Fred the Astronaut: "Houston we have a problem." Houston: "..." Fred the Astronaut: "Houston?" Houston: "..." Fred the Astronaut: "..." Houston: "..." Fred the Astronaut: "$%@!"
The problem with these sort of assessments, particularly when it comes to understanding the universe around us at that scale, is that we are constantly working with what little "facts" that we have.
I am not saying that we should not be constantly guessing how the universe interacts around us, only that we take it with a grain of salt and think critically.
Essentially the less we know the more wild our guesses. The more assumptions that have to be made the the less likely whatever we come up with will reflect reality at all.
I would chalk all this up as "common sense", though that value seems to be a variable in many cases.
Back in the day every game that came out was proceeded by an awesome demo you could download very easily. You could then decide if you wanted to buy the game (or just continue to play the demo to death).
I don't know why, perhaps the size of games now, but it seems this is no longer the practice, and if a demo is released, it is sometimes only on those pay for file sharing sites, which really defeats the whole purpose.
Combine that with a rash of really horrible games, and an industry that is generally considered to be bought by the developers (10 out of 10!), that leaves the consumes hanging out to dry.
Generally speaking I go by user reviews mostly and certain trusted developers. I bought Quake Wars because of ET. Blizzard of course is gold, and WOW is so well known AND has a great demo.
Apart from a few others, that means that i will hear about the hype, and then probably download a copy and try it out. If I like it and if there are limitations to the download I will likely buy it. However if the answer to either "if" is no, then I likely will not. That simple.
The industry likes to blame pirates (just like any other), however they have no one to thank but themselves for their current situation.
Here is an idea, before you release the game, release a good demo via bit torrent and advertise that you did so. Then assuming you make a good game expect more sales.
Perhaps in modern warfare. I remember reading that in the old battles the real carnage didn't begin really until one army was routed or took to flight. When that happend the other army would wipe them out or inflict the most casualties as they tried to run away or retreat. So essientially battles were won or lost by which army broke first. The actual combat and initial or even prolonged contact saw few casualties by comparison.
When I was in Grade 5 I got picked on a lot by these two bullies. One was already 6'4" and the other could grow a beard... basically they hit their growth before others and took advantage of it.
Anyway one night at dinner I asked my dad what I should do about the bullies. His sage advice was "Count to five and punch him in the nose."
So the next day they were at it again, they hairy guy was holding me while the other had some "free" punches. Anyway I took my dad's advice a bit too literly and started to count to 5... out loud (he meant in my head as to try and calm down the situation I think or something). Anyway so i start counting "ONE!....TWO!...THREE!", I think at this time I had them throughly confused as to wtf was going on..."FOUR!...FIVE!". On five I struggled like crazy to get free, and I think he probably let me go as he wasn't sure what the hell was going on.
At this point I am free and I confront the bully, and look up. Way up. See at this time I am all of 4' nothing, and he was past 6', I could barely reach that far to start with. After a split second decision I wound up and kicked him as hard as I possibly could right in the nuts. The guy dropped like rock. Anyway the teacher came over, and took me away, the bully went to the hospital. The only trouble I got in was the teacher told me I shouldn't kick other boys there. I think the teacher felt a bit powerless as this guy had been causing grief for students and teachers alike (teacher was 5'4").
Anyway Shawn (tall guy) and Dave (hairy guy) ended up being my best friends in juinor and high school later on, though Dave continued to kick my ass after school for about another year. I don't think Shawn ever tried it again though. I still keep in contact with both even now 13 years after graduation and I still count them as great friends.
You could also just automate the whole thing. That way humans wouldn't have to endure the trauma of watching it happen. Probably the most efficient way of doing it would be to network the whole lot, that way they can coordinate with each other. We can call the whole thing SkyNet and be done with it.
Too funny! I emailed it around to a bunch of friends. I remember thinking something similar sometime ago when the "Mac" commercials first game out. This one is phrased better than I could probably put into words however, well done!
(I think my thoughts were around a beating much like the Office Space printer, rather than the pistol, but it works!)
Maybe a stupid question, but can black holes micro or otherwise gobble each other up? Is this how the super massives are created?
I am just thinking, sure a little pesky micro black hole is nothing, eating one atom at a time etc... however what if several thousand micro black holes are created simultaneously? All in the same spatial area. All gobbling up one atom at a time, but then one micro cannibalizes another, doubles, and now has an increased ability to gobble atoms two at a time, and cannibalize other micros faster, etc... Would this not create an exponential chain reaction that could potentially devour the world? Of course I am a bit fuzzy on the timeline of all this happening, but still it sounds plausible at least.
