Combat missions over the last few days

I've been having a lot of fun over the last week or so, running missions for various agents. I first started doing missions for a level 1 agent in Kihtaled and then decided to go back to a level 2 agent I had started working with in Baratar some 14 systems away. The missions are a bit more challenging and bring in better rewards/standing/loyalty points. The screenshots below were taken over the week.



I plan to do some more missions tonight, since Tuesday night we'll be mining in a low security systems for some rare ores and I'll be hauling that cargo back to home base in Fat Mimi I, my trusty Galletean Iteron Mark V.

An amazing EVE Online wallpaper from Meritus

Since finding this amazing wallpaper image in early May, I've used it as such both at home and at work. "The Iron Tide" is a 30" wide work of art depecting a huge EVE Online battle. This is the work of Meritus (aka Murtaza), and he does deserve all the merit (pun intended) for this beuatiful rendition of EVE warfare.



[UPDATE 18/04/2008] Thanks to an anonymous reader who pointed out that the above links - which I removed - were dead. Here's the link to the full size image. I've also got a downloaded version, so if this link ever dies on us I can email it to you.

Gaming: Getting ready for next year

I've been trying to keep myself abreast of the latest Vista news, making sure I stay on top of things so that I don't get a nasty surprise when the time comes to upgrade.

The main reason for me to upgrade will be the new Trinity II graphics engine for EVE Online. Hell it might even be the only reason. I really don't give a monkey's ass about the 'look' of Vista - I currently run Windows XP with the bare minimum graphics fluff (the Windows 2000 look). Not that I don't have the hardware for it (1Gb of RAM, Radeon 9500 Pro 128Mb), but I prefer to keep things lean and fast. I like things to look good in EVE, not in Windows.

And so, I keep looking for information, advice, tips and all in knowing if I'll need to upgrade any parts of my current PC in order to run Vista and its new graphics engine - again, the only reason is for the new EVE graphics engine (check this flickr slideshow and you'll understand why). This morning I came across this news article of at GameSpot that has a load of goodies. Here you'll find links to the Microsoft Vista Home and to the Get Ready beta utility with which you'll be able to see if you can run Vista when it comes out or if you'll need to upgrade anything. In my case, I'll have to change my main (master) hard drive - a very old (2000) yet very sturdy and reliable Fujitsu HDD.

While you're at it, head over to these previous posts to learn about Windows Vista: "Gaming: Windows Vista review on Gamespot" - Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4. I also suggest you take a look at my growing Windows Vista blinklist, with which I keep track of everything related.

A new EVE Online video

I'm always amazed at the quality of the official EVE Online trailers from CCP. "No Other Destiny", their latest trailer, is no different. It's simply stunning, both visually and musically. The music, by Black Sun Empire (Netherlands), is a perfect fit for the action sequence.



Get the actual trailer on EVE Online's site, here.

Running more missions in Khanid Kingdom

Spent the better part of last evening running missions in Kihtaled, in the Khanid Kingdom. I've got to seriously get going on this, since we need to get our corporation standing up to 4.0. The higher it is the more efficient and cost effective we can be at manufacturing, which is the purpose of PPL.

Here a few good screenshots from last night. I should have a lot more done by Friday evening, since Stephanie is out of town on business.

CrazyKinux's Musing: a major overhaul

Well I finally got to it - redesigned this blog to look exactly like I always wanted. I used PsycHo to generate a template and then spent a lot of time, tweaking the look and feel and importing the various links, and items from my old template to the new one.

It works almost as I want it to look like. Except in IE6.0 that is. For some god forsaken reason, the 3rd column start at the end of the main section. This happens only in IE. In Firefox, it's fine - it looks great. If anyone knows why and can help me fix this, I would greatly appreciate the help. And if anyone viewing this site with Opera, Safari or IE7.0, I would also be thankful if you told me if all three columns start are the top.

In the meantime, use Firefox (which is my default browser anyway) to view the site at it's best.

I've got a bunch of posts, ready to be published. I'll be back to my regular daily posts soon.

Movie: CGI test of Optimus Prime

Here's a cool clip of a CGI test of Optimus Prime transforming. The clip can be found at blackfilm.com along with some nice artwork.

This is the work of JJ from 3D Blasphemy, and you have to give to the guy, it looks amazing. I only wish this was actual Transformer movie material.

Two new Titan videos

Found two new interesting videos of Titans on YouTube. They're a bit choppy, but still neat to see and it gives us a glimpse of things to come.

Been busy lately...

Spring. Time of the year where life emerges from the dark and cold places it's been hiding all winter long. The time where terraces re-open on the sunny side of streets, where beer starts to flow more freely, and where people start to do stuff outside in the open for a change.

In these times, my PC, gaming buddy for the last few months, doesn't see as much action. It stays in standby mode longer then usual, its fan keep quiet for whole evenings at a time and it just doesn't get the respect it deserves.

But do not worry. Things will settle down and rain will cool this spring fever soon enough. Next thing you know, I'll be back to my ol'tricks, gettting a tan from my CRT.

See you soon!