10-07-01: What's going on...
Last week three friends and I went to Indianapolis to watch the second annual American Grand Prix at Indy Motor Speedway. I had a great time - it was over way too soon.
The new job is very cool - but I feel like I'm not learning the software/business fast enough. I hope that they feel they are getting a fair return on their investment. I am starting to get my programming abilities honed again - it's cool to enjoy programming again.
I have some other side programming ideas/project in the works again. I try to spend a few hours each week moving them along. So far, so good.
Spend this weekend with my son - he's the coolest!
Flash, my older brother, came by and worked on my 4Runner and his Jetta. Made a little progress on both of them, I think.
Lee called last week to let me know that my Raven pinball machine is almost functional again.
That's it for now... I'll try to get back into the swing of things and update more often.
09-18-01: Back to work...
Hi... It's been way too long since I've done an update.
I have a new job and so far it's great! The people are excellent and the work is challenging and looks to stay that way for a long time.
"The Debt" is finally back from duplication and ready to be sent out. I'm going to try to make a master-tape for Sci-Fi channel this week so we can get it to them. The Whiteraven group have a bunch of cool ideas for our next short film - no telling which one we will do next - but I can hardly wait.
05-08-01: Designer Violence
Designer Violence (update 10-07-01: site is down )
04-17-01: Status update in my world
Well, it's been quite some time since I updated this page and I thought it was past time for me to
do so - so here goes:
Fist, something fun - for those of you in this world who are pinball fans. Check out this page: Visual Pinball - it's a really great 3D pinball construction set and there are many pinball tables you can download and play.
To whom it may concern: I have been working on emulation - still no luck - I have tried many different combinations and settings and still nothing. I will keep working on it as time allows.
We have been building fence last week, and I suspect that we will continue today. I hope we can finish up what we have to do today and move on to new places.
I have been working on the YOUniverse project again, and I like this implementation much better than the previous one - I believe that this one is on the right track. I'm currently coding this version in Delphi, but I would like to convert it to Java or JavaScript in the future.
I haven't worked on The Debt for the last few days, but it's coming along nicely. Mike Carlson is working on the music and I really like what he is doing. I have started re-mixing the sound effects/dialog track for stereo and adding sound effects as needed - I need to spend a few more hours finishing this project. The end credits are roughed in - I know they need some changes/fine tuning to make them perfect. I hope that when this film is completed we can get it release through Sci-Fi channels Exposure and/or Total Movie magazine and/or Ifilm.com - everyone has really put a lot of work into this picture and I believe the quality if very good for the number of people involved and the amount of experience that they have in doing these type of projects.
My old game "Cubic" is still on my mind. I e-mailed Jaimi McEntire, long-time friend and president of Eldermage Entertainment, about getting some work done on Cubic - I hope he agrees and we can push that product out. More news as I get it.
I added a few page updates - a small update to the GTI page and another to the Racing page. Speaking of racing - Team Williams in Formula 1 is incredible! Last race they were in the lead until a freak crash, and this race they won. I can't wait to see how they do the rest of year - it's great to see three top tier teams in F1 for a change.
That's about all for now. I'm still looking for a job, but I'm not looking too hard yet - just trying to find the right job before I jump into that mess again. :)
03-28-01: 'Bout time for an update
It has been too long since I updated - just been one of those months though. The racing season is now in full swing, and so far the racing has been excellent, but the price has been high. The first Formula 1 race this year resulted in a fatality of a track marshal. The racing has been excellent and thrilling, but the price is too high. I don't know what should be done, I just hope something is done to help the safety of these events.
The last Formula 1 event in Malaysia was spectacular. I love races that depend on technology, pit strategy and driver prowess to take the checkered flag - this race did not disappoint. If you are a NASCAR fan you may find Formula 1 racing a little boring at first (as I did), but give it a chance and I think you will grow to appreciate that style of racing as well - especially when it rains. I love to see Michael Schumacher drive when it rains - the man has now equal, today.
LOTS of people have been e-mailing me for Playchoice 10 games. I have been so overwhelmed with requests that I think I will only sell via e-bay now to save the hassle. It's nothing personal - it's just the easiest way to have a fair sale of a game.
