O.J. Simpson book, TV special canceled - Yahoo! News

In case you've missed this stunt, O.J. Simpson was scheduled to do a tv show and book entitled "If I Did It". The subject matter is exactly as it sounds. O.J. explains how he would have committed those famous murders if he actually had, presenting the ideas as if they were evidence about why he couldn't have killed them. (At least, that's what i've inferred from the ads. Please tell me i'm wrong.)

After all the uproar surrounding these releases, i had started to look forward to seeing the show. Many of us here enjoy hearing things that offend the general public. Blame it on Archie Bunker. Still, the idea of this interview even bothered me. Politically incorrect jokes are one thing... letting a killer mock the his murders of real people--not to mention our intelligence--is quite another. Place yourselves in the position of the victims' families. The definitely-beyond-a-reasonable-doubt-duh murderer has been running free all this time, golfing and creeping people out at every turn. The years have been hellish enough for the families without further exploitation of their tragedy.

In the end, it appears "If I Did It" was too controversial, even for the mighty Fox. Some affiliates refused to air the show, and Fox finally thought better of it. Time will tell if the program ever sees the light of day. Maybe they should sell it to the WB ... CW ... whatever.

Look, the show wasn't even his fault. He's innocent. O.J. Simpson denies cancelled book was a confession

*Shakes head* This whole situation makes me nostalgic for the "Alien Autopsy" days.

I have come up with a single, definitive statement as to my thoughts on the Wii and the Console Wars in general.

turkey song!!

Thankfully, this series will not last for more than 2 episodes. Because my brother = stupid, fat, lazy, and probably broke we only have a single Wii console. As a result, my play time is restricted to whenever HE isn't playing. He has already racked up at least 7 more hours of Zelda time than me. Urrgghhhh, anyway.....on to business.

Fresh off a console downer, Saturday was depressing. I failed to secure a PS3. I got charged twice for a post PS3 bonanza breakfast (urghh), I didn't get to see Happy Feet, and I think I'm flat broke and unable to afford a Wii.

Even though I was "broke" I knew I had the money. It was just tied up in Stocks at the time. I forget about this and desperately try to sell a share of Google with about 2 minutes left to go on the trading session. It goes through, however I didn't get the funds in time. I need at least 1 business day for funds to be transferred.

I don't have any credit cards and I'm currently jobless. Things look bleak and I sat around my computer refreshing Amazon, Wii IGN, Besty Buy, Target, and Wal Mart to satiate my lust for Console. Then I saw "Apply for Best Buy Credit Card" and viola! Things are looking good again! So I applied and printed out my Best Buy Credit Card number and at about 11 P.M. PST I headed to Best Buy.

Unfortunately I forgot how bored I would be so I had a friend ship in some supplies including a lawn chair, my log book / journal / thing I write in when I can't digitally blog, and a book called "The War". I took my space in line, I was number 60 out of 105! Yes! All I had to do was stay in line all night and I had my Wii!

Unlike the first post there is no drama. I got in line, read a book, played DS, and went to sleep. It wasn't exciting till I finally paid for my console and enjoyed my victory smarties.

Normally, in regards to gaming talk on e301, I'm more content to sit back and let the professionals handle the business of reviews and reporting. Both Johnny and Zann have done excellent jobs letting their hardcore gamer personas shine through, but I thought I'd add my two cents to the whole chaotic situation that is the latest next gen system wars.

While we all know there are three opponents in this bitter battle for gamers cash, the main focus seems to be, of course, on Nintendo's Wii and Sony's PlayStation 3. Having seen games like Perfect Dark Zero, Dead Rising, and Saints Row, there's no doubt in my mind that Microsoft, once an invader in the console industry, has become a formidable and, in some cases, stalwart choice for those of us searching for quality gaming experiences.

But this post isn't about the Xbox 360, despite what we once thought was a staggering price tag for a machine we all thought wouldn't cut it. No, in my opinion, Sony has managed to out-stupid Microsoft.

As some of you may remember, I was once a die-hard Sony fan boy, but it was the high retail price of the PS3, coupled with limited console sales and a poor merchandising strategy for the PlayStation Portable that turned me off from Sony. And in my quiet whimpering, Nintendo was there to pick up the pieces. Being the owner of a Nintendo DS has been a very rewarding experience gaming-wise. While the PSP was certainly a technical marvel, allowing for multiple formats, music, video, movies, images and eventual wireless integration with the PS3, Sony seemed to forget something in the mix... fun.

I don't care about all these features that ultimately require spending more money than I have in order to get the most out of my user experience. Whatever happened to Plug 'n' Play? I want something that I can turn on and just have fun with.

And this appears to be the case with the PS3 and the Wii, although time will tell, over the next few months, whether one system is truly better than the other. In all honesty, both systems have their strengths and weaknesses, and your personal preference (not to mention your financial situation) will play a big role in whether or not you prefer Sony's system over Nintendo's or vice versa.

And that's probably why I'm so bitter about the whole mess--that individual gaming experiences are going to be determined, in a big way, by ones financial situation. Granted, this is something that's gone on for years, and not just in the gaming industry but all over the world in all aspects of our lives and certainly on more serious issues.

And what strikes me most is how the PS2 is still releasing quality titles like Okami, Final Fantasy 12 and Guitar Hero 2. The PS2 is far from being a dead system, but if Sony has their way (and they will), you can bet the last great hurrah for the PS2 will be God of War 2, followed by total support and devotion to the PS3.

I'm shocked to say that, in all this hullabaloo over this major throw down, I'm not the least bit excited one way or another. Over the past two years or so, I've been conditioning myself to show as little interest as possible in the games and features offered by all three gaming consoles, mostly because, fresh out of college, I simply don't have available the funds to purchase even a Wii--and even if I had the money for a PS3, well, I can certainly just forget that, now, can't I? While violence breaks out across the country due to lack of Sony's new toy, I'm finding more and more entertainment value in PC games, as well as new DS and PS2 releases.

I'm glad to hear from Zann's report that the Wii-mote is performing well, because I must admit, this was my sole reason for not committing to purchasing a Wii with much zeal and zest. Even now, I'm still concerned as to whether Nintendo’s controller will thrive in an industry that has often done pretty much the same thing with only minor changes leading to eventual revolutions in gaming.

Remember the Virtual Boy? That was a really neat premise when it first came out: a system that lets you play 3D games. But it didn't take long for the gimmick to wear thin and now, if you mention Virtual Boy, kids will look at you like you're on crack or something.

And even now, folks have expressed some concern that the Nintendo DS stylus technology isn't being utilized to its full extent with some games.

So you can imagine my concern about the Wii-mote. For instance:

Will the motion-sensor technology remain a big part of the gaming experience for the extended life of the machine? Or will the novelty give way to analog stick pushing and button pressing?

I was also originally concerned about third-party titles, but that has faded slightly since Sony has decided to emulate the Wii-mote with its own Sixaxis motion-sensor controller. It's likely that the 360 will probably suffer the loss of cross-platform games... unless Microsoft manages a controller that can use the same type of technology. Even if they did, it'll make more work for the developers to make certain each version of their game communicates clearly with each system--and that will certainly drive game prices up.

One last detail: I'd like to get some feedback on the Virtual Console for the Wii. While Microsoft may have been first with the concept of downloading games to your system, I think that Nintendo benefits greatly with their extensive library of titles--especially if they can manage more obscure titles (like Pac-Man 2, hint-hint, wink-wink).

And now, here's a comic! VG Cats #214: Vegonomics

Ok, after half a day with the Wii, i need a quick break. If you had concerns about the controllers--i know i did--you can stop worrying. They're as ridiculously intuitive as Nintendo has claimed. I'm amazed at how well it all works. But maybe that's cuz i'm old. I still think digital watches are a pretty neat idea.

It's worth pointing out that you don't have to stand up and do all the wildly exaggerated moves to play the games if you're not in the mood. You can lay back and make much smaller movements with a flick of your wrist. It all works.

You get a lot for your $250. Most notably, a game. (Yeah, remember that idea? How great was it to get Tetris with your Game Boy?!) I played Wii Sports for an hour and only stopped due to my fatigue from being up all night. You get various stands for the Wii and the sensor bar, you get a wiimote and nunchuk, and you even get the batteries for the wiimote. I heart Nintendo.

In case you didn't know, the system is very small. It's about the size of a CD drive. You could fit 8 of them in an original XBOX.

Zelda. Oh yes. First of all, any reviews that go on about graphics and sound are missing the point entirely. We have all known from the start that Twilight Princess is a GameCube game. Wii features have simply been added to it. I'm 5 hours in, and i love it. Using the sword by swinging the controller is a dream. I have to mention the fact that it's finally easy to execute a spin attack at any time.

I'll be reviewing Trauma Center and Rayman shortly. I'll leave the other games & online stuff to Johnny and whomever else snagged one. On that note, the Wii code exchange has begun.

Around noon, PST my friend calls me up and says that PS3's are going for thousands of dollars. Being a natural born captialist I jump at the oportunity to make something of my day and we start calling stores asking about line rules, scoping out "camping" locations, and start plotting. We developed two plans of action which I'll detail.

Plan A:
Target: South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa CA (AKA: The Real Orange County)
South Coast Plaza Wiki
Background: For those of you who watch the hit primetime soap opera "The O.C." and don't live in SoCal, this is the mall where those characters would shop if they were real. It's filled with fancy, expensive restaurants like Wolfgang Pucks' and Lawry's Grill. All the latest products in boarder gear and appearal, shoe size selecting technology, and "business casual" are sold here for near extortionary prices simply because this is "The Real O.C." where you're a pauper even if you have a six figure income. (I plan on posting something about how things really are in O.C. one day.)

The Method
1: Drive to South Coast Plaza and case the Sony Store.
2: Walk multiple entrance routes noting length, obstacles, and security cameras.
3: Talk with security, secure line details
4: Plot and practice most efficient routes
5: Discourage people in the "unofficial line"

Visual Aid

1: Primary Entrance mall Entrance.
2: Approximate location of the Sony Store and second, low profile entrance.
3: Location of the "unofficial" PS3 line.
4: Public area between freeway and mall. Parking lot is fenced off.

We had a team of 4 and the plan was to place two people at both entrances. The first fastest and the third fastest would make a team. The fastest runner on each team would bolt for the Official Sony Store PS3 line while the other would try to slow down the rest of the crowds.

Security told us they would be towing and kicking people out of the parking lot until 6:30 A.M. PST when you would be allowed to line up at the main entrances. Doors would open at 8:00 A.M. PST.

Plan B
Target: Eastland Shopping Center
Eastland Shopping Center Wiki
Background: The Eastland Shopping Center is one of two hubs for the $35,000 - $150,000 San Gabriel Valley Wage Earning customer. While nice and new, it's opulence falls very short of the concierge services, personal shoppers, and vallet parking offered by South Coast Plaza. This is where the "Real People" go. Our secondary plan's success revolved around the dual Target / Circuit City stores. We figured we could try both at once.

The Method
1: Enter Target and ask about the lines
2: Case the parking lot
3: Enter Circuit City
4: Call my friend, the head of parking lot security and get the "low down"

Visual Aid



1: Shopping Cart Holder - Serious impediment for those who couldn't force their way to the center of the line.
2: Main assembly area, people were suposedly not allowed past this area.
3: Main Target Entrance, lines formed against the wall.
4: Main Circuit City Entrance.
5: Blue rectangles indicate direct running paths to the real PS3 lines.

At 9 P.M. PST we decided to run to Target to buy snacks, games, a Nintendo DS, (Mine is now broken.) test out the PS3. (Target had a demo!) We stocked up on various treats and headed to the video game section. I tried out the new DS Lite and ultimately decided that the system is too small for my hands and that I must repair my limited edition Mario Kart Red DS with included Flame stickers stuck to the sides for extra speed.

