Guitar (Nerd) Hero

I love the latest trend in video games - games that let you really 'play' them. The "Wii" is the best example but the one that has become my come-from-behind favorite is "Guitar Hero". If you haven't seen it, it is hard to explain. It is a small plastic guitar that serves as the controller - you've got 4 buttons out on the neck for the 'frets' and a little 'bar thing' where you would strum the strings. They put up a blazing metal song and you follow images on the screen that show ou when to strum and hit the buttons. It is as close to playing a blazing, melt your face off guitar solo as many will ever get and you don't have to grow your hair out or where any black and white makeup! Admittedly, I thought it was hokey... but play it once and you'll be hooked!

Here is the super (nerdy?) funny part: now, you too can play guitar hero at home... WITHOUT BUYING THE GAME! That is right - someone out there has heard the cries of all of us 'non-console' owners - the nerdy masses who still do all ther gaming on their PC! In a feat of Flash programming and some deftly, creative use of a standard keyboard the online version of Guitar Hero has arrived! Now you, too can (swallow your pride and) have a shot at this gaming phenomenom. Check it out here!

Our Offical Language

With all the hubbub surrounding immigration and our policies towards it, heated opinions abound. But add protest signs to the fray and things get fun. This picture is about the best summation of the whole 'language debate' that I have seen yet: The debate is one-sided - immigrants couldn't care less about changing our national language. And, the english-speakers aren't making good arguments!

It's not that I don't like english as a language. I enjoy it; probably as much as any of my contemporaries. But, the idea of declaring it the "official" language is pointless. English is not in danger. It's not even remotely threatened. In fact it has become quite the invasive species! France is actively on the defense against english words sullying their venerable language. And guess what country has the largest english-speaking population ... INDIA. The US is 3rd behind China! Can you say 'McSushi'?

So relax. English isn't going away. You can still make it our 'offical [sic]' language, but maybe we should worry about something that really does matter.