“Travel Q&A: Insider's guide to Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - San Jose Mercury News” plus 1 more

Travel Q&A: Insider's guide to Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - San Jose Mercury News

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 01:13 AM PST

By Ann Tatko-Peterson
Contra Costa Times

Click photo to enlarge

KRT TRAVEL STORY SLUGGED: BALLOON KRT PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT KRUG/DALLAS MORNING NEWS (FORT WORTH OUT) (September 25) Last year, 903 balloons flew during the 28th annual Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This year, an even 1,00 balloons are registered to participate in the nine-day event. (KRT) PL KD 2000 (Horiz) (smd) -- NO MAGS, NO SALES --

Travel Q&A

Q: Do you have any pointers on the balloon fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M.? My friend and I, both in our 70s, will be going in October for a couple of days. We already have reservations at a hotel, but would like any info on getting to the event, taking chairs and other inside info. We have contacted the tour board there and have asked hotel personnel for any pointers, but most of what they tell us is kind of sketchy.

A: For starters, don't forget your camera. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is one of the most spectacular visual events in the world. Not much compares to the sight of 500 balloons rising during the mass ascensions Oct. 2 and 3).

This

year's fiesta runs from Oct. 2-10 at the almost 360-acre Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque. The park includes a staggering 78-acre launch field, from which the balloons take off.

You can find a comprehensive 22-page downloadable PDF guest guide on the fiesta's official website at www.balloonfiesta.com. Included are a full schedule of events, a map of the venue and a parking and shuttle bus route map.

For those without Internet access, here are a few things worth knowing:

If you drive, exit Interstate 25 at Alameda and follow the signs to the fiesta. General parking is $10 per session. (The events are divided into morning and evening sessions, although there are no evening sessions Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. To avoid paying for parking twice in one day, you would need to remain at the park between the two sessions.)
Park-and-ride shuttle bus service is offered from six sites, including the Coronado Mall. The cost, which includes admission, is $15 general (ages 13 to 61), $10 for ages 62 and older and $5 for ages 6-12. Discounted advance tickets are available.
Event admission is $6 for anyone 12 or older. Younger children are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Discounts, available when buying in advance, include a five-session ticket for $25. (As with parking, you won't be charged for a second session if you stay until the evening session.)
Because large crowds are expected, early arrival is recommended for weekend and evening events. Gates open at 4:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Lawn chairs are allowed. If you arrive early enough, you also may be able to claim one of a limited number of picnic tables or benches available on the east side of the launch field, along Main Street.
Temperatures average 40 degrees in the morning and 70 degrees around noon, so consider wearing layers. Also remember that you will be at high altitude, so bring sunscreen.
For additional information, check the fiesta's website or call 888-422-7277. Next year's fiesta will be Oct. 1-9.

Have a question of general interest? Send it to Ann Tatko-Peterson at travel@bayareanewsgroup.com.

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Video game gift guide - Wichita Eagle

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 01:27 AM PST

By GLENN MCDONALD AND MIKE SCHILLER

McClatchy-Tribune

Below is our rigorously annual Video Game Gift Guide, in which we assess various titles across a spectrum of genres and platforms. Games make for great gifts - what other holiday present threatens to keep your loved one up until 3 a.m. for weeks on end?

Forthwith, a selection of the year's best games, selected for general awesomeness. Note that these are suggested retail prices; you can always find a better price with a little shopping. Also, PC and handheld versions are usually $10 to $20 cheaper.

Dance Central (X360; $49.99; Rated T): So far, "Dance Central" is motion-detection Kinect's killer app, the sort of immersive experience that best exemplifies the promise of playing a game without a controller. When you play "Dance Central," you are actually dancing, and the more confident you get, the better you do. The calories you'll burn are just gravy.

Fallout: New Vegas (PC, PS3, X360; $59.99; Rated M): The much-anticipated sequel to last year's best game, "Fallout 3," "New Vegas" offers a few interface tweaks and about 50 percent more total content, in terms of missions and virtual real estate. The terrific time-stop combat system returns, but beware - the game is riddled with bugs, including several of the game-freezing variety. That they're worth enduring is testament to the game's addictive qualities.

