Bluetooth 3.0

Have you heard? Bluetooth 3.0 sounds like a fantasy spec: Wi-Fi speeds, faster response time and more efficient power usage. Here's a quick primer on Bluetooth and why Bluetooth 3.0 is going to rock face.

Why Is Bluetooth Blue?

Let's start at the beginning: As you probably already know, Bluetooth is a wireless protocol maintained by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. What you might not know is that it's actually named after a 10th century Danish king, King Harald Blatand (Bluetooth) who brought together parts of Scandanavia. This is what Bluetooth was designed to do, except it's bringing together devices—rather than Viking hordes—with a universal wireless standard. The symbol for Bluetooth, even, comes from the runes for Harald Bluetooth's initials, H & B.

Basic Details

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless setup design for personal area networks that rides on the 2.4 to 2.485GHz bands. The core of the radio tech is that it uses a frequency-hopping spread spectrum signal that bounces between 79 different frequencies, which makes it less prone to interference from other 2.4GHz devices in the area—you know, like everything nowadays. It's designed to be low power, but the standard has three different classes of strength, using more power to go farther. Most mobile stuff is Class 2, using about 2.5mW power for a range of 33 feet, but Class 1 will stretch out over 100 feet meters using 100mW.

Profiles, or Where It Gets Confusing

The Bluetooth spec is a series of profiles, which you can think of like capabilities. Devices have to have compatible profiles in order to make certain magic happen. For instance, the Advanced Audio Distribution (A2DP) profile describes how to stream stereo audio, like to headphones from an MP3 player. No A2DP, no stereo. There's a ton of them, from FTP (file transfer profile) to headset profile, which defines how a Bluetooth headset should talk to a gadget. You've also got core protocols, like object exchange (OBEX), which is what you lets swap files between Bluetooth devices, famously crippled by Verizon on some phones.

Bluetooth Spec Versions

• Bluetooth 1.0, in a word, sucked. The puny 1Mbps connection was split between data and voice, so you really only got about 700Kbps transfer rates (if you were lucky) and you could only tether to one device at a time.

• 1.1 fixed some of 1.0 and 1.0B's suckiness

• 1.2 is where it started getting actually better, bringing in Adaptive Frequency Hopping to make it more resistant to interference from the constant 2.4GHz maelstrom, and Enhanced Voice Processing, so it doesn't sound like you're talking through a cat blender. Backward-compatible with 1.1. The original RAZR had Bluetooth 1.2.

• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, hello speed, goodbye power. Ratified in 2004, data transfer rates were boosted to 2.1Mbps with Enhanced Data Rate, and power consumption was cut in half. It's the Bluetooth standard that made good headsets possible. Technically, EDR is optional, but what's the point without it? The iPhone is an example of 2.0 + EDR, as is the HTC Touch Pro and T-Mobile's Android G1.

• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR added further enhancements to the Bluetooth 2 spec—better, faster pairing, with fewer steps and lower power slurpage still, depending on what you're doing. It also adds support for Near Field Communications (NFC), for completely automagical pairing.

Bluetooth 3.0 + HS and Bluetooth Low Energy
Oh hey, you made it. The Bluetooth Core Specification 3.0 High Speed was formally adopted a week ago.

The big deal is that has crazy fast data speeds of up to 24Mbps (fast for Bluetooth, that is), thanks to the fact it piggybacks on good old 802.11 Wi-Fi radio. The standard Bluetooth radio is used for the boring, low intensity part, like profiles and whatnot, but the data shakedown happens over 802.11 when you're doing things like wirelessly syncing music libraries, downloading photos to a printer or sending video files, so you're only using lots of juice when you need to. Unicast Connectionless Data is a feature that'll make devices more responsive (less lag, yo) and Enhanced Power Control will use power more smart and efficiently (so, using less of it, though transferring heavy files like whole music libraries is gonna suck on the power teet hard, obviously). No device has it now, but we should be seeing it live in the next 9 to 12 months, which isn't a bad turnaround, considering it took 4 years for the first Bluetooth 1.0 devices to show up.

