SuperMegaUberBlogofMedia!!!

New, more professional blog

2010-10-11T13:01:00.001+01:00

for any interested parties, mainly lecturers, here is a link to my new blog

www.tom-three-four-nine.blogspot.com

Fanfare Please!

2010-01-11T15:56:00.002Z

Ok, it's currently 3.57pm on the 11th of January 2010, but more importantly it's the first day of the second term of my second year, and I'm sat in a seminar sketching like mad, or I would be if I had a rubber...

The Plan for the next 5-6 weeks is as follows: GET ANIMATION FINISHED. It's a twenty week project, but I plan to get it finished as fast as humanly (or inhumanly) possible, so I'm not sat with a week until the deadline with 3 projects to do. The plan involves posting most of what I'm working on up on the blog, but I can't garuntee I'll remember to do it.

So, here's hoping it gets done =P

One down...

2009-12-14T21:11:00.002Z

OK, no work to display today, just a quick post to say my robot was finished and handed in on time, and the presentation of it went incredibly well.

Robotic madness

2009-12-03T21:19:00.003Z

*Fanfare please* Du-du-du-duuuum.

Its taken a while, but I finally have images of my finished robot for the animation module. Here they are...

All that's left now is to animate it... (Oh dear).

Apple

2009-11-24T18:28:00.004Z

As the title suggests, this post has something to do with apple. No, not the company Apple (bastards that they are) but an actual apple. Each person in my visualisation seminar was given an apple to model in 3D, and they weren't pretty apples either. Images of mine are below...

I know it's misshapen and ugly, but it looks like the apple I had infront of me =/

More Max play

2009-11-17T20:14:00.003Z

Ok, nothing new to display here. I've been applying textures to my 3Ds max model using something called mentalray, and below are some of the results.

As you can see, these textures are much more realistic and interesting than those I've previously used on my models. I especially like the chrome texture used on the sword blade. It's quite difficult to tell in this image, but the handle on the sword has a realistic leather texture, with bumps and marks like real leather. There will be more like this to come in the future

Back from the brink

2009-11-16T17:58:00.003Z

Sorry dear readers, I know it's been a long while since I posted but I've been both ill and lazy, which has resulted in a two week break from posting. I've done a fair bit of work since I last posted, but I'm only going to display one piece of work, which is the culmination of my work over the last couple of weeks. And here it is...

Unlike the orrery I made at the start of term, this one actually loops. I'll try and get a flash version up so you can see the robot walk forever. Next time, silly walking =P

Blergh

2009-11-02T20:58:00.003Z

I'm sorry if anyone was expecting my next post to be packed full of images and stuff, but it's not. I've been progressing with my work over the past week, learning how to rig a robot and such, and I've moved on in the design stage of my projects. At the moment however, I feel ill and might just go to bed.

Lets hope it's not swine flu =/

Playing around

2009-10-24T15:58:00.004+01:00

I finally managed to get a hold of 3Ds max 2010 edition for my laptop (thanks Sonny), and I'm just playing around with it at the moment. Below are some images of a model I made in around an hour. I've applied some basic textures and played around with the different colour channels. The sphere on the hilt is meant to be made of glass, but I don't think I've got it quite right yet.

Citybourne

2009-10-20T15:54:00.003+01:00

At present, I'm sat in my second visualisation seminar, and still have an hour to go... Below are some images of the cityscape I'm making. It's not very detailed because I need to use a plugin for 3Ds max that isn't available to me on the uni computers. When I get the 2010 version of max I'll finish the city, but until then it's going to have to stay as it is =(

So there it is, a very basic city.

Lend a hand?

2009-10-19T23:16:00.003+01:00

Soooo, I've had my second animation seminar of the year today, and I've learnt how to make controllers for hierarchies of objects so they move as a group (don't worry, I barely understand what I just typed, so I don't expect you to). The result is below. The point of doing this is to build a "rig" for a bipedal character, so it can be easily animated.

At some point in the week I'll post another animation of the arm showing full movement in the fingers, wrist, and elbow. The tapping fingers were animated in approximately 15 minutes.

Where no man has gone before...

2009-10-13T16:50:00.003+01:00

I don't have much to say today, besides the fact it's 10 to 5 and I need a pint. Below is a 10 second clip of the Orrery I made yesterday as part of my first module. I still need to figure out how to put it on a continuous loop so it doesn't reset after 10 seconds, and instead keeps spinning, but thats a job for another day...

Back to the grind

2009-10-12T22:47:00.002+01:00

First day of second year went to great start, with a blackout over the whole campus. No working computers, no powerpoints, and no way to open the electric-locked doors. Besides this ~~FUCKING STUPID~~ minor inconvenience the day went smoothly. I modelled an orrery in 3Ds max and began to animate it, and had a bottle of cider at lunch. I'm also doing taekwondo an extra-curricular activity, which was knackering to say the least. I'm looking forward to the assignments for this year, and I'll probably start work on it when I've posted this, and show off what I've done tomorrow.

One day to go...

2009-10-11T17:12:00.004+01:00

Ok, so with less than 24 hours until Uni restarts I've got an update on the bolter I posted yesterday. It took me an hour maximum to model the pistol grip, enjoy.

Tomorrow I'll post my aims and objectives for the year in a special "Back to the grindstone" entry. Seeya then =]

3Ds Max practise

2009-10-10T13:44:00.004+01:00

The pictures below are of an incomplete Space Marine Boltgun (from Warhammer 40,000) which I have been modelling for a few days. I still need to model the grip and apply textures. The aim of creating this was primarily to get a feel for the turbosmooth tool, as I hadn't got a hang of using it effectively last year, as is evident by my avatar. I'm still not 100% confident that I can perfect the turbosmooth just yet, but that's why I'm practising =]

I start my second year of uni in two days, woop!

Until then...

The Empire blog strikes back

2009-09-26T11:01:00.003+01:00

So here we are again, another year, another post, another attempt at being a witty fúcher (so far so good =P ). I don't have much to show off at the moment because, naturally, I've done sweet F.A all summer. Term starts officially on October the 12th, and I plan to have something awesome to show off before then. So, check back on the 11th to see if I manage to do it.

Until then, fingers crossed =/

AVATAR!

2009-05-13T13:34:00.004+01:00

My avatar was pronounced finished on monday, but I forgot to post it up here, so I'm doing it now. There's a few screenshots and a turnaround for you to feast your eyes on =]

Until next time, today could be the worst day of your life...

- tom_349

Twas the week before stressing...

