Play Genesis & TurboGrafx 16 On Nintendo Revolution

It was previously announced that Nintendo's next generation console, the Revolution, which is designed to compete with the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, will have an online library of games available for download.

Now, according to a story on USA Today's Web Site, Nintendo's online gaming service also will offer Sega and TurboGrafx games.

Playing Genesis games on a Nintendo console may seem a bit odd, especially to old school gamers who might remember the heated rivalry between Nintendo and Sega during the height of the 16-bit era video games with the Sega Genesis and Nintendo's Super Nintendo and the 8-bit era with Sega's Master System and Nintendo's Entertainment System.

While most of these games have been available as illegal emulated ROMs or playable on GameTap's online service, it will be interesting to actually play them on a home console and especially interesting playing them on a Nintendo console given the history.

It will sure be fun playing Phantasy Star, Wonder Boy and Alex Kidd on the Revolution.

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The Simpsons On For Another Two Seasons

Fox has ordered two more seasons of the Simpsons. These next two seasons will make it the 18th and 19th seasons that the Simpsons have had on the air. It will also mark the 400th episode, according to a story on CNN.com.

The entire cast also has been locked-in for these new seasons.

As much as I love watching the Simpsons, the later seasons have really been no where as good as earlier seasons. I'm afraid two more seasons of the Simpsons will just end up running it to the ground.

Besides, what ever happened to that movie idea that was supposed to happen?

DSL Gained 41 Million New Subscribers In 2005

• Over 112,000 a Day Choose Broadband DSL in 2005
• 138.8 Million DSL Subscribers Worldwide by December 2005
• 20 Countries Go Over the One Million Subscriber Mark

LONDON, March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Another 41 million homes and businesses -- over 112,000 every day around the world -- selected digital subscriber line (DSL) technology for broadband connectivity in 2005. By 31 December 2005, there were 138.8 million broadband DSL subscribers globally, according to the latest data produced for the DSL Forum by industry analyst Point Topic. In the year, DSL subscriber levels grew by 42% -- at a rate of almost 800,000 per week.

Regionally, the European Union (EU) remained the largest DSL population worldwide, adding 16.7 million subscribers in the year -- a growth of 53% -- and at a total of 48.2 million DSL subscribers, now accounting for almost 35% of the world market.

The Middle East and Africa was the fastest growing region, increasing its DSL subscriber base by 112.5% in 2005, to reach a total of almost three million. Turkey added more than one million new subscribers and accounted for almost 70% of the region's growth in the year. Latin America saw a growth of 79% to reach 6.37 million DSL subscribers, led principally by subscriber increases in Brazil (up 1.27 million) and Mexico (up 912,000).

By the end of 2005, there were 20 countries with a DSL subscriber population of more than one million. Half of these are in Europe (both the EU and other Europe), but each region worldwide is represented in the list. Five countries passed the million mark during 2005: Sweden, Switzerland, Mexico, Poland and Turkey.

China, which has comfortably the highest DSL country population worldwide, added 9.4 million new subscribers in 2005, and now accounts for almost 94% of the total subscriber base in South and South East Asia. The USA, one of the first markets to deploy DSL commercially, remains the second largest country in the world for this access technology that is at the core of global communications networks.

Michael Brusca, chairman and president of the DSL Forum says: "We are continuously developing technical specifications to enhance the ability of service providers to deliver multiple services simultaneously over broadband, efficiently and effectively, providing automated and remote management facilities to increase the quality of the total customer experience. That, coupled with our inclusive approach to encompass various types of access platform, improves the economics of broadband service delivery, enabling greater global market growth."

Of the emerging DSL nations, the Czech Republic, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand and Venezuela all showed over 80% growth in 2005 from a small subscriber base at the end of 2004. India showed the highest percentage growth worldwide (over 400%) to reach 639,000 subscribers by the end December 2005.

Even in well-established markets with over a million subscribers at the end of 2004, three countries experienced DSL subscriber growth of over 60%: Australia (up 89.1%), the UK (up 73.2%) and Brazil (up 67%). Four further major countries grew by around 50%: China (up 55.6%), Germany (up 55%), Spain (up 50%) and France (up 49.2%).

In terms of market penetration, 17 countries have achieved the initial mass-market status of at least 20% of phone lines delivering broadband DSL services. Major markets with over a million subscribers make up 11 of these, with a further six smaller countries at 20% or more.

Of the major markets, Germany and Sweden are fast approaching this mass-market status with over 19% of penetration. China has also significantly increased DSL its penetration -- 12.3% of phone lines are delivering services over DSL. In North America, DSL continued its progress with Canada reaching a 16.8% DSL penetration of phone lines.

Among smaller population countries, six have already exceeded 20% of telephone lines delivering broadband DSL services to homes and businesses. Iceland and New Zealand are close to reaching mass-market status, with over 19% penetration each.

"As more nations join the global DSL community, and an ever-growing number of homes and businesses sign up to the benefits of broadband DSL, simplifying the provisioning and management of multiple services -- from data to voice and video -- becomes even more important to customer satisfaction and service provider efficiency," says Michael Brusca.
"Inside customers' premises, there are increasing numbers and types of devices to connect to the core broadband service, each requiring configuration and management that can now be handled remotely using the growing range of Technical Reports developed by the DSL Forum. In the coming year, our priority will be to expand that portfolio of specifications even further, and to continue addressing the end-to-end architecture of today's and tomorrow's communications networks."

For regional pie chart, top countries for DSL subscribers and market penetration tables see http://www.dslforum.org/PressRoom/0604_Q405dsl_figures.pdf

Sensor Detects When Food Goes Stale

An electronic smart sensor designed to detect if the freshness of foods has expired or not has been developed by a team of engineering students at the University of Florida.

The sensor also records and wirelessly transmits information to retailers about any glitches that may occur.

“We think this sensor will make the perishable supply chain both safer and more efficient,” said Bruce Welt, an assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering and a faculty adviser on the project. “Hopefully, that will translate into lower cost, better quality products for consumers.”

It's about time something like this is being pushed for development. I don't know how many times I've bought food or milk and thought it was fresh and upon opening it, I get a smell like it's been sitting outside for a week in the hot summer weather.

But, while this sounds good, I thought something like this has been talked about and developed already using RFID?

Sony Lowers Price of PSP to $199.99

FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced Wednesday that it will continue to expand its successful PSP platform by making a new PSP hardware package available for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $199.99 USD ($229.99 CND). Consumers will be able to purchase the new PSP system at this price, complete with AC adaptor and battery, beginning March 22nd. The new PSP hardware package offers consumers the same access to game titles, music, movies, communication and wireless networking.

"The PSP is the first portable device to deliver upon the promise of console quality game play, and together with the ever evolving multimedia capabilities, provides consumers with functionality never seen before in a portable device," said Jack Tretton, executive vice president and co-COO, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "This new price point demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide the best entertainment experiences, at affordable prices." Since its launch on March 24, 2005, the PSP system has evolved continuously with a system software update adding new and attractive features such as Internet browsing, Location Free TV support, and playback of high- quality video (H.264 / AVC MP Level3) stored on Memory Stick Duo(TM).

Following a record-setting launch last year, the PSP system has quickly become a cultural icon and a market-altering force with more than 15 million units shipped worldwide. As of this month in North America, there are more than 107 games available for the PSP system and more than 347 feature films, TV programs and videos from major studios combining with downloadable content from the Internet to create an unmatched library of entertainment content. The PSP system has also served as an important driver in retail sales, bringing in more than $1.6 billion as of calendar year 2005, more than both Xbox 360 and Nintendo DS combined.

In honor of the first anniversary, Sony Computer Entertainment America will introduce a new USB camera in the spring. By continuing to add new accessories and functionality, the company aims to expand the market and widen the consumer base.

Visit Sony on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com/ .
Source: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

This price point should definetly get a lot more PSP's in the hands of gamers everywhere. Now, if they can somehow get more games released, it will make the whole thing worth it.

Biggest Workplace Pet Peeves

Loud talkers, cell phones, PDA's. These things are among the list of the top things that really annoy people in the workplace, according to survey results released by Randstad USA, a workforce solutions company.

The top pet peeves listed from the results are:

• Nine percent find the use of PDAs during meetings to be offensive.
• 11 percent find it annoying when colleagues engage in personal conversations in the workplace.
• 22 percent cite the use of speakerphones in public areas as one of their biggest complaints.
• 30 percent listed cell phones ringing at work as one of their greatest annoyances.
• Nearly one-third (32 percent) rated loud talkers as one of their biggest pet peeves.
• 34 percent selected micromanaging as one of their biggest pet peeves.
• 37 percent cited public reprimands as a big pet peeve.
• 44 percent noted condescending tones as one of their biggest pet peeves at work.

It makes you realize why most people hate their jobs. If I was a betting man, I would say it's because their workplace contains most, if not all of the above pet peeves.

Also, did you notice some of the items listed were caused by some kind of technological thing? Speakerphones? PDA's? Cellphones? And here we were somehow led to believe that new technology is supposed to make it easier. I guess they left out the part where it makes it easier to annoy others.

John Lennon To Be Contacted On A Pay-Per-View Seance

Sometimes it is hard to avoid the crap that's put on television these days. Now, a team of psychics will travel to John Lennon related places, including to India where they will talk to a spirit reader that believes he can contact Lennon from the great beyond for an iN DEMAND Pay-Per-View special.

If that's not enough to make your eyes roll, the plan is to not only have this Indian spirit reader contact him, but somehow get John Lennon's spirit to write a new song. The new song will then be composed by a producer in Los Angeles.

Infra-red cameras will be set up, you know, just in case they happen to be able to capture any presence of the very dead, and very missed John Lennon.

The special will be aired on iN DEMAND on April 24 at 9 p.m.

You can catch the trailer for the special here at http://www.spiritoflennon.com

Spam Cube, First External Gadget To Block Spam

We seem to be inundated with gadgets these days, from Slingboxes to crazy USB drives. Now comes another gadget that may be worth using.

Spam Cube Inc. is introducing a squared box called the Spam Cube that plugs into any PC or MAC to scan for potential SPAM e-mails, viruses and phishing scams. It is designed to work on any OS and with any e-mail software or service.

Spam Cube protects up to four home computers with its breakthrough anti-spam technology. A technology spawned by the frustration felt by computer users worldwide, forced to endure invasive junk email campaigns.

"I'd turn on my computer and check my email and have 200 new messages," said Spam Cube CEO Joseph P. Marino. "About 10 of them would be real emails. And some would look real at first, but I could tell they were phishing emails. It was getting out of control."
So, in 2005, Marino decided it was time to take back control. Marino, along with company CTO Jonathan Fortin, developed a small cube that packs a big punch. Just four inches tall and weighing in at eight ounces, the Spam Cube is roughly the size of a pack of gum and requires simple plug-it-in installation.

Usually, advanced SPAM blocking requires some sort of subscription fee, but once you buy the Spam Cube you're pretty much all set to go without any additional fees.

Spam Cubes currently cost $150 with free shipping. The cool thing is that they come in a variety of colors including Bright White, Jet Black, Baby Pink, Titanium and Bright Yellow.

Specifications:

Suggested retail price: $150
Size: 4.50" x 4.50"
Weight: ~ 8 oz
Power: 3.3V AC @ 2A
Built-in Security: Spam Cube™ Anti-spam – protection for life
Accuracy: Stops 96 - 99%* of spam
Protection type: Protects up to 4 computers – with or without a router
Wireless ready: Yes, works with ALL wireless routers
Operating Systems: Windows, Mac OS X
LED Indicators: Internet + Power + Service + Ethernet
Ports: 2

Diet Mountain Dew Gets A New Taste

It seems launching new soft drinks are becoming a regular thing lately. For example in less than a year we saw the introductions of Coke with Lime, Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper, Black Cherry Vanilla Coke and the list goes on.

Now, Pepsi Co. is introducing a revamped taste to Diet Mountain Dew.

"It turns out that the majority of Dew drinkers have voted in favor of the new 'tuned up taste' of Diet Mountain Dew," says Frank Cooper, vice president of flavored soft drinks, Pepsi-Cola North America. "Their seal of approval makes this a great time to introduce everyone- both new and veteran Dew drinkers- to the new taste of Diet Mountain Dew."

The new Diet Dew has a new blend of sweeteners including Aspartame, Sucralose and ASK (Acesulfame Potassium). This will be the first change for the Diet Mountain Dew formula in 15 years. While Diet soft drinks are bigger sellers than their regular counterparts, I never been a fan of them. I figured if you're gonna drink it, drink the real thing.

No More Lions, Tigers and Bears At The Circus?

The Department For Environment in London, announced plans to ban traveling circuses from using certain wild animals in circus performances.

"I have previously made it clear that I sympathize with the view that performances by some wild animals in traveling circuses are not compatible with meeting their welfare needs, " Animal Welfare Minister Ben Bradshaw said in a statement to the House of Commons. "The Animal Welfare Bill will itself represent a significant step forward: Clause 8 imposes a requirement that someone responsible for an animal, such as a circus proprietor, should meet its reasonable welfare needs."

Honestly, I believe it is about time something like this happens. I never really enjoyed going to the circus when most of the animals seemed like they really didn't want to be there, or didn't seem like they were treated properly. If I had a choice, I'd rather see the animals in a zoo than a circus.

New TiVo Service; Schedule Recordings From Mobile Phone

TiVo is rolling out a new service that will allow subscribers to schedule recordings from anywhere using their Verizon mobile phones. This option will be available only on Verizon for now, and eventually find its way to other providers.

