Posts from May 2012

Sometimes something comes along that just kinda knocks your socks off a little bit. Such was the case with the Flip Stead iPad Cover project on Kickstarter.

We’ve all seen iPad covers before, but they’ve all been kinda… lacking? But this Flip Steady is an ubelievably ingenious piece of functional origami that automatically turns into a stand when you flip it open. And you don’t ever have to reach behind the iPad to adjust it; it adjusts itself to however you orient your tablet.

Just take a look at this video:

The Flip Steady is a really amazing Tacoma success story. Developed by native Tacoman Isaiah Coberly & manufactured locally, it started with a goal of $10,000. It reached that goal in just a couple of days and is now rapidly approaching $25,000 with three weeks still to go before it closes.

I do not own an iPad (or any tablet), but if I did I would definitely be throwing down the $75 for the deluxe magnetized version (magnets powerful enough to hold the iPad to a fridge). But if I do get an iPad down the road, it’s good to know that this got enough funding to produce plenty of ’em. In fact, they’ve gotten so much over goal that they’re going to design a Flip Steady for another type of tablet, and you can vote for which one!

Wotta week! It was especially intense on the social front: there were two barbecues, an out-of-town visitor, and the three-part season finale of NBC’s Community!

And what a three-part finale it was! The first episode saw all the characters’ likenesses digitized into a 16-bit, side-scrolling video game world (not an 8-bit one as was commonly stated). I particularly enjoyed that all of the poses and motions for Jeff’s avatar were based very closely on Mega Man. The whole aesthetic was very much like Mega Man crossed with River City Ransom crossed with Doki Doki Panic.

I am so relieved that Community was picked up for a fourth season, even though by all accounts it will be a half-season and definitely the final season (unless some sort of miraculous ratings increase happens). Still, I think four seasons is just right for a show about a four-year community college.

#sixseasonsandamovie

In the past week its seems like I’ve run across a shockingly large number of current, recently-updated websites that have outdated copyright dates. Some as old as 2004.

Come on, people! It’s 2012! You should either (A) remember to update your website’s copyright every year or (B) stick in a code that automatically makes your copyright current forever. It’s incredibly easy! Here, I’ll do it for you. Just stick this piece of code where your [©YEAR] is currently in your template:

<script type="text/javascript">
    var dayte = new Date();
    var copydate = dayte.getFullYear();
    document.writeln("&copy; "+copydate);
</script>

Et voila! Your website’s copyright notice will now always be the current year, no matter what. You’re welcome.

Or, of course, you can do what I do and not copyright your website at all; This is Chris dot com is all Creative Commons licensed, which I think is much simpler and much more fun & friendly.

How do I review this movie without spoilers? I really have to, because knowing anything at all about this movie before going in would be detrimental to your enjoyment of it. I can tell you this: The Cabin in the Woods is a horror movie. Well, kind of. [Read my full review]

This Great Idea on the Internet comes from Ryan Roullard, a musician, techie, and carnivorous plant wrangler of roullard.com. He made a beautiful image for his idea that is self-explanatory:

He’s pushing really hard to make this happen for reals. I know a metric tonne of people who would love these to exist in real life (including my wife). So head on over to roullard.com and give him some support!

This post is about the importance of being fancy.

Have you ever found yourself in an inexpensive, fast-food-style restaurant and suddenly realized, “Holy crap I am not fancy enough for this place!” (don’t worry, I know we’ve all felt like that)?

Well, if you go to Monster Burger in Federal Way (just south across the street from the mall), you needn’t worry, because they have a handy free tie in the men’s room just for you!

Now you can be a fancyman in your fancy restaurant without fear of ridicule!

Seriously, though, I had never been to Monster Burger until earlier this year. It’s pretty good, and extremely reasonable for the portions that get served up. It is actually very clean and well-run. Plus instant fancyman accessory in the men’s room!

Today is my birthday! I am old!

I will probably get a handful of gifts today for my birfday, but as far as I am concerned I received my REAL birthday present yesterday when I was shown this website:

Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now

Sometimes the world looks perfect...

Behold the wonder. Be stunned by the majesty.

Happy Birthday to Me.