This post is different from others in many ways. First, the title is only one word long. Second, it's more about me than anything else. Third, it isn't really a rant... not yet anyway. :P
The reason for the title is that I find I have changed. And not just in appearance, but in the way I am. Or rather, the way I think, the way I act (okay, maybe not so much the way I act, but still..!).
One thing that has apparently changed is that I am a very quiet person. I don't say much, save to certain people whom I know extremely well. It's very rare that I'll engage in conversation with someone, even online, where I spend a lot of my time, although I do chat quite a bit more there than IRL.
To me, it seems I'm a completely different person than I was 6+ years ago. Of course, that's a given, considering I AM 16 now and was 10 then. Still, am I so different that I could be an entirely new entity? I have changed identities online from time to time, changing my habits to suit - but to the point that I forget myself? I don't think this could be possible.
Regarding my quietness, I apparently used to talk quite a bit more, even to random strangers, when I was younger. Now, I don't talk to anyone much at all. Obviously when we're young like that we'll babble to anyone who will - or won't, even - listen. But still, you'd think I would retain /some/ social traits...
Since I rarely get out much, something that's starting to change, I haven't had much social contact with anyone other than a few select people. Being home schooled for most of my life is probably one of the reasons. As I gradually became more accustomed to being at home instead of a school, I took less interest in doing things outside of my home life. I secluded myself to my house, rarely going out anywhere. I became a hermit, so to speak.
So now, I think it's time to loosen up. I need to get out there, do things. I've already started to broaden my list of things to do. I'm a puppeteer. I've just came back from NYC. I try to talk more than I usually do.
Will this help? Only time will tell...
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Starcraft no longer requires CD to play
After forever trying to play SC by downloading cracks when I don't have my CD, looks like I won't need to anymore. The latest patch allows you to play without the CD by copying Install.exe to your installation folder and naming it 'StarCraft.mpq' or 'BroodWar.mpq', respectively.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Super Smash Bros. Brawl delayed again
According to Gamespot.com, SSBB will be delayed... again. It was originally planned for a December '07 release, but was delayed until February. And now, apparently, until March.Zelda: Twilight Princess was also delayed, for a year. Hopefully that won't happen with this one, although it's doubtful - TP was originally a Gamecube game, but was ported to Wii in mid-development.In any case, hopefully this will pay off. I'm looking forward to some serious smash. ^_^
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Sunday, November 25, 2007
On fire sales and basic chivalry
The two topics I cover this time around are completely non-related. They are fire sales (Fire sale - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) and chivalry (come on, if you don't know what this is... well... you're probably from this day and age :P).
As you can see from that Wikipedia topic, a fire sale is a three-tier hack attack against a country. This was the plot of Life Free or Die Hard (Live Free or Die Hard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).
If you are, to any extent, a computer nerd like me, and take an interest in computer hacking sims, then the idea of pulling off a fire sale might excite you. You might think it as 'cool'. Well, it's not - not when you realize the problem it could pose for all of us. When you think about it, it's scary. Really, truly, scary.
Here's the facts:
In the next few years, the chance of a fire sale occurring will increase. Although it's not likely (most hackers aren't /that/ pro), there's still a chance. In order to prevent being tech-locked:
--------------------------------
What is chivalry? From dictionary.com:
"The qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women."
Gallantry toward women. Yay, another big word. Dictionary.com also says:
"courtesy towards women", and "polite attentiveness to women".
Meh, you say. Girls are teh suckzors.
Well, okay, fine. But you know, we need more chivalry in this world.
And not just to women/girls, but to people in general.
Today, I was on a float in a Christmas parade. Being in Canada, there was lots of snow, but the weather's warming up a bit, so the parking lot where the parade ended was full of slush and water.
People are jumping off the floats, most of them getting wet when they land. Now, I see people who would probably appreciate help off of the float, and I think, I should go help her off. Do I? No. But then, that's because I was tired and cold, and by the time I had made my decision, it was too late.
Still, we have become so self-centered that we don't even go out of our way to help others. We are 'programmed' to do what our friends do. Back in medieval times, we would be looked down on (or worse yet, put to death). Now, who cares?
True, a lot of people, especially Christians like myself do act chivalrous. However, this is often done to simply impress someone, which is, really, kind of sad.
So I encourage you to try being a knight for a while. It can feel really good, and if you're looking for approval, there's your chance. People will look up to you, not down on you, and you'll be a nicer person in general.
As you can see from that Wikipedia topic, a fire sale is a three-tier hack attack against a country. This was the plot of Life Free or Die Hard (Live Free or Die Hard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).
If you are, to any extent, a computer nerd like me, and take an interest in computer hacking sims, then the idea of pulling off a fire sale might excite you. You might think it as 'cool'. Well, it's not - not when you realize the problem it could pose for all of us. When you think about it, it's scary. Really, truly, scary.
Here's the facts:
- Currently, 99.7% of North America (give or take a few) use computers. They are everywhere - in your car, your kitchen, your cellphone, your game console, heck, some people even have then in their toothbrushes.
- Home security systems are getting more advanced. Some feature the ability to remotely control and monitor your home via a 'secure' login. Sure, you think your home is safe - but what if someone hacks into that control system? You're exposed to the world, and your doors are unlocked and wide-open to burglars.
- If you've seen I, Robot, you know the problem such technology could pose. Though most of us agree that robots aren't likely to take over the world anytime soon, your little brother's Robotron 3000 could be remotely hacked if it has wireless capability. Scary? Maybe. Imagine being trapped in your room because your robopet hamster's been infected with a virus.
In the next few years, the chance of a fire sale occurring will increase. Although it's not likely (most hackers aren't /that/ pro), there's still a chance. In order to prevent being tech-locked:
- Try not to use too much high-tech stuff. Sure, it can't be avoided, but do you really need that $2,000 automatic back door?
- Use a router. Even though, for a fire sale to occur, a hacker has to get through much /much/ more than a simple router, this gives you peace of mind, and keeps your network safe.
- If you simply can't stand not having your gadgets (I know how it feels ;)), get backup stuff. Sure, you have your wireless blackberry, but have a old-fashioned turntable phone on hand.
- Keep paying for that dial-up. I use wireless high-speed most of the time, but when the storm clouds set in, performance is affected. If I need to be connected, I use my old dial-up connection. Slow, but hey, it works. So if your one connection gets hacked, you can use slow joe to stay in the know.
--------------------------------
What is chivalry? From dictionary.com:
"The qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women."
Gallantry toward women. Yay, another big word. Dictionary.com also says:
"courtesy towards women", and "polite attentiveness to women".
Meh, you say. Girls are teh suckzors.
Well, okay, fine. But you know, we need more chivalry in this world.
And not just to women/girls, but to people in general.
Today, I was on a float in a Christmas parade. Being in Canada, there was lots of snow, but the weather's warming up a bit, so the parking lot where the parade ended was full of slush and water.
People are jumping off the floats, most of them getting wet when they land. Now, I see people who would probably appreciate help off of the float, and I think, I should go help her off. Do I? No. But then, that's because I was tired and cold, and by the time I had made my decision, it was too late.
Still, we have become so self-centered that we don't even go out of our way to help others. We are 'programmed' to do what our friends do. Back in medieval times, we would be looked down on (or worse yet, put to death). Now, who cares?
True, a lot of people, especially Christians like myself do act chivalrous. However, this is often done to simply impress someone, which is, really, kind of sad.
So I encourage you to try being a knight for a while. It can feel really good, and if you're looking for approval, there's your chance. People will look up to you, not down on you, and you'll be a nicer person in general.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Forget heart attacks, what about /cart/ attacks? O.o
Before I explain the title of this post, I have two, no three, facts for you:
1) My computer swears at me when I turn it on. It says 'fsck'.
2) My CD player explicitly states 'no' when I try to play a CD.
3) I'm not crazy.
Now that we have that settled, on to the horrific story. :P
Just last night, both my brother, mom, and myself were sitting in our van, in the Wal-Mart parking lot, eating ice cream. Pretty normal, no?
A shopping cart, sitting at the top of a slope, proceeds to roll down, accelerates, then smashes into someone's van, putting a dent in it. Not something you see every day, but still pretty normal.
This is where it gets weird. Said cart turns, and proceeds - with no slope - into the area where shopping carts are stored. O.o
Now if you think that's creepy, read on:
Another cart, at the top of the slope in front of us, comes speeding down. And it's headed directly for the front of our van. Yayz.
