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Displaying Results 1 - 119 (of 119) for All Content
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Why Gamers Still Don't Get ArtThe American Art Museum pays lip service to games as art with its Art of Video Games exhibition, but the topic of games as art is more complicated than a single gallery can address.
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Sex and Gender Issues in the World of Video Game CultureLike other media, video games do not equally represent the demographics of their consumers. This article is a look at the issues the industry and its constituents have with gender representation and game diversity. -
A Bright Future Ahead for Video Games and GamingFew mediums have become as influential as video games in such a short span of time. Here are some thoughts on where gaming will go in the future, and why we should be excited about what's coming.
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Wishlist for the Next Generation of Game ConsolesThe Xbox 360, Wii and Playstation 3 are great consoles, but they could be better. Here are my suggestions for features to add or mistakes to avoid in the next generation of consoles.
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Better Than Ever: What Players Want From Video Game SequelsShould a video game sequel break new ground? Iterate on the original? Offer the same thing with different graphics? Why every player wants different things from their beloved sequels--and why that often harms the games.
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How to Remake a Video GameHollywood and the gaming industry have a lot in common--including a penchant for remakes and reboots of existing franchises. Here's a look at the best video game remakes and potential pitfalls.
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On Video Game Civility, and Being a Kinder GamerOne thing that often turns of players from participating in video games is the harsh environment online. Here's a look at how it happens and what can be done about it.
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The Best Video Games with the Best MusicA look at five games with some of the best music in video gaming -
End of Amanda Knox Saga Is Best for Knox, Sollecito and Kercher's FamilyAmanda Knox and her former boyfriend were acquitted in an appeals courts of the brutal 2007 murder of roommate Meredith Kercher, possibly ending a years-long legal process that captured the attention of the world press. -
Star Trek History: Making the Undiscovered CountryAfter the commercial and critical disappointment of "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier", Paramount went ahead with plans for one more film with the original crew of the USS Enterprise, "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country". -
Valve's Action-RTS Dota 2 and the IceFrog Success StoryValve Software's upcoming "Dota 2" not only looks to be an excellent translation of the aging "Defense of the Ancients" mod, but proves the continuing viability of small-time modders and developers as the next big game designers. -
Play Legacy Video Games on Modern MacsAn overview of why modern technology doesn't support old games, and how to get some of your favorite games to work on your brand-new OS X Mac computers. -
Final Cut Pro X Review: Growing Pains and an Unsatisfying StartA detailed review of the changes of Apple's new Final Cut Pro X version, and a look at the backlash from editors into some of its contested features. -
The Battle of Hardcore and Casual GamersHardcore gamers often feel threatened by the proliferation of casual gaming. But more people playing more games is good for everyone.
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The Perils and Profits of the Video Game TrailerAs video games have become hugely popular and lucrative entertainment properties, the amount spent marketing them has skyrocketed. What appears in video game trailers, however, can often be controversial when selling the game.Also published on: -
Apple Announces Final Cut Pro X: ImpressionsAt the 2011 National Association of Broadcasters Apple unveiled the newest version of their popular nonlinear editing program, Final Cut X. Read on to see what's changed and how editing just got more fun. -
Great Overshadowed Video Games You'd ForgottenMany great games have been lost in time, and lots of players don't realize how much they owe these old gems for the state of video gaming today. A look at these games and which ones were overshadowed. -
The Next Great Console War: Nintendo 3DS Vs. the iPodApple's iPods and iPhones have unexpectedly carved a new niche out of the handheld gaming scene. A look at how the world of portable gaming has changed, and how Nintendo plans to keep the iPod at bay.
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Star Trek History: Making The Final FrontierCaptain Kirk (William Shatner) took the helm to direct Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989); it was a critical and commercial disappointment that nearly killed the franchise. A look at the trials and troubled production of the film.
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The Future of Mac GamingHistorically, the Macintosh platform has been home to very few video game options, but that may be changing.
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Protect Your Mac with Preventative Maintenance: OS X Repair and CleanupMake your Mac run faster, work more reliably, and prevent issues from cropping up. The time you spend safeguarding your computer means a longer, happier time with your Mac; this article shows how.
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Why Good TV Shows Get CancelledEven if a television show has decent ratings or is praised by critics, it often ends up being cancelled by the networks. The current way of making television shows is hurting the entertainment industry.
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Video Game History: Halo 2The award-winning and critically acclaimed sequel to Halo: Combat Evolved broke sales records on release, but it suffered delays, disappointments and a massive development crunch. A look at the behind-the-scenes history of Halo 2.
