Xbox Fire Hazard, Dumb Local News At 11 When you can't blame video games for violence, blame them for other things. Things like, I dunno, burning down houses. Because that's SCARY. And when you can't find a recent example of this, search around for old ones. Things that happened three years ago? No problem! As long as it happened sometime before Reagan left office, it's a-okay.
Local CBS4 news in Boston pulls the fear monger card by reporting on a three year-old event in which an original Xbox was blamed for causing a house fire. Crap, three years ago, I didn't even know what a blog was! Onward to shoddy TV journalism:
The channel reports that back then Microsoft had to replace 14 million power cords due to overheating problems. The Steckler family missed the memo, torched their house and filed suit with Microsoft last July. So, why the hizzy heck is this station reporting this now? From its website:
There are newer, more powerful game systems now hitting the market. But there are hundreds of older Xboxes still selling all around the Internet, for about $150...
So if you're shopping for a pre-owned Xbox this holiday season, be sure to ask if it has Microsoft's' new replacement power cord.
Yes, some Xboxes got hot. Yes, this family's house burned down. Is there a definite connection? Not certain. But, reporting months or years later to stir up fear? That is. Moral of this story: Don't buy anything related to video games because they will burn you. Buy safe things that don't use electricity, things like washboards and spoons. GOOD MORAL. Brian Ashcraft
Dumb, Dumb, Dumb [CBS4, Thanks Dan!]
