Thursday 26 July 2007

Bot-Bombast

This weekend I really can't wait to see the first live-action Transformers movie in Colchester, Essex! My generation grew up with Hasbro's inspired rebranding - with a lot of help from Marvel - of Takara Tomy's Japanese puzzle toys Diaclone and Micro Change. And Transformers, alongside their ingenious stablemates, Microman and Zoids, are amongst some of the most imaginative and clever toy lines ever conceived.

Critics may lambaste Hollywood for its voracious consumer-orientated ideology in the wake of Star Wars revolutionising merchandising - eclipsing box office receipts tenfold. I'm guilty of perpetuating the phenomenon, and dutifully aspire to George Lucas' and Steven Spielberg's adoration of toys; the term gadgets sweetens the pill somewhat. Movie-making is a glorious playtime, which can, at its best, also instruct and educate. Go on fellow deconstructionists, discuss.

So, Michael Bay, director of Transformers, it's over to you for some serious Autobot vs Decepticon bot-bombast! Review to follow.

Monday 23 July 2007

Windows Live Writer

Switched back to Windows Vista! Why? I'm keen to give Windows Live Writer Beta 2 a test drive and there's currently no Mac OS X client (get your skates on Mac Business Unit (Mac BU)).

Microsoft has built a powerful desktop application blogging tool, which largely precludes the need to directly login to your blog account. Windows Live Writer can publish to Windows Live Spaces, Sharepoint, WordPress, Blogger, LiveJournal, TypePad, Moveable Type, Community Server, and many other weblog services.

Windows Live Writer is by no means unique. There's an abundance of third party applications and widgets available for both Windows and Mac platforms. Yet, Windows Live Writer goes someway to consolidate rich publishing in one easy-to-use application. Setup is a breeze. However, I'd like to see more formatting options - such as justify - made available from the GUI. Of course you can switch to HTML and, manually, insert code yourself.

You can post directly from within Windows Live Writer or save drafts locally and/or online. A very useful trick it has up its sleeve; updated drafts, saved locally, will overwrite the online draft if you saved at both locations. Therefore you don't need to worry about reconciling different versions or accidentally double posting (a bane of bloggers everywhere)!

Saturday 21 July 2007

Happy Hogwarts Day

Today is the day that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is released. To mark this auspicious event, our local Sainsbury's store, in Pinhoe, is draped in the trappings of the franchise.

Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety and companionship of The Burrow and follow without fear or hesitation the inexorable path laid out for him.

In this final, seventh installment of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling unveils in spectacular fashion the answers to the many questions that have been so eagerly awaited. The spellbinding, richly woven narrative, which plunges, twists and turns at a breathtaking pace, confirms the author as a mistress of storytelling, whose books will be read, reread and read again.

Happy reading and do post your comments on the book!

Thursday 19 July 2007

Drawing the way of the Force

Star Wars Celebration Europe maybe over. However, Dorling Kindersley (DK) and myself are offering four lucky readers a chance to win exclusive signed copies of "Star Wars Complete Cross-Sections" poster prints, signed by artist Hans Jensen, and You Can Draw "Star Wars" book, signed by the author Bonnie Burton and artists Tom Hodges and Matt Busch.



Every fan's dream - step inside over 100 Star Wars vehicles. Open up the cockpit and peel back layers to reveal the weapon systems and construction secrets of over 100 Star Wars vehicles. Four fold-out pages take you right inside a Droid Control Ship, the Death Star, an Invisible Hand and a Republic Gunship in incredible detail. Discover everything you ever wanted to know about every key Star Wars machine from the "Phantom Menace", through to "Return of the Jedi". See inside the elegant Naboo starfighters and relentless TIE bombers and explore their background stories, history and even technical data. All revved up and ready to explore the universe?

Feel the force of the pencil, get creative and bring "Star Wars" to life on the page. Follow the expert tips, tracings, fold out pages and stencils and draw body shapes which pack a punch (or a lightsabre), inspiring action poses, spectacular vehicles, out-of-this-world clothes and futuristic equipment. Put R2-D2, Luke SkyWalker and Darth Vader on the same page and create scenes and battles from your own imagination - if you dare!

