Why Game Developer Techland is asking $10,000,000 For It’s New Edition of Dying Light

Posted on February 14, 2016 by kayleighladerman

Polish game developers Techland, under their publisher Warner Bros. Interactive Enetertainment, released Dying Light for PC, Xbox One, and Playstation 4 in January, 2015 to positive critic reviews ranging from 7-10 on a scale system, and managing to outsell Grand Theft Auto V for the week on January 28th. Now, one year later, they have released an expansion titled Dying Light: The Following, and with it have announced a very special edition of Dying Light that is for sale, Dying Light: Spotlight Edition. This edition only has one copy available, and the price is $10 million.

Why is the asking price ten million dollars? Well, because this doesn’t just net you a few copies of the game to play with your friends. No, along with offering 4 copies of Dying Light and it’s expansion, it offers the buyer the chance of a lifetime – star in the newly announced Dying Light movie in a supporting role, with speaking lines and an action scene. Along with an acting coach, a stunt trainer, a private off-road drive on a closed mud track, personal trailer on set, a signed copy of the script, and take part in the screening tour.

In the past, the gaming industry has seen insane amounts of money asked for projects on Kickstarter or Steam early access, some of which have exceeded $3 million. However, this is the first time a publisher has outright offered a job in exchange for, essentially, helping to fund the production of their film. It may be a sign of things to come if this is how Techland believes they will get the actor/money they need, or if this is simply them curious if anybody is actually willing to shell out this amount of money. Either way, this is assuredly the boldest question to come from a developer in a very, very, very long time.

Posted in Entertainment | Comments Off on Why Game Developer Techland is asking $10,000,000 For It’s New Edition of Dying Light

The Discovery of Gravitational Waves, and Why its A Scientific Breakthrough

Posted on February 14, 2016 by theblacklink

On Thursday, at 10:30 a.m. EST, the National Science Foundation gathered scientists from Caltech, MIT and the LIGO Scientific Collaboration in Washington D.C. to update the scientific community on some of the efforts being made by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (or LIGO for short) to detect gravitational waves in the deeper expanse of outer space. Theories about gravitational waves, their causes, and effects have been mused upon by scientists over the years, even as far back as Albert Einstein.

In the wake of some very specific rumors focused on the possible discovery of these elusive, powerful ripples in space and time, hopes were high that the international LIGO collaboration of scientists would finally put to rest the long fevered speculation and announce the discovery of gravitational waves. The full announcement didn’t disappoint.

So why exactly is this exciting? Whats the big deal? Well for starters, it proves Einstein was right.

Gravitational waves, in their most basic sense, are ripples in spacetime. Theorized by Albert Einstein over 100 years ago, these ripples carry gravitational energy away from accelerating massive objects in the cosmos. These waves are a prediction of Einstein’s theory of gravitation, called general relativity. In gravitational waves, space gets distorted in a particular pattern (a circle would deform into an ellipse, alternately elongated horizontally and compressed vertically and then compressed horizontally and elongated vertically). There have long been indirect measurements to confirm their existence, but a direct measurement is significant for several reasons:

(1) We would get explicit confirmation of a key aspect of general relativity.

(2) The kinds of events that produce sufficiently large gravitational waves are dramatic things — black holes or neutron stars merging or colliding, for example. We would be able to test general relativity and how it works in these situations.

(3) Probably more important, the ability to detect gravitational waves opens up a new means of observing the universe. For example, how often do black hole mergers occur? Historically, new means of observing the universe have enabled us to find new phenomena that we had not anticipated and to give us new ways to examine previously known phenomena.

These findings can and likely will change the way we see and study space, and I for one think its a very exciting time to be watching the stars.

Posted in Science and Technology | Comments Off on The Discovery of Gravitational Waves, and Why its A Scientific Breakthrough

A Short Guide to an Inexpensive Valentine’s Day.

Posted on February 14, 2016 by jsantana0410

With today being the day of love, some may be excited to use it as a reason to go on a romantic date while some look at it as a scam to get people to spend money. According to visualeconomics.com, America spends over $17 billon on Valentine’s Day. This only supports the retail-holiday claims. Nonetheless, it is a day anyone can enjoy without breaking the bank.

