Sunday, October 7, 2007
Unnatural
It's not natural to sit in front of a keyboard slaving away one keystroke at a time. It feels like the longer I stare into this lightly glowing screen, the closer I approach the cliched flash of light that appears just before a near death experience. One minute it's Wednesday morning and we're typing away about the latest ad-hoc test report. The next minute someone's typing up our obituary. Click. Click. Click....
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Design
I haven't been climbing for a while, partly because I think I sprained my wrist.... about two months ago. So two months after the injury, I just now decided that I should take it a little easy and give my body some time to rest.
The temperatures are high enough that I don't want to go outside much. With nothing to do, a friend and I decided to work on a design project. We looked around at different designing tools and narrowed our choices to Microsoft's XNA, the NeverWinter Nights Aurora Toolset, Blizzard's Warcraft 3 Editor, and the Unreal Editor.
Each toolset had distinct advantages over the others. At first I was leaning towards the Unreal Editor, mainly because the game that I was interested in working on was built on the Unreal engine. However, Unreal is naturally a First Person Shooter engine. The extra scripting that was required to change the engine from a FPS to a MMORPG was beyond how much time we wished to put into it.
We then pushed to use Microsoft's XNA. We needed to install C#, update our version of Windows, and then download the XNA documentation. We got our computers set up at work, knowing full well that the intellectual property rights would be forfeited there. However, given the necessary compiling, the much faster computers, the conventional meet up place, the air conditioned work place, and the quick Internet connection, we simply couldn't pass up those perks. Plus, there's always free coffee, tea, and sometimes donuts (Yay for Mondays and Fridays)!
The advantages of XNA were that we could change our design down to the code level. Because of this, we could never use the excuse of there being no available tool. If we didn't have a tool, we could program it in. However, that was also a disadvantage. We'd have to make our own toolsets, or take the time to search for them online, then learn how to correctly use other people's toolsets.
Basically, using XNA would give us more work, but more flexibility. It would also focus more on coding than designing, though we could implement a lot more creative design. We decided to try it out, but for whatever reason (omg we be haxorz lol), our work didn't feel safe with us programming our own code at work. There goes the thought of using XNA.
We then installed Warcraft 3 and looked at the editor. The editor was simple to use, but I personally found that it was a bit too simple. We would be able to create some DOTA maps, but that was it.
Coworkers strongly recommended using the Neverwinter Nights Toolset. I had looked into the Aurora engine earlier, but my initial impressions was that it seemed rudimentary. I thought that the graphics lacked any substance. I took another look at it, this time buying Neverwinter Nights 2 and since I had spent about $30, I would give it much more than a quick glance.
Wow am I impressed. The engine is powerful to look fairly impressive, it runs quickly on my old computer, and NWN2 has a very tight knit developer and mod community. I haven't gotten into much scripting yet, as that will be the deal breaker to see if I stick with this toolset or not. Here's a screenshot of the engine and what I made in a couple hours.
NeverWinter Nights 2 Toolset
The temperatures are high enough that I don't want to go outside much. With nothing to do, a friend and I decided to work on a design project. We looked around at different designing tools and narrowed our choices to Microsoft's XNA, the NeverWinter Nights Aurora Toolset, Blizzard's Warcraft 3 Editor, and the Unreal Editor.
Each toolset had distinct advantages over the others. At first I was leaning towards the Unreal Editor, mainly because the game that I was interested in working on was built on the Unreal engine. However, Unreal is naturally a First Person Shooter engine. The extra scripting that was required to change the engine from a FPS to a MMORPG was beyond how much time we wished to put into it.
We then pushed to use Microsoft's XNA. We needed to install C#, update our version of Windows, and then download the XNA documentation. We got our computers set up at work, knowing full well that the intellectual property rights would be forfeited there. However, given the necessary compiling, the much faster computers, the conventional meet up place, the air conditioned work place, and the quick Internet connection, we simply couldn't pass up those perks. Plus, there's always free coffee, tea, and sometimes donuts (Yay for Mondays and Fridays)!
The advantages of XNA were that we could change our design down to the code level. Because of this, we could never use the excuse of there being no available tool. If we didn't have a tool, we could program it in. However, that was also a disadvantage. We'd have to make our own toolsets, or take the time to search for them online, then learn how to correctly use other people's toolsets.
Basically, using XNA would give us more work, but more flexibility. It would also focus more on coding than designing, though we could implement a lot more creative design. We decided to try it out, but for whatever reason (omg we be haxorz lol), our work didn't feel safe with us programming our own code at work. There goes the thought of using XNA.
We then installed Warcraft 3 and looked at the editor. The editor was simple to use, but I personally found that it was a bit too simple. We would be able to create some DOTA maps, but that was it.
Coworkers strongly recommended using the Neverwinter Nights Toolset. I had looked into the Aurora engine earlier, but my initial impressions was that it seemed rudimentary. I thought that the graphics lacked any substance. I took another look at it, this time buying Neverwinter Nights 2 and since I had spent about $30, I would give it much more than a quick glance.
Wow am I impressed. The engine is powerful to look fairly impressive, it runs quickly on my old computer, and NWN2 has a very tight knit developer and mod community. I haven't gotten into much scripting yet, as that will be the deal breaker to see if I stick with this toolset or not. Here's a screenshot of the engine and what I made in a couple hours.
NeverWinter Nights 2 ToolsetThursday, June 21, 2007
The gym, the past and future
It's places like the gym where I wish I were back in Tonga and lifting with my buddy James. We used to just kick back, make jokes, and push ourselves in lifting (even though that noob did everything in the wrong order... but that's another story). In Tonga, there were no vanity mirrors to watch yourself or some stupid mind numbing pop music playing in the background. Nope, it was simple. Weights were the remains of what people didn't or couldn't steal and whatever that weight, that's what you lift.
The gym in San Diego is crazy. By crazy, I mean there's a lot of crazy people in there. It simply creeps me the fuck out when I see some of these huge guys flexing in the mirror for 5 minutes after doing a single set. They're not just flexing a little, I literally saw one guy inches from the mirror as he flexed and looked at his arms. It looked like he was going to kiss himself. I swear some people are there more to look at themselves in the extra large mirrors instead of actually trying to work out. *Sigh* Sometimes I miss the simplicity of Tonga.
It's been about a year since I first landed in Tonga, but it's felt like a lifetime has passed since then. So much has happened. During that time, I've lived in Tonga, backpacked across Europe, and now I resettled back into the States into a job I like. I've gotten the opportunity to meet such great people and learn more about the world. I feel really lucky. I know it's not the new year yet, but it sure does feel like a new chapter has begun. I had a great past year and I'm really looking forward to the next.
The gym in San Diego is crazy. By crazy, I mean there's a lot of crazy people in there. It simply creeps me the fuck out when I see some of these huge guys flexing in the mirror for 5 minutes after doing a single set. They're not just flexing a little, I literally saw one guy inches from the mirror as he flexed and looked at his arms. It looked like he was going to kiss himself. I swear some people are there more to look at themselves in the extra large mirrors instead of actually trying to work out. *Sigh* Sometimes I miss the simplicity of Tonga.
It's been about a year since I first landed in Tonga, but it's felt like a lifetime has passed since then. So much has happened. During that time, I've lived in Tonga, backpacked across Europe, and now I resettled back into the States into a job I like. I've gotten the opportunity to meet such great people and learn more about the world. I feel really lucky. I know it's not the new year yet, but it sure does feel like a new chapter has begun. I had a great past year and I'm really looking forward to the next.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Settling into San Diego
So I'm getting settled into San Diego and my new job. When I moved in, I had a sleeping bag, a guitar, and two backpacks. Now I'm fairly nestled in with a mattress, chair, desktop, and pillows! It's funny what my priority for things are. Before I bought the mattress or even a pillow, I bought rock climbing shoes, a chalk bag, and a new mountain bike.
I guess it's a weird mentality to buy things in that order, but ever since I got back from Europe and Tonga, I've been wanting to try new things. Ordinary sleep pales in comparison to riding up technical trails or conquering my fear of heights. When you've lived on an island where there's limited resources, it makes you appreciate everything we have here in the States. With so many things that we are lucky enough to experience, why let our brain and body atrophy?
Speaking of which, two of my cousins are far from letting their brains atrophy; yesterday they graduated from UCLA. Grats to them!!! :) After I met up with them, I realized that I haven't seen some of my family for a while; I guess I'm pretty bad at keeping in contact with people, even people as close as my own family. I'll try to work on that.
After dinner my mom gave me $100... for ice cream. I guess she knows me well! Woot! =)
$16 dollars of ice cream has been spent and 3 boxes of Mochi Ice Cream has already been consumed. Which flavor next? I think I'll pick up something that's new to me...
