For the right kind of geek (points to self, then to evidence), these shirts couldn’t be more perfect. Great, oversized prints of your favorite classics on super-nice tees and sweatshirts. If anyone is wondering what to get me for my birthday, I’ll take the green 1984 sweatshirt, please.
These and lots more are available from Out of Print Clothing.
Chyi-Yeu Lin and colleagues at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology in Taipei created a robot that first takes a photo of the music, which is notated with numbers and words, using cameras built into the eyes. An algorithm extracts pitch, rhythm, and lyrics from that image and sends the information to a voice synthesiser.
The synthesiser matches sounds in the Mandarin language with the Roman spellings of the lyrics. Then, in a sudden burst of activity, the robot begins to sing, its mouth opening and closing with the words.
I’ll sleep just fine tonight, thanks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWeHZ4PhtVc&feature=player_embedded
The new trailer for Street Fighter X Tekken reveals not only player controls (strange, we think, for a game trailer), but also new characters. Keep an eye out for Raven, Hugo and Ibuki. And expect more teasers with character reveals in the coming weeks; the last two have also slipped in glimpses of playable characters on both sides.
[joystiq]
Here’s a cool thing: this is the two-page spread from Bongo Comics’ Futurama/Simpsons Infinitely Secret Crossover Crisis. (Click the pic for a larger version.) Check out Mrs. Krebapple with Zapp Brannigan. They were practically drawn for each other.
[G.TDW]
If you’re a fan of Puerto Rico (the board game, not the country, though the two aren’t mutually exclusive) then you’ll probably be happy to hear that Puerto Rico the Board Game has launched as an iPad app. The original version was ranked by boardgamegeek as #1 for eight consecutive years; the app has big shoes to fill if it wants to satisfy fans of the IRL version on a digital platform, but so far the game’s creators–and launch-date sales–speak to the app’s successful translation.
Andreas Seyfarth, the creator of the original board game, commented that “this conversion was really successful. All the game play modes have been enhanced: Online mode, Solo mode, multiple difficulty levels – everything is there.” Noted for its complexity, Puerto Rico finds sweet simplicity as an app on the iPad. With a built-in tutorial for those new to the game (or anyone who needs a quick refresher course) the app brings to life the world of Puerto Rico and allows them to share their experience with fellow Puerto Rico fans all over world. Staying true to the original game the application version doesn’t lose any of its luster which Seyfarth applauds, saying “The conversion of the rules and the game play is impressive, the developer really did a great job. Now I have to get an iPad just for Puerto Rico”
If you aren’t familiar with Puerto Rico, here’s a quick rundown:
Sailing to the shores of Puerto Rico players put their entrepreneurial skills to the test as they take on roles of Captain, Settler, Prospector, Builder, Mayor, Craftsmen or Trader in a multi-player, multi-task setting. But choose wisely! Your role may dictate your victory. How do you win? Well as they say, to the victor go the… victory points? Yes! In this game, wealth is measured in more than just doubloons. Conquer other players by accumulating the most victory points through the construction of the grandest buildings, harvesting the most fruitful crops and shipping the most bountiful harvest back to the Old World – all of which is only a finger tap away on the new application for iPad. Strategy, creativity and some luck may just make you governor of the island.
The game is insanely addictive, but not necessarily simple. And given the endless variety of tactics, it’s replayable as well.
You cick up the app here or the board game here.
It seems every day there’s a new study pitting iPhone owners against Android users. Here’s the latest, from the fine folks at hunch, which points out the obvious: we all judge each other people by their phones. It’s unfair, but this self-selecting sample of survey-takers says it’s true.
If you need a larger version, check it out on hunch.
If you happen to fall into the presumably small overlap between Star Wars geeks and San Francisco Giants fans, then mark September 4th on your calendars: AT&T is rolling out its first-ever Star Wars Day event then, and you’ll want to get a ticket.
Events include a pregame costume party, a postgame screening of The Empire Strikes Back, and your very own carbonite-encased Brian Wilson.
Better get a move on, though: only Standing Room Only and VIP Triple Alley tickets are left.
All tattoos come with a story, or so I’m told. This one’s no Lovecraft, but it’ll do.
Cthulhu Tattoo: A True Story
The characters:
Me: middle aged mama who loves tattoos
Basia: 20-something co-worker and friend, also loves tattoos, and has lots of artistic talent
Zuey: Young, up-and-coming tattoo artist
The scene:
One day at work, Basia and I were bored. And I mean BORED.
Basia: “Steph, what time is it”
Me: “a minute and a half later than it was the last time you asked”
Basia: “I have nothing to work on right now…give me an idea to draw until the next work project comes along”
Me: “OK. I’ve always wanted a tattoo of Cthulhu. But I don’t want it overly dark and menacing. I want him cute and cuddly. With a teddy bear. Or maybe a lollipop.”
(Basia goes skipping to her desk. Time passes)
Basia: (handing me a piece of paper) “like this?”
Me: “SQUEE”
Basia: “SQUEE”
In unison: “SQUEE”
(time passes)
Me and Basia: Pay a visit to MT Tattoos in Redwood City. Show picture to Zuey Callero.
Zuey: “SQUEE”
Me: “SQUEE”
Basia: “SQUEE”
In unison: “SQUEE”
(fast forward to 8/12/11)
Finally got in and sat for my tattoo. Leg sore. Tired as hell. But I love it :)
Check out MT Tattoos in Redwood City, CA. I’ve been tattooed by Jesus, Matt and now Zuey. :)
You can follow Steph on tumblr.