Today's Specials Archives - Page 15 of 89

Coffee Talk #411: What’s Your Favorite Nerd Movie?

With Sony snatching up the rights to the Steve Jobs movie, I’ve been thinking about other nerd movies. I’m not talking about stuff like Revenge of the Nerds, but rather films that celebrate or honor renowned nerds or nerd culture. Obviously all the movies…

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Verve’s Panama Elida Natural: Lot B, dying to go on a flight longer than 5,000 miles, or Charles Oakley blasting everyone, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

With Sony snatching up the rights to the Steve Jobs movie, I’ve been thinking about other nerd movies. I’m not talking about stuff like Revenge of the Nerds, but rather films that celebrate or honor renowned nerds or nerd culture. Obviously all the movies we discuss today are just placeholders until Watching the Gears Go Round: The Cliff Bleszinski Story comes out, but we’re still a few years away from that masterpiece. For now, let’s look at some geeky contenders.

The Social Network is the most successful nerd movie to date and was lauded by non-nerds too. Comic Book: The Movie and Trekkies examine two of the most passionate nerd communities in the universe. Macheads and Welcome to Macintosh are two fine documentaries for Apple nerds.

As for me, I’m going with Pirates of Silicon Valley. It’s an interesting look at the rise of Apple and Microsoft, examining the curious relationship between the two companies. It’s interesting, fun, and funny (sometimes unintentionally) all at the same time. Anthony Michael Hall as Bill Gates was just brilliant — a perfect nerd to play one of history’s ultimate nerds. It’s also awesome that the guy that played Steve Ballmer also voiced Bender, The Joker and Marcus Fenix. Ha!

Now it’s your turn! Please leave some of your favorite nerd movies in the comments section.

Blizzard Auctioning WoW Server Blades for Charity

Blizzard has announced an awesome charity auction that will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Starting October 17, 2011 gamers will get a chance to win retired World of Warcraft server blades. The server blades were done up commemorative style and signed by members of the WoW team in order to make them some of the coolest pieces of videogame-nerd art the world has ever seen. Here’s a clip from the press release:

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. announced a series of special charity auctions featuring server-blade hardware that was originally used during the early days of the company’s award-winning massively multiplayer online role-playing game, World of Warcraft. Game enthusiasts around the world will get a unique chance to own a piece of World of Warcraft history — original HP BladeSystem servers that once housed hundreds of different realms across North America and Europe. The net proceeds from the auction will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases.

In total, approximately 2,000 of the original server blades from about 500 different World of Warcraft realms will be auctioned. The server blades will each be contained in a custom windowed case featuring the World of Warcraft logo and offering a view of the computer hardware inside. They will also come with a commemorative plaque signed by the World of Warcraft team, making each one a true collector’s item.

This auction rules on so many levels. I love that Blizzard is hosting an auction for a great charity. It gives me warm fuzzies and makes me proud to be a Blizzard gamer. On a purely superficial level, I can’t get over how cool these server blades are. If I win the lottery tomorrow then I’ll bid on all of them. I will make a geek wall of awesomeness that’s full of retired WoW server blades. It’ll be awesome!

For more info on the charity auction, go here.

Coffee Talk #410: Who’s Your Favorite Comic-Book Artist?

Today’s Coffee Talk was inspired by a post from RPadholic Thundercracker and seconded by N8R. The former asked me about my favorite comic-book artist and the latter suggested that the topic should get its own Coffee Talk. Well here it…

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, waiting for a shipment from a certain fruit company, Bill Simmons’ theory of Tom Hanks’ two careers mirroring Michael Jordan’s, or where the hell Dennis Miller is these days, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Today’s Coffee Talk was inspired by a post from RPadholic Thundercracker and seconded by N8R. The former asked me about my favorite comic-book artist and the latter suggested that the topic should get its own Coffee Talk. Well here it is! Unfortunately, I don’t have much to contribute. I enjoy looking at comic-book art and appreciate it, but I’m so awful at drawing that a lot of it is beyond me. I like to write and reading is one of the best ways to improve writing. For example, my blogging style is influenced by the writing of Mark Waid, Peter David, and Brian Michael Bendis (love my parenthesis!).

As far as artists go, I dig the technical proficiency of guys like Jim Lee and Todd McFarlane. That said, I enjoy Frank Miller’s stuff too; his pencils aren’t the sharpest, but his style is so distinct. I like artists that use exaggerated styles like Ed McGuiness and Humberto Ramos. Mark Waid’s comedic writing in Impulse was perfectly complemented by Ramos’ playful art style. Of course I love Alex Ross’ paintings. Should I win the lottery, I would pay Ross to paint one of my walls.

Now it’s your turn! Who are some of your favorite comic-book artists?

Sprint and Verizon iPhone 4S More International Than AT&T’s

[Updated 10/13 3:37 PM PT] If you’re a world traveler that’s also an iPhone fan then you might want to considering picking up an iPhone 4S on Sprint or Verizon instead of AT&T. The iPhone 4S is SIM-locked on AT&T, while CDMA carriers Sprint and Verizon will allow customers to use foreign SIM cards. This allows globetrotters to enjoy cheaper data and voice rates in other countries. Here’s the deal from MacWorld’s Jason Snell:

There’s a new wrinkle that potentially makes the international-roaming experience better on Sprint and Verizon iPhones than it is on AT&T. Sprint plans to sell the iPhone 4S with its micro-SIM slot unlocked; Verizon’s will be initially locked, but if you’ve been a customer in good standing for 60 days, you can call Verizon and ask for an “international unlock.” (A Verizon spokesperson told me that this is Verizon’s standard policy for all world phones — it’s just the first time it’s manifested itself on an iPhone.)

As someone that enjoys hopping to different countries (you know, back when I had money), this makes the CDMA iPhone 4S models terribly appealing. When I travel, I always get a local SIM for ~~those times you meet cute foreign chicks in a bar~~ networking purposes. In the past, I’ve use an unlocked GSM phone for foreign use to ensure global compatibility and to not be annoyed by carrier bloatware that’s unnecessarily munching on data. A CDMA iPhone with an unlocked SIM slot sound perfect for world warriors (like Ryu).

The only downside is that the CDMA data rates on Sprint and Verizon iPhone 4S are much slower HSDPA rates on the AT&T model. For some people, domestic slowness is worth the international bliss.

Do any of you find the international capabilities of the Sprint and Verizon iPhone 4S appealing?

Source

[Update 8:59AM PT] According to Engadget, the Sprint version will not have an unlocked SIM slot. A Sprint rep told the site:

Our SIM does not come out of the device — I believe the same is true of Verizon’s iPhone but you would need to confirm that with them. Customers can sign up for one of our international rate plans and use this phone all over the world. When traveling internationally, there is a setting that must be turned on within the device to connect to GSM. The phone will work with a SIM that is provided within the device out of the box. International voice and data charges are on a pay-as-you-go basis and vary based on the country where the customer is using their phone; a list of rates is available at www.sprint.com/international.

Well that sucks….

[Update 10/13 3:37 PM PT] Sprint released a statement saying that it will unlock the SIM slot for customers in good standing. The SIM slot is shipping unlocked, but will be locked by a future software update. If you’ve been paying your bill on time, Sprint will then unlock it…again. That seems incredibly stupid. Just leave the damn thing unlocked in the first place! Anyway, here’s a clip from the statement:

Sprint’s policy is to have the iPhone 4S SIM locked to our network domestically and internationally. At launch, the International SIM will be unlocked. We do expect a SIM lock to be pushed to the devices shortly after launch. We will then allow existing customers in good standing to unlock the SIM for international use if needed in the future.

RPad.tv Second Anniversary!!!

Today is RPad.tv’s second birthday! They grow up so fast…. Anyway, to celebrate the site’s birthday, RPadholic N8R graciously donated his time to create a new banner for the site. Since community is a huge part of RPad.tv, I’d love to hear your input. What one character would you like to see in the new RPad.tv banner? Please leave your suggestions in the comments section!

Coffee Talk #409: New Game Plus and You

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, how to react when being told you’re overqualified, the future of standalone compact cameras, or walk-off grand-slams, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I love “new game+” modes. To me, they’re a nice reward for beating the game. I love being able to replay an RPG with all the equipment and powers I’ve earned. There’s something gratifying about going through a 40-hour RPG in 1/4 the time thanks to the use of ridiculous weapons and crazy powers. If it were up to me, every game would have a “new game+” mode.

To my amazement, some of my friends don’t enjoy these modes. To them, there’s nothing fun about plowing through a game unchallenged. They think it’s boring and unsatisfying. Beating a game that way feels cheap and hollow to them.

What’s your stance on “new game+”? Do you enjoy it? Do you think it’s cheap? Perhaps it’s cheap and enjoyable? Leave a comment and let me know (please!).

Coffee Talk #408: Double Dipping on Xbox Live

I’ve always hated that Netflix on Xbox 360 is a “Gold” feature. You’re already paying for Netflix service. You’re already paying for the Internet bandwidth. Why should the cost be built into your Xbox Live subscription? That’s crap…yet more and more services on…

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, dreaming of Yu Darvish in a Yankees uniform, famous atheists fighting cancer, or when NBA basketball will be back, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Last week RPadholic smartguy pointed out that the next update for AT&T U-Verse on Xbox 360 will require Gold membership. Again, you’re already paying for U-Verse service, so why should you have to pay more for using your Xbox 360 to access it? Even AT&T realizes the charge is stupid and in a preemptive measure stated that it will credit the cost of a one-year subscription to Xbox Live Gold to its customers.

Charging for Netflix, U-Verse, etc. just seems like an artificial way for Microsoft to create “premium” features for Xbox Live Gold. It’s coattail riding or double dipping instead of actually creating compelling services that justify the cost of Xbox Live Gold. For some reason, I expected gamers to be angrier about these charges and practices. Gamers are typically loud complainers, but the typical outrage just isn’t there. What’s the deal?!?

Anyway, let me know how you feel about double dipping on Xbox Live. Is it a fair practice? Is it bogus? Does it make you angry like Mr. McGee does?

Coffee Talk #407: How Will You Remember Steve Jobs?

Apple has asked that you share your thoughts and memories by sending an email to rememberingsteve @ apple.com. I’m going to be sending this story to that email address, so feel free to leave your thoughts here. I’d love to know what you’ll remember about Steve Jobs.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Ivan Nova sticking it to the Detroit Tigers, awesome songs by The Carpenters, or the German sausage craze in LA, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

As most of you know, Apple’s Steve Jobs passed away yesterday. Apple has asked that you share your thoughts and memories by sending an email to rememberingsteve@apple.com. I’m going to be sending this story to that email address, so feel free to leave your thoughts here. I’d love to know what you’ll remember about Steve Jobs.

As for me, he’s definitely one of my heroes. I’m actually much more of a Steve Jobs fan than an Apple fan. I’ve always been amazed by how passionate he was about his products and how much he cared about the little details. This story posted by Google’s Vic Gundotra is a great example of Steve being Steve. His passion translated to consumer passion. In the history of consumer electronics, I’ve never seen anyone get people more excited about pieces of silicon the way that Steve Jobs did.

I’ll never forget Jobs’ Stanford commencement address from 2005. It was honest and inspiring. He talked about his successes, his failures, and how knowing that he was going to die soon liberated him. As complex as Apple’s products are and as clever as its marketing is, Jobs always made sure that the company was rooted in simple philosophies. As a whole, he wanted Apple to always try to make the best products it could make. As an individual, he wanted people to be the best at what they wanted to do.

Jobs was one of the most fascinating and influential people of my lifetime. I’ll always appreciate what brought to the world and my world.

Look in the mirror everyday and ask, “if today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am doing today?” If the answer is no for many days in a row, you need to change something. Remembering you are going to die is the most important tool to make big decisions in life, everything falls away in the face of death. External expectations, pride, fear of embarrassment or failure are all things that don’t matter in the big picture. Remembering you are going to die is the best way to remember you have nothing to lose. “You are already naked, you have nothing to lose by following you heart.”

Coffee Talk #406: Gaming During Unexpected Delays

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the Yankees jubilant celebration of AJ Burnett not sucking for 5 2/3 innings, Chris Christie not running for president, or your favorite sandwich cheese, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Last Monday I went out for a quick errand that turned into a long outing. I had to deposit a check into my business account. Under optimal conditions it’s five minutes there on the LA Metro Purple line, two minutes in the bank, and five minutes back. Due to track issues, I was stuck in the subway car on the way back for well over an hour. Most of my fellow passengers were irritated, but thanks to videogames on my T-Mobile G2x, I wasn’t bothered.

As people were bitching and getting stressed out, I was serenely playing Meteor, Real Blackjack, and Angry Birds Rio. Videogames turned an annoying situation into a fairly entertaining (but certainly wasteful) hour. Part of me felt guilty that the other passengers were getting amped up while I was gaming. Most of me was grateful that my phone was loaded with games to pass the time. It was the latest of many situations in my life where I had to smile and say, “Thank God I’m a gamer!” (I didn’t actually say that out loud, btw.)

Do any of you guys and gals have stories like that? Have games ever helped you wait out an unusually long line? Perhaps a delay at the airport? Kindly share your tales in the comments section!

Is the iPhone 4S Disappointing?

Apple unveiled the iPhone 4S at a press conference earlier today. Physically, it resembles the CDMA iPhone 4, but there are many changes under the hood. Additions include a faster processor, an improved camera, and Siri voice controls. While some of these new features are undeniably fantastic, there are some iPhone fans that wanted more. Some fans wanted a bigger screen, a new industrial design, and a 4G radio. What do you think? Was the iPhone 4S a disappointing announcement? Or did Apple do enough to stand out from the crowd?

As for me, I’m excited about the new camera and I always welcome a better processor…but I’m definitely disappointed in the product. I was positive that an LTE radio wasn’t in the works this year, so no worries there. Staying with a 3.5-inch screen is the big turn-off to me. Don’t get me wrong, in terms of image and (especially) text quality, Apple’s vaunted “Retina Display” is outstanding. That said, 3.5 inches is not enough (that’s what she said!). I would have loved an iPhone with a bigger display and a higher resolution. Before the end of the year, there will be Google Android phones that sport 720p resolutions on screens 4.3-inches and larger. I’ve gotten used to the size and usability of larger screens ever since I used the HTC Evo 4G. It’s tough going back.

Now it’s your turn! What do you think of the iPhone 4S? Are down to buy one? Or are you disappointed?