Back To The Future: Xbox 720 Rumours

#15 What To Expect From The Xbox 720

Will it be worth the price? Will it be worth the jump? Will it help Microsoft dethrone Sony? There are so many questions pertaining to the new Xbox, but answers are few and scarce. Luckily, we have a few rumors to keep you satisfied until the big reveal. Via: dailypix.me

#14 The Console Will Be Here By Christmas

Along with a full roster launch at E3 in June, Xbox fanatics can expect the new console to ship by Christmas 2013. Just don’t expect Microsoft to reveal any accurate photos of the next-gen system any time soon!Via: dailypix.me

#13 Its Core Graphics Will See An Improvement…

The major feature that gamers really care about is the quality of graphics they’ll be able to engage in with every video game they purchase. The Xbox 720 is said to have an AMD Jaguar-based 1.6GHz CPU that’s ideal for both developers and consumers.Via: dailypix.me

#12 …But It Won’t Be Identical To The PS4

There will undeniably be similarities, as that’s the case with all competitors in any market, but leaked documents note that the new Xbox will be less powerful graphics wise. While the PS4 also unifies system and graphics memory, Microsoft hopes to keep them separate.Via: dailypix.me

#11 All About Windows 8

Microsoft introduced the power of Windows 8 with their Xbox SmartGlass app last fall and it looks like the company hopes to expand on that, combining gaming with social media, business and everyday computing.Via: dailypix.me

#10 Video Games May Be Online Only

Next-generation consoles seem to be fully engaged in the idea of streaming video games via network stores and depending on advancements, it could fully replace the physical disc by Christmas 2013. The bigger question is how will that effect Internet provider/services in the long run?Via: dailypix.me

#9 The Next-Gen Library Is Worth Noticing

The PS4 may be re-introducing titles such as “Diablo”, but a number of popular developers are reportedly working on next-gen adaptations for Microsoft’s new console. This includes a next-gen “Call Of Duty”, a next-gen Bethesda “expansion” and further titles from Square Enix, Crytek and Lionhead Studios.Via: dailypix.me

#8 Will It Even Be Called The “Xbox 720″?

Due to Microsoft showing they’re a bit “domain-hungry”, some are speculating if the next-gen console will even be released under the name Xbox 720. Xbox8.com is one URL that was recently claimed and has been linked to the prospective title “Xbox Infinity”.Via: dailypix.me

#7 It Likely Won’t Be Backwards Compatible

Many gamers were hoping the new Xbox would be backwards compatible (work with Xbox 360 games) but it probably won’t be. This might discourage some gamers from buying it early on, when the game selection is still limited.Via: dailypix.me

#6 It May Not Incorporate Blu-Ray

Reports conflict whether or not the 720 will actually include a Blu-Ray drive because Microsoft may even ship the new console with an HD DVD drive instead. Read speeds from HD DVDs are still faster than Blu Ray drives, but they hold less data.Via: dailypix.me

#5 Expect A Fully “Kinect-ed” World

The control pad may still be an option considering its popularity, but its heavily implied that a second version of the Kinect will ship with the Xbox 720. Its primary feature: being able to detect up to six players/users at a time during a single session.Via: dailypix.me

#4 A Tablet May Be Your New Best Friend

While the Kinect and the standard Xbox controller seems to be logical devices for the next-gen console, numerous reports point to a Microsoft tablet that will control the new system and make its way into video games. The idea stems from the Wii U’s primary features, but would it be ideal for Xbox users?Via: dailypix.me

#3 The IllumiRoom May Be Revolutionary

The PlayStation 4 has a strong emphasis on social gaming but don’t expect Microsoft to follow suit. News and press releases about the IllumiRoom, a new technology that uses your TV “to blur the lines between on-screen content and the environment we live in”, looks to coincide with the Kinect for an entirely new experience.Via: dailypix.me

#2 The Retail Price May Be Inexpensive

New consoles are normally accompanied by a high price tag but will that be the case for the 720? A leaked document from 2012 states a $299 price point but assuming the PlayStation 4 launches around the same time, the final price may be more due to competition.Via: dailypix.me

#1 D.eath To The Trade-Ins

Because Microsoft is making a bigger jump to a next-gen console, it appears the new Xbox will prevent users from playing used titles, which would permanently give trade-ins the axe and cut down on retail sales. The idea comes from the company’s plan to make the new Xbox dependent on an Internet connection.Via: dailypix.me

Back To The Future: Xbox 720 Rumours

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The 15 Most Ridiculous Laws

#15 Can’t Give More Than 50 lbs of Chocolate to a Girl (Idaho)

