My Final Farewell
By nikkita | July 30, 2010
Hello? Is This Thing On?
Wow, it has just occurred to me that I’ve never had to write anything like this before. You’d think after years of yearbook signings and two major graduations that I might be a little better with goodbyes. Even the emails I wrote to all my friends here under the same roof at GV HQ was nothing like posting this to the innumerable amount of you on the internet. Actually, not quite innumerable. We got the Analytics, yo. Anyway, here goes.
Deep breath.
After nearly 4 years with the Gamervision team, I am moving on to pursue a life long dream of studying the art of film making. These are probably the absolutely best terms to leave on: one hell of a great experience to be followed by something my heart wants more than anything. So why am I so sad? For now, I’m just going to blame it on being a “girl” and having feelings and being overly sentimental due to the conditioning of society and the obnoxiously sweet (and kind of disturbing) children movies I grew up with.
Not a lot of you know the history of Gamervision, but it’s something that I remember being a big concept back when I was only 12 years old. After high school and college, things went into super locomotion and I was invited to join the team on a journey of watching something grow from the ground up. Granted, said journey included a lot of patient waiting, but every second was worth it. Being here to see Gamervision grow from 5 of us on a couch in the apartment above a garage to filling a warehouse with a bunch of creative, talented, driven and tenacious individuals has been one hell of a feat. Having made silly videos for ourselves to having our biggest productions travel light speed over the internet to reach all corners of the world is astounding.
I hope you enjoyed the Dairy because the Dairy (I) enjoyed you. Thank you to everyone who made it and this experience as valuable as it is from my “adopted” family to my coworkers and all you lovers and haters on the internet. Who knows what the future has in store for me? For now all I know is there will be a lot of drawing classes. Awesome, no?
If you’d like to keep your tabs on me and my progress, you can follow my Vimeo page which currently has a lot of my outside projects that I was working over the past 2 years.
Thank you so much everyone!
All the love in the world (and then some),
Nikkita
Topics: gamervision | 1 Comment »
The Friday Kablam! – (7-30-10)
By nikkita | July 30, 2010
Space Invaders Couch To Invade Your Butt
That Didn’t Sound Right…
A concept by designer Igor Chak, the Space Invaders Couch made from glass and leather is exactly what we’ve all been waiting for. I’ve seen pixelated couches, I’ve seen Tetris couches, but nothing measures up to this beauty. And it makes sense. If you have to sit on an alien, this would probably be the way to go. Space Invaders are, after all, one of the few sticky and slimy depictions of aliens in our geeky culture.
Reading Igor’s biography, the man has a really interesting story. Born in Vladivostok, Russia, he later moved to Japan with his family when he was only 5, a prime age to pick up on Japanese tradition, customs and attitude. Then it was back to Russia, a tough transition I imagine, and onto the US. It’s no surprise that someone with such a colorful past and upbringing would have such an interesting set of ideas and aesthetics.
More here!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Thursday Drill! – (7-29-10)
By nikkita | July 30, 2010
DIY LEGO Headphones Are LEGO-tastic
Better Than Anything I’ve Ever Built…
Over time, headphones have evolved from a modest tool for music listening to an influential statement of fashion and status. Fancy headphones are everywhere these days, and they’re expensive as hell. That’s not even including the price for all the gimmick accessories to go with your already gimmicky accessory. But hey, that’s fashion for you. Why not be on the cutting edge and make your own super snazzy set of headphones using your old LEGOs?
Details and more here!
New Amazon Delivery Service Delivers Tote Bags By Hand
Totes Ma Goats!
Good news, Seattle. Life just keeps on getting better for you. Seattle based company and super distributor of nearly anything you’ve ever wanted Amazon.com has launched a greener alternative for delivery to the lucky residents of their shared lovely, albeit rainy, city. AmazonTote is the name, hand delivered tote bags is the game.
So wait, what’s the deal? It’s quite simple (and cheap!). AmazonTote is a free weekly service that delivers, by hand, to a number of designated zip codes in the Seattle area. There are no subscriptions or fees, and you don’t even have to be a member of AmazonPrime. Just a Seattle resident. If you make multiple orders, they will all arrive within the same “Tote Day” delivery. The totes can then be returned/reused for your next delivery, or if you really like totes so much you can just keep them.
