How Lena Dunham Can Rock Her Next Red Carpet

by Kari Tervo

I don't really care that much about fashion. And I'm delighted that, as I get older and more comfortable with myself and how to dress this odd body of mine, I care even less about fashion. I'm on my own terms. I generally live in athletic skirts and tank tops, but when it's time to clean up, I know the go-to cuts that will help me feel my best.

It took me a long time to learn how to dress my curvy 5'0" frame. Note to critics: It could be a lot worse! The best way to describe my body is "Marilyn Monroe, by Picasso." I know how hard it is to dress a curvy body, especially when clothes are primarily designed for stick-thin women. That's the designers' fault, not the fault of women who don't have stick-thin bodies.

Women in Hollywood have it especially hard. If you want to make it to the red carpet, you have to have a red carpet look. It might be a little easier to shop with a stylist and a lot more pin money (that was my inner 50s sock hop girl speaking), but searching for the perfect curvy-girl dress can still be a snipe hunt.

Case in point: Here is Lena Dunham in her 2013 Emmys dress.

Image via eoline.com

CLICK RAWR FOR MORE FASHIONATION AFTER THE JUMP!

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WiiU is Coming!

Nintendo has finally revealed the price and release date of the hotly (?) anticipated Wii U.

The system is set to release in two versions on November 18.  A basic edition for $299.99 or a Deluxe version (which includes a game, larger HD, a black console, and some type of loyalty program) for $349.99. 

They also announced streaming services called TVii and that all Virtual Console purchases are transferable!

Just over two months for the Wii U.  Are you getting one?

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Is Valve making a Steam based console?

Is this inconspicuous picture uploaded to Twitter by chatty Valve employee Greg Coomer a prototype for a console that runs Valve's Steam game service and all it's games? For those not in the know Valve (maker of such games as Half-Life, Portal and Team Fortress) runs a digital video game portal for PC and Mac called Steam, essentially iTunes for PC games. It's vastly popular and most modern games for the PC or with PC/Mac ports release through Steam.

What Valve is doing here is leveraging their customer base to essentially enter the video game console market up against Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. This could potentially be big, here is the story.

Back on October 22nd of last year Mr. Coomer tweeted a link to an article with Valve CEO Gabe Newell talking about a possible Valve console in the future with the comment, "What I'm working on." Then fast forward to November 2nd when he tweets the picture you see above lamenting the build difficulty of the tiny PC and mentioning it runs Portal 2 (a Valve game) "FAST".

Fast forward to this week when The Verge reported that Valve was actively making a console dubbing it the "SteamBox" and even mentioning basic specs for the unit. "We're told that the basic specs of the Steam Box include a Core i7 CPU, 8GB of RAM and an NVIDIA GPU." If we go back and check out Greg Coomer's tweets about the PC he made... check, check and double check, he mentions all three are in his build.

Either way on this one, take it with a grain of salt. But we could be seeing a new entrant in the console race soon, seeing as Valve has been potentially working on this product for many years now.

[UPDATE:] Another wrinkle in the grand story here has appeared. Apparently, in November of 2009 Valve filed a patent which has recently been retrieved from the belly of the US Patent Office. The patent in question, which reads, "one or more main control input interfaces on the game controller consists of generalized sockets...a variety of modular input interfaces can be plugged into these sockets". This mumbo jumbo can be read by normal people as the ability to swap different types of controllers as they see fit possibly putting an end to the thumbstick controller vs. mouse and keyboard, basically play your SteamBox how you want to. (Maybe even with Xbox and PlayStation controllers?)

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Tech: Next Gen Consoles - Xbox 720 and Playstation 4

Could it be, are we just around the corner from a new console generation? We aren't quiet ready for the Playstation 9 (above) but are we ready for the Xbox 720 or Playstation 4? Lets break this down.

Playstation 4

Reports of these things crop up all the time. According to the rumor mill (grain of salt in tow) well known first party companies like Santa Monica Studios (God of War) and Guerrilla Games (Killzone) may just be getting their hands on some form of new hardware and tech (that isn't from the current generation) for producing games that could quite possibly be launch titles for a PS4. For Sony as a company this seems like a necessity since Nintendo has already shown their cards, and Microsoft is obviously working on things as well. The question is what more can Sony do?

