Author:
Matt, June 1st, 2010
Apple released their newest product, the iPad, to the US general public on, April 3rd, and on the 30th a WiFi connection was added, and so far it is what they say it is: “a revolution.” Many people have been dying to get their hands on one of the sleek faux laptops, especially graphic designers. The iPad is basically an enlarged version of the Apple iPhone, except with much greater processing capabilities. The iPad also has the ability to hold pictures, books, and movies. Even though it is apparently very stylish and cool, some people are still skeptical if it is really worth $499 (at the cheapest), even with over 200,000 apps.
Before buying such an exclusive appliance, a person should read a couple of reviews and then decide if the iPad fits in with their current lifestyle. If you are a dedicated PC user and love the feel and handle of a powerful desktop processor and huge monitor, then, obviously, this is not going to be a replacement for that and that person might consider buying a real laptop. The display and design are both beautiful; “The aluminum back feels great under the finger and nothing feels cheap” says Hubert Nguyen from Ubergizmo.com (a website that is famous for in-depth reviews of new products).
The iPad features sleek and stylish design, as well as easy to use apps. Photo courtesy of Google Images.
The sound, without headphones, is a bit soft and not the best quality as it was made to be used with headphones. The iPad is also is much heavier than people expect, weighing in at almost 1.7lbs. That’s almost as much as a high end PC laptop. With an easy user interface, a staple that Mac users love, and up front app display, slogans such as “even grandparents can use it!” are popping up all over the media.
With my experience playing around with the iPad, mostly at the Apple store, I have come to the conclusion that if a person does not use such an appliance in everyday life, such as a graphic designer with the new 3D blueprint-like app, then it might not be worth spending so much money on the enlarged iPhone. To read another perspective and a comprehensive review, go to http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2010/04/ipad-review.html.
Categories: Entertainment, What's Hot Tags: | 
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Author:
Matt, June 1st, 2010
Rockstar San Diego presented its newest video game, Red Dead Redemption, on May 18, after people anxiously waited for the sequel to Red Dead Revolver for over a couple months. “This stunning Wild West epic raises the bar for open world action games, and stakes its claim as one of the most engaging games this year,” as said by the GameStop review board. GameStop collaborated on a pre-order and marketing system that had many people wishing for the game before it was available; these marketing tactics built major suspense for the game. Now that it is out, it has gotten good reviews and people are still eager to buy it. When the game was out for ten days on May 28, players had already logged almost 500,000 hours of playtime. As of now, it is on sale at GameStop and Amazon.com for $59.99, however, there are markdowns available with coupons from these outlets.
Red Dead Redemption is a typical role-playing game consol video game, like Grand Theft Auto. The character John Marston, who has been betrayed in the original Red Dead game, seeks vengeance on those who wronged him, namely his ex-gang members. Usually role-playing games (i.e. games like Pokémon) are extremely popular and profitable and lots of people love to see what it was like without all the technological advancements that we have today, what better place than the Wild West.
Rockstar based the setting as a sandbox-style (a virtual space that a user can do almost anything, it is usually used by game designers) western land where players “can walk, talk, shoot, kill, run, and interact” with their surroundings. The video game Gun it is similar to this game, except you can do more and be more involved with your character. “It is a really great game! You can do anything you want. And the good thing is: it has an entertaining and [easy to follow] storyline,” says Junior Paul Hailey.
Red Dead Redemption features stunning realistic graphics. Photo courtesy of Google Images.
Junior Colton Purvin, on the other hand, says, “it has a very Grand Theft Auto feel for it, but the blood and gore are horrendous with those super realistic [graphics].” The in-game graphics are wondrously accurate (i.e. the details on the horse) and they are even more impressive when you are seeing the movement while playing the game. However, for those who are squeamish, this level of graphics also applies to the blood and gore factors. As this is an open-world game, the character can do almost anything the player wants him to do, set in the untamed west, there are such things as stagecoach massacres and roadside executions.
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Author:
Rachel, June 1st, 2010
An extremely popular trend in 2010 is investing in locally grown produce and meat. With a growing awareness of local economic stability and the want to support local farmers, farmer’s markets have been popping up all over the country, especially in California. Farmer’s markets create more sustainable food cycles as well as ensure top quality and freshness of food.
