All posts by Scott Meisner

2010 Golden Globe nods are in!

Movies, News, Television, , , , ,

The Golden Globes are all about celebrating the best of the best in film and television.  And I’m glad to share that many of my favorite TV shows and movies of the year received nominations this Tuesday.  In the television categories, the FOX sensation that is Glee nabbed four nominations (best comedy or musical, acting nods for Matthew Morrison, Lea Michelle, and Jane Lynch); House received two nominations (best drama, acting nod for Hugh Laurie); newcomer Modern Family received one nomination (best comedy or musical); and Lost‘s Michael Emerson, HIMYM‘s Neil Patrick Harris, and Entourage‘s Jeremy Piven all received acting nods.

With talk of award show nominations always comes the necessary mention of who got screwed over.  Although there are so many snubs to mention (as there usually always are) I will keep my rant in check with one actor who was overlooked this year and that is Fringe’s John Noble.  Noble, who plays the eccentric mad scientist and genius Walter Bishop, is a phenomenal actor who by all standards deserves an award for his acting achievements.  Walter is a strong, emotional character who is, frankly, the best character of the show.  Noble stands out among a solid cast because of his wide-range of skills; he knows how to balance being a crazy mad scientist and a loving and caring father.  His character calls for a great actor to represent him, and Noble was the perfect fit.  Although Fringe is in a bit of a sophomore slump ratings-wise, it continues to push the boundaries of what is shown on TV these days, and John Noble’s Walter Bishop carries it all on his talented shoulders.

Let’s talk film.  Inglourious Basterds, a personal favorite, made the cut along with Avatar, The Hurt Locker, Precious, and Up in the Air for Best Picture (Drama).  The Hangover got a nod for Best Picture (Comedy).  The Best Animated film category includes Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, Coraline, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Princess & The Frog, and (my pick) Up.  Up also got a nod for Best Score.  Some notable acting nods include Robert Downey Jr. (Sherlock Holmes) and Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds). For Best Director there’s Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds), James Cameron (Avatar), and Clint Eastwood (Invictus), among others. District 9′s Neill Blomkamp received a nod for Best Screenplay.

Head after the break for the full listing of nominations.  The 67th Golden Globe Awards airs January 17 on NBC.  The hilarious Ricky Gervais hosts.  I know I’ll be cheering for Glee, Modern Family, Lost, House, District 9, Up…..

[Via EW, here & here]

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Operation Chokehold: A mission to destory AT&T this Friday

News, Technology, , , , ,

Hello soldier.  That’s right, you are a soldier in a war against a strong and controlling enemy, AT&T Wireless.  For as far back as we can remember, AT&T’s cell and data service have been atrocious (for the most part) with dropped calls and sucky 3G coverage.  Verizon gave a hand in this fight with their “there’s a map for that” ads, proving to the world that AT&T’s 3G coverage is abysmal.  Now it’s our turn.  Fake Steve is leading the next phase in the war against AT&T with a foolproof plan that will bring AT&T “to its knees” this Friday.  I oblige you to read this very important memo:

Subject: Operation Chokehold
On Friday, December 18, at noon Pacific time, we will attempt to overwhelm the AT&T data network and bring it to its knees. The goal is to have every iPhone user (or as many as we can) turn on a data intensive app and run that app for one solid hour. Send the message to AT&T that we are sick of their substandard network and sick of their abusive comments. The idea is we’ll create a digital flash mob. We’re calling it in Operation Chokehold. Join us and speak truth to power!

To reiterate Fake Steve’s orders: On December 18 (this Friday) at 3:00 PM EST, take up arms by whipping out your iPhone and running the most data intensive apps you got for one hour.  It’s time to take a stand and show AT&T we are no longer going to stand by idly as they publicly spend money on anti-Verizon ads instead of beefing up their cell and data coverage across the nation.

Mission: Operation Chokehold commenses tomorrow.  Soldier, be prepared and make us proud.  I will report back with results after the mission is completed.  Good luck.

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Anticipated games premiere at VGAs (Halo: Reach, Arkham Asylam 2, and more)

News, Technology, Video, , , , , , , , , , ,

Many publishers used this year’s Spike Video Game Awards as a launching pad for their future games lineup.  Notable titles include Halo: Reach and Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands.  Surprise announcements include Arkham Asylum 2, a reboot of the Medal of Honor series, a stand-alone Green Day Rock Band game, and a lead up to the 2010 Tron movie called Tron Evolution.  Check out the Halo: Reach and Green Day: Rock Band trailers below and look after the break for trailers for the rest of the games mentioned here, plus more!  2010 already looks to be a solid year for video gamers.  Get pumped.  And for those who are curious–The Beatles: Rock Band won (and rightfully deserved) music game of the year and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves nabbed Game of the Year.  Look after the break for the full rundown of winners.

Note: A press release announces that the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta begins Spring 2010.

[Via Kotaku, here & here]

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Digital Comics come to the PSP

Comics, News, Technology, , , , , , ,

Digital Comics by PlayStation.Blog.Europe.

Your favorite comics have finally come to the PSP with the launch of the Digital Comics service.  This is what you can expect from the initial catalog: “Choose from the battling superheroes of Marvel, including Spider-man, X-Men and the Fantastic Four, to Disney’s Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. You’ll find TRANSFORMERS and Star Trek from IDW, alongside characters from Titan, iVerse and 2000AD, as well as the latest underground sensations and works from local publishers.”  In the Playstation Store you will now find a Comic Store section where you can browse and purchase the available comics selection.  With a feature called AutoFlow you can move your comic frame-to-frame and zoom in and out.  You also have the option to listen to your music while you read.  Head over to the Playstation Comics website to browse the catalog and chat with other users.  It’s worth mentioning that there is a “free comics” category, so if you’ve got a PSP try it out!  Jump after the break to watch an introduction video to the service.

[Via Engadget; PlaystationBlog]

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Joojoo in living color

Images, Technology, , ,

Sure, we know (almost) all about the Joojoo tablet by Fusion Garage and have even seen some hands-on pictures of the forthcoming device.  Now that it’s available for preorder Fusion Garage has released a slew of official press shots of the Joojoo.  Check ’em out in the gallery below.  It’s also been confirmed that an accessory dock/stand will ship for $30.  Note: Since the heated debate between Fusion Garage CEO Chandra Rathakrishnan and Michael Arrington of TechCrunch is still ongoing, I would think twice about preorder a product whose future is in limbo.  Just sayin’..

[Via Engadget]

“Christmas Light Hero”

Technology, Video, , , ,

Ex-Disney imagineer Ric Turner has created quite the holiday delight: a fusion between Guitar Hero and Christmas light decorations.  How does it all work?  Read on to find out:

Christmas Light Hero is using 7 light controllers from Light-O-Rama built from kits to control 21,268 lights and LEDs. Each controller has 16 outputs and 2-3 TTL level control inputs that are used by the game system to fire different programmed light sequences depending on what happens in the game. It relies on the fact that the game sequence is very consistent. If the game and the lighting sequences start together, they will stay in very good sync through the length of the song. The light program allows branching and overlays for fail, star power and “ready.” I have some ideas to automate the initial show/game sync, but for now you have to push doorbell buttons at the right moments.

Though this must have taken so much time to complete the final product is very impressive and looks like a lot of fun.  And Turner, good song choice!

[Via Gizmodo; MAKE]

Type n Walk app lets you do just that

Technology, Video, , , , ,

Welcome the latest addition to the App Store, Type n Walk!  This apps allows you to text on the go by “display[ing] a transparent viewport of what’s directly in front of you.”  In other words, using the iPhone’s camera, the app displays a transparent text messaging screen, allowing you to ‘type n walk’ without worrying about tripping on a rock or walking into a tree.  Seems a bit unnecessary; but then again, there’s an app for everything these days.

[Via Gizmodo]

Lamborghini concept car has me drooling at the mouth

Cars, Design, Images, ,

Lamborghini Ankonian concept.  Designed by Slavche Tanevski.

The mid-engined supercar has a narrow and rather complex-looking body, with a garnishing of GT proportions. Thin OLEDs embedded between the surfaces function as headlights, and while all those lines may look weird, the Ankonian supposedly makes the best use of it all. The concept was named after a bull type famous for black hair, and since the designer had some help from professional designers at Lamborghini and Audi, the finished model has impressive looks.

Sure, it looks like a futuristic Bat-mobile, but come on!  Personally, I am a big fan of the Lamborghini Murcielago and Gallardo plus the Audi R8.  From the looks of these images this concept car takes the best of these supercars and manages to create beautifully designed and shaped super-super vehicle of my dreams.  Though it will likely never see the light of day as a real car, one can sit and stare at all its glory, can’t he?

[Via KanyeBlog]

Steel pipe factory receives an extension…made of giant pipes.

Architecture, Design, Images, ,

Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects will be constructing an extended office for a steel pipe factory with giant pipes.  These giant pipes are usually made to create wind turbines; as architectural elements, they will serve a dual purpose of housing and controlling air flow.  I’m really digging the mock up images of this “pipe dream” (ha! get it?) office.  This is definitely an architectural detour from the norm and hopefully it can inspire others to think outside the box and create buildings and structures with such unique design.

[Via Gizmodo; Dezeen]

Retro PC design is elegantly rad

Design, Images, Technology, Video, ,

Philco PC.  Designed by Dave Schultze.

Stealing looks from the Philco Predicta (the iconic 1954 television set), this concept PC  features a typewriter keyboard, an edgy mouse, and a minimalist design that I am totally craving right now.  Check out more images below and after the break for a video tour of this retro masterpiece.

[Via Gizmodo; YankoDesign]

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