The Great Debate

Macintosh vs. Windows.  It's a topic that is sometimes more strongly debated than politics or religion.  While there are plenty of hardcore Apple fans, PC fans are also quite prevalent.  Still, there are many that don't care what computer they use.

When people look at purchasing a computer, they will normally look by price range.  If your an Apple fan, you should know that you're not going to get anything for under $1,000.    On the contrary, most PCs are under $1,000.  Macs are pretty high-end computers, therefore selling for a higher price.  But if you were to compare a windows computer with similar high-end specifications, it's price is usually lower.  The market for computers running Windows is also much larger than computers running Macintosh.  Apple only offers a few different computer choices, while the PC world has hundreds of different options to fit your need.

Most Apple fans argue that their computers don't get viruses.  But in reality, this is just slick marketing by Apple.  Hackers want to infiltrate the largest number of users.  Since the number of PC users is quite large compared to Apple users, a viruses on PCs are more prominent.  But since the number of Macintosh users is growing, they should realize that they are not completely immune to hackers.

Macintosh is also quite a bit more easy to use than the Windows operating system.  But with Windows 8 being released, it makes the computer a bit more simple for new users.  But I still believe that Macs are more slick and easy-to-use.

The largest problem with Macs, is it's compatibility with other products and programs; as well as it's ability to be repaired.  The amount of software available to Macs is out shadowed by the millions of programs available to PCs.  PCs are also much more compatible with gaming.  Much of the computer gaming market is aimed at PCs rather than Apple products.  The biggest issue (I believe) with Macs, is the fact that they cannot be easily repaired.  Apple fuses their computer casings shut.  Although this offers a sleek look, it doesn't offer the same access to it's internals.  So if you need a new hard-drive in your Mac, you should probably just start looking for a new computer, or bring it to a special Apple Genius Bar and pay quite a bit to have them repair it.

As most of the people reading this have probably realized, I'm a PC fan.  I tried not to be biased, but it's quite difficult for me.  But in reality, really the only difference between the two is personal preference.  If someones an Apple fan, a PC fan isn't going to convince them to change their ways and vise versa.

The 4th Kind

The inevitable is happening.  In winter of 2013, Sony plans to release the PlayStation 4.  I never really thought a new console would ever even be needed.  I mean, how much better can the PlayStation 3 get?  Somehow they've found a way by adding several features that allow for a better experience for gamers.

The hardware in the PlayStation 4 is quite impressive.  It outmatches most High-End PC's RAM.  With better Random Access Memory (RAM) the PlayStation 4 will be able to play faster games, have greater Internet connection speeds, multitask, and not crash as much.  All models of the PS4 will also have a large hard drive to allow for more storage of games.

The PlayStation Network will also be getting a face lift with the new console.  The network will allow for you to use your real name, rather than a nickname like Buttercheese12.  This will allow for more of your friends to find you.  The PS4 will also be allowed to link to Facebook and other social media, so more of your friends will be automatically added to your system. A complaint about the PS3 was that only 100 friends could be added to your account.  This isn't the case with the new system.  With a larger storage drive, more friends will be allowed on your account.  PSN (PlayStation Network) will also be more popular and fun.  A share button is featured on the controller.  This allows players to take a screenshot or video of their game play whenever they want.  Then they can save their picture/video or upload it to different social media websites.

The most talked about change on the PS4 though, is it's controller.  A headphone/microphone jack is located on the controllers. Each system will come with a headset.  A touch pad is also a new feature on the new controllers.  It functions as an extra button, as well as has dual-touch input.  This will allow for fun, easy games that can be played with friends (like iPad games).  A light bar is located on the top of the controller.  This indicates different players as well as has some cool uses.  Different players are indicated by different colors on the LED light bar.  The sensor in the light bar also makes multiplayer gaming much easier.  The Console will detect where the controllers are located, and then place those people in the best spot on screen.

There you have it.  Those are the changes to the system I noticed.  I'm not too hip on the idea of a new console.  Mainly because I don't want to have to buy a new one and leave my PS3 in the dust.  I never really thought gaming could get much better than it already is, but I guess I was wrong.  Sony has figured out a way to make it better, your move Microsoft.

Who isn't Scared about Windows 8?

