PC PHOBIA - Is the PC as a gaming platform dead?

It got me wondering. I mean, I'm not spending as much time with my PC as I used to. I admit that I find myself buying more games for my console than for PC. If a game releases on multiple platforms, I will most likely get the console version, preferable for xbox 360. To put it in short, I mostly prefer consoles to PCs. But it got me thinking - what does the future hold for computers as a gaming platform? Are we going to accustom computers with offices and consoles with homes?

I don't blam you if you are thinking the same. I mean, the PC graphics are oh-so last-generation, even if you do own a decent gaming rig. For the half that you spend on your PC, you will most likely find a top-of-the-line next generation console. And should I start about the next-gen graphics in consoles and HDTVs? Sure, that will soon change when Direct X 10 graphics cards hits Bangladesh, but come on, are you kidding me? Is anyone willing to cough up $500 just for a graphics card when you can get the wlite xbox 360 just for $480?

Then there isn't the hassle of ensuring that your system meets the requirements to play the game, just pop the disk inside your console and start playing - even no installation required! Unlike PCs, you don't have to constantly upgrade your consoles meaning that your "investment" won't get obsolete by the next year or just six months from now.

Besides, the analog controller in consoles is more fun to play with than a standard "keyboard and mouse" setup. Couple that with rumble and motion sensing support and you know what I mean.

Then there is the achievements in X360 and ps3 - the main reason why I bother to stick with single player games on consoles - bragging to your friends of your gamerscore is a truly satisfying experience. Now why don't we see that on PCs?

xbox live for 360 is, I believe, one of the greatest online multiplayer experiences avaialable at the moment. I know there is multiplayer support in Pcs, but it has to be more streamline. Games for Windows live is nothing but a flop. Look at consoles, ther are no viruses, spywares, adwares or crashes to deal with. And now you can browse the internet with consoles!

Heck, you even get to watch DVDs/HD-DVDs/Blu-Ray discs on consoles any experience "next-generation entertainment", which is expensive to do so on computers. And then you have to ensure that all your hardware is HDCP compliant or its standard definition or even no movies at all for you!

Now don't get me wrong. I've been using PCs since way-back 1995. But something needs to be done to help promote PCs as a gaming platform. The "Games for Windows live" and "one-click game installation" in Vista is one step forward in the right direction by microsoft. Sure, the PC is not entirely doomed and excels in certain areas. You cannot get the fast and twitchy gunplay in consoles as in PCs. And a true RTS experience is only possible on computers. But the point is that something needs to be done for this waning platform - and SOON - because consoles are quickly catching up.

Mushfiqur Rahman

Yoga International February 1998 Issue

Lower Back Injuries in Golf

I always like to say it is much easier to prevent an injury from occurring than rehabilitating from one. The next few articles will discuss common injuries from the golf swing and how a golf fitness program can assist in the prevention of such injuries. Probably one of the most common injuries, and one as amateurs we are well aware of is to the lower back. Research indicates that one out two recreational golfers will incur a lower back injury at some point during their playing career.

Why is the lower back so often injured during the game of golf? Research studies have provided us some keys as to why this is the case. The golf swing is typically broken down into phases (address, backswing, downswing, follow through), and the sum of these phases is the full swing.

Each phase of the swing can be performed either efficiently or inefficiently. A professional is more likely to perform each phase of the golf swing more efficiently than that of the amateur. As a result the professionals swing has more efficient mechanics from start to finish, requiring lesser amounts of activity from the muscles to execute.

An amateur or less skilled golfer is more likely to have less efficient mechanics. To compensate for these improper mechanics the golfer will attempt to generate extra force from specific muscles than the amateur. Causing these muscles to work much harder to execute the golf swing.

Research from Hosea indicated in certain situations amateurs may develop up to 80% more peak torque in their lumbar spine (i.e. lower back) than a professional, muscles required to generate greater amounts of force are at a much higher risk of overuse injury.

Additionally, Hosea found professional golfers generate 34% more clubhead speed than the amateur, yet amateurs were producing spinal forces 50 to 80% higher, and 50% more trunk muscle activity than the professional.

All of this research points to the first reason as to why the lower back is commonly injured in the amateur golfer. Inefficient golf swing mechanics cause the muscles of the lower back to work harder to generate torque in the swing. Over time these muscles will become fatigued from the trauma caused by inefficient mechanics. Increasing dramatically the possibility of an overuse injury to the lower back.

How can the amateur take the first step in the prevention of a lower back injury? first and foremost is the development of more efficient swing mechanics. this can only be done through proper instruction and practice. If you are finding yourself in the category of a candidate for a lower back injury, my first suggestions is begin developing a more efficient golf swing.

Sean Cochran

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the pga Tour regularly working with professional golfers, most notable pga and Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean Cochran and his golf fitness exercises and training programs go to http://www.seancochran.com

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