I've always said that Computer Scientists will save the world. And along that line, I am not in the least surprised to read that therapists are using the Nintendo Wii for rehab (h/t).

We saw 77-year-old Jerry Pope getting a workout playing a virtual tennis game. He suffered a debilitating stroke in June. Pope said that the Wii has enabled him to regain his balance, and the use of his arms.

"Not only am I moving the hand, my feet are moving, I am jumping around, it is as if I am really playing the game. It is motivational, makes you feel like you are progressing, even if you are not and that helps you," he said.

Before his stroke, Pope was a semi-pro tennis player. He initially tried the traditional exercises recommended by physical therapists, but found them repetitive and boring.

He says the Wii is fun and it is helping him make progress. His therapists agree.

I had guessed that the Wii would make its first practical use in Phys. Ed. classes, to keep the brats in a more controlled environment with fewer weapons around.

Nintendo has also developed a pad that you stand on, which can detect most movements your body makes. Along those lines they are developing some really cool "games", like Yoga, and Soccer amongst other things.

Nintendo totally scooped the gaming console market with the Wii, which anybody will tell you is more fun than the Playstation 3 or Xbox 360. And with an unknown number of practical uses for it on the horizon, Sony and Microsoft had better watch out.

Labels: etc, golf, technology, video games

Iraq has won the Asian Cup with a 1-0 defeat of Saudi Arabia.

It's a beautiful time for Iraqi's, as they can come together and celebrate their country's achievement. Across the political and cultural spectrum Iraqi's are celebrating the football teams victory.

Iraq's national football team should be an example to all Iraqi's. They've demonstrated that Iraq can compete and win when they work together and put aside their differences.

Unfortunately, Canada does not have such reason to celebrate. None of the Canadians playing in the Canadian Open managed to produce a run for the title. Stephen Ames was the top Canadian (sort of), finishing at a respectable seven under par. Two shots behind him at five under was Canadian favorite Mike Weir. Yet another year of disappointment for Canadians who want to see a Canadian win the countries most prestigious championship.

Currently, Jim Furyk is maintaining a two shot lead over Hunter Mahan, and a three shot lead over Vijay Singh. With three holes left to play, Furyk is in a strong position to win. While Mahan may be a little green to pull of a come-from-behind victory, Vijay has the potential to make it happen.

Update: Jim Furyk is the Canadian Open golf Champion. Vijay mounted a come-back, but fell one shot short, needing a birdie on the 18th but coming up shy with a par. Congratulations to Jim Furyk on back-to-back victories at the Canadian Open!

Labels: golf, Iraq, sports