2022 | Fire Boy and Water Girl Play

Lucille Wood
August 12, 2022
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PlayStation 3 General Knowledge

HOW IT STARTED:

PlayStation 3 is the new console released on November 11, 2006 in Japan. It is the newest member of the PlayStation series produced by Sony Computer Entertainment, a Japanese video game company. This new console introduced a few unique points to the series. PS3 brought the shiny PlayStation Network and a new feature which allows users to use Blue-ray Discs as a storage device. After the release of the “fat” PS3, Sony released a Slim version by September, 2009. The Slim version is lighter, smaller and uses less power than his big brother.

ACCESSORIES:

The PlayStation 3 has many accessories that can be used in a big variety of games. The first controller was the “SIXAXIS”. It was used from the release of the console until 2008, when DualShock 3 took his place. The main difference of the two controllers is that DualShock 3’s vibration function doesn’t interfere with the motion sense. As we all know a controller is just not enough for the gamers of the 21st Century. That’s why the PS3 also has a “racing wheel” for racing simulation games. This wheel was developed by Logitech. PS3 users can also interact with certain games through motions using the PlayStation Eye. This is a webcam with a built in microphone, and it can be used for games like “EyePet”, “Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08” and “The Eye of Judgment”.

RELIABILITY:

Sony made a very reliable console with only 10% failure in a time period of two years. Even if the console is one of the most reliable out there on the market is has it’s problems. A few of these problems are the “yellow light of death”, which is a non-specific hardware problem. This problem occurred mostly in the UK, so sometimes a console repair is needed. PS3 repairs can be annoying if you do not know a store which can fix the problem near you. Also recently there was a big error with the PlayStation Network. Someone hacked the servers and accessed the user database. This leaked the personal information of around 77 million users including passwords, addresses, and payment history. Apparently no credit card data was stolen. After this Sony gave a free month membership to all PSN users with a new identity theft program.

GAMES ON PLAYSTATION 3:

There are a few PlayStation 3 exclusives like “LittleBigPlanet”, the “Infamous” series and maybe the most popular PS3 game, “Uncharted”. Of course there are tons of multi-console games like the “Devil May Cry” series, “Mortal Kombat” and the “Call of Duty” series. Today game developers are more likely to publish a game on consoles like the PS3 and the Xbox 360 than on a PC.

REPAIRING YOUR PLAYSTATION 3:

PS3 repair is very important on these consoles, as they tend to broke. There are many things that can go wrong in a complex gaming platform like the PlayStation 3, and the repair prices scale as the problem get’s more serious. There are websites that can help you with problems like errors or PS3 laser replacement + PS3 YLOD.…

Lucille Wood
August 10, 2022
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The Best Gaming Console: Wii, Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3?

Gaming consoles are more popular these days than ever before. They have come a long way since the time of Sega Mega Drive; modern 7th generation consoles have amazing graphics, great controllers and offer lots of awesome games to choose from. The most popular video game consoles in the world right now are Xbox 360 from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 from Sony, and Wii from Nintendo. Which is the best out of the three?

The short answer is: they’re all good. But that’s not what you’re here for, is it? So, let’s look at the Wii first. This gaming console was released in 2006, and as of December 31, 2010 has sold 84.64 million units worldwide. In other words, it’s the leader in terms of sales when comparing Xbox 360 vs PS3 vs Wii. This is largely thanks to its innovative motion controller which allows players to interact with the game by using not only buttons, but gestures as well.

Wii is probably the most unique of the three consoles reviewed here: its graphics capabilities are definitely the weakest, but the control system is the most innovative, and the target audience is different as well. While Xbox 360 and PS3 cater to hardcore gamer crowd, Wii draws in casual gamers, and people who never played video games before. They offer lots of easy, fun and family-friendly games. If you are a casual gamer, this console might just be the thing you’re looking for.

