So, I’ve recently come across a *very* nifty PowerToy from Microsoft (yes, the blind squirrel has found another nut). It’s called ClearType and it dramatically improves the readibility of text on an LCD monitor by taking advantage of the color component order to do sub-pixel aliasing (horizontally at least). I have it on right now and web pages look gorgious. Here’s the link if you’re interested http://www.microsoft.com/typography/WhatIsClearType.mspx
It works best with black on white or white on black text (which are really the most common) and scales down from there as you approach the primaries. In any case, the improvement is marked. Check it out.
Well, it’s been far too long since I’ve posted anything, but a lot of things have happined in my life recently. Foremost on my mind right now, is the fact that I’ll be leaving for California in just under a week. I’m moving out there to 1) finally get out of florida (sorry, it’s hot and humid, but the people are nice) and 2) finally work in the video game industry (something I’ve wanted to do since I first played duck hunt). I’ve recently recieved and accepted an offer for an associate programmer position at Red 5 Studios. Out of all the game companies I looked at, I really think this one has the highest potential. It’s made up of a good number of the top brass from Blizzard and their MMO concept is captivating. Whether that potential will be realized, of course, is always open ended, but I’m happy to say that I’ll play some part in that and for my part, I’ll make sure it’s damn good.
It’s bittersweet leaving Kinetics after so long though. The people there have always been really nice, and the hours are great. That being said, making games is something I’ve wanted to do since I first saw a computer, so the decision to go isn’t that hard. Same goes for moving to Orange County. I’m actually really excited about moving out there… well, excited and aprehensive. See, I only know one person and, while we’ve known eachother since we were little kids, he’ll be living about 1.5 hours away, so I’ll be on my own for the most part to meet new people. I’m ok with that for the most part, but the unknown is always a bit intimidating. I’m hoping to get some interesting room mates at least, heh, that should start things off on the right foot.
My friend and current roommate Alex Hamrick is coming along for the drive out there and I can’t thank him enough –it would be one shitty drive by myself. On the way, we’re going to stop at New Orleans and Las Vegas, and also see the Grand Canyon, which I’m really excited about. When last I roadtripped we didn’t make it to Vegas or the G.C. but I promised myself that would be for another trip. We did get to go to New Orleans pre-Katrina. It was the first time Pete had been and I consider it a hilight of our trip, even though it was only one night. It will be interesting to go back to the city a few months after Katrina having been there a few months before.
While I’m certain this will be an awesome road trip, it’ll also be an exercise in logistics for me. This is because, in order for me to move “successfully” each the following needs to complete in order: I arrive in CA, Alex takes his return flight home, I find an appartment, my stuff gets there, I start work. All of which, have begun or will have begun at different times in the past. Two of these (Alex’s flight and my start date) are fixed, and at least one of them (the movers) is, for all intents and purposes, completely out of my control. This should be fun, kids.