Although I do agree love should be expressed all year round, Valentine’s Day can be a day to break out of the routine. We are constantly so busy with our everyday lives that we tend to forget to take time to enjoy ourselves. Valentine’s Day can be that reason we dress up and meet with friends or with the one we love the most.

There are so many things to do to celebrate love day that require little spending. The best choice is always going to be something that required effort. Pinterest is a great source for DIY (do it yourself) gifts for our valentine. Also, turning the home into a dine-in movie theater is a great choice. All it takes is some effort to cook dinner, popcorn, wine or refreshments and Netflix or any Redbox rental. Another choice is visiting beautiful Mother Nature. Places like the beach (if the weather is right) and a local park or lake are all appropriate for sweethearts or friends. Couples can snuggle up and watch the sunset while enjoying a delightful picnic, and friends can enjoy each other’s company enhanced by nature’s beauty.

These are all ideas to spend a lovely Valentine’s Day with the ones we love the most without hurting our wallets. It’s all about the good times.

Posted in Economy, Entertainment, General | Comments Off on A Short Guide to an Inexpensive Valentine’s Day.

Virtual Reality Technology Will Be Coming To a Business Near You

Posted on February 14, 2016 by dsarden17

Changing technology is a great shift in the world of business. It can alter what you offer and how you offer it. Industries rise and fall with changing technology. Something that was once irrelevant can become relevant again.

In the attached article, Virtual Technology is creating a shift in the world of real estate. Real estate agencies, especially, ones that deal with international or business real estate, can make finding the right property easier for both the agency and the buyer. Costs drop significantly for the agency and the client can find a property they want without add travel expenses.

However, this is only a good starting place. Technology has an ability to seep into the cracks of other businesses, especially if it can lower costs. It may not be feasible for retail stores to offer VR technology right now, but travel agencies could find a resurrection to their services. Virtual Reality could allow clients to see their destinations, rooms, or excursions before committing to them.

Developers can give clients a 3-dimensional view of stages in construction, or see what raw land could look like after clearing. General contractors are able to give clients a preview of what a finished remodel will look like. Furniture companies can allow you to see how a certain piece of furniture will fit in your room or the style of your room.

Education, entertainment, and the military were the earliest to adopt and develop the technology, and they will continue to advance the abilities of virtual reality. Advancements in technology have been the great movers of businesses and industries throughout time. Now, new technology has the ability to resuscitate dying industries.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/money/a-new-dimension-in-home-buying-virtual-reality/ar-BBpr5jX?ocid=spartandhp

 

Posted in General | Comments Off on Virtual Reality Technology Will Be Coming To a Business Near You

Did You Know There Are Over 200 Chemicals Identified That May Be In Your Body?

Posted on February 14, 2016 by cevans37

Scientists have recently identified more than 200 industrial chemicals such as pesticides, jet fuel, and lead that are in the bodies of people all over the world. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, obesity, diminished I.Q., genital deformities and lower sperm count. Flint has been the narrowed focus lately, however, it is important that light is shed on all of the other  hazardous chemicals that you may be vulnerable to. The concern is that chemical industry lobbyists may be blurring lines and blocking efforts to address the matter.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a whopping 535,000 American children aged 1 to 5 suffer lead poisoning. Politicians are condemning the Flint lead epidemic but there are many other places in America that are affected by lead even worse. Children are more likely to suffer from lead poisoning in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York than in Michigan. Another realm of concern as of late surrounds the mosquito-borne Zika virus. But experts say that these industrial chemicals pose an even greater effect than the virus; only a small fraction of the total number of children affected by lead poisoning may see damages from Zika.

The effects of these chemicals, especially for but not limited to children, are vast and highly detrimental. Unfortunately, this going unacknowledged and chemical industry advocates investing large sums in lobbying are delaying saving lives. There is a crucial need for a public health revolution. Do your research to protect yourself and your loved ones and find out how you can support local efforts to spread awareness of toxic substances.

 

Posted in Health | Comments Off on Did You Know There Are Over 200 Chemicals Identified That May Be In Your Body?

The Best Slam Dunk Contest Ever?

