Duck Hunt – Ya Dun F*cked Up
At New York Comic Con I met pixel artist Adam “Squarepainter” Shub. He creates incredible 8 and 16 bit paintings inspired by classic video games.
I immediately knew I was going to commission something from him, but I had no idea what I wanted. I was paralyzed by options. After a couple very geeky conversations we settled on something inspired by Duck Hunt. What Adam made exceeded my expectations.
It’s equal parts geeky, funny, and crass, and this pleases me.
It’s hanging in my hall near my front door. Every time I see it, I smile.
Check out all of Adam’s paintings
Dress Same: Apple’s New iClothes
You are looking at Apple’s next product line: iClothes. Freshly leaked images from Apple’s product launch Keynote presentation show that Steve Jobs’ signature turtleneck, as well as his blue jeans are coming to an Apple Store near you.
The world’s most famous turtleneck was initially created by Japanese designer Issey Miyake, while Jobs’ blue jeans were produced by Levi. In addition to a television, Jobs spent the last few years of his live trying to reinvent his clothing. He even went so far as to wear the only prototypes in public, and Apple is finally preparing to take the product to market.
The jeans and turtleneck will be branded “iPants”and “iTurtle.”
Features
We’ve come to expect Apple to redefine any product category it enters. Clothing is no different. iClothes have a number of incredible features that will change the way we think about fashion and technology.
Unibody Design
iClothes are completely devoid of seems. They are produced from a single piece of fabric.
Retina Thread Count
The fabric has a thread count approaching 1000. The material is weaved so tightly that you almost can’t even tell that there are threads at all.
MagSafe Closures
Apple has decided to do away with buttons and zippers. Instead iPants will fasten via a magnetic closure.
Full Body Antenna
Amid the multitude of threads, iClothes will contain an unseen antenna mesh effectively turning the human body into a giant wifi, 3G and 4G transmitter/ receiver that is only compatible with other Apple products such as the iPhone and iPad.
Color & Size Options
The iTurtle will be available in black at launch with rumors already swirling about a white version to follow. The iPants will be available in blue.
What All This Means
iClothes indicate that Apple is willing to revolutionize anything. It also will catch traditional designers off guard. Their lack of R&D will likely trigger a Silicon Valley talent grab by the fashion industry’s old guard in an attempt to beef up their technical prowess as well as their patent portfolios’.
Many bothans died to bring us this information.
Art by Jose Valenzuela
Smart Cover, No iPad
I caved and ordered an iPad 3. The iPad doesn’t ship for another week or two, but Apple decided to send me my Smart Cover immediately.
Yes, I’m slightly disappointed.
Yes, I’m aware that this is a first world problem.
Death of Superman – Killing Death in Comics
Geeks and non-geeks should enjoy this video retelling of the horrible Death & Return of Superman story-lines from the early 1990′s. Starring Elijah Wood and Mandy Moore and many other, this video perfectly captures how hilariously horrible that story was, and the damage it did to mainstream comic storytelling in general.
For more on death in comics: Dead Comic Book Characters Always Get Better
For more on Superman being a terribly boring character: Superman is Problematic
“Breaking Bad” 16-Bit Edition
Last month some people who I thought were my friends peer pressured me into “trying” Breaking Bad. Breaking Bad is an AMC series about a highly overqualified high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with lung cancer. With the help of a former screwup student begins cooking the worlds highest quality crystal meth in order to pay for his treatment and leave some money for his family. Insanity and amazing storytelling ensue. The show is ridiculously addictive. Next thing I knew I was nursing a three episode a night binge habit.
Just watch the damn show. You won’t regret it.
Moving on… College Humor created a 16-bit version of Breaking Bad. It comes complete with a badass 16-bit rendition of Rodrigo y Gabriela’s masterpiece Tamacun. Don’t watch this unless you’ve watched the show already… Bitch.
16-Bit Breaking Bad
Rodrigo y Gabriela’s first album with Tamacun and 8 other magnificent songs (CD) (Download)
Using a Laptop as a Personal Heater
Feeling cold and lazy?
Try firing up a browser tab or two with a heavy Flash application. That will get your laptop good and hot, then just hold it against yourself.* Now you don’t have to stand up to adjust the heat or grab a blanket!
My 2011 MacBook Air runs a little too efficiently for this trick. Kind of makes me miss my first gen Air… That old bastard was a furnace. It didn’t run well, but damn it, it was great on cold Winter nights.
*Don’t scorch yourself. You’ve been warned. I accept no responsibility for the stupidity of other’s.
Best of Funny Christmas Movies, TV & Music
Surviving another month in the “holiday spirit” echo chamber made me ponder, “Which of these movies, television episodes, and songs do I actually enjoy?”
Best Christmas Movie
Winner
Die Hard (1988) - ”Now I have a machine gun. Ho ho ho.” It’s a tale of redemption set on Christmas. That makes it a Christmas movie. Deal with it.
Runner-up
Elf (2003) – Everyone likes this movie. If you don’t I recon you might be one of those damned communists.
Best Christmas Television Episode
Winner
South Park – Woodland Critter Christmas (Season 8, Episode 14, 2004) – Stan helps some adorable Woodland Critters give birth to their savior. Insanity ensues. This isn’t for the faint of heart, or for young children.
Runner-up
Futurama – Xmas Story (Season 2, Episode 8 1999) – 1,000 years in the future, a robotic santa (John Goodman) distributes gifts on Xmas. Robot Santa’s behavior standards were set too high in the factory and he judges everyone as naughty… And tried to murder them for their misdeeds.
Best Christmas Song
Winner
O Holy Night – Matt Mulholland - Be sure to read the description of this song, and stick around for the crescendo at the end; Mulholland has exceptional vocal range.
Runner-up
The Night Santa Went Crazy - Weird Al Yankovic
Happy Holidays!
