Archive for September, 2010
Team Nicknames Should Branch Out
Going back to my previous post about using a Zombie as a team logo (albeit temporarily), it dawned on me that pro sports teams play it safe when it comes to their nickname and branding.I made this for the Puckdrawn blog, where you could design a team for a designated city, in this case, Portland:
They often go with a fierce animal (Bears, Cougars, Wolves), a warrior type (Spartans, Vikings, Trojans), or something fairly generic (Reds). I haven’t seen anything really bold and different since the Toronto Raptors were born.
The Raptors is a brilliant name. It capitalized on the popularity of Jurassic Park in the mid-90′s, and is a subtle nod to the ongoing fusion of hip-hop and basketball (RAPtors).
Since then, I have seen franchises adopt some bland names, like the Wild, Blue Jackets, Bobcats, Thrashers, Predators, Rockies, Ravens…nothing really unique.
So Zombies is one example of creating an identity around a fictitious yet popular creature. Here are a few more ideas that are in the same vein as Raptors and Zombies:
1. Robots, and all the nicknames that derive from the theme. Bots, Droids, Rustbots, Bolts, Cyborgs.
2. Dragons. This theme branches across many cultures, and could encompass many looks. Alternates: Wyverns, Fire-Breathers, Scorchers, Fire Serpents.
3. Supernatural nicknames. Vampires, Werewolves, Slayers, Demons.
4. Superheros: Capes, Avengers (copyright?), Crusaders, Vigilantes, Villains.
5. Sci-Fi: Clones, Aliens, Invaders, Martians, Spacemen (sorry for the sexist nature of this list), Meteors, Comets, Asteroids.
6. Fantasy: Valkyries, Orcs, Elves, Goblins, Trolls. Knights and Wizards has been taken!
7. Bugs: Spiders, Arachnids, Scorpions, Infestation, Fire Ants, Rhino Beetles, Wasps. Fortunately Bees, Jackets, Hornets, have been utilized.
8. Science-y names like the Isotopes (which has become a reality in tribute to the Simpsons): Atoms, Protons, Colliders.
I’m not saying all of these would be ideal for a pro team, these are just possible directions for teams seeking unique identities.
1 comment September 30, 2010
All Star Wars Films Being Converted to 3D: Bad Idea
Variety is reporting George Lucas is converting all 6 Star Wars films into 3D. They will be released in chronological order, with Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace bowing in 2012.
This is bad idea mainly because they will be using the post-conversion process on all these films, which has been a very poor method of delivering a 3D film experience, as evidenced by Clash of the Titans and The Last Airbender.
Films that are shot in 3D are much more seamless and natural (Avatar, Resident Evil Afterlife), but by no means perfect. Anything less than being natively shot in 3D is clunky.
I predict Episode I to be a sub-par experience, despite being a more recent film. Episode II and III will be the best of the bunch, as they were shot digitally, and would be easier to construct a 3D transfer from these films. Episodes IV - VI will need extensive polish, so it may beneficial they are getting more time in the oven.
The 3D transfer process, from estimates I have heard [citation needed], is roughly $100,000 per minute of film. So each film will cost about $20M to convert (unless ILM does it in-house, Lucas gets a discount that way), meaning these films are a quick cash grab. I really doubt any of these films - even a stinker like Phantom Menace - will perform poorly at the Box Office.
Several months back I prescribed an idea where Lucasfilm could create an all-new 3D film, comprised of several famous sequences from all six films. This ‘sampler’ would be an entertaining diversion if built from the ground up in 3D.
I’m not going to say my idea is way better, just a means to allow audiences to experience a thrill-ride without having to endure the prequels, or worse, a bad conversion process.
I suppose even bad 3D Star Wars films is better than no 3D Star Wars films. See you at theater for Empire Strikes Back.
Add comment September 29, 2010
Review: “Monsters”
I was floored by this hidden gem of an indie film called “Monsters”. It’s a sci-fi film that deserved a wide release and heavy promotion. Instead, it’s being shown in limited release around the world. However you can rent it now from iTunes! Don’t let the direct release nature of this film discourage you. It’s worth every penny.
