A gem of a computer boosts research base

A gem of a computer boosts research base

11:00am Wednesday 4th July 2012 in News

A SUPER COMPUTER capable of helping combat swine flu and finding new planets was unveiled in Oxfordshire yesterday.

The million-pound machine called Emerald will be used by researchers to crunch medical research data on Tamiflu, create software for the worlds most powerful radio telescope and see how human action is likely to affect the climate.

It will also be able to look at swine flu as well as finding better ways to process medical images.

The Government has provided 3.7m to fund two computers, Emerald and Iridis, and their running costs.

Emerald will be based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), Harwell, while Iridis is at Southampton University. Prof Anne Trefellen, of Oxford University, said Harwell was chosen because it also houses the Diamond Light Source and the Isis neutron source.

Emeralds super-fast processing is combined with high energy efficiency.

Prof Trefellen said: Scientists there are creating a lot of data and it makes sense to avoid moving it large distances.

We are also hoping that as Harwell expands, more businesses will be able to use these facilities.

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A gem of a computer boosts research base

Boost Software Launches Computer Cleaning Software PC HealthBoost™ Backed by Microsoft Partners and Tucows 5 Cows Rating

PC HealthBoost™ is a cutting-edge registry cleaner software that will clean computer errors and boost PC speed, performance and stability, all in under 2 minutes. PC HealthBoost™ has already received numerous backings, including the highly coveted Microsoft Partner and Tucows 5 Cows Rating.Boston, MA (PRWEB) July 02, 2012 PC HealthBoost™ is a part of the Boost Software Suite of security products ...

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Boost Software Launches Computer Cleaning Software PC HealthBoost™ Backed by Microsoft Partners and Tucows 5 Cows Rating

Five Mintz Levin Members Named San Diego Super Lawyers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Mitch Danzig, Jeffry A. Davis, John Giust, Jeremy D. Glaser and Eddie Wang Rodriguez of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. have been selected as San Diego Super Lawyers for 2012. The annual list identifies lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Only five percent of area lawyers were named 2012 San Diego Super Lawyers.

Mitch Danzig is a Member of the firms Employment, Labor and Benefits, Litigation, Israel Business and Intellectual Property Sections. Mr. Danzig has extensive experience in employment law, intellectual property litigation and complex commercial litigation. His work focuses on litigation in the areas of trade secrets, employee mobility, wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, contracts, defamation, wage and hour, and unfair competition. Mr. Danzig has represented employers before numerous state and federal agencies including the Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the California Labor Commissioner, and the Department of Justice.Mr. Danzig has been named a San Diego Super Lawyer in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011. In 2010, he was selected by the Corporate Counsel Edition of Super Lawyers as one of the Top Attorneys in California for Corporate IP Litigation and was named one of the Top 60 Labor and Employment Lawyers in California by the Daily Journal. Mr. Danzig received his B.A., cum laude, from Hunter College and his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Arizona College of Law.

Jeff Davis is a Member of the firms Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Commercial Law Section. His practice is focused on all aspects of bankruptcy (including debtors, creditors, and committees), out of court workouts, insolvency, receiverships, and debtor/creditor rights. He is also a commercial law litigator in areas such as contract and business disputes. Mr. Davis has represented clients in multiple industries including real estate, health care, telecommunications, software, agriculture, consumer products and food services. Mr. Davis has been included in Best Lawyers in America every year since 1995, and annually in the San Diego Super Lawyers list since 2007. He received his B.A. from the State University of New York and his J.D. from Boston University School of Law.

John Giust is a Member of the firms Intellectual Property Section. His practice focuses on patent litigation in the Federal Courts and at the U.S. International Trade Commission. He has litigated cases involving storage area networks, audio compression, image processing, printing technologies, semiconductor technology, wireless communications, and PC technology. Mr. Giust has substantial courtroom experience and, as an electrical engineer, he is particularly skilled at presenting complex concepts to juries and judges as well as deposing and cross-examining expert witnesses on matters relating to critical technology. He has been named a San Diego Super Lawyer since 2009. Mr. Giust received his B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of New Hampshire, his J.D., summa cum laude, from American University and his LL.M. in Patent and Intellectual Property Law, summa cum laude, from George Washington University.

