Google Reader + Contra for NES

What do Google Reader and Contra for NES (yes, 8 bit Nintendo) have in common you ask? Do you remember Contra? (play it online here, or see video below) Do you remember the cheat code to start the game with 30 lives? (up - up - down - down - left - right - left - right - b - a - start)

While you're on your Google Reader starting page, use that same code (minus the start), and enjoy your pet ninja!

Before the code:


After the code:


The ninja doesn't actually do anything, but it does look pretty cool. Of course, it would be even cooler if you could actually play Contra inside Google Reader, but then there's already websites and emulators for that. Maybe another game like "Old Snakey" found in Gmail? (Gmail Labs - pic - pic)

You know, on second thought, the new background color and ninja make it difficult to read the blog titles. Hmm ... I'm going to switch back, but I'm still feeling nostalgic, thanks Google. What I really love is that I was able to recycle that cheat code that's been lodged in my brain since 1988.

Thanks for the tip Tekzilla Daily!

Side note: I just played Contra on the website linked above ... let's just say I didn't do as well as the guy in the video below.

Have fun,
Garrett Woodroof