Return from Vegas
Back from Vegas. Got back into SD at 9am before driving back directly to work. BAD IDEA. By lunchtime, I was almost dead, so I decided to take the rest of day off and sleep. So tired...will talk about the whole Vegas trip later...stay tuned!
Tuesday, April 30, 2002
Friday, April 26, 2002
Ben Fong Torres
Last nite I had the incredible pleasure of listening to (and meeting) Ben Fong Torres. Ben Fong Torres was one of the early editors and influental member of Rolling Stone Magazine and his persona was protrayed on the big screen in "Almost Famous" (he was that Chinese guy). Basically, he gave a talk about his life, growing up in Oakland Chinatown, realizing his calling in music and then working for Rolling Stone and all the incredible number of people he got to interview (Jim Morrison, the Beatles, Jackson 5, Ray Charles, Janice Joplin).
Though I did a lot of research on his life before attending this talk, there were many pleasant surprises that came up. The main one being how similar his life was growing up to mines was: how he had parents who wanted doctors and lawyers sons and daughter; how he chose to do what he love (music); and how he spent a lot of time by himself honing his skills. I was also amazed to find out about his life after Rolling Stones, where he has pretty much "touched" every aspect of media. He has also written articles for countless other magazines and newspapers such as GQ, Esquire, Playboy and Parade. Not content with just print, he has also does TV, radio broadcasting, DJing and even internet music. He's even hosts the Chinese New Year Parade in SF, won $93,000 on Wheel of Fortune and even performed as Bob Dlyan on a "Star Search"-esq TV show.
His talk was very inspirational to me. Not only on how he has shaped a generation in his writing, but also about the amount of involvement he has maintained in all forms of media, as well as his contribution to the Chinese community. I look very forward to reading his autobiography, The Rice Room, very soon.
Side Note: The actor who played Ben Fong Torres in Almost Famous (actor is named Terry Chen), also played a small role in the FMV for my game, Smuggler's Run 2! Talk about 2 degree of separation!
Viva Las Vegas
Going to Vegas this weekend for NZ's birthday party. Its going to be MAD! I see lots of drinking, sleep deperation and general chaos! Can't wait! Tell you on Monday how it went down :)
Last nite I had the incredible pleasure of listening to (and meeting) Ben Fong Torres. Ben Fong Torres was one of the early editors and influental member of Rolling Stone Magazine and his persona was protrayed on the big screen in "Almost Famous" (he was that Chinese guy). Basically, he gave a talk about his life, growing up in Oakland Chinatown, realizing his calling in music and then working for Rolling Stone and all the incredible number of people he got to interview (Jim Morrison, the Beatles, Jackson 5, Ray Charles, Janice Joplin).
Though I did a lot of research on his life before attending this talk, there were many pleasant surprises that came up. The main one being how similar his life was growing up to mines was: how he had parents who wanted doctors and lawyers sons and daughter; how he chose to do what he love (music); and how he spent a lot of time by himself honing his skills. I was also amazed to find out about his life after Rolling Stones, where he has pretty much "touched" every aspect of media. He has also written articles for countless other magazines and newspapers such as GQ, Esquire, Playboy and Parade. Not content with just print, he has also does TV, radio broadcasting, DJing and even internet music. He's even hosts the Chinese New Year Parade in SF, won $93,000 on Wheel of Fortune and even performed as Bob Dlyan on a "Star Search"-esq TV show.
His talk was very inspirational to me. Not only on how he has shaped a generation in his writing, but also about the amount of involvement he has maintained in all forms of media, as well as his contribution to the Chinese community. I look very forward to reading his autobiography, The Rice Room, very soon.
Side Note: The actor who played Ben Fong Torres in Almost Famous (actor is named Terry Chen), also played a small role in the FMV for my game, Smuggler's Run 2! Talk about 2 degree of separation!
