Sunday, 6 April 2014

Sex Has A Price Couple Gets $28,000 Compensation For Ruined Sex Life

After an accident rendered a wife bedridden; thereby ruining the couple's sex life, an Italian couple have been compensated with $28,000

Italian couple get $280000 for having bad sex.

An Italian couple have been handed over $28, 000 just because they can't have sex like they previously used to. A judge says it's some kind of compensation to the man who apparently can't get his wife to have sex with him on a regular basis.

Ok, before we all get more confused, here is the story: (Courtesy of Italy's La Nazione.) 

Two years ago, a woman was hit by a car while crossing the street; and sustained injuries that initially left her bedridden for three months. This has permanently damaged her ability to have a great sex life with her husband - on par with what they previously enjoyed.

According to the driver's insurance company, "the couple (middle-aged) would not be able to have an active sex life again till further notice."

"Considering age in the couple's relationship — whether in sexual, social, or leisure terms," said the Tuscan judge per La Nazione, which reports the husband now has to handle all the cooking, cleaning, and other house chores.

For those reasons did the Italian court asked the insurance company to pay the couple $28,000 as compensation for what happened.

Guys, can this happen in Nigeria?
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Chiwetel Ejiofor is in talks to play Villain in Next Installment of Bond Franchise

Oscar nominated star of Oscar nominated film "12 Years a Slave", Chiwetel Ejiofor, is the top choice of MGM and Sony to play the next antagonist in Sam Mendes' upcoming installment of Bond franchise. In his outstanding performance as the ex-MI6 fanatic Silva, Javier Bardem turned out to be not only an iconic villain, but one of the best bad characters in entire history of Bond franchise. Choosing next bond villain is quite difficult task and whoever gets the opportunity to plaY it will cERtainly haVe to manage several comparisons - but maybe that's why Ejiofor is deemed as right actor to take this challenge.

Undoubtedly, Ejiofor has been performing outstANDingly in big budget Hollywood movies (Serenity, Salt, 2012, Inside Man, etc.) for a number of years, which has paved the way for him to be now in talks for a prospective key cast member of not only upcoming "Bond 24", but has also been linked to forthcoming Star Wars: Episode VII. In addition, prior to signing a deal, scheduling is required to be exercised, as Ejiofor has also been confirmed to star in upcoming crime/drama Triple Nine, which is projected to start filming soon to be launched in 2015.


The deal has not been officially made so far; however, he will most likely be confirmed to play the villain role in next few days. Daniel Craig is all set to reprise his role as Bond for the fourth time, along with other key cast members of "SkyFall" including Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw (known for "Perfume" and "Cloud Atlas") and Naomie Harris (known for Pirates of Caribbean). (Note: If Ejiofor officially joins cast of "Bond 24" in next few days, then most likely he will not sign for Star Wars.)

It seems that Judi Dench will not be reprise her role as "M" this time; however, Ralph Fiennes is going to be the new "M" of British secret agency MI6. Plot details of the film are not known so far.

When it comes to comparing Ejiofor with previous Bond villains, it is quite easy to depict him as a callous villain, yet also aristocratic and classy adversary for Bond. Certainly, a broad assessment of previous films is key factor to the script of upcoming movie, based on what Skyfall's screenwriter John Logan advised to use usual Bond franchise aspects – not to mention, Daniel showing his longing to retake some typical Bond irony/camp, without being cheesy.

Do you think Chiwetel Ejiofor is good choice to play villain in upcoming Bond film?
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Believe this Peanut Does Not Cause Pimples

Peanut is not the cause of your pimples though too much oily food is totally not good for your skin.

 
For years people have reasoned that if they consume oily foods they get acne but recent research disprove this idea and said food has nothing to do with acne.

Acne is a very stubborn skin disorder that generally develops in adolescence may sometimes come in adulthood as well.

Truth is that the real cause of pimples is unknown and the process by which a pimple develops is highly intricate.

A pore sometimes becomes blocked and sebum (oil) which normally drains to the surface of the skin gets trapped and bacteria begin to grow - there comes pimples.

In layman's terms is not the peanut that causes the pimples. Rather, it is the blockage of skin pores which swell when the natural oil does not find an exit path.

Which is why some heavy oil and peanut eaters do not have acne at all and some people who stay away from oily foods are plagues by it.

Acne is not only on the face as people also get it on the body or back and all may lead to scarification if not properly treated.

Now, why do people think oily foods, especially peanut causes pimples - is it because of the oily substance that comes out of broken pimples?

As you know peanut is a bit oily seed and peanut butter is produced from that oil. It is 100% vegetarian.

All the fatty acids in peanuts are 100% vegetable in origin and there are no hormones or growth factors which can affect the human body.

Peanuts do not have the properties that can aggravate pimples, unlike some foods of animal origin which have hormones along with fatty acids.

So the link between peanut butter and acne is almost certainly a myth.

In fact, researchers now say that the peanut, and peanut butter, can reduce dark spots in your face If you don't eat peanuts, and you want to clear dark spots, you can apply peanut butter on your face.

The bottom line is that you get pimples because of all these things your body is trying desperately to eliminate the toxins and they end up bumping your skin as pimples.

NOTE: Too much of peanuts or any oily food for that matter is BAD for your body, not just for pimples sake.

 

From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

It's A Man's World See Who Wants Rihanna & Beyonce For A Threesome

Marlon Wayans is damn greedy …yes! I said it first!

Marlon Wayans wants RiRi & Beyonce for a threesome

Marlon Wayans is a fine black man
Marlon Wayans can't have them both women but if he would ever love a rumor about him then it should be that he had or wants a threesome with Rihanna and Beyonce. How nasty Marlon!

The fine actor was interviewed by Sana G Morning Show on 106 KMEL yesterday and he talked about how he wanted to have sex with RiRi and Bey on the same bed and same time. He said he actually love them both because they are the true definition of "fine black chicks with class."

He didn't stop there! Oh no he didn't!

He also joked around about fighting Drake and Jay Z for their women and then said,

«"Actually, I can't fight Jay… I mean, what can you do to a guy that already has two swollen lips?"

Well, seems Wayans was all about name calling because he went as far as also calling Tupac the softest gangster ever for his extra soft skin — giving him the nickname "Palmolive Thug." He testified that if Tupac gave out a punch, "instead of giving him one too, you'll take his hand and ask him what hand cream does he use."

However the actor acknowledged the rap king was a very smart man and a hard worker to the core. But revealed that Tupac's weed-smoking was as if he had weed trees growing on his head "coz he's always drowned in weed".


Guys, what do you have to say to this dude?
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Five simple ways to find a stud

Looking to hang something on your wall?  You'll need to find a stud. And not the kind with broad shoulders and square jaw, but those might be helpful too. Studs are vertical 2″ x 4″ beams that make up the frame of your house. And they're pretty much part of every structural feature in your home, from windows and doors to interior walls and exterior siding.

Despite their essential role in building homes, studs are sometimes difficult to find. That's because they're usually covered by a layer of drywall. Locating studs will ensure the object you wish to hang will remain securely mounted on a wall. Similarly, failing to locate a stud will jeopardize your prized possessions and could lead to significant wall damage. 

The bottom line is this, you'll want to locate studs before you mount anything on your wall. In most homes, studs are easy enough to find with a tape measure, flashlight, and shirt hanger. Here's our how-to guide to finding studs. We suggest using two or more options to double check your work. Think you'll make a mistake? Don't worry, we've even provided an option for those of you who miss the stud on the first go. 

Option 1: Stud Finder

Stud finders are the best way to consistently locate the center of studs. Ranging in price from $10 to $50, an electric stud finder will locate the center of any stud that that is covered by less than 1.5 inches of drywall. Electric stud finders work by detecting changes in your wall width. Another (less expensive) option is a magnetic stud finder, which uses a small magnet to detect nails and screws. Beware: magnetic stud finders are less effective. They're essentially miniature metal detectors. Metal pipes or copper wiring will easily trip up a magnetic stud finder. 

That said, there are ways to deduce the location of your studs that are completely free.  

Option 2: Studs are sometimes located next to electrical outlets and light switches. 

Often times, locating studs is as easy as finding your electrical outlets and light switches. Standard outlets and light switches are fastened to studs. Remove the outlet or switch cover, look inside the electric fixture. You might spot the wooden vertical beams. Then, draw a straight line from the outlet to your desired mount height. Usually, studs run from floor to ceiling. Take note: it's best to double check with another stud finding technique before nailing into the wall. 

Advice: Once you find one stud, it's easy to find the rest of them. The standard space between studs is 16 or 24 inches. In some homes, the distance between studs is less regular. 

Option 3: Check by sound. Tapping on wall will produce "solid" and "hollow" sounds. 

Another effective method for locating studs is simply tapping on the sides of walls. Tapping on a spot where a stud exists will produce a solid sound. Every place where there isn't a stud will produce a hollow sound. A good starting place, is 16 inches from the the corner. For better precision, use a tape measure and mark 12 inches, 16 inches, and 24 inches from the corner. Tap the wall at each distance. You'll hear a solid sound when you tap the part of the wall that is supported by a stud. 

Option 4: Flashlight. A bright idea. 

It's also possible to locate studs by flashlight. Be careful, here. This option is less reliable. Place a flashlight parallel to the wall. Look for small dimples or bows where screws are fastened into the drywall. Any dimples in the walls will indicate where the drywall is fastened to the stud. 

Option 5: Wire stud finder. If at first you miss, use a wire. 

It's always good to transform your mistake into an opportunity. If you miss a stud, this option can be a good alternative. Take a long wire (like a clothes hanger), and fashion it into a right angle. Then insert one side of your wire into the wall and spin the wire in a circle. Note where the wire makes contact. That's where the stud is located.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

This Week on Stage: Denzel and Menzel add some Broadway star power

King Kong ain't got s–t on superstar Denzel Washington (at least, not until the beast's new musical declares a firm date next season), as the movie megastar touched down on Broadway again for the first time since his Tony-winning turn in August Wilson's Fences in 2010, and like that heralded revival, got raves once again from most outlets. Also receiving raves this week was Wicked star Idina Menzel, who dazzles in If/Then, the new tuner by the Next to Normal team of Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt, and though her young fans who adore her voice turn in Frozen may, well, freeze at the prospect of their favorite snow queen Elsa singing a song called "What the F–k?", her Tony buzz and emotion-rich work has assured her status in the Broadway diva pantheon. (And speaking of Frozen, EW posted video of Smash alum Jeremy Jordan nailing Menzel's signature Disney tune "Let It Go". Seriously, check it out.) 
In other news, senior editor Thom Geier checked out Cheyenne Jackson and Laura Benanti in the Encores! production of The Most Happy Fella, playing through Sunday at City Center, and we posted reviews of a bunch of new shows, including the long-awaited musical version of a beloved, dark 1989 teen flick, and the starry duo mentioned above.

Heathers the Musical  Veronica, J.D., and the titular pastel-wearing ladies now have their very own musical Off Broadway, for all you Swatchdogs and Diet Cokeheads out there. However, senior writer Kyle Anderson found the results very far from 'very', citing that it "misses just about everything that made the film great, making it not only a colossally disappointing adaptation of a beloved property but also a generally unpleasant theater experience…most of the show is delivered with an air of smugness, as though the audience is supposed to adore it simply because it exists." BLN grade: C-

If/Then  Idina Menzel does a pas de deux with herself in this original musical about a thirtyish woman balancing work and love in a dual storyline that (sort of) recalls the Gwyneth Paltrow flick Sliding Doors. However, good as she is, Gwynnie never had these pipes, something agreed upon by Thom Geier's praise for the Tony-winning star, though not as high on the production overall: "The real star here is Menzel, and she delivers a powerful bipolar performance that often masks the shallowness of the material. In her triumphant final ballad, "Always Starting Over," she proves she doesn't need to defy gravity to win over fans. With her feet planted on terra firma, she can shake the rafters and pierce your heart all at once." BLN grade: B-


I Remember Mama  The always-inventive Transport Group repurposes John Van Druten's 1944 weeper as a vehicle for women in their twilight years (who assume all roles in the play, even men and children), and my review indicates one you'll remember for some time:  "Watching these women in their twilight years play well below their age has a completely affirming effect…even when the characters' talk turns to subjects like the value of a pink dresser set and a brooch, the show's dramatic impact is undulled. By play's end, you may find yourself unexpectedly wiping away a tear." BLN grade: B+


A Raisin in the Sun  Oscar nominee Sophie Okonedo and Tony winner Anika Noni Rose join the many-times-awarded Denzel Washington in a revival of Lorraine Hansberry's benchmark family drama, last seen on Broadway in 2004 with none other than Sean Combs as the dissatisfied chauffeur at the play's center. Did Lisa Schwarzbaum find it worth returning to a decade later? "Washington's characteristic aura of forceful energy, as well as the 59-year-old actor's middle-aged maturity, throws off the emotional balance of this smooth new production," says Schwarzbaum, who was more taken with the matriarchal pull of this particular production (played by the wife of Samuel L. Jackson, no less), "[LaTanya] Richardson Jackson conveys complicated layers of emotion with a simplicity of presence." BEN Latest News grade: B+


Red Velvet  British stage vet Adrian Lester (best known as the presidential aide in Mike Nichols' Primary Colors in 1998) makes an incredibly rare stateside appearance in this fact-based historical drama recounting legendary and controversial actor Ira Aldridge, a black thespian emigre who ended up portraying Othello in the 1830s. EW's Joe McGovern claims Lester performs with "intensity and alacrity" but is less enthusiastic about the structure: "Poland, in fact, is the setting of the play's pandering, unfortunate framing device, in which the elder Aldridge booms forth with expository statements to a starstruck young fan…but it does yield the play's one moment of true theatrical danger, in the curtain call." BEN Latest News grade: B
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

How to protect yourself from the iOS 7 ‘Find My iPhone’ security flaw

To beef up security in iOS 7, Apple made so that if you want to delete an iCloud account or restore your device, you must first disable the Find My iPhone feature. And to turn that feature off, you need to enter the password for your Apple ID. Unfortunately, YouTube user Miguel Alvarado discovered that a security flaw, which enables you to disable Find My iPhone and bypass Activation Lock without a password, still exists in iOS 7.1.


In the iCloud settings panel, you need to tap "delete account" and the toggle for Find My iPhone at the same time. You then need to power down the iPhone, and when it turns back on, you can go back into the iCloud settings panel and remove the password without a prompt to type in your password. This allows you to connect the iPhone to iTunes and, from there, fully restore it.


There are a few things for thieves to take into account. For one, restoring the iPhone does not remove the IMEI attached to it. As such, the handset can still be blacklisted, turning it into nothing more than a brick. In addition, your mileage may vary. While we've been able to replicate the initial steps, we were still prompted to type in the password. Older iPhone 4 and 4S devices are more likely to succumb to this issue.


Even so, this is still a major security flaw that doesn't seem to be new, making matters somewhat worse.


Thankfully, there is an easy way to prevent this from happening: put a passcode on your iPhone and, if you have an iPhone 5S, enable Touch ID. While it seems annoying to constantly type your passcode whenever you want to access your phone, it's something that adds a necessary security layer to your iPhone. We haven't been able to replicate this issue on newer iPhone's either, so upgrading to an iPhone 5, 5C, or 5S helps.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Nest halts sales of Nest Protect smoke alarm as company grapples with software glitch

A smoke alarm is one of those devices that you really don't want to fail when the time comes for it to actually do what it does.


With this in mind, Nest has issued a safety notice for users of its Internet-connected Protect smoke and carbon monoxide alarm after discovering a software glitch with its 'Wave' feature that could potentially delay the alarm's activation in the event of a fire. For those not in the know, Wave is a much-praised feature of the alarm that lets you deactivate the system with a brief wave of the hand – perfect for those moments when a few wisps of harmless smoke float up from your stove top.


Penned by Nest CEO Tony Fadell, the safety warning says the Google-owned company has decided to disable the the Wave feature until it finds a fix for the flaw, though this could take "two or three months." It also announced it's halting sales of the device "to ensure no one buys an alarm that needs an immediate update." It added that the notice is in no way a product recall.


Explaining the situation, the company boss said his lab engineers discovered "a unique combination of circumstances" that could "unintentionally activate" the Wave feature.


"We identified this problem ourselves and are not aware of any customers who have experienced this, but the fact that it could even potentially happen is extremely important to me and I want to address it immediately," Fadell said.


Plan of action

The company says that in the next 24 hours it'll automatically disable the Wave feature for users who have a Nest Protect device connected to a Nest account via Wi-Fi.


More importantly, it says that if your device is not connected to a Nest account, or you've taken it offline, you should "immediately" reconnect it so the company can remotely disable the feature.


Additionally, if you can't connect to Wi-Fi, you should stop using the device altogether, the company said. It added that it'll offer all users a complete refund (until September 30) if they decide to return the device.


Nest says that once Wave has been disabled, its alarm will operate in the normal way. Of course, this may mean it'll start behaving more like your traditional smoke alarm, going off when you're cooking eggs, so it may be wise to keep a broom nearby should you need to hit the Nest button in the event of a false alarm.


For full details on the situation, including how to confirm that Wave has been disabled, be sure to check out Nest's dedicated page here.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Freshly-launched startup ePantry auto-ships sustainable goods to your door

Online grocery stores definitely aren't a new thing, but there's a new one that officially launched today that offers an interesting take on the idea.


ePantry, a start-up that quietly opened to the public at the end of 2013, is built on the idea that consumers like you and I really do care about using environmentally-friendly goods, but often choose not to simply because it's less convenient. When we run out of something like toilet paper, shampoo, or laundry detergent, for example, most of us generally just head to the nearest store and grab whatever is on the shelf, which might not be the best choice for the environment.


The solution, as ePantry sees it, is to offer a selection of sustainable household products that are automatically shipped to you on a regular schedule, based on when you're likely to run out. It's essentially a more focused, curated, and ecologically-minded version of Amazon's Subscribe and Save program; so not only do you get the convenience of automated shipments delivered right to your door, you're also never stuck buying goods from retailers who have limited "green" options.


The site's selection of products pales in comparison to giants like Amazon, but the selection is still fairly robust, and exclusively features the most eco-friendly brands on the market. While shopping, ePantry even offers up its own ratings for each product, which gives you at-a-glance insights into how sustainable, healthy, kid-friendly, and expensive a given product is in comparison to another. At this point, ePantry carries products from just over half a dozen brands, including familiar green names like Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, Method, Seventh Generation, Green Forest, Preserve, and more — and the list is growing rapidly.


It's definitely not a site for coupon cutters and people looking to save a buck, so if you're only concerned with price, you're probably better off just sticking with your local grocery store or Amazon. But if you care about the environmental impact of the products you buy, we highly recommend you give ePantry a look. You can sign up and get started through the company's website, or download the mobile app for iOS.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Musaic’s wireless hi-fi system can double as home automation hub

Despite Musaic's current less-than-desirable situation over at Kickstarter — the project hasn't quite reached half of its roughly $100,000 goal with only 16 days left of funding — the startup has a wireless hi-fi system in the works that shows some real promise. The MP5 and MP10 are merely the two wireless speakers that make up the physical hardware side of the Musaic brainchild. With them, a user can potentially create an Internet of Things-connected structure.


If funded, Musaic promises to provide a totally wireless home music system in all rooms (akin to Sonos' approach) that allows simultaneous interactivity for multiple users. The clever startup is also designing the system to be able to create and control lighting moods, as well as fuse itself with home security and other Smart Home-related automation technologies. In short, Musaic is aiming to be a central hub of sorts for today's burgeoning home automation systems.


But all the other stuff is likely secondary in Musaic's book. At its core, it's simply an advanced home hi-fi system that, if designed and constructed correctly from the get-go, could lend itself well to further applications in the home. Musaic is already collaborating with companies like LIFX (maker of a Wi-Fi enabled, multi-color, energy-efficient LED lightbulb), WigWag (a simple if-then style of home automation system) and more.


Musaic has released a few technical specs for its MP5 and MP10: the MP5 will have two full-range high-excursion drivers, each powered by 18 watts RMS, while the MP10 will come standard with two 15-watt mid/tweeters and a 30-watt subwoofer. The system, like Sonos' technology, will run smoothest via Wi-Fi [802.11 b/g/n (dual band)], though users will also be able to stream music via Ethernet connection and Bluetooth (with support for SBC, AAC and aptX codecs). The system is designed to be compatible with MP3, AAC, FLAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV file formats. Users will be able to charge devices via USB on the rear panel, which also contains Ethernet and 3.5-mm inputs.


But if you want Musaic to even have a shot at Sonos' home audio glory, you should probably make a pledge over at the Kickstarter page – the startup has until April 20 to reach its funding goal.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Sony’s affordable MDR-ZX750BN make noise-cancelling Bluetooth cans more accessible

It's been a while since we've had a reason to get excited over one of Sony's new pairs of headphones, but the recently introduced MDR-ZX750BN have us eager to get our ears on them. It would seem that critical listeners and frequent fliers alike no longer have to shell out $300-plus for a quality pair of  Bluetooth headphones with active noise-cancelling ability, as Sony has priced its latest flagship headphone at just  $200. And not only are the cans affordable, they look  pretty suave, with solid specs to back up their good looks, too.


Sony didn't skimp on the MDR-ZX750BN's guts. Once you've connected your smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth-enabled device, you'll be listening to music or taking calls through amply-sized 40-mm drivers, and the sound should be pretty clear if you've got the headphones' digital noise-cancelling mode set to "active," which Sony claims can reduce ambient noise by up to 98 percent. And, handily enough, when you don't need the noise cancelling — or if you're simply just trying to conserve battery — you can set the mode to "passive" for zero battery drain (for reference, Sony indicates the battery life to be about 13 hours with noise-cancelling enabled). Both the Bluetooth and Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling modes have automatic aptX and AAC compatibility available, so the MDR-ZX750BN can allegedly decide which, out of all the included Bluetooth/Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling modes, is best at any given time, based on the device's ability to analyze the surrounding ambient noise.
In terms of wearability, the MDR-ZX750BN at least look like a pretty comfortable pair of headphones — Sony included ear pads designed to relieve the usual pressures associated with over-ear 'phones. When not being worn, you can fold the headphones up for easy storage and portability.


When running Bluetooth or noise-cancellation features, the headphones rely on a built-in lithium ion rechargeable battery (2.5 hours required to reach full charge). When plugged in via the included traditional 3.5-mm cable, users should have a fairly tangle-free experience due to its unique single-sided/flat design, in addition to enjoying battery-less playback. And there's actually a slight auditory advantage to going the wired route: the fidelity will reportedly improve with a wired connection, according to the specs, which claim the frequency response jumps from 20-20,000Hz to 8-22,000Hz with the addition of a hardline.


A good pair of wireless, active noise-cancelling headphones are, in fact, fairly tough to come by, despite today's congested Bluetooth headphone market. So it's good news for consumers when a company like Sony — with its extensive reach into retail channels — enables more people to get their hands on something like Phiaton's MS 530 or Bose's QuietComfort 3 (typically $300-plus items) at a more reachable price-point. 
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Survey predicts a surge in popularity for wireless speakers and multi-room audio devices

Even if you're just a casual follower of our Home Theater department, you're more than likely aware of the ongoing onslaught of wireless audio devices — within the last month alone we've previewed or reviewed nearly a score of them: JBL's Authentics L8, Harman Kardon's Sabre SB35, Outdoor Tech's Big Turtle Shell, Pyle Audio's Street Blaster, MartinLogan's Crescendo, Neptor's NPSP01-BL, and Objest's Quip, just to name a few. But, according to a new survey by the Consumer Electronics Association, the wireless speaker storm has only just begun.


The study, "Consumer Perspectives on Wireless Multi-Room and Portable Audio Solutions," finds that almost one in five — 16 percent — consumers own a portable wireless speaker. And while only one in ten consumers currently own a wireless multi-room audio (MRA) device, 44 percent of non-owners express interest in getting one. Additionally, 28 percent of consumers plan to purchase a portable wireless speaker (not necessarily MRA-oriented) or related product within the next two years.


These numbers — much like the recent study that predicts a rapid expansion for 4K technology — point to a seemingly inevitable sweeping change for the home audio industry. Considering that almost every owner of both wireless MRA products and portable wireless speakers has reported satisfaction with their devices, this movement doesn't appear to be a fleeting fad. 91 percent of wireless MRA device owners and 85 percent of portable wireless speaker owners would recommend their products to someone else.


CEA also found that, for the consumers researching and purchasing these products, friends, family and co-workers are the most important sources of information. Word-of-mouth and hands-on interactions are the main factors propelling this movement, thus far.


Check out the study for yourself here, and for more on wireless audio, you can sift through our archive for access to every wireless speaker review, or check out the "Best Wireless Speakers" article for our top 10 – compiled by our very own expert reviewers.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

This Megalodon Battlefield 4 easter egg is a must-watch

The megalodon, a prehistoric shark thought to be long extinct, has been discovered in the unlikeliest of places: Battlefield 4. The newly released Naval Strike DLC features in easter egg that allows players to see what it's like to be smashed to goo beneath the crushing weight of a 100-foot-long mega-shark. Spoiler alert: it hurts, and results in immediate death.


Here's how to encounter Megalodon yourself: To witness the mighty power of the long-vanished ocean-dweller for yourself, fire up a game of BF4 on the new Nansha Strike map and gather 10 players in total around a specific buoy near the map's main island. Hang out there for a bit and the big fella will show up. What follows isn't pretty, but you'll be able to gape at the super-shark for a few moments before its deadly belly-flop wipes out two squads worth of Battlefield soldiers. Needless to say, you'll need the Naval Strike DLC in order to make this work.


Alternatively, you can play it safe and simply watch the video below. We won't judge you.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Robot plays Threes perfectly, infuriates people who suck at it

TeamColorBlind, a two-man indie game development team from Phoenix, Ariz., exposed how imperfect we are compared to our future robot overlords. The team programmed a robot to play Threes perfectly and they are streaming their creation's exploits on their Twitch channel.


Threes is a ridiculously addictive numerical puzzle game that's been out for iPhones and iPads since February 2014. You play the game by shifting numbered tiles around on a 4 x 4 grid, stacking identical tiles on top of each other to create higher and higher numbers that are all divisible by three. The game ends when the board fills up and there are no moves left. It's much easier to grasp when you actually play it


The robot consists of two mechanical appendages that swipe in four directions: up, down, left, and right. It looks like something out of a car factory, but it's programmed with the perfect strategy for playing Threes. It's to the point that some Twitch commenters have taken to calling the robot – not inaccurately – Threesus.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Child Abuse Malnourished Child Found Hidden In A Cupboard By Parents

What kind of mother keeps her kid hungry in a cupboard for years?

» more 5yr old malnourished boy found hidden in a cupboard by parents

A couple in Houston, USA has been arrested for endangering the life of their 5 year old son after police found the boy, severely malnourished, in only a nappy and locked up in a cupboard early this week.

According to KRPC-TV reports, the child was found bruised and with protruding bones after Harris County officers were called to a disturbance in the 21500 block of Castlemont, in Spring, Houston, on Thursday.

The kid's step-older brother, 16, was the one who called authorities that his father and stepmother were neglecting his younger stepbrother and keeping him locked in a cupboard.

Upon arrival, police found Bradley Bleimeyer, 24, arguing with his 16-year-old stepson. Police entered the house and found a tiny room with a lock under the stairs. But the stepmother, 33-year-old Tammi Bleimeyer, had left the house with the child before officers arrived.

Ms Bleimeyer was later tracked down at a motel in Humble on Friday via her mobile phone and the boy was taken to Texas Children's Hospital. Investigators released images of the tiny, blonde-haired child, which show his protruding shoulder blades, ribs and spine.

Mr. and Ms. Bleimeyer were arrested Friday on a charge of endangering a child. Ms Bleimeyer was released on a bond of $2,000 (£1,200) and Mr. Bleimeyer, who was already out on bail for a burglary arrest, was held without bond.

The child remains hospitalized. Officials say the Children's Protective Services (CPS) is desperately requesting emergency custody of the boy.

Should the child be handed over to the government?
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

"Real Housewives of Atlanta" Star Kandi Burruss Marries Todd Tucker Pop the champagne!

"Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Kandi Burruss married Todd Tucker in front of family and friends on Friday in Atlanta."This is one of the best days of my life!

