Netflix Gets Streaming Access to Some ABC Shows

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netflix-1Netflix, Inc., the world’s largest online movie rental service, today announced an agreement with Disney-ABC Television Group that will make several of ABC’s most popular TV series available to be streamed instantly from Netflix.

In its entirety, the deal will allow Netflix members to instantly watch the first five seasons of the hit ABC franchise “Lost,” seasons four and five of the pop culture phenomenon “Desperate Housewives,” season five of the critically acclaimed “Grey’s Anatomy,” and seasons one and two of the syndicated epic action-adventure fantasy series “Legend of the Seeker” from ABC Studios. Many of the episodes, including the first four seasons of “Lost,” will be available from Netflix beginning August 1. The remainder will be available in subsequent months, beginning in September.

Overall, the agreement extends the online relationship between Netflix and Disney-ABC Television Group, which announced their first digital licensing deal last September. That agreement centered on original series from Disney Channel, including the hits “Hannah Montana,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “The Suite Life on Deck,” and Disney Channel’s two newest original series, “JONAS” and “Sonny with a Chance.” That deal, which will continue, makes episodes available day-after-broadcast.

The new agreement, which was brokered by Disney-ABC Domestic Television, adds top broadcast properties to a growing library of more than 12,000 movies and TV episodes that Netflix members can watch instantly on their computers and TVs as part of their membership at no additional monthly cost.

“We’re excited about this new agreement since it builds on a strong foundation with Disney-ABC Television Group,” said Robert Kyncl, vice president of content acquisition for Netflix. “In all, we’re providing Netflix members with some of the most popular and avidly followed shows on TV while working with an important business partner to help grow several of its key franchises.”

As Netflix continues to expand the movies and TV episodes that its members can watch instantly, the company is also partnering with leaders in consumer electronics to bring to market a growing number of network devices that can instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to members’ TVs. Those devices include Blu-ray disc players and new Internet TVs from LG Electronics; Blu-ray disc players from Samsung; the Roku digital video player; Microsoft’s Xbox 360 game console; TiVo digital video recorders; and, soon, Internet TVs from Sony and VIZIO.

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Cute Baby – Awwhhhhh

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waiohakaupobabydolphin

Sea Life Park welcomed the newest addition to its ohana (Hawaiian for family) as Hi’iaka, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

The baby has been named Waiohakaupo, Hawaiian for joyous life and breath of the waters of Kaupo (name of beach fronting Sea Life Park).

Weighing approximately 40 to 45 pounds and measuring 45 inches in length, Waiohakaupo has been spending her time at mom’s side nursing on a regular schedule around-the-clock under the close care and supervision of the Park staff.

“Both mother and calf are doing well,” said Jesus Bravo, general manager of Sea Life Park. “They are happy and everything suits them – their living conditions, the quantity and quality of food, and the love and attention of our staff.”

Sea Life Park celebrated the birth of Waiohakaupo with a special Hawaiian blessing ceremony on Thursday, July 30th. “We’ve kept the good news under wraps for a few weeks to allow mother and child the privacy they need to stay healthy and strong,” said Bravo.

Starting today, the Park will be offering special guided visits for guests to see the new baby dolphin

The pregnancy was part of a planned breeding program instituted by Sea Life Park and once it was confirmed that Hi’iaka had become pregnant, immediate care and monitoring was given on a daily basis throughout her one-year pregnancy.

“So far, the bond between Hi’iaka and her calf continues to strengthen,” said Jeff Pawloski, curator. “Like any new mother, she’s proud of her new baby and we are also proud and honored to have her be a part of our animal family.”

According to Pawloski, Waiohakaupo was born at 8:26 a.m. after a very short labor. “Hi’iaka is an experienced mom and the birth went very smoothly.”

The success of the program is a result of a nurturing environment that includes veterinary supervision, nutrition and a large seawater pool for the mother and baby.

Sea Life Park Hawaii offers a variety of marine-life shows, exhibits and educational programs for all ages and is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Among its most popular features are the swim-with-dolphin programs. The Park is a member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Sea Life Park Hawaii is owned and operated by Parques Reunidos Group. For more information, visit the Park’s Web site at www.sealifeparkhawaii.com.

‘The Buried Life’ Asks MTV Viewers One Question: ‘What Do You Want To Do Before You Die?’

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theburiedlife31Beginning in December 2009, MTV viewers can tag along for the ride of a lifetime with the new series, “The Buried Life.” This real-life adventure documents the epic journey of four young men, Duncan, Ben, Jonnie and Dave, as they travel the continent in their purple bus, Penelope, to pursue their wildest dreams, learning from their successes and struggles along the way. As the cameras roll, the group of four explores life with a list of 100 things they’d like to do before they die. This aspirational list includes everything from kissing the stunning Megan Fox to helping a woman give birth to a baby. Along the way, the guys make a promise that for each item they cross off their list, they’ll help a perfect stranger accomplish one of their dreams.