To enter for a chance of winning one of these coveted prizes signed by the author and artists, please leave a comment. Good luck. Special thanks to DK for supplying the competition prizes.

Explore the Star Wars galaxy through DK books.

About DK books
Since 1974, Dorling Kindersley has published an extensive range of internationally acclaimed titles in 51 languages for adults and children. As the UK's market leader in illustrated non-fiction, we pride ourselves on creating books that combine comprehensive information and superb design.

Over the years, as the world's leading family illustrated publisher, we have inspired and informed readers who find DK books to be educational, distinctive and of consistently high quality. We value this reputation and will continue to create reference titles that are, without question, exceptional.

Tuesday 17 July 2007

Transformers T-Shirts

Today I'm proud to announce a new site sponsor! NerdyShirts.com. They have just released 4 Limited Edition Re-Issue classic Transformers T-shirts to mark the release of the Michael Bay live action movie.

Please read their official press release:

"NerdyShirts.com was launched in 2004 by Myke Armstrong and Jacob Fatoorechi, and was incorporated into the MyFatRobot family of sites in April 2006 by Myke, Jacob, and William Barnes. NerdyShirts offers original funny, nerdy, and nostalgic tee shirts all printed on 100 percent cotton American Apparel shirts. In addition to all original designs, NerdyShirts buys full designs and even design concepts from site visitors or customers, and offers an affiliate program for tee shirt sales. New designs are released every Monday, and most are available in both men's and women's sizes."

Earlier this year, NerdyShirts redesigned its website and has planned a whole string of shirt releases, and we're in the midst of working out both plans. We're the "little guy" of the t-shirt business, but we're growing fast and strong from our nerdy and proud community (just like us!).

Monday 16 July 2007

Wii Loved E3

E3 played host to a veritable avalanche of exciting Wii news! From the Wii Zapper (remember the NES Zapper?) to Wii Fit and Mario Kart Wii to Wii Boogie. Big N has set its lofty sights (no Zapper-pun intended) on eclipsing Sony's PS2 sales record.

Come to think of it, the Wii Zapper would've made for a very cool Transformer toy gestalt, combining, as it does, the Wii Remote and Nunchuk! Hasbro and Takara should ink a licensing deal with Nintendo pronto!

Last Friday Paper Mario finally graced European Virtual Console, and the N64's beguiling swan song is richly deserving of your attention - "the best RPG on the Nintendo 64, and acts as a superb gateway to the genre," and "an RPG rich with ingenuity and style" with "all-important Mario moments that only a true fan will understand."

The addition of the 2001 classic brings the number of N64 titles available via the Wii Shop to six, joining Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Lylat Wars and F-Zero X. Each costs 1000 points to download, which equates to about GBP 7 - or just over 10 Euros.

Haven't got a Wii yet? Amazon.co.uk has stocks.

Friday 13 July 2007

Celebrate The Force

Just to remind readers. Star Wars Celebration Europe is being held at London's ExCel Exhibition Centre on July 13-15 and Dorling Kindersley (DK) are running a stand at S12.

DK have sent me a copy of their lavish "Star Wars" the Ultimate Visual Guide, which I will be reviewing.

I'm unable to attend Star Wars Celebration Europe myself. But, I hope that everyone attending has a most excellent time. Please comment.

About DK books
Since 1974, Dorling Kindersley has published an extensive range of internationally acclaimed titles in 51 languages for adults and children. As the UK's market leader in illustrated non-fiction, we pride ourselves on creating books that combine comprehensive information and superb design.

Over the years, as the world's leading family illustrated publisher, we have inspired and informed readers who find DK books to be educational, distinctive and of consistently high quality. We value this reputation and will continue to create reference titles that are, without question, exceptional.

Thursday 12 July 2007

"PS3 Starter Pack" confirmed for Europe

PS3 STARTER PACK ANNOUNCED FOR EUROPE

Santa Monica, 12th July 2007.
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced the availability of a high value Starter Pack for PLAYSTATION®3, comprising a PS3, two first party games and two SIXAXIS™ wireless controllers, at €599.

