News and updates on video games, technology and gaming trends with Dean Takahashi and Mike Antonucci. This week Dean takes a look at “Shadowrun,” an online-only video game, while Mike talks about playing “Crush” for the PSB from Sega. Mike also shares details about the “Tomb Raider” anniversary edition and “Halo 2.” In breaking news, Mike reveals that Nintendo will increase its business presence in the Bay Area.

Born Michael Holbrook Penniman, the 23-year-old’s influences range from Japanese anime Cowboy Bebop to Marilyn Manson. He pens songs as character studies: “Most of the interesting characters from everyday life are the underdogs and are the outsiders, and I like to dress them up in these amazing clothes and paint incredible backgrounds behind them…I like to take reality and make it a lot more livable.”

Eli Roth, who’s part of a new wave of horror filmmakers, spoke to Arts + Entertainment reporter Mark de la Vina about his controversial, brutal movies that have delighted fans of all things scary. He talked about his films, how his father, a professor of psychology at Harvard, feels about them and why such graphic, frightening movies are a good thing.

R&B singer T-Pain explains his love for strippers, how hyphy will last forever and how Britney Spears is like any other artist he has worked with. He also gives an impression of Britney.

Dean Takahashi and Mike Antonucci talk about what video games they’re playing this week, including “Command and Conquer 3: Tiberiam Wars” and “Mortal Combat: Armageddon” for the wii. Plus, Dean gives an early review of “Stalker” and talks about multi-touch “finger painting” on the new Microsoft surface computing table.

Four teens — two big fans, two who haven’t read the books — talk about the appeal of the boy wizard and his magical world. The panel is made up of members of Read This!, the teen journalism program at the San Jose Mercury News. This is a special edition of Cover to Cover, the Read this! online book discussion. Check out Read This! at www.readthisonline.com.