It has been a trifle difficult of late to get on to this blog for me. For some reason, I couldn't log on but now that seems to have passed.
Still, for those of you who come to this blog often I have a gift. You can find some excellent desktop wallpaper at: http://www.groovythemes.com/
I guarantee you will be using some of it on your desktop after viewing.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Template Change
Having returned to this blog, I have adopted a template change. I consider it an improvement on the previous, with the archives and profile being moved over to the right and the title centered at the top. For right handed users this will remove the need to scroll the mouse over to the left of the page.
The improved interface is matched with a design that makes the text easier to read. Black on a clear background as opposed to the previous dark background precluding the text.
All this makes for a fresh new look and better functionality (interface), hurrah!
The improved interface is matched with a design that makes the text easier to read. Black on a clear background as opposed to the previous dark background precluding the text.
All this makes for a fresh new look and better functionality (interface), hurrah!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Windows Vista
I know I have not updated for some time. And, perhaps this blog might appear to be inactive. Well, that's because it is. But with time available now, I can continue. And the subject of the moment? Windows Vista.
The key question for me is, do you really need to upgrade at all let alone immediately? Having read a magazine article on this, it revealed that it is more than possible to enhance Windows XP to offer some of the features in the upgrade - for free.
For example, the visual appearance of the desktop. Try downloading Windows Blinds. Then you can use it to customize the theme of the windows and desktop to match Windows Vista. In addition, Yahoo Widgets will enable you to create Vista's desktop gadgets - also for free.
The key question for me is, do you really need to upgrade at all let alone immediately? Having read a magazine article on this, it revealed that it is more than possible to enhance Windows XP to offer some of the features in the upgrade - for free.
For example, the visual appearance of the desktop. Try downloading Windows Blinds. Then you can use it to customize the theme of the windows and desktop to match Windows Vista. In addition, Yahoo Widgets will enable you to create Vista's desktop gadgets - also for free.
(above) Windows Vista gadgets
(above) Yahoo Widgets gives XP gadgets
Another tip worth noting is that you can adjust your text to cleartype in XP to match the style of Vista. This is done by right-clicking desktop and then appearance tab, effects box and tick clear type box. The smooth Windows Vista text will now be on XP.
Furthermore, Windows Vista proudly boasts the latest version of Internet Explorer. But remember, this isn't just available to Vista. IE 7 is also available for XP. Download it from the MS website and it can be yours for nothing.
Vista comes with a new image editing (Photo Gallery) tool as a replacement for XP's slideshows. However, you can obtain a very similar image editing tool for nothing. Download the excellent Picasa freeware from Google (http://picasa.google.com/) and you will have virtually the same thing on Windows XP.
These are some of the things I have tried. There are also things you can do with XP to adopt the security features offered by Vista amongst other enhancements. However, this is already dragging on and I believe I have made my point.
If you plan on upgrading, you might want to reconsider if using XP. At least for the time being while the price is high.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
11th November 1918
As you likely know, it's that weekend again whereby we recall a certain date in history. Namely, 11th November 1918 - the armistice date which ended World War 1.
What can one say about this devastating conflict and the armistice that followed? From a strictly historical perspective, the armistice of 1918 did not bring about the lasting peace and stable world order that the 'peacemakers' and statesmen of that time envisaged. It would only be two decades before the outbreak of World War 2.
That is the sad truth that underlines World War 1. The other is that the tactics used on the western front clearly proved to be ineffective by both sides. From Germany's failure to secure a quick victory in the west to the series of failed 'offensives' and counter offensives that followed - defenses remained on top. It was only the tank and American pressure which finally ended it.
The result of this was an unfortunate loss of lives on the western front. To that, we dedicate this day of remembrance.
What can one say about this devastating conflict and the armistice that followed? From a strictly historical perspective, the armistice of 1918 did not bring about the lasting peace and stable world order that the 'peacemakers' and statesmen of that time envisaged. It would only be two decades before the outbreak of World War 2.
That is the sad truth that underlines World War 1. The other is that the tactics used on the western front clearly proved to be ineffective by both sides. From Germany's failure to secure a quick victory in the west to the series of failed 'offensives' and counter offensives that followed - defenses remained on top. It was only the tank and American pressure which finally ended it.
The result of this was an unfortunate loss of lives on the western front. To that, we dedicate this day of remembrance.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Ryder Cup V Fifa World Cup
The Ryder Cup proved to be a great advert for Golf last week. It was even better for the European game with a triumph over the USA that will have the Eurocrats in raptures. But the display of sportsmanship from both sides was universally acclaimed.
In terms of popularity Golf is second to Football in terms of viewing figures. Although, it is difficult to see exactly why.
My last entry pretty much summed up the state of that game with the recent revelation of widespread bungs to coincide with other such violations, as found in the Italian game, have tarnished the reputation of Football.
Along with this, the dirty and unsporting play that was all too visible in the Fifa World Cup was in sharp contrast to what was on display in the Ryder Cup. Golf remains a game of integrity whereby for Football everything from bungs to match fixing has tarnished the sport.
Why is football more popular? Marketing more than anything else I suspect; and also perhaps because it is slightly cheaper to play. But Football could take a leaf out of Golf's books when it comes to sporting play.
In terms of popularity Golf is second to Football in terms of viewing figures. Although, it is difficult to see exactly why.
My last entry pretty much summed up the state of that game with the recent revelation of widespread bungs to coincide with other such violations, as found in the Italian game, have tarnished the reputation of Football.
Along with this, the dirty and unsporting play that was all too visible in the Fifa World Cup was in sharp contrast to what was on display in the Ryder Cup. Golf remains a game of integrity whereby for Football everything from bungs to match fixing has tarnished the sport.
Why is football more popular? Marketing more than anything else I suspect; and also perhaps because it is slightly cheaper to play. But Football could take a leaf out of Golf's books when it comes to sporting play.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Time to call it a day?
It is true that this blog has been going since October 2005, almost a year. But when I first started it, I was merely experimenting more than anything else. I wanted to try the blogging medium and so I began with this blog.
Hence the reason I have kept it fairly diverse. Focusing not on any particular subject but merely keeping the blog going with enlightening entries on various subject matter. As events happened I responded, such as when Sven was dismissed or the finale of Highbury, ANZAC day or Remembrance Sunday. As such, I see this blog more as a journal and re-titled it to Matthew On... to reflect this.
And then they came to read it. The audience began posting and whoosh, the experiment had took off!
But as mentioned, this blog was only originally set up only for experimental purposes and has since grown into a sizeable archive. There is enough content now here to split this blog with. Alas, doing so would spell the end for this little corner of the blogging community and the beginning of another.
So readers, I ask you, is it time to call it a day with this blog? Or is there a widespread clamor for it to live on?
Hence the reason I have kept it fairly diverse. Focusing not on any particular subject but merely keeping the blog going with enlightening entries on various subject matter. As events happened I responded, such as when Sven was dismissed or the finale of Highbury, ANZAC day or Remembrance Sunday. As such, I see this blog more as a journal and re-titled it to Matthew On... to reflect this.
And then they came to read it. The audience began posting and whoosh, the experiment had took off!
But as mentioned, this blog was only originally set up only for experimental purposes and has since grown into a sizeable archive. There is enough content now here to split this blog with. Alas, doing so would spell the end for this little corner of the blogging community and the beginning of another.
So readers, I ask you, is it time to call it a day with this blog? Or is there a widespread clamor for it to live on?
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
The Best of this Blog
I have been writing this blog since October 2005 now. Since then, it has built up in content and now has a sizable archive of entries. So to save you a shuffle through the archives; I have decided to link you to what I feel are the best entries contained within this blog. They are:
Remembrance Sunday
An explanation on the causes & build up of World War 1.
The Greatest Video Games ever!
My personal top 10 and a few links to other sites raising the question.
Why Play Video Games?
An entry on the software industry and the growth of emulators.
Simply the Best
An entry on the most successful games console.
Highbury Farewell
A brief farewell to a famous stadium.
World Cup Hosts
A record of World Cup hosts in World cups.
The Trident Submarine
The only bit on politics you will find in an otherwise politically free zone.
These are my particular favourite entries. Some are maybe a little long (like Remembrance Sunday) while others are much shorter. Simply the Best hasn't been seen much so you might want to have a read of it. Anyway, have a good look!
Remembrance Sunday
An explanation on the causes & build up of World War 1.
The Greatest Video Games ever!
My personal top 10 and a few links to other sites raising the question.
Why Play Video Games?
An entry on the software industry and the growth of emulators.
Simply the Best
An entry on the most successful games console.
Highbury Farewell
A brief farewell to a famous stadium.
World Cup Hosts
A record of World Cup hosts in World cups.
The Trident Submarine
The only bit on politics you will find in an otherwise politically free zone.
These are my particular favourite entries. Some are maybe a little long (like Remembrance Sunday) while others are much shorter. Simply the Best hasn't been seen much so you might want to have a read of it. Anyway, have a good look!
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Sunshine and Torquay
Well readers, I haven't updated the blog recently due to being on holiday in Torquay. And of course, the holiday season has been accompanied by the usual Summer sunshine.
To begin with, Torquay was a good place. Well located in Devonshire you can go up to Exeter, down to Paignton and Dartmouth or west towards Dartmoor and Plymouth.
But alas, why would you wish to leave Torquay? Okay, with the exception of Torre Abbey (which is currently closed) it doesn't have much in the way of castles or manor houses. But the Gardens are wonderful, the beach offers a good stretch of sand and on top of that you have an ancient cave, a model village, a museum, leisure complex, boat trips etc etc. Something to cater for most tastes it seems.
And what of the summer sunshine? Global warming they say, or something along those lines. Temperatures are rising!
To begin with, Torquay was a good place. Well located in Devonshire you can go up to Exeter, down to Paignton and Dartmouth or west towards Dartmoor and Plymouth.
But alas, why would you wish to leave Torquay? Okay, with the exception of Torre Abbey (which is currently closed) it doesn't have much in the way of castles or manor houses. But the Gardens are wonderful, the beach offers a good stretch of sand and on top of that you have an ancient cave, a model village, a museum, leisure complex, boat trips etc etc. Something to cater for most tastes it seems.
And what of the summer sunshine? Global warming they say, or something along those lines. Temperatures are rising!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
The Former England Manager
As I'm sure you know, the World Cup is over and Sven is history. Not everybody has been pleased by England's performance in this World Cup, and he has had his critics. But really, just how good or bad an England manager has he been?
Taking into account competitive games, there were only 3 defeats to Brazil, France and N Ireland. The other 6 were friendlies that were never taken too seriously. England qualified for all 3 international tournaments and reached the qtr-finals respectably.
This shows remarkable consistency that has eluded past England mangers such as Robson. And even Ramsey failed to qualify for the 1974 World Cup.
But no, we are told that three qtr-finals isn't good enough for such a team of highly talented players. For such a highly paid manager.
Overpaid he may of been, but there are only 3 managers who have ever done any better. Ramsey with his World Cup win, Robson with his World Cup 4th place and Venebles with his Euro 96 semi-final.
With such things put into perspective, irrespective of the fact that England just missed the heights, he must be recognized as one of the better and certainly the most consistent of England managers.
Taking into account competitive games, there were only 3 defeats to Brazil, France and N Ireland. The other 6 were friendlies that were never taken too seriously. England qualified for all 3 international tournaments and reached the qtr-finals respectably.
This shows remarkable consistency that has eluded past England mangers such as Robson. And even Ramsey failed to qualify for the 1974 World Cup.
But no, we are told that three qtr-finals isn't good enough for such a team of highly talented players. For such a highly paid manager.
Overpaid he may of been, but there are only 3 managers who have ever done any better. Ramsey with his World Cup win, Robson with his World Cup 4th place and Venebles with his Euro 96 semi-final.
With such things put into perspective, irrespective of the fact that England just missed the heights, he must be recognized as one of the better and certainly the most consistent of England managers.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
The Man in the Middle
Who is the man in the middle? Why, the referee of course! Indeed, love them or loathe them they are an important part of the game.
Which is why it saddens me that they do not receive much credit. Indeed, if they make mistakes then those are well documented but if they don't -well nothing is heard of it.