At about the same time, Bluetooth SIG revealed Bluetooth low energy technology that will let devices sip power so slowly they can last more than a year on a single battery. It's slow like Bluetooth 1.0 and isn't voice capable, but will be super useful in monitors and sensors and those kinds of gadgets, letting them connect to bigger computers and what not.

Source : http://www.gizmodo.com

Top 10 Best Selling books of all time

Top 10: Best-Selling Books Of All Time

Books stimulate the intellect and the imagination. They are an important part of life and so we've decided to look into the ten best-selling books of all time. You think you'll find classics from Charles Dickens or William Shakespeare? The latest Harry Potter book? Read on, you'll be surprised. Note that all sales figures are estimates and cumulated from year to year. Also, though some books appear as a new edition each year, they still count as the same and their numbers are tabulated accordingly.

Number 10

Valley of the Dolls - 30 million



Author: Jacqueline Susann

Not be confused with Russ Meyer's campy film Beyond the Valley of the Dolls , this novel, which was first published in 1966, was an instant hit. The plot centers around three women vying to make it in showbiz, who instead get plagued by sex, drugs and scandal. Pushing the boundaries of the '60s, it's undeniably a trashy melodrama but it is addictive and entertaining nonetheless.

Excerpt: "I don't need a woman on my arm every minute."

Number 9

In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do? - 30 million



Author: Rev. Charles Monroe Sheldon

Sheldon was an average American clergyman. However, it all changed when he published this tome in 1896, bringing him phenomenal fame and fortune. This discourse is about dilemmas and how we can use the Bible in everyday life, boiling Christianity down to its very essence. What Sheldon proposes is that we put ourselves in Jesus' shoes for every decision we make, that it's the only way to really exercise discipleship.

Excerpt: "I know that the hand of divine love in all this is leading me."

Number 8

A Message to Garcia - 40 million



Author: Elbert Hubbard

This 1899 short essay, clocking in at around 1,500 words, is about the real hero of the Cuban War. At its core, it is a dissertation on labor relations that still rings true today. It basically addresses workers and preaches initiative. It achieved these staggering sales figures mostly because companies would buy the book in bulk to distribute to their employees.
Excerpt: "My heart goes out to the man who does his work when the 'boss' is away, as well as when he is home."

Number 7


Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care - 50 million



Author: Dr. Benjamin Spock

No Vulcans or warp speed, but the same good sense though. In 1946, pediatrician Spock penned this classic on how to raise children. Not only was the book important in its own right, it was also somewhat controversial considering a man wrote about what was traditionally considered a woman's task. This is the source that generations of parents have relied on when dealing with newborns and toddlers. It covers a wide range of topics relating to childcare, from infancy to early education.

Excerpt: "The fact is that child rearing is a long, hard job, the rewards are not always immediately obvious, the work is often undervalued, and parents are just as human and almost as vulnerable as their children."

Number 6

The McGuffey Readers - 60 million



Author: William Holmes McGuffey

The numerous editions of this anthology of short stories for young readers were quite popular when first printed in 1836, though they were initially rather preachy. Not only were they a great learning tool but they also contained valuable moral lessons. During the 19th century, 80% of all American schoolchildren used them. Some sources claim that 120 million copies were sold but it is believed that these figures are bloated considering the U.S. population numbered around 10 million at the time.

Excerpt: "The first object of the intelligent teacher, is to awaken the attention of his pupil."

Number 5

The World Almanac and Book of Facts (2003) - 73.5 million



Author: World Almanac Books

The world saw the apparition of this work in 1868 and it's been published every year since, except for a hiatus between 1876 and 1886 when ownership was in limbo. A comprehensive reference manual encompassing information on just about every subject, from sports and economy to history and geography, the World Almanac is a favorite of many. In 1923, Calvin Coolidge was sworn in as U.S. President by his Justice father who read the oath from a copy of this book.

