Like it or not, the PS3 is always going to compete in the same exact market as the Wii and Xbox360. QFT. There has been a lot of ballyhoo about how the PS3 is competing for a different segment of the gaming market than the Wii while going head-to-head with the 360. This is true. But it seems that Sony saw the 360 as its only real competitor and dismissed the Wii, but what they didn't understand is that the Wii adds a twist.
The non-fanboi hardcore market looks at the PS3 and the 360 as both good systems and, in an otherwise isolated market, these systems would compete fairly evenly on price versus technical capabilities. But the Wii gives significant added strength to the 360: a hardcore console player can have a strong gaming experience with the 360 and also own a Wii for quirky fun/party games, all for the price of the PS3. Conversely, a PS3 owner will have a system that is competing directly for dollars against this 360/Wii combo with fewer choices of gaming experience and a debatable gaming quality experience versus the combo.
FWIW, I decided to stop bitching about the PS3's price once I realised that I was considering buying a 8800GTX video card for my gaming system that costs as much as the entire damned console. I also, as I predicted some time ago, ended up buying my first console in more than a decade: the Wii. I guess that's a victory for Nintendo, although I still spend more time playing on my PC, so I guess that's not!
Good point. Yes, asking permission to render aid was a part of my training too. As I recall, if the person is unable to answer or is a child, then aid can be rendered in good faith and is protected by the Good Samaritan laws. Interestingly, however, only laymen are protected. IIRC, trained individuals are expected to have a standard of care exceeding that of laymen and thus are not protected by the law. I suppose this is the trade-off for being able to do so much more. I am originally from the U.K., so I sometimes find it interesting to muse on the differences between the U.S. and U.K. systems.
This isn't true is many instances. While I don't know if it applies at a national level, I know that many states have "good samaritan" laws that provide a legal shield against being sued for rendering assistance in good faith. Such laws are there precisely due to the concern you detail: that no-one would render assistance for fear of litigation.
As far as doctors and nurses walking away, they'd better hope that no-one sees them do so. I recall from my Maryland EMT training that trained professionals (i.e. from EMTs all the way up to doctors) have a duty to render assistance in such situations. Indeed, I think it's far more reasonable to hold a doctor negligible for not rendering assistance since a duty of care exists by virtue of his profession. Of course, talk to me once I'm done with medical school and perhaps I'll have a somewhat less idealistic view, but I sure hope not.
Choose happiness. If you can get that waiver, and if you're cool with living simply for a bit, you can probably get by until you find a new job. Of course, that's contingent on your financial situation, since I don't know if you've fallen into the trap that so many people have: accruing enough debt that any loss of income is catastrophic. If you're fortunate enough to be able to pare down your living expenses to an absolute minimum, definitely choose happiness. Fall back, consider your options, and then move on with a clear mind and firm intent.
I've met too many damned people (and I mean that in the Dante's Inferno sense) who are trapped in a horrific cycle of misery due to their job, living arrangements, or debt. Too many are either unable to change their lives, or are too scared to take the leap and make a change. Ultimately, I think it comes down to what's more important to you: security and stability that may be stifling and unfulfilling, or the uncertain pursuit of happiness and self-actualisation. Oddly enough, I think the entire nation is struggling with that same decision right now! Of course, the two aren't mutually exclusive, but I'd advise you to choose happiness over stability any day of the week.
It's not just about the graphics, it's about the simplicity and ease of use... Interesting. While I accept that consoles are somewhat easier to use in a "shove the disk in and play" sense, I have to say that I really hate console controls. Having played on a 360 and a Wii (I own the latter) it really irritates me how imprecise the controls are. Playing CoD on the 360 felt like one of those weird dreams where you can't move freely because the air is too thick or something. I used to mock auto-aiming and/or target-locking I saw in console games, but I now understand it's the only damned way you can reliably track a target! If only someone would make a mouse and WASD/stick for the Wii or 360, I'd be a happy camper.
I'm curious, what mix of mods did you use? I imagine that CTmod is mandatory, but what others? I've played a bit of Oblivion (had to stop, studying for the stupid MCAT) but never really felt like I had a good mix beyond CTmod and Natural Environments.
