As bizarre as they might be, they are still pretty cute. But why the hell is his nose bleeding in this pic?

I finally got a chance to go back to Chinatown and get that rare game from J&L which I mentioned from before. It’s Blast Corps btw, the last decent game every to come from Rare (who my opinion has always been way overrated anyway). I also looked around a bit and noticed that most of the prices of their PSone games have been slashed down. There’s a few titles I’ve always been on the fence about which I might actually pick up. I had the urge to get Cosmic Race, if only to say that I owned the officially worst game that no one has ever heard of, but $25 still isn’t worth that mantle. Some titles I’m seriously thinking about picking up for the trip (mostly GBA titles, since that’s pretty much all I have to keep me entertained while at home) but again, I’m the paranoid type so I’m not naming names. Also, they still have a DS for $275.

Also, playing movies on the PSP, no matter how dumb I might think it is, just makes more sense; it may be small, but it’s screen is still much bigger than the GBA’s and DS, and is much nicer to boot. Folks also need to keep in mind that SD cards aren’t exactly cheap, and you will need a SD reader for your computer to really use it. And I’m not keen on having to lug around yet another cartridge type thing for a Nintendo handheld. Plus, and this is going to sound really retarded, but here goes: it just looks physically unappealing. Sorry, but handhelds are all about looking somewhat sexy, and unless Nintendo can do a massive overhaul of the design, it’s going to re-enforce Nintendo’s “kiddie” image, which is not going to help with this particular product. And not only is big and bulky unappealing, but inconvenient, which goes against what a handheld should be.

Hey, it’s great that he’s so in love, but to such a degree, and with video games intermixed, is just plain strange (and I really do mean that in the nicest way possible). Though I do like how he manages to incorporate other game characters. He’s a big fan Space Channel 5 I see. And I have no clue who the hell this “Fire Faerie” is.

BTW, Job’s girlfriend made him for the holidays a truly awesome stuffed Katamari Damacy plush. I asked Job for some pics, so once I get them, they’ll be posted. And also, the next Gamers Nite Groove is next week on Wednesday night. I’ll pass along the info once I get it.

Though the fact that Nintendo really hasn’t made such a big deal out of it, plus it looks as if its only going to be available in Japan and via online, shows how committed they are. Nintendo is really starting to look like Sega (circa 1995) these days, if you know what I mean.

- Still sticking with love and video games, here’s a neat music video that mixes both.

- Last night I met up with Nelson, a nice fellow from SVA that’s interested in producing video games, and we went over the design specs for a game we’re working on together. It’s based on an idea I’ve had for a very long time, so it’s nice to know that it’s finally happening. Sam, another guy with similar interests joined up with us to attend the Large Animal Christmas party that I was invited to.

FYI, the game sold more copies on one day in Japan than in the first two weeks here in the states (actually, the latest Metal Gear has been somewhat classified as a bomb in the U.S.). I’d like to think that stuff such as this is the main reason why. Seriously, game commercials here in the states are really lacking these days.

- Also in Japan, Snake Eater just came out (yesterday I think). So you know what that means? More chicks with crocodile hats!

- Speaking of crazy, here’s some drawings by a guy who clearly loves his wife, named Peach, and has decided to depict her as the character with the same name in the Super Mario games…

- On the personal side of things, I’ve working double time to make sure things are wrapped up by next Thursday morning, which is when I fly back home. I’ve gotten most of my Xmas shopping done, thankfully, plus I’ve managed to get a thing to two for myself.

If there’s one thing about New York City, you never know who or what you’re going to run into. After the party, Nelson, Sam, and myself went for a drink at a local bar. Then while walking towards Penn Station, Nelson mentioned how he had just played Katamari and remembered me talking about the game, way back in March (gushing is perhaps a more appropriate term). Then Sam brought up Ikaruga in relation to something. Anyway, some guy who was walking alongside us asked if we worked in the industry due to the kind of games we were talking about. The guy said he used to work at Rockstar and didn’t really like it. Seemed like a nice fellow, and not like some total jack-ass, so I’m assuming he didn’t fit in.

- Here’s a story of some guy who spent $26,500 in actual US currency to buy a piece of real estate in a MMORGP. Fucking crazy.

- So it’s been a pretty crazy week in video games (as you might have noticed). With so much going on, such as all the bullshit with EA, the demise of GMR (XBN as it turns out is still on life support; it might return with a bimonthly schedule and hopefully full time return once Xenon hits), all the debates that either that slams or justifies the PSP’s battery life (I mean, come on people, how could anyone think that five hours is acceptable?), and even more shots from Katamari 2 coming in, it’s easy to loose track of things, such as the just announced a SD card reader to allow mp3 and mpeg4 playback on the GBA.

Plus,Chanel Handbags, I finally got Robotic Alchemic Drive (or R.A.D.) thanks to Job! After reading a while back of my failed attempt to procure a copy, he offered to sell me his extra one. Thanks again Job!

It ended up being a ton of fun. It was almost like an IGDA meeting of sorts (well my friend Corey from Large Animal does run the New Jersey chapter of the IGDA). I think it’s probably best that I don’t divulge in great detail what was discussed, at least not yet. Let’s just say there some interesting things brewing for next year in regards to the New York game development community, and a good opportunity to really get my hands wet.

It’s a curious little contraption, which everyone assuming is suppose to help Nintendo face off against the much vaunted multimedia capabilities of the PSP. While it’s a good idea, the whole thing brings along way too many questions, observations, and hassles to be even worth it. First off, it’s for the GBA, and not the DS. Why? Cuz SD cards are too big for the DS. Fine enough, since the DS can play GBA carts anyways, so no problems right? Wrong. There are conflicting reports regarding it’s cross-compatibility. If true, this is just going to confuse and frustrate people even more so than they have, and potentially drive away (even more) customers.

Then on the subway ride this morning to work, one kid was playing a Neo Geo Pocket! Strange…

As expected, there was a game to be played there. Everyone was classified as a “Good Elf” or “Bad Elf” (I was a baddie) and you had to get a person from the other team to say a special word, which changed every fifteen minutes. If successful, you had to give up a small present, which were really just game pieces (and those were really just laundry clips with a small drawing of a Xmas present glued on). I forget who won since by the end of the evening, I was too into talking without actually playing the game, and gawking at a guy’s N-Gage (the “old-school” Sidetalkin’ model).

Other articles:

• One More Time
• Time To Go

Since I have a little bit of downtime here at work…

- There’s a new Sonic game on the way and its called Sonic Riders. Here’s the write-up, courtesy of IGN…

- Also jut announced for the PSP in Japan is the action-RPG classic Landstalker which was originally for the Genesis. No word if its a straight-forward port (which would be pointless since one could play that already on the PSP if they really wanted to) or an enhanced version, or a sequel of sorts. If they include the Saturn sequel, Dark Saviror, then that would be an awesome deal.

Anyway, here’s an awesome Photoshop from the GAF that sums my feelings, and others, quite perfectly:

Air is a big element of Sonic Riders. Your board’s “fuel” source is air…”

“In Sonic Riders, Dr. Robotnik has set up a speed challenge, and all the Sonic characters, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Knuckles the Echidna, Storm the Albatross, Jet the Hawk, Miles “Tails” Prower and Web the Swallow, have decided to compete. To the victor goes a Chaos Emerald.

Its basically part 1 with a graphical overhaul. Gotta say…. I’,Chanel Handbags;m not a big fan of this new “Chibi” Mega Man. But hey, at least the game comes with a level editor, so I’m still interested.

- So here’s what Rockman Rockman looks like:

- Meanwhile on the DS, Monkey Ball is headed its way with a control scheme which is not necessarily a surprise, but is still very much welcome, at least to those who tried to deal with the GBA controls, such as myself (basically, you just roll the monkey ball with your stylus on the bottom screen… just like that recent Pac Man rolling game):

Storm the Albatross? Jet the Hawk? Air as fuel? The return of eXtreme? Jesus H. Christ…

Unlike the classic SEGA Saturn racer Sonic R (now appearing as a game in Sonic Gems Collection), Sonic Riders promises an “eXtreme” experience. Yes, SEGA is actually using this buzz word that we thought had died two years ago to promote the game. Sonic and friends speed through tracks on air boards, using individual special moves to strike down opponents.