Second, we have the Xbox 360 from Microsoft. It is the second console in terms of sales (50 million units worldwide as of Jan 5, 2011), which is just a little bit ahead of the PS3. Unlike Wii, it supports HD-quality video output and has quite powerful CPU and graphics system (although perhaps not as powerful as the one in PS3). Xbox 360 has several highly popular games that are exclusive to the platform, such as the Halo series. One of the strongest sides of Xbox 360 is online multiplayer and other services offered through the Xbox Live network. In my opinion, Xbox Live is the best online console community, definitely beating PlayStation’s PSN. If you are into online gaming, I think Xbox 360 is a great choice.

When talking about Xbox 360, Kinect should be mentioned as well. It’s an add-on for the console that was released back in 2009. Kinect allows players to play using gestures and spoken commands, without using any controller at all. You could call it Microsoft’s answer to PlayStation Move and Wii MotionPlus systems.

Finally, we have the PlayStation 3 console from Sony. With 47.9 million units sold worldwide, it’s just a little bit behind Xbox 360 in terms of popularity. PS3 has probably the most powerful graphics and CPU system, although not all multiplatform games can make full use of it; as such, PlayStation 3 graphics are usually on par with those of Xbox 360. It is also the only seventh generation console that has a Blu-ray player on it, which adds even more to the technological superiority of PlayStation 3. If you want to have Blu-ray and play PS3-exclusive games like LittleBigPlanet, then this console is for you.

The console offers free online play via the PlayStation Network (PSN), although it probably loses to Xbox Live in some regards. It also has two motion-based add-ons: PlayStation Eye (digital camera, similar to Kinect) and PlayStation Move (motion controller, similar to the Wiimote).

Hopefully this article was useful in helping you make the choice of which console to buy. If you still need more information, visit Wikipedia for a more detailed comparison of Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and the Wii.…

Lucille Wood
melissa
reason
August 10, 2022
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The Edge of Reason by Melissa Snodgrass

“The Edge of Reason” by Melissa Snodgrass is a story of good versus evil, of science versus superstition. It entertains while skillfully raising questions about the origins of religion and technology.
Rhiana Davinovitch possesses magical talent and she works with a group she believes is a coven. After discovering she is being used as a pawn to build a nuclear weapon she runs off. Her pursuers create a blackout and they send inhuman entities after her. Police Officer Richard Oort, an unlikely hero, comes to her rescue and finds himself caught up in a world gone mad. He and Rhiana are in the middle of a secret war that’s been going on since the beginning of mankind. On one side are the Lumina, an ancient order utilizing reason and technology. On the other side are the Old Ones, entities that have powers of magic and feed on organized religion. And humanity’s future may depend on which side Richard chooses.
This ominous apocalypse thriller tackles some thought provoking themes. The Old Ones feed on chaos and emotions that are fueled by religious beliefs. It’s an original and clever premise but one that may offend some readers. The story starts with a bang and pulls the reader into the action but drags a bit in the middle. It’s well written with good imagery and dialogue. The characterization of Richard is especially well thought out. He’s a complex hero, still dealing with the emotional backlash of a sexual assault by a business associate of his father’s. There’s a cliff hanger ending so another book may be in the works. Publisher: Tor Books; Reprint edition (June 2, 2009) ISBN: 978-0765354204 Mass Market Paperback Pages: 384 Price: $7.99…

Lucille Wood
August 8, 2022
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Avoid a Kitchen Gift Mistake for Mom

You have to be careful when it comes to purchasing kitchen gifts for your mother. This is because for some women, the last thing they want on their birthday or a holiday is to be thinking about being stuck in the kitchen. If your mom is one of those people who believes food preparation is best left to the live-in chef (and that person is not her), then by all means avoid the deadly mistake of thinking a cooking item would be a good gift.

On the other hand, if your mother is one of those who enjoys nurturing and caring for the family with food, a kitchen gift may be the perfect choice.

Here are a few ideas for you to get the wheels of your mind turning and thinking about options:

A rice cooker is practical and fun to use. Particularly for families trying to save some bucks, a good volume of rice is affordable and cheap.

Consider an immersion hand blender if mom loves the froth of a smoothie or coffee being whipped fresh.

If you have the money and want to go all out, a food grinder lets the gourmet cook make homemade sausage and meat dishes.

When you see mom frustrated trying to find the proper tool in the kitchen, it may be appropriate to consider a holding container for kitchen tools and gadgets. If you are the one shopping for this online, the selection is broad, and you can find a variety of colors and materials.

Whether you are a large family or small, a warm doughnut machine can create fun and drama in the kitchen. The anticipation will build as they are growing and cooking in the machine. Add some powdered sugar when they come out and you have the perfect dessert or snack.…

Lucille Wood
glassware
kwarx
August 7, 2022
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Kwarx Technology in Glassware

Not since man first figured out a transparent and user friendly material could be produced from ordinary ingredients such as soda, lime and silica has there been such an important and ground-breaking innovation than the development of Kwarx technology in glass and stemware.

The Romans may well have been the original innovators of glass, or glesum, meaning a transparent, lustrous substance, but it was the French, of the new millennium, who changed the functionality and appearance of glass forever with Kwarx technology.

The Glass-making Method

Although the actual method and superior blend of ingredients, which elevates glassware to an entirely new and ultra modern dimension, is a closely guarded secret, the technology behind Kwarx ensures permanent lustre, unparalleled clarity and additional strength – the latter crucial to the UK glassware hire industry.

The importance of the perfect glass to accompany the finest of wines has long been overlooked. The latest trend to serve and imbibe ‘new’ wines instead of cellar wines has, however, demanded innovative and superior glassware to best enhance the intrinsic qualities of these wines. Claimed to be a result of a fine synthesis of human endeavour, new and innovative treatment methods, an entirely new manufacturing process and a blend of rare raw materials, Kwarx was specifically designed with wine tasting or oenology in mind.

A New Range is Born

This is where the Chef & Sommelier Open Up range has stepped in. One of the first stemware lines to boast the pioneering spirit of Kwarx, this range has a number of elements crucial to the full-throated enjoyment of the wine, not least the lustre, transparency and powerful resilience associated with the new material.

Fine rims, measuring 0.9mm, elevates the Open Up range to that of hand blown lead crystal, but without the fragility.

The upper part of the bowl is rounded inwards facilitating the timeous release of heady aromas and flavours, whilst at the same time providing an exact measure for the correct amount of wine the glass should hold to best effect.

Long stems complement the clean, angular lines of the Open Up bowl.

Flat bases ensure maximum stability. Accompanied by the new-found strength of Kwarx glass, the Open Up range is virtually indestructible!

When next hosting a party, wine tasting experience or simply an elegant meal with friends, opt for the Chef & Sommelier Open Up range, resplendent with the lustrous, clear and unbreakable Kwarx technology. Apart from the actual stemware, the Open Up range range comes with a Kwarx infused decanter, ensuring all bar equipment hire needs are met with the latest and most durable glass in the world.…

Lucille Wood
August 7, 2022
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Custom Covert Surveillance Ideas

Looking for the perfect hidden spy gadget for your home or business? Can’t seem to find a good pre-made fit for your application? With the mini security cameras available in the marketplace and a little ingenuity; why not make your own covert camera?

Its Been Done Before

The various covert cameras available today all have come out of necessity. From teddy bear cameras being used as nanny cams, to pen cameras being used for covert spy operations; they have all evolved to fit a variety of covert surveillance needs. In fact one of the first covert camera designs was a pocket watch camera used by undercover officers and private eyes in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.

Mini Security Cameras Galore

With all the miniature security cameras available in the marketplace it’s quite easy to make and customize your own covert gadget. By using cameras such as the KPC-DNR700 or the CG35 you can easily mount a small security camera into a variety of fixtures, appliances, or other household objects and turn them into covert surveillance equipment.

Covert Camera Ideas

Plant Camera

Take a miniature security camera and mount it into a well positioned and leafy plant for a great covert solution.

Book Camera

These are already available in pre-assembled form; however if you wish to save a little time and have a little creative fun; you can make them yourself. All you need to do is cut out a portion of the interior pages to form a box to hold the camera and then drill a small hole through the side for the camera to see out of.

