A New Kind of "Novel"

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/02/25/japan.mobilenovels/


I just thought this was a really interesting topic to write about. I never would have thought of writing novels on a cellphone. Quite frankly it seems quite impractical to me, I mean how long must it take to type it all out? But I suppose the cell phones do have the added bonus of being easily concealed as mentioned in the article. One thing I found about the article was that the author wrote it as though the instant chapters and the commentary from readers was a new concept. However, I've seen this on the internet for quite some time now. It's really just the exact same as writing stories online, except it's done through a cellphone, not a computer. I can't really see the fad catching on here as much as it did in Japan as the topics they write about on the less conspicuous cell phones aren't as taboo to write/read about over here. And it really isn't conveniant.

Is Michael Phelps the victim of an overzealous legal system?

Link: http://www.charter.net/news/read.php?ps=1013&rip_id=%3CD96A97981%40news.ap.org%3E&_LT=HOME_LARSDCCLM_UNEWS

I thought this article brought up some very interesting points in regards to the recent uproar surrounding Michael Phelps. In a way I definately think the whole ordeal has been overblown due to Phelps' celebrity status. I mean, the first headline I read to do with the situation led me to believe that Phelps had done something hideously wrong, not simply been caught acting in a manor that could land him with a minor drug charge. Not that I'm saying what Phelps did was right, it wasn't. But honestly, who was he really hurting? Surely the offense didn't warrant all the newscovering and attention it recieved. Perhaps the judge involved in the case is hoping to use Phelps as an example to other would-be drug offendors. I don't know. However, the way this is going I think Phelps is going to end up warranting an apology from the legal system handling his case.

A New Kind of Fitness

Link: http://videogames.yahoo.com/feature/the-truth-about-wii-fit-and-weight-loss/1284826

To begin, this line made me laugh. "Fitness videogames might be able to keep players in shape--but not if they don't play them." It seems so obvious but yet...it's true. Despite the many benefits that could be gleaned from participating in a fitness program, even if it is set up as a videogame, people do have to put in time and dedication to ensure positive results. This article was interesting,exploring whether or not the Wii Fit was just another fad and if it could have any longterm health benefits. Maybe it could for the dedicated enthusiast but not for the typical audience it seems.
Another quote that I loved from the article was "even though it's a videogame, it's still exercise. It might be fun a little bit, but it's work."
It's true, the general feeling about the Wii Fit is that it is a video game so it [i]must[/i] be fun. But even if it's more fun than traditional excercise, the pain and sweat that comes with other forms of excercise is still going to come with the Wii game, if you're gaining any benefit from it that is.

Remembering Paul Newman

In December I wrote an tribute article to Paul Newman and then placed it on Wordle. I really like how it looks, check it out :) RIP Paul Newman

Linky: Newman article: http://www.wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/497376/Paul_Newman_