Geekscape Roundtable: Our 2015 Holiday Wishlists!
The holiday season is here, and regardless of the exact holiday that you plan on celebrating this year, we know that you’re just in it for the presents (well, and the family/friends, and the food, and some other things too, but mostly the presents).
Instead of doing a traditional gift guide (if your giftee likes x, get them y, etc), we thought we’d take another route: tell you what we‘d want for our holiday gifts. You know our writers, so chances are that if you need to pick up a gift for someone similar, they’ll probably be into the same stuff!
Here goes! Enjoy, and be sure to let us know what gifts you’re hoping for in the comments below!
Derek Kraneveldt
Now, I actually already have a Philips Hue setup, and it may just be the best thing that I’ve ever purchased. That said, Hue is heavily expandible, and the new 2.0 kit includes a refreshed Bridge that supports Apple’s HomeKit, meaning that, yes, you can control your lights with Siri.
Amazing.
The Hue website will tell you all about the science of the colour of light and why it’s important, and as much as I love all of that stuff, Hue is just convenient as hell. When I leave the house, my lights turn off. When I come home, they turn back on. When my Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock app wakes me up in the morning, my lights simulate a sunrise. I sit down for a movie, and turn off or dim them via Notification Centre on my phone.
Also, using the slick Ambify app, you can have them pulse and change color to the beat of any music.
Really, I’m barely scratching the surface of what Philips Hue is capable of (just look at IFTTT), but I have been absolutely in love with these light bulbs for a year now, and would love to add more to my collection.
Mega Yarn Yoshi Amiibo
If you’re a regular around these parts (or ever listen to Geekscape Games), you’ll know how much of an Amiibo fiend I am. Aside from the Animal Crossing series (I’ve never spent much time in the AC world, so they’re not that iconic to me), I have every Amiibo, first print, sealed in box.
Aside from the Animal Crossing lineup, and Mega Yarn Yoshi, I mean.
Look at this thing. It’s giant. It’s adorable (and comes from, in my words, the most adorable game that’s ever been made). It’s also $70 in Canada, and I just moved to the most expensive city in North America, so the one day that these things were available, it just wasn’t happening.
I’m settling for the minature versions right now, but I would certainly love to add this to my collection.
Yeah, I’m just copying and pasting what I wrote about SAXX last year, but as the marketing states, it truly is ‘Life Changing Underwear’, and every man needs to get some.
Yes, this is a geek blog, and yes, I’m talking about underwear.
This shit is life changing. I never in my life thought that comfort and underwear could be synonymous, but then I discovered SAXX, and everything changed. Chafing? I don’t know the meaning of the word.
Yeah, some people have scoffed at me for spending $30+ on a single pair of underwear, but then, those people haven’t tried it. Plus, let’s switch gender roles and put it into perspective: women (clearly) require their support up top, and from what I’ve heard have no problem spending $30-$50 on a single brazier. Why is it then ridiculous to spend a similar (or smaller) amount on an undergarment designed specifically for areas where men need support.
Seriously, dudes. Buy one pair, then go broke on them, and you can thank me later.
iZombie Stuff
I don’t even care what it is.
I discovered this series just a few months ago, and absolutely fell in love with its world, its characters, and really everything else about it. iZombie has quickly skyrocketed to become my favourite currently-running television series, and as I absolutely can’t get enough of it, I was beyond excited when The CW extended its second season.
It even shoots in my city, which is clearly not Seattle. Nearly every day I have thoughts about leaving my boring desk job and trying to become a PA just so I can have an opportunity to help create some amazing television series like this one. I’ve just been too afraid to make that move thus far.
In any case, if you haven’t seen it, the first season is readily available on Netflix. Get on it.
Great… now the theme song is stuck in my head again.
Looking back on my wishlist this year, I’ve gone decidedly less geeky than I have in the past.
Maybe I live in a small place and don’t have room for too many items to be on display (and I simply don’t love the cluttered look), or maybe I’ve been sleeping on a Casper mattress for the past few months and have never slept so well in my life.
Seriously, it’s too the point where I think ‘Do I really need to go and do that?’ if I’m going to be away from my mattress.
