While I was driving home one night, I was stopped at a traffic light and began to imagine what life would be like without the many electronic conveniences we enjoy. Hmm…

As a Floridian, we are accustomed to losing power due to tropical storms and hurricanes, which tends to annoy us by living without such things as air conditioning and television, as well as the loss of food maintained in the refrigerator. Schools close in such situations and are often converted to shelters. Other than this, life basically goes on as usual, but what if it turned into a permanent condition? What if some sort of electronic virus infiltrated all of our computers, phones, and other electronic gadgetry, and somehow shut them all done?

Our first concern would be whether our military could continue to defend our country effectively, that our hospitals could properly function, and that we could feed the populace adequately. It would be like the premise used in the movie, “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” except it would be for an extended period of time. Assuming we could accommodate these situations though, what would life be like without electronics?

For starters, you might think that automobile traffic would snarl up as all of our traffic lights would be out of commission. Inevitably, traffic cops would have to be dispatched to key intersections and we would actually get some intelligent traffic control in place (better than the preprogrammed lights). For minor intersections, we would have to start practicing basic driving courtesy again and, God forbid, cooperate with and respect other drivers. I suspect traffic accidents and fatalities would actually go down.

So far, so good.

If televisions and computers were knocked out, people would be forced to read, write and speak again. Kids would have to come out of their caves and into the sunlight, pick up a ball and get a little exercise and socialize. We would all still be craving some form of entertainment and, because of this, you might see more picnics, concerts in the park, and other civic functions. Attendance at school functions, such as the PTA and SAC, would be stimulated, and parents would become actively involved in the welfare of their children again. Participation in other nonprofit groups would undoubtedly flourish as well. Basically, our socialization skills would improve and we would become more conscious of our civic duties.

As mentioned, food would be a problem; we would have to learn to shop more frequently and prepare meals differently, and we would have to learn the lost art of baking and cooking. No doubt, we would miss all of those highly nutritious microwave meals and snacks. “What, no more Hot Pockets??!”

We would become healthier as we would have more time for exercise and play games like tennis, golf, softball, or whatever without Wii. This should cause health insurance rates to go down.

Since computers would be out of commission, the unemployment rate would go down because we would need more clerical people for such things as filing, typing, preparing graphics, processing orders, etc.

Our personal debt would probably go away as we would be unable to process credit cards and, as such, we would be wiser in the use of our cash.

Our sex lives would improve as evidenced by the power outages of New York. The only downside is it would probably result in a population explosion if we don’t properly promote birth control.

Due to a change in our diet and having to be forced to improve our socialization skills, maybe we can finally get people off of drugs like Prozac, Xanax, and Valium.

And finally, the cost of living would go down as we are no longer having to pay for all of the electronic luxuries we are accustomed to.

All of this illustrates our addiction to electronics and their manipulative powers. Life would be cheaper, more healthy, and perhaps more industrious, but it would certainly not be as fast-paced or complicated than what we are familiar with, but then again, would this be a problem?

Maybe the rallying cry would be a variation of John Lennon’s song, “Imagine” -

“Imagine no cell phones, it’s easy if you try, no PC’s or TV’s, above us, only sky.

Imagine all the people, living life in peace.”

Yes sir, the best thing that could happen to this country is to have a virus that knocked out our technology…

Then the light changed, I snapped out of it, and drove home.

Keep the faith!

About The Author

Tim Bryce is a writer and management consultant located in Palm Harbor, Florida.

http://www.phmainstreet.com/timbryce.htm

He can be contacted at: timb001@phmainstreet.com

Copyright © 2009 Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Technorati Tags: Wii Games

Today you can get instant access to watching satellite TV on your PC but is it all as good as they say. These are how to watch satellite & cable TV on your PC FREE – Tips

NEGATIVES:

For some shows I watch such as my favourite live sport show you have to get it set up 10- 15 minutes beforehand otherwise you not going to get as good of a feed.

As this is not a paid TV cable or satellite service there is buffering involved which means you might have to wait under a minute or two before you can watch a particular program.

Depending on the speed of your computer, if it is a dial up I probably wouldn’t advise you to consider this.

POSITIVES:

Over 3000 STATIONS on your PC or Laptop for a one time low fee. That means you can stop paying for high-priced cable or satellite services! Watch LIVE Games (even the games that are not shown elsewhere) – With this software!

There are no subscriptions needed and no recurring charges and the picture is DVD quality.

The choices you get are sports such as ESPN, news, movies, music, weather, kids channels, educational, shopping, clips plus radio stations and much, much more. It works anywhere in the world with no need to buy extra hardware equipment or a PC TV card because the TV channels are streamed through your internet connection. You just need an Internet connection.

Watch TV in English, Spanish, German, Arabic, French, Italian, Russian, Dutch and more. You may also browse world TV by regions or by country name you do this by choosing a country and watch there TV programs from that country so many to choose from.

They will be adding many more quality stations in the near future such as ESPN 2, MTV USA, HBO, Playboy TV, Pay Per View, + many more.

There is a forum, which helps you out if you have any questions.

MY CONCLUSION:

Satellite TV for your PC is solely I believe up to your computer if you have dial up I wouldn’t recommend it. Otherwise if you don’t mine waiting for the buffering to watch your program and also a one time low fee to watch satellite TV on your PC then its forever free instead of paying recurring charges to watch on your TV this is the way to go.

How To Watch Satellite & Cable TV On Your PC FREE – Tips

About The Author

Tony Pescatore finds and writes helpful information on topics he believes in. To check out how you can watch hundreds of LIVE worldwide channels on your PC, with no subscription payments or any other recurring payments. EVER! go to http://www.tpescatoreproducts.com/Recommends/SatelliteTVForPC/index.html

Technorati Tags: Wii Games

The Latest Mobile Phones
 by: Paul Smith

3G mobile phones, video calling and internet acces have been around for some time now, so what new products are available for the start of 2006?

The latest mobile phone’s are smaller and slimmer than ever before and come crammed with features including 2 megapixel digital cameras and MP3 players.

The thinnest mobile phone around the Motorola RAZR V3, remains a top seller and feature and integrated digital camera, bluetooth and a selection of great games.

Sleek and smooth, the new Panasonic VS6 camera phone has a 16 million colour display to show off the quality snaps taken on its built in 2 megapixel digital camera.

For consumers wanting the latest 3G phone the new Sony Ericsson P990i is a top seller. A high quality video phone including 2 megapixel camera, WiFi, web browser and a QWERTY keyboard.

The Sony Ericsson K750i remains one of the top selling camera phones and includes a 2 megapixel camera with auto focus and flash, FM radio, video recorder, 3D games and high resolution screen.

The worlds first Walkman branded mobile phone the Sony Ericsson W800i is great for downloading and listening to music. A well designed MP3 player and 512Mb memory card combined with the 2 megapixel digital make this phone the perfect choice.

Nokia have a large selection of new handsets available including the N91 mobile jukebox. This stylish mobile phone has room for up to 3,000 of your favourite track along with a 2 megapixel digital camera.

The Nokia N80 is the most advanced Nokia 3G handset ever and includes a 3 megapixel digital camera, MP3 player, games console, mobile office and email. Communicating is made simple with video calling, WiFi connectivity and Bluetooth.

Samsungs popular D500, D600e and X660 mobile phones all feature stylish designs and a packed full of feature sure to appeal to consumers.

Whether the latest handsets packed full of great features or the mobile TV services being offered by 3G providers are the big winners for 2006 it looks set to be a great year for innovations and new products.

All of these mobile phones and more are available online at www.mad4mobilephones.com – a UK mobile phone shop selling the latest handsets at the lowest prices.

About The Author

Paul Smith is a mobile phone expert for www.mad4mobilephones.com – a UK mobile phone shop.

Technorati Tags: Wii Games

Xbox 360 is one of the most selected entertainment tools available in the market and people choose to purchase one for their own or family. The truth is, it is very popular and every release of a new version of gaming box, stores always run out of stock.

There are various types of gaming boxs available in the market that claims to be the best. These companies claim that they promise that with their gaming box, you will have the ultimate gaming experience. This will get most people confused on which is actually the best.

List below are the most famous gaming box manufacturer that are always competing each others:

1. Microsoft – XBox 360.

2. Nintendo – Wii box.

3. Sony – Play Station 3.

These companies claim that their gaming box offers the best quality gaming experience that you will ever have. Here are some facts about these three different gaming boxs and with this guides, you can choose which gaming box is right for you.

