRIENDS from 1976.

0:59: Barely seen as he flies off-screen, but Superman turns into a Neal Adams-illustrated version of himself, just in time for a scene that evokes the 1978 special edition Superman vs. Muhammad Ali, co-written and illustrated by Adams. In a weird moment, though, the style of Superman as he's getting punches is less Adams and more Dick Dillin, the artist who drew the character for more than a decade as part of his run as artist on Justice League of America.

1:03: This is, of course, the Christopher Reeve version of the character from the 1970s/80s Superman movies, as evidenced by...

1:09: ...Superman as a computer game! This could be a reference to the various actual video games that started with 1979's Superman, but I'm going to call it as an explicit Superman III movie reference, instead.

1:12: As anyone who read the 1992 "Death of Superman" storyline will recognize, that's Doomsday attacking the Man of Steel right there -- with the nice touch of a smashed Daily Planet globe in the style of Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding, who drew the actual death issue, in the foreground.

1:16: The cover of Superman Vol. 2 #75 (1992, by the aforementioned Jurgens and Breeding) is smashed through by the four "replacement" Supermen of the "Reign of the Superman" storyline that followed the "Death" storyline -- clockwise, starting from the top, that's Superboy (A clone mixing the DNA of Superman and Lex Luthor), the Eradicator (Kryptonian artifact that gained awareness and made itself a body; don't ask), John Henry Irons, AKA Steel (A hero inspired by the original Superman) and Hank Heywood, AKA Cyborg Superman, who eventually became a Green Lantern villain, unexpectedly enough. For those with sensitive ears, you will have noticed that the music has now become part of Hans Zimmer's score to Man of Steel.

1:19: The mullet and the black costume were part of Superman's resurrection. The costume only lasted until the end of the storyline; the hairstyle, sadly, lasted three years (Again, this art style echoes Jurgens/Breeding).

1:20: Superman splits in two, in a reference to the 1998 storyline that saw Superman firstly develop new powers and then find himself split into two different beings -- one who preferred to think his way out of trouble, and the other more action oriented. The visual here is in the style of Ron Frenz, one of the artists who worked on the storyline.

1:22: Back to the classic look, thanks to this return for animator Timm to the Superman: The Animated Series world. Strange but true -- when we see the crowd staring up at Superman in this scene, it's the only definite appearance of Lois Lane in the entire short. Also present: Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, Ma and Pa Kent, Maggie Sawyer, Bibbo and Terrible Turpin, amongst many others.

1:27: The Smallville logo appears on the Warner Bros water tower that appeared in Animaniacs for years -- a surprisingly short mention for the longest-running version of the character in live-action -- while Alex Ross's Superman from the much-loved 1996 mini-series Kingdom Come floats past, glaring down at the viewer, a villain in each hand.

1:32: From out of a Boom Tube comes today's comic book Superman, who made his debut in 2011's Justice League Vol. 2 #1. He's being pursued by the contemporary version of Jack Kirby's Darkseid, who was the villain of that first Justice League storyline. The visual style here isn't directly lifted from any one artist who's drawn the new version of the character, but contains elements of Cully Hamner, Rags Morales and Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez to my eye.

1:37: By the time Superman hits the safe, he's firmly evoking Henry Cavill's Superman from this summer's Man of Steel. In particular, the first publicity still from the movie from two years ago.

1:40: The new Superman flies into the sky in a scene similar to one in Man of Steel, before landing atop the 75 Years logo and standing in a pose that evokes the George Reeves version of the character.

1:52: The official Superman at 75 logo, which is based on early promotional art for DC's "The New 52" relaunch in 2011 by artist (and DC Comics co-publisher) Jim Lee.

Although the short is packed, it's surprising what didn't show up at any point -- No mention of John Byrne's 1986 reboot of the entire Superman comic book mythos is, perhaps, understandable considering the number of lives pushed into the short running time of the animation. I can even forgive a lack of Legion of Super-Heroes appearance for that same reason. But, come on, people -- no appearance by Jor-El, Lara or any version of Krypton at all? What's that all about? Beppo the Super-Monkey gets screen time but Superman's parents don't?!?

Source: Hollywoodreporter

How I Met Your Mother: "The Poker Game" Review

<funny pumpkin sayingsp>Warning: Full spoilers from the episode to follow.

HIMYM's wedding weekend soldiered on in "The Poker Game," as Marshall and Daphne reached Chicago. (They must be haulin' ass in that Monstrosity, coming all the way from Minnesota.) Among this episode's several humorous bits, Marshall's lavish description of Gazzola's pizza was one of the funniest (and reminiscent of his Season 4 speech on the best burger in New York). But Marshall's whimsy was quickly diminished once he learned that Ted had gotten Barney and Robin not one, but three wedding presents.

For me, this storyline felt the most like a classic How I Met Your Mother dilemma, using multiple flashbacks to paint a larger picture. The two sides of Ted and Marshall's dispute made for some amusing interplay about wedding presents and thank-you notes, both over the phone and via flashback; for example, I chuckled at their respective Halloween costumes (anyone else spot Katie Holmes as the Slutty Pumpkin?), as well as their family sayings, "Lick it before you stick it," and "Wrap it before you tap it" -- because, hey, what's a little innuendo between friends? ("I think he got it." "Yeah, he got it.") I also thought it was a nice touch having Marshall get his revenge at Ted's wedding by getting him a wrapping station, along with Ted sending a heavy-handed thank-you note in return.

Adding Stuart and Claudia to the mix this week was also fun, as Stuart flat-out lied to Lily about the coffeemaker years prior, then later fessed up to it in Farhampton. ("That's not Claudia, goodnight.") The resolution also seemed fitting, with Ted sending Marshall the Gazzola's pizza he'd so desperately craved at the start of the episode.

Meanwhile, the titular poker game was kind of a bust, introducing a needless conflict among Barney, Robin, James and Barney's mother Loretta (again played by Frances Conroy). The idea of Robin and James playing for their wedding rings was interesting -- especially since James so boastfully assured Robin that he didn't need his -- but bringing Loretta into it seemed like an unnatural way of pitting her against Robin.

Barney's loyalty struggle was the stronger aspect of this storyline, and I liked that he eventually sided with Robin; but the fact that he took it a step further by telling Loretta and James that they were "dead to him" and that it "came directly from Robin" seemed pointless, and slightly duplicitous to Robin. I suppose that was just the creators' way of setting up a bitter rivalry between Robin and Loretta in the next episode, but to me, it was a pretty clunky execution... and now they're "at war," I guess. Overall, this storyline was lacking, both narratively and comedically (although I did laugh at Barney breaking the pot).

In general, these last few episodes have included several entertaining storylines, but I do think they've been held back by this season's timetable. "The Poker Game" made liberal use of flashbacks this week, which definitely helped the episode from stagnating. Still, I can't help but feel like we're moseying through this wedding weekend at a snail's pace. Hopefully we'll begin to see more from Cristin Milioti in the next few installments, because the current group dynamic here is starting to ware thin.

Source: Ign

OtterBox Announces iPhone 5s Waterproof Case; Touch ID Supported

OtterBox has announced what looks to be the first proper waterproof case that we've seen for the iPhone 5s. They're calling it the Preserver, and it'll be just one option in the series that will also see similar waterproof 5s iphone cases otterbox camo back rubbing off for the iPhone 5c, iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S4.

This looks to be the first case that OtterBox has made that uses elements found in LifeProof cases in the past; OtterBox acquired LifeProof earlier this year, so this new case series is most likely a by-product from the acquisition. OtterBox claims that these new cases can be submerged in water as deep as 6.6 feet for up to 30 minutes, and they protect against drops from up to 6.6 feet.

Technically, in the past, you could put an iPhone 5 waterproof case on the iPhone 5s, but the Touch ID fingerprint sensor wouldn't work, since the case would block access to it. However, this new Preserver case looks to open up access to the fingerprint sensor while still keeping it all sealed up in order to keep water out. It's not clear how OtterBox is achieving this, but from the photo, we can tell that there's a separate piece of plastic covering up the Home button. Perhaps this is a special lining that allows the fingerprint sensor to scan fingerprints through the plastic, even if they're wet.

The case is already available for the iPhone 5, but the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and Galaxy S4 versions will be launching soon. All four versions cost $89 each. It will also come in a variety of color combinations, including the gray/black pictured to the right, as well as pink/gray, green/gray and white/gray.

OtterBox says that "about 70 percent of the Earth's surface is covered in water, and technology is almost as pervasive," so it makes sense to cover your device in something that's waterproof, especially if you like going to the beach often. We showed you a simple trick in the past where you could protect your iPhone 5s using just a ZipLoc bag, and the Touch ID fingerprint sensor still worked through the plastic lining. However, if you need something that's a bit more robust, OtterBox now has you covered.

Source: Gottabemobile

Nexus 5 said to be 'half the price' of the iPhone 5S

A source says the new Google phone will come with an attractive price for those that have been hankering for a new Nexus.

(Credit: MacRumors)

The hype and rumors we're hearing around the upcoming Nexus 5, expected from LG and Google later this month, is that it could instantly become the new Android phone to beat. But the latest whisperings hint that it could also give the iPhone 5s iphone cases otterbox defender evo a run for its money when it comes to how much of your money you have to shell out for one.

TechRadar says a "source familiar with Google" has told the site that the successor to the popular but LTE-less Nexus 4 will ship in the latter part of October and cost "half the price" of the iPhone 5S.

What's a little tricky about this is that the source seems to be referring to United Kingdom prices and ship dates, which can be different from what we see in the United States. If the Nexus 5 were to be half of what an unlocked iPhone 5S sells for at retail stateside (it starts at $649 for 16 GB contract-free with a T-Mobile SIM), that would mean we could see a new unlocked Nexus that, according to TechRadar's source, will meet the specs of the iPhone 5S, but for less than $350.

That would certainly be a welcome deal for Nexus fans hoping for a repeat of the $299 price tag for an unlocked Nexus 4 right out of the gate.

We'll see in the coming weeks if Google actually offers such a pre-holiday bargain on a top-flight phone, or if we've just caught wind of some sort of UK-only pricing scheme or just total bunk.

Be sure to read up on everything else we expect in a new Nexus, and let us know in the comments if you plan to get one of your own.

Source: Cnet

iPhone 5 Lifeproof Waterproof Case on Sale for $40 (Reg. $80)

Deidre Richardson | On 03, Oct 2013

Have you been the victim of water damage? It's not a kind place to be in, especially after you've purchased a phone as part of a two-year contract. I have a set of friends (married) who experienced such disappointment a few months ago when the wife's iPhone fell into a small puddle of water and would not power on later that evening. Fortunately, I had purchased the iPhone 5 a few months earlier and had a perfect condition iPhone 4S available for sale.

If you cherish your iPhone 5 and do not want to lose functionality, then you need to consider getting a waterproof iPhone 5 case. Fortunately, Amazon (whose deals come along right when you need them) is offering Lifeproof's iPhone 5 element-proof case for half the price of the original retail value. Lifeproof 5s iphone cases amazon often come with an $80 price tag (or higher, when you calculate item tax and shipping), and this price tag may be steep for some individuals. With Amazon's new deal, however, you can purchase a Lifeproof iPhone 5 element-proof case for just $40.

The above link, however, refers only to the white and gray case. If you want a black iPhone 5 Lifeproof case, you can go here. I must caution you, however: to get the $40.00 deal on the black iPhone 5 case, you'll need to wait 3-5 weeks for your case to ship. This may not sit well with some customers, but if you are willing to wait, you'll be pleased with your purchase.

Just an extra note: waterproof cases such as the Lifeproof iPhone 5 Case (also called a "Lifeproof Fre" case) can often feel larger than the phone size and can pose difficulties for your touch screen user experience. You will likely need to touch some on-screen icons twice in order to get the touch screen to respond to your touch after placing the Lifeproof iPhone 5 case on your iPhone 5.

Lifeproof is offering its iPhone 5 waterproof case for $20 off ($60), but I would recommend ordering it from Amazon. After all, spending $40 will get you free shipping plus an additional $20 discount than what Lifeproof currently offers.

Source: Tapscape

Lawmakers, IG expose further vulnerabilities in VA's cybersecurity

<kitp>Concerns and allegations about the security of the data of tens of millions of veterans at the Veterans Affairs Department run deeper than just a lack of stringent controls over the agency's systems certification process.

Lawmakers, inspector general auditors and a former VA chief information security officer say nation-state actors have been and continue to steal agency data, including emails from Secretary Eric Shinseki. And VA IT officials can't say how much or what kind of information the hackers are taking because the bad actors are encrypting the data as it leaves the agency's network.

These allegations and the lack of answers from VA's acting assistant secretary in the Office of Information and Technology and chief information officer Stephen Warren left the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations stunned and horrified.

"The entire veteran database in VA containing personally identifiable information on roughly 20 million veterans is not encrypted and evidence suggests that it has been repeatedly compromised since 2010 by foreign actors by China and possibly by Russia," said subcommittee chairman Mike Coffman (R-Colo.), during a hearing Tuesday. "Recently, the subcommittee discussed VA's authorization to operate, a formal declaration that authorizes operation of a product on VA's network which explicitly accepts the risk to agency operations, and was told that 'VA's security posture was never at risk.' In fact, VA's security posture has been an unacceptable risk for at least three years as sophisticated actors use weaknesses in VA's security posture to exploit the system and remove veterans' information and system passwords. These actors have had constant access to VA systems and data, information which included unencrypted databases containing hundreds of thousands to millions of instances of veteran information such as veterans' and dependents' names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and protected health information."

Multiple nation-state attacks

Jerry Davis, the former deputy assistant secretary for information security at VA and currently the CIO at NASA Ames in California, said during his two-year tenure he knew of at least eight nation-state sponsored organizations that successfully got into VA's network.

