wood's Content

#38747 Download Site?

Posted by wood on 07 September 2006 - 03:58 AM in Forum Guidelines

DeathDude, on Sep 6 2006, 12:56 AM, said:

Half those so called programs that speed your connection up are indeed infested with ad-ware or spyware or both and sometimes uninstalling it could break up your connection, where it will be unuseable, seriously, takes out the winsock lsp so be careful.

Gamers hell agree is very good for downloads.

Agreed.

One of the few exceptions I've found to the rule is the Sun java download manager applet that Sun Microsystems peddles on their site. Big surprise it's the recommended method of downloading files (like extremely large ISO images) from Sun. I use it a fair amount at work and it has yet to cause me any problems (other than having to deal with the annoying JRE...but that's another post).

#38708 This Is The Best Thing Ever To Spew Forth From The Internet

Posted by wood on 06 September 2006 - 09:20 PM in Forum Guidelines

http://www.voltrondvd.com/

ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod......

I think I just broke something.....

#38698 Article On Wikipedia For Reloaded

Posted by wood on 06 September 2006 - 08:02 PM in Suggestions & Comments

Let me be clear upfront in stating that I do not know at all the individual posting in favor of deletion.  My only indication that (s)he previously posted is that the Wiki user ID is the same or similar to that of a former contributor to this community.  For the purpose of this argument, I assume they're one and the same.

After reading through this topic and the discussion on wikipedia, I think the article should be deleted.  Tai, Tom and others have made a valiant effort to prevent the discussion from degenerating into a petty squabble, but it appears the party representing themself as Kon-tiki is insistent on introducing information irrelevant to the matter at hand--whether A:R merits a Wikipedia entry.  The resulting noise makes it almost impossible for a disinterested 3rd party (the perspective I tried to take) to meaningfully contribute.

For the record, I believe A:R is entirely deserving of a Wikipedia entry.  If it doesn't happen now, it is only a matter of time before the preponderance of evidence erases any question of marginality for Wikipedia editors.  I say let the hater(s) hate and let's go about our lives until that time.

Again this is merely my opinion.  I recognize that as a newcomer I am not nearly (by a long shot) as invested as plank owners and veteran members of this community.  I've been quite hesitant to post at all on the subject but I feel there's some value in a newb's perspective.

#38542 Microsoft Flight Simulator X

Posted by wood on 05 September 2006 - 12:18 AM in Your Favorite Games & Commercial Software

Wow. I've always had a soft spot for the MS Flight Sim games. A flight school from whom I used to rent a plane used it in an immersive sim cockpit with cessna 152 controls to teach basic airmanship. It'll never replace a real plane for seat of your pants flying. However, as a training aid--especially for instrument training, it's pretty damn close.

The likelihood I'll ever fly from the left seat of a Lear 45 is pretty low, so it's nice to be able to hop into one virtually, pick an airport, push the thottles forward and climb at best speed to FL20 without having to worry about the fuel bill I'm incurring.

Good times.

#38512 Crocodile Hunter Is Killed

Posted by wood on 04 September 2006 - 03:06 PM in Forum Guidelines

They've bee talking about this all morning on CNN US.  They've had a few experts on talking about Steve Irwin and other famous wild animal celebrity researchers.  The most interesting part was the guy who showed off a barb from a stingray of the same size and species as that which killed Irwin.  It averages between 8-12 inches long, is rigid and serated.  So basically he was knifed in the heart and died more or less on the spot.  Nothing at all like the little tiny ones we're told to dislodge by shuffling along in the sand.  Those are only 3-6 inches long (yet another expert on CNN US).

Most interestingly was the recommended method for relieving the pain of the venom of the sting.  All fish venoms (rays are fish don't ya know) are heat de-activated.  So should you ever be stabbed by a ray, do the following.

1) Grasp it from the water and scream an oath as you smite it with you hammer.  Verily.
1a) If not Norse Battle God, scream in the highest pitch voice possible (Above water please).

2) insure the stinger is completely removed from the wound.  The venom is conducted through a layer of skin that carries some pretty nasty bacteria.

3) Pour the hottest water tolerable on the site of the wound to neutralize the toxin.

4) disinfect the wound.

Pretty crappy way to go out.  3rd death in Australian waters this year...which is surprisingly low given the number of dangerous creatures lurking about the waters of Australia or flat out wrong.

Edit:
So that's what I get for taking a phone call while trying to post.  I was trying to say exactly what Qbix said and missed it.

#38244 Freeware Burning Software

Posted by wood on 31 August 2006 - 01:01 AM in Forum Guidelines

Sinke, on Aug 30 2006, 10:05 AM, said:

Is there a freeware DVD burning software somewhere for download? It's quite a hurry. Anyone?

Thanks!

Not unless you're comfortable with linux and you have supported hardware.

#38243 Introduce Yourself

Posted by wood on 31 August 2006 - 12:59 AM in Forum Guidelines

Tom Henrik, on Aug 30 2006, 07:05 PM, said:

Salutations, wood. Welcome to the site

The Black Hole theory seems to be correct, just to let you know. I've been there once, and I am already planning to move there for good

As for "kvetch", I think it also means to talk yiddish in German - although I am not sure. I just think I have heard my sister use the word a couple of times.

Yes, unfortunately, once you cross the event-horizon, you're pretty much done. Additionally, there is a time dialation effect.

#38241 The Horror Of Traineo

Posted by wood on 31 August 2006 - 12:50 AM in Forum Guidelines

Tom Henrik, on Aug 30 2006, 07:11 PM, said:

wood, on Aug 30 2006, 09:03 PM, said:

I suspect that if you look down a long enough aisle the subtle curvature of the Earth can be perceived.

Well, if you do the same when all the contestants of the Walmart 500 are in the opposite part of the store, you'll be able to see the building curve as well.... before it tips over on the side due to the energy of rushing scooters suddenly turning at the same point, carrying several tons of matter each.

At which point, you will be catapulted through the air, as you would be standing in the section of the store that will be shoot up from the ground, as the Walmart is turned on its side.

Walmarts are fun.

Hmmm. I can find no flaw in this scenario. Therefore if one must enter a Wal-Mart, the safest course is the one that places you at or near the fulcrum of any potential building catapult. Clearly, some sort of mass tracking system will be necessary to insure one does not get caught outside the safe zone due to a violent shift in mass.

Does anybody else see this quickly becoming the most popular gameshow EVER?

#38212 Introduce Yourself

Posted by wood on 30 August 2006 - 09:18 PM in Forum Guidelines

taikara, on Aug 30 2006, 04:18 PM, said:

*steals your BA and your IT job*

I have my own immortal kitties, thank you.

And aren't you a little nervous that Jacksonville is a little too close to The Black Hole?

P.S. - To answer Moogle, "kvetch" is a yiddish alternative to the B-word. It means to complain, but also can be used as a noun. I've used it forever.

A learned friend once told me a Bachelor's degree is only useful in that it illustrates to an employer that you can commit to a multiyear project.  To that I would add, unless you attend one of about twenty schools in the US, it doesn't matter from whence you obtained it, so long as you did.  You're capable and will do so through sufficient application of will.  Of course, the alternative is to just blaze your own trail and give the finger to higher education.  Many a successful (regardless of your measure of success) individual never graced the halls of an institution of higher education.

As for Jax, well it IS rather close to the Twisting Nether of Central Florida and it is on the very vulnerable East Coast of FL.  It is a pretty nice beach town though.

Who doesn't know what kvetch means?

#38211 The Horror Of Traineo

Posted by wood on 30 August 2006 - 09:03 PM in Forum Guidelines

taikara, on Aug 30 2006, 04:12 PM, said:

*didn't click the link*

It's not a bad idea for people who require moral support for such things (like some people need to form a gang to go to the restroom) Of course, I also think that lack of self-motivation is what leads to morbidly obese people zooming around in Walmart on scooters, whilst shoving a myriad of potatoe chips into their baskets.

Vitamins, soy milk, and daily workouts for me. Gyms, trainers, and moral support unnecessary.

An admirable course of action.  I think I may just start walking around Wal-Marts for exercise.  They have, unfortunately, managed to finally crack the city limit here after years of local resistance.  The two stores being constructed are the largest big-box stores I have ever seen.  Ever.  I suspect that if you look down a long enough aisle the subtle curvature of the Earth can be perceived.

the traineo demo is really lame.  I just bit the bullet and registered.  We'll see what comes of it.

Soy milk eh?  I've always been curious but never tried it.

#38203 How Has Mega Man Not Gotten Its Own Post Yet?

Posted by wood on 30 August 2006 - 07:57 PM in Your Favorite Games & Commercial Software

DeathDude, on Aug 30 2006, 02:56 PM, said:

It's a great series and had it's moments, still like 2 as one of the best of the series myself, really think Capcom should go back to the original series, enough of X and the other spinoffs for awhile.

Spot on assessment. I'm still working through Mega Man and Mega Man 2 right now. I missed some of the later titles, but remember playing one with X in it for the SNES(?)

I'm sure I'll end up posting something more detailed once I wrap up....

#38199 Introduce Yourself

Posted by wood on 30 August 2006 - 07:18 PM in Forum Guidelines

Greetings.

So I just started posting away without any thought to an introduction.  So let's get this out of the way shall we?

Born Florida, United States, late 20th century.  Left Florida in 1997.  Could possibly be tempted to move to Jacksonville if work would foot the bill, but I'm not holding my breath.

And now some simple yet descriptive declarations.

I am a workoholic.
I am a licensed private pilot (SEL although not current).
I am married.
I own the home in which I live (or I will in about 28 years).
I have a dog and a cat.
My cat is immortal and extends her life by defeating other ancient felines in single combat, taking the head of her combatant and with it, their power.  Really.
I hold a BA in East Asian Studies yet I work in IT Security so go figure.
I am not paranoid.  I am, in fact, merely realizing the threat before most everybody else

I play too much World of Warcraft but Warhammer Online isn't out yet so what can a boy do?
I cannot survive without my iPod. On random, thank you.
I rely too much on my BlackBerry and too little on my own mental faculties.
I despise my commute and dearly wish I could telework more frequently.
I despise providing value to somebody else's bottom line when I could be running my own shop....perhaps more on this at a later date.
I talk too damned much and listen too damn little.

