Phew...finally back from a weeks worth of Christmas celebrations. A wonderful trip but so packed with social activity and "guest appearances", that my girlfriend and I (and Thor, our 3½ month old son) drew a huge sigh of relief when we eventually shouldered the front door of our apartment open late this afternoon. Apparently, advertisers and automated billing services never take a break during late December. The amount of mail and commercial junk waiting inside was above usual standards, to say the least. To top the usual January bills, I now also have to pay back my public student loan which bodes ill for a festive 2005...!
Christmas brought some nice gifts. To name a few, I got a very nice Helly Hansen waterproof jacket, a 256 Mb keyring flash drive which is useful since I have so far refused to acquire a laptop computer, "The Confusion" by Neal Stephenson which is the second book in the aforementioned trilogy, and a very flashy Glendronach single malt whisky. I am glad to see my whisky collection recovering once more.
Highlight of our trip was going for a surprise visit to my granddad's in Copenhagen. He's 84 and I hadn't seen him for 2-3 years because of a more or less disinterested relationship (on his part). However, we had him bouncing with joy (imagine that whilst toting one of these) as we proudly presented little smiling Thor to him. The old bugger, like my Dad, instantly metamorphosed into this strangely sentimental babbling creature, constantly seeking some sort of approval or acknowledgement from his great grandchild. If Thor only knew the power he wields.
Of course, the sad events in Asia have overshadowed Christmas a lot. They're counting 123.000 dead now and it is steadily rising. Unbelievable. I've been scavenging the Internet a bit to find pictures, especially from Thailand where I spent 2 months back in 2000. Both Krabi (Rai Leh beach) and Koh Phi Phi are places I stayed for some time. The images from Phi Phi are horrible. I can remember the fragile nature of the island's small township. It was nothing more than simple (mostly wooden) shanties put up on the narrow flat part between two huge cliffs - like the middle of an hour-glass. No major construction work, although some of the rockier parts featured actual masonry. I can picture the impact a 6-10 metre wave must have on such a place, since the civilized part of Phi Phi is completely flat. I found myself imagining what I'd do, if I saw that wave from afar. The only place I can think of was a place called "Reggae Bar" where the backmost parts of the pub rise up against the cliffs. It'd be the only place to seek cover.
Two pages showing amateur video shots of the disaster here and here. Some of this shit scares the hell out of me.
Also, 122 have been killed by the tsunami in Africa...it took the wave 8 hours to reach them and still it kills. It's just too insane...yikes, we're puny and powerless. I want my mommy.
Apart from that...Merry Christmas everyone and have a happy New Year's Eve. Talk about split personality blogging...
Friday, December 31, 2004
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Spime, spime, spime and eggs!!!
I need to highlight this awesome video stream of Bruce Sterling doing a talk on technology and future design. A very good storytelling - to begin with you think "this guy is too weird", but later on he gets under your skin, and I ended up staring at the screen thinking about the endless scenarios awaiting mankind. Lasts about an hour and twenty minutes.
Big thanks to Boingboing.net
Big thanks to Boingboing.net
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Just stuff
Had a great weekend in Copenhagen where I attended a party and met up with 4-5 of my very old friends from Uni. Everyone more or less looked the same, so it was a great trip down memory lane, although we were mostly busy updating each other with our latest personal and career developments.
The next day wasn't worth any ink at all.
Sunday I met up with my brother, uncle and cousin. The latter is off to Uruguay for a month, which is precisely where I would like to be right now. Stressful deadlines and heavy workloads aren't exactly well countered by shitty, cold weather and a moisture that permeates everything. Almost can't wait till it starts to freeze properly....all this wetness is getting on my nerves.
No new links of interest this time. I'm well into Stephenson's Quicksilver, and it's a damned pleasure. Never thought 16th century England could be so well presented without becoming painfully dull. Even though descriptions are heavy, he always returns to the plot(s) in the nick of time. Also, there's a nice measure of humor mixed in - of noteworthy mention is the characterization of a fashion-manical English lord and the way prancing about is the main pastime for most nobles of the time.
The next day wasn't worth any ink at all.
Sunday I met up with my brother, uncle and cousin. The latter is off to Uruguay for a month, which is precisely where I would like to be right now. Stressful deadlines and heavy workloads aren't exactly well countered by shitty, cold weather and a moisture that permeates everything. Almost can't wait till it starts to freeze properly....all this wetness is getting on my nerves.
No new links of interest this time. I'm well into Stephenson's Quicksilver, and it's a damned pleasure. Never thought 16th century England could be so well presented without becoming painfully dull. Even though descriptions are heavy, he always returns to the plot(s) in the nick of time. Also, there's a nice measure of humor mixed in - of noteworthy mention is the characterization of a fashion-manical English lord and the way prancing about is the main pastime for most nobles of the time.
Saturday, November 27, 2004
C'est incredible..?
Pardon my french, but this CG film ("The Incredibles") is maximum entertainment for your hard earned bucks. Saw it the other night with the lads from work. Pixar are so cool and this flick is right up there with their greatest. Funny as hell and with the ever-cool theme of superheroism.
As a friend noted, it has some of the same charm and stylings as "The Iron Giant", Brad Bird being the director. Its topic is less contemplated and serious, though. Holly Hunter does the voice of ElastiGirl - she must have one of the sexiest voices out there. Gotta love that subtle lisp...yummy ;)
Pixar recently reinvented the short pre-featured musical appetizer flicks of the 40's and 50's - this one stars a sheep that loses and eventually rediscovers its self-confidence. Loved it.