Davis also alleges VA's system security certification process, known as accreditation and authorization, is deficient, putting agency data at further risk. He alleges the agency has been rubber stamping more than 500 documents, known as an authority to operate, and he was coerced by Warren into signing more than 250 of them as a condition of him leaving the agency. Davis left in February. Auditors in VA's inspector general office further confirmed both allegations of the nation-state attacks and an insufficient internal control process.

Linda Halliday, the assistant inspector general for audits and evaluations, said VA has a broad range of security concerns, including risk assessments and system security plans that are outdated and didn't accurately reflect the current system environment or federal standards. She said VA, at one point, had more than 4,000 open vulnerabilities under the plans of actions and milestones (POAM) process. A security report from the end of May obtained by Federal News Radio show VA still has more than 2,500 POAMs with open vulnerabilities.

Auditors say hackers took command of a key part of VA's network called the domain controllers.

Davis and Mike Bowman, the director of the IT and security audits division for VA's inspector general, said controlling the domain controllers basically lets the hackers have full access to the network.

"We know that the way these individuals work that it's a typical tactic for them if they compromise something such as a domain controller, it has file on it that is called the SAM file, security accounts manager, in that file are all the password accounts for the users in the network," Davis said. "If they have the domain controller, they will grab the SAM file, and when they encrypt the information I know they have hit the domain controller. Guaranteed they probably took the SAM file and they will take it back, crack it later and take every password that was on that system."

Trying to access to DoD networks?

Davis said he knows of another instance in which hackers were trying to use VA networks to gain access to Defense Department computer systems. He said in January 2013 VA became aware of an incident where attackers used a spearphishing attack to gain access to a joint VA-DoD network dealing with health data.

Coffman and other committee members pushed Warren for more information about the nation-state attacks. Warren said he definitely knew of one such successful attack, but he preferred to talk about other issues during a close briefing with the subcommittee.

Warren pushed back repeatedly against the allegations that VA's network and data are insecure.

He said auditors focus on potential risks or threats, but the existence of a risk is not the same as the removal of data from the network.

CRISP is showing real benefits

Warren readily admitted VA has cyber challenges, but he was confident in steps the agency has taken over the past few years, including putting in a continuous monitoring system, called Continuous Readiness in Information Security Program (CRISP), in place. Warren said he expects VA to fully implement CRISP later this year. He added VA has a plan in place to close long-standing IG cyber recommendations, 32 in all, by September 2014. Bowman and Halliday said 12-18 months to implement their recommendations is reasonable.

But when Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-Kan.) pressed Warren about a letter sent to the committee from Shinseki saying VA data and systems are not at risk, Warren backed away from the blanket assessment of the security of VA systems.

"You did state there are no absolutes in your mind in security. But we do have a letter here that has a very absolute statement from your boss, the secretary, that says, 'To be clear, VA security posture was never at risk.' Is that a true or false statement?" Huelskamp said.

"I would tell you sir as the person who ghost wrote that memo in terms of doing the staff work for the secretary, I was not clear in my language and I take ownership of that," Warren said.

"Is it true or false?" Huelskamp said.

"It is true with respect to the ATO process, which this memo was trying to answer. With respect to the broader question, as we've talked about today, there always is some risk," Warren said.

"Is this a false statement?" Huelskamp said interrupting Warren. "Is it an inaccurate statement? A mistake?"

Credibility questioned

Coffman said he was less than satisfied with Warren's response to this and other questions.

"I feel like the letter I received from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs directly to me, where Mr. Warren had essentially helped draft that, said the system is not at risk, I think threatened the credibility of Mr. Warren," he said after the hearing.

Coffman asked VA to respond within 30 days with a report on how they plan on closing 32 outstanding IG recommendations. He also plans on holding a closed briefing on the nation state attacks in the coming weeks.

This article is part of Federal News Radio's ongoing special report, VA Cyber Efforts in the Hot Seat.

Source: Federalnewsradio

Otterbox releases the Defender Series case for iPhone 5s

Protection, protection is one of the greatest needs of human. Not just from the malicious intent of other people that might cause harm to them. Well, dying is the worst result without it and it's really frightening. Other than that, we need protection from natural disaster, you know, something that happen naturally like it can't be helped to be harm if you're not being careful in an accident. To put into a scenario, it's like driving a motorcycle on a rainy day and on the wet road without a helmet or a police diving into a bank robbery scene alone without a bulletproof vest, yes it's suicidal. Well, danger is only right there (please don't ask where. >.<) and all we can do is to be more careful, sharp and use materials for protection and safety assuring devices. Right, protection is something you, me, and everyone needs.

But in this world, we are not the only ones that need protection. Of course, even plants and animals need it. And on the other side, even "Things" need it. Like your beloved PC or laptops, you install an anti-virus into it in able to avoid the incoming information with harmful data in your computer. That is to avoid harming the system or the parts of your CPU, or corruption of files and many other annoying results that a virus can bring to your life.

Now, let me tell you the main story of this article. You probably know it already by now. Yes, I want to tell you guys that even your precious iPhone 5s or iPhone 5c is still in danger. Talking about inevitability, we can't help sometimes to experience that, "whoops!" and then found your iPhone 5s lying on the floor, with a crack on its screen then you give the final roar, "OMG !!!" Yes, that's how it is.

OtterBox

So let me introduce you the Otterbox, a company with the innovation of protective solution for the leading global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors, they've got technology covered! Yes, they also produce a tough case to provide protection from any accident that might face by your precious smartphones. OtterBox is also known for its 5s iphone cases otterbox pink jeep tours with the capability of handling rugged conditions, protecting iPhone owners from drops with three layers of material. It's a huge case, but many swear to it.

Defender Series

They already release the Defender Series for iPhone 5s days after the Apple released their latest mobile to the public. This three layers in Defender Series can be found on its screen protectors, carbonate inner layer, and a silicone outer layer that handles the protection you need. Other than this Defender series are Commuter series, Reflexive series and Prefix Series for iPhone 5s.

Commuter Series

As the Defender series has three layers. The Commuter Series possess with only two layers, they made it for user who needs protection but they don't like the size of the natural case so OtterBox deduct one layer to make its physical appearance smaller than a three layer.

Reflexive Series

It is the lightest case among the four cases released by OtterBox.

Prefix Series

Prefix series is like what they had done to commuter series. This series offer only one layer for protection.

And this is the OtterBox. It provides protection for your smartphones. I hope you discover a new way to protect your devices. As for others who know it already. Thumbs up for OtterBox.

Source: Thebitbag

Otterbox releases the Defender Series case for iPhone 5s

Protection, protection is one of the greatest needs of human. Not just from the malicious intent of other people that might cause harm to them. Well, dying is the worst result without it and it's really frightening. Other than that, we need protection from natural disaster, you know, something that happen naturally like it can't be helped to be harm if you're not being careful in an accident. To put into a scenario, it's like driving a motorcycle on a rainy day and on the wet road without a helmet or a police diving into a bank robbery scene alone without a bulletproof vest, yes it's suicidal. Well, danger is only right there (please don't ask where. >.<) and all we can do is to be more careful, sharp and use materials for protection and safety assuring devices. Right, protection is something you, me, and everyone needs.

