Do You Need GRATUITOUS AMOUNTS OF ENERGY!?!?!? July 31, 2009
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Made with lightning. REAL LIGHTNING.
Robot Surgery Today July 30, 2009
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By the time this post has gone up I’m likely to have completed or be in robotic Laparoscopic surgery for an obstruction in my uretero-pelvic junction. I’m guessing it’s going to look something like that picture above.
In all seriousness, this surgery isn’t life threatening, just a correction of a vestigial problem. My doctor is experienced and the surgery has a very high rate of success, so I’m not too worried. If you’d like to know more about real robotic Laparoscopic surgery, I suggest you watch this facsinating TED documentary about the history and future of surgery.
Splosion Man Mini-Review July 29, 2009
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Good.
Okay, I have more to say than that but I’m trying to trim down my long winded reviews.
It sometimes feels likes video games are becoming an industrialized commodity, something spit out by massive companies based on the blandest, most test-marketed features and design. So when we get a game with as much personality and originality as Splosion Man, it’s worth savoring.
The explosion mechanic (really the only mechanic) is no more than a glorified jump. In the hands of the developers at Twisted Pixel however, it becomes a wide ranging, constantly evolving mechanic that allows for some of the most manic and enjoyable puzzle platforming on the system. But Splosion Man’s originality doesn’t just lie in its gameplay, it’s the highly animated (literally) character, the fact that enemies explode into a pile of carved hams and T-Bone steaks and that hugging a fat scientist produces a 3 minute song about donuts that makes this an experience well worth playing. I look forward to trying the game out in 4 player co-op, though I haven’t yet had the chance.
Also, the game has some of the funniest achievements this side of the Penny Arcade Adventures.
The Weirdest Sport In The World: Ulak Tartysh July 28, 2009
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Two words: goat carcass. That is the one thing that sets this sport apart from any other you’ve heard of. Yeah, it’s played on horses, but so is Polo. And their are goals used to score points, but everything from golf to foot ball has one of those. It’s the goat carcass that sets this Kyrgyzstani, Kazakhstani, and Uzbekistani sport apart (also played in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan, but in those countries its called Buzkashi). Games can last for days and the prize is often a women from another tribe. In other words, you probably won’t be seeing the NUTL anytime soon.
I bring this sport up because of what you see above. That is in fact, a Russian arcade version of the goat chucking, wife winning game of the steppes. And I really want to play it.
Netflix Instant Watch Recommendations July 27, 2009
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It hasn’t taken too long for the Xbox 360’s Netflix Instant Watch feature to become one of my favorite features of the console. The catalogue has grown extensively since last fall and I’ve got a couple of hidden gems you probably haven’t heard of (or didn’t realize were on the service) and should definitely add to your queue.
Party Down
A hilarious comedy in the Arrested Development style of well written characters, situations and stories with a fantastic cast and a series of fantastic guest stars. Just try the first episode and you’ll be hooked.
Dexter
Both seasons of the phenomenal serial killer drama are available on Netflix and should be at the top of your queue. If nothing else, it’s worth watching for Michael C. Hall’s incredible portrayal of the serial killer who targets those most immoral members of society. It’s wrought with that most grey portion of morality and the show doesn’t disappoint in picking it apart.
This American Life
I don’t think this one needs much of an introduction, this is just a reminder that yes, it’s everything a “This American Life” television show should be and yes, both seasons are on Netflix.
Timecrimes
This is a movie that benefits from less explanations to save its surprisingly straightforward tale of a time travel from spoilers, so I’ll just beg you give it a chance. It may be foreign, but their are subtitles and if you just give it a chance, is incredibly easy to follow. If you really need a reason to give it a chance, give Nacho Vigalondo’s short film 7:35 a.m. in the Morning a try and you’ll see just how incredibly creative this guy can be.
Man on Wire
You may have heard that this is a documentary, but that’s not the half of it. This is the most enthralling thriller of 2008, a movie about a tense, perfectly executed heist that is so incredibly awe inspiring that you’ll find it hard to believe it actually happened. And despite staring the Twin Towers in more than half the movie, the terrorist attacks are never mentioned, and that gives the movie a surprisingly uplifting, calming and inspiring feeling, a solace in looking up at the towers and seeing something beautiful.
Battle of the X-Planes: Nova
Learn about the contest which birthed the F-35, America’s next generation jet fighter. This is the one that Barack Obama and Robert Gates were fighting congress over whether to add more funding for it or the older F-22. It’s one of the shining examples of why a competition for government funding can create a pretty incredible piece of hardware.
What Did You Do Over The Weekend? July 26, 2009
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