Tag: Geek Stuff

No Electronics on International Flights to the U.S.?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is such a stupid and reactive organization. I hate it. I hate that because one idiot attempted to “shoe bomb” an airplane and another tried smuggle aboard liquid explosives, millions and millions of travelers have been inconvenienced. Instead of implementing better technology that screens passengers more effectively, the TSA makes idiotic rules that make travel more annoying and time consuming. I was reading about some of the new TSA actions on FlyerTalk‘s message boards and was shocked the learn that electronics are currently banned on international flights.

Due to that Yemeni-trained moron that tried to blow up Detroit — and yes, he’s absolutely a moron for targeting a city that has become so minor due to rampant crime and dreadful unemployment — it looks like electronics will not be allowed on international flights headed for U.S. destinations. That’s right, some travelers have reported that they were not allowed to use electronic devices at all during flights headed to America. What’s even more ridiculous is that the restriction isn’t limited to personal electronics — airlines were instructed to turn off their in-flight entertainment, leaving some passengers with nothing to do but sleep for 13+ hours.

Not being able to move during the last hour of a flight is irritating, but somewhat understandable. Further limiting carry-on items is also a drag. Not allowing the use of electronics at all?!? That’s just f&*ing stupid. Hopefully that’s only happening for a few more days and airplane travel will resume its moderately annoying ways shortly.

If anyone from the TSA is reading this, please know that you suck and you’re doing an awful job. If secretary of homeland security Janet Napolitano is reading this, please know that you sounded like an inept moron trying to explain the situation on MSNBC.

The only silver lining I can see is that print media might make a comeback. That’s assuming that the TSA doesn’t screw the airline industry more than it’s already screwed. *sigh* And I was just getting used to the joys of in-flight WiFi….

Pandora Handheld Shown Playing Mario 64

A few weeks ago, I told you about Pandora, a powerful open-source handheld coming in 2010. The team has unveiled a video of the system running Mario 64 and other Nintendo 64 classics. It’s pretty cool stuff that’s worth a peak.

For the most part, you guys don’t talk much about the PSP and DS systems. Is Pandora more to your liking?

Google Wave Sums Up 2009

Although Google Wave can be useful for office collaboration, it’s far more entertaining as a tool to make funny videos. Here’s a short clip that sums up 2009’s major events using Wave. It includes Barack Obama becoming president, the swine flu causing a global panic, the Susan Boyle phenomenon, Kanye West being a dick to Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson’s death, the NY Yankees winning the world series, Manny Pacquiao’s brilliant boxing, and much more.

Radio Shack Hooks Up with Biz Markie for a Cute Commercial

Although Radio Shack’s effort to change its image by renaming some of its stores to The Shack is completely lame, its commercial featuring Biz Markie is pretty cool. Using a riff from his song “Just a Friend” and playing up the “Oh Snap!” lyric makes for a catchy and nostalgic spot.

Let me know what you think of the commercial when you get a chance. “Oh baby youuuuuuuuuu got what I need!”

Square Enix Announces Final Fantasy XIII Sweepstakes

FFXIII_Key Ring_Lightning

To prepare for the March 2010 arrival of Final Fantasy XIII in America, Square Enix has announced a contest that will award FFXIII accessories to 13 lucky winners. While they’re not as cool as an RPad.tv refrigerator magnet, they’re definitely more expensive. Here’s a list of the prizes:

  • Lightning pendant
  • L’Cie pendant
  • Snow pendant
  • Serah pendant
  • Lightning keychain
  • L’Cie business card holder

Head on over to the Square Enix members site on December 23 to enter.

Hit the break for six more pictures of these accessories. The business card holder is totally cool.

Continue reading “Square Enix Announces Final Fantasy XIII Sweepstakes”

North Face Serves Up Jacket with iPod Controls

North Face Hustle Audio 2

The North Face’s Hustle Audio jacket solves the problem of controlling your iPod or iPhone while bundled up for the winter. Here’s the skinny on this iPod-controller enhanced parka:

Fashion meets function in this waterproof, breathable, fully seam sealed jacket. Outfitted with innovative audio capability, this new jacket is wired for iPod use with an external joystick control pad on forearm. Designed for athletes who must stay wired, no matter the conditions, riders can easily shuffle through tunes while cruising the park. Technical, rider-specific features designed into jacket including adjustable, removable hood, Recco avalanche rescue reflector, pit-zips, bicep pocket with goggle cloth, and powder-related features to keep riders dry on days when it doesn’t stop dumping the white stuff.

Although I’m a big fan of The North Face, this $600 (MSRP) jacket seems a little ridiculous to me. Then again, nine years in California have made me forget about harsh winters so the Hustle Audio might be necessary for some people.

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