Ingenious but Deluded

Sometimes

2010-03-25T19:20:00.002Z

Sometimes I just want to say fuck off to the world.

It would be like that scene from half baked:

'Fuck you! Fuck you! You're cool, Fuck you! I'm out!'

It's just trifling shit but it builds up like an hourglass, before you know it the timers done. I just need to flip it round the only problem is when I look ahead I don't really see the hourglass being turned, rather, opened up and more sand added.

Phuckoooh.

Been a while.

2010-03-23T20:53:00.002Z

I think i'm going to write here more, not because i care about anyone who reads this, if you want proof look how i intentionally don't capitalize my Is!

Anyway, yeah, I think I'm going to try and write here more, just as a way to vent some of the shit pile that I, myself spread my cheeks and dump. Therapy if you will, so if you are interested in a semi disturbed lad of nigh on 20's ranting and ravings then please, go ahead and bookmark this shitty blog for further reading.

Just clarifying that this space will be for mind turds.

Enjoy, fuckers.

Peace.

That is all.

2010-03-23T20:49:00.002Z

My tongue is burnt to shit

My nose still smells the hit

My teeth are black with ash

Reeking of the hash

Scale

2010-02-07T23:58:00.004Z

Hello again

I like space so it's not surprising that a large percentage of my occasional posts here are space related. Anyway, today I was playing with an full size (.tiff) image taken from a space telescope, it's over 650mb big and took about 10 minutes for me to open it in CS4.

My post today isn't about the wonder that is space telescopes or the whole of this image:

...It's about the very top image. It may not look much but it's actually a picture taken from the right of the galaxy above. As you can see there are a lot of stars, a damn lot in fact. Whats you wont know is that the picture is only 0.2% of the entire 2D galaxy shown above. The part I choose for this example wasn't a particularly dense patch as well. To aid with understanding it, each of those dots in the top image is a star, they seem pretty close as well when in fact they are light years apart. We would look that close to our neighbouring stars from the perspective of viewers from that galaxy.

I hope the outer spiral of that galaxy gets more action than the arm of the milky way we find ourselves on.

Na'vi

2010-01-27T04:58:00.006Z

I liked Avatar, actually, I thought it was bloody fantastic; everyone else says the same thing so I don't have to here.

I also thought that the Na'vi people were pretty awesome and humans quite lame in comparison. To show who's side I'm on I tested out my photoshop skills and ended up with probably one of my favourite pieces of all time.

Sam'rir

Jackie Chan

2010-01-27T04:50:00.003Z

I'm sleepy and flicking through what's on TV, hundreds of channels at my fingers tips but nothing I want to watch. I click on international listings (I've never looked here before ) I click the first one - I'm not subscribed to receive that channel. I click the next channel down, blocked from this one as well, and the next one, and the next one, until I find a channel that works. 'PCNE Chinese' is the channel I ended up on. It's a talk show, a woman and a man sitting on a round chair, I recognised one of the faces... it's Jackie Chan.

Thoughts on the big bang, the universe, our existance and evolution.

2010-01-13T23:10:00.010Z

First of all, it's been a while and if anyone reads this then thanks for checking in, I hope you get something from this.

I had a break through in my understanding the other day. I'm not sure where to start, perhaps, like all stories it is best to start at the beginning.

The Big Bang is widely acknowledged to be a pretty well rounded and logical explanation for the creation of our known universe. It is a theory but it was created to fit what we have learned - The universe is expanding and there is a lot of background radiation, which is very basic but more can be read here.

Now, the theory goes that the universe spawned from a single point of space time called a singularity.What has taken me so long to actually grasp is that the universe has grown from a single point. If you plant an acorn, it doesn't matter how big the oak tree grows, the leaves will be oak leaves on every branch. The universe is one, it has just become bigger.

To use another analogy, picture the singularity the known universe was birthed from as ingredients for a loaf of bread. All the ingredients are there, when it's ready it will start the expand, the bread is the same at the top and bottom - the ingredients are the same. It's the same with the universe, the ingredients are the same everywhere and what I've come to understand is the trial and error nature of the universe.

To continue of the theme of food; imagine the universe as a chef with the largest pantry you can imagine, with a flare for the experimental and with no concern for time. Throwing ingredients together, mixing and matching and trying different things and every now and then something nice to eat will be created what can be observed though is that our chef doesn't care what he makes, he will just keep experimenting. The ingredients were in the mixture for us to exist.

Since the very first humans we have believed us and our planet special above all others. We are important but because we are a part of everything. We are just a product of the universe, we are the universe and it is us. We are all one because we are a part of everything, and that everything stemmed from oneness. If all the planets and particles of the universe are the same then what makes us feel that we are anything apart from this. This doesn't make us divinely chosen, we just happen to be the tastiest dish on our planet.

This experimenting can be seen through the diversity of life on our planet. Life is part of the ingredients for the universe and I say this quite safely based on the following - The only planet we know that supports life is our own and life sprung up on this planet relatively quickly. As we understand it Earth was formed 4.54 billion years ago, life appeared within one billion years and our planet is expected to continue supporting life for another 1.5 billion years - as the sun expands . If you factor in the time it took for Earth to settle down, form at atmosphere, etc. Then it is clear that Earth as supported life incredibly quickly - Baring in mind that our planet and galaxy is in no way remarkable it is very hard to believe that this is not normal behaviour for a life suitable planet.

What I seem to be saying is that if the ingredients are right here, then as the ingredients are the same everywhere in the incomprehensible expanse of the universe the ingredients will be right somewhere else. There is no doubt in my mind that life exists else where, my curiosity lies in them and how the random experimentation of the universe has shaped them.

We search for meaning to our existence, purpose and reason. What I have come to understand is that we are the universe and the universe is us. You and I are one, we are the sun and the moon, the planets of all the solar systems, the mass that makes galaxies. Everything that exists is a single entity and we are a part of it, albeit a very, very small part.

You are important because the universe is important, it is everything we know and we are a part of it.

Peace, my family.

Sam.

The decade America failed.

2009-11-30T12:39:00.005Z

EDIT: looks like I might be wrong.

I've seen a lot of people asking what this decade should be called, or will be called in future. Answers varied but I think I can sum up the decade quite well: When America failed.

America has long been the worlds only super power, now they may have not always done the right thing but they tried and so did we (UK) and that counts for something in my books. It might not be too popular but I'm glad we are one of the countries that actually chooses to do something rather than be like, for example France or Russia who are all too happy to pocket bribes in exchange for vetoing UN action. But alas, my despair when I think about the UN is a subject for another day, or is it? No? Ok, I hate the UN! The most powerful countries in our world, millions of people united together and what do we do? Sit around and talk about the issues and avoid actually doing anything at all - doesn't help you have corrupt countries with their own agenda as well.

Anyway, got a little side tracked. America, the world only super power and proclaimed world police are failing. You can't run a super power, run two wars and deal with a financial crisis - it's impossible and America has proved this. 70 trillion dollars in debt, a number which is barely even comprehensible, as, put it this way, if you withdrew that from an ATM, 1) you would be waiting for years for it all to come out the machine and 2) If you wanted to count and see if you got given the right amount you would spend your whole life doing that.

America can no longer afford two wars, it must and will pull back. America will lose it's reach of power and will no longer be a super power. What will happen then? As always, when a leader is removed there will be a rush as other would be leaders who have suffered under the boot try to take his place and if history can teach us anything it's that the benefactor is usually worse.

Who will rise to the challenge then? Probably China and who knows, in 100 years the west might be a whole lot different.

Up

2009-10-24T14:50:00.004+01:00

So I saw Up the other day and damn, it's a good film.

Up is another one of Disney & Pixar's masterpieces, the saddest film I have ever seen but a real heartwarming story all the same.

The tale follows an old man, he promised his wife when they were children he would take her to South American. Life happens and they never get there, his wife dies. Instead of letting his house and all his memories of the life he had be destroyed by the corporate suits who wish to build apartment buildings, etc he ties a brazzilion balloons to his house with the plan of floating down to South America to live out his days and fulfil his promise to his dead wife.

His plan however, doesn't work out exactly how he envisioned it.

Packed with laughs and tears, Up is brilliant - go watch it!

P.s. It's also available to watch is standard 2D or with 3D goggles.

To infinity and beyond

2009-08-20T23:42:00.007+01:00

To those who have an interest in space and NASA You might be aware that NASA have been designing and will be testing the new Ares rocket system on the 31st of October. I'm sure everyone the world over wishes the Ares testing to be successful, although I'm sure some people will probably be hoping for a nice fireworks display fortunately no human life would be lost in such an event. October 31st is the first real world testing of their new rockets.

Anyway, I got to thinking after I saw the pictures of the Ares. It looks pretty standard, the actually aesthetics are pretty usual. It looks like a rocket. Now, I think, If we are putting things up into space, we gotta' represent! Earth is represented by the things we are sticking out into orbit and beyond. If an alien species observes us they are going to judge us first by our adventures into space. So instead of the generic rocket design why don't we create some aesthetically awesome rocket and shuttle designs. Such as Barad-dûr rocket and a scorpion style shuttle.

Such designs would clearly send a message to aliens not to fuck with earth. It is the best anti invasion counter measures I can think of and please if you can think of any better, tell me. It could have the opposite effects though and be seen as a galactic challenge of interstellar power...

I was holding off publishing this until I could photoshop a picture of a Barad-dûr rocket with awesome scorpion on the back but unfortunately I have had the misfortune of my laptop failing on me so I'm adobe photoshopless for the time being.

Mystery coin update

2009-07-21T23:10:00.006+01:00

A few weeks or months ago I did a piece on a Bulgarian coin I have. Thanks to the Reddit community it's been identified as:

"This is a commemorative coin to mark The International Congress of Marscheiders that took place in Leningrad (St. Petersburg) in 1988. Judging by the material it is made of - it is probably a 1 kopeyka denomination (1 cent)
Alexander Baklanov ( БАКЛАНОВ ) is a coin mint master in the late 1980s, 1990's."

Many thanks to the Reddit community and most notably Dubon for the help.

Sam

Obama's lies

2009-07-21T22:10:00.002+01:00

This is gonna be a short one, I just want to voice my opinion on the Obama situation. Most notably peoples comments on his change of heart regards certain key campaign areas, e.g. closing Guantanamo.

During Obama's campaign he was only open the public level information and whatever else he can get his hands on.

When Obama entered office he became privy to higher level information regarding the country. It shows strong character to go back on his word. He used his head, read and listened to the information and then made his mind up.

Clearly Guantanamo does a good job and is essential, otherwise, Obama would have shut it down. Have some faith in your leader America.

I'm sure if the US government showed some transparency in certain areas it would make the American people a lot happier. Instead we have people with no understanding of what's going on apart from a few scraps of media twisted 'news' forming strong ideas and notions of how corrupt and evil their government is.

America - it's in the interest of national security to tell the people more. Don't keep them in the dark relying on Fox news.

Sam

My next review

2009-07-10T03:15:00.003+01:00

Seeing as I have started doing a couple of book reviews I think I shall cary on the trend.

As I'm a lazy bastard, the order in which I will be reading books is in a rather unprofessional manner of, the smallest books first.

New reviews coming friends.

Also, an article about visiting Amsterdam will be posted at some point next week.

Take it easy, enjoy the summer.

Sam

The Book With No Name.

2009-07-08T22:28:00.004+01:00

Due to an upcoming trip that would no doubt be mind numbingly boring i browsed my shelf for a book I had yet read. I decided on The Book With No Name, I'm not sure why; probably something to do with the rather cool name and nice cover artwork - two very important features for me.

Set in Santa Mondega, a city that the rest of the modern world would rather forget, shit is going down. The only interesting and unique feature that Santa Mondega has to separate it apart from the other dead end cities is it's peculiar lunar cycle. Santa Mondega has a full solar eclipse every 5 years.

A mythical stone: The Eye of the Moon, has been stolen by a vicious bounty hunter from the monks that guard it and has arrived in Santa Mondega. Two monks have set out to return it, five years ago the same happened - the two monks then never returned.

As the thugs, lowlifes, bounty hunters and gangsters fight for the valuable stone, the Bourbon Kid is back.

I loved this book, The many characters and plots merged together seamlessly: Two defectives trying to get to the bottom of what's going on, foreign monks trying to get the stone back to the safety of their island, the bounty hunter who has promised the gang boss of Santa Mondega the stone and has his life at stake as a result are just a few of the characters who have been thrown together in the pestle and mortar that is Santa Mondega.

Riddled with violence like bullet holes in the tapioca bar. The Book With No Name leaves you on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen next - I ended up going to sleep post 2AM, three nights in a row due to this book.

A very, VERY, enjoyable read. Brilliant from the start through to the end, the only problem was I couldn't read fast enough! upon recollection I think this book would translate to film very well, it's not a very big book.

If you are looking for a modern fantasy, with a crime and investigation twist and lots of violence then you can't go wrong with The Book With No Name.

Definitely worth a read.

5/5

Here's a referral link to Amazon if you are interested:

The Steel Remains

2009-07-03T14:38:00.006+01:00

This book was one of my Borders impulse buys and I have to say, I wasn't disappointed.

Richard Morgan has built himself a bit of a name as a sci-fi writer and this was his first go at a traditional fantasy novel. Unfortunately the Sci-fi fans in general seem a bit disappointed that it's a traditional fantasy rather than a space romp but alas, it is a pretty good first fantasy novel, in what hopefully is a trilogy at the least.

I wasn't disappointed but I had better clarify; I wasn't disappointed at the end. I did feel however that the start was rather weak, fortunately it got progressively stronger towards the finish ending on a very strong note that just left me wanting more.

Morgan has a nice writing style, he's not afraid to be blunt, say things as they are and be as crude as possible and I like that. What I didn't like however was Morgans lack of detail in certain areas. I assume this is to build a sense of mystery and lure readers in, I however got frustrated with it very quickly and just felt cheated.

For example:

1) The main character Ringil will have a 'flashback' of sorts, he will be half way through visualising what happened and then the train of thought and story is just dropped.

2) Throughout the whole story we are told he is the hero of Gallowsgap. I would have liked some information on what Ringil did, little scraps are given here and there but there were plenty of opportunities for the story to be told in full.

The Steel Remains was a very enjoyable book, definitely worth a read if you can battle past the rather boring start you are in for a treat.

Note to readers: This book has a strong theme of violence, coarse language and scenes of a sexual nature.

3/5

Mystery coin.

2009-05-22T14:07:00.007+01:00

I bought this coin in Bulgaria from a street merchant. I know nothing about it but it caught my eye.

If any Russians can translate and maybe give me some information on this coin it would be brilliant.

It's pretty big 6CM (2.4 inch) 0.5 cm thick and made of bronze.

Markings, on the sea front right side there is a number 87. (I assume that is the year it was made) and the makers mark which is an oval with what looks like the world Liml (or siml)

On the left hand side there is a long word: БAK^AHOB A (the ^ is an upside down V, ^ is all i could represent it with)

Thanks for any help.

EDIT: Here is a better picture of the text, I thought they could be viewed full size.

P.S. Sorry about the white crap at the bottom.

Dear Atheists

2009-05-01T16:11:00.005+01:00

The Atheist community, i find, is an annoying one. Pretentious, almost like an elite club of enlightened individuals who are above the petty beliefs stemming from thousands of years of human culture.

