Microsoft tries to get gaming writer fired

Right, so... a games reviewer in the UK has asked Microsoft to allow him to pay for his Live account in US$ rather than UK£ (Probably because we all know that we in the UK/Europe/Canada are getting done-over by Microsoft...And Apple...And the record companies...And the movie studios...). After Microsoft declined the offer Ben Paddon complained. This had lead to a rather pathetic attempt by Microsoft to get him fired from his writing job. Wow!

You can read more from the horses mouth here.

McDonald’s boss: ‘Games to blame for childhood obesity’

A buzz started a couple of hours ago about a statement made by the boss of McDonald's UK. Apparently he was blaming video games for causing childhood obesity. When you actually read the article it becomes clear that he's merely pointing out that he thinks video game playing contributes to the problem because kids aren't out playing and burning energy (Not sure if that's the energy they get from eating his burgers?). But still, I think the funny thing is that whilst many will suspect that this may well be the case, I'm not too sure that we are prepared to listen to him on this particular matter.

We've known for a long time that the crap they sell at McDonald's does nobodies health any good; OK maybe one or two of their salads are healthy but even they have been accused of not being as healthy as they should.

You'd think after Super-Size Me was released they'd keep quiet about health related issues unless they were positive? Pointing blame at other industries just seems to be a little odd. I wonder if he's ever heard of the Nintendo Wii and it's ability to get both young and old pumping blood and burning calories?

A Cure for Video Game Motion Sickness?

If you, like me, are prone to suffer motion sickness whilst playing video games I can sympathise. I've come to see it almost as a disability. There's nothing worse than following the hype of a new release only to realise within 30 minutes of playing that it'll make you dizzy, bring on vomiting and chronic tiredness.

The very first game that made me ill was Motorhead on the PC. Back when it was released I'd just bought a fairly good PC for the time and Motorhead was one hell of a fast racer. After about 15 minutes of play I recognised the feelings I'd had as a kid going on coach trips with school. The same feelings that preceded chucking up. In those days it didn't really bother me. Most video games had low frame-rates and I'd learnt that it was this and/or bobbing camera motion that was causing the problem.

These days however it's a different story. The games which knock me sick are far more frequent: Halo 1, 2 & 3, Wipeout, Call of Duty 3 & 4, Gears of War and Ace Combat 6 to name just a few. However the god-send is the Burnout series, which for some reason has no effect on me and is one of my favourite games of all time. The others I own because my son loves playing these types of games.

However after a couple of days over the holidays of watching COD4 and lasting between 10 and 20 minutes before I had to leave the room I decided to do a little research. The obvious answer was to try Dramamine - but that would leave me feeling drowsy and I didn't want to turn to drugs simply to enjoy a good game. The next suggestion that came along was ginger. After reading a few articles I decided to pop to my local health food store and pick up some capsules. I took one and waited an hour before loading up COD4. Amazingly, even though I broke my first rule by playing in a near dark room, i lasted more than an hour. And to be honest I was feeling a little tired but I'm not sure I wanted to play longer.

So if you suffer from Motion Sickness I'd recommend taking some ginger and seeing if it helps. Just remember to read the label first!

JD Wetherspoon pubs - who the hell do these people think they are?

In an amazing story from the BBC, JD Wetherspoon, the popular pub chain have made an absolutely amazing statement. They will no longer server people who visit their pubs with children more than 2 alcoholic drinks and don't think you'll get away with switching to soft drinks or coffee after that, you still won't be welcome. Apparently this is because their pubs lack play facilities and they don't want parents staying too long although one member of staff said it was to avoid child cruelty.


When I read this I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. I often visit with my son who's 9 and is perfectly able to be entertained by either adult company or that of other children who might be there. I can understand that nobody really wants to see parents getting drunk when they're with their kids, but lets face it, 99% of parents are responsible. They love their kids and are happy to take them out for some food in a pub. One of the reasons I visit Wetherspoons is because of their responsible attitude and pleasant atmosphere in their pubs. They don't tolerate drunks and provide relatively good quality food. I wonder who will be tolerated in their pubs soon?

Well guess what, I live with a perfectly good over-bearing, nanny-state created by our wonderful Government and don't need any more crap from the likes of a pub chain. JD, you've just lost my business and that of many of my friends. You will probably lose a lot more before you reverse this ridiculous rule. I always thought you were a family pub? If anybody wants me I'll be sitting in my local park with my son and a bottle of Jack Frost extra strength cider; anyone care to join me?

U.S. Senate Report: Over 400 Prominent Scientists Disputed Man-Made Global Warming Claims in 2007

Wow

clipped from epw.senate.gov U.S. Senate Report: Over 400 Prominent Scientists Disputed Man-Made Global Warming Claims in 2007 Over 400 prominent scientists from more than two dozen countries recently voiced significant objections to major aspects of the so-called "consensus" on man-made global warming. These scientists, many of whom are current and former participants in the UN IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), criticized the climate claims made by the UN IPCC and former Vice President Al Gore.   The new report issued by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s office of the GOP Ranking Member details the views of the scientists, the overwhelming majority of whom spoke out in 2007.

Far more important than computer faults.

Impeach Bush & Cheney Now...

Take a look at the above video. If you agree that Bush and Cheney should be impeached immediately, click here to write a letter to your Congressional Representatives. It's easy.

It's time to bring and end to the Bush administration's madness. Write letters to congress now. They may not have a spine, but with your support, they'll understand what they need to do. Please spread the word.

Vista reports Internet Explorer incompatible with Vista?

I powered up my main destop computer which is running Microsoft Vista Home Premium tonight to be greeted with a message from Interactive Services. Usually these messages are to warn me about problems with AVG Updater (to be fair i've not had one for over a month so I presume Grisoft have resolved the issue) but this one was different. Instead of the usual message I was shown this:

Apparently Internet Explorer 7 is not fully compatible with Vista and I should contact the program manufacturer for more information. I wonder exactly where that would get me?