Tough Decision

Sorry for the lazy posting, I've been a little under the weather this week. Ignoring the fact that RoflRazzi can't spell Hogwarts, this truly is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever faced. As cool as magic and the force can be, I really feel the life of a Pokemon trainer would be the most fun. It's so laid back and you don't have to do homework or listen to teachers.

World Go Boom

Every year I look forward to the new mashup by DJ Earworm. He mixes the top 20 songs every year into one amazing song and this year he did not disappoint. Damn, there were a bunch of Katy Perry hits this year.

Wishing You All a Merry Christmas

Christmas is awesome. Hope you all are having fun with friends and family today. I got Skyward Sword this morning so I expect to be pretty busy in the next few weeks.

Desktop of the Week

Talk about getting into the spirit. The picture's a little cut off but these people certainly know how to celebrate the holidays with style.

Another Countdown Begins

With the release of the new trailer (as of a few hours ago), I am prepared to start my excitement with The Hobbit. This was the only Tolkien book I actually read and it was awesome.

Anime LOTR

Earlier this year we featured what Harry Potter would be like in the anime verse and its cool to have another famous series brought into the theme. Things like this need to be made ASAP! The picture is tiny so you guys HAVE to follow the link!

I Flip My Latkes

Aww they all look like such nice Jewish guys! Okay, so I'm on a bit of a Jew fix but I'm pretty sure Hanukkah is tomorrow and in celebration of that fact, this video needed to be shared. Just try and sing the original lyrics after this. You won't want to.

Movie Rec: Hebrew Hammer

Looking through the Netflix Instantplay you can come across some real gems. This morning I was lucky enough to see Hebrew Hammer. If you find the trailer funny chances are you will like the movie too. I certainly chuckled a few times.

Beauty and the Beast!

Just a friendly reminder for all that Beauty and the Beast in 3D releases on January 13th.  Find a theater near you.  I know I can't wait to shell out more money to see a movie I've already seen dozens of times.  But never in theaters...that's what makes it worth it.

This video has a fantastic song, but I also really like it because it shows the darker side of Disney.  Look at some of those opening scenes! Can you imagine how epic they would be in 3d? Enjoy!

What is this World Coming to?!

I was listening to the classical station on Spotify tonight when THIS popped up. I adore Debussy, people. It is a sad world we live in when Clair De Lune becomes labeled as "that song from Twilight." Just thought I would share my frustration with you all.

Josh Groban is Good for the Soul

I've been listening to Josh Groban for days in an effort to calm myself and actually get some writing done. I would probably buy this album if it wasn't a joke.

Shit Girls Say

If this wasn't so true I wouldn't be posting it. Unfortunately, I have to agree that this really is the shit that girls say. Honestly, I'm probably more like the chip part.

The Dragonborn Comes

Chad is a boss for sharing this. Song was done by Malukah who is also a boss. Pretty cool that someone can do a remake of a song and then have that song remade into a bitchin music video. The Skyrim addiction continues.

Dark Knight Rises gets a New Poster

Bane is going to kick some serious Badman ass in this movie. Rumor has it that a 6-minute trailer will premier before Ghost Protocol in Imax next week. Guess who already has tickets? Let the countdown begin.

Prepare to Feel the Wrath

Has it really been over a month since I last sat down to watch Scott Pilgrim? Unacceptable.

Where Am I?

 

I want to tell you guys that this site is my number one priority. I want to. Really. Unfortunately, I also don't want to be a liar. Because of this I'm going to give a fair warning that between the Skyrim obsession and finals next week (I'm in college, turns out I have to prove I learned something), the site might be a bit barren next week. This being said, there's also the possibility of the complete opposite taking place and the site to suddenly be overloaded with cool news as I procrastinate my school work. Which one will it be? Guess you all will just have to wait and see. Oooooh how I love a good cliffhanger.

Films of 2011

Let's face it: trailers tend to be the best part of movies. This montage makes 2011 look sooo epic.

