RENO, Nev. - A couple who authorities say were so obsessed with the Internet and video games that they left their babies starving and suffering other health problems have pleaded guilty to child neglect.

The children of Michael and Iana Straw, a boy age 22 months and a girl age 11 months, were severely malnourished and near death last month when doctors saw them after social workers took them to a hospital, authorities said. Both children are doing well and gaining weight in foster care, prosecutor Kelli Ann Viloria told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Michael Straw, 25, and Iana Straw, 23, pleaded guilty Friday to two counts each of child neglect. Each faces a maximum 12-year prison sentence.

Viloria said the Reno couple were too distracted by online video games, mainly the fantasy role-playing "Dungeons & Dragons" series, to give their children proper care.

"They had food; they just chose not to give it to their kids because they were too busy playing video games," Viloria told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Police said hospital staff had to shave the head of the girl because her hair was matted with cat urine. The 10-pound girl also had a mouth infection, dry skin and severe dehydration.

Her brother had to be treated for starvation and a genital infection. His lack of muscle development caused him difficulty in walking, investigators said.

The Straws have been given public defenders. Jeremy Bosler, head of the county public defender's office, declined to comment to The Associated Press on Saturday.

Michael Straw is an unemployed cashier, and his wife worked for a temporary staffing agency doing warehouse work, according to court records. He received a $50,000 inheritance that he spent on computer equipment and a large plasma television, authorities said.

While child abuse because of drug addiction is common, abuse rooted in video game addiction is rare, Viloria said.

Last month, experts at an American Medical Association meeting backed away from a proposal to designate video game addiction as a mental disorder, saying it had to be studied further. Some said the issue is like alcoholism, while others said there was no concrete evidence it's a psychological disease.

Patrick Killen, spokesman for Nevada Child Abuse Prevention, said video game addiction's correlation to child abuse is "a new spin on an old problem."

"As we become more technologically advanced, there's more distractions," Killen said. "It's easy for someone to get addicted to something and neglect their children. Whether it's video games or meth, it's a serious issue, and (we) need to become more aware of it."

Condom tester position offers job satisfaction

An Australian manufacturer has called for applications for what it claims could be the world's best job - condom tester.

Durex marketing manager Sam White said any Australian over the age of 18 could apply for one of 200 positions as a condom tester.

The position is not paid, but successful applicants will receive a free $A60 ($NZ66) selection of Durex products and will be required to provide the company with honest feedback about the products' performance.

One of the lucky 200 testers will win a $A1000 bonus.

Applicants must explain why they would make an expert condom tester, Mr White said.

"With this job on your CV, it really will be a chance to brag to your mates about the special skills you possess, not to mention that your new role will work wonders with the opposite sex," he said.

"Who wouldn't want to have a chance with an actual authorised professional?"

One thing's for sure - it's a job where employees won't mind taking their work home and burning the midnight oil.

Quote by Curious2c
Besides, her sitting in my lap offering her tits to me would be more than enough. *heh heh heh*

Quote by SusanEngland
CONGRATULATIONS INSOMNIAC
You have entered the Century Club of Lush Posts - and as ever with an excellent one.

Quote by SusanEngland
A great advert (which has little meat to it - if I dare express it in that way) for a $21 book.

The journalist likes his words, doesn't he !! He actually has nothing to say or contribute.

Quote by JEGG
They would taste great deep fried with chips

Quote by SusanEngland
HERE IS LATE BREAKING NEWS

Susan says she has posted the 10,000th message.

She is now undergoing intensive arithmetical tutelage, and the report from the Mental Institute is hopeful for a partial recovery. Maybe. Perhaps.

Remember her in your prayers tonight.

Quote by SusanEngland
I float like a butterfly
In haphazard flight.


Or perhaps
I float like a butterfly
From Ali to Clay


or even
I float like a butterfly
In rings that are square


Come on everyone .. lets have fun with this
Can anyone add ONE further line to EACH of the above?