I've Been Published...

          Sort of. Castella In Theory: The Worst Of Derek Russell (We Always But We Never) has been turn into a printed book thanks to the brilliant guys and gals over at Blurb.com! Blurb allows people to publish myriad types of books from photo books to novel and more with various options on paper, covers, sizes, and the like. A really great site for up-in-coming writers or oldhands. Blurb.com allow content creators to keep full rights to their works as well! Found here and here. And you can also sell your book in their bookstore and earn profit off it! It's free to join and add stuff so give it a try!

          That said you purchase a physical copy of Castella In Theory: The Worst Of Derek Russell (We Always But We Never) here for only $8.45 (softcover). The Worst of Derek Russell is a character drama about high school delinquent Derek Russell trying to manage through the all the boredom and problems of his life through music, drugs, and sarcasms. The story is divided into to two parts, with the first half opting for a dialog/monologue-only style and the second half in a more traditional style.

Buy: Castella In Theory: The Worst Of Derek Russell

• 52 page
• 6x9 inches (15x23 cm)
• Softcover Price: $8.45
• Hardcover, Dust Jacket Price: $22.45
• Hardcover, ImageWrap Price: $23.45
• Warning: Crude/Explicit Language and Drug Use

P.S.: You can still download a the pdf version of the story from my blog here or find the other Castella In Theory stories archived here.

UPDATE 1 (11/23/12): My book came today! In retrospect, I should've moved the title to the center of cover or used the above picture. Just a horrible use of space right there, well, next time. I've added pics below.

Live: Felix Baumgartner Freefall From The Edge Of Space

          Watch live as Felix Baumgartner attempts to break the sound barrier by freefalling from the edge of space!

Best Quote of the Week ~ [7/22/12]

Artwork from Mikami-san's next project: Zwei

          "You know, no one sets out to fail - you set out to succeed, but failure sometimes occurs. But if you decide not to bother, that's a terrible waste. It's OK to mess up."

~Shinji Mikami (Game Designer; from Interview found here)

New Internet Rolling Out Today

      Is the Internet running out of space? Yes! In fact it's already gone gone, but not to worry as a bigger Internet is rolling out today. Watch the video below for more information and click here for a even more in-depth explanation by Google.

Nano Quadrotors Swarm Video

          Another quick post. This is a very interesting article/video I found for my IST homework. It's about GRASP Labs research and development of next-gen Quadrotors that can handle complex formation autonomously as well as other cool things. See the videos after the jump.

SOURCES: Slash Gear, Engadget

Still Here, After Wednesday Night Version 4.9.7.36 and 4.11.8.39 Differences

          This is just a small post to show some of the differences between Version 4.9.7.36 of Still Here, After Wednesday Night and the new update Version 4.11.8.39 (released today). Click on the pictures to enlarge them. Also, I've included a link to the updated game. See the other two pictures after the jump.

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Version 4.11.8.39) [12/31/11]

• Input Markers to make knowing when to input keywords easier
• Reworked Item Bag
• Minor fixes and additions
• Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Version 4.11.8.39) [12-31-2011].rar (49.02kb)  [Recommended Download File]
• Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Version 4.11.8.39) EXE File [12-31-2011].rar (41.67kb)
• Remember to uninstall your old version first

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Version 4.6.2.15) Update 5

          Version 4: Huge Update + a ton of small addition + some secret 'secret story' prep work! Download it below! 

• Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Version 4.6.2.15) [12/21/11]
• New Major Addition: Added Secret Story Prep Work (Version 4 Start)
• New Minor Addition: Return to Title Screen method added
• New Minor Addition: Added Check for Updates
• New Minor Addition: Help evolves into Current Objectives!
• New Minor Addition: Redesigned Main Menu
• New Minor Addition: In-game Adjust Window Height
• New Minor Addition: Saved Data can now be found by users (C:\Users\Public)--Still need to check on other PC (Only for the recommended  file, the .exe file always saves data in it's folder)
• A ton of minor fixes and additions
• Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Version 4.6.2.15) [12-21-2011].rar (206.66kb)  [Recommended Download File]
• Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Version 4.6.2.15) EXE File [12-21-2011].rar (72.48kb)
• I couldn't get the .exe file to recognize it version, so if you check for updates it will always say that an update is available. Just know that the current version is 4.6.2.15. When the update say a version higher than that update away. Otherwise you will just be dowloading this version again.
• Keep your save file so you can use it when a new update comes around
• Report errors to me so I can fix them especially save file related one
• Save your cleared game file. (This is unlocked under certain conditions)

P.S.: This will most likely be my last Post on this game as you can check for new update within the game. I probably will make another post when the extra content is fully completed, but that going to be away.

Best Quote of the Week ~ [12/4/11]: Think Different Edition

          "I want to put a ding in the universe."

Steve Jobs

Think Different Commercial

Steve Jobs talks about the Crazy Ones - who think different

          "Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes...the ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, 'bout the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things -- They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do."

Rest in peace Steve Jobs

To us living... be bold enough to dream, think different.

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) Update 4

My game is an old school adventure with hopefully the fell of classic
Silent Hill or Resident Evil (on a very small scale).

          I added a huge redesign to the game's save/load/continue system today! Not only can you make multiple save files, but you can also delete them within the game. On top of that, the whole save/load interface (if you can called it that) is snazzier and hopefully user-friendly. Other than that, there are some small changes and additions. I haven't yet extensively tested out the save/load/continue system, but I'm still pretty confident I got all the bugs out. This game is still a Beta as there is one more HUGE special feature I want to add. It's going to take little while to do and I have finals coming up, so maybe when I start my break. The links to download the files are below. I've added pictures of my game after the jump.

UPDATE 1 (12/5/11): Added in-game loading, a few minor fixes, as well as some minor additions and some more pictures below. Enjoy. (P.S. Only the program file has been updated)

UPDATE 2 (7/14/12): The game is no longer in Beta. The current version is 5.1.0.1, which you can download for free: Here. Enjoy.

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) [12-05-2011].rar (202.32kb) [Recommended-->Updated]
Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) Straight Console File [12-02-2011].rar (62.11kb)

Sickness Unto Foolish Death by Akira Yamaoka from Silent Hill 3 OST

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) Update 3

          Hey, everybody, great news! I got the save feature to work and spent several hours getting all the bugs out and making sure everything was actually saved! On top of that, I added a good amount of little fixes and feature to the game. I'm going to take down the old versions and upload these new ones. Again I'm putting two different styles, because I like choice: An actual program file (recommended one--also more awesome one) and a straight console file. How to make it work is exactly the same as how I said on the other post HERE. Refer to that post if you forgot. All files are zipped.
          I still need someone to beta-test the puzzle difficult--so download (though not on you phone *smile*), play, have fun, leave comments.
          Mata ne.

UPDATE 1 (11/28/11): Added Continue option after dying, a few minor fixes, as well as some minor additions. Enjoy. (P.S. Only the program file has been updated)

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) [11-28-2011].rar (201.15KB) [Recommended-->Updated]
Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) Straight Console File [11-25-2011].rar (139.07KB)

Can you solve everything?

This album gets better with every listen.

This video is really cool. The Red Hot Chili Peppers always have cool videos.

Woo! The Site Made 600 Hits This Month!

Melissa is so happy. Yay, Virtual Gaia!

Previous Highest Month: September 2011 with 359 Hits
Current Hits: 777 Hits! (This is ridiculous!)

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) Testers Wanted

It's a text-based game--this is really the only screenshot I have.

          Hey, I need someone test this game I made to see if its puzzles are challenging and not impossible and also able to be solved within about 30-60 minutes. Another thing I want the beta-tester to look for is usability; is it user friendly. Lastly, did you have fun and how was the dialogue and story. The game is a text-based old adventure game. It's a test project. I really do need your help and to express myself better, here are The Beatles with Help!

