The Conformity

How many of you out there want the newest best and greatest in all things technology. Apple who has been at the lead of innovation that has fueled the sensation of wanting everything technology may now fall. With Steve Job dead what will happen to Apple, will they fall in line with all the other technology companies? Dell, Intel, and AMD, some of the bigger companies, are all doing the same thing, low innovation and putting out boring products that apple made three years ago. All of these companies are the conformity and Apple but specifically Steve Jobs were on the frontline of breaking this conformity but now that he is dead what will happen? Will Apple fall in line with this conformity? Steve jobs coming up with all the new ideas such as the iphone and ipad, now dead, will the new CEO continue on his legacy and keep the company alive. So far, technology has traveled along an exponential curve but with jumps in that curve. Apple has always been the first one to take that jump but others have always followed. As other companies catch up do you believe Apple will make make another jump or is someone else going to make that jump for them? 

By: Speed Racer

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Battlefield 3 Review

Yesterday, Battlefield 3 was released and with well over a million copies sold, this FPS shows promise in what it does. When bought new, the game included the map pack 'Back to Karhand' which hasn't been released yet but will be available for free for those who are buying this new. The presentation of the game is amazing with its new engine, Frostbite 2, which delivers one of the best graphics ever on any game. The campaign isn't as amazing as expected since the story was pretty much cliched and didn't have any depth to it. It also seemed that the friendly AI wasn't as smart as the enemy AI when you would get in trouble, especially when playing in the hardest difficulty. The co-op campaign is a bit better since it enables you to bring a friend to play in the campaign, but only a few of the missions. Now to the multiplayer, which is definitely the best aspect of the game itself since it has improved from the last Battlefield. The online multiplayer has included new modes like Rush, and for the first time ever since Battlefield 1942, team deathmatch. New game mechanics like suppressing fire will blur and reduce the accuracy of the person getting shot at, but there are still some glitches that interfere with the multiplayer, which can be patched if detected. The ranking up in Battlefield is great, customization for classes has improved, incredible graphics, impressive sound and great gameplay, so in my opinion, Battlefield 3 gets a rating of 9 out of 10.

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By: Azzt3ca

Jeff Bezos A New Revolutionary?

By Nobody

Now that Steve Jobs has passed away the inspiration in the tech business lately has been decreasing, he took steady control, and in his last years dominated the industry leaving an undeniable mark in the industry. Somebody needs to take his place before the industry begins to falter and Jeff Bezos might be suitable to take over his place. The CEO of Amazon is definitely not as well known as the other giants’ in the industry, such as Larry Page, and Bill Gates, but the more people learn about him, the more he resembles the genius. Steve Yegge “Accidently” let loose information about his business tactics since he used to work for Amazon (but now works for Google). According to his report, Jeff Bezos is a control freak, and has an obsession with keeping all of the products and information a secret from the Media and the public. Both men obviously to get as far as CEO in a business are geniuses and are not easily impressed by other people’s ideas and accomplishments. Hopefully with the lost of such a visionary he will inspire the new age of technology. Evidence, and some find this controversial is the Amazon Fire Kindle which many believe will be a gigantic success.

Click here for the link

Will Modern Warfare 3 Triumph?

Besides Battlefield 3, the other highly anticipated fps of this year will be released on November 8. Since the dispute of Infinity Ward co-founders Jason West and Vince Zampella, the corporation enlisted the services of Sledgehammer Games and Raven Software for the development of MW3. It is true that the actual graphics of the game itself don't show signs of improvements since Modern Warfare 2, but the developers have been able to listen to the community and their suggestions. The suggestions that Infinity Ward and Activision were able to take seriously were to remove Commando, OMA, and various other perks from the multiplayer and also to add "gun perks" which were like "extra" attachments. The most obvious new feature this game brings is Survival, which is similar to Zombies from Black Ops, but seems to be more of a challenge since its like shooting at zombies, but with guns. The marketing that Activision did was mainly the ads that would always build "hype" and "excitement" for the game itself since Activision doesn't allow betas for Call of Duty games. The huge impact was the Call of Duty: XP event that took place in Los Angeles, CA from September 2nd-3rd since it offered many opportunities  to play the actual MW3 multiplayer and Survival mode. Will Modern Warfare 3 be able to make history again like its predecessors have done in the past, or will its features not be good enough to compete with Battlefield 3.

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By: Azzt3ca

Which computer?

   By: Alex Speed

              In today's world, computers are the Kings and we are their peasants. There are many computer companies out there today and everybody has their own preference on which "King" they prefer. Now I myself am not sure about whom I prefer right now but many are set dead fast. The main companies consist of Dell, Apple, Acer, HP, Toshiba, and Alienware. Now even though people have their preferences some companies are better than others are, some specialize in different things, and they all have strengths and weaknesses. For example, Alienware even though being considered a strong company that makes great graphics computers but they come at a high price not just money but they also break a lot, run hot and loud, plus their customer service is below par. Dell in general just makes crappy computers. Hp makes good computers for cheap along with Acer. Apple now making very good CPUs is very expensive and lacks the GPU or programming to support PC games.