Excerpt: "At the site where the World Trade Center had stood, the task of removing 1.62 million tons of rubble while searching for human remains officially ended July 15, 2002."

Number 4

Guinness World Records (2003) - 94 million



Author: Various Before flooding the Web and network TV specials, world records have fascinated millions through the famous book in its yearly edition. First published in 1955, the book is a repository of world records of all sorts, from sports heroics and eccentric feats to freaky human deformities. It came to be when the big boss of the Guinness brewery wanted to know what the fastest game bird in Europe was; he figured a book containing such facts might prove lucrative. The fact that it contains lots of photographs deeply appeals to the human voyeuristic hunger.

Excerpt: "The world's longest kiss took place in New York City, lasting a Guinness World Record 30 hours, 59 minutes, and 27 seconds."

Number 3

The American Spelling Book - 100 million



Author: Noah Webster

It was in 1783 that this famous book was first published. It soon became the preferred English textbook in schools through 19th-century America. The Blue-Back Speller 's charm was that words were broken down into syllables, which made it easier for students to learn pronunciation. The book was often revised and reedited by its author.

Excerpt: "The design of this Grammatical institute is to furnish schools in this country with an easy, accurate and comprehensive system of rules and lessons for teaching the English language."

Number 2

Quotations From Chairman Mao Tse-Tung - 900 million



Author: Mao Tse-Tung

Most people are more familiar with the book under its nickname: The Little Red Book . First published in 1966, it sheds light on the Chinese dictator's views on life, economics, and politics. Fairly poetic in style, Mao's fervent beliefs of the Communist ideology shine through.

Excerpt: "We should support whatever the enemy opposes and oppose whatever the enemy supports."


Number 1

The Holy Bible - 6 billion




Author: Various

Does it really surprise anyone? The Good Book, which is the foundation of Christianity, aside from Christ himself of course, was the first volume to be printed around 1450. Until then, the book had been hand-copied by patient monks and was only available to clerics and scholars. Gutenberg's new printing technique allowed missionaries to bring copies of the bible with them in their religious conversion quests. It has been printed in more than 2,000 languages and dialects so far.

DNA Microchips

Scientists know that a mutation - or alteration - in a particular gene's DNA often results in a certain disease. However, it can be very difficult to develop a test to detect these mutations, because most large genes have many regions where mutations can occur. For example, researchers believe that mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 cause as many as 60 percent of all cases of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. But there is not one specific mutation responsible for all of these cases. Researchers have already discovered over 800 different mutations in BRCA1 alone.

The DNA microchip is a mew tool used to identify mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2. The chip, which consists of a small glass plate encased in plastic, is manufactured somewhat like a computer microchip. On the surface, each chip contains thousands of short, synthetic, single-stranded DNA sequences, which together add up to the normal gene in question.
What is a DNA microchip used for?

Because chip technology is still relatively new, it is currently only a research tool. Scientists use it to conduct large-scale population studies - for example, to determine how often individuals with a particular mutation actually develop breast cancer.

As we gain more insight into the mutations that underlie various diseases, researchers will likely produce new chips to help assess individual risks for developing different cancers as well as heart disease, diabetes and other diseases.
How does a DNA microchip work?

To determine whether an individual possesses a mutation for BRCA1 or BRCA2, a scientist first obtains a sample of DNA from the patient's blood as well as a control sample - one that does not contain a mutation in either gene.

The researcher then denatures the DNA in the samples - a process that separates the two complementary strands of DNA into single-stranded molecules. The next step is to cut the long strands of DNA into smaller, more manageable fragments and then to label each fragment by attaching a fluorescent dye. The individual's DNA is labeled with green dye and the control - or normal - DNA is labeled with red dye. Both sets of labeled DNA are then inserted into the chip and allowed to hybridize - or bind - to the synthetic BRCA1 or BRCA2 DNA on the chip. If the individual does not have a mutation for the gene, both the red and green samples will bind to the sequences on the chip.