Rolling out across the SCEE territories from 13th July, and in all territories by 1st August, the new Starter Pack represents exceptional value for money as an entry point into the exciting world of High Definition interactive entertainment with PLAYSTATION 3.

The choice of first party games available in the Starter Pack will vary to suit the interests of entertainment enthusiasts in each country, but will include million sellers such as Resistance Fall of Man™ and MotorStorm™; titles specifically chosen to demonstrate the stunning graphics and enhanced gameplay of High Definition games on Blu-ray disc.

With an additional wireless SIXAXIS, motion sensitive controller provided for head to head and multi player gaming, the Starter Pack is sure to appeal to those seeking to enhance their entertainment experience with the best of 21st century technology.

“With sell through of over 1.2 million units in the SCEE territories to date, PLAYSTATION 3 has proved to be an instant and huge success”, said David Reeves, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

“The exceptional value of the new Starter Pack will bring the excitement of PlayStation® gaming to a much wider audience. Add to this a stellar lineup of software titles for the second half of the year and we are confident that this amazing value Starter Pack will encourage many more keen gamers to join the PLAYSTATION 3 community”.

Wednesday 11 July 2007

PS3 Killzone at E3

Fresh from my inbox:

INTRODUCING KILLZONE™ 2, THE ULTIMATE FIRST-PERSON SHOOTER FOR PLAYSTATION®3

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 11, 2007 – Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced the 2008 release of Killzone™ 2, available exclusively for the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. Developed by Guerrilla Games, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment, Killzone 2 throws players back into the midst of a hostile and dramatic ongoing battle between the ISA and Helghast army. Following events and action from the original Killzone for PlayStation®2, Killzone 2 sets a new standard for next-gen gaming by delivering intense warfare with incredibly lifelike character animations, highly detailed and destructible environments, realistic physics, and advanced levels of artificial intelligence (A.I.).

Unveiled for the first time Tuesday evening at an exclusive media event in Santa Monica, the Killzone 2 demo awed guests with action-packed sequences full of detail and game variety, sure to draw players right into the heart of battle. Once again set in an extreme post-modern war, Killzone 2 utilizes the power of PLAYSTATION 3 to deliver a striking graphical style that showcases a gritty realism unique to the Killzone franchise.

“There have rightly been high expectations for Killzone 2 since we shared the vision for the title back in 2005,” said Phil Harrison, president, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios. “Guerrilla have worked hard to focus the power of PLAYSTATION 3 to realize their true vision for the game. With incredible action, drama-fueled gameplay sequences, and a vast array of weapons and vehicles, Killzone 2 defines a new benchmark of our industry.”

Two years after the Helghast assault on Vekta, the ISA is bringing the fight to the enemy’s home world of Helghan. Taking the role of Sev, the battle-hardened veteran of the special forces unit known as the Legion, players will embark upon a mission to the planet Helghan to capture the Helghast leader, Emperor Visari, and bring the enemy’s war machine to a halt. For Sev and his squad, the invasion of Helghan is just the beginning. Tasked with securing Pyrrhus, the Capital City, the team quickly discovers that the Helghast are a formidable enemy on their home planet. Not only have they adjusted to the planet’s hostile conditions, they have also harnessed a source of power from the environment that can be used against the ISA. Sev and his team soon discover the fight is greater than simply addressing the enemy forces; the Legion must also learn how to handle the effects of the fierce enemy planet.

With an extensive, story-driven single-player mode and thrilling multiplayer mode, Killzone 2 offers a host of new elements that caters to both hardcore and casual gamers alike. The game features highly atmospheric environments that respond accurately to weapon fire as players storm through the world of Helghan. The harsh climate and conditions of Helghan are also a factor, forcing players to adapt new tactics to survive. Proprietary tools and technology such as deferred rendering techniques are implemented to create advanced effects, such as ultra-vivid and detailed character animations and environments. Advanced cinematic effects are used to provide unprecedented visuals, including motion blur, internal lens reflections, and depth-based color grading that will let players experience gameplay that is sharp, detailed, and vibrant. Additionally, Killzone 2 supports 7.1 surround with location-specific audio, providing players the opportunity to experience sound and music that are not only dynamic but in context to indoor and outdoor locations.

