Shenandoah Valley Tea Party Patriots call Marco Rubio 'Benedict Arnold' of the GOP

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXNsEL67DwWFNjzM5sTqUgHAQmA3J8-S4W5600CAiY7ohaPcU7ledEscAI5_zTQ1DOYpqbQIvVi0tvUyTV5GkvK4UNAWhHsGCR99dsXPAh4FUZ0jjZNppN0A-6l_VcHgQ4j1pw-Q5ogNg/s1600/Don't+Tread+On+Me+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXNsEL67DwWFNjzM5sTqUgHAQmA3J8-S4W5600CAiY7ohaPcU7ledEscAI5_zTQ1DOYpqbQIvVi0tvUyTV5GkvK4UNAWhHsGCR99dsXPAh4FUZ0jjZNppN0A-6l_VcHgQ4j1pw-Q5ogNg/s1600/Don't+Tread+On+Me+flag.jpg" /></a></div><br />What a difference between 2010 and 2013. Remember when Florida Senator <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/03/AR2010110308200.html">Marco Rubio was the tea party darling</a>?<br /><br />On Monday, the Shenandoah Valley Tea Party Patriots sent an email urging members to contact senators to vote against the immigration bill but something startling was in the email: they considered Marco Rubio a "Benedict Arnold." <br /><br />Now that Senator Rubio is working to find a pragmatic, bipartisan compromise to the extremely complicated issue of immigration, the tea partiers who loved him have turned on him.<br /><br />Here is the email from this group that declares itself, "Guardians of the Republic, Keepers of Liberty." At the bottom is their revelation about Senator Rubio: <br /><blockquote>To the Men and Women of Virginia<br />From The Shenandoah Valley Tea Party<br /><br />A decisive debate will soon begin -- a debate which will determine the fate of this great nation. The opening words of the debate will be spoken in the United States Senate.<br /><br />And, the name of the debate is Amnesty -- Amnesty for 20 million illegal aliens and amnesty for 40 million of their relatives. Should the forces supporting Amnesty win the debate, 25% of the population of United States will be citizens from third world countries with little or no understanding of the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. America will be ruled by a one-party government which will be socialist and authoritarian.<br /><br />The Shenandoah Valley Tea Party urges you to fight the forces supporting Amnesty with the most powerful tool available to you – your telephone, wielded with passion and purpose.<br /><br />Raise your telephone and raise you voice to the Senators in Washington.<br /><br />In 2006, when Amnesty legislation was debated, the Bill was defeated because Americans across the country besieged Washington with telephone calls. Amnesty was defeated with the telephone then. Amnesty can be defeated with the telephone now.<br /><br />Men and women of Virginia: This is your country. Will you defend it?<br /><br />Notes for calling: 1) Emails have little influence as many Congressman have their staffs delete emails without reading them. 2) Some Senators will turn off their incoming calls, sending callers to a voicemail box, which is then emptied without listening to the messages. 3) Call the Washington offices first. If the telephones are turned off, then call the regional offices. The telephone numbers are found on the Senators’ websites. Google by name and look under “Contact Us”. 4) Fax’s usually go through with no delay. 5) Be tenacious. 6) Contact your own Senators, and other Senators who should be encouraged to vote against Schumer’s Immigration Bill.<br /><br />Listed below are some, but not all, of the Senators who you should call. Forward this email to everyone you know.<br /><br />Republicans who are up for re-election next year<br /><br />Lamar Alexander (Tennessee) (202) 224-4944<br />Saxby Chambliss (Georgia) (202) 224-3521<br />Thad Cochran (Mississippi) (202) 224-5054<br />Susan Collins (Maine) (202) 224-2523<br />John Cornyn (Texas) (202) 224-2934<br />Mike Enzi (Wyoming) (202) 224-3424<br />Lindsey Graham (South Carolina) (202) 224-5972<br />James Inhofe (Oklahoma) (202) 224-4721<br />Mike Johanns (Nebraska) (202) 224-4224<br />Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) (202) 224-2541<br />Jim Risch (Idaho) (202) 224-2752<br />Pat Roberts (Kansas) (202) 224-4774<br />Jeff Sessions (Alabama) (202) 224-4124<br /><br />Virginia’s Senators<br />Tim Kaine (Virginia) (202) 224-4024<br />Mark Warner (Virginia) (202) 224-2023<br /><br />The Benedict Arnold of the Republican Party<br />Marco Rubio (Florida) (202) 224-3041</blockquote>The tea party, the group that started four years ago as individual, independent thinkers following their own consciences, now walks lock-step with the people who make the decisions for them. Those people have now decided Senator Rubio is a traitor.

amnesty Don't Tread On Me flag group think immigration lock-step Marco Rubio Shenandoah Valley Tea Party Patriots Shenandoah Valley Tea Party Patriots call Marco Rubio 'Benedict Arnold' of the GOP

What a difference between 2010 and 2013. Remember when Florida Senator Marco Rubio was the tea party darling ? On Monday, the Shenandoah Val...

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Former President Bush 43 sees popularity rise

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0O3sWUsVxPRvHGGp-848UkdtypmMBogDxO0A8VH2ofF_Ody9MI2Ak3TOsT-VKlNujKFySebrLqW4OIGDsF0yznT5qaKFbcJF179ISRsWhTsjLk_DwI61A8T31HLlWe4in-jjyVBiUCd6/s1600/George+W.+Bush+19+approval+rating.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0O3sWUsVxPRvHGGp-848UkdtypmMBogDxO0A8VH2ofF_Ody9MI2Ak3TOsT-VKlNujKFySebrLqW4OIGDsF0yznT5qaKFbcJF179ISRsWhTsjLk_DwI61A8T31HLlWe4in-jjyVBiUCd6/s400/George+W.+Bush+19+approval+rating.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />As clearly shown on this <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/163022/former-president-george-bush-image-ratings-improve.aspx">Gallup chart</a>, former President George W. Bush's favorable ratings are now higher than his unfavorable for the first time since 2005. He spent his second term in office being pounded on by the left but, after four years of staying busy but keeping a low public profile, the President's ratings are on the mend. Glad to see it ... he deserves it.

favorable ratings Gallup Poll George W. Bush history war-time president Former President Bush 43 sees popularity rise

As clearly shown on this Gallup chart , former President George W. Bush's favorable ratings are now higher than his unfavorable for the ...

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Technical Writer (Adobe RoboHelp | FrameMaker) (# 109661)

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="WordSection1"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Position:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Technical Writer<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Location:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Austin, TX<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Duration:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Full time<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Job Description:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We are looking for a senior technical writer with experience in Adobe RoboHelp, Adobe FrameMaker, and Microsoft Office. The candidate must have excellent writing skills with the ability to interview engineers and scientists and produce software product documentation with minimal additional review and editing. Requirements for the position include strong verbal and written communication skills, self-motivation, and the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Experience in the semiconductor industry is a plus.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Writing samples will be requested in advance of on-site interviews. If past work examples cannot be provided due confidentiality issues, please supply examples for any everyday procedure. Examples of both online help and user manuals would be appreciated.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Responsibilities:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">- Writing online help including product feature overviews, window descriptions, user procedures, and API documentation<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">- Indexing online help topics and user manuals<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">- Writing and editing release notes and installation manuals<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">- Creating troubleshooting topics<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Preferred Qualifications:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">• BS/BA in engineering disciplines, journalism, English literature or similar field<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">• 5+ years of experience in technical writing<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">• Excellent writing and strong editing skills<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">• Experience with Microsoft Windows operating systems<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">• Strong skills in Microsoft Office products<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">• Experience with Adobe RoboHelp and Adobe FrameMaker<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">• Knowledge of software development life cycle<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">• Experience in semiconductor industry a plus<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Basic Qualifications:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Bachelor's level degree with at least 3 years of experience<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Kindly send your resume to </span><a href="mailto:raju.balaji@kla-tencor.com"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">raju.balaji@kla-tencor.com</span></b></a> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div></div>

Technical Writer (Adobe RoboHelp | FrameMaker) (# 109661)

Position: Technical Writer Location: Austin, TX Duration: Full time Job Description: We are looking for a senior technical writer with ex...

