Today’s Poll: The Jonathan Martin Bullying Controversy

I’ve been fascinated by the reactions to the Jonathan Martin bullying situation. For those of you not familiar with the situation, he was allegedly bullied by his teammates and things got so bad that he left the team to seek treatment. There are many that empathize with Martin and believe that he’s a victim. There are those that feel that this behavior is unacceptable for an NFL player — an occupation perceived by many Americans to be macho.

On one hand, the Jonathan Martin bullying controversy shows how universal the issue can be. Bullying can happen to a person of any race, sex, ethnicity, occupation, etc. Seeing it happen to a professional athlete — especially an NFL player — is extraordinary. Some believe that this is a fantastic example that shows the severity of bullying — something that will help people realize that it’s not just something that happens to kids in grade school.

On the other hand, some believe that this is a sign of the softening of the NFL and society in general. Several of you RPadholics have accused NFL commissioner Roger Goodell of “pussifying” the league. Several ESPN.com commenters have said that the Jonathan Martin bullying situation never would have happened in the NFL of the ’70, ’80s, and ’90s. It can be argued that American sports have gone soft and Martin is an example of how soft things have become.

Since you RPadholics are outstanding at bringing up interesting points of view without blasting each other like the silly kids on G4tv.com, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Jonathan Martin bullying situation. Is he the victim of dickish teammates that was driven to seek therapy for legitimate emotional issues? Or is the problem ridiculous for highly-paid athletes that have one of the manliest jobs in America? Kindly vote in the poll below and share your feelings like a Care Bear in the comments section.

[poll id=”187″]

Vaping Diaries #149: Madz Modz Nzonic v4 Review

Madz Modz is a Filipino mechanical-mod maker that’s best known for its Nzonic series. The latest model of the popular telescoping mod is the Nzonic v4. In addition to sporting a gorgeous media-blasted finish, the mod has a few under-the-hood changes that improve its performance. In short, the Nzonic v4 takes this popular series of mechs to new heights.

Build Quality and Construction: Madz Modz did a great job with the build quality and construction of the Nzonic v4. The threads are smooth and the materials are top notch. The tubes are made from stainless steel and feature a handsome “media blasted” finish. The result is a dark look that doesn’t pick up fingerprints.

The contacts on the Nzonic v4 are particularly noteworthy. The positive pin is silver-plated copper — two of the best metals for electrical conducitivity. Many high-end mods feature silver plating of 15 microns, while many Chinese mods use less than that. The Nzonic v4’s pin has an unusually thick 20-micron coating of silver. Silver is an expensive metal and I appreciated Madz Modz’s liberal use of silver for the positive pin.

Overall, the Nzonic v4 is a well-made mod that’s among the best from the Philippines and can compete with the best telescopic mods from anywhere in the world.

Design and Ergonomics: As far as design goes, there are several things that make the Nzonic v4 stand out. Like most telescopic mods, it can be used with 18350 to 18650 batteries. Unlike most telescopic mods, it can be used with an 18650 battery and an Evolv Kick (or similar device). Most telescopic mods top out at 18490/18500 batteries for Kick use.

The Nzonic v4’s switch uses magnets. Unlike many competing mods that use magnets instead of springs, this one has a firm feel and a very short throw. Button feel is subjective, but for me the Nzonic v4’s button is perfect — it’s firm enough to stand unlocked without firing and the throw is short enough that firing requires a light touch. Misfires can be an issue with magnetic switches, but I never had the problem with Nzonic v4 after several weeks of vaping.

In terms of looks, the Nzonic v4 is distinct without being too flashy (a common criticism of Pinoy mods). The bottom tube has a subtle logo, the top cap has simple lines and an awesome Filipino-sun styled drip well, and the bottom cap has the company name, serial number, and decorative crystal. I love the design of the Nzonic v4; it’s a distinct and elegant mod.

Performance: The Nzonic v4’s performance surprised me. Considering that it’s a telescopic mod made from stainless steel, I was expecting bigger voltage drops. Of course the silver-plated copper pin helps boost the performance, but I was still surprised. This is one of the hardest hitting telescopic mods out there. Its performance actually exceeded some of the fixed-tube mods I’ve used. Naturally, it doesn’t hit quite as hard as high-end fixed-tube mods made from brass or copper. Overall I was extremely happy with the output of the Nzonic v4 and the mod made me even more excited for a brass version.

Madz Modz Nzonic V4 Review

Verdict: Lately, I’ve been shying away from telescopic mods because they generally offer lower performance and I use 18650 batteries 99 percent of the time. While I plan on sticking with fixed tube mods for personal purchases, the Nzonic v4 will certainly have a regular spot in my rotation. I love the way it looks, the build quality is impressive, the materials are fantastic, and the performance is surprisingly great. If you’re looking for a telescopic stainless-steel mod then the Madz Modz Nzonic v4 should definitely be on your wish list.

FAA Removes Head From Ass: Electronics Use Allowed For Entire Flight

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has finally allowed the use of consumer electronics during the takeoff and landing of airplanes. Travelers will be free to use their smartphones, tablets, and portable videogame consoles for the entirety of a flight. “Implementation guidance” has been given to airlines and the current restrictions should be lifted by the end of the year. It certainly took the organization long enough to get rid of this stupid restriction, but…

…the FAA still found a way to look silly. It refers to consumer electronics as PEDs. The group says that the acronym stands for “portable electronic devices,” but many people know PEDs as performance-enhancing drugs. Taking a clip from the FAA press release out of context, I found it terribly amusing that FAA administrator Michael Huerta said, “Passengers can use PEDs on airplanes.” I bet Alex Rodriguez got all kinds of excited about flying after he read that (yes, I know he has his own Gulfstream, but just go with it).

Here’s a straight-up clip from the press release:

The FAA based its decision on input from a group of experts that included representatives from the airlines, aviation manufacturers, passengers, pilots, flight attendants, and the mobile technology industry.

Passengers will eventually be able to read e-books, play games, and watch videos on their devices during all phases of flight, with very limited exceptions. Electronic items, books and magazines, must be held or put in the seat back pocket during the actual takeoff and landing roll. Cell phones should be in airplane mode or with cellular service disabled – i.e., no signal bars displayed—and cannot be used for voice communications based on FCC regulations that prohibit any airborne calls using cell phones.    If your air carrier provides Wi-Fi service during flight, you may use those services.  You can also continue to use short-range Bluetooth accessories, like wireless keyboards.

If you want the full skinny, including all the FAA’s definitions and the group’s top-10 list of “Things Passengers Should Know about Expanded Use of PEDs on Airplanes” then be sure to hit up the source link below. For now, (please) tell me how you feel about the FAA finally getting rid of its stupid rules on consumer-electronics use during takeoff and landing). Are you excited about the prospect of playing games, watching movies, and listening to music for an entire when you visit your loved ones this holiday season?

Source

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

In the immortal words of Mitch Taylor, “This is it!” After battling a slight cold, lots of video editing, and a side project, I’m finally — finally! — going to start Beyond: Two Souls this weekend. The timing is excellent. GDC Next and Blizzcon are right around the corner. I should be getting review units of the Nexus 5 and (thanks to a special favor — love you!) iPad Air next week. There’s even a small chance that I’ll snag a consulting job that’ll take me out of the country. All of those things would have gotten in the way of Beyond: Two Souls. Thankfully, the imperfect storm of activities won’t hit until next week. This weekend, it’s all about (hopefully) falling in love with Quantic Dream again.

So how about you? What’s on your weekend playlist?

Coffee Talk #604: Do You Care About Curved Smartphones?

With the iPad Air, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nexus 5, there are some great products for tech nerds to buy this month. One curious trend — that I don’t get…at all — is curved smartphones. LG and Samsung believe that consumers want curved smartphones, respectively pushing the G Flex and Galaxy Round. While there have been curved smartphones in the past, the G Flex and Galaxy Round feature more aggressive curves. The idea is that curved smartphones offer better ergonomics for making calls and add new functionality with tilt functions. There’s a big chance that I’m missing something, but I don’t see…continued

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 glorious start of the NBA season, those damn Red Sox going from worst to first, or Google Glass version two, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

With the iPad Air, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nexus 5, there are some great products for tech nerds to buy this month. One curious trend — that I don’t get…at all — is curved smartphones. LG and Samsung believe that consumers want curved smartphones, respectively pushing the G Flex and Galaxy Round. While there have been curved smartphones in the past, the G Flex and Galaxy Round feature more aggressive curves. The idea is that curved smartphones offer better ergonomics for making calls and add new features with tilt functionality. There’s a big chance that I’m missing something, but I don’t see tech geeks clamoring for curved smartphones. How about you?

While I understand the ergonomic aspect of curved smartphones, I don’t think it’s a feature users are demanding — particularly for the high-end market. The people that buy the latest and greatest smartphones generally use them more as mobile computers rather than mobile telephones. Looking at my mobile-phone usage, I spend dozens of hours using my phone as a computer and maybe 100 minutes a month as a telephone.

As for the tilt functionality, it seems gimmicky — at least as explained in Galaxy Round previews and hands-on reports. There’s some potential there, but right now the tilt features are cute novelties rather than convenient or useful additions.

So what do you think about curved smartphones? Is this where smartphones are headed? Or will the G Flex and Galaxy Round end up as cautionary tales? Do any of you want curved smartphones? Will they join the iPad Air, Nexus 5, PS4, and XBone as your November tech-nerd purchases? Kindly leave a comment and let me know.

Vaping Diaries #148: IBTanked Harry Gibson Interview (Vapetoberfest 2013)

It was an absolute pleasure chatting with IBTanked’s Harry Gibson at Vapetoberfest 2013. Known in the vaping community as “OCD,” Harry and his family (Mrs. OCD and Offspring) make high-quality made-in-the-USA glass cartomizer-tanks. Best of all, IBTanked’s tanks — and glass tubes for other atomizers — are very affordable. In the interview, Harry talks about IBTanked’s lineup, the new Tiny Tank, what makes his tanks different from the competition’s, the infamous “Thingie,” the gorgeous hand-painted glass tubes the company offers, and more.

In addition to having an outstanding sense of humor, I really admire how Harry and his family run their business. IBTanked conducts business in an honorable way, interacts heavily with the online vaping community, makes great products, and offers goods at reasonable prices. The vaping community is lucky to have OCD, Mrs. OCD, and Offspring in it.

IBTanked Vapetoberfest 2013

X-Men Days of Future Past Trailer (Bryan Singer)

Embedded below is the trailer for X-Men Days of Future Past. Somewhat based on the classic Chris Claremont X-Men storyline, the movie blends elements of Bryan Singer’s X-Men films and the more recent X-Men First Class. Singer is back in the director’s chair X-Men Days of Future Past and is joined by actors from all the previous films. Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Halle Berry (Storm), Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique), James McAvoy (young Professor X), and Michael Fassbender (young Magneto) are just some of the actors in the star-studded cast.

If you’re not familiar with the original story, it involves time travel, giant mutant-hunting robots, alternate futures, and timeline manipulation. It sounds confusing, but it boils down to a future X-Man going back into the past in order to avoid a horrific future. While the basic premise of the movie is the same, longtime X-Men fans will be able to spot several differences in the trailer alone. Character roles, team composition, and various interactions are some obvious, but understandable, differences. Naturally, any excuse to give Hugh Jackman more screen time is a good thing for attracting mainstream viewers. While comic-book fanboys will likely take umbrage to the Hollywood-influenced rewrites, general moviegoers aren’t likely to complain (or notice).

My excellent friend and fellow comics nerd Paul Semel is approaching the movie with caution. He loathed X-Men First Class and is afraid that X-Men Days of Future Past will have many of the elements he hated about that movie. I’m way more optimistic than he is on X-Men Days of Future Past’s potential. The source material (though altered) is great, the director is solid, and the cast is outstanding. The danger is that multiple time jumps and a large cast of characters will add up to a Giant-Sized X-Men mess, but I have faith in Bryan Singer.

How about you guys and gals? What do you think of the X-Men Days of Future Past trailer? Are you more excited for or afraid of the movie?

Vaping Diaries #147: Bull Box Mods Brett Bulich Interview (Vapetoberfest 2013)

Bull Box Mods makes some gorgeous metal composite and stone composite drips tips. At Vapetoberfest 2013, I chatted with Bull Box Mods owner Brett Bulich about the company’s history, its current lineup, and future products. Brett started the company in his parents’ shed and has grown it into a successful business with an ardent following. In the interview above, he talks about his company’s start, the various types of drip tips he makes, and future products. While his metal and stone drip tips are very popular, I’m really excited about Bull Box Mods’ stainless steel and titanium mods.

Bull Box Mods Vapetoberfest 2013

Vaping Diaries #146: Cyber Liquids Chris Battenschlag Interview (Vapetoberfest 2013)

Formerly known as Vaping Haze, Cyber Liquids is a Southern California e-liquid company that makes some fun juices and uses a cool cyborg theme. At Vapetoberfest 2013, I caught up with Cyber Liquids owner Chris Battenschlag to talk about the reasoning behind the company’s transition to the new brand, his juice lineup, and what makes his products different. RPadholic N8R was particularly impressed with Cyber Liquids’ cereal flavors Apple Jax and Krunch Berries. I didn’t get a chance to try the company’s juices because the staff at the booth scared me; I was pretty sure that they were all cyborgs and if there’s one thing I’ve learned from the Terminator series, cyborgs are deadly.

Seriously though, Cyber Liquids is a fun company and its juices are really popular in SoCal vape shops. I’m looking forward to trying some of the company’s juices in the future. Check out the video above to learn more about Cyber Liquids and to see if the company’s juices are right for you.

Cyber Liquids Vapetoberfest 2013