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November 21, 2006
I'm (done) compiling my first Kernel
And I gotta say, it feels good.
I'm installed Linux before each time to get utterly frustrated with owned by the Dominatrix-style learning curve. That combined with the inability to port my "windows experience" have kept me from really committing to Linux.
I really couldn't give a you-know-what about the free software (both ways). I've never paid for a copy of Windows and I don't plan to (argh!). I'm also very good at making it run well (quick, no viruses, no spyware). I like using Windows, so I'm in no hurry to switch to something else.
However, my main reason for using Linux is a curiosity and learning standpoint. I'm here for the academics.
Right now I'm using ubuntu because it's user-friendly and hey, it even recognized my wifi out of the box, how cool is that?
Well I managed to finish compiling in just under 30 minutes...much faster than I was led to believe it would be. Yay for Athlon x2 @ 2300 mhz.
Posted by akijikan at 7:05 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
November 15, 2006
PS3 Launch Line Survival Guide
Well, if you've never done this before you might not know what to expect. I'm here to tell you. Get in line EARLY. I'd say 24-48 hours before launch. Okay, but what do you need to take with you while you make yourself unavailable to anyone and anything?
- Money. You don't want to do all this for nothing.
- Dry Food - snack crackers, cookies, chips. You will get hungry.
- 2-3 Bottle of favorite liquid refreshment - Try not to take too many. Gotta pee? Better hope everyone else is okay with you getting back in line.
- Cell phone - In case you need to call a friend when you get bored or need something. Maybe the pizza place will deliver to you. Get some for your commrades, it'll pay when you need to pee.
- Seating - One of those folding camping chairs. Even better with the foot-rest extensions. Some people can get away with sleeping in these.
- Sleeping bag - I need something comfortable to sleep in.
- Time-Passing - Handheld games, PDA-phone, books, epalying cards, etc. You NEED this.
- Deoderant - Please.
If your line is outside
- Tent - the type that require no spikes in the ground. I know it's going to rain tomorrow around here and you won't
- Bundling - Parkas, Jakets, Long Johns, Throws It's going to be cold around here.
Things that could be cool if they were allowed:
- Grill - Most places might take issue with this, but when you have a couple packs of hotdogs and a way to cook them, you'll make fast friends with everyone.
Optional but maybe good:
Change of clothes - I can change by putting my new clothes on top of the old ones and pulling the old ones off if I can't get out of line for a second.
I'm probably going to be hitting the lines tomorrow night and I suggest you do so soon as well. Good night!
PS - Don't forget about my launch guide!
Posted by akijikan at 12:31 AM | TrackBack
November 14, 2006
PS3 In Chattanooga, Update
So I did more recon around the Chattanooga area today to see how the lines were doing and they're definitely growing. I think I'll be joining one tomorrow, because as you can see it, they're growing, and fast. The lines made the Chattanooga evening news tonight so they'll probably grow even more.
We are supposed to have severe thunderstorms passing through tomorrow though.
I found this notice on the door at Rhino Video Games
Here's the lines at Best Buy and Circuit City.
The Playstation Launch Guide version 1.2 now available.
.TXT version Here
.PDF version Here
.DOC version Here
I promise my Video Game System camp-out guide to come in an hour or two.
Posted by akijikan at 10:43 PM | TrackBack
Blackuweather Forcast: Best of Ollie Williams
For those not familiar, Ollie Williams is the Black weather man on the show Family Guy. He's hilarious. Youtubage:
Two new Ollie Williams clips from Family Guy since the "Best of" was made
Posted by akijikan at 10:46 AM | TrackBack
November 13, 2006
Playstation 3 In Chattanooga (+ My Downloadable Launch Guide)
Well, I went around today to Walmart, Best-Buy, Target, and Circuit City in an attempt to nail down info on what would be available, how (they believe) the launch will go down, and how many units they had (no one knew the answer to that question. This was all in an attempt to update my Launch Guide, which I am making available here to you.
It lists all retailers in the Chattanooga area carrying the PS3, what time they go on sale, how they are doing the sale, and how many systems will be available (if known). It also lists all the addresses and phone numbers for all locations in the area of each retailer. Things that are in red are unknown or likely but unconfirmed. The .DOC version is recommended so you can edit and have the formating, but .TXT is available as well .PDF for those who can't open word documents.
.TXT version Here
.PDF version Here
.DOC version Here
That is version 1.0 that doesn't include my corrections and additions from today's trek to the stores. I'll be adding that tonight and make it available as soon as that's done.