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LG Optimus L3 II Dual Full review

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYrtz9NaqmC7r0b2yRfxmSmkRZaGUInJlSnWhkzWk4p6nS7QgaYgwk24Dwqpzd6aN4ymU8spxlXF5jQ_poKrOEZgoIgK8soXUeJYEpUhEpVzCX9DwGdNqXF26u1OTvNLGm9e1zAL7WM0/s1600/LG1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYrtz9NaqmC7r0b2yRfxmSmkRZaGUInJlSnWhkzWk4p6nS7QgaYgwk24Dwqpzd6aN4ymU8spxlXF5jQ_poKrOEZgoIgK8soXUeJYEpUhEpVzCX9DwGdNqXF26u1OTvNLGm9e1zAL7WM0/s1600/LG1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>LG is offering a dual-SIM Android 4.1 handset in the same segment with the <a href="http://pc-gadgetworld.blogspot.in/2013/06/lg-optimus-g-pro-coming-to-india-this.html">LG Optimus</a> L3 II Dual. The handset is an upgrade to its Optimus L3 Dual phone that it launched last August<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="4109cb27-b6ad-4d31-9f27-e828e37ed753" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="ececabc4-7ab6-409b-9e8d-3eec3e546da7" grcontextid=".:0">.</span>The LG Optimus L3 II Dual sports a compact form factor and is just 102mm long and 61mm wide. The <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="d939a903-b57b-41dc-bcd9-2b8e62afe0f3" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="5263e69b-ad4f-451d-9790-59e3ceceea4a" grcontextid="smartphone:0">smartphone</span> has curved rounded corners. We had a Black <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="bf74d14a-77ab-447b-889b-06efece12d3c" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="840f1f09-fd3b-40e8-ad96-df0d4e3b8e22" grcontextid="colour:0">colour</span> variant of the phone as our review unit. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Most key Specifications:-</u></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Price:</strong> Rs. 7,899</span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> LG Optimus L3 II Dual</span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="c97f0671-250d-463e-a615-5023dd7518d1" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="d52930a0-a8d1-4551-814d-39798d431b04" grcontextid="front:0">front</span> houses 3.2-inch screen </span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 4 capacitive buttons</span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 3.2-inch screen </span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="e679b773-2edb-461a-8921-d1c35a639225" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="2df2f99f-edb9-4d26-a89c-4fc26329429d" grcontextid="resolution:0">resolution</span> of 240x320 pixels</span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean</span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi </span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.2-megapixel-rear camera </span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1GHz single-core processor </span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 512MB of RAM</span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1540mAh battery</span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="f6def409-1dd0-4438-a992-1bdf43ccb2a5" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="5f1fd473-16d6-4fc7-8535-06ba958713f5" grcontextid="dual:0">dual</span>-SIM GSM phone</span> </div></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Hardware</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong></strong><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div><strong></strong>The LG Optimus L3 II Dual sports a compact form factor and is just 102mm long and 61mm wide. The <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="5a4b165e-572c-490d-bdc5-cdbc20480660" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="27577357-6e74-4c33-a8d4-de8e0e3f59f1" grcontextid="smartphone:0">smartphone</span> has curved rounded corners. We had a Black <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="69871782-fdcc-40cd-8d9e-2cd0492565e8" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="b40b26c0-80f9-4f26-a61d-768396947342" grcontextid="colour:0">colour</span> variant of the phone as our review unit. <br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The front houses a 3.2-inch screen and 4 capacitive buttons, namely Back, Home, Menu and a button for switching to the other SIM. The bezel below the display is pretty large and at times makes it inconvenient to reach the buttons without looking. There's a volume rocker key <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="3342629c-45df-43fd-b7b1-fa60e4bf4dab" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="f5bf31a1-0be6-4c92-9d7d-36f515624ad4" grcontextid="at:0">at</span> the right side of the phone, while there are no buttons on the left side. The Power/ Screen-lock key and the 3.5mm headset jack sits at the top while the micro-USB port is located at the bottom. <br /><div style="text-align: justify;">  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The back cover is made of plastic and sports a glossy finish, which is susceptible to smudges. The 3.2-megapixel-camera lens is located towards the upper part of the back. The back cover hides a battery compartment, two SIM card slots sharing the same compartment and a <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="f0eb4efd-b851-4550-a7c8-529f3e178fcb" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7cdbee3b-1b43-491b-b034-74f569167fd5" grcontextid="microSD:0">microSD</span> card slot located towards the top edge.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Display</span></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegS9rH0Ho9qMF8GsIxm8LDdnsCwPpkPgf1-tMxLGFflruikX4_tj6gYCt_uTi7th_VaxBlcDMOTRQetfp7Wfm-Vu_ZoC54aaehpXLo4E39DO2bpdIuV1V1VlB-jl9mEnua9V03lF6meI/s1600/lg4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegS9rH0Ho9qMF8GsIxm8LDdnsCwPpkPgf1-tMxLGFflruikX4_tj6gYCt_uTi7th_VaxBlcDMOTRQetfp7Wfm-Vu_ZoC54aaehpXLo4E39DO2bpdIuV1V1VlB-jl9mEnua9V03lF6meI/s1600/lg4.jpg" /></a></div><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><strong></strong><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div><strong></strong>The LG Optimus L3 II Dual comes with a 3.2-inch screen that has a resolution of 240x320 pixels, which is very low compared to other <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="a5a625b0-afd9-461e-bf42-275a897218d3" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e738a612-1344-4674-b4fe-5ba9c597fc72" grcontextid="smartphones:0">smartphones</span> in the segment. This results in graphics and text appearing less sharp. At times text that has a small font size is even unreadable. Even watching videos or playing games isn't a very pleasant experience. In fact, we'd say the low-resolution display is one of the major flaws of this handset. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, the screen is not very reflective, and the viewing angles were pretty decent thanks to the IPS panel. The under sun visibility for this <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="0ad30b8e-636d-489b-bd88-bbc8ef845492" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="dbfbf5a9-e2db-4fc6-ae5c-747e2e9b3388" grcontextid="smartphone:0">smartphone</span> is above average at full brightness levels.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Software</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><strong></strong><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div><strong></strong>The <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="c3554343-8342-4aba-8bcf-b62769f0ec39" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="3e415bdf-d768-474a-98b5-2a6ddf90953a" grcontextid="smartphone:0">smartphone</span> runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and LG has added its own Optimus UI layer on top, majorly changing the look and feel of the interface and enabling users to <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="b0114ff5-6826-49ee-9b09-2cbf97b7f158" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="3e415bdf-d768-474a-98b5-2a6ddf90953a" grcontextid="customise:1">customise</span> the phone. Interestingly some of the <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="3141f755-3d5d-4feb-9dd0-47600af45f5d" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="4efe7ff9-44a5-437c-bbf3-871581ce4a5e" grcontextid="customisations:0">customisations</span> and UI extras offered by LG with its flagship phones such as the Optimus G, have made it to this phone in the same or a lighter avatar. <br /><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">LG has also skinned the notification tray and has included toggles for various settings including for sound, data, NFC, Bluetooth, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="597032ea-88ac-4dbd-a848-27e258c2c5b5" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="dc88e57f-f4fe-4cfe-8ca9-54e38b5efa59" grcontextid="Wi:0">Wi</span>-Fi, and Hotspot among others. It also features a shortcut for system settings, and a control for changing screen brightness.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWVFXra2TB78mHuoXNbxD2BVQBkV4CsVlopZTP4jwhtP71m86_wJu0939ISTJekxU-mTID2eqMIzDS8EfG_RKvawo_K3044bmJk0IjA1p5332i2V9tHlhC_IqjzBLfECFeJ_6rpZtWFU/s1600/LG-Optimus+L3II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" cya="true" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWVFXra2TB78mHuoXNbxD2BVQBkV4CsVlopZTP4jwhtP71m86_wJu0939ISTJekxU-mTID2eqMIzDS8EfG_RKvawo_K3044bmJk0IjA1p5332i2V9tHlhC_IqjzBLfECFeJ_6rpZtWFU/s320/LG-Optimus+L3II.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Talking <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="36a5905d-f625-4044-905e-b930ab73b0bf" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="ccc52564-857e-42a4-b9b3-ecddf58bfc9e" grcontextid="of:0">of</span> apps, the phone includes additional ones for Backup, Cell Broadcast, File Manager, a Memo app, Polaris Viewer (for office documents), LG's service related apps, LG's own app store (SmartWorld), and a Task Manager. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">LG has <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="47fe5d98-e3a5-424c-ab5c-5878a359d561" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e19dbb99-2f97-4052-acf7-83a342cd225c" grcontextid="customised:0">customised</span> nearly all stock-apps including the Gallery and Music apps, adding more functionality in addition to just bringing eye candy. For instance the Music app features a button for locating the video of a song on YouTube. Even the system settings menus have been skinned and are pleasant to look at.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In addition to all of these, the phone brings standard Jelly Bean functionality. Overall, LG has tried to make the phone as different from stock Android, as possible.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Camera</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><strong></strong><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div><strong></strong>The LG Optimus L3 II Dual sports a 3.2-megapixel-rear camera and doesn't come with a flash. Just like the Optimus G, it can also take pictures with voice commands like 'cheese', '<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="e8c3d1f0-7e75-40d3-a29d-e081bef1cd8c" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="3ffab11d-ba52-46fc-a8c3-92c28afda0b3" grcontextid="kimchi:0">kimchi</span>', 'LG', 'Smile' and 'Whisky'. The phone's camera app offers various scene mode's including Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Sunset and Night modes, along with settings for ISO, White Balance, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="9910e7f2-07e5-4e1a-ae91-cc513fd4a7ef" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="f8fb66d2-8761-4f14-bb99-0019e940a410" grcontextid="Colour:0">Colour</span> effects, and exposure. It also offers a timer. <br /><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While pictures taken outdoors under daylight were decent, the same cannot be said about the ones taken indoors under artificial light. The latter were grainy and lacked detail. <br /><div style="text-align: justify;">  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmu93OBolggkDsHhOXmEm6H-PCabOcOzmB1ThWiYIGJNZNL386JBN9r33UfmgL1YMYgOcWVWaf73X_BiX0M2qDP4Fzoz7G7Kz7UgkywYG1ErR9Y90vKDkhtR3WN2tUPUVIoS-NZtVhvY/s1600/lg3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmu93OBolggkDsHhOXmEm6H-PCabOcOzmB1ThWiYIGJNZNL386JBN9r33UfmgL1YMYgOcWVWaf73X_BiX0M2qDP4Fzoz7G7Kz7UgkywYG1ErR9Y90vKDkhtR3WN2tUPUVIoS-NZtVhvY/s1600/lg3.jpg" /></a></div>You can capture VGA resolution (640x480) videos in the video mode. The videos taken with the phone were just about average.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Performance</strong> </span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The LG Optimus L3 II Dual ships with a 1GHz single-core processor that has a clock speed of 1GHz. It also has an Adreno 200 GPU and 512MB of RAM. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The LG Optimus L3 II Dual comes with the native Android browser as well as Chrome and we found that it renders all <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="b688aa64-043f-40d9-abcb-7d3dd33fd6e2" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="348d46ff-cfbe-481f-8688-eaf2850f184c" grcontextid="webpages:0">webpages</span> well. The phone doesn't come with Adobe Flash pre-installed. The speaker on the phone delivers average quality sound at high volume levels. The speaker is integrated with the phone's earpiece so <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="919b43cb-7655-4825-8051-49965a5166cc" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e4ec4bb3-3601-4dd8-83e7-902f72d24185" grcontextid="sound:0">sound</span> doesn't get muffled even when the phone lies on its back. <br /><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Call quality was good with our voice being delivered loud and clear to the other party. The phone is a dual-SIM GSM phone with support for one active and the other in standby mode.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCV6WU6WJn5d0GzbbzttH80_nTkpsACgVrAa0X37Asl4btEGHJPuIH_jrd2TWcVocl9GB_zTigqD9m3txsdeV1ejsFDp73wZYWkXz6dUUwibQ8ywE00evN-9ZCn7qfg2NNLs4RTWjkdc/s1600/lg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCV6WU6WJn5d0GzbbzttH80_nTkpsACgVrAa0X37Asl4btEGHJPuIH_jrd2TWcVocl9GB_zTigqD9m3txsdeV1ejsFDp73wZYWkXz6dUUwibQ8ywE00evN-9ZCn7qfg2NNLs4RTWjkdc/s1600/lg2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The phone comes with a 1540mAh battery and we were satisfied with the backup that it offered. With mixed usage during the day, including playing games, a few calls, and <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="c8ea485c-0355-46c4-b8f9-d49a17aa6eee" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="96ee89b7-2231-438b-bec0-e93ac4660443" grcontextid="e-mail:0">e-mail</span> and Twitter notifications turned on, we were able to get about one-and-a-half days of backup. Although the battery's capacity isn't very large, we believe that the low-resolution screen helps in optimizing the battery backup offered by the phone.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At a price of Rs 7,899, the LG Optimus L3 II Dual is a decent Android <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="4cebe973-b373-45f9-af98-6b6109df3e86" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="b8b7ab3f-e959-43ff-b6be-2de9253953cc" grcontextid="smartphone:0">smartphone</span> in this price-range.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most key Features:-</span></u></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">    <strong><u>Pros</u></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Decent performance <br /><br /><br /><br /><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Good battery backup</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Comes with Android Jelly Bean</div></li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">  <b><u> Cons</u></b></div><div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Low resolution screen</li><li>No camera flash</li><li>Capacitive keys not backlit</li></ul><br /><b><u>  Ratings (Out of 5)</u></b> <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Design: 3</li><li>Display: 2.5</li><li>Performance: 3</li><li>Software: 3</li><li>Battery Life: 3.5</li><li>Value for Money: 3</li><li>Camera: 3</li><li>Overall: 3</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span></div>Published by <br /><a href="https://plus.google.com/112865615030946176397" rel="author">Priyanka</a></div>

LG Optimus mobile news LG Optimus L3 II Dual Full review

LG is offering a dual-SIM Android 4.1 handset in the same segment with the LG Optimus L3 II Dual. The handset is an upgrade to its Optimus ...

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Beat me and f--- me so I can sleep!

Yeah, there goes the more restrained version of chickie's blog flying out the window!  It's not vulgar, not overly inappropriate, hopefully a good enough balance of discretion and high-fiving (I'm such a dork). Not like I can post this on facebook or anything lol.  <br /><br />"Beat me and f--- me so I can sleep!"  At least that was the thought running through my head when we got back home.  Seriously, where did that come from?  I felt the words almost coming out and stopped them in their tracks.  I kind of shocked myself at the thought, being that there are no beatings in our marriage.  I did <i>not</i> say anything like that out loud.  I was beaming him my message telepathically.  <br /><br />So to backtrack, no, I didn't go to the doctor Friday like I'd promised.  Turns out I was very very sick and he had to drag me into urgent care yesterday afternoon.  Got a shot in my butt, more medicine on board and today I feel somewhat human again. Last night, I truly looked and sounded like death warmed over.<br /><br />Back to my other needs...<br /><br />Put the <strike>evil monsters</strike> darling children to bed then asked what I needed.  I told him I wanted him to rub me.  I stood close and got rubbed all over for a few minutes.  Meh<br /><br />"I'm going to bed.  Not to sleep, just to bed."<br /><br /> Maybe I left my adorable pink lacy panties on.  Maybe I didn't get under the covers.  Maybe I positioned myself on the bed just right so he'd be greeted by my backside instead of my zombie-like face when he opened the door.  <br /><br />He came in some time later and rubbed some more before getting into bed.  I rolled over to the other side and scootched in closer, begging for more back (and butt) rubbing.  He obliged, though seemed more interested in something other than me.  It's okay, I just needed to be rubbed.<br /><br />Details are very hazy from there. Rubbing turned into teasing, then back to rubbing, all the while feigning disinterest in me.  I was too medicine-headed to see it was his game.<br /><br />Aside from spanking/beatings type stuff, I really hadn't considered that there were sexual things we hadn't done before - I was wrong.   Surely there's no other way to contort our bodies that hasn't been done many times - I was wrong again.  <br /><br />I got my one swat on one cheek and then the other.  I think he likes his handprints there.  I don't think he does that for me in particular.<br /><br />Spun around somehow and swatted a nipple, then the other, then down there.  They were the tiniest most pitiful little swats, not registering as more than a rough touch.  Oh my gosh though!  The <i>idea</i> that he just did that was enough. WOW!<br /><br /><br />Other stuff, lots more stuff, blah blah.<br /><br />My mouth was busy.  His hands were busy.  I didn't know specifically what he was doing, just enjoying myself immensely both as the giver and the receiver.  Thank goodness he doesn't have those giant man hands!  Man hands, yes, just not gigantic ones.<br /><br />THE FIST!  <br /><br />The feeling just completely overtook me.  Nothing like I've ever felt before.  I expected it to be something else, more just like a gigantic dildo that can't possibly fit.  Ummm, no.  After a while I couldn't even breathe, it was just too overwhelming and it had to stop.  Not till I put my hand down there to make it stop did I realize what was going on, and once that's going on, it can't just stop.  Words cannot begin to describe how amazing that was.  So it's taken us all this time to figure that one out.  Can't wait to see what else is in store for me - hopefully!<br /><br />I got f---ed and I got to pretend I was beaten. It was a good night!<br /><br />

Beat me and f--- me so I can sleep!

