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Final Fantasy 9 is a console role playing game developed by Square. It is the ninth installment in the Final Fantasy video game series. It was released in 2000, and was the third and last Final Fantasy game for the original PlayStation console. It was likely the most anticipated game so far.

The game is set in the fantasy world, Gaia and follows the war between multiple different nations. The war was caused by one of the nation's evil queen. Most of the game takes place in dungeons, towns and caves. When the geography of an area interferes with gameplay, the player can use animals to overcome to geographical obstacles.

Final Fantasy IX was also the benchmark of Square's interactive PlayOnline service. PlayOnline was originally developed to interact with Final Fantasy X, but when those plans fell through it became a strategy site for Final Fantasy IX. The site was designed to complement BradyGames' and Piggyback Interactive's official strategy guides for the game, where players who bought the print guide had access to “keywords” that could be searched for on PlayOnline's site for extra tips and information.

This caused fury among buyers of the guide, as they felt cheated for the expensive print guide. The blunder made GameSpy readers' “Top 5 Dumbest Moments in Gaming” list, and Square dropped the idea for Final Fantasy X, which was under development at the time. The strategy guide also gained criticism; the book's given links are no longer accessible on the PlayOnline website, but Square backed up all the files for the guide and placed them in a new site. Final Fantasy X was finally released in 2001.

The battle mode in Final Fantasy 9 has been changed from Final Fantasy 8. Whenever the playable character encounters an enemy, the map changes to the “battle screen”. On the battle screen, the enemy appears on the opposite side of the characters. The command list has its own window.

There has always been great anticipation awaiting the release of the Final Fantasy series of games for the PlayStation, and this one was no different. This game has a long and rich history going back to the early days of the PlayStation I. Although the game was filled with mistakes, it was still a successful game on the PlayStation console. After all, it was the best selling Final Fantasy game so far. It is just one game in the video game legend that is the Final Fantasy series.

Curious how your fantasy football wide receivers rank among all the wide receivers for week 11? Here is a ranking chart for fantasy football wide receivers based on matchups and potential fantasy football point outcomes for week 11. So check out how your fantasy football wide receivers stack up, and use these rankings to help you decide which WR's to start this week. For a weekly update of my fantasy football rankings, just post your email address below and I will send you the rankings each week. Good Luck this Week!

WIDE RECEIVER RANKINGS - WEEK 11

1. Steve Smith - Car = Det
Excellent matchup for Smith and the Panther offense. 100-125 receiving yards, 1-2 touchdowns.

2. Andre Johnson - Hou = @Ind
Great matchup for Johnson, and even with Rosenfels at QB, Johnson will get plenty of throws his way. 100-125 receiving yards, 1-2 touchdowns.

3. Larry Fitzgerald - Ari = @Sea
The superb passing attack will launch in Seattle this week. Expect 80-100 receiving yards, and 1-2 touchdowns.

4. Reggie Wayne - Ind = Hou
After a great showing last week, Wayne and Peyton look to be on the same page once again. Excellent news for fantasy owners in need of making a playoff run. 80-100 receiving yards, 1-2 touchdowns.

5. Anquan Boldin - Ari = @Sea
The Boldin-Fitzgerald combo is unbeatable. 80-100 receiving yards, 1-2 touchdowns.

6. Marques Colston - NO = @KC
Posted huge yardage totals last week, and another week of the same is likely. Lets hope for a TD this week as well. 80-100 receiving yards, 1-2 touchdown.

7. Roddy White - Atl = Den
The Atlanta offense looks very good right now and they are very balanced. A bad Denver defense shouldn't slow Roddy or Matt Ryan down this week. 80-100 receiving yards, 1-2 touchdowns.

8. Hines Ward - Pit = SD
If Big Ben plays, Ward is an even better play than this ranking. With Santonio struggling and Willie Parker's playing status in doubt, you can bet the Steelers will look to Ward a lot against the worst passing defense in the NFL. 80-100 receiving yards, 1-2 touchdown.

9. Brandon Marshall - Den = @Atl
The Denver passing offense finally looked like it was coming back last week. If they continue on the momentum from last week, Marshall should be good for 80-100 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown.

10. Lee Evans - Buf = Cle
Evans potential lies solely on the arm of Trent Edwards. Now if the offensive line can give him some time to actually see Evans down the field… At any rate, a matchup against Cleveland should get the Bills duo back on track. 75-100 receiving yards, 1 touchdown.

11. Dwayne Bowe - KC = NO
With Thigpen looking like an NFL quarterback, Bowe's value is rising as fantasy teams start thinking about the playoffs.

12. Calvin Johnson - Det = @Car

13. Eddie Royal - Den = @Atl
Great matchup for Royal, and with Marshall getting all the attention from defenses, Cutler finds Royal a lot.

14. DeSean Jackson - Phi = @Cin
Excellent matchup Mr. Everything, as he should have plenty of chances to score a touchdown either running the ball, receiving the ball, or returning a punt.

15. Terrell Owens - Dal = @Was

16. Santana Moss - Was = Dal

17. Greg Jennings - GB = Chi

18. Braylon Edwards - Cle = @Buf
Braylon can't be trusted and should either be traded before the deadline in your league, or simply placed firmly on your bench until he comes out of his year-long slump.

19. Kevin Curtis - Phi = @Cin
Great matchup for Curtis, as he could easily hook up with McNabb for 75 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.

20. Bernard Berrian - Min = @TB
After last weeks shutout, Berrian will find another tough matchup in Tampa this week.

21. Santonio Holmes - Pit = SD
Good matchup if Holmes can get his act together.

22. Randy Moss - NE = NYJ

23. Plaxico Burress - NYG = Bal

24. Mushin Muhammad - Car = Det
Muhammad is a good bet to post a TD this week.

25. Vincent Jackson - SD = @Pit

26. Wes Welker - NE = NYJ

27. Jerricho Cotchery - NYJ = @NE

28. TJ Houshmandzadeh - Cin = Phi

29. Anthony Gonzalez - Ind = Hou

30. Lance Moore - NO = @KC
Moore is Colston's side-kick and a favorite target of Brees. This week is another good play for him.

31. Michael Jenkins - Atl = Den
His connection with Matt Ryan has been getting better and better each week, and with Roddy getting all the attention from defenses, Jenkins finds himself open a lot.

32. Greg Camarillo - Mia = Oak
Great pickup and spot starter this week.

33. Donnie Avery - StL = @SF
Avery could rediscover his magic this week against the lowly 49ers.

34. Reggie Brown - Phi = @Cin
Great matchup, but playing 4th fiddle after Kevin Curtis, DeSean Jackson, and Brian Westbrook, means his touches will be limited.

35. Marvin Harrison - Ind = Hou

36. Nate Washington - Pit = SD
Washington is almost a better play at WR then Santonio Holmes right now. In fact if I wanted a sure-bet WR to get me some points this week, Washington is a great play.

37. Kevin Walter - Hou = @Ind

38. Ted Ginn Jr - Mia = Oak
Great matchup for the speedy Ginn. Another long TD catch is very likely.

39. Torry Holt - StL = @SF

40. Chad Johnson - Cin = Phi

41. Chris Chambers - SD = @Pit

42. Roy Williams - Dal = @Was

43. Laveranues Coles - NYJ = @NE

44. Mark Bradley - KC = NO
Bradley is actually making a name for himself in KC. And with Bowe getting all the attention from defenses, Bradley is taking full advantage of his opportunity.

45. Justin Gage - Ten = @Jac

46. Donald Driver - GB = Chi

47. Josh Morgan - SF = StL

48. Steve Breaston - Ari = @Sea
Breaston is playing the same role that Brandon Stokely did in Indianapolis a few years back.

49. Antonio Bryant - TB = Min

50. Isaac Bruce - SF = StL
If you are ever going to consider starting this wily vet…this is the week.

51. Matt Jones - Jac = Ten

52. Donte Stallworth - Cle = @Buf

53. Jason Hill - SF = StL

54. Brandon Stokley = Den = @Atl

55. David Anderson - Hou = @Ind
Has been touchdown happy lately, which makes him a decent spot starter in deeper leagues.

56. Devery Henderson - NO = @KC

57. DJ Hackett - Car = Det

58. Devin Hester - Chi = @GB

59. Koren Robinson - Sea = Ari

60. Brandon Jones - Ten = @Jac

Week 11 Rankings

WEEK 11 - TIGHT END RANKINGS

WEEK 11 - KICKER RANKINGS

WEEK 11 - DEFENSE RANKINGS

Last Week's Results - Week 10:
Here is a follow-up of my wide receiver picks from last week.

1. Larry Fitzgerald - Ari = SF
With Arizona's offense as good as it has been lately, how can anyone but Fitzgerald or Boldin be in the #1 spot. 80-100 receiving yards, 1-2 touchdowns.
Week 10 = 49 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

2. Anquan Boldin - Ari = SF
Once again, the Fitzgerald-Boldin combo looks lethal. 80-100 receiving yards, 1-2 touchdowns.
Week 10 = 92 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns; 19 rushing yards

3. Steve Smith - Car = @Oak
Great matchup for Smith and the Panther offense. 80-100 receiving yards, 1-2 touchdowns.
Week 10 = 9 receiving yards

4. Roddy White - Atl = NO
If not for the blowout last week, Roddy would have notched another 100 receiving yards. Expect a closer game this week for the Falcons, which means Roddy should be targeted early and often. 80-100 receiving yards, 1-2 touchdowns.
Week 10 = 68 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

5. Brandon Marshall - Den = @Cle
If the Denver offense wouldn't be struggling so much, Marshall could easily be ranked in the top 3 for this week. However a big game should still be expected from Marshall this week against the shaky Cleveland defense. 80-100 receiving yards, 1-2 touchdowns.
Week 10 = 89 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

6. Marques Colston - NO = @Atl
Coming off the bye week, Colston should be nearly 100% healthy for this game. 80-100 receiving yards, 1 touchdown.
Week 10 = 140 receiving yards

7. Andre Johnson - Hou = Bal
Tough matchup for Johnson, but even with Rosenfels at QB, Johnson should get plenty of throws his way. 80-100 receiving yards, 1 touchdown possible.
Week 10 = 66 receiving yards

8. Braylon Edwards - Cle = Den
Great matchup for Braylon, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him go off this week. 80-100 receiving yards, 1-2 touchdowns.
Week 10 = 15 receiving yards

9. Calvin Johnson - Det = Jac
With Chad Johnson posting 2 touchdowns last week against the Jaguars defense, Calvin and the Detroit passing attack could look very good this week. 80-100 receiving yards, 1 touchdown.
Week 10 = 92 receiving yards

10. Greg Jennings - GB = @Min
The Packers air-attack should be out in full fledge against the good Minnesota run defense this week. 80-100 receiving yards, 1 touchdown.
Week 10 = 37 receiving yards

11. Hines Ward - Pit = Ind
Good matchup for Ward against the banged up Colts secondary. 80-100 receiving yards, 1 touchdown.
Week 10 = 116 receiving yards

12. Lee Evans - Buf = @NE
Evans should post a good fantasy game against the banged up Patriots secondary. 75-100 receiving yards, maybe 1 touchdown.
Week 10 = 22 receiving yards

13. Reggie Wayne - Ind = @Pit
Tough matchup for Wayne this week. Play him with caution.
Week 10 = 114 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

14. Chris Chambers - SD = KC
Week 10 = NA

15. Matt Jones - Jac = @Det
If Garrard was more reliable, Jones would be a great play this week. Instead Jones is just a very good play this week with the potential for being great.
Week 10 = 62 receiving yards

16. Bernard Berrian - Min = GB
Week 10 = NA

17. Vincent Jackson - SD = KC
With Chambers taking the best defensive back and any double teams, Vincent could be open a lot this week. 75-100 receiving yards, 1 touchdown possible.
Week 10 = 83 receiving yards

18. Randy Moss - NE = Buf
Week 10 = 53 receiving yards

19. Plaxico Burress - NYG = @Phi
Week 10 = 17 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

20. Dwayne Bowe - KC = @SD
Considering San Diego has struggled defensively, Bowe is a decent play this week.
Week 10 = 72 receiving yards

21. Jerricho Cotchery - NYJ = StL
Week 10 = 18 receiving yards

22. Eddie Royal - Den = @Cle
Great matchup for Royal, as Marshall has been getting all the attention from defenses.
Week 10 = 164 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

23. Santonio Holmes - Pit = Ind
Week 10 = 29 receiving yards

24. DeSean Jackson - Phi = NYG
Week 10 = 61 receiving yards; 24 rushing yards, 1 touchdown

25. Wes Welker - NE = Buf
Week 10 = 107 receiving yards

26. Laveranues Coles - NYJ = StL
Week 10 = 14 receiving yards

27. Lance Moore - NO = @Atl
Considering Moore has been one of Brees' favorite targets this year, he makes for a great pickup and start option this week.
Week 10 = 76 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

28. Donnie Avery - StL = @NYJ
Week 10 = 29 receiving yards; 13 rushing yards

29. Derrick Mason - Bal = @Hou
Week 10 = 41 receiving yards

30. Donald Driver - GB = @Min
Week 10 = 46 receiving yards

31. Kevin Curtis - Phi = NYG
Week 10 = 25 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

32. Anthony Gonzalez - Ind = @Pit
Week 10 = 26 receiving yards

33. Greg Camarillo - Mia = Sea
Great pickup and spot starter this week.
Week 10 = 21 receiving yards

34. Torry Holt - StL = @NYJ
Week 10 = 5 receiving yards

35. Mushin Muhammad - Car = @Oak
Week 10 = 38 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

36. Ted Ginn Jr - Mia = Sea
Week 10 = 67 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

37. Michael Jenkins - Atl = NO
Week 10 = 72 receiving yards

38. Shaun McDonald - Det = Jac
Week 10 = 37 receiving yards

39. Donte Stallworth - Cle = Den
Week 10 = 48 receiving yards

40. Steve Breaston - Ari = SF
Week 10 = 121 receiving yards

41. Devery Henderson - NO = @Atl
Week 10 = 33 receiving yards; 30 rushing yards

42. Devin Hester - Chi = Ten
Week 10 = 54 receiving yards

43. Reggie Brown - Phi = NYG
Week 10 = 7 receiving yards

44. Brandon Stokley = Den = @Cle
Week 10 = 16 receiving yards

45. Marvin Harrison - Ind = @Pit
Week 10 = 37 receiving yards

46. Nate Washington - Pit = Ind
Week 10 = 30 receiving yards

47. Reggie Williams - Jac = @Det
Week 10 = 6 receiving yards

48. Malcom Floyd - SD = KC
Week 10 = 76 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

49. Isaac Bruce - SF = @Ari
Week 10 = 12 receiving yards

50. Koren Robinson - Sea = @Mia
Week 10 = 38 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

Week 12 QB Rankings - Advice on which QB to Start and Sit. Week 12 QB Rankings are based on the best matchups and highest potential fantasy football point outcomes among all QB for fantasy football teams in Week 12. Use these QB rankings to help you decide which QB to start in Week 12. If you have any comments or questions, you can post in the comment box below the rankings. For more free fantasy football info, rankings and tips, check out my blog at www.hawkfantasysports.wordpress.com. Thanks for reading and good luck this week!

Week 12 - QB Rankings

1. Aaron Rodgers - GB = @Det
Entering week 12, Rodgers has risen from a preseason top 10 fantasy QB, to the best fantasy football QB in the entire league and a better overall better fantasy QB than Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady. I'm riding the Rodgers train into Detroit this week, as he seems like a lock for 300 passing yards and 2-4 touchdowns.

2. Philip Rivers - SD = KC
Yes Kansas City played the Steelers extremely well last week and even beat them, but Ben Roethlisberger's stats in that game are exactly what fantasy teams covet. Rivers is more than capable of putting of Big Ben 'esq. numbers this week against the Chiefs to the tune of 300 passing yards and 2-3 touchdowns.

3. Tom Brady - NE = @NO
Simply put, this should be an offensive shootout. And with that said, the Saints secondary hasn't been playing as well as they did earlier in the season, and they are dealing with various injuries to their starters. Look for Randy Moss to have another exceptional day, as I do not see anyone in the Saints secondary being able to defend him one on one like Darrell Revis did last week. Brady should be the better fantasy QB in this game than Drew Brees. 300 passing yards, 2-3 touchdowns.

4. Peyton Manning - Ind = @Hou
Manning struggled against the Baltimore defense last week, but a matchup against a much softer Texans defense this week should have Manning reaching 250-300 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.

5. Drew Brees - NO = NE
Matched up against Tom Brady, you can imagine this game will be an offensive shootout. However if I am deciding between starting Brees or Brady, I'm going with Brady this week. Still, Brees is a top 5 QB play this week, as he could easily put up 300 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.

6. Kurt Warner - Ari = @Ten
If Warner is healthy and his minor concussion doesn't affect his playing status this week, then I think it is safe to rank Warner even with Philip Rivers at the #2 spot. However I will hold back on giving Warner the full #2 spot until more in know on his concussion status.