XBox 360 offers one of the best features in a gaming box. Microsoft has look all about the needs of consumers in a gaming box. Because of this, they developed and manufactured the Xbox 360 system that has everything you need in a gaming box system. It has wireless controllers, upgradeable hard drive, XBox Live headset to let you chat with your friends when playing online games, WiFi adapter and can also be integrated with the Xbox Live Vision.

There are various selection available in the market to choose like XBox 360 Arcade, XBox 360 and XBox 360 Elite. This is not like others manufacturer offer. You can choose to buy “XBox 360 Arcade” if you just playing the games, it offer the lowers price.

Wii nintendo seems more advanced than others manufacturer . Wii has all the features that equipped on XBox 360 and PS 3. The first thing is Wii comes with the Mii and Photo channels. Players with an Internet connection can also receive the Forecast and News channels at no additional cost. a wireless receiver, which allows you to connect to the Internet without running a cable through the house.

PlayStation 3 ( PS3 ) gaming box can also be equipped with a Wi-Fi. This technology will enable you to connect to the Internet wirelessly and it will be able to give you the capability to play online games along with millions of players worldwide. PS 3 also has Bluetooth wireless controllers available. This means that it can definitely let you have a more enjoyable experience when you play a PS 3 game.PS 3 also has the backward compatibility feature which allows you to play your old PS and PS 2 games in your new PS 3 gaming box.

As you can see, all of gaming box system are closely matched, you will be able to have the best gaming experience of your life with above guidance.For more informative feel free to visit http://www.learn-how-to-play.com.

About The Author

Article was base on author’s experience and knowledge in rc car, gaming, music and blogging would like to share his knowledge and tips.If you would like to learn and to know more feel free to visit http://www.learn-how-to-play and http://fast-electric-rc-cars.blogspot.com

Technorati Tags: Wii Games

Turning 18 years old is exciting for many reasons. You’re legally no longer considered a minor so you’re responsible for yourself lawfully you’re also legally allowed to smoke and drink in the UK and get married without your parents consent. Though whether any 18 year olds would want to get married these days, we’re not sure!

So, in many ways, turning 18 is a passage in to adulthood. You can legally go to the cinema to see scary horror films, you can go for a pint with your mates and you can even move out and live independently. In fact, many 18 year olds go off to university!

So, if your friend or family member is approaching their 18th birthday you could be a bit stumped for what to get them. Don’t worry though, there are loads of brilliant 18th Birthday Gifts out there and we’ll let you know about just a few.

18th birthday gifts

18th birthday gifts are about showing your friend or relative that they’ve reached a special age and telling them you love them. That makes engraved gifts such as a silver heart token with 18 engraved on it or an 18th birthday photo frame perfect 18th birthday gifts.

As many 18 year olds go away to university at that age, it can also be good to get useful 18th Birthday Gifts such as a blue VW Beetle memory stick for them to keep their course work on. It looks cool and funky but is also really functional.

A student could also love a mini pool table with billiards built in to it, for those nights when they have a few beers with friends. What’s more, if they opened that on their 18th birthday during their party they could play with it straight away!

Think about your friend or family member’s lifestyle and taste, you’ll be sure to find some great 18th Birthday Gifts for them.

Throwing parties

If you’re going to set up a celebration for an 18 year old make sure that you’re not too influenced by what would be fun for you. Usually, 18 year olds would rather play computer games together (such as Nintendo Wii games), listen to music and dance to it, drink plenty of booze and eat yummy buffet food than have a sophisticated sit down dinner.

Try to inject plenty of fun and vibrancy in to any party plans you make and keep things light hearted and silly. It can’t hurt to plan in advance when it comes to getting the right venue though, even if that’s your own home. Make sure that the people who live nearby know that there could be some noise late at night and decorate the inside and outside of the house so it’s easy for guests to find. You could use balloons, streamers or even print a sign out using your home computer.

Social networking sites such as facebook and MySpace can make it easier for the 18 year old to invite his or her friends along, but you could always throw a surprise party by speaking to one of their close friends and getting them to send out invites to their mutual contacts. That way you could arrange quite a big surprise party behind your 18 year old’s back! If they didn’t expect a big fuss, that could make their 18th birthday even more wonderful.

