Saturday, June 26, 2010

“GAMES: ‘Toy Story 3’ builds a virtual playground (trailer)” plus 2 more

“GAMES: ‘Toy Story 3’ builds a virtual playground (trailer)” plus 2 more

GAMES: ‘Toy Story 3’ builds a virtual playground (trailer)

Posted: 26 Jun 2010 04:01 AM PDT

By Lou Kesten, Associated Press Writer

When I was a kid, they didn't make video games based on movies. But if you wanted to relive, say, "Star Wars," you could buy the action figures.

In 2010, just about every child-friendly blockbuster is accompanied by a video game. But since they're usually straightforward rehashes of the movies, most games don't capture that childhood spirit.

"Toy Story 3" (Disney Interactive, for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, $49.99) comes closer to that feeling than any movie-based game before it.

On one level, it does deliver a recap of the film. The familiar Pixar toys have been left behind by their owner, Andy, and embark on a mission to get him to play with them one last time. The result is a better-than-average romp, with Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie running and jumping through levels based on the new film's settings.



Some of these story sequences may be a little too challenging for younger children, even with the generous hints turned on. And some of them drag on much longer than you'd expect.

But there's another level to "Toy Story 3" that's likely to satisfy players of any age, from 8-year-olds to geezers like me. It's called the Toy Box, and it's as clever an approach to the material as you could imagine.

It's an open-world playground that starts off as a dusty Wild West town. Any one of the three main characters can be sheriff, and other "Toy Story" regulars, like Slinky Dog and Hamm the piggy bank, give you missions. You can ignore their demands — undoubtedly, some kids will be happy just roaming around and decorating their towns — but success at missions earns you the gold you need to buy new buildings or attract new residents.

Wherever you go in the Toy Box, they're something new to do. You can herd cattle. You can drive a racecar. You can explore a haunted mansion. If there's anything you daydreamed about when you were a child, odds are that developer Avalanche Software has stuck it in here.

Weirdly enough, the one game the Toy Box reminded me of was another Wild West adventure, Rockstar Games' recent smash "Red Dead Redemption" — minus all the prostitutes and corpses. Like "RDR," "Toy Story 3" delivers a wide-open landscape of seemingly endless possibilities. It's one of the most adventurous movie games ever created, and it's a delight.

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First pitch: Games can be best when kids call shots

Posted: 26 Jun 2010 04:28 AM PDT

Few things stirred me as a kid like the crack of the bat.

In the late 1960s, that sound was shifting to the "ping" of aluminum. Still, nothing short of the ring of an ice cream truck could have sounded any sweeter.

We'd play until dark. Then we'd squeeze in a bit more until that gray ball, which had long since lost its whiteness, was so impossible to see that someone would be plunked in the head. Maybe then we'd go home.

These days, kids rarely play ball in the park on their own. Blame the multitude of specialty camps, computers, Wii.

And if I were a kid today, I'd probably be at a camp, too, or inside playing computer games.

Changing times aren't a bad thing. Maybe it's good that kids don't seem to huddle aimlessly around a corner on their bikes like we did, unsure of our next move. Maybe days are a little less lazy, more full of activities.

But maybe, too, kids could stand time apart from the endless organization, a chance to just show up and play - on their terms. Something like Midget Baseball.

Baltus Fritzemeier managed the league. Forty years ago, he was rolling out bats, balls and bases and gear. Kids were divided into divisions for ages 8-10 and 11-12. No uniforms, no bench. Whoever came played. Six outfielders? No problem. Just call it if you have it.

Fritzemeier and an assistant, a high school or college student such as Leo Lukes or Dave Dummermuth, umpired. You and your friends decided positions and batting order. If you couldn't decide, Fritzemeier was there to help.

Games were played at parks and schools: Drake Springs, Horace Mann, Dan Dugan, Menlo and Terrace Park, among others.

No parents shouting. No pressure. It was your game. For the kids, by the kids - with a big assist from Fritzemeier. His regular job in those years as a Washington High teacher included boys basketball coach. He led the Warriors to the 1971 state "A" title. But on warm summer mornings and afternoons, he was helping kids create their own fun on a ball diamond.

Many of us also played Bantam, the more structured night league at Covell Lake diamonds. Bantam was fun, too, but there was something liberating about playing with your best friends under the sun, in the park, against kids from other neighborhoods. No one was left out; everyone got their chance.

Would it work now? Maybe not. Probably too much other stuff for kids. Too many other sports. It's good to have so many options. But sometimes, it's what kids do on their own - maybe with the help of a caring adult - that's most fulfilling.

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Kids Eat Free Tuesday & Wednesday

Posted: 25 Jun 2010 10:13 AM PDT

June 25, 2010 - Frontier League (FL) Washington Wild Things

Join the Wild Things for six games: Tuesday, June 29 - Sunday, July 4 The Wild Things return home to CONSOL Energy park this Tuesday, June 29 for a three-game series with the Evansville Otters followed by another three-game series with the Florence Freedom.

6/29-7/1 versus Evansville Tuesday, June 29, 7:05 p.m. Kids Eat Free - Kids 12 and under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soft drink and chips as they enter the ballpark sponsered by Servicelink.

Wednesay, June 30, 7:05 p.m. Kids Eat Free -Kids 12 and under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soft drink and chips as they enter the ballpark sponsered by Chesapeake Energy.

Silver Sluggers - Members of Silver Sluggers presented by Mylan Labs can stroll the bases after the game.