But in this world, we are not the only ones that need protection. Of course, even plants and animals need it. And on the other side, even "Things" need it. Like your beloved PC or laptops, you install an anti-virus into it in able to avoid the incoming information with harmful data in your computer. That is to avoid harming the system or the parts of your CPU, or corruption of files and many other annoying results that a virus can bring to your life.

Now, let me tell you the main story of this article. You probably know it already by now. Yes, I want to tell you guys that even your precious iPhone 5s or iPhone 5c is still in danger. Talking about inevitability, we can't help sometimes to experience that, "whoops!" and then found your iPhone 5s lying on the floor, with a crack on its screen then you give the final roar, "OMG !!!" Yes, that's how it is.

OtterBox

So let me introduce you the Otterbox, a company with the innovation of protective solution for the leading global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors, they've got technology covered! Yes, they also produce a tough case to provide protection from any accident that might face by your precious smartphones. OtterBox is also known for its 5s iphone cases otterbox defender x2 with the capability of handling rugged conditions, protecting iPhone owners from drops with three layers of material. It's a huge case, but many swear to it.

Defender Series

They already release the Defender Series for iPhone 5s days after the Apple released their latest mobile to the public. This three layers in Defender Series can be found on its screen protectors, carbonate inner layer, and a silicone outer layer that handles the protection you need. Other than this Defender series are Commuter series, Reflexive series and Prefix Series for iPhone 5s.

Commuter Series

As the Defender series has three layers. The Commuter Series possess with only two layers, they made it for user who needs protection but they don't like the size of the natural case so OtterBox deduct one layer to make its physical appearance smaller than a three layer.

Reflexive Series

It is the lightest case among the four cases released by OtterBox.

Prefix Series

Prefix series is like what they had done to commuter series. This series offer only one layer for protection.

And this is the OtterBox. It provides protection for your smartphones. I hope you discover a new way to protect your devices. As for others who know it already. Thumbs up for OtterBox.

Source: Thebitbag

Simple tool checks multiple Apple stores for iPhone 5S stock

A simple, unofficial tool for checking iPhone 5s iphone cases on sale stock at Apple's U.S. stores has arrived, a day after Apple brought back its in-store pickup option.

(Credit: Apple)

For those still on the hunt for an iPhone 5S and planning to buy it from an Apple retail store, there's a new, unofficial tool that makes it very simple to search multiple stores at once.

iPhone-Check made by developer Mordy Tikotzky just has you plug in your zipcode, then pick what color and carrier you want. It then shows what phones are available at varying capacities at all of Apple's stores in that area.

(Credit: CNET)

The tool is U.S.-only for now. It's also unclear how up to date it is with Apple's own store data. Tikotzky notes that the tool is actually scraping Apple's retail store site to show availability.

Apple brought back its stock checking tool and in-store pick up option this week after offering it briefly last week. The option lets buyers reserve a phone for pickup without having to wait in line, something that's become more important for would-be iPhone buyers given Apple's currently nebulous shipping estimation of "October" on all 5S models.

Source: Cnet

Police officer, driver injured in Osceola County crash

<halloween costumes police officerp>ST. CLOUD, Fla. -

Authorities have reopened part of US 192 in St. Cloud after a police officer and another driver were injured in a crash Sunday afternoon.

Police said the four-vehicle crash happened around 2:45 p.m. on US 192 near Montana Avenue. The police officer was headed westbound when an eastbound driver in a pickup truck attempted to turn left in front of the officer, according to authorities. The pickup truck and patrol car collided, and two other vehicles were also involved in the crash.

One witness told WFTV he was nearby working on his car when he heard the crash.

"It was loud! I was sitting over there banging my fender with a hammer and you could hear 'Bam bam bam!'," the witness, who didn't want to be identified, said.

The driver of the pickup truck and the police officer, whose names haven't been released, were taken to a nearby hospital with injuries. They are both expected to recover.

The police officer was responding to an emergency call with lights and sirens in use at the time, officials said.

The westbound lanes of US 192 near the crash scene were closed for some time, but have since reopened.

Source: Wftv

How to enjoy Halloween time at the Disneyland resort

disney halloween window clings-300x200.png">Denise Cortes
posted: September 27, 2013, 5:51 am

As a native of Southern California, I've been visiting Disneyland ever since I was a little girl. I have very fond memories of not being able to sleep the night before, my body positively buzzing from excitement-Disneyland! The drive to the park was almost unbearable too, especially when I caught sight of the snow-capped mountain of the Matterhorn. That meant we were almost there!

I have to admit, now that I'm an adult, I still experience the same excitement knowing I'll be spending the day at Disneyland. They are brilliant at making the experience feel magical.

My niece Stella enjoying the Mad Tea Party ride for the first time.

Planning on visiting the parks soon? I thought I'd share a few of my favorite tips and tricks for an awesome day at the Disneyland Resort with your family.

If the budget allows, invest in an annual pass. As a passholder, you can come and go to the park at your own leisure. If you don't get to see a show or hop on your favorite ride, no biggie. You can always come back. My family just got our annual passes renewed and we are stoked.

Bring your own snacks. This is what saves my wallet. Yes, I love pineapple Dole whips, corn dogs, chowder in a bread bowl and those infamous turkey legs just as much as the next person. Mmmmm! We still manage to eat our favorites at the park, but I also bring my own snacks too (candy, chips, crackers, fruit, water, etc.) because my kids are grazers and will munch all day long.

Be strategic when it comes to planning your day. I always make time to sit down and see a fun show (Alladin is my favorite!) just when my feet need a break.

The last tip leads me to this very point important point: wear comfortable shoes. Needless to say, you'll do a ton of walking and there is nothing worse than wearing ill-fitting shoes.

Don't forget a fast pass for World of Color. You don't want to miss it.

Try to get on the biggest attraction rides (Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, Radiator Springs Racers) first thing-lines can get long throughout the day.

Don't forget your margarita from Rita's Baja Blenders in Disney's California Adventure. It has turned my grouchy, tired, frown upside down on many occasions. You will thank me later!

The holidays are the best time to visit Disneyland-especially Halloween.

It's true, Halloween time is the best time of year to visit the park. Most of the summer crowds have left, the air is cool and crisp and both Disneyland parks are all decked out for spooky fun. The season has already begun and it continues until October 31. So many cool things happen at this time of year-dance parties with Disney characters, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, trick-or-treat trails with candy and healthy treats, Haunted Mansion holiday, "Halloween Screams" fireworks, pumpkin beignets and fritters and Mickey's Costume Party Cavalcade. There is so much to see and do (and eat)!

Have you ever been to Disneyland during Halloween time? What is your favorite ride? Mine has to Pirate's of the Caribbean (Disneyland) and Hollywood Tower of Terror (DCA). Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post; however, I did receive complimentary entry into the park. All opinions are 100% my own.

