Gizmodo: excess

Xbox 360 Played on Dallas Cowboys' 11,200 Square Foot Screen

Dan Nosowitz — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:45:00 EDT

The current largest video screen in the world, in the Dallas Cowboys stadium, measures an insane 159x71 feet. Feet! And what better way to show that immensity off than by playing a little Gears of War?

Apparently the gamer who masterminded this hedonistic joyride was Steve Fatone, brother of *NSYNC's Joey and music video director for luminaries like, um, the Jonas Brothers. So maybe his taste in music is suspect, but we think we just might get along with him anyway, after this indulgence. [Engadget]

What Lies In The Shadow Of The Statue? Dubai, Of Course!

Jack Loftus — Sun, 10 May 2009 18:30:00 EDT

OK. Sorry for the geeked out LOST reference. Couldn't help it. But seriously, Dubai is planning to build this huge, talking statue for the Zaabeel Park. And I think there's a discotheque in the head.

Called al hakawati (the storyteller), the naked Dr. Manhattan/Jolly Green Giant monolith will ironically contain a children's library in the feet, some elevators, and will—get this—move as it recites stories to passers-by.

Special joints in the arms and neck will ensure the people lounging around inside don't notice the movement, and that the elevators work properly. The gaudy "Gold Room" (looks like a discotheque to me, hit the link) will take up most of the head, with the eyes serving as view ports.

Dubai has outdone itself again.

Updated: Yes, this appears to be a contest entry, and could be built someday. But it's Dubai, so I remain convinced this will stand tall near the Burj al Arab. [Design Boom via Design Blog]

Diamond-Coated Nokia N95 Costs $24,000 (Limit 10 Per Customer)

Wilson Rothman — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:26:38 EDT

Phew. After months of waiting, your diamond-encrusted Nokia N95 is finally ready. In fact, Alexander Amosu, ringtone mogul and maker of the oh-so-necessary golden iPod, has built 10 of these N95s, each with 325 diamonds covering its 18-karat white gold surface. You'll be glad to hear that when you pay the £12,000 sticker price, your phone also gets a year of "free" concierge service and a limited-edition number—you know, from 1 to 10. [Amosu]

Richest Man in India Building a 60-story Home

Adam Frucci — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 12:45:31 EDT

If you thought a 205-inch TV was a symbol of conspicuous consumption, wait till you see this. The richest man in India is building a 60-story home for himself and the 600 people who serve him. Yeah, 600. It'll include 6 floors of parking space for his cars, 3 helipads, elevated gardens, and a health club. The square footage is greater than that of Versailles, and while the architecture looks pretty cool, it's excessive to the point of being really disgusting.

It's seeing things like this that make me admire Bill Gates and his foundation even more. Talk about contrast. –Adam Frucci

Mumbai Mirror [via Core77]