VBLAZIN HOT 100 ISSUE:

Photo by        Jay Pierce

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Lancaster, Ca which is a little town in the desert of southern California. I pretty much grew up here and cant wait to relocate, I'm tired of all the Joshua Trees and Tumble weeds!
How'd you get into modeling?
I have always been told that I should model and so I finally tried it, started a portfolio and have been featured on several websites and Made Miss March in the 2009 Oneal Calendar... Just Luck and looks I guess.
So what have you learned NOT to do since you've been in the biz?
Never give up! People will always try to bring you down but you just have to keep your head up and do what you love. Don't let others kill your dreams.
Where do you want to go with your modeling?
I would love to be a house hold name...
If you could have any job in the world other than modeling what would it be?
I'd love a job working with kids maybe a preschool teacher.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself married with 2 kids and a good secure job working with kids.
Do you have a website?
www.myspace.com/brandysky and twitter www.twitter.com/BrandySky
Are you a good dancer?
No way I cant dance at all...
Would you ever spice things up by dancing for your man?
Yeah after a drink or two.
What's the wildest thing you've ever done?
Had sex on the side of the road on a motorcycle and the funny thing is two weeks later I was hired as office manager at the building right next to where we had sex!
What's the wildest thing you ever saw?
Honestly and it may sound crazy.... But you know when you go to carnivals and you see the "come see the biggest steer in the world"? Well I was at the fair a few weeks ago and actually spent the dollar to check it out and honestly... it was crazy how large it was (3500 lbs). It was honestly the biggest steer I have ever seen! (But of course I do live in SoCal)
So, does looks mean a lot to you when you're looking at the opposite sex?
Yeah I would say so or why would you look at them?
What type of man do you like?
Tall, tattoos, blue eyes, good personality, I'm not to picky i don't think
Are you the romantic laid back type or are you a wild child?
I can be romantic but also love to be spontaneous.
Turn ons: Tattoos and blue eyes
Turn offs: Jerks, Insecure guys, Liars, cocky guys and cheaters.
So I hear you're a big music lover. What do you like to listen to? I like pretty much anything depends on what my mood is whether i just want to relax, dance, or relieve stress.
What's in your CD player now?
I have Mixed Cds so it changes regularly. right now I am feeling a little hip hop vibe.
What did you listen to growing up?
Oldies I use to hang out with my dad and got hooked on Aerosmith and Guns and Roses.
What's your favorite gadget?
My Blackberry! I can access the internet ,text ,and call all in one device!
Is there anything that really pisses you off?
Yeah when people lie to my face and I know they are lying oh and people who drive 20 mph in a 50 mph zone!
What makes you the most happy?
Compliments, and Black and white dairy cows lol I know its weird. Only thing better would be a Holstein giving me compliments! haha!
What do you do for fun when you're not modeling?
Depends on the weather but I'm usually shooting, riding dirt bikes, going to the gym, local sports bar, baking you know just the usual stuff.
Okay we're almost done. We'll call this the lightning round. Are you a designer label type of girl?
Never use to be but I am Now it all started with UGG boots.

Walmart or Macy's?
Walmart I don't have a Macy's around here.

Thong or Granny Panties?
Thong! Does anyone really wear Granny Panties? The less the better....

Sex or Shopping?
Both cant make me choose
If I gave you the floor to do shout outs, promotions, or whatever. Who would make that list?
My mom and Dad of course, My dog Lady and all those that support me in my trials and tribulations.

VB ADVISOR: Bari is back and YouTube is wack!

Jay Z Beanie Sigel, Rihanna and Chris Brown, Angela Simmons, Jordin Sparks, Khloe and Lamar

Jessenia Vice Hitz the top spot!

The VBLAZIN HOT 100 is here and it's unlike any other HOT list. You have to have more than just good looks going on to top this list. You gotta be on top of your business side too.

When she first hit the pages of VBLAZIN MAGAZINE. She was just starting to make a name for herself. But from the Tyra show to Lowrider, she's become a non stop talent. Don't let the pretty face fool ya though. She's all about her business, and we're glad to have her in our HOT 100 this year. Not just for her looks, but for her smarts too. Read on to see what she's been up to...

Since my last cover feature on VBlazin Magazine I've made my appearance on national television. I was asked to be on the Tyra Bank Show where I got the chance to met not just Tyra but also Kim Kardashian for the "Queen of the Kims." It was a look alike contest of which I won. Soon after I worked with people from GIRLS of Lowrider for the 2010 issue "East Coast vs West Coast," making it my second feature in the magazine for 2009. Recently I was contacted by MAXIM.COM and am now featured on their official website. Askmen.com has jumped on the wagon and is now working with me to feature me on their site soon as my new images are retouched. Most recently I made my first appearence in a music video: Chris Brown & Juelz Santan "To The Crib," so make sure you peep me out when it drops. =D

Kimmi Kennedy

Esther

I have been working really hard with my models that i have on my agency teaching them how to prefect there modeling skills and alos getting them out there. My agnecy just came out on the cover off tattoo magazine we have a 9 page spread in there and so thats where alot of my ebergy had been going..
On another hand i have been also doing alot of shoots i will b on the cover of rebel rodz magazine , rebel ink, inside tattoo magazine, on the cover od nordic tattoo magazine and more so definitly staying busy and keeping it going as much as i can with this economy the way it is.
thank u VBLAZIN for picking me to be a part of ur awesome magazine again its alwasy a pleasure muah xoxo

TEHMEENA AKA MS. MEENA

Hi everyone! Some of you may know me as Ms. Meena but my real name is Tehmeena. I was born and raised in Queens, Ny. My background is Pakistani which is rare in the modeling industry which I think is one of the main reasons fans are drawn to me. I started off with my first inkling of recognition in this industry about 5 years ago when I ran one of the biggest mixtapes websites out, My website won "Mixtape Website of the Year" for 2006 and 2007 for the Southern Entertainment Awards. That website was what had gotten my foot in the door for modeling. I supported a lot of djs and truly recognized what they did for artists as well as the music industry and helped get their product out to fans worldwide. In return djs would help me get my face out there by featuring me on their mixtapes as an artist as well as on their covers as a model.

A lot has happened within this past year for me. I've been featured in music videos of artist such as 50 Cent, G-Unit, The Dream, and Trav. I've also shot for Show Magazine and Smooth Magazine which should be on stands soon as well as a few other major publications which are in the works right now.

Modeling isn't my only gig though. I sell cars full time for a living. I like working in competitive fields I quess that are mainly male dominated because it pushed me harder to be the best. I love being better than guys at stuff anyway...i guess you can say I got a mans ego...lol.

On my free time I like to just stay at home and watch sports. I'm a huge sports fan. I grew up playing softball and actually received a full athletic scholarship to college for pitching so i wasn't always the girly girl looking type everyone sees now.

This year I feel like I've accomplished enough to set myself up for 2010! My plan was to hustle hard this year and set myself up for a huge come up for next year. I was also nominated for "Impact Model of the Year" for the Southern Entertainment Awards" which will take place in March so don't forget to vote for me at www.southernentawards.com . For more updates on what I am up to visit my website WWW.TEHMEENA.COM and at WWW.MYSPACE.COM/TEHMEENA and follow me on twitter at WWW.TWITTER.COM/MISSMEENA.

Last but no least I would like to thanks my fans for their continued support through out the years as well as Vblazin and the Fleet DJs for giving me the opportunity to be featured in the 100 of 2009!

Fibi Love

Hey it’s me Adult Model Ava Samone and I am the most known web girls this year. As you know you can defiantly find me on the internet but as far as what have I been up too since the last time I was featured in Vblazin Magazine#86 as the “Featured eye candy model” I really just been focusing on my website which is www.avasamonexxx.comwhich will be up in the beginning of 2010. My site will consist of explicit pics, videos, girl on girl scenes, live web cam, blogs, live chat and so much more. Many people ask me are you in porn now and I simply say? I am an entertainer, so I just give the people what they want, and that is full access of Ava Samone....whether it’s just pics of me or my bi-sexual acts, lol
Also I for those who are not aware of who I am, and obviously must have been under a rock, lol. I am a adult model that does print work and also do adult content. I have only been in the game for 7 months now and I absolutely love my job, I am a Brooklyn, NY girl but moved to New Orleans, LA when I was young than moved to Atlanta, GA where my family is from and been here ever since 2002. So I am an “Apple that turned Peach”. I have been seen in Vblazin magazine # 86, Sea Awards magazine (the awards edition). Also I featured in Pure Seduction Calendar (Ms. Sep) and Visage Vixen (2009 Calendar / Ms July) and featured on numerous website such as ggurls.com, Ectasymodelsonline.com, 24hourhiphop.com, YO! Raps.com, purplecitydreamgirls.com,dipinthemix.com,woahawards.com ,eastcoastdigitalradio.com just to name a few and also have hosted over 200 mix cds.
However, other than that I have started hosting my own Radio show with my sexi co-host Geri C and we are taking the whole internet radio to another level because we leave nothing to the imagination, we talk about sex, sex and more sex. I believe we have the best pair because I’m a adult model and she is a sex columnist and we just happen to have the same things in common which is rare, but we both enjoy talking about sex and our exhibitionist ways. So stay tuned to that, the shows are also on Itunes by popular demand, so make sure you check us out on there. Currently we are re-creating the show to another broadcast, so please stay posted to “Talking Dirty w/ Ava Samone and Geri C. I have been hit with some scripts for some movies in which I am reviewing so as you can see I have my hands in everything, I will defiantly be a face you will never forget.
I know my name has been buzzin in so much controversy lately about people I used to work with but that's the business, you just have to learn from your mistakes and move forward! Last but not least, I am working on a lot of print work for publications, but mostly my own project and that's www.avasamonexxx.comso stay tuned because nobody has beauty and charm like Ava Samone! Mwah =)
Also to find more of me make sure u follow me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/msavasamone and add me on myspace at http://www.myspace.com/caramelflavor82

Genevieve

"I've only been modeling for a year and I'm having a great time. I've met so many awesome photographers who has helped me build up my portfolio. And to think I started out going to an audition for a calendar because my best friend said to check it out. I said what the hell, why not. I didn't expect anything because I felt like there are so many beautiful women out there that I couldn't compare too. Well I made the calendar and not to long after doing the calendar I've been getting work back to back. Now I feel like all I do is work. I am currently a bikini model for Teaseum and Divaz Swimwear. I also do webcam shows with PureHotCams.com and TeaseumCams.com. Some of the other projects I am working on are magazine covers, modeling for a clothing catalog, a possible reality show, and auditioning for a short film. I am very excited to have been given these opportunities and try new things. I love what I'm doing and I hope to make a successful career out of it. I would like to thank everyone I've meet who has gotten me to this point and I'll name a few as I do have so many people to thank....Sean Carroll, John Pineda, Karl Yamashita, Matthew Cousins, Gaylord of RawR Images, Ed Couture, Vic of VBlazin and FLEET DJs for choosing me as one of the top 100 models of the year....and everyone else I forgot to mention and you know who you are. Love ya, Genevive"

Photos by                                                                                                                           Paul Cobo

I recently came out in Blackmen's 40/40 Issue 2009, after being featured on the cover of VBLAZIN. I've been modeling 4 a while and it seems to me that modeling is something that I will be doing for as long as there is a demand for it. I have came a long way from too sexy to sexy classy. At this point I know exactly what I want and how I want to be portrayed and I owe it all to this experience. This year I definitely plan on appearing in couple more magazines and start making my mark on the world right after and during. Modeling is a great way to express yourself and send a message. We need a lot of beauty in this world and I applaud all the women that are doing their thing. I do want to say that I appreciate all my fans and their support and following. Everybody has a calling and mine is to continue with my creative side, that is why I have gotten involved with this particular project that is going to be the new "IT" for years. Stay TUNED, It is over when I say its OVER! lol:)

Elizabeth

Photos by                                                                                                                       Oscar Rabeiro

The sexy hot latina Elizabeth Christine was born and raised in beautiful Miami from Cuban and Spaniard descent. Elizabeth is a mix of beauty & brains full of ambition and drive. After college she began pursuing a modeling career after succeeding once as a child model. She’s taken the industry by storm booking jobs in the past year in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, Miami, and even the Carribbean. From hosting televsion shows to magazine spreads and covers, this petite voluptous package and bubbly personality is just warming up as she succeeds in the industry.

Despite her rising career and busy schedule she always makes time for what puts a smile on her face. She enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures, working out at the gym, watching funny movies, and spending time with her family and friends. With a good head on her shoulders she has made smart choices that have allowed doors to open in the entertainment world. She's a delight to work with and always appreciative of the amazing professionals she has been fortunate enough to collaborate with. Keep an eye out for this sultry latina as she takes on new projects and keeps it sexy in 2010.

Isiriya

Dee Famouss

Photo by                                                                                                                        Lloyd Parks

Dee Famouass had that sultry look from the first time we met her in person. And trust us her pics don't do her justice. In person she has a body of a goddess. And we drooled through out the interview. We caught up with her to see how she's been up to since her feature in VBLAZIN MAGAZINE, and this is what she said:

Since my feature in VBLAZIN’s May issue; I graduated college, which was a major accomplishment for me. I now have my Bachelor Degree in Human Resource Management and yes I am working in that field; apparently I did excellent on my internship and they decided to hire me. This degree has opened a lot of door for my career since it is not a general business degree; I seem to have an upper hand. I am currently in the process of revising my resume to step out of the position I am currently filling. I also have been considered to enroll in a few Ivy League Universities for my Master’s Degree Program. Before I step into that, I am considering getting certified in Managing Information Systems and Database Management.

I am also currently working on organizing a mix tape for DJ Nasty Nas based out of Paris, this has been an eye opener for me, because I have been involved in music for the longest, but I was just a bystander; now I am more hands on with production and I totally understand why my friends love it so much!

I have been the star of a few Internet blogs since May and have been featured in Gorgeous Mag, a fairly new online publication. I must say I have been mastering my craft and have been focusing more on my posing, facial expressions  and toning my body, all that I have been doing, I have been careful  not to saturate the internet with useless pictures of me. I need my fans to see the BEST of Dee FamouSs at all times and yearn for more.

Also I recently tattooed my upper back. This is special to me because it signifies Resurrection, Transition, Celebration, Lightness, Time and Soul. Butterflies are a symbol of change, joy, and color. Their flight appears as dancing, and a reminder not to take things so seriously. They are reminders to get up and move, for if you can move you can dance, and dance brings joy. It is a reminder to make changes when the opportunity arises. Change and transformation are inevitable for us all, but it does not have to be traumatic. But also there is a Native American legend that says; if you have a secret wish, capture a butterfly and whisper your wish to it. Since butterflies cannot speak, your secret is ever safe in their keeping. Release the butterfly, and it will carry your wish to the Great Spirit, who alone knows the thoughts of butterflies. By setting the butterfly free, you are helping to restore the balance of nature, and your wish will surely be granted.  The difference is my butterfly is always with me. Its connection with the soul is rather fitting. We are all on a long journey of the soul. On this journey we encounter endless turns, shifts, and conditions that cause us to morph into ever-finer beings. At our soul-journey’s end we are inevitably changed – not at all the same as when we started on the path.

Jessica Rochelle

The Varaised Core Model Jessica Rochelle has had several accomplishments since gracing the cover of Vblazin magazine. Actually before being a cover model she was featured in vblazins’ bonus section twice. Jessica Rochelle has been in Street Report Magazine(2 page spread) and Silk magazine ( 6 page spread to include a centerfold) as well as several local magazines on web based features. Now that it is coming close to the end of another year, she has been asked to host parties as well as music video appereances. Also, Jessica Rochelle is nominated again for the Southern Entertainment Awards as “Next Top Model” so don’t forget to vote www.southernentawards.com. Keep your eyes and ears opened for this model/personality in the future

November

Samantha Kelly

Eve

Neshia: Laughing all the way to the bank!

You can’t throw a dime in Hollywood these days without hitting a so-called triple threat in the head. But rare is that breed of entertainer that does all that and more, and makes it look obscenely easy. Neshia is a comedian, actress, talk show host, voice actress and spokes model. And she has amassed most of these credits in one astonishingly short year.

This beautiful, curvy glamour girl is a true original, a one-of-a-kind with an infectious laugh that can lift a crowd in seconds. She is one of those motivated, inspired and passionate women with the uncanny ability to relate to us through her creative talents. She’s a go-getter who inspires even as she achieves. Her audacity is truly a force to behold. She makes you believe anything may well be possible.

Exhibit A is her video talk show, known simply as Neshia’s Radio Show! She has hosted celebrity guests ranging from Aries Spears (Mad TV), Daniel DiCrisicio (Paula Jones vs. President Clinton) Yuval David (Nephilim), James Rhine (Big Brother), and Drew Waters (Friday Night Lights). She’s also a red carpet regular, interviewing the likes of Jack Black, Nathan Cress (iCarly), Duff (Ace of Cakes), Molly Shannon & Sean Hayes, Eddie Izzard & Jennifer Coolidge, John Cusack, Rainn Wilson, Gabriel Jarret, Robert Downey Jr., Nick Nolte, and Ben Stiller just to name a few.

And behold her hilarious appearances as the inappropriate Marry in three sketches on Will Farrell’s website, “Funny or Die,” and her unforgettable spot as Mama in rapper Hopsin’s music video, “Pans in the Kitchen.”

The icing would have to be Neshia’s landing a spot on one of the most prestigious shows for young comics in Hollywood, “The Nappy Fro Show,” hosted by Vargus Mason (Last Comic Standing) in the main room at The Comedy Store on Sunset Blvd.

Keep an eye out in 2010 for this irresistible combination of beauty and smarts. Besides catching her on tour on an Indian Reservation in North Dakota and a feature film set in South Africa, you will of course be able to catch her on stage at the Comedy Store. Here’s to another one of our multi-talented top 100 Women of the year, Neshia.

Fallow VB on Twitter

Now you can get up to the minute VBLAZIN updates on twitter at: twitter.com/VBLAZIN. And get inside info on Castings anyone else. You're now plugged in with VBLAZIN!! VBLAZIN MAGAZINE just topped 6 million readers world wide so far, and it's growing fast. So get plugged in!

Gamers Heed the Newest "Call" of Duty

A pause in the downturn for a red-hot video game

By SCOTT BUDMAN

"The best seller ever?"  It's a heady mantle to carry for a video game, especially when the slow economy is battering your industry mercilessly.  But judging by the lines for "Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," starting at midnight and continuing all day Tuesday, gamers are more than willing to part with their hard-earned dollars to get their hands on the newest military shooter.

And it's not just money people are willing to part with: I saw one young man at the San Jose Game Stop trading in his "Rock Band" guitar, along with two other video game titles, to make up for the cash he didn't have.  He was determined to get his hands on MW2, but still feeling sad about what he had to give up .. so much so, he didn't even smile at my "trading in one axe for another" analogy. 

Like most people  who play and follow video games, I've seen the newest COD, and it looks great.  There's something about running around in the snow, and this shooter really brings you into the action.  Just wait until you jump onto the snowmobile.  It's very well done, and I can see why it's such a big hit.

But it comes at a time when big gaming companies like Electronic Arts are struggling. EA just announced plans to cut 1,500 jobs, admitting that the pay for a single title plan isn't working.   It's shelling out $250 million to buy Playfish, a game maker you probably know from your iPhone or Facebook account.  So much for the big games -- it looks like small is in.

Even Activision Blizzard, the company selling MW2, saw its share price drop on the day of the big launch.  That's a lack of confidence on the part of investors.  Remember what Apple shares did when huge iPhone sales were announced?  Game tracked NPD says industry sales are down 13 percent this year, and one title won't save everyone.

But that title is doing well, despite the tough times.  As gamer (and, as he pointed out, husband and father) Shawn Williams told me after buying his MW2 copy, "It's important every once in a while to make yourself happy. We're here for a limited time only." 

Sott Budman noticed that Activision's stock market value is now more than double that of Electronic Arts.

VBLAZIN MAG, Even the chick gotta get a sneak peek

VBLAZIN GAME ON REVIEW: Dragon Age: Origins

Among RPG fanatics, the name BioWare carries a weight unmatched by nearly any other developer. From the classic Baldur's Gate series to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic to the sci-fi epic Mass Effect, every new release from the company has been a major gaming event. So it is with Dragon Age: Origins, a brilliant if slightly predictable addition to BioWare's stable of RPG classics. It suffers from a few problems with plotting and world building but ultimately triumphs, offering a classic RPG experience that can hold its head high with any of BioWare's previous games.


 
The Age of Dragons
 
The land of Ferelden has a problem. It seems the Darkspawn, a plague of monstrous humanoids usually confined to underground kingdom of the Dwarves, have found themselves an arch-demon to lead them and have boiled out of the ground in one of their periodic Blights that threaten to destroy the world. Unfortunately, the races that usually band together to fight against the Darkspawn are too mired in their own political differences (including an internal civil war) to do it this time. The world is counting on a hero with a mysterious past, the last of a mystical band of all-but-extinct warrior-knights, to unite the squabbling factions of the world in time to stop the Darkspawn threat.
 
If that sounds familiar, that's because it is. It's pretty much the plot for every BioWare title since the days of Baldur's Gate and is the single weakest link in what is otherwise an exceptional title. As the hero of the story, you'll get a chance to create a unique hero that fits into the classic warrior/rogue/wizard archetype with a number of interesting variants and subclasses on offer. You'll gather a collection of ragtag travel companions, each of whom have their own psychological traumas to overcome and character related side-quests to pursue all in the service of eventually gathering an army that can defeat the Darkspawn. It's all been done before and doesn’t present a whole lot of surprises for anyone who has played a BioWare RPG in the last ten years.
 
The brilliance of Dragon Age is in the execution of what's otherwise a bog-standard plotline and the depth of exploration available for the player who really wants to dig into the world. Put simply, there's no one better at stringing together and crossing over role-playing plots and quests and creating fascinating worlds to explore. The problem with BioWare's talent is that it makes Dragon Age the very definition of a “slow burn” title. Bull your way through the 40-50 hour main plot, fail to explore the well-designed settings or re-explore them after major plot points and you're guaranteed to miss much of what makes Dragon Age so good – the incredible depth of characterization in both the people you deal with and the societies you explore.
 
Take your companions. They’re incredibly compelling, endearing and frustrating by turns because they’re all believable, psychologically complex personalities with multi-layered motivations and well-written dialogue. Depending on your choices and your personal tastes, you may find that they join you, love you, hate you, leave you in disgust or simply wait in your camp forever, never being used until they stab you in the back when you least expect it.
 
The decision to drop any sort of “morality meter” (comparable to Dungeons & Dragons’s alignment or the Knights of the Old Republic Light Side/Dark side measurement) really works to the game’s advantage. Throughout Dragon Age, the player and his companions will be asked to make difficult, morally ambiguous choices that don’t have a clear right or wrong answer. Even better, these choices often have interesting and scary backlashes, such as when a “good” choice invites unintended consequences or a “bad” one turns out to have been be the right one.
 
This multi-layered texture is what makes the world of Dragon Age such a fascinating place to explore. What initially seems like a weakness -- having a fairly standard Tolkeinesque fantasy universe -- actually turns out to be a strength because of the realistic way the various societies in the game are portrayed. While never straying outside of one’s clichéd expectations -- elves are nature-lovers, Dwarves are avaricious miners, the oversized Qunari are simplistic brutes -- all of them manage to defy expectations by acting from an extremely believable set of motivations. Except for the Darkspawn, no one in Dragon Age is truly good or evil -- they’re a great mix of both and much of the storyline boils down to the importance of personal choice in the face of circumstances as the definition of morality.

The Age of Battle
 
Of course it wouldn’t be a traditional electronic RPG without oodles and oodles of combat. Here, too, BioWare doesn’t stray too far from their comfort zone. Combat is controlled via the “order-while-paused” system and governed behind the scenes by a dice-rolling system not too dissimilar to classic Dungeons & Dragons. What makes it special this time around, again, is execution. After so many games and so many iterations of this system, Dragon Age is the title where they finally get the whole combat thing right. It’s perfectly balanced, interesting throughout the whole process and just a joy to play with.
 
Partial credit for this master stroke goes to the simple but well-designed class system. Regardless of whether you choose to play as a monosyllabic mace-wielder, a stealthy assassin or a spell-slinging mage, there’s a ton of interesting powers and abilities to use for every class type. As you can only take three characters along with your main, it makes for some interesting choices as you level up. If you’re specializing a character as a fragile damage-dealer, it pays to keep an eye on the emotional health of the ally you’re using as a meat shield.
 
Most of the joy in combat comes from how well-crafted the battlefield challenges are and how well they scale with your character. Put simply, Dragon Age is not a game for those looking to just power through tons of disposable henchmen on the way to a boss fight. Each and every battle in the game has the potential to kill you if you just run in with your characters on autopilot. That makes even minor battles a fascinating strategic challenge and offers a genuine sense of triumph when you overcome the really well-designed (and very difficult) boss fights. By the end of the game, when you’ve gone from a raw recruit taking on poorly trained bandits to a seasoned veteran leading armies against disciplined hordes of Darkspawn, you will feel every inch the battle-scarred soldier. Dragon Age isn’t an easy game to play, but it’s worth it.


 
The Age of Beauty
 
Visually, the game is a triumph of art design over graphical horsepower. The game certainly looks good technically. Animations, particularly character faces, spell effects and combat moves are beautifully implemented. Artistically, though, it takes time to realize just what BioWare has done. There are no real jaw-dropping images that you can point to. In fact, the beauty of Dragon Age's world lies within its subtlety. The world players will explore feels old -- heavy with the weight of history and legends and littered with the ruins of old empires and past glories. It’s a place that feels “real” (or as real as a fantasy universe can) because it treats its architecture and landscaping as characters with their own history and personality and not just as an opportunity for the art department to show off.
 