Light Fixture Camera

Have a light fixture with some breathing room? How about mounting a camera inside? Just make sure you don’t have lens flare of a sub par picture from the light and voila you have a covert camera solution.

Lawn Ornaments (Garden Gnome?)

Lawn ornaments such as garden gnomes or other statues can make great camera housings for a covert application. It may require a little drilling and setup, but what a versatile and excellent solution with partial weather protection for your camera.

Think Outside The Box

Maybe you have a collection of teddy bears, pop bottles, ornamental signs, etc… Could a camera be hidden in them? Start looking around your house and thinking about the various knickknacks and appliances that go unnoticed and might serve well as a camera housing.

Ultimately it comes down to a little creativity and can do attitude to come up with a wide variety of different custom covert camera applications, and the sky is the limit. Furthermore if you’re looking for ideas, it never hurts to call up your local surveillance provider and have a chat. Who knows maybe you’ll come up with the next teddy bear camera and be able to make a living off your covert designs.…

Lucille Wood
August 6, 2022
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Game Console Repair – Fix Game Consoles For Profit

The gaming industry is worth approximately 20 billion dollars and is growing all the time with thousands of consoles being purchased every week throughout the world.

Unfortunately each console has its own specific problems and can break down with sometimes disastrous consequences, you will have to send your console to be repaired and it could take between 2 – 6 weeks to get it returned or to be told you need a new one you could also end up paying about $150 for the privilege of being told that your pride and joy cannot be repaired.

Why not try and repair it yourself? I am not suggesting you attack your Xbox with a pair of pliers but you can purchase a guide online with all the information to repair all common issues. You can get an online repair guide for about $30 and they cover all major consoles. You could fix the xbox red ring of death, or the PlayStation 3 blinking yellow light problem, so not only could you fix your own console within an hour you could also save yourself the best part of $100 to spend on more games for your beloved console.

Now imagine this, with the amount of consoles in the world today and the amount of broken consoles about why not use your new skills to repair pre-owned game consoles and sell them on for a generous profit. Pre-owned consoles that require fixing are readily available on eBay and other similar places you could buy them up cheap and fix them and sell them back on eBay. So what started as a hobby could turn into a business and you could get your share of the 20 billion dollars.…

Lucille Wood
projects
technology
August 4, 2022
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The Four Truths of Technology Projects

