Yes, the next big LAN PARTY will be on Saturday, January 9th, starting around 2pm, going until we can't go any longer.

I'd really like to have at least 8 gaming computers at this party, the more the better (10+ would be great)! So if you are a PC gamer, you are within two hours of Redding, and you are fun-positive (i.e. no verbally abusive and/or annoying posturing - I want everyone excited, fun and happy, not all put-down - thanks), I want YOU at my LAN party!

( Details, details... )

Please RSVP either here or via direct email so I may tally attendance. If you have friends that meet the above mentioned civility requirements, get them to come, too!

Tags: gaming, geekdom, lan party
Current Location: Redding, CA
Current Mood: geeky

I decided to wait on the laptop and upgrade my desktop instead. Here's what I ended up with. :)
( AMD Quad 3.4GHz CPU and compatible mainboard, 4GB RAM, NVidia GTS250 1GB video and Windows 7 (details...) )

Tags: geekdom, toys

I am seriously considering an HP TouchSmart tx2z tablet notebook PC.

( Specs )

If I were to get it, there's a good chance I'd do an after-market upgrade to a solid-state drive. I'd be uninstalling Works, too, of course.

Thoughts? Feedback?

Tags: geekdom, toys

I am intrigued enough to be an early adopter.
Emotiv Epoch Neural Computer Headset


I just ordered it. :)

Tags: future, geekdom, toys
Current Mood: hopeful

I just had another cool idea for luxury vehicles. The car would come with a set of special insulated beverage cups with specially designed for the cup holder, where the base of the cup would naturally orient the cup the same direction every time (essentially, sippy side toward the back of the vehicle). The cup holder would be mechanized and linked to the accelerator and steering wheel, so when you take a turn, the cup holder would rotate the cup with the turn, and when you accelerate the holder would tip back. In this way, your cup would never slosh out. Braking should be a non issue due to the directional nature of a sipping lid. A more advanced version could even have pressure sensors to detect liquid movement as it sloshes and make micro adjustments to counter act and neutralize the sloshing motion.

Tags: auto, inventions, technology

It has been far too long since we entered into virtual battle! I am hosting a PC LAN party on Sunday, November 22nd. I anticipate games such as Unreal Tournament and Dawn of War, and possibly Far Cry. If we get enough people, perhaps some version of Battlefield. I still like mech games, so maybe some MechWarrior or HeavyGear or equivalent. I also just rediscovered Scorched-3D, a modern version of the old Scorched Earth artillery game. Or there's Worms (but Scorched3D is free - and classic!).
The party should begin around 1pm and run into the night. We'll get some pizza or some such for dinner. Maybe make some burgers, depending on the weather.
You have been advised.

Edit -
Here's the usual packing list when preparing to come:( details )

Tags: gaming, geekdom

Over the weekend I finally unloaded my voice recorder with my various notes from while I am driving hither and yon. Of them, there are a couple ideas I'd like to possibly develop and maybe attempt to market. Due to these aspirations, this blog will be somewhat vague on the first one, which is a spiffy headlight visor to help with night driving on the more rural highways. The other idea has to do with a speed and tachometer windscreen HUD. I did some research and there are several luxury cars sporting this stock, and there are a few aftermarket products that have come out over the years, but they are few and far between and they could be done better and/or with a lower sticker price.

Tags: auto, inventions, technology

Oh LJ, how the mighty have fallen from grace. I once frequented your pathways and links regularly, but lately it's more like once a week... or so. Now everyone is on Facebook (or Twitter). Sure, they're pretty and fresh, but they just don't do journaling like you do.

Tags: geekdom, technology

Ordered some new winter tires today so I'll be able to cruise around with confidence as the rain and snow comes down. :)

Yokohama Ice Guard IG20

195/55R-15 85T BW

I went back to 195mm tires for the winter due to cost, availability, chains fit, and marginally better at resisting hydroplaning. I was actually on the fence over some 195mm Falken Eurowinters that have a slightly sportier dry tread or the 205mm Hankook Icebear, also with a sportier tread, but the sales guy sold me on the Yokohama's as the best winter performer with a dry performance that would still be just fine.

Tags: auto, new stuff, snow, travel, winter

EDIT: CHP stopped a man riding my motorcycle and recovered it. The only significant damage found thus far is the ignition and related wiring are all messed up.

Original Post:
Last night, between 1AM and 7:30AM, my black and chrome 2002 Kawasaki ZX6 Ninja was stolen from my driveway, license plate [snip] (recessed in the rear wheel well), with a custom tail end and flush tail turn singnal lights. There is also a bright green electrical wire often visible behind the fairing on the right side. I have the only known key still and have reported it to Redding Police. Engine number [snip].

Tags: motorcycle
Current Mood: crushed