Envision

Only a couple of years ago, we were watching classic alien movies like Independence Day and War of the Worlds. We enjoyed every bit of them, of how man depict extraterrestrials. The whole thing was entirely imagination-based, and drilled into everyone's mindset how ugly and terrible aliens would actually appear. Classic alien movies always feature aliens as strong, intelligent, powerful, advanced, monstrous, ugly, destructive, cruel and most of all, superior. In truth, movie producers may seem quite biased about alien supremacy over mankind, crushing planet Earth with a familiar iron fist.

Turning the tables are two 2009 films, District 9 and Avatar. These two films were outstanding contrasts to each other, set in different aspects, with totally different themes and moral values to be learned. What do they both share in common then? They strayed from the usual alien-movie-plot-formula, and forming one by their own. Both films depict man as, sort of, the superior species. And oh, they're not just action-packed alien vs human sorta show, they both symbolise moral values laid out indirectly.

Basically, District 9 is a low-budget film trying to make a film that will have a great impact on us. Everything in this fockin' film has got a fockin' awesome meaning to it. It's not just about the fockin' prawns strolling about our fockin' planet. Alright, I gotta stop it. So District 9 has got some issues on bad language but you must read between the lines, watch between the pixels. It's about how mankind alienate a person who is different. It's also about how bloodthirsty mankind are, exploiting advanced weapon technology from another species. District 9 depicts how, when a man is in a position of power, he can do inhuman things.

Blockbuster film Avatar also delivers a message to most of mankind. It isn't just about biolumiscent trees and animals with parasitic problems. The film puts man in a position of power too, this time invading another planet trying to exploit the land filled with a mineral they want. Consequently, this would involve deforestation and destruction of natural habitats. This movie has a very eco-friendly theme, warning humanity not to develop too much as nature will strike back ultimately. Avatar portrays how greedy mankind are, ignoring all circumstances to achieve economic and financial growth, albeit destroying the environment and indigenous species.

Finally, we get a chance to see humans depicted as baddies. For once, we tend to cheer for the aliens instead of human heroics. Boring old "man vs alien" films have changed.

Henceforth, both Avatar and District 9 are awesome shows of their own category. This new movie formula is a breath of fresh air needed. They remind us humans of what we're capable of, not just getting invaded by aliens. They remind us not to be too greedy or power hungry. We know not even aliens can destroy us, but our behavior and mentality can ultimately do so.

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Windows 7 will probably revolutionise the computing universe. Though it's still early in development process, Windows 7  has already added the touch-screen features into their user-interface feature list.

If they're thinking of going Star Wars, I'll be backing them. A quote from Jo Fan: it's an oversized iPhone running on Windows!

It's so similar to Vista...

As Windows 7 edges towards release, around October 2009 (finally... a successor to the awful Vista), we can only hope the long-awaited multitouch function will be good. Or else, we wouldn't want out fingerprints imprinted all over the screen.

Windows 7's user-interface is rather more Vista-like than anything else. They look so similar, when I first saw a screenshot of Windows 7 Beta I thought it was Vista. I'd love to try out the Beta to get a clue on what's hot in Windows Se7en.

In this video below, it seems the reaction time after clicking on something or dragging a window is fast. Unlike most touch-screen monitors you see around airports, malls or anywhere, Windows 7 apparently speeds up the reaction time.

A big question in mind - how is this going to affect gaming? Are we going to shoot down enemies by jabbing our fingers at them on the screen? If the fight gets intense, you might make a hole in your screen. But for the case of RTS games, the touch-screen might come in handy. The mouse might get ruled out of trend as business PC users will no longer need them.

I think Microsoft is rushing to recover the losses they went through with the indigestion of Vista. Through this mess, Microsoft is trying to recapture their lost fame by incorporating the features of an iPhone with a PC.

Windows, to me, is still better suited than Apple's OS X. So, I hope Microsoft will do a fine job here in rectifying the remnants of Vista to the new touch-screen-capable Seven.

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Yet again, another game review. Mirror's Edge is another EA masterpiece. If you're thinking Mirror's Edge is a boring game involving jumping and running only, you are wrong. It's a whole new and different experience like no other.

The game features a city (more like a megalopolis) full of splendid architectural marvels. The huge buildings loom the somewhat impressive landscape and gives YOU the power to jump around the city while accomplishing your missions. You are basically a runner, and in this case, runners steal information away from prying eyes. You will end up having to escape from police force.

A quote from Timothy Goh: Mirror's Edge makes you vomit out your past eight meals.

Well said. The exhilirating running and jumping amidst a large city is an experience so different from other games. Especially when the cops are on your tail. The adrenaline and mixed emotions will bring about a unique atmosphere. Things get even more dramatic when you end up leaping a series of leaps and jumps as some runner cops are pursuing you throughout the city.

Your character, Faith, is however extremely vulnerable to gunfire. Don't try to pick on multiple cops during the game, you are sure to fall prey to their weapons. Pick them one by one, disarm them and use the groovy new weapon to take down the rest of the cops.

There are quite a number of  disadvantages in the gameplay. Sometimes the series of jumping puzzles might break down the momentum during running and makes the player frustrated. This often happens, leaving you thinking how to get past hurdle after hurdle. You'll be seeing red, both figuratively and literally. It leaves you fuzzy and confused.

All in all, Mirror's Edge is a game to behold for its uniqueness and exciting gameplay. Run hard.

I give it a 8.2 out of 10.

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I have to say, and insist, that the latest Apple iPod Nano is a true beauty.

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The term CS has more commonly used for Counter-Strike rather than dictionary's civil service. Yes, Counter-Strike is one of the most popular and influential games ever produced. The game is included in all gaming competitions, and boasts a lot of fans.

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