Microsoft rolls out Xbox TV platform (AP)

LOS ANGELES ? Microsoft Corp. is rolling out a new interface for its Xbox game console users ? one that allows you to navigate through music, movies, TV shows and games with the wave of your hand or the sound of your voice.

The interface, first demonstrated by CEO Steve Ballmer in September, is set up similarly to Microsoft Corp.'s upcoming Windows 8 operating system with a series of large panes showing content options.

Xbox owners with the Kinect motion controller can swipe through screens by waving their hand in the air. It also responds to direct voice commands, and incorporates Microsoft's search engine, Bing. Windows phone users can control what to watch or hear by tapping on their portable devices.

The interface will be available to Xbox users connected to the Internet via a download on Tuesday.

In a demonstration for The Associated Press, a Microsoft employee demonstrated how saying, clearly, "Xbox. Bing. `Iron Man,' " brought up a selection of movies, TV shows, games and soundtracks related to the title. Saying "Xbox. Show. Movies," brought up places to rent or buy the movie, including Microsoft's Zune store, Wal-Mart's Vudu, Netflix or pay TV channel Epix.

Separate subscriptions are required for services like Netflix, and much of the content also requires being a gold member of Xbox Live, a connected Internet service that costs $60 a year.

Microsoft expects to have pay TV channel partners, including those supplied by Verizon FiOS. There will be no broadcast partners, so fans of the ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox networks will continue to rely on standard set-top boxes or digital rabbit ear antennas for that content.

Microsoft says there have been 57 million Xbox units sold around the world and there are more than 35 million users who have logged on to its Xbox Live service at least once in the last three months. It did not divulge how many Xbox Live users are paying gold members.

Ross Honey, general manager of Xbox Live entertainment and advertising, said around 40 content partners were expected for the platform. Available apps from those partners will roll out gradually over time. Other partners include the British Broadcasting Company, Hulu Plus, Disney's online ESPN3 service, Ultimate Fighting Championship, YouTube and cable giant Comcast Corp.'s Xfinity on-demand subscription service.

Many of the offerings require separate pay TV subscriptions or one-time payments. Honey said that many deals with content providers are still in the works.

"As with any new technology that comes with the entertainment industry, it takes time," he said. "What we have here is a start."

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/personaltech/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111205/ap_on_hi_te/us_microsoft_xbox_tv

harry belafonte batman arkham city weather orlando the stand winston churchill winston churchill arkham city

In Flex We Trust ? Tech Talk Gaming: Does Playstation Have The ...

This Tech may just be the future of gaming, like for real for real, only true nerds even know what a hololdeck is, But IF Playstation has one coming, Everybody Will know, Hit the Jump!!

Ok I?m really hype about this, Sony took a Steadicam, multiple EyeToy cameras, some PlayStation Move controllers, a projection mapping, motion tracking, actors in spandex, oh and giant corny rubber sea monster tentacles, but if it works it works! They plan on using Content rented or purchased from the playstation store to ?Immerse? someone in a whole NEW world!!

See how it?s made:
Not overly produced, but should it prove successful(and I believe it Will!), I?m sure they will ?enhance? it!!

Play

Play

Play

Share on Facebook

Tagged: 3D, Actor, controller, Europe, EyeToy, Funk Flex, IFWT, immersive, InFlexWeTrust.com, Lt. Barclay, Marshmallow Laser Feast, MarshmallowLaserFeast, Move, movie, Playstation, PlayStation Store, PlaystationStore, Projection, props, Rental, sea monster, SeaMonster, Sony, Sony Europe, SonyEurope, Store, Studio Output, StudioOutput, Tat Wza, Tech Talk, Video

Source: http://www.inflexwetrust.com/2011/12/04/tech-talk-gaming-does-playstation-have-the-future-of-gaming-coming/

world series game 1 exotic animals exotic animals scott hall lra lra collegeboard

Braised short ribs

Try this modified 'pressure cooker' technique to make tender braised ribs in less than 2 hours.

Short Ribs? Wow!

Skip to next paragraph Pam Anderson, Sharon Anderson, and Maggy Keet

Veteran cookbook author, Pam Anderson, and daughters, Maggy and Sharon, believe that just about anything worth being part of happens in the kitchen. Each week they share their thoughts about recipes, cooking, eating, and anything that comes with it (which in their world, is just about everything). There are three cooks in their kitchen. Sometimes that?s too many, but usually it?s just right.

Recent posts

Short ribs are hot right now. Apparently the word ?wow? has been used to describe them so many times there?s a whole google category called ?short ribs wow.? I get it. Short ribs are wow in every way ? their rich flavor, succulent texture, their ease in preparation.

