Stop selling GTA! Think of the children!

In a stunning move, the ESRB has advised retailers to stop selling Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. This report follows public pressure over the Hot Coffee debacle. Rockstar, the publishers of the game have given retailers the option of restickering the game with an 18+ rating or exchanging it for a new version with the controversial content removed. ESRB head Patricia Vance says 'After a thorough investigation, we have concluded that sexually explicit material exists in a fully rendered, unmodified form on the final discs of all three platform versions of the game (i.e., PC CD-ROM, Xbox and PS2). However, the material was programmed by Rockstar to be inaccessible to the player and they have stated that it was never intended to be made accessible. The material can only be accessed by downloading a software patch, created by an independent third party without Rockstar's permission, which is now freely available on the internet and through console accessories. Considering the existence of the undisclosed and highly pertinent content on the final discs, compounded by the broad distribution of the third party modification, the credibility and utility of the initial ESRB rating has been seriously undermined.'

Ah, yes, the gulf between "Mature" and "Adults Only" will save American children from immorality. That said, I just wish I could finish flight school.

(no subject)

A look back at last year's James Doohan tribute, and one graf that just makes my jaw drop.

In addition to his cast mates and stars from the various trek series among those paying tribute to Jimmy was Neil Armstrong who after being introduced by Nichelle Nichols ('Uhura') said that although he had "ridden on thirteen different missions, and I had the privilege of commanding three, none of them had warp drive. I'm hoping for my next command to be given a Federation starship, and I would like to have a crew like Captain Kirk had." Doing his best "Scotty" impersonation Mr. Armstrong concluded his tribute by adding, "I have a confession to make... I am an engineer. From one old engineer to another, thanks Scotty."

Canadian WWII vet who took six rounds on Juno Beach and magnanimous in his fame. Class act.

John Roberts, John Roberts

Oddly enough, when the prime-time announcement was made last night, I was watching CBS, so I got to hear the anchor end the segment by putting an unusual emphasis: "I'm John Roberts, good night."

It was a bit of an "Alice In Wonderland" moment last night, watching President Bush in the State Dining Room lauding the accomplishments and character of one "John Roberts." After my four and a half years covering the Bush White House, I couldn't imagine the name "John Roberts" and the phrase "widely admired for his intellect, his sound judgment and his personal decency" being used in the same time zone, let alone the same sentence. More likely would have been "John Roberts" and "should join Judith Miller in jail"; or "frog-marched out of the White House in handcuffs"; or, "Oh yeah, we've got a dossier on him".

Also: John Roberts breaks out into dance during address. No, not that one. Or that one. Apparently somebody got served.

Harry Potter and the Mighty Coffee

Another gem from Seventh Sanctum: Harry Potter Story Title Generator

Harry Potter and the Ever-changing Cobbler
Harry Potter and the Executioner's Flatulence
Harry Potter and the Frozen Beekeeper
Harry Potter and the Infinity Taco
Harry Potter and the Iron Irritant
Harry Potter and the Milkmaid of Wisdom
Harry Potter and the Oracle of Drywall
Harry Potter and the Scythe of the Secretary
Harry Potter and the Splendid Cabbage
Harry Potter and the Stinky Agony
Harry Potter and the Witch of Lipstick

And if you want to flex your creative muscle(s), there's a challenge based on it, too.