The Evolution of NERF Continues

August 12th, 2010 by Chris Strong

Remember back in the 80′s when NERF toys were new, cool and for the most part just weird looking fluorescent colored toys that fired foam balls and darts with zero accuracy and control?

I’m talking about things like the Blast-A-Ball and the Bow-And-Arrow (I can still hear the music from that commercial in my head).

If you don’t for some reason, these pictures should help give you some sort of perspective on the evolution of this toy.

So here’s NERF back in the 80′s….

Probably the oddest toy in the NERF arsenal.

Hours and hours of fun can be had while foam fencing.

Well, fast forward to 2010 and you’ll see a whole new NERF. I never would’ve anticipated that the brand would’ve evolved to what is today, but thanks to a post on Uncrate.com I’ve come to find out that NERF has unleashed upon the world the NERF-N-Strike Longstrike CS-6 Dart Blaster. (Say that 3 times fast, right!)

To quote Monty Python and the Holy Grail, "Run Away!"

This thing is crazy. Not only does it shoot foam darts up to 35 feet (what do you need to shoot with a foam dart 35 feet away?), according to NERF even when your target is a moving one:

“You never have to worry about ammo, since your blaster can store two quick-reload clips. (One clip is included.) So grab your gear, steel your nerves and prepare to go long.”

I’ve never been in a position where I had to steel my nerves, but I’m tempted to buy one of these just to see what the experience is like.

Mostly though, I have to say that I am a bit worried as there are a few people here at HyperQuake that are big fans of the NERF line. I have no idea what might be lurking around the corner in the future, but I’m going to make sure I try to stay upwards of 36 feet away from a few people in particular.

Posted in Uncategorized | 166 Comments »

Because we like posters…

August 4th, 2010 by Katie Winkler

I considered calling this post “Poster Overload,” but is that really possible? Well, maybe. Check out this gigantic gallery of amazing European poster art, assembled by Bob Staake:

Exceprt from European picture gallery

And, if you haven’t already be sure to take a peak at HyperQuake’s very own poster series!

Posted in Design | 166 Comments »

Swan Lake

August 2nd, 2010 by Julie Hill

Being both an artist and a girl, I’m pretty much pre-programmed to enjoy ballet. The artist side loves the movements, and the forms dancers make with their bodies. The girly side is pretty much just in it for the sequins, if we’re really being honest here. Anyway, this is one of the most amazing ballet performances I have ever seen. SPOILER: SHE DANCES ON HIS HEAD. Watch.

Posted in Design | 176 Comments »

HQ Launches Lost Rites Film Site!

July 21st, 2010 by Andy Brownell

Back in April, I mentioned something about a film project site we had been working on for an independent film company, Trumac Films. Well, Hyperquake is proud to announce our latest film release for Lost Rites.

The site features an original design that leverages the dark undertones and religious/spiritual rites objects from the film itself to help create a perfect canvas to promote the film project. HQ created a system of photography, illustration and animation to round out the unique aesthetic of the site. Based on a graphic novel concept, this film short was created by director James Moran of Trumac Films to generate interest and support for the broader story and sequel opportunities around the main character, Deacon James (Johnathan Schaech).

Lost Rites Graphic Novel
An excerpt from the Lost Rites graphic novel showing Deacon James fighting it out with deity Ageria

Additional methods of connecting with fans and supporters include a custom-designed blog and a Twitter account that will help keep tabs on the post production, and screenings of the full film short at Film Festivals and COMICON in the future. Be sure to have a look at the teaser trailer posted on the site along with some of the behind the scenes photos. The film may be short, but it leverages all that Hollywood can offer including some great talent, advanced CGI and audio engineering.


Behind the scenes with James Moran (Director) and Johnathan Schaech (Deacon James)

We are proud to add this to our history of over 20+ film sites. Best of luck to Lost Rites, Trumac Films and Deacon James’ future as an on-screen character!

Posted in Design, News | 152 Comments »

It’s a car! It’s a plane! It’s a….wait, what is that?

July 5th, 2010 by Chris Strong

I like cars. Always have, always will. Planes on the other hand, not really the same love affair there, but put a plane and a car combined, that actually performs both roles flawlessly, that’s a different story.