I never imagined that I would marry my best friends. Todd's been that to me," she told In Touch. "And to have just had the wedding of my dreams, it's all been so beautiful.


Now it's time to party!"Leading up to her big day, Kandi posted pictures from a wild bachelorette party, where she was toasted by her fellow Housewives Phaedra Parks and Porsha Williams.


The reality star announced her engagement in January 2013. The couple met in 2011 while filmed the fourth season of the hit Bravo show.Burruss was previously engaged to the late A.J. Jewell. She has a 10-year-old daughter, Riley, with ex-boyfriend Russell Spencer.


This is Tucker's first marriage.  Congrats to the happy couple!Click "Launch Gallery" above to see more celebrity weddings, including "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong, who also tied the knot on Friday.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Rita Dominic Set To Produce New Movie

If you loved the award winning movie "The Meeting", get ready because the production team is set to give us another mind blowing flick.

Beautiful Nollywood actress, Rita Dominic took to her Instagram page to make the announcement with the caption:

«"Yay, this is going to be our next project, from the producers of the meeting movie #mordpicturespriduction#The AudreySilva company# Filmnoir#MildredOkwo#"

We are so excited and can't wait to see another great production from Rita and her crew. You can be sure we'll keep you posted as things unfold!


From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Funke Akindele, Stella Damasus, Others Weep For Nigeria

Women from all walks of life gathered last week for the National Women's Prayer Summit which had the likes of Stella Damsus and Funke Akindele in tears

Women from all walks of life gathered last week for the National Women's Prayer Summit with theme "The Supplication" hosted by Jumoke Adenowo and Awesome Treasures Foundation to pray against violence in Nigeria.

Celebrities like Funke Akindele, Stella Damasus, Ufuoma Ejenobor and many others were in attendance.

Tears started flowing after a woman from Jos came up and graphically narrated how her community was burnt down with pregnant women and children slaughtered in the process.

According to award winning photographer TY Bello who took the photos, "We were going to be praying against violence in Nigeria. I was itching to pray with everything but something kept pressing to bring my camera so I just followed the nudge. The room was filled with women as diverse as we come. There really wasn't a place to hide our emotions this wasn't the news or a blog post.

This was OUR sister, standing before us in flesh and blood. Uttering truth we had mastered the art of turning a blind eye to. There were no blind eyes in the room. There wasn't one dry eye either. Reality came and stared us right in the face."
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

New Couple? Zac Efron & Halston Sage Sit Courtside at Lakers Game

Does Zac Efron have a new lady in his life?The actor was snapped at the Lakers game on Friday night, sitting courtside with his "Neighbors" costar Halston Sage.

The 26-year-old, who was showing off his biceps in a tight black T-shirt, really seemed to be enjoying the actress' company. The two share some steamy scenes in their upcoming flick. Back in April 2013, Efron was snapped pulling the 20-year-old beauty close for one serious smooch.

They would make an adorable couple!Check out their on-screen chemistry in "Neighbors," which hits theaters on May 9. Click "Launch Gallery" above to see more kissing costars!
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Box office update: ‘Captain America’ supersizes Friday’s box office with $37 million

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is proving that a big shield is enough to conquer the box office, pulling in an estimated $37 million Friday night. The PG-13 film from Joe and Anthony Russo is already outpacing 2011′s original Captain America, which earned $25.7 million its first full day in release. The movie has also already nabbed $75 million from its international release and could get close to $100 million here in North America.


The power of Chris Evans' Steve Rogers has essentially blotted out the rest of the box office, with Darren Aronofsky's Noah earning only $4.9 million on its second Friday in release. That gives the Bible flick a $60 million total. It's not helping that Captain America's "A" CinemaScore far outshines the "C-" audiences handed out to Russell Crowe's flood epic.


In Divergent's third week in release, the YA adaptation pulled in an estimated $4.2 million on Friday, putting its domestic total at a little over $105 million.


God's Not Dead is likely to land in fourth place this weekend, earning an additional $2.2 million Friday when it added 580 theaters to its release plan. The unlikely hit has now grossed $27 million.


Rounding out the top five is likely to be Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel, which grossed an additional $1.8 million on Friday for a domestic total close to $30 million.


Here's how the top five movies looked on Friday:


Captain America: The Winter Soldier – $37 million
Noah – $4.9 million
Divergent – $4.2 million
God's Not Dead – $2.2 million
The Grand Budapest Hotel — $1.8 million

Check back tomorrow for a full report.

 
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ to tour North America with a punk legend and boy band star

The 1970s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar is being resurrected for a North American arena rock tour this summer, led by a former boy band member, an R&B siren and a punk icon.

The musical written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice about the last days of Jesus will start a 54-city tour in New Orleans on June 9.

It will star punk legend John "Johnny Rotten" Lydon as King Herod, Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child as Mary Magdalene, Brandon Boyd of Incubus as Judas and JC Chasez of `N Sync as Pontius Pilate. Ben Forster, the winner of the U.K.'s prime-time contest show Superstar, will play the son of God.

"I'm looking forward to the experience," said Chasez. "This is honestly my first theater experience so I'm being thrown into the fire a bit. But I'm excited because the fact that we're doing something that feels pretty unique."

The tour will start at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans and include stops in Detroit, Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis, Phoenix, Seattle, Las Vegas, Denver, New York City, and Boston before ending in Philadelphia on Aug. 16.

The guitar- and keyboard-driven musical, which debuted on Broadway in 1971, includes such songs as "What's the Buzz?" "Superstar," "Everything's Alright" and "I Don't Know How to Love Him." The show will have four video cameras broadcasting the show onto screens and use the latest in lighting and sound technology.

Superstar was first introduced as an album before being staged in theaters on Broadway and London. "There's always been, for me, something a little bit constraining about it in a theater," said Lloyd Webber. "We wrote it as a rock album and not as a stage show."

In 2012, producer Michael Cohl said he saw a concert version of Superstar in London and was blown away. That show toured the U.K. and Australia before jumping to North America. Ticket prices in America will be between $29 and $125.

Cohl, who was a lead producer on the ill-fated, aerial-effects laden Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, declined to talk too much about the financing, but said the new show's total costs are in the "eight figures" and needs to pull in "several hundred thousand dollars" each night to keep it on the road. "It's a particular pleasure for me to get to work on this show — particularly because there's no flying," Cohl joked.

The original production earned five Tony Award nominations, including one for Ben Vereen, who played Judas. A film version was released in 1973 and the last Broadway revival was staged in 2012 under the direction of Des McAnuff.

The musical dramatizes Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his preaching and popularity, his betrayal by Judas, the trial before Pontius Pilate and his ultimate crucifixion. It marked an early collaboration between Lloyd Webber and Rice, who also created Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Evita.

At a press conference Friday announcing the tour, Williams, Forster and Boyd sang a few songs and Lydon, formerly of the Sex Pistols, threw out bananas to the media, using expletives with ease. Chasez said the cast — with backgrounds from punk to pop — would bring their different performance styles and create something special.

"It sounds crazy and wonderful at the same time," he said.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

This Week's Best Celebrity TwitPics!

