Leave a comment Posted on January 22, 2014January 21, 2014 by Steve Murray Link-Off

Wednesday Link-Off: The Return

The Lowdown Blog is back in business this morning. And because today is Wednesday, it’s time for us to do the middle of the week set of links. Some of these links are a little old but I think they’re still important reads for you.

Let’s start today’s links with blog favourite and Canadian model Kim Cloutier.

Ontario PC party leader Tim Hudak has unofficially kicked off his election campaign with a promise to create one million new jobs. However, history shows that it’s extremely unlikely to happen. (MacLean’s)

Is the Harper Government trying to destroy science in Canada? The government is engaged in the closing of scientific libraries and destruction of documents. (Daily Kos)

The Democratic Party might be leaning towards running Hilary in the 2016 Presidential election but they’re still not in great shape to hold onto The White House. (Washington Post)

Continue reading →

Leave a comment Posted on January 14, 2014January 13, 2014 by Steve Murray Entertainment

Star Wars: Episode VII Undergoing Massive Changes in Pre-Production

Remember when you were excited for a new Star Wars trilogy to continue the story beyond what was already in the Expanded Universe. Noted Star Wars fan J.J. Abrams was directing. Oscar-winner Michael Arndt was tabbed to write the script. Everyone and their mother was meeting with Abrams. Some of the top behind the camera in Hollywood were onboard, including John Williams and Ben Burtt.

Now, the latest rumours about Episode VII are a little less promising. Nothing is confirmed or set in stone but rumours that indicate retconning established Star Wars canon concerns me.
Continue reading →

Leave a comment Posted on January 12, 2014January 11, 2014 by Steve Murray Link-Off

Sunday Link-Off: Sports Night

Good news! Barrett-Jackson is back this week which means we’ll have another Best of Barrett-Jackson post for you soon. We’ll also have a game review at the end of the week along with the other usual features.

Speaking of usual features, today is Sunday so it’s time for the links. Let’s start with Cris Urena.

A biography of Fox News chairman Roger Ailes isn’t looking too good for Roger. I guess that’s what happens when you’re on the receiving end of fair and balanced reporting. (New York Times)

With the Washington Post’s Ezra Klien looking to strike out on his own, is journalism less about the news and more about the person reporting it now? (The Guardian)

Dan Le Batard was the one who gave his baseball hall of fame vote over to the users of Deadspin. He did it for the right reasons. (Deadspin)

Continue reading →

Leave a comment Posted on January 11, 2014January 10, 2014 by Steve Murray Link-Off

Weekend Geek Links of the Week

The hacker who reopened the Steubenville rape case could face a prison term that’s up to five times longer than the rapists. The law doesn’t always equal justice. [HackRead]

Last weekend, Mega boss Kim Dotcom was the subject of two very different profiles by 60 Minutes and Vice. Interestingly contrasting views of the man. [Warming Glow]

Mashable just raised $13 million to fund an expansion effort. Anybody want to give et geekera even 1% of that to hire some writers, produce more content, move off of WP.com, make the site look better and turn this into a cutting edge operation? No? Just thought I’d ask. [CNN Money]

Apparently a recent episode of Agents of SHIELD quietly incorporated a piece of Mass Effect 3 concept art. Who knew? [Eurogamer]

Which actor is the deadliest in Hollywood? Not as in who has killed the most careers but who has killed the most people on-screen. [Randal S. Olson]
Continue reading →

Leave a comment Posted on January 10, 2014January 9, 2014 by Steve Murray Video Games

Gone Home Review: A House is Not a Home

This year’s surprise hit game was a little indie game called Gone Home. The debut effort of a small indie dev made up of BioShock 2: Minerva’s Den devs is in a way inspired by BioShock but much simpler and focused. For many critics, the straight-forward focus on story made it near-perfect and the game of the year. Many gamers, though, didn’t find it as good as it was hyped up to be. So where does it fall on the spectrum?
Continue reading →

2 Comments Posted on January 9, 2014January 8, 2014 by Steve Murray Columns, Video Games

The Economics of Steam Trading Cards and the Steam Wallet

It’s been six months since Steam introduced their Trading Cards. When they first launched, I was utterly confused as to why anyone would be interested in virtual trading cards that had no purpose and no value. It just seemed like a way for Valve to make some money that no one would buy into.

However, having just completed the Steam Holiday Sale, it’s readily apparent that Valve has hit a home run with the Trading Cards. It’s not just the transaction fees that are making Valve money. The spin-off effect from Trading Cards does just as much to make Steam even more profitable.

Continue reading →

Leave a comment Posted on January 8, 2014January 7, 2014 by Steve Murray Link-Off

Wednesday Link-Off: Warming Up Winter

You know, I hate winter. I’ve come to this conclusion after my car wouldn’t start even with CAA’s help and my snowblower brake completely in the span of about two weeks. Why does technology hate me so? Maybe why does the weather hate me so.

Anyway, it’s time for the links. It’s a new year so let’s start with a new face. Here’s Austrian model Nadine Leopold.

How sensitive is the pro-gun movement to criticism? One of the top writers of Guns & Ammo was fired because we questioned whether the Second Amendment was really in danger. (New York Times)

What’s the best way to resign from city council in America? In Klingon. (Mediaite)

We all know that drugs have side effects but a new epilepsy drug might actually have the beneficial side effect of reopening the ability for your brain to learn language and music. (Raw Story)

Continue reading →

Leave a comment Posted on January 6, 2014January 5, 2014 by Steve Murray Entertainment

Doctor Who: The Time of The Doctor Review

The recent Doctor Who Christmas special marked a couple of milestones for the series. Not only did The Time of The Doctor mark Matt Smith’s final appearance as The Doctor and Peter Capaldi’s first appearance in the titular role but it was the series’ 800th episode dating back to 1963.

Given the hit or miss nature of many of the 11th Doctor’s adventures, would his final story at the helm of the TARDIS be another Moffat classic or would Eleven go out with a whimper rather than a bang?

Continue reading →