Archive for the ‘Featured’ Category

Play and watch all your games and movies in 3D – 3d Vision

Monday, January 12th, 2009

I really liked the GeForce demonstration of their new 3D Vision Product @ the CES. Whit it you can see and play “normal” games and videos in 3D. You just put on the glasses and you are good to go.

Tired of living in a 2D world? Upgrade your PC to a fully immersive stereoscopic 3D gaming experience with NVIDIA® GeForce® 3D Vision™. A combination of high-tech wireless glasses and advanced software, the GeForce 3D Vision kit transforms hundreds of PC games, 3D movies, and digital photographs into an eye popping, interactive experience.

Convert standard games into stereoscopic 3D
Advanced NVIDIA software automatically converts over 350 games to stereoscopic 3D without the need for special game patches.

Highest quality stereoscopic 3D solution
High tech active shutter glasses, designed with top-of-the-line optics deliver 2X the resolution per eye and ultra-wide viewing angles.

Support for new pure 120 Hz LCD monitors
Unlocks crystal-clear, flicker-free stereoscopic 3D gaming, enabling 60 Hz per eye.

Maximum 3D Ready display flexibility
Designed for DLP® 1080p HDTVs, pure 120 Hz LCD monitors, and DepthQ HD 3D projectors, unlocking crystal-clear, flicker-free stereoscopic 3D gaming and multiple viewing solutions.

Designed for comfort and style
Comfortable to wear and modeled after modern sunglasses, offering a stylish and lightweight alternative to traditional 3D glasses.

Wear over your prescription glasses
Ensures that users with corrective eyewear can view fully immersive stereoscopic 3D. In addition, adjustable nose pieces ensure a custom fit for each user.

High power wireless infrared communication
Fully untethered solution, offering free range of motion and up to 15 feet of wireless 3D viewing via infrared communication. And multiple users can use the same IR receiver for a multi-user experience.

Game for more than forty hours on a single charge
Easily recharge your 3D glasses over a standard USB cable without frequently replacing batteries, and game for an entire week without needing to recharge your glasses. Intelligent circuit design automatically shuts off after 10 minutes when not in use to preserve battery life.

Adjust 3D depth adjustment from the IR emitter
Allows you to quickly and easily control common stereoscopic 3D functions without searching for hotkeys.

Watch movies in 3D
Fully supports 3D video players such as 3dtv Stereoscopic Player, allowing you to view fullscreen 3D movies. Futureproof your system for the next generation high definition 3D movie formats with superb high definition video playback on GeForce GPUs.

Instant Immersion
Get into the action in minutes with automated set-up; finger controlled 3D depth adjustment, and instant display detection.

Stereoscopic 3D picture support
Easily take in-game screenshots and view them in stereoscopic 3D with NVIDIA’s free photo viewer. In addition, import and view stereoscopic pictures from a variety of different capture sources.

Powered by NVIDIA GeForce GPUs
The #1 choice of PC gamers worldwide, enabling rich, immersive games with stunningly accurate realism thanks to support for the latest graphics technologies including NVIDIA SLI® technology, NVIDIA PhysX™, and DirectX® 10.

Find out even more here

VIDEO: Malcolm Gladwell at the 92nd Street YONLINE

Saturday, January 10th, 2009

Malcolm Gladwell talks about Outliers in New York just a few days ago. This is a 1 hour 41 minute discussion followed by a QA session.

This guy is just fascinating and the latest of his books after Tipping Point and Blink is just a pleasure to listen to. Enjoy…

Early names of 11 famous rock bands – you would have never guessed

Saturday, December 27th, 2008

11

In art “imagination” is everything. Well you can say image is everything. And as one quintessential part of a bands image you have to have the right name. The below are 11 names of rock bands that were changed at some point during their existence.

And believe me you will only know the later names. The results are hidden in the same line as the old names just in the same color as the background – simply highlight them with your cursor and you shall see.

  1. Carl and the Passions – The Beach Boys
  2. Johnny and the Moondog – The Beatles
  3. Artistics – Talking Heads
  4. The Elgins – The Temptations
  5. The New Yardbirds – Led Zeppelin
  6. Composition of Sounds – Depeche Mode
  7. Polka Tulk – Black Sabbath
  8. Tom and Jerry – Simon and Garfunkel
  9. Primettes - Supremes
  10. Falling Spikes – Velvet Underground
  11. Big Thing – Chicago

How to really listen to a woman

Saturday, December 27th, 2008

It is a cliché that men can’t listen when woman talk. For sure men can listen to woman it is just not all that simple and easy. If however you really want to listen to a woman you will much easier succeed with the below insights.

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image by eye2eye

The Sound of Women

A 2005 study by the University of Sheffield has shown that “The female voice is actually more complex than the male voice, due to differences in the size and shape of the vocal cords and larynx between women and men, and also due to women having greater natural `melody´ in their voices.. This causes a more complex range of sound frequencies than in a male voice.

“When a man hears a female voice the auditory section of his brain is activated, which analyses the different sounds in order to `read´ the voice and determine the auditory face.

“When men hear a male voice the part of the brain that processes the information is towards the back of the brain and is colloquially known as the `mind´s eye´. This is the part of the brain where people compare their experiences to themselves, so the man is comparing his own voice to the new voice to determine gender.

Thus the brain gets tired quicker and the man doesn’t really listen to the woman anymore.

Solutions

The probably biggest false assumption in man woman conversation is that men think that a woman wants answers, solutions or a plan to solve the problem she is bragging about. This is fundamentally wrong. This might sound like a paradox to you – if you are a man – but you will have to live with the fact that even the best plan or solution – if taken to your female conversation partner will only result in the woman thinking she and her problem is not taken seriously.

So in short solidarity and compassion but no solutions or god beware antagonism.

Listen Actively

The American Psychologist Carl Rogers did come up with the concept of active listening. He states that authenticity and a open mind are fundamental basic requirements for a successful conversation. In fact good listening is 50% of the whole way – he says.

  • Hearing is the first step -pay close attention to make sure you hear the message correctly.
  • Interpretation: Make sure your understanding of the speaker’s message is accurate
  • Evaluation. Ask questions, don’t jump to conclusions.
  • Respond. Let the speaker know that you have heard them.

Another guru in listening and teaching of the dos and donts is the American Dale Carnegie – who’s books I love. He has a list of points to follow for good listening as you can see below.

  • Stay focused on the conversation
  • Listen for the important points
  • Use eye contact and body language to show that
  • you are paying attention
  • Prevent yourself from interrupting
  • Understand the other person’s point of view
  • Ask clear, direct questions to gain understanding
  • Use leading questions to gather more detail
  • Hear buying signals every time
  • Listen for and understand the importance of
  • what’s not being said
  • Practice patience when you listen
  • Understand the prospect’s feelings
  • Encourage prospects to talk freely
  • Formulate solutions as you are listening (only when talking to male beings)

Now you would have to be a Monk to be so self centered and calm to follow all the rules – even so they all make sense if you read them.

The best advice is to stay calm and be aware of the fact that women are different.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Monday, December 22nd, 2008

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image by Espiox

I LOVE ROLLER COASTER! Period!! The next adventure I will treat myself with is the Expedition Everest. I’ve always been fascinated by the stories around the highest mountain on this world and although the travel industry has done its bit to destroy the magic of the BIG adventure I think that the Disney ride will be just that – An awesome adventure!!!!

Expedition Everest is often compared to the 1959 Matterhorn Bobsleds roller coaster at Disneyland, which also features a snowy mountain setting and an “abominable snowman” figure throughout the ride.

Although moderate in height and length by contemporary roller coaster standards, Expedition Everest is unique for having its trains travel forward and backward as a result of the yeti’s interference with the journey. This is accomplished through two sets of rotating track segments on pivot before and after the backwards segment. In its publicity material, Disney pointedly has described the attraction as a family thrill ride.

Expedition Everest is the tallest of the artificial mountains at Walt Disney World Resort, joining Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Mount Gushmore, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Mount Mayday on the list of Disney-built peaks. According to Imagineering, it is Disney’s 18th mountain-themed attraction. If the Expedition Everest mountain were real, it would be ranked fourth on the list of the highest summits in Florida at 320 feet (98 m) above sea level.

Top 10 Presents to make a Geek Happy

Monday, December 15th, 2008

Pleo

Pleo Dinosaur – A UGOBE Life Form

Pleo, a one week-old baby Camarasaurus dinosaur, is a robotic marvel and the newest member of your family! Pleo interacts with you – moving organically, expressing emotion, autonomously exploring and responding to the world around him. On the Pleoworld.com companion site, owners can connect, find training tips and download new enhancements for their pet dino. Pleo’s sophisticated sensory system has devices that enable him to hear, to see, to sense touch, and to detect objects: a color camera, sound sensors, two infrared sensors, 14 motors, over 100 gears, eight touch sensors, and an orientation sensor.

Air Hogs Havoc Heli

Air Hogs Havoc Heli – Colors May Vary

With the world’s record for the smallest remote-controlled helicopter, the Air Hogs Havoc Heli goes where no other flying object can. Recommended for ages eight and up, this incredible little R/C heli from Spinmaster is easy and fun for kids of all ages — even grown up ones.
The Havoc Heli has twin rotors for stability and four-way control for flying in any direction with accuracy — up, down, under, over, left, right, forward and backward. Like a real helicopter, the Havoc can hover in one spot. It even manuevers through the toughest of obstacles. Intended for indoor use, the helicopter operates outdoors with zero wind conditions, and can fly up to 100 feet high in the air. The Havoc Heli is also equipped with a flashing blue LED light for night flying.


Synology NAS Disk Station DS207+ High Performance 2-Bay Network Storage

Synology NAS Disk Station DS207+ High Performance 2-Bay Network Storage

DS207 is designed with Windows ADS authentication, USB printer sharing, dynamic website hosting, and data backup. The ultra-high-density file storing capability gives business users the freedom to store twice as much data. With the RAID 1 protection, DS207 can further prevent data loss from inevitable disaster.


Samsung LN52A650 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Samsung LN52A650 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Samsung adds a Touch of Color to a blazing-fast 4ms response time and rich connectivity features to redefine the role HDTVs play in the home with its forward-looking Series 6 (A650) and Series 7 (A750) LCD HDTVs. Utilizing the award-winning technologies found in all Samsung HDTVs, Series 6 and 7 HDTVs deliver unparalleled picture quality and enhanced connectivity and networking capabilities that create a true entertainment hub for any home. Series 7 takes networking and multimedia management to a whole new level. Consumers can easily enjoy MPEG and JPEG files stored on external devices by connecting through a side-mounted USB 2.0, turning their LCD into a full-scale home viewing gallery, or connect their MP3 players for a dynamic audio experience.

Apple iPod touch 16 GB (2nd Generation)

Apple iPod touch 16 GB (2nd Generation)

The iPod touch has always been an amazing iPod. And with its groundbreaking technologies–including a Multi-Touch screen, the accelerometer, and 3D graphics–and access to hundreds of games, iPod touch puts an amazing gaming experience in the palm of your hand. It comes in 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB models with new volume controls and a built-in speaker. Play hours of music. Create a Genius Playlist of songs that go great together. Watch a movie. Surf the web. View rich HTML email. Find your location and get directions with Google Maps. Browse YouTube videos. And shop the App Store for games and applications.


LEGO Star Wars Motorized Walking AT-AT

LEGO Star Wars Motorized Walking AT-AT

Motorized action straight from the Star Wars¿ movies! Behold the power of the Empire! For the first time ever, the ultimate Motorized Walking AT-AT is ready to crush the Rebel Alliance at your command. Thanks to the new Power Functions System, the mighty All-Terrain Armored Transport really walks forward or backward into battle!

Behold the power of the Empire! For the first time ever, the ultimate motorized Walking AT-AT is ready to crush the Rebel Alliance at your command. Thanks to the new Power Functions System, the mighty All-Terrain Armored Transport really walks forward or backward into battle. Features an opening cockpit and rotating laser cannons, along with a handle on top that allows for easy transport. Includes AT-AT pilot, General Veers, Snowtrooper and Luke Skywalker figures. Requires six “AA” batteries, not included. Measures 22.5″W x 15″H. 1,137 pieces.

Rubik’s Cube

Rubik’s Cube

The date is 1974. The place is Budapest, Hungary. Erno Rubik, an admirer of geometry and 3-D forms creates the world’s most perfect — and addictive — puzzle. More than three decades later the Rubik’s cube is still one of the best selling brainteasers. Whether it was full size or the smaller keychain version almost every child had this puzzle by in 1980 when it found worldwide success. Elementary school kids were seen solving it with their feet on “That’s Incredible!”, conspiracy theorists believed it was an Eastern bloc tactic to distract American youth from getting an education, and Cubaholics Anonymous was formally established to help cure the compulsive need to solve it.


Dilbert 2009 Page Per Day Calendar

Dilbert 2009 Page Per Day Calendar

Wally practices work avoidance as if it’s some New Age religion, Alice resorts to violent measures to relieve stress, and Dilbert remains cluelessly above it all. Throw in a boss who manages via buzzwords, and you have the main players in the favorite strip among office dwellers everywhere: Dilbert. It’s a cast of characters all too familiar to most, which accounts for no small part of its amazing success. It seems that everyone knows, has worked with, or unknowingly is a Dilbert type.


Wired (1-year) MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION

Wired (1-year)

Wired readers want to know how technology is changing the world, and they’re interested in big, relevant ideas, even if those ideas challenge their assumptions—or blow their minds. Wired readers are generally familiar with computers and the Internet, but this is definitely not a computer magazine—Wired won’t teach you how to upgrade your RAM. Instead, it’s a magazine about science, art, adventure, online culture, business, philosophy … and bright shiny beautiful gadgets. Each month, more than 2 million smart, savvy readers come to Wired for clean, clear writing with a wry twist.

Call of Duty: World at War XBOX360

Call of Duty: World at War

Call of Duty: World at War from Activision for the Xbox 360 completely changes the rules of engagement by redefining World War II gameplay. In this edition, players are thrust into the final, tension-filled battles against a new, ferocious enemy in the most dangerous and suspenseful action ever seen in a WWII title. Building on the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare engine, this installment promises to immerse players in gritty, chaotic combat. You’ll have to band together to survive harrowing and climactic battles that defined WWII and led to the demise of the Axis powers.

I love Mob Movies

Tuesday, December 9th, 2008

bestmob

I seriuosly love mobster movies and here is a great list of the top mafia movies ever made. I just think this kind of movie allows the director to pull out all the great things that make movies compelling. It is just the desire in all of us to live fast and get rich by finding our way around the law. Great way to waste some time!

Why is it that is always rains in London?

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

rain
being a little miserable today I have to say that this was not a summer it was a weekend of sun and now we are back into winter mode here in London.

Tapas in Soho – London Find Of The Week

Friday, April 6th, 2007

Salvador and Amanda in Soho, London.

Spanish Tapas Bar Nila and Carie

Well not really this week – but anyway. Really really nice Spanish place, not very traditional – but great tapas and nice crowd. And its round the corner of the office – big plus … Go there and have a pitcher of San Miguel.

Cinemas In London – So Where Do You GO?

Friday, April 6th, 2007

cinema
As I’m moving to London this month I have to change my cinema habits – a little at least.  I have noticed there is a huge list of cinemas in London . All of which I’ll never be able to attend. I’ve been to the Odeon – which seems to be the biggest chain – in Leicester Square to watch the latest Bond Movie – what a match a 007 Movie in London. Was pretty good but the seats were not really spacious. What cinemas would you reckon …?