January 15, 2008

MacBook Air

Yummy.

Posted by Charlie at 01:54 PM | Comments (0)

August 07, 2007

The New Apple iMac

Does fellatio really give a person wrinkles around the mouth? Apparently, it does. Sex may be good for your health, but it wrecks havoc on the face. This can probably explain why I can tell the difference between a top and a bottom simply by looking at their faces: a bottom's face has more crevices, presumably from all the squinting he makes when having sex. Food for thought.

Posted by Charlie at 03:22 PM

July 03, 2007

A Part of a Couple

So yes, I guess you can say I'm seeing someone. We met last Saturday quite unexpectedly. After having brunch I headed down to Soho for a little bit of window shopping when I saw him standing there, standing seductively and just being absolutely breathtaking. He didn't seem to notice the fact that people around him were looking at him too. He was so beautiful that I couldn't resist, and so I rolled up my sleeves, took a deep breath and went up to him, asking if he wanted to have fun at my place. To my (not so) great shock, he said sure.

We spent the Saturday night in bed, unable to take our eyes off each other. I'm already starting to feel something more than just lust for him, and it's kind of scary since it's only been four days since we met. I'm really not sure where this is heading, but I'm liking everything him about so far. I'm already envisioning canceling plans with friends in order to spend more time with him.

But there is a problem.

I still don't know what to name him.

Glenn? Conchord? Cyan? Any ideas? My new boyfriend needs direction.

Posted by Charlie at 11:04 AM | Comments (2)

January 09, 2007

Apple iPhone

I don't think I've been more excited about a cellphone.

Posted by Charlie at 05:30 PM | Comments (0)

November 20, 2006

Final Fantasy III

While much of America will be spending the nighttime hours wrapped up in playing with their shiny new PlayStation 3s and Nintendo Wiis, I am happily wrapped in a blanket and in front of my handy DS, playing Final Fantasy III the night away. I haven't played this number since I stumbled upon a translated ROM file on the internet, way back in the pioneering days of console emulation. It's nice to relive your socially awkward nerd days, if only for several days more. Hopefully this cold of mine will lift soon; I have so much to prepare for the upcoming week.

Posted by Charlie at 10:40 PM | Comments (0)

November 02, 2006

Zune

I am hipster, hear me roar. Rawrrrrrrrrrr. If there is one thing that Williamsburg kiddies have in common with me, it's that we will show up to any party that promises free beer. Last night's shindig had just that — free beer — and the very fact that it was being hosted at a Chinese restaurant just down the block from where we live was all the convincing we needed before dashing out our apartment. The party was a promotion for Zune, Microsoft's newest baby and the iPod's latest competition. Microsoft is pulling out all the stops on Zune's marketing campaign, hiring independent artists and musicians to create a fantastic, whimsical branding image that is very un-Apple-like. There were models, industry folks, college students, hipsters and us, all packed in this fancy Chinese restaurant like some Back to School Special gone wrong. I didn't really care for the people there, but hey, free beer. And the Zune is pretty nice too.

Posted by Charlie at 08:36 PM | Comments (0)

October 14, 2006

iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED

Ooooh... me like. I think I might forgo a new iPod video and head on over to Apple's special edition iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED. Finally, an Apple product that will stand out nicely among my modern furniture!

Posted by Charlie at 02:21 PM | Comments (0)

September 17, 2006

iTunes 7

I am very much a dork. Ever since Apple released its latest version of its iTunes software I have been wasting away precious time trying to locate high-resolution images of album covers of rare albums that I own. I love being able to browse through my collection of songs this way; it makes way for a more tactile visual experience, probably the closest you can get to getting an album without actually owning a hard copy version of one.

Posted by Charlie at 07:18 PM | Comments (0)

September 12, 2006

Apple Technophiles Unite!!!

My goodness, what a day this has been. With one new iPod announcement after another I don't know if I can get a good night's sleep tonight knowing that somewhere out there an iPod with my name is resting on a store shelf. New iPods with video, new nanos, new Shuffles! It looks like it's time to upgrade, yet again.

Posted by Charlie at 01:43 PM | Comments (0)

May 24, 2006

Final Fantasy XIII

Final Fantasy XII isn't even out yet, and already screenshots from Final Fantasy XIII are making their way around the internet universe. Everything looks so pretty...

Posted by Charlie at 12:56 PM | Comments (0)

May 16, 2006

MacBook

Apple finally retires the PowerBook moniker and completes the transition to portable Intel-based Macs with the release of the MacBook line. This little beauty comes with a powerful Duo Core processor, a glossy 13-inch widescreen and a built-in iSight.

Posted by Charlie at 05:10 PM

January 26, 2006

Nintendo DS Lite

I didn't like the design of the original Nintendo DS, but this version is definitely saying "buy me." One of these and a copy of Nintendogs, and I'll be one happy guy.

Posted by Charlie at 02:23 PM | Comments (0)

January 11, 2006

MUJI Oven-Range

This MUJI oven-range is perfect for either warming up a bowl of soup or baking chocolate brownies. The fact that it looks sexy and doesn't cost an arm and a leg is just icing on the top.

Posted by Charlie at 10:37 AM | Comments (0)

January 10, 2006

MacBook Pro

The new Intel-based notebook from Apple loses its Powerbook moniker and is christened MacBook Pro. I am in love.

Posted by Charlie at 02:13 PM | Comments (0)

November 04, 2005

Electric Footwear Dryers

Perfect for winter, these electric footwear dryers dry your wet shoes from the inside out, or warm them for the impending snowy trek to the subway station. Nice.

Posted by Charlie at 04:09 PM | Comments (0)

October 12, 2005

Newer is Better

Even though the big news today at Apple was the rollout of new iPods that can play videos, the new iMacs that came out definitely caught my attention. The latest models are slimmer and more streamlined than the previous generation, and can now be controlled by remote control, similar to Windows Media Edition. Another nice feature is the integrated iSight camera located at the top of the console. Very nice.

Posted by Charlie at 02:46 PM | Comments (0)

October 02, 2005

Leica D-Lux 2

I'm thinking about selling my trusty Canon S400 and purchasing its potential replacement, the Leica D-LUX 2. It's not as pocket-friendly as other ultra-compact digital cameras in the market, but it has some very interesting features that many in its class don't have, like image stabilization, an 8-megapixel 16:9 CCD sensor, manual exposure and focus options, and a 4X wideangle lens. All in a sexy semi-compact design.

Posted by Charlie at 07:06 PM | Comments (0)

September 08, 2005

Scion t2B

I like cars. Especially concept cars. The Scion t2B is one drool-worthy car. It has daring exterior design, a stylized interior, and an overall fun character. Now if only the streets of NYC were more car-friendly.

Posted by Charlie at 03:34 PM

iPod nano

Wow, when did this happen?! Apple replaced the iPod mini last week with the iPod nano, a pencil-thin flash player with a color screen. Sexy!

Posted by Charlie at 10:49 AM

August 29, 2005

Nintendogs

I remember when Tamagotchi first took over Japan, many years ago during my first summer there. People everywhere were scrambling to get ahold of one of these cute pixelated pets that demand constant attention and care. Street vendors were selling special editions for as much as 140,000 yen, and there were reports of some children who committed suicide after their pets died. Although I was detached from the entire obsessive craze that was taking over the country, I was curious enough to purchase one of my own - a Tenshi-chi (Angel Tamagotchi) - for only 2000 yen at a small vendor in Chichibu. I considered myself pretty lucky because back then Tenshi-chi was selling for over 120,000 yen in Tokyo. It was a cute novel toy, but I quickly lost interest in being a parent to something that wasn't really alive and promptly put it in my box of forgotten trinkets.

Now there is a new gaming craze that is taking over Japan, and it's poised to take over the US too. Like Tamagotchi, Nintendogs for the DS has you taking care of a virtual pet, but this time you have cute adorable puppies under your care. Nintendo developers have reportedly taken great care and detail to capture every single aspect of these puppies, from the colors of their coats, to the mannerisms of each breed. With the voice-recognition software in the game, you can actually train your puppy to remember its name, and train it to do cute puppy tricks. You can also 'pet' the puppy with the stylus. Wow. And if you have a friend who has his own copy of Nintendogs, you can sync with his DS and have the puppies interact with each other.

This has got to be by far the cutest game I've ever encountered. I'm so tempted to go out and purchase a DS just so I can have my own virtual puppy. In any case it's definitely more advanced than a blob with wings that hatches from an egg. So cute. So cute.

Posted by Charlie at 03:20 PM | Comments (0)

August 24, 2005

Phonepurr

I know quite a number of people who engage in mobile phone sex via SMS messaging, and while I do not necessarily understand the appeal there, I can definitely get the draw in what Phonepurr is trying to sell. According to the website, Phonepurr turns your mobile phone into your own personal massager that "can help you relax by relieving mental and physical stress." Yeah right! Two friends with Phonepurr can also take advantage of the program by sending pulses of vibration via SMS messages. Now that's what I call friendship. Welcome to sex in the 21st century, folks.

(Via Fleshbot)

Posted by Charlie at 12:02 PM | Comments (0)

August 10, 2005

Sony Ericsson S710a

I'm going to take a little break from work to write a little entry on my new phone, the Sony Ericsson S710a. I opted from importing one of those juicy GSM phones from overseas, as I'm a little afraid that some of the phones will not be compatible with US GSM networks. Nevertheless, the S710 is one powerful phone. It has a 1.3 Megapixel camera, MP3 capabilities, a Memory Stick slot for expanded memory, and a nice swiveling design that made their Docomo series so popular in Japan.

I've been taking pictures left and right with this thing, and I'm really impressed with the quality and resolution, although I am fully aware of 7 Megapixel cameraphones in South Korea. In mobile phone industry, the US is very much like the neglected middle child. Oh well, I'm not complaining.

Posted by Charlie at 01:24 PM | Comments (0)

August 04, 2005

Smut & Fine Art

Greg Thompson is a photographer based out of LA, and he's made a name for himself creating coffee-table-book-worthy photographs of male porn stars. One doesn't expect images of this caliber when referencing pornography, and as smut becomes increasingly integrated with mainstream pop culture, we can expect more talent to surface.

(Via Fleshbot)

Posted by Charlie at 05:39 PM | Comments (0)

August 02, 2005

Introducing Mighty Mouse

It's about freakin' time!!! I knew that Apple was in the process of creating a multi-button mouse; what I didn't know is that their engineers still managed to keep the sleek one-button form that had made it so popular. Its touch-sensitive top shell allows users to click on either side of the mouse, and it will act like it has two buttons. Sweetness!!!

Posted by Charlie at 11:10 AM | Comments (0)

July 26, 2005

Apple Updates

Not that this warrants a parade or anything, but Apple has just released what is probably the last line of G4 iBooks and Minis before transitioning to Intel processors. Get 'em while they're hottt!!!

Posted by Charlie at 10:36 AM | Comments (0)

July 20, 2005

Sony Ericsson K600i

Wow, I want this one too.

Posted by Charlie at 07:52 PM | Comments (0)

July 19, 2005

Panasonic VS3

Wow, I want.

Posted by Charlie at 02:03 PM | Comments (0)

July 15, 2005

They're Popping Up Everywhere

I was browsing through Audiocubes for the first time in like months, and I must say: competition in Japan is really heating up to take a bite out of Apple's iPod dominant share in the market. The product design is becoming more creative, colorful, more distinctive in order to differentiate an identity outside that of the iPod's relatively minimalist design. The specs for this new wave of MP3 players is almost superior to the iPod's in almost every respect: better battery life, FM tuners, FM transmitters, voice recorders, etc. However, the biggest reason why I won't be getting these pretty devices anytime soon will be because of one vital aspect: the software. Apple's iTunes is a wonderful program to work with, and because it seamlessly syncs with my iPods, there really is no need to buy an MP3 player that comes bundled with third-rate software. I've had bad experiences with my Sony MiniDisc player, and didn't realize just how much time I was wasting had I not gone with iPod and iTunes.

Posted by Charlie at 07:58 PM | Comments (0)

June 22, 2005

Archiving

The hardest part is now officially over: with a click of the mouse button I was able to archive all of my entries into one convenient text file, and porting them over to my site was a cinch. Since Movable Type powers Typepad and my site, it pretty much took less than five minutes to transfer two years' worth of pointless thoughts to my new, and possibly final home. Now begins the arduous task of creating a streamlined design that will compliment the rest of my site...

Posted by Charlie at 11:44 PM | Comments (0)

June 17, 2005

The Videogame Wars

It's that time again. Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are once again preparing for the launches of their next-generation gaming consoles, all vying for exclusive control of your living room entertainment center for the next several years. I cannot wait for these systems to come out; because each company has a different gaming approach to this industry, each gaming console will be vastly different from the others. Microsoft's XBOX 360 and Sony's Playstation 3 will be more like computers, controlling everything from your music and movie library to managing your daily emails. Nintendo's plan on making its ENTIRE gaming library (from the NES to Gamecube) playable on its Revolution console is ingenious. It has never been a better time to be a gamer.

Posted by Charlie at 03:56 AM

June 06, 2005

The Rumors Were True

Man oh man do I embellish on stuff like this: Steve Jobs announced today that Apple will be making the transition from IBM PowerPC chips to Intel chips, finally putting an end on the rumors that have circulated in the tech community this past several weeks. During the WWDC conference today it was revealed that Mac OSX was built from the ground up with a "just-in-case" scenario, and now that IBM has hit a wall in processing speed for its Power PC line, Apple has no choice but to go with Intel. Even cooler is the fact that the Keynote was running off an Intel Pentium 4 processor, squashing rumors that Apple would have to spend millions of dollars to restructure OSX to work with Intel chips.

Posted by Charlie at 11:10 AM | Comments (0)

May 16, 2005

Playstation 3

Yeah, I know Microsoft introduced the XBOX 360 last week, but I think Sony's design for their upcoming next-generation console is so very sexier. It's supposedly 35 times more powerful than the Playstation 2. Now that's hot.

Posted by Charlie at 10:05 PM | Comments (0)

March 16, 2005

Hell Has Finally Frozen Over

According to AppleInsider, Apple is working on putting out a two-button mouse, fuckin' finally. Nevermind the fact that many programs these days work better with a three-button mouse.

Posted by Charlie at 05:53 AM

March 04, 2005

Love For The 21st Century

Engadget has this amusing piece of two people flirting via their iTunes playlists. It's a cute story to make all Mac-haters roll their eyes and Mac-lovers to sigh in contentment.

Posted by Charlie at 04:01 PM | Comments (0)

February 27, 2005

ことば

For those of you who are aspiring polyglots like myself, I have stumbled upon the coolest little learning tool. It's called Kotoba, it's easy to use, and you can customize it with different dictionaries, so if you want to brush up on your Japanese, or Chinese, or French, you sotally can.

Posted by Charlie at 01:39 AM | Comments (1)

February 23, 2005

New iPod minis

Not that this is a cause for celebration or anything, but Apple just updated their line of iPod minis with a higher-capacity hard drive and longer battery life. They also got rid of the gold iPod mini; evidently it wasn't selling as well as they had hoped. They're small, cute, light - get one now!

Posted by Charlie at 06:05 PM

February 01, 2005

New PowerBooks

Well, it looks like the rumors for a G5 PowerBook can be put on hold for a while. Apple introduced yesterday with what might be the last update to the G4 PowerBook line, with improvements such as a (slightly) faster processor, 512MB standard RAM, Bluetooth 2.0, new trackpad features, and a higher capacity hard drive. If there was any time to buy a PowerBook, it would be now; I have a feeling the G5 won't be out for a while. A long while.

Posted by Charlie at 10:17 AM

January 18, 2005

My iPod Shuffle

Sure, there is no LCD screen, the battery life isn't to die for, and it isn't the smallest flash player on the market, but you gotta hand it to the marketing department at Apple. They can make every product introduction a nationally televised event worthy of magazine covers and water cooler conversations. CNN is already reporting that there is a four-week waiting period for the iPod Shuffle.

My own iPod Shuffle arrived in the mail today after a week of sleepless anticipation. It's insanely small, weighs less than an ounce, and is the perfect little companion to my 20GB model. 512MB is more than enough memory for me to orchestrate the soundtrack of my workouts, and after an hour of test driving I can say without neurotic hesitation that I'm in love with this sucker.

Posted by Charlie at 03:58 PM | Comments (0)

January 13, 2005

The Countdown Begins

The MAVIN site is finally starting to come together pretty nicely. I can't it's been over a year since I volunteered to help revamp the site; I need to start being more punctual about deadlines and hauling ass! Matt has definitely done an amazing job taking this baby and whipping it into shape. It's been a long road, and I'm really glad to finally see it come to fruition.

Posted by Charlie at 02:49 PM | Comments (0)

January 11, 2005

More Apple Babies

I'm soooo on a drooling rampage this morning, checking out the new goodies that Mr. Jobs introduced at the latest MacWorld convention. I want me a Mac Mini!

Posted by Charlie at 11:41 AM | Comments (2)

January 05, 2005

We're Catching Up

OMG. Samsung announced today that they are going to introduce a 5-megapixel cameraphone in the US this year. With 3X optical zoom. Be still my heart.

Posted by Charlie at 01:09 AM | Comments (0)

October 26, 2004

Apple U2 iPod

Apple today announced a U2-branded edition of the 4G ipod along with the iPod Photo that comes with color screen and larger hard drive. Sweeetness! Now if they start churning out limited-edition Murakami Takashi models I will be contentedly happy.