Jeremy D. Glaser is a Member of the firms Corporate & Securities Section and Co-chair of the Venture Capital & Emerging Companies Practice Group. His practice focuses on serving emerging growth companies and the companies that fund them. He has substantial experience in venture capital financings, securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, SEC compliance, licensing arrangements, and other general corporate matters. He has represented venture capital firms, hedge funds, and their portfolio companies in venture capital and PIPE financings as well as both issuers and underwriters in a wide variety of securities transactions, including IPOs, secondary offerings, and private placements. Mr. Glaser represents companies in a broad variety of industries, including Internet, software, wireless, semiconductors, computer hardware, medical devices, biotechnology, health care services, clean technology, and the investment management industry. He was selected as aTop Attorney by the San Diego Daily Transcript from 2008-2010 and has been named a San Diego Super Lawyer in 2010 and 2011. He received his A.B., summa cum laude, from Duke University and his J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School.

Eddie Wang Rodriguez is the Managing Member of the firms San Diego office and Member of the Corporate & Securities Section. His practice focuses on a wide range of corporate and securities matters, including corporate formation, mergers and acquisitions, venture financing, technology licensing, and general business counseling. He has extensive experience with counseling public and private companies in the life science, telecommunications, software, hardware, e-commerce and information technology industries in a broad range of transactional matters. Mr. Rodriguez has represented clients in more than 200 mergers and acquisition transactions and numerous securities offerings. He has also represented investors and private companies in private equity financings. Mr. Rodriguez has been named a San Diego Super Lawyer annually since 2007, included in Lawdragons Lawdragon 500 New Stars, New Worlds and 500 Leading Dealmakers in America, and the San Diego Daily Transcripts Top Attorneys in 2008 and its Transcript Ten and Top Influential People in San Diego in 2006. He received his B.A. from the University of California at Los Angeles and his J.D. from Stanford Law School. He was the editor-in-chief of the Stanford Journal of International Law and the articles editor of the Stanford Law and Policy Review.

For more information about Mintz Levin, please visit http://www.mintz.com

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Five Mintz Levin Members Named San Diego Super Lawyers

Find A Job In Greenwich

Many Greenwich businesses are hiring.

Photo credit: File

GREENWICH, Conn. Here is a list of some Greenwich employers who are hiring:

The town of Greenwich ishiringa certified nursing assistant and a food service worker for Nathaniel Witherell,a lifeguard and a temporary park gardener.

Computer Super Center of Greenwich is hiring.

A private club in Greenwich is looking for a full-time office administrator.

AHousekeeper isneeded.

Fun servers wanted for Barcelona.

A busy restaurant is looking for a counter person.

A small animal practice is looking for a veterinary technician.

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Find A Job In Greenwich

How To Build a Gaming Computer 2012: Parts Overview and Buying Guide [Part 1] – Video

27-06-2012 12:55 Be sure to subscribe to stay tuned for my further uploads and updates to this series! Thanks Guys! Parts: i7 2600k Corsair H100 Corsair 650d Case 1 tb Seagate Barracuda 240gb Mushkin SSD 120gb Corsair Force SSD Samsung Blu Ray Drive DVD Drive GTX 680 Superclocked Edition G. Skill Sniper RAM 16gb Corsair Hx750 NZXT Cable Extensions Asrock Z77 Professional Silenx Effizio Fans -Ben

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How To Build a Gaming Computer 2012: Parts Overview and Buying Guide [Part 1] - Video

Supermicro® FatTwin(TM) Takes Center Stage at International Supercomputing Conference …

New 4U, 8/4 Node FatTwin(TM) Joins Supermicro's SuperBlade, GPU Platforms, SuperWorkstation, 4-Way and Twin Architecture Solutions Highlighting Supermicro's Supercomputing Solutions for HPC

HAMBURG, Germany- Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI), a global leader in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology and green computing, will debut its newest innovative architecture, FatTwin(TM) at ISC, giving the public its first hands-on look at the future of power-efficient supercomputing. The FatTwin is a new 4U high-performance, high-capacity platform that offers versatile configurations for HPC with multi-node models that support dual 135W Intel Xeon E5-2600 processors, up to 8 hot-swap 3.5" HDDs in 1U and up to 8 GPUs in 2U. This new architecture is also designed to operate in high ambient temperatures providing greater performance while reducing cooling infrastructure costs.

"Many factors affect the successful implementation of scalable supercomputing solutions, and obtaining maximum performance within budget and power constraints is the most challenging task," said Charles Liang, President and CEO of Supermicro. "At Supermicro, we emphasize not only the highest-performance in our HPC solutions, but also the overall energy efficiency and optimal power-usage effectiveness (PUE) of our complete systems. Supermicro's new architectures such as FatTwin integrate the latest CPU, GPU and storage technologies with advanced high-efficiency digital switching power supplies and free-air cooling designs for maximum performance and increased operational temperature ranges up to 47 degrees C that eliminate costly air conditioning. Our expertise in server design and thermal management reduces our customer's TCO and offsets operating expenses providing more budget for mission critical compute performance."

Supermicro's new FatTwin expands on their widely adopted 1U and 2U Twin SuperServer lines and adds a new series of 4U systems that offers the industry's best capacity and efficiency in a standard 19" rack ready solution. The FatTwin is now shipping in high-compute density 4U 8 and 4 node configurations supporting dual Intel Xeon E5-2600 processors, up to 512GB of 1600MHz memory and up to 12 hot-swap 2.5" SAS/SATA HDDs per U in the 8 node or up to 8 hot-swap 3.5" SAS/SATA HDDs per U in the 4 node configuration. These systems also offer PCI-E 3.0 expandability and optional 56Gbps ConnectX-3 FDR InfiniBand or 10GbE connectivity. The real highlights of these systems reach beyond their high-performance and capacity with an earth friendly focus on energy efficiency and resulting cost savings. The FatTwin is designed to operate in extreme ambient temperature range (0 degrees C to 47 degrees C), free-air cooled environments, effectively eliminating the need for costly air-conditioning. The Twin architecture based multi-node solutions feature shared power and cooling resources reducing costly components and cabling, resulting in optimized air-flow and maximizing energy utilization. Combined with Supermicro's redundant Platinum Level high-efficiency (95%+) digital switching power supplies, the FatTwin delivers maximum compute density and energy efficiency for today's most demanding supercomputing needs. FatTwin is a versatile platform and additional models will be released in early Q3 2012 offering solutions optimized for GPU supercomputing and Big Data/Hadoop analytics.

Exhibits at the show include Supermicro's wide range of X9 Intel Xeon E5-2600 based platforms optimized for HPC. SuperBlade offers various blade configurations with a 56Gb FDR InfiniBand switch for high-speed interconnectivity. The GPU Blade SBI-7127RG provides the highest compute density with 20 GPUs and 20 CPUs in 7U and the double-density TwinBlade SBI-7227R-T2 provides 20 DP (dual-processor) server nodes with 40 CPUs in 7U. The SYS-1027GR-TQFT offers an extreme 4 GPUs in 1U and the 2U 6 GPU SYS-2027GR-TRF is ideal for scalable cluster computing. The SYS-7047GR-TRF SuperWorkstation accommodates up to 5 GPUs and recently received NVIDIA Maximus(TM) certification making this system a powerhouse for engineering, design and simulation applications. Supermicro's advanced 4-Way MP (multi-processor) systems targeting mission-critical, data-intensive applications will be represented with the SYS-8047R-7RFT+.

In addition Supermicro will display its A+ line of AMD Opteron(TM) 6000 servers including the 4U rack mountable quad-processor AS-4042G-TRF and the 2U Twin(2) AS-2022TG-H6IBQRF offering four hot-pluggable dual-processor 16/12/8-Core nodes in a 2U form factor. Supermicro A+ Blade solutions include the 4-Way SuperBlade SBA-7142G-T4 with ten hot-pluggable quad-processor 16/12/8-Core nodes in a 7U blade enclosure and the double-density TwinBlade SBA-7222G-T2 with 20 DP 16/12/8-Core nodes in a 7U blade enclosure. Supermicro offers complete computing solutions with its 10G/1G Ethernet switches including two new models that also support free-air cooling operation in ambient temperatures of up to 47 degrees C.

Visit Supermicro at ISC'12 in Hamburg, Germany at the Congress Center Hamburg (CCH), booth #520 or browse Supermicro's total line of high performance, high-efficiency server and storage solutions at http://www.supermicro.com.

About Super Micro Computer, Inc.

Supermicro (NASDAQ: SMCI), the leading innovator in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology is a premier provider of advanced server Building Block Solutions for Data Center, Cloud Computing, HPC, Enterprise IT and Embedded Systems worldwide. Supermicro is committed to protecting the environment through its "We Keep IT Green" initiative and provides customers with the most energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market.

