My month of Design Art & Thoery as well as Computer Graphics 1 draws to a close this Friday.  I personally can't wait for DAT to be over only due to the paintings and the schedule for assignments.  My schedule this month has gone from 0500-0900; 1700-2100 every M,W,F.  On Tues & Thurs I have class from 1300-2100.  Pretty intense schedule not to mention the assignments that are due too (each requiring approx. 6-8 hrs on the DAT projects and about 12-16 on the Computer Grfx). 

 

I've attached all my work thus far on here (well, besides my embaressing paintings.  They were really awful). 

 

Sorry to be so short, but I've got work to do. 

 

Oh yeah, Photoshop and Illustrator are awesome.  I'm REALLY impressed with the power those two progs together can give a designer. Anyways, we're onto After Effects next month as well as operating systems.  We'll see how that goes. :) 

 

I don't think I've done to spectacular with my grades this time.  I'm guessing a B and a C, but I'm still hoping for two B's.

 

Dean Takahashi and the A+E section of the Merc have posted a couple of reviews I wrote.  Click the link for them in the column to the left. 

 

Have a great one, y'all.  :)

Oh my goodness.  I was reading Gizmodo and came across this story about a new Energy Drink on the market.  I'm a fan of these things, but I just don't know if I want to be drinking Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt.  Just sounds kinda weird to be drinking his berry juice.

 

The can is pretty amusing as well w/the Karate Master's mug on the bottom of the can with a quaint quote about his "packed  w/ vitamins and exotic botanicals" drink.  Pretty cool stuff, and only $2.99 a can! Oh what a deal!! jk

 

He must be trying to make some $ for another Environmental Friendly movie.  Here's a pic of the can:

 

 

Well, I got a 96 on my most recent quiz in CMI.  I'm pretty pleased about that.  So, now I've got three more to go, and one of them is a takehome project.  Shouldn't be to hard.  I think that once we got through discussing the Processor it is all downhill. 

 

Still this school is great, though.  I am thoroughly pleased.  My teacher's name is Frank Long, but he asks us to refer to him as FLong.  I don't know why that's so funny, but it just is for some reason.  Pretty funny teacher, but he's from Spain.  So, his accent makes it kinda hard sometimes (even though he speaks better English than I do).  I had a couple of days there where I wasn't sure if he and I were going to be able to stay on the same page.  My ears aren't what they used to be and I can't process his fastpaced lecture, with all the stuff on the board, as well as the concept he's trying to get across at the same time. 

 

I just stick to my study routine and it helps.  Basically, I just read the material before I go to class, take the review question quiz @ the end of each chapter, check the answers, go to class, review the questions again, and then proceed to the next days material.

 

In my downtime here in the past couple of days I've enjoyed reading about X05 over in Amsterdam.   Call of Duty 2 and Gears of War seem to be the best bets per Dean Takahashi.  I trust his opinion, but I'm gonna have to wait and see Gears of War to be sold on the Unreal/Epic game.  Just not really my style of game.  To twitchy usually.  I'll definitely jump on CoD2 tho'.   I was kinda disappointed with the way PDZ has been reported.  Hopefully, it will get a bit better in the next couple of weeks.  (get on yer hands and knees, Rare). 

 

Anyways, I'm hoping to see the OurColony start back up in the next couple of weeks as well, I'd really like to see it get back up to speed.  It was such a jumpstart for my brain.  Definitely would love another jolt.  :) 

 

Have an excellent day y'all.  :)

I'm having a tough time learning all this technical talk so fast, but I'm learning it nonetheless.  No matter how hard they try I won't quit.  No, really it sucks bad.  But I actually am beinning to understand how Computers work.  From Babbage's Analytical Engine to the Intel/AMD MicroProcessor battle.  Pretty cool stuff to be quite honest. 

 

Not a whole lot of free time is had, but that's a good thing.  I'll post more later.  I have a quiz @ 9 AM tomorrow.

 

ttyl, farewell, until the next time:  Goodnight.

