Carolyn Webber

World/XC Editor

Carolynwebs@hotmail.com

“The stories we love best do live in us forever. So, whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.” J.K. Rowling gave this inspiring statement at the premier of the final movie this past July. Many people needed this hopeful comment because the world they grew up with was leaving them behind.  Senior Brandon Gardenhire said, “When Harry Potter ended, I felt like I had nothing to look forward to anymore. Then I heard about Pottermore.”Pottermore is an interactive online world for all those Harry Potter fans who’ve felt deprived of magic in their lives.  Pottermore will let you participate in the stories and discover new information about the world of Harry Potter as well as the genius J.K. Rowling herself. It doesn’t cost anything, but you must create an Experience Account. When you create this account, you will receive a certain number of Galleons that you can purchase virtual items with at the virtual Diagon Alley. You will be placed in a House when you join, and your participation in the games can earn you House Points. Pottermore is currently available to one million users across the world. These lucky users were chosen to test out Pottermore. The Pottermore Insider is a site that the current users can use to discuss what’s working so that the manufacturers can work out glitches before it’s released to the public. The site should be open to all for registration at the end of October. You may be granted access quickly, but it could also take weeks if demand is high. Hopefully the site will be up and running soon so that all of the fans out there can return to Hogwarts. Follow the Insider at http://insider.pottermore.com/ to stay updated.

    Windows 8 is on its way, yet will people be excited? The Fact is, most people have switched to macs than PCs. Microsoft is trying to win their customers back with newer features that they hope will rivet their buyers. Many a conference has been held to excite the publice, and every time they revealed a new feature. Their biggest feature is the Windows 8 package for a new generation of tablets, which consists of a start screen that has many Applications that start at the touch of a finger on the touchscreen.

    Many customers were excited about the new tablet and PC startpage, because it featured the ability to customize and to have important messages and news right there for you see. Some buyers were angered and are wondering why they couldn't keep it the same.
    The new Windows 8 consists of a newer, higher end graphics card to produce the best effects on your computer. It also features the newest ARM microprocessors. These were compiled in earlier Apple tablets and in cameras, and was used at the Manchester Universities supercomputer, the SpiNNaker, which with the ARM has the ability to simulate the human brain. 
    All in all, the Windows 8 upgrade is still in early stages of it's progress, and has shown that it will be faster, sleaker, and in compilation, better.

Mitchell Peterson
Techie Editor
pyro.visual@gmail.com

Brian Tonkin
Teacher Feature/ Baseball
briantonkin55@msn.com


     Ever since the days of the Sega Genesis in 1989, video gaming has become an increasingly popular aspect of everyday life. At least, that was the case up until a few years ago. When America’s economy started to go under, video game sales went with it.
     Over the past year, sales have dropped over 25%. If you add that decline to the usual end-of-summer decrease in sales you’ll understand why game distribution companies are getting nervous. Just recently, GameStop has begun to buy old I-pod products to expand their market. When they change their tactics, you can be certain that other companies will follow.
In a short while, there may be very few legitimate game stores, only technology stores.  For those of you who are thinking, “What does it matter?” please, allow me to explain. Gaming may not be helpful in life but it’s no less helpful than any other hobby. However, even if you find playing games to be useless, its work force can’t be denied.
     If the game companies go under, many people will be out of work. The selling of games has been a very productive and prosperous market. It was, at one point, one of America’s lead markets but now is on the verge of becoming just another step back in our damaged economy.

Mitchell Peterson
Techie Editor
Pyro.visual@gmail.com

    Apps were invented by Apple. Specifically, they were invented by Steve Jobs. This small product was a breakthrough in Apple's commerce. This is where they are now focusing to earn more money. Yet, we cannot forget the flow of Apple's products, and the way they shape our daily life.
    Laura Paulsen, an Alta student states, “I own many Apple products at my house, the ones I use the most are the ones I can take with me anywhere, such as my Ipod, which I use a lot”. An average story to the customers of Apple, using the on-the-go products more than their home products. This is the heart of their success, especially the app, which goes with many of their products. This is how Apple has gained so much attention from buyers.