Earlier this month I lost my job ( it wasn't just me - the whole office was laid off except for the support staff) and I have since been working on the family farm with my step-dad, J C. The work is sometimes frustrating, but you can see clear results of the things that you have done that day and it's good to be able to work until you are tired and not have a headache at the end of the day. I have really enjoyed working with J C for the last few weeks, and I think we've gotten a few things accomplished.
02-26-01: What is going on???
What is going on? I've been a Dale Earnhardt fan for as long as I can remember - but I hear people saying that they don't think they will watch NASCAR any more. The last thing Dale would have wanted is for this to hurt NASCAR - I mean his whole family depends on NASCAR for their livelihood. I loved to watch Earnhardt drive, and I don't think anyone will every be as loved (and hated by some) in the sport again, but NASCAR will go on and I think that if you watched before that you should watch now - it's what Dale would want... There will be a hole that will not be filled for quite a long time, and the bright colors of the race track won't ever seem quite as bright as the once did - but we should watch just because Dale would want us to.
Also - added Who Won to the racing links page. It's a great page that shows a lot of promise - especially for reporting on small tracks. Thanks Flash for the info on this page.
Addendum: Woo hoo! Steve Park wins! That's two wins for two races at Dale Earnhardt Inc.! The boys at DEI are hot this year. Michael Waltrip finished 19th, and Dale Jr. finished 43rd after a first lap crash.
02-20-01: Farewell to the greatest...
Sunday was the best day and the worst day... I have been a Michael Waltrip fan for almost 5 years and was so happy when he finally won - and won the biggest race in NASCAR. I'm sure that everyone else watching the race was wishing I would shut up - I was screaming "Come on, Mikey!", but I couldn't help it - he really had to make it happen this year, or it was never going to happen - and make it happen he did, with the help of his good friend Dale Earnhardt.
When I was watching the race I honestly didn't even think it was a possible that Dale was seriously injured. The man was, in my mind, invincible and indestructible. I've seen him in so many wrecks, and yes I know that serious injury is very possible - but this man has taken some very serious licks and always came back - and honestly this wreck didn't "look" that bad, not nearly as bad as the 18 car pile up earlier in the same race. NASCAR will never be the same. I love NASCAR, and I love the drivers, but Dale was the focal point of the whole sport - the man we all aspired to be like. He was our hero and a kindred spirit, and will be missed by my family. The world became a less magical place on Sunday - the greatest racer ever to drive a NASCAR was taken from us. Our thoughts, prayers, hopes and dreams are with the Earnhardt and NASCAR families.
01-26-01: Latest news and updates...
Received the parts for the Raven pinball machine yesterday - gave them to Lee and hopefully we can get that one running soon. :-) Captain Fantastic parts are on order -we could have two more
pinball machines working next week. Woo- hoo!
More work has been done on the Ultra Editor, the 3D rendering is back in and pattern previews should be working again soon. Slow progress, but it's looking good.
Some work has been done editing "The Debt". Some problems with the synchronization of the sound with the images. Ordered a new video capture card to do a recapture to digital video. The card should be in next week - so possibly next weekend I can complete the edit.
01-24-01: Ultra updates
One small paragraph added to the Ultra page - nothing much to report right now. Too busy to update. :)
01-17-01: Loser site
Here is a site for you to visit: www.losers.org - Wow! Check out some of the 5L losers! Wouldn't be too surprised to find this site on the list.
01-04-01: Ultra updates
I have posted some updates the last few days on a new game that I've been working on. I'm using the 6DX 3D rendering engine to create the game, and the results (to me) are spectacular. Please take a look here. Any feedback would be appreciated.
12-20-00: Happy Holidays
GTI page updated slightly - more goodies on the way for Blondie. Hope to get with Sean soon and plan a spring cruise for the TVW group.
Some work done on the Captain Fantastic pinball machine - still not working, but I have an idea of where the problem is.
Thanks "Phantom" for the information on Dreamcast and DSS scripts - you're one cool dude.
Jeremy and I got cool new cell phones - having fun playing with all the new features.
12-19-00: Happy Holidays
I probably won't have the opportunity to update again before Christmas, so I wanted to take this chance and wish anyone who may happen upon this page Happy Holidays.
Working on a new project, and I have a different theory in the creation of this project - hopefully it will help with my creativity and perseverance with this project. Hope to have something to show off one of these days - please stay tuned for information.
12-15-00: New stuff
Greeting - long time, no update.