I'll be heading to Disneyland tonight for Mickey's Halloween Party and my daughters have been counting down the hours. This is a separate ticket event during the Halloween Time season so hurry and get your tickets!

Source: Babycenter

March Networks Integrates Sony IP Cameras With Its 8000 Series Hybrid Network Video Recorders

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March Networks, a global provider of intelligent IP video solutions, is pleased to announce the integration of its 8000 Series Hybrid Network Video Recorders (NVRs) with Sony Electronics, Inc.'s IPELA ENGINE EX and PRO IP cameras. The March Networks-certified integration makes it easier for 8000 Series customers and systems integrators to deploy Sony cameras for high-quality video surveillance. It also provides Sony customers with greater flexibility when selecting a recording platform, allowing them to take advantage of the exceptional reliability, centralized management and 100 percent IP camera support provided by the 8000 Series platform.

March Networks is committed to providing customers and partners with open, standards-based products. All 8000 Series hybrid recorders are ONVIF-compliant, which enables them to operate seamlessly with more than 2,000 third-party cameras. In addition, the company works with best-in-class manufacturers like Sony to ensure support for an expanded set of capabilities. The certified integration with the Sony IP cameras ensures out-of-the-box support for features including audio capture, H.264 video compression, motion alarms, physical alarms and switches, and PTZ control.

"Video surveillance customers are looking for broader product choices and deployment options," said Mark Collett, General Manager, Sony Electronics' Security Systems Division. "This integration with March Networks' hybrid recording systems is a direct response to that demand and is particularly advantageous for organizations seeking more detailed, high-definition surveillance video."

March Networks' 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs deliver the high-performance customers need for advanced surveillance and business intelligence applications now and in the future. Available in 32, 16, 8 and compact 4-channel models, the recorders support multiple hybrid camera combinations as well as all-IP video streaming, enabling organizations to transition from analog to 100 percent IP video on the same platform. The 8000 Series employs optimized H.264 video compression to provide detailed, HD video and noticeably sharper analog camera images without increasing storage requirements. The recorders also maintain the unparalleled reliability, centralized video management and scalability that have made March Networks the No. 1 supplier of enterprise video recorders in the Americas and a leading provider worldwide.

"We are pleased to add Sony's well respected IP surveillance cameras to our growing list of 8000 Series integrations," said Net Payne, Chief Marketing Officer, March Networks. "This combination of products frees customers and partners from time-consuming - and often frustrating - deployment issues, affirms our commitment to open standards and broadens the addressable market for both of our companies."

March Networks is demonstrating its certified integration with the Sony cameras in Booth 2052 at the ASIS International Annual Seminar and Exhibits, September 24-26 in Chicago, IL. For more information, visit www.marchnetworks.com/ASIS13.

About March Networks
March Networks, an independent subsidiary of Infinova, is a leading provider of intelligent IP video solutions. For more than a decade, the company has helped some of the world's largest commercial and government organizations transition from traditional CCTV to advanced surveillance technologies used for security, loss prevention, risk mitigation and operational efficiency. Its highly scalable and easy to use Command video management platform incorporates a browser-based client interface to enable rapid system deployment and complete system control. It is complemented by the company's portfolio of high-definition IP cameras, encoders, video analytics and hybrid recorders, as well as outstanding professional and managed services. March Networks systems are delivered through an extensive distribution and partner network in more than 50 countries. For more information, visit www.marchnetworks.com.

SOURCE: March Networks

Flu vaccines encouraged

Flu season is coming and Denton County health officials are strongly encouraging people to get themselves vaccinated.

"Public health is all about prevention. We would encourage everybody to take steps that would help protect their families against the flu that some years is pretty mild and some years can be devastating," said Bing Burton, Denton County healthdirector.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the 2012-13 flu season resulted in more hospitalizations of people older than 65 than any flu season on record. In addition, flu-related illnesses cause some 200,000 hospitalizations each year.

According to the CDC, on average, the past fewyears only 42 percent of Americans were vaccinated against the flu.

"We would encourage families to not expose themselves to undue risks. We get examples every year of individuals who could have been protected but elected not to have the vaccine," Burton said.

"Expanded use of influenza vaccine can be aneffective way to prevent illness, hospitalization and death."

BJ LEWIS can be reached at 940-566-6875 and viaTwitter at @BjlewisDRC.

The Centers for Disease Control andPrevention offered a handful of tips to help ward off the influenza virus thisseason.

* Bring your own pen to the bank, grocerystore, even to touch the ATM. Anything a sick person touches can harbor germs,including money, mail, ATM keypads, elevator buttons, etc.

* Replace hand towels in bathrooms with papertowels. They're not as pretty, but paper towels can help get rid of a ton ofgerms that live in damp towels.

* Wash hands frequently. Use soap, warm waterand rinse long enough to say the alphabet or sing "Happy Birthday." Recentstudies show plain soap and water work just fine.

* Use a proper hand sanitizer, at least 60percent alcohol, any time you touch anything. Make sure you use sanitizer underfingernails where germs can hide.

* Clean with disinfectant. Viruses andbacteria can live up to two hours or longer on doorknobs, toys, TV remotecontrols, keyboards, mouse pads, refrigerator handles, counter tops, railings,faucets, bathroom floors and more.

Source: Dentonrc

Emmy Awards 2013 live blog

Well, you nailed it with your predictions of the Best Drama but the 33% of you who named Big Bang Theory for Best Comedy ruined it for the 32% who tipped Modern Family.

"This may be the saddest Emmys of all time but we could not be happier," says the Modern Family creator.

It's not clear exactly what he's digging at there but the response in the room is muted and a bit cold.

He also thanks the gym teachers and bullies from school, without whom "we never would have gone into comedy."

Will is applauding the speech. Then he wont' let his "son" go to the bathroom.

And the Emmy goes to: Breaking Bad

Chemistry: Walt (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse (Aaron Paul) watched by drug boss Gus (Giancarlo Esposito).

NPH promises these are the last awards of the night as he introduces Will Ferrell.

Will is in t-shirt and shorts and has brought three children with him. He appears to have had a baby sitter crisis.

"They called me literally 45 minutes ago. I couldn't find child care. It doesn't matter, it's great to be here."

This is a bit of a running gag as Ferrell had his secret wife with him at another awards.

And the Emmy goes to: Modern Family

A scene from the TV series Modern family.

Cranston and Danes get to do another award. And it's another gimme at this point.

And the Emmy goes to: Behind the Candelabra

"This was a two-hander" says Douglas which given the subject-matter of the biopic gets a bit of a laugh.

"And you're only as good as your other hand, so Matt, you deserve half of this. Do you want the bottom or the top?"

That gets a bigger laugh and we learn that Matt would choose top.

Then it gets serious.

He thanks his children, and particularly his older son Cameron "I hope they'll allow me to see him soon."

He gives a shout out to Lee (Liberace).

He does not mention Catherine Zeta-Jones.

"I smell a three-way" says NPH as he introduces Bryan Cranston and Claire Danes who play two of the darker characters on TV.

