Friday Links: Greenscreen Edition
This week’s link of the week is one of the most interesting videos I’ve seen in a while. It demonstrates the multiple uses of green screen in regular situations. It’s amazing how the most trivial things are replaced. I suppose that just shows how far computer graphics technology has come; it’s cheaper to fill in backgrounds with CGI even when it’s just a regular city street.
Keep reading for economic gangster raps, the Cubestormer, and the fall of the mighty Count Chocula (as was foretold in legend).
Videogame Links
Interesting
Mel Brooks, Chevy Chase and Christopher Reeve discuss the relationship between kids and videogames, back in 1982. Apparently they weren’t fans.
The Church of England calls videogames a ‘bubbling sewer of sexual pornography.’ While I am inclined to disagree on the surface, I have to admit few make epic insults like the Church.
An old issue of Nintendo Power. Apparently the reason Super Mario 2 sucked so hard was because it was originally claymation.
Here is an early screenshot from the claymation Mario 2 ... market testing was negative so they went in a different direction
Epic scans from a Nintendo recruiting handbook. This makes working at Nintendo look like a magical wonderland. Hopefully nobody finds out about Nintendo’s sweatshops in Malaysia.
The Penny Arcade guys spoke at Google about how they got their start. Amusing as always.
Incredible fan made Mega Man FPS. I would totally buy this thing.
A number of prominent developers predict what games will be like in 20 years.
Kratos cookies. These aren’t unofficial either, they’re made by the girlfriend of the lead combat designer.
Super Mario mural for a kid’s bedroom. Is it sad that missing out on these things are some of my greatest childhood regrets?
Mario sculptures built entirely from old skateboards. That’s the kind of recycling I can get behind.
Alton Towers is a pretty shit amusement park in the UK, at least if you compare it to something like Six Flags. What it does have, however, is a Sonic Spinball rollercoaster, and a Sonic themed hotel room. Hopefully one of those Japanese sex hotels.
Funny
Hilarious rant about World of Warcraft and Star Trek Online. I really hope this was a joke, but something tells me it’s not.
The official Zangief fan site. Bow before your master (I think this belonged in the shame section).
Zangief, seen here in the wild, strikes a pose. Work it, Zangief!
This is a great idea – a fighting game that stars Disney’s lady villains. The smart money’s on the little mermaid Octopus lady thing.
I have brought great shame to my family
Spy & Pyro in the style of a Saturday morning cartoon. Impressive, although a little light on humor. Maybe I’m too old for this stuff.
Mass Effect 2 CSI style … A for effort.
An error in Borderlands reveals the true vault. We’ve hit the motherlode!
World of Warcraft plush toys. Awwww ….
Stadium Events, a rare NES game, in its original packaging, is apparently worth over $15k. That game was shit though.
This guy expands his collection of 8-bit Final Fantasy tattoos.
Is there anything better than Final Fantasy tattoos? Maybe ...
Steve Wiebe reclaims the Donkey Kong Jr. world record. I’m petitioning to make this an official Winter Olympic sport.
To my great shame … I like both of these things. Legend of Zelda Magic cards.
Non-Videogame Links
Interesting
Incredible invention called ‘Cubestormer’ that solves Rubik’s Cubes in under 12 seconds. Did I mention it’s made entirely from Lego?
While the Cubestormer and Lego Segway are fully functional, this lego plane engine is less effective. That's the last time Airbus tries to cut back on costs ...
Continuing our theme of interesting lego stuff, here’s a mini Segway rider made entirely from Lego!
If you’re anything like me, you often wondered what a mashup between Enter Sandman and Don’t Stop Believing would sound like. Well … here you go.
This video of defense tactics between Japanese bees and European bees is fascinating. Seriously Europe … step it up.
Great picture of a dog in a field. Not sure exactly where this is, but I’d be happy to take a visit.
This website is interesting – it’s called Please Rob Me, and updates with all the people who tweet that they’re not in their house.
School uses the webcams on student laptops to spy on them at home. I’m sure there’s some great footage out there from this.
Funny
The Vampire Weakness chart has been updated. No longer is Count Chocula indestructible (apparently he becomes soggy in milk). Alucard, from the Hellsing manga, on the other hand, is the new reigning champion.
Say it ain't so, Chocula, say it ain't so!
Keynes and Hayek economics gangster rap. I believe the correct spelling is in fact ‘Gangsta’ but I just can’t bring myself to do it.
The war on terror is officially over. I give you … the anti-terrorist cart! TREMBLE BEFORE ITS MIGHT!
Omegle is good for 2 things, screwing with people, and pedophiles. This is an example of the former (and maybe a little of the latter). Either way, hilarious.
I have brought great shame to my family
Here it is: the greatest art show of all time. The Masters of the Universe art show, exhibiting He-Man artwork.
By the power of greyskull
I’ve seen a lot of whining on Twitter lately about tons of snow. Maybe you guys need a little perspective.
Ridiculous bus disaster where the driver apparently fell asleep. I remember there was a scene in Speed where the bus drove through tons of cars and happily continued on its way. This is not quite like that.
Everyday objects ‘exploded’ (not the way you think). I find this interesting. Not sure why it’s down in the shame section. Guess there wasn’t much to be ashamed of this week. At least not since I cleared my internet cache.
That’s it for this week. Did I miss anything? Hit up the comments!