I finished my two classes here @ school.  Now I'm about to start with my next class on Monday.  It's Computers Math & The Internet (CMI).  I'm actually going to be able to learn all the actual parts of a puter now as well as be able to buy and build one.  Plus, setting it up w/an os.  I really can't wait!!  I've needed to know all this stuff for so long and just never went thru the gruntwork of doing it.  No more winging it! lolI'm really looking forward to this month's material. 

 

 Oh yeah, when I finished my final exam in IMA today I was told I got a 94 on my Lab exit exam and needed a - 1.6 in order to pass the class.  lol  So, I only needed to take it if I was worried about improving my grade above just passing.  I'm glad I did.  I think I did pretty well on it.  But we'll see.  What a good way to start the morning,  if I  say so myself.  

 

BTW-Go watch this movie: What the bleep do we know?  link 4 the trailer:  http://www.whatthebleep.com/trailer/ 

 

I was kinda dumbfounded when watching it, due to the depth and impact of the tiopic.  But it was just incredible.  The topic is really about where do we come from and what makes us tick using Quantum Physics as the medium to explain it.  The speakers do a wonderful job of posing questions to the audience that leave those on the same page with their jaws dropped open.  Warning: if you don't want to think, don't watch this movie.  Unfortunately everyone in my class didn't find it as interesting as a few of us did.  So, constant remarks/jokes about the speaker were thrown out there to often for me to really be able to concentrate.  I'm going to buy this movie, or that is to be released soon.  They actually pose the question with the proof they have without being able to discount God.  I love it, Science unintentionally helping to prove that Faith has a tremendous effect on each of our lives.  Very cool stuff. 

 

Have a great day, y'all.  I appreciate you taking the time to read this stuff.

 

$lip$tream

 

If you want to know why better games aren't being made, read this article.

 

If you want to know what's going on with those big publisher's taking all the cool titles, read this article.

 

If you're interested in the Video Games Industry as a whole, read this article. 

 

If you have ever wanted to understand who to talk to in order to finance a game idea you've had, read this article. 

 

All in all, if you have ANY INTEREST in the revenue #'s that so often compare the VG Ind. vs the Movies business: READ THIS ARTICLE!!!!!

 

 

Mr. Takahashi  does it again.  I can't write anything that detailed and expect it to be accurate.  He obviously can and makes me feel like I'm not so tech-dumb @ the same time.  Thanks alot, Dean-o!!! :)  Very fun and inspiring read.  But you really make me want to be a Journalist instead of a developer/Designer  (Got any intern spots open??!)

 

Well, my Behavioral Science class is done.  I received a 95!!  Since that was my average going into the Final Exam I don't have to take it, unless I want to (which I might do just to try and improve the grade). 

 

I got a 96 on my last Quiz in IMA and the lab test is today.  So, I'm about  to jump in the shower and get zestfully clean, get me a bacon/egg/cheese Biscuit from McD's, and then go take my quiz.  Wish me luck!!

 

 

Also, OMG the Revolution Controller is so SWEET!!  I only hope 3rd party developers find it as interesting as I do.  Most of the peeeps who have commented on it here @ school are positive .  BUT I don't know if the actual programmers feel that way.  As far as I can tell, the genereal concensus (Industry wide) is positive as well. 

 

My IMA professor knew I was interested in VR while we were discussing that topic.  During one of the breaks he told me, "I know you're interested in this stuff, but it is fading away because it isn't affordable for the moment."  Well, that has now changed with the intro of the Bluetooth Revolution Controller.  I'm really psyched about it.  It will bring affordable VR one step closer to our living rooms.  Really really jazzed about it.  I'll try and get some pics of it to post.

I received my grade today from the Intro to Media Arts midterm. 

 

 

I GOT AN A!!! I can't believe I'm actually doing this well.  I haven't really done well in school like this pretty much ever.  So, I'm definitely happy.  I was happy and I also had at least a better idea of what field before attending.  Maybe that has made all the difference.  I'm not sure, but I do know that I'm happy with the results.  I'm not going to stop studying as much as I have that's for sure.  I really enjoy it, which is strange & I don't see that changing anytime soon. 

 

Speaking of that, back to work! :)  No time for the weary, I have lab in an a couple of hours and need to read up on a couple of things.  Adios :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I really love this game! 

