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Deg’s blog on Life, Myst, Video Games, and the Web.
Now that I’m living on my own in an apartment, I get to face all sorts of challenges. Making food, cleaning rooms. There’s so much to do!
So I’ve been thinking about getting a Roomba robotic vacuum. Not because I’m lazy, but because robots are cool. But perhaps there’s another reason… YouTube - Roomba Driver.
(Found via Roomba Cat Goes For A Ride)
[UPDATE] And yet another reason.
Recently some of my awesome friends have started blogging. This inspired me to start blogging again as well. Which kindled some redesign thoughts for AbstractPenguin.com.
I don’t plan any major rehaul until 2009, but I thought it would be nice to start with a new penguin logo. Don’t get me wrong, I love Egad (shown right). He’s done wonders for the site over the past four years. But…
Um, how else can I say it? “You’re being let go.” “Your department’s being downsized.” “You’re part of an outplacement.” “We’re going in a different direction.” “We’re not picking up your option.” Take your pick. I got more.
Although I greatly enjoy working in Photoshop, my digital illustration skills needed improving. So I’ve started doodling around to create a new penguin. Once a frightening stranger, I’m becoming fast friends with the Pen Tool. Here’s a sneak peak at what I’ve got so far, but it’s far from done:
Vector Penguin
His left (right on screen) fin seems a little… strange. That needs some fixing up. And he’ll need a face. And a name! Perhaps Victor because he’s a vector graphic? Perhaps Egad the Second? I’m also thinking about making him more abstract somehow… Further bulletins as events warrant.
What do you think?
So while I’m working on a new penguin, your job is to start thinking of what other changes you’d like to see to the blog and Abstract Penguin. What sections do you like the most?
Last weekend I went to Harvest 2008, InterVarsity’s conference in Pittsburgh. It was my first trip to Harvest, and I enjoyed it. I don’t think I’d want to live in a large city, but it’s fun to spend a weekend in. Two thinking points I took away from the event are:
My favorite parts of the event were:
Molly and Amanda reflect on the conference as well in their blogs. They’ve also requested I post the few photos I took, show below:
What do you think?
Have you attended Harvest before? What do you think about generosity, pride, or Pittsburgh?
In response to the incredulous responses to my latest Twitter update:
Yes, it started snowing this morning in Erie. It’s still too warm to stick to the ground, but we’ve got some big, puffy flakes. It’s great to watch! To think I was talking about Autumn in my last post. 
What do you think?
Are you excited for the snow? Or would you rather it just leave you alone?
I love Autumn. It’s an awesome time of year with great colors and smells. Despite the gloomy skies, everything seems so crisp and vibrant.
That’s why, to help deal with some recent stress, I went on a bike ride around Presque Isle. It was a great trip. The autumn air wasn’t too cold. I was surprised by how many people were also there; The cool air must not scare them either.
Not only did the exercise help, but it also gave me an opportunity to flex some creativity in photography. I was fascinated by the different layers I found along the way:
What do you think?
How do you deal with stress? Do you enjoy bike riding? Have you been to Presque Isle lately? What’s your favorite aspect of Autumn?
Today reminded me of a textbook day I’d have in college every so often. I’d get overwhelmed, freak out, and then everything would fall into place. You would think I’d remember to just focus on one thing at a time and everything would be okay.
Although I think I’ve gotten better at dealing with this, which made me wonder how much I’ve changed since college.
What do you think?
How many of my habits remain the same? Have you changed much in the past year? Every autumn the leaves change, how about you?
Cyan Worlds just announced that it will be reopening Myst Online: Uru Live in a limited capacity. Uru’s history has been filled with anticipation and disappointment as it has opened and closed in various manifestations. Which brings Eleri to ask the question “Why do we fight so hard for Uru?”
My answer? I have an emotional attachment to the world and storyline. I want to explore more of this world. I can envision myself there.
I’m not sure why Azeroth or other worlds have not drawn me equally close. Maybe it’s because D’ni was a place that was hinted at for 10 years in the Myst series until we finally got to “go” there. Maybe it’s a level of realism and lack of a cluttered user interface. Maybe it’s because I’ve met Uru’s players in game and in real life. Maybe that, when I play Uru, I play “myself” and not “my character.”
I think all of these points draw towards one word: emmersion. Whatever the reason, D’ni is a unique place that I want to continue to explore.
Related Posts
Thanks to some premier passes from my uncle, I enjoyed a sneak peak of the upcoming movie staring Steve Carell: Get Smart. Does it sneak in the laughs or should it have stayed classified? Here’s the details:
The Good: A nice mix of comedy and action. It’s fun to watch and will make you laugh. Most of the characters are likeable.
The Bad: Although there are a few spots where laughter filled the theater, most of the comedy is not hilarious. The movie’s main faults were a few boring spots where it falls into a stock, predictable plot.
The Bottom Line: What it lacks in comedy, it makes up for in some nice, unique action sequences. While I wouldn’t rush out to see it, I’d recommend it for a day when you’ve got some extra time. It makes me want to see the original series (which I’ve found at TVLand.com).
Get Smart opens in theaters this Friday, June 20. Watch the trailer.
What do you think? Are you going to go see Get Smart? Are you a fan of Steve Carell? Do you remember the original TV series? Post your comments below.
Although I’m saddened to see Uru Live close once again, I’d like to thank GameTap for giving it a second chance. In this industry, second chances just don’t happen.
Uru has been an exciting and inspiring experience the entire time since D’ni Guild and the DRC site teased us with the first glimpses in 2001. I still remember the first time I saw another person in the Cavern. And the Bahro Glyph tours. And the time I watched Sharper and a group of friends tear into the Pub. And trying to figure out the puzzle that took a half-dozen people to solve. And arguing with Sharper about reading his journal. And listening to Phil. And exploring Ages with my brother. And hearing from friends about the latest Relto page to find. So many friends and memories here.
Uru was a story, a community, and an experience, which makes it unlike any game or MMO. I wonder what Cyan will do to follow it. I’d love to see the story of Uru continue, perhaps in an episodic cooperative game. Although Cyan might move on to other projects, there will always be a special place in my imagination for the story of Uru.
What do you think? What is your favorite Uru memory? What do you think Cyan should work on next?
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Related Links
An awesome question came up while playing Imaginiff a few nights ago: Which Peanuts character are you? Before college, I probably would have identified most with Charlie Brown. Now I’m feeling a bit more like Linus. (Need some descriptions of the characters?)
What do you think? Which character are you? Which character do you think I am?
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Bonus Link
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“Climbing trees AND jumping off bridges.”