If the individual does possess a mutation, the individual's DNA will not bind properly in the region where the mutation is located. The scientist can then examine this area more closely to confirm that a mutation is present.

Source :http://wiki.medpedia.com

Blue Brain Project

The Blue Brain Project is the first comprehensive attempt to reverse-engineer the mammalian brain, in order to understand brain function and dysfunction through detailed simulations.



Computer simulations in neuroscience hold the promise of dramatically enhancing the scientific method by providing a means to test hypotheses using predictive models of complex biological processes where experiments are not feasible. Of course, simulations are only as good as the quality of the data and the accuracy of the mathematical abstraction of the biological processes. The first phase of the Blue Brain Project therefore started after 15 years of systematically dissecting the microanatomical, genetic and electrical properties of the elementary unit of the neocortex – a single neocortical column, which is a little larger than the head of a pin. From the data gathered from 15,000 experiments in rat somatosensory cortex, it became possible to begin constructing a model of this part of the brain.

The project has focused, however, not only on building a model of the neocortical column, but on developing a generic facility that could allow rapid modeling, simulation and experimentation of any brain region, if the data can be measured and provided according to specifications. The facility has been used to build the first model of the neocortical column, which consists of 10,000 3D digitizations of real neurons that are populated with model ion channels constrained by the genetic makeup of over 200 different types of neurons. A parallel supercomputer is used to build the model and perform the experiments so that the behavior of the tissue can be predicted through simulations.

With the present simulation facility, the technical feasibility to model a piece of neural tissue has been demonstrated. The next steps will involve expansion of the project in two directions. First, the Blue Brain team is intensifying its efforts to extend the facility to support modeling of the subcellular domain, which will integrate additional levels of biological detail into the existing neocortical column model. Incorporating the molecular level structures, processes and effects is an important step towards pharmacological and medical research “in silico”. Second, the facility will be extended to integrate details of larger portions of cortex and other brain structures. Ultimately, given additional resources, the facility can be extended to permit whole brain modeling, simulation and experimentation.

More details : http://bluebrain.epfl.ch

Top 5 Most Famous World Attractions

Every country has some kind of attraction that gives it it’s claim to fame, some more deserving then others. Even the largest world potato manages to draw a large crowd of people eager to take a look. But there are more interactive, impressive, famous world attractions that can give you something new to experience, and fun to brag about.

Here is a list of 5 of the best world attractions, that you will actually want to see:

5). L’Aquariun de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

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Located at the Port Vell, this aquarium is the perfect place to take the family. The many children’s activities that fill this enormous aquarium (the largest in Europe) will have your kids entertained for hours. The 21 tanks are filled with interesting and exotic marine life, which is education, and interesting, so you will be sure to enjoy the sights as well.

4). The London Dungeon, London, England

dungeon1



One of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK, the London Dungeon is a huge exhibit featuring the macabre and gruesome, and introducing the visitor to the side of England that fairy tales tend to ignore. From the area dedicated to the Great Fire of London, to the room that exposes the horrible acts perpetrated by the infamous Jack the Ripper, anyone with a more morbid sense of interest will be fascinated here.

3). The Peak Tram, Victoria Peak, Hong Kong

hongkong-peaktram



A tram system that runs along a route from the Central district of Hong Kong up to Victoria Peak, this railway has been up and running since 1881, when it was built by Alexander Smith, a businessman who owned a hotel located on Victoria Peak. Wanting to offer a more direct route to his establishment, he requested permission to create the Peak Tram, and the rest is history. Tourists and residents now can take the tram several times a day up and down, enjoying the breathtaking view along the way.

2). The Acropolis, Athens, Greece

theparthenon1



A collection of three temples, each depicting a difference aspect of the Greek Goddess, Athena, the Acropolis has long since been a focus of awe. Attracting millions of visitors a year, people will tour the temples, and the amphitheaters, taking in the structure of ancient beauty and grace. There is also a museum within these walls, that show off many of the original artifacts once found within.

