From FailBlog.
11.30.2008
11.29.2008
11.28.2008
11.27.2008
Why brave the crowds tomorrow?
Know how I'm doing my Christmas shopping this year? In my pajamas, at my computer.
In case you haven't heard, Amazon.com is having a Black Friday sale, like most other merchants...but theirs lasts a week (it's already started and runs through Dec. 2).
So save some gas, sleep in, kick up your feet and shop.
(And BTW - Josh found out that Best Buy is already offering Ninjatown at BestBuy.com for $15 - so he's going to order it instead of braving the crowds. W00t!)
In case you haven't heard, Amazon.com is having a Black Friday sale, like most other merchants...but theirs lasts a week (it's already started and runs through Dec. 2).
So save some gas, sleep in, kick up your feet and shop.
(And BTW - Josh found out that Best Buy is already offering Ninjatown at BestBuy.com for $15 - so he's going to order it instead of braving the crowds. W00t!)
Thoughts for Thanksgiving
I had to deliver the "thought for the week" at our staff meeting the other day, and in the process of finding a good "thought" I came across a lot of quotes on giving thanks that I liked. I'm planning to print these off, cut them up, and put them in a bowl for people to draw and read during Thanksgiving dinner tonight."As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John Fitzgerald KennedyThis Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for so many things, especially my wonderful husband, our good jobs, our families' health, and good friends...and I'm thankful for you, our blog readers. I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed holiday.
"On Thanksgiving Day we acknowledge our dependence." -William Jennings Bryan
"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action." -W.J. Cameron
"Thanksgiving, man. Not a good day to be my pants." -Kevin James
"Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day." -Robert Caspar Lintner
"Thanksgiving is America 's national chow-down feast, the one occasion each year when gluttony becomes a patriotic duty." -Michael Dresser
"None is more impoverished than the one who has no gratitude. Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy." -Fred De Witt Van Amburgh
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." -William Arthur Ward
"An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day." -Irv Kupcinet
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow." -Melody Beattie
"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." -W.T. Purkiser
Post your favorite Thanksgiving quote/thought below!
11.26.2008
The most awesome "12 Days of Christmas" EVER
Just watch. It's by an a capella group called "Straight No Chaser" from Indiana. And it is awesome and hilarious.
(Note: It takes about 5 seconds for the sound to kick in.)
Thanks to Mike C. for playing this song for me!
(Note: It takes about 5 seconds for the sound to kick in.)
Thanks to Mike C. for playing this song for me!
"I wrote a song parody!" "How very 'Weird Al' of you!"
That was a dialogue between me and a coworker yesterday morning.
I posted a ton of new webinars yesterday and needed to announce them to the kaboom.org community, so I thought, "What better way than through a holiday song parody?"
Enjoy.
I posted a ton of new webinars yesterday and needed to announce them to the kaboom.org community, so I thought, "What better way than through a holiday song parody?"
Enjoy.
11.25.2008
Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart duet on "A Colbert Christmas"
This made me giggle.
"Is it jolly?"
"Hey, I wouldn't know from jolly..."
"Is it jolly?"
"Hey, I wouldn't know from jolly..."
11.24.2008
Most depressing. Birthday card. Ever.
I got a birthday card in the mail today from my insurance agent. At first I was charmed - it was personalized! Then I read it. And realized I'd just been given the Most Depressing Birthday Card Ever. Let's break it down, shall we?
First off, I've been with this agent for three years. They know who to send the bills to, but for some reason on my birthday my name changed to "Ana."
Secondly, apparently very little other than murder and mayhem occurred in the year of my birth. The U.S.S.R. invaded Afghanistan, the accident at Three Mile Island occurred, a mob stormed the American Embassy in Teheran and held 66 Americans hostage, and, as a nice cherry on that sundae of joy, a black hole was found in the center of the Milky Way.
So, in other words, in the year I was born, the world began to unravel, and oh yeah, we're all going to die.
So let's open it up.
Oh good. Several really, really bad songs came out in my birth year, including "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" and "Heartache Tonight." And the first Star Trek movie came out, subjecting the world to that glorious first half hour when absolutely NOTHING HAPPENS.
And oh yeah. Stuff is way, way more expensive now. So now I not only feel old, but I'm thinking about how awful the economy is.
And, to cap it all off...
What exactly are we celebrating? The year I was born, the world nearly descended into apocalypse as Rod Stewart sang one of the most grating songs ever put to vinyl, but at least stuff was cheap. Unlike now, in this crumbling economy.
So thank you, insurance agent, for such a touching, personal birthday card.
First off, I've been with this agent for three years. They know who to send the bills to, but for some reason on my birthday my name changed to "Ana."
Secondly, apparently very little other than murder and mayhem occurred in the year of my birth. The U.S.S.R. invaded Afghanistan, the accident at Three Mile Island occurred, a mob stormed the American Embassy in Teheran and held 66 Americans hostage, and, as a nice cherry on that sundae of joy, a black hole was found in the center of the Milky Way.
