WB's Cyborg, Ray Fisher, Promises 'A Hell of a Treat' in Store for DC Comics Fans

Posted on by

Primarily known for his stage work, Ray Fisher was cast earlier this year as Victor Stone, the character who becomes the DC Comics superhero Cyborg. Now, in an interview with EW, Fisher confirms that he'll be appearing not only in the upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice but, as has been long suspected, in both halves of Zack Snyder's Justice League before getting his own solo film in 2020.

"I didn't know the extent to which DC and WB had planned on taking my character," Fisher tells the outlet. "When I signed on, I just wanted to be part of this world. But that specific information, I found out then and there. I didn't think I'd be getting my own stand-alone film... Let me tell you, man, people are in for a hell of a treat."

Cyborg made his first appearance in 1980's "DC Comics Presents" #26. In the "New 52" continuity, he's a high school athlete who, after getting caught in a S.T.A.R. Labs explosion, is given powerful bionic abilities that lead to him becoming a founding member of the Justice League.

Fisher also adds that he's already met (although has not necessarily filmed alongside) fellow JLA members Ben Affleck (Batman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) along with Jason Momoa (Aquaman) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice's resident supervillain, Jesse Eisenberg (Lex Luthor).

Also set to star Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter, Callan Mulvey, Scoot McNairy, Jena Malone and Tao Okamoto, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters on March 25, 2016.

(Photo Credit: Joseph Marzullo / WENN.com)

See the original post:

WB's Cyborg, Ray Fisher, Promises 'A Hell of a Treat' in Store for DC Comics Fans

Ray Fisher Didnt Know About Cyborg Solo Movie; Already Finished Batman v Superman Role

Posted on by

Besides the fans, the biggest winners of the recent DC Warner Bros. announcement were Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller and Ray Fisher. With a simple press release, each went from up and coming actor to movie star with their own franchise. Momoa, wholl play Aquaman, is obviously thrilled. We have yet to hear from Miller, who playsThe Flash. Now Cyborgs alter-ego, Ray Fisher, has spoken out.

The actor, best known for his work on Broadway, told Entertainment Weekly he had no idea DC was planning a Cyborg solo movie when he first signed onto play the role in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. In fact, producers didnt tell him of the plan until hours before the official announcement was made. He also confirmed hes long since finished shooting his part in Snyders film and met several other members of the Justice League. That could give a hint as to what the role actually is in the film.

Read the Ray Fisher Cyborg quotes below.

Fisher said the following to Entertainment Weekly about the massive DC news, which revealed Cyborg would be getting his own movie in 2020:

I didnt know the extent to which DC and WB had planned on taking my character.When I signed on, I just wanted to be part of this world. But that specific information, I found out then and there. I didnt think Id be getting my own stand-alone film.

Then and there refers to last week when Warner Bros. made the announcement. This lines up with what Momoa said regarding the announcement.

As for his Batman v Superman cameo, Fisher he finished shooting it in July. He also said:

I met everyone in the Justice League except Henry Cavill and Ezra Miller. It was surreal. You get this idea of going to work on a Hollywood set as being really stressful and nerve-wracking. But it blew that stereotype away. If they did have stressful times, it wasnt while I was there.

More here:

Ray Fisher Didnt Know About Cyborg Solo Movie; Already Finished Batman v Superman Role

Ray Fisher Confirms 'Batman v Superman' Will Feature Cyborg

Posted on by

October 22, 2014 08:52:55 GMT The 27-year-old actor, who admits he had no idea he would be getting a standalone film, says he was initially hired for a cameo in the 'Man of Steel' sequel.

It's confirmed; Cyborg will appear in "". Following reports that was cast as Victor "Vic" Stone a.k.a. Cyborg, the actor tells Entertainment Weekly that the character will have a minor role in the "" sequel before he's getting his own movie.

"I didn't know the extent to which DC and WB had planned on taking my character. When I signed on, I just wanted to be part of this world," says the stage actor of being hired for a cameo in "Batman v Superman". "But that specific information, I found out then and there. I didn't think I'd be getting my own standalone film."

While he can't give away plot details of the upcoming movie, Fisher does reveal that he has met (Batman), (Wonder Woman), (Aquaman) and (Lex Luthor) on the movie's set.

In addition to the aforementioned characters and 's Superman, the flick will also feature Flash, who will be portrayed by . "I met everyone in the Justice League except Henry Cavill and Ezra Miller," Fisher says.

