When presented with the game “Snapshot Adventures: Secret of Bird Island”, a brief synopsis of the game itself, and instructions for download, I was excited and eager to get started. The name itself is catchy, and as I would find out after playing for a few rounds, so is the game! The download itself is small, a mere 50 megabytes, and took less than a minute to download on a cable Internet connection.

The installation instructions were concise and clear, and the installation itself was quick and painless. Within five minutes of receiving the download instructions, the game was installed and ready for play. The initial start-up of the game brings you to an activation screen that requires Internet access, however once the game has been activated it can be played without the Internet connection.

Ready to begin play, I activated the game and within moments was presented with a screen of vibrant and rich color, which was crisp and easy on the eyes. This was the main menu. Here, I was given many options, the first being the creation of my user profile. Typing in my name, the main menu changed to include the now active profile name. From this menu you can play in story mode, create your own bird, email photos you’ve taken to a friend, view your field journal, or even offer feedback to the developers of the game!

Each screen fluidly shifts based on your menu choices, animations are clean and smooth. The game is brought to you by Large Animal Games and published by iwin.com. Having seen the caliber of games iwin.com is known to put out, I can say with all honesty I am impressed with this one.

Story mode starts with a background as to why you’re playing. In the game your grandfather has gone missing from a plane crash, as both a newspaper article and a letter from the coast guard tell you. Six months later you find a shoebox containing a field journal, a camera, and a map of the United States. An odd message from your grandfather is revealed within, and investigation of the map gives you the name and address of several individuals. It is here that your quest, and the game, begins.

Your first mission is to capture five pictures of a robin. This is your first chance to use your camera to earn points and complete game objectives.

I found the camera interface to be quite easy. It’s point and click, and the capture area is a square that zooms in automatically. Moving your mouse over the screen, the capture area shows you a closer view and once you’ve got the bird you’re trying to take a picture of in that square you simply left-click and the picture is taken.

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The story behind The Happening sounds interesting. There is a paranoid family on the run from a natural crisis that presents a huge threat to humanity. It’s a thriller. It sounds like something I would watch. Of course, that was until I found out M. Night Shyamalan wrote and will direct it, which was when the worry set in.

He had a career that started out so well. The Sixth Sense was genius and that was about it. Then we had a downward spiral of sucktastic stupidity including Signs (Is it just me or was Mel drunk through this entire movie?), The Village (What the f-ck was Joaquin thinking?), and Lady in the Water. I am baffled that any studio would even give him as much as the $57million dollar budget he’s been offered for The Happening.

Now here’s where things get interesting. In fact, for me, they even become bothersome. There are some good actors attaching themselves to this flick. Among the most current, according to Variety, are Mark Walhberg and Zooey Deschanel. So, two good actors that have starred in some of the best and some of the most unique flicks in recent times have decided to be in The Happening. Did I mention that it was The Happening by M. Night Shyamalan?

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The Following Takes Place Between Degree Men and the Fox Hit Drama ‘24′

Landmark Multi-Tiered Campaign Provides Viewers With an Insider’s Perspective of the Emmy Award-Winning Series

CHICAGO, IL January 15, 2007 — Degree Men has announced an extensive relationship with the FOX’s award winning tv series, 24, that includes television advertising, original online content, as well as deep retail cross-promotions. Throughout the year-long campaign, Degree Men will power exclusive ‘24′-themed content that provides viewers with an insider’s perspective of the celebrated show.

This landmark, fully integrated effort will feature:

• National television advertising that mirrors the look and feel of ‘24′
• Online short films that follow the adventures of Jason Blaine, a rookie at CTU
• “Day Zero,” a flash-animated series prequel that will delve into never-before-seen events that took place before the series began
• In-store cross promotions with ‘24′ DVD releases
• Unique interactive experiences at a new website, the CTU Rookie Site

“We’re confident this program will redefine entertainment partnerships,” said Sam Chadha, marketing director, deodorants, Unilever. “From action-packed television and internet content inspired by the Emmy award-winning series to innovative in-store and Web experiences, the Degree Men integrated activities around this new partnership will deliver arresting, attention-grabbing entertainment.”

In conjunction with the launch of season six of ‘24′ on January 14, 2007, America will be introduced to “The Rookie,” a series of short online films that follow the adventures of the newest member of CTU. The rookie is Jason Blaine, a character who will star in two different storylines, “Coffee Run” and “Get This To… ” that will premiere in their entirety exclusively at the CTU Rookie Site. Additionally, each short film will be turned into a series of episodic national television commercials that end with a “24-esque” cliffhanger.

Both long-time and casual fans of the show will recognize that “The Rookie” follows the signature style and high-tension situations of ‘24.’ Rodney Charters, ASC, CSC, who has directed past episodes of ‘24′ and is the current director of photography, directed the films. Various members of ’24’s’ key production crew and stunt coordination teams also participated in the production of the two films. The short films, along with the series of national commercials, were created and produced by MindShare Entertainment and Science + Fiction.

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It is not very often that we in this or any country stop to take a look at how our sick, disabled, and elderly are treated. If you have money you are able to buy the best treatment and services to cure what ales you, but if you do not have money you are dependent on health programs, food programs, and charities to help you with basic necessities. In the US, those organizations can be scarce, especially in a bad economy as money is harder to come by, but imagine if you live in a country where even less help is available.

Every day in places around the world people lose their jobs and with it their main source of income. Some may deserve to lose their jobs for one reason or another, but others might be downsized or they might be ill and let go because the company does not want to pay health insurance or does not feel the person can do their job correctly.

In the case of the ill and unemployed does it not become our responsibility, the able-bodied and managed person, to care for those who need our help? This is not to say that you should be hand feeding them or wiping their unmentionables, but shouldn’t it be the responsibility of those who can afford it, to ensure that the ill have heat, food, water, electricity, and the other basic necessities of life?

This is not an issue of politics it is an issue of right and wrong. On Tuesday, a woman from New Zealand died when a power company shut off her power. This was a 44-year old woman who was dependent upon oxygen to live. Despite being told that, the company representative shut her power off and within two hours the woman collapsed and was unable to be revived. This was a woman that had four children, one as young as five years old. She died because her power bill was past due.

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FABULOUS FLAMBOYANCE AND FROCKS

The Hilarious Aussie Outback Escapade Arrives June 5
From MGM Home Entertainment

Special Edition Includes Deleted Scenes, Documentaries, Audio Commentary, Featurettes, Photo Galleries And More

LOS ANGELES, CA – Spectacular adventures meet spectacular outfits in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Extra Frills Edition DVD. The fabulously funny cult favorite sparkles like never before in an all-new Special Edition DVD arriving June 5, 2007 from MGM Home Entertainment. Starring Guy Pearce (Factory Girl, L.A. Confidential), Hugo Weaving (The Matrix, The Lord of the Rings trilogy), and Terence Stamp (Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace), the Academy Award®-winning film (Best Costume Design, 1995) follows a trio of high-drama drag queens as they head to the Australian outback to perform at a new Casino.

The wickedly funny action heats up as the ostentatious pack try to brave the rugged desert. Regarded as a camp classic, the film has since achieved cult status and inspired a musical version, which opened in Sydney in 2006. Directed by multi-award winning* Australian director and screenwriter Stephan Elliot (Frauds), The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Extra Frills Edition DVD stylishly arrives loaded with bonus features including audio commentary, featurettes, deleted scenes, bloopers and a fabulous photo gallery. The single disc Special Edition will be available for the suggested retail price of $19.98 U.S./$25.98 Canada.

Synopsis:
With a contract to perform a drag show way out in the Australian desert, Bernadette (Stamp), Tick (Weaving) and Adam (Pearce) each have a personal reason for wanting to leave the safety of Sydney. Christening their battered tour bus “Priscilla,” these wickedly funny drama queens head for the outback…where their spectacular adventures are more than matched by their spectacular outfits.

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Archaeological addicts will love “Jewels of Cleopatra” as this game was made just for them. Travel through each tile matching puzzle to explore the wonders of this Egyptian based game. If you like the excitement of uncovering the next new find then “Jewels of Cleopatra” definitely has something to offer you. From the start you can expect a simple download procedure and a quick install without any problems.

In “Jewels of Cleopatra” you will become Dr. Felicity Turnstone. Your job is to uncover nine different ancient artifacts that were buried in nine different temples along the Nile Valley. Keep in mind though not everyone you deal with in the game will be a help to you. Shady McGrady, the art dealer in the game, is sure to be trouble. It becomes your sole purpose to match as many gems as you can in order to move through the game faster than he can and trust me when I say this is not always the easiest thing to do!

If you have played games such as “Gem Shop” or “Jewel Quest” then you will be right at home when playing “Jewels of Cleopatra”. As you match three stones they will turn gold and allow you to travel along them on your quest to reach the door and finish the level. You do not need to clear the board by turning it all gold. You only need enough gold stones to move to the end of the line. If you clear the board you get more points, but these points don’t do anything more than rack up a higher score.

Despite only having nine major goals there are over 100 levels in total, which offers a lot of game play. On the downside, the game is not extremely challenging, except when you are racing Shady, and there is only one game play mode. While your goal is to uncover the nine artifacts you cannot do that without successfully matching the tiles and moving through the levels. The heart of the game is all about the puzzle and tile matching.

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DRAKMAR: A VASSAL’S JOURNEY FOLLOWS A FANTASY-LOVING TEENAGER’S SEARCH FOR ACCEPTANCE WHEN THE HBO FAMILY DOCUMENTARY DEBUTS JUNE 17

Moving and funny, the HBO Family documentary DRAKMAR: A VASSAL’S JOURNEY is a portrait of 14-year-old Colin Taylor, a high-school freshman in San Diego and a devoted member of the Kingdom of Terre Neuve, a San Diego-based medieval reenactment and role-playing group. The exclusive presentation chronicles Colin’s life, both in and out of “game,” including his relationships with his family, his high school classmates, and his knight and father figure, Sir Cledwyn ap Llanwst (a.k.a. Scott Mallory).

The special follows the witty, dragon-loving Colin (a.k.a. “Drakmar”) on his voyage to becoming a “man at arms.” An extraordinary story of a teenager’s search for approval from his knight, love from his unknown father, and acceptance from a world that has labeled him an outcast, DRAKMAR: A VASSAL’S JOURNEY debuts SUNDAY, JUNE 17 (5:45-7:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO Family.

Other HBO Family playdates: June 22 (1:15 p.m., 8:45 p.m.), 27 (4:25 p.m.) and 30 (11:30 p.m.).

Filmmakers Destin Daniel Cretton and Lowell Frank met Colin while shooting a different documentary project. They fell in love with the boy’s charming personality and quickly changed their focus. Intending to make a film about people who loved knights, dragons and role-playing, the directors saw their stereotypic view of Colin fade away during filming. In the process, they chronicled Colin’s older brother’s search for - and the reunion of both boys with - the biological father Colin never knew. The result was a multi-dimensional documentary about real people who face the same struggles as everyone else.

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I can already see the hate mail I am going to get for this. “These girls have no guidance. You cannot blame them!” or “Paris & Lindsay are twits, but don’t bash Britney. She’s had like a hard life. Ok?” However, I can blame them for being lame, anorexic looking, drug addicted, spoiled, selfish little brats.

The reason why, is because not only are they over the age of consent (which means they consented to their own stupidity), they should know how to handle the press for as long as all three of them have been in the spotlight.

Let’s start with Britney. Britney Jean Spears was born December 2, 1981 in McComb, Mississippi. This makes Brit Brit 25 years old. She’s not even a year younger than I am (my birthday, for reference, is 12-26-80). Yet, you have never seen me gallivanting out with my friends, with the family jewels exposed. I don’t make sarcastic little statements when my friends (aka the Paparazzi) tell lies about me. I don’t drop my children or act careless when riding with them in the car.

Britney is special. She loves her boo boos. She’s been caught lip synching, doing drugs/alcohol, and making a fool of herself in public. Let’s not even mention the shaved head thing. Britney is supposed to be a mother, and a role model for young girls. I wouldn’t let my daughter near a Britney Spears CD if I thought she would start to act like Britney. The truly sad thing is I feel bad for her two little boys who aren’t getting the guidance from Mommy that Mommy so desperately needs herself.

Next up is Paris. Paris Whitney Hilton (sounds so pretentious doesn’t it?) was born February 17, 1981 in New York City, NY. What happened to old money? That is all I can say. There used to be a standard for how socialites and high society women acted. Apparently Paris did not get the memo. Her behavior, by far, disgusts me the most of all three of these young women. Paris is supposed to be high society, and she personifies the ugly side of having a lot of money.

The biggest problem I have with Paris is her lack of responsibility for her actions. She parties, stumbles around drunk, has received multiple DUIs, makes sex tapes, has broken other laws, and she does not really seem to give a flying f-ck whether there are consequences or not. Quite often, it appears Ms. Hilton believes that she is above the law and her money can get her out of anything and everything she has done that is illegal. Nobody should be above the law, no matter how rich they are, but that does not seem to faze Paris.

Finally, we have Lindsay Dee Lohan (I’m not even going there) born on July 2, 1986 in the Bronx. Lindsay is younger than our other two “diva wannabes” yet she could be their triplet. First there was partying. Then there was her anorexia scare. Then she got berated by Jane Fonda for her terrible behavior on the set of Georgia Rule. Then there was more partying, drinking (underage of course), a stint in rehab, and finally the latest Lindsay debacle…a DUI. Didn’t she learn from Paris what happens when someone drinks and drives?

