Tom's Hardware has an article about 2P's Virtual Keyboard.
Effectively it is just a light that projects the image of a keyboard onto a surface, but this is an image you can use to type documents with on your PDA.
This technology has huge potential, even for devices that have no visible interface. Imagine a black box with only this as its interface, it could project not only the keyboard, but the device's output screen onto a flat surface, thus allowing the devise itself to be incredibly small.
The application for this is huge and I am sure we will all be using this in a few years to come in objects from mobile phones to watches or pens with built smart functions.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Nintendo Revolution Rumours
Link
I remember a technology not too long ago called iFeel by Immersion that allowed a feeling sensation. And after digging through their website I found This paper on the technology.
There has been a TON of speculation on Nintendo's upcoming console but little is actually known about it. There are so many different ideas that no one really knows what to think. So here are some supposed "facts" about the Revolution. I can't reveal my source because I've been asked not to. Sorry guys. I would say that this info has at least a 65% chance of being accurate. My source has been right before and he's also been wrong. Here goes......Touching is certainly different to feeling something because when we feel we gain knowledge of it's texture.
Ok first things first. Yes, Nintendo will utilize gyros in it's controllers. I think most people pretty much already took this as fact. Also, the Rev will indeed have dual processors. Also broadband is built in, no modem to buy. Nintendo has an online strategy in development. It will be implemented on the DS first. There are no current plans to connect the DS and the Rev....the GB Evolution on the other hand......
The Rev will have four controller ports. It will have a hard drive which will be used in much the same way as the 64DD was supposed to be used. Things like Dolby Digital 5.1 and high def monitor support are included. There is no type of virtual reality or any kind of headset planned. It is backwards compatible with Gamecube games. It will use the HD-DVD format and not Sony's Blu-Ray. Controllers are not wireless, but wireless controllers are planned. It will launch with an unnamed Mario game and work on Zelda has already begun. Super Smash Brothers is in mid development and will be a launch title.
Ok so what's the Revolutionary part? That's what you all want to know. Well my source wouldn't tell me. He said it would get him into too much trouble, and could give Sony and Microsoft an advantage at this stage in the game. But he did say this; "if you think too hard you'll never guess what it is. It's nothing "new" technically speaking. It's just something that hasn't really been applied to video games yet."
He then said "touching is good but feeling is better". What exactly that means I have no idea. Some sort of force feedback device? We already have rumble packs.
I remember a technology not too long ago called iFeel by Immersion that allowed a feeling sensation. And after digging through their website I found This paper on the technology.
Textures are often assigned to areas on the screen to make an object or background feel scratchy, grooved, grainy, or bumpy.It also goes on to talk about sensations of touching different grades of friction, like sandpaper, but honestly I can't see how this technology would be revolutionary to gaming. It's nice and brings an added experience, but it won't bring people back to Nintendo. If this is the technology hinted at then maybe there could an application I am not seeing. Maybe individual buttons could be textured or maybe an analogue stick could be textured differently to the controller's casing. I don't know, but Nintendo needs to pull something out of the hat soon otherwise they will continue to loose market share. And in that case gamers will only have a choice between the Sony people will buy anything PlayStation and and the Microsoft unleash the dogs of war XBox. And the industry can only move forward through competition so it needs Nintendo.
Napster Might Offer Movies In The Future
Might! What kind of company are they!
I have been waiting for something like this for so long I have made Other Arrangements. There are online solutions for people in the US, but nothing in the UK. Eventually all forms of media will be delivers over the internet, so why companies aren't jumping at the chance to be 'first to market' is beyond me.
I have been waiting for something like this for so long I have made Other Arrangements. There are online solutions for people in the US, but nothing in the UK. Eventually all forms of media will be delivers over the internet, so why companies aren't jumping at the chance to be 'first to market' is beyond me.
Data Exchange
This is the reason why we have the Data Protection Act in the UK.
Unfortunately it is in the US Government's interest to encourage this kind of thing because it allows them to practically simulate the opinions of their greater population and that gives them more control. Fortunately here in the UK we run our own government, and that body understands that this kind of thing can remove an individuals right to privacy.
The only problem with the Data Protection Act is that organisations are obligated to actively dispose of un-useful information. So if say I was to phone one of my old schools and ask about my attendance they wouldn't be able to tell me because the Data Protection Act forces them to dispose of any information that is not necessary for them to record.
The government is now allowing specific bodies like the Department Of Education to archive this data, but future historians will curse the Act for everything its worth, because great records like the Domesday Book provide an important view into our past. Just like the ability to look back over a hundred years of weather data allows us to predict our climate, to see the effects of Global Warming, but even more importantly allows us to discover hidden problems like Global Dimming. So can other archived data be useful in other ways.
Unfortunately it is in the US Government's interest to encourage this kind of thing because it allows them to practically simulate the opinions of their greater population and that gives them more control. Fortunately here in the UK we run our own government, and that body understands that this kind of thing can remove an individuals right to privacy.
The only problem with the Data Protection Act is that organisations are obligated to actively dispose of un-useful information. So if say I was to phone one of my old schools and ask about my attendance they wouldn't be able to tell me because the Data Protection Act forces them to dispose of any information that is not necessary for them to record.
The government is now allowing specific bodies like the Department Of Education to archive this data, but future historians will curse the Act for everything its worth, because great records like the Domesday Book provide an important view into our past. Just like the ability to look back over a hundred years of weather data allows us to predict our climate, to see the effects of Global Warming, but even more importantly allows us to discover hidden problems like Global Dimming. So can other archived data be useful in other ways.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Another WOW Comic
Snafu-Comics
Penny Arcade did a hateful post about how WOW servers are always down, but I can't like to them because they too have server problems.
Penny Arcade did a hateful post about how WOW servers are always down, but I can't like to them because they too have server problems.
CeeBot Teaching Everyone How To Programme
I have been meaning to post this for a while now, but I just haven't gotten round to writing this and anyway there has been plenty of other stuff to talk about.
Before I started my work placement at the primary school I wondered wither anybody would ask me, what the best way to teach their kid programming skills and I wondered this myself because I am sure many programmers spent weeks writing example code without understanding the structure and how things related. I know that doesn't happen with any of the visual languages, but I started with Java.
Anyway the answer seems to be a program called CeeBot. Basically it gives you a robot in a virtual environment that you have to program (so it can complete tasks). To program the robot you have to learn CeeBot's coding language which is similar to C.
It is very simple and even the advanced problems don't require you to program object orientated code, but as an introduction to programming it is excellent because it teaches instruction ordering, syntax, debugging, loops, conditions, veriable declaration, properties and methods. So other than teaching about inheritance, interfaces and input it's almost all there.
The demos are fun and I would recommend CeeBot-4 to all the other versions available, simply because it has plenty of problems, and you are taught everything gradually. Plus it starts off easy, gets harder, ends with a challenge and allows you to be creative.
I have completed all the problems. I did have to read the help text at the start of each section to findout what the problem was and what code it was trying to teach me, but all the problems are solvable. I highly recommend it to anybody who has considered learning to code, but coding is like Kung Fu, the more you practise and the more techniques you learn the better you become.
Before I started my work placement at the primary school I wondered wither anybody would ask me, what the best way to teach their kid programming skills and I wondered this myself because I am sure many programmers spent weeks writing example code without understanding the structure and how things related. I know that doesn't happen with any of the visual languages, but I started with Java.
Anyway the answer seems to be a program called CeeBot. Basically it gives you a robot in a virtual environment that you have to program (so it can complete tasks). To program the robot you have to learn CeeBot's coding language which is similar to C.
It is very simple and even the advanced problems don't require you to program object orientated code, but as an introduction to programming it is excellent because it teaches instruction ordering, syntax, debugging, loops, conditions, veriable declaration, properties and methods. So other than teaching about inheritance, interfaces and input it's almost all there.
The demos are fun and I would recommend CeeBot-4 to all the other versions available, simply because it has plenty of problems, and you are taught everything gradually. Plus it starts off easy, gets harder, ends with a challenge and allows you to be creative.
I have completed all the problems. I did have to read the help text at the start of each section to findout what the problem was and what code it was trying to teach me, but all the problems are solvable. I highly recommend it to anybody who has considered learning to code, but coding is like Kung Fu, the more you practise and the more techniques you learn the better you become.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Random Thought (Games For Girls)
Last Christmas when I was choosing what films to Give My Mum For Christmas. I realised that girl films are very different to guy films. And it just occurred to me that this must go for games too.
I have almost identified what makes a good chick flick, but games are different because girls don't influence game design yet. So I could be onto something original here.
I have this book at home where I write down game concepts, story ideas, characters and stuff in, just banking ideas so they are there when I need them and since I have been doing this for a few years now I can see where my male attitude to gaming has taken me. So I am now wondering whether I could do something very insightful with my knowledge of chick films and apply what I do know to game concepts. Eventually thinking of something truly original.
Something that has been bugging me for ages now is that whenever somebody has asked me what i want to do with my life, I don't know what to say. There are places I want to go, things i want to do, but as far as life work goes I don't know. Most people change job direction three times within their lifetime, but one thing I would love to do, is make a computer game and I have been working towards that goal, but I also have a desire to start some kind of company. I know how hard it is to do, and I know the stress would be horrible, but it's one of those calling desires I have always had. A company to do what I don't know. A computer repair shop would be easy to make a success, but that would require me to micromanage the business until the day I died and I don't want to go down that road because it is the wrong kind of place to be. I am going down the road as a programmer and gaming guru, but looking at the state of the industry and looking at how crowded it is going to become, I don't know if that is where I want to be.
I have almost identified what makes a good chick flick, but games are different because girls don't influence game design yet. So I could be onto something original here.
I have this book at home where I write down game concepts, story ideas, characters and stuff in, just banking ideas so they are there when I need them and since I have been doing this for a few years now I can see where my male attitude to gaming has taken me. So I am now wondering whether I could do something very insightful with my knowledge of chick films and apply what I do know to game concepts. Eventually thinking of something truly original.
