Hoyle Puzzle & Board Games 2009

There's something for everyone with HOYLE Puzzle Games 2009. It's the biggest and best assortment of 21 classic and challenging favorites. This great collection features traditional puzzle game standards like Hangman, Mahjongg and Anagrams PLUS mind-bending puzzle classics like Sudoku, Kakuro and Crosswords. All games are designed with the official rules from HOYLE, the Official Name in Gaming. Challenge friends, family or play alone and take the high score. Automatically earn HOYLE Bucks: the more you play, the more you earn. Get new backgrounds, music tracks, etc. As a bonus, you receive Big Bang Board Games. Play Checkers, Chess, Backgammon and others against animated computer opponents. And now it comes with built-in compatibility for both PC and MAC users alike.

Challenge friends, family or play alone and take the high score Automatically earn HOYLE Bucks - the more you play, the more you earn Get new backgrounds, music tracks, etc Bonus - you receive Big Bang Board Games Play Checkers, Chess, Backgammon and others against animated computer opponents Built-in compatibility for both PC and MAC users alike
Customer Review: not hoyle's usual quality
Did not work on one computer with windows vista and not as user friendly as card games disc was
Customer Review: Interesting Games
This program has many new and old board games Some are harder than others, but of the ones I have tried, they are all quite good. There are different level for different skills, so you aren't stuck on one level all the time. I have enjoyed it.

Advergaming, considered to be one of the newest marketing and advertising strategies, is rapidly becoming the darling of the advertising industry. Though the term "advergames" wasn't coined until 2001 in a Wired magazine's "Jargon Watch" column, advergaming as a marketing tool is actually older than most people realize.

The first real advergame was a customized videogame incorporating brand messages and was distributed on floppy disk by American Home Foods to promote the Chef Boyardee brand during the 80's. Advergames are used to promote products or services, organizations, and even opinions and viewpoints. Today, with the advent of the internet, and smaller, faster processing chips used in computers, cellular phones, PDAs, and interactive television programming, advergaming has grown into a formidable industry.

Advergaming is generally categorized in three different ways. In the first category, companies provide interactive games on their websites, hoping visitors to the site become engaged in the game, thus spending more time on the website and becoming more familiar with a brand or product. The second category is generally recognized as games that are created by groups or organizations for commercial, political or educational purposes, and then published and sold as any other game. For example, the United States Army sponsored a game called "America's Army" in an effort to increase recruitment. The third category includes games that promote products, brands, or services within the game itself. For example, an interactive baseball game might have banners around the field that promote Coca-Cola, or a football team might be the "Tide Titans." The advertising is similar to a character in a movie holding a can of Red Bull, or stopping for coffee at a Dunkin' Donuts.

Advergames aren't just for kids, either. In a 2004 study performed by Comscore MediaMetrix, 25% of the gamers on PCs are 35-44 years of age, 25% of gamers playing free online games are 25-34 years old, and 33% of those who play premium games are 25-34 years old. Additionally, income varies among the age groups.

Unlike television commercials, advertising and marketing within advergames is not perceived as an intrusion by the players. Gamers are voluntarily interactive, and the promotional materials contained within the advergames are viewed as simply part of the game; this makes the gamers a part of the marketing action rather than sideline observers. Repeat visits to websites via the internet or cell phones are high among advergamers, and as a result, product or brand recognition and loyalty is also high among the interactive players. And advergamers regularly spread the word about games they particularly like to friends and family. Additionally, because players can access advergames during work hours over the internet, a greater segment of the population can be reached in a time previously considered untouchable by advertisers.

Copyright (c) 2006 Scott Heath

http://www.flashgamemasters.com has a highly experienced and talented development team. Whose members have assisted with the creation of some of the top online gaming portal sites. Affiliated with http://www.bossdev.com .

nintendo videogame

Retro Game Challenge

An original single player game for Nintendo DS based on the popular Japanese Game Center CX TV series, Retro Game Challenge reinvents how classic games are played, and how you look at game compilation releases. In it the player is immersed in a story which requires he/she to complete short challenges imposed by a villain named Arino in a wide variety of 8-bit games. These games are not licensed titles, but originals designed to look, sound and play like classic arcade games from the 80s. Survive this series of challenges and you will never look at classic gaming the same again.

Endure the challenges of Arino. View larger.

Battle ninjas in Haggleman. View larger.

Take to the track in Rally King. View larger.

The Story
Thrown back in time to the 1980's, you are turned into a young boy and forced to play video games by an evil self-proclaimed "Game Master." Game Master Arino will test your gaming skills by throwing various challenges at you in a wide variety of retro games including shooters, racing, action and even an epic role-playing game. To escape you must defeat him in every retro game challenge he throws at you. But you are not alone in your quest - armed with access to gaming magazines, you can find cheat codes to warp to later levels, receive unlimited continues or even become invincible. In addition a young, pre-evil, Arino is at your side to keep you company during your challenges and he is quite amused that he grows up to be so evil and becomes the cause of your current predicament. Test your skills with the awesomeness of the 8-bit era and prevent the retro games from exacting their revenge.

The Games
Although the challenges that players will have to succeed in only feature portions of the games that pack Retro Game Challenge, each of these games is a full-fledged game that is playable from beginning to end. See a sampling of the games included below.

	A fixed shooter in which the player must shoot down invading enemies with a spaceship that can only move left and right along the bottom of the screen. Use cheat codes to warp or to reveal hidden stages.
	Stun enemies with ninja stars, and step on them or close a trapdoor on them to kill them. It's an old-fashioned side-scrolling action game with many new elements.
	Can't leave out a racing game. The player controls a racecar from a birds eye view and uses techniques such as drift and drift boost to achieve the shortest lap time.
	A good ol' RPG joins the family. The player is a descendant of a hero who is given an order by the king to form a party to embark on an adventure to defeat the rival King of Darkness.
	This shooter features a flying battleship that can move left, right, forwards and backwards. It can also transform into 4 different forms, allowing for a range of battle plans.