Yeah, there goes the more restrained version of chickie's blog flying out the window!  It's not vulgar, not overly inappropriate, ho...

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Crazy Dream!

Crazy dreams from the medicine I started last night.  Evidently I was a wee bit sicker than I thought.<br /><br />Very erotic and weird.  I woke up at some point with my entire body under the sheets and his "pacifier" in my mouth.  That was a little odd to wake up to that.  It was there though, so I just went with it lol<br /><br />I got a drink and went to bed with my phone and fell back asleep reading blogs (the steamy parts) which just gave my brain fodder for more weird dreams.  When I woke from the last one I wrote notes because it was so bizarre and since some of you were in it.  Dreams never make sense and this takes the cake.<br /><br />Hubby and I were staying at Conina's house like it was a hotel, though she wasn't there.  Only reason I know it's hers was because it had a flogger crafting studio.  We found one that was soft, almost silky white with a pink handle and played with it.  That was wonderful!  Pretty sure we stole it, sorry!  Oh, and I left your plugged-up bath running last night so there was a bit of a flood but I cleaned it up this morning before we left.  Rogue and Christina (you came as a pair, go figure) took me shopping and picked out a very slinky way-too-short black skirt and shiny black boots with laces to the top.  I'm short and they were over my knees but you insisted they were perfect and bought them for me.  Hubby said thanks, he never would've shelled out that much money for them.  Hubby and I were holding hands, walking down a shady winding trail to the bottom of a mountain (in my fuck-me boots) and found a quaint little village.  Almost a Diagon Alley type of place, just without magic or creeps.  We found a child, about 5-6 with reddish blonde hair and freckles.  Sarah (where the heck did you come from?) knew whose kid he was and took him home.  Oh, and we found a dog - cute white and lemony-tan girl, probably a pit bull mix and a long tail that wouldn't stop wagging!  Sarah knew who she belonged to.  Sorry we didn't get to talk. I know you had your hands full between the happy kid and happy dog.  Then we went for dinner at the cutest place!  Very tropical feeling.  Bamboo everywhere.  Could this get any more ridiculous?  Yup.  We were served pina coladas in coconut shells by Ginger.  She introduced us to the owners, Maryanne and the professor.<br /><br />I'm pretty sure my brain told me enough of the nonsense and that's when I woke up.

Crazy Dream!

Crazy dreams from the medicine I started last night.  Evidently I was a wee bit sicker than I thought. Very erotic and weird.  I woke up at...

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RPBW: Fragments

Mark your calendars for what promises to be a must-see show at the <a href="http://www.gagosian.com/">Gagosian Gallery</a> on West 21st Street in New York City. The opening reception for <a href="http://www.gagosian.com/exhibitions/renzo-piano--june-27-2013"><i>Renzo Piano Building Workshop: Fragments</i></a> is Thursday, June 27, from 6-8pm.<br /><br /><img alt="RPBW-Fragments.jpg" src="http://www.archidose.org/Blog/RPBW-Fragments.jpg" title="Renzo Piano Building Workshop: Fragments" /> <br /><br />A snippet from the Gagosian Gallery press release:<br /><blockquote><i>Knowing how to do things not just with the head, but with the hands as well: this might seem a programmatic and ideological goal. It is not. It is a way of safeguarding creative freedom.</i><br />—Renzo Piano<br /><br />In collaboration with <a href="http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/">Fondazione Renzo Piano</a>, Gagosian Gallery is pleased to present “Fragments,” an exhibition of more than thirty years of architectural projects by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop.<br /><br />Equal parts library reading room, school classroom, and natural history gallery, the exhibition consists of twenty-four tabletop displays of scale models, drawings, photographs, and video. Each tells the involved, inspiring story of the design process of a single building, from museums, libraries, and airports to private residences. Among these projects are Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; The Menil Collection, Houston; Kansai International Airport, Osaka; Fondation Beyeler, Basel; Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center, Nouméa, New Caledonia; The New York Times Building, New York; Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Athens; and the Whitney Museum’s new building in downtown Manhattan.</blockquote>The tabletop displays of completed and in-progress projects recall earlier RPBW exhibitions, such as <i><a href="http://www.fondazionerenzopiano.org/exhibition/62/renzo-piano-the-architect-s-studio-i-louisana-museum-of-modern-art-i/images/page/1/">Renzo Piano: the architect's studio</a></i> at the Louisana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark:<br /><img alt="RPBW-Fragments2.jpg" src="http://www.archidose.org/Blog/RPBW-Fragments2.jpg" title="Renzo Piano: the architect's studio" /> <br />[© Brøndum A/S, Photo: Paul Buchard]<br /><br />The description is also reminiscent of this somewhat well-known photo of the architect's workshop in Italy:<br /><img alt="RPBW-Fragments3.jpg" src="http://www.archidose.org/Blog/RPBW-Fragments3.jpg" title="Renzo Piano Building Workshop" /> <br />[Photo © Fregoso & Basal]<br /><br />I can't wait.

RPBW: Fragments

Mark your calendars for what promises to be a must-see show at the Gagosian Gallery on West 21st Street in New York City. The opening recep...

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Today's archidose #684

With the recent opening of the <a href="http://www.serpentinegallery.org/2013/02/sou_fujimoto_to_design_serpentine_gallery_pavilion_2013.html">2013 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion</a> in London, designed by <a href="http://www.sou-fujimoto.net/">Sou Fujimoto</a>, here are some photos of the pavilion and an exhibition in Switzerland.<br /><br />Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, photographed by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jza_photography/">James Attree</a>:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jza_photography/8976050889/" title="Serpentine Gallery 2013 Pavilion by [J Z A] Photography, on Flickr"><img alt="Serpentine Gallery 2013 Pavilion" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/8976050889_85f64aa2eb_c.jpg" width="534" /></a><br /><br />Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, photographed by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/iqbalaalam/">Iqbal Aalam</a>:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/iqbalaalam/9011017046/" title="Serpentine Pavilion, 2013 by Sou Fujimoto by Iqbal Aalam, on Flickr"><img alt="Serpentine Pavilion, 2013 by Sou Fujimoto" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/9011017046_16fc83805a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/iqbalaalam/9009823857/" title="Serpentine Pavilion, 2013 by Sou Fujimoto by Iqbal Aalam, on Flickr"><img alt="Serpentine Pavilion, 2013 by Sou Fujimoto" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7353/9009823857_506c0cbca3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/iqbalaalam/9011011488/" title="Serpentine Pavilion, 2013 by Sou Fujimoto by Iqbal Aalam, on Flickr"><img alt="Serpentine Pavilion, 2013 by Sou Fujimoto" height="419" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/9011011488_3777bd47e4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ma-ge.ch/"><i>Sou Fujimoto - Architecture as Forest</i></a> exhibition at Maison de l'Architecture in Geneva, Switzerland (12 April - 13 June 2013), photographed by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevorpatt/">trevor.patt</a>:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevorpatt/8977341263/" title="IMG_1534 by trevor.patt, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1534" height="330" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8271/8977341263_9fe53e7a38_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevorpatt/8947138230/" title="IMG_1504 by trevor.patt, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1504" height="444" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8947138230_da39a2b38d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevorpatt/8924025768/" title="IMG_1509 by trevor.patt, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1509" height="439" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/8924025768_52dfc9a9ef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevorpatt/8924034988/" title="IMG_1510 by trevor.patt, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1510" height="490" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/8924034988_70c5179c44_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevorpatt/8946514663/" title="IMG_1594 by trevor.patt, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1594" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7377/8946514663_99a00ee9e3_c.jpg" width="555" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevorpatt/8947139464/" title="IMG_1530 by trevor.patt, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1530" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/8947139464_6c0d137d9b_z.jpg" width="543" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevorpatt/8978533252/" title="IMG_1549 by trevor.patt, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1549" height="800" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/8978533252_fa143f9e82_c.jpg" width="534" /></a><br /><br />To contribute your Flickr images for consideration, just:<br /><blockquote>:: Join and add photos to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/archi-dose/">archidose pool</a>, and/or<br />:: Tag your photos <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/archidose/">archidose</a></span></blockquote>

Today's archidose #684

With the recent opening of the 2013 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London, designed by Sou Fujimoto , here are some photos of the pavilion ...

