There are a lot of music identifiers in the app store, but SoundHound is by far the fastest and easiest to use. Oh, and the basic app is totally free!
~Ben
Monday, May 28, 2012
SoundHound
There are a lot of music identifiers in the app store, but SoundHound is by far the fastest and easiest to use. Oh, and the basic app is totally free!
~Ben
JET SET RADIO!
Sega announced back in February that the 2000 Dreamcast smash hit, Jet Set Radio (Jet Grind Radio in the US) will be getting an HD makeover for PSN (SEN) and Xbox Live. The release date is still unknown, but they did say that it would be coming sometime this summer. Hopefully it's sooner than later! JSR was and still is one my favorite games of all time, and I can't wait to skate through the streets of Shibuya-cho again.
~Ben
Sunday, May 27, 2012
MINI of Grand Rapids' Amazing Repair Service!
Now that I own a MINI, I'm all too aware of the impending dents and scratches that mysteriously appear in parking lots. My Mom's R56 got a deep dent in the left rear quarter panel last week. She took it into MINI of Grand Rapids a few days ago and returned with this!:
It's a Pure Red 2012 MINI Countryman S, that she has named, Parker.
~Ben
It's a Pure Red 2012 MINI Countryman S, that she has named, Parker.
~Ben
Friday, May 25, 2012
Apps! Part One
So to start off, let's just take a look at some of the apps I have on my iPad right now:
BlogPress
- This is what I use to write and edit my posts here. It's not perfect, but it's close to a complete package, and easily the best Blogger editor in the App Store. It's easy to add pics directly from the camera roll, and each pic is simultaneously uploaded to Picasa in full resolution.
Songza
- The most diverse and user friendly streaming music service for your iOS device. Also, it's completely free, which is a plus.
My-Cast
- I've tried nearly all of the weather apps in the App Store and have found My-Cast to be the best! It's fast, easy to use, and updates weather information on the fly.
Flixster
- Forget those other movie apps, Flixster is the top dog, and with integrated reviews, previews, and articles from RottenTomatoes, you can't go wrong.
Whats On?
- Toss in your location and TV service info, and Whats On will give you a comprehensive list of everything that was, is, and will be coming on later.
Google Catalogs
- Online shopping is kinda dull, and on most sites, just plain ugly. Google apps combines the magazinerey (yes, I made up that word) of a mail order catalog and the ease of shopping online.
IGN Skyrim Guide
- I love me some Skyrim! There are plenty of Skyrim guides on the App Store, but none are as complete, easy to use, or as free as IGN's app. The interactive maps are the arrow in the knee of getting lost... Wow, that metaphor ran straight into a tree.
Movie360
- If you have an iOS device with a camera, you need this! It has real time filters and (the best part!) digital zoom! You can zoom in and out while recording, or later while watching videos! Why are you reading this? Go get this app! Zoom!
Downcast
- Getting Podcasts via iTunes is a headache, and unless you sync on a laptop or desktop computer, updating and editing the Podcasts is not possible. That's why you should be using a Podcast catcher, like Downcast. Downcast lets you search for your favorite Podcasts, and once added, updates them and tosses out what you've already watched or listened to.
Apple Trailers
- Your one stop shop for movie trailers, past, present, and up-coming. Designed by Apple, so it's fast, ad free, and pretty to look at.
HBO GO
- Have HBO? Get the entire HBO library on the go with, well, GO! It's all in HD, free (if you already have an HBO subscription through cable, DirectTV, etc), and it's kept up to date.
Remote
- Designed by Apple to work with nearly all Apple products. Control iTunes, AppleTV, and your local sharing network all from your iOS device. Fun and easy to use!
iPhoto
- A bit pricey compared to other apps, but well worth it. The interface is slightly counter-intuitive, but that is offset by the fantastic help function and wide range of very well developed editing tools. Amateur photographers will feel like pros within a few minutes.
Photoshop Express
- An all-around solid and free photo editor. It's very basic, but if you can't see the need to cover the cost of iPhoto, this is the next best thing. In fact, there are a couple things here that iPhoto lacks, like the ability to mirror an image, that makes Photoshop Express a nice addition to your editing tool bag.
Skitch
- Skitch is a photo editor that is specifically designed to add text, icons, arrows, and other layer effects to pictures. Again, this is something outside the bounds of iPhoto, and a great tool to have around.
