Top 10 Geek Watches

The guys over at Product Dose have compiled a list of the 10 top geek watches:

Considering the wealth of geek chic wristwear out there at the moment, we started thinking about the point where nerd-tech meets personal style. As far as we’re concerned, no one embodies the aesthetic better than James Bond, a character who has effortlessly turned dorky into dapper at the flick of a wrist. While much of the tech that Bond has had access to was fictional in scope, there is a variety of watches available now that carry on the tradition of tech incorporated into effortless cool. In honor of Bond, we’ve compiled a list of our current nerd-style wristwatch favorites, which we hope will help you channel your inner geek-gent.

The list is as follows:

Fossil Frank Gehry Watch















Nixon Dictator Watch














Mr.Gadget 1GB USB 2.0 Executive Watch










Suunto X9 GPS Watch













Stanley Expandable Ruler Watch











Midas Remote Control Watch










Vestal Microdat Watch












High Frequency LED Watch














Tag Heuer Monaco Sixty-Nine










Cathode Corner Nixie Watch











Read the detail over here at Product Dose.

Top 10 Geek Watches

The guys over at Product Dose have compiled a list of the 10 top geek watches:

Considering the wealth of geek chic wristwear out there at the moment, we started thinking about the point where nerd-tech meets personal style. As far as we’re concerned, no one embodies the aesthetic better than James Bond, a character who has effortlessly turned dorky into dapper at the flick of a wrist. While much of the tech that Bond has had access to was fictional in scope, there is a variety of watches available now that carry on the tradition of tech incorporated into effortless cool. In honor of Bond, we’ve compiled a list of our current nerd-style wristwatch favorites, which we hope will help you channel your inner geek-gent.

The list is as follows:

Fossil Frank Gehry Watch















Nixon Dictator Watch














Mr.Gadget 1GB USB 2.0 Executive Watch










Suunto X9 GPS Watch













Stanley Expandable Ruler Watch











Midas Remote Control Watch










Vestal Microdat Watch












High Frequency LED Watch














Tag Heuer Monaco Sixty-Nine










Cathode Corner Nixie Watch











Read the detail over here at Product Dose.

Midtown madness

Earlier this year while visiting my best friend. We popped into Midtown Comics just off Times Square. Whilst there Mart & I came across an authentic pair of Light Sabres. Naturally this is like honey to a bear. Chaos ensues. Note the expression on the comic dudes face.

Midtown madness

Earlier this year while visiting my best friend. We popped into Midtown Comics just off Times Square. Whilst there Mart & I came across an authentic pair of Light Sabres. Naturally this is like honey to a bear. Chaos ensues. Note the expression on the comic dudes face.

Best Practice for Time Travelers

The guys over at Idle words have compiled a list of best practises for time travellers. The 8 key points are:

1. Act like you don't care whether people believe you
2. Don't be afraid to make woolly predictions
3. Read up on your physics
4. Cover Your Ass
5. Apocalypse, baby!
6. Dazzle 'em with details
7. Know your audience
8. Watch out for paradox

It seems the list is gleamed from time travelling films from the last 3 decades. Still bloody hilarious read the detail over here!

Poster from the classic time travel mind bender Back to the Future.

Best Practice for Time Travelers

The guys over at Idle words have compiled a list of best practises for time travellers. The 8 key points are:

1. Act like you don't care whether people believe you
2. Don't be afraid to make woolly predictions
3. Read up on your physics
4. Cover Your Ass
5. Apocalypse, baby!
6. Dazzle 'em with details
7. Know your audience
8. Watch out for paradox

It seems the list is gleamed from time travelling films from the last 3 decades. Still bloody hilarious read the detail over here!

Poster from the classic time travel mind bender Back to the Future.

The 10 Greatest Countries in the History of the World

Media Orchard over at www.ideagrove.com have compiled a list of the 10 greatest Countries in the History of the World. They are:

1. Italy.
2. United Kingdom.
3. United States.
4. China.
5. Greece.
6. Egypt.
7. Iraq.
8. India.
9. Iran.(formerly Persia)
10. Chad.

For more detail read the entire blog post over here.

