Whether it’s the book series or the TV series that you love, you are definitely not alone! Gossip Girl is definitely a teen fav. While you wait for new episodes/books, try these:

If you like the look into the insider's look rich, prep school life, try one or more of these:
Insiders by J. Minter
The Clique by Lisi Harrison
The A-List by Zoey Dean
Prep: a novel by Curtis Sittenfeld

If you would like a look at how the rich live from an outsider’s viewpoint, try:
The Au-Pairs series by Melissa de la Cruz
The Nannies series by Melody Mayer
Fresh off the Boat by Melissa de la Cruz
Confessions of a Teen Nanny by Victoria Ashton
LBD series by Grace Dent
The Manny by Sarah L. Thomson

If you like the series because of the drama and appreciate a little humor, try:
Angus , Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging and the rest of series by Louise Rennison
The Year My Life Went Down the Loo and the rest of the series by Katie Maxwell
Mates and Dates series by Cathy Hopkins
I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader by Kieran Scott

Continue reading "If You Love the Series Gossip Girl, Try…" »

Posted by Michelle at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As most of you have probably heard, Halo 3 was released on Tuesday and video-gamers around the globe rejoiced.  Sales of the first person shooter game were massive, and beat Microsoft’s sale prediction for their game by at least $20 million.  Halo 3 made $170 million in the first 24 hours of U.S. sales, which is more than the all-time highest grossing box-office movie release, Spider-Man 3.

We don’t have Halo 3 at the library because of the ‘Mature’ rating, but you can check out a ton of other great video games for Xbox 360.  What kind of games do you like to play?  Did you get Halo 3 on the first day it came out and are only reading this while you rest your calloused fingers?

Posted by Lena at 09:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From cnn.com:

FRANCISCO, California (Reuters) -- Sony has cut the price of the PlayStation 3 by $100, or 17 percent, in the United States, a move that should boost the video game console's lackluster sales.

The PlayStation 3, which includes a 60-gigabyte hard drive and a Blu-ray high-definition DVD player, will now cost $500, or $20 more than the most expensive version of Microsoft's Xbox 360.

The PS3 still costs twice that of Nintendo's Wii console, whose $250 price and motion-sensing controller have made it a best-seller despite its lack of cutting-edge graphics and hard disk.

"Our initial expectation is that sales should double at a minimum," Jack Tretton, chief executive of Sony Computer Entertainment America, said in an interview.

"We've gotten our production issues behind us on the PlayStation 3, reaching a position to pass on the savings to consumers, and our attitude is the sooner the better."

The price drop Monday was widely anticipated by industry analysts despite Sony President Ryoji Chubachi telling Reuters last week that the company had no immediate plans for one.

Go here to finish reading the article.

Posted by Katie at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

So, what’s the big video game news?

Where are the Xbox games at the library?

The Young Adult collection are located along the south wall of David J’s Place next to the new materials and the Children's collection are along the north wall of the entrance room to the Children’s Area, at the end of the entertainment videos.

How long can I check out the game?

Xbox games check out for 3 weeks and you may place a request in the library’s catalog if the title you want is not currently available. Plus, some copies of each game have an Express sticker and only checkout for 7 days.  

How many games can I check out at a time?

You may check out one regular and one express game on your library card.

How can I search for Xbox games in the library’s catalog?

You can now see a list of all of the Xbox 360 games by doing a subject search for "Xbox 360 - Video games". Search the catalog at http://catalog.tscpl.org.

Posted by Lissa at 08:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We all want the best new video games, and lots of them. We want to know when we can get our grubby, calloused hands on the newest games from the top publishers. Rest assured that all of this urgent information and more can be found at IGN’s GDC 2007.

Posted by Lance at 01:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you enjoy racing simulations, and who doesn't, you have undoubtedly played Forza Motorsport on the XBOX. Forza 2 is scheduled to release this May and has received a multitude of improvements both graphical and technical. To find out more, check out this Forza Motorsport 2 interview and look for the simulation on the XBOX 360 at your library.

Posted by Lance at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From the Guitar Hero II website, you can listen to selections of some of the songs, but if you really want to ROCK, check out these songs from the library’s CD collection. I added links directly to the library catalog for all of the Guitar Hero 2 songs that TSCPL owns. Speaking of which, I need to go practice, since the only song I can 5-star is Cheap Trick (and only on easy)…

Opening Licks
Danzig--"Mother"
Cheap Trick--"Surrender"
Motley Crue--"Shout at the Devil"
Wolfmother--"Woman"
Encore: Spinal Tap--"Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight"

Amp-Warmers
Kiss--"Strutter"
Nirvana--"Heart-Shaped Box"
Police--"Message in a Bottle"
Van Halen--"You Really Got Me"
Encore: Kansas--"Carry on Wayward Son"

String-Snappers
Alice in Chains--"Them Bones"
Foo Fighters--"Monkey Wrench"
Iggy Pop and the Stooges--"Search and Destroy"
Pretenders--"Tattooed Love Boys"
Encore: Black Sabbath--"War Pigs"

Thrash and Burn
Butthole Surfers--"Who Was in My Room Last Night"
Mathew Sweet--"Girlfriend"
Rolling Stones--"Can't You Hear Me Knockin'"
Warrant--"Cherry Pie"
Encore: Guns N' Roses--Sweet Child O' Mine

Return of the Shred
Primus--"John the Fisherman"
Rage Against the Machine--"Killing in the Name Of"
Sword--"Freya"
Thin Lizzy--"Bad Reputation"
Encore: Aerosmtih--Last Child

Relentless Riffs
Allman Brothers--"Jessica"
Heart--"Crazy on You"
Stone Temple Pilots--"Tripping on a Hole in a Paper Heart"
Stray Cats--"Rock This Town"
Encore: Jane's Addiction--"Stop"

Furious Fretwork
Anthrax--"Madhouse"
Lamb of God--"Laid to Rest"
Living End--"Carry Me Home"
Reverend Horton Heat--"Psychobilly Freakout"
Encore: Rush--"YYZ"

Face-Melters
Avenged Sevenfold--"Beast and the Harlot"
Dick Dale--"Misirlou"
Megadeth--"Hangar 18"
Suicidal Tendencies--"Institutionalized"
Encore: Lynyrd Skynyrd--"Free Bird"

If you can’t play, watch -- some fun videos of people playing Guitar Hero 2, or this stop-motion animation of plastic action figure toys playing Guitar Hero.

Posted by Lissa at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Have you ever been waiting for that amazing video game? You know, the one that was promised by a huge game developer. The game that will end all games. The sure to be a killer app, cannot fail, in the works for more than three years video game that you have your heart set on. Then, no freakin game! So what’s up with that? Find out with Missing in Action: The Lost Games of XBOX.

Posted by Lance at 03:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

You have heard it all. “Video games are addictive, video games are anti-social, and video games are a waste of time!” On and on, the mantra is played with many buying into the blather. Finally, we have some research that looks at the positive aspects and complexities of the modern video game. See the results for yourself.

Posted by Lance at 01:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It has been a good year for Microsoft’s XBOX 360 next generation console. After the 2006 release of the Nintendo Wii and the Sony Playstation 3, the XBOX 360 seems to be leading the new console pack. Check out IGN’s XBOX 360 year end review for an interesting look at Microsoft's edge in 2006.

Posted by Lance at 01:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yes, first person shooter fans are all waiting for the release of the mighty juggernaut that is Halo 3. After all, Bungie’s Halo 3 will be the killer app for the XBOX 360, right? It seems a challenger has arisen in Microsoft Game Studio’s new release Gears of War. Check out gamespot’s review and look for Gears of War to make an appearance at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library in 2007.

Posted by Lance at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Lance at 03:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The package includes the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player, power supply, a USB connector cable, and installation disc. So if you just can't wait to throw away all those worthless DVD's and start buying those shiny new high tech HD DVD's, now is your chance to upgrade. Do not forget option B, spending $600 on a Sony Playstation 3 that includes a Blu-ray player, a format with even less support at this time. Choices, choices.

Posted by Lance at 03:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You made your list, you checked it twice, and you now realize you do not have enough money for the two items at the top of your Christmas want list. Unless Bill Gates is your uncle you may have to choose between the Nintendo Wii and the Sony Playstation 3 this holiday season. The Wii will launch Sunday November 19^th and the Playstation 3 releases on Friday November 17^th. Read about the launch times and choose wisely, it’s a long wait until next Christmas!

Posted by Lance at 02:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From the Wall Street Journal (believe it or not):

On tour with his multiplatinum hard-rock band Korn last summer, Jonathan Davis regularly whipped crowds into a frenzy with classic-rock staples such as "Iron Man," "Smoke on the Water" and "More Than a Feeling." And that was before he even got off the tour bus.

Mr. Davis, Korn's lead singer, is part of an unlikely but growing fraternity: Rock stars who are also avid players of Guitar Hero, an electronic game that lets gamers pretend to be, well, rock stars.

From superstars like Korn to up-and-comers, Guitar Hero has quickly become a fixture on tour buses and in recording studios. Intended for air guitarists who might not be able to play the real instrument, the $70 PlayStation title has also won a following in the music world. Its devotees range from alternative-rocker Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails to country stars Rascal Flatts, whose tour manager, Chris Alderman, says he frequently has trouble tearing the musicians away to conduct preconcert sound checks.
Read more.

Thanks for sharing, Karen!

Posted by Meghan at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

While we wait for the great event that will be the Halo 3 release, we can rest assured that Peter Jackson and Microsoft will be diligently working on the movie adaptation of the Halo video game. Surely they will let nothing stop them from producing the must see Master Chief in CGI action. If only it were true! Apparently, movie studios are backing out as costs of the Halo movie project were projected to go over $175 million. Perhaps Peter Jackson’s track record with King Kong (the movie went over the $200 million budget and did not make a profit) was a factor in the studios concern? Read why Halo the movie is now indefinitely postponed.

Posted by Lance at 03:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Meghan at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We have all, at one time or another, been used or abused by a bully. Precious few of us got to be the obnoxious fool who perpetrated random acts of cruelness upon terrified classmates. Now, with the glory that is Bully, you to can avenge all the shameful and humiliating experiences of your school years. But is this video game more than the stereotypical mutations of beating up on fellow classmates and performing abusive pranks? It seems so as 1UP has given Bully a perfect score of 10. See why in the Bully Review.

Posted by Lance at 01:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Lance at 03:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Did you rock out with Guitar Hero on your Playstation 2 and love it? Have you been dreaming of testing your rock star abilities on one of the next generation consoles? If so, you may now jam next gen with Guitar Hero 2 for the XBOX 360. Activision has not released the game or the new guitar controller yet, but prepare to get your Hero on soon. So get over your stage fright and look for this rockin game to appear at your library next year. Stop asking “Who’s your daddy?” Start asking “Who’s your hero?” Guitar Hero 2, of course.

Posted by Lance at 03:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Like football? Check. Like video Games? Check. Like Madden NFL 07 on the XBOX 360? Triple check. Bring your friends and wear your favorite football jersey to Game On, the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library’s first XBOX 360 football video game competition. Join us Monday and Thursday nights from 5:30-8PM beginning October 9^th. Come out, crush the competition, then go home and watch Monday night football. Could it really get any better? I think not. Must be 11-18 years old to participate and must have a TSCPL card in good standing.

Posted by Lance at 03:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Lance at 04:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just two weeks ago, Sony announced that instead of 2 million available PS3’s, they will only have 500,000 when the console is launched on November 17.  Nintendo is taking advantage of Sony’s misfortune by announcing the release date of their new console, the Wii. 

So you love Sony and love your Play Station 2. You are waiting for Sony to deliver on the promise of two million Play Station 3 consoles by Christmas. This will make your season bright and propel you into the next generation of video gaming. You are even willing to pay or have your parents pay the ridiculous $600 price tag for the premium PS3. Sorry to burst your Christmas dreams but Santa may be skipping your house this holiday season thanks to production shortages for the PS3. Read what Sony’s head honcho Kutagari has to say about the projected shortfalls. If you are holding out for a PS3, you may be holding out deep into 2007.

Posted by Lance at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you are fortunate enough to have a 360 then you will undoubtedly be financially prepared to spend a tremendous amount of your hard earned cash on these XBOX 360 Accessories. Microsoft is coming good on its promise to provide quality support for the successful XBOX 360 gaming console.

Accessories include a force-feed wireless driving wheel, a video camera, and the much anticipated wireless headphones for you XBOX Live addicts. Buy one or buy em all to get your Game On!

Posted by Lance at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Football fans who enjoy a bone jarring dose of the John Madden video games will be pleased at the latest news. Madden NFL 07 is now available for the XBOX 360 and it doesn’t suck! It is well known that last year’s version was less than spectacular on the 360, and many prospective players opted to pass. This year new features have been added and the same next-gen graphics are on display. Want to experience the action without putting out the cash? Come to Game On, your library’s XBOX 360 program for young adults. We will begin playing Madden 07 on Monday and Thursday nights from 5:30-8PM beginning October 9^th. Just bring your library card and your favorite NFL jersey (not required) to get you’re Game On!

Posted by Lance at 12:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you are into racing games you have undoubtedly played, heard of, or at least been interested in Forza Motorsport on the XBOX. Now that the hype has faded and the game has begun to show some age, we are all looking forward to the next great racing simulation. Many racing fans were disappointed that the Forza Motorsport 2 booth at E3 was kind of lame. Looks like we may have next generation racing in time for the Christmas holiday. Check out the Forza Motorsport 2 update on IGN.com.

Posted by Lance at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Lance at 09:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

 If you are like me, you love the Lord of the Rings. You can’t get enough Lord of the Rings. You can’t stop thinking about Lord of the Rings. You so want more Lord of the Rings that you want to play every Lord of the Rings game made. You even want to type Lord of the Rings one more time. Well for you fellow fanatics and freaks of the Tolkien video game experience, we have compiled a one stop collection of linked reviews to the great, good, and not so awesome to play in Middle Earth.

The Hobbit, The Battle for Middle Earth, The Battle for Middle Earth II, The Third Age, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King.

Posted by Lance at 09:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you played Lego Star Wars and enjoyed the unique combination of reliving favorite scenes from the movies with humorous and often addictive game play, then you owe it to yourself to prepare for Lego Star Wars 2: The Original Trilogy.

Posted by Lance at 09:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So what do you do now that you have destroyed the first Halo, defended the earth from a Covenant assault, and fought through to the infuriating ending of Halo 2?

Posted by Lance at 08:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Like to play poker? You have two new ways to deal coming this fall.

Those of you who have an XBOX 360 should look to pick up Microsoft’s arcade release of Texas Holdem available for download in late august.

If you prefer your competition live and in person keep your eyes raised for our Texas Hold'em tournaments coming to David J’s Place this year at your Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.