So, I’ve talked in the past how I have been working hard on “Show #15″ here at Revision 3. Well, I am happy to say that it has finally launched!

Called Social Brew, the show is all about social networks and the people who use them. It has gone through a lot of modifications, and it still very much is a work in progress. Along with producing parts of the show, I will be your guide to Bay Area meet-ups, and do a weekly segment on new apps and social networking websites.

As you all know, I live and breathe this stuff, so I am really enjoying working on this show. Also, our senior producer, Eileen Rivera has done a smashing job on really refining the idea of Social Brew.

Check it out, and please let me know what you think. Constructive criticism, likes, and suggestions welcome!

Hey friends,

I’m just gonna come out with it–I love Star Wars, and any paraphernalia related to the films. I have 2 toy lightsabers [1 Anakin; 1 Obi-won] and have gifted a Yoda, Dooku, and another Obi-won to my closest friends…so technically, I have bought them all! I also have an old cardboard lightsaber that a good friend of mine painted–but none were nothing compared to this Master Replicas Force FX Saber.

As you can see, that item is beautiful but really expensive. Plus, a big part of Jedi training is learning how to do things by yourself. So, there was only one solution left: I had to build my own.

I read a lot of websites, but wasn’t quite sure where to start. I enlisted the help of someone known on the forums as Novastar…and was glad to find out that he was relatively local. Matthew Carrauddo from The Cutting Edge was kind enough to stop by popSiren and show me how it was done. Then, I spent some time building one on my own. Want to see how it turned out? Check this out, padawans (and stick around for the bloopers at the end, pretty funny)!

If you want to know how exactly to build it and get a list of materials, see the show notes here. Now for some pointers:

1. Take Matthew’s advice; Try to get a narrow tube
I learned that bigger is not always better. Because my tube was 2″ in diameter, I had to get larger parts to accommodate it. However, finding a cost efficient thin LED Flashlight would have been even tougher if I went with the thinner sink part. Pick your battle, I suppose.
2. Use light parts, your arms will thank you!
I ended up using plumbing parts because of my large and in charge tube. Sink parts are much, much, lighter making it easier to maneuver the saber. Although, I gotta say that my guns look pretty good after toting that bad boy around for a few days :)
3. Be patient and keep focus
Building lightsabers can take some time. Understanding how it all comes together, and tweaking it for yourself can be frustrating and time consuming. Also know that this will not be your last lightsaber.

On that last note, I have to say that it’s a bit of an obsession. I want one thats even more realistic, and with noise. I’ll be tooling away in my workshop, and I’ll keep you posted on what becomes with this project. Try it out, and show me what you make!

When I was a child, I loved playing with Barbie dolls. With their long-legged-scissor-like movements, luxurious hair, and 200-watt smile, they were ideal. Well, except for one thing: Why did Barbie ever like Ken?

Ken was not my type of guy. I appreciated that he took life with a smile, despite his anatomy, which is commendable. He also seemed stagnant, cheesy, and unrealistic. I knew even at that young age, men like Ken were the most impossible in the world.

As I grew older, I became increasingly interested in comic books. My older brother would let me tag along to comic book conventions where I would buy Catwoman, Batman and more. When I read about Batman, he looked a little like Ken, but was different. He had the good looks, suave mannerisms, a comfortable life, and as an added bonus, was smart and resourceful. Although I thought boys had cooties around that time, I knew men similar to Bruce Wayne were a-okay, but still not so tangible.

Then, as a teenager I discovered Marvel’s Amazing Spiderman. Here was a guy who had the weight of the world on his shoulders, geeky glasses, and no girlfriend. Not only did I relate to Peter Parker’s problems, but he slowly became the apple of my eye. This was the type of guy I wanted, and he wasn’t that bad looking either [geek chic anyone?]. Sure, he didn’t have it all together like Batman, and certainly didn’t take life with a smile like Ken, but he was living and breathing. Peter Parker was real, imperfect, and completely irresistible.

I know that for many guys, they look up to those I mentioned as archetypes of what women want. The truth is, flaws are attractive. From Ken to Bruce to Peter, there is a commonality: A positive attitude. Regardless of the whole womens movement thing, ladies still want a guy who they can lean on. Someone who has real issues and can handle them with conviction.

As for me, I am still trying to learn from Barbie, Catwoman, and Mary Jane–the ladies who to some extent got these different types of men. Sure, they all look picture perfect, but I believe there is more to them than that. Now, who wants to brush my hair and take me to kick boxing?