1 Year Anniversary of Ode2Pizza

Hear lies Ode2Pizza. Today marks it's 1 year anniversary. There was so much content that never got posted. There were so many pictures that were never laughed at. And there are too many videos that never had the chance to creep or gross anyone out. As the comment boxes sit empty on our bloggers, Tumblr and Facebook dance on the graves of our blogspot pages.

Its been fun guys.

Happy 1 YEAR!:

Goodbye 2 Ode2Pizza

Ode2Pizza.blogspot.com is closing its informative doors as of today. Ode2Pizza has had a good run here on Blogger. Keeping our interested readers informed of strange but interesting facts and useless information. Ode2Pizza's first post stayed true to its promise and I hope you enjoyed all the content that was shared and discussed here.

Through the services of Tumblr.com, Ode2Pizza will now be moving its content and posts to another domain with an OFFICIAL domain name. YES there will be NEW posts every week! As well as old ones revamped with more information and content.

the official

Ode2Pizza.com is now open.

thank you for reading.....

(btw my personal blog is pizzalogic.tumblr.com)

Internet Life

My poor blog suffered attention last month. Even though I have caught up with my posts, my attention has been on other sites. For the past few weeks I have been testing different social networks. I chose only the most popular ones so Myspace and Multiply are out. They are a dying breed. Lets start with the basics.






If you are not familiar with facebook.com, god help you.

I love when I hear some one say "twitter sucks" or "what celebrity do you follow" . That means they obviously don't know how to use it, or they think its something to stalk celebrities. And if you want to use it for that....you can. Twitter is pretty basic, its a network that lets you just share status updates. The draw is every one (almost) and every thing has a twitter. For example, you can actually "follow" (aka subscribe) the twitter account of Batman. He will tweet (the verb of using twitter) his everyday adventures. Personally I follow Stephen Colbert, its just useless quotes through the day. You would be surprised how hilarious it is to read these completely useless updates. Twitter is also useful for news. Many people follow CNN or their favorite magazine for daily updates on their favorite subjects.

Getting creative; shows like "Community" at one time gave each character a twitter account, and you could read their thoughts as you were watching the show. See a character on the show on his phone, next thing you know you receive a tweet from that character on what his opinion of the situation is. Tosh (from tosh.0) uses it for live tweets during his show. While the show airs, he will send you messages and info on where to find videos and sometimes he will even tweet to you personally. And may share your tweet on the air next episode.











Foursquare & Gowalla

There is a good chance you have never heard of either of these social networks. If you have an Iphone, Blackberry, or Andorid the apps for these networks are very popular. They are rival companies that do the same thing. You get an account, sync it to your phone and GO. When ever you are....anywhere check your app on your phone and see whats in the area. Local public places will appear as "check-in" spots for you to visit. If you go to one of the suggested area's you are rewarded! You receive points and badges for everyplace you visit, and eventually for the types of places you're often found.

Whats Fun about it?: In a way your competeing with your friends for badges and points. You Check-In to hip spots and review them. Its a pretty handy app. If you board and find yourself in downtown Miami, check one of these apps and it will tell you were the most popular "check-in" spot is. It even lets you share tips and info for each spot. For example one of the tips I found gave suggestions on secrets drinks to order that arent found on the menu. I'll admit its pretty handy.









This is a network is getting big and fast. I don't think its the next Facebook but its getting to be the next "Hip" site to join. Its pretty simple, they have mixed our favorite "blogger" with "twitter" and "Facebook". You easily can make posts from your home computer or mobile phone, and it posts it as a new entry on your tumblr page. It looks a lot like a blogger pages, the catch is your posts become more like tweets. When ever you submit a post it goes to your main dashboard wall, much like facebook. And each posts from you or your friends appear as quick conversations between you. To make it easier you can instantly check from your phone any posts at any time. Not to mention its ten times easier to use then Blogger, Facebook, and Twitter, and it looks better too.

Rundown:

-We all are acquainted with Facebook.

-Twitter is actually kind of fun and simple, it doesn't take to much time out of your day to use and its never really annoying like "Facebook updates".

-Gowalla and Foursquare are still new for me. Its taking me time to get use to them. I just don't feel like pushing the "Check-in" button every time I'm some where that I receive points. But they are handy for finding fun things to do and places to go.

-Tumblr is....great. Im starting to prefer it to my blogger (forgive me). Its very easy to use and and the design is so much more appealing to the eyes. Not to mention its WAY easier to share content, pictures, video, links, and just notes through your phone.

if you care to join go to Tumblr.com. My address to follow is pizzalogic.tumblr.com

Disturbing Video of the Month (Sept)

Here it is, your video of the month for September (i know its late)

Chicago pics

Links:

Pictures from Chicago Set 1

Pictures from Chicago Set 2

Top 5 shots

Conan's Return! (updated new videos)

Its been a while since Ode2Pizza has had any new content. So to counteract this, there are 2 NEW posts (crowed cheers). You'll notice one little change to the site. The title texts are now Orange and on the right hand side you will find the new "Conan Countdown Clock". Just a few more weeks, and Conan will return. Seems like yesterday when I wrote THIS post.
Until then enjoy the new Conan Promos.

The next big thing for Games

Back in late 2004 one of the most successful systems of all time was released. The Nintendo DS (shown below) caught our attention as soon as our gaming hungry eyes noticed it had 2 Screens. We were even more interested when we found out the button screen was a touch screen. Well its been 6 years. Its time for Nintendo to step up its game.

By now you have heard of the 3DS. A new pocket console that will make 3D glasses a thing of the past. The bottom screen like its predecessor will be a touch screen, while the top will be a new 3D screen that will not require any glasses to view. But thats just the icing of the cake, this little machine packs a whole lot into it.


Features:

3D photos: The new 3DS will include a 3D camera, that will let you take and edit 3D photos.

Augmented Reality: This seems to be the craze in gaming these days. Putting real life in games. Using the camera included in the system. Using "AR Cards", the camera will let you play games with the images your currently viewing. Its a little hard to explain, but check the video below to see for yourself.

Mii Studio: Ready to be freaked out some more? The 3DS will take photos of your face and then make a Mii character using its 3DS camera.

Tag Mode: The 3DS will go into a sleep/standby mode when not in use. So when you walk by another person that has a 3DS, it will swap information with them. Unlocking new content and adding new challengers to games. And you'll get their Mii in your very own DS Mii studio plaza.

New Web Browser: This feature sounds very useful for guides. Now you have the option of opening a web browser at any time when your playing a game. Imagine looking up Game Guides while your playing a game.

Activity Log: If the 3DS didnt take away your privacy enough, Nintendo decided to add in this little feature for you. The system will track what you do, and even how you walk with a build in pedometer.

3D slider: Dont want to play in 3D, no problem. On the side of your top screen will be a slider, that allows you to adjust how much depth you want with the 3D.

Virtual Console in 3D?: Yes much like the Wii, the 3DS will have a shop area that lets you buy old games. BUT they will be remade in 3D. No idea how this will work, so far only Gameboy and Gameboy Color games are confirmed.
Face Recognition: There is a 3rd Camera included on the inside that recognizes your face, in the video below you'll notice when the player puts their face close, the NintenDogs (the dog game) will try to lick her. Its confirmed that many games will recognize who is playing.
>Charging Dock: The device will include a Dock that lets you charge it when your not using it. To make things easier, while its docked, it will download new content, firmware, and demos for you to try.


Graphics and Games: There are a SLEW of games coming out for the thing. Every company wans a piece of the pie. Not to mention some very nice looking graphics that are better then the Wii itself. Check the trailer below to see them in action.

Games available for the 3DS: Samurai Warriors Chronicle, Resident Evil Revelations, Super Street Fighter IV, Dynasty Warriors Musou, Ninja Gaiden, Dead or Alive, Kingdom Hearts 3D, Chocobo Racing 3D, Super Black Bass 3D, Super Monkey Ball, Sonic, Licca-chan 3DS, Animal Crossing, Kid Icarus: Uprising, StarFox 64 3D, Steel Diver, nintendogs + cats, Mario Kart, Pilot Wings Resort, Paper Mario, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Marble Mania, Deca Sporta, Bomberman, Gundam, Super Robot, Dragonball, Pac-Man & Galaga, Ridge Racer, Harvest Moon, Professor Layton and the Mask of the Miracle, Crash-City GP, VS-robo, Class of Heroes 3D x 3D, Combat of Giants Dinosaur 3D, Ghost Recon Tactics, Splinter Cell 3D, and Driver 3D.



Now for the down side, the price point and release date. 3DS is scheduled to release in Japan in Feb and the US in March. As for as price its rumored to be $250. Which is a high to me, but we wont know until the official announcement by Nintendo.

Who are the TrustoCorp?

TrustoCorp, is a secret organization of sign vandals. But even I can't really count it as vandalism. TrustoCorp is known through the net for their custom signs posted through out cities. If you reside in Miami, New York, San Fran, or San Diego, you may have come across their work before.

Whats even more interesting is how no one knows who these guys are. They communicate through the email and....street signs. ABC news did an article about them earlier this year. They told ABC "dedicated to highlighting the hypocrisy and hilarity of human behavior through sarcasm and satire." Keeping their identities secret and their opinions humorous and strong, I cant help but want to see one of these things in person.



TrustoCorp has taken everyday signs and topics of discussion and turned them into something to laugh at. And thats something I would like to see more of. Next time your walking through city streets before sure to keep an eye out for a TrustoCorp sign. You can identify it by their "T" with wings logo at the bottom.

BLOGS!

It seems a lot of you newbies are haven trouble finding blogs, I'll start you off on the right foot. To go to a blog just click on the underlined title. Be sure to follow the ones you take an interest in.

Abed is My Homeboy

Filled with Batman, Clips, and Music videos the "ABED BLOG" as I like to call it, is a must check out. This semi-personal / Trendy blog shares with you the everyday interests of our generation today. Be sure to stop by and drop Ralf a comment or two. A man of great taste deserves some praise. (Blog Author: Ralf)

Blicke mir nicht in die Lieder

The title is german for "Look me in the Songs". Which I am sure I translated wrong. "Blicke" takes us down a bit of a dark parth. Its theme and posts ask questions and feel emotion. Full of book quotes and the German language "Blicke" currently is out of production. We kindly await its return. (Blog Author: Stephen)

Every One's Favorite Grey Cloud

Taking us some what deep into her own thoughts and interest, the "GreyCloud Blogger" is ready to share. Sharing Music videos, Experiences, and Travels "GreyCloud" is a source of interesting personal reading material. Its charm will keep you reading every entry, even though its hard to understand her accent. (Blog Author: Bianca)

the Eagle, the Snake, the Dust, and the Far East

This blog originally titled "Why I moved to Japan" consisted of experiences and reasons for residing in Japan. Its writer wanted to explain to readers his motives for moving too and his views on japan. Currently the blog as done a 180. No longer focusing on the life of Japan, now takes us through a thrilling SciFi. Its writer mixes personal thoughts with retro style SciFi situations, giving us an addictive story to read. (Blog Author: Johnathan)

Nonsense&Such

The second new blog to pop up in the past few weeks. Its good to see a growing community. I dont know this person, but whoever they are, they started off on the right foot. Sharing with us Antoine Dodson videos is always a good way to start out. (Blog Author: unkown)

Subterranean Homesick Blog

A more recent blog starts off with a unique post and style. For now its only showing us recepies. But I have high hopes for this spunky blog to get off the ground. Be sure to stop by and give this girl a "Follow". (Blog Author: Lacey)

Sunshine State of Mind

Florida is a beutifal place, but when you live there it can be hard to appreciate. This blog takes us through Florida's most interesting places that its residents may not even know about. It argues the idea that there is nothing to do in florida, and takes us through several hot spots that are just waiting to be discovered. (Blog Author: Devon)

Sunshine and Berries

This blog can almost be viewed as a spin-off of State of Mind. Instead of showing us where too go in florida, this blog takes us through the everyday life in Florida. Food, Travels, Friends, and even rival car parkers all take place in this blogs stylish everyday posts. (Blog Author: Devon)

three sixty five

Since the title consists of the number of the days in a year, its only fair to asume its something daily. 365 is a daily conceptual and artistic photography blog. That is as fun to view as it is to anticipate the next entry. Be sure to check it reguraly, because there is always new things posted to see. (Blog Author: Moriah)

Raveled Illusions

Another new blogger joins the scene with a surfer theme, but sailor attitude. Catching reader's interest with entertaining dilouge, Raveled Illusions currently is showing off some interesting music videos. (Blog Author: Ricky)

Ode2Pizza

A blog that's title has nothing to do with its content can only be described as a cluster of topics. Jumping from Science and Technology to Art and Animals, Ode2Pizza is a train wreck of useless information. And just like a train wreck....you cant look away. (Blog Author: Brand-off)

I know there are more out there of our friends, I havent gotten to them yet. If you could please direct them to me, I'll be happy to add them to the list.