Postagram
- This a service that is very cool. We all take pictures while on vacation, and yet we send someone else's photos as post cards. Postagram lets you send a post card with any picture in your photo album for just 99¢ each!
Half-Tone
- Turns any photo into a retro comic book panel. It's fun to use and there are plenty of options to unlock your creative side.
Diptic
- The best app for making photo collages. Very easy to use and useful.
Penultimate
- A simple notebook for sketches, notes, whatever you like, that is fun, fast, and easy to jump into. There are others like Penultimate, but aside from full painting apps like ArtRage, none of them are as complete or precise.
Kindle
- While I prefer the Barnes and Noble Nook devices, the Kindle app is the best eReader on iOS.
Comic Zeal
- My favorite comic reader on the iPad. Very fluid interface, plenty of organizing options, and simple methods of adding content.
Kotoba!
- The best and most comprehensive Japanese/Any Other Language dictionary.
iStart Japanese
- My favorite Japanese Tutor app (they have other language apps as well). Great for starting out or getting a refresher course.
Living Earth
- I like having a screen saver running on my iPad when it's on display and I'm not using it. Living Earth is a cool screen saver and a pretty good alarm clock as well.
PCalc
- The best calculator app. Nuf'said.
Clock Vetica
- It's a clock and nothing more, but it is gorgeous in a simple way. Text and background colors are your choice.
Nike Training
- A huge collection of exercises and training programs to keep you in shape! Updated often with instructional videos and varied set-by-step plans.
Convertr
- A unit converter. Yep, it's exciting. Useful too.
Table Score
- This is a simple app that acts as a scoreboard. That's about it. Use your imagination.
More later!
~Ben
BlogPress
- This is what I use to write and edit my posts here. It's not perfect, but it's close to a complete package, and easily the best Blogger editor in the App Store. It's easy to add pics directly from the camera roll, and each pic is simultaneously uploaded to Picasa in full resolution.
Songza
- The most diverse and user friendly streaming music service for your iOS device. Also, it's completely free, which is a plus.
My-Cast
- I've tried nearly all of the weather apps in the App Store and have found My-Cast to be the best! It's fast, easy to use, and updates weather information on the fly.
Flixster
- Forget those other movie apps, Flixster is the top dog, and with integrated reviews, previews, and articles from RottenTomatoes, you can't go wrong.
Whats On?
- Toss in your location and TV service info, and Whats On will give you a comprehensive list of everything that was, is, and will be coming on later.
Google Catalogs
- Online shopping is kinda dull, and on most sites, just plain ugly. Google apps combines the magazinerey (yes, I made up that word) of a mail order catalog and the ease of shopping online.
IGN Skyrim Guide
- I love me some Skyrim! There are plenty of Skyrim guides on the App Store, but none are as complete, easy to use, or as free as IGN's app. The interactive maps are the arrow in the knee of getting lost... Wow, that metaphor ran straight into a tree.
Movie360
- If you have an iOS device with a camera, you need this! It has real time filters and (the best part!) digital zoom! You can zoom in and out while recording, or later while watching videos! Why are you reading this? Go get this app! Zoom!
Downcast
- Getting Podcasts via iTunes is a headache, and unless you sync on a laptop or desktop computer, updating and editing the Podcasts is not possible. That's why you should be using a Podcast catcher, like Downcast. Downcast lets you search for your favorite Podcasts, and once added, updates them and tosses out what you've already watched or listened to.
Apple Trailers
- Your one stop shop for movie trailers, past, present, and up-coming. Designed by Apple, so it's fast, ad free, and pretty to look at.
HBO GO
- Have HBO? Get the entire HBO library on the go with, well, GO! It's all in HD, free (if you already have an HBO subscription through cable, DirectTV, etc), and it's kept up to date.
Remote
- Designed by Apple to work with nearly all Apple products. Control iTunes, AppleTV, and your local sharing network all from your iOS device. Fun and easy to use!
iPhoto
- A bit pricey compared to other apps, but well worth it. The interface is slightly counter-intuitive, but that is offset by the fantastic help function and wide range of very well developed editing tools. Amateur photographers will feel like pros within a few minutes.
