It's Not My Fault. Blame Global Warming!

It's definitely been awhile. This is day 4 of horrendous weather, which is certainly unbecoming of the bay area. There's nothing worse than sitting in an unbearably hot stagnant room trying to watch Undeclared. So they say that the weather should be getting cooler, but how often are weather people right? In any case, the BubbleGum Geek would like to apologize for the one week hiatus. From TV to tech to sports, it's been an eventful past few days. It's time to look back at the moments that had made the BubbleGum Geek giddy for joy.


Oh guitar hero, they finally made you portable. Guitar hero sequel after guitar hero sequel, Activision has been planning to release the ultra popular franchise onto the Nintendo DS. Engadget has reported the game combo and the BubbleGum Geek has to admit that this may be a must have. Although you never know, this Geek may go back on her word on find a better buy that could eclipse this franchise staple.


Smart fortwo . . . yes please! Hybrids and small cars are here to stay. Why pay 20 thousand plus for a car that switches between gas engine and electric engine when you're driving 30 miles per hour, that's you Toyota Prius. How often does a person drive 30 when there's not a cop around? Also this Geek has been seeing Honda Fits at every corner. It's starting to appeal to her mainly because of that blazing orange color. While the BubbleGum Geek still longs for her dream car, oh mod-squadesque Porsche Cayman you will be mine, the commuter car could be a Honda Fit or a Smart car. . . or a BMW z4. . . or a Mercedes CLK. Never Mind!

The Nike 6.0's that have been haunting the Geek ever since she saw them online have been release. In the words of Estelle's song American Boy, these sneakers are fresh to death. The BubbleGum Geek isn't technically a sneaker-head, but there's a love that can't be denied for certain sneakers.


Who knew the BubbleGum Geek could cheer for the Lakers? How was she suppose to decide between the lesser of two evils, Jazz or Lakers? In the end, the BubbleGum Geek could care less because she's not a fan of either team. It just so happens the Geek dislikes the Jazz a little bit more than the Lakers. Now they're going to the Western Conference finals. And who knew that the second round of the playoffs were going to be riddled with game 7s? Boston can't win on the road. The Spurs are having a tough time closing out New Orleans. And Detroit is just sitting there waiting. Well at least the second round has been a lot more interesting than the first round.


Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law is the show of the week, despite there aren't any new episodes. But it's a great late night watch especially if you love old school cartoon characters of the Hanna-Barbera age.

Stay tuned for season finale wrap up. Read my take of TV show finales and college finals. There's nothing like trying to watch The Office finale and finishing online quizzes before the 30 minute time limit.

images courtesy: solcomhouse.com
joystiq.com
channel4.com
citysoles.com
youtube - nbatv and adult swim

Oh Dreamcast, you truly were a dream

It's time to go back. It was a time where 3D graphics were becoming more and more relevant. The next generation boy band was hitting an all time high with no end at sight. And the highly anticipated Star Wars prequel the Phantom Menace was a juggernaut in all aspects of pop culture. That's right, it was the tumultuous year of 1999.

The BubbleGum Geek was just entering high school and she was a wide-eyed individualist who believed in the goodness of the world. It's been almost nine years and the Geek is highly perceptive to the world around her. She knows the world sucks. Now it's time to go look back at the golden moments of her childhood to make her feel like the idealist she once was and give her readers a blast from the past (cliche phrase, but it had to be said).


September 9, 1999. "It's Thinking". The Sega Dreamcast was released with high hopes. With tremendous let downs of the Saturn and Game Gear, the Sega team was not willing to fail again. This was the console that was going to put them back into top dog status, especially with the rise of console competition coming from Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony. When it was released, Sega won the market due to amazing graphics, quality game play, and the first of it's kind, online gaming. Unfortunately, Sony was able to eclipse the Sega console with the release of the ultra mysterious and hyped up Playstation2. Suddenly, the Dreamcast faded into oblivion only to be remembered by the few that still own one. Here is the complete story of the beloved console that still lives on through emulators/roms, ported games, and fan sites. .


The BubbleGum Geek happens to be one of the people that still own a Dreamcast. ChuChu Rocket, Crazy Taxi, Power Stone, Samba de Amigo, Sonic Adventure, and Soul Calibur: these were all games that became hour long marathon runs filled with laughter and anger. They were all good times. So here's to you Dreamcast; thanks for bringing together the socially awkward and everyone else to make a gaming experience worthwhile. Oh Dreamcast, you truly were a dream.

images courtesy: j-fan.com, ncsx.com
video courtesy: youtube - G4 Icons dreamcast

WIN OR GO HOME . . . I may go home

Sports makes for amazing television. As a tv enthusiast and a basketball fan, nothing made better television than the first round of the 07 NBA playoffs. Lakers and Suns, Nuggets and Spurs, and the Jazz and Rockets were all bouts that were equally drama-filled and entertaining. But as a Bay Area native, the the BubbleGum Geek's attention was on the number one seed, Dallas Mavericks, match up with the number eight seed, the Golden State Warriors. Of course, the story line had everything a tv lover feeds off of. The underdog facing the heavy favorite. The ex-coach facing his old team that he helped rebuild. The unlikable owner who you want to punch in the face for being obnoxious and having too much money. Watching the games, you can feel the hyphy energy in the air and there was no way anyone would ever be able to forget what will forever be known as the "We Believe" season.

