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Thumbuki: The Cosmos in 20 Words or Less

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Sony Pulls a Magic Wand out of their...

Sony filed for a patent in December of 2004 covering what appears to be a wand similar to the Revolution controller.

Abstract: An input device for interfacing with a computing device is provided. The input device includes a body configured to be held within a human hand. The input device includes a light emitting diode (LED) affixed to the body and a power supply for the LED. A mode change activator is integrated into the body, where the mode change activator is configured to cause a change of a color of a light originating from the LED. The color change is capable of being detected to cause a mode change at the computing device. Methods for detecting input commands from an input source within a field of sight of an image capture device, and a computing system which includes the input device are provided

Though it may appear that the two devices are similar, they are in reality quite different. Sony's seems more like an accessory to the Eye Toy rather than a fully integrated controller like Nintendo's. There is no mention of tilt sensing, orientation in 3D space, or a port for modular attachments. Along with the changing LED colors scheme, I'd say this device is actually quite unsophisticated in comparison. I doubt it will be capable of responding to the flick of a wrist like the Revo Wand.

This doesn't mean that Sony couldn't use this to their advantage. Even if Sony can't match the precision and response of the Revo Wand, they could win public perception points. Misinformation runs wild on the net, and this news is no different. I suggest reading user comments at joystiq, and also this inquirer article, to see what I mean.

Remake me a sandwich, woman!

I love Resident Evil. I'm a huge fan of the series. Especially Resident Evil 4 and the Resident Evil remake for the cube. But I've yet to play the original Resident Evil on the PlayStation.

That is why I'm happy to hear they are porting the original version to the Nintendo DS, called Resident Evil: Deadly Silence. Well, porting isn't the right word, as they are adding new elements to the game utilizing the touch screen. Like the ability to slash away at your zombie opponents with a knife, and new puzzle interfaces. But overall, it'll be practically the same game.

It is my dream that Capcom will continually remake the original Resident Evil game over and over as console technology gets better. Why? Because I love haunted houses. The Resident Evil mansion is by far my favorite. Even over the one in Disneyland.

The game could be extended in many ways. For example, being able to play other characters from the story, seeing the story unfold from their point of view. Like Rebbecca Chambers, Barry Burton or Albert Wesker. There could even be an Ada Wong adventure, as we know she was involved with mansion at some point because of the x-ray puzzle in the laboratory. Game play could go through some upgrades as well. I'd love to play RE1 using the RE4 control scheme. I'd also like to play the game as a first person shooter or as a first person adventure. I wonder how they could take advantage of the Revolution controller.

Xbox is a Catastrophic Success!!

Forbes writes:

"The Xbox game console is hot, but its division has lost $4 billion in four years and isn't yet in the black." -source

Yikes!

Microsoft claims the Xbox 360 will be profitable within two years. Good one, buddy!

Just the facts, M.A.M.E.

Did you know that the average game player is 30 years old and has been playing games for 9.5 year? I bet there are a lot of things about the video game industry you don't know. If that's the case, I highly recommend you read ESA's 2005 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry. It's quite extensive, covering everything from demographics to money generated to units sold.

Old James wasn't there... I don't even know nobody named Old James.

Smith and I saw Dave Chappelle in The No saturday night. He did stand up for two hours. His set was only supposed to be for an hour. But people kept yelling random things, and he would play off of it. Basically, the second hour was him improving. He even admitted at one point that he was supposed to be done "fifteen minutes ago," and then continued for another forty five. Said he was having great time in Fresno. It's nice to see an entertainer being entertained by his audience. I'm still laughing.

I'd repeat a joke or two, but it would really be out of context.

Get your FREE iPod Battery

Thanks to a settlement, you may be entitled to a free iPod replacement battery. But you better hurry. The the cut off date is September 30th, 2005.

In order to qualify, you have to test your ipod to see if the battery lasts less than four or five hours, depending on your model. Considering that my iPod runs out of juice if I leave it off the charger over night, I think I'll be getting that new battery.

I'm testing mine right now with Adult. They are one of my favorite electronic bands. Highly recommend.

Visit AppleiPodSettlement.com for details.

An Evening with Trent Reznor. Only an evening?

I saw the Nine Inch Nails last night. What a show.

Darkside and I arrived at the arena two hours before the concert started. We got a great spot near the left side of the stage, only five or so people back. And there we watched the opening act (have no idea who they were) and then Queens of the Stone Age. QOTSA put on a great show. Hadn't really heard their music before, but they impressed me. I'd see them again without hesitation. I plan on buying their music. Their lead singer looks like Kraig Kilbourne.

Half an hour after their set was over, NIN took the stage. This is where the madness began. For the next two hours, people were perpetually trying to push themselves towards the front of the herd. I was standing in a tidal wave of people, swaying back and forth and left and right and up and down and in and out. I had to raise my arms to my chest in ensure I could continue breathing while being compressed by a very personal audience.

After the first 30 minutes, something unexpected happened. Me and a large unspecified number of people glided to the right. I found myself center stage, in front of Trent for almost the rest of the show. There were five rows of people in front of me. Considering how compact we all were, I would say it was the equivalent of being in the second or third row of a seated show. Yeah!

Speaking of being compact. Do you have any idea of what it's like being squished in the middle of hundreds of screaming fans jumping up and down? It's very hot and very wet. We were all sweating like pigs. At one point, I had to stand on my toes to get my head above the crowd, just so I could get a breath of fresh cool air. I can only describe it as disgusting, but fun. I also got elbowed in the face, and had my glasses kicked off my head by a floater.

By the time the show was over, my long sleeve shirt was drenched in sweat. Who's sweat, I don't know. I just know that everyone desperately needed a shower. I skipped the traditional trip to Denny's after a concert because of the indescribable nastiness that I was soaked in.

But how was the show?

That's easy. NIN rocked!! I give it an eleven.