OSGGFG 3.1: Tee Wars

TeeWars was noticeably absent from the last edition of the Open Source Gamers Guide to Free Games: OSGGFG part 3: The Platformers. I apologize, it was an oversight on my part. To make up for it I am giving the game full review here.

TeeWars is an online multi-player platform 2d shooter. Thats a mouthful, game play involves running, jumping, shooting and dying .. a lot.

TeeWars' motto is Cute little buggers with guns, and cute little buggers they are. You can customize your avatar's color and shape in a variety of ways to make your Tee unique, although they all end up very reminiscent of a certain pink Nintendo character who shall remain nameless.

The control system in TeeWars utilizes the keyboard for movement and the mouse for aiming your weapon and grappling hook. Yes, that is right I said grappling hook. Not only can your Tee Jump and Double Jump, he has the ability to latch onto any platform, wall or overhead area and swing or ascend up the line. Even a passing enemy can be grabbed and brought closer under the thump of your giant mallet. This leads to some thrilling acrobatic game play once you overcome the initial problem of teaching your hands to operate independently.

The arsenal of weapons available to your cute little cuddly avatar are lethal. Available weapons run from an over sized mallet, a single shot rifle, Grenade Launcher, Machine gun, and a Shotgun to the deadly katana sword. Ammunition is limited for each weapon giving the game a very good sense of balance. Even a Tee with his mallet can be a match for a bazooka toting nemesis.

Power Ups in the form of Hearts shields and weapons are spread liberally throughout the maps to help you recover health and build up shielding for protection.

Game play matches include you against the world death match, team death match and capture the flag, All are a blast to play, either over the Internet or on a LAN with a few friends. Emoticon balloons as well as a full chat system are implemented to let you talk smack to that one Tee who has fragged you 20 times in a row before you were able to obliterate him with a well timed shot.

Graphically the game is 2d with detailed independently scrolling backgrounds and clever level design. Characters are a simple design but lovingly detailed, changing expression when hit or are jumping or falling.

Sounds are cute and surprisingly fitting given the amount of carnage you are in the middle of. Adorable little taunts and giggles are heard as you disappear in a poof of stars after being hit by gunfire. Happily you respawn with a hammer far from the scene of your last death. There is no music, as of this writing but there is so much going on it would likely be distracting.

Overall, TeeWars is way too much fun packed into a tiny package. I give it 4.5 out of 5. I take off a half a point for the lack of a soundtrack. Go get it now you won't be disappointed. TeeWars is available for Windows, Mac and Linux.

MrCopilot

Update: New Version Released with New License: Teewars Becomes TeeWorlds, Stays Fun

Evolution Just a Theory?

In a recent discussion on life the universe and everything, the topic of evolution and Darwin came up as it always does. When the conversation stopped me in my tracks with this statement that I'm sure we all have heard.

"Well, evolution is just a theory."

This is the problem with the English language, there just aren't enough words. Sometimes we have to share them with other "common" meanings.

This statement coming from an intelligent person whom I respect and care for affected me more than I had expected. Upon further consideration, I decided this is not just one person's misconception, it must be widespread even in people under no religious pressure whatsoever. I set about to enlighten as many people as possible to the problem with the following article.

Terms used in an intelligent debate require mutual understanding for the conversation to have any value to both parties. In any discussion on evolution a certain phrase comes up in which there appears not to be mutual understanding. That phrase is "Evolution is only a theory." or "Evolution is just one theory." Intelligent Design proponents toot this horn as often as they can. In some cases deliberately misunderstanding the meaning of the word theory to bolster their argument to an undereducated public. Webster's online dictionary has no less than six definitions for the word theory.

Read More @ Yahoo Voices

I hope I have helped in some small way with this contribution. Now we all have a nice place to link to whenever this comes up again.


MrCopilot

Electric Vehicles coming to Israel via Project Better Place

Project Better Place, in a joint venture with Renault-Nissan, announced today an agreement to develop infrastructure and supply zero emission Electric Vehicles to Israel.

What is Project Better Place?

Read more @ AC

For more info see:

Associated Content

NyTimes

AutogreenBlog

Project Better Place

Renault-Nissan


MrCopilot

Linux in 2008: The New Linux Powered Devices

The Linux Bandwagon is Going to Need a Few More Seats

In 2007 the Linux operating system proved more popular than ever. 2008 is set to be a banner year with even more PCs and devices running Linux behind the scenes. Here are just a few of the new Linux powered devices scheduled for 2008

Desktop PCs
Microsoft has had a stranglehold on the desktop for the last 20 years. With upstart Apple making inroads and the less than stellar performance of it's new Vista operating system, Microsoft is waging an all out PR war. The Redmond company has pledged to spend $500 million dollars in advertising on it's new OS. The time might just be right for the open source Linux operating system to take a bigger slice of the desktop pie. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) seem to think so, especially in the low end, low cost sector.



Read More @ AC



MrCopilot

Tesla Roadster: Interview

Published today, I give you this article containing an interview with Joe Powers from Tesla Motors.

The Tesla Roadster is one of the sexiest automobiles coming to market in recent memory. Remarkable not just for its looks, the Roadster is an all electric Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV), that goes from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds, with a top speed of 125 mph. All that plus an estimated 220 mile range on a single charge should tell you this isn't your ordinary electric vehicle.

While certainly outside my limited budget, I had to know more. I contacted Tesla Motors for a Q&A and was put in touch with Joe Powers who graciously agreed to the following interview.

Read More @ ARCHIVE.ORG

Recent events might have changed the tone of this interview significantly, and I am trying to get a follow up.

I heard back from Joe Powers, here is the answer I received.

"Regarding the recent changes at Tesla, any company comments will be posted on our website. Obviously, the incident is unfortunate but can be expected in a situation where tough calls need to be made. Ultimately, these changes will make us a stronger, more effective organization as I think anyone who has been through the start-up process will recognize."

Read the Full Interview here.

MrCopilot

New Hampshire Recount

This blog is primarily about technology, Our motto is Linux, Open Source and Other stuff thats good for you. The following story is only slightly related to technology but I found it fascinating anyway and democracy is definitely good for you.

Jan 10, Concord, NH. Amidst wide spread speculation of irregularities in the New Hampshire primary results, Democratic House Representative and Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich has formally requested the Secretary of State initiate a recount. In his letter, Kucinich states "I am not making this request in the expectation that a recount will significantly affect the number of votes that were cast on my behalf," adding "Serious and credible reports, allegations, and rumors have surfaced in the past few days." Kucinich finished 5^th in New Hampshire with less than 2% of the vote.

Read More @ AC

While certain to lose the election, You gotta admire a guy who stands up for his democratic beliefs and is willing to put up his own money to ensure a fair process. Ok enough about politics.

MrCopilot

OLPC vs Intel Breakup Diagnosis

Like many, I was shocked last July when Intel announced they were joining the OLPC foundation after many months of complaints by Nicholas Negroponte. 6 months later the relationship has been dissolved. After studying the affair in detail, one is left with the distinct impression that Intel mishandled almost every aspect of the partnership.

The results of my study can be found in the following article.
Here's a snippet from the middle of the story.

Still hearing from perspective OLPC customers that Intel sales reps were disparaging the XO, Negroponte challenged the Intel executives to ensure it stopped. Intel agreed, assuring Negroponte management would put a stop to it. If memos were sent, they were apparently ignored. What follows is an account by Oscar Becerra Tresierra, a long time friend Negroponte's, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Read More @ AC



MrCopilot

Update: 1/12/2008:
Slashdot has posted a Silicon Valley Slueth Story about OLPCnews.com with claims that it is a front for Intel based on a little detective work by Christopher Blizzard, an OLPC contributor.

RS1-lakh: India unviels its TATAs

The web is abuzz with the news of the RS1-lakh AKA Tata Nano, for those of you looking for more info I wrote up this article.