Something that has been bugging me for ages now is that whenever somebody has asked me what i want to do with my life, I don't know what to say. There are places I want to go, things i want to do, but as far as life work goes I don't know. Most people change job direction three times within their lifetime, but one thing I would love to do, is make a computer game and I have been working towards that goal, but I also have a desire to start some kind of company. I know how hard it is to do, and I know the stress would be horrible, but it's one of those calling desires I have always had. A company to do what I don't know. A computer repair shop would be easy to make a success, but that would require me to micromanage the business until the day I died and I don't want to go down that road because it is the wrong kind of place to be. I am going down the road as a programmer and gaming guru, but looking at the state of the industry and looking at how crowded it is going to become, I don't know if that is where I want to be.
The Scenic Route (Microsoft MapPoint)
Mapping software isn't perfect, but check This at Language Log, a round Europe trip just to get from one end of Norway to the other.
Click This Link and see for yourself.
Click This Link and see for yourself.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
The Jacket (Trailer)
Normally I hate it when films show you plot points in the trailer, but The Jacket probably has a better trailer because of it.
Monty Python's Spamalot
It's a theater production lovingly ripped off from the film and I really want to see This. I don't actually want to see it for the Photon element, more that Time Curry is playing King Arther and apparently he is a god on stage.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Darwinia Demo
Indie games are games developed by independent developers with no publisher investment. These are real basement and garage developers, developing out of their own time and money. As large developers struggle with the growing cost of development, more and more indie developers appear, taking advantage of easier development environments, coding practises and more user-friendly code resources.
Intraversion is one of the better known indie developers because of their first title Uplink, where players become contract hackers on a virtual internet. The game has been praised for being the best hacker sim made to date and it really is.
Anyway I digress Darwinia is their second title. It is at it's core a strategy game set inside a world that has been infected by a virus. It is your job to cleanse the world of that virus.
The gameplay is too different to give a short description or comparison, but it uses a mouse gesture system and requires the player to produce vulnerable units and move them safely to mission critical areas.
I have completed all the objectives on the first level, but the only problem I have with the game is that I have no idea how to move to the second level.
If you want to give eXeem a go Here (darwinia-demo.exe) is a link.
Intraversion is one of the better known indie developers because of their first title Uplink, where players become contract hackers on a virtual internet. The game has been praised for being the best hacker sim made to date and it really is.
Anyway I digress Darwinia is their second title. It is at it's core a strategy game set inside a world that has been infected by a virus. It is your job to cleanse the world of that virus.
The gameplay is too different to give a short description or comparison, but it uses a mouse gesture system and requires the player to produce vulnerable units and move them safely to mission critical areas.
I have completed all the objectives on the first level, but the only problem I have with the game is that I have no idea how to move to the second level.
If you want to give eXeem a go Here (darwinia-demo.exe) is a link.
eXeem Is NOW
The future of P2P just released Public Beta 0.20.
You can get the download from the Website.
You can get the download from the Website.
Tim Burton's New Film
For a long while now The Nightmare Before Christmas has had a cult following and I have wondered if Tim would ever do another film in the same styling.
Well it's finnaly here in the form of The Corpse Bride.
Well it's finnaly here in the form of The Corpse Bride.
Random Fact
I still haven't disposed of that spiders corpse.
It stares at me lifeless in its squished state from the windowsill.
It stares at me lifeless in its squished state from the windowsill.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
State Of The Market (PVRs)
For anybody that doesn't know a PVR (Personal Video Recorder) is simply a box with a hard drive in, that connects to your TV and allows you to do loads or really cool stuff like pause live TV, set recording options (so you never miss an episode of anything ever again) and rather than having to search through video tapes to find what you recorded the previous day it presents all recordings in a nice list on-screen. All that plus the interactive TV guide makes them the future of TV recording.
I want one simply because I have other things to do when the shows I want to watch are on and I am missing more and more shows because of this. Plus I am too lazy to fiddle with the VCR. So for the past month I have really been looking into PVRs, and here is my roundup of the solutions available.
At the moment I am looking to get a DHD4000, but there is still the 75% coverage issue with Freeview. Meaning i might not be able to receive a good enough signal to even have a PVR.
I want one simply because I have other things to do when the shows I want to watch are on and I am missing more and more shows because of this. Plus I am too lazy to fiddle with the VCR. So for the past month I have really been looking into PVRs, and here is my roundup of the solutions available.
- Tivo
The first PVR unit that was available to the masses and it is still probably the best, but it doesn't have Freeview, you can't use it with SKY and I don't know about NTL, but when it came out it was too expensive so it didn't take off.
Since then Tivo has stopped manufacturing units in the UK. So if you have a look at the Tivo2 over at the US site and think you would like one, sorry, but in the UK you can only get the first version. And even then you have to hunt for a unit.
To get a Tivo unit you can try either Tivo Land (£308) or Dixons (£130) who is currently selling refurbished units.
Channel data costs £10 a month or a one time payment of £199.
- SKY+
Probably the best option for a PVR as far as service goes. The unit costs £99 which is cheep, but you also have to pay a monthly fee of £10 to receive channel data, plus £19 for their most basic SKY channel package. So although the units are cheap, the monthly expense makes this a stupid option.
- MSN TV
I don't know if you can even get these in the UK yet, but these little units (loaded with Windows Media Center) will become very desirable when Microsoft launches IPTV at the end of this year.
IPTV is television over the internet. Not sure if you will stream or prechshe shows, but it will sell very well if the price is right.
- Mac mini
Lots of people where really looking forward to this because it would make the perfect PVR (because of its size).
And all the basic design needs is a TV card, some software and you have the perfect PVR, but unfortunately Apple has ignored the market completely. So the costs go like this:
£339 for the Mac mini and £219 for an EyeHome that will connect the Mac to a TV. So its certainly not the cheapest option.
- Freeview
This is probably the best option because the channel data is free and the extra channels are free too. The only cost is the price of the unit and they are all priced under £300.
Here is a roundup of the units available:
Panasonic TUCTH100 (£229.99)
Doesn't have an interactive TV Guide so I wouldn't bother with it.
Fusion FVRT100 (£169.99)
This has a problem with the software freezing up and has many other reported bugs.
Fusion FVRT200 (£199.96)
Currently set for a February release date. Has a 80GB hard drive and that makes this the best value unit available. There is a good chance that it will use the same software as the FVRT100, so this might be a bad one to wait for.
Thomson DHD4000 (£159.99)
Bugs with chase play (watching the show you are recording) and a few other miner bugs, but far better than the FVRT100.
At the moment I am looking to get a DHD4000, but there is still the 75% coverage issue with Freeview. Meaning i might not be able to receive a good enough signal to even have a PVR.
Free Mac Mini
freeminimacs.com offers you the opportunity to get a Mac for free, but you have to have a US shipping address.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Alex Misses The Point On Gay Gamers
The super cool Aleks Krotoski posted This Article over at the Guardian's Gaming Blog, about Gay characters in video games. She talks about how more games should include gay characters and I think she misses the point on this entirely.
As I see things the only difference between a straight character in a game and a gay character, is how they are played. NPCs are another thing, but when it comes to playable characters it is upto whoever is playing to decide if they are straight, gay, transsexual or whatever.
For example in This little flash game, there are two dogs who are in love, one gets kidnapped and the other has to save them. They might be married, they might have been going out for years or maybe they might have just met. And there is no gender references with these characters either. So the one you are playing could just as well be male as female. So you could see this game as homoerotic if you choose to, but in actual fact this is just a simple game with genernuteral characters. Neither dog has any gender.
This perception could be extended to other games like, Doom. Who is to say that the character gamers play in Doom isn't gay. There is nothing in the game to says they are straight, and there is certainly nothing to say they are gay. So if somebody plays Doom with the mindset that they are playing a gay character then they are RPGing a gay character, just as they would if they as decided that they where playing as as a straight character.
If you then extend this thinking to every other game without sexual content, Mario and Luigi could have had a history of incest. The point is, unless the developer wants to specifically label their characters like in Leisure Suite Larry, then the character can be anything the player wants. And this is the point Alex misses.
One thing developers can do to open-up games is to allow people to make gay choices. What I mean by this is that when there is an opportunity for a sexual encounter, developers only need to allow the player to choose their own path to make the game more open.
For example in The Sims 2, Sims will happily sleep with a same sex Sims just as much as they will with opposite sex Sims. So the only games which should consider changing are games like Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines who's plot places the gamer in a persition where the option could be there, but it is denied.
The encounter I am talking about is when my male character was flirting with a restaurant reviewer. He becomes interested, but the only option I have to his advances is:
1) No, but I might catch you later.
2) No, I will HAVE to take a rain-check.
The current state of games attitudes towards people who wish to play as a gay character is good and there are far fewer games that specifically deny homosexual characters than those that allow the player to choose. Simply put this entire issue is just a matter of freedom and choice within the game-space.
As I see things the only difference between a straight character in a game and a gay character, is how they are played. NPCs are another thing, but when it comes to playable characters it is upto whoever is playing to decide if they are straight, gay, transsexual or whatever.
For example in This little flash game, there are two dogs who are in love, one gets kidnapped and the other has to save them. They might be married, they might have been going out for years or maybe they might have just met. And there is no gender references with these characters either. So the one you are playing could just as well be male as female. So you could see this game as homoerotic if you choose to, but in actual fact this is just a simple game with genernuteral characters. Neither dog has any gender.
This perception could be extended to other games like, Doom. Who is to say that the character gamers play in Doom isn't gay. There is nothing in the game to says they are straight, and there is certainly nothing to say they are gay. So if somebody plays Doom with the mindset that they are playing a gay character then they are RPGing a gay character, just as they would if they as decided that they where playing as as a straight character.
If you then extend this thinking to every other game without sexual content, Mario and Luigi could have had a history of incest. The point is, unless the developer wants to specifically label their characters like in Leisure Suite Larry, then the character can be anything the player wants. And this is the point Alex misses.
One thing developers can do to open-up games is to allow people to make gay choices. What I mean by this is that when there is an opportunity for a sexual encounter, developers only need to allow the player to choose their own path to make the game more open.
For example in The Sims 2, Sims will happily sleep with a same sex Sims just as much as they will with opposite sex Sims. So the only games which should consider changing are games like Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines who's plot places the gamer in a persition where the option could be there, but it is denied.
The encounter I am talking about is when my male character was flirting with a restaurant reviewer. He becomes interested, but the only option I have to his advances is:
1) No, but I might catch you later.
2) No, I will HAVE to take a rain-check.
The current state of games attitudes towards people who wish to play as a gay character is good and there are far fewer games that specifically deny homosexual characters than those that allow the player to choose. Simply put this entire issue is just a matter of freedom and choice within the game-space.
Build A Gamecube Game In 60 Days Competition
An Interesting Competition, and they do give links to all the software needed to build a game, but first prize is a $500 voucher.
I know know about anybody else, but two months of my time is worth a lot more than $500.
I know know about anybody else, but two months of my time is worth a lot more than $500.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Counter Strike Bots (This Is Not A News Echo)
The auto-update is available now and when they say they Have Improved The Bots, they aren't kidding.
The bots communicate what they know and what they are doing. So when a bomb has been planted one of your bots might tell you where it is. They say when they are going to camp specific spots and it's just a shame I can't talk back.
They group-up for different objectives which is cool. And they also get mowed down in groups too (just like a real game). I have only played Aztec, but then I always play Aztec, so it was the perfect map to try them out on, and they really do play like real players, minus some of the sharp shooting, but then I was playing with them on easy (extra long sentence).
As far as free updates go, this is excellent because I hate playing CS online (kiddies and cheats abound).
The bots communicate what they know and what they are doing. So when a bomb has been planted one of your bots might tell you where it is. They say when they are going to camp specific spots and it's just a shame I can't talk back.
They group-up for different objectives which is cool. And they also get mowed down in groups too (just like a real game). I have only played Aztec, but then I always play Aztec, so it was the perfect map to try them out on, and they really do play like real players, minus some of the sharp shooting, but then I was playing with them on easy (extra long sentence).
As far as free updates go, this is excellent because I hate playing CS online (kiddies and cheats abound).
Monday, January 17, 2005
Get A Gmail Acount
Gmail is Google's new free email system to compete against HotMail and Yahoo. The main point of sale is that you have unlimited storage, so you never have to delete another email ever again.
The only way to get an account is to be sent an invite and you can get one at isnoop.net. The page relies on people submitting gmail invites, so if you have some, send them to gmail@isnoop.net.
The only way to get an account is to be sent an invite and you can get one at isnoop.net. The page relies on people submitting gmail invites, so if you have some, send them to gmail@isnoop.net.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
1984 (The Film)
Slow pace, weak plot, no conscionable character development and so I have absolutely no idea why the film has been praised and referenced so much. Even my old driving instructor said it was his favourite book, but the film is just uninteresting.
Here are a few things that have been referenced in modern day culture from the book:
The only thing I picked up was that in The Book Of Goldstein that the rebells where trying to spread (it was their forbidden bible), talks about how BB (or whoever) instigates fear amongst the party (the population) in-order to keep everybody working and following orders and accepting all that is told to them, because it is also said that what is happening is for the greater good. So they just accept it blindly.
Quite frankly this is what America has been doing for years.
With America, wither it's communism or as it is now terrorism, the governing party of America can easily pass whatever laws they want without anybody questioning them, because when it's in the name of national security nobody questions.
Like that thing about in-porting cheaper drugs from Canada. At the moment the drug manufacturers in America have a monopoly and can charge what they want for drugs. This makes America richer because it's a closed market and it redistributes funds from US citizens directly to US industry. This is significant because America also exports drugs. So the drug market only makes America stronger as they never buy external products and all external companies are forced to move to the US to trade in the US. The official line about why it's illegal to import drugs is that the imported drugs might not be safe!!!
Aspirin from India or China is still Aspirin, but people don't question this because they are afraid of 'dangerous drugs'.
I could easily go into why America is not run by the American people, but I don't get 1948 and I want someone tell me why it is so acclaimed.
Here are a few things that have been referenced in modern day culture from the book:
- That old advert for Apple computers where the runner runs through a room full of drowns and throws a hammer at a big screen.
- The program Room 101 and all the books like Visual Basic 101.
- The whole Big Brother is watching you thing.
The only thing I picked up was that in The Book Of Goldstein that the rebells where trying to spread (it was their forbidden bible), talks about how BB (or whoever) instigates fear amongst the party (the population) in-order to keep everybody working and following orders and accepting all that is told to them, because it is also said that what is happening is for the greater good. So they just accept it blindly.
Quite frankly this is what America has been doing for years.
With America, wither it's communism or as it is now terrorism, the governing party of America can easily pass whatever laws they want without anybody questioning them, because when it's in the name of national security nobody questions.
Like that thing about in-porting cheaper drugs from Canada. At the moment the drug manufacturers in America have a monopoly and can charge what they want for drugs. This makes America richer because it's a closed market and it redistributes funds from US citizens directly to US industry. This is significant because America also exports drugs. So the drug market only makes America stronger as they never buy external products and all external companies are forced to move to the US to trade in the US. The official line about why it's illegal to import drugs is that the imported drugs might not be safe!!!
Aspirin from India or China is still Aspirin, but people don't question this because they are afraid of 'dangerous drugs'.
I could easily go into why America is not run by the American people, but I don't get 1948 and I want someone tell me why it is so acclaimed.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Draft Posts
I am currently trying to get rid of all the draft posts I have never accumulated over the past few months. Some of this stuff is old, some of it I never finished writing and others I wasn't sure if I should post it or not. So expect more odds and ends in the next few days. A review of 1984 (the film), how to introduce children to programing, how to get a Gmail (Google email) account and some other rubbish is still to look forward to.
I might even write something about the state of PVR recorders in the UK, the missed opportunities of Apple, what I have decided to do about getting a PVR and why Microsoft is ignoring the market and instead concentrating on something called IPTV.
I might even write something about the state of PVR recorders in the UK, the missed opportunities of Apple, what I have decided to do about getting a PVR and why Microsoft is ignoring the market and instead concentrating on something called IPTV.
Random Product
The Hello Kitty Dildo is not the kind of thing I would ever buy, but its still funny to think a kids brand has this kind of official product available for purchase.
I think this calls into question as to how Japanese companies value their franchises because if Disney released a Micky's Magical Wand Dildo, then there would be outrage and I am sure Disney's sales in general would drop because of the press coverage.
I think this calls into question as to how Japanese companies value their franchises because if Disney released a Micky's Magical Wand Dildo, then there would be outrage and I am sure Disney's sales in general would drop because of the press coverage.
eXeem Beta Next Week
Apparently the new revolutionary P2P software from Supernova (and an unknown company), will be available in beta form for download next week.
Anarchy Online FREE!
I can't remember when this happened, but it looks like Anarcy Online is free all this year, and they have even extended that into next year too.
I don't know why they would be doing this, but free MMORPGs are hard to come by. I tried Anarcy once and didn't like it, but you can decide for yourself now and for free.
I don't know why they would be doing this, but free MMORPGs are hard to come by. I tried Anarcy once and didn't like it, but you can decide for yourself now and for free.
Half Price Prima Strategy Guides
GameSpy's D2D service which has been happily distributing games digitally for the past few months, has started selling Downloadable Prima Guides. And considering they are being sold for $9.99 (£5) under the normal £10 to £15 they are normally priced at, this is great.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Random Fact
The Microsoft developers creating Visual Studio 2005 (programmers use it to create software) are mostly using Visual Studio 2005 to write the code. So if it wasn't for the creative input of the developers, the software would effectively be writing itself.
The Google Mini
Odd how this is announced comes just after the Mac mini is announced, but anyway Google is now selling a Mini Version Of It's Internal Search Devise.
I think the idea is for people working in a large organisation, you tend to be told about documents that you can't find on the network because each department has a different way of storing their files and data. So if you want something about the 'Code Of Practise' for the managers (for example). Rather than having to spend hours trying to find it, you can simply use the internal Google devise on the server (the Google Mini) and that will find what you are looking for, for you.
I think this is a great idea for a product, but I don't think its something suitable for every organisation because most organisations don't normally have that much clutter.
I think the idea is for people working in a large organisation, you tend to be told about documents that you can't find on the network because each department has a different way of storing their files and data. So if you want something about the 'Code Of Practise' for the managers (for example). Rather than having to spend hours trying to find it, you can simply use the internal Google devise on the server (the Google Mini) and that will find what you are looking for, for you.
I think this is a great idea for a product, but I don't think its something suitable for every organisation because most organisations don't normally have that much clutter.
Another One For The Archive (PSP Vs Bat)
See the Amazing PSP Get Battered.
I really wish I had been archiving all these console destruction videos because I have had all the videos of consoles being destoryed since the N64. So by now I would have had a good collection of these videos if I had of saved them.
The worst console destruction video I have seen was with an XBox, because they really did have a hard time trying to destroy it. And it's no wonder when you get stories like This (sorry was going to link to that story about an XBox stopping a bullet, but I can't find it), but the PSP in this video breaks apart quite well.
I really wish I had been archiving all these console destruction videos because I have had all the videos of consoles being destoryed since the N64. So by now I would have had a good collection of these videos if I had of saved them.
The worst console destruction video I have seen was with an XBox, because they really did have a hard time trying to destroy it. And it's no wonder when you get stories like This (sorry was going to link to that story about an XBox stopping a bullet, but I can't find it), but the PSP in this video breaks apart quite well.