I give "The Incredibles" 4½ out of 5. Only thing that subtracts is a very mild annoyance at the underlying political correctness that isn't exactly in-your-face, but still seeps through a bit, I think. Maybe the coming split with Disney will provide that extra pinch of topical edge and experimentation. Let's hope so.
As a friend noted, it has some of the same charm and stylings as "The Iron Giant", Brad Bird being the director. Its topic is less contemplated and serious, though. Holly Hunter does the voice of ElastiGirl - she must have one of the sexiest voices out there. Gotta love that subtle lisp...yummy ;)
Pixar recently reinvented the short pre-featured musical appetizer flicks of the 40's and 50's - this one stars a sheep that loses and eventually rediscovers its self-confidence. Loved it.
I give "The Incredibles" 4½ out of 5. Only thing that subtracts is a very mild annoyance at the underlying political correctness that isn't exactly in-your-face, but still seeps through a bit, I think. Maybe the coming split with Disney will provide that extra pinch of topical edge and experimentation. Let's hope so.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Gibson goes native
I have to point out William Gibson's weblog (yes, the sci-fi author) which is really both enlightening and at times entertaining.
He's had a lot of nice posts concerning the American administration and the war on Iraq - nice to see him partake in the choir of critics.
If you check out the most recent archive there is a nice quote of Martin Luther King - and not least an article on the apparent emergence of the Virgin Mary in a slice of pizza :D
He's had a lot of nice posts concerning the American administration and the war on Iraq - nice to see him partake in the choir of critics.
If you check out the most recent archive there is a nice quote of Martin Luther King - and not least an article on the apparent emergence of the Virgin Mary in a slice of pizza :D
Thursday, November 18, 2004
3 cheers for Runestone..!
I recently posted some info on the guest lecture, that Aarhus-based game developer Runestone was to hold at Uni today. The venue went really well, although one of the guests had taken ill yesterday.
Lars Kroll, the main man, held a very inspiring talk on game design, game project management, engine programming - and not least their all-consuming project, Seed.
The lecture was very interesting and relevant, especially because Runestone themselves are not very big (8 full time employees) and as such are in the very process of starting up. This perspective on building an enterprise had me and many others captivated, since it's really becoming a strong focus in Denmark - or at least here at this part of Aarhus University. Kroll had a lot of tips and hints, and great examples to back them up. Even though he has not really been in the business all that long, he certainly spoke with conviction and the voice of a hardened professional.
I had some prejudgemental thoughts on their game, Seed, before I actually knew what it was all about. Tens or hundreds of MMOG's are being hastily built or have already failed, so the natural position towards such initiatives has to be skeptic, since the competition and financing environment is fierce, if not downright hostile.
With Seed, however, I really must say Runestone have a convincing case. Not as a mainstream game, quite the contrary. The game is entirely without combat and relies on an intricate story-system, which treats knowledge, in the form of semantic structures, as the loot of the game world. So, you're essentially faced with the task of "smartening up" your avatar through different tasks and storylines. And these semantic structures can be combined and exchanged with PCs and NPCs thus giving you access to more and more specialized knowledge. Knowledge is, in fact, the weaponry and armor - negotiation and narrative plots are the combat system. Also, they give way for democratic proceedings that elect officials to different offices, hereby providing control over certain ressources. I can only explain it so far - but I suggest people look more into this game, if not but to broaden their horisons of what games might contain.
This fairly innovative way of laying out a MMOG is probably also why Runestone has actually succeeded so far in securing assets and financing. Currently they have an innovation fund paying their bills - although, as Kroll said, they need further investments by March to continue development.
Their target group was a story unto itself, since they are aiming for "the experienced online roleplaying 29-year-old's girlfriend". Well, probably not as sharply defined as this, but he has a point about hitting niche targets. Just like the movie industry has become segmented along the way, this might secure a place for narrow game concepts such as Runestone's. By now, you're getting a more mature audience interested in games, anyway. Kroll offered a piece of statistic telling that each year the average gamer grows one year older. So at some point Counterstrike simply HAS to die - hopefully.
Please go and take a look at the game and company - and perhaps do them a favor by commenting on the game here. Refreshing, certainly.
Lars Kroll, the main man, held a very inspiring talk on game design, game project management, engine programming - and not least their all-consuming project, Seed.
The lecture was very interesting and relevant, especially because Runestone themselves are not very big (8 full time employees) and as such are in the very process of starting up. This perspective on building an enterprise had me and many others captivated, since it's really becoming a strong focus in Denmark - or at least here at this part of Aarhus University. Kroll had a lot of tips and hints, and great examples to back them up. Even though he has not really been in the business all that long, he certainly spoke with conviction and the voice of a hardened professional.
I had some prejudgemental thoughts on their game, Seed, before I actually knew what it was all about. Tens or hundreds of MMOG's are being hastily built or have already failed, so the natural position towards such initiatives has to be skeptic, since the competition and financing environment is fierce, if not downright hostile.
With Seed, however, I really must say Runestone have a convincing case. Not as a mainstream game, quite the contrary. The game is entirely without combat and relies on an intricate story-system, which treats knowledge, in the form of semantic structures, as the loot of the game world. So, you're essentially faced with the task of "smartening up" your avatar through different tasks and storylines. And these semantic structures can be combined and exchanged with PCs and NPCs thus giving you access to more and more specialized knowledge. Knowledge is, in fact, the weaponry and armor - negotiation and narrative plots are the combat system. Also, they give way for democratic proceedings that elect officials to different offices, hereby providing control over certain ressources. I can only explain it so far - but I suggest people look more into this game, if not but to broaden their horisons of what games might contain.
