Burnout 2 is, I believe, one of the most brilliant racing games ever, up there with Sega Rally and the 3DO version of Need for Speed. It's forgiving, and at the same time incredibly challenging -- a perfect mix of risk, reward, and punishment. The sense of speed is amazing, and you literally won't be able to blink while you're speeding down the highway. Do, and you crash. Instantly. And yet the game subtly steers you away from catastrophe if you're really close, encouraging risk-taking and turbo-charging. It's disturbingly well balanced, and though I've been playing it on and off for over a month, I'm still returning for more. Because, frankly, you get a rush from playing it. Pure adrenaline.

How's that for a hype-filled review? It is that good, so if you've got a PS2 (and if not, what's your excuse?) and enjoy racing, get it. Now. Yes, right now. I'll wait.

Back? Okay. More hype in store today: The latest episode (2.10) of Smallville was pretty darn good. Aside from the stunningly sexy Tamara Feldman, there was much to like about this one: The ancient prophecies (gotta love those ancient prophecies, which puts a whole new twist on the Superman myth), Lex's continuous slow slide into darkness (oh-so-subtle, but ever present), Lionel Luthor (played by the great John Glover), the white wolf (scary), and the ending (surprising). This show's taking chances, and it's not afraid of evolving. That's rare, and that's great. I just hope it can this good for another five seasons. I'm not quite sure how they'll do it without drawing things out, but I have faith. I always have faith.

Only three days to go before I start my Christmas vacation, and I'm not sure I'll be able to get around to all my e-mail in time. Unfortunately, I probably won't be able to check it or answer any before after Christmas, seeing as I've got tons of writing to do during my break. But I'll try. And if you've written, and you haven't received an answer, I'll be back with renewed energy after my vacation, ready to dig in and get busy. Yes.

I will be updating the site regularly, though. I can do that from anywhere. Which is convenient.  ¶ 22:30