Patenting peanut butter and jelly?

Whatever one's area of interest may be, it's easy to find seemingly bizarre examples of patents that have been granted.

There's the "sealed crustless sandwich" (U.S. Patent No. 6,004,596 ), patented in 1999 by two independent inventors and subsequently purchased by J.M. Smucker. The invention is described in part as a sandwich with two fillings, such as peanut butter and jelly, that can be prepacked for storage in "lunch box type of situations."

Other odd patents include a tree-branch-shaped chew toy for a dog (No. 6,360,693), a bird feeder for "religious meditation" (No. 6,837,185) and "method of exercising a cat" using a laser beam that the feline chases (No. 5,443,036).

In a book published last year titled "Innovation and Its Discontents: How Our Broken Patent System is Endangering Innovation and Progress, and What to Do About It," co-authors Adam Jaffe and Josh Lerner trace the patent system's problems back to 1982.

That's when Congress made two crucial alterations to patent law. Politicians created a special federal court for patent appeals and decided that the size of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's budget would depend on the number of patent applications it receives.

At the time, those changes seemed merely procedural. But Jaffe and Lerner argue that the changes created a cadre of judges so focused on patents that they have lost sight of the larger picture, instead strengthening the rights of patent holders and making it easier to seek court injunctions.

Altering the Patent and Trademark Office's funding mechanism, according to the book, altered the agency's incentives and made it more likely to approve patents. The more applications it received, of course, the more money it would make.

"Now that it is possible to get a patent on unoriginal ideas, many more dubious applications are being filed," according to Jaffe and Lerner. "And with success now more likely for patent holders who sue their competitors, more such suits are filed or threatened. Increasingly, the firm with the best lawyers or the greatest capacity to withstand the risk of litigation wins the innovation wars--rather than the company with the brightest scientists or most original, valuable ideas."

Samsung plans HD DVD/Blu-ray combo player

When it comes it the old Blu-ray versus HD DVD (that’s the two formats competing to replace DVD as the disc standard for pre-recorded and recorded HD), Samsung is in a pretty unique position. It has always allied itself to the Blu-ray group, which is kind of lead by Sony, while at the same time it works closely with Toshiba so hasn’t ruled out making HD DVD players. At IFA this fence sitting proved its worth as the company announced its intention to produce a dual Blu-ray/HD DVD player if there’s no unified format. While it will probably be rather pricey, it could certainly have plenty of appeal. After all given the choice between a one format player and dual one I know which I’d choose. More here.

Last Five Halo 2 Maps Released For FREE!!

Final battlegrounds from the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack are now available on Xbox Live; matchmaking playlist updates next week.

Yesterday, I noticed that the final five maps for Halo 2 were released. I couldn't help but notice how much money Bungie made off of this little add-on. When you think add-on you think PC software. Most PC add-on's are are made to satisfy consumers who want more out of the original product they had bought or they are created for what the developer of the software could not put in before release deadline of the title. Bungie basically needed to satisfy fans of the series until it's next Xbox 360 title would come out for the time being. Many have said that this is a rip off and it is. But, I know everyone would be complaining if you didn't see anything come out for this title until the next gen console title. If you paid the $6 for the first four maps and then paid for the remaining maps available via Xbox Live then you really are an IdioT because you would have paid in the upward of $26 dollars. Wait I am an IdioT because I paid $14.99 plus tax for the retail version of the expansion map pack when I could have gotten it for FREE! Well at least I know something is going on Ebay this week.

from GameSpot

Frugal--and patient--gamers around the world today scored a victory as Bungie released the final maps from its Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack for free over Xbox Live. To get the five new maps, Halo 2 owners need only to sign on to Xbox Live and select the content download option from the game's menu.

The company took an interesting approach to releasing the nine extra maps by offering options to buy the maps and have them sooner, or wait a bit longer and get them for free. Bungie initially offered four maps--two for free and two for a price--over Xbox Live in April, the remaining five maps for a price over Xbox Live the same day it released the complete set in a retail version in June, and today made all the maps available for free download.

The final five maps are Relic, Elongation, Terminal, Backwash, and Gemini. Gamers will be required to download the maps by next week's matchmaking update if they wish to continue playing the ranked multiplayer sessions. Those who wish to explore the new territories can do so in custom games, Rumble Preview, or Team Preview playlists.

Microsoft’s Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition

Microsoft’s first Keyboard made for Windows XP Media Center Edition

It’s been a little while since we’ve heard anything out of Microsoft’s peripherals department (we were starting to think they closed up shop, like their home wireless division)—but they apparently got fed up with the mediocre wireless input devices available for the Media Center platform and busted out their own MCE-centric wireless keyboard, the Microsoft Remote Keyboard. Yup, it’s even got backlit buttons and an integrated touchpoint mouse, and should go for about $100; in other words, we’d totally hit it. They also released a new Wireless Optical Desktop 5000 kit, but it’s more of the usual standard multimedia keyboard biz, so we’ll move on.

MotoGP 3 (Xbox) Released Today

THQ and Climax Games Deliver Most Comprehensive Motorcycle Racer to Date

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Leading independent video game publisher THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI - News), today announced the highly-anticipated release of MotoGP(TM) 3: Ultimate Racing Technology for the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. The groundbreaking release doubles the size of any motorcycle racer to date, allowing fans to race through 16 street and city-based tracks in all-new Extreme Mode or experience adrenaline-packed Moto Grand Prix racing first-hand while navigating virtual replications of 17 real-life circuits. The game also features 16-player online racing and an all new seeding system giving gamers the opportunity to work their way up the ranks both off and online. MotoGP 3: Ultimate Racing Technology is available now for a suggested retail price of $39.99 on Microsoft Xbox and $19.99 for Windows PC.

"It's been our goal from the beginning to expand significantly on the MotoGP franchise, and through the addition of Extreme Mode we've doubled the size of the game and provided tracks that are easily accessible to first-time players and veterans alike," said Jack Sorensen, Executive VP of Worldwide Studios, THQ. "Combined with strict attention to detail in recreating the 2004 Moto Grand Prix tracks, Climax has built a game with mass-market appeal that takes a highly-regarded racing franchise and puts it in a class all by itself."

MotoGP 3: Ultimate Racing Technology's Grand Prix Mode delivers highly technical simulation racing that stresses precision acceleration and braking, while Extreme Mode allows for more arcade-style turning and handling. The Extreme Mode tracks are set in the cities and country roads near the Grand Prix circuit races, and both modes will feature extensive licensed-bike and customization options.

In addition to Grand Prix and Extreme Modes, players are able to choose from a variety of Stunt Mode, Time Trial, Quick Race and four-player, split-screen multiplayer challenges.

The critically acclaimed MotoGP franchise is a favorite with the gaming press. The addition of Extreme Mode and other new features have them proclaiming this the best installment to date:

"It looks as though Climax is taking motorcycle racing to the next level. With a plethora of game modes including a crazy number of online options, MotoGP is motorcycle racer's dream come true."

-IGN

"We've been playing nonstop with MotoGP 3, and, frankly, it's been tough to tear our hands from the Xbox controller. To say the least, we're very excited about this one."

-GameSpot

"There's nothing quite like the feel of a truly great racer where all the requisite elements combine to create a trance-like flow between game and racer."

-Play
Followup: This is a must have for all the IdioT Members. This will be added to the games list. Anyone that can find the best deal please post where you can get this game less than the street value of $39.99.

Follow Up: This is game is being added to the IdioTs List of Games.

iTunes Vs. Music Industry Pricing Showdown

Apple wants to keep tracks cost at $.99

The New Your Times reports that Apple is facing a dispute with two of the four major record labels over the prices it offers via iTunes. Instead of all tracks costing 99 cents, the music industry wants songs priced by popularity, with more popular tracks costing upwards of $1.50. A Gartner analyst observes: "As I recall, three years ago these guys were wandering around with their hands out looking for someone to save them. It'd be rather silly to try to destabilize him (Jobs)."

With more popularity comes more greed and the digital underground of pirating music will become more popular than ever.

JVC offers a line of Video Cameras that use Hard-drives instead of Video Tapes

JVC offers a line of Video Cameras that use Hard-drives instead of Video Tapes. JVC is still the only company that has Video Cameras on the market that use hard-drives to store DVD quality video. It is in my mind a very obvious solution in a complete digital environment that we are in now.
Nobody is questioning that we stopped use film in digital cameras. So why do still most video cameras on the market use tape? Sure the data volume is much higher for video, memory sticks or SD cards offer to little space to record hours of high quality videos. Now that portable hard-drives are used to store your complete music library it is of course also possible to record hours of high quality video on them.
Right now JVC offers three models with a 4GB hard-drive: The GZ-MC100 ($899.99), The GZ-MC200 ($998.94) and the new high-end GZ-MC500 ($1,599.95). If you need more storage, JVC will start ship end of August the JVC Everio G-Series camcorders that boast 20 and 30GB hard-drives. That means up to 37 hours of video recording on the 30GB models and up to 25 hours on the 20GB model - Tape just died, as film did.

Amazon.com opened pre-order on the new JVC Everio G-Series camcorders. You can get the GZ-MG20 for $799.95, the GZ-MG40 for $899.99 and the GZ-MG40 for $999.99.

Official Xbox 360 Price, SKUs Revealed

Ending weeks of speculation about which upcoming video game platform will give gamers the most bang for their buck, today at the German Games Convention, Microsoft Corp. revealed that consumers can get their hands on Xbox 360 — the most powerful and feature-packed next-generation video game and entertainment system — for as little as $299.99 U.S./€299.99/£209.99 starting this holiday season. For gamers who want to experience the ultimate digital entertainment thrill ride, Microsoft also announced a model with hundreds of dollars worth of accessories for $399.99 U.S./€399.99/£279.99, giving consumers the definitive entertainment experience at an unbelievable value right out of the box.



The Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Core System — along with an impressive lineup of high-definition game titles from the world’s best publishers and developers — will make their debut in North America, Europe and Xbox 360 System and SKU Package[/img] Japan in time for this Christmas holiday, several months ahead of the competition. Although details for the Japan launch will be addressed at the Tokyo Game Show in September, the unprecedented three-region launch signifies an industry first. The Xbox 360 platform will deliver the most powerful console, the best games, the next generation of the Xbox Live service, and amazing digital entertainment experiences never seen in console entertainment.

“The sheer entertainment value of Xbox 360 cannot be overstated,” said Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer for Microsoft. “While the system has the muscle to power awe-inspiring graphics, audio and online play, it’s also got the intelligence to serve as a one-of-a-kind entertainment device that plays CDs, DVDs, MP3s and digital content from an array of devices, including portable music players and digital cameras.”

With its built-in Ethernet port and free Silver level of service right out of the box, Xbox 360 also connects players to Xbox Live, the premier global online console games and entertainment network.

With Xbox Live, gamers can chat with friends online, build and share gamer profiles, send and receive text and voice messages, and access Xbox Live Marketplace for new content such as game demos, trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade. Subscribers to the Gold level of service will also enjoy access to online multiplayer gaming in their favorite games, as well as great promotional programs such as worldwide tournaments, the chance to play online with their favorite celebrities, and opportunities to win big prizes.

For gamers who want the ultimate experience (and the best value) right out of the box, Microsoft will offer the $399.99 U.S./€399.99/£279.99 Xbox 360 console. This premium edition — distinguished by signature metallic detailing on the console itself — comes fully loaded for the ultimate gaming experience, with components and accessories that would cost more than $200 if sold separately:

* Xbox 360 console. Sexy styling that packs a punch — three powerful core processors are poised to pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.
* Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace.
* Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries.
* Xbox 360 Faceplate. The removable Faceplate comes in stylish “chill” (white) and can be swapped out with custom Faceplates to reflect gamers’ personalities or decor.
* Xbox 360 Headset. This lets gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games on Xbox Live.
* Xbox 360 Component HD-AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360 games and graphics through high-definition and standard-definition connections.
* Xbox Live Silver membership. With this, gamers can chat with friends online, send and receive voice and text messages, and access new content from Xbox Live Marketplace demos such as trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade.
* A bonus Media Remote: Included for a limited time, the integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as access their Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC's controls with a single remote.

At $299.99 U.S./€299.99/£209.99, the Xbox 360 Core System comes standard with what consumers need to jump right into next-generation games and media, and is fully expandable to the complete Xbox 360 experience:

* Xbox 360 console. As with the premium edition, three powerful core processors pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.
* Xbox 360 Controller. This wired controller features an extended nine-foot cable and a comfortable, enhanced ergonomic design.
* Xbox 360 Faceplate. Like no other console before, the Xbox 360 console allows customization and a removable Faceplate that comes in stylish “chill” (white), which can be swapped out with other custom Faceplates to reflect gamers’ personalities or decor.
* Xbox 360 Standard AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360, delivering great next-generation graphics and games using standard-definition connections.

The Xbox 360 console also comes ready for customization. With an array of Xbox 360 accessories, gamers can trick out their systems to suit their individual tastes and personalize their experiences. In addition to an ever-growing selection of eye-catching Faceplates ($19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99), Xbox 360 Controller (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€34.99/£24.99*) and Component HD AV Cable (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*), the lineup includes a wealth of accessories that brings next-generation gaming entertainment to its optimum:

Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace and more (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./€99.99/£69.99*).

Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB). Easily portable, this lets gamers save games, in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles for quick and easy access on the go (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€34.99/£22.99*).

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. The same hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming that comes with the premium edition features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries (estimated retail price $49.99 U.S./€44.99/£32.99*).

Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit. This allows plug and play for high-performance, precision wireless gaming with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Gamers will be given ample warning when the end of battery life is nearing so they can connect the Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99*).

Xbox 360 rechargeable battery pack. This provides up to 25 hours of gameplay for wireless gaming fun (estimated retail price $11.99 U.S./€14.99/£9.99*).

Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter. With this, gamers can chat with friends and play games via Xbox Live, as well as stream videos and music to Xbox 360 from a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC, all without the clutter of wires (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./€79.99 /£59.99*).

Xbox 360 Headset. This heightens the Xbox Live experience by letting gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99*).

Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. Sold as an accessory, this integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as control a TV and their Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC controls with a single controller (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*).

Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only) Xbox 360 SCART AV Cable (Europe only). This versatile cable works for both high-definition and standard-definition TVs that use S-Video or composite video inputs. It provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./€24.99/£17.99*).

Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable. Gamers can experience high-definition gaming on flat-panel TV or VGA monitors. This cable provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*).

“With both the Xbox 360 and the Xbox 360 Core System, we’re offering consumers real choice and real value,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing for the Home Entertainment Division at Microsoft. “We’re bringing true next-generation experiences into gamers’ living rooms this Christmas holiday.”

Sites Approved by IdioTs

updated 6/17/2006

PC Hardware and Tech Links

Tom's Hardware Guide *****
Driver Heaven ****
PimpRig.com ****
PC World.com ****
ActiveWin.com ****
GearBits (blog stie) ***
Tweakfactor.com ***
Techdirt ***
ZDNet *****
LegitReviews.com ***
[link=http://www.hardocp.com/][H]ard|OCP[/link] ****
Hexus.net ****
The Inq **
3dGameMan.com ****
3DXtreme ****
Creativemods.com ***
PC Mechanic ***
AMDZone ****
Moddin'.net ****
PCStats.com ****
AnandTech ****
TecWeb ****
sgOverclockers ****
InsaneTek ***
[link=http://www.thinkcomputers.org/][ Think Computers ][/link] *****
Xtreme Resources ****
Adrians's Rojak Pot ****
X-bit labs ****
GD Hardware ****
Bytesector.com ***
DataFuse.net ***
Toms Networking ****
Ars Technica (blog site) ***

PC Software/Download Links

Bit Torrent *****
DemoNews *****
Download.com *****

Electronic Gadget Links

The Tech Report ****
Engadget (blog site) ****
I4U News ***
TrustedReviews **
Akihabara News ****
digg (blog site)
krynsky (blog site)
DavidBreyer (blog site)
Tech Digest (blog site)
GizMag
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity ***
The Red Ferret Journal (blog site) ***
Forever Geek ****
TechEBlog ****
eHomeUpgrade ****
MobileMag.com ****
Portable Video Player News ****

PC Utilities, Tools and Players

Winamp.com ****
Skype *****
Microsoft Gadgets ***

Home Video and Audio Links

HDTVoice.com ****
Plasma.com **

Digital Photography Links

LetsGoDigital.Org *****

Gaming Links

Blue's News *****
TeamXbox *****
1UP.com ****
GameSpy.com *****
GameInsider ***
Shacknews
Game Rankings *****
360hacker.net
Allied Tribal Forces
Amped DX
Battlefield Nation
gameSlave
GameArena
FiringSquad *****
3D Gamers ****
Games Digest ****
Gamers.com ***
Kikizo Games ***
CVG Computer And Video Games ***
Xbox-Scene ****
GamesFirst ***
XBMC - Xbox Media Center ****
Revolution-Europe ***
AMDgamer.com ***
Kotaku ***
GameSHOUT ****
360 Monster *****
ITPLAYS.net ***
SimHQ.com ****
AutoSimSport ****
Playfuls.com ***
Tactical Gamer ****
Combatsim ***
The Wargamer ****
T@Do Community (Forum) ***
GamerNode **
The Adrenaline Vault ***
Gameguru ****
Xbox 360 Fanboy (blog site) ****
The Soft Life (blog site) ***
Joystiq (blog site) *****
Llamma's Adventures In Xbox 360 ****
XGP Gaming (forum) ***
Xbox365.com (forum) **
StrategyZone ***
StuckGamer ****
GameBrink.com *****
Major Nelson ****
Macologist ***
Planet Xbox 360 ****
Xboxic ****
Xbox 360 News ****
360 Insider ***
360 Monster ****
360 Talk (Netherlands) ****
XBOX@07 (blog site) ***
openXBOX360 (blog site) ***
Xboxyde (French/English) *****
The Live Lounge ****
The Elderly Gamer ****
Gamers Lounge (forum) **
News4Gamers.com (network) ****
Pixel Gamers (podcast available) ***
Games First (podcast available) ***
Xbox 360 Forums (forum) **

Game Fan Sites

BF2.org ***
Total Battlefield 2 ***
WOW Insider ****
Planet Battlefield *****
360style.net ***


Sports, Health & Conditioning Activity Links

National Football League *****
National Basketball Association ****
Major League Baseball ****
National Hockey League ***
ESPN.com *****
Sports Illustrated ****
FOXSports.com ****
CollegeFootballNews.com ****
Bodybuilding.com ****

Camping, Hiking, Climbing, Hunting & Fishing Links

American Hiking Society ****
REI.com ****
Outward Bound Wilderness *****
The Trail Database ****

Video Viral Links

YouTube.com ****

Music Links

| PureVolume | *****
Plurn.com

Art Links

West Coast Airbrush
Coast Airbrush Co.
Beautiful/Decay **
Wooster Collective (blog site) ****
Brosart.com ***
Nathan Sawaya - The Artist of Brick (Artist) *****
Chickentrifle ***
Hop Louie *****
NJ Dodge's NYC Bridge & Tunnels Slideshow ****
Tom Moody
Streetart (blog site) ***
Art Crimes/graffiti.org **
Graffiti & Street Art ****
Julian Beever (Artist) *****
Streetsy *****

HTML, Pixel Art, Drawing

DrawingBoard.org *****
DrawingTips.net ****
SigTutorials.com ***

Movie Links

Rotten Tomatoes *****
Berichts Gesehen ****
DVDActive ****
Movie-List ***
Dark Horizons ***
Martians 4 Lunch **
Spielberg Films ****

TV Links

GateWorld (Forum) *****

Cars, Trucks and Recreational Vehicles

FantasyCars.com ****
Derek's Exotic Cars ****
Motorsports Lounge (Forum) ****
Creative Mobile Interiors *****
Bad Boy Trucks ****
Gotham Dream Cars (Exotic Car Rental Company) ***
Street Fire (Car Videos) ****

Funny Links

Compfused.com ***
GorillaMask.net (WARNING: SOME NUDITY) ***

History/Info Links

Dead or Alive? ***

World News Links

Forbes.com
Interfax **
The New York Times ****
Gothamist *****

Various/Blogger Links

Cat Mazza
David Jacobs
coin_op
Jeff Rense Program
Boing Boing ***

Random Files

PGR3 clip ****

Shopping Links

360 Style Store ***
Play-Asia.com *****
Lik-Sang.com *****

Bargain Links

Tech Bargains
NexTag ****
Fat Wallet
Xbox360Deals.com ***
RedFlagDeals.com (Canadian site) ****
Coupons Hadeseh ***

Other Links

Fuel Cell Today
Game Politics.com ****
On-line Gamers Anonymous *****
Astronomy Picture of the Day *****
PC World.com - Best of the Web *****
New Scientist ****
Battlefield 2 stats, tips and info
BF2S.com ***
Battlefield 2 Optimization Guide *****
Ant's Quality Foraged Links ***
WidowPC Hardware and Gaming Guides ****
PC Mechanic Build Your Own PC Guide (#1 On the Net) Guides *****
Erica Enders Racing
ShouldExist ***
Wikipedia the free encyclopedia *****
Boing Boing (blob site) ****
BRE Software Trade-in Value on Video Games ***
How To Get Podcasts on Your Xbox 360 ****
Something Awful ***
Sasquatch Militia ***
blinkx.tv ****
Build a MAME Cabinet in 24 hours ****
GameHarvest - play free games ****
Wiretracks - networking wire tracks for remodeled homes *****
WiFi All weather rugged modular enclosure ****
Militantplatypus (blog site) ****
Stealth Acoustics **** In-Wall Hidden Speaker
S.W.I.N.E. free PC Game ***
GameSpy.com PC players online stat track ****
Facetags and MyTego for custom skins for your PDA's, MP3 Players and Consoles.
Petition Online ****
The Green Head ****
BattleLauncher - A Video Demo Recorder for Battlefield 2 ****
Xbox360Points.com, Xbox360Achievement.org and Xbox360Achievement.com are three sites that enables gamers to find out how many achievement points you can achive for Xbox 360 titles.****
LiveCard.net and Xbox Live Gamercard GeneratorThese sites boost user created banners for forums that keep track of you Xbox 360 achievement points as well ****
Project Gotham Racing Photo Mode This fantastic tool can be used in-game to take photos of the game that is almost real looking. Here are some tutorials for the tool as well*****

New Layout, Theft, Congrats

Well we are back up and running finally. We were having some HTML and Forum Coding problems. But finally after hours of stress and re-coding, we have finally fixed the Forum/Message Boards and decided to make a completely new site Main in the means of our blog site that was not public back in May. Also, we have created an IdioTs Photo Album of members and friends. So we have started anew and with this comes easier posting and managing. List of what's is at the bottom of this post.

Theft
Wednesday night for the second time (different location this time) in past six months, my truck was broken into. Along with it my cell phone my CD player, digital camera, and DeWalt Cordless 18v Drill was also stolen. Total tally of what was stolen? About $800. How much of that is covered by various insurances? Only $300 including the door handle that was cut out and a new alarm that which in fact was installed Monday two days before the incident. Manufacturer of the alarm was not going to cover any of the items that were stolen out of my truck, except for the CD player due to it being the only car item taken.

The most valuable item in my truck? The cheapest item stolen...my cell phone. Never will I get back all the numbers I had stored on it, because no signal and database was available at the time they tried to recover numbers from it (please message, email or leave voice mail with your number). Well why in the hell was a paying $2 more a month for that option? So many phone numbers that I should have uploaded to my PC. Don’t know what I was thinking. I will still have the same number, but now I have the task of getting business clients numbers back. Qwest has been good to me until this past week. Oh well time to move on but I was really pissed this past weekend.

Recognition
Lastly I wanted to congratulate Greg ‘G Unit’ and Tamara on their wedding last month in Wisconsin. From all of us we wish the two of you a long and happy marriage.

To Willy ’Spuddzilla’ and Jen, I still am not sure if I will be able to make it to your wedding as I will not know until the week of. I however want to say right now that I wish you both the best as both of you deserve each other in the best way. Otherwise you would drive everyone else crazy if you weren’t together.

Last I was surprised and very glad to hear that Shawn and Colleen announced this past week that they are engaged. Shawn proposed last week in California. Wedding date and location are not set as of yet.

What’s New List?
- New ‘Main Site’ in the means of a Blog Site
- New ‘Forum’ re-design
- New IdioTs Photo Album
- New Member Section
- XTR Upload Completed
- Blog Category Updated
- Site Cordination Circulated
- Uploaded Image Links
- Organized Blog Theme Directory
- Forum Calendar Updated