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When you think back to some of the video games from your childhood, there are likely some games that still have newer versions being released to this day. These are extremely successful franchises that seem like they could go on forever.

I thought I’d take a few moments to review some of the finest series of games that we’ve seen over the course of the last 25 years since the emergence of Nintendo. These games may extend across multiple platforms, of they may be specific to just one.

Some might argue that it all started with the birth of Mario, a character created by Nintendo during the mid 1980s.

At its start, this was simply a video game featuring two Italian plumbers named Mario and Luigi. Much has evolved since then, with dozens of releases and even character spinoffs building on this wildly successful series. People go crazy for these games, and with good reason.

In the world of sports, no series has been more successful than that of John Madden football. What started out as a simple game by EA Sports in 1992 has turned into an annual celebration for football fans all over the world.

Amazingly, this game continues to improve with each release and the sports world simply couldn’t imagine a year gone by without a new Madden release. Even his name has simply become synonymous with the video game.

In the adventure realm, the Grand Theft Auto series has most definitely made its mark. With a handful of releases that have us fighting crime in a number of different cities (and occasionally getting into a little mischief ourselves), this franchise has captured the imaginations of millions of gamers around the world.

This game has attracted legions of loyal followers who simply can’t get enough of the action. When a new release comes out, this game is often sold out for weeks.

This writer also frequently blogs about decorative pillow covers and sofa throw pillows.

One of the most important elements to any basketball team’s success is the point guard position. This the only player who touches the ball on just about every offensive possession.

The ball distributor sets the tone for a team’s offense and an apt one is likely to lead his team to success. If he’s a good defender, he’ll do even more good for his team.

We’ve been privileged enough to have some of the best point guards in the history of the sport during the last quarter century. I’d like to give my due to five of them, and I’ll be ranking them in order. This all comes down to my opinion, and I hope you agree with my rankings here.

At number five, I put Steve Nash. This wouldn’t have even crossed my mind five years ago, which is interesting when you consider his age of 35. Despite this, he’s still playing some of the best basketball of his career and his MVP awards speak for themselves.

Chris Paul. CP3 continues to get better with each year, and he could easily find his way higher up on the list when all is said and done.

Paul is simply magical on the basketball court, and his young age of 24 lends a ton of hope for the future. He should only get better from here.

Another one of a kind player very worthy of a spot on this list is Jason Kidd. The modern day triple double king is an anomaly when you consider his ability to rebound despite his height. Kidd is another aging player who hasn’t slowed down yet.

John Stockton. The all-time assists leader has to be on this list. Wonder why the Jazz made the playoffs for nearly 20 years straight, all the way until Stockton was over 40 years old? It was the combo of this phenom and Karl Malone.

You probably know who number one is, especially since I’ve mentioned the other four. Magic Johnson is simply the best point guard to ever play the game. His assists per game were higher than anyone on this list, and he’s the only one here to have won a championship too. Enough said.

This writer additionally regularly blogs on car cleaning supplies and car upholstery cleaner.

Photography contests abound in the world of photography. A photo contest is a great way to enhance your skills as a photographer. It can also be an avenue to get your pictures out there to be seen by more people. Here are some points that you should be aware of to help you win that photography contest.

1. Study the rules first. Rules are usually written in such small fonts that it becomes too cumbersome to read. However, studying the rules will let you know the details of the kind of pictures the competition is asking for. Details such as the size of the picture, the format it should be submitted in and even how many entries you can submit. The rules also state the ways the photographs will be used after the contest. Most organizations say that once a picture has been submitted, they own that picture and may do with it as they see fit. That’s why some photographers become surprised and disappointed when they see the photos bandied around on the internet.

2. If there is a theme to the photo contest, be sure that your photo is consistent with it. Though you may have a particular piece of work that you are especially proud of, choosing this piece and sending it with hopes that it will work isn’t good enough if you want to be competitive. If it is too off subject from the theme, it will be disqualified as a result. It is more appropriate for you to take new photos for a contest, which not only ensures you fit the theme but also aids in skill building.

3. It is wise to do a little research before you start working on your submission. Why and on what, you ask? To get a good starting point for yourself, take a look at the past contest winners. Since most photo contests are held on some amount of frequency, there is bound to be information available on the previous contests. Check out who the judges will be and who they have been in the past. Knowing a little about the judges typical likes and dislikes will give you some guidelines to work with. If the photo contest is sponsored by a company, learning more about that company and their philanthropic activities may also give you direction.

4. Pick photos that tell a story. Images that elicit an emotion from the viewer score high in a photography contest. Try to tell a story with that one photo. Connect to the viewer. Technically, a terrific photo without emotional appeal will be passed over by a photo that is not so good technically but evokes an emotion with the viewer.

5. Always aim for the best shot. Only submit those entries that you deem are technically excellent. Don’t settle for anything less than a photo that is focused perfectly or exposed brilliantly or strongly composed.

6. Though this seems common sense, don’t stop trying. It is easy to get discouraged when you never win any of the photography contests you enter. Don’t give up just because your submissions seem to be passed over all the time. Every time you submit a new photo, you have the chance to improve your skills- and one day win.

Learn more about photopraphy contests. Stop by Kristaria Dawson’s site where you can find out all about photo contest opportunities near you.