Everything is bigger in Texas, atleast if you talk to its citizens that is what they’ll tell you. The video game industry looks to be no exception to the rule, as it is thriving in the land of the cowboys.

Texas set aside February 3rd, as a celebration of what they call, Entertainment Software Day (Video Games Day). The reason is that the state has had a local economic boom due to the impact of the video game industry.

None of this is by accident, as some Texas state senators had enough savvy to recognize how large the video game industry has become. Of course, the industry needed a place to call home and due to some tax breaks, many found it in Texas.

Michael Gallagher of the ESA had this to say about the latest announcement, “The support of Governor Perry, Senator Deuell and Representative Dukes for the entertainment software industry in Texas is an endorsement of the artistic and economic contributions our industry has made to the state…These lawmakers are helping grow our industry as we work to create new jobs for Texans; boost the state’s economy; and help discover new ways computer and videogames can improve the ways Americans live, work and play.”

‘Boosting’ the local economy might be an understatement, in 2006 the video game industry contributed $395 million to the local economy.

[via: Gamesindustry.biz]

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I’m still debating whether this advertisement is clever, or just in bad taste. I think it’s a mix of both, as I support the idea of providing the less fortunate with ways to connect with the world. Although the needs of food, and water will super cede a laptop, it’s still a way to help us all stay connected.

Here’s the ad for the One Laptop Per Child charity that digitally altered a video of John Lennon. Or they found a great look-a-like. Either way they did a great job, even if it’s a bit creepy.

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I never really understood the importance of the role that the conductor plays in an orchestra. He’s up there moving his arms around, sometimes twitching his head in the process. After taking a look at this video I can appreciate the conductor role a little bit more.

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I remember a simpler time, when bands promoted upcoming albums through live shows and maybe making a radio appearance. Guns N’ Roses is catching up with the 21st century, as they’re promoting their album on MySpace. Users who are anticipating the album, ‘Chinese Democracy’ will have a chance to sample it. Guns N’ Roses are posting the album on their user page, as a preview so people can check it out before making a purchase.

The album releases in physical form, November 23rd. So, for all you fans who’ve been waiting for awhile to hear more GnR will now have your time in the sun.

I’ve been listening to some of the tracks and I’m quite impressed. Most bands who make a ‘come back’ lose a step. What I’m hearing so far, it sounds opposite that. They have a much harder rock tone, so I can recommend atleast checking it out.

Here’s the Track List for those interested:
1. Chinese Democracy
2. Shackler’s Revenger
3. Better
4. Street Of Dreams
5. If The World
6. There Was A Time
7. Catcher In The Rye
8. Scraped
9. Sorry
10. Riad N’ The Bedouins
11. I.R.S.
12. Madagascar
13. This I Love
14. Prostitute

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