Now that i have covered my little introduction and 90% of the atheists have navigated away i will talk a little about my own point of view so you can get a better understanding of my reasoning and logic.

I am Agnostic but let me evaluate, I do not believe in a personal god. I say that with 99% certainty. There is no 'god' being/force watching over us individually and guiding us - the very notion is ridiculous but as the logical human I am, i would also like to state that if there were a god i would be unable to contemplate it's complexity. The god being/force could watch over us all individually or at least time share like a CPU.

But is there a god? That is an entirely different question. The idea of a god as a creator is an entirely plausible one, just look at human research right now. In the next few years Synthetic life will be created by humans. To those synthetic organisms we are their god. Their biology is created by us and will be developed for tasks. Will we know what they think? No we wont - The humans who create the synthetic life will be a creator god but not a personal god. Will they know what we think or have a fraction of the understanding that we have? No.

the problem facing synthetic life is the potential damage it will do to our planet - the results of an artificial life form being introduced are impossible to imagine. What would be the the solution? a closed off environment is the only solution.

Now lets upscale this to an advanced species - our planet is a controlled environment in that no life forms leave it (apart from humans)

Could we be synthetic organisms created by an advanced species? if we are, then our creator is our god.

This is just an idea to illustrate my point, the term god is a vague one. I don't believe in any of the worlds religions gods because it's a human creation from thousands of years ago and they are illogical personal gods.

Could we have been created by a god? Anyone that says no with 100% certainty is simply ignorant which is why i dislike Atheists. If you want to proliferate the type of ignorance you are supposed to be 'fighting' by thinking that, then you are just fucking yourself.

The fact is we know nothing about our existence, what came before us, what lies ahead of us.

The best we have are theories and history cant tell us that allot of theories don't pan out. We act like we are an advanced species but all we have to compare with is other animals on our planet. Before i navigate away from the subject of how superior we believe our self to be remember that if an alien where to fly by earth in his little saucer scanning earth for radio waves 150 years ago he would fine nothing - zero existence of intelligent life.

Now I'm going to jump back to how superior we are to other life on our planet. How many animals have wars, torture, murder, prison, religion and execution? None, humans are the only species on earth that are so destructive.

Humans suck, I've said it before and I will say it again.

To summarize this sloppy message. I honestly think Agnostic is the only stand point a human can have at this stage in our existence. The creation of us and our universe is a topic that is very hard for us to understand from our minuscule view point. We can make predictions and do our calculations and come to the conclusion that the universe is expanding in a uniform pattern and as a result their must have been a big bang... blah blah blah.

Is that the truth or what actually happened - Nothing, a singularity and then everything. Sure that might be it, or it might not be. We could just be trying to apply our laws to a lawless individual. We can think and say what we want but at the end of the day it means nothing.

If you are atheist in the sense that you do not believe in a christian or other world religion's god then, i believe you are right as those religions all believe in personal gods (the bearded white man watching/judging us)

This was suppose to be a short one.

Have a nice day

Sam

2009-04-30T10:30:00.002+01:00

after seein the website linked to bellow on reddit, i decided to spread the word via email to people on my contacts list - here is that email:

Swine flu has breached UK borders and invaded countries all over the world - The World Health organization has raised the viral threat to a level 5 pandemic (level 6 being the highest) for more information from WHO click here

As we will all soon be subject to the wrath of this viral dictator early diagnosis is essential to help stop the spread a day of being infected and not knowing could contaminate everyone you come into contact with on that day, the spread rate will continue exponentially as a result.

A good self diagnosis site is: doihaveswineflu.org

Also look for: Necrosis, gangrene, muscles decomposing, difficulty walking, increased hunger for brains and human flesh, body odour that no amount of deodorant, perfume or odour eliminating spray will cover, comfortable in dark damp/moist places and other peoples fear when they see you.

Pass this on!

America's next top model, nothing to do with Allison... <3

2009-04-25T23:47:00.008+01:00

Well due to last nights dream in which I saved Allison from a homicidal Hanna Montana I feel it's time to confess my love for Allison Harvard (creepy chan for you /b/tards)

Allison is stunning! She's cute, weird, 'creepy', beautiful, shy, awkward and has an amazing unique look to her. Her uniqueness from the rest of the models sets her aside from the pack. I've watched ANTM before (my brother is into it and i watch it occasionally) but this season is the only one in which i eagerly await it to be uploaded so i can watch it (UK doesn't get it on TV :(

Why? Allison, that's why. I don't know what it is about her - she is just so real on top of what i said before. That's what i love about her, she is beautiful etc but doesn't come with the pre-packaged mandatory 'bitchiness' and cut throat behavior that allot/most girls have.

I loved her from the moment i heard the blood comment, not because I'm a haemophiliac or anything :)

EDIT: Here is an Allison video:

to conclude, I don't think Allison will win. But from the support she has received from the online community and her popularity i think this definitely wont be the end of the road for her. I'm considering starting my own clothing range just so I can get her to model for me!

Check the support here (and vote Allison!)

Nothing says love like a photoshopped Allison Montage:

Religion and Atheism.

2009-03-31T15:56:00.005+01:00

All over the blogosphere i see people posting various 'I'm an atheist... blah blah blah' So i thought i would add my own views on the subject - which of course i will back up with facts that i pretty much make up on the spot. Of course i will use reason and common sense - before you atheists close this, I am an atheist myself so it's not going to be a Jesus fest.

Issue 1 - the bible

Recently I saw an article about how Christian's basically believe anything written in the bible and follow it like a to do list. This is not the case, especially in western culture where religion takes quite a back seat in day to day living more so in the UK and northern Europe than the United States. In fact in western culture i think it is only Evangelical Christians who follow the bible word for word. In Western culture i really don't think society cares about people being atheist or not where as in eastern countries atheism carries a death penalty. on a side note, i love how ironic religion is - they have to enforce their beliefs by penalty of death even though by their beliefs the only judgement you should receive is that of your God.

It is also relevant to point out that the stronger a peoples belief in religion the less developed their country is with a poorer standard of living. For example - northern Europeans have the highest standard of living with religion hardly effecting their day to day life. In African countries religion is strong as faith gives the people something to distract them from their lives, it gives them hope and strength.

In summary, The bible was written by humans - not by God.

Issue 2 - motives for religious belief.

Allot of people i know who call themselves 'Atheists' have had the same upbringing as me. My parents left me to come up with my own beliefs and for that, I am eternally thankful. I don't know anyone (i don't mean they don't exist) who left to their own will chose to be religious.

As a child growing up i felt no presence of God and I still don't now, that doesn't mean i dispute the existence of a God. I don't have the knowledge available to make such a statement. No one has a true understanding of what space is, it's limits, it's scale etc - So i think it's a fairly stupid statement for me to say 'there is no god' with 100% certainty considering my minuscule presence in existence and my human knowledge which if history has told us anything isn't reliable or very vast.

I have a habit of running away on thoughts, basically to conclude the 'as a child...' statement - We have no god, no divine presence watching us and showering us in his love. If you raised children free from outside influences they would be atheist, would live and die happily as humans.

to re-conclude my poor conclusion, religion is a man made object - a man made god.

I don't disapprove of religion. As humans we all desire the same things - Peace, Freedom, Happiness, Wellness and Fulfillment. The Ideals of religion are fine, basically the former desires i stated (although Fulfilment is pretty general)

Religion is a good thing on paper, but so is Communism and they are quite similar in a number of ways. As i said, the ideals are good but two factor messes the system up a bit:

1) Money (profit)
2) a voiceless God.

If as individuals and as a species we weren't all looking for the profit (cancer research, global warming, etc) then we could fulfil our basic wants as a society and as a species. Profit, control and power starts new religions and is the reason for religious war.