Okay, so the World Cup has had some poor refereeing moments. But in the France-Spain game the referee was spot on with both the first two goals. The first WAS a penalty with the Spain player on the ball pushed from behind. The second was also a perfectly valid goal as although one French player was off-side he was not involved with play. But, do we hear much of this good refereeing? No of course we don't.
So, give these guys a break. They do needs some assitance, from players and from other officials also. Technology of some sort would also be useful but alas yet to be embraced.
Which is why it saddens me that they do not receive much credit. Indeed, if they make mistakes then those are well documented but if they don't -well nothing is heard of it.
Okay, so the World Cup has had some poor refereeing moments. But in the France-Spain game the referee was spot on with both the first two goals. The first WAS a penalty with the Spain player on the ball pushed from behind. The second was also a perfectly valid goal as although one French player was off-side he was not involved with play. But, do we hear much of this good refereeing? No of course we don't.
So, give these guys a break. They do needs some assitance, from players and from other officials also. Technology of some sort would also be useful but alas yet to be embraced.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
The Trident Submarine
I don't usually use this blog for political discussion. HOWEVER, exceptions can always be made and a recent BBC article (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5103764.stm) on Mr Brown's apparent support for renewing Britain's nuclear deterrent, The Trident class submarine, for the cost of a mere 10-25 billion does not please.
25 billion, think of all the wonderful things you could do with that eh. I mean seriously, health, education, commerce - usually the important stuff - would all benefit handsomely from that sort of investment. But no, 25 billion is deemed better spent on a submarine & nuclear deterrent that existed as a counterbalance to the USSR during the Cold War.
Well, haven't these fellows heard yet? The Cold War is over and the USSR no longer exists! Forget about the ban the bomb jargon, it is all rather outdated rhetoric from a by gone age. Nuclear weapons should have been completely disarmed a while ago.
Incidentally, I am due a visit to a submarine museum soon where I shall see the old World War 2 submarine, the HMS Alliance, in dock. That's where the Trident should be lying in the not too distant future.
25 billion, think of all the wonderful things you could do with that eh. I mean seriously, health, education, commerce - usually the important stuff - would all benefit handsomely from that sort of investment. But no, 25 billion is deemed better spent on a submarine & nuclear deterrent that existed as a counterbalance to the USSR during the Cold War.
Well, haven't these fellows heard yet? The Cold War is over and the USSR no longer exists! Forget about the ban the bomb jargon, it is all rather outdated rhetoric from a by gone age. Nuclear weapons should have been completely disarmed a while ago.
Incidentally, I am due a visit to a submarine museum soon where I shall see the old World War 2 submarine, the HMS Alliance, in dock. That's where the Trident should be lying in the not too distant future.
(above) Protestors make a good point
Monday, June 19, 2006
The Wii
Too much football on at the moment. Anyway, stumbled across Nintendo's latest console offering in a magazine recently. Curiously titled the Wii.
The Wii, what an interesting name to give to Nintendo's supposedly revolutionary new console. I understand that this is not supposed to be an acronym of some kind or other but just pronounced "We."
So the console is called 'We', or 'The We'. What a name eh? Supposedly, Nintendo were concerned that the increasing complexity of video games meant that they were no longer bringing families together like they used to. So, they go and create a console that will once more provide family entertainment and title it Wii (We) to represent its more inclusive nature.
Still, doesn't seem to be the most trendy name in the world. Why not the NR (Nintendo Revolution)? Or, perhaps the NN (New Nintendo)? Acronyms often make for better reference.
Aside from the name, the console will provide a revolutionary new controller along with the customary enhanced graphics. Zelda and Mario titles will provide the usual games impetus. So, if you've got £100-200 to spare you may want to take a look at 'The We'.
The Wii, what an interesting name to give to Nintendo's supposedly revolutionary new console. I understand that this is not supposed to be an acronym of some kind or other but just pronounced "We."
So the console is called 'We', or 'The We'. What a name eh? Supposedly, Nintendo were concerned that the increasing complexity of video games meant that they were no longer bringing families together like they used to. So, they go and create a console that will once more provide family entertainment and title it Wii (We) to represent its more inclusive nature.
Still, doesn't seem to be the most trendy name in the world. Why not the NR (Nintendo Revolution)? Or, perhaps the NN (New Nintendo)? Acronyms often make for better reference.
