Man gets "pwned" by video game

One of my MSN contacts recently had the word "pwning" in his display name. This isn't the first time I've seen that word - it's all over messageboards and avatars on gaming sites: "I pwn u!", "total pwnage!!", or "Pwn4g3!!". This nonsense started when someone made an error while typing the word "own". Gamers believe the typo was the coolest thing since X-Box, and it has become commonplace the gaming culture lingo, Leetspeak.

Nationwide seminars were held soon thereafter to discuss the "pwn" phenomena and other gaming topics. Courses included were Leetspeak: pronounciation and derivatives, unlocking costumes, post-pwnage syndrome, polygon passion, maximizing gaming time, dealing with family advice, pros and cons of exercise, dangers of human interaction, welcoming depression, and introduction to toothpaste. Rumors have it that the meetings were held in the Pearl Harbour area.

In unrelated news, a man who quit his job to play more video games died from heart failure stemming from exhaustion.