IWON

Back Up and Running!

Randi — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:40:00 EDT

You may have noticed that IWON encountered a few snags over the past few days. I just learned that these little glitches could have caused some inaccuracies in your coin totals or made it difficult for you to access your favorite games. The second I heard about this, I ran over to Ben to see exactly what was happening here.

He told me that in an effort to continuously improve the site, the team ran into some hardware problems, which caused all those unfortunate little bugs to appear. However, since our tech team rocks, they worked their talented butts off to get these issues fixed as quickly as possible so you could get back to gaming and earning those coins. And once again, they've made the site better than ever!

However, unfortunately, we can't award you any coins you may have earned while the site was having these problems. We're all really sorry about that, and we promise to make it up to you by giving you more fun ways to earn lots of coins soon! (Stay tuned!)

However, Ben wanted me to make sure that you contact customer service if things still aren't looking quite right. Go to iwon2.custhelp.com and click the Contact Support tab at the top of the page for some assistance.

Thanks for your patience and understanding, as always!

My June Obsessions

Randi — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:03:00 EDT

Ah, my obsessive personality rears its pretty little head yet again! It's a new month and that means a new crop of obsessions. So what's heating me up at this very moment? Check it out and see!

Fabulous: Kris Allen taking top honors on American Idol. Now I must admit, I had been an Adam Lambert fan through and through. But this guy is just so darn gracious (not to mention adorably cute!) And let's face it...Adam's career is unlikely to suffer as a result of taking the number two spot. If anything, he's lucky he won't have to sing that awful song about hurricanes or mountains or tornadoes or who knows what else.

Funny - The return of Zack Morris! All of us die-hard Saved by the Bell fans out there got an extra special treat when Mark Paul Gosselaar, oops, I mean Zack Morris, appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. It seems that Zack (who had to change his name to Mark Paul Gosselaar since there was already a Zack Morris in SAG) is now starring in a new drama on TNT. He was kind enough to catch us up on his life to date and perform with his one-and-only band, the Zack Attack! It's pure 80's perfection! Click here to see the blond Tom Cruise himself!

Fascinating - My coworkers' and my complete and utter obsession with the new IWON game, Find It. Three of us here have started to wage war against each other for bragging rights. Our current fixation is this crazy fun new game where you have to locate a number of items in a cluttered room before time runs out. Since the space vaguely resembles my own bedroom as a teenager, I think I was able to score a winning edge, and I'm currently the one to beat! Ah, victory is sweet - especially when it allows you to gloat a bit! Try it now!

What are you obsessed about this June? Tell me, tell me, tell me!

My Big Blog Makeover!

Randi — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 08:28:00 EDT

When you are a mom, you tend to think of your own look about as often as Louis Vuitton has a half-off sale. You've got bigger things to deal with, like scooping mashed up chicken off the wall after it's been thrown in a fit of laughter. But every now and then, a girl's got to take care of herself, and that's exactly what I'm about to do thanks to the folks here at IWON...

I'm getting a brand new look and trust me, it's going to be smokin' (if I do say so myself!) First, I'm headed to the salon to get a new 'do. Frankly, the wings ain't cutting it for me anymore. But even better, I'm getting a spiffy new homepage complete with a new name for this blog! And I can finally reveal what it's going to be. You ready? Drum roll, please...

Game Break with Randi!

Cool, huh! Why the name change? Well, frankly, don't you think we could all use a bit of a break in life? Well, I certainly do, and I'm here to give it to you! Get ready to hear all the news you can use and snag info on fresh new IWON features and gaming goodies. I also plan to keep you entertained and energized with pop culture news nuggets and more!

Plus, there will be some new features that you'll definitely LOVE! I know, I feel terrible not telling you what these are right away, especially since I adore spilling dirt more than The National Enquirer. But you're just going to have to come back and see what I'm talking about next week. (Blame the bigwigs, k?)

So stay tuned next week for our official unveiling. Until then, I'm off to shop for some sexy new duds to mark the special day! Later!

Shh! I'm Hunting Ducks Over Here!

Randi — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EDT

Well not for real, of course. I'm the last person to be hunting anything...well, except of course an insanely good bargain! But I have been getting into The Duck Hunter as of late. I still remember playing this game years and years ago in front of my TV. Back in those days, I had a bit more energy and a bit less fashion sense! (Two words for you: slouch socks.)

My, how things have changed! Although my crazy urge to shoot down each and every flying fowl hasn't. Sure, it's gotten the best of me at times. In fact, I think if you look really closely at the wall in my parents' den, you can probably still see where my elbow dented the wall when I lunged to hit a bird hiding behind a tree. So I got a little aggressive. Now the place has some character!

But seriously, you've got to experience this iconic game firsthand. And just think, with this version, your walls should remain in tact. Well, except of course if you have anger issues with your mouse. Check it out:

So bite the bullet and play now! Wow, I'm getting really good at these cheesy puns.

The One You've Been Waiting for Has Returned!

Randi — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:55:00 EDT

Ok, so I'm trying really hard to contain my excitement right now. Ok, breathe, Randi, breathe! It's just this news is too good, and I know you are going to go as crazy as I did. Well maybe you won't run down your street screaming in joy and scaring the neighbors, but hey, we all celebrate our own way.

Anyway, today is the day when one of our all-time favorites comes back to IWON! And I'll give you a clue about what it is...it rhymes with Fleeball!

It has a new and improved name, but it's the game that had us more addicted than a shopaholic at a half-priced Manolo Blahnik sale! Introducing Carniball! You know it well - it's got all the same fun you loved in that other game...you know, the one that sounds like Bleeball.

Check it out:

So to all who have been missing one of their most-beloved games on IWON, you can now rejoice! I would love to stay and chat longer, but I've got to get my hands on that ball! See you there!

Someone Has a Birthday Today!

Randi — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:05:00 EDT

Well, actually lots of people have birthdays today...and in June for that matter! Bet you didn't realize how many VIPs entered the world on this beautiful Spring day. Well, there are many, and here are just a few:

Andy Griffith - Sheriff Andy Taylor (a.k.a, Matlock, a personal favorite of mine) turns 83 today. You wore those white suits well, my friend!

Marilyn Monroe - A woman who needs no introduction! How could you NOT miss this screen goddess? No one does blond bombshell the way you do, Miss Marilyn!

Alanis Morissette - You oughta know when her birthday is! If not, you could end up like Dave Coulier!

Heidi Klum - She's on her fourth bambino and she still rocks the catwalk. Ugh, it's so hard not to hate her!

Santana Moss - I know he's on a rival team to my fave NY Giants, but since his brother plays with the G-men, I'll do my best to overlook this itty-bitty flaw of his.

And of course, there is one other birthday I could never forget...my hubby's! And you know what that means for me...a night filled with James Bond, Playstation 3, and greasy take-out food! And I simply wouldn't have it any other way.

To the love of my life and the financier of my shopping addiction, you simply are the best! And to all you June 1 birthdays and well, anyone celebrating a birthday this month, live it up and have a fantastic day!

Air Hockey, Anyone?

Randi — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:30:00 EDT

So my husband and I have always had a bit of a rivalry, and it surrounds one of the greatest games on the planet...Air Hockey! You see, every time we come across an Air Hockey table, he and I become crazy competitive and feel the need to take each other down. And we aren't the most mature about it either. Frankly, it's winner takes all, which means bragging rights for the next month or so. Because of this, I have to employ some serious strategy.

When I start to play, I get in the same mindset as when I'm at a long-awaited sample sale. If I don't break a sweat and go home victorious, then my efforts were simply a waste. Now his approach is a bit different. He just pretends Giants season tickets are on the line, and thus does everything in his power to win. (Nothing stops a fan who's been on the waiting list for 12 years and counting...)

So when we found Air Hockey on IWON, you can imagine how psyched we both were. Now I'm ashamed to admit this, but it took me a few minutes to hit my stride. I think I was a bit too aggressive at first, and as a result, I kept scoring on myself. What can I say? I play hardcore! But then I realized it's all in the wrist, and from that point on, I was golden. Now my hubby...well I'm assuming he's in a pretty good game right now because I'm hearing grunts coming from where his computer is located.

Give it a shot...haha, get it? A shot? As in taking a shot with an Air Hockey puck? Ok, so I'm lame today, but at least my game hasn't suffered because of it!

Randi's Summer Entertainment Preview

Randi — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:50:00 EDT

This past Monday evening, I settled into my nice cozy den with my husband, ready to experience another action-packed hour of Bauer power. It didn't take long for me to realize that my dear Jack was on hiatus until next January (barring of course any run-ins Kiefer may have with the law, which could push the next season premiere even further away. All of us 24 fans beg you to stay out of trouble, Kief!) Anyway, it occurred to me that I better find some other summer entertainment options to keep me occupied or else I'll surely get into trouble. And by trouble, I mean I'll be forced to bide my time shopping online, which will not make the husband too pleased for reasons I need not spell out.

So I searched around and found a couple of entertainment-related goodies that are sure to keep us all satiated until our favorite heroes of the small screen return to us in the fall. Take a look:

Lockup: Raw - For those of you who don't know, I have a secret obsession: Prison documentaries. I don't know what it is about caged criminals, but I can't get enough of shows that take a close look at their life on the inside. That's why when I found out a new season of Lockup: Raw was debuting this summer on MSNBC, I knew I had to set a recurring reminder on my oh-so important DVR. If you share my passion, you'll want to do the same.

My Sister's Keeper - I am personally a huge fan of Jodi Picoult, and this film adaptation of her highly successful novel is one I've been waiting for with bated breath. Follow the story of a young woman who was conceived in order to be a donor for her cancer-stricken sister. Heart-wrenching? Totally...and that's why I love it! (Opens June 26)

Intervention - I find it nearly impossible to take my eyes off of this dramatic A&E reality series that depicts the high cost of addiction. This puts the real in reality, and it's a do-not-miss show for the summer.

Bruno - Love him or hate him, you know you cannot wait to see what Sasha Baron Cohen is going to do next. And in this highly-awaited follow up film to the smash hit, Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (a true comedic masterpiece), this one won't likely disappoint. However, a word to the wise here...best to leave the kiddies at home for this one. (Opens July 10)

Any summer entertainment events you can't wait for? Do share!

Talia's Tidbits - Coins, Stats and Game Screens!

Randi — Sun, 24 May 2009 08:03:00 EDT

It's been a while since we've heard from our girl Talia, so I figured I'd check in on her and see what she's been up to these days. Well, sure enough she's getting into the spirit of summer by partaking in one of her favorite activities - baking! She just created a remarkable fruit tart that would make your mouth water! And even better, she brought it into the office for all to share! So while I stuff my face with some fruity goodness, I'm going to let her take over because it's really hard to type with a full mouth! Take it away Talia!

Hi Ran! Careful there, don't choke on those strawberries, ok? No need to scarf - I'm happy to bring in more. Anyway, I'm actually really glad to get the chance to talk to you because I have been fielding some questions about our new and improved coin module in the game screens. I'm thinking you might be interested in hearing more about it. So let me tell you about some of the inquiries that have been coming my way:

The box at the bottom of the game screen seems to look different. What's changed?

We have added some pretty cool features to what's known as our coin module at the lower left corner of your game screen. Here are a couple of cool new elements:

You can access your stats, which include your Daily Non-Casino Coins, Daily Casino Coins and Daily Team Challenge Coins.

We added back your player rank.

You will now be alerted when you bet coins (a red alert comes up with the amount you've selected) and when you've won coins (a different alert appears in yellow).

You will also be notified when you have reached your maximum coin limits via a message in text and individual icons.

All this is to help you track your progress as you rack up coins while playing your IWON favorites!

I just joined a team in Team Challenge. Will all the coins I've racked up from the beginning of the day be reflected in this new module?

If you join a team in the middle of the day, the coins you win after that point will count toward your team. Anything you've earned before that is not eligible even though it may be reflected in the module. Here's another Team Challenge nugget for you. If you choose to play a game where you can bet coins and you lose them, your Team Challenge total will not be impacted. So bet away!

What are those little icons that I keep seeing toward the bottom of that box?

Those represent the maximum coin limits that you've reached for the day. Here's what each means:

You've hit your max Non-Casino Coins for the day.

You've hit your max Casino Coins for the day.

You've hit your max Team Challenge Non-Casino Coins for the day.

You've hit your max Team Challenge Casino Coins for the day.

Well, I have to run. I better get started on another fruit tart since Randi seems to have devoured most of this one.

Good luck, everyone!

Memorial Day Weekend - The Official Start of Summer!

Randi — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:07:00 EDT

I know it's only Thursday, but I'm officially declaring today the start of Memorial Day weekend! Woohoo! C'mon, you all know you are going to blow off work tomorrow or just surf around the Internet until the day is over, which hopefully will be a few hours earlier than normal. Not me of course. As always, I will be the consummate professional and set a good example for those around me by getting ahead on my workload. (Ok, you can stop laughing now.)

Anyway, part of what makes this holiday weekend so darn special is the fact that it's the official start of summer! Even though the solstice isn't scheduled to arrive for another month or so, it's time to get into that summer state of mind. And that means we need to formally welcome everything that represents this sensational season. Here are just a few things to celebrate as we head into the warmer (and hopefully sunnier) months:

The return of white clothing - For all you fashionistas out there, break out those wonderful whites. It is now officially chic to don your favorite shade of this classic color day or night.

The season premiere of Wipeout- Why anyone would want to purposefully go on this show and risk life and limb is beyond me. But it's pretty damn entertaining to watch crazy folks as they face the "Big Balls"! (I swear I didn't make that name up.) Check it out on ABC.

Holidays are back! - The drought is over! I don't know if you've noticed, but there are no public holidays that fall between Presidents Day and Memorial Day for which we get out of work. The fact that Memorial Day is here means all who are thirsty for some time off can drink up! And just think, July 4 is only a little over a month away!

The barbecue comes out of hibernation - Fire up the grill, boys and girls. It's time for the smell of smokey charcoal to fill the streets. If any of you out there happen to be grilling gods or goddesses, I'm free for dinner any night of the week!

Outdoor dining becomes the norm - What makes your favorite restaurant even better? How about snacking in the sweet summer air? There's nothing better than seeing those patio umbrellas unfold as delectable dishes are delivered right to your plate!

And of course, let's not forget what Memorial Day itself is all about - marking the service of our hard-working troops, and the sacrifices they made for us. You continue to put your lives on the line and for that we will always be grateful. To all who have served or are currently serving, we at IWON salute you!

Now, what are you psyched about this summer? Tell me what you've been waiting for so I can get even more excited about the start of my favorite season. In the meantime, I'm going to get ready for the beach. I hear the weather is going to be just splendid! Later!