Nerd

February 2015 Loot Crate Unboxing: Play!

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Loot Crate is a monthly subscription box for geeks and nerds. It has a variety of items that follow a monthly theme. February’s theme was “Play!” which was very exciting since my gaming group started playing more board games.

What’s in the Box?

Book, Cards and Dice

 

After finishing my last book “Skin Game” from Jim Butcher I’ve been wanting a new book to read. Thankfully Loot Crate put in “Ready Player One”. I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book from friends and online reviews. I’m not a huge fan of the Dystopian future genre but I will give this book a read. I recently read an article about Steven Spielberg directing the movie adaptation, which makes me want to start reading as soon as possible.

A new card game called Super Fight was also included. My first impression of it was the nerdy version of Apples to Apples and Cards Against Humanity. A few of my friends have played it and said it was a lot of fun. Hopefully I will be able to break out these cards in our next gaming session. Also included is a pair of dice that is used to play a game. The Loot Crate box (not shown) can be turned into a game board. The dice come with rules and the monthly magazine has punch outs. I haven’t looked over the rules but will update if I get a chance to play.

Figures and Bugs

The Munny figure is what I’m most excited about this month. I remember seeing these a few years ago in an art store and have been wanting to paint one. I’ve been painting miniature pieces for wargaming for two years now but this would be a new experience. Thankfully I can use my acrylic paints since I’m not that proficient with markers.

Also included were a Hex Bug, a code for the online game Firefly and a poster from Manny Peters. The Hex Bug looks cool but I haven’t played with them. I’ve received a smaller one in a previous crate but it’s still in its packaging. I’ve heard its very popular with younger children so I may give it to a sibling. The firefly ship code may get me to play this game. I didn’t know they were making this game until a month ago but it’s not too late to start.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think this crate was great. Usually I rate crates based on how many things I liked. I think “Ready Player One”, Munny Figure, and Super Fight were my favorite items in this box but the others are cool as well. I’m happy with this months box and hope the March crate is awesome. 
If you want to sign up use this link, http://looted.by/bYcFC. Use the promo code SAVE3 for $3 off any subscription. I also get credit towards my account if you use the link. If you have any questions, leave a comment at the bottom. 

August Loot Crate: Heroes

Nick PalomoLeave a comment

It’s the end of the month which means Loot Crates should be shipping. This months theme was “Heroes”, which is similar to last weeks theme “Villans”. I was pretty sure their would be some TMNT and Guardians of the Galaxy items since those movies were released recently. Overall I liked the contents of this months crate.

The Box

This box reminds me of old TMNT play sets I used to own. I had all the turtles and I used to keep myself entertained for hours. This was a cool touch; Loot Crate is releasing more unique box designs. I can’t wait to see what future boxes will look like. 

TMNT 

With a cool sewer box you need some TMNT! Kid Robot is the manufacturer of this mini. I like the quality of Kid Robot products and this one did not disappoint. Raphael is not my favorite character but I’m happy. If anyone wants to trade for a Leonardo figure, let me know. The mask sunglasses were pretty cool too. I will probably not use them since they feel small on my face. I’ll probably give that to my little brother.

Last But Not Least

The big item in this crate was the exclusive Funko vinyl of Groot. After watching Guardians of the Galaxy I became a fan. I didn’t read a lot of comic books when I was younger because they were too expensive but I may start reading this series. It seems like a interesting story. Other items include this months theme button, a magnet, a pair of sneaker wings, some codes for digital games and a mega man air freshener. That works out because i needed a new air freshener. 

Final Thoughts

I’m satisfied with the contents of this months crate. I thought it would have came with a t-shirt since Villans came with one. I’m starting to like the Funko vinyls and might start collecting more characters. I can’t wait to see what the great people over at Loot Crate have in store for next month.

If you want to subscribe to Loot Crate, use this URL: http://mbsy.co/cQvM. If you sign up with that link, it adds to a free crate for me. If you have any more questions, feel free to comment below. Until next time, Train Hard, Game Hard.

Nick                                                                          

Hope and JAW Grips

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My shoulders are sore after today’s WOD. I managed to RX the weight which is not too heavy. I’m still getting used to the snatch and the lighter weight was great for working on form and technique. Need to focus on opening up my hips and my shrug. I noticed I’m getting a lot better at my pull ups. I’m starting to string together almost ten pull ups before my grip gives out.

JAW hand grips are amazing. I use them for almost every WOD that has bar work. I haven’t had a single tear since. I just add some chalk to these bad boys and away I go. They do not need to be broken in which is a plus over gymnastics grips. If you’re having trouble with hand tearing, try these out. I hate missing a day or two because my hands are torn and now I may not miss another day. I picked these up from Wodshop.com check them out here.

Let me know if you have any questions, leave a comment at the bottom.

Dragon: The April Loot Crate

Nick PalomoLeave a comment
The twentieth of each month brings childlike excitement. My subscription box called Loot Crate is in the mail and on its way to my mail box. What is Loot Crate you ask? “Loot Crate is the monthly gear and swag club for those that live and embrace the geek and gaming lifestyle”. I love this concept since it makes every month feel like Christmas. The only thing known about the box before it ships is the theme. If you would like to know more about Loot Crate is you can check out the Loot Crate website. On to the LOOT!

I really like this months theme and the contents of this box. The dragon shield screen wiper is something I really need. The “dragon jerky” and dog tags are cool as well. I haven’t tried the jerky yet but I’m sure its going to be good. The D20 foam die is very cool. I may have to use it in a future DnD game. The random item was the Game of Thrones vinyl figure blind box. I pulled Rob Stark. He wasn’t the character I wanted but it’s cool. I also picked up “The Nord” from the elder scrolls series. I think it’s a promo for the upcoming MMORPG set in the Elder Scrolls universe. I can’t wait for next months crate! If you would like to subscribe to Loot Crate, you can use my personal link if you want to subscribe (http://mbsy.co/cQvM)!
Let me know what you think about the blog, leave a comment! Thanks

My first post and it’s a doozy!

Nick Palomo1 Comment

Hello everyone! I decided to start a blog that combined two thing I love, CrossFit and nerd anything. I hope you enjoy reading these as much as I enjoy writing them. Disclaimer: I am a horrible writer and bad with grammar. Hopefully, it will not be painful to read.

April 22, 2014

This is my first time doing a WOD of this type. I barely came under the time cap of 20 minutes. By my fifth round my shoulders were burning and needed a longer rest period. I think I could have been faster with a lighter weight. Hopefully I will be faster the next time we do this WOD. Thanks for checking out this blog. I will have more content soon.