Viva Las Vegas
Going to Vegas this weekend for NZ's birthday party. Its going to be MAD! I see lots of drinking, sleep deperation and general chaos! Can't wait! Tell you on Monday how it went down :)
Wednesday, April 24, 2002
Priceless
Plane ticket for surprise trip to Toronto: $450
Total expenses while in Toronto: $500
Cell phone bill for using phone in Toronto: $80
Plane ticket to Las Vegas this weekend: $130
Realizing the amount of money you are GOING to spend in Vegas this weekend for NZ's birthday: Priceless
For spending this much in April, thank god I have credit!
Plane ticket for surprise trip to Toronto: $450
Total expenses while in Toronto: $500
Cell phone bill for using phone in Toronto: $80
Plane ticket to Las Vegas this weekend: $130
Realizing the amount of money you are GOING to spend in Vegas this weekend for NZ's birthday: Priceless
For spending this much in April, thank god I have credit!
Monday, April 22, 2002
iNfoCity Site Updates
See Jules!...I updated my side bar...*sticks out tongue*
I added new links to two of friend's webpages to my list of friends. They include an old highschool friend of mine, Nabiki (actually, she was in a grade below mines and she was really my sister's friends...oh well) and Colin, my American ex video game journalist friend now living in Japan and making video games (you know, I still dont know what you exactly do there...oh well). Check them out of their wacky adventures here:
http://www.escalix.com/freepage/Nabiki/index.html
http://tokyocolin.blogspot.com
I also added a few new pics to my Friends Photo Album, basically pics while I was in Toronto of snow in April, illegal sock trafficking and some hot chicks. Check them out here:
http://public.fotki.com/namofni/friends/page5.html
You will also noticed I started putting proper titles/comments to the photos...geez...those take a while too!
Enjoy!
See Jules!...I updated my side bar...*sticks out tongue*
I added new links to two of friend's webpages to my list of friends. They include an old highschool friend of mine, Nabiki (actually, she was in a grade below mines and she was really my sister's friends...oh well) and Colin, my American ex video game journalist friend now living in Japan and making video games (you know, I still dont know what you exactly do there...oh well). Check them out of their wacky adventures here:
http://www.escalix.com/freepage/Nabiki/index.html
http://tokyocolin.blogspot.com
I also added a few new pics to my Friends Photo Album, basically pics while I was in Toronto of snow in April, illegal sock trafficking and some hot chicks. Check them out here:
http://public.fotki.com/namofni/friends/page5.html
You will also noticed I started putting proper titles/comments to the photos...geez...those take a while too!
Enjoy!
Saturday, April 20, 2002
Another Good Bye to Another Friend
Seems like everyone is leaving me...
So, on Friday, I found out someone else from work is leaving...actually, being let go. Fred, our head of game design, is no longer with the company. This was a huge shock, not just for me, but almost everyone who heard of the news. I was in a meeting of other game designers when we were told this. Everyone in the room was visibly distrubed.
Fred has been with the company for a very long time. In that time, he has shown to be a brillant, but bitter, game designer. In that time, he can also been known to be a bit of an asshole. And as much of an asshole he can be and how well he sometimes got under my skin, I still respected him ALOT as a game designer and as a friend. He pretty much taught me all I know about game design as well as a bit about working in the game industry. Its his no nonsense toughness that got me to where I am today.
I am very sadden by his departure. Not just cause I lost a great teacher and friend, but I think his removal will have an incredible effect on the company. Not only did he make sure we had good projects that were good for the company and the industry, as a whole, he also made sure none of the games came out of here were "crap". Of course, this is only from my experience but he was someone we can all turn to in case something was "not fun" in the game. He was always there to make suggestions or make the necessary changes, in which was always "dead on." But now, there is no one like that we can turn to. This could be trouble for all us inexperienced game designers.
Good bye friend. Thx for all you have taught me.
Seems like everyone is leaving me...
So, on Friday, I found out someone else from work is leaving...actually, being let go. Fred, our head of game design, is no longer with the company. This was a huge shock, not just for me, but almost everyone who heard of the news. I was in a meeting of other game designers when we were told this. Everyone in the room was visibly distrubed.
