strange gaming: May 2013

Stubbs the Zombie: A Unique Undead Experience

Zombies aren't exactly a rarity in videogames. These days you can hardly find a RPG or FPS that doesn't include zombie enemies at some point. But how often do you actually get to play as a zombie as opposed to shooting one? Not very often. The Left 4 Dead games let you play as the super-powered Special Infected, but only for brief periods, and they technically aren't really zombies.

There's one game that stands out, an action adventure game where you play as a zombie all the way through: Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse.

In this game you play as Stubbs, a traveling salesman-turned zombie who's out to get revenge for being murdered. What's interesting about playing as Stubbs is that all his attacks are based on his zombified body.

Sure you have your basic Resident Evil/Left 4 Dead/(Insert your favorite zombie game here) melee attacks, but you also have some abilities unique in the world of zombie videogames. For example, Stubbs can rip out pieces of his rotting guts and use them as hand grenades. His guts will regenerate after feasting on brains, so you rarely have to worry about running low on firepower.

Also, Stubbs can tear off his own head and use it as a bowling ball to knock down enemies. As an added bonus you can detonate his head for some blast damage.

One of the highlights of Stubbs' abilities is his detachable left hand. Once it's pulled off you can assume control of it, using the hand to scout ahead. The hand can also clamp onto enemies' heads, allowing Stubbs to possess them (brings back memories of the Oddworld games doesn't it?).

Hey it's Thing from the Addams Family!

Also of note is the fact that Stubbs can convert regular people into zombies by eating their brains. The resulting zombie army will follow Stubbs as well as attacking and converting any innocent civilians they come across, which is a pretty awesome feature.

In closing, Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse was a refreshing take on zombie games, letting us play as a zombie with his own unique set of abilities. It was nice to take a break from shooting zombies and see the world from a zombie's point of view.

Have you guys ever played Stubbs? If so, did you enjoy the zombie attacks/abilities? Or did you still think it was generic zombie rehash?

The Freaks of Twisted Metal Black: No-Face

When you think of vehicular combat, chances are the Twisted Metal series immediately comes to mind. This brutal series of games has kept us entertained with its carnage since 1995, when it debuted on the Playstation 1. Twisted Metal has always been extremely violent, but on the Playstation 1 these games were somewhat over-the-top thanks to its cast of characters. Examples include Mr. Grimm, a motorcycle-riding Grimm Reaper, and the characters Dave and Mike, two lowlifes with 1980's metal-head personalities who steal a monster truck and enter it into the Twisted Metal competition.

As if this image wasn't funny enough, you should see the live-action cut-scenes in Twisted Metal 1.

When the series made the jump to the Playstation 2, in the form of Twisted Metal: Black, it received a total reboot, trading its colorful and wacky aspects for something much darker and grittier. The drivers of the vehicles were no exception either; the game starts off with all the characters locked away in an asylum for various reasons. Here you won't find any carefree dudes out for a joyride in a monster truck, all these characters are complete psychos with their own unique sets of problems. So, instead of trying to cover all these characters in one article, I figured it would be a better idea to split this up into an ongoing series called The Freaks of Twisted Metal: Black. Today we're going to look at one of the more disturbing and disfigured characters in the game: No-Face.

When we are first introduced to No-Face, we don't really know what's wrong with him until he looks into the camera and reveals his hideous face:

Yes, No-Face does in fact have a face, sort of...

We later find out that No-Face is a former boxer who encountered a severely bad run of luck. No-Face, or Frank as he was known back in the day, once faced a superior opponent in the boxing ring, losing the fight and ending up with severe injuries. He was recommended to a surgeon to repair his damaged face, but it turned out that this same exact surgeon had lost $20,000 by betting on Frank in his disastrous fight.

To exact revenge, during the surgery the evil doctor completely mutilated Frank's face, cutting out his eyeballs and tongue, sewing his eyelids and mouth shut, among other atrocities. Upon waking up after the surgery, Frank went insane from pain and rage, completing his transition to the No-Face persona.

No-Face's back-story is definitely one of the most disturbing in the game. It's also somewhat funny to imagine how this guy could possibly enter a vehicular combat tournament, let alone drive a car, with no eyes (although the manual does try to explain this by saying his other senses have become more refined).

Did you guys ever play Twisted Metal: Black? If so, were you a little disturbed by No-Face?

Trust Only The Experts to Learn Authentic Car Driving

A car is an important vehicle for all of us which help us in carrying out our several day to day activities. Gone are those days when car was used only to enhance the status symbol of a family and was only used only for specific occasions like travelling with family to a function or some far place only. These days, it serve like a common vehicle which we can use every day for purpose like going to office, market place, to meet friends and relatives and to complete essential outdoor activities of household work. Being such an important vehicle of life, you must also know how to drive it properly.

Learning to drive a car is not a big task. However, if we look at the increasing number of car accidents throughout the Australia, it seems that normal car driving learning is not enough. Thus, you must learn to drive from a professional car ABC driving school where skilled and experienced driving instructors make you learn driving in a professional manner. Only an expert driving school can impart such a learning that your car driving turn out to be safe and secure process avoiding any threat to your as well as others life on road.

Safe drive is the primary motto of professional driving school Adelaide to make your journey secure. Thus, to provide you effective driving lessons, the instructors not only guide you during entire training sessions but also take your drivers test time to time to keep a check on your learning. There are specific traffic rules and regulations of driving which needs to be strictly followed when you drive on Australian roads. The best driving schools offer a complete blend of theoretical as well as practical knowledge to the learner, so that he knows everything to become an expert car driver.

There are many driving schools Adelaidethat provide drivers test service, however, to choose the best, there are certain points that has to be kept in mind. They should meet your time criteria, should provide own vehicle for learning and practice and the most important is that the instructors should have police clearances. These schools also help you in acquiring driving licenses according to the age of the driver which include learning for a 17 year old, provisional for 17 plus and 18 plus and full time for 19 plus years old. However, to earn that, you must pass the required theoretical and practical test which is being conducted by these schools only. Remember, safe driving is important to protect your as well as your fellow passenger's life, so drive safe.

Professional qualified professional Drivers Licence SA are always in demand. Top Driving Instructors in Adelaide will often offer life-time job positioning to their graduates! Want to fast-track your CDL certification specifications - get free information on CDL study information with practice examination questions here asmdriving.com.au.

How to Get Your New York Driving Record

Every licensed New York driver has a driving record that is used by the state to keep track of how many violations and accidents you have had. The information on your driving record is used to assess future renewals of your license, as well as any suspensions or surcharges. Yet despite the importance of this document, most New York drivers have very little knowledge of what's actually on their records.

What's On My New York Driving Record?

In short, your driving record is an account of all your personal information, along with your driving history. It has a lot of the same information as your New York State driver's license, and also a brief account of your driving history. This can include:

Contact Information: Your name, date of birth, and mailing address.Class: What kinds of vehicles you are authorized to drive, as well as any endorsements or restrictions you may have (wearing glasses, for example).Status: Whether your license has expired or not, or if there are any suspensions or revocations applied to you.Violations: A summary of any moving violation convictions you may be carrying on your license. If you have taken a defensive driving course to erase points from your record, the change will be reflected here.

Where Can I Get My Driving Record?

It's easy to see why it's a good idea to keep an updated copy of your driving history, or at least know what information is found on there. Fortunately, there are several ways you can obtain your driver record from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.

Via Telephone: You can call your local DMV branch to request a copy. You will be asked to provide information from your driver license to prove your identity, and you must have a credit card to pay the fees. The search fee is $10, and the processing fee is $5. Your record should arrive within 2 weeks.

Via Mail: So long as you have a Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA)-permissible use for the abstract, you can mail in a request by filling out an MV-15 form. You must include both a photocopy of your proof of identity, and a check or money order. The fee is $10.

Via the New York DMV: So long as you bring proof of identity, a completed MV-15C form, and the $10 search fee, you can walk down to the local DMV office and get a copy the same day.

Via the Internet: The easiest and least expensive way is to get your driving record online, and there are a number of places you can get it. If you are already enrolling in a defensive driving online course, you can get a copy of your record during signup. You can also visit the DMV website, sign up for the MyDMV Get My Driving Record application and pay the $7 fee, you can immediately download, print, and save a certified copy. In addition, you will also receive a copy by mail (that takes 2 weeks for delivery).

Whether it's spotless or tarnished with violations, it's always a good idea to know what information is on your driver record.

There are many ways to keep your New York driver record clean, but the simplest way is to be the best driver you can possibly be. Defensivedrivingus.com is the premier online defensive driving course that teaches safe driving practices with entertaining animations and videos, making it fun to learn how to drive defensively. Whether you're looking to improve your skills, or you just want to keep your record clean by erasing points, an online defensive driving course is a great solution.

Purple Dinosaur Massacre: The Death of Barney

The other day when I was writing about Chex Quest, I started reminiscing about other strange games I used to play as a kid. One that came to mind was Purple Dinosaur Massacre, which is essentially a Barney the Dinosaur killing simulator. While this is by no means a triple-A development game (it was part of a 1000 PC game compilation CD and appears to have been developed on a piggy bank-sized budget), Purple Dinosaur Massacre is still very satisfying if you're one of the many people who hate Barney with a passion.

Blast 'em indeed.

The game is very straightforward, you are given a machine gun which is mounted at the center of the screen, and you merely move the barrel left and right while firing at the various Barneys on the screen. And various Barneys there are. You have your basic walking Barney, a Barney who floats in the air using balloons, and another Barney who gleefully floats on a cloud (until you gleefully knock him out of the sky).

Purple dinosaurs aren't the only objects that face your wrath however. Bunnies, flowers, clouds, even the sun can be shot at and killed. Needless to say this game is not meant for children, despite looking like its textures were created using Microsoft Paint. Want to experience the carnage for yourself? Here you go:

Pretty brutal, right? Did you guys ever buy those game compilation disks containing thousands of games, and happen to come across a hidden gem like this? Until next time, happy hunting!

Traffic Ticket in New York on The Driver License of New Jersey

Sometimes people got confused about one question whether they will get a New York traffic ticket while being licensed to drive in New Jersey. New York and New Jersey have finalized that both states are totally free to exchange driver information with one another. For example if you have a new York driving license and received a traffic ticket in New Jersey then New York will be notified about your ticket Furthermore, this also is applicable if you have a New Jersey license and get a traffic ticket in New York.

The repercussions of traffic offenses in your driving history are managed in a different way in each state new York has a provision of fine and points on traffic ticket but New Jersey has different provision and it may not carry both points and fine and the assigning points are also different such as new jersey will assign 2 points on your license for speeding 33miles over the predetermined speed but in New York the offense is worth 8 points

While being certified to drive in New Jersey getting a New York traffic ticket provides a few difficulties that all motorists should be conscious of. A knowledgeable speeding ticket attorney can help you understand the repercussions and help you fighting the allegations of traffic offenses to avoid points on your New Jersey driving record. As far as charges are involved, no state can necessitate you to pay a dual fine. As such, you will only be needed to pay the fines in which you obtained the solution. If you got a Now York traffic ticket,, you will pay the State of NY and if you got a New Jersey traffic ticket, you will pay the State of NJ.

However, as your speeding tickets attorney will suggests you, it is worth to note that your insurance provider will hardly ever treat the occurrence in this way. They can find out the source of your traffic violation and raise your premium based on the amount of points evaluated by the state of New York. Being found accountable of speeding ticket will result in more points and higher rates for three years. If you have NJ license and charged with the traffic ticket the points that will be added to your record for speeding are:

Exceeding speed limit by 1-14 miles per hour, two points- Exceeding speed limit by 15-29 miles per hour, four points- Exceeding speed limit by 30 miles per hour or more, five points

New Jersey speeding tickets attorney has been recognized locally for his legal ability and named a Super Lawyers Rising Star by his colleagues and has the experience needed to fight your traffic violations to avoid the negative consequences on your driving record.

Tricks to Getting Better Gas Mileage

The fuel prices today are simply depressing. Does it really cost almost four dollars for one tank of gas? For people who are on a tight budget, keeping a fuel tank full can be troubling. Worry not, because there are a few solutions to getting better gas mileage on a daily basis. Not only can this help you save money and gas, it can also benefit the environment at the same time! Continue reading to learn these tips and tricks to getting better gas mileage, no matter what type of vehicle you drive.

Routine Car Maintenance

Having your car in optimal condition drastically improves the amount of miles it gets per gallon of gas. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, brake services, engine cleanings, tune-ups, and much more. Keeping your car in a condition that it can perform at its best reduces the amount of work the engine has to do to operate the vehicle. Factory scheduled maintenance is crucial for any vehicle you own. It has a huge influence on how long your vehicle will survive and how fast it uses its fuel.

Tire Pressure

Surprisingly, the amount of pressure you have in your tires can influence the amount of gasoline consumption. This is because low tire pressure forces a car to exert more energy and work harder to get from one place to the next. This uses a lot of fuel. Be sure to check your tires on a monthly basis, and do not let radial tires trick you. They can sometimes look completely inflated, but actually be low on pressure.

Car Air Conditioning Usage

It is hard to not always blast your vehicle's AC on a scorching hot summer's day. Unfortunately, the frequent use of a car's air conditioner uses a lot of fuel. Try to roll down windows and keep a cool drink in your cup holder. These are ways you can avoid using too much AC and wasting all your fuel. Also, try parking in shady areas to keep the car cool when not in use.

Avoid Aggressive Driving

Quick stops and sudden starts is often referred to as jackrabbit driving. Aggressive and abrupt driving habits can not only use up a lot of fuel, it can potentially damage your vehicle. If this describes your driving, try to slow down in the future. Relaxed driving keeps your car at a comfortable status and reduces the amount times you have to fill up.

Sarahbeth Kluzinski Photo

For more information about how to save money on gas mileage, call 317-876-9890 for professional advice. Here at Import Specialist Inc., we specialize in foreign and import vehicles. Our factory trained mechanics are licensed and highly qualified to service any make or model vehicle. We are happy to answer questions about car maintenance and repair any time. Visit our website at http://www.importautorepairindy.com/car-dealer-maintenance-indianapolis.php for details about our car repair and automotive services in Indianapolis, Indiana, today!

Dangers of Driving With Pets

The risk of accident for drivers who drive frequently with their pets is higher than that of drivers who never drive with a pet. The crash rates for drivers who rarely drove with their pets were consistent with rates for non-pet owners.

Driving with pets is dangerous because pets can be distracting. There are very few states with laws regarding driving with pets. Hawaii is the only state that bans drivers from driving with a pet in their lap. A few states have laws regarding distracting behavior in a vehicle. These laws can be applied to distracting animalsin a vehicle.

The researchers believe that senior drivers are more likely to be distracted because they tend to have slower cognitive performance. Senior drivers also have slower response times. The added distraction of an active animal makes driving with pets especially dangerous for pets.

Pet restraints can minimize distraction from animals in a car. Unfortunately, very few people use pet restraints. In the study, only 16 percent used any type of safety restraint. 83 percent of the participants agreed that it was unsafe for pets to be unrestrained in a moving vehicle.

You should use a safety harness or a secured carrier. Scared dogs are very unpredictable. Your scared dog might come running into your lap or even under your feet. If you are a car accident, an unsecured dog will be projected from his seat. You can find pet harnesses at pet retail stores. It helps to make sure your best dog friend is used to the harness before using it in a car.

Here are some safety tips for traveling with pets

Don't forget to bring water for your pet. It will probably get thirsty, and water will keep it hydrated and coo.Your pet may have issues with motion sickness. Symptoms of motion sickness include excessive drooling, panting, or frequent swallowing. You may need to help your pet to become accustomed to a car. It helps to take it on short car rides to fun locations. Then your pet will become associate car rides with something positive. This can help minimize car sickness. Harnesses can also help minimize car sickness. If motion sickness is still an issue, you may want to talk to your vet. Your vet can offer recommendations for medications.Invest in the proper car restraints. Loose animals can be distracting and dangerous. In the case of an accident, your pet will be ejected forward and could be fatally injured. A loose pet can also be very distracting. Put your furry friend in safety restraints, and everyone will be safer!Protect your pet, and use a safety restraint! Your dog will be safer, and you will be safer too. If you are ever in a car accident, you may also want contact a Newport Beach car accident lawyer . Rate this Article

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Dara Khajavi has published 34 articles. Article submitted on May 04, 2013. Word count: 426

Mister Mosquito: The Evil Tormentor of Families

Today we're going to take a look at a game that involves a violent blood-sucker. No, this article isn't about BloodRayne, we're talking about Mister Mosquito!

As you can guess from the title, Mister Mosquito follows the journey of a mosquito whose goal is to suck the blood out of an innocent family, and to give them malaria (ok maybe not the malaria part). You are given control of a mosquito and tasked with completing his quest without being spotted and swatted.

The mosquito can only suck blood from predetermined locations on the victim's body, dashing your hopes and dreams of giving someone a mosquito bite on the inside of their mouth or on their eyeball (admit you're a little curious to see how that would have played out). However, there are some more scandalous areas that you are allowed to draw blood from:

Yes, he's sitting right where you think he is.

While sucking blood, you must be careful not to alert the victim to your presence, or it's instant death by means of swatting. Also, if you fly around too obviously before landing on the victim, he/she will spot you and will attempt to knock you out of the sky. To calm the victim down, the game introduces a strange mosquito version of acupuncture therapy, where the mosquito can jab the victim at various locations on their body.

I'm not making this up, that pressure point is actually in the crotch area.

Afterwards they will fall asleep and you can draw blood in peace. I never knew mosquitoes had this kind of power over human beings, besides the whole malaria thing that is.

In addition to giving the family a nasty case of mosquito bites, the mosquito is one evil bastard who likes to torment them in other ways. He can perform actions such as turning on stereos and switching off lights in the house, baffling the family members, who no doubt fear their house is possessed by demons.

That pretty much sums up the entire game, leave it to Japan to spit out an odd game like this. According to Mister Mosquito, these little insects are pretty damn malicious, resorting to knocking you unconscious if they want your blood bad enough. Have you guys ever played Mister Mosquito? If so, did you find it to be a pretty weird concept?

Some Rules You Have to Respect When You Drive

Being a good driver doesn't just mean knowing the basics and the more advanced techniques of maneuvering a Luxury SUV or any other car. It also means having the ability to follow rules and road signs and the ability to keep everyone within your radius safe. No matter how good you are at driving, if you don't know how to follow traffic rules, chances are you may become more prone to accidents, endangering not only yourself but the people around you as well.

To avoid road accidents as much as possible, here are some rules you have to respect when you drive:

Always Follow Road Traffic Signs

Following road traffic signs is very important. It spells the difference between life and death and danger and safety. These signs are put in place to keep everyone on the road safe and to avoid or at least minimize accidents that may occur. They also serve to provide drivers like you a warning on the potential dangers that you may encounter along the road.

Always Wear Safety Belts

It is always wise to wear safety belts while driving regardless of what type of car you have. Whether you are maneuvering a Luxury car or performance car, it always pays to be cautious and to never forget to wear your seatbelt when on the road. Seatbelts hold you in place in times of collisions. They prevent you from being thrown away from the car during abrupt stops or accidental crashes.

Never Fail to Make Signals When Making a Turn or When Changing Lanes

Not signaling when you intend to make a turn or want to change lanes is extremely dangerous. It can result to collisions, which could be fatal to both you and the other motorists. Remember, the pedestrians and other motorists are not psychics; they cannot anticipate and guess your every move on the road. You have to let them know what you are about to do by turning on your signal lights.

Avoid Tailgating

Keep your distance from the car ahead of you. Do not tailgate. If you crowd the car ahead of you, chances are you might smash right into it once the driver of that car suddenly brakes. While the latest Performance cars or any other modern car for that matter is equipped with traction control and anti-lock brake systems, they still cannot keep you from smashing into other cars if you are not careful.

Anticipate the Moves of the Other Drivers

Through your mirrors, watch the actions of the other drivers around you. Be very observant of the actions of pedestrians as well. Anticipate their every move and be ready to make a lane change or to step on your brakes when necessary. Be aware of the movements around you all the time and know where the other cars are in relation to yours. Know what's coming up ahead of you, what's happening behind you, and what's happening on either side of you. This way, you don't have to make sudden changes on your steering and you can avoid other problems that may arise from not being able to anticipate what's going to happen around you.

Respecting the rules of driving will not only benefit the people around you. It will benefit you as well. Always keep the rules in mind and make sure to follow them to make yourself safe while on the road.

Marc writes about a lot of different subjects. He works in the car industry for a very long time and developed a know-how in cars in general, especially Luxury SUV and Performance cars . Luxury car evolve rapidly and it's important to him to publish what he's noticed.

Man Drives Down Park Stairs after Blindly Following GPS

In another case of distracted driving, a man drove his car down the steps of a New York park after blindly following a GPS device.

There is a photograph of the incident which happened at Riverside Park floating online, which was snapped by a person at the park at the time of the incident.

Various reports state that the driver followed his electronic guide into the park partially down the stairs of 88th Street. The back wheels of the vehicle managed to remain on the sidewalk while the front wheels hung over the first few steps.

Some reports suggest that the car, with Rhode Island plates, may have been a front-wheel drive vehicle and had to be towed from the area.

There are various safety devices designed to improve automobile safety and efficiency. Completely relying solely on a GPS device is not safe. It simply does not replace a driver.

Distracted driving is a serious issue that cannot be taken lightly. Accident stemming from drivers who are not paying attention to the road could be eliminated but are not. Nationwide approximately 3,331 were killed in 2011 in distracted driving related accidents.

Those using a hand-held device while operating a vehicle face dangerous hazards. The drivers place themselves, their passengers and those sharing the road in unnecessary danger. Statistically, they are at least four times as likely to get into wreck that can cause serious injuries or kill someone than when not using the devices.

Inexperienced drivers under 20-year-old have the highest proportion of distracted-related fatal crashes, per various studies. It has been found that engaging in activities such as texting while driving can delay a driver's reaction time just as severely as having a blood alcohol content of a legally drunk driver. Most understand that driving under the influence is dangerous because those who are drunk do not have the mental acuity or motor skills to operate a vehicle properly or react to obstacles on the road.

Next time you are going someplace new, review the directions prior to embarking on your trip. Turn off your phone and other distractions while driving and keep it that way until you've reached your destination and are no longer operating a vehicle. If you feel that you need to use a GPS device, set it up in way so that the directions are read out loud, that way you won't have to keep looking away from the road at every street.

How to Drive Safely?

Drinking and driving is incredibly dangerous. You endanger your life and others' lives on the road. Drunken driving contributes too many fatal accidents. If you know you will be drinking, you should pick a designated driver or plan on taking a taxi.

If your car is well maintained, it is automatically safer. You will avoid most accidents caused by car issues. In the case of a collision, your car is more likely to protect you if it is well maintained.

Don't be distracted, tired, or upset. You need to be fully focused on the road. Avoid taking any medications that may cause drowsiness. Focus on the road and you will be much safer.

Observation skills are very important

You need to constantly observe the road. A car may try to cut you off. If you can anticipate being cut off, you can avoid the vehicle. Observation skills can help you anticipate and avoid accidents.

When it is dark out, you should use your lights. Headlights improve your visibility and ensure that other drivers can see you.

Street signs are out to warn you and make the road safer. You should look for street signs and obey them. It is also important to use your own judgment. If something seems wrong, proceed with caution.

If you run a red light, you are dramatically increasing your risk of collision. A car and even a pedestrian could be in the intersection. If you a run a red light accident by accident, remember to look for any other cars or other obstacles.

Turn on your indicator before changing lanes. This warns other drivers that you plan on changing lanes. Signal first, and then look to see if there is room for you to merge into the other lane. Give other drivers enough time to respond.

Check your mirrors constantly while you drive. This can also help you spot any reckless drivers or possible collisions. It is a good habit that makes you a much safer driver.

Trucks are big. This makes it difficult for truck drivers to see other vehicles on the road. You should give them more room than you would give a regular motorist. Don't try to cut off a truck driver. It takes trucks longer to come to a full stop. You may think that you can safely merge in front of a truck, but you could be incredibly wrong.

Only use your horn when necessary

Horns are loud and can be quite upsetting. Honking a horn unnecessarily can contribute to road rage.

Don't expect other drivers on the road to be nice or polite. Expect the worst, and you can better anticipate bad driving.

Car accidents can be quite dangerous and often fatal. These safe driving tips should help you become a safer and better driver. If you are ever in a car accident, contact a Huntington Beach car accident lawyer .

Before You Drive-take Driving Lessons Leeds!

In this age of fast life, it has become very significant to learn the skill of driving. It helps a person to reach any coveted place without being dependent on others. If someone is not comfortable in driving, it is better to use professional driving lessons providers to learn it in a professional manner. On the very first day, the instructors or the service providers demand your photo ID card, provisional license and the paper counterpart. You can also be asked to read a number plate that is about 20 m away that is one of the ways of taking a driving test.

On the very first day, the driving instructor will take you to a secluded road where you can begin your practice. It is necessary to begin driving on a lonely road as being the first day, the learner has little or no control over the vehicle and the chances of accidents are high. Though, driving instructor sitting on the next seat has few controls but still it is better to start at a secluded road where traffic is negligent. This will give the learner a confidence to start driving, albeit with lot of hiccups. Driving Lesson Leeds offer excellent training courses that help a new learner to learn this skill in a matter of days. It not only depends on the training skill of the instructors but also on the learning capacity of the learner.

To begin with, the instructors will teach controls that is accelerator, brakes and clutch. They will be told about various gears and which gear should be applied at a particular speed. Skills like when to slow down, when to change gears, when to give indication to other drivers through dippers, when to change lanes, when to increase speed, when to overtake and many nuances of driving. Driving school Leeds outlines a training schedule that needs to be adhered to by the learners. Following instructions offered by driving instructors help learners to learn at a fast pace. They will also teach how to park a vehicle in cramped spaces, how to back a vehicle and how to follow traffic rules. Besides, the learning session will also include information about various parts of a vehicle that will help a person to do something in case a vehicle stalls at the center of the road. All these aspects go a long way in learning the art of in a fine manner.

37 Shire Rd, Morley, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS27 0SN Telephone Free phone: 0800 7837 968 Leeds - 01133 350505 Wakefield/dewsbury - 01924 640242 Mobile - 07816 824330 Rate this Article

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Danial Vitori has published 4 articles. Article submitted on April 22, 2013. Word count: 404

Hit and Run Suspect Arrested at Westminster Bar

Authorities arrested a man suspected of leaving the scene after a fatal hit-and-run last week. Citizens detained him Friday at a bar in Westminster and waited for law enforcement officials to arrive and follow through with the arrest.

Last Wednesday, April 17, a male adult pedestrian was crossing Springdale Street outside of a marked crosswalk when a black Dodge Ram truck slammed into the man in the city of Westminster.

OC Fire Authority paramedics and Westminster police responded to the scene after a phone call was made at around 8:20 p.m.

Emergency respondents did what they could to keep the victim alive, who was later identified as Westminster resident Shawn Keith, a 34-year-old. They performed CPR and later transported the victim to a hospital, where he died as a result of major head injuries.

Reports identified the suspect found at the bar as Derek Wright, a 45-year-old, for the hit-and-run wreck.

Witnesses told authorities that the driver of the truck fled the scene on foot and ditched the vehicle. A passenger in the truck did not flee and decided to remain in the truck until authorities arrived to assist them with the investigation.

It wasn't until the following week that Westminster Police were called into the Posse Bar after employees recognized Wright. They received call them at around 9:16 p.m.

Before authorities arrived to the bar, Wright made an attempt to flee from them once again. This time he was held down by employees and patrons in the parking lot until authorities arrived. Officers then identified Wright and arrested him on the spot. He was booked for manslaughter and felony hit and run.

Authorities are continuing to look into the accident to get a full account of what happened. It has not been determined if Wright was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. Further information regarding the accident has not been made public. Authorities are asking for the public's help in obtaining more information for the case. If you know something in relations to the event, give them a call.

As a pedestrian, it is always important to cross the street at areas designated for crossing and to use precaution when doing that in order to prevent a pedestrian-car accident. You want to always be fully aware of your surroundings. It's not worth the risking and accident to cut the amount of time it takes to get to the crosswalk. As a rule of thumb, if you were involved in any accident, remember to wait for authorities to get to the scene and give them a clear account of what happened - even if you caused the accident.

Paul E. Lee is a car accident lawyer who cares about the community and does work in various California locatons, including Westminster.

Chex Quest: Doom Meets Cereal

We're all familiar with the toy-in-the-cereal-box promotions that have occurred since the dawn of time. Usually cereal companies will stick a cheap plastic toy inside a limited amount of cereal boxes to drive sales, mainly due to children nagging their parents to death until they have that toy in their hands. Back in 1996 a similar promotion was run in order to get kids excited about Chex cereal, only instead of offering a toy as part of the promotion, they offered a PC game (I still find it awesome to this day, and yes I was one of the nagging kids who had to have this game).

The game was called Chex Quest,and it was a first-person shooter designed to run on MS-DOS.
At first glance, something seems very familiar about Chex Quest:

Now where have we seen this before? Ah yes, of course!

No your eyes do not deceive you, Chex Quest is actually a kid-friendly mod of Ultimate Doom. The levels of this game are the first five levels of Ultimate Doom, with multiple texture changes. Instead of fighting demons from hell, you encounter "Flemoids," which are slimy creatures who threaten to devour every last bit of Chex (this includes the protagonist, the Chex Warrior, who is actually a living piece of Chex).

In an effort to avoid a M rating, Ultimate Doom's weapons are replaced with "Zorchers," which teleport the Flemoids back to their home planet instead of gunning them down. To avoid gore in the game, the Chex Warrior's face gets covered with slime as he takes damage, as opposed to the Doom Guy's face becoming more bloody and disfigured as he approaches his death.

Another cool thing about Chex Quest is that by using certain command line arguments when launching the game, you can actually load up various levels of Ultimate Doom (sadly with Chex Quest textures though). Unfortunately the sprites for the original demons have been removed, but said demons still exist in these levels as invisible menaces which can still shoot at you.

Chex Quest is an awesome game that I spent many hours with as a kid, and to this day I still fire it up every once in a while to play through a couple levels (thank you DOSBox!). Did you guys ever get a chance to play this game? Were you amused that it was a mod of Ultimate Doom, or did it infuriate you that they took an awesome game and gave it the kiddie treatment?

3 Doors Down Bassist Charged With Dui Vehicular Homicide

Robert Todd Harrell, bassist for the rock band 3 Doors Down was charged with vehicular homicide by intoxication after a car crash he was in killed another motorist in a Nashville suburb Friday night.

Authorities held the 41-year-old musician in jail past Sunday in connection with the deadly Interstate 40 vehicle collision that killed 47-year-old Paul Howard Shoulders Jr.

Metropolitan Nashville officials told reporters that a preliminary investigation of the collision showed that the bassists was heading west at a high rate of speed in Hermitage when he lost control of the car he was driving and clipped a truck that was being operated by Shoulders.

Furthermore, the report stated that the pickup driver lost control of his truck and smashed against a guardrail, which then caused the vehicle to fall down an embankment and land overturned. Harrell's car was travelling so fast that it hit a retaining wall and stopped about a quarter mile away from the scene.

When authorities arrived on the scene they asked Harrell to undergo a field sobriety test and he showed signs of impairment and was arrested. During the examination, he acknowledged consuming hard cider and taking prescription Lortab" and Xanax, per authorities.

Paramedics found that Shoulder was not wearing a seatbelt while in the truck. He was ejected when the vehicle overturned in the crash. Emergency respondents rushed Shoulder to a Nashville hospital where he was declared dead.

Additionally, the bassist of Mt. Juliet was charged for bringing controlled substances into the jail. During the search in the booking room, sheriff's deputies discovered a plastic bag concealed in his sock that contained eight Xanax pills, 24 Oxycodone pills and four Oxymorphone pills.

As of Sunday Harrell remained in custody in lieu of $100,000 bond, per an anonymous official's statement. Per the official, Harrell was not available and jail records didn't indicate whether he had an attorney.

On Thursday, Harrell will have a court appearance.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Howard Shoulders, Jr. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this difficult time," said a statement released on the 3 Doors Down website. There were no further details available on their website regarding the deadly car accident with bassist Harrell.

Also, there was no further information available or to be released to reporters per the Metropolitan Nashville Police. County sheriff's office said they had no information on the case either.

How to Lower Car Insurance Rates for Young Drivers in Colorado?

Across the nation, 16-year-old drivers have consistently been at the highest risk of accident over any other age group. This is because new drivers lack experience during their first year on the road, and because young teens in general haven't developed the same level of maturity and risk-aversion as older people. Alcohol and other impairing substances also affect them more strongly. In fact, car accidents remain the leading cause of death for teenagers in America.

Fortunately, there are several things any teen driver can do to mitigate some of the higher costs of car insurance for young drivers.

Get an "Insurance-Friendly" Car

A car that is more likely to be stolen or is in general more expensive to repair is going to cost more to insure. The insurance company assumes more risk if you drive a luxury car or something that is a common target for thieves. The cheapest cars to insure are simple, low horsepower, mid-sized, and come with plenty of safety equipment like seat-belts, airbags, and back-up warning systems.

Do Well in School

Because there is a correlation between good grades and safe driving habits, it is common for insurance companies to offer lower rates to teen drivers who maintain a "B" average or better. If you can provide a recent report card showing your good performance in school, you might save some money. Get those grades up!

Get On the Parents' Policy

For most insurance companies, it is much cheaper to add a teen driver to their parents' policy than to create a new one. Most companies will have some kind of family plan or multiple driver discounts.

Drive Like a Girl

Actually, there's not much teen drivers can do about this, but young males are generally charged 10% higher premiums than females. This is simply because there is a higher correlation of accidents with guys than there are with girls. Sorry, guys.

Complete Teen Driver's Education Courses

Driver's education in Colorado is required for drivers under 16 who want to get their permit. But, if you choose to complete it even past 16, it may be positively reflected on your car and auto insurance rates. Some insurance companies offer up to a 15% discount for teens who have completed 30-hour driver's education either online or in person. They believe that teens who have had the professional intensive training offered in these state-approved courses will be better drivers than those who learn privately.

Insurance rates go down sharply the longer a teen driver maintains a clean record and the older they get, so you won't have to worry too long about those insane car insurance rates. But be warned that even a few tickets or a single accident can cause your rates to skyrocket, especially if you are a teen. Be extra careful during those first couple years of driving, and make sure you take the necessary steps to learn the principles of safe driving for life.

http://www.coloradodrivereducation.com

Colorado Driver Education provides the highest-quality driver training programs for young drivers in Colorado. They can help teen drivers get their licenses or keep their insurance rates down. You can enroll in online Colorado driver's education at: Driver's education in Colorado

How to Become a Master in Driving a Car

Driving is an art that most people want to master. Children, especially boys, who always aspired to get behind the wheel and learn to drive a car. There is certainly a theoretical process, but knowing how to perform this art before taking driving lessons would prepare him for the act. Another advantage of having knowledge book is that it helps save you from embarrassing situations we could find during learning.

Earlier, learning to drive a car was considered a difficult job. But today, with more and more cars with driver-friendly features, eagerness to learn to drive a car is rising. Learning Cars equipped with automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and airbags has become a child's play. Before jumping into the driver's seat of a car, you need a learner's license, open a practice area with no vehicular traffic or pedestrians and a coach of a professional driving school, though not in the same sequence. If you want to know how long it takes to learn to drive a car, then let me tell you there is no specific time period in which you are guaranteed to acquire this art. There was less passionate people who stopped learning after the rigors of months of practice, and on the other hand, some guys crazy about learning to drive have successfully completed a "learn to drive a car in a week's program.

How to learn to drive a car?

Take driving lessons is a step-by-step. Let me tell you, there is a difference between day and night learning the automatic transmission and manual transmission. It is always advisable to learn in a type of transport you are more likely to go on for long. It is very difficult to adapt to another type later. Let's go through the steps of learning to drive:

The first step is sitting in the car! It may seem too obvious, but correct posture and comfort is very important to give you full control of the car. Make sure that you can fully press the brake pedals, gas and clutch (for manual transmission). If you learn about a system of manual transmission, you need to know the pattern of shift which is a standard H-pattern, worldwide. In the case of an automatic transmission system, the driver does not have to worry about gears and clutch.The next step would be to start the engine of the car, also known as start the ignition. This is done by decoupling the wheel from the engine, either by pressing or holding the clutch gear to neutral, the latter being preferred. Remember, on a road with a gradient (slope), you will need to use the hand brake to stop the car from moving when the wheels are dissociated.After successfully starting the engine and let it warm up, comes the most difficult step in touring car basics - getting the moving vehicle downtime. This is not unmanageable for anyone who learns about the automatic transmission, but for those learning to drive manual gear change, it may take days to master this step. Basically, this step requires a lot of coordination between all your senses and limbs. Let's see what steps you need to do to get the car rolling success. First, press the clutch and push the lever to the position of 1st gear. Now, slowly releasing the starting clutch while simultaneously pressing the accelerator pedal, so that there is no marginal increase in rpm. At one point, you will feel the engine thrust acting on the wheels (known as point of friction clutch), which is characterized by a change in engine noise and drop in rpm. Now, release the clutch and the engine completely takes control of the wheel rotation and pressing the pedal more gear, the car goes into speed. The process is holding more simple, as you increase the speed of the car and advancement of marches higher. To begin, you will always have car dragging and only practice can help overcome the 'blues first gear. "After that, always remember that your left foot is for the clutch, while the right can brake or accelerate. To move from first to second gear and promote higher, simply press the clutch and gently increase the gas while releasing the clutch. Now, the clutch can be released very quickly in comparison with the first speed, as the wheels are already in motion. But when should you change gears? Car Manuals can come right here, but it's the best way to feel the roar of the engine and understand the engine rpm max. These days, most cars are equipped with tachometers showing the engine rpm with a score of at least 1,000 rpm. The change in all 3,000 rpm is the most economical way. It is best to consult the coach help you.Then comes the issue of low changing. This is necessary, while slowing down. As all equipment is designed for a speed range, you can not start or stop at Top Gear. Below is similar to the change of displacement. First, release the gas, then press the clutch, shift to a lower gear and get back to the gas, while engaging the clutch. You should go back to the gas quickly, as the changes and do not touch the gas the car will slow down very fast. This will cause the engine speed to climb up your rev limit because the compression engine fighting the wheels turning. But when going down a hill or a slope, this is desirable. Never slow down without using the brakes as the driver behind you may not be able to realize its slowdown, no brake lights on.The next thing that scares a rookie anymore, is rising from a stop on an incline. To conquer this land, it is best to start with minimum slope. Parking brake or the hand brake is the key to learning to climb. It will prevent the car from rolling back while you practice. And speed is needed to start on a hill, to avoid reversal. Practice releasing the clutch before the rollback until the sticking point is reached and then press the gas car and release the clutch more. The idea is to give the car more power to counteract gravity, and you can get without reversal. As you get better, you can slowly reduce the use of the parking brake until you will not feel the need to use it.The next thing you need is to incorporate an anticipation. You need to anticipate a corner or a hill or a complicated situation and move to the right gear before slowing down or speeding up.

You must have seen novice drivers pulling over and stopping learning. This article could help take some pain and embarrassment out of the learning experience. Obviously, no write-up can help and train as a coach can default, who does not care about you erosion clutch of your car while you learn to drive a car.

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Stiven Benson has published 24 articles. Article submitted on April 11, 2013. Word count: 1158

New Mexico Rollover Bus Accident Kills Driver

A bus driver in New Mexico was killed after the bus he was in rolled over on the way to drop off various students at a handful of school, including those in Mesa Vista. At least nine children were hurt in the incident.

Various reports stated that bus rolled over on Monday morning on NM 111 near Vallecitos north of Espanola. It went off the road and rolled downhill several times until landing in an embankment.

When authorities arrived on the scene the bus was surrounded in brush. They found Pat Valdez, the driver, 69-year-old driver dead. It is not clear whether the driver died from a medical problem or at the crash.

An aerial video of the accident available online blurs the section where the emergency workers were working on the victims.

At least nine children were injured in the bus wreck, per Rio Arriba Sheriff Department and the New Mexico State Police.

Detectives were on the scene investigating the accident. Authorities closed the road in both directions.

Among the injured, an 8-year old suffered a broken back and was taken to UNMH; a 16-year-old suffered a broken jaw. The other students were taken to the Espanola hospital as a precaution and to get treatment for their injuries.

Students were from various schools: Ojo Caliente Elementary as well as Mesa Vista Middle and Mesa Vista High.

Those investigating are attempting to determine if the bus driver died from a heart attack or simply lost control of the vehicle and crashed.

Bus accidents can happen on almost any road, at almost any moment. These accidents can impact people beyond those at the scene. That means that loved ones, friends, and family are also affected even though they are not at the crash. Children have go through life without a father. Spouses who depend on the other financially might have to get kicked out of their homes and forced to live on the street because they don't have money to live.

In this accident relatives lost and older member of the family who was only trying to work and make a living. And the student that suffered the back injury may never be able to play that sport he or she fantasized about playing because of the physical damage incurred.

It is important to stay alert on the road and follow the laws and safety practices, such as wearing a seat belt and not driving when intoxicated.

Drivers Online Training Offers a Excellent Alternative to Standard Training

Most driver training has traditionally been offered in a classroom setting, but drivers online training offers an excellent, convenient, and inexpensive training alternative to standard classroom training. Drivers online training, introduced to the transportation industry by CayCan Safety Consulting, offers participants a flexibility that classroom training does not while still relaying the necessary information to the participant.

The D.O.T is comprised of a series of modules that educate drivers on the applicable safety standards and regulations that govern the transportation industry. This will ensure that more drivers are compliant with the regulations, reducing violations and fines.

Drivers online training is reliable and secure, and ensures that participants understand and retain the information by including tests at the completion of each module and a final exam upon completion of the course. D.O.T also reduces the hassle for carriers by eliminating the need to schedule classroom training for their drivers. This also reduces the hassle for the drivers by allowing them to take the training at a time and place that is convenient for them, rather than traveling to a classroom session.

CayCan's drivers online training educates carriers and drivers on the most current safety standards and regulations, aiding in the development of superior safety standards within the company and ensures the compliance of drivers with the transportation legislation.

Leading Online Transportation Safety organization across the Canada. CayCan.ca Safety Consulting provides Trip Inspection, Third Party Vehicle Inspections, Hours of Service, Load Securementt Transportation Compliance Programs.

The National Safety Code, which is the standard that regulates hours of service, was developed by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA). The CCMTA is the organization responsible for controlling the administration and regulation of motor vehicle transport and highway safety in Canada. The Hours of Service standard was developed to improve safety on Canada's highways by limiting commercial driver's hours to ensure they remain alert behind the wheel and to decrease the fatigue they may feel while on the job.

Transport Canada takes driver fatigue very seriously and hours of service infractions are dealt with severely. It is therefore important that carriers and their drivers work together to carefully monitor each driver's hours and ensure compliance with the National Safety Code standards.

Doug Fulgham is author of this article. For more information, contact Doug Fulgham, Managing Director of CayCan Safety Consulting Ltd., at mail AT caycan.ca. To learn more about Drivers safety Training Alberta, drivers online training, Transportation Safety Training and Transportation Compliance Solutions Please visit : http://www.caycan.ca/contact-us

Gainesville Mayor Arrested for Drunken Driving

Gainesville mayor Craig Lowe was found asleep behind the wheel of his banged up vehicle that was near the scene of an accident and was arrested.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers interrupted the mayor's sleep early Thursday morning when they discovered him asleep inside a badly damaged Honda Civic. They were suspicious he had caused an auto accident while under the influence of alcohol then knocked out.

Admittedly, Lowe told authorities that he had consumed three beers the previous night. Authorities alleged he looked intoxicated and were forced to arrest him and submit him to an intoxication test.

Results from a blood alcohol test performed at the scene showed Lowe was below the legal limit for driving (0.08), but the troopers decided to arrest him on a DUI charge on the basis of his impairment at the crash site.

According to reports, the Gainesville mayor was booked at Alachua County Jail on a charge of property damage.

This week, Gatorville's first openly gay mayor, came in second for the mayoral election. During next month's runoff he is set to go against former City Commissioner Ed Braddy.

In a similar situation in 2006, Lowe's rival Braddy was arrested for drunk driving back in 2006. He allegedly had a blood-alcohol level of 0.184 percent at the time, which is well above the state's legal limit.

Safety experts tend to advice that people don't drink and drive because it can lead to car accidents and property damage. At the end of the day, the costs associated with this decision are not worth the risk. They can pull families apart and cause dire financial hardships in some. It all leads down a path of disaster. To some people, it can even end their careers.

Also if women are pregnant and are drinking and driving they are putting the creature in their bellies at risk of injury or death as well. All before the creature gets a chance to live and make decisions on its own. It is not worth putting someone who has not had a chance to experience life at an unnecessary risk. Call a friend or hire a cab to drive you home and have nonalcoholic beverages.

Drinking and driving is a serious issue. It accounts for a laundry list of accidents, injuries, damages and deaths. If you consume an alcoholic beverage, have a plan to get home after the party. Designate a driver or hire a cab to get you to a safe resting place like your hotel room or home.

GIRP: Brain-Twisting Rock-Climbing

A little while back, I wrote about the insanely difficult running simulator called QWOP. It turns out that the creator of QWOP, Bennett Froddy, wasn't satisfied with making just one frustrating Flash game. As a result, the nightmare continues with Froddy's next creation: GIRP.

Whereas QWOP was all about running, GIRP (don't you just love saying these game names?) is a rock-climbing "simulation." Here you are given a cliff face which has multiple handholds attached to it. Each handhold is assigned a letter, and pressing the corresponding letter on your keyboard will cause the rock-climber to reach for that handhold using whichever free hand is nearest to it. You are also given the ability to flex the rock-climber's arm muscles, hoisting him up so he may reach handholds further up the cliff face.

Just like in QWOP, prepare to bend your character in awkward poses.

At first it seems like this game isn't too difficult, definitely easier than QWOP. After climbing a little ways up the cliff however, you'll find your fingers getting tangled up with each other as you try to hang onto one hand-grip while simultaneously reaching for another. I found myself feeling like a novice typist as I kept forgetting which letters my fingers were on, usually resulting in the rock-climber taking a plunge into the water at the base of the cliff. As an added bonus, the water level slowly rises, threatening to drown the rock-climber if he doesn't move fast enough. Don't believe my claims of its difficulty? Try it for yourself. Have fun and try not to destroy your keyboard in rage!

Why Do People Go To Traffic School?

Every driver in the entire United States is expected to obey the driving laws and rules that govern driving behavior. These rules apply to a wide variety of different behaviors including the speed at which you can drive, rules on who should yield and when, and a whole host of other regulations. Drivers are also required to have some type of auto insurance as well, in order to make sure that if they get into a crash there is money available to pay for damages that the collision causes.

When someone breaks one of the rules of the road and is ticketed, they are subject to consequences. Among those consequences is a possible increase in the cost of auto insurance. Traffic school, however, can sometimes allow a driver who has been cited for breaking the driving rules to avoid having his or her insurance rates rise or in some cases avoid the citation from reaching their record at all.

Why Do People Go To Traffic School?
The details vary slightly from state to state, but when a person gets a ticket, it normally goes on his or her driving record and points (usually between two and four) are placed on the individual's license. If a driver gets too many tickets and too many points in too short of a period of time, the driver can face a suspension of his or her driver's license or surcharges. Obviously, this is a very undesirable outcome since the right to drive is so important and nobody likes getting an extra bill due to poor driving.

Even if the points don't add up and result in a license suspension, points and a record of a ticket can result in an insurance premium increase, meaning that car insurance will become more expensive. Points on a driver's license can also disqualify the driver from certain jobs where a spotless driving record is a prerequisite to employment, such as many professional driving jobs.

Getting points on your license, therefore, has some very serious and long-term consequences even though a traffic ticket is a relatively minor offense in most cases. To avoid the long-term consequences of the traffic ticket, many people go to traffic school.

Traffic school is another name for a defensive driving course or driver safety course where you learn safe driving skills and techniques. In many states, when a person goes to traffic school, he or she can avoid getting points on a license and triggering the accompanying insurance increase. In other states successfully completing a traffic school course online or live can keep the ticket from reaching their driving record in the first place. That is why it is important to know and understand your state's rules pertaining to traffic tickets.

Today, choosing traffic school after a ticket has become an even more obvious choice since it is so much easier to attend traffic school than ever before. In the past, if you wanted to go to traffic school, you had to go to a physical location where the classes were taught in a classroom at designated times (usually on weekends). This is no longer the case as it is now possible to go to traffic school online from the comfort of your own home or from any other location that you choose, as long as you have internet access.

With online traffic school, you can complete the course whenever and whenever you want to. You'll enjoy all of the benefits of going to traffic school and none of the hassle.

Teen Traffic Deaths Increasing

The number of teen traffic deaths has increased. For years, the number has declined, but it has recently begun to increase. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, the number of deaths of 16 and 17 year old drivers has increased 19%. Traffic deaths are a serious issue for teens. Traffic collisions are the number one cause of injury and death for American teens aged 15 through 20.

The study does not discuss the causes for the spike in traffic deaths. Experts speculate the spike could be caused by the improving economy. An improving economy usually means that there are more teen drivers on the road. Teenage drivers also have more distractions than ever before.

Many teens have mobile devices, mp3 players, laptops, and more. These are great electronic devices, but they can be incredibly distracting while someone is driving. Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accident. Teens are the most susceptible to distractions while they are driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 40% of American teens have reported being in a car when the driver was distracted by a cell phone.

If your teen is a new driver, you need to educate him or her about the dangers of distracted driving. In 2011, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver. Text messaging while driving can create a significantly worse accident

Teens are also less experienced drivers. It is important to have them drive in different conditions. Teach your teen how to drive in hazardous conditions like rain and snow. This will prepare them in case your teen experiences any hazardous conditions. Driving in hazardous conditions increases the chance of car accidents. Prepare your teen by fully educating him. If possible, avoid letting your teen drive extensively at night and in bad weather.

Teach your teen the importance of proper car maintenance. Remind your teen to inspect the tire pressure level at least once a month. Under-inflated tires can cause flats and tire blowouts. Tire blowouts are one of the leading causes of car accidents on the highway. Your teen should also make sure he gets his car's oil changed regularly. Oil changes protect the engine and improve fuel economy. Postponing an oil change is damaging to the engine and can cause serious car accidents in the long run.

Teach your teen how to drive defensively. While driving, your teen should focus on the road. While focusing on the road, it is important to be pay attention to the surrounding cars. Defensive driving can prevent dangerous collisions.

There are also many simple safety practices. Remind your teen to always buckle up. This simple safety step has saved many lives. Tell them to avoid driving too many people. More people in a vehicle usually mean more distractions. Remind them the importance of following speeding limits and following other driving safety laws.

Dos And Don'ts of Safe Driving

Dos

Your car is a complex piece of machinery. It needs to be maintained following a proper schedule. Proper maintenance will make your car last longer and safer. Check the mirrors, tires, brakes, and lights once a week. Your car owner's manual has more information about the proper schedule for your car's maintenance.

Constantly scan the road for any possible dangers. This will help you respond to any possible dangers. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Before driving, it is a good idea to know the weather. Rain and snow can affect your driving. Such weather conditions make the road slippery and affect your visibility. In bad weather conditions, you also need to drive with more caution.

It helps to familiarize yourself with the route ahead of time. If you need to print out directions, make sure the font is easy to read. You do not want to distract yourself while driving. If you use a navigation device, make sure that the audio is loud and clear enough.

Follow proper lane change protocol. Always signal. This alerts other drivers of your intentions. Signal, check your blind spot, and then change lanes. It is incredibly to check your blind spot. There may be another car or even another car attempting change lanes. Many accidents occur because of improper lane changes.

Parking lot accidents are quite frequent. In parking lots, people's attention is low. Drive slowly and be careful of any cars backing out. Many drivers tend to speed in parking lots, but it is important to drive slowly and cautiously in parking lots.

Don't

Eating and drinking while driving may seem harmless, but eating and drinking significantly distract drivers from the road. Eating and drinking requires you to use at least one hand if not both. While eating and drinking, you are less focused on the road. If you happen to spill your drink, your attention is instantly taken off the road. Do not eat or drink while driving. Pull over to eat and drink if you are really that thirsty or hungry.

Smoking is incredibly distracting. It requires you to take one hand off the wheel. There is also the chance of dropping the cigarette and causing a fire.

Cell phones are one of the primary sources of distractions for drivers. While your eyes are on your cell phone, they are off the road. Focus on the road not on your cell phone. If you must use the cell phone while driving, invest in a hands free device.

Always leave at least one car length behind the vehicle in front of you. This will give you enough time to respond to any dangers ahead. Tailgating is risky and dangerous.

Loud music is incredibly distracting. With loud music playing, you also can not hear the other cars or traffic. You need to be able to hear any crashes or dangers.

Driving while tired is very dangerous. It can be as dangerous as driving while under the influence. Take a nap before a long drive. You need to be fully alert while driving.

Road rage is very dangerous. It also spreads very quickly. Road rage contributes to many car accidents. While on the road, stay calm and focus on the road.

The Phantom: A Console Worthy of its Name

Remember the Phantom gaming console? Not many do. The Phantom was an unreleased console that was way ahead of its time, likely dying in development due to how ambitious its concept was. The Phantom was announced back in 2003, with the claim that it could play PC games, and would offer players new games through a digital distribution service.

Despite making an appearance at E3 in 2004, not too much is known about this doomed console. After being demoed at E3, the Phantom lived up to its ghostly namesake, disappearing from the public eye only to reappear through rumored release dates. After experiencing delay after delay, the plug was finally pulled on its development, ending the hopes and dreams of all five people who actually cared if it would be released.

Despite never really seeing the light of day, bits and pieces of the Phantom's proposed gaming experience live on in other forms. Take OnLive for example, the gaming service that streams video games directly to your PC, from dedicated servers where the games are actually installed. Also there is Valve's "Steam Box" console which is currently in development. This console currently aims to run all its games through the Steam application, meaning that said games will be obtained through Valve's digital distribution service.

So, were any of you guys faithful followers of the Phantom and its troubled development cycle? Or did you write it off immediately, knowing that such an ambitious console wouldn't see the light of day.

How to Get a Colorado Driver's License if You Are Over 18?

Most teens are eager to get their learner's permits at age 15 and their licenses as soon as they turn 16. However, there are many reasons why someone might wait until they are over 18 to begin the driver's licensing process. The procedure in Colorado works a little differently depending on when you choose to begin.

New CO Driver's License (under 18)

Like many other states, Colorado employs a graduated licensing program for drivers under 18. This program imposes extra restrictions on young drivers, which are gradually removed as they get older and demonstrate consistent competence behind the wheel. Teens under 16 have to complete a Colorado Driver's Ed Course before they can take the Colorado learner's permit test. After getting their permit, they will have to log at least 50 hours of supervised driving and wait at least 12 months before taking the driver's license exam. For the first 2 years of having their license, they will have restrictions on the number of passengers they can carry and the hours at night they are allowed to drive.

New Colorado Driver's License (18+)

If you are over 18 and attempting to get your license for the first time, you will not be subject to the same restrictions as minors. You can walk into any Colorado DMV office and take your permit test. You don't even have to wait a minimum amount of time afterward to get your license. Any adult with a permit can make an appointment for their behind-the-wheel driving test and get their license at any time. You will immediately be granted the full privileges of a Class R license, without the restrictions.

Why You Should Take Colorado Driver's Education, Even If You Don't Have To

Just because the Colorado driver's license requirements don't make adults take a Driver's Ed course, it doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. There are many ways someone can learn to drive a car, but nothing nearly as comprehensive as a professional, state-approved 30-hour training program. These courses aren't designed to provide a bare-minimum understanding of how to get from Point A to Point B. They give a natural, comprehensive, and principled approach to understanding the rules of the road, street sign meanings, responsible driving behaviors, and important legal policies. Many car insurance companies even give significant discounts to Colorado drivers who have completed driver education.

You can take Colorado Driver's Ed either in person or online with any state-approved provider. Most people prefer to take it online for the ease and convenience of working on their own schedule. By taking the course and studying the Colorado driver handbook, you will become well-prepared for anything that shows up on the permit test or the driving test. The things you learn now will lay the foundation for lifetime of responsible driving.

Importance of Driving Lessons from Reputed Driving School

The purpose of learning driving lessons from any reputed driving school is that you will learn driving very easily and then you can get license after passing of your driving exam. You should also learn under the supervision of parents, relatives and friends because it will make you comfortable during the practice that you will ask about any kind of situation from them without any hesitation. When you start to learn professionally and in an expert way you will be able to drive on the hazards roads confidently. Your trip on the road side will be safe and secured. You can also done private practice on your own way.

City Driving:

In the city and its areas, it usually may be seen that the rush of the traffic and the reckless driving on the roads look dangerous. So that the road signs may be confusing, pedestrians can't cross the road easily and it seems that the traffic is intersecting each other and the drivers behave in ansurprising ways. To avoid this situation, the controller should need to calm the road temper. For the safe driving, keeping a close look out is better so as to know what is going ahead on the road.

Learning how to drive in a small town is most challenging part of driving. But it is very important that you are taking driving lessons from a good driving school which has better and qualified instructors possess good status and compact teaching archives.

Hazards:

When you are going to learn driving, then you will usually have to face more risks, more often if you are learning to drive out of town. Even if you are learning to drive in a very quiet time of day are more likely to see people on the street that is out of town. And pedestrians, the streets are likely to be busy and you will have to pay more attention to make sure they do not crash with other cars.

In recent years, the city has become very popular bike in spite of the increasing number of cycle paths, still on the road you will find many cyclists. A general rule, riders do not have to pass any kind of test to get on the road, so as to know and obey the rules of the road cannot rely on them. Should be aware of cyclists and cyclists to be alert but it is also the duty of the drivers you need to avoid.

Rush Hour:

No reputable company offering driving lessons you take out in rush hour traffic until you are ready. Once you have mastered the basics and your instructor feels that you are aware of the hazards on the road then you can combat rush hour, but do not rush into it. With the increased traffic can experience great.

Trusted Driving School, Driving Lessons, holding safe driving habits in order to prevent conflicts in your life and will help to develop skills. You also will learn about mistakes and how to react to unforeseen circumstances the other driver. You will then get a buildup confidence which will take you to the long term of safe journey without any fear.

Get Best Driving Lesson At Best Driving School

Taking driving lessons is an electrifying experience to begin with, so the choice of the best school is and important point for you. Many people start their lessons in Croydon so that they can clear their test as quickly as possible in a very short time. For getting driving lessons, you should first have knowledge about the best school in your nearby area because selecting a best known school will be most beneficial for you to understand the skillful points to remember for the driving. The best school has professional and experienced and knowledgeable instructors who can guide you properly that how to read the road signs and how to drive on the hazards roads. You will be capable of driving to a long distance. There are number of best schools to which you can choose easily in your area. The experienced and professional instructors are available for both male and female candidates and they also have opportunity of selecting the best and qualified instructors for their own. They make you fully prepared for the test and after when you pass the test, you will easily acquire drivinglicense.

If you are looking for best lesson, the choosing of the best school is the first thing. Without the instructors, it will be difficult for you to control the car yourself. You will be trained in the friendly environment so that you will forget all your hesitation and nervousness. Once you have found confidence over yourself, all your training will be safely going on without any trouble. Driving schools supply all the important requirements concerning driving. The requirements are the power and skill, techniques and knowledge, reverse parking, three point turn, side stop, safe following distance, observation checks etc. These all important points are to be noted by the driving instructors while training the candidates. So this is the most benefit of best school that the candidates have no problems during the training. They will not feel difficulty at the time of the preparation of the test because they will aware of the basic important points.

If you want to get best lesson then you should find the best school that offers a combination of classroom instruction, simulator training and real world experience driving. Learning to drive safely is not just a matter of muscle memory behind the wheel. They should be courses defensive driving, rules of the road, basic vehicle maintenance and science behind a car. Simulators should give students a real sense of what can be done in a series of driving scenarios.

In spite all of that, these driving lessons the eastern suburbs are also available for students who are, nervous and have no experience, preparation for the test, license holders just abroad looking for the licensing of NSW and the lesson for elderly people. For the lessons London get individual lesson if required 6 to 10 hours package, test preparation and get a vehicle for appearing the test instructor. Despite all of that, these training has the Eastern Suburbs Driving contain; RTA qualified professional instructors, special car equipped with automatic dual brake control, fully insured, classes 1-1, which makes you as a confident and competent driver with focus on road safety, gaining experienced and finally get all the affordable price formation.

Enroll in an Online Traffic School and Save Yourself from Getting Traffic Tickets

No tickets, no accidents, no felonies charged? Sounds too good to be true? However, this may prove impossible for some people. The passion for speed brings them to the verge of recklessness and the result can be fatal.

A lot of drivers maintain their driving records only because they care to comply with the traffic laws. Others face the constant mayhem of accidents, tickets, fines and the law enforcement after them. You have to be smart enough to realize that an online traffic school is the only place that will guarantee a dismissal of your traffic tickets. You will learn proper rules and techniques so you can learn how to drive the perfect way in a very short amount of time. Plus you won't have to worry about your insurance rates going up, which can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

1. Requirements to Enroll For Online Traffic Classes

An important thing to remember is that online traffic classes do not impose any strict enrollment requirements. For example, the new rule is that you can only enroll in a school if you have not received a traffic ticket within the last 18 months. A court cannot grant you to attend traffic school if you were cited for a ticket within the last 18 months. No exceptions will be given. If you have already gotten a traffic ticket within the last 18 months, then pleading not guilty and fighting the ticket may be your only option.

2. Why IS Online Traffic School Convenient For You?

The word 'online' sums up the whole point. Without the online option, you will need to attend traffic school physically in a classroom. The online traffic school is, in fact, a virtual classroom taken over the internet. You don't have to drive to attend classes, which means saving valuable commute time and fuel costs. Relax on your most comfortable couch with a cup of coffee and study online from the comfort of your home. Doesn't it sound interesting, convenient and affordable?

3. Using Technology for Advanced Learning

Driving to and from the physical traffic school will leave you with less time to study and stay updated with the latest developments in traffic laws and regulations. Online classes give you the opportunity to stay connected and to learn about the developments in laws and regulations. At the same time, you can research and learn about advanced tips and techniques for better driving. This saves you time and enriches your daily lessons as well.

Bizarre Evolutions of Game Characters

Every so often, we see established game characters get an overhaul for the sake of keeping things fresh and new. Most times these characters receive only minor changes, such as the Master Chief's armor in each Halo game, which seems to get more detailed over time yet retains the same overall look. Other times the changes to characters can be extreme and will cause fan outcries of rage, such as when Nintendo unveiled the cel-shaded styling of Link in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. After all, as gamers we tend to collectively call for change, and collectively complain about it when change does occur.

In this article, let's take a look at how some game characters have evolved over the years, with changes that are not always for the best.

Raphael - Soulcalibur Series

Raphael made his first appearance in Soulcalibur II, where he was a mortal French noble with no personality and fighting moves ranging from decent to poor. That's all there really is to say about this character in Soulcalibur II; I'm not one to slog through the implied story-lines in fighting games, especially the mess of the Soulcalibur series story, which basically boils down to "Character X wants the Soul Edge."

In Soulcalibur III and IV, the game developers for some reason decided to transform Raphael from a boring French guy into a somewhat less-boring French vampire. Where the logic is found here, I'll never know. Upon making the jump from Soulcalibur II to Soulcalibur IV, I was fairly surprised when discovering that the least-interesting character in the series had been given a Castlevania makeover.

Now we just need a Belmont to star in Soulcalibur VI.

I never even knew that vampires existed in the Soulcalibur universe, but I guess we shouldn't be too surprised, considering there are much weirder things in these games.

Dante - Devil May Cry Series

I probably don't even have to explain this one, if you are a fan of the DMC series then you know where this is going and you are likely outraged. But for the uninitiated, Dante is the main protagonist in this series, a demon hunter who just so happens to be part-demon himself. In the early Devil May Cry games Dante was a likeable badass, facing off against monstrous demons while still managing to crack a few jokes at their expense. All was well with this character until Capcom's game designers all simultaneously received brain hemorrhages and decided to reboot the DMC series, including a reboot of Dante himself:

Really Capcom? Really? You take an awesome character like Dante and turn him into a whiny, emo, Anakin Skywalker-ish teenage brat? Understandably there has been a huge outrage at this character's redesign, and nothing short of a triumphant return of the original Dante will appease this.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Yes, Sonic himself has seen his share of evolution over the years. While not as truly shocking as the previous two characters we covered, Sonic has changed in a way that somewhat annoys me. Look at the squat little hedgehog from Sonic the Hedgehog, we all know he's a 'hog with a 'tude, and this representation shows that fairly well:

In later entries in the Sonic series, I feel that Sega might have tried a little bit too hard to push the 'tude element of Sonic's personality:

Because flashing gang signs is cool, right?

What the hell happened to Sonic? He looks like Sega's kid-friendly representation of a gang member. Sonic was enough of a badass in the Sega Genesis days, we don't need him striking weird poses with his strangely lengthened and rubberized limbs while he flashes a creepy grin.

And that wraps up this quick look at some bizarre game character evolutions. Have you guys found any game characters to evolve in such a way that it annoys you death?