Friday morning briefing: NFL favorites, and thanks to veterans

Good morning. Welcome to Freedom New Mexico’s Friday morning briefing.

State says thanks to veterans

New Mexico State Parks will honor military veterans and current military service members on Veterans Day — Wednesday — by waiving day use and camping fees at all New Mexico State Parks.

“This is one way we can say thanks to our veterans,” said State Parks Director Dave Simon in a news release. “Public parks are one of the great things about America that veterans have served to protect.”

The waiver applies to all active duty and retired veterans and their immediate families (spouse and children) at all New Mexico state parks on Veterans Day only, the news release said. Veterans should identify themselves as such to State Parks staff or campground hosts upon entrance to the parks.

Play time:

Jenna Zamie, a copy editor for the Clovis News Journal and Portales News-Tribune, spends much of her free time playing video games.

Here are summaries of three recent releases that interest her:

Game: Tekken 6

Genre: Fighting

System: 360, PS3, PSP, Arcade

What is it? The latest entry in the Tekken series features a big cast and an entertaining campaign mode, as well as plenty of customization.

ESRB rating: Teen

Web site: http://tekken.namco.com

Game: Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time

Genre: 3D Platformer

System: PS3

What is it? The conclusion to a trilogy that began with “Tools of Destruction,” this platformer features clever time manipulation puzzles and smooth combat.

ESRB rating: Everyone 10+

Web site: http://www.us.playstation.com/ratchetandclank

Game: Forza Motorsport 3

Genre: Racing

System: 360

What is it? Building on its predecessors, Forza 3 offers hundreds of cars to customize and has a wide selection of tracks to race on.

ESRB rating: Everyone

Web site: http://forzamotorsport.net/

Web site of the day

This is a Facebook group for self-proclaimed Clovisites:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49544668578&v=info&ref=search

Something to do

Students and their parents are invited to visit the Arts Academy at Bella Vista’s Braveheart Coffee Shop this morning. Fresh coffee and pastries are available. It opens at 8:30 a.m. ... and closes when the food’s gone.

Question of the day

Who is your favorite pro football team and why?

Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Today’s weather:

Friday will be sunny, breezy and pleasant in the Portales/Clovis area, with a high of 80 and a low of 43, according to Accuweather.

South and southwest winds will blow between 5 and 20 mph, depending on the area and time, according to the National Weather Service.

— by Argen Duncan