"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" is due March 25, 2016 in the United States. Zack Snyder who directed the first movie is back to tackle the helming duty.

AceShowbiz.com

Go here to see the original:

Ray Fisher Confirms 'Batman v Superman' Will Feature Cyborg

Khao Lak Family Beaches Resorts, Things To Do – thebeachfrontclub.com – Video

Posted on by


Khao Lak Family Beaches Resorts, Things To Do - thebeachfrontclub.com
http://thebeachfrontclub.com/beach-hotels/asia/thailand/khao-lak/ The beaches beach resorts of Khao Lak are excellent for families children. The video shows the calm, beautiful water of...

By: Jade Wei

Read the original:

Khao Lak Family Beaches Resorts, Things To Do - thebeachfrontclub.com - Video

Snarled Shark Nets Spur Repairs at South African Beaches

Posted on by

Authorities in South Africas KwaZulu-Natal province are rushing to fix damaged shark nets at some of the countrys most popular beaches before thousands of summer holidaymakers flock to the coast.

Heavy swells forced the provinces Sharks Board to lift protective nets from beaches, leaving them open to sharks prowling the waters and boat-based teams have been working around the clock to restore them. Their efforts have been complicated by damage to some of the barriers, said Sharks Board Operations Manager Mike Anderson-Reade.

They were torn and twisted, so that takes time to sort out, he said. Anderson-Reade said the damage was caused when nets were left in the water as bad weather pounded South Africas east coast.

Three species of potentially dangerous sharks -- the bull shark, white shark and tiger shark -- inhabit the warm, shallow waters off KwaZulu-Natal. Beach tourism in 2013 accounted for 63 percent of the provinces tourism revenue, an industry that in turn contributed about 30 billion rand ($2.7 billion) -- or 10 percent -- of the provinces economy.

KwaZulu-Natal has 23 kilometers (14 miles) of shark-safety measures at 38 locations, the only ones in South Africa. Five beaches are waiting for nets to be restored after the recent damage, Anderson-Reade said.

Shark nets and drumlines have reduced the number of attacks to less than one a year at protected beaches, Anderson-Reade said. There have only been two serious attacks at protected beaches in the past 30 years, both involving great whites, according to the Shark Board.

With about eight weeks to go until the peak end-of-year holiday season, local businesses are concerned that perception the beaches are unsafe may deter visitors.

Annie Smith, a lodge owner in the resort town of Margate, said her trade is based on a good beach experience.

Feeling feel safe in the sea is very important to my guests, and I know if theres a problem, theyd go somewhere else, she said.

The regions beaches draw large crowds during the holiday months, particularly in Durban, South Africas third-largest city. More than 30,000 people visited Durban beaches on New Years Day alone this year, East Coast Radio reported at the time.

Excerpt from:

Snarled Shark Nets Spur Repairs at South African Beaches

Hidden gem is exposed

Posted on by

A NEW map for visitors reveals Mackay's hidden gem - the Northern Beaches.

From its hilltop vantage point, with commanding views over the ocean and beaches, the iconic Eimeo Pacific Hotel defines the area's fun attractions for visitors.

It provided the scenic backdrop for the launch of the map by Whitsunday MP Jason Costigan and a group of tourism and business owners.

For Carole Henry, of La Solana holiday units at Blacks Beach, the simple tear-off map, with its easy access route from Mackay defined in thick red, will help bring in travellers who may have overlooked the Northern Beaches as a place to stay.

"It's our first map and shows where the accommodation is, that we are open for business. Later ones will become more inclusive and list more businesses including eateries and other attractions," she said.

"People tend to stay in the Mackay CBD, as it's the first place they get to, but we have beautiful beaches and a lot of accommodation close to the beachfront here.

"I think people are not fully aware of what we have."

The map will be left at tourism information offices, on reception counters and in hotels between Sarina and Airlie Beach.

"We hope the map brings more visitors to the Northern Beaches. It is a little bit of a hidden gem out here," Comfort Resort Blue Pacific owner Nick uit den Bogaard said. His wife and business partner Cath uit den Bogaard said the map should help put the area as a destination clearly in the minds of visitors as "it can tend to get missed".

Eimeo Pacific Hotel's Darlene Stayte said simply, "it is important that people know the Northern Beaches is a very attractive part of Mackay ... the more people who come here the better".

