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The VGC delivers the goods post-E3
The E3 Media and Business Summit, which was formerly known as the ~~greatest show on Earth~~ Electronic Entertainment Expo, has concluded recently. Interestingly, the mania that came with such events is far from over. News, video, and all sorts of tidbits flood the Video Games Channel post-E3 so count on us for the latest.

Among the hottest news coming our way include first official E3 trailer of The Sims 3 (via Sims Gamer), the impending arrival of Romance of the Three Kingdoms Online in China (via MMOtaku), and a possibly new Chrono Trigger game (via Siliconera and Handheld Age). Of course, don’t let me dissuade you from checking out the red-hot updates from the rest of the channel.
- Having trouble getting a FragFX? This deal might help (FPS Rantings)
- Discount for Joining Big Fish Games’ Game Club (Gamerlite)
- Nintendo’s Cammy Dunaway talks E3 (Games Industry Wire)
- A New Chrono Trigger? Is It Time to Jump Up and Down? (Handheld Age)
- Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Dead Space Theme Song (Ironic Gamer)
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms Online in China soon (MMOtaku)
- Razer Aurantia, The Razer Keyboard In China (Play Gadgets)
- Sonic Back, Way Back, As In Medieval (Play Girlz)
- Own A Really Bad T-Shirt (Playstation Monger)
- Double Dribble? Arch Rivals seems better (Re:Retro)
- Review: Beggar Prince (Sega Nerds)
- Tomy is getting deeper into games, looking beyond Naruto (Siliconera)
- The Sims 3 - Official E3 First Look Trailer (Sims Gamer)
- Sam and Max - Wii Trailer! (The Adventuress)
- Animal Crossing Revisited, Animal Crossing: City Folk On Wii (Wii News Daily)
- Mount and Pet Collectors Rejoice! (WoW Obsessed)
Image of The Sims 3 is courtesy of EA.
Tags: chrono_trigger, sims_3, the_sims, the_sims_3, video_games
July 24th, 2008 · No comments
You’re Invited to a b5media Lifestyles Picnic

This month, Lifestyles decided to have a little fun with one of summer’s favorite pastimes - picnics.

As we take a stroll around the channel, you’ll find recipes, tips and a few laughs thrown in for free.

Let’s get going, while everything is still fresh.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crunch by Robust Cooking

Watermelon Raspberry Lemonade at All Holiday Cafe

Rice Krispie Treats at Keeping the Castle

Homemade Oreo Ice Cream at Chocolate Bytes

Cool Summer Snacking at Inside Motherhood

Baking Delights is bringing enough chocolate for everyone to catch a chocobuzz with her favorite brownies

Nothing like sweet tea on a hot, summer day…Wait..I taste lime..mint…is that a non-alcoholic Mojito? Kettle and Cup has the answer.

Blogfabulous is serving up a super easy, keep your butt out of the hot kitchen solution to Hors’ devours.

Weary Parent is serving Chocolate Puppy Chow, a snack that’s bound to be popular with the kids

Offbeat Homes is sharing details on how to hold an offbeat picnic in four easy steps.

Tree Hugging Family shares 10 tips for an easy green picnic or green potluck

Just because you choose to live thrifty doesn’t mean you have to throw a thrifty picnic. Simply Thrifty shares tips for an elegant and inexpensive potluck

What fun is a summer BBQ if you feel disorganized and in disarray? Declutter It shares five tips to help you organize your summer BBQ.

10 Summer party ideas and themes for your next backyard barbecue, or potluck.

Add some backyard Olympic games to your next barbecue, in honor of the Summer Olympics

And speaking of games, Marriage Actually is bringing a fun game for the grownups. Life Stories - a fun way to find out more about your spouse, friends and extended family.

Cyndi won’t go anyplace to picnic unless she can grill, but she doesn’t want to spend all day doing it. Try her tips for Grilling Chicken Fast, and get a jumpstart on your next picnic!

Who says picnics have to be complicated affairs? Keep it simple with cheeses, meats and homemade bread. Brewha-ha.com has a few suggestions - including a recipe for Polish beer rye bread

Whether you’re having a picnic, a barbecue or just looking for a fun activity to do with your kids outside, Susan at PlayLibrary offers a list of 50 outdoor toys and games that are perfect for summer.

This time of year there are bugs everywhere, don’t forget to bring the bug repellent along with your favorite dish to your next cookout.

Christine at Mad Cropper not only shares her favourite winter or summer recipe but also shares that you can turn recipes into creative works of arts. Find out how!

And while you’re out having all the fun and good food you can handle, don’t forget your pets - they enjoy special summer treats too!

At Quilting and Patchwork enjoy an array of potluck foods and memories from the Food Bloggers.

You never know what medical emergency could happen while your are picnicking…Marye at Simply Home Remedies is bringing the antidote for nearly ANYTHING!

Eliza at Babylune provides a checklist of tips to consider when taking baby picnicking.

Finally, when it’s all said and done - perhaps you can kick back with a nice frozen beverage. MomGadget prefers the Dominican Coco Loco

(image: stock.exchg)

July 24th, 2008 · No comments
Three New Channel Blogs Join b5media

Growing in leaps and bounds, the Travel & Culture Channel is enthusiastic about the addition of three new blogs to the channel:

Travel Product Guide, written by Sports Channel Editor Kori Ellis and Travel & Culture Channel Editor Mary Jo Manzanares, will focus on all the products you’ll need for travel. Whether it’s high tech or no tech, you’ll get lots of ideas of products to make travel more comfortable, simpler, and fun!

The Phoenix Traveler, written by Jackie Dishner, joins our other Traveler destinations blogs and focuses on the city of Phoenix and the surrounding area. There’s lots going on in the desert year round, so stop by to get some ideas to on how to add some fun into your trip.

Travel Photo Daily, written by The DC Traveler blogger Jon Rochetti, will take you around the world in photos. This blog is sure to appeal to all those armchair travelers out there, as well as those for whom these great photos will serve as a reminder of wonderful memories.

Make sure that you don’t miss one bit of Travel and Culture news by subscribing to our channel feed.

July 18th, 2008 · No comments
iPhones for $1,544.00, Cartoons on HD, HK Airport = World’s Finest, Taxation on iTunes? Nooo!

We’ve got a mash up of news items for you this summer. Let’s go through the really interesting ones:

## US Taxation on iTunes?

## Ubuntu’s hidden gumball machine - here’s how to unlock it!

## ZOMG. Cure for AIDS is …

## Flip out your text on websites — annoy everyone at home and in the office!

## Can’t wait for the iPhone 3G to hit your country - woman pays $1,544.00 for one. LOL.

## Hong Kong Airport = World’s FINEST

## Book Yearnings: Here Comes Everybody

## Microsoft Small Business lets you save gas

## Free shirts from Choice Shirts!

## Cartoons on High Def? Sure why not, with Firefox 3!
Tags: gadgets, Here Comes Everybody, Hong Kong Airport, iPhone 3G, iTunes

July 17th, 2008 · No comments
The b5media Sports Channel Enjoys Summer Fun
At the b5media Sports Channel, we are really enjoying the summer. So, what do we do for summer fun? I’m glad you asked …
- Ryan from College Fast Break tells us how he enjoys the summer without college basketball.
- David from Every Morning Quarterback discusses how summer vacation is over … at least for NFL players.
- Jodie at Gossip on Sports chats about how Dwyane Wade almost ruined her day at the beach.
- Cherie from Dejuiced talks about her summer fun as baseball leads up to pre-season football and then college football.
- Lyndsey at Girls Dig Sports tell us about her good times at the Gus Macker national 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
- Sandy at Green Posse talks about the British Open which begins on July 17th. She also discusses the ultimate sports fun this summer - the Beijing Olympics on Light The Torch.
- Tony at Inside the Ballpark talks about the Midsummer Classic and his experience at the All-Star break festivities back in 2005.
- Michael from Jab & Grapple loves WWE’s SummerSlam and reminisces back to the first SummerSlam back in 1988.
- Jeanne at Hockey Beat tells us ways to enjoy hockey during the summertime.
- Stephen at Hoops Fantasy discusses the fun of NBA Summer League. He also talks about the Home Run Derby over at Knuckle Curve.
- Jyle loves about kicking around a soccer ball at The Footie and wearing your favorite pair of sneakers at Sneaks ‘N Gear.
- Kori at The Fantasy Kickoff talks about preparing for your fantasy draft in the summertime.
What are you doing for fun this summer? Visit one of the b5 sports blogs and let us know about your sports summer fun.

Photo credit: istockphoto
Tags: b5 sports, b5 sports channel, b5media, b5media sports, blogging, sports, sports bloggers, sports blogs, summer fun
July 15th, 2008 · No comments
b5media Ranks 15th Among Backbone’s PICK 20 Winners

Leading new media network recognized as an industry leader in the first and only national roundup of Canada’s Web 2.0 pioneers and practitioners.

Toronto, ON – July 15, 2008 – Global blog network, b5media, achieved a #15 ranking among Backbone Magazine’s ‘PICK 20’. This is the first year Backbone and KPMG have together assembled a list of leading Canadian Web 2.0 companies.

Earlier this year, Backbone held an open nomination process and then turned the resulting entries over to a panel of passionate Web 2.0 expert judges. The companies were evaluated and grouped into four implementation categories to offer as much insight as possible into their analysis and the final order in which the companies were ranked.

Judges Sean Moffit, founder of Agent Wildfire, was quoted as saying, “Kudos to b5 for getting in early and creating something with scale” while Michael O’Connor Clarke added “…they’re just darn good at execution.” The article also noted that “b5 gets lots of points for being the best at what it does.”

For more information about Backbone Magazine’s PICK 20 awards, visit: http://www.backbonemag.com/web2.

About b5media Inc.
b5media Inc. is a global new media network featuring a wide variety of topics ranging from entertainment and lifestyles to sports and technology. With over 350 blogs, including Problogger, eBeautyDaily and Healthbolt, b5media reaches nearly 10 million unique visitors and receives 30 million page views a month. Launched in September 2005, b5media is a venture-backed company based in Toronto, Canada. For more information, visit: www.b5media.com

Contact
Rachel Segal
Marketing Manager
b5media
416-727-1042
rachel@b5media.com

July 15th, 2008 · No comments
The Summer Slump: It’s Not In Your Head

Earlier this year, I started training for the Rothman Institute 8k, part of the Philadelphia Marathon held in November.

At the beginning of my training, I was excited. Every run, it seemed, brought a huge improvement. I went from barely making a mile without collapsing to running 5k in the kind of time I could say out loud without grimacing. My clothes fit better, my energy was up and I was excited.

But then it happened. The heat and humidity crept in (and yes, it can get really hot in Philadelphia, despite the fact that it’s in the northeast), and it was harder to get outside and run. With school out for the kiddos, I was finding it harder to get up at 5 a.m. When my running and exercise buddy went on vacation, I found it difficult to drag myself to the gym alone. And don’t even get me started about the skinny girl who ran past me on the sidewalk last week, a further demoralizing moment.

It took me a bit to figure out what was happening - but I did. I realized that I was officially in a slump.

And I’m not the only one these days. It seems as if everywhere you look, things are in a slump - from world markets to real estate to stock exchanges. Even, it appears, Starbucks (say it ain’t so!).

We’ve tackled this issue at the Business Channel this month. It’s all about the Summer Slump.

At Brandcurve, Susan wonders whether the answer to the summer branding slump is the 2008 Olympics. Can advertising make a comeback with a memorable sports moment?

At taxgirl, I think about slumps as they relate to careers - should you stay or should you go? I get asked all of the time why I became a tax attorney - and whether others should follow in my path. My answer might surprise you.

Not everything is slumping - on Property Crossroads, Dan reminds us that rental rates are on their way up. At Doing Biz Abroad, Jean wonders whether rising oil prices are slowing down business travelers this summer. Jennifer chimes in on Daily Blender that food prices are still climbing all over the world hitting not only the pockets of consumers, but the restaurant industry.

One Vote Matters talks about Congress’ efforts to frustrate well, Congress as well as voters, by banning Congressional officials from utilizing social media. Apparently, the key to boosting our economy and improving our collective morale is to keep Senators off of twitter.

The key to avoiding a slump might just be taking some time off… Mary Emma looks at scheduling time off for home business owners; Becky thinks about the value of taking a nap; Anne wonders why you’re working on a Saturday; and guest author Suzie Cheel talks about finding balance at the beach on Successful Blog.

Or maybe the secret is finding something to laugh at. You can always gain some humorous perspective at BizLevity, one of my favorite blogs on the network (yeah, I’ll say it out loud). If the sight of Teletubbies rocking out to 50 Cent doesn’t make you laugh, then try a rundown of jobs that you don’t want, even in an economic downtown. I swear you’ll laugh out loud - unless you’re Victoria Beckham well, since, nothing makes her laugh.

Here’s wishing you a slump-free rest of summer!
Tags: b5media, business, Business Channel

July 14th, 2008 · No comments
Celebrities Are Just Like Us: They Love Summer!
Fresh off the Fourth of July weekend, our favorite celebrities are definitely making the most of their summer. b5media’s Celebrity Channel has everything you need from baby news, to breakups and, of course, all the latest gossip. Here are some of our hottest stories:
- Will Jessica Alba get the lead role in the remake of Barbarella?
- Canadian pop/punk princess, Avril Lavigne, looks hot in these concert pictures!
- Is David Beckham setting up an FC club in Miami. Find out here!
- Why has the State Department been snooping in Beyoncé’s passport files?
- Are Britney Spears and Madonna getting “Sticky and Sweet” together?
- Nicole Kidman and her husband, Keith Urban, have welcomed a baby girl!
- New mother, Jennifer Lopez, is already looking great in a bikini!
- Where did Zac Efron and girlfriend, Vanessa Hudgens, go on vacation!?
- Do you love Fergie? Click here to find out how you can win a chance to meet her!
- Learn interesting facts about Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend, Milo Ventimiglia!
- Hilary Duff seems to have enjoyed the LOVEDAY celebration with her hockey star boyfriend.
- Did Alex Rodriguez have an affair with Madonna? Find out why his wife has filed for divorce!
image ©Nicholaus Haskins via Flickr

Technorati Tags: b5media,celebrities,celebrity news,celebrity gossip
July 8th, 2008 · No comments

The Flightnest is back on its second wind

Many months ago, fans of the aviation industry were sad to see a good blog retire. The Flightnest was one of the first blogs of b5media - way back in 2005. Dear readers, I’m as happy as ever to announce the second coming of The Flightnest, which was considered to be one of the best blogs about our little flight industry that’s most of the time, well, up in the air.

We’ve got Jarkko, better known as Mr. Plane on board and we’ve found the right guy to make a “second debut” on this nest.

My name is Jarkko and I am a total plane grazy. I started to turn my head up in the sky about 20 years ago and after many neck pains :) I ended up here.

Sit back, grab a martini and subscribe to Flightnest, your little in-flight magazine from the b5media technology channel.

[image c/o Newscom]
Tags: Airplane, American Airlines, Aviation, Flight, Gas Prices, Planes, Virgin

July 7th, 2008 · No comments

Celebrate with the Entertainment Channel!

Happy 4th of July to those of you in the US, and to my fellow Canadians, a very happy belated Canada Day!

Check out this roundup of Entertainment Channel posts:

Looking for 4th of July recipes? Look no further than Jeanne on Daytime Talk

Nikki of Prison Break Buff has the very first fall promo trailer for the new season

Grace has fab spoilers on season 8 of Smallville on Superhero Profiles

Lynn brings you photos of the London filming for the special 2-hour premiere on Searching Bones

Diana of 24 Headquarters breaks the sad news that Mary Lynn Rajskub is OUT of 24 Season Seven

Alexandra reports that Sweeney Todd won the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film on Screamstress

Soaps On ABC’s Dexie rounded up the Best & Worst In Fashion from the recently concluded 35th Annual Daytime Emmy’s

Shea’s MTV Reality World says that Tila Tequila will have another Shot at Love

Lynn on House is Right reports on a new romantic admirer for Cuddy played by Michael Weston

Check out more info about Seth MacFarlane’s animated web series, thanks to Wendy on Stewie’s Playground

Samantha of Style Television talks Season 2 of Shear Genius

The celebrity guest roster keeps growing, with Pete Wentz to guest star on Californication, reports Jill on Showtime Fan

A limited opening didn’t stop Hancock from pulling in $7 million already, as reported by Brian on SF Universe

Take a closer look at A&E’s new show The Cleaner with our New to TV writer Cheril

Wendy of Gryffindor Gazette reports that Lucius Malfoy will not be in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Kevin at Pointless Banter is holding a contest for concert tickets

Chandra’s Grrl TV reports that Tori Spelling’s 90210 debut has been delayed after the birth of her new baby

Becky rounds up The convicted felon stupidity checklist (what not to do when you’re a criminal) on Simply Dumb

Victoria on our newest site, Bravo Fan, brings the rumor of Real Housewives going to Dubai

Chandra on Comedy Centric reports on a new dark comedy coming to Showtime, Nurse Jackie

CSI Fanatic is reporting that CSI: Miami is looking for a new medical examiner

Can you dance? Check out Lynn’s dance casting calls roundup on Dance Watcher

Jyle of Evening Talk brings you an hilarious interview with Will Smith on The Colbert Report

Gray reports that Tango can boost people’s emotions on Fame or Famine

Jane has an interview with Lauren McKnight of HottieBoombaLottie on Film Gecko

Desperate Blog’s Julie has info on Marcia Cross’ role on Peck - her first movie role after Housewives

The latest Grey’s Anatomy News from Ingrid is that Kevin McKidd may join the cast as the new doctor in town

My own Gilmore Girls News has a photo of the elusive Alexis Bledel out of "hiding" for a movie premiere

Alexandra recaps the classic "Lost Boy" episode of Without a Trace on FBI Dramas

Jeanne’s Idol Stalker has the latest results from Canadian Idol 6

Kelly of Gossip Girl Report shares news of the confirmed romance between Blake Lively & Penn Badgley

Jared Padalecki gave a great interview at Supanova, as reported by Jonathan of Supernatural Scoop

Erin of Top Model Gossip reports on Demelza Reveley, the controversial winner of Australia’s Next Top Model

Nikki of Approaching Lost reports the good news that Nestor Carbonell is Returning to Lost for 5th Season

Tom asks if Michael Urie was snubbed for an Emmy award on Ugly Betty News

Julie’s Disney Society reports on the rumors of a High School Musical 4: The College Years with big bucks for Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens

Patricia Arquette looks gorgeous at Paris Fashion Week, as posted by Katelyn on Medium Dreams

Looking for a challenge? Why not try out for The Alaska Experiment 2? Info on Science on TV by Shana

Jonathan encourages you to vote for Reaper in the Amy Awards on Reaper News

VH1 Reality World reports on new show I Love Money

Check out the preview for Project Runway Season 5 from Lynn at Reality Exploits

For all the latest Entertainment news, stay tuned to Spekked.com

Photograph by Ianiv Schweber Tags: entertainment, spekked, entertainment channel, b5media

July 4th, 2008 · No comments

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