HGSET545

Solitaire proved particularly useful in teaching neophytes how to use the mouse. When Microsoft first preloaded solitaire as part of 1990's Windows 3.0, clicking and pointing weren't yet second nature. By dragging and dropping cards, newbies developed the mousing fluency required to use every other Windows program.

In the pre-Internet era, much of solitaire's allure came because it was the only game in town. Moving a black two onto a red three may not have seemed particularly enticing on its own terms, but compared with the visual stimuli provided by an Excel spreadsheet, a post-victory card cascade was an unimaginably rousing spectacle.

"So I don’t see games as having the power to completely change music purchasing, rather they will expand economic opportunities for music creators and fans in ways we’re just beginning to understand. Games are already expanding the variety of music people are exposed to and are therefore likely to want to purchase and own, as well as the places and circumstances under which this mutual reinforcement takes place."

The games have certainly increased the number of young people interested in pursuing musical activities in many ways; just ask any guitar instructor or owner of a musical instrument store.

"While there are now many studies showing links between gaming and learning -- for kids and adults -- to date there have not been many rigorous examinations of their relationship to music education, although there is plenty of anecdotal evidence of their mutual reinforcement. Remember that musical training isn’t solely about scales and correct finger placement; rhythm, song structure, key changes, lyrics, genre styles, etc. are all elements of a musical education, and playing along with songs on Rock Band absolutely aids in the development of the awareness of these elements."

He said playing the games allows students to dig down into the layers of information being put in front of them while playing, and in "real life," where students regularly partake in exercises like determining the reliability of scholarly journals and Web sites.

This is seen by some as a helpful way for friends to find each other and meet up in real life.

But as many as 10 people must trace each neuron to catch errors, out of a team of several dozen.

no single wiring diagram looked the same for any animal. The wiring diagrams for the left and right ear muscles of the same animal also looked different, despite the muscles having an identical purpose.

hey represent simple challenges compared to the brain. They also know the exact purpose of the neurons and their connections in those cases

will cease registering Web sites in China in response to intrusive new government rules that require applicants to provide extensive personal data, including photographs of themselves.

effort by China to increase monitoring and surveillance of Web site content

follows Google's announcement

threatening comments on a fellow student's Web site can be charged with hate crimes and defamation.

students began posting threatening remarks

The appellate court determined that the cyberbullying was not free speech and the students were not protected by First Amendment rights

Wei's friend said he was playing an online video game when another gamer accused him of using a cheat code to help him beat online opponents.

no main arteries or nerves were damaged

Wei is in stable condition following surgery, but doctors say he is still at risk of infections, brain damage, seizures and tetanus.