There's an old argument about if Video Games are educational or not and i could go on for an hour explaining many reasons why i believe they are.
But i would like to just explain one theory i have. I like to call it the 'Tetris Effect'
'The Tetris Effect' which explains why people can have a better understanding of daily puzzles because of growing up playing games like Tetris.

For example. In my experience of manual labour, i have noticed that some people have an ability to sort or organize stock neatly, and some simply cannot. While working in a double glazing company for, there were many occasions every week where glass has to be stacked in batches and stacked neatly to avoid breakage. Preferably, you stack larger units at the back and smaller units toward the front. Sometimes you will stack a smaller unit next to a larger one to utilize space. I found this easy and would take no time at all. However some people can take ages doing the same job and the final result would be a mess!

Another example i saw today, our head of sales was trying to stack plastic 'open topped' mail boxes on top of each other. These boxes are designed to fit inside each other to minimize space when storing them empty. When they are packed with envelopes, simply turn one box around before stacking it on top the other and the box sits neatly on top the other without sinking in and damaging the envelopes. Repeat this for each full box being stacked. However, our head of sales found this very confusing and struggled to understand 'the way it works'.

So my theory to explain this is the 'Tetris Effect'.

Of course, maybe this is not always true, a lot of it can be put down to common sense right? True, but maybe we can 'boost' our common sense? After all, Tetris IS just another puzzle game. Surely it has similar effects to playing Sudoku or doing a Crossword everyday!

Next time you see someone that can't grasp a seemingly 'easy' task, ask them if they are a Gamer!

Project Kahn’s discerning customers have often pushed Afzal Kahn to produce an Audi which is not only optically different but sportier with a more intense driving experience!

And the result of Afzal Kahn’s dalliance with the new 07/57 3.0 Audi A5 sport offers a whole new breadth of excitement, taking the Audi A5 to a whole new dimension.

Afzal Kahn’s philosophy was always to combine mechanical perfection and exterior beauty, and the Project Kahn pearl white Audi A5 is wholly unmistakable, with every external modification serving to coax greater performance from the car.

The A5’s smooth, extended contour is immediately recognizable with an outstanding styling package consisting of a front and rear bumper unit with side blades, rear boot spoiler and a stainless steel sports quad exhaust system.

Inside is the “bespoke touch” with a complete quilted leather interior in perforated nappa. In addition, a lowered suspension (35mm), pearl silver door mirrors, pearl front and rear diffuser, red dials in matt finish, pearl silver door mirrors, stainless steel kick plates and billet aluminum pedals – demonstrates improved interaction, precise control of the wheels and the car as a whole with a sense of power, performance and style.


Evolved through skilled artistic innovation and state-of-the art manufacturing and materials technology- our 21-inch RSL lightweight wheels with black and red stripes – exemplify what A. Kahn Design is all about: elegance and skilled artistic innovation.

Project Kahn has a tradition of making super-sport versions of successful models. As one of the UK’s leading design houses, we recognise the importance of staying true to the original design themes of cutting edge luxury vehicles, while evolving them to achieve a new and dynamic appearance.

A complete Project Kahn Audi A5 Coupe Sport will cost £31,875.00.

Visit:        Kahn News  |  Kahn Design

Sometimes, Nombo and Nafo's conversations can go a little of topic. Here's the first in a new feature called 'Ramblers'

Nathan Hearn I hear you were looking at that little VW Polo for your misses? that was tidy, low miles as well I thought.

Nombo Parfo yeah it looks tidy, but we cant get her insurance lower than 1255!

Nathan Hearn Fooking hell!!!!! It's only a 1L ain't it. Prop got something to do with the fact it's Germanified..

Nombo Parfo nothing to do with the car, it just will not go lower than 1255 no matter what we try, even tried to insure her on this, brand new but tax and mot exempt!

Nathan Hearn Yeah but in all fairness the above does have Rims all round, stainless steel roll cage & bright red directional handler fitted. It's no surprise really!

Nombo Parfo has the vehicle been modified in anyway? ..no... 

Nathan Hearn I don't see any seats, thus meaning it's more than likely a Sports Trolley. They are straight away category 16 & more. Those tyres look pretty bald, more than likely slicks. Meaning again Sports or Racing.

Nathan Hearn Ah this 1 has a seat but again those slicks are on there. However there are no headlights or indicators, so it'll be a track vehicle only, no wonder it won't be insured..

Nombo Parfo regarding the methane comment: truer that you realise!

Nombo Parfo but this is a 3 wheeler which you can drive on a bike licence.

Nathan Hearn ‎:-@ oh dear lord.. Lmao

Nombo Parfo and i'm sure qualifies for some kind of mobility allowance?