Several months ago, Microsoft released their new windows operating system: Windows 8.  It seemed all sleek and shiny when I first saw the commercial.  But when I finally thought about it, I was almost frightened. Since I first started using computers often, I've always been familiar with Windows Vista or Windows 7, as most windows-people are.  But the appearance of this new operating system seemed like a completely different way to use a computer.

I decided to look up how the system works and what features it has.  The screen that scared me the most, was the screen with all of the tiles.  This is essentially a newer, more simplified version of the 'Start' menu.  It contains shortcuts to the applications the user chooses.  If someone doesn't want to use this menu, they can just hit the 'Desktop' button the classic Windows Desktop will appear.

When an application is run, it appears fullscreen.  There is no Windows Sidebar/Toolbar to get in the way.  To get back to other applications that are running all one has to do is scroll the mouse to the top left corner of the screen, which reveals all of the running applications.  Different programs can also be run next to each other side by side.

In reality, there is really nothing to be worried about when it comes to Windows 8.  The system is a little different from it's predecessors, but in less than a month of use, users will be using it's shortcuts to their full capabilities.  Still scared?  You can always change the settings to make the system run almost the same as Windows 7.

Video Killed the Radio Star

On August 1st, 1981, at 12:01 a.m.  you could have turned your television to MTV and heard their first song they aired: "Video Killed the Radio Star."  It was the start of a new era in television.  A TV station that played music videos all day long was unheard of until now.

MTV was originally an anagram for "Music Television."  At the start, it played only in New Jersey.  30 years ago, their music videos were quite sub-par to anything created recently.  Usually it was just pictures or video of the band playing.  Eventually, fans began to grow tired of the channel's repetitiveness and wanted something different.

In December of 1983, fans did get something different.  Micheal Jackson's 'Thriller' video appeared on MTV.  This kicked off a new part of music.  Not only were artists writing music, but also performing in videos.  A lot of people feared that MTV was corrupting their teenagers.  MTV censored language videos to try to keep away from this reputation.  They also had shows about politics, racism, drugs, AIDS, poverty, and violence.  Some artists chose not to make videos because they believed it would corrupt the youth.

Eventually, people wanted more.  In 1991, MTV aired it's first reality TV show, 'The Real World.' This began to shy MTV away from music, and into reality TV.  Since then, shows like 'Pimp My Ride', 'Jersey Shore', and 'Buckwild', have been extremely popular.

Now if you just wanted a formal idea of MTV's history, you can stop reading here.  The rest is my opinion on the subject.  Why is it still called "MTV?"  Music Television is dead, they should call it RTV, or Reality Television.  What really angers me is the fact that back in the 80's, MTV was attempting to not corrupt the youth.  Now I think teenagers lose brain cells when they watch shows like Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, or Buckwild.

I really wish that there was a TV station that played only music videos.  People might think this is too "old-school" because of online radio and YouTube.  "Internet Killed the Video Star," could be the new hit.  But radio is still around, so why can't we still have Music Television?

Printing in the Third Dimension

Most people have probably heard of 3-D printers, but most people don't know how they work or what their full potential is.  For those of you that have not heard of these inventions, they are machines that can essentially print out a 3-Dimensional item using a file created from Auto Cad software.  Although the idea has been around since the 70's, it is just now beginning to reach its full potential.

The traditional way to craft an item is to use a subtractive process.  This is where you start with a block of your material, let's say aluminum, and carves it down into your desired shape.  Unlike this traditional manner, 3-D printing uses an additive process.  The printer lays down the desired material in layers, creating your product.  Several different materials can be used that are similar to metal, rubber, plastic, lumber, and pretty much anything else you would want to create something out of.  Below is a video of a vase being 3-D printed.  It is not in real time; the actual printing probably would take a couple hours.

Since people have become more accustomed to 3-D printing, great things have been made.  The more useful items have been working human organs and bones, gun parts (as well as guns), robots, and even a car!  But we all know that they can also be used for items that are much more fun: statues, figurines of anyone, wearable clothing, and clocks are just a few items that people have developed.  In the near future some are even planning to create buildings.

Most of us have probably seen this piracy ad.  It's actually kind of funny because, now you can with 3-D printing.  The problem with 3-D printing would be copyright issues.  Say you don't like the color of your new shoes.  Those shoes you bought could be used in a 3-D scanner, and printed in a different color.

The use of 3-D printers has grown exponentially in the past year.  How long will it be until they are used in daily life?

The Cure is Near

For the first time, researchers have cured a baby born with HIV.  Don't get too excited though, a complete cure has not yet been discovered, this is what they call a 'functional cure'.   This is because the virus does not completely disappear, but it is reduced to a low enough level to where the body can control it.  

The treatment was nothing invasive or complex, it was as safe as a commonly available antiviral drug.  The difference however, was the dosage and timing; which began less than thirty hours after her birth.  "Prompt antiviral therapy in newborns that begins within days of exposure may help infants clear the virus and achieve long-term remission without lifelong treatment by preventing such viral hideouts from forming in the first place," said lead researcher Deborah Persaud, of Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore, Maryland.  She also said it was the first time this feat was achieved in a baby.  

Although a cure for this deadly disease is almost here, this virus may be the next step for curing another one-cancer.  A genetically modified form of the HIV virus was implanted in cancer patients to re-program their immune systems to fight cancer cells.  This has proved successful, curing 2 of three patients as well as weakening the cancer in the third.  

Discovery News

Is it really the "Devils Lettuce"?

Most people have a strong stance on the use of marijuana.  Most people that aren't users are strongly against the use of it.  Most people that are users are totally for it.  I am a special occasion- having never used it (I know it's hard to believe, people tell me I look stoned all the time), but being totally for the legalization of marijuana as well as hemp.  

"Marijuana! Heavens, oh yeah. It’s just the stupidest law possible, given history. You don’t stop people from doing what they want to do, so forget about making it unlawful. You’re just making criminals out of people who aren’t engaged in criminal activity. And we’re spending zillions of dollars trying to fight a war we can’t win! We could make zillions, just legalize it and tax it like we do liquor. It’s stupid."  Now who do you think would say something like that? Some washed-up hippie? Wrong, this quote was spoken by the famous Morgan Freeman. (Huffington Post)  This quote pretty much sums up my ideas of the marijuana legalization.  Marijuana is just as (or less) addictive than alcohol and tobacco.  Also, no deaths have been attributed to pot.  While thousands die each year from tobacco and alcohol overdose as well as relateable incidents (car crashes, etc.).    Johnny Depp makes a perfect case: "I'm not a great pothead or anything like that… but weed is much, much less dangerous than alcohol."

The most beneficial part of legalizing the plant, would be for hemp.  Hemp is a larger, courser plant with less THC content (active drug in marijuana).  Uses of hemp include: clothing, nutrition, body care (lotions etc.), paper, fuel, plastic alternatives, and a variety of other items.  Using hemp would be a good way for people to become less fossil-fuel dependent.  Instead of cutting down the forests for paper, hemp could be used since it only takes months for a field to grow.   

I'm not saying that you should think the same way I do, but if you are against the use of weed, it wouldn't be "required" for you to use.  If recreational use was taxed and limited like alcohol (21 age limit, no public use),  I don't think it would be too harmful to people against it's use.  Even if recreational use wouldn't be allowed, I definitely think hemp should be legalized.  Canada has allowed it (hemp), and several countries have followed.   In the words of Thomas Jefferson, ""Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth & protection of the country."

Internet Piracy: Hollywood's Fault?

Most of us heard about the bills (SOPA, ACTA) that congress were trying to pass.  These bills were created to slim down the illegal downloading of movies, games, or music from the internet.  They would also limit online access further, causing a world of hurt for people online. Fortunately, the internet won and the bills were not passed.  In reality though, is piracy that bad?

Now even though SOPA and ACTA didn't go through legislature, people are still trying to shut down the most popular torrenting (most common form of piracy) websites such as thepiratebay and isohunt.  If these sights were to be shut down, piracy wouldn't be stopped.  The internet is such a vast place that a new torrent site would just spring up after an old one got cut down.

Most peoples first thought of piracy is "that's stealing!" which it is.  What I don't understand, is why actors, movie producers, and Hollywood in general is making so much money.  Then, when piracy strikes, they complain because they aren't getting enough. Is it really necessary to charge 10-15 dollars for a movie ticket?

 Most people use torrents for simplicity.  These are the reasons that hulu, netflix, and redbox were made-simplicity.  But couldn't they take it one step further, and make an all-in-one program to get all of your favorite movies?  When Steam (a popular PC game purchasing software) was created, piracy of PC games shot down.  Couldn't they make a similar thing?  If the site had all movies, a cheap rate (no DVD/Blu-Ray production costs), and allowed movies to be rented or kept forever, it would be a dream come true for everyone.