Making memories

Remember to take plenty of photographs on the night or get someone else to. An 18th birthday party will be remembered by the birthday person for the rest of their life and having plenty of photos will help them to reminisce. It will also remind them what they love most about parties so that when they plan their 21st or even their 40th birthday party they can use the elements that they love to make their celebration special.

If you’re a parent, you can still bring out a candle-lit cake and sing happy birthday to your 18 year old. You can still take photos of them unwrapping presents and give them a big hug and kiss on their birthday. Just make sure you don’t cramp their style or you’ll hear about it for the rest of the year!

If you decide to throw a party at a venue, you could still have a small ‘after party’ at home and let some guests sleep over. That way the 18 year old who’s birthday it was, could have breakfast with her friends and family the next day and reflect on how much fun everyone had.

For further information, please visit http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

About The Author

Getting Personal offer unique high quality gifts & personalised gifts at affordable prices, delivered quickly and guaranteed with a smile.To explore our range of 18th Birthday Gifts further, please visit our website at http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk.

Technorati Tags: Wii Games

An 11th grader comes home from school and throws his or her backpack onto the floor and immediately jumps into their favorite chair and prepare themselves to transform themselves. A video game collector comes home from a long day of work as he places his brief case on to the floor and grabs a bite to eat before plopping down into his favorite chair to begin a day within a video game wonderland. The 11th grader is no longer a student; he or she is what ever character they want to be in a game. The same goes for the business man; he’s no longer a suit but a character with special powers to conquer their own world. Today’s game technology allows players to role play and become what ever character they desire.

Gone are the days when players of video games had to stay seated or in one spot in order to play a video game. The Nintendo Wii is the most recent video game available to game-aholics. The new Wii game uses a wireless remote rather than the wired game controller.

Unlike the two players per game session, four players can play Wii during a game sequence. This remote makes games much easier to play, even for first-time and inexperienced gamers.

The Game ‘Survey Says’!

When a new game is introduced or is about to be launched into the market, companies choose independent testers who actually play these new games and rate them accordingly. It’s sort of like test driving a vehicle before giving the public their opinion. Although they these companies have professional testers of these games, the true testers are the consumers or children of consumers who play these games day in and day out. Their intention is not to test a game but to have fun playing it and becoming a part of a virtual society unlike the one that they are living in. In the game society, the play can control the out come of their destiny.

Video games of the 21st century are programmed so that the players can envision themselves in the games. This is all made possible due to the wireless remote. So if there is a scene, within a video game, that has a man running and climbing into a helicopter, the player can become engaged and apart of the action or lifestyle of a game.

Older game controls were very basic but they did the job for players. However, today’s video game controls are equipped with built-in speakers; this gives it a surround sound effect. This controller is not limited to the surround sound feature; there are other features as well.

About The Author

Taisha Grant writes about http://www.videogamesbox.com, http://www.videogamesbox.com/Coupons/eToys.html and http://www.videogamesbox.com/Coupons/MadCatzStore.com.html

Technorati Tags: Wii Games

It is helpful to visualize your winter garden as the summer garden stripped back to its bare bones. The importance of attractive and clean lines and clear delineation of space cannot be over emphasized. The plants, structures and walkways which remain after the showy spring blooms are long gone, the perennials and bulbs of summer and fall have been put to bed for the winter season is the true framework of your garden.

The winter garden doesn’t have to be black and white, or even just boring green and brown. It must rely largely on shape and solid structures to demonstrate its basic beauty but can and should also have spots of bright color or whimsical highlights to add visual interest.

Consider the shape and design of your garden shed, for example. Perhaps a miniature pagoda might be suitable, even if it is just a hint of roofline shape to bring Japan to the mind’s eye. Maybe a tiny gingerbread cottage would add just the right touch of whimsy. Through the use of outdoor heating accessories, you may even be able to add another few weeks to your enjoyment of the garden space.

If you prefer to stick with natural plantings rather than a substantial structure, give thought to ornamental evergreens. There are so many colors of green that a winter garden which features a mixture of evergreens in a variety of shapes, sizes and shades of green can be a dramatic focal point.