At the Ninth Annual Auto Expo in New Delhi on January 10th 2008, Tata Motors is set to revolutionize the automotive industry with the introduction of the "World's Cheapest Car" but is the operative word CHEAP?

Production is scheduled for mid 2008. To come in under the estimated $2500 sticker price, Tata has to be very creative with every step of the process.

Read more @ AC

Personally, I want to import a couple for my wife and I. Mainly so I can invite friends over to see my Tatas, "Go ahead touch them, love them, FEEL my Tatas."

Update: Video from the Show:

CES 2008 Highlights HDTV & Media Storage

Two more articles covering the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

The dizzying array of HDTVs at CES this year had to be seen to be believed but here are some highlights.

Read More about HDTVs @ AC



I Also did a small piece covering Storage Devices.

Read More about Storage @ AC

It's almost like being there, except no swag.

Bill Gates Keynote at CES 2008

Microsoft Chairman (for a little while longer) Bill Gates gave the keynote address at CES 2008 this year for the final time. Starting off with a laugh, Bill showed a star studded video of what his last day at Microsoft will be like. Gates used a host of MS employees to deliver this address, thankfully he mercifully spared us Ballmer. Showcasing the always interesting technology demos. Including Microsoft Surface, SYNC for automobiles and more, amazingly every thing worked like it was supposed to.

Major MS announcements.

Vista Licenses top 100 million.

17.7 million XBox Consoles in the wild with over 10 million Xbox Live Accounts.

Xbox Games far outsell Wii and PS3 titles.

MGM's video library coming to XBox Live.

ABC & Disney TV shows Coming to Xbox Live this month.

Ford Motors to roll out Microsoft Sync across it's product line next year.

In depth coverage of the the keynote and Video Link @ AC
Read more @AC

earth911.org

Enviromentally friendly living can be tough. Figuring out what to recycle and where can be challenging. Luckilly there's Earth911.org

On assignment from AC, I wrote up a short article on Earth911.org to help you live greener.

Earth911.org is on a mission. A mission to provide the public with as much environmentally responsible information as possible in one convenient place. Using the Earth911.org website or 1-800-CLEANUP phone number, information and news on a wide range of environmental Issues can be accessed for free.

Read More @ AC

Now that you have reduced your carbon footprint and recycled your Xmas Tree, It almost makes up for the fact that you drive a Hummer.

MrCopilot

A Moment of Silence for Netscape

Quietly over the Holidays a short Blog entry was written at Netscape's Blog. This one little post can be viewed as the end of a chapter in the short history of the internet.

RIP Netscape. I offer this prolonged moment of Whitespace in memoriam.


..
















..
Farewell old friend, your offspring will never forget your sacrifices.

Giving ordinary people the ability to create a web page, view pages created by others, and instantly contact people across vast distances, in one application, was simply brilliant, and we will remember you.

AOL/Netscape is ending product support (meaning no security updates) on its Netscape Navigator software effective Feb 1, 2008. For current users, AOL has recommended switching to Firefox.
With my dying breath I stab at thee.

http://en.www.mozilla.com/en/firefox/

If you like the integration that the Netscape suite offered, SeaMonkey is the open source equivalent.

http://www.seamonkey-project.org/

I will miss seeing you in my server logs.

This piece moved me so much I felt it necessary to write up an article for the uninformed.

Read More @ AC
Printable Version

MrCopilot

Free Platformers, Open Source Gamers Guide to Free Games Part 3

Up Next in the Open Source Gamers Guide to Free Games:

The Platformers.

OSGGFG Part 3. Run and Jump For Joy.

Mario is well represented, plus Tux, a Ninja, a Blob or 2, and a couple cute widdle fuzzy bunnies ..... that explode, and more! As usual with the games in the OSGGFG, all Games are Free with a capital F, no cost and Open Source. All games have builds or installers for Windows, and Linux, sometimes theres even a Mac in there, once in a while.





Honestly, If you haven't played Secret Maryo Chronicles, or Super Mario World, You Should. As matter of fact, all the games in this edition are great fun, thats why they are here.



Read More @ AC
Printable Version


MrCopilot

Processing.... Open Source Gamers Guide to Free Games part 3

The Bane of my Existence. 1 word Processing...



MrCopilot

WTO Final Ruling

After reading this article from the BBC, I came away from it with a total lack of understanding. Most unusual for the Beeb, who is almost always a great and thorough source of news. Unsatisfied with their report, I sauntered off into the web seeking more information. Several hours later, I knew all I wanted to know about the whole sordid affair. The 96 page report from the WTO is quite the document, one in a long history of such in this case.

Having amassed this information, it seemed prudent to record it for any future interested parties. So off to the presses with an article at AC. Link to be provided upon publication.

In late 2006 the US effectively banned all offshore Internet The latest in a long list of laws Antigua and Barbuda first objected to in 2003 when it filed a complaint to the World Trade Organization. Today the WTO issued it's final dispute settlement.

Read More @ AC
Printable Version

Although not tech related per se, the case involved Intellectual Property rights and the possible LEGAL circumvention of them en masse to the tune of $21million annually by 2 tiny island states near Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbuda.

Open Source Gamers Guide to Free Games part2 RTS

Part 2 of the ongoing Open Source Gamer's Guide to Free Games. Up this time: A tour around the Free RTS gaming world. Including Dark Oberon, Globulation, WarZone 2100 and more.

Read More @ AC
Printable Version


After writing this article, I spent a little time at the upcoming StarCraft 2 website. Thus showing how far we have to go to catch up. The website alone should be considered a template on how to describe an RTS.

MrCopilot

Quick Review:Damn Small Linux 4.1

Also Published Today:

Damn Small Linux 4.1 - "Damn, that IS a small operating system" is not something you hear everyday*, After using DSL 4.1, you may just hear yourself saying it. The goal of the Damn Small Linux (DSL) project is to pack as much open source goodness in the form of a fully functional desktop operating system onto a business card cd. Additionally, DSL is designed to run on older "obsolete" hardware. DSL's current system requirements are as low as a 486 with 16MBs of RAM. You might think that it must be terribly crippled due to these constraints, but you would be wrong. After booting you'll be browsing the web, listening to music and playing games in no time at all.

*As an embedded linux engineer, I actually hear it quite often.

Read More @ AC
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Open Source Gamer's Guide to Free Gaming part 1

Free Quake: Open Source Gamer's Guide to Free Games

Open Source Video Games have come a long way in the last few years. This series of articles looks at the current state of games in the Free or Open Source World.

Part 1 focuses on Adaptations and Modifications of Id's GPL'd Quake Engines.




Read More @ AC
Printable Version
Sorry, AC has removed the ability to link to the Printable Version, Just look for the Printer Icon


With looks at Tremulous, Warsow, Nexuiz, and 5 more of the Best Open Source Quakers, it's easy to see the strong base idtech provides the community.

Part 2: Real Time Strategy
MrCopilot

Tech Gifts for the Holidays

Tech for Techs

This list is geared toward gift ideas for that techie friend or loved one in your life who is always ready to help you out when your computer or Internet goes down. Rather than a sweater, or gift card, Why not surprise them with a gift they actually want?

Read More @ AC
Printable Version

Also Known as My Christmas List. Anyone feeling Generous?

Virtually Speaking part 1

First in a series of articles examining the world of the Virtual Machine, with a nifty Linux inside windows Howto.

The Topic: Virtual Machines
Most computer users have never heard the term virtual machine and when they do, visions of the "Lawnmower Man" or "The Matrix" flash before their eyes. That perception is only slightly off track. Virtual Machines(VM's) have little in common with Virtual Reality(VR). What they share with VR is that they simulate. Virtual Reality is a simulation of reality, Virtual Machines are a simulation of a particular machine, in most cases the machine you will be simulating/emulating is a standard PC, however they can be used to simulate a host of other computer hardware based on a wide array of target processor architectures.

read more at AC
printable version