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WHAT'S NEW? [USA Today](USA Today Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) BIG IDEAS FOR THE BUDDING WALL ARTIST Though it may seem counterintuitive to encourage your children to write on the walls, we now do so enthusiastically. Dedicating a section of our space to IdeaPaint - a versatile paint that allows us to turn virtually any surface into a white board - we can leave each other notes, jot to-do lists, or showcase artwork in the most creative way. From IdeaPaint, Inc., Ashland, Mass., IdeaPaint is a durable, water-based product that can transform any paintable object into a high-performance dry-erase surface. It can be used to transform a child's bedroom or playroom into a place to explore and express imagination. Craft a bulletin board to keep track of appointments, chores, or shopping lists - or simply use it to interact with your family as you pass each other on the way to soccer practice, dance lessons, or whatever other errands keep you on the run every day. Durable IdeaPaint can be applied to any smooth surface and works with all brands of dryerase markers; it can be wiped clean with a dryerase eraser. Covering in one coat, it will not crack, peel, stain, or yellow. Whafs more, IdeaPaint is free of lead, asbestos, formaldehyde, and other harmful materials, and conforms to all EPA regulations (including California). It does not produce any harmful gases once ifs dry. IdeaPaint is available in two water-borne products that are ideal for use at home. CRE-8 ($175), for larger installations, is available in kits that offer 50 square feet of coverage and comes in a range of colors. HOME kits ($29.99 for six square feet, $74.98 for 20 square feet) are perfect for small to medium uses and are available in white. For more information, visit www.ideapaint.com. HP PUTS THE WORLD AT YOUR FINGERTIPS For kids who can't remember what it was like to live without Facebook or a telephone in their pocket, the thought of a house without a copy machine or the ability to scan or fax something is ridiculous. Having a three- or four-in-one printer in the home is the norm to them, not the exception. So, when these youngsters head back to college this fall - or if you're thinking of upgrading your own equipment - be sure to check out the HP PhotoSmart eStation. This high-performance machine adds full Web browsing - using a detachable, full-color 7" touchscreen - to the ability to print, fax without a phone line, copy, and scan. The touchscreen runs on Android OS, letting users shop online, access web applications such as news and weather, and browse e-books and e-mail from the device. It comes with apps for direct access to Disney online, Yahoo!, Mapquest, etc. You'll be able to download and print from the Web without a PC and get templates for calendars and games. Additionally, the eStation will allow wireless printing from a smartphone, laptop, or other mobile device, including the iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch. An efficient, Energy Star qualified machine - using less than one watt of energy while in off mode - it will save paper by automatically printing on both sides. The default print speeds are up to 1 1 pages per minute in black and eight ppm for color, and 4x6 photos can print in as few as 16 seconds. HP Photo Creations provides the tools to make printing easy. For more information on the HP PhotoSmart eStation ($329.99) and other Hewlett-Packard printers, visit www.hp.com. ACCESSORIZING THE SUNBEAM WAY From entertaining to daily food preparation and storage, the wide range of kitchen appliances from Sunbeam Products, Inc., Jarden Consumer Solutions, Boca Raton, Ra., is designed to make life easier - offering practical solutions to everyday tasks and fun alternatives for your next party or get-together. For us, the idea of a frozen drink evokes memories of ordering pina coladas while lounging on the beach in the Caribbean or of the giant restaurant-style drinks that taste so good with chips and guacamole. Not something we usually can replicate at home - though we've tried on many occasions with varying results. Sometimes they come out okay and at other times the blender starts smoking when the ice cubes get stuck under the blades or some other mishap occurs. Our success rate soared, however, when we switched to the Oster Ice Shaving Blender ($1 49.99). This ultimate frozen drink maker and powerful blender is perfect for shaved-ice party drinks, smoothies, and shakes. Simple to use - just fill the blender jar with your favorite ingredients, put ice cubes in the hopper to make true shaved ice, and send them down the chute to be blended. With a sleek and elegant style, the blender features pre-programmed settings to remove the guesswork. For more information, visit www.oster.com. Great for chillin' out with friends, the Margaritaville Chillin' Pour Liquor Chiller ($199.99) super-chills premium liquors, shots, or cocktails to an ultra-smooth and refreshing 15°F. Thafs