You can tuck in icicle pansies for a bright bloom of color well into December in most climates. This new breed of the gardener’s favorite color spot flower will bloom in early fall, survive winter’s first frosts, lie dormant during the cold season and bloom again in early spring. These flowers are specially adapted for use in northern climates, but could also be used for brightening your winter garden.

About The Author

Jonathan Coffman is the owner of Always Green Nursery located in Columbia, MO. They are a premium grower of perennial plants to retail and wholesale customers across the country. You can buy plants, seeds, gardening supplies and more from http://www.alwaysgreenursery.com/buy-perennials.

Technorati Tags: Wii Games

Patience is a virtue, and you’re going to have to be pretty virtuous if you’re one of the millions of UK PlayStation Fans awaiting the arrival of the PS3. As if it wasn’t bad enough we had to rewrite our letters to Santa this year (because it now won’t hit our shelves until March), we’re also all going to be green with envy as the web fills up with the usual reviews, cheats, and walkthroughs etc from sites in the States where they will get their hands on the console from November 17th.

Personally, my patience (lost my virtue a long time ago) ran out already, and my craving for HD gaming led me to the XBOX 360. I suspect many others will do the same this Christmas and I don’t blame you. To not release the most hyped console of all time for Christmas has got to be the craziest decision Sony has made (apart from the choice of software packed with their MP3 Walkman – but don’t get me started on that one). It can’t even be based on format because the PS3 will be region free, and you can play any PS3 game on it no matter what part of the world you bought it from.

If you do decide to cut your losses and go for the XBOX 360 you won’t be disappointed, I certainly haven’t been. But you should be aware that in their hurry to steal the HD gaming market, Microsoft left a couple of jobs as ‘work in progress’. Although the list is growing, the XBOX 360 still only plays a handful of original XBOX games. If you’re starting afresh that?s fine, but if you’ve got a hefty back-catalogue of XBOX titles you were planning to play then that?s a real bummer. Backwards compatibility was a target that simply wasn’t reached in time for release and early release was obviously of greater importance to Microsoft than it appears to be for Sony.

However, if you’re a PlayStation purist, or simply do not fancy the XBOX 360 or the Nintendo Wii, then your virtue will be well rewarded. Although I find it difficult to understand some of Sony’s business decisions, I can fully understand the hype surrounding the PS3. It will be without doubt the most powerful domestic games console available, boasting the ‘Cell’ processor, twelve times faster than processors found in top range PC’s. The PS3 will also offer ‘Blue-ray’ technology which Sony are heavily promoting to take over from DVD, as well as offering free ‘out of the box’ online gaming (broadband connection required).

All of this extra ‘oomph’ inevitably comes at a cost, and you should expect to pay more for the prestige of owning such a machine. You’ll also need to keep an eye on game prices too from November and compare them to its rivals, afterall there is no point owning the thing if you have to rob a bank every time you want something to play on it. On the plus side it will play any PS2 or PS1 titles you have tucked away.

Whatever you decide, have a happy Christmas, and keep on gaming !

About The Author

Rob O’Neill is owner of Console Fun, the one stop shop for information on video games consoles including XBOX, XBOX 360, PS1, PS2, PS3, PSP, Nintendo GameCube, Wii, and DS.

http://www.consolefun.co.uk

Technorati Tags: Wii Games

Also this year the long expected E3 Expo ’09 is coming in LA from 2 to 4 June and on the newspapers the first rumors are coming out on what electronic and videogame fans could admire at the LA exhibition.

We begin, however, citing the latest data released last month on consoles sales in the United States dated to April 2009. These data are revolutionizing a bit the preexisting trend, as for the first time the Xbox 360 has surpassed the Playstation 3. The first relevant fact is the decline in console sales, Wii, Xbox, Ps3 all suffered a clear decline in sales, except the new Dsi that is flying in worldwide sales, in fact in a month it has already been sold in more than a million pieces. After comes the Wii, which continues to double sales of the Xbox 360 of Microsoft, which places on third position. Still lagging behind is the Ps3, which also shows a decline, perhaps for the increased interest toward the Nintendo consoles. Still lower, however, are the sales of the Playstation Portable, falling by 31% over the previous year.

A sharp drop is registered also in the sales of video games, with a decline by 17% in April, and this is the second significantly monthly decline. On the one hand, Nintendo with its new handheld console total up a number slightly more than a million consoles sold, on the other hand, the entire game industry sees a major downturn both on the hardware and software sector. The decline is not attributable only to the market crisis, one of the most likely causes seem to be the lack of interesting titles coming out.

