Saturday, April 13, 2013

Rebel Wilson prepares to open MTV Awards with song

CULVER CITY, Calif. (AP) ? Rebel Wilson sings, dances and summons laughs ? and that's just in the opening moments of this weekend's MTV Movie Awards.

The Australian actress is hosting the show, and she's set to start the ceremony by singing solo.

Wilson and her co-stars from "Pitch Perfect" rehearsed a multi-genre opening medley Friday that features Wilson spoofing last year's films and spinning nunchucks.

Brittany Snow, Anna Camp and Skylar Astin, along with a troupe of gymnastic dancers, joined the first-time host at Sony Pictures Studios to run through four songs not featured in the film. MTV insists on keeping the titles a surprise until Sunday's show.

When the group finished rehearsing, Wilson thrust her fist toward the sky and shouted, "'Pitch Perfect' two!"

A sequel to the musical comedy has not been announced.

Wilson will be joined at the MTV Movie Awards by presenters such as Brad Pitt, Melissa McCarthy, Seth Rogen and Kerry Washington and performers including Selena Gomez. Jamie Foxx, Will Ferrell and Emma Watson will receive special awards at the ceremony, which will be broadcast live Sunday on MTV from 9-11 p.m. EDT.

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Follow AP Entertainment Writer Sandy Cohen on Twitter at www.twitter.com/APSandy.

___

Online:

http://www.mtv.com/ontv/movieawards/2013/

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/rebel-wilson-prepares-open-mtv-awards-song-142313037.html

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Mutations found in individuals with autism interfere with endocannabinoid signaling in the brain

Mutations found in individuals with autism interfere with endocannabinoid signaling in the brain

Friday, April 12, 2013

Mutations found in individuals with autism block the action of molecules made by the brain that act on the same receptors that marijuana's active chemical acts on, according to new research reported online April 11 in the Cell Press journal Neuron. The findings implicate specific molecules, called endocannabinoids, in the development of some autism cases and point to potential treatment strategies.

"Endocannabinoids are molecules that are critical regulators of normal neuronal activity and are important for many brain functions," says first author Dr. Csaba F?ldy, of Stanford University Medical School. "By conducting studies in mice, we found that neuroligin-3, a protein that is mutated in some individuals with autism, is important for relaying endocannabinoid signals that tone down communication between neurons."

When the researchers introduced different autism-associated mutations in neuroligin-3 into mice, this signaling was blocked and the overall excitability of the brain was changed.

"These findings point out an unexpected link between a protein implicated in autism and a signaling system that previously had not been considered to be particularly important for autism," says senior author Dr. Thomas S?dhof, also of Stanford. "Thus, the findings open up a new area of research and may suggest novel strategies for understanding the underlying causes of complex brain disorders."

The results also indicate that targeting components of the endocannabinoid signaling system may help reverse autism symptoms.

The study's findings resulted from a research collaboration between the Stanford laboratories of Dr. S?dhof and Dr. Robert Malenka, who is also an author on the paper.

###

Cell Press: http://www.cellpress.com

Thanks to Cell Press for this article.

This press release was posted to serve as a topic for discussion. Please comment below. We try our best to only post press releases that are associated with peer reviewed scientific literature. Critical discussions of the research are appreciated. If you need help finding a link to the original article, please contact us on twitter or via e-mail.

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Source: http://www.labspaces.net/127717/Mutations_found_in_individuals_with_autism_interfere_with_endocannabinoid_signaling_in_the_brain

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Thursday, April 11, 2013

Bialik happy with 'nonsexual' 'Big Bang' romance

CBS

Sheldon tries to nurse a sick Amy back to health on "The Big Bang Theory."

By Drusilla Moorhouse, TODAY contributor

Are Sheldon Cooper and Amy Farrah Fowler ever going to get past second base on "The Big Bang Theory"? Not if Mayim Bialik, who plays the nerdy neurobiologist on the CBS hit, has any say.

"I kind of like us the way we are," she told TODAY.com.

"Sheldon made a comment that he could picture the two of them having coitus (and) honestly, I was surprised that the producers were ready to have his character say that," shared the former "Blossom" star.

"I think it's really sweet that we depict an as-yet nonsexual romantic intimate relationship that is very sweet. But anything can happen on our show."

That includes some kinky spanking, the unforgettable moment that fans can enjoy (or cringe about) again on Thursday's rebroadcast of "The Fish Guts Displacement."

Originally, viewers weren't intended to actually see Sheldon deliver the corporal punishment to his "very bad girl" girlfriend.

"The naughty was (originally) supposed to be off-camera," Jim Parsons revealed at PaleyFest last month, adding: "It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do -- because I found it tremendously amusing."

But Bialik paid the price for the her co-star's repeated attempts "to get the sound we wanted": "There was some redness," she admitted.

"One thing I like about Amy is that she's very honest almost to a fault" -- except when she's tricking Sheldon, Bialik told us. "She's not afraid to bend the rules in terms of what's expected of her, or what people think she should act like, dress like, be like (or) have a relationship like."

Unfortunately, Bialik didn't share any screen time with legendary comedian Bob Newhart, who is guesting on the show May 2.

"I'm not in (the) episode sadly, so I did not get to meet him," said the chagrined actress. "It's really a bummer. I've been a huge 'Newhart' fan and spent many -- I don't know if they were lonely teenage years, but many appropriate teenage years watching ''Newhart' late at night."

When we asked Bialik what other series she'd like to guest on herself, she confessed, "I don't watch television. I've heard of shows. I was a huge fan of 'Northern Exposure' 20 years ago. I actually was seated next to (its star) Rob Morrow at this Alzheimer's benefit the other night and I was geeking out in my head the whole time. I've heard that 'Downton Abbey' is a good show and I sometimes look good in period pieces, so that might be fun."

(Maybe Lady Edith can interview famous scientist Marie Curie for her newspaper column?)

As to where "Big Bang" is headed, Bialik is completely in the dark.

"We know nothing" about the upcoming sixth-season finale, she told us. "(The writers) sort of go where their passion takes them!"

Do you hope Amy and Sheldon find passion on "Big Bang"? Tell us on our Facebook page!

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Source: http://theclicker.today.com/_news/2013/04/11/17689849-big-bang-theory-star-mayim-bialiks-surprising-stance-on-sheldon-amy-romance?lite

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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Eric Church takes early lead at ACM Awards

LAS VEGAS (AP) ? Eric Church's nickname is "Chief," and early on at the Academy of Country Music Awards that title was spot-on.

This year's top nominee won album of the year for his breakthrough "Chief" on Sunday night, giving him two trophies and a tie for the early lead with Little Big Town. He also performed, singing his somber but powerful song "Like Jesus Does" with only an acoustic guitar and a backup singer.

"I can't believe I just met John Fogerty," Church said as he accepted the award from the Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman and Miranda Lambert. "We should hang out later."

Little Big Town had two wins for vocal group and video of the year, Florida Georgia Line won for new artist and husband and wife Shawna and Keifer Thompson continued their feel-good story as Thompson Square won its second straight vocal duo of the year award.

Shawna Thompson gave a shoutout to her mother from stage.

Tears came to her eyes backstage as she explained that her father had recently passed away and she wanted to acknowledge her mother during her acceptance speech to support her.

"She's just having a really hard time," she said.

Blake Shelton kicked the show off with his new single "Boys 'Round Here," a hip-hop-flavored ode to redneck swag. He was joined by Bryan, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow and Pistol Annies, a trio that includes his wife Miranda Lambert.

George Strait made his first appearance of the night, singing "Give It All We Got Tonight." Lady Antebellum debuted new song "Downtown" and Charles Kelley finished off the song by rubbing pregnant trio-mate Hillary Scott's belly. Carrie Underwood stepped out of a black Cadillac parked on stage as she started her song, "Two Black Cadillacs."

Co-hosts Shelton and Bryan ? who have given themselves the celebrity couple name "Bluke" ? immediately took it off-color as they insulted each other during their monologue.

"How about a shout out to the Sherwin-Williams company for spray-painting Luke's jeans on," Shelton joked as the camera zoomed in on Bryan's, ahem, mid-section.

Bryan took his turn: "Blake's jeans are like buying something on credit ? nothing up front. I mean, what size are those, extra empty?"

The focus of this year's ACM Awards is on the men of country, and it's not just Shelton and Bryan taking the spotlight.

Church started the night with an award before he even hit the red carpet, winning vocal event of the year for his collaboration with Bryan and Jason Aldean on "The Only Way I Know."

"It's still kinda strange to me," Church said on the red carpet. "It's been a long journey, a long path. I can't control what I'm nominated for. I really have nothing to do with win or lose. We could win all seven, lose all seven. I promise you it won't affect anything. We're going to make the same kind of music, the same kind of show. Whatever happens happens."

