• Small Talk – Daniel Radcliffe (2 of 2)

    In his latest movie, The Woman In Black, Dan traded his Hogwarts uniform for a totally new role as a Dad.

  • #freshpresslive – feb 10/12

    Natalia brings you the latest news on Adele’s interview with Anderson Cooper, Kristen Bell’s interview on Ellen is auto tuned, Ladyhawke’s latest music video and much more!

  • #freshpresslive – Feb 8/12

    Natalia discusses what’s new with Pharrell Williams and her thoughts on Karl Lagerfeld’s mean comments towards Adele’s weight. She also shows a roster of animals behaving like humans and, wait until you see the new size of coffee available at Starbucks!

  • #freshpresslive – Feb 7/12

    Natalia dishes the latest news on the Juno Awards nominees, the upcoming Spiderman 3D film starring Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield and is Katy Perry hooking up with Tim Tebow? Watch today’s episode to find out.

  • Small Talk – The Kooks (2 of 2)

    When The Kooks are in the studio they’re focused and most importantly, sober. Watch Hugh and Luke explain their reasoning below.

  • Small Talk – The Kooks (1 of 2)

    The Kooks released a new album called “Junk of the Heart,” and you would think Hugh and Luke would be very excited about it. Well, they seemed rather indifferent to be honest. We spoke about that and why they don’t care about critics.

  • #freshpresslive – Feb 2/12

    Natalia dishes the latest in entertainment news on Joan Rivers, Lana Del Rey and a brand new trailer for the movie Hunger Games.

  • #freshpresslive – Feb 1/12

    Natalia talks about how Snooki might be pregnant, Nicolas Cage’s Cage Rage, Elisabetta Canalis is dating Steve-O and more for Feb 1, 2012.

  • #freshpresslive – Jan 31/12

    Natalia dishes the news on Miley Cyrus breaking her tailbone, a 100 year old woman who plays the Nintendo DS to stay young and Houston, Texas contemplating a statute of Beyonce.

  • #freshpresslive – Jan 30/12

    David Beckham debuts a new line of underwear, the worst dressed celebrity – Shy’m and Matthew Broderick is back as Ferris Bueller with a brand new commercial airing during the Super Bowl on Feb 5th 2012.

  • Small Talk – Daniel Radcliffe (1 of 2)

    Daniel Radcliffe is back with his new movie The Woman In Black. It’s a bone chilling remake of a film from the ’80s. Ironically, Daniel actually scares very easily but he’s not afraid of ghosts. In this interview he tells us what really gives him the creeps.

  • Small Talk – Graffiti6 (2 of 3)

    Next time you’re struggling to make conversation, try asking this question: “If you could invite anyone (living or dead) to the perfect house party, who would it be?”

  • Small Talk – Graffiti6 (1 of 3)

    Graffiti6 is starting to make their North American invasion, and they are hitting up the Tonight Show. Does this sound familiar? Well the Beatles made the exact same journey over 40 years ago. Naturally, @jordans_life had to make some comparisons.

  • Small Talk – Nick Carter (3 of 3)

    Nick plays World of Warcraft. Not only that, he’s the head of his guild, demonstrating that it IS possible to juggle being a hardcore gamer with being a top-selling recording artist.

  • Small Talk – Nick Carter (2 of 3)

    During a LIVE interview on andPOP.com Nick Carter gave out a number and took phone calls from his fans. These were real phone calls from real fans who we gave exclusive access to one of the biggest recording artists of our generation.

  • Small Talk – Nick Carter (1 of 3)

    There were great questions about music, fitness, the backstreet boys but the most popular question, however, was about his underwear. In this clip Nick talks about his his ‘Haynes’ and covering his fans with glow in the dark paint.

  • Small Talk – Hedley (2 of 2)

    When releasing new music today, half the battle is online promotion. However, contests, signed merch and giveaways aren’t always the best solutions. When working on their latest album, Hedley came up with a brilliant idea, they decided to make trailers.

  • Small Talk – Hedley (1 of 2)

    It’s hard to prepare for an interview with Hedley. So in this interview, we threw caution to the wind, got a 24 of beer and broadcast the interview live on our USTREAM (andPOP.tv). Eventually Jacob, Dave and @jordans_life ended up talking about hairy legs, their newest music video and more.

  • Small Talk – Marina and The Diamonds (2 of 2)

    Diamandis from Marina and The Diamonds talks to us about her very serious disease. It’s called synaesthetic. And we lied, it’s not a disease. More like a cool condition. Diamandis explains further.

  • Small Talk – Neverest

    Would you be embarrassed if someone scrolled through your iPod? We sit down with Spee and Brendan to talk about the diverse music on their playlist.

 
 

Technology:

 


The Funniest AutoCorrects of 2011

Posted by Natalia Buia on January 6th, 2012

Besides the Instagram app, another reason life is dull if you’re not an iPhone user is not having AutoCorrect. Text messaging as never been this amusing.

Buzzfeed also shares our love for the spell-check tool, so much so that they piled a list of the 25 most funny AutoCorrect blunders. Here are just a few of the most hilarious automatic correction fails.

You can see all 25 picks over at Buzzfeed. If I learned anything from this post, it’s that a) I need an iPhone. It looks like a party! b) Always triple-check when you are texting your parents. Unless you want the next dinner gathering to be extremely awkward.

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Categories: Entertainment, Technology


Apogee Duet 2 for Macintosh Recording artists

Posted by Rick Levine on January 2nd, 2012

Many musicians these days have home based recording studios. With some experience in the recording process and the correct set of computer components, a talented artist can produce final results that can sound as good as any professional level recording studio. Over the past few years Apogee Electronics, who are well respected in the professional recording industry, has released a number of legendary hardware/software products and recently with the release of The Duet 2, the company has attracted a lot of attention among Macintosh computer recording artists.

There’s a reason that Apogee Electronics is one of the most respected manufacturers of portable audio interfaces – simplicity of design, quality built products and their hardware/software combinations work flawlessly on the Mac. The Apogee Duet 2 audio interface is the perfect compliment to the Apple Macintosh in both quality and performance. Following the success of the original Apogee Duet Firewire version, Apogee recently released the much anticipated USB version of this exceptional audio interface.

Apogee Duet 2 – USB
With this new USB version, any of the technical issues that surfaced around the original Duet with FireWire, have now been completely resolved and the re-designed Duet 2 which is not only a pleasure to use, is also a very reliable piece of hardware/software which produces outstanding audio quality. As with the original Duet, we have experienced NO latency issues with this USB version. The Duet 2 USB hardware is bundled with the required Maestro 2 driver/mixing software which is also very easy to configure and use.
There is little need to investigate the pre amps, the AD/DA converters or the circuit boards residing ‘under the hood’ of the Duet 2, because the sparkling, crystal clear sound quality of the Duet 2 speaks for itself. Besides, the Apogee brand is already world renown in its association for hi end audio quality components.


Maestro 2 Software
The really great thing about Apogee Duet 2, is the fact that the hardware and software are designed specifically for the Apple Macintosh, creating an Audio Interface that works seamlessly with Logic, Garage Band, iTunes, in fact all Apple software, under previous OS’s and Lion OSX 10.7. The Duet 2 is simple to set up and along with the Maestro 2 software, you can be making quality sounding recordings in a matter of minutes. The software portion of the audio interface package is very important and in this case the Maestro 2 software, as an integral part the Duet 2 experience, provides complete, versatile control over Input/Output and mixing levels. Control over phantom power when required is also built into the Maestro 2 software. The Maestro 2 is stable, completely responsive to the Duet 2 hardware, and provides every feature needed to create great mixes.

Simplicity of Design, Quality Built, Solid Construction
The Duet 2 hardware is functional, durable cast aluminum design, solid enough to house the delicate components within and compact enough to transport easily. On the front edge of the Duet 2 is a standard, QUARTER INCH stereo jack input (APPLAUSE!!!) for a set of studio headphones. The top panel of the Duet 2, now sports a full colour hi-rez, interactive OLED display complete with recognizable Icons that deliver responsive visual information for multiple functions including metering, input output levels, grouping, muting, phantom power and more. The Duet 2 even has configurable touchpads on both sides of the encoder knob to allow handy access to various functions such as Mute, Dim, Sum to mono, Headphone source etc.

On the rear panel of the Duet 2 there is a place for an optional DC power supply but since the Duet 2 is bus powered off the USB you probably won’t ever need to make use of it. We did not run into any issues at all using the Duet 2 directly off the USB therefore there was no need for us to use an optional Power supply but it is great to know that the option is there if it is ever needed. The USB connection to the computer is on the rear panel as well as the breakout cable connector.

The Duet 2 includes a redesigned Breakout Cable which has been greatly streamlined from the previous model and comes with 2 combination mic/instrument connectors. The output from the breakout cable on the back of the Duet 2 accommodates quarter inch balanced out connections. You can use regular quarter inch guitar cables for shorter distances. Running audio cables over longer distances to hi end audio equipment will often cause interference or possible noise from external sources and Apogee has addressed this issue by designing the breakout cable to accommodate quarter inch balanced out cables if you need to run cabling over longer distances. With the release of the Duet 2, Apogee has gone a step further by offer an optional aluminum Breakout Box Accessory for that accommodates the running of left and right XLR outputs from for Duet 2 to a mixer or powered speakers.

Record 2 Sources Simultaneously
The Duet 2 accommodates the ability to record 2 sources simultaneously such as at keyboard and vocalist – this device is a powerhouse of quality and design. Don’t let the compact size of the item in relation to the apparent premium pricing be a deterrent to consideration for purchase. Once you try the Apogee Duet 2, its ease of use, will be a pleasure, its compact design will be a bonus for transport and desk space and its price will be worthy of the sound quality that it provides. The Duet 2 is an outstanding combination of software and hardware that is up to Macintosh standards in terms of quality, ease of use and design – the perfect audio interface for the Macintosh computer.

MRSP: $595.00 US and Canada

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Categories: Hardware Reviews, Software Reviews, Technology


M-Audio Fast Track C400 with Pro Tools

Posted by Rick Levine on December 31st, 2011

M-Audio promotes the new C series Fast Track recording interfaces to be the best sounding, best looking and most feature rich audio interfaces they have ever designed. When M-Audio designed the new C Series audio interface, the company wanted to use technology from their higher line of interfaces with the aim of delivering exceptional sound quality by including boutique quality pre amps and premium audio converters . M-Audio claims to have sought customer input in order to create a completely redesigned form factor, with the intention of simplifying the music making process for the user.

(more…)

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Categories: Hardware Reviews, Software Reviews, Technology


Cadence Watches – To Geek or not to Geek, that is the question.

Posted by Rick Levine on December 22nd, 2011

There is no doubt, Cadence Watch Company is on to something special.
Cadence is an E-commerce watch company offering an interesting line of stylish watches at an affordable price point complete with an excellent warranty policy. What makes the Cadence watch line unique is the Company’s stylistic attention to particular niche markets.

‘The watch is classy enough to wear with on any occasion, while geeky enough to make a good conversation starter.’ (more…)

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Categories: Hardware Reviews, Technology


Braketron Bak-iT iPad cover

Posted by Rick Levine on November 2nd, 2011

If a product does nothing more than simply protect the back of your
brandnew iPad 2 – isn’t that enough?

If this product was considered the perfect compliment for the ‘smart cover’ cover – would this be enough?

If that iPad protective back cover was available in no less than FIVE stunning rainbow like colours to personalize the look of your iPad – wouldn’t this be enough? (more…)

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Categories: Hardware Reviews, Technology


Verbatim Store n go Car Audio USB Drive

Posted by Rick Levine on November 2nd, 2011

If Darwin was observing the tech revolution, we suspect the evolution ofthe USB flash drive would likely be noted in his journal of interesting developments. It is fascinating to watch just how the USB memory chip has now evolved to a mere fraction of the size it was only months ago. What practical adaptations are there for the miniaturization of the actual conventional USB Flash Drive? (more…)

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Categories: Hardware Reviews, Software Reviews, Technology


Go Incase for Protective Cases for Mac

Posted by Rick Levine on October 17th, 2011

Incase makes great cases for Apple Macintosh products. Not only are incase products stylist, 
there are very well constructed. Andpop recently had the opportunity of reviewing the incase Perforated Hardshell case and the Protective Sleeve Deluxe for the Macbook pro and we are as about excited as one can get about cases and covers from incase, the reason is that incase creates quality products for the Mac.

The Perforated Hardshell Case is an injection-molded case which is custom fitted to the Macbook Pro that provides excellent protection and fits perfectly snug to the laptop.
The molded case is perforated, as shown in the photo, which not only looks cool, it runs cooler – and lightens the load.

Main Features:
• Made to fit with Apple’s latest Apple MagSafe Power Adapter
• Exterior gloss coating
• Precision cut-out features for trouble-free access
• Vents and rubber feet elevate notebook away from surface, to allow the notebook’s internal fans to circulate air

(more…)

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Categories: Hardware Reviews, Software Reviews, Technology


AViiQ Portable Laptop Stand

Posted by Rick Levine on October 10th, 2011

Who knew that a laptop stand could be so cool!
Promoted as the ‘World’s thinnest portable laptop Stand’ that is designed to extend the life of your laptop as well as your wrists, the AViiQ Portable Laptop Stand is ‘ready  to go when you are’ – literally. The AviiQ portable laptop stand is the laptop stand that is designed for people on the go. While other laptop stands are big, bulky and stationary, the AViiQ is a laptop stand that is designed for convenience and portability – and it works like this.

(more…)

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AeroSport Armband for iPod nano

Posted by Rick Levine on September 3rd, 2011

The Griffin AeroSport for iPod nano  armband strap is a black lycra armband for the iPod Nano 6th Gen that is flexible, comfortable and lightweight. This Griffin AeroSport for iPod nano  armband  has a plastic face plate to attach the iPod and a velcro section to ensure the band is fitted and stays put on your arm while playing sports or jogging. In my opinion, it would be really cool if the band would adapt to the wrist and double as a wrist strap but such is not the case here.  (more…)

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Categories: Hardware Reviews, Technology


Laptop Stand and Cable Lock from Griffin

Posted by Rick Levine on September 2nd, 2011

Griffin Technology offers two cool accessories for portable computers, laptops and Macbooks. The Griffin Elevator Desktop Stand for laptops is a very stylish stand with a brushed aluminum finish that allows you to raise any laptop up off the desk by about 5 inches. The Griffin Elevator Desktop stand is a solid pro style stand that benefits your health and increases your comfort.

 

(more…)

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Celebrity Twitter Reactions to Steve Jobs Resignation

Posted by andPOP Staff on August 25th, 2011

Steve Jobs resigning from Apple is big news, and celebrities were equally shocked and surprised. Below are some Twitter reactions from some notable celebrities:

Arnold Schwarzenegger tweeted, “Steve Jobs is one of California’s greatest innovators. Very few achieved his impact over the last 50 years and probably the next 100 years.”

Alyssa Milano tweeted, ”I want to put a ding in the universe. ~Steve Jobs #quote.”

Harry Shum, Jr. from Glee tweeted, ”Steve Jobs is also one of the few people that I fully got star struck and geeked out when I met him.”

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Categories: Entertainment, Technology


‘Woot’ Added To Oxford Dictionary

Posted by andPOP Staff on August 20th, 2011

“Woot” is now officially part of the English dictionary. Other new additions include “cyberbullying” and “retweet.”

Some of the new definitions, per the Oxford University Press blog:

cyberbullying: n. the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.

jeggings: pl. n. tight-fitting stretch trousers for women, styled to resemble a pair of denim jeans.

mankini: n. (pl. mankinis) a brief one-piece bathing garment for men, with a T-back.

retweet: v. (on the social networking service Twitter) repost or forward (a message posted by another user). n. a reposted or forwarded message on Twitter.

woot: exclaim. informal (especially in electronic communication) used to express elation, enthusiasm, or triumph.


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Categories: Technology


Level 8 Computer Cases for Macbook

Posted by Rick Levine on July 6th, 2011

Level 8 Computer Cases for Mac – Protection for your Laptop

Most everyone who just purchased a new Macbook Pro will without a doubt be looking for a new case to protect the computer while moving it from place to place. Andpop is looking at the line of stylish protective cases for the Mac, offered by Level 8 and is pleased to report some great news!

Level 8 offers an impressive line of cases, sleeves and backpacks, exclusively designed for MacBook, MacBook Pro, and iPad. The name ‘Level 8’ reflects the companies ‘Eight points of precise protection’ : Inspiration, Exclusivity, Protection, Beauty, Organization, Durability, Value, Warranty (more…)

Categories: Hardware Reviews, Technology


Facebook Launches Video Chat Feature

Posted by Michael Levine on July 6th, 2011

Facebook announced today that they are adding video to their online chat program through a partnership with Skype and it’s available today.

Users who want to add the new feature must download a quick Java file by visiting the video chat page. A new video icon will then appear in chat windows that you simply click and it will connect you via video to that person. The idea behind the feature is to make it simple to operate and easy for non-technical users to participate in video chat. There is no need to create a Skype account as the feature works alongside your existing facebook account.

“No separate accounts, no separate websites to go to,” Philip Su said. “The download is small and easy.”

This feature appears to be part of a larger project happening at Facebook to compete head on with Apple’s Facetime video conferencing application, with rumours swirling about a new Facebook web application dubbed ‘Project Spartan’ that will be released for all mobile and tablet devices later this year.

 

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Traktor LE / Traktor Kontrol X1

Posted by Rick Levine on July 1st, 2011

Traktor X1 controller & Traktor Software

Traktor LE, by Native Instruments

Mobile DJs will likely be familiar with the popular digital DJ software called Traktor by Native Instruments for Mac and PC . TRAKTOR software is available as TRAKTOR PRO 2, TRAKTOR DUO 2, TRAKTOR LE each of which offers a variety of mixing and effects capabilities from Semi Pro to Pro depending on one’s needs. TRAKTOR is a powerful digital software package which poses a bit of a learning curve for the beginner but comes with an excellent users manual in PDF format.
(more…)

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Video Game Sales Hit Four-Year Low

Posted by Christian Allaire on June 15th, 2011

The video game industry hit a four-year low in May, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Video game sales apparently hit its lowest monthly U.S. profit since October 2006, totalling $743.1 million. That number may seem high, but it’s nothing compared to the $866.8 million of last year.

“A light slate of new releases is at the heart of this month’s performance,” said NPD analyst Anita Frazier. “As a result of a lighter release slate, promotional activity at retail and in circulars was reduced as well, which undoubtedly affected not only planned but impulse purchases.”

Frazier says it is unfair to base all results on figures, though, as an increasing amount of video game sales derive from online or downloadable exclusive content purchases.

This year’s top selling game was ‘L.A. Noire,’ a murder-mystery action game set in old L.A.

I agree with the analyst. Much of today’s market comes from the online world, so we have to factor in the sales from that. I don’t think video games are going anywhere anytime soon.

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Categories: Gaming, Technology


Sony Unveils The Playstation Vita Handheld

Posted by Christian Allaire on June 7th, 2011

Sony has introduced the new ‘PlayStation Vita’ handheld, reports CTV.

The company’s newest portable gaming machine, the ‘PlayStation Vita,’ is a touch-screen and motion-sensitive handheld that allows gamers to connect with one another over cellphone networks and Wi-Fi hotspots. The device can also use GPS location-tracking technology.

Much like the iPad, the device is available as a Wi-Fi-only version for $249, or a cellphone version which will retail for $299 and buyers will have to subscribe to a cellular data plan.

The Vita also has front and back cameras, a touchscreen in front, a touch pad on the back and two joysticks. Gamers can play against each other all around the world.

“PlayStation Vita will revolutionize the portable entertainment experience,” Kazuo Hirai, group chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., told a crowd at the unveiling. “The whole world is really in play.”

The device will go on sale before the winter holidays. This sounds cool, I probably won’t buy it just because I have enough technology devices as is, but I can appreciate its idea.

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Categories: Entertainment, Technology


Review: CandyShell Card Case for iPhone 4 by Speck

Posted by Paul on June 3rd, 2011

The CandyShell Card case from Speck is not only a protective case for the iPhone 4 but also a mini wallet capable of holding up to 3 credit cards. If you’re on the go or don’t want to carry you wallet for whatever reason, the CandyShell Card case is a great way to lighten your carry load.

The good thing about the CandyShell case is that it doesn’t interfere with any of the iPhone 4′s connections or camera. It’s great to use for your key card if you require one to get in and out of your office. That way you can leave your wallet in your office and just make sure you have your phone on you, which of course you would never leave behind. In addition, if you drop or mishandle the phone you can be confident that the CandyShell Card case will protect it from most damage and scratching.

With the benefits of the CandyShell Card case it does have one major drawback that is certainly unavoidable. It will add some extra thickness and wait to your iPhone 4G. Although annoying at first, the convenience of the CandyShell Card case far outweighs the extra thickness and weight and you will soon become accustomed to it.

For employees using a key card to access their office and for people who only need to carry around 2-3 cards, such as a credit card, ID and debit card, the CandyShell Card case is a convenient additon for your iPhone 4.

Price: $39.95

Buy: Speckproducts.com

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Categories: Hardware Reviews, Technology


T-Pain Vows To Quit Auto-Tune

Posted by Christian Allaire on June 2nd, 2011

T-Pain is vowing that he will never use Auto-Tune again, reports AllHipHop.com.

The rapper and producer told the hip hop site exclusively that he will never use Auto-Tune in his music again. Auto-tune is the singing effect that T-Pain made famous, which digitally makes voices sing on key.

It often makes them sound like a robot, too.

“I vow right here, right now, to never use Auto-Tune again,” said T-Pain in a statement. “I’m onto something that I think is bigger and better called ‘The T-Pain Effect.’”

No, he isn’t being funny or ironic. The rapper actually plans to develop a sound called “The T-Pain Effect.” He has reportedly partnered with Izotope, an audio technology company, to produce this so-called new effect.

T-Pain without Auto-Tune is like Lindsay Lohan without drugs or Arnold Schwarzenegger without secret love child’s. It’s just so bizarre. The man has an iTunes app that Auto-Tune’s peoples voice, for goodness sake. We’ll see if this lasts, because it’s kind of the only thing going for him at the moment.

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Categories: Music, Technology


Shakira Bumps Oprah Off Twitter Top 10 List

Posted by Christian Allaire on May 25th, 2011

At last, there is one thing that Oprah is not dominating! It seems as though Shakira bumped Oprah off the Twitter top 10 list this week.

Here’s the list:
Lady Gaga (10,307,549 followers)
Justin Bieber (9,849,628)
Barack Obama (8,169,294)
Britney Spears (7,940,896)
Kim Kardashian (7,578,928)
Katy Perry (7,451,618)
Ashton Kutcher (6,803,738)
Ellen DeGeneres (6,712,058)
Taylor Swift (6,475,026)
Shakira (6,156,469)

Oprah Winfrey came in at 11th with 5,856,790 followers.

You’d think with all the attention surrounding her final shows that Oprah would climb in followers. Maybe her demographic isn’t vested in the twitter world, though. Most of her fans are older woman, so I’ll give her some slack. Well, congrads to Shakira for beating out Oprah – doesn’t happen very often.

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Categories: Entertainment, Technology