News: Water confirmed on Mars

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080731/sc_nm/space_mars_dc

Nuff said!

Ramble: Bret Favre desperately needs 10000 golf balls

http://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/stay-retired-brett-favre

Hey everyone who believes in the following should jump on the band wagon and sign up on the point. Only thing I'd like to point out is we're avid Bears fans, I wouldn't want you to think we were all mushy mushy for the Packers.

Pasted here from the Point:

OBJECTIVE

Brett Favre must stay retired

MEMBER PLEDGE

we will mail 10,000 golf balls to Brett urging him to take up golf

But we will only do it once 5,000 people join

THE PITCH

It’s time for Favre to go…

Brett Favre is one of the best Quarterbacks in NFL history but it’s time he call it quits. Here’s why:

Favre’s ridiculous waffling timeline

Brett Favre retires in March.

3 weeks later, Brett wants to come back.

Then Brett says, ‘Sorry, I’m out after Tom & Mike agree to his return’.

Packers move on, draft 2 QB’s and start planning offense around Aaron Rodgers.

July 8, Favre says he’s committed to play but Packers say sorry.

Favre asks for release. Packers say no and welcome him back as a #2.

Favre is hurting the Packers franchise as well as his legacy, which already moved on. If he gets traded, it will likely be to an AFC team (not Bears or Vikings) and he will struggle to 4-12 record with a bad team.

It takes balls to know when to step down

Brett, stay retired. Learn to love playing golf and we will provide you with enough golf balls to last a lifetime. Read More

Ascension: YouTube videos

We've posted a few videos on YouTube lately. The Mars station pieces are finished and we're currently working on getting them light mapped and in the game engine in full glory. Below the station/in game preview, you'll find another video showcasing our audio talent- the soundtrack teaser.

Space: Who Knew, #4

Space: Who Knew - Index
Last post

Just what does the Milky Way look like?

If we were to look at it from the outside...

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080606.html
http://www.atlasoftheuniverse.com/milkyway.html
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080605.html

The first link is an illustration that depicts the Milky Way galaxy in amazing detail.

"Astronomers still place the Sun about a third of the way in from the Milky Way's outer edge, in a minor arm called the Orion Spur."

Check out the second link as well, this provides what evidence has been unearthed backing the shape and structure of the Milky Way. Keep in mind that one light year equals 9,460,730,472,580.8 km or 5,878,625,373,183.61 miles. I know its giving me a headache too. Thats 9.4 trillion km and 5.8 trillion miles...

"The Sun is just one of 200 billion (200,000,000,000) stars in this typical barred-spiral galaxy that is about 90,000 light years in diameter. "

5.8 Trillion mulitplied by 90 thousand isssss.... a very freaking large number! The last link depicts a section of sky about the width of your fist held out at arms length. And this image required some 800,000 frames of data to compile.

Yeah, I'd wager we're not the only new kids on the block. This is just our own galaxy people, one galaxy...


Who knew???
(I guess some smart astronomers did)

My Online Portfolio

Is finally getting some attention from me! I've revamped my website and have started to populate it with the projects I'm most proud of. Most of the "chapters" are in, I'll be refining the site soon by adding more detailed sections. Feel free to check it out, here's the addy:

http://mariucci.digital-roar.net/

The site is down for an undetermined amount of time. Nothing to see here!

News: Cell phones and Brain Cancer

Something I've thought for several years... Scary that its just now starting to come up.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7523109.stm

Ramble: Late Night

Oi. I stayed up too late last night.

It happens every now and again when I feel particularly rested from the night before. It's usually the same deal- I sit down at my desk around 9-10 pm with nothing but good intentions. I look at the clock from time to time but don't really see it till 3 am when my head is numb and my eyes drift sideways. Its about that point when I realize I've had to pee for the better part of three hours. What ever happened to the good ol days when I could pull an all nighter!?

Its settled. I'm getting old.

Ascension: Site Lovin

Our site has had a little lovin recently. The splash images have been updated and we're working on some larger content/framing issues. Hopefully we'll have a forum online soon as well. As usual, I'll note it here when it happens.

News: White Humpback Whale

Wow, white humpback whales?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7519263.stm
http://www.migaloowhale.org/

Seems this will be the 2nd white humpback whale ever spotted, the first was named Migaloo apparently. Its too bad they didn't name him Peekaboo. This second link is a similar story I found a couple months back about a white killer whale...

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/03/080307-AP-whale-picture.html

Review: The Dark Knight

Film Review

The Dark Knight

8-- Cinematography
7-- