Filed under: Editor's Picks, Celebrities, Top Lists, MySpace, Slideshows It seems that a boatload of celebrities, whether yesterday's star or today's heartthrob, have embraced the leanings of twenty-first century pop culture and started a blog. What's exceptional about these online writings by the famous is that they, like all good blogs, run the gamut of subject matter. Some are diaries or journals, others support a cause, while still others offer up a new mode of artistic expression or a way to reach out to fans. We've carefully mined the trove of celebrity blogs on the Web to bring you the most popular, the most profound, the most inspiring, or simply the most bizarre. In other words, here are the best celebrity blogs you'll find today. Rosie O'DonnellEnglish majors and Walt Whitman die-hards might experience a migraine when choking through O'Donnell's attempts at poetic profundity, but this actress and comedian wins big points for her innovative and interactive blog, a forum she updates virtually daily and sincerely. Webcam responses to fan e-mails are the norm, in addition to a good dose of zesty humor in almost every post. She does write, too, even if some of it is painful. Whatever you do, just don't expect her not to diss 'The View' every now and again. Next >>  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Cell Phones, Cameras, Computers, iPod, eBay, TV, Green TechIf you're anything like us, you've probably got a house or apartment filled with obsolete gadgets and computer gear. Pretty much your only options until now have been eBay or garbage. Dealing with customers on eBay can be difficult, and shipping large equipment is expensive and inconvenient, while throwing out some of your gadgets is not only wasteful, but may be illegal depending on what you're tossing.According to CNN (which just published a nice roundup on what to do with your old gear), TechForward Inc. is trying to get American consumers used to the idea of temporary ownership. For a small fee -- $9 on an iPod at the time of purchase -- you'll be able to send your gear back to TechForward for cash. Granted, at $40 for a year-old iPod ($20 for 2 years, etc.), you could do better on eBay, but TechForward will provide you with packing materials and pay for shipping and handling. Plus, you don't have to worry about checking feedback or having strangers from CraigsList showing up at your place.New Co. is also trying to get eco-friendly and breathe new life into old gear. The company runs the warranty programs for BestBuy and Wal-Mart, and will be launching ecoNew in those stores in the second quarter of this year. Unlike TechForward, New Co. charges no fee, and no shipping. Instead, you'll deliver your old equipment to a participating outlet and receive store credit for it, though estimated prices weren't available. Some of your dust-gathering gear may not be eligible for ecoNew however. Non-LCD monitors, printers, and cell phones are not eligible for either credit or New's free recycling program.From CNNRelated Links:Most Cell Phones Still End Up In Landfills, Polluting the EnvironmentThe Best in 'Green Gadgets' for 2008Woman Barred From Selling Parts of Her Home on Craigslist Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Video GamesWhile we suggest getting real first aid and CPR training, a story out of Nebraska caught our eye.An avid player whose favorite game, 'America's Army,' has a whole first aid and triage-learning sequence, actually put his in-game skills to use at the scene of a real-life car accident late last year.Coming upon a flipped over SUV, one Paxton Galvanek correctly assessed the injured driver, began treatment of a bad hand wound and went on to evaluate other injuries while his wife dialed 911.America's Army has specific sequences that deal with what to do when treating uncontrolled bleeding, dressing a wound, elevating a wounded limb above the heart, and prioritizing treatment based on the severity of injuries. Galvanek followed these guidelines and apparently did a bang-up job.According to the game's Web site, the Army created "the America's Army game to provide civilians with insights on Soldiering from the barracks to the battlefields."We recommend a weekend furlough in Omaha for Galvanek as reward for his good deed.Interestingly, an actual U.S. Army soldier, with actual medic training, arrived on the scene shortly after Galvanek began treatment, and took over treatment until paramedics arrived. With that, Galvanek was on his way.From Kotaku.com.Related Links:Army Creates Office Dedicated to Video GamesNintendo Wii Rehabilitates Injured Soldiers, Stroke VictimsU.S. Military Goes YouTube Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: ComputersWe knew that Microsoft's customer service can sometime be a little lackluster, but never did we imagine it could be this bad.On January 7, 1998 Brian, or BIC as he goes by on his