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The Worst Video Game Movie AdaptationsHollywood has a knack for turning exciting video games into boring or just plain bad movies. Here's a look at five of the worst.
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Losing with Grace: Defeat, Incentives, and Multiplayer Dynamics of StarCraft IIThe popular PC real-time strategy game StarCraft II is a microcosm of the gaming world, where game companies vye for player's continued attention and multiplayer options are more than just a fun afterthought, but the soul of a competitive game.
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ABC's Castle, and Three Ways TV Crime Dramas Can ImproveTo examine ABC's "Castle", starring Nathan Fillion, is to use the show as an example of the best (and occasionally worst) elements of the police procedurals and dramas currently on television.
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 Review: Trouble in PottervilleThe first part of the blockbuster Harry Potter finale is making big box office numbers; too bad that it's not worth the money Harry Potter fans have thrown at it.
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Ranking the First Six "Harry Potter" FilmsBefore the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows film adaptation is released, catch up on the highs and lows of the film series; this article ranks all six films 2001-2009 from best to weakest.Also published on:
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A Tale of Two DotAs: Valve Software's DotA 2 and the Action-RTSWith the announcement of the official sequel to one of the most successful mods in the world, Defense of the Ancients (DotA) is poised to become the next great game genre if it came break out into the mainstream.
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Top First-Person Shooter Games Holiday 2010/2011This fall and winter, a bevy of AAA first-person shooter titles are coming out for console and PC. A look at some of the best bets for late 2010 and early 2011.
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StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Review: The Unfinished Video Game StoryStarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is a great step forward for a beloved video game, but its story falls apart. An analysis of the game with an eye towards its plot and themes.
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Video Great Games I Hate that Others LoveIn the world of video games, there are many games that were critical darlings but I can't stand. Here's my list of the top five games and why they don't deserve the praise.
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The Uncertain Future of Movie Reviewing, Marketing, and the Film CriticEveryone seems aware that film critics are a dying, or at least an endangered, breed'"especially the critics themselves. It begs the question: do we need film critics? And if so, what's going to happen to them in the Internet Age?
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The Future of the Personal ComputerWith the rise of laptops, cellphones, and tablet computers, the age of the desktop personal computer may be ending'"or is it? A look at trending topics in technology and the shifting we in how we interact with our gadgets.
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Classic Science Fiction Television PlotsScience Fiction series of the past sixty years have developed a series of tried-and-true iterative plots. Here's a rundown on some of the most common premises in your favorite shows.
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The Public Domain, Fan Fiction, and Jane Austen: Literary Re-appropriationThere has been an increasing trend on capitalizing on copyrighted and out-of-copyright works in the literary world-is this a good trend for media?
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Facebook & Your Privacy: What's ChangedFacebook has recently pledged to greater respect its users privacy, and has rolled out new settings to help people control what information is shown to whom. An overview of what has changed.
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Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) and the Computing InnovatorsMany of our modern technologies have their origins at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC). A look at how PARC changed the face of computing.
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Music, Media, and Piracy: Ethics and Legality of Consumer ChoiceA look at current trends in piracy, what media companies are doing to stop it, and the discrepancy between laws and sensibility.
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Vaporware: The Greatest Video Games Never MadeDeveloping a major video game is a long and expensive process. Sometimes, products fail to materialize, and are often dubbed "vaporware." The industry is filled with sad tales of unfinished products; here are some of the most famous.
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Lost and Forgotten Superhero Movies of the 1990sLong before successful films like Spider-Man reignited the superhero movie craze, there were plenty of forgotten gems and failures. Here's a look back at the superhero films of the 1990s.
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The History of the First-Person Shooter Video GameThe biggest video game blockbusters of the past decade--games like Halo and Call of Duty--have been first-person shooters (FPS). This article traces the history and evolution of this game genre.
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A Comparison of Affordable Gaming LaptopsGaming on the road is difficult; gaming on a budget even more so. This is a list of five gaming-ready laptops and the affordability of each one.
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The Perils of Technology Overload: How Much is Too Much?Is modern society too dependent on technology? How do we know if we're too connected, or is that really a bad thing at all? Scientists and pundits are divided on what our computer-driven future has in store.
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Black, White and Wet All Over: Heavy Rain Video Game ReviewA review of the 2010 neo-noir Playstation 3 exclusive video game Heavy Rain.
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The Poor Filmmaker's Guide to Special Effects, Sound, and Making a Great MovieWith the advent of cheap digital cameras, it's possible for novice filmmakers to make a quality film for virtually no budget. Here's a quick guide to everything you'll need, including special effects tricks.
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Video Games, Retroactive Continuity (Retcon), and Canon in the World of Fluid InteractivityRetroactive continuity or retcons are a long-established way for franchise creators to streamline or modify existing elements of their established story canon, but as this article explains, the video game medium offers different challenges.
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The Worst Movie Cliches, And How They Hurt EntertainmentFilm cliches are so pervasive we sometimes don't even realize what we are watching is entirely divorced from reality. This doesn't just mean we get sub-par entertainment--our acceptance of stereotyped conventions hurts us and our entertainment.
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Space Cowboys: Mass Effect 2 Video Game ReviewA look at the 2010 role-playing video game by BioWare, the highly-anticipated Mass Effect 2. Is it a worthy sequel to its predecessor, and what can players expect?
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The Biggest Technological Revolutions Happening NowTechnology is quickly changing, and these three rapidly-developing technologies are having an impact on our daily lives. A look at how far we've come, and where we're going.
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Ten of Apple's Biggest FailuresApple is known for its stylish products, ease of use, and devoted following, but even among the smash hits it has had over the years, it's still made its fair share of mistakes; here is a list of ten of their biggest flops and failures.
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Underhyped: Angels & Demons Film ReviewA retrospective review of the 2009 film adaptation of Dan Brown's symbology and Illuminati conspiracy Angels & Demons; free from the glare of hype, this movie does everything it's supposed to-and more.
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The Top Five Highlights and Technologies at the Consumer Electronics Show 2010A look at some of the coolest and most important devices, peripherals and technologies that were shown at the 2010 CES.
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Star Trek History: Making The Voyage HomeThe production of the fourth Star Trek feature, The Voyage Home (1986), the most popular film yet and one that traded the confines of a futuristic space ship for our own backyard-20th century San Francisco.
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Allison Stokke, John Seigenthaler and Wikipedia: Managing Notoriety in the Age of the InternetWhat the implications of the editable internet mean for longstanding and accidental celebrities, and what moral responsibilities content providers like Wikipedia have in regards to how this information is presented.
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Halo Evolutions: Essential Tales of the Halo Universe Book ReviewA review of Halo Evolutions, a recently-released short story compilation featuring work by Eric Nylund, Tobias Bucknell, Fred Van Lente, Eric Raab and more, all set in the Halo science fiction universe.
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Video Game History: Halo: Combat EvolvedA look at how the bestselling Xbox game and killer app, Halo: Combat Evolved, almost didn't get made; and how the game changed shooter video games forever.
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Chicxulub Crater and the Death of the Dinosaurs65 million years ago a massive asteroid plunged into Earth and caused the dinosaur's extinction. This is a history of the people who discovered the massive impact that irrevocably changed our world forever.
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A History of Software Piracy and Video GamesA look at the history of software piracy as it relates to the video game industry, and how the rapid pace of technology has changed how developers interact-and trust-their players.
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Edward Drinker Cope, Othniel Charles Marsh and the Great Dinosaur Bone WarsHow a personal rivalry between two great scientists spilled over into a decades-long fossil prospecting feud that changed the face of paleontology forever.
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Noetic Science and the True Power of the Human MindAn overview of the history of metaphysical and human potential theories such as noetic science and the evidence (or lack thereof) that supports them.
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Why Wikipedia Has SucceededWhy despite continuing issues, Wikipedia has continued to attract readers and editors, and how it has proved both conservative conventional wisdom and the Web 2.0 fantasy wrong.
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Star Trek History: Making The Search for SpockThe behind-the-scenes story about how first-time director Leonard Nimoy set out to resurrect Spock and continue the Star Trek film franchise, creating the 1984 epic space opera about duty, honor, life, and death.
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Filmmaking for Cheap; The Digital Video RevolutionA look at how the digital revolution has changed filmmaking, and what that means for aspiring filmmakers with lots of ideas, but not a lot of cash.
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9 Old Computer Uses: Don't Throw Old Tech Away, Reuse It!Have you upgraded to a new computer and are unsure what to do with the old one? Here's a list of things to do with your old or outdated personal computers.
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Star Trek History: Making The Wrath of KhanThe production of The Wrath of Khan (1982), from its beginnings to release and legacy; and how the film became the greatest Star Trek movie made.
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Star Trek History: Making The Motion PictureHow the first Star Trek feature film, 1979's The Motion Picture, was made, from designs to production to special effects--and the difficulties the crew had to endure on and off-screen.
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The Cash4Gold ScamWhy if you're looking for a good price on your old jewelry, Cash4Gold isn't the choice for you--in fact, the company has a record of cheating customers.
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The Decline of Reading and the Fall of the Literate SocietyHow the decline of the publishing and newspaper industries could be catastrophic from a social perspective; and how the decline of reading might result in global society moving aware from a more informed world.
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Will Wikipedia Fail in 2010?Law professor Eric Goldman has been consistently prophesying that Wikipedia would fail by the end of 2010. Is there evidence that supports his assertion?
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The Beatles: Rock Band Video Game ReviewA comprehensive look at one of the most anticipated music games in recent memory. Is it worth the buy?
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Piracy, Fair Use and the Mashup: Entitlement in the Age of ComputersWhy smart copyright law is still essential in the internet age-and why pirates who steal and profit off of other's work should be prosecuted.
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Essential, Free OS X Mac System UtilitiesClean your computer system to prevent crashes, perform maintenance, and delete unused files that are taking up vital space with these free (or nearly so) applications for Mac OS X.
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9 Essential (and Free) OS X Mac Audio/video AppsA/V equipment costs a bundle, but software often costs just as much. These nifty free (or very nearly) apps are great for converting, mixing, viewing and editing multimedia content.
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The Future of Web Video: Hulu, Youtube, and the Bottom LineA look at what the future holds for internet video giants like Youtube and Hulu, and how the profit model of television is changing.
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Underhyped: Push Movie ReviewDespite a questionable premise, plot arc, characterization and a lack of cohesiveness, Push (2009: Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning) turns out to be a strangely compelling work that is worth at least one viewing.
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Overhyped: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Movie ReviewThough off to a promising start, the sixth adaptation of the penultimate Harry Potter book falls flat and doesn't deserve the high marks awarded by critics.
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Things to Do Before Space Flight: An Astronaut's ChecklistBefore humans get to battle aliens in faraway star systems and boldly go where no one has gone before, there are three things we have to get out of the way first.
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Making Movie Music: The Original 'Star Trek' FilmsA look back at the composers and background to the scores to the first six 'Star Trek' films, together some of the most recognizable science fiction film music of all time.
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'Public Enemies' Film ReviewA review of the so-so 2009 Johnny Depp/Christian Bale 1930s crime film, 'Public Enemies'. (Bring your own tommy gun).
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'Stargate SG-1', and What Sci-fi Shows Can Learn from ItA look back at the oft-underappreciated scifi series 'Stargate', and what contemporary and future scifi shows can learn from it.
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The Future of WikipediaThe free encyclopedia is entering an uncertain future.
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Huh? 'The President's Analyst' Film ReviewA review of the 1967 cult classic satire film 'The President's Analyst', starring James Coburn and Godfrey Cambridge.
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Huh? 'Runaway' Film ReviewA contemporary review of the 1984 sci-fi film 'Runaway,' starring Tom Selleck, Kirstie Alley and (huh?) the KISS frontman Gene Simmons.
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Over-Hyped: Easy RiderHere is a review of the classic 1960s counterculture road movie. "Classic" is used in the very loosest definition possible.
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Huh? 'The Hospital' Movie ReviewA review of the classic 1971 black comedy 'The Hospital', a film that defies simple categorization.
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The Vector Marketing ScamIs Vector Marketing a legitimate way for students to make money, or else a lucrative scam? Find out.
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Memoirs of a Wikipedian: The Inside ScoopA personal account of how I became an editor and admin on Wikipedia, and my thoughts on the issues facing the project now and in the future.
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The Top Ten Star Trek MomentsA ranking of the top ten moments in the Star Trek film franchise.
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Overhyped: The New Star Trek FilmA fan's critique of the 2009 Star Trek reboot.
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Video Games Live 2009 in Richmond, VirginiaA review of the April 2009 show of Video Games Live in Richmond, Virginia.
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Wikipedia: The Giano Problem and the Site's Seedy UndersideThe wiki model of collaborative changes can both effect great change and lead to issues in enforcing a common standard of behavior. This is a case examination of a problematic user and the application of Wikipedia's guidelines and policies.
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Great Failures in Video GamingA look at some dark moments in gaming history, and some of the great misses throughout the decades.
