We found the above brain tricks in our email this morning, and lo and behold, looked like idiots at our desks while we tested it. Sure enough, the email proved true. Maybe we’re all klutz’s, but see if you can do it before you go and open your big mouth. Good luck, hot shot.

Barone Firenze / Shutterstock.com

Game Console World Orbit Slows Down in 2013

Gamers everywhere are a little impatient about the slow progress of the game console world. After all, the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 are both almost a decade old, and developers have already pushed them to their limits. PC games are rapidly becoming far more advanced than anything you can put on a console, and massive HD television sets are showing us that our games just aren’t looking that great anymore. Many believe that the next generation of consoles aren’t far off–but unfortunately, it looks like the truth is a little disappointing.

Will the Wii Console Console Gaming Diehards in 2013?

Although game journalists were hopeful last year, most sources today say that Microsoft and Sony are both gearing up for a 2014 launch of their new consoles. That means that the only new console you’ll be getting in 2013 is–you guessed it–the Wii. There is the possibility, however slight, that the new Wii may become more accessible to hardcore gamers, but it’s far more likely it will stay as it is now: a fun pastime for casual gamers and families. While this news is disappointing, it’s hardly surprising.

2013: Era of Casual Gaming

Gaming is rapidly becoming more casual, with an emphasis on iPhone and smart phone games, as well as handheld game systems. That means we probably will see new versions of the old classics like the PSP and perhaps a new edition of the Nintendo DS. The developers are moving towards where the market is, because casual gamers are now showing that they’re just as willing to spend their disposable income as the more dedicated gamers among us. Not only that, but casual games are extremely cheap to produce and open far more possibilities for marketing. This means that Fruit Ninja and Angry Birds can look more profitable than Mass Effect or Far Cry. After all, no one’s lining up to buy a Bioshock plush toy.

Consolation for Hardcore Gamers 

So where does that leave the true gamer? From this vantage point it looks like PC gaming will come back–if only temporarily. PC games have the advantage of better technology, better visuals, and better customization. Developers have always hated working on the PC because it’s very difficult to test, but it’s likely that their want to improve their graphics and their games will soon outweigh those factors. Since 2012 found itself on the receiving end of many fine PC games that ported to console as an afterthought, it’s likely that 2013 will as well.

Is It Game Over for Xbox and Playstation Consoles?

But, all is not lost. It does look like 2014 will be the definitive date for the new generation of Xbox and Playstation consoles. Besides that, creative designers have done pretty well with the old consoles so far. Slogging through just one more year of dated graphics and hard drive churning doesn’t seem that bad if you consider that it’s already been eight years of great games.

Bleeding for Fun

You cannot go around shoving people and elbowing them in the ribs in real life, which is why you have sports. This offers a vicarious thrill, and you can laugh at the misfortune of others instead of having to lick your own wounds. It is inspiring to root for the underdog and cheer your home team on to victory, but the most satisfying sports moments are when someone bleeds a little. If you want some intense action, these sports will deliver every time.

Sergei Bachlakov / Shutterstock.com

Bullying the Bull

Pitting a person against an angry bull with sharp horns is never going to end well, and that is what makes it so fun. This event is shorter than most as each rider usually only lasts a few seconds on the bull. Despite this, the potential for carnage is high because the only way to get off the bull is to get thrown by it. Plus, the event is not over once the rider falls off. The bull gets to have some fun, and riders who are not quick enough may end up covered in hoof marks.

Dirty, Bloody Rugby

Players have to be creative to avoid fouls in basketball, but fighting dirty is practically mandated in rugby. There are no helmets or safety pads, and the only way to stop the player with the ball is to tackle them. Players fly through the air, and teams converge on each other in a mass of angry limbs. This sport was invented for the blood and injuries. Most sports are a spectator event, but there are many local rugby leagues. If you want to let off steam, consider jumping into the scrum.

Soccer Fans, Suckers for Bloodshed

Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com

Soccer does not always involve a lot of personal contact between opposing teams, but things can still get heated. However, the bloodiness of soccer matches is nothing compared to the carnage fans in the audience deliver. European spectators are so invested in the outcome of games that riots are expected when the home team starts losing. Police forces are on often present to prevent violence, but that does not stop the shouting, swearing, shoving, stampeding and all out brawls the fans get caught up in.

Hacking in Hockey

Unlike rugby, soccer and bullfighting, hockey players are fully suited and have protection from the opposing team. This might be why it is so gratifying to see the players get hurt anyway. Hockey has a referee, but that does not stop any of the brutality. There is a reason most hockey players do not have their teeth, and it is not a true hockey game without at least one beat down.