Mid-last month, Casper ‘scienced the shit’ out of sheets and pillows, and created a ‘responsive, dual-layer pillow adapts
to your movements through the night,’ and ‘soft, strong, breathable sheets are engineered with
one of the longest cotton fibers in the world.’
They’re definitely not cheap, but if it even approaches the quality of their incredible mattress, I can’t even begin to imagine the comfort that users are in for. While you may think that I’m just a Level-7 susceptible (woo Community reference), read this:
We designed our sheets to create the ideal microclimate around your body. To do so, we balanced thread quality, yarn construction, and weave for a cool, breathable sleep environment that’s so outrageously comfortable you won’t want to leave.
Yeah, it’s marketing, but the fact that these sheets are backed by the same incredible 100-night trial period means that they’re going to be freaking incredible. I really, really can’t wait to lay down on these (one day).
https://youtu.be/GRJN2uCWk9U
Honorable Mention: Unblock-Us, because I live in Canada and want HBO Now.
Daniel Campozano
Previously coming in at over 300 pounds made attaining pop culture gear pretty tough (among other things). Even if I ever did find a cool shirt in my size, I always had to pay extra which made the buying process emotionally and financially even worse. This past year I made big change in my life and have so far shed over a hundred pounds. The greatest side effect is now being able to fit into “regular” sizes and not get penalized for it. So what have I been asking for this Christmas? A bunch of Star Wars and Disney gear. Gotta love that synergy. Good thing the movie is coming out because there was a plethora of choices to be had. I’ve been to stores all over and I find that JC Penny has the most choices at a the best price.
Star Wars Battlefront Season Pass
Yes, I know the common complaints “the game isn’t worth the money” but damn it I’m having fun with the title, and that’s all that matters! What I really want from the season pass isn’t necessarily just the DLC but for it to make the game better. Like seriously, why even have the Bowcaster as a star card and not have Chewie! But iI digress. As a completionist I’m spending my nights completing tasks trying to fill up my diorama, and playing the battle of Jakku isn’t helping.
Add me on PSN: Bigyanks. I need more friends to try and complete the mission (and survival mode)!
I may have a Star Wars problem.
Adam Lemuz
While Nintendo’s holiday line-up hasn’t been as strong this year as it often is, that doesn’t mean it’s been a complete failure for the big N. Enter Xenoblade Chronicles X; a spiritual sequel to 2010’s Xenoblade Chronicles for Wii, Xenoblade Chronicles X starts off with a literal bang so big that it causes the destruction of Earth as we know it. Just like its predecessor, the game implements a real time battle system with fully customizable moves to learn and master. Not to mention you get to fly around in giant mech like vehicles called Skells (which are also fully customizable.) If you’re a fan of JRPG’S and are a bit anxious for 2016’s Fire Emblem X Shin Megami Tensei crossover, this is the JRPG for you.
Ultimate Nintendo: Guide to the NES Library
Retro game collecting has become a very popular hobby for people in the last couple of years, more specifically NES collecting. Ultimate Nintendo: Guide to the NES Library hopes to help teach you about every game that came out for the NES along with its rarity and even hand written reviews for every game! Right now their Kickstarter has about 11 days remaining. While it will take until March 2016 for a physical version, you can easily back the project at $30 to obtain a digital version of the book that you’ll be able to access before the end of the year. If you’re a retro game collector or just a videogame/Nintendo fan in general, you should definitely consider backing this project.
Nerdcore is a thing that’s becoming more and more popular by the day. The idea of taking videogame songs and remixing them into something else has become somewhat of a phenomenon. One of the people leading this charge is Mega Ran. Former school teacher turned rapper, he’s been creating some of the catchiest nerdcore tunes since he arrived on the scene back in 2006 (almost 10 years ago!) One of his newest albums, RNDM, is a bit different though. Described as the album of his life, RNDM is a mix of hip hop, pop, electronica and funk/soul meet at the crossroads of introspective, hilarious and heartwarming songs featuring a variety of different artists. You can buy everything from a regular digital version of the soundtrack, to a physical version and even an NES cartridge (there’s some pretty cool ways to buy this soundtrack.) If you’re tired of the current selection of music out there, this is a great change of pace that you won’t be forgetting any time soon.
