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

Germs On Yoga Mats

Weight Machines or Free Weights?

Which is safer - using exercise equipment that stabilizes the weight for you or free weights, such as dumbbells and barbells? Would it surprise you to know that some weight machines can place a lot of stress on the discs of your vertebrae, stress which could injure your low back? Let's take a look.

Oftentimes when people join a healthclub, they are shown the weight machines, which are usually set up in a circuit where you can go from one machine to another. These people are often new to working out and sometimes a little older, as well.

The common thought is that these machines are easier and thus safer, because you don't have to stabilize and balance the weights, like you do with a dumbbell. There are a couple flaws in this thinking, however. First, pushing and pulling a weight while seated can place a lot of pressure on your discs.

Studies done in the 70's looked at different positions and how much pressure was placed on the spine. Sitting resulted in more pressure than standing. The position that resulted in the highest overall stress - sitting while holding weights. This created more pressure than standing and doing different exercises.

Think of how many healthclub exercises place you in a seated position while pushing or pulling a weight. Think of how many exercisers doing this are baby boomers and seniors, thinking that this is safer. How many of these people have probably had some previous back injury which could be irritated or reinjured?!

Makes you think that those free weights aren't so bad after all, doesn't it. This doesn't mean that these people should be attempting to pick up heavy barbells off the floor, but they should be doing more strength training on their feet.

after all, most people who need increased strength to make their activities of daily living easier, should be doing some strength or resistance training in a standing position, as this will have greater carryover to their activities.

One way of doing this, besides using dumbbells, is using weight machines with cables that allow you to push and pull while standing. This makes sure that your "core" - your abs, low back, and hips - can stabilize your spine, obviously very important to prevent back injuries.

These exercises can also be done with resistance bands, which are cheap, portable, and can be used at home, if desired. Doing strength training in this way is also more efficient as you work your midsection at the same time as you work your upper body, unless you enjoy spending more time exercising than you have to.

By the way, which gym exercise puts the most stress on the discs? The leg press. Many people load up as many weight plates as they can to strengthen their legs. But often, the pelvis comes off the support pad while lowering the weight and all that weight is going through your L5-S1 disc, enough stress to create injury at times.

I've heard therapist paul Chek talk about more than a few bodybuilders who have blown a disc in this manner. Just keep that in mind while lifting weights - build strength without causing injury, but don't create more strength in your legs than you can stabilize with your core.

Brian Morgan is a strength and conditioning specialist and massage therapist. For more information on posture, mobility and flexibility training, go to http://www.brianmorganfitness.com

Freeyogameditation

Wakeboarding Tricks

When it comes to wakeboarding, some riders are always a cut above the rest. Others make small ripples while others take on the challenges of billowing waves. Surely though, most riders dream of becoming the latter. If you are one of these, then you better start working on your wakeboarding tricks immediately. From achieving the perfect heelside blinds to completing fruit loops, there are just too many wakeboard tricks to choose from. All youve got to do is work the one which challenges you the most.

The most diverse wakeboard tricks set of all consists of the heelside blinds. This is a combination of jumps and mid air spins. This ranges from 80 degree movements to the much coveted 540. The best thing about this trick is that anyone can take on it step by step until they reach the latter. Generally, it involves jumping off the wake, taking a spin and landing on the wake once again. When it comes to the hillside wakeboard ticks, all you need to learn are specific moves which define whether the spin you made qualifies as a 189, 3690, 8o or others.

You may also want to try out the wakeboard trick called 911. To do this, you must cut in normal after going heelside. after that, put more weight n your toe side. after that, you must stand tall and just let the wake take you off. Once you get through the jump, throw your legs back to feel like you are flying. You must make sure that your body is flat so that you feel greater sensations. after that, hold the position for a while and then return to your normal stance by landing on the wakeboard.

Air Raleys are also perfect wakeboard tricks to master. To do this, you must stand taller as you try to come off the wake. While the wake speeds on water, try edging through it progressively. To make sure the whole wakeboard trick works, make sure that you keep your head up and look at the boat. This will keep you from over rotating. after all these are done, its time for you to extend your arms and start pulling the handle up and down.

On the other hand, Bel air is the trick to boot when it comes to water back flips. Here, the whole trick is actually reliant on the speed that the wake is running. Once the wakeboard has generated enough speed, throw a back flip. Making sure that you start and the edge of the wake is crucial in this trick.

There are more tricks in store for the wakeboard daredevil in you. What you have read here are but a mere fraction of all the possibilities that the sport holds for you. With a little determination and a lot of practice, you will be able to exhibit the finest wakeboard tricks in as easy as 1- 2- 3. Try it now and experience ultimate sporting sensation through the best wakeboard tricks.

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