2009-05-08T18:44:00.004+01:00

Well, it's been a long year, but my deadline awaits next week and so does the unofficial end of Uni (I still have lectures until June =( ). So, next week would usually be the last-minute rush to get my work done, but this time I decided to start early. Below is today's effort, and yes it DID take ages, and yes, I might have RSI (my shoulder hurts T_T).

[If you couldn't tell, it's meant to be my avatar's head.]

Until next time, Have some faith in the devil...

- tom_349

The pot of gold

2009-04-29T18:13:00.004+01:00

Right, I've finally finalised (hehe) my logo for my Identities project. For what it is, it took too much effort and I'm thouroughly ashamed of how much blood, sweat, and SHEER HATE I went through to make this. Here it is, with an explaination of what it is.

The basic idea is that I'm quite a split person. The expression is negative, because I tend to have a negative outlook on life. However, the rainbow colours are present because I feel I can also be a fun person when I want to. Looking deeper into myself (metaphorically, not with an endoscope) and what I like, I've realised that this duality is present in most things I do/like/am. I'm not claiming to have a split personality (trust me, there's no voices), but what I am saying is that I'm a very divided person, constantly changing my opinions, interests, prejudices etc. Therefore, I think this rainbow-coloured symbol of hate is like pinning a peace badge on a helmet which has "Born to kill" scrawled on the side of it. In a way it's me accepting my faults, and embracing them as part of myself, rather than trying to remove them. And as I type I've just realised that of all the people I know, I might be the only one that hasn't accepted me for me. So there we go, not only have I delivered a piece of work that I'm happy with, but I've also learnt something about myself =D

Until next time, Godspeed.

- tom_349

Orange Wednesdays!

2009-04-22T16:53:00.004+01:00

It's now wednesday, and I thought I'd better post something seen as I so carelessly missed monday (sorry). I've been busy working today on my avatar and it's coming together now. Good times =]

Here's another one of my marvelous 3D turnarounds to demonstrate to you wonderful people how my work is coming along...

Until next time, you can't kill rock n' roll

- tom_349

Inspiration

2009-04-17T13:41:00.002+01:00

Hello, hello, hello. The Easter holiday is now officially over, as I have had a scheduled session at uni. So, for me it's back to the grindstone (computer) and for you it's back to reading the SuperMegaUberBlogofMedia!!! I'm planning to stick with my pledge of posting on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and seen as it's Friday I thought I might as well start now.

As the title suggests, I'm going to show all you wonderful people out there on the internet who my inspiration is. I discovered this artist whilst researching for my last essay, and decided his work was amazing. His name is Vitaly Bulgarov (you can find his website here) and he is a character designer. Below is just on example of his work, taken from his website.

I suggest taking a look at his website in full, the stuff on there is pretty damn amazing.

So, I hope you have enjoyed looking over my inspiration...

Until next time, kek.

- tom_349

Work work work...

2009-03-22T23:13:00.005Z

Yup, the title does not lie... there is work posted below for you to take a peek at. I finally decided to colour the concept I did for my avatar, and there's also a close-up of a boot =]

Until next time, Happy Easter...

- tom_349

Heads up!

2009-03-17T14:03:00.003Z

Hello again dear readers. Unfortunately, I don't have any work to post up today, as I'm busy writing my essay and stressing over my presentation next week. However, I do have a bit of news regarding the SuperMegaUberBlogofMedia!!! In future I think I'm going to start posting at the regular intervals of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening; both to give me a bit of structure and motivation, and to give you something to read on a regular basis. So, I think that's it for now. I might not post again until after the easter holidays depending on how well I'm doing my work.

Until next time, Happy Easter!

- tom_349

Slowly but surely...

2009-03-12T16:45:00.004Z

So... today I decided to get my arse out of bed (at a reasonable 12.43) and go to uni to do some work before and after my lecture. "What?" I hear you cry. "That lazy bugger's actually trying to do work!?" Well yes, yes I am. I'm officially making an effort. OK, shock over and done with. After about an hour and a half, here's what I came up with...

This, for those of you who haven't figured it out yet, is meant to be body armour for my avatar. However, it is a WIP (Work In Progress) and I'll probably spend a bit more time on it later on.

Until next time, My spoon is too big!

(click the link, it's quite a good animation. LINK!)

- tom_349

It's March already?

2009-03-08T20:07:00.004Z

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, in all honesty it's because I couldn't be arsed...

So I thought I'd post some stuff that I've been doing over the past week.

Initial sketch for my avatar

Close up sketch of possible mask

A quick sword I made in 3Ds max

So, that's it for tonight. I'll try and get back into the blogging spirit over the next week.

Until next time, It's time to split!

- tom_349

A rather disturbing revelation

2009-02-24T13:04:00.003Z

Firstly, sorry i've been under the radar for so long, I just couldn't be bothered to do anything for the last week.

Now, I have a journal task to post, and what you read in it might lower your opinion of me as both a student and a person. Proceed with caution...

What has my creativity been for in the past few years?

Examination. I haven’t really applied myself to any form of project outside of my studies. Also, my own enjoyment, as I produce desktop wallpapers etc on Photoshop.

Who has it been for?

My tutors and myself. Sometimes my friends if I see them struggle to use image editing software/draw.

Why have I done work in this way?

My work over the past few years has generally been confined to examination questions, coursework titles, etc. Working is still a task that I find myself hard to be motivated about.

What do I want the future of my creativity to be?

I want to be able to document ideas, draw, imagine, and produce good work without having to battle with myself to get out and do it. But, I suppose this is a character flaw which may haunt me for the rest of my life… =(

___________________________________________________________________

In what specific way can research help me get to these new places?

If I figure out what I want to achieve through research then I’m positive that I could begin to work efficiently towards my end goal. The problem lies in motivating myself to do the research.

Which starting point on the map (see below) do I feel most drawn to?

Especially for the Identities module, I feel most drawn to either “behind” or “in front of.” This is because I believe that my work is not good enough to be admired and awed, thus the reaction to, or the message behind, the work should inspire awe.

Which do I feel wary of?

“In/through,” as I do not understand the “writing process” or what it is meant to achieve.

Which, if any, seem irrelevant?

None seem irrelevant, but my previous point still stands.

Until next time, Inferi Veho Noctis...#

- tom_349

Avatar Moodboard

2009-02-08T17:34:00.004Z

Today, dear readers, you (yes you, don't look at the other people in the room for help) are going to help me with my research. The image below is the moodboard I put together for my avatar that I'm eventually going to make. Your job is look at it, and put any words that come to mind in a comment on the guestbook. Simple right? ~~Even for your puny, worthless minds.~~ So, take a look and see what you come up with. (Click on the image for a larger version)

Also, thankyou to everyone who suggested what the blob was saying; your opinions were a little different to mine =P

Until next time, cya round...