 

If anyone likes Risk, or any type of PC Strategy game (novice to experienced) Imperial Glory is a game to buy!  I'm not very good at the strat genre, but I know a good game when I play one.  Imperial Glory uses an easy to play combat system along with an easy to understand and operate interface in the world view.  It could go a little bit more indepth with the advancements for technology, medicine, etc...But it does a good job keeping yer attention with trying to meet the quest requirements.

 

Overall it's pretty fun to sit down and play for a few hundred yrs of gametime (turnbased, 1 trn = 1 month of gametime).

 

Here are some pics of me after I got my games!!  THANKS TO THE MERC (special thanks to Mike and Dean!)!!!

 

 

What a day.  Today's my 2 posts of fame. 

 

The guys over at The Merc in San Jose have outdone themselves this fine Friday.  I was awarded the "Blog of the Week" as well as two games.  This ol' Country gamer is definitely feeling special.  I linked the post about the games below. Thanks to all of you that had a part in it and also to all those who post the great posts. 

 

I can't wait to try the RTS game I picked (Imperial Glory for PC) up.  Strategy games have never been my forte.  One of my friends I gamed with when I was in high school consistently and thoroughly thrashed me in every strategy game we played (Lt. Tim Jones).  So, while he's in Iraq I hope to at least gain a bit of ground on the virtual front.

 

I also was able to pick Sid Meier's Pirates!  This game originally came out for the Commodore 64 and it was much fun. Finding my patch and puttin' a foul mouthed parrot on my shoulder (see link below) is a necessity. I can't wait to swoon some rich Mayor's virgin  daughter. Ahoy Matey

 

Thanks goes to Dean & Mike for the games, and Jon for the Blog.  But a special thanks to all of the staff @ The Merc.  Thanks alot!!

 

 

Link to The Merc's Blog:  http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2005/07/a_prize_for_sli.html

 

Parrot Link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1710646,00.html

Community Update – 7/21/05

BF2 Combat Tour of Duty and Ranked Server Admin Program Launches

EA and Planet Combat are pleased to announce two initiatives that have been building up for some time and are now ready to roll: BF2 Combat: The Battlefield 2 Tour of Duty and the Ranked Server Admin Program. Both of these initiatives are provided to the community entirely by the team at Planet Combat, with our blessing.

BF2 Combat, the Battlefield 2 Tour of Duty, is a unique community which will allow players to experience Battlefield 2 as never before. Featuring multiple ten-hour battles every week (of which members can attend as many or as little as they like) the Tour of Duty offers members a hierarchically-structured environment replete with cool features. During signup, people have the option of enlisting to fight for the United States Army or Marine Corps, the Middle Eastern Coalition Armies, or the People's Liberation Army. All divisions offer the same superior game experience. Players can elect to participate in a variety of programs, including an Army Ranger School designed by real US Army Rangers and a wide swath of qualifications. Perhaps the coolest thing about the Tour of Duty is that the world changes dynamically not only after each battle but also after each three month Tour. That means generals are able to decide what areas they will attack next, and the maps played will reflect these decisions. Members will also be able to bring their unlocked weapons in on battle day and will get priority selection for BF2 Combat's public ranked servers.

The Tour of Duty works not only for the hardcore gamer, it's a great environment for those new to the Battlefield Franchise to learn the ropes and to get better. BF2 Combat's clan fusion, allows clans, LAN Centers, or other groups of up to fifty to join and fight as one contiguous unit. Members can also participate in the map-making team, movie production squad, or writers' guild if so inclined, and they're always looking for new ways to improve the system.

European gamers needn't worry. Planet Combat will soon begin offering high-quality Game Daemons servers on both sides of the Atlantic. About 40% of BF2 Combat's members are European, and the Tour is a place to work on English and fight with a team from your own country. Members will also be eligible for GeForce 6800 Ultras from NVIDIA, a complete Alienware system, and Zboards decked out with BF2 key sets! All in all, the Tour of Duty system is one of the most innovative community programs we've seen in a long time and we expect participants will have an outstanding time with it!

Planet Combat will also be setting up regular mini-tours on Friday nights to offer the public a taste of what the Tour is like and to show why you should join. These regular events will feature prizes such as NVIDIA cards and Zboards, and will allow people to play in 64 player, organized fights. Keep checking back here for more info.