Leave your opinion on which company is the best.

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Why rare earth metals matter

By Nobody

Rare earth metals, although are not the most well known substances, are extremely important for technology today, in fact we use rare earth metals to create computer memory, DVD's, batteries, cell phones, car converters, magnets and lighting and much more. The problem though is that the United States depends dangerously high on China's production of rare earth metals, and the United States barely creates it's own. One of the largest rare earth metals providers, Baotou Steel, has decided to halt productions after the prices for these metals have priced substantially. The Chinese government wants to increase prices to improve “supply and demand” costs, has made sure to increase it’s economy. In fact China is very close to having a monopoly over the world, with approximately 97% of these vital rare earth metals being created there. And with an explosion of need to gain these metals, as the average human depends more and more on technology, the Chinese government has an unique economic edge, over the rest of the world. With this unpredictable move how will countries react, especially the United States, which has constantly have had a declining economy? Will this push the United States, and other countries to finally produce their own rare earth metals?

Youtube's Good and Evil Side

YouTube was created in February 14, 2005 and has been able to become one of the most successful websites on the Internet by having many videos uploaded and the billions of view the site gets every day. But with such good aspects of it, there's always consequences with such "power" that can be acquired from such a site. What YouTube has done incorrectly is that the site doesn't really do anything when a user has been able to upload copyrighted content up to their channel such as movies, TV series, ads, or music videos. Sometimes when someone is blamed and caught for uploading inappropriate or copyrighted, the user is, most of the time, innocent! One of the most revolting features of YouTube are the comments that user can enable when he/she uploads a video. Theses comments are notorious and YouTube "harnesses the stupidity of crowds as well as its wisdom. Some of the comments on YouTube are "make you weep for the future of humanity just for the spelling alone, never mind the obscenity and the naked hatred" as said by Time magazine in 2006. The site does have good in it since it has made it easy to upload and share videos among friends and family through out YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or any other sites. It also gives the opportunity to average people with talents to get recognized and sometimes end up having a partnership, especially in gaming since, for example, Machinima is the largest gaming community channel that is fueled by many of the most entertaining gamers in the world. So, in the opinion of many people, YouTube is simultaneously the worst and best thing to happened to the Internet.

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By: Azzt3ca

Indie Games

Indie Games

By: Speed Racer

I would assume everyone reading this is familiar with the major game titles and companies. For example, you have Nintendo and the all famous Mario Kart, Modern warfare, Black ops, and the list goes on. But what people don’t realize is that there are other good games that are considered Indie games. These games are produced by independent developers such as Mojang, the producers of minecraft, which has been a huge success.  Many of these indie games are for the PC but the games found on Xbox live would also be considered indie games. Now Mojang is not the only Indie game developer there are others such as New Star Games or Artix Entertainment. These games in my opinion are less known but can be better than the mass produced games because there is no cocky head strong developer behind the company but instead a developer who wants to keep the gamers happy.  Steam is one of the largest supporters of Indie games along with just downloads off the internet. Steam offers many games for sale around $10 for the Indie games and can offer up to $50 PC games for sale and download. So if you are every looking for games check the Steam store. 

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A Tribute to Steve Jobs

        On Wednesday, October 6th, 2011, at age 56 Steve Jobs passed away seven years after he had received surgery for a rare form of pancreatic cancer. For those seven years, he had continually been fighting the cancer, and on August 28^th had decided to leave Apple behind to Tim Cook. He had died peacefully at the comfort of his home, with his loving family. For generations to generations Steve Jobs brilliant ideas and approaches will continue to inspire and motivate great people. Instantly, after his death the world reacted heavily to his passing away. His death is still continuing to generate countless leaders and innovators, such as Barack Obama, Steve Wozniak, Bill Gates, Larry Page and many other inspiring leaders to pay their tributes, to the great Co-Founder of Apple, and until recently the CEO of apple. On the Apple website users will find, the following statement posted in his honor “Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.”   

Cilck here for the link.

Will Battlefield 3 Triumph?

