Google I/O 2013 Is All About Cleaning Up the Mess and Filling In the Gaps    

       

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Larry Page, Google co-founder and CEO, speaks during the opening keynote at the Google I/O developers' conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco on May 15, 2013

Google I/O 2013 Is All About Cleaning Up the Mess and Filling In the Gaps   

         

Google’s I/O conference keynote was, in many ways, the opposite of what we expected.
Google did not announce any new hardware — no new Nexus 4 phone, upgraded Nexus 7 tablet or new Chromebook — nor did the company reveal a new version of Android. Wilder rumors about an “X Phone” from Motorola and an 11-inch tablet from Samsung did not materialize. (The only semi-new hardware announcement was that of a Samsung Galaxy S4 running stock Android, coming in late June for a cool $650.)
Instead, Google spent about half of its annual developers conference focusing on, well, developers, and the tools they need to make better apps. The rest of the time, Google spent announcing improvements to core Web services, such as Search, Maps and Google+. The biggest new product launch was arguably Google Play Music All Access, a competitor to subscription services like Spotify and Rdio.
In other words, Google was less interested in wowing the crowds with flashy hardware and software news, and more interested in making itself look good.

What’s New for Google Users

Google I/O 2013 Is All About Cleaning Up the Mess and Filling In the Gaps  
Here’s a quick overview of all the new, consumer-facing things that Google announced at the show:
Google Play Game Services: Google’s answer to iOS Game Center and Xbox Live lets users start playing a game on their phones and resume progress on their tablets. It’ll also have achievements, online multiplayer and leaderboards tied to your social circles on Google+. Surprisingly, Google will let developers add its game services to iOS devices and Web-based games, not just Android.
Google Play Music All Access: Google is getting into the subscription-music business, with a service that resembles Spotify and Rdio. For $9.99 per month — or $7.99 per month if you sign up by June 30 — you get millions of streaming tracks on Android devices and Web browsers, along with artist-based radio stations and personalized recommendations. No word on apps for iOS or other platforms.
Maps for Mobile: The smartphone version of Google Maps lends drivers a hand with warnings when a traffic jam pops up, along with a suggested new route. The map view will show major sources of traffic jams as well. Google has also created a new interface for tablets, with an “explore” feature that lets you browse for nearby restaurants, shops, bars and other attractions.
A Big Update for Desktop Maps: The desktop version of Google Maps is getting a major overhaul this summer, with smoother graphics and a focus on discovery. When users search for certain things, like sushi, they’ll see recommendations based on what they or their friends have reviewed. The interface will look a lot slicker, with photos, user reviews, navigation options and other details popping up as you click on each location. You can sign up to preview the new Maps through Google’s website.
New Features for Google+: Google is really hoping you’ll share more on Google+, its two-year-old social network. A new interface resembles Pinterest, with several columns of updates filling the page. For photos, Google+ can pare down your vacation photos by automatically selecting highlights, and it can make photos look better with skin softening, noise reduction and other quick editing tools. Google is also launching a separate Hangouts app for Android and iOS, letting users talk, share photos and jump into video chat.
New Cards for Google Now: Google’s virtual-assistant service will be able to tell you about upcoming TV shows and video games and provide real-time public transit updates in select cities. You can also use voice commands to set reminders on your phone, and Google Now will nudge you at the appropriate time.
Voice Search on the Desktop: While using Google search in Chrome, you’ll be able to start a voice search by saying “O.K., Google.” And just like the mobile app, the desktop version will support conversational searches, so you can say something like “Where’s the nearest pizza place?” followed by “How far is it from here?” Google says this feature will be available soon.
If there’s a common thread between all these improvements, it’s that Google is trying to make all its services stickier. Instead of merely looking something up on Google Maps, maybe you’ll hang out there exploring things for a while. Instead of searching once on Google and clicking some links, you’ll have a back-and-forth voice conversation. You’ll spend more time playing games that are connected to Google and more time listening to music. And maybe you’ll actually use Google+ for once. Doing all these things could make your life easier and more enjoyable — but of course they also allow Google to pursue its business model of learning more about you, and selling more ads.

