In a move that shocked absolutely no one, lawyers representing Nadya "OctoMom" Suleman recently filed trademarks for the "OctoMom" name as it pertains to television, clothing and a line of diapers. What is surprising is that she may run into some legal contention, as mobile developer Super Happy Fun Fun filed for a similar trademark in March of this year -- only its trademark pertains to an upcoming iPhone game, once titled "OctoMom" (currently titled the much classier "Fertile Myrtle").

Super Happy Fun Fun (not to be confused with the amazing 2007 trailer for The Simpsons game) ran into trouble with licensing its game under the "OctoMom" name with Apple, according to SHFF CEO Mark Pierce. Though it seems likely that SHFF was trying to cash in on the recent popularity Ms. Suleman received, we're guessing Apple wasn't too keen on hosting the game due to its "ripped from the headlines" nature. Honestly, we're just hoping there won't be another lawsuit to cover.

[Via Game Culture]

In what could be the most fitting metaphor for the new millennium, Dude, Where's My Car? star Ashton Kutcher is currently racing news network CNN to become the first to reach 1,000,000 followers on microblogging site Twitter. Because this isn't depressing enough, EA says it's going to give Ashton's 1,000,000th follower a spot in a new EA game.

Not sure which game the winner will appear in, but we're assuming it'll be Dante's Inferno seeing as, apparently, we're already in Hell.

Thanks to the fine French-speaking folks at Eurogamer France, Eurogamer has a more thorough translation of Michel Ancel's interview regarding his upcoming game for Ubisoft, Beyond Good & Evil 2. According to their translation, Ancel reveals inspiration in "the theme of September 11 - the CNN show with army messages and the fear climate," among other, totally different things, like Hayao Miyazaki for instance.

He also revealed that this sequel will be a direct continuation of the story from the original BG&E, saying, "The story continues and we'll react on important events of the first." We've still got no good information on platforms or release date but hopefully the upcoming re-embiggened E3 Expo will shed some light on the game. "Players who like the first should like the second," Ancel left the interviewer with. We're keeping hope alive.

[Via GamePolitics]

A user on CNN's iReport blog shared an image that could send shivers down your spine. When their two children wouldn't behave while playing the original Xbox, the husband of iReport user Kingfry of Mechanicsville, Virginia, punished the pair by nailing the system to a tree in the backyard. Honestly, we wouldn't be surprised if the Xbox was still functional -- that thing was a beast. Well if that is the case, and since that tree seems fairly tall, may we suggest a wireless internet adapter?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

CNN is all over the Wii Fit thing. First, they had Mario Armstrong come in and demo the package for them, now Dr. Sanjay Gupta is taking time out to discuss the benefits of using games as a health tool, namely in the rehabilitation sector. We've heard stories about places using Wii to help rehabilitate their patients, but it's now gaining more ground, as Dr. Gupta mentions the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is funding 12 different studies that will specifically see if games can be used as a means for making us healthier individuals.

If all the serious medical talk bores you, then laugh at the CNN employees doing the hula hoop minigame while one the Balance Board. They really get into it.


[Via Go Nintendo]

Just the fact that a major news outlet is covering Nintendo's Wii Fit isn't enough to be featured on this blog. Oh no, you have to present us with something we want. Here, CNN has succeeded, as the linked video showcases the title's hula hoop minigame.

Then again, you're not us, so perhaps you could care less about the hula hooping? If that's the case, then know that they tackle the subject of Wii Fit versus a traditional gym membership or workout regimen in the segment. The individual demonstrating the title for CNN, Mario Armstrong, sees this more as a game and less of a substitute for traditional exercise. He does make a valid point, however, in that Wii Fit could be a good motivator to ease people into a healthier lifestyle, as the physical activity in the game would make it easier for individuals to transition into a more intense routine.


[Via Go Nintendo]

Glenn Beck, host of CNN's The Glenn Beck Program, has added his name to the list of concerned citizens against the violence and sexual content found in Grand Theft Auto IV. In a recent interview with Dr. Cheryl Olson, co-author of Grand Theft Childhood, Beck lashed out with indifference toward gaming and then proceeded to 'dis' bloggers.

"I will tell you that all these video gamers ... they're bloggers, as well as video gamers - they're writing all kinds of stuff about me [that] I'm the enemy now of video gamers. I could care less about video games. Video game bloggers? They're losers ..."

For someone who could care less about gaming he sure does have his share of opinions on the subject. Watch as Beck wastes Dr. Olson's time by ranting about his personal life as an internet joke when he realizes the good doctor wouldn't be able to add to his sound-byte reel of uninformed gaming hatred.

Our favorite part? Beck cashing in on the Grand Theft Auto IV hatred for ratings and advertising dollars and then proceed to accuse the 'game industry' of giving GTAIV an M-Rating purely for monetary reasons. Say it with us now. Irony.

America's sweetheart, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, reports for CNN about the Wii being used as a physical therapy device. Ohio State University's Medical Center, like some other hospitals, says the system is a fun way to help patients. No word on if those caregivers had to buy one of the GameStop bundles to score the console.

See the segment after the break.

Newsweek's N'Gai Croal recently appeared on the CNN program American Morning to discuss all of this business about Manhunt 2 and its gruesome acts of violence. What is most odd, Croal reports, is that the interviewer (Kiran Chetry) was reasonable and didn't have "an ax to grind." She instead asked Croal a series of reasonable questions.

Of course, she still brought up the whole "kids acting out murder" thing. Croal, however, brought up the common sense argument, stating that the game is rated "M" for mature, and isn't designed for children. Of couse, some kids are still going to get their hands on it, but he believes (just like many other sane individuals) that it is up to the parents to keep their kids away from material that isn't appropriate for them.

Forget selecting your presidential candidate by analyzing their values and stances on the issues, CNN has created a new game that let's you make the most important choice in U.S. democracy the way God intended: Through a Pong clone.

While it's hard to get too mad at Presidential Pong, a game that includes both "Military Veteran" and "Lincoln's Statehouse" power ups, the absence of some candidates is a bummer. It seems Kucinich and Tancredo will continue to be denied a rematch of the 1978 ping-pong battle that left one man without an index finger and one just a little bit wiser.

[Big ups to our main man laserboyjc. Sorry we forgot.]

Although they could probably blow that sort of coin if they wanted to, it doesn't seem likely. We'd expect to see some major usage of some sort of microphone attachment during the console's lifespan, surprising no one.

[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]

According to CNN, there is a very untold story in gaming. One that has a silent, strong hero toppling the very foundations of the world. This world, of course, is the gaming industry and that protagonist is none other than the Wii. It's a heart-warming story of an underdog achieving success and defying its critics. It's already in the running for movie of the year.

OK, maybe we're flying a bit off the handle here. All ridiculous imagery aside, it turns out CNN is finally catching up with the rest of the world and hopping on the Wii bandwagon. Their latest piece focused on the console chronicles the incredible ride that was its rise to power and the current state of captivation it currently holds with the public. All in all, the piece is chock full of facts you already know (such a good fanboy, you are!), but we feel is still worth reading.

It'll bring a tear of joy to your eye ...

Shigeru Miyamoto has spent a lifetime developing hit games for Nintendo -- Mario, Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, etc. Speaking to CNN's Talk Asia, the industry legend disclosed that he hopes to continue working on games for everyone to enjoy that tackle themes atypical for gaming.

"There is an abundance of themes that people are interested in," he said, "and video games have only touched on few of them." No examples are cited, but would he consider working with serious, mature themes such as heartache, loss, redemption, suffering, et cetera? Miyamoto, alluding to Nintendo's new mantra, also explained that his future projects will be simple enough for all ages to enjoy, which is something he has always seemed to be adept at, though our previously-mentioned themes will probably not feature into universally-appealing projects.

The interview touched briefly on violence in video games, a theme Miyamoto does not wish to tackle. "Looking at the overall picture, it is important to understand and feel the pain that people might have ... we also have to take a careful approach, even in the circumstances when we are not portraying direct violence." Though the game legend might have aversion to violence, his words imply that there are cases when non-excessive presentation of aggression is understandable. Then again, if his goal is to appeal to people aged five to 95, then violence is probably something he's better off avoiding.

The Talk Asia interview also serves as a primer for those interested in Miyamoto's background; much of the history discussion reads like a Wikipedia entry.

[Pictured: Link nonviolently driving a sword into Ganon's head. Don't worry, he doesn't die.]

CNN staffer Krysten Peek experienced firsthand how fanboy desperation can quickly devolve into mob-like assault. Peek was one of the (seemingly) lucky few to score a Wii during this past weekend's re-up, but on her way to the store's exit -- just after an employee announced that all units were sold-out -- she became an easy target for the lingering crowd of Wii-less shoppers:

"Were these people crazy?? Yes, they were ... unsatisfied customers began to grab at my bag ... I was caught off guard in a game of tug-a-war when a security guard intervened and rescued me from the chaos. He took me outside. And the crowd followed."

It wasn't until security flagged down a cop car and tucked Peek inside that the CNN hand escaped certain danger. Or so it would seem. Now they know her name. How long before they discover where Ms. Peek lives?