One of the most anticipated games of E3 2011 is just around the corner of being released. On October 25, Battlefield 3 is going to make history with its newly enhanced technology by using their new Frostbite 2 engine to create more realistic and advanced destruction, sounds, and graphics. The game will also be using a new type of animation technology called ANT, which is usually used in EA Games like FIFA, to make the soldier animation more realistic. The release date was obviously placed almost near Modern Warfare 3's release date, which is November 8 since both are top competing FPS series. Battlefield is really desiring to take down the Call of Duty series with its upcoming game since EA planned to spend $100 million on marketing. The good aspect about EA is that they were nice enough (and probably smart enough) to release a beta for the game which is the demo of the game before it releases. The smart thing about the beta is that DICE (EA Digital Illusions CE) will be able to perfect the game itself before it releases by the feedback that they receive from the people who have been able to get their hands on the beta. So, will Battlefield 3 be able to outperform Modern Warfare 3, or will it break down, since the beta does not give us all the information we need to conclude if it will fail or not.

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By: Azzt3ca

The Culture of Gamers

 In this world there are three different types of gamers. You have your hardcore Xbox and PS3 gamers, your PC gamers and of course the Nintendo gamers. All of these types of gamers are in a constant competition against each other always trying to be the best. For example Nintendo is releasing the WiiU which is more portable with a Xbox style controller in an attempt to attract more hardcore games. The hardcore gamers and Nintendo gamers are constantly crashing diverging and have many similarities and differences. However PC gamers are a bread of there own. They use completely different controls, programming, and are in general different types of people in general. They see the other gamers as in a way of being stupid and incompetent. They themselves are divided within the category itself based on what game you play and how well you can play it. These people are extremely active on forums and very nerdy  in terms of anything to do with a PC games and conventions. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you just can't call someone a gamer you have to be more specific.

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Photo By: Misha and Muzi on flickr

Article By: Speed Racer

Facebook's New Layout Leads.

On September 21st millions of lives were changed, something that nobody was ever expecting to happen, Facebook yet again got a new layout. Now with even less privacy options, and more useless information being spurted out everywhere.

Facebook used to be the soical networkiin site that people barely knew about, people did not have to worry about their privacy, people did not need to be bombarded with information, people could be happy with the simple format.  But now that has changed, Facebook is the world’s leader in social networking, with around 65 million users, but now, users privacy's are easily being invaded, and most users are unhappy with the changes.

Around 90% of all colleges use Facebook, to gather information about incoming students, and now it has become even easier for people to know what you are doing in Facebook. 65 Million people need change.

By Nobody

The Pros and Cons of Gaming - Opinion Leads

Lead Type - Startling Statement
Lead -  You may believe that gaming is just a waste of time. That it is the cause of all the violent acts in society since children to adults have been influenced by these games. But recently, a certain group of gamers were able to find a clue to the cure for AIDS. This gamers were using an online game called Foldit, which looks likes Tetris and the player has to fold proteins into certain shapes.

Lead Type -  Contrast and Compare
Lead -  In the 1980’s, right when the gaming industry was booming, there was once simple great games that were easily accessible and rarely anyone would argue which were better. 20 years after, gaming industries were now creating different game series, such as Call of Duty and Battlefield so they can compete with each other. The term “fanboys/girls” was then used more frequently , which were people leaning to one side of the gaming “war” and would mostly be bias against the game they were hating

Lead Type - Direct Address Lead
Lead - Imagine yourself playing your favorite video games like the other 100 million gamers in the U.S. and also having the knowledge of how much of the game actually influences you. You may not notice it, but the games themselves are not a complete 100% waste of time since you yourself can acquire many helpful aspects of the game that can be beneficial to you.

By: Azzt3ca

Alienware a Scam? Opinion Piece Leads

Alienware a Scam?

Lead type: Twist
Lead:
Alienware, the greatest of all computer companies extolled by all review sites. The best in CPU and GPU combinations built for optimum performance and aesthetic appeal. This company is the most famous of all graphic computer companies with the best reputation. However this is not true. Alienware was once those many things but is now below average. The former company, now owned by Dell, is seen as a incompetent company who’s computers are considered by some as heaven or by others as hell.

Thesis:
Alienware the once great company is now considered by most as overpriced for the computers you get with bad customer service and many hardware problems.

Lead type: Description
Lead:
Alienware, owned by Dell, is considered by most as a pathetic excuse of what was once a marvelous company. The computers produced by Dell’s Alienware are aesthetically appealing with the sleek designs and flashy lights. These computers are considered by many as overpriced for the performance you get when compared to other companies such as HP. these computers encounter many hardware problems which are not solved due to poor customer service.

Thesis:
Therefore, Alienware the once great company is now considered by most as overpriced for the computers you get with bad customer service and many hardware problems.

Lead type: Question
Lead:
How could one take a once marvelous company and turn it into a incompetent pathetic excuse for a graphic gaming PCs? The once almighty Alienware brand has fallen on the chain of computer companies after being bought by Dell. This company is now lowered its standards for products and refuses to help those who pay for a thousand dollar computer.

Thesis:
Alienware the once great company is now considered by most as overpriced for the computers you get with bad customer service and many hardware problems.

by: Speed Racer