Social networks & the riots

The riots that have taken place in London, and other cities in the UK this week, have outraged a lot of people. Now, I don’t want to get into the complicated arguments for and against the rioting and looting, as you can get your dose of that simply by turning on your twenty four hour news network or just logging into to Twitter. What I want to blog about today is the impact of the social network on the riots and the good and bad side of social networks in the unfolding of the recent events.

New tune: Ragstep Riddim

After what feels like forever, I’ve finally managed to finish a new tune. I think it’s been about two years since I released anything online so this feels like it was well overdue. This new tune is a dub/dancehall mashup. I was inspired by listening to a DJ C track on a Bam Bam Sound podcast last week. When I got home from work I just sat down for a few hours and hammered it out.

Google+: The next big thing?

For those of you who don’t already know, and you would have had you’re head in buried in the sand if not, Google has launched a new social network. Google+ is a direct answer to the dominating blue and white site we know as Facebook. All you have to do is glance at my previous blog post and you will know that I have become very disillusioned with Facebook, to the point that I have deleted 90% of my “friends” in a bid to clean it up and make it more functional. Is Google+ the answer? I’ve taken the plunge and signed up. Read on to see my first impressions.

Facebook: Why I deleted most of my friends.

Facebook, almost everybody is on Facebook. That little blue and white site that has taken over the world of social networking. If you don’t have a Facebook account, people look at you like you’re from Mars. Well, I’ve had enough of Facebook and I’ve had enough of reading all the updates from my so called “friends”. I think about ninety percent of the friends I had on there were people I would actually avoid if I saw in real life. Either that or they were people who I had no actual interest in at all. Read on after the break to see what I did about it.

Wii U: I just don’t get it.

As a gamer, I’m always very excited when the buzz and hype of a new console begins. It’s always such an exciting time. The possibilities of a more powerful system, better graphics, more advanced technology and better games is always the main draw. In recent years this has also included motion devices, 3D gaming and streaming services. Yes, a new console announcement is a time of anticipation and intrigue. Unfortunately, it can also be a time of huge disappointment and confusion as I have experienced since seeing Nintendos latest box of tricks. Read on to see why I’m so disappointed and to take a look at the Wii U if you haven’t seen it already.

Tech Vs playing. Kids and rainy days.

When it comes to keeping your young kids amused, parents are often faced with a tough decision. Stick them in front of some technology, like the television or get them doing something creative like crafts. This is exactly the decision I’ve faced on this, long and wet, bank holiday weekend. Over the course of the weekend we’ve had some torrential downpours and I’ve taken the time to try out the “tech Vs playing” scenario. Check out my thoughts after the break.

Portal 2: First Impressions

When the Orange Box was released a few years ago it was an incredible package. The main attractions were the selling point, but tucked away in the package was the fantastic Portal game. I mind boggling puzzle based game using portals. If you haven’t played Portal by now then you are missing out on something special. It was an instant smash hit and has certainly earned a sequel. Does the sequel manage to continue the excellent standards set by the original, or have Valve let things slip? Read on after the break for my first impressions.