- tom_349

More crazy 3D schizz...

2009-02-06T11:25:00.002Z

As the title implies, I have completed another stunning piece of work for you to gaze at in wonder. The file name for this video is "Blob thing."

You should all post comments with a caption for this short clip, and we'll see if you can guess the short phrase that Blobthing is saying =]

Until next time, play safe...

- tom_349

Drumroll, please!

2009-02-02T14:47:00.004Z

Sorry for the rather long time since the last post, but I've been in a really lazy mood recently... I'm not going to bore you today with long, drawn out posts about nothing important; instead I'm going to give you another amazing piece of 3D work to look at...

Until next time, May you live forever...

- tom_349

We live in a DEMOCRACY dammit!

2009-01-24T13:15:00.003Z

Today, dear readers, I post this in disappointment. I am disappointed that in a country built on freedom of speech, only a tiny amount of you wonderful people out there are showing the world what you think, by using the guestbook on the Supermegauberblogofmedia!!! I'd really like your feedback and such, that's why I faffed around getting a decent comment system in the first place; so please, use it and tell me what you think, or insult me if you want (this is the internet after all). Do it for me, for democracy, but mainly... for freedom.

++ Message of the day ++
"You may take our lives, but you'll never take our makeup!"

Until next time, Live long, and prosper.

- tom_349

The world in 3D

2009-01-23T10:53:00.003Z

Hello again dear readers! Unfortunately, I don't have much time to write right now as it's the end of a seminar and I want to go home. So, to attempt to halt your disappointment I'm going to leave you with my first piece of 3D work ever =]

Look! It splats at the end =D

Until next time, Astalavista, baby...

- tom_349

My online identity...

2009-01-21T14:30:00.005Z

Well, I never thought I'd be doing this, but today I'm going to be writing an evaluation; an evaluation of my personal identity on the Internet. I'm going to take you, my dear readers, through all of my Internet personas (or at least as many as I can remember) and try to remember what kind of character I made - or am still making - myself out to be. So, here goes...

First, I have my overall identity, which is tom_349. The origin of this persona is shrouded in mystery and is only truly known to myself. I feel it gives me a slight air of secrecy... Nah, only joking; it was one of a choice of random numbers (assigned to me by hotmail for my email address) and I took a liking to it. I use tom_349 to represent me for everything. It is my PlayStation Network (PSN) name, and I also use it as my account name on EVERYTHING. It sometimes gets shortened to tom349 if the website won't allow symbols in account names. So, if you see tom_349 anywhere then you know who you're dealing with =] I even use it on this blog... I like using it because it doesn't make any assumptions about how I view myself or give too much away (except my name of course), for example, a player called "MasterSniper1990" (i don't know if this name actually exists, it's just an example) seems pretentious to me, as it implies the user sees themself as some form of gaming wonder when playing FPSs like COD4. It does however give another player great satisfaction to beat someone like "MasterSniper" at his/her own game =] BY SHOOTING THEM IN THE HEAD! *ahem* Anyway...

However, I also like to create characters in games with a narrative behind them, if I'm given the choice to design the character myself. I feel this is what separates certain members of the internet community from others. A lot of users see their characters as a representation of themselves. They make their character look like they do and maybe give it their real-life name, thus reducing it from a character to an avatar, which, as you know, is a representation of the user. I don't personally like to de-characterise my creations, and see them as they're own entity almost. I control the character, but I am not the character itself. That is why I don't use tom_349 for character names. My character in World of Warcraft is a female Night Elf called Mtriirel. It would have been M'triir'el but WoW doesn't let you put anything other than letters in names (It's pronounced Mer-treer-rell, by the way). I made up the name with inspiration from Tolkien's elvish, as once again, I like to make a narrative and persona for the character that seems believable. I have, however, seen characters on WoW called Scaryme 0_o

Mtriirel

Although it may seem like the internet is an entirely different world to the one we live in, there are still pockets of it that supplement real-life. Social networks like Facebook for example allow people to communicate in a new way. The fact that users display their real names and images means they cannot create a new identity for themselves, and instead allows them to promote their existing identity.

Well, I'm done for now. I hope you enjoyed this, and so...

Until next time, Don't eat the yellow snow.

- tom_349

I'm actually a genius =]

2009-01-20T15:37:00.003Z

So, here we are again. I’ve got a special treat for all you loyal readers out there today; I had a spare hour between lectures, so I decided to do some work instead of wasting my ever-so-precious time. Enjoy…

I thought I might as well get some research done and actually make it look like I’m putting the effort in, so I scoured the internet for something about virtual 3D environments. My search led me to an article on www.terranova.blogs.com written by games designer Bob Moore. You can find the full article here.

Moore’s article is titled “On the Convergence of Virtual Worlds and Social Networking Sites,” and deals with the issues surrounding the merging of social networking sites (such as Myspace and Facebook) with online virtual environments (like Second Life).

Moore states “Virtual worlds and MMO [games] [(“Massively Multiplayer Online,” for those of you not in the know)] enable you to interact and play with friends online, add new people to your buddy list, monitor their online status and in some cases view their custom profiles. But there are important differences between World of Warcraft and Second Life on the one hand, and MySpace and Facebook on the other. First, virtual worlds not only provide social networking features, they also provide the world in which you meet people and play with them. The social networking features tend to be secondary to the simulated world itself. In contrast, social networking sites provide only the profiles and buddy lists, not the world.” Moore’s point is informed and relevant, as any gamer will tell you they rarely make their in-game avatars look authentic to represent their real-life image. Games and Virtual worlds allow the player some escapism, to become who they want to be, not who they are. Moore makes an observation on the phenomenon of internet-based escapism, “Behind one out of every two female characters is a male player.” I, myself, know this firsthand, as I made a female character in World of Warcraft (not because I want to be a girl, but because I don’t like the way the male characters are modelled). And yes, feel free to leave a comment calling me a geek; you know you want to…

I recommend you read the full article, as it makes interesting reading.

Anyway, the reason I posted this was to make a point about the course, and to contextualise my work within the modern climate (See, now who says students don’t listen to lecturers?). My point is that the concept of virtual environment is not an original one, it is a blend of games technology and the popularity of social networking. Therefore, I plan to study these two areas (as they are roots of the virtual environment) to assess and understand the concept of self-identity (our current module =P) on the internet and in the virtual environment. So, expect lots of work in the near future.