UPDATE 1 (7/14/12): I no longer need testers for this. I've been done for awhile and forgot to update this page. Thank you if you were a tester on the game. The current version is 5.1.0.1, which you can download for free: Here. Enjoy.

          Would-be beta-testers will get their names in the credits! I will leave two mediafire links below so anyone can download the beta. The two link are just alternatives to each other. They are in zipped folders. The first link is a program file version: just open it and double click on the file named 'Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta)'; the second one is a straight console file version, just open it and double click on the file named 'Program'(NOTE: Not Program.cs).
         Thanks and enjoys. Mata ne.

Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) (231.74KB)
Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) Straight Console File (58.93KB)
Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) [11-25-2011].rar (281.06KB) [Recommended]
Still Here, After Wednesday Night (Beta) Straight Console File [11-25-2011].rar (139.07KB)

P.S. The game is about 30 to an hour on the first playthroughs (depending on how difficult the main puzzle is), about 5-10 on sequential playthroughs. Also, tell me if it's too easy to solve or is challenging, but I put in too many hints.

What I've been listening to the past two weeks along with VII, IX, X, X-2, XIII and MGS series OSTs.

Adventure Game Test: Still Here, After Wednesday Night

          Hey, check out the title screen of the game I create in my IST class.

It's an old school adventure game

          I've been working on it for the last three week and I really proud of what I've accomplished, seeing as I original started it as just a way to get a little better at programming. I thought I would come to a point where it would just be to far beyond my skill level and I would stop. I doing beta testing now and making it more user friend. If anyone wants to help me beta test, please do!

Castella In Theory 4: Rumor: A Tale Of Two Watches

Has nothing to do with my story, but I'm loving this song.

          Hey, Vahsol here. I just finished the fourth installment of Castella. This time it's the promised light story. It's just a fun tale of rumors and the crazy kids at Castella High. That's it. Please read, enjoy, comment.
          Lastly, I'm seriously going to take a break from writing Castella for awhile. At least until 2012 (I'm thinking summer), so I can focus more on other projects, school, and work. Mata ne!

Read Here> Castella In Theory 4: Rumor: A Tale Of Two Watches [13 pages; some language]
(Click to read; right click and save as to download.)

UPDATE 1 (2/29/12):  Minor fixes.

Paradise from the album Mylo Xyloto

Very short musica es musica: I love the song, especially the strong refrain, and the video is unique and interesting. Watch the video, buy the single or the album: Mylo Xyloto.

Weekend Theater: Croton Falls and XOXOSMS

I need to invest in Photoshop

          Hey, guys, welcome to first edition of Weekend Theater, something that probably won't happen again for a long while. Anyway, about a year ago I backed a few short films on Kickstarter  and two them are finished and and doing a full streaming this weekend. The first one is Croton Falls by Joseph Marconi, video and description below, and the other one is XOXOSMS by Nancy Schwartzman. XOXOSMS is having free full preview of the movie on their website here only for this weekend! Go watch it them both and support the filmmakers, cast, and crew!

CROTON FALLS from Joseph Marconi on Vimeo.

          Description: In the near future during the bleak winter of 2015 mankind is discovering that the mind is evolving… people are experiencing and manipulating their realities through a communal shared consciousness. Will Kent awakes on a train headed upstate New York to his hometown of Croton Falls. After his fiancé leaves him and his writing career tailspins he leaves New York City to reconcile with his emotions and restore some sense of purpose to his life. But after reconnecting with his parents and some old friends he finds his reality slowly unraveling blurring the lines between the real and the imaginary. And as Will fights to hold on to his sanity a disturbing truth begins to emerge.

musica es musica: Strange Mercy

Album Cover

          It’s like nightlife meets Space Invaders?  It’s poppy, rocky—definitely alternative, with some electronica, maybe glitchy, maybe hip-hoppy type of sounds, and sometimes kind of soft, yet sad and soulful, but somehow being energetic and heavy. Duffy-esque, Bjork-y? Sometimes. Unique—Always. Experimental—Yes. Fun—Oh yeah. Soooo, what the hell is it that I’m listening too and who’s responsible for this audible bewilderment? St. Vincent’s Strange Mercy—(with a little help from my friend…) a smorgasbord of sounds, genres, and textures all meshed together into a delightful buffet of musical wonderment.

The extraordinary woman herself.

          This is the third album (recently released) from Annie Erin Clark (who goes by the handle St. Vincent), an American born multi-instrumentalist. The album is a pleasure to listen to, though it is a pain to try and describe what exactly the album is as a whole because of St. Vincent’s skill at combining genres and use of many different instruments, vocal styles and effects. Though, there are some things I can say hold true for the entire album: It has a very cool feel to it—a sort of night time atmosphere, the music is solid with pretty much every beat sounding like it was placed purposefully, it is very unique, and while it may at first not seem too approachable, upon hearing it once, you are almost compelled to listen again. This is a great album in my opinion and you should give it a listen.

          Sidenote: I listen to a lot, A LOT of music and am really good at picking out good stuff but I’m probably one of the worst at describing why I like or dislike some music or even just describing it, which is why this musica es musica (and future) took so long and was so short.

          Anyway, I’ve provided some of my favorite tracks from the album after the jump. Have a listen.

Video Find!: Japan and Color

          I somehow found these three cool videos online just now. They're all Japanese with the last two being made my the same person (I think?). The first video, Loop Pool, by Daiki Aizawa is a short video that seem dream like with it's ambient music (which Aizawa also created) and cool visual. It's about the cycle or flow of life or food chain. The last two videos, Memory Player and Which Color Do You Choose For A Rainy Day?, are simpler that I just really the art direction and use color, which is sparingly, yet bold. Have a look.

Loop Pool

Memory Player

Which Color Do You Choose For A Rainy Day?

Big News in the World of Persona

Welcome to Persona

          This has been a big week for Persona and its fans with not one or two games announced but three as well as the launching of a new Persona website! Japanese magazine Famitsu broke the story this week with their interview with Persona 3 and 4’s director Katsura Hashino. The new games are: Persona 4: The Golden, Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena, and the now 100% confirmed Persona 5. Hit the jump for a ridiculous amount of news and information and pictures!

UPDATE 1 (9/9/11): The debut trailer for Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena has released! Find it after the jump near the bottom of the page.

Castella In Theory 3: Self-Righteous Suicide

          Hey, guys, I just finished the third story of Castella in Theory: Self-Righteous Suicide (in just under 2 weeks. Only 11 days!), it's a continuation of the first story. It takes two months after Ecila's passing and is about how Greg is dealing or not dealing with her death. I don't think that summary quite fits, but it's okay. Please read and comment! Hope you enjoy. The link for the story is below.

          I'm so glad I now know I can write a full story in less than 14 months or even less than a month! The first story actually took 30 days to complete. Fun fact: this story was originally going to be the second story, but I was having a lot of trouble writing the opening scene and had just come up with some ideas for the current second story and thought that that story was going to be an easier write. Wrong! Anyway, here's the third story.

This story can be surreal at times--this is just the picture to use

Read Here> Castella In Theory 3: Self-Righteous Suicide [It's only 12 pages]

(Click to read; right click and save as to download.)
P.S.: If there are any mistakes, let me know and I'll fix them.


UPDATE 1 (9/3/11): Minor fixes added.

UPDATE 2 (10/23/11): Added a little to the ending. It feels more complete now.

UPDATE 3 (10/26/11): Minor fixes to format and story.

UPDATE 4 (11/26/11): Minor fixes and tweaks to story. Plus a random picture added!

UPDATE 5 (2/29/12):  Minor fixes.

Video Find!: Did You Know 3.0

          This is a really cool video that they played at work yesterday for a special meeting (The meeting wasn’t about this, this was just for fun). The video shows a bunch of random and interesting facts about our growing world and how much faster information is able to circulate with all of our increasing technology.