So, in other words, in the year I was born, the world began to unravel, and oh yeah, we're all going to die.
So let's open it up.
Oh good. Several really, really bad songs came out in my birth year, including "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" and "Heartache Tonight." And the first Star Trek movie came out, subjecting the world to that glorious first half hour when absolutely NOTHING HAPPENS.
And oh yeah. Stuff is way, way more expensive now. So now I not only feel old, but I'm thinking about how awful the economy is.
And, to cap it all off...
What exactly are we celebrating? The year I was born, the world nearly descended into apocalypse as Rod Stewart sang one of the most grating songs ever put to vinyl, but at least stuff was cheap. Unlike now, in this crumbling economy.
So thank you, insurance agent, for such a touching, personal birthday card.
11.23.2008
Free stuff on your birthday
Every year, Josh and I troll various retail and food outlets to see what kind of freebies we can get on our birthdays. Sometimes we're successful; sometimes not.So far, my favorites are:
- Cold Stone Creamery - free ice cream with coupon (you have to sign up first)
- Matchbox - free dessert
- Cubano's - free dessert (and a song, if you ask!)
11.20.2008
Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: Random Stuff Edition
There are some quick things I wanted to mention, so here we go...
Thumbs Up to Child's Play: The annual fundraiser coordinated by the fine folks at Penny Arcade is back. Take a moment to buy a video game for a hospitalized child, or just donate a few dollars to the cause. It'll make you feel good.
Thumbs Down to Stupid Ideas: Can someone please explain to me how Hasbro thought it would be a good thing for director Ridley Scott to adapt the classic board game for the silver screen by taking "a Bladerunner-esque futuristic" approach? Seriously. What are they thinking?
Thumbs Up to New Frontiers: Showtime is working with comics legend Stan Lee to develop a new series about a gay superhero. Based on the book "Hero," which I admittedly have not read, this series could be the best thing to happen to gay comic fans since Northstar came out in 1992.
Thumbs Down to Missed Opportunities: The board game "Zombies" is being adapted for play on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. That's great for "Zombies" fans, but where's my online "Betrayal at House on the Hill" game? Now out of print, "Betrayal" would prove a most enjoyable online experience, especially with live chat.
Thumbs Up to Inspired Escapes: Not that I advocate the for loosely guarded prisons, but I gotta hand it to the 42-year-old man who managed to escape his pen by employing "Metal Gear" inspired tactics. Last I heard, guards were still trying to find the man who snuck out underneath a box.
Thumbs Up to Child's Play: The annual fundraiser coordinated by the fine folks at Penny Arcade is back. Take a moment to buy a video game for a hospitalized child, or just donate a few dollars to the cause. It'll make you feel good.
Thumbs Down to Stupid Ideas: Can someone please explain to me how Hasbro thought it would be a good thing for director Ridley Scott to adapt the classic board game for the silver screen by taking "a Bladerunner-esque futuristic" approach? Seriously. What are they thinking?Thumbs Up to New Frontiers: Showtime is working with comics legend Stan Lee to develop a new series about a gay superhero. Based on the book "Hero," which I admittedly have not read, this series could be the best thing to happen to gay comic fans since Northstar came out in 1992.
Thumbs Down to Missed Opportunities: The board game "Zombies" is being adapted for play on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. That's great for "Zombies" fans, but where's my online "Betrayal at House on the Hill" game? Now out of print, "Betrayal" would prove a most enjoyable online experience, especially with live chat.
Thumbs Up to Inspired Escapes: Not that I advocate the for loosely guarded prisons, but I gotta hand it to the 42-year-old man who managed to escape his pen by employing "Metal Gear" inspired tactics. Last I heard, guards were still trying to find the man who snuck out underneath a box.
11.19.2008
Squee! KaBOOM! Playspace Finder nominated for a Mashable Open Web Award!
Thanks to everyone who nominated the KaBOOM! Playspace Finder for the Mashable Open Web Awards! During the nominations round, Mashable received over 43,000 verified nominations. They narrowed down this huge pool to the 10 most-nominated sites and services in each category.
Thanks to your efforts, we've passed the nomination process, and now you can vote for the KaBOOM! Playspace Finder in the next round!
The first and final voting rounds will be held from November 19th till December 15th. You can use the web form below to vote for the KaBOOM! Playspace Finder for the Open Web Awards! You can vote for one item per category per day, so vote often and tell your friends to do the same!
The Mashable Open Web Awards is the only multilingual international online voting competition that covers major innovations in web technology. Through an online nominating and voting process, the Open Web Awards recognizes and honors the top achievements in 26 categories.
Who wants to be my new best friend?
Ever since I played the free demo of Ninjatown, I've been smitten with this simple-yet-addictive game. And I've been looking for a good excuse to add it to my gaming collection.
The excuse has arrived courtesy of Best Buy, which is slashing the game's price in half on Black Friday. The store is going to sell the critically acclaimed Ninjatown for $14.99 -- as shown by the ad scan here -- making it the only worthwhile game that Best Buy is advertising at that price. But there's a small problem. My parents will be in town visiting me on Black Friday and I'm certainly not going to forego spending time with them to stand in line.
