Harry Potter 7 Sneak Peak Video

I’m super psyched for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I and this sneak peak video has me even more excited. I loved the book and I’m pleased that it’s going to be two movies. As I mentioned last week, Emma Watson (Hermione) is pretty much the perfect woman…though AJ Lee is still #1 to me. Yes, that was a 12:19AM tangent. Anyway, check out the clip and let me know what you think (please)!

I Hate FedEx…So Much

I was supposed to receive a FedEx overnight package today. The item was integral for a video I’m shooting this week. I was at home when the FedEx driver “attempted” to deliver it. Unfortunately, he was a moron. For some reason, he didn’t bother coming up to my apartment. He didn’t bother going to my building’s security desk and leave the package with them, which is normal procedure. Instead, he left a FedEx door tag on the side entrance of my building.

Fortunately, I went down to the local convenience store shortly after he left the door tag and was furious at the driver’s ineptitude. I called FedEx customer “service” — a department that was completely useless in my last go-round with the company — to complain and get another delivery attempt. The CSR contacted the driver, who claimed that management wouldn’t let him into the building. That’s complete b*llshit, since that’s handled by security, not management. The genius must have been speaking with the management of the pizza parlor next door.

The CSR also said that it would be difficult for the driver to deliver the package to me because he doesn’t have a cell phone. My friend’s five-year old has a cell phone. The CSR said that he would contact the driver and call me back. I never received a callback.

This is the second time this year that FedEx ineptitude has interfered with my work. I receive packages all the time. I haven’t had major problems with Ontrac or UPS. I’m impressed that FedEx has managed to completely f*ck up two of my deliveries in major ways. That’s a special brand of idiocy.

Does This PlayStation Move Infographic Scream Desperation?

With Kinect for Xbox 360 and PlayStation Move for PlayStation 3, the console wars have a new wrinkle. Kinect has been selling out all over the place, while Move has put up some good, but hardly earth shattering, numbers. Sony recently sent out this infographic to show how well Move is doing. It’s nice…but feels a bit desperate to me. I understand that Move isn’t backed by the ridiculous marketing budget Kinect enjoys, but I don’t think that Sony needs to issue “hey, we’re cool too!” infographics. It looks weak to me.

Then again, that’s just my opinion. What’s yours? Check out the infographic and share your thoughts (please)!

Ininity Blade (iOS) Trailer is Ridiculous

Remember last week when I said that Infinity Blade would offer a glimpse into the exciting future of mobile gaming? My opinion has been completely solidified by this incredible trailer. I’m pretty floored that this game is for iPhones, iPod Touches, and iPads. I defy you to watch it and tell me you’re not impressed!!!

PlayStation 3 Ahead of Xbox 360 Worldwide?

According to Famitsu, developer Tose claims that PlayStation 3 is ahead of Xbox 360 by a cool one-million units in terms of global installed base. At a recent presentation, Tose reported that the current worldwide numbers for the three major consoles are approximately:

According to Famitsu, developer Tose claims that PlayStation 3 is ahead of Xbox 360 by a cool one-million units in terms of global installed base. At a recent presentation, Tose reported that the current worldwide numbers for the three major consoles are approximately:

  1. Wii: 74,000,000
  2. PlayStation 3: 42,000,000
  3. Xbox 360: 41,000,000

I’m sure this will shock some American gamers. Xbox 360 is way ahead of PS3 in North America, but globally it has been close for the last year. Tose believes that Sony has pulled ahead of Microsoft. What do you think of these numbers?

Source via Sankaku Complex

This Week’s Videogame Releases

As you’d expect in November, there are fantastic games coming out this week. Call of Duty: Black Ops should light up the charts. Actually, it should obliterate them. The PlayStation 3 has the wonderful The Sly Collection, as well as the Move-tastic The Fight: Lights Out and Singstar Dance. Konami has already pasted American Idol on its Karaoke Revolution franchise, but now it’s time for Karaoke Revolution Glee to shine. Last, but not least, is the delightful Mario vs. Donkey Kong Mini-Land Mayhem for Nintendo DS.

