• We’re scrambling to get as much of the new site ready for the 7/7/07 launch date this weekend, but are YOU ready? While we’ve taken every precaution to ensure that the new News Askew will look and work the same in any version of any web browser of any computer type, it never hurts to be running the latest in web browsing technology. Plus, our testing has focused mainly on those new versions. So, no matter what you’ve been using, why not check and take a few minutes to upgrade? They’re all free.

Our main browser of choice on the PC platform is Mozilla Firefox. Speed and the ability to add heaps of cool plugins have made this the power user’s favorite. Version 2.0.0.4 is the latest and available free at the Firefox website. By the way, they’ve got a Mac version that works pretty good, as well.

Of course, for PC users, most folks stick with old faithful, Internet Explorer. If you haven’t updated in a while, you’re probably using version 6. Version 7 is now final and fixes a ton of bugs — Get it at the Microsoft site. You’ll notice a nice difference.

For Mac OSX users, Safari continues to be the browser of choice — Macs come with Safari pre-installed, so you’re aces there. If you want, though, try out the new Safari 3 beta, free of charge. They’ve even got a PC version as well, for the first time ever.

	FIREFOX 2.0.0.4 (Windows) FIREFOX 2.0.0.4 (Mac OSX)
	INTERNET EXPLORER 7 (Windows)
	Safari 3 Public Beta (Mac OSX)

So there ya have it. That’s the big 3 these days. One of the toughest tasks of designing a new site continues to be the variety of ways that web browsers display the content. Make it easier on you (and on us designers) by using the latest. We realize, of course, those of you work surfers might have some stipulations against installing your own software — But hey, do your best. We’ll see you with a fresh, new, News Askew in just 2 short days.

• Jason Lee’s the live action comic relief in the upcoming CGI’ed Alvin and the Chipmunks big screen flick. Empire Online ran a story with our first look at the creatures…Along with Lee, of course, whose presence seems to give them comfort. CGI/Live Action flicks are hit or miss, but we’re hoping Lee can bring this one home. It’s currently set for a Christmas release.

And, in other CGI Lee news, there’s a new trailer for Underdog that just recently showed up in Quicktime format. We liked the blooper teaser, so again, Lee could help elevate the idea. We’re big Lee fans and support anything the dude does, so you can bet we’ll be tracking both of these projects for ya here at the site.

• Kevin’s becoming a regular caller again to “Opie & Anthony”, it seems — This week, he talked a bit about Joel Siegel and “Live Free Or Die Hard,” though mostly just hung out with the guys. Thanks to our scooper, we’ve got the complete clippage for ya right here, in crystal clear MP3 format. Click and enjoy the main man on XM’s biggest talk show.

• Here’s another photo and article regarding Kev’s wait on line for the iPhone late last week. We’re still sitting here trying to resist buying this device, which we hear is worth every bit of the hype it’s gathering up. Must…resist!
• And finally today, a View Askew mention in the most unlikely of places, a 2007 BMW 650i review from “Car and Driver” magazine. Yep, it’s that ‘ol Volkswagon line again…Check out the review and mention for yourself. See ya soon!