The basic synopsis: NASA discovered life elsewhere in the universe, collected it in a probe, and upon re-entry the craft crash-landed in Mexico. This results in half of Mexico being quarantined. Dubbed the “Infected Zone”, it has become overrun by alien creatures. Large fences are erected to encircle the zone in order to keep the aliens in.
Circumstances force a man and a woman to traverse the zone to get back to America. That’s about as spoiler-free as I can get.
There are some obvious nods to Spielberg’s films that you’ll likely infer, but it’s difficult to characterize this one. It is very human drama in a world gone mad, I suppose is one way to look at it. Nonetheless, it is brilliant.
This doesn’t hit you over the head with parallels to real-world issues like immigration or war. This film touches on that, but also in quick strokes commercial media and greed get gut-punched. This film is effortlessly provocative.
The two leads in this film are great. At first you think you’re gonna loathe them like those superficial people from Cloverfield, but they turn out to be really flawed, and very human. You’ll catch them in a lie or holding back something important, but it’s never entirely explained. Just like real people - they don’t disclose everything.
If you let your kids watch Jurassic Park then this should be okay for them too. Definitely check it out.
I have one idea to add to this film that was a tiny bit of a missed opportunity (SPOILER, highlight to read - after you’ve seen this film): There were many shots in this film where I was constantly scanning the treeline for those bloody aliens (they are massive). I think a shot of an alien’s silhouette suddenly sinking into the treeline in the background would have added to the paranoia. Even an unclear shot- was that an alien, or a tree falling? I’m sure when you watched it you were scanning the trees too. Weird how the film Jaws taught us to survey the water.
Add comment September 28, 2010
More Hockey Ideas
If you follow this blog, then you know I love hockey. With the new season approaching, I thought I’d whip up a few more hockey-related ideas.
1. Really go all out for the theme nights. For better or worse, Major League Baseball has a few league-wide traditions every year that is commemorated with new uniforms, logos, and patches. These include the July 4th celebrations, where all team logos get the ‘stars and stripes’ treatment; a salute to Spanish Americans where teams are renamed (Los Mariners, Los Yankees); and the Jackie Robinson tribute day where all teams sport a commemorative patch. The NHL doesn’t really do anything league-wide, but has a few events like the Winter Classic and Heritage Classic which focus on the participating teams.
What the NHL could do is have some fun holiday-related events, like Halloween:
Teams could tweak their look like this Senators Zombie concept I made here, or adopt a new identity altogether. For example, the Canucks could turn into the Cannibals for the night. Don’t get me wrong, it would be a merchandising opportunity, but a fun one at that. If the fans can get all dressed-up for the night, the team can too. I’d love to see the goalies wear Jason masks, even if it is only for the pregame skate.
To a small degree, this trend has already occurred, with the New Jersey Devils celebrating St. Patrick’s Day last year by donning their green-trimmed throwback jerseys.
I also think the NHL could do more on Remembrance Day/Veteran’s Day. Teams could adorn army-themed jerseys that would pay tribute to vets, and auction them off after the game. Junior teams do this all the time, so why the NHL doesn’t do this is beyond me. Here is a slick jersey the Manitoba Moose wore a few years ago:
2. More matinee games on holidays please - especially here in Canada. I don’t understand why Canadian teams don’t take to the ice on a stat holiday afternoon - Canadian Thanksgiving especially. Yeah we’re a bit spoiled up here with Hockey Day in Canada and the Heritage Classic, but some matinee match-ups would go great with turkey.
Same goes for Remembrance Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day. I also think Hockey Day in Canada should be a stat holiday, but that’s another blog post in itself.
3. Return the countdown tradition. You probably haven’t noticed it, but a longtime tradition has been dead in hockey for the past 2 decades (since the start of the 1991-92 season). That tradition: when fans counted down the final 10 seconds of the clock to signal a home team victory. The 91-92 season introduced a rule change where the last minute of each period the time clock would countdown in tenths of a second. Before: 00:10 00:09 00:08 00:07 etc. After: 10.9 10.8 10.7 10.6 (Really fast).
This resulted in fans not really being able to countdown in unison, or at all. This practice has been abandoned altogether.
What I propose, is on the main scoreboard (not the timer), a simple countdown which would be visible for all fans to view and countdown with. It’s very celebratory and dramatic.
Check it out at 1:33 of this video (at least that’s when you really start to hear it), from 1988:
4. Need some secondary broadcasting options. CBC should simulcast some of their regional games on CBC Newsworld. For those who might not want to see the Leafs play, simply switch it to Newsworld to see the Sens or Habs. I’m glad TSN has followed in ESPN’s footsteps and added TSN2, it’s just not widely available yet. At least with CBC Newsworld being a tier 1 channel it would be widely available and would make for an attractive option to check out other games - especially come playoff time. CBC does provide online streaming, it’s just not the same quality.
I imagine the CRTC would prevent the CBC from doing something like this. Darn license restrictions!
Once upon a time I used to tune into the french CBC to watch the Habs play on Saturday night, but alas no more. RDS now does the broadcasts (RDS is TSN’s french arm). It was nice to juggle channels though.
To check out other Hockey-related ideas: click here.
1 comment September 26, 2010
Train Door Safety Handle Design
I take the Skytrain in my commute to downtown Vancouver, and everyday without fail, passengers are crammed into these trains like sardines in a can. The end result: people standing against the doors, with nothing to hold onto. And to compound the situation, warnings on the doors ask passengers not to press against glass/doors.
I’m on the taller side, so I will place the palm of my hand against the ceiling in these situations. Most other people of average or short height try to maintain balance, regardless it is not a great spot to be in when the train slams on the brakes (which does happen once in awhile).
If you look at Figure A, the section where it is not friendly to stand is indicated by the red area. You’d think those adjacent poles are within reach, but they are cut off by other passengers. You’re literally wedged in.
What I propose is a handle that is suspended from the ceiling of the train (Figure B). This gives the passengers who are stuck in that unfortunate location something to hold onto, without resorting to leaning against the door.
The reason it is not affixed to the door is to ensure no weight or pressure is being exerted on the door, plus the doors slide open externally of the train (like a minivan sliding door). Clearly there is a reason Translink does not want people pressing against doors, so I tried to ensure that was a design consideration.
The handle is designed to swing out of the way when the door opens (Figure C). This is to maintain accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers, as a fixed pole in this location is somewhat prohibitive (as I learned from the C-Trains in Calgary). I originally thought of having something that extended from the ceiling, but not everyone is tall enough to reach. One of the doors would guide this handle out of the way. The guide is mounted near the top of the door, to ensure no hands get caught.
There might be some issue with having this handle swinging to and fro, however I think passengers would be every bit as mindful about it as the doors themselves - especially when they are forced to stand in that area.
The best thing is, this handle would work with my dummy-proof train doors concept as well!
Add comment September 26, 2010
Calvin and Hobbes Papercraft: Transmogrifier Diorama
Anyways, I am trying to better my papercraft skills, so I thought I’d start simple - the Weighted Companion Cube from Portal. Even that was too difficult! Why not something as simple as a cardboard box? *light-bulb goes off*
That is just the base Companion Cube. You should see how many pieces are required for the full thing!
I then created this Calvin and Hobbes Transmogrifier diorama. The box is fully Papercraft, the characters are stand-up cut-outs. Right now it’s in black and white (just like the original cartoon), but I may put up a color version later this week if there are requests for it.
I thought this would be a very simple Papercraft project for first-timers. Plus it looks great anywhere (even just the box alone). Probably as close as we’ll ever get to Calvin and Hobbes action figures - though I always thought that was an impossibility to begin with, as Calvin’s hairline is just impossible to reproduce in 3D or sculpted form.