So... Who wants to be my new best friend? Is anyone here, ideally someone who's already planning to hit Best Buy on Black Friday, willing to be my surrogate and buy the game for me?
The excuse has arrived courtesy of Best Buy, which is slashing the game's price in half on Black Friday. The store is going to sell the critically acclaimed Ninjatown for $14.99 -- as shown by the ad scan here -- making it the only worthwhile game that Best Buy is advertising at that price. But there's a small problem. My parents will be in town visiting me on Black Friday and I'm certainly not going to forego spending time with them to stand in line.So... Who wants to be my new best friend? Is anyone here, ideally someone who's already planning to hit Best Buy on Black Friday, willing to be my surrogate and buy the game for me?
11.18.2008
'I'm not dead yet'
Despite my eulogy for the game last week, it seems that HeroClix is not dead yet.
Catalyst Game Labs has made a bid for the game, plus several other properties that WizKids Games managed before it met its untimely demise. Also in the bidding war is Piñata Games, a newly formed company comprised of former WizKids staffers. Catalyst is familiar with certain WizKids properties, which is a plus for them; Piñata is waging a respectable grassroots campaign that many HeroClix fans are supporting.
I applaud Piñata for thinking big, but I cannot endorse the Save HeroClix campaign it's spearheading. The upstart is asking HeroClix supporters -- many of them barely old enough to carry a driver's license let alone a credit card -- to blindly donate to the cause.
Suspicious in concept and execution, the campaign makes no promises as to what exactly the money goes toward. Does it bankroll Piñata? Will it be used to buy the HeroClix franchise, in the event Piñata wins the bidding war? But what happens if Piñata loses the bidding war? Does it pay the mortgage of the guy who ran the collection effort?
While it's obvious to me that the money is lost if the startup fails, I fear too many people are donating to the cause without thinking this through. So, seriously people, engage the brain before you hit the "donate" button. If you have $10 to spare and want to sink it into Save HeroClix, fine. But if Piñata folds next month and you suddenly regret your donation, don't come crying to me. Because you're only going to get a big "I told you so."
Catalyst Game Labs has made a bid for the game, plus several other properties that WizKids Games managed before it met its untimely demise. Also in the bidding war is Piñata Games, a newly formed company comprised of former WizKids staffers. Catalyst is familiar with certain WizKids properties, which is a plus for them; Piñata is waging a respectable grassroots campaign that many HeroClix fans are supporting.I applaud Piñata for thinking big, but I cannot endorse the Save HeroClix campaign it's spearheading. The upstart is asking HeroClix supporters -- many of them barely old enough to carry a driver's license let alone a credit card -- to blindly donate to the cause.
Suspicious in concept and execution, the campaign makes no promises as to what exactly the money goes toward. Does it bankroll Piñata? Will it be used to buy the HeroClix franchise, in the event Piñata wins the bidding war? But what happens if Piñata loses the bidding war? Does it pay the mortgage of the guy who ran the collection effort?
While it's obvious to me that the money is lost if the startup fails, I fear too many people are donating to the cause without thinking this through. So, seriously people, engage the brain before you hit the "donate" button. If you have $10 to spare and want to sink it into Save HeroClix, fine. But if Piñata folds next month and you suddenly regret your donation, don't come crying to me. Because you're only going to get a big "I told you so."
Happy Geography Awareness Week!
From Google LatLong:For the third year in a row, Google is delighted to work with My Wonderful World, a National Geographic-led campaign to give kids the power of global knowledge, on Geography Awareness Week. Beginning today, students and teachers alike can explore a range of geo-activities using Google Earth. Working together on projects like this, that encourage people to roll up their sleeves and explore the world, is what Google's Geo Education initiative is all about.
Win holiday gifts - Elmo Live and U-Command Wall-E
KaBOOM! is giving away two of the hottest toys this holiday season on the KaBOOM! Playspace Finder Sweepstakes this week.
Miscellaneous links
Here's a random sampling of Interesting Things Found on the Internet lately...
- Social media is now more popular than...well, the stuff that used to be the most popular stuff on the Internet, if you know what I mean.
- Microwave an instant chocolate cake in a coffee mug...I wonder how this would taste.
- Seth Green scales the Sydney Opera House
- President-elect Obama will continue to be hip with the series of tubes after he's elected.
- xkcd and EULA humor
11.17.2008
11.15.2008
How's our blogging? October 2008 edition
October 2008 stats for the Think Lynsen blog, AKA "You only love us for our images, don't you?"Visits
Visits: 2,091
Visitors: 1,532
Pageviews: 2,923
Time on Site: 0:56
Top 5 states providing visitors:
Minnesota
Maryland
California
Wisconsin
District of Columbia
Top referrals (excluding email)
images.google.com
thinklynsen.com
Blogger
images.google.ca
Top web search terms
slashdoe
think lynsen
thinklynsen.com
lynsen
thinklynsen
washington post express
go soak your head
apocalypse ponies
imageevent down
spaceballs the animated series
Top posts
Awesomeness.
