JBL Pulse 2 Review

Hey O&G fans, Today's tech review is on the JBL Pulse 2 wireless speaker. About five months ago I did a review on the fugoo wireless speaker and loved it, but I mostly use that speaker for my beach days and outdoor activities. Now I need something that is just for home with great sound and looks cool. After I attended Get Geeked NYC and spoke to the guys at the JBL booth, I decided to get the Pulse 2.

The JBL Pulse looks good and has a cool multi-LED light show added to it. The Pulse has a similar design to JBL's highly rated Flip and Charge Bluetooth speakers, but it's covered with a metal mesh grill. Here are some of the features and Specs on the speaker:

Bluetooth Connectivity allows you to wirelessly stream music through any Bluetooth enabled device.

Built-in Microphonethe built-in microphone allows you to answer calls.

LED Lights features a Multi-LED light show giving you a new ways to enjoy your music.

Passive Radiators Passive Radiators field enough bass for you to actually see them move.

JBL Connectbuild your own ecosystem by connecting multiple JBL connect enabled speakers to amplify the sound.

6000mAH Rechargeable Battery built-in Li ion battery for up to 10 hours of music and light show.

JBL Connect App Customize your light show experience and configure your JBL Connect settings, all at the tip of your fingers with the JBL Connect app.

SPECS

Support

A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2

Battery type

Lithium-ion polymer (3.7V, 6000mAh)

Output power

2 x 8W

Battery charge time

≤5 hour @ 5V, 2.3A

Music playing time

up to 10 hours (varies by volume level and audio content)

Transducer size (mm)

2 x 45

REVIEW

I really do like this speaker, so much so I think I'm going to get another so I can use the JBL Connect feature and see what sound I get. I delivers good sound, but if you play something with heavy bass, the sound gets a bit distorted. The JBL Pulse 2 speaker features a very attractive design. Cylindrical in shape, the speaker stands like a larger soda can. The speaker was easy to set up and use. Pairing to a Bluetooth connected streaming device and the accompanying JBL Connect app with no issues.

The light show is pretty awesome! There are a few different preprogrammed modes to choose from and you can go with a custom light theme and control the brightness -- or just turn off the LEDs altogether. The only issue I have is that with the lights playing, it kind of shortens the Battery life. The Reception on the Speaker when it's connected to a smartphone is pretty good. the closer you are to the speaker, the clearer you can be heard on the other end.

Overall the speaker is a good purchase if you are in the market for a portable speaker. It's well built, splash proof, great sounding and the Pulse matches up pretty well against competing speakers in its price class.

by Sean Tucker

Lenni Reviews: Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen

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In this book, we meet the intelligent and strong-willed Lucy Pickett and the brooding, enigmatic Lord Blackwell. As this story is set within the classic framework of Beauty and the Beast, our two main characters fulfill their intended roles. Where the creativity lies in this book is the steampunk and fantasy elements Allen has woven into the narrative; introducing classic steampunk tropes as goggles and airships as well as werewolves and vampires. 

Lucy and Blackwell meet because Lucy's cousin has fallen ill and Lucy refuses to leave her side until she discovers the truth. As she is a researcher and familiar with plant-based remedies, Lucy stays with her cousin at Blackwell's manor. Meanwhile, Lord Blackwell is hiding a secret from the world and someone is  attempting to blackmail him; and rumors surrounding the mysterious deaths of his wife and sister put him in a dangerous position. As the mystery unfolds, the pair predictably fall in love, but as predictable as it is - this is a romance novel, after all - Lucy is an interesting character to read about and Lord Blackwell's reasons for being curt and brash are grounded in reality. He's not angsty for angst's sake and his transformation from 'beast' into a man Lucy can love is believable. 

The steampunk and fantasy elements are a good portion of the story, so while the elements of a historical romance are there if you're not into the paranormal or steampunk, those parts of the story may put you off. They do fit seamlessly into the world building and make a generic romance that much more exciting. Of course, it really helps that none of the women are simpering debutantes and the men aren't empty, emo sacks of angst in frock coats. They are all well rounded with solid motivations despite the fantastical setting. If you like your romances sweet, non-smutty, and with some interesting tech, Allen's book is a treat! Alas, you shall have to wait until August 2nd, 2016 to get your little hands on it.

Three Men Who Have Carried The Mantle Of Capt. America Unite In Captain America: Sam Wilson #7

image credit: Marvel

Hey O&G Fans, Capt. America: Sam Wilson #7 will be a variant cover featuring all 3 Captain America's. "Avengers: Standoff," All-New All-Different Avengers artist Mahmud Asrar is illustrating Sam Wilson, Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes in their classic Captain America garb. Captain America: Sam Wilson #7. Both a full color & greyscale version of the illustration will be included in ComicConBox's May release.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: SAM WILSON #7
NICK SPENCER (W) • DANIEL ACUñA (A)
Cover by ALEX ROSS • VARIANT COVER BY ALEX ROSS
VARIANT COVER BY JOHN CASSADAY • VARIANT COVER BY JIM STERANKO
WOMEN OF POWER VARIANT COVER BY TBA
CAPTAIN AMERICA OF ALL ERAS VARIANT COVER BY Chris Sprouse

• Since World War II, Steve Rogers has wielded his red, white and blue shield against unspeakable odds. When he fell, his brother in arms, Bucky Barnes, picked it up. When it was time to rest, he handed it to his good friend, Sam Wilson. But now Steve will be asked to wield it one last time, against a foe so deadly he knows it could very well be his final stand.
• Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Marvel’s Sentinel of Liberty with a story of Captain Americas present and former -- with this explosive, world-changing chapter in the blockbuster spring Avengers event, STANDOFF.
• Plus, stories celebrating the legacy and legend of Captain America throughout history, by Greg Rucka & Mike Perkins; Tim Sale; & John Cassaday
56 PGS./Rated T …$5.99NORMOUS 75th ANNIVERSARY ISSUE! • A STANDOFF tie-in!

Ghostbusters Trailer

Who are you gonna call? The new trailer for the Ghostbusters reboot is here. You can check out the trailer below.

A Look Into 2016: Kpop of February!

We've already seen a change from just January alone in the Kpop scene, but it seems it's constantly changing no matter what. Debuts of old groups, new groups, solo hits and albums, and so much more means that the faces of Kpop constantly change from one group or person to another. Let's see what February brings up this month!

4Minute (포미닛) with "Hate" (싫어) (Collab with Skrillex)

I've never honestly heard much of 4Minute, but when I heard about their song "Hate" released on the album Act.7 I was intrigued. So I gave it a listen, and it's easily become one of my favorite songs of 2016 in Kpop. I'm not even really a big fan of Skrillex, and I'd never guess that he played a part in the music in the background, since the vocals are so powerful in the first place. And then the refrain hits, and you're like, "this is not at all what I expected!". It gives me a somewhat Big Bang-esque vibe from it honestly, and whether that's a good thing is up to you. I enjoy it. Act.7 with "Hate" and others was released February 1st, 2016.

Reddy (레디) with "Think" (생각해) Featuring Jay Park (박재범)

Again, another artist I had never heard too much of, but I can say I definitely enjoy "Think" from Reddy's Think single that was released February 3rd, 2016. It has emotion in the rapping from both Reddy and Jay Park, and the words show just how much the man telling the story prides himself, while exhibiting so much affection for his woman. He even goes to comparing themselves to "Bonny and Clyde". It's a beautiful song that deserves a listen!

Grace (그레이스) with "I'm Fine" (아임 파인)

I have to say, I find Grace to be hilarious with this video. But I have to say "I'm Fine" by Grace is catchy beyond all doubt. It not only has a 80's vibe to the style that she wears, but the dancing is really good as well. She's not only good at singing in Korean, but she seems very stable in English, and has no real accent (so I'm going to guess she may be American Korean-born or something). I can't find much information about her since this is her debut, but you can find other videos of her covers of popular songs and I suggest you give them a listen! "I'm Fine" came out in a single on February 4th, 2016.

Microdot (Micro.) with "Celebrate" Featuring The Quiett, Babylon, and Sanchez

Microdot was somewhat featured in January with doing work with Ravi from VIXX in his new album, but he released his own album, "Celebrate" with a really catchy song by the same name. By both being in English and Korean, listeners from all around the world can enjoy this song! It's also a bit of a thanks to God for being blessed with such a good position in life. I find it enjoyable no matter what, and is kind of a nice change of pace!

Nu'est (뉴이스트) with "Overcome" (여왕의 기사)

I can easily say without a doubt, this was the album I was waiting for in February. As a lover of Nu'est, I was not at all disappointed with the Q is. album, especially with the song "Overcome". Not only a drastic change of appearance for some of them (I mean Ren with long hair? Yes please!) but also I feel their talent is growing more and more, and the song proves this as well as the dancing. The song is about going to the ends of the earth for a girl basically, but when is Kpop songs not about getting the girl? Still, despite the typical trope, it is not at all something that would disappoint!

Taemin (이태민) with "Press Your Number"

Again, another one I was waiting for with the released of the Press It album. While I was disappointed with "Drip Drop" (I didn't get per say a "Taemin" feel to it personally), I enjoy the feeling "Press Your Number" gives. All about remembering a girl that left him, though I don't get the relevance of the video to the lyrics other than he's a bad boy in the first place. Again, remarkable dancing from Taemin and his backups, along with a great song. Definitely a good track on the Press It album!

The Stockroom Trailer

Hey O&G fans, today's indie spotlight is Victor Cruz Entertainment's The Stockroom. We will be reviewing this movie later this week, so as always here synopsis and trailer for the movie.

SYNOPSIS: The year is 1998. Our story follows Joseph Rodriguez, a stockroom supervisor who once had a dream to be a stand-up comic. After a failed promotion, his original dream begins to resurface. Urban legend tells us, if you've been in the stockroom for ten years or more, you'll never leave. Joseph is about to hit that mark and he'll have to decide what he is going to do with his life before the clock strikes midnight.