I remember there was a book written by David Brin called "Earth" I think that looked into this very idea, or something close to it.
Personally I think the Summer Olympics are lame. Easily cut out half the "sports"...
However as to judges, I would dissagree and say that most if not all sports have judges. They might just be called referees. They judge that the rules are followed and have impact on the outcome.
OK and just to get people going here is my list on non sports:
#1) Syncro Swimming. - wtf is that all about? #2) Ribbon dancing. - I don't even care that it isn't called that #3) Rowing, Sailing, etc... - how about canoing, or hand gliding, etc... #4) Running is a sport, but do we really need a 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 etc... How about 3. A short one. A medium one. A long one. Done. #5) Ballroom dancing. - need I explain? #6) Women's Beach Volley - is a sport. and hot. #7) Hurtles? Isn't that just running with some jumping? #8) Long Jump - Sure we will call that a sport. same goes with high jump. #9) Pole Vault - not sure where the heck it came from but I would cut that one out. #10) Missing sport I would like to see. Random large obstacle course with no preview. Now that would be hard to train for and fun to watch! #11) Shot put and Javelin - Sure we will call 'em sports for now. Discus is pushin' it though. #12) Sport Sports are sports. Basketball, Tennis, Baseball, Soccer, etc... #13) Diving is ok I guess #14) Water Polo Is a sport #15) Badmington might be a sport, but it is a dumb one. #16) Boxing is a sport, and I say throw in UFA as well! #17) Cycling and Horse riding do not equal sports. Like the above they are just different modes of transportation. Lets have NASCAR and Blimp races next. #18) I say Fencing is a sport #19) Trampoline? - Come on! #20) Hockey and Judo are sports (even if only field hockey) #21) Where is Lacrosse? #22) Shooting and Archery I say are Sports so there! #23) Table Tennis. - See Badminton #24) Trialtholon, has cycling, but I will let it go as it is a combo event! #25) Weighlifting and Wrestling are sports. #26) Golf is not a sport. But Rugby is. #27) Squash and Cricket and croquet - lame. #28) Skatebording is not a sport. #29) Speed walking. - Have you watched that crap. lol. #30) Gymnastics are a sport, but not the artsy fartsy ones. #31) Handball? - See Squash. #32) Mountain and BMX also not sports. #33) Kayacking - See Rowing
I thought both the start and the destination was somewhat ironic for this type (solar) race. It wasn't mentioned in the article why these two places were chosen, perhaps because they get a lot of sun.
However when I think of Texas I think big oil, and when I think of Alberta I also think of big oil. They are probably two of the largest producers of oil (land based) in North America. Perhaps this figured into the decision as to the selection of the cities. Anyway I hope the irony was not lost on them.
Yeah I had thought of that. As I said he had a lot of "outs" that could possibly explain the story. It wasn't something that was explicitly stated though, so if was just one of those things that left me wondering how reasonable his actions where.
I mean he compares his with Hellboy's relationship, which was not only longer, but they literately went through hell together. Lots of history. If Abe's special connection with her was at cause, and didn't have a lot of experience in the field, and/or was very lonely/desperate it may have contributed to how he felt and thus acted. However as I said it was just one of those things that I questioned. I think you would have to be a pretty hard critic to fault it.
They decided to leave it up to the audience.
For example in Babylon 5 (brutal I know to bring up, but I am currently re-watching it, so it is fresh in my mind), they explicitly state that when two psychics make love they become one and nothing can every compare to that or something along those lines. So you know that any kind of relationship like that is kinda a big deal.
I think Abe just talk's about having a connection, and being alike or the same. Which could just mean freaks don't find other compatible freaks very often and he is a lonely guy/fish.
Could just be perhaps that he was really tired of being the 3rd wheel for years and years. That would be pretty annoying.
I am a Hellboy fan, and have seen the first movie.
I enjoyed Hellboy 2 last night, it was quite good. Worth a trip to the theater.
Lots of action, funny parts, plenty of beautiful cinematography, good acting. Pretty much can't go wrong.
If I really wanted to be a hard critic there were a few things I could say.
1) So much eye candy. In some parts there was so much beautiful cinematography and action going on it was hard to take it all in. It makes me want to watch it again so I can see in more detail everything that is going on.
2) It seemed to me that a lot of star trek red shirts (BPRD normal human agents) get killed off and the main characters don't seem too upset. Could be they are just used to it by now, came across more callous than it should have been I thought.
