Solar and wind have some great qualities as energy sources: they’re low carbon, non-fossil, and they’re renewable. But they also have one huge drawback : they are intermittent, which means they’re not nearly as reliable as the coal-fired power plant …
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Why, Oh Why, Did San Francisco’s Famous Sea Lions Disappear? | 80beats
After 20 years in one spot, anyone can get restless. That goes for the famous sea lions of San Francisco’s Pier 39. They swelled to their largest population ever just a couple months ago and then almost totally disappeared this month, baffling local marine experts.
The animals have been a fixture on Pier 39 since 1990, when a big herring run lured the sea lions into San Francisco Bay. The Marine Mammal Center gets so many questions about the 1,000-pound creatures that the nonprofit staffs a small kiosk on Pier 39; the pier’s insignia includes the silhouette of a sea lion [San Francisco Chronicle]. In October more than 1,700 sea lions laid about on Fisherman’s Wharf. But the exodus began the day after Thanksgiving, and by yesterday only 10 remained hanging out near the docks.
Jeff Boehm of the Marine Mammal Center said the sea lions probably left in pursuit of a food source, the same reason they would’ve come to Pier 39 in the first place. But Boehm said the fact that so many sea lions stayed for so long is even stranger than their disappearance [AP]. That is, sea lions tend to travel far and wide rather than sticking it out in one place for so long.
Boehm and other scientists can’t say for sure why the lions picked this particular moment to depart, either. It’s an El Niño year in the Pacific, but the effects have been moderate, San Francisco’s weather has been close to normal, and other animals don’t seem to be affected. The marine scientists aren’t too worried about the sea lions’ welfare, since they’re typically travelers, and Boehm and company say the marine mammals could very well return next year.
That would be a consolation prize for organizers of the 20th anniversary celebration for Pier 39’s sea lions planned for Jan. 15; they saw their guests of honor bolt at the last minute. “The party will go on nonetheless,” said Sue Muzzin, a spokeswoman for Pier 39. “Well, I think it will” [The New York Times]. There are some people, though, who wouldn’t necessarily complain if the droves of sea lions never return: fisherman. One recently told a local radio station, “They’re cute when they’re in here lying on the docks by Pier 39, but they’re not too cute out in the ocean when they’re stealing your livelihood” [Wired.com].
Related Content:
80beats: Who Would Win in a (Legal) Fight: A Whale or a Battleship?
Discoblog: Sixty Thousand Sturgeon Have a Group Hug in Oregon
The Intersection: Sea Lions and Dolphins and Polar Bears! Oh, My!
DISCOVER: Rio, the Logical Sea LionImage: Wiki Commons / Webaware
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8 Reasons The Democrats Are Now Doomed To Lose The House In 2010
The trend is not the Democrats’ friend. At least not in 2010. The party of the sitting president almost always suffers losses in midterm congressional elections. To that time-tested dynamic now add voter angst about high unemployment, big deficits and controversial legislation. Expect Senate majority leader Harry Reid to lose his effective 60-seat supermajority and Nancy Pelosi to hand the House back to the Republicans. Here’s why 2010 is looking like 1994 all over again:
1. Virginia and New Jersey. Big GOP wins in the gubernatorial races not only highlighted discontent with incumbents by recession-weary voters, they also greatly helped Republicans with candidate recruiting for 2010.`
Read 7 more reasons at Reuters Breakingviews –>
Join the conversation about this story »
See Also:
- The Richest Members Of Congress
- Bank Of America’s Politically Convenient Timing On Payment For Taxpayer Guarantee
- Bank Of America Misses Deadline, Tells Congress To Take A Hike
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El Cygnet sólo se venderá a clientes de Aston Martin

Cuando os traía las primeras fotos y datos del Aston Martin Cygnet (un iQ encarecido y más lujoso) teníamos la incógnita de cómo pensaba Aston Martin poner en venta ese modelo y si cualquier persona podría hacerse con un iQ remarcado y convertido en un Aston Martin.
