Pauls Valley — In the world of entertainment there is often a push to see who can win at the been there done that contest. Still, most of us that like to escape from the bill paying world have accepted this and try and at least weed through to those that feel the least recycled. The latest offering from Bungie and Microsoft Game Studios isn’t the freshest example of breaking new ground with old soil, but it is at least presented in a way that gives hardcore fans their latest fix. Heck, in a way I actually found this add on more compelling than the game it expanded from (perhaps it’s that lack of “Oh save us hero for we are but bumbling meat puppets” shtick). “Halo 3: ODST” temporarily makes what otherwise has been a one man super soldier show and throws in halfway believable humanity. Don’t get me wrong, Master Chief has his cool moments, as cliché as they may be, but I can understand if there are those out there that have grown tired of hearing the fanboys’ diatribe. Thankfully you get a chance to see the fight through new eyes with this adventure focusing on the events leading up to “Halo 3.” Sure, you are still considered to be among the best of the crazies, yet this time you play the role of orbital drop shock troopers (a different trooper depending on the mission). You’re mission is to try and figure out why the Covenant decided to invade and trash good old New Mombasa (with good old bad guy stomping fun included). I kind of like how this time around you are actually a bit more vulnerable and must think before you pile into enemy forces. The biggest issue I have with this game is that it does not feel like there is enough added on to make it worth the same price as a regular title. For some of us who can’t afford to buy all the big hits, it actually would have been better to make this no more than half what was charged for the previous Halo title (perhaps an exclusive Xbox Live download instead of putting out packaging). For this reason I can’t recommend anything other than renting until it is considerably cheaper, especially since the multiplayer function that was the bigger part doesn’t offer all that much when you can get the maps separately. Other than that, the controls are decent, the visuals decent enough and the plot no more cheesy than a Lethal Weapon movie (also with less chance of a drunken Mel Gibson sighting). In the end, it could have been much worse and for at least distracting the bigger fans of the series until the big reach hits shelves, I give “Halo 3: ODST” three and a half out of six toggles.
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5 tax credits for wintertime energy efficiency
If you're looking for ways to lower your heating bill and make your home more energy efficient this winter, now is a good time to act. Make certain home improvements before the end of 2011, and you can claim a federal tax credit when you file next year.
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SLIDESHOW: 10 most dangerous toys
As you shop for the kids and grandkids this holiday season, keep an eye out for potentially dangerous toys. The nonprofit consumer watchdog group World Against Toys Causing Harm, or WATCH, has released its annual list of the 10 worst toys.
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Guide to this year's hottest gift: The tablet
Tablet computers and e-readers are extremely popular and are expected to be strong sellers this holiday season despite a weak economy. But the array of models and brands can confound many potential gift-givers. Check out this guide to tablet-giving on any budget.
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So much turkey! Thanksgiving by the numbers
This Thanksgiving, millions of Americans will gather to eat, celebrate and give thanks. The U.S. Census Bureau has put the holiday in perspective with some key facts and figures about Turkey Day and all its trimmings.
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In sugar shock? 5 things to do with leftover Halloween candy
When Halloween is over and your kids are still candy-eating zombies, you may want to get the sugary temptations out of their sight (and yours.) So what do you do with the leftover treats? Here are some ideas.
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Study: Drivers think texting is dangerous, but still do it
Almost all motorists believe texting while driving is dangerous, but more than a third of them do it anyway, according to a study released Monday.
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Tips to help parents judge books for children
While the book-protesting actions of motivated parents and school boards make headlines, what gets lost in the shuffle is what goes on in each of our homes. As Banned Books Week begins, one librarian offers tips for parents weighing what kind of reading material to share with their children.
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List of richest people in America released
The economy may be down, but the wealth of America’s richest is up by 12 percent, to nearly $1.53 trillion, Forbes magazine said this week in unveiling its list of the 400 wealthiest people in the country.
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Let's play ball without scandals
The Big 12 announced a TV deal with Fox that would bring in more than $1 billion over 13 years.
Recent scandals reveal college football is ethically challenged and inadequately regulated.
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How to conserve water during drought
In a time of drought, you can do your part by following these steps to conserve water both indoors and outdoors.
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