In the not too distant future...
Don't walk means don't walk
DiCaprioooooooooooooo!
No business cards? No problem.
Marching for marriage
More than 5,000 people marched Saturday in Washington against the passage of Proposition 8, the California constitutional amendment that banned same-sex marriage. The protestors sought the return of marriage rights for same-sex couples.I was at the event and took several photographs of people preparing for the rally and starting the march. You can see my shots here, including an adorable picture of two girls under a sign reading, "Let our mommies marry!"
You can read more about the march here at the Washington Blade.
11.14.2008
KaBOOM! is hiring for two new online community positions
KaBOOM! is an awesome place to work! Feel free to pass along these job postings.
KaBOOM! Playspace Finder Coordinator
Do-It-Yourself Online Community Manager
KaBOOM! Playspace Finder Coordinator
Do-It-Yourself Online Community Manager
Countdown to Black Friday
Have you ever journeyed forth on the madness that is Black Friday? I have. It's not pretty. As such, I almost certainly will be sleeping in Nov. 28. But if you're planning to make the rounds in two weeks, you can track the deals via these helpful resources:
• Black Friday Ads, which claims to be "the official Black Friday 2008 website," is tracking weekly sales leading up to the big shopping day in addition to Black Friday news.
• BlackFriday.info is the simplest site, posting scans of Black Friday materials as it gets them. But the ads, which are considered proprietary, are subject to removal at any time.
• Black-Friday.net allows you to submit your e-mail address so you can be notified when ads to your favorite stores are posted. If you value convenience, this might be a good way to go.
Should you go forth: Good luck. You're gonna need it.
• Black Friday Ads, which claims to be "the official Black Friday 2008 website," is tracking weekly sales leading up to the big shopping day in addition to Black Friday news.• BlackFriday.info is the simplest site, posting scans of Black Friday materials as it gets them. But the ads, which are considered proprietary, are subject to removal at any time.
• Black-Friday.net allows you to submit your e-mail address so you can be notified when ads to your favorite stores are posted. If you value convenience, this might be a good way to go.
Should you go forth: Good luck. You're gonna need it.
11.13.2008
The Best of Larry Hama? Not quite
Details of the long anticipated "G.I. Joe: The Best of Larry Hama," a forthcoming tome collecting several classic G.I. Joe tales, have finally been revealed. And unfortunately, this selection of stories falls short.
According to product details posted at Amazon.com, the hardcover volume set to publish in April 2009 includes these old-school "G.I. Joe" comics:
• Issue 21, "Silent Interlude," a visceral tale told without dialogue and often heralded as the finest G.I. Joe story ever told
• Issue 24, "The Commander Escapes," which shows just how difficult it is to keep the villainous leader under lock and key
• Issue 26, "Snake Eyes: The Origin," the first in a two-part series exploring the story behind the Joe team's most mysterious member
• Issue 34, "Shake Down," an inspired tale showing a showdown between two great pilots
• Issue 63, "Going Under," which demonstrates the lengths to which Joe team members will go to rescue one of their own
• Issue 85, "SFX," an encore of the famed silent issue that again goes quiet to tell the story of a ninja showdown
• Issue 86, "Not Fade Away," a special issue that introduces the original Joe, Joseph Colton, into the mythos
• Issue 91, "No Simple Solutions," which follows on plot themes introduced in the origin of Snake Eyes
• Issue 104, "Hero of the People," a tale showing Snake Eyes going undercover to rescue his dead sister's former fiancee
• G.I. Joe: Special Missions 17, "All In a Night's Work," where Joe team members resolve a delicate hostage situation
I wholeheartedly approve of the tome including issues 21, 26, 34 and 86. Issues 24 and 85, while well written, are not necessary for this collection. And having not seen issues 63, 104, and Special Missions issue 17, I can't vouch for them, but they have little renown and I cannot explain why they're included.
I also cannot explain why this collection does not include issue 27, the second half of the Snake Eyes origin story; any part of the monumental, four-issue Cobra civil war story; or the hard-to-find final issue. These were missed opportunities, to be sure, and the publisher's failure to include these issues will stop me from buying the book.
Although it's likely too late, IDW Publishing should reconsider its choices before sending this book to print. Subtract issues 24, 63, 85, 104 and SM 17, add issues 27, 73, 74, 75, 76 and 155, and make this volume all it can be.
According to product details posted at Amazon.com, the hardcover volume set to publish in April 2009 includes these old-school "G.I. Joe" comics:
• Issue 21, "Silent Interlude," a visceral tale told without dialogue and often heralded as the finest G.I. Joe story ever told
• Issue 24, "The Commander Escapes," which shows just how difficult it is to keep the villainous leader under lock and key
• Issue 26, "Snake Eyes: The Origin," the first in a two-part series exploring the story behind the Joe team's most mysterious member
• Issue 34, "Shake Down," an inspired tale showing a showdown between two great pilots• Issue 63, "Going Under," which demonstrates the lengths to which Joe team members will go to rescue one of their own
• Issue 85, "SFX," an encore of the famed silent issue that again goes quiet to tell the story of a ninja showdown
• Issue 86, "Not Fade Away," a special issue that introduces the original Joe, Joseph Colton, into the mythos
• Issue 91, "No Simple Solutions," which follows on plot themes introduced in the origin of Snake Eyes
• Issue 104, "Hero of the People," a tale showing Snake Eyes going undercover to rescue his dead sister's former fiancee
• G.I. Joe: Special Missions 17, "All In a Night's Work," where Joe team members resolve a delicate hostage situation
I wholeheartedly approve of the tome including issues 21, 26, 34 and 86. Issues 24 and 85, while well written, are not necessary for this collection. And having not seen issues 63, 104, and Special Missions issue 17, I can't vouch for them, but they have little renown and I cannot explain why they're included.
I also cannot explain why this collection does not include issue 27, the second half of the Snake Eyes origin story; any part of the monumental, four-issue Cobra civil war story; or the hard-to-find final issue. These were missed opportunities, to be sure, and the publisher's failure to include these issues will stop me from buying the book.
Although it's likely too late, IDW Publishing should reconsider its choices before sending this book to print. Subtract issues 24, 63, 85, 104 and SM 17, add issues 27, 73, 74, 75, 76 and 155, and make this volume all it can be.
Hot buttered lemonade
Been struck down by a cold or flu? Here's a home remedy from my friend Kim that can help. I've passed it on to so many people over the years, I figured it would be more efficient to post it here.
Hot Buttered Lemonade
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup honey
1-2 quarts water (to taste)
Zest of 1 lemon (very important!)
whole cloves (5-10)
1-2 stick cinnamon
whole allspice (optional)
Combine and simmer to bring out essential oils of spices. Pour in cup over 1 Tbs. butter. Add stick cinnamon to cup if desired. Sip.
(Butter provides a soothing coating to throat, cloves and other spices relieve the pain of sore and scratchy throat, lemon provides much needed vitamin C.)
Hot Buttered Lemonade
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup honey
1-2 quarts water (to taste)
Zest of 1 lemon (very important!)
whole cloves (5-10)
1-2 stick cinnamon
whole allspice (optional)
Combine and simmer to bring out essential oils of spices. Pour in cup over 1 Tbs. butter. Add stick cinnamon to cup if desired. Sip.
(Butter provides a soothing coating to throat, cloves and other spices relieve the pain of sore and scratchy throat, lemon provides much needed vitamin C.)
Vote for the KaBOOM! Playspace Finder in the Mashable Open Web awards!
All you need to do is enter your e-mail address and click "submit" in the form below. Couldn't be easier - and you'd be helping KaBOOM! spread the word!
Like fish in a barrel
Admittedly, asking the model portraying Lara Croft questions about archaeology is a bit like shooting fish in a barrel. There's no way she can survive. But that doesn't mean we can't have a good laugh all the same.
Watch the awkwardness build in this video as a foreign journalist asks Alison Carroll questions along the lines of "when was the tomb of Tutankhamun found?" It all culminates with the model's handler running interference and the model pleading for the videographer to "stop the camera." He stopped the camera, of course, but then he promptly posted the video online for all to see. Heh.
Oh, and for the record, King Tut's tomb was found in 1922.
Watch the awkwardness build in this video as a foreign journalist asks Alison Carroll questions along the lines of "when was the tomb of Tutankhamun found?" It all culminates with the model's handler running interference and the model pleading for the videographer to "stop the camera." He stopped the camera, of course, but then he promptly posted the video online for all to see. Heh.Oh, and for the record, King Tut's tomb was found in 1922.
11.12.2008
It doesn't hurt to ask
As you know from my love of comic books and video games, I'm basically a 6-year-old boy at heart. So it should come as no surprise to you that I recently bought a few G.I. Joe action figures.
But I didn't just get them at the nearest Target. Oh no. I did some bargain hunting. And the best deal I found was at my local comic shop, Alliance Comics. The store is currently scaling back its inventory, so it's given some of its more stagnant items, such as action figures, discounted prices. I found a box of five G.I. Joe figures there priced at $20. That was no great deal considering the box sets first hit stores a year ago at $25. But I asked the shopkeep since he'd been sitting on the figures for so long, would he take $10 instead?
My response was a pause and a couple of blinks. (He might have been considering that Toys R Us sells G.I. Joe figures for $8 each. But he might also have been considering how long the box set had lingered on his shelves.) "Ten dollars for five figures?" he said. I shrugged, and simply responded, "Yeah." He sighed. And then he rung me up. Score!
Obviously, this isn't a tactic that will work at Best Buy, but as the economy continues to suck harder than a supercharged vacuum, this might be something to try at small businesses. Like the saying goes: It doesn't hurt to ask.
But I didn't just get them at the nearest Target. Oh no. I did some bargain hunting. And the best deal I found was at my local comic shop, Alliance Comics. The store is currently scaling back its inventory, so it's given some of its more stagnant items, such as action figures, discounted prices. I found a box of five G.I. Joe figures there priced at $20. That was no great deal considering the box sets first hit stores a year ago at $25. But I asked the shopkeep since he'd been sitting on the figures for so long, would he take $10 instead?My response was a pause and a couple of blinks. (He might have been considering that Toys R Us sells G.I. Joe figures for $8 each. But he might also have been considering how long the box set had lingered on his shelves.) "Ten dollars for five figures?" he said. I shrugged, and simply responded, "Yeah." He sighed. And then he rung me up. Score!
Obviously, this isn't a tactic that will work at Best Buy, but as the economy continues to suck harder than a supercharged vacuum, this might be something to try at small businesses. Like the saying goes: It doesn't hurt to ask.
11.11.2008
Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: iPod Games Edition
One of the best -- and worst -- things about the iPod Touch is that it's captured the imagination of game developers.
• Thumbs Up to Mobile Monopoly: I adore "Monopoly" with a love that dare not speak its name. But my wife does not share share that love. Soon, though, that shall not be a problem. "Monopoly" is coming to the iPod Touch, allowing me to buy Short Line as I take the Red Line to work. Huzzah!
• Thumbs Down to Spore Hype: Listening to the seemingly endless hype for "Spore," you'd think it was the best thing the hit sandbox gaming since "Sim City." But no. The free demo I played with my iPod Touch gave me no enticement to buy the game. Avoid this unimpressive and remarkably short demo.
• Thumbs Up to Superdeformed Joyness: The characters in "Crystal Defenders" look more like stuffed toys than people, but that doesn't matter to me. What matters is that Square Enix is making a game for the iPod Touch. And the game will doubtless be legen -- wait for it -- dary.
• Thumbs Down to Flooded Marketplaces: I'm pleased that so many people want to develop games for my iPod Touch, but it seems that for every one title worth downloading, there're 100 titles that are just taking up space. An exaggeration? Nope. To date, nearly 1,700 iPod Touch games have been released.
• Thumbs Up to Good Intentions: I'll reserve final judgement until I get to play it, but someone is working to port classic shooter "Quake" to the iPod Touch. Looking at an early video, it's unclear how well this will work, but you gotta give the guy props for trying. And you gotta give him even more props for keeping it free.
• Thumbs Up to Mobile Monopoly: I adore "Monopoly" with a love that dare not speak its name. But my wife does not share share that love. Soon, though, that shall not be a problem. "Monopoly" is coming to the iPod Touch, allowing me to buy Short Line as I take the Red Line to work. Huzzah!
• Thumbs Down to Spore Hype: Listening to the seemingly endless hype for "Spore," you'd think it was the best thing the hit sandbox gaming since "Sim City." But no. The free demo I played with my iPod Touch gave me no enticement to buy the game. Avoid this unimpressive and remarkably short demo.• Thumbs Up to Superdeformed Joyness: The characters in "Crystal Defenders" look more like stuffed toys than people, but that doesn't matter to me. What matters is that Square Enix is making a game for the iPod Touch. And the game will doubtless be legen -- wait for it -- dary.
• Thumbs Down to Flooded Marketplaces: I'm pleased that so many people want to develop games for my iPod Touch, but it seems that for every one title worth downloading, there're 100 titles that are just taking up space. An exaggeration? Nope. To date, nearly 1,700 iPod Touch games have been released.
• Thumbs Up to Good Intentions: I'll reserve final judgement until I get to play it, but someone is working to port classic shooter "Quake" to the iPod Touch. Looking at an early video, it's unclear how well this will work, but you gotta give the guy props for trying. And you gotta give him even more props for keeping it free.
11.10.2008
Goodbye, HeroClix
I suppose it's only fitting that two months after my favorite comic shop closes, so too does the company whose games I once promoted there.
News broke today that WizKids Games, the company behind tabletop miniatures game HeroClix, was shutting down. Little explanation was offered by its parent company, Topps, but it was no secret that HeroClix sales across the last couple years could have been better. Rising oil prices forced the price of figures to jump several times, and as the economy slowed, players such as myself became less and less interested in buying boxes containing randomized playing pieces.
So while I was saddened by today's news, I was not shocked. The writing had been on the WizKids wall for a while now. The game, which debuted in 2002, seemed to take off in 2004 when WizKids released the Ultimates set. HeroClix hit its stride in 2005 during the releases of Icons and Fantastic Forces, which was when I coordinated tournaments at Jimmy Jams in Rochester. Those were some good times.
But after that, the game lost steam. Problems such as "power creep," where the average stats of new figures are noticeably higher than old figures, became increasingly evident. Old sets were "retired" in part to remedy this problem, but the move caused frustration among longtime players who suddenly found that their best (and most expensive) figures could no longer be used in official tournaments.
WizKids tried their best to keep the game going, incorporating quirky new figures and basing entire sets around beloved storylines. That did little, though, to stop the bleeding. And that's too bad, because HeroClix was a fun game supported by an enthusiastic community of players.
Topps says it will "pursue strategic alternatives" for the game, perhaps selling the system to another publisher in an effort to keep it going. But in this economy, I can't imagine many companies will be interested. The likeliest buyer, Wizards of the Coast, is having its own problems keeping the Dungeons & Dragons minis game alive. And the corporate credit crunch will likely preclude any medium-sized companies from bidding on the game. So barring some unforeseen development, this probably is the end for HeroClix.
I wish the WizKids staff all the best as they move on to their next endeavors. Thank you for all the fun and games you provided me and so many others during the last six years. I truly appreciate it.
May you roll critical hits in your job searches.
News broke today that WizKids Games, the company behind tabletop miniatures game HeroClix, was shutting down. Little explanation was offered by its parent company, Topps, but it was no secret that HeroClix sales across the last couple years could have been better. Rising oil prices forced the price of figures to jump several times, and as the economy slowed, players such as myself became less and less interested in buying boxes containing randomized playing pieces.So while I was saddened by today's news, I was not shocked. The writing had been on the WizKids wall for a while now. The game, which debuted in 2002, seemed to take off in 2004 when WizKids released the Ultimates set. HeroClix hit its stride in 2005 during the releases of Icons and Fantastic Forces, which was when I coordinated tournaments at Jimmy Jams in Rochester. Those were some good times.
But after that, the game lost steam. Problems such as "power creep," where the average stats of new figures are noticeably higher than old figures, became increasingly evident. Old sets were "retired" in part to remedy this problem, but the move caused frustration among longtime players who suddenly found that their best (and most expensive) figures could no longer be used in official tournaments.
WizKids tried their best to keep the game going, incorporating quirky new figures and basing entire sets around beloved storylines. That did little, though, to stop the bleeding. And that's too bad, because HeroClix was a fun game supported by an enthusiastic community of players.
Topps says it will "pursue strategic alternatives" for the game, perhaps selling the system to another publisher in an effort to keep it going. But in this economy, I can't imagine many companies will be interested. The likeliest buyer, Wizards of the Coast, is having its own problems keeping the Dungeons & Dragons minis game alive. And the corporate credit crunch will likely preclude any medium-sized companies from bidding on the game. So barring some unforeseen development, this probably is the end for HeroClix.
I wish the WizKids staff all the best as they move on to their next endeavors. Thank you for all the fun and games you provided me and so many others during the last six years. I truly appreciate it.
May you roll critical hits in your job searches.
Remember when John Williams was good?
This guy does. And his homage, repurposing the themes from "Indiana Jones", "Superman", "E.T.," "Jaws" and "Jurassic Park," into an incredible a capella tribute is awesome. Enjoy.
11.09.2008
Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: Comic Movies Edition
Some news about upcoming comic book movies is good. But not all.
Thumbs Up to "1602" Movie: It's just an idea at this stage, but the notion that my second-favorite Marvel story (after "Marvels" by Kurt Busiek) could come to theaters is thrilling. Neil Gaiman, the original writer, told MTV that he'd love to adapt his tale for the silver screen. And I'd love to see him do it.
Thumbs Down to Catwoman's Return: The latest rumor on the inevitable-but-still-unannounced sequel to "The Dark Knight" has Catwoman appearing in the film. I say nay. We haven't seen a good Catwoman since Lee Meriwether and there are far too many Batman villains worth using to retread this worn path. Film me a Batman, Riddler and Hush tale!
Thumbs Up to New Actors: "Iron Man" was an incredible film, but it had one glaring downfall. Terrence Howard was a lackluster Jim Rhodes. That problem, however, has been resolved. Terrance has been jettisoned for the sequel and will be replaced by "Ocean's Eleven" actor Don Cheadle. Thank goodness.
Thumbs Down to Dark Superman: In the wake of Batman's success, some people have called for the next "Superman" to go darker in tone than its last installment. I think that's a bad idea, and "Superman Returns" star Brandon Routh agrees with me. See his take on this notion here.
Thumbs Up to "Watchmen," Again: The recently released new footage keeps the promise the movie's trailer made. I can't wait to see this film and am growing more excited for it by the frame.
Thumbs Up to "1602" Movie: It's just an idea at this stage, but the notion that my second-favorite Marvel story (after "Marvels" by Kurt Busiek) could come to theaters is thrilling. Neil Gaiman, the original writer, told MTV that he'd love to adapt his tale for the silver screen. And I'd love to see him do it.
Thumbs Down to Catwoman's Return: The latest rumor on the inevitable-but-still-unannounced sequel to "The Dark Knight" has Catwoman appearing in the film. I say nay. We haven't seen a good Catwoman since Lee Meriwether and there are far too many Batman villains worth using to retread this worn path. Film me a Batman, Riddler and Hush tale!Thumbs Up to New Actors: "Iron Man" was an incredible film, but it had one glaring downfall. Terrence Howard was a lackluster Jim Rhodes. That problem, however, has been resolved. Terrance has been jettisoned for the sequel and will be replaced by "Ocean's Eleven" actor Don Cheadle. Thank goodness.
Thumbs Down to Dark Superman: In the wake of Batman's success, some people have called for the next "Superman" to go darker in tone than its last installment. I think that's a bad idea, and "Superman Returns" star Brandon Routh agrees with me. See his take on this notion here.
Thumbs Up to "Watchmen," Again: The recently released new footage keeps the promise the movie's trailer made. I can't wait to see this film and am growing more excited for it by the frame.
11.08.2008
Comic Books 2.0!
Back in July, I blogged about the intriguing prospect of "motion comics," a new way to present the old medium. I wrote then that the inventive method could be the harbinger of Comic Books 2.0. It turns out, I might be correct.
DC Comics has since announced that other classic titles will join the motion comics adaptation of "Watchmen," including "Superman: Red Son" and "Batman: Black & White." I think these initial three choices for the line are excellent picks. Who can say no to an alternate-reality tale where Superman is the champion of Russia? Or an anthology of Dark Knight tales?
I look forward to seeing the remainder of the "Watchmen" motion comics and I can't wait to see how "Red Son" and "Black & White" are handled. If this be the future of the medium, I welcome it!
DC Comics has since announced that other classic titles will join the motion comics adaptation of "Watchmen," including "Superman: Red Son" and "Batman: Black & White." I think these initial three choices for the line are excellent picks. Who can say no to an alternate-reality tale where Superman is the champion of Russia? Or an anthology of Dark Knight tales?I look forward to seeing the remainder of the "Watchmen" motion comics and I can't wait to see how "Red Son" and "Black & White" are handled. If this be the future of the medium, I welcome it!
Name that video game!
While Annie's away, here's a fun game.
Can you name the video game in this picture?
Can you name the video game in this picture?
11.07.2008
Mega wuss?
Some people are good at ye olde school video games, such as "Mega Man 9." But I am not one of them.
It's been weeks since I've downloaded the game and I've yet to beat one of the robot masters. Granted, we've been a little busy at work, so I haven't been dedicating a lot of time to the game. (What little spare time I've had has gone to indulgences such as eating and sleeping.) Still, it doesn't speak well of my gaming skills that all the game's bosses are laughing at me.
I think it might be time to resort to guides and walkthroughs. Some people would call this cheating. I, however, call it getting my money's worth.
It's been weeks since I've downloaded the game and I've yet to beat one of the robot masters. Granted, we've been a little busy at work, so I haven't been dedicating a lot of time to the game. (What little spare time I've had has gone to indulgences such as eating and sleeping.) Still, it doesn't speak well of my gaming skills that all the game's bosses are laughing at me.I think it might be time to resort to guides and walkthroughs. Some people would call this cheating. I, however, call it getting my money's worth.
11.06.2008
Heading to San Francisco tomorrow!
OK, so I'm sort of procrastinating packing right now. I love traveling; hate packing.Luckily I'm going to be packing for something fun. I'm presenting at the San Francisco WE Play! for work, and then spending a few days touring the area with my good friend and college roommate, Janet. We're planning to do a Napa Valley winery tour, check out Chinatown and the Castro district, and pretty much wherever else our feet take us.
You'll be happy to know you won't go Think Lynsen-less while I'm away; I've just queued up some amusing stuff to post while I'm away, and Josh will be posting as well.
So until later next week...so long!
11.05.2008
Cobra Commander: 'Who needs votes?'
He didn't win the electoral college, the popular vote, or even the key "8 years old in 1985" demographic. But that isn't stopping Cobra Commander from moving forward on his plans for world domination!
11.04.2008
We voted!
Here we are, wearing our "I voted/Yo voté" stickers. We waited in line outside for two long hours this morning, but we were undeterred.
11.03.2008
Cobra Commander for president!
As you consider who to vote for tomorrow, remember that Cobra Commander is running a write-in campaign for president. Here again is a video I shared with you earlier this year...
For more videos documenting Cobra Commander's run for president, including his selection of running mate and several interviews, click here. Remember, if you really want change in Washington, vote Cobra Commander!
(Seriously, though, please vote tomorrow. The last thing you want is for this guy to become president.)
For more videos documenting Cobra Commander's run for president, including his selection of running mate and several interviews, click here. Remember, if you really want change in Washington, vote Cobra Commander!
(Seriously, though, please vote tomorrow. The last thing you want is for this guy to become president.)
Don't forget to vote tomorrow!
Unless you've been living in a cave for the past year and a half, you know tomorrow is Election Day. No matter who you are supporting in the presidential and local races, it is vital that you get out and vote.They're predicting record turnout, which is good, but it also means you're going to have to plan ahead if you want your voice heard. Here in Maryland, they're recommending people vote between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to avoid crazy wait times. That's not feasible for everyone, so if you can't get away from work during those hours then be sure to get there as early as possible (polls here open at 7 a.m.) and make contingency plans for being late (don't schedule any morning meetings). Do not abandon your place in line! "Trying to vote" doesn't count. Stick it out, bring your Blackberry or a book, and make sure your voice is heard.
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