Reducing Android App Headaches

Google I/O 2013 Is All About Cleaning Up the Mess and Filling In the Gaps   
Google spent a significant chunk of time talking about things that had little to no direct impact on users. For instance, the company unveiled a way for developers to offer beta tests of their apps, and to see how their apps look across multiple screen sizes. (Judging from the hooting and hollering in the room when this feature was announced, it seems long overdue.)
More significantly, the Google Play Store will finally have a section for tablet-optimized apps. This change does affect users, but it also gives developers an incentive to write apps with tablets in mind.
It’s refreshing to see Google offer these kinds of tools for developers, instead of just tacking on new features to Android and hoping the apps will follow. That strategy hasn’t worked in the past, especially for tablet apps. By removing some of the headaches in Android app development, Google may have better luck getting developers to support the platform.
This year’s show is all about polish. Google only wanted to show off the things it does best — slick, Web-based services — while brushing aside its more experimental tendencies. There was no mention of Glass or Google TV during the keynote, and it’s easy to see why: the former is still an experiment, and the latter has been a spectacular flop. Perhaps for the same reason, Google also sidestepped the Android fragmentation issue — better, at least, than offering more false promises to fix it.
If anything, Google was showing off a complete execution of its “more wood behind fewer arrows” strategy. The company isn’t trying new things, but refining old ones. It’s not announcing new hardware, but touting the devices it already has. New hardware and software will come, probably later this year — but only after Google puts spit shine on all its apps and services

Jessie J Is A Wild Child With Big Sean & Dizzee Rascal!! Watch Studio Clip HERE!!

 

 
We’re officially going Wild with excitement!!!
Jessie J took to Twitter recently to announce the first single she’ll be releasing off her second album!
Here’s the tweet:
Jessie J Is A Wild Child With Big Sean & Dizzee Rascal!! Watch Studio Clip HERE!!

YAYY so happy this talented and charitable UK singer and Voice coach is about to release new music!!
We also LOVE the idea of her collaborating with Big Sean and Dizzee Rascal!!!
Her songwriter, Claude Kelly, reports that the album is 98% done, and we can expect something BIG once the finished product is out.
Claude also said:
Jessie J Is A Wild Child With Big Sean & Dizzee Rascal!! Watch Studio Clip HERE!!

“Jessie is doing something that right now would probably be unheard of in that she’s not apologizing for big vocals. It’s a lot of big vocals, a lot of vocal tricks, but still huge pop choruses.”

Lucky for us, we ADORE big vocals AND huge pop choruses!! LOLz!!
You can watch a “nice reintroduction” to her music above!

“Jessie is doing something that right now would probably be unheard of in that she’s not apologizing for big vocals. It’s a lot of big vocals, a lot of vocal tricks, but still huge pop choruses.”

Lucky for us, we ADORE big vocals AND huge pop choruses!! LOLz!!
You can watch a “nice reintroduction” to her music above!

Preakness 2013 undercard stakes preview: A look at the undercard

                             

Rob Carr

The Preakness isn't the only race to bet on at Pimlico today. A thirteen-race card is scheduled for Saturday in Baltimore, with six stakes races prior to the big event.

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Saturday's feature race at Pimlico Race Course, the Preakness Stakes, is scheduled to go to the post at 6:20 p.m. ET. Prior to that time, handicappers and fans have plenty of time to try and pad the old wagering bankroll with an undercard that features the Grade 3 Dupont Distaff, Grade 3 Gallorette Handicap, Grade 3 Maryland Sprint Handicap, and the Grade 2 Dixie Stakes. Let's take a look at the six stakes race leading up to today's Preakness (all times ET):

Preakness 2013 undercard stakes preview: A look at the undercard

Race 6 - Chick Lang Stakes; Post Time: 1:50 p.m.

Six Furlongs, Dirt, Three-year-olds

This is one of those sprint races where it seems every horse in the field wants to run on or just off of the lead during the first half-mile. 2-Zee Bros is your 2/1 ML favorite but he's a winner of a single maiden race in three lifetime starts and most likely won't get things all his own way with 3-Bobcat Jim just to his outside. 7-City of Weston (6/1) should be able to sit right off of the early speed and make a strong run in the lane for a chance to get his picture taken.

Race 7 - James W. Murphy Stakes; Post Time: 2:33 p.m.

One mile, Turf, Three-year-olds

One of the best betting races on the whole Preakness card, the Murphy Stakes features a deep cast of eleven rivals going a mile on the lawn. There is rain in the forecast for Preakness day, so keep an eye on the condition of the turf course prior to any races on the green stuff. If the ground does come up "Good" or worse by post time, take a closer look at both 7-Yougotthatgoinforu (20/1) and 9-China Holiday (8/1), two horses that have had success on softer ground in the past. If it stays dry, I like 1-Notacatbutallama (9/5) and 10-Redwood Kitten (5/1) as the best of the bunch.

Race 8 - Grade 3 Dupont Distaff; 3:14 p.m.

Preakness 2013 undercard stakes preview: A look at the undercard

1 1/16 miles, Dirt, Fillies & Mares, Three-years-old and up

It may seem like a very minor difference in distance but 7-Brushed by a Star (2/1) is much better when racing at 1 1/16 miles than she is when racing at a 1 1/8 miles. Three of her last four races were at the nine furlong distance and she run well but not at her best. She draws outside her rivals in this spot which should help keep her out of trouble and will allow jockey Joel Rosario to track the morning line favorite, 6-Summer Applause (9/5) upon leaving the starting gate, if he so chooses.

Race 9 - Grade 3 Gallorette Handicap; 4 p.m.

1 1/16 miles, Turf, Fillies & Mares, Three-years-old and up

Another turf race with a deep and contentious field, 3-Pianist (4/1) might be able to control the pace of this race if jockey Mike Smith can hustle her out of the gate and onto the lead within the first quarter mile. When this filly gets the lead, she can be very difficult to beat. Additionally, she's won over a yielding turf course in the past which could give her an edge if things get wet at Pimlico on Saturday. 5-Old Tune (BRZ) has won two of three races since shipping to America from Brazil this winter but flopped badly in the G3-Jenny Wiley in her most recent start. She's won over soft turf courses in her native Brazil so this could be another mare to keep your eye on if the conditions get rainy.

Race 10 - Grade 3 Maryland Sprint Handicap; 4:42 p.m.

6 Furlongs, Dirt, Three-year-olds and up

Preakness 2013 undercard stakes preview: A look at the undercard

Another excellent betting race on the Preakness under card, and a race where I love 7-Candyman E (6/1) to spring a minor upset. He had a tough race at Keeneland in the G3-Commonwealth last time out but that race came over the Polytrack and he's been a consistently good runner on dirt during his entire career. There should be plenty of pace in front of him to soften things up for his strong late kick, and at 6/1 on the morning line, I think Candyman E could be in line for a nice victory in the Maryland Sprint.

Race 11 - Grade 2 Dixie Stakes; 5:25 p.m.

1 1/8 miles, Turf, Three-year-olds and up

What do you do when you have a horse that's consistently run well on the grass over the past year, has displayed a liking for softer ground (if necessary), AND gets a jockey change to Rosie Napravnik? You bet him like there's no tomorrow. 9-Swift Warrior (4/1) won the G2-Tampa Bay Stakes in his most recent start and has finished in the top three in seven of his 11 career starts on the grass, including two wins over ground rated "Good" at Tampa and the Fair Grounds. When you add in Rosie Napravnik, a jockey that sports a healthy 26% winning percentage on turf routes (with a $2.13 $2 ROI), well, it's time to get on board.

Another great stat on Rosie Napravnik: She's ridden 169 horses that went to the gate as the betting favorite in 2013 and won with 46.8% of those mounts. Now here's the truly remarkable part of that number: if you had bet $2 to win on all 169 of those starters you would have turned a (small) flat-bet profit, despite their favorite status. Swift Warrior isn't the morning line favorite (that honor belongs to Optimizer at 7/2) but he could be the crowd's choice by the time they enter the starting gate.

How David Lee Fits into Golden State Warriors' Long-Term Plans

           

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

The 2013-14 season was a year to remember for the Golden State Warriors, but one that their All-Star big man David Lee would like to soon forget.

While he was a key contributor in leading the Warriors to 47 regular-season wins and just their second trip to the postseason since 1994 (league-best 56 double-doubles, 19.2 player efficiency rating), he wasn't around long enough to help them lengthen their playoff stay.
A torn right hip flexor in Game 1 of Golden State's opening-round series with the Denver Nuggets cut the eight-year veteran's playoff debut drastically short. While initial reports ruled him out for the remainder of the postseason, he miraculously battled his way back onto the floor.
It was an admirable move to say the least, but the damage had clearly already been done. The injury largely restricted him to spot duty, never playing more than 13 minutes or reaching double-digit points. How David Lee Fits into Golden State Warriors' Long-Term Plans
But the crushing blow to Lee was in no way a death sentence for his Warriors. In fact, they won four of their next five games, eliminating the sixth-seeded Nuggets in six games.

