Holiday Wishes by The Southern Illinoisan

HOLIDAY WISHES

Holiday gift guide

2009

Take a tip from the big guy: Make a list. Check it twice. And when you set out on your appointed rounds, wear big black boots. Err, well, forget the footwear. But try the list. Shoppers who plan their trips before they set out are, like the jolly old elf, most likely to deliver happiness – and stick to a budget. Chances are good you might even discover a gift or two for yourself. It’s all in your hands. Happy holidays!

What men want

Ring in the new!

Skip the 99-piece screwdriver set and put down that paisley tie. New-age guys want gadgets and grills – and maybe an inflatable moose.

Once the holiday gluttony ends, New Year’s resolutions begin. Give your loved ones the gift that will keep them honest – and healthy – in 2010.

Back to the

board

As whiz-bang technology continues to expand its appeal, classic board games are mounting a timeless comeback.

Top gift lists From page to screen Best book and movie bundles Get crafty Craft books for kids Get your game on How to choose the best games possible

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Page 2 Wednesday, November 25, 2009 The Southern Illinoisan

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HOLIDAY WISHES

Ring in the Once the holiday gluttony ends, New Year’s resolutions begin. Give your loved ones the gift that will keep them honest – and healthy – in 2010.

New!

Chances are, the folks on your list already have some New Year’s resolutions in mind, because – let’s face it – this time of year is a test of willpower that most of us fail. Extra helpings of mash potatoes, year-end work projects that cut into family time, skipping workouts and blaming the “holiday rush” – all these behaviors, not to mention a shift in priorities because of the recession, have us thinking about quality of life and selfimprovement. If you know what your loved ones’ goals are, why not choose

gifts to positively reinforce them? “Whatever a person resolves to do, if there’s a feeling of eagerness about it, the resolution is more likely to stick,” said behavioral psychologist Dana Lightman, Abington, Pa. Get fit: While giving someone a Thigh Master might hurt her feelings (and earn you a fat lip), a cool gadget that monitors her workouts and tracks her progress will strike the right chord. “People are motivated by immediate, objective feedback,” said Fitness by Phone coach Tiffany Crate, TLC

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HOLIDAY WISHES

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What

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A pair of black, fur-lined gloves from UGG is a great option that offers an affordable gift. UGG

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want

How to buy luxury for your favorite lady without breaking the bank. As the holiday season approaches, some shoppers are feeling overwhelmed, especially those who want to give luxurious gifts to the special women in their life. With the economy flagging and petty cash reserves low, high-quality gift giving seems like it could be tough this year. Or not. Contrary to popular belief, giving a luxurious gift doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. In fact, simplicity is often the most luxurious thing you can buy. “Luxury is not always about price,” said Marian Goodman, vice president of personal shopping for Bloomingdales. To her, serious bling and luxury simply don’t have to go hand-in-hand; the perfect gift could just be indulging a fantasy. “It may be a item that the receiver may never think of buying for themselves but would love to own.” Maybe your special lady gravitates toward the art section of the bookstore to pore over thick books of photographs but never actually purchases any of them. A brand new copy of one of her favorite photographers could be just right.

“Great quality and exceptional design are key elements to look for when giving a luxurious gift,” said Goodman, and notes that great design can be found at many price levels. “A good gift for a special woman in your life is something just for them, that makes them feel appreciated,” Goodman said. “A fabulous pair of gloves, like the black fur-lined pair from UGG is a great option that offers a quick and affordable gift. Any cashmere item from sweaters to scarves, available at a great price point are great gifts that offer luxury and affordability.” Such items fulfill the “good design” requirement, but it’s important to remember that not all good design is found inside department stores. A tasteful antique pitcher found at an antique store or a personalized piece of jewelry from a local artisan are also options that prove items of luxury simply don’t have to cost a fortune. For Grace Bonney, author of the popular design blog, Design*Sponge, it’s all about personalizing. “It’s tough to put modern