The Ultimate Bloody Ball Game

Some of these sports can seem like a pretense for men causing each other pain, but Ultimate Talk Ball takes away all the pretense. The game boasts itself as the future of sporting and is like soccer but with a giant ball and only four players. However, players do not stop each other by just stealing the ball. Each player is equipped with a taser and is not afraid to use it. While it is the newest game, this sport might be the most violent of all since someone is left writhing on the ground after every play.

Playing a violent video game is not always enough after a long day. The best relaxation method is to grab a beer and watch one of these bloody sports.

Every man needs a hobby. Who wants to be that guy at the party who only talks about work? That’s fine if you’re a champion skydiver or that dude in the Dos Equis commercials. If you’re like the rest of us, read on for a list of the top five men’s hobbies.

Boys and their balls…

1. Watching Sports

Seriously, is there any guy out there who doesn’t watch sports? It’s a great way to hang out with your friends and that cute tomboy next door. Whether it’s football, basketball, soccer, or Nascar, you probably already have a favorite. Add to your DVR schedule by picking some new ones to watch. Extreme sports and mixed martial arts are two that are gaining popularity. If you have no clue what all those Tapout logos you see around town mean, it’s a good time to find out.

2. Fantasy Sports

Now there’s something to do with all those stats floating in your head. Fantasy sports are essentially Dungeons and Dragons for the everyman. In order to play, you join an online league and either choose or get assigned a team from a list of athletes on the roster. How well the athletes do in real-life games determines the number of points you earn in fantasy sports. It’s cheap, too. All you need is a computer with Internet connection, although some sites charge a few bucks for a registration fee.

Just one thing to remember. Some players treat fantasy sports just like a real game. On the bright side, if your team loses, at least the hurt is only virtual.

3. Video Gaming

If the last time you held a joystick in your hands was when the original Super Mario Bros. came out, you’re in for a big surprise. Today’s video games have insane graphics, faster play, and offer more than the standard adventure quest or first-person shooter. This hobby is also relatively inexpensive, considering how a console costs less than a laptop and you can buy or trade in used games.

4. Home Brewing 

Love beer? Interested in what all goes into it to give different brews their tastes? You can make your own, thanks to home brewing kits. This hobby has been popular for some time now, with stores and online retailers selling supplies. Making your own beer is not just a great way to experiment with ale ingredients, but it’s also economical. For a couple hundred bucks, you can have your own microbrewery in your kitchen or basement instead of buying six-packs at the supermarket. If you get really good at crafting your own brew, you can enter competitions at local festivals to meet fellow beer buddies and win prizes.

5. Running 

Aside from the obvious health benefits, more guys (and gals) are turning to running as a social activity. Clubs are springing up all over the country to get people connected. Most of them have weekly events where members do a group run before meeting at a local restaurant to socialize over a meal. People have managed to make new friends or even meet their future spouse this way.

So if you’ve found yourself in a rut between work and watching the eleven o’ clock news, switch it up with these hobbies. The Dos Equis man won’t have the throne for much longer.

What started as a concept to enhance the image of a state has turned out to be one of the most successful achievements in the golf industry.

In 1992 the first golf courses opened on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama. The vision of creating a golf trail came from Dr. David G. Bronner, the CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama. The golf course designs started with Robert Trent Jones after coming out of retirement and have continued with Roger Rulewich, Jones’ protégé. The original courses opened in 1992 and additional courses have been added over the years. In 2011, greens were replaced on several courses. Silver Lakes underwent a significant renovation after tornado damage in 2011.

Now that all 26 courses on 11 different sites are up and running, you are the one who gets to celebrate. World-class golf remains an exceptional value on the original golf trail. Here are a few highlights for the Trail’s 20^th Year:

$20 on 20

On the 20^th day of each month in 2012, enjoy a round of golf on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail for $20. Reservations can be made within seven days of the desired date and are available through the local RTJ sites. Golf carts are not included in the price and play is based upon availability. For $20, the hardest part may be deciding which location to challenge.

RTJ Trail Card/Loyalty Program

Golfers have been very loyal to the Trail, in fact naming it Alabama Tourism’s Attraction of the Year for 2010. To say thanks, the Trail is upgrading its traditional Trail Card by adding a loyalty program to it. After purchasing the Trail Card, golfers will enjoy their seventh round of golf for free. The Trail Card is available to Alabama residents or those living within 100 miles of the state line. Trail Cards are $35 until January 1 and $39.95 after that date. In addition to the seventh round free, the Trail Card offers discounts on golf, merchandise, range balls and golf instruction at the RTJ locations.

Trail Adds Platinum Memberships

Membership has its own privileges and our inaugural Platinum Members of Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail will have plenty.