Aside from the name, the console will provide a revolutionary new controller along with the customary enhanced graphics. Zelda and Mario titles will provide the usual games impetus. So, if you've got £100-200 to spare you may want to take a look at 'The We'.
Monday, June 05, 2006
World Cup Hosts
So, the Fifa World Cup is upon us once more. The 2006 World Cup, to be held in Germany, should provide us with a good tournament & a good run from the home team. For, despite the pessimism surrounding the current German team, a brief examination of the performances of previous World Cup hosts illustrates that playing at home usually pays dividends:
Host Nation Performances
2002 Korea - Semi-finalists
1998 France - Winners
1994 USA - 2nd round
1990 Italy - 3rd place - play-off
1986 Mexico - Qtr finalists
1982 Spain - 2nd round
1978 Argentina - Winners
1974 West Germany - Winners
1970 Mexico - Qtr-finalists
1966 England - Winners
1962 Chile - 3rd place - play off
1958 Sweden - Runners up
1954 Switzerland - 2nd round
1950 Brazil - Runners up
1938 France - Qtr - finals
1934 Italy - Winners
1930 Uraguay - Winners
As you can see, the host nation has won the World Cup on six occasions. While of the non-winners, six of them have been best ever performances by that particular nation at a World Cup. Even the 1938 & 94 efforts by France and the USA were their best at the time. Never has the host nation failed to go beyond the first stage of the World Cup.
The only slight exceptions here are Brazil in 1950, Spain in 1982 and Italy in 1990. Brazil have won the World Cup 5 times so finishing second at home was disappointing for them. Italy, also having won the World Cup 3 times were one of the favorites to win Italia 90. While Spain have reached the Qtr-finals on a few occasions so to finish in the second round in Spain wasn't their best performance.
Despite these three exceptions, all the evidence suggests that it most definitely does pay to play at home. Even if this German team isn't the best they have ever had, a run to the semi-finals surely has to be some sort of expectation.
Host Nation Performances
2002 Korea - Semi-finalists
1998 France - Winners
1994 USA - 2nd round
1990 Italy - 3rd place - play-off
1986 Mexico - Qtr finalists
1982 Spain - 2nd round
1978 Argentina - Winners
1974 West Germany - Winners
1970 Mexico - Qtr-finalists
1966 England - Winners
1962 Chile - 3rd place - play off
1958 Sweden - Runners up
1954 Switzerland - 2nd round
1950 Brazil - Runners up
1938 France - Qtr - finals
1934 Italy - Winners
1930 Uraguay - Winners
As you can see, the host nation has won the World Cup on six occasions. While of the non-winners, six of them have been best ever performances by that particular nation at a World Cup. Even the 1938 & 94 efforts by France and the USA were their best at the time. Never has the host nation failed to go beyond the first stage of the World Cup.
The only slight exceptions here are Brazil in 1950, Spain in 1982 and Italy in 1990. Brazil have won the World Cup 5 times so finishing second at home was disappointing for them. Italy, also having won the World Cup 3 times were one of the favorites to win Italia 90. While Spain have reached the Qtr-finals on a few occasions so to finish in the second round in Spain wasn't their best performance.
Despite these three exceptions, all the evidence suggests that it most definitely does pay to play at home. Even if this German team isn't the best they have ever had, a run to the semi-finals surely has to be some sort of expectation.
(above) West Germany win 1974 World Cup
Friday, May 19, 2006
The Champions League Final
What a shame, what a terrible terrible shame. Barcelona 2 - Arsenal 1 rang the full time score on an interesting final in Paris.
A night to remember perhaps only for those of Barca origins. But somehow I don't believe the other half will be forgetting things in a hurry either.
For, they started so brightly with some nice passing and movement & then a great early opportunity well saved. On the 17th minute however, the world caved in as Lehman made a terrible mistake by committing a foul outside of his box. A few seconds later and the ball was in the back of the net.
Now, the referee had blown the whistle on play to stop just before. That is why the goal was not given. Was he too hasty? Should he have played the advantage? Most importantly, should the keeper have been sent off?
Well, the answer to the last question might be yes. However, it was hasty to blow and it would have been better to let play continue and give the advantage. A yellow card would not have been entirely inappropriate and the match could have continued with 11 V 11 albeit with Arsenal probably 1-0 down (assuming Barcelona would have scored from the advantage being played).
How much better that would have been for the game. As it was, Arsenal were up against Europe's best team with 10 men for 73 minutes. This ensured an uneven final for the remainder of the time, with Barca having most possession and Arsenal playing on the counter attack.
The second (winning) goal has also been called into question. It was very very marginal - difficult to call. Not a clear off-side but not a clear on-side either.
But they must face it, it was the opportunities they missed which cost them most dear. Not the referee, though certainly he did not help.
A night to remember perhaps only for those of Barca origins. But somehow I don't believe the other half will be forgetting things in a hurry either.
For, they started so brightly with some nice passing and movement & then a great early opportunity well saved. On the 17th minute however, the world caved in as Lehman made a terrible mistake by committing a foul outside of his box. A few seconds later and the ball was in the back of the net.
Now, the referee had blown the whistle on play to stop just before. That is why the goal was not given. Was he too hasty? Should he have played the advantage? Most importantly, should the keeper have been sent off?
Well, the answer to the last question might be yes. However, it was hasty to blow and it would have been better to let play continue and give the advantage. A yellow card would not have been entirely inappropriate and the match could have continued with 11 V 11 albeit with Arsenal probably 1-0 down (assuming Barcelona would have scored from the advantage being played).
How much better that would have been for the game. As it was, Arsenal were up against Europe's best team with 10 men for 73 minutes. This ensured an uneven final for the remainder of the time, with Barca having most possession and Arsenal playing on the counter attack.
The second (winning) goal has also been called into question. It was very very marginal - difficult to call. Not a clear off-side but not a clear on-side either.
But they must face it, it was the opportunities they missed which cost them most dear. Not the referee, though certainly he did not help.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Highbury Farewell
Yesterday saw the final match at Highbury (Arsenal's former home ground). An exciting 4-2 win over Wigan that assured Champions League football for them next season.
Might I just briefly use this entry to salute what has been a great venue for English football. Hosting some memorable games, unique atmosphere and a fantastic playing surface. A great stadium.
It will now soon be demolished to make way for new developments. Arsenal football club, meanwhile, will move to the 60,000 capacity New Emirates stadium. Highbury, RIP.
Might I just briefly use this entry to salute what has been a great venue for English football. Hosting some memorable games, unique atmosphere and a fantastic playing surface. A great stadium.
It will now soon be demolished to make way for new developments. Arsenal football club, meanwhile, will move to the 60,000 capacity New Emirates stadium. Highbury, RIP.
Friday, April 28, 2006
The Champions League
The Champions League final has been confirmed. Barca booked their place into the final with a 1-0 aggregate win over Milan while Arsenal did so in similarly (if not more so) unconvincing fashion against Villarreal (who?).
Thank goodness for their goalkeeper, otherwise it might be quite a different story now. Villarreal, playing in a ground that would not have been out of place in the English first division, looked a rather good team. They kept possession well and showed some good movement. What they didn't show was good finishing as they wasted numerous chances.
Alas, Arsenal make history in becoming the first London club to reach the European Cup final. Really, this is rather suprising given the size of London & the number of clubs it has. But can they go one step better and win it?
Barcelona are having a good season. They are top of their domestic league and could do a league and European Cup double. Not easy opponents by any means and I am in no doubt they will be the favorites to win it.
But, being underdog might suit the London club. They were underdog against Real Madrid and Juventus too. Didn't do much harm there. And when they went into the semi-finals more fancied they struggled.
So good luck to them. They may need it, but hopefully they will produce a better performance than against Villarreal.
Thank goodness for their goalkeeper, otherwise it might be quite a different story now. Villarreal, playing in a ground that would not have been out of place in the English first division, looked a rather good team. They kept possession well and showed some good movement. What they didn't show was good finishing as they wasted numerous chances.
Alas, Arsenal make history in becoming the first London club to reach the European Cup final. Really, this is rather suprising given the size of London & the number of clubs it has. But can they go one step better and win it?
Barcelona are having a good season. They are top of their domestic league and could do a league and European Cup double. Not easy opponents by any means and I am in no doubt they will be the favorites to win it.
