The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was announced at the video games awards. Little was told of the game but there were only a couple of things told. The first is the title Skyrim and the other is the release date which is 11-11-11. Examining what these mean can begin to give you a few clues as to what to expect from this game.

What is Skyrim

Skyrim is not a name that is new to Elder Scrolls V. This is, like Morrowind, a province of Tamirel. The northernmost province it is a cold and mountainous area it is home to both elves and humans. This is where you can find the Nords. Whether this means that it will be central to the plot or the story takes place in Skyrim is not yet clear.
Although an difficult place to live Skyrim is an powerful province producing a considerable amount of raw material from its mining which is important to Tamirel. This lends some credence to expectation that the game may exist entirely in this province.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim trailer

The trailer shown at the video game awards gives away very little. If the series were not already known it could be almost nothing, but there are a few clues. Perhaps the most interesting are the dragons which appear and the mention of a dragonborn. These imply that the dragons are going to be an enemy that can be fought in some fashion or perhaps even ridden.
It also mentions that this takes place after oblivion. This is natural to be expected but the implication may be that it occurs a short time after the events of oblivion. This could mean that some of the effects of the main plot of oblivion may carry over into this game.

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim hopes and expectations

With little or no information the speculation has run rampant. The most pressing desire by most people is a new game engine. The engine which has run oblivion and fallout 3 was impressive but it is beginning to show its age. In Fallout: New Vegas it felt as if they had pushed this engine as far as it could go.
The next thing that each new Elder Scrolls game brings to it is a world to explore. With new cities to fight and enemies to challenge. The dragons seem to be one of those enemies but as you will be in the far north there are other interesting possibilities for enemies as well. In addition every Elder Scrolls game has had huge numbers of quests outside of the main adventure and it is hard to imagine that Elder Scrolls 5 will be an exception.

Conclusion

Bethesda has been working on Elder Scrolls 5 since oblivion was published according to the developers and with only 11 months left before it is released it seems likely that more information is going to begin to appear quickly about this game. Until then though there are a lot of questions to be answered and speculation is the best that can be done.

                        

Report: First Windows 7 service pack sent to OEMs

The first service pack for Windows 7 has been sent to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), according to a post on TechNet by Microsoft's Russian Windows Visualization team.
Microsoft launched the first release candidate for Windows 7 SP1, and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 in late October of last year, saying that it would be the only RC prior to the software being finalized and made available to manufacturers. The company also promised that SP1 would arrive in the hands of users in the "first half" of 2011.
Blog Winrumors, which reported the news earlier today, weighs in, saying that while SP1 is indeed going out to OEMs, it may be a while longer before consumers get their hands on it.
A Microsoft spokesperson told CNET, "we have nothing to share at this time but will keep you posted."
SP1 packs together a round of hotfixes, as well as an updated remote desktop client that makes use of RemoteFX. Besides bringing a boost to 3D applications, RemoteFX helps IT admins deploy Windows 7 through virtual machines using the technology, which it picked up with its acquisition of Calista Technologies back in 2008. Other SP1 adds include dynamic memory support for Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008 R2, and all previous Windows security fixes.
Earlier this week, Microsoft released KB 976902 through its Windows Update software before having the knowledge base article to explain what the update was for. Security expert Brian Krebs dug a little deeper and found out it was an update to the Windows stack to get the OS ready for future updates, something the company did ahead of the SP1 beta back in July.

No Strings Attached

Emma and Adam are life-long friends who almost ruin everything by having sex one morning. In order to protect their friendship, they make a pact to keep their relationship strictly "no strings attached." "No strings" means no jealousy, no expectations, no fighting, no flowers, no baby voices. It means they can do whatever they want, whenever they want, in whatever public place they want, as long as they don't fall in love. The question becomes -- who's going to fall first? And can their friendship survive?

                     

10 Most Anticipated Cars for 2011

We may not know art – but we know what we like – new 2011 models. Offerings from the major auto makers in 2011 look to be some of the most stylish (and technologically advanced) vehicles to come off a production line since Tucker introduced moving headlights and automatic wipers (or was that Greg Kinnear?)
Regardless, modes of transit have come a long way: from automatic braking to panoramic rooftops. These are not your grandma’s Caddy’s. Take a look at what the Automopedia staff is excited about in 2011. Chime in and let us know what vehicles you want to test drive this year.

