Whube is alive and kicking!
Lately I have been doing some extensive work on and within the Whube framework. This project would have probably gone faster if I had chosen a more stable framework but that would have defeated the purpose of using a framework I’ve helped build. That just wouldn’t be as much fun though, either.
Initially it was quite frustrating to extract the framework out of Whubetrack in a usable manner. I think that had there been unit tests from the start, I could have avoided some of the more ridiculous errors I’d run into. (Note to self: write those damn unit tests!)
Now the framework is in a pretty usable state. In its most basic function it is now powering my current and in-progress website for Technophobic Android as well as for a much more complex web application for a client I’m working with over at The League of Magnificent Scoundrels. It is a very exciting project and can not wait until it is released out in the open!
The Whube Project has published their code for Whube and Whubetrack over on GitHub. If you are looking for a PHP project to contribute to, we would love the help! It is a perfect project for learning how to program in interesting ways in PHP (and with some totally kick ass people)!
A Walk Around Writer’s Block
Yesterday I went for a nice three hour walk without using my cane! It has been at least two years now since I’ve been able to do that without my knee screaming in agony. Boy was I ever beat! Had some good food, caught up on Castle, got some writing done and finally fell asleep. Today I woke up rather rested and rather sore – it took me a good hour to get my legs (my bad knee in particular) into working order enough to step out of bed. Had myself some breakfast and off to Cavanaugh’s I went.
While at the coffee house I was able to write like there was no tomorrow! To top it off, there was a wonderful conversation with two fellow writers. Being able to talk about one’s work with another is pretty amazing. Hopefully it happens again soon. Aside from writing I was able to get some web work done as well, for clients and for myself. World of Escia launched today; I will be updating it heavily over the next week or so, releasing more information about my “gaslamp fantasy” world and associated works.
Now that I know that I am able to move around to a great degree (and have a new cane on order just for this), I will be resuming my long-missed daily walks. Never would I have realized just how much I need these in order to keep my work straight.
What perfect timing since the weather is beautiful and warm. This is some of the best weather for taking walks.
That thing called “Writer’s Block”
There have been quite a few talks to be had this week and they were humbling, emotional and thought-provoking for me. Seldom do I have such talks over coffee with netbooks and a stretch of table between myself and the other. It was very much needed, I think, as it helped me expel the build up of words that has been threatening to go on strike if I did not use them.
Lately I have been rather stuck with writing and I think it is because I have let my daily routine become too complacent. My desk is dull and boring and stuck in a sort of kiddy-corner facing a window that has its curtains perpetually pulled shut. The desk has an odd assortment of trinkets of an odd variety. Yet, it is not my desk in the sense of ownership, but in that I am the one that sits at it day in and day out, doing work and playing games. Going out and walking has been a great boon to my writing, however, and I think that will help me get back “into the groove” of things.
Some weird “What if” Scenarios
Sometimes I have really random and strange thoughts. These are the things that my dreams often like to take hold of. Here are some for your enjoyment.
What if…
- Buddha was directly responsible for supersonic flight?
- Mao Tse Tung was connected to Joan of Arc by a lost treasure?
- Princess Diana had access to thaumaturgy?
- the Dark Ages happened after the formation of the Republic of Texas?
- the Sino-French War involved time travelers?
- Emperor Hadrian was a cyborg?
- the fall of the Inca Empire had never happened?
- Alexander Bell was actually Hiawatha?
- Nikolai Tesla was killed by Moses?
Some of these would have been really interesting things to read as newspaper headlines. Of course, one should not mention the absurdity of some of these.
Reviewing games, or, Why I didn’t start with Terraria
Over the course of time I have been realizing that I really do not like playing Minecraft and Terraria style games alone. I do love building things and inside games is no exception. I also enjoy surviving in them, but more often than not, with friends. They are far too empty on their own, devoid of, well, character. Feeling alone in a game is not something I enjoy too much, especially when they’re open ended. Terraria was supposed to be the first game that I would review (mostly for my own benefit as I am learning to write for games). However, given the open nature of it, I think I will belaying that request and moving on to a more “suitable” single player game. It wouldn’t be fair to review Terraria based on my single player adventures, as it is not all that appealing to me in that state.
Since the criteria I had mentioned on Twitter was that it had to be on my Steam account, I am going to start with Torchlight.
What games do you enjoy the most? What game is your favorite?