"Congratuations for your win by the way" says Bryan. Claire goes to return the compliment before realising he didn't win. Awkward.

"I've still got my fingers crossed for my category" quips Cranston. Nice.

And the (least surprising) Emmy goes to: Michael Douglas (Behind the Candelabra)

Sodebergh is short and sweet, like a man who has received significantly higher acclamation for this movie.

"No matter what we all did ... if Michael and Matt don't turn up with those performances we don't have a movie, so gentleman I thank you. Salut."

Then another award.

And the Emmy goes to Ellen Burstyn

Fox8 reminds us all that these are the primetime Emmys but we sure aren't getting prime time ads.

And now, back to the reason we're all here.

And the Emmy goes to: Steven Soderbergh (Behind the Candelabra)

Michael Douglas as Liberace in a scene from Behind the Candelabra.

Michael Idato: OUR MAN IN THE ROOM

Loved the "in memoriam". Deborah Raffin, Julie Harris, Jack Klugman, Larry Hagman. So many awesome, luminous stars lost this year.

Um. James Cromwell's wife is Donna Love from Another World. Andy Mercado, did you see that?

The Hour? Fark. They're right. No one is winning their #Emmy ballot.

The Colbert Report. To be candid, not as good as Dynasty II: The Colberts of California.

The president of the Emmys and Kaley Cuoco from The Big Bang Theory come on stage to tell us what the organisatoin does.

Kevin Spacey takes a moment to upstage them by hamming for the camera. I wish he'd do that more.

They then introduce the full In Memorium segment.

A single cello accompanies the black and white photographs that are projected. They are photos of;

Sir David Frost, Dennis Farina, Annette Funicello, Eydie Gorme, Dale Robertson, Larry Hagman, Leslie Frankenheimer, Conrad Bain, Maxine Stuart, Lee Thompson Young, Preston Davis, Alan Kirschenbaum, James Loper, Lou Myers, Milo O'Shea, Fran Bascom, Lois Smith, Roger Ebert, Emily Squires, Bonnie Dore, Eileen Brennan, Bonnie Franklin, Russell Means, Milt Hoffman, Jack Shea, Jeanne Cooper, Allan Arbus, Henry Bromell, David Connell, Charles Durning, Richard Matheson, Harry Carey Jr, Ken Venturi, Pat Summerall, Steve Sabol, Alex Karras, Jack Klugman, Jenni Rivera, Eddie Michaels, Michael Ansara, Charles Lisanby, Fay Kanin, Emenuel Steward, Ray Dolby, Julie Harris, Deborah Raffin, Patti Page and finally Andy Williams.

Anna Faris and Allison Janney continue with another award.

And the Emmy goes to: James Cromwell (American Horror Story: Asylum)

NPH says ... something ... as we return from an ad but technical issues mean only those in the room know what it was.

And the Emmy goes to: Abi Morgan (The Hour)

We've seen all the Drama awards except the big one. Will Breaking Bad and House of Cards miss out on the big gong as well?

Edie Falco comes on stage to remember James Gandolfini.

She points out that many people struggle to believe Tony Soprano wasn't who he was.

She says he was kind, uniquely generous and uncomfortable with the attention he got.

"Over the years I was particularly moved by Jim's devotion to his family."

"You all knew James Gandolfini the actor, I was lucky enough to know Jim the man. For ten years as his close colleague and pretend life partner. It's Jim the man, the very dear man, that I will miss most of all."

NPH introduces Alyson Hannigan and Cobie Smulders who may or may not have been smuggled in as part of his contract to do this gig.

And the Emmy goes to: The Colbert Report

Stephen Colbert: Pointing the way.

Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum appear to present the award:

No, that's not a typo, they got four of the nominations.

And the Emmy goes to: Derek Hough, Dancing With the Stars

The Emmy for choreography has been presented for years in secret it seems. It's not clear if there were robes and masks or just a complete lack of cameras.

This year NPH goes reality show on the choreographers, storms in to their "certificate presentation" and demands they finally do their stuff in the show.

He also insists he is in it.

So we get another number.

NPH is spotlit against a red wall with black gloved hands sticking out of it. He's singing Luck Be A Lady and well, if you had to choose a host to highlight the choreograpy he'd be it.

The music transitions into a mash-up of TV themes: Mad Men, Game of Thrones, American Horror Story.

All with NPH's Luck be a Lady. There are dancers doing interpretations of the shows and this just looks fantastic. The Horror Story dancing gimps are a particular favourite.

Then we mash Boardwalk Empire with Get Lucky and it all gets a little Gatsby.

Breaking Bad just gets chemical which seems apt, while The Big Bang Theory reinterpreted in dance is, well, a lot cooler than the four nerds of the show's normal cast.

Finally it morphs into a huge stage number with dancers in front of the words "Chroeography Emmys" and the result gets a big cheer.

Awkwardly those at the back of the room stand and applaud but the stars down the front sit. It's almost like this is a technical award that they don't think belongs here.

"The Emmys are so good this year" begins Stephen Colbert.

He thanks the Daily Show for setting the standard and thanks the people he is standing with for giving him "the stupidest things to say."

"We want to thank anyone who's willing to come on and talk to that stupid guy I play on TV."

He also thanks his wife for "being so cruel and sexy."

Another award!

And the Emmy goes to: Don Roy King, Saturday Night Live

Jim Parsons and Bob Newhart come out to present an award and when Parsons acknowledges the honour of appearing with him, the room breaks out into what appears to be a sincerely spontaneous standing ovation.

The two comedians play at being awkward.

"You do have good timing" says Parsons of Newhart who points out the award he won in 1962 is about to be presented.

And the Emmy goes to: The Colbert Report

Stephen Colbert: Pointing the way.

And one joke about Under The Dome being about the White house later we race into a recap of the Outstanding Guest Actor and Actress awards that lets the winners once again present a "proper" award.

That proper award is:

And the Emmy goes to: David Fincher (House of Cards)

Fincher, who wins for the pilot episode, isn't here to accept so the not-proper-winners get to accept on his behalf.

Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright in House of Cards.

Claire Danes starts out by thanking the writers, and specifically dedicating her award to Homeland's award winning writer who died this year.

She thanks her husband for making her happy "so I can be so entirely unhappy in the world of fantasy."

NPH introduces "the moment you've all been waiting for" the accountants of Ernst & Young.

Bob Newhart comes out with them and does his confused old guy schtick. It's good.

They don't say anything. Thank you Emmys.

Jimmy Fallon comes out then to introduce an award into a stand microphone of rapidly diminishing height.

ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Claire Danes (Homeland)
Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel)
Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey)
Robin Wright (House of Cards)
Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men)
Connie Britton (Nashville)
Kerry Washington (Scandal)

And the Emmy goes to: Claire Danes (Homeland)

Carrie, (Claire Danes) and Saul, (Mandy Patinkin) strut it out on Homeland.

Michael Idato: FROM OUR MAN IN THE ROOM

Jeff Daniels? Wow. Is it possible *both* Breaking Bad *and* House of Cards were robbed?

Rose Byrne's boyfriend just won an #Emmy. Australia can claim that one. Let's face it, we've claimed less ...

"Love of my life." Bobby Cannavale on Rose Byrne.

Diahann Carroll. #Emmys. #love #her

We must be behind as we race to another award.

And the Emmy goes to: Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom)

newsroom

As Bobby comes on stage the voice of the Emmys tells us he was a choir boy as a child, as apparently his ego was about to rage out of control so let's humiliate him.

Bobby clearly didn't expect to win as he really doesn't have a speech. He thanks the people he's sitting with and the people who sat him with them.

Then his family and the cast and crew in a very random order.

This is ok but mostly an ad for writing an acceptance speech.

Kerry Washington suggests the nominees for the following award have changed our understanding of the term Best Supporting Actor.

Not really, but they were good at it.

And the Emmy goes to: Bobby Cannavale (Boardwalk Empire)

There's been another award, which started with a very awkward Arrow-is-a-reality-show bit.

OUTSTANDING REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM

The Amazing Race
Dancing with the Stars
Project Runway
So You Think You Can Dance
Top Chef
The Voice

And the Emmy goes to: The Voice

The producer of The Voice accepts the award but gets his shows confused and uses his speech to ask people to vote on the show.

Michael Idato: FROM OUR MAN IN THE ROOM

The number in the middle of the show. Work. Of. Genius.

NPH says Twitter has grilled him for not doing a big song and dance number.

So he starts singing:

"The Emmy awards are three hour slong, there's still 90 minutes to go," he sings.

"The time is just right to sing you a song called The Number In The Middle Of The Show."

Here are some highlights from the lyrics:

"At this point the host could choose just to coast, I say no."

"Opening numbers are so old hat, even Hugh Jackman did stuff like that."

Then a line that might be a bit awkward given the previous In Memorium: "It's the number in the middle that gets me high."

So that's the singing, how about the dancing? NPH answers in song:

"Now without any further ado, here's some really sexy dancing in the middle of the number that's the Number In The Middle of the Show."

Which is the cue for the "Emmy gold dancers."

As they dance and shimmy Nathan Fillion and Sarah Silverman join NPH on stage.

"Neil when we saw you start singing we had to join in," says Fillion.

"You arranged this in the last 90 seconds?" asks NPH.

"We have great publicists," explains Silverman.

Then she takes that moment you always hoped would be taken at the Emmy Awards:

"We're completely live so I'm really going to try not to say 'vagina' on TV."

"I couldn't have not said it better myself," laughs NPH, in song.

"The Emmy awards are three hours long now there's three minutes less left to go," he continues as it wraps up.

NPH is singing and dancing and twirling on the back of a handsome mand and frankly this is a lot of fun!

"Sorry dudes, I just couldn't help myself" he says before handing over to an award.

Jane Lynch comes on stage to pay tribute to Cory Monteith.

"From the first time you saw Cory he had a star quality and a genuine sweetness that made it impossible not to fall in love with him."

"He was not perfect, which many of us here tonight can relate to."

His addiction is mentioned and Lynch is keen to ensure it isn't what he is remembered for however.

"This gifted and wonderful young man was worthy of your love," she says saying if we'd known him we'd have loved him even more.

"Henry tragically died earlier this year" we are told and his wife accepts the award with an emotional single line of thanks.

And then we move on to another award where "they all play dames, one of them is a Dame."

*CLUNK*

And the Emmy goes to: Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad)

That was fun which means it's time for another award.

It's another writing award, but no one wants these writers to do a bit to camera. They're too serious.

And the Emmy goes to: Henry Bromell (Homeland)

The cast of How I Met Your Mother are here for a public service announcement about a major problem.

EHD - Excessive Hosting Disorder.

"The symptoms of EHD appear in a HOST of ways" says Ted.

And now we're in a faux out-take from HIMYM.

"Last week I walked in on Neil naked and hosting himself" says Jason Segel.

HIMYM then stage a hosting intervention. Arsenio Hall hosts.

They send NPH off to the Ryan Seacrest Centre for Excessive Hosting for treatment. Arsenio goes too.

It's a nice bit.

Now that we've seen all the comedy awards EXCEPT Best Comedy, have you changed your mind?

Who will win?

Douglas and Damon are back immediately afterwards.

"In the words of Liberace 'too much of a good thing is wonderful'" says Douglas.

And we're on to the drama awards.

And the Emmy goes to: Laura Linney (The Big C: Hereafter)

Elton John remembers Liberace's influence on his music and his wardrobe.

"What I was not aware of until years later was his lifestyle ... yeah right."

He's written a new song Home Again with Bernie Taupin to pay tribute to a man who had a big impact "on me and people like me."

It has a stormy (no really, there's wind sound effects) piano intro. The silhoette of a choir promises more to come though.

Michael Idato: FROM OUR MAN IN THE ROOM

Gail Mancuso. Second woman ever to win best directing in comedy. Long overdue.

Screening past Emmys clips during the break, inc. Mary Tyler Moore, Kermit and Miss Piggy.

"I know for a fact that Jimmy Kimmel is excited to be presenting the next award with them ... I mean her. Please welcome Jimmy Kimmel and Sofia Vergara."

The pair then explain that laughter is in fact the worst medicine, contrary to popular belief, and introduce the award for Best Murderer in a Comedy Series.

And the Emmy goes to: Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)

Gail Mancuso accepts the award for Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series for Modern Family. Photo: Reuters

Melissa Leo, who earlier (read: not on air) won the Emmy for Best Guest Actor in a Comedy, comes on stage to present an award that is important enough to make the ceremony proper. That seems a bit mean really.

The Emmy goes to: Gail Mancuso (Modern Family)

Jon and Alec managed a VERY subdued announcement there.

Tony Hale lurks over Julia's shoulder silently as she speaks and it gets a lot of laughs. He's holding her purse.

He prompts her when she too gets faux-nervous to thank her family.

"We love you so much" Hale says to her familly.

We cut away to see one of her other co-stars Anna Chlumsky is faux texting while she speaks.

Julia then just stands there for a while. It sounds drab but it actually works as a bit.

That's enough faux nervous though.

NPH is standing with the band to introduce "my biological parents" Jon Hamm and Alec Baldwin.

Jon is wearing a big bushy beard. Alec is squinting at the auto-cue.

Jon says the hard-working alcoholic inspiration for Don Draper is "everyone else in Hollywood."

And the Emmy goes to: Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Veep.

NPH introduces the Deschanel sisters (Zooey and Emily) with the spectacular line "this two sister act is very different to the one I saw in Thailand a few years ago" while making a number of ping pong noises. You join the very, very wrong dots.

They're here to present an award. No ping pong.

And the Emmy goes to: Tony Hale (Veep)

Emmys winner for Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Tony Hale ( Veep). Photo: Getty Images

Tracey Wigfield thanks her parents because she knows they like Louie, while Tina Fey chastises her "no one said you were allowed to talk."

The nominees for comedy writing were "forced" to open up about their work in the form of interviews to camera.

