A new British survey has found that one in three men would rather play video games than have sex.
The study of 1,130 British men was conducted by PS3PriceCompare.co.uk. The results of the poll may surprise you, but they didn't surprise Genie James, executive director of the Natural Hormone Institute. She said hormonal imbalance and stress are as much to blame as anything for choosing Wii boxing over going to bed early with your wife.
“It is very likely," James said, "that these men are suffering from a hormone imbalance at a cellular level that causes them to lose interest in sex."
James has ideas on how to fix it in a book due out in January. It's called, appropriately, "In the Mood Again," and explains how natural hormone balancing, diet and lifestyle changes can help adults of both sexes regain lost libido.
She also explores the causes of low libido. She believes that when testosterone levels begin to decline in a man’s 30s and 40s, libido – or sex drive – is compromised. Other symptoms of declining testosterone levels are fatigue, lethargy and weight gain.
“That is why many men come home, plop down on the sofa and pick up the remote or engage in video games," James said. "They just don’t feel up to doing much else.”
James is seeing this lack of interest in sex even in men in their 20s.
So, what’s a Madden-loving guy to do?
“Exercise naturally boosts lagging testosterone levels,” says James. “Also, clean up your diet. Go organic when possible. Give up the nachos and beer while sitting on the sofa. Remember that all those pounds packed around your middle are literally decreasing your ‘manliness.'"
“To get ‘in the mood again,’ all you need is a pair of sneakers and a trip to the health food aisle of your grocery store,” says James. “The results will be less time in front of the TV and more time enjoying another form of entertainment.”
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Could Charlotte be getting ready for higher high-speed internet?
Time-Warner cable subscribers, your internet bill could be going up soon.
The company is doing research that could soon lead to the company charging Internet customers based on usage. Under such a plan, customers would see tiered pricing based on usage. Media reports have prices from $29.95 to $54.90 monthly. If you go over your plans usage cap, you would get charged $1 per gigabyte.
Time Warner said it was making these moves to continue to upgrade and maintain its network, saying consumption among high-speed subscribers is increasing by 40 percent per year.
The company also announced it would offer a 100 GB Road Runner Turbo package for $75 per month with faster speeds. It also said overage charges would be capped at $75 per month. "That means that," said Time Warner cable COO Landel Hobbs, "for $150 per month customers could have virtually unlimited usage at Turbo speeds."
TWC, which has more than eight million broadband customers, will begin collecting information on internet usage in Austin, Texas, San Antonio, Texas and Rochester, N.Y., sometime later this year. Introduction of tiered billing could follow quickly. Greensboro will also likely see the tiered plan. Other companies are making similar moves.
Greensboro mayor Yvonne Johnson told the Greensboro News & Record that she thought the move was a bad idea.
“I think that having the best, cheapest Internet options we can is what’s best for the city, and I think the majority of the council will agree and want to get involved,” she told the Greensboro paper.
AT&T is doing a price tier trial in Beaumont, Texas, and Comcast, the nation's biggest cable comapny, caps bandwidth at 250 GB per month. If you go past that, you get a warning call. If you continue to exceed the limit, your subscription can get canceled.
Considering a download of a high-definition movie can be up to 10 GB, it wouldn't be hard to go way over most plans' caps -- and that's not even getting to your kids playing PlayStation online until the wee hours on the weekends or using your Internet phone service. Locally, some broadband cable bills could easily hit triple digits if Time Warner makes the change to tiered billing here.
I understand the company's need to try to recoup some costs. Cell phone companies have different pricing plans and not everyone is a heavy user. But if we have to have tiers, I'd like to see a reasonably pricing unlimited usage option. In this economy, I don't think charging more makes sense -- unless you want to drive customerss to other alternatives, like DSL.
The company is doing research that could soon lead to the company charging Internet customers based on usage. Under such a plan, customers would see tiered pricing based on usage. Media reports have prices from $29.95 to $54.90 monthly. If you go over your plans usage cap, you would get charged $1 per gigabyte.
Time Warner said it was making these moves to continue to upgrade and maintain its network, saying consumption among high-speed subscribers is increasing by 40 percent per year.
The company also announced it would offer a 100 GB Road Runner Turbo package for $75 per month with faster speeds. It also said overage charges would be capped at $75 per month. "That means that," said Time Warner cable COO Landel Hobbs, "for $150 per month customers could have virtually unlimited usage at Turbo speeds."
TWC, which has more than eight million broadband customers, will begin collecting information on internet usage in Austin, Texas, San Antonio, Texas and Rochester, N.Y., sometime later this year. Introduction of tiered billing could follow quickly. Greensboro will also likely see the tiered plan. Other companies are making similar moves.
Greensboro mayor Yvonne Johnson told the Greensboro News & Record that she thought the move was a bad idea.
“I think that having the best, cheapest Internet options we can is what’s best for the city, and I think the majority of the council will agree and want to get involved,” she told the Greensboro paper.
AT&T is doing a price tier trial in Beaumont, Texas, and Comcast, the nation's biggest cable comapny, caps bandwidth at 250 GB per month. If you go past that, you get a warning call. If you continue to exceed the limit, your subscription can get canceled.
