Random Bits

[selenite0]

It looks like the list of sucessful science fiction predictions now has to include Toy Story. Buzz Lightyear relies on Crystallic Fusion for power, and physicists at UCLA and RPI now have it working in the lab.

There's a very interesting software development conference coming up. New York's too far for me to travel, which is a pity--one of my USC profs is giving a talk.

Last weekend I got to do some gaming with Jacob and kattelyn. They introduced me to Railroad Tycoon, which is a great boardgame. I was stomped miserably, but by the end I think I'd figured out how to play. I really like the goods-shipping mechanism, it allows a lot of business-type moves without imposing much overhead in complex rules. I may be swiping that for a future game design . . .

Comments

[tygerr.livejournal.com]

The crystal fusion thing doesn't look like a power source--at least in the short term. The commercial applications they're talking about all use it as a power *consuming* neutron source.

I've never played Railroad Tycoon, but I've heard good things about it. I may have to pick it up someday. (#2 Son was a railroad fanatic as a small child--I wonder if this could reawaken his interest?)

[selenite.livejournal.com]

I figure if it can produce fusion at all they can eventually get power out of it. Modern physicists probably regard predicting table-top power generation as a quick path to career death.

As for RRT, see if you can find a local group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Houston-Social-Gamesters/) to try before you buy it--it's not pocket change.

[xinef.livejournal.com]

The Waterfall conference looks more tongue-in-cheek than for real. Maybe they just have really good senses of humour! NFNY is only about 1.5 hours drive from here (depending on traffic at the border). I could even stay with my parents (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON), and drive over. Pity you can't get up here, we could visit!

[selenite.livejournal.com]

Trying to register for that conference will remove all doubts. :)

Hopefully I'll get up that way sometime.

[kattelyn.livejournal.com]

*laughs* Don't feel too bad. The first time I played he almost lapped me on that 100 point board!

It takes a bit to learn the strategy of the game. I'm really glad you had fun and I hope we can do that again soon.

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