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Phone a Friend About These Classic Game Shows

April 18, 2014 by

Few television programs had viewers jumping up off of the couch in excitement as much as the game shows of years gone by. Here are three of television’s best game shows.

Jeopardy!
You may not believe it, but the ever-popular Jeopardy! first aired way back in 1964. The show’s current host, Alex Trebek, got his start in 1984, and the program is just as beloved now as it was 50 years ago. From the white handwriting against bright blue screens to the classic “What is…?” format, Jeopardy! is one of the most recognizable of all television game shows.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Developed from a British game show with the same name, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is a trivia show with a $1 million prize. The questions become increasingly difficult as the contestant progresses, but the prize money attached increases in amount as well. Contestants are permitted to use a “lifeline” when they're stumped, including phoning a friend, eliminating two incorrect answer choices, and asking the audience.

Double Dare
Double Dare was a children’s game show on the Nickelodeon network. It combined trivia questions with physical challenges, and two teams of kids competed against each other for the various prizes. The show was beloved for its ridiculous antics, often humorous challenges, and, of course, its signature green slime.

Is your favorite game show on this list? If not, tell us about your favorite game show!

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5 Facts About Legendary Golfer Arnold Palmer

April 4, 2014 by

From his days as a world famous professional golfer to his time as an incredibly successful businessman, Arnold Palmer has been a fixture in the golf world since the 1960s. Here are a few things you may not know about the legendary golfer.

1. Arnold Palmer’s career was kick-started by his win at the U.S. Open in Augusta in 1958. This win made him the youngest person to ever win the tournament.

2. Over his entire career, Palmer won 92 titles, including seven major championships. This earned him the nickname "The King."

3. Palmer was the first person to ever win the Masters four times. He won in 1958, 1960, 1962, and 1964. The 1964 tournament was his last major golf win.

4. In 1968, Palmer became the first golfer to ever earn $1 million in total winnings. He held that record for several years.

5. Today, Palmer is a savvy businessman and owns over 300 golf courses around the world, and he spearheads a number of other endeavors.

Arnold Palmer [Biography]
A Biography [Arnold Palmer]
Arnold Palmer: A Biography [Sand Hills Online]

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Where Are Your Favorite Child Stars Today

March 14, 2014 by

Some child stars go on to careers as TV and movie stars as adults, while others shy away from the spotlight. Wondering what your favorite child stars are up to today? Here's a rundown of some of the most famous:

Macaulay Culkin
Culkin first came onto most people's radar as the resourceful young Kevin in Home Alone in the 1990s. Then, at the age of 14, he announced his retirement from acting. Today, he mainly tries to stay out of the spotlight, popping up in movies from time to time and working on his writing career.

Keisha Knight-Pulliam
We fell in love with Keisha as Ruby Huxtable on The Cosby Show. These days she can be seen in movies like Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail. She also starred in a reality show on Oxygen.

Candace Cameron
Cameron starred as D.J. Tanner on the hit sitcom Full House. At the age of 20, she decided to escape Hollywood's spotlight. Today she is the happy mom to three kids, and she sometimes makes movie and TV appearances.

Fred Savage
We watched as Savage grew up on The Wonder Years. While his adult acting career never took off, he found success behind the scenes when he made the switch from acting to directing.

Molly Ringwald
In the 1980s, Ringwald starred in many classic John Hughes films like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles. Now, Ringwald stars in the ABC Family hit Secret Life of the American Teenager.

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Brain-Training Exercises You Can Do Online

March 7, 2014 by

When you’re at work, you likely only utilize certain parts of your brain. Accountants utilize the mathematical side, artists use the creative side, and whichever part you don’t use as frequently may become sluggish and underutilized. If you want to maintain full brain function, the fun activities on these websites will help you stay as sharp as a tack.

Games for the Brain
This simply designed website features a variety of brain-training exercises for every type of thinking. NumberHunt improves your basic math skills, Colored Lines uses logic and special reasoning, and Memocoly improves your memory by asking you to remember a series of colors in the order in which they appear on the screen. Games for the Brain even allows you to rack up points to monitor your improvement over time.

Lumosity
You’ve likely heard of the Lumosity website, but it’s worth the hype. This attractive site allows you to create a profile and build a personalized training program, specifying the areas of the brain you want to work on. It incorporates memory, speed, problem solving, attention, and flexibility into its simple games and tests, and it tracks your improvement in each area along the way.

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Learn About Chess Variants Online

February 28, 2014 by

Chess variants are other games derived from or inspired by the game of chess. Most of these games use different pieces, have different game boards, or use different rules from traditional chess. Whether you already play and love chess or you simply can’t get into the game, just about anyone will love to play these exciting and logical alternatives to the historical game of chess.

Chess960
Chess960 is a chess variant that uses the same pieces and the same game board, but the pieces in the first rank are randomized, with opposing pieces mirroring them. This is a great game for expert chess players, because it makes it impossible to memorize opening lines.

Glinski’s Hexagonal Chess
This derivation of chess uses a unique hexagonal board instead of the standard square chess board. The board contains 91 cells in three different colors, and it uses the usual chess pieces, with the addition of one extra bishop and one extra pawn. Glinski’s chess is an incredibly popular variant, especially in Eastern Europe.

Apocalypse
Apocalypse is played on a much smaller scale than regular chess, using only a 5×5 board and two horses and five footmen on each team. The two players make their moves simultaneously, and the game is over when one player captures all of the other player’s footmen.

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3 Stops to Make During Your Barcelona Vacation

December 6, 2013 by

Filled with shopping, vibrant culture, history, and fantastic dining, Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist spots in Spain. When planning your trip to Barcelona, include these three great attractions on your itinerary. 

La Rambla
La Rambla may just be one of the most famous streets in the world. It's a must-see during your stay in Barcelona. As you walk down the boulevard, you'll see all sorts of people from street artists to vendors to human statues. You may even be able to hear a free show by one of the local musicians. When you need a break, head to one of the street side cafes to take it all in over a delicious coffee or snack.

Parc Güell
Architect Antoni Gaudí designed Parc Güell in the early 1900s. It's now one of the most famous man-made landscapes in the world. The park looks like something out of a fairy tale, with a gatehouse, mosaic lizard, and beautiful views of the city. Plenty of walking trails wrap through the park. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the amazing architecture and sculptures. 

Barri Gòtic
After taking in the culture of Barcelona, explore history at Barri Gòtic, also known as the Gothic Quarter. This neighborhood is one of the oldest in the city. Some of the most oldest and most beautiful architecture is in this part of town, like the La Seu Cathedral. Many of the buildings are from the medieval era. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and even street performers to keep you entertained for hours. 

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