If you follow my modified pressure cooker technique, they are done in just 1-1/2 hours or half the usual cooking time. And check out this week?s video, you?ll see how easy they are to make.

So make a batch of short ribs one of these busy holiday weekends. Have some friends over and wait for the ?wows.? Or serve it for Sunday supper knowing you?ve got a heat-and-serve meal ready to go later in the week.

Braised Short Ribs
Serves 6

12 short ribs (about 3-1/2 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and ground black pepper
1 large onion, cut into medium dice
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
3 tablespoons flour
1-1/2 cups each: red wine and chicken broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes

Adjust rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees F. Toss short ribs evenly with oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, heat a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or soup kettle over medium-high heat. Working in 2 batches to avoid overcrowding, add short ribs to hot pan.? Cook each batch, turning only once, until well browned on each side, 5 to 6 minutes.

Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pan. Add onion; saut? until lightly brown and translucent, about five minutes.? Add garlic and thyme; saut? until fragrant, about a minute.? Stir in flour, then wine, followed by chicken broth and tomatoes.? Return short ribs to the pot and bring to a simmer.

Place a sheet of heavy-duty foil over pot. Use a potholder to press down foil so that it touches stew.? Seal foil completely around edges.? Place lid snugly on pot. Place pot in oven and cook until ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, about 1-1/2 hours.

To watch a related video, click here.

The Christian Science Monitor has assembled a diverse group of food bloggers. Our guest bloggers are not employed or directed by The Monitor and the views expressed are the bloggers' own and they are responsible for the content of their blogs and their recipes. All readers are free to make ingredient substitutions to satisfy their dietary preferences, including not using wine (or substituting cooking wine) when a recipe calls for it. To contact us about a blogger, click here.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/UnNPl25sw5A/Braised-short-ribs

voting sharon bialek call of duty elite dragonfly courtney stodden drake take care herman cain accuser

Taylor auction tells story of life and loves

La Peregrina, left, a Natural Pearl, Diamond and Ruby necklace by Cartier, and a pair of Natural Pearl and Diamond ear pendants by Bulgari are on display during a preview of the full Collection of Elizabeth Taylor at Christie's, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 in New York. The collection will be up for auction in person and online, a first for Christie's, from Dec. 13-17. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

La Peregrina, left, a Natural Pearl, Diamond and Ruby necklace by Cartier, and a pair of Natural Pearl and Diamond ear pendants by Bulgari are on display during a preview of the full Collection of Elizabeth Taylor at Christie's, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 in New York. The collection will be up for auction in person and online, a first for Christie's, from Dec. 13-17. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

A Sunflower Yellow Chiffon wedding dress for her first marriage to Richard Burton is on display during a preview of the full Collection of Elizabeth Taylor at Christie's, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 in New York. The collection will be up for auction in person and online, a first for Christie's, from Dec. 13-17. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Clothing, luggage, scarfs and handbags are on display during a preview of the full Collection of Elizabeth Taylor at Christie's, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 in New York. The collection will be up for auction in person and online, a first for Christie's, from Dec. 13-17. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

A white feather evening cape by Chris Levin is on display during a preview of the full Collection of Elizabeth Taylor at Christie's, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 in New York. The collection will be up for auction in person and online, a first for Christie's, from Dec. 13-17. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

NEW YORK (AP) ? From the colorful, couture frocks worn during her two weddings with actor Richard Burton, to the dazzling ruby and diamond Cartier jewelry set, a gift from her third husband, film producer Mike Todd, "The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor" on display at Christie's auction house in New York tells a passionate story, spanning seven husbands and nearly five decades.

"(Through the collection) you can see that all the men were really, really fundamentally in love with her," said Orianne Collins, a jewelry designer and Taylor aficionado who hosted a preview of the exhibition Thursday before it opens to the public on Saturday.

Other tokens from admirers include jewelry and an autographed poster from Taylor's cherished friend, Michael Jackson. The 1987 print is signed "To my true love Elizabeth. I love you forever."

Patrons of the exhibition, which runs through Dec. 12, will certainly flock to one of Taylor's most prized possessions ? a 33.19-carat, emerald cut diamond ring. The estimated worth of the gift Burton gave her in 1968 is $2.5 million to $3.5 million.

Thomas W. Burstein of Christie's said the only time the famous ring left Taylor's hand was when she offered it up to friends to try on. "She really had this notion that the jewelry should be shared and loved by everybody," he said.

One of the most precious items of the collection is a 16th century pear-shaped pearl, the centerpiece of a ruby and diamond necklace designed by Cartier and Taylor herself.

"This is such a rare piece. I compare it to the Hope diamond," Burstein said.

