Click image to enlarge.

Stern’s 2006 machine, World Poker Tour. First game to implement the SAM system, allowing software code to be updated by USB rather than chip switch.

-Audits from the machine above, across from the B bank.
-From the game in the gambler’s row.
-And the machine on the screen wall.

Hoping to get a real camera soon, will see what I can do about putting together some creative videos for you folks. You’re welcome to steal this idea and send us your own pinball videos to post. In fact, we discourage it.

The only difference between Stern’s Family Guy and Shrek machines is the theme and art package, gameplay is 100% identical. These two games are setup side by side at PAPA HQ, amidst the 400+ other pins that compose the collection. Thought it’d be cool to give you folks a chance to take a look at their audits.

Family Guy & Shrek

Nearly twenty years later, still profoundly affected by his experience at Showbiz Pizza, small-town disc-jockey Chris Thrash sought out Fechter and purchased a Rock-afire band of his own. Some clever programming on Chris’ part, and the band was once again performing for millions, this time on YouTube.

The Rock-afire Explosion movie reveals how Chris came to revive this fallen 80′s gem, explores his and a number of other fan’s obsessions with the animatronic band, and chronicles the rise and fall of Showbiz Pizza and what was once a 20 million dollar per-year venture for inventor Aaron Fechter. More than this, the film is a look at the importance of nostalgia, ever-changing media culture, and the eternal quest to stay young.

DVD and much more info available on the Rock-afire Explosion’s official site!

Rather striking image of the wind farm in San Gorgonio Pass, CA. Which came into focus while doing some surfing ’round the Net after having read this piece in today’s NY Times regarding regulating space for the harvesting of ambient atmospheric phenomena, primarily that of wind and solar.

Read up.

“It’s said that less than one in five businesses started today will be around in five years’ time—which puts this story into perspective. Hōshi Ryokan is a hotel and spa in Komatsu, Japan. It has been owned and run by the same family for 46 generations so far, and its famous hot springs have been refreshing and revitalizing its patrons for no less than 1291 years. Founded by a Buddhist disciple whose master had the springs’ location delivered to him in a dream, Hōshi is the world’s oldest hotel and also the world’s oldest continuously-operating business.”

Read the rest of the story at BusinessWeek.

From Kotaku:

“This transaction combines Marvel’s strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor with Disney’s creative skills, unparalleled global portfolio of entertainment properties, and a business structure that maximizes the value of creative properties across multiple platforms and territories,” said Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “Ike Perlmutter and his team have done an impressive job of nurturing these properties and have created significant value. We are pleased to bring this talent and these great assets to Disney.”

“Disney is the perfect home for Marvel’s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses,” said Ike Perlmutter, Marvel’s Chief Executive Officer. “This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney’s tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world.”

Link.

Now, that’s business!!!