The James Logan Courier

By Jessica Guynn
Los Angeles Times (MCT)

SAN FRANCISCO — In a bold challenge to its rivals, Facebook Inc. is launching a messaging service for its more than half a billion users, setting off a battle that could shape the future of communication on the Internet.

Facebook Messages will meld the three major forms of communication — e-mail, instant messages and text messages — so that users can manage all their communications through a single inbox on their personal computer or mobile device.

The common gateway will be an "(at)facebook.com" e-mail address.

San Jose Mercury News
(MCT)

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Buster Posey has a trophy to go along with his World Series ring.
The Giants' young catcher showed the leadership of a veteran as he guided a talented pitching staff all the way to the first championship in the franchise's 53 seasons in San Francisco. His acumen also made him the clear choice as the NL Rookie of the Year, as announced by the Baseball Writers Association of America on Monday.

Posey easily outpointed another kid from Georgia, Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward, drawing 20 of 32 first-place votes to become the Giants' first recipient of the award since pitcher John Montefusco in 1975.

Posey joined an exclusive club of Giants to win the award_a Hall of Fame-studded group that includes Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Orlando Cepeda and Gary Matthews.

By Billy O'Keefe
McClatchy-Tribune (MCT)

Because "Grand Theft Auto" popularized it and because most other games have simply fallen in line, conventional wisdom suggests that any game with an open world must fill that world with umpteen pointless activities to justify its worth.

"Mafia II" doesn't do this. Empire Bay, the fictionalized but very recognizable riff on 1940s New York City, is wide open for discovery, and players can steal cars and visit shops between missions until their thumbs are sore. But outside of some collectibles and a small smattering of elective activities, there really isn't much of anything for players to accomplish off the storyline's main roads.

But is that really a terrible thing when those main roads include a storyline that spans 12-15 hours and takes players from World War II, through prison and up the ladders of multiple families? "Mafia II" prioritizes its characters and the finer details of their world over obligatory busywork, and the choice pays off at little expense to the game's value.

From wikipedia:

William Christopher Handy (November 16, 1873 – March 28, 1958) was an African American blues composer and musician, often known as "the Father of the Blues."

Hear W.C.Handy's Memphis Blues Band perform "St. Louis Blues," streaming in RealAudio, free from redhotjazz.com