Media Coverage
Today the news has focused on Prince Harry's Choice Of Costume for a party. I have seen people wear Nazi costumes before, so I don't see why people should be bothering. I mean as a royal he isn't ever going to be king and this was a private party. If he had of dressed up as Hitler for some speech at a Jewish community seminar or something, now THAT would be newsworthy.
Now what should have been in the news was This Story about a couple (Mr & Mrs Gay) that killed their adopted son by force feeding him salt!
Now what should have been in the news was This Story about a couple (Mr & Mrs Gay) that killed their adopted son by force feeding him salt!
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
The Joys Of Teaching
Day three and this-morning I was still wondering what drove the people working there to become teachers. I mean they are responsible for someone else's kid and if anything went wrong you would be sued for everything you are worth. Plus they don't all behave, so it seems like unnecessary agro to me, but after helping-out in a class doing IT and supervising a few kids on the net, I can now kind of see why somebody would want to be a teacher.
See a lot of the kids don't don't a lot about, well most things and so it doesn't take much effort to make their faces light-up. Kind of like when you see someone open a very personal thoughtful present at Christmas. Teaching kids is something I would never consider, but it is interesting to see how it all works.
See a lot of the kids don't don't a lot about, well most things and so it doesn't take much effort to make their faces light-up. Kind of like when you see someone open a very personal thoughtful present at Christmas. Teaching kids is something I would never consider, but it is interesting to see how it all works.
New Apple Products Announced
The new hardware is the iPod Shuttle which is the cheapest and smallest iPod design yet. Which uses flash memory to store audio instead of a hard drive, so it will probably last longer (as a functional product before it wares-out). I am not sure it's worth the cash because iPods have become a status symbol, so you can probably get something from Creative (for example) that is far better, and cheaper.
The other piece of hardware is the Mac mini and it is just that. A small, cheap Mac, that is sold without a monitor (to make it even cheaper).
The new software they have announced, consists of iLife, a media editing package for creating movies, editing photos, mixing music and then software so you can burn it all to DVD with custom menu.
I can see this working well for people who want to go on holiday and produce a DVD to remember it by, or maybe someone wanting to promote an idea or product (possibly for an internal demonstration to be sent to managers).
And the second bit of software is iWorks. Which is a presentation and interactive document maker. So basically Apple made versions of Word and PowerPoint.
The other piece of hardware is the Mac mini and it is just that. A small, cheap Mac, that is sold without a monitor (to make it even cheaper).
The new software they have announced, consists of iLife, a media editing package for creating movies, editing photos, mixing music and then software so you can burn it all to DVD with custom menu.
I can see this working well for people who want to go on holiday and produce a DVD to remember it by, or maybe someone wanting to promote an idea or product (possibly for an internal demonstration to be sent to managers).
And the second bit of software is iWorks. Which is a presentation and interactive document maker. So basically Apple made versions of Word and PowerPoint.
Microsoft Virus Removal Tool
It's Here and it isn't the real time scanner I was expecting. I know they have one in development, but this is just a removal tool.
If anybody is looking at this new Microsoft tool and thinking 'cool free AV' don't. Instead get a real free AV like AVG. AVG incidentally has a better detection rate than Norton and McAfee. I am not sure about removal, but removal is a post infection thing anyway.
If anybody is looking at this new Microsoft tool and thinking 'cool free AV' don't. Instead get a real free AV like AVG. AVG incidentally has a better detection rate than Norton and McAfee. I am not sure about removal, but removal is a post infection thing anyway.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Started Placement
I stated my work placement for uni today at the primary school, and I knew I would be given a list of crappy stuff to do, but the first thing I did was update the school's anti-virus.
No auto-update! I have to do this manually from CD!
No fun at the moment, but I am sure it will get better. Maybe I can persuade them to ask me to build some software, model the school (communication and data systems structure), do a new website or even ask me to write a report on something for them.
No auto-update! I have to do this manually from CD!
No fun at the moment, but I am sure it will get better. Maybe I can persuade them to ask me to build some software, model the school (communication and data systems structure), do a new website or even ask me to write a report on something for them.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Amazing Chinese Tshirt Folding Technique
Has revolutionised the way I fold tshirts.
Video Link (.mov)
Video Link (.mov)
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Microsoft Anti-Virus Beta
Coming Tuesday Apparently.
I have been testing Microsoft's Anti-Spyware which is their other new security program. It is better than SpyBot and Ad-Aware, but the update window pisses me off because I was playing Bloodlines at the time and it minimised that, just to tell me it had updated!
I have been testing Microsoft's Anti-Spyware which is their other new security program. It is better than SpyBot and Ad-Aware, but the update window pisses me off because I was playing Bloodlines at the time and it minimised that, just to tell me it had updated!
Friday, January 07, 2005
The Dark Mod For Doom3
Just a ripoff of the Thief series and they kind of admit to that, but it Looks Sweet.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Tsunami Devastation
DigitalGlobe who does satellite imagery, has some Pictures of the Devastation and frankly I was quite shocked at the scale. I mean I have seen the videos of the water coming in, but I didn't realise whole towns has been washed out to sea.
The Code Room
MSDN has an interesting pilot for a show called The Code Room (you can download the pilot at that link). The concept is quite simple, three programmers attend a seminar on some-kind of programming language (in this case ASP.Net 2005) and then after the seminar they are locked in a room with a laptop, five hours of battery time and requirements for a program they must write.
It's an interesting concept and the first show I have ever seen that actually has programmers, programming as the shows premise. It's kind of like Scrap Heap Challenge for programmers and I like the concept, but this show has to be one of the most boring things i have seen in a long while. There isn't even any educational value in the show for programmers. Nice try though.
It's an interesting concept and the first show I have ever seen that actually has programmers, programming as the shows premise. It's kind of like Scrap Heap Challenge for programmers and I like the concept, but this show has to be one of the most boring things i have seen in a long while. There isn't even any educational value in the show for programmers. Nice try though.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter 6 is 7 months away, but you can preorder it for £9.99 from Amazon today!
Has she even finished writing it yet!?
Has she even finished writing it yet!?
Monday, January 03, 2005
Macworld 2005 (Starts On The 11th)
Another year, another Macworld, and normally I don't take any notice because all the rumours always circulate around an AppleOffice suite to rival Ms Office and a more powerful hyper expensive Mac, but not this year! No this year there are rumours of an iPod that can receive satellite Radio (yawn). And a cheap Mac that will be sold without a screen. So all you closet Mac users who have always wanted a mac, but could never afford one, can finally own one.
What interests me about this new mac, is that might be capable of being liked to a television. Then it would be perfect as a HDD video recorder for my study. I have considered buying a TV card before, but that would require uninterrupted PC resources that really I don't want to share.
At the moment the best I can get at retail is a DVD and Hard Drive combo that requires programming for every recording event (like ye olde VCR) and that's yesterdays technology. What I want one that I can tell once, (to record every episode of the Simpsons I haven't seen) and then it just record the episodes as they are shown on TV (this is also yesterdays technology, but consumers have failed to realise the benefits in the UK).
If this kind of recording feature comes out-of-the-box, i will pre-order one, but as of yet all this is still rumour.
What interests me about this new mac, is that might be capable of being liked to a television. Then it would be perfect as a HDD video recorder for my study. I have considered buying a TV card before, but that would require uninterrupted PC resources that really I don't want to share.
At the moment the best I can get at retail is a DVD and Hard Drive combo that requires programming for every recording event (like ye olde VCR) and that's yesterdays technology. What I want one that I can tell once, (to record every episode of the Simpsons I haven't seen) and then it just record the episodes as they are shown on TV (this is also yesterdays technology, but consumers have failed to realise the benefits in the UK).
If this kind of recording feature comes out-of-the-box, i will pre-order one, but as of yet all this is still rumour.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Random Fact
Last year I went to the cinema seven times.
In viewing order:
The Last Samurai 5/5
Kill Bill: Volume 2 4/5
Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban 3/5
Alien Vs. Predator 3/5
The Incredibals 5/5
House Of Flying Daggers 2/5
Blade Trinity 4/5
In viewing order:
The Last Samurai 5/5
Kill Bill: Volume 2 4/5
Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban 3/5
Alien Vs. Predator 3/5
The Incredibals 5/5
House Of Flying Daggers 2/5
Blade Trinity 4/5
Films To Look Forward To In 2005
I am not talking about Star Wars Episode 3: Please Don't Be Crap. I am talking about the things that you probably wouldn't have heard of.
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Looks good and it should be an instant classic.
Talking about instant classics War Of The Worlds (if you haven't seen the teaser trailer already).
Jet-Li stars alongside Bob Haskins in Unleashed. A film that looks very powerful.
The Chronicles of Narnia, about December time this year too.
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Looks good and it should be an instant classic.
Talking about instant classics War Of The Worlds (if you haven't seen the teaser trailer already).
Jet-Li stars alongside Bob Haskins in Unleashed. A film that looks very powerful.
The Chronicles of Narnia, about December time this year too.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
2004 Awards List
Here is my list of what I considered to be the best of 2004. I have had this text on my desktop for a few months now, and I think its time to post it.
- Best Film Of The Year
The Incredibles
An excellent example of everything that is right about films.
- Worst Film Of The Year
Troy
Another film with big battles! The story was dull, the pacing was all wrong and every opportunity for something good to happen like some cool dialogue was missed and/or spoiled.
=== Gaming ===
- Developer Of The year
John Carmack
For his spectacular rocket tests in his now failed attempt to win the XPrise. Doom3 was a great game, even if the critics where a little bit more than just picky. And congratulations to him on the birth of his Son.
- Best UT2004 Map
ONS ToonCountry
There are a few level errors when you can fall thought the floor, but it plays tight and looks stunning.
- The Game That Most Deserves An Expansion Pack
Half Life 2
To fill in all the plot gaps.
- Game Of The Year
The Sims 2
I had been debating for weeks wither to give this one to either Half Life 2 or Doom 3, but both of those are simply-just-another-FPSs.