They receive unlimited greens fees all year to nine of the RTJ sites and reduced greens fees at Ross Bridge and Lakewood Golf Club. They can enjoy unlimited range privileges at their home site plus their own private locker, guest privileges at the RTJ Trail Card rate, 15% off merchandise and clubhouse meals plus 10% off golf lessons. Platinum Memberships start at $1800, considerably lower than a country club membership, and members have unlimited access to RTJ’s world-class golf.  Payment options are available annually, quarterly and monthly. Platinum Membership can be purchased at any RTJ Trail location. Individual, couple and family memberships are available.

10 Millionth Trail Visitor

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is on track to have its 10 millionth visitor in 2012.

Updated 20^th Logo

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail will be using an updated logo throughout the 20^th year. Based on the traditional golfer in knickers, the logo will be featured on limited edition merchandise at the RTJ pro shops and online. The logo will appear in all RTJ ads and will be showcased in an expanded version of the 2012 Trail Guide.

Packages, Events and Promotions

Visit www.rtjgolf.com for more updates on the Trail and the 20^th Year activities. A major celebration is being planned for May in Birmingham. Each location will be celebrating the milestone and special packages and promotions will be added throughout the year and will be highlighted on www.rtjgolf.com.

###

Media Contact:  Bill Lang, 205.965.9574; bill.lang@pchresorts.com

Related articles

• Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Offers Golfing Paradise (mancertified.com)
• RTJ II Issues Public Golf Proclamation (prweb.com)
• Vancouver Island golf courses are playing out of the rough (theprovince.com)
• Stay the Weekend in Prattville and Receive a $50 Gift Card (prweb.com)
• Rio 2016 delays picking golf course designer (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

Blood clot diagram (Thrombus) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Standard advice in that situation (flu) is to be sure to take a lot fluids. Since the body is losing fluids its important to replace them. Evidently Hillary did not adequately replace the lost fluids for it was announced that she had become dehydrated.

Official portrait of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

However, I have noticed that seniors often fail to take adequate fluids (or nourishment as well). They need to be encouraged to do so. I do encourage them (and all of us) to begin the day with a large (8oz.) glass of water. That single act will go far to keeping our bodies well lubricated and our blood thin.

Related articles

• Doctors: Clinton Should Recover Fully From Clot
• Hillary Clinton Blood Clot Between the Brain and Skull
• NBC reporter: ‘Clots from concussions can’t be treated with blood thinners’…
• Doctors Expect Clinton To Make Full Recovery From Blood Clot In Her Head

The holiday season brings no shortage of friends, long family events, large credit card bills piling up and of course the added stress of completing the perfect holiday meal for everyone who comes over to your house on the big day.

No wonder we all could use a drink.

However, if you’re tired of the same ol’ can of beer or the usual glass of the usual wine, you may want to try something new this season of Festivus. If so, you’re in luck because we’ve run across a great list of 16 drinks recipes that will be a great addition to the ol’ bar book.

Even if you don’t try all of them yourself, it never hurts to have some new items on hand so that you can offer them to your guests. Plus, these will be easy to make, since you more than likely have everything you’ll need for them already in your bar or kitchen. There are also some selections for those who prefer non-alcoholic choices.

Click here to be well on your way to enjoying delicious and festive drinks that will impress anyone this holiday season.

Related articles

• Drink special: lion’s tail
• Festive Rum Balls
• Abilene liquor stores report bubbly sales during holiday season
• Infusing flavors into vodka easy
• Bottoms up, coasters out: Festive, drink-serving gear for the booziest time of year

Snow and sleet does not stop the mail from going through so it shouldn’t disrupt your vacation plans. On the contrary, winter conditions can be ideal for vacationers.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia.org

Snowshoeing at Silver Dollar Lake Trails, Colorado

Ever wanted to try your hand at snowshoes? Then you may want to check out the Silver Dollar Lake trails in Colorado. There are about three miles of trails surrounding the lake that just beg to be explored; and while it may be a bit strenuous it is well worth the approximately 2 hour hike among mountains and pines. Keep in mind that snowshoes are no longer like wearing over-sized tennis rackets on your feet as they have improved and are more compact and comfortable.

Snowmobiling Across West Yellowstone, Montana

Perhaps you would rather forego the snowshoes for something a little more exciting; if so head to West Yellowstone, Montana and hop on a snowmobile. It has been dubbed the snowmobile capital of the world for a good reason; after all, it gets about 150 inches of snow that is almost perfect powder for snowmobiles.

