iPad Free App of the Week: Hanging With Friends

On the heels of the ever so popular app, Words With Friends, we now have a Hangman version, Hanging With Friends.

It's as good as the Words version.

Hanging with Friends brings a brand new twist to the classic game of hangman that adds creativity, strategy and fun for all ages. Build mystery words to stump, amuse or impress your friends, but be prepared to flex those brain muscles as you decipher the words they send back to you.

Key Features:
•Cute characters in perilous situations
•Instant replay lets you see your opponent’s guesses
•Use strategic lifelines for hints

Built on the Games With Friends platform:
•Turn based design lets you play up to 20 games simultaneously
•Play with friends or find a match with a random opponent
•Stay in touch with friends and family with in-game chat messaging
•Push notifications tell you when it’s your turn
•Find friends to play with easily using Facebook Connect

Rodriguez Resigns as Marlins Manager

It may be one the worst jobs in professional sports, manager of the Florida Marlins.

The fans don't care, the team is on a budget payroll, and anytime you develop a good player, he is either traded or becomes a free agent.  Plus, your team plays in the same division as the Phillies, Braves and Mets.

Edwin Rodriguez has resigned as manager of the Marlins after his team has gone 1-17 in June.

The Marlins accepted Rodriguez’s resignation prior to Sunday’s game against the Rays. Bench coach Brandon Hyde will manage Florida in their series finale against Tampa Bay, and the team has begun searching for a manager to finish the season.

Rodriguez, 50, resigned just days before what would have been his one-year anniversary as a big-league manager. He took over for Fredi Gonzalez on June 23, becoming the first Puerto Rican manager in major league history.

Les Paul Honored With Today's Google Doodle

On what would be Les Paul's 96th birthday, Google rolled out what has already been called, the coolest Doodle ever. Visit the Google homepage -- you have less than 14 hours left before it's replaced by the standard logo or a new design -- and you can play the interactive Doodle with your mouse. Google will even allow you to record a song up to 30 seconds long that will live at a unique URL you can share with friends.

We've seen dancing Doodles, animated Doodles, Doodles that you could zoom in on and discover Easter eggs hidden throughout, but nothing like this before. It stretches the idea of what a Doodle is. It's hard, now, to define a Google Doodle as an illustration or a graphic; the team responsible for creating these has taken full advantage of their digital platform.

Born on this day in 1915, Les Paul is considered the father of the electric guitar.

iPad Free App of the Week: Breakout Mania HD

If you are a fan of the classic video game "Breakout", you may want to try this updated version.

This game has a twist. You control the speed of the ball. The faster the speed the more points you get, so your skill really matters.


FEATURES:
- High Definition Graphics!
- 5 free levels.
- 200+ more levels available via in-app purchase.
- You control the speed.
- Fire Ball, Acid Ball, Splitting Ball, Grenade Ball.
- Exploding Brick, Mystery Brick, x4 Brick.
- Missiles.
- View friends scores, both local and world.
- Save and restore in-progress games.

 Try the 5 free levels to decide if you want to purchase more.

Day 2: French Open Match of the Day - Del Potro vs. Karlovic

Two big guys in action on Day 2 at Roland Garros.

Juan Martin Del Potro appeared to be back to full strength about a month ago, but he had to take some time off to heal from another injury, possibly resulting from playing too much.

Karlovic is a big server, but clay isn't his best surface.  If nothing else, this match should provide for some excellent shotmaking and interesting points.

Look for Del Potro to get by in this one in 3 entertaining sets.