China Blocks… Pretty Much Everything

It’s amazing that in these troubling times filled with economic uncertainty and unbridled social woe, the petty-minded governments of various countries still manage to find the time and resources to censor media outlets in order to protect their citizenry from the corrupting influence of free speech. Iran briefly blocked access to Facebook, ahead of its June presidential elections. China has upped the ante by blocking, amongst others, Twitter, Flickr and Hotmail. Even Microsoft’s newly unveiled bing search engine hasn’t been spared. The ongoing media blackout occurs ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre this Thursday (June 4).

Reviews

The Sims3 for iPhone/iPod Touch Review

As we reported last night, the iTunes App Store was set to release one of its most anticipated titles since its launch. EA has just released the iPhone/iPod Touch version of the most popular PC game of all time, The Sims3. If you’re not familiar with the game, The Sims focuses entirely on the lives of virtual people called Sims, placing the player in control of their virtual “world” and their daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, reading, and bathingPriced at $9.99 the game is on the pricer end of titles in the App Store. I’ve had some time with the game…

Vehicles & Gear

New Sport model gives Ford ‘Edge’ on competition

The Ford Edge crossover utility vehicle paved the way to a new segment for Big Blue Oval to compete. The big story for 2009 is the new Edge Sport model, aimed at customers who want a fresher, hipper look – a more personalized vehicle.

News

The Jitterbug J: Keep Gramps Connected Through Simplicity

Still looking to bring your parents or grand parents into the wonderful world of wireless communication, without needing to spend a month conducting a technical seminar covering how to use the phone’s features? GreatCall, Inc. has just come out with the Jitterbug J cell phone, manufactured by Samsung, which offers a loud speaker, large buttons, and easy-to-use interface. The Jitterbug J is primarily geared towards the elderly and technophobic; but can be an alternative for anyone needing basic wireless service without paying for unneeded or unwanted features never used. Additional features and Rate Plan information available after the jump.

Reviews

Wordulous for iPhone/iPod Touch Review

Cut from the same style of games as Chicktionary, Sextuple Word Challenge and Wurdle comes Wordulous from 99Games Online. Wordulous challenges you to make as many words as you can from a jumbled group of letters. With “old-school” graphics, three different types of game play and a .99 cent price tag, there’s a lot to like about this game.

Reviews

DreamGear Rumble Blaster Review

One of the best technology purchases I made was the Nintendo Wii, which was a family present two Chanukahs ago. It is a fantastic gaming platform, especially for younger children, and the motion sensitive controls are nothing short of amazing. The only problem I found, though, was that the Wii remote can get in the way of the illusion of some games. I initially found this when I was playing Star Wars on the Wii. The Wii remote just did not approximate a sword or light saber very well. Fortunately, at that time, DreamGear contacted me with a Wii lightsaber,…

Reviews

LaCie iamaKey Ultra-Mobile Storage Solution Key Chain Review

Here’s a doo-dad that James Bond might appreciate and use: the LaCie iamaKey. Available in 4 or 8GB sizes, this tiny flash memory drive is neatly camouflaged as a key. To further the illusion, the iamaKey comes complete with a weighty slipring and fob.

Vehicles & Gear

First Drives: New Lexus IS convertible, HS250h hybrid

Despite all of the news coming out of Detroit recently, the rest of the automotive world is pretty much “business as usual.” Case in point, Lexus recently rolled out a pair of new models to the automotive press – a convertible version of IS sport sedan and a new entry-luxury hybrid sedan.

June 2009