I hated the original Sims and when I started playing The Sims 2 I was fully expecting to hate this one too, but I didn't.
The games premis is simple, you provide the input to the play experience and the game returns. You work with the desires and motives of your sims and you all seem to play together. It's one of the most rewarding gameplay experiences I have had in the last three years.
Successful mastery of the game don't make you realise the limitations of the game, unlike others (C&C Generals), instead it rewards you with an expanding community that you get to develop further. I mean it's one thing to play with one family for a few days, but to have instigated the creation of three generations of Sims and to have watched them grow-up is something special.
- Best Use of License
The Chronicles of Riddick - Escape From Butcher Bay
Not just a crappy game made from another franchise, but a whole new something in its own right and actually expands on the originating licence in a positive way by creating a stunning FPS.
- Best Newcomer Of The Year (best completely new and original franchise)
Evil Genius
I really want to see some more from the franchise because it has so much potential.
- Most Impressive Mod
New Floor Tiles For The Sims 2
=== Other ===
- Most Historical Event Of 2004
X1 Winning The XPrize
- Best Anime OF The Year
Fill Metal Alchemist
=== Films ===
Best Article I have Read All Year (The BitTorrent Effect)
It being the first article I have read all year it is also the worst, most grammatically correct and possibly most secretive article (lol I have no idea what a secretive article would be, but this has to be the most secretive article of the year because its the only one I have read this year).
Anyway Wired has an Article About Bram Cohen and his BitTorrent app that has revolutionised content distribution.
Honestly this is a wicked article that even makes some very interesting observations about how people watch films, and make it easier for an iMovie to be successful than any iTunes could possibly be.
In the article it mentions that Bram has Aspergers and that his condition gives him powers of concentration, but makes it hard for him to socialise.
Well I have a friend with Aspergers and these so called, powers of concentration, extend to him being fixated on tasks. At the moment with my friend, it is owning every soundtrack from Prisoner Cell Block H, and this is costing him a lot of money to get and without a job this is money he probably shouldn't be spending, but he is fixated on the task and can't see that there is anything wrong with what he is doing. So don't go thinking that Aspergers is a good thing after reading this article.
Other than that this is an exceptional read.
Anyway Wired has an Article About Bram Cohen and his BitTorrent app that has revolutionised content distribution.
Honestly this is a wicked article that even makes some very interesting observations about how people watch films, and make it easier for an iMovie to be successful than any iTunes could possibly be.
In the article it mentions that Bram has Aspergers and that his condition gives him powers of concentration, but makes it hard for him to socialise.
Well I have a friend with Aspergers and these so called, powers of concentration, extend to him being fixated on tasks. At the moment with my friend, it is owning every soundtrack from Prisoner Cell Block H, and this is costing him a lot of money to get and without a job this is money he probably shouldn't be spending, but he is fixated on the task and can't see that there is anything wrong with what he is doing. So don't go thinking that Aspergers is a good thing after reading this article.
Other than that this is an exceptional read.
OBE For Peter Molyneux
I wonder who decides who gets these things because Peter isn't exactly someone who is stalked by the press and recognised everywhere he goes, but The BBC Has The Story.
This is great because if anybody deserves an OBE for his contribution to gaming culture, its Peter, because he is the father of sandbox god games.
This is great because if anybody deserves an OBE for his contribution to gaming culture, its Peter, because he is the father of sandbox god games.
Happy New Year Everybody!!!
The mass text message that I wanted to send didn't get sent in 2004, but everybody should have it now.
I spent the first hour of this new year playing Halo2 co-op. I wish it had been at a party with friends, but most people where unobtainable for the event, I wanted. So it kind of just collapsed.
Halo2 is better than its predecessor, but not by much. More on that, when we have completed it.
lol, probably in the form of a long hateful rant that everybody will disagree with, but the level design is horrible, and they don't even bother null-mapping a lot of the textures later on.
I spent the first hour of this new year playing Halo2 co-op. I wish it had been at a party with friends, but most people where unobtainable for the event, I wanted. So it kind of just collapsed.
Halo2 is better than its predecessor, but not by much. More on that, when we have completed it.
lol, probably in the form of a long hateful rant that everybody will disagree with, but the level design is horrible, and they don't even bother null-mapping a lot of the textures later on.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Supernova and Project Exeem
I was asleep when the announcement was made, but you can download an MP3 of the announcement and interview Here.
Basically Supernova's project is a new P2P program like Kazaa, but for distributing torrent files, thus eliminating the need to find a torrent site that lists the file you want. All the downloads through this new program (called Exeem) will have ratings and comments available from people that already have the file, so this does look like to be the next generation of P2P programs.
The beta will start in a few weeks and details will be posted on SuperNova and the soon to be opened Exeem Website.
The only thing that bothers me is that this is being developed by a company that doesn't want to reveal its identity yet. Eventually they will have to, but I find the secrecy a little suspicious.
Basically Supernova's project is a new P2P program like Kazaa, but for distributing torrent files, thus eliminating the need to find a torrent site that lists the file you want. All the downloads through this new program (called Exeem) will have ratings and comments available from people that already have the file, so this does look like to be the next generation of P2P programs.
The beta will start in a few weeks and details will be posted on SuperNova and the soon to be opened Exeem Website.
The only thing that bothers me is that this is being developed by a company that doesn't want to reveal its identity yet. Eventually they will have to, but I find the secrecy a little suspicious.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Artificial Intelligence (The Film)
Just finished watching AI again on TV and I still think the film is a masterpiece, but at the time the critics where a little harsh and a lot of people moaned about the aliens at the end (the later versions of Mecha at the end), and this pissed me off emencly because I couldn't see why they where being so harsh.
Well three years have passed and after sifting through a few IMDB User Reviews it seems like I have finally realised what people didn't like about it.
It goes something like this:
Blue Fairy, make me a REAL boy!
Basically people though that this one aspect of the film just ran a little bit long in the tooth.
For gods sake we get it already!
SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!
Personally I didn't see it when I watched it at the cinema or just now when I watched it again on TV, but I see their point now. Maybe Steven Spielberg went too far with his usual hart-string pulling, but I still think its a masterpiece.
Well three years have passed and after sifting through a few IMDB User Reviews it seems like I have finally realised what people didn't like about it.
It goes something like this:
Blue Fairy, make me a REAL boy!
Basically people though that this one aspect of the film just ran a little bit long in the tooth.
For gods sake we get it already!
SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!
Personally I didn't see it when I watched it at the cinema or just now when I watched it again on TV, but I see their point now. Maybe Steven Spielberg went too far with his usual hart-string pulling, but I still think its a masterpiece.
New Year Text Message
I have setup my recipients group and wrote the message. It only needs sending at the right time. Just before midnight, but enough time before midnight so that it actually gets through before the network gets jammed. This one message is going to cost me £1.50, but I haven't ever managed to get a Happy New Year message through yet, so this will be an achievement if it works.
The Future Of P2P
MPAA (the movie association of America) has been asking websites to stop distributing Torrent files. So that's why loads of Torrent sites have been shutting down their operations recently, but LokiTorrent is standing it ground and not stopping distribution of torrent files liked to films copyrighted by MPAA members.
Now currently these websites aren't directly illegal because they don't host any of the illegal copyrighted material or even touch them. And neither does the trackers that connects people with the material, but if this goes to caught and a judge rules that because the torrent file's only purpose is to illegally distribute a specific copyright infringing file, then it is just as illegal as distributing the material itself. Then all the sites will be shut down or forced to stop distributing films, but if the judge says that the torrent sites aren't illegal, because they don't touch any of the illegal content, and it is the users that post this stuff that are breaking the law and not the websites, then all the sites will be saved.
Either-way Loki is asking for support in the form of money, and anyway the development of Supernova's new secret project continues, so we will see.
Incidentally Supernova has an announcement at 9AM (GMT) on Supernova Radio, but their server seems to be down. No idea what it is, but I expect it might be related to their super secret project or the MPAA.
Now currently these websites aren't directly illegal because they don't host any of the illegal copyrighted material or even touch them. And neither does the trackers that connects people with the material, but if this goes to caught and a judge rules that because the torrent file's only purpose is to illegally distribute a specific copyright infringing file, then it is just as illegal as distributing the material itself. Then all the sites will be shut down or forced to stop distributing films, but if the judge says that the torrent sites aren't illegal, because they don't touch any of the illegal content, and it is the users that post this stuff that are breaking the law and not the websites, then all the sites will be saved.
Either-way Loki is asking for support in the form of money, and anyway the development of Supernova's new secret project continues, so we will see.
Incidentally Supernova has an announcement at 9AM (GMT) on Supernova Radio, but their server seems to be down. No idea what it is, but I expect it might be related to their super secret project or the MPAA.
New Years Eve Tomorrow!
And I have no plans!!
mmmm...
Firstly I am determined to get a group text through this year, but wither I stay in tomorrow or go-out I don't know. If I go-out I will be driving, but last year I regretted staying in, so I might have to do pull something out of the hat here. It will be wicked, but very last minuet.
mmmm...
Firstly I am determined to get a group text through this year, but wither I stay in tomorrow or go-out I don't know. If I go-out I will be driving, but last year I regretted staying in, so I might have to do pull something out of the hat here. It will be wicked, but very last minuet.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
(Compleated) Leisure Suit Larry Magna Cum Laude
This is the ninth game in the Leisure Suit Larry series and not having played any of the others myself. I was finally getting round to playing with Larry, one of the oldest and longest running franchises in gaming.
As it turns out you play Larry's nephew, who is also named Larry. I can see why they would have done this, because the original Larry character in glorious 3D would have come across as a dirty old man. So sacrificing him as the main character for his younger nephew was probably a good idea. The original Larry is still very much in the game because he walks you through the basic controls, a few mini games and if you ever want to talk to him he is only a phone call away or you can even see him (heaven forbid) going through singles ads in a sleazy bar, in Crappy Streets.