If there was no God but a mutual understanding of what we as humans want and how to treat each other so that we can live in peace without murdering and raping each other - but the vision of our species working together like that is just ridiculous.

Here is the thing about my belief in religion - the main reason i don't believe in a religion is why would we only be enlightened 2000 years ago? we went for hundreds of thousands of years without the world religions we see today. Surely if any religions were true it would be the first religions? The religions bestowed upon us after our creation.

Issue 3 - Foundations of religion

For my third and probably last issue i would like to talk about the foundations of religion. To my understanding religion is based on fear and created as a way to control 'the people'.

The fear? Death i assume - although i really find nothing scary about dying, of course i want to live but to me death is nothing to fear. If we where to live forever, what would living be?

Thus heaven and hell are created, people are afraid to die so give them something to take away that fear and in turn give them something to die for. Hell, if they fail your 'holly' commands they will be punished for eternity.

I mentioned controlling the people. I already mentioned one type of control 'Give them something to die for' A perfect example would be the crusades, the pope himself told commoners, peasants, murderers and criminals that going to the holy land and killing would cleanse their soul and grant them free access to heaven. win - win, the promise of plunder, women to rape and people to slaughter in exchange for bliss in the afterlife.

Another aspect of control would be marriage - I'm all in favour of marriage but the reasons for marriage go against human nature and our animal instincts. The creation of marriage in short was during a time when women where not as plentiful as men and a randy king wanted lots as his concubines and of course a spoiled woman isn't fit for a king.

On a final note I'd like to say I'm not a fan of the 'I'm and atheist' club, your religious views are personal, please keep them to yourself. Inflicting your beliefs that there are no god is just as bad if not worse than religious believers inflicting their beliefs on you.

That's it on my religious rant for now.

Thanks for reading

Sam

A song of ice and fire

2009-03-31T14:15:00.003+01:00

A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin is personally one of my favourite book series. The Series seems to be gaining a lot of momentum recently and that's what I'm going to talk about today.

A Dance with Dragons: Very little news from George on the subject of the latest book in the series - The last post on his website about his progress was 1st of Jan '08.

In his last post he says

"I probably won't update this page again for quite a long while, so let me close by saying once again that when A DANCE WITH DRAGONS is finished, I will post that news here. The moment I finish the book, I will log on and make the announcement."

Over a year later and still no news, this book is getting some serious hype - I just pray it delivers.

Merch: Recently a lot of small companies have been licensed to produce various products from the Song of Ice and Fire realm.

* Replica Swords - A small US company are making the swords, so far they have only produced one sword (longclaw) available to purchase, and yes, they do ship internationally.

Arya's Needle is currently undergoing design a prototype has been mocked up and upon confirmation from GRRM will go into full production.

Ice (the sword I'm waiting for) has just begun it's design process and i assume will be ready in 3 months + (time to get some money together)

For more information and barter go to: Valyrian Steel

* models and busts - The company making the resin models has already got quite a few models ready for purchase including: Daenerys, Eddard, Sandor (the hound) and there are two versions of each available.
These are 'limited collector' models (that term gets thrown around a lot) only 250 of each made hence the quite high price.

for more information and barter go to Valyrian Resin

* There is also an extensive range of miniature models from the Song of Ice and Fire series. There are Warhammer style models/figures.

for more information and barter go to darksword miniatures

The TV series:

Taken from wikipedia

Variety reported on 17 January 2007 that the rights for A Song of Ice and Fire have been sold to HBO with the intent of turning the novels into a television series.^[12] Written and executive produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the series is expected to cover one novel’s worth of material per season. Martin plans to co-executive produce the series and is expected to write one episode per season. The series is likely to be filmed in the UK^[27].

Martin reported in August 2007 that the first draft of the script was complete^[28] and stated in November that the script was approved and budgeting had begun. At this point the series had still not been officially greenlit, and the 2007 Writers Guild of America strike could have delayed the process.^[29]

In April 2008 David Benioff confirmed that development of the script and series was continuing.^[30] He suggested a ‘crappy’ tagline for the project could be, “The Sopranos in Middle-earth.”^[31] In June, Martin reported in his blog that the second draft of the script was complete, but again a final decision had not been made. If the series were to go ahead, the BBC would also be financially involved much as they were for the HBO series Rome.^[32]

In September 2008, according to Martin's not-a-blog,^[33] HBO exercised its option to buy the television rights to produce A Game of Thrones. Martin is quick to point out the project has still not been greenlit, but it is an encouraging first step. In November, Variety reported that HBO has committed to filming a pilot episode before a decision is made in regards to filming the entire first book of the series. ^[34]

I'm totally stoked for this, it's great to see that George is taking an active roll in script writing! Could this be part of the reason for the delay in a Dance with Dragons? I don't think so, I think the reason Dance is taking so long is that the series has so many threads of plot - it's not as simple as one character- one plot. A song of Ice and Fire's multiple POV style is so ambitious that i think it is becoming a struggle to write.

I plan on trying to star as a minor background actor in the TV series. As a Scottish lad it is likely that the series (the north) will be filmed in the north of Scotland. I could be in the right place i just need to wait for the right time and find the right arse to smother in lip prints until I'm in!

Later

Sam

Media in this day and age.

2009-03-31T01:44:00.005+01:00

It has become apparent to me that for those of us who are nerdy in nature are in for some bad times.

I refer of course to the drought of media in this day and age. With the economic downturn and an endeavour to feature ever more illustrious special effects in movies production times increase exponentially.
As is the same for the games industry; high budget projects by succesful studios can take anything up to 7 or 8 years to complete. While the less known, less succesful and less funded studios are forced to abandon their projects to avoid bankrupcy.

It's a shame in my opinion that the smaller studios are forced to stop production as often I find their games are far superior to those created and published by the giants of the industry.
The giants are too concerned with tweaking their games to perfection and ensuring nothing less than mind-blowing beauty, usually leaving the game devoid of good gameplay and us with a hollow, dissapointed feeling.

This holds true for movies too; instead of releasing multiple movies in a year, many of which could be great the studios opt for one movie. One with more effects and action than story or character developement and sadly once again leaving us dissapointed.

I don't even need to tell you how bad the music industry is these days, do I?
Ever more horrible, untalented indie groups who couldn't battle their way through their own songs on Rock Band - Easiest Difficulty. The type with the generic, mind piercingly annoying southern English accent and a band who fail to comprehend how to wield their instruments.
You know the kind I mean, where every song is the same horribly strummed chord progression, backed by the one fretted, one string bass guitar all kept in time by the mentally disabled drummer who instead of drums has a carrier bag full of coke cans and stick.

All in all, these are bad days for media. No music, no movies, no games. Leaving a lot of us lost and bewildered, nothing to keep our minds going. :(

Craig

Why bother?

2009-03-30T23:18:00.003+01:00

So i got this email today, one of the 'i have lots of money and i need to give it to you' scams.

here is the exact email with some Chinese removed from the start and email address removed:

'Dear Friend,

I am Mr Sherrif Alhassan Staff of BOA Bank in Burkina faso.I would like you to indicate your interest to receive the transfer of $10.5M Dollars.

I will like you to stand as the next of kin to my late client whose account is presently dormant, for claim.

- Dr Lusee Mark'

I enjoy a good scam email but this guy seems to not know what he's doing! He didn't even ask me for my bank account details! Where is he going to put the millions of dollars belonging to a dead guy i don't know?

It's a sad day when scamers are too lazy to spend upwards of 10 minutes writing out their scam - it would, however be more sad if anyone fell for this.

Warning to new people of the Internet - Do NOT trust anyone on the Internet!

I also got a couple of emails from banks about problems with my accounts which where pretty good i have to say (if only i had accounts with those banks ;)

another warning, if you get an email asking you to give them any personal details or if there is a problem immediately be cautious. check the senders email address to make sure it is legitimate, check your account to see if this is the case DO NOT FOLLOW THE LINKS IN THE EMAIL! open up your web browser and type in by hand.

enough tips, be safe.

