Gearfuse

In Japan, you apparently can be charged with illegal access of a computer and manipulating electronic data if found guilty of intentionally “killing” someone’s MMO character. Some guy divorced his online wife’s avatar in Maple Story and in her anger she killed his character. Now, she faces a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine of up to $5,000 dollars.

Yowch! I believe a few lessons can be learned here. Firstly, never marry in a video game. Virtual settings and life-long relationships don’t mesh. Secondly, don’t play Maple Story. It sucks.

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The NHL and the NHLPA (National Hockey League Players’ Association for those who didn’t know) have created a partnership with the nation’s leading cell phone service provider, Verizon, for exclusive promotional and marketing rights. These rights will give Verizon exclusive access to certain NHL events such as the Stanley Cup and the NHL all-star game. This means that all those crazy hockey fans that want to breathe hockey 24/7 will have to go with Verizon Wireless for they cell phone needs. This was the perfect move by Verizon to make a market share unavailable to other carriers; maybe Verizon is trying to become the leader in wireless for all sport junkies. The other major benefit of this partnership is that Verizon will probably be major sponsors at many NHL events, meaning the NHL will get money from Verizon and Verizon will get to advertise like mad. Plus, Verizon has that rugged phone for all those burly hockey fans; I think this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship. — Nick Rice

NHL, NHLPA And Verizon Wireless Announce Multi-Year U.S. Relationship [Slashphone]