3) I didn't buy into Abe's love interest 100%. Though I could rationalize it perhaps that he is inexperienced in love and perhaps more infatuated or desperate so I can let it slide.
Oh and I also thought Jeffrey Tambor was very good in his role. I also really liked how the very beginning of the movie started, though I was initially a bit skeptical. Very Creative. There are also a few laugh your ass off parts which are lots of fun, particularly in a theater setting.
Well if you think about it it all comes down to nuclear reactions.
Sun = big nuclear reaction (simplification I know). Coal = Was plants, plants use sun. Oil = ditto (some speculation). Wind = apparently. Nuclear = well duh.
Only can think of 3 which are not: Tidal, Hydro, and Geothermal All which act on the power of gravity.
Though Hydro may be in part due to the Sun if you take into account how rivers might be formed.
Unless I misunderstand, you are saying that reading crap is the same thing as not reading?
I hope you are only being inflammatory or that I misinterpreted your meaning. Otherwise thats probably one of the most idiotic statements I have heard of in awhile not to mention elitist and pompous.
If you notice I said "some people" and "might" and also put "trash" in quotes. I think that would indicate that not everybody would consider it so. Also not everybody enjoys reading only heavy novels of critical acclaim. Even among critics and the well read you will get massive deviations of opinion. One's masterpiece of the ages is another's pulp trash.
Besides we are talking about reading for pre-teens ! You want to get people interested in reading first before you take on the big stuff. Heck I know people who only read magazines or nothing, probably mostly because they never got interested in reading at an early age.
Slashdot Mirror
See http://www.ironsky.net/site/ for details...
Fred the Astronaut: "Houston we have a problem."
Houston: "..."
Fred the Astronaut: "Houston?"
Houston: "..."
Fred the Astronaut: "..."
Houston: "..."
Fred the Astronaut: "$%@!"
As it would to me.
The problem with these sort of assessments, particularly when it comes to understanding the universe around us at that scale, is that we are constantly working with what little "facts" that we have.
I am not saying that we should not be constantly guessing how the universe interacts around us, only that we take it with a grain of salt and think critically.
Essentially the less we know the more wild our guesses. The more assumptions that have to be made the the less likely whatever we come up with will reflect reality at all.
I would chalk all this up as "common sense", though that value seems to be a variable in many cases.
Back in the day every game that came out was proceeded by an awesome demo you could download very easily. You could then decide if you wanted to buy the game (or just continue to play the demo to death).
I don't know why, perhaps the size of games now, but it seems this is no longer the practice, and if a demo is released, it is sometimes only on those pay for file sharing sites, which really defeats the whole purpose.
Combine that with a rash of really horrible games, and an industry that is generally considered to be bought by the developers (10 out of 10!), that leaves the consumes hanging out to dry.
Generally speaking I go by user reviews mostly and certain trusted developers. I bought Quake Wars because of ET. Blizzard of course is gold, and WOW is so well known AND has a great demo.
Apart from a few others, that means that i will hear about the hype, and then probably download a copy and try it out. If I like it and if there are limitations to the download I will likely buy it. However if the answer to either "if" is no, then I likely will not. That simple.
The industry likes to blame pirates (just like any other), however they have no one to thank but themselves for their current situation.
Here is an idea, before you release the game, release a good demo via bit torrent and advertise that you did so. Then assuming you make a good game expect more sales.
Perhaps in modern warfare. I remember reading that in the old battles the real carnage didn't begin really until one army was routed or took to flight. When that happend the other army would wipe them out or inflict the most casualties as they tried to run away or retreat. So essientially battles were won or lost by which army broke first. The actual combat and initial or even prolonged contact saw few casualties by comparison.
Yeah I had a simmilar story...
When I was in Grade 5 I got picked on a lot by these two bullies. One was already 6'4" and the other could grow a beard... basically they hit their growth before others and took advantage of it.
Anyway one night at dinner I asked my dad what I should do about the bullies. His sage advice was "Count to five and punch him in the nose."
So the next day they were at it again, they hairy guy was holding me while the other had some "free" punches. Anyway I took my dad's advice a bit too literly and started to count to 5... out loud (he meant in my head as to try and calm down the situation I think or something). Anyway so i start counting "ONE!....TWO!...THREE!", I think at this time I had them throughly confused as to wtf was going on..."FOUR!...FIVE!". On five I struggled like crazy to get free, and I think he probably let me go as he wasn't sure what the hell was going on.
At this point I am free and I confront the bully, and look up. Way up. See at this time I am all of 4' nothing, and he was past 6', I could barely reach that far to start with. After a split second decision I wound up and kicked him as hard as I possibly could right in the nuts. The guy dropped like rock. Anyway the teacher came over, and took me away, the bully went to the hospital. The only trouble I got in was the teacher told me I shouldn't kick other boys there. I think the teacher felt a bit powerless as this guy had been causing grief for students and teachers alike (teacher was 5'4").
Anyway Shawn (tall guy) and Dave (hairy guy) ended up being my best friends in juinor and high school later on, though Dave continued to kick my ass after school for about another year. I don't think Shawn ever tried it again though. I still keep in contact with both even now 13 years after graduation and I still count them as great friends.
Anyway thats just my silly story.
Your wife has a penis? eww.
You could also just automate the whole thing. That way humans wouldn't have to endure the trauma of watching it happen. Probably the most efficient way of doing it would be to network the whole lot, that way they can coordinate with each other. We can call the whole thing SkyNet and be done with it.
You forgot Canadian ground forces also...
I remember a quote that from somewhere that went something like this: "If you find yourself in a fair fight, its time to re-evaluate your strategy".
Something like that. Also reminded me of advice about being in a fist fight (generally speaking): "Hit first and hit really really hard."
Again I paraphrase.
Too funny! I emailed it around to a bunch of friends. I remember thinking something similar sometime ago when the "Mac" commercials first game out. This one is phrased better than I could probably put into words however, well done!
(I think my thoughts were around a beating much like the Office Space printer, rather than the pistol, but it works!)
Done and done. Minimum wage in the State of California just became a million bucks an hours. Sweet.
Maybe a stupid question, but can black holes micro or otherwise gobble each other up? Is this how the super massives are created?
I am just thinking, sure a little pesky micro black hole is nothing, eating one atom at a time etc... however what if several thousand micro black holes are created simultaneously? All in the same spatial area. All gobbling up one atom at a time, but then one micro cannibalizes another, doubles, and now has an increased ability to gobble atoms two at a time, and cannibalize other micros faster, etc... Would this not create an exponential chain reaction that could potentially devour the world? Of course I am a bit fuzzy on the timeline of all this happening, but still it sounds plausible at least.
I remember there was a book written by David Brin called "Earth" I think that looked into this very idea, or something close to it.
More importantly how does it compare to twin ion engines? The empire wants to know!
QIE - Quad Ion Engines, now with the added benefit that they don't look like bowties. Under utilized as the name isn't very catchy...
Personally I think the Summer Olympics are lame. Easily cut out half the "sports"...
However as to judges, I would dissagree and say that most if not all sports have judges. They might just be called referees. They judge that the rules are followed and have impact on the outcome.
OK and just to get people going here is my list on non sports:
#1) Syncro Swimming. - wtf is that all about?
#2) Ribbon dancing. - I don't even care that it isn't called that
#3) Rowing, Sailing, etc... - how about canoing, or hand gliding, etc...
#4) Running is a sport, but do we really need a 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 etc... How about 3. A short one. A medium one. A long one. Done.
#5) Ballroom dancing. - need I explain?
#6) Women's Beach Volley - is a sport. and hot.
#7) Hurtles? Isn't that just running with some jumping?
#8) Long Jump - Sure we will call that a sport. same goes with high jump.
#9) Pole Vault - not sure where the heck it came from but I would cut that one out.
#10) Missing sport I would like to see. Random large obstacle course with no preview. Now that would be hard to train for and fun to watch!
#11) Shot put and Javelin - Sure we will call 'em sports for now. Discus is pushin' it though.
#12) Sport Sports are sports. Basketball, Tennis, Baseball, Soccer, etc...
#13) Diving is ok I guess
#14) Water Polo Is a sport
#15) Badmington might be a sport, but it is a dumb one.
#16) Boxing is a sport, and I say throw in UFA as well!
#17) Cycling and Horse riding do not equal sports. Like the above they are just different modes of transportation. Lets have NASCAR and Blimp races next.
#18) I say Fencing is a sport
#19) Trampoline? - Come on!
#20) Hockey and Judo are sports (even if only field hockey)
#21) Where is Lacrosse?
#22) Shooting and Archery I say are Sports so there!
#23) Table Tennis. - See Badminton
#24) Trialtholon, has cycling, but I will let it go as it is a combo event!
#25) Weighlifting and Wrestling are sports.
#26) Golf is not a sport. But Rugby is.
#27) Squash and Cricket and croquet - lame.
#28) Skatebording is not a sport.
#29) Speed walking. - Have you watched that crap. lol.
#30) Gymnastics are a sport, but not the artsy fartsy ones.
