Nickelodeon is now running the theme park at the Mall of America.
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6.30.2008
GIANT DORA! RUN!
Nickelodeon is now running the theme park at the Mall of America.
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For Nico
Throwin the peace sign in front of MOA (even though you can't really see it that well...I assure you, peace signs were thrown).
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In Absentia: Day 1
It's no secret that Annie and I are in Minnesota this week to visit family, hang with friends and party it up at CONvergence. We've been talking about the trip for months and are thrilled to finally be on vacation!
But just because we're away from the computer doesn't mean that Think Lynsen will be stagnant. Thanks to Blogger's keen, automated systems, you'll be treated this week to posts that were prepared before our departure. And if you're lucky, you might also see some additional updates via our favorite mobile blogging tool, Utterz. Isn't technology wonderful?
So without further ado, let's get to the geeky topic of the day: Virtual Console sales. The information, which was publicly released this month by way of the increasingly interesting Nintendo Channel, gives new insight into the download habits of Nintendo Wii owners.
Let's look at the top tier titles first. Among the games that have sold over 100,000 copies are "Super Mario World" (115,725), "Mario Kart 64" (112,091) and "Super Mario 64" (101,305). There are no surprises here. Mario's name recognition and classic style wins the day. "Super Mario World" is even on my rainy day hit list, so I must say that Wii users are choosing wisely.
In the next tier, we see a wider array of Nintendo characters. Link is well represented through the classic Legend of Zelda games "Ocarina of Time" (73,923) and "A Link to the Past" (63,386). Mario returns in "Paper Mario" (67,157), while Fox McCloud swoops in with "Star Fox 64" (61,345). Donkey Kong and Samus are here, too, with "Donkey Kong Country" (55,265) and "Super Metroid" (51,208).
While the games in this tier didn't surprise me, the numbers did. I expected more from "A Link to the Past," which is inexplicably topped by "Paper Mario." I also thought more people would purchase "Donkey Kong Country" and "Super Mario," considering how many Super Nintendo systems those two games moved back in the day.
It's worth noting that we have to drop anther tier before we start seeing games from other companies. Sonic doesn't hit the chart until "Sonic the Hedgehog" appears (43,369) and Simon Belmont is far, far behind with "Castlevania IV" (25,626). Donkey Kong returns in "Donkey Kong Country 2" (25,023), standing alongside other Nintendo mainstays Kirby in "Kirby 64" (27,466) and Yoshi in "Yoshi's Story" (25,746).
And just in case you missed it, here it is again: "Castlevania IV" sold 25,626 copies while "Yoshi's Story" sold 25,746 copies. Who else out there is shaking their head at this?
The numbers only get smaller from there, with the kooky import game "Sin & Punishment" (24,846), classic resource-management game "Sim City" (15,333) and amazing racing game "F-Zero X" (14,495) among the highlights. Sadly, it seems that these quality games truly are niche offerings, appealing only to a select few.
For the sake of simplicity, I've omitted many Virtual Console offerings. But based on what you see here, what do you think about all this? Are you surprised? Are you disappointed?
But just because we're away from the computer doesn't mean that Think Lynsen will be stagnant. Thanks to Blogger's keen, automated systems, you'll be treated this week to posts that were prepared before our departure. And if you're lucky, you might also see some additional updates via our favorite mobile blogging tool, Utterz. Isn't technology wonderful?
So without further ado, let's get to the geeky topic of the day: Virtual Console sales. The information, which was publicly released this month by way of the increasingly interesting Nintendo Channel, gives new insight into the download habits of Nintendo Wii owners.Let's look at the top tier titles first. Among the games that have sold over 100,000 copies are "Super Mario World" (115,725), "Mario Kart 64" (112,091) and "Super Mario 64" (101,305). There are no surprises here. Mario's name recognition and classic style wins the day. "Super Mario World" is even on my rainy day hit list, so I must say that Wii users are choosing wisely.
In the next tier, we see a wider array of Nintendo characters. Link is well represented through the classic Legend of Zelda games "Ocarina of Time" (73,923) and "A Link to the Past" (63,386). Mario returns in "Paper Mario" (67,157), while Fox McCloud swoops in with "Star Fox 64" (61,345). Donkey Kong and Samus are here, too, with "Donkey Kong Country" (55,265) and "Super Metroid" (51,208).
While the games in this tier didn't surprise me, the numbers did. I expected more from "A Link to the Past," which is inexplicably topped by "Paper Mario." I also thought more people would purchase "Donkey Kong Country" and "Super Mario," considering how many Super Nintendo systems those two games moved back in the day.
It's worth noting that we have to drop anther tier before we start seeing games from other companies. Sonic doesn't hit the chart until "Sonic the Hedgehog" appears (43,369) and Simon Belmont is far, far behind with "Castlevania IV" (25,626). Donkey Kong returns in "Donkey Kong Country 2" (25,023), standing alongside other Nintendo mainstays Kirby in "Kirby 64" (27,466) and Yoshi in "Yoshi's Story" (25,746).
And just in case you missed it, here it is again: "Castlevania IV" sold 25,626 copies while "Yoshi's Story" sold 25,746 copies. Who else out there is shaking their head at this?
The numbers only get smaller from there, with the kooky import game "Sin & Punishment" (24,846), classic resource-management game "Sim City" (15,333) and amazing racing game "F-Zero X" (14,495) among the highlights. Sadly, it seems that these quality games truly are niche offerings, appealing only to a select few.
For the sake of simplicity, I've omitted many Virtual Console offerings. But based on what you see here, what do you think about all this? Are you surprised? Are you disappointed?
6.27.2008
Mixing it up
What do you get when you combine video game songs with techno beats? You get my undying love.
Several years ago, Annie stumbled across an album full of remixed songs from the "Final Fantasy" games called SquareDance Unlimited. (Square refers to the "Final Fantasy" publishers, Square Enix, not the style of dance that occurs in Oklahoma barns.) She bought the album for me as a gift and I've since enjoyed its techo, dance and trance songs countless times. What can I say? I love remixes.
So I did a little happy dance last week when I learned another "Final Fantasy" remix album was coming. Titled, appropriately enough, "Final Fantasy Remix," the CD contains new versions of songs from games in the long-running series. The album releases in Japan on Aug. 6, and doubtless will work its way stateside soon thereafter.
I can't wait to load the tracks onto my iPod and listen to them as I type my articles at work. I just wish there were more albums along these lines, taking video game themes that I know and love, and remixing them into something appropriate for techno thumping.
That's right, "Metal Gear Solid." I'm looking right at you.
Several years ago, Annie stumbled across an album full of remixed songs from the "Final Fantasy" games called SquareDance Unlimited. (Square refers to the "Final Fantasy" publishers, Square Enix, not the style of dance that occurs in Oklahoma barns.) She bought the album for me as a gift and I've since enjoyed its techo, dance and trance songs countless times. What can I say? I love remixes.
So I did a little happy dance last week when I learned another "Final Fantasy" remix album was coming. Titled, appropriately enough, "Final Fantasy Remix," the CD contains new versions of songs from games in the long-running series. The album releases in Japan on Aug. 6, and doubtless will work its way stateside soon thereafter.I can't wait to load the tracks onto my iPod and listen to them as I type my articles at work. I just wish there were more albums along these lines, taking video game themes that I know and love, and remixing them into something appropriate for techno thumping.
That's right, "Metal Gear Solid." I'm looking right at you.
6.26.2008
Marvelous ideas
I probably need to seek counseling for my love-hate relationship with Marvel Comics. On one hand, I love it when they send me birthday greetings. On the other hand, I hate it when they try to rip me off.
But I felt the love last week when news came that Activision is allegedly working on some pretty sweet new video games for Marvel Comics. I say "allegedly" because this information hasn't been confirmed. But I'm crossing my fingers, because there two leaked ideas are awesome.
First up is "Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2," the long-awaited sequel to one of my favorite games of the last five years. Apparently inspired by Marvel's recent Civil War story, the game sets a scene where "the world's greatest heroes and villains must choose sides." Players apparently work toward ending the conflict so they can "reunite the Earth's mightiest heroes, and save the Marvel Universe." Sold!
Next is "Spider-Man vs. Marvel Zombies," which is "set in the popular 'Marvel Zombies' comic series." (Note that "popular" here means "fascinatingly original, yet grotesque.") Players assume the role of Spider-Man to "save the world from the zombie menace that threatens to destroy it." Or not. You also get the option to "become a zombie yourself." Sold!
