Terdina Family

Blink

2008-04-27T10:47:00.003-05:00

I read "Blink" a few weeks ago. As was "The Tipping Point" this work is extremely well written. The reasoning is excellent and it is presented in a very straightforward manner. I did however, prefer "The Tipping Point" as the material itself I found more compelling. I would highly recommend this book as well as the previous, though.

I guess I don't feel as I have as much 'take-away' from this piece. Can I effectively manage the subconscious super-analytic snap decision brain-power we all have...?

Painting

2008-03-18T20:32:00.004-05:00

The portrait of me you see to the left was painted by Mary Quian, an artist I formerly worked with on MK:Deception and Armageddon. I think she must have painted almost everybody in the PD department at the Midway Chicago studio at one point or another.

Among other things, she was responsible for creating the "Falling Cliffs" level in Deception; very cool. My understanding is she moved on to character design and modelling after that.

She is a very talented 3D artist and has a strong passion for painting.

I can't say enough about how cool it is to be able to work with so many talented individuals in the video game development business.

Check out her website: http://www.maryqian.com/

Nick is slamming random keys with oversized mits on

2008-03-14T20:43:00.002-05:00

I just got a link from a friend with whom I worked with at Midway Games.

Nick is a consummate techie. Check out his site if you are also so inclined.

http://nickshin.blogspot.com/

The Tipping Point

2008-02-23T13:09:00.004-06:00

I am currently reading "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell. It is mesmerizing.

The premise of the book is that change can happen sort of non-linearly, or as he describes it, geometrically; much like a virus.

He presents a variety of examples and suggests some elements that facilitate this sort of change in a way that is easy and entertaining, but also approachable for general readers like myself.

Here is his own description of the book.

http://www.gladwell.com/tippingpoint/index.html

I have the book in paperback, and according to the heading, it is a national bestseller. This is not at all surprising to me.

I highly recommend reading this book.

History of the U.S. Economy in the 20th Century

2008-02-13T16:22:00.003-06:00

I justed finished listening to the second lecture on audiobooks for this series on the history of the U.S. economy. The professor is fantastic. I previously have listened to 20 previous lectures relating to macro and micro economics.

This series delves into how some of the institutions we have today came into being and gives some color to the notion that some of these institutions that we hold as universal really have not been around very long.

You can download the audio to your ipod etc. It's not free but it is worth a listen if you have some time.

http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/coursedesclong2.aspx?cid=529&pc=Business%20and%20Economics

Medieval Times

2008-02-03T19:06:00.001-06:00

Taki, Cheryl, and I decided to squeeze in a trip to Medieval Times for the matinee show on this Superbowl Sunday. The big upside is there probably wasn't their normal crowd. We were joined by another family and the kids all had a great time. The food was served without utensils. Cheryl didn't much care for that but Taki and I enjoyed eating chicken, ribs, and potatoes with our fingers. We got to eat our soup by sipping it from the pewter bowl too.

Fortunately, I was still able to get in front of some video to see kickoff. I'm back off to see the second half.

Shown below: Taki and Cheryl looking good in their stylish crowns.

Active Velocity Control Bait Casting Reel for Fishing

2008-02-01T10:25:00.000-06:00

I had, a few years ago, been thinking about fishing with baitcasting reels. One big advantage that I enjoy is being able to control the speed of the line coming out with my thumb.

One disadvantage is the spool can spin too fast causing a nasty "birds nest" of line on your spool. Another disadvantage is the cast distance is minimized by the techniques used to not allow that to happen.

The common technique is to use mechanical braking to minimize the spool speed again at the expense of cast distance.

A few years back, Shimano came up with a technology that uses a computer to "shape" the braking pattern so the braking can be non-linear and tuned to the time of the cast. So I suppose it would allow faster spin rates at the beginning then, as toward the end of the cast, it could increase the braking, thus helping cast distance while still minimizing backlash.

