The original Trials game was an online phenomenon, occupying any decent procrastinator’s tab at work or school. A couple of years back, Trials HD brought the much adored franchise to Xbox 360 with enhanced graphics, realistic physics and a level of difficulty rarely seen in modern games. When Trials Evolution released last week, it broke XBLA records for most units sold in a single day. The demand for the game is more than present and thankfully, the addicting gameplay that made the original so memorable is back, and it is better than ever.

Simple to pick up, impossible to master is the absolute core of the Trials series. You control a motorcycle rider on a linear path. The only thing you are allowed to do is adjust the throttle and adjust your lean forwards or backwards. The physics in play here can make or break a game, with a lucky bounce pushing you in the right angle or too much weight on one side making you slam on to the pavement. Checkpoints are gracefully placed before any obstacle on the track, letting you snap back to a safe spot instantly when you tumble off your bike.

What was arguably the only problem with Trials HD were the repetitive warehouse environments. Thankfully developer Red Lynx took that to heart and made every level in Trials Evolution stand out with unique environments. Some tracks will take place on a traditional dirt bike trail, while others will take top a mountain or into a warzone, replacing small hills with walls of explosives. This makes unlocking new levels an absolute joy. The line the rider follows will also swerve every once in a while, allowing for a new mix of challenges for new players. Throw in some sweet special levels like the 15 minute marathon that is the Gigatrack and the awesome nod to Limbo and the visual variety does not disappoint.

Multiplayer has been added in both local and online game modes. Every game mode is a variation of racing and time trials with each track being played twice in a two track “championship.” Crashes will cause you to lose points while a successful finish will earn you points depending on the position. Despite some long matchmaking times, it is a fun distraction and can be even more competitive locally.

The quirky skills circus from the last game has been expanded, this time providing ridiculous challenges such as finishing a level without letting go of the throttle and replacing your motorcycle with skis.

Another nice touch is the level editor the designers used to create the game. The basic editor lets players post tracks online for others to try, but the advanced editor lets players rewrite the script of the game, allowing for different styles of genres to be explored. Bring back Marvel Madness? Create a 3D Angry Birds? The possibilities in store are ridiculous and a strong community is sure to keep the content coming.

As far as bang for your buck, you cannot go wrong with Trials Evolution. Sixty single player levels, a fully-fledged level editor and a strong multiplayer suite are more content than some retail games offer. Trying to break gold in every level is a mad man’s task, especially when you reach the devilish “Extreme” difficulty, but the sense of progression is always present, with new gear for your bike or rider being constantly unlocked. When it comes down to it, if you ever spent time on Addictinggames.com while you were supposed to be writing a ten page paper, you owe it to yourself to get Trials Evolution.

Amazon knows how to treat its gaming customers well and today is selling 2009′s finest Modern Warfare 2, Assassin’s Creed II and Left 4 Dead 2 at $39.99.

What’s more, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 can be snagged as today’s Deal of the Day for a mind-bendingly low price of $19.99.

Of note, the PS3 Modern Warfare 2 is, oddly, selling for $49.99 and of course L4D2 is only available for Xbox 360.

Modern Warfare 2

Assassin’s Creed II

Left 4 Dead 2

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2

If you aren’t one the millions already enjoying the spoils of Modern Warfare 2, today is the day you’ll surely enlist.

Both mega-retailer Wal-Mart and online shopping hot-spot Amazon are offering the PS3 “Hardened” version of the Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2 for the staggeringly low price of $49 with free shipping.

Cheap thrills.

The Hardened Edition includes the  game,  a steel book with metallic finish, art book, game manual and a token to download the original Call of Duty on the PlayStation Network and usually sells for $79.

That’s a savings of $30 for a stellar first-person-shooter to help get you through the cold winter days.

Note: The deal is for the PS3 version only.

Amazon

Wal-Mart

Oh, September. The air is getting crisp. Sweaters are finding their way back into your wardrobe…

and Boston has yet again been inundated with college students.

This leaves two challenges to those in the midst of it all. First challenge, to the college students: Stuff to do, places to go…without breaking the bank (Does Sallie Mae own your soul? Maybe just a part of it). And the second challenge, to those out of college, hoping to now escape the College Bubble: avoiding the college kids – there are places you’ll have to proceed with caution.

Luckily for us, Places to Go/Proceed with Caution all fit into one category.

After all, college is getting more and more impossibly expensive, and not every student has mommy and daddy’s plastic. To those of you who busted your butt for scholarships and worked summers and weekends to save money, fear not! There are things to do that won’t make you fear graduating with only enough money left to buy your cap and gown.

And, for those who want to forget or let go of the College Bubble, you will certainly enjoy these places, but here is a warning: The College Bubble may find its way in.

Boloco:

The ultra-popular burrito company has been Certified Green, the meat that they do use has no added growth hormones, no antibiotics, and is vegetarian fed, and the fact that their menu itself offers gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options…

For one, I have never been in a Boloco where the people working there weren’t way too friendly and nice for people whose job it is to wrap up burritos all day long. I don’t know if it’s the music, the food or happy pills…everyone is always courteous and smiling.

I once ordered a burrito unaware that its ingredients were not all vegetarian-friendly. Not only did the girl taking my order notify me before I paid, she gave me an email address to contact the company with, since many vegetarians had tried to order the menu item. I thought, why not? Not only did the company let me know they were in the process of making a vegetarian option, they gave me a free burrito!

Last, but not least: discounts. Though, let’s face it, Boloco’s prices are much better than some other city options, especially for the quality you get in return, but it doesn’t stop there! Even if you can’t get Boloco with your student meal plan, you don’t have to feel guilty. Boloco is often included in student coupon books, and if you sign up for a Boloco card, you get perks: free birthday burrito, the chance to try new types of burritos for free, and you can build points toward…you guessed it, free food.

Bookstore:

Ok, anti-College Bubble-ites, I know you’re probably thinking ‘bookstores? How dare you stop me from going to the bookstore!’ but let’s not jump to conclusions. We’ll just give you a ‘be prepared’, that’s all.

Think about it. Most bookstores have coffee shops (caffeine!), comfy chairs (not a dorm chair!) and lots of different things to read (not your research paper!). Be warned, once you find a good book, you’re either stuck on that comfy chair until that last drop of espresso runs dry, or you may (gasp!) purchase something. I’m talking to you, freshman-who-just-paid-for-that-latte-with-all-dimes.

Come on, support bookstores! Support the magazine and newspaper industry!

MFA:

Aside from the fact that many college students may want to visit the MFA if they are attending an art school or are genuinely interested in art, some schools in the Boston area are offered free general admittance for students with a student ID.

For full info on admission to the museum, community days and more, visit http://mfa.org/visit/

But wait! There’s more!

The MFA has a theater, where you can view films from all over for the cost of $6-10.

ICA:

In general, the ICA is an interesting way to spend an evening, from its exhibits and programs to its unique location. Just keep in mind, if you want to avoid the college crowd you may want to watch out for…
Target Free Thursday Nights! Every Thursday from 5-9PM when admission is free. Go ahead and turn on your iPod to drown out the student reflections on last night’s episode of Gossip Girl. After all, a museum visit is a great way to relax and reflect after work.

The Otherside Cafe:

Loud noises!

The music, the food, the waitstaff…and yes, the very loud music is one-of-a-kind in this terminally hip joint across the street from Berklee. If you’re trying to avoid college students you might be in trouble, but if you are longing for some good food an earful of an entire album on full blast, by all means get to the other side of that street and wait for a table (because you’ll almost definitely have to wait)! While the prices may be slightly more, it’s not outrageous for the location or the portion of food you get. And I’ve never heard a complaint about the food, whether it be breakfast, sandwich, baked goods…and oh yes, I’ve spent more than a few minutes debating over the Brie Cheese Sandwich or a slice of Pecan Pie.

…I know, I know, why not get both?

College students – grab those student coupon books. Grab a buy one, get one free coupon to a coffee shop and go with a friend! Get a few dollars off your next ice cream sundae! You can even get deals on hair cuts and manicures, or you could always go to Blaine Beauty School for a reduced rate on hair and nail treatments. If you’re interested in theater, there are always student rush tickets and student discounts. Or if you’d like to listen to some spectacular music in one of the best sounding music halls in the world, The Boston Symphony offers tickets to open rehearsals for $19, a college card for $25 dollars (see up to 25 performances), and rush tickets for $9.

Have a Charlie Card? Use it! And we don’t just mean for hoppin’ on the B line. Many places accept the Charlie Card for discounts.

So there you have it. Even if you’re trying to avoid a swarm of college students, you may find it difficult to avoid any of these favorite places. We don’t blame you. Who doesn’t love burritos, art and music? Take advantage of some of the offers here as well – we won’t tell anyone.

[update] the deal appears to be dead as of 1:30 pm

One of this fall’s finest music-games, Guitar Hero 5 for Xbox 360 is available today on Amazon for $30 off, or a very appealing $29.97.

Couple that with FREE 2-day shipping, and well, you’re on your way to gaming bliss!

No idea how long this deal will last, so I’d get in while the going’s good. The Holiday season is right around the corner and really, who wouldn’t want Guitar Hero 5 in their stocking?

Sorry PS3 and Wii rockers, this deal isn’t for your system of choice, and just so we’re all clear, it’s the software only, no instruments.

Guitar Hero 5 $29.97 on Amazon

Ah, summertime: refreshing cocktails, days at the beach, s’mores over a campfire…and hair so frizzy it looks like you’ve been electrocuted? Let’s face it: we wait all year for this season, but it isn’t without its own beauty woes. And these days, who has the money to spend on fancy products? The good news: you don’t need Angelina Jolie’s bank account, hair stylist or dermatologist to be gorgeous this summer. We’re spilling the dirt on beauty steals you didn’t even know you already had. Blast is sharing some alternate uses for products already in your cabinet, and the best news? They work!

