The latest in Internet, website, gadget, and electronic trends.

Friday's Flash Fun

by Mika Ortega

November 22, 2006

As much as we’d all like to say we don’t bother with mindless and trivial computer games, that we are far more mentally stimulated by scholarly hooplah and 18th century poets, and we wouldn’t dare touch a video game for more than a few minutes, it’s certainly safe to say that computer games are addicting and fun for even the smartest of our generation. Take a look at the following cool games created completely in flash. They’re sure to distract you from your boredom and glue you to your PC.

BMX Backflips 2

Using virtual momentum, this flash game’s main character is an arrow controlled BMX rider thrown in different obstacle courses. Ride hills, jumps gaps, and race helicopters in this addicting computer game.

http://www.teagames.com/games/bmxbackflips2/play.php

Line Rider (Beta)

Still in beta, Line Rider is a hit in the making. In this online game, the player makes the course for a “line rider” to follow by virtual gravity. Constructed completely in flash, this game mimics others like Line Flyer, Line Border, and Jeep Flyer, all created by web name “~fsk.”

http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/40255643/

http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/

Fish Hunter 2

Catch your dinner with Fish Hunter 2. Play a caveman hunting fish the old fashioned way: spear in hand. Played 1,941,618 times, this game is surely a web favorite!

http://www.flash-game.net/game/956/fish-hunter-2.html

Loopy Hoops

For the basketball fans, Loopy Hoops is a game you’ll find yourself playing over and over again. See how many baskets you can make with your 15 balls and try to top the going ranks on TeaGames.com. Test out this flash game today!

http://www.teagames.com/games/hoops/play.php

Orangutwang

In this flash creation, you must maneuver a flexible monkey to collect floating bananas. Grab all of the bananas before the time runs out and avoid touching the pesky spiders in your path. Although a simple concept, Orangutwang is a fun and addicting game that you just can’t stand to lose!

http://www.teagames.com/games/orangutwang/play.php

The latest in Internet, website, gadget, and electronic trends.

Net Savvy Kids

by Mika Ortega

November 21, 2006

If you’re one of those people still trying to figure out how to turn your cell phone on silent, burn a CD, and get those annoying pop ups off your computer, seeing youngsters discuss the fundamental stages of the Semantic Web can be slightly intimidating. Kids in this day and age, though, prove to surpass many adults in the area of technology. Toddlers with cell phones, children with laptops, and students with full on PDA’s are everyday sights, and you’d be amazed at what some youths have achieved. Read on to learn of past child prodigies who still impact the technology of today.

Bill Gates

Born and raised in Seattle, WA in 1955, Bill Gates took interest in computers early. At the young age of 13, Gates began programming computers and developing an interesting in computer software. Nearly 40 years later, Bill Gates reigns as the wealthiest man in the world and continues to bring the best of Microsoft to PC owners.

http://www.microsoft.com/billgates/bio.aspx

Walt Smith

Attendee of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Walt Smith discovered his interest in computer science at the early age of 11. Carolyn Mitchell writes, “Walt Smith played a lead role in developing Apple Computer's Newton,” and continues saying, “In fact, Smith developed NewtonScript, the language used to create all the Newton functions.” This whiz kid will no doubt continue to excel in his technological interests.

http://pr.tennessee.edu/alumnus/winter96/smith.html

Steve Wozniak

Still in the 5th grade, Steve Wozniak, “Started developing complex electronics [and] went on to develop the world's first screen and keyboard desktop computer: Apple I,” according to an online Wikipedia article. Also the developer Breakout, a classic Atari game, Wozniak co-founded Apple Computers which brought him and his co-founder Steve Jobs a small taste of stardom. Steve Wozniak started young and prevails in his prosperous career in technology today.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Wozniak

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_child_prodigies#Computer_science_and_engineering

Smart, driven, and inventive, these youngsters have contributed to the development of some of the greatest creations in computer technology and have grown into successful businessmen in the process. Alfred Thomson, a computer science teacher comments, “Young students are very capable of thinking outside the box. They are quite adept at looking at a tool and putting the pieces together in new and interesting ways.” It’s certainly is safe to say that child prodigies are quite a special kind and their talents help keep technology progressive and exciting.

For more information on tech savvy kids, view the following sources:

http://blogs.msdn.com/alfredth/archive/2006/11/07/just-add-imagination.aspx

http://www.sciamdigital.com/index.cfm?fa=Products.ViewIssuePreview&ARTICLEID_CHAR=377115B1-2B35-221B-66F06F40399052B0