Nathan Hearn You'd think, but then again where are the kids gonna go? Does it come with sidecars?

Nombo Parfo strap em to the roof with this roofrack option..

Nombo Parfo there's a sports option aswel for single blokes, great for picking up chicks.

Nathan Hearn It's got bling which the ladies love, it seems quick which the ladies love. Plus room for your beers, it's a win win!

I have to say i agree with the new government plans to make cigarette boxes plain and having them stored out of site.

I'm sure they don't think it’s going to STOP you buying a packs of cigarettes but it will decrease the amount of sales and decrease the amount of NEW smokers, based mainly on the fact that currently, some smokers will buy milk and bread and see the shiny cigarettes behind the counter and think "oh, i better get some fags as well". The number of new smokers has decreased since the public ban and it is because of the negative image that the government is painting. Making cigarettes less attractive and "out of sight, out of mind" WILL add to this negative image and help decrease the sales of cigarettes. This is a good thing (how can anyone say smoking less is bad?). Smoking does nothing beneficial for you except quash your craving for a short time. At least if they made you feel drunk like alcohol does it would be so bad!... but they don’t.

When i stopped smoking, i literally put my money in a jar and after the first 10 weeks, bought a brand new xbox 360 with loads of games. And why did i give up? because the government were about to impose a smoking ban in public places and i already felt like a slave to cigarettes as it was, without being told where i could and could not smoke them! i wanted to do it for me, not the government. But doesn't that mean it worked? and the government didn't gain from it! And now we all have to admit that 'smoking' has a much worse 'image' than it did 6 years ago. The government didn't stop us smoking in homes, yet when people visit friends/family the question is "mind if i pop out back for a cigarette". 6 years ago the same situation would have heard the question "have you got an ashtray". This is how people have reacted to the negative image smoking now has.

I think we all have to remember that smoking is bad for you, it does nothing good for you. it doesn’t make you feel good, only makes your cravings go away if you already smoke. They aren’t' stopping you, only discouraging you. I hate the government as much as the next guy, and usually don't get involved in politics but if they ever did one thing that wasn't selfish or greedy, this is it. They do not stand to gain from it.

To summarize: If you already smoke 20 a day, you ain’t gonna stop! but don't take this new campaign personally. Just be happy in the knowledge that when we are dead and gone our children, and children's children, will be HUGELY less likely to be smoking, and will feel much better for it. They certainly wont be missing out on anything will they!

That’s it… you can go for a fag now!

(taken from kahnnews.com)

www.wrinklyninja.com’s approach to games has found an audience in the most remote corners of the planet, and ensured the owner and original creator of the web site, (known by his online pseudonym) Nombo, is somewhat of a cult figure.

And Nombo’s choice of vehicles in the Test Drive Unlimited 2 computer game has only added to his massive cult status. Upon purchasing a standard range rover sport, Nombo moves the car to the spray shop where users can choose a number of different shaped decals to create images and shapes.

He decided to ‘personally’ recreate the Project Kahn Vesuvius edition and the cosworth – to somewhat match his father and uncle’s bespoke Project Kahn Range Rovers.

The man himself spoke to Kahnnews.com about the profound impact the Kahn brand has had with computer game fans, his own cult status and why being a fan of A. Kahn Design runs in the family.

What do you think of A. Kahn Design?
 As a Graphic designer and artist, I have great respect for things of beauty. That’s how I see the cars that are produced by A. Kahn Design. Each car is designed and built specifically to an idea that sets out to create an elegant and original masterpiece and that’s what makes them so desirable.

How long have your father and uncle had their respective Project Kahn vehicles?
They’ve had them a while now, around 4 years, and whenever they are thinking about getting something new, you will only catch them looking at the new designs on the Kahn Website.

They go to a professional valet once a month and since they’ve owned them for a while, they’ve had a few things done like additional metal side steps, polished wheels, personal plates and more. When I showed my uncle that I had replicated his Range Rover in the game ‘Test Drive Unlimited 2’, he said “oh, that’s my baby!”

So they love them to say the least!

What do your friends and colleagues think of Afzal Kahn’s designs?
People love the designs. Video gamers don’t like normal standard things. They like things that stand out, something that makes them special and different than everyone else. For example, when playing shooting games, we all want the illusive ‘Golden Gun’. That’s what is so appealing about A Kahn Design; the cars are unique and elegant. Kahn design has something for everyone and the Kahn smart car proves that! 

The general remarks we get when talking about A. Kahn designed vehicles is “I’ll own one of those when I’m rich and famous.”

So, they are seen as desirable high class items! You could say they are the ‘Golden Gun’ of the car world!

Tell us about your role at wrinklyninja.com
 I am the owner and original creator of wrinklyninja.com, and now I also write a lot of gaming news articles and blogs. I Design everything you see on our website.

Around 6 years ago I saw a growing social trend in games. More people were becoming friends and playing together online. I started a small website for people to join and discuss gaming. We had a little group going and now with the hugely increased interest in gaming I wanted somewhere gamers can go online and purchase games and accessories at great prices. But I didn’t want to lose the community side of what I do, so we have a retail site: wrinklyninja.com and community site: wrinklyninja.freeforums.com.

Would fellow car enthusiasts like to see an A. Kahn Design video game? If it did happen, would it go down well, in your opinion?
A ‘stand-alone’ Kahn game would be awesome! Maybe you start of with one of the lower cars like the Smart, and work your way right up to the Veyron, by earning money from races or even from car shows, but the options don’t end there. One possibility for example, would be some content in an existing game. 

The beauty of downloadable content means that it would not be impossible for Kahn Design to have a Sales Forecourt on an existing game such as Test Drive Unlimited 2. The Garage could sell a number of different cars already available within the game but with the stage 1, 2 or 3 upgrades, just like in real life. and with the introduction of 3D games technology, it would be great to walk around a 3D project Kahn vehicle and really look at the fine detail before you buy!

Also, with the arrival of Forza Motorsport 4 at the end of this year, you can expect to see plenty of my personally designed Kahn cars for sell in the auction house!

How long how you been working in the video game industry?
I remember the day my uncle let me play on his Commodore + 4 back in the early 80′s when I was around 4 years old. I immediately went and told my mother and father all about the game.

Then, when I owned my own Sega Master system, I had to tell them every progress I made and how I did it. I think it annoyed them but that didn’t stop me talking about games! So you could say it all started then.

The thing I like most about working in the industry is that I know my customers are interested in games just as much as I am. I can have a great in-depth conversation with another gamer about when a certain game is being released or what its content will be. You don’t get that selling groceries or double glazing!

I love how you can lose yourself in a game for a while, take some time out and have some fun. Some stigmata is still attached to gamers but in reality it’s becoming a very socially acceptable thing to do. There’s nothing I like better than teaming up with friends for a gaming session.

Games like ‘Test Drive Unlimited 2′ and the ‘Forza Motorsport’ series allow all sorts of people from all over the world, with a common interest, to get together and do what they love doing.

Just last night I ‘virtually’ drove to the casino in Hawaii in my new Kahn/Cosworth Range rover! You pass other players from all over the world and it gets a lot of looks and attention. Random users question the design and are surprised when I tell them it’s not available as a standard car in-game.

Are you going to show off any more A. Kahn Design vehicles to fellow Test Drive Unlimited 2 players?
 I’d love to do them all eventually, especially the Aston Martin. But the reason I chose to start with the Range Rover Sport and Cosworth is that they are very significant paint designs that are easily recognizable.

I can paint the unique ‘burnt-orange’ bonnet and roof design or the blue on white Cosworth design and it’s easy to tell it’s a Kahn. Maybe in future games, as game detail increases; I can add custom Kahn Wheels or body kits and have a garage full of Kahn Designed Vehicles. I may even create a whole new Kahn Design…

And as a reward for my efforts and loyal fanatical gaming input, you could ask Mr Kahn to send me his Veyron?… or maybe the just the R8?… no? ok, I’ll settle for a signed poster… you can’t blame me for trying!

For more information visit: www.wrinklyninja.com

Here's how to make 'Normal' Pankcakes:

Ingredients.
120g/4oz plain flour
pinch salt
2 free-range eggs
210ml/7fl oz milk
90ml/3fl oz water
1 tbsp vegetable oil
butter, for frying

Preparation method.
1. Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl.
2. Make a well in the centre and crack in the eggs.
3.In a separate bowl mix together the milk and the water.
4. Beat the eggs into the flour with a wooden spoon and gradually beat in the milk and water mixture to get a smooth liquid the consistency of single cream.
5. Stir in the oil and allow to stand for 30 minutes before using.
6. Heat a non-stick frying pan until very hot, then add a small knob of butter. Ladle in a ladleful of the batter, quickly turning the pan to coat the base evenly with the batter. Cook for 30 seconds to one minute, until the base is lightly browned.
7.Using a palette knife, gently flip the pancake over and cook on the other side for a few seconds, until lightly browned. Slide the pancake onto a plate, cover with greaseproof paper and keep warm. Repeat the process with the remaining batter. To serve, sprinkle the pancakes with caster sugar and lemon juice, then fold twice to form triangles. Serve with lemon wedges alongside.

 ...and Here's how to make Ninja Pancakes:
 1. Buy them ready made from the shop.
2. Warm them up.
3. Tell everyone you made them yourself!

SERVE WITH AWESOMESAUCE!