1. C 09-27-04 6E
6E MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2004 • C LIFESTYLE sun-sentinel.com • SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL
I am the great and powerful Sims god ANNUITY OWNER'S ALERT
FOR ANNUITY OWNERS ONLY
Video game’s hopes the same thing will hap-
pen to players.
next-door neighbor.” Then if you
do that, it’ll change and say, “I
Q: Do you see much irony in
the fact that people are neglect-
creator gives Q. The original Sims had a lot
more to do with survival — eat-
want to kiss her now.” It cas-
cades.
ing real life to play a game
about virtual real life?
Learn the details of your policy that
players a lesson ing, working, cleaning up — but Q. So if you create a family, A: There’s a kind of epiphany your broker did not tell you about.
in omnipotence. the sequel puts the chores aside.
What are the goals this time?
and the husband’s aspiration is
romance, he may want to have
that a lot of players go through,
when in the game, you can buy a Has your annuity lost value?
A. The characters have memo- an affair with the sexy neighbor. computer for your Sim, and on
BY ANTHONY BREZNICAN ry now. They have much greater His wife and child probably the computer you can have your Is the value protected from nursing facility costs?
ASSOCIATED PRESS awareness. They age. They now have different aspirations, Sim actually play little games. A
If you could play God, would have five aspirations . . . knowl- right? lot of players get to the point
Are you aware of the tax implications
you be kind, cruel or just care- edge, romance, wealth, family A. That’s where you have to where it’s 2 in the morning for of leaving your annuity to your
less? and popularity. . . . If their aspira- make real value judgments. The the Sim and the Sim is up play- beneficiaries? (The Tax Bomb!)
The answer can reveal itself tion is wealth and they’re poor, Sims will frequently have wants ing computer games, and the
by the way you play “The Sims as they get older and older, it’s that are in conflict with each oth- player is trying to get him to stop Has your annuity met your expections?
2,” the highly anticipated follow- really going to be a drag on their er. You have to step back and playing because the Sim has to
up to the “real life” personal com- self-esteem because they didn’t say, ‘Where am I going to draw get up in the morning. Then they
puter game “The Sims,” which meet up with what they wanted. the line? What balance do I want step back and realize it’s actually
placed omnipotent players in Or if they want romance, but to achieve here? Putting the play- 2 in the morning and that they 1-800-262-5383
control of the fates of digital peo- don’t have any lovers . . . er in some of these ethical quan- actually need to go to work. It’s
ple. Q. How do you know what daries, that’s where a lot of the almost a creepy model of the real You must order your free copy of "The
The characters in “The Sims will make your Sim happy? dramatic interest comes from. world.
2” — which was released in A. They have wants and fears. Q. When you play, are you a Q: What happens then? Annuity Owner's Manual" Today!
stores recently — are born, grow On the fear side traumatic things kind god or a cruel god? A: A lot of players stop playing
older, make friends and enemies, can happen to them and they can A. I’m generally both. Mainly I the game at that point. Not a lot
struggle for success, and try to form phobias or negative associ- like to test all the different of them, but I’ve heard certain Refer To The Information Provided In The FREE Book In
become better people before ations. On the want side, that is boundaries. . . . Sometimes I get ones say, “As soon as I realized I The Privacy Of Your Home.
they’re finished. driven by their aspirations. The to the point where I feel guilty in was taking better care of the Sim
Will Wright, the creator of game will tell you, “My want is the game. That’s a really great than I was of myself, I stopped
“The Sims” games, says he romance and I want to meet the find. playing the game.”
ELISE R. LEONARD, M.D.
Talks under way about Genesis reunion Board Certified Ophthalmologist
I COLLINS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1E
together again.’ But what do you
want to hear? ’Cause Peter’s not
LASIK
going to sing I Can’t Dance, you
know what I mean? So therefore WITH A WOMAN’S TOUCH
A former child actor, Collins I would bat the question back:
Have you considered laser vision
was still a teen when he became Which Genesis are people ex- correction? What’s holding you back?
a sought-after session drummer pecting when they talk about a Many people are anxious about
in his native London. His big Genesis reunion?” surgery on their eyes. I understand
break came in 1970 when he an- “But I’m up for anything,” he that. I have found that a complete
swered an ad in Melody Maker added. “And personally I would understanding of the procedure and a
to audition for Genesis. prefer to go back to the original gentle touch can alleviate fear. That’s
For five years, Collins played Genesis and be sitting there play- why I personally take the time to talk
drums and sang backup to the ing the drums. . . . But knowing to all my LASIK patients about what
charismatic Peter Gabriel, who Peter the way I do, I’m not con- to expect, with no pressure. I want
quit Genesis in 1975 after the re- vinced that he’d just want to put you to feel comfortable with me and
lease of The Lamb Lies Down together, after two or three with your decision.
on Broadway — seen by many weeks’ rehearsal, a show that
fans as the band’s finest moment just was old material. But I could Call Today for Your
and by critics as one of rock’s be wrong.” Free Consultation
most pretentious. Collins is blasé about the ado-
Collins took over lead vocals, ration that early Genesis still 954-746-7040
reluctantly, because 400 audi- generates in fanzines and Web
tions for a new singer had pro- sites.
Cataract • Glaucoma • Laser Surgery • LASIK
duced only aggravation for him- “Actually, most people hated
self and keyboardist Tony ROAD WARRIOR: Phil Collins says he wants to spend more time The Lamb when it came out!” he 8890 W. Oakland Park Blvd.
Suite 300
9587734
Banks, bassist Mike Rutherford with his wife, Orianne, and son Nicholas at the family’s home in said, chuckling. “We had a corps
and guitarist Steve Hackett. Switzerland. AP photo of hard-core fans, and some of Sunrise, FL 33351
(West of Pine Island Road on the South side of Street)
them are still hanging on. And I
REBIRTH OF SOUND of Robert Plant, Eric Clapton and “I wouldn’t say actually that love it. I think it’s great. But it’s
But Collins warmed to the job Paul McCartney. He’s also tried it’s learning by mistakes because like the farther away it gets from
and wrought a huge change in his hand at acting — playing bit there weren’t mistakes,” he said when it happened, the more
the Genesis sound virtually over- parts in Miami Vice — and of his life choices. “I was a work- glowing the memories become.”
night. At Collins’ command, scored soundtracks for the Dis- ing a musician: I can’t sit in my The current tour draws heavi-
Do you take
?
Genesis produced a string of ra- ney films Tarzan and Brother house and play; I’ve got to go out ly from Love Songs: A Compila-
dio-friendly hits — including Bear. and play, and that means travel- tion . . . Old and New a two-disc
Your Own Special Way (1977),
Follow You, Follow Me (1978)
Collins’ dominance of FM ra-
dio might have continued un-
ing.
“Of course, there are all areas
collection of hits, rarities and live
tracks in stores Tuesday. The
medicine for
and Misunderstanding (1980) checked had he not developed a of guilt about what you couldn’t “First Farewell” set list features
— and a top-selling album,
1986’s Invisible Touch. Collins
left the band in 1996, by which
viral infection that left him with
significant hearing loss in his left
ear while recording his last al-
do, what you didn’t do, what you
weren’t there for. But I tried my
best, I tried my best under the cir-
only one Genesis song, Misun-
derstanding. Genesis fans may
be disappointed, but reviews
ARTHRITIS
time he, like Gabriel, had a thriv- bum, Testify, in 2002. cumstances.” have been generally upbeat for
?
ing solo career. “It’s just one ear — sudden Collins and his 10-piece band.
In 1981, Collins released his deafness,” he said. “It’s 50 per- ROAD BECKONS AGAIN Collins said it’s hard to predict
first solo album, Face Value, a cent, which means if I put my Collins said while he will be what’s next. He envisions anoth-
modest side project that became hand over the good ear, all I hear spending more time at his home er solo album. He might take his
an unexpectedly huge seller on is [muffled sounds]. So it’s kind in Switzerland, his musical ca- big band on the road again, or try If you are 45 years old or older, you may be eligible
the strength of the single In the of weird.” reer will continue. He is working to play with his heroes, including
Air Tonight. In the decade that But the condition only partly on a Broadway musical based on jazz-fusion wizard Joe Zawinul. to take part in a research study in your area.
followed, he released four more accounts for his decision to cut Tarzan, producing a “Farewell He has definite plans, howev-
solo albums — earning seven back. Collins said the demands Tour” DVD, finalizing a new ret- er, for the time frame that begins The study is evaluating an investigational medicine
Grammys and 13 Top 10 hits — of his career have often over- rospective Genesis DVD and in September 2006 — when his to treat patients with arthritis. Participants receive
?
working the same adult-contem- whelmed his personal life. His looking into the possibility of of- son, Nicholas, starts school. study-related medicines, physician visits, and lab
porary corner hustled by Sting very-public breakup with his first fering more archive Genesis ma- “I just want to be there to take
and Rod Stewart wife, Andrea, was aired openly terial through the band’s Web him to school and I want to be services at no charge during the study.
During the past three decades, on Face Value. He also said he site. there to pick him up,” said Col-
Collins’ albums with and without missed many “important years” He also said preliminary dis- lins. “And I want to be around.” Compensation is available.
Genesis have sold nearly 250 when his first three kids were cussions are under way about a
million copies. He’s made a big- growing up. He has two grown possible Genesis reunion, To learn if you qualify contact:
band album, dabbled in jazz fu- children with Andrea and a child though nothing is certain.“I Nick Tate can be reached at
sion with the British outfit Brand by his second wife, Jill, whom he mean, people say, ‘Yeah, it’d be ntate@sun-sentinel.com or University Clinical Research
X and performed with the likes divorced in 1996. great to see you and Peter back 954-356-4512.