Photoshop Express
- An all-around solid and free photo editor. It's very basic, but if you can't see the need to cover the cost of iPhoto, this is the next best thing. In fact, there are a couple things here that iPhoto lacks, like the ability to mirror an image, that makes Photoshop Express a nice addition to your editing tool bag.
Skitch
- Skitch is a photo editor that is specifically designed to add text, icons, arrows, and other layer effects to pictures. Again, this is something outside the bounds of iPhoto, and a great tool to have around.
Postagram
- This a service that is very cool. We all take pictures while on vacation, and yet we send someone else's photos as post cards. Postagram lets you send a post card with any picture in your photo album for just 99¢ each!
Half-Tone
- Turns any photo into a retro comic book panel. It's fun to use and there are plenty of options to unlock your creative side.
Diptic
- The best app for making photo collages. Very easy to use and useful.
Penultimate
- A simple notebook for sketches, notes, whatever you like, that is fun, fast, and easy to jump into. There are others like Penultimate, but aside from full painting apps like ArtRage, none of them are as complete or precise.
Kindle
- While I prefer the Barnes and Noble Nook devices, the Kindle app is the best eReader on iOS.
Comic Zeal
- My favorite comic reader on the iPad. Very fluid interface, plenty of organizing options, and simple methods of adding content.
Kotoba!
- The best and most comprehensive Japanese/Any Other Language dictionary.
iStart Japanese
- My favorite Japanese Tutor app (they have other language apps as well). Great for starting out or getting a refresher course.
Living Earth
- I like having a screen saver running on my iPad when it's on display and I'm not using it. Living Earth is a cool screen saver and a pretty good alarm clock as well.
PCalc
- The best calculator app. Nuf'said.
Clock Vetica
- It's a clock and nothing more, but it is gorgeous in a simple way. Text and background colors are your choice.
Nike Training
- A huge collection of exercises and training programs to keep you in shape! Updated often with instructional videos and varied set-by-step plans.
Convertr
- A unit converter. Yep, it's exciting. Useful too.
Table Score
- This is a simple app that acts as a scoreboard. That's about it. Use your imagination.
More later!
~Ben
Adding This Blog to Flipboard
My favorite iPad app is, without a doubt, Flipboard!
Did you you know that you can add your Facebook News Feed and Twitter accounts that you are following as Flipboard sources? It's rather easy. Just hit the magnifying lens in the upper right to add sources, including your Facebook account and Twitter friends.
To add this blog to Flipboard, simply add my Twitter account, @Benender, and Benender's Blender will appear like a virtual magazine, which is why we all love Flipboard. Well, not because of my blog, but because of Flipboard's fantastic layout - You know what I mean.
~Ben
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Brisby Makeover Update Now!
Despite this weekend being crazy hot, I managed to get a few things done.
The stripes were really worrying me. I wasn't sure I'd have the skill to apply them correctly, especially when they arrived and I discovered that the thin white borders were a separate install. I did manage to screw up enough courage to try it out though, and much to my surprise, it was quite easy. Once you soap up the vinyl and the surface area, you can play with the positioning all you want until the fit is perfect.
Removing the "COOPER" letters with dental floss was a bit of a mess, even with the Goo Gone stuff. Though cutting out tiny pieces of double-sided tape to put the letters back on was even more so.
I have to thank MightyStripes.com for the great looking stripes. They also sent me an extra length of stripe and several extra bits of the white border, which managed to relieve stress while applying them.
I also got around to trying out Plasti-Dip this weekend! I blacked-out the grill slats and mirror caps in just a couple hours. It was so easy to work with, I'm still looking to find something else to dip! The grill looks perfect, the mirror caps are a little too rough, but I'll be replacing them with the Blackjack caps soon enough. I was tempted to dip the hood scoop, but after looking at pics of other R53s with black scoops, I decided against it. ..Looks too much like a dog nose, heh.
Here are the before and after shots:
I can't get over how it looks so much better for such a low price point and minimal amount of work. Anyhow, there's more to come! Mostly just waiting for funds. Hmm, wonder if I could start a Kickstarter account for pimping out Brisby...
~Ben
PS - Just ordered a pair of GoBadges badge holders and badges! They should be here sometime this week!
The stripes were really worrying me. I wasn't sure I'd have the skill to apply them correctly, especially when they arrived and I discovered that the thin white borders were a separate install. I did manage to screw up enough courage to try it out though, and much to my surprise, it was quite easy. Once you soap up the vinyl and the surface area, you can play with the positioning all you want until the fit is perfect.
