Archive for the ‘Media’ Category

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Wedding Bells for Oprah?

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

It’s official: Oprah Winfrey will end her long-running talk show in September 2011.

“Twenty-five years feels right in my bones and it feels right in my spirit,” the Queen of Day Time said on Friday. “It’s the perfect number — the exact right time. So I hope that you will take this 18-month ride with me right through to the final show.”

O’s built a billion-dollar empire that includes a magazine, movies and television projects and has been fueled by years of tears and celebrity name shouting. Having conquered broadcast and syndication, Winfrey now has her sites set on OWN, The Oprah Winfrey Network, which is a cable channel that will launch in 2011.

Though she’ll still be busy, we speculate that without the day-to-day filming of her eponymous show that she’ll need something — or someone — to help occupy her time.

Will this be the moment in history when the 55-year-old personality finally weds her long-time beau, Steadman? Of the thousands of voting Predicto Mobile players, 56% of them say no!

“She is the world’s richest woman. She could be satisfied with her value and just wants to relax or take a break. I don’t think she is done publicly,” says member “uwtk6566.”

“Maybe Steadman didn’t want to marry her until she quit the show. Now that that’s almost over, Oprah might be ready to commit herself to something other then fame,” says “bift6651.”

“Oprah and Steadman had a chance to get married. It has nothing to do with the show! She does not want to give him her money,” says “lfzp7531.”

“I can’t see hosting her show as preventing her from marrying if she wanted to. Ending her show wouldn’t make the wedding less of a media target,” says “idjp6724.”

Do you think there will be wedding bells in Oprah’s future? You can find out by visiting 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!

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Posted in Celeb Gossip, Media | No Comments »

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!

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Posted in Entertainment, Media, pop culture | No Comments »

Predicto Cares: Texting While Driving

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Texting While DrivingWhen operating a two-ton machine, how important is it for the operator to focus all of their attention on the task at hand? Most people would say extremely, yet every day, drivers take unnecessary risks as they text while driving.

Texting is the preferred method of communication for many of us in this mobile age, but it requires a great deal of attention to convey the appropriate electronic message. This often means sideways looks at that cell phone to make sure everything is spelled right and punctuated properly, and these takes divert attention away from busy city streets and freeways.

Think you have an issue with texting? Admitting it is the first step, followed by the acceptance that non-distracted driving is better driving for you and those with whom you share the road. Find yourself texting at a specific intersection or “safe” stretch? Take a different route to avoid falling into the routine.

You can also limit your text plan so that you have to use your messaging service more sparingly. You can also designate your car as a text-free zone or upgrade to a wireless device that converts your messages. (An earpiece is also a good way to avoid texting and driving. Instead, you can carry on a conversation the old-fashioned way.)

Though these may take some time to integrate, find support with your friends and family who will enforce your newfound rules. Have them be the “designated texter” should a message require an immediate response.

In this day and age, we’ve all gotten used to the instant gratification of electronic communication, but we want to encourage you to not let it dominate your life in a way that puts you in danger. Sure, we all might think we can handle texting and driving, but how many of us have successfully accomplished this feat without a swerve or slam on the brakes? Be safe and text responsibly.

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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!

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Predicto TV Walks the High Line

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Now a recently-opened pedestrian park, the High Line was actually built in the 1930s to keep trains high above the traffic of Manhattan’s industrial district. After becoming inactive, the historic structure was under threat of demolition when the community-based Friends of the High Line formed in 1999. This non-profit group has worked with the City of New York and an exclusive design team to create a gorgeous esplanade.

The High Line also provided a sumptuous surrounding for Predicto TV’s latest break from the red carpets. We spent an afternoon strolling and stopping to talk to New Yorkers and visitors from all over the U.S., and found out just what people think about the hottest topics that have everyone talking in the Predicto mobile community. Check out Episode 45 of Predicto TV now!

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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.

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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!

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Posted in Celeb Gossip, Entertainment, Media, scandal | No Comments »

After the MTV Fiasco, will Kanye Skip His Leno Performance?

Monday, September 14th, 2009

Kanye West Taylor Swift
The MTV Video Music Awards are a known hotspot for controversy. This year’s event was no exception, and neither was its igniter: Kanye West.

After an electrifying tribute to Michael Jackson by various dancers and Janet Jackson, the awards started to make their way out to their soon-to-be owners, specifically the one for Best Female Video.

One of the contenders was Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It),” which has achieved iconic video status, but the category’s winner was Taylor Swift’s “You Belong to Me.” Once Swift began her acceptance speech, West took to the stage and took the microphone from her. He recognized that Taylor’s work was good, but then proceeded to say that Beyoncé’s video was one of the best of the decade. Swift looked heartbroken in the background, while Beyoncé looked embarrassed.

Kanyeezy was booed and it wasn’t long before producers kicked him out of the awards with girlfriend Amber Rose in tow.

Many attendees and celebrities took to their Twitter accounts blasting Kanye’s behavior. Everyone from rapper Pitbull to former American Idol Kelly Clarkson seemed to be on Team Taylor.

In a classy move, Beyoncé, whose “Single Ladies” won Video of the Year, expressed how excited she was to win her first VMA with Destiny’s Child when she was 17. After expressing how important that moment was to her, she invited Swift back to the stage so that she could finish her speech.

