2001: The European Leisure Software Publishers Association responds to a Tohoku University (Japan) study that attacked video games as less stimulating to the brain than math, and then sort of moved on to how all games are evil. The ELSPA responded, "For too long now, our industry has been the target of ill-informed criticism and scare-mongering." And people were never mean to video games again.

2002: Nintendo announces an official release date for the GameCube broadband adapter. They didn't mention that only about 5 games and a dorm floor would take advantage of the technology.

A terrible error was made yesterday in TDIG. We didn't announce Brian Ashcraft's birthday. I only know...not just from his comment...but from a sobbing call I received at 3am, which is the middle of the day or something over in Japanville so it's really not that dramatic. "Truly Ashcraft, we love you and we're sorry." "But...but...you mentioned Crecente's birthday." "Crecente is a lotus that requires constant attention and water, while you are a cactus that can go years in the desert without a birthday acknowledgement." "Really?" "Yes, Brian. And not just a cactus...the kind with the flower on top."

Happy belated birthday Ashcraft! Next year we'll send a sweet e-card on time! And for those wondering, Ashcraft turned 9 yesterday. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous/KOTAKU STAFF birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com