Top 5 Anticipated Figures of 2015

I'm excited to start 2015 with a breath of new life in figure collecting. Although I am no fully abandoning my retro video game collecting, a lot more of my energy will be focused on figures! Click here to check out my Top 5 Most Anticipated Figures of 2015

This Top 5 Anticipated Figures of 2015 hits both my G-Spots (geek and gaming) =D

THE TOP 5 MOST ANTICIPATED FIGURES OF 2015

Figure Collecting - A Breath of Fresh Air

In the next few weeks, there'll be more announcements to come! *hint

You ever get stuck in a rut? Doing the same thing repeatedly get stale? That's what collecting retro video games had done for me. Seeing the same games over and over, with only the prices changing (going up usually). Don't get me wrong, my friendships have really strengthened with Lester and Ian (my partners from my Thriftdweller channel) simply because retro game collecting gave us something to do. However, the time has come to do something different. Action figures and statues have opened a whole new world for me. There is a large community of figure collectors on YouTube with vast amounts of resources. I feel reinvigorated, like a breath of fresh air.


I have taken to this figure collecting with vigor and motivation. There'll be more announcements in the days and weeks to come. For now, here's a list of channels I've taken a shine to recently and recommend to anyone interested in the action figure community.

Shartimusprime
Pixel Dan
Anthony's Customs
Optibotimus

Retro Canada X dream lives on...

As many people may have seen, I began a website called "RetroCanadaX". I was a test and was suppose to be a group of online retro game collectors coming together in one place and we would see where it could have gone. It was a lot of work to upkeep and I had trouble getting the resources I needed. For the time being, I've put that project on the back burner as I continue w/ my other pursuits. The dream will live on, it's just simmering at the moment!
-n8

Collecting 2015 - I'm "DONE" with retro game collecting!

There's a few reasons I've moved on from Retro Game Collecting! But what ever could I move on to?
(Not my game room in the picture! But click here to check out this awesome room!)

"A hobby is suppose to help you pass the time... not fill it!" Funny me, using that quote that came from a Psycho named Normal Bates. I'm beginning to come to grips with this "collecting" of mine, the hundreds of video games, it must seem crazy to the "normal" people. I guess it's a good thing there's so many like myself out there. However, as I continue to age like a fine wine, my collecting is going to have to evolve as well. Here's why I'm "done" with retro collecting, it's the theme I've come up with for 2015...

"I've got all the games I've ever wanted!"

RetroCanadaX

My latest project is a canadian retro video game blog called RetroCanadaX. I'll be there for a while, so check it out!

Perspective - Lunch Time Sketches

A few more sketches from break time at work. Trying to work on some perspective =D

Keep Sketching!

-Nate

Break Time Sketches - Magneto

Now I see the value of sketching "other" items besides clinched mouth muscle men!  Here's the Master of Magnetism in his attracting glory!
-Nate

Street Fighter 4 Ultra - Nate is Drooling

Super Street Fighter 4 Ultra marks the 5th version of the latest instalment of the world's best fighting game! Aside from the 4 addition characters, Ultra boasts some new mechanical updates in hopes to refresh the series. I'm personally excited to try these 2 of the many different mechanical updates! (Warning: advance SF4 knowledge required to understand the following.)

In addition to new characters, Ultra will feature mechanical updates that may either be good or not. 

New Replacement Covers by Nate

So here's a run of some more replacement covers I made for loose games I have and couldn't find covers for online. I've gone more "textless" covers inspired by Magic The Gathering cards.  Feel free to use them if you wish! Thanks for reading!

Click here for my other replacement covers! =D

More Covers after the jump!

Back To Back Pickup Video Blogs - Thriftdweller

Lester and I are back for summer Thriftdweller. We took a break from the video blogs but came back with 2 pickup videos back to back! Check it out! =D

MetroCity Pickups 10

Over a month worth of pickups in over 15 action packed minutes! Some great retro video game finds!