This fairly innovative way of laying out a MMOG is probably also why Runestone has actually succeeded so far in securing assets and financing. Currently they have an innovation fund paying their bills - although, as Kroll said, they need further investments by March to continue development.
Their target group was a story unto itself, since they are aiming for "the experienced online roleplaying 29-year-old's girlfriend". Well, probably not as sharply defined as this, but he has a point about hitting niche targets. Just like the movie industry has become segmented along the way, this might secure a place for narrow game concepts such as Runestone's. By now, you're getting a more mature audience interested in games, anyway. Kroll offered a piece of statistic telling that each year the average gamer grows one year older. So at some point Counterstrike simply HAS to die - hopefully.
Please go and take a look at the game and company - and perhaps do them a favor by commenting on the game here. Refreshing, certainly.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
One had a suspicion...
Hehe, I'm actually sniggering to myself. A couple of posts ago I ranted about the empty rhetorics of especially American politics - and lo and behold, up steps John Humphreys to prove my point. Apparently, he's an English journalist devoted to salvaging whatever is left of the English language.
He puts out a general rant on the state of affairs here. He highlights Stephen Fry as one of the great English orators - I couldn't agree more, although Fry is almost so English that it gets annoying. Think Jeeves is still shining through. :)
However, the really funny part that has to do with dynamic duo Bush & Blair can be read here. And I follow his arguments all the way - nice point about business spin being the origin of all this nonsense. Now, if only journalists and editors would devote themselves to exposing the fraud...
He puts out a general rant on the state of affairs here. He highlights Stephen Fry as one of the great English orators - I couldn't agree more, although Fry is almost so English that it gets annoying. Think Jeeves is still shining through. :)
However, the really funny part that has to do with dynamic duo Bush & Blair can be read here. And I follow his arguments all the way - nice point about business spin being the origin of all this nonsense. Now, if only journalists and editors would devote themselves to exposing the fraud...
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
The Baroque Cycle
Invested in Neal Stephenson's "Quicksilver" the other day. The first in a trilogy named "The Baroque Cycle" - and apparently a prequel-ish follow-up (!) to his awesome novel "Cryptonomicon". One of my favorite books ever, I guess.
I recommend him very much. He's what I would deem a holistic sci-fi writer, meaning that his books have more to do with the circumstances of change than with the actual technological settings of future societies. Not that he doesn't stuff his work with creative gadgets and weird inventions. They are just very well integrated and never take up too much space. He's easy to compare to Gibson, but I find Gibson much more abstract and poetic - a style that both attracts and confuses, I think. Stephenson hits right in the middle of my educational background, Information Sciences. A wider approach to technology, business, society, and intellectual genesis as a whole.
Anyway, looking forward to letting myself submerge in his world of wonders. Compared to his earlier works, this is definitly heavier reading - stuffed with subtle metaphors and eloquent phrasings, but it's good to be challenged once in a while. And you actually feel that everything you read is relevant on some deeper level. Especially if you think yourself a techno-savvy young adult wanting to justify geekish interests.
I recommend him very much. He's what I would deem a holistic sci-fi writer, meaning that his books have more to do with the circumstances of change than with the actual technological settings of future societies. Not that he doesn't stuff his work with creative gadgets and weird inventions. They are just very well integrated and never take up too much space. He's easy to compare to Gibson, but I find Gibson much more abstract and poetic - a style that both attracts and confuses, I think. Stephenson hits right in the middle of my educational background, Information Sciences. A wider approach to technology, business, society, and intellectual genesis as a whole.
Anyway, looking forward to letting myself submerge in his world of wonders. Compared to his earlier works, this is definitly heavier reading - stuffed with subtle metaphors and eloquent phrasings, but it's good to be challenged once in a while. And you actually feel that everything you read is relevant on some deeper level. Especially if you think yourself a techno-savvy young adult wanting to justify geekish interests.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Internal affairs dictating
Well, seems that the American public have once again done themselves a great disservice in the eyes of the rest of the world. Four more years of dogmatism, shallowness and disastrous environmental, social and geopolitical policies. I really don't get it. You'd think that Americans would see through all the deceit and spin - after all they should be used to it by now, right?
But, as a blog somewhere stated, how are you going to contest the right wing of America, when 70 million Americans do not believe in evolution. I regret to admit it but I think America is becoming a parody. If not for the egocentric and unbalanced judgements of half its people, then more so for the electoral system which is obviously heinous in its design. If a vote so seemingly clear cut (morally and ethically, that is) cannot even be properly called then there is something fundamentally wrong with the system (both electoral and societal). Problem is, American politics are so full of empty rethoric and commercial spin that noone is ever going to do anything about it - unless states act on their own.
Times like these make me wonder whether democracy is really the answer for nations so big and yet poorly educated as the US. I'd maybe give it a technocratic twist and prevent halfwits from entering Washington. Or better yet have the West coast, the Midwest, and the East coast split up and fight amongst themselves. At least that would leave the rest of the world in peace to pursue their own version of happiness.
Funny thing is, I'm actually not state-of-the-art left wing myself. So the fact that I am surely biased must come from some other fact. Could it be that I am very weary of American political catch phrases that do aboslutely nothing to dissect or evaluate arguments and problem settings? I heard someone mention that Bush had actually truly said: "Senator Kerry is trying to complicate the War on Terror. It's not complex, it's very simple."
That is like a red rag in front of me. Jeez, I wish I had a man of Dubya's intellect leading me. If nothing else it would teach me how to deftly manipulate serious matters into glittery distortions of the truth.
Although I can see John Kerry's shortcomings, I also saw a younger version of him speak on Vietnam - at which point he was very well-formulated and to the point. My guess is, he's not comfortable practising demagogics which is direly needed to shine through on the American media front. So, as Marilyn Manson said in "Bowling for Columbine" Americans ought to look at the media circus of their own society. And get rid of the fear projected from it.
America, you're headed towards some kind of abyss...isn't it time you started realizing that?
But, as a blog somewhere stated, how are you going to contest the right wing of America, when 70 million Americans do not believe in evolution. I regret to admit it but I think America is becoming a parody. If not for the egocentric and unbalanced judgements of half its people, then more so for the electoral system which is obviously heinous in its design. If a vote so seemingly clear cut (morally and ethically, that is) cannot even be properly called then there is something fundamentally wrong with the system (both electoral and societal). Problem is, American politics are so full of empty rethoric and commercial spin that noone is ever going to do anything about it - unless states act on their own.
Times like these make me wonder whether democracy is really the answer for nations so big and yet poorly educated as the US. I'd maybe give it a technocratic twist and prevent halfwits from entering Washington. Or better yet have the West coast, the Midwest, and the East coast split up and fight amongst themselves. At least that would leave the rest of the world in peace to pursue their own version of happiness.
Funny thing is, I'm actually not state-of-the-art left wing myself. So the fact that I am surely biased must come from some other fact. Could it be that I am very weary of American political catch phrases that do aboslutely nothing to dissect or evaluate arguments and problem settings? I heard someone mention that Bush had actually truly said: "Senator Kerry is trying to complicate the War on Terror. It's not complex, it's very simple."
That is like a red rag in front of me. Jeez, I wish I had a man of Dubya's intellect leading me. If nothing else it would teach me how to deftly manipulate serious matters into glittery distortions of the truth.
Although I can see John Kerry's shortcomings, I also saw a younger version of him speak on Vietnam - at which point he was very well-formulated and to the point. My guess is, he's not comfortable practising demagogics which is direly needed to shine through on the American media front. So, as Marilyn Manson said in "Bowling for Columbine" Americans ought to look at the media circus of their own society. And get rid of the fear projected from it.
America, you're headed towards some kind of abyss...isn't it time you started realizing that?
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Beats of excellence
Yesterday night was great fun when I went with a couple of friends to see Nobody Beats the Beats at Train here in Århus. We got there a bit late, meeting a huge queue outside. For some reason the place had chosen not to open more than one gate to let guests through. That kind of idiocy threatened to ruin our night, but we slipped through the back café using two parts charm and one part agitated criticism. We got inside 20 minutes before the show started - so I hate to think what happened for the other guests outside.
The show was awesome. NBTB is a whole band, I found out, consisting of 10-12 members including the two DJs and the two front rappers. The whole live setup was really well done and gave the hip hop vibe a much deeper level and quality than most other rap shows provide. Context, the main MC, was really on point and bustling with energy which had most of the crowd moving.
Other vocals included the soul singer Linn and at one point Clemens came to the party, adding some Danish anthems. Actually, Aarhus anthems, since he freestyled a lot about things in town - good fun. I usually don't really like him that much - pretentious moron - but yesterday his bad boy attitude actually worked well and was underlined expertly by the musicians. They provided a harder edge when he came on stage.
My only regret during the show was the presence of a couple of very young and very incapacitated fools near us. They saw maybe half of the show and kept messing around so people spilled their drinks and got generally annoyed. Think they saw murder in my eyes, because they moved away a bit after a while. :D
I hadn't been paying much attention to Train itself - but if I had I would have noticed the posters proclaiming the cancellation of Blackalicious. Bad luck. Apparently, a death in the family prevented them from showing. I'm not too buggered, though - since NBTB was in a class of its own last night.
The show was awesome. NBTB is a whole band, I found out, consisting of 10-12 members including the two DJs and the two front rappers. The whole live setup was really well done and gave the hip hop vibe a much deeper level and quality than most other rap shows provide. Context, the main MC, was really on point and bustling with energy which had most of the crowd moving.
Other vocals included the soul singer Linn and at one point Clemens came to the party, adding some Danish anthems. Actually, Aarhus anthems, since he freestyled a lot about things in town - good fun. I usually don't really like him that much - pretentious moron - but yesterday his bad boy attitude actually worked well and was underlined expertly by the musicians. They provided a harder edge when he came on stage.
My only regret during the show was the presence of a couple of very young and very incapacitated fools near us. They saw maybe half of the show and kept messing around so people spilled their drinks and got generally annoyed. Think they saw murder in my eyes, because they moved away a bit after a while. :D
I hadn't been paying much attention to Train itself - but if I had I would have noticed the posters proclaiming the cancellation of Blackalicious. Bad luck. Apparently, a death in the family prevented them from showing. I'm not too buggered, though - since NBTB was in a class of its own last night.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
More on game design
Today I finalized the arrangements surrounding a guest lecture taking place at Katrinebjerg here in Aarhus. The speakers are Lars Kroll and Jan Roed from the small Aarhus-based game design company Runestone.
They'll be talking about their upcoming game "Seed", which so far looks as an innovative take on the MMORPG genre. I attended their recent reception at their office in Filmbyen, a brand new media housing complex located by the harbour here i Aarhus.
