Warner Bros. Delays Dark Knight Piracy for 38 Hours, Deems it Success [The Dark
Posted by: admin in Super GadgetsWarner Bros. Delays Dark Knight Piracy for 38 Hours, Deems it Success [The Dark Knight]
Warner Bros. didn’t want to lose one penny off of the precious early box office gross for The Dark Knight (one that traditionally favors Hollywood in the split over movie theaters), so they reportedly spent 6 months developing an anti-piracy plan to keep the film off filesharing sites for as long as possible. And through a highly regimented flow of tracking and distribution that included staggering reel delivery to individual theaters (so that no one had the entire film for too long), Warner Bros. was able to delay online piracy for a whole 38 hours. Their president of distribution explains why this was considered a success:
One of the reasons why it’s so important to try to protect the first weekend is that it prevents the pirate supply chain from starting. A day or two becomes really, really significant. You’ve delayed disc manufacturing that then delays distribution, which then delays those discs from ending up on street corners for sale.
But while Warner Bros. is high fiving that they defeated the web, maybe the executives should learn a different lesson about creating $158.4 million weekend openings—namely by making good movies and tailoring them for the massive screen experience. [LATimes]
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I ripped a sick backside fakie 360 ollie and shotgunned a Mountain Dew when I saw this $179 X-Games skateboard shelf and iPod stereo this day. Then I cranked some All American Rejects just for good measure and sighed heavily. The sounds of pure emo moods spewed forth from the player’s two 5″ speakers, and I quickly fired off an abbreviated text message to my friend sitting on the sofa next to me about how much I hated my parents and materialism. My vial of midnight black hair dye vibrated with barely contained malice for our consumer society on the skateboard shelf above. It was just another Sunday. [
With gas prices approaching “damn, I’m going to have to start walking more” levels here in the Says, everyone’s doing their part to increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption, and that includes the genius farm MIT. The institute already produces 80% of its own energy, courtesy of its on campus “cogeneration plant,” but a few students have found a way to make the system even more self-sufficient using a new thermoelectric prototype. The great thing is the device has the potential for applications beyond the walls of MIT, and already the students are examining ways to apply it to the home heating industry in general.
We’re not sure if Brando’s version of the external iPhone battery pack bests the 
The 
It seems like a distant memory now, but there was a time I could walk out of my house without a cellphone and never give it a second thought. As the years have gone by I have found myself growing increasingly attached to my phone. To be perfectly honest, I would rather not be bothered with phone calls and emails when I’m out—so why the hell do I bring my damn phone with me when I’m riding on a mountain bike trail? Seriously, it’s unhealthy. So, I’ve to ask—are you like me? Do you feel naked without your cellphone?
This video is some sort of really strange new attempt at going viral sponsored by Samsung, pitching the 
Nothing puts a damper on summertime activities quite like an infestation of pests. The warm weather brings out all kinds of creepy-crawlies, and getting the upper hand on them is no simple task. There are plenty of traditional methods of handling the situation, but they all lack one key element—fun. Indeed, a twisted type of pleasure can be derived from exterminating these pests if you have the right tools. So arm yourself with the following gadgets and enjoy some sick summertime fun.
Bug Net Launcher Gun: Just pull the trigger and four darts will shoot out carrying a net for capturing bugs. Available for $20. [
Bug Zapper Tennis Racket: Fry those pesky insects and work on your backhand at the same time. Just two AA batteries will provide enough juice to electrocute the tiny suckers on contact. Available for $10. [
Delete Key Flyswatter: It’s old school, but any nerd can appreciate this method. Available for $8. [
Electronic Venus Fly Trap: Bait is hidden inside the mouth of the trap, which is fitted with two sensors that quickly snap the jaws shut when a fly is detected. After the deed is done, the jaws reopen and the trap emits a satisfied burp. Available for around $40. [
Talking Bug Zapper: This inhumanely hysterical twist on the old-fashioned bug zapper adds one of 15 phrases including “that’s gonna leave a mark,” and “goodbye cruel world!” when the bugs come in contact with the grid. It’s probably more annoying than anything else, but it’s cheap at only $20. [
Electric Roach Motel: This tiny DIY project can generate 10 pulses at 400 volts per second using a 9 volt battery and a PIC12F683 with a switchable clock speed. That will fry a roach up good. However, it is probably not a good idea to have around if you have dogs, small kids or gigantic, clumsy feet. [
Lego Mousetrap: Mice are not usually a major problem in the summertime, but when the weather starts getting cooler they have the ability to be a real nuisance. Fortunately, you can put your love of 
Watch a Bug: It is supposed to be educational, but the bottom line is that you are holding a bug hostage in a little prison attached to your wrist. Whether it lives or dies a slow, agonizing death is up to you. Available for $5. [
Mosquito Spring-Loaded Bear Trap: Okay, this mini mosquito bear trap probably won’t work, but if it ever did that would be a hunting tale for the ages. Available for $4. [
Pest Decide: The device will draw in bugs using a set of UV LEDs, but which side will they select? The blue light of Heaven or the red light of Hell? Either way, they still get zapped. Now that is cold. Available for around $28. [
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