MORE DON’T MISS

  • He kept his trousers on this time! Zac Efron joins Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show after hilarious drag skit Wore a suit to discuss new movie Neighbours
  • ‘King of popcorn!’ Pharrell Williams reveals he hung up on Michael Jackson twice during bizarre phone call with the singer after he turned down his music
  • Keeping it raunchy! Age defying Kylie Minogue makes debut on The Voice Italy in skin tight PVC skirt and bondage style top Sexy as ever
  • ‘She refuses to let him see the he gives her more money’ Controversial Game Of Thrones director Alex Graves in midst of sticky divorce from wife Sarah
  • Sheezus is a star! Lily Allen dazzles in sparkly embellished dress as she heads out for the night She’s certainly returned to her party animal ways
  • Royal name dropping, polo watching and lots of champagne Meet the seven women from ‘Ladies of London’ set to take over television this summer
  • ‘She took control and ended her pain’ Julia Roberts’ ‘harsh and ‘bizarre’ eulogy for estranged sister who killed herself Spoke unexepectedly
  • Dapper Harry arrives at the Dorchester minus a tie (and a girlfriend) as he celebrates 10th anniversary of his AIDS charity with friend, singer Joss Stone
  • ‘The best things in life are free’ Alex Reid spends quality time with his daughter Dolly… as he offers support to ex Katie Price Suddenly the family man
  • David Beckham and Prince George give our luxury brands a helping hand ‘Britishness’ cited as a reason to buy by global shoppers Big with Chinese market
  • Back on the block Maria Shriver spends some quality family time with her youngest son Christopher Schwarzenegger Out in Los Angeles
  • She’s got the power! Leona Lewis works black cape with bold pointed shoulders at Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala Opted for all black
  • Casual chic Kourtney Kardashian pairs cream jacket with T shirt and skinny jeans for taping of reality show in Los Angeles Effortlessly chic
  • Kendall Jenner displays her long legs in leather trousers as she bundles up in multi coloured jacket Teen is still in the Big Apple after Met Gala
  • Kim Kardashian blogs about her fears over raising mixed race child… but comes under fire for saying she ‘never gave racism a lot of thought before’
  • Looking swell! Scarlett Johansson enjoys an ice cream while showing off new haircut in Paris and a hint of a baby bump There’s been much talk since March
  • Jennifer Lopez puts on a long and leggy show in thigh skimming pink dress on set of American Idol The 44 year old looked gorgeous
  • It’s date night take two! Liz Hurley and boyfriend David Yarrow dine in London… in almost identical outfits to the last time they went out on the town
  • Vanessa Hudgens bares her flat tummy as she’s honoured at teen pregnancy prevention event… alongside Teen Mom’s Maci Bookout Pilates have paid off
  • Fashion fail! Toni Collette puts her worst foot forward, ruining her romantic red carpet look of chiffon sleeveless top and leather pleated skirt with bizarre shoe boots
  • All that glitters! Margot Robbie grabs attention in metallic mini skirt and huge embellished necklace at Dior event Making us all green with envy
  • Back to her chic self! Margot Robbie wears low key look showcasing her slim legs the morning after THAT eyebrow raising Met Gala outfit
  • Amber Le Bon works masculine trend in oversized grey blazer while Lilah Parsons shows off her slim legs in vibrant red dress for Karen Millen dinner
  • Steven Spielberg photobombs Bruce Springsteen and his wife… but The Boss gets him back with a sneak attack of his own Hollywood meets rock
  • One big happy family Rachel Stevens enjoys day out with baby Minnie, daughter Amelie and husband Alex Bourne Perfect 2.4
  • Well she WAS a Victoria’s Secret model! Helena Christensen, 45, takes the plunge in a lacy bra bustier at Dior fashion show Comfortable taking risks