Removing the "COOPER" letters with dental floss was a bit of a mess, even with the Goo Gone stuff. Though cutting out tiny pieces of double-sided tape to put the letters back on was even more so.
I have to thank MightyStripes.com for the great looking stripes. They also sent me an extra length of stripe and several extra bits of the white border, which managed to relieve stress while applying them.
I also got around to trying out Plasti-Dip this weekend! I blacked-out the grill slats and mirror caps in just a couple hours. It was so easy to work with, I'm still looking to find something else to dip! The grill looks perfect, the mirror caps are a little too rough, but I'll be replacing them with the Blackjack caps soon enough. I was tempted to dip the hood scoop, but after looking at pics of other R53s with black scoops, I decided against it. ..Looks too much like a dog nose, heh.
Here are the before and after shots:
I can't get over how it looks so much better for such a low price point and minimal amount of work. Anyhow, there's more to come! Mostly just waiting for funds. Hmm, wonder if I could start a Kickstarter account for pimping out Brisby...
~Ben
PS - Just ordered a pair of GoBadges badge holders and badges! They should be here sometime this week!
Shoes!
I'm not one of those guys that has a million different shoes. I have work boots, running shoes, tennis shoes, dress shoes, and a good pair of everyday shoes. So when I get excited about a pair of shoes, it's a rare thing. That said, I love these! :
MINI USA Shop
I found these while poking around MINI USA, and can't wait to get a pair!
~Ben
MINI USA Shop
I found these while poking around MINI USA, and can't wait to get a pair!
~Ben
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Brisby's 2012 Makeover!
The 2012 MINI Takes the States Rally is coming up this July and I'm busy getting my R53 (Brisby) ready to show off!
Currently the car is pretty much a stock Electric Blue Cooper S with a white roof and white stripes. Here is my diabolical plan, give or take a couple items:
1. Black rally stripes with a white border (currently underway!)
2. Black JCW grill
3. Blackjack side mirror caps - I love these!
4. Blackjack side indicator LED lights
5. Blackjack sunroof overlay
6. Custom Blackjack side stripes - This one is a wee bit crazy. I want this design, but in black, white, and silver. I think Mightystripes.com can do it, but I'm not sure if they will need me to create the vector image for it, how much it will be, or how difficult it will be to install. They may charge me to design the vector image themselves. So there are a few unknown variables to hammer out. Obviously this will be the largest and probably last improvement I make this summer.
There are a few other things I'll be adding to Briz as this goes on, like a chrome plate holder, front Euro-style plate, motoring badge holders and badges, etc... Not to mention that these are just the external changes. I have plans to install a ton of custom leather interior pieces, chrome out the dash, install iPhone and iPad docks, and add a new cold air intake to the engine. All of which I probably won't be able to afford until the Fall.
Anyway, I'll keep this blog updated on my progress! Removing my original stripes and adding the new sleek black stripes will happen today! Wish me luck!
Friday, May 18, 2012
New Stripes Part One Complete!
It was a fantastic day today. I only wished I had enough time to actually apply the new stripes, but it's probably best since I have another person helping out tomorrow for that bit.
Here is Brisby while I let him soak up some sun:
I had a vinyl dissolver and painter's tape all ready to go, walked by the bonnet as I was getting ready to wash the car, when I decided to pick at an end of a stripe just to test how rough this was going to be. Surprisingly enough, an hour of sunlight was all that was needed to soften up the stripes. I ended up pealing both stripes off in about five minutes. They came off clean and in one piece. Guess I just blew $15 on the dissolver for nothing at all. Wonder if they'll let me return it... Heh.
After a good washing, here is the current state of my MINI Coooper:
~Ben
Here is Brisby while I let him soak up some sun:
I had a vinyl dissolver and painter's tape all ready to go, walked by the bonnet as I was getting ready to wash the car, when I decided to pick at an end of a stripe just to test how rough this was going to be. Surprisingly enough, an hour of sunlight was all that was needed to soften up the stripes. I ended up pealing both stripes off in about five minutes. They came off clean and in one piece. Guess I just blew $15 on the dissolver for nothing at all. Wonder if they'll let me return it... Heh.
After a good washing, here is the current state of my MINI Coooper:
~Ben
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