Canon EOS 500D review by The Digital Picture

The Digital Picture have posted their review of the Canon EOS 500D. Quotes from the review, "While not a pro model, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D's image quality is very pro-grade. And for the price, this image quality is a bargain."

You can read the full review HERE.

Refreshment Time

Surrogates Trailer

Blood: The Last Vampire 30 Seconds Japanese Clip

First Look at Shyamalan's The Last Airbender

USA Today has published these first two photos of Noah Ringer as Aang and Dev Patel as Prince Zuko in writer/director M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender. Paramount Pictures will release the big screen adaptation on July 2, 2010.

Source: USA Today

The Abandoned House Part 2

Dark horse Kris Allen wins "American Idol"

Arkansas student Kris Allen won the eighth season of "American Idol" on Wednesday, dealing an unexpected defeat to singing rival Adam Lambert on the most popular U.S. television show.

Allen, 23, who won over audiences with his all-American good looks and by putting his personal spin on popular tunes, appeared shocked as Lambert, a 27-year-old musical theater actor, embraced him after host Ryan Seacrest's announcement.

"It feels good, but Adam deserves this," Allen said. "I don't even know what to feel right now, this is crazy."

A record high of nearly 100 million votes were cast in the finale. The "Idol" win guarantees Allen a recording contract.

A college student and devout Christian from Arkansas, Allen was the more clean-cut of the two finalists.

He often performed with his acoustic guitar, winning praise for rearranging well-known tunes, among them Michael Jackson's "Remember the Time" and Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine."

As recently as last week, Allen was considered a long shot heading into the battle for the top two "Idol" spots, but he wowed the show's judges with his rendition of Kanye West's "Heartless," ousting early favorite Danny Gokey.

Even hours after winning, Allen appeared stunned.

"I felt shocked almost every week that I made it," he told reporters. "To be the American Idol, I'm completely shocked."

Widely considered the frontrunner since early in the season, Lambert dazzled audiences and the show's celebrity judges with his off-the-charts vocal range and dramatic flair.

With his falsetto singing style, black nail polish and daring wardrobe, Lambert earned the nickname "Glambert." Entertainment Weekly magazine even dubbed him "The most exciting 'American Idol' contestant in years."

Backstage, Lambert appeared unfazed by the loss.

"For me it's not really about what happened tonight, it's about tomorrow," he said.

DARK HORSE

The low-key Allen was often called a dark horse in the competition. On Tuesday night's final performance show, "Idol" judge Simon Cowell admitted that he had doubted whether Allen actually belonged in the finale.

"When your name was announced last week I wasn't sure whether America had made the right choice," Cowell told Allen early in the show. "But I absolutely take all that back now."

Later in the night, Cowell appeared to all but anoint Lambert the winner, calling him a "worldwide star."

Highlights of Wednesday's star-studded finale included a joint performance between Lambert, Allen and surviving members of the rock band Queen. Also, judge Kara DioGuardi ripped off her dress to reveal a bikini in the middle of a singing duel with a former contestant famous for wearing a two-piece.

"American Idol" began as a cheesy summer talent show in 2002 but morphed into a cultural phenomenon that attracts tens of millions of viewers a week to News Corp's Fox network. Ratings have sagged about 7 percent this season, but it remains the nation's top-rated TV show with some 26 million viewers.

"American Idol" has produced true music stars from among its winners and losers, including Grammy winners Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson, who also has won an Oscar.

Via: Yahoo! TV

Panasonic launches worlds first Class 10 SDHC cards

Panasonic is pleased to announce that it will launch new SDHC Memory Cards with Class 10 speed specification in Europe and other markets from the end of May, 2009. Class 10 is a new speed specification standardized by SD Card Association as part of SD Card Specification Ver.3.0 to meet the requirement for higher resolution consecutive shooting and large-sized high definition video shooting.

As an example of sequential writing of 3 frame/sec.(1 frame=3MB), the class10 card enables to write out large amounts of data continuously up until the card is fully written without missing any shots or writing stops. The Panasonic GOLD line series will be the world’s first memory cards* to adopt this new speed class. The new series will be available in the following four models: RP-SDW04G(4GB) / RP-SDW08G(8GB) / RP-SDW16G(16GB) / RP-SDW32G(32GB).

The current Panasonic Class 6 models are highly evaluated in the market for its superior speed performance and high reliability as well as user-friendly features like its memo label. The 32GB high capacity model was awarded the TIPA Award** as Best Imaging Storage Media 2009. The new GOLD line series inherits the advantages of the current Class 6 line with further enhanced speed performance. Its Class 10 speed capability as well as maximum speed of 22MB/s combined with intelligent controller is ideal for large volume data recording and transmission in high definition applications. The new cards also allows for high-speed data transfer from a card to a PC. A large volume of AVCHD Full HD video data fully written on a new Gold card can be transferred to a PC approx. 40% faster compared to the current Class 4 card.

