A new space shooter online video game developed by a Canadian University uses lush graphics and challenging quests into outer space to teach a little Shakespeare. Gamers become pilots of an elite squadron of ships whose mission is to guard an ancient text called Romeo and Juliet.

The game, called Speare, is available as a free demo, upon registration with a company set up by the university.

Speare was tested on 100 sixth graders but only after game designers specifically devised a game that will not run kids off with its ‘educational’ label:

“They had a blast with it!”

In 1952, Jimmy Luttrell, who first taught Jimi Hendrix how to play behind his back, received a double-neck guitar and mandolin from a master craftsman who wanted to reward the teenager’s talent. Last week, the handmade electric guitar and mandolin combination was returned to Luttrell after being stolen more than 50 years ago. The guitar’s journey ended in Leesburg, Va., where it was shipped to an unsuspecting eBay buyer, who gave it to Lutrell after being informed by the sheriff’s department that it was stolen. (Leesburg Times) Check out Mr. Lutrell’s Web site for old photos and stories of this “Guitar King.”

Al Sharpton and other black activists are angry at hip-hop superstar entrepreneur Russell Simmons for stepping forward to initiate a new dialogue around offensive language in rap and hip-hop lyrics.

In short, Simmons says three words should never be played in songs over the airwaves. “If you want those words go buy them.” There can be “clean versions” that are for sale, which also have the words removed.