I used to be very proud of being English. I believed Britain to be a light in the darkness and a bastion of freedom. I believed that the U.K., along with the U.S., stood as examples to the rest of the world as to what was possible when freedom won out over fear. But today, I no longer feel that way. I see freedoms being given up for illusory safety, and an unprecedented level of control being given to a government that has never proven itself even remotely worthy or capable of such a responsibility. Mostly, I feel anger and sadness, and a sense of frustration that the proverbial shining city on the hill has become so horribly tarnished with the shit of misinformation, misdirection, fear-mongering, and mediocre talking-heads proclaiming that just a few more liberties need to go to make us all safe.
posession of the garmment may well imbue you with an ability to acquire females with whom previously you stood no chance, but I would like as not expect, they would not be ones I, nor you, would happily hold forth as example of 'babes' I suspect, however, that possession of the sort of financial holdings that allow one to blow that sort of cash on a movie prop would imbue the holder with the ability to acquire females definitely falling into the 'babe' category.
Remember, it's the size of your wallet, not what you do with it!
Nazism was also atheistic, and caused in the most effective example of genocide known to date. For an atheistic regime, they sure had an odd motto:
Gott Mit Uns
They both require practice. But people are less predictable than software. It's also easier to irreversibly screw up a relationship with a person than to irreversibly screw up an installation of computer software. You're rather focused on the extremes, I think. IMO you'd have to be trying pretty damned hard to irreversibly screw up a social relationship. Sure, a misstep could make it more difficult, but I can't think of too many relationship problems that can't at least be fixed to the 'civility' level with an appropriate amount of effort.
I find it interesting how you note that people are less predictable than software, as if this is a flaw in my argument. Your point is well-taken, but that, again, is the point of practice. Social relationships are in a constant state of flux to some degree or other and the variables are so diverse as to preclude a mechanistic approach. The same phrase spoken to someone on one day may elicit a favourable response, while the same phrase on a different day may be met very negatively. Relationships (both romantic and otherwise) are messy by nature and everyone involved is just making it up as we go along. My whole point is that unless geeks are willing to dive in and make mistakes, they'll never become less "socially challenged".
Software won't sue me for harassment. I refer you to the part of my post where I say "then laugh, learn, and move on". The "move on" part is important and knowing when to do so is indeed one of the first social skills that must be learned. Fortunately, moving on is something that is almost instinctive for most people (shame at rejection) and it's actually harder to learn to gracefully exit a bad situation than to just stiffly walk away. It's those who refuse to move on that have issues and my guess is that such behaviour stems from problems beyond a simple social awkwardness.
Do you have any specific tips for how someone on the autistic spectrum can become better at social networking? Mea Culpa. I had assumed that it was taken as read this request for advice was done so on the basis of an awkward, but otherwise healthy person. As I understand it (and here I freely admit I'm getting out of my depth), Autism is a failure in neurological hardware that precludes or restricts, among other things, empathy. Since empathy is a critical ingredient in healthy social relationships, I think fixing the "hardware" would be required before anything else would be effective. I recall reading that in certain instances, autistic people can learn to read facial clues (actively, rather than unconsciously as most of us do) to improve social skills. Again, I'm speculating here since my knowledge of autism is currently minimal.
If the latter, how can I become less socially challenged? Practice. It's always struck me as curious that geeks have always understood that mastering arcane technology takes lots of practice and the willingness to make mistakes from which to learn, but for some reason assume that social skills are different.
I used to be very introverted (still have that tendency sometimes) and the few friends I had tended to be the same way. However, once I figured out that social skills are precisely that, I practiced. Want to learn how to talk to girls? Go talk to them. And if you get shot down, then laugh, learn, and move on. Want to impress people in interviews? Cultivate a quiet self-confidence and and open, direct manner of communication. Be thoughtful, honest, confident, and quick to laugh. And if you find any part of that difficult (and all of us do at times), practice.
There's no magical trick to great interviews, great social networks, great friendships, or great romantic relationships. Socials skills, like all skills, are learned. There's never a reason to be "socially challenged" and it's surprising how quickly a useful (if you're so inclined to think that way) social network builds if you're just willing to be more...well, social.
p.s. This is addressed as much to the community as to you. I know too many fantastic people who are trapped in traditional geek social failure.
2) You gave me a great idea. I'm going to publish a paper on using magical crystals to heal pre-frontal cortex damage. Hah! Now the joke's on you! I've already patented it. No, wait, I was using magnetic crystals. Dammit!
Honestly, the statement "fundamentalist shills like the world bank" was so obviously sarcastic to me I assumed you and everyone who modded you up were not native English speakers As above, I freely admit that I missed what in retrospect should have been fairly obvious. However, with regard to your speculations as to the condition of my pre-frontal cortex, I'd remind you of a couple of things. First, as all of us who have been discussing things online since BBS and pre-BBS times are well aware, the nuances of conversation are often entirely lost in the online text medium. Secondly, the views expressed by Slashdot's denizens are sufficiently diverse that virtually any viewpoints, no matter how disconnected with reality, can and often are expressed with perfect seriousness.
Thus, while you immediately took his statement to be sarcasm, I wasn't certain whether the statement was said in an ironic manner or not. I've frequently heard anti-globalisation groups accuse the World Bank of being a shill or pawn of imperialistic powers. Similarly, I've heard the Lancet accused of being a pawn of the blind traditionalist allopaths who inexplicably refuse to publish articles on crystal healing. Neither of the preceding viewpoints have any basis in reality, in my opinion, but many times I'm damned if I can tell the difference between one of these nutters and a person being facetious in plain text.
However, the remainder of the seed post should have been sufficient to clue me in, so Mea Culpa. I, and my pre-frontal cortex, thank you.
Ah, thank you for pointing out what should have been obvious. That'll teach me to post anything before my daily dose of caffeine has kicked in!
With respect to your point, I'm torn with respect to Iran's nuclear ambitions. There has been a lot of jumping up and down about Iran's nuclear program *might* lead to weapons and *might* destabilise the Middle East even more. That said, as far as I understand Iran is within its rights to develop nuclear power options for civilian use. The crux of the issue seems to be Iran's assertion that it's simply trying build a power source versus the U.S. position that Iran is clearly planning to turn Israel into a glass parking lot.
The U.S. does seem to be intent on spreading a lot of FUD lately, in so very many areas of its policies. Although I of course acknowledge that fear-based policies existed long before the U.S. troubles with Middle Eastern societies, I really believe that the most terrible and far-reaching consequence of the September 11th attack was the conversion of the U.S. into an almost entirely fear-driven nation. Rationality in policy really seems to have been set aside and I fear that the situation in Iran will be the latest evidence of that.
Iran actually does have a far more liberal and effective system of HIV prevention that the US. Known Islamist sympathisers like the World Bank and Lancet recently wrote: Wait a minute. You're saying that one of the most prestigious medical journals on the planet is a "known Islamist sympathiser"? I rather thought that the Lancet was known more for being a rigorously peer-reviewed journal than a pawn of Islamic fundamentalism. Did I miss something, or just misunderstand your sentence here?
That's true. I was really excited about getting a Wii last November, I've been trying to find one since then with no luck. It really seems to be the luck of the draw. I was interested in getting a Wii as the first console I've owned in more than a decade, but wasn't particularly in a rush to get one. I happened to be looking at some DS games in a local Best Buy (Colorado Springs, North) when I wandered around an endcap and saw a stack of 12 Wii consoles sitting there. I did a double-take, to say the least. At that moment an announcement over the store PA system said that the Wii consoles had just been placed out and those who wanted one should line up by the case. Through sheer accident, I had managed to be first in line and walked out with one of the consoles.
Now if they'd just put out a decent football (soccer) game for the thing, I'd be set. I've thought about getting the Gamecube version of FIFA '07, but I'm hoping they'll announce a Wii version.
I hope that we never reach a time where the majority of people accept the idea of "proving one's innocence." That innocence is presumed while guilt must be proven is at the very bedrock of any free society and god help us if that ever truly changes.
I haven't played Total Annihilation, though I've seen it mentioned on Slashdot before. I have something to pitch in here too, though, about another not-that-well-known RTS game, which I think is cool. I rather suspect that the Dawn of War series is not quite as obscure as you think. Indeed, both the original game and the subsequent expansions were well-received by both the game media and by the community as a whole. Games Workshop has sufficiently large number of people who are either playing their products or at least have fond memories of doing so to virtually guarantee exposure for any software tied to their intellectual property. Thus, DoW, being a WH40K game, was quite well-covered in terms of both previews, reviews, and word-of-mouth. The same phenomenon will doubtless occur for their incipient MMORPG, despite the direct competition from WoW.
That said, I heartily concur with your assessment of the DoW style of play. It's refreshing, fast-paced, and makes the defensive-turtling stalemate much less likely. On the other hand, it is an intimidating experience for players who are used to the rather more sedate opening build-up of an RTS.
Since you enjoyed DoW so much, allow me to recommend Company of Heroes (by the same folks) if you haven't played it. CoH employs a virtually identical dynamic for resource gathering but in a more refined version. In my mind, CoH stands at the pinnacle of RTS game quality right now. I would dearly love to see Relic bring that level of detail to the WH40K universe. Hope springs eternal.
It's like when you watch a movie and it's really obvious that a certain character or effect was a really bad special effects job. We generally do a pretty good job of that stuff now, but look at the computer power it takes to pull it off. We're not getting that in gaming machines anytime soon. I agree. It goes back to that whole concept of the "Valley of Strangeness" in which we easily accept things that are either clearly real or clearly unreal, but have a difficult time with things that nearly-but-not-quite real. I was able to watch The Incredibles with complete suspension of disbelief because the world was consistent. With Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, however, I kept noticing that things weren't moving quite right (like hair) and that the faces were off. I think games are the same way: I keep noticing small details in new games that aren't quite right, whereas I've dismissed far more glaring faults in earlier games because the entire thing was flawed in terms of graphics or physics.
I hope it's more innovative than yet another RTS. I'm getting awfully bored with micromanage/clickfest games from Blizzard. Agreed. However, I was thinking about this earlier and concluded that I'd actually be satisfied with a remake of Starcraft, but with Company of Heroes resolution. Normally I'm the first guy to raise my fist in the air and cry for substance over graphics, but CoH really knocked me on my ass as an example of just how awesome an RTS can be. Imagining Starcraft looking as detailed (and with the UI advancements we've made through the years) is a happy thought indeed. So sure, I'd love to see an innovative new Starcraft title released, but at this point I'd be overjoyed with just an update!
Fair enough. My apologies then; I evidently misunderstood your point. In retrospect, I can certainly see how having an analogue stick for movement might be advantageous over the WASD configuration. The mouse is still definitely a vital component, however!
Slashdot Mirror
The non-fanboi hardcore market looks at the PS3 and the 360 as both good systems and, in an otherwise isolated market, these systems would compete fairly evenly on price versus technical capabilities. But the Wii gives significant added strength to the 360: a hardcore console player can have a strong gaming experience with the 360 and also own a Wii for quirky fun/party games, all for the price of the PS3. Conversely, a PS3 owner will have a system that is competing directly for dollars against this 360/Wii combo with fewer choices of gaming experience and a debatable gaming quality experience versus the combo.
FWIW, I decided to stop bitching about the PS3's price once I realised that I was considering buying a 8800GTX video card for my gaming system that costs as much as the entire damned console. I also, as I predicted some time ago, ended up buying my first console in more than a decade: the Wii. I guess that's a victory for Nintendo, although I still spend more time playing on my PC, so I guess that's not!
Good point. Yes, asking permission to render aid was a part of my training too. As I recall, if the person is unable to answer or is a child, then aid can be rendered in good faith and is protected by the Good Samaritan laws. Interestingly, however, only laymen are protected. IIRC, trained individuals are expected to have a standard of care exceeding that of laymen and thus are not protected by the law. I suppose this is the trade-off for being able to do so much more. I am originally from the U.K., so I sometimes find it interesting to muse on the differences between the U.S. and U.K. systems.
This isn't true is many instances. While I don't know if it applies at a national level, I know that many states have "good samaritan" laws that provide a legal shield against being sued for rendering assistance in good faith. Such laws are there precisely due to the concern you detail: that no-one would render assistance for fear of litigation.
