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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.

I had heard about Guitar hero III from my 14 year old son and his music teacher, and being a guitar player myself, the concept sort of frightened me at first. I've seen all kinds of music "games" and learn to play this and that in the next thirty days, and almost without exception, most are a complete joke, a waste of money, and usually not any fun.

My opinion started to change earlier this summer. My son and his friends were listening to black Sabbath and Rush emanating from the living room. Curious, I stepped into the living room to see my son sitting on the couch, plastic guitar in hand, jamming along to some of the greatest songs of my youth. Music I NEVER would have imagined him enjoying, let alone ever being exposed to. So I asked him to let me try it. Wow... I was totally taken.

I'm not advocating that Guitar hero will make you an Eric Clapton... but it certainly can help to instill a better sense of rhythm. Also keep in mind that playing the game is unlike playing an actual guitar. The greatest thing about Guitar hero III, other than it being a complete blast to play, is that it exposes today's youth to dozens of examples of good music, from a time and place when actual talent was required to be a musician.

If you haven't played Guitar hero III, an explanation of the game won't do it any justice... but I'll certainly give it my best shot.

This is the third entry in Red Octane's music series for guitar gods! Songs for Guitar hero III include Barracuda by Heart, Sabotage by Beastie Boys, Rock And Roll All Nite by Kiss, and much more! In addition, players can experience an incredible number of added features and explosive content including a new multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a bevy of exclusive unlockable content and authentic rock venues, in Guitar hero III.

The biggest, and to my knowledge, only problem with Guitar hero III for Wii is that currently you cannot buy a second standalone guitar controller where you can compete or cooperate with a friend. Too bad, especially since Guitar hero III has a cooperative career mode.

Also for the first time ever, Guitar hero fans can thrash and burn with new wireless guitar controllers available for each platform. The exclusive Gibson guitars include innovative features such as removable face plates that will allow fans to personalize their guitars and make it their own, and a new button color design that is integrated for an even greater authentic feel and rock experience.

For what the game is, you are not buying this game to play for the graphics - though Activision was able to make the animations more vibrant, and a more noticeable experience. The track list for the Guitar Hero III game, along with the original recordings (including the reunited Sex Pistols!) is a must have. You will get totally taken in when playing this game.

This is one of the best soundtracks in a game to date. You won't be able to stop playing it. With all the original, or master tracks that are in this game, it is hard not to enjoy Guitar Hero III if you are a fan of rhythm or music games.

The wireless "Gibson" guitar is the closest thing to a real guitar peripheral that I have felt. I must say that this is a nice controller, and I did not want to put it down. I applaud Activision's attention to detail.

tiger Woods talks about his milestone victory in the BMW Championship at Cog Hill. Traditionally, a golf hole is either a par-three, -four or -five; some par-six holes exist, but are not usually found on traditional golf courses. Primarily, but not exclusively, the par of a hole is determined by the tee-to-green distance. If the tee-to-green distance on a hole is predominantly downhill, it will play shorter than its physical length and may be given a lower par rating.

Woods

tiger Woods captured his 60th career PGA TOUR victory at the BMW Championship and has the lead in the FedEx Cup points going into The TOUR Championship presented by Coca Cola. tiger Woods again established that no one knows golf in the Windy City better than he does -- with his dominating performance at the BMW Championship. tiger Woods took New york City by storm recently and Jason Sobel was there to chronicle his journey every step of the way. Phil Mickelson had never won when paired with tiger Woods in the final round of a tournament. tiger Woods sat down on the Hot Seat to discuss his greatest fear, hanging with MJ and the worst thing about being tiger Woods.

Open and the first to win a major since Roberto De Vicenzo won the British Open in 1967. Heading into the final FedEx Cup tournament, the open candor of Mark Calcavecchia, ranked 18th, is a breath of fresh air. The former Open champion john Daly had a vivid and emphatic response yesterday to tiger Woods' sermon on the benefits of physical fitness in golf. Womens golf does not have a globally agreed set of majors.

player

Each player acts as marker for one other player in the group, that is, he or she records the score on a score card. The party with the lower score wins that hole, or if the scores of both players and teams are equal the hole is "halved" (drawn). In the case that one team or player has taken a lead that cannot be overcome in the number of holes remaining to be played, the match is deemed to be won by the party in the lead, and the remainders of the holes are not played. The number of major championships a player accumulates in his career has a very large impact on his stature in the sport. These are the four that Bobby Jones won in 1930 to become the only player ever to have earned a Grand Slam. A major result of modern equipment is that today's players can hit the ball much further than previously.

When the game is tied after the predetermined number of holes have been played, it may be continued until one side takes a one-hole lead, and thereupon immediately wins by one hole. The party with the lower score wins that hole, or if the scores of both players and teams are equal the hole is "halved" (drawn). The game is won by the party that wins more holes than the other.

James Young Clark is a successful Webmaster and publisher of www.AGolfersParadise.com. He provides more information about golf and golf issues that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Find out the nitty gritty on prepaid cell phones and 911 service. Find out what prepaid cell phone companies are required to do and why.

Everybody is familiar with 9-1-1 service, which allows you to easily contact emergency services from your home phone. But what about your cell? Emergencies can happen when you're away from home. And even while you're at home, more households are moving towards a single-line solution, replacing their landline phones with mobile.

The FCC requires all cellular carriers to put through all 9-1-1 calls, even when the phone does not have an active service contract. Individuals who have medical conditions may do well to carry an emergency cell phone, even if they do not use a cell phone on a regular basis. It is also an ideal solution for the elderly, who may be at risk while out and about. Keeping an emergency cell phone in the car's glove compartment, along with a portable charger, can help avert a disaster in case of a breakdown or accident in a remote area.

The so-called E911 (enhanced 911) service, mandated by the FCC, also requires carriers to implement a system that tells emergency dispatchers the location of the caller. This has been a part of landline emergency services for several years, and when you call 9-1-1 from your home phone, the dispatcher automatically knows your callback number and your fixed location. But on a mobile phone, there are some technological challenges. Fortunately, the cell phone companies stepped up to the plate and came up with a solution. In Phase I of the FCC mandate, carriers had to create a system that would tell dispatchers the cell phone number of the caller, as well as the location of the cell tower, which would provide at least an approximate geographic location. More sophisticated location detection technology uses GPS-enabled cell phones to determine the location of the caller in an emergency.

Phase II, scheduled to be fully implemented by the end of 2005, goes a step further by providing Automatic Location Identification (ALI), with precise latitude and longitude of the caller, to the emergency dispatcher. This capability has been incorporated into many newer cell phones, but there are still older cell phones still in use. If you plan to use your cell phone as an emergency backup, make sure you have a newer "location-sensitive" phone that is equipped to handle this service.

There is no charge for calling 9-1-1 from a cell phone; the E911 infrastructure is paid for with a small surcharge on normal cell phone services.

Tom Spelling is a contributing editor to http://www.prepaidreviews.com/ which reviews prepaid cell phone plan providers and rates them according to service factors and customer feedback. The site offers reviews on Verizon prepaid wireless, Cingular GoPhone and more.

Timeshare resorts represent some of the nations best vacationing. For those of you who have not visited timeshare resorts or are not familiar with them, here is a basic guide. Timeshare is a resort owned by a group of people who want to use the property for their holidays, while splitting the costs of the property as well as share the maintenance costs. Usually professional staffs are given the charge to maintain the property. All co-sharers get to spend a number of days every year at a minimum or at times no cost at all.

For example, a time share in Branson, missouri with an extensive ground for camping charges the members only one dollar per day. this includes facilities like electricity and sewer hookups, recreation facilities and use of community bath houses as well. The resort has shuffleboard, a game room, disc golf, tennis courts, walking and nature trails, bicycle rentals, bike paths, an indoor swimming pool, and an outdoor swimming pool, apart from two fishing ponds for kids. Owner members are provided discount tickets to musicals, specific restaurants, and even the IMAX theatre in the locality. Most of the time members can stay for 21 days at a stretch after which they must leave for seven days before coming back again. These rules help in an effective rotation among all members and misuse by a handful.

Some timeshares maintains joint usage agreements with different timeshares resorts all over the world, where one can exchange facilities. There are timeshares which are sold on the condition that the owner may choose to spend one week in every year depending on availability. There are others with such flexible arrangements too. At times owners can give their week of use to friends or family members, provided that the maintenance and fee structures intact.

What could be the reason for someone to buy a timeshare or use it? The owner of timeshare is a real owner of the property, and it is preferable to own rather than rent a property. Timeshare also offers a definite vacationing opportunity every year. In addition the number of different locales makes it a worthwhile deal.

The timeshare concept was introduced in the 1960s by a ski resort owner in france. Rather than renting a resort he proposed owning a set amount of time per year on a property. this concept became popular world wide, including the U.S where it is growing more popular by the day.

Timeshare resorts available all over the country. Most timeshares offer free tours and a free or reduced rate, weekend trip to get a feel of the timeshare property you are investing in. this helps in decision making. Whether you invest or not timeshares are great family vacation options which might be worth your money.

Jack Blacksmith very often publishes long articles on news about Benidorm and Costa Blanca. His publications on Alicante can be encountered on http://www.alicante-spain.com.