Tursday, July 1, 7:05 p.m. Happy New Half Year's Day! -Celebrate the New Half Year with us!

Dollar Thirst Night - All beer and soft drinks sell for $1.00 the entire night.

Xtreme Car & Truck Accessories Hit for the Cycle -Fans can register for the Xtreme Car & Truck Accessories Hit for the Cycle. If a pre-selected Wild Things player hits for the cycle, one lucky fan will be selected to win an ATV from Xtreme Car & Truck Accessories.

7/2-7/4 versus Florence Friday, July 2, 7:05 p.m. Fireworks Night -Stick around after the game for a fireworks display by Zambelli Fireworks.

Salute to Local Heros -The Wild Things will present a Salute to Local Heroes during the game.

Saturday, July 3, 7:05 p.m. Wild Thing Bobble Frame Giveaway -The first 1,000 fans will receive a Wild Thing Bobble Frame presented by CONSOL Energy.

Tribute to the Airline Industry -Join us in the fun as we pay tribute to the airline industry.

ALS Day -The Wild Things will wear special pinstriped jerseys which will be auctioned off to benefit the ALS Association on ALS Day, sponsored by Stoystown Auto.

Sunday, July 4, 6:35 p.m. 4th of July Fireworks -Stay after the game for a special Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration!

Family Fun Day! - Kids 12 and under can run the bases after the game and members of W'ittle Wild Things presented by Agora Cyber Charter School can participate in special activities.

For tickets, call 866-456-WILD or visit our Web site.

Register for Youth Baseball Camps! Wild Things Baseball Camps are a great way for kids to improve their baseball skills. Camps are run by Wild Things players and coaches and cover all aspects of the game, including hitting, running, throwing and fielding. Camps are open to boys and girls ages 5 to 13 Camp Dates:

Camp One: June 30, July 1, July 2 Camp Two: July 26, July 27, July 28 Camp Three: Aug. 4, Aug. 5, Aug. 6

Cost:

$125 (one camp); $225 (two camps); $325 (three camps) $100 for each additional sibling

Visit our Web site to download the registration form for these camps today!

Washington Wild Things 10" Plush Wild Thing Mascot

Cuddle up with your favorite soft and furry Wild Thing Plush Doll. Great for fans of all ages! And don't forget to bring him with you to a game this summer to get autographed by the one and only Wild Thing! Order online or stop by The Cage on game days!

Five Questions with:Spencer Hylander

Get to know some of the Wild Things' players up close and personal. Here are five questions for Zach Rosenbaum, starting pitcher for the Wild Things.

Do you collect anything? Watches.

Who is your favorite athlete and why? Lance Armstrong. He proved that if you work hard you can overcome anything.

Who was your favorite childhood Muppet and why? Cookie Monster because I like cookies.

What do you like to do in your free time? Play golf and go to the beach or lake.

Have you ever eaten a crayon? No.

Learn more about Spencer and other Wild Things' players on our website.

Have a Birthday Party at the Ballpark! You child will receive the VIP treatment during a Sport Clips birthday party at CONSOL Energy Park. Relax and let us take care of all of the details. The birthday package includes invitations, party favors, meals and dessert and more. Plus, the birthday child will receive an autographed team baseball and will stand on the dugout while the entire ballpark sings "Happy Birthday!"

Visit our Web site to learn more or call 866-456-WILD to book your birthday party today!

Wild Things Add Three Weekend Games to Home Schedule

The Wild Things officially announced the addition of three weekend home games in July. The Wild Things will host the Oakland County Cruisers July 16, 17 and 18 at CONSOL Energy Park.

Friday 7/16, 7:05 p.m.: Fireworks Friday

Saturday 7/17, 7:05 p.m.: Team Photo Giveaway

Sunday 7/18, 3:05 p.m.: Family Fun Day

Individual and group tickets, as well as group outings in our picnic area, party deck and luxury suite, are available for these three dates.

For more information and for tickets, call 866-456-WILD or visit our Web site .

2010 Frontier League All-Star Game

Watch your Wild Things All-Star representatives compete with the best in the Frontier League at the 2010 Frontier League All-Star Game. The game will take place Wednesday, July 14, at Rent One Park, home of the Southern Illinois Miners in Marion, Illinois.

In addition to the game, festivities include an All-Star Concert on Monday, July 12, featuring Craig Morgan, Rodney Atkins and Her and Kings County and an All-Star Luncheon on Tuesday, July 13, giving fans the chance to get autographs of the 2010 All-Stars. Lunch will be served along with a special presentation after the autograph session.

Also on July 13, eight Frontier League hitters will compete in the Home Run Derby followed by the Celebrity Softball Game featuring local and national celebrities.

Visit http://www.southernillinoisminers.com/ for more information.

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Frontier League Stories from June 25, 2010

• Cruisers win over ThunderBolts - Windy City ThunderBolts
• Sottung dominant in securing 7-5 win - Evansville Otters
• Grizzlies Drop Finale To River City - Gateway Grizzlies
• Bums crush Crushers - Traverse City Beach Bums
• Wild Things Split Doubleheader with Kings - Washington Wild Things
• Beach Bum Home Runs Stop Crushers Streak - Lake Erie Crushers
• Beach Bum Home Runs Stop Crushers Streak - Lake Erie Crushers
• First Place at Stake as Crushers Return Home - Lake Erie Crushers
• Kids Eat Free Tuesday & Wednesday - Washington Wild Things
• CornBelters Set for Next Leg of Inaugural Season - Normal CornBelters

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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