Tag Archive for: How To Kill An Hour

Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2: A giant returns.

Rockstar games always knock it out of the park when it comes to games, Grand Theft Auto is what they are most known for, however when Red Dead Redemption came out in 2010, it changed the game! Everyone has always wanted to be a cow-boy and Rockstar made everyone’s dream come true! Now, 8 years later, Rockstar are revisiting the Red Dead universe. Introducing Red Dead Redemption 2. Due for release 26th October 2018.

Game Info

America, 1899. The end of the wild west era has begun as lawmen hunt down the last remaining outlaw gangs. Those who will not surrender or succumb are killed. 

After a robbery goes badly wrong in the western town of Blackwater, Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are forced to flee. With federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America in order to survive. As deepening internal divisions threaten to tear the gang apart, Arthur must make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him.

From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic tale of life in America at the dawn of the modern age. (Amazon/Rockstar)

We cannot wait for this one, it looks like so much fun! We had a blast playing the first one and really got invested with it. Rockstar know how to make games that are immersive and this version of the Red Dead universe looks no different.

Furthermore, don’t wait, check the latest gameplay trailer for this stellar game above!

Also, Pre-Order Red Dead Redemption 2 here!

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Hot summer

Hot Summer, Hot Earth?

Summer may be great but there could be doom ahead. It’s a hot summer of summer 2018. All across the world everyone is enjoying this glorious weather that we’re having. Though could there be something sinister approaching? It’s all our own fault too. 

Hothouse Earth

Scientists believe that we could be heading to an area that we cannot turn back from. A tippy point that triggers an area of global warming that would trigger a domino effect. Consequently affecting the future of mankind. This is deemed ‘Hothouse Earth’ a period. Which will pose ‘severe risks for health, economies, political stability, and ultimately, the habitability of the planet for humans.’ This was described by international scientists who wrote in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study shows that long term, the planet would stabilise at a global average of 4C-65C above pre-industrial levels.

If this increase occurs, areas of the planet, LARGE areas of the planet around the equator would become uninhabitable. Sea levels are already at an all time high. Up to 60meters higher, as a result threatening coastal cities livelihoods.

Tipping points

The threshold for the tipping point will be reached when average global temperatures are 2C higher than they were pre-industrial era. We are already at a 1C increase and as summer 2018 shows we are still rising. Feedback mechanisms which will act like a ‘row of dominoes’ will spin the world as we know it into such a state of uncontrollable climate change. Even if we do things when it’s too late. It will be the absolute definition of too little too late. The research states that theere are 10 feedback processes that are predicted it kick in at 2C warming.  While the ‘tipping’ elements could turn natural carbon storage systems or sinks into hugely powerful greenhouse gas emitters.

Furthermore the dangers identified were thawing permafrost, release of methane trapped on the ocean floor, weakening lands, ocean carbon sinks, increased carbon dioxide production by ocean bacteria, Amazon rainforest die-back, coniferous forest die-back, reduced northern hemisphere snow cover, loss of Arctic summer sea ice, reduced Antarctic sea ice and melting polar ice sheets. That’s a lot of scary stuff! Which by the sounds of it, will only make the earth hotter!

Which is echoed by the scientists in the report:

‘Our analysis suggests that the Earth system may be approaching a planetary threshold that could lock in a continuing rapid pathway toward much hotter conditions – Hothouse Earth. This pathway would be propelled by strong, intrinsic, biogeophysical feedbacks difficult to influence by human actions, a pathway that could not be reversed, steered or substantially slowed. ‘Where such a threshold might be is uncertain, but it could be only decades ahead at a temperature rise of (around) 2C above pre-industrial.’

Avoiding it

So, how do we avoid this nightmare?

According to the research, it would require deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. Plus a very concerted effort to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. How do you do this? Well, the report highlights that it can be tackled by preserving natural carbon sinks and using technology. It is not a matter of scaring people anymore. The issues facing Earth are very real! .

‘In the context of the summer of 2018, this is definitely not a case of crying wolf, raising a false alarm. The wolves are now in sight.’ Dr Phil Williamson, from the University of East Anglia

Furthermore, Chris Rapley, professor of climate science at University College London said:

‘Previous research has shown that an increase in the mean global temperature of 11-12C would make more than half of the land area currently occupied by humans uninhabitable. So, a ‘runaway’ warming to a new and uncontrollable hot state would represent an existential threat to humanity and the majority of existing species.’