Posted on February 14, 2016 by shane sackett

The 2016 all star slam-dunk contest, was one for the book this weekend featuring none other than Orlando Magic’s own Aaron Gordon. Gordon put up a very impressive fight making it to the final two, battling back and forth against Minnesota Timberwolves Zach LaVine with the judges scoring both with perfect scores of 50 points for their 2nd “dunk off” in a row, made a very entertaining contest to watch.

Zach LaVine who is a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves is also the defending 2015 slam-dunk contest champion and was not planning on giving up that title easy. But that did not stop Gordon from putting on one of the greatest performance in slam-dunk history.

Aaron Gordon providing the audience and judges with some of the most creative dunks ever witnessed using all of his resources such as Orlando Magic mascot “Stuff” who was on a hover board and fellow magic teammate player Elfrid Payton who assisted passing.

Both Gordon and LaVine fought very hard and both were deserving of the title, but only one person could win. The winner came down to the last dunk were LaVine outscored Gordon by only a few points. LaVine becoming the first ever back-to-back slam- dunk champion since Nate Robinson in 2009-2010. All in all, a very impressive showing from the two 20 year olds who are only in their second year in the NBA.

With next years slam- dunk contest a year away we can all cope by catching Aaron Gordon and the Orlando Magic take on the Dallas Mavericks Friday, February 19, 7:00pm at the Amway Center as the Magic look to improve their record after coming off the break.

Posted in Entertainment, Sports | Comments Off on The Best Slam Dunk Contest Ever?

New Research Shows That There is a Link Between Low B12 Levels and Aging, Autism and Schizophrenia

Posted on February 14, 2016 by brookeadams91

Researchers have recently discovered that low levels of vitamin B12 affects the brains of elderly individuals and younger people who have the neurological conditions schizophrenia and autism. This new discovery was reported in last month’s edition of the PLOS ONE scientific journal.

It is important to note that blood levels of B12 are not always equal to the brain levels of B12. Brain levels of the vitamin decrease more over time than blood levels do. Researchers say that this information provides evidence that neurological conditions and diseases are related to low intake and uptake of vitamin B12 from the blood to the brain.

Vitamin B12 is an important part of overall human health. It is a main component in the blood formation process and regulates the nervous system functions. This new study on low B12 levels supports the idea that the human brain utilizes B12 in a very regulated manner. According to LiveScience.com, the brain uses the vitamin to “control gene expression and to spur neurological development at key points during life from the brain’s high growth periods during fetal development and early childhood, through…adolescence, and then into middle and old age.”

The majority of this study was conducted at Nova Southeastern University in Southern Florida. It is also the first study to observe and compare the levels of the B12 vitamin in the brain over an entire life span.

The study shows that B12 levels in the brain are ten times lower in elderly people when compared to young people. Individuals with autism (the study tested individuals with autism under the age of 10) had B12 levels found in a 57-year-old. Individuals with schizophrenia (the study tested individuals between the ages of 36 and 49) had B12 levels comparable to the B12 levels of a 72-year-old. Researchers and scientists hope to look more into these results and do some more tests.

Posted in Education, General, Health, Science and Technology | Tagged , , | Comments Off on New Research Shows That There is a Link Between Low B12 Levels and Aging, Autism and Schizophrenia

Popular Messaging App Kik May Be Dangerously User-Friendly

Posted on February 13, 2016 by cevans37

Nicole Madison Lovell, a 13-year old girl of Blacksburg, Va., was kidnapped and murdered after exchanging messages with an 18-year old man via Kik. Two Virginia Tech freshmen were charged with her premeditated murder once authorities were able to identify the source of their communication. Just within the last two weeks, there have been four other cases in Colorado, Alabama, New York, and St. Louis involving men being charged for using Kik inappropriately to engage with minors. Recent cases like such are raising concerns for parents and law enforcement because the app developed so quickly and gained all kinds of popularity right underneath their noses.

