Volkswagen Scirocco Independent Car Review

For weeks, I have been trying to think of ways to write this review! Not because I am struggling for things to say about it, but because I want to do this car justice since it is the best everyday car I have driven so far this year!
The reason I say 'everyday car' is because I realised a dream earlier this year and drove a Lamborghini Diablo. It would therefore be completely unfair to compare driving the Scirocco to driving the car that was up on my bedroom wall next to the F40 and the Countach, neither of which I have driven yet so if anybody reading this....you get the idea!
But when I think about it I believe that you can, in a way, compare the two. Put it this way, when you drive the Diablo or the Scirocco down a busy street they both turns heads, everybody stops and looks at you, but the look is in a way that I think most Porsche Boxster owners wont recognise, and thats the look of approval. This is because the Scirocco is a stunningly good looking car to behold. Each line of the car accentuates the next. From the aggressive front, through to the sweeping curves at the rear, this is one stylish car. And then, you drive it, and it gets even better.
The car I drove was the range topping 2.0TSI 200ps GT which was in a lovely colour called rising blue. This colour shows off the lines of the car perfectly and would be my recommendation when leasing this car. 
But once you have driven this car you wont care what colour it is, as this is one of the few cars I have driven that performs well in everything that you ask it to do. 
Around town, it is as smooth and easy to drive as it is for me to breathe; then, when you decide to push it on the open road it is wonderfully responsive! The 2.0TSI will take you from 0-62 in 7.2 seconds and on to a not to shabby 146mph. The turn in is exact, and I can honestly say that I didnt miss a single apex I was aiming for in the whole time I was driving this car!
But in making this car VW has created itself a big problem as they already make a large selling 3dr hatchback in the form of the Golf! So rather than create competition for themselves surely they have priced the Scirocco so not to take sales away from the Golf? No they havent! This means you lease a Scirocco for only 5 pound per month more than the equivalent Golf 3dr, which is madness since I can see no reason why you would have a 3dr Golf over the Scirocco, other than the fact that you are tight!
I adore this car and if I was 10 again this is a car that I would put on my wall along side the Diablo, F40 and the Countach because I dont think that it would look out of place!
Thanks for reading
Stuart McKay

Callaway Rangefinder LR1200 Review

Being one of the most expensive rangefinder on the market, the Callaway Rangefinder LR1200 review had high expectations. After all, it should clearly outperform most other rangefinders in lesser price brackets in order to be a worthwhile investment for golfers. Also, as the flagship rangefinder of the entire Callaway line, it was quite literally designed to be that something special.

In some ways, it does stand out, but in other aspects, the Callaway Rangefinder LR1200 review found otherwise.

Highly Accurate and Simple to Use

Normally, the name Callaway is more associated with golf clubs than rangefinders, and in order to bring more to the table, Callaway teamed up with Nikon for the laser rangefinder technology that it uses. In this respect, it does not disappoint, and is able to offer a 0.5 yard (give or take) accuracy at mid-range distances that is higher than any other rangefinder.

On top of that, the Callaway Rangefinder LR1200 review was amazed at its simple 'one touch' concept that allows for quick and easy usage. Instead of fussing over the controls of a rangefinder while preparing for a shot, the LR1200 seamlessly would measure distance with a single click.

Unfavorable Comparisons

Inevitably, the question had to be asked during the Callaway Rangefinder LR1200 review as to how it stands up against other rangefinders, particularly the benchmark that is Bushnell. Although Callaway has employed a First Target Priority mode, that is supposed to more easily pick out the flag against a background of trees, many have expressed that it does not match the Bushnell's Pinseeker technology.

Furthermore, its range limit of 1,100 yards is slightly less than other top-of-the-line rangefinders, which causes many a Callaway Rangefinder LR1200 review to express dismay in its performance.

When all is said and done, it is a very useful rangefinder, with great technology that also includes a Scan mode, and 7x magnifications. But, for such an expensive model, the Callaway Rangefinder LR1200 is always bound to be measured to a higher standard, and in this, it does disappoint slightly.

Still, it does have its advantages, and processes distance much faster than other rangefinders. So, if targeting is not an issue, with a combination of the one touch usage and faster processing, a golfer would be able to get his readings in a fraction of the time that it would take when using other models.

Essentially, it boils down to a judgment call, but the Callaway Rangefinder LR1200 review would suggest that the model is no slouch, but could be better.

Callaway Rangefinder LR550 Review

Technically speaking, it is the budget model of the Callaway line of rangefinders, but it does not appear to lack much in terms of features. In fact, despite being scaled back in some functions, its low price tag has been found by the Callaway Rangefinder LR550 Review to address the constant complaint that the LR1200 model was too pricey to be worthwhile.

