I have mentioned that I just got a new fancy, high end, gaming laptop. That runs windows. And because of this, I’m able to install Steam, which is a method by which you can purchase games, download them, and then play them on any computer that has Steam installed on it- it’s the best DRM example I’ve found. It comes from Valve, who is famous for Left 4 Dead, and Portal. One neat thing about Steam is that sometimes you can download demos of games before you purchase them.

Tonight when I loaded up Steam, I was browsing through the store, and found a game from Pop Cap I hadn’t seen before. It was a variation on one of my all time favorite games – Bejewelled.

To explain to you how much I adore this game, I’ve bought it for every mobile device I’ve had with the exception of my classic ipod. It’s probably going on about 5 times I’ve purchased the same game.

This version is Bejewelled Twist and literally, it’s a twist on the old favorite. The player still needs to match three or more gems, but instead of swapping two gems, instead the player selects a square of four, and twists the group of four clockwise till the gems line up. The concept is simple, but the strategy is completely different, especially when it comes to making lines of four or more gems. I found it completely engaging, and I went through the fifteen beginning levels of the zen mode, which is sort an endless game.

There are new challenges with this game, and I look forward to checking them out when I purchase the full version, next time I’m willing to spend some cash on new games.

My next question is – when does this version come out for the iPhone? I’ve bought every game Pop Cap has come out with for my favorite portable device, and I find that I play the classics like Bejewelled, Bookworm, and Chuzzle, on almost a daily basis.

So, if you are a Bejewelled fan, go over to Pop Cap Games and check it out. And if you have a PC (and in a couple months – a Mac) – go check out Steam. Both programs are worth the time, and money.

And I can’t finish without mentioning – Dan had to make the crack that I go and get a high end laptop, to end up playing Bejewelled on it. But of course – I like puzzle games! A review of the laptop is coming, I just want to make sure I really put it through it’s paces first.

A couple of weeks ago an auction was held for a little girl’s future.  One of my contributions to the items to be purchased was my shortbread, which is dipped in chocolate.  The lot went for a pretty high price, and the winner asked me for the recipe.  Since I haven’t posted in a coon’s age (I’ve been particularly unmotivated, and not feeling the least bit domestic), I thought I would put the recipe here.   The name Sonic Boom shortbread is what the auction gave it, but it has since stuck.

What I’m going to to is type of the original recipe, then list the minor tweaks I gave it to get my shortbread.  Though – most of it is by instinct – and oven temp and different pans can give different results, so the recipe is not guaranteed.  Full recipe after the break

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The sun came out today. It was out yesterday too. This has been very important, because I’ve been in a fit of the blues lately. I think it may have had to do with the cold, and the dark. I’m hoping with slightly warmer weather, my mood will lift – as will my willingness to post things on the blog. I’ve been in such a funk, I haven’t wanted to do anything.

And yes – for now – the Project is dead. I had a bad week of it – and I really felt like I was spending way more on groceries – just for ingredients for the Project – which was killing my budget – and at this point, I can’t justify the expense in making a whole lot of dishes that don’t lend themselve to left overs, and that didn’t go over very well. It was also affecting my weight loss. So – the Project is dead for now. Though it may come back for special occasions.

I need to get back on track with my weight loss – which means I need to stop the emotional eating. And baking stuff for people that is high in carbs and not good for me at all. So, hopefully I’ll be able to do that.

I do have some reviews coming – I just need to find pictures and put them in the post.

Welcome spring, even if it’s still a bit chilly – you are very much welcome and needed.