So that's me. Well, a quick sketch at any rate. I'm sure more details will trickle forth in time.

#38196 How Has Mega Man Not Gotten Its Own Post Yet?

Posted by wood on 30 August 2006 - 06:50 PM in Your Favorite Games & Commercial Software

I can't be the only one who is, to this day, infatuated with this game.  In all seriousness, I look forwad to the day that I have some sort of Shadow Run/William Gibson inspired, hardwared, neurally interfacing computer rattling around in my body so that I can run Megaman in a little window at the lower left hand corner of my field of vision whenever I'm awake.

In fairness, that's a lie.

It would be the right hand corner.

I've been replaying all of the games on the XBox courtesy of the collector's disc that has all of the games (or at least the ones released in the US of A).  Other than some annoying screen flicker in the original Mega Man, it's been nearly as good as I remember it from my youth.  That's a pretty powerful statement for me considering most of the games I played back in the day seem to have been enhanced by memory.  For instance, I remember Star Control looking something like the rendered scenes in the new Star Wars movies.  This is one of the chief reasons I don't play Star Control anymore.

But back on point, Mega Man, the original and fiendishly difficult in places game definitely deserves a place on the list.

#38195 The Horror Of Traineo

Posted by wood on 30 August 2006 - 06:41 PM in Forum Guidelines

Ooooh my first new topic.  Ok, enough attention-whoring on my part.  To the topic!

So I found this site on lifehacker called traineo.  http://www.traineo.com.  I can't decide if this is a totally brilliant idea or just a really big trainwreck waiting to happen.  The whole concept, for those who aren't into clicking random links from people they don't know well, is that you keep all your training and fitness data on a personalized website created by the traineo web app.  To keep you motivated, you appoint up to four "motivators" who are granted access to your weekly progress (or lack thereof).  In theory, they keep you from falling off the wagon--metaphorically speaking.

Now maybe I'm just a really private person, but other than a trainer with whom I have a professional relationship, I don't really want to share my personal information with anybody.  Perhaps this is more an indicator of my own insecurity with my body image since I have no problem discussing loudly, at length, my views on just about anything else.

Bah enough navel gazing.  The point of the post is to draw some commentary from the 3B regulars.  Am I the only one who associates the word "motivator" with broken-nosed hired muscle?  Perhaps my professional paranoia is just being stoked a bit too much by lack of sleep and too little blood in my caffeine stream....

What say you?

#38162 Weeeee School Has Started...

Posted by wood on 30 August 2006 - 04:08 AM in Forum Guidelines

Oh this will be fun.  Long time listener, first time caller.

Ok so back in the day, we only had one T1 for the entire uni!  But wait there's more!

Back in the day, we had real, live IP addresses on the Internet.  No NAT.  No firewall.  No packetshapers, portcaps, software firewalls.  Nope.  Just NT boxes that you could ping from anywhere in the world.....What the holy hell were we thinking?!  My wristwatch has a firewall now.

Man we were risktakers!

Ah, wasted youth.....

#38155 Master Of Orion 2

Posted by wood on 29 August 2006 - 11:35 PM in Your Favorite Games & Commercial Software

Aristharus, on Jun 20 2006, 01:26 AM, said:

Sinke, on Jun 19 2006, 08:58 PM, said:

Master of Orion 3- I will be honest, I couldn't get it. Not that I tried too much, but it is not even half as great as MOO2.

You're being too kind for the game. You probably did get it, MOO3 just sucked big time. I've never regretted paying for a game as much as with MOO3.

MOO2 is a great game. No, MOO1 is a great game, MOO2 is even better. MOO3 was fun for the 15 minutes you were able to lie to yourself that it must be a good game as it is Master of Orion after all.

Preach it!  Every time the words "Master" and "Orion" are even uttered near each other, a little bit of my central nervous system just shuts down from the flash back of being hunched over my 8000lb 14" screen, squinting at little pixelated foes.

The original MOO was so good.  A little bit of me died in disappointment with each successive release though.

Doesn't Stardock have a similar conquer the whole universe while building massive fleets and supporting perfect societies kind of game?  I'm afraid to even check for fear of awakening from a fugue state days from now in the dark still clicking at an unresponsive mouse b/c my power has been turned off.

#38154 The Worst Game Ever...

Posted by wood on 29 August 2006 - 11:30 PM in Your Favorite Games & Commercial Software

I have but one word that I shall utter just once for fear that repetition might draw forth the spectacular crappiness of this NES title giving it horrible shape and purpose.

Steel yourselves.....

Rambo.

Seriously. This game is so awful. I may go re-inventory my carts on the possibility I possess it so I can re-inact the exectution of Rasputin on the cursed artifact and then salt the earth upon which it was destroyed.

I'll need a young priest and an old priest.

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