The night was a showcase for country's men of the moment ? and for its two dominant male stars of the last two decades, the marquee meeting of Brooks and Strait. They are two of music's top-selling artists regardless of genre, but have never performed together.

They will help honor the show's longtime producer Dick Clark, who passed away last year. The academy is naming its artist of the decade award for Clark, whose tenure with the show began in 1979.

The moment will be special ? and not just for the millions watching at home. It has country's biggest stars abuzz as well.

"Having George and Garth on stage together at one time on an awards show will become one of the most important pieces of tape in country music history," Dierks Bentley said.

Shelton, Bryan and Aldean are up for the fan-voted entertainer of the year award ? though they're facing off against academy favorite Miranda Lambert, who is Shelton's wife, and two-time winner Swift, a heavy favorite to three-peat given her relationship with fans.

Kelley of Lady Antebellum said the best of country would be on display during the show, and urged country newbies to tune in.

"It'll give you a broad spectrum of what country music is all about. There are so many styles that kind of fall under the same umbrella, so it's a good representation of the genre," he said.

Shelton is arguably country's most visible male today. "The Voice" coach has a weekly presence on national television, was the recent winner of the rival Country Music Association's entertainer of the year award and has risen to platinum status again after a mid-career lull that's a distant memory.

Aldean is country's best-selling male artist at the moment and Church and Bryan have recently joined him as acts who can fill arenas and reach multiplatinum sales.

They're so prevalent at this year's awards, they've elbowed out traditional nominees like Brad Paisley, who was shut out of the nominations for the first time since 1999, and Kenny Chesney, a perennial entertainer of the year nominee who was left out of the category despite putting on 2012's most talked about event ? his stadium tour with Tim McGraw.

Hayes will be joined by another performer who got his start as a precocious teen ? Stevie Wonder, making his first appearance on the show.

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AP Writer Hannah Dreier contributed to this report.

___

Online:

http://acmcountry.com

___

Follow AP Music Writer Chris Talbott: http://twitter.com/Chris_Talbott.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/eric-church-takes-early-lead-acm-awards-012303497.html

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Sunday, April 7, 2013

Top 10 Ways to Cure Your Boredom at Work

Top 10 Ways to Cure Your Boredom at WorkEver have days where you feel like you're just slogging through useless, boring work and time seems to stand still? We do too. Here are ten ways to jump-start your job and make your days a little more interesting.

10. Start Your Day Off Right with a Better Commute

Top 10 Ways to Cure Your Boredom at WorkFor many of us, the boredom doesn't even start at work?it starts once we hit the road to get to work. Whether you're stuck in traffic or you just live far away, that drive or ride can be a bear. Luckily, we've got a guide that can help you outsmart the traffic and keep your mind busy in the car (we recommend podcasts, and we have one you can start with). If all else fails, you can try to convince your boss to let you work from home sometimes, too?that can cut down on that boring, time-wasting commute. Photo by kusuriuri (Shutterstock), Fontana (Shutterstock), Lilkar (Shutterstock), and Nelli Shuyskaya (Shutterstock).

9. Make Your Cubicle More Productive (and Less Boring)

Top 10 Ways to Cure Your Boredom at WorkBelieve it or not, your surroundings can make a big difference in your mood?and a tiny, boring, grey cubicle is not exactly the most exciting work environment. Lighting can make a big difference, so a lamp or two can help out, as can better furniture?particularly furniture that is more ergonomic. Heck, even a few plants and other decorations can make you feel more comfortable. Check out our guide to improving your in-office workspace for more details. Photo remixed from originals by maraga (Shutterstock) and OCAL.

8. Fight Exhaustion and Get Back to Work

Top 10 Ways to Cure Your Boredom at WorkMaybe the problem isn't your work. Maybe you're just exhausted and you don't have the energy to do your work, so your boredom and your energy become a vicious cycle. Eating and sleeping right can help a lot, but performing a few quick exercises can help get your blood moving and wake you up, too. And, if your boss will let you, a standing desk can help energize you as well (not to mention a short power nap). Check out this guide for more tips on surviving the workday when you're exhausted. Photos by Korki.

7. Make Your Meetings Worthwhile

Top 10 Ways to Cure Your Boredom at WorkMeetings are easily one of the most boring parts of your workday. Half the time they're just wasting time you could be spending on real work. We've talked about how to make it through a boring meeting before, but the best thing you can do is attack the problem at its source and change how meetings are run. Talk to your manager and see if you can give your meetings some constraints to keep them moving, and make sure they have a very specific agenda. Heck, even going outside and taking a walking meeting can help keep everyone engaged. Photo by Andrew Magill.