If they exist, both games likely will be revealed next month at the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Activision has yet to reveal its lineup for the show, which runs July 14-17. If the games are confirmed in advance, great. If they're confirmed at the show, that's fine. Any way around it, I just want them confirmed.
Come on, Activision! Don't let me down!
But I felt the love last week when news came that Activision is allegedly working on some pretty sweet new video games for Marvel Comics. I say "allegedly" because this information hasn't been confirmed. But I'm crossing my fingers, because there two leaked ideas are awesome.First up is "Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2," the long-awaited sequel to one of my favorite games of the last five years. Apparently inspired by Marvel's recent Civil War story, the game sets a scene where "the world's greatest heroes and villains must choose sides." Players apparently work toward ending the conflict so they can "reunite the Earth's mightiest heroes, and save the Marvel Universe." Sold!
Next is "Spider-Man vs. Marvel Zombies," which is "set in the popular 'Marvel Zombies' comic series." (Note that "popular" here means "fascinatingly original, yet grotesque.") Players assume the role of Spider-Man to "save the world from the zombie menace that threatens to destroy it." Or not. You also get the option to "become a zombie yourself." Sold!
If they exist, both games likely will be revealed next month at the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Activision has yet to reveal its lineup for the show, which runs July 14-17. If the games are confirmed in advance, great. If they're confirmed at the show, that's fine. Any way around it, I just want them confirmed.
Come on, Activision! Don't let me down!
6.25.2008
Barney Stinson IS...some mad scientist guy IN...a movie with a funny name
Teaser from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog on Vimeo.
Thanks to Rick Klau for pointing me toward this gem!
Wieringo remembered
I still miss Mike Wieringo.
A stellar artist and a great guy, Wieringo died following a heart attack last year at age 44. His sudden death was a shock to many fans and comic creators, spurring a heartfelt round of memorials and tributes. Those remembrances continue this summer as two larger efforts -- a scholarship and special comic book -- come to fruition.
The Mike Wieringo Scholarship, intended to help a talented and needy student at Savannah College of Art and Design, is now soliciting donations. Coordinators hope to raise $600,000 to sustain the annual, $30,000 scholarship. It's a significant effort that many creators are supporting, and an important undertaking that would have been meaningful to Wieringo.
Meanwhile, a Mike Wieringo tribute comic book arrives in stores today. This publication -- not to be confused with the forthcoming "Art of Mike Wieringo" book that may or may not include the Dr. Doom sketch Wieringo drew for me in 2006 -- contains a Marvel Comics tale that Wieringo was working on before he died. The 48-page comic was completed by other creators and costs $4.99. Proceeds benefit the Hero Initiative.
If you can't find the comic at your local shop, ask them to order "What If This Was the Fantastic Four: A Tribute to Mike Wieringo." It's well worth your effort to see the last pages from this incredible artist.
A stellar artist and a great guy, Wieringo died following a heart attack last year at age 44. His sudden death was a shock to many fans and comic creators, spurring a heartfelt round of memorials and tributes. Those remembrances continue this summer as two larger efforts -- a scholarship and special comic book -- come to fruition.
The Mike Wieringo Scholarship, intended to help a talented and needy student at Savannah College of Art and Design, is now soliciting donations. Coordinators hope to raise $600,000 to sustain the annual, $30,000 scholarship. It's a significant effort that many creators are supporting, and an important undertaking that would have been meaningful to Wieringo.Meanwhile, a Mike Wieringo tribute comic book arrives in stores today. This publication -- not to be confused with the forthcoming "Art of Mike Wieringo" book that may or may not include the Dr. Doom sketch Wieringo drew for me in 2006 -- contains a Marvel Comics tale that Wieringo was working on before he died. The 48-page comic was completed by other creators and costs $4.99. Proceeds benefit the Hero Initiative.
If you can't find the comic at your local shop, ask them to order "What If This Was the Fantastic Four: A Tribute to Mike Wieringo." It's well worth your effort to see the last pages from this incredible artist.
6.24.2008
Awesomeness.
My colleague Jason just bought us an awesome new poster for the "Web pod" at work.
In case you can't read the quote, it says "When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story." -Barney Stinson (A reference from "How I Met Your Mother.")
Awesome.
In case you can't read the quote, it says "When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story." -Barney Stinson (A reference from "How I Met Your Mother.")
Awesome.
Leading via ouija boards?
I rag on Marvel Comics a lot. And justifiably so. If they're not busy undoing 20 years of Spider-Man continuity, they're trying to rip you off.
But it doesn't seem like things are much better these days over at their main competitor, DC Comics. A writer who recently left the company had harsh words for that ship's captain, senior vice president and executive editor Dan Didio. The writer, Chuck Dixon, called Didio a "tyrant" and "directionless gladhandler," among other things.
"I've worked under tyrants," Dixon wrote at Comic Book Resources, "and I can say that I'd prefer to work under a talented, knowledgeable tyrant with a successful plan than a directionless gladhander with a ouija board any day of the week."
Ouch. Those are some pretty harsh words. Of course, we have to take into consideration that Dixon might be venting some "disgruntled employee" feelings via his keyboard, but this isn't the first time Didio has taken some hits for DC's performance. He took 52 weeks of criticism throughout the weekly run of "Countdown," and fans of the character Nightwing know Didio -- not the Joker -- is that hero's biggest threat.
Yes, Didio takes a lot of hits. But as he noted during a comic book convention this weekend: "It goes with the job."
But it doesn't seem like things are much better these days over at their main competitor, DC Comics. A writer who recently left the company had harsh words for that ship's captain, senior vice president and executive editor Dan Didio. The writer, Chuck Dixon, called Didio a "tyrant" and "directionless gladhandler," among other things."I've worked under tyrants," Dixon wrote at Comic Book Resources, "and I can say that I'd prefer to work under a talented, knowledgeable tyrant with a successful plan than a directionless gladhander with a ouija board any day of the week."
Ouch. Those are some pretty harsh words. Of course, we have to take into consideration that Dixon might be venting some "disgruntled employee" feelings via his keyboard, but this isn't the first time Didio has taken some hits for DC's performance. He took 52 weeks of criticism throughout the weekly run of "Countdown," and fans of the character Nightwing know Didio -- not the Joker -- is that hero's biggest threat.
Yes, Didio takes a lot of hits. But as he noted during a comic book convention this weekend: "It goes with the job."
6.23.2008
I wanna drive a dirt Zamboni...
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Mega Surprise
It was a headline I'd waited years to see. And the folks over at GoNintendo did it justice.
"Holy crap... Mega Man 9 is coming!"
For those of you who don't know, the Mega Man series is one of the most punishing but endearing series of games in existence. It long ago perfected the art of pummeling its players while making them yearn for more. It's the video game equivalent of that famous line from "Animal House." Thank you, sir, may I have another?
But as a snobbish devotee to that franchise's original line of games, I've been left high and dry since "Mega Man 8" hit stores way back in 1997. Sure, there have been several Mega Man games since then, but they didn't star the original Blue Bomber. They followed the adventures of his descendants, the futuristic X and Zero. Or they went in other, even odder directions. I yearned for another true Mega Man game -- and it now looks like it's happening.
Official information about the game is scarce, limited only to an Australian game ratings classification. The listing notes the game is suitable for general audiences and would be available on multiple systems. But just seeing that magical number nine attached to the series is, for now, all I need to get excited.
Bring of the next round of Robot Masters!
Posted by Josh, despite what the tagline would have you believe.
"Holy crap... Mega Man 9 is coming!"For those of you who don't know, the Mega Man series is one of the most punishing but endearing series of games in existence. It long ago perfected the art of pummeling its players while making them yearn for more. It's the video game equivalent of that famous line from "Animal House." Thank you, sir, may I have another?
But as a snobbish devotee to that franchise's original line of games, I've been left high and dry since "Mega Man 8" hit stores way back in 1997. Sure, there have been several Mega Man games since then, but they didn't star the original Blue Bomber. They followed the adventures of his descendants, the futuristic X and Zero. Or they went in other, even odder directions. I yearned for another true Mega Man game -- and it now looks like it's happening.
Official information about the game is scarce, limited only to an Australian game ratings classification. The listing notes the game is suitable for general audiences and would be available on multiple systems. But just seeing that magical number nine attached to the series is, for now, all I need to get excited.
Bring of the next round of Robot Masters!
Posted by Josh, despite what the tagline would have you believe.
George Carlin dead at 71
...He won four Grammy Awards, each for best spoken comedy album, and was nominated for five Emmy awards. On Tuesday, it was announced that Carlin was being awarded the 11th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which will be presented Nov. 10 in Washington and broadcast on PBS...
Full story
I'm going to miss him. He was a great comedian and brilliant satirist.
6.22.2008
More news...from interview to Josh's brain to you!
Obama accuser’s day in spotlight ends in handcuffs
Dozens of reporters show up for Sinclair sideshow at Press Club
(Ed. note: This story is HILARIOUS.)
Gay man seeks to undermine Obama
Says contender was ‘anti-democratically chosen'
Restaurant citations called ‘attack’ on gays
Complaints against Trio, Jack’s followed ’07 high heel race
Effort to preserve local trans law ‘far from over’
Dozens of reporters show up for Sinclair sideshow at Press Club
(Ed. note: This story is HILARIOUS.)
Gay man seeks to undermine Obama
Says contender was ‘anti-democratically chosen'
Restaurant citations called ‘attack’ on gays
Complaints against Trio, Jack’s followed ’07 high heel race
Effort to preserve local trans law ‘far from over’
Now ad-free!
A month went by, and we made a whopping two cents off Google AdSense.
Needless to say, I've disabled the ads.
You're welcome.
Needless to say, I've disabled the ads.
You're welcome.
Josh is back...and he's BLOND.
(Viva obscure references to the short-lived show Delta!)
Josh got his hair cut and dyed this weekend, in preparation for his costume at CONvergence.
"He's Blond. Josh Blond."
Josh got his hair cut and dyed this weekend, in preparation for his costume at CONvergence.
Before (looking rather wooly):
After (looking rather like ZeFrank...hawt):
"He's Blond. Josh Blond."
My coworkers love me.
I got severely delayed in arriving to work thanks to a Metro incident a week ago, and this greeted me upon my return.
In case you can't see the sticker, it's of a guy jumping away from the jaws of an alligator.
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6.21.2008
6.20.2008
Capital Pride: Authentic and Real
I still regret not posting pictures last year of Capital Pride. So to make up for that omission, I offer you the following Washington Blade video documenting this year's event. You can see me within the first 30 seconds, sitting aside Annie and my fellow Blade staffers.
In case you can't understand what I'm saying about the videographer's work, here's the quote: "It has to be authentic and real. If you play to the camera, it's all wrong!" And because I'm a stinker, I say that directly to the camera.
Yeah, they love me down at work.
In case you can't understand what I'm saying about the videographer's work, here's the quote: "It has to be authentic and real. If you play to the camera, it's all wrong!" And because I'm a stinker, I say that directly to the camera.
Yeah, they love me down at work.
6.19.2008
$50 for 500 > $30 for 50
I like comic books. I also like keeping clothes -- not long boxes -- in my closet. That's why I adore the DVD-ROMs once produced by GIT Corp that collected hundreds of issues onto one disc.
Or at least I did adore them until Marvel halted their production. Spiked last year to make way for Marvel's online archive service, the DVD-ROMs were the perfect way for me to keep 40 years of "Avengers," "Fantastic Four" and "Spider-Man" comics. They also, I presume, were a great way to collect sprawling crossover events such as the epic "Civil War" story, though I'll never know for sure.
I had hoped Marvel might one day reissue these DVD-ROMs, as they're an economical and easy way to keep hundreds of issues at your fingertips. And this week I got my wish. Well, I sort of got my wish. But it was accompanied by a kick in the teeth.
Starting in September, Marvel will once again produce DVD-ROMs that collect the adventures of its greatest heroes. But this time, instead of offering customers more than 500 issues for $50, the collections offer 50 issues for $30. That's right. Marvel is dropping 90 percent of the product, but only 40 percent of the cost. It now could cost more than $300 to buy the same thing GIT Corp once offered for $50.
Outraged? You should be.
Or at least I did adore them until Marvel halted their production. Spiked last year to make way for Marvel's online archive service, the DVD-ROMs were the perfect way for me to keep 40 years of "Avengers," "Fantastic Four" and "Spider-Man" comics. They also, I presume, were a great way to collect sprawling crossover events such as the epic "Civil War" story, though I'll never know for sure.I had hoped Marvel might one day reissue these DVD-ROMs, as they're an economical and easy way to keep hundreds of issues at your fingertips. And this week I got my wish. Well, I sort of got my wish. But it was accompanied by a kick in the teeth.
Starting in September, Marvel will once again produce DVD-ROMs that collect the adventures of its greatest heroes. But this time, instead of offering customers more than 500 issues for $50, the collections offer 50 issues for $30. That's right. Marvel is dropping 90 percent of the product, but only 40 percent of the cost. It now could cost more than $300 to buy the same thing GIT Corp once offered for $50.
Outraged? You should be.
6.18.2008
Just like Shinobi, I'm back!
You might have noticed my recent absence from the wonderful world of Think Lynsen. To make a long story short, I needed a break. But just like Shinobi, I'm back!
There's a backlog of geeky news items that I need to address, but before I begin that marathon tomorrow, I wanted to give a shout out to my brother-in-law, Kevin, his wife and daughter for sending me a belated birthday present. Their gift card to Best Buy came just as I was looking to treat myself to a new Nintendo DS game that I could bring on my upcoming trip to Minnesota.
Best Buy, who now is officially "off notice," impressed me today when it let me browse its Nintendo DS offerings according to price. The mechanic quickly and easily let me consider the 119 games that Best Buy priced at $25 or less.
Scanning the many options, I was intrigued by "Sim City DS," a remake of the classic resource management game; "Mega Man ZX Advent," which infuses RPG elements into one of my favorite gaming franchises; "Marvel Trading Card Game," because I love comics and card games; and "Geometry Wars: Galaxies," a new version of the acclaimed Xbox Live arcade game.
But it was a game near the list's end that most intrigued me. "Front Mission," a futuristic strategy game from the same company that produces the "Final Fantasy" series, first caught my attention due to its mech-based combat. But what kept me reading the product description was an outline of the game's captivating, wartime plot. And what sold me was the option of playing two scenarios -- one on each side of the conflict.
I placed my order for the game this evening and hope to have it early next week. It'll be a great way to pass the time as I traverse the 1,000 miles between Washington and Minneapolis. So my thanks go out to Kevin, Michelle and Allison. You rock!
There's a backlog of geeky news items that I need to address, but before I begin that marathon tomorrow, I wanted to give a shout out to my brother-in-law, Kevin, his wife and daughter for sending me a belated birthday present. Their gift card to Best Buy came just as I was looking to treat myself to a new Nintendo DS game that I could bring on my upcoming trip to Minnesota.
Best Buy, who now is officially "off notice," impressed me today when it let me browse its Nintendo DS offerings according to price. The mechanic quickly and easily let me consider the 119 games that Best Buy priced at $25 or less.Scanning the many options, I was intrigued by "Sim City DS," a remake of the classic resource management game; "Mega Man ZX Advent," which infuses RPG elements into one of my favorite gaming franchises; "Marvel Trading Card Game," because I love comics and card games; and "Geometry Wars: Galaxies," a new version of the acclaimed Xbox Live arcade game.
But it was a game near the list's end that most intrigued me. "Front Mission," a futuristic strategy game from the same company that produces the "Final Fantasy" series, first caught my attention due to its mech-based combat. But what kept me reading the product description was an outline of the game's captivating, wartime plot. And what sold me was the option of playing two scenarios -- one on each side of the conflict.
I placed my order for the game this evening and hope to have it early next week. It'll be a great way to pass the time as I traverse the 1,000 miles between Washington and Minneapolis. So my thanks go out to Kevin, Michelle and Allison. You rock!
Q: How awesome is George Takei?
A: Pretty flippin' awesome.
George Takei, who played Sulu on the original "Star Trek," beamed as he and his partner of 21 years, Brad Altman, obtained one of the new gender-neutral marriage licenses _ with the words "Party A" and "Party B" instead of "bride" and "groom" _ at the West Hollywood City Hall. They are planning a September wedding.
"I see before me people who personify love and commitment," a grinning Takei told the crowd. He flashed the Vulcan hand salute from "Star Trek" and, in a twist on the Vulcan greeting from the TV series, said: "May equality live long and prosper."
6.15.2008
6.14.2008
HAPPY PRIDE!
I just walked in the rain for two solid hours screaming "HAPPY PRIDE!"
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How's our blogging? May 2008
May 2008 stats for the Think Lynsen blog
Visits
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Time on Site: 2:11
Top 5 states providing visitors:
Minnesota
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District of Columbia
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Top referrals (excluding email)
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Google
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Blogger
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Top web search terms
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Top posts
Spider-Man 2099
Save "The Big Bang Theory!"
Sleep position reveals personality
Sony offers scholarships to improve portrayal of women in video games
El Dia de Madre
Things are going to be OK
Visits
Visits: 760
Visitors: 391
Pageviews: 1,255
Time on Site: 2:11
Top 5 states providing visitors:
Minnesota
Maryland
Wisconsin
District of Columbia
California
Top referrals (excluding email)
thinklynsen.com
images.google.com
Blogger
images.google.com.br
Top web search terms
lynsen
"pirates for sail"
think lynsen
"katherine e. hill" actress
"pirates for sail" video
"piratz tavern" sing
cobra commander rex
Top posts
Spider-Man 2099
Save "The Big Bang Theory!"
Sleep position reveals personality
Sony offers scholarships to improve portrayal of women in video games
El Dia de Madre
Things are going to be OK
How we earned our keep this week
From Josh:Obama renews commitment to gay issues
Pledges come as campaign woos Clinton supporters, hires gay staffers
New Portland mayor breaks another ‘glass ceiling’
In first, gay man elected to lead a top-30 U.S. city
Campaign now underway to save trans law
Montgomery County voters to decide fate of measure in November
From Annie:
New features, badges, and rockstars, oh my! - KaBOOM! Online Community Highlights
It makes your brain hurt, but in a good way.
I think I've officially heard everything.In recent months, I've heard cello renditions of Metallica, a children's album by the Barenaked Ladies, and pirate hip-hop. You wouldn't think anything could shock me.
But then I discovered the Puppini Sisters, who take a wide array of music and put it to a swing beat. Including, I kid you not, "Walk Like an Egyptian," "Heart of Glass," and "Crazy in Love" (yes, that's Beyonce). And somehow, it actually...works.
Don't believe me? See for yourself (email subscribers, click the link to the post to see video):
6.12.2008
So I heard from this guy who knew another guy whose cousin...
Yeah. Forgive the three-degrees-of-separation nature of this tale, but it was too cool to pass up.So my coworker's friend met Al Franken as he exited the Metro recently. They chatted briefly and then Al handed my coworker's friend a card. The card said, "You've just met Al Franken."
Now that's pretty awesome. I think I might have to create a few cards along that line for myself. But I'd want to be a bit more creative with them...maybe have them say something like, "You've just met a geeky girl," or "You've just met a curly-haired blonde girl whose name you will soon forget...and this card will not help you," or "You've just met someone who watched way too much Mystery Science Theater 3000 in the '90s."
How about you? What would your cards say?
6.10.2008
Phrase "Oh yeah? Go soak your head" unwittingly drives up hit count for Think Lynsen.com
I was checking the Google Analytics on Think Lynsen today and randomly saw that the fourth most popular search term that drives people to our site is the phrase "go soak your head," which was the title of a blog post awhile back about an obscure Mighty Mouse cartoon I found on YouTube.
I punched up the phrase in Google and saw why that phrase drove so many folks to our blog - we're #4 on the list of results! Check it out:
I punched up the phrase in Google and saw why that phrase drove so many folks to our blog - we're #4 on the list of results! Check it out:
6.08.2008
The biggest reason to be excited for CONvergence: the parties!
The 2008 CONvergence parties have been announced!Some of the ones that caught our eyes were...
The Bearded Gnome Tavern & Inn
Captain Kirk's House of Ill Repute
Cow Asylum (They had this the last time we went, and it was a highlight. Glad to see it's back!)
The Dreaming (squee!)
Dystopia (w00t w00t! Best party of '05!)
Ghost Busters HQ
The Haunted Hotel
House of Toast (another highlight from '05! Free toast from a room that looks like you're inside a toaster!)
Imperial Klingon Excavation Association
Milliways: The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
Mos "Icee" Cantina
NFC's Convergence of Holidays
Party Like a Super Hero!
Romulan Consulate
Serenity
Tardis Tea Society
Terran Empire
United Federation of Planets
Vice City (classic gaming - only games released before 1998 will be played!)
Wonka's Night Out: Wonka For President
We're counting the days!
Josh typed up some important things this week. Here they are.
Obama supporters hope to heal partyGay delegates seek to unite Democrats against McCain
California gay marriages could trigger ‘legal chaos’
Conservative groups ask court to stay decision
Furmansky leaves marriage fight to successor
Equality Maryland leader steps down, says O’Malley is no ‘serious champion’ for gays
6.07.2008
6.06.2008
Do you miss Josh?
Josh isn't posting as much lately, as you may have noticed. He's considering taking the month off from blogging.Do you miss his posts? If yes, say so in the comments.
The best thing ever
I had trouble the other night trying to find a phone number without dialing 411. My phone's limited web browsing capabilities refused to bring up the phone number I wanted.
After explaining my frustration to Jason, he asked, "Why didn't you just text to Google?"
Say what?
As it turns out, if you send a Google-type search query to 466453 ('GOOGLE' on most devices), Google will immediately text you back results.
It's pretty slick. I just tried it out first with my original query (and sure enough, it would have given me the phone number I sought instantly). Then I tested it by typing "WEATHER" and our zip code, and it sent me back detailed current conditions plus a three-day forecast. You can also get movie listings, directions, and restaurant listings in a similar fashion.
You can even set your location so you don't have to type it every time by sending a text message that says "Set location" and your zip code. So from then on, you just have to type "WEATHER" and it'll send you the weather.
It's yet another reason I'm glad our cell phone provider offers such reasonably-priced unlimited texting plans.
After explaining my frustration to Jason, he asked, "Why didn't you just text to Google?"
Say what?
As it turns out, if you send a Google-type search query to 466453 ('GOOGLE' on most devices), Google will immediately text you back results.
It's pretty slick. I just tried it out first with my original query (and sure enough, it would have given me the phone number I sought instantly). Then I tested it by typing "WEATHER" and our zip code, and it sent me back detailed current conditions plus a three-day forecast. You can also get movie listings, directions, and restaurant listings in a similar fashion.
You can even set your location so you don't have to type it every time by sending a text message that says "Set location" and your zip code. So from then on, you just have to type "WEATHER" and it'll send you the weather.
It's yet another reason I'm glad our cell phone provider offers such reasonably-priced unlimited texting plans.
6.05.2008
Wedded to serving others
On Saturday, the 99th Operation Playground build in Picayune, Miss. will feature something unique amid the flurry of equipment-assembly and mulch-hauling: a wedding!Chris Utter will wed Roxie Zortman on Build Day. “They said they’d stop the build at 10 a.m. for five minutes” for the wedding, said Chris with a laugh. “We’re helping build after that.”
The build and the wedding are taking place behind a church: Resurrection Life Ministries, where Chris serves as maintenance director in addition to his work as a carpenter and renovator. His fiancée is an interior designer. The two, both 58, have been together since a mission trip to La Hoia, Mexico where they renovated a church together two years ago. Both are members of Resurrection Life Ministries.
The date for the wedding was chosen before the couple made the decision to wed at the build. “She chose Saturday because it’s 6/7/08,” said Chris. “I heard about the build, and then I went to her and said hey, KaBOOM! is doing this Build Day, and I think it would be cool if we got married out there. And she was like, ‘Yeah, that’s cool!’” [More]
6.04.2008
6.03.2008
New addition
Bessie the Utterz cow has now taken up residence on my CPU.
Mobile post sent by alynsen using Utterz.
Oh the awesomeness.
Think Lynsen tag line is now: FOLLOW TEH JOYS AN TREVAILS OV COUPLE OV GEEKY DINKZ FRUM MINNESOTA EXPLORIN THEIR NEW HOME OV WASHINGTON, D.C. (http://blog.thinklynsen.com/) Find the translator at http://speaklolcat.com/.
Mobile post sent by alynsen using Utterz.
6.01.2008
Awesome
We just met George Takei! The day just took a turn for the awesome.
Mobile post sent by alynsen using Utterz.
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