PSP = Pretty Shoddy Pixels?

Owners of the newly released Sony PSP have started complaining about dead pixels. And Sony apparently hasn't stated a clear policy on replacement, which leads to retail encounters like this one.

I want my nickel back

I heard this amusing story on NPR in January but forgot to follow up with a post. They call it "How You Remind Me Of Someday". For the record (pun somewhat intended), I think the NPR reporter indulges this kid's theories a bit much -- there's no "fraud" going on here, at least not technically. Yeah, they're pretty much the same chord progression, same rhythm and tempo, and similar arrangements; however, the vocal melody lines are obviously different. But I agree that both of them totally suck.

For an interactive experience in shameless self-plagiarism, here's a great link. Have fun with the pan control!

CNET Weekend Project

Just this week, I've been researching how to make DVDs from my old "analog" camcorder home movies. In fact, I'm hoping to purchase some gadgetry this weekend to handle the job. As if reading my mind, CNET's Brian Cooley (the Bob Vila of computing?) comes along today to narrate an online video called Weekend Project: Transfer your VHS tapes to DVD. With Bob's (I mean Brian's) soothing dulcet tones to guide me every step of the way, how can I possibly go wrong?

Sports photo of the week

Nuff said.

MMORPGs that won't destroy your life

If you don't understand the incredibly addictive qualities of MMORPGs, Slate provides a good explanation today, along with comparisons of two of the better games going: World of Warcraft and City of Heroes.
Wanna know how close I am to trying City of Heroes? Uh, where's the nearest Best Buy? Actually, I really can't justify a monthly subscription (to my significant other, that is), but they do sell those convenient prepaid 60-day game cards, hmmm.... "I don't want a lot. Just enough to wet my beak. Understand, paisan?"

Thanks, PTC

The Parents Television Council is a watchdog group whose mission is to "restore responsibility and decency to the entertainment industry". Their endless complaints to the FCC have been grabbing lots of headlines in this post-Janet-Jackson era.

Ironically, they also provide a convenient way for kids to see the bad stuff: their website provides a handy archive of the Worst TV Clips of the Week, free for viewing by anyone. The page of uncensored clips also includes useful text descriptions of the tawdriness to be found in each. I, for one, plan to visit the site every week from now on. By the way, the "South Park" clip was particularly, uh, remarkable..(holy crap!)