All of this time I figured that my “killer app” for the PS2 was Kingdom Hearts. I like Kingdom Hearts, don't get me wrong, but I also could have as easily done without it. GameFly has just provided me with the reason why I needed a PS2 but didn't even know it: Sly Cooper and the Thevius Racoonus. Sure it's cheesy; the title is cheesy, the premice is cheesy, and the story is a bit cheesy; but it's pure gold.

GameSpy gives it 4 1/2 stars, IGN an 8.5, and GameSpot a 7.8. The biggest complaint seems to be the shortness of the game, but I will always prefer quality over quantity (and never would have put the “gummi” levels in Kingdom Hearts).

The Sequel is already out but I have enough games to hold me while I wait for it's price to come down. Hopefully Sucker Punch is already working on the 3rd Sly Cooper title, cause I feel a dynasty coming on.

Odd British usage of the word “instructed”:

Ex-singer Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, says he has instructed lawyers after being refused entry to the US.

[ BBC News | World | UK Edition ]

Clearly Islam doesn't realise that he's not the issue, but the moon shadow that follows him.

A device that attaches to a computer to control access to a particular application. Dongles provide the most effective means of copy protection.

[ Webopedia Computer Dictionary ]

There is hope yet:

...disappointed hockey fans can still watch the puck drop in more than 50 million U.S. and Canadian homes when the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning face off against the Philadelphia Flyers in the season opener of the video game NHL season on G4techTV. The hard-hitting action begins with highlights, scores and stats, airing daily on the network's sports program “Sweat,” premiering October 13 at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT.

[ G4tv.com - Press Releases ]

Time to stock up on soft pretzels, peanuts, and alcohol-free beer! I'll just throw a slab of ice down in my living room, and it'll be just like the MCI center!

Google wants to keep you up to date on them:

Google Alerts are emails automatically sent to you when there are new Google results for your search terms.

[ Google Alerts: FAQ ]

Of course, so does Yahoo!, but I think I like the Google system better. (Even if I can't really say why)

Wha?

A London-to-Washington flight was diverted to Maine on Tuesday when it was discovered passenger Yusuf Islam - formerly known as singer Cat Stevens - was on a government watch list and barred from entering the country, two federal officials said.

[ Guardian Unlimited | World Latest  ]

Apparently we don't mind looking like the stupidest country in the world. And, apparently, we have no one doing any PR work, who would certainly point out that this confirms that the US isn't fighting terrorism, but fighting Islam. I'd like to see W step in and reverse this immediately, or I might have to do the unthinkable.

My copy of Lonely Planet World Food Morocco has arrived and it looks every bit as good as Lonely Planet World Food: Indonesia which I picked up previous to my trip to Indonesia. Next up I think I'll get Mexico even though I have no current plans for a trip there.

The kitchens of Morocco combine European infusion, Arab trade and age-old custom. These elements form a cuisine that reflects a vibrant and lively culture. The essence of Moroccan food - from spiced couscous to sweet mint tea - is captured and celebrated in this comprehensive guide. Whether you are travelling the country or expanding your own pantry, Morocco's true culinary spirit is here for the tasting.

[ Lonely Planet World Food Morocco ]

Survival horror hits the high school – the first action adventure in the style of American teen slasher movies. Tortured screams echo through the high school’s deserted corridors. Faceless creatures lurk in the shadows. Five teenagers set out to bring light into the darkness – and experience a night that will scar their souls forever.

[ Ubisoft - Obscure ]

I hadn't caught wind of this earlier. It seems as if more and more publishers are getting into the horror genre. This one looks good, but a planned horror title from Namco looks rather boring.

Here's the original Japanese:

「東京ゲームショウ２００４」開催初日の９月２４日（金）の９時３０分より、開会式を行います。ご取材のほどよろしくお願い申し上げます。

[ Tokyo Game Show ]

Nintendo, and Sony to some degree, always try to save a few surprise announcements for the TGS. Unfortunately the press is almost all in Japanese, and my Japanese is non-existent. (Though, on my recent trip, I learned my first Kanji: 茶)

So far the fun new totally confirmed announcements seem to be:

• Nintendo DS to arrive November 21st for $149
• PStwo is coming, smaller and more network enabled than it's big brother.

Patience, all will be posted in time.

[ davidkearns.com ]

Most of these photos are from the hotel that we stayed in for a few days as a “mini honeymoon”. There are a couple of photos from the reception, and one of a McDonalds menu...

Still to come, photos from the nikah ceremony.

Update: Link straight to September gallery now working.

Turn a desktop or tabletop into a mini carnival arcade with a Bulls-Eye Ball™ game of skill and chance!

Action packed desktop game is fun for both kids and grownups alike. Toss and "boink" marble-sized silver balls onto the mini built-in trampoline — and into the bulls-eye!

Competition is accompanied by music, flashing lights, sound effects and the amusing voice of a score-keeping barker.

Choose among three automatically scored games: 30-Second Blitz; 25-Point Rush; and the Bulls-Eye Ace.

Recommended for ages 7 and older.

[ Fun Office Game ]

Oh, and seriously impede office productivity...

They warned us:

The current collective bargaining agreement between owners and players expires at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. With no talks scheduled, a lockout is a virtual certainty once the NHL board of governors conclude a Wednesday meeting in New York.

[ Yahoo! Sports - NHL ]

Props to Dari.

Maybe I should switch sports and start following Football, Basketball, or Baseball? Baaaah, that's insantity...

I'm in Tokyo's Narita airport, headed home after a nice vacation.

This trip has further advanced my theory that one truism transcends all cultures:

Wedding photographers are irritating.