THINK

Nintendo DSi to Launch in April 2009

2009-03-03T15:19:00.001-08:00

Nintendo DSi launches April 5 in the United States

2009-02-18

Nintendo pioneered hand-held entertainment in the '80s and made it fully mobile with the Game Boy video game system. Now, Nintendo is transforming the way people access, experience, create and share content with the new Nintendo DSi system, the third iteration of the world's best-selling portable video game system. Nintendo DSi launches in the United States on April 5, 2009, at an MSRP of $169.99. The colors available at launch will be Blue and Black.

"Ever since the arrival of the first Game Boy, consumers worldwide have turned to Nintendo for their portable gaming," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Nintendo DSi builds on Nintendo's commitment to bringing fun and creative entertainment to everyone, and will allow consumers to personalize and share their very own experiences."

Some features that will be built into the system and ready to enjoy upon purchase include the Nintendo DSi Camera, Nintendo DSi Sound and Nintendo DSi Shop. The most noticeable feature of the slim Nintendo DSi system is its two cameras – one camera is on the external body, and the second one points at the user when the device is flipped open. As the first truly interactive digital camera in a video game system with 10 different interactive "lenses" that can manipulate your photos, the Nintendo DSi Camera offers an easy way to take and share your photos with family and friends. The cameras also present people with unprecedented ways to interact with their games while giving developers a new tool to devise creative games and experiences. If the touch screen gave Nintendo DS a sense of feel and the microphone allowed it to hear, the two cameras give Nintendo DSi the sense of sight.

Another enhanced feature is the Nintendo DSi Sound application, which serves as both an interactive voice recorder and music player that allows users to play with their music while they listen to it. Users can access different audio filters or control the pitch and speed of recorded voice or music files to alter voices or change the tempo of a song. The mic is located between the two screens when the device is flipped open, and there is also a stereo headphone output that lets users listen to music saved on an SD card, even with the screen shut.

In the world of software, Nintendo DSi will be the platform for the most relevant and fun on-the-go games and applications. The Nintendo DSiWare application will populate Nintendo DSi with software that can be downloaded using Nintendo DSi Points directly to the portable system, just as WiiWare has with Nintendo's Wii console. Developers big and small are invited to create software that makes use of the properties and functions of the hardware. Nintendo DSiWare games and applications will be available at a range of values, starting at 200 points.

In addition to downloadable games, Nintendo DSi is able to play games made specifically for the system and sold at retail. The system can also play most Nintendo DS™ games, and will have access to a library of more than 850 titles originally made for that system.

Also on April 5, a new Nintendo DS game, Rhythm Heaven, will join this roster of games available for both Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DS owners in the United States. Having sold more than 1.6 million copies since its July 2008 launch in Japan and still increasing sales today, this infectious game challenges players to tap and slide the stylus on the touch screen in time to original music created by legendary Japanese pop-star producer TSUNKU♂. Simple gestures with the stylus combined with fun music and quirky visuals make Rhythm Heaven a completely unique musical experience for players of all ages.

Additional features and news of Nintendo DSi will be revealed as April 5 approaches. For more information about Nintendo DSi, visit www.nintendodsi.com.

Pittsburgh Steelers; Super bowl Champions

2009-02-01T20:00:00.001-08:00

Damn, that sure sounds good doesn't it; super bowl champions? Right now I am really feeling great, because the team that I essentially pledged my allegiance to, the team that I put money on, in the end won the Super bowl. But the game was rough to watch and it got me to thinking, why do I care so much for this team, that I have been a fan of for years, to win?

Without getting too deep into it, human nature urges us to be a part of things; to be associated with groups or people or causes or "things". It is always a good thing, when the thing that you chose to be associated with has done something great. It is as if you had done it yourself; as if you were at least a part of something great. That's the way I felt after Kurt Warner fumbled the ball with 6 seconds left on the clock. I felt as if I were with them on the field; that I somehow helped them with the tackle. Even though I did not do a darn thing to contribute to the Steelers winning the game, I feel good. Actually, I feel great.

The iPod is Not Just for Music Anymore

2009-01-21T16:24:00.001-08:00

Just when you think that every possible use that could be found for the Apple iPod had been found, Natalie Lenhart, a 20 year old Sacramento woman was unwittingly introduced to yet another little known use of the little electronic device, known as bartering. Barter is a type of trade in which goods or services are directly exchanged for other goods and/or services, without the use of money.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is investigating an incident in which Natalie said she was forced to use her iPod as payment for a cab ride. She took a cab to the airport in early December, but her credit card was declined.

The driver called 911, and Port Authority police responded to the call. Lenhart was told by the Port Authority that she had to give the driver some compensation, so she turned over the iPod.

A spokeswoman for the Port Authority said the incident was being investigated by the internal affairs office. The story was first reported by the New York Post.

History - President Obama 20 Jan 2009

2009-01-20T17:04:00.000-08:00

America's Newest Hero

2009-01-20T09:45:00.001-08:00

" Is there a hero among you?" Goliath in the form of Big Business and greed, taunts the crowds of citizens and terrorizes the masses with no fear of repercussions. Frightened Americans must have silently asked a similar question. Where is our hero? Who is our David? This country has its share of super villains. Gas prices started to sky-rocket for no apparent reason. They say the market was volatile, but oil companies still were getting record profits consistently. Villain. I thought the country and the world was just going crazy. Everyone fighting each other and no one listening. Big businesses raping their consumers and employees with inflated pricing and creative deception tactics that fooled us all. (ENRON) Villain. Don't let me get on the topic of war. That's an open-ended conversation these days. For now, I'll just leave that beaten horse beaten. The haves started blatantly robbing the dreams of the have nots. No deception needed. And everyone seemed to be content; like there was nothing wrong with the world. I thought of Eckhart Tolle's book "A New Earth" talks about man's mental state bordering insanity. Ok, actually he doesn't say bordering. The country looked just like Gotham City... and then the bottom dropped out.

In one voice, citizens of America looked to the sky and said "Save us". Panic set in. The haves don't have as much. Careers seem more like Temp agency assignments. The housing market is a mess; banks need a loan (are you serious). Business as usual it seems is not very good business. Bonnie Tyler's song "I Need a Hero" plays softly in the background.

Enter America's newest hero. Instead of saying "No, we will not help", like the Watchmen, this newest American hero has accepted that famous Spider man lesson; "with great power comes great responsibility". A new chapter in American history begins today. A chapter of heroes and their valiant battles against evil. A chapter that I am anxious to live, write about, read about and tell about to all.

Happy Birthday Reverend Martin Luther King

2009-01-19T10:11:00.001-08:00

Today, while watching CNN coverage of the events happening in Washington DC and celebrating the birthday of Rev. King, my son asked me an interesting question. He asked "do you think if Martin Luther King did not exist, that America would have still changed its position on equal rights for blacks?" I'm paraphrasing of course, but isn't this an interesting question?

I told him that I believe that it would eventually happen. The northern states opposed to slavery and talked of equal rights for all Americans. But America needed a champion to fight this battle and that's where Dr. King comes in. I believe that if there were no Martin Luther King, that I would still be unable to frequent some establishments, legally. I know one thing for sure; without Martin Luther King, there would surely be no President Obama.

Thank you Rev. King for all that you have given and done for the cause of racial equality.

See what else I'm thinking at: http://thinking.today.com

4 Tips for the Casual Casino Slots Player

2009-01-17T11:13:00.001-08:00

Written by: L Jones

Most people love to get money; I know I do. Gambling, but more specifically casinos, offers the chance for instant gratification of this love interest. Before you head off to the casino in search of your love, I suggest you first take a look at my 17 January 2009 Blog at: http://thinking.today.com entitled "How to Keep Your Shirt at a Casino".

Tip 1: Max Bet
– When you first sit down at a slot machine, your initial bet should be a MAX BET. You have a greater chance of hitting the jackpot on your initial pull of the lever.

TIP 2: Start Small – If you are new to slots, start off with the penny slots and work your way up. There is no need in blowing your wad so quickly (ladies hate that). As you become more accustomed to and comfortable with slot machine betting, then and only then should you start off with the higher denomination slots.

TIP 3: Keep Your Eyes Open – Don't sit down at a slot that has just paid out a large winning. Also, look for frustrated gamblers who get up from the slot machine without winning. This is an excellent time to employ the MAX BET tip as well. Keep in mind, if the person that stood up stays and watches you play and you hit big, break them off with a few dollars. About 5-10% will suffice, not to exceed $1000. If you do, make sure they sign some paperwork acknowledging the gift. (Tax season is approaching)

TIP 4: Don't Take Winning too Serious – This tip is for the casual gambler. Gambling in most cases relies on large amounts of luck, especially when dealing with slots. If you gamble with the intent on winning, there is the potential to lose big. This is one of those times when "just go out there and have fun" is a very important bit of advice. If you are too serious about winning and you are losing, this will entice you to keep gambling until you win. Unfortunately, winning is not guaranteed.

There you have it. I hope you use these 4 tips and hopefully they will bring you success while gambling. Now, just go out there and have fun.