The brand new Logitech MX Anywhere 2 Wireless Mobile Mouse has been billed as the “Most Advanced Portable Mouse…Designed to Work Anywhere You Do”. Being an IT guy, I love new tech. If you use computers you also realize how important mice are to your job. You need to have a good one if you want to make your life each. The Logitech MX Anywhere 2 Wireless Mobile Mouse hits stores this month with a very reasonable retail price of $79.99.

We all know what a mouse is used for (hopefully), so I will discuss some of the neat features that this new “advanced” mouse has. Firstly it has an advanced Darkfield™ Laser Sensor is made to be used on physically ANY surface…that includes glass..yes GLASS!! No more mouse bad needed for those with a glass table. It has a nice compact size , a contoured shape and a rubber surface that makes it use very user friendly.

If you are a fan of Logitech mice then you will realize that the Logitech MX Anywhere 2 Wireless Mobile Mouse is actually a more mobile version of their award-winning MX Master Wireless Mouse. A real important feature of the mouse is that it has dual-connectivity and connects easily to easiy Windows or Mac computers through the Pico Unifying Receiver (included) or through Bluetooth Smart technology. Either one works great and is extremely easily to connect. Another awesome feature is that you can pair the MX Anywhere 2 with up to three devices at once, this is an awesome feature if you are taking this mouse on the go and moving it from machine to machine.  With the touch of the Logitech Easy-Switch button you can easily switch.

If you are on the computer all day like myself, then you are used to scrolling non-stop through your Facebook page or through ending websites. This mouse’s scroll wheel is equipped with hyper-fast scrolling, so you can easily browse your sites easily and then shift to click-­to-­click mode for precise navigation. Lastly the most important part for a wireless mouse is do I need batteries? or does it charge? The Logitech MX Anywhere 2 Wireless Mobile Mouse has a rechargeable battery lasts up to two months elimating the new for replacing batteries often. It if you need quick results only one single minute of USB-cord charging actually ends up giving you up to two hours of usage. I recommend this for sure.

We all know that SEO is very important if you are a company with web presence. If you are looking for ways to get your company raised on Google’s ranks; reaching a wider local audience online and to most importantly get more work…you are going to want to pay close attention to this below! Here is a really cool infographic for law firms for all you lawyers out there!

Via: SEOCompany.org

Remember that QWERTY keypad phone that not a log ago was a rage in India? Yes, we are talking about the Blackberry Phones. The phone, which was once a symbol of status quo and the most trusted device for business professionals, suddenly vanished into the oblivion. But it was only a matter of that Blackberry came back with a bang and indeed it came back with a thud taking the smartphone market by storm with the release of Blackberry Z10. The device runs on the latest Blackberry 10 OS is sure to give a tough competition to the iOS, Andorid and Windows phones. The major highlight of this phone is that Blackberry has ditched its signature QWERTY keypad and the trackpad and it has gone for a full touch screen design, which has become a fad nowadays.

Before we get into the features and hardware specifications of this amazing phone, you must know that although the phone comes loaded with a range of useful apps and many more available from the Blackberry store, it is best advised to download and install the Freecharge app. This app allows you to get quick recharge for your phone as well as allow you to pay your mobile and other home utility bills with ease. Additionally, when you pay your bills through the app you can use the freecharge discount coupons that lets you get discount each time you recharge or pay your bills.

Coming back to the features, here are some reasons why this phone will help BB regain its lost market share:

Design and Built
When you unbox the phone, the design and built of the phone will surely take you by surprise. The smart design, compact size and superior quality finish will give you feeling that you are holding a premium phone. The good thing is that Blackberry has not blindly followed the trend of producing phones with enormous screen size, instead it sports a 4.2 inch screen that is pretty decent and for browsing, watching videos and playing games. Plus, the phone snuggly fits in your palms and it is comfortable to carry in your pockets. If the design of the phone tempts you to buy it, you may buy it online but make sure that you check the best deals and offers at couponraja and you would get valuable savings on your purchase.

High Quality Screen
The LCD Screen has a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels gives you sharp and crisp display output. The colours appear real and it gives you awesome viewing angles. Critics suggest that the brightness is low as compared to other premium phones but it more than makes up with a display that doesn’t cause any strain on the eye.

Camera
The phone features an 8MP rear camera that is capable of recording full HD videos. For people who love video conferencing the 2 MP front camera comes in handy. Besides the touch to focus feature helps you click picture with pin-point accuracy.

Software
The new BB 10 OS is a compelling upgrade and offers the users an excellent alternative to the typical android phones. You can carry out your usual tasks like browsing internet, use emails, browse FB and twitter with ease.

Final Verdict
With a price tag of Rs. 43, 490/- the phone is certainly a great buy considering its amazing features.

Planet Comicon, one of the best and biggest fan-driven conventions in the country, ended another great session this past weekend in Kansas City.

With such celebrity guests as Cary Elwes, Michael Rooker and Scott Wilson, the lines for autographs were long (but moved quickly) and there were plenty of vendors ready to work a deal or two. Whether your love was movies, television, comics or toys, there was plenty to see and plenty to do. As in other years, many guests came in the guise of their favorite pop culture characters.

The “Behind the Mikes” podcast team of Moviemike, Loaf and Brett “Movie Quote” Coker, along with photographer Dan Lybarger, worked the vast expanse of Kansas City’s Bartle Hall, speaking with fans and capturing the sights of the event. Fans of every genre’ were encouraged to get on stage for trivia, hosted by a gentleman in an amazing looking suit!

A huge THANK YOU to Chris Jackson and his Planet Comicon staff for making this annual event one of the most anticipated each year!

Moviemike, Loaf and Brett (l-r) bright and early in the morning. Midwest Wonder Woman

 

The artist with her signed painting The Walking Dead’s” Scott Wilson Photog Dan Lybarger and Michael Rooker The trivia quiz master and his assistant. Lady Avengers Three of a kind

 

“Thank you, Walt Disney” trying to raise money to restore Walt’s original Kansas City studio.

Los Angeles, CA, February 28, 2015 – Just in time for Easter, there’s a new stackable, collectible and oh so loveable plush line debuting on store shelves, courtesy of Funrise Toy Corporation.

Stackins Stackable Friends™ is a collectible line of animal-themed stackable plush with adorable features, available in two sizes, small and medium. These plush pets are perfect for stacking in Easter baskets, trading and sharing with friends or just snuggling!

These furry friends will launch exclusively on the shelves at tween retailer Justice beginning in March 2015, with additional characters to stack the shelves throughout the year. Stackins will also expand into Walmart and other retailers late this summer.

“Stackable plush is the hottest new collectible, and we’re so excited to introduce these adorable, Stackins pets to fans,” said Kathy Hawk, Vice President, Marketing, Funrise. “While Stackins certainly have a cute factor, they also have a purpose and identity that kids will love collecting.”

Funrise has big plans for Stackins, including an interactive microsite at StackinsFriends.com that will launch in the coming weeks and Stackins animated webisodes coming soon that will follow the fun antics of these furry friends. Ages 3+, SRP $4.99 for small, $12.99 for medium.

Socialize with us on Instagram at funrisetoys, Twitter @Funrise_Toys , #stackins, and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FunriseToys

 

Growing up being an Orlando Magic fan, you gotta give it to Shaquille O’Neal man. The guy is long retired from the game of basketball and yet his presence is no less important in the business. Like Air Jordan’s the Shaq Attaq is back and still just as cool. The shows are just slick looking. No BS either. They are blank and simple black and white and they own it. It is a bold shoe for a bold person.

I love the high-top look and I am happy that it has never gone away. These sneakers are Insta Pump-equipped with leather and mesh upper for comfort, support, and breathability. The Pump P107 collar technology is a nice way to add custom fit for the shoe and I really enjoy this feature. These also have a hexalite cushioning system for supreme underfoot comfort.

I am usually not huge on signature sneakers but Reebok really delivers these with a good price of around $140 bucks, which ain’t too bad. They also sport the retro Shaq’s signature “dunking” logo on the tongue and the Reebok logo on the ankle as well. These are shoes that will be you some attention I guarantee it. I have never or will never be a basketball player but these shoes are hot and I can’t wait to show them off.

 

Related Content

• Product Review “Nike Air Max 2015”
• Product Feature “New Balance Glow 1400 Sneakers”
• Product Feature: New Balance Fresh Foam 980 Sneakers
• Introducing Monet: Beauty and Function for Your Phone
• The Americas Cake Fair to help raise awareness, stock supplies at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida as demand rises

Despite what the thermometer says for many in the country, spring is just around the corner. And with spring comes flowers, warmer weather, children playing outside and Gazillion National Bubble Week (March 8^th  – 14^th).

National Bubble Week originated in 2000 as a way to celebrate spring. Because bubbles are such an iconic, fun outside toy, it’s only natural to use these floating spheres to usher in the season synonymous with outdoor play, laughter and sunshine.

Here are some ways everyone can celebrate!

First, get some bubbles! Gazillion Bubbles solution makes the biggest, brightest and most colorful bubbles around! And ramp it up with awesome bubble toys!

o   Gazillion Bubble Monsoon — create a skyward storm of bubbles instantly! Simply replace the cap on the bottle of bubble solution with the auto-feed cap (included), attach the solution bottle to the machine, press the button and watch in amazement as the sky fills with bubbles!

o   Gazillion Bubbles Tornado — This machine may be small, but once you pour in Gazillion Bubbles solution, you’ll instantly see an endless flurry of bubbles with the Gazillion Bubbles Tornado!

o   Gazillion Bubbles Bump-N-Go Bubble Car – Fuel the car with Gazillion Bubbles solution, turn the car on and watch as it drives around, blowing bubbles on the go! Don’t worry if it bumps into something, it will change direction and keep moving while a trail of bubbles follows in its path.

Try out some bubble tricks! How do bubbles work? Are bubbles always round? What happens to bubbles when you change the temperature? Test out these questions and more with fun, easy bubble experiments.

o   Find all the bubble experiments here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/bh3rgf7lp8wzt53/Bubbleexperiments.pdf?dl=0

Take the bubble test! Did you know:

o   A Bubble Gets Its Color From Iridescence: As waves of light pass through the bubble, it gets distorted by reflecting off different layers of soap film.

o   You Can Freeze Bubbles: A bubble’s shell is composed of a layer of water molecules surrounded by two thin layers of soap. Technically, a bubble will freeze below 32 degrees Fahrenheit like all water. The only problem is that bubbles tend to burst after a few seconds, so in order to see a bubble freeze, the temperature needs to fall to a temperature that will freeze water molecules more quickly.

o   Why Do Bubbles Burst?: Anything that fractures the tenuous layer of water molecules can cause a bubble to burst. For example, a gust of wind or an object (like your finger) will easily cause a bubble to burst. Also, a bubble will burst if enough of the water molecules evaporate.

o   Many Bubbles Makes A Foam: When many bubbles are joined together, it becomes a foam. From cappuccinos to the foam on the top of your beer, bubbles are all around us.

Gazillion Bubbles are loved the world over by people of all ages.  There’s even a Gazillion Bubble Show in New York City (http://gazillionbubbleshow.com/), and an exhibit at the So Cal Children’s Museum focused on them.  For kids, bubbles are pure fun for spring and summer outdoor frolic.  For adults, (where you’ll find them at events such as proms, weddings and more,) they symbolize peace, harmony and beauty.

Our suggestion:  start BUBBLE SEASON right, and pop into a store today to stock up.  And don’t forget to share your bubble memories and enter the annual photo contest with prizes monthly March 1, 2015 to August 30, 2015 www.facebook.com/funrisetoys.

Socialize with us – #BubbleWeek – @GazillionBubble, and www.facebook.com/funrisetoys

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 2, 2014) — Orlando MegaCon, the Southeast’s largest comic book, anime, gaming and multi-media event, is returning to the Orange County Convention Center April 10-12.  The popular event promises to be bigger and better than ever with more events, exhibits and the announcement of celebrity guests including comic book icon, Stan Lee (Saturday and Sunday only).

The weekend starts off with the First Annual MegaWalk at MegaCon 2015, hosted by the Hero Initiative. This event will take place on Friday, April 10 at 11 a.m. with all proceeds going towards the Hero Initiative. The Hero Initiative creates a financial safety net for comic creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. The walk’s grand marshal will be comic book legend George Perez.

The festivities continue on Friday night at The Cosmos Party. With DJ performances, dancing, laser light show, VIP celebrities and costume contest, The Cosmos Party is the official launch of MegaCon. The Cosmo Party takes place in Ballroom D and tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.  Attendees must be 18 or older with proper ID to attend this event.

MegaCon’s avid attendees come first and foremost to see the all-star line-up of comic book guests including George Pérez, Ed McGuiness, Mike Perkins, Marv Wolfman, Allen Bellman, Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Frank Cho, Ethan Van Sciver, Andy Smith, Darwyn Cooke, Drew Geraci, Rob Hunter, Katie Cook, Bob Layton, Chuck Dixon, Andy Price, Mike Lilly, Sean Chen, Greg Horn, Dan Parent, Sergio Cariello, Billy Tucci and Brian Pulido

Also big draws at MegaCon are the “media guests” (stars of TV, film and professional sports).  Media guests include:

• Norman Reedus, Michael Rooker, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies – The Walking Dead
• Ron Perlman (Hellboy) and Mark Boone Junior – Sons of Anarchy (Saturday and Sunday only)
• Hulk Hogan – Professional wrestling icon (Saturday and Sunday only)
• Cary Elwes – The Princess Bride
• Karen Gillan – Doctor Who, Guardians of the Galaxy (Saturday and Sunday only)
• Jenna Colman, Arthur Darvill – Doctor Who (Saturday and Sunday only)
• Summer Glau – Firefly, Arrow (Saturday and Sunday only)
• Adam Baldwin – Firefly, Chuck
• Alan Tudyk — Firefly
• David Ramsey – Arrow
• Lou Ferrigno – The Incredible Hulk
• Sean Patrick Flanery, David Della Rocca, Clifton Collins, Jr. – The Boondock Saints
• Jeremy Shada, Olivia Olson – Adventure Time
• Rob Paulsen, Jess Harnell and Trey MacNeille – The Animaniacs and professional voice actors
• Grey DeLisle and Troy Baker – professional voice actors

Other weekend events include the MegaCon video gaming with the Supercon 2K series and an arcade room by Freeplay Florida.

MegaCon 2015 Showroom Dates and Hours:
Friday, April 10:        12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 11:   10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 12:     10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

MegaCon 2015 Ticket Prices:
Online:  Friday – $30, Saturday – $35, Sunday $30, 3-day – $70
Onsite:  Friday – $35, Saturday – $40, Sunday $35, 3-day –$75

MegaCon 2015 Location:
Orange County Convention Center
West Building – Exhibit Halls A4 through B4
9899 International Drive
Orlando, FL  32819

Saturday tickets are expected to sell out, so guests are encouraged to consider attending MegaCon on Friday or Sunday.

About MegaCon

MegaCon has grown to become one of the largest comic book and sci-fi conventions in the nation with attendance increasing each year. Designed to appeal to all ages and interests, MegaCon allows attendees to meet and mingle with their favorite comic book artists and TV/film stars, buy amazing collectibles from hundreds of vendors and artists, enjoy gaming events, and participate in numerous activities throughout the weekend.

The MegaCon guest list is constantly growing. Check www.MegaConvention.com frequently for more updates.

###

Editor’s Note:

Guest appearances, events and times are subject to change or cancellation. For current information, visit www.megaconvention.com.

I don’t know what it is but myself (and my entire family) have always been a fan of Ray-Ban sunglasses. I think it was the durable and reliable. The latest Ray-Ban model, New Wayfarer (RB2132 52), really interested me. They are very simple and yet so elegant and sleek. When you look at they they aren’t fancy at all yet, I could see some heads turn when you are wearing them.

There are two different color options available Black/Green and Brown/Green. I would, no question, prefer the Black/Green. I have never been a big fan of Brown sunglasses. The frame material is plastic and the lens are glass, so they hold up well to wear and tear. I give my sunglasses quite the challenge, so I trust that these will not let down.

The new model is a slightly smaller interpretation-size 52mm- take on the well known style. The Ray-Ban  logo is displayed prominently for those that care about branding.  One of the real sellers for this updated model is that they come with polarized lenses, which allow for ultimate clarity and enhanced vision. I rely on my sunglasses a lot and these are worth every penny.

 

The last time that I owned a pair of Nike Air Max sneakers, it was probably back in 2013. They were good shoes that latest me a very long time. Everyone knows the Nike brand. They are a trusted brand and very recognizable. The latest 2015 honestly to me aren’t a drastic update from what I remember in my last pair. I can say for sure that they have some really crazy color options this year.

I settled for typical black with the white swoosh but I was also quite found of the pair that blends “Black/Bright Crimson/Blue Lagoon/White”, which is quite the fashion statement for sure but look cool. Honestly for the price, I wouldn’t really think that these are the best shows on the market for running. I mean nearly $200 dollars seems a bit much for me.

Some of the specs for these sneakers are that they are come equipped with engineered mesh upper for light weight and breathability. One of the other features is the “Free-laying Dynamic Flywire”, which provides a very natural-motion feeling for the foot. I don’t have the best heel and these definitely assist in giving a bit of ease on both of that with the padded heel counters.

The rubber outsole with the BRS 1000 carbon rubber pods in the heel and forefoot work well for traction but honestly feel a little thin. I am wondering how long these are going to last. I walk over five miles a day and I will be revisiting these over time to see how they hold up. So for money, I will leave these up to your preference. I feel like if you have purchased Air Max before you should be happy with them.

For three television seasons, animated and guest appearances and in many feature films, actor Leonard Nimoy would often address others with the phrase “Live long and prosper.” It was a philosophy Mr. Nimoy himself followed until he passed away today at the age of 83.

Best known for his portrayal of the emotionless Vulcan, Mr. Spock, on “Star Trek,” Nimoy would eventually escape that persona (he famously wrote his autobiography, entitled “I Am Not Spock”) to become not only a versatile actor but an accomplished photographer and film director.

Born in Boston on March 26, 1931, Nimoy began his acting career as a young boy, performing in local productions. He headed west after high school and, after serving in the United States Army, began appearing in popular television shows of the era, among them “Luke and the Tenderfoot,” “Broken Arrow” and “Mackenzies Raiders.” His unusual features often found him cast as a Native American. He worked steadily through the early 1960s and then, in 1966, he took the role that he would forever be identified with. Described by creator Gene Roddenberry, “Star Trek” was supposed to be like “Wagon Train” to the stars. Nimoy was cast as First Officer Spock, a member of the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Nimoy was one of the few actors who remained with the show from the pilot until the final episode. Spock struck a nerve with the counter-culture of the times and quickly became the series’ most popular character. He was nominated for an Emmy as Outstanding Supporting Actor all three seasons “Star Trek” ran, losing to Eli Wallach, Milburn Stone (Doc on “Gunsmoke”) and Werner Klemperer (Colonel Klink on “Hogan’s Heroes”). HE LOST TO COLONEL KLINK??? Back then, the Emmy’s didn’t divide the supporting categories into drama and comedy. They also only had three nominees in that category, not the customary five. Wow. COLONEL FRICKING KLINK!

When the series ended Nimoy headed to another long running show, playing disguise and magic master Paris in “Mission: Impossible.” He also reprised the role of Spock on the Saturday morning “Star Trek – the Animated Series.” He continued acting through the 70s, appearing in the popular remake of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and also began working behind the camera, helming an episode of Rod Serling’s “Night Gallery.” In 1979 he once again returned to Spock in “Star Trek: The Motion Picture.” In 1981 he adapted and directed the television version of his one man play, “Vincent,” based on the life of Theo Van Gogh, brother of the famed artist, Vincent. The next year he returned in “Star Trek II: the Wrath of Khan,” coming back only after being assured that the character of Spock would be killed off. the success of the film, both commercially and critically, brought the offer to return. Nimoy agreed to come back if he could direct the feature film. In 1984, “Star Trek III – The Search for Spock” was released. The film featured the crew of the Enterprise trying to recover the body of Spock. Nimoy appears at the end of the film. He again directed “Star Trek IV – The Voyage Home,” probably the most fun of the “Original Series” films, which came out in 1986. The next year he went behind the camera for the very popular comedy “Three Men and a Baby.”

Nimoy also pursued a career in photography, with many of his photos being exhibited in museums across the country. In 1996 he published his 2nd Autobiography, “I AM SPOCK,” finally coming to terms with the character that had made him famous. He leaves behind his 2nd wife, Susan, and his children, Adam and Julie.

The Ultimate Fest Experience Ticket Now Available

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 2, 2015) The Seventh Annual Downtown Food & Wine Fest is set for Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, 2015 for more than 30,000 foodies and wine lovers to experience unique local cuisine paired with wines from around the globe.

Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola on Robinson Street, the two-day Fest features mouth-watering dishes from 30 of Orlando¡¦s premier restaurants, 50 domestic and international wines and live, national entertainment by Lifehouse and LOVERBOY.

All appearances and entertainment are subject to change without notice. The complete performance schedule will be updated on www.DowntownFoodandWineFest.com.

Lifehouse
On the heels of the announcement of their much-anticipated new studio album, Out of the Wasteland, available this spring, the multi-platinum alt-rock band Lifehouse takes the Fest stage on Saturday evening, February 21. Out of the Wasteland is the work of a group that has some history. It was 2001 when Los Angeles-based Lifehouse broke through in a big way when Hanging by a Moment, from their debut album No Name Face, spent 20 weeks in the Top Ten and won a Billboard Music Award for Hot 100 Single of the Year. Since then, the band has released five more albums, sold over 15 million records worldwide and spun off such hit singles as You and Me, First Time and Whatever it Takes Lifehouse is one of the most played artists in the history of Hot AC with 1.5 million spins and over 1.4 Billion Pandora Plays to date.

LOVERBOY
For more than 30 years, LOVERBOY has been Working for the Weekend and on weekends, delighting audiences around the world since forming in Calgary, Alberta. The legendary band takes the Fest stage on Sunday evening, February 22.
With their trademark red leather pants, bandannas, big rock sound and high-energy live shows, LOVERBOY has sold more than 10 million albums, earning four multi-platinum plaques, including the four-million-selling Get Luck and a trio of double-platinum releases in their self-titled 1980 debut, 1983’s Keep It Up and 1985’s Lovin Every Minute of It. Still, Working for the Weekend, LOVERBOY’s catalog includes some of arena-rock’s most enduring anthems. LOVERBOY’s reputation as a live act has always been its calling card as the group continues to entertain fans of all ages.

Downtown Food & Wine Fest Tickets
Date / Time: Saturday, February 21, 2015 (noon to 9 p.m.)
Sunday, February 22, 2015 (noon to 7 p.m.)
Location: Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola along Robinson Street
Admission: Admission is $15 per person, per day with advance online purchase. Admission at the door is $20 per person, per day. Admission for children under age 12 is free.
Food and beverage tickets are available at the Fest for $2 each; food and beverage offerings range from one to four tickets.
For all-weekend Fest fans, a two-day ticket is available for $25 per person only with advance online purchase.

A limited number of Wine Tasters Club passes will be available for purchase for $15 per person in addition to general admission only with advance online purchase. Club members will enjoy up to five 2 oz. pours of their choice throughout the Fest and a souvenir lanyard.

Back by popular demand, The Ultimate Fest Experience ticket returns. The Ultimate Fest Experience ticket is $100 per person, per day and includes VIP parking, general admission, Wine Tasters Club, $20 in food and beverage tickets, access to the private stage side pavilion with premium wine selections, access to private restrooms and a commemorative gift. A limited number of VIP tickets are available with advance online purchase.

The Fest is presented and produced by CBS RADIO Orlando, led by Orlando favorites MIX 105.1, 1059 SUNNY FM, and 101.9 AMP Radio in partnership with the Central Florida Chapter of the FRLA. A portion of the proceeds benefit the FRLA Educational Foundation.

The Downtown Food & Wine Fest is one of our Downtown’s signature cultural events, showcasing the best of Orlando¡¦s culinary scene. Events like this continue to expand Downtown’s offerings and bring more and more people to our urban core to celebrate the beauty, diversity, and vibrancy of our community, said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Dave Robbins, senior vice president and market manager, CBS RADIO Orlando commented, Through the power of radio and the strength of our FRLA restaurants, foodies and fans come together to celebrate an event that truly brings our community together to indulge in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Orlando. Now in its seventh year, the Fest is the perfect combination of divine food, unique wines, and entertainment, said Leigh Doyle, president-elect, Central Florida Chapter of the FRLA.

Orlando has emerged onto the national culinary stage with award-winning restaurants and memorable events to showcase the spirit of the City Beautiful.

Stay Connected
For more information on the Downtown Food & Wine Fest:
Visit www.DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com
Like Downtown Food & Wine Fest on Facebook
Follow @DTFoodWineFest on Twitter Use #DTFoodWineFest
Call the events hotline at 407-919-1048 or eMail DowntownFoodandWineFest@cbsradio.com

After two weeks of email and on-line submissions by the staff and readers of Media Mikes.com the winners of the 3rd Annual Media Mikes Awards have been announced.

“Birdman” led all films with four awards, including (2) for director and co-writer Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu. “The Grand Budapest Hotel” was chosen as the Best Film of the Year. Michael Keaton edged out Jake Gyllenhaal to win the Best Actor Award for his work in “Birdman” while Reese Witherspoon out-dueled Julianne Moore to take the Best Actress prize for “Wild.” Another tight battle saw “Big Hero 6” narrowly out-point “The Lego Movie” for the year’s Best Animated Feature.

In the supporting categories, the races were not even close, with Mark Ruffalo running away with the Best Supporting Actor prize for his work in “Foxcatcher” and Emma Stone doing the same in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in “Birdman.”

In awards voted on by the staff, “Birdman” took home the Best Original Screenplay Award while “The Imitation Game” was honored as the year’s Best Adapted Screenplay. “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me” was chosen the year’s Best Documentary Feature. Composer Alexandre Desplat won the Best Original Score Award for his work on “The Imitation Game.”

THE COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS:

BEST FILM – “The Grand Budapest Hotel”

BEST DIRECTOR – Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu – “Birdman”

BEST ACTOR – Michael Keaton – “Birdman”

BEST ACTRESS – Reese Witherspoon – “Wild”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – Mark Ruffalo – “Foxcatcher”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – Emma Stone – “Birdman”

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE – “Big Hero 6”

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY – Armando Bo, Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolas Giocabone and Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu – “Birdman”

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY – Graham Moore – “The Imitation Game”

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE – “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me”

BEST ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SCORE- Alexandre Desplat – “The Imitation Game”

After hundreds of on-line and email nominations from readers, the finalists
for the 3rd Annual Media Mikes Awards are in. The nominees are:

BEST PICTURE
“Birdman”
“Gone Girl”
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”
“Guardians of the Galaxy”
“The Imitation Game”

BEST DIRECTOR
Wes Anderson – “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu – “Birdman”
“Angelina Jolie – “Unbroken”
Richard Linklater – “Boyhood”
Rob Marshall – “Into theWoods”

BEST ACTOR
Bradley Cooper – “American Sniper”
Benedict Cumberbatch – “The Imitation Game”
Ralph Fiennes – “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Jake Gyllenhaal – “Nightcrawler”
Michael Keaton – “Birdman”

BEST ACTRESS
Felicity Jones – “Theory of Everything”
Julianne Moore – “Still Alice”
Chloe Grace-Moritz – “If I Stay”
Rosamund Pike – “Gone Girl”
Reese Witherspoon – “Wild”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Robert Duvall – “The Judge”
Ethan Hawke – “Boyhood”
Edward Norton – “Birdman”
Mark Ruffalo – “Foxcatcher”
J.K. Simmons – “Whiplash”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Patricia Arquette – “Boyhood”
Keira Knightley – “The Imitation Game”
Emma Stone – “Birdman”
Tilda Swinton – “Snowpiercer”
Meryl Streep – “Into the Woods”

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
“Big Hero 6”
“Book of Life”
“Boxtrolls”
“How to Train Your Dragon 2”
“The Lego Movie”

The winners will be announced during this coming week’s episode of our “Behind the Mikes” Podcast – available this Monday, January 26 – and will be posted here the next day. Thank you for everyone that sent in their nominations!

Ever since the dawn of television, government bodies and public agencies have strived to create innovative advertorial campaigns with the aim of deterring potential drunk drivers. There are often common themes that bind these videos, although it is fair to say that the majority become preoccupied with incorporating shock value and gore rather than a genuinely emotive narrative. Such a philosophy often draws criticism from sceptics, who claim that it fails to capture the attention of viewers or force potential drunk drivers to associate with the actual consequences of drunk driving.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation has looked to buck this trend recently, by launching a new awareness video as part of its ENDWI Campaign. It tells the haunting tale of an anonymous driver, who decides to take the long journey home while under the influence of alcohol. As he becomes drowsy on a deserted highway, the silence is interrupted by a ringing phone and the voice of a distressed child who is concerned for the welfare of this father. This is quickly revealed to be the driver, and as the narrative progresses it becomes clear that the terrified boy is calling from the back seat of the car.

And with that, a lorry veers across the freeway and crashes headlong into the car, before the screen fades to black. While it has yet to be seen whether the advert has the desired effect, it certainly strikes an emotional cord and looks to challenge the viewer on an intellectual rather than a visual level.

Sponsored post