| U@Play: 'WolfQuest' is a free game that combines fun with learning
One of the things that video games can teach is a point of view. For example, from my experience playing "Everquest," I've got a pretty good idea of what life is like as an elf. He has pointy ears and gets beat up a lot. Maybe that's not a good example, but in the free, downloadable computer game "WolfQuest: Amethyst Mountain," you'll get a realistic gander at what it's like to be a wolf on the prowl in Yellowstone National Park. Kids will be tricked into actually learning about nature, conservation and the inner workings of the pack. The game is intended for children 10 to 13 years old, but it's also fun for teens and adults. "WolfQuest" is the first video game funded by the National Science Foundation, and it was created with the goal of showing our video-gamer generation how wolves hunt and socialize in the wild.
Budget entertaining: A make-your-own pizza party
The party plan: Everyone can construct pizzas simultaneously, if you have enough space and baking sheets. If not, stagger guests at a central workstation, preparing one or two pizzas at a time while other guests watch, talk or play games. Mr. Silva recommends having a stash of spare snacks, drinks and ingredients in case a guest forgets to bring a contribution. "You can always freeze the dough later, or chuck the vegetables," he says. But if you run out of food, your party's over. What guests should bring: It's like a potluck, but with a savvier plan. You provide the pizza basics – crust, sauce and cheese. Let your guests supply the rest: -Veggie and meat toppings. -Baking sheets – the flat ones with a single lip on one end.
Who's Blogging
Media giant Tribune Co., which last month passed from public to private, employee ownership under the direction of real estate mogul Sam Zell, gave its nearly 20,000 employees a handbook yesterday outlining appropriate workplace policies and behavior and the new company's values. .
Rams say VP Softli’s not out — at least not yet
GLENDALE, ARIZ. - Rumors of Tony Softli's demise with the Rams have swirled for weeks. But they intensified Sunday with Internet reports that he would be out as the Rams' vice president of player personnel after just two seasons on the job in St. Louis.
"He's not out," said Jay Zygmunt, Rams president of football operations-general manager, shortly after the team's 48-19 loss Sunday to Arizona. "I don't know what else to say. He's continuing to prepare for the draft, as usual."
But Zygmunt added that all aspects of the team and the organization would be evaluated in the coming week as the Rams contemplate what changes to make in the wake of a 3-13 season.
Softli normally attends all Rams games, but he was not seen Sunday and could not be reached for comment.
LIONS FINAL GRADES: Defense, special teams and coaching grades for '08 ...
Coach Rod Marinelli said the defensive line needed to drive the franchise, and the Lions got off to a strong start. When the Lions were 6-2, they had 24 sacks, tied for fourth in the NFL. But during their six-game losing streak, they had only eight sacks.
Tackle Shaun Rogers stood out during the first half of the season. The highlight of the year was his 66-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Broncos.But then he disappeared when the Lions needed him most. He was overweight and wore down over the course of the season, and there was no excuse. Marinelli went easy on him so he would be ready for Sundays.
Tackle Cory Redding provided leadership and effort, but not production. After racking up eight sacks in 11 games last season and landing a big contract, he had only one sack this season.
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