Idaho needs to stop looking after the figures of their female population, because anyone who comes to our doorstep with 50 lbs of chocolate is definitely a keeper in our books. Just so long as they also bought us a gym membership. Via

#14 You May Not Educate Dogs (Hartford, Connecticut)

Since the law was written, residents of Hartford have shortened the proverb “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” to just “You can’t teach a dog.” It’s easier to remember that way. Via

#13 Can’t Get a Fish Drunk (Ohio)

We are of the sincere belief that, if this law really causes issues for you and your best drinking buddy, you probably have other issues to deal with. As with most of these, though, we really just want to know: What was the incident that caused this law to be written? Via

#12 Coins May Not be Placed in a Person’s Ear (Hawaii)

The reasoning behind this one escapes us, but we like to believe that Hawaiian lawmakers got as tired of that old magician’s trick as we did. Does a policeman attend every magic show in Honolulu? Via

#11 “Ugly” people can’t walk down the street (San Francisco, California)

Harsh, right? We’d be a little less surprised if this was a law in Los Angeles, what with it’s movie stars and super models, but SF? Home of hippies, artists, and all-around liberalism? We figured they’d take more of a beauty-is-on-the-inside route. Enacted in 1867, this law has (thankfully) been retired. Via

#10 If They Ask, You Must Let a Stranger Use Your Toilet (Scotland)

Okay, yeah, pretty bizarre, but we’ve all been in situations where this law would’ve helped out in a major way. It might even be an interesting, if not somewhat awkward way to make friends- “Bathroom Buddies,” perhaps? Via

#9 Must be 18 to Play Pinball (South Carolina)

We can only imagine how this affects parental speeches in South Carolina. “Son, you’re a man now, that means you can vote, join the army, and most importantly, play pinball.” Okay, we doubt anyone has ACTUALLY had that conversation with their kids, but it’s still pretty great to imagine. Via

#8 If Caught Stealing Soap, You Must Wash Yourself With it Until it’s Gone (Arizona)

We would actually be okay with this one. Sure, the shower itself would probably be pretty uncomfortable, but then we would smell like lavender for the rest of our lives. We just hope that no one gets caught stealing Axe Body Wash, because absolutely nobody wins in that circumstance. Via

#7 Can’t Serve Beer and Pretzels at the Same Time (North Dakota)

Is the state of North Dakota looking after our intake of carbohydrates? That’s sweet of them, but beer and pretzels are one of our favorite bar order combos, and let’s face it, we aren’t trying to be healthy when we go to a bar. Via

#6 Legal to Murder a Scotsman if They Have a Bow and Arrow (York, England)

This law applies only within the walls of the ancient city of York, but it is nonetheless a troubling one. We heard the Scottish archery club was pretty mad when someone told them about it. Via

#5 An Unmarried Woman Cannot go Parachuting on Sunday (Florida)

Did they make this law just because they could? Or was there a serious epidemic of single ladies crashing through church ceilings during services? We’re inclined to believe the former, but if it was the latter then we suppose we can’t really blame Florida lawmakers; that would be pretty distracting. Via

#4 A Chicken Cannot Cross the Road (Quitman, Georgia)

A creative way of killing one of the oldest jokes in the book, at least in one town. Why did the chicken cross the road, then? It doesn’t matter, police were on her with handcuffs before she got half way. Not in our town, chicken. Via

#3 Can’t Kiss on a Train Platform (France)

We actually commend the French on this one. We were getting a little tired of every couple thinking they were Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn every time one of them had to go on a business trip or something. It’s way too emotional, and it throws off our Angry Birds game. Via

#2 Can’t Drive With an Un-Caged Bear in the Car (Missouri)

Whoever wrote this law is clearly not in the right mind. How are the poor citizens of Missouri supposed to transport their bears then? What if your bear likes riding shotgun so he has a little bit more leg room? Via

#1 You Cannot D.ie in the House of Parliament (Great Britain)

Was this a problem at some point? If your meetings are so boring that its attendees are dying, maybe you need to spice things up a little bit. Disco Tuesdays, perhaps? Oh, and one last question we have: How do they enforce this? Via

The 15 Most Ridiculous Laws

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The 12 Hottest Girls On Television

#15 Olivia Munn

The former co-host of “Attack Of The Show!” is a veteran in the industry and lovely sight on television and in-person. After roles on “Chuck”, “Robot Chicken” and “New Girl’, Munn has landed a major role on Aaron Sorkin’s “The Newsroom” which combines serious topics with an attractive take on intelligence. Via: dailypix.me