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If you have ever watched old game shows you are no stranger to Family Feud. This wildly popular show would pit family against family to see who could come up with some of the best responses to unique survey questions. The game is remarkably similar. Based on 100 responses it is the job of each family member to figure out what’s on the board. The beginning of each question starts with a family face off.

You will want to watch out for the time limit. If you aren’t sure of an answer you might find it beneficial to put in anything you can think of in an attempt to stay in the game. If you get it wrong or don’t answer at all you get a strike. So, if you put in something there is at least a chance that you will get one of the answers. If you make it to fast money and get over 200 points you will win a major amount of money (which are really just points) as a prize for having what it takes to rule the “Feud”. Additionally, you can scam some extra points when you get all the number one answers on the fast money boards. Like always, you have two chances to get the answers so you have more than one chance to get it right.

This game will work best for game show fanatics. A major plus is that you can easily play the game in ten minutes. If you’re looking for a quick way to relieve some boredom or want to play a game, but only have a few minutes, “Family Feud II” is an excellent option. Of course, if you want to play all day or play with friends you can use the team mode and play against them. All in all, “Family Feud II” manages to be more fun than the last and is well worth the one minute download.

Check out this game and many others at Arcade Town. You can choose the Free Download or you can Purchase “Family Feud II”.

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Written by Ashtyn - Visit My Website
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Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. (She really is friendlier than we make her look).

FIVE FINALISTS FOR FIRST-EVER UGC CATEGORY “BEST MOVIE SPOOF” HAVE BEEN SELECTED

Voting For The Five Finalists Begins Today at The MTV Movie Awards Website

Winner Announced Live at “2007 MTV Movie Awards” on Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 8PM/7c From The Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA

The lucky finalists who will have the chance to realize their dreams of standing on stage at the “2007 MTV Movie Awards” to accept the legendary golden bucket of popcorn in front of Hollywood’s movers and shakers are…

-QUENTIN TARANTINO’S LITTLE MISS SQUIRTGUN - Skylar
Stone-Clipner, St. Louis, Missouri - Lil’ Miss Sunshine wins tickets to the MTV Movie Awards and goes on a trip to meet Angelina Jolie.

-TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE REHAB - Noah Harald, Mill Meadow, California - You drink - you die! No, no, no - you won’t want to go to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Rehab.

CASINO ROYALE WITH CHEESE - Bill Caco, Cleveland, Ohio - James Bond gets teamed up with an unlikely partner on his very first mission.

TEXAS CHAINSAW MUSICAL - Zan Passante, Dumont, New Jersey - Pleatherface discovers a twinkle in his eye for musicals and learns life is more than a massacre.

UNITED 300 - Andy Signore, Ambler, Pennsylvania - Flight 300 has some unexpected visitors…Shot in 5 hours, for just over $1000 bucks.

“This has been a fantastic opportunity for burgeoning filmmakers to not only create original work but also have a national platform to get it noticed,” said Karin Gilford, Yahoo!’s general manager of Entertainment. “We are incredibly pleased with the results, as we have had hundreds of submissions of truly inspired spoofs. The hard part will be picking the winner out of so many great candidates!”

The excitement of the fans continues to grow and the proof can be seen on MTV.com, where the Movie Awards was up 35% increase from week prior. To-date the movie awards area of the site has received nearly 700K visits and nearly 3.7 million pageviews.

Through “MTV Movie Awards on Yahoo!,” aspiring filmmakers were given the opportunity to showcase their twisted genius and story-telling talent by submitting their own original movie shorts parodying films from the past year. Starting April 23rd, viewers had the opportunity to submit their own original movie shorts parodying films from the past year where visitors were able to rate and discuss the submissions. Fans can vote
for “BEST MOVIE SPOOF” by visiting The MTV Movie Awards Website beginning today, May 29th through Saturday, June 2nd.

In addition to the movie spoof award, the interactive site encourages viewers to create their own culture of sorts — whether it’s commenting on the user-generated submissions or posting videos. Select content from the site will also take center stage at the awards on a “Video Wall” that will be integrated into the live broadcast, putting the power back in the hands of the fans.

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Written by Ryan the Admin - Visit My Website
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Ryan is from California. He graduated from USC with a degree in English. In his free time, when he isn't working as a Literary Illusions gopher (er...editor) he enjoys writing short stories.