Later

Sam

Update

2009-03-30T22:50:00.003+01:00

Hello my loyal fan base...

I said i would post more but i appear to be failing in that promise.

What's up with Sam then?

1) added a couple new features to the blog:

Chat box, Shout stuff at me there and I will answer you ASAP, praise is very much welcome but please keep it tasteful.

A couple of RSS feeds from external sites have been added, wiki-leaks purely because it's a great site and nerdblurb which is a podcast i used to listen to and enjoy a great deal.

2) I'm looking for a Raven as a pet - I've put out a couple of wanted ads with scam responses. Hopefully i will come across a legitimate breeder or place to acquire a young Raven.

3) Planning and writing some short stories and thinking about future projects.

That's all for now, my mind is still a little frazzled from the last few days fun.

Take it easy y'all!

Sam

Write off episode 1

2009-03-12T01:01:00.002Z

Here is me and James' latest personal project.

we are engaging ourselves in short story battles. Everyweek we will decide on a topic and we have a week to have a finished story or there will be reprocussions which we haven't decided on (somthing that make us look as stupid as possible will be suitable)

Anyway, the first topic we have decided on is magic based.

i will be starting a new blog to house our competitions and link to it here - we will release the details of the story when we publish our stories.

they may be finished by the weeks end +/- 2 days.

'till then

Sam

How to survive in post viral apocalypse.

2009-03-11T13:05:00.005Z

... That has left everyone but you dead. I wrote this for my little brother last night, he was given the task for basically writing an 'I am Legend' survival guide, I think I did a good job. Without much more from me, here it is.

How I survived

First of all one must question ‘Why write such a guide?’ No one is alive but me, at least as far as I know. Probability tells me, if there is one survivor there will be others – what can I do though? Search far and wide for another lost soul? Hoping I come across another who will be happy to see me, who will have enough resources so that I won’t be a drain on his/her supplies, that we can mate and continue human existence on this god forsaken rock? That’s a lot to base on a chance encounter – My heart tells me if I leave the life I have built myself I will not come back; Run out of fuel on the search, run out of food or water who knows what problems I will encounter on my journey.

I’m scared to as well, I’ve become acclimatized to my life here. I’ve been so long without human contact I don’t think I could manage to go back. I feel my fear drives my pessimism, maybe if I left I would find out there are survivors outside the radius I scouted. I’ve seen enough death to last me a life time though, the prospect of a bustling city isn’t worth inflicting that on myself again.

You might be starting to think, ‘What does all this have to do with a short survival guide?’

Everything, humans in essence are a two state being – we can be separated up into two fundamental components: 1) The body, mortal flesh and blood 2) The mind, Immortal spirit and soul.

They go hand in hand together as I have discovered, you need food and water to keep your body alive but if you mind is destroyed what was it for? That is one of the reasons I am writing this - to keep my mind active. I don’t think my writings will ever be discovered but I think it is human nature to do so, I have a story to tell and I shall tell it. Like the ancient Egyptian’s, recording history in hieroglyphics on the walls of tombs I shall record my history. If my body is ever discovered, a story can be put to my bones. You shall know of what I went through, that I am not just another to die from the virus. You shall know how I survived.

To write this guide I will separate the vague term of survival up into separate sections to cover the basics of what to do after finding yourself in my situation.

Part 1 – Water

Water is the essential building block of life, some ‘scientists’ will tell you we are carbon based life forms, but water is the essential component for human life. You need to get water reserves prepared so you have enough to travel to your optimum living location i will talk about optimum living location more in the self sufficiency section. As i said earlier water is the essential component for life, therefore it is the essential component for survival. You have to have a supply of water now and a future supply. Tap water is not suitable as no one is manning the water control and cleaning.

Sourcing: This is vital for survival, you need to find a suitable water supply that will not dry up during summer and is as clean as possible. Look for a reservoir, lake or river. Fast flowing water will be free of parasites; water filtered through mud and earth is good for removing parasites and getting clean water.

Of course, water should always be personally purified to prevent catching waterborne disease or parasites – scavenging for purification systems and tablets is a lot easier than having to find drugs to cure disease, infection or rid you of parasites. Most hardware, outdoor, supermarkets will have some form of water purification tools - Tablets, chemicals or contraptions.

It’s up to you how you supply your water to your home e.g. make siphon based pipe system, use a powered pump system, carry it or make a well – Do what will make living easiest and will work with your chosen purification system.

Part 2 - Food

Your water situation is sorted, but of course you need to eat. Humans are said to be hunter scavenger animals. That is a hard life; if you’re not hunting or scavenging you have no food apart from stored reserves it is also a lot of work with small yield.

What is the solution then?

Farm - as a species we have developed a lot of knowledge through trial and error on farming food – Grain, fruit, vegetables and livestock.

Animals seem to be unaffected mainly from the virus that has destroyed our species; hunting is a fun activity that is good for mind and body. Scavenging guns and ammunition is vital for survival, setting snares for small animals is also good for catching food, remembering where you places your snares can be hard though and they need to be checked daily.

Farming vegetables such as potato is a very stable and bountiful form of food. Staggering your planting will result in harvests throughout the year ensuring a steady supply of food providing they don’t suffer disease.

Livestock - your livestock will need to be kept away from your plants. Making a wooden fence is a few days work but well worth it and requiring not much else apart from wood, a sledge hammer, nails and a claw hammer. To keep small game out such as rabbits which are a pest affix wire mesh to the bottom part of the fence, make sure there are no gaps a rabbit can get underneath – it is good to check your fence to check for breaches, if you find one – place a snare to catch the rabbit when it goes through again. Of course with a gun you can keep the population under control and have fun doing so.

Livestock can be enclosed or free to roam, large livestock such as sheep or cattle can be taken from farms by using transport vehicles – it can be a lot of work but the end justifies the means.

Have enough livestock to meet your own means and then some, there is benefit to keeping 50 cattle if 10 is enough.

Have a clear idea of your plan of action regarding the animals, are you keeping them for their produce: eggs, milk, wool. Or are you raising to kill for meat?

To conclude this section make sure you have scavenged reserves from supermarkets – sealed food that will last years. Make sure you stock up on items such as salt, herbs, spices, honey and vinegar. Basically anything that will come in useful and make life easier, stock up.

Part 3 – Shelter

Shelter is the third essential component for survival. You can’t expect the weather to be good every day, bad days will come and you will need to be suitably sheltered from it. Without shelter at best you will be cold and uncomfortable at worst you will die from exposure.

You will need to be sheltered from wind, rain and cold.

There are a few ways to do this the easiest way would be scavenging a mobile home and moving it to location. Check yellow pages for businesses selling construct on site log cabins, caravans, campervans etc.

These are instant shelters of course you could use this as temporary shelter while you build our own, scavenging wood and resources from timber sites, construction shops etc. Building your own home is a good activity and very rewarding. It takes time and involves using your mind and body.

Part 4 – Self Sufficiency

Self sufficiency is very important if you are to survive, food from supermarkets will only last x number of years before becoming unsuitable.

Use this food as emergency and luxury; do not depend on it once you have established yourself in your new life. Once you are farming and hunting you should leave store food for emergencies or luxury. Learning to farm and hunt efficiently is essential – when the shops run out of food you will be forced to farm regardless of your knowledge and experience.

Make sure all your needs are being met by yourself and you are in control.

Part 5 – Moral

The shock and despair of my situation almost destroyed me. After seeing, my family... everyone, dead - I almost gave up, curled up and waited for deaths arms to embrace me. I fought it though, I decided not to quit, not to give up – I decided to live. Death seemed the nice, easier option but I decided to take control of my own fate.