Gran Turismo 5 (PS3; $59.99; Rated E): Eight hundred cars come standard with "Gran Turismo 5," and you'll want to experience every one. Microsoft's "Forza" series has been narrowing the gap, and yet "Gran Turismo" remains the standard in driving simulation. While its extended development cycle has become a punchline, it's ultimately worth the wait.

Halo: Reach (X360; $59.99; Rated M): "Halo: Reach" is the pinnacle of the "Halo" series. Retaining the narrative and gameplay qualities that made its predecessors great, "Reach" adds multiplayer modes, maps, and an epic story that outdoes all that came before it. It's the one game that no teenage X360 owner should be without.

Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 (DS, PC, PS3, PSP, Wii, X360; $49.99; Rated E10): It may not include "The Deathly Hallows" among its adventures, but four books' worth of exploration and a kid-friendly play style make Lego Harry Potter the best game featuring the boy wizard. Grown-ups won't mind checking out the clever Lego-style interpretations of the most famous scenes, either.

Rock Band 3 (X360/ PS3/Wii; $59.99 plus accessories; Rated T): By itself, "Rock Band 3" is more or less the same game as its predecessors. What sets it apart, however, is a "pro mode" that combines high-end accessories with in-game trainers to teach players how to play actual instruments. It's a much-needed step toward realism for the rhythm genre, not to mention a source of value beyond the game.

Sid Meier's Civilization V (PC/Mac; $49.99; rated E10): For discerning old-school PC gamers, the "Civilization" franchise has been the can't-miss turn-based strategy choice for nearly 20 years. "Civ 5" lets you nurture an entire society from prehistory to the far future, with endless modding and multiplayer options.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii; $49.99; Rated E): Not since the Super Nintendo has a Mario game received a proper sequel, but the developers behind "Galaxy" obviously had too many ideas to hold in one game. The surprise is that the sequel actually has more surprises and delights than the original.

Toy Story 3 (DS, PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, X360; $49.99; rated E10): We've spent more family game time with "Toy Story 3" than any other game this year, thanks to the endless modding and world-building options. You can finish the main quest in just a few hours, but the real fun is customizing Woody's western town and exploring the game's generous nooks and crannies.

QUICK PICKS

Bakugan: Defenders of the Core (DS, PS3, PSP, Wii, X360; $39.99; Rated E10): Based on the popular animated series, "Defenders of the Core" allows players the chance to actually control their favorite Bakugan.

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem (DS; $19.99; Rated E): A surprisingly deep and challenging puzzle game that will keep parents occupied long after the kids give up.

Family Party: Fitness Fun (Wii; $19.99; Rated E10): If you've mastered the minigames of "Wii Fit," perhaps this budget collection of 30 family-oriented fitness games will give you a reason to dust off the old balance board.

Kidz Bop Dance Party: The Video Game (Wii; $39.99; Rated E): A party-style dancing game geared toward young children who would rather hear other kids sing pop hits over the original artists.

Monopoly Streets and Family Game Night 3 (PS3, Wii, X360; $39.99; rated E): Board games don't always port to console very well, but "Monopoly" is a lot of fun, and Game Night's "Clue" is a winner.

MySims Sky Heroes (DS, PS3, Wii, X360; $49.99; rated E10): This radically simplified flight game doesn't go deep, but the simple controls and endless mod options make it good for kids.

NHL Slapshot Bundle (Wii; $59.95; Rated E): "Slapshot" boasts the Wii's most gimmicky peripheral - a half-size hockey stick. Crazy thing: It works great with the game's arcade action.

Saw II: Flesh & Blood (X360, PS3; $59.99; Rated M): Gamers lamenting that there's just not enough blood in video games these days may well find something to love in this survive-at-all-costs horror experience.

The Sims 3 (DS, PC/Mac, PS3, Wii, X360; $59.99; rated T): The popular franchise still works better on PC, but the console experience is finally catching up.

SingStar Dance Party Pack (PS3; $39.99; Rated T): Designed to work with the PS3 motion-tracking Move system, the Party Pack bundle includes two microphones and adds dance game elements to the classic karaoke title.

Maps Guides

Tuesday, December 7, 2010