Other articles:

• We Must Keep Rolling…
• The Decade of Decadence (well, mostly the weekend)

and click on Download

Jon turned me on to Gnarls Barkley while we were in Sydney last month. He even bought and downloaded the video to his iPod, and the vid is excellent… Well,Chanel Handbags, BoingBoing has a link to this excellent mashup of the song and here it is:
Crazy Logic/Gnarls Barkley vs Supertramp vs The Who vs Rockwell

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Instead of subsidies, restructure portfolios for a higher EPF return

It is an annual tug-of-war — the process of fixing the rate of interest on the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) scheme. While the finance ministry would like to align this rate to the market, and point to the deficit if an artificially high rate is paid, labour unions would like a rate they believe is reasonable enough for the long-term funds of employees. The cold logic of what has been earned only can be paid out is usually lost on those who argue for a higher rate, as they expect the government to make good the deficit. There is no dispute about securing the long-term interests of EPF subscribers, but solutions lie in restructuring the portfolio to meet these goals,Versace Handbags, rather than in subsidies.

If those who argue for higher returns on long-term investments allow portfolios to be constructed, by using simple principles of diversification and strategic asset allocation, we would go a long way. In several developed markets,replica shoes, investment committees of pension portfolios are pulled up for failing in their fiduciary responsibilities if they dont diversify and seek asset classes that offer a higher return. They under- stand that these risks can be diversified,Chanel handbags, and that diversification creates an efficient combination of higher returns and lower risks for the portfolio. Investments in India by funds such as Calpers are based on this understanding of risk and return. It would be a good idea to use some of the money in the Investor Education and Protection Fund to bring first principles in finance to those who influence policy without caring for the implications.

More : expressmoney.in

What are you looking for? Is it a chic or fabulous designer handbag? Which are the perfect designer handbags you’re desired for? Is it a special kind?

If you are on the outlook for budget friendly alternatives for designer handbags, then replica handbags are for you.

Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada,Save $20 Collection, Miu Miu, Jimmy Choo, Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Fendi and Chanel are just a few designer brands in which replica handbags are available. It gives the buyer ample choice in selecting a brand or a few brands that they would like to be a part of in showing off the designers style. These clones come in various styles and colors that include wallets, purses, totes, flap bags, evening wear and much more that the selection is endless.

Chanel: Sophistication and elegance

Chanel handbags have become a fashion staple. The popular line with it’s caramel and chocolate colours and the print are recogniseable instantaneously and have the connotations of a epicurean lifestyle. Indeed so many A list stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Uma Thurman love the Vuitton handbags so much that they have featured in ad campaigns.

Coach: The prototype of Chic

Coach, the name whispers elegance, sophism and class. During the 1960’s a purse stirred the fashion world. With a chain shoulder strap and the iconic interlacing C it turned out to be one the most well known handbags of all time. Women now had free hands, they no longer needed to hold a handbag and were instead free to sling it over the shoulder

Many Women just like to shop for handbags from top designers like Prada, Fendi, Christian Dior, Hermes, and Gucci. This is because of the great appeal and elegance that these bags possess. What is more, designer handbags are fashionable. If you are into Prada, there are several styles for you to choose from. The bad thing about designer brands is when you do not know which one is actually real and which is fake. If you want to get the best deal, you should be able to identify an authentic Prada handbag from a fake handbag. In this, you will be able to pay less for the handbags.
  There are several handbag retailers that are making the most out of the high demand for designer bags. For they in order to earn much, they sell fake designer handbags to innocent women. If you do not want to fall prey to lesser quality bags, you should know how to tell the differenceof them, when shopping for bags. When it comes to an authentic Prada handbag, you should make sure that the stitch is not loose, crooked, or poorly done. The smell of the leather should be pleasant. There are some leather materials that actually smell good, while there are some materials that emit a foul odor. An authentic Prada handbag smells of good leather and you can also tell by the touch as well.   An authentic Prada handbag is imprinted with a triangle-shaped logo. Make sure that the text spelling in the labels is correct. When the price is absolutly low, you might want to stay away from that bag. Low prices do not necessarily mean that you are getting a great deal. Sometimes, the quality of a product can be determined through its price. If you find a really cheap Prada handbag, this might mean that it is a sham. The shop selling cheap Prada handbags are mostly trying to scam you of your money and putting a bad name to Prada handbags. If you want to ensure the quality of your handbag, buy only from reliable retailers. There are a lot of designer handbag dealers that have been in the business for many years. Some of these are operating locally, while there are some that are selling their products online. One of these online retailers is Eurohandbag.   Eurohandbag sells Prada handbags. It also offers purses, belts, wallets, and handbags from top designers like Fendi and Christian Dior,Chanel Handbags, to name a few. If you want to buy a handbag from the site, you can choose from elegant colors such as red, black, white, and brown. You can also shop for bag that is fabricated with multicolor leather materials. You will not find replica Prada handbags at Eurohandbag, since this retailer believes in providing quality bags to its customers. If you love Prada, you can find an authentic Prada handbag online at Eurohandbag. but if you want to buy the same bag in less price ,you can go to hot-handbags.com to look for the very one you like.
 
 
 On the contrary, it provides custom designs for its customers. If you have any specifications regarding the style or design of your chosen handbag, you can simply send it online. If you want to personalize your authentic Prada handbag, you can choose from leather fabrics like snake skin, lizard skin, crocodile skin, ostrich skin, togo, and box calf. You can change the color or the dimensions of a specific handbag design, and suit it to your tastes.

If a  fake  handbag  is approved and welcomed by a famous designer, isn’t it a new field for&nbsp,Chanel Handbags; replica handbags  especially for LV,   GUCCI  handbag  these two top popular brands.

We have all the best and newest styles on  replica  handbag �C all the best of the spring and summer fashions! Our   replica handbags  come in a great variety of colors and models.

 Gucci handbags   are always succinct and convenient for any occasions, no matter parties, travelling or taking a walk. It’s changeable designs are warmly welcome by worldwide ladies

Replica handbags have become extremely popular over the years. Those who want the look and feel of a designer handbag, but do not want to pay thousands of dollars for one, have found a real treasure in replica designer handbags. Here’s a quick guide to replica handbags and how they are taking the handbag market by storm.
Types of Replica Handbags
Whether it’s a replica Gucci handbag or a replica Chloe handbag, thousands of these items are being sold online and off. There are all types of replica handbags from a variety of famous designers. To name a few, there are Fendi replica handbags, replica Chanel handbags, replica Gucci handbags, Louis Vuitton replica handbags and many more! These are called "handbag knockoffs&quot,replica watch; because they are designed to look and feel just like the real thing.
Pricing for Replica Handbags
Don’t be misled into thinking that replica designer handbags are cheaply priced. On the contrary, they can still be expensive, just not as expensive as the real thing. For instance, a replica Gucci handbag might be priced between $200 and $300. That’s not pocket change by any means. However, authentic Gucci handbags are priced much higher, from $800 up. So, deciding to buy a replica handbag is often due to the major price differences.
Great for Extravagant Outings
Replica handbags are wonderful for extravagant outings such as black tie events, special dinner occasions, formal balls, proms, weddings, ceremonies, banquets, etc. You can take a replica handbag along to appear just as stunning as you would with an authentic bag!
Replica Handbags as Gifts
Maybe you’d like to spend a few hundred dollars to buy a gift for your loved one. Maybe the gift is for your mother on Mother’s Day or for your sister or favorite aunt during the holidays. What woman wouldn’t adore a replica handbag? If you can’t buy an authentic handbag, buy a replica Chloe handbag or Fendi replica handbag as a gift. It will be a gift to remember!
Where to Find Replica Handbags
Finding replica handbags has never been easier. Now you can shop online to find all brands of replica designer handbags at affordable prices. Only be sure the website is actually offering true replicas. With an online retailer, you can shop from your own home and take time to compare different replica brands. One website alone might offer a variety of replica handbag brands such as replica Chanel handbags, Fendi replica handbags, replica Chloe handbags and many others.
Use the guide above along with your online resources to find the replica handbag that’s right for you!