Key Game Features:

• Experience Games in a Whole New Way - Rather than simply playing a game straight from start to finish, each game is played in short spurts to accomplish specific goals.
• Wide Variety of Games to Keep Players Engaged - From classic shooters to racing, ninja action to epic role-playing, gameplay variety ensures there's something for everyone.
• Entire Games Available for Free Play - Every retro game introduced in the story is available in its entirety once the initial challenges have been completed.
• Experience the 80's Gaming Culture - Not only do the in-game magazines provide cheat codes, they are a source of entertainment and a virtual history lesson about the video game industry. Fake 80's news stories cover actual emerging 80's gaming trends, evolution of software, and even the video game crash of 1983.

Customer Review: Please Support This Game
Those of you who think you might be interested in this game...just get it already! I had so much fun with this collection of games, each with their own style and quirks, each legitimately fun to play irrespective of any nostalgia. There's a sequel coming out soon in Japan and they will only bring it out here if this game sells well in the US--let's make it happen!
Customer Review: AWESOME collection of "fake" games!
Lots of attention to detail in this one, it's the ultimate retro compilation of games that never existed. You get the full experience with games that feel truly retro thanks to a barrage of homages, killer gameplay, and extra information passed down through authentic in-game magazines. If you loved the 80's but still want something new, you'll have a great time with this game. Even if you're just looking for a fantastic portable game, this one will hold your attention regardless of age. Very family friendly and substantially educational thanks to the gaming literature it provides. Check it out, it's the perfect complement to a Nintendo DS system!

With the long awaited release of the Playstation 3, its sure to have gamers all around scrambling to purchase this new system. There are two different consoles and prices of the PlayStation 3: the 20GB version and the 60GB version. Each console will have something different to offer and different price tags as well.

The first version of the Playstation 3 is the 20GB version and will retail at $499.99. The next Playstation 3 is the 60GB version and will retail at $599.99.

The new console design has a more sleek and simple design and weighs less than the other console systems. The first version of the model is only going to be offered in black, but some indications state in the future other colors like; white and silver will be available.

On thing that didnt change in the new video system is the ability to sit horizontally or vertically. With an AV rack it can be placed in both positions, otherwise a horizontal position would be preferred to the fact of its curved console shape.

The traditional controllers have maintained the same image and functions through out the years. This is a warm welcome for the experienced playstation gamers. The one thing that has changed on the controller for the better is the enlargement of the L2 and R2 should buttons. An enlarged titling angle of the joystick will ensure better manipulation and wider range of motion. The force feedback vibration has been done away with, fearing the vibration might interfere with certain games that use the motion sensor.

The controller will be wireless comparable to the XBOX 360 controller. The wireless controller will operate with a Bluetooth 2.0 EDR that can transmit data at the rate of up to 3.0Mbps.

The Playstation Portable will be able to connect to the new console. The PSP can function as a remote control or as an extra controller for the Playstation 3.

The games will use a hard drive to save game and load times will be around two to three seconds.

The 60GB Playstation 3 system will offer a number of features such as four USB ports, compact flash and CD readers, Blu-ray optical disc drive, and memory stick.

The 20GB Playstation 3 will not have some of these features, which is why it costs nearly a hundred dollars less. You will have to decide for yourself which system is right for your needs.

New to Playstation is the Blu-ray disc drive. This disc can hold up to 54GB and can play games and movie discs. With the Blu-ray disc drive you can play high definition DVDs without having to purchase a separate Blu-ray DVD player.

Mohd Fairuz runs a website on video game systems. Visit his website to learn more how to determine which video game system is right for you and your kids at the following URL: http://www.netinfo4all.com/videogame/

xbox 360 videogames

Cabela's Big Game Hunter with Wii Gun

Cabela's Big Game Hunterand Yobo Tommy Gunfor Nintendo Wii

Cabela's Big Game Hunter Description and Features:

Hunters have always loved the best-selling Big Game Hunter series. Now Cabela's delivers the most compelling hunting game ever offered for the first time on he Nintendo WII. Twenty-four different North American big game animals to hunt. Play Career Hunt or jump right into the action with Quick Hunt for immediate satisfaction. Realistic 3D animal models reflect a variety of ages` genders` and sizes. Advanced Animal Behavior - Game design and animal movement based on actual DNR research including sight` speed` daily routines` and feeding patterns for authentic game play action. Special In-Game Features Include - Bullet-Cam allows you to see your shot travel to its destination` x-ray scopes so you can line-up the perfect shot` custom log cabin for your Trophy Room` plus an advanced scoring system` and much` much more. Hunt All Over North America - You will be mesmerized by the detail and expansive landscapes in 32 different locations that accurately reflect the natural environments from Montana to west Texas.Authentic Weapons and Gear - Your hunting experience will be complete as you choose from a wide selection of today's best-selling firearms` bows` scents` clothes` stands` blinds` plus ATVs` boats and a truck.

Yobo Tommy Gun Description and Features:

The Nintendo Wii Yobo Tommy Gun puts you in full control with lightning fast Light Gun action. The interactive gaming gun brings Light Gun action to any Nintendo Wii Remote and Nunchuck. Compatible with all light gun and 1st person shooters Enhances gameplay For left or right handed playersNote: Requires Nintendo Wii Remote and Nunchuck (Not Included)

Customer Review: So much fun
I cant stop playing this game with my friends -- the included gun makes a HUGE difference! Highly Recommended and WELL worth it!

There is no doubt that Canada is a northern country and that our winters here in Toronto can sometimes be a little harsh. But that's no reason to hold anyone back from getting out there and enjoying the city to the fullest.

To ease the winter blues, the City of Toronto has developed a series of special events dedicated to bringing the city to life in the middle of winter. The WinterCity Festival is a city-wide celebration of Toronto's culinary offerings (the popular Winterlicious restaurant promotion), a wide variety of free entertainment events and a showcase of Toronto's vibrant arts scene, featuring live music, dance, theatre, spectacle shows, rink-side concerts and even aerial acrobatic performances. Throw in a number of child-friendly events, and WinterCity has something for everyone in the family.