colder than ice - and it doesn't water down your cocktail. Chillin' Pour holds a 750 ml bottle of your favorite liquor or you can fill with a pre-mixed batch of drinks. It emits a cool blue glow light inviting guests to press the lever to dispense the smooth spirit To end your dinner party or start your day, the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Dispenser hits all the right notes. Brewed coffee is stored in a sealed chamber and kept at the ideal temperature until you're ready. There's no need for a carafe - the coffee is dispensed directly into your cup. Sharp-looking in black and stainless steel, the unit features a brewing pause and serve function, fill window to show the amount of coffee in the chamber, one-handed dispensing pedal, and auto shutoff. The coffee chamber, filter basket, and drip tray are removable for easy clean up. With one-cup convenience and 12-cup capacity, your coffee always will be hot and fresh when you need it. For more information, visit www.mrcoffee.com. Imagine making an entire meal - from drinks to entrée to dessert- with one versatile tool. The Oster 3-in-1 Twisting Mixer is a rechargeable cordless appliance that allows you to mix, stir, beat, or blend. Interchangeable attachments include a whisk, drink mixer, and standard beater. With an ergonomie design, soft touch handle, and convenient heel rest, the twistable head goes from a hand mixer to a drink mixer in seconds. The Twisting Mixer has two power settings, is dishwasher safe, and mixes both hot and cold foods and drinks. For more information, visit www.oster.com. With the price of groceries these days, we reaify try to make sure nothing goes to waste. Ifs quite distressing to have to discard meats with freezer bum or stale chips or crackers - might as well throw our money away. Thankfully, we've been able to eliminate those issues by using the FoodSaver Vacuum Packaging Systems to keep food fresh up to five times longer. The V3840 with SmartSeal Technology ($299.99), a top-of-the-(ine, space-saving unit safely packages moist dry, and delicate food in airtight bags and canisters. Featuring an upright, stainless steel design, the unit offers hands-free operation, automatic bag detection, a built-in retractable accessory hose, roll holder, cufter, and bag opener.The V3840 has two vacuum speeds and two sealing levels, as well as auto liquid detection to prevent spills, and a marinate mode to infuse food with flavor in minutes. Additionally, it uses an extra-wide sealing strip and CrushFree instant seal, so your food will be protected, while a LED meter light tracks the progress. Created with hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts in mind, the FoodSaver GameSaver Silver Vacuum Sealing System ($199.99) features an updated, rugged design with integrated carrying handle, and large, rubberized buttons. This new design has intelligent repetitive sealing control, and includes a bonus 15-foot 12V power cord, extra large drip tray, and built-in storage compartment. Outdoorsmen will be able to preserve their prize game safely and prevent freezer burn. It also features a built-in storage compartment for accessory hose storage. For more information on FoodSaver products and accessories, visit www.foodsaver.com. iHOME IS MORE THAN JUST A CLOCK RADIO We've long ago lost track of the charger that came with our iFfod and rely solely on the exceptional iHome products to dock our players and iPhones. From SDI Technologies, Inc., Rahway, N.J., the line of alarm clock radios continues to grow. Our latest addition is the iHome GlowTunes iA17($99),a sleek-looking full function clock radio with an iPhone/iPod dock that lets us wake and sleep to the radio, iPod/iPhone, or buzzer alarm. First and foremost, it has exceptional sound - the device features Reson8 technology that fills the room with a dynamic quality. Additionally, the translucent cabinet changes color to set the mood at the touch of a button. It can remain on a favorite hue; cycle through the spectrum at either a slow fade or fast change pace; or pulse to the music. By downloading iHome+Sleep - the free music alarm clock for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch- the iA17 offers interactive alarms with settings for time, music, sounds, and repeat alerts for any day of the week, as well as the current weather and daily forecast and sleep stats. It also works with the Internet radio music app iHome+Radio. With a Sync button to set the clock time to the always-current iPhone time settings, the GlowTunes also has an auxin jack to allow hookup to auxiliary audio sources such as computers and CD players. It has a battery backup and daylight savings time switch for effortless adjustments, as well as a snooze function and an adjustable display dimmer. For private listening, we count on the iHome iB40 Studio Monitor Style Headphones ($29.99) to deliver detailed, rich sound with any of our music players. Stylish and comfortable, the headphones have padded ear cushions and a soft, adjustable headband. The in-line volume control makes it easy to manage the levels, while the enhanced bass response offers the ideal audio experience. With a 40 mm dome-type driver, the iB40 has a six-foot cord and includes a 6.3 mm plug adapter. For more information on these sleek and contemporary products, visit www.ihomeaudio.com. BEGIN AND END YOUR SUMMER WITH SPENCO When summer was just over the horizon, we turned to Spenco Medical Corporation, Waco. Texas, and its Total Support Sandals for our warm-weather footwear. Good choice. Now that the sun is setting on summer, so to speak, we're again looking to Spenco for foot comfort - and we've found it with the company's Polysorb Flow performance insoles with warming technologies. These are ideal for walkers, runners, joggers, and those who work outdoors in the cold weather. Initially utilizing an ultra-thin foil layer to capture natural body heat, the insole implements temperature phase change material from Outlast Technologies Inc. to absorb, store, and release heat as needed. This thermal technology - originally developed for NASA and the Air Force- interacts with body heat to stabilize temperature for lasting warmth. While the foot is in motion, air channels within the insole compress and expand to create heat circulation between the insole and the shoe, helping normalize the distribution and eliminating hot and cold spots. These insoles also provide increased shock absorption and heel strike protection, and cut friction to help prevent blisters - and are treated with Aegis Antimicrobial to reduce bacteria and odor. Look, we're not trying to rush summer away but, before you know it, cold weather will be here, and once your feet go frigid - take it from a former paperboy - the rest of you will follow. Of course, there are those with just the opposite problem - their feet get way too hot no matter what - and for them there is the Pofysorb Flow Cool, which uses similar air channel technologies to maintain low temperatures. As the foot heats up from activity, the SpenCool uses jade - obtained from natural resources - to slow down the temperature rise and allows the fiber to radiate the heat to cool down quickly. When the foot comes into contact with the insole, one to two degrees of instant cooling occurs, and up to three degrees with prolonged usage. To learn more about Spenco's full line of products for men and women, visit www.spenco.com. FIND YOUR WAY BACK FROM ANYWHERE I still firmly maintain that we were not lost. My then-girlfriend (now-wife) just as resolutely insists we were. It was 1 988 and we were hiking in New Hampshire's White Mountains in late October. Dusk was falling quickly, as it is wont to do in the northern latitudes in the fall, and we'd wandered way off the frail - or so she says. Well, maybe a little bit - and, while I'm no Hawkeye out in the wilderness, I was pretty sure of where we were going and was convinced we'd find our way back to civilization before dark. We did... just. Of course, we'd never get to recount this story - every retelling delights our kids, who cannot imagine their parents in a previous lifetime in which Dad actually knew where he was going and Mom was willing to brave a mountain - if the same events unfolded today, because now we'd undoubtedly have our hancty BackTrack Point 5 from Bushneil, Overland Park, Kan., with us. This GPS made simple promises that you'll never get lost again, and can find your way back from anywhere. So, if you're hunting, jogging, boating, hiking, traveling, or scanning a monstrous parking lot for your car, this is the handheld instrument for you. Simply mark a location and then navigate back to that spot when you're ready. The BackTrack marks up to five locations; features a digital compass with latitude/longitude; and provides the time, temperature, and altitude. To learn more, visit www.bushnell.com. COLORFUL HIGHLIGHTERS MAKE STUDYING FUN We've always thought the humble highlighter was a marvelous invention. A definite time-saver when it comes to studying, perfect for emphasis in a note or pointing out where a form needs to be signed, etc. - the uses for this implement are endless, with few exceptions. Hard to believe, but we've found something we like better: The Sharpie Gel Highlighter from Newell Rubbermaid Office Products, Oak Brook, III. What surprises us is how smoothly it moves across the page. The gel technology allows for use on all paper surfaces, including glossy, thin, or even magazine pages. It goes on dry so it doesn't bleed through, and it will not smear pen and marker inks or even ink jet printouts. What's more, the gel stick, which advances by twisting the bottom, will not dry out, even if left uncapped. The Sharpie Gel Highlighter, which comes in assorted colors - yellow, orange, pink, blue, and green - retails for $4.49 for a package of two. Three- and four-pack marker sets run $6.59 and $8.79, respectively. We were hooked from the first swipe. The new marker line, Stained by Sharpie, invites users to "stain it like you own it." Perfect for backpacks, apparel, shoes, laptop sleeves, etc., these Brush Tip Fabric Markers offer fade-resistant ink in bright, bold colors. The brush tip allows you to write thick or thin for ultimate precision as you create original designs. Developed for optimal performance on most fabric surfaces, the ink resists fading during normal wash cycles. For best results, machine wash in cold water and hang dry. The markers, which come in purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and black, are AP-certified nontoxic and should be stored horizontally. Ironing is not required to adhere the ink to the fabric. Available in four-, five-, and eight-packs, Stained by Sharpie retails for $9.78, $12.22, and $19.56, respectively. Missing the 1 980s? Just one look at the rad colors of the Sharpie 80's Glam Limited Edition Markers will transport you back to the days of big hair and flashdance styles. With five new colors chosen by Sharpie's Facebook fans, the line - which will be available for one year only - includes Jellie Pink, Leg Warmer Orange, Valley Girl Violet, Banana Clip Yellow, and Argyle Green. These permanent markers are quick-drying, fade- and water-resistant, and are available in fine and ultra-fine point tips. The five-pack retails for $6.73. For more information on these and other Sharpie products, visit www.sharpie.com. LANGUAGE OF MUSIC SPEAKS MANY TONGUES You know how sometimes you just can't get a song out of your head, or how a favorite tune will come on the radio and you instantly are able to sing along because you know all the lyrics? Well, that's one of the basic tenets behind the language learning programs from SUBLingual Music, Santa Monica, Calif. People are able to learn foreign languages- in this case, French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Japanese - by listening to chart-topping, Grammy Award-winning music. SUBLingual pairs music with traditional learning techniques to help users pick up key words and phrases through a casual immersion process. Hip-hop, rap, electrónica, world music, and contemporary chanteuse-style vocalists all come into play for music lovers in search of deeper meaning for their songs and cultural exchanges. Accompanying the CD compilation, SUBLingual contains a learning booklet that incorporates information about different countries and cultures. For instance, in Learn French Through Music, readers learn about Quebec, Paris, Monaco, Switzerland, and part of Africa. In the Spanish edition, students absorb information on the economy, government, and fun facts of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Spain, and Uruguay. In addition, the learning booklets provide band biographies, song lyrics, and language basics. Learn proper pronunciation, travel phrases, signs, directions, greetings, basic grammar, and words such as numbers, time, and days. To learn more about this educational and entertaining product, visit www.sublingualmusic.com. A STREET SHOE FOR THE LINKS Its a marriage that makes perfect sense - especially from a golfing perspective. Adidas, the longtime footwear manufacturer, has hooked up with TaylorMade, the golfing equipment specialists, to form a union that has produced Ashworth. Their offspring is Cardiff, a golf shoe that is just apropos on the street. With its sure-footed spikeless sole, tumbled leather, and rich suede accents, there is plenty of appeal: you can venture from the fairway to the clubhouse and beyond. The Cardiff can be dressed up or down and still look fashionable. Moreover, as foul weather can be found on and off the links, the two-year waterproof warranty is much appreciated - and practical. Beyond looks, of course, there is comfort. Adidas sneakers, as well as its golf shoes of the past, are among the most comfy found anywhere, and that hasn't changed even if the label now reads Ashworth. For a look at the entire collection, go to www.ashworthgolf.com. Remember, the course never leaves you. YET ANOTHER WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR GAME How can you be absolutely certain you're hitting the sweet spot? Well, golf clubs certainly have been improved in that regard, as have the balls themselves. The next step, apparently, are the tees- at least those from Evolve Golf Inc. The company maintains that the Epoch S3 is the number one performance golf tee on tour because it enables golfers to obtain unmatched distance and control. 'The Epoch is the only golf tee with radius posts that span the width of a golf ball dimple, creating an extremely low coefficient of friction between ball and tee, eliminating deflection at impact" Translation: the Epoch has outpaced all other composite tees with more than 1 20 tour wins globally, including 46 PGA Tour victories. Epoch's sweet spot system entails using the rings on the tee to align the height of the ball with your driver's sweet spot. For smaller volume drivers, employ the area between the top marks. For 460CC drivers, the area between the bottom marks is best. Visit www.evolvegolf.com for custom tee height settings for your specific driver - and don't forget, the Epoch, which is made of recycled materials, greatly reduces golf tee consumption and improves tee box conditions. BRINGING A SMILE TO TRICK-OR-TREATERS For the kids, its the candy; for us, its the jokes. Why did the mummy go on vacation? He needed to unwind. What's a ghost's favorite fruit? Boo-berry. Looking for more? We don't want to give away all the punch lines, so pick up a few bags of Wonka Haunted Mix Howlin' Laffy Taffy and send your trick-or-treaters away with smiles on their faces. In addition to the strawberry and banana treats with a joke on every wrapper, the Haunted Mix - distributed by Nestle USA, Glendale, Calif. - contains another favorite: individual packages of tangy SweeTarts Spooky Gummies. What do cats celebrate on Oct. 31st? Meowloween. Feed your imagination at wonka.com or, tor fun holiday tips, visit celebrationcorner.com, brought to you by Nestle Family. CUPCAKE MASTERPIECES MADE Q.UICK AND EASY From those overly-sweet snack cakes we enjoyed as children to the extravagant varieties featured on television's "Cupcake Wars," cupcakes with a filling intrigue us, but are not something we thought we could achieve at home. The folks at Betty Crocker, General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn., have just convinced us otherwise. Their Fun da-Middles Cupcake Mixes ($3.29) are an easy-to-bake collection of treats with a yummy, surprise filling in the center. The process is simple: start by beating the usual ingrethents into the mix (eggs, water, oil); put about two tablespoons in each baking cup; squeeze equal amounts from the pre-made filling pouch onto the center; and top with the remaining batter. With no fuss and little mess, we baked 12 moist, delicious cream-filled cupcakes. Flavors include yellow cake with creamy vanilla filling, chocolate cake with vanilla filling, and yellow cake with chocolate filling. Another quick and easy, fresh-from-the-oven favorite is the Betty Crocker Milk Chocolate Traditional Brownie Mix ($2.29). Just stir together the ingrethents, pop the pan into the oven, and wait while the incredible aroma fills your home. Perfect right out of the tray, or top with ice cream, whipped cream, and fudge. Need we say more? The Betty Crocker Molasses Cookie Mix ($2.57) bakes up three dozen scrumptious cookies in minutes. Soft and chewy with a real molasses flavor and hints of cinnamon and spice, they taste like they're made from scratch, but with a lot less effort. For more information and recipe ideas, visil www.bettycrocker.com. On the Go with Ryan Philip Luxury Men's Active Wear When we watch the secret footage of the unwitting participants in shows like cable television's "What Not to Wear? the hosts unfailingly poke fun at people in their slouchy, sloppy sweats and other 'tomfortable'' clothes. Relegated solely to the gym, active wear, they claim, is not to be worn in public. Have some respect for the people who have to took at you," was one rather harsh remark. Rest easy, fashion gurus, as the Ryan Philip brand of luxury men's active wear offers high quality products that emphasize comfort without sacrificing style. Crafted in the U.S. using the best fabrics available from all over the world, the line includes shorts, pants, hoodies, track suits, and an assortment of tops from tanks to tees to polos. The ultra-comfortable Beach Short ($80) brings a pair of cargo shorts to the next level. Crafted from a ribbed lycra-blend fabric, these quality shorts-in black- allow freedom of movement, while boasting plenty of pockets to store items such as a wallet, keys, or iPod. The Crosby Track Pant ($68) offers superior fit and comfort with a soft waistband and back pockets. These light-colored drawstring pants with contrast stitching work equally well on a casual outing or a workout. The Bond Pant ($68) brings the ultimate in stylish active wear. Designed like a cargo pant with multiple pockets, a zipper and snap closure, and belt loops, the black Bond Pant creates the illusion of dress pants, but uses a soft, performance wear fabric. The Bedford Zip-Up Hoodie ($125) is as ideal to wear on a run as it is to keep you warm on a cool evening on the town. Multiple pockets inside and out make sure items remain secure with zipper or snap closures. The Mercer Reversible Hoodie ($98) uses double ply poly/mesh fabric and triple contrast stitching to create the ultimate look in performance luxury wear. With a smart color combination of meriot and black, this signature style promises to keep you cool or warm you up. The Church Long Sleeve Tee ($68) offers strategic lines to contour a man's torso. The soft cool down fabric, snap buttons, and stylish pockets create a top that can be worn in or outside of the gym. For more information on the smart, well-designed Ryan Philip collection, visit www.ryanphilip.com. Savoring a Gallery of Finely Crafted Spirits Entertaining? Impress your guests at your next soiree