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E3: Preview Day Impressions

<p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><img height="362" src="http://zapt4.staticworld.net/images/article/2013/06/project_spark_screen_shot_19-100041257-large.png" width="800"></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Firstly, congratulations to EA for being the only presentation out of the four to start on time.  Seriously, being punctual isn’t that difficult and there is zero excuse for Sony’s presentation starting twenty minutes late!</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Microsoft presentation was by far the smoothest and most comprehensive one of the day.  There were no glitches, no background audio disturbances, and no incredibly annoying “hostess” (Aisha Tyler for Ubisoft) trying and failing to make bad jokes and sexual innuendoes every where she thought they might succeed.  Several games exclusive to the XBox One have my full and complete undivided attention: Ryse, Son of Rome, Project Spark, Dead Rising 3, and Quantum Break.  I am very much looking forward to using Smart Glass integration with console gaming.  It is also a huge hit here that it is an all-in-one comprehensive entertainment box that will allow us for the first time to ditch the cable box for good.  </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">EA presentation was informative, fast paced, fun, and showed off great game play while talking about technical advances.  Dragon Age III has my attention from EA, which was expected.  But quite a few things at the EA event looked interesting as well.  That brief teaser for a new Star Wars: Battlefront game had me drooling with anticipation.  Plants v. Zombies: Garden Warfare and Titanfall are both intriguing for very different reasons and I will undoubtedly play both.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">UbiSoft conference was just awful.  It was more about Aisha than the games unfortunately, because Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag looks amazing and Tom Clancy’s The Division looks like it is definitely worth delving into.  South Park: The Stick of Truth will satisfy the nine-year old in all of us and I admit, I too will be playing it come this holiday season.  Watchdogs looks beautiful but the story premise may actually be a little too close to recent events to be enjoyable.  </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Sony’s press conference was embarrassing.  Sony’s persistent need to troll Microsoft only showed their fear of being outclassed by the XBox One and their presentation was amateurish.  Oh I understand they wanted to solidify their fan base from being tempted away to the XBox One but unnamed insults and mentions were in extremely poor taste.  I am also stunned that anyone is naive enough to believe Sony’s claims that they are not going to have digital rights management on their games.  Please remember, Sony is the gaming corporation that was vulnerable to hackers and left millions of peoples personal information fall into the wrong hands.  Only The Dark Sorcerer looked at all interesting or compelling for games on the new console.  The other games presented were completely unappealing and uninspiring.  Sony and their game developers broke no new ground with any game presented last night as an exclusive.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Preview day presented some nice new titles to look forward to, existing titles expanding their franchises, and hardware that will make it all possible.</font></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:a85a05d0-bf04-47f7-8065-55b0f420c947" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Xbox+One" rel="tag">Xbox One</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/PlayStation+4" rel="tag">PlayStation 4</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Microsoft" rel="tag">Microsoft</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Sony" rel="tag">Sony</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/EA" rel="tag">EA</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Electronic+Arts" rel="tag">Electronic Arts</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Ubisoft" rel="tag">Ubisoft</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Aisha+Tyler" rel="tag">Aisha Tyler</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Plants+v.+Zombies%3a+Garden+Warfare" rel="tag">Plants v. Zombies: Garden Warfare</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Titanfall" rel="tag">Titanfall</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Ryse%3a+Son+of+Rome" rel="tag">Ryse: Son of Rome</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Assassin's+Creed+4%3a+Black+Flag" rel="tag">Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Star+Wars%3a+Battlefront" rel="tag">Star Wars: Battlefront</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/South+Park%3a+The+Stick+of+Truth" rel="tag">South Park: The Stick of Truth</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Tom+Clancy's+The+DIvision" rel="tag">Tom Clancy's The DIvision</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Watchdoges" rel="tag">Watchdoges</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/The+Dark+Sorcerer" rel="tag">The Dark Sorcerer</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/DargonAge+III%3a+Inquisition" rel="tag">DargonAge III: Inquisition</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Project+Spark" rel="tag">Project Spark</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Dead+Rising+3" rel="tag">Dead Rising 3</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Quantum+Break" rel="tag">Quantum Break</a></div>

E3 EA Microsoft PlayStation 4 PS4 Sony Ubisoft Xbox One E3: Preview Day Impressions

  Firstly, congratulations to EA for being the only presentation out of the four to start on time.  Seriously, being punctual isn’t that d...

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Google #25 Create video notes when watching YouTube videos

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXZNeT0g3S48bhgeTfD1rAkJO_o6WrDAtDHutNGMajynlm_c8q9qIhvHtNMo59L1doDqUXJIJIGRWSS-gga3DQDNwxN5GnaAGuMzq65qXd7m18lRuLzeEgL1lHciFlHiLUc9kqXUfQSg/s1600/videonotes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXZNeT0g3S48bhgeTfD1rAkJO_o6WrDAtDHutNGMajynlm_c8q9qIhvHtNMo59L1doDqUXJIJIGRWSS-gga3DQDNwxN5GnaAGuMzq65qXd7m18lRuLzeEgL1lHciFlHiLUc9kqXUfQSg/s1600/videonotes.JPG" /></a></div><a href="http://www.videonot.es/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.videonot.es/</a><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Video notes is a great new tool that enables you to watch a video online and take notes at the same time. This could work really well with information that you want students to explore. This free application works with a number of applications:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="image" border="0" height="61" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64vLNIIePzrSHOR2VqIzM0zII7hKIEXouGEGfu0BKdxPt2giE2qT6P8jPm1Sq40znSfQ-6iH3lQna1WfJMZVTSDAkxngWufGY7_EXT0NO70C3ACyd_pMQockLkqSubkGSmnQb24HKDVc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="444" /></span></div><br /><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How VideoNotes works</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Step 1</strong>. <strong>Open VideoNotes</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the purpose of this post we will explore how it works with  YouTube in particular. The way it work with YouTube is that you open VideoNotes (<a href="http://www.videonot.es/)%C2%A0">http://www.videonot.es/) </a> and synchronize it with Google Drive.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="image" border="0" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM7CD3YNDgWz-fGifA-CjMB-vrLrbvNUMBeStSBsK3kFWBPbDsYwYuWQNVhLaBV75sF6ekU6Foxd-JKj7z4AvpfSHEZK1qylhpYkk7hmcWYDdVFYTieqSnBgpCa50wGhfWobbCIfY54s/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong><br /></strong></span><strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 2. Notice the dual screen</span></strong><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’ll notice that VideoNotes opens up a dual screen. The left side is for the video and the right side is a notepad for taking notes. This sychronizes with Google Drive where the notes will be saved. This would enable you to collaborate on your notes just as you would if you were collaborating on a Google Document. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="image" border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEdoQj8Tvt8vW8D32OfstVR_UjcmXrzfCWc_YthxZk2inasKpYm98NtU9dmt2ELKzZsrgAe8AcpmFTavhFstKOZGOvJCnsPoS6EmxgY7mi_H3roWsYwS0Wfd2zmvD7yp-xQKZziyQjfk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The video leaves a place marker at each new note, which is a very helpful feature. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </span><br /><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A fantastic presentation on VideoNotes from Matt Newland in Hong Kong</span></strong><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matt is a Google certified teacher who lives in Hong Kong, and he sent the group his presentation saying “<em>Here is the presentation I did on Video Notes at the HK Google Summit. Please feel free use</em>.” This gives a great overview of VideoNotes plus detailed steps for using the application.. The presentation also shows the video that went viral (also on the news) from Duncanville High when a student complained about the old-fashioned way the teacher was teaching.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">VideoNotes in the Classroom Presentation:</span><br /><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10eis7InH6wWKMVT8ahD6Kj2Yk0w6uneplHtGeXGOK6o/edit?usp=sharing" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10eis7InH6wWKMVT8ahD6Kj2Yk0w6uneplHtGeXGOK6o/edit?usp=sharing</a></b><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matt includes an example task you could set your students at the end of the presentation.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="image" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rpTrWrIrCDXmm9CVZfPbfiiH8oKVVZUqq2fHr1Q_QGJc0QRfPU9_Fb6LUDLGEJ0jFZy68u2sj4AHdZxtgPZ4b_6KLpfbkEZdhyphenhyphenKdoVIk_-bq1QUBk3HrA9O_UbJoSSAARddfmKYuOmM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></span></div><br /><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><br /><strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Classroom Use of VideoNotes</span></strong><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. The teacher or the students could create very useful tutorials.<br />2. Students could create the videos as a way of presenting work with notes.<br />3. Students in groups could divide up a task and each find or create relevant videos with notes to empower the rest of the group. <br />4. Students could use VideoNotes for research and note-taking purposes<br />5. Students could view curriculum material, respond to it and share their responses.</span></div>

30 Days of Google VideoNotes Google #25 Create video notes when watching YouTube videos

http://www.videonot.es/ Video notes is a great new tool that enables you to watch a video online and take notes at the same time. This could...

