 ActionScript for the visually impaired --
posted by Dante on 11.9.2003 - 8:01 pm
To say that I have "absolutely zero design skill" is demonstrating a remarkable aptitude for understatement. But this weekend; I had occassion to work with the version of Flash that comes with the new, high-end Studio 2004. The interface for 'developers' is a definite step in the right direction. I found myself creating some pretty interesting effects relying almost exclusively on the scripting window.
ActionScript is moving toward ECMAScript compliance, which makes if almost entirely analogous to JavaScript. That's a language I speak. I did find myself, on numerous occassions this weekend thinking, "I could have done this in javascript," and that's why.
I am looking forward to really tearing into some kind of Flash project for my own edification. Its doubtful that any of this code will see the light of day on this site. Mostly because the coolest stuff is only supported in the newest versions of the Flash player, and I'd hate to make all you people out there in the meatspace download a new plug-in for your browser. Plus, its difficult to envision what kind of value-add flash might have in this arena. Suggestions are welcome, but try to be reasonable. Maybe I can cook something up for a 'downloadable content' section, once my designer finds enough free time to do a strip and some extra art in the same week. Send him some harsh words and see if it helps his motivation.
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 The Matrix - Retardation
posted by Christopher on 11.10.2003 - 2:10 pm
this one isn't as simple as the yes or no response i like to give movies. here are a series of questions that may help in deciding whether or not you should see this wonderful piece of crap.
1. can you see it in a good theatre? (big screen, good sound)
if no, don't bother. if yes, move on to the next question
2. do things like plot holes, worthless story and abysmal acting bother you enough that it will ruin the visual effects orgy elements of the movie?
if yes, don't bother. if no, move on to the next question
3. would you see a two hour movie just for 30 minutes of mindless yet awesome effects?
if yes, see the damn thing in a good theatre - it's worth it! if no, go see something good - this isn't your bag.
for the record, i felt the matrix: revolutions was worth it, but for the love of god, set your expecations LOW before viewing.
when i first started watching movies, if they had cool effects, i was there. didn't care about plot, acting or anything. as i grew older, i started to really care about plot, acting, continuity and setting a reality and sticking to it. it got to the point where i wouldn't see a mainstream movie because i knew it was going to suck compared to a good independent movie. well, i'm happy to say that i'm returning to my roots. don't get me wrong - in order for me to consider a movie 'good', it has to live up to all of the criteria from the second stage of my movie-watching life, however, i'm not adverse to, and actually enjoy now, seeing a wretched pile of crap just for good effects, or even just to laugh at.
oh man... caught the shrek 2 preview before the matrix... that looks funny as hell.
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Loop Guru
posted by Christopher on 11.11.2003 - 12:18 pm
new to me, but by no means "new", i'm finding myself loving Loop Guru. probably my favorite segment of my musical tastes is electronica. i'm aware that that term covers a disgustingly large amount of recorded audio, but all the sub-genres mean different things to different people. my canon includes (but is not limited to) The Future Sound of London, Orb, Orbital, Sasha, Plaid, Lemon Jelly, Juno Reactor, Boards of Canada, Air, Autechre, Kumo and System 7. All over the boards, really... Loop Guru fits beautifully into the sub-genre of electronica called "the stuff that i like".
i've been trowling emusic a lot lately (i know, it sucks that they limited the downloads per month from unlimited to 45, but it's still the cheapest way to get new music legally), and i picked up four Loop Guru albums. "Amrita... All These and the Japanese Soup Warriors" is by far my favorite... it just works. "Loop Bites Dog" is also good, but no Amrita, "Third Chamber" rules - it's extremely ambient, and i'm evaluating "The Intrinsic Passion of Mysterious Joy" even as i type this.
i've been starving for new music, and i'm so happy to find new stuff i actually like.
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Two Piles of Shit
posted by Christopher on 11.13.2003 - 9:28 pm
do NOT see:
- Legally Blonde 2
- 8 Crazy Nights
those were my punishment for my previous rant where i said i'm starting to not be adverse to pieces of shit.
painful, i tell you...
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