As far as doctors and nurses walking away, they'd better hope that no-one sees them do so. I recall from my Maryland EMT training that trained professionals (i.e. from EMTs all the way up to doctors) have a duty to render assistance in such situations. Indeed, I think it's far more reasonable to hold a doctor negligible for not rendering assistance since a duty of care exists by virtue of his profession. Of course, talk to me once I'm done with medical school and perhaps I'll have a somewhat less idealistic view, but I sure hope not.
Choose happiness. If you can get that waiver, and if you're cool with living simply for a bit, you can probably get by until you find a new job. Of course, that's contingent on your financial situation, since I don't know if you've fallen into the trap that so many people have: accruing enough debt that any loss of income is catastrophic. If you're fortunate enough to be able to pare down your living expenses to an absolute minimum, definitely choose happiness. Fall back, consider your options, and then move on with a clear mind and firm intent.
I've met too many damned people (and I mean that in the Dante's Inferno sense) who are trapped in a horrific cycle of misery due to their job, living arrangements, or debt. Too many are either unable to change their lives, or are too scared to take the leap and make a change. Ultimately, I think it comes down to what's more important to you: security and stability that may be stifling and unfulfilling, or the uncertain pursuit of happiness and self-actualisation. Oddly enough, I think the entire nation is struggling with that same decision right now! Of course, the two aren't mutually exclusive, but I'd advise you to choose happiness over stability any day of the week.
cheers!
I'm curious, what mix of mods did you use? I imagine that CTmod is mandatory, but what others? I've played a bit of Oblivion (had to stop, studying for the stupid MCAT) but never really felt like I had a good mix beyond CTmod and Natural Environments.
I used to be very proud of being English. I believed Britain to be a light in the darkness and a bastion of freedom. I believed that the U.K., along with the U.S., stood as examples to the rest of the world as to what was possible when freedom won out over fear. But today, I no longer feel that way. I see freedoms being given up for illusory safety, and an unprecedented level of control being given to a government that has never proven itself even remotely worthy or capable of such a responsibility. Mostly, I feel anger and sadness, and a sense of frustration that the proverbial shining city on the hill has become so horribly tarnished with the shit of misinformation, misdirection, fear-mongering, and mediocre talking-heads proclaiming that just a few more liberties need to go to make us all safe.
Many Americans, I suspect, can relate.
Remember, it's the size of your wallet, not what you do with it!
For an atheistic regime, they sure had an odd motto: Gott Mit Uns
I find it interesting how you note that people are less predictable than software, as if this is a flaw in my argument. Your point is well-taken, but that, again, is the point of practice. Social relationships are in a constant state of flux to some degree or other and the variables are so diverse as to preclude a mechanistic approach. The same phrase spoken to someone on one day may elicit a favourable response, while the same phrase on a different day may be met very negatively. Relationships (both romantic and otherwise) are messy by nature and everyone involved is just making it up as we go along. My whole point is that unless geeks are willing to dive in and make mistakes, they'll never become less "socially challenged". Software won't sue me for harassment. I refer you to the part of my post where I say "then laugh, learn, and move on". The "move on" part is important and knowing when to do so is indeed one of the first social skills that must be learned. Fortunately, moving on is something that is almost instinctive for most people (shame at rejection) and it's actually harder to learn to gracefully exit a bad situation than to just stiffly walk away. It's those who refuse to move on that have issues and my guess is that such behaviour stems from problems beyond a simple social awkwardness. Do you have any specific tips for how someone on the autistic spectrum can become better at social networking? Mea Culpa. I had assumed that it was taken as read this request for advice was done so on the basis of an awkward, but otherwise healthy person. As I understand it (and here I freely admit I'm getting out of my depth), Autism is a failure in neurological hardware that precludes or restricts, among other things, empathy. Since empathy is a critical ingredient in healthy social relationships, I think fixing the "hardware" would be required before anything else would be effective. I recall reading that in certain instances, autistic people can learn to read facial clues (actively, rather than unconsciously as most of us do) to improve social skills. Again, I'm speculating here since my knowledge of autism is currently minimal.
cheers.