6. Become an Overachiever and Get Some Bonus Points

Top 10 Ways to Cure Your Boredom at WorkIf your work is dull and easy, it can't hurt to take some extra notes during that meeting, or taking some extra initiative on that new project. Not only will it keep you engaged, it'll get the attention of your boss and help you score some nice points. While you're at it, you might want to do a self-review and identify your own professional pain points?that'll give you something to do.

5. Get Some New Responsibilities

Top 10 Ways to Cure Your Boredom at WorkIf becoming an unofficial overachiever isn't enough, you can actually talk to your boss and see if you can negotiate a change in your job description. That way, you can work on things that are more interesting to you. Alternatively, see if you can institute some kind of "20% time," or work on other projects that'll be beneficial to the company. Heck, you could even swap a few tasks with your coworkers to keep things interesting.

4. Learn a New Skill During Work

Top 10 Ways to Cure Your Boredom at WorkIf you do get some new responsibilities, you can learn a lot of new things from that, but even if you're stuck to your boring grunt work, you can use that time to learn a new skill that's interesting to you. Perhaps you can listen to educational podcasts while you work, learn a new language by changing the language on your favorite web sites, or use your breaks to reinvigorate you with a personal project. Some personal projects may even integrate with your work?just make sure you know your company's policies about pursuing personal projects on work time. Have a question or suggestion for Ask Lifehacker? Send it to tips+asklh@lifehacker.com.

3. Take More Web Browsing Breaks (Seriously)

Top 10 Ways to Cure Your Boredom at WorkChances are, when you're bored, you get tempted to browse the web and waste time. As long as you don't go overboard, it's okay to give into that urge! In fact, some studies have shown that the occasional web surfing break actually increases productivity. After all, it's really hard to stay focused for 8 hours straight. Use your breaks wisely, but don't feel too guilty about heading off to Facebook, Twitter, or your favorite tech- and productivity-oriented weblog during your workday. Photo remixed from lululemon athletica.

2. Embrace Your Boredom: It Fosters Creativity

Top 10 Ways to Cure Your Boredom at WorkIf your job requires any kind of brainstorming or creative work, even once in awhile, use your boring spells to foster creativity during that time. Letting your mind wander can help boost creative ideas, so the next time you're feeling bored, give in to the urge (as long as nothing important is happening). In the end, boredom, distraction, and procrastination are vital to healthy living, so you don't want to fight against them 24/7. Title image remixed from Subbotina Anna (Shutterstock).

1. Quit

Top 10 Ways to Cure Your Boredom at WorkSometimes, boredom is something we just have to deal with. Other times, it means you're at a soul crushing job and it's time to leave. If you aren't sure whether it's time to quit your job, watch for these signs and take the advice of an employer: let your boss know and part on good terms. Then, you can get back out there and find a career you actually like, and kick that boredom to the curb permanently. Photo by Daniel Schweinert (Shutterstock).

Photo by pixs4u (Shutterstock), Gabrieelh, MIT OpenCourseWare, Pertsaboy, and tuku.

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/nbgGtoArzAY/top-10-ways-to-cure-your-boredom-at-work

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Saturday, April 6, 2013

What Could Be More Relaxing Than a Hot Tub Surrounded By Fire?

Combining the backyard pastimes of hot tubs and fire pits, Cal Spas has created the Cal Flame R-Elements: a hot tub that surrounds those inside with a series of small butane fire pits. Because as anyone who's ever escaped a burning building will tell you, there's nothing more exciting than being surrounded by fire. More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/dVr1Nz9sJ9g/what-could-be-more-relaxing-than-a-hot-tub-surrounded-by-fire

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Friday, April 5, 2013

Purple Samsung Galaxy S III coming to Sprint on April 12th for $99

Purple Samsung Galaxy S III coming to Sprint on April 12th for $99

Last month, a purple Galaxy S III first reared its regal-hued exterior accompanied by claims that it would launch on Sprint sometime in April. Tonight, a tipster sent a screenshot our way that's pegged the aubergine handset for an April 12th release on the Now Network. With the help of a $50 mail-in rebate, you'll be able to pick up the 16GB variant of the smartphone for $99 on a two-year contract. Finally, a phone that'll match our impeccable taste in handheld gaming consoles.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/2-Tfg7wxwSU/

Dana Vollmer