Since then, Kanye continues to be the most hated man in America. Given that he’s set to perform on Jay Leno’s new prime-time show tonight with Jay-Z and Rihanna, Predicto wondered: will he skip out on the show due to the VMA fiasco? 74% say no and expect Kanye to make his scheduled performance.

“Just because Kanye told Taylor off doesn’t mean he’s not going to do the hottest TV show with a legend like Jay-Z,” says member “rxfm2252.”

“If he skips out it will only show that he was totally wrong in what he said. It would be like admitting guilt,” says “warpony75.”

“I think Mr. West ticked off a lot of people at the show and should apologize to them tonight,” says “pxbo7193.”

“I want to challenge Kanye to a fistfight for being disrespectful to the entire entertainment industry by being a punk for real,” says “kqnc9334.”

Yowza! Let’s not get into any fights over this. After all, as host Russell Brand said, last night was about love. Maybe not everyone practiced it in a way that everyone else agrees with, but we speculate that TV ratings, album sales and “boos” will let Kanye know how folks feel about this situation in the long run.

Do you want to vote on this survey? Are you curious to know what happens? Satisfy both urges by visiting Predicto.com. Once you are registered, you can join in the fun of predicting what will happen in the latest news, sports, pop culture and entertainment events. Along with texting in your comments for others to read, you’ll receive news updates when your voted-upon surveys develop new information.

Sign up today! And to get more Predicto, become a fan on Facebook!

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Posted in Celeb Gossip, Entertainment, Media, music | No Comments »

Is Up Flying to a “Best Picture” Oscar Win?

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

Disney predicto picHave you seen the latest Pixar movie, Up? Or maybe the question should be: Who hasn’t seen it yet? The 10th in a string of critical and commercial successes by Pixar and Walt Disney has taken home more than $300 million in its worldwide run.

With overwhelming critical support, the movie has been praised as one of the finest animated films ever made. There are even rumors that the film may already be in the running for “Best Picture” at the 2010 Academy Awards.

To understand this statement’s gravity, one must remember that there has not been an animated film even so much as nominated for an Oscar since 1991’s Beauty and the Beast. The Disney classic lost out only to the Sir Anthony Hopkins-fueled The Silence of the Lambs. Historically, the Oscars have always been slanted toward historical fiction pieces, so much so that animated films have never fared well.

Recent movements, however, just might change that. In particular, there are plans to expand the nomination pool for “Best Picture” to include 10 feature films. This move was announced in June in order to honor other films that are nominated, but do not fit into the cut of the top five.

This move was also seen as a way to allow what insiders call Oscar snubs, like last year’s WALL-E and The Dark Knight to be recognized as exceptional films, along with the Slumdog Millionaires of the entertainment world.

With an expanded lineup of “Best Picture” nominees, Up is already looking to be a good favorite to make it to the 10 nods for 2010. The question that remains is: Will it happen?

Before the film even gets to the Oscar nomination and voting stages, Predicto took the initiative to ask its community. After votes were collected, a very strong response by fans of Up say yes, the film will be nominated for “Best Picture,” the first animated film to do so in nearly two decades.

Predicto subscriber “Userkhzk1981” welcomed the change and Up being nominated. “Userkhzk1981” believed that it could definitely be there among the 10, adding that “animated movies should have been included from the start.”

Enthusiastic response is an understatement for “therealmrsbyrd1,” who responded with “That would be good because it’s a pretty awesome movie.”

“Userhxkm0560,” on the other hand, was much more skeptical, dismissing the idea by saying that “there’s only a couple good animated films and that’s not one of them.”

What do you think? Log on to Predicto.com and take the chance to speak up. You may even win fun prizes while you’re at it. Go on and join the Predicto rush today!

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Posted in Entertainment, Media, pop culture | No Comments »

Who Will Replace Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America?

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

Diane SawyerThe anchor chair at World News Tonight will be seeing some new blood in the form of a familiar face. ABC announced today that Good Morning America’s Diane Sawyer will be replacing a retiring Charles Gibson as the show’s anchor at the beginning of 2010.

Since those who fill these seats rarely give them up, this is a big deal, and likely exciting to Sawyer. When Peter Jennings died in 2005, Elizabeth Vargas and Bob Woodruff passed over Sawyer, and when the two of them stepped down for individual reasons, Sawyer was again passed over by Gibson. Anchoring the newscast will make her only the second woman in the industry to hold down sole duties in the position, behind Katie Couric.

Having been a regular co-host on GMA for a decade has made her quite the staple of the show, but someone will likely have to fill her shoes so that the other co-hosts aren’t stretched to thin. Will ABC announce her replacement by 12/1? Of the voting Predicto members, 86% say yes.

See what they had to say about finding Sawyer’s replacement here.

Visit Predicto.com today to join one of the fastest-growing mobile/online communities. In addition to predicting what will happen with the latest news, sports, pop culture and entertainment events, you can also express your opinion by texting comments. You’ll also get news updates when voted-upon surveys develop new information. Sign up today … and become a fan of Predicto on Facebook!

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Posted in Entertainment, Media | 3 Comments »

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