“These guys are on a mission to change lives, spread hope and make dreams come true, while also having the time of their lives and fulfilling their own dreams. It is an amazing journey, and we are proud to be a partner in this inspirational and uniquely entertaining series. It’s more than just a show. . . it’s a movement,” said Tony DiSanto, President of Programming for MTV.

“These guys are young, creative and committed to trying to change the world by helping others realize their passions and achieve their dreams,” said Howard T. Owens, Managing Director of Reveille. “We’re excited to work with our partners at MTV to bring ‘The Buried Life’ to a huge audience and inspire viewers to go after their own life goals.”

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Joe! Your Cup is Alive!

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gijoe_slurpeeIn conjunction with G.I. Joe coming to theaters soon, 4 premium lenticular Slurpee® cups produced by IGH Solutions are coming to 7-Eleven®. The cup’s new lenticular printing technology allows it to capture a full-motion video clip on the cup’s label.

Each collectible Slurpee cup (available this month at 7-Eleven stores while supplies last) features one of four characters — heroes Duke and Snake Eyes and anti-heroes Storm Shadow and Baroness — with each character appearing fully animated as a result of a new lenticular printing technology patented by IGH Solutions.

Since its release more than 40 years ago, G.I. Joe has been one of the most sought-after collectible toys for generations of kids (and adults). For the first time, collectors can own a mini-scene of animated film footage captured on a cup. The full-motion video effect is capable of capturing up to 24 frames of animation.

“The entertainment industry loves this printing technology for its ability to mimic sophisticated film imagery on movie merchandise,” said Ed Dedman, product manager for drinkware at IGH Solutions. “Retailers love it because it drives collectors into their stores and generates buzz in the action film merchandise blogosphere. We believe these one-second action-scenes enhance the collectability of these G.I. Joe Slurpee cups.”

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Video of the Day

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Ukraine has talent…. oh yes they do. Check out this awesome live sand animation done to an awesome set of music via chello. Reminds me how much creativity comes in a lot of different shades. I dare you not to be moved to tears like the members of the audience.

TV Review: So You Think You Can Dance – Top 8

Naomi Starsiak Leave a comment

fox-broadcasting-company_-dance

The night was kicked started by an out of this world group number choreographed by second season Alum, Travis Wall.

Janette & Evan – Jazz
For the first half of the dance I was simply stunned by Janette’s cat-like grace. Then I realized that everything I was in awe of was really prompted by Evan – his partnering skills were spot on.

Kayla – Solo
Kayla has a queenly grace that is beautiful to watch.

Jeanine & Brandon – Waltz
This left my feeling oddly lacking. There was enough power, enough connection, enough… something.

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Backstreet Boys Gear Up For New Album: “This Is Us”

Tabz 1 Comment

prnjdisplayimageservletThey’re baaaaaack.

The Backstreet Boys have announced a new album, to be released on October 6th, 2009 on Jive Records. This will make for the group’s 7th album. Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and AJ McLean collaborated with a group of producers and songwriters on This Is Us that included T-Pain, Max Martin, RedOne, Soulshock and Karlin, Jim Jonsin and Claude Kelly.

From the sound of it, the tracks are about the boys grown up, but without losing their pop sound.

“We’re really excited to release this new album and know that our fans are excited too. We worked with a group of amazing artists and producers that we’ve never worked with before, exploring new sounds and territory and know the final product turned out incredible,” says Carter.

Backstreet Boys plan on spending the second half of 2009 and all of 2010 on the road. A European tour has already been announced and a full North American headlining tour will be announced shortly. Tour dates can be found on the group’s official website www.backstreetboys.com.

Want some Backstreet Boys now? Check out Amazon.com.

TV Review: Merlin S1, Episode 2: “Valiant”

Larissa Leave a comment

merlin_valient

Buy MERLIN – Series 1 Vol. 1 (BBC Series) [NON-USA Format / Import / Region 2 / PAL] on Amazon || Watch on Hulu.

Riding the coattails of the very strong pilot episode “The Dragon’s Call,” “Valiant” continued to pull its audience into the world of medieval times and magic. Although there was a scene present in this episode that caused me to cringe horribly, this was another tale that had me cheering.

My [rating:4]

(Spoilers After the Jump)

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Jackson’s Halo movie tie-in game dead along with movie.

Scott Williamson Leave a comment

Today, Ars Technica reported that Peter Jackson’s proposed video game project, “Halo: Chronicles”, died with the demise of the proposed movie. Why, you ask? Inter-studio politics: “That fell apart because of internal politics at Fox and Universal,” the article quoted Jackson.

Read: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/07/peter-jacksons-halo-game-dead-in-the-water.ars

Another cool idea, killed by the studios…