women into one category of gifts, but I think a gift that reflects her personal taste is always in style.” Bonney also believes that a gift that allows for some “me” time can never go wrong. “I usually suggest something that allows her to relax in a way that’s appropriate for her, whether that’s a cooking lesson, a spa visit, or a backpacking trip.” Bonney says if you put your mind to it and observe closely what your special gal—be it your daughter, wife, girlfriend or aunt—likes to do, you’ll find plenty of gift ideas. “Every woman is different. Try to think about what she does when she has free time to herself and consider gifting her a luxurious version of that activity.” If your daughter has always wanted to try riding horses, finding an affordable package at the nearest ranch is sure to be a hit. If money allows, take any spa package or outdoor activity and make it a weekend getaway trip. As Goodman suggests, the most luxurious (and one of the simplest) gifts a person can give is their time and attention. If time is short and

HOLIDAY WISHES schedules don’t allow a retreat, there’s nothing wrong with wrapping up your gift and putting it under the tree. And, if you employ the personal shopping services that many stores offer around the holidays and throughout the year, you might be able to find that gift without shopping the stores for hours. “One of the most affordable luxuries Bloomingdale’s has to offer is the time, energy and assistance of the personal shopping staff, offered complimentary to the customer,” Goodman said. “Our customers can rely on the personal shopping service, giving them the luxury of more time in their life to spend with friends and family.” Bonney agrees that personal shopping can be the ticket, and maybe even part of the gift itself. “Consider something beyond a single item, perhaps a day with a personal shopper to pick out a great outfit for a day out on the town. Or a special guided tour through a museum followed by a gift of affordable artwork from an up-

and-coming artist on Etsy.” Indeed, a homemade, handmade gift usually takes top honors, since it takes the luxury of time – your time – to create. To Bonney, that makes a homemade gift the most luxurious of them all. “My first and strongest suggestion is always to make something yourself,” she said. “Whether it’s a love note, a flower arrangement you pick yourself, or a special meal that reminds you of a time you shared together, something handmade and thoughtful always trumps a storebought gift in my book. They don’t cost a lot of money and the lasting impact is way greater than a new pair of earrings.” Whether your special lady fancies jewelry (either handmade or storebought), a new tech gadget, free time for herself, or just extra attention from you, gifting luxury this season is easy if you’re paying attention. Of course, if all else fails, Goodman reminds us, “I’ve never known a woman to turn down a Chanel bag!”

Simple pleasures: Gifts for women Here’s a gift roundup to get you started shopping for a luxurious present for the special women in your life. 1. ‘Big Love’ ice cream bowl and spoon. Set, $53 at Bloomingdale’s. ‘This darling ice cream bowl and heart-shaped spoon will show your lady the love every time she indulges in her favorite frozen treat.’ 2. Glassware from The Green Glass Company. Prices vary, online. ‘Green meets luxury with this Wisconsin-based company that turns reclaimed wine bottles into beautiful new glasses, from wine goblets to tumblers.’ 3. Crochet Craft Bag. $178 at Anthropologie stores nationwide. ‘This lovely handbag imparts a crafty vibe but still lays on the glamour. Made of suede and leather, the slouchy style shouts,“Look at me! I’m gorgeous!”’ 4. Organic Nest bedding. Prices vary, Design Within Reach stores nationwide. ‘What’s more luxurious than lounging in a well-outfitted bed? These designer organic cotton sheets feel great and look great, too. Add breakfast in bed for a luxury overload.’ 5. Vosges Haut Chocolat’s ‘La Grande Gift Tower.’ $96 at Vosges boutiques or online. ‘Few women will turn down chocolate, especially if it’s high-quality chocolate from beloved Chicago chocolatier Vosges. Truffles, caramels, toffee and drinking chocolate are cased in an elegant tower.’ 6. Pegasus Marquise 29-inch by 40-inch Silver Mirror. $225 at Home Depot stores nationwide. ‘Giving a mirror to your special lady shows her what you value most: her. This classy wall-mounted mirror fits any home’s décor and reflects your good taste.’