Any of you guys and dolls picking up new games this week?

Coffee Talk #242: China, Neodymium, and You

For gaming and gadget nerds, neodymium is a part of everyday life. It’s found in consoles, speakers, headphones, hard drives, and more. This rare earth metal is…

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 bullsh*t election in Burma (Myanmar), Keith Olbermann’s two-day suspension, or Mickie James in chaps, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

For gaming and gadget nerds, neodymium is a part of everyday life. It’s found in consoles, speakers, headphones, hard drives, and more. This rare earth metal is an integral ingredient in countless consumer electronics devices. Where does most of the world’s neodymium come from? China.

As technology continues to become truly global, neodymium becomes increasingly valuable. China knows this and has engaged in some questionable practices when it comes to trading neodymium. You all know that oil-rich countries have a ton of stroke. Will China become even more powerful than it already is due to the burgeoning growth of consumer electronics and the fact that it’s the world’s leading produce of neodymium? Imagine if China’s continued squabble with Japan lead to dialog like, “You know what? Screw you and your PlayStations and Game Boys. We’re not selling you any more neodymium! And also, your mother dresses you funny.”

Did you ever think that the hard drive in your console, the pickups on your Les Paul, or the speakers in your entertainment center would be part of a global power struggle? Pretty crazy, hey?

Another Reason Kevin Durant is Cooler Than LeBron James

Did you know that Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant played basketball with President Barack Obama in September? Of course not. Durant didn’t publicize “the event”. Here’s the scoop from ESPN:

According to the report, Durant’s agents, brothers Aaron and Eric Goodwin, made a connection with Reggie Love, Obama’s special assistant and personal aide, to get Durant an exclusive invitation to shoot hoops with the president. The visit occurred on Sept. 18, and Durant did not publicize the event.

I’m just blown away that Durant didn’t use the opportunity to get himself more press. If LeBron James played a game of horse with Joe Biden, he’d have it televised on ESPN3.

There’s got to be a catch with this Durant kid. He’s so different from the egomaniacs, punks, thugs, and idiots that make up the majority of NBA rosters. After Allen Iverson and his ilk ruined the NBA for me, a seemingly normal and well behaved young man like Durant is throwing me off.

Source

Sunday Housekeeping

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I’m not digging the daylight savings. It’s stupid, it robs me of another hour of glorious sunlight, and it doesn’t actually save energy. Anyway, here are some updates on the site.

– Last week was another strong one for the site. Thank you all for reading, commenting, hanging out, and being cool.

– A bunch of you took advantage of Amazon’s buy-two-get-one-free sale. Thanks so much! I super appreciate every purchase you make. It really helps the site keep going. If you’re doing any shopping for holiday gifts, please consider purchasing from Amazon through my site.

– The video content is off to a fantastic start in terms of traffic — it actually exceeded my expectations. Thanks for watching my videos (and if you’re bored, watch ’em again!). Remember, you can watch high quality versions of my videos on Android, iPhone, iPod, and iPad products through my mobile video site. You can also subscribe to my videos on iTunes.

– It’s been interesting promoting the videos. Of course I want people to come to my site, but it’s more convenient for viewers if I embed the videos instead of linking back here. While I’m getting new video viewers, I’m not necessarily getting new RPad.tv readers.

– Know what makes a brilliant holiday gift? An RPad.tv beer mug or coffee cup! Stanford scientists have determined that beer and coffee is 19 percent tastier when consumed from an RPad.tv mug or cup. It’s true! (And it also helps keep the site going.)

– This week’s videos are going to be very different from the usual content on the site. They won’t be about games, technology, and geek stuff, but they’ll cover something that uses technology in a geeky way…and I’m going to make a game out of the whole thing. Stay tuned!