Until next time, I'm losing original ideas for farewells =(

- tom_349

Happy new year!

2009-01-13T14:00:00.002Z

Yeah, I know it's a bit late for happy new years but whatcha gonna do? Just be thankful for it =]

So, with the new year comes a new module and lots of new work (as well as lectures on fridays now... BOOO!). And, as you know, most of that shiny new work will appear right here on the Supermegauberblogofmedia!!! (yes, the exclamation marks are part of the name, I'm not just over excited) for you wonderful people out there in internetland to enjoy. Also, a quick thankyou to all the people IRL who tell me that I have a good writing style, *in cockney accent* it makes me feel like a big man it does =]

Well, that's about it for this post...

Oh, and I think I'm gonna start adding in little inspirational messages and advice (mostly twocked from other people) to help you, my dear readers, live a happy and fulfilling life. They'll appear now and again presented in the format below.

++ Message of the Day ++
Shake it once, that's fine. Shake it twice, that's okay. Shake it three times? You're playing with yourself.

I hope you take that nugget of wisdom on board (yes, it was serious) and use it to enrich your lives.

Until next time, keep on truckin'...

- tom_349

Finally...

2008-12-18T21:49:00.002Z

Happy holidays dear readers! It is the time to rejoice and make merry! (hehe)

This is just a quick last post before I decide I'm properly on holiday. I've had a great time over the last 10 weeksbut now it's finally time to go home for xmas. I'll keep updating my "Diary of an Avatar" for you lovely people to read about and keep you entertained over this season of sleeping in and ~~mind numbing sack of crap~~ TV movies.

But, before I do go off for my hols, I'd like to share on last bit of work with you... (follow the link)

THE LINK! Dum Dum Duuum..!

Until next time, I love lamp.

- tom_349

Diary of an Avatar - Enrty 1

2008-12-15T18:50:00.007Z

Just as a quick note, future posts with the "Diary of an Avatar" title will only feature the article and not any form of comment. Just thought I'd let you know =]

I have just entered the newly-released Playstation Home© for the first time. As with any other online environment, I was first asked to create my avatar. There are various options to tweak when creating your virtual persona. The user can choose their avatar’s gender, and alter any aspects of the avatar’s face using pointer positions on a grid to adjust facial features (see photo). There is also the option to alter your avatar’s body shape; they can be tall, short, overweight, or thin depending on preference. I could also choose my avatar’s hair style, hair colour, facial hair, and skin tone. I personally chose a hairstyle and colour similar to my own (however I did encounter an avatar with a red afro later in my session), showing that not everyone likes to represent themselves accurately.

I was then asked to dress my avatar. To start with, there are a rather limited number of options to choose from concerning apparel. I had approximately five tops and five pairs of trousers to choose from. However, others are available via the Playstation Store©, and cost between 50p and £1 each. I could also choose accessories (such as hats, jewellery, and glasses) for my avatar. Below is an Image of my finished avatar.

After creation, my avatar was automatically placed in my “Harbour Studio,” my own personal property within Playstation Home©. Here I can host parties and invite other user’s avatars to come look around. The studio is completely customisable; I am able to change the wallpaper, furnishings, and colour scheme to suit my taste. Therefore, the space becomes an extension of the avatar, displaying the user’s personality and preference. As with the avatar itself, more objects can be purchased for the space for a small fee. Users can even buy a completely new space, the only option at the moment being the “Summer House.” Users can also purchase appliances such as TVs, Radios, and picture frames. These can be used to stream media from the PS3’s hard drive to the Home© space, allowing the user to further project his/her personality and identity by exhibiting their musical preference, favourite films, etc.

My "Harbour Studio."

After customising my space, I stepped into “Home Square,” one of the main areas for interaction with other avatars within Home©. I immediately noticed how many avatars where present in the area, with virtual people conversing in text, playing draughts by a small stream, and dancing in front of a big screen. There are also poster boards dotted around, advertising real-world products and games. This would be a great opportunity for businesses to incorporate “gamer-friendly” into their corporate identity. I wandered around for a few minutes, and interacted with an avatar representing a user named “Pete37.” We had a brief conversation about what games we liked, what our musical preference was, where we were from, etc (turns out “Pete37” is from Southampton).

Centre of "Home Square," with playable draughts and central stream.

In-game advertising for real-world products.

I actually hate software...

2008-12-12T18:28:00.003Z

Well, the title explains everything really...

After looking over my flash amination on deviantart, it turns out that there is a dud connection somewhere in the script. God knows how that got in there, as I checked it, double-checked it, and even triple-checked it before I exported it as a movie...

Hopefully this is deviantart's fault, otherwise I handed in a dud piece of work for assessment =s

I'll try and get the problem sorted when I have a minute, but I'm currently stating work on the Identities module... =]

*edit* The main reason my Flash animation is crap is the fact that deviantart is slow as fook... So that's not my fault... However, there is still the dud link in it somewhere, so I'm gonna sort it out eventually...

Until next time, sorry about my rather abusive farewell in the last post.

- tom_349

Interactive Narrative

2008-12-12T05:35:00.003Z

It's 5.36am. I'm tired, hungry, and generally annoyed beacuse I've been up all night getting this bloody flash animation done. I have NO energy, so here's the bloody thing.

"Day ... of the Devil" by ~tom349 on deviant ART

Until next time, ah, fuck the farewell, I need caffiene.

- tom_349

I love my course...

2008-12-10T11:28:00.004Z

The title of my post today is completely apt... Today we had our first lecture for the "Identities" module we start next term (or next week for me). And, to be honest, I almost orgasmed when the lecturer gave us our first journal task. Or, as I would call it, an ASSIGNMENT!

You're about to find out why =]

Diary of an Avatar.

Create an avatar in an online 3D environment, such as Second Life, there.com, or Virtual Doppelganger ect. Spend some time exploring the virtual environments and think about the role of identity in these virtual worlds, try and talk with the virtual residents. Keep a diary of at least four weeks of your avatar's experiences and post it to your journal, also take screen shots of your experiences.

And that, my dear readers, translates in my head as "Playstation Home gets released tomorrow, now you have an excuse to play the fuck out of it." So. I finally get to play on my playstation without people being all "you've gotta work." Because, I can now say "Ah, but I am working!"

Therefore, once again, I love my course.

Until next time, Have a good'an.

- tom_349

I.N. First screens

2008-12-08T19:10:00.004Z

Hello again ladies and gentlemen... Today I bring you the first two of however many screens that will eventually make up me interactive narrative. Here they are...