The necklace's estimated worth is $2 million to $3 million.

The exhibition is also a journey through Taylor's evolving fashion sense, from her glamorous red carpet gowns to a chorus line of colorful kaftans and a bevy of beaded Versace jackets. The second floor offers a look at Taylor's vibrant purse and shoe collection, a sea of gold Hermes bags, sequin Chanel clutches and satin Louboutins.

Meredith Etherington-Smith, curator of Taylor's fashion collection, called the exhibit a glimpse into Taylor's "tempestuous, fabulous, technicolor personality that epitomizes gutsy glamour."

The collection will be up for auction both live and online Dec. 13-17. Part of the proceeds will go to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. The beloved actress died March 23 at age 79.

___

Online:

www.christies.com

___

Nicole Evatt covers entertainment for The Associated Press. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NicoleEvatt

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/4e67281c3f754d0696fbfdee0f3f1469/Article_2011-12-01-People-Elizabeth%20Taylor%20Auction/id-e31564c4534845f1b31b151ce3844415

call of duty elite dragonfly courtney stodden drake take care herman cain accuser herman cain accuser election day

H&R Block 2Q loss widens; RSM McGladrey sale done (AP)

NEW YORK ? H&R Block Inc. on Thursday said its fiscal second-quarter loss widened by 30 percent including charges for closing its ExpressTax business and other items.

The nation's largest tax preparer reported a loss of $141.7 million, or 47 cents per share for the three months ended Oct. 31. That compared with 36 cents per share a year earlier.

Excluding the ExpressTax charges and losses from discontinued operations, H&R Block said it lost 38 cents per share.

Analysts expected an adjusted loss of 35 cents per share, on average, according to data provided by FactSet.

Kansas City, Mo.-based Block earlier announced it was selling its RSM McGladrey consulting unit and said the sale closed Wednesday.

The earnings shortfall reflects the shift of RSM revenue to discontinued operations, but Block typically posts a second-quarter loss because most of its revenue comes during the U.S. tax season.

Growth in its Australian tax business helped the quarter's revenue rise 8 percent to $129.2 million, from $119.6 million last year.

Analysts were expecting revenue of $328.9 million for the quarter, but that included revenue from the company's RSM McGladrey business consulting unit.

Block moved its accounting for RSM to discontinued operations after the sale closed. Last year, RSM McGladrey took in revenue of $203.4 million in the fiscal second quarter.

Block's discontinued subprime mortgage unit, formerly called OptionOne but renamed Sand Canyon Corp., set aside $20 million to cover claims from investors who purchased securities backed by mortgages that have since failed.

The number of claims received during the second quarter spiked to $483 million from $21 million a year ago. Sand Canyon reviewed $61 million in claims during the quarter, resulting in incurred losses of $3 million.

While the incurred losses remained in line with prior quarters, the company received more than three times as many claims during the second quarter as it had in the previous four combined. Block CEO Bill Cobb said the increased reserve was "prudent in light of second-quarter activity" and maintained that the unit is financially strong enough to handle all valid claims.

Wall Street has fretted over the potential for big claims payouts, however, fearing Block would have to kick in cash to support Sand Canyon if losses exceed reserves.

The issue has weighed on the stock for some time but didn't ignite concern after hours Thursday.

Block shares lost 26 cents in the late session after ending regular trading up 33 cents, or 2.1 percent, at $16.06.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/business/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111201/ap_on_bi_ge/us_earns_h_r_block

lisfranc injury ronan ronan diane sawyer clay matthews kenny chesney matt kemp

Video: Romney vs. Gingrich

Test mix-up delayed her cancer diagnosis a year

Medical tests can reveal critical information, but sometimes the? test is lost and the doctor and patient never get the results, potentially delaying essential care. That was the case for one Maryland woman whose cancer went untreated for a year.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036697/vp/45498958#45498958

verlander verlander patriots new england patriots justin verlander pepper spraying cop pepper spraying cop

Wayne Gretzky Forces Daughter Paulina To Axe Sexy Twitter (Photos)

Wayne Gretzky Forces Daughter Paulina To Axe Sexy Twitter (Photos)

Wayne Gretzky’s 22-year-old daughter, Paulina, recently deleted her popular Twitter account over the weekend, after her daddy had a strict talk with her! Paulina Gretzky, [...]

Wayne Gretzky Forces Daughter Paulina To Axe Sexy Twitter (Photos) Stupid Celebrities Gossip Stupid Celebrities Gossip News

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/stupidcelebrities/~3/73P4QWUzDpo/

mary did you know philadelphia eagles vince young vince young mindy mccready mindy mccready grammy nominations