Monthly Archives: March 2008

StoreStacker Software by HalfAgain LLC

Websites, , , , ,

A week or two ago, I got an email from HalfAgain, announcing their latest software dubbed StoreStacker. Before I divulge into describing what it is, I just need to mention that HalfAgain has released some real nice software in the past. They’re the guys who made BlogSolution, RSS Magician, RSS Evolution, Content Solution, Content Club and the WordPress to BlogSolution converter.

Basically, StoreStacker is their latest software that is definitely going to be a hit. What does it do, you may ask? Quite a few nifty things I have to say. The name itself actually describes what the software does: it stacks stores next to each other… or on top (you can look at it either way). It takes your Amazon, Clickbank, eBay and other affiliate-based store websites and pulls their products & prices to display on your site. Like I said, it merges each and every store to display a nice tabulated form with links to the products you’d like to sell on your website, with your affiliate IDs nicely tucked in the URLs. StoreStacker makes it easy for you to run a website of this sort (this is where the countless hours of PHP and CURL programming come in to play). I have a few websites I could definitely implement this script on, so I’m looking forward to its release (scheduled April 1st).

Some really cool features of running a StoreStacker website are the benefits you get with the search engines. Since your site would automatically become a large shopping directory (since it polls multiple stores for product reviews and prices) you could very well capitalize on the content it delivers to your visitors. Your website would become a large source of information (a niche) on the products you are trying to sell. The kicker? The whole thing runs by itself with a few clicks.

Anyway, at this time of writing, StoreStacker hasn’t been released yet. We’re only two days away from seeing this baby come out. More information to follow!

StoreStacker

Syabas Popcorn Hour A-100 Pre-Ordered

Technology, , , ,

Yesterday, I pre-ordered the Syabas Popcorn Hour A-100 media center device, and I can’t wait until it gets here. This device is so popular right now, you have to register and be put on a waiting list to actually be able to order it. Basically, it’s a very popular embedded media player that plays H.264, XviD, DivX, VC-1 and MPEG2/4 codecs, not to mention MKV (Matroska) and M*V containers, up to 1080p playback. This unit is extremely powerful from the looks of it. Features include the ability to install an internal hard drive (IDE only, unfortunately), a 10/100 mbps Ethernet port (no WiFi, but not suitable for 1080p HD playback anyway) and two USB ports for external device hookups. Audio/Video inputs are the standard deal: components, digital Coaxial audio, HDMI 1.1, S-Video and basic three-color RCA. One thing I would’ve loved to see is DVI/VGA, but beggars can’t be choosers as the total cost for this unit is an astonishing 179.00 USD. Total cost for me with the shipping came up to 222.00$ CDN.

Some other cool features are the built-in Bittorrent client, NFS, SMB, Windows Media Connect support, YouTube videos playback, RSS feeds, direct ISO playback and FTP connectivity. I could go on and on about the features, but you’re better off reading the site for more information. When I get the unit in (approximately mid-April) I will post a detailed review up for you guys.

Popcorn Hour A-100

Stuff I Can’t Wait to See in 2008

Cars, Technology, , , , ,

Every year, I’ll compile a list of gadgets that I’d like to see (and of course, have) for fun. This year’s toys are as follows.

BMW M3 E90 Sedan

BMW M3 E90

I have always been a fan of BMWs, and even a bigger fan of the popular M series. After a year and a half of hiatus, BMW unveiled and released the new M3 last September. They threw out the V6 and replaced it with a lighter V8, giving 420 horses (just 80 shy from the M5s). The car has been fully revamped, with a nice new carbon-fiber hood to make the car lighter and more maneuverable. The hottest aspect of this year’s release is the fact that a four-door sedan will be available (the E90, as compared to the E92 coupe). I have always preferred sedans for the reason that I don’t have to get out of the car numerous times to let passengers in the backseat in and out. While the Europeans have had the new M3 available for quite some time, us North Americans have been left out in the cold, waiting for an American release to come by. Supposedly the car will be released this spring 2008. Even though I can’t afford this bad-boy yet, it’s on my list for kicks.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1