I had a chance to talk to Grant Ramsey from the City of Toronto who is one of the key people behind WinterCity and he is providing a much more detailed overview of all the special events, artistic and culinary treats on offer.

1. Please give us an overview of Toronto's WinterCity Festival. When did it come into being? When and where is it held?

This year will be the fourth WinterCity held. Prior to the name change, it was called WinterFest, which took place on one weekend. Since expanding the festival, it now runs for two-weeks and is held primarily at Nathan Phillips Square from, Jan. 27 to Feb. 9

2. Please tell us more about the "Wild on Winter Series".

The Wild on Winter Series (WOW!) combines some of the best performances in Toronto. Two large outdoor spectacle shows, Walk the Plank" and "Il Corso", which take place on Saturday and Sundays of both weekends, feature some of the best pyrotechnic, special effects and sound displays in North America. Other WOW! Series performers include, stellar Canadian talent presenting the best in dance and live music all at Nathan Phillips Square.

3. Please tell us more about the "Warm-up Series"? Where does it take place, what events does it include?

The Warm up series offers great discounted events at some of Torontos hottest destinations. For those who just cant brave the cold, The Warm Up Series offer excellent interactive entertainment at The Toronto Eaton Centre and other venues around the city.

Toronto Eaton Centre Schedule:
- Spin Cycle
Monday, January 30: 12:30 & 5:30 pm
The international vaudevillian duo of Greg Tarlin and Kristi Heath combine their talents as award-winning circus performers, Second City comedy veterans and skilled writers to engage, amaze and entertain with skills that include juggling, unicycling, stilt dancing and more.

- The Silk Road Acrobats
Three Man Acrobats & Hula Hoop Act
Tuesday, January 31: 12:30 & 5:30 pm
This performance combines the grace, delicacy and poise of the Chinese acrobatic tradition with the power and athleticism of Russian acrobatics. Three professional acrobats perform multiple towers, falls and strength poses along with an up-beat performance using a multiple hoop apparatus.

- The Silk Road Acrobats
Seven Man Acrobats & The Female Contortion Duo
Wednesday, February 1: 12:30 & 5:30 pm
Professional acrobats perform an amazing group demonstration of strength, coordination, group dynamic and impeccable timing. While balancing delicate vases on their hands and feet, the acrobatic female duo perform graceful contortions and remarkable poses, creating an effect that is truly enchanting.

- High Strung Aerial Acrobats Dy-no-mite
Thursday, February 2 & Saturday, February 4, 12:30 & 5:30 pm
A two-woman high energy aerial show with a sassy disco flair. Performed to hits from the 70s, like Disco Inferno, Ring My Bell and Macho Man, the show features aerial straps, a swinging ladder and trapeze. Throw in some audience participation, acrobatics and a kick-ball change or two, and you have a spectacle like no other.

- High Strung Aerial Acrobats Impressed
Friday, February 3 & Sunday, February 5:
12:30 & 5:30 pm
Witness aerial dance artistry, superior and surprising manipulations, and skills that seem to defy gravity. Wonder and marvel as these two breathtaking airborne lovelies perform startling acrobatic feats.
Events & Shows hosted by some of Toronto's top attractions

Don't miss this series of special WinterCity events at Toronto's top urban destinations. For more details, contact each attraction directly.

4. Please tell us about the WinterCity Weekend SeeSaw at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People.

WinterCity Weekend SeeSaw at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People
Meet four ordinary kids coping with the ups and downs of their lives. Paige, the popular yet insecure girl. Adam the tough bully who is also a budding artist, shy Josh who learns magic tricks in order to become invisible and Charla the new girl who wants to be everybody's friend. (recommended for ages 9-12)

Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29, 2 pm
Kids and adults WinterCity price just $12 each.
Regular price $15-20 each
165 Front Street East
416-862-2222
www.lktyp.ca

6. You also have an event planned that involves "Franklin the Turtle", "Elliot Moose" and the CN Tower. Please tell us more about that.

Franklin the Turtle, Elliot Moose & friends visit the CN Tower
Join Franklin the Turtle, Elliot Moose and their author friends, Elizabeth MacLeod, Irene Luxbacher and Aubrey Davis, at the CN Tower. Enjoy winter crafts, no-bake chocolate recipes, storytelling and more.

This fun filled event is included with your special CN Tower coupon admission of 3 people for $30

Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29
11 am - 4 pm
3 people for $30
301 Front Street West
416-868-6937
For full details on this event please visit, www.cntower.ca

6. You also offer special free skating events, beer tastings, a big band event, discounted opera events and theatre performances, please provide an overview of those.

DJ Skating Night @ Harbourfront
Slide down to Harbourfront's beautiful rink and skate to music including house, progressive and breaks with DJs Phantasm, Simon Jain and Tommy Gunners!

Free hot chocolate! Skate rentals, sharpening, lockers, snacks and drinks all available.

Friday, February 3, 2006
8-11 pm
FREE
235 Queens Quay West, South of York Quay Centre
416-973-4000
www.harbourfrontcentre.com

A Bite before Twilight
Under 30? Join the Canadian Opera Company for a feast of traditional Bavarian fare at the exciting Bier Markt Esplanade and a quick update of "the story so far" before gorging on the dramatic final installment of Wagner's epic Ring Cycle - The Twilight of the Gods (Gtterdmmerung). Meet other young opera lovers and fortify yourselves with beer and worst, fine food and good cheer in preparation for the experience of a lifetime.

Saturday, February 4, 2006
$60 for opera ticket and meal (includes taxes and gratuity)
4 pm dinner
Bier Markt
58 The Esplanade
www.thebiermarkt.com

6 pm performance of Gtterdmmerung
Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts
1 Front St. E.
www.coc.ca
To order tickets, call: Ticketmaster at 416-872-2262

A Return to the Golden Era of Swing at Casa Loma
Dance the night away in one of Toronto's most beautiful rooms with the Toronto All-Star Big Band. Resembling a Mediterranean Courtyard, Casa Loma's The Conservatory is a spectacular setting with its gleaming brass doors, opulent marble and 30-foot stained glass dome. One of the most exciting bands around, the 17-piece Toronto All-Star Big Band, "cooks" with its powerful tributes to the heady hits of the 1930s and 40s. It's like watching Goodman, Dorsey, and Miller live.