  • Adriana Lima displays her slim pins in skintight leather trousers as she puts on a brave face just five days after marriage split Life must go on
  • Wait until the baby comes! Expectant father Ashton Kutcher looks a bit weary and in need of a shave as he takes the dogs for a walk Feeling anxious?
  • She’s still got it Goldie Hawn, 68, hits Beverly Hills in a workout ready outfit Can still lay claim to being one of Hollywood’s true beauties
  • Under the sea! Anna Sophia Robb and Evan Peters star in hilarious spoof of The Little Mermaid inspired by director Sofia Coppola Carrie Diaries star
  • Gisele Bundchen kicks up her heels and fans out her Prophetik hemp gown at Rainforest Alliance Gala in NYC In grey eco conscious creation
  • Mariah Carey puts on eye popping display in low cut, figure hugging frock as she arrives at David Letterman to promote new album On 14th studio album
  • Nikki Reed can’t wipe the smile from her face as she enjoys outing with her mom amid rumours she’s moving on from marriage split with hunky Derek Hough
  • Avengers Assemble! Co stars Robert Downey Jr and Jeremy Renner enjoy joint family vacation in Nashville Spotted at musical festival and the zoo
  • She’s one literary lady Geri Halliwell wears grey trouser suit to visit a book store in North London Not just a product of popular culture…
  • Nightmare on Ramsay Street Neighbours crew to walk off set in battle for improved working conditions It’s all kicking off Down Under
  • Claire’s day off? Hannibal star Hugh Dancy pushes young son Cyrus in a stroller and walks family dog in New York City On daddy duty
  • Dean McDermott picks up anniversary gifts from Victoria’s Secret for wife Tori Spelling amid reports he ‘hit on yummy mommy’ at son’s school last year
  • Wilde about motherhood! Olivia discusses being a new mom at global conference event… less than three weeks after giving birth
  • Sandra Bullock, 49, shows off her enviably slim figure in black skinny jeans as she runs errands in L.A. Simple but sexy look
  • Not so boho now! Daphne Guinness, 46, ditches her theatrical garb for HOT PANTS in a less than fabulous look in New York Never one to blend in
  • So that’s how she keeps her supermodel figure! Alessandra Ambrosio flashes toned tummy as she shops for healthy groceries at Whole Foods
  • Don’t know how she does it! Doting mother Sarah Jessica Parker does school run with her children before getting glammed up in two different outfits
  • A doctor, an opera singer and a tattooed firefighter The men vying for Bachelorette’s heart. Will Andi Dorfman find true love this time? Still looking for love
  • Daddy’s little girl! Keith Urban’s youngest daughter surprises the country singer with a cuddle backstage at American Idol Faith is image of mum
  • The odd couple! Ellen Page steps out with bearded friend as she opens up about two ex girlfriends and her hunt for Ms. Right New candid interview
  • ‘Uncalled for!’ The Voice Australia causes a social media storm after contestant’s partner breastfeed
    s during live audition
    Stunned some viewers
  • The Hills star Audrina Patridge thrills in mismatched bikini as she frolics in sea with boyfriend in Mexico With long term love Corey Bohan
  • The Fault In Our Stars’ Shailene Woodley is dapper in navy blue ensemble and white loafers as cast reunite Appeared on the set of Despierta America
  • ‘Kimye wedding news!’ Extra host Hilaria Baldwin chats with Kendall and Kylie Jenner about big sister Kim’s nuptials The inside track
  • Farewell to a Little Rascal Jackie Lynn Taylor who starred in the Our Gang comedy shorts in the 1930s dies aged 88 End of an era
  • ‘I have to go to court and I’m scared!’ Emma Roberts talks tearful moment she got pulled over by police on Jimmy Kimmel Live Naughty, not nice…
  • Quick change! Miranda Kerr swaps maxi dress for tight jeans and sneakers after checking in at Sydney International Airport Long haul comfort is key
