Next-Gen Console Gaming!

By TheRabidRogue - MrManUSA Writer

Since the Rise of Next-Gen Consoles, (Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3) Gaming has grown immensely. The single most important factor in this is the Rise of Networking. Through the Use of Xbox Live, the Playstation Network and Wii Online Access, Gamers are now able to not only Play against Gamers from the Globe, but they can Chat, Text Message and even leave a Voice Message for their Buddies! In a technologically driven society, it is not a surprise that this occurred, but an expected evolutionary step. It's a great way to both make new Friends and keep in touch with old College Friends or Family Members! Even though the Gaming Industry didn't quite have this in mind when it was created, it became a Marketable Feature.


While each Next-Gen Console Network has different features, they all share the same purposes. Gaming with Actual People. Let's face it....you can only beat the snot out of an AI controlled enemy so many times before it really isn't that fun anymore! Take for Example: any of the Tiger Woods Series Golf Games. I, personally, am a Fan of this Series. The problem with playing it Off-Line is that it just doesn't adjust to make it challenging after you have increased your stats to the max. I have won Tournaments by 30-50 Strokes! Where's the fun in that??? How many times can you finish the core content of a game and still want to start from the beginning? Maybe with Sports or Racing Games, but I don't see how I would want to complete any Game more than...twice... So connecting to the Online Gaming Community and playing tournaments against Gamers from all Skill Levels adds a renewed enjoyment in the game, thus providing more entertainment for the money you have invested in the Game!

Speaking of of the Value of Investment in Gaming, Online Access has also made available the option of Down-Loadable Content (DLC), thus increasing the Options available! Like New Multi-Player Maps for Titles like Call of Duty or Rainbow Six Vegas 2. New Courses and Clubs for Tiger Woods!

DLC Ranges from Game Options to Videos, Gaming News, Movie Previews and Even Netflix on Xbox Live! Streaming Movies through your Gaming System!

There are many other features of the Next-Gen Consoles like File Sharing and Improved Graphics, but without the Online Networking and DLC, Sales of these consoles would be dastardly low. So GAME-ON and if you are ever on Xbox Live, come find me!

Gamertag: TheRabidRogue


If you are a Fan of Online Gaming, I just viewed a Teaser Trailer on Xbox Live for an upcoming Movie from Lionsgate called GAMER. The Movie is about a Guy being CONTROLLED as if he is a Character in a Video Game! Here is a Link to the Official Site for more Information about the Movie! Believe Me.....if you Love Playing Games like Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare on Xbox Live or Playstation Network, you will WANT to check this out! From the Trailer, you can actually see a recreated version of a Warehouse from the "Pipeline" Map! Check it out! You WON'T be Disappointed!

http://gamerthemovie.com/ For Information!


http://lionsgate.com/?section=film For an Upcoming Trailer!

Parenting Observations!

By TheRabidRogue - MrManUSA Writer

I have been a Parent now since July of 2007. Although I had my concerns about how adequate of a parent I would become, I have since realized that I could definitely be worse. Before you freak out, let me explain myself further. I do not feel that my daughter is any more special than any other child. These observations are drawn from personal experiences.

Many parents have indicated to me that their child doesn't do the things they see my daughter doing. For Example: while conversing with a clerk in a store last week, my daughter kept asking for a “Bee Bop.” That's her term for a Tootsie Roll Pop. As I kept explaining to my daughter that she could have a “Bee Bop” when she gets home, the clerk expressed that she wished her son would talk that much. I inquired about his age and was astonished when she said he is almost FOUR YEARS OLD! I did not know how to reply to her. This is only one instance of multiple occasions this has occurred. It isn't always about how much she talks. It is sometimes about how clear she talks or just simply that she jabbers on incessantly. It is sometimes about how animated she is with her expressions and gestures. Each time something like this occurs, I find myself in an awkward position and state “Oh, He (or she) will get there.”

Now, I admit, I am not the best parent, but every action I take, I attempt to make it with my daughter's best interest in mind. Do I always succeed? NO! NO! And NO! My daughter pulled the cookies off the counter yesterday morning and ate four of them before it was realized. Is it OK that she did this???? I think YES! Once in a while it is OK to have Cookies, Cake, Pie or Pizza for Breakfast! Everything in Moderation! Thats the lesson that it will teach her! I hope that someday that lesson will hold true someday! Maybe when she is old enough to consume alcoholic beverages, it will be there to prevent her from an over indulgence that may lead to dependency! Even at this VERY moment while I type this, my daughter is watching Horton Hears a Who and POUNDING on my Rock Band Drum Set!! But very soon, it will be Bath Time, Story Time and then Bed Time!

Some may think that I have a relaxed method of parenting from what they have read so far, but that is far from accurate. I was adopted into a home of strict Catholics. I clearly set boundaries and ALWAYS follow through with any and all promises or ultimatums I state. Nap Time is Nap Time. Bed Time is Bed Time. Yes is Yes and NO is NO.

So, here it is: Parenting isn't about WHAT you know or HOW you deal with the issue of the day! It's about Setting an Example! Spending Time with your Children! How Better to set an Example than to Spend Time Together??? If Children see you read, (even the newspaper) they will want to read too! If they see you plopped in front of the TV stuffing popcorn and Ho-Ho's in your face, what do YOU think they'll end up doing?? I have finally started asking questions of these people that speak of their child's inadequacy. They don't seem to care for the questions I ask. The sad thing is this: I'm not asking tough questions! They just don't seem to want to hear that they, as parents, may be the source of their children's development issues. Maybe if enough of us start asking those tough questions when we are presented the opportunity, it might change one child's life after some parent gets annoyed enough with all the questions.
And after returning to writing this after just giving my little girl a Bath, Reading her a Story, Getting the Sweetest Hug and Kiss and Hearing her say “Love You Too Much Too Daddy!” I feel hope in my abilities as a productive parent, feel proud to have created such a beautiful creature as my daughter, and renew my Daily Vow to give her as much Love and Attention as I can each day of my life.

Video Remix - Boom Boom Pow - BEP

Russ Castella of www.RussCastella.com. Very nicely done remix! Visit his site to check out some of his other remixes. The MrManUSA Top 5 Countdown is on the right side of the screen, check out the top 5 songs in the country by clicking the play button!