But, being underdog might suit the London club. They were underdog against Real Madrid and Juventus too. Didn't do much harm there. And when they went into the semi-finals more fancied they struggled.
So good luck to them. They may need it, but hopefully they will produce a better performance than against Villarreal.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
ANZAC Day
This is a little late, as ANZAC day was yesterday. However, better late than never as they say.
If you don't know, ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and is held to remember the efforts of these soldiers during World War 1. And in particular, the Gallipoli campaign.
The Gallipoli campaign proved to be a most unsuccessful military offensive which resulted in many casualties for ANZAC troops (est 10-000 dead). It is a poignant day of remembrance for the lives lost here rather than a celebration or glorification of war.
So, lest we forget the efforts of the ANZAC troops to both your respective countries and the British Empire.
If you don't know, ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and is held to remember the efforts of these soldiers during World War 1. And in particular, the Gallipoli campaign.
The Gallipoli campaign proved to be a most unsuccessful military offensive which resulted in many casualties for ANZAC troops (est 10-000 dead). It is a poignant day of remembrance for the lives lost here rather than a celebration or glorification of war.
So, lest we forget the efforts of the ANZAC troops to both your respective countries and the British Empire.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Mario 64 again...
Haven't been able to up-date the blog recently. In the meantime, I stumbled across this rather impressive little video of a fellow completing Mario 64 in 16 minutes. See for yourself at:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6493722340610946105&q=mario+time
He does admittedly cheat a little (by making use of glitches) but all those moves he pulls off without error is still very impressive.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6493722340610946105&q=mario+time
He does admittedly cheat a little (by making use of glitches) but all those moves he pulls off without error is still very impressive.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Mario 64
Readers may recall an entry I made on the greatest video games ever made. There, Mario 64 made more appearances in the compiled lists than any other. With a Nintendo 64 emulator installed on the PC, I felt it a great opportunity to sample it and see for myself.
Firstly, the emulation was accurate. Save for a few pop-ups, it was just like Mario 64 running on the N64 (The screenshot below is taken from the PC emulation). Although, the playability was admittedly slightly effected from using the keyboard controls as opposed to the analogue stick it was designed for.
It's now 10 years since the game was first released. And while the graphics must have certainly been revolutionary at the time, they aren't that special by modern standards. Though, the 3D environments still look quite good.
Firstly, the emulation was accurate. Save for a few pop-ups, it was just like Mario 64 running on the N64 (The screenshot below is taken from the PC emulation). Although, the playability was admittedly slightly effected from using the keyboard controls as opposed to the analogue stick it was designed for.
It's now 10 years since the game was first released. And while the graphics must have certainly been revolutionary at the time, they aren't that special by modern standards. Though, the 3D environments still look quite good.
But alas, even using the keyboard controls this game was great fun to play. Exploration through the 15 3D worlds, combining so well with the game controls as to make it very playable. And no doubt even better with the analogue stick it was designed for.
What I also liked was the greater freedom it gave to players. No need to play through the entirety of one course in order to progress to another. Instead players could jump in to one course, grab a few stars and then jump into another and collect a few more there. Moving backwards and forwards through the courses in order to progress through the game.
The game offers a reasonable challenge. Although, collecting the 70 stars necessary in order to defeat Bowser wasn't that hard as you can play through and focus on collecting the more simple stars to reach. But certainly, finding all 120 stars and game secrets presents a real challenge that will take you a while to achieve.
So, is this the greatest video game? There is no doubting the quality of the title. When it was released, it started the 3D platformer and set the standard which to this day hasn't been eclipsed. It was the first of its kind, and that sort of innovation is what makes the classic games.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Scorched 3D
Well, for readers of this blog I have a little treat. I stumbled across this revamp of an old, but classic, DOS game (DOS version screenshot immediately below) available for download: Scorched 3D.
It involves war-games between units, the firing of a large array of arsenal until one of the units loses all its energy and is thus destroyed. The game has been completely revamped with a new 3D graphics engine but retains its basic play and concept. It also has multi-play and on-line play, which is great fun.
You can download the full game from CNET at:
http://www.download.com/3000-7486-10432065.html
Have fun!
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