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May 2, 2010
magazine games • puzzles • crossword
More girls get game
The Sunday Times
TS summer again and that means it’s the perfect time to catch up on your gaming. Unfortunately, all that free time in your hands often leads to overplaying and that could spell the demise of your console.
So, here are some tips to help you prolong the life of your precious gaming console.
Just like you, consoles are prone to heatstroke—in a way. Remember that nothing kills electronic devices better than excessive heat. So even if you are playing in an air-conditioned room, be sure that it is not under direct sunlight, keep it off the carpet, and check if there is enough air space around it for proper ventilation.
Again just like you, consoles are also allergic to dust so keep it away from a dusty atmosphere. Wiping it with a soft cloth periodically can also do wonders. Buy a surge protector. Electrical fluctuations can be dangerous to electronic devices. You’ve already spent thousands on your console why not spend bit more to keep it safe from power fluctuations. And finally, give it a break. Leaving your console for an extended period of time will wear down its parts faster and can be quite hazardous to your electri- cal bill’s health as well.
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The chances of getting a hot gamer girlfriend are finally becoming more of a possibility. It’s not that current gamer girls are hideous, it’s just that the female gaming population has been very sparse and mostly limited to the boyish-types. But thanks to the current wave of games, girls are finally discovering life outside the make up and the Twilight Saga. This is because more and more women now see gaming not only as a pastime but as a way to help them increase their comfort level with technology and even help them advance in their careers. According to Phaedra Boinidiris, founder of
WomenGamers.com and product manager for IBM’s Serious Games Group, the average age of gamers in the US today is 35, with 38 percent of console gamers and 43 percent of PC gamers being women.
And as more women are increas- ingly drawn into the realm of console and online game, it’s estimated that by 2015, one in five of the US’ biggest companies will be investing in games for training and develop- ment. According to videogame analyst and chief executive officer of
GAME TIME
TechSavvy, Scott Steinberg, games also are cost effective for training employees. He says it’s better to have a customer-service employee fail six times virtually than fail in a real scenario and risk losing a potential client or sale. This is because some games can train you in several skill aspects such as micromanagement and multitasking. They also say that games enable employers to gather performance information and distin- guish analytical thinkers from weaker employees. He even cites that in World of Warcraft (WoW) there are grade schoolers that manage guilds of players from around the globe, participating in teamwork, assigning special tasks. The situations pre- sented in games can also prepare women for stress in the workplace, say Jennifer Estaris, a game designer for Nickelodeon.
So the next time your girlfriend declines your request for help in Farmville, tell her its actually going to help her relieve stress and get that raise she has long been waiting for.
Virtual game Real debt
Just when you thought it was safe to let
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your children play a seemingly harmless game called Farmville. A 12-year-old boy from the UK purchased more than 900 GBP (roughly P62,000) worth of in- game items in FarmVille last month. The child did so without his mother’s knowledge, combining 288 GBP of his own savings with 625 GBP worth of credit on his mother’s credit card. The mom who wanted to remain anonymous told newspapers that her card was first used on March 14. “I discovered it on the 29th and the card was stopped at that point. Any transac- tions after that date were already in the system, so what I thought was a 427 GBP spend turned into 625 GBP over the next few days.”
When she asked her son about the purchases, he readily admitted guilt and explained that he purchased those items because it brought out good stuff that he
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wanted. Since the card was her respon- sibility, neither Zynga nor her credit card company will refund the money. Facebook has since removed the
child’s account, which incidentally violates the age rules of the site. (13 and older only).
Gold Xbox for $5,000
After crafting a gold PS3, the tech
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pimps at Computer Chopper were at it again creating the blingiest Xbox 360. Aside from the 24k gold plating and the price tag, it remains an otherwise perfectly normal machine, sporting the ability to play games and DVDs, and connect to Xbox Live. Immunity to the red lights of doom, however, does not come with the gold guarantee. If you want to see other pimped up gadgets like Blackberrys, iPhones, and laptops drool over to their site at
www.computer-choppers.com
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You’ve probably heard that too much games can cause failing grades, es- tranged relationships, rotting teeth and even baby deaths. Well, here’s something that is much, much weirder. A woman has apparently gone from Nintendo to nympho after a fall from her Wii Fit board turned her into a sex addict. A doctor diagnosed her with persist- ent sexual arousal syndrome because of a damaged nerve.