Larry comes across as a disgusting little man with a repugnant personality. A few reviewers have criticised the game for having too many Flat Jokes, but to be honest I found this to only reinforce the character of Larry, being someone who tries to get what he wants, but for some reason, always says the wrong thing. If anybody has ever used a crappy chat-up line on you, most likely it was Larry (or his uncle) that thought of it first.
"Excuse me I am new in town, could you give me directions to your, apartment!"
"Your eyes are as blue as the ocean, then baby, I am lost at sea"
And it just goes on and on.
The gameplay revolves around Larry trying to get pieces of clothing or personal possessions from girls, so he can get onto a dating show called Swingles. Where three girls will have to compete against each other, to win a date with Larry! Which is an ironic prospect, as most of the time girls would do anything to get away from him.
The game's format is third-person-running-round-talking-to-people, but you will never be lost for something to do. Unlike a lot of the third-person-survival-horror games. And although you are guided through the game, so you always know where to go or who to talk to, you are NEVER babysat through the experience. The game lets you know where to go and what to do, but you have to do it all with Larry. One of the more interesting gameplay aspects is that you play more with Larry than as Larry. You choose who he talks to, you play the mini games, you control his movements, but it is his personality and dialogue that guides the story, unlike something like Half Life where you become Gordan Freeman for the duration of the game.
The game is packed full of compulsory mini games. For example you talk to people by playing a little sperm game (plays like Gradius [sic]). Where you have to swim through smiley faces to get Larry to say nice things. Otherwise Larry will make an idiot of himself (nothing new I can assure).
There are two halves of the game, the exploring and the mini games, so there are loads of these and they can become repetitive, but the story context always finds a way of making it interesting again, and that's certainly what kept me playing. I must have done that Sperm game almost thirty times and I always enjoyed it.
I completed the game in one sitting, purl because I was having fun. So I can tell you it took me eleven hours (10 hours 49 minuets) to complete it. Some of the FMV sequences have quiet audio (so you will have to turn up your speakers to hear), there are a lot of load screens (all short loads) and you do have to keep playing the same mini games over and over again, but I enjoyed myself and there are a few moments of play where I found myself laughing my head off (yes even from the teddy bear with a strap-on to the nude streak through the gaybar).
There is a lot of stereotyping throughout the game, but rarely is it derogatory. The game uses stereotypes like country girls, foreign students, preppies, cheerleaders and geeks. The game even enforces gay stereotypes to a degree, but none of this is done in a hateful or pathetic way. If a character degrades anything, then it is only themselves. Especially in Larry's case.
Even though I have completed it, there is still an opportunity for replay because I didn't get round to sleeping with all the girls in the game. Yes there are still girls on campus that haven't experienced the full horror of Larry's charm.
As a sequel to a much loved franchise I am sure may purists will be seeing red, but I really enjoyed myself and Larry's world is alive with memorable characters, like that girl in the school-band who has more than a passing interest in the school's mascot. I must have smiled through the entire game, even pausing once or twice for a full blown laugh.
The game isn't perfect, it isn't even a game I would probably revisit, but it is fun.
4/5
As it turns out you play Larry's nephew, who is also named Larry. I can see why they would have done this, because the original Larry character in glorious 3D would have come across as a dirty old man. So sacrificing him as the main character for his younger nephew was probably a good idea. The original Larry is still very much in the game because he walks you through the basic controls, a few mini games and if you ever want to talk to him he is only a phone call away or you can even see him (heaven forbid) going through singles ads in a sleazy bar, in Crappy Streets.
Larry comes across as a disgusting little man with a repugnant personality. A few reviewers have criticised the game for having too many Flat Jokes, but to be honest I found this to only reinforce the character of Larry, being someone who tries to get what he wants, but for some reason, always says the wrong thing. If anybody has ever used a crappy chat-up line on you, most likely it was Larry (or his uncle) that thought of it first.
"Excuse me I am new in town, could you give me directions to your, apartment!"
"Your eyes are as blue as the ocean, then baby, I am lost at sea"
And it just goes on and on.
The gameplay revolves around Larry trying to get pieces of clothing or personal possessions from girls, so he can get onto a dating show called Swingles. Where three girls will have to compete against each other, to win a date with Larry! Which is an ironic prospect, as most of the time girls would do anything to get away from him.
The game's format is third-person-running-round-talking-to-people, but you will never be lost for something to do. Unlike a lot of the third-person-survival-horror games. And although you are guided through the game, so you always know where to go or who to talk to, you are NEVER babysat through the experience. The game lets you know where to go and what to do, but you have to do it all with Larry. One of the more interesting gameplay aspects is that you play more with Larry than as Larry. You choose who he talks to, you play the mini games, you control his movements, but it is his personality and dialogue that guides the story, unlike something like Half Life where you become Gordan Freeman for the duration of the game.
The game is packed full of compulsory mini games. For example you talk to people by playing a little sperm game (plays like Gradius [sic]). Where you have to swim through smiley faces to get Larry to say nice things. Otherwise Larry will make an idiot of himself (nothing new I can assure).
There are two halves of the game, the exploring and the mini games, so there are loads of these and they can become repetitive, but the story context always finds a way of making it interesting again, and that's certainly what kept me playing. I must have done that Sperm game almost thirty times and I always enjoyed it.
I completed the game in one sitting, purl because I was having fun. So I can tell you it took me eleven hours (10 hours 49 minuets) to complete it. Some of the FMV sequences have quiet audio (so you will have to turn up your speakers to hear), there are a lot of load screens (all short loads) and you do have to keep playing the same mini games over and over again, but I enjoyed myself and there are a few moments of play where I found myself laughing my head off (yes even from the teddy bear with a strap-on to the nude streak through the gaybar).
There is a lot of stereotyping throughout the game, but rarely is it derogatory. The game uses stereotypes like country girls, foreign students, preppies, cheerleaders and geeks. The game even enforces gay stereotypes to a degree, but none of this is done in a hateful or pathetic way. If a character degrades anything, then it is only themselves. Especially in Larry's case.
Even though I have completed it, there is still an opportunity for replay because I didn't get round to sleeping with all the girls in the game. Yes there are still girls on campus that haven't experienced the full horror of Larry's charm.
As a sequel to a much loved franchise I am sure may purists will be seeing red, but I really enjoyed myself and Larry's world is alive with memorable characters, like that girl in the school-band who has more than a passing interest in the school's mascot. I must have smiled through the entire game, even pausing once or twice for a full blown laugh.
The game isn't perfect, it isn't even a game I would probably revisit, but it is fun.
4/5
Monday, December 27, 2004
Possible Good/Bad Idea
I have seen about 150 films this year. And I have a list of them all. So I could in theory review them all in a contenders list of my Film Of The Year unaward (as no award will be given).
On one hand that would be an impressive list, but on the other it would just be me bragging, and only act as more nob polishing.
On one hand that would be an impressive list, but on the other it would just be me bragging, and only act as more nob polishing.
Completed (Lord Of The Rings, The Battle for MiddleEarth)
By design this is an exceptional strategy game. It's just a shame EA didn't manage to pull it off in the implementation.
Yes this a short review, but the game isn't worth writing anything substantial for. There are simply much better games out there.
2/5
Yes this a short review, but the game isn't worth writing anything substantial for. There are simply much better games out there.
2/5
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Random Fact
You should never leave your drink unattended.
You never know if somebody has messed with your drink while you have been away.
You never know if somebody has messed with your drink while you have been away.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Merry Christmas Everyone
Happy Christmas everybody. I hope everybody enjoys themselves, I know sometimes its difficult, but Christmas is supposed to be a group activity and its never nice to be the grumpy one.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Completed (Tribes Vengeance)
Tribes Vengeance is set in the distant future after the whole Earthsiege thing where a computer mind named Prometheus almost let a race of machines called Cybrids to victory over his human creators, but the humans escaped into deep space and that's where Tribes takes-over.
The story is about an imperial force, a lost princess and two groups of Tribes. I don't want to say anything more because that would spoil the plot, but the story starts out a lot better than it ends. The story does a good job considering, because it flicks from past to present between chapters, and that's not an easy thing to pull off in a good story. The end is a little abrupt and none-continuing by not giving you a perspective on how things will continue after the story end. And it doesn't even tell you the state of the galaxy before the story began so there is room for improvement there. That set aside, its not a bad game, not a great game, but the weapon selection is very nice, characters are done ok (with excellent voice acting), but I wish the game had just been taken the story that little bit further.
Something I thought early in the game is that this singleplayer story segment, would have worked wonders in UT2004.
4/5
The story is about an imperial force, a lost princess and two groups of Tribes. I don't want to say anything more because that would spoil the plot, but the story starts out a lot better than it ends. The story does a good job considering, because it flicks from past to present between chapters, and that's not an easy thing to pull off in a good story. The end is a little abrupt and none-continuing by not giving you a perspective on how things will continue after the story end. And it doesn't even tell you the state of the galaxy before the story began so there is room for improvement there. That set aside, its not a bad game, not a great game, but the weapon selection is very nice, characters are done ok (with excellent voice acting), but I wish the game had just been taken the story that little bit further.
Something I thought early in the game is that this singleplayer story segment, would have worked wonders in UT2004.
4/5
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Star Wars Galaxies Free Trials
Yet another free trial and I certainly won't be bothering with this again, but for anybody that hasn't been burned by this yet, now is your chance.
None FilePlanet Subscribers Can Do A 10 Day Trail Of Galaxies.
And
Subcribers Of FilePlanet (the ones who pay for premium content) Can Do A 10 Day Trial Of Jump To Lightspeed, the expansion pack for galaxies.
I might give Lightspeed a go, but don't hold your breath.
NOTE: To play Jump To Lightspeed you need Galaxies Installed. So wither that means you need to sign-up to both trials, or have an existing Galaxies account, I do not know.
