6 posts from March 2008

They have surrounded you! But you are far from helpless. You fire your laser cannons, mowing down your enemy like wheat. The problem is, the more you shoot, the more enemies appear. You therefore have but one option if you are to survive—kill everything in sight. As you fire, the enemies perish in a cascade of blood . . .

“SPINE-RIPPING, flesh-clawing, head-exploding fun”! This was the way one magazine writer enthusiastically described the latest version of a popular computer game. Actually, this is just one of a new generation of computer and video games that allow players to act out thrilling fantasies. Previous releases seem rather tame in comparison with these bloody, often sadistically violent games.

Even so, violent video and computer games are enormously popular among young people. And with an estimated one third of all households in the United States having some sort of electronic game system, millions of youths have access to them. For youths whose homes are not so equipped, it may take little more than a walk to a friend’s home or the local video arcade to play these games.

What about you? Have you been tempted to purchase—or at least to try out—some of these new games yourself? Well, after examining all the facts, you may have second thoughts about doing so.

Online Games has been an addictive stuff to the teenagers and even to the adults. They are renting computers to continue the pleasure playing such online games. A great online game for youths and adults that is running at this time is the World of Warcraft.

World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG). It is a Blizzard¢s Entertainment fourth game set in the fantasy warcraft universe. The first official expansion pack of the game, The Burning Crusade, was released on January 16, 2007. During the 2007 BlizzCon event, Blizzard announced a second expansion pack called Wrath of the Lich King on August 3, 2007. The release date of Wrath of the Lich King has not yet been announced.

In the Warcraft series it is not a real-time strategy game. Players control a character with a constant game world, exploring the landscape, fighting monsters, performing quests, building skills, and many more. The game rewards success with money, items, experience and reputation, all of which in turn allow players to improve their skill and power. Players can level up their characters from level one to level 60, level 70 if they have The Burning Crusade expansion. Upon release of the Wrath of the Lich King expansion, players will be able to attain level 80 after purchasing the expansion. In addition, players may opt to take part in battles against other players of an enemy faction, in Pvp battlegrounds or in normal world zones subject to the rules in place on the particular server. Duels can also be fought between members of the same or opposing factions, although these do not provide tangible rewards. Many players also choose to join guilds. Short-term parties and raid groups can be formed to conduct  against enemy territories and instances.

There are two types of characters and 9 types of character classes in the game raids: Players Characters or Non-Player Character. A player character is controlled by the player while the Non-Player Character is controlled by the game software. Talking about the character classes, there are 9:

The Druid (Hybrid Class) The Hunter ( Damage Class) The Mage (Damage ClassThe Paladyn (Hybrid ClassThe Priest (healer/Damage Class) The Rogue (Damage Class) The Shaman (Hybrid Class) The Warlock (Damage Class) The Warriors (Tank/Damage Class

Players/characters can have different items or equipments in this game. Items can vary from resources such as herbs or raw ores to items to be retrieved for quests. Player/characters can also equip different weapons and armor, either to customize their character or to improve abilities (such as better attack or defense skills).

Does the above description of this game affect the players emotionally and physically?

 True, experts debate how computerized play really affects youths. One study, reported in the magazine New Scientist, optimistically concluded that such games “are not a root cause of bad behaviour.” Nevertheless, 97 percent of the youngsters surveyed in that study “thought it was possible to become addicted to the games.” The youths said that arcade games were particularly harmful because “they encourage players to spend more money.”

The darker side  

Many of today’s games, however, are steeped in spiritism and magic! In one game “magic spells” must be used in order to win. Players are instructed: “When you’re ready to cast the spell, click on the lightning bolt at the bottom-right corner of the menu, then click on the creature you want to fry.” Could not such games cultivate an unhealthy curiosity about demonic forces?

    It is also possible to call up cheap pornography on the computer screen. Nudity and graphic sex have become such common fare that U.S. game manufacturers produced a rating system to warn purchasers of offensive games. Few retailers, though, seem willing to curb sales to youngsters. “Our only obligation is to give customers what they want,” says one store clerk. Yet ask yourself, ‘Will exposure to sexually arousing images help me keep my mind on things that are “righteous, chaste, lovable, and virtuous”?’

Can these games really be addictive? Apparently so, for some players. One youth told Awake!: “All you can think about is getting to the end and winning.” A young man similarly recalls: “I spent hours trying to figure out how to kill everybody and get to the next level of the game.”

You may think that you could never get so caught up in a game. But consider the way TV shows and movies manipulate people’s emotions—moving them to tears, rage, or cheers of excitement. Imagine, then, a program that not only has an exciting plot, unique characters, and dazzling special effects but that lets you be the superhero. Would it be easy to resist getting thoroughly involved in it? So, it is not surprising that some players have difficulty separating fantasy from reality. One youth recalls: “The effect of playing violent games was so bad I even imagined that my hand was a gun and pointed it at people.”

