Lego Technic Pick-Up Tow Truck

Posted on January 19th, 2012

Lego Technic Pick up Tow Truck

In case you didn’t know, I’m a huge Lego fan, especially Lego Technics models, with the Supercar 8070 one of my strong favorites. A couple of new first-half 2012 (1H2012) Technic models were released this month, with the 9395 tow truck being particularly appealing.

The Pick-Up Tow Truck features working steering, folding tow lift, working winch, engine with moving pistons, and opening doors and hood. And yes, it comes with the necessary Power Functions components needed to operate the main features.

Lego Technic Pick up Tow Truck B Model

Lego Pick-up Tow Truck B-Model

It’s not a terribly large model (17″ L x 6″ W x 6″ H), but should be a nice addition to any Technic collection. The set is priced at $70, which is reasonable for a 954-piece set. Recommended age group is 10-16, and the B-model is a neat looking “truck with lift.”

Buy Now via Amazon
More Info via Lego Shop

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Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity in an Easy-to-Follow Video from 1923

Posted on December 27th, 2011

The folks at adafruit shared this video they found of a 1923 presentation that explains Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. I watched the ~20-minute video, and found it to be both entertaining and enlightening. It will make you think, but only a little bit.

The Einstein Theory of Relativity 1923 from ricordidimenticati on Vimeo.

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Verizon Samsung Galaxy Nexus!

Posted on December 15th, 2011

Samsung Galaxy Nexus

My Verizon Wireless contract was up for renewal and smartphone upgrade back in July, but none of the phones seemed suitable at the time. Then there were rumors that the hugely popular Samsung Galaxy S2 would be coming to Verizon. The Galaxy S2 came to the USA, but to every carrier except for Verizon. Soon after, it was announced that Verizon would be getting the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the flagship for Google’s new Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system.

There were rumors of a late-November launch. Then an early December launch. Rumors and launch dates came and went. But, finally, the phone is now available. I upgraded to the Galaxy Nexus and renewed a 2-year contract at my local Verizon Wireless location. My early impression is extremely positive!

Compared to my original Motorola Droid, the Galaxy Nexus is feather-light, supremely more speedy, and it has a very beautiful screen. Photo quality is so-so, but there is absolutely zero lag. Downloading on the LTE/4G network is quick, but because of my location the signal switches to 3G at times. Even then, the speed is amazing.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Amazon offers the phone for $100-150 less than Verizon Wireless if you renew your contract through them.

I need more time with the phone before I can fully recommend it, but thus far I am really, really liking it.

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Toys to Avoid – Transformers Movie Action Figures

Posted on November 22nd, 2011

Transformers Generations Action Figure Grappel

Let me start off by saying that I am a huge Transformers fan, always have been. The current line of Transformers “Generations” action figures are great models that resemble the robots they portray, and they transform easily. But the movie-themed action figures? Intricate and horribly complex to transform.

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Astonishing X-Men: Gifted, the Motion Comic

Posted on November 1st, 2011

Astonishing X-Men: Gifted is a motion comic based off of a graphic novel of the same name. After watching through the 6 short episodes (~11 minutes each), I find myself craving for more. The story is mostly centralized around a newfound “mutant cure,” and full of action and drama.

The motion comic visual styling is a bit unusual and distracting at first, but it does become transparent after a few minutes once you stop thinking about it and focus on the plot. It’s not a true animation, but everything seems to be very well done so that the styling does not get in the way of the storytelling.

The full first episode is available on YouTube, but be warned that it is not for younger audiences. All 6 episodes also available on DVD and for streaming through Netflix. Other of Marvel’s motion comics are rated TVMA for 18+ audiences.

Buy now via Amazon
Graphic Novel via Amazon

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Kuat Bottle Lock

Posted on October 27th, 2011

Kuat Bottle Lock

Kuat’s new Bottle Lock features a 5-foot braided steel 8mm cable that is internally coiled and locks back into itself. It stows away in your bike’s water bottle cage for neater and easier transport.

We imagine that this will be more appealing to those who ride with a hydration pack or second bottle cage.

The Bottle Lock comes in black, white, and pink, and will set you back $34.

Info via Kuat

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Captain America: The First Avenger Blu-Ray & DVD

Posted on October 26th, 2011

Captain America Blu-Ray Cover

Captain America: the first Avenger is now out on Blu-Ray and DVD. It’s got action, it’s got comedy, and of course great performances by Chris Evans and the lovely Hayley Atwell. Hugo Weaving does a superb job as well, with his evil baddie Red Skull role.

Buy it now or rent a digital copy via Amazon

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Nesco 700 Watt Food Dehydrator

Posted on October 24th, 2011

Nesco FD-75PR Food Dehydrator

Nesco’s FD-75PR food dehydrator is capable of drying fruit, fruit purees, beef for jerky, herbs and spices, and almost anything else you can think of. A 700-watt heater means that this model can dry foods far quicker than smaller units can.

The dehydrator comes with 5 drying trays (expandable to 12 trays with additional purchase), 2 “clean-screens” 2 fruit roll sheets, and jerky spice kit.

Oh yea, and it’s made in the USA.

Purchase or check price via Amazon

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Gunny Lee Ermey Learns to… Knit?

Posted on October 20th, 2011

That’s right, Crazy Aunt Purl sat next to Lee Ermey on a plane, and taught him how to knit – click here for pics.

Thanks to my wife for the tip!

I used to know how to knit, but didn’t enjoy it enough to knit anything useful. Hmm… I wonder if you can knit something out of paracord…

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Canon EOS Rebel + Lens – $150 Bundle Deal

Posted on October 17th, 2011

Every other week, sometimes more frequently, a friend, family member, or colleague asks me when is the best time to purchase a digital SLR camera. Most often, I tell them to wait until the next Canon lens bundle promotion, unless of course they want to go with Nikon. It looks like we’re actually on the tail end of one such promotion.

Canon Lens Bundle Discount Page via Amazon

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