Gizmodo: ruh roh

OK, This Wiimote Mishap? We're Calling Not Fake.

Owen Good — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EDT

That infamous "Mama!!!" video where the Wiimote destroys the flat-screen has been endlessly debated: staged or real? In this, it's safe to assume the Home Shopping Network did not intend to smash its own TV showing off Wii Tennis.

Hand it to that guy, he does not deviate from the sales pitch after such a colossally embarrassing f—kup, even with his cohost laughing and, no doubt, a production crew trying to keep it together. And hats off to the director who switched over to the b-roll while they got the pitchman positioned perfectly in front of the TV to cover up the scar the Wiimote left.

Now, $329.90 for a standard Wii bundle and a doubled-up set of peripherals? That's a tragedy. Especially since they pretend it'd retail for $379.99.

Nintendo Wii Gaming System with Wii Sports and 15 Accessories [YouTube via Joystiq]

Wi-Fi Signals Might Cause Childhood Autism (or Not)

Adam Frucci — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:05:00 EST

Get scared! According to a new study published this week in the Australasian Journal of Clinical Environmental Medicine, Wi-Fi might be linked to the growing number of cases of childhood autism. Dr. George Carlo, who led the study, said, "The electromagnetic radiation apparently causes the metals to be trapped in cells, slowing clearance and accelerating the onset of symptoms." But wait!

Dr. Kenneth Foster, who has done boatloads of studies on Wi-Fi and cell signals, says, "Health agencies such as the World Health Organisation have repeatedly examined the scientific evidence and concluded that there is no convincing evidence for hazard from radiofrequency energy at levels below these international guidelines." Well, in any case, most doctors will agree that the best way to make sure your kids stay safe is to fashion helmets or hats out of tin foil for them, which should block any harmful energy waves. [Computer Weekly]

World's First Prosthetic Dog Paw Surgery Completed

Adam Frucci — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 10:45:15 EDT

A dog in England who had a tumor on his leg and had to have his paw amputated received a metallic replacement foot recently in a landmark veterinary surgery. Not only is it the first pet to ever receive a prosthetic limb, but the surgery was a sign of things to come for human prosthetic limbs in that the dog's skin will grow over the prosthetic.

The metal used mimics the material in deer antlers, providing a strong seal with the dog's skin. Unfortunately, the article doesn't really go into detail as to how this will translate to human surgeries, but any advancement in science that will allow people to have more realistic and usable fake limbs is A-OK with us. [Telegraph via Spulch]