Get the novel on amazon.com for $6
Did you like "Jurassic Park" the movie? Of course, its amazing special effects and amazing suspenseful feeling have made it one of the most memorable movies of all time. So, if you liked it, you should read the book as well, and here's why...
There are many reasons to read the book, but one of the main reasons is that its so different from the movie. There are more plot-lines, characters, and parts. Also, some events happen differently. Secondly, Michael Crichton's writing is pure magic. You are transported to his world. The descriptiveness of his work is truly amazing. You feel the T-Rex's footsteps, you smell the raptor's breath on your skin. While reading, it is very difficult to stop. The book is filled with suspense; you are always wondering, "What's going to happen?!" Also, the story is very well built. The first part give tonnes of information and introduction, and it starts to create suspense. Then, tension mounts if you've seen the movie, you know something will happen, but you don't know when. Finally, the last part is a non-stop thrill ride, with action, more suspense than I thought possible, and endless excitement. So, again, if you've seen the movie, read the book; you won't be disappointed!
Saturday, 7 June 2014
Wednesday, 4 June 2014
7 Tips for doing well in School
1. Ask "why?"
This is often not mentioned, but is extremely important. If are trying to learn a formula or concept, be sure to understand why the formula works, or why the concept is important. For example, knowing Distance = Speed x Time or that a^2 + b^2 = c^2 is one thing, but understanding why will help you remember.
2. Set homework goals
While doing hours of homework, don't try to do it all at once, take a break; reward yourself for your hard work. If you want to take a break, set a goal a few problems ahead to reach, not only will this give you a sense of accomplishment, but it will help you stay focused when you are done with your break.
3. Get Help
If you are struggling, tell a teacher; they will probably be happy to help. If they won't help, (you may have a few bad teachers), ask a friend who is doing well in that class or a parent.
4. Don't get behind!
Complete things on time, it will work out best in the long run. Not only will you not lose marks for handing things in late, you won't feel overwhelmed.
5. Study for tests
You have probably been told this by ever teacher you have ever had, and there's a reason. If you have the time, have people ask you questions until you get nearly every one right. Find a study technique that works for you. Some include: getting quizzed by friends/family, using mnemonic devices, covering up sentences on a worksheet or textbook, and writing things out.
6. Stay organized
If a teacher has a website, use it. An agenda may not be necessary, but be sure to keep asking yourself, "What do I have for homework tonight?" and "What classes do I have tomorrow?"
7. Have fun!
Make friends, talk to people, join clubs. If you can look forward to school, it will be easier to find a purpose, (or dolphin), in the confusing and overwhelming world of school.
This is often not mentioned, but is extremely important. If are trying to learn a formula or concept, be sure to understand why the formula works, or why the concept is important. For example, knowing Distance = Speed x Time or that a^2 + b^2 = c^2 is one thing, but understanding why will help you remember.
2. Set homework goals
While doing hours of homework, don't try to do it all at once, take a break; reward yourself for your hard work. If you want to take a break, set a goal a few problems ahead to reach, not only will this give you a sense of accomplishment, but it will help you stay focused when you are done with your break.
3. Get Help
If you are struggling, tell a teacher; they will probably be happy to help. If they won't help, (you may have a few bad teachers), ask a friend who is doing well in that class or a parent.
4. Don't get behind!
Complete things on time, it will work out best in the long run. Not only will you not lose marks for handing things in late, you won't feel overwhelmed.
5. Study for tests
You have probably been told this by ever teacher you have ever had, and there's a reason. If you have the time, have people ask you questions until you get nearly every one right. Find a study technique that works for you. Some include: getting quizzed by friends/family, using mnemonic devices, covering up sentences on a worksheet or textbook, and writing things out.
6. Stay organized
If a teacher has a website, use it. An agenda may not be necessary, but be sure to keep asking yourself, "What do I have for homework tonight?" and "What classes do I have tomorrow?"
7. Have fun!
Make friends, talk to people, join clubs. If you can look forward to school, it will be easier to find a purpose, (or dolphin), in the confusing and overwhelming world of school.
Tuesday, 3 June 2014
Who Won the War of 1812?
A common question online. First, let's get a few facts set straight...
1. Britain was not trying to reclaim their former territories
2. America declared war first
3. The reasons for declaring war were trade restrictions, impressment of US sailors which ended before the war, and expansion (possibly)
4. The major American victory at New Orleans was not part of the war, or any war really
*Note: any time I mention Canadians, I mean British settlers and loyalists in what would become Canada. Conversely, when I say British, I mean regulars from Britain.
Let's talk about the trade restrictions. At the time, Britain was at war with Napoleon. Napoleon attempted to block Britain from trading with its allies. So, Britain did the same thing. Since America was a major trade partner of France, their ships were often prevented from trading.
And about the first point, Britain did not really want to fight at all. Nearly all of their troops were preoccupied with the Napoleonic wars. Only later, after Napoleon was defeated in 1814 and exiled to Elba, did Britain start to send major reinforcements.
So who won? The war began with Canadian Militias and a few British regulars holding off the American Army. The USA won a few victories, but then Napoleon was defeated, and the UK went aggressive. They won multiple battles, and burned the White House. Then, the USA won at New York, forcing the British back, and then the Treaty of Ghent was signed. (This is very condensed of course). No land was exchanged, the borders remained where they were. But, since there were no phones or Internet, Andrew Jackson still crushed the British at New Orleans a couple months after the war officially ended. Ultimately, however, it was a draw; no land was gained or lost. However, it is arguable that Great Britain won, as they successfully defended Canada from the American offensive, and America was the aggressor. But, I maintain that a draw is a better description of the outcome.
What I find disturbing is the utter lack of knowledge that people have on this topic. I see Americans posting that America obviously won because Great Britain failed to retake America, or that the British gave up after New Orleans because they had been completely defeated, and had no troops left. They see it as a source of pride, "We beat the British twice!" Then I see Canadians who think that Canadians burned the White House and then just gave America back out of the kindness of their heart. No! First of all, it was not Canadians who burned the White House for the most part. Yes, it was mainly Canadians who defended Canada in the early stages, but British soldiers burned the White House. And, America won at New York after the burning of the White House, giving Britain cause to sign at Ghent. I have also heard of people being taught these things in school, which is horrifying.
So, next time you see a flame war about 1812 on YouTube or on Yahoo Answers, don't be biased, and acknowledge the facts.
What were you taught in school?
1. Britain was not trying to reclaim their former territories
2. America declared war first
3. The reasons for declaring war were trade restrictions, impressment of US sailors which ended before the war, and expansion (possibly)
4. The major American victory at New Orleans was not part of the war, or any war really
*Note: any time I mention Canadians, I mean British settlers and loyalists in what would become Canada. Conversely, when I say British, I mean regulars from Britain.
Let's talk about the trade restrictions. At the time, Britain was at war with Napoleon. Napoleon attempted to block Britain from trading with its allies. So, Britain did the same thing. Since America was a major trade partner of France, their ships were often prevented from trading.
And about the first point, Britain did not really want to fight at all. Nearly all of their troops were preoccupied with the Napoleonic wars. Only later, after Napoleon was defeated in 1814 and exiled to Elba, did Britain start to send major reinforcements.
So who won? The war began with Canadian Militias and a few British regulars holding off the American Army. The USA won a few victories, but then Napoleon was defeated, and the UK went aggressive. They won multiple battles, and burned the White House. Then, the USA won at New York, forcing the British back, and then the Treaty of Ghent was signed. (This is very condensed of course). No land was exchanged, the borders remained where they were. But, since there were no phones or Internet, Andrew Jackson still crushed the British at New Orleans a couple months after the war officially ended. Ultimately, however, it was a draw; no land was gained or lost. However, it is arguable that Great Britain won, as they successfully defended Canada from the American offensive, and America was the aggressor. But, I maintain that a draw is a better description of the outcome.
What I find disturbing is the utter lack of knowledge that people have on this topic. I see Americans posting that America obviously won because Great Britain failed to retake America, or that the British gave up after New Orleans because they had been completely defeated, and had no troops left. They see it as a source of pride, "We beat the British twice!" Then I see Canadians who think that Canadians burned the White House and then just gave America back out of the kindness of their heart. No! First of all, it was not Canadians who burned the White House for the most part. Yes, it was mainly Canadians who defended Canada in the early stages, but British soldiers burned the White House. And, America won at New York after the burning of the White House, giving Britain cause to sign at Ghent. I have also heard of people being taught these things in school, which is horrifying.
So, next time you see a flame war about 1812 on YouTube or on Yahoo Answers, don't be biased, and acknowledge the facts.
What were you taught in school?
Rant: All Natural!
Okay, this has always bothered me. Companies will say "All Natural Ingredients!" all the time. People are then drawn to buying their products instead of another company's product, with the same ingredients. So what's wrong here? EVERYTHING IS NATURAL! Whether it has been processed by man-made machines, (made of natural materials such as metals), or not, its original materials that it is made up of are natural! Plastic is petroleum-based, and petroleum is an organic compound. Organic means, "of, relating to, or derived from living matter," so unless you wish to argue that life is unnatural, you must concede that all things, (except those later mentioned), whether made from organic material or metals, is "all natural." The exceptions are products with man-made elements, like rutherfordium. And unless you have something with a synthetic element, which may occur naturally away from Earth anyway, it is all-natural, derived from nature. I am typing on a computer made from all-natural materials!
Monday, 2 June 2014
Possible AoE IV Titles and Expansions
Purely Speculative. Which one do you want? Each one will have the original name, (i.e. Age of Kings), followed by one-three expansions, (i.e. The Conquerors, The Forgotten [yes it is now an official expansion])
The Renaissance
The Age of Reason
The Rise of Nations
The Second World War
Command of the Third Reich
The War in the Pacific
D-Day
The Age of the Romans
Empire
The Fall
The Modern Age
The Cold War
The War on Terror
The Age of the Knight
The Nobles
The Rise of Gunpowder
The Holy War
Lionheart
The Renaissance
The Age of Reason
The Rise of Nations
The Second World War
Command of the Third Reich
The War in the Pacific
D-Day
The Age of the Romans
Empire
The Fall
The Modern Age
The Cold War
The War on Terror
The Age of the Knight
The Nobles
The Rise of Gunpowder
The Holy War
Lionheart
Albigensian Crusade
The Final Frontier
First Encounters
The Interplanetary War
The Great War
The Central Powers
The American Entry
The Fertile Crescent
The Rise of Cities
The Rise of Empires
The Age of Stone
The Farming Revolution
The Settlement
Which do you like best?
How to make Age of Empires 4 great
Article with evidence of AoE 4's production
Get the AoE 1&2 collector's edition here for only$6 on amazon.ca
Get the same edition on amazon.com for $10 only!
Since the release of AoE III: Asian Dynasties in 2007, fans of the beloved series have been waiting... and waiting... and waiting for Age of Empires IV. So, where is it? Well, the link above makes it seem like it is coming soon. Whether it is or not, (although I hope wholeheartedly that it is), here is my list of seven things that will make AoE IV great, in no particular order.
1. A good online network
Not like AoE: Online, (that goes for pretty much anything), not through another website like other games in the franchise. AoE needs something similar to Halo matchmaking; a way to quickly find opponents. A skill level rating would be nice as well.
2. Mind-blowing graphics
I remember first starting up AoE: III, playing a game, and watching naval combat. It was amazing at the time. Pieces of ships flying off, explosions, water ripple effects... Now, with games like the Total War franchise, we want a little more. I want to be able to zoom in on soldiers faces, watch hand-to-hand combat up close, all the things that make me love Total War. Again, not like AoE: Online... if it's cartoon, I swear... Anyways, good graphics would be great.
3. AI
This probably won't be a problem for Microsoft, the AI has always been good in the series; they just need to keep it up.
4. Realism
I'm putting this separate from graphics for a reason. I want the units to behave realistically, the ships to move realistically, the buildings to collapse realistically. Attacks should not be repetitive, units should swing their sword all over the place, differently every time. Attacks should like like real attacks. I want soldiers to fire at a realistic rate, so instead of 15 shots a minute and 10 damage, 5 shots a minute and 30 damage.
5. Units/bonuses
I would love to see a mass cavalry charge just mow down a line of infantry. So far, it has pained me to see my cavalry charge, and then stop in front of the infantry and swing their sword five feet in front of the enemy, (did I mention that in realism?). Cavalry should get attack bonuses based on their speed. Different weapons should be able to block other weapons a certain percentage of the time
6. Gameplay additions
Some gameplay ideas: Units should level up, and be appointed as officers after killing so many other units. They would give attack and moral boosts to units around them. About that... moral. Units should flee, sprint from the battlefield while losing horribly. When they see a general killed, they should be harder to control. Alright, I admit I want the battles to be more Total War like. But wouldn't that be amazing? The features in Total War outmatch the battle features in AoE by far. Moral, fatigue, inspiration, excitement, terrain all play in to the outcome of the battle in Total War. In AoE, all it is is HP, attack, range, and bonuses.
7. Time period?
To Starcraft or not to Starcraft, that is the question. The answer, for me, at least, is no. Keep the historical aspect. It is probably the main reason I fell in love with AoE in the first place. So... when? An AoE II remake would definitely would be cool, considering AoE: II had the best ratings of the series. World Wars would be okay, kind of hard to make melee units then.. but hey, tanks and planes would be cool. Ultimately, I just want it to feel historical. See my post "Possible AoE IV Titles and Expansions" for more
Get the AoE 1&2 collector's edition here for only$6 on amazon.ca
Get the same edition on amazon.com for $10 only!
Since the release of AoE III: Asian Dynasties in 2007, fans of the beloved series have been waiting... and waiting... and waiting for Age of Empires IV. So, where is it? Well, the link above makes it seem like it is coming soon. Whether it is or not, (although I hope wholeheartedly that it is), here is my list of seven things that will make AoE IV great, in no particular order.
1. A good online network
Not like AoE: Online, (that goes for pretty much anything), not through another website like other games in the franchise. AoE needs something similar to Halo matchmaking; a way to quickly find opponents. A skill level rating would be nice as well.
2. Mind-blowing graphics
I remember first starting up AoE: III, playing a game, and watching naval combat. It was amazing at the time. Pieces of ships flying off, explosions, water ripple effects... Now, with games like the Total War franchise, we want a little more. I want to be able to zoom in on soldiers faces, watch hand-to-hand combat up close, all the things that make me love Total War. Again, not like AoE: Online... if it's cartoon, I swear... Anyways, good graphics would be great.
3. AI
This probably won't be a problem for Microsoft, the AI has always been good in the series; they just need to keep it up.
4. Realism
I'm putting this separate from graphics for a reason. I want the units to behave realistically, the ships to move realistically, the buildings to collapse realistically. Attacks should not be repetitive, units should swing their sword all over the place, differently every time. Attacks should like like real attacks. I want soldiers to fire at a realistic rate, so instead of 15 shots a minute and 10 damage, 5 shots a minute and 30 damage.
5. Units/bonuses
I would love to see a mass cavalry charge just mow down a line of infantry. So far, it has pained me to see my cavalry charge, and then stop in front of the infantry and swing their sword five feet in front of the enemy, (did I mention that in realism?). Cavalry should get attack bonuses based on their speed. Different weapons should be able to block other weapons a certain percentage of the time
6. Gameplay additions
Some gameplay ideas: Units should level up, and be appointed as officers after killing so many other units. They would give attack and moral boosts to units around them. About that... moral. Units should flee, sprint from the battlefield while losing horribly. When they see a general killed, they should be harder to control. Alright, I admit I want the battles to be more Total War like. But wouldn't that be amazing? The features in Total War outmatch the battle features in AoE by far. Moral, fatigue, inspiration, excitement, terrain all play in to the outcome of the battle in Total War. In AoE, all it is is HP, attack, range, and bonuses.
7. Time period?
To Starcraft or not to Starcraft, that is the question. The answer, for me, at least, is no. Keep the historical aspect. It is probably the main reason I fell in love with AoE in the first place. So... when? An AoE II remake would definitely would be cool, considering AoE: II had the best ratings of the series. World Wars would be okay, kind of hard to make melee units then.. but hey, tanks and planes would be cool. Ultimately, I just want it to feel historical. See my post "Possible AoE IV Titles and Expansions" for more
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