Fred has been with the company for a very long time. In that time, he has shown to be a brillant, but bitter, game designer. In that time, he can also been known to be a bit of an asshole. And as much of an asshole he can be and how well he sometimes got under my skin, I still respected him ALOT as a game designer and as a friend. He pretty much taught me all I know about game design as well as a bit about working in the game industry. Its his no nonsense toughness that got me to where I am today.
I am very sadden by his departure. Not just cause I lost a great teacher and friend, but I think his removal will have an incredible effect on the company. Not only did he make sure we had good projects that were good for the company and the industry, as a whole, he also made sure none of the games came out of here were "crap". Of course, this is only from my experience but he was someone we can all turn to in case something was "not fun" in the game. He was always there to make suggestions or make the necessary changes, in which was always "dead on." But now, there is no one like that we can turn to. This could be trouble for all us inexperienced game designers.
Good bye friend. Thx for all you have taught me.
Thursday, April 18, 2002
The Funeral
So, I arrived in Toronto on late Thursday April 14th (thx you Danny for picking me up so late from the airport. I can always count on you), in time for my grandma's funeral the following morning.
It was a small quiet traditional Chinese funeral. Only the closest family members were in attendance. "Ah Pall" was resting very peacefully.
The last funeral I ever attended was my father's about 7 years ago, so I dont remember all the rituals that I needed to do. Luckly, the funeral director guided me every step of the way. I bowed to grandma many times, as well as help prepare (fold) all the "hell money" and "hell precious metal" in which we would later burn to be sent with her in the afterlife.
After the funeral home, it was time to take her to her final resting place. The cemetery we chose was the same as my father's, which is good because the next time I come, I can visit both of them at the same time. In fact, grandma's place was actually very close to the front gates, much closer than father's. It was a very cold morning, with a light snow falling down. More traditional rituals followed before she was lowered. I said my final good byes as I stood there with my mother, arm in arm, looking away from grandma (its tradition not to look while her casket is lowered into the ground). Actually, my mom and I stood together in the cold for a very long time, even after everyone have got back into their cars. We just stood there and reflected. It was very nice.
Afterwards, we all had reception lunch at this fine Chinese restaurant for all attendances of the funeral. I sat at the same table with an empty place setting for grandma. I got to offer food to her, as though we enjoyed the meal together. It was like my last deed for her.
Good bye "ah pall". You will be missed.
Other Things I Did While in Toronto for a Week
--Got to get off the plane in Toronto, and then say, for the first time in my life, "DAMN! Why is this country soooo cold!"
--Got to enjoy fine Toronto-esq foods like Poutine, Jamican Beef Patties and Panzerottis.
--Got to eat at fine Toronto-esq restauarants like Mel's Montreal Deli, Peel Pub, Bitondo's, Star Walk Buffet and Swiss Chalet
--Got to take out my family out for dim sum. Boy did I miss good dim sum!
--Made my traditional trek to Costco to purchase some Kinder Eggs for the masses back in SD
--Also brought back some Ketchup flavoured chips...those went quickly.
--Watch my friend Danny get "karate chopped" on Yonge Street by some crazy lady for no apparent reason at all.
--Check out the Pickering Flea Market and bought some used cheap games
--Went to Pacific Mall, got a whole bunch of HK VCDs and modified my cell phone (blue back light), once again re proclaiming my Asian-ness!
--Got to attend the Toronto Chapter of an IGDA meeting. There, I met a lot of cool ppl from Longbow, Rockstar Canada and Pseudo Interactive who all played and loved Smuggler's Run! I felt like a rockstar there. And plus, I didn't realize there was sooo many development teams in Toronto.
--Was invited to check out Psuedo Interactive's studio in downtown Toronto. Its a very quaint little company with some really cool and creative ppl. Got to check out their current project in which I offered some feedback to (and will be in the game's credits. Woohoo!)
--Went to dinner with the "Men of AXE" where all we did was insult each other at the table and try to put salt in each other's drink (but mostly Silver). Can you feel the love?
--Went to REAL go kart racing, the kind where you have to wear helmets and slow down when you hit a turn.
--Got to check out the filming of Chow Yun Fat's new movie, Bulletproof Monk, also staring that "Stiffler" guy from American Pie. Unfortunatly, both were no where to be seen.
--All and all, got to have a very relaxing week with family and friends. It was a good rest for me.
So, I arrived in Toronto on late Thursday April 14th (thx you Danny for picking me up so late from the airport. I can always count on you), in time for my grandma's funeral the following morning.
It was a small quiet traditional Chinese funeral. Only the closest family members were in attendance. "Ah Pall" was resting very peacefully.
The last funeral I ever attended was my father's about 7 years ago, so I dont remember all the rituals that I needed to do. Luckly, the funeral director guided me every step of the way. I bowed to grandma many times, as well as help prepare (fold) all the "hell money" and "hell precious metal" in which we would later burn to be sent with her in the afterlife.
After the funeral home, it was time to take her to her final resting place. The cemetery we chose was the same as my father's, which is good because the next time I come, I can visit both of them at the same time. In fact, grandma's place was actually very close to the front gates, much closer than father's. It was a very cold morning, with a light snow falling down. More traditional rituals followed before she was lowered. I said my final good byes as I stood there with my mother, arm in arm, looking away from grandma (its tradition not to look while her casket is lowered into the ground). Actually, my mom and I stood together in the cold for a very long time, even after everyone have got back into their cars. We just stood there and reflected. It was very nice.
Afterwards, we all had reception lunch at this fine Chinese restaurant for all attendances of the funeral. I sat at the same table with an empty place setting for grandma. I got to offer food to her, as though we enjoyed the meal together. It was like my last deed for her.
Good bye "ah pall". You will be missed.
Other Things I Did While in Toronto for a Week
--Got to get off the plane in Toronto, and then say, for the first time in my life, "DAMN! Why is this country soooo cold!"
--Got to enjoy fine Toronto-esq foods like Poutine, Jamican Beef Patties and Panzerottis.
--Got to eat at fine Toronto-esq restauarants like Mel's Montreal Deli, Peel Pub, Bitondo's, Star Walk Buffet and Swiss Chalet
--Got to take out my family out for dim sum. Boy did I miss good dim sum!
--Made my traditional trek to Costco to purchase some Kinder Eggs for the masses back in SD
--Also brought back some Ketchup flavoured chips...those went quickly.
--Watch my friend Danny get "karate chopped" on Yonge Street by some crazy lady for no apparent reason at all.
--Check out the Pickering Flea Market and bought some used cheap games
--Went to Pacific Mall, got a whole bunch of HK VCDs and modified my cell phone (blue back light), once again re proclaiming my Asian-ness!
--Got to attend the Toronto Chapter of an IGDA meeting. There, I met a lot of cool ppl from Longbow, Rockstar Canada and Pseudo Interactive who all played and loved Smuggler's Run! I felt like a rockstar there. And plus, I didn't realize there was sooo many development teams in Toronto.
--Was invited to check out Psuedo Interactive's studio in downtown Toronto. Its a very quaint little company with some really cool and creative ppl. Got to check out their current project in which I offered some feedback to (and will be in the game's credits. Woohoo!)
--Went to dinner with the "Men of AXE" where all we did was insult each other at the table and try to put salt in each other's drink (but mostly Silver). Can you feel the love?
--Went to REAL go kart racing, the kind where you have to wear helmets and slow down when you hit a turn.
--Got to check out the filming of Chow Yun Fat's new movie, Bulletproof Monk, also staring that "Stiffler" guy from American Pie. Unfortunatly, both were no where to be seen.
--All and all, got to have a very relaxing week with family and friends. It was a good rest for me.
Wednesday, April 17, 2002
Thursday, April 04, 2002
Jay and Google and the Internet
FACT: Jay is a co worker here, working on Capcom's secret western game, Red Dead Revolver.
FACT: Jay also went with me to the GDC.
FACT: If you read post March 25, you will see that I didn't write anything nice about Jay and his driving and peanut eating skills.
FACT: Not too many ppl know about this weblog from work.
FACT: Red Dead Revolver was only announced last week.
FACT: I mentioned Red Dead Revolver in a past post (March 29th).
