You've played a million match-three-things puzzles. You've tried some shooters out on the laptop. But here are some of those games that you HAVEN'T tried that are worth the download: Sudoku is popular for a reason. Trust us. This game can get addicting even when it's in plain black and white. Try out this aquatic-themed, Asian-music-enhanced version: 
(available for Mac or Windows) If you've never tried Mahjong, and chances are you haven't because, let's face it, you are intimidated by the picture of a bunch of old Asian women beating your pants off--well, again, you're missing something. Mahjong is about strategy, and you will pick it up pretty quickly. Winning, though, that's another story. This one's got some good graphics to enjoy when you're stumped for a move. 
Anyone remember Populous? The game where you were a god, and people feared and worshipped you? If you do, or even if you don't but the idea of an entire race relying solely on you for their survival appeals to the megalomaniac in you, try this: 
If you haven't played Diner Dash, you've probably heard of it. And now there are all kinds of similar games, from beauty salons to hamburger stands. But for the real deal, Betty is the girl to go to. Betty's Bar needs you, Dude. Don't disappoint her! 
Games listed here are courtesy of Big Fish! link 
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Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Best Games You've Never Downloaded
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Are You Cooler Than Chuck Norris?
At last, the answer to the ultimate question. Take the quiz and find out. And give the quiz a high rating, too, while you're at it. Yeah, I made it. So what? Go to Are You Cooler Than Chuck Norris?
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Are You Cooler Than Chuck Norris?
At last, the answer to the ultimate question. Take the quiz and find out. And give the quiz a high rating, too, while you're at it. Yeah, I made it. So what? Go to Are You Cooler Than Chuck Norris?
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Saturday, March 24, 2007
MOVIE REVIEW: 300
In a word? Awesome.
What? That doesn't have the professionalism you've come to expect from Fuel the Rebellion?
I'l elaborate.
300 is a movie about a legend, told in a graphic novel style. You have to get that first, right off the bat. It's not an historical documentary, it isn't meant to tell the story of a battle. It's meant to tell the legend of a battle.
What's the difference?
Well, take this scene from the beginning of the movie as an example: a young Leonides, a youth who will later become the Spartan king, has to face a man-eating wolf out in the snow. He is all alone, barefoot, and armed with just a spear.
"Well, that's tough, but...I dunno...not really such a big deal, is it?" That's what you're thinking, isn't it? You cynical bastard. You've seen tough guys before. After all, it's only one wolf.
But this is not just any wolf.
No, this is more like the very *essence* of wolf. This is the way a wolf *should* be: Menacing, impossibly huge, with evil slavering jaws and bristling black fur, and eyes that don't just catch the odd flicker of light but really do glow in the darkness, bright as lamps in the vicious, snarling face.
This is the legendary wolf of stories, not that disappointing overgrown dog you once saw sitting passively in a zoo somewhere, lying in the shade of a faux rock background behind a plaque with the word, "wolf" on it.
That one scene prepares you for what this movie has in store for you. This is not just a movie about a people known as the Spartans, who sent a small group of warriors to fight for their freedom against a much larger force of Persians.
No, this is a movie that draws, from somewhere deep inside of all of us, the vision of what bravery, duty and sacrifice and even angry bloodthirsty vengeance should be, and pits it against our darkest, most frightening concepts of soulless evil.
And that's what makes this movie, well, awesome. Because history tells us (for those of us who actually bothered to read any) that the Spartans were tough, and raised to be warriors, and that they were supposed to return from battle either with their shields or lying dead upon them. And that reality should be damned impressive.
But in our minds, when we picture warriors born and bred for nothing other than battle, we picture not just a band of really tough guys, but some truly epic bad asses.
And in this day and age, when we as movie-goers have seen so many bad asses, so many Rambos and Terminators and John McCleans, it takes a lot for us to really be impressed any more.
What we need now is not just larger-than-life. We need the stuff of legends. We need a fighting race of Spartan warriors for whom fighting comes as naturally as breathing. We need men who, in the face of impossible odds, viciously strike down all opponents with an econonmy of motion and a tactical strategy that defies sheer dumb brawn and becomes genius, men whose reflexes are sharper than the bloody, rough-hewn weapons they wield, men who join together to form a seamless, flawless fighting machine.
And then--we need to give them enemies worthy of their skill.
And 300 delivers on all counts.
I'm not telling you any more. I'm not giving away the story, or spoiling the truly stunning graphical images that lift this movie up from the mundane into the spectacular.
You just have to go see it.
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Kontera
Thursday, March 22, 2007
It's New, It's Here, Why Aren't You Playing It?
At last! A new game for PS3!
Motorstorm arrives for the PS3, and it looks like the best price is over at Amazon. We are SO ready for crunchy new game goodness. Driving games aren't really our thing, but after waiting so long, we just might check it out.
Got the game? Let us know what you think of Motorstorm. Give us your review in the comments!
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Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Most Promising Gaming News for Spring
PC: World of Warcraft's Burning Crusade expansion pack sold 2.4 million copies in one day on its simultaneous release in Europe, the United States and Canada. Which game is poised to challenge the leader this Spring? Honestly, none of them. Though there are several promising games coming up, most releases have been pushed back to Fall or given an indefinite date for release. Which isn't to say that Spring has nothing to offer. We're keeping a watchful eye on Command and Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars coming out next week. (link from IGN).
PS3: Sony's much-vaunted Playstation Home goes beta in April, and if anything could save the franchise after a year and a half of media blunders, a disappointing first launch of games and what appears to be the imminent extinction of the 20G version, Playstation Home> could do it. We're looking forward to checking it out.
Xbox 360: According to GamersReports.com, Australia will get the first look at a new, 120gig all-black Xbox 360 with HDMI next month. There's even a possibility Microsoft will push up the launch to interfere with the PS3 launch later this month. No pics yet, but the rumors have been confirmed. Look for Guitar Hero II, due out April 3rd, to rock the box.
Nintendo Wii: The Nintendo Wii has already sold out the Playstation 3 almost 2-to-1, so Nintendo is riding high right now. Despite problems with the wrist strap, which Nintendo is replacing, and reports of over-active users breaking their TV screens, the Wii has come out surprisingly strong against the competition, in large part due to the fitness factor--the unique interaction that the Wii requires from the users gives them more of a workout than the other consoles, so parents concerned with their children's health and weight naturally lean towards the Wii to begin with. With Mortal Kombat: Armageddon due to be released May 15, it seems Nintendo can do no wrong.
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Tuesday, March 20, 2007
First three-way tie in Jeopardy history
First time this ever happened. Who would have thought there were that many smart guys left? Best publicity for Jeopardy, really, since Ken Jennings.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Whoa! PS 3 20G is HISTORY ALREADY??!!!
First, we heard this:
When Joystiq spoke with Sony’s David Karraker earlier this week he told us, Overwhelmingly, retailers have been requesting the 60GB model, the mix has been about 80 percent 60GB, 20 percent 20GB retailer orders.” With Best Buy’s decision to no longer carry the unit, a major retailer has walked away from the 20GB table, obviously the margins were better on the 60GB model. Sony says they are still producing 20GB models
[via Joystiq]
BUT NOW? Hot off the presses, folks! According to Joystiq, Best Buy has decided to CANCEL any orders for the PS 3 20G due to underwhelming demand. Here's the printout to prove it:
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Luck O' the Irish
Today is March 17th, so we at Fuel the Rebellion will be for wishin' you, "Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh!" Which is, of course, Gaelic for "Happy St. Patrick's Day!"
It's not inconceivable that on a day such as today you might consider celebrating by having a wee drink or two. Tell the bartender, "Píonta Guiness, le do thoil!" and he'll bring you a pint of Guiness on the double. Once he does, you'll want to make sure you thank him properly-- wish him good health and much wealth, "Sláinte is táinte!"
It could be argued (especially once you've had that pint) that on St. Patrick's Day, we all have a bit o' the Irish in us. Try telling the pretty waitress, "Tabhair póg dom, is Éireannach mé!" (Kiss me, I'm Irish!) and you just might get lucky. If she doesn't slap your face, and you're working up a bit of Irish courage, try shouting this out when it's time for the next round, "Tabhair dom a rud céanna mar atá ag an fhear ar an urlar!"*
However you celebrate, be careful getting home. Happy St. Patrick's Day from Fuel the Rebellion!
*Give me the same as the man on the floor!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Do You Agloco?
Ever heard of A Global Community? No? Here's the shortcut: Join Agloco for free. Get the viewbar. Surf. Sign up friends. Earn cash. 'Nuff said.
Interested? You can find out more here:
http://www.agloco.com/r/BBCN7530
And don't forget to come back and check out our contest on the sidebar!
Which is Better? PS3's "Resistance: Fall of Man" or Xbox 360's "Gears of War?"
Want your 15 minutes of fame? Tell us WHY your choice is better, in 100 words or less. "Because I said so," doesn't count. Winner gets an Amazon gift certificate. Top 3 Answers will be posted on Fuel the Rebellion Friday, March 23.
Submit your answers here
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Warning: Bread is Dangerous
Mmmmm...bread.
 clipped from www.eskimo.com2. Fully HALF of all children who grow 5. Bread is made from a substance called 7. Bread has been proven to be addictive. 8. Bread is often a "gateway" food item, 9. Bread has been proven to absorb water. written by B.S. Wheatberry in a desert after consuming mass quantities of yeast bread then realizing his canteen was empty. BREAD IS DANGEROUS |
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Top Five Firefox Tools (plus 3 Fun extras)
First of all, if you don't have Firefox installed, you should. Go and get it right now. No, we're not kidding. Get it and come right back. Here, we'll make it easy for you: Firefox
Okay, now you're set, right? Wondering why we got so bossy? Here's why.
One of the best features of Firefox is that you, the user, have so much flexibility customizing the browser to do exactly what you want.
We've hand-picked some of the best and brightest Firefox tools out there, and linked them all for you:
Stumbleupon--This one's a must. We've mentioned it before here on Fuel the Rebellion, and we're going to keep doing it until you all catch on. Seriously, Stumbleupon puts the fun back into surfing. Clicking on the Stumble! button in your Firefox toolbar will take you to a random, top-rated site in categories you select. If you like a site, you can give it a one-click thumbs-up, network with other people with similar interests, rate it and add it to your favorites. Don't like something? Just hit Stumble! again to leave it in the dust, or even give it a thumbs-down and you'll stop stumbling upon any sites like it. Yes, Fuel the Rebellion is one of those top-rated sites. Go ahead and rate us again. Did we mention we love our readers?
Clipmarks--Don't bother opening up your text editor, figuring out what's on your clipboard, worrying whether what you are pasting is really that recipe for your Mom or that new toy you saved for your significant other. Clip a paragraph, clip an image, clip a quote. Put them on your blog. Bang, you're done.
Del.icio.us Bookmarks--We couldn't live without this one. Puts Del.icio.us, the top social networking site, right on your toolbar so you can tag, view, share, send, and channel surf the whole web if you want. Don't forget to add Fuel the Rebellion once you install it. We really do love our readers.
Firebug--Just plain fun, this is tool developers shouldn't do without. Firebug shows you anything you could possibly want to know about a webpage's layout: monitor CSS, HTML and Javascript. Edit. Debug. It's all there. We've just started playing with this one and it has us hooked.
Jumpknowledge Webpage Annotator--Ever want to add your two-cents to a website? Ever notice misspellings, ridiculous grammatical errors, erroneous conclusions that make you grind your teeth in frustration? No? Maybe it's just us, then. But Jumpknowledge is still a great tool. This handy dandy add-on lets you grab a web page and annotate it with your own comments, for e-mailing, blogging (though you should only be reading the Fuel the Rebellion blog), sending an instruction page back to tech services when their "fix" didn't work--we're sure you can think of plenty of other ways to use it.
Just for Fun:
RedShift V2--Join the Dark Side. This Firefox theme serves no functional purpose, but it does transform your browser into something wicked cool. Like wearing dark sunglasses all the time.
Red Cats (Blue Favor)--Crazy cat lady theme for Firefox. Have to say, the blue is seriously mellow.
Daily Dilbert--Cross one off of your Google Reader list. Now you can see a new Dilbert comic every day right from your toolbar with just one click.
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Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Introducing...the Apple iRack
MadTV does it again. Another Youtube video for you. If this keeps up, we at Fuel the Rebellion won't have to remember how to type.
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Saturday, March 10, 2007
Friday, March 9, 2007
Leave my Computer Alone!
Ever watch those CSI shows? You know, the ones where the forensics guys are practically Robocop? They don't just autopsy the body and take DNA samples. They set up mock simulations. They threaten the suspects. They get the confession and the conviction--they do it all.
Now, I don't know about you, but I had no idea that our local law enforcement not only had this huge budget to spend on all this fancy equipment, but the hours of spare time to spend on each and every death-that-starts-out-looking-like-a-suicide-but-really-is-a-cleverly-disguised-
murder.
But apparently they do (it's on TV so it must be true!). And that's bad news for you if you're the criminal mastermind behind the murder. Because although you thought of almost everything, apparently you are too much of a dumbass to buy that rope at Home Depot instead of the Custom Rope Store That Only Sells to Three Guys in the Area.
And another thing: you forgot about your computer. All that porn you got off of the internet? It's still there.
And what about the poor guy who didn't do anything, the one who just happens to like a little porn now and then? Forget it, he's toast. In those shows, everyone who has porn on his computer IS guilty.
So, obviously, good upright citizens like yourself need to keep your computer clean. No sense being mistaken for a criminal, right?
So how do you do that, anyway?
You'll want to start with the registry. Most computer crashes are a direct result of registry problems. Cleaning it out, if you do it right, optimizes your computer's speed and internet connection. Do it wrong (in other words, try to muck around too much yourself without the proper software program), and you could cause a crash yourself.
There's a number of programs available for registry cleaning; this one offers a free scan to start out with. I recommend trying it out to see if you like it before purchasing:
Your next step is to protect your computer from viruses, trojans, spam, and adware brought about, through no fault of your own, as a result of surfing booby-trapped sites trying to take hold of your computer and your money. ShieldPro 2007 offers both a powerful firewall and fast-scanning antivirus monitoring/protection, with free technical support for the first year (renewals are just $14.99 each additional year). Readers of Fuel the Rebellion get $20 off by linking from this post:
Finally, we come to the all-important internet porn solution. Why not just clear your internet history and drop the files into the recycle bin? Here's why:
Windows Recycle bin only deletes the files that you see ... not the actual data on your harddrive. Until the file location on your hard disk is overwritten many times, the files can be completely recovered using many available computer programs, or even simple computer commands. Deleted files are the first thing hackers, privacy thieves, and other computer experts look for when they are trying to recover sensitive information from your computer or discarded disks. Also, employers routinely search for 'deleted' files to discover information about employees.
That last bit is especially disturbing--is that even legal, let alone ethical, searching through your employees' deleted files?! In any event, all you need is the right tool for the job. What you need is a program that writes, and re-writes, over the place where the deleted file used to be (if that doesn't make sense, read and re-read the last sentence until it does).
WinShredder, optimized to work with all Windows operating systems, does the trick admirably, even throwing in some extras: this program removes everything from cookies to chat transcripts, audio, video and image files.
Unlike other programs, there's no wipe limits: If you have OCD, you can write over the deleted files a thousand times if you want. There's also a special "Do Not Shred" option for all those files you need to keep your computer running, so there's no nasty accidents. Again, updates and tech support are yours gratis for the first year.
Download now using the special Fuel the Rebellion link, and you'll save ten bucks.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Burger Beefs
McDonald's is offering a bigger burger for lardbutts like you (Yeah, and me too). MickeyD's is adding a 1/3 lb. Angus burger to their menu. Apparently the family-oriented fast-food chain with the creepy clown mascot is extremely concerned over the growing epidemic of obesity in the U.S. and why they aren't making a bigger profit from it.
In related news, apparently the National Restaurant Association has taken offense at the burger-flipping K-Fed ad that ran during the Superbowl and more recently during the Oscars. How sad is THAT, when burger joints think that the image of K-Fed shaking the salt off the fries is actually harmful to their image? And since when are these places 'restaurants'? They may be rushing things, too. Looks like Britney, in another stunning display of shaved-head logic, is considering taking K-Fed back. It may not be long before he's declared Father of the Year for watching the kids while Mommy does her stint in rehab.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Every. Video. Game.
Go HERE when insomnia strikes. What an epic time waster this site is. Stock up on snacks and hydrate before linking. Seriously.
I stumbled upon it.
Precisely
Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job.
Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Monday, March 5, 2007
Monetize Your Blog
You're excited. You've begun writing your blog, and the ideas are just flowing off the webpage. You're starting to get a following. Your friends are telling their friends about your blog. They're linking to you. They're quoting you on their own blogs. People are subscribing to your feeds. Maybe your blog has even won an award or two. For the first time you find yourself seriously wondering, "What if I could do this for a living?!"
That's when you panic. You blog because you love to write. You know a little code, sure, but just enough to create some links, maybe a little search engine optimization, how to set up a feed.
When it comes to turning a profit, though, you are completely clueless.
Relax. Believe it or not, the hardest work, bringing in your audience, is behind you. Here's what you do next.
Doing the Prep Work
First of all, you might want to gently phase your regular readers into your plan. You'll find them generally supportive--after all, they already enjoy what you do, and whatever it takes to keep it coming is fine with them. Let them know that the layout of your site will be changing, but the content will still keep its quality. Then keep your word. The worst thing you can do is make your blog all about the money and forget the loyal readers who brought you your success.
Generating Ad Revenue
Google AdSense is the most obvious, and one of the most effective advertising strategies you can use on your site. Everyone knows the Google name, and Google will tailor their ads to complement the topics on your blog. What you may not know is that Google also offers a number of choices, ads available in all different sizes and palettes to blend right into your blog layout. New readers will hardly notice the ads, and your regular followers will not find them obtrusive. People really do click on these ads, and when they make a purchase, you profit. You can click on the green google adsense button on Fuel the Rebellion's homepage (above the blog archive) for a free referral to the Adsense program.
Next to Google, one of the most recognized brand names on the net is Amazon.com. Amazon offers an affiliate program that allows you to advertise items from their store on your site, even specific items you choose personally, which is on par with Google Adsense. You can link to items in the Amazon marketplace, and once again they will match the ads to your blog's layout. Linking to Amazon's items earns you credit for every item actually sold via your link; you can choose to receive cash or Amazon gift certificates for you earnings. Amazon Associates Program Free Referral
Another lesser-known but still excellent source of revenue in this category is Adbrite. Perhaps because it is less well-known than Google's Adsense, Adbrite tries harder. They pay you more generously when users click on their links and make a purchase. For that reason, Fuel the Rebellion offers you a free referral to their program as well by clicking on this button: 
And a new one the Fuel the Rebellion is giving a test run:
Monetize your Website or Blog with BidVertiser
Donations
We all know that the preferred way to pay on ebay is Paypal. It's convenient and worry-free, with top-notch security features built right in. It's possible that you have a worthy cause for your readers to consider: feed the starving blogger. Consider adding a "Donate" button from Paypal to your blog. If you have a Paypal account (and if you don't by now, you should get one), you can do this by signing in to your account and checking underneath the "merchant tools". You can specify a donation amount, but I suggest leaving that up to your readers. Even those that can't afford ten or twenty dollars might surprise you and toss a buck your way now and then.
Pay Per Click
When your blog is well and truly established, and you have moved to your own domain (assuming you started off at a free blog-hosting site), then you can consider the big boys. Be aware that you do need to host your own domain for most of the Pay Per Click services out there. You should also remember that most require at least 30 days, and some as much as 90 days, of operation before a blog is considered. DO be choosy about what services you select. You should target you own blog's niche audience. Remember the caveat: your loyal readers are what brought you success. Do a quick search for "pay per click" on Google to find a service that works for you.
Other suggestions:
If you run a knowledge-based blog, you can always try out your luck on Helium, which will pay you for entries, depending on the ranking your articles receive. Articles need to be fact-based, informative and thoughtful. Popularity counts. With your readers voting for your entries, you might be able to make a little extra coin there, as well.