Check out this site for their description of this cutting edge tech:

http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/fish/sac/us/en/dc_technology.html

These reels are pricey, I plan to get one this spring. The tech is so compelling.

I think the next big step in this process is to come up with a way that the reel could actively adjust the speed of the spool. The difference is somewhat analogous to passive versus active suspension in autos. The current state of Shimano technology is still passive, computer controlled non-linear brake shaping. With Active Velocity control, the reel needs to adjust the braking in a non-linear fashion, but also in a way that can actively in real-time, adjust braking. This will help when discontinuities in the velocity occur which can minimize massive backlash.

What is backlash?
In mathematically I suppose backlash is when the spool velocity (w) exceeds the line velocity (v) divided by the radius of the spool. (radius in not constant)

w > v / r

So if we can electronically brake the spool we just need to apply the braking when the above equation true until

w = v / r

The solution
If somebody were to build a computer to calculate the optimal spool velocity and compare it to the actual one, braking when the actual spool velocity exceeds the optimal one, backlash would disappear. A nice side benefit is that the spool can then be engineered mechanically, such that the more spin resistance is minimized, the further the reel will cast.

Measured inputs
We will need to measure the following values.
Actual spool velocity.

This problem has already been solved in many ways, even in current fishing reels. One way would be to use an opticoupler like ones found in computer mice.
Spool radius.

This also has been addressed in current fishing reels. Abu-Garcia has a line trolling computer that has the user enter the percent amount that the reel is filled with line, when all the line is in. Then, by counting the spool revolutions, they can presumably estimate the current spool radius.
Line speed.

Here we need to measure the speed at which the line is actually coming off the reel, independent of the spool speed. The technique that first comes to mind would be to manufacture a metered line with very small metering distances. Maybe the opacity levels are toggled with the metering. Then using light detection techniques as the line passes through the eyehole portion of the spool used to evenly wind the line onto the spool, the speed could be measured, taking care to handle aliased velocities by the lengths of the metering.

Applying the solution. In order to successfully create a product using active braking, a good deal of design must be undertaken. The majority of the work is in measuring accurately and cost effectively, those elements listed above.

result: a better mouse trap

Illinois Lottery: Golden Tee Golf

2008-01-31T20:41:00.000-06:00

Shown above is a picture of the new Illinois Golden Tee Golf Instant Lottery Ticket.

This is the flagship product of Incredible Technologies, the company I now work for. A lot of folks worked a very long time to create and grow this title; gotta give them props.

Cosi

2008-01-30T16:37:00.001-06:00

Our family recently grabbed some dinner at Cosi in Naperville Il. We met another family for some pizza and chat.

They do the flat crispy pizza there. The atmosphere is warm, family friendly, and comfortable. The kids ate pizza and s'mores for dessert.

I will definitely stop in next time I am in town and want a quick bite.

Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip, and Pecan Cookies

2008-01-29T17:07:00.000-06:00

These cookies were made from a recipe from cooking light. My daughter Taki, Cheryl and I love them.

They taste as though there were toffee in them.

Below is Taki enjoying some of the ingredients sans cookie

Greenspan

2008-01-27T02:55:00.000-06:00

I recently began reading "The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World " by Alan Greenspan.

This book is a bit of departure from my regular fare; "1776" and "John Adams" by McCullough, "Founding Brothers" and "His Execellency: George Washington" by Joseph J. Ellis, "Alexander Hamilton" by Ron Chernow ... (the list goes on)

Anyway, being into U.S. history as I am, this book is chock-full of references to people I've heard of, and although I prefer my history aged, I can't help but be compelled.

An example is Greenspan mentions folks like Paul Volker over to Ayn Rand; Richard Nixon to Bill Clinton.

Check it out if you have a bit of time on your hands.

Nissan GT-R Skyline

2008-01-23T17:14:00.001-06:00

Above is a pic from nissan, showing the real car.

A lot of folks are familiar with the Nissan Skyline from playing previous versions of Gran Turismo. Nissan has a cool tie in with the PS3 Gran Turismo version. We north american fans will see the GT-R (Skyline) in the PS3 version of Gran Turismo, which is corresponding to the car's release here in the states.

Below is Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo version.Whoa.

Swedish Cardamom Coffee Cake

2008-01-21T22:08:00.001-06:00

Although the Swedish may not be known for their Baking prowess, shown above is an example of my wife's delicious Cardamom Coffee Cake. I enjoy it because it is not overly sweet and a bit bread like. The cardamom itself has a distinct and interesting flavor.

Our local bakery only has it around the holidays. Luckily for me Cheryl makes it any time of year.

iPhone equals fantastic

2008-01-21T21:30:00.000-06:00

I just picked up an iPhone at the Apple Store yesterday. An old acquaintence described it as "the coolest piece of technology." I tend to agree.

I am very impressed. I feel as if the designers and engineers of this product use it themselves. Have you ever caught yourself saying "wouldn't it be great if..." These folks are not only asking these questions...They are answering them.

On another note...

Just to show what a small world it is, I ran into the guy who hired me at Midway some years back. He is the EVP of product development there and a really sharp guy.

I have a great deal of respect for a lot of folks at Midway. I expect 2008 to be their year.

Foam from Home Depot

2008-01-19T08:10:00.000-06:00

I recently contacted technical art guru Chuck Ernst. I used to work with at Midway with him. He has this really cool 3D sculpting machine. He didn't have any cool pics available for that but he did send some shots of props he has made for his kid's daddy-daughter dances.

Above is one of the sculptures in it's finished state.

Shown above is what it starts out like.

Chuck Says all you have to do is this. "Yeah the sculptures are made of pink foam bought at home depot. The deal is to make something huge and thick you have to glue the stuff together. I create most pieces in 3d then print out the slices on a plotter to use as templates. I made most of my own sculpting tools, thick wire hooked up to super high output soldering irons. "

Sounds easy, huh?

One thing I have always enjoyed about the business I am in is that you get to work with incredibly talented people who do really cool things as hobbies.

Street Fighter the Movie, The Inside Story

2008-01-17T01:42:00.000-06:00

I have recently been working on a new coin-op game with Alan Noon, a designer/artist that I have worked with in the past.

He was heavily involved in Street Fighter The Movie Coin-op game in the early nineties.

He has a cautionary tale of some of the caveats facing video game makers in his blog post here.

http://alan-noon.blogspot.com/2007_08_01_archive.html

Check it out.

Time Killers 2? (that's just silly)

2008-01-13T11:35:00.000-06:00

I got an email a few months back from a MK artist and former Time Killers player. He was goofing on me with "Time Killers 2?" and sent along this image. After I finished laughing I got to thinking of this little known fact.

I may be the only person to work as an engineer on a game called Time Killers and any of the MK series. (DA, Deception, and Armageddon)

I got involved toward the end of Time Killers with my assigned tasks consisting of AI design and programming the boss character, "Death" or as I like to call him "The Immortal". (I didn't make up the name, some testers started calling him that because he would say as a taunt "I am the Immortal", but I did laugh, so that counts for something)

This was totally different from my first MK project: Deadly Alliance, where I got involved toward the end with assigned tasks consisting of AI design and programming the boss character "Moloch". With Moloch another programmer and I used to kid that fighting him was "going toe-to-toe with the beast" (I think he actually thought of the tag line, but I did laugh, so that counts for something)
What comes around goes around.

Burnout Paradise

2008-01-13T07:08:00.000-06:00

Burnout Paradise is due to ship January 22nd. There have been some concerns that the new open style maps will not as fun as the more tightly tracked Burnout Revenge.

If anybody can pull it off it would be that team.

Check out more info:

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/new-burnout-paradise-box-art-ditches-crashes-for-white-space/

I am looking forward to it, having unlocked everything in Burnout Revenge.