Now even if Hollywood didn't make as much cash, maybe they wouldn't make so many movies.  Instead of having hundreds of movies every year (and only 20 of them being enjoyable) they could make 50 movies that are all excellent.  If this was the case, I would be at the movie theater a lot more often because I'd know that the movie would be worth my money.

Movies of 2013

Ah the movies, complete with overly loud speakers, sticky floors, and buttery popcorn.  I only travel to the movie theater when there's a movie I really want to see (which is kind of rare), otherwise I just wait for the DVD to be released.  But this year I've heard of several movie releases that I am ecstatic for.

Now there's your basic repeats of movies like The Hangover 3, Fast and the Furious 6, and Scary movie 5, that have similar story lines and are almost the same as their predecessors.  I'm interested in a sequel to one of  my all time favorite movies, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.  The title, Anchorman, The Legend Continues, doesn't give away any hints to the plot.  I'm sure it will be hilarious because it has the same cast as the original.  These actors and actresses are some of my favorites, and they play their characters so well.  Will Ferrell announced that they were making a sequel two years ago, and I've been excited since then.

My first movie I went to as a kid was Monsters Inc.  It is still one of my favorite Disney movies of all time.  I've recently been informed that a prequel is being released this summer entitled 'Monsters University.'  It features Mike and Sulley before their scaring days; college.  We all know what college means; Pranks, parties, and competition await my favorite animated characters. I can't wait to relive my first movie theater experience.

Enough with sequels.  Most of this year's movies are add-ons to previous movies. A newer movie that catches my interest is World War Z.  It doesn't seem to be your cliche zombie movie, but a more realistic tale of a zombie apocalypse.  This is one action movie I hope to make it to this summer.

I hope this year is full of exciting movies and I hope none of them disappoint me. Yes, I'm the cheap guy that doesn't like to waste cash on terrible movies.  When I spend ten bucks to see a movie (plus the treats that are required), I hope to get my money's worth.

Ending What Started the Olympics

Earlier this week, the International Olympic Committee made a shocking decision.  They took wrestling out the 2020 Olympic games.  Stunned wrestlers around the world wondered why.  Wrestling is popular in many countries and older than the Olympics themselves.

American Rulon Gardner, who upset 3 time Russian champion Alexander Kharelin in an epic championship match, was saddened by the decision to drop what he considered "a beloved sport."

Rulon Gardner winning his gold medal. (Sept. 27, 2000)

The IOC reviewed a report of each sport, analyzing 39 criteria, including TV ratings, ticket sales, drug use policy, and global popularity.  According to IOC documents, wrestling ranked low in several of the technical criteria.  Popularity with the public, worldwide TV audiences, and press coverage were the big factors that allowed the IOC to make their decision.

"It's the IOC trying to change the Olympics to make it more mainstream and more viewer friendly instead of sticking to what they founded the Olympics on," Gardner told ESPN in a telephone interview.

I understand that wrestling isn't as popular with people as other sports.  If a person doesn't understand sports, they'll most likely watch ones with simple rules.  And I know the average male would watch women in skimpy swimsuits playing volleyball rather than two sweaty guys in spandex touching each other.

Wrestling will still be in the 2016 Olympics.  And if enough support is gained, they could bring it back for the 2020 Olympics, as well as further into the future.  But, for now I guess we'll just have to stick to watching "real" Olympic sports such as speed walking, dressage (horse dancing), and synchronized swimming.

This Picture

July 15th, 2053

The old Krebs' house was destroyed the other day to make way for a new technology research center.  I found this picture before we began construction.  The writing on the back says "Halloween, 1996."  It must be a photo of these kids before they went out Trick-or-Treating.

The boy in the back left of the picture is wearing a horrid rubber mask.  The flesh is turning green in some areas and the eyes over sized and bloodshot.  An imprint of his brain is visible on the top of his skull.  The young kid in the middle is also wearing a mask.  It's mouth is wide open with dull green teeth flared.  The last kid in the back row is dressed as a vampire, with a haunting mask of Dracula.  The grayish-blue skin is he creepiest part.  The fangs and blood trailing out the corner of the mouth complete the mask terrifically.

