Joystiq

Bit.Trip Saga coming to 3DS eShop December 20 for $15

Mike Suszek — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST

Aksys Games is bringing Bit.Trip Saga, the Gaijin Games 3DS compilation that hit retail last year, to Nintendo's eShop on December 20. What's more, the collection will cost $14.99, saving players a whole bunch of dollars in addition to the convenience of the compilation being downloadable.

Bit.Trip Saga includes Bit.Trip Beat, Bit.Trip Core, Bit.Trip Void, Bit.Trip Runner, Bit.Trip Fate and Bit.Trip Flux. If our math is correct, that's only a couple dollars per game in the six-game bundle. What a deal!

Gallery: Bit.Trip Saga (3DS)

Bit.Trip Saga coming to 3DS eShop December 20 for $15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Humble Bundle for Android (and PC, Mac, and Linux) bundles Bit.Trip Beat, Fieldrunners and more

JC Fletcher — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 23:59:00 EST

Haven't bought Bit.Trip Beat in a while? Now you can buy it again, this time on Android! It's part of the Humble Bundle for Android 3, along with Fieldrunners, SpaceChem, Uplink, and - for purchases above the average price - Spirits. Uplink and SpaceChem require tablets, but you can play the rest on your phone.

You're not out of luck if you lack a tablet, or even if you're without an Android phone. Even though it's an Android bundle, you'll also get the games on Windows, Mac, and Linux as well, along with all their soundtracks.

Humble Bundle for Android (and PC, Mac, and Linux) bundles Bit.Trip Beat, Fieldrunners and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Potato Sack Reunion Tour kicks off on Steam today

David Hinkle — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 22:30:00 EST

Last April, Valve launched a guerrilla marketing effort for Portal 2 and promotion on select indie titles. This week Valve remembers its ARG campaign with the Potato Sack Reunion sale, which knocks half off the price of 13 individual indie titles.

Games include Super Meat Boy, The Ball, Cogs, Amnesia: The Dark Descent and many more. You can either buy each individually for half-off, or grab the whole bundle for $20.

The Potato Sack Reunion Tour kicks off on Steam today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bit.Trip Saga and Complete ride a Rising Star to Europe

JC Fletcher — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:45:00 EST

Bit.Trip Saga for 3DS and Bit.Trip Complete for Wii came out in September here in North America, collecting all six WiiWare Bit.Trip games into convenient new formats and, in the case of Complete, adding new challenges. Not that there wasn't enough challenge to be found already.

For those of you in Europe looking for a more portable, three-dimensional and/or expanded Bit.Trip experience, Rising Star Games has signed on to publish Saga and Complete in that region, in the first quarter of 2012.

Complete on Wii will include a soundtrack sampler, just as it does in North America. It's a nice way to kick back and relax when not playing the games -- you certainly won't do any kicking back while playing them. Maybe some kicking.

Gallery: Bit.Trip Saga (3DS)

Gallery: Bit.Trip Complete (Wii)

Continue reading Bit.Trip Saga and Complete ride a Rising Star to Europe

Bit.Trip Saga and Complete ride a Rising Star to Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bit. Trip collections come to 3DS and Wii September 13

JC Fletcher — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:10:00 EST

Bit. Trip Saga, the 3D-ized Bit.Trip compilation for 3DS, will arrive in stores on September 13. But if you'd rather play the games on the big screen -- and especially if you didn't buy all of them on Wii already -- there's another collection for you. Bit.Trip Complete collects all six WiiWare games on a single Wii disc, with a generous pile of extras.

120 new "challenges" have been added to the games in Bit.Trip Complete, along with new difficulty modes and leaderboards. In addition, there's an "audio gallery" of new songs, demo versions, and fan remixes of the series' signature sounds. Other bonuses include image and video galleries and a bundled soundtrack CD.

It'll be up to you how you want to experience these games -- handheld and in 3D, or on your TV with bonuses. You could always buy both in order to have the most options as to how you want to be mesmerized and frustrated.

Continue reading Bit. Trip collections come to 3DS and Wii September 13

Bit. Trip collections come to 3DS and Wii September 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bit. Trip Beat destroys Steam users' self-esteem tomorrow

JC Fletcher — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:55:00 EST

Even if you don't have a Wii or an iPhone, chances are you still have a computer, which means that starting tomorrow you'll have very little excuse for never having tried Bit. Trip Beat. Gaijin Games announced that the first game in its six-part series, a sort of hypnotic rhythm/chiptunes Pong adventure (also an absurdly, wonderfully difficult game), will be released on Steam tomorrow for both Windows and Mac, with upgrades over the original including online leaderboards, easy mode, and achievements.

You'll be able to play the Steam version using a keyboard, mouse, gamepad, or even (with a planned update) the Sixense TrueMotion thing. The regular price for the Steam release is $9.99, but it's a dollar off through November 9.

Continue reading Bit. Trip Beat destroys Steam users' self-esteem tomorrow

Bit. Trip Beat destroys Steam users' self-esteem tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bit. Trip Beat descends to .99 price on iPhone and iPad this weekend

JC Fletcher — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:20:00 EST

Bit. Trip Beat may not be easy, but this weekend, it's going to be really easy to buy. Publisher Namco has marked down both the iPhone and iPad versions of the WiiWare hit to 99 cents for the weekend. Sure, it's portable, but play it at home -- you don't want strangers to see you having a tantrum.

Bit. Trip Beat descends to .99 price on iPhone and iPad this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bit.Trip Beat hits iPhone, iPad on Sept. 30

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The long anticipated release of Gaijin Games' Bit.Trip Beat on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch is this Thursday, September 30. The glowing-finger-enabled dev Alex Neuse (seen above) announced as much with a toothy grin via the Gaijin blog this afternoon -- he later told us via email that the game will run $4.99 on iPhone/iPod Touch and $6.99 on iPad. Additionally, DLC will be available on day one, as will Game Center support.

Aside from new levels and an HD up-res of the graphics, the game will also be getting multiplayer support on iPhone/iPad. Take a peek at the gallery below and join us in rapt anticipation for Thursday morning, won't you?

Gallery: Bit.Trip Beat (iPhone/iPad)

Bit.Trip Beat hits iPhone, iPad on Sept. 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gaijin Games: Bit.Trip Beat demo helped get sales 'on par with projections'

David Hinkle — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Try before you buy. It's a simple concept, and it's been a key element in marketing games this console generation -- at least on platforms that aren't WiiWare. But Nintendo did give demos a chance once upon a time ago and Gaijin Games' Bit.Trip Beat was one of five titles consumers could try free of cost. According to Gaijin Games, it helped.

Alex Neuse, CEO of Gaijin Games, told Joystiq that when the "demo was active," his company "started to see sales more on par with our projections." We've heard the same WiiWare story over and over again from developers and publishers: Nintendo doesn't promote; many Wii consoles aren't hooked up to the internet; nobody is buying these games. It's interesting that something as small as a playable demo could affect sales in such a positive manner.

"I think this is because Bit.Trip Beat is the type of game that people really have to play to understand," Neuse said in regards to the success of his demo. He went on to say that "a screenshot just doesn't do it justice" and that he's "sad to see that the demo program has ended."

We are, too -- WiiWare developers work very hard to create games and support the platform. It's gotta be frustrating when there's no reciprocation.

Gaijin Games: Bit.Trip Beat demo helped get sales 'on par with projections' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bit.Trip Beat iPad preview: move to keep the beat

David Hinkle — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:20:00 EST

The problem I've always had with Bit.Trip Beat is that you could only control it by twisting the Wiimote. It's not the most accurate control scheme and, since the game is largely built on the player's ability to quickly and precisely move from one place to another, it was one tough experience. However, on the iPad, it's far more responsive -- sporting both touch-based and tilt-based controls in the final product, it was quickly evident that this was the best way to play the game.

Gallery: Bit.Trip Beat (iPhone/iPad)

Continue reading Bit.Trip Beat iPad preview: move to keep the beat

Bit.Trip Beat iPad preview: move to keep the beat originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bit.Trip Beat DLC on iPhone/iPad will be Bit.Trip Void tracks

David Hinkle — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

You know how we told you about DLC for the iPhone and iPad versions of Bit.Trip Beat a few days back? During an appointment with developer Gaijin Games here at PAX, CEO and designer Alex Neuse confirmed the exact nature of the DLC tracks: they're Bit.Trip Void songs!

He informed Joystiq that the tracks weren't actually being developed by Gaijin Games, but were instead being crafted by the iPhone/iPad version's publisher, Namco-Bandai. Neuse is looking forward to trying the new tracks, as you'd imagine -- it's not every day you have an opportunity to be stumped by your own game, you know?

Gallery: Bit.Trip Beat (iPhone/iPad)

Bit.Trip Beat DLC on iPhone/iPad will be Bit.Trip Void tracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone Bit.Trip Beat has new levels, multiplayer

JC Fletcher — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The iOS version of Bit.Trip Beat won't be a simple port of Gaijin Games' WiiWare debut. It has a couple of new features that may convince even the few people who completed the game to buy it again.

A representative for publisher Namco Networks informed Joystiq that Bit.Trip Beat will have a multiplayer mode, for up to four players on either iPhones or iPads. Even more intriguing, the mobile version of the chiptuney rhythm-Pong game will have new downloadable levels.

Namco Networks expects to release Bit.Trip Beat this fall. You can see what it looks like on iPad in our gallery. If you look at the images on an iPad, you'll really get the idea.

Gallery: Bit.Trip Beat (iPhone/iPad)

iPhone Bit.Trip Beat has new levels, multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bit.Trip Beat bouncing to iPhone

JC Fletcher — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 04:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Gaijin Games' retro-synaesthetic Bit.Trip series is no longer a WiiWare exclusive. The developer announced that it has partnered with Namco Bandai to release an iPhone and iPad version of Bit.Trip Beat. It seems likely that the iPhone game will employ the tilt controls used to move the paddle in the Wii version, but that wasn't detailed in the brief, enthusiastic announcement -- and neither was a release date.

We're checking with Gaijin Games to see when you'll be able to fail repeatedly to complete stage 2 on the go.

Bit.Trip Beat bouncing to iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Bit.Trip.Beat stops on WiiWare this Monday

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:40:00 EST

Ready to go on your first Bit.Trip? The folks at Aksys have confirmed to us that the hard-as-nails retro-themed WiiWare-exclusive music game will make its US debut on Monday, March 16th. The concept is rather simple: just tilt your Wii Remote to slide your Pong-esque paddle up and down. Deflect oncoming bullets to create some pretty rad chiptune music. As easy as this sounds, the wild barrage of notes that soon floods the screen will lead to many, many game overs.

With support for up to four players on one screen, Bit.Trip.Beat has us pretty excited. It's the kind of game that you can just play and get into a trance.

The Bit.Trip.Beat stops on WiiWare this Monday originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Decent sale on imports at Renchi

JC Fletcher — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Imports

We love region-free consoles! Not only does it allow us to play games that never get released in the US, but it also gives us freedom to choose the cheapest version of worldwide-release games. Renchi.com has marked down a load of DS games, and there's plenty of stuff for US gamers to enjoy.

First, the Japanese versions of US games. You can get Yoshi Touch & Go (Catch! Touch! Yoshi!), Mega Man ZX (Rockman ZX), Star Fox Command, the just-released Honeycomb Beat, and a few others for $10. If you want a uniquely Japanese experience, there's a bunch of stuff including Mawasunda!!, a lot of miscellaneous non-games and puzzle games (including an amusing-looking coloring game), and a nice selection of D3's Simple Series stuff. Stock is rapidly diminishing, so go browse right now.

[Thanks, joe!]

Decent sale on imports at Renchi originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ontama shows random Dreamcast influence

JC Fletcher — Thu, 17 May 2007 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Screens, Imports

This is probably more of a coincidence or an unintentional influence than anything else, and there's always the possibility that we're imagining things, but doesn't Ontama's protagonist Beat look somewhat familiar? He looks like a cross between Sonic Adventure-era Sonic (look at the poses!) and Jet Set Radio's main character, also named Beat. Well, if you had to pick two games to resemble, you could do a lot worse than these, both of which had fantastic art.

The actual game, a rhythm-puzzle thing that we totally want, doesn't look like anything else. We've got new screens after the break.

Continue reading Ontama shows random Dreamcast influence

Ontama shows random Dreamcast influence originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cheer up! More Ouendan 2 scans are here!

JC Fletcher — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Screens

Every day we get to see even one more frame of Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 is a good day. Just getting an excuse to type the awesomely overblown title out makes us smile. And today we have two nice, big magazine scans to stare at.

The scans show two of the new levels, and we have descriptions of the objectives thanks to the language wizards at NeoGAF, who can instantly make small amounts of Japanese become English. The first level involves Tsuyoshi Hanada, the student from the first level of the first Ouendan, and his job search. The second involves a salesman who wants to peddle sneakers in space. The screenshots from this level indicate that the rival Ouendan team will be playable!

The full scans are available after the post break. Click them (rhythmically, of course) for larger versions.

[Via NeoGAF]

Continue reading Cheer up! More Ouendan 2 scans are here!

Cheer up! More Ouendan 2 scans are here! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alex Ward flips out during MTV interview

Jared Rea — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 2, Action

Did you play EA's notoriously over-hyped shooter, Black? We mean, did you really play it? Enough to understand the subtle geopolitical message that gelled together the very fabric of the game? Would you say you beat the game?

If so, don't tell Alex Ward that. As MTV News' Stephen Totilo found out, using such common terminology for completing a game in the presence of Criterion's creative director is enough to warrant a long-winded rant against Western gamers.

Between finding hidden messages in Pac-Man and taking absurd leaps in logic when analyzing the speech habits of Americans, Ward spits fire for just under five minutes of insanity. Totilo attempts to get him back on track regarding the plot (or lack thereof) of Black, but even after a few zingers Ward just keeps on trucking.

Let's see. An arrogant British man grandstanding about the stupidity of Americans? Yeah, that's real creative. About as creative as Black.

Continue reading Alex Ward flips out during MTV interview

Alex Ward flips out during MTV interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Feb 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beat the blues with a new Tank Beat trailer

David Hinkle — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Video

Are you depressed? Not enough cannon fire and war in your life? Well, we've got the cure! Yes, ladies and gentleman, Tank Beat from O3 Entertainment looks to blow the hell out of your blues and set fire to apathy, sparking new waves of interest in all things gaming from you. Check the video out, embedded past the jump, and let us know what you think!

There are also screenshots for the game available at DS-x2 here.

See also: Tank Beat brings the noise

[Via Go Nintendo ]

Continue reading Beat the blues with a new Tank Beat trailer

Beat the blues with a new Tank Beat trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii + DJ = WiiJ (Duh!)

Kyle Orland — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hacks, PC, Nintendo Wii, Rhythm

OK, we'll admit it, we have no idea what is going on in this video (also embedded below after the jump). All we see is some guy waving his arms in the air (like he just doesn't care) while the computer drops some funky beats. Supposedly, the Wii controllers in his hands are actually activating the various looping samples, but we can't make hide nor hair of which motions are supposed to do what, even with the helpful descriptive text on the video.

If this is a fake, though, it's an extremely elaborate one. The video's maker, DJ Shift 1 has set up an elaborate web page page that lays out the fundamentals of his patented technique. The WiiJaying master is also promoting his first live performance of his at Bootie San Francisco on May 12. Now that's devotion to a hack.

Continue reading Wii + DJ = WiiJ (Duh!)

Wii + DJ = WiiJ (Duh!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo wants you to be an Elite Beat Agent

David Hinkle — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 13:10:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

Looks like Nintendo loves ~~seeing people make an ass out of themself~~ dancing because, in celebration of Elite Beat Agents, they're holding a contest asking that you send in a video of yourself, along with two friends, dancing along to the theme of Elite Beat Agents. Sounds simple enough, right?

You might be asking yourself what exactly you'd win for dressing up and acting the fool on camera, and it turns out Nintendo thinks that 3 DS Lites (Polar, Coral and Onyx), 3 copies of Elite Beat Agents and 3 'Secret Agent Kits' including headphones and a t-shirt are about the right price.

So what do you guys think? Good enough prize to cause you to dress up and shake it on film?

Nintendo wants you to be an Elite Beat Agent originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Elite Beat Agents videos

Nikki Inderlied — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: News, Fan stuff

Elite Beat Agents made us realize that the general stigma male cheerleaders have on them is completely false. Turns out, male cheerleaders are even more awesome than we thought! Honestly, if we had a group of them that were anything like the Elite Beat Agents, we would find getting up in the morning to do our usual routine much more fun. With their help, washing dishes, going to class, brushing your teeth and flipping burgers would be twenty times more exciting. You can tell we have really thought about this.

There are two new Elite Beat Agent videos to get us even more pumped up about this game -- as if their Flock of Seagulls hair isn't enough to be happy about already.

Click continue to see their awesome cheering power.

[Via IGN]

Continue reading Two Elite Beat Agents videos

Two Elite Beat Agents videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! comes to life

David Hinkle — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

Have you ever gotten home from a long day at the office, stared at the sink full of dishes and just wished there was someone, nay, some team of particularly motivating and inspirational folk that could help skyrocket your self-esteem? Have you ever hoped there could be those available to cheer you on as you make your way to victory loading the last dish into your dishwater, adding detergent, and finally, with authority, slamming the unit's door closed to be rewarded with the soft whir of the machine's cycle startup? Well, then you might want to consider moving to Japan and looking these guys up, because that is the only way it will happen.

Video has been embedded into the post after the break.

Continue reading Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! comes to life

Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! comes to life originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Aug 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tank Beat rolling onto the DS

David Hinkle — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

Yesterday saw the announcement to Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu for a new DS game based around tank warfare. Of course, the proof is in the pudding, so Milestone is looking to bring realistic tanks into the title to give wannabe tank drivers (tankers?) the chance to use some of the most feared combat machines in history. With the Soviet T-34/85 or German Jagdpanther at players' disposal, they'll be able to progress through a story mode or take their battle to the multiplayer arena for some head-to-head action via local wireless play or Nintendo's Wi-Fi service.

Keep an eye on DS Fanboy for more information as it arrives.

Tank Beat rolling onto the DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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