Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com Download Squad. http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/downloadsquad.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Michael Jackson's Funeral - the Online Version]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/07/07/michael-jacksons-funeral-the-online-version/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/07/07/michael-jacksons-funeral-the-online-version/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/07/07/michael-jacksons-funeral-the-online-version/#comments If you aren't one of the thousands of fans who got passes to Michael Jackson's funeral at the Staples Center, you can still watch it via several media outlets. If you are at home, get comfy on the couch and tune in to any major news station and you'll find coverage but if a TV isn't available, there are places online you can find some coverage.

Keep in mind, news of MJ's death almost crashed the Internet itself so finding a site streaming the funeral doesn't guarantee you'll be able to see it but, here are some options to try. Some estimates are saying 70 million people will be watching online funeral coverage.

CNN has an entire Live page devoted to coverage of Michael Jackson's funeral events. Funeral coverage has already started. If you can't get in now, try for the replays at 4 pm and 7pm Eastern time.

CBS Evening News has all the news coverage of Jackson's death so far in one place and presumably will be posting up funeral coverage as it happens.

There are numerous videos available on Hulu of Michael Jackson remembrance shows, interviews with those going to the funeral, details of funeral plans and more. It's a good place to hang out if you need information but can't get through to live coverage. As soon as live coverage is up, Hulu will be a good place to look for it.

WebTVHub has 15 options of where to watch the funeral online and even has a cell phone viewing link.

You can find USA Today coverage on LiveStream, as well as some smaller news outlets. There's even an MJLive station, but so far, it is loading extremely slowly and it's only a view of Havenhurst Avenue in Encino where Michael lived at some point in his youth.

If you want to remember Michael Jackson, without watching the funeral - or just see something kinda funny - check out the Eternal Moonwalk, where fans all over the world show off Jackson's signature dance move.

If you've found a great place to watch, share it in the comments so everyone that wants a front row seat can have one.

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Michael Jackson's Funeral - the Online Version originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> funeral coveragefuneral liveFuneralCoverageFuneralLivemichael jacksonmichael jackson funeralMichaelJacksonMichaelJacksonFuneral Christina Clark Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Card Toss for really old school gaming - Time-Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/05/11/card-toss-for-really-old-school-gaming-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/05/11/card-toss-for-really-old-school-gaming-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/05/11/card-toss-for-really-old-school-gaming-time-waster/#comments Card toss screenshot
If you fondly remember the days before video games when kids went outside to play with whatever was around, you might enjoy Card Toss. It's a well designed, easy to use virtual version of tossing cards into a hat.

You have to adjust for things like wind speed and direction and the distance of the hat from you is constantly changing. It's not extremely difficult, but it does take a few rounds to really master the technique. Once I had the flick or my virtual wrist down pat I enjoyed several rounds of the game.

It's quick and easy to play and good for when you need a break but you don't have time to get really involved in a game.

Thanks to TheLinx!

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Card Toss for really old school gaming - Time-Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 11 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> gamestime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Mon, 11 May 2009 12:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Bunny Invasion Easter Special - Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/04/10/bunny-invasion-easter-special-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/04/10/bunny-invasion-easter-special-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/04/10/bunny-invasion-easter-special-time-waster/#comments Bunny Invasion
Just in time for your Friday afternoon boredom, we bring you the Bunny Invasion: Easter Special. If you're tired of seeing cute bunnies, fluffy baby chicks and all the normal Easter crap this game is going to make your day.

As Mr. Frost, it is up to you to save the motel from the bunnies. You have a variety of weapons to choose from once you earn enough money to pay for them and the game, though slow at first, is pretty entertaining.

All you have to do is stand on the roof of the motel and pick off the bunnies as the come to attack. For the first 10 levels or so, this seemed less than challenging since the bunnies were moving pretty slowly. I held on to the starter colt .45 pistol - with unlimited ammo - for most of those levels, saving up for guns, ammo and motel repairs later on.

Once you pass level 10, things begin moving a lot faster and you definitely need an automatic weapon because the bunnies, well, they multiply like rabbits and move pretty quickly. The further you get into the game, the more often the shooters swear at the bunnies. You might want to keep the volume pretty low if you're at the office.

Go kill the bunnies now and get all that annoyance with Easter out of your system before you have to admire all those Easter baskets on Sunday.

Thanks DN!

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Bunny Invasion Easter Special - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bunniesbunnyeastertime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Super Sumo is a fast finger shove match - Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/02/18/super-sumo-is-a-fast-finger-shove-match-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/02/18/super-sumo-is-a-fast-finger-shove-match-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/02/18/super-sumo-is-a-fast-finger-shove-match-time-waster/#comments Super Sumo
If you're quick with the arrow keys, Super Sumo will be a breeze to play. You simply use the directions to shove your rotund opponent out of the way.

The game is simple enough. Two sumo guys face off, and you use the arrow keys to push against the other sumo wrestler until you throw him out of the ring. Sushi gives you extra power and as your orange bar powers up you will get a little extra belly-bouncing power to use by way of the space bar.

Super Sumo can be really simple if you play it as a brute force game, or it can be more challenging - and you'll stay in the ring longer - if you dance around your opponent. Push against, move away, feint left, push against. You'll have twirling sumo guys around the ring, but you'll stay in longer if you can keep your fingers changing those directions.

Super Sumo is nothing I would spend hours perfecting, but it's a nice little break for a few minutes when you just can't read another memo.

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Super Sumo is a fast finger shove match - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> sumosumowrestlingtime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Totem Destroyer 2 will destroy an afternoon - Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/02/10/totem-destroyer-2-will-destroy-an-afternoon-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/02/10/totem-destroyer-2-will-destroy-an-afternoon-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/02/10/totem-destroyer-2-will-destroy-an-afternoon-time-waster/#comments Totem DestroyersIf you were the kind of kid who liked to build huge block towers and then knock them down, Totem Destroyer might be right up your alley. The action of the game comes from knocking down towers.

The challenge comes from trying to keep little golden statues off the ground and balanced on the black boxes while you are doing it. The first few levels, simple. After that, things get a bit more tricky and you have to plan ahead and click fast to get the results you want.

If you get stumped, the game developers have provided a complete video walk through of all levels from 1 to 50. Seems to take the challenge out of the game but, after trying one or two, it seems that even if you know which blocks to take out first, things don't always happen the way that you want them to.

The music gets a little repetitive after awhile, but you can mute with a quick hit to the M key. Other than that, I hope you have a comfortable chair and a cold beverage on hand, because you're going to be in that seat for awhile.

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Totem Destroyer 2 will destroy an afternoon - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> time-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Virtual Juggler is eye-crossing fun - Time-Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/01/26/virtual-juggler-is-eye-crossing-fun-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/01/26/virtual-juggler-is-eye-crossing-fun-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/01/26/virtual-juggler-is-eye-crossing-fun-time-waster/#comments Virtual JugglerI have certainly attempted to juggle before and found myself to be less than coordinated enough. I am slightly better when playing Virtual Juggler but not by much.

The game plays like Breakout (and aside from the virtual bean bags, is nothing like real juggling), without the walls to break down and with three balls in the air at once. You use your mouse to move the paddle and catch the balls as they fall. It's as simple, or as difficult, as that.

After a few short seconds of playing my eyes got a bit wonky and things started merging together. I think it had something to do with the multicolored balls moving on the screen but it made it pretty difficult for me to focus. It didn't stop me from trying again and again to score an ever higher score.

You'll need a quick mouse hand and lots of time to master this one.

[Via Neatorama]

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Virtual Juggler is eye-crossing fun - Time-Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> jugglingtime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Youda Farmer is fun for a few minutes - Time-Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/01/09/youda-farmer-is-fun-for-a-few-minutes-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/01/09/youda-farmer-is-fun-for-a-few-minutes-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/01/09/youda-farmer-is-fun-for-a-few-minutes-time-waster/#comments Youda FarmerYouda Farmer is a nice little flash game. You have to grow products on your farm and deliver them into the village. Each level requires you to deliver more and to add on to your farm to offer more products. The more you do, the more the little village begins to prosper.

The first few levels are almost painfully easy. There is no growing involved really, all you have to do is click on products to put them into delivery crates, which then magically load into your pickup truck. Then into the village you go, where a series of clicks will deliver all the products and net you some cash. You then use the cash to buy farm improvements.

The higher levels get a bit more difficult as you go from needing to pick up 6 items to 30 or 40 items. Your little pickup truck just doesn't go all that fast. So, if you stick it out, it does get more challenging. Is it my new favorite game? No, but, I just played it for 20 minutes and will probably go back later today and try and get past some of the higher levels.

The music is rather annoying though, so I'd suggest you get ready to turn that part off. Not into farming? Try out Youda Camper where you build your own campground instead.

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Youda Farmer is fun for a few minutes - Time-Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> flash gamesFlashGamestime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[NORAD tracks Santa and answers questions]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/12/24/norad-tracks-santa-and-answers-questions/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/12/24/norad-tracks-santa-and-answers-questions/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/12/24/norad-tracks-santa-and-answers-questions/#comments Norad Santa tracker
Maybe you've been using the NORAD Santa tracker every year for as long as you can remember, like me, or maybe you haven't heard of it before. It is a great way to have some fun on Christmas Eve and answer some of those questions about when Santa will be at your house.


The whole thing started in 1955 when Sears misprinted a phone number to call Santa and kids everywhere got connected to the Continental Defense Command hotline. Instead of being angry, CONAD workers gave kids updates of Santa's progress around the world and a tradition was born.

In the 50 years since then, a lot has changed. CONAD became the North American Aerospace Defense Command or NORAD for starters. Since 1998 kids no longer needed to call Santa, they could simply get hourly updates on the internet. And this year, you can even hear about Santa's progress on Twitter!

Because NORAD has teamed up with Google you can see Santa flying over highly detailed Google maps. It is easy to pick out landmarks if Santa flies over an area you are familiar with. You can even see photos of places Santa has flown past with Panoramio photos linked to the map.

You can download a special KML that will let you track Santa in 3D this year and the site has lots off answers to questions kids might have. You can even check out the snack counter to see how many cookies Santa has had so far today!

Check out what we've written before about the Santa Tracker and find out how Google and NORAD teamed up to give us so many Santa tracking options. .

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NORAD tracks Santa and answers questions originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> christmasholidaynoradsantasanta-trackertime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Travian makes empire building mobile - Time-Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/12/19/travian-makes-empire-building-mobile-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/12/19/travian-makes-empire-building-mobile-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/12/19/travian-makes-empire-building-mobile-time-waster/#comments Travian
If you like to rule the world, Travian might be the game for you. It's similar to Civilization or Empire Earth but it exists in your browser - so you can play it at work on the go. It might make the afternoon commute a great way to unwind if you're taking public transportation.

After registering for the game and choosing a server you have one week to build up your resources before you are open for attack. This is important because it takes time to build up wheat, wood, clay and iron production. It takes around 3 minutes to upgrade a wheat field in the early levels so to get your empire up and running takes more than just a few minutes.

It's one of those great games to keep running in the background so you can start a wheat field or building upgrade, and then move on to something else on your to-do list for a few minutes. In fact, as I write this there is a building being constructed in my village.

There are lots of good tips for beginners in the forums if you look for them as well as basic information in the game manual.

You can stick with one village or eventually expand your empire across the map, building palaces and residences for the King (or Queen) as you go. Remember though, after the first seven days you are vulnerable to attack. Of course, you can also send out your own raiding parties as well.

So far, I am enjoying Travian. I love building empires and it isn't sucking up system resources and taking up all of my attention the way Empire Earth might.

[Via Great Time Wasters on the Web]

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Travian makes empire building mobile - Time-Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> time-wastertimewasterstravian Christina Clark Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[SlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry coming Dec. 30]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/12/18/slingplayer-mobile-for-blackberry-coming-dec-30/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/12/18/slingplayer-mobile-for-blackberry-coming-dec-30/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/12/18/slingplayer-mobile-for-blackberry-coming-dec-30/#comments If you have a SlingBox and a BlackBerry, get ready because on December 30th you'll be able to download SlingPlayer Mobile in a free public beta. The public beta supports BlackBerry Bold, Curve 8900, 8820, Curve 8320, Pearl Flip 8220 and Pearl 8120. Firmware must be version 4.5 or higher.

Some EDGE-only models will also work but due to slow video streaming and other versions it is not officially supported in the public beta. SlingPlayer Mobile is already available for PocketPC, Windows Smartphone,Palm OS and Symbian S60 and UIQ.

What does it all mean? You can carry a TV around in your pocket! The SlingBox set top box captures your home cable or satellite signal and allows you to watch it via the internet using the SlingPlayer software. I generally use mine while traveling - my parents don't have cable at all - so at their house I can snuggle up with my laptop and watch whatever is on at home.

I would think the BlackBerry would make for some tiny TV viewing, but it could certainly pass the time in airports and other places where you spend a lot of time waiting. And if you have one of those careers where you carry a BlackBerry because you need to know what is going on in the world, well, this would be the perfect way to be able to watch CNN and other news stations when you need information.

The public beta is free, beginning on December 30th. Other SlingPlayer Mobile players have a 30 day free trial before purchase is required. SlingPlayer Mobile is $29.99. You can expect the BlackBerry version to follow the same pattern after the initial public beta is over. You also need a SlingBox to make everything work and those start at $179.99.

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SlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry coming Dec. 30 originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> slingboxslingmediaslingplayerslingplayer-mobileslingplayermobile Christina Clark Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Need Christmas cards? ]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/12/16/need-christmas-cards/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/12/16/need-christmas-cards/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/12/16/need-christmas-cards/#comments Card FunkDo you need a quick solution for those Christmas cards you haven't sent yet? Grandma and Aunt Betty might not be ready for e-cards but I'm guessing a lot of people on your list will enjoy them. You can suggest you are being eco-friendly by saving paper if they complain.

The first important factor in e-cards is that they should be free. I am not interested in paying for them - for that I could send regular cards. Also required would be a distinct lack of hokey poetry and lame music. Here are some possibilities:
  • Card Funk turns your photos into dancing, animated cards. The only annoyance I found here was that I had to resize a lot of my photos to make them usable. Card Funk is not into working with big files and images have to be less than 500kb to be usable. You can really customize the characters and layout of the card as well as the text and music.
  • Phreetings (Photo + Greetings) is pretty basic and gives you a link to send for others to view the card you have created. Not quite as simple as a card arriving in the inbox but the photos available are pretty interesting and have a more international flair.
  • Some ecards for "when you care enough to hit send" with sentiments like "I'll never be the secret Santa you deserve" and "Thanks for giving me a gift I don't have to return." No sappy poetry and lame music here. The site offers Christmas and Hanukkah cards as well as New Year cards in case you can't get others out in time for Christmas.
Where are your holiday cards coming from this year?

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Need Christmas cards? originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> christmaschristmas cardsChristmasCardsecardstimewasters Christina Clark Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Barack Obama - President 2.0?]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/07/barak-obama-president-2-0/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/07/barak-obama-president-2-0/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/07/barak-obama-president-2-0/#comments Obama family on election night
First the Obama campaign was sending out text messages to the masses and that whole thing came up about John McCain not using email. Obama was campaigning for those of us who are into the web. He appealed to our technology.

It appears he is going to keep it up. There are Presidential baby photos on the web. And, the President-elect is on flickr. He has released an entire set of election night photos of his family awaiting results in their hotel room. I wonder what will be next.

The Obamas certainly seem willing to let us have glimpses of their world. And they understand how to reach out on the web. No wonder someone took the time to make a flash game for Obama. Let's hope it continues. Maybe there will be a presidential blog.

[Via Lifehacker]

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Barack Obama - President 2.0? originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> flickrobamaweb-2.0 Christina Clark Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Write or Die keeps you on track]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/06/write-or-die-keeps-you-on-track/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/06/write-or-die-keeps-you-on-track/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/06/write-or-die-keeps-you-on-track/#comments Write or Die
Write or Die from Dr. Wicked is quite an interesting application. You must keep typing or you will receive reminders to get back to work. Sometimes those reminders are quite unpleasant.

You can choose nice, gentle reminders, in the form of pop up boxes, the normal reminders which make the screen turn red and play music, or kamikaze reminders which start undoing what you have been typing if you stop. There are also Electric Shock reminders but, you can't always check that box.

This would be a perfect tool for anyone who needed to get a lot of words on paper in a specific amount of time. You can set word goals or time goals - or both. I gave myself a goal of 10 minutes and/or 20 words for writing this post. It is quite handy little tool for writers, bloggers or students who really need to get stuff done.

Plus, it's a lot of fun and the reminders are a good way to keep yourself on track if you have a tendency to stop working, stare off into space or get easily distracted. Or, if you're like me, having a word count goal and a timer makes me work that much harder to get all the words in before the timer goes off!

[Via The Renegade Writer Blog]

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Write or Die keeps you on track originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> educationwriting Christina Clark Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[AirMilf puts Palin in a helicopter - Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/airmilf-puts-palin-in-a-helicopter-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/airmilf-puts-palin-in-a-helicopter-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/airmilf-puts-palin-in-a-helicopter-time-waster/#comments Airmilf
If you want to try out shooting wolves from a helicopter the way it is purported that Sarah Palin does, check out Airmilf from Comedy Central.

You fly through the air in a Vietnam-era helicopter, shooting wolves, and trying not to shoot the elk running alongside. I had a really fun time with this one. The early levels are easy, moving relatively slowly and making it easy to get head shots (to raise more for the campaign).

As the levels progress, things move a lot faster. It started to get a bit more challenging around levels 7 and 8 and by 9 and 10 the helicopter was racing by the wolves.

If you need just a little more election fun, check out this game. The only reason I stopped playing was so I would have time to write this post. As time-wasters go, this one is pretty good. Easy, fun and increasing levels of difficulty.

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AirMilf puts Palin in a helicopter - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> electionelection 2008Election2008elections2008palinpalin huntingPalinHuntingtime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:30:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Presidential Street Fight - Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/presidential-street-fight-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/presidential-street-fight-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/presidential-street-fight-time-waster/#comments Presidential Street Fight

While McCain and Obama battle it out at the polls, you can create your own election results with the Presidential Street Fight.

You can play as either McCain or Obama and shoot it out in front of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Each candidate comes with a basketball launching gun and a pile of boxes to use for cover. Shoot up and over the boxes to hit the other candidate or shoot straight at them to knock out the protective boxes.

Items like bags of money, Uncle Sam style hats and one ton weights will pop up occasionally, if you can hit them they will become your ammunition. I tried playing as both candidates and they seem to have equal skills and abilities.

The faces both make while aiming and shooting are great and the music is okay, though it does get a bit tedious after awhile.

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Presidential Street Fight - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> electionelection 2008Election2008mccainmccain vs. obamaMccainVs.Obamaobamatime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Palin as President - Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/palin-as-president-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/palin-as-president-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/palin-as-president-time-waster/#comments Palin as President
If you, like many Americans, shudder to think of what the world might be like with Sarah Palin as president then this time waster will confirm some of your worst fears.

A simple photo of Palin in the Oval Office with lots of interactive bits give you a taste of what that reality might be like. You can click on a variety of everyday objects and listen to Palin name them - Joe the Chair, Joe the Six-Pack, etc. Or, watch her throw a dart to choose the name of her next child.

There are numerous opportunities to hear Palin say Maverick and you can watch a car drive off her bridge to nowhere. It won't waste a lot of time but it is good for a few laughs.

Of course if you're a Palin fan, this could give you a great visual for that dream of Palin in the Oval Office you've been having.

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Palin as President - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> election2008elections2008sarah palinsarah palin time-wasterSarahPalinSarahPalinTime-wastertime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:30:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Election Incrimination - Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/election-incrimination-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/election-incrimination-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/election-incrimination-time-waster/#comments Election Incrimination
If you're still making up your mind about who you should vote for, maybe Election Incrimination can give you some help. You can choose to be either Obama or McCain and race against the clock to hide incriminating evidence.

It's a race against the clock to hide everything before the press arrives in the Oval Office. McCain has such secrets as Viagra, a George W. Bush dart board, and an oil contract signed in blood. Obama has Sarah Palin, Michael Jackson and hip hop clothes to hide.

The game presents a lot of stereotypes and plain ugly items (a KKK member for one) so if you're easily offended, don't try it out. But, if you aren't, enjoy hiding items for both candidates, or setting up the one you didn't vote for to be outed by the press.

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Election Incrimination - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> election 2008Election2008elections2008time-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[PhotoFunia makes it easy to create funny photos]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/photofunia-makes-it-easy-to-create-funny-photos/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/photofunia-makes-it-easy-to-create-funny-photos/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/11/04/photofunia-makes-it-easy-to-create-funny-photos/#comments someone is sad Bush is leaving?
Looking for some good photos of McCain, Palin, Obama and Biden on this Election Day 2008? Thanks to PhotoFunia I was able to create something a little more interesting than what you will be seeing on CNN.

I have yet to master the skills in Photoshop to be able to make convincing fake photos. I usually fix colors, crop and reduce red eye but I rarely change any photos. PhotoFunia gave me the opportunity to make some pretty cool stuff today in just a few simple clicks. If you have a good head shot of anyone, you can make convincing photos.

Check out the gallery to see the variety of candidate photos I have assembled.

Gallery: PhotoFunia



[Via Lifehacker]

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PhotoFunia makes it easy to create funny photos originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bidenmccainmccain vs. obamaMccainVs.Obamaobamapalintimewasters Christina Clark Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[World Map geography tester]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/28/world-map-geography-tester/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/28/world-map-geography-tester/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/28/world-map-geography-tester/#comments World Map by GameDesign
I'm not entirely sure if I should call this a time waster or an educational tool. I guess it can be both. If you're stuck in 9th grade geography (or know someone who it) it could certainly help.

If you're past all that school stuff and want to see how much geography you remember, check out the World Map by Game Design. You are given a world map and the names of 20 countries. You have about 10 seconds to find each country on the map.

If you are lucky to get some of the bigger countries it's quite easy, but once you have a few small African nations things become much more challenging. I'm not going to share my score. It's too embarrassing!

If you're good at naming countries but not finding them you can try the 192 UN recognized states in 10 minutes. Basically, once you load the page a timer starts to count down. You have 10 minutes to name as many UN recognized countries as you can.

When you type in a correct answer it is added to the list. So if you type something in and it doesn't disappear, it's not right. My biggest challenge was spelling some of the country names. I got about 70 countries entered before I ran out of time and had about 10 that I just couldn't figure out how to spell properly.

So, DLS readers, how are your geography skills?

[Via Eco Worldly]

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World Map geography tester originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> geographygeographyquiztime-wastertimewastersunited nationsUnitedNationsworld mapsWorldMaps Christina Clark Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Halloween Clash and Pumpkin Simulator for fall fun - Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/22/halloween-clash-and-pumpkin-simulator-for-fall-fun-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/22/halloween-clash-and-pumpkin-simulator-for-fall-fun-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/22/halloween-clash-and-pumpkin-simulator-for-fall-fun-time-waster/#comments Halloween Clash
If you're looking for a little Halloween-themed time wasting, two simple options are Halloween Clash and Pumpkin Simulator. Neither one is on its' way to being game of the year but they are both good for a few minutes of fun.

Halloween Clash pits you against the pumpkin headed goblins trying to invade your house. I was hoping to see big splatters of pumpkin guts all over but instead, you play from an aerial view and see only pumpkin puddles when you kill one of the goblins. You point and click with your mouse to shoot and can play as the Easter Bunny, Cupid or Santa Claus. The graphics are pretty simplistic but they get the job done.

The first level seemed pretty lame as all I had to do was click on a pumpkin and boom, it was gone. In the second level the pumpkins moved in less predictable patterns and made things a bit more challenging (but only a little bit). The third level when the pumpkins were invisible and had only a shadow and they moved faster, well, that's where it started to be more interesting.

Pumpkin Simulator is simply an online pumpkin carving tool. You can carve up your pumpkin in any way you wish, and when you click done, your creation is lit with a candle inside. It might be a good way to try out some of the designs you have in mind for real pumpkins this year or just provide some silliness as you carve up outrageous faces and designs. It might even make a good way to use your computer screens in your Halloween decorating scheme.

Both sites are good for a few minutes and might be something to help get you into the mood of the season if the mini candy bars all over the place haven't done it yet.

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Halloween Clash and Pumpkin Simulator for fall fun - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> halloweentime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Christina Clark's Favorite Apps: Better Gmail 2]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/16/christina-clarks-favorite-apps-better-gmail-2/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/16/christina-clarks-favorite-apps-better-gmail-2/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/16/christina-clarks-favorite-apps-better-gmail-2/#comments Better Gmail 2
I do not generally use a whole lot of extra stuff in my day to day computing. I use Firefox with very few add-ons and Microsoft Office. For things like lists, I go analog and use paper and a pen. So when it came time to come up with my favorite apps, I was feeling like I didn't have much to say.

Then I remembered Better Gmail 2. It doesn't feel like an app since I never have to open anything, it's just there, making my Gmail a bit more user friendly. Basically, it is a compilation of Greasemonkey user scripts that add features to Gmail compiled by the folks over at Lifehacker. I like the ease of Better Gmail since it combines all the scripts into one easy to install little package.

My absolute favorite feature is the way Better Gmail deals with telling you how much new mail you have. Since I usually have several tabs open, I see Gmail - Inbox (1) or however many messages I have. In tabs I rarely can see the number of new messages and sometimes can't even see that i have new messages. Better Gmail strips away the extra stuff and will list inbox count first on the tab instead of the default longer listing.

The other feature I really enjoy is row highlighting. As you roll over rows in the inbox, each of them highlights. When you've been weeding through your inbox all day, it's really nice to have that extra visual cue to keep everything together.

Better Gmail also adds attachment icons which let you know if the document attached to your email is a PDF, .doc file or jpg before even opening the message. You can also hide the spam count, use various filters and macros more easily and really get in an customize what you want your Gmail to look like. I only use the three I described but there are more than 20 variations and options that you can choose from once you install Better Gmail 2.

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Christina Clark's Favorite Apps: Better Gmail 2 originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> better gmailBetterGmailgmail Christina Clark Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[How to make your coworkers hate you]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/15/how-to-make-your-coworkers-hate-you/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/15/how-to-make-your-coworkers-hate-you/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/15/how-to-make-your-coworkers-hate-you/#comments Annoying your coworkersIf you don't enjoy your current job or need to feel like a social outcast here are some great tips on how to make your coworkers hate you from ABC News. All you need is access to an email account. It's a powerful tool.
  1. Use urgent flags and big red letters for attention.
  2. Always cc a person's superior when you email them about work that needs to be done.
  3. Feel free to use the "reply all" button.
  4. Use ALL CAPS to get your point across.
Some additional tips just for you DLS readers:
  • Your boss works really hard. When you email him or her you should always include some smileys or other emoticons to let them know how you're feeling. It will brighten their day a little too. :-)
  • Evry1 nos how 2 txt so it is ok 2 use txt in email. It's faster and easier and everyone does it so, go right ahead.
  • People love chain letters so forward that one with the dancing puppies and mariachi music to the entire company. Everyone will love it.
  • Create a cute email signature with dancing gifs, pictures of your kids or a quote about how much you love to shop. It will really personalize your work communications.
Remember, even though it's only email, it reflects you. Make sure you use email properly just like any other business tool.

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How to make your coworkers hate you originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> emailemailers-anonymous Christina Clark Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Beat some stress with the Happy Creator]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/06/beat-some-stress-with-the-happy-creator/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/06/beat-some-stress-with-the-happy-creator/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/10/06/beat-some-stress-with-the-happy-creator/#comments Happy Creator
Economy got you down? Feeling some pain at the gas pump? Stressed every time you turn on CNN? Yeah, me too. So I was intrigued when I found the Happy Creator.

It's a nice little exercise that helps you remember some of the things you can be happy about. It's just a list generator but, when you fill it with things that make you happy, you can go back and read it when you're feeling a little too much stress. Maybe you got some amazing new coffee to drink in the mornings or you had a really great workout yesterday. Add it to your happy list. Be detailed or be brief. It's completely up to you - it's your happy list after all.

You can also visit the Happy House for a list of things other people have been happy about, in case you need some inspiration. It all comes from the book, "14,000 Things to be Happy About" by Barbara Ann Kipfer.

Dorky? Yes, but we could all use a little help focusing on the good stuff now and then, don't you think?

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Beat some stress with the Happy Creator originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> happyHappy CreatorHappyCreatorstress reductionstress reliefStressReductionStressRelief Christina Clark Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[FoodTube - where anyone can be a celebrity chef unfortunately]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/26/foodtube-where-anyone-can-be-a-celebrity-chef-unfortunately/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/26/foodtube-where-anyone-can-be-a-celebrity-chef-unfortunately/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/26/foodtube-where-anyone-can-be-a-celebrity-chef-unfortunately/#comments Food Tube
If, for some reason, you prefer watching cooking videos on the internet, made by random people (or Christopher Walken) instead of on the Food Network then FoodTube has everything you will need.

You can search by ingredients or type of cuisine or just browse newly added videos. FoodTube users have uploaded videos from YouTube and personal files. Yes, there are some interesting videos. There are also some really bad celebrity chef imitations (or something).

Why use FoodTube instead of YouTube? If you search for something like chicken you'll only get videos featuring people cooking chicken instead of random Sesame Street stuff. And looking for chicken noodle soup won't give you 47 dancing videos.

But then again part of the fun of internet videos is finding that random stuff to begin with.

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FoodTube - where anyone can be a celebrity chef unfortunately originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> christopher walkenChristopherWalkencookingfoodtubevideoyoutube Christina Clark Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Use Cool Timer to boost productivity and get things done]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/26/use-cool-timer-to-boost-productivity-and-get-things-done/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/26/use-cool-timer-to-boost-productivity-and-get-things-done/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/26/use-cool-timer-to-boost-productivity-and-get-things-done/#comments Cool TimerIf you don't already use a timer to boost your productivity you are missing out. Pretty much every productivity book, blog and web site out there suggests a timer to help you get things done.

Some of you might be going old school and using a kitchen timer. But, if you've had enough of that once cute ticking chicken, check out cool timer.

It's quick and easy to download and equally simple to use. You can set it up to be an alarm clock, a count down timer or a stopwatch. When the designated time arrives, cool timer can play a preset sound or an MP3 file from your personal library.

I like to set a timer for a certain amount of time when doing chores like cleaning the kitchen or working on tasks I don't enjoy as much. That way, I know I only have to do it for a certain amount of time. The added bonus with cool timer is that I can play some tunes I enjoy at the end of the task. Right now I'm enjoying "Sweet Home Chicago" from the Blues Brothers soundtrack every time my cool timer goes off.

[Via Lifehacker]

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Use Cool Timer to boost productivity and get things done originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cool timerCoolTimerproductivitytimer Christina Clark Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Prevention has games for your brain - Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/25/prevention-has-games-for-your-brain-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/25/prevention-has-games-for-your-brain-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/25/prevention-has-games-for-your-brain-time-waster/#comments Street of Dreams
I'm sure Prevention magazine is not the first place you would look for time-wasters but, they have a pretty good variety of them. You can choose to play "fun games" or "brain games."

The fun games offer sudoku, word search, mah jongg, and a fun little thing called Spliterature. In Spliterature you are given a jumbled batch of letters and you have to create two words that fit into a certain category. And you have to do it as fast as you can. The word search is extrememly easy until you get to the bonus round. Then you have a category but no word list and must search for words you think might fit the category.

The brain games page has just as many fun choices which supposedly sharpen your memory and you mind. It's not going to help any of us do Jedi mind tricks any time soon but, the games are fun. You can choose from Street of Dreams where you have to match words into categories - simple until some of the categories are hidden from you.

Pandara's Boutique offers a variety of items and prompts for you to spot the identical items or pick out the one that is different. All as quickly as you can. Heraldry is a memory game where you look at a coat of arms and then recreate it from memory. Other options are Busy Bistro, another memory game and Secret Files where you have to catch falling words in specific folders to organize them.

None of these are games that I would play for hours and hours but I do enjoy a good word game now and then and Prevention offers that and a bit more to keep you busy. The games are good for a quick break and if they exercise your brain in the process, well, that's even better.

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Prevention has games for your brain - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> brain fitnessBrainFitnesspreventionpreventionmagazinetime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[ThuleRoadTrip takes you back to your Oregon Trail days -Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/22/thuleroadtrip-takes-you-back-to-your-oregon-trail-days-time-was/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/22/thuleroadtrip-takes-you-back-to-your-oregon-trail-days-time-was/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/22/thuleroadtrip-takes-you-back-to-your-oregon-trail-days-time-was/#comments ThuleRoadTrip
I never finished Oregon Trail. I got stuck at the top of a ravine and couldn't figure out how to get my wagon to the other side. But ThuleRoadTrip is a different story.

The graphics, the sounds, and the game style of ThuleRoadTrip are just like Oregon Trail. The difference? You're trying to get to the Atlantis Music Festival and you can get there in an SUV, a hybrid or a turbo charged station wagon.

You buy bags of food and magazines, games and CDs to keep car passengers entertained along the way. You have the opportunity to stop and compete in kayaking, snowboarding and mountain biking races. You can choose to pick up some hitchhikers or leave them on the side of the road.

You can even hunt for food - except instead of deer and squirrels you see pizza and sodas hopping by. The most fun, just like in the original game, is naming your travel companions. The game throws out random comments, like "All the fast food isn't agreeing with Lee, somebody crack a window!" I snickered every time I saw a friend's name come up with a remark like that - just like I was in middle school again.

A few tips: try the hybrid, and make sure you stop along the way and see some of the sights. You actually lose points when you arrive too early.

I spent a lot of time playing Oregon Trail when I was a kid. My Mom even played! ThuleRoadTrip totally made my evening.

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ThuleRoadTrip takes you back to your Oregon Trail days -Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> oregon trailOregonTrailthuletime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Pirate Translation for those of you who don't speak pirate]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/19/pirate-translation-for-those-of-you-who-dont-speak-pirate/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/19/pirate-translation-for-those-of-you-who-dont-speak-pirate/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/19/pirate-translation-for-those-of-you-who-dont-speak-pirate/#comments Pirate Translator
Here at Download Squad we've known that International Talk Like a Pirate Day was coming. So we've been practicing our pirate talk. But, if you haven't, check out the Pirate Translator from Pirate Monkeyness so you can talk like a pirate too.

All you have to do is type in your normal message, hit translate and shiver me timbers, your words are turned into pirate-speak. You can choose varying degrees of swashbuckling for your translation so it can be light, peppered or doused with pirate-y interjections.

There are several options for pirate translation -

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Pirate Translation for those of you who don't speak pirate originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> pirate translatorPirateTranslatortalklikeapiratetalklikeapiratedaytime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[SeaFight for when you want to play like a pirate - Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/19/seafight-for-when-you-want-to-play-like-a-pirate-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/19/seafight-for-when-you-want-to-play-like-a-pirate-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/19/seafight-for-when-you-want-to-play-like-a-pirate-time-waster/#comments Sea Fight
Finding a good pirate game is not easy. You know, where you can sail around in your pirate ship killing sea monsters and flying the jolly roger and all that good stuff.

SeaFight is an ok pirate game. It's even pretty decent for a free game. Once you get the hang of it and have enough ammunition, you can have a lot of fun. And once you move up a few levels and you can fight other pirates, it's way cool.

First and foremost, make sure you pick a good pirate name when you choose your user name. Try this pirate name generator if you are out of ideas. Once you are all logged in click Take Me to the Battle and start harpooning sea monsters and attacking ships.

When you run out of ammunition you have to log out from the battle map and go back to the main screen. You can bid on ammunition in the bazaar, upgrade weapons and purchase ammunition in the weapons tab, pick up quests in the pub or upgrade your ship in the shipyard.

You can join a crew, or become part of a guild. All the general role-playing game stuff is there. Play for free or upgrade for a premium account. The free stuff should keep you busy for a few days at least. Til all your pirate urges wear off. So, check out SeaFight and play like a pirate today!

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SeaFight for when you want to play like a pirate - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> pirate gamePirateGameseafighttalklikeapiratetalklikeapiratedaytime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:30:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[BillShrink now finds the best credit card for you]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/18/billshrink-now-finds-the-best-credit-card-for-you/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/18/billshrink-now-finds-the-best-credit-card-for-you/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/18/billshrink-now-finds-the-best-credit-card-for-you/#comments Bill Shrink
We've already told you about BillShrink's ability to lower your wireless bill. Now the company wants to help you find the best credit card deal for your spending habits as well.

Enter a few bits of information, like if you pay off your balance each month and how much you normally spend and BillShrink comes up with some options for you to look at.

You are presented with various credit cards, ranked in order of which will save you the most money versus your current card. Each card lists things like fees, rewards and interest rates.

The service is quick and useful and the graphs and information really help to show the differences between cards. It's nice to get all the information in one place and see actual numbers of how much money you could save with a different card.

[Via Lifehacker]

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BillShrink now finds the best credit card for you originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> billshrinkcredit cardsCreditCards Christina Clark Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[SendMeHome might help you get lost stuff back]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/18/sendmehome-might-help-you-get-lost-stuff-back/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/18/sendmehome-might-help-you-get-lost-stuff-back/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/18/sendmehome-might-help-you-get-lost-stuff-back/#comments SendMeHome
Ever left your iPod on a plane? Or set your digital camera down to pay for something and then left it behind? So far I haven't, but it's certainly not out of the realm of possibility. I travel somewhat frequently and take all my gadgets with me when I do.

If you have stuff that might get lost, or have kids that tote iPods and such around, SendMeHome might be worth checking out. It's a simple, free service. Register your stuff (from credit cards to lunchboxes, tennis rackets to electronic gear) and either order or print our labels.

The service has templates for a wide range of Avery labels or you can order SendMeHome.com logo labels with space to write the identification number of the item. Logo labels range in price - 25 labels will cost you $7.99. You could also use a permanent marker and write the web site and identification number yourself.

The tricky part is getting the person who found your stuff to actually log in and return it to you. I have a feeling this won't be helpful when I lose my iPod somewhere in my house yet again either. Oh well.

[Via Lifehacker]

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SendMeHome might help you get lost stuff back originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> lostlost stuffLostStuffsend me homesendmehome Christina Clark Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[FFL a different kind of fantasy, uh... sport? Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/17/ffl-a-different-kind-of-fantasy-uh-sport-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/17/ffl-a-different-kind-of-fantasy-uh-sport-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/17/ffl-a-different-kind-of-fantasy-uh-sport-time-waster/#comments
If you can't figure out why everyone is so into fantasy football and think sports in general are like, totally lame, you might be interested in the Fantasy Fashion League. And no, I'm not kidding.

Instead of "drafting" football players for your team you choose various designers and celebrities. Maybe you think it's going to be a really hot week for Jessica Alba and she's been wearing Calvin Klein lately. Mark it on your line-up card and hope she earns In Style's Look of the Day or gets mentioned on Women's Wear Daily. That's the way you can rack up some points and show your mad fashion skills.

You can even earn extra points if celebrities and designers you choose for your line-up card appear on the E! pre-show for the Emmys or the CMA awards.

Think this is the stupidest thing ever? Well, it might keep your significant other busy while you enter your fantasy football picks at least.

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FFL a different kind of fantasy, uh... sport? Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> celebritiesfantasy fashion leaguefantasy footballFantasyFashionLeagueFantasyFootballfashiontime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Giftag puts all your wishlists in one place]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/17/giftag-puts-all-your-wishlists-in-one-place/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/17/giftag-puts-all-your-wishlists-in-one-place/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/17/giftag-puts-all-your-wishlists-in-one-place/#comments Giftag screen
If you're into stuff like most of us are, you probably have a few online wish lists. I have two Amazon wish lists, and one each at Crate and Barrel and Target left over from my wedding. When people want to buy me something, they often ask where they should look.

Giftag is one way to eliminate that problem. In stall the simple Firefox add-on and use the button added to your toolbar to add things to your list. It is very simple.

Surf over to your favorite online gadget source, pick out what you want and click the Giftag icon. You are prompted to highlight the area of the item you want. A section at the bottom of the screens gives you options to add the item to different lists and include information like quantities or comments.

Once you have assembled your list you can share it with friends by entering their email addresses. With Christmas coming up this could be a very useful way to steer people in the direction of what it is you really want.

[Via Lifehacker]

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Giftag puts all your wishlists in one place originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> firefox add-onFirefoxAdd-ongift listsgiftagGiftListswish listWishList Christina Clark Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[FunOrb, lots of random games - Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/15/funorb-lots-of-random-games-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/15/funorb-lots-of-random-games-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/15/funorb-lots-of-random-games-time-waster/#comments
Zombie Dawn intro
So, you're still looking for just the right way to waste some time? Not enough to keep you busy in your cube? FunOrb should keep you busy for a few hours. Those hours might be spent playing a lot of games to find one you like, but, hey, you're still wasting time, aren't you?

There are lots of little, simple puzzle games, think Bejeweled and the like, as well as Pool, arcade games and strategy games. All of the games have music and sound, so turn down the speakers before you get started.

Read on for the gory details.

Continue reading FunOrb, lots of random games - Time Waster

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FunOrb, lots of random games - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> fun orbFunOrbtime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Busuu makes language learning almost simple]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/11/busuu-makes-language-learning-almost-simple/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/11/busuu-makes-language-learning-almost-simple/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/11/busuu-makes-language-learning-almost-simple/#comments Busuu coffee!
Learning a new language can be a tricky thing. Some of us need to hear the language, others like to read it and still others just want to get out there and talk.

Busuu gives you the opportunity to try all three methods of learning and find out what works for you. After registering with the site, still in beta, you can start learning. You can choose learning modules based on things like travel, your daily routine or going to the bar.

Once you choose a module, you will be shown a variety of pictures. With each picture comes an audio pronunciation of the word (which you can replay) and a sentence containing the word. I really enjoyed using this part, but I wish I could've heard the sentences pronounced to get a feel for different word tenses.

After you review, and hopefully learn the words in the module, you move on to the fun parts! Read on for those...

Continue reading Busuu makes language learning almost simple

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Busuu makes language learning almost simple originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> busuulanguage lessonsLanguageLessons Christina Clark Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Snake for old school gaming - Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/11/snake-for-old-school-gaming-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/11/snake-for-old-school-gaming-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/11/snake-for-old-school-gaming-time-waster/#comments Snake
Snake is a quickly played, easily addictive game. It's just like the Snake games of old where you have to control your snake around a box, picking up things along the way. You can't touch the sides or yourself or the game starts over. The good part? Much better graphics.

Obviously the longer the snake becomes, the more difficult it is to maneuver. And those darn mice always pop up in the most tricky places.

But, if you're like me and played Snake when you were a bit younger, your fingers may remember what to do quite quickly. After running into walls about four times I was able to play a much longer game.

It's a nice little flash game that is good for burning off a few minutes at a time without sucking you in for an hour.

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Snake for old school gaming - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> flashsnaketime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Play With Spider gives you shivers - Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/10/play-with-spider-gives-you-shivers-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/10/play-with-spider-gives-you-shivers-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/10/play-with-spider-gives-you-shivers-time-waster/#comments Play With Spider
Play With spider from One Motion kind of gave me the creeps. But then, I don't really care for spiders too much.

Basically, it's a flash game (although there is no winning or losing) where you lay out bugs for a spider to eat. The spider is very realistic. In fact I said "eeew!" many times while playing.

It was fun to lay out the bugs in patterns to make the spider follow them - like DLS (for Download Squad). As a time waster, I didn't spend all that much time, maybe 10 minutes, on this. But, I can see it having other uses.

Have an annoying coworker that tries to use your computer? Leave Play With Spider up on the screen and as soon as they sit down and the spider starts to walk around, most people would be a bit grossed out. Or at least they will say something loud enough for you to hear them and catch them in the act.

It's apparently a good cat toy as well.

[Via BoingBoing]

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Play With Spider gives you shivers - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> flashplay with spiderPlayWithSpiderspidertime-wastertimewasters Christina Clark Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Umbrella today?]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/09/umbrella-today/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/09/umbrella-today/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/09/umbrella-today/#comments Umbrella Today?
If you need to know what to prepare for weather-wise for the day, Umbrella Today? can help.

I like to know weather basics - like if it's going to be hot or cold and if it's going to rain. I don't need an hour by hour forecast or really specific information to keep myself informed, so I found Umbrella Today? to be just about right.

Basically when you arrive on the site, you are asked to enter your zip code. Once you do that the question of whether you need an umbrella today is answered with a simple yes or no. You can even sign up for daily text alerts and a specific time each day.

I guess I'll take my umbrella when I go out today.

[Via Lifehacker]

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Umbrella today? originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Umbrella TodayUmbrellaTodayweatherweather forecastWeatherForecast Christina Clark Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[RuneScape - Time Waster]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/03/runescape-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/03/runescape-time-waster/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/03/runescape-time-waster/#comments RuneScape
So, I am guessing that pretty much everyone out there in Internet land has played RuneScape, except for me. But just in case you forgot about it or, like me, you just woke up from a long internet gaming nap, let's have a look-see.

RuneScape bills itself as a massive online adventure game. In theory, it could be a lot like World of Warcraft; except, it's not. For one thing it runs in a tiny window in your browser and you don't have to load any software to play (you do need to have Java installed though). In that sense, it's much more portable than something like WoW.

And if you're used to a really pretty game, you won't find it here. The graphics are ok at best. And the story progresses with a lot of read this paragraph and click here to continue type stuff.

But, if you are looking for a time waster that's a throwback to what games used to be, RuneScape is where you will find it. It moves so slowly you can definitely keep it running while you are doing other things. I played for about an hour while going about my business and found it relatively enjoyable.

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RuneScape - Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> runescapetime wastertime-wasterTimeWastertimewasters Christina Clark Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST Download Squad <![CDATA[Google Chrome omni bar - What is it?]]> http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/02/google-chrome-omnibar-what-is-it/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/02/google-chrome-omnibar-what-is-it/ http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/02/google-chrome-omnibar-what-is-it/#comments Google Chrome omni bar
Don't have Google Chrome yet? Well, get with the program already! So far, the feature I like the best is the omni bar. In the webcast of the Chrome announcement today, developers called it the "psychic bar." I don't know if I'd go quite that far, but it is cool. Basically, the omni bar combines your regular address bar and the search box into one area in your browser. You can type in a web address or something you want to search for. But it's more than that.

After visiting Download Squad and using the search box just one time, I have the option to search DLS from the omni bar as well. I begin typing in the Download Squad address in the omni bar. Within a few keystrokes, I am told I can press tab to search Download Squad. It can be used on Amazon or any other place you frequently search for things.
Saves time going to the site and then searching. Chrome overall seems to be trying to save you time and put more functions in one place. Instead of going to Google (or Yahoo, or any search engine) and then typing in your search, you can do it all from one place.

Nice, but is it nice enough to make me change browsers entirely? Only time will tell.

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Google Chrome omni bar - What is it? originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> google chromegoogle-chromeGoogleChrome Christina Clark Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST Download Squad