FACT: Because RDR was only announced recently, Jay decided to go on Google and find every article or piece on RDR.
FACT: Jay found my site and my bit on RDR.
FACT: Jay also saw my blurp about him at GDC.
FACT: Jay was not happy.
FACT: Jay is a co worker here, working on Capcom's secret western game, Red Dead Revolver.
FACT: Jay also went with me to the GDC.
FACT: If you read post March 25, you will see that I didn't write anything nice about Jay and his driving and peanut eating skills.
FACT: Not too many ppl know about this weblog from work.
FACT: Red Dead Revolver was only announced last week.
FACT: I mentioned Red Dead Revolver in a past post (March 29th).
FACT: Because RDR was only announced recently, Jay decided to go on Google and find every article or piece on RDR.
FACT: Jay found my site and my bit on RDR.
FACT: Jay also saw my blurp about him at GDC.
FACT: Jay was not happy.
Tuesday, April 02, 2002
End of an Era?
Head over to Densetsu's Chronicles and you will see that he has ended his online journal. Or has he? It is dated April 1st. Hmmmm...
This site is one of the first and still one of the best online journals, and not just amongst our circle of friends. I enjoy reading it whenever I can. There are times that I have never laughed so hard. There are other times he truely hit home *pounds chest*.
Den Den...please say it aint so...
Speaking of Denny, check out the REAL story of what happened to Denny's shoes:
http://www.winamp.com/news.jhtml?articleid=9181
Damn! I laugh so hard this afternoon reading this article. And pictures there are priceless. Now, we need to hear the whole Craigslist side of the story.
Head over to Densetsu's Chronicles and you will see that he has ended his online journal. Or has he? It is dated April 1st. Hmmmm...
This site is one of the first and still one of the best online journals, and not just amongst our circle of friends. I enjoy reading it whenever I can. There are times that I have never laughed so hard. There are other times he truely hit home *pounds chest*.
Den Den...please say it aint so...
Speaking of Denny, check out the REAL story of what happened to Denny's shoes:
http://www.winamp.com/news.jhtml?articleid=9181
Damn! I laugh so hard this afternoon reading this article. And pictures there are priceless. Now, we need to hear the whole Craigslist side of the story.
Monday, April 01, 2002
Goin Home
Looks like I will be leaving Thursday for Toronto, so I am able to attend my grandma's funeral on Friday. I will then be staying a little over a week takin care of my mom and hopefully see some of my friends as well. I tend to take it easy when I am back.
This is a weird time for me. I mean, it feels weird for me because I wasnt there when she passed away. I wasn't there when she was very sick. The last time I saw her was in October and she seem very fine. Maybe its for the best that I last remember her when she was happy and not suffering in anyway.
Though this is a very minor thing and something I couldn't possibly control (with this death and my sudden need to be in Toronto), I will miss my first job and training session with the San Diego Asian Film Festival. I volunteered to work at some Hip Hop competition at UCSD the following Sunday (because they were very short handed) but now I wont be able to help. I will also missed the training session in which I would have finally gotten to meet everyone on the team. I am a little disappointed, mostly cuz I really wanted to help them but there's nothing else I can do.
Looks like I will be leaving Thursday for Toronto, so I am able to attend my grandma's funeral on Friday. I will then be staying a little over a week takin care of my mom and hopefully see some of my friends as well. I tend to take it easy when I am back.
This is a weird time for me. I mean, it feels weird for me because I wasnt there when she passed away. I wasn't there when she was very sick. The last time I saw her was in October and she seem very fine. Maybe its for the best that I last remember her when she was happy and not suffering in anyway.
Though this is a very minor thing and something I couldn't possibly control (with this death and my sudden need to be in Toronto), I will miss my first job and training session with the San Diego Asian Film Festival. I volunteered to work at some Hip Hop competition at UCSD the following Sunday (because they were very short handed) but now I wont be able to help. I will also missed the training session in which I would have finally gotten to meet everyone on the team. I am a little disappointed, mostly cuz I really wanted to help them but there's nothing else I can do.
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