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<title>Latest Articles by srini28</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/</link>
<description>Articles at ArticleTrader</description>
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<title>Where Should I Start Learning Blackjack?</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/gambling/where-should-i-start-learning-blackjack.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/gambling/where-should-i-start-learning-blackjack.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ <b>The Top 5 Blackjack resources on the web</b><br /><br />One of the most popular games at a casino is none other than blackjack. There are so many variations of it that it is sometimes difficult to keep track of all of them. This is the one game that gives an individual player a good chance of winning at a casino. I have come across many resources regarding this game and the ones listed below are definitely worth taking a second look at.<br /><br /><br /><ol><br /><li><b>Arnold Snyder’s Blackjack Forum – BlackjackForumOnline dot com</b><br /><br />This site is an information highway where the professional blackjack players exchange tips with one another and one of the places where they do this is at the forum that is available here. The library that is hosted at this site is the largest source of tips and tricks on Blackjack and one that all members can utilize to their benefit. This site is detailed enough to provide valuable input to start you off on your journey to becoming a professional player. Even if you are a beginner, you can still get valuable tips from this site.</li><br /><br /><li><b>Blackjackinfo dot com -</b><br /><br />One of the neat things about this site is the software that is available here. The casino verite, is the perfect tool for anyone to practice their blackjack skills on before actually playing the game.<br />Online gambling comes with certain risks which we all have to ponder about like which sites we can trust, which ones we can win money at, the legalities and etc. The online gambling section of this site answers most of these queries in a very clear and forthright manner. The design on the whole is quite nice and the amount of information that this site contains makes it stand out from the rest of the pack. One of the features of this site is the information on blackjack tournaments which should be of interest to professional blackjack players.</li><br /><br /><li><b>Blackjackincolor dot com</b><br /><br />This site is all about trying to delve into the mechanics of the game itself and making sense of it all. This site does not provide one with a ‘quickie solution’ to win at this game but instead goes a long way to helping one understand the vulnerabilities of the game and the system. This site takes apart the game of blackjack, step by step and at the same time manages to keep it all simple and interesting. Most of the explanations they offer here are scientific in nature and the arguments listed here all make sense. The charts given at this site acts more as proof for the explanations that are given here. Take a look and soon you will be speaking the language of a Blackjack pro.</li><br /><br /><li><b>BJMath dot com</b><br /><br />Math is the universal language, one that unites anything and everything. As the name suggests this site is all about math and it should not surprise one as to how accurate they are regarding this game. At this site, there are various tools that are available such as the blackjack calculator that is used to calculate the number of cards as well as the risk involved with each hand. With this calculator one is able to determine the chances of wining the next hand of play. This site also provides some of the best live table tips that I have ever come across. Even if math is not your cup of tea, you can still check out this site for the various blackjack tools as well as the numerous tips.</li><br /><br /><li><b>BlackjackTactics dot com</b><br /><br />Many sites have claimed to provide one with the formula for winning at this game and they have let us down time and time again. This site is all about strategy and offers one the in-depth view of the strategies utilized in this game. This site manages to cover everything from the basic ones to the card counting strategies. The various information that is contained at this site like the latest strategy articles, game variations, game charts, betting systems, history and so on are updated regularly.</li><br /></ol><br />The next time you plan a visit to Atlantic City to try your hand at blackjack, you may have more than luck on your side, happy gaming!<br /><br /><br /><br />--<br /><p>David Kaleky owns and operates the leading site about <a href="http://www.atlanticcity.com"> Atlantic City Hotels </a> and <a href="http://www.atlanticcity.com/shows.htm"> Atlantic City Shows </a>.</p><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Top 5 Blackjack Books in the world</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/gambling/top-5-blackjack-books-in-the-world.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/gambling/top-5-blackjack-books-in-the-world.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ These are my top selections for Blackjack books, chosen from the several dozen books that I had gone through. It does not matter whether you are just an amateur or a professional gunning for this game full time, I am sure to have a book for you in this list. The next time you find yourself looking for blackjack books at a bookstore; these are the ones that you should be aiming for :<br /><br /><br /><ol><br /><br /><li><b>Blackjack Bluebook II - the simplest winning strategies ever published (2006 edition)</b><br /><br />This book is simple and as such is great for the beginners of this game. It lists out the strategy of the game, pointing it out with a colored strategy chart so that anyone should be able to understand it. The hand play revisions are explained in detail with the book setting out to cover the various alternative versions of the game. In addition to all of those, this book has managed to debunk some of the myths of this game thereby separating reality from fiction.<br />This book explains in detail the counting system along with the computer stimulation results. This book stands out from the rest of the beginner books in the sense that it points out the various plays, maneuvers as well many a out-of-the-box moves that they do not cover.  The 40 or so charts as well as the 60 illustrated hand plays featured in this book provide a useful input for the beginners.</li><br /><br /><li><b>Blackjack Blueprint: How to Play like a Pro... Part-Time (Paperback)</b> <br />I would give this book 5 stars especially for its unique perspective on card counting. The basic strategies as well as the card counting based on the Stanford Wong’s Hi-Lo system are all explained here in detail. This book also shows how it would be possible to tailor ones play as well as the bet amount according the card counting. With card counting taking up more than half the book, it is only to be expected that the reminder would not be as interesting as the sections on card counting. This book has sections in it that are more apt for a professional blackjack player, thus being contrary to the part time label in the title. The topics like ‘zone tracking’ as well as the method by which one can reduce the negative swing during ones play are all covered here. This book is a great pick for your trip to Atlantic City, but make sure to pick it up well in advance of your trip.</li><br /><br /><li><b>Blackjack For Blood: The Card-Counters' Bible, and Complete Winning Guide (Paperback)</b><br />This book has a strong element of humor in it and that makes reading it an interesting experience. There are several relevant anecdotes that are included here and this serves to make the book a lot more interesting. This book lists out some of the ‘below the belt’ but not illegal tricks that a player can use to his or her advantage and win some money. It also goes into the counting system and explains it in the form of both math and strategy. I would not recommend this book for the beginners.</li><br /><br /><li><b>Professional Blackjack (Paperback)</b><br />This book is designed more for the semi-pros and the pros; it is definitely not for the beginners. The various card counting strategies as well as the results that one can expect from them are all covered here in detail. This book highlights out the fact that making money from blackjack is not easy but it also shows you the way that it can be done. This book may seem ancient to some, but it is still effective and relevant today. Before you take any hasty decision like leaving your job for this game, it may be a good idea to go through this book so that you know what you are in for.</li><br /><br /><li><b>Blackbelt in Blackjack: Playing 21 as a Martial Art</b><br />This book was authored by none other than Arnold Snyder, one of the grandmasters of this game. As such, Snyder has provided the details on some of the tricks that he himself had used like shuffle tracking, team play, multiple decks and camouflage techniques. As you can see, this book is meant more for the professionals of this game. In addition to that, card counting as well as the various card counting systems are also covered here. Besides covering them, this book also points out the details with regard to most of them like the deadly red 7 count, the hi-lo count, the zen count, the true count, and so much more.</li><br />This is the list and now you can pick the one that closely relates to your skill level in blackjack. With the book of your choice, you should be all set to have a good time during your next trip to Atlantic City!<br /><br /></ol><br /><br />--<br /><p>David Kaleky owns and operates the leading site about <a href="http://www.atlanticcity.com"> Atlantic City Hotels </a> and <a href="http://www.atlanticcity.com/shows.htm"> Atlantic City Shows </a>. Check out his blog at <a href="http://www.atlanticcity.com/blog"> Atlantic City Blog </a>.</p><br /><br /><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Casual Online Games Cross over to Xbox 360</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/casual-online-games-cross-over-to-xbox-360.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/casual-online-games-cross-over-to-xbox-360.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Online gaming has been enjoying rampant growth over the past five years.  People of all ages have been spending increasing amounts of time playing games on their personal computers.  Companies that produce these games, such as Jenkat Games, (www.jenkatgames.com) have been successfully riding the growing trend of online gaming. <br /><br /><br /><br />But now, as we’re beginning to grow accustomed to writing 2008 on our official documents, a new trend is forming.  Online games are crossing over to video game consoles.  Gaming machines like the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3 are offering their users an opportunity to download these previously “Online only” games directly to their home gaming machine.  From the arcade, to the computer, to the gaming console, video games have certainly become well traveled.  Arcade games that were once only obtainable at the local mall, can now be downloaded not only to a personal computer, but also their home console. <br /><br /><br /><br />The service is called “Xbox live,” and gamers pay an annual fee of $50.00 for the privilege of downloading content for their coveted Xbox 360.  Games like Zuma, Bejeweled, and Wik, are all Xbox 360 downloads that started their lives as downloadable games for the computer.  <br /><br /><br /><br />According to industry insiders, enhanced graphics and gameplay have leveled the playing field between consoles and online games.  Three years ago, the visual difference between a console game and an online game was staggering.  High speed connections were still not prevalent enough to justify bigger online games that required the increased data transference.  But now, thanks to the growing public acceptance of cable and DSL modems, online games can be just as high-tech as their console brethren. <br /><br /><br /><br />Downloaded games seem to be a growing trend that isn’t going to stop soon.  Companies like Jenkat Games and Big Fish Games (www.bigfishgames.com) are creating more and more games each day, and the demand just keeps going up.  Soon, all of your favorite games will be ported directly over to your home console.  With all of the current generation of gaming machines now online.  (And high-speed at that!)  Gaming seems to have entered a new age in quality and accessibility.  One thing is for sure, the video game industry is no longer child’s play.<br /><br /><br /><br />--<br /><p>Lance Hemenway has been writing about <a href="http://jenkatgames.com/download/Build-a-lot/">free online games </a>for major web publications since 1997. If you want to try your hand at <a href="http://www.jenkatgames.com/download"> Downloadable games</a>, visit  <a href="http://www.jenkatgames.com">www.Jenkatgames.com</a>.</p><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>The 2008 Guide To Online Games</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/the-2008-guide-to-online-games.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/the-2008-guide-to-online-games.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Finding quality ways to waste time online used to be a frivolous pursuit.  For every site you could find that was engaging and entertaining, you would have to trudge through seven that weren’t fit for Kevin Federline.  But like fine wine, comic books, or moderately frightening cheeses, the internet just keeps getting better with age.  And with each New Year, come new and better video games.  And this year is no different.  With the holidays safely behind us, and spring quickly approaching, the online gaming community stands poised to unleash a fabulous torrent of new and exciting online games in 2008. <br /><br /><br /><br />Companies like “Jenkat games” and Big Fish Games are at the vanguard of bringing the arcade experience to your personal computer within the next few months.  Actual arcades have become virtually non-existent in the world around us.  And this shouldn’t be surprising.  Playing games online has created a way for people to satisfy their gaming sweet tooth, without driving to the mall with a pocket full of quarters.  The online gaming industry is booming, and you owe it to yourself to take a peek at the best games the web has to offer.<br /><br /><br /><br />From puzzle games to word games, there is something for everyone out there.  And many of these delightful diversions are actually free.  No, that’s not a typo, or even accidental misuse of the English language.  Many of the games ARE actually free.  This also shouldn’t be a surprise.  Many gaming companies are becoming quite aggressive when courting gamers.  And if the online aficionado knows where to look, they can unearth the very best in online games for little or no money at all.<br /><br /><br /><br />And though some computer users in your home may feel a little apprehensive about playing games on the family computer, they should not.  Many long loved classics have managed to become born again with new graphics, sounds, and revitalized game play.  Games like Mahjong, or even solitaire, rest comfortably amongst the newer games.  And oftentimes, these “classic games” even manage to attract more users than their younger siblings. <br /><br /><br /><br />So make a new years resolution for yourself—one that you may actually enjoy for a change.  Resolve to go to Jenkat Games or Big Fish Games and have a little fun.  Spend some time playing a game or two.  You’ll be surprised at how much fun it actually is!<br /><br /><br /><br />--<br /><p>Lance Hemenway has been writing about <a href="http://jenkatgames.com/download/Build-a-lot/">free online games </a>for major web publications since 1997. If you want to try your hand at downloadable games, visit  <a href="http://www.jenkatgames.com">www.Jenkatgames.com</a>.</p><br /><br /><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>The Future of Entertainment: Gaming</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/the-future-of-entertainment-gaming.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/the-future-of-entertainment-gaming.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Television and film better watch their backs.  There is a new sheriff in town and passive entertainment is in big trouble.  The active entertainment era of online games is upon us and if you have any doubts, do a Google search for "Casual Games" and see what you get back.  Each of those millions of sites offers a different set of gaming options to sink your teeth into.  Even the most avid video gamer could spend a lifetime playing and never half of those web sites.  <br /><br /><br /><br />Video games have been around for a long time, why would television and film suddenly be in trouble?  Games have even been in our homes for decades and people did not watch any less TV.  What is different this time around?  There are three reasons that this time is different.  <br /><br /><br /><br />The Writers Strike<br /><br /><br />If you have not heard about this on the news you have likely noticed the complete lack of programming on television.  The first shows to feel the pinch have been late night talk shows and comedies.  From the very first days of the strike programs like The Daily Show and Late Night started showing reruns.  If you are a fan of those shows you know that what makes them work is their fresh take on current events.  Reruns get boring very quickly.  Primetime shows are close behind, running out of episodes that were written before the strike.  The strike will take a few more months to impact film but as the content runs out people are going to looking for entertainment options to fill the void.  Online games are the perfect substitute.  They are widely available, can be played on a machine you already have in your house (your computer) and offer a little something for everyone.  Online games a clear winner in the writers strike.  <br /><br /><br /><br />Online Gaming is Better than Ever<br /><br /><br />Recent improvements in the games themselves as well as the wide spread acceptance of broadband has make online games more interesting than ever.  With a huge range of games to choose from everyone in the house can find one to enjoy.  The game graphics are excellent.  The games are challenging without being impossible and the whole experience is better than ever.  <br /><br /><br /><br />People are More Demanding <br /><br /><br />People want flexibility in their entertainment options and television and movies are not equipped to offer that.  Most of us want something we can take with us and enjoy in small or large increments.  TV rarely offers anything shorter than 30 minutes and films are usually two hours long.  Online games can be played anytime for any amount of time.  If you have ten minutes until your next appointment you can complete a level or two of your favorite game.  Are you really going to watch 10 minutes of television in that time?<br /><br /><br /><br />If you thought you would never get into video games, guess again.  The era of online gaming is upon us and games will continue to gain in popularity.  Try some of the card games as an entry point.  You might be surprised at how much fun you have.  From there you can move on to search or match games.  Once you have mastered those games, the options are limitless.<br /><br />--<br /><p>David Robinson has been writing about <a href="http://www.jenkatgames.com/online/Cafe-Mahjongg/"> online games </a>for major web publications since 1997. If you want to try your hand at <a href="http://www.jenkatgames.com/download/Home-Sweet-Home/"> Downloadable games</a> vist Jenkatgames.com</p><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Is Online Gaming Addiction A Problem?</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/is-online-gaming-addiction-a-problem.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/is-online-gaming-addiction-a-problem.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ With the increase in broadband in America and beyond, more and more people are spending their free time playing online games.  Everyone needs a distraction from their day to day lives and video games seem to provide a harmless outlet. But what happens when a harmless pastime turns into an all consuming addiction? How do you know when you or a loved one has crossed that line from casual gamer to strung out online game addict?  What, if anything, can be done to break the video game cycle?<br /><br />Online games have exploded onto the scene in recent years led in large part by the increase in bandwidth. Computers are in just about every home and every office. Many people in the US and around the world have increased their computer time at the expense of more traditional entertainment like television, radio, books and newspapers. One segment of the online world, called casual gaming, has grown into a huge entertainment alternative. Casual games are Flash based games that are played online or downloaded to your computer. Most of the games follow a simple premise and can be learned in minutes. Game mastery is what takes time and the delicate balance between easy to learn and hard to master is what makes these games so addictive. After completing a few basic levels you are convinced that you can go all the way. Most games involve puzzles, card games, seeking or collecting. Simple concepts that increase in difficulty as you move through the game. Playing a few levels here and there is one thing. Sacrificing other parts of your life to play a video game is where gaming dependency comes into play.<br /><br />At work the temptation can be almost unbearable. After all, we do most of our important work at the computer. Who would notice if you were to play a couple of video games? It might even make you more productive by clearing your head so you can focus on the important tasks on your list of things to do. But that is where the problems start. One game turns into many. Before you know it the day has slipped away and your work load is no lighter. In effect, the video game that was supposed to relieve your stress has led to an increase. You now have more work than you did before you sat down at your desk.<br /><br />The problem at home is less well defined. At work your time is accounted for. You know where you are supposed to be and what you are paid to do. But after work you can do whatever you want on your own terms. Some people work out, others watch TV, others are into cooking or crafts. Like gaming these are all good pursuits in moderation. But if you are sacrificing health or personal relationships then you have a problem.<br /><br />So what can you do if you suffer from gaming addiction? Well, the first step is to admit that you have a problem. Tell your spouse or your sibling or a friend and let them know that you might need their help. Then go to your computer and delete any games you have downloaded. If might be hard to part with games that you paid to download but it will be for the best. Delete bookmarks to game sites and any passwords you have. Go one step further and delete the emails from those sites. The last step, and this might be the most important, is to find something else to do. Distract yourself. Write a blog, take up gardening or submerge yourself in work. The video game sites will survive without you.  After a while you can test your will and play a game here or there. You will know you are cured if you can turn it off after a few levels.<br /><br />Games are good clean fun but you have to know when to say when. Video games, like anything else, should be played in moderation. There is nothing wrong with video games as long as you know when to walk away.<br /><br />--<br /><p>David Robinson has been writing about <a href="http://www.jenkatgames.com/online/Finders-Keepers/"> online games </a>for major web publications since 1997. If you want to try your hand at <a href="http://www.jenkatgames.com/download"> Downloadable games</a>, visit <a href="http://www.jenkatgames.com">www.JenkatGames.com</a>.</p><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Three Simple Internet Home Business Ideas For 2008</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/business/small-business/three-simple-internet-home-business-ideas-for-2008.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/business/small-business/three-simple-internet-home-business-ideas-for-2008.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ <br /><br /><br />The New Year is the most popular time of the year for seeking a new home business idea or opportunity. It is easy to explain that phenomenon considering the millions of New Year's resolutions that get made during that time. If you are like most people, then at least one or more of your resolutions involves trying something different with work or making some more money. An Internet-based business that you could run from home in your spare time may be your path to meeting your resolutions this year. Read on to find some inspiration and possible ideas for your new online venture in 2008.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b> Ebay </b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ebay.com is the world's largest marketplace for buying and selling new or used items and collectibles. To sell on Ebay, you don't even need your own website or the ability to find customers.  Get started by registering as a seller on Ebay.com for free. Take a look around the site to perhaps get some ideas for what you might want to sell. Watch out for items that are already selling quite well and focus on those.  Perhaps you might even want to purchase something for you to get an idea of how it works. Ebay also provides free training on their  site which can help you learn how to quickly and easily set up an auction. Most people start by selling things they already own but don't need anymore e.g. baby clothes, books, toys or unwanted Christmas presents. Once you've made your first few sales, you can look at sourcing products from garage sales, charity shops or even wholesalers or think about using a drop shipper.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b> Affiliate Marketing </b><br /><br /><br /><br />In Affiliate Marketing, you basically sell products for other companies without the need to buy or stock the product yourself first. It is perhaps the most popular form of online business today owing to the low risk and meager initial investment needed to get started. Amazon.com has one of the oldest and most famous affiliate programs. You simply join Amazon for free and receive a special affiliate link with your affiliate ID encoded into it. Whenever visitors on your website click on this link to visit Amazon.com and buy a product, you receive a commission. Physical products like books or electronics the commission tend to result in lower commissions in the range of 5-10 and sometimes more.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b> Blogging </b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I am sure you have heard about your friends of family talk and Blogs or Weblogs. Everyone seems to have one these days. Do you have one yet? If not, then trust me, it is easy to get one. All you need to do is visit blogger.com or wordpress.com and you can start your own blog in less than 10 minutes for free. Start a blog about a topic you are interested in e.g. your hobby, your hometown or perhaps your travels abroad. The secret to having a successful blog is to post interesting content regularly and thereby managing to attract an audience.You can then make an income from your blog with Google Adsense or affiliate marketing programs.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b> Get Paid To... </b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Finally, there is also the 'Get Paid To' programs such as 'Get Paid to fill out an Online Survey' and 'Get Paid to Participate in Focus Groups', Etc. These are a good choice if you are looking for a zero cost home business idea, but don't want to get into Ebay or setting up a website or blog. There are many companies on the internet that will pay you to take part in surveys, complete offers, participate in focus groups and more. You shouldn't have to pay to join these companies, so do your research carefully before signing up for anything.<br /><br />--<br /><p>Suzanne Morrison works full time on the internet from home and is the webmaster of <a href="http://www.homebiz-direct.com">Home Business Ideas</a>. Visit <a href="http://www.homebiz-direct.com/businessOpportunities.html">Legitimate Home Business Ideas Online</a> to find out more.</p><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Holiday Themed Flash Games</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/holiday-themed-flash-games.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/holiday-themed-flash-games.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The holidays can be stressful with all of the family, food and shopping.  Why not give yourself a break? These online games are fun to play, easy to learn and a great diversion for the madness that can take over this time of year. Turn off the television, put your phone and silent and lose yourself in casual gaming for a little while.<br /><br /><br /><br />As much as we all love the holidays, they can be stressful. Family, feasts, shopping and even parties can really run you down if you are not careful. One way to relieve some of that stress is with some Holiday themed casual games.  <br /><br /><br /><br />Casual game play, as you might expect, is casual. Games are usually straightforward with simple rules and easy to master controls. They require the player to complete simple tasks to progress through the levels.  'Collecting', 'matching' and 'lining up' are common instructions when it comes to this kind of game. There is little intensity, speed or pressure. Casual gaming is gaming as a relaxation rather than gaming as a sport.  <br /><br /><br /><br />That is not to say that Casual Gaming is not challenging. Most games are difficult to master. That is what makes them so addictive. It is easy to get started because there are few rules to follow. But after you finish a couple of easy levels you find yourself in any number of tricky situations. The Casual space often includes card games, puzzles, memory games and word games and most of those are in Flash.  <br /><br /><br /><br />Many sites offer holiday themed games either for download or to be played online. Of those, some require a small fee, usually less than $20 to own the game for life. Other sites offer games free of charge. Some of our favorite games this season are:  <br /><br /><b>The Santa Express</b><br />Santa has completed mapping out his route for Christmas Eve but he needs your assistance to check his list twice and make sure that The Santa Express delivers gifts to nice girls and boys and lumps of coal to all the naughty ones. Your time is limited, so Santa has tuned up his sleigh with a turbo booster which will help him travel faster and help you to complete your delivery goal before the time runs out. They don't call this game The Santa Express for nothing!<br /><br /><br /><b>Holly: A Christmas Tale</b><br />Grab a cup of cocoa, put on your favorite holiday music and play a wonderful new hidden object game, guaranteed to fill you with the spirit of the season! As you help Santa find the items he needs to complete his rounds on Christmas Eve, you will be asked to perform a variety of tasks using some innovative search techniques! There are more than 1,000 festive items to find as you follow along with Holly's amazing story! This game download is guaranteed to be a holiday classic!<br /><br /><br /><b>Christmasville</b><br />Santa Claus is missing! You, the great Private Detective Arthur Knight, have been summoned to Christmasville to help! (Well, kidnapped actually, but it just depends on how you look at it!) Once you decide to stay, you'll meet many amazing creatures in Christmasville, like the Abominable Snowman, Reindeer, and even the mysterious Ear. They will help you discover the truth behind Santa's disappearance, before it's too late! It's one hilarious seek and find adventure with Christmasville!<br /><br /><br />There are plenty of other games you can find but these three are instant hits that you are sure to love. This year you should give yourself a little present and play some online games. It might be just what you need to get back on track and finish your holiday shopping, cook a big meal and entertain your family and out of town guest.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />--<br /><p>David Robinson has been writing about <a href="http://www.jenkatgames.com/online/Santa-Express/"> free online games </a>for major web publications since 1997. If you want to try your hand at <a href="http://www.jenkatgames.com/download"> Downloadable games</a>, visit  <a href="http://www.jenkatgames.com">www.Jenkatgames.com</a></p><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>What's So Casual About Video Games?</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/whats-so-casual-about-video-games.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/whats-so-casual-about-video-games.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Video games have been around for a long time and it seems they have finally grown up.  The era of arcade games is behind us and even though blockbusters like Halo 3 and other console titles still dominate there is a growing universe of online games that fall into a whole new category -Casual Games.  <br /><br /><br /><br />Casual Games differ from other video games in a number of important ways.  What most of us think of when we hear the words video game are first person shooters like Doom, stand-up arcade games like Pac Man or ancient home console games like Pong.  You might imagine a bunch of high school guys sitting around, hopped up on caffeine and junk food fighting for a turn at the controls of a racing or sports based game like Madden 2007.  Those games are fast and often violent.  They are intense, requiring strategy and a steady hand.  One wrong move and it is game over.  <br /><br /><br /><br />Casual gaming is casual.  Games are usually simple with straightforward rules and controls.  They require the player to complete simple tasks to progress through the levels.  'Collecting', 'matching' and 'lining up' are common instructions when it comes to this kind of game.  There is little intensity, speed or pressure.  Casual gaming is gaming as relaxation rather than gaming as a sport.  <br /><br /><br /><br />That is not to say that Casual Gaming is not challenging.  Most games are difficult to master.  That is what makes them so addictive.  It is easy to get started because there are few rules to follow.  But after you finish a couple of easy levels you find yourself in any number of tricky situations.  The Casual space often includes card games, puzzles, memory games and word games and most of those are in Flash.  <br /><br /><br /><br />Large sites like Yahoo and Big Fish have built huge game areas but most good games start on smaller sites like JenkatGames.com.  In fact, some games are only available at smaller sites.  Games are usually available for a free trial online or even as a free trial download but if you like the game you should be prepared to pay a few dollars for it.  And it will be worth every penny.  For less than the cost of a DVD you get hours and hours of casual gaming fun.  <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />--<br /><p>David Robinson has been writing about <a href="http://www.jenkatgames.com">free online games </a>for major web publications since 1997.  His gaming articles have appeared in 9 different languages on every continent except Antarctica.  His current favorite game is Café Mahjongg.  If you want to try your hand at <a href="http://www.jenkatgames.com">Flash games</a></p><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Las Vegas Real Estate Market - A Look At Its Past, Present and The Future</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/las-vegas-real-estate-market-a-look-at-its-past-present-and-the-future.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/las-vegas-real-estate-market-a-look-at-its-past-present-and-the-future.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Real Estate Market in Las Vegas is experiencing very interesting twist at present (October 2007). Let us first assess the past and the current situation:
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<b> 1. The city's history: </b> The Las Vegas Valley has come a long way from its modest beginnings in 1905 as the site of a railroad town. Even the most optimistic speculator could not have foreseen the booming economy and real estate market that is modern Las Vegas. Legalization of gambling, construction of Hoover Dam, arrival of World War II defense industries, testing of the atomic bomb and, more recently, construction of the resort-style lavish, theme-based casinos and expansion of tourism in the 1990s. The most prosperous times for Las Vegas have been the last 2 decades.
Such prosperity has brought along with it a large increase in employment and population figures. And of course, that means thousands of homes were built and the city has expanded to almost three times its area over the last 2 decades. 
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<b>  2. Market Trends and Average Home prices: </b> According to the Urban Land Institute, Residential building permits for Clark County set a record in 2005, with about 38,400 permits issued-nearly double the 20,700 permits issued in 1990. New home sales have nearly tripled from 10,500 units in 1990 to 29,124 in 2006, according to data from Las Vegas-based Home Builders Research. The average price of new single-family homes has more than doubled from $155,500 in 2000 to $330,100 in 2006.
Throughout the 1990's, house prices rose. The period between 2001 and 2005, however, saw a spike like none before. House prices almost rose by 150 rise in rents in less than 2-3 years. Urban Land Institute figures say that monthly rents increased from an annual average of $768 in the fourth quarter of 2004 to $850 in the fourth quarter of 2006. Interestingly, this meant that renting a single-family house was almost the same cost as renting an apartment in some cases. Hence, in the same period, apartment vacancy rose 6. Earlier, I pointed out that prices rose because of two reasons - Increase in employment and speculative behavior. The portion of the price-rise due to speculation went a little too far and is now falling back to more practical levels. However, note that the valley is still experiencing significant inward population migration, which means the prices will bounce back and continue to rise, however, the chances are that the prices will rise at a slower rate, more in relation to the influx of people to the town and the creation of jobs. 
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<b> 5. My prediction: </b> Hence, my prediction is that the downward trend in prices in Las Vegas will continue throughout the first two quarters of 2008 and beyond that, will see a stable phase were some house prices will go up while others will remain stable. In about three years, in 2010-2011, with the creation of several thousand jobs at the City Center and the four new casino projects that are under construction as well as the new industries that are getting created in the valley, home prices will start an upward trend again, but this time, at a regular pace.

Hope your found this article helpful. If you did, feel free to visit our website by clicking on the links below and leave me a comment. Good luck!<br /><br />--<br /><p>Tony Grissom has lived in Las Vegas all his life and is one of the most experienced Realtors in Las Vegas with over 20 years of experience in this business and hundreds of satisfied customers. He is also passionate about the sport of table tennis. Check out his website at <a href="http://www.dreamhouselv.com"> Dream House Las Vegas </a></p>
<br /><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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