After months of work last night my World of Warcraft guild, Freelance of US-Scarlet Crusade, finally took down The Lich King in 25-player mode! As a result, my character is now able to don the title, "the Kingslayer."

Blizzard recently introduced a service that allows gamers to chat with each other in-game in World of Warcraft called RealID. The system gets around the issue of gamers playing on separate servers, characters, or different characters; if you log in to any participating title you can chat with your friends, update your status, and view theirs. Diablo III and Starcraft II will also support the service, so I can be slaughtering Dragons while you murder Zerg and we can still chat.

Bozanimal through the ages

What little free time I have for gaming I try to spend in Azeroth. If you are interested in connecting with me via Real ID please:

• Send me a private message using the Gamespot message system
• Include your name and email address
• I will send you my name and email address as well as a Real ID invite when I next log in.

This all assumes I have known you here on Gamespot for awhile. I will not be giving out my name and email to people I don't know well, after all!

Ruby Sanctum (Boz centered)

Given the differences in time zones, server preferences, and factions I have thus far been unsuccessful at connecting with any Gamespot members on more than a platonic level in World of Warcraft, despite attempts by Allicrombie and Donkeljohn to connect. I am hoping to take this to the next level. Second base, if you prefer.

Not yet playing World of Warcraft? Most current gamers such as myself are happy to offer "Recruit-a-friend" services! Send me a whisper - er - private message including your name and email address here on Gamespot and I will send you an invite. Join me and millions of others in the fight to bring peace to Azeroth and Outland. You'll never play another game again.

You may have read about recent issues concerning RealID in gaming news recently. Note that Blizzard has since rescinded its position in response to its customers concerns. Score one for the little guy (or in this case, lots of little guys and gals)!

Despite all the acclaim surrounding the Nintendo 3DS formally introduced at E3 there are already people complaining about moving games into a true 3D environment in the forums and the press; that it is somehow a gimmick. I say "true" 3D, because the gaming industry has referred to images rendered in 3D but displayed two-dimensionally as 3D since at least the original Wolfenstein (1992).

The 3DS, as shown at E3 in 2010

Once we get to a point where 3D motion pictures and gaming become accessible, affordable, no longer require glasses, and of an image quality comparable to current 2D displays there will be no reason to use 2D images outside of images originally filmed in that format. To say that 3D is a gimmick is myopic; its historical implementation has just been so poor that it has left a bad taste in the mouths of the general public. 3D technology has progressed - right now - to a point that no longer requires mirrors, helmets, glasses, or crossing your eyes: It is finally time to get excited.

Time Traveler: 2D gaming in 3D

Forget about the Virtual Boy or special glasses and ask yourself: Would you prefer to go back to watching black and white television over color? Would you prefer to listen to all of your movies and music in monoaural instead of digital surround and stereo?

3D Glasses Suck

We are at a point where we can create the illusion of a three-dimensional environment that has the potential for completely novel methods of interacting with the gaming world. To say that 3D gaming is a gimmick in regards to the 3DS has to be either a petty and thinly-veiled attack at Nintendo or someone still fuming from Spy Kids 3D, because to make such a statement about moving towards a 3D environment in gaming in general is ludicrous considering its development potential.

Index of Editorials

[video=I3RhwmOt5bMMsjHb]My wife has gone through three laptops in as many years. We mothballed her aging Macbook Pro when it's screen would only display pinkscale, which is kind of like grayscale except in varying shades of pink. Her second laptop - a used, basic Dell - was terminated due to a failed experiment combining infants and poorly-placed coffee. Her latest laptop is a powerhouse Dell e1705.* It came with a dedicated Go 7900 GS video card and native HD display. The thing is a monster; except for the fact that it's video card is prone to dying.