These two rather crappy pics must've taken about three hours in total to draw, colour, and slap on final polish...

I'm not looking forward to having to do the others...

Until next time, Tschuss.

- tom_349

Techno Wizz in teh making!

2008-12-06T02:45:00.005Z

Hello dear readers; rejoice! For I have solved the greatest problem of being a student - The utterly shit comment system on my blog. I did some digging on the internet and discovered something called a guestbook, which is basically a comment box. So, you now have NO excuse for not letting me know what you think of my work...

Hell damn thee who doth not comment the SuperMegaUberBlogofMedia! A pox on thee! Heathen.

All you have to do is enter your email and a username of your choice (no, you don't need to sign up to anything) and Abracadabra! You too can share your opinion on the wittiest blog you've ever read...

Disclaimer: Any information entered in this fashion shall be documented and handed to Schutzstaffel intelligence bereau, to be held for further use.

Until next time, ciao.

- tom_349

Bloody fiddly drawing...

2008-12-05T01:39:00.003Z

As you probably guessed from the title, there is, infact, a drawing in this post. It is the first (not-too-shitty) realisation of the demidevil character I was ranting about in my last post. It only took me about TWO HOURS to complete ¬¬

So, tell me what you think. I would love some feedback =]

If it takes 2 hours to draw this kinda shite, how long's it gonna take to draw ten screens featuring this guy? Answer... Too many =[

Until next time, Draco Dormiens Numquam Titillandus

- tom_349

I'm baaack!

2008-12-02T00:17:00.002Z

Yes! It's true, I am, infact, back. That is to say, I have returned to my laptop once more to bring you, my trusted, loyal readers a little slice of happiness in the form of another post on the SuperMegaUberBlogofMedia!!! (Yes, that is infact this blog's full name. It's not at the top of the page in shiny, photoshopped text for nothing you know...)

So, what delights and discoveries do I bring with me this time, you ask? I have planned yet another journey into my rather disturbed thought process to divulge the secret mechinations of form and substance. And no, I'm not "high" on some sort of hallucinagenic drug, I have decided to post a brainstorm for my Interactive Narrative project.

For this project, Me and my fellow Multimedia students have to create an interactive narrative (hence the title). The end result will be a user-reliant text created in Adobe Flash. Or, to the less tech-savvy of us; you click, it goes... I've decided my narrative is going to be some sort of animation-based concept, but I am yet to come up with a stable character or plot. However, I have done initial sketches for a mischevious daemon character (pics soon). The question posing me now is whether or not to make this rather sadistic looking demi-devil the main protagonist of my narrative, or to make him some sort of support character or villain. If I do decide to make him the main character, the plot will have to centre around something mischievious that he would be doing. This could work, as it would place the user in a position that they are not normally allowed to take; that of the prankster, having the ability to carry out morally dubious actions with no consequence (like Grand Theft Auto but a lot smaller).

We shall soon see where the creative element takes us, my dear readers...

But, until next time, This. Is. SPARRRR-TAA!!!

- tom_349

GAH! its been over a week!

2008-11-25T11:11:00.003Z

I do apologise to my loyal readers, for a definate lapse in the amount of information I have posted this week. I am now, however, in an overall better mood and creative "Posture." I don't know if thats the word I mean but it sort of does the trick. If you know what word I'm thinking of then post it in a comment =]

On a lighter note than my failing mental capacity, I have finished my One-Shot film, and you can view it on youtube. Or right here...

Hope you enjoy Jit's acting more, now that he's assumed a more serious role =P

Until next time, This is Madness...

- tom_349

Back from the weekend!

2008-11-17T23:07:00.007Z

Well hello again readers! It's that time again when I log on to inform you of all that I've done on my journey home. The answer isn't very exciting to be honest. I saw my loved ones, went to the pub, played pool, had a decent pint, etc. So, a pretty good weekend overall.

Also, if you havent already noticed, there's something big, green, and very worrying lurking below. Yup, you guessed it. It's another ASSIGNMENT!

This time, it's my response to the Rule of Thirds task I should've completed a while ago.

The rule of thirds is a photographic term used to describe the placement of objects in a still or frame, along certain “lines” drawn across the space. These lines are guidelines that determine where objects should be placed relevant to the size of the picture and other objects, and appear as an option on most camera devices

If I want to photograph a tree in a field, for example, I will place the tree along one of the vertical lines. The horizon should also conform to the layout and fall along one of the horizontal lines. The intersections of the lines act as “hotspots” for placements, so if there is a flock of sheep in the field I would try to position them on one of the intersections if I wanted them to be a focal point, if not they could be placed anywhere within the guidelines.

Now, I will demonstrate the rule of thirds on two existing images.

This landscape conforms well to the rule of thirds, the horizon (peaks of the mountains) begin on the topmost horizontal line and then deviate from it to portray perspective. The house is located at an intersection, making it the focal point of the image.

In this portrait, the figure is placed slightly off centre along one of the lines. The image behind him is placed on an intersection, drawing attention to it.

There's also my short video that I filmed with everything specially placed. The tram tracks and library fall on the verticals, while the top of Goldsmith Street (that the tram runs along) is placed along the upper horizontal.

Until next time, Aufwiedersehn.

- tom_349

Hello again...

2008-11-14T19:15:00.002Z

I apologise readers, for the lack of posts in the last four days, but nothing interesting has happened to be honest...

In other news, the Pixilation project has ended, and we at NTU Multimedia are now producing a one-shot film that has to be entitled "The Meeting." Deborah Tuck, who I believe set this project, has limited us students by allowing us to only use static cameras. We're allowed to pan, zoom, and tilt, but full movement of the camera would have been better. Also, we have to work in groups to film the piece, and we shall then edit it individually.

This week's seminar saw us playing with the effect lighting can have on a subject. Our group aimed for a serious, cop-show style atmosphere. And, as I was one of the only two people in my group who attended the lighting health and safety, I was the only one certified to hadle the lights, as the other person who did the H&S was operating the camera. So, enjoy my handy work, and Jit's awesome acting...

Sooooooo, until next time.

- tom_349

Pixilation

2008-11-10T01:39:00.002Z

Just a short post this time...

Here is the end result of my pixilation project. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do =P

Until next time, Give a little respect...

- tom_349

It's been three days!

2008-11-07T17:45:00.003Z

Hello again dear readers. It has infact been three days since I posted here, so I thought I'd best get to it and enlighten you further with my witty sattire =]

In regards to my latest ASSIGNMENT! I've already documented my ideas and am starting to bring together my plan. I was going to try and animate the whole thing but I really couldn't be bothered as I don't have a software program that makes it easy. So, i'm going to make it a mix of film and still graphics with a narration provided by moi. Might try and get some famous celeb to do it though, like Brian Blessed =P

With regards to my social standing, nothing much has happened this week. Except this...

This is the aftermath of "The Great Potatoe War" of 2008. Note the leg in the background severed from its owner by a potatoe grenade.

until next time.

- tom_349

What's big and green and makes students scream?

2008-11-04T11:31:00.003Z

Nope, It's not celery (although the stuff is EEEEEVIL), it's not even the thought of the incredible hulk fully tearing his shorts this time. It's another...

ASSIGNMENT!

The Rule of Thirds.

Describe the Rule of Thirds and produce a short, five second film that demonstates the rule visually.

Post your video and comments to your journal.

So, for this assignment I think I'm going to do the whole thing as a film, rather than make a five second clip and stick a load of notes with it. Therefore, I wont be able to finish it today like I did with the previous two. Expect it up sometime in the next week.

And, as most of you (my loyal ~~minions~~ readers) will know, I once again returned to Leeds this weekend. Fun was had by all and I have gained lots of free food, and alcohol from it. Thanks to those of you who donated food and booze (you know who you are =]), and shame on the rest of you for being uncharitable sods... =P The gifts are much appreciated by all back here in A0.

So, until next time, さよなら。

- tom_349

Just another night in halls...

2008-10-31T15:11:00.003Z

"Where to start?" That is today's big question. Last night was possibly the most bizzare night I have ever had...

You. will. not. believe. this...

The night started pretty normally. The lads of A0 went to Asda to buy essentials such as food, pumpkins (happy halloween btw), and of course, booze. There's a new rule now. Everytime we take a trip to Asda, each guy has to buy a drink he's never had before. Anyway, three bottles of booze and four pumpkins later we returned to the flat to start a night of pumpkin carving, drinking, (and little did we know at the time) suedo-military operations. At around 2 o'clock in the morning, when everyone was ready for bed, three very drunk girls stumble into our flat, looking for their flatmate (who was down in A0) and at the same time needing to use the loo. Fine. They then proceeded to wake everyone up, and have a party in Sam's room. Everyone then follows them up to their flat, the guys drooling like bulldog puppies, while I remain in the kitchen, carving my four pumpkins (result later =]). So, I finish the pumpkins and go up to A3 to see what's going on with everyone. That end's up with people throwing dolly mix and me giving a guitar lesson to a rather drunk girl at around quarter to three in the morning. By this time I'm back in my room tuning Kelly (I think she's called Kelly)'s guitar. This is when the night gets hectic...

The doorbell rings. And rings. And RINGS! So I answer the door, and there, in floods of tears, are Bosley's two friends. Minus Bosley. "Oh shit..." was the only reaction really. The next half-an-hour entailed jumping in Frazer's car and racing into the centre of Nottingham to try and find Bosley. Luckily we managed to get pick her up from the club she was at, but it could've been much worse. So, crisis over? Nope. We returned home to find one of Bosley's friends off her head having a conversation with her dad on the phone. OK, but she wasn't talking to her phone, she was talking to her DEBIT CARD. That's when we it got really wierd. There was a very drunk, maybe drugged girl talking to her phone card and trying to attack anyone that approached her. What could be worse?

The FIRE ALARM. That's what. The goddamn fire alarm goes off at three in the the morning. So, that's sorted and over with. C0 burnt some food. But this girl is getting worse, so the ambulance gets called. Turns out she wasn't spiked, she just couldn't handle her drink. So, she collapses in Bosley's room. Its now 5 o'clock, and all hopes of getting up tomorrow are gone. Everyone decides to go into their own rooms and I don't get to sleep until quarter past six. Then, next thing I know it's quarter past two in the afternoon and some arse is ringing the doorbell. Great.

So, an interesting night all round. We carved pumpkins, performed a search and rescue, and wasted an ambulances' time.

On a lighter note, I did carve four pumpkins.

It's KISS!

Happy Halloween.

- tom_349

midnight mischief.

2008-10-29T01:44:00.004Z

As I type it is 01.44 on the morning of Wednesday Oct 29th 2008, and I and various flatmates of mine have just gone to bed, after doing something despicable, nasty, and just plain wrong...

I give you... Sam's door.

Yup, we paper-mache'd it. And no, you are not mistaken. This is the same door that we covered in cardboard. Trust me, it's hard being a door in the modern halls environment, especially if you're the door to room A02. We don't do this out of malice, we all think Sam's a great guy, we do it for the hell of it. So, any more pranks we pull will be posted up here if I remember to take pics of them.

See the full extent of our efforts here.

Probably plan something for Frazer (Gayzerbeam - The Hate Machine)'s door next.

I need some no more nails =] he said with an evil smirk on his face...

- tom_349

Another day, another lecture, another assignment...

2008-10-28T18:10:00.009Z

Yep, that's right, another ASSIGNMENT!

And here it is...

Understanding Design Methodologies

Think about what goes on in your head when you buy something new, take a photo of your favorite designed object and answer the following questions:

Why is it that we want our belongings to do more for us than to function well?

Why are we willing, as soon as we can afford it, to pay extra for things with appealing forms?

You should post the photo as well as answer the questions.

Green is now officially assignment colour, so you'll know what's coming if you see it splashed around. =]

And guess what? The finished Assignment! Is ~~a sack o' crap~~ IN THE SAME POST!

Understanding Design Methodologies.

Why is it that we want our belongings to do more for us than to function well?

The answer to this question can differ for each individual person. It is personal preference that defines what a person wants from design, and documenting a definition of why we have personal preference is a task I shall leave to the Psychology students of NTU. However, what I will do is provide examples. The best example I can think of to argue “Form over Functionality” is fashion. The fashion industry seemingly despises functionality, and concentrates everything on the aesthetic form. This seems a ludicrous rationale, backed by this rather convenient quote: "To call a fashion wearable is the kiss of death. No new fashion worth its salt is wearable." [Eugenia Sheppard, "New York Herald Tribune," Jan. 13, 1960]. To discern for myself why aesthetic should come before functionality, I grilled one of my flatmates, who I would consider fashionable, with this situation...

“You have a choice of two overcoats. One is the most comfortable, well insulated coat in existence, the other is made of a thin material that does nothing to protect from the weather. However, the first coat is only available in day-glow pink and green checkers, the latter is a catwalk piece. The second coat is considerably more expensive than the first. Which would you have?”

Her answer? The latter item. When asked why, she answered “It’s all about looking good.” This simple statement displays the link between design and social convention and attitude. Therefore, I suggest that we want our belongings to do more for us than function well because of social convention and human nature. The majority of us want to be the best and have the best material possessions to prove it, and designers understand and cater for this.

Why are we willing, as soon as we can afford it, to pay extra for things with appealing forms?

And this is where my photographs come into play...

Here we have two objects... They both have a basic function; sit around looking interesting. Both also can be used to prop up books, games, etc or can be thrown at annoying housemates. I personally prefer the more expensive skull. The reason why is because I feel it has more character, and represents me better than the oversized, novelty die. (For those of you who think “dice” is the singular, think again! Mwahahaha!) So, the simple answer to why we buy more expensive things is because of personal preference. Because we like the more expensive object more than a cheaper alternative.

So, there it is, assignment number 2. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed fiddling with the formatting.

Farewell, until next time.

- tom_349

Triumphant return to non-reality.

2008-10-25T12:23:00.002+01:00

AAAARGH! It's been 2 WHOLE DAYS since I posted on my blog. I'm letting the side down *hangs head in shame*. But, now I'm back with more amazingly artistic words to fill your vision...

Seen as I'm not the only Multimedia student, this is not the only Multimedia blog. You can find the rest here. Wow, my first hyperlink. You should share my sense of accomplishment =].

Also, for those of you with a bit of videogame knowledge; the much-antisipated FarCry2 was released yesterday, and I can say that it does live up to the hype. The graphics engine is rediculously sharp, despite a bit of an aliasing issue, and runs very smoothly in 1080p. The gameplay works, with approximately 50km2 African Savanna (to run, drive, hack, and shoot through) offering an immensly detailed play area. There are minor niggles, such as the need to pop malaria pills more frequently than I personally would like, and a bit more auto-aim would've been nice. The enemy AI also seems a bit too aware, as they can spot you anywhere, even when you're being all sneaky...

On the whole, FarCry2 is a solid, enjoyable FPS that I am going to thouroghly enjoy for a long time to come.

Next week, Fallout 3.

Hab SoSlI' Quch!

- tom_349

Every little helps.

2008-10-23T22:24:00.002+01:00

No, don't worry, I'm not working for Tesco. The "little" is actually a short piece of pixilation I made when I chanced upon some of my flatmates pulling this rather amusing prank on Sam in A02. They were all too happy to be on film; so sit back, relax, pour a drink if you want, and enjoy "The Door."

Sweet dreams...

- tom_349

Done and dusted...

2008-10-21T21:37:00.000+01:00

Assignment!

well, would you believe it? It was only set eleven hours ago but i've finished it. Yup, my assignment (note big green word) is done, and here it is, in all it's radioactive glory...

Enjoy, and until next time...

- tom_349

After scouring the internet, typing different combinations of the words “Media,” “Technology,” and “Advancement” into Google, I eventually came across this…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2008/03/the_mobile_internet_kids.html

This simple article about why students are more tech-savvy than teachers got me thinking about the application of mobile phones, and especially, mobile internet. After searching Google some more, I came across an article that jolted a little piece of information stuck in the back of my head. The Japanese Finger-Phone.

http://sanjose.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2003/11/03/daily64.html

Imagine the possibility that Biological communication devices became mainstream in the way handsets are now. It’d be normal to see the majority of the population sticking their fingers in their ears to talk, or pressing their hands to text.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/hong+ik-university/korean-phone-concept-turns-your-hand-into-a-mobile-235106.php

So, in five years time, the technology is there, we’re using our hands to talk. What next? The simple answer is advancement. You’re hand can call and text, OK, but it still isn’t a multimedia device like the handsets we have now. That’s when the people over at Samsung etc say “Hey, how can we make your hand into a multimedia device?” As technology advances, devices get smaller and smaller, and we look for newer, more convenient ways to bring information to ourselves, could it be possible that in twenty years your mobile phone could be nothing more than a tiny transmitter and receiver implant? Or your camera is an eye patch that responds to the movement of your eyelids?
I believe the student of the future (as they seem to be more tech-savvy) will not keep their phone in their pocket, or their camera in their bag. They will wear them, or even be them. All the technology we have now: Mobile Phones, Internet, Touchscreen, Voice control, Movement Recognition; will all result in the human being the gadget, not using it. Every bit of technology I have just listed can now fit into the palm of your hand, proving that the future is being manufactured to use minimum space, and take minimum effort. Eventually, we may even be able to access the internet and communicate using only thought. Human-machine symbiosis will inevitably become available, the big question is when?
In conclusion, the ultimate answer to the question is a strange one, and probably a product of my impressionable, teenage mind. How will mobile technology influence society? I believe that eventually mobile technology will become one with us, giving life to that sci-fi favourite, the cyborg.

Long time no see.

2008-10-21T11:47:00.000+01:00

It's been five days since I updated my blog! "He's slacking already" I hear you say in that dissapointed yet unsurprised voice. Well fear not, I have an excuse. My lack of blogging this weekend was due my somewhat-less-than-epic return home. Therefore, the need to see family and friends has kept me away from my precious online journal. But now I'm back, onto the important stuff.

ASSIGNMENT!!!

Yes! the rather bright text above does not lie, I have an assignment! Exiting no? Well, not as much as you'd think. "Assignment" basically translates as "Homework, children," but not that nasty homework you get in school with a sheet that you have to copy from, which makes me feel a bit better. Here it is...

"Write a 300 – 500 word article that tells the audience about a recent multimedia technology that is being or has been developed in the last six months and explain what you think the impact of this technology will have upon society."

And you, my lucky, lucky readers are going to get to read it, As it has to be posted here. Yep, you read right. Here.

So keep checking back, It has to be in before next Tuesday.

Live long and Prosper... \\//

- tom_349

Discussion on the Ideum...

2008-10-16T22:35:00.000+01:00

Yet another philosophical title there =P

The point of this post is my first BRAINSTORM. The Multimedia students have been set a piece of pixilation work to do. I think I explained this in my last post. Anyway, the point is I've had some ideas, and as the point of this blog is to document the creative process developing within my twisted little mind O_o, I'm going to share them with you =]

I have to include human subjects to make it a pixilation instead of full on stop-motion, so I was thinking maybe a corridor based short like in the cartoons, with people going in one door and coming out the other. Or, I might create a fight scene and use photoshop to add in some street fighter-style effects and stuff. HADOUKEN!!! lol, I'm such a geek =P

So, those are my ideas so far. I might even do a kitchen based thing, like a slapstick sitcom in pixilation. I really don't know yet.

Until next time, may the force be with you...

- tom_349

First assignment

2008-10-14T23:14:00.000+01:00

Hello again guys and gals... =S

It turns out my first piece of work is a Pixilation (stop-frame animation that uses people as puppets, for those of you less well informed). The idea is that I present a short film in three weeks. So I suppose I'd better crack on with it. I'll put up any ideas I have so you can walk my creative path (Descriptions like that might get me marks for creativity, I don't know...). Anyway, the jist is I'm gonna try to document everything on here.

Oh, and My work produced in freshers week is finally on the net. See it here.

http://www.reflectivejournal.co.uk/students/yr1/induction/08-09/pinhole/

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=44PNvGz6QpQ

Enjoy, and until next time, thanks for reading.

- tom_349

The weekend passeth...

2008-10-13T03:02:00.000+01:00

It's 03.03 on monday morning, and i'm here writing my blog. The weekend was pretty enjoyable, t'was the climax of fresher's on saturday and we dressed as Spartans to march to the SU. Neglected to get any pics tho =[. Sunday was a good day, i woke up at 14.22, had pizza for breakfast, went to the SU for pub quiz (we got 21/50 points! woot) and got a kebab to walk home with.

Its all good, and i'm just waiting for my first lecture on tuesday so i can get to work doing something interesting. On a more morbid note... It's taken 9 days but home sickness has set in good and proper, so i suppose it's a good thing i'm going home this weekend coming for 3 days.

So, I'm off to bed. And as Boston once said: I closed my eyes and i slipped away...

- tom_349

What did you do in your first week?

2008-10-11T12:47:00.000+01:00

Ah, the time has come to finally answer that all important essay question (lol) that makes up the title of this post. Prepare for the madness... D=

This week I've moved into what some would regard as the deepest pits of hell, University halls. It's been an amazing experience - meeting loads of people, making new friends - and It's so different to living at home. The biggest difference is social interaction, having not got to sleep before 2am every night, and having drunk excessive amounts of alcohol, I'm starting to see what living in halls is all about. I would like to comment on how my course is going, but at the moment I've only attended a couple of group building exercises, and from what I've seen so far it's going to be great. I've tried to dedicate myself already by updating this blog everyday, and I plan to continue once my course starts proper.

So... mild insomnia, alocohol abuse, nine cans of red bull in one night, and the randomly occuring compulsion to scream "MERIDIAN!!!" at any point have changed me somewhat.

To wrap up, sitting here typing, listening to the Malcomn in the Middle theme tune, I feel different to what I did a mere seven-and-a-half days ago.

What did I do in my first week? I learned how to live.

- tom_349

First piece of work (yay)

2008-10-09T15:16:00.000+01:00

"Where is it?" You ask. Don't fear, for I'm about to tell you. The first piece of work i have done while at uni, is... (Drumroll please) My blog display picture!

I can feel you're sense of unimpressedness (yes, I know, it's probably not a word) and disappointment at this startling revelation. However, it is a piece of work none-the-less and should be credited as such.

I created it by taking a pic of myself and tracing it in photoshop to try (and apparently fail =] ) to give it an anime feel. I know the lines are shakey and a bit crap but it's the first time I've used my tablet (another milestone in my life, woopee!), and I'm definately no Van Gogh, as i still have both ears.

well, i must say my farewells for another day at least, thanks for reading

- tom_349

The reason we are here. (sounds all philospohical, doesn't it?)

2008-10-08T23:24:00.000+01:00

You might have read down and seen my somewhat less-than-harrowing account of last night, proving that I am infact, stupid. However, despite social scandal and boring stundent life stuff, the reason you are reading this now, and the reason for this blog's very existance even, is that it's a course requirement of BA (hons) Multimedia at NTU that I keep a journal of my work, life, whatever. So, let me get on with the task I was set, these two incredibly complicated questions ...

What did you do during your first week?

I can't really answer this yet, as my first week doesn't end for two days, so that'll be updated in the early hours of saturday morning =]

What do you want to get out of the course after 3 years?

This one's a bit trickier...

I suppose, at the end of the day, I want to be able to get a well paid, enjoyable job. But to get that I'm gonna have to learn skills and techniques, and create an amazing portfolio. So, to keep it short and sweet, I want to work, I want to do well, and overall, I want to have a f***ing good time doing it.

=)

- tom_349

The night before... and what a night it was

2008-10-08T22:39:00.000+01:00

Well, with a title like that how can this post really be anything other than an account of the stark, and frankly embarrasing, tale of life in halls? Let us begin...

The night started as any other at Meridian Court, with a quick trip to Tesco for supplies (hehe). Our required supply for the night wasn't bread for late night feasting or bathroom cleaner, nope, we were after a bottle of Tesco's own triple distilled vodka. Upon arrival back at the flat we wasted no time in launching into the highest risk game of chance in the book, Drinking 21. Listen kids, dont play this game unless you want to wake up embarrased and ashamed at the state of intoxication you managed to work yourself into. The game goes like this. The players all play aginst the dealer, which alternates every five hands. If the dealer wins the hand, everyone else drinks a finger worth of their drink (a finger worth is about a mouthfull). If the dealer is beaten, he/she has to drink a finger for each person who beat him/her. A finger is also required if you go bust. doesnt sound too bad, does it?

Yeah right. Fingers are stackable, so if you go bust and get beaten by the other three players (as one of my flatmates did) you have to have 4 fingers of your drink. Look at how wide all four fingers are on one of your hands. That's a lot of drink. By the end of the night, I had drunk approximately two thirds of a bottle of vodka. On an empty stomach.

I would therefore like to post a public apology to all the people I accosted in Meridian Court on the night of tuesday 7th October 2008.

So kids, the moral of the story is... don't go mental on drink like I did.

Oh, and the hangover is terrible.

- tom_349

Introductery message

2008-10-08T12:24:00.000+01:00

Well, this is it [unimpressed smiley face], my first real blog! This isn't like those rubbish blogs on myspace that no one reads, oh no, this is a proper, dedicated, student(y) blog. And it's mine =] I'm gonna try and document my life as a student, informing you of the highs and lows, revealing scandalous antics (a reason to keep reading), and generally posting anything and everything about life as a Multimedia student at Nottingham Trent University.

So keep visiting my blog, even if you think it's a bit rubbish, because you never know what you'll discover ( ;

- tom_349