First of all, today Microsoft released a new MPEG-4 encoder for audio and video - this compression is very good and has been used for the DivX;) encoder for some time - looking forward to testing the Microsoft version and seeing if the process has been optimized.
Second, I would like to promote a product that I find very entertaining. The concept isn't new, but the execution is, this program is your typical aquarium type screen saver for Windows. This version is done in full 3D, so the fish actually move through their environment going in front and behind objects. Below is a screenshot of the program in action. If you would like to demo this product, go to www.serenescreen.com for the latest version.
Note: This picture doesn't do the program justice - the fish move very life-like and the artifacting of the JPeG is terrible.
11-20-00: MPTrip review
I finally received a MPTrip. It's a pretty cool CD based MP3 player for $87 +s/h (total about $96) - I have played several CDs with it and it plays most of them
with no trouble at all and the sound quality is very good. Two bad things so far: 1. It doesn't play multi-rate MP3s. and 2. When I opened the cover for the first time it popped off - the hinge was broken from the factory - it doesn't keep it from working and it does that quite well. I really like it - but I would like to see an updated version - something with a better case and multi-rate MP3 decoding. Both of those complaints are small and the product is very usable - I would give it an 8 out of 10, probably would've given it a 9 if it wasn't broke on arrival. If you're interested in buying one, click here.
11-13-00: TVW Rally 2000
Yesterday's rally for the TVW club was a lot of fun. Sean was worried that things weren't organized enough - and the weather didn't cooperate - but I think everyone had a good time - I know that I did. I hope we have more events in the future. I have an idea for a cruise that I plan to mention to Sean - but I want to try it first to see if it is fun. Maybe a cruise down 7 south would be fun?
Saturday was great fun. Spent the day with my son - I had a blast and I hope he did too.
11-09-00: GTI page update
Added a picture description of the "dummy-plug" for late model VW changers (on the GTI page). Check it out if you plan to install a CD changer in your late model Golf, GTI or Jetta.
11-08-00: GTI page update
More additions to the GTI page... :) See a trend forming?
11-01-00: GTI page update
I did some additions to the GTI page. Added a mod list for my car, and added a couple of links to fellow GTI owners sites.
10-31-00: HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
For notice of Halloween, I have altered the colors of the news - and that is all.
I'm doing some work with ActiveForms using Delphi 4.0 - it allows users to run programs in a web browser. The requirements are: IBM PC and IE 3.0 or greater - so it's not as cool as java - but it is a way to get programs on the web to the majority.
10-30-00: Small update on the GTI
The TT pedals are installed.
Looks as if the TVW meet has been postponed. :( Hope to have some sort of cruise before the weather gets too bad.
10-25-00: Finishing the additions to the GTI
Okay, the additions to my GTI are now complete - no more! I finally have all the TT pedals on the way and a CD changer is also on it's way - now I think I'll just
pay for and enjoy the car.
I'm very much looking forward to the TVW meet in the next couple of weeks. My sincere thanks to Sean Conner for organizing this meet! Let the GTIs roll!!!
I'm also looking forward to next year's VisionCon event in Springfield, MO.
10-24-00: Added a few new things...
Added a new link onto the Web Deals page. It's called "Edge Gain" and it's very cool. It's an online price comparator for places like Amazon.com and Barnes and
Nobles. It will search several different sites and find the best possible price. Neat piece of software!
Added a couple of new links to the Cool Stuff page: fist is Hack HU, which is a great resource for people interested in testing their DSS system. The second link is EasyBuy 2000, home of a CD based MP3 player for $87+s/h.
10-23-00: A little bit of news...
Updated the GTI page just a little.
Nothing much to report - been doing some mountain biking and working on the 3D internet chat program with LC. Life is good.
10-17-00: A new car...
I now have a new car - you can check out the GTI page if you like.
10-05-00: What's going on...
Greetings... Still no F1 pictures - sorry about that - just haven't found an easy way to display them, yet. There is another Formula 1 race this weekend - in Suzuka
Japan - really cool track. Qualifying starts at midnight, eastern time, this Friday and the race starts Saturday at midnight eastern time. Please check your local schedule - and watch Speedvision for some of the best Formula 1coverage.
Got news from TJ, of Sigue Sigue Sputnik fame, and he said that two more albums are in the works for the band. The band has just released it's latest studio album, PirateSpace, but they have a B Sides compilation and a album of Elvis covers in the works! This is awesome news for us Sigue Sigue Sputnik fans.