Disturbing Video of the Month ( Aug)

Robots and Innovation

One of my earliest posts was about robots. It dealt with the difference in technology and concept when it came to Japan and America. Recently there has been a little more innovation in Robot advancement. At this point in time we are aware that robots are being developed and do serve a purpose. Instead of having them dance or walk its time to start the next step in the evolution of Robotic design.

Quasi Robot Puppet:
Word on the street is, this little guy is coming to stores near you soon. A cheaper version of course. Watching to video below...REALLY made me want one. He is not only adorable but believable at the same time. When (or if) this toy releases, I see a lot of regretful parents buying it. Personally Im gonna use it to order fast food.


Swimming robot:
McGill University of Montreal has developed the Aqua 2. This little guy has the ability to swim and dive, as well as travel through dry terrain. You can see it all in the video below.


Beer Fetching Robot:
Every guy has at least thought of having this robot in their house. The robot does exactly what you think, fetches you Beer. Via your computer, you input what Beers you want. Then the Robot makes his way to the fridge and uses its cameras to determine what beers you have selected. The robot then travels to the location of the requester, and uses facial recognition to hand you your Beer. You can see it all demonstrated in the video below.


Other Worthy Mentions
Little Robots dance to Beyonce
Yes more dancing robots....theres not much to be said here. (except that when the robots laydown and get back up...it kinda freaks me out)



Robot Assistance...with a face
This seems like something out of a bad sci-fi. Its not as creative as the others I have seen. But its interesting to know some one actually made it.

The Pizza Vending Machine

Sometimes life just makes sense. With all the crime and poverty in the world, its good to see that something is right out there. And that thing is called "Lets Pizza"! Robot inventor and engineer Bob Bibleman (thats actually his name), has created a vending machine that makes you a Pizza from scratch in under 3 minutes.

The Machine has a glass window in the front that lets you watch your pizza being made in front of your eyes from scratch. It adds the dough, the cheese, and sauce right in front of you and then heats it up, and shoots it out the bottom. Each pizza will run under $5.00. Its do out on the streets this Summer. And I'll be waiting in line.

Cartoon Anatomy Museum!

I think of all the posts I have made on this site, this is by far the best one yet. We have all been to Museums filled with skeletons on display of Mammoths and Dinosaurs. Well Artist and Designer Hyung Koo Lee, has decided to make one for Cartoon characters. If you dont understand, the pictures below explain everything.

Below is the following: Tweety, Coyote and Road Runner, Huey, Duey, and Loue, Bugs Bunny, and last at the bottom Goofy.

The War of Videogames (if your even willing to read)

The big 3: Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft have been at war since early 2000. The original rival was between Nintendo and Sega back in the 90s but that battle was won by Nintendo. Today the market has changed. We no longer receive games in cartridges and in some cases, we dont even need to go to the store to buy a game. Its all about HD, Downloadable Content, Online play,....and motion control (barf).

Yeah see this, it doesnt work like this.

Before the Wii premiered Nintendo promised they would change video games forever. That they did, but not the way we wanted. After years of being loyal to their fan based customers, Nintendo decided to take a different approach to the market. When motion control was revealed fans young and old alike were blown away. Little did we know that this was not a way to improve our gaming experience, but a way simply for Nintendo to market to every one EXCEPT Gamers. And in the end, it was a pretty smart move.

After loosing the faith of all its followers, Nintendo's little crap machine practically "prints money" (as fanboys call it). It costs nothing to make, and they in return make a killing off it. And now other companies want a piece of the "Casual Gamer" pie. See Nintendo realized that there was a HUGE market of people that did NOT play video games. And thats who they now market towards. And it worked. Look at the success of Wii Fit. The console has been a huge success.