Read the original:

Hidden gem is exposed

Astronomy Live – Comet Siding Spring Recap – Misconceptions and Anomalies – Video

Posted on by


Astronomy Live - Comet Siding Spring Recap - Misconceptions and Anomalies
This video is by Astronomy Live (shared with permission). Astronomy Live #39;s channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/messierhunter/featured Original video by Astronomy Live: https://www.youtube.com/w.

By: dazzathecameraman

See the original post here:

Astronomy Live - Comet Siding Spring Recap - Misconceptions and Anomalies - Video

Astronomy: Big Ear's 'wow' moment a stroke of luck

Posted on by

Space oddity: The Big Ear radio telescope was part of Ohio University's program to search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and was used for this purpose from 1973 to 1995.

Making a hole in one is tough the chances for such a golf shot are about 1 in 12,500. The chances of a radio telescope randomly picking up a signal from another civilisation in space are far more remote than that.

The irony of this is that a radio telescope that picked up our best bet for such a signal has been dismantled and developers turned it into a golf course!

The Big Ear radio telescope was part of Ohio University's program to search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and was used for this purpose from 1973 to 1995.

It was big, taking up an area about the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Advertisement

The telescope became internationally famous in the late 1970s because of what's now known as the "Wow! Signal" registered by the observatory's recorders.

On August 15, 1977, Jerry Ehman a volunteer at the Big Ear, was routinely glancing over the computer printouts of the telescope's recent observations when he spotted something astounding. It was the recording of a radio signal lasting 72 seconds, so strong it went off of the scale. He circled it in red, writing the word "Wow!" beside it.

Its intensity was unprecedented and it stood out forcefully from the regular "natural" radio emissions received by the telescope.

Unfortunately the density of stars in the area from which the signal came is extremely high not far from the galactic centre, near the "handle" of the Sagittarius teapot asterism, and researchers could not pinpoint its origin to a particular star.

Go here to read the rest:

Astronomy: Big Ear's 'wow' moment a stroke of luck

National Monument to host free Halloween event

Posted on by

Live animals. A mad scientist. A walk in the prairie, and an astronomy lesson. The National Homestead Monument of America has all the makings of a fun and educational event this weekend.

Saturday marks the Monuments 18th annual Howling Homestead. The Monument has hosted the Halloween-themed event free-of-charge since 1997. Park Superintendent Mark Engler said with an average of 350-450 attendees annually, Howling Homestead is one of the Monuments best-attended events of the year.

This years festivities start at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Monuments Heritage Center. Engler encouraged families to arrive early.

The first 100 kids will get a free pumpkin, he said. I like to call these pumpkins two-arm pumpkins, because theyre pretty good-sized pumpkins. The pumpkins are being provided by The Friends of Homestead. The Friends of Homestead have been doing this throughout the years that weve been doing our Howling Homestead event. Were very grateful for the work that they do.

Engler said the event will be broken up into stations, with Monument employees and volunteers assisting attendees along the way.

When visitors arrive, we ask them to get a card, Engler explained. Well assign them a group with this card. Theyre assigned to that group throughout the evening. We have volunteers and employees who stay with that group, and they rotate from station to station.

Engler said groups will spend roughly 10-12 minutes at each station.

One of the most popular stations features a lesson on some scary animals lurking around the prairie.

Theyll learn about snakes, Engler said. Theyll learn about raptors. Theyll learn about bats.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to perform experiments with a mad scientist.

See more here:

National Monument to host free Halloween event

NEUROSCI 555S Philosophy of Mind (Topic: Memory & Imagination) – Video

Posted on by


NEUROSCI 555S Philosophy of Mind (Topic: Memory Imagination)
One or more topics such as mental causation, animal minds, artificial intelligence, and foundations of cognitive science. Includes relevant literature from fields outside philosophy (for example,...

By: Duke Brain

Read more:

NEUROSCI 555S Philosophy of Mind (Topic: Memory & Imagination) - Video

AI Soon Part of Standard Smartphone Functionality?

Posted on by

The field of application of artificial intelligence (AI) is widening, and looks set to encompass smartphones in the near future. The phones operating system will then be able to work rather like nerve cells do, and your device will be capable of positively identifying both categories of objects and individual human faces.