1150 N. University Drive
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
Balancing responsibility with rekindled joy of living (954) 437-5988 Ext. 242
I OLIVER spirit. The sad reality was that
this part of her background was
lunch recently: “Write about
something important,” he said.
ground from strong-armed
branches. Some of them are bro-
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1E
a confession. Her paternal great-
grandmother was black, she
frowned upon and she felt it had
to be hidden for so long. Now
that I’m well into my 50s, howev-
er, I see something more. I re-
The weight of his words hovered
long afterward for me to ponder.
Goodness knows plenty of injus-
tices should be exposed and in-
ken in places but they still reach
out boldly toward the sun,
sprouting hope with each new
leaf.
NO LAWYERS!
SAVE MONEY! ®
suddenly announced. “Big hips, member myself that day, too — equities should be addressed; A couple of older women I No Hidden Cost! Est. 1985
crinkly hair, light brown skin.” the self-consciousness, the hesi- the older generation’s duty is to know have just bought pianos,
But that heritage was looked tancy to join in — and the subse- right wrongs and blaze trails be- vowing to learn to play late in We help you represent yourself,
down on in Cuba, she said. quent realization of ways that I fore we pass away. But the chal- life; another is practicing after LOW COST-FAST-ACCURATE
She recounted the story of her was beginning to change. What lenge for in-betweens today, years away. Some are picking
flight to the United States as a delights we women of a certain male and female, is also how to up a paintbrush or guitar, or
non-lawyer, document preparation service
pre-teen in the early 1960s and in-between age often deprive balance the weight of responsi- starting to write. I’ve found a OFFICES NATIONWIDE
her distasteful growing-up years ourselves of in the name of ma- bility with some sense of rekin- way to dance again. I will be out
in the Midwest before finally set- turity. dled joy of living — and how to for a night with friends having a Divorce ------------------------ $299/$399
tling in South Florida. Over the Most of the angst of our mid- pass that knowledge on. serious conversation, and a tune Child Support/Custody-------------$299
decades, separated from her sib- life crisis is over and we’ve either Maybe that’s why Aurora will come on that propels me up Bankruptcy (Chapter 7)-------------$199
lings, new relationships with resolved problems or learned to glides across my mind — again. I on my feet. Before I know it I’m
people from other countries live with them but the freedom am sitting in the back yard of my snapping my fingers and gyrat- Incorporation------------------------$349
eventually replaced family ties. of the elderly to ignore all social church on Sunday beneath the ing beside the table, in my own Wills------------------------------------$99
She did hold onto one morsel of conventions whenever it suits grandmother tree. The humid world, not caring whether oth- Living Trust -------------------------- $399
her own personal history. “I them has not yet been earned. Florida morning has sent others ers are watching. I don’t have to
dance like her,” the great-grand- The “shoulds” still nag at us, inside for the cooler air, but I am be on the center of the floor any-
Small Claims-------------------------$199
mother. Her voice is almost a whether we like it or not: Cut drawn to the canopy of shade. It more. Evictions ----------------------------- $199
whisper. “Now, I say ‘thank your hair now, it’s more becom- is easy to see how she got her A breeze stirs up and whis- Immigration--------------------------$299
you.’ ” Then the thump, thump ing for an older person; kick off name. Like a perpetual sentry pers lightly. The grandmother Notary Public
reggae rhythm called out and the high heels and wear sensible she stands, full grown and ma- tree bobs and sways. I close my
she put down her drink and shoes; lose weight for health rea- ture long before most of us were eyes, enjoying the sounds of the Over A Hundred Different Documents Available
headed for the center of the liv- sons or else just accept that your born, formidable in size and in private show, and I wonder if Se Habla Español • Parlez Francais
ing room to prove her point. body’s shot; you’re a grand- disarray. At least 10 sets of arms Aurora is still dancing, too.
The encounter has lingered in
my mind for many years now,
her image recurring from time
mother, look your age. Even a
simple pastime should have the
potential to turn into a serious
can link around her trunk com-
fortably. Deep roots have curled
up like cords of muscle circling a Kitty Oliver is an author and
We The People ®
to time. At first I thought it was business for us to justify doing it leathery thigh. Cracks and spi- writing professor at Florida
101 E. Commercial Blvd.
just because of the cultural expe- these days. der vein scars form crevices hol- Atlantic University. She can be (1 1/2 blocks east of I-95) 954-491-2990
9571437
rience. The surprised sense of A male friend felt he was of- lowed by time. Moss, a grayish reached at www. Featured on NBC, CBS, Paul Harvey, & ABC
pride she expressed about em- fering me some friendly, sage tangle of matted, uncombed kittyoliveronline.com.
bracing this black part of her advice about my work over hair, drips copiously to the