None FilePlanet Subscribers Can Do A 10 Day Trail Of Galaxies.
And
Subcribers Of FilePlanet (the ones who pay for premium content) Can Do A 10 Day Trial Of Jump To Lightspeed, the expansion pack for galaxies.
I might give Lightspeed a go, but don't hold your breath.
NOTE: To play Jump To Lightspeed you need Galaxies Installed. So wither that means you need to sign-up to both trials, or have an existing Galaxies account, I do not know.
Free IGN Guides Until 2005
IGN has decided to try and entice a few new subscribers by Offering Some Of Their Most Popular Premium Guides For Free.
I get access to all their stuff already, and as afar as the guides go, the only thing special are the screenshots, but the guides are always well produced.
Here is a handy list for you of the ones they have up for grabs:The Metroid Prime 2 guide is available in PDF so if you are getting the game for Christmas or early next year it might be worth downloading now and saving it for later because all this content will become subscriber only at the start of 2005.
I get access to all their stuff already, and as afar as the guides go, the only thing special are the screenshots, but the guides are always well produced.
Here is a handy list for you of the ones they have up for grabs:The Metroid Prime 2 guide is available in PDF so if you are getting the game for Christmas or early next year it might be worth downloading now and saving it for later because all this content will become subscriber only at the start of 2005.
Build A Better Demo (RollerCoaster Tycoon 3)
I noticed a coupple of days ago that the Demo Of RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Has A Version 1.2 Out. When I Last Looked At The Demo it was the release version, so purely out of interest I downloaded, installed and had another go.
The updated demo presents a different play experience because everything works like you would expect it to. And it is now possible to build rides that people can actually ride on!
I also noticed that the day and night cycles happen gradually as opposed to reducing the sun to a lightbulb and that passengers for coasters have a new waiting animation instead of just getting to the train and start waving their arms as if they where riding it. Plus they don't scream with every train acceleration, so its all good, but I think its just too little to late to change my mind about not buying it.
The updated demo presents a different play experience because everything works like you would expect it to. And it is now possible to build rides that people can actually ride on!
I also noticed that the day and night cycles happen gradually as opposed to reducing the sun to a lightbulb and that passengers for coasters have a new waiting animation instead of just getting to the train and start waving their arms as if they where riding it. Plus they don't scream with every train acceleration, so its all good, but I think its just too little to late to change my mind about not buying it.
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Price Of Your Poo
Ever wondered how much your employeer is paying you when you go for a poo when you should be working?
Well Poo-Price can do the math.
Well Poo-Price can do the math.
Game Of The Years Rolling Out
Two weeks of 2004 are still to go, but IGN, GameSpot and GameSpy have already started posting their game of the year awards (I will be doing that more towards new years day).
One thing I have always thought about GOTY awards is that when a multiplatform game wins a GOTY on only one console, then it speaks ill of the console because the game should be the same on all the consoles, but for some reason, the other consoles all have other games as GOTYs.
One thing I have always thought about GOTY awards is that when a multiplatform game wins a GOTY on only one console, then it speaks ill of the console because the game should be the same on all the consoles, but for some reason, the other consoles all have other games as GOTYs.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Completed (The Chronicles of Riddick Escape From Butcher Bay)
An excellent game.
Its actually the first game this year that I have actually enjoyed throughly. By that i mean there wasn't any sections that where too long, boring or even where I justed wanted them to end and nothing that made me feel like leaving the game for something else (yes I am talking about you Half Life 2).
I am now playing through with the directors commentary where you get little floating icons to click on that play audio files recorded by the developers, and they mention Half Life quite a lot. To the point where I wonder if TCOR would have made a better Half Life 2 than Half Life 2. I mean its got all the vent crawling, wall mounted health stations, confined spaces, not so many puzzles but Half Life was great because of its evolving plot and slow paced exploration, which was ignored with its sequel, but TCOR does an excellent job on all these things.
There where two points in the game with mutated humans and aliens. And I was concerned the game was heading quickly down hill at both points, but they are fairly short and because of that I realise now they add a bit more variety to the game, and so the game actually benefits, unlike other games that have tried it and failed miserably (yes I am talking about you Return To Castle Wolfenstein and Thief The Dark Project)
On of the first 'o my god' comments was the one about how dark the game is. This immediately reminded me of DOOM3. And as the developers talk they go on about the different uses of long lighting (ye loads of dark games use this to solve the problem) because there is still light, but you are consciously aware that there is only one light source and the environment is dark. I think Thief does this trick best, but it makes me wonder why the ignored it in DOOM3. Dist particles in the ventilation shafts was a great idea because even though there isn't a light source you can still navigate through the vents.
The game isn't my game of the year, because it is missing something extra that will make it 'not just another FPS', but if you want to play something good this Christmas after being burned by DOOM3, Half Life 2, or just want to get away from the relatives TCOR is good choice. I only hope more developers introduce commentary modes.
5/5
Its actually the first game this year that I have actually enjoyed throughly. By that i mean there wasn't any sections that where too long, boring or even where I justed wanted them to end and nothing that made me feel like leaving the game for something else (yes I am talking about you Half Life 2).
I am now playing through with the directors commentary where you get little floating icons to click on that play audio files recorded by the developers, and they mention Half Life quite a lot. To the point where I wonder if TCOR would have made a better Half Life 2 than Half Life 2. I mean its got all the vent crawling, wall mounted health stations, confined spaces, not so many puzzles but Half Life was great because of its evolving plot and slow paced exploration, which was ignored with its sequel, but TCOR does an excellent job on all these things.
There where two points in the game with mutated humans and aliens. And I was concerned the game was heading quickly down hill at both points, but they are fairly short and because of that I realise now they add a bit more variety to the game, and so the game actually benefits, unlike other games that have tried it and failed miserably (yes I am talking about you Return To Castle Wolfenstein and Thief The Dark Project)
On of the first 'o my god' comments was the one about how dark the game is. This immediately reminded me of DOOM3. And as the developers talk they go on about the different uses of long lighting (ye loads of dark games use this to solve the problem) because there is still light, but you are consciously aware that there is only one light source and the environment is dark. I think Thief does this trick best, but it makes me wonder why the ignored it in DOOM3. Dist particles in the ventilation shafts was a great idea because even though there isn't a light source you can still navigate through the vents.
The game isn't my game of the year, because it is missing something extra that will make it 'not just another FPS', but if you want to play something good this Christmas after being burned by DOOM3, Half Life 2, or just want to get away from the relatives TCOR is good choice. I only hope more developers introduce commentary modes.
5/5
Friday, December 17, 2004
The Chronicles of Riddick Escape From Butcher Bay
I have started playing through this on the PC and I have to say I am very impressed. Graphically I would rate it with Doom3 and the story is exceptional. Although the sequence where Riddick gets his night vision was a little odd. I always assumed he got his eyes altered by some black market surgeon, but from the looks of the sequence it appears to be Devine intervention.
Still I am enjoying it and since i am now finished with uni until Jan I have time to kill.
Ok I have two reports to write, but they are only small.
Still I am enjoying it and since i am now finished with uni until Jan I have time to kill.
Ok I have two reports to write, but they are only small.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
P2P Is Impossible To Regulate
Ed Felten Has Written A P2P Program In 15 Lines Of Code!
He wrote it to prove the point that this stuff can't be regulated. Now the code is written in Python and I can't read it, but it just shows how simple a P2P program can be. Hell every program could be a stealth P2P program looking at this since the code is so small.
Actually it would be nice to have this in .Net so I could have a go.
He wrote it to prove the point that this stuff can't be regulated. Now the code is written in Python and I can't read it, but it just shows how simple a P2P program can be. Hell every program could be a stealth P2P program looking at this since the code is so small.
Actually it would be nice to have this in .Net so I could have a go.
StarCraft Analysed
I have a multiplayer match with the guys Friday and one of the games on the list is StarCraft. It has been years since I last played it so I thought it would be a good idea to get some practise in and get some tactics developed.
StarCraft essentially suffers from the same problems of all strategy games. And the key to victory in StarCraft and most strategy games goes like this:
-Spend the first load of resources you have on workers to get more resources.
-Build multiple barracks to start mass producing basic units.
-Once you have enough units send them over quickly to kill your opponent.
The basic unit on most strategy games is always half good because if some of the advanced units where too good then people would moan about the game being unbalanced. So mass production of some of the basic units is usually more worth while than going down a lengthy research tree.
And of course, if you have more units of a similar type than your opponent then you will win, so obviously spending the first few moments of a game getting a good resource gathering operation in is vital for victory.
StarCraft essentially suffers from the same problems of all strategy games. And the key to victory in StarCraft and most strategy games goes like this:
-Spend the first load of resources you have on workers to get more resources.
-Build multiple barracks to start mass producing basic units.
-Once you have enough units send them over quickly to kill your opponent.
The basic unit on most strategy games is always half good because if some of the advanced units where too good then people would moan about the game being unbalanced. So mass production of some of the basic units is usually more worth while than going down a lengthy research tree.
And of course, if you have more units of a similar type than your opponent then you will win, so obviously spending the first few moments of a game getting a good resource gathering operation in is vital for victory.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
PSP Battery Life The Initial Observations
From the looks of Spong and Anoop's initial tests it looks as if the PSP's battery life is under five hours.
This basically means that you will have to charge the bettery before you take it anywhere. Otherwise you are in danger of running out of battery life just when you need it most. That's unless you keep it turned off most of the time and only use it when you are either riding the bus or doing some-other not so long, but still equally inactive waiting inactivity, and need something to take your mind of the horribleness of it all.
This basically means that you will have to charge the bettery before you take it anywhere. Otherwise you are in danger of running out of battery life just when you need it most. That's unless you keep it turned off most of the time and only use it when you are either riding the bus or doing some-other not so long, but still equally inactive waiting inactivity, and need something to take your mind of the horribleness of it all.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
News Sites Repeating STEAM Update
This is really starting to piss me off. Everytime STEAM is updated, even in the slightest possible way, all the news sites report it. And the journalism there has been reduced to copying and pasting with zero interpretation. Its like being in an echo chamber.
Just because something is news don't mean you have to do an update on it. And a lot of news sites are ignoring that.
Just because something is news don't mean you have to do an update on it. And a lot of news sites are ignoring that.
DOS Emulator
A couple of days ago I got a copy of Microsoft Virtual PC that allows you to setup a virtual computer under XP or 2000, in an emulated environment using any operating system you like (kind of cool).
Naturally I wanted to try and run Day Of The Tentacle and X-Wing. The only two games I bought and was never able to run (either sound or memory problems).
Neither of these worked under the Virtual PC. Running Windows 98, because that's the oldest OS I had lying around, but in the proses of finding a solution I found DOSBox, a DOS emulator for windows (and other platforms).
DOSBox won't run X-wing because the framerate is too low, but Day Of The Tentacle works fine, and for a game I bought five years ago its not too shabby.
Naturally I wanted to try and run Day Of The Tentacle and X-Wing. The only two games I bought and was never able to run (either sound or memory problems).
Neither of these worked under the Virtual PC. Running Windows 98, because that's the oldest OS I had lying around, but in the proses of finding a solution I found DOSBox, a DOS emulator for windows (and other platforms).
DOSBox won't run X-wing because the framerate is too low, but Day Of The Tentacle works fine, and for a game I bought five years ago its not too shabby.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Google Suggest
Google Suggest is just Google, but it tells you how many search results you will get for what you type, as you type, and suggests alternative words.
XMP For UT2004
It was originally an expansion pack for Unreal2, because everybody was complaing that Unreal2 didn't have muliplayer. And This is the first public release of XMP for UT2004.
It's the same game, just that you can play it under UT2004 now. The beta does need some work as the AI doesn't seem to know how to play, but I am sure multiplayer would work fine (I have only played one SP match so far).
It's the same game, just that you can play it under UT2004 now. The beta does need some work as the AI doesn't seem to know how to play, but I am sure multiplayer would work fine (I have only played one SP match so far).
Friday, December 10, 2004
Traier Time (War Of The Wrolds)
I have been waiting for This One.
As a teaser it's not great, but it starts with what I think is the opening text from the book, and I can't argue with that because it suggests they haven't raped the licence.
As a teaser it's not great, but it starts with what I think is the opening text from the book, and I can't argue with that because it suggests they haven't raped the licence.
USB Bluetooth Adaptor
I got it, played with it and the most I can do is transfer audio and pictures to and from my phone. It's great, but I am a little disappointed that I can't use any of the Sony Ericsson software they have available on their website, because for some reason every time I try to start one, it just swears at me, but being able to transfer files is cool.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Random Thought
Will historians look back on television and say, yes that was a very sad wast of time.
FilePlanet Exclusive Punisher Demo
Short, and that is all I can say because there isn't enough gameplay for me to form an opinion.
Monday, December 06, 2004
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Red Dwarf Auction For Charity
And it's not the usual Skutter head either.
So go have a Gander if you think you can afford it.
So go have a Gander if you think you can afford it.
Portable UK Release (DC and PSP)
DS = £149.99
PSP = £179.99 (£20 more than the DS)
And both released on the 25th of March 2005.
PSP = £179.99 (£20 more than the DS)
And both released on the 25th of March 2005.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Hollywood Sucks (The Doom Film)
And I quote:
The monsters have nothing to do with hell, the plot is not taking place on Mars and "space marines" are not well "space marines" as their outfits are more like SWAT team members.And you can read the rest of this horribleness Here.
The Project (Far Cry)
Machinima, Benchmarking, tech demo and corporate dealings combined.
The Project by Crytech and sponsored by ATI will only run properly on an ATI card, but it's the start of what looks like a really cool machinima.
Worth a download. I just hope they make more.
The Project by Crytech and sponsored by ATI will only run properly on an ATI card, but it's the start of what looks like a really cool machinima.
Worth a download. I just hope they make more.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
An Eventful Day
Group Project
I have a group project to participate in for Innovation And Technology where we are given a case study of a ceramics company and we have to do a presentation giving ideas on innovations that will save the company (five team members equals five slides).
Yesterday when I went in for our first team meeting, half the guys hadn't read the case study and when I suggested that they read it, they said the needed to go away and ponder its complexity (the case study is very vague to give us more freedom).
So they wanted me to go in again today and I refused because we didn't get anything done yesterday. I suppose you could say I was letting the group down by not going in, but apart from us still not having a full group if I had of attended, and the fact that we could have sorted this all out yesterday, but didn't. I needed someway of highlighting the culture of slackness inside the group. Hence my mini protest. I just hope they decided on an overall strategy because I had already told them everything I could think of. My ideas range from a new innovative product, to offering a quality assurance mark to other companies (the company has a big R&D department) they liked that one, but another group is doing it so we would have to present it very differently.
Film
I watched The Life of David Gale today and it is certainly an underrated film. Plenty of character development and its one of the few films about an unjust legal system that I have liked. The only other one I can think of right now is To Kill a Mockingbird
Most films in this genre are boring, but The Life Of David Gale has a lot of character development and a few things going on at the same time that are related to the plot, so it held my interest all the way through.
Christmas Present For Mum
I still have no idea what to get my Mum for Christmas. She has asked me from time to time if I have any good films on VHS (she doesn't have a DVD player yet), so I could buy her either a DVD player or maybe some good films on VHS. I mean she still hasn't seen Monsters Inc or even knows what it is when I mention it to her, so selecting a few films for her wouldn't be difficult. Currently I am toying with Monsters Inc, Phone Booth, Gattaca and The Life of David Gale which I seen today, but I don't know. Guessing someones film tastes can be dangerous.
My Dad for-instance just likes to see stuff on screen, doesn't seem to mind about plot or character development at all. I mean he liked Troy (I hated it).
Dinner
I got asked out to dinner by a friend and that was with the rest of his Law class.
We as a Computer Science class have done things as a group before, but never have we ever even discussed going to an Italian restraint and actually inviting some lecturers along. Great fun though.
Hope to be seeing a lot more of my friend.
Car Ran Out Of Fuel
On the way home from my date my car ran out of fuel. The fuel gauge doesn't work, so there is now way of knowing if the tank is full or empty! Dad came and bailed me out with a can of fuel, so all is well.
I have a group project to participate in for Innovation And Technology where we are given a case study of a ceramics company and we have to do a presentation giving ideas on innovations that will save the company (five team members equals five slides).
Yesterday when I went in for our first team meeting, half the guys hadn't read the case study and when I suggested that they read it, they said the needed to go away and ponder its complexity (the case study is very vague to give us more freedom).
So they wanted me to go in again today and I refused because we didn't get anything done yesterday. I suppose you could say I was letting the group down by not going in, but apart from us still not having a full group if I had of attended, and the fact that we could have sorted this all out yesterday, but didn't. I needed someway of highlighting the culture of slackness inside the group. Hence my mini protest. I just hope they decided on an overall strategy because I had already told them everything I could think of. My ideas range from a new innovative product, to offering a quality assurance mark to other companies (the company has a big R&D department) they liked that one, but another group is doing it so we would have to present it very differently.
Film
I watched The Life of David Gale today and it is certainly an underrated film. Plenty of character development and its one of the few films about an unjust legal system that I have liked. The only other one I can think of right now is To Kill a Mockingbird
Most films in this genre are boring, but The Life Of David Gale has a lot of character development and a few things going on at the same time that are related to the plot, so it held my interest all the way through.
Christmas Present For Mum
I still have no idea what to get my Mum for Christmas. She has asked me from time to time if I have any good films on VHS (she doesn't have a DVD player yet), so I could buy her either a DVD player or maybe some good films on VHS. I mean she still hasn't seen Monsters Inc or even knows what it is when I mention it to her, so selecting a few films for her wouldn't be difficult. Currently I am toying with Monsters Inc, Phone Booth, Gattaca and The Life of David Gale which I seen today, but I don't know. Guessing someones film tastes can be dangerous.
My Dad for-instance just likes to see stuff on screen, doesn't seem to mind about plot or character development at all. I mean he liked Troy (I hated it).
Dinner
I got asked out to dinner by a friend and that was with the rest of his Law class.
We as a Computer Science class have done things as a group before, but never have we ever even discussed going to an Italian restraint and actually inviting some lecturers along. Great fun though.
Hope to be seeing a lot more of my friend.
Car Ran Out Of Fuel
On the way home from my date my car ran out of fuel. The fuel gauge doesn't work, so there is now way of knowing if the tank is full or empty! Dad came and bailed me out with a can of fuel, so all is well.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
World AIDS Day
I kind of missed this one in that I couldn't find anywhere that was selling the red ribbons.
So to try and makeup for it, I make this post and spread the word of safe sex.
So to try and makeup for it, I make this post and spread the word of safe sex.
- HIV can be contracted through breast milk, vaginal juices, cum, pre-cum and blood.
- There is evidence to suggest that you can become infected through oral sex, but this is through cuts and saws inside the mouth. Most people have these from time to time and don't know about them.
- Anal sex is the most dangerous of all sexual activities for contracting HIV, but HIV can be transfered both ways, even through traditional forms of sex.
- Just because someone has had a HIV test recently don't mean that they aren't infected. It just means that they haven't contracted HIV before three months previously (this is why HIV is so perversive).
- HIV attacks the immune system and once the immune system is sufficiently weakened the individual is said to have AIDS and that is what eventually kills the individual (not having an immune system).
- AIDS is increasing at a Sacy Rate.
Half Life 2 Deathmatch
It's fun, but I am not having fun playing it.
Something has to be wrong with me because for the past few days nothing has been fun or enjoyable.
Something has to be wrong with me because for the past few days nothing has been fun or enjoyable.
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