But back to the exhibition f Los Angeles, the E3 Expo is the first world fair of computers, videogames and all products related to them. Here you will find every kind of electronic product and also the latest news of this industry. From rewritable CD and DVD, high definition DVD, blu-ray, to the latest news on the world of video games and also the most recent discoveries in the field of computer and electronics. This huge show is organized and produced by ESA (Entertainment Software Association), the U.S. association dedicated to the service of business and strategies of companies, to the publication of interactive games for game consoles, portable devices, handhelds, PC, internet.

Microsoft now is planning a new 3D camera for the Xbox 360, with which users can control the game with the movements of the body, and it will be announced at the E3. with this move, Microsoft aims to offer more intuitive game modes, according to the recent success of Nintendo thanks to is wireless remote “Remote”, but unlike Nintendo, the 3D camera technology from Microsoft will not require to hold in hand any controller. Located next to the TV, it will capture the gestures of the users while they are moving hands, legs or head.

The device should enable to detect even the most complex movements of the user.

As for Sony, the Japanese firm not only will announce the new portable console PSP Go! but, according to some indiscretions, also a new version of the Playstation 3. This, following the same path of the Playstation 2, will have a smaller size and probably will be provided in a different finish. Since for a few days in North America the first controllers Dual Shock 3 have appeared in white, it is not wrong to think that the new PS3 could be right white.

There are also strong rumors that several games, long expected, will be launched in conjunction with the fair. An edition really not to miss and to watch carefully for all the lovers of this sector.

About The Author

By Martina Meneghetti with support from http://www.masterixweb.com/ for any information, please visit http://www.masterixweb.com/NINTENDO_ACCESSORI_MODIFICA_ESTERNA_PER_NINTENDO_DS___DS_LITE_SUPERCARD_SUPER_ONE_SLOT_1.1.13.72.gp.594.-1.uw.aspx or for insurance visit http://www.masterixweb.com/PS2_ACCESSORI_PS2_SWAP_MAGIC_3_6___SLIDE_CARD___SLIM_TOOL_TAPPINI.1.13.66.gp.320.-1.uw.aspx

Technorati Tags: Wii Games

Home Security Systems – Protecting Against More Than Just Break-Ins
 by: Arthur Wright

When most people think of monitoring their home security system they think primarily about its ability to alert the police of a break-in. What they aren’t aware of is the lesser know capabilities of the modern alarm system, which is environmental monitoring

For example: you can monitor the amount of carbon monoxide that is present in your home. Smoke Detectors, water level sensors and low temperature devices can also be monitored by home security systems. Although monitoring of these devices is becoming more popular it will be some time before it becomes a regular feature of every system.

News accounts have helped push the awareness of these capabilities. Every time there focus is placed on the effects of radon gas or other dangers such as fires in the home there is an increase demand for this type of monitoring.

Unfortunately it takes a tragedy to motivate most people to take action. Adding environmental monitoring devices to a new security system or existing ones is relatively simple. Once installed, the alarm system is programmed to make an audible sound or silent alarm depending on what type of device is being monitored.

If you have a low temperature sensor to prevent freezing pipes you wouldn’t want the siren blasting you out of bed in the middle of the night but you would want to know if there is too much carbon monoxide in your home.

For those who are aware of the full capabilities of an alarm system it may come down to the cost issue whether or not to add extra equipment. Although cost is a valid concern one should also consider all the risks involved.

A break-in takes a human and a conscience decision to target a particular house. Where as fires and other acts of nature are not so discriminating. Think about all of the things that run on electric in a home. Any one of them has the potential for starting a fire.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not talking about spontaneous combustion but normal wear and tear to the electrical cords etc. A fire or a flooding basement can damage an entire house costing many thousands of dollars. A break-in on the other hand is less likely to reach the same level of damage

When put into this perspective it’s not as hard to justify the cost of the equipment versus the potential risk you can avoid. Check with your insurance agent to see what discounts they give for monitoring your home security system.

About The Author

Arthur Wright has more than 15 years experience in the home security industry. Learn more by clicking here www.cornerstonesecurityservices.com.

Technorati Tags: Wii Games