Saturday, February 4, 2006
8:00 pm
$25.00 per person (includes G.S.T. and finger foods)
Tickets available on-line at www.casaloma.org
One Austin Terrace
416-923-1171
www.casaloma.org

Letters from Lehrer
CanStage offers a 20% discount to the February 9th performance of Letters from Lehrer - written and performed by Richard Greenblatt featuring the words and music of Tom Lehrer.

There will be a Satirical Lyric Writing workshop for the closet songwriter. This pre-show workshop will run from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by the performance at 8 pm.

Thursday, February 9, 2006
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm (workshop)
8 pm (performance)
20% discount on regular priced tickets
Regular price range: $26 to $51
Berkeley Theatre
26 Berkeley Street
Box Office: 416-368-3110
www.canstage.com

Coupons for discounted rates are available by visiting: http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/coupons.nsf/coupons?openform where they can be printed.

7. Please tell us about "Winterlicious", Toronto's winter restaurant promotion.

The phenomenally successful restaurant promotion Winterlicious, presented by American Express, returns to Toronto January 27 February 9, 2006. The fourth annual Winterlicious is part of the WinterCity Festival, an award-winning 14 day city-wide celebration of Torontos culture, creativity and cuisine.

More than 120 participating restaurants will offer a special three-course prix fixe menu where patrons can sample the establishments tasty fare at fantastic price points. Prix fixe menu price categories are $15 or $20 for Lunch and $25 or $35 for Dinner. Prices are per person, plus taxes and gratuity. Beverages are additional.
In addition to the hugely popular prix fixe menus, 10 establishments will be offering unusual food-related events. These culinary experiences allow guests to savour delectable meals followed by dancing, unique tours and other rare experiences. To obtain details on the Winterlicious Culinary Experiences, the public can visit www.toronto.ca.

In past years Torontonians and tourists alike have enthusiastically celebrated Torontos diverse and innovative cuisine with delicious menus available at restaurants city-wide. Winterlicious 2005 sold more that 183,000 meals over the 14 days an increase of 67% from the previous year and resulting in an estimated $6.4 million in economic activity.

8. Please tell us about the family entertainment offered in the American Express Cool Ice Lounge, including ice sculptures, carving demonstrations and live entertainment.

The third annual WinterCity Festival, the City of Torontos city-wide celebration of the world's coolest winter city, presents the most fun one family can have with 200,000 pounds of ice at temperatures below -5 C the American Express Cool Ice Lounge.

Created by Custom Ice Art and managed by the Liberty Entertainment Group, The American Express Cool Ice Lounge is Torontos first ice lounge ideal for the whole family.

During the day, stroll through the Ice Lounge enjoying contemporary ice sculptures, carving demonstrations and live entertainment. Stop for a beverage and snack at the ice bar and relax on the frosty furniture. Catch ice carving demonstrations twice a day at 2 & 5 pm on January 28 & 29 and February 4 & 5, 2006.

By night, this venue is transformed into a frozen night club venue complete with icy seating, an ice bar, and Toronto DJ's spinning the latest tunes.

During the day, the American Express Cool Ice Lounge will include live family entertainment, including:

The Magical Comedy of Stephen Elvay
Sunday, January 29 & Saturday, February 4 at 12 noon & 6 p.m.
Witty, engaging and supremely entertaining, Elvay is one of Canada's funniest and most popular entertainers. His fast paced and visual extravaganza of comedy and magic is expertly interlaced to provoke mystery and laughter.

Flying Debris Show
Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29 at 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.
Kansas, USA native Richard Holmgren brings his hilarious comedy, amazing magic and unmatched juggling skills to the WinterCity festival. Youll be amazed by the wide variety of objects flying through the air during his show.

Flyin Bob
Saturday, February 4 & Sunday, February 5 at 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.
This one man three ring circus from Red Deer, Alberta has been entertaining audiences across Canada and around the world for the last seventeen years. Flyin Bobs action packed show showcases his own brand of physical and verbal comedy, energetic juggling, spectacular balancing, and audience participation.

Scot Free Daredevil Stunt Show
Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, February 5 at 12 noon & 6 p.m.
One of Torontos favourite performers! Check out this skillful mix of character comedy, exciting daredevil stunts, sharp improvised wit and audience interaction. Fun for all ages, come see if this daredevil gets off Scot Free!!

9. Please tell us about "Soup's On!" - a special event offering cooking demonstrations and soup tastings.

Soups On!, presented by Liberty Tax Services, offers cooking demonstrations and soup tastings from Torontos top chefs matched with live performances from some of Torontos most diverse bands.

The world of soup is vast and sophisticated. There are thick soups such as bouillabaisse that nearly cross the line from soup to stew, thin clear consomms, and everything in-between. Nearly all cultures have their own soup specialties: hearty Russian borscht, garlicky Spanish gazpacho, and Pot-au-Feu, a French clear soup made from boiled beef and vegetables.

Featuring soups from Spain to China and Jamaica to Greece, the Soups On pavilion will have something for everyone. Hosted by food enthusiast Marty Galin, chefs from Toronto-area restaurants will provide live cooking demonstrations in a heated pavilion on Nathan Phillips Square with the public able to taste-test the results while listening to music from the themed country.

10. Please tell us about the "Tower of Light" performance.

Torontos 14 day city-wide celebration, the WinterCity Festival, presented by the American Express Philanthropic Program, presents the North American premiere of The Tower of Light, a large-scale outdoor production blending fireworks and fire sculptures, music, lighting, special effects and spectacular visual images. The production is performed January 27, 28 and 29 at
7 p.m. outdoors at Nathan Phillips Square.

Framed by the silhouette of Torontos City Hall, this 30-minute production features a 15m tower of light and a carefully orchestrated outdoor performance of vibrant special effects and atmospheric music. Buckets of fire rise up into the sky as the lighthouse pulses with flares. Fireworks erupt from every level as the performers dance beneath the silver rain. The show comes to a dramatic close with a spectacular fireworks finale.

Walk the Plank is widely recognized as one of the UKs leading producers of innovative shows and magical spectacles. The company was established by John Wassell and Liz Pugh, its current management team, in 1991. Site-specific shows and fireworks have been a feature of the companys work since the beginning, but this area of work has expanded and developed over recent years. In 2001 Walk the Plank undertook its first international work with shows in Singapore and Portugal.
The Tower of Light has been performed at the Singapore Arts Festival, Greenwich and Docklands International Festival and Stockton International Riverside Festival.
10. Please tell us about "Il Corso", a 60-minute open-air theatre spectacle.

11. Please tell us about "Il Corso" performance, based on a book by Pablo Neruda.

WinterCity presents the North American premiere of Il Corso, a 60-minute open air theatre spectacle featuring actors, acrobats and musicians from Germanys Theatre Pan-Optikum. The production is performed February 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. outdoors at Nathan Phillips Square.

Il Corso will take place all over Nathan Phillips Square as the venue is transformed into a stage. Individual spectators will continually change their positions as they are caught up in the movement and, ultimately, even become part of the performance. Featuring a wall of fire, dancers on 10 ft. sway poles and huge metal structures including a human propeller, the production combines dramatic movement, installations, music, text, huge expressive images and pyrotechnics.

Il Corso tells the story of a human being in search of fulfillment and happiness and is based on The Book of Questions by Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda. The 74 short poems contained in the book are structured as two-line verses raising 316 puzzling questions. Many of Nerudas questions are ones children sometimes pose such as "Where do shadows disappear to? and Why are leaves green?" These questions often expose the fact that adults cannot explain everything they claim to know. As Neruda says, "What we know is so small and what we assume so great."

In 2001, the Kunstfest Weimar art festival opened with Il Corso. In 2002, Il Corso was chosen from 80 invited open air productions and awarded 1st prize at the street theatre festival in Holzminden, after which Il Corso played 27 times in Germany and the Netherlands. Il Corso is currently the most played open air production in Europe.

10. What about the "Winter Moves" dance performances?

As part of the WOW! (Wild on Winter) Series, The WinterCity Festival presents Winter Moves dance performances from four of Canadas top contemporary dance companies. Performances take place outside at Nathan Phillips Square on Festival weekends. Participating companies include:

Company Blonde Company Blonde has a unique and vital presence in the independent dance scene in Canada. Since its inception in 1999, Company Blonde has been dedicated to creating dance works that are accessible to a vast audience of all ages blending comedy and theatre with classical modern dance. Company Blonde will perform:

Awright, Awright, Awright! Clad in bright 70s style one-piece snowsuits this highly energetic piece was designed for the outdoors but has found its way onto many small stages. The dancers (Monica Dottor, Michelle Debrouwer, Jennifer Helland, Sunny Horvath and Nicole Rush) arrive in a car, music blaring, put out a few plastic palm trees and dance with all their heart to the pop music of Outkast. It is nearly impossible to resist shakin it along side them. Awright, Awright, Awright! premiered at the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival in March 2004 and has been performed many times since, at schools, on stages indoor and out and always in snowsuits.

Binder Twine This hilarious Wild West piece features outlaws, saloon girls, line dancers, tumble weed and baked beans! Featuring dancers Monica Dottor, Michelle Debrouwer, Jennifer Helland, Sunny Horvath and Nicole Rush Binder Twine premiered at the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival in April 2005 and was performed at the T.O Twang Festival at Harbourfront in August 2005.

CORPUS Founded in 1997, CORPUS is devoted to creating original work for broad audiences including children. Led by Sylvie Bouchard and David Danzon, CORPUS is known for its precise and surrealist humour, the company combines contemporary dance and physical theatre. CORPUS will perform:

Les moutons (The Sheep) Les moutons is a humorous live installation where reality meets fantasy. Meet Julie, Marie-Louise, Bernadette and Cesar, three healthy young sheep and an old ram. The Shepherd is here too, talking you through a carefully studied overview of sheep behavior.

Tina Fushell / Choreographer / Dancer Born and raised in St. John's, Nfld., Tina Fushell studied at the Quinte Ballet School and the School of Toronto Dance Theatre. In 2002 Tina co-founded Ambitious Enterprises (AE) with Kate Franklin and Samm Higgison, producing the "At the Wrecking Ball" series, a now yearly event which has garnered much praise for the young company and ushered in a new generation of choreographers and collaborators from various disciplines. Tina Fushell will present:

sTOries sTOries is performed to live jazz music. This contemporary dance piece is inspired by Torontonians stories about Winter. The highly physical sTOries features a trio of dancers (Tina Fushell, Anisa Tejpar and Kate Franklin) dressed for Winter in full wool skirts, blazers and boots.

Larchaud Dance Project is known for their strength-testing choreography and gravity defying movement and are certain to captivate, provoke, and entertain all audiences. Larchaud Dance Projects upcoming June 2006 production is based on the world and culture of videogames. Each piece in the show is based on a world/level of the game, albeit a jungle, a labyrinth, underwater, etc. At the WinterCity Festival, Larchaud Dance Projects will present:

Ice World Of all the levels of a videogame the ice world proves to be the greatest challenge. Not only must the players overcome the treacherous conditions of their environment, but they must conquer the evil Queen and her Henchman. It is she who controls this world, and in her defeat, they may progress onto the next level.

11. Toronto's WinterCity Festival will also feature a number of live music performances. Please tell us about those.

The WinterCity Festival, presented by the American Express Philanthropic Program, the award-winning 14 day city-wide celebration of Torontos culture, creativity and cuisine, will feature two weekends of FREE live music and DJs on an outdoor stage at Nathan Phillips Square as part of the WOW! (Wild On Winter) series. The WinterCity Festival takes place January 27 February 9, 2006.

Friday Jan. 27

Opening Concert

Les Batinses, 7:30 p.m.