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The 'Halo' Movie AdaptationThe 'Halo' film is currently dead, but trusting in the greedy desires of film and software companies, I suspect it might return. Here's why it's a good thing 'Halo' was killed, and where it can go from here.
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Tips for the Next Star Trek SeriesThe success or failure of J.J. Abrams' Star Trek feature film could decide the fate of a new television series, but here's a hopeful look at how to make a possible new series the best it can be.
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Overhyped: Blue Velvet Movie ReviewA retrospective review of David Lynch's 1980s cult classic film, 'Blue Velvet'. Verdict: overhyped.
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The Media's Attitude towards and WikipediaA look at attitudes in the media towards Wikipedia, and what that means for the encyclopedia.
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Is 'Halo' Doomed?Here is a critical evaluation of where the 'Halo' game franchise stands and where it is headed.
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Why Star Trek: Voyager FailedStar Trek: Voyager was the last Star Trek series to last seven seasons, but that didn't mean the franchise wasn't heading downhill.
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The Death of News, or the New Face of JournalismA look at the decline of newspapers, the perceived "softness" of conventional media, the rise of niche cable broadcasts and newsblogs, and what it means for the future face of news.
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Marijuana: The Health Benefits and RisksA neutral look at the health benefits and risks of a popular yet illegal drug.
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Pavel Chekov: The Life and Times of Sci-Fi's Greatest Space RussianTo be a Star Trek supporting cast member is to be afflicted with the "Star Trek" curse, and to never really have an opportunity to say anything meaningful. A look back at the character of Chekov and the unrealized potential therein.
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In Focus: Halo WarsA look at the development history of Ensemble Studios' final RTS video game, and how it will impact the future of the Halo franchise (and console video games.)
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Beauty Enhancements with Photoshop: Quick and Easy TipsSimple, quick, and bonafide techniques that you can use in Photoshop to alter appearances however you like.
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Star Trek History: Creating the KlingonsFew fictional races have undergone such radical changes and development as Star Trek's first major villains, the Klingons. A history of how these swarthy, smooth-skinned bandits of the 1960s became honorable heroes in the decades that followed.
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Wikipedia's Treatment of Fictional TopicsWikipedia is an excellent source for the informative, the questionable and the quixotic. But just how much of this content should actually be on Wikipedia is the subject of some debate.
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Time Travel in Storytelling as a Plot DeviceThis is a look at how time travel is used in fiction today, and the perils of the plot device.
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What You Didn't Know About WikipediaDo you know what happens to troublesome vandals on Wikipedia? How do some articles get that bronze star in the corner of the page? Answers to your questions about the free encyclopedia answered.
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The Even Numbered Star Trek MoviesIt's common knowledge among Star Trek fans that the even films are generally the best. Let's be overly critical and examine the best that Trek has to offer.
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4 More Months (till Star Trek)This article offers a rundown of the good and bad so far in preparation for the May release of Star Trek.
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A History of Star Trek and Star WarsA history of Star Trek and Star Wars, and why 2009 is Trek fans' year to come out on top.
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Video Games with Critically Acclaimed StorytellingA look at three different games and their critically acclaimed stories.
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Wikipedia and the Death of Truth: The Erosion of Credentials and KnowledgeWikipedia has become the first stop for information to many, but there is growing unease and conflicting views on what Wikipedia and web 2.0 represents and what it means for our future culture.
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Super Columbine Massacre RPG by Danny LedoneAs amateurish as it is, the controversial video game 'Super Columbine Massacre' has struck the opening blows for video games to be considered art.
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The Odd Numbered Star Trek MoviesThere's a well-known rule that the odd-numbered Star Trek films are the ones to avoid. This article probes into why these films fell short where their even-numbered compatriots excelled.
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Halo 3: PostmortemMore than a year after the release of the most anticipated shooter of all time, an in-depth and hype-free look at the third game in the bestselling video game series.
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Postmortem: Star Trek GenerationsNearly 15 years of hindsight should be enough time to see why this movie ended up being a disappointing first feature journey for the crew of the USS Enterprise-D.
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4 Reasons the Real Jurassic Park Wouldn't Be as Cool as the MovieIf you're worried that rich scientists are going to start cloning dinosaurs and fill islands with man-eating monsters, think again: for no less than four reasons, the real park wouldn't be anywhere near as scary (or fun).
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The Truth About Violence and VideogamesA term paper I wrote researching the links between violent content in video games and real-world aggression and violent action. The conclusion; nothing conclusive.
