Friday, April 11, 2003

Was that Game Review influenced by the publisher? The video gaming industry has come a long way. Starting with the simple Pong game three decades ago and evolving into lavishly drawn interactive epics, the scale of games and the size of their audience has grown exponentially, with sales in the billions of dollars and major multinational corporations clamoring for a piece of the action.  But despite these signs of a fast-growing industry, the print and online publications that cover video games often employ fans who unwittingly make poor ethical choices. Good read, a little look into how reviews are made...... 9:14:57 PM    Talk to me! []

Apple to buy Universal Music? MacCentral: The Los Angeles Times is reporting this morning that Apple Computer Inc. is in talks with Vivendi Universal to buy the world's largest music label, Universal Music Group. The reported price for the company could be as much as US$6 billion. Hmmmmm.  Apple with its own label. Hmmmmmm.   8:54:51 PM    Talk to me! []

Yet another episode in the RIAA vs THE WORLD Saga....... Slashdot: Shadow Wrought writes "We have all read the numerous RIAA articles on Slashdot, not to mention scores of other articles that discuss the industry's purported demise. An article at the Christian Science Monitor calls this assumption into question by pointing to the success that Indie Labels are beginning to enjoy. An interesting read and one that provides pretty good support against the RIAA's argument that a quartet of college students is responsible for their troubles." Personally, I consider Internet my best friend in this.  There are plenty of bands who promote their music by giving it away.  I may hear an awsome song on college radio, then go to the web site and they are giving away their music.  Then from that I become a fan and go to their shows. 6:13:38 PM    Talk to me! []

Russia plans simulated trip to Mars NewScientist.com: The Russian laboratory dedicated to space medicine has said it will confine and isolate six cosmonauts for 17 months to test the ability of a crew to survive a return trip to Mars. Now this is cool.... 2:07:24 PM    Talk to me! []

What You don't See...... Salon has an article on the differences between US media coverage of IRAQ and World coverage.  Basically, what we in the US, don't see.  Here Salon has a article with many of the photos.  For those w/out Salon Premium, or a one day pass, here are some direct links to photos "Scoop" photo Gallery 1 (March 27) Scoop" photo Gallery 2 (March 27) "Scoop" photo Gallery 3 (March 27) Arab News gallery (April 7) Arab News photo gallery (April 4 2:11:57 AM    Talk to me! []

Online Epic to Release Penultimate Episode Slashdot: The award-winning 3-year epic 'Broken Saints' is preparing to launch it's 23rd installment in its cult hit saga. Winner of the Sundance Online Film Festival Audience Award for Animation, 'Broken Saints' contains over 10 hours of original flash storytelling in 'cinematic literature' format (think animated comic). Having been seen by over 2 million people worldwide, this free web project will be launching the penultimate episode in the series next week, and will close out its run with a 1 hour finale in June. 'Broken Saints' follows the paths of four protagonists from different cultures that receive an ominous vision of the future - a vision that is somehow tied to the launching of a global telecommunications network. One of the main characters - the Muslim mercenary Oran - was created as a direct protest of the continued sanctions against the nation of Iraq. His role in the story chillingly mirrors the direction of current global events. The 3-person team from North Vancouver, Canada hopes to release a tradition graphic novel and DVD box set of the series by Christmas 2003. They are also in talks with production companies ranging from HBO to the Sci-Fi Network to do a mini-series adaptation of the epic. If you want to help the lads chip away at their mounting bandwidth bills, please consider dropping a dime in their kitty." I havn't watched any of the episodes yet, but it seems pretty cool.  I definitly plan on watching em. 12:26:41 AM    Talk to me! []

© Copyright 2003 Kurt Hines.