Claude is thirsty…

Well for those with 5.2 million bucks and a love for Bugatti….

Bugatti, known for its high-performance supercars, is constructing a 43-storey residential tower in Dubai, marking its entry into the branded residences market. The luxury French brand is partnering with UAE-based developer Binghatti Properties, and the cheapest apartments are set to cost $5.2m. The global demand for branded residences has accelerated, with the number of such schemes rising from 169 in 2011 to 611 today, and forecast to reach 1,019 by 2030. Dubai leads in the number of branded residences projects in development, driven by the influx of wealthy individuals relocating to the city.

Anyone else rember the Sega Channel? Way ahead of its time…

A two-year project by the Video Game History Foundation has successfully recovered 144 previously undumped Sega Genesis game ROMs from the mid-1990s, including lost Garfield and Flintstones games, from Sega Channel tape backups.

Task Master Series 21 contestant revealed…

The line-up for the 21st series of Taskmaster has been revealed, featuring contestants such as Pakistani-American comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani, Scottish satirist Armando Iannucci, Welsh actress Joanna Page, TV presenter and comedian Joel Dommett, and stand-up and Alma’s Not Normal star Amy Gledhill.

Changes afoot for Apple Card….

After debuting over 6 years ago, Apple Card has caused significant losses for its partner bank, Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs is reportedly looking to exit the partnership, with JPMorgan Chase emerging as the top contender to take over. The Apple Card has a high percentage of subprime customers and a delinquency rate higher than the industry average, making it a risky investment for potential new partners. Apple Card Savings Account, also issued by Goldman Sachs, may remain separate from the credit card offering if a new partnership is formed. The future of Apple Card remains uncertain, but changes such as the introduction of late fees and a reduction in benefits are expected if a new partner is found.

Sprinkles closes, because their cupcakes kinda sucked… but let’s blame everyone and everything else…

Yum yums

Even Noddy run, runs away….

Noddy Holder, lead singer of the British rock band Slade, avoids restaurants on Christmas Day due to his famous song 'Merry Xmas Everybody' being frequently played, according to his wife Suzan. She mentioned that it gets 'a bit awkward' when the song is played in front of them, as everyone in the restaurant turns to look. The track, released in December 1973, has become a staple on festive playlists and often re-enters the UK singles chart before Christmas.

We are all wondering why they just don’t dig a huge hole….

The article discusses the Oak Island mystery, explaining that the show thrives on unresolved ambiguity and near-misses, rather than actual discoveries. The show's success is tied to its ability to maintain viewer interest through cliffhangers and speculation, making it a profitable television production despite the lack of concrete findings.

Someone tell mom I should have been playing this all along and not playing outside…

Idiots and AI….

Did grinding through 10,000 rat kills in Evercrack improve my real world stamina?

This article explores how video games shaped the brains of Millennials and Gen Z through different gaming experiences. Millennials, who grew up with cartridge-based games, developed resilience and patience. In contrast, Gen Z, exposed to always-online games with microtransactions and constant rewards, experiences different brain wiring that can lead to addiction and anxiety. Neuroscience supports these findings, showing that different types of games can improve various cognitive skills but also pose risks if not balanced.

Today in well duh news…

This article discusses the shocking ignorance of Donald Trump regarding American history, particularly his misunderstanding of tariffs and the income tax. It highlights his misguided beliefs about the role of the federal government in the 1800s and his unrealistic plans to replace the current tax system with tariffs. The article also touches on Trump's chaotic approach to governance, his disregard for democratic institutions, and the potential consequences of his policies on the economy and social welfare.

The mashup no one knew they needed or could have foreseen

Slipknot co-founder Shawn 'Clown' Crahan has launched Vernearth, a custom-built Minecraft universe featuring four modes: Oblivion, PVP/Event Server, Plotworld, and Challenge Mode, designed for various playstyles and offering unique experiences, rewards, and seasonal themes.

New Stars jersey breaks NHL all time sales records

The Dallas Stars' release of their '99 retro jersey on Black Friday shattered NHL and franchise sales records, marking the most successful single day of jersey sales in league history. The iconic design, which has endured through various franchise eras, resonated deeply with fans, leading to a 25% increase in sales over any other regular season drop and a 10% increase over playoff days. The jersey's popularity has been attributed to its top-notch design and the fans' long-awaited return of the iconic star design, potentially influencing the team's future performance.

Well, it started raining cats…. …just waiting on the dogs…

A North Carolina driver reported to 911 that a bald eagle dropped a cat through her windshield, shattering it. The incident occurred near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The cat was found dead on the side of the road, and it is unclear whether the eagle dropped it due to a poor grip or because it found the cat unpalatable. The dispatcher found the story believable and sent the Highway Patrol to the scene.

Was only a matter of time before the Lego Game Boy was a functioning machine

Substance Labs' BrickBoy Arcade Edition transforms the official LEGO Game Boy set into a miniature arcade cabinet, complete with a sturdy build, faux marquee, control panel, and printable artwork. The add-on, priced at €89, requires the base BrickBoy kit and LEGO set, totaling around €290. It features a Raspberry Pi Zero W for 60fps gameplay, HDMI connectivity for 720p resolution, and supports up to four players with low latency. The system includes parental controls, a curated playlist of 50 public domain games, and LED lights for display purposes.

Anyone got half a million bucks or so they don’t need? I could use a new car…

Rolls-Royce has unveiled the Black Badge Ghost Gamer, a unique luxury sedan inspired by retro gaming, commissioned by a tech entrepreneur. The exterior features Salamanca Blue paint with a Diamond Black hood and roof, a hand-painted coachline with a 'Cheeky Alien' motif, and an illuminated Pantheon Grille. The interior boasts illuminated tread plates with video game prompts, black and tan seats with 8-bit inscriptions, and a modified starry headliner with a Pixel Blaster design. The Ghost Gamer also includes numerous Easter eggs and nods to retro games, showcasing Rolls-Royce's Black Badge program's ability to cater to a new generation of collectors.

Wood grained NES was almost a thing…

To celebrate the NES's 40th anniversary, a panel discussion revealed that the console was initially planned to have a woodgrain veneer design similar to the Atari 2600, but this idea was rejected in favor of a home entertainment-focused aesthetic. The panel, including former Nintendo of America employees, discussed the challenges of launching the NES in the U.S. after the 1983 video game crash, emphasizing the importance of a design that would appeal to skeptical consumers and retailers. The final design, which became a resounding success, helped revitalize the video game industry and paved the way for future consoles.

Can’t recommend this book series enough

I'm Too Young To Die: The Ultimate Guide to First-Person Shooters 1992–2002 is a comprehensive and educational book that delves into the history and development of FPS games from 1992 to 2002, featuring interviews with developers, insights into the technology behind the games, and high-quality print work, making it a must-read for FPS enthusiasts.

Lego arcade l

The new LEGO 'Retro Arcade Center' set, which has garnered over 650 votes on the LEGO Ideas page, captures the essence of 80s arcade culture with its detailed design, including a large arcade sign, vending machines, and ride-on toys, and features an open interior with classic arcade cabinets, pinball machines, and other retro gaming elements, evoking the nostalgic sounds and sights of the arcade era.

Orbit Culture Setlist - EU Tour

Orbit Culture has launched their 'Death Above Life Tour' in Europe, featuring a mix of new tracks from their latest album and popular songs from previous works. The setlist includes six songs from 'Death Above Life', alongside tracks from 'Descent', 'Nija', 'Rasen', and 'The Forgotten'. Fans can expect a dynamic performance with a blend of new and classic hits.