Want to play a Contra game in Flash? This cloned version almost looks like the original and is pretty fun to play. I remember playing the original classic on my Nintendo Entertainment System for hours - back in the day. In this online version, there are several new features including the option to redefine your keys to play. I do like getting the spread gun and clearing everything out. Enjoy!

Making Fiends is a fun Flash cartoon created by Amy Winfrey. The story follows the lives of two little girls: Vendetta, a mean fiend-making girl and Charlotte, a sweet and friendly girl who always puts the most positive spin on every situation. Vendetta is always making fiends in her attempts to do away with the goody-two shoes Charlotte. In the first two seasons (20 episodes) Charlotte has yet to realize Vendetta doesn’t really like her. I’ve watched and enjoyed each episode and I really dig the catchy theme song. Go check out her site.

Dan Goodsell recommended the site to me - Thanks Dan!

In this late 1930’s classic cartoon I Love to Singa, we meet a young jazz singing owl named Owl Jolson. The story starts off with a happy family of owls which includes three classically musical kids and one nonconformist kid who loves singing jazz. If you’ve seen this toon before, you know how well this tune sticks in your head. “I love to sing-a, about the moon-a and the June-a and the spring-a, I love to sing-a”. This cartoon is based on the song from the Warner Bros movie with Al Jolson called The Singing Kid.

This is a very entertaining cartoon, with all the catchy music and the witty word-play. I like the telegram gag bit with the lady bird and the amorous male who keeps trying to give her a squeeze. “STOP!” After watching this toon, you’ll be a laughing and a singing.

Here’s a cartoon treat from the early 1940’s - Merrie Melodies: Falling Hare. In this classic cartoon, Bugs Bunny goes to a military base where he meets up with a diabolical (pronounced: di-a-bo-LICK-al) gremlin who gets the better of him. This is one of the few episodes where Bugs Bunny plays the patsy. The music accompanies the action well and the gags are sure to make you laugh. (The part when Bugs says “I’m only three and a half years old” is the silliest!) It’s too bad they don’t make cartoons like this anymore. Enjoy the wackiness.

If you’d like to download this episode go the Internet Archive.

Note: 4F stands for - Registrant not acceptable for military service.

If you like old comics, retro and novelty music, Transformers, Godzilla, Dr Who and a myriad of other super swell downloadable stuff - check out X-Y-Z-Cosmonaut’s CosmoBlog. He’s got comics and albums for download and he changes his theme every few days, so you’ve got to check back to see what’s new. Expect to be pleasantly surprised.

I mentioned before that I was currently playing Advance Wars DS - this time in difficult campaign mode. Well, I just completed the Muck Amok level with a perfect 1200 points in 8 days. All you have to do is destroy all the Ooziums, the minicannon, both pipelines, and get perfect Speed, Power, and Technique to get 1200 points. Usually the best score you could hope for is 300, so I did a bit better then that - all without cheating. I do enjoy these strategy games.

Yes, this is my old DS pictured above. I just have to wait another couple of weeks and I’ll be getting my Black DS lite!

These little silver spheres were initially sold by Saks 5th Ave, during the 1930’s. The vintage ad says “SILVERICE BALLS are much more convenient than ice cubes”, but I’d disagree. The first thing that comes to mind is an image of Daffy Duck getting shot in the teeth, by Elmer Fudd, and receving a big hole in his smile.

You’d definitely increase your chances of visiting the dentist or doctor after breaking your teeth and choking on these things. But don’t let the definite hazards keep you from owning these, just look at them in more of a materialistic manner. When you own your own Silverice Balls - you’re really saying, “I have luxurious tastes and like to have opulent things around for you to choke on”. Nothing says class, sophistication and total disregard towards your guests’ well being than Silverice Balls. 1930’s etiquette is a mystery to me.

(via Modern Mechanix)

A good strategy guide can change the way you play your game; it can really help you get the most out of a game. I know it’s a big business, just go into any gaming store and you’ll see racks of them - usually from Brady or Prima. I usually just play a game for the fun of it and if that means that I don’t finish a game - then fine. I’ve never thought of these guides or walkthroughs as cheating, but then I guess it depends on your school of thought. What do you think?

Washington Post article about cheaters

2Old2Play article about how strategy guides changed gaming

If you were unable to go to PAX (Penny Arcade Exposition) in Washington state this year and see Gabe, Tycho and all the great games - here’s more info for you.

BritishGaming has got loads of great pictures of upcoming Nintendo DS games including Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2, Yoshi’s Island 2, and Final Fantasy III! These games look like fun and are coming out soon. I can’t wait to play them on my new black DS lite - which I will be procuring in a few weeks.

Joystiq and Kotaku have more coverage on it too. Plus, check out Gamehelper.com which has a live blog with FlickR pictures and videos.

If you’re new to PAX, it is a three-day game festival for tabletop, videogame, and PC gamers. It includes an exhibition floor filled with playable demos of unreleased games, a conference program of game industry speakers on topics related to gaming, music concerts, game tournaments and more. It was started by videogame oriented comic strip creators Gabe and Tycho of Penny Arcade, in 2004.

Nintendo finally officially announced today that the DS Lite will be available in black (Onyx) and (Coral) pink in the U.S. on Sept. 13. I waited to get my Black DS lite - so this is great news. I just hope that they’ve fixed that hinge crack issue. Yippie!

Visit the Gallery 1988 website to see pictures of all the remaining pieces up for sale from The Four Wheelers Art show. Perhaps you may become one of the lucky few owners of some Gabe Swarr art! That guy has talent!

Has it been 10 years already? Watch this new commemorative episode based upon the original book of Homestar Runner. It’s not everyday that you get to see Mr. Bland, The Robot and Señor in Flash! The Strongest Man in the World

If you’re a fan of ASCII and you like Star Wars check out this Star Wars Asciimation. This looks like a ton of work and it’s still being updated. This is dedication.

(via Retro Thing)

If you’re into animation, like I am, you’ll want to get your copy of Animation Blast #9 by Amid Amidi. It’s got some great pictures and stories of some talented artists and fun films. Check out the preview and you’ll find it’s pretty entertaining. I’ve got my copy and you better grab yours today, because this book is very limited.

Our buddy Gabe Swarr has his comics in it too!

(via Cartoon Brew)

We’ve got nothing to worry about when to comes to global warming, so says Flamey McGassy. It’s one of the latest Flash flicks from Mark Fiore. You’ve got nothing to fret - unless you’re a witch!