Here it is (black and white), click to enlarge and then right-click to save:
Bill Watterson really made small flaps for this box I noticed. How did it ever keep anything in there? Ah well.
1 comment September 21, 2010
Company of Heroes Papercraft Diagram Part 2: Barracks
Here are some better pics, thanks to an HD camera! Woohoo! This blog is going big budget!
Here is the second Company of Heroes building - the Allied Barracks building. It’s just a tent surrounded by lots and lots of sandbags. Apologies I am not the best assembler of Papercraft - as you can see above! Here is a picture of it in game:
I didn’t make the flag for it. And if you feel like going the extra mile, you can put some toothpicks under the top cover and “fasten it down” with some string to your land surface.
There is a lot of sandbags for this model, so I broke them up into sections instead of one long piece for the perimeter. You’ll probably exclaim the same thing as the Engineers from the game: “Construction of wall finished. I swear, if I see one more bag of sand, I’ll…” (trails off). However the tent looks fine by itself.
Here is the diagram for it (click to enlarge, then save to your computer):
It is currently scaled to fit an 8.5″x11″ piece of paper. If you’d like it to retain the video game scale in relation to the HQ building, you’d probably want to reduce the image about 30-40%.
If you’d like the diagram for the original Command HQ (depicted in the background above in both images), you can find it here.
Also, if you’d like someone else to build this for you, you can download this awesome game for FREE at www.companyofheroes.com, and watch the Engineers/Pioneers build away. The game is currently in an open Beta. It is a free-to-play game forever and ever. Enjoy!
1 comment September 20, 2010
Roommate-Proofing System
Have you ever seen the movie Conspiracy Theory? Mel Gibson “plays” a paranoid obsessive compulsive who lives a very unique lifestyle. In one scene, he is entertaining a guest (a cautious Julia Roberts), and he is trying to make her some coffee. Trouble is, he keeps all of his food locked-up in canisters, and he cannot remember the combination for the one holding the coffee beans. It is a bit funny because he is living alone and he is guarding everyday food items under lock and key.
For anyone who has had to live with a roommate, they too will encounter a time when they wished their belongings were also locked-up and inaccessible. This usually occurs because both parties are living together out of financial necessity. Eventually, lack of funds (or extreme laziness) will prompt the outright theft of food, clothing or toiletries, and in no way is this acceptable - you can barely afford this stuff to begin with!
So I propose a “roommate-proofing” system. It wouldn’t be a million padlocks (like I depicted above), but a few storage containers and cupboard locks that are opened with a key or number combination or magnetic key card. These containers can be put in the fridge, or kept under your bed - wherever you need to store your stuff. Cupboard locks can be affixed to kitchen cabinets, closets, and medicine cabinets.
This system should be used by both (or more roommates) for fairness. Nothing would suck more than living with a Fort Knox type who steals your stuff.
I’m a little surprised there are no existing roommate-proofing systems, yet there is a gazillion dollar industry that revolves around child-proofing. Kids don’t steal your last few ounces of milk and put an empty carton back in the fridge. Okay some do.
I’ll try to think up some ideas for getting roommates to do their dishes and pay bills on time.
PS: In no way is this a knock on any roommates, current on former. Heck, I am guilty of “borrowing” a few items, heh-heh. 
Add comment September 19, 2010
“LET OUT THE DANCE!” Part 1
The Men Who Stare At Goats is a weird film that had a bit of an identity crisis - was it a comedy? A critique against war? A serious drama? I personally thought it was an okay film, but it did have some very thought-provoking moments, like the one shown in this video:
A lot of people have latched onto the insult the dad hurled (if you read the comments for the video), but I like what Officer Django (Jeff Bridges) said: “Of course you can dance - it’s just someone told you not to.”
For most people, they tell themselves not to dance. No one wants to be the next Elaine Benes.
Props to Clooney for being able to dance. If you think about it, this A-list movie star was throwing away his inhibitions in front of the camera - to heck with the critics! Quite ballsy.
So anyways, I thought well it’s kinda hard to dance by yourself. Sure, no one will see you, but you’d feel silly all the same. So I have decided to make a little 3D animation that will feature a “dance partner” named Hawbes. This dancing tiger, who may or may not resemble a cartoon character named Hobbes (all entirely coincidental, *ahem*), will just dance away in a YouTube video. There won’t be any music…the viewer has to provide that.
This pet project will happen over the next month or two, I just started modeling Hobb- er, Hawbes. In the meantime, expect a few simple dancing gifs. Like the running man. And the twist. And the robot.
As for actual dancing, a friend tells me it makes you feel good. I’ve yet to test her theory. Maybe this goofy tiger will help.
As for other projects I have mentioned…I will deliver eventually. Some ideas I have just carry a lot more appeal, and they come out of nowhere!
Add comment September 19, 2010
Films That Can Be Salvaged Part 5: Elektra (2005)
The Rundown: Elektra was the surprise spinoff of 2003′s Daredevil film, which featured Elektra as the tragic love interest who appeared to die. I say surprise because Daredevil wasn’t a runaway smash hit (though at least some efforts were made to salvage that film). Regardless, with the complete lack of female superhero films (I refuse to acknowledge Catwoman), Elektra currently stands as the best one to date.
What made it great: What’s not to love? It’s got demon ninjas, an anime-inspired rogues gallery of foes, and the General himself: Terence Stamp. I’m a big fan of this film, it’s one of my guilty pleasures. But it can be elevated to another level if they just omitted a few character bits. Allow me to explain:
What can be fixed: The overall progression of Elektra as a cold-blooded assassin to a reluctant hero was hampered by a number of scenes that sort of derailed the character and made her actions predictable and inevitable.
The best characters have to evolve and grow as the story unfolds. They endure one challenge after another, and ultimately they rise to the occasion and overcome all odds. Han Solo was a selfish rogue who shot first, only cared for himself, but eventually gave way to becoming a selfless hero. Character evolution is so important, because it is engrossing and crucial that they grow from all their experiences.
But with Elektra, the filmmakers shot themselves in the foot by hampering their assassin with too much characterization early on. We see too many moments of humanity, such as Elektra wrestling with her mom’s death, and a scene where she breaks down in a pouty crying manner (When Stamps’ character Stick outcasts Elektra from his dojo). This isn’t a knock on a girl being a superhero, or Garner (who is such a sweetheart), but these scenes are a disservice to how the film unfolds.
This is because Elektra is an assassin, killers which are sociopaths by nature. They have to be emotionally disconnected to carry out their hits. Having Elektra start out the film like this would imply more than enough; clearly she has had it difficult, been through a lot of crap. She needed to be a bad-ass to start off the film, eventually showing some weaknesses in the armor, and then finally evolve into a hero.
But when she is demonstrating a lot emotional turmoil and a yearning for home, her decision to go against the ordered hit and save the family she was sent to kill is not at all surprising. Plus you don’t completely buy her as an assassin either. I applaud the efforts to not make her so two-dimensional, but in the end this hindered her growth, because it can be argued she didn’t really grow in this film, just fought bad guys over and over.
My solution; remove the mom and dad storyline altogether (this includes the nightmares and waking up from said nightmares), and the crying scene. You’ll see a whole different Elektra, one that begins as a cold and efficient killer. An assassin that reluctantly connects with a girl and her father, and eventually grows to become a hero with a cause.
Would these changes improve the film? Yes. A great deal…it would be more intriguing to see a cold warrior gradually give way to fighting for others instead of killing for money. Plus the parents portrayed in the film seem a bit cruel and shallow, and not at all crucial to the story. At least Bruce Wayne’s parents were philanthropists. I know the Hand (the baddies in this film) were revealed to be responsible for Elektra’s parents’ death, but that can be omitted too, or told in such a fashion that it is not the focal point early on - Elektra could have flashbacks of her parents mid-way through the film, instead of the early stages.
Add comment September 18, 2010