Posted by Charlie at 12:54 PM | Comments (0)

October 11, 2004

iSight

Apple's iSight is a wonderful toy housed in a beautifully designed package. Too bad I can't do much with it though; my network is behind several firewalls thus rendering my webcam useless unless I decide to conference at some cafe somewhere. Oh well. I've been having fun just taking pictures of myself.

Posted by Charlie at 11:47 PM | Comments (0)

October 08, 2004

My PowerBook

Okay, so I officially made the Switch to Apple yesterday. Countless hours of researching, comparing specs, and consulting friends has led me to believe that buying an Apple as my next computer is going to be a worthwhile investment. I considered pairing together an iMac G5 with an iBook as getting the two of them together would cost less than getting a 15" PowerBook by itself; my dad was really gung-ho about doing this. But the iMacs weren't in stock - there's a two-week waiting period for them - and I needed something powerful that I could take anywhere with me. So I opted in the end to purchase a nice PowerBook.

And I love it! I'm never looking back.

Posted by Charlie at 05:01 PM | Comments (0)

October 04, 2004

Laptop Woes

The hardrive on my laptop is dead. Kaput. Muerto. Guasto. Mort. Luckily I was able to backup most of my data on DVD before further hinderance was placed on the situation. But silly me; I didn't backup my digital photos. Argh. I'm going to go to a professional data recovery specialist and spend $400 to try to get most of my data back in one piece, but in the meantime I'm kept afloat with my backup laptop. I think I'm going to hold out getting a Powerbook until Apple introduces the dual-G4 models that are rumored to be coming out. I'm still torn between sticking with this Toshiba or leaping into the unknown with an Apple. Time will tell - the day Steve Jobs introduces a Powerbook that has higher resolution specs and a bigger L2 cache will be the day I finally convert.

Posted by Charlie at 10:57 PM | Comments (1)

September 21, 2004

The New Playstation 2

You can always trust Sony on mouth-watering design. They announced their new Playstation 2 model today, and the console is over 70% smaller than the original Playstation 2 model. Go here for some more drool-worthy photographs. My faith in Sony has been restored, after their disastrous misstep in using their ATRAC format for their VAIO Pocket Player.

Posted by Charlie at 08:45 PM | Comments (0)

September 11, 2004

Changing Teams

I've been meaning to make the Switch to Apple for a while, almost 3 years to be exact, back when Steve Jobs introduced that G4 Cube and made me start salivating for their products. A Microsoftie at heart, I have always scoffed at Apple's advertising campaigns, viewing them as guerilla attempts to discredit an honest-to-goodness hard-working company trying to forge a pioneering path in the realm of technology. (Forgive me; I literally grew up with Microsoft in my backyard)

I have always known Apple to be innovative and very conscious in their product design, but I had already invested so much money on Windows programs that until recently I thought it would be unfeasible for me to invest in an Apple. I did my research; I wanted desperately to get one of the Titanium PowerBooks when they first came out, but with reports of paint flaking, I decided to hold off until something better came along.

Apple introduced the iPod to further whet my appetite, but with battery life being a paltry eight hours it quickly turned me off. I had a Sony MD player that was getting 50 hours with only one AA battery. But soon my music library was getting too massive for the MD player, and when Apple introduced its 4th Generation iPod with its innovative Click Wheel, I knew it was time for me to bid adieu to my MD player.

I bought myself the 20GB iPod when I was in San Francisco, and it's amazing. I love it, from the minute attention of the design to its many pragmatic functions. I already bought another $150 worth of accessories just to keep me iPod happy. I can use it as a portable hard drive, an electronic Rolodex, a makeshift mirror, the possibilities are endless!

Posted by Charlie at 11:21 PM | Comments (0)

August 22, 2004

ILovePIX

Hmmmm... not so sure about this one. The PIX looks really cool. I would totally use it as a clock or refrigerator memo or something. I would not, however, strap it on my arm and walk down the street while "LOVE" is perpetually flashing on its LCD screen. Nice try, Xenofreaks, but the rave scene was over years ago. And what's with the gun? (Girl, second from right) Looks like someone needs to hire a new advertising and PR firm.

Posted by Charlie at 11:51 AM | Comments (0)

July 18, 2004

My New Phone Number

I'm getting too many stalkers/admirers calling me to profess their love to me, so I'm getting a new phone number to hopefully derail them (at least for awhile).

Here's my new phone number: 1.206.303.7085 Update your address books, kiddies!

Posted by Charlie at 08:13 PM | Comments (0)