"Live Alive Oh"

Xbox LIVE. What could I possibly add to this subject that hasn't been written a million times before? Well my first impressions, like many users I guess, was Halo2. It really is the benchmark by which all Xbox Live games are measured. Quick and seamless are the watchwords. Inviting your friends for a game, choosing an opti-match'ed game or just getting stuck in - it's all nice and simple. Ok, once you actually get on, game experience may indeed differ online. That reminds me of the end of the Coco Pops advert, y'know '... as PART of your nutritious breakfast'. I'm telling you, the folk that come up with this crap deserve a right good shoe'ing and no mistake. WITH YOUR WEASEL WORDS YOU ARE RUINING OUR WORLD! Anyhoo, whilst I'm rambling about LIVE experiences, what is it about all American kids that make it compulsory for them to sound like Joe Pasquale with his nuts in a vice? It also gives such a bad impression when they forever seek out cheats (sorry 'tricks' according to High Impact Halo) to ensure their continued global domination. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those oh-so-fashionable American haters that are everywhere nowadays. I'm all for them bombing this and invading that, but only if they play the game within the spirit of the rules. Sitting there in their Condominium's with one finger over the reset router button in case they are about to die/lose flag/bomb planted etc just really isn't cricket. What I like about LIVE most though is that it's a broadband app for the masses. No techy know-how required. What next? Telly programs on demand? Free phone calls? A Star Trek inspired end of materialism? Maybe not, but anythings possible!