Panasonic will also introduce a SILVER line series with Class 4 speed specification and maximum speed of up to 20MB/s, ideal for high definition video recording. All the new models will come with eco-friendly packages as the plastic used in previous packaging has been reduced by 90%.

* As of 21st May 2009

** TIPA – Technical Image Press Association

Pentax launches two weather resistant lenses

Along with the K-7 DSLR, Pentax has launched the smc PENTAX-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6AL WR and smc PENTAX-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6ED WR weather-resistant lenses. Treated with Super-Protect (SP) coating for dust resistance and designed with environmental sealing, both the lenses complement the latest Pentax weather-resistant DSLRs. Priced at $199.95 USD for the DA 18-55mm and $249.95 USD for the DA 50-200mm, the lenses will start shipping in July 2009.

Click HERE for press release.

Pentax K-7 Announced

Pentax has announced the K-7 mid-level DSLR, based around an updated version of the Pentax/Samsung 14.6 MP CMOS sensor. The specifications - magnesium alloy body, 5.2 fps shooting, 720p HD video, 920,000 dot LCD - will not come as a surprise to the Pentax faithful, following comprehensive leaking of its details. However, we've been lucky enough to get hold of a pre-production camera to bring you a detailed hands-on preview of the K-7.

The K-7 will be available in July for a recommended selling price of $1299.95 with the optional D-BG4 battery grip available at the same time for $229.95.

Click HERE for the press release and HERE for DPReview hands-on preview.

Evangelion 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance Trailer

Thank to Yamada for the info.

The Abandoned Corridor

Peraduan Fotografi Wajah-Wajah Abadi Anjuran Persatuan Jurufoto Brunei Darussalam

You can download the form at www.bruneiphotographerpjbd.org.

BIBD Cabaran Anak Brunei 2009

Article taken from Borneo Bulletin Online

'BIBD Cabaran' for youth impetus

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) held a press conference yesterday to brief the media on its first ever upcoming sports challenge for youths in Brunei, called BIBD Cabaran.

This year's theme will be 'Anak Brunei 2009' and is opened to the first 60 teams that register before May 31, 2009.

Present to brief the media at the BIBD branch in Kiulap, Kompleks Setia Kenangan, was Hjh Nurul Akmar Hj Jaafar who is the Head of Sales and Distribution Channel at the Consumer Banking Division and also BIBD's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team-member Dona Eldeyana Johan.

BIBD Cabaran will take place on two Sundays - June 14 and 21. The preliminary round will start on June 14 with the final round to be held on June 21.

According to Dona Eldeyana, the challenge is targeted at young individuals who are dynamic, energetic, enduring and up to challenges. The challenges will be based on a fusion of various games, testing both the mental and physical strength of the teams.

The objectives of BIBD Cabaran are to promote youths as the main impetus and to conserve Brunei tradition and appreciation of the natural environment. It also aims to position the youth in Brunei as a dynamic asset for the country and its future.

Most of the games and ideas of activities are organised and contributed by BIBD's staff members, Hjh Nurul Akmar said.

BIBD Cabaran is opened to all Brunei citizens and permanent residents aged between 18 and 30. Each team is required to have four members.

Some $25,000 worth of prizes stand to be won for the first five winners.

The criteria taken in to account to qualify as an entry are: at least two members must have an account with BIBD; a team must consist of at least one male and female; at least one member must have a valid driving licence and one member is able to swim.

The challenge will be conducted 10 km within the area of Bandar Seri Begawan and specific areas will be revealed to teams during full registration on June 7 at the BIBD headquarters in the capital. Teams that are deemed to be eligible will be contacted.

The organising team at BIBD said it promises to be a thrilling experience where participants will realise their potential and most of all, be a part of the fun-filled event.

Registration is now open and all interested teams have to do is complete and submit the enrolment form at www.bibd.com.bn. Upon completion of the registration form, teams may send it directly via email to cabaran@bibd.com.bn. Registration fee of $15 and $20 will apply to BIBD accountholder and non-accountholder respectively.

In Arsene We Trust...

The calls for Arsene Wenger's head from some Arsenal fans after four trophyless seasons are as boneheaded as they are barking. As ignorant as they are impetuous, and as mad as they are moronic.

Wenger has obviously made mistakes. His lack of love for players over 30 is baffling, as is his seeming inability to sort out his defence. And the less said about Franny Jeffers the better.

But you could also quiz Alex Ferguson on why he once considered Roy Carroll a worthy successor to Peter Schmeichel, and spent £28 million on Juan Sebastian Veron. The point is, all managers make mistakes.

Third and fourth place finishes in the Premier League and 'only' reaching the Champions League semi-finals might not represent the glut of silverware Gooners desire.

But imagine what would happen with a manager with less ability to unearth gems for minimal cost, less authority to stand up to the board, and without a reputation that makes Arsenal the preferred destination for youngsters around the world.

Do you honestly think they would stay in the Big Four for long? Could they really stay ahead of a youthfully exuberant Aston Villa, a superbly disciplined Everton and a filthy, filthy, FILTHY rich Manchester City?

Wenger has not yet discovered the new Patrick Vieira, but has anyone? ED would suggest there is not a player in his early 20s anywhere in the world with the Frenchman's combination of physical strength, technique and intelligence.

And if Vieira mark II ever does appear, ED would back Wenger above every other manager in the game to bring him to his club. It is not Arsenal who attract outstanding youngsters, it is Wenger.

If Arsenal fans really want to see how they would get on without him, there are plenty of clubs willing to take him off their hands.

Via: Early Doors

Gamer Trailer

9 - Trailer

The New Twilight Saga: New Moon Poster

The Abandoned House

Football or dancing?

India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has sought an immediate release from his club, accusing it of humiliating him after they claimed he appeared more keen to participate in a television dance show than play in the I-League. 

Mohun Bagan, India's oldest soccer club, wrote to Bhutia last week asking him to explain why he was skipping training sessions to appear on the celebrity-based dancing show on television and accused him of lacking commitment during the league season.

The diminutive striker, the face of Indian soccer, in turn blamed the club for leaking contents of the letter to the media.

"I no longer have any desire to play for Mohun Bagan after all that has happened. It is good, both for me and the club, to part ways in a peaceful way," The Times of India quoted him as saying.

"After playing for 17-18 years, I don't need to prove my commitment. From day one, the club was aware of my schedules for the dance programme. 

"I am extremely disappointed with this attempt to make me the scapegoat...I have been humiliated and now I feel no urge to play for the green and maroons."

err... LoL? ahak...

Criticism of Wenger 'disgraceful'

Shareholders who criticised Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and his players at a meeting were "out of order", according to Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood.

In the wake of a Champions League semi-final mauling by Manchester United which confirmed a fourth trophy-less season for the north Londoners, the French boss suffered the wrath of some fans during the forum at the Emirates Stadium on May 14.

"Frankly, some of the questions were quite disgraceful," he said.

"There you have the most successful manager in our history and two or three of the shareholders made the most negative and somewhat hostile and sarcastic comments, which I think were completely out of order."

Wenger's youngsters were accused of lacking backbone, defender Mikael Silvestre was branded "geriatric" and striker Emmanuel Adebayor also came in for fierce personal criticism over his performances this term.

Reports this week have suggested Wenger could be tempted by a move to Real Madrid after he refused to rule out the possibility when quizzed on French television this week.

Hill-Wood added: "I was very upset by the questions, I have to say. We, and he, kindly agreed to have this meeting and whether we have another one is a moot point.

"Arsene was very diplomatic and honest in his answers and deserves great credit for that. But I wouldn't have been anything like as polite if they had asked me."

Via: Yahoo! Sport

Sherlock Holmes Trailer

Tokyo Mater

Guitar Hero 5 Coming this Fall

Activision just announced that Guitar Hero 5 will be coming to the Xbox, PlayStation 3, and Wii in Fall of 2009. There will also be a version for the PS2, developed by Budcat. This new Guitar Hero has some bangin' new features that separate it from the herd, including the awesome new ability to customize what instruments play in your rock band. Personally, I'm looking forward to doing a four-microphone choir version of Tom Sawyer.

Guitar Hero 5 will also have new gaming modes, including Party Play and RockFest. Activision says they want fans to be able to "tailor the Guitar Hero experience to match their personal style and interests." Which probably means that we'll have a lot more control over how the game measures our success this time around.

This new game features a set list composed of songs from 85 different bands. Kings of Leon, The Rolling Stones, the White Stripes, Santana, Vampire Weekend, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan will all have songs in Guitar Hero 5. In addition, Activision promises that more than 25 artists will be making their video game debut with this edition of Guitar Hero.

Giving players more options looks like the focus of this new Guitar Hero. Party Play will let players jump in and out of games "seamlessly." Rockfest will be a "comprehensive competitive experience" with head-to-head competition modes available for both online and offline duels. Another new feature are the Band Moments, which is where the whole band gets a point boost for nailing certain note streams or playing through songs in a specific way.

It sounds like Activision has gone out of their way to make Guitar Hero 5 different from their previous entrants to the market. This Fall, we'll know if it's different enough to give Guitar Hero the edge over Rock Band once and for all.

Via: Activision

Activision Officially Announces Tony Hawk: Ride Skate Board Controller

The next Tony Hawk skateboard game called Tony Hawk: Ride will introduce a custom skateboard controller to gamers. The controller looks like a black plastic skateboard with buttons on the side. The controller is motion sensing.

Inside the skateboard controller are different accelerometers and motion sensors that turn the player's movements on the controller into direction and trick control on the TV. The game will be offered on the Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles. The first hands on looks at the game will be given at E3.

Via: Tony Hawk: Ride