Interactive movies, aka scripted games

I downloaded the demo for Splinter Cell 3: Chaos Theory because it looks pretty cool and the subject matter seemed interesting. The graphics and effects are beautiful, even on low detail, and the sound is awesome. But after playing for about 20 minutes I felt like I was playing an interactive move... a script that I must follow, killing people along the way. It was like walking through a haunted house... one way in, one way out. You can't go exploring, you can't try other ways around things. And the dialog reminds me of games from 10 years ago. Like the enemies saying "What was that sound? I guess it was nothing". If I wanted to watch a movie, well, I'd watch a movie. This game would be awesome if it was freeform. Just tell me what I have to get accomplished and I'll do it my own way, find my own routes and have more fun.

Possibly the worst web site design?

My eyes! My eyes!
http://www.webpagesthatsuck.com

Lost in translation?

The Objective - Machinima using Battlefield 2

The Objective

Zooming interface from 1980

Spatial Data Management System

World's largest Windows error message

Highway to heaven?

All your base... MySpace style

I got a friend request from someone I don't know, then I tried to send a message to him and got this:

"You can't send a message to Michael because Michael has set him status to away"

All Your Base Belong To Us! (or maybe just a typo ;)
Mike

Is Apple iTunes dying?

I just looked for AC/DC and Metallica on iTunes. Not there! Are the recording companies shutting them out because of the pricing disputes or what?

Hip-Hop Tribute to Metallica... WTF!?

Apple iTunes link

Here are the comments on the iTunes store (stars refering to rating):

??
I only have three letters... W T F

stars?
no stars.

Why?
Just cause they can't have a metallica doesn't mean that they have to bring out this crap.

What the F***?
Dude... I need a minute to go curl up in the corner of my room and cry. These guys are the best... AT SUCKING. They are almost as bad as the AC/DC tribute. Making fun of a very good band. -5 stars (plus more) THEY SUCK!

Wow
pathetic...i don't know if I should laugh or cry.

SAD but true
i gave you one for trying

Hip-Hop Tribute to Metallica... WTF!?

Apple iTunes link

Here are the comments on the iTunes store (stars refering to rating):

??
I only have three letters... W T F

stars?
no stars.

Why?
Just cause they can't have a metallica doesn't mean that they have to bring out this crap.

What the F***?
Dude... I need a minute to go curl up in the corner of my room and cry. These guys are the best... AT SUCKING. They are almost as bad as the AC/DC tribute. Making fun of a very good band. -5 stars (plus more) THEY SUCK!

Wow
pathetic...i don't know if I should laugh or cry.

SAD but true
i gave you one for trying

Build your own laser projector

GroupBar - Microsoft Research

Not mind blowing, but an alternative to virtual desktops. I can't run it because it needs Windows XP or higher, I have Windows 2000.

http://research.microsoft.com/vibe/groupbar.aspx

Download Here (link on above page is broken)

Multi-Touch Interaction Research

Multi-Touch Interaction Research

via Ed That Goes Ping

Study on e-mail points to problem with e-go

Study on e-mail points to problem with e-go

Company requires RFID injection

Company requires RFID injection

Toying with Interface Design

I'm getting tired of the standard computer interface, with floating windows and dense panels, lists and buttons. One of my hobbies is to design PDA style interfaces, and this is my latest attempt. More can be found at interface-design. Anyone want to hire me? I code too ;)

43things.com - what are your dreams?

http://www.43things.com

It's a fact that if you write down your dreams they become more concrete. And being able to see other people's dreams is inspiring. I like it.

Redwood City 2006 Pictures

I wouldn't say it's my favorite city, but I was raised here and now I'm back. Next stop, San Francisco.

Redwood City 2006 Pictures

UI design, or lack thereof

A few sunset pics from SF

Unfortunately from a cell phone camera, but I thought I'd post 'em anyway.

How not to be seen, Battlefield 2 style

How not to be seen, Battlefield 2 version of Monty Python skit.

MemoryStick compatibility

...is an oxymoron. They look the same, they fit in the camera just fine, but PRO sticks will not work in this Sony DSC-P71 camera. Morons. And this is just a 64 meg card, under the 128 max size. Iiiiidiots!