SOURCE Super Micro Computer, Inc.

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Supermicro® FatTwin(TM) Takes Center Stage at International Supercomputing Conference ...

Super Micro Computer Turns More Into Less

Margins matter. The more Super Micro Computer (Nasdaq: SMCI) keeps of each buck it earns in revenue, the more money it has to invest in growth, fund new strategic plans, or (gasp!) distribute to shareholders. Healthy margins often separate pretenders from the best stocks in the market. That's why we check up on margins at least once a quarter in this series. I'm looking for the absolute numbers, so I can compare them to current and potential competitors, and any trend that may tell me how strong Super Micro Computer's competitive position could be.

Here's the current margin snapshot for Super Micro Computer over the trailing 12 months: Gross margin is 16.3%, while operating margin is 5.5% and net margin is 3.5%.

Unfortunately, a look at the most recent numbers doesn't tell us much about where Super Micro Computer has been, or where it's going. A company with rising gross and operating margins often fuels its growth by increasing demand for its products. If it sells more units while keeping costs in check, its profitability increases. Conversely, a company with gross margins that inch downward over time is often losing out to competition, and possibly engaging in a race to the bottom on prices. If it can't make up for this problem by cutting costs -- and most companies can't -- then both the business and its shares face a decidedly bleak outlook.

Of course, over the short term, the kind of economic shocks we recently experienced can drastically affect a company's profitability. That's why I like to look at five fiscal years' worth of margins, along with the results for the trailing 12 months, the last fiscal year, and last fiscal quarter (LFQ). You can't always reach a hard conclusion about your company's health, but you can better understand what to expect, and what to watch.

Here's the margin picture for Super Micro Computer over the past few years.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Dollar amounts in millions. FY = fiscal year. TTM = trailing 12 months.

Because of seasonality in some businesses, the numbers for the last period on the right -- the TTM figures -- aren't always comparable to the FY results preceding them. To compare quarterly margins to their prior-year levels, consult this chart.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Dollar amounts in millions. FQ = fiscal quarter.

Here's how the stats break down:

With recent TTM operating margins below historical averages, Super Micro Computer has some work to do.

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Super Micro Computer Turns More Into Less

Super WiFi may bring faster Internet

Super WiFi might bring faster Internet service to rural areas.

Developed by Edward Knightly, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rice University, super WiFi uses unused TV channels in the radio spectrum to send Internet signals.

Knightly says the benefits of his super WiFi system is it lowers the costs of high-speed Internet service because TV channels can travel farther and stronger than other WiFi technologies.

He says the development of Super WiFi came from a Federal Communications Commission decision that unused TV channels can be used for wireless Internet.

Knightly says there are more unused TV channels in rural areas than there are in urban settings that can be used for wireless Internet.

Some of the Internet speeds in his Super WiFi are 10-100 mps (megabytes per second), he notes.

However, speeds can vary based on amount of distance the signal travels and the number of users.

Knightly says there are strict rules about using the TV channels.

Those rules include checking a database to make sure no TV signals are being transmitted on that channel, and there are limits on interference into other areas.

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Super WiFi may bring faster Internet

Feds sue Wyndham Hotels over repeated computer hacks

By Todd Sperry, CNN

updated 6:54 PM EDT, Tue June 26, 2012

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Washington (CNN) -- The federal government filed suit Tuesday against Wyndham Hotels after sensitive customer data, including credit card numbers and personal information, allegedly were stolen three times in less than two years.

In court documents, the Federal Trade Commission alleges Wyndham Hotels' lax security policies allowed Russian hackers to access more than 500,000 customer accounts on three separate occasions between 2008 and 2010. Hackers used the data to rack up more than $10.6 million in fraudulent credit card transactions, according to the suit filed in the U.S. District Court of Arizona.

The security breaches involved Wyndham's Phoenix, Arizona, data center, the main hub where the company stores and transfers data between its corporate headquarters and affiliates.

By gaining access to the Arizona data center, hackers were able to install "phishing" software on numerous Wyndham servers around the world and gain access to customer data, the FTC's lawsuit alleges.

"At the time of these incidents, we made prompt efforts to notify the hotel customers whose information may have been compromised, and offered them credit monitoring services," Michael Valentino, Wyndham's worldwide director of communications, said in a statement to CNN.

