Daily Bits

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Addicted to Tetris? You’re Not the Only One!

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Tetris. Remember those days when your mom would threaten to smash your Game Boy because you wouldn’t stop playing that highly addictive game with blocks of various shapes falling from the “sky”?

This game is arguably the most popular game ever, and it has withstood the test of time. Created in 1984 by Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris has been distributed all over the world for practically all kinds of interfaces. From the personal computer to handheld consoles to mobile phones – anything that can be used to play a game has been used to play Tetris.

For some, Tetris may just be that – a mere game. For others, Tetris means so much more. Various studies have been done to study the effects of Tetris on the human brain. One study claims that playing Tetris – especially during the first few times – makes the brain more efficient. Another study has shown that general cognitive functions become better due to regular playing. Yet another study showed preliminary results that patients deal with traumatic events better when Tetris is used as part of their therapy.

Here’s a firsthand testimony as to what Tetris can do to a real person. Have you ever heard of James Clewett? He is the 1999 Tetris world champion and a certified Tetris addict. This guy has not let his addiction get in the way of pursuing the rest of his life goals, though. If anything, he has gone beyond what the average person does (though he has already done that by becoming world champion). Pretty soon, this Tetris world champion is going to be a doctor as well – in the Dr. Sheldon Cooper way, that is.

Watch the Confessions of a Tetris Addict – you will walk away with a gem or two.

Adam Savage Does Doctor Who

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I know I just posted a Doctor Who infographic yesterday, but this video is too good to pass up. I may not have seen the series yet, but I sure as heck am familiar with Adam Savage of Mythbusters fame. I don’t know about you, but I find him to be the most endearing member of the team.

Recently, he has attracted more attention, thanks to his stint dancing in a cage. Yes, a cage. To the theme from Doctor Who. Backing up Adam Savage is Arc Attack, and the cage is flanked by two Tesla coils to complete the setup.

The performance was given in this year’s Makers Faire, giving attendees a treat that they probably did not expect. If you’re feeling low or you just have some time to waste, this video is the perfect thing to watch. The music + Adam’s robot moves and gyrations = a hilarious few minutes!

Adam Savage, you rock!

Doctor Who? Doctor Who! Timeline/Infographic

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So many things to watch, but so little time! I will have to admit that I am one of the few who has not watched Doctor Who although I have read tons about it. Who can’t help but read/know about Doctor Who when he is everywhere online?

If you are into the series or if you are waiting for the chance to sit down and watch it (like yours truly), then here is a very useful infographic that can help you figure out some things. This timeline is created by Nathan the Nerd ((Nathan the Nerd)).

Doctor Who Series Timeline

Click for a larger image. I don’t need to tell you that there are spoilers up there, do I?

These Photos Will Make Your Jaw Drop

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Taking photos is easy, especially with the high tech cameras one can easily purchase these days. You just turn the device on, point, and then shoot.

Taking awesome photos is a totally different story, though. I don’t know how those guys do it – they must have a special gift within them that they have nurtured and honed over the years. While it is true that the subject does have a huge role to play, there must be something else that makes certain photos as powerful as they are.

National Geographic has a photo of the day section, and true to their reputation, they showcase only the best that one can see. ((National Geographic Photography))

When I first saw this photo, I told myself, “Forget the old saying that pictures say a thousand words!” This photo goes beyond that. It takes the need for words away. It inundates you with all the words you know. It just is amazing.
camel-thorn-trees-namibia
This photo was taken in Namibia by Frans Lanting, and it shows camel thorn trees in Namib-Naukluft Park. It looks like a painting that only a master can create, but it is a photo!
aurora-iceland
This one is of the Aurora Borealis in Iceland and is taken by Olgeir Andresson. Doesn’t that make you want to hop onto a plane and go see it with your own eyes?
sea-grass-bodega-head
Taken in California (Bodega Head) by David Liittschwager, this photo of sea grass atop rocks with the lone starfish at the center is nothing less than awesome.

Aren’t these lovely images to take with you over the weekend?

Viper Mark II Wallscape

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Tired of looking at a boring plain white wall at night when you can’t sleep? You’re not alone. I bet that you and I, together with countless other people, have the same issue. It’s difficult enough to amuse yourself when insomnia strikes, but that blank thing of a wall makes things even worse.

That’s why online stores like QMX are useful. Guess what I found today? A WallscapeTM that will delight you to no end. A WallscapeTM is a fancy name for a wallpaper or a decorative sticker for your wall, but depending on the design, you will get your money’s worth. The WallscapeTM that I stumbled upon today features nothing less than the Viper Mark II.

Battlestar Galactica fans will know that this fighter was the primary attack craft used by the Colonial Fleet in the first Cylon War. This fighter continued to be effectively used against the Cylons when the Twelve Colonies were left behind.

You may never get a life-size replica of the Viper Mark II in your bedroom, but you can always get this WallscapeTM to help your imagination along. Forty-eight inches of space fighter goodness, with an incredible amount of detail, on your wall – it will be easy to imagine that you are Lee Adama or Kara Thrace as you drift off to beddy-bye land.

The WallscapeTM is based on the original studio 3D digital model of the Viper Mark II, and it even includes details such as scars from battles. It’s really something that any decent BSG fan will want on his wall. And for $49.95, it is not such a bad deal. That’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that having a fighter at your disposal in case the Cylons under your bed decide to go on the offensive. 😉

Angry Birds for Real

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It’s been a while since I last played this overly addictive game, but there is no denying that there are still people who are only starting to get hooked. Unsurprisingly, businesses will continue to ride this wave as long as it can bring them benefits. And Deustche Telekom is not exempt from this.

Earlier this month, the telecommunications giant teamed up with Rovio, the creators of Angry Birds, to promote their new services. In a Spanish town called Terrassa, they set up a real-life Angry Birds scene, complete with pigs, birds, bricks, and what-have-you. To top it off, this talented band provides a jazzed up version of the game’s theme. Never mind that the people who participated in the event were all invited to be there and paid (I assume). The whole thing still looks fun.

Some of you may be sick of the birds by now, but this video just might change your mind.

I wonder if this will set off a string of copycat events?