I get to the PS3 and there isn't a line, why? Because the PS3 is frozen! Imagine that? Could this be what we're plotting to buy? A broken piece of junk? So we have an associate reset the machine and 5 minutes later it freezes. We put in a different demo disk and it too freezes. This is going to be great! Sony is launching a system that doesn't work! This hasn't happened before! (Lol)

So we leave the store, still intent on buying several units and selling them on ebay for One Million Billion Fufillion Dollars after finding out that everyone in line would be kicked out and sent to the holding area. (See Eastland Visual Aid, Rectangle 2.) (Okay, I never planned on selling them on Ebay, my friend did. I have scruples with preventing genuine players from getting the system. All profits would go to my friend who had the cash, minus In-N-Out, snack, and gas fees. Yes, that's mine.)

The clerk also told us that whoever got there fast would get the PS3. He also said they would be giving out tickets that guaranteed a PS3 for the lucky 10 that got there first at 4:00 A.M. PST. Evidently this was the same for both Circuit City and Target except Circuit City had 16.

A 4:00 A.M. line time meant that we could go to both South Coast, Circuit City, and Target. It also meant we didn't have to wait around the parking lot all night! So we all went to my friends house to play Smash Bros. and engage in other Risky behavior.

The Plans Unfold
3:00 A.M.
So we drive up to the Target holding area to see several mexicans without shirts stretching. Tension was building and of course there were cheats trying to beat the system by parking up near the entrance. Fortunately, the police were patrolling to keep riots and gunfights down to an "all in good fun" level.

When I saw what was going on I knew I needed an edge to secure a unit. I unloaded everything I didn't need, shoes, socks, wallet, cell phone, belt, and over shirt. All I was left with was underwear, jeans, and an undershirt. I started stretching and warming up, holding practice dashes to keep my body warm and loose.

3:15 A.M.
Things really got ugly when the sprinklers turned on. People got soaked. Nobody was deterred.

3:25 A.M.
Like a scene from a movie about famous rappers 6 large SUV's pull up, among them several Escalades (S-Ko-Laid?) with spin-ners. They park and about 20 black men, some who were taller than 6'1" me, and some who were small and very fast looking pour out of the car. They start taking off their shirts and I think "it's on".

3:45 A.M.
With little time left we deicide that I'm to go wait in the Circuit City line because all the fast people are at Target. My friends were right. Also, if you look at the overview, it's a shorter run. So off I go. Because of the crowd, Circuit City decided not to have a rush for the door and decide to hand out raffle tickets. No police to be found Circuit City side and a crowd angry at power mad mall security, the crowd rushes the people handing out the raffle tickets resulting in the first stampede of the morning.

3:59 A.M.
I'm watching the target mob with eager anticipation. The signal to run is a mall security cart flashing it's yellow lights. A count down begins and people jockey for position. The cart blocks a good portion of the main, direct road and it's obvious most must rethink their strategies.

4:00 A.M.: Devil's Hour
The lights flash and the mobs rush. I see people taking swings, others hitting pavement. My focus is now on the 50 people who hid in their cars, ahead of the main mob as they dash to the entrance. Fights would have no doubt ensued if it weren't for the strong police presence and helicopters. It's unclear who will actually get a PS3 because people are still being pushed out of line.

4:01 A.M.
Back at Circuit City people are still trying to get their names in and most people still don't know Circuit City has opted for a raffle. All of a sudden somebody screams "Go" and the mobs instinctively rush the doors. I see a fight break out and one person ran away to avoid being caught. I assume the other people involved were simply re-absorbed into the mob.

4:15 A.M.
I get a report from Target saying they too have decided to hold a raflle. The police succeed in making this a very orderly and safe event. All people from the Target mob have been lined up on the side walk and ordered to sit down if they want to enter. All their running was for nothing. Tickets are being passed out and everyone is eating popcorn and other snacks provided by target.

4:20 A.M.
With many from Target flowing to Circuit City to see if they can still get a PS3 Circuit City runs out of post it's and decides they won't take any more names. Without a police presence, the crowd turns very angry. Unfortunately, my name wasn't in the drawing and we leave.

That's where we called it quits. Naysayers in my group refused to go to South Coast and try for a console there. That's the end.

Full Wii Report to Follow, if Successful, Probably not for a Wiik.

I was gonna come on here to discuss what's going on with the launches of PS3 & Wii, but there's really nothing new to say. Except that i completely agree w/Johnny's post.

There are only limited bug reports for the PS3 thus far, mostly coming from the Japanese launch. The insanely low supply and insanely high price show just how well Sony paid attention to the PS2 launch and how the hype helped them rake in the cash early on. The simple scarcity of the console makes me want it, despite the fact that buying one this week goes against all logic.

I'll be back with Wii reports. Because i will get one. If i don't, and you do, i hate you.

So, it's T-3 days and counting and I'm going nuts.

At the moment, I have absolutely no interest in purchasing a PS3, even if money weren't an issue at all, a PS3 would be one of those things I just couldn't justify spending the time to buy. First, there aren't any games I want to play. No Kingdom Hearts, no Final Fantasy, no nothing. The only reason I bought a PS2 was to play Kingdom Hearts and after I beat it, the system was tucked away in my drawer and currently serves as my DVD player so I can watch such awesome things as Densha Otoko and Densha Otoko Deluxe.

The PS2 also came in handy for such titles as Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero 2. (The secret song rocks, rocks on.)

Why I Want a Wii

My reasons for wanting a Wii go far beyond my simple Nintendo Fan Boy Loyalties. After the launch of the PS2 and Game Cube I told myself "Are game makers just going to regurgitate the same systems with a new graphics card every 4 years?" I felt the gaming industry was becoming stale. There was no real innovation. At least the Nintendo 64 introduced us to the Rumble Pack. The only real change in console gaming was the advent of online play. Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Alas, I told myself loyalty to Nintendo was no longer an option. The system that brought me more than better graphics (Which I can always get on my computer screen.) would get my initial console dollars.

Then Nintendo announced the Revolution and their intentions to change the gaming industry. In his now wildly famous speech, Satoru Iwata introduced the new Wiimote proclaiming that the time when consoles were defined by their graphics processing power alone was over. Shortly after, Iwata unveiled the Wiimote and a whole new world of home console gaming was opened.

I'm buying a Wii because Nintendo is the only Next Gen console to do something different. When I buy a Wii, I don't run the risk of buying Medal of Honor with better graphics. The new controls will allow me to do something different, something new. I'm buying a Wii to let Sony and Microsoft know the old way of doing business is over. They can't keep feeding me the same crap and I'm not going to take it anymore. This Console War season I'm sending a message.

TIME Magazine: The All-TIME 100 Albums

We all know not to take these articles seriously, but sometimes they're just annoying. Your eyes will immediately roll as you notice the writers of this list are being as politically correct as possible instead of actually addressing their stated goal. I'm not talking about the rap albums, because people certainly love those. The simple obscurity of some of the selections disqualifies them as being among the "most influential". The only demographic group not given equal time is the toddlers: The Wiggles are conspicuously absent.

The one surprisingly correct selection was using Metallica's "Master of Puppets" instead of a certain big seller.

They leave Pink Floyd off the list, acknowledging that people complained but not apologizing for the disrespect. It may just be my rock bias talking, but i think "The Wall" has influenced a few more people than Stankonia. Or Hole... OMFG HOLE IS ON THE LIST LOLS. *ahem*... Idiots. And how about Aerosmith... forget them, did ya? Or does Eric B. and Rakim really have more fans? It's certainly impossible to include everyone, but let's get real.

So have a good laugh at some lameness. And let's turn this around by suggesting a few bits of music that have meant the most to us, since we don't wish to speak for the entire world. I guess the point of these lists is indeed to get people talking.

A handful of my personal picks:

• Led Zeppelin's "II"
• Aerosmith's "Big Ones" (since we're ignoring the word album in favor of convenient "greatest hits" packages)
• Type O Negative's "World Coming Down"
• Third Eye Blind's debut ...shut up, it's a lost classic :-P
• Metallica's "Ride the Lightning"
• Stone Temple Pilot's "Core"
• Megadeth's "Youthanasia"
• AFI's "Sing the Sorrow"
• and yes, Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon"

Urban Legends Reference Pages: Stuck in Iraq

Here is their list.

My list is only 5 long, but it's a doozy.

1. ET: I have to agree with them. This game is pure evil. Anyone who has never played it, count yourself lucky.

2. Superman : On the Atari system, which I loved so much but never owned because I grew up poor (really!) came this steaming pile, one of the most horrible games ever. As Superman, you fly from building to building, catching falling Loises. That's the whole game.

3. Spiderman and the X-men: Arcade's Revenge: A Super Nintendo game that made me want to get rid of my Super Nintendo. When you're an excited kid looking forward to playing what you think will be one of the premiere games of all time, only to DIE EVERY SINGLE TIME YOU TURN IT ON, it kind of sticks with you. This game had a playability factor of 0 and a fun factor of -10.

4. The Wizard and the Princess: For the ancient Apple //C pc. It was an awful mistake of a game, you watched as the cursor built the backgrounds. There was a maze. A snake. Eventually a wizard. A chasm. Mostly what I recall is how much I hated this game. Calling it a game is a misnomer, since games are supposed to be fun. I'm still bitter about this one, and I last played it 20 years ago.

5. Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, etc.: This is a personal choice. I hate the camera angles, I hate the first person shooter. Metroid: Prime Hunter joins this crowd. Something about these games just annoys the hell out of me. I own one of the Resident Evils, but I couldn't tell you which one. I don't want to be the gun. The only first person games I like are ones where they don't use guns. Targeting annoys me. I prefer third person games, unless they don't use weapons.

It really IS my birthday... *cries tears of joy*



Exclusive: Christopher Walken to Play Ozzy Osbourne

A few hours early, I know, but I wanna post it now.

I hope your day is full of color and treats!

(because Zann asked for it)


"Okay, alright guys; I just lost a contact lens. It's gotta be around here somewhere..."

It's almost a rite of passage as an e301 member to have once in your lifetime seen The Nightmare Before Christmas--not necessarily love it as much as some of us do, but to have at least watched it once.

And if you haven't, now's the time, moreso than ever.

The Nightmare Before Christmas in "Disney Digital 3D" has been in theaters for almost two weeks now. A company called Real D is responsible for the digital technology, using polarized glasses, and not the cheap paper kind, I'm talking actual, hinged plastic glasses, part of a 2 or 3 dollar surcharge, which you get to keep (though what you'd use them for, one could only guess).

There's no need to review the film proper. You know the story: king of Halloween is bored with his current schtick, tries to take over a new holiday and fails miserably, learns a lesson in being true to oneself, kill the bad guy, save the holiday, get the girl.

No, what this review focuses most on is the whole 3D element of watching Nightmare on the silver screen.

Now, I'm biased. I come from the Sunshine State where most of my 3D experiences involve theme park shows like Muppet*Vision, Shrek 4D and... urgh... R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse. All attractions designed and rendered to make the 3D experience come to life. Objects and characters are framed just right so that the objects on the screen actually appear to float over the heads of the audience and out towards you.

With Nightmare, you're watching a movie, so while some things are in 3D, it's typical for a character or an object to project something in 3D towards you, but the effect is lost when said character or object is cut off in part of the camera shot. In fact, at the very beginning of the film, where the camera pans all the holiday doors, I wasn't even sure we were seeing it in 3D because, despite the trees showing some signs of depth, everything appeared flat for some reason.

Depth. Or lack of it. I blame the 10 minutes of fancy 3D logos from all the companies and such involved in the production of the film, not to mention the 3D version of the Pixar short Tinker Toys. After watching crystal clear, full depth 3D eye candy, Nightmare's 3D seemed a little weak. Things just didn't seem to pop out like they should have.

But that's an opinion formulated by someone who has seen it all when it comes to 3D. It was still entertaining to watch, and there were some moments when the 3D really shined through. All Nightmare fans should watch it at least once.