Hollywood movie clichs apart, substantial progress is actually starting to be made in the field of artificial intelligence, due to the unflagging enthusiasm of academic institutions on the one hand and commercial companies on the other: major technology companies are working in partnership with university research laboratories to find ways of integrating AI into devices used by the general public. Meanwhile, in addition to the machine-learning projects already underway at the Google X lab, directed by the Groups co-founder Sergei Brin, the Mountain View giant recently acquired Deepmind, a company specialising in AI. The UK-based startup, which has developed software that learns by combining machine-learning with neuroscience techniques, moved into the Google fold in January. Moreover, research being carried out at wireless telecommunications products and services company Qualcomm should enable this so-called deep learning technology to be incorporated into our smartphones in the near future.

Qualcomm, which makes electronic chips for smartphones, is aiming to include AI as standard functionality in mobile devices in the coming years. The companys researchers are in the process of developing an application which is able to identify different types of scenery or background in a photo cityscape, landscape, sunset, close-up, etc using image recognition techniques and so optimise the photo setting on that basis. Even more impressive is the claim made by Qualcomms head of software research, Charles Bergan, during a conference at MIT in September that maybe the app will detect that its a soccer game in progress and look for that moment when the ball is just lifting off. However, at the moment AI technology is being directed first and foremost towards human face recognition. A face-recognition app which Bergan demonstrated at the MIT gatheringsucceeded in identifying his face despite reportedly having being trained to recognise his features using only a short, shaky, and poorly lit video of his face. Unsurprisingly, image recognition is very much in demand from smartphone manufacturers. Recently Google tested out deep learning techniques on 10 million images taken from YouTube videos. The results were twice as good as any of the image recognition software previously used and the technology was for example able to categorise several different cats as all being cats.

The thrust of deep learning technology, which was one of ten breakthrough technologies for 2013 listed by MIT experts, is basically to simulate the activity of the neurons in the neocortex of our brains. This zone, which is located in the external layer of the cerebral hemispheres, is involved in spatial representation and language functions, and more widely in perception and reaction. In fact deep learning is not particularly new. In the 1980s Professor Kunihiko Fukushima, a Japanese pioneer in the field of neural networks, invented an artificial neural network, which he called the neocognitron, that has a hierarchical multilayered architecture and acquires the ability to recognise visual patterns through learning. Thirty years on, commercial companies are now starting to get interested in the technology with a view to predictive data analysis. Ersatz Labs, a San Francisco-based startup, runs a paid-for platform for creating tailored algorithms that help companies to analyse their data more meaningfully. Moreover recent advances in computational power have been driving progress in the field. High-powered computer chips such as IBMs recently-unveiled TrueNorth have enabled progress in image and language recognition, two key features that look set to make our smartphones even smarter.

Read the rest here:

AI Soon Part of Standard Smartphone Functionality?

Infosys Eye M&A to Gain Talent in Shift to Automation

Posted on by

Infosys Ltd. (INFO)s new chief executive officer is looking to acquire talent and technology as he tries to push Indias second-largest software services company into artificial intelligence -- helping customers automate jobs currently done by people.

Vishal Sikka, who took over on Aug. 1, said he wants Infosys to focus on design and automation to help bolster sales growth. That push may require some deals to add people and technology related to artificial intelligence and collaborative software companies, he said. Still, the majority of the transformation will be driven by retraining the companys more than 160,000 employees over the next two years, he said.

We are not interested in acquiring yesterdays technology or acquiring growth, Sikka said in an interview at Bloombergs New York headquarters. But we want to bring in talent, we want to bring in skills, we want to bring in technology that will accelerate our ambition.

To make this push without cutting jobs, Sikka is looking to the Industrial Revolution for inspiration. The move to automation wont hinder job growth, he said, comparing it to technological advancements of the 19th century. Sikka plans to require training for his employees because they need to adjust to a technology world more reliant on design.

Vishal Sikka, Chief Executive Officer of Infosys Ltd. Close

Vishal Sikka, Chief Executive Officer of Infosys Ltd.

Close

Vishal Sikka, Chief Executive Officer of Infosys Ltd.

Sikkas push for expansion and next technologies follows Infosys reporting quarterly sales growth that was the slowest in more than four years. He became the first non-founder CEO at Infosys after working for 12 years at SAP AG.

If Sikka doesnt try to bring in new strategies and technology, Infosys will just become a sweat shop, said U.R. Bhat, a Mumbai-based director at Dalton Capital, a unit of U.K.- based Dalton Strategic Partnership LLP that has $2 billion in assets. Infosys has to raise the bar and artificial intelligence is one way to go.

View original post here:

Infosys Eye M&A to Gain Talent in Shift to Automation