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The Martlet (University of Victoria)
VICTORIA (CUP) - Female gamers already know they are not really an anomaly, but now the Electronic Software Association (ESA) has completed a study that confirms it.
Females make up 38 per cent of gamers, according to the study. Perhaps more surprising is the statistic that women aged 18 and older are a greater portion of the game-playing demographic (31 per cent) than the poster child of video games, boys aged 17 and younger (20 per cent).
Developers have certainly done something right recently to get women’s attention, because the ESA’s statistics revealed that females play an average of two more hours per week than they did only a year ago. Men and women are about equal in terms of average weekly play: 7.4 hours per week for women, and 7.6 hours per week for men.
It has long been suggested that women play differently than men, and enjoy different aspects of games than men. Social aspects and the ability to customize games are generally selling points to the female market. On massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, which offer a high degree of character customization and plenty of social opportunities, for example, the male and female population is closer to equilibrium at 58 per cent men to 42 per cent women.
But the female market is diverse. There are women who enjoy light, casual gaming, both in terms of the games they play and the hours they are willing to spend to advance in a game. Lighter games such as The Sims and puzzle games for the Nintendo DS cater to that niche market. The Nintendo Wii has been applauded not only for getting women more involved in video games but also for increasing the pool of gamers. The Wii’s titles appeal to those outside of the hardcore basement nerd coterie.

brockpress.com

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Andy Roddick was handed the large American flag and then just stood there. He wasn’t going on a victory lap until his teammates joined him.
Roddick’s Davis Cup dominance led the United States to the title last year and his victory Sunday eliminated France and clinched a spot in the semifinals against Spain. But Roddick clearly cherishes the camaraderie of this close-knit bunch.
The same can’t be said for France. Not after its top player, Richard Gasquet, begged out of a matchup with Roddick with his country facing elimination.
Behind a blistering serve, Roddick defeated Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 for the deciding victory in the best-of-five quarterfinal. Roddick’s second singles victory in three days secured the Americans’ sixth straight Davis Cup win, including last year’s final over Russia.
“It’s nice to get rewarded for all the rough losses that we had, and I’ve been a part of a lot of big losses for us in Davis Cup,” said Roddick, who improved to 29-9 in the competition. “You’ve got to try to keep an even keel when things are going your way, but obviously it’s been fun having won the last six.”
A day after a loss by the No. 1 doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan kept France’s hopes alive, Roddick was never threatened in giving the Americans an insurmountable 3-1 lead. While he was held to 17 aces, he lost only 13 points on his serve to improve to 10-0 in clinching situations for the U.S.
“I think everyone makes a big deal about the 10-0 thing,” Roddick said. “I have to be up 2-1 in order to clinch, so I’ve been put in good positions a lot of times.”
Roddick fittingly wrapped up the win with an ace down the middle. He then circled the court while passing the flag among the Bryans and James Blake, who later beat Richard Gasquet in the meaningless finale 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-4 to give the U.S. a 4-1 win.

chinadaily.com.cn

They are also unable to say if she will be able to eat and function normally.
The excitement surrounding her arrival comes two years after the birth of another little girl, from the poverty stricken region of Bihar, who was born attached to her headless twin.
In a 40 hour operation, doctors successfully removed the lifeless body from Lakshmi Tatma, who was hailed as a reincarnation of Vishnu.
The extraordinary eight-limbed baby was born on the day devoted to the celebration of the four-armed Hindu deity Vishnu.
Since the operation Lakshmi has successfully taken her first steps.
Her mother Poonam Tatma said she believed her daughter was “a miracle”.
8 people have commented on this story so far. Tell us what you think below.
Here’s a sample of the latest comments published. You can click view all to read allcomments that readers have sent in.
I understand Katie from Ontario. Personally I wouldn’t want to live if had 4 eyes, two mouths and two noses. Poor little girl!
To Kate from Ontario. A kind death, are you serious? This beautiful baby despite her ‘deformity’ is not a dog that needs to be put down!
Surely it is now time that some research is started into why these birth deformities are occurring with seemingly increasing frequency in India.
- Barbara, St Helens UK

dailymail.co.uk