1). The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

eiffeltower1



Long having been considered the greatest symbol of French architecture, the Eiffel Tower will always be one of the most visited, and recognized, structures in the world, as well as one of the most famous attractions. Built by Gustave Eiffel in between 1887 and 1889, this tower features an observation wing that gives the most incredible view of Paris you could ever imagine, drawing millions annually to it’s peak to witness the beauty of this city of love. There are two restaurants that have been added since it’s construction, the Altitude 95, and the Jules Verne, both of which are more then worth a visit.

Source :http://www.journeyetc.com

Tips for Safe Internet Browsing

The Internet is a powerful medium that allows millions of users to chat, play games, download music, gather important information, and perform other various activities. All this has made the Internet an indispensable part of our daily lives. Although the Internet is useful, it also puts our personal and confidential information at substantial risk.

Using the Internet unwisely may make your system vulnerable to malware infections and an easy target for hackers. In this article, we will present some common Internet security tips that you can follow to safeguard your PC from Internet threats.

Do Not Open Attachments from Unsolicited Emails

Attachments that come with unsolicited emails can contain malicious programs, such as viruses, malware, and worms. These malicious programs often cause severe damage to your system. Therefore, it is best that you immediately delete any unsolicited emails you receive. You must also scan the attachments that you receive from known sources before opening them. It is recommended that you install antispam software that can automatically scan and prevent infected emails from appearing in your email program's inbox.

Do Not Use Peer-to-Peer Networks

Avoid using peer-to-peer networks because they are common carriers of malware and virus infections. Files downloaded from P2P networks are often embedded with viruses and spyware. In addition, you give permission to other Internet users, including hackers, to access files on your computer when you use P2P software.

Download Free Software from Reputable Websites

You must be careful when downloading free software available on the Internet. Freeware is often laced with malicious programs, which if given entry may cause severe damage to your PC and steal your personal information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers. Download freeware only from reputable websites that have confirmed the software is virus and malware free.

Keep your Operating System, Software, and Drivers Up-To-Date

It is important that you keep your operating system, software, and drivers updated with the latest hotfixes, patches, and security releases from the manufacturer on a regular basis. Using the most recent version of a program will remove any security vulnerability that may have been present in its previous version. As a result, your computer will be less prone to viruses and malware infections that exploit security vulnerabilities.

Use Strong Passwords

Ensure data security by using strong passwords for your online accounts and your system files. Do not use your name or birth date as a password since they are easy to crack. Instead, use a password that contains alphanumeric characters and is at least eight characters long. Also, do not store passwords on your system. If remembering all your passwords is difficult, use a password manager program to organize and manage your passwords. A good password manager program will encrypt all your passwords that it manages. In addition, never share your password with anyone else.

Install and Use a Firewall

Use a firewall to control the information that goes in and out of your system. A firewall prevents unauthorized access to your system. Make sure that you keep both incoming and outgoing firewall protection active.

Install Antivirus and Antispyware Tools

Use an antivirus and an antispyware tool to keep your system protected from malicious programs, such as viruses, worms, adware, and spyware. Configure these tools to perform regular full system scans on your computer. Also keep these tools up-to-date with the latest virus definitions and security updates to enable them to identify and protect your system from the latest threats.

Although the Internet has simplified our daily activities, it is essential that you take the necessary precautions to keep your computer safe. Following the tips in this article along with using a recommended antispyware tool will help keep your PC virus and spyware free.

Source : http://www.ezinearticles.com

Kid's Nutrition

source :http://www.thefamilyfun.net

A Healthy Life Should Start From A Young Age!

Healthy children are more likely to develop into healthy teenagers and healthy adults. If they are healthy, they can do a lot of things they want to do!

Being active promotes healthy growth and development. Children need at least 1 hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Playing hide and seek, tag games and sports are great ways to get kids moving while also having fun.

1. Start the day with a healthy breakfast

Healthy breakfast gives them energy for the day. Whole-grain breads, cereals, whole fruits, skim or low-fat milk and yogurt are good breakfast foods.