If you are looking forward to a little backcountry skiing then the undeveloped, raw and pure area around Jackson Hole, Wyoming is the place for you. Not only does it have what is known as the best powder in the U.S. it also boasts the longest slope; from the top of Rendezvous Mountain to the valley below you will enjoy a 4,139 foot run. And, if you are worried about crowds you can relax as Jackson Hole covers about 2,500 acres, more than enough room for everyone.

Ice Climbing in Ouray, Colorado

Photo Credit: Gummi Stóri via Compfight cc

Still need a little more excitement? Then Ouray, Colorado is the perfect place for you to test your skills in ice climbing. Yep, climbing up a sheer vertical wall of ice is an extreme sport that people actually do on purpose. In Ouray the overflow from one of the local reservoirs forms cliffs of ice that are over 100 feet tall that are regularly sprinkled with more water to reinforce them lessening the chances of an avalanche. Don’t worry if you have never done this before as there are many instructors there and lots of safety features that make it a great place to learn.

Vacationing with Family in Mammoth Lakes, Sierra Nevada

If you are looking for a family friendly winter vacation you may want to consider Mammoth Lakes located in the remote portion of Californian’s eastern Sierra Nevada. Many people consider it comparable to Lake Tahoe but without the huge crowds. There are several places to stay and food choices range from gourmet meals to hamburger joints nestled in the faux Alpine village. As for activities, they run the gamut as well; you can go skiing (downhill and cross country) one day then snowmobiling or snowshoeing the next; then maybe some dog sledding and top it off with a sleigh ride.

There are many great options available for a winter vacation so pack some warm clothes and head off to a new winter adventure.

Related articles

• Dream Ski Trip: Heli-Skiing In Jackson Hole
• Snowshoes in the Sun
• New Direct Flights from New York EWR to Jackson, WY Provide Tri-State Travelers With Western Skiing This Winter
• Art on the Snow by Simon Beck
• Whistler Activities | Whistler Summer & Winter Activities

As the cooler weather moves in you can be sure that the first signs of Christmas will not be far behind. You are likely to see a snowman or Santa displayed next to scarecrows and pumpkins. However, for retailers the Christmas season starts even earlier with Black Friday this year.

English: Black Friday shoppers in the morning at Wal-Mart store #2137 at New Hope Commons in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Companies start advertising and pushing promotions way before the actually holiday season. For example, Wal-Mart kicked off their new layaway holiday promotion a mere two weeks after Labor Day; not to be outdone two days later both Kmart and Toys R Us announced that they would waive all layaway fees completely.

If you think this was early the head honchos at Neiman Marcus quite possibly beat everyone to the punch by displaying a full range of Christmas trees and holiday décor in August.

Many retailers are concerned that rising food and energy costs along with the results of the presidential election will cause consumers to hold onto more of their money; so they try to come up with different ways to convince consumers to do their shopping both early and often. They spend months vying for consumer’s attention and their money. By doing these promotions while the weather is still warm retailers believe that they can get themselves in front of consumers as a way to ensure their loyalty. Retailers also believe that when consumers are not faced with a holiday deadline they will spend more money earlier.

Traditionally Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has been the official kick-off for the holiday shopping season; however, many retailers are creeping towards making it Black Thursday by opening on Thanksgiving. For example, Toys R Us announced that they will begin opening at 8:00pm on Thanksgiving which is one hour earlier than they usually do and Wal-Mart will do the same, rather than their normal midnight. Even Target decided to forego its normal opening time from 5:00 am on Black Friday to 12:00 am on Thanksgiving.

Will all of these changes generate more money for retailers or will it make no difference to consumers? Only time will tell.

Related articles

• Wal-Mart’s Black Friday Moves Deeper Into Thanksgiving
• Black Friday coming earlier each year
• The ultimate Black Friday survival guide
• Retailers Plan Earlier Start to Black Friday
• Wal-Mart’s ‘Black Friday’ Sale Will Actually Start At 8 PM On Thanksgiving – Earliest Start Ever

Have you guys seen the newest photobomb that’s taking the internet by storm? If you haven’t, you need to. It’s hilarious.

Apparently stingrays are tired of people taking vacation photos with them, without their consent. Well, time for stingrays to start getting even. Much like this one did, photobombing 3 friends. Whoops. So sorry that mother nature interferred with your Facebook profile picture to be. Maybe that will teach you not to turn your backs on wild animals that cannot possibly be trained to the point of 100% predictability. Lesson learned, ladies.

Related articles

• Stingray Photobomb: Vacation Snapshot Highlights Stingray Swims (PHOTO)
• Stingray ‘photobomb’ goes viral
• Stingray Photobombs Tourists … and Other Unsuspecting Victims
• Stingray picture hailed the ‘best photobomb ever’
• Stingray Photobomb: The Best Picture Ever?