"This arrangement will allow the growing base of TiVo subscribers to integrate control of their TV life with the most widespread piece of consumer electronics, the wireless phone," said Tom Rogers, CEO of TiVo.

While, TiVo has allowed the scheduling of recordings by using the Web, it will be nice to have one more place to go to schedule something.

The downside is they are charging $5/month for this option. Boo! It almost makes it not worth it.

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Xbox 360, For Only Six Dollars?

A headline like the one you see above usually makes one think, "Oh great another SPAM Web site." But, MidnightBox.com plans to do exactly what the headline says with their Mystery Box sale on March 10 at 12:01 a.m. Two lucky people will be able to purchase an Xbox 360 for just $1 plus $5 shipping and handling.

I say lucky because, like the Web site's sale name , you never know what you are actually buying until it gets to you and you open it.

In addition to the Xbox 360, another item being packed in the mystery box is a surround sound system.

MidnightBox.com held a Mystery Box sale last November and attracted more than 20,000 to that event. They expect more than 50,000 during the March 10 sale. Previous Mystery Boxes have included a variety of items including, but not limited to, MidnightBox.com branded items, MP3 players, digital compasses, remote controls, portable hard drives and wireless mice. Each box is randomly packed and shipped.

The good news is that what ever you do end up with, it will be worth between $20 and $650. I might participate if I can remember to stay up late enough that night.

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Saw 3 In Theatres This Halloween

After much success with the films Saw and Saw II in both theatres and on DVD, Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures announce their plans to release the third film in the horror series this Halloween.

The film will be directed by Darren Lynn Bousman (SAW II), with story by Leigh Whannell and James Wan (SAW, SAW II) and screenplay by Whannell. The Twisted Pictures team of Mark Burg and Oren Koules will return as producers with Whannell and Wan set to executive produce.

"Yes, there will be more blood," said Block and Constantine. "SAW III will involve the same creative forces responsible for the tremendous success of SAW II. The Twisted team of Mark and Oren, along with Darren, James and Leigh, have all agreed to be prominently involved in SAW III. We are proud to be partnered with some of the most disturbing creative talents on the planet, and the SAW franchise will ensure that gore becomes every bit as much a Halloween staple as ghosts, goblins and candy corn." Block noted that the film will be dedicated to Twisted Pictures principal and SAW producer Gregg Hoffman, who passed away in November 2005.

"We have been discussing story lines that extend the SAW franchise to new limits and beyond with Lionsgate for the past several months," said Burg and Koules. "The most important element of any franchise is remaining true to the roots of its success. We believe that we are developing a script that is certain to please the SAW franchise's core fans while adding fresh, terrifying and unimaginable new twists to the SAW saga. Jigsaw himself would be proud."

The Saw franchise hasn't been the greatest of films. However, they are fun to watch and that's the point isn't it? I am guessing they keep trying to raise the gore factor higher and higher with each film. Makes me wonder how gory the upcoming third film will be.

SAW III Photos:





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Snoop Dogg's Video Game League for Hip Hop Stars

It was announced Thursday morning, that the Global Gaming League and Snoop Dogg are forming the Hip Hop Gaming League. Snoop will become the league's first commissioner.


The player lineup for the first season includes stars such as Proof(D12), Paul Wall, Just Blaze, Krazyie Bone of Grammy winners Bone-Thugs-n-Harmony, MLS soccer star Cobi Jones, Murs, Kaine (Ying Yang Twins), NBA Star Jalen Rose, Twista, Fredwreck, BReal of Cypress Hill, Eric V. of the Baka Boyz, and Wutang Clan founder Method Man. Players were selected based on their reputations for top video game skills, as well as for their prominence in the hip hop community.


The season kicked off with three events, a press conference, player draft announcement and a launch party at the NBA All Star Game in Houston. You can see footage from these events at HHGL.com.


The matches start sometime this month and will end in May.


"I'm an initiator, and this new intersection of hip hop and video gaming is something that's ready to happen," said Commissioner Snoop. "Hip hop loves video gaming, and I've been watching this develop into the next big sport. The HHGL is my way of taking it to the next level. We're going to take this thing straight over the stratosphere, and the whole world can watch and participate as people like myself -- who hate to lose -- put it on the line."


Fans will be able to watch matches, listen to trash talk, view highlights, access an archive of video clips, track results and stats and share their own comments, blogs and videos at HHGL.com.


I think the league is missing the boat here by not allowing fans to matchup against hip hop artists via Xbox Live or any other online video game network. Maybe some time in the future.


Related Links:


1. HipHop SodaShop: And the Champagne Goes Pop