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On holidays!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4LsKm0VZK94U2p5Xp-n__JHn2aQ6r9nZhXpO6Gs1ZA6NUjzgTKU4KdO4OIrFFxrw7p8zoB4bJ1lSpN4gXZSWAyXO5QrPzTbRXeh8O9_BZL5lG2Eh-D0sx58rxneL2Sx1-vawwfSX0kPH/s640/blogger-image-1788081453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4LsKm0VZK94U2p5Xp-n__JHn2aQ6r9nZhXpO6Gs1ZA6NUjzgTKU4KdO4OIrFFxrw7p8zoB4bJ1lSpN4gXZSWAyXO5QrPzTbRXeh8O9_BZL5lG2Eh-D0sx58rxneL2Sx1-vawwfSX0kPH/s640/blogger-image-1788081453.jpg"></a></div>We leave Dublin in the lashing rain - we are on our way to the Sunshine State - Key West, Florida<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSca5zbntwqCOWhnu7E4gYP5DstUEbqeWxpWc5Rk-tPk74R23kfQIIlEd55XD2Svt-jxbZtCx9ikQl53CHiepNsa2ZfznT4eg-hAhpNr9WvRH_5zmW0UAeQYW-DAL0QdlwzKosXPXH55hg/s640/blogger-image-716497945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSca5zbntwqCOWhnu7E4gYP5DstUEbqeWxpWc5Rk-tPk74R23kfQIIlEd55XD2Svt-jxbZtCx9ikQl53CHiepNsa2ZfznT4eg-hAhpNr9WvRH_5zmW0UAeQYW-DAL0QdlwzKosXPXH55hg/s640/blogger-image-716497945.jpg"></a></div>

On holidays!

We leave Dublin in the lashing rain - we are on our way to the Sunshine State - Key West, Florida

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Gotta Go!!

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGTeBCtzfai320yBmj11bPFU20rvyWSiQx9Aw3waOJfvmqDHIMcoJKdpkbiSUpOJJbUow9Uhla5p_9NLI1wRvNZnj4pqKU-9dCdefuywV64llkBTy3BB8OmNN2lzL3zN8-7u80aD7X6Q/s1600/Vince+Mullet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGTeBCtzfai320yBmj11bPFU20rvyWSiQx9Aw3waOJfvmqDHIMcoJKdpkbiSUpOJJbUow9Uhla5p_9NLI1wRvNZnj4pqKU-9dCdefuywV64llkBTy3BB8OmNN2lzL3zN8-7u80aD7X6Q/s400/Vince+Mullet.JPG" width="400" /></a><i>“Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone.”</i><br /><br />― Mitch Albom<br /><br />I am not a huge Mitch Albom fan, but he has, over the years, written some stuff that is quote worthy.  And the aforementioned quote, is one of them.<br /><br />Why is that you ask?<br /><br />Well?  Let me tell you…<br /><br />My brother Vince died yesterday, and well?  I still love him, and more importantly, he loves EVERYONE!!<br /><br />No shit…Seriously?  Yes, he loved damn near every person in the world.<br /><br />And here is the thing….The man was funny, and being funny is what we are all about here on IWS Radio.<br /><br />And you know what?  Have you ever met that guy or doll who was unintentionally funny?  Yeah?  Well that was my brother, Vince.<br /><br />I remember some 20 years ago, Vince and I decided to seal coat Mom and Dad’s driveway…Being men, we didn’t read the directions on the seal coat product.<br /><br />We spent eight hours, 200 dollars, and a case of beer on a project that should have taken two hours, 50 bucks, and a twelve pack.<br /><br />Neither Vince or I noticed that the seal coat product that we used worked best when water is applied to the driveway first.<br /><br />However when we finally DID get finished…the driveway turned out to be the purest of ebony, while Vince and I were drunker than Lot while being accosted by his daughters.<br /><br />Vinnie and I had many a good time together, some that are so heinous, that I shall not talk about today, nor will you, “Mizz Tanzy of the Rainforest”, whom Vince and I “met” backstage at the Greene County Fair in 1992 for the price of three Tilt-a-Whirl tickets and a warm, 24 ounce can of Pabst.<br /><br /><i>Shut your whore mouth, Mizz Tanzy!!</i><br /><br />Vinnie was an anachronism as well…He as many of you know, kept the mullet.  He wore sweat socks with stripes, went to bed at ten, and at Christmas, instead of buying gift cards, he picked out awesomely personal gifts for people.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLp-eKr5_lCyifhrc9dxFjAc13UkEmU6jaUJW8uZ2zWa1guKlXRV0CIcniAwh9fudJvuG7k_WLGiwRh6JxqUcOgb8aJ2cvaxBvNIdc69S1mE2kghTK5yEkWBlhyphenhyphenOcDkmMnYWUcZd-36A/s1600/Vince.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLp-eKr5_lCyifhrc9dxFjAc13UkEmU6jaUJW8uZ2zWa1guKlXRV0CIcniAwh9fudJvuG7k_WLGiwRh6JxqUcOgb8aJ2cvaxBvNIdc69S1mE2kghTK5yEkWBlhyphenhyphenOcDkmMnYWUcZd-36A/s400/Vince.jpg" width="282" /></a><br />He was…my mom.  Okay, only I would have never breast fed from him, which I didn’t from my own mom, and now?<br /><br />Okay, wait….This is getting creepy, but to get back to the point…<br /><br />Brother Vinnie encapsulated and personified IWS Radio…<br /><br />He was a guy who stayed on top of the news and would usually say of President Obama, Congress, or just about anyone who had something “important” to say…<br /><br /><i>“Really?  Are you fucking stupid?”</i><br /><br />Yeah…He was more into personal fun and frivolity, and I mean that in a family way, and rather than getting caught up into the bullshit that is a politically driven life...<br /><br />He loved his family; we still love him, and in the words of Mitch Albom…YOU still live among us, <i>“even after you are gone.”</i><br /><br />Here’s to you Vinnie.  Long may your Freak Flag wave!!<br /><br /><i>Cheers!!</i><br /><br />Matt-Man<br /><a href="mailto:mattmaniws@ymail.com">mattmaniws@ymail.com</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/MattMan_IWS" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">@mattman_iws</span></a></div>

Gotta Go!!

“Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone.” ― Mitch Albom I am not a huge Mitch Albom fan, but he has, over the years, written so...