7. Matt Schaub - Hou = Ind
8. Carson Palmer - Cin = Cle
9. Brett Favre - Min = Chi
10. Matt Ryan - Atl = TB / SLEEPER

11. Tony Romo - Dal = Oak
12. Donovan McNabb - Phi = Was
13. Eli Manning - NYG = @Den
14. Alex Smith - SF = Jac / SLEEPER
15. Jay Cutler - Chi = @Min
16. Joe Flacco - Bal = Pit
17. Matt Hasselbeck - Sea = @StL / SLEEPER
18. Matt Cassel - KC = @SD
19. David Garrard - Jac = @SF / SLEEPER
20. Josh Freeman - TB = @Atl / DEEP SLEEPER

21. Ryan Fitzpatrick - Buf = Mia
22. Vince Young - Ten = Ari
23. Matthew Stafford - Det = GB
24. Kyle Orton - Den = NYG
25. Mark Sanchez - NYJ = Car
26. Jake Delhomme - Car = @NYJ
27. Chad Henne - Mia = @Buf
28. Jason Campbell - Was = @Phi
29. Bruce Gradkowski - Oak = @Dal / DEEP SLEEPER
30. Dennis Dixon - Pit = @Bal

31. Brady Quinn - Cle = @Cin
32. Daunte Culpepper - Det = GB
33. Kyle Boller - StL = Sea
34. Matt Leinart - Ari = @Ten / DEEP SLEEPER
35. Chris Simms - Den = NYG
36. Trent Edwards - Buf = Mia
37. JaMarcus Russell - Oak = @Dal
38. Pat White - Mia = @Buf
39. Tarvaris Jackson - Min = Chi
40. Shaun Hill - SF = Jac

41. Derek Anderson - Cle = @Cin
42. Seneca Wallace - Sea = @StL
43. Matt Moore - Car = @NYJ
44. Josh McCown - Car = @NYJ
45. Kerry Collins - Ten = Ari
46. Josh Johnson - TB = @Atl
47. Brett Ratliff - Cle = @Cin
48. Kellen Clemens - NYJ = Car
49. Brodie Croyle - KC = @SD
50. JT O'Sullivan - Cin = Cle
51. Kevin Kolb - Phi = Was
52. Byron Leftwich - TB = @Atl
53. David Carr - NYG = @Den

OUT or UNLIKELY TO PLAY:

Ben Roethlisberger - Pit = @Bal / concussion
Marc Bulger - StL = Sea / broken leg
IR = Chad Pennington - Mia

MTV2 announced today the first-ever “All That Rocks,” a user-generated celebration dictated by the tastes of MTV2 viewers. “All That Rocks” is the first show of its kind to recognize the emerging “Do It Yourself’ generation obsessed with technology and pop culture with an attitude influenced only by what rocks their world. Hosted by Bam Margera, “All That Rocks” is set to air on MTV2 on Sunday, July 30th at 9 PM ET/PT and will feature some of today’s hottest, up and coming artists including Lil Wayne, Flyleaf, and a special performance by 30 Seconds to Mars filmed at NYC’s CBGB’s.

“MTV2’s first annual All That Rocks allows us to give our audience a chance to be front and center by honoring everything they think is hot right now – from the music and bands to the video games and gadgets they love,” stated David Cohn, GM, MTV2. “The show is an all access pass to what truly matters to our audience - driven by them, for them - saluting everything that they think rocks.”

“All That Rocks” gives the MTV2 viewers an opportunity to truly take their ‘DIY’ attitude to another level. Through a partnership with iFilm, in which they are providing the video upload functionality for MTV2, visitors to allthatrocks.mtv2.com will be able to vote and upload “shout outs,” videos of themselves endorsing and supporting their favorite “All That Rocks” nominees, and may eventually make their way on-air into promos as well as the show. In addition, Virgin Mobile users will be able to vote for their favorite “All That Rocks” nominees through the *MTV area on their phones. Viewers will also be able to check out MTV Overdrive closer to the “All That Rocks” airdate and check out the show on-demand, as well as check out exclusive bonus performances from Flyleaf, Lil Wayne and 30 Seconds to Mars. Viewers also have a hand in how the big night rolls out on-air as audience members will be given video cameras to help capture the entire event for television.

The nominees for the first annual MTV2 “All That Rocks” are:

Freshest MC
Lupe Fiasco Rick Ross Yung Joc

Breaking New band
Panic! At The Disco Avenged Sevenfold Flyleaf

The Almighty King of Rock
M Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold) Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) Serj Tankian (System of a Down)

Mandatory Attendance – Best Festival
Bonnaroo Lollapaooza Bamboozle

There Are None Higher, Ultimate Metal God
Mastodon As I Lay Dying Lamb of G-d

Sucker Free MVP
Lil Wayne TI Three Six Mafia

Most Critical Hardware
Video Ipod PSP Blackberry 8700c

Sickest Sports Moment
Shane Dorian’s Tube Ride (Tahiti's, Teahupoo on September 11, 2005) Danny Ways Great Wall of China Skateboard Jump (July 9, 2005, Beijing, China) Mike Metzger Caesar’s Palace Jump

Insane New Game
Resistance: Fall of Man: Sony ps3 Gears of War: Microsoft Xbox 360 Zelda: Twilight Princess: Nintento Wii

“MTV2’s All That Rocks” is sponsored by Slim Jim, Subway, GM, Virgin Mobile and HP.

For complete information on the “MTV2’s All That Rocks” including programming information, news, details on the nominees, presenters, performers and much more, visit www.mtv2.com.

Frankly,
The word that dribble out of your moth, like the blood of the throats you cut to try to make it to the top…

… they don't mean shit.

Your displays of sorrow are only paper thin…
Cardboard cutouts with glitter to hide the ugly brown of your intentions underneath.
They are just as heartless as the knife that got you where you are now…

You parade around your “friends” with laughter and joy…
and we both know what happens next.

Your masked intentions are spread on the table, the real cards hidden in your pocket.
The game begins.

You shoot your lines all across the room hoping they find a target…
when they do you move in for the kill…

With guiltless eyes and careful lies you lure them in.
It's just that easy.

Practice makes perfect…
and you have mastered the art.

soon, the boy who cried wolf will only be eaten by the intentions of his own act…
All that you have built will crumble and fall.

You can let the bills pile up but only for so long.
Soon the collectors will be at your door.

I hope, for our sakes, no one is there to bail you out.

The end.

Why do I have to go to bed? Why do I have to eat my carrots? Why is the sky blue? Why do birds sing? Why is that man a different color than I am? And, why do kids ask why?

If you have a small child in your life around the age of three years old, you probably get inundated every day with questions like these. The questions start out innocently like, “Why do you put gas in the car?” That's a simple question that a child could want to know. It would explain why you are at the gas station (spending a week's paycheck on a tank of gas). And after you have answered one question, you think you've put their mind at rest. But, no, the first question seemed to be a teaser. It was a test to see if you would supply the requested information. Or, if you would just blow the child off instead with an answer like, “Why do kids ask why?”

After the first question is asked and answered, the next questions keep coming like the rapid fire of a machine gun. After answering question after question to satisfy the curiosity of a small child, you think your brain is going to explode. Or, the worst could happen. They could ask a question of you- the “all knowing adult”- and you won't have a feasible answer to give them.

Why do kids ask why? One of the answers is, that children are naturally curious about the world around them. Afterall, there's much to learn, and much to know. It's our responsibility to help teach them things they need to know in order to function normally in our society. We don't normally ask kids a whole lot of questions, like we're giving them a college quiz, so kids ask us instead.

Kids asking “why questions” gives us a peek into their minds. It shows us what they're interested in, and what they are thinking about. That gives us adults a chance to teach. It gives us a chance to impart our knowledge upon them when they are most receptive to receiving the information. For example, if your son is playing with his toy trucks or your daughter is concentrating on winning a video game, that's a bad time to try and communicate with them. If you would say to them, “Hey! Do you know how a Venus Flytrap eats insects?”, you'd probably be ignored, or be given a blank stare at most.

By the time a kid is three years old, he or she has begun to actually communicate with their parents and other adults on the same playing field. The child is learning to use words instead of actions to communicate with you. When they were just babies, all they could do was cry to tell you what they wanted, or, what their problem was. But now that they are able to speak words, kids are able to give and receive information. Their understanding of words is just beginning, and they can't understand everything you say, but, with time and learning, you two will soon be conversing smoothly.

So, why do kids ask why? Another reason that kids ask so many questions is for communication. Not necessarily to learn the answer to something, but to communicate with an adult. When you return home after a long day at work, your youngster isn't going to say, “Hi Mom/Dad! How was your day at work? Was that old boss of yours grumpy today? Did you make it to the gym at lunchtime?” Instead, they will probably tell you about their day. Then, after that information is exhausted, and they still want to talk, they'll probably try to begin a conversation by asking “Why?”

The best way to handle an onslaught of questions from kids is to calmly answer the first few. Then, start an interesting conversation with them instead. Once you two begin to really communicate, they'll probably stop asking questions… for now.

H. A. and Margret Rey. George's overly-curious personality about the world around him gets him into all kinds of trouble.

Cartoon Network appears to be having an identity crisis. The network can't seem to decide which demographic age group it will serve best. Oddly scheduled programming and suggestive material on several of its shows often cause parents to dive for the remote to change the channel back to Nickelodeon until the racier, naughtier shows are over. Unfortunately, Cartoon Network schedules and re-runs many of their adult-themed cartoon throughout the day, with no regard to when younger viewers may be watching. If your cable package doesn't currently include Cartoon Network, and if you are a parent, consider this a primer.

As a parent of three children under the age of 12, I am at a distinct disadvantage when I want to watch any non-animated shows offered by my basic cable ever since my cable company added Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon to my package. Cartoon Network runs non-stop cartoons 24 hours a day. At least when my kids' favorite shows are over on Nickelodeon and it's time for their “Teen Nick” live action shows like “The Amanda Show,” “Unfabulous,” or “Zoe 101,” I get a welcome reprieve. If I grab the remote first, I can change the channel to the news, or “Angel” reruns on TBS.

But once the channel is keyed in for Cartoon Network, it's a losing battle. The frequent double episodes back to back of my children's favorites (or even the ones that they only enjoy marginally) keep them glued to the set.

None of the shows on Cartoon Network are educational. They are solely created for mindless entertainment.

Even the commercial breaks don't give you a break. Each commercial break on CN hawks merchandise sure to further rot children's minds or their teeth. There are more Cookie Crisp, Eggo Waffle and Pop Tarts ads than you can shake a stick at on CN. Cartoon Network also seems to think every household in America must own a Game Boy, Game Cube, or Xbox console, or if they don't, that they should. By contrast, Nickelodeon features programs like “Dora the Explorer,” “Little Bill,” and “Lazytown” on their “Nick Jr.” lineup that usually feature preschool-preparatory material, encouragement to exercise, and a moral to the stories. Nickelodeon will pepper parents to death with Pampers and Johnson and Johnson ads or music CDS like “Worship Jams” and the Disney movie soundtrack. At least these ads cater to the parents, and Nickelodeon's sponsors labor under the assumption that parents are watching these shows with their children.

One recent offender on CN's daytime lineup is “The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy.” There is no way to quantify this show. The humor is crass and dark, and the dialogue relies heavily on pop culture references that only the children's parents could identify with. The show's premise? Two children living in the appropriately named town of Endsville meet the Grim Reaper and challenge him to a game, which he subsequently loses. Mandy, the strangely calculating, clever and EVIL child, pronounces “Grim” their eternal friend and slave. Billy serves as a foil to Mandy's nasty demeanor, providing comic relief with frequent explosions of flatulence, malapropisms, and constant babbling and shrieking. What parent doesn't want their kid to watch a show like that?

This particular show is very macabre and has the kind of cavalier violence and dismemberment reminiscent of the old “Tom and Jerry” shows. CN airs it on Saturday mornings and on weeknights, right at dinner time. Initially the animation looks innocent enough; the characters are blobby and heavily inked. But if you look closer, many of the characters have pronounced, visible nipples. And going back to the bizarre pop culture references, in one scene Grim arm wrestles at Billy's house against the neighborhood, Spurg. During the course of the wrestling match, Grim turns his hat backwards and says “I flip my hat around, mon, and it's a switch, mon, a SWITCH!” Billy runs into the living room and demands “Hey! Are you guys playing “Over the Top” without me?!” Not only does the scene parody an old movie, it parodies an obscure one whose original fans are in about their thirties now.

Occasionally CN airs their shows for an older audience at more appropriate times, like “Yu Yu Hakusho,” “Full Metal Alchemist,” and “Justice League Unlimited.” Most of these come on after 8PM. Several anime shows (the aforementioned “Alchemist” and “Hakusho”, as well as “Gundam Seed” and “Dragon Ball Zee”) that could never find a home on prime time networks reside on CN, mainly due to their violent content. Some of the shows transplanted from Fox or WB, such as “Yu-gi-Oh!” and “Pokemon” are relatively tame and repeated frequently throughout the day. “Justice League Unlimited” is one of the most adult offerings from Warner Bros./DC Comics that is shown on this network; “Teen Titans” and “The Batman” tend to avoid the mature and slightly sexual themes and suggestively drawn heroines.

There are only a handful of shows on Cartoon Network that I find unobjectionable enough to allow my kids to watch them in peace, without encouraging them to change to something else:

Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends: This show is excellent and very child-friendly. It is high on sight gags and puns and low on potty humor, has likable characters and quotable dialogue. The premise of a foster home for imaginary friends that children have outgrown and abandoned is charming and fun, and kids that have made up a friend themselves can relate.

Kids Next Door: This show pokes fun at adults, granted, since they are considered the Kids Next Door's archnemeses. But at least the parents never come across as stupid and uninformed. Just evil. There is a lot of playground humor and universally accepted truths, such as how gross school lunches are, or how adults seemingly can't live without their coffee.

Yu-Gi-Oh: While the premise of the show is baffling�- a private school-educated boy and his teenage friends traveling around the country playing Duel Monsters while eluding mystical enemies that believe Yugi is an ancient pharaoh - the prevailing theme is that friendship can conquer all. And it usually does in each episode.

Teen Titans: The show is inspired by the more mature DC comic book title, but the writing is hip and age-appropriate for school-aged kids. The animation style is silly and features hysterical facial expressions and gestures. Robin, Batman's previous sidekick, finally gets top billing as the leader of his own group, and it's well-deserved. The pace of the story is fast and engaging. DC has also released a newer comic based on the cartoon itself, which both of my sons enjoy.

Static Shock: This cartoon still airs on the WB but found syndication on this network. “Static” is a diverse show with a positive hero, Virgil, who's being raised alongside his sister Sharon by his widowed father. Familiar-sounding celebrities voice many of the characters, such as Danny Cooksey of “Diff'rent Strokes” and Kadeem Hardison from “A Different World.” The show has a strong anti-gang theme and encourages respect for authority.

If all of Cartoon Network's shows were more like these, it would be easier to digest.

Nickelodeon has lately been trying to follow the Cartoon Network format a bit with some of its shows. “My Life as a Teenage Robot” seems like a direct knockoff of CN's “Power Puff Girls.” Nick also introduced its own anime show, “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” “Teenage Robot” is actually relatively cute, since it isn't merely about Jenny, aka XJ-9, the robot of the title, fighting the bad guys. Her character has a respectful relationship with her “mother” who created her and she wants to fit in with her high school peers. “Power Puff Girls” is all flash and little plot, and like many cartoons of its ilk, treats adults like idiots. Their “father,” Professor Utonium, never seems to have a clue and can't seem to control or discipline his creations (”daughters”). The stop-action, staccato style of animation is hard on the eyes. “Avatar” is an interesting show that doesn't follow the “dueling monster” theme of “Pokemon,” Duelmasters,” or “Yu-Gi-Oh!” What a refreshing change. It also isn't a direct pitch for those ridiculous collector cards.

Nickelodeon does have some stinkers, let's be honest. Lately the channel has become a repository for child actors that are riding their famous family members' coattails. I can't sit through an entire episode of “Zoe 101″ because Jamie Lynn Spears can't act her way out of a paper bag. “Romeo” seems to have something to offend everybody; adult characters are frequently disrespected and circumvented, and Little Romeo is only a marginally talented actor/rapper. Therefore a whole show about his character's goal of becoming a famous rapper is tedious. And “Unfabulous” deserves its title; Emma Roberts is as cute as her aunt Julia but can't carry a note in a bucket. Every episode features her singing slightly off-key and banging away on her acoustic guitar to console herself when something goes wrong at school.

The main nice thing about Nickelodeon, though, is that at least they know who their audience is. Nick Jr. shows air between 7AM and noon and are geared toward kids in preschool or who have not started school yet. After about 2PM, the sillier action shows like “Spongebob Squarepants” and “Rugrats” come on until about dinnertime. Then the “Teen Nick” programming begins and lasts until about bedtime. By about 9PM, Nick wisely shows oldies but goodies such as “Cosby” and “Full House” reruns. They know that parents need to unwind, and that these shows are nostalgic.

Nickelodeon has some brief segments between their regularly scheduled programming aired at their studio in Orlando, FL where kids in the audience can compete for prizes. The “Slime Time Live Challenge” is good clean fun, so to speak, and no one who competes walks away emptyhanded (or unspattered). Cartoon Network, on the other hand, has a segment called “Fridays” that features bizarre puppets, corny jokes, and older kids dancing to pop music in the background. They seem less like audience members and more like “extras.” It airs on Friday night (natch) and seems to serve no purpose except to announce the night's cartoon lineup.

The most important thing to remember about Cartoon Network is that it is ALL cartoons, nonstop. Cartoons these days vary in quality, and a network like that can never guarantee that every animated show that it has to offer will be a winner. They should, however, arrange all of their shows in the timeslots where they belong.

Although dogfighting jet pilots capture most of the glory when it comes to air combat, their job is merely to secure the skies for the real purpose of air warfare: dropping bombs on enemy ground targets. In past conflicts, air warfare between India and Pakistan has been a bitterly contested contest with numerous twists and turns. In the 1965 war, Pakistan was able to get the drop on its Indian rivals and destroy numerous planes on the ground, inflicting a loss ratio of 19 to 73 and gaining a measure of revenge for past poor performances, and then held their own in the 1971 War. Pakistani pilots fought against Israeli in the Six Day War, shooting down three Israeli planes. Strike missions will be an area where pilots can expect to see a lot of action in any future conflict.

The aircraft that follow are those that are likely to be employed in the strike or ground support role. However, both air forces have other aircraft that could be used in this way, yet are assigned to duties like air superiority or interception.

Pakistan

The principle strike aircraft of the Pakistani Air Force is the multi-role F-16 A/B model fighter, with a new consignment of C/D models expected in the near future. Arguably the most popular single-engined fighter aircraft in the Western world, the F-16 is a nimble, capable platform When outfitted with a heavy bomb load of four 2,000-lb bombs,plus 2 AIM-9 sidewinders and small drop tanks, the plane has a combat radius of 340 miles. With a top speed of 1,500 miles per hour and electronics that are still competitive, the A/B model can more than take care of itself in a fight as well as carry out strike missions.

The dedicated ground bomber of the Pakistani Air Force is the French-made Mirage 5. A 1960s era delta-winged fighter, the Pakistanis are extending the lifespan of their fleet with an upgrade program, giving them digital cockpits and infrared bombing capability. The plane can carry a mix of 8,800 lbs of bombs, missiles, rockets, and drop tanks on five external hard-points, and has a maximum speed of 1,460 mph.

The Pakistanis could also press their JF-17s into service as strike aircraft. These planes are jointly made with the Chinese. They are single-engined with a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, have a modern electronics suite, and can carry 8,000 lbs of external ordinance or fuel on 7 hard-points, with a combat radius of 840 miles.

India

The Indian Air Force has two dedicated bombing aircraft. One is the SEPECAT Jaguar, a venerable British and French-designed strike bomber introduced in 1973. Most of India's planes were built in India. The two-engined plane has a maximum combat radius of 335 miles, with a top speed of 1,055 mph. The five external hard-points can carry 10,000 lbs of bombs, rockets, missiles, or drop tanks.

They also fly the Soviet-made MiG-27, a variable-wing single-engined plane also dating to 1970. These planes have a maximum speed of 1,170 mph with a combat radius of 430 miles, and can haul 8,800 lbs of external ordinance on seven hard-points.

The Indians could also push their MiG-29s into the strike role. It was first introduced by the Soviets in 1983. This two-engined, thoroughly modern multi-role jet was the Russian answer to the F-16, and is in some ways superior. It has a maximum speed of 1,518 mph with a combat radius of 430 miles. It can carry up to 7,720 lbs of missiles, bombs, pods, and drop tanks on its six hard-points.

Winner: PAKISTAN!

India has some important advantages in its strike aircraft. Generally speaking, they can carry as many or more bombs and carry them further. However, there is no denying that Pakistan's strike fighters are much more modern. The Pakistani F-16s and Indian MiG-29s are roughly comparable, but the real comparison is between the Jaguars and MiG-27s of India and the Mirages of Pakistan. Both the MiG-27 and the Mirage 5 have infrared targeting capability, for example, but the cockpit of the Mirage is digitized and easier to manage in a battle. Overall, Pakistan's strike aircraft have all the things that will make them more survivable and more able to deliver bombs, and if more airplanes come home intact, they can fly more sorties that day or the next.

Sources: http://www.paf.gov.pk/; globalsecurity.org; http://indianairforce.nic.in/

Most all of us are movie buffs to some extent—and we all love at least some of the old classic movies. These are movies that never grow old and tired and will forever be just wonderful. And probably some of those favorites we all have include at least one musical. Classic musicals are such fun, that even children as young as toddlers can find them enjoyable. And for children and their parents, they can be a great learning opportunity. I found this to be true with my child and The Wizard of Oz. The Wizard of Oz was more recently re-released on its 60th anniversary with restored print and digitized sound, and we got our copy from our local Blockbuster. The Wizard of Oz opened up the world of music, movement, choreography, color, fantasy, characterization and story to my daughter, still a toddler at 18 months. What child could not resist adorable Toto. A doggie is always a delight to a child, and Toto’s spunky personality creates an exciting path to follow. With a finger, your child may point out “oh, look”! This is the perfect time to sit with your child and look into the story—will Toto get home, escape, save Dorothy? Having a copy of the picture book at hand is also a great way to familiarize your child with the characters and even bring more of an understanding to him or her of the development of the story. The Wizard of Oz will probably give your child a host of new and important vocabulary words to focus on– shoes, red, click, home, friends, heart, brain, courage, and others as well. And, will probably inspire some important questions, too. Don’t be surprised if he or she starts asking you to do the “Wiz” and dance your way with him or her to the bathtub, or to the car! There are many interpretations as to why the Wizard of Oz has such universal appeal. There are theories covering the range of interests including psychological, political, religious, and social. Interpretations are always interesting to us as adults. And adults may find these underlying messages make the movie more enjoyable or meaningful. Some of the more popular ideas or messages one can glean from the story include: overcoming inadequacy, becoming an adult, believing in yourself to make your wishes come true, the secret fears we have, the dichotomy of the desire to cut apron strings and the desire for the comfort and familiarity of home in order to go home, developing bravery and courage through experience and imagination. On a totally different level of ideas are those of Frances MacDonell who describes the story as an allegory of the New Deal. And yet another theory describes it as a populist allegory with Oz representing the Republican President McKinley and the Cowardly Lion as William Jennings Bryan the Populist candidate of the time. But whether you’re a toddler or an adult, the Wizard of Oz has a happy ending in accepting the everyday by encouraging the development of the inner person. Some parents may worry that the green-faced witch or the tornado scene could frighten a youngster. But with a lighthearted warning such as “oh, wait until you see the funny mean old witch with a green face, imagine that” or “don’t worry, Toto will save everyone”, most children will probably be reassured and not experience any type of fright. Of course, you won’t expect your toddler to see more than a 15 or 20 minute span of the movie at one sitting. But gradually the story connects and the interest and recognition of he characters builds. There are many theories, interpretations of the story, and also legends about the author, Lyman Frank Baum and how he came to develop the story. One of the accounts describes that Baum liked to tell the story to neighborhood children and one day during the telling a child said “and where do they live?” As the legend goes, Baum glanced around his home and his gaze fell on his filing cabinets, the bottom drawer was listed as “O-Z” and there was born OZ. For toddlers, the magic of the Land of Oz, the beloved tin man, scarecrow, lion, Toto and Dorothy, and the wonderment of the songs and dancing are complete fulfillment

Alanis Morissette is probably best known for her album “Jagged Little Pill” which was released back in 1995. “Jagged Little Pill” was a hit with such memorable and angry songs as “You Oughta Know,” “Hand in My Pocket” and “You Learn.” Morissette became known for somewhat aggressive songs and pointed lyrics. Her following albums began to withdraw from the angry angst-filled “Jagged Little Pill” and included songs about love, loss and self-growth. 

Alanis Morissette’s intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics create a smart collection of beautiful music. Though “Jagged Little Pill” was a major hit with the public, her following albums display some of Morissette’s best work in regards to lyrical and personal growth. Beyond “Jagged Little Pill,” these are the top ten songs by Alanis Morissette.

1. That I Would Be Good (MTV Unplugged, 1999): “That I Would Be Good” explores the true depth of love and feeling. It expresses our collective hope that no matter what happens or what we do in our lives, we can find someone who will see us as something important. That we can always be good in one person’s eyes—regardless of health, looks, money or lack of willpower. “That I Would Be Good” explores the wonder we all feel—if we lost a certain something, would we still matter—would we still be loved?
“That I would be loved
Even when I am not myself.
That I would be good
Even when I am overwhelmed.”

2. So Unsexy (Under Rug Swept, 2002):
“I can feel so unsexy for someone so beautiful
So unloved for someone so fine.
I can feel someone so boring
For someone so interesting
So ignorant for someone of sound mind.”
“So Unsexy” discusses the insecurity we all feel. It’s an exploration of self-doubt, but beyond that feeling useless and unskilled when we know we have skills, we have beauty, we have important things. Still, no matter how self-confident each person is, we can’t help but feel self-doubt.

3. “Knees of My Bees” (So Called Chaos, 2004): “Knees of My Bees” is a love song. It discovers one relationship by the commonalities of the two people in love, the admirable qualities of the other, and beyond the simple reality of what the partner in the relationship is, how it makes the singer feel. “Knees of My Bees” is somewhat unconventional because it goes beyond the clichéd ideas of love into the actuality of love, of a relationship, and then the feeling.
“You are a sage who is fueled by compassion,
comes to nooks and crannies as balm for our scars.”

4. “This Grudge” (So Called Chaos): “This Grudge” explores some of the anger and angst that is part of the “Jagged Little Pill” album. The lyrics explore the journey of the grudge that is held toward this person—how the singer wishes to let it go, but it has become a part of her. “This Grudge” explores scars and pain we all keep close and can’t seem to let go.
“You’ve been vilified, used as fodder
You deserve a piece of every record.
But who’s it hurting now?
Who’s the one that’s stuck?”

5. “Unsent” (Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, 1998): “Unsent” is a song that is basically a collection of letters—and inferring from the title of the song, unsent. The letters are to men that the singer had relationships with in the past. “Unsent” really explores the quality of the relationship and where it took the singer—what was learned, what changed, what good and what bad came from it. I think everyone at some point takes a look at past relationships if only to learn where they’ve come from and how they got to where they were.

6. “Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love) (Delovely Soundtrack): This song is not written by Alanis Morissette, but by Cole Porter. Still, her rendition on the Delovely Soundtrack is beautiful. The tune is catchy and fund and brings a certain modernity to this classic.

7. “No Pressure Over Cappuccino” (MTV Unplugged): “No Pressure Over Cappuccino” is from Alanis Morissette’s MTV Unplugged record. The lyrical exploration of one person’s personality is one of Morissette’s best talents.
“You may never be or have a husband
You may never have or hold a child
You will learn to lose everything
Be a temporary arrangement.”
These lyrics speak to all of us—what we expect of our lives and what exactly it is a life means. Each of us will lose something and every life, no matter how big, is temporary.

8. “You Owe Me Nothing In Return” (Under Rug Swept): “You Owe Me Nothing in Return” explores the tendency we each have to allow some person to walk over us in the name of love. There is a sarcastic edge to the song, which each listener may interpret differently.
“You can ask for space for yourself and only yourself and I’ll grant it.
You can ask for freedom as well, or time to travel and you’ll have it.
You can ask to live by yourself or love someone else and I’ll support it.
You can ask for anything you want anything at all and I’ll understand it.”
“You Owe Me Nothing” is a complex song about feeling and relationships. Morissette does an excellent job exploring each complexity—open for interpretation.

9. “U R” (Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie):
“Hopeful, you are
School bound, you are
Naïve, you are
Driven, you are.”
“U R” is a fun song, again exploring a person, a relationship. It explores the juxtapositions and somewhat opposing nature that each person has within themselves. How easy it is to appear to have one personality trait that seems directly opposite of a trait that you also hold.

10. Out is Through (So Called Chaos): “Out is Through” explores the second thoughts that often help in a relationship, and how these second thoughts are best healthily dealt with.
“My tendency to do away feels natural and
My urgency to dream of softer places feels understandable,
But I know the only way out is through.”

Alanis Morissette thrives on exploring complexities, sharp imagery and a strong tie to the self. Her best songs explore these issues lyrically and musically to form touching music that can make you reevaluate your own self.