MetroCity Pickups 11

A small but dope video of some great TD finds and I unveil a new video game shelf! =D

Assassin's Fist - Street Fighter Fans Rejoice!

Street Fighter - Assassin's Fist focuses on the histories of Ken / Ryu and Gouken and Gouki (Akuma)

Can it be true? A live action Street Fighter that doesn't suck? Street Fighter Assassin's Fist ventures to go where no Street Fighter movie has gone before. From the ashes of "The Legend of Chun Li" and "Street Fighter" Starring Jean Claude Van Damme, can a Kick Starter concept do what it's multimillion dollar counterparts could not - make a Street Fighter movie that doesn't suck?

Gauntlet Dark Legacy Cover

I couldn't find a cover for this game so I made my own. Feel free to use it, I don't own anything on it! =D I admit, I may have gotten lazy on this one! =D

Click here to get back to my other custom retro game covers

Custom Made Video Game Replacement Covers by Nate

I usually make my own replica covers if I can't find the online! =D

Here's a list of custom covers I made for my loose video games. I usually make them when I can't find one online. Check out my step by step how-to guide on making custom video game replacement covers and where you can find pre-made ones already.

Sega Genesis Games

Action 52

Wardner


Game Boy / Game Boy Color/ GBA Cassette Covers
Survival Kids

Zelda Link's Awakening DX


X-Box
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Battle Nexus 2
Warriors, The


Dreamcast
Chronicles of Pern Dragon Riders
Max Steel

More games coming soon!

Custom Video Game Covers - Cheap Man's Collecting!

Want to get cheap games? Keep an eye out for "loose" disc games. For whatever reason, loose disc games are really cheap, usually $1 at garage sales.... and I usually talk it down being a true Thriftdweller!  I made a step by step how to guide for you to check out how to make your own reproduction video game covers! =D

Can you guess which my games are replica covers and which are real? 

"Nate's" Wardner Cover

I made this cover for my loose copy of Wardner on the Sega Genesis. It's put together from many generic elements of the original game. If you'll notice, 2 main people on the cover are from very popular franchises. Feel free to download the cover for your own use, I don't own any elements of the cover! Thanks for checking out the blog! =D

-Nate

Custom Action 52 Cover by Nate

A custom Action 52 cover I made by google-ing some pictures. I made this cover to fit standard Sega Genesis cases. I found the manual and cartridge for Action 52 at a garage sale last summer. Can't wait to get this printed! Feel free to download this cover for your own personal use! I don't own any of this stuff!

Click here to get back to custom cover gallery

Custom Nintendo Gameboy Covers

Did you know you could use old cassette tape covers as Nintendo Game Boy cases. It's easy, find some online custom cases for you print them at staples! =D Above you'll see my own creation (stolen from online wallpapers of course) for Zelda DX on Gameboy Color!  Check out the rest of the post (after the jump) to see a how-to video! 

Life is Busy!

Just had a text-chat with Ian and Lester about the status of Thriftdweller! It's tough right now to edit videos and keep up to date! I think we need to take a break right now and prepare! Maybe we'll do a Summer re-release again. It's hard to find the time and I don't want to rush making videos just for the sake of making videos. THis isn't suppose to be a job, just a past time. More updates to come! TD must meet and deliberate! =D

Mega Man Dr.Light Capsule!

Just found this, it's so dope! I want to make something like this! =D
-Nate

Who Would Win?

I made a sketch about a year ago and found it in the laundry room recently. It was suppose to be a response to a question from our friend and fellow blogger EDT1138 from youtube. He asked "who would win in a fight between Iron Man and Batman?" In true nate fashion, I said Wolverine! =D

A Thriftdweller Classic Video Pick

For those who don't know, I have a video blog called "Thriftdweller" with by best friend Lester. One of the perks of making a journal or video blog is that you can look back at how silly we were at our younger age. Granted it was only 2 years ago, I still invite you to check out some of my personal favourite videos! 

Da Vlog - Sailor Moon
Lester (co-blogger/best friend) and I used to have a video blog series called "Da Vlog" in season 2 of Thriftdweller. In this episode I end up singing Sailor Moon for some reason during our regular thrift store hunting! Check it out!

This Week's Pick Up Video

On this week's pickup video from my video blog Thriftdweller, we review all the finds of the week guest starring 64BitMatthew (a fellow YouTube blogger) and Ian Beardman from Thriftdweller! Check it out!

Lunch Time Sketches - Faxanadu

Inspired from the game Faxanadu by Hudson Soft. I still don't know what that sword REALLY is? 

This posts' sketch was inspired by Hudson Soft's FAXANADU

When I was in university, I used to sketch on breaks to just take my mind off the craxy-ness of the hospital. I did this a lot and usually just thew them away. I started doing this again since my work really does drive me nuts, this helps keep me balanced and lets me work on some sketching skills, only instead of throwing them away, I'll snap some pics for the blog! =D

Any requests, feel free to drop them in the comments or message me on facebook! =D

The Deku Mask Part 3 - Painting and Final Touches

The final part to finish your Deku mask. Remember, I'm just showing what I did and i encourage you to google other masks or put your own touches to make this mask your own! Now I present- The home stretch!

Bringing it to life! 

My Worst Predictions Ever!

"From the mouth of babes"
While cleaning my video game closet, I couldn't help but giggle when I found an old wrestling magazine and remembered when I was a child, I thought "Essa Rios is going to be the next big thing". Needless to say, that never happened, in fact I had some really dumb predictions growing up, everything from wrestling to video games. It inspired me to share my Top 5 Worst Predictions Ever!

The next big thing in wrestling ladies and gents! =D

"Cleanin' out my closet!"

Coming Soon - Nate's adventures in cleaning out the closet

Now that my retro video game convention is done, I have to organize my nerd closet from all the junk i've stock piled in it over the months of planning! 

"The Warriors" for X-Box by Nate

Since I couldn't find a cover for my X-Box version of "The Warriors" I made my own. Feel free to download and use this one for your self. This was pieced together from a PS2 version and an x-box template. Thanks for reading! =D

The Deku Mask Part 2 - Prep

Part 2 - Preparing for Paint!

After you've complete Part 1, you have your canvas ready to make the masterpiece! In this section, i'll show you how I prepared this "canvas" into the pre-paint stage! It's noteworthy to state you should feel free to use any variation to my "steps". This "how to" is a mix of many online DIYs and my own stuff, I'm sure your ideas will make your mask a lot better than mine! =D

The Deku Mask Part 1 - Paper Mache Time

This is the first step I'll be walking you through to make your own Deku Mask inspired from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, one of my favourite games of all time! 

You can build your own Deku Mask to wear or a wall display like this!

Remember in grade school doing Paper Mache? Well, we're going to kick it up a notch! In part 1 we're going from scratch to the base you'll need to crave out the Deku Mask. 

"It's Bloggin' Time!"

Being busy hosting my first video game convention and all my other life obligations I missed out journaling on my blog. There's really been a lot going in my my life, and it's sad I didn't chronicle it as it happened.

-REBIRTH-

I am redicated to my blog! I've started some new projects, revamping some old ones! My mind is always running, it's time to focus! 

Video Game Convention - Starting to plan next year's Retro Gamers Unite

Thriftdweller (My Video Blog) - Back to making (good) weekly videos!

Artistic Side - The NERDCRAFTING era has begun!

Personal Life - Gon' be a daddy in July 2014! =D

" It's easier to reflect on your thoughts and expirences when you can see them written."

-Nate

My Press Photos

It's an odd feeling to make press photos for yourself, but it feels like a necessity since I'ld hate for someone to use a candid Facebook picture of me for press.  :P

Should I change the name?

Here's a few ads i was going to post for my Retro Video Game Event... notice the two different names... I was trying to decide if I should change it now? Still thinking, anyone who can offer ideas, let me know =D

This Week's Pickups Budget

A week ago, I told my wife (and the community) that I probably spend less at the Thrift Store than people think. To prove it, I will make these lists with a total spent at the Thrift Store that week.

The week of Jan 18 - 25, 2014

The Pickups - Cost
Streets of Rage 2 Complete (Sega) - $3.99
Mortal Kombat 3 Complete  (Sega) - $3.99
WWF Tag Team Toy Belt - $1.99
Sewer Shark Puppet - $2.99
N64 with plug and 2 controllers - $14.99
Value Village Toy Bag - $2.99

This Week's Grand Total (before taxes) - $31

Diction

So, after watching hours of myself during editing of our Season 3 YouTube videos, I realize I have horrible diction. It's "season 3" of our YouTube channel... and I'm just realizing this now? Communication is an essential part of making videos, there lies my weakness... and opportunity of improvement.

Over Assimilating
This is the habit of blurring sounds of words together into more of a sound rather than a true word. I think I picked up this habit from my parents, as their first language was not english. A way to improve this is to talk aloud, especially sentences with a lot of "p's, t's, g's, and k/c's". (just google, there's a lot of great lines)

Slowing Down 
I'll admit, my mind runs and runs... It comes out in how fast I speak. Doing this also helps with preventing over assimilating. This goes hand in hand with being relaxed in my speech. I bet this also is related to my dyslexia (honestly). Sometimes I can't sit still, I bet I have a touch of hyperactivity.

Diction
With out diction you gets "wazzzzup" rather than "hey, what's up". Diction is the ability to articulate every letter in the word clearly.

My wife is going to think I'm crazy, speaking to myself in the basement! Truth is, I'm not only doing this for my "videos" but just to become a better speaker and communicator. I have bigger plans for myself in the future, communication is a vital tool for success. If I am going to be be surrounded by professional educated individuals, I better be able to play the part! It reminds me of 2 very special quotes that I'll end this post with.

1) Talk the talk, walk the walk (from one of my dad's old motivational tapes)
2) If I could say a few words... I'ld be a better public speaker! (Homer)

-Nate is editing youtube now =D

Here's a Picture!

In my video game collecting journey, this is what has been the most enjoyable part. Friendship =D (cheese)

Why Continue to Write?

Why do I continue to write on this blog, even though I know I get less than a handful of views on my posts? Like I said, this is my "personal" blog, it's for me. Like a little girl and their diary, but I don't mind if someone reads my diary. If you're one of the few that reads, thank you. If this Nate (me) 10 years from now reading this... I hope you didn't F*ck it up! =D 

Nate is planning how to achieve his goals.

-"Write down your goals so you can focus on achieving them... not remembering what they were" - Nate

Video Game Budget

I made a comment one video that got a few people wondering when I said "I spend 10% of my income on video games". My wife and I also bickered on my budget, she thinks I spend more than I actually do on video games, I bet other people do to.

The fact is, I do visit the thrift store often, but I rarely pick up. I just counted, in the basement right now, in the past 2 weeks, there's $60 worth of video game items. That's pretty average. Most of the items I pick up are $3.99 or less, the odd time I'll get a $5.99 game or something. I made a deal with my wife, I'll begin to actually count and add up what I spend to "shut her up" (her words). I'll post the totals periodically on this personal blog.

Nate is facebook promoting RetroGamersWinnipeg
-Did you know you could use the Sega Dreamcast rod in Virtua Tennis? (Thanks Sega Stoner)

Funny thing from today....

Well, I was stopped at the flea market a few times (2 to be exact) from people who recognize me and have been "talking" about this video game convention I am hosting! So I thought it be cool to share and clear up a few items.