2. Snack smart

Healthy snacks provide an additional source of calories needed by kids throughout their active day. Yogurt, fresh or dried fruits, cereal bars and raw vegetables with dip are good choices.

3. Eat lots of different foods

Children need to eat lots of different foods including large amounts of vegetables, legumes, fruits & whole grains; and small amounts of dairy & meats to get all the nutrients needed for growth & good health. Macronutrients (Carbohydrates, Fats and Protein) are the body's main source of fuel. Micronutrients (Vitamins and Minerals) are needed for many body functions.

4. Drink plenty of liquid

Children should drink plenty of liquid for hydration while providing nutrients for good health and growth.

5. Be active everyday

Being active promotes healthy growth and development. Children need at least 1 hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Playing hide and seek, tag games and sports are great ways to get kids moving while also having fun.

Source : http://www.ezinearticles.com

Top 5 Green Cars

GREEN CAR'S TOP 5 FOR 2009

(Alphabetical Order)

2009 BMW 335d



BMW'S 335d showcases how well advanced, efficient, and clean diesel power can be incorporated into a performance-based sport sedan. With 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway fuel economy and gobs of torque, there's no sacrifice for performance fans here.
2009bmw325d
Engine: 3.0-liter inline-six diesel
Emissions, EPA: Tier 2, Bin 5
Horsepower: 265
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 23/33 (EPA)
Base MSRP: Under $43,000

FORD FUSION HYBRID



Ford's first hybrid sedan uses a more advanced adaptation of the automaker's full hybrid system to allow electric driving up to 47 mph, bringing the roomy five-passenger Fusion best-in-class fuel economy. An innovative SmartGauge with EcoGuide helps drivers achieve maximum mpg.
2010FordFusion
Engine: 2.5-liter inline-four, gasoline-electric hybrid
Emissions, EPA: Tier 2, Bin 5
Horsepower: 155
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 38/35 (est.)
Base MSRP: $27,000-$30,000 (est.)

SATURN VUE 2 MODE HYBRID



The Vue 2 Mode breaks new ground as the first application of GM's two mode hybrid technology in a V-6 front-wheel-drive vehicle. The compact SUV combines welcome functionality and fuel economy with sprightly performance and a very smooth hybrid powertrain.
2009SaturnVue2Mode
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, gasoline-electric hybrid
Emissions, EPA: Tier 2, Bin 5
Horsepower: 255
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 28/31 (est.)
Base MSRP: Under $33,000

SMART FORTWO



The smart fortwo represents an all new type of vehicle for American drivers. Now, the tiny two-seater that's been a popular choice in Europe for years has come here, bringing with it a small eco footprint, higher fuel efficiency, and a trendy 'green' ride for new car buyers.
2009smartfortwo
Engine: 1.0-liter inline three
Emissions, EPA: Tier 2 Bin 5
Horsepower: 70
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 33/41 (EPA)
Base MSRP: $13,990

VW JETTA TDI



The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI builds on VW's 30-plus years of diesel experience in the U.S. The latest diesel technology is used to enable this fuel efficient, affordable - and dare we say 'fun' - clean diesel sedan to meet tight emissions certification in all 50 states.
2009VWJettaTDI
Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four, diesel
Emissions, EPA: Tier 2, Bin 5
Horsepower: 140
Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 30/41 (EPA)
Base MSRP: $21,990

Source :http://www.greencar.com

SSD VS Traditional Hard Disks

SSD's Versus Traditional Hard Discs - What Are The Main Differences?

SSD or 'Solid State Drives' are an increasing term we hear these days, and by the looks of it this technology may just be getting more popular.

SSD or Solid State Drive is the alternative for the more traditional hard drives found on laptops and pc's, and there are a number of differences between the two storage devices.

The traditional hard drives found on pc's and laptops have some moving parts which include the spinning disc (where the magnetic data is stored) and an arm that moves around inside (which actually reads the data from the disc)

A SSD has no moving parts though, but it does have a limited amount of times that data can be writen to the device. Because there are no moving parts, it is also silent and accessing the data is much faster than a conventional hard disc. One of the biggest advantages also, is the fact that a SSD normally uses less energy, and is much more robust, being more resistant to external impact such as bumping or dropping which would normally damage traditional hard drives.

