Blingbox 360
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Apr 12th 2006 at 11:55AM }
Apparently the folks from Xbox's German division had some spare time on their hands — and some spare crystals! The gang decorated an Xbox 360 with thousands* of tiny crystals, paying a special homage to Tomb Raider's Lara Croft in the process. The unit is now valued at $11,000. Did we mention they're gonna give the thing away?
*Gamerscore Blog cites two very different crystal counts: 43,000 and 3,000.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jerome @ Apr 12th 2006 12:06PM
This thing is beautiful!!
mike @ Apr 12th 2006 12:07PM
What happened. Did someone buy Gates a Bedazzlers?
Chris @ Apr 12th 2006 12:17PM
Hate to be a downer but...
There are people in Sub-Saharan Africa who are so poor they do not have anything to eat, but in another part of the world someone has the money and free time to create such an unnecessary thing (did I mention said Africans spend all their time finding the next meal to live).
Something's not right here.
don_sf @ Apr 12th 2006 12:21PM
that looks horrible.
imagine a gold plated ps3, now that is nice.
Vince -UK @ Apr 12th 2006 12:22PM
Hope you're joking #3
Personally I think it looks a bit tacky with that xbox 360 underneath it.
killploki @ Apr 12th 2006 12:29PM
to #3
next time you are thinking about unnecessary things, stop and think about that computer you are sitting at with your high speed internet while posting your comments. almost everything we use in our everyday lives are unnecessary to survive.
Wonderflex @ Apr 12th 2006 12:44PM
Vince, I doubt #3 is joking. He's speaking to the very real truth that many regions of the world have far too much time, and money, on their hands, yet they do nothing with it to benefit others. We've got executives crashing stolen enzo's. Chocolate 360's. Crystal 360's. Power-brick 360's. I find it slightly
disheartning the types of things that we are willing to do without even stopping to think about those less fortunate.
That's the type of thing that gets me about Bill Gates and Microsoft in general. Don't you think that he could live off of $120,000 a year quite comfortably?
I know my family could have. And I know plenty enough
others who could have too, in American and abroad. It's nothing but pure greed when somebody makes as much as he does, yet keeps the majority of it just
to sit. He could be doing much greater things with his money; just like the makers of this could have - rather it be in South Africa, or Flint, Michigan.
#6 - I think there is a line between unnecessary things, and extremely unnecessary things. A computer may not be necissary, but then again, neither are shoes, haircuts, shaving, drinking anything other than water, driving anything (rather that be a car, bike, skateboard, or biodesiel Volkswagen bus).
Now, taking these unnecessary things as first priority in our lives, or adding to their extravegance, is just waste. You wouldn't buy a Plasma TV befor you fed your children. And you wouldn't get a Dodge Viper if it meant that you couldn't offord to pay for your house. If these things are true, then why would somebody make a crystal 360 instead of helping out their neighbor?
lunatech @ Apr 12th 2006 1:06PM
#6
Correction. If you require a computer to do a task in exchange for currency so that you may buy the things necessary for survival (food and shelter...and an occasional pair of shelltoe Addidas).
Granted since computers allow us to increase our productivity and in some industries, allow us to get paid more than what is required to just live the next day. A person concerned about the greater good could probably do something to help someone half a planet away.
Most people however use their funds to directly affect their immediate situation.
Leke @ Apr 12th 2006 1:06PM
#7 - That's the type of thing that gets me about Bill Gates and Microsoft in general. Don't you think that he could live off of $120,000 a year quite comfortably?
Before you start judging the man, look at how much money he has donated to charity over the past years, including somewhere in the region of $500 million to try and cure polio in the Third World.
lunatech @ Apr 12th 2006 1:08PM
*sorry for the incomplete sentence.
What I meant was a computer could be seen as a necessity if it makes you money... In so few words.
geves @ Apr 12th 2006 1:10PM
ummm. germany isn't africa's neighbor.
there's also people starving in germany, US, UK, ect... everywhere. yet that doesn't stop victoria secret from having a bra made of nothing but diamonds.
are you suggesting #3 that instead of buying high end computers, an SUV, or anything else that may be considered excessive. we give the money we could have spent to charities? like the christian funds, whom i'm sure pretty much say "convert to christianity and we'll give you some food" or at least they use it as a means to convert them.
or donate to the red cross, where they drop of food supplies by air, only to have it taken by the local government. so that they can use it to starve their own people? cuz that's happened before...guess where? africa.
now i see what your saying. it's needless. well yes it is. but this is a video game blog, not a world hunger/peace/save the forest/o-zone/politics/ect blog.
go donate you monsters!