with some unique cocktails and tasty wine. Using a combination of premium European wheat sourced from three countries, Van Gogh Blue Triple Wheat Vodka boasts a smooth and inviting taste. Starting with the salty and dry grain from Holland, a sweeter harvest from central France, and a wheat with a mineral quality that is grown using Ice melt from German mountains, this ultra-premium vodka is handcrafted in small batches through a unique triple distillation mefriod, which maintains the integrity of the natural Ingrethents. Garnish with three blue cheese stuffed olives for a Van Gogh Blue Martini or add equal parts Van Gogh Blue, club arid lemon lime sodas, and fresh lemon juice for a Blue Press. For a decadent treat the Vincent Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Flavored Vodka uses genuine Dutch butter caramel for a luscious taste. Handcrafted in small batches through a double infusion method, using only natural Ingrethents and premium grain alcohol, this vodka boasts a rich caramel color with the flavor to match. Try a Snickers Martini by combining 1½ ounces of Van Gogh Dutch Caramel with 1/2 ounce each of chocolate, hazelnut and amaretto liqueurs or a Caramel Apple Martini by mixing 1½ ounces of the Dutch Caramel with 1/2 ounce of apple liqueur, 1 ounce of lemon-lime soda, and a splash of cranberry juice. Visit www.vangoghvodka.com for more information on these and other exquisite flavored vodkas from Holland. Using the purest heart of the distillate, Corzo Tequila is cooked in modem, stainless steel steamers to allow bitter extracts to be separated and discarded for greater consistency, and faen fermented longer for a more complex flavor. Mellowing in small, white American oak barrels allows for greater contact with the wood, while a third distillation Increases the smoothness of the finish. Handbottling ensures perfection in every bottle. Corzo Reposado, known for its custard finish comprised of lemon, coconut, baked banana, and brown spice, and Añejo, with its floral tones and hints of warm caramel and golden raisin, are both double mellowed to enhance the oak and vanilla flavors. Reposado complements the most luxurious cocktails, while Anejo is ideal for full-bodied sipping. Corzo Silver is clear, with a dry, light- to medium-bodied palate, and flavors of tropical fruit arid peppery spice. Try a Watermelon-Cucumber Silver Infusion by placing the sliced fruit and vegetables into the Tequila and refrigerating for 12 to 24 hours. The fruit will stay good for up to three weeks. For more information and recipe ideas, visit www.corzo.com. From the Umbria wine region in central Italy comes Arnaldo-Caprai 2005 Sagrantino dl Montefalco 25 Anni. Initially produced in 1993 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the winery, Arnaldo-Caprai uses groundbreaking techniques, including clonal selection, new trellising systems, and high density plantings, to produce a dry red that is soft and velvety, with notes of ripe and hints of spice and vanilla. Earning the DOCG distinction- the highest classification for quality Italian wines- this vintage pairs well meat, game, lamb, and mature cheeses. For more information, visit www.foliowine.com. One of the only major Tequila brands still produced as an estatebottled product, Tequila Partida is made from 100% blue agave for a clean, smooth, and exceptionally pure taste. Its nuanced flavor comes from agave plants that have mafor seven to 10 years, baked slowly and gently, distilled twice, and then bottled by hand. Partida Reposado is aged for six months in American oak barrels and has a richness, which can be savored like a fine Cowith just a hint of sweetness. Partida Blanco is dean and crisp, a well-balanced, fresh agave and pleasant finish. Visit www.rjartdatequila.com for more information VIDEO GAMES THRILLS, CHILLS, AND LOADS OF FUN After an extended wait, the final installment of the Harry Potter series hit theaters earlier this summer- and it did not disappoint. Judging from the long lines, midnight shows, multiple viewings, etc., the appeal of this title outlasted the material and left enthusiasts begging for more. Fans of everything Harry Potter now can join the final battle of the Hogwarts in EA Play's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 video game. The explosive finale features all of the iconic moments and locations from the conclusion of the journey and enables players to step into Harry's shoes as he faces off against Voldemort and his dark forces for the last time. Given the opportunity to play not only as Harry, but as other key wizard heroes- Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Seamus, Neville, Molly Weasley, and Prof. McGonagall - each playing a role in defeating the Dark Lord, participants will take on the dangerous and urgent mission to locate and destroy the remaining Horcruxes, and with them, Voldemort. Available on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS, and Windows PC, the game is rated T for Fantasy Violence. For the younger crowd, Sesame Street, Ready, Set, Grover! - from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment - encourages the development of healthy habits for life by demonstrating simple, age-appropriate ways to get kids up and moving through stretching, jumping, and dancing; models good hygiene practices; and highlights the benefits of wise food choices. In the game, Grover sets out to create a series of challenges for his friends: Elmo and Abby jump over obstacles, row a boat, and play "Grover Says." Available for the Wii and DS, the package includes a soft, furry controller cover for the Wii and a jumbo click stylus for the DS, designed for smaller hands and simplified interactions. Rated EC. A trio of fun and challenging thinkSMART games from Mentor Interactive falls into the category of both entertaining and educational, as they require children to use creative thinking and logical problem-solving while playing. Crazy Machines lets users utilize random objects, such as an anvil, rolling spheres, floating balloons, etc., to build a variety of increasingly complex contraptions that cause chain reactions. It emphasizes big picture thinking, as the weird science of the Professor sends players on a trip around the worid to solve his riddles. Based on the popular board game, Labyrinth drops players in a series of mazes where logical thinking and problemsolving skills are the only way out. Users must move the walls with the stylus to discover the treasures of the labyrinth before opponents do. In Scotland Yard: The Hunt for Mr. X, the chase is afoot. Deductive reasoning and procedural logic are key as players aid the farnous detectives in the capture of the elusive Mr. X through Amsterdam, Paris, New York, Berlin, and London. Each of these games is rated E. Labyrinth and Scotland Yard are available on the DS; Crazy Machines is available on the Wii and DS. Based on the hit Disney Channel Original Series and inspired by the cable channel movie of the same name, the video game Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension lets kids and their families join in the fun by playing as Phineas, Ferb, Agent R and Agent T, a character exclusive to the game, as they journey through different worlds in an effort to defeat the notoriously evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz. As players get more familiar with Agent T- an alias given to him by his counterparts at O. WCA. (the Organization Without a Cool Acronym)- they learn that his special skill is being more resistant to attacks. The colorful environments, cool gadgets, and entertaining levels in the game bring the movie to life. This Disney Interactive Studios game is rated E1 0+ for Cartoon Violence and Comic Mischief on the Wii and PS3; it is rated E on the DS. MUSEUM MEMO What's new in museums around the country? Among the interesting exhibitions on view are: Swinging Away: How Cricket and Baseball Connect, through Feb. 28, 2012, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown, N. Y. Frans Hans In the Metropolitan Museum, through Oct. 10, and After the Gold Rush: Contemporary Photographs from the Collection, through Jan. 2, 2012, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Surface Tension: Contemporary Prints from the Anderson Collection, through Jan. 22, 2012, and Masters of Venice: Renaissance Painters of Passion and Power from the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Oct. 29-Feb. 12, 2012, de Young Museum, San Francisco, Calif. Dutch and Flemish Masterworks from the Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Collection, through Oct. 2, and PIssaro's People, Oct. 22- Jan. 22, 2012, Legion of Honor, San Francisco, Calif. Something of Splendor: Decorative Arts from the White House, Oct. 1-May 6, 2012, and Inventing a Better Mousetrap: Patent Models from the Rothschild Collection, Nov. 11-Nov. 3, 2013, Smithsonian American An Museum, Washington, D.C. Sweet Silent Thought: Whistler's Interiors, through Sept. 21, 2012, Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Perspectives: Hale Tanger, through Nov. 6, Anhur M. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. In the Tower: Nam June Paik, through Oct. 2, Italian Master Drawings from the Wolfgang Ratjen Collection: 1525-1835, through Nov. 27, and The Gothic Spirit of John Taylor Arms, through Nov. 27, National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C. Lists: To-dos, Illustrated Inventories, Collected Thoughts, and Other Artists' Enumerations from the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art, though Oct. 2, The Morgan Library & Museum, New York. Madefeine de Sinety: Photographs, Sept. 24-Dec. 18, and The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection: Fifty Works for Maine, through Jan. 29, 2012, Portland (Maine) Museum of Art. The Elegant Image: Bronzes from the Indian Subcontinent, through Oct. 23, and E.O. Hoppe: Tagore, Calcutta, and Santiniketan, New Orleans (Louisiana) Museum of Art. (c) 2011 Society for Advancement of Education |