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Santa’s got a brand

new bag

Skip the 99-piece screwdriver set and put down that paisley tie. New-age guys want gadgets. Tired of ties for the holidays? Sick of socks? Too many tools? From your own barbecue branding iron to taking a ride in a fighter jet, plenty of gifts for guys are cooler than an iced mocha. “There are so many gifts a wife, girlfriend, mom or daughter could give their

special guy, I’m always surprised that people grapple so much with what to get their guy,” said Michelle Liberman, who owns The Shopping Friend (www.theshopping friend.com), a personal shopping service in Los Angeles, Calif. “Guys would love to get cool items that break the mold.

You just have to know your guy to determine what to get them.” So whether you’re into grilling or games, gadgets or outdoor gear, tuck this guide into your wife’s purse or your kid’s jacket before they head out for holiday shopping. They’ll be glad you did.

Gadgets and gags

alternatives to traditional male gifts like clothing or personal accessories,” said Christine Olson, a product developer with Decor Craft Inc (DCI), the Providence, R.I.-based company that makes and distributes these gifts to thousands of retail stores nationwide. Sure to bring a smile to the face of every man is a useful gadget. Liberman suggests the Tumi electric adapter (about $50), which she says “has four different plug configurations that fit into electric wall sockets in 150 countries. Works with laptops, cell phones and small electronics.” To get a little more out of his running, Rebel

Late night talk shows open with a little humor, so why not your holiday celebration? For that hunter’s lodge feel in your home, without the trouble of taxidermy, get the Inflatable Moose ($20) to hang on your wall. Fishermen can brag about the “big one” they brought home with the Inflatable Fish ($20). Crack open that holiday brew with the Hammer Bottle Opener ($10), which doubles as a real hammer, or The Bottle Bunny ($20), a bottle opener shaped like a rabbit’s head that opens your drink with it’s “teeth”. “The items are great for the guy who has everything – they are all whimsical, unique

Crack open that holiday brew with the Hammer Bottle Opener ($10), which doubles as a real hammer.

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HOLIDAY WISHES

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HOLIDAY WISHES Dad (www.rebeldad.com) blogger Brian Reid, Champaign, went out and bought his own holiday gift gadget – a GPS watch. “(It’s) totally silly and overpriced, but I will not jog without it,” Reid said.

Grilling If you’re proud of your grilling, grab the BBQ Branding Iron ($20) from DCI and brand any message into your meat with its changeable letters. Or swashbuckle your way to a perfect steak with the BBQ Sword Spatula ($30) from DCI, which looks like a sword and comes with a peel-off musketeer mask for fun. Keep DCI’s Condiment Gun ($24) handy to dispense a little saucy justice (ketchup or mustard) on your burger. Wash it all down with DCI’s XL Beer Glass ($20), which can hold five bottles of a kind beer. For more serious chefs, take

the advice of Steve Raichlen, host of PBS “Primal Grill” television show. Available through retail stores like Sur La Table and others, Raichlen suggests the Lumatong ($19.99), with two bright LED bulbs attached to the handle of extra-long tongs to put light right where you need it. Pair with a package of porterhouse steaks for a gift he’ll love. “You can’t go wrong with a good knife set,” Reid said. The best Christmas gift he ever received was a set of German knives, Henckels Four Stars, of which he said, “I expect to deed them in my will.”

Games The holidays means new video games, and not just for the kids. “Every man dreams about experiencing the thrill of driving a high-speed F1 car,” said Damien Sarrazin, PR manager with Codemasters in

Universal City, Calif. “In F1 2009, Codemasters gives men the opportunity to do so without the risk of crashing their cars and injuring themselves, all from the safety of their living room!” Releasing this fall for the Wii game with a price TBA, F1 2009 is the first in a new generation of FORMULA ONE video games featuring all the official drivers, teams and circuits from the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship. It’s also part of the new trend in racing games, including EA Games Need For Speed: Shift (price TBA for Playstation 3, PC, PSP and XBox 360), which Michael Mann, EA Games executive producer, said “is the first racing game that delivers on what it feels like to tear up the track from the driver’s point of view, featuring stunningly real cockpit views to hyper-realistic g-forces simulators” while racing in some of the world’s

