Sega announce MLB Manager Online, an upcoming sports simulation that puts players in the ill-fitting uniform of a professional baseball manager. They are currently accepting applications for the game's closed beta test, which will run from January 7, 2011 to February 4, 2011 (subject to change). This will be a free-to-play web-based game for Windows and OS X, and here's a description of what to expect: "MLB Manager Online will allow aspiring team managers to select from over 900 actual players from all 30 current US Major League Baseball teams. Gamers can check their players’ stats, profiles and past records, including detailed stats such as on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS), to select their ideal team line-up. Gamers also will be able to trade players to create a championship-caliber team, ultimately using their skills as managers to represent their country in the World Champions Tournament of baseball."

Joystiq has word the planned games based on the Orson Scott Card novel Ender's Game are on indefinite hold. "We have and had an amazing design for the Ender's Game game," Chair Entertainment co-founder Donald Mustard tells them, "[but] one of [parent company] Epic's primary objectives is to create original and unique franchises. I don't know that Ender's Game fits into that strategic objective anymore." When asked if the game was still expected he said: "probably not... Not from us."

The PC Gaming Alliance announces the appointment of Matt Ployhar as their new President, who succeeds Randy Stude who remains with the group. In his statement about his appointment, Ployhar mentions the group's accomplishments, though from the outside, these are not particularly evident: "With the PC Gaming market continuing to rapidly innovate and evolve, I look forward to working with the PCGA board on the strategic choices that face our alliance," said Matt Ployhar. "I am also very committed and passionate about growing the relationships necessary with our industry and community leaders to ensure the continued momentum and success of PC Gaming worldwide. It has also been a great honor working with Randy Stude whose leadership resulted in the PCGA’s launch in 2008 and accomplishments since that time."

Kalypso Media announces a new release date for Elements of War, the MMORTS game in the works at Lesta Studio. The game was announced for a Q1 2010 release, and while it is in open beta testing, Kalypso informs us it will not officially launch until next year. Here's the idea behind the game: "Set on Earth in the not-so-distant future, Elements of War focuses on a conflict for the survival of humanity that ensues after a secret military weather control experiment sets in motion a near-complete global climate collapse. Three factions battle on American soil for control of fearsome weather-based weapons, granting them the power to use tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, torrential rains and other forces of nature as weapons of war."

Virtually the entire catalogue of DRM-free good old games at GOG.com is on sale for up to 50% off through the new year, and they are adding a free copy of Tyrian 2000 to everyone's order as a virtual stocking stuffer. The Humble Indie Bundle #2 is now available, offering the chance to pay what you want for a bundle of Braid, Cortex Command, Machinarium, Osmos, and Revenge of the Titans, once again allowing you to give some of your contribution to charity. Amazon has a boatload of console games on sale (thanks Batman via Gamerdeals). Two or more eligible games on the EA Store are 50% off. GamersGate has a buy four, pay for three promotion. There are a bunch of strategy games on sale on Matrix Games.

• Arsenal of Democracy: A Hearts of Iron Game on GamersGate. Save 25%.
• Beat Hazard on Steam. Save 75%.
• Commander: Conquest of the Americas on GamersGate. Save 25%.
• Crusaders: Thy Kingdom Come on GamersGate. Save 50%.
• East India Company on GamersGate. Save 50%.
• East India Company Collection on GamersGate. Save 50%.
• Elven Legacy on GamersGate. Save 50%.
• Elven Legacy: Magic on GamersGate. Save 50%.
• Elven Legacy: Ranger on GamersGate. Save 50%.
• Elven Legacy: Siege on GamersGate. Save 50%.
• Football Manager 2011 on Steam. Save 30%.
• Greed Corp on Steam. Save 10%.
• Hearts of Iron 2 Complete on GamersGate. Save 40%.
• Just Cause 2 on Steam. Save 75%.
• Killing Floor on Steam. Save 66%.
• Killing Floor Bundle on Steam. Save 66%.
• King Arthur - The Role-playing Wargame on GamersGate. Save 50%.
• Knights of Honor on GamersGate. Save 33%.
• Majesty Gold Edition on GamersGate. Save 50%.
• Majesty 2 Kingmaker Expansion on GamersGate. Save 33%.
• Majesty 2 The Fantasy Kingdom Sim on GamersGate. Save 33%.
• Metro 2033 on Steam. Save 75%.
• Monday Night Combat on Steam. Save 10%.
• Mount & Blade on GamersGate. Save 33%.
• Penumbra: Black Plague Gold Edition on GamersGate. Save 33%.
• Rise of Prussia on GamersGate. Save 70%.
• Supreme Ruler 2020 on GamersGate. Save 50%.
• Sword of the Stars Argos Naval Yard on GamersGate. Save 50%.
• Sword of the Stars Complete Collection on GamersGate. Save 33%.
• Take Command - 2nd Manassas on GamersGate. Save 50%.
• Victoria on GamersGate. Save 50%.
  Still on sale (previously reported). Continue here to read the full story.

• Rockstar declines BAFTA Video Game Award opportunity.

• New Microsoft Tablets Will Take Aim at the iPad. Thanks Acleacius.

• Google's ChromeOS means losing control of data, warns GNU founder Richard Stallman. Thanks [H]ard-OCP.
• Gaming keyboard buyer’s guide.

Thanks Acleacius.

• Opera 11.00 Release Candidate 1. Thanks [H]ard-OCP.
• The top Facebook status update trends for 2010.
• 10 Overused Terms to Avoid on Your LinkedIn Profile.
• The 13 Most Common Gawker Passwords Exposed.

• FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz On The Cyber-Stalkers Violating Our Privacy. Thanks Acleacius.
• The NMA.tv carolers present the 'TSA Christmas Carol'. Thanks Ant.

• Appeals Court Holds that Email Privacy Protected by Fourth Amendment. Thanks [H]ard-OCP.
• Allen West: Government 'Should Be Censoring The American News Agencies' That Collaborated With WikiLeaks. Thanks Acleacius.

• Mass Effect 3: Reveal Trailer Analysis…

Link of the Day: 50 Funny Amazon Reviews.

Cloud gaming service OnLive is claiming a patent they were awarded last week is fundamental to cloud-based gaming, reports VentureBeat. In an apparent shot across the bows of rivals like Gaikai, OnLive CEO Steve Perlman cites U.S. patent No. 7,849,491, filed in 2002, which covers "Apparatus and method for wireless video gaming." While Perlman did not comment on whether he would be suing his competitors, they say he is trying to work out agreements with them, noting that he has never sued anyone for patent infringement, in spite of personal ownership of over 100 patents. They also say OnLive now anticipates receiving additional related patents from patent offices around the world.

The Europa Universalis III Website announces the release of the Divine Wind expansion for the real-time strategy sequel, which is now available though digital distribution. Word is: "Enhancing every aspect of the original game to create an even deeper and more rewarding experience, you play as one of four major daimyo’s in Japan vying for influence over the Emperor and control over the Shogunate. Other additions include improved diplomacy, more realistic development of trade, multiplayer for up to 32 players and over 50 unlockable Achievements." This release trailer celebrates the news.

Another update to the Cataclysm Hotfixes thread on the Battle.net forums lists more server-side changes in World of Warcraft since the release of version 4.0.3a and the Cataclysm add-on. There are a bunch of changes, including a reduction in guild experience from questing. Thanks Ant.

The Heroes of Newerth Website announces the launch of version 2.0 of S2 Games' session-based, multiplayer action/RPG, which is available as a free upgrade for all HoN players or as a one-time purchase for newcomers. Word is: "HoN 2.0 features a more action-packed game style that will enhance the adrenaline factor for hardcore gamers and attract more casual gamers, a growing breed of HoN players. In addition to enhanced visual and interface elements, a new 3v3 map, a map editor, and a cosmetic items shop, HoN 2.0 introduces a new-and-improved Match Making System that fairly and quickly matches players. HoN 2.0 also introduces an entirely new game play mode, called Casual Mode, aimed to lower the barrier to entry for new and casual gamers."

This trailer offers what's described as pre-alpha(?) footage of Warface, the upcoming online CryENGINE 3 shooter that's currently only planned for Asian markets. The clip is a little blurry, but shows off weapons, vehicles, locations, and combat. Thanks MCV.

• 2010 Indie of the Year Awards on the Indie DB voting ends today.

• Deus Ex: Human Revolution on AtomicGamer.

• Another five years for Xbox 360?
• Sega confirms Dreamcast Collection.
• Star Wars The Force Unleashed II - Endor Game Add-on on Xbox LIVE.
• Free Kinect Sports and Joyride Game Add-ons coming soon.
• Kinect Sports Free Party Pack Game Add-on.
• MS clarifies Forza Kinect controls.
• Capcom’s Dead Rising- Case West dated.
• Rock Band DLC Week of 12/14 - Billy Joel 12 Pack.
• Nintendo's Revised History Of Super Mario Bros. Thanks Ant.
• Sony unifies US and Euro SingStar stores.

Thanks Acleacius.

• Nortel Patents on Verizon Wireless iPad and 3G Network Disputed by Google and Apple.
• Hands-On With the Google Chrome OS Notebook.
• Google Latitude iPhone app will help you stalk your friends.
• Gowalla CEO Josh Williams- Coupons Won't Be Enough To Take Check-Ins Mainstream.
• Infinity Blade breaks App Store records.
• Rovio to launch Angry Birds microtransactions.

• Seagate Delivers First One Terabyte 2.5-inch Enterprise HDD. Thanks [H]ard-OCP.
• Yahoo preparing to lay off 600 to 700 workers. Thanks [H]ard-OCP.
• Google Launches Site for Teaching Tech to Your Parents. Thanks Acleacius.
• Making a virtual FAO Schwartz floor piano with the Xbox Kinect. Thanks Ant.
• IBM Watson computer to play $1M game against Jeopardy! champs.
• CompUSA, TigerDirect, Best Buy Canada Launch Intel AppUpSM Center. Thanks [H]ard-OCP.

• Time Warner CEO Jeffrey Bewkes Attacks Netflix. Thanks Acleacius.
• Cuban government launches its own Wikipedia.

Thanks Acleacius.

• YouTube Gives Users Ability To Flag Content That Promotes Terrorism.
• Security breaches at three firms expose vulnerability of customer information.
• Facebook revamp gives away even more info, warn pros.

• UFC owner files lawsuit against Ubisoft.
• Author Slams eBook Piracy, Son Outs Her As a Music Pirate. Thanks [H]ard-OCP.

• Chrono Rage on GameZone.
• Europa Universalis III: Divine Wind on Out of Eight.
• Majesty 2: Battles of Ardania on GameZone.
• Trine 2 on Hooked Gamers.

• Alienware M17x Laptop on Hooked Gamers.
• Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600MHz 12GB RAM Kit on Hardware Heaven.
• ECS GeForce GTX 460 Black Video Card Graphics Card on Mad Shrimps.
• Glacialtech Alaska Heatsink on FrostyTech.com.
• HIS HD 6870 Turbo Graphics Card on TechRadar UK.
• HTC Desire Z Smartphone on t-break.
• ioSafe SoloPRO 1TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive on OCIA.net.
• NZXT HALE90 750W PSU on [H]ard-OCP.
• Palit GeForce GTX 570 Sonic Platinum Graphics Card on Guru3D.
• Razer Black Widow Ultimate Keyboard on Examiner.com.
• Samsung BD-C6500 Blu-Ray Player on TechReviewSource.com.
• Seasonic X-series 850W PSU on PureOC.
• SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard on Benchmark Reviews.
• Thermaltake Armor A60 Mid-Tower Case on Big Bruin.
• Thermaltake BlacX Duet HDD Docking Station on TweakTown.
• V3 Avenger Core i7 930 Gaming Desktop PC on TweakTown.
• Zalman ZM-F3-FDB & ZM-SF3 120mm Cooling Fan on Legit Reviews.
• Zotac GeForce GTX 580 1536MB Graphics Card on ThinkComputers.org.

Thanks Ant.

• Tux Games is Back…
• Beyond the Real Life World of Warcraft Parody Movie Available…
• 21 More Notable Free Linux Games (Part 1 of 3). Thanks Linux Today…
• Dead Space 2 merchandise revealed…

Hats off to Brett Favre on his accomplishment of 297 consecutive NFL starts, a streak that ended last night. He's taken some flack for the uncertainty over whether he'd retire over the past few years, but I know if I were a pro athlete they'd have had to drag me off the field, and I don't blame him for hanging on, especially since he's continued to play at a high level.

Streaky Links:	Thanks Ant and Mike Martinez and Acleacius.
Play:	The Guardian: Chapter 2 - The Lantern of Nightmare. Dynasty War. Icy Cave.
Links:	Extreme Climber Base Jumps Off Mountain In Antarctica. Thanks brother19.
Stories:	Inmate seeking kosher meals cites Festivus belief. Thanks Josh. Italian hospital asks doctors not to snort cocaine at work. Thanks Slashdot. German man castrates teenage daughter's 57-year-old boyfriend. Thanks Huffington Post.
Science:	Russia's Soyuz soon to be only lifeline to space. Chinese archaeologists unearth 2,400-year-old 'soup'. How the death of one of Saturn's moons helped create its famous rings.
Images:	Gamer Alignment Chart. Thanks Joker961 via reddit. Superhero FAIL. SA Holiday Shopping Guide! (Part 1 of 2).
Media:	Call of Duty: Lego Ops. Star Wars vs. Star Trek Theatrical Trailer. Bus driver loses job after officials discover video of snowman murder.
Follow-up:	Last-ditch method at fighting intestinal superbug. Acid Reflux: 13 Foods To Soothe The Burn. Historians Discover Numbers And Letters In Mona Lisa's Eye.