Despite my harsh criticisms of Second Life, I admit, there was a game I was addicted to a while back. However, I treated it all as a game, and a very engaging game at that, and not at all as a escape or replacement for real life. Click the "read more" or post title to continue reading and see screenshots!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Moyashimon
I recently marathoned the anime series, Moyashimon, in anticipation for its, sequel, Moyashimon Returns, which started airing in Japan on the 5th. The first Moyashimon is an 11 episode series based on the manga by Masayuki Ishikawa. The story is about a first year college student at the Tokyo University of Agriculture who has been able to see and communicate with microbes since he was a child. The microbes are presented in an almost absurdly cute fashion, something only Japan is remotely capable of. And they are adorable!
The series follows the protagonist, Sawaki Tadayasu, as he makes his way through freshmen year with friends and colleagues, and encounters bizarre situations involving fermentation, alcohol, microbes, and more. The series can be classified as comedy, but there is some edutainment within, as there are scenes and other segments where the viewer learns about how microbes interact with the world and us. Below is a special short included with the DVDs that explains the microbes living in our intenstines. Unfortunately, I could only find it with Spanish subtitles. :(
This isn't necessarily a kid's show either. There are themes which are slightly adult (including the emphasis on alcohol and characters getting drunk and what not). There's also a live action drama version, for those that prefer live action. And it's freely and legally available on YouTube thanks to FUNimation.
Overall, I find it hilarious that the Japanese could take such a mundane scientific subject and turn it into an artform and profitable franchise. If the science doesn't get to you, the cute representations of the microbes and their antics surely will!
The series follows the protagonist, Sawaki Tadayasu, as he makes his way through freshmen year with friends and colleagues, and encounters bizarre situations involving fermentation, alcohol, microbes, and more. The series can be classified as comedy, but there is some edutainment within, as there are scenes and other segments where the viewer learns about how microbes interact with the world and us. Below is a special short included with the DVDs that explains the microbes living in our intenstines. Unfortunately, I could only find it with Spanish subtitles. :(
This isn't necessarily a kid's show either. There are themes which are slightly adult (including the emphasis on alcohol and characters getting drunk and what not). There's also a live action drama version, for those that prefer live action. And it's freely and legally available on YouTube thanks to FUNimation.
Overall, I find it hilarious that the Japanese could take such a mundane scientific subject and turn it into an artform and profitable franchise. If the science doesn't get to you, the cute representations of the microbes and their antics surely will!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Jurassic Park
I loved dinosaurs when I was a kid. Still do, but the interest has definitely waned. Throughout the '90s, the Jurassic Park franchise was pretty popular, spawning 3 films total from 1993 to 2001. Seems like the fourth movie has been in "development hell", but maybe it'll see the light of day soon.
I think the concept of resurrecting dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures using preserved DNA is plausible. However, it would take generations in order to breed a "pure blood" dinosaur, because there would have to be a surrogate mother (unless better technology comes out that circumvents that). But obviously, the point of the films is the "what if" and the consequences. Again, danger of knowledge is present. Just because we have the power to bring back the dinosaurs, is it worth it? The films seemed to express a yes and no (although admittedly, it's been a while since I've seen the films, so I could be wrong). The weatlh of knowledge acquired from these prehistoric creatures, their lifestyles, and the methods to bring them back is a huge step in technological and biological advancement. But you better have huge fortified and electricified fences... or else, the Tyannosaurus and othe carnivores will just break out and enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet. I think the films also demonstrated that business and money (ie using the dinosaurs as attractions in the titular theme park, Jurassic Park) drove the characters and the theme park itself to tragedy and in some cases, extinction (excuse the pun). With great power comes great responsiblity, and if money comes into play, it could and usually will become a disaster...
OR, we could go searching for prehistoric creatures rumored to be alive today!
I think the concept of resurrecting dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures using preserved DNA is plausible. However, it would take generations in order to breed a "pure blood" dinosaur, because there would have to be a surrogate mother (unless better technology comes out that circumvents that). But obviously, the point of the films is the "what if" and the consequences. Again, danger of knowledge is present. Just because we have the power to bring back the dinosaurs, is it worth it? The films seemed to express a yes and no (although admittedly, it's been a while since I've seen the films, so I could be wrong). The weatlh of knowledge acquired from these prehistoric creatures, their lifestyles, and the methods to bring them back is a huge step in technological and biological advancement. But you better have huge fortified and electricified fences... or else, the Tyannosaurus and othe carnivores will just break out and enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet. I think the films also demonstrated that business and money (ie using the dinosaurs as attractions in the titular theme park, Jurassic Park) drove the characters and the theme park itself to tragedy and in some cases, extinction (excuse the pun). With great power comes great responsiblity, and if money comes into play, it could and usually will become a disaster...
OR, we could go searching for prehistoric creatures rumored to be alive today!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Higgs Boson
The media likes to hype up things. Amazing scientific findings notwithstanding. The "god" particle is a horrible term, as the Higgs Boson, if it truly exists, is just a part of the puzzle that proves how the standard model in physics is correct. It is NOT some particle that solely proves our existence or by itself, created us! With this discovery, scientists will come closer, no matter how little, to finding out the origins of the universe, and ultimately, how we came about.
Here's a great summary video of the discovery. That channel also has other great discussions and explanations of popular physics and math topics.
Here's a great summary video of the discovery. That channel also has other great discussions and explanations of popular physics and math topics.
Please, people, let's spread more facts, and less gossip! We have more than enough of that nowadays...
Friday, July 6, 2012
Oops
Seems like my posts might not be showing up on a timely basis. I think I've been saving and/or just previewing the posts without actually publishing them proper to the blog... I'll be extra cautious about this next time! :)
Monday, July 2, 2012
Scale of the Universe
Found this cool link not too long ago. Imagine: the universe is just so big. Planets with life, and intelligent life like in Mass Effect or Star Wars, are out there. Galaxies and star systems with infinite possibilities. And what exactly is the universe "contained" in? Is it just a tiny particle within another universe in a never ending Inception-like cycle?? Sadly, I don't think any of us will know within our lifetime.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Mass Effect: Organics vs Synthetics
The Mass Effect franchise started in November 2007 when the first game launched on the Xbox 360. The narrative is an epic space opera, with a somewhat realistic take on our own future (not a far, far away galaxy like in Star Wars, but rather our own Milky Way in the 2180s).
I love all of the 3 main games that have come out since. Mass Effect 3 recently came out in March (during spring break nonetheless!) and I spent 30+ hours over a few days, completing every quest and exploring as much of the galaxy as I could. I was happy with the game (one of my rare game purchases), but the ending was... not satisfying. For those who already played the game or do not intend on playing, read on, as there will be spoilers!
The reason for me bringing up ME3 now is that, earlier this week on June 26th, Bioware (the developers) released free DLC (downloadable content) for the game. "The Extended Cut" makes some changes to the ending of the game for the many that voiced their anger and frustration at the original ending. The new content mostly just expands and explains a few details, but overall, is "too little, too late" for most gamers, myself included. Still, I am ok with this. The story always did revolve around the struggle between organics and synthetics, and I feel the new endings (and the supposed "best" and "most canon" Synthesis ending) are for the best. This ending, seen below, delves into a lot of philosophical thought regarding this struggle (the "new" Refusal ending delves a little further). "When fire burns, is it at war? Is it in conflict? Or is it simply doing what it was created to do?" "The created will always rebel against the creators." The only way for peace and ultimate evolution of all life, organic and synthetic, is the synthesis of both, a harmonic combination.
I love all of the 3 main games that have come out since. Mass Effect 3 recently came out in March (during spring break nonetheless!) and I spent 30+ hours over a few days, completing every quest and exploring as much of the galaxy as I could. I was happy with the game (one of my rare game purchases), but the ending was... not satisfying. For those who already played the game or do not intend on playing, read on, as there will be spoilers!
The reason for me bringing up ME3 now is that, earlier this week on June 26th, Bioware (the developers) released free DLC (downloadable content) for the game. "The Extended Cut" makes some changes to the ending of the game for the many that voiced their anger and frustration at the original ending. The new content mostly just expands and explains a few details, but overall, is "too little, too late" for most gamers, myself included. Still, I am ok with this. The story always did revolve around the struggle between organics and synthetics, and I feel the new endings (and the supposed "best" and "most canon" Synthesis ending) are for the best. This ending, seen below, delves into a lot of philosophical thought regarding this struggle (the "new" Refusal ending delves a little further). "When fire burns, is it at war? Is it in conflict? Or is it simply doing what it was created to do?" "The created will always rebel against the creators." The only way for peace and ultimate evolution of all life, organic and synthetic, is the synthesis of both, a harmonic combination.
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