Opinion

Crave in Comments: Swimsuits to soundproofing

Welcome to another rousing edition of CiC, where we reprint some of the best roasters, toasters, and boasters from the Crave community over the past week.

Did you like the fancy acronym? Many bothans died for that.

Anyway, it won't be much longer before it's time for the younger crowd to head back to school, a trusty sign that summer is coming to an end. Fortunately, here are some comments from our Crave readers that will (hopefully) put your mind at ease as you try and forget what I just said. Too soon?

Composed in Compostable swimsuits make a splash in Miami:

"I'd like to dive through HER dumpster, if you know what I mean." --by schattenteufel

Crave in Comments: We're seeing yellow

Say hello to another week of amusing comments from our thriving community of Crave comedians. It's always a pleasure to read over the thoughts those of you leave each week, some carefully constructed, while others are sharper than damascus steel and aimed right at the throat. I'm merely sensationalizing the situation, and there is of course a good group of nice people here, too.

Forged in Pee whiz! Pollee, a urinal just for the ladies:

"This is just one of those cases where having a ***** (male anatomy) makes life so much more convenient." --by SirSam25

Forged in Star Wars: The Old Republic preorders now available:

"You had me at HoloDancer...bye bye $80." --by caulksplosion

Friday Poll: Do you like Facebook's redesigned chat?

Imagine designing the user experience for Facebook, where even the slightest change has the potential to irritate millions of users. Not a job for the weak-minded.

Facebook recently altered the appearance of its chat feature for those viewing the site in a Web browser--and not everybody is happy about it. Previously, the simple chat system would show a list of online friends in a small box on the lower right side of the browser window. It was easy to use and unobtrusive.

In contrast, the new chat sidebar stretches from top to bottom on the right side of the window. The social area no longer is a small list of only those who are online, but rather a group of people the popular social-networking site thinks you'll want to speak to, regardless of whether they're online.

There is no option to edit the list of people in this area. If those predetermined "top" friends aren't online, the chat box has an option to send them a message. Online friends not on this list must be searched for manually, which is slightly frustrating. … Read more

preGame 56: Bastion

preGame returns with a live demo of the first title off the Microsoft Summer of Arcade line up. Tune in to catch a live in-studio demo of the retro-inspired action-RPG, Bastion!

With summer in full swing, gaming news is a bit scarce, so we've rounded up the best headlines from the past few weeks. We'll get things rolling with a chat about the newly announced Batman: Arkham City Collector's Edition and what gamers can expect to find in the $100 bundle.

Next, we'll discuss the fallout from the ModernWarfare3.com controversy that was forwarding visitors to … Read more

Crave in Comments: From iHit to iBib

Time flies here at CNET, but that can't deter us from stopping to smell the roses, and the comments, and pick out the best and brightest candidates. So sit back, relax, have a drink, and read a round of amusing and thoughtful remarks found over the last week of Crave stories. As always, we encourage readers to chime in.

Discovered in The Move: Stick your iPhone to your clothes:

"The follow-up to this would be an iBib to cover your phone so you don't get food on it while you eat and/or drink..." --by SYang68

Discovered in Back Straight Boys want to fix your bad posture:

"So when is Apple going to sue them for this patent?" --by vAequitas

Five ways Netflix still needs to improve itself

While everyone's been in an uproar about Netflix pricing, few are discussing Netflix itself--and what's still broken about it. Netflix needs its pricing model problems fixed, but Netflix also could use some improvements to how its service works, too--particularly on mobile devices.

As a service, Netflix is at a crossroads. Is it streaming? Is it a DVD delivery service? Is it best as both? For myself, even though I subscribe to the DVD/streaming combo plan, I find myself rarely playing the DVDs I order. They sit on a shelf and collect dust. That's because I'm not a big living-room TV watcher: I cut the cable cord over a year and a half ago, and prefer to use my iPad, iPhone, or laptop to easily stream video. So, to me, Netflix is a streaming-video service.

Therefore, let me address Netflix's faults on those terms: as a streaming-video entertainment service. While we're venting our frustrations over paying more for what Netflix offers, there's no better time to cast an eye on what still doesn't work well on Netflix to begin with. Fix what's broken with Netflix, and maybe, if the service improves, it just might be worth a higher subscription price after all.… Read more

Crave in Comments: From mind bikes to drunk fliers

The Fourth of July weekend was busy for everyone, but Crave readers still found time to leave some great comments. Perhaps hangovers bring out the best in all of us. Here's another round of amusing and thoughtful remarks found over the last week of Crave stories:

Muttered in Prius Project concept bike lets you shift by thinking:

"What happens when you see a cute girl while you are riding by? Will my brain make the bike stop?" --by gmoneyb

Muttered in How much dust covers your Wii?:

"I totally forgot I had a Wii. Thanks Jeff!" --by JeffoLife

There is never a shortage of comedians commenting on stories here at Crave. Once again, some of the more humorous comments left on Crave are under the microscope. We always welcome the serious stuff, but we also encourage everyone to leave lighthearted commentary if they're up to the challenge. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, after all.

Overheard in Arm electrodes to electrify your guitar skills?:

"I have no doubt a possessed hand could do many other amazing skills but I'd probably get censored for saying it." --by Seaspray0

Overheard in Teen girl allegedly offers virginity for iPhone 4:

"Interesting trade: sell your body so that Apple may own your soul." --by 40list04

Every week I spend time browsing through Crave comments to find the nuggets of gold our readers leave behind. While many of our stories elicit serious discussions, here are just a few cracks from this week that made me chuckle.

Found in FakeTV: Fool burglars into thinking you're at home:

"Burglars these days will kick your front door down while you are home. That's why I have security cameras and an H&K .45 USP with hallow points ready for any uninvited visitors/zombies. It's that or have Chuck Norris sitting on a rocking chair in the front yard. --by spurs32

Found in 15 sexy printers (yes, printers):

"My Canon i9900 has a real sweet rack ...of ink cartridges." --by schattenteufel

This week's game demos are intended for mature audiences only. Viewer discretion is advised.

With Mark back in the preGame lineup, we're set to demo two very dark and creepy titles on today's show. First up is Shadows of the Damned, the collective offspring of an all-star Japanese development team. Talent from such series as Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and No More Heroes have collaborated to form a truly unique and remarkably odd tale of a man who must travel through hell to save his girlfriend.

Next up is the third title in the F.E.A.R. series. The tone in F.E.A.R. 3 is creepier than ever, but the game's iconic mechanics--like distinctive slow-motion effects--are still well in tact. Players will be greeted (or terrified) by Alma over and over again as her dark presence still runs rampant through the universe.… Read more