Thursday, January 17, 2008 

Choosing A Video Game System: Which One Is Best For Kids?

In the old days, choosing a video game system for children wasn't all that hard. After all, parents didn't have to worry about games carried by systems like Atari (there was nothing threatening about Pac-man or Space Invaders). Today, however, with the proliferation of games with mature content available on games supported by the major system manufacturers, parents want to know which system carries the most kid-friendly games, ones that the young ones will enjoy and one that parents will not regret spending money on.

Let's start with the Sony PlayStation 2, the best-selling game console on the market today. There are literally thousands of titles available for this system, which cater to every age range. There are approximately 600 games for the ps2 that have the "E" rating, meaning that it is suitable for players ages six and above. However, many of these games are too complicated for young children to play. Games that children ten years old and above can enjoy are rated E10+, while those that are rated EC (Early Childhood) are of course, suitable for the very young. The ps2 carries about a dozen E10+ games, including movie-based titles like Shrek Super Slam for PlayStation 2 and Chicken Little. EC titles that little ones can enjoy include Dora the Explorer: Journey to the Purple planet, Eggo Mania and At the Races Presents Gallop Racer.

Nintendo's GameCube console continues to be popular because it carries titles that are popular with children. The Entertainment Software rating Board (ESRB) lists 263 video game titles rated E for the GameCube, and these include some of the most popular and beloved among the children of today and years past, such as Sega's Sonic GEMS Collection, Nintendo's own Mario Party 6 and Mario Tennis. The legend of Zelda series and several Pokemon titles are available exclusively on the GameCube as well.

Microsoft's xbox and xbox 360 video game consoles likewise have many, many titles that are rated E; the xbox with approximately 270 games and the xbox 360 with so far about a dozen -- but count on the number of xbox 360 titles to increase since it's a new release. Some games published by Microsoft exclusively for the xbox and the xbox 360 and which have the E rating are Astropop and Feeding Frenzy. However, remember that most game publishers release crossover titles, or games that are available on multiple platforms. For instance, Eidos Interactive's LEGO Star Wars (rated E) is available for the GameCube, ps2 and xbox; Activision's Madagascar (rated E10+) is available on the same platforms, while Global Star Software's Dora the Explorer (rated EC) is available on the ps2 and xbox, but not on the GameCube.

What about parental control options? Among the four systems, the xbox and the xbox 360 have the most efficient parental lock functions. Parents are able to set limits on the games and films to be played on the systems. If you set the system to play only E-rated games, kids won't be able to play DVD's or games that have Teen, Mature, or Adults Only ratings. The GameCube also has a parental lock feature, albeit a less effective one. Users note that all it does is tone down certain effects that might be troubling for children (for example, the amount of blood seen in games) but do not block the playing of games at all. It doesn't even screen or bleep offensive language. The parental control function of the PlayStation 2 is even worse -- it doesn't allow parents or anyone to restrict access to video games at all. The most parents can do is to set the ps2 to prevent their kids from watching dvd movies with inappropriate content.

When it comes to price, the GameCube comes out tops. Available for only $99, it's significantly cheaper than the PlayStation 2 and xbox, whose prices range from $150 to $199 (or more if bundled with game titles). The xbox 360, being the newest of the bunch, is the highest-priced. For $299, you get the system and a wired controller. For $399, you get a wireless controller, a headset that players can use to talk to other people online, a 20 GB hard drive that is loaded with game-related videos and music, and a remote.

Parents should go out and try each system personally as well as look at the different titles available for them before deciding which one to buy. Factors such as number and age of users at home, game title availability, and budget should also be considered. Each system has its own pros and cons, and families will differ in their preferences: some will be content with the limited but popular games of the GameCube; some might prefer the wider offering of the PlayStation 2 or the xbox; others might opt for the high-tech features of the xbox 360. But all things considered, making the right choice will provide hours of wholesome, fun, and worry-free entertainment for the little ones and for their parents as well.

Mark Robbins is a gamer providing valuable tips and advice on video game systems, game cheats, and giving new game reviews. http://www.official-game-cheats.com.

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What I Learned From A Golf Swing Guru

The perfect golf swing seems to be the ultimate target for most golfers. Get the swing right and everything simply falls into place. So I began to look into the golf swing and how it can be improved for all golfers at any skill level.

It was as I was doing my research that I learned a few lessons that were to change the way I approach golf forever. Here's what I discovered:

1. Spending a fortune on the latest golf club will not improve your game. Yes, I know that this revelation goes against everything that the golf club manufacturers preach to us. But think about it for a moment. They make the ultra expensive clubs, so they are not likely to tell you any different are they?

Now think back to all the people that you play golf with. Rank them in order of money spent on golf clubs. Now list them again in order of playing ability. I would be amazed if the lists were identical.

2. Keep it simple. The real key to improving your game of golf can be summed up in one word; consistency. By developing a predictable and consistent swing, you will have laid rock solid foundations that you can really build your game upon. Go right back to basics and keep it simple. Once you have mastered the first stage (and not before) move on to the next.

3. Invest in Yourself. To get the most from your golf, you need to invest in your most valuable piece of equipment. Yourself. Spend a little time and effort on the key aspects of your game and in a very short time you will start to see dramatic improvements.

To sum up, you need to put down the glossy brochure and head for the driving range. With a little professional help and a sprinkling of practice, you can take your golf to the next level.

Mark Heywood has been on a quest to drop strokes from his game. To take your golf to the next level, you need to develop the perfect golf swing.

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How Reverse Osmosis Work and Can Benefit You

What is reverse osmosis? The way osmosis works is that it will seek the liquid out and it tends to become one, especially when it comes to living cells. It would be the reason why you cannot drink seawater. Seawater contains salt, it will draw out all the liquid in your cells, and then you will become dehydrated. Treating your water in the home is important to continued good health. Sometimes what you dont know really can hurt you and your family.

When it comes to reverse osmosis, it is when you need to treat your water. Maybe your water is too hard to live with and you need to find something to help your water problems. That is when you get a reverse osmosis system. It will draw out all the nutrients are metals that you do not want and then your water will become softer.

However, how do you know if you have hard water? hard water simply means that you have more minerals in your water than needed. You will find that a reverse osmosis system will just filter it out, but if you use a water softener like salt, you will end up replacing the calcium or magnesium. If you have never heard your grandmother talk about hard water problems, your family is lucky, but if you have hard water, you can now do something about it for the long life of your appliances and for your pipes.

There are, many issues, you will have to deal with if you have hard water and just use a water softener. Most people will get a reverse osmosis system because it is not as much of a hassle, however, it costs a lot more, but in the long run, youll be saving.

So how do you know if you have hard water? First, you will notice that your water has a slight color or smells. It may even taste funny. In addition, if taking a shower or bath irritates your skin, youll know if you have hard water. When you use the water, your skin will feel suddenly dry and itchy. Your skin may also feel like it has a residue. When you have hard water, it does not take the soap off your skin very good. Always look for the signs and if you need treat hard water, do something to fix the problem.

When you get a reverse osmosis system, you will have to change your filter every five or so years. You can purchase the filters online at a discount rate. If you ever need anything for your water system, you can usually purchase it online. When it comes to filters for your reverse osmosis system, you will want to do a quick search and look for some great deals.

Learn more about shop for water treatment system on our site. You'll also find other information such as and GE reverse osmosis. eWaterTreatmentSystems.com is a comprehensive resource for water treatment with information on reviews, reverse osmosis and how it works.

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