#31) Handball? - See Squash.
#32) Mountain and BMX also not sports.
#33) Kayacking - See Rowing
Flame on!
I thought both the start and the destination was somewhat ironic for this type (solar) race. It wasn't mentioned in the article why these two places were chosen, perhaps because they get a lot of sun.
However when I think of Texas I think big oil, and when I think of Alberta I also think of big oil. They are probably two of the largest producers of oil (land based) in North America. Perhaps this figured into the decision as to the selection of the cities. Anyway I hope the irony was not lost on them.
I believe this can be summarized into the headline:
Stupid Operators Foiled by Smart Programmers.
My take:
#1 the connection was never really fully explained. When she takes a nap does he have to also. Perhaps it doesn't work that way.
#2 flame chick I don't think knew about the 3rd piece. Abe hid it, thus no chance for melty.
Yeah I had thought of that. As I said he had a lot of "outs" that could possibly explain the story. It wasn't something that was explicitly stated though, so if was just one of those things that left me wondering how reasonable his actions where.
I mean he compares his with Hellboy's relationship, which was not only longer, but they literately went through hell together. Lots of history. If Abe's special connection with her was at cause, and didn't have a lot of experience in the field, and/or was very lonely/desperate it may have contributed to how he felt and thus acted. However as I said it was just one of those things that I questioned. I think you would have to be a pretty hard critic to fault it.
They decided to leave it up to the audience.
For example in Babylon 5 (brutal I know to bring up, but I am currently re-watching it, so it is fresh in my mind), they explicitly state that when two psychics make love they become one and nothing can every compare to that or something along those lines. So you know that any kind of relationship like that is kinda a big deal.
I think Abe just talk's about having a connection, and being alike or the same. Which could just mean freaks don't find other compatible freaks very often and he is a lonely guy/fish.
Could just be perhaps that he was really tired of being the 3rd wheel for years and years. That would be pretty annoying.
Just saw it last night.
I am a Hellboy fan, and have seen the first movie.
I enjoyed Hellboy 2 last night, it was quite good. Worth a trip to the theater.
Lots of action, funny parts, plenty of beautiful cinematography, good acting. Pretty much can't go wrong.
If I really wanted to be a hard critic there were a few things I could say.
1) So much eye candy. In some parts there was so much beautiful cinematography and action going on it was hard to take it all in. It makes me want to watch it again so I can see in more detail everything that is going on.
2) It seemed to me that a lot of star trek red shirts (BPRD normal human agents) get killed off and the main characters don't seem too upset. Could be they are just used to it by now, came across more callous than it should have been I thought.
3) I didn't buy into Abe's love interest 100%. Though I could rationalize it perhaps that he is inexperienced in love and perhaps more infatuated or desperate so I can let it slide.
Oh and I also thought Jeffrey Tambor was very good in his role. I also really liked how the very beginning of the movie started, though I was initially a bit skeptical. Very Creative. There are also a few laugh your ass off parts which are lots of fun, particularly in a theater setting.
Um so what there is a "good" city and a "bad" city? Wow, just wow. (no pun intended!lol)
Best game ever. Free.
Hey it got me to buy Quake Wars years later...
Well if you think about it it all comes down to nuclear reactions.
Sun = big nuclear reaction (simplification I know).
Coal = Was plants, plants use sun.
Oil = ditto (some speculation).
Wind = apparently.
Nuclear = well duh.
Only can think of 3 which are not:
Tidal, Hydro, and Geothermal
All which act on the power of gravity.
Though Hydro may be in part due to the Sun if you take into account how rivers might be formed.
Unless I misunderstand, you are saying that reading crap is the same thing as not reading?
I hope you are only being inflammatory or that I misinterpreted your meaning. Otherwise thats probably one of the most idiotic statements I have heard of in awhile not to mention elitist and pompous.
If you notice I said "some people" and "might" and also put "trash" in quotes. I think that would indicate that not everybody would consider it so. Also not everybody enjoys reading only heavy novels of critical acclaim. Even among critics and the well read you will get massive deviations of opinion. One's masterpiece of the ages is another's pulp trash.
Besides we are talking about reading for pre-teens ! You want to get people interested in reading first before you take on the big stuff. Heck I know people who only read magazines or nothing, probably mostly because they never got interested in reading at an early age.
lol I had forgotten about Harry Harrison!
Bill the Galactic Hero! I must have read it a hundred times.
Don't think I ever checked out the Steal Rat stuff, maybe I will check it out now just for fun!
I also forgot about the "MYTH" series... though I remember they got a bit tired after awhile...