(Metro)

Well doesn’t this sound lovely?

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alien contact

Alien contact?

Has there been some Alien contact??? Are we seeing (or rather hearing) our alien brothers and sisters? That’s what scientists think with this latest discovery!

A fast burst of audio

They have detected a rare deep space signal called a ‘fast radio burst’. While the source of the signal is as of yet unknown. Astronomers are claiming that the sound can be from an all manor of things. Such as exotic stars, exploding black holes or, as we all like to romanticise, alien civilisations! We may finally have Alien contact! The reason we have been able to pick up this sound is due to a Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME). It’s so powerful and so sensitive it was able to pick up the emission, which has the lowest frequency of any burst that we as human’s have been able to record.

As a result, whatever produced the sound has been named ‘‘FRB 180725A’ which in turn is allegedly said that it must have been very powerful. There have only ever been two dozen fast radio bursts, the first which was disovered in 2007. They’re deemed as being extremely unusual, consequently why the theory of alien lifeforms being put forward.

What could it be?

Metro are reporting that Christopher Conselice, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Nottingham, told MailOnline the discovery of the latest FRB is very helpful! As it could help to pave the way for a greater understanding of what causes FRBs:

‘We don’t know their origin, they could be caused by a number of things,’ he said. ‘The fact the lower frequency FRB has been detected provides hope that we can understand more about where they come from and what causes them. ‘They could be caused by exploding stars, supernova, exotic stars like pulsars, magnetars, neutron stars or massive black holes at the centre of distant galaxies. ‘It could even be some other physical mechanism that we don’t yet understand.’

Difficulties

While it can be argued that it is unlikely that it is of alien origin. As we are unable to identify what caused the FRB, we cannot rule out Alien contact. Speaking in 2011 Avi Loeb, of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics research institute, stated of FRB’s:

 ‘Fast radio bursts are exceedingly bright given their short duration and origin at great distances, and we haven’t identified a possible natural source with any confidence…An artificial origin is worth contemplating and checking.’

(Metro)

Could we be hearing Aliens?

What would actually happen if we did make contact with Aliens?

Also, would the government keep it a secret or let us all know? Would there be pandemonium in the streets?

What do Aliens look like? Furthermore, is there a possibility that Aliens could be other humans on another planet and we are all exactly the same but live on different planets?

So many questions!?! Let us know what you think by reaching out on our socials! @howtokillanhour on all platforms!

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Robots Takeover?

Robots takeover?!

Robots takeover? People are afraid they’re losing their job to a robot!

Losing your job to a robot.

While robots are here to help make our lives easier and we’re grateful for that. Robots may be starting to get a little too helpful. Are we heading for robots takeover? Consequently that’s making a lot of people worried. According to a new piece of research published today a quarter of British workers are worried that robots are going to replace them. A YouGov survey of 1,000 Brits, analysts found that 7% of workers. That equates to 10Million people. Are worried that their job is going to change for the worse. While a much larger percentage (23%) are concerened that their job will become void. The research goes hand in hand with a 2 year commission on workers technology. Which will address the change and help workers re-skill if necessary.

Yvette Cooper MP, chair of the home affairs select committee stated:

‘The digital revolution means technology and jobs are changing faster than ever….. This survey of workers found that almost a quarter of workers are worried that their job will no longer be needed. And whilst it found that most people are optimistic that they will be able to change and update their skills, they also say they are not getting any help or support to train or adapt from the government, their employer or a trade union…..It is vital that action is taken now to ensure changing technology doesn’t widen inequality and to make sure all workers feel the benefits.’

Robot protection

While those that were surveyed were worried that their jobs would be taken, 9% took a different view. They asked the government if they are taking steps to prepare for new workplace technologies. (i.e. losing their job to a robot) The commission addresses these fears and are working to ensure that technological changes in the workplace will lead to good jobs. Furthermore, more allegedly seems to be done to help robots stay at bay. With the commission planning to bring the government, employers and trade unions in check regarding technological advancements and automation in the workplace.

‘Automation cannot simply be opposed, rather it should be made to work in the interests of working people. Our members are already dealing with the consequences of automation being managed badly. Government and business need to step up too, but trade unions have a central role to play,’  Roy Rickhuss, General Secretary of Community (A workers union)

(Metro)

So, Will it make more jobs in other sectors or will we be slaves to robot forever? Also, Will Robots takeover in 20years?

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Orange Is The New Black

Orange Is The New Black

If you’ve been living under a rock for the past several years, here’s a little run down of what Orange Is The New Black is all about:

Orange Is The New Black is a comedy drama web based series created by Jenji Kohan for streaming powerhouse Netflix. The series is based on Piper Kerman’s Memoir of similar name (Orange Is The New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison). Within her memoir Kerman discusses her experiences at a minimum security federal prison: FCI Danbury.

Orange Is The New Black

The series revolves around Piper Chapman, a woman in her 30’s living in NYC. Chapman is sentenced to 15 months in Litchfield Penitentiary, a minimum security women’s federal prison. The prison is operated by Federal Department of Corrections a fictional version of the real life Federal Bureau of Prisons. This prison is later acquired by a private prison company called Management & Correction Corporation. Piper’s conviction is due to her role in drug smuggling. Carrying a suitcase rammed full of cash for her then girlfriend Alex Vause (a career international drug smuggler). The initial offence took place a decade prior to the start of the first series. 

Since then Piper had long moved on from the criminal world and was living a quiet life among New York’s upper middle class citizens. Her arrest shook her world and those around her, her family, her relationship with her partner and her friends. In prison Piper is reunited with her former lover. It is discovered that Alex had named Piper in her trial which lead to Chapman’s arrest. Now in a world that is somewhat alien to her, Piper learns to survive prison and how to overcome a number of problems that she soon faces in prison. Consequently reexamining her relationship with her former flame.

Orange Is The New Black follows Chapman as she makes friends and enemies whist trying to get through her 15months. Episodes often feature flashbacks of significant events of the people that Chapman encounters. Helping to explain backstories or develop a character. 

Social Commentary

Orange Is The New Black also has elements of social commentary. Highlighting how corruption, drug smuggling, funding cuts, overcrowding and guard brutality affect a prisoners health. As well as commenting on the prisons basic ability to fulfill fundamental responsibilities and ethical obligations. It is here where the acquisition of the prison comes to fruition. Due to poor housing and conditions Litchfield was on course to be shut down. The Director of Human Activities and warden, Joe Caputo, constantly conflicts with the business interests of MCC. Conseuqently affecting his relationship of many of the inmates and guards within Litchfield.

(Wiki)

We are now on Season 6, it began showing on July 26th 2018 and we cannot wait to crack on with it. We could tell you what it’s about but it will ruin the other seasons and it’s much better to watch rather than us tell you! Plus we’d be here all day! So go ahead and check out Season 6 if you are a Orange Is The New Black veteran or crack on with Season 1. It’s worth it!

(Mobile Viewers) Download Netflix here: Apple / Android (Then click on the link below or search for Star Trek Discovery within the app)

(Desktop Viewers) Watch Orange Is The New Black here!

Microsoft Windows 10

Microsoft Windows 10: Get Creative!

Babershop Ballers

Babershop Ballers: Alternative Footie Analysis

Barbershop Ballers

Neymar has got nothing on these lads…For more gold like this tune into Barbershop Ballers at the end of Spain v Russia on the Red Button #barbershopballers.

Posted by BBC Sport on Sunday, 1 July 2018

The world cup is over and we were blue after being knocked out by Croatia in the Semi-Finals. However, we can hold our heads high as the lads done well and made the country proud. What a World Cup it was, trials, tribulations, tears, excitement, drama, it was an exhilarating watch!  Babershop Ballers was one of the things that was really good to watch alongside the football, bringing with it comedy and football analysis! (We’re not forgetting when Nick went to the toilet and missed a GAME CHANGING goal during Belgium Japan!)

Yet, our very own Nick Bright had his own show on the BBC iPlayer during the World Cup and it was incredible! Set up by BBC Sport and called Babershop Ballers, Nick Bright had an alternative analysis of every single game during the World Cup in Russia.

The premise was Nick lead a viewing party for a whole host of celebrity guests such as Trevor Nelson, Lethal Bizzle, Nadia Rose, YouTube Star DT and NFL Superstar Jay Ajayi

Watch Nick Bright on Babershop Ballers by clicking here, there are a total of 10 available episodes to watch!

Listen to the guys chatting about Babershop Ballers on the latest podcast which you can listen to by clicking here! 

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VR Concert

The First VR Concert

Our friends over at Mashable are reporting about the recent Oculus Venue concert from Vance Joy. Vance performed at the Colorado Red Rock Amphitheatre and it was beamed across the world as a live VR concert.

It was part of a brand new feature that’s available for the Oculus Go and Samsung Gear VR. A feature that allows users to watch live events with friends in VR! To show off this cool feature Facebook offered a free concert from Australian Vance Joy to concert goers back in May. It wasn’t pre-recorded and beamed across the world like a DVD showing. It was an actual live event. A first for Facebook/Oculus but not a brand new thing. To be eligible for this you had to have an Oculus Account, the Oculus iOS/Android App and a Oculus Go or Gear VR headset. Bad luck any of you top of the line Oculus owners, you were out of luck. Then open up the Venue section and connect to the event.

Event

Just like in real life you sit down in a stadium , albeit a virtual one, looking at the Red Rock Amphitheatre. Look around and it’s filled with other VR concert goers in avatar form. You are able to watch in both solo mode or with others in social mode too. While as you would expect social mode allows you to chat with other fans, in an attempt from Oculus to make it feel like an actual concert. Like you’re there, without actually being there. If you are wondering too, you can chat to them using your voice and not messaging one another. Though as Oculus is Facebook owned, if you share common interests with the person next to you, it will show up on screen.

VR concert: Behaviour

As is like the real world you’re going to have to behave yourself, upon entering the arena, Mashable are reporting that you are presented with a code of conduct screen. Which we’re not sure if many people will read, yet, Mashable are reporting that it states not to harass, use any offensive language or display anti-social behaviour. So like in real life at concerts. Don’t be a d*ck.

If someone is being the aforementioned body part you can click on their avatar and Facebook will look into it. While they may not get kicked out straight away, you are able to mute and block them. If only that feature could work in the real world. However, you can add them as an Oculus friend. You can turn up the music and turn down the chat volume of the crowd too. With Mashable reporting that this was a real pleasing part of the experience! To add to this experience trumping a real life concert, there are no phones in your face recording the event. People are too busy enjoying the music or talking to one another. Something that really should happen in real life in all honesty.

Is it worth it?

Enjoy music at home, without the commute home, pushing and shoving, drugged up skinny teenagers trying to sell you dodgy pills, p*ss bottles, should know better middle aged people trying to be cool or the rowdy couple who couldn’t wait to get home. While all that sounds rather inviting and pleasing, maybe that’s what concerts are all about. The experience, the atmosphere isn’t just the same as being there. That’s what it feels like, hopefully we get the chance to experience this in How To Kill An Hour towers ourselves, as it seems rather intriguing!

Click here to purchase Oculus Go or Samsung Gear

Mikme Silver

Mikme Silver: A small but powerful device!

Mikme are back with a smaller version of the Mikme Microphone BlackGold, introducing the little brother, the Mikme Silver! This version includes a 2/3 capsule instead of a 1″phantom-powered, gold-plated condenser capsule. Furthermore instead of a whopping 16gb of storage the Mikme silver includes 2gb’s worth of storage. Plenty to record plenty podcasts on, as it has up to 45hours worth of record time!
The Mikme Silver other than the features above still retains all of the original features of it’s bigger brother. Just in a smaller form version! You can still record audio with your PC/Mac via USB. Allowing you to achieve crystal clear audio for things like Skype Calls, Music recordings or even webinars.
Support the Mikme Silver by donating via their Indiegogo page. Simply click here to give them a helping hand!
As always keep an eye out here on the How To Kill An Hour website, any of our social pages (@howtokillanhour) on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Plus don’t forget our YouTube Channel where you can see our origial review of the big brother of the Mikme Silver, the Mikme!
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Episode 289 Documentally