Sony had already shipped a console that was technologically more advanced than the rest of the generation. Do they need to create a new generation so quickly and have we seen all the PS3 can do? Sony has just started to get the price at a reasonable place and are starting to move significant unit numbers to make the money back they've lost. But the question is, are they willing to risk being last to the party again even though their console might have more breath left than the rest of the industry, will their hand be forced?

Xbox 720

Well first thing that needs to be obviously stated is that there is a LOT more information around about a Xbox 360 successor than a PS4, but again lets dive in with our salt grain. What is in a name? Well, ask Microsoft, they will tell you that the next Xbox might be called the Xbox Loop. Yeah, that might be the new console's name, and it's mainstay? Well that would be the Kinect hardware, to the tune of the Kinect 2, which will apparently be able to track your fingers, read your lips and sense the tone of your voice. Creepy right? Well anyway, the main rumor is that this stuff does exist and that Microsoft's sequel might come in two shades, a pared down box for the casual folk (a la 4GB 360) and a badder hardcore gamer model. But the focus is Kinect 2.

The verdict on the future of consoles after the break. (Click the Rawr! below.)

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Tech: Xbox turns X!

Wow, it's really hard to believe that ten years ago today a little company called Microsoft decided to launch a console. Apparently Sony and Nintendo was not enough, the Windows and Office makers just wanted to be part of the fun.

Released on November 15th, 2001, the OG Xbox was handed over by Bill Gates to the first lucky owner just after midnight at a Toys 'R' Us in New York. Starting off one of the most interesting periods in gaming history, across the board not just for this console, but throughout the industry.

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Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Opening Cinematic

This game has some fans around here, we're looking forward to this one. From what we've seen so far the gameplay and premise seems to be enough of a departure from the rest of the series to not be branded a Ocarina of Time clone but still remain among its awesome heritage. 

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E3: Nintendo announces Wii U

Here is the launch trailer for Nintendo's new console the Wii U.   It seems like it might be a great console.  I just hope it doesn't end up another paperweight/dust collector which is what my Wii is right now.



What do you think?

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Wii Peak: Zombii Attack!

I just received some info on what is the first WiiWare game I've had any interest in buying.

It's called Zombii Attack!

Here are some details:

Zombii Attack is an arcade survival game that offers fans a new level of addictive gameplay exclusively to Nintendo’s WiiWare and is rated E+10 and will cost 500 Wii points.

Launch or lunch, it’s up to you.

You play as a fortunate survivor trying to last in an infected metropolitan city over-flowing with hungry zombies who want to munch on you for lunch.  Armed with a slingshot and the laws of physics, survivors use their Wii Remote in a realistic natural motion in order to load and fire the slingshot with items such as anvils, tires, experimental highly-explosive z-bombs and even the undead themselves.

Powered by the state of the art Unity 3 game engine.

Use the Wii Remote to strategically slingshot various environmental objects as well as attacking zombies at approaching waves of hungry zombies and their secret hideouts in order to earn special weapons, ammo, armor and more.

Survivors must keep five rules in mind when playing:

Improvisation: Use zombies, explosives and other items to destroy zombies and their hideouts before they eat you.

Cash: Earn money destroying zombies.

Firepower: Always stock up with armor and improve your slingshot.  Remember to show no mercy because the zombies want you for lunch so you must destructive items at them and their secret hideouts.

Collect: Dr. Zii is looking for a cure. You are on the lookout for a certain type of zombie. You must collect this zombie as they contain elements needed by the Dr. to create a cure.

Defense: You can upgrade your barrier to better repeal zombies and repair it when damaged by zombies.

Here is the official press release:

ZOMBII ATTACK INFESTS THE Wii AND POSES SERIOUS THREAT TO WIPEOUT UNFUN GAMEPLAY

Gamers Digital Brings Physic Based Downloadable Arcade-Style Game to WiiWare Suitable For All Ages

EXCELSIOR, Minnesota (March, 23, 2011) — Today, Gamers Digital issued a nationwide health warning to all current and potential Wii™ users to pay close attention to Zombii Attack, scheduled for release in Spring 2011. Those who download Zombii Attack exclusively on Nintendo’s WiiWare™ service may become infected and suffer from uncontrolled bouts of hysterical laughter, experience intense feelings of exhilaration and become affected with a disposition of overwhelming joy.  Ignoring these symptoms can lead to habit forming fun. 