Details and more and stuff here!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Wednesday Synopsis! – (7-28-10)
By nikkita | July 30, 2010
A Lot Of Tweets For Not That Many Topics
As seen on the animated Pulse Of a Nation cartogram, Twitter brings a lot out of people. So it should really be no surprise that gamers would have taken the opportunity to express themselves, their views, hopes, wishes, dreams and deepest disappointments to yet another outlet to the world too. Obviously understanding the torrid emotional state of the group, Aggregame generated an image to represent the 150 top gaming topics and words on Twitter over the course of a year.
Now to get a little perspective of what we’re looking at, the image above represents a pool of over 28 million collected gaming-related tweets from July 27th 2009 to July 22nd 2010. That’s nearly 78,000 tweets a day. And despite the many controversies and successes that are bound to make up a year, it seems as if the console war is still alive and well, beating out “modern warfare” and possibly even retweets. Granted, I’m sure these sudden bursts of expressionism weren’t necessarily slamming each other. It’s just funny to see that no matter what happens, what gets released or how much people share, the biggest topics are the actual consoles we’re all playing on.
More details here!
Because High Speed/Slow Motion Rules
3 Videos I Can’t Stop Watching
I’m not really sure what tuned me onto my fascination with the super high speed slow motion videos that have risen in popularity thanks to the likes of incredible advancements in technology, Myth Busters and people’s fatal fascination with guns and bullets. Stemming away from being a science experiment, high speed slow motion videos have taken on a fairly artistic roll, creating endless amounts of entertainment for people as weird as me. And Mike. And now all of you. Here are 2 videos that I can’t stop watching, and one honorable mention for a trooper of a model.
3 of the sweetest videos you’ll ever see here!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Tuesday Retrospect! – (7-27-10)
By nikkita | July 30, 2010
Tandem USBs Are Nearly Infinite
Like A Bicycle Built For Everyone
Last time I rode a tandem bicycle, I had only one other passenger and we were dodging the guidos and guidettes of the Jersey Shore in search of some ice cream. Luckily, the state of my computer is nothing like the state of my past vacations. Still, like my tolerance for the… unique (and drunk) walks of life on the boardwalk, my computer has a limit for USB plugs. No worries, the Tandem USB is here to the rescue.
Winner of the iF Concept Design Award 2010, Yi Fan Lin & Hong Yih Chu’s Tandem USB design is sleek, simple and organized. Well, more organized than any idea I would have conceived. Following other concepts of an infinite plugging system, the Tandem USB’s grooves and curves allow for all cords to exist in harmony.
More details here!
The Second Next Best Thing To Burning Money
I admit that I avoid certain nice things as a means to avoid some inevitable and much unwanted destruction. I take pride in my belongings, and while I accept that simply driving my car invites a whole lot of damage to it, I don’t plan on wearing white to a BBQ or a night out of sloppy drinking. So my gadgets aren’t so flashy. So what? This guy eats sushi off his iPad.
Now this is in no way a criticism on iPad owner Shiinaneko. To be honest, I think it’s brilliant. Kind of like the time one of our coworkers at GV slid his iPhone across the floor to make our in-house Apple fanboy uncomfortable. Or maybe it was his MacBook Pro. I can’t remember. The point is, I love making people uncomfortable and support everyone else’s efforts in doing so.
More pictures and stuff here!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Monday Revision! – (7-26-10)
By nikkita | July 30, 2010
To Star Wars-ify Your Home Or Not
Lights And Blinds For The Taking (Or The Leaving)
It’s hard to grow up when all of your favorite things from video games to movies and shows make for some really awesome toys. I managed to obtain an official “big kid” room before I started working for GV, then boom, all of a sudden my desk is covered in figurines, My Little Ponies and random orphaned goodies that need a home that I honestly have no use for (hello, random Albert Einstein doll). Your desk and rec space is one thing, but when it really comes down to decorating your home, you need to be a little more selective. Here are two specifically Star Wars pieces that may or may not work.