But that comes with a price, Nintendo shares and sales....have slowed down. Apparently casual gamers....only buy games casually. While real gamers....keep buying them. Nintendo taking notice of this has made a huge shift in its marketing. Finally realizing that they have burned their resources with the casual market, they are trying to win the hearts of Gamers back. And they are doing a good job. Sadly the competition is making the same mistake.

Sony now releasing the "PlayStaion Move" which is a black and more precise (and expensive) WII REMOTE for god sake, is hoping to take a stab at Nintendo's market. Microsoft is doing the same. Their approach is more innovative, they say "why use a controller when you can just use your body. Thats what the new "Kinnect" (formally known as Project Natal) can do. It lets you play games with.....well you body. And its creepy. Like the Wii I was excited for this too. But taking a look at the games for it, it seems to just be another ploy for....the casual market. And who could blame them.

Below is a pic of Wii, below that is Playstation Movie. Same freaking thing. Just more expensive.


The picture below is of someone playing kinect. If you didnt feel like a dork playing videogames before...you will now. "KICK!"


The Rundown: Basically here is what each company is up to

Nintendo- Introduces Motion Controls, made a KILLING off it, realized they lost their appeal to the "Gamer" crowd, and are trying to win their hearts back with games like "Zelda". Currently the Wii is dirt cheap, and comes with 2 GAMES. Something tells me they are trying to wash their hands of the Wii...so that next year wii (pun) can start buy something else.

Sony- The PS3 was at first A DISASTER. It started at $600 (big mistake). But in the past few years, PS3 had a nice price drop (to something that makes sense for us normal people) and has offered us some great games. Only now they want to sell us "Playstation Move" which is obviously a gimmick copy of Nintendo's gimmick. Sony is known for stealing ideas, and trying to market them as something original or better.

Microsoft- A power house in entertainment. The 360 not only has a HUGE online social network community that not only rivals Facebook, but also SYNCS with it. Xbox and Xbox Live know what gamers want (America ones that is). While it still doesnt sell well in Japan, here is sells like McDonalds Cheeseburgers. And after making tons of money and keeping fans happy, Microsoft might just stab us in the back with that "casual gamer" knife. With games like Kinnectamles and Kinnect Family fun. Its obvious what they are trying to do. It might just be....SELL OUT!

Things you should know:
-Nintendo is Cheap, everything they release is usually a remake of something already available.
-The name "Wii" is actually taken from the "i" in iPod. That way they can market things like Wii-motes, Wii-stands, Wii-care. Just like iDock, iTrip....get it.
-Sony is pushing 3D games with the PS3 now. Fun fact...you need a Sony 3DTV to play them. Suck it Sony!
-Microsoft charges monthly for its online service, its worth it. But its still overpriced.
-Microsoft and Sony do not plan on releasing PS4 or Xbox 720(name subject to change). The economy is bad right now, and it costs MILLIONS to even get a system started, so instead they made 10 year plans to keep their current systems selling.
-Nintendo made the mistake of only making a 5 year plan. This works out for them since development didnt cost much on the Wii, that way next year when they reveal Wii2 or WiiHD (and they will, mark my words) they can make you feel outdated.
-The videogame business is EVIL. It use to be about making games that were good and fun. Now its about making games that appeal to more people.
-GameStop is the freaking DEVIL!....that is all.

disturbing video of the month (July)

In honor of Tosh.0 I would like to continue, the disturbing video....of the month. Much like the Crab one I posted, this one is also sure to make your skin crawl. ENJOY!


(BTW I added the upcoming posts on the right side of the page)

Marina Sands Hotel

Its about time for me to add a new category to the blog (you can click on the ones already available on the right side of the page). This one will be labeled "Travel" and I am sure I'll be putting a few more up that are similar.
Below is a picture of the Marina Sands Hotel in Singapore. Its designed to be a giant cruise ship.....in the air (airship *cough*). Its built by a company called "Las Vegas Sands" and it cost around 8 Billion dollars to make. Apart from being a hotel, its also a Casino.
(click image to enlarge, you can zoom as well)

Its also home to the worlds Longest swimming pool with a "Vanishing Edge". You can see the edge effect in the picture below, and it looks scary. Below the pool are tons of Restaurant and Stores for shopping. And it wouldn't be a casino with out its own built in Art Museum and Garden.
It contains 963 hotel rooms and they BEGIN at a rate of $350 a night, and thats only the cost for 1 person.