  • Jake Gyllenhaal can’t keep smile off his face as he and Alyssa Miller are spotted together for first time since reconciliation in February
  • Attack of the hipster Hayden Christensen steps out in trendy cardigan and stovepipe jeans as he grabs lunch with a friend In Los Angeles
  • Mommy’s little helpers Denise Richards’ daughters Sam and Lola lend a hand during mundane grocery shopping run Quite a handful
  • Embracing her dark side! Kendall Jenner takes on the night in an all black ensemble after she gets ‘friendly’ with Selena Gomez again East Coast uniform
  • Now THAT’S called maternity chic! Doutzen Kroes cradles her pregnant belly in elegant floor length gown at charity event
  • Curly girls of the world unite lets end the tyranny of straighteners! says JILL FOSTER Her hair has more twists and turns than an Underground map
  • Back to her stylish best Zoe Saldana is minimalist chic in fitted sweater dress after fashion fail at the Met Gala Kept it simple
  • The five things he’s thinking when he first sees you naked and vice versa! Sex expert Tracey Cox on what goes through our heads when partners strip off
  • The lady was a vamp! Now demure Angelina Jolie is quite the vixen in long lost photoshoot taken when she was a budding 20 year old actress
  • ‘You are by far the biggest star ever!’ Hugh Jackman travels back to 1999 to tell his younger self what to expect after X Men Life has changed a lot
  • The hills are alive with the Sound Of Music! Kylie Minogue joins singing nun for a Sister Act on stage for The Voice Italy Quite the duet!
  • Keeping fit has never looked so good! Naomi Watts works up a sweat at the gym and stays looking cool in cats eye sunnies Working hard on figure
  • Hey Heidi! Myleene Klass styles her hair into a braided updo as she leaves the ITV studios in a floral dress Known for her usually flowing brunette hair
  • ‘I went through a tremendous low’ Jennifer Lopez on divorce, new love and how her twins helped her ‘grow as a human being’
  • So the risk DIDN’T pay off? Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s controversial Vogue issue ‘sells 250,000 copies LESS than expected’
  • It’s not just the sleaze I abhor it’s the naked cynicism ANNABEL COLE took her 15 year old girl to see Miley Cyrus’s British show. Here’s her verdict
  • No Fifty Shades Of Grey here! Dakota Johnson bares her pale legs in a black and navy blue ensemble stepping out in NYC 50 Shades of Pale…
  • Nothing fast or furious going on here! Jordana Brewster enjoys leisurely shopping trip with baby Julian and a pregnant pal Doted on her son
  • Mary Kate Olsen wraps up in elaborate printed coat while twin sister Ashley opts for minimalist chic in skinny jeans and grey cardigan at LAX
  • Any day now! Heavily pregnant Kendra Wilkinson beams at dressed down lunch with husband Hank Baskett Due mid May
  • Kim confirms wedding will NOT be televised… saying (ahem) ‘privacy is our main priority’ She said ‘You will see everything leading up til and after! (sic)
  • Good Lorde, that’s a familiar look! Game Of Thrones star Maisie Williams mimics the make up style of New Zealand songstress
  • He’s arrived! Kristin Cavallari welcomes second son… 21 months after becoming first time mother Ex Hills star gave birth Jaxon Wyatt on Weds
  • Another girl! Bruce Willis becomes father for fifth time as wife Emma Heming gives birth to their second child gave birth in LA
  • EXCLUSIVE ‘She has always struggled with trust issues’ Katie Price’s ex Alex Reid offers support amid claims that husband Kieran Hayler cheated
  • Christine Beastly! Ms Bleakley shows off her muscular arms in a sleeveless peach blouse at the ITV studios 4 years ago said I don’t want ‘Madonna arms
  • Stacy Keibler ‘wishes nothing but happiness’ for ex George Clooney and his fiancee… as it’s revealed $2M will be spent on lavish wedding Both have moved on
  • Lighting up the city! Georgia Jagger wears a striped dress to flip the switch for charity campaign at the Empire State Building For Delete Blood Cancer
  • Bearded Austrian drag queen splits opinion ahead of first Eurovision performance with song Rise Like A Phoenix And has yet to perform in the semi final!
  • She dares to bare! Julianne Hough flashes toned back and black sports bra as she arrives at Dancing With The Stars studio And hat to top it off
  • She’s on fire! Lana Del Rey is a sultry siren engulfed by flames in her moody new West Coast music video Promised it would be ‘darker than the first’
  • SEBASTIAN SHAKESPEARE Mr Winslet’s aristocratic ex wife turns to Hinduism Eliza Pearson, 25, has named child Anokhi Jaya
  • French fancy! Beautiful Marion Cotillard is effortlessly gorgeous in pink shift dress and chic shoe boots Left New Yorkers in the shade on Wednesday
  • You can leave your hat on! Neil Patrick Harris poses nude on Rolling Stone cover… with just some perfectly placed headgear protecting his modesty
  • Finishing her final project Tragic Aussie presenter Charlotte Dawson’s collection of homeware designs will be completed by her friends and family
  • How does ‘Botox free’ Felicity Kendal look this good at 67? The Good Life’s Barbara Good is… still looking good!
  • Alex Jones wears pink trousers to check out a World War II tank… but needs some help getting out of it Just as well she didn’t have to get into a trench
  • A living bereavement When ESTHER RANTZEN spoke up for couples denied access to their grandchildren, she triggered a flood of heart rending stories
  • He’s still a bachelor! Kiefer Sutherland denies that he is dating actress Sofia Karstens ‘Been out ‘once or twice, but there’s nothing more to it.,’ says actor’s rep
  • You’re supposed to be looking at the shoes! Australian glamour Cheyenne Tozzi flashes a hole lotta’ leg in photo shoot for shoe brand Wanted’s new range
  • So THAT’S how she stays trim! Cheyenne Tozzi stocks up on green beans and does dressed down with style while grocery shopping in Sydney
  • EXCLUSIVE Tori Spelling’s new crisis She needs major spin
    al surgery but refuses the operation because ‘her life with Dean will spin further out of control’
  • What a difference some heels make! Halle Berry goes from slacker to slicker on set of new astronaut series In a white T shirt and cut off cargo trousers
  • Off duty beauty Karolina Kurkova enjoys some rare downtime with her two leading men after a busy few days glamming it up with the fashion set
  • Aussie TV star Guy Sebastian’s wife Jules shows off incredible post baby body just three weeks after giving birth Very trim indeed
  • Ivanka Trump reveals how she transformed into the belle of the Met ball in candid set of behind the scenes pictures Real family effort
  • Ben Affleck laughs off card counting scandal as he is spotted after being banned from blackjack at Las Vegas casino Making a gas stop
  • Little boy who says he went to Heaven then came back! It’s gripped America and become a Hollywood film a four year old’s vivid account of meeting God
  • Having an O moment! Oprah Winfrey, 60, declares age is just a number in a stunning tight red gown Looking younger than ever
  • London calling! Lindsay Lohan works demure blouse, flirty miniskirt and pull up socks for another night of partying We thought she had calmed down…
  • How the Big Yin met the Grim Reaper… and got a big laugh CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews last night’s TV Every murder needs a mortuary…
  • Fat Amy joins the army! Rebel Wilson is 2014’s Goldie Hawn in remake of 1980’s classic Private Benjamin Played Fat Amy in 2012’s Pitch Perfect
  • What a sport! Rita Ora steps out in baggy basketball jersey and favourite boots… after wearing them with VERY low cut dress for dinner with Calvin Harris
  • Fair ladies! Aussie model Ruby Rose does ladylike glamour by covering up tattoos as she steps out with fianc e Phoebe Dahl Loved up couple
  • Former ER star Mekhi Phifer ‘files for bankruptcy with debts totalling $1.3million’ And is claiming around $67,000 in assets

A short history of game panics – reason.com

VaporzoneВ® pro starter kit electronic cigarettes

Here are some highlights from the history of game driven moral panics.

The Evil Arcade

Video game arcades did not exist before the 1970s, but amusement arcades have been around for more than a century, giving people a place to play pinball and other coin operated entertainments. They were tightly packed, anonymous environments filled with young people and working class immigrants, a perfect recipe for middle class anxieties. (There were even rumors of girls being kidnapped at arcades and sold into white slavery.) Throw in the fact that gambling was known to take place on the premises, and the venues’ shady reputation was assured.

Moral opposition led to legal crackdowns. The most infamous effort began in 1942, when New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia sent his gendarmes to seize the city’s pinball machines. They brought in more than 2,000 on the first day, and newsreel crews filmed the mayor smashing some of them with a sledgehammer. New York did not relegalize pinball until 1976.

New York Daily News/Getty ImagesWhen video arcades started booming in the early ’80s, many of those fears came rushing back. Parents worried that Pac Man dens would encourage truancy, that kids would smoke cigarettes or buy drugs, that young children would come into contact with bad elements, that violence might break out. In 1982 The New York Times quoted a Long Island mom who believed video arcades “mesmerize our children,” “addict them,” “teach gambling,” and “breed aggressive behavior.” Zoning and permit fights were common, as fretful grown ups urged the authorities to keep the arcades away.

These days, the arcades have virtually disappeared. But the anti arcade scare petered out first.

Death Race 1976

The first individual video game to inspire a major moral panic was Death Race, a 1976 release inspired loosely by the cult film Death Race 2000. The movie was a science fiction satire about a road race whose drivers ring up points by deliberately running people down. The game, which had not been licensed or endorsed by the filmmakers, put the player in the driver’s role. It also changed the setup so that they were running over gremlins, not human pedestrians, but there’s no sign that this prompted the critics to moderate their tone.

flickr user Jim Merullo”On TV, violence is passive,” a psychologist at the National Safety Council told The New York Times. “In this game a player takes the first step to creating violence. The player is no longer just a spectator….I shudder to think what will come next if this is encouraged. It’ll be pretty gory.” A former San Quentin psychologist told the Associated Press that “the prisoners I dealt have loved the game.” The Tucson Daily Citizen wondered whether “chasing down pedestrians on a TV screen now” would “encourage” players to kill people “on real highways later.”

Public protest prompted some venues to remove the game, but all the publicity ended up bringing Death Race‘s manufacturer more business, not less. It would not be the last time that anti game activism served as free advertising.

Participatory Pornography

In the early ’80s, a porn studio called the Caballero Control Corporation created a company it named Mystique to release erotic video games for the home market. “Erotic” may be a bit of a stretch The company’s most notorious product, the 1982 game Custer’s Revenge, featured a crudely animated George Armstrong Custer with an even more crudely animated erection attempting to get past a volley of arrows to have his way with an Indian woman tied to a stake (or possibly to a cactus).

The game was attacked not just for being dumb, racist, and rapey valid criticisms all but for allegedly inspiring players to copy Custer’s example. After some rapists allegedly mentioned the game while forcing themselves on an Indian, the anti porn feminist Andrea Dworkin claimed that Custer’s Revenge had “generated many gang rapes of Native American women.” Canadian customs refused to let the software cross the border, and Women Against Pornography picketed the product.

This wasn’t the first time a game’s sexual content stirred up controversy. Way back in 1973, Atari’s Gotcha was nicknamed “the boob game” because its controls were a pair of pink orbs that the player was supposed to squeeze. But it was the video game world’s first great anti porn campaign, and the results were similar to the results of the Death Race protests. “These were games that most people wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole,” former Electronic Games editor Arnie Katz recalled in Steven Kent’s 2001 book The Ultimate History of Video Games but the protesters “succeeded in helping it sell twice as many copies as the other adult games.”