Siri Hates Fighting

Every once in a while Collegehumor does a video right. Thanks to Laura for finding this. Honestly, Siri weirds me out. I'm sorry, it just seems like one step closer to Skynet and that's a problem in a world without John Connor. Luckily the program has a lot of kinks to work out and seems to only be flawless when asked about the weather.

The Jabberwocky

Wow.  Deviantartist  Pyxelated is seriously talented. I ran across some of his work today and just had to share it.  He has illustrated a book using Lewis Carrol's classic story The Jabberwocky and it looks just plain badass.  The artwork reminds me very much of Limbo and it's just irrestible.  Check out page 8

How awesome is that?  You can buy the book here! Click on the picture for a larger view, it's worth it.

Desktop of the Week

Australia is a gorgeous place and first on my list of dream vacations. Taken by Chris Manuel, also known as Thrill-Seeker on Deviantart, this photo is both imaginative and a great display for the stars of the outback. No idea how he got those lighting effects though. Chris takes a bunch of cool landscape shots and definitely deserves a look up for photography fans. Clicking his name gets you his photography page and clicking the screen name gets you his Deviantart profile. Clicking the actual image will give you a better zoom in of this awesome picture.

Mulan: the Spoiled Brat of Disney

 

 

Think about it: how many Disney movies are out there where the main character has both parents? So far I have Peter Pan and 101 Dalmations (if that even counts).

Puns Make the World a Better Place

Do you get it? Do you get it? .......Do you get it? I do.

Yoda does GPS

Watch ad you must.

Nerd Gifts for Girls

I've got to say I agree with Hilary on the atrocities that Black Friday can bring about.  It is the holidays though, and I guess we've all got to break down into commercialism at some point and buy our peeps some presents.  A fair amount of guys I know, especially when they first get into a relationship, are at a loss as to what to buy their new woman.  Here are a few awesome items from Etsy.com.  It's a better version of ebay in my opinion, with a plethora of handmade and recycled items available.  Some simple searching on my part produced these results:

Who wouldn't want one of these? I want the whole set! Besides, flasks are always classy.

Vintage Star Trek dress? YES

I think we can all appreciate the practicality of clocks.

Even if the lucky lady isn't a "nerd" I bet you could get away with slow rolling her into it with some of these gifts.  If she already is you're in luck! Check out Etsy.  And don't restrict these findings to girlfriends, they are also applicable to sisters, friends,  nieces, your mom or your next-door neighbor.

Black Friday gets Worse

The video above is a riot of people trying to get to a pile of $2 waffle irons at Walmart yesterday. Yesterday was also was my first and last attempt at shopping on Black Friday. Stores opened so early this year that I didn't have to worry about getting up in the morning. I simply stayed up till midnight on Thanksgiving and headed out. The Best Buy and Target in my hometown happen to be right next to each other and I figured I would finally check out the whole doorbuster thing everyone seems to love so much. Nothing could have prepared me for what lay ahead.

Hundreds of people were lined up and the line to get into the store wasn't even half as bad as the line to actually check out. That being said, the worst I had to deal with was a big crowd and a testing of my patience. At the end of the night, I got out of the store with a pretty sweet pair of Turtle Beach headphones and my sanity still intact. Here are a few stories of where Black Friday got a bit more nasty:

Pepper spray for an Xbox 

Shooting at Walmart

Riot over $2 Waffle Iron

And all of them took place at Walmart. Hmm, guess I have yet another reason never to shop there.

Happy Thanksgiving

As we all sit down to stuff our faces on turkey and stuffing, I hope we all can give thanks to the people who bring such awesome movies, games, and overall goodness into our lives. Enjoy the feast, folks.

Shit Just Got Real

Oh, if only it were so. Hermione could do some serious damage if she was pissed. I feel she has the best of both worlds by being a muggle and a wizard. I mean, look at Ron's family. Even an outlet boggles their mind so I'm sure a gun would cause them to spontaneously combust. But Hermione? She can wield all weapons without a problem. I always thought it was weird that muggle things seem so foreign to wizards. Are they really so disconnected with the world around them?