Despite being branded as a woman's sports model, the LR550 really has nothing gender-specific about it, and male golfers will no doubt appreciate all of its features as much as women would.

Small Reductions and Limitations

Of course, the Callaway Rangefinder LR550 review would be surprised if, at almost two hundred dollars less than the LR1200, it offered the exact same set of features. Instead, some areas do have reduced effectiveness and other limitations.

Most noticeably, is the range, where the LR550 offers a 550 yard top range as opposed to the 1,100 of the LR1200. Likewise, it also only has a 6x magnification capability that, while respectable, is not as good as the 7x which some other models offer.

Lastly, the 20-second scan mode of the LR1200 is only 8 seconds when tested in the Callaway Rangefinder LR550 review, which may or may not be a consideration depending on how one likes to use this rangefinder.

Offering Value for Money

When all is said and done, none of the limitations that were studied in the Callaway Rangefinder LR550 review limit it very much at all. For the sake of a much lower price tag, they are sacrifices that many feel are worth being made.

Still very much a part of the LR550 is the one touch controls, LCD backlight, and first target priority mode which can really ease picking out the flag amidst a background of trees. Admittedly, the LR550 does not measure distance as fast as the LR1200, but it isn't too slow that it would be tedious either.

Bottom line is, for a budget rangefinder, the Callaway Rangefinder LR550 review finds it to be extremely effective and priced attractively. Where the LR1200 sometimes drew criticism for being too expensive for the features that it offered, the LR550 gains praise for offering so many features at such a low price tag.

No shadow of a doubt about it, among the cheaper rangefinders that are available, the LR550 is markedly set apart by merit of its distinguished features.

Re: World of warcraft Swifty Intel Review / Contest (WoW Gameplay/Commentary)

rabiesdog's webcam video Mon 03 Jan 2011 07:58:00 PST for swifty contest



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5l_T6IeX3k&hl=en

Review - Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

Oh Lara, you just aren't the charmer you once were. Sure, it all began well with some innovative ps1-era puzzling and an impractical boob-job, but those times have passed, and now you are very much Nathan Drake's female dog.

But every dog has her day, and leave it to a Diablo-styled, co-op arcade game to give Ms. Croft her strut back. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light hits all the right notes, and is far more enjoyable than any of her recent "triple A" retail outings.

As you can probably predict, an artifact of mystical nature has been misplaced and an evil demon-king has been summoned from the dead to deliver hell and high water upon the face of the Earth. Also summoned, is Lara's new co-op partner, Totec, who wields a nifty puzzle-shattering shield and spear. The two set off chasing the demon, encountering deadly puzzles, precarious platforming, yada yada yada. You won't really care about the story.

What you will care about, however, are the ingenious puzzles designed to stretch the abilities of both Lara and Totec. The pair will need to interact to complete many of the puzzles. Totec has a shield that lara can jump on to get a boost, totec can also throw spears into the wall and Lara can climb them. Meanwhile, Lara has a grappling hook that totec can use as a rope. The best of the puzzles force the utilization of all these abilities, in addition to stage props like switches, boulders, and lovely one-hit-kill flames.

What isn't as ingenious is the combat. This over-the-head shooter plays just like other twin stick shooters like Assault Heroes, but without much flair. You'll still get an acceptable variety of enemies, along with some stat-enhancing items, upgrades, and weapons, but battles quickly devolve into 1. create some distance 2. hold right stick in direction of enemies 3. maybe, maybe lay a bomb. Indeed, it is far more fun to be running away from some of these enemies than to actually be fighting them. Some of the chase set-pieces are truly spectacular, and its here where the game shines, whether running from a tuna-monster or booking it through a deadly hall of traps. Solving puzzles with a partner is infinitely more intense when you've got a strict, spike-induced deadline.

Graphically, Lara Croft has lost little in her transition from retail release to arcade game. In fact, there are far less glitches and oddities in her latest adventure than in 2008's Underworld, perhaps making this title the most polished looking Lara Croft game yet. Like previously mentioned, the game is set in an isometric Diablo-style overhead view that makes stage navigation and puzzle surveillance a snap. Every stage has a different feel to it, whether it be the expected ruins, a decaying swamp, a spider-infested temple, or a lava choked wasteland, the environmental variety does a good job of keeping things fresh for the eight to ten-hour experience. Cutscenes are few and far between, but they all look great, despite dodgy writing. Similarly, the music is always fitting, and at times quite good, though you probably won't care to remember any of it once your adventure is over.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light will probably run you from eight to ten hours, depending on your ingenuity with some of the games trickier puzzles. To supplement this already lengthy campaign, there are devious bonus puzzle rooms hidden throughout every stage that award you with stat-enhancing artifacts and relics. Finding every secret and completing every secondary objective will take you completists a long time indeed. On top of that, the single player and co-op campaigns are different enough to warrant a second playthrough, with most of the puzzles being altered to be challenging for a different number of players. You'll need to approach these puzzles differently than you did before, and this lends plenty of replayability to this fifteen-dollar gem.