The 10 Greatest Countries in the History of the World

Media Orchard over at www.ideagrove.com have compiled a list of the 10 greatest Countries in the History of the World. They are:

1. Italy.
2. United Kingdom.
3. United States.
4. China.
5. Greece.
6. Egypt.
7. Iraq.
8. India.
9. Iran.(formerly Persia)
10. Chad.

For more detail read the entire blog post over here.

Vauxhall Beach, London

Vauxhall Beach, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Yesterday, we popped into central London. It was packed not only with all the early international tourists but the locals seem to be streaming in as well. There is a stark contrast between the bustle of the city centre and the calm of river.

I promised some people that I would post a pic of my local beach. Here it is Vauxhall beach as frequented by (I'm guessing) German or Scandinavian tourist.

Vauxhall Beach, London

Vauxhall Beach, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Yesterday, we popped into central London. It was packed not only with all the early international tourists but the locals seem to be streaming in as well. There is a stark contrast between the bustle of the city centre and the calm of river.

I promised some people that I would post a pic of my local beach. Here it is Vauxhall beach as frequented by (I'm guessing) German or Scandinavian tourist.

Gnarls Barkley

Wow!! I have just discovered Gnarls Barkley. I was a little surprised because The BBC, yes, The BBC have their track Crazy notched as "the hottest song of 2006".

These guys rock. A sublime blend of soulful harmonies over trip beats .

Gnarls Barkley are DJ Danger Mouse and CeeLo. Click the Napoleon image is to view more of there Crazy promo shots over at www.rockinsider.com

Read more at www.gnarlsbarkley.com/

Gnarls Barkley

Wow!! I have just discovered Gnarls Barkley. I was a little surprised because The BBC, yes, The BBC have their track Crazy notched as "the hottest song of 2006".

These guys rock. A sublime blend of soulful harmonies over trip beats .

Gnarls Barkley are DJ Danger Mouse and CeeLo. Click the Napoleon image is to view more of there Crazy promo shots over at www.rockinsider.com

Read more at www.gnarlsbarkley.com/

First look at Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre (The Cypher)

A Danish newspaper has printed the first look at Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre (The Cypher). I think they must have made a mistake this is clearly a high school shot of Dr. Evil!!??

I have high hopes for this film. A young serious Bond that looks the business and a decent plotline that sounds almost true to the book.

James Bond (Craig) is a new recruit at the MI6 team. He's reckless and careless and on a mission. After just earning his 00 status with his first 2 kills he is sent to the Bahamas where he is to verse Le Chiffre (Mikkelsen)in a game of Texas Hold 'Em Poker. Although Bond must ensure that Le Chiffre's death comes at the hands of his own people.
Source - Internet Movie DataBase

Having a closer look at Mads he certainly does look like a young Donald Pleasance "Bloefeld". I have intentionally stayed away from any info that will give away some of the rich world the film will create as I would like a fresh view of the film on its release.

I recently listened to "Casino Royale" to refresh my memories of casino Royale. I read the book when I was young and remember Casino Royale's Bond being one of the more credible Bonds. This is an opportunity for the Bond producers to refresh the franchise. No doubt the film will be a success. Unfortunately I have 2 scenarios playing out in mind about he future of this Bond.
1. Although contractually bound. After the 3rd film Daniel will probably thinking wait a minute you guys are making $XXX and I'm only making $X. Time to renegotiate. Ala Brosnan. We know how this ends.
or
2. Although the film's are critically acclaimed, profits are not high enough and the producers revert back to the Bond cartoon formula. Ala Batman (pre Batman Begins).

I hope this time they elevate Bond from a wisecracking cartoon to an idealistic, alcoholic, keen to prove his worth , inexperienced (although self assured) Civil Servant.

Sounds like this Bond will be a mixture of Timothy Dalton, George Lazenby and early Sean Connery. Some of the images of Daniel Craig seem to stylistically hark back to the early Sean Connery Bond.

I must be looking forward to the film I can't remember the last time I thought about a forthcoming Bond film this much. I guess I just want the Bond that's in minds eye to be up on the screen rather than another cash spinning merchandising opportunity.

Some trivia about Casino Royale

• A published report by BSkyB in early 2003 indicated that Sean Connery was among those being considered to direct the film.

• Quentin Tarantino also expressed an interest in directing. He said at the Cannes film festival 2004 that he wanted to film "Casino Royale" properly - pretty much as Ian Fleming wrote it. He backed Pierce Brosnan for Bond and Uma Thurman as Bond Girl (presumably the tragic Vesper Lynd). He approached Eon Productions with his ideas, but they turned him down. Then, shortly thereafter, Eon announced the film would indeed be called "Casino Royale", but with Martin Campbell as the director, and with a new (not-yet-revealed) actor to portray the role of James Bond.

• Before Daniel Craig was officially announced as the sixth actor to play James Bond there were several other actors considered for the part. Producer Michael G. Wilson said that they looked over 200 actors searching for the right one. Some of them were:

1. Julian McMahon
2. Dominic West
3. Gerard Butler
4. Henry Cavill
5. Goran Visnjic
6. Sam Worthington
7. Alex O'Lachlan
8. Rupert Friend

C'mon Layer Cake was one long audition for Casino Royale. For Matthew Vaughn (Director) and Daniel Craig. So it should not be a real surprise to anyone.

• The announcement of Daniel Craig as the new James Bond was made on October 14th, 2005, aboard the HMS President, in London. In that same day, former James Bond Roger Moore was celebrating his 78th birthday. Many of the other actors in the running for Bond didn't even know they didn't get the job until they saw the TV broadcast of Daniel Craig accepting the offer.

• The rights to Fleming's first 007 novel "Casino Royale", sold by him separately very early on, now reside with Eon Productions. The book was filmed for television and later as a big-screen spoof.

• The first Bond film to be named after an Ian Fleming book or story since The Living Daylights (1987).

• For this film Daniel Craig had to learn how to drive a car with manual transmission.

Source - Internet Movie DataBase

First look at Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre (The Cypher)

A Danish newspaper has printed the first look at Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre (The Cypher). I think they must have made a mistake this is clearly a high school shot of Dr. Evil!!??

I have high hopes for this film. A young serious Bond that looks the business and a decent plotline that sounds almost true to the book.

James Bond (Craig) is a new recruit at the MI6 team. He's reckless and careless and on a mission. After just earning his 00 status with his first 2 kills he is sent to the Bahamas where he is to verse Le Chiffre (Mikkelsen)in a game of Texas Hold 'Em Poker. Although Bond must ensure that Le Chiffre's death comes at the hands of his own people.
Source - Internet Movie DataBase

Having a closer look at Mads he certainly does look like a young Donald Pleasance "Bloefeld". I have intentionally stayed away from any info that will give away some of the rich world the film will create as I would like a fresh view of the film on its release.

I recently listened to "Casino Royale" to refresh my memories of casino Royale. I read the book when I was young and remember Casino Royale's Bond being one of the more credible Bonds. This is an opportunity for the Bond producers to refresh the franchise. No doubt the film will be a success. Unfortunately I have 2 scenarios playing out in mind about he future of this Bond.
1. Although contractually bound. After the 3rd film Daniel will probably thinking wait a minute you guys are making $XXX and I'm only making $X. Time to renegotiate. Ala Brosnan. We know how this ends.
or
2. Although the film's are critically acclaimed, profits are not high enough and the producers revert back to the Bond cartoon formula. Ala Batman (pre Batman Begins).

I hope this time they elevate Bond from a wisecracking cartoon to an idealistic, alcoholic, keen to prove his worth , inexperienced (although self assured) Civil Servant.

Sounds like this Bond will be a mixture of Timothy Dalton, George Lazenby and early Sean Connery. Some of the images of Daniel Craig seem to stylistically hark back to the early Sean Connery Bond.

I must be looking forward to the film I can't remember the last time I thought about a forthcoming Bond film this much. I guess I just want the Bond that's in minds eye to be up on the screen rather than another cash spinning merchandising opportunity.

Some trivia about Casino Royale

• A published report by BSkyB in early 2003 indicated that Sean Connery was among those being considered to direct the film.