Goodbye iPhone, hello X1. This beauty was recently announced by Sony Ericsson (February 10th) and will hopefully arrive in the second quarter of 2008. The X1 is loaded with features: quad-band, touch-screen, 3G, QWERTY keyboard, WiFi 802.11b/g, Bluetooth, GPS receiver, 3.15MP camera and a 800 x 480 pixels 3 inch TFT screen. The kicker? It runs Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional instead of Symbian. I was on the verge of buying an iPhone until I saw this puppy get announced last month. I always wanted a PDA with a keyboard and mobile phone that was an all-in-one device. The HTC Touch was a candidate, but didn’t like its style that much (plus, the screen was too small…). The iPhone was a good choice, but I didn’t want to meddle with jailbreaks and other various hacks to get it running since my carrier (Rogers) is not distributing them yet. Regardless, I’m glad the XPERIA X1 will not be delayed as previously rumoured. I know the phone will be upwards 600$ when it first comes out, but I’m hellbent on getting one either way.

Duke Nukem Forever 2007 Trailer Shot

Duke Nukem Forever

I wish there was an easy answer as to why this game has been delayed for the past 11 years, as it has been the sad joke for many gamers out there. Duke Nukem Forever was announced in 1997 and has been under development since, or something like that. Supposedly the game has gone under several engine changes to keep up to date with technology, as noted in the three different trailers that were released over the years. The latest teaser trailer is pretty decent, and it gives its loyal fans some support in hanging in there for a bit longer. The original Duke Nukem 3D has always been a favourite of mine since I first played it back in the day. I’m worried that, by the time DNF comes out, I’ll be over computer games entirely and won’t have any desire to play it no more. Let’s hope, for 3D Realms sake, that the game actually gets released this year, or else I’ll finally put this game to rest and move on. One thing that always cracks me up is the Wired’s Vaporware Awards: the game has gotten a lifetime achievement award.

Justice – DVNO

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I was looking for a specific song today, heard in the Hitman (2007) movie when Agent 47 walks into Udre Belicoff’s lair (filled with weapons, illicit substances and hookers… sounds like my kind of party :)). It sounded like it was made in the 70’s and 80’s, filled with electro beats and a somewhat high-pitched voice singing whatever (you can’t really make out the lyrics that well). The song is called DVNO and it’s by the artist Justice. The lyrics that you may hear in the background are “DVNO, four capital letters, printed in gold”. It’s quite a catchy beat and it suits that one movie scene very well. The full lyrics are as follows:

It’s always the same
always ashamed of sory telling
When I can’t come in
To a hopeless troglodyte
But one more time
my answer stands
I swear I mean no offense
But you better learn to read
it’s all ’bout membership

Hey, all the young and old
Ugly girls and boys
I put you on my list
And make you clap to this
But man it’s just an ego trip
And only one can win
And soon you’re saying different

[Chorus x2]
D V N O
Four capital letters
Printed in gold
‘Cause details make the girls sweat even more
while they’re shaking their belt
No need to ask my name
to figure out how cool I am

[Refrain x2]
Can anyone read, anyone feel
That I’m losing my patience
I just came here to bounce
Ladies are all waxed
They all now I’m coming
I’m losing my patience
I just came here to bounce

[Chorus x2]

[Refrain]

[Chorus]

Here’s the music video if anyone’s interested in knowing what the song is.
 

Powertec Power Rack System Review – Final Thoughts

Reviews and Rants, Training, , , , ,

It has been exactly a month since I last spoke about the Powertec Power Rack System, so it’s time for a quick final take on it. I have been training with it exclusively and love it to death. The whole thing is very sold, and I bumped into it a few times with the plates and bars… not a scratch has surfaced. I haven’t been able to use the lat attachments yet because of the low ceiling height, but I should have a summary of it in two or three months (when I move my setup to the garage). I have been squatting, benching (flat and incline), dead-lifting and power-cleaning for a month and I have no complaints whatsoever. The bench is sturdy and highly adjustable, and it hasn’t failed on me yet. I have done a few dips with the power rack and the thing doesn’t budge with my weight (all 180 lbs of me :)). Yep, this thing is strong and durable, and I’m confident it’s going to last me a long, long time. Since I got it, I have always looked forward to going home and lifting some weights. Damn fine rack.