Monthly Archives: September 2016
Bringing “Boomshakalaka” Back…akalaka
Kids today really need to get outside more…
so they find an arcade to play NBA Jam.
As vintage arcades continue to pop-up around the country (at least 2 in Columbus, Ohio) with NBA Jam being one of the prized centerpieces along with Mortal Kombat and Asteroids, my dad introduced me to the greatest basketball video game ever made in the form of a compact disc for the PC. Burning the nets and climbing two stories for a monster dunk was a thrill-a-minute. Playing this video game with friends was (and is) always a blast.
For this Throwback Thursday, I present to you the fascinating backstory of the popular video game NBA Jam.
Going head-to-head with friends in NBA Jam makes for an awesome time, especially when rediscovering your youth at an arcade. And the games are also intensely competitive. But when I was younger and my dad took a break from his work to challenge me or vice versa, those days were fun curve balls (wrong sport, but you get the point). It was as if I had discovered this secret portal in the universe because I had a dad who liked to play (and was pretty good at) video games.
Boomshakalaka!
Did Apple Cook Up a Winner?
“It’s the best iPhone we’ve ever made.”
The concluding line in the iPhone 7 introductory video revealed that Apple’s latest smartphone is not a new, groundbreaking invention. Instead, the iPhone 7 (and iPhone 7 Plus) are innovations from the past with impressive, eye-catching updates. Specifically, the focus of the engineers and design teams at Apple was on the improved camera of the 7 and the dual cameras on the 7 Plus. Moreover, the new iPhone 7s will be water resistant (huge plus) with an improved Retina HD screen resolution, stereo-quality speakers and the removal of the headphone jack with wireless earbuds/AirPods.
The forced Bluetooth feature may cause a toothache for Apple’s consumer base, but that’s still in the speculative “TBD” phase.
Without holding, listening, perusing or taking pictures with an iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in my hands, it’s difficult to rate the flashy new tech. My first reaction is that this series of iPhones look intriguing enough to consider for an upgrade after a couple of years with the iPhone 5. Avid fans aside, the question for many consumers will likely center on upgrading to a phone that will hold the creative and futuristic appeal for a couple years or so. Plus, the dramatic change in purchasing and carrier plan options could certainly impact consumer decision-making. Having said that, the updates in the iPhone 7 models will be easy to test through snapping/tapping test pictures, listening to songs in stereo mode and (potentially) pouring water on a test phone in the store.
Salespeople: Get ready for especially playful, interactive demonstrations with curious customers.
Tim Cook has been waiting for that “wow!” moment as the face of Apple. Today did not bring about that signature revelation, but perhaps slow and steady will, in fact, win that show-stopping race for Mr. Cook at some point down the road…
And the verdict on the iPhone 7s will all but rely on the invisible space between headphones/AirPods and the iPhone, as well as the location of said AirPods when not in use.
One thing’s for certain: Apple will definitely hear about its daring wireless experiment either way with unrivaled clarity.
Whatever Happened to Predictability? The Iron Man, The Captain America, Wanda Maximoff?
Thor went to work at a 9-5 job earlier this year. Now, Marvel’s Avengers have perfected the functionality of a time machine.
A nostalgic time machine, to be precise.
(Yes, actress Elizabeth Olsen’s sisters are Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen from the sitcom Full House)
If this doesn’t put a smile on your face to start the week, I’m not sure what will.
The ’80s and ’90s hold a special place in people’s hearts for a variety of reasons. One of these reasons centers on the wholesome, family-friendly sitcoms. Full House certainly falls in the category of a TV show beloved by many, many fans. The deft editing by YouTube user “Zach Ace” (as seen above) played on the family-like dynamic of the Marvel cinematic universe. Interweaving people or superhero characters into opening credits like Full House isn’t a new phenomenon, but the take by “Zach Ace” is pretty spot-on.
On the one hand, could you imagine if Marvel’s marketing department used this video, in some way, to promote a new film or an announcement related to its films? On the other hand, who would’ve thought that Full House and Iron Man would be go together like a Hawaiian vacation and a clipboard of fun?
Danny Tanner, sure, but he’s the one with the clipboard of fun things to do.
Happy Labor Day!
Is it possible to blur the line between working and having fun?
On this Labor Day, a holiday that celebrates workers, Americans across the country will fire up the grill and eat some delicious fare without the cloud of work hanging over their heads. Today is intended to be spent with family and friends as the summer season begins to wind down. Summer vacations are in the rear-view mirror. However, what if work didn’t have to necessarily feel like work?
Time for a stroll down memory lane, specifically around the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area…
Here’s to making your dreams come true…your way.
Have a Great Labor Day!
Jimmy's Daily Planet 