• Quentin Tarantino also expressed an interest in directing. He said at the Cannes film festival 2004 that he wanted to film "Casino Royale" properly - pretty much as Ian Fleming wrote it. He backed Pierce Brosnan for Bond and Uma Thurman as Bond Girl (presumably the tragic Vesper Lynd). He approached Eon Productions with his ideas, but they turned him down. Then, shortly thereafter, Eon announced the film would indeed be called "Casino Royale", but with Martin Campbell as the director, and with a new (not-yet-revealed) actor to portray the role of James Bond.

• Before Daniel Craig was officially announced as the sixth actor to play James Bond there were several other actors considered for the part. Producer Michael G. Wilson said that they looked over 200 actors searching for the right one. Some of them were:

1. Julian McMahon
2. Dominic West
3. Gerard Butler
4. Henry Cavill
5. Goran Visnjic
6. Sam Worthington
7. Alex O'Lachlan
8. Rupert Friend

C'mon Layer Cake was one long audition for Casino Royale. For Matthew Vaughn (Director) and Daniel Craig. So it should not be a real surprise to anyone.

• The announcement of Daniel Craig as the new James Bond was made on October 14th, 2005, aboard the HMS President, in London. In that same day, former James Bond Roger Moore was celebrating his 78th birthday. Many of the other actors in the running for Bond didn't even know they didn't get the job until they saw the TV broadcast of Daniel Craig accepting the offer.

• The rights to Fleming's first 007 novel "Casino Royale", sold by him separately very early on, now reside with Eon Productions. The book was filmed for television and later as a big-screen spoof.

• The first Bond film to be named after an Ian Fleming book or story since The Living Daylights (1987).

• For this film Daniel Craig had to learn how to drive a car with manual transmission.

Source - Internet Movie DataBase

Americano

Just found out, about the "Americano" (A Kevin Noland film). I think I may have seen the trailer before but the premise and acting seemed rather trite, so I think I blanked it initially.

Jaysus, Dennis Hopper has this guy been involved in anything decent after "Easy Rider" and the the clever casting of Blue Velvet? He really makes it difficult to believe that he was the mastermind behind Easy Rider.

The "Americano" is more relevant for me now; as in July I'll be Running with the bulls, and I got corporate sponsorship for this gig, baby. Seems that the organisation are going to contribute to a team away day(s). So we can participate in the running.

Slight downer as apparently ladies cannot participate??!!. Sounds like a good chance that I may have to apply my learnings from The Bruce Lee School of Disguise to ensure that as many of the team can be involved as possible.

In discussion with people that have done the run previously, it transpires that my contingency plan of turning, facing the bulls, horn grabbing, somersaulting on to the bulls back and riding it into the arena (cheered by both the locals and tourists alike) may be a bit of a pipe dream. Apparently harassing or touching the beasts is frowned upon.

Some top tips for an enjoyable near death experience:

1. To admit anyone under the age of 18 into the course as minors are totally prohibited from running or participating.
2. To go over the police barriers which the authorities see fit to erect.
   
3. To place oneself in the zones and areas of the itinerary which are expressly indicated by the agents of the authorities.
   
4. To hide oneself before the release of the bulls in corners, dead angles or doorways of houses or establishments located throughout the length of the course.
   
5. To leave open the doors of the houses along the course, the owners or tenants of the said property being responsible for this.
6. To enter into the route in a state of drunkenness, under the effects of drugs or in any inappropriate state.
7. To carry objects which may impede the correct running of the Bull Run.
8. To wear clothes or shoes which are not appropriate for the run.
9. Call the animals or distract them in any way and for whatever reason in the course or during the rounding up in the Bull Ring.
10. To stop in the Bull Run or station oneself on the walls or barriers or in the doorways in such a way as to impede the run or the defence of the runners.
11. To grab onto, harass or mistreat the animals or obstruct their exit enclosure by any action during the amateur bullfight.
12. To take photographs from the streets, walls or barriers without due authorisation.
13. Any other action which may impede the normal running of the Bull Run.

Source - www.spanish-fiestas.com

On the Americano site find the Pamplona link. This will reveal a small map of the village pf Pamplona with key locations plotted for you.

Read more at www.americanothemovie.c...

Whilst researching, I found this clip. Awesome...