#14 Hayden Panettiere

Hayden has been the subject in a few stand out films, but her television career is tough to challenge. The 23-year-old from New York starred in “Heroes” from 2006-2010 and has recently played a main role in the musical drama series “Nashville”. Via: dailypix.me

#13 Kaley Cuoco

Kaley’s first big role was as Bridget Hennessy on the award-winning sitcom “8 Simple Rules” but it’s her current role as the hot neighbour Penny on “The Big Bang Theory” which has had critics and fans rolling around in lust. Her popularity can also be attributed to her being apart of one of the highest rating comedies on television! Via: dailypix.me

#12 Sarah Hyland

Though she does play Haley Dunphy in the incredible television comedy “Modern Family”, Sarah Hyland is actually 22-years-old and not a recent high school graduate. Yep, that’s right: hot actresses can actually be born in the 90s’! Via: dailypix.me

#11 Aubrey Plaza

The highlight of “Funny People” and “Safety Not Guaranteed”, Aubrey is a budding comedian who’s deadpan humour is a true highlight of the show “Parks & Recreation”. Outside of acting, she once blew off Ryan Gosling in a Jamba Juice bar because “she didn’t know who he was”. She says she regrets this decision. Via: dailypix.me

#10 Dianna Agron

Dianna is starting to enjoy a film career outside of “Glee” but her history with television cannot be denied as she’s had previous roles in “Heroes” and “Veronica Mars”. Fun fact: she was once a cheerleader in high school and got accepted into Yale University. Via: dailypix.me

#9 Hannah Simone

Similar to her co-star Zooey, Hannah Simone is the “New Girl” on the block but she’s also a new face for television sitcoms. Before playing model/best friend Cece Meyers, the Canadian actress was once a television host, VJ and former fashion model. Via: dailypix.me

#8 Krysten Ritter

Becoming more prominent in romantic comedies, Ritter is widely know as “The B*tch In Apartment 23″ but did you know she actually had a role in AMC’s “Breaking Bad”? The edgy actress once adopted the role of Jesse Pinkman’s girlfriend which produced a pivotal plot point. Via: dailypix.me

#7 Nina Dobrev

Of Bulgarian descent, Dobrev got her start playing the role of Mia Jones, the single teenage mother on “Degrassi: The Next Generation”, but most of us know her for her role on The CW’s “Vampire Diaries” where vampires and babes definitely do mix. Via: dailypix.me

#6 Katharine McPhee

Compared to everyone else on this list, Katharine is constantly surrounded by marketing and publicity. Along with being the face of “Smash” – and yes, “Shark Night 3D” – the 28-year-old is also a popular recording artist who first showed her adorable frame on “American Idol”. Via: dailypix.me

#5 Zooey Deschanel

Yes she’s awkward, but that cute charm just adds to the fact that a majority of male (and female) audiences want to see her “other side”. But if you just know her as the star of “New Girl”, you might want to get off the Internet. Now. Via: dailypix.me

#4 Sofia Vergara

Discovered on the beach of her native Colombia, Sofia started out on a Spanish soap opera and was featured in mid-2000s films such as “Chasing Papi” and “Four Brothers”. Now she’s the ever so candid Gloria on the hit show “Modern Family” where she shows there’s nothing average about herself at all! Via: dailypix.me

#3 Elisha Cuthbert

The Canadian actress has been notoriously hot since her ridiculous role as the main character in “The Girl Next Door” and despite a slip into mediocrity, Cuthbert is still provocative as ever and can be found in the very underrated television comedy “Happy Endings”. Via: dailypix.me

#2 Alison Brie

Her sense of attraction was always overshadowed by her characters on “Community” and “Mad Men”, but there’s no denying that Alison Brie is stunning. The former television series is about to return this Spring and you can bet everyone’s waiting for another look at Annie! Via: dailypix.me

#1 Katrina Bowden

You probably know the 24-year-old by now but in case you don’t, the New Jersey actress plays “Cecie” on the Emmy Award-winning “30 Rock”. Her role isn’t a major one but it’s genius as her character’s entire existence is based around being a punchline for how hot she is. The best part is: she never really has to “try”. Via: dailypix.me

The 12 Hottest Girls On Television

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What Is Fracking? Here Are The Facts

#15 What is fracking?

“Fracking” is hydraulic fracturing, a new method of extracting gas and oil from rocks at a depth of 2,000 to 10,000 feet down into the shale. Deep walls are drilled straight down through the aquifer and drilling then curves horizontally below the surface into shale rock. Water with fracking fluid is then injected at enormous pressure into the shale, which breaks the rocks apart and releases the methane trapped within. Via: dailypix.me

#14 Fracking banned

In the state of Vermont, fracking is banned. The treatment of fracking wastewater is banned in New Jersey, which doesn’t have pockets of natural gas like other states (namely Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania). Outside of the U.S., fracking is also banned in France, Bulgaria, and South Africa. Via: dailypix.me

#13 Job creation

The gas industry currently employs more than 1.2 million people in the U.S. and accounts for about $385 billion in direct economic activity within the country. The Department of Energy estimates that natural gas resources have increased by nearly 65 percent due to fracking. With fracking, only more jobs will be created in the gas industry. Via: dailypix.me

#12 A heavy pro

While the public debate has largely focused on the water contamination that fracking process causes, little attention has been given to the fact that natural gas does in fact burn cleaner than other fossil fuels. This means that shale gas is a healthier alternative to other greenhouse gases — and that replacing coal power plants could reduce greenhouse emissions by more than 50 percent. With the right regulation, shale gas is an enticing energy alternative for reducing air pollution. Via: dailypix.me

#11 Artists Against Fracking

Artists Against Fracking is a group of over 200 entertainers who are raising public awareness in New York regarding the dangers of fracking. The group was started by Yoko Ono and Sean Ono Lenon, who gathered the support of nearly 150 fellow artists in less than 10 days. Members include Alec Baldwin, Beck, Carrie Fisher, Lady Gaga, Gwyneth Paltrow, Uma Thurman, Juliane Moore, and Jimmy Fallon. Via: dailypix.me

#10 Years to come

Comprehensive fracking studies will likely take much longer for researchers to have a concrete grasp on the effects of fracking on the environment and potentially people’s health. New York is entering the fifth year of its review of the fracking process, and experts say legislators still do not have enough evidence to make an informed decision on legalizing fracking. Via: dailypix.me

#9 Carbon footprint

The potential for shale gas in undeniable, but cons outside of water pollution do exist. For example, the carbon footprint of shale gas is at least 20 percent greater and perhaps twice as great over the next 20 years when compared to that of coal. That means that fracking causes more methane emission than coal does. Via: dailypix.me

#8 Dangerous fluid

Fracking uses a chemical cocktail known as fracking fluid. Companies that use fracking fluid refuse to disclose the contents of the fluid, claiming that the recipe is proprietary, but samples from well sites yield results that show that fracking fluid contains chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetic acids, citric acides, and boric acids. And that’s only a few of the list of hundreds of contaminants. Via: dailypix.me

#7 Permanently contaminated water

Fracking essentially ruins freshwater with toxic chemicals. Each well uses anywhere between two and five million gallons of locally-sourced freshwater that is then permanently contaminated by the fracking fluid, which contains toxic chemicals and ground contaminants. Via: dailypix.me

#6 Environmental problems abound

At least 9 states have reported surface, ground, and drinking water contamination due to fracking. In Pennsylvania alone, over 1,400 environmental violations have been attributed to deep gas wells while pollution from chemical contamination, habitat fragmentation, truck traffic, and damage from drilling have all been linked to fracking. Via: dailypix.me

#5 Illegal use of diesel fuel

A recent Congressional investigation revealed that 32 million gallons of diesel fuel have been injected illegally into the ground as a fracking chemical in 19 states between 2005 and 2009. Diesel fuel is particularly damaging to water supplies, which is the reason why it is the only fracking chemical still under regulation based on the UIC (underground injection control) program of the SDWA (Safe Drinking Water Act). However, state law does not necessarily prevent companies from using diesel fuel in fracking fluid. Via: dailypix.me

#4 Federal regulations

The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 contained a provision that came to be known as the “Halliburton Loophole”, which exempted gas drilling and extraction from the requirements in the UIC (underground injection control) program of the SDWA (Safe Drinking Water Act). Other legal loopholes exist as well in the Clean Air and Clean Water Act. Via: dailypix.me

#3 State exemptions

Even though a single fracking well can use up to five million gallons of locally-sourced water, fracking is exempt from state water use regulation based on the legislation. This means that not only are there federal loopholes for fracking, but also state exemptions that allow companies to engage in unmonitored fracking. Via: dailypix.me

#2 Earthquakes

Several earthquakes in both the U.S. and abroad have been linked to fracking. Cuadrilla Resources, a British company, admitted in a report that its fracking process well was in fact responsible for a number of “minor seismic events”. Via: dailypix.me