Expect to see more writing soon. I have lots to update now that I have my desktop back.
I guess it's a weird mentality to buy things in that order, but ever since I got back from Europe and Tonga, I've been wanting to try new things. Ordinary sleep pales in comparison to riding up technical trails or conquering my fear of heights. When you've lived on an island where there's limited resources, it makes you appreciate everything we have here in the States. With so many things that we are lucky enough to experience, why let our brain and body atrophy?
Speaking of which, two of my cousins are far from letting their brains atrophy; yesterday they graduated from UCLA. Grats to them!!! :) After I met up with them, I realized that I haven't seen some of my family for a while; I guess I'm pretty bad at keeping in contact with people, even people as close as my own family. I'll try to work on that.
After dinner my mom gave me $100... for ice cream. I guess she knows me well! Woot! =)
$16 dollars of ice cream has been spent and 3 boxes of Mochi Ice Cream has already been consumed. Which flavor next? I think I'll pick up something that's new to me...
Expect to see more writing soon. I have lots to update now that I have my desktop back.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Got a job!
I started work a couple days ago. I picked the much lower paying, but very interesting job over at Sony Online Entertainment. I like the people there a lot more than the other places I've been to. ROFLMAOBBQFriday!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Green Triangle C cannot be third in line!
For a lot of the jobs in IT, tests are given to determine one's technical aptitude. The position that I might be offered as software programmer for random phone company was certainly no exception. No worries I thought, I've always been pretty decent at taking tests.
The test was like any other programming test. It covered basic programming logic to simple math skills. I was doing fine until a logic question hit me that caused me to slightly panick.
There were 5 objects that had to be arranged in order. The 5 objects were labeled A, B, C, D, E and each were assigned a unique color and some shape (2 circles, 2 triangles, and one square total)
I was fine with the logical portion of these questions and actually preferred them thanks to studying the "Power Score Logic Games Bible" when I was preparing for the LSAT. Anyways, these questions required a careful setup of the diagram, making some fairly simple inferences, and after which the questions were easily answerable.
The question asked to place the objects in order given a following rule set:
For example, Rule1: two circles cannot be next to each other.
Rule2: Blue Triangle cannot be the last one, etc.
When I read "Green Triangle" cannot be third, I started to worry. It wasn't the logic that confused me. I just didn't know which one was the green one? I think that one is brown? Wait, the last time I said something was brown, a friend had pointed out that my browns and reds were mixed up.
Hmm... not good. Oh wait, I think someone said my shirt is green! I placed my shirt against the test. Yes, they look similar! The looks that I might get from pressing my shirt up against the test might have people questioning my sanity, but at least my logic is solid. Green Triangle C cannot be third.
[Updated: I got an offer, but I declined. I don't really see myself working as a programmer for a phone company. There's gotta be more to life than this. I'm also not that desperate for a job... yet]
The test was like any other programming test. It covered basic programming logic to simple math skills. I was doing fine until a logic question hit me that caused me to slightly panick.
There were 5 objects that had to be arranged in order. The 5 objects were labeled A, B, C, D, E and each were assigned a unique color and some shape (2 circles, 2 triangles, and one square total)
I was fine with the logical portion of these questions and actually preferred them thanks to studying the "Power Score Logic Games Bible" when I was preparing for the LSAT. Anyways, these questions required a careful setup of the diagram, making some fairly simple inferences, and after which the questions were easily answerable.
The question asked to place the objects in order given a following rule set:
For example, Rule1: two circles cannot be next to each other.
Rule2: Blue Triangle cannot be the last one, etc.
When I read "Green Triangle" cannot be third, I started to worry. It wasn't the logic that confused me. I just didn't know which one was the green one? I think that one is brown? Wait, the last time I said something was brown, a friend had pointed out that my browns and reds were mixed up.
Hmm... not good. Oh wait, I think someone said my shirt is green! I placed my shirt against the test. Yes, they look similar! The looks that I might get from pressing my shirt up against the test might have people questioning my sanity, but at least my logic is solid. Green Triangle C cannot be third.
[Updated: I got an offer, but I declined. I don't really see myself working as a programmer for a phone company. There's gotta be more to life than this. I'm also not that desperate for a job... yet]
The Job Search
So reality is finally setting in; I've been back in the States for a few days. The last few dollars that I exchanged for Euros doesn't seem like such a great idea anymore. My money is running low; I need a job! Seeing as how Reedley was not the best place to find a job for someone with a Computer Engineering degree, I decided to take my cousin up on his offer to crash at his place in San Diego.
So off I went to San Diego with my one bag of possessions! After 6 hours of driving and arriving to a few LAN games of "Company of Heroes", I decided that I should start doing some work to justify 'moving' to San Diego. I typed up a quick resume and cover letter, posted them on monster.com, then promptly went back to playing more "Company of Heroes" before going to sleep.
I woke up the next day at the crack of 10:30 a.m. to the sound of a phone ringing. Hey! That phone sounds distinctly familiar... I think it's my phone. Being the lazy ass that I am, I ignored the call. A half hour later I decided to roll out of the futon to see who called. Oooh, I had a local call!
I called back to find that I had a month contract position from RandomCompany if I wanted, as long as I was ready to start the following day. My Peace Corps 'experience' must have stood out! Wow, I've never had jobs contact me back that quickly. Oh wait... what do I have to do?
Set up a computer center?! Are you serious?! I just did that!!! Ugh, that's irony. My first job offer in the States is for the same position as what I was doing in Tonga. Umm, let me think about it.
The next job was for a tutoring position. I went to the interview quite ready to tackle almost any problem that was thrown my way! English? I did well on the LSAT. Teaching? I got my CBEST. Umm... Calculus II? Oh snap, I haven't taken that for a good 4 years at least and even then I only received a B. They want me to do what with an nth degree Taylor Polynomial of f(x)? Umm... sure... next?
As I was about to start reviewing my Calculus II, I got a call from randomGameCompany. Oooh, sweet! I got an interview with them! The interview was simple, followed the next day with another interview with same randomGameCompany that was really fun. I can't believe I just said that I had fun at an interview! Anyways, one comment was "Wow, you'll fit in here"... I take it that he meant it as a compliment! I'll hear back next week.
I also had heard from a phone company that wanted a software programmer and some random computer programmer company in Wisconsin. All of this was within 5 days! My resume and my school is fairly lame; I'm not an Ivy League graduate or even from a respectable University of California. It's just San Diego and a good economy right now!
I <3 San Diego, it's such an awesome place for broke IT students looking for jobs!
So off I went to San Diego with my one bag of possessions! After 6 hours of driving and arriving to a few LAN games of "Company of Heroes", I decided that I should start doing some work to justify 'moving' to San Diego. I typed up a quick resume and cover letter, posted them on monster.com, then promptly went back to playing more "Company of Heroes" before going to sleep.
I woke up the next day at the crack of 10:30 a.m. to the sound of a phone ringing. Hey! That phone sounds distinctly familiar... I think it's my phone. Being the lazy ass that I am, I ignored the call. A half hour later I decided to roll out of the futon to see who called. Oooh, I had a local call!
I called back to find that I had a month contract position from RandomCompany if I wanted, as long as I was ready to start the following day. My Peace Corps 'experience' must have stood out! Wow, I've never had jobs contact me back that quickly. Oh wait... what do I have to do?
Set up a computer center?! Are you serious?! I just did that!!! Ugh, that's irony. My first job offer in the States is for the same position as what I was doing in Tonga. Umm, let me think about it.
The next job was for a tutoring position. I went to the interview quite ready to tackle almost any problem that was thrown my way! English? I did well on the LSAT. Teaching? I got my CBEST. Umm... Calculus II? Oh snap, I haven't taken that for a good 4 years at least and even then I only received a B. They want me to do what with an nth degree Taylor Polynomial of f(x)? Umm... sure... next?
As I was about to start reviewing my Calculus II, I got a call from randomGameCompany. Oooh, sweet! I got an interview with them! The interview was simple, followed the next day with another interview with same randomGameCompany that was really fun. I can't believe I just said that I had fun at an interview! Anyways, one comment was "Wow, you'll fit in here"... I take it that he meant it as a compliment! I'll hear back next week.
I also had heard from a phone company that wanted a software programmer and some random computer programmer company in Wisconsin. All of this was within 5 days! My resume and my school is fairly lame; I'm not an Ivy League graduate or even from a respectable University of California. It's just San Diego and a good economy right now!
I <3 San Diego, it's such an awesome place for broke IT students looking for jobs!
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