Chevrolet Volt

General Motors teased us for a year or two, promising an all electric car that would achieve hundreds of miles on a single charge. By the time it came to production, Volt was down in the vicinity of 90 – 100 miles per charge and a hybrid gas / electric powertrain. We still love the American-made hybrid, that is FINALLY coming to a dealership near you. Can’t wait to test drive the next-gen of Chevrolet vehicles!

Buick Regal GS

Buick is in the process of completing a 180 – from being something your grandparent’s drive, to a fast paced vehicle you’ll shell out $30,000 for. The new Regal GS for 2011 is just such a ride. With manual transmission standard and enough horses to make a cowboy jealous, the updated Regal may just finish off Buick’s rebirth.

Ford Mustang

Ok, we know not everyone digs the newer Mustangs by Ford Motor Company. But we do. I mean, how can you go wrong with the classic Pony beauty, optional 500 horsepower engine, and the ability to upgrade with the most famous automotive enhancement company ever – Shelby. You can’t mess with a Ford Mustang, at least that’s what we think.

Dodge Charger

Chrysler-Fiat has redesigned the Charger for 2011, curving the fenders and upgrading interior, it’s a new day for Dodge. The auto maker is going for a more hardcore look with this sedan, the Durango and Challenger. They’ve even got a new “Cross hair” grille and logo design. Get Dodge in your target and you will not be disappointed by the experience.

Honda CR-Z

With ads featuring Kevin Spacey and rocking indie-pop by Sleigh Bells, one really can not go wrong with the first ever sports-hybrid-coupe-hatch. This is actually the second attempt at such a vehicle for Honda – the first being their original Insight, which has been upgraded to a sedan in 2011. And much like Buick, Honda is going for manual transmissions, hoping to bring it back in the public eye.

Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai jumped way ahead of their previous offerings with the updated Sonata. It is the first of many redesigns the Korean auto maker will be offering up between now and 2013. Many speculated whether or not Sonata would be a hit – not only has it surpassed the company’s previous offerings, but all Hyundai vehicles have traveled far beyond projected sales figures.

Land Rover Evoque

When you think Land Rover, a coupe rarely comes to mind. But the all new Range Rover Evoque for 2011 is sort of a SUV-Coupe-Crossover. This two-door sports vehicle is the first new model to come from the foreign auto maker in years, and we look forward to it invading North America.

Nissan Leaf

The supposed 100-miles-per-charge LEAF EV was so popular even before it hit dealership lots, the car sold out before production began. The Japanese auto maker has ordered extra for 2011 and beyond.

Volkswagen New Beetle

Fans of VW seem to either love or ABSOLUTELY LOATH the all new Beetle, which is coming out in 2011 or 2012. Nothing is 100% with the German auto maker, but you can guarantee those who want a BUG will be lining up to test drive one.

Volvo S60

Pedestrian warning systems, automatic braking under 30 miles per hour, advanced detection equipment – the all new Volvo S60 can pretty much drive itself. Volvo says it’s heading in an all new direction: offering performance and style to a less-luxurious brand of customers. That may sound a bit insulting, but who wouldn’t want the chance to get in an affordable Volvo?

New Cars for 2011: What to Look For

For 2011 models, the magic word is mileage. Gas mileage gains abound in  the ’11s–from Ford’s Mustang (rated 30 mpg in highway driving) to General Motors’ new high-mileage Chevrolet Cruze small car (pictured at right)  to new hybrids from Honda, Hyundai, Lexus, Porsche, and Volkswagen. “People have come to accept that gas will remain expensive, and high mpg has become a major shopping point and a major factor in car advertising,” says Jessica Caldwell, director of pricing and industry analysis for auto information web site Edmunds.com.
But consumer demand isn’t the only driving force for high mpg. By 2016, the cars of each auto company must average 35.5 mpg under recently-adopted federal regulations. (See What You’ll be Driving in 2016. )

The race for mileage and consumer dollars has spawned 17 first-year models. In small cars, Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Cruze–both based on cars already sold in Europe–are joined by the Mazda2. Among hybrids, Honda’s sporty hatchback CR-Z (pictured at left) and Lexus CT 200h join the pack. Two small SUVs, known as the Mini Countryman and Nissan Juke (pictured below), also debut. And the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt, the much-anticipated plug-in electrics, will soon hit showroom floors.
Some of the best-known SUVs and minivans will get full redesigns. The Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs are all-new as are the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna minivans.
Under the hood, smaller engines with turbochargers that kick in when you want more power will be more widely available, too. (See 2011 Ford Explorer MPG Gains 20% to 30%.) And you can look for growing numbers of models with electronic stability control as standard safety equipment. This feature, already in 88% of 2010s, will be mandatory for all new models in 2012.
Looking for bargains? Since many 2011s came out in spring or summer (examples: the redesigned BMW 5-series, the Hyundai Sonata and Ford Mustang), you can get some of the best deals around on the remaining 2010 models of those cars. (See Best Car Deals on Hot Models and Cold).
If you’re thinking about buying or leasing a 2011, remember these points:
Don’t assume you have to pay full price just because the car is new or redesigned. Informed negotiation always pays. Check out average selling prices on sites like Edmunds.com and TrueCar.com. For instance, a 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS with typical options is selling for $20,990 or $775 under sticker price, according to Edmunds. A 2011 BMW 528i is selling at $44,336 or $909 below list price.

Expect fewer and smaller incentives on 2011s. Though well below pre-recession levels, auto sales have been rising steadily this year partly due to heavy incentives. (Toyota kicked off the big scramble of rebates, low-rate financing, and cheap lease deals to kickstart sales after its major recalls.) Such incentives, which hurt manufacturers’ and dealers’ profits, have already been scaled back on remaining 2010s. Nevertheless, be sure you get any available incentives.

If you aren’t in a hurry, wait until December. The final month of the year is always one of the best months for car shopping because most people are busy spending time and money on holiday gifts. If you’re enough of a contrarian to research and negotiate hard just before the holidays, though, you might find a great deal.

The Most Beautiful Women of 2010 According to AskMen.com

99. Jamie Lynn Sigler



98. Arianny Celeste



97. Sasha Grey



96. Diora Baird



95. Erin Burnett



94. Alexa Chung



93. Audrey Tautou



92. Carey Mulligan



91. Julia Allison



90. Carrie Underwood



89. Denise Milani



88. Angelina Jolie



87. Maria Menounos



86. Kristen Wiig



85. Blake Lively



84. Cate Blanchett



83. Diane Kruger



82. Jessica Simpson



81. Whitney Port



80. Selita Ebanks



79. Anna Paquin



78. Chelsea Handler



77. Joanna Krupa



76. Kristen Bell



75. Leighton Meester



74. Eva Longoria



73. Alesha Dixon



72. Ana Ivanovic



71. Sophie Monk



70. Tricia Helfer



69. Leona Lewis



68. Gina Carano



67. Izabel Goulart



66. Halle Berry



65. Maria Sharapova



64. Jennifer Hawkins



63. Aishwarya Rai



62. Ivanka Trump



61. Anne Hathaway



60. Eliza Dushku



59. Coco Rocha



58. Christina Hendricks



57. Lucy Pinder



56. Rihanna



55. Emma Watson



54. Marion Cotillard



53. Emili Blunt



52. Holly Weber



51. Taylor Swift



50. Freida Pinto



49. Olivia Wilde



48. Megan Gale



47. Brooke Burke



46. Grace Park



45. Lakshmi Menon



44. Emili Scott



43. Elisabetta Canalis



42. Kim Kardashian



41. Ashley Greene



40. Zooey Deschanel



39. Emma Stone



38. Shakira



37. Giada de Laurentis



36. Katy Perry



35. Audriana Patridge



34. Salma Hayek



33. Zoe Saldana



32. Mila Kunis



31. Brooklyn Decker



30. Olivia Munn



29. Odette Yustman



28. Heidi Klum



27. Jessica Biel



26. Malin Akerman



25. Layla Kayleigh



24. Adriana Lima



23. Scarlett Johansson



22. Keeley Hazell



21. Kristen Stewart



20. Paz Vega



19. Monica Bellucci



18. January Jones



17. Natalie Portman



16. Kelly Brook



15. Padma Lakshmi



14. Erin Andrews



13. Bar Rafaeli



12. Giselle Bundchen



11. Megan Fox



10. Miranda Kerr



9. Eva Mendes



8. Cheryl Cole



7. Penelope Cruz



6. Beyonce



5. Jessica Alba



4. Alessandra Ambrosio



3. Kate Beckinsale



2. Marisa Miller



1. Emmanuelle Chriqui