Monday, July 26, 2010

Nintendo 3DS to revolutionize industry

Nintendo 3DSThe Nintendo 3DS, which may be months away from being released, will revolutionize the game industry, Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter said in a note to investors Monday.

"We view the 3DS as a revolutionary device, and expect its launch to spur hardware and software sales," Pachter said.

Pachter said games for the portable 3D-gaming device will go for a premium compared to other portable game machines. He believes that thanks to the 3DS' functionality and expected success, games for the device will retail for $29, rather than "a blended average of around $25 today."

Of course, Pachter is speculating. Nintendo has yet to reveal how much the device will cost, how games will be priced, and when it will launch. Regardless, it seems that the market might agree with Pachter's belief that the 3DS will be revolutionary.

Friday, July 23, 2010

2011 BMW 535i

BMW 535i 2011The 2011 BMW 535i is easily one of the best sport sedans in its class for handling, fit and finish, and prestige, but it doesn't represent the highest value on the market.

The new-for-2011 BMW 5 Series is no mere visual refresh. This updated model is physically larger, yet visually smaller. It features updated drivetrain tech and an overhauled infotainment system, but has the 5 Series lost some of the fabled BMW driving dynamic with this revision?

Beneath the BMW's hood breathes a 300-horsepower, TwinPower turbocharged three-liter inline six-cylinder engine. Beneath the BMW's hood breathes a 300-horsepower, TwinPower turbocharged three-liter inline six-cylinder engine. However, this isn't exactly the same mill that can be found in the previous model year.

Power delivery is smooth, with a flat torque curve that makes the inline six-cylinder feel more like a small displacement V-8.

The 5 Series' cabin tech package checks all of the right boxes, but only if you make sure to check the those boxes when making your purchase, as nearly all of the Beemer's gee-whiz gadgets are optional.

Starting at the top of the center console, the BMW's wide-screen hard-drive-based navigation system features 3D terrain data and satellite imagery when zoomed far enough out and, in major metropolitan areas, 3D building data when zoomed far enough in. The wide screen allows users to split the screen to display secondary data (audio source, trip computers, and turn-by-turn directions) alongside the map, or fill the entire screen with the beautifully rendered maps. The navigation system also features traffic data.

Bluetooth connectivity with BMW Assist is standard on the 535i. BMW Assist is the automaker's connected-telematics system that integrates GPS positioning, cellular connectivity, and something of a concierge service to give you access to a live operator who will assist the driver with locating destinations (and cueing up the vehicle's turn-by-turn directions) or alerting first responder services in the event of an emergency.

The system also enables hands-free calling with voice activated dialing and supports Bluetooth PBAP, allowing it to automatically import contacts from a paired handset that also supports this profile. A2DP audio streaming is not supported, so smartphone users wanting to get their Internet streaming-radio fix will need to use the BMW's analog auxiliary input.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Tom Cruise with Brand New Mustang Saleen S281

Tom Cruise with Brand New MustangTom's choice is a little surprising, given the family's unlimited budget and the fact that the Mustang is a fairly average car. The actor, 48, was spotted leaving a Scientology meeting with wife Katie Holmes, 31 and daughter Suri, four, in a brand new Mustang Saleen S281. However, this is a specialised version and the price for a Saleen S281 starts at just under $50,000.

Earlier this week, Tom also made time for his family on a shopping trip. Despite a hectic schedule promoting his new movie Knight and Day with co-star Cameron Diaz which took them most recently in Brazil, Tom went with his wife on a shopping trip to the Century City Westfield outdoor mall in LA.

The trio strolled together looking like any happy family. Suri enjoyed a frozen treat while Katie picked up some threads from stylish celebrity-favorite boutique Madewell.

Knight and Day sees Tom in his typical action-man role. This time he plays secret agent Roy Miller. Miller partners up with Cameron Diaz's character June Havens in a dash across the world as rival agents try to shoot them, blow them up and run them over.

The Dark Side of Perfectionism Revealed

Perfectionists, by definition, strive for the best, trying to ace exams, be meticulous at their jobs, and raise perfect children. So one might assume this drive for the ideal translates over to their health as well, with perfectionist being models for physical and mental well-being.

But new research is revealing the trait can bring both profits and perils.

Though perfection is an impossible goal, striving for it can be a boon for one's health, causing one to stick to exercise programs to a tee, say, or follow a strict regimen for treating chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes. But the same lofty goals can mean added mental pressure when mistakes are made and the resistance to asking for help from others in fear of revealing one's true, imperfect self.

In fact studies show the personality trait of perfectionism is linked to poor physical health and an increased risk of death.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Spanish Press Hails 'Epic' World Cup Win

Spain wins world cup 2010Spanish newspapers on Monday hailed Spain’s “epic” and “historic” first ever World Cup win. “Champions of the world,” top-selling daily El Pais said on its front page above a photo of keeper Iker Casillas holding the trophy above his head as he stood surrounded by his teammates.

“The national team has consolidated the leadership of a dazzling generation,” it added.

The newspaper called the 1-0 extra-time win over the Netherlands in Johannesburg the “epic which was missing from Spanish sports, which has lived in glory following a cascade of successes.” “Champions,” wrote right-wing newspaper ABC on its front page below a similar photo of Casillas holding the trophy.

“It is the biggest success in the history of Spanish football, a title which when added to other no less relevant titles, places Spain in the leadership of the major spanish sports like basketball, tennis, cycling or motorcycle racing,” it added in an editorial. “From here to eternity,” wrote centre-right daily El Mundo on its front page.