Jonathan London
Ant-Man was not my top film of the year… but it was definitely my most re-watchable. Peyton Reed’s entry to the MCU feels as fresh and welcome as Guardians of the Galaxy did last year and included some of the biggest fanboy moments of any Marvel film to date. Scenes like Ant-Man meeting an Avenger for the first time and flashbacks to Hank Pym’s earlier heroics are big highlights, but overall the injection of straight comedy to the Marvel universe is a welcome addition. Scott’s return is probably what I”m looking forward to the most in next year’s Captain America: Civil War.
Yes. These are the boys who did the Geekscape theme song… and they’re still making kick ass songs 9 years later. This latest one sees them taking a bit of a turn and stretching their creative wings, as Steve and Chris add a bit more of an electronic dance sound to the classic Punchline melodies. Songs like ‘Thrilled’ and ‘Can’t Stop Us Now’ are as catchy and anthemic as this band has produced.
Carl Ciarfalio’s ‘Stars, Stunts and Stories: A Hollywood Stuntman’s Fall to Fame’
As far as us geeks are concerned, actor and stuntman Carl Ciarfalio is still the best on-screen version of the Fantastic Four’s The Thing that has yet to appear this side of Yancy Street. But beyond that, this veteran of film’s like ‘The Dark Knight’ and ‘Drive’ has appeared in many of our favorite films (he doubled Kevin Smith’s Bluntman in ‘Mallrats’ (“fly, fat ass, fly!”) and got his face squashed in a vice in ‘Casino’)! Now he tells it all in his auto-biography. If you have any interest in behind the scenes Hollywood stories, Carl’s book is one of the best you will find!
This is my favorite album of the year, a mellow, acoustic laced, soul spilling journey from one of my favorite song writers. An artful celebration of distance, remembrances and long goodbyes, you can’t help but reflect while listening to it. Songs like ‘It’s a Shame’ put a bounce in your step even while filling your heart with melancholy. I can’t recommend it enough.
Jake Lopez
Long before the 343 Industries took over the Halo franchise, the creative direction was heavily influenced by one man: Joseph Staten. Staten wrote the cinematic fro Halo’s 1-3, and Halo 3: ODST. Much of the magic that was there for me growing up with these titles was because of Staten. In fact, Staten was such an idol to me, I not-so-famously interviewed him as my first guest on camera during my first San Diego Comic Con.
Staten is a storyteller, and seeing his talents leave the franchise when 343i took over was difficult. Staten went on to work for Bungie for a time before parting with them. Since then, Staten has made his way back to Halo and his first installment into Halo lore comes in the form of the novella, Halo: Shadow of Intent. Fans of the franchise will immediately recognize the name to be that of flagship belonging to the Sangheili (Elite) Spec-Ops commander. The events of the novella will take place immediately following Halo 3.
Unfortunately, Staten isn’t “back.” It’s said that Staten still has “no official role with Halo.” Regardless, I’ll take what I can get. Halo: Shadow of Intent was released on December 7, 2015.
We all have those memories in college partying it up at a dorm, drinking until we pass out, and ordering pizza after 1 AM. Well, I did all that, just not in a conventional way. Many nights, friends and I would gather around a console and duke it out in fun arcade-like video games. One of the games we loved was Starwhal. At the time, the game was only available on Steam, but it has since jumped to multiple platforms including the Xbox One and Playstation 4.
Starwhal is a free for all in which the sole purpose is to be the last starwhal left. Players are eliminated overtime a horn is stabbed into your abdomen. The controls aren’t as sharp as you might think, since you’re occasionally floating in space and what not, and that makes it even more fun. It also helps that you can dress your starwhal up in over 90+ costumes, each paying homage to internet memes and science fiction. It’s an ultimate party game, something that is seriously lacking in this era of online-only titles.
Starwhal is available now!
Natalie Kipper
Blu-Ray of Persona 3 the Movie #Falling Down [Jika-Net Tanaka edition]
Yes, this set is pricy as butts (¥10,800? Ouch!) but given all the goodies it comes with, I think it is perfectly fair. Plus, it the only way to get that adorable Koromaru plush, which I need in my life. The other Persona 3 movies blew me away and I am dying to see the final one. I still can’t believe the second one ended on such a cliff-hanger.
Peace on Earth
Seriously, what the hell, humanity? I know we as a species can do better than this.
Creamy White Cat from Hasbro’s Joy For All Companion Pet Line
The technology for this “toy” is definitely impressive. After losing my cat of 18 years a few months ago, I think I might find interacting with this robotic kitty soothing. I am curious about the whole “VibraPurr” thing, too.
Hyrule Warriors: Legends for the Nintendo 3DS
Having never played the original, I was already interested in this game as a chance to play it in a portable format with extra content. But after the last Nintendo Direct, Hyrule Warriors: Legends has hit the one of top spots on my list for Holiday game releases.
Vampire Hunter D Volume 2: Raiser of Gales [Kindle Edition]
I have read many of Hideyuki Kikuchi’s Vampire Hunter D novels but Raiser of Gales is far and away my favorite. My paperback copy is in an awfully banged-up shape from so many re-readings. I would love to own the Kindle version so I could take it with me on trips without fear of pages falling out (I told you it was in bad shape).
Josh Jackson
Yu-Gi-Oh: Yugi’s Legendary Decks
From a competitive standpoint, the cards in this three deck set are either long outdated, or have been banned many cycles ago. When it comes to nostalgia however, there’s not a better set to buy for a would-be duelist. Containing over 100 cards, this set comes with three different decks modeled after Yugi’s cards that he used throughout the classic show, including Ultra Rare versions of all five Exodia pieces, the Silent Magician set, the Egyptian God Cards and for the first time in the United States, the Dark Magician with Arkana’s red artwork. To top it off, a few new cards supporting the Spellcaster monster class and promo cards designed after some of the more iconic cards from the Duelist Kingdom series will give old and new fans something to look forward to. This set retails for $29.99.
If you’re looking for something more modern, you can never go wrong with Konami’s annual holiday tins. At $29.99 each, each tin comes with their own set of guaranteed, sought after cards, including Odd Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon. In addition, each set includes three 16 card Mega Packs, each of which has one of every rarity type taken from every set released this year. So if you’re looking for those hard to find Shaddolls, Yang Zings, Performages, or anything else in between, this is a great place to start.
Disney Infinity 3.0 Star Wars: The Force Awakens Play Set
Disney Infinity fans, the wait is almost over! On December 18, the first video game version of The Force Awakens will release when the Play Set based on the movie is released. Including Finn and Rey, Kylo Ren and Poe Dameron will be sold separately on launch day. Much like the film itself, we know next to nothing about the contents of the set, but we’re excited to find out when Friday rolls around. Oh, and if light up lightsabers are your thing, you might want to check out the recently released Light FX figures while you’re there!
With all of those holiday games that you’ve picked up for yourselves, your friends, it might be time to think about expanding your hard drive space, especially considering how everything needs 50 GBs worth of installs and updates at this point. Seagate is making it easy for console gamers to set this up with their Xbox Game Drive. Retailing at $99.99, this 2 TB portable drive can technically work with anything that supports external hard drives, but with its Xbox Green design, why would you want to use it on anything else but your Xbox One? Using a single USB 3.0 cord, expanding your data is as easy as plugging the drive in. Considering that you don’t have to replace your 500 GB minimum internal drive to use it either, you’ll be able to game without having to delete anything for a long time.
Plantronics RIG Headset With Mixer
One of the aspects of the current generation of gaming that confused the hell out of me was audio mixing while game chatting. Thankfully, Plantronics’ latest headset makes this transition much easier. With multiple models that come with different colors and adapters for Xbox One, Playstation 4 and everything in between, you’ll be able to filter the game audio and voice chat with the flick of a switch. Oh, and it helps that the soft ear cups make it one of the most comfortable headsets I’ve ever worn. It might set you back a bit with its $119.99 price tag, but if you’re serious about competitive play, or just want a convenient way to communicate while you game, you can’t go wrong with the RIG.
Nepgear 1/8 Scale Figure and Kat PVC Statue
When you can’t choose which waifu you want under your tree, why not get them all?
First, this Nepgear 1/8 Scale Figure displays Neptune’s techy sister in all her glory. Fans of Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2 know why the CPU Candidate’s struggle to rescue the elder goddesses makes her worthy of her spotlight, which is why this statue is a perfect way to display your appreciation for her worthiness as a main character. Yeah, I said it.
And just in time for the remaster of Gravity Rush, Kat is back with her own PVC statue, showing off her gravity manipulation skills. With Dusty at her side, all those Vita fans out there now have something to display in honor of what I feel is the best exclusive on the often forgotten handheld. With a second one on the way, it’s good to see the gravity queen getting the appreciation she deserves.
Shane O’Hare
Every year Christmas comes and Christmas goes, and I am constantly asked what I want for Christmas. It’s always a hard thing for me to decide, as I am always very grateful for the things I have already, and the people in my life. BUT if Santa is done being busy conquering the martians and wants to bestow upon me lavish gifts then it would have to go a little something like this.
Duck Sauce Traktor Control Vinyl
Last year I wanted the Native Instruments Z2 mixer. Still haven’t picked it up, but I still use my digital vinyl control when I DJ. It’s special vinyl that sends a signal to the computer so you can manipulate the MP3s in your DJ software. Whenever you see a DJ with a laptop and two turntables, they’re 99% of the time using a type of Control Vinyl.
The market for custom Traktor vinyl is very small compared to their main competitor, Serato. So whenever a unique piece of wax comes out I am always interested.
The Duck Sauce Control Vinyl has Duck Sauce’s single Radio Stereo on one side, and the control tone for Traktor on the other. I like this particular record because of its color. It matches my DJ LOGO!
If you are ever considering building your own custom gaming PC one thing you should NEVER skimp on is the power supply. A cheap power supply can potentially damage or destroy your precious components. It’s also a good idea to future proof your PSU, so that if you ever upgrade your rig you won’t have to complete disassemble and rewire the whole damn thing. I’ve had my 750W Corsair for YEARS and it has moved from a few builds. But now, it’s starting to hit the limit of its power output, and the stuff I am tossing at it is taxing it.
The RM1000X is a fantastic 1000W power supply from Corsair. One of my favorite companies. The best thing about this is that it’s modular! That means you can plug in the exact amount of leads required for your rig, and not have a big bulky mess messing up air flow!
Seriously kids. Get a modular PSU. You’ll thank me.
We Love Fine Chibi My Little Pony Vinyls
I’m a Brony. I’m THE Brony. I love almost everything about the show and the fandom. I love the toys, and these Chibi vinyls from We Love Fine are totes adorbs. A lot of the time, “Chibi-ized” toys tend to look goofy, but these are amazing. The cute little feets! AHHHH!
Constantine Zippo Lighter Movie Sized
I am a huge fan of the Constantine movie, as well as the TV Show (rest in peace). One thing from the movie that stood out was John’s big ass, engraved Zippo. There are a few replicas out there on the market, but they are your standard Zippo size. This one is jumbo!
If you’re a windows fan, and want a Macbook killer then look no further. Lenovo Thinkpads are my go to for laptops. Their magnesium chassis, and hardware level Hard Disk protection make them durable as fuck. You could frisbee disk one of these mothers across the room and it would probably do more damage to the wall.
Super thin, powerful and with a reserved look, I want one of these badly. It would be perfect for DJing.
Matthew Rodriguez
Yo-Kai Watch for the Nintendo 3DS
Yo-Kai Watch is one of the leading games in Japan, even rivaling Pokemon! As a huge Pokemon fan myself, I’ve been looking to try this game out myself, just to see what all of the hubbub is all about. It’s been getting rave reviews all around (including Geekscape), so I think it’s safe to say that it would be a great purchase!
Ha! I thought I could provide an Amazon link to the Apple TV 4th gen, however recent controversies got it pulled on the shop.
However, I’m looking forward to seeing all that Apple is bringing to the table in terms of both video streaming and gaming! I haven’t yet owned an Apple TV in my lifetime, but with Apple’s ‘Metal’ technology (Metal is a graphics standard similar to openGL and DirectX), I’d rather be at the forefront of this new tech. Oh, and it would probably help that I own multiple Apple devices to interact with it, as well.