Farmer's markets supply the local community with fresh fruits and vegetables. Photo courtesy of Google Images.
Many farmer’s markets, like ones in San Mateo, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Los Altos have stands and booths that sell farmers’ fresh and cooked goods. Items such as kettlecorn, salmon cakes, fresh vegetables and fruits, freshly baked breads, and honey can be found at the San Mateo market. This market is especially fun because there are free samples of many of the foods. Farmer’s markets are prospering largely because the population is becoming more and more concerned with where its food is coming from. Local farmers can guarantee that there are fewer shelf-life increasing chemicals as well as a freshness that only comes from consuming the food shortly after it is produced. People are also now more willing to support local famers because of the economic turmoil that overtook 2009.
Since 2004, California has experienced a huge upswing in the amount of farmer’s markets. In 2010 especially, there has been increased awareness of the benefits of locally grown food. The healthy and fun foods available at farmer’s markets are a great way to get food for the summer.
Categories: News Tags: California, farmer's market, farmers, fruit, produce, vegetables | No comments
Author:
Rachel, June 1st, 2010
A major fad, in 2010 is self-serve frozen yogurt cafes, as evidenced by the sprouting of many frozen yogurt locations in the downtown areas of almost every Californian city. Companies such as Pinkberry and Red Mango, the forerunners of frozen yogurt fever, are serving people nationally with over 200 locations each. This low fat treat has become immensely popular this year.
The frozen yogurt industry has been growing since as early as the 1990’s, but in 2007 there was a huge increase. One 
excellent frozen yogurt café is Happy Yogurt in San Mateo. It has over 10 flavors to choose from and over 30 toppings. Combinations from chocolate with cookie dough and sprinkles to strawberry with fresh fruit and whipped cream can be made. The prices are excellent too: a large cup only costs about 4 dollars.
Because it is advertised as a healthier alternative to ice cream, frozen yogurt attracts people of all ages, especially teens and kids who can afford it. There are several unique chains of frozen yogurt that boast that they are “all organic”, meaning they use organic ingredients for the frozen yogurt and only the freshest toppings. The success of these cafes comes from their variety of flavors, like vanilla, chocolate, tart, cookies and cream, and others, and toppings, such as Oreo cookies, candy, fresh fruit, cereals, granola, and syrups.
These frozen yogurt cafes have become a common occurrence in California, and with their cheap prices, usually .25 to .50 cents per ounce, the frozen yogurt industry is expected to grow even more in 2010.
Categories: News Tags: cheap, colorful, delicious, dessert, frozen, frozen yogurt, pinkberry, toppings, yogurt, yogurtouille | No comments
Author:
lizzie, June 1st, 2010
As the summer approaches, people are starting to realize their winter clothes are too hot for the weather. This summer’s trends come in a a wide variety of flattering styles.
Mixed Prints- This summer, it is appropriate to mix and match your floral, plaid, stripe and argyle prints.
Nautical Stripes- The most linear look this summer: stripes. Nautical would be the trendiest, but any color combo works.
Copper Tones- Not only can you wear this trend in the summer, but it is also “in” this spring. So if you can’t wait to start wearing copper tones till the summer, you can start now!
Fantastic Florals- Fun floral prints are back! They went out came out with a “bang” last summer, but they weren’t done. Plan to pull out your floral prints from last summer to wear in these upcoming months.
Alice in Wonderland Inspired Clothes- Alice in Wonderland was a hit at the box office and Alice in Wonderland inspired clothes will be a hit this summer too.
Forever21 has trendy clothes that are priced on the lower end of the spectrum. Urban Outfitters is having a “Get Summer Started Sale” in stores and online with hundreds of items starting at $9.99. Urban Outfitters has tons of cute patterned clothes. If you are willing to spend even more money, Nordstrom has trendy clothes and a “Half-Yearly Sale” going on right now. Be sure to stock up on these trends (I know I will), I have a feeling these trends will stick around!
Images courtesy of Google Images.
Categories: Entertainment, News Tags: 2010, fashion, stripes, summer, trends | No comments
Author:
lizzie, June 1st, 2010
USA Network is a branch of Universal Studios that has many summer shows.