Cedar Plank Salmon

2008-01-12T17:33:00.001-06:00

Shown here is my latest attempt at cedar plank salmon. I got the smackdown from my wife about the WildFire salmon being a bit tastier. I think I've got them this time. Rich Melman, eat your heart out.

Above is our daughter Taki, enjoying the cooking process.

Lexus IS-F

2008-01-12T14:16:00.001-06:00

Lexus is coming out with a high performance version of there IS line. It has some impressive performance numbers. It appears they are going after the BMW M3 buyers. The M3 is due for a redesign in '08 also, and will be coming in a coupe.

I saw the white version at the Lexus Drive Event in Arlington Heights, IL this past fall. Pretty cool!

Check out the Lexus IS-F site:

http://www.lexus.com/isf/

Enjoy.

Ribs via big green egg

2008-01-06T17:48:00.001-06:00

It's January in chicago so what better time then to smoke some ribs on my Big Green Egg.

I have a neighbor from the south that I use for advice about smoking. If you haven't used a kamado style cooker before, I highly recommend it. You can control the heat, keeping it at 250 degrees for smoking. I use mine for grilling steaks too. You can easily get 700 degrees with lump charcoal; nice for steak grilling.

Mortal Kombat Deception

2008-01-06T14:24:00.000-06:00

Shown above is a scan of my invitation to the Mortal Kombat Deception
wrap party. I was fortunate to be able to work on the last three MK
games, including the subsequent MK Armageddon. Deception was the most
difficult product to develop that I have ever been a part of, and one
of the most fulfilling. I lost a lot of sleep either fixing or worrying about fixing online issues.

It was particularly gratifying seeing the online portion of the game
work so well. We shipped supporting both PS2 and XBOX online. The game
handled latency quite elegantly.

Even thought I am not a part of it, I am looking forward playing the
next product in the series, due to ship this fall on next gen platforms.

Cool Artwork

2008-01-04T02:19:00.000-06:00

A funny thing happened when I sent an email to Tim Coman about the blog post regarding X-Men. He said he was working on some artwork for a website.

Currently, Tim is an art director at Day-1 Studios, a high-caliber game development shop.

Check out some other pics if you like:

http://www.tcoman.com/gallery_concepts.html

State Street Games Acquired by IT

2008-01-03T17:01:00.001-06:00

Our little shop where we make video games was just acquired by some really sharp folks; who also happen to be the biggest and best in the business!

I have very high expectations. "The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta’ Wear Shades"

Some excerpts from the press release below:

Written by Incredible Technologies

Friday, 07 December 2007 Incredible Technologies Hires 7 New Employees
Company Also Acquires State Street Games As It Ramps Up for Growth Spurt

(Arlington Heights, IL – December 7, 2007) Don’t tell anyone at Incredible Technologies that business in the amusement industry is slow! ...

The company announced today that it has recently hired 7 new employees and acquired a game development studio to help get more products to market faster. “We’re expecting a strong period of growth during the next few years,” said President and CEO, Elaine Hodgson. “We’re very fortunate that such high-quality individuals have made themselves available to us. We’re very pleased to welcome them into the IT family.”

Hodgson was enthusiastic when she described the acquisition of State Street Games. “SSG will bring new blood and new ideas to IT,” she said. “We’re looking forward to great things from them.”

State Street Games (now called IT West due to the location of their offices in Chicago’s western suburbs) spokesperson, Jim Terdina, echoed Hodgson’s excitement. “IT’s resources and financial position will allow us to achieve goals and ambitions we could never attain on our own. They’re a big company but we feel very comfortable with them.”

X-Men Coulda,Woulda,Shoulda

2008-01-01T07:52:00.000-06:00

Tim Coman and I pitched a game, a long time ago, to Marvel for an episodic X-Men game. Here is an exerpt from an old gamespot post. I really wanted to do this game; and yes that is my picture on the poster directly behind wolverine's head.

