Articles written by Ernest Capraro in Hobbies & Games

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What is Helium

About me - Ernest Capraro

This author has experience both as a chemist and as a teacher of high school chemistry and physics. He is currently employed within the pharmaceutical industry, and holds a Master's degree, unsurprisingly, in chemistry.

Beyond the professional realm, Ernest

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Hobbies & Games > Board Games Is chess a waste of time and intelligence?: 3 of 48
There are masters and amateurs alike who adore the game of chess. Likewise, there are others who despise those sixty-four squares. Such people's dislike of the game does not translate into a lack of value, however. Chess is, before anything else, a game. As a game, it offers players a chance to enjoy themselves in thought an... More..
Hobbies & Games > Video Game Reviews Online video game reviews: Depths of Peril: 1 of 10
The "Depths of Peril" lacks depth. To its credit, I did sit and play the full two hours of demo time, so it is at least playable. I'll give it 3 of 5 stars, for giving an interesting twist to an old game format with uninspiring graphics. The hack and slash interface is nothing new, and spells were easy to cast, so stepping i... More..
Hobbies & Games > Crafts (Other) An introduction to glass blowing: 1 of 3
Glass blowing is an art, first and foremost. There are traditional techniques, which, when combined, can produce all the amazing forms one sees. In the hands of a skilled glass blower, the molten glass seems almost alive as it is shaped by fire and air. (In the hands of an amateur, the same glass might scream out for mercy.)... More..
Hobbies & Games > Video Game Reviews Online video game reviews: Band of Bugs: 5 of 7
Stand aside or I'll squash you like a bug! What a great theme for a strategy game. I never did figure out exactly what sort of bug I commanded, but he sure kicked tail. Let's go for 4 of 5 stars on this turn-based splatterfest. This is the first game I've played in years that uses a keyboard interface. The mouse can click a ... More..
Hobbies & Games > Yarn & Needle Crafts Using your love of sewing to help a charitable cause: 9 of 12
Put your talents to work for the homeless and poverty-stricken. Your skills can help keep families warm this winter, and looking spiffy too. I joined a local group not long ago, it was their annual week-end marathon to knit and crochet for the homeless. With winter fast approaching, we forty-odd stitchers churned out hats, s... More..
Hobbies & Games > Video Game Reviews Downloadable game reviews: Astro Avenger (by Sahmon Games): 10 of 12
I'd have to give Astro Avenger II a whopping 4/5 stars, and here's why: There's this sweet intro movie, with spaceships ducking in and out of asteroids and blowing each other away - which turns out to be nothing like the game, which is a simple scrolling corridor of doom. The expected turrets and enemy ships make every attem... More..
Hobbies & Games > Video Game Reviews Downloadable game reviews: BloomBusters: 11 of 12
Bloom Busters - 3/5 stars This is a nice, straightforward game that won't tax you overly much. It is best suited for children of approximately 8 to 14 years old. The cartoonish appearance of the game will appeal to that age group, and the very mild violence is acceptable for that level as well. (Slimy monsters get swatted an... More..
Hobbies & Games > Video Game Reviews Online video game reviews: Bellatorus: 8 of 8
Bellatorus Commonplace and Graphics Intensive Rating 2/5 Bellatorus is a straightforward card game that divides game play between the traditional deck and a separate infrastructure system that allows you to play the cards, rather than depending on the cards themselves for playing power. The interface for managing both infras... More..
Hobbies & Games > Video Game Reviews Downloadable game reviews: Arca Archa Scindo: 6 of 6
Arca Archa Scindo - 2/5 If you are an obsessive compulsive freak when it comes to puzzle games, then this one may be a winner for you. Emphasizing geometric strategy, you must navigate ever more complex puzzles with your nifty splitting (and recombining) box. A variation on an old theme, the splitting box is an interesting n... More..
Hobbies & Games > Yarn & Needle Crafts Finding free easy crochet patterns: 4 of 4
The crochet (and knitting) community has always been an open and sharing group. For generations, this conversation would repeat endlessly, or some variation thereof: "Oh! I really like that scarf." "You do? It was easy to make, here, let me get the pattern for you." Times do change, of course. Knitting and crochet circles ar... More..