Kik was founded in 2009 and flourished mostly among American teenagers for its appealing features, particularly in anonymity. Kik offers free and unlimited text messaging, e-commerce and content delivery, special emojis, and allows users to be identified only by a username of choice. According to a spokesman for Kik, the intention of this form of anonymity is to connect safely with strangers you meet online. I believe this does offer protection for users in the sense of being able to communicate with people all over the world and having full discretion at will to reveal personal information like one’s real name. However, this sense of protection may lead users, especially young users, to think that they are safe to use the app as freely as it allows without parental interference, test the barriers, and become vulnerable to online predators.

Law enforcement has seen probably the most activity on Kik and the anonymity the app provides makes it a challenge for police to identify those who are abusing the service. In compliance with legal practices, Kik does not have the ability to view messages exchanged, nor does Kik retain photos and videos after it is received which makes it very unresourceful in many cases. Thankfully, Kik has done a great deal in cooperating with law enforcement by any means possible in the recent investigations. Because these appealing features are legal and the app’s userbase is so widespread, the major responsibility of protecting young users is placed on the parents and Kik to educate and promote safe and appropriate use. With enough educated and informed users, predators will be disarrayed and this dangerous epidemic can become minute.

Posted in Crime, Science and Technology | Comments Off on Popular Messaging App Kik May Be Dangerously User-Friendly

What You Didn’t Know About Being A Good Driver

Posted on February 10, 2016 by dgantea

Did you know that you could receive a huge discount on your car insurance just for not having a ticket or accident in the last three years?  Even living in a qualified zip code could win you a discount!  Most people are unaware of this hidden ways to save money due to car insurance companies always wanting to leave us in the dark.

A new website that is similar to Expedia or Orbitz is here to help you find better insurance policies.  As Expedia or Orbitz will help you save money on travel and flights, Provide Savings helps you save money on car insurance.  What drivers don’t realize is that insurance companies make money on the premiums they sell.  The higher your rate, the more money the agent receives.  After reading an article about the service on Yahoo, I’ve realized that Provide Savings is one of the most unbiased, efficient services out there.  It gives consumers the lowest rates and their advice is trustworthy.

Provide Savings is also extremely easy to use!  Just visit their website, and simply click on your state to check your ZIP code.  After you enter your ZIP code and some driver information, you can view all of your discounted quotes from car insurance companies.

I found this article interesting because I have had some issues with insurance companies in the past.  I was in an accident when I was sixteen and I was dropped from my first insurance company.  I had to find a new one and was given an extremely high rate since I was a young driver with an accident on my record.  I did some research online and finally found a new company that didn’t care about my accident and gave me a much lower rate.  I think that if I would have had Provide Savings at this time, I would have found a new company much faster.

Posted in Economy, General | Comments Off on What You Didn’t Know About Being A Good Driver

How Long Should You Wait To Follow Up With Someone After Meeting Them Through Networking?

Posted on February 8, 2016 by jesusalberto2120

I had never thought of reaching out to someone I just met, because I would think that I would be bothering him or her. When in fact, they appreciate that I took the time to thank them for meeting me or just me telling them it was pleasure on getting to meet them. That’s makes me stand out, it shows my commitment on keeping a connecting with that person.

In today’s world it is all about whom you know. The more connections you have, the better off you will be. For example I am not sure where I will end up in 1 year when I graduate but I know for a fact that if I keep going out of my way to meet the right people in environment that I see myself in the future, I know I will have someone to contact and look for opportunities to work with them or someone the know.

Following up with something is so crucial to me now, because I feel that I am doing everything that’s in my hands, and sometimes they may not answer back but I’ll know that I did all I could. But when they do answer back, it is so rewarding because you get that immediate gratification of you wanting to connect with someone else. This is how they remember your name, what makes think that you have what it takes to go after what you want in a professional manner.

Now every time I meet someone, depending on how our conversation was, I write to him or her an email [that I get from asking for their business cards], I always try to mention details from our conversation because they might not remember me but this is the whole point on following up, so you make sure that they do remember you. But I try to give them so remarks from our conversation, most likely something they say and might have thought that wasn’t relevant, but I mention it to them so they realize, that I paying attention to all that they said. As soon as you give them that little detail, that’s how they will remember you, also seeing your name in the email.

Posted in Business, Economy, Education, General, Odd News | Tagged , , | Comments Off on How Long Should You Wait To Follow Up With Someone After Meeting Them Through Networking?