Hi ... how's everybody doing?

Yes, I've been MIA for awhile... a chance for some time away came up rather quickly, and I grabbed it. So it doesn't appear as if Gamespot has imploded or come to a screeching halt during my absence... but it does look like I've got quite a backlog of reading and commenting to do.

Did anything noteworthy happen while I was away? You know... controversial game reviews, personel being fired or quitting, new fads (like the 5 Things) or emblems I might have missed.

I've lingered here long enough, time to start making the rounds.

I'm sure that a few of you probably don't read the news here at Gamespot. If so, you might have missed one of the strangest news items to be featured in the SideBar news blog. Here it is in it's complete form, along with the accompanying photo...

Wii Homebrew Spawns Wiibrator

Well now its worst nightmares have come true... Nintendo's wholesome family console has become an adults-only vibrator in a unique homebrew application by Team DWiildo. Called the Wiibrator, the application runs through the Wii to make the Wii Remote, well, vibrate. Team DWiildo suggests using the Wii Remote jacket, for safety's sake, and instruct gamers to "Not try to use this with either the Wii Zapper or Wii Wheel peripherals."

There are four different "playing levels," in what is described as a "highly advanced technology demo." The team clearly have ideas for where the project is now going, possibly featuring the ability to add a "stimulating" slideshow of images, USB webcam support, and online chat functionality, as well as local multiplayer options to future versions.

Online multiplayer for up to 32 eager participants may also be coming soon. According to the info, "This would make it the first ever widely available tele-diIdonics."

For all you complaining the Nintendo Wii is too kiddie... is this hardcore enough for you?

This is a Public Service Announcement for all Pokémon fanatics here at Gamespot.

In an EB Games News e-mail dated 16 JUN 08 was an interesting little nugget of information near the bottom which said:

If you have a Nintendo DS and Pokémon Diamond or Pearl, bring them to your local GameStop the weekends of June 20-22 or June 27-29 to receive the rare Pokémon Deoxys... Deoxys is only available in stores for two weekends!

After a phone call, I also found out... not all GameStops will be participating, so I suggest you call ahead to check availability. I'm not sure if this is for the United States only, so I'd suggest my international visitors should check with their local GameStop as well.

Other than that, I hope everyone has a great weekend!