Pues bien según ha informado la marca será necesario tener un Aston Martin de verdad, es decir, uno de los grandes para poder hacerte con un Cygnet. Eso sí el precio del peque, rondará los 25.000 euros y la marca intenta convertirlo en una especie de accesorio o complemento para aquellos que no quieran o puedan moverse por el centro de las grandes urbes con un DBS, por ejemplo.
Vía | Autoblog en español
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There’s a (Government) App for That
Gov Gab was created as part of an effort to communicate with the public using web 2.0 applications. We love getting your comments and responses and letting you know about the many ways you are able to get in touch with Uncle Sam.
Now more than ever people are using all sorts of web 2.0 platforms to talk to their government, and get results.
Think of the stuff that bugs you on a regular basis…potholes, graffiti, damaged street signs- it used to be a struggle to report these kinds of things, so most people wouldn’t bother, and the government never knew about it in the first place to take care of it.
This is no longer the case.
Take to the web to get action! Many cities like San Francisco, Washington DC, and New York are encouraging citizens to post pictures of troubled spots on their twitter accounts to make city governments aware of problems. All it takes is a click of a cell phone.
People are also independently creating downloadable applications using publicly posted information and statistics. Some use GPS technology- making you able to see where local city busses are so you can avoid waiting outside in the cold. Others report crime statistics so you can avoid unsafe neighborhoods while moving about.
What kind of web 2.0 do you use to talk to the government? What would you like to see made available to report problems and issues?
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GSM call encryption code cracked, posted

If there’s one thing that we seem to take for granted with our smartphones, it’s the fact that the only people that get to listen to our conversations are the fuzz and their wiretaps. But that all has the potential to change, at least if you’re on GSM, as the New York Times has noted that industrious German computer engineer Karsten Nohl has deciphered the encryption algorithm used by the 3.5 billion GSM phones in the world. Nohl essentially force fed random strings of numbers to crack open the 21-year-old 64-bit A5/1 encryption algorithm. And he’s published the code online for torrenting fun.
So what does this mean? Two things. One: Having the code alone is not enough to eavesdrop on a specific conversation. Cracking into the algorithm only exposes the streaming torrents of digital data, one still has to be able to pick out the desired call. Of course, there may very well be software to accomplish that task as well. Two: Carriers need to update their encryption algorithms stat. Simply changing to a different 64-bit algorithm won’t stop a similar cracking attempt, as it would be just as vulnerable as the current code. The GSM Association has had a 128-bit A5/3 algorithm available since 2007, but carriers have been slow to implement the more secure code. We hope that’s going to start changing really quickly.
[via: Engadget]
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Earthtunnel Virtual Project Will Take Images Around the World
Looking for a new way to connect with people in the New Year that isn’t Twitter or Facebook and participate in internet history? Earthtunnel is a virtual project aimed at the creation of a 3D tunnel that goes the distance of 35,500 km the approximate distance of one trip around the world. The tunnel is constructed thanks to images embedded in its walls. Entering the Earthtunnel experience is completely free. Once the Earthtunnel reaches its 35,500 km journey the tunnel will be closed. Talk about an impressive New Years resolution for 2010! Better than any dopey weight loss plan.
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Hair Loss Remedies: When They Can Help
There are those who claim they can reverse balding with natural hair loss remedies, and there are prescription medications designed to act as hair loss remedies. There are markets for both natural and prescription hair loss remedies, and the proponents of either have reasons for their enthusiasm.
Rogiane and Propecia
Rogaine and other well-known hair loss remedies contain minoxidil, which is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter treatment for baldness. Other than minoxidil, only finasteride, marketed as Propecia, is approved as a treatment for hair loss, and it was not originally developed for that purpose.
Finasteride was originally developed as a treatment for prostate problems; because it inhibits the production of dihydrotestosterone, it may also prove useful in preventing hair loss. Unlike Rogaine, which is applied directly to the scalp, Propecia must be taken orally in pill for, and has been proven to cause birth defects so is not appropriate as one of the hair loss remedies for women.
The choice of hair loss remedies is largely dependent on the underlying cause of baldness. Genetically transmitted male pattern baldness, in spite of it name, affects both males and females, and can range from a small thinning of hair at the top of the scalp to the complete loss of all bodily hair. Estimates are that male pattern baldness affects almost two in five men, so hair loss remedies will continue to be in demand for a very long time.
The hormone dihydrotestosterone is thought to be the major underlying factor in male pattern baldness; minoxidil and finasteride both decrease the amount of dihydrotestoterone produced from the body’s testosterone. Because of their inhibiting effects, including minoxidil and finasteride in hair loss remedies seems like a logical step, but Rogaine has not proven effective in all users. Some have seen a complete return of their lost hair; others have seen light new growth, and others have not had any regrowth at all.
Other Causes Of Hair Loss
Hair loss can be the result of things other than hormonal imbalances; scalp infections, allergic reactions, and hair treatments which use harsh chemicals or require the hair to be pulled tight enough to interfere with the scalp’s circulation are also suspect.
In those cases, the hair loss will probably be short-term, and the hair will begin to grow back as soon as the conditions causing it are removed. If you have hair loss and think a past disease, allergy, or hair treatment might be responsible, talk to a physician before exploring any hair loss remedies on your own.
To add some to the list are scalp contagions, hypersensitive reactions, use of coarse chemicals for the purpose of hair treatment and treatment which affects the circulation of the scalp. These causes will result in a short period hair loss. These causes can be treated easily and hair growth starts again as soon as the causation ends. If you are feeling that your hair loss problem is one of these causes, then before choosing the remedy you need to confer with a medico. Itâs better as some of the drugs you are choosing may not be solving your root problem and a medico can really help you in this respect.
You can also find more info on male hair loss and hair loss shampoo. Hairlosstreatmentshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Hair loss Treatment. -
Golden Corral, D friendly place to eat
One of the advantages to keeping my grandkids is going to Golden Corral resturant. Theres so much to eat there we always find something for the youngins.Last night, was Smoke Scallops, Baked Fish, Fried Fish, smoked Pork chops, Steamed Shrimp, Fried Shrimp (grandsons fav), Steak, Brussel Sprouts, Brocholi, full salad bar, full stir fry bar, so much I can’t list it all.
Then they usually have two desserts that are sugar free, me I went for the Blue Berry Pie, WOW it was good.
BG going in 82, 2hrs PP 92, and I ate so much I could barely breath. Golden Corral has always been good to me.
Here is a locator if you are interested, sounds like a commercial but I like to share.
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Best Hair Loss Treatment
The Best Hair Loss Treatment for Male Pattern Baldness
The most common type of hair loss is male pattern baldness. Now, don’t let the name fool you, women can suffer from this condition as well, but for the purpose of this article, we will focus on hair loss in men only. The best hair loss treatment for male pattern baldness is a medication that addresses the root cause of hair loss in men. But before you can choose the best hair loss treatment, you need to know exactly what is contributing to your thinning pate.
There are numerous causes of male pattern baldness and you can easily find the best hair loss treatment to deal with each cause. The two main causes of hair loss in men are, of course, heredity and elevated male hormone levels. Both are identified by an emerging widow’s peak and an overall thinning of the hair on top of the head. The best hair loss treatment for your particular case will depend on which type of hair loss you have.
If you’re hair loss is due to elevated levels of DHT (http://www.besthairlosstreatment.biz/)Best Hair Loss Treatment, a byproduct of the male hormone testosterone, the male hair loss treatment for you could be Procerin. Procerin has been praised by many to be the best hair loss treatment. How does it work? This best hair loss treatment works by blocking DHT without interfering with the levels of testosterone in the body. This means that there are no sexual side effects like those associated with other types of hair loss medications. For many, this is what makes Procerin the best hair loss treatment available today.
The absence of sexual side effects isn’t the only reason why many people think that Procerin is one of thebest Hair Loss Treatment on the market. It has been found to be highly effective by consumers. Procerin, considered to be the best hair loss treatment by many, has been proven to cause new hair growth and retain existing hair in a large percentage of men that have used it.
But there are some considerations that you need to make before you use this best Hair Loss Treatment. This product procerin has been found to be more effective in men whose hair is actually still growing. In men who are experiencing growth, this best hair loss treatment can actually help grow new hair and thicken the overall appearance of the hair. In men whose growth has stopped completely, this best hair loss treatment has been proven effective at slowing and/or stopping hair loss.
How much does this best hair loss treatment cost? Procerin(http://www.Procerin.com/) is a two part system that includes an all-natural oral supplement and a topical treatment for the scalp. A month’s supply of both will cost about $50 if you purchase the combo pack. This best hair loss treatment will cost you slightly more if you choose to purchase items separately. You can also save money on this best hair loss treatment by buying more than one month’s supply at a time.
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The A-DATA N002 swings for both the USB 3.0 and SATA II teams
A-DATA is looking to the future with the N002. The flash drive kicks it with both USB 3.0 and SATA II interfaces, which means that it must be fast. And it is, friends. A-DATA is claiming it’s really fast.The drive utilizes 8-channel architecture to deliver 200 MB/s read and 170 MB/s write speeds. Of course if you don’t have USB 3.0 yet, the interface is backwards compatible with 2.0 devices although don’t expect the breakneck speeds. The price and availability haven’t been announced, but expect the model to be available in 64Gb, 128GB, and 256GB flavors.
Taipei, Taiwan – December 30, 2009 – A-DATA Technology, the world leader in DRAM modules and flash memory products, launched the industry first ever combo flash drive N002 that features the dual interface of USB 3.0 and SATA II, designed to maximize data transfer speed to the ultimate. Adopting the industry-leading 8-channel architecture, N002 is able to boost transfer speed tenfold compared to ordinary flash drives with USB 2.0 interface by delivering up to ultra-fast 200 MB/s and 170 MB/s in sequential read/write performance respectively.
Ready to hit the market by January, 2010, N002 makes USB 3.0 a reality. It supports all latest platforms that come with USB 3.0 ports, while also being backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports at a lower speed performance. Available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, N002 is ideal for users who are thirsty for super-sized storage capacities with unrivaled speed via the innovative USB 3.0 and SATA II dual interface. A combination of speed, storage and portability altogether into one device, N002 is by all means the most effective solution to access and transfer large amount of data, including high-resolution images, multimedia files and whole lot more, at an instant and on the go.
Users can also take full advantage of A-DATA’s free-download value-add software UFDtoGO and the latest Norton Internet Security™ 2010 (60-day trial) to enhance both mobility and security of their A-DATA USB flash drives with just few easy mouse clicks away.
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Comeback of the Decade: Reading [MediaMemo]
Studies say you are watching more TV than ever, even as you slurp up increasing amounts of Web video. Which means you must be spending less time on something else. Like reading, perhaps?Nope. At least not according to a new study out of the University of San Diego, which says reading tripled from 1980 to 2008, “because it is the overwhelmingly preferred way to receive words on the Internet”:
From Wired’s summary:
Americans consumed 3.6 billion terabytes of information last year, averaging 11.8 hours of information consumption per day. Video and videogames constituted 55 percent of those bytes, but on average, Americans read 36 percent of the 100,500 words they consume each day, according to the San Diego study, which analyzed more than 20 data sources. The study doesn’t cover writing, but a simple glance at Facebook feeds reveals that we’re almost certainly writing more than we used to, as well.
Obligatory “to be sure” graph: To be sure, the study’s definition of “reading” is as broad as possible. So it’s not just talking about grappling with Pynchon, but many less demanding forms of “receiving words” as well. Like skimming this text. Or a text message. Or a Tweet. Etc.
Also, there’s a good chance that you’re “reading” while you’re watching TV, and maybe watching some Web video at the same time. The San Diego study allows for lots of multitasking.
Still, this isn’t bad news, right? As long as you’re reading, you’re reading. And the more you read, the better the chances are that we’ll avoid an “Idiocracy“-like dystopia.
[Image credit: suchitra prints]
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So Much for That Free Google Phone Idea … [Digital Daily]
A quick update on the Nexus One, the Android phone Google (GOOG) will likely uncrate at the January 5 media event it announced yesterday. According to documents leaked to Gizmodo, Google plans to sell an unlocked and unsubsidized version of the device for $530, or with a two-year T-Mobile contract for $179.99. If these documents are legitimate, they would appear to confirm that Google does indeed hope to rebalance the wireless market power structure, disintermediating carriers by selling the Nexus one directly to users who are then able to pick the wireless provider of their choice. But that $530 pricepoint is a bit daunting and it seems unlikely that many customers will be eager to pay it up front — even if they’re given a post-purchase carrier subsidy once they select a provider and a wireless contract. So while the Nexus One might shake the current wireless market model up a bit, it’s probably not going to upend it as it might have if Google sold the device at cost or subsidized it with online advertising. It may, however, set the bar for how an Android phone should be done and set the stage for some much-improved second generation Android devices.
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Paked Parmesan Chicken
Baked Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
1 egg
2 tsp milk
1/2 cup pork rinds crushed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
2 tsp chopped fresh basil
2 tsp chopped fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
in a small mixing bowl combine the crushed pork rinds together with the Parmesan cheese, thyme, basil, oregano, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix the egg with the milk and put in a shallow bowl. Dip the chicken breasts in the egg mixture, then press into the pork rind/parmesan . Place the chicken into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center, 50 to 55 minutes.If you want to kick it up a notch.. use Spicy hot pork rinds..
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China Unicom has now sold 300,000 iPhones
Filed under: iPhone
Things started off looking grim for the iPhone when it went on sale in China in October of this year with sales of only 5000 phones in the first week. Forty days after the initial launch however, China Unicom reported they sold 100,000 iPhones. Now, just twenty days after that 100,000 mark, Dan Butterfield over at iPhonAsia.com is reporting a surge of iPhone sales equaling 200,000 in the last three weeks. That brings China Unicom’s iPhone sales to 300,000. in just two months.This really isn’t surprising considering the massive popularity of the iPhone with some of China’s neighbors and another pretty big country.
It also looks like China Unicom is putting their money where their mouth is when they said “iPhone will become China’s best-selling smartphone.” This week they’ve kicked off a 46-city roadshow tour to promote the iPhone to prospective buyers across the country.
TUAWChina Unicom has now sold 300,000 iPhones originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Beyonce tickets sell out on first day
It should come as no surprise that on the first day of sales, the $1,600 VVIP tickets for Beyonce’s concert were sold out at bmobile’s Brian Lara Promenade store in Port of Spain. The event is part of the superstar’s I AM… World Tour extension to South America for a series of live concerts, beginning on February 4, 2010. The two-week run will end at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain on February 18. Since the tour was launched in March, fans the world over have been rushing for tickets to see the Grammy Award winner perform live. Tickets for what would be Trinidad and Tobago’s first major concert for 2010 went on sale online and at all bmobile and TSTT locations, as well as bmobile and TSTT authorised partners yesterday.
Graeme Suite, manager of media relations at Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT), assured that the company was in the process of restocking the $1,600 tickets at the Port of Spain outlet. Although he was unable to say how many VVIP tickets were initially sold, it is being anticipated that 25,000 patrons will attend the concert. ’A lot of people are excited about the prospects about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and people are making active plans to be part of this unique experience. ’Many people have been enquiring about the tickets at our various stores and we have been receiving a lot of calls as well,’ he said.
Suite said VIP tickets for the ’Ash Thursday’ event, which are priced $1,000, and general admission tickets, which cost $450, were also being bought. This is the first time the internationally-renowned entertainer will perform live concerts in Trinidad and South America.