#1 Reform time

Organizations like Clean Water Action is proposing a set of reforms that will hopefully reduce the environmental risks that fracking poses on our natural resources. These reforms include requiring public disclosure of the contents of chemicals used in the fracking process and requiring companies (rather than taxpayers) to pay for the legal and financial impacts of well accidents. Via: dailypix.me

What Is Fracking? Here Are The Facts

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1967 Plymouth Barracuda Fastback – Exponentially Excessive

Long before the invention of cement, medieval architects and builders of castles were required to clear and level boulders, trees, and earth from mountain sides and bogs to provide a solid foundation. Many of these massive fortifications remain in place today as a testament to their engineers’ genius and efforts. The foundation is the basis on which everything is based and supported.

When it comes to David Brown’s exceptional ’67 Barracuda fastback, his foundation wasn’t a platform forged from hewn stone or iron scaffolding, but a ’66 cast-iron Hemi block pried from the hands of a close friend and fellow Mopar enthusiast, Albert Bembe. With the engine block, though bare, David was able to begin blueprinting plans for a Super Stock clone. A dyed-in-the-wool fan of the factory ’68 SS/A Darts and Barracudas, David laid out a strategy of attack.

The Edgewater, Maryland, native found a ’67 fastback A-Body in Virginia in pitiful shape, but the $500 purchase price included all the factory glass, interior and exterior trim. Due to its rotted floors and cancerous panels, it was an easy decision to opt to make this stocker a Pro Street ride. Tube chassis components were ordered, as well as all the suspension kits from Chassis Engineering. Both quarter-panels were replaced with Year One sheetmetal.

David devoted hours to relieving the Barracuda’s body of its contaminated floors, firewall, and trunk, and fabricating custom floorpans and wheeltubs. The conversion from a unibody platform to a complete tube chassis is extensive; new engine plates were bolted to the forward chassis to harness the stout powerplant that David had in mind. After all the sheetmetal work was squared away, he tackled the drivetrain.

1967 Plymouth Barracuda Fastback – Exponentially Excessive

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World’s smallest Chevrolet 327 V8 engine

When this Chevy V8 engine was introduced back in 1962 it was the most powerful production small-block V8 untill LS6 came in 2001. 327 cubic engine was single-cam, natural aspirated. One of the petrolheads, Jim Moyer, expressed his respect to this engine by building its miniature — the 1/6th scale model that actually works. Jim spend a l

 

ot of time fabricating all the parts — block, head, crank, pistons, cam and others. The mini engine has spark ignition, oil system that are exactly like the ones from 327 muscle.

Even though it works quite well, this Chevrolet V8 mini engine still need improvements in order to run it longer: water-pump, carburetor, valve caps.

World’s smallest Chevrolet 327 V8 engine

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1969 Plymouth Cuda 340 fastback

Fast Facts:

1969 Plymouth ‘Cuda 340 fastback

Owned by: Phil Ecks, Jackson, New Jersey

Mopar Power

• Engine: Phil rebuilt the Fish’s 340, adding an Edelbrock LD 340 intake, tti headers and Dynomax mufflers, and Mopar Performance electronic ignition, a hydraulic camshaft and valve springs, while keeping the OEM heads, forged steel crankshaft and Carter AVS four barrel.


• Transmission: Original-equipment 23-spline 833 four-speed and Hurst shifter. They got this one right the first time.


• Rearend: OEM here, too–8-3/4 rear end with 3.91 gears

 

Sure Grip

• Suspension: Restored original for this ’69 ‘Cuda 340: Heavy-duty longitudinal torsion bars, anti-sway bar and HD tubular shocks up front, with leaf springs and HD tubular shocks in back.


• Brakes: Restored stock, with power-assisted Kelsey-Hayes front discs and 10-inch rear drums.


• Wheels and Tires: The classic fender-filling look of chrome Cragar S/S five spokes (15 x 6 inch front, 15 x 8 inch rear) on BFG Radial TAs (205/60R15 front, 255/60R15 rear).

 

High Impact

• Body: Restored original ’69 Barracuda fastback unibody wears all its original sheetmetal, scoops and chrome trim, but Phil left off the black-only A56 ‘Cuda 340 stripes this time around.


• Paint: Mickey Beal of Millstone, New Jersey, sprayed on the single stage X9 Black acrylic enamel.


• Interior: The visors and headliner are original, but Legendary’s reprodustion Saddle Tan vinyl trim covers the seats, door and side panels. Ssnake Oyl restored the OEM front and rear seat belts.

1969 Plymouth Cuda 340 fastback

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