I don’t know if you’ve noticed but we’re quite big fans of video games here at The Lowdown. While we can argue all day as to what was the best era of gaming, we can objectively examine if gaming is more expensive now than it was when many of us started. After all, the Xbox One was effectively killed on arrival with a $500 price tag but is that price unprecedented in gaming? We have a handy infographic to answer that question.
Wednesday Link-Off: The Road to Hell
They say that the road to hell is paved with the best intentions. A lot of the stories featured in today’s links are those taking questionable actions with the best of intentions. However, the results are taking society down a slippery slope.
Anyway, it’s Wednesday which mean’s that it’s time for the links. Let’s kick things off with Jill Hennessy.
The FBI used malware as part of a sting operation and have come under fire for using that malware to obtain evidence without a warrant. Their counterargument is that their malware is okay because they were using it for good. (Gizmodo)
The President of the Philippines has successfully gotten citizens to kill drug dealers. Now he wants them to kill drug addicts too. (Asian Correspondent)
Were you imprisoned because of a police roadside drug test? Chances are that it could have been a false positive. (Pro Publica)
F1 British Grand Prix: A Bronx Cheer
The British Grand Prix started behind the safety car because of standing water on the track. Fans complained about the overly cautious start to the race but little did they know that this start to the race would make for the most exciting part of the afternoon. Changing conditions made for some exciting moments as drivers coped with a track that was too wet for inters and then too wet for slicks.
Lewis Hamilton ended up winning his home grand prix in a race that will likely be remembered for the first penalty from F1’s radio rules.
Facebook Fails of the Week
Every so often, we look at the most spectacular fails that the internet has to offer. Well today, we look at the most spectacular fails that Facebook has to offer. This week, we have five of the best fails Facebook has to offer.
Sunday Link-Off: All About the Economy
If you want to get people riled up, just talk anything that could be even tangentially related to politics. Of course, nothing in politics should be more divisive than economic policy. Do you put money in the hands of the 99% so they buy to drive the economy or the 1% so they invest to drive the economy? It seems like a simple question but that’s the most important debate in politics.
Anyway, it’s Sunday so we have to do the links. Let’s kick off with Angie Harmon.
Can a whole political party not have any clothes? The same Conservative Party that tried to end door-to-door mail delivery says that they’ll protect door-to-door mail delivery from the government. (Press Progress)
The Trans-Pacific Partnership was a small factor in last year’s Canadian federal election. What role will it play in 2016 US Presidential Election. (The Intercept)
It looks like the world loves Canadian economic policy. (The Economist)
Entertainment Link-Off: Dog Days of Summer
Is it just me or is summer really a dead time for movies. Since I’ve taken up temporary residence on Saturdays doing the entertainment links, I can’t think of massive summer blockbusters apart from family movies. Where are the big budget action movies? Where are the superheroes?
On the plus side, The Secret Life of Pets opens this weekend. Critics really seem to like it but not to the same extent that Pixar’s Finding Dory was adored by critics. The other big release is Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates which is getting middling reviews.
Anyway, it’s Saturday night so it’s time for the links. Let’s kick off with the lead pair from one of this weekend’s movies. Here are Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End Review: The Last Crusade
Naughty Dog has a reputation for making a trilogy of games (and sometimes a racing game) for a franchise on a console generation and moving onto a new IP. They did it with Crash Bandicoot on the PS1 and Jak & Daxter on the PS2. Their PlayStation 3 trilogy was the blockbuster Uncharted franchise (along with the amazing The Last of Us). However, in their first effort on the PlayStation 4, Naughty Dog went back to Uncharted for one more adventure with Nathan Drake in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End.
Uncharted: Fortune Hunter Review: Gold on the Run
It’s not unusual to see big game franchises get mobile spin-offs as part of their lineup. Square Enix has mobile games for Final Fantasy, Tomb Raider and Hitman. Nintendo is working on a move into that sector. EA has a whole host of mobile titles too. Now, Sony is dipping its toes into the mobile sector with a puzzle game based Uncharted that’s more of a booster pack for Uncharted 4’s multiplayer than a new entry in the franchise.
Wednesday Link-Off: Both Sides of the Border
Who says that all the interesting news in America? We certainly have our share of noteworthy stories in Canada even if we don’t mention the pending Canada Post strike. For fun, there is even some big British stories in the links so we have the whole Commonwealth/colonial thing happening as well.
Anyway, it’s Wednesday so we are obliged to do the links. Let’s kick things off with Katy Perry.
Iceland will be boycotting Israeli products until they end their occupation of Palestine. (PressTV)
His religious beliefs have been underplayed at the moment but is Donald Trump’s support showing there may be no need for religion in politics. (New York Times)
The FBI won’t be recommending charges against Hilary for her email dealings. (NYT)
Fails of the Week
Every so often, we take a look at the most epic fails from the week that was in the Fails of the Week. This week, we have five pictures, GIFs and videos that we think are the most epic fails of the week.
The Lowdown 