most sought-after cars, such as a Lamborghini, Reventon and Pagani Zonda. If play’s the thing, Liberman suggests Rock Band, Madden 2010, Ladderball and Tiger Woods Golf. New for 2009 is Deca Sports 2 for the Wii from Hudson Entertainment (estimated retail $29.99), which allows players to compete against other DECAthletes from around the country in 10 different sports. Like many others, it’s a game that you can play with your kids. “Everybody can pick up the game and figure out the controls, but the men will learn how to do one-timers in ice hockey, how to draft and pass in road racing or how to face out the opponent in dodge ball for an easy take-out,” said Amar Gavhane, associate brand manager with Hudson Entertainment.

Get outta town “Every dad should have a good-quality tent that can house the whole family,” said Reid. “I’m thinking the Kelty Trail Dome 4 (from REI).” Sporting goods stores are a good place to play Santa for guys. With thousands of stores across the U.S., REI (www.rei.com) has several gifts for the outdoor-minded guy at a broad range of prices. The featherweight Black Diamond Orbit Lantern ($29) illuminates your backcountry adventure without weighing you down, while the Naish 11.6 Classic Stand Up Paddle board ($1,800) makes flatwater cruising as exciting as big wave surfing. Or just stuff a stocking with Sea To Summit Pocket Shaving Soap ($3.95), featuring thin leaves of soap that dissolve in water, creating liquid soap wherever you hike. For the guy on the go consider some fancy footwear.

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HOLIDAY WISHES

CTW

Classic board games are more popular for family fun than ever before. Over the holidays when families come together to spend long hours indoors, board games can be a lifesaver.

Back to the

board

As whiz-bang technology continues to expand its appeal, classic board games are mounting a timeless comeback. The Wii might have made virtual reality more fun than real reality, and the iPhone makes entertainment materialize anywhere, but classic board games are more popular for family fun than ever before. Don’t buy a brand new Candy Land or Battleship for one child; get a few games and let everyone unwrap them. Classic board games are all about bringing family together for inter-person play. “A game where people

Page 10 Wednesday, November 25, 2009 The Southern Illinoisan

sit around a table to play creates an experience that no other plaything really delivers,” said Chris Byrne, a seasoned toy expert who helped develop Pictionary and is known as “the toy guy.” “Even if you’re playing a videogame with somebody, you’re sideby-side. With a board game you’re across the table from them, and you have human interaction that can change at every step of the game.” Battling over Boardwalk

in Monopoly and correctly guessing the candlestick in Clue make memories kids can’t forget because board games offer a level of human interaction no brand-new electronic gadget can give. People will team up and try to beat or outwit an opponent in Monopoly, but a video game doesn’t offer that flexibility. Board games are so adaptable that people often invent their own versions; get teenagers or

HOLIDAY WISHES one of the only times when the whole family is together with time off to sit down and relax. So how do you choose a classic board game for a gift? “It’s got to be easy to learn, fun and different every time you play,” Byrne said. He said many Parker Brothers and Hasbro games (Monopoly, Clue, Sorry, Connect Four, etc.) are tried-andtrue favorites. Candy Land hasn’t lost its appeal because there’s a winner and a loser, which is important to kids. It’s color matching, so it’s easy to play at an early age, and it’s been around for so many years it’s got the nostalgia factor, according to Byrne. Cranium, which came out more recently, has become a classic for the opposite reasons, according to Reyne Rice, a

consultant with the Toy Industry Association. It’s not about winning. Instead, it creates an incredible level of interactivity and requires a huge amount of knowledge and creativity. Plus, there is enough game play that everyone is good at something, unlike Scrabble where you have to have a huge vocabulary and good spelling skills. New games can become classics too. Mary Couzin said when PICTUREKA!, a picture hunt game played with picture cards, debuted at the 2007 Chicago Toy and Game Fair, it was instantly applauded for its ease of play and universal appeal. Game sales have boomed so far in 2009, according to Reyne Rice and Mary Couzin. Recession economics

mean people are staying home. Rice said the popularity of staycations and daycations in recent years has caused people to turn to board games. Monopoly, Scrabble and Clue have portable dice versions that can be played in about 20 minutes, so people can squeeze in a game on a school night. Families need in-home entertainment that works for everybody; video games won’t keep grandparents happy, and five people on a TV just means fighting over the remote. Over the holidays when families come together to spend long hours indoors, board games can be a

lifesaver. The economy isn’t the only reason people are picking up the shoe battling for Boardwalk. Last November, Hasbro launched “Family Game Night,” a campaign to encourage people to turn off the TV one night a week and play games.