During the summer, most television shows take a hiatus, but other shows take this opportunity to premier their season when others are off the air. Shows like Royal Pains, Burn Notice, and The Closer have all had reputations of keeping people entertained during warm summer nights. USA Network is a popular network that opts to have several of their shows with summer seasons rather than during the regular Fall/Winter season.
Most shows are premiering their summer shows at the beginning of June and the season will continue until the end of August. Some networks realize that after a long day of hanging out in the sun, some kids just want to watch television.
Shows that are premiering for the summer include:
Royal Pains- Royal Pains is about a young doctor who moves to the Hamptons in New York after being wrongly accused for a patient’s death. In the Hamptons, the doctor becomes a “concierge doctor” to the rich and famous. It will premier Thursday, June 3rd, at 10/9 c. on USA Network.
Burn Notice- Burn Notice is about a man who was a spy, but was discredited by the government and is wiped off the grid left with no money or job history. This man, Michael Westen, is forced to do odd jobs like retrieving kidnapped people, scaring a gang, and dealing with drug traffickers. Michael’s main goal is to become a spy again, whatever the price may be. This show will premier Thursday, June 3rd, at 9/8 c. on USA Network.
The Closer- The Closer is about a woman, Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson (played by Kyra Sedgewick), is a police detective working in LA. Her squad is called the Major Crimes Division, so she deals primarily with high profile murder cases. This show will premier on Monday, June 12 on TNT.
Lie to Me- In this show, Cal Lightman and his co-workers in The Lightman Group interpret peoples’ microexpressions through a coding system and body language. Both local and federal law enforcement higher their services, but other people come to them for help as well. This show premiers on Tuesday, June 7th, at 8:00 on Fox.
This summer, I will be watching Royal Pains and Lie to Me. Royal Pains will be in its second season and Lie to Me will be in its third season. I don’t like to watch too much television during the summer because I’d rather be outside, but these shows are worth watching. I have watched all of these shows and I think they are all very good. Don’t spend all your time this summer watching television!
Photo courtesy of Google Images.
Categories: Entertainment, News Tags: burn notice, lie to me, royal pains, summer television shows, the closer, usa network | No comments
Author:
Nurdidagen Dilangalen, June 1st, 2010
Pacquiao assures poeple that he can manage his political career whilst being a professional boxer. Photo courtesy of telegraph.co.uk
Everybody loves a winner and Manny Pacquiao is a champion. He is currently the best “pound-per-pound” boxer, and has a record of 51 wins (38 of which were knock outs) and only 3 losses. Pacquiao is now considered one of the highest paid athletes, and is one of the best boxers in history. As of now, he will be starting a new fight in the Philippine political arena.
Yes, the best “pound-per-pound” boxer, is now officially involved in Philippine politics. Pacquiao is not a stranger to Philippine politics. He previously ran in 2007 for the Congressional seat in the first district of South Cotabato (located in Mindanao, Philippines 3rd largest island) but lost to the incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio. Originally, he never intended to run for a congressional seat but many local leaders urged him to run. Again this year, he tried to run for a Congressional seat in his wife’s district of Sarangani (also in Mindanao) and had a landslide victory. He garnered 120,000 votes while his opponent only received 60,000 votes. Pacquiao ran under the banner of the “Nacionalista Party” and the “People’s Champ Movement.” He will succeed Erwin L. Chiongbian, whose family ran a political dynasty for thirty years in Sarangani.
Many people are hopeful that he will do everything in his power to be a good leader. One question that many critics are asking is “what about Mayweather?” After being accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, Pacquiao wants retribution, one problem looms though, now his time is divided between politics and his boxing career. Many critics say that he will have a hard time managing both, and an even tougher time fighting Mayweather if he neglects his training. Though it is too early to tell, it is already clear that Manny has to choose between boxing and politics. He has already confirmed the November 2010 blood testing for his fight next year with Mayweather. This will become problematic for him because he cannot devote his full attention to boxing or politics. Without a doubt, Pacquiao is a national figure with the charm, charisma, and influence, which allows him to rally the masses. Though he has no prior experience in politics, he promises to bring the fight against corrupt politicians and change the deteriorated image of Philippine politics.
