27AUG2023

Goooooood Sunday evening to everyone. We're getting the first drops of rain in way, way too long as I write this... This week we've got everything from a verrrry attractive and expensive pokey thing, to a sneak peak at a new, retro-style iOS game, and the secret to a delicious (and surprisingly healthy) afternoon pick-me-up drink. Hope you enjoy!

• 🔪 Keen (Studio Neat) - Austin-based design team, Studio Neat, have a new Kickstarter they’ve just launched last week for a box cutter. Not just any box cutter, a $95 box cutter. Now, for most sane people, this is an easy pass. However, if you’re just the right kind of crazy, you’re intrigued. It’s beautiful and uses magnets to delightful effect (like several of their other products). If I didn’t already have more pocket knives than I can reasonably justify, I’d be backing this right away.
• 🤖 Perplexity.Ai - OK, I think most of us probably have AI / LLM fatigue, but this one is interesting in that it actually cites sources (with links) when you ask it to research something for you. I’ve found it to be about as good as ChatGPT, but I have a lot more faith in the results when I can go double check the sources right away. Some of my favorite recent searches: “Please make a list of the most popular retro arcade fighting games of all time and explain why they are so beloved.” // “Please make a list of real historical saints, yogis, and other mystics who were believed to have supernatural powers allowing them to control the weather.”
• 🧋 Boba Tea Protein - I don't think I'm going to surprise anyone by outing myself here as a big fan of Boba tea. It’s not something I allow myself to enjoy too often, due to the inordinate amount of sugar and other “empty” calories, not to mention the ballooning cost as boba tea / pearl tea become more trendy. Long story short, apparently Instagram’s advertising algorithm also figured out my love for Boba, and I got targeted ads for this Boba Tea Protein powder, which sounds kind of gross, but is actually amazing. I’ve tried both their Matcha Latte and Taro Milk Tea and several of their boba pearl flavors, and am already hooked. I’ve made one a day, everyday this week. I’m sold on the low/no sugar, natural ingredients, and authentic flavors. Worth a shot if you’re at all curious.
• 🕹️ Ollie's Arcade - The good folks at Iconfactory very graciously let this humble blog writer have a sneak peek at the beta of their next new game that drops on Tuesday this week. I’ve been a fan of their apps for over a decade, dating back to some very early iOS apps and games like Twitterrific and Ramp Champ— both sadly no longer operational. Their next foray into gaming is like a greatest hits of retro games featuring their own delightfully crafted takes on Flappy Bird (“Ollie Soars”), Snake (“Snake”), and Lunar Lander (“Tranquility Touchdown”). I’ll have a proper review written up when I get a little more time in the three games, but for now, I can already say it is worth downloading when it drops on Tuesday.
• 🎸 Scott Pilgrim Takes Off - Last week, Netflix dropped the trailer for Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, their Scott Pilgrim anime series that launches on November 17th. Scott Pilgrim, the live action movie, is one of my all time classic movies— one of those movies, that just makes me happy and I could watch it at any time and love it. I’m thrilled that they’re bringing back all the original cast to do the voices, and that the author of the original Manga comic will return as the writer, and the inimical Edgar Wright will be producing. (If you’ve not seen this 8 minute Every Frame a Painting video on the art of Edgar Wright’s visual comedy aesthetic, please find a moment for a coffee or tea break tomorrow and watch it… It’s SO great.)

That's it for this week!

OK, I lied, quick bonus recommendations if you're still reading-- We watched Jennifer Lawrence's new comedy, No Hard Feelings, this weekend-- hilarious! Very dumb, but funny comedy, if you're in the mood for it. What you see is what you get from the trailer. Lastly, Ryan Adams, my favorite rock n roller who turned to country, dropped a stellar album recorded live at Carnegie Hall this week. It's been on repeat the last few days.

Have a great week, everyone!