1) It's not a convention... yet
Even though we're probably going to drop the "convention" for RetroGamersConventionWinnipeg (RGCW for short), we eventually want to be big enough to be considered a convention. #RetroHeartsWinnipeg on April 5th is just a retro video game themed charity event to help out Light House Mission =D

2) Do You Have your Licence?
We've been in regular contact with the licence office and have been clarifying and ensuring all proper licences will be in place for April's event

Added Story
It was also funny, a friend of mine stopped me and had a funny tale, when he was up north, I think Dauphin or something, he cleaned out his parents house I think, and took out a bunch of games from storage. Some how, a local "young-in" made a (low ball) offer on all these NES (Original Nintendo) games. My friend told this kid that it was a low offer... the kid mentioned that he's been watching this YouTube group called "thriftdweller" that taught him about how to buy video games... kinda funny.

Nate is currently promoting Retro Gamers Winnipeg on Facebook
-Never make an offer on a game if you wouldn't be willing to sell it for that price.

I Make Videos!

I make youtube video with my best friends on Thriftdweller

Nate is obsessed with American Horror Story

-Keep you friends close, destroy the rest

Essential Nintendo 64 List

If you didn't know it, I am an avid video game collector!

I recently asked my friend 64BitMatthew, a Nintendo 64 expert, to help me compile a list of essential Nintendo 64 games so I could focus my collecting. He surprised me with great list with descriptions on this topic! I pasted it here (after the jump) so I could refer to it in the future! Check it out!

The Final Product - It Has a Name

So my last post was about brainstorming, so here's the final product thus far. We really never stop changing and evolving... so this might change mid season into something else... Hope you enjoyed it!

You're unique, be yourself!
-Nate is watching Supernatural

Thriftdweller Season 3 Pickup Name

Thriftdweller is Nate's video blog with his best friend Lester! (we mostly talk about video games)
Yesterday I posted how i over come mental blocks. The reason I did was because I am having trouble coming up with a title for our Thriftdweller Season 3 pickup videos! It's a small thing, I know, but like I always recommend to my YouTube channel bloggers, give your videos your own flavour! Be unique and stand our, so just be yourself (since there's only one of you in the world, get it?)

Here's what I've come up with so far!

Nate is Brainstorm-ing
-Be You! Goodnight!

Mental Block and SCAT

I've grown up very "right brained", somewhat of an abstract mind and very obsessive too. I like being creative, so when I get stuck, you can imagine how difficult it would be for me to move on to anything else until I over come a mental block. 

One tool I've learned to do is "scat sing" mentally. All you sickos who think what I think you're thinking, gross! But for the good minded, scat sining is a jazz inspired form of expression, it's wordless. You make sounds to music, let your soul speak! Here's a clip from Chapelle Show that's a good example. 

Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler use to "scat" when coming up with songs, that's how "Dude looks like a lady" came from! I guess this is my way of saying "brainstorm"! There are no wrong answer on brainstorming! Lester and I throw ideas back and fourth all the time! This has proven to be a valuable tool!

-Nate is watching RAW IS WAR

"come on be my baby tonight!"

Happy Hunting to my Collectors!

Man, these transformer toys are really speaking to me! I am going transformer hunting for the first time ever this week end! I can't wait! Do YOU have any goals for collecting in 2014? New hobbies? Milestones for your current collecting??

Best of luck in 2014!

Nate is Thrift-dwelling!
-Happy Picker-ing

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I like the whole concept of resolutions for the new year! A fresh start is a mind set, so don't limit yourself to the beginning of the year! Set milestones, and WHEN you reach them, find more! 2014 is going to be a big year for me! (more on this to come!)

Nate's personal life goals 2014:

1) Health - more water, more veggies and fruits. Back to kickboxing! 

2) Negativity Shield - Don't let others control your world, control your destiny. Stay Positive.

3) Do Good - Help others (without being paid for it!)

Very general goals I know, but It's something I always strive to do anyways in my mind. Remember, goals are worth the paper they're written on, so write them down, then you can focus on achieving them rather than trying to remember what they were! 

All the best to everyone in 2014! Wishing you health and love! 

Nate is watching his wife sleep! 

-All the best!