That’s why I am geeking out over the Terrafugia Transition. It is exactly that: a plane and a car all in one.

A plane that can fly 460 miles at 115mph?
A car that has foldable wings and still gets 30mpg?

Plane. Car. Whatever. It doesn’t matter because it rules and I want one.

The best part about it is that under ‘Safety Features’ it reads: “Drive in case of inclement weather.” Given the way some people drive on the road around Cincinnati in the rain, I’d actually consider going from plane to car less of a safety feature, but that’s just me.

I need to find $195,000 to get one of these, so feel free to email me if you have any ideas or want to do a time-share.

Posted in News, Technology | 2 Comments »

BRB HAVE TO GO TO ART STORE LIKE RIGHT NOW

July 1st, 2010 by Julie Hill

Legacy of Letters from Luca Barcellona on Vimeo.

So so beautiful. Check out Luca Barcellona’s Flickr for more.

Posted in Design | 167 Comments »

Cupcake Cannon

June 21st, 2010 by Chris Strong

Always a supporter of diy technology development, I thought it was interesting to see that someone decided eating cupcakes with one’s hands was obviously outdated.

Enter the ‘Cupcake Cannon’ created by the folks over at Kamp Grizzly in Portland.

Apparently they made this for the recent Johnny Cupcakes ‘Suitcase Tour’ stop that rolled through and according to the story on their site the cannon they developed was “a steam-punk style pneumatic cupcake cannon and set the stage for eating frosty delights at 120psi.” The video was captured in HD and is now making its way around the web.

Who know watching people get blasted with cupcakes, in slow motion, with good tunes playing in the background would be so much fun. Nice work guys!

CUPCAKE CANNON from kamp grizzly on Vimeo.

Posted in Technology | 135 Comments »

‘American Slang’ is the best kind of slang

June 18th, 2010 by Chris Strong

So, in the spirit of our ‘Check Out What We’re Checking Out’ title at the top of our blog, I figured I’d share something not marketing related, not wristwatch related and not food related (all the subject matter usually covered in my posts if you haven’t been able to tell the last 8 months or so). I figured I’d throw a curve ball and literally post about what I’ve been ‘checking out’ with my ears for the last 2 days straight. The new album by The Gaslight Anthem, titled “American Slang”.

<em>The best slang there is</em>

The best slang there is

If you like music at all and it doesn’t even matter what kind, you won’t be able to help but be impressed by these Jersey boys. Sure, it’s obvious that they like The Boss (aka Bruce Springsteen) a lot. But there are subtle Motown-ish touches, nods to their punk rock roots and the general feeling of Americana that just pours out of the speakers as you play the record. The guitars almost sound as if they are talking to one another and you can’t help but tell that these guys are the real deal with every word and every note, of every song. This is album number 3 from them and the ride just keeps getting better.

Can you tell I’m a huge fan?

They are something special, something fresh and something sincere in the music industry today. That’s not always an easy thing to find for music fans. So go check out the album. The title track is the song of the week on iTunes and you can grab it here

Posted in Uncategorized | 197 Comments »

Continued Innovation in the World of Bacon

June 10th, 2010 by Chris Strong

Leave it to bacon and bacon fanatics worldwide to continue pushing the envelope on creating new culinary delights in the bacon food group.

Yes, there is a bacon food group. There is an ad campaign about it right now, helping to increase the knowledge of consumers so they meet their daily minimum, if you don’t believe me:

It's true!

It's true!

Well, the kind folks at Uncrate.com recently helped inform the world that there is a new innovation in the bacon category: Bacon Moon Pie.

Sweet-Tooth meets Meat-Tooth

Sweet-Tooth meets Meat-Tooth

Do you like marshmallow, bourbon, maple syrup, dark chocolate and bacon, among other things? Well, this slice of heaven is for you.

We are a company comprised of many foodies (and one member of the United Embassy of Bacon), so it’s always great to see new food evolutions taking place. Connecting your “sweet-tooth’ with your ‘meat-tooth,” it only serves to make it that much better.

Posted in Uncategorized | 137 Comments »