Chris

Software Update

Why can’t 3rd party developers tap into Software update? Right now you can only update software from Apple directly. I would love to be able to run Software Update and see Adium, NetNewsWire, Google Earth, and the like ready for me to update. I can’t see how hard it would be.

With my limited understanding of how Software Update works I’ve devised this idea:
1. Software update is initiated, checks the .pkg’s in the Recipt folder
2. Then it connects to Apple to ask for updates, while now checking similar settings on the 3rd party websites. Developers would create a directory that hosts the updates. Software Update would pull the new .pkg from the directory listed in the Recipt folder. (Which would be created when the program was first installed.
3. Software Update lists the updates available.
4. Select the updates, read the EULA, enter your password and viola!

A receipt would have to be written, and the developers would have to have a page setup on their site in order to get this to work, but I would think it wouldn’t be that hard to actually do. There could even be a distinguishing mark next to 3rd party updates, to keep them visually seperate from Apple’s own updates.

Pixel Perfect vs. Polygon Perfect

I’ve been playing MegaMan Maverick Hunter X, a remake of the SNES classic MegaMan X. This isn’t just a straight port, it’s a reinvisioning of the origional game with updated graphics, an entire second game that lets you play as the bad guy, and a decent 30min long movie explaining the backstory. I was in love with the original. In fact, I most likely have a folder somewhere with all the level passwords written down. 😉

The biggest difference from the original to this rendition is the fact that it’s all 3d. There’s no pixels, just polygons in a 2.5d style. I love the updated look, it really adds depth (no pun intended) to the game. But, it’s weird not having pixels to judge where you are. The polygons seem to make thing just a tad more difficult to get around and judge distances. This, in general, makes the game just a tad bit more difficult to get use to. I am enjoying the widescreen presentation and remixed audio. Very Nice. I recommend it if you’re looking for a solid platformer for your PSP. Be warned, there is one caveat, it requires Firmware vers 2.5 🙁

Art on the Wall

I was working in a professor’s office this morning when I noticed a piece of art on the wall. It was a class project I completed last semester. How wierd. I didn’t think much of it, and yet here it is hanging in the professor’s office. We were instructed to take a photograph of a nature setting and create a paper collage out of different cardstocks. Using line and shape to show the scene. Mine was of some large round rocks in the forground, leading to a field of grain, and farther back a jagged mountian range. I guess I did a good job!

To the Goober on the CrotchRocket

Nice move today on the way home. You really impressed me by zipping between the cars today during rush-hour. I guess you didn’t read that part in the manual where it mentioned that it was illegal in Missouri. I liked how you passed me on the right, just as the acceleration lane merged with the highway. I also noticed that you didn’t have a licence plate. I guess that must have fallen off. But kudo’s to you for wearing your leathers and helmet. Most of your kind wear t-shirts and flip-flops. I guess you’re not as dumb as you look. Of course, I was able to notice all these things in the split second you were in my sight. I guess I was the one paying more attention to my fellow citizens, as we all tried to get safely home.

My father also thanks you, as his insurance on his bike will go up again. That is, once you cream yourself while standing on your seat trying to impress that ‘chick’ in the convertible.

My friend also thanks you, as he was killed riding a motorcycle. You’ve just falely reconfirmed that motorcycles are dangerous to everyone around you today.

Nerd Father

According to this Blog, I’m a natural when it comes to being a good Father. It’s in my Geek Genes™

“9. SMART IS COOL. Having a Geek for a father instills the message into your children that smart is cool. They idolize Daddy. Hopefully, they’ll want to grow up to be just like him.”