But Wyndham failed to take proper security measures even after the company was aware of a security breach, according to the FTC's complaint. The FTC said Wyndham should have instituted complex user IDs and passwords, and fixed software that stored the company's customer credit card data in clear readable text. Wyndham didn't make the fixes, the government alleges, and the hackers were able to gain access to servers on two more occasions.

"Even after faulty security led to one breach ... Wyndham still failed to remedy known security vulnerabilities; failed to employ reasonable measures to detect unauthorized access; failed to follow proper incident response procedures," the FTC said in a statement announcing the suit.

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Feds sue Wyndham Hotels over repeated computer hacks

A first look at the revamped Aakash tablet

Professors from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and the principal of K. J. Somaiya Engineering College, Shubha Pandit, pose with the Aakash-2 tablet at the launch event on Monday in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Unlike last year, when the first incarnation of the gadget was made public under the media glare, Monday's event was a rather unceremonious one. The low-cost computing device was unveiled on the sidelines of a teacher's training workshop at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, which was viewed by more than 9,000 college teachers through video conferencing. Around 80 attendees, including the staff from I.I.T. Bombay and the heads of four other engineering schools in Maharashtra viewed the Aakash-2 in real life.

Each of these four engineering schools was given one tablet from the 100 that I.I.T. Bombay, which is spearheading the project, currently owns. Improvements over the original Aakash include a faster processor speed, improved battery life and a touch screen with better quality resolution.

It may still be a while before students (or curious media) get to test drive the tablet themselves. India Ink spoke to professors from two of the four schools to get their firsthand user experience.

"It is very handy, light and I am delighted to use it," said Shubha Pandit, principal of K.J. Somaiya College of Engineering in Mumbai. Ms. Pandit had not used the earlier version of the low-cost computing device. She browsed through the applications on Aakash-2, which were created especially for students.

Ms. Pandit said the cost of the computer remains the greatest appeal of the product. Aakash-2 will be available to students at a subsidized price of 2,263 rupees ($39).

Anil D. Sahastrabudhe, director of the College of Engineering in Pune, compared Aakash-2 to the world's most popular tablet. "It is almost an iPad," he said. "This would be the ideal low-cost computing device." But he added that the speed of the device was comparatively slower than the high-end Apple product.

Mr. Sahastrabudhe said he worked on the tablet computer for two hours in the car as he traveled from Mumbai to Pune and noted that the battery lasted almost two-and-a-half hours.

India's low-cost computer project was derailed for several months because of many unresolved issues between various parties involved, and was handed over to I.I.T. Bombay about three months ago.

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A first look at the revamped Aakash tablet

You've got mail for 06-26-12

NOTE: Youve Got Mail offers emails received by Plainview Herald staffers.

Costello calls to buy a computer from Abbott

Abbott: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

Costello: Thanks Im setting up an office in my den and Im thinking about buying a computer.

Abbott: Mac?

Costello: No, the names Lou.

Abbott: Your computer?

Costello: I dont own a computer. I want to buy one.

Abbott: Mac?

Costello: I told you, my names Lou.

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You've got mail for 06-26-12

Watch #7.Transformers Games Review Part 2: Transformers The Movie 2007 By William Cosh – – Video

23-06-2012 12:29 Watch Full Movie Here Transformers for Game Transformers Games Transformers Games For Kids Transformers Games for kids Transformer Games Transformers (toy Line) of Review William the transformers revenge Gameplay Cosh tips & tricks ati radeon series play games online Cybertron ignentertainment Dark extreme driving playstation super computer Transformers 2 revenge fallen asome game hd Multiplayer Video Game Moon Pc game play Commentary commentary Devastator gameplay video review Revenge Fall 047875842281 047875841383 clevvergames playstation3 thestudgames Bumblebee 8RODIMUS Optimus flash games Fallen The Decepticons 47875841383 automobiles environment games video game bubble bee Deathmatch technology angrybirds xbox360 Part megan fox airplanes cybertron unlimited adventure official animated revenge Online Convoy Prime movie game Autobots consoles analysis tutorial destroid cyberton Defender upcoming download portable terrible bruticus highmoon grimlock nintendo trailer optimus fallen video Game: 4850 hd station Network Detroit weapons toysrus Dungeon Pinball classic hockey2 Perfect Android release

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Watch #7.Transformers Games Review Part 2: Transformers The Movie 2007 By William Cosh - - Video

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes Review [PlayStation 3 Xbox 360]

High above the crime-ridden streets of Gotham City, a spotlight beckons the Caped Crusader. It's an irresistible symbol for a man who lives to vanquish evildoers, and the latest game bearing his name makes a similar siren call. Eye-catching visual design and clever jokes draw in those who idolize Batman, and the collect-'em-all nature of the levels serves to keep you invested for hours. But problems--both new to this adventure and series staples--bubble just below the surface, making Batman's latest attempt to thwart his masked villains feel sloppy. As endearing as Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes can be, this flawed sequel fails to live up to the Dark Knight's high standards.

And who said that Robin was useless?

When the Joker joins forces with Lex Luthor, only bad things can happen. Political aspirations serve as the driving force behind the mischievous duo's latest harebrained scheme, but it's not Luthor's attempt at rigging an election that stands out. Rather, it's the goofy storytelling that's so enjoyable. Cutscenes are littered with clever jokes that should make DC aficionados flash a knowing smile. The interplay between Batman and Superman is particularly funny. Bats tries to keep his jealousy bottled up, but his feelings surface as mean-spirited jabs and 4-year-old-caliber pouting that reveal Bruce Wayne's petty side. Robin's adoration of Superman plays wonderfully into this dynamic, creating hilarious moments whenever these three are onscreen together.

Once the story gets under way, you're set loose in Gotham City to roam and venture as you please. The transition from linear level progression to open-world freedom is the biggest change from previous Lego games. Needy citizens call for help, tantalizing collectibles dangle just out of reach, and distractions surface every few steps. In a game already bursting with content, having so many places to go and things to collect is almost overwhelming--in a good way--and could have propelled Lego Batman 2 to new heights, if only the execution were better. But the locomotion is severely flawed. Getting from one location to the next is a fumbler's quest because loose vehicle controls and a zoomed-in camera make turning a tricky task, and the lack of a minimap hinders your ability to navigate.

After you arrive in a stage, events play out just like in previous Lego adventures. Tightly structured levels place Batman, Robin, and any other superhero willing to lend a hand in treacherous locations. As you walk through recognizable locales such as the Batcave and Lex Luthor's office, your primary job is to solve puzzles. See that metal-plated wall over there? Don Robin's magnetic suit to walk right up to it. Staring at an indestructible computer? Jump into Batman's power suit to blow it sky-high. There's a pleasing rhythm to the problem solving because you seamlessly go from one puzzle to the next, using different abilities to interact with the environment in unique ways. Rarely are the puzzles tricky enough to seriously stump you, but seeing the different environments and dangers is reason enough to continue playing.

Outside of puzzle solving, you trade punches with miscreants who don't realize that attacking Batman is always a bad idea. Combat is mostly unchanged from previous adventures. One-button melee with context-sensitive counterattacks ensures you bash through baddies without breaking a sweat. It's tedious, and though you won't have to deal with as many respawning attackers as in the first LEGO Batman, combat still feels like pointless padding in an otherwise fun adventure. This feeling is magnified by sections in which you're invincible. Flying as Superman to destroy the Joker's airship is boring because there's no threat of failure. Just let the missiles slam into you while you slowly peck away at the ship's armor and try to stifle your yawns.

It's a shame the combat hasn't been improved from previous games, but that's to be expected in a franchise firmly stuck in the past. In no place is this more apparent than with the friendly artificial intelligence. Watch in horror as Batman gets beaten to a pulp by a street thug without so much as moving a muscle, or explosive barrels slam into an oblivious Superman. Robin might repeatedly jump in a pit or just stand stock-still while you wait for him to help you with a switch. It's infuriating. And not only do your AI pals fail to help, but they openly impede your progress at times. Batman might stand in front of a door you need to cut open with Superman, or Wonder Woman might stand in your way on a narrow beam. Yeah, it's funny to laugh at their ineptitude, but considering that the same flaw has existed since the Lego franchise began, it's becoming embarrassing. Luckily, you can always join up with a friend, though the lack of online play makes it tougher to get help in a pinch.