So my mom freaks out. I'm laughing so hard I'm crying. But mind you, this was no laughing matter - we were being attacked by killer shopping carts! O_O
Thankfully my mom regained enough of her composure to back up, and dodge the thing. Just as she turned the van around, however, it turned, too. Hmm. Kinda freaky, don'cha think? O.o
Of course, like all things do when they go down a slope with something large at the end, it crashed at the edge of the lot.
*breaths a sigh of relief* Ahh, glad that's over. Now, how about shutting off this van and going in to sho -
Err, nvm, another cart just crashed into us. Or is it the same one. Hmm.
So yeah, we remove this one that just hit us head-on, and head into the store. When we come out, we overhear these two guys having a conversation regarding a dent in a car:
"Dude, what happened to ur car?"
"I got rear-ended!"
Okay, so that's not exactly how it went, but you get the general idea.
So heads up, folks: While you go about your Christmas shopping, be wary of evil shopping carts!
1) My computer swears at me when I turn it on. It says 'fsck'.
2) My CD player explicitly states 'no' when I try to play a CD.
3) I'm not crazy.
Now that we have that settled, on to the horrific story. :P
Just last night, both my brother, mom, and myself were sitting in our van, in the Wal-Mart parking lot, eating ice cream. Pretty normal, no?
A shopping cart, sitting at the top of a slope, proceeds to roll down, accelerates, then smashes into someone's van, putting a dent in it. Not something you see every day, but still pretty normal.
This is where it gets weird. Said cart turns, and proceeds - with no slope - into the area where shopping carts are stored. O.o
Now if you think that's creepy, read on:
Another cart, at the top of the slope in front of us, comes speeding down. And it's headed directly for the front of our van. Yayz.
So my mom freaks out. I'm laughing so hard I'm crying. But mind you, this was no laughing matter - we were being attacked by killer shopping carts! O_O
Thankfully my mom regained enough of her composure to back up, and dodge the thing. Just as she turned the van around, however, it turned, too. Hmm. Kinda freaky, don'cha think? O.o
Of course, like all things do when they go down a slope with something large at the end, it crashed at the edge of the lot.
*breaths a sigh of relief* Ahh, glad that's over. Now, how about shutting off this van and going in to sho -
Err, nvm, another cart just crashed into us. Or is it the same one. Hmm.
So yeah, we remove this one that just hit us head-on, and head into the store. When we come out, we overhear these two guys having a conversation regarding a dent in a car:
"Dude, what happened to ur car?"
"I got rear-ended!"
Okay, so that's not exactly how it went, but you get the general idea.
So heads up, folks: While you go about your Christmas shopping, be wary of evil shopping carts!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
The future of online publishing?
With many web applications, such as Google Docs, emerging to form what we may know as 'web 2.0', there's a lot of interesting apps to check out.
One such app is SynthaSite, a free site creation system. You've likely seen things like it - there are many companies offering 'WYSIWYG' editors that use templates. Serious web developers such as myself often look at such applications, and sneer in disapproval.
Not so with SynthaSite. Well, okay, I did at first, but after taking it for a test drive, it just might be the program I'm looking for.
One thing I like about it is that I can work on my sites anywhere that I have web access. Just launch your web browser, log in to your SynthaSite account, and work away.
Currently all sites created with the app are stored on the SynthaSite servers, but when the app goes public (it's currently in limited beta), you'll be able to download your content to your PC (or Mac, if you prefer), then upload via FTP to your favorite host.
Of course, not everything is free. SynthaSite will be launching what they call the 'DIY superstore', which sells templates, widgets, etc.
Again the sneers. Who needs templates, right? Well, you can also start with a blank page and create from scratch, which is what I did for most of my hands-on time.
Adding images and other content is a breeze. Simply select a component from your toolkit, and drag it onto your page. Images work like this: you drag an image onto your page, then give it a source via the component options - source being the url the image is being pulled from. Hopefully the ability to use images stored on your computer will be supported soon.
I know I said 'drag', but this isn't exactly what you might think. As far as I know, currently you can't just 'drag and drop' anything wherever you please, but I hope this will become supported, as it's just what I need to position my images with ease.
Another feature I'd like is the ability to edit HTML. Most users likely won't even know what the term means, but I for one would like to use SynthaSite to do mostly everything, then customize it all with HTML, or even code my site in HTML then use SynthaSite to make it exactly the way I want.
People curious in SynthaSite can view a video demonstration below (click here for a high resolution), or sign up for the beta at http://www.synthasite.com/
One such app is SynthaSite, a free site creation system. You've likely seen things like it - there are many companies offering 'WYSIWYG' editors that use templates. Serious web developers such as myself often look at such applications, and sneer in disapproval.
Not so with SynthaSite. Well, okay, I did at first, but after taking it for a test drive, it just might be the program I'm looking for.
One thing I like about it is that I can work on my sites anywhere that I have web access. Just launch your web browser, log in to your SynthaSite account, and work away.
Currently all sites created with the app are stored on the SynthaSite servers, but when the app goes public (it's currently in limited beta), you'll be able to download your content to your PC (or Mac, if you prefer), then upload via FTP to your favorite host.
Of course, not everything is free. SynthaSite will be launching what they call the 'DIY superstore', which sells templates, widgets, etc.
Again the sneers. Who needs templates, right? Well, you can also start with a blank page and create from scratch, which is what I did for most of my hands-on time.
Adding images and other content is a breeze. Simply select a component from your toolkit, and drag it onto your page. Images work like this: you drag an image onto your page, then give it a source via the component options - source being the url the image is being pulled from. Hopefully the ability to use images stored on your computer will be supported soon.
I know I said 'drag', but this isn't exactly what you might think. As far as I know, currently you can't just 'drag and drop' anything wherever you please, but I hope this will become supported, as it's just what I need to position my images with ease.
Another feature I'd like is the ability to edit HTML. Most users likely won't even know what the term means, but I for one would like to use SynthaSite to do mostly everything, then customize it all with HTML, or even code my site in HTML then use SynthaSite to make it exactly the way I want.
People curious in SynthaSite can view a video demonstration below (click here for a high resolution), or sign up for the beta at http://www.synthasite.com/
Monday, October 8, 2007
RIP Neko
Been a while since I've wrote in here.
Remember the kitten I mentioned? Well, I thought of a name for him.
Neko. Japanese for cat. Yeah, I know, you likely don't think it's nice to just call him 'cat', but...
Anyway, I have sad news regarding Neko.
September 28, 2007, he passed away. ;_;
At first I thought the fleas he had caused it. Then I noticed that his belly had swelled up. I think the problem was that he was too young to leave his mother, and thus couldn't yet digest solid food. Sad, but we must move on...
And so we are now on the day of thanksgiving, a day on which we are to celebrate the invention of food! ^_^
Okay, I know that's not what it's really for, but still...!
Anyway, why do I always have to be sick on holidays? I mean, it's nice and all that I'm not sick on days when I need to be somewhere, but c'mon, why do I have to either be throwing up on Christmas or coughing on my birthday? Humph, I say. -_-
Regarding the writing contest I'm entering, I now have 1186 words in my entry. I need to have at least 2000, with a max of 2500. Almost there! :)
Anyway, I'm gonna cut this short, as I don't really feel like writing this right now... the cough and all that, y'know... so, as I always say, ciao! ;)
Remember the kitten I mentioned? Well, I thought of a name for him.
Neko. Japanese for cat. Yeah, I know, you likely don't think it's nice to just call him 'cat', but...
Anyway, I have sad news regarding Neko.
September 28, 2007, he passed away. ;_;
At first I thought the fleas he had caused it. Then I noticed that his belly had swelled up. I think the problem was that he was too young to leave his mother, and thus couldn't yet digest solid food. Sad, but we must move on...
And so we are now on the day of thanksgiving, a day on which we are to celebrate the invention of food! ^_^
Okay, I know that's not what it's really for, but still...!
Anyway, why do I always have to be sick on holidays? I mean, it's nice and all that I'm not sick on days when I need to be somewhere, but c'mon, why do I have to either be throwing up on Christmas or coughing on my birthday? Humph, I say. -_-
Regarding the writing contest I'm entering, I now have 1186 words in my entry. I need to have at least 2000, with a max of 2500. Almost there! :)
Anyway, I'm gonna cut this short, as I don't really feel like writing this right now... the cough and all that, y'know... so, as I always say, ciao! ;)
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