This young sextet plays world music with a Qubcois slant. They embrace music from anywhere and everywhere to marry old-style folk and roots ballads with funk-driven acoustics.

Saturday Jan. 28

Sizzling Hot! Latin Dance Music

DJ Billy Bryans, 12 noon

Get on the ice and move! DJ Billy Bryans drops the latest in Latin music, reggaeton, salsa and the hottest timba cuts directly from Havana.

Chiva featuring Brownman, 12:30 p.m.

Torontos Chiva fuses seductive Colombian rhythms with funk grooves and urban hip-hop beats against a Latin-jazz backdrop.

Latin Roots Orchestra, 2 p.m.

With a nod to the golden age of Latin music, this Toronto group blends the hottest sounds of classic salsa with the latest hip-shaking Latin grooves guaranteed to burn up the dance floor.

Tumbao Inc., 3:30 p.m.

One of Torontos newest Latin orchestras, Tumbao Inc. offers catchy lyrics and memorable melodies combined with powerful percussive beats in merengue music and electronica.

Brownman & CRUZAO featuring Fito Blanko, 5 p.m.

Led by multi-award-winning trumpeter Brownman, CRUZAO mixes authentic Latin rhythms, jazz harmonies and modern urban grooves. CRUZAO is joined by special guest Fito Blanko, Torontos rising star of reggaeton.

Ricky Franco, 6:30 p.m.

Talented singer/songwriter/composer, Ricky Franco delivers slick vocals layered over powerful Salsa Descargas with a soulful edge and the popular dance rhythms of Bachata.

Between sets, DJs will spin. Following the final band, DJs will spin club music outside until 11 p.m.

Sunday Jan. 29

Cool Blues

Ndidi Onukwulu, 12:30 p.m.

A new voice in Toronto's blues community, singer/songwriter Ndidi Onukwulu was born in BC and grew up listening to a variety of music including Nigerian juju. Set for release early in 2006, her eclectic debut album defies labels.

Tyler Yarema, 2 p.m.

Originally from Thunder Bay, Toronto pianist-vocalist Tyler Yarema dishes up high-energy boogie-woogie complemented by a smooth, fiery vocal delivery.

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.

"Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons". The story with photos is published at Travel Stories and Photos (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_regional_history_center.htm)

videogame music

Hoyle Board Games

Find the best excitement and puzzle fun in this entertaining collection of games. Complete with high score lists, adjustable skill levels Save and print Word Searches and Crossword Puzzles. Simple installation to being playing immediately. Includes Hoyle Rulebook and Strategy Guide for advanced insider information
Customer Review: Backgammon on 2007 Hoyle Board games cheats!!!!!
My husband and I both agree that this game was programmed wrong. It won't take all of its moves if it means he will be open to be bumped. Not fair. Has taken some of my moves. For instance, I have a 3 and a 6. I take the 3 first and it will move 6. Also, always gets what it needs if it means he can bump you off the board. If you are nearing the end of the game and have been bumped off, you WILL NOT get your # on the roll until he has all of his moves in the final area and out of danger of you bumping him off before he can go out. Sometimes you go to bump him off and it will take yours with him. Very screwed up.
Customer Review: FUN
If you love board games you will really enjoy this. My favorite is doublecross--I'm hopelessly addicted!!! There are so many options on this cd that you'll be playing for hours.

Still wondering whether Vtech V.Smile video game system is right for your preschool kids? Here are 5 reasons why you should consider it.

1. The Vtech V.Smile video game system is an educational video game system geared towards children between the ages of 3 to 8 years of age. It approaches learning with a unique ability that is sure to attract even the most reluctant children. You could go as far as saying it tricks them into learning. This is the first of its kind that allows early school age learners to play several imaginative and exciting games.

2- Vtech V.Smile video game system can easily connect to any television in your home. It has fairly good graphics that seem to look better on a small television set rather than a larger screen. This system would work great set up in your childs room and would not take up a lot of room. The less clutter the better.

3- Vtech V.Smile uses popular characters to guide the children through age appropriate skill levels and master their developmental skills. They will learn essential skills to help them with their teachings in school, such as math, spelling, problem solving, memorizing the alphabet, and color recognition.

4- The creative Vtech V.Smile jumbo sized joystick is designed for right or left handed children. This will ensure no child will feel left out. The joystick also has four flashing buttons with a huge enter button in the center of the pad that is created especially for preschoolers little hands and fingers. The four buttons are a great way to teach your child their colors while learning to play their games. A second joystick can be added for two-player games, although the second joystick would have to be purchased separately.

5- If your preschooler is able to recognize letters, then the starter system should be enough to keep them interested for a while. If your child is just beginning to learn their ABCs, then you may want to purchase some other games that will teach them their alphabet rather than simply reinforcing it. There are several other games you may want to consider to reinforce their other skills and developments.

If your child is on the younger end of the age group you may have to help them insert and eject the cartridges until they are familiar with the system. This may also be the case with the games they play. Some of the games will need your initial instructions, but after one or two times your preschooler should get the hang of it.

The basic Vtech V.Smile system comes complete with the game console and one jumbo joystick. The joystick is a wonderful way to have your child learn their basic hand-eye coordination. The control is easily adjusted for left or right handed children.

Mohd Fairuz runs a website on video game systems. Visit his website to learn more how to determine which video game system is right for your kids at the following URL: http://www.netinfo4all.com/videogame/

ds videogame

Nintendo DS Lite Game Traveler Essentials - Black

Customer Review: Decent quality
I bought this set for my teenage boy. So far he is happy with a quality. Styluses fit console exactly like the original ones from Nintendo. Case fits three cards, locks good. Even though it should work great for carrying cards, be careful not to loose them while opening this case, since there are no latches to hold cards in place. Overall, great value for the price: I couldn't find better deal anywhere else.

Is it possible to think about Godfather and not also think about Al Pacino?

In the role of Michael Corleone (Godfather Part II, 1975), the reluctant-hero of the mafia epic, Pacino has become a legend of movie history.