Although I didn't get a formal presentation of Seed, it seems to be a MMORPG that doesn't depend on the combat system as its main feature, but takes up the atmos of older adventure-like games. Its cartoonish cellshaded look and feel had me reminded of the good old SCUMM-games of LucasArts - even if the contents are obviuosly geared towards multiplayer communication and exploration.
Look forward to hearing about the concept - it seems genuinely creative, unlike other MMORPG spinoffs. It takes place in the Benjamin building of Katrinebjerg on Thursday, November 18th at 09.30.
They'll be talking about their upcoming game "Seed", which so far looks as an innovative take on the MMORPG genre. I attended their recent reception at their office in Filmbyen, a brand new media housing complex located by the harbour here i Aarhus.
Although I didn't get a formal presentation of Seed, it seems to be a MMORPG that doesn't depend on the combat system as its main feature, but takes up the atmos of older adventure-like games. Its cartoonish cellshaded look and feel had me reminded of the good old SCUMM-games of LucasArts - even if the contents are obviuosly geared towards multiplayer communication and exploration.
Look forward to hearing about the concept - it seems genuinely creative, unlike other MMORPG spinoffs. It takes place in the Benjamin building of Katrinebjerg on Thursday, November 18th at 09.30.
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Chattering on
I've just finished Terry Pratchett's latest Discworld novel "Monstrous Regiment". Well, actually it might not be his latest, since he's putting out titles aimed for kids now, too. Good call - I'd have been thrilled to read him as a youngster. Anyway, I came across a nice choice of wording, of which he is always in ample supply:
Stopping a battle is much harder than starting it. Starting it only requires you to shout 'Attack!' but when you want to stop it, everyone is busy.
Nice picture for the very Mad King George to think about, now that Iraq is trying to locate its own maimed corpse.
On a lighter note, the past weekend saw Arsenal lose to Manchester United in the Premier League. I didn't see the match but I'm a regular "customer" at Arseblog and the bitching and moaning was quite hilarious these past days! Of course, the referee is always centered as the culprit...although they've a convincing point on his suspicious statistical record as far at United penalties go.
The other night there was a nice October fog drifting in from the sea - so I decided to go outside and shoot some pictures with my new HP Photosmart R707 digital camera. It does some really nice long exposures that bring out the colours and actually make night shots fairly good, in spite of its casual appearance. Some of its settings are automatic, though. Probably better that way. Some of the shots below:
Stopping a battle is much harder than starting it. Starting it only requires you to shout 'Attack!' but when you want to stop it, everyone is busy.
Nice picture for the very Mad King George to think about, now that Iraq is trying to locate its own maimed corpse.
On a lighter note, the past weekend saw Arsenal lose to Manchester United in the Premier League. I didn't see the match but I'm a regular "customer" at Arseblog and the bitching and moaning was quite hilarious these past days! Of course, the referee is always centered as the culprit...although they've a convincing point on his suspicious statistical record as far at United penalties go.
The other night there was a nice October fog drifting in from the sea - so I decided to go outside and shoot some pictures with my new HP Photosmart R707 digital camera. It does some really nice long exposures that bring out the colours and actually make night shots fairly good, in spite of its casual appearance. Some of its settings are automatic, though. Probably better that way. Some of the shots below:
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Look out for the barries...
Sitting here on a miserable Sunday, weatherwise. Put on some tracks with a group called Little Barrie that I discovered by accident at Soulstrut. This shit is so cool, I can't understand we don't hear more of it. Don't youngsters of today appreciate the essential coolness of such vibes? Has the world gone mad?
I mean, everything from disco through 80's synth pop through garage has had a great revival during the nineties and up till now. Why is this soulish funk not more prominent? I think it has it all - dance quality, improvisation, edge, harmony, you name it.
I guess Tarantinos flicks actually did quite a lot to revive such tunes...it just blew over too soon, me thinks...
Highly anticipating the Little Barrie album which should drop any time now. They sound very authentic (although the drums are more eclectic, I think) and I guess they have a love for this kind of music that could carry them through without becoming a parody on times lost.
Hard to find any material on them, though. They seem to come out of Manchester - but I haven't been able to find a website that writes more than a couple of lines about them.
My son fell asleep almost instantly whilst head-nodding to LB, so I guess that's a quality mark in itself. At least for that age group =)
I mean, everything from disco through 80's synth pop through garage has had a great revival during the nineties and up till now. Why is this soulish funk not more prominent? I think it has it all - dance quality, improvisation, edge, harmony, you name it.
I guess Tarantinos flicks actually did quite a lot to revive such tunes...it just blew over too soon, me thinks...
Highly anticipating the Little Barrie album which should drop any time now. They sound very authentic (although the drums are more eclectic, I think) and I guess they have a love for this kind of music that could carry them through without becoming a parody on times lost.
Hard to find any material on them, though. They seem to come out of Manchester - but I haven't been able to find a website that writes more than a couple of lines about them.
My son fell asleep almost instantly whilst head-nodding to LB, so I guess that's a quality mark in itself. At least for that age group =)
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Games, Schmames
On friday I attended a double lecture here at Katrinebjerg which had to do with computer games. The speakers were Jesper Juul, a respected Danish game researcher, and Gonzalo Frasca, who apparently is Uruguayan - but I think he majored in the States.
I am very interested in game design and I've also been involved in some courses at Uni on the subject. Though mostly game design with an educational twist. I'm not an avid gamer, although I try to keep informed. I once was, but lately my interest has dwindled a bit. Mostly because of the staggering stagnation (!) in original game material that has been evident during the past few years.
