Similar to The Beatles, U2 is a quartet that’s both polarizing and overrated. You either love ‘em or you hate ‘em. As a member of the former group—although to a lesser extent now, as the ’80s and ’90s were kinder to the band than the last decade—these are the group’s best, most rocking, or otherwise most awesome compositions to date.

Achtung, baby!

Left: Screen capture of a Madden 2005 trailer. Right: The final game, which looked noticeably worse.

Video games are a delight. In my eyes, they’re better than television, and right up there with books, movies, sport, and music as pastimes. But since their beginning, games have held a dirty little secret: they never look as good as advertised. Here’s why:

5. Publishers are reluctant to show in-game footage

Note: “Work in progress” is code for not a real screenshot

In an effort to make their games look as good as possible, publishers often use heavily produced computer graphics to show their games, as opposed to actual gameplay footage. Some times, they’ll “tease” new games in short trailers that promise improvements, without showing gameplay. Or they’ll release limited amounts of in-game screens before launch, like the recently released “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.” As a result, substantial amounts of graphics might not see the light of day until some gaming website rips footage or posts screen captures for the public.

Like online dating, even billion dollar game companies are shy about sending full body shots.

4. Early “concept art” and graphics are not final

Concept art from Final Fantasy X, often treated as a screenshot

Imagine if Disney or Warner Bros. teased their upcoming movies with character art or storyboards. That’s exactly what some game makers do, seemingly in an effort to sell the idea of a game to hungry players before it’s near completion. Often times said art can be seen in 14-page magazine spreads or in the aforementioned teasers, with final graphics no where to be seen. Some of this art looks unpolished. But some of it looks tantalizingly imaginative, even if the game eventually fails.

3. Cut scenes are pre-rendered on super computers (not your console)

Killzone 2 trailer showing “simulated” (aka fake) graphics three years before it released

Like Pixar movies, video game cut scenes are processed on more powerful computers, then recorded for playback on less powerful hardware; say the one that sits below your TV in the form of a gaming console. Since this footage is typically more cinematic, dramatic, and action-packed than “live” gameplay footage, it’s almost always used by publishers, sometimes exclusively, when showing the game. Sure, the scenes look fantastic. But they’re not indicative of what you’ll be playing and sadly set the stage for the following two offenses.

2. Screenshots are often staged or doctored

Enhanced screenshot of NBA Live 10 showing remarkably crisp graphics, not to mention a partially removed player at left.

You know that pretty screenshot on the internet or the back of your game case? $100 bucks says it was taken from somewhere other than the disc you’ll be playing. If not, I’ll go double or nothing that it was captured from a cut scene. Even more deceptively, it could have been enhanced with Photoshop or staged to look just right. Derisively known as “bullshots,” these screens leave players clamoring for controllers, only to be duped when the playable imagery finally arrives.

1. The overall package can be misleading

This games look great, but not as pristine on your TV

From concept art, glamorized packaging, and carefully crafted screenshots, video games are a classic example of bait and switch advertising. From the moment they are green-lit to the day they are released under shrink wrap, they do a fine job selling Joe and Jane consumer on slightly misrepresented graphics. Some publishers are more notorious than others. And many games actually live up to their foreordained looks. So it’s up to you to stay smart, especially if on-screen menus are no where to be seen.

With video games, like other consumer products, what you see is not always what you get.

BONUS REASON: High definition cables are sold separately, so you won’t be able to fully appreciate a game’s look without forking over extra cash.

See also: Top 5 foods to avoid while gaming

It’s also a great way to get fired, have your insurance benefits revoked, or suffer public humiliation. As a result, a number of users are deleting their accounts and leaving the popular networking site behind.

For good.

“It just became too much,” says grade-school buddy and long-time friend Josh Rhine. “More an obligation than fun. It also started to smell like some one cracked an egg of high school over an old gossip rag.”

Continue reading at VentureBeat…

It’s a fact. Time flies if you’re one of the following: old, busy, or having fun. But why? With another year down the tubes, let’s find out once and for all.

Before I get into the nitty gritty, it’s important to note that time doesn’t really shorten. Rather, the perception of it does, depending on how it’s spent. An obvious point, to be sure. But a useful disclaimer nonetheless.

Now, the biggest reason for a loss of time? High concentration. When we’re acutely focused on something—an assignment, a full day’s work, recreation—we simply forget about the ticking clock. “The more attention the task requires, the faster time flies,” says Dr. Anthony Chaston, a researcher at the University of Alberta.

Conversely, time slows to a crawl when we’re bored or detached from what’s going on. “Under the influence of emotions, humans can be extremely inaccurate in their judgments of time,” says a 2007 study of the subject. “For example, the passage of time seems to vary depending on whether the subject is in an unpleasant or pleasant context. It drags when being criticized by the boss but flies by when conversing with our friends.”

But there’s another factor that speeds our perception of time—one that even compounds the effects of attentiveness and emotion. Our age. Since adults have observed more events in life than children, not to mention more years, the time passes faster for them.

“A child’s whole frame of reference is built on a couple years,” explains Dr. Bob Kane, director of the Center for Aging at the University of Minnesota. “Every increment is a bigger piece of their life. As they get older, every increment is a smaller piece as the denominator gets bigger.”

Furthermore, since adults work all the time, they don’t benefit from the typical mile markers that help young people track time, such as spring break, summer vacation, and holidays. The result: grown-ups always feel at a loss for time. “You’re constantly asking yourself, ‘How many more things can I accomplish before my time is up?’” Kane says. “Each moment becomes a little more precious.”

So the next time you wonder where the time went, remember: you left it in your heart. You left it in your youth.

With that in mind, don’t forget to lose yourself in the things you truly enjoy next year.

OREM, Utah — After four convenient but usually bad-habit forming years, I canceled my Blackberry email/data plan with T-Mobile last week. To my surprise, I was amazed that my email would actually wait for me on the computer, as opposed to following me around wherever I went. Now, if I’m away from my desk, my email will tell me how many unread messages I have upon my return, so as not to overlook anything. (Some fancy email programs even support audible alerts, such as “You’ve got mail!” Really neat stuff.)

In a flurry of discovery, and in search of more answers, I asked a representative of ARPANET, the inventor of email, for comment. “The great thing about email is that it’s free, provided you don’t give money to your cell phone provider for the same service,” the spokesman said. “And unlike the Post Office, you don’t have to put a hold on your mail if you’re away, say on nights and weekends. If it fits, it ships—which is all the time.”

There are other benefits to what my grandmother calls “computer mail.” For example, email (or “e-mail” as the Associated Press calls it) was invented as a form of asynchronous communication, meaning the user responds when he or she is ready, as opposed to the synchronized communication of voice calls and instant messaging. “I can’t think of one email-enabled phone user who hasn’t diluted the beauty that is asynchronous communication,” says Wiley Peters, an unemployed email consultant. “Almost all of them interact with a new message as they come in, instead of batch processing their inbox at a later time to achieve priority of responses.” In other words, data plans have made inhabitants of planet earth obsessive compulsive about their inboxes—slaves to email and social sites, as opposed to patrons.

But people expect immediate replies to email, right? None of this waiting upwards of a half-day or (gasp!) a full working day to respond. “Most professional users of email really aren’t as important as they think they are,” says Art Vandelay, director of The Email Institute for a Better Tomorrow. “Less than 1% of the working population would incur legitimate business losses (say over $10) for not responding to an email within seconds, minutes, or even hours. So the idea that people should be checking email on phones at all hours of the day is more ego-driven than functional. Plus, it’s a total buzz kill on your personal life.”

Some professionals worry they will upset a demanding boss or client who doesn’t respect family life, well-deserved vacations, or designates non-emergencies as actual emergencies to get a faster response. “Uh, that’s really not someone you want to work for,” says one local area entrepreneur, one of the few people able to make living between the hours of 9-5 selling widgets at a fair price, instead of wasting time during the day talking about what Kanye West said last night or trying to figure out what ’80s band he’s most like on Facebook.

So who’s to blame for the rise of portable email abuse? Al Bino, better known as Verizon’s “Can you hear me know?” guy, says its providers like his employer that shoulder much of the responsibility. “These freakin’ people charge upwards of $60 for slower data plans than you probably already have at home. Of course they’re going to tell Americans they need anytime access to work email and tweety tweets—it’s more money in their pocket!” According to Bino, who, by the way, is in a contract dispute with Verizon for charging his account during the filming of commercials and for causing him to be typecasted, “There’s no way in Hades a text message should cost four dimes to send or receive. It’s all about the Benjis for these people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (sic)”

Harry Cox, who squanders four hours a day online reading how to boost his productivity, says gadget sites are partly to blame. “Instead of working in real-life situations, these gadget junkies celebrate the latest and greatest crap in mobile technology, without ever testing the practicality of such products. I’m fully convinced these guys have no lives at all,” he conspires.

But it’s a free country. Marriage to one’s smart phone can be a form of companionship, right? “Actually, that’s a bunch of bologna,” says Fonda Peters, founding member of Human After All, an advocacy group (not to be confused with the excellent Daft Punk Song) that advocates for the preeminence of in-person beings over online ones. “Sharing experiences with family and friends while they’re standing right in front of you is a lot more worthwhile than obsessively cleaning your inbox or updating your status to ’standing with friends.’”

Not everyone is sold on the idea of phones just being phones, however. “Whatever!” says Candace Spencer, a 15-year old from Highland Parks, who credits a measurable improvement in her life after upgrading to an iPhone. “I mean, it has like over a gazillion apps that aren’t available anywhere else, except for maybe the internet.”

Troy McClure, a community business development value-chain operator from Silicon Valley shares similar feelings. “Without a data plan, I’m forced to plan ahead—or worse, consult one of the many online-enabled computers at my office or home before making a decision.” As McClure so eloquently puts it, “That totally blows,” before adding, “At the end of the day, I like to hit the ground-running, and an always-on socially-enabled data plan on my 3G phone is a mission-critical win-win. After all, it’s not like I use my phone as a status symbol or to give the appearance that I’m working harder than I really am.”

“I’m just too busy not to be using a data plan,” says Chuck Waggon, a self-described “important professional” who makes $18 an hour as an underpaid software engineer. “Even legislators use taxpayer money to buy Blackberries, and look how productive they are!”

Vandelay, on the other hand, says it doesn’t really matter. “So long as you respond to messages in a timely manner, it’s irrelevant what technology you use,” he explains. “Just do me a favor and stop using so many smiley faces and exclamation points after sentences. It pisses me off!”

As a general rule, food and video games are about as compatible as texting and driving (hint: they’re not). You might be able to get away with cold pizza with a controller in hand, but never stuff your pie-hole with this messiness during play:

5. Fried chicken
Unless you want to lose your game—or worse, your TV by a flying Wii remote—a firm grip on the controller is a must. That said, fried chicken, the greasiest of all finger foods, should be avoided at all times. As a Southerner, I like a delicious drumstick as much as the next guy. But you need professional help if you can’t stay away from the colonel’s original recipe for at least a couple of hours.

4. Glazed doughnuts
Mmmm. Doughnuts. Everybody loves doughnuts. Especially glazed ones. But not only will you sacrifice sure gaming footing while stuffing your face with the sticky goodness found on the latter, you’ll probably clog important bits and pieces on your controller with sugar syrup. Once that happens, kiss your controller goodbye, you slob.

3. Crab legs
The only thing worse than grease while playing video games is butter. And you can’t eat crab legs without liquefied butter, unless you happen to be a fish. Spilling a tiny cup of oiled fat on the sofa is bad enough. But a complete inability to clutch a controller due to buttery hands makes “the deadliest catch” a definite no-no while gaming. Plus, they’re too much work!

2. Rack of ribs
And you thought glazed doughnuts were bad. Although succulent, barbecue ribs are so messy, there should be warning labels on both game cases and take-out boxes not to mix the two. Your fatty self might be able to sneak by with a dry rub, but wet ribs should definitely be verboten in gaming rooms everywhere—by law if necessary. (See also: Buffalo wings)

1. Cheetos
After asking friends and fellow critics to name the No. 1 food to avoid while gaming, the overwhelming majority said Cheetos. Doritos are bad, but Cheetos are worse, because layers of cheese pile on fingers coat over coat, getting progressively gunkier the longer you eat. They’re certainly tasty, but Cheetos muck up controllers like nobody’s business. The worst gaming food of all time.

For the first time in my life, I’ve become a sports drink junkie. I still guzzle water. But I like how the lightly flavored drink displaces the “workout” taste better than water. So I drink fluorescent colored super juice after heavy training.

Since Powerade (not Gatorade) was on sale last month, I stocked up on all eight flavors. And being the gentlemen that I am, I decided to review them for you. So the next time you reach for a 32 oz. bottle, remember the top 5 most refreshing Powerade flavors, expertly named by yours truly:

1. Strawberry Lemonade. I hate strong aftertaste. And Strawberry Lemonade is right up there with the worst offenders. Not so with Powerade though, whose Strawberry Lemonade has no aftertaste whatsoever. Refreshing and delicious!
2. Orange. I suspect in the long run, Orange may be the greatest sports drink flavor. It never gets old. It always satisfies. And it doesn’t have the nasty aftertaste of other traditional flavors like Lemon Lime and Fruit Punch—even if it doesn’t have the flavor os Strawberry Lemonade.
3. Sour Melon. Now that’s flavor! I can’t quite put my finger on it (these are all artificially flavored after all), but Sour Melon has some spunk to it, without tasting like liquefied Lemondheads. Great flavor, but a little too strong to make crack into the top two spots.
4. Mountain Berry. I first started experimenting with this one, since its the only one to my knowledge that’s found in restaurant fountains. But it has a cool icy flavor to it. The only thing keeping it back, is its aftertaste, which is stronger than the above.
5. Arctic Shatter. I’ll admit. Arctic Shatter only made the list for being the lesser of four evils (aka the remaining flavors), due to having less aftertaste. But it’ll do if you can’t find one of the above four flavors. Just remember to stay far, far away from Lemon Lime, Fruit Punch, and Grape, which are way too strong.

I’ve always admired Michael Jordan’s athleticism, style, and grace in the air. He was the greatest basketball player ever. And even though I only owned a single pair of his pricey Air Jordans (version IV, thanks Mom!), I’ve always like the form factor of his shoes, especially the earlier models. So stick your tongue out, poke your air pocket, and check out the top 5 Air Jordans all time:

With the King of Pop’s new summer tour announcement recent death, I can’t think of a better time to list his best hits. There are 20 other songs equally worthy of the honor, but in terms of what gets me moving the most, these are the top 10 Michael Jackson songs of awesome:

10. Break of Dawn. I doubt many people have listened to Jackson’s 2001 album Invincible, but there’s no excuse to miss this track. MJ croons over silky bass lines just like days of old. Cliche lyrics aside, it just might be the most groovin’ song of the decade, it’s so good. Too good, in fact.
9. Rock With You. If there’s one pre-80s song to get people on the dance floor, it’s this one. From Off the Wall, Jackson’s first mature album, he urges “Let the rhythm get into you, don’t try to fight it, there’s nothing you can do.” And he’s right. Resistance is futile, the beat is so infectious.
8. Thriller. While the killer video steals the spotlight, the song itself is a choreographer’s dream. Like most of Jackson’s songs, it’s especially difficult to avoid dancing while listening to this one. And the Vincent Price break down, requested by Michael himself, is just brain gravy.
7. One More Chance. Another lesser known favorite from his Number Ones album, One More Chance is filled with Jackson’s signatures “uhs” and “whys,” which never get old. After listening to this one, I’m convinced no one sings as punctual as MJ.
6. Black Or White. Wait! Don’t let the silly intro fool you. Black Or White is most awesome, thanks to the punchy guitar, sliding bass, and of course, Jackson’s “woo!”s of plenty.
5. I Want You Back. Recorded with the Jackson 5 in 1969, I Want You Back features the greatest pop chord progression of all time. It’s also the definitive sound of sunshine, Afros, bell bottoms, and summer love in my book. Good stuff.
4. Human Nature. I love this song. I love its lyrics. I love its ’80s contemporary sound—the kind that reminds me of riding in my mother’s 1984 station wagon, the same year in which Thriller was release. When they ask why, give them the greatest excuse of all time: “Tell ‘em that it’s human nature.”
3. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing). Oh snap! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the funkiest Jackson song ever recorded. It’s upbeat, it has freaking robots singing back up vocals, and it features the only bassline Herbie Hancock was known to covet (not true, but it should be). If you don’t move your feet when hearing this, you have no soul.
2. Man In The Mirror. Most singers are lame activists. They generically demand everyone to make love not war. But Jackson cuts to the core and gets candid with this one. “I’m starting with the man in the mirror,” he sings. “I’m asking him to change his ways,” he concedes “And no message could have been any clearer: If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make the change.” Stop waiting for everyone else to change the world. Do it yourself.
1. Billie Jean. Since Jackson is so versatile, picking a single track that best embodies his style is near impossible. But if a hermit were to ask me, “Who is this Michael Jackson you speak of?” I would slide him a copy of Thriller, and play track number 6. This is ultimate Jackson. The anthem of moon walk. And easily one of the top 10 songs of all time.

Honorable mention, and an oh-so close number 11: Leave Me Alone

Originally published Mar 17, 2009

So far, 2009 is shaping up to be a good year for new album releases. There’s been a new Phoenix album, a new Mat Kearney one, and new releases from Paolo Nutini, Eminem, and the Beastie Boys right around the corner. Still, there’s a handful of artists I listen to so much, I wish they had already released a new album. Here a five of my most-wanted:

1. Vampire Weekend. Last album, 2008. I know, I know. It’s only been a year, but VW is so freakin’ good, I can’t wait for new material. I’ll even take an entire album remix like this, I’m so invested.
2. Air. Last album, 2007. I listen to a lot of Air. I think they’re probably even more versatile than Daft Punk, their French comrades. Pocket Symphony was good, but I’m still waiting for a proper follow-up to the excellent Talkie Walkie.
3. Daft Punk. Last album, 2005. I need more Daft Punk in my life. I really do. I can recite Homework, Discovery, and Human After All from my tiny robotic heart. So I’m very anxious for new beats.
4. Spoon. Last album, 2007. Best. Indie. Band… of all-time. Their last, Ga Ga Ga Ga, was incredible. A fan of their music since 2002, Spoon is simply a delight. And I want more.
5. DeadMau5. Last album, January. Being the most innovative techno producer since Daft Punk’s 1997 debut, DeadMau5 has the most infectious beats, one album is simply not enough. Even if it was released four months ago.

Honorable mentions: Blink-182, Magnet. Wishful thinking: Michael Jackson

See also: My favorite music of early 2007