Skyrim has Stolen my Social Life

Skyrim has taken over so much of my life that even updating the blog has become a chore. Don't worry, I will still try my very best to present you guys with cool content every day. It just might be directed toward Skyrim fans as videos like this are the only things I have seen lately.

Simba's Ready to Own

The Greatest Song Ever Written

Who knew musicians were so uncreative? I must learn these four chords so that I can make my first million. Then I can write songs for others for another million. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Best Zelda Ever?

I wasn't even considering the idea of buying Skyward Sword until I saw this IGN review. It received a 10/10 and is being called the greatest Zelda game to date! This might be the first time a review actually convinced me to buy a game. Wow, between this, Skyrim, and MW3 I'm looking at one awfully empty wallet.

Hunger Games Watch

Finally, a new trailer that actually shows us what these people have been up to on the film. These guys are starting to live up to my expectations.

May the odds be ever in your favor. This film is gonna kick ass.

Desktop of the Week

Believe it or not, this is Alaska. National Geographic really does take the best photos. As usual, description and bigger image follow the link.

Live Action Video Game Trailers

There seems to be a new trend with highly anticipated video games where live action trailers come out to get gamers pumped. Does everybody remember the Kobe/Kimmel fueled ad for Black Ops that came out last year? I feel that kick started what is to be the coolest string of ads to hit the market in the next couple of years. Here's just a couple of the latest as well as one of my favorites from a few years ago.

Modern Warfare 3 continues the theme of "there's a soldier in all of us" and does so with class. Wow, Jonah Hill has lost some weight.

In the flood of awesome games that are released this season, Skyrim is one of the most anticipated. I'm going to be struggling the balance between this and Call of Duty.

Honestly, I feel this is one of the greatest examples of how a live action trailer can get you psyched for the game. The music is so haunting and really gets you ready to stomp some aliens. Let's hope trailers like these are only the first of many.

JGL Playing Ignition

Oh god I feel hungover from all the soda and shouting at the Modern Warfare 3 midnight release...Still, I feel devoted enough to you fine people to write a new post this morning. In addition to the COD release, last night was also the final show of the hitrecord tour with Joesph Gordon-Levitt and he ended it with an awesome remix of R.Kelly's 'Ignition.' And I felt the need to share it. Because I can.

It's Chuck Testa

I'm not a fan of the autotuning hype. Anything Chuck Testa related, however, and I'm on board. If you guys haven't seen the original video I've included it below and you should definitely watch it first. As far as I know, his ad is 100% legit which makes it even funnier.

Couldn't Resist

I know Megatron just posted something "V' related today but I've had this image in my back pocket forever and I just could not resist. Happy Guy Fawkes Day, folks.

Cliche, I know

 Ok, so we all must remember the 5th of November today.  Given the current political climate, it's that much more important to pay attention to V and his message. I present to you all a wiki link to the original comic book info on the story.  Did anyone else not know the film was an adaptation? I feel ignorant, check it out HERE!

Google it!

You all need to Google "Do a barrel roll" right now! Do it! Why are you still here!?

What the Ef?

As with many odd things on the internet, there are no words to explain this...The dog sure is cool though

Can You Say Buuuuuuuurrrm?

Alright, there's over 3 million views on this bad boy so far so if you haven't seen it yet you are completely behind. Who the hell comes up with this stuff?

AFK Tavern

This bar was made for the Solar Surfers out there. AFK Tavern is a total nerd bar. Even the sign on the outside states, "A place for geeks and gamers." After visiting this weekend, I couldn't agree more. For Halloween weekend, AFK held a 'death eaters' night to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Harry Potters parent's deaths. The entire staff was dressed in masks and robes while the restaurant was filled with pennants illustrating the dark mark. In addition, guests were provided with a copy of the 'Daily Prophet' complete with custom drinks offered that night and an article about the actual celebration. This is just scratching the surface of what makes AFK so amazing. They hold events like these several times a month and even on nights with no specific celebration the bar is still extremely busy.

In addition to the events, the atmosphere itself is one you have to see to believe. The entire restaurant is filled with televisions and game systems that anyone can play in exchange for handing over your ID. Or if traditional board games are more your style, AFK also offers dozens that they bring right to your table. There's even a vending machine of cards for Magic: The Gathering. Any gaming fan will easily find something to do here. No this is not an ad, I was seriously blown away so much from the awesome atmosphere that I felt the need to plug the place for free.

And if nothing else, it's a great place to drink. The menu is filled with nerdy drinks and the list I've provided here doesn't even scratch the surface (I personally recommend the Lon Lon Milk from the full menu). The entire themed drink and food menu is available on their site by clicking the image above and if you guys are ever in the Seattle area you have to go. If not, you will certainly regret it!

He Speaks for the Trees!

The Lorax is one of my favorite Dr. Seuss stories. I always thought the whole "take a children's story and make a film that's nothing like it" thing was odd but I guess if you plaster the familiar name on it you draw in more ticket sales. It's nearly impossible to make a Dr. Seuss book last 90 minutes and unlike other films, the Lorax at least looks amusing. And Danny Devito as the Lorax himself? Strange but still adorable when he can't even reach the doorknob in the trailer.

Show Me Where Ya Noms At

I'm about 99% sure that anyone who has not experienced the greatness that is My Drunk Kitchen will not enjoy a minute of this. But all of you who love MDK will love this. And don't worry, the song is available on Itunes for those who can't get enough.

Desktop of the Week

In celebration of Halloween, this photo brings in one of the best ghostly stories. Honestly, I love the Disney Adventures of Ichabod Crane much more than Sleepy Hollow but this image was too awesome to pass up. I love that you can see the skull in the full moon.

Favorite Pumpkin Carvings

 People are getting more and more creative with pumpkin carving each Halloween. These are some of the best I've seen so far.

How can you not love Oogie's smile? It's pure evil! And the best part about this pumpkin? Megatron herself carved it.

Studio Ghibli's Latest Film

The Secret World of Arrietty (basically an anime of The Borrowers) will be coming to the US in February. I was extremely excited to get this news but as my Japanese roommate has told me, this movie is actually hella old. I guess it came out in Japan during Summer of 2010. So sad that us poor Americans have to wait so long to finally see it...With some luck I'm willing to bet this won't be as disappointing as the latest films to be released by Ghibli (*cough*Ponyo*cough*). It seems to have the more cutesy factor of films like Kiki's Delivery Service but at least it looks watchable.

Say Something Nice

If you guys don't know about them already, definitely check out improveverywhere.com. They do a bunch of awesome events in New York but some of the best are the Grand Central Station freeze and their Mp3 experiments. This particular video above is a great way to start the day right. Good to know people can still be sweet to complete strangers.

Real Disney Princesses

Alright, it's all over the internet so we had no choice but to join the bandwagon and include these awesome pictures on our site too. Jirka has created a masterpiece with each and every one of these Disney princesses. My personal favorites are Jasmine and Esmeralda but there are several more on the actual site. There are a bunch of others to view though so I highly suggest you click the pictures themselves to see the full gallery. Megara, Ariel, the gang's all here and I'm sure with all the publicity Jirka has been getting we can expect to see many others completed in the near future.

Oh Adele, You So Silly!

I'd like to think that this is what Adele does with all of the free time she has from cancelling tours. She's so great I'm not even mad.

Desktop of the Week

Here at The Solar Surfer, we usually stay out of politics and stick to actually interesting topics. However, the resemblance is uncanny! I couldn't resist.

More "Star Stuff"

So in the spirit of TheSolarSurfer's recent post I thought I'd make you all aware of the Golden Record.  These records were incorporated onto the Voyager Space missions of the 1970's.  Designed by Sagan, they contain representative sounds of life on earth such as whale calls and babies crying.  Cool eh? I think so.