• Is the hot weather giving you greasy hair? Are you camping and unable to shower? Forget shelling out the big bucks on trendy dry shampoos; some baby powder or cornstarch works just fine. Just sprinkle a little on your roots, leave it there for a couple of minutes to soak up the oil, rub it out with your fingers and voila!
• Is the humidity turning your hair into a frizzy mess? Have no fear,‚  just head to your kitchen. Rub a few drops of olive oil together in your hands and lightly pat onto dry or damp hair. If your hair tends to be greasy, apply it to the ends of your hair only to smooth any split ends. It may sound gross, but mayonnaise also works wonders on dry, frizzy hair. Apply a small amount of it as you would conditioner, cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on for up to 30 minutes, rinse it out and then shampoo. Or try mixing 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 quart of water and pour it through your hair in the shower in lieu of your regular conditioner, then rinse it out. Do this once a week. Depending on your hair length and your preference, you may have to experiment with the ratio. Another super easy and totally free fix is to simply end your shower with a quick rinse of cool water, which will seal the hairs’ cuticles and leave your mane smooth, shiny and manageable.
• Summer’s heat and humidity can wreak havoc on acne-prone skin. But there’s no need to shell out lots of dough on expensive skincare products or subject your skin to harsh chemicals, perfumes, dyes and preservatives. There are a plethora of homemade skincare options – so many that we couldn’t list them all. But don’t worry, we chose from some of our favorites. Do you have oatmeal and baking soda in your pantry? Grind 2 teaspoons of oatmeal (a coffee grinder will work just fine), mix it with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and slowly add water to make a paste. Gently rub the paste onto your face and rinse well. Or raid your medicine cabinet and take out some aspirin, which is a natural source of salicylic acid, a popular ingredient in acne products. Crush 3-5 tablets (un-coated plain white pills) and mix the powder with water to form a paste. Gently rub the paste onto your skin and leave it on until dry. Now rinse and enjoy your new smooth skin. Feeling a little adventurous? Add a couple squirts of honey to the aspirin powder and then add the water to form a paste. After cleansing, always splash your face with cold water to close the pores.
• Does your skin get super oily in the summer? Try a homemade toner. You’ll have to experiment with the recipe, but start off with 2/3 part water to 1/3 part apple cider vinegar (ACV). If your skin can handle it, eventually move up to a 50/50 concoction. We recommend using distilled or filtered water. Shake the mix well, soak a cotton ball with it, and apply it to the face each night after cleansing. ACV is packed with vitamins and minerals and is, among many things, known to help regulate oil production. If you’ve got some tea tree oil or want to shell out some bucks to buy some, add a few drops to the toner for an added bacteria-killing benefit. Warning: this toner does not smell good. But if you want clear, radiant skin, get over it!
• Make sure your legs are bikini ready by exfoliating for a closer shave, a more even tan and fewer ingrown hairs. The aspirin mask mentioned above does wonders at sloughing off dead skin and eradicating those pesky ingrowns. Great alternatives to store-bought body scrubs (can you believe Fresh sells one made with brown sugar for $65?!) are ridiculously simple. Mix 1 cup of granulated sugar or brown sugar and 1/2 cup of oil – any vegetable oil will do. Sea salt and Epsom salts are wonderful at exfoliating the skin, and can be used all over the body; just mix 1/2 cup of the salts with 1/2 cup of vegetable, olive, or baby oil, or simply scrub your skin with some salts mixed with a little water.
• Got dry legs? Exfoliate them, of course! Also, try using hair conditioner as a substitute for shaving cream.
• Hot summer days equal embarrassing sweat and odor. Forget expensive “clinical strength” antiperspirants that contain aluminum (yuck!) and stick to the basics: Rubbing baking soda or cornstarch onto dry armpits should do the trick. If sweaty, stinky feet are a problem, brew a strong batch of black tea, let it cool, and soak your feet in it for 20-30 minutes. The pore-closing tannins in black tea will solve your problem. Or take Cosmopolitan magazine’s advice and do this routine every night for two weeks: soak a cloth in some strong black tea, allow it to cool, and put it on each armpit for five minutes. If excess sweating has caused some BO and your deodorant just isn’t cutting it, soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to your armpits. Don’t worry, the vinegary smell will disappear within a few minutes.
• Spent too long sunbathing and now you’re paying for it with a sunburn? Don’t distress! As long as your burn isn’t blistering or oozing, try some of these remedies. Apply a cloth soaked in apple cider vinegar to the affected areas, and then apply a moisturizer, preferably one containing aloe and/or vitamin e, since ACV is drying. Add Epsom salts or oatmeal to your bathwater and relax. Soak a cloth in a mixture of warm (not hot!) water and dissolved baking soda and apply it to your skin. Got a cucumber? It’s not just for salads and soothing your eyes; rub your skin with its cool slices. This one is strange, but it works: soak a cloth in cool milk and apply it to your skin, leaving it on for about 20 minutes, then rinse. Plain yogurt can also do wonders. Apply it to the burn, leave it on for about 10 minutes and rinse with cool water. Another, less strange, solution is to make some tea (any kind will do), drink it, relax and apply the cooled tea bags to your burn.
• It’s no mystery that chlorine wreaks havoc on your hair. But why spend money on clarifying shampoo when you can use what you already have? Once again apple cider vinegar earns a gold star: rinse your hair with it in the shower to remove product and chemical build-up. Baking soda also offers a solution: mix 1 tablespoon or so of it with your shampoo in your hand, suds as usual, leave it on for a few minutes, rinse and enjoy chlorine-free locks. Another awesome tip? Before swimming, wet your hair and apply your conditioner to it but do not rinse it out; this will prevent the chlorine from penetrating your hair. After swimming, be sure to shampoo and condition as usual.

So, Blast readers, got your own summer beauty solutions? Comment below and help your fellow readers with cabinet-raiding, beautifying, cheap summer tips. And please, if you have adverse reactions to any of the recipes above, discontinue your use of them and see a doctor.