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Their playoff run was upended six games later by the San Antonio Spurs, but their season was still seen as an overwhelming success.
The question on everyone's mind was how this team was able to not only survive in Lee's absence, but thrive without its fallen star.
History has produced a number of teams that have drawn an emotional lift from the loss of a premier participant. How David Lee Fits into Golden State Warriors' Long-Term Plans
But the Warriors' success saw more tangible factors coming to the surface.
The loss of Lee gave coach Mark Jackson some flexibility with his starting five. Against the speedy, athletic Nuggets, he added Jarrett Jack and later Carl Landry to his opening lineup. Once the bigger, more physical Spurs came on the schedule, Jackson shuttled Landry, Festus Ezeli and Draymond Green into the starting 4 spot.
Jack and Harrison Barnes (16.1 points per game in the postseason) added to the team's offensive firepower. Ezeli and Green helped build a formidable defensive front alongside Andrew Bogut. Landry brought a familiar touch, scrapping for offensive rebounds and dropping in mid-range jumpers out of pick-and-pop sets.

 

Had Jackson discovered an unlikely silver lining in Lee's loss? Were the Warriors even better off without him?
Golden State's front office certainly hopes not. Lee's on the books for the next three seasons, owed more than $44 million over that time, according to Hoops Hype.
The Warriors have enough financial problems to worry about as it is.
Seldom-used reserves Richard Jefferson and Andris Biedrins are set to collect more than $20 million combined next season. Bogut's nagging ankle injury has the potential to make the $14.2 million left on his contract become a tremendous burden.
Could Lee's scoring (18.5) and rebounding (11.2) averages have just been a mirage—empty statistics over impactful substance?

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

There's a smattering of evidence that seems to suggest yes but a 79-game sample screaming a resounding no.
Lee has his problems. His defensive deficiencies were often glaring, even when Bogut was healthy enough to watch his back. His offensive outbursts had a tendency to fizzle in late-game situations or when he was paired up with a defender capable of meeting (or exceeding) his strength and athleticism.
How David Lee Fits into Golden State Warriors' Long-Term Plans

In 2013-14, the Warriors need Lee to be...

In charge of the offense A No. 2 option A scrappy hustler Wearing a different jersey Submit Vote vote to see results

In 2013-14, the Warriors need Lee to be...

In charge of the offense

11.0%

A No. 2 option

43.6%

A scrappy hustler

26.5%

Wearing a different jersey

18.9%

Total votes: 264

But his presence on the floor could have meant the difference between watching the Western Conference Finals and actually participating in them.
The Warriors clearly needed another scorer on the floor when the Spurs figured out ways to silence the Splash Brothers (Curry and Thompson shot just 35.5 percent from the field after Game 2). They craved any kind of interior presence to relieve some pressure from the perimeter.
Lee's not a natural post scorer, but he knows how to free himself near the basket and has a soft touch with either hand. Once the defensive attention shifts his way, he's a gifted spotter and spent the season developing a keen eye for his sharpshooters. He's an emotional leader, the kind to instill confidence even when faced with a pair of elimination games.
Is he overpaid? Probably, but the ink has long ago dried on his contract, and those salary figures won't change. Is he valuable to this franchise? Absolutely, he's a veteran leader capable of lightening the offensive load placed on Curry's fragile ankles.
The Warriors' future is bright, and Lee will play a prominent role in helping them maximize their potential.

Mega Millions jackpot won; Powerball at $600M

The winner of Saturday's Powerball jackpot stands to walk away with hundreds of millions of dollars. But, a financial expert says lottery winners often make unwise spending and investing decisions.

 

Even if you aren't lucky enough to win the top prize Saturday, you could get another chance soon: Large jackpots are increasingly common.

A customer holds $140 worth of Powerball tickets that he just purchased on May 17, 2013 in San Francisco, California.(Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)

Story Highlights

• Two winning tickets bought in Friday's Mega Millions drawing
• The winning numbers are 11-15-35-43-49 and a Mega Ball of 41
• Last-minute sales could push $600M Powerball jackpot even higher