Considering a download of a high-definition movie can be up to 10 GB, it wouldn't be hard to go way over most plans' caps -- and that's not even getting to your kids playing PlayStation online until the wee hours on the weekends or using your Internet phone service. Locally, some broadband cable bills could easily hit triple digits if Time Warner makes the change to tiered billing here.
I understand the company's need to try to recoup some costs. Cell phone companies have different pricing plans and not everyone is a heavy user. But if we have to have tiers, I'd like to see a reasonably pricing unlimited usage option. In this economy, I don't think charging more makes sense -- unless you want to drive customerss to other alternatives, like DSL.
The Boston Bruins will win the Stanley Cup
If you believe sports videogames, which do a pretty good job mimicking real-life, the Boston Bruins will win the Stanley Cup for the first time in 37 years, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks in a six game series. That's what happened when EA Sports set up a simulation of the 2009 NHL playoffs using its NHL 09 videogame.
Boston, led by shutdown defenseman Zdeno Chara and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Phil Kessel grabbed its sixth Stanley Cup and its first since 1972.
The EA SPORTS simulation predicts Boston and Chicago will appear in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 17 and 15 years, respectively. Boston last appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals in 1990, losing 4 games to 1 to the Edmonton Oilers. Chicago lost in four straight games to Pittsburgh in the 1992 Stanley Cup Finals.
2009 Stanley Cup Finals
Game 1 – Boston 4 Chicago 2
Game 2 – Boston 3 Chicago 2 OT
Game 3 – Chicago 3 Boston 1
Game 4 – Boston 4 Chicago 3 OT
Game 5 – Chicago 4 Boston 3
Game 6 – Boston 5 Chicago 3
Boston reached the Stanley Cup Finals with 4-2 series wins over Montreal, and Carolina, and a thrilling seven games series victory over the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference Finals, according to NHL 09.
Chicago, making its first playoff appearance since 2001-02, upset President’s Trophy winner and top seed San Jose in seven games in the Western Conference Finals after series wins over Calgary (4-2) and Vancouver (4-2).
The NHL 09 computerized simulation is conducted using artificial intelligence that uses real-life data from each team, such as player ratings and line combinations, and includes variances such as injuries and hot streaks to predict a realistic outcome of each game and series.
Boston, led by shutdown defenseman Zdeno Chara and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Phil Kessel grabbed its sixth Stanley Cup and its first since 1972.
The EA SPORTS simulation predicts Boston and Chicago will appear in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 17 and 15 years, respectively. Boston last appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals in 1990, losing 4 games to 1 to the Edmonton Oilers. Chicago lost in four straight games to Pittsburgh in the 1992 Stanley Cup Finals.
2009 Stanley Cup Finals
Game 1 – Boston 4 Chicago 2
Game 2 – Boston 3 Chicago 2 OT
Game 3 – Chicago 3 Boston 1
Game 4 – Boston 4 Chicago 3 OT
Game 5 – Chicago 4 Boston 3
Game 6 – Boston 5 Chicago 3
Boston reached the Stanley Cup Finals with 4-2 series wins over Montreal, and Carolina, and a thrilling seven games series victory over the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference Finals, according to NHL 09.
Chicago, making its first playoff appearance since 2001-02, upset President’s Trophy winner and top seed San Jose in seven games in the Western Conference Finals after series wins over Calgary (4-2) and Vancouver (4-2).
The NHL 09 computerized simulation is conducted using artificial intelligence that uses real-life data from each team, such as player ratings and line combinations, and includes variances such as injuries and hot streaks to predict a realistic outcome of each game and series.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Nintendo's new DSI handheld a surefire hit
The world-gripping recession apparently hasn’t caught up to Nintendo. The worldwide videogame maker has sold more than 10 million copies of one game, Wii Play.
In February, sales of the Wii console system were up 74 percent over February 2008. Also in February, Nintendo sold 753,000 Wiis, reaching 19 million lifetime sales and it sold nearly 588,000 portable DS units, reaching nearly 29 million lifetime unit sales.
On Sunday, Nintendo will launch the latest edition of the dual-screen DS system, the $169.99 Nintendo DSi. It’s 5.4 inches wide, 2.9 inches long and weighs about 7.5 ounces. Looking at it, it’s not much different than its two predecessors. Only this time, the Nintendo portable comes with two built-in cameras (one facing you holding the game and one facing away), new audio recording and playback functions plus downloadable games and applications (hello iPod and iPhone!).
Players can manipulate photos with 10 different “lenses” that are built into th cameras. They can share their creations using a WiFi connection. And of course, it plays the DS games. A new DSi shop launches Sunday and is a new online storefront wehere users can redeem DSi points to download games and applications. DSi owners get 1,000 points to use so long as they visit the shop by Oct. 5.
While at the shop, users can download the DSi internet browser, powered by Opera, to provide what I found to be pretty fast web browsers via that WiFi connection. Software in the shop will “cost” 200, 500 and 800 or more points. You can buy additional points online at the shop or at retail locations ($19.99 for 2,000 point card).
Gaming-wise, there’s no much new. But the games are already various and pretty good. Now, you can adjust brightness at five different levels. You can use a built-in microphone for voice recognition and to manipulate, but not save, AAC sound files accessed via the SD card slot. The battery can provide up to 14 hours of play. And there are parental controls to help manage content for little ones.
I don’t have to tell you this will be a hit. Old DS users, particularly younger ones, will want the latest thing. The interactive features clearly separate next-gen from current-gen and being able to download games and apps is going to appeal to gamers who are seeing these features become available on other devices.
In February, sales of the Wii console system were up 74 percent over February 2008. Also in February, Nintendo sold 753,000 Wiis, reaching 19 million lifetime sales and it sold nearly 588,000 portable DS units, reaching nearly 29 million lifetime unit sales.
On Sunday, Nintendo will launch the latest edition of the dual-screen DS system, the $169.99 Nintendo DSi. It’s 5.4 inches wide, 2.9 inches long and weighs about 7.5 ounces. Looking at it, it’s not much different than its two predecessors. Only this time, the Nintendo portable comes with two built-in cameras (one facing you holding the game and one facing away), new audio recording and playback functions plus downloadable games and applications (hello iPod and iPhone!).
Players can manipulate photos with 10 different “lenses” that are built into th cameras. They can share their creations using a WiFi connection. And of course, it plays the DS games. A new DSi shop launches Sunday and is a new online storefront wehere users can redeem DSi points to download games and applications. DSi owners get 1,000 points to use so long as they visit the shop by Oct. 5.
While at the shop, users can download the DSi internet browser, powered by Opera, to provide what I found to be pretty fast web browsers via that WiFi connection. Software in the shop will “cost” 200, 500 and 800 or more points. You can buy additional points online at the shop or at retail locations ($19.99 for 2,000 point card).
Gaming-wise, there’s no much new. But the games are already various and pretty good. Now, you can adjust brightness at five different levels. You can use a built-in microphone for voice recognition and to manipulate, but not save, AAC sound files accessed via the SD card slot. The battery can provide up to 14 hours of play. And there are parental controls to help manage content for little ones.
I don’t have to tell you this will be a hit. Old DS users, particularly younger ones, will want the latest thing. The interactive features clearly separate next-gen from current-gen and being able to download games and apps is going to appeal to gamers who are seeing these features become available on other devices.
A 50-inch plasma or an Xbox 360 for 99 cents?
Want to win a 50-inch plasma TV or an Xbox 360 for 99 cents?
Wendy's, the fast food restaurant, has a Web site where participants bid for prices by answering trivia questions. After each correct answer, the bid price drops. The person whose "bid" reaches 99 cents first wins the item.
Friday's auction items include the TV, the video game system and a fancy game chair to sit on.
Auctions kick off at 11 a.m. Friday. Good luck.
Here’s what will be available:
11 - 11:29 a.m.: Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite Console
11:30 - 11:59 a.m.: Ultimate Game Chair V3
Noon - 12:29 p.m.: Panasonic 50-inch 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV
12:30 p.m. - 12:59 p.m.: Ultimate Game Room (Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite Console, Ultimate Game Chair V3, Panasonic 50-inch 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV)
Wendy's, the fast food restaurant, has a Web site where participants bid for prices by answering trivia questions. After each correct answer, the bid price drops. The person whose "bid" reaches 99 cents first wins the item.
Friday's auction items include the TV, the video game system and a fancy game chair to sit on.
Auctions kick off at 11 a.m. Friday. Good luck.
Here’s what will be available:
11 - 11:29 a.m.: Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite Console
11:30 - 11:59 a.m.: Ultimate Game Chair V3
Noon - 12:29 p.m.: Panasonic 50-inch 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV
12:30 p.m. - 12:59 p.m.: Ultimate Game Room (Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite Console, Ultimate Game Chair V3, Panasonic 50-inch 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV)
Tough home courts: UNC and Clemson
In a national poll conducted by video game maker EA Sports, college basketball fans have chosen North Carolina's Dean Smith Center as the toughest place to play.
The Smith Center finished ahead of home courts at Clemson (second), Xavier and Pittsburgh. Duke's infamous Cameron Indoor Stadium, was fifth.
EA Sports took the poll to help with production of "NCAA Basketball 10," a new video game it will deliver next fall. The idea is to make playing at certain home courts tougher than others.
More than 200,000 people voted.
“College basketball fans have spoken and they have determined once and for all the most difficult places to play in college basketball,” said NCAA Basketball 10 producer Connor Dougan. “Now we are going to design a feature that authentically reflects how difficult it is for opposing teams to play and win at these venues.”
Here are the top 15:
1. North Carolina
2. Clemson
3. Xavier
4. Pittsburgh
5. Duke
6. Kansas
7. Louisville
8. Syracuse
9. Tennessee
10. Arkansas
11. Maryland
12. Illinois
13. UCLA
14. Florida
15. Texas
The Smith Center finished ahead of home courts at Clemson (second), Xavier and Pittsburgh. Duke's infamous Cameron Indoor Stadium, was fifth.
EA Sports took the poll to help with production of "NCAA Basketball 10," a new video game it will deliver next fall. The idea is to make playing at certain home courts tougher than others.
More than 200,000 people voted.
“College basketball fans have spoken and they have determined once and for all the most difficult places to play in college basketball,” said NCAA Basketball 10 producer Connor Dougan. “Now we are going to design a feature that authentically reflects how difficult it is for opposing teams to play and win at these venues.”
Here are the top 15:
1. North Carolina
2. Clemson
3. Xavier
4. Pittsburgh
5. Duke
6. Kansas
7. Louisville
8. Syracuse
9. Tennessee
10. Arkansas
11. Maryland
12. Illinois
13. UCLA
14. Florida
15. Texas
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Coming to TiVo: Blockbuster downloads online
Blockbuster is going to let TiVo users download movies from its online library beginning later this year.
Most TiVo users with high-speed Internet connections will be able to view the movies offered in Blockbuster's On Demand system. Netflix and Amazon offer online video straight to TiVo, too. Netflix also lets users of certain Blu-Ray players and Xbox 360 systems have access.
Netflix's online movie selection, however, is limited to mostly older titles and doesn't include many HD movies.
Under terms of Blockbuster's new deal, the brick-and-mortar stores and Web site will sell the TiVo DVRs. Blockbuster senior vice president Kevin Lewis said his company planned to make the online system available to users of Apple-brand products. Apple has its own on-demand service, Apple TV, that just expanded its HD offerings.
Lewis said Blockbuster will offer about 10,000 movies when the new service launches in the latter half of the year and said his company's online roster would be stronger than Amazon and Netflix, offering newer content.
With TiVo, once a film is selected, it can be watched while it is still being downloaded over the Internet.
Most TiVo users with high-speed Internet connections will be able to view the movies offered in Blockbuster's On Demand system. Netflix and Amazon offer online video straight to TiVo, too. Netflix also lets users of certain Blu-Ray players and Xbox 360 systems have access.
Netflix's online movie selection, however, is limited to mostly older titles and doesn't include many HD movies.
Under terms of Blockbuster's new deal, the brick-and-mortar stores and Web site will sell the TiVo DVRs. Blockbuster senior vice president Kevin Lewis said his company planned to make the online system available to users of Apple-brand products. Apple has its own on-demand service, Apple TV, that just expanded its HD offerings.
Lewis said Blockbuster will offer about 10,000 movies when the new service launches in the latter half of the year and said his company's online roster would be stronger than Amazon and Netflix, offering newer content.
With TiVo, once a film is selected, it can be watched while it is still being downloaded over the Internet.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The hardest video games of all time
AOL's gaming site, GameDaily.com has just released its list of the top 10 hardest video games of all time.
"Not only are these games almost impossible to beat," the Web site claims, "but will inevitably end with you or your fellow gamers cursing, throwing controllers or kicking chairs."
No. 1 on the list was the Ninja Gaiden series, which is, for me, practically impossible to deal with on Xbox 360.
Here's their list.
10. Contra series (Konami)
Contra is one of those holy grail franchises that poses a challenge for all who approach it. The two NES games were hard to beat, unless you were one of those people that used a code for multiple lives. Then came the sequels Contra III: The Alien Wars on SNES (a monster on the hardest setting) and Contra: Shattered Soldier, a game that's so frustrating we still haven't beaten it. (We've gotten close, though.)
9. Defender (Williams)
As the last line of defense for Earth, you've got an awful lot to tackle in Williams' arcade classic. Mutants have overtaken the planet, and they're sucking up innocent people. Not only must you blast these creatures into oblivion, but you also have to rescue falling civilians. Later stages are incredibly demanding, especially with the introduction of the smaller swarm ships. Don't say we didn't give you a heads up.
8. Devil May Cry 3 (Capcom)
In Devil May Cry 3, the "hard" difficulty setting from the Japanese version became "normal" in the States, and Capcom then introduced a new difficulty mode called "Dante Must Die." It was so overwhelming that Capcom had to introduce an easier Special Edition to calm down the gaming community.
7. God of War series (SCEA)
To breeze through God of War games, choose the lightest difficulty and enjoy the cakewalk. For the rest of us, there's God mode, which punishes players with enemies that don't hold anything back; just wait until you face the serpents. Oh, and don't expect God of War III to be any easier.
6. R-Type (Irem)
R-Type leads the pack of nearly impossible shooters. When this game first hit arcades in the late '80s, people kept slamming quarters down for a chance to take on the Bydo Empire with a small spacecraft. It's still a pain in the butt, especially the recently released Xbox Live Arcade game R-Type Dimensions. (Unless you're a wuss and take the easier route.)
5. Ikaruga (Treasure)
Speaking of unbelievably hard shooters, we can't have this list without this Treasure classic. Ikaruga has a twist to its shooting techniques, as you'll switch between two colors and absorb enemy bullets to fire charged shots. You'll need to acquire power-ups, as enemies unleash beautiful, firework-style destruction. Good luck getting past level five – or even level three.
4. Mega Man 9 (Capcom)
Most Mega Man games have their fair share of frustrations, most notably Mega Man 3 on the NES and the Mega Man X games on the PlayStation. Nothing, though, comes close to what you'll face in Mega Man 9. This downloadable game for Xbox Live, Wii Shop Channel and PlayStation Network hurls everything it's got at you, from fire-throwing flowers to tricky spiked floors to crazy boss battles. There's also a list of Challenges to complete, some of which are borderline insane. One even requires you to survive a boss battle for 10 minutes.
3. Battletoads (Tradewest)
The designers at Rare were either mad scientists bent on breaking our spirits or freakin' geniuses testing our physical limits when they produced Battletoads on the NES. Maybe it's both. Either way, this wild platforming game has several tasks for you and a friend to complete, including speeder bike chases, snake riding, beating up baddies and surfing. Few have seen the game's conclusion.
2. Ghouls n' Ghosts series (Capcom)
Ghosts n' Goblins is without question one of the most difficult video game series of all time. Its lead character, Arthur, valiantly attempts to save his love, only to die repeatedly at the hands of numerous monsters. Super Ghouls n' Ghosts for the SNES is a real test, requiring you to go through the game twice before it ends. Many a controller died beating that one.
1. Ninja Gaiden series (Tecmo)
Finally, we come to the series that will bring you to your knees and make you cry for mercy. Since its debut on the NES, Ninja Gaiden introduced tough enemies and even tougher bosses. Over the years, it's only gotten harder. Ninja Gaiden Black is ridiculous with its enormous list of challenges to complete and tricky bad guys. Ninja Gaiden II on the Xbox 360 only increased our stress levels, with monsters so vicious we punched holes through walls
"Not only are these games almost impossible to beat," the Web site claims, "but will inevitably end with you or your fellow gamers cursing, throwing controllers or kicking chairs."
No. 1 on the list was the Ninja Gaiden series, which is, for me, practically impossible to deal with on Xbox 360.
Here's their list.
10. Contra series (Konami)
Contra is one of those holy grail franchises that poses a challenge for all who approach it. The two NES games were hard to beat, unless you were one of those people that used a code for multiple lives. Then came the sequels Contra III: The Alien Wars on SNES (a monster on the hardest setting) and Contra: Shattered Soldier, a game that's so frustrating we still haven't beaten it. (We've gotten close, though.)
9. Defender (Williams)
As the last line of defense for Earth, you've got an awful lot to tackle in Williams' arcade classic. Mutants have overtaken the planet, and they're sucking up innocent people. Not only must you blast these creatures into oblivion, but you also have to rescue falling civilians. Later stages are incredibly demanding, especially with the introduction of the smaller swarm ships. Don't say we didn't give you a heads up.
8. Devil May Cry 3 (Capcom)
In Devil May Cry 3, the "hard" difficulty setting from the Japanese version became "normal" in the States, and Capcom then introduced a new difficulty mode called "Dante Must Die." It was so overwhelming that Capcom had to introduce an easier Special Edition to calm down the gaming community.
7. God of War series (SCEA)
To breeze through God of War games, choose the lightest difficulty and enjoy the cakewalk. For the rest of us, there's God mode, which punishes players with enemies that don't hold anything back; just wait until you face the serpents. Oh, and don't expect God of War III to be any easier.
6. R-Type (Irem)
R-Type leads the pack of nearly impossible shooters. When this game first hit arcades in the late '80s, people kept slamming quarters down for a chance to take on the Bydo Empire with a small spacecraft. It's still a pain in the butt, especially the recently released Xbox Live Arcade game R-Type Dimensions. (Unless you're a wuss and take the easier route.)
5. Ikaruga (Treasure)
Speaking of unbelievably hard shooters, we can't have this list without this Treasure classic. Ikaruga has a twist to its shooting techniques, as you'll switch between two colors and absorb enemy bullets to fire charged shots. You'll need to acquire power-ups, as enemies unleash beautiful, firework-style destruction. Good luck getting past level five – or even level three.
4. Mega Man 9 (Capcom)
Most Mega Man games have their fair share of frustrations, most notably Mega Man 3 on the NES and the Mega Man X games on the PlayStation. Nothing, though, comes close to what you'll face in Mega Man 9. This downloadable game for Xbox Live, Wii Shop Channel and PlayStation Network hurls everything it's got at you, from fire-throwing flowers to tricky spiked floors to crazy boss battles. There's also a list of Challenges to complete, some of which are borderline insane. One even requires you to survive a boss battle for 10 minutes.
3. Battletoads (Tradewest)
The designers at Rare were either mad scientists bent on breaking our spirits or freakin' geniuses testing our physical limits when they produced Battletoads on the NES. Maybe it's both. Either way, this wild platforming game has several tasks for you and a friend to complete, including speeder bike chases, snake riding, beating up baddies and surfing. Few have seen the game's conclusion.
2. Ghouls n' Ghosts series (Capcom)
Ghosts n' Goblins is without question one of the most difficult video game series of all time. Its lead character, Arthur, valiantly attempts to save his love, only to die repeatedly at the hands of numerous monsters. Super Ghouls n' Ghosts for the SNES is a real test, requiring you to go through the game twice before it ends. Many a controller died beating that one.
1. Ninja Gaiden series (Tecmo)
Finally, we come to the series that will bring you to your knees and make you cry for mercy. Since its debut on the NES, Ninja Gaiden introduced tough enemies and even tougher bosses. Over the years, it's only gotten harder. Ninja Gaiden Black is ridiculous with its enormous list of challenges to complete and tricky bad guys. Ninja Gaiden II on the Xbox 360 only increased our stress levels, with monsters so vicious we punched holes through walls
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Get your out-of-market NCAA games for free (plus local TV schedule)
Here is WBTV Channel 3's NCAA Tournament schedule for Friday and Saturday:
Thursday, March 19th
12 pm Butler - LSU
2:30 pm Radford - UNC
7 pm Michigan - Clemson
9:30 pm Binghamton - Duke
Friday, March 20th
12 pm Tennessee - Oklahoma State
2:30 pm Dayton - West Virginia
7 pm Southern Cal - Boston College
9:30 pm Cleveland State - Wake Forest
If you want to see other games than the ones listed, you can buy a "March Madness" package from cable or satellite provider, or you can queue up your high-speed internet connection. At CBSsports.com, you can see out-of-market games for free. If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, you can download a $4.99 app from the Apple App Store to see out-of-market games on the handheld devices wherever you can access a Wi-Fi connection.
Thursday, March 19th
12 pm Butler - LSU
2:30 pm Radford - UNC
7 pm Michigan - Clemson
9:30 pm Binghamton - Duke
Friday, March 20th
12 pm Tennessee - Oklahoma State
2:30 pm Dayton - West Virginia
7 pm Southern Cal - Boston College
9:30 pm Cleveland State - Wake Forest
If you want to see other games than the ones listed, you can buy a "March Madness" package from cable or satellite provider, or you can queue up your high-speed internet connection. At CBSsports.com, you can see out-of-market games for free. If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, you can download a $4.99 app from the Apple App Store to see out-of-market games on the handheld devices wherever you can access a Wi-Fi connection.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Apple adds most-wanted features to iPhone
Apple today unveiled new features that will be available in the forthcoming iPhone 3.0 software.
The features include: cut, copy and paste (shake to undo or redo); turn-by-turn GPS navigation, landscape keyboard for all applications (including mail), photo instant messaging, and support for stereo bluetooth headsets.
The iPhone and iPhone 3G versions of iPhone OS 3.0 will be free for current iPhone users, and that the iPod touch version will be available for $10.
The features include: cut, copy and paste (shake to undo or redo); turn-by-turn GPS navigation, landscape keyboard for all applications (including mail), photo instant messaging, and support for stereo bluetooth headsets.
The iPhone and iPhone 3G versions of iPhone OS 3.0 will be free for current iPhone users, and that the iPod touch version will be available for $10.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Apple to unveil new iPhone operating system software
Engadget and several other tech sources are reporting that Apple plans to introduce its iPhone 3.0 software March 17 at 1 p.m.
Apple plans to show of an advance preview of the new software, which many expect to arrive by summer, along with possibly a new iPhone.
Current users want to be able to type emails while holding the device sideways (landscape mode) allowing the keyboard to be larger as well as being able to send multimedia text messages. It'll be interesting to see what goodies Apple puts into the new software.
Apple plans to show of an advance preview of the new software, which many expect to arrive by summer, along with possibly a new iPhone.
Current users want to be able to type emails while holding the device sideways (landscape mode) allowing the keyboard to be larger as well as being able to send multimedia text messages. It'll be interesting to see what goodies Apple puts into the new software.
Dish Network expands national HD offerings
DISH Network has added high definition feeds of Showtime Showcase HD, SHO2 HD, The Movie Channel HD and BET J, expanding its national HD count to up to 128 channels. The sat-caster, which now trails DirecTV in national HD by only a handful of channels, plans to add BET, Comedy Central, CMT, MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike TV and VH-1 in HD this spring.
Showtime Showcase HD, SHO2 HD and The Movie Channel HD are located in the Showtime Unlimited package, available for just $12.99 per month. BET J is part of PlatinumHD, which can be added to any programming package for $10 per month. Existing DISH Network subscribers who upgrade to HD programming will receive PlatinumHD free for the first three months.
Showtime Showcase HD, SHO2 HD and The Movie Channel HD are located in the Showtime Unlimited package, available for just $12.99 per month. BET J is part of PlatinumHD, which can be added to any programming package for $10 per month. Existing DISH Network subscribers who upgrade to HD programming will receive PlatinumHD free for the first three months.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Apple releases new iMac models
Apple released a slew of new products Tuesday morning, including long-awaited updates to its iMac, Mac mini and Mac Pro lines of personal computers.
The iMac, with its all-in-one design, now starts at $1,199 for a 20-inch version featuring a 2.66 GHz processor and 2 gigabytes of memory. A 24-inch version ($1,499) comes with 4GB of memory and up to 1 terabyte of hard-drive space. A fully tricked-out iMac -- upgradeable to 8GB of memory -- now runs well over $3,000.
All iMacs come with a built-in video camera, speakers and wireless-N networking.
Starting at $599, the mini measures only 6.5 inches square by 2 inches high. It comes with a 2 GHz processor and up to 4GB of memory. Apple claims it uses 10 times less power than a typical desktop PC.
The Mac Pro uses new super-fast Intel "Nehalem" processors that Apple claims make its flagship machine up to twice as fast as the old model. Pricing begins at $2,499, $300 less than the old version. The new machine also includes a high-performance graphics card that Apple said provides "three times greater performance," and an updated interior to allow easier access to components for expansion.
Apple also updated its popular wireless networking base station, the AirPort Extreme, to allow users to have simulatenous 2.4 and 5 GHz dual-band networking, as well as the ability to give guests a password to access your network while still maintaining security for personal files.
The iMac, with its all-in-one design, now starts at $1,199 for a 20-inch version featuring a 2.66 GHz processor and 2 gigabytes of memory. A 24-inch version ($1,499) comes with 4GB of memory and up to 1 terabyte of hard-drive space. A fully tricked-out iMac -- upgradeable to 8GB of memory -- now runs well over $3,000.