Video artifacts and errors

Go ahead and ask Google, the issue is not isolated. The cooling system is inadequate, causing the memory chips on the video card to overheat and crack. This acuses video issues, problems booting into windows, and even the BSOD (Blue Screen of Death). Thankfully this problem is salvagable: Bake the card in an oven!**

Video card + Cookie Sheet + Oven

If your video card is borked and your PC unusable, what have you got to lose, in the end? The oven causes solder on the card to reform in the cracks caused by the constant heating and cooling of the poorly-cooled card. Once you have identified that the issue is the video card disassemble your laptop or personal computer and remove the card. You will need tinfoil and a cookie sheet and, though not required, a tinfoil hat:

• Remove the heatsink from your video card and clean any thermal paste or grease from the GPU using rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs. You will need to reapply thermal paste when you reassemble the video card, so be sure to have some on hand.
• Make four small balls of tinfoil to prop your video card above the cookie sheet. You do not want your card to actually contact the cookie sheet, which might cause irregular heating.
• Preheat the over to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (that's about 200 degrees Celsius for you freaks using the metric system)
• Bake the card for about 10 minutes
• Turn off the oven and allow the card to cool. Rapid cooling may cause additional cracking, so you might want to do this before bed and just let it cool overnight.
• Reinstall card
• Turn on PC: This is your moment of truth.

What are you doing, Dave?

If everything has gone according to plan and your video card is working again, shut off the computer immediately. Go invest in a superior cooling solution. Laptop coolers, additional case fans, or even replacement video card heat sinks may be in order, and are typically far less expensive than replacing the video card itself. Our laptop now sits on a nice Cooler Master laptop cooler that is powered off the laptop's USB port, and cost less than $20. The laptop has been running strong for over three months, and runs games without any issues.

The lesson here is: Never doubt the power of Google to solve all of your problems.

[video=K3Rlk2ao5bMMsjHY]

*Note that if you are hitting this site from a Google search and own an e1705, you can find disassembly instructions at Notebookcheck.net.

**Original sources include Overclockers.com and the HardOCP forums. Bozanimal, Gamespot, and any affiliate parties will not be held responsible for damage, injury, or financial loss incurred due to the actions of readers in response to the content of this entry.

The reality is that as we age, the dating age gap becomes more forgivable. Sometimes people get confused or nervous about dating a younger man or woman. To this end I have developed a simple formula refined over the past few years that always, always works. At least, in most of the continental U.S.:

(Age of the 16 years or older person in Question)/2 + 8 = Minimum dateable age of potential mate

Certainly there is some argument in favor of "if they're 18 they're game," but this formula will always work with friends and family (family being the key). At 16 you are dating someone the same age as yourself. If you are 18, you can date a 17 year old, who would be protected by Romeo and Juliet laws in most states. If you're 30 you can date a 23 year old without question; young but acceptable. If you're 60, you're good with a 38 year-old; a huge gap, but nobody will really care; you're old enough to make your own decisions at 38.

Let's use a real-life example. Let's say you're Demi Moore, and that cute up-and-coming comedian is looking pretty attractive. Demi Moore was born Nov 11, 1962. Ashton Kutcher was born February 7, 1978. Today that makes Moore almost 48. This makes her minimum dating age [48/2] + 8 = 32. Kutcher is 32. Excellent job, Moore, you nailed it.

No, Pinto, don't do it!

Note that this formula does not apply to individuals under the age of 16, because I can tell you right now that my kids will not be dating until they are at least 16: Especially my daughter. She's a beautiful and delicate flower. Seriously.

You have to set these boundaries early as a parent, you know.

Love them or hate them, you have to hand it to Nintendo, they are great at marketing, but that does not make them infallible.

On a recent business trip to NYC I was able to swing into Nintendo World near Rockefeller Center. It is a two-story store packed with Nintendo merchandise, flat screen televisions, items not available anywhere else, and tons of Wiis and DS's available for trying the latest titles: So why was I left so disappointed?

[video=JnRgkzT-5bIFsz_d]

Nintendo World First Floor

Though I am primarily a PC Gamer, it would be fair to call me a Nintendo fanboy considering that in my childhood home I have a hand-painted Raccoon Mario on a table I constructed for my Nintendo Advantage joystick. I saw The Wizard. In the theater. I even own a Gamecube. So maybe I expect too much from Nintendo. The store - filled with pre-pubescents and young adults playing consoles - was certainly chock-full of Nintendo gaming. The thing is, it felt like walking into an Apple store, clean and shiny with lots of smooth lines and curves and glossy white surfaces. But it ultimately left me feeling sterile (I am, but that's beside the point).

First floor still shot for the video impaired

Then again, Nintendo's Mario Kart Wii Launch Event certainly left me with a favorable impression of the company, even if the title itself was lacking versus its predecessors. Maybe it was the Nintendo World staff who - though polite, friendly, and helpful - did not exactly appear to be having fun. The staff at the Mario Kart event were dressed as Marios and Luigis, the Nintendo World staff wear a bland black golf shirt with a lanyard that evokes Steve Jobs, and were mostly on the phone, PCs behind the counters, or patrolling the aisles, watching gamers and asking if anyone needed help.

Store patrons, with staff member in the rear of the photo

Still, there are some very interesting items in the store, including unique merchandise like a Super Mario Chess Set, clothing I had never seen before (including some pretty obscure Pikmin attire), and random tchotchkes like key fobs and mugs.

Super Mario Chess

Also, there was a miniature museum on the second floor with a prototype of the Nintendo Entertainment System, original Famicom, a Game Boy signed by Shigeru Miyamoto, and a few other pieces worth noting (always fun to see the Robotic Operating Buddy). There was even an original Game Boy that had been partially melted in the Gulf War, still running a demo of Tetris. As it happened, the museum was the most interesting part of the store, and I wish there had been more.

Part of the Nintendo "Museum"

My disappointment comes down to a lack of unique gaming: I can play anything the store has to offer at a local Gamestop or even Target, so why go there for anything other than overpriced Nintendo-branded merchandise and expensive MSRP titles? If Nintendo World had a slew of NES, SNES, and N64s set up, and Japan-exclusive Famicom titles like Choujin Sentai Jetman or Final Fantasy II, then it would be a destination worthy of the journey. How much fun would it be to go in and play four-man Tetris on an original Game Boy? Or a round of four-player Goldeneye?

The title, Nintendo World, led me to believe it was a destination store, but there is little in the way of actual gaming that makes me want to return. For example, Chuck E. Cheese brings kids in because there are standalone games, amusements, and activities they cannot reproduce at home. Local arcades have pinball games and skeeball. Nintendo World lacks activities that are not reproducible at home. Even a Mario Kart Arcade GP would have made the trip worthwhile. [video=Inc0wTPx5bIFsz_c]

Nintendo World Second Floor

For all the aforementioned reasons I am left wondering why Nintendo World, which should really be called The Nintendo Store, even exists. It is a premier location at Rockefeller Center, but for game purchases anyone visiting is going to walk a half-block to the underground Gamestop with all the exact same game equipment and titles at a huge discount to the Nintendo World prices. Certainly it is a great location to host Launch Events, but the rent must be a small fortune: It is simply not possible that Nintendo is turning a profit on this store. I wonder if the traffic it gets is worth the expense of its operation. Then again, Nintendo sure as hell knows a lot more about marketing a successful gaming product than I do.

If you are in New York City and near Rockefeller Center, Nintendo World is a worthwhile visit, but do not expect to be there for more than a half hour if you already have access to either a Wii or DS yourself.

Index of Editorials
Nintendo World Official Site

The wheel bearing(s) are either gone or going in my Ford Focus, so I need to order replacement parts to install.

I am not one to complain about outsourced phone or service representatives in other countries. Everyone has to make a living somehow. I am one to complain about individuals that are unable to perform their job function properly. One such service agent provided endless entertainment in my recent "Live Help" session with Auto parts Warehouse. I had no issue needling them after failing to accept a return request a few months ago, and I certainly will not be ordering from them in the future.

The unedited text - colored for readability - is provided for your entertainment. Somebody set up us the bomb:

Thank you for contacting Live Help
2:47:29 PM SystemSystem
ken has joined this session!
2:47:29 PM SystemSystem
Connected with ken
2:47:39 PM Agentken
Welcome to Live Help! How can I assist you today?
2:48:04 PM CustomerBrian
Can you tell me what is included with Part TM510056 - Timken Front Wheel Bearing?
2:48:21 PM CustomerBrian
I need to know everything that is in the package. Thank you.
2:48:21 PM Agentken
What is the Year, Make, and Model of your vehicle?
2:48:33 PM CustomerBrian
2000 Ford Focus ZX3
2:48:45 PM CustomerBrian
Hatchback
2:49:00 PM Agentken
Please allow me to look into the information for you. Would you mind holding a moment?
2:49:09 PM CustomerBrian
Okay.
2:55:31 PM CustomerBrian
Still there?
2:55:40 PM Agentken
Timken Front Wheel Bearing
2:55:45 PM CustomerBrian
Yes
2:55:55 PM Agentken
Price: $42.44
2:56:03 PM Agentken
Perfect fit for 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 4 Cyl 2.0L
2:56:10 PM Agentken
Shall I save a quote for you so that you can place the Order?
2:56:22 PM Agentken
So that I can follow up the shipping process and try to make this reach you sooner.
2:56:23 PM CustomerBrian
Right; I see what's on the web site, but it does not tell me what parts are in the package; only that it is a Timken wheel bearing.
2:56:35 PM Agentken
Its included all the Stuffs
2:56:41 PM CustomerBrian
What does that mean?
2:56:55 PM CustomerBrian
Is there a cotter pin inside?
2:57:40 PM CustomerBrian
What else is in the packaging; it should be more than just a wheel bearing to install properly.
2:57:50 PM Agentken
Yes
2:58:00 PM Agentken
Its Included
2:58:05 PM Agentken
Its Direct fit
2:58:19 PM Agentken
ken pushes page, http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/basket.php?quote=retrieve
2:58:23 PM Agentken
Click on the above Link
2:58:24 PM CustomerBrian
You are not answering my question directly: What is included in the packaging exactly.
2:58:35 PM Agentken
This is your Quote Number: 1371914
2:58:45 PM Agentken
cotter pin
2:58:50 PM Agentken
Its Included the Pin
2:59:02 PM CustomerBrian
What else?
3:01:00 PM Agentken
Its Just wheel bearing.
3:01:10 PM Agentken
Price For Each
3:01:25 PM Agentken
Direct fit OE replacement
3:02:55 PM Agentken
Enter Quote Number in "Retrieve Quote " box & Click "Go"
3:04:07 PM CustomerBrian
Is it "Just Wheel Bearing" or does it include the Cotter Pin, as you indicated. Your response is not clear.
3:05:30 PM Agentken
Its Just Wheel bearing ...
3:05:44 PM CustomerBrian
Then why did you say "Its included the Pin" earlier?
3:05:55 PM Agentken
Sorry
3:06:16 PM Agentken
I checked with the manufacturer ..
3:06:27 PM CustomerBrian
Ken, I'm afraid I cannot place an order confidently with you at this time. Thank you for your assistance.
3:09:05 PM SystemSystem
ken has left this session!
3:09:05 PM SystemSystem
The session has ended!

Happy Festivus!

Rockstar Games has reportedly picked up the Tiger Woods endorsement and gaming franchise at a bargain price after EA Sports divorced itself of the young sports star in December, 2009. Rockstar will be developing Tiger Wood's golf titles exclusively in its new five-year deal. They have a lot of ideas for the franchise.

"We wanted to take (Tiger Woods PGA Tour) in a new direction," Rockstar spokesman Rodney Walker told us, "Golf is great and all, but we feel that we can take the best elements of the core game and combine them with the winning aspects of Bully, Leisure Suit Larry, and possibly a splash of Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law."

In addition to existing statistics such as "approach" and "accuracy," players will be managing the personal life of their avatar. A new "PR Rating" system is being introduced, which will increase with game performance, allowing the gamer access to product endorsement deals and merchandising, achievements, swag for their character, and access to high-powered attorneys. Adding mistresses increases game performance stats such as accuracy, putting, and luck, but can significantly reduce the gamer's PR Rating.

While best-known for its Grand Theft Auto franchise, Rockstar Games is no stranger to sports games. Its title Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis won significant critical acclaim. The game is scheduled to release sometime in the third quarter of 2010.

Windows 7 has arrived and, while I embrace it with a certain amount of trepidation, I have not been so excited about an operating system since Windows 2000. I've been using Windows 7 since the Beta on my main PC for a time and full-time on my relatively new dedicated home theater PC. Windows 7 is a joy to use, it is fast, efficient, and able to resolve issues on behalf of the user at surprising speed. I will not be sad to say a final goodbye to 32-bit Windows XP.

The first worthwhile operating system in, what, a decade?