Guitar hero is a fun music based game for the ps2. The developer of Guitar hero, Harmonix, had previously created Amplitude and before that Frequency. All three of these games are music based games where you have to strum or button your way through a song. Frequency was the first, and in my opinion (and that of my friends) better than the sequel Amplitude. While Amplitude had a much better shared multiplayer view, the songs weren't as good and the sense of actually playing the music was much decreased in Amplitude. So when the guys come over to play games at my place, we usually plop in Frequency and not Amplitude.

Guitar hero carries on the tradition, and I think is an improvement over Amplitude. It actually includes a guitar controller, which is a half-size plastic guitar with five coloured buttons on the neck. You "strum" a two inch long lever, and the guitar even includes a bendy bar. But you don't have to use this peripheral if you don't want to. Using the controller feels very much like Frequency or Amplitude, except that you sometimes have to hold down the notes over time, which wasn't a feature in the previous games.

But the guitar peripheral makes it so much more fun, you'll want to use it. The joystick ability really only comes in handy when you play in two-player mode against a friend and can't afford to buy a second guitar.

But how do you actually play a song? easy to learn, difficult to master. The coloured buttons on the neck correspond to coloured dots on the moving score of the song. The score actually approaches you, and as coloured dots approach and cross a line right in front of you, you have to have the correct coloured button held down as you strum the guitar. Then the note will change to a different one, so you have to change your fingering before your next strum. It is easier than it sounds. Check the ign website for Guitar hero videos.

How is it? Fun fun FUN! This is one great game with great songs, and great multiplayer action. I've only played it multiplayer with a controller, but getting a second guitar in there would be even more of a blast. I had my friends over to play this game and they all raved about it. If you like listening to music and have a ps2, then you owe it to yourself to at least try this game.

Problems? Yes, a few. My biggest complaint (though not that big in absolute terms - this is a great game) is that the mapping of music tracks to game tracks isn't as fun as many of the tracks in Frequency and Amplitude were. In those game you'd really get into a groove and really enjoy how the tracks were arranged by the developers. Guitar hero doesn't have quite the same creativity when it came to laying down the tracks. As well, the game ramps up in difficulty way too fast. The hardest setting is clearly impossible for everyone without a genetically enhanced metabolism. (This was also a problem with Frequency and Amplitude.)

But don't let those things distract you from what is otherwise a very fun game. And if you don't want to splurge on the full price right away, you might want to try Frequency. It's an older game so is now in many bargain bins. It's a true gem, and you can try out this style of gameplay for less than $10.

¶ 9:13 PM 0 comments

The best golf swing tip that can be given in golf is the rule of thumb that when you are learning, do what works best for you. Take notice how you arrive at your stance and try to do this consistently. Take notice of how you look at the target or waggle the club. These may not seem important to you right now, but will be the key to your success for golf in the future. Also, remember a good routine shouldn't take a lot of time. Take your stance, think positive and hit the ball. Once you get into the habit of your routine just keep on trusting it, it won't let you down in the long run.

Take a golf ball and put it down in front of you. Now put your golf club next to the ball, making sure your club is positioned just right by looking behind. Put another club parallel to it near where your feet should be. To make your shot go straight, this foot line should face a little left of the target. Also make sure that your shoulders and hips are in line. When you hit a good shot, and you will, just revel in it look at the way the ball rolls. watch the ball fly through the air, watch how it lands and think about how the swing felt again and again. this is the kind of shot you want to repeat. It is what you want out of every shot and something you did exactly right gave you that perfect shot.

When poor shots happen, don't get hung up on what you did wrong. The quicker you put it behind you the better. Don't get bogged down with too much thinking. The main thing is to enjoy what you're doing and not to get so caught up in it, that you forget what a fun game this can be. Try to get out there and enjoy.

For more information on how to improve your golf swing and other golf related topics, visit Your Golf Guide at http://www.yourgolfguide.com

¶ 4:03 PM 0 comments

There can be no more exciting urban outdoor activity than throwing a tailgate party. Aside from the fact that tailgate parties are casual and a lot of fun, they are relatively easy to setup. You can also add a bit of pizzazz to your parties so that your friends and families wont ever forget them. Here are some tips on how to throw a party that will dazzle your guests.

You can consider making your own invitations into a unique way. For example if you will be having a football party, you can pattern your invitation by cutting out a football shape, from a piece of brown vinyl or cardstock glued to a lighter colored paper or cardstock. Use white shoelaces or vinyl laces to create the football laces.

For great decorations, choose the materials that will match the interests for that someone special you created a party for. It could be a favorite football team, or a baseball team. Or it could be the things they love the most.

Create games that would be in accordance with the theme. If your theme for the party is about football, there are so many games and activities suited to this theme. And remember, the better prepared you are, the smoother things will move along.

The Football Toss: Each child takes a turn throwing a football through a hoop or tire or into a basket.

Football Relay course: For younger children, do simple exercises with them, jumping jacks, running, throwing a ball...For older children, design an obstacle course that includes football practice moves, more difficult callisthenics, sprints, punting...

You can try your skills at a football shaped cake, if you are a little bit artistic and a good baker. If this seems a little complicated, make a simple rectangular cake and decorate it like a football field.

On the other hand, your theme for the party is all about cheer leading, you could try these fantastic activities and games:

The Human Pyramid: Make sure to do this either on grass or a soft mat. Help the girls create a pyramid and capture the moment with lots of pictures. let them take turns in different positions.

Cheers: Get the girls lined up and teach them some simple cheers. You might even enlist the help of a high school cheerleader willing to come and teach some.

The parking lots of stadiums, traditionally, is where tailgate parties have been held. You can also setup a party in an area set aside specifically for tailgating. Some parties have been held in other parking lots with permission of course, or even closer to home - usually in the driveway.

One of the most important things to consider is food safety. Do not leave unpreserved food out for more than two hours, they may get spoiled. And because a lot of places might not have soap and water, be sure to bring anti- bacterial wipes and clean everything thoroughly before you go home. Be sure that you have lots of ice for your drinks to keep them cold and have lots of paper bags for your leftovers.

The very common dishes at parties are grilled and smoked dishes, but perhaps the most popular dish is Chili. It is easy to make.

A few other things to remember are disposable plates and utensils, napkins, condiments, salt and pepper, bottle and can openers, chairs or stools, paper towels, folding tables, and blankets.

Make sure you are allowed where you are going before throwing a party. Know what the restrictions there might be and what facilities are available. Be prepared to bring everything you might need because supplies will probably be limited.

Following these simple tips will ensure you have a great party.

¶ 4:03 PM 0 comments

If you are just starting to learn the game of golf let us give you the first beginners golf tip. That is to warn you what you are getting into before you learn to play. It is well known within golf circles that golf is promoted by psychiatrists so they lots of customers to ply their trade upon. Another golf tip is that insiders considers the addiction to the game similar to that of crack cocaine. That being said once you are hooked you need to find ways to best enjoy your addiction.

Let us provide you with some beginner's golf tips to set you on a course of mastering the game of golf. golf is a complex game and probably really not a sport at all. In order to get a good foundation for the game you should learn everything you can about the games rules, history and methods. Probably the most important golf tip is to have a good attitude. Without a positive attitude you are guaranteed to fail. The second most important golf tip is that you cannot learn to play golf well without good golf instruction.

A large amount of golf instruction is focused on learning a good golf swing. Obviously that's how a golfer drives the ball to the intended target. The second most focused part of instruction is the mental focus; visualizing what you are trying to accomplish prior to even addressing the ball, This is very important especially when you are a beginner. You need to train you mind to automatically process this mental image prior to each shot. Your teaching pro can explain how this works and he will give you the tips he has learned that allow he or she to accomplish the process of metal focus and execution.

Locating a teaching golf pro that you can work with is very important. The more comfortable you are with the pros teaching style the more likely you will apply the lessons and techniques properly. Your pro will analyze your faults and weaknesses and begin to make corrections. You will start learning beginner golf tips that will immediately help you. Most people are very pleasantly surprised by their initial progress. It is very important that you apply the learned beginners golf tips and techniques repeatedly through practice until they become second nature. Even when you are not actively practicing, you must practice in your mind by visualizing the process over and over again. Basically you are practicing within your minds eye.

In addition to learning the beginner's golf tips on the driving range or putting green, you need to become proficient in the rules of golf. pick up a rulebook at the local pro shop and start reading the basics. If you have questions just ask your teaching pro and he will know the answers. Taking the time to learn the rules of the game will help you in your mental game and reduce your stress when you begin to play with other golfers. This also a good time to pickup the local course handbook. Study it carefully, especially if this is the course that you will be learning the game on. Again this will help you visualize your game and your practice.

Golf may not be a true sport but it is a great game and worth the effort to learn to play well. Applying good beginners golf tips will help you learn the game. Remember to have fun as you learn to become an accomplished golfer. That is the idea of playing in the first place.

James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of Good golf Swing website. Providing information on golf swing tips, putting tips, golf training aids, golf instruction and the latest and best golf ebooks.

¶ 2:54 PM 0 comments