The lecture was fairly good. Jesper Juul was a bit messy in his presentation, but then again 45 minutes is not a hell of a lot when you've got several years worth of academic research to rap about. He had some good ideas about categorizing and defining computer games. I must admit, though, that this activity is getting tired, in my opinion. I don't really understand some game researchers' almost manical preoccupation towards defining computer games in philosophical/descriptive categories. As Juul himself said, you'll most likely spend a couple of years creating a great conceptual framework, only to see it all battered either by emerging technologies and/or freak surges of genuinely creative gameplay concepts. So essentially, you have to choose between defending your own definition (losing battle) or constantly redefining it (losing battle). I'd much rather do actual practical experiments and point out interesting observations to be remembered. At least you get to produce something entertaining that way.
This is actually what Frasca seemed to have in mind. I once read some of his articles - and I liked them because they never strayed too far from the practical design situation or the practice of the gamers. Now it seems, he has turned towards political games that make a stance and try to change something through their gameplay. As he pointed out, political games are definitly not new. They are however having a marked rennaissance, especially considering examples like America's Army. You can actually enroll right from the game! Bastards!
Frasca has made a good example himself through the game September 12th. As he mentioned, the spawning of terrorists due to a simpe formula, "Killing terrorists will only make terrorists of the mourning relatives", was actually directly implementable as a gameplay algorithm. Interestingly, he also said that when reading newspapers, he tried to visualize how to model different article headlines as actual games. Nice thought. Maybe I'll adopt it.
Oh, check out Frascas two blogs...the academic one and the one on ideological games.
As far as my own gaming goes, I'm waiting patiently for Tribes:Vengeance to reach Danish stores. I need to get a new graphics card for that plan to work - so I'm thinking of doing the long jump and claiming an ATI x800 as my weapon of choice. It's a jungle these days, though...
I am very interested in game design and I've also been involved in some courses at Uni on the subject. Though mostly game design with an educational twist. I'm not an avid gamer, although I try to keep informed. I once was, but lately my interest has dwindled a bit. Mostly because of the staggering stagnation (!) in original game material that has been evident during the past few years.
The lecture was fairly good. Jesper Juul was a bit messy in his presentation, but then again 45 minutes is not a hell of a lot when you've got several years worth of academic research to rap about. He had some good ideas about categorizing and defining computer games. I must admit, though, that this activity is getting tired, in my opinion. I don't really understand some game researchers' almost manical preoccupation towards defining computer games in philosophical/descriptive categories. As Juul himself said, you'll most likely spend a couple of years creating a great conceptual framework, only to see it all battered either by emerging technologies and/or freak surges of genuinely creative gameplay concepts. So essentially, you have to choose between defending your own definition (losing battle) or constantly redefining it (losing battle). I'd much rather do actual practical experiments and point out interesting observations to be remembered. At least you get to produce something entertaining that way.
This is actually what Frasca seemed to have in mind. I once read some of his articles - and I liked them because they never strayed too far from the practical design situation or the practice of the gamers. Now it seems, he has turned towards political games that make a stance and try to change something through their gameplay. As he pointed out, political games are definitly not new. They are however having a marked rennaissance, especially considering examples like America's Army. You can actually enroll right from the game! Bastards!
Frasca has made a good example himself through the game September 12th. As he mentioned, the spawning of terrorists due to a simpe formula, "Killing terrorists will only make terrorists of the mourning relatives", was actually directly implementable as a gameplay algorithm. Interestingly, he also said that when reading newspapers, he tried to visualize how to model different article headlines as actual games. Nice thought. Maybe I'll adopt it.
Oh, check out Frascas two blogs...the academic one and the one on ideological games.
As far as my own gaming goes, I'm waiting patiently for Tribes:Vengeance to reach Danish stores. I need to get a new graphics card for that plan to work - so I'm thinking of doing the long jump and claiming an ATI x800 as my weapon of choice. It's a jungle these days, though...
Friday, October 22, 2004
Peeking out
Went to a local gig featuring The Datsuns yesterday night. I felt like going out a bit, listening to music. I've only heard The Datsuns a little bit the past couple of weeks, but I actually like the simplicity of it. Two guitars, drums and a bass. Deal with it.
Sadly, the crowd wasn't very big. I had expected more than a couple of hundred - especially since they've had rave reviews of their live acts. It didn't seem to bother them too much though. I was actually quite surprised how professional and tight they did the show. They don't look all that old actually, but it shines through that they've come directly from millions of gigs and really enjoy the live situation in itself, regardless of the surroundings. The finish was superb - the lead singer lost control and started banging the drums. Great stuff.
Credit to Voxhall for near perfect sound. Somehow I always find voices a bit muddled (might be my low-key tinnitus kicking in) but the ambient sound and instrumental balancing were spot on yesterday.
Sadly, the crowd wasn't very big. I had expected more than a couple of hundred - especially since they've had rave reviews of their live acts. It didn't seem to bother them too much though. I was actually quite surprised how professional and tight they did the show. They don't look all that old actually, but it shines through that they've come directly from millions of gigs and really enjoy the live situation in itself, regardless of the surroundings. The finish was superb - the lead singer lost control and started banging the drums. Great stuff.
Credit to Voxhall for near perfect sound. Somehow I always find voices a bit muddled (might be my low-key tinnitus kicking in) but the ambient sound and instrumental balancing were spot on yesterday.
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Nice cover
Courtesy of Frekvens, I heard Scissor Sisters' cover of Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out".