All iMacs come with a built-in video camera, speakers and wireless-N networking.
Starting at $599, the mini measures only 6.5 inches square by 2 inches high. It comes with a 2 GHz processor and up to 4GB of memory. Apple claims it uses 10 times less power than a typical desktop PC.
The Mac Pro uses new super-fast Intel "Nehalem" processors that Apple claims make its flagship machine up to twice as fast as the old model. Pricing begins at $2,499, $300 less than the old version. The new machine also includes a high-performance graphics card that Apple said provides "three times greater performance," and an updated interior to allow easier access to components for expansion.
Apple also updated its popular wireless networking base station, the AirPort Extreme, to allow users to have simulatenous 2.4 and 5 GHz dual-band networking, as well as the ability to give guests a password to access your network while still maintaining security for personal files.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
T-Mobile tries $50 unlimited cell plan and $135 rebate to switch carriers
T-Mobile has rolled out an interesting new promotion in San Francisco: a $50 unlimited usage cellular voice plan. Also the company is offering customers in the Bay Area a $135 rebate to switch carriers, essentially eliminating the early termination fee costs.
T-Mobile says the new %50 rate plan is only available to customers who have used the service for 22 months. The new plan would allow T-Mobile customers to have unlimited data and voice for $85. AT&T, for example, charges $99.99 for unlimited voice, $30 for data and anywhere from $5 to $20 for texting.
The good news for consumers is if T-Mobile rolls this plan out nationwide and does well, it could force other carriers to react. A national analyst, John Hodulik, predicts we'll see T-Mobile make such a move next month.
Why? T-Mobile is struggling to keep up with AT&T and Verizon and Sprint in the cell phone wars.
With its best-selling iPhone spearheading purchases, AT&T added 2.1 million customers in the fourth quarter of 2008. Of those, 1.9 million were iPhone users.
Verizon added 1.4 million new users, but T-Mobile added far fewer: 621,000. That was down from 670,000 new customers in the third quarter and down from 951,000 new subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Sprint/Nextel lost 1.3 million customers in the fourth quarter as cell phone users seem to be choosing sides: AT&T or Verizon.
T-Mobile says the new %50 rate plan is only available to customers who have used the service for 22 months. The new plan would allow T-Mobile customers to have unlimited data and voice for $85. AT&T, for example, charges $99.99 for unlimited voice, $30 for data and anywhere from $5 to $20 for texting.
The good news for consumers is if T-Mobile rolls this plan out nationwide and does well, it could force other carriers to react. A national analyst, John Hodulik, predicts we'll see T-Mobile make such a move next month.
Why? T-Mobile is struggling to keep up with AT&T and Verizon and Sprint in the cell phone wars.
With its best-selling iPhone spearheading purchases, AT&T added 2.1 million customers in the fourth quarter of 2008. Of those, 1.9 million were iPhone users.
Verizon added 1.4 million new users, but T-Mobile added far fewer: 621,000. That was down from 670,000 new customers in the third quarter and down from 951,000 new subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Sprint/Nextel lost 1.3 million customers in the fourth quarter as cell phone users seem to be choosing sides: AT&T or Verizon.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
A cheaper $99 iPhone by summer?
RBC Capital Markets analyst Mike Abramsky reports today that consumers can expect a $99 iPhone this summer.
The current iPhones cost $199 for an 8-gigabyte model or $299 for a 16GB model with a two-year agreement with AT&T. Abramsky thinks a cheaper iPhone might increase Apple's global market share for smartphones from 12 percent (currently) to as much as 19 percent.
Abramsky said the new iPhone will not run on AT&T's faster 3G wireless network, instead using the older 2.5G version. But the $99 phone is expected to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility, as well as the same size screen. He predicts the new phone will have a lower resolution, but also a cheaper data plan -- one for $15 per month, half the current rate.
Apple doesn't comment on products in development.
The report says the current iPhone will keep its pricing while possibly adding new features like a better-looking screen, a video camera and more memory.
The current iPhones cost $199 for an 8-gigabyte model or $299 for a 16GB model with a two-year agreement with AT&T. Abramsky thinks a cheaper iPhone might increase Apple's global market share for smartphones from 12 percent (currently) to as much as 19 percent.
Abramsky said the new iPhone will not run on AT&T's faster 3G wireless network, instead using the older 2.5G version. But the $99 phone is expected to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility, as well as the same size screen. He predicts the new phone will have a lower resolution, but also a cheaper data plan -- one for $15 per month, half the current rate.
Apple doesn't comment on products in development.
The report says the current iPhone will keep its pricing while possibly adding new features like a better-looking screen, a video camera and more memory.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
How to be a movie director...and Vista's not all that bad after all
I love good party games, and Microsoft's latest – which relies on the included Xbox Live Vision camera to “film” scenes featuring you and your friends – is a pretty good one at times.
Here's the basic premise: The camera captures players as they participate in mini-games that basically have them moving around as though they have no sense of rhythm. Then you can edit these performances down to make short clips for everyone to laugh at, and you can even put the finished product on YouTube or DVD.
The good news is that setup is easy, and players can select everything from characters to how to light the scene. Unfortunately, the graphics aren't the best, you'll need a lot of room to film, and the camera has a hard time making people out sufficiently unless you're filming against backgrounds that are as blank as possible.
Also, while “You're in the Movies” is fun with a group, it's terribly boring – unless you want to play long enough to unlock enough scenes to edit and do voiceovers – by yourself. Even that's not much fun.
Still, when I played with a few friends, everyone was cracking up. This one's at least worth a rental.
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
$240-$400
When Microsoft Vista debuted two years back, I basically ignored it. I heard what many people were hearing: that Vista wasn't a worthy successor to Windows XP.
So I was a little surprised when I popped in a version of Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 last week. Security out of the box is solid, and the operating system – like most Windows setups – is easy to use and understand.
Ultimate comes with some pretty powerful backup tools to help you recover lost data, a much-needed and useful feature. There's also a heavy-duty data-encryption system, which can protect your personal information if your computer is lost or stolen, plus a super-easy way to search for files on your hard drive.
My favorite Vista feature was the redesigned Windows Media Center, which connects wirelessly to your Xbox 360 so you can enjoy photos, movies and music on the family TV.
I'm not saying this is a Mac OS X killer, but until Windows 7 (in beta testing) officially comes out later this year, it'll suffice.
Both the PC and the Mac handled the upgrade flawlessly (I used Boot Camp on the Mac). In the first few weeks of hard use, I suffered no crashes and it ran games very smoothly. My only quibble was that Vista initially didn't work with many of my programs – as you may have read – although in most cases I was able to update drivers and get everything going again.
Overall, Vista Ultimate does hog a lot of resources, but it is a bit better than XP.
Want more Games N Gadgets news? Visit http://langstonwertz.blogspot .com. Langston Wertz Jr: 704-358- 5133; lwertz@charlotteobserver.com
Here's the basic premise: The camera captures players as they participate in mini-games that basically have them moving around as though they have no sense of rhythm. Then you can edit these performances down to make short clips for everyone to laugh at, and you can even put the finished product on YouTube or DVD.
The good news is that setup is easy, and players can select everything from characters to how to light the scene. Unfortunately, the graphics aren't the best, you'll need a lot of room to film, and the camera has a hard time making people out sufficiently unless you're filming against backgrounds that are as blank as possible.
Also, while “You're in the Movies” is fun with a group, it's terribly boring – unless you want to play long enough to unlock enough scenes to edit and do voiceovers – by yourself. Even that's not much fun.
Still, when I played with a few friends, everyone was cracking up. This one's at least worth a rental.
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
$240-$400
When Microsoft Vista debuted two years back, I basically ignored it. I heard what many people were hearing: that Vista wasn't a worthy successor to Windows XP.
So I was a little surprised when I popped in a version of Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 last week. Security out of the box is solid, and the operating system – like most Windows setups – is easy to use and understand.
Ultimate comes with some pretty powerful backup tools to help you recover lost data, a much-needed and useful feature. There's also a heavy-duty data-encryption system, which can protect your personal information if your computer is lost or stolen, plus a super-easy way to search for files on your hard drive.
My favorite Vista feature was the redesigned Windows Media Center, which connects wirelessly to your Xbox 360 so you can enjoy photos, movies and music on the family TV.
I'm not saying this is a Mac OS X killer, but until Windows 7 (in beta testing) officially comes out later this year, it'll suffice.
Both the PC and the Mac handled the upgrade flawlessly (I used Boot Camp on the Mac). In the first few weeks of hard use, I suffered no crashes and it ran games very smoothly. My only quibble was that Vista initially didn't work with many of my programs – as you may have read – although in most cases I was able to update drivers and get everything going again.
Overall, Vista Ultimate does hog a lot of resources, but it is a bit better than XP.
Want more Games N Gadgets news? Visit http://langstonwertz.blogspot .com. Langston Wertz Jr: 704-358- 5133; lwertz@charlotteobserver.com
Video of Windows 7 in action
Looks pretty swift and slick to me. I can't wait to try it.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Sunday, February 01, 2009
And the first new "Madden 2010" feature is
As promised EA Sports revealed one of the new features in the new Madden football game at Super Bowl halftime. The new Madden is due out about six months from now.
That feature is "procedural awareness" and it should add a great deal to the realistic feel this new Madden team is promising.
Now, game developers have figured out how to tune how fast players switch between targets -- and make them behave accordingly.
Imagine really being able to "look off" a safety while controlling your quarterback and if the defensive back has his head turned, he's not going to react to make a specatular, if unrealistic interception on you anymore. Including in that feature is something EA calls "procedural attitudes," basically a player's face model changing realistically. So you'll see players' react more like their real-life counterparts.
Here are several videos to illustrate.
That feature is "procedural awareness" and it should add a great deal to the realistic feel this new Madden team is promising.
Now, game developers have figured out how to tune how fast players switch between targets -- and make them behave accordingly.
Imagine really being able to "look off" a safety while controlling your quarterback and if the defensive back has his head turned, he's not going to react to make a specatular, if unrealistic interception on you anymore. Including in that feature is something EA calls "procedural attitudes," basically a player's face model changing realistically. So you'll see players' react more like their real-life counterparts.
Here are several videos to illustrate.
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