Two winning jackpot tickets were sold in Friday's $190 million Mega Millions drawing, but even if you aren't holding those magic numbers in your hand, you have a chance at an even bigger prize Saturday night.
The winning tickets in the Mega Millions drawing were bought in New Jersey and Virginia, according to a news release on the lottery's website. The winning numbers were: 11, 15, 35, 43, 49 and a Mega Ball of 41.
Last-minute ticket purchases Saturday could push the Powerball jackpot — already at a record $600 million — even higher. Mega Millions jackpot won; Powerball at $600M
The largest lottery prize ever was doled out in March 2012 to winners in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland for a $656 million Mega Millions top prize. But even if Saturday's drawing doesn't top that jackpot, it's already the highest in Powerball history, surpassing that game's $587.5 million record set in November 2012.
Although the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 175 million, Powerball is still drawing plenty of dreamers.
"This is beyond water cooler talk,'' says Iowa Lottery spokeswoman Mary Neubauer. "Everyone wants a shot at it. When jackpots get to this level, we see sales three to four times normal. The universe of players expands to occasional players and a lot of first-timers jumping in."
While buying a Powerball ticket in New Castle, Del., on Friday, Alice Thielemann, 69, said she plays both Powerball drawings every week.
"I have the same numbers all the time, but I've never ever been a winner on Powerball. Maybe today will change my luck," she said.
Amy Farrell, 32, of Des Moines, said she would also donate some of her winnings, but would also buy a house and have a "heyday" blowing it.
"Four-wheelers, ATVs; lots of fast ATVs," Farrell said. "I'd have the best camper — ever."

Across the U.S. millionaire-hopefuls lined up for Powerball lottery tickets with Saturday night's estimated jackpot already at $600-million dollars. The Powerball is played in 43 states as well as the District of Columbia.

Even if you aren't lucky enough to win the top prize Saturday, you could get another chance soon: Large jackpots are increasingly common.
"Powerball was redesigned to have larger jackpots more often, but it was also redesigned to create lots of millionaires, and it's succeeding on both levels," says Chuck Strutt, executive director of the Multi-State Lottery Association. Mega Millions jackpot won; Powerball at $600M
That redesign helped to increase the odds of winning any single prize and lowered the possible number of combinations to win the Powerball.
"(People) are interested in a big jackpot and a big number, and when it can get to that number very fast, the interest continues to grow," said Andi Brancato, director of public relations for the Michigan Lottery.
Players should check their tickets to see if they've won one of the lesser prizes — which could be as high as $1 million or $2 million, Strutt says.
"Even if you don't win the jackpot, you may have a winning ticket," says Brancato.
Contributing: Mike Chalmers and Jens Manuel Krogstad, USA TODAY; the Associated Press

Beyonce Slams Baby Reports: ‘All I Can Do Is Laugh’         

FameFlynet, Courtesy of Instagram

       

Queen Bey is angry! The singer shot back at reports that claimed she was pregnant with her second child by posting a revealing photo on Instagram with a strong message that she ‘can’t stop the rumors from starting’ and she just has to laugh at the ‘low life’ people who start them.

We’ll go ahead and take this as an official statement of denial. Beyonce took to Instagram to address the reports that she is pregnant again, posting a stark photo of just words. And like a photograph, these words speak volumes.
Beyonce Slams Baby Reports: ‘All I Can Do Is Laugh’

Beyonce Responds To Pregnancy Report: ‘I Can’t Stop The Rumors’

The 31-year-old singer obviously wants everyone to know (or at least think) that Blue Ivy does NOT have a brother or sister on the way. Don’t take it from us though, just read her Instagram post:

I can’t stop the rumors from starting, and I can’t really changes people’s minds who believe them, all I can do is sit back and laugh at these low life people who have nothing better to do than talk about me.

Classic fierce Beyonce! We know you’re frustrated and a little bitter over having your life constantly examined Bey, so we’ll let the name-calling go this one time.
The message has since been deleted from Beyonce’s account.
Beyonce Slams Baby Reports: ‘All I Can Do Is Laugh’

Beyonce Pregnancy Rumors Grow

Rumors began to swirl about the singer’s possible pregnancy on May 4 when a fan photo from a Beyonce performance seemed to show a bit of a baby bump. Then on May 6, Queen Bey wore a Givenchy dress to the Met Ball which (strategically) covered her midsection.
And whispers really kicked up on May 14 when Beyonce was forced to cancel a concert in Antwerp, Belgium due to sickness. And three days later, multiple sources allegedly confirmed to E! News that the singer was actually expecting.
That seemed to stick a fork in the debate on whether a second child is on the way — not to mention, Page Six reported that multiple sources confirmed Beyonce’s pregnancy on May 13, as did MediaTakeout on May 6 — though now it’s clear that Beyonce will not give in. So, either the sources were totally mistaken or misled, or Bey wants to control the news and go public with it when she’s most comfortable.
What do you think is going on, HollywoodLifers? Let us know!
Beyonce Slams Baby Reports: ‘All I Can Do Is Laugh’

WATCH: Beyonce Pregnant Expecting Second Baby With Jay-Z

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