First up, an actual lightsaber light. Or rather an actual light lightsaber? Whatever, the thing hangs on your wall. And let’s be honest, no matter what kind of geek you are (or not) or how much you’d try to deny it, everyone wants a freakin’ lightsaber. But having weapons laying is rarely accessible, especially when their reality is constricted to a series of film and books. Shucks. But at least you can enjoy the novelty with some function with the Remote Controlled Lightsaber Room Light from the Star Wars Shop ($29.99, to be shipped in August). However, it’d probably only be acceptable if you have kids of your own or an ultra modern taste in interior design and snooty friends that wouldn’t know the difference. All in all, mostly passable.
Vader blinds and more here!
Mad Men And The 80s
No matter what year you live in, you can always pretend you’re in a different decade. It’s not just a state of mind, it’s a state of space. Luckily we have access to things of our past while everyone else is busy designing things of the future. Let us enjoy a more Mad Men or 80s-90s experience.
Do you watch Mad Men? Great. Now save those campy, albeit hilarious, misogynist one liners for later. No, seriously. I want to hear them. I’m guessing that every now and then you take a look around your office space and think “what would Don Draper make of all of this?” Well, your PC tower would probably look like the one above as designed by Jeffrey Stephenson with Mad Men in mind. That’s right, there’s a PC tower in there. And it probably doesn’t even smell like stale cigarette smoke like I imagine the rest of that set and every office and home in the 60s would have.
VHS bird house and more here!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Sundae Review! – (7-25-10)
By nikkita | July 30, 2010
Keyboard Cat, Snake and Double Rainbows!
Shitterton’s Shitty Ton Sign
When you name a town Shitterton, you’re asking for some trouble. Luckily, it’s been more of a case of stolen signs than a monkey inspired poo-fling fest. Still after having the town’s beloved Shitterton sign being stolen at least 3 times over the course of 20 years, you would probably start to get tired of it, hence why council stopped replacing the sign altogether. But now Shitterton has a solution. Proud Shitterton resident Ian Ventham collected money from neighbors to buy a sign that no one could or would want to steal, a giant stone weighing over a ton.
“I don’t think it was malicious, they just did it for fun, but it was exasperating for us. We would get a nice new shiny sign from the council and five minutes later, it was gone.”
Not only was the lack of a sign annoying, he said, but “it could make life confusing for delivery drivers”. “It was my wife’s idea to carve it out of stone,” he said. “We thought, ‘Let’s put in a ton and a half of stone and see them try and take that away in the back of a Ford Fiesta’.”
Mr Ventham, a retired RNLI director, wrote to neighbours asking them to donate £20 towards the cost of the immovable sign. Of 50 households, well over half contributed. After being told of the plan, Purbeck district council agreed to give £70 towards the cost.
Congratulations on the new sign, Shitterton. And thank you for giving me the opportunity to say “Shitterton” 7 times in one sitting.
YouTube Snake
Well, isn’t that cute? No, not Danny Trejo (sorry, Tío). YouTube has hidden a special little feature for all you people that throw hours of your days away watching videos. So in case that wasn’t enough, now you can also play Snake simultaneously and equally as mindlessly. Eh, maybe not. Snake is kind of hard. Anyway, what to do: Pick a video, pause it, hold the left arrow down until the game appears and play! I played along to the new red band Machete trailer. My brain kind of hurts from all the awesome. I would probably suggest something a little less distracting (and less stabby).
Enjoy!
More stories here including Ron Livingston as Keyboard Cat.
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Friday Kablam! – (7-23-10)
By nikkita | July 30, 2010
Call Him Mint Jelly Because He’s On The Lam
Comic-Con may be happening as we speak in San Diego, but buckets of geek crazy are still being dumped all over the rest of the world. For one, Darth Vader robbed a bank in Long Island, NY on Wednesday, letting down the millions of young fans that look up to him. Okay, so it was an impostor. Let’s just call him a cosplayer. Needless to say, the entire Darth Vader camp is deeply embarrassed by the whole situation.
The mystery man made off with some cash and has yet to be identified. After entering the Chase branch, Bad Vader was met by an amused customer who clearly did not find the Halloween costume much of a threat or even that suspicious. Vader must have been pissed because he ordered him to the ground with his pistol before robbing the teller.
More baffling than Darth Vader without his signature red lightsaber was the robber’s unique addition of camouflage pants to the iconic costume. Oh, come on.
More details here!
