Los Angeles, CA - If you were born in the mid-70′s to early 80′s, there’s probably one thing that you remember fondly from your childhood (ok, maybe there’s three if you include Saturday morning cartoons and the scrambled porn channel)- video games. If you, like me, came out of the womb clutching a keyboard and joystick, and constantly look back on all those great games you played back in the day, then the annual iam8bit Art Show is your ticket to refined nostalgia in the eyes of nerds just like you and I, who happen to also be extremely talented artists.

As implied by its namesake, the show focuses on art mainly from the Atari to NES area of 8-bit games, so most gamers will be familiar with the subjects displayed in the works- Mega Man, Mario, Q-bert, Galaga, the Skate or Die kid, Metroid, and of course Pac Man.  I’m not much of an art guy so I won’t pretend I noticed the sophistication of an artists’ brush strokes or how a piece spoke to me and its hidden commentary on the effects of capitalism on newborn babies in Zimbabwe.  All I can say is that I enjoyed going through the exhibit and was thoroughly impressed with some of the details that these artists put into their work. My favorite pieces would probably be the huge Mario mural (main pic) and the Dr. Mario/Princess upskirt figurine (yes, I’m a perv).

Overall, I am pleased to see video games being taken seriously as an important social medium, despite its negative stereotypes portrayed by the older generation.  It is through shows like this that maybe some day, people will understand how much of a positive impact games have had on our generation, and its cultural impact to society as it is today.  I for one, will not deny how glad I am to have been brought up on video games, and to have dedicated people create such games.  If it wasn’t for video games, I probably would have never known what a “dirge” was, nor heard such beautiful compositions by amazing artists like Nobuo Uematsu.

I’m hoping that the iam8bit art show will continue developing and hopefully branch out to newer generations of video games, but for now, this is it- you owe it to yourself as a gamer to browse through the gallery and enjoy the art.

For more information, you can visit http://iam8bit.com/

Also, each piece is available for sale!

June 13 2009, Long Beach, CA - Much like it was advertised, this year’s Spocom was chock-full of some of the hottest models in the industry, as well as some of the cleanest cars on display. Fortunately, most of the modified cars consisted of clean and tasteful mods, and rice was pretty much non-existent. As if the cavalcade of models walking around wasn’t enough, showgoers were also treated to a dance contest, bikini contest, lingerie show, and Nicolette’s Lollime Bikinis show throughout the day as well! I was relieved to see that the bikini contest judges had the same tastes that I did and elected Bahara as the winner! In fact, you could say that it really was no contest at all! =P  There were also quite a few interesting moments, including lots of innuendo banter courtesy of Alexia Lei, a display of nunchaku mastery by Alicia Whitten (yes you read that right, she knows how to use nunchakus!) as well as a Super Bowl Janet Jackson-esque “slip” up during the lingerie show…  guess you had to be there!

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the show and look forward to going again. My favorite part of the show (other than the half naked ladies)- the Scion xD with the claw vending game installed in the trunk! I could have spent my whole day there trying to get myself free t-shirts! But I digress.. pics of the event as usual inside!

*06/19/09- Now updated with pics from the bikini contest, Lollime bikini show, and lingerie show!

April 2-5, 2009 –  The 2009 Manila International Auto Show kicked off last April 2, 2009, which lasted for four days, with the last day held on April 5, 2009. The focus for this year’s show was on the mass market Filipino Electric Car that was unveiled at the show, EVnnovations’ REVAi Electric car which can travel 80 Km with one full charge. Also, five Value Car brands were also launched at the show, namely Chana, Cherry, Foton, Great Wall, and Lifan. These brands promise more value for less money. 3-time Guiness World Record holder for Precision driving, Russ Swift also graced the event with an exhibition of his stunts.

The traditional marquees were also present at the event. Japan’s big 5, Ford, Hyundai, Kia and European manufacturers BMW and Mercedes had their usual booths, among others. Aftermarket booths were also present at the tent next to the main hall. Top Gear Philippines also launched their online version, www.topgear.com.ph, while Tuason Racing held a short seminar regarding what to do when you get into an accident. Racing queens from each booth greeted curious bypassers as well.