Thursday 5 July 2007

Star Wars Celebration Europe

Star Wars Celebration Europe is being held at London's ExCel Exhibition Centre on July 13-15 and I've teamed-up with Dorling Kindersley (DK) to offer two lucky readers exclusive artwork prints taken from their stunning "Star Wars Complete Cross-Sections" book. Don't take my word for it, feast your eyes on the TIE Bomber and B-wing starfighter cross sections (not to scale) below.





At Star Wars Celebration Europe DK are running a stand at S12. This will feature signings by the author and the two illustrators of "You Can Draw Star Wars", Bonnie Burton, Tom Hodges and Matt Busch. Plus a competition to win exclusive signed artwork.

Celebration Europe will be the first ever Celebration event held outside the U.S. and will share many of the highlights of Celebration IV in Los Angeles "Star Wars has always been a global phenomenon, and the U.K. has long been our second-largest fan base after the U.S.," Steve Sansweet said. "With the continuing strength of Star Wars, it made sense to extend Celebration to Europe and I'm delighted to be working with one of our top European licensees, Cards Inc., as our partner on the show."

One of the highlights for fans at an official Star Wars event is the chance to buy unique merchandise, and Celebration Europe will not disappoint, with an exciting and comprehensive range of exclusive products being sold.

To enter for a chance of winning one of these coveted cross section prints, please leave a comment. Good luck. Special thanks to DK for supplying the competition prizes.

Explore the Star Wars galaxy through DK books.

About DK books
Since 1974, Dorling Kindersley has published an extensive range of internationally acclaimed titles in 51 languages for adults and children. As the UK's market leader in illustrated non-fiction, we pride ourselves on creating books that combine comprehensive information and superb design.

Over the years, as the world's leading family illustrated publisher, we have inspired and informed readers who find DK books to be educational, distinctive and of consistently high quality. We value this reputation and will continue to create reference titles that are, without question, exceptional.

Wednesday 4 July 2007

One Glorious Fourth

Happy Fourth of July to all my US readership!

Under the auspices of The Reverend Stephen Bessent and Funeral Directors, the Order of Service (PDF), for my mother's Funeral Service, is complete!

Tuesday 3 July 2007

Mac Users vote now!

Looks like Yahoo! hasn't completely forgotten about us Mac Users! The Yahoo! Messenger Blog is currently running a Poll for Mac users.

If you want Yahoo! Messenger sooner rather than later, and avoid further tardiness, be sure to drop by and vote for a Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger release only. Even the beleaguered beta knocks, pre-Leopard, spots off of the current Windows version. That being said, I'll be keeping tabs on the upcoming Windows Vista update, which promises "3D" eye candy.

Monday 2 July 2007

Virgin Media's Medium Mollification

In April, during the height of the, as yet unresolved, spat between Sky and Virgin Media, Virgin Media's Customer Service team offered me a discount on their M Broadband package. The Medium package offers a leased modem, internet security, and up to 2Mb with no download limits within reason.

I noticed that the subsequent invoices did not reflect the promotion price and telephoned Virgin Media on Friday! Customer Services informed me that the offer had been withdrawn as I did not qualify for the discount - this was offered to customers registering online!

Virgin Media had not advised me, in writing, of the change and, therefore, this was possibly unlawful! To which I aver. The Customer Service representative was most helpful and gave me a free phone number, to call, to discuss the matter, further, if I so wished. Cancellation was really the last resort and canceling Sky (Music and Movies Mixes), in May, had freed-up income.

After several abortive attempts, one in which I was unceremoniously 'cut-off', I finally spoke to someone in their customer complaints department and was offered a significant reduction for the next 12 months. This was backdated to April. Well done Virgin Media, lets hope things go from strength to strength following the proposed buyout from private equity group Carlyle.

Sunday 1 July 2007

Happy Canada Day!

My late Grandmother, Louise Farley née Curtis, was an immigrant from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. So, Happy Canada Day to all my readers.

I'm selling Masters of the Universe Faker ToyFare 2002 Exclusive on eBay. Faker is the rarest of the He-Man ToyFare exclusives and was never mass-produced by Mattel. Happy bidding.