blog, called up Microsoft tech support with an issue. At the end of the call his issue still wasn't resolved, so the Microsoft rep put a note in the system to call Brian back the next day. Sadly (or hilariously) the tech wasn't paying very close attention, and instead of typing 1/8/98, missed the '9' and entered 1/8/08. So right on cue, 10 years late, Microsoft started calling Brian back at his parents house, where he hasn't lived for years.We realize it was a simple mistake that could happen to anyone, but you'd think the rep would have double-checked the data before picking up the phone.From ConsumeristRelated links:This TV Repair Man Makes House Calls (Over the Internet)Netflix Customer Service Drops E-Mail In Favor of Real PeopleGet Ya Answers at FixYa Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Video GamesGaming news site Evil Avatar reports that ESPN and Major League Gaming are teaming up to bring live coverage of MLG competitions and tournaments. In a move that has upped its standing in the gaming world, ESPN has launched a professional video gaming section on ESPN.com that provides gaming news, player interviews, stats, scores and streamed matches. From a link on the site, gamers can access a specific MLG page. While MLG will host online tournaments, ESPN will report gaming developments from the 2008 MLG Pro Circuit competitions. A number of ESPN platforms, including ESPN360.com, will receive the coverage. For you gamers out there, the partnership has gone a long way in legitimizing pro gaming as a bona-fide competitive activity (sport?). Additionally, watching matches and accessing ubiquitous, no-joke coverage of pro gaming has just become easy and convenient. Now it's just a matter of time, as somehow, somewhere, somebody is making plans for pro gaming fantasy leagues and teams.From Evil AvatarRelated Links:Collapsible Sensor Bar Makes Your Wii More Portable New Sony Playstation Portable Comes With Skype'Guitar Wizard' -- Like 'Guitar Hero' With a Real Guitar Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Car Tech, Green TechIn an effort to keep up with foreign car manufacturers, GM has announced that it hopes to begin production on a Saturn SUV hybrid that will be equipped with a plug-in feature and a Lithium ion battery. Working in tandem with the battery and plug-in technology, the Saturn Vue Green Line automobile will use "a modified version of GM's two-mode hybrid system" to double the fuel economy of any SUV on the market today. The system will rely on the lithium ion energy source for power until the battery drains to a certain level. At that point, the battery will be recharged using the two-mode hybrid system's electronic motors and regenerative braking system. Using the plug-in to charge the battery at home should take four to five hours. Any 110 Volt electrical outlet will do the trick. GM has disclosed that initial testing of the car shows that it can traverse a maximumof ten miles "at low speeds." It will use engine or electric power, or both, to allow it to travel at higher speeds or achieve faster acceleration. The biggest differences between plug-in hybrids and non-plug-ins are that the former offers more battery capacity, the at-home charging feature, as well as an increase in electric-only driving capability.Consumers may find the prospect of buying the plug-in Saturn dubious, considering that GM omitted any mention of a price for the hybrid. Also, what GM hopes and what GM delivers may also be called into question, as 2010 production may be offset by typical delays, especially as it lags behind hybrid-makers like Toyota. From Autoblog Green Via EngadgetRelated Links:GM's New Hydrogen-Powered Car UnveiledGM Prepping Electric Car for 2010Ford Developing 100 MPG Escort Hybrid Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: ComputersWe have a new reigning champion in the competition for the world's cheapest desktop computer. Sears.com is now selling a Mirus-built, Linux-based desktop PC for $285. We know, we know -- what about the OLPC XO or the Wal-Mart Everex Green PC?" ) Well, friends, what makes the Sears Mirus PC cheaper, for a limited time anyway, is a $100 mail-in rebate, making it total out to $185, which is $15 cheaper than the Green PC and $3 cheaper than the XO.The Intel Celeron-based system also comes with 1-gigabyte of memory, giving it significantly more horsepower than anything else out at this price point. The Mirus is part of a larger trend towards low cost, low power, Linux-running systems (Linux is an open-source operating system that's generally more stable than Windows and Mac operating systems). The OLPC XO, the Asus Eee, the Green PC, and the upcoming Intel powered MIDs are all aimed at users who just need typical daily computer functions such as word processing, image and music management, and Web access. Linux already owns the server market (almost every Web site you