If I feel really inspired and the Illini are getting trounced by USC in today's Rose Bowl, maybe I'll see if I can get the build of the game to run.

Check out the blurb on this site if you like
http://chauchau0.tistory.com/entry/History-of-the-X-MEN-games-By-GameSpot

Here are some relevent exerpts.
Original author credits:By Doug Trueman Designed By Katie Bush

Once upon a time, Marvel Comics had the notion that a PC game based on the X-Men might help the once-floundering company. GameSpot got in touch with Tim Coman, a developer on the title, and he wistfully told us how he had envisioned the PC title.

"We originally pitched the idea to Marvel Interactive a few years back. This was right at the time they were declaring bankruptcy. The idea as we pitched it would have included most of the mainstay characters: Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Colossus, Phoenix, Professor X, plus tons of hidden characters. The basic premise was that you'd be able to switch between characters. [For example, you'd meet] Sunfire and he'd join your group, not unlike a power-up. You'd then have the ability to switch to using him, complete a specific task, and then switch back. The view on the game was three-quarters down. We went with high-res prerendered characters moving over a continuous background. Our original idea was to base levels on the Claremont/Byrne run of the comics.

"We wanted to have each of the levels lead to the next, [like the series]. We might have started in the Savage Land where the player would meet up with Kazar then progress to Proteus, Murderworld, the White Queen Saga, ending with the Phoenix vs. Imperial Guard on the Moon. We thought it might be cool to have sublevels with subplots like the comic, like having Wolvie fight a bunch of Ninjas sent by his girlfriend's father, [but] Marvel was more interested in having just the Apocalypse storyline featured. Another idea we bounced back and forth was to have add-on packs of characters that you could plug into the game. [For example], if you wanted to buy Havok as a main character you could purchase just that character and load him in. We talked about being able to download him off the Internet as well. We had also talked about having continuing sagas, so you could buy the next saga instead of having the complete game come out all at once. [We thought of selling] the game in installments and having the option of buying the whole game after the whole series came out [like] the trade paperback model of releasing comics. We spent some amount of time on the engine [and eventually] we had Wolverine and Storm moving around. We included the Brood as enemies you could fight against. These were at a rough stage of development but possibly of interest to fans of X-Men."

It's a shame this title never made it past the development stage, but with Marvel having some financial difficulties at this time, it doesn't come as much of a surprise. Maybe in the future. Below are some shots of the game in its early development stages, taken before the ax fell.

Wildfire

2007-12-31T16:38:00.000-06:00

Cheryl and I went out to dinner at Wildfire in Oakbrook Illinois last night with another couple Kent and Kirsten; here are our impressions.

The food was outstanding, service respectable, and I am certainly looking forward to our next visit.

Cheryl and I ordered mussels for an appetizer. They were pretty large, and I think I prefer smaller ones.

I ordered the 10 oz prime rib cooked medium. I will order this again on my next visit as it was the best prime rib I’ve ever had. I got the mashed potatoes for my side dish.

Cheryl went with salmon cooked on a cedar plank with brown sugar. She loved it! I make a cedar salmon on the grill with maple syrup and although she didn’t admit it, I think she might prefer the Wildfire offering over mine. She got broccoli for her side. Everyone loved the maple pecan pie for dessert.

Kent and Kirsten ordered different flavors of Filet, which they enjoyed. For her side, Kirsten ordered a sweet potato; beware, it was gigantic. Actually so big that she might have been a bit intimidated by it.

The place was packed, but they seated us immediately with our advance reservations.

Overall, excellent experience.

Pizza Bake

2007-12-30T13:02:00.000-06:00

We set out to assemble and bake our pizza

We are going with cheese and mushroom today

Put it all together and bake

Little ones enjoy helping... and eating

Pizza Dough

2007-12-29T10:58:00.000-06:00

Here are some photos of our pizza dough making.

Shown below are the ingredients we use.

We allow the yeast to rise, below.

Next our daughter pounds the dough into submission

Then we are ready for the fridge.