 

I want one now...If this is part of OurColony, then the Brotherhood is ready to build our formicadum...:) Bring it on.  We're ready to roll. 

 

Here's a pic of the kid in question:

 

 

Well, the boys @ EA have finally wised up and put out a patch for the game that shipped with enough bugs to make an episode of Fear Factor.  BUT the only problem is that it causes some bugs of it's own. 

 

As I was playing with another friend we found that we couldn't read each other's text messages, or hear each other.  We had used the internal VoIP before so this was a bit frustrating.  He used the Connect to I.P. feature, so that may be it.  Earlier in the day I had no problems using it with other random players. 

 

Also, when I quit now it takes quite some time to get out of the game.  I don't know if that's something with my system, or the patch.  BUT something has changed with how it runs since I upgraded.

 

Otherwise, it's a great change and has made the entire game overall more stable.  So, that fact alone makes it a breath of fresh air for today.  :) 

 

Here's the link for the patch:

The Clan I am in has found a site that allows you to upload an image and insert it onto an variety of clothing, pet clothes, mugs, and hats.  Pretty neat stuff, here's the link:

 

Ironically, one of  the pictures that are on the site advertising the dog clothing has a dog that resembles Molly (my doggy).  Take a look:

Well, Joystiq wrote up an article today that asked all of us gamers to send in our ideas for a game.  I replied with my own game idea. I've attached the link @ the bottom of the page so that you can read the others that have been posted.   The following is what I posted for my idea: 

 

My idea for a great game would be a different approach to the action market, one that is much more politically correct than the GTA's and other Mature Rated problem games. I haven't been able to iron out all the sequences, because it isn't as complete a thought as I know it needs to be. So, I'll sum it up in a few sentences and hope that y'all here can shoot it down, or help me out with some of it so it will be a fun game to play:

Disaster Relief Rescue Team (DRRT for short)

I'm not talking Twister: The game. this would focus on the future, the future all of us has been raised knowing it would happen. When the world shifts that one bit to much in California and it becomes an island. Or the seafloor moves and causes another awful tsunami slams the coast D.R.R.T. will be their to rescue whoever needs it.

The game would need to be a single player, Vs., and/or co-op. The types of missions and hazards would require a great amount of physics in order to depict a realistic catastrophe (I failed physics in High School, DOH!). The entire environment would be destructible. Their could be a mini-game built into it that allowed you to manage the evacuation from the area as well. This would be the "God-like power" of deciding of where to isolate problem areas making the mission different every time. Especially if the game's disaster engine has a random location generator, which would change the entire disaster everytime.

The versus game would be fun, because one group could be the disaster team, and the adversary could be people in mobile homes, or even be the disaster.


So, this is the basics of my idea, what do y'all think? :)

 

 

I got promoted in Battlefield 2 today to a Lance Corporal.  Here's a link to my stats page:

 

 

 

 

Today we celebrate our Independence from the oppression from an overseas dictator as well as the right to write whatever I want on here.  So, the Freedom to do just that is the good news for today.  If you're reading this in China, I'm sure it's censored, so just know this:  F R E E D O M EXISTS!!!  Put your cares unto the Lord and he shall set you free from the worry and stress attached to the daily struggles we all have (some more than others, but we all have them).

 

 

It looks like TeamXBox  has confirmed that Developers have started receiving their 360 Dev Kits!  This is great news!  Now, we will all be able to have a much clearer idea of what's in store this November.  The stories that unfold from here I'll be updating as much as possible.  :)   

 

Here's the story from TXB:

 

Xbox 360 Beta Dev Kits Arrive

 

Following recent reports on the Internet, TeamXbox.com can indeed confirm that game publishers and developers have received the first development kits containing the IBM’s three-core PowerPC processor and the custom GPU developed by ATI.

All the developers that talked to TeamXbox.com confirmed that at the moment their programmers are studying the new hardware and putting the chips under heavy scrutiny.

 

It should be only a matter of time until we can see what the Xbox 360 is truly capable of. We’ll have more on the Xbox 360 SDKs as it becomes available.