Troubleshooting Today Update

Back in  April 2007 , I described an error in AutoCad.  A couple days ago I got an email from James with a screen shot:

Thanks for sending the image James - it is certainly just as funny now as it was before!

Physics Games / Aps

A long time ago I posted about physics related games. As I have been loading up my IPod with games (I don't really use it for music, but got it just before teh I-Pads really came out with a splash), I, of course, have been playing a variety of physics based games. App Advice has a good lists of games to try out. I have played some - and some I have played on their computer based counterparts - so I will be looking forward to trying out more of these.

Also, I would add Cut the Rope to the list as well as Tiny Wings (my current additiction). While I guess you could argue that tiny wings isn't really the same, you have to time the speed height, etc of the bird just right to gain the highest score &/or meet the objectives, making it close enough for me.

Games

Its been a while since I have posted any good physics games.
World of Goo is probably my favorite. It is available as wiiware, and is simple and intuitive to operate, but has a pleasing complexity. Generally you move around bits of goo that build towers, cantilevers, bridges, and so forth. Some goo can be reused, other types can catch on fire or be used as fuses.

Tiki Towers is also available on wiiware. The idea is similar to World of Goo - building structures to get to point a to b. Here you are saving the monkeys, and possibly rescuing a few as well. In this game you are using bamboo to build with, and you have a few additional capabilities (reinforcing joints for instance) However, you got a baddie that can catch a segment on fire or turn it into rubber. The game is a little more difficult to control, and a little more challenging than Goo.

If you have a few minutes to burn while you are sitting at the computer check out this site. There are many games to play, straight from your browser.

Valchromat - Colored MDF

While bidding a current project I have been introduced to a new material - Valchromat. This is an MDF sheet (4x8 or 6x8) that is through colored. It is advertised as 30% stronger than MDF and water resistant, color fast, and a "green" material. Since when it is scratched it can be repaired since the color goes through it, it is similar to some of teh solid surface countertop products (like corian). A sheet will set you beack about $120 each, with a $40. packing charge per 40 sheets. If there was a black I think it would be an intriguing stage floor product. However, it is available in yellow, anthracite, blue, brown, green and red. You can check out a PDF of the specs here.

Fantastic Contraption

Fantastic Contraption is my current addiction. You can find it at: http://fantasticcontraption.com/. The first 20 levels are available online, and I have only 1 or 2 left to solve. I also like that you can share your contraptions with others.

System Mania & Amrmadillo Run

Two for today, or I will be doing this all month!
System Mania combines contraption orientated games with the service genre (Dinner Dash inspired) games. While the ideas (pull a cord, rotate hourglass times, push buttons) is contraption like, it is more of a speed game than a problem solving game

http://jayisgames.com/archives/2008/09/system_mania.php

Armadillo Run is a great game, and very addicting. If you buy the game there are 50 levels, and you can create your own levels. Its very fun, and a great way to make you think.

http://www.armadillorun.com/

Crazy Machines

Crazy Machines is yet another Rube Goldberg-like contraption game where you complete each level by making an invention work. You have a wide array for tools, and the experiements range from moving balls to target locations to illuminating a variety of lights. There are lots of levels ( 200), and a variety of ways to complete each level. Beware it is addicting!

I purchased my copy off the shelf at a local retailer, but a review can be seen at:
http://jayisgames.com/archives/2008/09/crazy_machines.php

Tom & Jerry

In the spirit of games here is a link to Tom & Jerry Trap - O - Matic. It follows a Rube Goldberg like play with rollers, shooters cutters and the like.

http://daflax.com/index.php?lang=pt_br&option=content&task=view&id=109

Speaking of Rube Goldberg, over the weekend I watched the "Goonies" and realized for the first time that they have several great examples of Goldberg like contraptions, even including the use of line animals!

Clack

One of the things I like to do in my spare time is to play games. There is a wide variety out there that rely on problem solving skills (spatially orientated and otherwise) as well as engineering skills, and other TD applicable skills. Clack, found at:
http://casualgameplay.com/cgdc1/?puzzleID=15, is the first of the games that I will be posting links too.

Have Fun!

Humor of the day

Things have been a bit crazy lately, but I hope to get back to posting regularly soon. As for now- a bit of humor for you :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxwTC13f1PE

Project Management Cartoon

An old cartoon, with many different interpretations. As there is truth in the joke, it is enduring.

You can find more information at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/science/01clas.html?th=&emc=th&pagewanted=print

fun for the day

A Rube Goldberg inspired ad:
http://producten.hema.nl/

Forklift training video

A video about forklifts & safety. Not for the faint of heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9asCfvX6uM