Another game manufacturer called Patch Products began the “Million Minute Family Challenge.” They ask family and friends nationwide to visit www.millionminute.com and log how many SEE GAMES / PAGE 12

Many Parker Brothers and Hasbro games (Monopoly, Clue, Sorry, Connect Four, etc.) are tried-and-true favorites.

HA SB RO

college students a classic version of Clue and let them design their own murder mystery. The collaboration, creativity and face-to-face interaction board games provide is even more important now, when a 2006 Duke and University of Arizona study found that people have fewer family and friend confidantes than they did two decades ago. “We all lead such fastpaced lives now,” said Mary Couzin, the executive director of the Chicago Toy and Game Group. “Actually sitting down, relaxing and playing a board game is like a mini vacation. You’re forgetting everything else that’s going on while you’re just relaxing and talking to each other.” And the holidays are

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942-4865 The Southern Illinoisan Wednesday, November 25, 2009 Page 11

HOLIDAY WISHES GAMES: Back to the board FROM PAGE 11 minutes they spent playing games from September through December. And people stepped up to the challenge. Last year, Patch Products participants (a total of 298 groups, clubs, classrooms, libraries and families) played for more than one million minutes. Classic board games are making a comeback for another reason. Besides teaching vital developmental skills such as how to be a good winner/loser, how to work together and how to strategize, games can increase IQ and aid literacy, according to Mary Couzin. In 2008,

the American Library Association started “Libraries, Literacy, and Gaming,” a program to track the effects of gaming on youth. Now libraries in 10 states have begun integrating board games and literacy programs into the library curriculum. Reyne Rice said brainbending games like Mattel’s Mind Flex are the hottest type to hit the shelves this year. “Teens, college kids, and older generations all love these brain games,” Rice said. Mind Flex requires players to don a headset and use their brainwave activity to control the movement of small balls. “It’s going to encourage

people to play together too; everybody is going to want to try it out to see if they can break everyone else’s concentration.” Some modern versions of classic games such as THE GAME OF LIFE: Rock Star Edition and G.I. Joe Monopoly can appeal to younger audiences and keep the play and rules older players know and love, according to Reyne Rice. But new versions of classic games simply leverage the popularity of the original game. When people shop for the games they want their family to play, they’re more likely to grab the original, according to Chris Byrne. They know it’ll never go out of style.

Page 12 Wednesday, November 25, 2009 The Southern Illinoisan

When PICTUREKA!, a picture hunt game played with picture cards, debuted at the 2007 Chicago Toy and Game Fair, it was instantly applauded for its ease of play and universal appeal.

BRO HAS

HOLIDAY WISHES

Great adaptations Top book and film variations

1. Watchmen Book: By Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons (DC Comics) $19.99 Film: Warner – 35.99, Blu; 34.98, DVD 2. Confessions of a Shopaholic Book: By Sophie Kinsella (Dell Publishing) $7.99 Film: Touchstone – $39.99, Blu; 32.99, DVD 3. Race to Witch Mountain Book: By Alexander Key (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky) $8.99 Film: Walt Disney – $44.99, Blu; $39.99 DVD 4. Angels & Demons Book: By Dan Brown (Washington Square Press) $16 Film: Sony Pictures – Price TBA

This year, give them a great story told two ways. First, let them dive into a great into a great read. Then, let them sit back and enjoy the show. Here are 10 of the best book/film adaptations of the past year that will have all the bookworms and movie buffs on your list thanking you twice.

5. Twilight Book: By Stephenie Meyer (Little, Brown) $10.99 Film: Summit – $34.99, Blu; 32.99, DVD 6. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Book: By F. Scott Fitzgerald (Juniper Grove) $5.95 Film: Paramount – $39.99, Blu; $34.99, DVD 7. Slumdog Millionaire Book: Q & A by Vikas Swarup (Scribner) $15 Film: 20th Century Fox – $39.99, Blu; $29.99, DVD 8. The Reader Book: By Bernhard Schlink (Vintage) $7.99 Film: Weinstein Co. – $29.95, Blu & DVD 9. My Sister’s Keeper Book: By Jodi Picoult (Washington Square Press) $16 Film: Warner – Price TBA

10. Harry Potter Book: Harry Potter Box Set by J.K. Rowling (Arthur A. Levine) $86.93 Films: Harry Potter Years 1-5 (Warner) – $129.98, Blu; $49.98, DVD

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The Southern Illinoisan Wednesday, November 25, 2009 Page 13

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Page 14 Wednesday, November 25, 2009 The Southern Illinoisan

“What Can You do With an Old Red Shoe?” by Anna Alter (Henry Holt & Co., 2009) $6.69 “Get Cooking” by Sam Stern (Candlewick, 2009) $12.23 “Super Simple Art to Wear: Fun and Easyto-Make Crafts for Kids” by Karen Latchana Kenney (Abdo Publishing Company, 2009) $19.49 “Super Simple Clay Projects: Fun and Easy-to-Make Crafts for Kids” by Karen Latchana Kenney (Abdo Publishing Company, 2009) $19.49

“The Kids’ Guide to Building Cool Stuff” by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt (Edge Books, 2009) $18.71 “The Double-Daring Book for Girls” by Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz (William Morrow, 2009) $17.81 “EarthFriendly Crafts: Clever Ways to Reuse Everyday Items” by Kathy Ross (Lerner Publishing, 2009) $23.94

HOLIDAY WISHES

Get your

game on

How do you pick the best game gifts possible? Ask the experts.

Keeping up with the latest trends in games is more difficult than ever. With the Wii, Xbox 360 and Playstation whatever-number-they’re-at-these-days, along with their handheld counterparts, all competing for the world thumbs, it’s important to ensure you pick the winners for your gamers. Luckily, the gaming industry’s biggest publication’s editors do all the work so you can have all the fun. Here are the winners from the 2009 Game Critics Awards at the Electronic Entertainment Exposition in Las Vegas.

BEST PC GAME Star Wars: The Old Republic (BioWare Austin/LucasArts)

BEST HARDWARE/PERIPHERAL "Project Natal" (Microsoft for Xbox 360)

BEST ACTION GAME Modern Warfare 2 (Infinity Ward/Activision for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC)

BEST ROLE PLAYING GAME Mass Effect 2 (BioWare/Electronic Arts for Xbox 360, PC)

BEST ONLINE MULTIPLAYER Left 4 Dead 2 (Valve/EAP for Xbox 360, PC)

BEST ORIGINAL GAME BEST HANDHELD GAME Scribblenauts (5TH Cell/Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment for Nintendo DS)

BEST RACING GAME Split/Second (Black Rock/Disney Interactive Studios for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC) BEST SPORTS GAME Fight Night Round 4 (EA Canada/EA Sports for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)

BEST STRATEGY GAME Supreme Commander 2 (Gas Powered Games/Square-Enix for Xbox 360, PC)

BEST FIGHTING GAME Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars (Eighting/Capcom for Nintendo Wii)

BEST SOCIAL/CASUAL/PUZZLE DJ Hero (Freestyle/Red Octane/Activision for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii)

BEST OF SHOW BEST CONSOLE GAME BEST ACTION/ ADVENTURE GAME Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Naughty Dog/Sony Computer Entertainment America for PlayStation 3)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Naughty Dog/Sony Computer Entertainment America for PlayStation 3)

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The Southern Illinoisan Wednesday, November 25, 2009 Page 15

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