visit is sitting on a Linux-based server), and is now beginning to make a mark on the low-cost PC market. If things continue along this route, 2008 will be the year that Linux finally becomes a household word.From BetaNewsRelated Links:Best Buy's $200 Black Friday PC and Other Cheap ComputersWal-Mart Gets $200 "Green" PCAre You Ready to Ditch Windows Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: ComputersApple fans are usually easy to spot. Maybe it's the trendy glasses or the messenger bag with the iconic Apple logo stitched on the side. Maybe its the way they cradle their iPhone gently. Maybe it's how they laugh at you every time you mumble something about your PC crashing. This has led to certain ... stereotypes being applied to Mac users, stereotypes largely reinforced by Apple's own advertising. Now those stereotypes have received some (debatable) scientific backing, with a recent personality study given to Macworld attendees showing some revealing findings. The study was given to 7,500 people at the show, and the results depict Mac users as "more liberal, less modest, and more assured of their own superiority than the population at large." The study rated individual personality traits as "high" or"low" depending on the responses. Interestingly the findings show that participants had low modesty and high superiority but also have low self-esteem, an interesting combination that some could say results in a somewhat defensive position. Also interesting that, contrary to other stereotypes, Mac users did not rate high in creativity.We're hoping a similar study is performed at the next Microsoft press event to see just how things compare and give a different perspective on this Mac vs. PC war that has been raging for decades. Any guesses on how PC users would score? We're thinking high in patience and low in bravado.From EngadgetRelated Links: Apple's New, Super-Fast Mac Pro Costs Up to $20000 Emmy Rossum: Actor, Singer, Mac-Addict Own a Mac Laptop Dipped in Gold  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Audio/Video, ComputersIn this week's issue of the New Yorker, there is a profile of the Director of National Intelligence, Mike McConnell (pictured), that reveals some interesting information about his desires to "listen in" on Internet communications in order to protect America's cyberspace. According to McConnell, in order to properly protect the United State's electronic interests the government needs to be able to read all information crossing the Internet.The measures will be hard sell to both the Congress and the American people. Following the controversy surrounding the questionably legal NSA wiretaps, citizens and legislators have become far more aware of the government's ability to pry and abuse domestic intelligence gathering, which has also made us more protective of our privacy.Will McConnell get the broad reaching powers he wants to scan through your E-mails to Aunt Dolly asking for pictures of the new twins? Probably not, but the fact that he would even openly pursue such powers is a somewhat frightening prospect. From Ars TechnicaRelated links:The US Government Wants to Read Your E-Mail -- Without a WarrantFBI Gets Caught Digging Too DeepFBI Wiretap Shut Off Due to Late Payment of Phone Bill Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Cell PhonesThere have been many claims and supposed findings about the impacts of electromagnetic radiation from cell phones and your health. So far, none of these studies have come up with hard proof that shows any real negative link. Now, a new study -- which found that the amount of radiation given off by a cell phone can disrupt your sleep -- is adding a little more gas to the fire, The study, which was conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), showed that exposure to electromagnetic radiation resulted in disturbed sleep patterns, potentially affecting your body's ability to recover from a day of stress. This news is an eye-opening finding for gadget fans who have trouble nodding off at night, especially those who use the alarm clock function on their phones. The study only involved 71 men and women, so we'd like to see some further testing performed with a somewhat larger pool of participants. Nevertheless, you can be sure we will be shutting off our phones before nodding off for the evening -- or maybe just leave them in the other room.From textually.orgRelated Links: French Health Minister Warns Against Excessive Cell Phone Use Energy-Saving Bulbs Causing Migraine Headaches Health Fears Surrounding Wi-Fi Unfounded  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Computers...And the Storm Worm strikes again. Like a computerized Tet Offensive, the team behind the now infamous Storm Worm uses holidays as an excuse to launch attacks on unsuspecting e-mailers. Christmas, New Year's, and now the computer criminals are prepping for an