Johnny Depp confirmed for Alice in Wonderland 2

Johnny Depp has been confirmed for 'Alice in Wonderland 2'.
'The Lone Ranger' actor will reprise his role as the Mad Hatter in Disney's follow-up to 2010's smash hit 'Alice in Wonderland', which was directed by Tim Burton.
Disney also announced that Mia Wasikowska will play protagonist Alice Kingsleigh for a second time in the adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic story.
'The Muppets' director James Bobin will replace Burton as director of the sequel, with Joe Roth, Jennifer Todd and Suzanne Todd producing the movie, which is scheduled for release on May 27, 2016.
It's not yet known whether Depp and Wasikowska's co-stars Helena Bonham Carter (the Red Queen), Anne Hathaway (the White Queen) and Matt Lucas (Tweedledee and Tweedledum) will reprise their roles in the sequel.
The first movie was a hit at box offices around the world, grossing a total of $1.02 billion in the year of release.
Disney has also set a release date for its live action adaptation of 'The Jungle' Book', based on a script by Justin Marks and directed by 'Iron Man' helmer Jon Favreau.
'The Jungle Book' is set for release on October 9, 2015.

Victoria Beckham excited by title talk

Victoria Beckham is delighted at the prospect of being given a title.
The 39-year-old fashion designer's husband, David, is set to be given a knighthood in the British New Year's Honours List making him 'Sir David Beckham' which would mean she would then become 'Lady Beckham'.
Although the list has not been confirmed the brunette beauty is said to be proud of the couple's achievements and delighted at the prospect of being recognised by Queen Elizabeth.
A source told Closer magazine: 'Being a Lady would be the crowning glory for Victoria. It means a lot to her. She and David have achieved so much as a couple, but the knighthood would give them aristocratic status. Victoria's already part of the super rich and loves the idea of joining the aristocracy. She's thrilled at the prospect of getting the Lady title - she thinks it'll be a big two fingers up to anyone who has ever doubted or critcised her.'
Victoria thinks the title will mark the success of their hard work and she is extremely proud of her retried soccer star husband, who also does a lot of work for charity. 
The source added: 'Victoria really wants this knighthood for David and it would mean a lot to her to be given a title. She feels they have worked so hard over the years, it really would be the icing on the cake. She's so proud of David - she thinks he's a national hero.'

Annual initiative to boost Arabic content on internet

By: Muhammad Aldalou

Google has announced the return of Arabic Web Days, an annual initiative created to boost the amount of Arabic content on the internet.

The initiative, which was developed by Google, Vinelab and Wamda last year, works to raise awareness and bridge the gap between the number of Arabic speakers online and the percentage of Arabic content on the web.

The effort is conducted in association with several regional and international partners, as well as a variety of online and offline activities, and events throughout the Mena region.

This year’s initiative expands on the belief – ‘It’s Better in Arabic’. Despite Arabic being a widely spoken language, it remains fairly unrepresented on the web, making up an estimated three per cent of all online content.

Arabic Web Days also aims to spark ecosystems of partners, and engage users and Arabic speakers worldwide to actively take part in enriching and boosting the amount of Arabic content online – by creating it.

Maha Aboueleinein, Google’s head of communications for the Mena region, says that the purpose of the initiative is to inspire the global Arabic-speaking community to increase the amount of Arabic content online, adding that the Arab world has enormous talent when it comes to creating content.

“We’re hosting two major events in Saudi Arabia this year, something we didn’t do last year,” Aboueleinein tells Kipprepport. “Saudi is a large market of Arabic speakers and YouTube watchers, so it’s really exciting for us.”

She says that the main challenges facing the company is figuring out how to make sure that Arabic content stays relevant, how people can be inspired to create content, so that the Arabic-speaking consumer is served, and how to help users understand how they can leverage the web to their benefit.

“The more people come online, the more that percentage (three per cent of Arabic content) is diluted,” she says.

The month-long series, between November 17 to December 18, will utilise a number of online and offline events that aim to engage users to join the movement to accelerate digital Arabic content creation in the Mena region.

Samsung Galaxy Gear now compatible with Galaxy S4

Samsung Electronics South Africa today announced the local availability of Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) software upgrade for Galaxy S4 3G. Galaxy S4 customers will now be able to enjoy compatibility with Galaxy GEAR, the perfect companion device that makes mobile communication easier and more enjoyable.

“Extending Galaxy GEAR compatibility to more GALAXY devices reflects our deep commitment to deliver an enriched mobile experience to our consumers,” said Craige Fleischer, Director of Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics South Africa.

“This upgrade will also offer new improvements and optimisation capabilities and these enhancements will empower our users in their mobile lives and enable smart freedom with Galaxy Gear.”

Samsung Galaxy Gear

Galaxy GEAR will enable Galaxy S4 users to make and answer calls and view incoming alerts and notifications with just a glance. For a closer look at more important messages, users can simply pick up their master device and the Smart Relay feature instantly reveals the full content. Users can also find major social apps on Samsung Apps to maintain connections to their social networks via Galaxy GEAR.

With a 1.9 Megapixel camera, users can snap a visual memo by simply tapping GALAXY GEAR’s screen. Photos are then easily and automatically saved in the master device’s gallery. Users can enjoy a built-in Pedometer app and use Galaxy GEAR to control the music played on their master devices. Of course the device also functions like a watch, with the option to change the face with 10 different clock options and even more options available via Samsung Apps.

The update will be available for Galaxy S4 via KIES as the preferred method, FOTA (Firmware Over The Air) or users can visit their nearest Samsung Smart Care Service Centre where representatives can assist with the upgrade.

“We work closely with local operators before releasing operating system updates to ensure a positive user experience. Therefore, we would like to urge users of other Samsung handsets to be patient for more information on official launch dates for upgrades, which will be communicated as it becomes available. We would also like to caution users to be aware that rooting a device will impact the validity of the warranty,” concludes Fleischer.

GTA Online Beach Bum pack now available

The world of Grand Theft Auto Online gets even deeper with the Beach Bum update, now available on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

In order to keep GTA Online flexible and constantly evolving, the game is built to receive new content in a variety of ways including major paid expansions at specific points across the year, dropping additional content via regular title updates, and even the instant and seamless addition of jobs via the Rockstar Social Club.

The Beach Bum content comes via a free update to GTA Online and Grand Theft Auto V’s Story Mode as part of the latest automatic Title Update (1.06), so just fire up your console to download it. Alongside additional game tuning (see details below), the Beach Bum update includes:

NEW VEHICLES, WEAPONS & MORE

Take on new Beach Bum Races with the BF Bifta dune buggy, the rugged Canis Kalahari off-road truck or the Bravado Paradise beach camper van. For aquatic-based endeavours, the classic Speeder speedboat is also now available. All four vehicles can also be accessed in Story Mode and are available at no in-game cost. To access them in GTA Online, just visit the southernsanandreassuperautos.com in-game website (or docktease.com for the Speeder).

Also available in both Story Mode and Online (and at no additional in-game cost) are the new SNS Pistol & Broken Bottle – a pair of close range weapons perfect for any beach blanket brouhaha.

This update also features a wide array of new apparel – everything from casual canvas hats to tank tops, t-shirts, board shorts and bikinis in a wide range of styles and colours… plus new hairstyle and tattoo customization options.

30 NEW JOBS COMING TO THE WORLD OF LOS SANTOS & BLAINE COUNTY

In conjunction with today’s Beach Bum update, we’re also adding 30 new Jobs to GTA Online today. This includes new beach-themed Races, Deathmatches, Parachutes, Last Team Standings and Gang Attacks, plus the beachfront “Survival on Del Perro Pier” and more.

TITLE UPDATE 1.06

Along with the new Beach Bum update content, automatic Title Update 1.06 also includes a host of fixes and adjustments for Grand Theft Auto Online, which are listed here:

• Fixed an issue where the game would delete your personal Vehicle if you have another player in it when you add a Tracker and Insurance.
• Fixed an issue where players could become stuck on the aerial view when entering GTA Online with cloud servers down and having just launched a mini-game.
• Fixed an issue where the mission ‘Damaged Goods’ would start even though it had previously been completed.
• Fixed an issue where under rare circumstances players couldn’t claim back their personal vehicle in GTA Online.
• Fixed an issue where under rare circumstances players were able to get the Declasse Sheriff SUV into Los Santos Customs and respray it causing the menus to malfunction.
• Fixed an issue where in rare circumstances players would lose all personal vehicles after being idle kicked and unable to rejoin an online session.
• Fixed an issue where players could occasionally get stuck after killing a pedestrian with a golf ball.
• Corrected an exploit where players would retain their personal vehicle after selling it at Los Santos Customs mod shop by transitioning back and forth between Story Mode and Online.
• Corrected an exploit where players could keep repeatedly selling a Bati 801 to Los Santos Customs.
• Corrected an exploit where players were able to duplicate vehicles by accepting a Mission while leaving a high-end garage.
• Corrected an exploit where a player could start a Team Deathmatch with all players on the same team.
• Players are no longer able to delete their GTA Online character while the Rockstar cloud servers are unavailable.
• Players experiencing any remaining technical issues (or specific issues relating to this new Title Update) are encouraged to visit our support website and get in touch with a member of our support team for proper assistance. You can also hit them up at @RockstarSupport on Twitter.

Ronaldo deserves the Ballon d’Or too, accepts Ribery

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery feels that both he and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo would be worthy winners of the 2013 Ballon d'Or.

The duo are considered the frontrunners for the award as Lionel Messi, who has won the prize for each of the last four years, has endured an injury-ravaged calendar year.

Ribery has spoken of his respect for Ronaldo but is confident that his part in Bayern's treble win should see him pip the Portuguese to the title.

'We all know that Cristiano Ronaldo is a super footballer. Naturally, he deserves to win it too,' the France international told Kicker. 

'However, it's a vote based on a whole year and I also have a case for it. People will make the right choice. I'm quite relaxed.'

Meanwhile, Barcelona legend Hristo Stoichov, who won the award in 1994, has backed Ribery to see off the competition.

'This year, my view is that Messi has missed a lot of matches due to several injuries,' he told RMC. 

'I personally believe that Ribery will win. He had a great season with Bayern and did spectacular things and he negotiated World Cup qualification with France.'

Saudi police arrest 2 over ‘free hugs’

Saudi religious police arrested two young men offering a "free hug" to passers-by in the ultra-conservative Muslim kingdom's capital, local media reported Thursday.

The arrests were made in the main Tahlia Street where the two men were waving banners marked "Free Hug" in English, according to news website Sabq.org.

Free Hugs Campaign is a movement for individuals to offer hugs to strangers in public places, especially in big cities, "to brighten up their lives".

The initiative prompted surprise and controversy in Saudi society.

"It's a free hug, not a free drug for God's sake!" wrote one Tweeter in support of the campaign.

However, another user slammed the move. "Today it's one hug, tomorrow it's a free kiss, and the next day it'll be free sex!"

The religious police, or Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, is charged with ensuring compliance with the kingdom's strict interpretation of Islamic morality.

But it is often accused of abuses.

Religious police ensure women obey Saudi Arabia's ban on women drivers, implement a ban on public entertainment and force all businesses to close for prayers five times a day.