Skylanders Eon’s Elite figurines (Slam Bam, Voodood, and Zook)
I apologize once again for not being able to locate a suitable shopping link. Skylander’s Eon’s Elite are “superior” versions of the original Skylanders, and are all GameStop exclusive. So far, I’ve managed to nab the original eight, however there are three more coming out that I want to get my hands on—Elite Slam Bam, Elite Voodood, Elite Zook. I’ve been obsessed with these since I had learned that they’re even better than their legendary counterparts, and still playing through Skylanders Superchargers with my wife. They will be excellent additions to my little toy army!
Eric Francisco
To be honest I’ve given up having any kind of material wishlist. Besides the fact that I’m spending the holidays on vacation and putting all my money towards that, I’m just not feeling an itch for a must-have this year. I’m an adult! But if I did, it’d probably be…
PlayStation 4 Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection Bundle
I totally missed out on having a PlayStation 3 so I’ve never played any of the Unchartered games! So a remastered bundle on a cheaper PlayStation 4 sounds like a win to me. I’m happy with my Xbox One but there are a ton of Sony-exclusive games I want to get my hands on. And I almost did, until Rocket League was announced for the Xbox One.
S.H. Figuarts G-Stag and Reddle
I’m an avid collector of Bandai’s premium S.H. Figuarts and I seriously want to complete by B-Fighter collection with G-Stag and Reddle. You might recognize these guys: They’re the Big Bad Beetleborgs!
Legacy Blade Blaster
Bandai quietly released the collector’s version of the iconic Blade Blaster from Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. It’s a must have for me, especially since I’m building towards my legit Red Ranger cosplay. I’m gonna rock Halloween so much.
Juan Carlos Marquez
Gift Certificate for Outer Limits in Long Beach, CA
I love tattoos. Always have. Now, I’m not talking about those cruddy tattoos people give their friends in a garage on a Saturday night in exchange for a six-pack of beer; I am talking about quality work from talented artists, and Outer Limits in Long Beach, CA has them in spades.
Three years ago at Outer Limits, I received the best tattoo to date–a full-color stained glass Legend of Zelda tattoo which covers my entire inner left bicep. It took 9 hours to complete–but dear Lord–was it worth it! I am still absolutely in love with it; the colors are bright and the line work is crisp and clean.Now I have the itch to make it a traditional half sleeve Zelda tattoo, and nothing would make me happier than to have the people at Outer Limits make that happen.
Power-Up Heart Pint Glass 4-Pack
If my 30+ years of gaming have taught me anything, it’s that exploring enemy-infested dungeons can make a man quite parched. What better way to quench a hero’s thirst than by drinking one’s cold beverage of choice out one one of these bad boys! When the pint is full, the three hearts turn red. As one drinks, the hearts deplete, promptly alerting anyone in view that you are in need of a refill. Hey, you could just ask for another Perrier (or beer), but you’re saving a kingdom, damn it. The least the town folk could do is keep your thirst at bay. Cheers to you, hero!
Big Trouble in Little China — Fu Manchu Muscle Shirt
Do I really need to explain this to anyone? It’s Jack Burton’s shirt! Forget about wearing this at the gym; I’d wear this thing to weddings! Laugh now, but when ancient sorcerers kidnap your green-eyed girlfriend and need back up to fight elemental kung fu masters, you’ll be thankful your buddy JC is already dressed for battle.
Mary Campos
Owen – Hart of Gold DVD/Blu-Ray
I always feel that Owen Hart was totally overlooked, and his death was totally senseless and tragic. I’m really excited that the WWE is finally releasing a DVD with footage, and interviews of Owen.
I’d probably spend the day watching this with my grandma. Don’t laugh. She’s the reason I pay for the WWE network.
I am so head over heels in love with the Lego series of games. Maybe it’s just the fact that whenever I am stuck in the game I can usually smash something until I figure out what to do next. But I’m sure I’d lose lots of time, and money on this as its Lego’s answer to the Amiibo, Skylanders craze.
I want this. The price tag is a little hefty for my liking. $36.00 for 4 pints of ice cream? But by the same logic, I’ve paid $9.00 a pint for beer, so why am I complaining? This Ample Hills Creamery limited edition features collectable containers, and two pints of the Light Side flavor, and the Dark Side Flavor.
I love coffee, I really really do. So the Death Wish coffee, which claims to have “double the caffeine of an average cup”, sounds like a fantastic idea for the caffeine fiend in your life. Because we can all use a little more pep in our step during the holidays right?
Jeff Potter’s Cooking for Geeks
We all have to eat…but some of us are better at making food ourselves. But this book combines science and tech and brings them into the kitchen. I’m not usually a fan of cookbooks, since every recipe is on the Internet, but this one peaked my interest. There aren’t very many cookbooks that explain the science of smells, and tells you the science behind making a 500-pound doughnut. Not that I would ever attempt that. Ha, no I probably would attempt it.
Philip Dobson
I’m calling out the first book in the Expanse series because the SyFy show of the same name just launched, and this is really such a great series. It’s not going to open your mind up to new ways of thinking, but it’s a hell of a fun ride while you’re reading it. The first book, Leviathan awakes is wonderful introduction into this universe. There are some really wonderfully creepy sections in this book that may make the hair on the back of your neck. I don’t know how well the TV show will turn out, but the books are fantastic.
Future Shock! The Story Of 2000 AD
The documentary about one of the best episodic compilation comic books in history. Great titles like Judge Dredd and the Nemesis came from these pages. So much of the sci fi to come out of the UK has it’s roots in 2000 A.D. I should mention that there’s a drop of nepotism on this one. Our own Helen Mullane worked on this one in between her career as all around awesome geek, and dog sledder. Watch the trailer and tell me you aren’t compelled to go and get this right now.
It’s not available in North America, but after a limited theater run it’s made it’s way to Amazon.co.uk. You can find it here
I work in Telecom, I see phones come and go. Apple is of course the staple, they’ll put out a solid product all the time, everytime, but some are better than others. You know what you’re getting up front, what I look for though, is something a little more of the road less traveled. Most people know about the pure Android Nexus 5, it was a solid piece of hardware that cost around $300. The lastest Nexus devices, the 6P and the 5X are really where my heart is though. The price has jumped quite a bit, but the 6P is absolutely the best Android device on the market, and the 5X does a solid job of giving a good alternative to the 6P with a lower price tag. If you want to get slightly better value you can try the Moto Style, but it’s not pure Android, and that may be a slight turn off for you.
Hubsan X4 H107 R/C Micro Quad Copter
The market is being flooded with drones lately. There are a sea of cheap drones that I wouldn’t put a great deal of stock in, but if you want something cheap that works fairly well check out the Hobson 4X in any of it’s iterations. The non camera version is extremely inexpensive for what it is, and it’s fairly easy to control considering the price point. This one goes for only $40.
Karson Braaten
Audiobooks have almost completely replaced reading for me and Audible is the best source for them. If you love books but never find the time to read, try listening to one. At the very least I listen to a book on my commute to and from work (which totals 40 minutes/day). So multiply that by 20 days and you have 13 hours of reading/month! Get use to listening on the 1.5x setting to burn through even more books!
Some of my favourites include:
The Graveyard Book – written and narrated by Neil Gaiman (and anything else narrated by Neil Gaiman!)
The Martian – written by Andy Weir and narrated by R. C. Bray
Ready Player One – written by Ernest Cline and narrated by Wil Wheaton
… Oh, and they recently released all the Harry Potter books narrated by JIM DALE!
Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones
One downside of listening to books (or podcasts) on headphones is it is easily interrupted by external noise. While walking passing vehicles can easily drown out the narrator. This beautiful headset will fix that issue. They’ll also come in handy for watching movies on my laptop while my girlfriend is doing something else on the television. Movies are much more immersive with headphones! Sure, this expensive set might be overkill but hey, it’s Christmas!
The Collected Works of Hayao Miyazaki
Just in case, Jonathan forgot to put this on his list, Santa can bring me his copy!
Gabriel von Grünbaum
Recommended: Amazon Echo
What are you hoping for this holiday season? Sound out in the comments below!