electronic Valentine's Day massacre.The nature of Valentine's Day may make the attack much less effective. New Year's and Christmas are holidays in which people often reach out to family and friends theydon't speak to on a regular basis, where as Valentine's tends to be celebrated privately by couples.The attack is also not very sophisticated and can be easily thwarted by even the least computer savvy of users. The worm presents itself in the form of an e-mail with a Valentine's Day subject and a body consisting of a simple IP address. Clicking on the IP address takes you to a page that displays a heart and the message "your download should begin shortly." If your download doesn't automatically start it instructs you to click a download link and run the file.The attack probably won't be as successful or as widespread as past outbreaks, but some sad lovers are sure to be infected.From Ars TechnicaRelated links:New Malicious MySpace Friends Plant VirusesSneaky New Windows Virus Steals Financial DataiPhone Gets its First Virus Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Audio/Video, Computers, DownloadsIf you need more evidence that everything is moving online, then look no further than 'Mission Praise,' the multi-million selling British hymn book. The entire collection of traditional hymns and newer songs of praise is available online at www.missionpraise.com for an annual subscription fee of £40, or about $79.The collection of over 1,800 songs will be searchable and downloadable, and features lyrics, sheet music, and musical backing tracks. The new service will likely prove popular among some the smaller so-called "mega-churches" and evangelical congregations that often project lyrics on large screens for worshipers to follow.From ReutersRelated Links:Louisiana Town Ditched 666 Area Code Over Religious ConcernsThe Kosher Phone for Orthodox JewsChurch Lures Worshipers with Free iTunes Songs Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Computers, Video GamesOnce the Chinese government gets its mitts on your industry, you're in trouble. Their newest target? Online games.The government is issuing a set of new rules meant to crack down on what it calls "undesirable" elements of online games, mainly MMO-style affairs. All the hysteria stems from fears of growing Internet addiction which, as anyone with a level 60 Night Elf knows all to well, doesn't do a whole lot for productivity. According to an Xinhua news agency, the number of online gamers in China rose 23 percent to 40.17 million last year. Regular subscribers, which accounted for over for over half the players, rose a rather staggering 30 percent.Um, we blame their parents?From ReutersRelated Links:(Sorta) Free MMO Goes LiveBlizzard Working On New Game: 'World of Warcraft' Follow-Up? Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Audio/Video, Computers, Celebrities, TV, YouTubeFor those of you unfamiliar with the Church of Scientology let us give you a very, very abbreviated background. Scientology was started in 1952 by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. The secretive religion has proven to be very popular amongst the Hollywood elite, but has faced allegations that it harasses critics, abuses members trust, and is not a religious organization but a commercial enterprise and a cult.Tom Cruise is one of the organization's most visible and vocal proponents. Not long ago at a ceremony held by the Church of Scientology International (CSI) Tom Cruise was awarded the Freedom Medal of Valor. His wild-eyed video acceptance speech talking about how Scientology holds the answers to everything made its way on to pop culture and gossip blog Gawker. CSI immediately jumped to legal action, as many of its critics would have expected, sending a cease and desist order to Gawker accusing them of violating copyright law by posting the video from the award ceremony.Gawker has so far refused to remove the video, arguing that it was posted in the context of "news reporting and critical commentary" and therefore falls under the fair use doctrine. CSI has yet to respond, but we're pretty sure this isn't over yet. The Church of Scientology is, if anything, determined, as one BBC reporter found out.The entire terrifying video, from fervent introduction and speech by the church's supreme leader David Miscavige, to border line psychotic description of the church by Tom Cruise is available here. And don't worry if they get taken down, we've got copies too.Update:Those videos in the last link were removed as expected. But don't worry as you can see we've already reposted. We're keeping an eye out for black SUVs parked outside of our apartments now.From Boing BoingRelated links:Louisiana Town Ditches 666 Area Code Over Religious ConcernsChurch Lures Worshipers with Free iTunes SongsATM 'Giving Kiosks' Arriving in Churches Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments