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Saints Row 4 Refused Classification in Australia

Posted by Harshad

Saints Row 4 Refused Classification in Australia


Saints Row 4 Refused Classification in Australia

Posted: 30 Jun 2013 06:02 AM PDT

Saints Row 4 Refused Classification in AustraliaSaints Row 3 had the penetrator. Saints Row 4 has the alien anal probe.

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Report: Verizon Looking to Buy Canada's Wind Mobile

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 10:02 PM PDT

Report: Verizon Looking to Buy Canada's Wind MobileCould Verizon be headed up North?

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Android 4.3 Firmware Spotted, May Hit "Nexus" Gadgets in July

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 06:02 PM PDT

Here's a sign that Android 4.3 "Jelly Bean" will begin rolling out this fall.

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British Airways Announces New Electronic Baggage Tags

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 02:02 PM PDT

British Airways Announces New Electronic Baggage TagsA tag that goes everywhere you go.

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Molyjam Deux is a Game Jam Based off of Molyneux Quotes

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 10:02 AM PDT

Molyjam Deux is a Game Jam Based off of Molyneux QuotesWhat would Peter Molyneux deux?

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20 Things to Replenish Your Idea Vault (When You Run Out Of Ideas)

Posted by Harshad

20 Things to Replenish Your Idea Vault (When You Run Out Of Ideas)


20 Things to Replenish Your Idea Vault (When You Run Out Of Ideas)

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 06:01 AM PDT

This post is a reflection of my state of mind. As I am writing this, my mind has just suffered through a writer’s block, a lockdown of countless hours where no idea could make the cut, and there is nothing constructive to write or speak about. These are just some of those times when I have no topics, titles or ideas to look up. And then it clicked.

I think freelancers like you and me surely will go through a phase like this, one that is not constructive or productive, a thorn in a freelancer‘s career that reminds us that sometimes our human side take over and we fail to even kickstart our writing or design.

To dig myself out of that hole, here are a few things I did, over a period of time, to replenish my idea vault – the 20 things I do when my freelancing ideas all dry up.

1. Just Sit Back And Relax

Don’t do anything except sit back and relax. That was the first thing I did. It’s not like there is any loss anyways. It made me relaxed, and helped me to clear out the half-thoughts that didn’t make the cut yet danced around in my head not wanting to clear out.

By forcing my mind to go blank from sitting back and relaxing, it laid the platform to develop new ideas.

2. Catch A New Client

Dealing with your regular clients make you fall back on the regular way things are done. Talking to new clients open up possibilities and give you fresh ideas or new approaches to the same old problems. You will be coerced to find something different.

It helps to create a foray, an entirely new thought process to work upon, and, it also makes you more creative.

3. Start Commenting On Blogs

Idea exchanges can happen in blogs particularly the kind that gets a lot of commentors. And it does wonders for you. You will not realize its importance till you start doing it. Your brain cells become more active, and you react instinctively, which eventually leads to better ideas.

4. Go Through Forums

Similar to #3, forums give you more topics to talk about of course online communities can be a great source of fresh ideas. The back and forth you get from these places allow you to pick up on new trends and happenings, leading to the discovery of an interesting and new take on things.

5. Follow Current News

Not one for socializing online? Then, just catch the news. It doesn’t matter what means you prefer to get the current news happening in your area. Offline and even online news magazines should be your partner in drier times. Done with local news? Go international.

6. Try Giving A Monologue?

Talking to yourself alone is a recipe for bright ideas. I had done it several times, especially, when I am in the middle of a work crisis. Monologues motivate you because you not only think about the ideas, as you listen to them being said out loud, it gets processed via another channel.

Just don’t do it too often, otherwise, others might think that you have gone crazy.

7. Argue With Someone Opinionated

Social interactions can go a long way in triggering emotions or a new way of looking at things, particularly coming from someone else who has no filter to their own thoughts. It’s a good thing that everyone has different views over the same matter. You can adopt those views in your writing or your sketches.

8. Try To Fix Something Broken

Detach yourself from your desk and go fix something broken. If everything is fine and dandy at home, try to clean the dishes or mow the lawn. These hands-on activities awaken other areas in your mind, allowing you to reflect further on your problem and figure out great solutions to it.

9. Watch A Reality Show

Reality shows are not just fun, but you learn a lot. These shows have the potential to steal your attention, and you don’t forget them for long, even after the show ends. It allows you to gain insight into how a person from another background or from another place thinks.

You may even come across new revelations that can be useful for you to frame your ideas around.

10. Make Something From Scratch

Like writing? Don’t write what the client wants, write what you want to write: release your poetic side, write a story for your children, write an opinion post about a current issue and post it on your blog. Like sketching? Make a trip to your special place and sketch whatever it is that you see.

Make your hands dirty with arts and crafts, or a new dish or a DIY accessory. Indulge in making yourself happy and the ideas will come afterwards.

11. Visit New Places

Better yet, leave your state or your country and take a trip to an island nearby, or take a trip back to your hometown. Meet new people or reconnect with old friends and you may be able to sought out inspiration from places you never thought would help you get new ideas.

12. Make New Friends

Met somebody new in the business? Have a drink or a meal with them. New interactions make your brain healthy, and pushes you to try to impress them. And this works in the opposite direction too. It not only makes you excited, you are ready to learn more too.

13. Do you play any sport?

Being outdoors, playing a group sport with friends can get the blood pumping and help you feel a sense of belonging. Nothing motivates the brain better than a good run or even better, winning a game!

14. Sit At A Curb For A Tea Break

Find a nice cafe or restaurant that is by the side of the road and watch the cars and pedestrians go by as you sip a cup of coffee (or tea). Believe me; it makes you feel better, especially if you happen to find a street that isn’t too busy or crowded.

15. Buy Something For Yourself

Shopping can bring enthusiasm and vitality back to your life. The feeling of owning new clothes or new gadgets has a profound effect on how you think. However, it’s essential to buy what you want to, so that the feeling of being rewarded is there and can further motivate you.

16. Take A Ride

Leave your car, and catch a bus, or better yet take a round trip on a train. Watch other travellers while you travel. Observe them, watch the scenery, pretend you’re on a soul searching journey (which is partially true) and take a notepad with you to jot down whatever ideas that pop up in your head.

17. Do Yoga

If you have not done yoga yet, you should start doing now. Yoga heals the mind, keeps you young and helps you destress easily. An alternative is meditation. Do find a nice spot that will allow you to do yoga or meditate in your privacy.

18. Revisit Nature

Parks are not just the places to have an evening stroll. It also keeps you engaged with natural beauty. Go fish, jog around in the park or take somebody to go camping with you. Removing yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city life can give your senses a rest from being bombarded with white noise all the time.

19. Visit A Charity Organization

That was perhaps, the best thing I did. Apart from having a new appreciation for your own life, you also take a look in the lives of others and sometimes be inspired by their resilience and toughness in facing life’s challenges.

20. Write A Post!

Yes, write a post like this about your predicament and helpful readers will be sending in their two cents on how you can find new ideas.

Wrap Up

Here’s one last thing: if after doing all the above, you still did not get any ideas, leave freelancing, and find a day job.

    


Nvidia Serves Up Windows 8.1 Preview Drivers Too

Posted by Harshad

Nvidia Serves Up Windows 8.1 Preview Drivers Too


Nvidia Serves Up Windows 8.1 Preview Drivers Too

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 06:02 AM PDT

Nvidia Serves Up Windows 8.1 Preview Drivers TooNvidia's GeForce drivers for Windows 8.1 Preview will be served up through Windows Update.

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Sony Changed DRM Gears After Negative Xbox One Feedback

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 02:02 AM PDT

Sony Changed DRM Gears After Negative Xbox One FeedbackFeedback over Xbox One pushed Sony on a new path to undercut Microsoft.

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WSJ: Here are Apple's iTunes Radio Terms for Indie Labels

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 01:02 AM PDT

WSJ: Here are Apple's iTunes Radio Terms for Indie LabelsWhat's Apple giving record labels in exchange for their content?

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Google Working on Android Console Too

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 12:02 AM PDT

Google Working on Android Console TooA Nexus gaming console will likely arrive in the fall to combat Apple's own iOS gaming console.

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Deals June 28: Dell UltraSharp U2711 $549 Deal Ending Soon

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 11:02 PM PDT

Deals June 28: Dell UltraSharp U2711 $549 Deal Ending SoonCheck out this weekend's hottest deals!

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Intel Now Alpha Testing Streaming TV Service

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 10:02 PM PDT

Intel Now Alpha Testing Streaming TV ServiceIntel's streaming TV service is code-named Black Box Project.

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Samsung Moving Away From Traditional Desktop PC Business

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 09:02 PM PDT

Samsung Moving Away From Traditional Desktop PC BusinessA report from Korea claims that Samsung is bailing out of the traditional desktop PC market for tablets and all-in-one laptops instead.

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Razer Surround Adds 7.1 Audio to Any Desktop, Laptop

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 08:02 PM PDT

Razer Surround Adds 7.1 Audio to Any Desktop, LaptopRazer has launched software that brings 7.1 surround sound to any desktop or laptop.

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PCIe for Mobile Launched; PCIe 3.1, 4.0 Specs Revealed

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 07:02 PM PDT

PCIe for Mobile Launched; PCIe 3.1, 4.0 Specs RevealedThe PCI-SIG has launched M-PCIe for mobile devices, and introduced several other specs including M.2, a natural transition from the Mini Card and Half Mini Card.

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PS4's Orbis OS Heavily Based on FreeBSD

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 06:02 PM PDT

PS4's Orbis OS Heavily Based on FreeBSDThe second-generation development kit has spilled the beans... or OS in this case.

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Blizzard: WoW Seeing Unusual Rise in Unauthorized Logins

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 05:02 PM PDT

Blizzard: WoW Seeing Unusual Rise in Unauthorized LoginsBlizzard has disabled access to the Auction House via the Mobile Armory app.

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The Stilt Improves SuperPI Performance on AMD Systems

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 04:02 PM PDT

The Stilt Improves SuperPI Performance on AMD SystemsOverclocker "The Stilt" from Finland has managed to optimize SuperPI performance on AMD systems, and all you need to replicate the results are the patch and some liquid nitrogen.

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Huawei's 7-inch MediaPad 7 Vogue Set for UK Release

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 03:02 PM PDT

Huawei's 7-inch MediaPad 7 Vogue Set for UK ReleaseIf you thought the Xperia Z Ultra was big, wait until you get an eyeful of the Media Pad 7 Vogue.

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Hands-on Preview of the Acer Iconia W3: The World's Smallest Windows 8.1 Tablet

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 02:02 PM PDT

Hands-on Preview of the Acer Iconia W3: The World's Smallest Windows 8.1 TabletIs this the start of a small Windows tablet revolution?

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Leaked Photos Show LG G2 with Volume Buttons On Back

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 12:32 PM PDT

Leaked Photos Show LG G2 with Volume Buttons On BackLG is trying something new.

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Sony Reportedly Cut PS4 Camera to Beat Xbox One Price

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 09:32 AM PDT

Sony Reportedly Cut PS4 Camera to Beat Xbox One PriceSony cut the PS4 camera, eliminating support of the PS Move, to drop the price of the PS4. Is this really a tragedy?

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Save San Francisco from mutant cheese and celebrate the DNA double helix

Posted by Harshad

Save San Francisco from mutant cheese and celebrate the DNA double helix


Save San Francisco from mutant cheese and celebrate the DNA double helix

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 02:46 PM PDT

Mutant Muensters are on the loose! Who do you turn to for help when killer cheese aims to destroy San Francisco? That is the question Genentech poses on the 60th anniversary of the discovery of the DNA double helix by Dr. Francis Crick and James D. Watson.

In Ralph's Killer Muenster (available for iPad) the game charges you, the user, to track down the runaway mutant cheese that escaped containment. The twist is the devious muenster is quickly spreading and mutating into different strains. Solve puzzles using genetic methods and scientific processes (Read: match symbols and shapes) to track down each strain and save the city before it's too late.


A leader in the biotech field, Genentech is known for their pioneering work with synthetic human insulin in the fight against diabetes and for the discovery of multiple cancer drugs. Besides making super drugs, the biotech giant recently partnered up with design firm Ideo to release Ralph's Killer Muenster. The goal of the project is to spark an interest in science in kids, while allowing them to have fun. The quirky game was released on the anniversary of the DNA structure's discovery, 60 years ago. It's a milestone that fostered countless innovations and advances in the fields of biology and medicine.<... [Read more]

    


How to move Google Authenticator to a new device

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 09:54 AM PDT

Two-step verification can help thwart malicious attacks against your online accounts. Anyone trying to break into your account would need both your password and the mobile device that authentication codes are sent to in order to gain access.

Related stories

Google has done a splendid job of providing options for those who are interested in setting up this extra security measure: you can get text alerts, or you can use Google's authenticator app, available for Android, BlackBerry, and iOS.

When using the app as your method of authentication code delivery, you may wonder what happens when you want to retire an old phone for a new one. Or, you may have misplaced your device and want to disable the service as a precautionary measure. Here's ho... [Read more]

    


Transfer files between Android and OS X with Droid NAS

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 09:00 AM PDT

Before I bought a Macbook Air, I began to fear the hassles that could potentially come with sharing files between my other devices, particularly my Android phone. What's the easiest way to transfer files between my two most beloved devices? Droid NAS is one elegant solution.

(Credit: Photo taken by Eddie Cho)

Droid NAS lets you send files back and forth between your Mac and Android phone. The app makes this possible via Wi-Fi and the built-in Bonjour protocol inside OS X.

Download and launch Droid NAS from your Android phone. Make sure that your Android device and your Macbook or Mac are all connected to the same Wi-Fi network. There are three basic profiles to choose from, each with different levels of security.

Once you hit "Start Server," your phone should appear and function in Finder just like a storage drive.

The Droid NAS settings allow you to change the name of the server, choose a new Finder icon, restrict access by users, and choose which profiles to load when connected to different Wi-Fi networks. You can also change the name of the server, swap out the Finder icon, and set restrictions to prevent unauthorized access from unknown users. If you frequently connect to different Wi-Fi networks, you can also create custom profiles to use in ... [Read more]

    


How to customize the new Start screen in Windows 8.1

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 08:45 AM PDT

You can more easily tweak the Start screen in Windows 8.1.

(Credit: Screenshot by Lance Whitney/CNET)

The Windows 8 Start screen is largely a love-it-or-hate affair. But even those who aren't too keen on the screen may welcome the new ways you can customize it in the Windows 8.1 Preview.

Right off the bat, Windows 8.1 offers a dedicated Customize button for the Start screen where you can tweak a variety of settings. Right-click anywhere on the Start screen to display the app bar and click on the Customize button. You can also right-click on any tile to open the Customize view.

The screen dims slightly. You can now drag and drop any tile to another spot on the screen. Moving a tile by dragging and dropping is nothing new. But in this Customize view, you can't accidentally open an app by clicking on or tapping its tile.

You can select multiple tiles by clicking on them, and then drag and drop all of your selected tiles en masse to another spot. There's an array of other options that can be run on multiple tiles.

You can unpin them from the Start screen, uninstall them, resize them, turn off any live tiles, or just clear the selection. You also have more tiles sizes from which to choose. Certain tiles offer a choice of small, medium, wide, and large. You can enlarge the ti... [Read more]

    


Windows 8.1 Preview: What you need to know

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 07:13 AM PDT

Windows 8.1 Preview provides a window into the future of Windows

Those of you eager to check out the new Windows 8.1 Preview have a few choices as to how and where to install it. Let's cut right to the chase and review the different options.

Update Windows 8 If you're already running Windows 8, you can simply update it to Windows 8.1 via the Windows Store, as CNET's Jason Cipriani explained earlier this week.

One word of warning before you proceed, however. The Windows 8.1 preview is essentially a beta of the new OS and is by no means a finished or polished version. Therefore, you shouldn't update to Windows 8.1 on your main or only PC. Instead, reserve the update for a spare or non-essential device outfitted with Windows 8.

What's new in Windows 8.1 (pictures)

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