Also found out that the Babylon 5 game from Sierra has been cancelled - major bummer. One thing - you can get FREE Babylon 5 stuff at this web site: www.sierra.com/b5 - go there before supplies run out! Also, Babylon 5 is now playing on the Sci-Fi channel in widescreen format - if you've never watched it before then give it a shot (if you start watching - be sure to watch it for a week before you decide - some of the early shows aren't the greatest but it gets better as you watch more shows).
09-27-00: Another little update
The pictures from the F1 race are many and varied - we have almost 50MB of pictures and I'm having a hard time deciding what to put on-line and what to leave
off. I'll post the pictures as soon as I have things sorted out.
Now on to other things: I'm continuing work on my puzzle game pack. I have two games that are nearly complete and another game or two in early stages. None of the games have support for multiple players or for network gaming. The main things I'm striving for in this game pack is lots of options, some new twists, and multi-player support via local PC or across LAN or internet - it should be a puzzle-game fans dream come true. If anyone you know is a puzzle game fan - please get in contact with me - I will soon be needing dedicated game players that will tell me what is wrong with the games. :)
09-26-00: We are back!
We are back from our trip to Indianapolis for the Formula 1 race - pictures are coming soon! We had a great time and are looking forward to doing it again.
09-20-00: On our way!
Spent this morning working on the Winnebago - it's ready for the big trip to Indianapolis for the Formula 1 race.
09-19-00: DSS Programmer info.
Some people have been looking for ISO7816 programmers - this type of programmer will program many types of Smart Cards. I added a new link on the "Cool Stuff" page for Vector Technologies - they supply ISO7816 programmers at a reasonable price. I have seen the Wildthing2 in action - a good fast programmer/unlooper.
09-18-00: The current state...
This week we leave for Indy for the Formula 1 race - I can't wait! :) We are getting everything prepared for the big trip.
09-13-00: Car MP3 stuff...
I put together an MP3 playing machine last night with parts out of the garbage bin - it's a P100 (no problems playing MP3s with this machine!) with 32MB of RAM, about 8GB of hard drive space, FM tuner card, and a little LCD screen. It all worked fairly well - still need to put a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM drive in it - then it should be ready to be installed. I was really impressed with the image from the LCD screen - the text is very readable. Also, for controlling the MP3 player and the computer I am using a RF remote control made by X10 - it's pretty cool when it works and should make the whole thing a lot easier to use in the car.
Supplemental: I ordered a CD drive today - so the final element is on it's way. I will try to put some pictures once things get closer.
09-12-00: Some game stuff...
I've been working on a 3D chat program at work - it's pretty neat - but I have thought of many uses for the technology that could be very cool for online gaming. I have a couple of ideas that I would like to write (and hopefully I will) and test - maybe this weekend I can set something up. Keep on the look-out for a test SOON!
09-11-00: A good weekend...
Just wanted to mention that I just traded with Bill Gross for some Playchoice 10 games. His shipment was fast (much faster than mine - sorry Bill) and had great communication throughout the trading process. I would gladly trade with Bill again at any time in the future. Please take a look at the Arcade games page for a list of people I have traded or purchased games from.
Flash (my brother) and I went racing this weekend. For the first time he really looked competitive - I honestly think he could win a race in the near future - all we need is a little luck.
09-08-00: Game design and other stuff...
Last night I worked on a new puzzle game (not listed on the Games page yet). This one is being developed with the idea of having a web based server that will store high scores from throughout the world and allow people to compete head to head by being a lobby area for them to meet.
I've also been working on a new version of YOUniverse (a really cool single bit graphics conversion). The framework has been laid for the new version, still need to flesh it out a bit more and get into the heart of the beast.
I got my Galaga arcade machine up and running. It's currently running in the Halley's Comet cabinet (see the Arcade games page) - and still needs some work (sound).
09-07-00: The new web page design continues...
Worked a little more on the web page today. Please let me know if you find something that doesn't work (broken links) or something that doesn't look good.
Added a "Car Stuff" section - just some favorite links for now... Plan to add info about my cars soon.
09-06-00: New Web Page Design and a new arcade machine.
A new arcade machine has come into the fold. This one is a NARC machine. See the arcade page for more information.
New web page design! Hope everyone likes it - it's gotta be better than the previous one! :) Still working to get all of the links back on-line.