I used to be very introverted (still have that tendency sometimes) and the few friends I had tended to be the same way. However, once I figured out that social skills are precisely that, I practiced. Want to learn how to talk to girls? Go talk to them. And if you get shot down, then laugh, learn, and move on. Want to impress people in interviews? Cultivate a quiet self-confidence and and open, direct manner of communication. Be thoughtful, honest, confident, and quick to laugh. And if you find any part of that difficult (and all of us do at times), practice.
There's no magical trick to great interviews, great social networks, great friendships, or great romantic relationships. Socials skills, like all skills, are learned. There's never a reason to be "socially challenged" and it's surprising how quickly a useful (if you're so inclined to think that way) social network builds if you're just willing to be more...well, social.
p.s. This is addressed as much to the community as to you. I know too many fantastic people who are trapped in traditional geek social failure.
Thus, while you immediately took his statement to be sarcasm, I wasn't certain whether the statement was said in an ironic manner or not. I've frequently heard anti-globalisation groups accuse the World Bank of being a shill or pawn of imperialistic powers. Similarly, I've heard the Lancet accused of being a pawn of the blind traditionalist allopaths who inexplicably refuse to publish articles on crystal healing. Neither of the preceding viewpoints have any basis in reality, in my opinion, but many times I'm damned if I can tell the difference between one of these nutters and a person being facetious in plain text.
However, the remainder of the seed post should have been sufficient to clue me in, so Mea Culpa. I, and my pre-frontal cortex, thank you.
Ah, thank you for pointing out what should have been obvious. That'll teach me to post anything before my daily dose of caffeine has kicked in!
With respect to your point, I'm torn with respect to Iran's nuclear ambitions. There has been a lot of jumping up and down about Iran's nuclear program *might* lead to weapons and *might* destabilise the Middle East even more. That said, as far as I understand Iran is within its rights to develop nuclear power options for civilian use. The crux of the issue seems to be Iran's assertion that it's simply trying build a power source versus the U.S. position that Iran is clearly planning to turn Israel into a glass parking lot.
The U.S. does seem to be intent on spreading a lot of FUD lately, in so very many areas of its policies. Although I of course acknowledge that fear-based policies existed long before the U.S. troubles with Middle Eastern societies, I really believe that the most terrible and far-reaching consequence of the September 11th attack was the conversion of the U.S. into an almost entirely fear-driven nation. Rationality in policy really seems to have been set aside and I fear that the situation in Iran will be the latest evidence of that.
Now if they'd just put out a decent football (soccer) game for the thing, I'd be set. I've thought about getting the Gamecube version of FIFA '07, but I'm hoping they'll announce a Wii version.
I seem to recall that the scientific community didn't greet Wegener's ideas about continental drift too enthusiastically.
I hope that we never reach a time where the majority of people accept the idea of "proving one's innocence." That innocence is presumed while guilt must be proven is at the very bedrock of any free society and god help us if that ever truly changes.
FWIW, some of us were aware of the humour. Flamebait mod was poorly chosen.
I rather suspect that the Dawn of War series is not quite as obscure as you think. Indeed, both the original game and the subsequent expansions were well-received by both the game media and by the community as a whole. Games Workshop has sufficiently large number of people who are either playing their products or at least have fond memories of doing so to virtually guarantee exposure for any software tied to their intellectual property. Thus, DoW, being a WH40K game, was quite well-covered in terms of both previews, reviews, and word-of-mouth. The same phenomenon will doubtless occur for their incipient MMORPG, despite the direct competition from WoW.
That said, I heartily concur with your assessment of the DoW style of play. It's refreshing, fast-paced, and makes the defensive-turtling stalemate much less likely. On the other hand, it is an intimidating experience for players who are used to the rather more sedate opening build-up of an RTS.
Since you enjoyed DoW so much, allow me to recommend Company of Heroes (by the same folks) if you haven't played it. CoH employs a virtually identical dynamic for resource gathering but in a more refined version. In my mind, CoH stands at the pinnacle of RTS game quality right now. I would dearly love to see Relic bring that level of detail to the WH40K universe. Hope springs eternal.
Presumably we'd be safe unless someone managed to spill a drop of blood on it.
Fair enough. My apologies then; I evidently misunderstood your point. In retrospect, I can certainly see how having an analogue stick for movement might be advantageous over the WASD configuration. The mouse is still definitely a vital component, however!