Gates Heads Forbes Billionaire List
Bill Gates has topped the Forbes list of the 400 richest Americans for the 13th year running. For the first time since the lists began, only those with $1bn or more made it into the top 400. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates ($53bn) was followed in third place by Comdex founder Sheldon Adelson ($20.5bn). Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison ($19.5bn) came fourth, Microsoft's Paul Allen ($16bn) came fifth and Dell founder Michael Dell ($15.5bn) came ninth.

1. William H. Gates III ($53bn)
2. Warren E. Buffett ($46bn)
3. Sheldon Adelson ($20.5bn)
4. Lawrence J. Ellison ($19.5bn)
5. Paul G. Allen ($16bn)
6. Jim C Walton ($15.7bn)
7. Christy Walton ($15.6bn)
8. S. Robson Walton ($15.6bn)
9. Michael Dell ($15.5bn)
10. Alice L. Walton ($15.5bn)

DivX IPO Brings in 145.6 million
Media software maker DivX Inc. raised $145.6 million with an initial public offering that priced above its forecast range, according to an underwriter. The 9.1 million share offering, which represents about a 27% stake in the company, sold for $16 per share compared with a $12 to $14 forecast.


'American Idol' Ranks as Most Expensive Show
Marketers will pony up as much as $700,000 for a 30-second spot in Fox's midseason hit, "American Idol," . The Tuesday-night singing competition, returning in January, is the most expensive show for the third year in a row. Back in 2003, when NBC's "Friends" topped the list, "American Idol," didn't even make the top ten. Others at the top of the heap include Fox's "House"($400,000 per spot), ABC's "Desperate Housewives"($400,000 per spot) and ABC newcomer "Brothers and Sisters" ($300,000 per spot). On NBC "Sunday Night Football" is commanding prices (around $350,000) that are similar to those ABC had charged for "Monday Night Football." News Corp.'s new channel, My Network TV, looks to be the bargain basement of broadcast. Buyers are reporting pricing for the telenovelas "Desire: Table for Two" and "Fashion House" at anywhere between $20,000 to $35,000 a spot.


Nice Typo - Apple releases Zune player
Amazon UK is advertising Microsoft's Zune as a portable media player by Apple Computer. The Apple Zune is not available yet, but Amazon will drop you a line when "this item becomes available". You might be waiting quite some time :).


Signs You have an Internet Addiction
What "Internet addiction disorder" (IAD) is still difficult to define at this time. Much of the original research was based upon the weakest type of research methodology, namely exploratory surveys with no clear hypothesis or rationale backing them. Coming from an atheoretical approach has some benefits, but also is not typically recognized as being a strong way to approach a new disorder.

There are several symptoms of IAD. These include:
* A need for an ever increasing amount of time on the internet to achieve satisfaction or a dissatisfaction with the continued use of the same amount of time on the internet.

* Two or more withdrawal symptoms developing within days, weeks, or up to a month after a reduction or cessation of internet use.

* Internet engagement to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

* Internet often accessed more often or for longer periods of time than was intended.
* A significant amount of time is spent in activities related to internet use.

* Important social, occupational, or recreational activities eliminated or reduced due to internet use.

* Risk of loss of a significant relationship, job, educational, or career opportunity due to excessive internet use.

* Internet engagement used as a way of escaping problems or relieving feelings of guilt, helplessness, anxiety, or depression.

* Concealing from or lying to family members about the extent of internet use.

* Internet user driven to financial difficulty due to incurring unaffordable internet fees.

Shark is a Winner
I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical about Shark, which premieres on Thursday on CBS. I mean, how many legal dramas do we really need, right? This one, however, is different. First of all, it's directed by Spike Lee and stars television and movie veteran James Woods. The show centers around hot shot defense attorney Sebastian Stark (aka "The Shark") who is suddenly humbled when he gets a client acquitted of domestic violence who then kills his wife six days later. Unable to continue to represent violent criminals, the Shark switches sides and becomes a prosecutor in charge of teaching young Assistant DAs how to win against other Sharks like himself. On a personal level, Sebastian is granted custody of his 16 year old daughter who it seems will likely be taking care of him rather than the other way around. Other notable cast members include Jeri Ryan (The OC, Boston Public) as the District Attorney who is less than thrilled to be all of the sudden playing on the same team as her former nemesis. The first episode definitely peaked my interest so I will be tuning in to see what happens next.


Today's Site To Peek At:
MeeVee, an online TV listings and search provider, launched a redesigned site today with several new features. The new version combines the TV listings grid and watch list functionality into a single user interface allowing users to create a personalized TV guide. They’ve also added a social networking widget that shows your guide on personal pages and blogs and they’ve integrated the “TVwithmeevee” blog, with its creepy, phallic potato mascot (of which I am a fan), into the rest of the site. Some nice bells and whistles which allows you to keep track of all your fav shows.

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