Archive for the ‘Entertainment’ Category

Will Sesame Street Return to Video Games?

Friday, November 20th, 2009

If the names Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch and The Count don’t bring back memories that make you smile, you must have missed out on Sesame Street, the beloved children’s show. Either that or you didn’t have a TV when you were a child.

Created by the Sesame Workshop (or more fondly remembered as the Children’s Television Workshop) back in 1969, the show was built on the idea that television — long believed to be an entertainment device — could actually serve as an educational tool. Within years, the show would become a worldwide cultural phenomenon. It would be lauded for its ability to teach young people the basics of reading and mathematics, and promote good values among children.

The belief, as author Malcolm Gladwell wrote about was that “if you could hold the attention of a child, you can educate them.” That theory seems to hold water and a big part of the massive popularity of Sesame Street has been the characters in the show. Sesame Street is famous for the Muppets characters on the show, all created by Jim Henson. These puppets are a large part of the success of Sesame Street and characters such as Ernie, Bert, Grover, Kermit the Frog and more all have their own place in the collective memories of people everywhere.

This popularity has led to spin-off merchandising. Toys, clothes, lunch boxes, shoes and other accoutrement for children were all licensed and made money. This even extended to the world of video games, beginning with games such as Big Bird’s Egg Catch for the Atari 2600, and continued with Sesame Street: Big Bird’s Hide and Speak for the Nintendo Entertainment System, and Elmo’s Number Journey for the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo 64.

Formerly an entertainment medium for children, the video games industry now caters to older demographics. In recent times, video games were said to carry a certain social stigma, following high-profile media discussions about them exposing children to violence, sex and other mature themes. Games for children have floundered critically, not just because of the more mature tastes of players, but also because most games for children have been criticized as inferior gaming experiences.

As Sesame Street celebrates its 40th Anniversary, will the beloved children’s show make a return to the video game world by December 2009? Predicto.com’s users have weighed in and, as of today, 68% of respondents have voted with a resounding Yes!

What do you think? Visit Predicto.com, speak up and be part of the Predicto Mobile community now!


Will Janet Sing a Michael Jackson Song at the AMAs?

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Janet JacksonJanet Jackson is opening the American Music Awards, which air this Sunday. After wowing TV audiences with her tribute to her late brother Michael at the MTV Video Music Awards, the press surrounding her performance continues to build.

In anticipation of the big event, it has been revealed that Jackson will be doing an 8-minute medley of her biggest hits. This makes sense given that her Number Ones disc (or more appropriately, discs) drops a week prior to the show.

Everyone is surely excited to her chant her famous “No my first name ain’t baby, it’s Janet, Ms. Jackson if you’re nasty” line, but we’re all wondering if she might add one of Michael’s legendary cuts to her itinerary.

A star in her own right, Janet is one of the few people who could effortlessly deliver the caliber of performance we’re used to seeing from Michael. Who hasn’t dreamed of Janet busting out a moonwalk à la “Billie Jean” or maybe getting a global groove courtesy of “Black or White”?

Do you think she will sing and dance to one of her brother’s timeless songs during her consolidated performance of hits? 90% of voting Predicto Mobile members say yes!

See what opinionated Predicto players had to say about this hot topic!

Will you be tuning in to see what happens? Make sure you visit Predicto.com and registering for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed.

Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!


Will Mya Win Dancing with the Stars?

Friday, October 30th, 2009

MyaR&B singer Mya had a slew of hits in the late ’90s and early ’00s, most notably “Case of the Ex” and “Lady Marmalade,” her collaboration with Pink, Lil Kim and Christina Aguilera. These days, though, she’s better known for her moves on Dancing with the Stars.

Having received tap lessons from the renowned Savion Glover, Mya is no stranger to intricate choreography. However, she’s faced her fair share of challenges on the hit ABC show, jiving to the jitterbug and working it out during the waltz — a far cry from the hip-hop and tap styles she’s used to.