“If you or anyone you know plays Zombii Attack please take every precaution to not have fun, avoid enjoyment and please stifle all laughter in order to prevent further spread of the infection.  Please, be very careful when playing Zombii Attack,” said Gamers Digital CEO and mad developer of Scott Zerby.

How the zombie virus infection spread remains a mystery for now, but it appears Zombii Attack originated deep in the underground labs of Gamers Digital before spreading to highly populate metropolitan cities that are highly interactive using the state of the art Unity game engine.  The undead now overrun these cities. They hide in buildings, launch frenzied attacks and pose a very serious health threat to the remaining survivors and the world at large. Non-gamers should not approach the zombies.

There are scattered reports that one survivor is making a stand armed only with the laws of physics and a trusty rubber band to launch environmental items at zombies before they spread their infection. Those infected by Zombii Attack’s will experience more than 18 ever increasingly difficult levels of zombie madness. Lone survivors must use strategy when launching anvils, tires, experimental highly-explosive z-bombs and even the undead themselves at the endless waves of zombies using the Wii Remote™ with realistic natural motions.

When Zombii Attack’s infectious fun takes over, the only known cure is to recognize the warning signs, arm your slingshot and destroy all attacking zombies before they eat you. Play at your own risk.

Zombii Attack is rated “E+10” by the ESRB. For more information on Zombii Attack, please visit http://www.gamersdigital.com.

About Gamers Digital
Gamers Digital is a multi-platform publisher, with leading development studios worldwide.  Gamers Digital games are available on the biggest names in the global download space, including Big Fish Games, Yahoo!, MSN, Gamehouse, Nintendo®, and Apple.  To visit Gamers Digital, go to www.gamersdigital.com.

This sounds like one of those instantly charming indie titles that are destined to surprise folks.  It hits this Spring and I'm pretty excited to give it a look!

For more information head to www.gamersdigital.com!

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Nintendo drops the Wii...Price!

Starting well, now, the price of the Nintendo Wii has been dropped by $50. You can now get your very own Wii for $199.99.

Is the system worth $200? Well, for some it is. For me, it started that way but now it's pretty worthless. No HD (yet) very few worthwhile games, and a generally gimmicky system all around does't really inspire one to want to drop $200.

It is a fun system to play with friends but it leaves MUCH to be desired for solo or hardcore gamers.

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Video Game Review - Wii Sports Resort

Though I was annoyed to have to buy yet another twenty dollar accessory for my Wii, I believe that Wii Sports Resort is worth the extra expenditure. The Wii Motion Plus does add much to game play, and the game does include one Wii Motion with it. If you have more than one person who would like to play at a time, you will find yourself having to run out and grab another one, or 2, or 3.

Having said that, Wii Sports Resort does live up to the hype.

Click the Rawr! for the full review.



The game is full immersion, or about as close as you can get to it considering that you're a small caricature of yourself.

Wii Sports Resort offers many new mini games, as well as new twists on old ones. There are many games, but some of the newer ones are Basketball, Swordsplay, (a personal favorite of mine; but I was a fencer for several years,) Frisbee, both disc golf and Frisbee Dog, an exercise where you throw a Frisbee to a dog, and you receive points dependent on how close you are to the target. Various water sports, (Canoeing, Power Crusing Sea-doo style, and Wakeboarding) where you trick, jump, or just paddle your way to glory, Archery, cycling... well you get the idea. You basically do not have to leave your house to pretend you have an active lifestyle. If Nintendo keeps this up, I suspect that by 2015 no one will leave their houses and we will all converse over Facebook, Twitter, and Wii Speak.

The old favorites, such as Bowling and Golf make an appearance in this game too, but with the Wii Motion accessory these games are not as easy as they were in the original Wii Sports.

My favorite are the Frisbee games, whereas my kids prefer the Airplane flying exercises. (of course, I think my son just likes running his airplane into the water, where his Mii gets shot out of the airplane as though on an ejector seat.)

This game is for parties, as the game play is easy to pick up on, (though not exactly easy to master) there are many multi-player options, some of which can be played with just one controller for 4 people.

This game awards "stamps" every time you make a noteworthy accomplishment, Wii Fit style. The stamps are dependent on game of course. Some of them are the standard "score this much in one game" on the other hand, others are very specific accomplishments, (lucky skip, a stamp you earn when you skip a Frisbee off of the water and back in to fair play in Frisbee golf comes to mind.)

All and all Wii Sports Resort is a fantastic, very well produced game. I have not yet found a glitch in it, graphically or otherwise. The only major flaw is having to figure out a way to kick my kids off of it so that I can play!

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E3 Videos: New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Mario Galaxy 2!

OMG Multiplayer!



OMG Yoshi!

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Nintendo DSi coming in April

Today, Nintendo announced the official release for the Nintendo DS 2.0, DSi. The system will hit stores on April 5 for $169.99. IT can be yours in either Matte Black or Matte Blue.

The DSi does not feature a GBA slot but it does have a wealth of other features that may appeal to folks out there including a camera and editing suite, a sound studio for recording and playing sound/music, an SD Card slot, and access to the DSi shop.

Personally, I think the Nintendo DS is perfect as is and these extra features are pretty much useless for a GAME system.

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Super Mario Galaxy: I can has a Bee Suits?!

So if you are lucky enough to own a Wii, and I am *insert big grin here*, you should have picked up this little gem. Now since I am not a big reviewer type, I will leave the main review with PCB. But my mini review is as follows:

Super Mario Galaxy is the best Mario game since Super Mario World. Unless of course you include the Paper Mario Franchise. But I don't.

Nintendo has done it again: they have brought fun game play, with innovative wireless movement technology, and bright color to create a game with a character we have all grown to love. Maybe even forgotten with the big guns of Halo and Bioshock.

But Mario is a staple in pop culture, and I can consider this a revival. For too long has Mario been considered the wimp of gaming; and this time, he has brought a little sting to the competition. Pun intended.

Graphics have been a big complaint in regards to Nintendo's Wii.

Hell, even where Nintendo is concerned, they have always been considered thee lacking console for graphics. But Super Mario Galaxy brings something to the table. Nintendo has brought vibrant color and Final Fantasy style effects, that really shows what Nintendo is all about: Adventurous fun. The music heightens the gamers experience as you run upside down on a world, fly through space, and even battle the main boss. They managed to bring some long missed nostalgia, music from the original dungeons, Mario 2 enemies, and Mario 3 type costumes (the bee suit - which makes you fly!)

Nintendo has out done themselves with Super Mario Galaxy. And while they are slow with getting their games out, if the rest are as good as SMG, the wait is definitely worth it.

As a non-gamer gamer, I may just have to convert.

You can pick up your copy of Super Mario Galaxy at the Pop Culture Beast Store.

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Wiimotional

I'm one of the lucky elite (Wiilite?) who happened to get their hands on a Wii. My excitement was barely containable when I got home and hooked it up. That was a great night and following day.

Now my Wii is sitting lonely in the shadow of the far superior XBox 360.

It might be too soon to call the Wii a let down but so far it has been disappointing. The major draw for me was the Virtual Console which has been nothing short of shocking with it's releases. Not a good shocking, a more incredulous tear jerking shock.

At this point, the Wii is more of a niche system than a mainstream viable contender in the next gen war. So far, I've played one great Wii game and that is Twilight Princess. The rest are mediocre at best.

Last month brought us Super Paper Mario which thank god is a great game and kept my Wii from slouching away into a dust nap.

There are lights on the horizon including another Mario game, and Smash Bros. Brawl, but is it enough to rescue the Wii from the doldrums? I hope so. I find myself staring longingly at my Wiimotes wishing I had a game to play that would hold my attention longer than 10 minutes.

Note to Nintendo: Get on the ball and give us some great games. We know you're capable of it. And why are you being so stingy with the Virtual Console? Where is Mega Man? Where is Shining Force (ok I'm probably the only person who wants this game but still). We want our Super Mario 2!

I have faith in the Wii, don't get me wrong. I am confident that this is just a new console dry spell and once the developers start getting creative and realising how many fantastic opportunities the Wii presents we'll get some great stuff. It's just a matter of waiting for that to begin.

Myself? I'm eagerly waiting for the first Wii Star Wars game. A lightsaber Wiimote? Uber.

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