I remember back when vampires were cool before 'Twilight'

Growing up, I loved vampires.  Movies, books, TV shows, video games, if it had vampires in it, I was interested.  'The Lost Boys,' 'Dracula,' 'Blade,' 'Subspecies,' 'Interview with the Vampire,' are just some of my favorite vampire movies.  I grew up with all kinds of vampires, good and bad, romantic and sadistic.  When I was a kid, I thought it would be really cool to be a vampire.

It just blows my mind when people see 'Twilight' as a cool series.  I have nothing personal against the people who are fans of the books and movies.  But let's be honest.  The vampires of 'Twilight' aren't even close to the truly cool vampires.  I mean who can forget the rad 80s vampires from the 'Lost Boys?' Forget about Edward Cullen, Dracula was the true undead ladies man.  Blade is half-human, half-vampire who knows martial arts, carries a kick ass arsenal of weapons.

Vampires have always been cool.  And they will be cool long after the 'Twilight' movies are gone.  Don't be sad kids.  Just because 'Twilight' is coming to an end, doesn't mean there are no more vampires.  Keep an open mind.  There are plenty of vampire movies and books that are out and will be coming out.

                                      'How Video Games Help You Relax'

            Yes I understand studying is important.  Yes I know that homework and work come first.

But there comes a time when you need an escape.  You need a time and a way to clear your

mind.  But how can you clear your mind, escape from reality, and have fun all at the same time?

            Some people might say video games are only for kids.  I say kids and adults should enjoy

video games.  They're fun.  They can provide hours of entertainment.  They can provide a way

for you and your friends to get together.  They can even entertain kids so adults can have some

peace and quiet.

            People often say that video games are an escape.  This is true.  Video games do provide a

way to escape your troubles.  And what is wrong with that? Everyone needs an escape, a way to

relieve the stress and anxiety reality tends to create.  Sometimes the best way to unwind is to do

something fun.  

            I remember often I was upset over a bad time I had at work.  Or I got a bad grade on a

test I swore I aced.  By turning on my Xbox 360, and playing any one of my games, I was able to

relieve some stress.  By playing Halo Reach and mowing down aliens, I started to feel better.  Or

if I chose to play LA Noire, I pretended I was in the 1930s, exploring Los Angeles and solving

crimes.

            As I played any of these games, I felt my stress and frustration slip away.  Even if it was

for a few minutes, it helped.  I felt myself relaxing, forgetting what it was that upset me in the

first place.  I know that by playing these games I was only temporarily escaping my problems.

But even a temporary escape is the first step to unwinding.

            Another way to enjoy video games is playing them with friends.  There are quite a few

games that allow you and your friends to team up and play together:  Left 4 Dead, Mario Party,

Dead Island, HALO Reach.   If you get stuck, your friends will be there to help you out.  They

can watch your back as you battle against whatever evil force you're up against.

            There are other games that you and your friends can play against each other.  There's

nothing wrong with some friendly competition.  Offline or online, you can go head to head

against your friends.  And if you win, you can get bragging rights.  Call of Duty, Mortal Kombat,

Street Fighter, WWE Wrestlemania are all good choices. 

            So the next time someone or something has got you down, play a quick game.  It doesn't

matter what system you have.  It doesn't have to be a certain game.  Take a few minutes to play a

quick game.  Race around the track a few times with Mario.  Give Master Chief a hand in slaying

some aliens.  Kids have so much fun playing video games.  Why shouldn't you have some fun?