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The most addictive iPhone games of 2009
There are more than 117,000 apps on the iPhone, including more than 22,000 games. So it’s a quixotic task to try to figure out the best games of the year. But with some recommendations from readers, we’ve taken a look at some of the best and here are the most addictive games we found. We did this list last year, and I think you’ll agree that many of these new games are leaps and bounds better than last year’s titles.
1. Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor (Tiger Style Games, $2.99). There aren’t many games where you get to play spider. In this one, you are a spider that discovers a spooky abandoned house. The art work is well done and it shows you what the world looks like to a spider. You explore it to figure out what happened to the family that lived there. You can walk, jump, or spin webs. You spin silk to make webs by making a triangle or other shapes. Some places like the bathtub and tools are so smooth that you can’t spin webs on them or crawl on them. Then you can catch flies in the webs. If you use all of your silk, you have to find food to regenerate your silk or you die. In other words, you have to plan your meals. If you eat enough, you then have to look for a portal and get to the next level. There are 38 levels in the game, from the weathervane at the top to the basement. It’s a wonderfully creative game.
2. F.A.S.T. (SGN, free). This is another next-generation iPhone game that showed off the great 3-D graphics that are possible on the platform. It’s a hardcore modern combat flight sim, but it’s pretty simple to learn the basics. You tilt the iPhone to steer your plane in a 3-D dogfight. When you lock on an enemy plane, you can fire guns or guided missiles by tapping on the screen. If someone is on your tail, you shake the iPhone to release flares as decoys to draw away the heat-seeking missiles. Getting to the point where you can actually shoot down enemy planes is a challenge, and you may look foolish playing this game on the bus as you wildly tilt your iPhone in all directions. As you proceed through the exercises, you can unlock more planes. It has cool multiplayer options as well.
3. Flight Control (Firemint, 99 cents). This game is a time waster perfect for a long car ride or a lazy day. You are an air traffic controller, guiding planes to their runways from an overhead view of an airport. You have to touch and drag planes to form a route and avoid head-on collisions with other planes and helicopters. The two-dimensional graphics aren’t all that exciting, but the game play is genuinely addictive. After a few minutes of this, you’ll find out why being an air traffic controller is such a stressful job. The game could use more variety in terms of level-ups and maps. It has inspired copycat games as well, some of which are pretty good, such as Harbor Havoc 3-D, which has 3-D effects that make the routing of ships through a harbor even more difficult.
4. Star Defense (Ngmoco, 99 cents). Tower defense games have been a staple genre among casual gamers since the debut of Desktop Tower Defense in 2007. Ngmoco created its own sci-fi version of this game with Star Defense for the iPhone. The game landscape is a 3-D planet with a trail running through it. You set up your defenses along the trail and try to stop a bunch of aliens from breaking through to your base. As you stop each wave, you get more points to set up more defenses. You can beef up your gun turrets or buy towers that can disable the electronic shields of attackers or fire flames. You can use your fingers to zoom in on the action or spin the world to view a hot spot. If you haven’t thought your defense through, nothing will save you from defeat. If 10 aliens get through, you’re toast. It’s a tough game and can hold your attention for a long time.
5. N.O.V.A. Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance (Gameloft, $6.99). Just a year ago, I would have thought that a game like N.O.V.A. would be impossible to do on an iPhone. But this first-person shooter works wonderfully well. You play a retired space marine who is dragooned into service to find out what’s gone wrong on an incommunicado marine spacecraft. When you get there, you find it has been infested with aliens and it’s your job to shoot them all. Your weapons include shotguns, grenades and machine guns; there are 13 levels in a variety of environments. Unlike some other early shooting games on the iPhone, this one has controls that are simple to use. You can control movement with one finger moving around in the lower left of the screen, and you can target enemies with a swipe on the multitouch screen and by tapping the lower right corner. The graphics are as close to mezmerizing as you can get on an iPhone. You can play multiplayer over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections.
6. Cartoon Wars (Blue, 99 cents). This game takes place in a two-dimensional cartoon world where the black-and-white cartoons are fighting against color cartoons. For thousands of years, the black-and-white cartoon tribe was enslaved by the color cartoon tribe. Now they’re in a revolt. You have to lead the black-and-white stick figures to take the enemy’s castle. You can aim your weapons at the castle and produce combat units as you attack. The action takes place in real time. There are dozens of unit types and lots of levels to upgrade. You bow will automatically fire from atop your castle, taking out some of the enemies. You also send your stick figures out to attack the enemies head-on. Your units are expendable and the battles are bloody messes. As you go on the offensive, you can reduce the enemy castle to rubble. The sequel, Cartoon Wars Gunner is also a lot of fun.
7. Jet Car Stunts (True Axis, $1.99). This game is more like a flying game than a racing game. That’s because you spend a lot of time rocketing between platforms, jumping from one place to another suspended in the clouds. Your vehicle is half jet, half car. You can steer the cars on the land, or make them drift through the air. You hurtle through the air and do spins before landing. You race through loops, jumps and other obstacles. You have to race against the clock to get to the next checkpoint. You can try to beat your own times and post the top times to leaderboards. The experience is a lot more like a quirky arcade game than a racing simulation. The game has 36 zany tracks.
8. Doom Resurrection (idSoftware/Escalation Studios, $1.99) This game showed that hardcore games with cool 3-D graphics are quite doable on the iPhone. The story and art are borrowed from Doom 3, a 2004 game with groundbreaking graphics on the PC. The game is set on rails, meaning you have limited control of the movement, sort of like riding through an attraction at Disney to land. You have to fight off the demon hordes from Hell who have taken over a research facility on Mars. You use everything from chain guns to shotguns to dispatch the monsters, and then the game shifts you to another location. The game is a lot of fun and the sounds are great, but it’s on the short side for a hardcore game. You can stop and admire the graphics, but don’t forget to keep shooting while you’re doing it.
9. Need for Speed Shift (Electronic Arts/Iron Monkey, $6.99). This version of EA’s classic racing franchise exploits the better graphics of the iPhone 3GS model that launched this summer. It also runs on the older iPhones. It looks better than EA’s earlier Need for Speed Undercover game that debuted earlier this year. (The game capitalizes on Open GL ES 2.0, which allows for better graphics like shadows and lighting effects). The Shift brand is more of a driving simulaltion, while the Undercover games play more like arcade games. But this Shift game can be played by dummies. You control the car by tilting the iPhone, or tapping its screen for brakes. You can play it in multiple modes: rookie, pro or expert. I raced in rookie mode and it’s almost impossible to crash. You try to follow the green line on a street race map. Shifting is automatic, you get help braking around turns, and thus it’s more accessible to casual players. If you play at a higher level, you get less help. You can work your way through a career with 28 different races. And you can play multiplayer via Bluetooth or 3G networking. The game has 20 cars licensed from real automakers.10. Paper Toss (Backflip Studios, free). Paper Toss is a great game to play when you need a mindless distraction. You flick your finger across the screen to toss paper into a garbage can. You have to change aim often because a fan blows the paper sideways. You can start out easy and then move up to medium and hard levels, where you have to make shots from farther and farther away. It’s simple and addictive. The game has been downloaded more than 12 million times and has been copycatted a lot. You hear applause from your office coworkers when you make a tough shot or “oohs” when you have a heartbreaker miss. It’s refreshing to see a game about wasting time, and it’s just about as fun as the real thing. If only it had a great story to go with it, then the video game industry could make a whole series of games and then make a movie based on it. Just kidding.
There are a lot of honorable mentions. Among the titles that have also gotten a lot of applause this year are: Orbital, Real Racing, Myst, Mecho Wars, Peggle, Bejeweled Blitz, Jelly Cart 2, Skee-Ball, Bejeweled 2, Tap Tap Revenge 3, Zen Bound, Edge, Ragdoll Blaster, Blimp, Glyder 2, Gears, TouchGrind, Circuit Strike, Space Invaders Infinity Gene, Skies of Glory, Civilization Revolution, Canabalt, the Sims 3, Rolando 2, Doom, Drop 7, and Spore Creatures.
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