Probably one of the biggest manufacturers of SSD's - SanDisk, released their SanDisk Netbook SDHC Removable Flash Memory Card in June 2009. One drawback for SSD's are that until now, they have been fairly expensive compared to normal hard drives.

SDD's will probably become the norm eventually, replacing the normal hard drives we have today, but for that to happen the technology needs to become cheaper. This will most likely happen over time, as new technology continues to improve on, and even replace more traditional technologies.

Source : http://www.new-technology-world.com

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince -Game

Movie games are an interesting breed this season. On one hand you have Up, the charming action/adventure with three of the most likable characters in theaters right now. But once you reach the half-way point, the game is a repetitive mess with no substance.

Then there’s Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, a stellar family-friendly adventure that lacks the charm of Up but offers superior gameplay substance – and as a result, superior replay value. From a character development standpoint, we have a clear winner. But which one would you rather play?

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince falls somewhere in between those games, offering characters and gameplay elements that will draw you in – and others that will turn you off. The lifelike character designs are superb; the only thing that hurts them is their facial expressions, which I doubt anyone expected to be good anyway. (Excluding MGS and Mass Effect, bad facial expressions are insanely common these days.) This helps you care for the cast, even though the voice acting is a little weak. Even better, the music – which you’ll hear more than character dialogue – is joyous and boisterous without being too bombastic.




These features make it easy to like the Half-Blood Prince as a connected moviegoer. The gameplay is where things get a little tricky because everything it provides is potentially entertaining. So what’s the problem, then? Every feature you’re about to discover is spoon-fed to the player. While not quite a cakewalk, the game is without any significant challenges; the only time you could possibly be stumped is when trying to figure out where to go next. Potter’s world is fairly large this time around, and there’s no way you’ll remember every location. Thus, the developers included a handy – and very necessary – level guide in the form of Nearly Headless Nick.


Just Like Magic


The Half-Blood Prince isn’t like most adventure games, which introduce new enemies by the caseload. Instead, you’ll fight them only when the story corresponds with a battle. Side characters will test Potter’s skills every now and then, and he can join the Dueling Club for additional battles. You’ll probably want to, since this is by far the most exciting part of the game.

Battles consist of two characters, two life meters and as many spells as they can cast. Most of the spells are easy to perform and require nothing more than a push of the right thumbstick. For some spells, such as Expelliarmus, both sticks are used (push them outward simultaneously). Only a half-dozen spells are offered, but you can use them to stun, knock down and levitate your opponents, all the while inflicting damage that will slowly eat away at their life meters. Most enemy attacks can be dodged with ease, but if that’s not good enough, Protego gives you the ability to deflect a spell.




Airborne Harry

You can’t play a game of Quidditch without hopping on a broom and leaping into the air. So when Potter decides it’s time to compete, he’ll do just that. Meanwhile, the player will be responsible for maneuvering Potter through a series of star-shaped rings that appear in the level. These stars give you extra time, which is noted on screen by the color of the next star you encounter (if it’s red, you’re nearly out of time).




While cool at first, this mini-game isn’t much more than a glorified and graphically rich arcade flight sim – a really primitive one where the only goal is to keep moving. Assuming you last till the end, the Golden Snitch will be acquired automatically.

Let’s Make a Potion

Harry Potter meets Cooking Mama? Not quite. In this frequent mini-game, players must take a whole bunch of weird ingredients (bugs, poison, various liquids, etc.), drop them in a caldron and heat or stir until the color changes. Heating requires a few pumps from the right thumbstick (push it up and down until it reaches the desired color); stirring requires a few spins (turn it counter-clockwise). Each potion-making session is timed, which can make it a little more challenging than, say, dodging a poorly thrown blast of magic. But it doesn’t take long before this becomes repetitive.