Categories: News Tags: Chiongban, Congressman, Darlene Antonino-Custodio, Manny Pacquiao, May 2010 Philippine Elections, Mayweather, Mindanao, Nacionalista Party, People's Champ Movement, Philippine Politics, Political Dynasty, Sarangani, South Cotabato | No comments
Author:
Nurdidagen Dilangalen, June 1st, 2010
Bungie Promises that "HALO: REACH" will be the piece de resistance of the "Halo" franchise. Photo courtesy of revolver360.wordpress.com.
The Halo series is perhaps one of the most quintessential games for any owners of the Xbox and the Xbox 360. Originally released by Bungie in 2000, it is one of the longest running games for the aforementioned game platforms. Since 2000, the series has seen many sequels and spin-offs. In total, there are 5 released games under the Halo series. This fall, fans of the title will be delighted when Halo: Reach, the latest installment for the series, will be released.
Halo: Reach is the newest addition to the Halo series and takes place before the events of Halo 1. In the game, players are introduced to Noble Team, a squad of Spartan III’s. Spartans are the genetically modified soldiers of man. In the game players will take control of Noble Six, a Spartan III replacement for Noble Team. So far the game has been met with many speculations and many of the game’s critics are skeptical about Halo Reach saying that the halo series has no more replay value. Judgment day finally came when the Beta was released.
The game was put to the test when the Beta (the multiplayer preview for the game where players were able to test it) was released on May 1, 2010. The only way to obtain the beta is through the purchase of Halo 3: ODST, where each case contained an invitation and a code. So far, many players are pleased with the game especially with the new features that separate Halo Reach from its predecessors.
One of the defining features of the game is the different abilities player could use during the game. Some of these are armor lock, in which players become invisible in exchange for mobility. Another interesting feature is the sprint and jetpack, whereby players can run faster and fly around the map. More so, the developers have retailored the game engine to heighten the action. Now there can be up to 32 “AI” controlled characters at any given location trying to kill you. For fans that wished for a wider array of weapons, the developers have upgraded the weapons of the previous Halo titles and added more weapons to the existing selection. Some of the additional weapons are the DMR, the Light Machine Gun (LMG), the Needle rifle, and the Beam rifle.
Ultimately, the Bungie has become more ambitious in their pursuit to create the ultimate Halo experience. It is too early to discern whether Halo Reach would accomplish this dream or crumble in its own hubris. The only clear matter is that Bungie is shaping the game to be the pinnacle for the Halo series.
Categories: Entertainment, News Tags: Bungie, Covenant, Fall, gaming, Halo, Halo: ODST, Halo: Reach, Halo: Reach Beta, Microsoft, Noble Six, Noble Team, September, Spartan III, UNSC, Xbox, Xbox 360 | No comments
Author:
Matt, May 24th, 2010
My mother first taught me to bake when I was almost seven years old and have loved to bake ever since. Recently, I have not had that much time to make anything. Banana bread is one of my favorite snacks and it is pretty easy to make and not very time consuming: perfect for a busy teenager! I wanted to give other teens, or anyone who likes to bake or likes tasty snacks for that matter, a cheap and effective way of feeding themselves with something that is not total junk food! The cool part of the recipe is that all of the ingredients can be found around this house, given that one of your parents cooks. Over the weekend, I had some friends over along with my immediate family and with the spare time I had, decided that I wanted to bake something finally!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons (or just one stick) of unsalted butter, at room temp
- 2 eggs
- 3 bananas
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder and baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325˚ F. Pam or butter a baking pan.
- Mix sugar and butter in a big mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs, beat well.
- In a different bowl, mash bananas. Mix in the milk and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In the large mixing bowl, blend all the other mixtures, mixing thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into the baking pan and bake for one hour. Add ten minutes if not cooked all the way.
Turnout:
I served the banana bread with honey and vanilla ice cream. It was a huge success! Junior Michael Wan said, “this was probably one of the best desserts I have had, and it seems really easy to make!” It was easy to make, there is almost no effort that the baker has to put in. With just some household items, someone can make a tasty desert to impress some friends or feed themselves, in just six easy steps!
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