So for the players around, why not ask yourselves? Any opinion?

Want to getaway from it all? Going anywhere away from the stress, the hassle and the buzz? How about a week or two to the love-filled ambiance of Paris? Or a tanning session in Miami? Perhaps a cruise to an exotic island would do? Whatever you do, wherever you go, it’s best if you are with your special someone!

Just imagine surrendering to your partner’s warm embrace while staring at the sun slowly going down the horizon. Feeling your sweetheart’s masculine palm on yours while finding your way out of a vast and busy summer festival. Letting you know that you are secured when you are with him. Moments like these simply say that, you can never go wrong on a journey with your honey! Resulting to a happier and hotter relationship!

There are lots of things you can do if you are traveling to a new place. But there are far more activities you can share with your loved one making your expedition even worthy and unforgettable!

HAVE you ever dreamed about how the rest of the world is like? Would you like to see the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, the magnificent ice-covered lake of Achensee or the grandeur of the snowy Swiss Alps?

Maybe you will be fascinated with the places of the ancient civilizations, such as the ruins of the Parthenon in Athens or the almost endless catacombs in Rome. These can your mind turn back the past.

The ones that are currently built are thrilling too. There is famed Paris with its Eiffel Tower and Champs Élysées, or Hong Kong with its colorful streets and shops. You could stare and feed the koala bear in Australia, or have a plate of sushi served by an almond-eyed kimono-clad lady in Japan.

You might also want to meet people and share the color, excitement, and sometimes the sadness, of those who has a distinctive life style from yours. You may also desire to meet people from diverse backgrounds and cultures who share the same beliefs and welfare that you appreciate.

I too, have longed to see some of these places, but sense that it is too complicated a procedure to arrange, for you are not sure how to go about it. So let’s plan your trip!

Budget the Cost

First and foremost, you have to make a decision how much you can afford to expend, the time available and the countries that you’d like to visit. Seldom does anyone enjoy a trip if he knows that, upon returning home, he will need to add extra burdens to his budget in order to pay back the money borrowed that he funded to the trip.

Check your Documents

All international travelers must have a passport. This is your identification and is an extremely important document. Visas are also necessary to enter certain countries. Vaccination certificates may be required for some countries too.

Pack your Clothes

The “Golden Rule” for travel is: Be casual, be comfortable and travel light. Tight clothes might make you uncomfortable and might even spoil your travel. Always remember that you are permitted to carry only limited luggage. Clothes that you can mix and match, that are drip-dry and wrinkle resistant, and that are washable and those that doesn’t require dry-cleaning, are perfect. A comfortable pair of walking shoes and one pair of dress shoes for evening wear should suffice. If the climate will be hot, a pair of sandals is most useful. Also, put aside a pair of soft, fold up slippers to take aboard the plane with you, as feet sometimes swell a little during a long flight.

Pack as tightly as possible.

Knowing the Places

Getting some information about the history, customs and traditions of the places that you will visit can make your traveling much more enjoyable. You will be able to understand more about the country and will find doubly interesting the sights, the people and the various forms of entertainment there.

You Are on Your Way

Now that you have proper documentation, your traveler’s checks, your few clothes properly packed in your suitcase and your head full of knowledge of the countries of your choice, you are ready to go. The great exciting day has arrived and you are boarding the aircraft. Fasten your seat belt! The big jet is moving down the runway, the engines are roaring and you are off!
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Now as you sink into the comfort of your seat after a meal, you may choose to listen to stereo music, enjoy a movie or just watch the clouds go by and meditate on how insignificant man and his works are as compared to the vastness of the earth below. You will be glad that you have planned your trip well, and that you have taken the opportunity to see new places, meet new people and make new friends.

Have a happy trip then!

The world’s most beautiful beaches are waiting for you. But what constitute these beaches worthy to be on the list of the world’s best? The beaches are clean and appealing. The water is pure and just the right temperature perfect for swimming, diving and other water activities. The wave height, if you are looking for waves, is just right. The marine birds are floating in the sky overhead. The stunning scenery and ideal environment are absolutely perfect for a vacation getaway for families and friends. And the pictures you will send home are definitely inspiring. 

Clearly, the best beaches are those which have to pass a few more qualities than just having a spot of sand with water on it. They have to pass the requirements of a recognized beach authority.  Below is the list of the ten beast beaches in the world. These beaches have been ranked by being the top ten beaches in some category.