It's a shame there are so many obvious problems with Lego Batman 2, because the core experience is enjoyable. The visual design is particularly impressive. Swirling clouds and foreboding darkness give Gotham an eerie mood, and this meshes beautifully with the utter goofiness of the Lego characters. Sure, the city is in peril, but would it really hurt to laugh? And the amount of tomfoolery is staggering. Break into the zoo, and behold a menagerie of plastic animals. You might have thought you knew everything about Batman, but did you realize how much he enjoys riding polar bears in his free time? Plus, because most of the game is tangential to the story, you can spend hours discovering new things to do. Optional boss fights featuring lesser-known villains such as Hush and Captain Boomerang are fun endeavors, and once you win, you can control the baddie for some evil-themed mischief.

Lego Batman 2 contains the same strengths and weaknesses as the many games that came before it. Worthwhile additions such as the open world show the potential for where this series could go, but the core mechanics suffer from the same problems in every iteration. Although it's still as fun as ever to collect Lego bricks and watch the cutscenes, the lack of real change leads to the feeling that you've seen all this before. Batman is a meticulous self-improver; it would be nice if his Lego games had the same mentality.

Link:

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes Review [PlayStation 3 Xbox 360]

The Corsair Hydro Series Keeps Your PC Cool And Silent With Water Cooling

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Water cooling is a great way to keep your computer super cool and super quiet, but it can cost a lot of money. Corsairs Hydro series makes water cooling easy with inexpensive, maintenance-free units that take just a few minutes to install.

Water cooling is great, but it takes a ton of upkeep, costs hundreds of dollars, and comes with a risk of drowning your computer if you make a mistake (yeesh!). Corsairs Hydro series made up of the H100, H80, H70, H60, and H40 makes water cooling simple. Just install the water block like you would any other cooler, and install the radiator on the top of your case (if you have the 120x140mm H100) or the back exhaust fan (if you have the 120x120mm smaller models). The fans will keep the radiator cool as the water pumps through it, giving you a quieter computer with lower CPU temperatures.

Youll still have to compromise a bit on noise, since you are still using fans, and Corsairs stock fans are quite loud. You can swap them out for something quieter, but the H100 and H80 also come with a handy feature that lets you run the fans on low, medium, or high speeds, which you can adjust depending on your needs.

If youre looking for a silent system, go with the lower, quieter setting; if youre overclocking and gaming, go with the higher, louder setting. Alternatively, you can do what I do and get an external fan controller and use that to control the coolers fans instead. That way, you can have it quiet when youre just browsing the web, and louder when you need the performance boost.

Ive been using the H100 for about a week now, and my experience has been very good. My temperatures are a bit lower, though probably not enough to overclock my system any further (obviously, your mileage may vary depending on the CPU youre using, your case, and the cooling system youre currently using). The main benefit Im seeing is in the realm of noise coupled with the H100s fan controller (or an external one), you can decrease the noise in your system quite a bit.

If youre sick of your computer sounding like a wind tunnel, or if you just want some extra overclocking headroom, check out the H100 or one of its smaller cousins. See the video above for a look at the hardware, or hit the link below to check out the specs on Corsairs website. The H100 runs for about $160 in Australia, while the other models cost less as you go down the chain.

Corsair Hydro Series CPU Coolers [Corsair]

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The Corsair Hydro Series Keeps Your PC Cool And Silent With Water Cooling

The Corsair Hydro Series Keeps Your PC Cool and Silent with Maintenance-Free Water Cooling [Video]

Water cooling is a great way to keep your computer super cool and super quiet, but it can cost a lot of money. Corsair's Hydro series makes water cooling easy with inexpensive, maintenance-free units that take just a few minutes to install.

Water cooling is great, but it takes a ton of upkeep, costs hundreds of dollars, and comes with a risk of drowning your computer if you make a mistake (yeesh!). Corsair's Hydro seriesmade up of the H100, H80, H70, H60, and H40makes water cooling simple. Just install the water block like you would any other cooler, and install the radiator on the top of your case (if you have the 120x240mm H100) or the back exhaust fan (if you have the 120x120mm smaller models). The fans will keep the radiator cool as the water pumps through it, giving you a quieter computer with lower CPU temperatures.

You'll still have to compromise a bit on noise, since you are still using fans, and Corsair's stock fans are quite loud. You can swap them out for something quieter, but the H100 and H80 also come with a handy feature that lets you run the fans on "low", "medium", or "high" speeds, which you can adjust depending on your needs. If you're looking for a silent system, go with the lower, quieter setting; if you're overclocking and gaming, go with the higher, louder setting. Alternatively, you can do what I do and get an external fan controller and use that to control the cooler's fans instead. That way, you can have it quiet when you're just browsing the web, and louder when you need the performance boost.

I've been using the H100 for about a week now, and my experience has been very good. My temperatures are a bit lower, though probably not enough to overclock my system any further (obviously, your mileage may vary depending on the CPU you're using, your case, and the cooling system you're currently using). The main benefit I'm seeing is in the realm of noisecoupled with the H100's fan controller (or an external one), you can decrease the noise in your system quite a bit. If you're sick of your computer sounding like a wind tunnel, or if you just want some extra overclocking headroom, check out the H100 or one of its smaller cousins. See the video above for a look at the hardware, or hit the link below to check out the specs on Corsair's web site. The H100 runs for about $100 on Amazon, while the other models cost less as you go down the chain.

Corsair Hydro Series CPU Coolers

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The Corsair Hydro Series Keeps Your PC Cool and Silent with Maintenance-Free Water Cooling [Video]

Obama faces growing GOP super PAC financial power

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The national campaigns backing President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney are drawing even in their fundraising prowess, but new financial filings released show that the "super" political committees supporting the GOP candidate and his party are widening the money gap over struggling pro-Democratic party organizations.

The main pro-Romney super PAC, Restore Our Future, on Wednesday reported raising $8 million in May, giving it a total of $64 million so far. The group spent more than $55 million to defeat Romney's opponents during the GOP primary, and it is now reaping high-dollar financial aid from both veteran Romney supporters and from donors who once backed his rivals.

A political committee backing Obama, Priorities USA Action, posted its strongest one-month total by raking in $4 million in May, a sign that Democrats had begun digging deep into their wallets after months of hesitance. But the pro-Obama group was still left in the dust not only by the Restore committee's strong performance but also by the latest tally from American Crossroads, a Republican super PAC formed by GOP strategist Karl Rove. It raised $4.6 million in May.

After early months that saw Obama reach impressive fundraising totals echoing his campaign's record-breaking $750 million haul in 2008, the changing calculus raises the prospect that he could become the first incumbent president outspent by his challenger. Romney's national campaign joined with the Republican Party in May to raise more than $76 million, outpacing Obama and the Democrats' $60 million haul during the same period.

Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited amounts of cash but are not allowed to coordinate their efforts with the candidates they support. The national presidential campaigns can devote their cash both to media and Web ads and to turn out party faithful, but the super PACs tend to spend most of their war chests on media campaigns.

The latest financial filings for the pro-Romney Restore committee show that while he was consolidating his position as the GOP favorite, backers of some of his opponents were shifting their financial allegiance to his cause even as some of his loyal super PAC backers dug deeper to bankroll the committee's tough media ads now targeting Obama.

The biggest contributions to Restore Our Future in May came from a trio of firms linked to a Houston-based businessman who previously supported a Romney rival, Texas Gov. Rick Perry. The disclosures show that three companies based at the same post office box office in Dayton, Ohio, each gave $333,333 to the pro-Romney super PAC. Corporation records show the firms are headed by Houston businessman Robert T. Brockman, who missed giving the super PAC a rounded-off $1 million donation by a single dollar.

Brockman heads the Reynolds and Reynolds Co., an Ohio-based firm that provides computer and software systems for auto dealerships. Brockman's personal website lists him only as chairman and CEO of the Reynolds and Reynolds Co., but his name is not listed with any of the Dayton donations. Calls to Brockman at his office in Houston were not immediately returned to The Associated Press.

Although super PACs are required to divulge all their donations, loose disclosure rules allow contributors to withhold their names and mask their donations by setting up limited liability corporations or other front companies. One of Restore's first donors, Edward Conard, made a $1 million contribution last year behind a front company, W Spann LLC, until public pressure forced him to acknowledge his name and affiliation with Romney's former private equity firm, Bain Capital.

Brockman's firm, Reynolds and Reynolds, was one of more than 60 companies that wrote to three Obama administration Cabinet officials last October, urging them not to overburden employers with "unnecessary expenses" as part of the new health care law. In the Oct. 21, 2011, letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sibelius and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Reynolds and Reynolds and the other firms they included the U.S. Chamber of Commerce also urged an extension of a deadline for them to provide health benefit summaries to U.S. agencies.

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Obama faces growing GOP super PAC financial power