Archive for the Category Uncategorized
Days of Future Past: A look ahead to Halo: Reach
By: Arthur ‘Arturis’ Orneck
The X-Box’s juggernaut flagship franchise, Halo, is going back to its roots in the upcoming title, Halo: Reach. Set in the year 2552, a few short months before the events of the first Halo game, H:R sets the stage for the fall of the final human colony on planet Reach, and the player gets to take on the role of one of the final six soldiers alive to defend it. Fans of Halo’s established brand of run‘n’gun frantic First Person Shooter action will feel right at home defending your ground against the Covenant in the single player campaign, but we all know that it is the rapid paced multiplayer action where the Halo series really shines. Details are still coming in on what new weapons, vehicles and abilities gamers can look forward to in this installment, though already confirmed are armor upgrade systems for active camouflage and the ability to sprint through battle. Those who have already purchased Halo: ODST will have a chance to try these out first hand when the multiplayer beta test launches on May 3rd.
Healthy in a Hurry – 5 Tips for a Healthier Life on the Go!
Remember that New Year Resolution you made to exercise more, eat less and live a healthier lifestyle? It’s probably faded a bit as your schedule is jammed packed with meetings, exams, events and deadlines. Developing healthy habits can seem like a lot of work! The good news is it doesn’t have to be. Here are 5 simple tips you can use to become healthy while maintaining your schedule.
1. Eat Your Wheaties! – Not a breakfast person? Grab a banana, apple or breakfast bar to eat mid morning. Kick starting your metabolism in the morning is the key to burning calories optimally throughout the day and curbing afternoon snack attacks.
2. More H20! – Fill up a reusable water bottle (BPA free) in the AM and keep it handy (at your desk or in your car depending on your job) to ensure you’re getting your daily amount for maximum health benefits. Drinking water frequently through the day keeps your skin supple and those hunger cravings in their proper place!
3. Replace One Meal with a Salad – Throw a pre-mixed salad in a Tupperware. Add some chicken, raw veggies, dried cranberries or nuts for protein, taste and texture!
4. Short Exercise Routines More Frequently – Can’t make it to the gym for 2 hour training sessions? Try 30 minutes at home each day. A simple dumbbell set, an exercise DVD or calisthenics, will get you where you want to be physically! The key is to aim for every day to ensure you get in 5 days a week. Keep your heart healthy and your body happy!
5. Brush Your Teeth! Stash a travel toothbrush and paste in your belongings and brush after meals to stave off snacking in between meals which often times is what adds on those pesky pounds. Plus, the more you brush, the healthier your teeth will be, your dentist will be so proud!
A Dummy’s Guide to the New Generation of TV’s
CowBoom is all about electronics at everyday value. If you’re in the market for a new flat panel TV, you’re likely to encounter several new models that can make it difficult to understand what you’re getting and what price to pay. Here is a simple (specs free) breakdown of the different models available to ensure you are getting the most bang for your buck.
Plasma – Known for superior image quality, deep black levels and vivid color with wide angle viewing.
- Less expensive than LCD/LED, especially models 50 inches+
- Higher Energy Consumption / Weighs more than LCD
- Poor quality in elevation above 6,500+ ft.
LCD – or Liquid Crystal Display is known for an array of sizes, matte screens which reduce screen glare and no elevation issues.
- Competitively priced with Plasmas at 42 inches, 30 – 50% more expensive than Plasma models 50 inches+
- Backlit illumination make edges of picture appear more grey than black
- Lower Energy Consumption
LED – an LCD TV that boasts a super thin appearance that is back lit with light-emitting diodes instead of standard fluorescent lights.
- LED produces an improved display over LCD with better contrast and black levels.
- Energy Efficient, more efficient than Plasma TV’s / Weigh less than Plasmas
- LED TV’s cost more than non LED models, about $400 more on average
3D – The future of TV’s according to brands like Panasonic who featured outstanding new models at the CES show last month.
- Available in Plasma or LCD depending on manufacture
- Boasts a hefty price tag, about $800 more on average
- You must wear the glasses! Although the technology has come a long way from the red and blue paper models that you remember, the picture looks fuzzy and a headache would soon after set in without the special 3-D glasses.
Connect with CowBoom
We love connecting with our fellow CowBoomers. In addition to our blog, we’re also making noise in some other places. See what it’s all about!
• Facebook – Fan us at Facebook.com/CowBoom and learn about what silly antics we’re up to! We also announce lots of promotions here.
• Twitter – Follow @CowBoom for electronics news, special promotions + more.
• YouTube – Subscribe to our channel youtube.com/TheRealCowBoom to be on the up and up with what we’re up to!
We follow back! See you on the Interwebs…
7 Gifts for Your Gadget Loving Sweetheart
Think electronics are sexy? You’re not alone! Lots of electronics are perfect for Valentine’s Day. Here are our team’s picks for some hot gifts.
- iPod Loaded up with Romantic Tunes– Find the iPod you like + add personalize it with some romantic music.
- Bluetooth Headphones – Wireless headphones mean you won’t get tangled up in the cords
- iPod Dock + Speaker System – The key to giving this gift is to have the lights dimmed, candles burning, and her/his newspeakers already playing when they walk in the door!
- Blu-Ray Player – Is you sweetheart a movie buff? Upgrad them to a Blu-Ray player for the ultimate in HD. Even romantic comedies look better on Blu-Ray
- DVD’s/Blu-Ray Discs – If you’re low on funds this Valentine’s Day, simply pick out a few romantic flicks to watch with your sweetheart. Plus, this gift doubles as a date
- Digital Camera – Let your sweetie capture those special moments together with a digital camera.
- Digital Photo Frame – Find the frame you like and load it up with pix of you together!
Valentine’s Day ‘Interactive’ Ideas
At CowBoom, we’re all about value and thinking about saving money during special occasions – for instance Valentine’s Day.
We asked CowBoom employees for their ideas, and compiled this list of 10 affordable and interactive ideas to enjoy with your sweetheart without breaking the bank.
1. Transform your digs into a romantic hideaway and entertain with a candlelight dinner.
It’s cheap to decorate with some red and pink balloons, pick up a few inexpensive candles and voila!
2. Enjoy Live Music
Find a local bar or restaurant with a great band – it’s not Grammy-nominated, but it’s still fun!
3. Wine Tasting at local wine Shoppe
Many wine shops have Valentine’s Day promotions and tasting events, that end up costing less than a full dinner out.
4. Bowling
Spark up some good ol’ competition with a few games. Loser buys the beer!
5. Color Me Mine Pottery
A cute and creative activity that doubles as a gift. Seriously, when is the last time you painted some pottery? Remember how fun it was back when you were 9? J
6. Get on the Road!
Take a scenic drive to an area nearby and grab a late breakfast, instead of doing an expensive dinner.
7. Play Stranger!
Meet for a drink and pretend you just met each other, then go out for dinner.
Picnic in the Park – Weather Permitting
Stroll along hand in hand and stop for a home-made picnic. Tip: Bring a blanket and some champagne!
9. Hit the Arcade!
Pretend like you’re a kid again and battle out all of the classics! PacMan, Frogger, etc!
10. Take a Hike! – Weather Permitting
Find a park or trail where you can hike. Stop midway and write 10 things you like about each other and read them over some snacks.