"I'm a million times funnier than Louis" says Louis C.K.'s Louie co-writer Pamela Adlon. "Then again so is a bag of anything."

"That's going to get cut for time" says Tina Fey "I'm not doing that."

Which cues the award.

And the Emmy goes to: Tina Fey and Tracey Wigfield (30 Rock)

Actress Merritt Wever accepts the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series for her role in Nurse Jackie. Photo: Reuters

Amy and Tina are then invited up to present an award and introduced as being from 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation and "that bit we just did."

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory)
Jane Lynch (Glee)
Sofia Vergara (Modern Family)
Julie Bowen (Modern Family)
Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie)
Jane Krakowski (30 Rock)
Anna Chlumsky (Veep)

And the Emmy goes to: Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie)

Which cues Jimmy Kimmel coming on stage to suggest NPH takes it in "because they may not ask you back."

AND IT'S HOST-A-PALOOZA

Jane Lynch comes on stage to say she wasn't invited back because she was a woman.

"I don't think anyone who saw you host that night thought of you as a woman," quips NPH.

NPH and Jane Lynch then contemplate "showing how much of a woman I am," which permits them to compare notes as to who would like that less. Heh. Nice.

Who else is going to turn up? Jimmy Fallon to tap dance. Then Conan comes out to say he hosted when it counted.

Could this get any more surreal? Yes.

"Look at that parade of blabbering buffoons," says Kevin Spacey from his seat straight to camera, clearly channeling his character from House of Cards. "Getting them all to sabotage Neil was too easy."

He suggests there is more to come and we hope so.

"Has anyone else got any crazy advice for me?" asks NPH having dismissed the cabal of comedy hosts.

"Yeah we do," say Tina Fey and Amy Poehler from the front row while chewing on pop corn. "Take your pants off."

"That would be degrading," says NPH.

"But we would be de-grateful" says Poehler.

They are also wearing 3D glasses to see what he's working with.

Essentially the hosting just got pre-emptively undermined. Emmy hosts are a strongly bonded lot.

And finally we're under way with Neil Patrick Harris and a nameless security guard in a court room style building.

It turns out NPH intends to binge watch an entire season of television. That amounts to a LOT of televisions and clips from tonight's nominees.

NPH has a bit of an episode after a while and now there's an edit of all the shows first talking to him, then singing for him. Notably the show doing most of the singing is NPH himself as host of the Tony Awards.

We transition into all of the talent show judges yelling at each other and NPH thinking they are talking to him.

Essentially that's the theme of this rather surreal opening. NPH thinks the TV is talking to him, en masse.

Fox 8 interupts your normal schedule of unrelenting Simpsons to bring you five seconds of the audience warm-up guy at the Emmy Awards before realising that something has gone terribly wrong.

So instead they offer us an ad for Australia's Next Top Model, something differently wrong.

And which drama do you think will give an earnest speech of thanks tonight? It's not actually the last awards that Breaking Bad will be eligible for, but the industry might be wanting to get sentimental about our favourite drug dealer. Or is it time for the internet series to dominate?

Amid all the in memoriums and comparisons to Ricky Gervais, a few gongs are going to be handed out today. Let's find out who will win, according to the real experts - you!

Which comedy is going to be laughing all the way to the stage?

Here's the full list of Emmy nominations that will be announced today.

DRAMA SERIES
Breaking Bad
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
Homeland
House of Cards
Mad Men

ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey)
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)
Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom)
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Damian Lewis (Homeland)
Kevin Spacey (House of Cards)

ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Claire Danes (Homeland)
Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel)
Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey)
Robin Wright (House of Cards)
Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men)
Connie Britton (Nashville)
Kerry Washington (Scandal)

WRITING FOR A DRAMA
George Mastras (Breaking Bad)
Thomas Schnauz (Breaking Bad)
Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey)
David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (Game of Thrones)
Henry Bromell (Homeland)

DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA
Tim Van Patten (Boardwalk Empire)
Michelle MacLaren (Breaking Bad)
Jeremy Webb (Downton Abbey)
Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland)
David Fincher (House of Cards)

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Bobby Cannavale (Boardwalk Empire)
Jonathan Banks (Breaking Bad)
Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad)
Jim Carter (Downton Abbey)
Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones)
Many Patinkin (Homeland)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad)
Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey)
Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones)
Christine Baranski (The Good Wife)
Morena Baccarin (Homeland)
Christina Hendricks (Mad Men)

COMEDY SERIES
The Big Bang Theory
Girls
Louie
Modern Family
30 Rock
Veep

ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Jason Bateman (Arrested Development)
Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)
Matt LeBlanc (Episodes)
Louie C.K (Louie)
Don Cheadle (House of Lies)

ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Tina Fey (30 Rock)
Laura Dern (Enlightened)
Lena Dunham (Girls)
Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie)
Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep)

WRITING FOR A COMEDY
David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik (Episodes)
Louis C.K. and Pamela Adlon (Louie)
Greg Daniels (The Office)
Jack Burditt and Robert Carlock (30 Rock)
Tina Fey and Tracey Wigfield (30 Rock)

DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY
Lena Dunham (Girls)
Paris Barclay (Glee)
Louis C.K. (Louie)
Gail Mancuso (Modern Family)
Beth McCarthy-Miller (30 Rock)

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Adam Driver (Girls)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family)
Ed O'Neill (Modern Family)
Ty Burrell (Modern Family)
Bill Hader (SNL)
Tony Hale (Veep)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory)
Jane Lynch (Glee)
Sofia Vergara (Modern Family)
Julie Bowen (Modern Family)
Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie)
Jane Krakowski (30 Rock)
Anna Chlumsky (Veep)

MINISERIES OR MOVIE
American Horror Story: Asylum
Behind the Candelabra
The Bible
Phil Spector
Political Animals
Top of the Lake

ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Michael Douglas (Behind the Candelabra)
Matt Damon (Behind the Candelabra)
Toby Jones (The Girl)
Benedict Cumberbatch (Parade's End)
Al Pacino (Phil Spector)

ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Jessica Lange (American Horror Story: Asylum)
Laura Linney (The Big C: Hereafter)
Helen Mirren (Phil Spector)
Sigourney Weaver (Political Animals)
Elisabeth Moss (Top of the Lake

WRITING FOR A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Richard LaGravenese (Behind the Candelabra)
Abi Morgan (The Hour)
Tom Stoppard (Parade's End)
David Mamet (Phil Spector)
Jane Campion and Gerard Lee (Top of the Lake)

DIRECTING FOR A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Steven Soderbergh (Behind the Candelabra)
Julian Jarrold (The Girl)
David Mamet (Phil Spector)
Allison Anders (Ring of Fire)
Jane Campion and Gerard Lee (Top of the Lake)

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
James Cromwell (American Horror Story: Asylum)
Zachary Quinto (American Horror Story: Asylum)
Scott Bakula (Behind the Candelabra)
John Benjamin Hickey (The Big C: Hereafter)
Peter Mullan (Top of the Lake)

Source: Smh