That hasn’t deterred her from being one of the show’s top contenders, usually ranking in one of the top two spots after each competition. The fans also seem to love Mya, as there are only seven contestants left in the competition.

Will she win this season’s edition of Dancing with the Stars? 57% of voting Predicto Mobile members say yes!

See what they had to say about the starlet going the distance!

What do you think is going to happen? Visit Predicto.com to register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed.

Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!


Frightful Fun at Blood Manor Tour

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

Just being in New York can be scary enough, so what are the city’s haunted houses like? For a special Halloween episode of Predicto TV, we got a VIP tour (or an RIP tour) of Blood Manor, one of the scariest fright factories around! The crew took a peek inside with Jim Faro, the owner of the place, who introduced us to his cast of costumed creeps and ghouls (all really nice actors, if you want to know).

The makeup and sets are the kind you see in a Hollywood production, and the cast of Blood Manor really seemed to take the job seriously: they want to scare the pants off you. After spending time in the ghostly halls of Blood Manor, we were convinced: this place takes Halloween to a whole new level. The team got the ghoulish group to answer Predicto questions (it was totally hilarious to ask them about Bernie Madoff and David Lettermen)! Check out Episode 47 of Predicto TV now!


A New Album from Rihanna?

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Rihanna“The Wait is Ova.” This cryptic message — posted on Rihanna’s Web site along with the date November 23, 2009 — has everyone trying to guess what exactly it is that we’ve been waiting for from pop’s reigning princess.

There are three likely options. The first: speculation is circulating on the Internet that 11.23.09 will be the release date of a new album from Rihanna. After all, it’s been nearly two and a half years since she put out her classic Good Girl Gone Bad disc, a year and a half since its repackaged re-release and almost a year since the album got a remix makeover. With all of that filler material, fans are salivating for some new material.

Especially if it addresses option No. 2: Rihanna finally speaks out about the Chris Brown incident. The “Umbrella” singer has been tight lipped about the situation, not speaking to paparazzi or even Oprah about what went down back in February and how she’s adjusted since.

Option 3 is, or course, that she does both.

The day before 11/22 the American Music Awards. Though RiRi wasn’t nominated this year, might she be tapped as a performer on the live broadcast? We asked Predicto Mobile members about the possibility and an overwhelming 88% of voters say that yes, she will perform at the AMAs.

“I like Rihanna and will be happy to hear her perform,” says Predicto member “ywfz5325.”

“This will bring her to the top of R&B again,” says “bqgh0170.”

“She wants to let everybody know that she is doing OK,” says “mlgo9380.”

“Of course she will, provided Chris isn’t anywhere around,” says “zuau8320.”

Visit Predicto.com to register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed. Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!


Jurassic Park in 3-D?

Monday, October 12th, 2009

jurassic park imageNow that should be enough to make jaws drop. Imagine watching a T-Rex come alive as it gains on you, mouth opening wide with glistening sharp teeth — all in 3-D! One is left to wonder, though: is Jurassic Park is ever going to be released in 3-D?

Since Toy Story’s latest installment is going to be released in 3-D, the prospect of Jurassic Park following suit is prominently playing out in rumors. And with the production of Jurassic Park IV being placed on the back burner due to some tough compromises that were hard to reach, fans are speculating if re-issuing Jurassic Park’s first three installments in 3-D is the only way to go for the Jurassic team to keep the franchise alive.

So, are the producers of Jurassic Park going to give the gigantic franchise a theatrical 3-D treatment by 1/20? Predicto voters so far have voted a paltry no at 24% and a substantial yes at 76%. With all the major films released in 3-D recently, who doesn’t wish that the producers of older hit movies would go through their catalogs and give their masterpieces the treatment fitting for a truly 21st century production?

To sum up how amazing Jurassic Park in 3-D could be, one of our voters, “Ghost7186,” has this to say: Jurassic Park in 3-D would be amazing, I mean dinosaurs coming out and trying to bite you would be the greatest experience ever.” Voter “Usercmzr5593” thinks otherwise, though, stating that while Jurassic Park was a great movie, its producers will probably release the film in 3-D much later.