Born in South Bronx, New York on April 25, 1940, Pacino has given us such unforgettable performances as those in Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Serpico (1973), Scarface (1983), Sea of Love (1989), Frankie and Johnny (1991), Donnie Brasco (1997), The Merchant of Venice (2004) and Two For The Money (2005).

Nominated 8 times for the Academy Award, Pacino finally won it in 1993 for portraying a blind man who is in love with life in the Scent of a Woman (1992).

Did you know these trivia facts about Pacino?

1) In 1993, Pacino was nominated for not only one but TWO Oscars -- Best Actor in a Leading Role for Scent of a Woman (1992) and the Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Glengarry Glen Ross (1992).

2) He used to smoke 2-packs a day until he stopped smoking altogether in 1994 in order not to lose his voice.

3) He adores opera and Shakespeare.

4) Of all colors, he loves black.

5) When offered to play the role of Michael Corleone in a Godfather videogame, he refused to do so.

6) He started his entertainment career as a stand-up comic.

Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a Creative Copywriter, Editor, an experienced and award-winning Technical Communicator specializing in fundraising packages, direct sales copy, web content, press releases, movie reviews and hi-tech documentation. He has worked as a Technical Writer for Fortune 100 companies for the last 7 years.

In addition to being an Ezine Articles Expert Author, he is also a Senior Member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), and a Member of American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI).

You can reach him at writer111@gmail.com for a FREE consultation on all your copywriting needs.

You are most welcomed to visit his official web site http://www.writer111.com for more information on his multidisciplinary background, writing career, and client testimonials. While at it, you might also want to check the latest book he has edited: http://www.lulu.com/content/263630

new videogame

The Scruffs [Game Download]

Customer Review: Kooky characters and interesting story
For the price, this game delivers a great deal. Other than the main scavenger hunt game, there is also a puzzle minigame, and two memory type minigames. The characters are fun and the artwork is good; however, the game gets pretty hard towards the end. This game can get kind of frustrating due to the nature of the game; however, the minigames break it up a bit and keeps it interesting. Depending on how perceptive you are, expect to finish it in about 10 hours.
Customer Review: Fun game, but has some problems
The game was great fun. I had a few screen size issues at first, but those went away after some fiddling. The major issue I had, was right after completing the last puzzle, where I was about to see the ending, it crashed my computer. It just turned right off. No blue screen, no error, just shut my computer off. I turned my computer back on to find that now, when I press continue, the game goes right back to the title screen. I could start over, but I can't be guaranteed that it won't just do it again. Very disappointing!

By nature, most businessmen are highly motivated people, ready to take on anything standing between them and whatever variety of success they're in pursuit of. Not all businessmen, though, are ready and willing to take on the broader challenge of purchasing a master franchise license and tackling the much larger-scale difficulties of operating a business that sells and oversees other businesses. Master franchisees aren't any kind of superior businessmen, but they are wired a little differently, naturally able to govern the operations of others instead of doing the ground-level operations themselves. If you're one of these special few and are interested in master franchises, below are 10 of the best business opportunities for you.

1) Gold's Gym

If being a master franchisee for the worlds #1 name in health and fitness is of interest to you, there is literally no better business to go with. Offering at least 7 different ways of helping clients change their bodies and change their lives, running a franchise is not an entirely easy job, so there is a lot to teach franchisees. But Gold's Gym does just that with a 5-day, 28-class initial training course coupled with ongoing training in all areas of both fitness and business for all franchisees.

2) Play N Trade

Though it may be hard to believe, the videogame industry made a whopping $9.5bil in 2007, making this a serious business for serious businessmen. Within the market, Play N Trade has been recognized as one of the top 10 new franchises of 2008 by Entrepreneur Magazine. Customers love the retail business for the vast assortment of gaming goods they provide and franchisees love it for the extraordinary support they get from their franchisors.

3) Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning

Among their carpet-cleaning competitors, this franchise opportunity stands out for a number of reasons, not the least of which being their 30 solid years of franchising experience which has resulted in over 2500 different franchises. This business is a division of the Home Depot, a name franchisees can trust, and despite the low price tag of $25,000, Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning has the potential to earn serious profits right from the start. All things considered, this isn't a hard sell for a master franchisee to make to a prospective sub-franchisee.

4) Firkin Pubs

The perfect opportunity for the cheeky and slightly irreverent businessman, Firkin Pubs, as the largest chain of English Pubs in North America, is known for being rather cheeky themselves, and they'll be the first to admit it. Master franchisees learn how to help their budding franchises get everything from real estate issues to staff recruitment in order so that everything runs as effectively at new locations as it already does for the 45 pubs that already exist.

5) Bear Creek Coffee

This is a franchise business whose flexible business plan makes it easy to sell. As a master franchisee looking for prospective franchise owners, having a coffee roaster business that is prepared to fit into a drive-through, a sit-down caf, a cart, or a kiosk vastly widens the number of people capable of operating a franchise. And with a profit-driven model that doesn't stop at coffee but includes pastries, sandwiches, smoothies, and retail products, the sky is the limit for their profits.

6) Hand and Stone Massage Spa

Every year, America spends $10bil on massage therapy, and when you consider that massage spas have less overhead than most businesses because there's no stock to keep, there are a plethora of reasons for interested people to get into this franchise business. Even for those franchisees who don't know the ropes of this specific industry, a total 5 weeks of training is in place to get them fully equipped for ownership. And once those franchises are up and running, that means royalty fees for master franchisees.

7) NAPA Auto Parts

In their own words, NAPA Auto Parts matches people who have "Main Street" ethics with others who have "Wall Street" know-how. As a master franchisee, you fill the "Wall Street" side of that formula, and if you're anything like the NAPA Auto Parts developers who have already set up the 6,000 stores in operation today, completing that business formula can definitely pay off.

8) Johnnie's Dog House

Unlike restaurants that take a one-size-fits-all approach to the business of food service, Johnnie's Dog House is a business that is equipped to address the food needs of virtually all settings. Designs exist that put the business on carts outside big-box hardware stores, in fast-casual locations in shopping centers and on college campuses, and even in small kiosks at airports and malls. Wherever a franchisee proposes to put a Johnnie's Dog House, you, as the master franchisee, have the tools to make it happen.