Now besides gaming, Amanda Flowers says she needs 10 sex sessions a day after the slip-up adding that even the slightest of vibrations, from mobile phones to food processors, turns her on. The 24-year-old woman from Man- chester UK said, “It began as a twinge down below before surging through my body. Sometimes it built up into a trembling orgasm. With no cure I just have to try to control my passion by breathing deeply. Hopefully one day I’ll find a superstud who can satisfy me.”
DATABLITZ PICKS OF THE WEEK GRAND THEFT AUTO: EPISODES
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FROM LIBERTY CITY (PS3)
The two action packed episodes will also be available for download on the PlayStation Network and Games for Windows-LIVE on March 30, 2010. Each episode takes place in the same detailed and immersive world that made Grand Theft Auto IV one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time. Games for Windows-LIVE players can enjoy 32-player multiplayer matches and an advanced video editor, and all fans will experience new songs on the
updated soundtrack as featured across Liberty City’s 13 diverse radio stations, alongside in-game television and Liberty City’s own internet.
The Lost and Damned is a dark trip through Liberty City’s seedy underbelly as outlaw biker, Johnny Klebitz, fights to keep his gang together as a rift in the gang’s leadership threatens to tear the brotherhood apart. In The Ballad of Gay Tony, players explore Liberty City’s high-end nightlife as Luis Lopez, struggling to balance the temptations of money and vice against loyalties to family and friends. Both episodes feature a slew of new vehicles and weapons, and each episode adds new activities including cage fighting, gang wars and BASE jumping.
MONSTER HUNTER TRI (WII)
One of the most strikingly beautiful
titles ever developed for Wii, Monster Hunter Tri depicts a living, breathing ecosystem where man co-exists with fantastic beasts that roam both the land
and the sea. Featuring both online and offline cooperative modes, players can join online hunting parties with up to four players or play with two players on a single TV for select quests. Players also have the option to face Monster Hunter Tri’s challenging quests as a single player experience accompanied by Cha- Cha, an AI hunting partner whose tracking and trapping skills will prove invaluable in the hunt. New items, weapons and armor sets will also be available to assist the hunters as they embark on the most incredible Monster Hunter adventure to date.
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For all your PC gaming needs drop by Datablitz’ branches at SM, Robinsons, and Ayala Malls. You could also call (632) 734-5058; (632) 733-8477; (632) 7348 or check out their website at
www.datablitz.com.ph. Send your questions and comments on anything gaming to
eduyisgood@gmail.com or
gamexads@yahoo.com.
»horoscope ments fall into place. Delay the launch for later.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) —
BY NANCY BLACK AND STEPHANIE CLEMENTS
TODAY’S birthday (5/2/10). The emergence of inner feelings through dreams or contempla- tion creates an urge to change your typical creative style. This year, you strengthen your artis- tic foundation by practicing old skills and learning new ones. Express your love in your work.To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most chal- lenging.
Aries (March 21-April 19) —
Today is an 8 — You’re on top of your game, and everything goes according to plan. Lighten the pressure and add enthusiasm. Cash flow improves.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) —
Today is a 6 — The increasing aware- ness of an associate’s needs allows you to invoke your creative abilities for a solution. Dig deep for just the right method.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) —
Today is a 6 — Fun ideas abound. They range from creating art (and maybe drawing an image from a dream) to appreciating it with a good movie. Choose!
Cancer (June 22-July 22) —
Today is a 7 — Your energy is dis- persed, reflecting active dreams filled with creative inspiration. To make progress, begin with practical steps.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is
an 8 — You make creative strides with little effort. Associates go along with your plan, and financial require-
Today is an 8 — What recently seemed like a heavy responsibility now becomes an opportunity. You see multiple paths to a productive out- come. The choice is yours.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today
is a 6 — Imagine a day in which everything you do happens quickly and easily, as if by magic. Transform your surroundings and your attitude with cooperation from family.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) —
Today is a 9 — Put your creative projects on the front burner today. Your partner, family and associates are all thinking alike now. Take advantage.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) —
Today is an 8 — You get tons of work done today and celebrate family events as well. Direct your passions toward activities that build self- esteem for everyone.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) —
Today is a 6 — The creative energy at work is awesome. Others share intuitive insights for change. Practical applications may elude you until later.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) —
Today is a 6 — If possible, focus your creative efforts on home projects. You have enthusiastic support and plenty of energy.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) —
Today is a 6 — You recall an earlier time. As you consider the details, you realize that you can re-create that scene and bring magic to your rela- tionships.
(C) BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC. INC.
ED RICHELLE UY
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