The Nukezilla Sunday Supplement – May 1st 2011

Every Sunday we’re going to post links to articles we think are interesting from the last week. Sundays are usually very quiet around here, so this seems like the best day to do it. We’re going to link to articles on range of subjects, including videogames, technology, movies, geek culture and much, much more.

Videogames

PlayStation Network hack: industry reactions and theories – The Guardian. Keith Stuart over at the Guardian has written-up an interesting piece collecting various opinions, reactions and theories surrounding the PSN hack. Some interesting perspectives from various industry figures.

Video games: Where to now for the UK industry? – The Guardian. An old-ish article that looks at the future of the videogame industry in the UK. With various economic problems, as well as a lack of government support for the industry, it asks how difficult it could become for British developers and publishers.

The Cake Is Not a Lie: How to Design Effective Achievements – Gamasutra. ”In this first in a new series of articles, PhD researcher and game designer Lucas Blair uses academic research to formulate best practices for designing in-game achievements.”

Can you really learn to race by playing racing games? – Ars Technica. This is a very interesting article. I tend to play lots of racing games and I’ve always wondered if that could help me rive (I don’t drive yet).

TV & Movies

Steve Carrel and the meticulous art of spontaneity – The New Yorker. A substantial profile of Steve Carrel, a funny and slightly old fashioned comic actor. Worth a read.

Science

How Long Can You Survive on Beer Alone? – Slate. “An Iowa man completed his Lent-long beer fast on Sunday, marking the occasion with a bacon smoothie. During the 46-day feat, J. Wilson consumed only beer and water, emulating a centuries-old tradition once practiced by the Paulaner monks of Munich, Germany. How long could a man survive on beer and water?”

Nuclear Inertia – Slate. This article looks at whether nuclear disasters (such as the Chernobyl ones) deters countries from relying on nuclear power for future power. An interesting look at a complicated (and obviously timely) question.

Maybe Just Drunk Enough to Remember – The New York Times. ”A woman testified that she was intoxicated, unable to recall a cab ride home. But she could recount being raped. Here’s a look at the science on alcohol and memory.”