Closing Comments

In 2006 Crystal Dynamics revived the Tomb Raider franchise with a polished, exciting sequel that took gameplay in several new directions. Now, four years later, they've done it again. Where Tomb Raider: Underworld felt a little stale and glitchy, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light feels like a revelation in simplicity, where the elements of gameplay are tuned down, but honed to a sheen, and complimented perfectly by presentation, graphics, and music that does its job just right. Throw in these changes, co-op, and some of the best level and puzzle design this side of Japan, and you have one heck of a great, long game for fifteen bucks. Oh Lara, I never doubted you.

Recommended: To everyone who likes fun, Diablo, genuinely good puzzles and co-op.

(9/10)

2010 Golf Club Review - Iron Sets

If you are considering a new set of irons for the 2010 golf season, there are some fantastic choices available from many of the leading brands and manufacturers. Let's examine some of the options available this year from Callaway Golf, Nike Golf, Ping Golf, and Mizuno Golf. These companies have been among the leaders in quality and technology for the last few years and continue to provide outstanding golf clubs.

First, from Callaway Golf there are the new Diablo iron sets available in the Edge Irons series and the Forged Iron series. The Callaway Golf Diablo Edge is available in both men's and women's sizes and fall into the medium price range for golf club sets. The Edge series irons are reported to be long hitting without compromising feel or performance. The set can be customized by transitioning in hybrid golf clubs where you begin to struggle with the irons. For example, if you can hit a 5 iron solidly but struggle to hit the 4 or 3 irons consistently they will substitute hybrids for the longer irons for your set of golf clubs. Callaway's Diablo Forged Irons have the same low and deep center of gravity, but are designed with a sleek top line, less offset, and narrower sole appealing to the avid golfer and lower handicap players.

Nike Golf is marketing the Victory Iron series and will also offer both a cavity back design and a forged blade iron. The Nike Victory Red TW Cavity Irons are designed with a mild offset and claim to put the center of gravity behind the sweet spot which will increase forgiveness. They also have a thin top line and a milled face for consistent ball flight. The Victory Red Forged Blade Irons are used my most of Nike Golf's Tour players, and are designed for low handicap players and professionals. They incorporate the characteristics of traditional forged irons with a clean look. Feel, golf ball control, and workability are the focus for these performance oriented golf clubs.

Ping Golf clubs continue to provide an in depth custom-fitting experience for players of all levels. The G-15 Iron provides a high launching and forgiving design to help improve consistency. Further, the lofts are strengthened to produce longer shots without sacrificing a higher trajectory. For the higher handicap player, Ping Golf has introduced the Rapture V2 Irons. The Rapture has been designed with a steel body, titanium face, and tungsten weight in the sole to produce maximum forgiveness and a long and high ball flight.

Mizuno Golf continues to offer its vast number of MP Series Irons and MX Series Irons. The MP series, led by the new MP-57 Irons, are designed to provide solid feel and shot making ability. They achieve this in the MP-57 by using their proprietary 'Grain Flow Forging' with a cavity back design. This blend of technology is claimed to give the best of both worlds - feel of forged irons with the forgiveness of cavity back weight distribution. Mizuno Golf's MX Series Irons introduce the new MX-1000, with Hot Metal and Hollow Technology construction. Mizuno Golf claims this is the longest and straightest iron they have ever developed, and industry news seems to back this claim up.

Enjoy the 2010 season, and your new set of irons!

Callaway Big Bertha Diablo Driver Review

The Callaway Big Bertha Diablo driver is the newest in the long line of Callaways Big Bertha Clubs. Big Bertha is not the most expensive club but it probably is the most famous name club there is, but that does not mean that it is the best available, or even more importantly the best for you.

The driver is an all titanium club that promises to deliver "wicked power and distance to go along with a generous sweet spot". The club uses Callaways Edge and Hyperbolic Face Technology. Like most technological innovations in golf these advances help you hit the ball farther and straighter whether you hit the ball well or not.

I tried out the Diablo and fell in love with it. I now use it instead of my Taylor Made R7. I feel that I hit the ball cleaner with it and that my ball goes truer and farther with it. I also think that it is a little easier to square the clubface so I can swing a little harder and still hit the ball solidly. However I know some people who also like it and some who don't.

I have the neutral head shape with the stiff shaft, which is really stiff. It is also available with a draw head shape that helps golfers who hit a natural fade or slice. I also use the fairway wood which you get for $1 when buying the driver. This is also a quality club and that deal can not be beat.

2009 Golf Digest Hot List Winners Review

A look at Golf Digest's Hot List 2009,

Whether you are a fanatical golf equipment or just a casual observer of offers and current trends in golf clubs and accessories, then the Golf Digest 2009 Hot List a jumble golf equipment. Driver, fairway woods and hybrids, irons, wedges and putter break-oh, bags and balls, and the guru of the devices in it's annual Golf Digest rankings in their popular devices.

The process of

If you wonder howGolf experts rated equipment, for example, think Callaway TaylorMade driver or iron, Excel spreadsheets with thousands of data points, hundreds of pages of technical data from manufacturers of golf equipment, scientists, evaluation criteria into four sections and two one-week visit to San Jose, California, location for field tests.

The process is, in a word, exhausting. Golf Digest rated '"universe" of items-471 golf clubs, to be exact and judged on four weighted criteria: 1)Power (40%), 2) innovation (30%), 3) watch / hear sound / (20%), and 4) demand (10%).

After gathering all the facts and the judges were engaged in nine days of meetings, which included 800 debates to list Hot 116 Club to go. Along the way he ate a lot of takeaway food.

Here is a preview of the list this year.

Driver

Golf breaks Golf Digest, the category driver in two parts: the driver of more than $ 350 and $ 350 driver. Then itdivides the two categories of gold and silver winners.

Three of the gold winner in the category of over $ 350, the Callaway FT-9, PING Rapture V2 and TaylorMade R7 Limited are.

Nobody is better than Callaway using different materials, the judge said FT-9. Players like looks, balance and run the PING Rapture V2, which has a similar vision of the Ping G10. The TaylorMade R7 Limited moving weights comprises a wave Őzike. Some said it produced the best feelingeach club on the market.

Gold Winner of the category under $ 350 including Speedline Adams, Callaway Big Bertha Diablo, PING and TaylorMade Burner G10.

Irons

Irons were divided into three categories according to the level of skills and interests: to improve the game, Super Game Improvement iron and players.

Awarded in the category of game improvements include Callaway X-22, PING and TaylorMade Burner G10. One player said it could hit theCallaway X-22 irons with a bandage. Sign me up, "he said. Callaway X-22 category of application, an assessment of reputation, interest, intrigue and excitement is maintained. The Ping G10 is an industry leader for a long time, and iron TaylorMade Burner really look at what that must be assessed in three of four categories: performance, innovation and look / feel sound /.

Taylor also had a gold medal in the Super Game Improvement: Plus Burner, a larger clubhead and offers abundantOffset to get help for the golf ball in the air.

In the category of players Titleist AP2 iron rose on top, along with the TaylorMade Tour Preferred, Callaway X-22 Tour Callaway X-Forged and PING S57 models, four of the six winners of the gold.

Putters

Well, there's golf club is more important than the putter. Golf Digest has a closer look at two broad categories: Blade putter putter and hammer.

Gold Winner Class Blade Putter on $ 200 includingThe Odyssey Black Series # 6, Daytona KIA TaylorMade TP-MA, and Titleist Cameron Studio Select, which resulted in three of four criteria: performance, appearance, feel / sound / and demand.

The blade putter category, under $ 200, were the first choices of the Odyssey White Hot Tour 1, two models PING Anser and TaylorMade Daytona.

Awarded in the group include Mallet Putter Odyssey Black Series 2 I-Ball, PING Craz-E and iwi TaylorMade Itsy Bitsy Spider. And half of the Odyssey mallet putter leaders wereTitleist Cameron MacGregor and models.

Bags

Hot List judge glanced at the light housings and "do" shopping bags to choose their 21 favorites. Leading the list of gold and silver winners were models of Callaway, Ping, TaylorMade, Titleist, Bag Boy, Nike, Ogio, Sun Mountain, Wilson, and Izzo.

What Pro Tour Play

What can you play the top pro tour? Below is a selection.

Callaway Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, AnnikaSorenstam

TaylorMade: Kenny Perry, Sergio Garcia, Paula Creamer

PING: Angel Cabrera, Lorena Ochoa, Hunter Mahan

Titleist: Steve Stricker, Zach Johnson, Adam Scott