 Anyway, if someone important should comment, I can give you a quote from President Jimmy Carter about these records: "This is a present from a small, distant world, a token of our sounds, our science, our images, our music, our thoughts and our feelings. We are attempting to survive our time so we may live into yours." Legit.

Symphony of Science

Sagan and friends teach us all about science through the power of music. Has anyone else heard how Bill Nye is supposed to be a huge asshole in real life?

My Kind of Advertising

This seems like a good way to make kids drink Vodka...And yet, also effective for everyone else. I'm sold. Time for a nice big bowl of Smirnoff' and Cheerios!

Je Suis Moi

Super weird/cool video and to top it all off it's in french! This group is called SHY'M but from what I can tell they are just a french Destiny's Child. I love the part halfway through when her head starts bleeding. Certainly odd but I can't stop grooving to the song!

Photoshop or Real?

Every once in a while I come across a picture that very easily could be real or photoshopped and I have no idea how to tell either way. I certainly hope this Totoro really is at the bus stop because I can't help but giggle at his grin. And it certainly does look like an actual costume so I'm leaning more towards a real life encounter. Any thoughts on this?

Pixar Cosplay

Not exactly the most practical of costumes...

Theatre de la Labyrinth

Awesome shirt on teefury today. All Bowie/Labyrinth/Jim Henson fans need to check it out right now. The shirt disappears after midnight Eastern time so don't miss out on your chance!

Mario!

I've been loving playing Super Paper Mario on the Wii for the last week.  I just love the man in the overalls and red hat.  Here's a throwback to the Supernintendo Mario we all know and love.  I've got to say, the detail incorporated in the photo is awesome! I keep finding things I hadn't seen before.

Desktop of the Week

This was posted on the Chive weeks ago but I just stumbled upon the picture in my library  today. Not even sure where this was taken but it certainly is gorgeous. If anyone knows where this is be sure to let me know. Because I must go there.

Lego My Ego!

No words are necessary. This photo is amazing.

Titanic 3D Hitting Theaters in 2012

That's right people. In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Titanic sinking, Jim Cameron will be re-releasing his epic to the world on April 6, 2012. Just imagine if he manages to break records again! I'm pretty sure his god complex can't get any crazier. Yes, Cameron certainly loves money but that's okay because people seem to love giving it to him. Say what you want, Titanic is a phenomenal film and I will be there opening day with all other fans to welcome 3D for what it is: the fool-proof way to double profits on the same movie. Certain 3D scenes have already been released to the press and from what moviefone has to say about it, that ticket might actually be worth your hard-earned money. Full article below!

Moviefone.com

New Avengers Trailer

Wow. May cannot possibly come any sooner. While I can totally see the possibility of Tony Stark getting all of the good lines in this, the ensemble cast seems to work well together. We just have to hope that the preview will translate well to an overall film.

Anyone Else Find This Interesting?

It's quite awesome to see flip books being used in such a cool way. I was beginning to think they were but a thing of the past.

Bleach?

Not the biggest Bleach fan but if for no one else, this had to be posted for Megatron. She painted an egg just like this earlier this year and perhaps after seeing the image she will share her art with the world. That's right Megan, I'm calling you out.

However, even on its own this has to be appreciated. If that really is makeup instead of photoshop then this girl deserves some sort of prize for dedication.

Magnemite in Yugoslavia?

Apparently, this is an old Yugoslavian War Monument. Looks to be an inspiration for a certain pokemon, no? Magnemite, anyone? Just look at it!

Looks quite similar to me....

Grimm Looks Promising

What the ef? How have I not seen ONE preview and this show comes out in a couple of weeks?! Seriously, the only reason I know about this is due to my friend Amy who demanded I look it up. As usual, this show looks to be possibly awesome but due to how shitty NBC is, they will most likely cancel it in the first season before it even has a chance to get a following.

Big Reveal

This was just too priceless to pass up!

Latte Art at its Finest

Posted on Imgur today, I have to admit this is one of the best ones out there. As a former barista, I can honestly say that images this detailed are a bitch to make with foam. Finally, something to overtake the batman latte!

Homage To Everyone's Favorite Skelleton

Thought I might get in the "spirit" of things and share with you this fantastic Nightmare Before Christmas video.  It is especially fitting with the Manson version of Sweet Dreams, because we've all heard his rendition of This is Halloween. (if you are unfortunate enough to not have, click here). They are certainly a match made in heaven...or hell...Whichever you prefer.  Enjoy!

Super Cool Halloween Decor

 

 Wish I was this clever. Anyone else thinking of Monster's Inc. right now?

Arrested Development Renewed for One Last Season

Alright, it's been all over the internet since yesterday but being such huge Arrested Development fans, we believe it is our duty to make sure all of you who live in a box realize that this is the greatest news imaginable. Mitchell Hurwitz, the show's co-creator, finally announced yesterday that all of the Bluth family will be returning in a short season to lead into the Arrested Development movie, set to come out in 2013.

Yes, 2013 is way too far away but we have waited this long, what are a couple more years going to do? Until then, I've included the link to a more detailed article about the situation. Just sit back and wait for the greatness. This Solar Surfer is going to go celebrate with some cornballs and a martini...And the chicken dance. Which every Bluth reenacted at the New Yorker Festival yesterday.

Full Article:
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/223924/20111003/arrested-development-new-season.htm

Desktop of the Week

Completely reminiscent of Princess Mononoke, this photo was actually taken in Sri Lanka. Seriously, NatGeo takes the absolute best landscape photos. Bigger view available by clicking the photo.

Indie Film 'Light Masters' Shows Promise (Kind of)

Alright, folks. Very little is known about Light Masters besides the fact that it is trying to be made into an actual film and that Seth Green is backing it up. The site for the production lists a hodge podge crew that is currently working on the film but even so, Light Masters still looks to be in the VERY early stages of development. Here's what the website says about the plot of the independent film: 

"In this Sci-fi, Matrix-meets-Indiana Jones tale, the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur as the film’s 16-year old heroine struggles to find her true calling.  Rigg creates a rich world filled with conspiracy and the threat of a new world order.  Who plays?  Who resists?  In one of the most important themes of the 21st century, the question is not who wins... but how."

 It's tough to be an independent film maker and still produce a good quality film like this. There just isn't enough money to make a believable film and it ends up looking like a joke. However, seeing as the Light Masters website holds a section for donations it is likely that Kelly Rigg (the filmmaker behind this operation) is also aware of that fact and won't finish production until they reach the proper quality of film. 

If the film shows promise to you, check out the site. All movies start small but with money anything can start to look good (Pirates 5, anyone?). Maybe your donation will be the one to make a difference.

http://lightmastersthemovie.com/Light_Masters/Home.html

Pocahontas and Cee-Lo

...............Well, I thought it was funny.

Up/ Dead Island

Found this on Unreality today and couldn't pass it up. This creator took the piano theme from the game Dead Island and placed the sound over three minutes of Up. No editing was done over the visual (besides playing it in reverse), just over sound. I dare you to watch without crying.

History Repeating Itself

 

Want to Feel Inspired?

"They may take our lives, but they will never take our Independence Day!"

Desktop of the Week

No idea where this was originally taken but it was included in a recent article on the Chive. I wonder what that random guy is planning? Total hostile takeover of the ship or just some random photobombing? The world will never know...

Behold: Liam Brazier

I tip my hat to Alex for finding this awesome artist online. Liam Brazier has a unique style that he brings to each of his illustrations and to make things better, most of his art is an homage to Star Wars and superheroes. Personal favorite is Running Man (featured below) but Le Boba is equally awesome. I've included a few images on this site but to get a grasp of what this man is truly capable of you have to see his website for yourselves.

http://www.liambrazier.com/