Me likes, me likes. Very confident, considering that the original version is an awesome song in its own right. :)
Heard neither band at Roskilde this year, and I'm regretting it more each day. FF's debut is the most catchy rock album I've experienced in a long time.
Me likes, me likes. Very confident, considering that the original version is an awesome song in its own right. :)
Heard neither band at Roskilde this year, and I'm regretting it more each day. FF's debut is the most catchy rock album I've experienced in a long time.
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Delicious
Walking home from a visit to my friend's last night - stopped at a 7-11 for a slice of weary pizza. Noticed a poster for the club joint in Århus called Train.
Seems that DJ Typhoons project "Nobody Beats the Beats" is going on quite a tour around the country this fall. Can't say I've ever heard much of it, but I've seen it compared to Guru's Jazzmatazz a couple of places. Apparently, it's sort of a collective effort involving live instruments and DJs - and focusing heavily on soul and funk vibes. The recent third album looks promising. They've really collected some hip hop profiles this time, including Baldhead Slick himself. Doubt any of these will show up in Aarhus, though. Maybe at the grand openeing in Copenhagen?
Anyway, looks like Blackalicious, another of my favorite hip hop acts at the moment, are coming to add to the show. I couldn't understand their placing as sort of secondary to the main gig - since they absolutely ripped it at Roskilde. But I guess they've been invited as a supplement to the main promotion, which rocks. I urge people to go see them. Fantastic live hip hop. Some of the best I've seen in many years. And they certainly know their soulfunk legacy, that's evident.
Actually, I may add a Quannum Project page to my Whats - since that collective is also an interest of mine...
Seems that DJ Typhoons project "Nobody Beats the Beats" is going on quite a tour around the country this fall. Can't say I've ever heard much of it, but I've seen it compared to Guru's Jazzmatazz a couple of places. Apparently, it's sort of a collective effort involving live instruments and DJs - and focusing heavily on soul and funk vibes. The recent third album looks promising. They've really collected some hip hop profiles this time, including Baldhead Slick himself. Doubt any of these will show up in Aarhus, though. Maybe at the grand openeing in Copenhagen?
Anyway, looks like Blackalicious, another of my favorite hip hop acts at the moment, are coming to add to the show. I couldn't understand their placing as sort of secondary to the main gig - since they absolutely ripped it at Roskilde. But I guess they've been invited as a supplement to the main promotion, which rocks. I urge people to go see them. Fantastic live hip hop. Some of the best I've seen in many years. And they certainly know their soulfunk legacy, that's evident.
Actually, I may add a Quannum Project page to my Whats - since that collective is also an interest of mine...
Big spending
A mate of mine has just bought a classic table soccer piece for himself. Look at this beauty. Bonzini is the "real deal" as far as such tables go, so naturally my friend is very happy at the moment. Should be since it cost him 8,500 Danish kroner. I wish I had the guts to go do something like that.
By the way, why the hell is there a pianist playing on that picture? What kind of photographer thinks "Hey, we need a piano player in this image to make it just right!". Guess he/she thought it would underline the homeliness of the setting. I just think it looks daft :D
By the way, why the hell is there a pianist playing on that picture? What kind of photographer thinks "Hey, we need a piano player in this image to make it just right!". Guess he/she thought it would underline the homeliness of the setting. I just think it looks daft :D
Friday, October 15, 2004
Small world, for sure
Through a blog's reference to another blog's links section, I suddenly found myself looking at an old friend's weblog . Very odd sensation. I mean, I knew he has a webpage, but it's just weird to "step out" a few nodes, and then all of a sudden end up somewhere unexpected, but familiar. Also, his weblog pointed to another old friend's...so I've essentially rediscovered an entire section of my past through just a few mouse clicks. Heavy, man.
Anyway, great to "see" the chaps again - and I'm not the least surprised, that they're active in this field of play. I think the term "culture geeks" might describe both of them pretty well - although it's at least a few years since I saw either of them. Hopefully, they'll rip my head off in the comments section...
Anyway, great to "see" the chaps again - and I'm not the least surprised, that they're active in this field of play. I think the term "culture geeks" might describe both of them pretty well - although it's at least a few years since I saw either of them. Hopefully, they'll rip my head off in the comments section...
Tame the Turks..!
Denmark pulled narrowly through the other night, after having Groenkjaer thrown off the pitch. His offense was minor - due to heavy acting on the Turkish side. Denmark had a couple of nice stunts as well, so I didn't really cry too hard. It was damned exciting, though. Group 2 is actually quite interesting...I think everyone has a fair chance of messing everyone else's chances up....which is good fun in the long run.
I was fairly impressed with Albania on Saturday...that country is in shambles, and still they managed to display nice technique and fairly mature tactics. Must be due to the German coach. However, they did try to sabotage the Danish spirit, it seems (video).
I was fairly impressed with Albania on Saturday...that country is in shambles, and still they managed to display nice technique and fairly mature tactics. Must be due to the German coach. However, they did try to sabotage the Danish spirit, it seems (video).
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Oxymoronic?
A friend pointed to this site, and I went ahead and had a quick read. Of course, you've got the classic American conservative viewpoints plastered all over the place. And somehow they've added some newfound confidence and shamelessness to the mix and renamed the package "neo-conservatism". Whatever.
I really find it hilarious in a disconcerting kind of way. I mean, they are basically saying:
"We seek global dominance in order to secure democratic principles of freedom worldwide".