Yes, many die-hard Jurassic Park fans would love to see this movie re-released in 3-D and there are many acceptable reasons why producers might do so.

One of the reasons could be whether or not the producers decide to give the production of Jurassic Park IV a go. If there were going to be a JP4, and if it were going to be released in 3-D, they could re-issue the first three installments in 3-D prior to the release of JP4.

Remember 12 years ago when Lucas Films re-issued Star Wars episodes IV, V and VI with enhanced digital effects? Lucas Films did so to herald the release of the Star Wars prequels two years after the re-issues.

So, is Jurassic Park going to be re-issued in 3-D by 1/20? Visit Predicto.com and have your say.


Gosselin vs. Grace: Round 2?

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

Jon GosselinPoor Jon Gosselin. Not only has he dealt with the written tongue-lashing via the celebrity gossip magazines and blogs, but now he’s starting to get thrashed on TV, too.

The reality TV dad — who’s best known as the pushover on Jon & Kate Plus 8 — has had his fair share of off-camera antics such as dating younger women, depleting a joint bank account he shares with his wife and attending pool parties in Vegas.

Because of this, everyone seems to be questioning why he’s now threatening to cancel production of the show. Though his children are older and used to the filming, Gosselin claims the show is bad for his children, mostly because he and his soon-to-be-ex-wife are veering toward divorce. As such, he doesn’t want his twins and sextuplets to be on the show anymore. (FYI, TLC sort of let him go by changing the name of the show to Kate Plus 8. Perhaps he was angry that he was angry that the checks would stop coming in?)

All of this was fuel for the fire known as Nancy Grace, the hard-hitting TV personality whose shows revolve around justice and the court system. When the two sat on a panel on The Insider this week, the two traded jabs. Let’s be honest, Grace destroyed the blank-faced Gosselin, as she questioned his romps with his seemingly endless number of girlfriends and contradictory parenting skills.

After a touching meeting, will Gosselin show up as a guest on Grace’s HLN show? 55% of voting Predicto Mobile community members think Jon will go back for a second helping of hurt from the talk show host.

Nancy Grace“He loves the spotlight and if there’s money, then he will not think twice,” says “helj5500.”

“I don’t care for Nancy Grace or Jon Gosselin, and I don’t think he wants to face the critics. He wants everyone to think he’s hen-pecked,” says member “LuvsaKnight.”

“Would you go on her show after she ripped you?” asks “Mr.Mouse169.”

We’re a little eager to see round two of this unbalanced matchup. To find out if the pair steps into the ring for one more bout, visit Predicto.com. There, you can register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with voting, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed! Don’t forget, you can also become a fan of Predicto on Facebook! Sign up today!


Will Madonna and GaGa Duet?

Monday, October 5th, 2009

Madonna Lady GaGaPop culture aficionados got a double dose of glamour on Saturday when Lady GaGa and Madonna shared the stage during a skit on Saturday Night Live.

During the skit “Deep Night Dish,” the duo was introduced by DJ Dynasty Handbag, played by Kenan Thompson. As the divas began to perform, they play fought with each other, starting with Madonna reaching for Lady GaGa’s wig and attempting to pull it off.

The fight continued to the couch, where Thompson did his best to referee the girl fight. He then persuaded the two to kiss each other, à la the Material Girl’s smoochfest with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. Instead of the two pop icons locking lips, DJ Dynasty Handbag interrupted and got kissed by both of them.

The skit looked to be lots of fun and the two seemed to enjoy each other’s company. Will that camaraderie extend to the recording studio? GaGa has said that Madonna is one of her influences and Madge has never been shy about passing the torch to the next generation (remember the kiss and the VMAs).

Nearly 71% of voting Predicto Mobile community members say the pair will collaborate on a song by 1/31.

“I predict it’ll happen and then when the VMA is given to them, RuPaul will interrupt and tell the audience that Cher had one of the best videos ever,” says member “rqhx7049.”

“Heck yeah! Lady is like a Madonna for this millennium anyway! They’re crazy, cutting edge and blur the lines of socially acceptable behavior!” says “Nikiya.”

“One of the best SNL performances in a long time. The skit was good, too. This is a matchup that would be good for both artists,” says “rmvl0448.”

“Madonna would, but just like Britney, it will be a one time thing. And the only good part about the whole thing is Madonna!” says “tcsy8827.”

Will this dynamic duo get into the groove and just dance? With GaGa touring and Madonna promoting her new greatest hits disc, it might be out of the question right now, but who knows what will happen in the coming months? Your best bet is to visit Predicto.com to register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with voting, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed, including on this survey, which you can vote on today!


Who Will Admit to an Affair with David Letterman?

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

David LettermanWith guests such as Madonna and Kim Kardashian blessing the guest couch, you would have thought that the biggest news about this week’s Late Show with David Letterman episodes would focus on the celebrities. Turns out the late-night host is the king of water-cooler gossip.

Letterman took to the airwaves last night to reveal that he had appeared in court to testify about an alleged attempt at extortion for $2 million. The alleged extorter, Robert “Joe” Halderman, is an in-house producer at CBS and the information he threatened to reveal? That Dave had sexual relationships with some of his female staffers throughout the years.

One young lady, Stephanie Birkitt, coincidentally lived with and was in a relationship with Halderman, who basically “outed” her when he obtained diary entries and direct confessions from Birkitt about the relationship. If the money wasn’t paid, Halderman threatened Letterman (through a letter and package combo left in Dave’s car) with releasing the information and ruining his talk show career.

Dave beat Halderman to the punch last night be disclosing everything except a) what was in the package, b) when exactly these relationships took place and c) how many of them there were. Needless to say, everyone is curious and will be watching to see what happens next in this unfolding drama.

We at Predicto wanted to know what you thought. Will any of the women come forward and admit to affairs with Letterman? (It should be reiterated that Birkitt has not officially done so.) 58% of voting members say yes!

“[They’re] probably too embarrassed to say anything unless they are gold-digging opportunists,” says member “dfmx0873.”

“ … What does it matter? It’s none of our business who David Letterman sleeps with,” says “qqir4147.”

“…Letterman, like any other celebrity, gets in trouble anyway. It is human nature,” says “eutd6923.”

The dialogue on this topic is sure to heat up, especially as it revolves around an office romance vs. an abuse of power. You can join the conversation by visiting Predicto.com. Registers for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with voting, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed. Want more Predicto? Then don’t forget to become a fan on Facebook!


Have Janet and JD Gotten Back Together?

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

Janet Jackson Jermaine DupriJanet Jackson has never been one to talk about her love life. We knew about her brief but public marriage to the member of another musical family, James DeBarge of the DeBarge clan, and her very-secret-but-then-public relationship with husband Rene Elizondo. Outside of these two couplings, Janet has really only been linked to Jermaine Dupri, the music mogul who originally headed So So Def Records before landing executive gigs with Virgin and Island Def Jam.

The pair dated for nearly seven years before reportedly calling it quits around the time Jackson’s brother Michael died. But these pictures have everyone asking if the duo has reconnected.

Janet and JD were in Milan for Fashion Week when photogs snapped pics of the couple at Donatella Versace’s after-party. Did they both happen to be in the same place at the same time? Or was there something more … planned taking place?

We asked Predicto Mobile community members if they thought Jackson and Dupri would confirm they are once again dating, and the results are overwhelming. Nearly 86% of voters expect an official “yes, we are” from the two by 12/10.

See what Predicto Mobile community members are saying about this survey?

Want to find out what happens? Then visit Predicto.com to sign up for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with voting (and you can vote on this survey, too), you’ll also receive text updates when the answer is revealed. What better way to stay up to date and have fun? Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, too!