Mario Man @ Apr 12th 2006 1:18PM
The problem stems from people disassociating themselves because they do not encounter or witness them everyday, hence the saying, “out of sight out of mind”. It is easy to have a clear conscious about shallow and ignorant things such as the x box pictured above or other senseless acts of opulence. If you were exposed to such a disparity on a regular basis, (the occasional "Save the Children" TV commercial does not count), your value system MAY be vastly different then if otherwise. There is a saying that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. Regardless of your religious background, it easy to see the morality of that idiom with the world having people living in gaudy opulence while simultaneously having some starving.
spoo @ Apr 12th 2006 1:19PM
Wonderflex, You should do some research before bashing Mr. Gates. Mr. Gates gives Billions of dollar to charities each year giving more then just what an accountant would tell him to give. Mr. Gates and his wife have big hearts when it comes to giving.
If you don't like living with in a capitalistic country try living in China and see how you like it.
spoo @ Apr 12th 2006 1:21PM
Wonderflex how much did you give to charity last year or even this month? Google and see how much Mr. Gates has given this year already.
Johnathan @ Apr 12th 2006 1:23PM
What difference does it make what People with money do with it? It's their money I don't feel one bit guilty about buying a car or piece of tech bling with my money. Why should I help out people in third world countries? Maybe their government should stop fighting amongst themselves and help out their own people instead of waiting for the rest of the world to feel sorry for them and bail them out. If we keep helping these people what is the motivation for them to do anything for themselves.
Rad Thad @ Apr 12th 2006 1:25PM
#7 - It's funny that you mention Bill Gates since he and his wife were named 2005's Persons of the Year by Time magazine for their charitable contributions to the world.
Taken from an MSNBC.com article on Time's choices for the honor: "The Gates Foundation funds hundreds of projects around the world primarily focused on public health, from vaccinating children to developing new drugs, as well as educational programs and scholarships in the United States and abroad."
Bill Gates has spent more money for philanthropic purposes than the entire Walton family (of Wal-Mart fame) combined. I'd generally agree with you that people, especially millionaires/billionaires, could give up a few luxeries in life to help out those in need, but your shot at Bill Gates is a little off-target. Sure, he hasn't dropped down a tax bracket to help the needy, but he is making a difference.
djork @ Apr 12th 2006 1:39PM
That is NOT worth $13000. No way, no how. They are just little plastic stick-on pieces simply called "Bling" and you can get it at any crappy cell phone accessory kiosk in the mall.
http://www.eforcity.com/crystal.html
neale @ Apr 12th 2006 1:58PM
i earn my money, ill spend it on the what the hell i want. even if that is a crystal 360.
dont bring in the poverty argument. everytime im in my own city i see homeless poeple littering the streets. if we cant sort it out at home then...
sell everything, and go to africa if u want to help. dont bitch here
hiroprotagonist @ Apr 12th 2006 2:07PM
The people in Africa are not starving because I have enough money to buy anything I want. Their starving because they live in a state that is oppressed by the local ruling party. Their starving because it is easier to control your local people when all they want is food. The local African ruling parties maintain control of the billions of dollars in aide that the USA and other Nations give them for this reason. By the way if you have never been to these countries in Africa They have a SHIT LOAD of any kind of gun you could every want to include Tanks and Jets all kinds of good stuff drugs you name it they have it.
Wonderflex @ Apr 12th 2006 2:22PM
Lol - the hillarity. The attack towards Gates is actually rather founded, due to the fact that he gives so little of what he actually could stand to. As I said, the man can easily give out every last drop of money that he makes each year until the day he dies, and he'll still have far to much money. FAR too much. When your wealth exceeds that all but 36 countries, then you have too much money. He's no saint, and he sure as heck isn't helping as much as he could. I live in Seattle, and I know what it's like to see Gates' name plastered on things that he through money at, yet he doesn't get his hands wet unless there is a camera around.
How much do I help? As much as I physically can with the homeless in our area. I don't make much money, and both my wife and I have to work two jobs just to make ends mee. We're not the type of people we are talking about living in excess though - I'm talking about those who cross the line of moderation, into the grounds of greed - especially without concern for those around them.
Flying Caveman @ Apr 12th 2006 2:33PM
The hearts of men...
LongshotX @ Apr 12th 2006 2:45PM
In every aspect of life there will always be someone who is better off than his fellow man. Many things we do or have especially in the "West" are unnecessary for survival. But there was a price to pay for the joys that we all take for granted. It would be well advised if everyone would count their blessings and be thankful what they have. And I'm almost certain that what you call "African" is not the name of who you are trying to describe. Do you realize how many tribes there are in Africa. And do you realize how much money people like Bill Gates gives away each year? He is on the top of the list of the most charitable people in America. Maybe even the world.
And yeah I'm sure he could live comfortable off a salary of $120,000 but he did what was neccessary to get him where he is. So just stop hating on the fact that he has tons of money. Money which you or I will probably never have. Well I might but probably no where near even 1/8 of his net worth. Just stop hating all I'm saying. This is a post about Blingbox 360. Not Stop this ignorant posting about Blingbox 360 and Joystiq should change it's name to JoyGive!
GR781 @ Apr 12th 2006 3:49PM
Bill Gates doesn't sit around on top of big wads of cash; the majority of his wealth is tied up in assets and for the mostpart his shares in microsoft. He runs microsoft; he can't just give away all the shares, and besides, by doing what he's doing he's actually helping quite a lot. As mentionned, he also gives a hell of a lot more to charity than anyone else, and he gives a greater proportion of his income than I'll bet you do. To be frank, he earnt what he got, noone has any right to tell him he doesn't deserve it, especially when by earning so much he actually contributes to society, as anyone with a vague grounding in economics can tell you;
His taxes go to your government, and are redistributed.
The fact that he is wealthy means that he spends more, which results in higher revenues from sales tax, and higher consumer spending overall means that there is economic growth , which benefits everyone.
Furthermore , the fact that people like him exist acts as an incentive, which leads to more a more efficient economy, which also results in more for everyone.
If people like Bill Gates didn't exist, you would be worse off.
Wonderflex @ Apr 12th 2006 5:42PM
#23 - Thinking of running for congress in Texas?
Andrew @ Apr 12th 2006 6:14PM
Bill Gates can't just sell all his shares and give it all away at once. Investors tend to panic when large amounts of shares are sold by the top executives. Thus making investors believe there is something internally wrong with the company. Thus the stock will tank.
Hart704 @ Apr 12th 2006 7:32PM
Looks pretty cool. Good thing it's not as stupid as the "gold xbox" (http://kma.me.uk/?p=200) that I saw on eBay awhile ago.
jino @ Apr 12th 2006 10:43PM
This sucks. It looks like crap. I would prefer and ultimate gamers set up to this junk. I mean it probably overheats and who the hell would put that gaudy thing out in front of their friends. I would laugh my ass off if I saw someone with this piece of junk.
Lloyd @ Apr 13th 2006 1:31AM
wow.. how this got turned into "starving people in Africa" thing.. that is beyond me.
The person who buys this will probobaly also own a $500,000 car.. and you're bitching about spending the money on the xbox.. right...
Kenneth G. Terral @ Apr 14th 2006 12:52AM
To whom much is given, much is required. Let each one give as he purposes in his own heart, not out of duty, or grudgingly, but with a cheerful heart.
We all need to improve in this area. But it is kind of wasteful to coat an 360 X-box with Crystals. But don't we all do selfish and stupid things with what the creator has given us? Like our time, money, resources, relationships. God blesses people so they can bless others. He also gives all of us the abilty to get out of bed every morning to go and earn a living. It all comes from Him. So let's use it for the good of humanity and the glory of God.
Turge @ Apr 14th 2006 9:07AM
Kind of funny that it says "Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry" just before you post a comment. Some people just don't read anything. Like the amount Bill Gates gives to charity. It's entirely up to individuals to decide how much they want to donate to charity. Some of you obviously seem like people who like to mess with other people's business since you're obviously lacking something in your own lives.
2 things:
- Get a life
- Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry