parties

DSiWare, WiiWare, and Virtual Console releases for this week

This week adds more downloads for the DSi, a party pirate game to WiiWare, and a Sega Genesis remake of the Pitfall series. DSiWare Mixed Messages (Activision, 500 DSi Points): Mixed Messages is a party game all about communication. Play along with up to 21 different users in the game of "telephone" for your DSi. Master of Illusion Express: Shuffle Games (Nintendo, 200 DSi Points): The Master of Illusion series continues with Shuffle Games. This mini game will allow you to predict what your audience is thinking! WiiWare Party Fun Pirate (TOMY Corporation, 500 Wii points): Exchange turns … Read more

Net traffic down on first day of Swedish antipiracy law

This post was updated at 2:30 p.m. PDT with new information about Internet traffic.

The same day a new antipiracy law went into effect in Sweden, Internet traffic took a dive and five audio book publishers went after an alleged illegal file sharer in court.

The so-called IPRED law, which went into effect Wednesday, requires Internet service providers to reveal subscribers' Internet Protocol addresses to copyright holders in cases where a court finds ample evidence of illegal activity.

As of 2 p.m. local time Wednesday in Sweden, Internet traffic was down about 30 percent from the day … Read more

Serving up fondue for another go-round

If my prediction for beer-can chicken gaining in popularity doesn't come true, I have a backup plan: fondue. The once-popular, and practically mandatory, party accessory seems to be making a comeback. In a world where Internet fads come and go like the dying breeze, I see no reason why the fondue party cannot once again dominate the casual get-together scene. Any planned interaction at a party serves two purposes: first to keep your guests entertained, but more importantly, set activities act as an ice-breaker.

Your guests will certainly be talking upon seeing this Blomus 24 Piece Fondue Set. Accommodating … Read more

SXSWi's party scene goes do-it-yourself

AUSTIN, Texas--Over a lunch of fajitas at the Iron Cactus restaurant Sunday, one of my friends here at the South by Southwest Interactive Festival shrugged and said, "I'm just not into the party scene this year. It's all a little weird."

I had to concur. SXSWi, after all, is known for its wild parties. But two nights in, I've clocked in a total of 20 minutes at them before opting to hang out elsewhere, and I'm not the only one.

There are obviously a ton of people going to this year's bashes--the line … Read more

What to expect at SXSWi, part 3: The party scene!

This is part three of a four-part series. Here are part one and part two.

Surprise: Despite budget cuts and a general malaise about making a big, bubbly scene when loads of people in the tech industry are out of work or in danger of losing their jobs, there are still a ton of parties at the South by Southwest Interactive Festival, which starts Friday in Austin, Texas. There will be fewer open bars for sure; nevertheless, rest assured that you'll still be able to find far more nightlife options than you could possibly want. They do refer to … Read more

WiiWare and Virtual Console releases for this week

This week brings us an interactive board game for the whole family and a turn-based fantasy game from the Super Nintendo. WiiWare Family & Friends Party (Gammick Entertainment, 1,000 Wii points): Up to eight people can play along in this interactive board game. Compete in single challenges or events that require multiple simultaneous players. Virtual Console Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen (1993, Super Nintendo, 800 Wii points): Take down the evil Empire in this turn-based strategy game. It's your duty to lead a group of rebels to destroy the Zetegenian using magic weapons and Tarot … Read more

Take this slow cooker to the party

One thing any real cook likes to do is share. Just try finding a recipe out there that "serves one." It's not going to happen. Consider the egg. A primary ingredient in many recipes, however, you never see "half an egg" called for. It's just easier to cook for more people. Therefore, it is second nature for cooks to want to share; we always have too much food around!

Sometimes sharing requires a little more effort than simply constructing a delicious meal. If there is a party in the planning, a meal has to … Read more

Hundreds of 'Twestival' fundraisers springing up tonight

If you're looking for something "good" to do Thursday night, you're in luck. Volunteer-organized Twestivals are planned in more than 200 cities around the world.

The Twestivals are a loose coalition of fundraisers that aim to use the social-media tool du jour--Twitter--to raise money for Charity Water, a nonprofit devoted to bringing clean drinking water to developing countries.

It's not officially organized by Twitter, but enthusiasts are hoping that the series of Twestivals can be an example for future fundraisers and how the likes of Twitter can fuel volunteer and donor efforts. Word has spread … Read more

How to throw your own tax party

"Taxes" and "fun" clearly don't belong in the same sentence--unless you have a little imagination and a sense of humor as warped as ours (here's a hint: deductible bingo).

From tech tips on how to set up a room for massive tax filing to the perfect stress-relieving games and yummy tax-themed snacks, our party guide will help you make the most out of the necessary evil of preparing your yearly tax return.

See also: Photos: TaxCut versus TurboTax TaxCut in-depth review TurboTax in-depth review