Read it Later, the article storage service. [Promo]/[Feature]

The information age gives us a lot of information to keep up with.  But sometimes we find a good-looking article and we don't have time to read it at that moment.  So, if we can't read it now, we can always... "Read it Later".  While it's a simple system, it's pretty handy.  You create an account, and then input the web addresses of the articles you want to put on a "reading list".  You can even put a link in your bookmarks or favorites list that, when clicked, saves that current page to your list.  When finished, you can mark it as read and keep it for later, or just delete it.  Perhaps the most useful part of Read it Later is accessibility.  Not only can you get to your list ( and your articles) on any computer with Internet, but you can also download the app for iPhone or iPad.

Any Man in America - Blue October [Promo]/[Feature]

Music's first developments took root in communication.  Some believe music is the only option they have to convey certain emotions, thoughts, or ideas.  Few artists, however, can do it as successfully as Justin Furstenfeld.  Hopefully you've heard of Blue October (I'm not sure how popular they are, hence the [Promo] and [Feature]).  Lead singer Justin really started expressing himself in their 2000 release, "Consent to Treatment".  However, after experiencing their newest album "Any Man in America", my entire view of the band has changed.

[Opinion] - I'll be honest when I say this new album is definitely Furstenfeld's best work.  The emotions in the music wash over you like a tsunami.  You get angry and upset alongside the lead singer.  I've never heard any album that had that kind of effect on me.  You definitely need to go out and get it.

Taking Requests and Suggestions

Here at The Spandrel, we understand that no one person can find every awesome band, movie, video game, political theory, or pen-making news by oneself.  Even the best researcher can do better by using more than just the internet.

So, we are always open to suggestions for articles.  Have you found a band you think should be promoted?  Do you think a Presidential candidate isn't being covered like they should be?  Email us your thoughts, and if we like it, we'll write an article about it!

Email us at axemonster1@gmail.com.  You can also post it on Our Facebook Page or mention us on Twitter (@TheSpandrel) to contact us.  Hope to hear from you soon!

Borderlands 2 announced, details follow [News]

[Fact] - For those of lucky enough to have a subscription to Game Informer (I am not among those ranks), you know a few details about the upcoming Borderlands sequel.  With a release date in 2012 (some speculate as early as April), Borderlands 2 has already had plenty of juicy new details to satiate our curiosity.

One of the first details we got our hands on was the new class.  We quickly learned that the Berserker class from the first game has undergone a huge transformation.  Salvador, the new representative of this new class, is a Gunserker.  The first game allowed a Berserker to get angry, Hulk style, and beat the life out of any baddies you wanted with your bare hands.  Salvador, literally on the other hand, is allowed to dual wield any weapons the player chooses during this time.  The whole idea is that he gets so angry he can hold two rocket launchers and fire them at the same time.  The other revealed character is a siren named Maya.  All four original characters from Borderlands will have cameos as non-playable characters in the sequel, along with Claptrap and the Guardian Angel.

The World of Portal [Promo]/[Feature]/[News]

     

[Fact] - Portal was presumably released by Valve to make up for the long wait for Half-Life 2.  It was packaged alongside Half Life 2, Episodes 1 and 2, and Team Fortress 2.  What was expected to be a little extra nugget of a game turned into a one of the largest MEMEs (internet fad) the world has ever seen.  What with the twisted and dark humor, the innovative puzzling, the companion cube, and the ever present "cake", Portal became one of the best games of the year.  Even the credits song ("Still Alive" by Jonathan Coulton) was a big hit.