Chess.

Chess. What is it? Why do we do it? What is it's purpose?`

Chess is a boardgame in which you move different pieces over multi-colored squares in a attempt to capture your opponents leader while defending your own. Their are many different types of chess boards, chess games, and chess players. Their is also a wide community of chess players who play and focus on chess like it is their Super Chess Sunday.

First up, the boards. Everyone knows that the average chess board is 8x8, with 16 pieces on either side. The normal chess pieces are either wood or plastic, and they look something like this:

The names are also up there.

However, that does NOT mean that all pieces look like that! People make all sort of pieces, such as advanced versions of the original:

King Bishop Pawn Knight Rook Pawn in that order.

To making things a little more wooden:

And it doesn't stop there! You see, some people decided that these 2 player chess boards weren't enough, and:

this happened.

And, last but not least, LEGO, 100% official:

Whoot!

Chess games is up next, and while you may think that *Chess* is the only thing that you can play on a *Chess* Board, you'd be wrong! People come up with their own games all the time, from Einstein chess to Loser Chess. There are a lot of games played on the chessboard, and if you would just click here, you can see it all! (Well, not all. Not everything is on it, obviously.)

And finally, the players. From people who play for fun to the hardcore masterminds, the chess community is filled with individuals of every type. There are millions of different groups of people who gather from once a month to everyday for chess meets, while chess competitions between these groups come fast and furious.

And that's all! Did I leave anything out? Do you have some chess games, boards, or a group that deserves a shout out? Just leave a comment below!

Peace out!

Dogs! Dogs! Dogs!

Dogs! They're everywhere, from the North Pole to England. And the breeds! Terriers (Short and Long legged), German shepherds, Pomeranians, Bulldogs, Chihuahuas! Since I'm in love with these amazing animals, I'll tell you a bit about them.

The first animals that we interacted with were the prey and the predators, the ones we ate and the ones we were eaten by. But then, there were another class of animals, friends. We hunted with our tools of bows and stone knifes, but we wouldn't have caught as much without a animal that hunted alongside us. This was the wild dog, who knew the advantages of teaming up with man. They would help chase deer and other animals into our traps, but then they would eat the cooked meat that man made with the newly discovered fire, it was a win-win situation. Even as we advanced with new technology, dogs have been with us every step, and even now take jobs to help, police dogs, solider dogs, seeing eye dogs, and therapy dogs.

Now, I'm going to tell you about a few:

Terriers: These pups were called earth dogs, and were used as ratters and catching other small animals. Still useful animals of being guard dogs, these dogs also are noted of their gentleness, merely moving small barking insane dogs from their path instead of fighting it (Picking it up and depositing it on the side of the road).

Beagles: Beagles and Merry go paw in paw, with its gentleness, playfulness, and running ability makes it a fine sample of dogdom. It's a hound, and is usually is happy to chase the nearest rabbit for hours. The beagle has nice colors, like tan and black. However, it's not really tall.

Greyhounds: Greyhounds are fast dogs with narrow heads. They are not always grey, coming in varying shades between black and brown. They were used as hunting dogs, being as old as possibly 6,000 years. However, nothing is more cute (and annoying) to have a sleeping greyhound on your bed.

Spaniels: Believe it or not, these 700 year old dogs are from Spain. They are great with a Frisbee, because they are actually hunting dogs, made for finding a bringing back shot birds.The species also has a run off of dogs specialized in water (not because they were trained, but because they just wouldn't stop jumping into the nearest pond) called Water Spaniels.

Boxers: Boxers are large dogs, two feet tall and happy just sitting by the nearest warm thing. They are rather intelligent, and can be used as seeing eye dogs. They have amazing colors, from gray to yellow.
No one knows why they are called boxers, but it's not because they like to fight, in fact they are quite gentle.

St. Bernards: A powerful dog, very good at finding directions, was originally a god! Ok, so that was a lie, but it was bred by monks. They are very good at their job, saving people stuck in the alps. In fact, in the past 300 years, they've saved the lives of 2,500 people!

Collies: From Scotland, the Collie has come out to look amazing. With their long, silky coats and long lean heads. They look like their smiling 24/7, and are often named Laddie and Lassie (ring a bell?) and they are very good farm dogs, still being the most used dog on the farm today! But they are also amazing pets, and pick up tricks quickly.

German Shepherds: Like the Collie, this dog was originally trained for farm work, particularity sheep. It looks noble and fearless, and has a rough coat of a mix in-between grey and black. They are very loyal to their masters, which makes them great police and seeing eye dogs. They are very likely candidates for becoming therapy dogs, and can go in places where no other dog is allowed.

Setters: This pup is amazingly active, and would die without the outdoors and exercise. There are several kinds, and they all are loved for their beauty and gentleness. The English version looks somewhat like a Spaniel, and is always the most chosen of hunting dogs. The Irish version is a great red, and is usually made for dog shows.

Dachshunds: These dogs are accurately described as half a dog high and a dog and a half long. These funny looking dogs are quite brave, and used their slowness to help track deer, as they wouldn't startle the animal. They are so cute when a puppy, and look amazing when well taken care of.

Chihuahuas: This dog is small, 2-4 pounds, and have a mistaken name, being named after a Mexican city. However, these dogs are graceful, clever, and gay. They come in a lot of colors, and they are short and long haired. They are also very delicate and need to be protected from severe weather.

Bulldogs: People who don't know how amazing this dog is take a look and run. However, if you stay to take a look, this chunky dog is a really kind animal, but don't get into a fight with it. They also are related to the Mastiff, and that dog came from the Mayflower! Mastiffs are huge, while Bulldogs are about the size of a Terrier.

Pekingese: This small dog is a lion-dog, and it has the pride and courage to match. It also has a very large right to be proud, as for more then 1,000 years, the only owner Pekingese could be the Emperor of China. They then traveled to England, where they became lapdogs. And there is no longer a Emperor in China.

Poodles: These are the teacher's pet. Why? Cause their the smartest known dog! They come in most solid colors, and they are usually part of circuses. The hair is clipped in fancy designs, but this had a more practical reason, as their bottom hair got caught in the underbrush while hunting.

Great Dane: These dogs are three feet tall, and stand up just as proudly as any human. Why? Because they are the oldest known dog, being a record 4,000 years old, as painted by Egyptian artists. These dogs are also known for their great big thick coats.

Doberman Pinschers: Sir. Doberman made up his mind to breed a Pinscher (For you who don't speak German, terrier) as big as a Shepherd dog. The dog that was made was brave, obedient, and intelligent. It is used as both a seeing eye and police dog.

Dalmatian: These dogs are known for there being of a help to firemen, helping locate people stuck in burning buildings. They are loyal, brave and friendly, all the usual dog attributes. They also make fine watchdogs, and are very good house pets.

That's a lot, and only touching the surface. Dogs are amazing, no matter what size, shape, or color. So be sure to treat your dog with care and respect, as it would do the same for you. And, Have a merry woof-mas and a happy dog year!

Burger Quest!

Hello. I'm doing a video-game based blog. On what? BURGERS! My quest to find the best burger, from McDonald's to Lone Star Grill! (Note: Some stuff in this blog is purely fictional, as I didn't have to jump on hamburgers or gain points, BUT I still did go to these restaurants and recipes to get the material for this blog.) Anyway, let's hit the start button on this blog/adventure!

My Quest started when my one of my friends said (thru a mouthful of burger) that it would be so cool if someone would find the best type of burger. I immediately decided that that would be a great blog, so I got straight to it! My first level? McDonald's.


 Yup, one of the best places to grab a fast-food burger. Or is it? I'm here to investigate. So, before the door, I grab some magical floating coins before entering. (Disclaimer: THERE ARE NOT FLOATING COINS IN REAL LIFE.) Of course, when I get inside, I realize that it's a trap! I'm now stuck in the maze of a million people. For a fast food restaurant, this sure is crowded!

I eventually make it thru the maze, and get my order. However, it tastes... bland. It's huge, and takes forever to eat. I would've thought that for all the people here, there would be better food. At the very least, it isn't to expensive.
THE SCORE: Taste 1/5. Popularity 5/5. Cost 2/5.

Now, for the king. Burger King. Top competitor of McDonald's. Is it better of worse? Well, time to find out! Dodging floating gold crowns, I gain the speed smoothie and zoom thru the falling salads. I soon get thru the entire level with the help of a Bouncy Bun. The place might be a bit smaller, but it's still just as crowded. I'm still on a combo though, so it doesn't bother me.
I gain the key to the front desk, and then place the order. I grab it. Yum! Much better tasting, but still just as big. It also has a 1-up fry, so I'm set. It sets the bar a tad higher.
THE SCORE: Taste: 2/5. Popularity 5/5. Cost 2/5.

All these places are just so loud and crowded. I'm going to a place which may have just as good, if not better burgers. The Lone Star Fajita Grill. Stars. With guns. That shoot stars. I'm amazed that those stars aren't holding more guns. Anyway, Using Reflect-omato, it becomes a game of  pong. After hitting the last star, I gain a key. Using it, I find a star cannon. WHATS WITH ALL THE STARS?
One fast-paced action battle later, I get to the ordering station.
One order and cook later (Yes, they cook it from scratch, not just heat it up) I'm eating something that's worth 5,000 points. It's not big, but it has a amazing taste. It also comes with chips and serve your own salsa. It's more expensive, but more worth it. It breaks the bar for taste.
THE SCORE: Taste: 4/5. Popularity 2/5. Cost 4/5.

And that's all the levels so far. I'll add more with more burgers!

Teenie Book Report

Teenie is a book written by Christopher Grant. It's about a girl named Teenie who has to deal with not getting a scholarship, have her best friend turning her back on her, have a abusive relationship with a boy AND having his self-proclaimed girlfriend attack her. It's a ok book, but I just don't like it. I can't get much out of it. It has a good story, but my brain doesn't see any of the points. I think that if it was a little less cryptic, it be much better.

 **/***** Rating. :(.

The Rise of Nine: Book Report

The Rise of Nine is part of the Lorien Legacies Series. It's written by Pittacus Lore, and it's about  the combat in-between two different species of aliens, and the involvement of humans. This one is about 4,6,7,8,9, and 10. 4 loses Sam in a attempt to kill the boss of the aliens but gains 9. 9 immediately deletes any chance of going back, saying if he was suppose to come back, he would. They go to 9's base in NY and fight over which guardian is better. A dream comes, saying they need to get to the desert. As they run there, 6,7, and 10 go and find 8, who is impersonating a god. They have to pass his trials, a waste of time (they think) but do anyway. 8 then goes and shows them a chamber which allows them to teleport.

They find a cryptic message on the wall, which shows that 8's going to die. However, it also shows 1,2, and 3 dead, 4 running from the school with 6 causing a storm, 7 drugging her guardian, and how 10 arrived. It shows them defeating the main alien as well. However, it gets shot at by a cannon and destroyed. The aliens shoot away, and 10's guardian gets killed. They teleport, but 6 gets sent to the desert. The government captures her, and there working with the aliens to capture them. However, 8 teleports again, and they meet up with 6 and 9. They charge and save a fake 7, who then attacks them. The real 7 escapes the trap she was in and saves them. However, 8 almost dies, and the alien escapes.

3/4. Whoot WHoot! More on it's way.
*****/*****