The two young children in the front of the pack are much less frightening.  The one on the left is wearing a fluffy tiger costume with a black nose and whiskers painted on his face.  The toddler in the front left of the photo is dressed as a classic character: Mickey Mouse, as depicted on the face of his brilliant red shirt.  A black bonnet with Mickey Mouse ears along with some face paint top off the costume to near perfection.  With his mouth agape and a wandering mind, he is completely oblivious to the fact of a camera on him.

I wish children still dressed in ridiculous costumes during Halloween.  The costumes I've seen in the past few years have been unoriginal.  Most are just a gore-show.  The older children don't even go out anymore, finding the act of Trick-or-Treating to be a childish game.

Making the First Down Visible to All

Watching professional football at home has some perks compared to being physically at the game.  Many have grown accustomed to the imaginary yellow first-down marker that is shown on the television.  New laser technology may soon allow the line to be visible to the fans and players at the game.

Alan Amron and Pat Summerall have developed a First Down Laser System that projects a line across the field that is visible in the stadium and on TV.  The NFL, being their main target, is intrigued, but not completely sold on the idea... yet.  The NFL right now has made it clear that they don't want to eliminate chains, but explained it wasn't a terrible idea.  They want physical proof of a first down.  League spokesman Greg Aiello said, "We have not been convinced that it would work for us, but we are open to further discussion after the season."

The new technology could be very important to the game of football.  A misplaced ball on a first-down measurement could be the difference between a winner and a loser.  The use of many cameras and replay technology has made the game more visible to audiences, and fairer on teams.  Could lasers be the next step in helping the referees, fans, and players?

The only problem I have with the idea, is the fact of spotting the ball.  The ball is marked down at a certain spot on the field where the player is tackled.  What would happen if the player was tackled before the marker, yet moves the ball ahead?  This is why the technology for determining a first down would be inefficient.

The idea of making a visible line for all audiences is alluring though.  Since most viewers are accustomed to seeing the yellow first-down line, being at the stadium and viewing it would be a plus.

http://news.msn.com/pop-culture/first-down-line-laser-next-for-nfl

Clown Prince of Crime

"Wanna know how I got these scars?"  If you have no idea where this quote comes from, you need to watch The Dark Knight.  The Dark Knight is the second movie in the newest Batman trilogy, and a movie that is definitely in my top 10 movies of all time.  The movie is about Batman trying to stop the Joker from wrecking havoc in Gotham City.  Heath Ledgers portrayal of this character was unimaginably powerful, some might say legitimately frightening.  

The Joker is a crazy villain, with really no purpose of his corruption except to prove his point. He is a crafty and crazy character, and quite horrifying at some times.  Almost always seen wearing his signature clown makeup, green hair, and scars running from the corners of his mouth up his cheeks.  He is usually wearing a ridiculous (awesome in my opinion) purple suit and green vest. 


Not only is his attire crazy, but his deeds are as well.  The movie begins with a bank robbery.  All of the robbers are wearing clown masks.  After the initial hold up, the robbers begin killing each other after they have done their part (eg. the guy who cracks the vault is killed after doing so).  The final robber remaining is the Joker himself, who drives away in a school bus full of cash.  Later on, he puts all the prisoners of Gotham on a ferry, and on a another ferry, he crams on the citizens of Gotham.  Each boat is rigged with explosives.  The criminals have the detonator for the citizens boat, and the citizens have the detonator for the criminals boat.  I won't spoil what happens, but you can see the point the Joker is trying to make.  It's a good idea, but  an atrocious way to make his point

"You complete me." This quote would usually make sense between two lovers, but this is what the Joker says to Batman.  He claims that neither of them would serve a purpose without the other.  With his crazy antics and ideas, his way to teach people is by corruption and explosions essentially.

"You know what I noticed? Nobody panics when things go according to plan.  Even if the plain is horrifying.  If, tomorrow, I tell the press that, like, a gang-banger will get shot; or a truck-load of soldiers will be blown up... Nobody panics; because it's all part of the plan.  But when I say that one little old mayor will die?  Well, then, everyone loses their minds!"  This is one of my favorite quotes of all time.  After abducting the Mayor of Gotham, the Joker explains this idea to Batman.  Although a crazy way of doing it, he makes a good point.  Just think about it for a second.  Not many people focus the children dying in third world countries or the body counts in the war, but as soon as something out of the ordinary occurs, it horrifies them.  I'm not saying we shouldn't be scared of these events, but we shouldn't just focus on the ones that "aren't according to plan."