As a long-time public sector Chief Information Officer I have always focused on building community-not just building bedrooms. Several years ago, we identified three goals. The first was to lay out a plan that would bring our city onto the playing field with the top “connected” cities in the nation. The second was to create increased competition among technology providers in our metropolitan edge community. And our third goal was to position homes in the city for a future of ultra high-speed Internet, futuristic digital and high definition television and entertainment and mobile communications.
The result included one of the most comprehensive municipal technology projects in the nation. Our projects addressed a broad range of community technologies including broadband, Wi-Fi, digital television and cellular wireless. By looking at the total community technology spectrum, we are not trying to get a point product (such as Wi-Fi) to meet all our citizens’ needs. We are looking for multifaceted solutions to meet a wider range of citizens’ needs.
Over the years we developed some leading edge technologies (for their time). We were one of the first cities in Arizona to convert to a total VOIP (Voice over IP) converged communications system, we embraced key technologies such as a internally developed electronic permitting system, and we developed a state of the art data center. We developed many citizen oriented services such as providing information about their address from multiple public data sources. And we provided an extensive look into our financial systems provided by public monies. Many of our initiatives were designed to fulfill our goal of providing citizens and our employees with advanced technology and communication in the medium of their choice.
In the middle of our innovation binge (now tempered with a struggling economy), I asked myself a few rhetorical questions: Why are leading-edge projects so hard to understand? What does it take for staff and other management see the light? Why does everyone (or so it seems) fight the project? As I looked back across my 25+ years in IT some of my more innovative initiatives-large and small, successful and failed-I identified some common patterns that I call “The Four Truths.”
Truth #1: Innovation is change
Change and innovation walk on the same path. Change and innovation threaten the status quo and upset the apple cart. The American public loves innovation, except when it surfaces in their own backyards. My own staff was uneasy with some of the projects and how it might change their roles. They were fearful that a project would be thrust at them on top of their already burdensome workload. As we rolled out some of the larger projects, we started to understand how our role would be one of oversight rather than hands-on in the trenches installation. Change management would continue to be an educational process, not just from the tactical and operational aspects, but also from the strategic value that such a project would bring to the City.
Truth#2: The road will be blocked
Every innovation effort includes a series of roadblocks that attempt to keep us from our stated goals. It is too easy to listen to the naysayer’s and critics. Successful project managers are those who forge a path over, around or through the roadblocks.
Truth #3: Innovation without implementation is merely a dream
Our quest for innovation has taught me that many visionaries have great dreams, but few can bring those dreams to fruition. Some of our projects were hard to implement, but perseverance and hard work by a team of brilliant technicians led to completion. Many of the projects had to bring diverse stakeholders together and I sometimes find that keeping a project in focus and on track is harder than actually doing the project.
Truth#4: Innovation without marketing is soon be forgotten
Marketing is not just about selling a product; it’s about selling a concept. It’s about convincing stakeholders that you can see their future and that the idea will satisfy their needs and enhances their lives. As CIOs we have all seen superior products fall by the wayside because marketing was weak or ineffective or because the competitor’s marketing was superior.
Marketing must be pursued throughout the entire innovation process. You must market the idea in order to bring it to the table. Once the idea is introduced, you market to the stakeholders and customers, and then to the press and the media. After roll-out, you must continue marketing to the customers to make sure the products or services deliver on your promises. Communication of the project vision has its ups and downs. Sometimes, our senior management team had to be convinced how their departments could be impacted by the project.
When it comes to innovation, there’s one foundational trait underlying all these truths-persistence. Bertrand Russell said “No great …

Lucille Wood
August 2, 2022
0 Comments

Fixing PS3 YLOD – Try These 5 Ideas

When your PlayStation 3 breaks down and display the yellow light of death it can be very frustrating. You may have been planning to play the latest release with your mates or wanting to settle in for a movie with your partner. Either way you can’t and it ticks you off. Never fear though you could have it working again in no time at all by just trying these five simple YLOD fixes.

1. Obviously you could send your machine back to Sony for repair. If it is under warranty they will fix it for free, however if it isn’t it can costing the region of $ 150 to fix. If you do decide to send it off then you can expect not to see your console for around six weeks. A majority of times the hard drive is wiped and you can lose all your game data, saves and other information.

If this doesn’t sound like a good option for you then carry on Reading as I have a few more tricks for you to try out.

2. Dis-connect the console from the mains power supply and check that all cables are securely in place. Also check the condition of the cables. Once checked over turn the console back on.

3. Check your console see if it is unusually hot anywhere, overheating is a major cause of the yellow light of death. Take a peek at the vents on the side of the console to see if it is blocked with dust or something else. If there is clean the vent with a dry clean cloth. Also check the surrounding area to see if there is enough room around your ps3 to allow for good air circulation, not to close to lots of other equipment which all produces heat.

4. If you have had no success by now then you should try removing the hard drive from the PlayStation 3. Don’t look so scared it is really a simple procedure. If you are not sure how to carry the procedure out then I suggest checking out the numerous tutorials online before you begin. Try this couple of times to solve the problem.

If you are still not enjoying a game of the latest call of duty at the moment it is probably something wrong with the motherboard. Stay with me though as I have one more suggestion for you.

5. Fix it yourself. Yes you read it right. It is possible to fix PlayStation problems including motherboard errors at home. While I don’t suggest taking a couple of screwdrivers to your console without knowing what you are doing you should take a look at a PlayStation 3 repair guide. There is a really good one written by Rob Sheffield, he has been fixing ps3s for over four years and uses the same methods that Sony use, so he knows what he is doing. The guide itself is really easy to follow and the use of videos only make the task of repairing your game console that much easier. Good luck with whatever method you decide to fix your PS3 YLOD.…