Hook 'em while they're young?

Para Los Ninos (for the kids), the L.A. organization that serves poor kids in unclear ways, sent out a bewildering announcement this afternoon expounding on the virtues of the Microsoft of Xbox 360 video game consoles set for release Oct. 23. As you read down it becomes clear that this shilling was the price of getting Microsoft to donate some of the consoles to PLN's Skid Row centers and others around Southern California.

Microsoft believes every family, regardless of background, is deserving of the best in family games and entertainment. For this reason, on October 23, Microsoft is partnering with Para Los Niños, a nonprofit organization serving diverse children, youth and families of very low incomes.

Each of Para Los Niños’ centers on Skid Row in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California will be equipped with two Xbox 360 Arcade consoles, given access to a full library of educational programs and entertainment games in English and Spanish, and provided with technical support by Microsoft.

They might be homeless, but that's no reason these kids can't get hooked young on video games. And one wonders if that "full library" will include such educational classics like Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, billed as "the ultra-violent street sport"

This is Bill Gates idea of supporting education? This is for the kids? Or on the backs of them?

Besides, you know the big boy will hog the sets.