Trailer:

After a failed promotion, A stockroom supervisor who once had a dream to be a stand-up comic. experiences his dream beginning to resurface.

The Walking Dead Game: Michonne Episode 1 Review

The Walking Dead: Michonne stars the iconic character from the comic book series haunted by her past and coping with unimaginable loss and regret. The story explores her untold journey during the time between issues #126 and #139.

The Ring vs The Grudge Teaser Trailer

Here is a crossover that I never thought was possible. To be honest I didn't think anyone wanted this. However we have it as Kadokawa Productions and NBC Universal have collaborated on this project. The Ring will take on The Grudge in a all out horror crossover. Check out the trailer below.

“Fairy Tail” Mobile Game Announced

GameSamba, NGames Interactive Limited, and Funimation Entertainment have announced today that they are working with Kodansha to develop and publish an officially licensed mobile game based on the hit “Fairy Tail” franchise. The “Fairy Tail” game will be available in multiple languages worldwide on Android and iOS devices, and is expected to be released by the end of 2016.

“’Fairy Tail’ is one of our favorite franchises, and we look forward to working with NGames and Funimation to create a game fans will love,” said Scott Wong, President and Co-Founder of GameSamba.

The game will be a mobile RPG featuring a new side story that draws from the sequel series of the anime. Players will recruit and battle against their favorite characters from “Fairy Tail,” in order to form the most powerful team of wizards.

In addition to the new mobile game, GameSamba and Funimation previously announced an upcoming web-based free-to-play MMORPG based on “Fairy Tail.” NGames will also work with the two companies to help develop that title. The new mobile and web games will be independent of each other.

Netflix Brings New Original Anime Series, Perfect Bones, to Members Worldwide

Today Netflix announced, together with Production I.G, a groundbreaking deal that sees the upcoming original Anime series Perfect Bones to premiere only on Netflix. This marks the first ever original Anime title to debut all episodes simultaneously in 190 countries around the world.

Directed by Kazuto Nakazawa, the 12-episode series is set in the future where scientists have tried to breed the “perfect human” in hopes of keeping peace in the universe. After nearly achieving their goal through three children, the scientists send their “new humans” for further training where they are kidnapped by an evil organization set on using their powers to implement their own concept of a new world order.

“We are incredibly excited to work with Production I.G, who have worked on hit series such as Attack on Titanand Psycho-Pass, in bringing one of the most daring new Anime titles produced today to all Netflix members and Anime fans around the world,” said Erik Barmack, vice president of global content acquisition. “In an era where the Internet knows no bounds, we are proud to deliver high quality original Anime to fans all over the world, at the exact same time, no matter where they live whether it be Japan, France, Mexico, the US, and beyond.”

Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, President & CEO of Production I.G, said about the collaboration, “Among all the tv series and films Netflix offers, the titles I personally find the most amazing are Netflix originals. Production I.G is eager to present another impactful title brought through our creators’ passion and imagination. We’re very excited about Perfect Bones!”

Lenni Reviews: Song of Song by L. J. LaBarthe

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Song of Song is a science fiction romance by L. J. LaBarthe. Set in the far future where humanity has expanded beyond Earth, this book stars Dex (short for Dex742A-GR23), a genetically engineered man called a Boxie, and his AI cat, Manx, fleeing their home in search of freedom. Dex has been created to serve one purpose and if he deviates from that purpose, he will be killed. Once he and his fellow Boxies have been ordered to turn in their AI companions, Dex is too attached to his friend and decides to flee. While in outer space, Chen Lau Song is a fugitive fleeing the oppressive government on a sentient and evolving ship called Fa'a. The government wants to use Fa'a as a weapon but as the genius who created her, Song decided to run with his ship to make sure she couldn't be used as a tool or a template for other warships. Dex and Song meet when Fa'a is damaged and Song commandeers the ship on which Dex is hiding. Their mutual desire for freedom is what brings them together just as the despot seeking control of Fa'a and the entire galaxy; Cory Lewis Atticus Melvile (you can tell he's bad because he's way over named...) plots and schemes - willing to go to any lengths to capture them.

The sci-fi world built in this novel is very well done even if the characters are a bit cliche. You have the eccentric genius in Song, the man who wants out of his slotted life in Dex, and the evil businessman in Cory. It really is the setting and the overarching plot that sets this book apart; making it more a sci-fi with romantic elements than the other way around. If you're looking for the emphasis to be all on the budding relationship between Song and Dex, you may be let down. But the story as a whole is very entertaining. Manx and Fa'a are adorable characters and the rest of the cast and crew are likable characters fleshed out just enough so you care about what happens to them. Except for Cory... He's a twit.

If this story could have been fleshed out some more, it would have been even more fun. The universe created here has so much potential and I hope LaBarthe has more planned for it. I mean, come on. You CANNOT have a character named Shafaquat: Sultana of Agony and Cleverness with no back story! I can see an entire book about just her, easily.

If you like your sci-fi with a sweet little M/M romance, Song of Song will live up to your expectations. While some adult situations are present, they're not overwhelming and I had a great time reading this book.