9) CleanNet USA

85% of building owners contract cleaning companies to keep their offices tidy, making the opportunity for entrance and expansion in this industry enormous. And with that opportunity in mind, CleanNet USA provides everything a master franchisee needs to succeed: a good sales system, automated service scheduling, and software to manage franchisees and customers well.

10) Yakety Yak Wireless

This franchise prides itself on being "customer-centric," providing clients with all the cell phone options available and consulting them in their purchase, not just making a sale. Master franchisees do much the same: matching well suited franchisees with the franchise opportunity instead of simply trying to make a business sale. This is only helped by an extraordinary marketing system that puts the Yakety Yak Wireless name in the public eye, so you don't have to.

Not all franchise businesses offer the opportunity to be a master franchisee, so the selection set is not endless, but there is still a healthy handful to choose from. If none of the opportunities above is quite what you're looking for, keep looking, because the one you're waiting for may be just around the corner.

Find more master franchises including coffee franchises and auto parts franchises at Franchise Gator

psp videogame

Company of Heroes: Game Of The Year Edition

Delivering a visceral WWII gaming experience, Company of Heroes redefines the RTS genre bringing the sacrifice of heroic soldiers, war-ravaged environments, and dynamic battlefields to life. Beginning with the D-Day Invasion of Normandy, players lead squads of Allied soldiers into battle against the German War Machine through some of the most pivotal battles of WWII. Through a rich single player campaign, players experience the cinematic intensity, courage and bravery of ordinary soldiers thrust into extraordinary events.
Customer Review: Would be nice if I could install it
Yes, I read the reviws and I was stupid enough to buy this version of the game and the serial number with the game was invalid. I returned the game foe a different one and the same thing, invalid key entered. There's the number on the back of the book and on this swank piece of paper that same with it. It would have been nice to try the game out, but since I can't install it all I have is this fancy box.
Customer Review: THQ secretly installs SecureROM DRM - game may not run if you have DVD-burning programs
After three attempts with the same "Wrong disc installed" message, I contacted THQ. Their Customer Support advised me to uninstall all the disc-copying software on my new computer in order to make this game run after game installation. Unfortunately, the disc burning software on my computer is also the same package that plays DVD movies. The SecureROM DRM software that loads with COH scans your system, and if SecureROM isn't satisfied with the programs that are on your system, it will disable the game. There's no way of knowing this until you call support. THQ absurdly believes that the credible solution to their glitchy DRM scheme is to have customers disable the data transfer ability of their computers by removing any and all programs that copy data to disc, and potentially also disable programs that play DVD movies and other standard media. The idiocy behind THQ's policy is awe-inspiring. Do not buy this version of COH. Its installation requirements are as bad as the EA / Spore DRM methodology, and it furthermore loads and DOES NOT remove SecureROM after uninstallation of the game. On my system, this game was essentially a trojan horse spyware installer.

Microsoft, a well known Software giant, now extended its industry into developing videogame consoles. Microsoft is known for its computer operating system namely windows and application software's like MS office and many more packages. It also has entered in to the gaming industry way back in 2005 by creating its gaming console called as Xbox. Videogame market is emerging as a very good market and there is increase in demand in good consoles. PC games are now getting down day by day will leads to the increase in such kind of gaming devices. The games that are developed today needs a very high graphical processing unit and such games will bring down the performance of your PC. Because of this there are now various consoles available in the market today to support these games and to get a high satisfactory gaming experience. One of the consoles developed by Microsoft is the Xbox 360.

XBOX 360

Xbox 360 is a second version of Xbox consoles that was released in the year 2005. Xbox 360 came with an improved processing speed and a high storage capacity. It also had the feature of CD-ROM too to add up games to your Xbox device. The important devices in Xbox 360 are the CPU and the GPU processors that are kept under heat sinks and are kept rigid to the motherboard by means of two X clamps below the motherboard.

HEAT SINKS PROBLEM

The heat sinks provided in the motherboard do not provide enough air flow or doesn't provide enough cooling to the processors. This problem resulted in overheating of the console. The heat sink problems are due to the defects in the design of the console. The console was not designed in a proper manner and adequate testing was not done on the components when comes to long hours of gaming.

RED LIGHT ERROR

The overheating is a hardware problem and is indicated by a power ring in the console. The power ring has four quadrants of LEDs that will indicate the status of the console. So when your console is heated then it will glow in red color showing you console is facing a problem. Errors may be single, two, three or four light error. Each set of light refers to a particular problem in the console. When three red lights glow, your console is in big trouble. This error is flashed in the screen as E 74. This error is a very serious error and it might damage the entire motherboard when not repaired at the correct instant. The three red light error is known as Red Ring of Death or simply RRoD by gamers.

MICROSOFT SERVICE

When many had reported about the hardware failures and hence Microsoft will repair your console if it comes under the warranty period at free of cost in their service centers. But, if expired then you have to bear the repair cost. One more drawback is that you need to wait for 4 to 8 weeks to get your consoles back if you have given to the service centers.

ONLINE VIDEO TUTORIALS

Now, you don't need to spend more money and no need to wait for weeks. There are online videos and repair guides available to repair the console by your own. These guides come with video tutorial to explain you how to precede the repairing process. These videos will be concentrating on the removal of the X clamps. As these clamps will be blocking the air flow to the processors, hence the heat sinks are fixed without the clamps to the motherboard.

The problem is solved by yourself within an hour or two so that you don't need any waiting. Restart the console once you have completed repairing and now you are ready to play.

Xbox 360 Repair Video Tutorials

Repair your Xbox 360 by watching the videos online and fix your Xbox 360 now. You can fix your Xbox in just one hour from now and start playing the games again. Save over $100 and also the valuable play time. Just by using your household tools you can fix your Xbox and its pretty simple. Just give me ten minutes and I will show you how to fix your Xbox now. Visit http://www.squidoo.com/xboxredlightfix to Fix your Xbox 360 now.

xbox 360 videogames