All posts by Scott Meisner

10 dimensions, captured in a small cube

Design, Image cache, science, ,

This here is the Calabi-Yau Manifold Crystal.  To find out how it relates to string theory and the dimensions we humans cannot experience, read on:

According to string theory, space-time is not four-dimensional as you might expect, but actually 10-dimensional. The extra six dimensions are believed to be compactified or rolled up into such a small space that they are unobservable at human scales of sight. Their size and six dimensions make Calabi-Yau spaces difficult to draw. But, this model shows a three-dimensional cross-section of this likely space to reveal its structure and shape.

Oh, and it’s only $90 for that lucky physicist in your life, available here to purchase.

[Via Gizmodo; Scientifics Online]

Mirrored shoes are some sort of fashion statement?

Design, Fashion, Image cache, ,

“Invisible Shoes.”  Designed by Andreia Chaves.

The “Invisible Shoes” are low-cut boots covered in asymmetrical mirrors that reflect the wearer’s surroundings and create a different optical effect with every step.

These mirrored shoes are only concept footwear for now.  But can’t you picture someone like Lady Gaga so wanting a pair of these?

[Via Gizmodo; CNET]

‘Skins lose, man loses bet, rednecks destory his TV with guns

Hilarity, Sports, Video, , ,

So the story goes…a man lost a bet to his friends that the Redskins would be the Saints.  The Saints ended up beating the ‘Skins 33-30 in OT.  Because the man lost the bet, his redneck friends gathered arms and shot his big screen TV to smithereens.  Some of them even rammed into the broken shards of glass to prove their manhood.  Oh..there’s only one way to react to all this: WHO DAT!

[Via Gizmodo]

Apple tablet rumors are back; iPhone coming to Verizon next?

News, Technology, , , , , ,

We’ve been here before, so let’s do it again.  According to an Oppenheimer research note from analyst Yair Reiner, who apparently has no real connection to Apple, the oft-rumored Apple tablet will release around March or April with production starting as soon as February.  Reiner says that the tablet will feature a multitouch 10.1 inch screen, it will look similar to the iPhone, and will sell for $1,000.  He also says that Apple has approached book publishers in hopes of forming “a very attractive proposal” to distribute their content digitally.  Reiner: “As innovative as it is, we believe the [Amazon] Kindle has disgruntled the publishing industry (book, newspaper, and magazine) by demanding exclusivity, disallowing advertising, and demanding a wolfish cut of revenue.  The tablet is set to change that.”  According to Reiner, Apple has offered the publishers a revenue cut of 70% without requiring exclusivity.  Sure, this is interesting and all, but there has still been no word at all from Apple about this tablet device and Reiner’s information is not entirely substantiated with proper evidence.  Folks, take all of this with a grain of salt, would you?

In related Apple news, analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray says that the Verizon network with be “the next big feature” of the iPhone.  Munster: “We continue to believe there is a 70% chance that Apple will launch the iPhone with Verizon in mid-CY10.”  He also mentions that the next-gen iPhone may feature hardware support to read RFID chips, enabling swipe payments.  “The iPhone could feasibly become a full digital wallet,” says Munster.  News of a new iPhone comes from another direction with Eldar Murtazin, editor in chief of Mobile Review. Murtazin tweeted “Foxconn received order for next generation iphone.”  Engadget calls him “the ultimate insider” when it comes to mobile news, so maybe you can take his word of a manufacturer ramping production for a new iPhone with a smaller pinch of salt.

Whether these rumors about the tablet and next-gen iPhone are true or not, sompthin’ is a brewin’ at Apple and we can all smell it.

[Via Engadget, here & here; Reuters; AppleInsider]

Tron: Legacy poster surfaces, teaser #1 hits the ‘Net

Image cache, Movies, Video, , , , , , ,

Tron-legacy-poster

Ah man, how could they do this to us?  Tron: Legacy, the anticipated sequel to the 1982 cult hit, doesn’t hit theatres for another year.  Well, enjoy this for what it’s worth, and peek after the break for the teaser unveiled at this past year’s Comic Con.

[Image via Filmonic]

Continue reading Tron: Legacy poster surfaces, teaser #1 hits the ‘Net →

Flight of the Conchords (the show) is over

Music, News, Television, ,

Though news of Flight of the Conchords not returning to the small screen does not come with much surprise, the finality of it all still makes me really, really sad.  The show had a great run with two seasons filled with much joy, laughter, and nonsense that will truly be missed.

Stars Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement met with show director James Bobin to discuss the future of the show.  Unfortunately for us, the fans, they decided not to create another 12 episodes and 24 some-odd new songs for a third season.  The duo broke the hard to swallow news on their new website:

“We’ve noticed the less we say about the future of the show, the more people want to talk about it, so in an effort to reverse this trend we are today announcing that we won’t be returning for a 3rd season. We’re very proud of the two seasons we made and we like the way the show ended. We’d like to thank everyone who helped make the show and also everyone who watched it. While the characters Bret and Jemaine will no longer be around, the real Bret and Jemaine will continue to exist.”

I’m glad to hear that “the real”  Bret and Jemaine are sticking around.  I hope they continue to share with us their awkwardly groundbreaking comedic brilliance by adding to their collection of two full-length albums and coming back to America with another US tour.  I know I will never get too tired of listening to “Too many mutha’ ‘uckas, ‘uckin with my shi’! and “They call me the Hiphopopotamus, Flows that glow like phosphorous, Poppin’ off the top of this esophagus, Rockin’ this metropolis…”  And I’ll always remember that “a kiss is not a contract, but it’s very nice, yes it’s very nice.”

Oh, be sure to check out their newly renovated official website.  It includes FOTC news updates, merch, video, photo galleries, fan art, chords and lyrics, and more.  Also, you can follow Bret and Jemaine on Twitter; they’re @fotc.

[Via IGN; image via FOTC website]

J.J. Abrams sits back in the director’s chair for NBC’s Undercovers

News, Television, , , ,

It’s been too long since we’ve had the pleasure of watching a J.J. Abrams-directed series premiere on television (the Lost premiere, to be exact).  According to The Hollywood Reporter, Abrams will direct the premiere episode of NBC’s upcoming spy show Undercovers.  The episode is co-written between Abrams and Felicity pal Josh Reims.  According to numerous sources the show is being described as has been described as Mr. and Mrs. Smith meets The Bourne Identity.

Abrams adds Undercovers to a growing list of other new shows he plans on unveiling in the near future.  There’s the HBO medical drama called Anatomy of Hope and a not-yet-titled FOX comedy.  With Lost beginning its heavily anticipated final season this February, Abrams better have a deep arsenal of amazing TV dramas in his pockets.  As hard as it is for me to imagine a future without Lost, news that Abrams is hard at work with new offerings gives me a glimpse of a hopeful future post-one of the best shows ever made.

[Via IGN; NYMag]

House on House; Hugh Laurie to direct upcoming episode

News, Television, , ,

You may or may not know this but Hugh Laurie is the star and one of the producers of FOX’s House.  Laurie plans on adding to his resume the position of director.  He will direct this season’s 17th episode which airs on March 22.  Says executive producer Katie Jacobs: “Hugh has been there since day one through every single episode, so he’s phenomenally smart and his instincts are [impeccable].” “This is going to be great for morale, because there’s no one that the cast and crew and the writers want to work harder for than our leader.”  Though the plot is top-secret, Jacobs hints that “it’s not a traditional episode.”  Two words:  Can’t wait.

[Via EW]

FOX announces mid-season schedule

News, Television, , ,

The past two weeks have been a tough one for television fans.  Many of our favorite shows aired their “fall finales” and will not return for some time.  FOX has released their mid-season schedule and has revealed important dates about the return of some shows.  Glee just aired its fall finale on December 9 and it will not return until April 13.  It will run straight to its season finale from then until May.  It will be paired with American Idol on Tuesday nights at 9PM.  Fringe is going on a small break before it takes off on its longer hiatus.  Fringe returns with new episodes on January 14 and will air its “winter finale” on February 4.  It will return on April 1 and run its course through May sweeps.  It will pair again with Bones on Thursday at 9PM; much to fans’ dismay, FOX has decided to keep it at this competitive timeslot with news of falling ratings.  When Lie to Me goes on vacation 24 will take its place.  24 will air a four-hour two-night premiere January 17-18 and will continue its course on Mondays at 9PM following House.   A number of new shows premiere during the hiatus phase; they include Past Life, Human Target, Our Little Genius, and Sons of Tucson.

Head after the break for the entire FOX mid-season schedule.

[Via IGN]

Continue reading FOX announces mid-season schedule →