This week, Fergie and her son Axl dress up as bikers, Miley Cyrus and Avril Lavigne have a fake feud over who's the biggest star in Canada and Vanessa Hudgens shows off her awesome circus skills! Also, Honey Boo Boo hangs out with the "little couple," Brody Jenner has a seven hour layover coming home from the Kardashian/Jenner vacation in Thailand and James Franco gets a sweet surprise from Lady Gaga. 

Plus, John Stamos teaches us how to smash a guitar properly, Taylor Swift spends some time thinking at the beach and Kylie Jenner and Jayden Smith look like they are more than just friends! See these stars' personal pics and even more celebrity TwitPics by clicking "Launch Gallery" above!
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Must you go Naked? Popular Nigerian Video Vixen, Voney Dolce Who Is Craving For Attention Has Released Another Fully Naked Photos Of Herself

What are this upcoming celebrities doing? Must you go naked to prove to the world that you must be known by all means?

What won't these nigerian celebrities do to get attention? See hot provocative photos released by this nigerian video vixen below...
See Photo Here ---> pic.twitter.com/BlPlgVJfMd

From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Two classic Aston Martin DBS’ are up for Auction, which would you bid on?

For those of you feeling especially sluggish today, maybe you should try some Earl Gray. It will go perfectly with the pair of Aston Martin DBS twins going to auction in England this month.  

These vintage Aston Martins were found in filthy but original condition, and experts estimate the two to sell from anywhere between $30,000 and $40,000. 


The auction price sounds like a sweet deal, considering both are running and hardly used. The rare 1969 model is especially well-priced, as it comes with a manual transmission and is only one of 70 right-hand drive models in existence.


Silverstone Auctions states that, "Largely untouched, the car is in highly original condition and has survived storage remarkably well with the engine still turning over." 


The 1969 DBS has a 4.0-liter, naturally-aspirated straight-six with triple Weber carburetors. The three-carb straight-six makes a solid 325 horsepower.


On the other hand, we have the 1970 model, which shouldn't be overlooked. Like a fine glass of wine, the Aston is finished in Dubonnet Rosso red paint and features a tan leather interior. 


Unlike the 1969, the new model features a 5.3-liter V8 that produces 32o hp, which is similar in output to the straight six. However, the V8 model is supposedly good for over 160 mph. That's fast even for today's standards. 


These fast, handsome, and brilliant pieces of British art should have been sold in the States. The widemouthed grill and classic fastback design just screams for Steve McQueen to drive it, if there were ever a British rendition of Bullit.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Amazon’s Fire TV is a win for everyone, even if its flame dwindles quickly

Cable refugees who rely on Netflix, Amazon and Hulu for their TV already have a veritable buffet of hardware to access them. If your TV doesn't connect to the standard suite of streaming apps, your Blu-ray player does. If it doesn't, your console does, and if it doesn't a slew of companies from Roku to Apple will be happy to sell you a standalone box.


On Wednesday, Amazon gave consumers one more way to connect: the $99 Fire TV. Amazon hopes the box will cut out its slice of the growing cordcutter pie, but with so many other devices jostling to do the same, that won't be easy. Fire TV needs to be more than just a clone of its predecessors; it needs to outclass and outperform the competition in several key areas, and maybe even bring something totally unique to the table.


Does it succeed? We'll have our full review of the Fire TV shortly, but in the meantime, here's our take on where the Fire TV flares up, and where it sputters.


A three-pronged approach

Amazon claims the Fire TV swings at three chinks in competitors' armor: performance, search and closed ecosystems.


In its attempt to address that first bullet point, Fire TV came out looking a lot like an Apple TV juiced up on steroids. It flexes a quad-core processor, dedicated graphics processor, 2GB of RAM, and dual-antenna, dual-band Wi-Fi with MIMO for quicker downloads; we've seen laptops with less impressive specs for Pete's sake. Beyond brute strength, it also uses its brains to pre-cache content it thinks you're going to watch, delivering nearly instant streaming with no loading or buffering. Performance? Check.


There's no question: Amazon's box delivers where others do not; but how long will that last?

As for search, the jury is still out, but Amazon at least has a unique angle here. The company integrated voice search into the Fire TV, something neither Roku nor Apple TV offer right now. Not only did the voice recognition software appear to work well (it picked up on the word "Umizoomi" just fine), but the results it returned were comprehensive, inclusive of multiple content sources, and snappy. A "Best Buy Box" even shows the least expensive option for watching the requested content. Search? We'll give it a check.


Attacking the "closed ecosystems" of competitors might be a more contentious claim. We will concede that the system comes with plenty of appealing apps, from Netflix to Watch ESPN and Plex. And some of the Fire TV's second-screen features will be available in iOS devices, so the system will offer some slick goodies that don't require owning a Kindle Fire tablet. But, when it comes to getting the best experience streaming for personal music and photos, users are stuck using Amazon's Cloud Drive, which doesn't feel "open" to us. And besides, how "closed" are the Roku and Chromecast when they support Netflix, Hulu Plus and even Amazon Instant? No check here, sorry Amazon. 


Amazon's 'one more thing'

Thanks to its Android operating system and hot-rod hardware, the Fire TV can run games in addition to all the streaming options, with the addition of a $40 controller. Neither Roku nor Apple TV can touch that right now, making it a unique feature, but how many people really care?


Because the system runs mobile-style games, it probably won't appeal to hardcore gamers. For another $40, that crowd could score a far more capable Xbox 360. And as Ouya proved, the band of consumers looking to play casual games on a TV just isn't that broad. So while gaming might be a novel addition, it isn't enough to make the Fire TV a slam-dunk over the heads of Roku or Apple TV. 


Better, but better enough?

There's no question: Amazon's box delivers where others do not; but how long will that last? Apple is rumored to be close to rolling out a replacement for the aging Apple TV, and Roku is always improving on itself. In as little as six months, the Fire TV's competition could make it look like it's standing still.


Amazon missed a couple of opportunities with the Fire TV, too. First, it doesn't follow Amazon's trend of undercutting the competition on price. Amazon can rightly boast that it offers more power than Apple TV for the same price, but that's nothing to be proud of beside an ancient piece of two-year-old tech. Then there's the Roku, which comes in versions as inexpensive as $50, but still offers much of the same core functionality.


Second, Amazon failed to broker any exclusive live-television deals, which would have set the Fire TV miles apart from competitors, and represented a landmark moment in Internet-delivered television. To its credit, Amazon continues to invest in its own original content, and it is letting its viewers pick which pilots will get picked up for full series production. It could be that snuggling up to the old TV guard is nowhere in Amazon's playbook, and if that's the case, we can respect it.


That leaves just one more place for Amazon to shine…


Could Prime Instant pull the Fire TV along? 


It may surprise you to learn that, in terms of streaming video sites, Amazon's Prime Instant Video service has both Hulu and Apple beat. According to research by Qwilt, a provider of online video delivery and transparent caching solutions, Amazon's streaming video service rose in rank from number five to number three in a single year, experiencing a 94-percent increase in traffic volume in a single year, and knocking Hulu and Apple back a few notches. Qwilt CEO, Alon Maor, attributes the growth to Amazon's Prime stategy.


On paper, the Fire TV doesn't look like an Apple TV- or Roku-killer to us.

"Including the membership for Amazon Instant Video for free as part of the Amazon Prime subscription (vs. paid service by both Hulu and Amazon) as well as very tight integration with the Amazon Kindle Fire product line were the key for their success," said Maor.


Fire TV box may make sense as a go-to accessory for Amazon Prime subscribers to use a service they're already paying for. And that's no small number: Amazon has at least 20 million Prime subscribers. If folks are signing up for Prime anyway (in spite of a recent rate increase) and see the $99 set-top box as a natural companion purchase to their membership, strong family ties between service and hardware could be the only "feature" Fire TV needs.


An upstream battle

On paper, the Fire TV doesn't look like an Apple TV- or Roku-killer to us. It isn't priced low enough to be the "gimme" product the Chromecast is, and its superior performance may not last long enough for it to put much hurt on its set-top competition. But the Fire TV doesn't need to "kill" its competition to become successful or have a positive impact on the set-top streamer market. There's plenty of room in this space for another player, and Amazon's competitive spirit and aggressive engineering with the Fire TV is likely to spur Apple and Roku to step up to the challenge of designing better versions of their own products. The way we see it, the Fire TV is a win for consumers, no matter how much of that cordcutter pie it manages to slice for itself in the near term. Amazon is into Internet-delivered TV for the long haul, and its great to see it as a leader in the charge into a new era. 
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Jaguar’s XE to receive the F-TYPE’s supercharged V6. BMW, you’ve been warned

Jaguar is back, and it has recently been on the prowl.


With a massive improvement in sales and performance in the last several years, it looks as though Jag is going to compete with the 3 series … and go straight for the jugular.


According to Autocar, Jaguar will offer its all-new mid-size XE sports sedan with the riotous F-TYPE's 3.0-liter V6. The supercharged V6 produces 335 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Watch out M3, it looks like the daddy Jag might not be so old and slow after all.


Alongside the 3.0, Jag will also offer an all-new line of "Ingenium" 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines under the bonnet of the XE. While surely more efficient than the blown 3.0, the Ingenium won't be as potent.


For those who are just now learning of the XE, it'll be similar to the larger XF, but smaller … and have four doors. Why the 'E' in the name? The XE is the first small sedan for the British brand since the unsuccessful X-TYPE, and it will have to prove itself as both sporty and luxurious to win over customers.


While the F-TYPE will probably be more sporting in nature, the XE is still as high-tech as its new four-cylinder engine name sounds. The XE is the first Jaguar to use an extensively aluminum chassis first show on the C-X17 Crossover Concept.


Watch out for the Jaguar XE in 2016. Although, with its extraterrestrial powerplants and high speed, you might not see it coming.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

2015 BMW M4 convertible adds sunshine to the M4′s resume

BMW will follow up the highly-anticipated 2015 M3 sedan and M4 coupe with the debut of an all-new M4 convertible at the 2014 New York Auto Show.


Waiting in the wings since the sedan and coupe debuted at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, the M4 convertible is almost identical to its siblings, other than the folding roof.


That means the convertible has the same 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline-six as its siblings, producing 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It also comes with the same choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed M-DCT transmissions.


The M4 convertible also comes with the same high-tech hardware as the fixed-roof cars – including the Active M Differential and Adaptive M Suspension – so cornering should be just as much fun with the top down.


That top, by the way, is made of metal, just like on the last M3 convertible. BMW says improvements for the M4 reduce cabin noise by 2 decibels (the better to hear that straight-six), while an upgraded wind blocker will keep occupants' toupees intact.


Retracting the top takes 20 seconds at speeds up to 11 mph, but stowing it eats up almost half of the M4′s trunk space.


However, that's a minor inconvenience compared to the weight penalty for going topless.


While the 2015 M4 convertible was subject to the same diet as its siblings – and weighs about 90 pounds less than the previous M3 convertible – it still weighs about 500 pounds more than the M4 coupe.


That added bulk shows when the stopwatches come out.


The M4 convertible will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds with the M-DCT transmission, or 4.4 seconds with the manual. That's pretty quick, but the coupe takes just 3.9 seconds with the dual-clutch and 4.1 seconds with the manual. Both cars are limited to 155 mph.


Buyers should expect to pay a bit more as well. The 2015 BMW M4 convertible will arrive in U.S. showrooms this summer, most likely at a slight premium over the M4 coupe's $65,125 base price.


In addition to the M4 convertible, BMW will unveil the 2015 X4 crossover coupe and 2015 Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe at the New York Auto Show, which begins April 16. Check back here for the latest updates.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Bose aims for style with its Freestyle in-ear and SoundTrue headphones

Bose today announced a new trio of headphones that will likely deliver the consistently high-quality audio that consumers have come to expect from the Massachusetts-based company, but Bose also seems to be aiming for superior comfort and  pleasing aesthetics with this release. The undeniably popular company has revealed via press release its FreeStyle in-ear/earbud hybrid pair of headphones and the stockier SoundTrue pair, available in both on-ear and over-ear styles.


The FreeStyle hybrid pair features Bose's proprietary StayHear technology — which we first saw with the IE2 and SIE2 in-ear headphones more than a year ago, and again last November when we looked at the QuietComfort 20 and QC20i ANC. The tech, in the form of a small silicone wing-like tip, helps each small earbud spread its contact across the ear and conform to the natural contours for a more comfortable and less pressure-intensive feel (each pair comes with three differently sized pairs, for huge and tiny ears alike). Bose's product page doesn't go into too much detail in terms of the FreeStyle's audio capabilities — though, with Bose's reputation behind it, we can assume that the pair likely brings an above-average sound, especially considering the $130 price-point. But again, Bose itself admits in the press release that the new trio is aimed at style-conscious customers.


On the over-ear/on-ear side of the trio lies the SoundTrue model, a slightly more expensive model with a $180 price tag, regardless of your over-ear or on-ear preference. Weighing in at less than a third of a pound, both styles come standard with memory-foam cushions and the increasingly-popular  inline remote/microphone on its 66-inch cord.


The Freestyle are available in Indigo and Ice Blue and the SoundTrue in Black, White and Mint, as well as two-tone designs of Purple/Mint and Black/Mint.


While we can't get behind the technicalities of Bose's new headphone trio just yet, we can assume they sound pretty good, based solely on Bose's reputation and the respective price-ranges. Check back here for updates, as well as more in-depth reviews of the 'phones once we get our hands on them.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

2015 Lexus NX partially de-cloaks ahead of 2014 Beijing Motor Show

The words "crossover" and "Lexus" usually don't excite car lovers, but the Japanese luxury brand hopes its 2015 NX will change that.


Set to debut at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show and previewed by a couple of concepts, the NX will feature styling that could turn the rather conservative compact luxury crossover segment on its head.


That is, if the production model looks anything like the LF-NX concepts Lexus displayed at the 2013 Frankfurt and Tokyo motor shows. Both featured razor-edged styling and a bold version of Lexus' signature "spindle grille" that seemed to be inspired by a bottom-dwelling fish that kills its prey with poisonous barbs.


The teaser image Lexus released ahead of the production NX's Beijing debut hints that some of those elements remain.


The LED running-light slash seen on the concept is prominently featured, and will visually tie the NX to the IS sedan and RC coupe. The crossover's headlights and grille also appear to have been reshaped to more closely resemble those of the IS.


Customer attitudes are hard to predict, especially when it comes to Lexus' wacky designs, but the NX should provide an interesting counterpoint to the smooth curves of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and Lincoln MKC, and scare more conservative crossovers like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 right out of the Starbucks parking lot.


Underneath the sci-fi styling will be two powertrains. The NX 300h will feature a hybrid setup, will the NX 200t will have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a first for a production Lexus.


However, the styling and up-to-date power trains may be betrayed by the NX's bones. The baby Lexus will be based on the Toyota RAV4, not the best platform for a sporty vehicle.


While it may not have the sporty character to back up its looks, the 2015 Lexus NX could carve itself a niche in the compact luxury crossover segment through shock alone.We'll find out at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, which begins April 20.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

2015 Subaru Outback is coming, so get ready for upgraded outdoor pursuits

The Subaru Outback is an old-school wagon that has not changed much in functionality. But this year it will bring some majorly upgraded looks to the table. 


The 2014 New York International Auto Show is an excellent venue to wear a suit and tie, and Subaru has dressed up the new Outback accordingly. Subaru claims that its flagship model "blends Car-like handling and SUV capability." The 2015 model should not be much different mechanically than last year's, but the new aesthetic touches are a necessary improvement.


The new Outback will be loosely based off of Subaru's latest Legacy model, with upgraded off-road capabilities. The headlights and grill shapes are nearly identical, as well as the hood and side mirrors. Hopefully the updated Outback will be a hit, as it is a vital product for Subaru.
 

I don't know what the Northwest would be like if Subaru Outbacks and Crosstreks weren't around. After all, those with sporty lifestyles and eco-friendly aspirations need something in which to get to the slopes. The new looks might just be too mainstream for some Northwest Subaru fans to handle, as they might be far better suited to more adventurous, gung-ho grandparents.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

F1 champ Sebastian Vettel takes the 560-hp Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype for a spin

Turns out the 560-horsepower Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge isn't just an attention-grabbing concept; Infiniti has sent the car to prototype stage and put Formula 1 champion – and Infiniti Director of Performance – Sebastian Vettel behind the wheel.

Giddy-up.

In the video below, you can see Vettle hammering the forthcoming Q50 Eau Rouge prototype – essentially a four-door luxury GT-R – around the Millbrook Proving Ground automotive testing facility in the U.K.

Infiniti promises to unveil the prototype at the Beijing Auto Show on April 20th, bringing it one step closer to your driveway.

If you're wondering why Infiniti is going forward with the Eau Rouge, there are – as far as I can figure –two reasons.

Firstly, the Q50 isn't doing well in sales; customers don't know it exists. So in order to draw attention to the new mid-size luxury sedan, luxury arm of Nissan is big guns.

Secondly – and perhaps more intriguingly – Infiniti seems keen to take on the Germans performance sedans, like the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Makes sense. If you got 'em, smoke 'em. Infiniti would be mad not to utilize the GT-R drivetrain for its own nefarious needs.

While the prospect of a production Eau Rouge excites me, I am trepidatious. I absolutely love the GT-R drivetrain but I just never cared much for the packaging. Sure, for $90,000, you get supercar performance. For that relatively measly price, though, tag, you also had to suffer a suspension carved from granite and deafening road noise.

A four-door lux version of the GT-R could essentially solve all my complaints with the car. So, to Infiniti, I say: shine on, you crazy cats.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

The Aston Martin lifestyle is full of fine liquors, speakers, and women

Aston Martin is definitively British by more than nationality. It also boasts a very British design attitude, something that evokes a sense of freedom and adventure only found within a brisk drive. 


Accordingly, Aston Martin commissioned True Motion Pictures to produce a film starring it Vanquish model. Why the Vanquish? It was chosen to star because it absolutely exudes every single emotion Aston wants to seep into a proud driver. The evocative and exquisite short film is called "The Art of Vanquish". It's an eye-catching short film that creates a mesmerizing life context for the flagship model.


The luxurious atmosphere surrounding the Aston lifestyle is created by meshing shots of pure driving enjoyment with the subtleties of a refined man's life, something few can dream of.


Aston Martin cunningly uses some wise product placement techniques by showing the faceless Aston owner's favorite drink, his preferred sound system (Bang and Olufsen, of course), and his kind of woman. 


What would owning an Aston Martin be without living a refined lifestyle to match your perfect automobile? The two go hand in hand, and if you listen to the choice words of a traveled man in the film, you might just have to buy a Vanquish.


If nothing else, the roar of that handcrafted V12 should convince you.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Samsung is all in on graphene, and it could mean real bendable devices

Samsung has been ahead of everyone else in terms of flexible displays. Its Galaxy Round was the first phone on the market with a curved screen, beating out the LG G Flex for the honor.


Today, the company announced the development of a new method for synthesizing graphene, suggesting a future where phone screens and wearable devices bend to your will. Graphene is an ullra-thin material that has a hundred times more electron mobility than silicon, one of the most commonly used materials for semiconductors.  With its durability and high heat conductibility, the material has many potential uses for the production of next generation electronic devices as a replacement for silicon.


The company, through a research partnership with Sungkyungkwan University, discovered a new way of growing large area, single crystal wafer scale graphene. The new method makes it possible to accelerate the commercialization of the material.


"This is one of the most significant breakthroughs in graphene research in history … We expect this discovery to accelerate the commercialization of graphene, which could unlock the next era of consumer electric technology," the company said in a blog post.     


Previously, engineers ran into obstacles that made producing practical applications difficult. Researchers found that multi-crystal synthesis, the process of synthesizing small graphene particles for the production of large-area graphene, deteriorated the material's electric and mechanical properties so much that it limited its possible applications. 


If you want to read the company's complete findings, you can check out today's issue of science journals Science Magazine and Science Express.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

Nas' Most Revealing Thought On Today's Rappers!

Is there anything wrong with rappers of this generation?

More Nas educates modern rappers on honesty and realness in music

Nas' Illmatic album clocks 20!
Legendary MC Nas is not so please with the quality of rap music these days that he had to educate rappers on what they are expected to do correctly. He wants better music and with more honesty and realness.

One of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time "Illmatic" –for its realness- celebrated its 20th anniversary last weekend at Georgetown University and Nas expresses concern over the lack of rappers taking on serious and 'real' subject matters in their music.

«"I don't see enough emcees who are brave enough to be honest. I would like to see more of that. There's a lot of good stuff, and there's a lot of bad in rap," he said. "The socially conscious stuff can come off sometime as preachy, so a lot of people tend to stay away from it. It ain't their bag. That's not what they do. But still they kind of have some artistic responsibility to do more than what's the latest trend."

According to TheGrio,  Nas' classic album – Illmatic - takes on social injustices and struggles of young black men growing up in an inner city, of which artists lack the honesty to talk about today. Nas' calling as a rapper had a lot to do with having a message. But he says, "many rappers today don't have to have a message or gain respect in the game first anymore."

«"Imagine me trying to come in that rap game at 19 years old. It was impossible," said Nas. "I had to do something that mattered, or I would not have gotten that respect from [the rapper at the time]. If I didn't get that respect from them it was over. But now it's a lot easier."

To all those who are and claim they are serious rappers, please pick up something from this.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews