The Playstation Experience

A few months ago a friend entered my apartment to announce that he has decided to perform a very important investment for our future in entertainment. I remained calmly at my sit waiting for him to continue and explain how lucky he was as he managed to find an incredible deal over the internet for the newest version of PlayStation 2. Frankly, I could not believe my ears. I have never played PlayStation in the past and the last video game I have played with my friends when I was still a kid, was an old version of Atari. I could not grasp how someone over twenty-five would pay any amount to become another of those inert players stack in front of their TV screens for hours or even days. But the experience I had when PlayStation 2 entered the premises of my house was not exactly as the one I originally imagined. PlayStation has proven to be an extremely fun and instructive gaming experience. After the first couple of weeks I realized that when someone knows how to keep a balanced life it is possible to spend time exploring this unique gaming experience without the feeling of guilt.

Produced by Sony computer Entertainment, PlayStation 2 is the successor of the original PlayStation console that has been a tremendous worldwide success since its original introduction. By March 2005, the sales margin of PlayStation surpassed the 100.49 million units, becoming the first home console to ever reach the threshold of 100 million sold games. Dated back to 1986, nintendo was the first to attempt to work with disk technology, but after encountering a number of problems nintendo decided to approach Sony in order for the second to come up with a solution. Soon Sony recognizing the emerging video-gaming market planned to initiate production of its own console, leading Nintendo's management team to cancel all deals and form an alliance with Philips; this time securing control over its licenses on the Philips developed machines. By the end of 1992, Sony and nintendo reconciled their major differences and Sony launched the first version of PlayStation in 1994 in Japan. By September 1995, PlayStation was introduced to the USA, European and Asian markets and its initial success was a prelude of its future sales breakthrough challenge.

The extreme popularity of the PlayStation console introduced the term "PlayStation Generation" and titles like Tomb Raider, Final Fantasy, Resident Evil, Gran Turismo, and Silent Hill, have become the favorite pastime games of millions of users worldwide. Having enjoyed over eleven years of continuous videogame production, Sony has announced that the next PlayStation generation, known as PlayStation 3, or ps3, will be launched in November 2006 and will also be a backward compatible device; meaning that it with be able to play all the games that have already been released for the other PlayStation versions.

Although the genius creators of the PlayStation consoles argue that the new version of this popular videogame will advance the user's experience, I doubt that it will actually manage to have the same success in the desired time frame. A vast variety of other videogame competitors, including the powerful nintendo, have launched a number of games for their consoles, which have increased users' expectations and have made them extremely conscious regarding their next videogame choice. But, I am sure that my friend and I will continue playing the PlayStation games of our choice, like nba 2K6 or Grand Theft Auto, as PlayStation 3 will be outside our budget for at least a while.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://everythingaboutgames.net/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://erecreationstation.com/ and http://esportssource.net/

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Improve Your Golf Short Game

one of the most important areas of your golf is to constantly Improve Your golf Short game. When you consider that 80% of your shots are taken withing 150 yard of the pin, you begin to realize how important it is to always work on improving your golf short game.

The key to improving your short game is to try and stay relaxed. This should not be too difficult since you have just done the hard part - teed off - probably in front of a small audience! Now all you have to do is get the ball to the pin without making any horrifying mistakes.

The also need to be comfortable with your short irons. Consider going to the driving range with only your 5, 7 and 9 irons. Work through each club and find out exactly what sort of distance and height you get when you are hitting them correctly.

Another good idea is to only play with these 3 clubs for your short irons (not including your wedges) until it becomes second nature as to which one you select for different situations. This way, you will not be confusing yourself with too much choice.

Another important aspect of improving your golf short game is to get comfortable with your wedges around the green. many shots can be wasted by hitting the top of the ball with your pitching wedge and sending it into the rough on the far side of the green. This is very frustrating and can cost you many shots on your score.

Make plenty of time to practice with your pitching wedge at the practice green. The key here is to first create 1 set up that you can can use to always guarantee that you get onto the green. Once you are comfortable with this and have used it successfully on a few rounds, mix it up a bit and create 2 or 3 other set ups for different distances and lies.

The key to using your wedges around the green is to not get smart too quickly. These are critical shots and carry a hefty price if they are carelessly executed.

Finally, lets not forget the dreaded bunker shots. bunker shots are fact of life in your short game. You need to practice these and find the club that suits you best for taking shots in the sand. Always remember that bunker shots are just another shot and don't really need to be feared.

With time and practice, you will see your short game improve. This improvement will dramatically improve your score too.

Find out more about Improving Your Short Game and How To Get Out Of A Bunker, and follow our tips on how to get good with your short irons.

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