New ingredients are constantly being added to try and expand the variety, but that only makes the process take longer (more ingredients means longer potions). The game also expands on what you have to do to complete the potion. In the beginning you won’t have to shake (push the thumbstick up and down) an ingredient before adding it; after a while, however, certain potions will require that you do so.

Still, it isn’t enough. Potion-making might – a big might – appeal to young girls, but that seems to conflict with the rest of the game. It’s not anti-girl or anything, but it doesn’t feel like a game that women of any age will flock to.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince isn’t a horrible game by any means, but its gameplay doesn’t extend past two mini-games and a bunch of spell-based battles. Diehard Harry Potter fans will like it but they probably won’t love it. Rent it for certain – and definitely play it before making a purchase.

Source :http://ps3.gamezone.com

Google Wave

About Google Wave

Google Wave is an online tool for real-time communication and collaboration. A wave can be both a conversation
and a document where people can discuss and work together using richly formatted text, photos, videos, maps, and more

What is a wave?


A wave is equal parts conversation and document. People can communicate and work together with richly formatted text, photos, videos, maps, and more.

A wave is shared. Any participant can reply anywhere in the message, edit the content and add participants at any point in the process. Then playback lets anyone rewind the wave to see who said what and when.

A wave is live. With live transmission as you type, participants on a wave can have faster conversations, see edits and interact with extensions in real-time.

When to use Google Wave

There are tons of ways to use Google Wave--here are just a few examples to get you thinking


Organizing events

Group projects

Photo sharing

Meeting notes

Brainstorming

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First Aid For Common Injuries

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As much as we'd like for it to be otherwise, injuries happen. Whether you suffer from a skinned knee or a broken arm, knowing how to treat common injuries (as well as knowing when to go to the doctor) is always useful.

What follows is a list of common injuries and some of the most common treatments for them. Should the injury have an odd look to it, excess pain or bleeding, or simply doesn't seem right, consult a doctor or local pharmacist. They may be able to offer better treatment options, or discover an underlying problem that could become severe if left untreated.



Bruises:

Bruises are caused by hits or blunt objects breaking small blood vessels in the skin. The larger the area where the injury occurs is then the darker the bruise will be, since there will be more blood vessels broken and more blood will be in the skin. It is also possible to have sub-dermal bruises, or bruises beneath the skin, which are a result of a blow breaking blood vessels in bone or muscle tissue.


The best treatment for bruises is to simply apply heat and massage the area. There are also creams available to deaden any pain associated with the bruise and to speed the bruise in healing. Should the bruise be especially dark or continues to grow, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.


Abrasions:

Scrapes, scuffs, and abrasions happen when the skin comes in contact with a rough material. Skinned knees or palms are the most common types of abrasions. Bleeding is usually minimal, and the pain often fades quickly.


To treat an abrasion, clean the wounded area well with water and either soap or an alcohol pad. Apply antibacterial ointment, alcohol, or iodine and cover with clean gauze. Keep an eye on it until it is healed for any change in color or puffiness that may indicate more serious conditions.


Cuts:

Depending upon the source, cuts can come in a variety of types; deep or shallow, smooth or jagged, thin or wide.


If the cut is a small one, or barely bleeding, clean the area and apply a bandage. If the cut is larger or bleeding heavily, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth and seek medical attention immediately. Cuts that bleed heavily or that are large or jagged may have damaged major veins or arteries, and even if they haven't may require stitches in order to heal correctly.


Sprains:

A sprain is caused when a joint twists in a way that it shouldn't and damages the connective tissue, such as a sprained ankle or wrist. Swelling and pain accompany the injury, and use of the affected joint is extremely limited at best.


The best treatment for a sprain is to keep pressure off of the injured area and to alternate heat and ice on the injury. Use of anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen is also recommended. You may also wish to consult a doctor, as he can not only diagnose whether or not there is any further damage beyond just the sprain, but also may prescribe or recommend specific medicines for the pain and the swelling.

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