So cut to the second round of the 08 NBA playoffs. The race for the final spot went to the Denver Nuggets, which had the Warriors at the 9th spot. And there's nothing really left to say about it. The BubbleGum Geek watched the hectic western conference regular season, and it was crazy to say the least. So many trade robberies, so little words to completely explain it all. Now the playoffs are in full force and the BubbleGum Geek wonders, shouldn't the playoffs be like this . . .



The 300 type style music, the overtly physical nature of the game, basically the scream till you lose your voice aspect that every fan could appreciate: aren't these aspects suppose to be the reason why we watch the playoffs?

Instead we're "treated" to the first round exits of some of the BubbleGum Geek's favorite players, the man with the small Canadian body, Steve Nash and the guy with the first round curse, T-Mac. Let's not forget the team who didn't even make it to the playoffs, despite the fact of having a 48 win season compared to the 8th seeded Atlanta team with 37 wins, the Warriors. Of course, this Geek is biased considering it's the home team. But it still seems like a boring playoff series.

There were a couple of exceptions. Game one of the Spurs - Suns series went into double OT, which made it seem like this series could have seen Nash meet the stats table yet again. Unfortunately, there were no tricks up the Spurs sleeves to even make the series eventful to watch. Philly making it difficult for the Pistons to make a sweep, especially when they won game one in Detroit coupled with the fact that Pistons just weren't playing well. Then we come to the fact that Atlanta took Boston to a game seven. What the hell?!

Wouldn't it have been much more interesting to see this rather than the Nuggets getting swept . . .



But alas, we'll always have the other memories of an unforgettable season. Maybe we can just keep watching what GSoM entitled the "shot heard around the world" . . .



images courtesy: espn.com
videos courtesy: youtube

Iphone Killer . . . it certainly is!

The BubbleGum Geek has been craving the different flavors of cell phones ever since the first glimpses of the iPhone. The Nokia N96, LG Prada, Samsung SCH-i760: they are all deserving of the iPhone killer title. Don't get me wrong, The BubbleGum Geek has no ill will towards Apple products like the iPod and the MacBook. If anything, the Geek has owned numerous iPods and is about to make the giant leap every PC users dreads on making, the switch to using a mac. But I would like to take a quote from Molly Wood, Apple products are like a bad boyfriend. They're sleek, shiny (which means very distracting), and it's common knowledge that there are better things out there, but you can't seem to pull yourself away. So now is the time to pull yourself away from all the hype of the iPhone, even though it came out last year and still seems to be a overly coveted item, and come over to the dark side where the iPhone is just another cell phone.

The BubbleGum Geek would like to introduce a new iPhone killer to the pack, the HTC Touch Diamond. Initial specs include:

• eGPS, FM tuner
• Quad-band HSDPA 7.2
• 2.8-inch VGA display
• WinMo 6.1 Pro
• WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0
• 4GB internal flash, microSD slot
• 528MHz CPU
• 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus
• 10.7mm (0.47-inches) thick
• orientation sensor, accelerometer

It has also been reported that the Diamond will include a TouchFlo 3D interface. More news will be on the way. If you want more insight on the HTC Diamond check out:
http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/0,39029453,49296808-1,00.htm
http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/9310.html
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/06/htc-unveils-new-htc-touch-diamond-handset-not-too-big-not-too/
*Read the relevant posts at the bottom of the story

That's it for today, be on the lookout for more tech reviews and news. And be prepared because you're about to get the BubbleGum Geek's take on the NBA playoffs and more flavors pertaining to pop culture in general.

images courtesy: supernovajesus.wordpress.com
iphonekiller.com

What happens when superheroes get sarcastic . . .

The BubbleGum Geek has fond memories of the many cartoon filled Saturday mornings. It was a right of passage for all adolescents. Children woke up every Saturday morning and set up their weekly cartoon-watching ritual: PJ's (check), giant bowl of cereal (check), glass of OJ (check), remote (check), and comfortable lounging position (check). It was time to watch our "superfriends" in action.

Childhood superheroes or our "superfriends" are sacred. They epitomize the "goodness" that the human being wants to stand for. It was all about Superman fighting General Zod, Batman and Robin going up against the Joker and the Penguin, and Wonder Woman facing the Baroness Paula van Gunther. They are our heroes who can do no wrong.

But what happens when our heroes start to act like everyday people? The BubbleGum Geek wants to know what happens when superheroes start to think


This Place Sucks

This is the epitome of a mashup. Superfriends meets Office Space, it has hilarity right in the title and concept. If you're not comfortable with foul language or watching your favorite superhero act out of character then the BubbleGum Geek would like to apologize and warn you to not watch the clip. If you love Office Space, (come on, who doesn't) then this is the clip for you.

Keep on reading and look out for more of the BubbleGum Geek's favorite flavors.

Special Guest Correspondent Says Lumpia Overload

I am here at my house eating lumpia, selling lumpia, and digesting past lumpia. Yum. A guy with a turban drove by but did not seem thrilled about the 2 for $1 lumpia. Why? Are they oily? Are they fatty? What? Or do they not like lumpia? Lumpia is the epitome of eggrolls. For this great price people who drive by are missing out on the amazing and fatty taste of lumpia. If anybody swings by Canterbury Circle, Vallejo, Ca, you have an opportunity to taste lumpia at a great price. WORD





P.S: The BubbleGum Geek presents the Craigslist ad
Do you love lumpia and sales? Then we have the garage sale for you. Eat and buy for a great price. Just like going to a Warrior game, it's a great time out. Today right now as I'm typing. Hope to see you here. Canterbury Cr. Vallejo, CA 94591.

The TV Season Can't Almost Be Over

It's May and the TV season just came back full force recently. Now, season finales are right around the corner. The BubbleGum Geek loves television and she thanks God for the invention of the DVR. Without the DVR, watching TV on Thursday night wouldn't be possible. The BubbleGum Geek is sad to see her favorite shows go on summer break, but looks forward to the summer shows that weren't good enough to make the fall schedule. But the BubbleGum Geek digresses, it's time to look back at the week and think about what made us laugh, cry, and think what the hell!

How can anyone not love Thursday Night Done Right Comedy? The BubbleGum Geek is sort of touch and go with My Name is Earl, but is completely in love with Scrubs, The Office, and 30 Rock. Favorite moment of the night was in 30 Rock when Liz went from glamor to crazy. Her movie style entrance made me giggle and think OMG all at once. Then her threats of stabbing everyone in the face with a fork for eating her sandwich was what the BubbleGum Geek likes to call a "knee-slapper".

How I Met Your Mother continues to be high five worthy with every episode. Barney is truly legendary in all aspects, and the bro-code story line feels like it's going to deliver just as Barney always promises a legendary evening of debauchery.

Grey's Anatomy continues to disappoint based on the fact that the BubbleGum Geek is still not over the let down of the season three premiere, especially with the fall out of your chair season 2 finale still fresh from watching thanks to the DVD. But while Grey's was okay due to the elevator scene with all of McDreamy's relationships (including McSteamy), Lost as usual delivered the BubbleGum Geek's what the hell moment.

There were too many for the BubbleGum Geek to even wrap her head around.
****SPOILER****

Jack and Kate are raising Aaron. Hugo is hanging out with Charlie. The Oceanic Six may all be dead after all. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!?!

****END OF SPOILERS****

As usual, it's been a long week of watching prime time TV and cartoons. The BubbleGum Geek will be back next week bringing you more flavors to enjoy.

Survival Tools to Make those Lazy Days of Summer Even More Lazy

There's nothing like lounging outside underneath an umbrella on a warm day. You have a pina colada or corona, whatever your preference is, in one hand and your other arm stretched out over your head. It seems like the perfect day. But if you're like the BubbleGum Geek, you're going to need a few other things to round out your perfect day of lounging.



The BubbleGum Geek can't certainly entertain herself over the summer. Her brain completely shuts off when it comes to school and imagination stimulation. What better way to put a stop to the imagination drought than getting reacquainted with some old friends. There's nothing like spending the day lounging with your favorite TV shows. No commercials or interruptions. Just 20+ hours of you, the couch, Bart Simpson, Micheal Bluth, Bender, and the X-Men hanging out and sharing all those golden moments.



You scream. BubbleGum Geek Screams. We all scream for laptops. It has everything the BubbleGum Geek needs to function. As a student, it holds her research. As a pop culture aficionado, it holds her videos and music. And as a techie, it holds her emulators/roms, and any software that's imperative to her.



Tired of focusing on a laptop screen laughing at the pointless rants on message boards? It's time to pull out that sleek PSP and listen to Kayne West while playing Marvel Vs. Capcom. Just think, your favorite games, music, and video are all on portable device! The BubbleGum Geek believe that it's truly a gift from God (this is not the place to get into a debate about theology).


While the PSP isn't for everyone, the BubbleGum Geek believes in variety. Nintendo is for the all-around gamer. The Gameboy was a classic, how can anyone forget playing Tetris back in the 80's and 90's. The DS Lite follows that same line of popular gaming. Mario Kart and Mr. Driller are the types of games that can be played for hours.



It's been a long day. Sitting around drinking, watching TV, and playing with tech toys can really take it out of a person. The only problem is that the BubbleGum Geek is trying to take a 2:00 siesta and the kids splashing around in the pool are really disrupting nap time. She pulls out the the headphones and IPOD, then cranks up early 90's Mariah Carey and just floats away to dreamland.

These are the BubbleGum Geek's survival tools to make those summer days truly count. Wanna make sure you get your proper tools, research on cnet and you'll be lounging around just like the BubbleGum Geek. Remember it's not about making the most productive summer ever, it's about watching every one else make the most productive summer ever.