Pulse Of The Nation: A Map Of Our Twitter Moods
We’re An Emotional Bunch
It goes without saying that we’re a moody bunch. So when you give us outlets like Facebook statuses and Twitter to express the faintest sliver of discontent or joy, hell, we’re going to use it. A lot. Because we think people care when in reality, we’re all pretty much yelling into the same black hole. But hey, at least someone cares enough about or never ending mood swings to actually gauge the mood of the country over the course of a day according to all the tweets twitted out into the twittosphere.
Cartogram video and more here!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Thursday Drill! – (7-22-10)
By nikkita | July 30, 2010
Life In A Day, A Mass Experimental Documentary
Ridley Scott And Kevin MacDonald Want Your Life!
I think I’ve finally concluded that my life is not the televised show I used to think it was after seeing The Truman Show and there is no final standing wall on the sound stage of life. I’m not disappointed. Just relieved. Embarrassing things tend to happen to me and if I can’t be grateful for being alone when they many times do, I don’t know what else to be grateful for. But despite the lack of interest from television to give us normal folk our own channel, this Saturday, July 24th, everyone in the world has been invited to participate in a massive cinematic experiment called Life In A Day. The rules are simple. Film your life. Answer three questions. Empty your pockets. Upload onto YouTube.
Welcome to Sundance, everyone.
Videos and details here!
How One Man Made His Own Daft Punk Helmet
And It Only Took 17 Months…
I love Daft Punk. Hell, a lot of people do. But apparently someone loves them more than all of us put together, because Harrison Krix of Volpin Props made his own flipping illuminated super robot love helmet. The process took an overwhelming 17 months and by the looks of it, it was worth every second, penny and drop of sweat. Because hot damn, I want to make out with that helmet.
Obviously understanding the impressive feat he was about to accomplish, Harrison documented the arduous year and a half long process of every step taken to recreate the iconic look of Daft Punk from scratch, both on his blog and Flickr. But in the case that this bountiful abundance of photos and descriptions isn’t enough to explode your brain with confusion and jealousy, here’s all of it in 3 minutes.
Video, pictures and more here!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Wednesday Synopsis! – (7-21-10)
By nikkita | July 30, 2010
Stencil Light Graffiti Is Officially My Next Project
Take That, Quick Shutter Speeds!
This year I made the grand purchase of a shiny new DSLR, a camera I’ve been dreaming of owning for a couple of years now. To be honest, I didn’t jump on the photography bandwagon along with everyone else when they discovered Flicker and Facebook photo albums. I guess I didn’t really buy that just anyone could be a master photographer. Sorry. Now having an interest in film, these two fields of visual arts were bound to collide, but instead of taking pictures of rolling hills and stupid angles of street signs, I’ve been kicking it in the dark with the long exposure settings and a flashlight. And now thanks to this light stencil tutorial by Flickr-er tdub303, I’ve got a new project to look forward to.
Details, pictures and more here!
Geek Makeup Is For Your Geek Face
Excuse Me, Your Pretty* Geek Face
I have no doubt that slapping on a sticker of a Mario mushroom or Zelda will make anything sell-able to someone, but those tricks stopped working with me when I was 10. Okay, maybe 11. Still, I’m always a fan of supporting the little guy, and in this case, the little guy is a little geek(s) churning out quality mineral makeup for other lady geeks.
Geek Chic Cosmetics specializes in mineral makeup that is both safe and vibrant. The collection has plenty of room to grow, but currently includes foundations, blushes and a wide variety of eye shadows for both everyday and cosplay wear. What makes things so geeky? Well, the names and inspirations for one. I have yet to see any other eye shadows inspired by the King of the Cosmo’s tights like “Katamari King“. There are also three different based on the colors of Mario, Zelda and Portal. If I had to chose, I’d definitely go for the Mushroom Kingdom set. Then again, it’s impossible for me to turn down any makeup. No. Seriously. Last fall Zane and I went to a concert and had to latch onto a group of strangers (or as I like to call them “surprise new friends”) to cut in line to get our things signed. One of said “surprise new friends” made makeup and gave us some samples. Yeah, I’m kind of scared to try it. Why haven’t I just thrown it away? Because I have a problem.
More makeup and details here!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Tuesday Retrospect! – (7-20-10)
By nikkita | July 30, 2010
The Latest Addition To The BLU Stop Motion Collection
Big Bang Big Boom!
It is no surprise that I have a sick obsession with stop motion. Did I mention that before? I’m sure I’ve mentioned that before. And I most definitely have mentioned the super group BLU before because they are the stop motion masters and this world is their canvas that the rest of us just so happen to coexist on. After endless amounts of jaw-dropping displays of moving street art over the past couple of years, they have released yet another spectacle for us all to enjoy, covering the ornamented history of our existence a la the Big Bang theory (not to be confused with that show with Darlene’s boyfriend).
Videos and more here!
Life Size Mouse Trap Is Coming To Maker Faire
It’s A Zany Action, A Crazy Contraption
I’ve never understood Mouse Trap the board game. Granted, I was more of a Monopoly, Clue and Don’t Break The Ice kind of kid with a side of Play-Doh. Why in the world would anyone need such a complex setup to catch a mouse? At least that’s how I remember the game going at one of many sleepless slumber parties. Anyway, it appears that a life size replica of the famed Mouse Trap Rube Goldberg machine is heading East towards the Detroit and New York Maker Faires.
Video and more here!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Monday Revision! – (7-19-10)
By nikkita | July 19, 2010
iPhone 4 Dropped Call Solution: Antenn-Aids
I Stick On Band-Aids So Dropped Calls Won’t Stick On Me!
Oh, iPhone 4. When will the dust finally settle with you and your dropped call controversy? To be fair, it wasn’t until recently that Apple offered to send out a bumper to any iPhone 4 user with antennae and reception problems. These bumpers aren’t to be confused with cases. They’re only a stretch of rubber that bands around the side of your iPhone, covering up the two problematic antennae spots. But in the case that you really don’t want to bulk up your iPhone, even if it’s just a wrapping of a rubber band, you can always go for an Antenn-aid Band-Aid.
The Antenn-aid is probably the most simple solution apart from cutting one of the bandages in your first aid kit in half. In that case, well, I’m all for taking the cheap road out but realize that band-aids being stuck to stuff that isn’t an appendage usually garners some negative and yucky connotations. You know what I’m talking about. Nobody wants to touch the floating band-aid in the pool. You really don’t want that on your phone.
More details here!
Star Wars Mini Cereal Box Giveaways At Celebration V Collecting Panels This Summer
For Free. Because The Fans Love The Fans.
I remember when getting cereal samples in the mail was exciting. Who am I kidding? Getting cereal samples in the mail is still exciting. Even if I need to eat at least 8 packs before starting my day. Anyway, if you’re one of the many Star Wars fans planning on attending the Celebration V Collecting Panels in Orlando this August, then it’s time for you to start considering all your debts to me. In other words, you have the opportunity to get your greedy, dirty hands on some very special boxes of collectible cereal. Collectible cereal that I desperately want.
Super Star Wars collector Gus Lopez and his crew have combined noggins to give away a 16 count collection of Star Wars themed mini cereal boxes at the upcoming CV Collecting Panels. From Greedos Cheerios to Hothsted Flakes Frosted Flakes, I would totally kill a tauntaun family to have any one of these for breakfast.
More boxes and details here!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Sundae Review! – (7-18-10)
By nikkita | July 19, 2010
Today’s Sundae: Star Fox, Old Spice and more iPods!
Tee Time – Awesome Star Fox Tee!
This isn’t exactly how I remember my first run with the Rumble Pack (my first run with Star Fox) and all, but in the spirit of realism, of course the characters of Star Fox would actually look like this. And of course they wouldn’t actually need space suits in space. And lastly, of course Slippy Toad would be wearing a hat. Duh. Let’s all do Peppy a favor and “do a barrel roll” in this tee.
The “Do A Barrel Roll!” tee is available from Threadless for $18.00.
The ABCs Of Gaming
Just because I’m one of the few geeks out there who isn’t terrified of holding a baby doesn’t mean that some of you readers aren’t already parents or plan on being parents. But while I’d probably suggest the majority of you hold off on having kids (if not skip parenthood completely), you may want to hold on to Francis Acupan’s ABCs of Gaming for when you’re ready to start rearing children for a better tomorrow.
Think about it, the sooner you get them onto gaming, the easier it will be to neglect them later. Just as long as everyone has his own TV and system. Oh, and a bag of Doritos. I mean, you’ll have to carry out some responsibilities after all.
[Capinaremos via Geekologie]
More Sundae goodies here (a many videos included)!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Friday Kablam! – (7-16-10)
By nikkita | July 19, 2010
iPhone Goes Old School For The Tape Deck
But You’re Still Going To Need An Adapter…
No matter how hard I try to hold on, the mix tape is slowly dying on me. And by slowly, I mean really quickly. It’s not like I’m even doing my part to keep it alive. I currently don’t own any form of tape deck, neither in my house or car and all of my current mixes are digital and epically long. And though I don’t have an iPhone to participate in my planned adaptive resurrection, I shall sprinkle my influence over all of you that do to transform your iPhone into a cassette tape.
More details here!
The New Summer Blockbuster, Incepción
Great Job!
In celebration of both tonight’s opening night of Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated summer blockbuster Inception and the wide success of our most recent fake trailer for the indie God Of War is this little educational experience geared towards a demographic that I can’t really place. I’m talking about Dora the Explorer’s Incepción.
I feel a bit lucky to have missed the era of educational children’s cartoons that tried to creepily interact with me a la Dora the Explorer and Blue’s Clues. I know you can’t hear me, fools. Don’t even try! Still, I can appreciate this parody for its adorable live-action Dora and the patronizing Spanish lessons. And while I don’t really expect Incepción to be the same film of my dreams (sueños) as Inception, I’m already drinking a beer and am as happy as a clam.
The video and more here!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Thursday Drill! – (7-15-10)
By nikkita | July 15, 2010
The Social Network Movie Trailer
Teasers And Myspace Are So Yesterday
Se7en. Fight Club. Zodiac. The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. The Facebook movie.
After seeing the teaser for David Fincher’s upcoming film about the creation of Facebook, The Social Network, I couldn’t help but wonder if this guy was granted some kind of immunity from this challenge. Everyday, I hear someone complain about Faecebook. It’s a battle between love and hate on the regular, so why on Earth would we want to watch a feature length movie about it? Because David Fincher knows how to make an alluring trailer.
Trailer for The Social Network and a special secret movie here!
The Best Pokemon Wallpapers Ever
Gotta Right-Click Them All!
There’s been a lot of excitement here at GV HQ today with the grand unveiling and world premiere of our original Wes Anderson’s God Of War trailer which everyone had been working so hard on. But before all of that, there were these awesome (yes, I said awesome) Pokemon wallpapers cycling on Coop’s monitor all morning (and probably for the rest of eternity). We may or may not have watched them for a solid 5 minutes. It may or may not have been longer than that. I may or may not have already outed myself for being a huge dork… I also may or may not have stopped caring about that a long time ago.
Wallpapers and more details here!
8-Bit Skateboarding Looks Dangerous
Hello, Nostalgia!
Skateboarding and snowboarding go together with video games in the sense that they’re all things you’d rather be doing than going to math class or cleaning out the garage. Still, these interests coincide more often than not, thus providing Mike Benson with the perfect landscape to make all you geeks on boards drool and dream. I mean, except for you surfers. What is it that you do all day, anyway?
Video and more here!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Wednesday Synopsis! – (7-14-10)
By nikkita | July 15, 2010
How To: SNES On The iPad With Wiimote Hack
Hack The iPlanet!
Over the past few months, people have been finding infinite uses for the Apple iPad, giving me a unique and golden opportunity to write about Apple products… every 5 freakin’ minutes. But because people love spending more money to emulate things that will actually cost less simply for the thrill of the hack, Lifehacker has provided a simple 4-step tutorial of how to transform your iPad and Wiimote into a fully functioning portable SNES. Oh, and you’re welcome!
First off, I feel it necessary that I insert a standard disclaimer right about now, waiving all responsibility and influence of all damages done to iPad including jailbreaking mishaps and rage blackout fits (some of those games are a whole lot more frustrating than you remember). Phew. Now I’ll be sleeping better at night, let’s carry on.
Tutorial and more here!
Sign Up For Private Ninja Lessons Today
Kick Serious Ass Tomorrow
As a kid, wanting to grow up to be a ninja had about as much merit as wanting to be a fire truck, but much to my surprise and the surprise of every school teacher and principal, that lifelong wish can become a reality. If you’re a resident of Bronxville, NY (Yonkers, Mt. Vernon and New Rochelle will be acceptable too), you can pay a real life Shidoshi (“teacher of the warrior ways”) a pretty penny to teach you the martial art of ninjutsu. That’s right, folks. Ninja lessons!!!
If you’re one of the few fools that sides with pirates in the “ninjas vs. pirates” debate, get out of my house. Right now. As for the rest of you, have a seat. Now, I’ve been a lifelong ninja supporter, but I will admit that I’m a bit ignorant to the ways of the ninja. Luckily I can get totally schooled by a real life ninja in New York.
More ninja details here!
Tetris Table Is Not A Game Over
It’s Game On!
Just when you thought you couldn’t fit anything else in your house, I had to go and post about this clever Tetris Table designed by Jared Kohn. Ha! You know, I think this is actually the first time ever that I’m not incredibly irritated by blocking up my designated play space, even when technically those blocks should have cleared two “I” pieces ago. As a matter of fact, I’m kind of really digging it.
More details here!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Tuesday Retrospect! – (7-13-10)
By nikkita | July 13, 2010
Zombies Get In Car Accident, Cause Traffic
Oh, And Gary Numan. Why Not?
Portland, Oregon is a city best known for its environmentally friendly, easy-going and hip disposition. But last weekend, it was the epicenter and source of a massive zombie outbreak. And by massive zombie outbreak, I mean a bunch of kids dressed up as zombies in a car. And by car, I mean a car that flipped over on the interstate.
On their way to what I guess was some kind of kick-ass zombie party, a group of 5 non-zombie zombies flipped their car after swerving about on the I-84 freeway in Portland. And while you’d assume the reaction of other commuters would have been mass hysteria and fear of the spread of infection, they were a bit more concerned about the apparent state of these passengers. Apparently torn up clothes, dark makeup and fake blood doesn’t always read as “zombie costume” in the case of an emergency.
More zombies and some Gary Numan here!
Captain Kirk’s Starfleet Officer Jacket For Sale
Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!
Calling all Star Trek fans. It’s time to put your credit to the test, refinance your house, rob a bank or whatever it is you need to do. William Shatner/Captain Kirk’s Starfleet officer jacket from the 1982 film, Star Trek II:The Wrath of Khan will be auctioned off on July 17th at the Heritage Auction Galleries in Beverly Hills. As arguably the most sought out and desired Star Trek collectible (of arguably the most popular of the Star Trek films), the costume piece is predicted to go for $20,000 if not more. Finally, the proper attire for your nightly Khan outbursts.
…You know you want to do it. Go head. Scream!
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get back to it. While it’s hard to hear any other details after Wrath of Khan, the jacket was actually also used for actor Leon Russom in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country . The names of both actors are listed in the jacket which probably gives it an extra kick in value, even though all we care about is Shatner (let’s be honest here).
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Monday Revision! – (7-12-10)
By nikkita | July 12, 2010
PR2 Robot Was Made To Bring You Beer
Best Robot Ever?
Whether you’ve got an essay to write, some numbers to crunch or whatever responsibility that keeps you picking away at your keyboard late into the night (Facebook), there’s a point where you hit a wall and only a nice cold brewsky can get you moving again. But in the case you’re too wrapped up in your work or simply too fried to remember how to use your legs, the PR2 Robot by Willow Garage is here to help and fetch your beer for you upon your request.
Video and more here!
Because It Was Just Too Sleek!
Before our phones could remotely control our entire lives (and fit in our pockets) our entertainment relied on twiddling our thumbs, or if you were one of the lucky kids, the Nintendo Game Boy. Well, pocket entertainment has come a long way since the Game Boy. For one, things actually fit in our pockets now. But no matter how fancy our gadgets get, someone will always bring down the slickness to pay homage to a classic.
First off in displays of iPhone/Game Boy love, the iBoy iPhone Skin. This is a perfect addition to your iPhone as it in no way hinders its looks or performance unlike many other eccentric mods, specifically the next example. Shown above is actually the 3G/3GS version for all of you who didn’t take the bait to upgrade. As for the rest of you fanboys, relax, there’s an iPhone 4 cut too. Both model skins go for $9.95 each from Zaptastic. Just keep in mind that though it’ll probably be a real kick to trick people from afar that you’re tapping away on a Game Boy, that they’ll probably just assume you were pathetically trying to change the batteries or something for the past 40 minutes before your flight.
More Game Boy-ness here!
Geeky Wears Of The Day: Chrono Trigger And Lost
It’s A Time Travel Explosion!!!
Attention all gamers without enough t-shirts and too much money! Your prayers have been answered. No, I’m sorry, the Olivia Munn mass cloning movement is still on hiatus. But in the meantime, you can celebrate your love and devotion to Chrono Trigger with Fangamer’s exclusive CT Fanfest Combo Pack. The ultra limited and exclusive pack is currently available for pre-order for $50.00 to be shipped in late August. Combo includes Gate Keychain, kick ass Timewing Schematics Poster, Magi’s Tower tee, Fiendlord Pinset and Chronometer Reprint tee (links included in case you’re crazy and want to buy them separately).
Lost hoodie and more here!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
The Sundae Review! – (7-11-10)
By nikkita | July 12, 2010
Oil, Canned Sandwiches and Leonard Nimoy’s Bike
Instant Oil Spill!
Joining the rest of the internet in being outraged by the layer of hell that’s covering the Gulf, InstantOilSpil by GreenerMedia allows you to take all of your aggression out on the rest of the web while bringing awareness to the deep environmental shit we’re all in. To test this oily service, I tried entering in BP’s official site covering their response to the Gulf disaster. Ironically, it came up as an error. Wow, just like rain on my wedding day or a free ride for which I already paid.
Drown the rest of the internet in black gold here!
Candwiches!
Oh. My. God. After eating five months’ worth of food over the weekend and massive amounts of sandwiches while watching the World Cup today, the thought of anything edible right now makes me want to explode. Needless to say, the thought of a canned sandwich makes me feel something even worse than exploding (I’m not really sure what that is yet). But apart from being a horrifying display of lazy food, because a peanut butter sandwich wasn’t lazy enough, there’s some controversy surrounding the sandwich in a can. According to NPR and the SEC, investors of Candwiches thought their money was going towards a commercial real estate loan. Surprise!
In all, Travis L. Wright raised $145 million from 175 investors between 2001 and 2009, according to the suit. He only invested $6 million in the kinds of things he said he would be investing in, the SEC says. (Here’s the full complaint filed in the case.)
Wright also spent $15 million of investors’ money for his own expenses, according to the lawsuit. Among other things, he bought a house formerly owned by an unnamed pro basketball player. And he paved his driveway using cobblestones imported from France.
To be fair, Travis liked the French cobblestones much more than the Italian ones.
What would your reaction be if you found out all of your hard earned money was spent on making canned BBQ chicken?
[NPR via Geekologie]
More story scoops here!!!
Topics: Tech | No Comments »
Thursday/Friday Wrap Up! – (7-8/9-10)
By nikkita | July 10, 2010
Ahhhh, look at the date!
Top 10 Mario Listings On Etsy
Etsy-me, Mario!
Etsy, the final frontier of handmade goods on the internet. Actually, it’s one of the first places I check, so that analogy doesn’t work. Forgive me, I’m overheated. If only I could take my skin off. Anyway, as I’ve said before, to get to the gems of Etsy, you have to dig through a whole lot of garbage. But today is your lucky day as I’ve already done you the favor of sifting through 55 pages of Super Mario Bros. related goods to bring you my top ten Mario Etsy listings. Let the countdown begin!
Post is way too long for this place. Check out the top ten here!
Versions Of Super Mario Bros. I Wish I Could Play
Aw, They’re Just Videos
You guys must think I’m the biggest Mario fangirl of all, but the truth is it’s these kinds of stories that find me. And who are you to complain? You should be grateful for this stuff. Or in this case, vengeful and bitter that this is not the reality of the NES we dream of. Let’s go ahead and sprinkle a little sugar on your sour and check out these clever videos of a Super Mario Bros. world we won’t be finding on our retro game consoles.
Solution Cords For Solution-less Messes
Water And Tangles, Beware!
I feel like I get in a fight with some tail of an electric appliance everyday. Then again, I happen to be a naturally aggressive person. I blame it on having wolves for parents. Actually, I blame a lot of things on having wolves for parents. But for all of you who were raised by people, tangles and splashy conditions won’t have to be a problem for you either with these fantastical waterproof and tangle-proof cord solutions
Topics: Tech | No Comments »