That was the most important component to survival, I choose to live.

You have to keep your moral positive, give yourself small daily tasks and duties with no real repercussions should you fail. When you give up in your heart you have failed.

Part 6 - Mind

Being alone has survival challenges of it’s own. Talk and sing – keep your voice active and your language in your mind, years of silence will take it’s toll.

Keeping your brain active will save you, you have to engage yourself in thought - do puzzles, work on projects, read and write, sing etc

Music is a good way to engage your brain in creative activity, find an instrument that takes your fancy and learn to play, play and write songs.

Don’t let your brain die, this goes hand in hand with moral.

Part 7 – Energy needs

Electricity changed the way we as a race lived there are ways to easily supply yourself with electricity to give yourself lighting, heating and luxuries.

Solar – Solar panels are not efficient but if you are in an area of high sunlight then they will be useful.

Wind turbine – as long as you are in a reasonably windy/breezy area this is your best bet.

Combining the two is optional, the more you set up, the more energy you generate either to use directly or to store in batteries.

Fuel generators are reliable and supply steady electricity but you will have to use valuable fuel to power them, scavenging fuel is essential especially early on before you settle in. Fuel transport tankers contain a lot of fuel which should support all needs you will encounter.

Essential reasons for generating electricity: Light, heating, freezing, refrigerating, entertainment, radio and electronic use, aid for loneliness (videos or music)

Part 8 – living

Surviving is one thing but living is a different matter, you must build your life to be as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible. Keep your mind and body active. Engage yourself in hobbies and activities and make the most of them, record what you have done and found out in a diary or log book. For activities and hobbies raiding shops is the best way to go about it – take a collection of books from libraries and book shops on topics that interest you. Take all the supplies you will need for projects e.g. electronic components, pens/pencils, paper, binoculars, telescopes, music, guns, ammo, clothing, material etc

You have established life in a location that is suitable to see your life out in – make it easy for yourself, a lot of work early on will pay off in later years.

Part 9 – What now?

Live, you have chosen to live instead of give up.

The main addition is to build a radio transmitter and transmit a signal – broadcast a message stating: you are alive; you know of no other survivors, tell them where to meet you.

Do not give your exact location; give them a location that keeps your home a secret. Use a telescope instead of having to travel long distances.

Keep yourself active and positive.

If anyone finds this you will know how I survived as I based this on myself. I scavenged, hunted and farmed. If you find this alongside my remains I’ll tell you a little about myself – I am the lone survivor of a biological/chemical/viral attack. I don’t know why I survived or as I said at the start if I am actually the only survivor that fact I’m writing this is proof I don’t think I am. I was a city liver, I wake one day to find my family, friends and everyone in the 10 closest cities dead. After I overcame my initial despair I set out to check the scale of the situation and look for survivors. I found a minibus, loaded it up with food and fuel got a map and set out my route. I decided to check the closest cities – I found non alive.

I moved to the countryside, 30 miles away from the nearest city fertile land with a good water supply, woodland and sheltered. Here I remain after 5 years – no sign of life, everyday I scan radio channels and here nothing but white noise.

UFO Sighting #2

2009-03-08T23:23:00.007Z

08 March 2009

My second strange atmospheric occurrence.

This evening i was walking back home from my good friend James' with my little brother Adam. Walking along the hilly road we reach the summit of the last hill - suddenly there is a blinding white flash emanating from a single point and lasting a fraction of a second.

I instantly thought it was lightening but there where no forks which left me a little baffled, the spark and flash i am 100% sure came from directly in front of me, i saw the flash like traditional lightening - it did not seem that far away from us.

My immediate conclusion was that the lightening must have just dissipated into the clouds, i have seen this happen only once when my family where on holiday in Florida. This was similar in no way to what i saw today - my prior experience was a magnificent sight with lighting arching across the sky like it was alive. This was definitely a single flash.

The final reason i am suspicious is because there was no sound, no thunder - I'm no expect but it is my knowledge that the static discharge of lighting produces a sound just like any electric spark produces a sound.

Tonight was a quiet night for a walk home, the patter of light rain with little to no wind - i would have heard thunder if it was there.

Now, to sum up my two concluding theories - the first is my logical and my second is my crackpot theorist UFO conclusion (which i like)

1) a very small discharge of electricity, not enough to create forks but enough to create a flash and dissipate without forking. Due to the discharge being small the thunder wasn't loud enough to reach me as i was too far away to hear it.

2) the flash of light was due to a UFO when it broke the light barrier - i have no idea what breaking the light barrier would look or be like but based on the fact that breaking the sound barrier produces a sonic boom (loud noise) i think it's perfectly logical to translate that to the light barrier.

sound barrier breach = burst of sound
light barrier breach = burst of light

Thoughts, ideas and speculation welcome

Thanks

Sam

additional notes:

Cloud-cloud lightening, referred to as 'Anvil Crawler' which i referred to in my small article. you can see the flash and lack of forks leading to ground - perhaps a cloud-cloud lightening flash without forks because of low charge?

Out and about 1.2

2009-02-04T02:06:00.002Z

Out and about

2009-02-02T03:23:00.006Z

Today I went for a walk with my good friend James and our younger brothers. I took my camera along to take a couple of pics if the occasion arose. Without much further ado i present todays photos.

This is an 8 picture composit panorama, it required alot of photoshop work to get it looking acceptable.

This was a slow shutter stream shot, shot by hand so a little hazzy around the edges - photoshopped B&W with blue tint.

Snowdrop - I'm a big fan of symbolism - These snowdrops i found growing on an old grave, to me it symbolises death and renual - The beauty in the ugliness of death.

Update

2009-01-30T01:27:00.003Z

I'm going to start posting things a bit more here.

My latest idea is to invest £100 and play the stock markets during this turbulant time - see how much i can make or lose in a week.

Personal update:

Still whoring myself to Tribalwars.net on world 32 - bit of a time bitch but i love it.

oh, passed my driving theory test, no big achievement though, how anyone could fail that is beyond me.

more to come

Squire soloist project - wrap up

2009-01-07T05:54:00.005Z

Hello, it's been a while.

With minimal use of the term 'Total Failure' I will conclude the squire soloist project... for now (queue dramatic music)

OK first of all, the paint. My initial idea - please bear in mind i am far from a competent painter - was to have a blood red translucent coat over a black base. That did not work as intended, the result was this ghastly pink splotchy mess that when lacquered turned into this sickly Burgundy. You may be thinking, 'it's just a bad colour, not that bad.' if you where thinking that, oh how wrong you are. Due to the cold temperatures in which i decided to paint the finish was more or less diabolical - the lacquer might as well have been sand painted onto the body in a mixture of vomit and viscera.

all in all, Total Failure in the paint department.

Electronics... Partial failure, I'm not sure why it's not working as intended but it could be a combination of factors. parts work and some parts don't - it can be played - but not played well.

i lost heart to explain the failure in the electronics department, there are many factors and i don't feel like exposing nay more Sam fail for today.

However, all is not lost - i will re plan, focus and finish this guitar. With an inspired paint job and new electronics. I ill begin work in the spring and the warmer weather.

all the best for 2009

Sam

Squire Soloist Project - Day 3

2008-11-14T22:50:00.002Z

Today i gave a primer coat on the back of the guitar, tomorrow i will do the front. It's tough work but its starting to look real good. After that i will sand and refill scuffs and dents and smooth out the neck curve. It feels great and makes the lower frets a lot more accessible.

Squire Soloist Project - Day 2

2008-11-13T17:30:00.003Z

More neck work

Looking good, I'm happy with how its going so far.

on the neck as you can see i have removed the plate on the back.

i bored the holes with a bore bit i found and hand drill, luckily i managed to found 4 screws to do the job - that neck is stronger than it was before.

Work left for day 2:

1) Re-fill holes an cover up screws with filler.
2) If time and if filler has set, sand to a smooth finish.

Tomorrow = Re-sand - clean - coat of primer - sand - fill unseen holes - sand - primer.

Squire Soloist Project - Day 1

2008-11-13T04:34:00.003Z

My latest project is turning my roughed up, unusable squire stratocaster into a custom, functional - one of a kind guitar.

Here is what it looked like in pristine shop condition:

Work done so far:

1) Removed parts (already partly done)
2) with chisel, worked neck joint and rounded it to an ergonomic shape (after a bit'o google work i don't think its been done before)
3) sanded whole guitar and took top gloss layer off (and wrecked my lunges breathing it in)
4) with wood filler, filled and sanded dents, dings, scratches etc. Then sanded flush with body.
5) masking taped neck to protect Rosewood fretboard to save it from paint.
sanded back of neck to sort out dings and dents from leaning it against desks and junk and remove lacquer coating.
6) applied Titebond III wood glue to joint then screwed it tight together.
7) cleaned up vast quantities of excess glue that came out the side of the joint upon compression.
8) ordered parts (£100 down :S)
9) waiting for glue to dry and took pictures.

tomorrow dependant on whether my acrylic primer arrives will give a coat of that.

Pictures of work done at end of day 1:

at the moment i am having to use the webcam on my acer 5920 so the pics are not great, but pretty good for a 0.3mp webcam.

UFOs

2008-10-09T02:49:00.006+01:00

OK, I think i will share my UFO story. I haven't told many people it because, well... its not a very good story.

First things first, by UFO i do not mean an air craft originating from a planet outside our solar system. It was something i have never seen before nor could i understand.

It all started one day when me and my family went for a walk, i can't remember exactly where but it was on the Isle of Skye (where i live) I was maybe about 15 years old at the time. Walking along the path is see this lovely green bank and decide to have a lie down and sun bathe, I can't remember what season but i believe it was autumn or spring.

lying down I looked up at the sky, it was very clear maybe a couple of wispy clouds. I saw this white dot, very high up in the sky I'd guess on the edges of the atmosphere. The interesting thing about it is it would move very fast but in a very unpredictable fashion and very fast. It would drop and stop instantly change direction and speed upwards dodging left or right. all the movements where very fast and precises. I called my dad over and we looked at it for 10 minutes or more. moving around the sky.

The craft had a vapour trail of sorts, very short and didn't linger for long. Eventually we decided to walk away i remember walking a few hundred paces and looking up again to try and see it, I couldn't it had either gone or i merely couldn't find it.

I couldn't think of anything it could be. Maybe charged particles? experimental aircraft? missile?

My guess would be a missile, something gone wrong and it can't control it's flight. Imagining what that would look like was be a lot different than what I witnessed - the speed, the precision and the movement had me completely bemused then and to this day.

That leaves me thinking it's a human made experimental high altitude aircraft or an alien craft.

Personally i don't believe in alien UFOs visiting us given that if you are going to go to all the effort of traveling the distances involved, then why not pop in for a cup of tea? Although this standpoint is clearly flawed given that we don't know what the 'aliens' are capable of. Perhaps they merely can't be on our planet or they are afraid of what our reaction would be. Maybe they are a recon party?

Another reason would be that i think our planet is only interesting as a resource supplier - we have not accomplished much in all the time man has been on this earth. We can't control our economy let alone provide a basic standard of living for all our inhabitants. They might watch us to see if we develop into a race that is selfless, that can live peacefully and happily - that can co exist with them.

Until we sort out our own planet i think all research should be halted! no more money wasted on the LHC! no more investments in research! Use the money to better our species and all species of our planet. Until we reach a common goal, social order, peace on the streets, national and civil war abolished and no longer committed, when all inhabitants are free, when everyone co-operates and works together to better themselves, their community and our world will we be ready for a future outside our planet.

How can we co-operate with an alien species if we have Muslim terrorists attacking without reason killing themselves and innocent women and children for an invisible god and the promise of subjugating virgin girls to their every desire in the after life. How can we be co-exist with another species when we genocide groups of people for their beliefs, not only genocide but enslave, torture and experiment with them. Subjugating them to acts that most people would consider humanly incapable. We are all capable and we are all guilty!

Until we change the world we are guilty of every 'bad' deed done - we have the power to stop it yet we do nothing. We are too concerned with material objects. Money is no solution, the resources belong to the earth, use them for the earth and it's peoples. Money instills selfishness, greed and possession. To be a truly fair and peaceful species we must work as one, for peace, for happiness and for the future.

Think of that. Can we as a species do that today? why not? Think about it - I would like to hear what you think, am i right or utterly wrong.

That turned into a bit of a weird post :)

Take it easy

-Sam

Google 'Clone'

2008-09-03T16:39:00.007+01:00

Google have made 'Chrome' their new browser - publicly available now as a BETA version. which can be downloaded and tried out for yourself by clicking here

I'm going to share my thoughts and opinions on Google's new assault on the Microsoft frontline.

First off, from the appearance it just looks like a blend of Internet Explorer, Firefox and opera.

There are elements that have basically been copy/pasted across browsers in i guess what Google see as the best set up.

A lot of features are direct copies of the Opera browser when we boot up Chrome the start window is most viewed pages which seems almost identical to Opera's speed dial tool which is customizable. I'm not sure whether Chromes copy allows you to customize it or whether it is based on browsing stats.

Chrome is very spacious - no clutter of toolbars so far which is a refreshing change. When i max the window i get an odd feeling though, like its too open. That will just require getting used to i guess.

Chrome has also disposed of file, Edit & View, etc, like IE. I don't like this as i like to be able to know where i need to go to do a certain task, with IE and Chrome it requires extra thinking and extra steps but again, just requires getting used to. IE users will adapt easily. This is one of the factors which gives Chrome that open and bare feel to it though.

The most original feature i have come across with Chrome is the 'incognito' mode which opens a window which does not save cookies or browsing history, etc. great for multislacking and other stuff that could compromise your reputation.

Another nice little feature which i think i should include is that when you are typing something into the address bar it has suggested links bellow what you are typing. Which can come in handy i guess.

To conclude my little browser ramble Chrome is a nice browser but its nothing special a few nice little features but what i like most is the open plan design - very clean with plenty of browsing space. I just counted and chrome has only 13 clickable features - its very empty with out compromising functionality the use of sub menus gives it this very organised - tidied away feel.

If you are messy like me it feels too sterile and foreign - I'm going to stick to Firefox with my mess of tabbed bookmarks, functionality and easy of use.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

-Sam

To see all Google Chrome's new features Click here.

Comic #2 - Real Life

2008-09-01T19:49:00.003+01:00

Up coming reviews

2008-09-01T00:54:00.006+01:00

1) TROPIC THUNDER!

I can't wait to see this film! Looks like its going to be one of the best comedies of the year. potentially funny, good cast of actors (Ben Stiller, Steve Coogan...) unfortunatly it has Jack Black in it who, in my opinion is a total prick. However it has - from what i've seen - an original, funny plot and looks like a great film to see in cinema with a bunch of friends and a few beers consumed before hand (which i intend to do with a couple of close buddies)

IMDB Click Here

2)Babylon A.D

First thing i though when i saw the trailer (waiting for The Dark Knight to begin):

'Oh no, requiem for a dream is the theme song' which has to be one of the most over used pieces of classical music. Although it's over used - it's still a brilliant song, which is reflected in this movie (trailer at least)

I'm not a big fan of Vin but he's a good actor and my feelings towards him are unjustified. I hope this film changes my mind for good.

The looks action packed though, some lovely explosions (not just the gas fireballs you see in most movies) we see some lovely shrapnel and debris in the shockwave: which, looks brilliant!

definatly more of a guys film with some well filmed and choreographed fight scenes.

I recon this film will have you hanging on the edge of your seat with excitment and having choreographed fights with your buddies after, or as i like to call it: Jet Li Syndrom.

Like Tropic Thunder this is a definate Cinema movie, go with friends (if you have any) and do somthing manly before hand: take a few shots of whiskey, maybe set fire to somthing.

IMDB Click Here

Enjoy

Sam

(i'll prolly go see both in a fortnight)

Wanted

2008-08-22T17:27:00.005+01:00

So the other day I watched Wanted.

As soon as I saw the ads for Wanted, I knew it was a film I was going to watch. Angelina Jolie, assassins and gun battles in bullet time - what isn't there for a young male to enjoy?

The opening scene to wanted is brilliant. Fast paced, action packed and gruesome. Sets the tone for the film and draws you in - Probably one of the best opening scenes, leaves you ready and wanting more, Wanted delivers.

The Acting throughout is brilliant! Angelina Jolie is a pro as always. James McAvoy was great! I can't stress that enough, he was the perfect man for the job and just suited the roll so well. McAvoy and Jolie had great chemistry on set as well which gave the film that little something extra.

Morgan Freeman played a different roll than usual which was refreshing and as always, played it well. I always feel if Freeman stars in a film it's worth watching I call it the Freeman Constant.

The plot and story is good, some nice twists and turns that keep you thinking. The slow time gun battles are amazing, executed brilliantly and the bullet curving i thought was really cool. The Bullet curving seems to be a coolness ad-on to Wanted as well as the assassins 'special' abilities they don't add anything to the story but they are awesome to watch and add that little something extra.

Wanted is brilliant 'till the end. The action is relentless after the opening scene you are immersed completely. The ending was great as well, i still find the ending sad thinking about it - which is very rare for me and especially rare as Wanted isn't a serious film, just goes to show you how immersing the film and acting is.

To convey my opinion as a number I'd give it an easy 9/10 - Guns, bullet time, violence and tasteful comedy.

Wanted hits every button the quality of casting, acting and writing makes up for the plot (which is nothing special) but honestly, I would watch it just for Angie.

Go watch it, you will not regret it!

Sam

More about me.

2008-08-04T17:03:00.007+01:00

Okay, I love movies (but so does everyone) I love action and combat (but so do most guys) but here is some of the stuff you don't know :)

During a combat scene in which the hero is kicking ass, I will be paying close attention to the background action. I find watching un-choreographed background fighting highly amusing and is generally better than watching the hero slaughter thousands of supposedly competent enemies (this is almost unbearable if the hero happens to be Orlando Bloom)

Reference: check LoTR-TTT, during the battle of helms deep you will see men and Uric hai casually strolling side by side when they are retreating to the Hornberg. In LoTR-TFoTR, At the battle of Amon Hen. My personal favourite moment is when the battle bread Uric Hai with no fear cautiously walk down the steps to chase after Merry and Pip, it's completely out of character and that's what I crave.

The movie 300 - A lot of people like this movie and a lot of people do not. I personally think the slow motion fight scenes are incredible. It is the only way to capture the speed and essence of combat. Last time i watched it though i couldn't help noticing the tiny details.

Leonidas's 300 Spartan warriors are the elite, they are professional warriors! 'Hahh Rooo!' they would probably answer that statement. Yet i couldn't help noticing the way they held their spears.

The picture above is the Spartan spear wall. Leonidas is two along from the right, remember he is the creme de la creme (excuse my french) of the warriors, the best fighter and all the jazz. But notice the spear is the the vertical position? Take a look... it is isn't it? Just like the rest of them. If you combine this with some basic understanding of the human anatomy, most notably 'The Ribs' you may see the error of their way. Human ribs are horizontal:

Now, there is a high chance that holding the spear so the blade is horizontal will prevent a thrust from penetrating vital organs through the ribs (Heart & lungs) The Blade will get jammed in between. If you add on top light body armour of the time, the Spartans are inefficient in their fighting style and considering the spear was the most used weapon of the period, this is a drastic error on their part.

A horizontal blade can slide in between the ribs and puncture more easily and effectively - this is what the Elite Spartan warriors should be doing.

Alas, maybe I expect too much from movies, maybe I look at the irrelevant details too much. I spend too much time looking for error than admiring what's given. That's who I am, I like to try and observe where Directors and Producers cut corners and i feel like I win when I notice some petty annoyance or niggling complaint.

That's a little more about me, I figured if you're going to be here you may as well know a little bit about me.

(oh and by the way, my next post will be about knife crime in Scotland)

Bloggers

2008-08-03T18:02:00.001+01:00

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Bloggers!

Bloggers have 118 ridges around the edge.
There are more than two hundred different kinds of Bloggers.
India tested its first nuclear Bloggers in 1974!
Cats use their Bloggers to test whether a space is large enough for them to fit through!
The book of Esther in the Bible is the only book which does not mention Bloggers!
Carnivorous animals will not eat another animal that has been hit by Bloggers.
Wearing headphones for an hour will increase the amount of Bloggers in your ear 700 times.
Bloggers cannot swim!
Bloggers can be found on a Cluedo board between the Library and the Conservatory!
In Eastern Africa you can buy beer brewed from Bloggers!

Exercise in a pill.

2008-08-02T14:57:00.006+01:00

The future! Exercise in a pill.

Has humanity taken a step to far? Developing pills that actually exercise your body, burn off fat and make muscle. We are altering humans - for better - but we are changing humanity into a perfected machine.

However the uses are more than simply having pecks that could crush a breeze block or abs that you could actually use as a wash board. With these pills human life can be extended further into the future - by keeping people in peek physical condition throughout all stages of life. Humans will be perfected. We could expect average life expectancy to easily surpass 100 years: a mile stone i personally can't imagine passing. But that can easily be the future, 90 year olds' running to work on a Sunday morning.

That statement brings me onto my next point. The work 'till you drop system of our capitalist nation. A nation of extended tax contributors, What's better than having a nation of people willing to work until the expire, work 30 years longer?

How long until these pills are mandatory? and we live as a nation of slaves, working and working being artificially kept alive for as long as possible while those in powers rake in the benefits and congratulate each other over a glass of slave made wine.

Which brings me to the more sane point of, competition. Athletes and sports persons can enhance themselves easily and quickly and as the pills use natural enzymes to trick the body into thinking it has exercised how will anyone be able to judge foul play. I do however see a flaw in this use as i don't see how a pill could target specific muscle growth - I'm no expert though (as you can probably tell) once specific muscle growth in a pill is achieved. That is the future: Breakfast, Jam on toast some calf & thigh pills oh and I've got a new job that requires lifting. Better get the missus to buy some back.

Honestly, I feel these pills need to be restricted, prescription only! I see the biggest benefits for members of the armed forces, the elderly, morbidly obese and disabled.

These pills wont be available soon but within the next decade - testing has already been successful.

Comic #1 - Ever Wonder?

2008-08-01T04:35:00.007+01:00

Honestly? All the time.

The first post

2008-08-01T00:24:00.000+01:00

So here it is, my first bold step into the world of blogging. I guess i'm a blogger now, huh?

A little about myself:

I'm Sam, I'm 18, I like technology, books, music and films. Kinda pathetic when you sum it up like that.

So that's basically what your going to get from me, little insights into my world, my thoughts on certain subjects, my loves, my hates, my joys and my miseries.

I also every so often draw comics - pretty basic stick figure stuff - of little jokes or happenings that are too complex for the writen word. I hope 'you' like them, I'll post them up at some point.

So, to sum it up, From this blog you will get:

My insights and thoughts on our little planet.
The occasional comic
Plenty of bitching
and maybe of couple of surprises.

Thanks for stopping by, check in again some time.

Sam