 

      1.      Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
2.      Miami, Florida
3.      Cancun, Mexico
4.      Kaanapali, Hawaii
5.      Honolulu, Hawaii
6.      San Diego, California
7.      Boracay Island, Philippines
8.      Key West, Florida
9.      Sydney, Australia
10.    Santa Barbara, California

Planning the best beach vacation and choosing your destinations can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you have absolutely no idea where you want to go. This list would definitely give you the best options possible. Whether you’re getting ready for spring break, summer, your vacation or weekend, or just a day or two, there are plenty of beautiful scenic beaches to enjoy!

You’re of age and you got a job and most of all, you set your own curfew. But the thing is, you also still wake up to the smell of pancakes and eggs in the morning and find your newly dry-cleaned clothes in the closet.

Isn’t this the perfect life? Or is it, really.

I’m not against living with the parents and cohabitating with them actually has many benefits.  You get to eat perfectly cooked meals every evening and you don’t have to worry going to the dry-cleaners every week or every other day because your soiled clothes are being washed mostly every single day.

But there comes a certain age in life where you feel the need to live alone and make it on your own, even if it means leaving the old comforts of home behind.  But there are times that our beloved parents are hesitant to let us go or at least appear to be hesitant even though something in them whispers that they really want us to leave the house.

So, what can we do make a suave exit from the good, old house without appearing that we don’t like to live there anymore or without letting our parents feel that we don’t want to see them everyday or without making them feel that they are unconsciously pushing us away.

1.    Get a good-paying job

Surely, you can’t move out and live on your own if you don’t have a good-paying that will let you pay the rent and the other bills. Make sure to let your parents know that you have a decent job with a good pay.

2.    Start making your breakfast.

Or at least appear to make one.  Once they see that you can make it on your own, they might be satisfied and comforted to let you live by yourself. Or make them breakfast once in a while.  The focus here is to let them see that you can now do for yourself the things they used to do for you.

3.    Book them at a vacation spot.  

Asking for their permission to let you move out is like courting a girl.  You have to make them feel valued and appreciated.  And one way of making them valued and appreciated is to book them a vacation at a luxurious destination.  But while you’re busy at work, trying to look for a prospective place and making meals by yourself, how can you look for the perfect spot? Google can help or try subscribing to luxury vacation newsletters so that you’ll have automatic updates and a number of destinations to choose from.  

4.    Buy them something they want for so long.

This seems like an obvious bribery but the key is to give in small packages.  If it’s too grand, then the intentions are too glaring.  If your dad has been wishing for new lawn mower, then go and give him a new one.  Or if your mom has been wearing the same apron for the past 4 years, then, go ahead and buy her one.  Little things do count.

5.    Get a job miles away from home.

Now, this is the most effective part, I think.  If you’ll bag a job that’s oceans apart from your folks, then, they will really have no choice but to let you go.

6.    Sign them up to social clubs

Pushing them softly into the social circle will definitely make the transition better.  SIgn them for ballroom or cooking clubs or socio-economic organizations. Once they’re with other couples who also don’t live with their children anymore, then they’ll realize that it’s the time to regain the house to themselves again.

Not saying here that your folks will give you the hardest time when you show signs that you want to live independently but admit it,   it’s hard for both sides to flee home.  If they see that you’re capable and you feel you can spread your wings and you want to establish your life by your own, then moving out won’t be such stressing.  Lastly,  there's nothing wrong in moving out nor staying with  them  for all your lifetime.  It all depends on what you prefer.  Family will always be family and you will always have a home with them.

You paid a lot for a few nights stay at a luxury hotel, make sure you get your money’s worth by making sure everything is working the way they should be.

There are tons of things you need to ask before making that reservation at a luxury hotel. The major ones include the rates and the amenities. But there are itsy-bitsy details we tend to overlook but are crucial to a safe and relaxing stay at the hotel.

When making a reservation at a luxury hotel, we also must ask if the following exists:

1.  Functioning and sturdy fire exits – I know every hotel has one, but are they reliable to use?  Ask the concierge if  the steel stairways are functioning well and can be easily accessed when an undesirable situation such as a fire occurs.

2.  Working fire sprinkler systems – operative word, functioning.  Granted, you see them along the hallway but in reality they have glitches, so check them out first.

3.  Safeplace accredited – SafePlace accreditation is given to hotels who have passed the safety procedures fitted for high risk situations.

4.  Reliable smoke detectors -  Again, make sure they actually detect smoke.  You can verify this with the concierge beforehand so you don’t have to test the detectors by yourself for you might just cause an undesirable scene.

5.  Working pass-keys – make sure that the cards or keys for accessing your room are functioning.  You don’t want to get lockout in your own hotel room.

6.  Check the other appliances in the room -  click and check the lamps, the bulbs, the shower and the phone.  Better report them on an early time than being caught unguarded.

 

These are actually small and minor details but most of the time we tend to take them for granted and assume that they are working.  Not undermining the hotels here, but checking won’t hurt anyone.