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E3: Sony Press Conference: Releases, Hype, and Details

<p><a><img height="750" src="http://blog.lefigaro.fr/jeuxvideo/playstation-network.jpg" width="750"></a></p><ul><li><font size="3">Exclusive PlayStation 4 releases:</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Social media is important</font></li><li><font size="3">Over 40 titles in development, 20 of which to release in the first year</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">12 of those 20 are new IP</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">The Order</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Exclusive to PS4</font></li><li><font size="3">Looks beautiful</font></li><li><font size="3">Seems to be a steam punk inspired game</font></li><li><font size="3">Shooter</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Killzone: Shadow Fall</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Sci-fi shooter</font></li><li><font size="3">Launch</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Drive Club</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Driving game</font></li><li><font size="3">Launch</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Infamous: Second Son</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Photo realistic</font></li><li><font size="3">Looks to have some inique gameplay elements</font></li><li><font size="3">Second quarter 2017</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Knack</font></li><ul><li><font size="3"> Nothing inspiring</font></li><li><font size="3">Launch</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">The Dark Sorcerer</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Game play footage to demonstrate the emotional availability of the PS4</font></li><li><font size="3">Very pretty and great facial expressions</font></li><li><font size="3">A game I would definitely play</font></li><li><font size="3">Demo tomorrow at 1 PM</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">The Witness</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">First to the PS4</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Transistor</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">PS4 first</font></li><li><font size="3">From the creators of Bastion</font></li><li><font size="3">Highly stylized platformer</font></li><li><font size="3">Coming in 2014</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Indie developers will be able to self-publish their own content; games include:</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Don’t Starve</font></li><li><font size="3">Mercenary Kings</font></li><li><font size="3">Octodad</font></li><li><font size="3">Secret Ponchos</font></li><li><font size="3">Galak-Z</font></li><li><font size="3">Outlast</font></li><li><font size="3">Odd World Inhabitants</font></li><li><font size="3">Galaxy</font></li><li><font size="3">All making exclusive console debut on PS4</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Diablo 3 will have PlayStation inspired items exclusive to the PlayStation</font></li><li><font size="3">Final Fantasy 15</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Photo realistic graphics</font></li><li><font size="3">Subtitled</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Kingdom Hearts 3</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">3D</font></li><li><font size="3">Looks good</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Final Fantasy 14</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Coming exclusively to PS 3 & 4</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">World premiere demo</font></li><li><font size="3">It doesn’t look any better than the Xbox One</font></li><li><font size="3">Game looks fun</font></li><li><font size="3">Demo is filled with environment, lots of sneaking and action</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Watchdogs</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Nothing new from the Xbox One press conference</font></li><li><font size="3">Play the way you want</font></li><li><font size="3">Different demo than this morning’s conference</font></li><li><font size="3">Looks good</font></li><li><font size="3">Reminds me of a modern day cross between Thief and Assassin’s Creed</font></li><li><font size="3">Additional hour of gameplay exclusive to PS4</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">NBA2K14</font></li><li><font size="3">Elder Scrolls Online</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Spring 2014</font></li><li><font size="3">Exclusive beta</font></li><li><font size="3">Also coming to the Xbox One</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Mad Max</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Road warrior survival kit exclusive to PlayStation</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">140 games in development, 100 available in first year</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">40 exclusive titles</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Destiny</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">World game play premiere</font></li><li><font size="3">Beautiful looking</font></li><li><font size="3">Reminds me of an MMO trying to be a multiplayer shooter</font></li><li><font size="3">Instant access to multiplayer, aka public events</font></li><li><font size="3">You can see the influence on Halo on the game</font></li><li><font size="3">Exclusive partnership with publishers</font></li></ul></ul><li><font size="3"> PlayStation 4 Pricing, versions, used games, and miscellaneous:</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Unveiled the PS4 hardware</font></li><ul><li><font size="3"> It is very thin</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Capitalizing on the whole of the Sony Entertainment family</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Music, video, movies, etc.</font></li><li><font size="3">New programming exclusive to the PlayStation Network geared to gamers</font></li><li><font size="3">Music and movie unlimited available on day one for PSN, Android and Apple devices</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">It is trying to be an entertainment console like the Xbox One</font></li><li><font size="3">No usage restrictions</font></li><li><font size="3">Discs based</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Don’t need to be connected online to play or to authenticate</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Background downloading</font></li><li><font size="3">Cross game voice chat</font></li><li><font size="3">Ustream live streaming</font></li><li><font size="3">PS Plus membership carries over from PS3 and Vita</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">New title every month for free</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">$399 price point, available this holiday season in US and UK</font></li></ul><li><font size="3"> PlayStation 3 releases:</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">The last of Us</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Releases this Friday</font></li><li><font size="3">Looks amazing, a lot of positive buzz about the game</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Puppeteer</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Looks fun</font></li></ul><li><font size="3"> Rain</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Looks creepy</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Beyond</font></li><ul><li><font size="3"> Looks good</font></li><li><font size="3">Spy, shooter type game with a female lead</font></li></ul><li><font size="3"> Gran Turismo 6</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Looks mediocre in comparison to next gen driving games announced today</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Batman</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Fall 2013</font></li><li><font size="3">Looks phenomenal</font></li><li><font size="3">Black Mask is the baddie</font></li><li><font size="3">Exclusive content to PS3</font></li></ul><li><font size="3">Grand Theft Auto 5</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Exclusive PS3 bundle available September 2013</font></li></ul></ul><li><font size="3">PS Vita announcements:</font></li><ul><li><font size="3">Just beginning its life cycle</font></li><li><font size="3">More than 125 dedicated games</font></li><li><font size="3">Nearly 60% of all purchases are digital</font></li><li><font size="3">The Walking Dead is coming to Vita</font></li><li><font size="3">PS4 is designed at the system level to use the Vita – the ultimate companion device</font></li></ul></ul><p> </p><div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:917b57ad-a7e8-4666-bc72-a805d60c096b" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Sony" rel="tag">Sony</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/PlayStation+4" rel="tag">PlayStation 4</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/PlayStation+3" rel="tag">PlayStation 3</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/PS+Vita" rel="tag">PS Vita</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/The+Lsst+of+Us" rel="tag">The Lsst of Us</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Batman" rel="tag">Batman</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Assassin's+Creed+4%3a+Black+Flag" rel="tag">Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/The+Dark+Sorcerer" rel="tag">The Dark Sorcerer</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Elder+Scrolls+Online" rel="tag">Elder Scrolls Online</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/The+Order" rel="tag">The Order</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Killzone" rel="tag">Killzone</a></div>

Bethseda Bungie Destiny E3 Elder Scrolls MMO PlayStation 3 PlayStation 4 The Elder Scrolls Online Xbox One E3: Sony Press Conference: Releases, Hype, and Details

Exclusive PlayStation 4 releases: Social media is important Over 40 titles in development, 20 of which to release in the first year 12 of th...

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AUSTRALIA'S DEFENSE PAPER 2013:

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font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1y3YqSeA6BVgK5Z4cKTZCVDStX1YkJ9SAo_aWmchYZXtF8I5dcxnQUTNP-evSpavgLt54jrk0Vr6fTSctkyFIpdTPryfw017NrJvQlSEQpbYE6D7yvrrxjIL1Qo3cSYiqR9hN6aYpMQG/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1y3YqSeA6BVgK5Z4cKTZCVDStX1YkJ9SAo_aWmchYZXtF8I5dcxnQUTNP-evSpavgLt54jrk0Vr6fTSctkyFIpdTPryfw017NrJvQlSEQpbYE6D7yvrrxjIL1Qo3cSYiqR9hN6aYpMQG/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">TOWARDS MIDDLE POWER OR STRATEGIC WITHDRAWAL?</span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">By Murray Hunter via Geopolitcalmonitor.com </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AUSTRALIA'S 2013 defense white paper is a very paradoxical document. While there were very few surprises in the purchases and future spending outlook, the spirit of the paper appears to signal the country's abandonment of its self-view as a "middle power" into what could be argued as "strategic withdrawal.” This is particularly evident in the fact that defense spending is expected to be as low as 1.5-2.0% of GDP over the coming decade.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A MORE NEUTRAL STANCE TOWARDS CHINESE AND US RIVALRY</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOfcMlZSVpXlGmWkkItMlwR6lXpfRveGGlsVPf4a7FizN1vOfhSdgi7X9pjfw8LVsGi9npWkJFbAskC7ov33TNTauRlN_9k4iTiMKdy4N0cloFz3XaH0Lu91k1eJKi7nkRsLRhNau3dew/s1600/ChinaUSAw_rdax_384x216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOfcMlZSVpXlGmWkkItMlwR6lXpfRveGGlsVPf4a7FizN1vOfhSdgi7X9pjfw8LVsGi9npWkJFbAskC7ov33TNTauRlN_9k4iTiMKdy4N0cloFz3XaH0Lu91k1eJKi7nkRsLRhNau3dew/s320/ChinaUSAw_rdax_384x216.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Notably, the white paper doesn't choose between CHINA and the US. This time around, Canberra has undertaken a much more realistic strategic assessment of CHINA-US rivalry and AUSTRALIA'S position within this nexus. AUSTRALIA has rhetorically dropped sides and stated that it accepts, and encourages CHINA'S rise militarily within the region in line with its growth as an economic power. AUSTRALIA, unlike in the 2009 white paper under former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, has not taken sides, and through hardware acquisition and spending plans it has effectively declared itself as an onlooker in the region. This is indeed a major shift in AUSTRALIAN defense policy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Read related article on</span></b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">AUSTRALIA’S 2009 DEFENSE WHITE PAPER</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">at:</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">AUSTRALIA IS KEEN TO AVOID NON WIN CHOICE BETWEEN CHINA AND US</span></b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/06/australia-and-china.html">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/06/australia-and-china.html</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This reiterates AUSTRALIA'S future reliance on security from 'soft power' options. The white paper hopes for a new status quo arising between CHINA and the US, believing that there is substantial cooperation between the two powers in today, one which could give rise to a peaceful co-existence. However this could be seen as being too optimistic where the US is trying to maintain military primacy in the region, and CHINA is trying to assert its emerging status. AUSTRALIA is betting on 'strategic cooperation' between the two, rather than 'strategic competition'.<br /><br />The white paper leaves AUSTRALIA with very little capability in SOUTH-EAST ASIA. It has chosen to do nothing in terms of upgrading regional capabilities, harming its response options in the face of natural disasters and political upheavals that could be a threat to AUSTRALIA. The government is relying on the policy concepts outlined in the "AUSTRALIA in the ASIAN Century" white paper to engage ASIA through 'soft power' options, bilateral, and multilateral initiatives. Though just how effective AUSTRALIA really is at engaging ASIA via 'soft power' remains a big question.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AUSTRALIA’S NORTHERN NEIGHBOR INDONESIA, ASPIRING OF BECOMING THE LEADING MILITARY FORCE OF THE REGION</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5sAElvaB4H4ZNZsv02UDVk5dbaJf737zWfwfv97ktHq_z0dioKGxfo4MsyG6Dg2uLE4u8GWcqtNPp2OX9yyYgG6iZzR5NmHCjNFj-RdMTUb9dFPxI4wR2jj2uTck1jiMINl1kEUjwERr/s1600/An_Indonesian_Air_Force_Sukhoi_SU-27_touches_its_wheels_down_after_an_Exercise_Pitch_Black_2012_mission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5sAElvaB4H4ZNZsv02UDVk5dbaJf737zWfwfv97ktHq_z0dioKGxfo4MsyG6Dg2uLE4u8GWcqtNPp2OX9yyYgG6iZzR5NmHCjNFj-RdMTUb9dFPxI4wR2jj2uTck1jiMINl1kEUjwERr/s320/An_Indonesian_Air_Force_Sukhoi_SU-27_touches_its_wheels_down_after_an_Exercise_Pitch_Black_2012_mission.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="id"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span dir="auto">Indonesian Air force Sukhoi SU-27</span></span></span></h1></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This comes at a time when the INDONESIAN President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono just announced INDONESIA'S aspirations of building up military forces to be bigger and more modern than countries like AUSTRALIA, MALAYSIA, and SINGAPORE, potentially filling the regional military vacuum to the near North of AUSTRALIA.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AUSTRALIAN DEFENSE UPGRADING </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AUSTRALIA has opted to purchase 12 new Super Hornet fighter planes with "Growler" technology that can knock out an enemy's communication and electronic capabilities, which will supplement existing fighter capabilities. With the purchase of 72 5th generation joint strike fighters, this makes for a good "budget defense" of the air-sea gap that separates AUSTRALIA from ASIA, along the lines of the old 'Fortress AUSTRALIA Policy' under the Fraser Government back in 1976.<br /><br />The submarine issue has been very contentious within the AUSTRALIAN defense establishment. According to the white paper, what AUSTRALIA wants to do with its submarines is to either upgrade the existing Collins design, or create a completely new design. This is still very vague and suggests that the defense establishment itself doesn't yet have the answers. Another unanswered question is: 'what will the submarines actually do?'</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS-loShX8NFsUCCmMDWobFaWfFVk0HcKGymkqe5VVAiCOE5clrXe89yiukJbGFoS3mdwFt4hYC7XCMP5PnvspC5HAM_7iVH7PmZ4KpFukjkt9ojmD_tXQaqgLwgZ901pb6U2ATtzClR32/s1600/ob_ecbd61_australian-defence-force.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS-loShX8NFsUCCmMDWobFaWfFVk0HcKGymkqe5VVAiCOE5clrXe89yiukJbGFoS3mdwFt4hYC7XCMP5PnvspC5HAM_7iVH7PmZ4KpFukjkt9ojmD_tXQaqgLwgZ901pb6U2ATtzClR32/s200/ob_ecbd61_australian-defence-force.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />This submarine option could have more to do with jobs in SOUTH AUSTRALIA than actually strategic defense considerations. SOUTH AUSTRALIA is in need of employment opportunities and the construction of new submarines would boost the local economy. Even though any real work on these submarines would not occur for some years to come.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHINA IS IMPORTANT TO AUSTRALIA</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This paper could be seen as trying to achieve many objectives, where none are really adequately covered. Although it defines a new AUSTRALIAN defense-scope as the INDO-PACIFIC region and, through rhetoric, the paper tries to hold onto the image of a 'middle power'; in reality it is signaling to the region, particularly ASEAN, that AUSTRALIA will be no power at all.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GEOPOLITICAL BALANCING ACTS</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> <br /></span><br />The framers of the 2013 defense white paper probably had two objectives in mind. The first is coming to the recognition that CHINA is important to AUSTRALIA.  This means placating CHINA and making amends for the aggravating rhetoric of the 2009 defense white paper that occurred under the Rudd Government, where CHINA was painted as a threat. This will please CHINA, but will probably disappoint the USA, as the AUSTRALIAN white paper does nothing to support the US "ASIAN PIVOT". AUSTRALIA'S symbolic contribution of 15 specialists in the KOREAN Foal Eagle exercises last month really shows the impotency of AUSTRALIA'S defense capabilities from any regional perspective.<br /><br />The second objective was to avoid any higher financial commitment. The 2013 white paper shows that Treasury rules the roost in Canberra and the objective of fiscal restraint overrides any other policy issues in government.<br /></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzXTtDTJVBXTj5rdH227zuHnpZ5m1QFKKd5HhQ4coWeKoXKKjCmgljZ0xTDcUXNO2AJGdBn4RKpQqcH-tUHPycvuTaOIA6LOXVbNL1R1dQTqNR-KTutR3Q7Bx9Kl-TnwtvH_3kUpXeel0/s1600/Screen-shot-2012-03-12-at-9.28.36-PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzXTtDTJVBXTj5rdH227zuHnpZ5m1QFKKd5HhQ4coWeKoXKKjCmgljZ0xTDcUXNO2AJGdBn4RKpQqcH-tUHPycvuTaOIA6LOXVbNL1R1dQTqNR-KTutR3Q7Bx9Kl-TnwtvH_3kUpXeel0/s320/Screen-shot-2012-03-12-at-9.28.36-PM.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It could be argued that by default, AUSTRALIA is actually taking the "NEW ZEALAND" option of scaling down its defense forces in want of a threat. No frigate purchases, though a few faster patrol boats; updated strike fighters with modern electronic attack measures; a stalled submarine decision- this all looks like a strategic retreat.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The risk in this white paper is that the Gillard Government is signaling to SOUTHEAST ASIA that its interests aren't there anymore. Unfortunately, once again AUSTRALIA has failed to debate the issues facing the nation and opted for a 'band aid' approach, which will severely weaken AUSTRALIA'S defense future defense position, which seems to have become one of the lowest priorities of government today.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">However the 2013 white paper may be very short lived as AUSTRALIAN defense policy. AUSTRALIA faces an election this coming September where opinion polls strongly indicate that the Gillard Government will lose. The Federal opposition led by Tony Abbot has said that it plans to review AUSTRALIA'S defense needs and options once again. This leaves open the possibility that the whole process will be starting up again rather quickly.</span></div>

AUSTRALIA'S DEFENSE PAPER 2013:

TOWARDS MIDDLE POWER OR STRATEGIC WITHDRAWAL? By Murray Hunter via Geopolitcalmonitor.com  AUSTRALIA'S 2013 defense white paper is a ve...

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