How can they say such nonsense with a straight face? It defies Darwin that these people are alive. Not because they're not physically fit...but because you don't expect them to survive traffic lights and other intelligence-craving situations. It is so moronic. Oxymoronic.
I really find it hilarious in a disconcerting kind of way. I mean, they are basically saying:
How can they say such nonsense with a straight face? It defies Darwin that these people are alive. Not because they're not physically fit...but because you don't expect them to survive traffic lights and other intelligence-craving situations. It is so moronic. Oxymoronic.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Nostalgia hurts!
Whilst nitpicking at the small popups in my sidebar, I came across the official Orbital site, and although I already knew they've quit, it was pretty rough to see the current news posting which advertises a huge equipment sell out. Guess they really mean it...which is sad, because I only ever saw them once. Was always waiting for them to hit Copenhagen but it never really seemed to happen. Or if it did, I missed it :P
Boo-hoo!
Added:
Seems the actual sale takes place through their sound and production company here.
Boo-hoo!
Added:
Seems the actual sale takes place through their sound and production company here.
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Flip the technique
I've been able to customize one of the templates quite a bit. Took a fair amount of time figuring the CSS logic out, though. I've never used neither CSS, PHP, ASP or any of the other abbrevations that are readily available out there.
However, I finally think I've got CSS figured out more or less...and I guess 3-4 hours work to do so is not too bad. Good to know one can stay potentially sharp (if not more) as far as these things go...
I have added som personal stuff to the sidebar - or rather, I'm ready to do so. A bit of javascripting will provide some small popups, that will relate tidbits of my interests. So far this has all been almost therapeutic and quite enjoyable...especially because I'm motivated on my own behalf....think that matters a lot...
My random surfing brought me past these beauties - of course they're Swedish. I think they might be on to something here. I always thought that dust and muck showed up much more on plastic surfaces than on wood.
However, I finally think I've got CSS figured out more or less...and I guess 3-4 hours work to do so is not too bad. Good to know one can stay potentially sharp (if not more) as far as these things go...
I have added som personal stuff to the sidebar - or rather, I'm ready to do so. A bit of javascripting will provide some small popups, that will relate tidbits of my interests. So far this has all been almost therapeutic and quite enjoyable...especially because I'm motivated on my own behalf....think that matters a lot...
My random surfing brought me past these beauties - of course they're Swedish. I think they might be on to something here. I always thought that dust and muck showed up much more on plastic surfaces than on wood.
Saturday, October 09, 2004
Bewildered already
Hm...seems I just wasted about 45 minutes doing things that had no effect. Wonder how these templates update...no response yet, that's for sure.
Anyway, a small word about the title of this weblog. Seems every weblog has to have some sort of smart, boheme-like name which preferably has several connotations and hidden messages. And is very haiku, if possible. This observation really put me to the test, since I'm not really well at home with classical literature - and to me it seems that this is sometimes a prerequisite if you want to be really up there, quotewise.
I then took a look at what I would deem classical literature and realized, that I needed to quote either Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett or some obscure Monty Python sketch. Pterry is probably my all time favorite author (judging by sheer quantity of readings anyway), but I eventually settled for a catch phrase from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Well, actually the real quote was a bit different when I finally got around to checking the books. Nevertheless, the name of my blog is derived from this quote:
I've always remembered this sentence - for some odd reason. The pun itself is surprising because of the negation at the end. Then there's the odd comparison of ships in the sky and bricks. Most of all, I just think it's great because it fucks up your mental reading mode. It's like a semantic hiccup when you come across it.
Also, I like the duality of the expression - flying high on life and at the same time chilling like a brick. :)
Anyway, a small word about the title of this weblog. Seems every weblog has to have some sort of smart, boheme-like name which preferably has several connotations and hidden messages. And is very haiku, if possible. This observation really put me to the test, since I'm not really well at home with classical literature - and to me it seems that this is sometimes a prerequisite if you want to be really up there, quotewise.
I then took a look at what I would deem classical literature and realized, that I needed to quote either Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett or some obscure Monty Python sketch. Pterry is probably my all time favorite author (judging by sheer quantity of readings anyway), but I eventually settled for a catch phrase from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Well, actually the real quote was a bit different when I finally got around to checking the books. Nevertheless, the name of my blog is derived from this quote:
The ships hung in the sky in much the same way that bricks don't.
I've always remembered this sentence - for some odd reason. The pun itself is surprising because of the negation at the end. Then there's the odd comparison of ships in the sky and bricks. Most of all, I just think it's great because it fucks up your mental reading mode. It's like a semantic hiccup when you come across it.
Also, I like the duality of the expression - flying high on life and at the same time chilling like a brick. :)
Into the unknown...
My very first posting..! Or, to be honest, my second posting. I had to experiment with this editing system before I actually dared write anything useless.
This page will contain...something. Probably some pages explaining who I am - and a bit of permanent stuff that I find interesting. And then of course daily or weekly postings whenever I feel like it.
There.....that was ok, I guess....piece of cake, this is. Now, how the Hell do I fuck up all the regular settings and create a unique page...
At least this activity is likely going to force me to think a bit in terms of HTML and other web-related technologies. Guess I could use that.
This page will contain...something. Probably some pages explaining who I am - and a bit of permanent stuff that I find interesting. And then of course daily or weekly postings whenever I feel like it.
There.....that was ok, I guess....piece of cake, this is. Now, how the Hell do I fuck up all the regular settings and create a unique page...
At least this activity is likely going to force me to think a bit in terms of HTML and other web-related technologies. Guess I could use that.
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