The game’s sound also deserves special mention. It’s exceptional – everything from the meaty smack of a sword striking flesh, to the whispers of ghosts in a haunted building, to the fiery wind generated by a powerful spell works to pull you into the game. Credit must also go to a talented ensemble of voice-actors, some famous names, some unknown, who work to bring the rich and diverse cast to life. Particular standouts include the player’s witch companion Morrigan, whose dulcet tones mask very deep secrets and Loghain Mac Tir, a tragic hero badly hurt by the choices he makes and his own prejudices.
 
There are a few technical niggles that stand out, especially in light of how good the rest of the game is. First, while the game seems to be very stable, players should prepare for some unreasonably long load times that seemed to get longer the deeper I got into the game. Some special combat moves available to characters seem to throw the whole world into slow motion without warning, even if the character you’re currently controlling isn’t the one doing the move. The game also experiences slowdowns when there are a lot of enemies onscreen or during particularly spectacular spell effects.
 
Also, the inventory control screens could use some work. The item categories offered aren’t adequate to properly order all the stuff you’ll need to organize. Finally, there’s the baffling decision to bar you from controlling your companion’s inventory unless they’re in your current party, forcing you to endure endless loading screens just to manage your stuff. None of these things are remotely fatal; they’re just particularly noticeable given how good the rest of the game is.


 
The Age of Wonder
 
In the end, Dragon Age: Origins is a triumph of RPG design for BioWare -- albeit one that takes some work to truly appreciate. What at first glance seems like a standard-issue fantasy universe with a typical save-the-villagers-from-the-horde plotline eventually morphs into an amazingly deep RPG experience that invites the player to explore and re-explore this rich and incredibly well-drawn alternative reality. You’ll come for the sword-fighting and spell-slinging but you’ll stay because of characters you care about and an amazing world that rewards patient exploration.

SAMANTHA KELLEY

Photos by                                                                                            MarQuest

Where did you grow up? I grew up in the beautiful N.W. Portland, Oregon.

How'd you get into modeling? I was approached by a very energetic, published photographer at the Mr. Olympia fitness show. It was funny because after he had just met me he came running up with a magazine in his hand to prove to me he was legit! He didn't want me to think he was just a creepy guy trying to get my number! ha-ha So, I did do a shoot with him and we were published from our very first shoot!

So what have you learned NOT to do since you've been in the biz? I have learned not to go into a shoot without discussing ideas and limitations from the start. This way there is no confusion of what I will shoot.

Where do you want to go with your modeling? Modeling for me was really a tool to keep me in great conditioning year round. I have my own fitness training business and so I need to set an example for my clients and modeling pushes me to be at my best. The camera sees all! ha-ha The nice thing is my work really has been well received and I've been published quite a bit. I am really thankful for that. At this point I would say I would like to do more commercial work. I love the glamour shots and so I will continue to shoot so I can continue use my creativity.

If you could have any job in the world other than modeling what would it be? I am lucky in the fact that I truly love what I do for a living. Fitness training and modeling really compliment one another. If I went back I would have become a Doctor. The human body fascinates me and of course there is nothing more rewarding than helping people.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In ten years I see myself still learning, living and loving my life. I have so many things that I am interested in as far as innovative ideas that keep me entertained daily. Between modeling, training and now my new venture acting.. I see myself living at the beach with a hottie, loving hubby, my pug and fat cat and a fabulous life!

Do you have a website? I have a myspace you can check me out until my website is built.. www.samanthakelly.com will take you right to me!! Make sure you say hello

Are you a good dancer? Ha-ha well, I suppose that's a matter of opinion. I like to think I can shake my groove thang! lol

Would you ever spice things up by dancing for your man? Uh, I can't imagine not dancing for my man!

What's the wildest thing you've ever done? Hmm.. who's reading this? lol Ever see the movie "Don't say a word" ? ..... there's a line in the movie.. "I'll never tell"  

What's the wildest ting you ever saw? hmm.. drawing a blank on this one. I think in our culture these days nothing seems so shocking anymore.

So, does looks mean a lot to you when you're looking at the opposite sex? To me it's simply that raw attraction. So, looks are definitely part of that. However, not based on looks.

What type of man do you like? hmmm... Superman lol

Are you the romantic laid back type or are you a wild child? Both, I like all of the above. Romance, flowers, poetry, the cello, a whisper in my ear, a kiss on my neck....

..... pulling of my hair, a smack on my ass, and dirty, little words in the dark of the night that make you scream for more. =)

Turn ons: Confidence, charm, ambition and strength

Turn offs:Bad hygiene, liers, cheaters

So I hear you're a big music lover. What do you like to listen to? I love all kinds of music. My faves are hip-hop, electronica, and classical.

What's in your CD player now? I have a mixed cd of dance, trance and hip-hop.

What did you listen to growing up? Growing up I listened to a lot of dance music, rap and classical.

What's your favorite gadget? My Ipod

Is there anything that really pisses you off? Mean spirited people

What makes you the most happy? Being appreciated and feeling special.

What do you do for fun when you're not modeling? I am faithful to my workouts which I truly love! I also love going dancing and hanging with friends.

Okay we're almost done. We'll call this the lightning round. Are you a designer label type of girl?

I would say mostly yes. Although I see plenty of things that I just love that are not and so if I love then I don't care if it is designer of not!

Walmart or Macy's? For clothing Macy's.

Thong or Granny Panties? Duh.. ha-ha Thong

Sex or Shopping? Sex first then go shopping

If I gave you the floor to do shout outs, promotions, or whatever. Who would make that list? You bet!

"Curb" Your Language!
 Editing show for basic cable could make viewers lose enthusiasm for Larry David

By JERE HESTER

On the most recent episode of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Larry David confidently declares there are only two ways to end up in neck brace. One is a car accident. The other – well, let's just say the description involves the kind of language you might not ordinarily hear on TV Land.

But with "Curb" heading into the final two episodes of this often-hilarious, and possibly final seventh season, it was announced this week that repeats of the ribald show are bound for syndication, first on the TV Guide Network, then TV Land.

The move could gain the show the wider audience it deserves. But editing “Curb” for basic cable runs the risk of watering down a program based around a man who sees the glass as half empty – and expresses his pessimism in frank, often-profane terms.

It’s hard to imagine “Curb” without the foul-mouthed rants of Susie Essman’s Susie Greene character, who pelts Larry with every imaginable variation of a popular four-letter vulgarity; without Larry’s graphic conversations with his permanent houseguest Leon; without children calling Larry a “bald a------.”

Pity the editor forced to cut whole scenes or insert so many bleeps, the show will sound like a half-hour traffic jam (broadcasts of beeping sounds, as we know from the early "AAMCO" episode of “Curb,” can cause one kind of accident that leads to neck injuries).

In the wrong hands, to paraphrase Larry, the results could turn out pret-ty, pret-ty, pret-ty bad.

Take HBO's “The Sopranos,” which just isn’t the same on AMC without the powerful, raw language that helps define the often-fearsome characters. There’s nothing frightening about Larry, though the viewer sometimes gets a little scared for him as he verbally digs himself into ditches.

"Curb," of course, is the bastard (to use a bleepable word) offspring of "Seinfeld," the show David co-created. This season's storyline, centering on a fictional “Seinfeld” reunion, has brought into clearer relief the similarities and differences between the shows.

The routine where Jerry Seinfeld and Larry argue about who should schooch over to let Richard Lewis into a diner booth could have been a scene out of Monk's with Jerry, George and Kramer.

“Seinfeld,” one of broadcast television’s last huge hits, had fun with euphemisms – Are you the master of your domain? Is he Sponge-worthy? R-rated Larry, meanwhile, uses his HBO freedom to say exactly what's on his mind, and usually acts on it, to cringe-worthy effect.
                  
The “Seinfeld” stars, so far, have been bit players amid Larry's shenanigans this season, which have included mistreatment of women in wheelchairs, refusing a piece of pie from Ted Danson and inadvertently splashing a painting of Jesus with his urine (it's a long story). This is very much Larry's world, and he doesn't much like it.

Larry David's humor doesn't rest on bad language and coarse plot points alone. Like Richard Pryor and George Carlin, the primary potency of his comedy derives from unflinching honesty and a less-than-sanguine view of the human condition. But telling what he sees as the truth sometimes demands blunt, crude terms.

“South Park” gets away with a lot at night on Comedy Central. But unless TV Land is planning big changes, it’s hard to imagine “Curb” running unexpurgated between repeats of “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Bonanza,” or even amid the network's reality shows.

Not everyone has HBO, or can buy the show's past seasons on DVD. So here’s some advice those who have yet to catch “Curb”: Try Netflix or go watch with a friend who has HBO, because to miss "Curb Your Enthusiasm" in the form it was meant to be seen would be a @?#*% shame

So popular we brought it back

This edition of Women of the Web are all about the two things men love most. No, not beer and hot wings. Chicks and tattoos! These are the girls you can't take home to Mom, like Julie Becker, Bif Naked and Ana Carmo. Not only are they beautiful, they're works of art.

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