MSN Virtual Earth has gone live today.
It seems that this is basically a complete ripoff of Google Maps... Sigh. Oh well, what'd you expect? So, Google Maps or MSN VE, what'll it be?
Google has my support on this one, it's a company with a good policy which I can trust (although they did close my Adsense account for no reasons I could understand, I mean: can I help it that the same person keeps floodclicking my ads?).
Speaking of Google Earth, why not try Google Moon, or the Hybrid interface of Google Maps, which is rumored to use transparent .pngs, but since when can Internet Explorer render transparent png images?
[µ]
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Saturday, July 23, 2005
MSN Messenger
For all you people who are using MSN Messenger and wanting to try the latest (7.5) beta out: here is a nice list of mirrors.
Be sure to download the 0160 build, so you can apply the Messpatch, it's on Mess.be (browse around the site to find it, Mess does not permit hotlinking), so you can remove all the unwanted garbage.
And why does Microshit keep putting their shortcuts, homepage, toolbars, and other stupid stuff in their Messenger installer file, making it unnecessary large, and why does it enable all those 'helpful options' by default so I must uncheck those boxes every time I install. Grrrr.
[µ]
Be sure to download the 0160 build, so you can apply the Messpatch, it's on Mess.be (browse around the site to find it, Mess does not permit hotlinking), so you can remove all the unwanted garbage.
And why does Microshit keep putting their shortcuts, homepage, toolbars, and other stupid stuff in their Messenger installer file, making it unnecessary large, and why does it enable all those 'helpful options' by default so I must uncheck those boxes every time I install. Grrrr.
[µ]
Friday, July 22, 2005
London
I've been following various news streams across the internet. Yesterday London was shook up by various explosions, and today, another terroristic attempt.
I find the people of London very brave, and they should definitely continue living their lives as normal as possible. I will not engage in a political discussion, but I find the 'zero-tolerance'/'shoot-to-kill' behavior the London police is using right now a good thing! Terroristic attempts like these and the people who organize them should be wiped out. Since 2001 countries around the globe live in fear of terrorists, and the terr'ists themselves are feeling proud because they're 'in the news again'.
Of course, there are people who say that 'they like the attention, so we should just ignore them'. I find this a very fatalistic view on the matter, if you ignore them, you also ignore their acts which cannot remain unpunished.
P.S.: I wish my English was better so I could phrase my thoughts better, but news like this makes me sad and angry. I have a feeling we're degrading into the Middle Ages again, so maybe we should use medieval ways of dealing with gangsters again, if it's the only way which gives results.
People of London, you have my sympathy!
[µ]
I find the people of London very brave, and they should definitely continue living their lives as normal as possible. I will not engage in a political discussion, but I find the 'zero-tolerance'/'shoot-to-kill' behavior the London police is using right now a good thing! Terroristic attempts like these and the people who organize them should be wiped out. Since 2001 countries around the globe live in fear of terrorists, and the terr'ists themselves are feeling proud because they're 'in the news again'.
Of course, there are people who say that 'they like the attention, so we should just ignore them'. I find this a very fatalistic view on the matter, if you ignore them, you also ignore their acts which cannot remain unpunished.
P.S.: I wish my English was better so I could phrase my thoughts better, but news like this makes me sad and angry. I have a feeling we're degrading into the Middle Ages again, so maybe we should use medieval ways of dealing with gangsters again, if it's the only way which gives results.
People of London, you have my sympathy!
[µ]
Monday, July 18, 2005
Monday Again
It's been a while since my last post.
I've been watching stuff, mainly. First The Hitchhikers' Guide To The Galaxy, which was quite nice. Of course it is extremely difficult to make a movie out of Adams' books without embarrassing yourself, but they sure have tried, and actually made quite a good movie out of it. Actually, I hope they make a sequel (they still have enough books left). And since I watched it, I've been feeling an uncontrollable urge to wear a towel...
Second: Invader Zim complete. Yes it's the famous, spread over-the-whole-internet-cartoon, something everyone who calls himself an internet geek should've watched. I've laughed a few times, especially with the amazing Gir, and Ms. Bitters who reminds me of an old teacher I once had.
In China they are currently struggling to find a new title for Hаrrу Роttеr аnd thе Hаlf-Вlооd Рrincе, since Half-Blood can't be translated to Chinese without breaking the meaning (half-blood equals half-human equals half-beast there), they may chose another title.
Update: officials probably found out. Link is broken, no free book for you. (Just open your P2P app for godsakes.)
[µ]
I've been watching stuff, mainly. First The Hitchhikers' Guide To The Galaxy, which was quite nice. Of course it is extremely difficult to make a movie out of Adams' books without embarrassing yourself, but they sure have tried, and actually made quite a good movie out of it. Actually, I hope they make a sequel (they still have enough books left). And since I watched it, I've been feeling an uncontrollable urge to wear a towel...
Second: Invader Zim complete. Yes it's the famous, spread over-the-whole-internet-cartoon, something everyone who calls himself an internet geek should've watched. I've laughed a few times, especially with the amazing Gir, and Ms. Bitters who reminds me of an old teacher I once had.
In China they are currently struggling to find a new title for Hаrrу Роttеr аnd thе Hаlf-Вlооd Рrincе, since Half-Blood can't be translated to Chinese without breaking the meaning (half-blood equals half-human equals half-beast there), they may chose another title.
Update: officials probably found out. Link is broken, no free book for you. (Just open your P2P app for godsakes.)
[µ]
Monday, July 11, 2005
Nostalgia 2005
A few days ago I was digging in the gigantic archive of old floppy disks in the house, between which I found a really old game I used to play on my 386 when I was younger, and oh how fast did it run when we got that 486dx.
The game itself is a Boulderdash clone and is called Supaplex. Of course, I couldn't be bothered to install the game, since I do not have a 5¼ inch drive in my box anymore (who does?), and I do have Windows XP, which is extremely stubborn when it comes to playing old DOS games.
So I just queried the name on Google, and it came up with a lot of results. Of course, there are a lot of other and newer and better looking Boulderdash clones around, but the first result wasimmediatelyy on the spot: download it here, the game is still being maintained and updated so that even Windows XP users can play it.
An even better choice to download is Megaplex, which runs in a window, which plays sound! (Still no music though, which is not bad, because the music was terrible annoying ;).)
Controls are easy: arrow keys to move, press space with an arrow key to 'grab without moving' (try it), and hold space a long time to use a red disk (if you have any), which will explode, so get away quickly.
If you can't be bothered to do all that, you can go play a nice simple but challenging Planarity Flash Game.
[µ]
The game itself is a Boulderdash clone and is called Supaplex. Of course, I couldn't be bothered to install the game, since I do not have a 5¼ inch drive in my box anymore (who does?), and I do have Windows XP, which is extremely stubborn when it comes to playing old DOS games.
So I just queried the name on Google, and it came up with a lot of results. Of course, there are a lot of other and newer and better looking Boulderdash clones around, but the first result wasimmediatelyy on the spot: download it here, the game is still being maintained and updated so that even Windows XP users can play it.
An even better choice to download is Megaplex, which runs in a window, which plays sound! (Still no music though, which is not bad, because the music was terrible annoying ;).)
Controls are easy: arrow keys to move, press space with an arrow key to 'grab without moving' (try it), and hold space a long time to use a red disk (if you have any), which will explode, so get away quickly.
If you can't be bothered to do all that, you can go play a nice simple but challenging Planarity Flash Game.
[µ]
Friday, July 08, 2005
Memo List
Because I was bored and my memory is having problems remembering things lately, I've put together a list for me with all the games I should keep an eye on. Please only read this if you're interested in my gaming needs, otherwise just ignore ;).
- Call of Duty 2: it should be clear why, looks stunning and story will be immense again, too!
- Brothers in Arms 2: maybe...
- Bet on Soldier: again maybe, if I'm bored at the time of release.
- F.E.A.R.: graphics looks amaaaazing!
- Half Life 2 Aftermath: just one to have to complete the collection.
- Quake 4: grew up with Quake 1, so... (Actually, that's a lie, I grew up with Jill of the Jungle and later Duke Nukem. That's Duke Nukem 1, mind you.)
- Unreal Tournament 2007: woot, more killin'.
- Star Wars Battlefront 2: maybe.
- Commandos Strike Force: maybe.
- Hellgate London: this is a weird one, could be interesting.
- Prince of Persia 3: definitely!
- Battlestations Midway: could be fun.
- Star Wars Empire at War: must... Have... This! This is what Force commander should've been!
- Age of Empires 3: also really necessary.
- Paraworld: looks nice.
- Outfront 2: the sequel to the extremely hard Soldiers, which I loved!
- Fable: yes yes yes yes yes! A must-have in my opinion.
- The Elder Scrolls 4: yes, that's Oblivion, said 'nuff.
- Dungeon Siege 2: oh well, make it quick.
- X3 Reunion: I hope this one will be better, because I still love space games.
- Black and White 2: yup, also a must-have.
- Spore: now this is a weird game, I must definitely try this one out.
This nice long list really fills the page :p. Of course I could make this list go on and on and on and... you get the point.
So, I'm not bored anymore, see y'all.
[µ]
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Project Gizmo
Project Gizmo is a new piece of software just like Skype. Add contact, make a profile, start talking.
I've used it for some time now, I must say it looks very clean and crisp, and is as easy to use as Skype (which seems to have updated it's website). The best of the two? I can't really say, Skype will become the MSN Messenger of VOIP: used by everyone, corporate, blah blah. Gizmo will then become the ICQ and others: trying to get a share and used by people who actually want and dare to try something new instead of following the horde.
So I leave them both installed. Now I just have to wait for my friends using any of the two, because the 'horde' I call my contacts are still using MSN Messenger...
It might take a few years before VOIP will become mainstream (especially in Belgium).
I wonder if there are other countries where people are already using lots of VOIP applications (apart from America and Japan and all those other high-tech countries).
[µ]
I've used it for some time now, I must say it looks very clean and crisp, and is as easy to use as Skype (which seems to have updated it's website). The best of the two? I can't really say, Skype will become the MSN Messenger of VOIP: used by everyone, corporate, blah blah. Gizmo will then become the ICQ and others: trying to get a share and used by people who actually want and dare to try something new instead of following the horde.
So I leave them both installed. Now I just have to wait for my friends using any of the two, because the 'horde' I call my contacts are still using MSN Messenger...
It might take a few years before VOIP will become mainstream (especially in Belgium).
I wonder if there are other countries where people are already using lots of VOIP applications (apart from America and Japan and all those other high-tech countries).
[µ]
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Whoops
Oh God! Custom badly written img tags messing up the template aaaaah!
It's fixed now.
Too bad I had to resize the Sloganizer banner... Oh well.
Since I was on a Microsoft-rant in my previous post, I'm currently downloading the latest Lonhorn built (checks) 5048. Just to look if it's any nicer (and runs better than the previous built in VMware).
I will keep you updated.
[µ]
It's fixed now.
Too bad I had to resize the Sloganizer banner... Oh well.
Since I was on a Microsoft-rant in my previous post, I'm currently downloading the latest Lonhorn built (checks) 5048. Just to look if it's any nicer (and runs better than the previous built in VMware).
I will keep you updated.
[µ]
Why Do I Have To Press Start To Shut Down My Computer?
Mess has a nice post somewhere about those 'What I'm Listening To'-messages you see in MSN Messenger, it seems that there are two other icons (apart from the headphones) too.
You can download a program which enables you to change your personal message and use these new icons (a game and office image). Since I'm too lazy too dig up the link from mess.be (which is anti-deeplink anyway), you can just download it (right click shave ass) from my EGEOFWS*.
What have those MSN Sandbox people done to start.com now? All you see is a random image, being
, or
, or
, and finally, in my opinion the best one:
.
Oh well, you can still see them imitatining Google Personal here and here and here.
*: Ever Growing Empire Of Free Web Space :p.
[µ]
You can download a program which enables you to change your personal message and use these new icons (a game and office image). Since I'm too lazy too dig up the link from mess.be (which is anti-deeplink anyway), you can just download it (right click shave ass) from my EGEOFWS*.
What have those MSN Sandbox people done to start.com now? All you see is a random image, being
, or, or, and finally, in my opinion the best one:.Oh well, you can still see them imitatining Google Personal here and here and here.
*: Ever Growing Empire Of Free Web Space :p.
[µ]
Monday, July 04, 2005
Busy Days
Here's a quick and filled linkdump for y'all.
A dog named fish has a nice blog entry which shows how they built the Lego Star Destroyer in 10 hours, you can also download a cool stop motion video which shows the whole process in around 4 minutes.
Wired News has a nice article about a clinic which treats web addicts. Slashdot also had a nice mention to this article: Windows software is boring and uninspired. Really?
Also, check out this cool experimental flash gallery.
I also had a nice article about AI. But I lost the URL (think it was also a Wired one). Basically it was about a VR agent interacting with students. The 3D agent was programmed to mimic the students' behavior 4 seconds after the student. For example: when someone moves his head up, the agent would do the same in 4 seconds.
Only 8 students recognized the mimicry. And students found the mimicking agent much more enjoyable than the one who just behaved 'normally'.
This type of mimicry was a known fact in the psychology of humans, but now the proof has been given that also computers can use this, thus creating better AI agents, better AI salesmen, perhaps?
And to close this post: Science and Art working together.
[µ]
A dog named fish has a nice blog entry which shows how they built the Lego Star Destroyer in 10 hours, you can also download a cool stop motion video which shows the whole process in around 4 minutes.
Wired News has a nice article about a clinic which treats web addicts. Slashdot also had a nice mention to this article: Windows software is boring and uninspired. Really?
Also, check out this cool experimental flash gallery.
I also had a nice article about AI. But I lost the URL (think it was also a Wired one). Basically it was about a VR agent interacting with students. The 3D agent was programmed to mimic the students' behavior 4 seconds after the student. For example: when someone moves his head up, the agent would do the same in 4 seconds.
Only 8 students recognized the mimicry. And students found the mimicking agent much more enjoyable than the one who just behaved 'normally'.
This type of mimicry was a known fact in the psychology of humans, but now the proof has been given that also computers can use this, thus creating better AI agents, better AI salesmen, perhaps?
And to close this post: Science and Art working together.
[µ]
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Daily Habbits
Whoops, forgot to mention that I actually passed for my exams...
In other news, SDP Multimedia is the best tool on Windows to save MMS streams, Alcohol 120% still remains the best tool for making ISO's, and Slashdot tells me that Science has put the 125 Science questions online, which is an interesting read.
[µ]
In other news, SDP Multimedia is the best tool on Windows to save MMS streams, Alcohol 120% still remains the best tool for making ISO's, and Slashdot tells me that Science has put the 125 Science questions online, which is an interesting read.
[µ]
Friday, July 01, 2005
Back And Right Into Summer
Finally, exams have ended. I had a lot of things to do before finally starting normal life again: cleaning stuff in the house as well on the computer, install latest drivers, check all the webcomics I'd missed (, etc...
The I could start playing GTA: San Andreas. I've finished all the missions now, and I must say, the game is great! It gave me the same feeling as when I ended Vice City which was: 'I want more!'
First of all: the map is huge, there are a lot of areas to travel to and explore in. The graphics have improved too. However, the engine - which was also used in GTA 3 (Liberty City) and GTA: Vice City - has had its best days. I can't wait for the next GTA which will take place in London, 60ties, if we may believe the rumors.
There is also a GTA coming out for the PSP, which I will buy together with Lumines, Wipeout, and a PSP, of course, which will come out in Europe in September... (Firmware 1.50 is hacked by the way, search for Swaploit, or even better, KXploit.)
I have a lot of other things to do (installing Battlefield 2 for example), I will post more and detailed when I have more time.
So fuck this shit and love to y'all homies, cause this dog is gonna check out town...
[µ]
The I could start playing GTA: San Andreas. I've finished all the missions now, and I must say, the game is great! It gave me the same feeling as when I ended Vice City which was: 'I want more!'
First of all: the map is huge, there are a lot of areas to travel to and explore in. The graphics have improved too. However, the engine - which was also used in GTA 3 (Liberty City) and GTA: Vice City - has had its best days. I can't wait for the next GTA which will take place in London, 60ties, if we may believe the rumors.
There is also a GTA coming out for the PSP, which I will buy together with Lumines, Wipeout, and a PSP, of course, which will come out in Europe in September... (Firmware 1.50 is hacked by the way, search for Swaploit, or even better, KXploit.)
I have a lot of other things to do (installing Battlefield 2 for example), I will post more and detailed when I have more time.
So fuck this shit and love to y'all homies, cause this dog is gonna check out town...
[µ]
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