Around The World in 60 Seconds

It took Phileas Fogg 80 days to circumnavigate the world but, thanks to the wonders of technology, it is now possible to do it in just a minute. This whirlwind video tour of the planet is a compilation of time-lapse images shot from the International Space Station (ISS).

James Drake spliced together the images from the ISS, which travels at about 220 miles above the surface, to create the one-minute footage which he posted online - and it has become an internet sensation.

Science teacher Mr Drake used some 600 free-to-access images on the website The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth, and knitted them together so everyone can enjoy the amazing view of North and South America.

The film, which was uploaded on September 15 and has attracted almost 50,000 hits on YouTube, starts over the Pacific Ocean and then moves over North and South America before entering daylight near Antarctica.

Some cities and landmarks can be spied, and they include, in chronological order, Vancouver Island, Victoria, Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Fransisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, various large conurbations in Texas, New Mexico, Mexico City, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Yucatan Peninsula.

Further around lightning can be seen in the Pacific Ocean, before other countries included in the video are Guatemala, Panama, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and the Amazon. In addition, the Earth's ionosphere (thin yellow line) and the stars of our galaxy can be made out in the fascinating footage.

Jobs at Apple: Master inventor, master marketer

Steve Jobs started Apple Computer with a high school friend in a Silicon Valley garage in 1976, was forced out a decade later, then returned to rescue the company. During his second stint, Apple grew into the most valuable technology company in the world.

Jobs invented and masterfully marketed ever-sleeker gadgets that transformed everyday technology, from the personal computer to the iPod and iPhone. Cultivating Apple's countercultural sensibility and a minimalist design ethic, he rolled out one sensational product after another, even in the face of the late-2000s recession and his own failing health.

Jobs helped change computers from a geeky hobbyist's obsession to a necessity of modern life at work and home, and in the process he upended not just personal technology but the cellphone and music industries.

Perhaps most influentially, he launched the iPod in 2001, which offered "1,000 songs in your pocket." Over the next 10 years, its white earphones and thumb-dial control seemed to become as ubiquitous as the wristwatch.

Marilyn attracts smiles, scorn and skirt chasers

A 26-foot-tall sculpture of Marilyn Monroe in her most famous pose was unveiled on Chicago's now-truly Magnificent Mile Friday morning.

The Marilyn Monroe that now stands tall on Michigan Avenue, her head high enough to see passing boats on the Chicago River, is fortunate to be all aluminum and stainless steel, unable to read the nasty things being written about her.

Passers-by wasted little time positioning themselves under her billowing skirt to get a subway-grate view of Monroe in the same stance as she appeared in "The Seven Year Itch."

The area is known for unusual public art displays. Years ago, Michigan Avenue was lined with fiberglass cows.

And in the same plaza where the Monroe statue now stands, another sculpture by the same artist, Seward Johnson, was put up: a tribute to the farmer and daughter of Grant Wood's "American Gothic" fame.

The Marilyn Monroe statue will stand until next spring.

Apple, Samsung Smartphones Outdo Nokia in 2Q

Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. zoomed to the top of the list of global smartphone makers in the second quarter, blowing past Nokia Corp. and BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd., according to research firm IDC.

Korea's Samsung made the biggest jump, from No. 4 in the first quarter to No. 2 in the second, on the strength of its Galaxy phones, which run Google Inc.'s Android software. It sold 17.3 million smartphones in the second quarter, up from 10.8 million in the first, IDC said.

Apple rose to No. 1, taking the spot from Nokia, by selling 20.3 million iPhones, up from 18.7 million in the first quarter. That relegated Finland's Nokia, the long-time leader, to third place. Apple has yet to top Nokia's high-water mark of 28.1 million phones in a quarter.

"But given Apple's momentum in the smartphone market, it may not be a question of whether Apple will beat that milestone, but when," IDC said.

Remarkably, Apple's sales record comes nearly a year after it released its latest model, the iPhone 4, and it's still selling millions of the even older iPhone 3GS. Competitors such as Samsung put out new models every few months.

First Look of Anne Hathaway as Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises

Meow! In The Dark Knight Rises, the next installment in the Batman franchise you can see Anne Hathaway as Catwoman , and here the first promo image of Anne Hathaway as Catwoman.

The 28-year-old actress joins veterans Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine in the Christopher Nolan-direction action flick.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story," Nolan said in January.

Though Hathaway hasn't revealed much about her role ("I signed a blood oath," she says), the actress is looking forward to portraying the iconic D.C. Comics character.

"I want to be the best actress I can be and that means working with the best people and taking the most challenging roles," Hathaway tells Total Film. "That's the plan and so far it's led to some really exciting places."

Catwoman was first played by actress Julie Newmar (now 77) in the 1966 Batman TV series; Eartha Kitt took over the role in the show's third season. The feline vixen was last played by Michelle Pfeiffer in 1992's Batman Returns. (Halle Berry starred in the 2004 flop Catwoman; the heroine's alter-ego was renamed Patience Phillips.)

MTV doesn't Celebrate its 30th Birthday

MTV bizarrely refused to celebrate its own 30th birthday, and just treated it like any other day.

"MTV as a brand doesn't age with our viewers," explained Nathaniel Brown, senior vice president of communications for MTV, who confirmed that there were no plans for an on-air MTV celebration. "We are really focused on our current viewers, and our feeling was that our anniversary wasn't something that would be meaningful to them, many of whom weren't even alive in 1981."

While the point is is well taken, it doesn't seem like MTV has much issue with NINETIES nostalgia (as evidenced by the network's recent "120 Minutes" and "Beavis & Butt-Head" revivals). So even a tribute to MTV's later shows ("Club MTV," "Headbanger's Ball,"

"Yo! MTV Raps," "Unplugged," "The Week In Music" with the impeccably smarmy Kurt Loder) could have provided enough fodder for a month-long celebration of MTV's genuine importance in youth culture (and would have been a welcome reminder that the "M" in "MTV" used to stand for "music").

Ben Affleck with Bieber Hairstyle?

While stars like Channing Tatum and Matt Damon are shaving their heads, Ben Affleck is at the other end of the spectrum: He's growing out his hair.

The actor stepped out in Santa Monica, Calif. on Monday sporting a shaggy new 'do that channeled a certain 17-year-old multi-platinum pop star.

But for those wondering if the actor has a case of Bieber Fever (he does have two daughters after all), they'll be relieved to know that his straighter, longer locks can be attributed to a movie role.

The 38-year-old actor, who has rocked a cleaned-up crew in the past, has been skipping the routine haircuts for his new film Agro -- a thriller in which he's starring, directing, and co-producing.

Parents, Public Braced for Amy Winehouse's Death Through Five-Year Fade

To Amy Winehouse's family, the singer/songwriter's death was not unexpected. It was "only a matter of time," her mother, Janis Winehouse, was quoted as saying in the Sunday Mirror. She'd visited her daughter the day before she died, and said, "She seemed out of it. But her passing still hasn't hit me."

She said their final encounter had ended with the weakened Amy saying "I love you, mum." "Those are the words I will always treasure," Janis said. "I'm glad I saw her when I did."

Father Mitch Winehouse had been in New York preparing to do a series of showcases for his new jazz album. He canceled the shows and was seen at JFK a few hours after the news hit. "I'm completely devastated," he was reported as saying. "I'm coming home. I have to be with Amy. I can't crack up, for her sake. My family needs me."

Mitch Winehouse had been vocal in the past—too vocal, for Amy's tastes—about his daughter's substance abuse. As far back as three years ago, he was raising the specter of her possible demise when he publicly revealed that she was suffering from emphysema. "Doctors have told her if she goes back to smoking drugs, it won't just ruin her voice, it will kill her," he was quoted as saying in 2008, while issuing an ultimatum to drug dealers to stay away.

Why iPhone 5?

Apple recently announced iOS 5 which is packed with new cool features, including Android’s drop-down menu style notification. iOS 5 will be released in the autumn, more specifically in September. Furthermore, Apple brings new generation iPods and iPod Touches in September. However, according to CNET UK, iPods are not enough glamorous to bring iOS 5 into the world. iOS 5 and iPhone 5 both will be the perfect platforms for each other.

That is the reason why we are expecting to see iPhone 5 release with iOS 5, in the autumn. We already assumed that Apple doesn’t want to release iPhone 5 until iOS 5 is completely ready. Following are some great features that make huge crowd out there yelled to have iPhone 5:

iPhone 5 Features at a Glance:
Storage Capacity: Apple is offering 16 GB and 32GB iPhone since 2009, so apple is aware this it would be hard push iPhone 5 without having 64 GB of storage. iPhone 5’s lowest model will come with 32G of space and 64G of memory.

Signal Strength: Unlike iPhone 4, iPhone 5 is not having signal issue, as they are offering the strongest signal strength of any iPhone model ever even the best of any Smartphone to ever come to market.

Face Recognition: The new iPhone 5 will have Face Recognition for Security sake so that you don’t have to worry about other people stealing your phone and trying to use it.

Thickness: All three iPhone had thinner bodies than the previous model so the iPhone 5 can be the thinnest yet & much nicer overall body design of the phone.

Longer Battery Life: iPhone 5 will have Up to 14 Hours of Talk Time On The 3G and 7 Hours on the 4G.

Video Chat: Video Chat on a 4G network instead of a slow 3G one

A5 Dual core processor: For Outstanding Video Quality Apple May Introduce A5 Dual Core Process with iPhone 5

Screen: Shatter Resistant and Scratch Resistant Screen
Built In GPS: You’ll never get lost or have to download one of those stupid GPS apps.

iOS 5: It is much anticipated that Apple will introduce iPhone 5 with latest iOS 5.
Surprise: As the tradition of apple iPhone 5 will also unveil some surprise features.

Rihanna Is The New Queen Of Facebook, Beating Out Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga may be the top earning woman in music, have more followers on Twitter than any other lady rock star and receive more media coverage than her female competitors, but she is no longer the queen of Facebook.

This week, Rihanna accumulated enough likes on Facebook to surpass Lady Gaga and claim the throne as the platform's top ranking female celebrity.

According to their Facebook stats, as of Saturday, Rihanna had 40,699,853 likes, and Lady Gaga had 40,611,908, giving the "Rude Boy" singer a lead of 88,000.

Shakira is the diva with the third most Facebook followers, according to Famecount.com, which credits the Latina singer with 37 million likes. Aside from being the top three female musicians on Facebook, they also have earned spots in Facebook's top 10 pages overall. Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Shakira hold the No. 5, 6, and 8, positions, respectively.

Mila Kunis is reporting for duty!

Mila Kunis Accepts Marine's Invite to Corps Ball, this took place When Sgt. Scott Moore posted a YouTube video last week inviting the Black Swan actress to accompany him to the Marine Corps Ball on Nov. 18, it probably seemed like a long shot. But at the urging of her Friends With Benefits costar, Justin Timberlake, Kunis agreed to head to Greenville, North Carolina to be Moore's date!

In his video, Moore addressed the actress directly from Afghanistan. "Hi Mila, I just want to take a moment out of my day to invite you to the Marine Corps Ball with yours truly," he said. "So take a second to think about it, and get back to me."

When FOX411 asked the actress if she knew about the invitation, Timberlake, 30, made certain that Kunis would go. "Have you seen this? Have you heard about this?" he asked her. "You need to do it for your country!"

Apple to Launch iPhone 5

Apple is planning to release an iPhone 5 as early as September. The model is likely to include a faster computer chip and a more advanced camera.

The company is also reported to be testing a version of the iPad with a higher resolution screen. The release of the iPhone 5 in just a few months could add millions more sales to the technology firm’s range of smartphones. The iPhone is Apple’s top seller.

When the iPhone 4 was launched in June last year, stocks ran out within hours and demand crashed the Apple website. Technology experts are also adding a cheaper version of the iPhone range which will be aimed at boosting its market share in developing countries.

The new phone could be called the iPhone 4G or 4S, with many similarities to the £500 iPhone 4. An 8-megapixel camera would be an update on the 5-megapixel camera currently used in the iPhone 4.

But the speedier processor will allow programs to load quicker and the phone will be able to better compete against the BlackBerry and Samsung handsets that use Google’s Android software.

New Wii Uses iPad-style Tablet

Nintendo's successor to its hugely popular Wii console uses an iPad-style tablet that can be played standalone or in conjunction with a television. The Wii U (pronounced We You) will be released next year and features a 6.2-inch (15.7cm) screen and support for high-definition televisions.

The system enables users to keep playing even if someone else wants to use the television screen. The Wii U can utilise existing controllers like the Wii Remote and Wii Fit Balance Board and is backward compatible with Wii software.

Nintendo unveiled the Wii U today at its Electronic Entertainment Expo press conference at the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. System pricing or a specific release date were not revealed.

In addition to its touch-screen, the controller has elements found on more traditional gaming controllers such as twin analog sticks, two sets of rear shoulder buttons, rumble functionality, and a gyroscope for motion control.

The device also features a microphone, speakers and front-facing camera for video chat, which Nintendo says can be performed while watching television. Software showed the screen being used to complement action on the television.

Demonstrations showed players trying to catch a baseball by moving the tablet around in front of the television, and putting it between their feet to show a golf ball while swinging the Wii Remote as a club.

Jennifer Aniston's Skinny Secrets

Hard to believe it's been more than a decade and a half since a 25-year-old Jennifer Aniston began her rise to superstardom, playing rich-girl-turned-waitress Rachel Green on NBC's super successful sitcom "Friends." So how does the now 42-year-old manage to look better now than she did then?

According to her nutritionist Carrie Wiatt, prior to landing her stint on "Friends," Jen's agent insisted she would get more roles if she lost weight, so Wiatt created a portion-controlled, nutrient-dense meal delivery service for the actress, who, indeed, got her breakout role soon after.

"For Jennifer, the key was high protein and low carbs, with plenty of vegetables and fruit and no processed foods," Wiatt tells Life & Style. "It's an understatement to say Jen has maintained her weight beautifully."

Over the years, media reports have had Aniston on a variety of kooky diets, from eating only cucumbers to a baby-food plan, a rumor she has vehemently denied. "I've been asked lately, 'Jen, what's this baby food diet all about?' I kept thinking: That's the strangest question ever," Aniston said last year. "Sorry, but the last time I had baby food, I believe I was 1. I've been on solids for about 40 years now."

The actress has also admitted that she doesn't starve herself, and when she feels like indulging, as she once told ABC News, "I pretty much go to grease, fried foods. Salt."

As for exercise, the svelte star credits yoga for keeping her body toned and slender. "My legs got leaner," she said in the UK edition of Harper's Bazaar. "My arms got strong."

Cameron Diaz Loves Porn

Upfront actress Cameron Diaz has boldly declared she 'loves porn' - as she proves she is schooled in the art of seduction herself in her upcoming film, Bad Teacher.

In a new trailer for the upcoming comedy, which she describes as 'filthy', the star is seen flashing her incredible figure in tight Daisy Duke denim shorts as she gets lathered up in soap suds at a car wash.

But the 38-year-old has revealed she may just have had a bit of help in preparing for the role in an unusual interview on the Jimmy Kimmel show last night. When asked if she liked watching adult films, she boldly said: 'I love porn!'

She then followed up her outspoken comment with: 'You know what I love about hotels? How discreet they are. They always give you that little thing at the bottom - "Your room will be charged the same as any other room. Titles will be used".'

For her appearance on the show, Diaz was dressed like she was going to be a part of a circus. Her black trousers, braces and white vest top - which showed her black bra underneath - looked more suited to an acrobat than a movie star.

Samsung introduced the Galaxy Tab 10.1

At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Tab 10.1, which has a 10.1-inch 1200 x 800 screen - up from 7-inch on the original Galaxy Tab - and runs the latest version of Android, Honeycomb, which was designed from the ground up for tablets.

The new tablet has a dual-core processor, dual surround-sound speakers and front- and rear-facing cameras. There will be 16GB and 32GB versions.

Samsung's new smartphone, the Galaxy S II, is the successor to the Galaxy S, one of the most popular high-end Android smartphones, which sold over 10 million units globally.

One of the most distinctive upgrades seen in the new Android 2.3 handset is the 4.27-inch 800 x 480 Super AMOLED Plus display, while there is also a 1GHz dual-core processor, front- and rear-facing cameras and free turn-by-turn navigation powered by Navigon. The device is just 8.5mm thin.

The user interface of both new devices will be broken into "hubs" - games, music, social hub and readers' hub.

Josh Delgado, director of mobile at Samsung Australia, said the Galaxy Tab 10.1 would be launched in Australia early in the second quarter of this year, while the Galaxy S II would be sold in May or June.

Adrianne Palicki Lands the Lead in NBC's 'Wonder Woman' New Serial

The world hasn't seen a live-action Wonder Woman since Lynda Carter played her in the '70s TV series, but since then, many young actresses' names have been floated for the role.

For the "Wonder Woman" pilot, prolific TV producer David E. Kelley helming for NBC, he's already made one move that has been met with near-unanimous approval: Adrianne Palicki has been cast to play the titular super-heroine.

Palicki is probably still best known for her role as Tyra Collette for the first three seasons of NBC/DirecTV's "Friday Night Lights." Here she is opposite Landry (Jesse Plemons) in a memorable moment from the Season 1 episode "Mud Bowl."

But if fans of that show might respond that her co-star Minka Kelly is a closer physical fit, with her long, dark hair, than Palicki (who played Tyra with a blonde bob), it may be because they didn't see Palicki as a brunette in Fox's short-lived "Lone Star." And as ComicsAlliance.com notes, at 5'11" Palicki also has the physical stature necessary to play the athletic descendant of Amazons.

Pop Ladies dominate at Grammy Awards

Country trio Lady Antebellum and pop star Lady Gaga were among the winners at the most prestigious ceremony in the music calendar, the Grammy Awards.

Lady Antebellum won five prizes, including song of the year and record of the year for their hit Need You Now.

Lady Gaga, who was carried down the Los Angeles event's red carpet in a giant egg, won three awards including best pop vocal album for The Fame Monster.

In other categories, Rihanna's Only Girl in the World was named best dance recording and US rock duo The Black Keys picked up best alternative album for their sixth release, Brothers, beating Vampire Weekend and Arcade Fire.

The ceremony at the Staples Center featured a string of flamboyant, star-studded performances and collaborations.

The show began with a tribute to soul queen Aretha Franklin, who is recovering from an operation. The song was performed by Christina Aguilera, Florence and the Machine's Florence Welch, Jennifer Hudson, Martina McBride and Yolanda Adams.

Lady Gaga then emerged from her egg-shaped cocoon to take to the stage to perform her new single Born This Way.

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow joined a feather-clad Cee Lo Green Jim Henson's puppets to give a colourful performance of the hit single Forget You.

Smaller iPhone, Anyone?

The last rumors says that Apple is working on new versions of the iPhone that are aimed at slowing the advance of competing handsets based on Google's Android software, according to people who have been briefed on the plans.

One version would be cheaper and smaller than the most recent iPhone, said a person who has seen a prototype and asked not to be identified because the plans haven't been made public. Apple also is developing technology that makes it easier to use the iPhone on multiple wireless networks, two people said.

Chief executive officer Steve Jobs, who remains involved in strategic decisions while on medical leave, aims to narrow the price gap that has made phones running Android more popular than iPhones. Google's share of the global smartphone market more than tripled to 32.9 per cent in the fourth quarter, eclipsing Apple's 16 per cent, according to Canalys.

Apple has considered selling the new iPhone for about $US200 in the US, without obligating users to sign a two-year service contract, said the person who has seen it. Android phones sell for a range of prices at AT&T, Verizon Wireless and other US carriers, and typically come with agreements that include a fee for broken contracts. The iPhone 4, sold in the U.S. by AT&T and Verizon Wireless, costs $US200 to $US300 with a contract.

Natalie Kerris, a spokeswoman for Apple, declined to comment.

James Bond will return in 2012

James Bond will return to the big screen in November 2012. The reasons for the delay have to do with a lot of boring corporate restructuring business, but what really matters is that Daniel Craig will play Bond again.

He is the lone reason anyone still cares about the Bond franchise which appeared dead at the beginning of the decade.

The exact date for the film's release will be November 9, 2012, and it's impressive that they have a release date considering they don't have a cast outside of Craig. Sam Mendes, whose directorial star has dimmed since he was initially signed on for this project, will direct, and the script is apparently in place and has in fact been ready for about two years.

We hope they update it: We wouldn't want it to include lines like "Yes, Bond, you'll survive my trap only when a black man is elected President. You're doomed!"