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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
AVS forum and YouTube member lucasberg put up this macro video of a praying mantis. If you’re short of time, fast forward to points 3:25, where the mantis catches a flying insect, and then at about 6:30, where the mantis proceeds to go all Thanksgiving feast on its prey.
I have to say, the video is pretty gruesome, but it also shows interesting insect-world circle-of-life imagery that you might never have seen before. I’ve certainly never seen anything like this before. The videography is great, and the commentary is amusing.
The video is for mature audiences only due to PG13/adult language and semi-mature content.
Equipment used: Panasonic TM90, a Raynox DCR-250 Macro Conversion Lens, a filter ring adapter (step up?), and LED flashlight.
Lego’s Fire Brigade is the oldest of their current line of modular buildings. The model is built from 2231 pieces, and I’m told that the construction is challenging and highly enjoyable. The Fire Brigade features a 1930′s-style fire truck, 4 minifigures, a fire-dog (a Dalmatian would have been cooler), and tons of great details.
The completed model is 14″ tall and 10″ wide, rated for 16+ builders, and is priced at $150.
Photos and reference information via Amazon
Info and purchasing options via Lego
We’ve posted about quite a few water bottles, so you know I’m a fan of reusable bottles. One of the major complaints I have about BPA-free plastic bottles is that they absorb odors very quickly if you’re not careful. So to avoid this, I wash my bottles fairly regularly these days.
Most of the time, I don’t scrub down the insides of my bottles – I add a drop a dish soap and slosh the water around a bit. I then close up the caps and give the bottles a good shake before rinsing them out a few times. But this doesn’t really help if there’s juice residue at the bottom or if the bottles are in need for a very deep and thorough cleaning.
So, I picked up an OXO bottle brush, and for the most part it works reasonably well. The cleaning brush features a bell-shaped bundle of bristles at the end of a plastic handle. It’s simple, but effective. You can find these brushes for about $5-10.
OXO Good Grips Bottle Brush via Amazon
