Shmee.Me

April 11, 2014April 11, 2014

Amazon Goes Comic Book Shopping And Buys Comixology!

Comixology had too good of a thing going, so it was just a matter of time before someone swooped in and bought them up. Since Amazon loves to buy online stores I like, wOOt.com and Zappos.com, they had to get Comixology too.

I think my only problem with this purchase is that Amazon has a history of not doing anything with the companies that they buy (again wOOt.com and Zappos.com ), so if you like Comixology the way it is then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. But if you are like me, and you want to change things up by possibly getting physical goods with your digital comics. It is kind of a bummer. Maybe Amazon will do something different here, but I doubt it.

I think this move is good for both companies because Comixology will have the funds to compete with just about anybody, and for Amazon they get to add a profitable and unique company to their portfolio. But I am still hoping my universal buy a real comic and get the digital one free dream comes true. Sure I can already do it with some Marvel comics, but I want it with everything. Sigh, time will tell if Amazon shares my dream.

April 3, 2014April 3, 2014

Microsoft Is Finally Making Some Smart Moves!

Yesterday was Microsoft’s kick off to its BUILD conference for developers. BUILD is usually where they announce what is new with Windows, and yesterday did not disappoint. There were three major announcements at the conference, and I am going to give you my thoughts on them.

1: The Start Menu Is Back!

As of April 8th 2014, all Windows 8.1 devices and computers will get updated to Windows 8.1 Update 1 (super creative name I know). This update will allow you to shutdown from the Start Screen (gasp), right click on the Start Screen (deary me!), but most importantly there is a new hybrid Start Screen/Start Menu (it must be very cold somewhere hot!). That will allow you to pin apps to the Start Menu, and pretty much never have to go back to the Start Screen unless you really want to.

I don’t know why it took so long for Microsoft to do this because it seems like a no-brainer for classic laptop/desktop computers where people still use a mouse. Well at least we will not have to wait long now, since it comes out in less then a week.

2: Create An App For One Windows Device, Use It Everywhere!

It used to be that if you created an app for say Windows Phone, you would then have to alter the app a bit and then submit it for Windows, but that is no longer the case. If you make an app now it will work on all devices, and I do mean all. Windows 8 apps will now start to work on Xbox One devices! (Pending Window 8.1 U1, Windows Phone 8.1, and the Xbox One Summer Update) It is great that this coming out now, but again this seems like something that should have happened right off the bat, but it is great news for developers.

Now I don’t know if this means all Windows Devices will be using the same store or not. I sure hope so! Because it would be lame to now have to buy the exact same app three times! I guess we will see in a few months once everything is updated.

3: Windows Phone 8.1 Featuring Cortana!

There are a ton of new improvements to Windows Phone happening in 8.1. VPNs, notification center, stuff, but the biggest is Cortana! Cortana is just Siri with a cooler voice actor and some name recognition, but still that is some good name recognition. Finally the marketing people at MS are earning their money!

The good news is that if your phone has Windows Phone 8, you will get Windows Phone 8.1, and all 8.1 devices will get Cortana. I just hope that dev unlocked phones like mine will get the update before summer, so I can try and have Cortana call me Master Chief! If I do get the update I will be sure to tell you all about it (brag).

If all three of these announcements work as well as Microsoft promises, there still might be a little hope left for Redmond’s tech giant!

February 28, 2014

Hangin’ Out At Video Game High School!

I love Kickstarter success stories, and Video Game High School is one of the best examples. Freddie Wong has been known on YouTube.com for a long time, but when he wanted to make a full length web sit-com he didn’t have the money, so he turned to Kickstarter.

He has funded two seasons of this show, and they are both very funny. They take place in a near future where all sports have been replaced by Video Games, and there are special schools setup to develop young talent. It is a pretty standard teen/high school comedy, but the video game twist makes it fun.

If you are looking for something to watch it is streaming just about everywhere, and I have enjoyed it quite a bit. I can’t wait for season three.

If you don’t know who Freddie Wong is here is one of my favorite things he did before VGHS:

February 14, 2014February 14, 2014

Craigslist Versus eBay!

I have been asked several times about which reselling website I like more Craigslist or eBay, but like most things in life it is not as simple as which one I like more. They are both tools, and like all tools I use them for different things.

Since you can post just about whatever you want on Craigslist and there are no fees, and I do mean whatever you want, Craigslist is perfect for seeing if anyone out there wants my media center (it turns out they did not). That being said it really only works well for local markets. Plus you are always a little worried that the person you are selling to is going to stab you.

eBay on the other hand has a few hoops you have to jump through to get your goods posted, and there is a fee for just about everything you do, but your product now reaches a global market. That super collectable Barbie doll is probably going to get you a lot more money on eBay, and it is nice that PayPal is in between and will handle disputes for you.

Here is how I use both sites: If I am just trying to get rid of something without going to the dump or it is too big to ship, I use Craigslist; If I want to make some actual money off what I am selling, I use eBay, and if I am looking to buy something, I check both sites.

Both Craigslist and eBay are very useful ways to offload your junk. I prefer to use eBay because I know that I can complain to PayPal if something goes wrong, but the simplicity of Craigslist is very nice. I hope you liked this little write-up. Now get out there and make some extra money of your old garbage!

February 4, 2014February 4, 2014

Disneyland’s Top Ten Rides!

As some of you may have noticed (no one did) I missed a couple of posts last week, and that was because I was in Disneyland, so why not blog about my vacation! Since real posts are hard, I am going to do what every lazy blogger does and make a list (take that Buzz Feed). Here are my top ten Disneyland/Disneyland California rides in reverse order:

10: Splash Mountain

Disney was not content to just make another log ride, so they incorporated one with their now little known animated short Bre’r Rabbit. The ride has tons of charm, and features some great drops. This ride is even better on a hot day.

9: Indiana Jones Adventure

This ride used to towards the top for me, but it has not aged well. That being said it is as close as you can get to being in an Indiana Jones movie.

8: Toy Story Midway Mania

When I first heard about this ride I was unimpressed, “Why would I want to play video games in Disneyland?” I thought to myself, but I was wrong. The ride is fun, and the games are creative. Besides who doesn’t want to play with Woody and his pals?

7: Tower of Terror

When this ride first came out I thought it was going to be a bad Haunted Mansion rip off, but I was wrong. Getting dropped by this haunted elevator is a ton of fun, and the Twilight Zone link just makes it that much better.

6: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

I love wooden roller coasters, but Disneyland doesn’t have any. Big Thunder is as close as it gets, but without all the jarring that comes from the real deal.

5: Peter Pan’s Flight

This is the only Fantasy Land ride on my list, but it is fantastic. I would fly around on that pirate ship forever if they would let me!

4: California Screamin’

This is the only standard roller coaster Disneyland has, but it is a great one. It starts fast, and it doesn’t let up. It is a can’t miss!

3: Radiator Springs Racers

It is not a big secret that I don’t like the Cars movies very much, but Disney has outdone themselves with Cars Land. It is like being in the movie, and the best part of their land is Radiator Springs Racers. It mixes old school Disney animatronics with a thrilling race, and it is a ton of fun!

2: Star Tours

This pick should be no surprise to followers of my site. I love Star Wars, and the new Star Tours with the different planets makes me giddy every time I go on it. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with C3PO and R2-D2 and travel around the galaxy?

1: Space Mountain

This ride has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid, and it still is the best. The speed combined with the fact you can’t see where you are going is exhilarating. Plus it is in space, so that is awesome.

That is my list, and I hope you liked it! Disagree? Just leave your list below.