// Use this for initialization
    void Start()
    {
        //push instance to static
        s_instance = this;

        //get helper script references
        m_gameboard = TTT_Gameboard.GetInstance();

        //initialize the game history data
        m_game_history = new GameHistory();
        m_game_history.Initialize();

        //begin by selecting the marks each player will use
        m_player_mark_sprites = new Sprite[NUMBER_OF_PLAYERS];
        selectPlayerMarks();
    }
    private const float WIN_PULSE_DELAY = 0.4f;//the timing between pulses of tiles showing a winning sequence

    #endregion

    #region Mono Methods

    private void Start()
    {
        s_instance       = this;
        m_board_image    = GetComponent <Image>();
        m_board_rectform = GetComponent <RectTransform>();
    }