PC PHOBIA - Is the PC as a gaming platform dead?

It got me wondering. I mean, I'm not spending as much time with my PC as I used to. I admit that I find myself buying more games for my console than for PC. If a game releases on multiple platforms, I will most likely get the console version, preferable for xbox 360. To put it in short, I mostly prefer consoles to PCs. But it got me thinking - what does the future hold for computers as a gaming platform? Are we going to accustom computers with offices and consoles with homes?

I don't blam you if you are thinking the same. I mean, the PC graphics are oh-so last-generation, even if you do own a decent gaming rig. For the half that you spend on your PC, you will most likely find a top-of-the-line next generation console. And should I start about the next-gen graphics in consoles and HDTVs? Sure, that will soon change when Direct X 10 graphics cards hits Bangladesh, but come on, are you kidding me? Is anyone willing to cough up $500 just for a graphics card when you can get the wlite xbox 360 just for $480?

Then there isn't the hassle of ensuring that your system meets the requirements to play the game, just pop the disk inside your console and start playing - even no installation required! Unlike PCs, you don't have to constantly upgrade your consoles meaning that your "investment" won't get obsolete by the next year or just six months from now.

Besides, the analog controller in consoles is more fun to play with than a standard "keyboard and mouse" setup. Couple that with rumble and motion sensing support and you know what I mean.

Then there is the achievements in X360 and ps3 - the main reason why I bother to stick with single player games on consoles - bragging to your friends of your gamerscore is a truly satisfying experience. Now why don't we see that on PCs?

xbox live for 360 is, I believe, one of the greatest online multiplayer experiences avaialable at the moment. I know there is multiplayer support in Pcs, but it has to be more streamline. Games for Windows live is nothing but a flop. Look at consoles, ther are no viruses, spywares, adwares or crashes to deal with. And now you can browse the internet with consoles!

Heck, you even get to watch DVDs/HD-DVDs/Blu-Ray discs on consoles any experience "next-generation entertainment", which is expensive to do so on computers. And then you have to ensure that all your hardware is HDCP compliant or its standard definition or even no movies at all for you!

Now don't get me wrong. I've been using PCs since way-back 1995. But something needs to be done to help promote PCs as a gaming platform. The "Games for Windows live" and "one-click game installation" in Vista is one step forward in the right direction by microsoft. Sure, the PC is not entirely doomed and excels in certain areas. You cannot get the fast and twitchy gunplay in consoles as in PCs. And a true RTS experience is only possible on computers. But the point is that something needs to be done for this waning platform - and SOON - because consoles are quickly catching up.

Mushfiqur Rahman

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Weather Alert Radios - Why Every Home and Business Should Own One

One of the most important factors in survival of a weather related disaster is early awareness of severe weather conditions, their current location, and expected path of travel. Although weather alert radios have been available for quite some time, the technologies and tower locations have been much improved in recent years. Most of population of the united States can receive these transmissions using a weather alert radio.

A weather alert radio is a receiving device that monitors radio transmissions from The national weather Service. When a weather alert is broadcast for a particular area or region, the weather alert radio will automatically announce the alert so that listeners are aware of and can prepare for the event.

In the event of tornadoes and flash floods, a few minutes of early warning from a weather alert radio can minimize both serious injuries and loss of lives. Even hurricanes that are tracked for days or weeks can contain tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, damaging hail, and rapid flooding. In fact, most loss of life during hurricanes historically has been from flooding, not the wind event.

Weather alert radios are available in many styles, shapes and sizes to accommodate the different needs associated with severe weather. There are desktop models, hand held models that are built into 2 way radios, and even portable, crank powered models. Most are modestly priced, and anyone should be able to find one that they can afford. Some models will receive additional alerts such as Amber alerts, chemical spills, emergency action notifications, 911/local system outages and even terrorist attacks. Many newer models have SAME (Specific area Messaging Encoding) system specifications and can be programmed to announce only in specific areas related to their location.

Every home and business should have a predetermined plan for natural disasters, and should review and practice their plan often. Employing a weather alert radio is an integral part of the plan that will allow the additional time needed in order to enact the plan for an otherwise unannounced major weather event.

Jeffery Hunt is Co-Owner of Rhinohorn Sales, LLC, and http://www.weatherprepared.com - a retail website offering products and information regarding weather related disater preparation. Products include weather Alert radios, Survival Kits, 2 Way radios, emergency Flashlights, and accessories.

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The Purpose of Yoga - A Formula for Santosha (Contentment)

So, how can we bottle Santosha? Contentment seems to slip through our fingers, and we cannot hold onto it for long. Is there a formula for being happy?

One method is to wake up every day and give thanks for what you have. Everyone has something to be grateful for. You can focus on it first thing in the morning, and thank God for what you do have. You can also thank yourself for the accomplishments you have made.

Releasing anger works for many people, but you have to be careful how you do it. Obviously, telling everyone off, will reduce your number of friends, but anger is a natural emotion, even if it is not justified.

You could write everything down, which makes you angry. All of your bad feelings could go onto a piece of paper. Sleep on it, and after you have come to grips with it, you can burn it or shred it. Now, you can calmly and rationally deal with the issue or speak to the person, who has caused your rage.

Some people privately roll their car windows up and scream at the top of their lungs, on the way to work, or on the way home. A friend of mine swore his blood pressure would drop, as a result of this method. Regardless, pent up hostility should be released safely, privately, and carefully. The car should never be used as a tool for road rage.

To forgive others will release a tremendous burden from you. Holding in anger is much like walking around, with the weight of the world, on your shoulders. You can forgive others for your own health, and you will find Santosha.

Copyright 2007 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.

To receive a Free yoga e-book: "yoga in practice," and a Free yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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