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Another playlist up via muxtape. Drop yours in the comments.

Here’s a rainy day playlist for those connected to a computer. Music via Muxtape

I was about to write-off Nintendo’s DS system as another victim of overly cutesy marketing for the fetal crowd, until this morning. Legendary synth maker Korg has created a fully functioning soft synth, The Korg DS-10 with a six track sequencer. Based after their vintage MS-10/20 modular synths, the dual screen DS emulates the classic designs - patch cables included. Maybe this is still targeted to the glitch pop bands of the future, but I’d like to hope Nintendo was still thinking of their original demographic (the geezers we are). Although it’s Japan only - we can hope it gets imported (I’m pointing at you TNJ).

Given my limited free time, and my affinity for spending it offline, I rarely keep up with the seemingly billions of posts, rants, editorials, etcetera that are tirelessly flying around the Internet. But, last night I landed at 02138 and actually read (do people do that?) Poking Facebook.

First off, it’s a magazine about Harvard alumni, and while you’d expect accolades and back-rubs, the few articles I read were scathing and exposing. Regardless of the overall tone, which I’m not one to judge because I literally read only two articles, the story of Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook origins is fascinating. Not just because it involves controversy that is still being debated in court, but because of the collaborative academic culture that spawned the social network.

Secondly, I’m quite fascinated with this whole social networking craze. Being an active participant who realizes the power of connectivity, both for the networks and their participants, I’m a bit weary of corporate integration, data-mining, and other profitable byproducts of huge social groups relinquishing very personal information with ignorant disregard.

Also, as a designer, the article offers some insight into how a great idea can be hijacked and executed to the tune of billions with a “b”. While it’s unfortunate for those who “got royally screwed,” it’s also a reminder that the web is still a wild, dynamic environment, where new ideas continue to emerge and forge huge shifts in the cultural landscape.

02138 - Poking Facebook

If you had a chance to catch The Police over the weekend, then you’re like most people who were blown away at the pure musicianship on display at the Blaisedell Center. A few things were evident, Sting is the poster boy for healthy living, Andy Summers (the eldest at 65) plays guitar like he’s 25 and Stewart Copeland is a complete musical joy to see play live. People often think The Police is Sting’s band, but I’ve always felt that Stewart Copeland was the center of the music (Sorry Sting fans). His drum style and energy gives The Police their catchy head nodding rhythms. Check out this clip with Jools Holland to hear how methodical Copeland is about his drumming.

If you’ve never experienced the espionage juggernaut Metal Gear Solid, the above clip may not make much sense. What started off as a Rambo rip-off for the NES in the 1980’s has become a full fledged franchise for Sony’s Playstation system. You are Solid Snake, a reluctant semi-retired spy for the military who happens to be a bad-ass at dispatching, mostly Russian, enemies. The game is about stealth and avoiding detection from bad guys, but what makes the game so enjoyable is the level of accuracy created by the game’s designers. Weaponry and level settings are constructed with such detail, you can often find yourself just wandering about pushing and opening things to discover easter eggs left scattered throughout the game. One fan with a Rube Goldbergian spirit has taken things a step further, using Snake’s digital camera he has orchestrated a very elaborate set of in-game photographs. Watch the full clip as this virtual photographer choreographs some out-there moments.

This video tells me a few things, mainly as proof that resourceful minds can create anywhere but it also raises the question of what tools will future artists be using to create? It’s hard enough being a photographer in the real world. Via Kotaku

Pau Hana Friday is back! Friday, February 15th at 6:00p we’ll be hosting Audible Empire at our Kaimuki studio.

What’s Pau Hana Friday? Well, it’s our studio open house that encourages creative networking and discussion. Everyone is welcome to join us and bring a six-pack of their favorite brew to unwind at the end of the work week. Bonus points for Tamura’s jalepeno pipikaula.

Things kick-off at 6:00 p.m. and we’ve invited our friends Audible Empire to bring their amps and cymbals for a sweaty rock set. Some other creative endeavors will be happening as well.

If you’re in the area, stop by and say hello.

The cinematographer behind A Brokedown Melody and Thomas Campbell’s upcoming three-quel The Present gets interactive via Airspace Workshop.

We’re looking for an intern. Apply within.