I had some fun going from store to store getting information...Walmart is interesting because they are handing out tickets to those in line, at some point. The information originally leaked to the net from Walmart's "playbook" said at "10 PM or possibly ealier". The first Walmart I went to said the tickets would be handed out at midnight as the launch starts...sounds kinda pointless to me. As I played Guitar Hero II demo at the instore PS2 display, the worker later came up to me and told me that she consulted with her manager and they don't know when the tickets will be handed out. The next two I went to didn't even know they were using a ticketing system. I stopped at Best Buy (in Hamilton Place) where I found Chattanooga's only camper (so far).
The also have a kiosk where you can play game demos.
I was also in Target when it seems the entire electronics staff had left. On the counter was a folder with their PS3 marketing info, a dvd, and PS3 lanyards. I was going to take it, but I knew as soon as I did the whole staff would return at the same time and tackle me.
Look back later tonight and I'll be telling you what you need to make you pre-launch line waiting the best possible. And I'll give you the updated Playstation 3 Launch Information Guide.
Posted by akijikan at 6:04 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 12, 2006
Japanese Playstation 3 Launch Brings Insight on Video Game Culure, Media
Well as you may or may not know, we are now inside five days until the US launch of Sony's Playstation 3 (PS3) on Friday, November 17.
We have had the pleasure of watching a launch in Japan, but just what did it tell us? One thing people are becoming increasingly aware of is that with each launch of the "next generation" of consoles the demand leads to long lines and high prices. And this year looks to be no different.
If you hadn't heard the PS3 comes in two flavors. One is $500 and comes with a 20 GB hard drive. The other is $600 and comes with a 60 GB hard drive, Wi-fi, and built in Compact Flash, Memory Stick Pro/Duo, and SD card readers. Many people regarded prices this high (highest ever for console at realease) as prohibitive and some thought sales would be low. However, in Japan all 80,000 available units sold out [slashdot.org]. It is worth mentioning that in Japan the low-end PS3 sold for approximately $410 dollars while the high-end system was sold at "market price" (retailer sets the price) which was ¥62,700 (approx. $534) here [kotaku.com].
Kotaku also has an e-mail sent to them about the launch experiences and observation of a foriegner in Japan and characterizes it as a "dark side" to the launch [kotaku.com].
The e-mail takes issue (And blames Sony) with the following:
- People in line are unruly
- People buying PS3s are poor Chinese-nationals and homeless people who are being paid by Japanese business men who intend to re-sell (scalp) on ebay or other places for more than the retail price.
I don't see how you can blame Sony for people being idiotic and unruly. People's behavior is not a responsibility that falls on Sony. If people become unruly and a public disturbance they are breaking the law and it is law-enforcement's job to take care of that.
Also what is wrong with people buying consoles and reselling them if they see fit. There's an old saying here. "A fool and his money are soon parted." If people are foolish enough to pay 2-4 times the retail price to get a PS3 now instead of waiting for the supply to catch up with demand, then why shouldn't someone sell to them. The resellers aren't taking advantage of people or exploiting them, the people know what they are doing.
And the article mentions the employment of poor Chinese-nationals and homeless people like that's something bad. What's wrong with paying poor people to do something? Oh no! We might drive away their sense of entitlement by paying them to work. The truth is there's nothing wrong with it. It's how the free market works. Paying a poor person to do something is not expoitation, it's employment.
Some would say that the problem could be fixed by pricing consoles even more prohibitively to lower demand. But why would a company want to lower demand for their product? That goes against all business sense.
As we can see the launch tells us a few things; the pricing of the PS3 did not quell demand like many thought it would, people will be people (and hence, idiots), and the free market presents many unique opportunities (for the poor: employment, for the business minded: profits).
As for me I will be in line at a Wal-Mart or other retailer on the night of November 16th. Why? Yes, I am a video game nut and I would love to have a PS3, but I am patient enough to make upwards of $1500 and then buy my PS3 later. Oh wait, I think the auctions are topping $2000 now!
Posted by akijikan at 9:53 PM | TrackBack
November 7, 2006
The Day After Tomorrow: Prez Candidates, start your engines
I'd encourage everyone to pick up the latest issue of CQ Weekly, or if you want to subscribe to their website you can read the information there.
On the cover are the words "The Day After Tomorrow" as well as pictures of 26 potential presidential candidates (13 Democrats & 13 Republicans). There is an article that mentions the importance of the upcoming 2008 Presidential race, duemainly to the fact that there is no Incumbent President or Vice-President seeking the position. First time for that since 1928.
It's also the first time there are potential female, african-american, or even female african-american candidates.
All I know is that its going to be a long and fun two years. A momentuous time, and a moment in history for whomever wins. I also know that now is the time to be looking at the candidates and deciding who you want to vote for in the primary elections. There's a lot to choose from so start reading up. Then get out there and campaign.
Posted by akijikan at 12:39 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack