You can now purchase a 64GB USB flash drive that can attach to your keychain. At a whopping $5,000(!), losing your keychain might actually be worse than losing your car. Of course, adding insult to injury, you'll probably be able to buy this thing for $100 in a few years - not so much your Volvo.
For no real reason, I feel like posting a list of the highest paying Google AdSense keywords. Just, you know... in case you were wondering. By the way, did you notice our Totally Relevant, Incredibly Useful Links section over on the right?
Having trouble keeping track of the variety of Web 2.0 mashups? Here's a handy reference! Is there a mashup involving Flickr and Google Maps? There are 10 of them, actually. Hrm, they don't mention Craig's List, despite its occurance in mashups (mostly, of course, with Google Maps). Not Web 2.0 enough, I guess.
This whole Snakes on a Plane thing fascinates me. First off, the movie had a cult following when it barely began filming. But now, the creators are re-shooting large portions the movie to cater to the cult following's expectations. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that probably makes it the first cult movie basically created by its own "cult". In fact, the director has gone so far as to write in new dialogue that fans have demanded. Specifically, the line: "I want these motherfucking snakes off the motherfucking plane!" - spoken by Samuel Jackson, of course.
And speaking of Will Wright... The new Sims 2 Expansion Pack, "Open For Business" features a song ("Suffer Well") by none other than Depeche Mode. Of course, since we're talking about The Sims, our old pal Dave Gahan had to learn to sing in Simlish! DM put a special music video, with the Simlish lyrics, on their web site. Check it out over here.
Barely beating out Boon-ga Boon-ga for best alternative input device, I present to you: urinal-based video games. Finally, a game those pesky girls won't be able to beat us at.
Will Wright (creator of The Sims) is an absolute genius. Where do you go after succesfully simulating human life? Well, why not simulate an entire universe, down to the level of microsopic creatures?
In this amazing video, (35 minutes, grab a cup of coffee) Will Wright demonstrates a game called "Spore", in which you completely control the evolution of, well, everything, from the microscopic level, to the creation of advanced intergalactic civilizations.
Everything is done "procedurally", meaning that there are literally no limitations to how things can evolve. In a brilliant design move, as your creatures evolve, the game downloads creatures/worlds/galaxies from other players, appropriate for the environment and scale that you are currently experiencing.
Clearly, thanks to people like Will, we have finally transcended the "just keep making the graphics better" era of game design. I'm trying to figure out how to describe a game like this. It's unlike anything I've ever seen.
Here's a good screenshot + text description if you don't have time right now for the video. Apparently, this demo was actually given a year ago. I wonder how long until it hits the shelves.
Update: 35 minutes not enough? Here's the FULL presentation (61 minutes), with a great intro from Will.
John Kricfalusi (known to most as the creator of Ren & Stimpy) has a blog. While I don't always understand his sense of humor, there's no doubt that he's a brilliant animator, who spawned a whole generation of imitators (for better or worse). His blog has some great insights into his sources of inspiration. Check it out.
Check out this video, which is a re-cut of many of the lightsaber duels in "Revenge of the Sith", set to Trust Company's song "Deeper Into You". The timing of various clashes in the movie and clashing sounds in the music is rather well done.
Well, this is unique... You know those optical illusions where you can see either a vase or a profile of two faces? Well, the folks at TurnYourHead.com will send you a custom made actual physical vase* based on your actual face. Spiffy!
I got this stellar abuse of the word "literally" in an email newsletter today:
Really? If I use your software, my home will actually combust into flames? Does your software come with free homeowner's insurance? If not, I think I'll pass.
The makers of The Simpsons have created a version of the opening credits using live actors. If the video links from the article aren't working, try this Google Video version (lower res).
"In a world where all voice-overs sounds like they're from the same guy..."
You've heard his voice everywhere, but you probably don't know much more about Don LaFontaine. Despite the large Flash download and some non-functioning links, it's interesting to explore a little of this site.
Let's say you're a judge, and there's a motion before you entitled: "Defendant's Motion to Discharge Response to Plaintiff's Response to Defendant's Response Opposing Objection to Discharge" - what do you do?
A webtoon about a guy who creates dozens of Bill Cosby clones, each one more demented than the last? How could this not be awesome? (Unless you're one of the Cos's lawyers, who are trying to shut it down)
Let's see if I can scoop Dave on a Transformers-related post... Apparently, there is a Transformers comic miniseries in the works called "Hearts of Steel", which is set during the Industrial Revolution.
Optimus Prime is a steam train, Starscream resembles the Wright Flyer, and Megatron turns into an battlefield cannon! Having just read Neil Gaiman/Marvel's incredible Marvel 1602, I'm definitely in the market for more seriously retro comic fun.
Giant, Evil Corporations Do Have a Sense of Humor Sometimes...
Penny Arcade, the wildly popular gaming geek web comic recently took a particularly nasty jab at Sony Online Entertainment, which involved an obscene reference to Krispy Kreme donuts. Check out what the folks at SOE did for retaliation.
I would KILL to go back in time and get in on the production meeting where they came up with that name. Tell me what's the point of a teaser website when it's fairly obvious what the movie's about?
Samuel L. Jackson only signed on for this film because the title was "Snakes on a Plane". When the film makers tried to change it to "Flight 121", Jackson was adamant to keep it "Snakes on a Plane".
Further proof (if it were needed) that Samuel Jackson is one Bad Mother F**ker. That's gotta be a great point in your acting career when you can take on jobs just because the title amuses you.
I'm not sure exactly what he's going to do in this movie, but I can tell you this: Samuel L. Jackson doesn't take crap from anybody. Especially snakes. Especially when they're on his goddamn plane.
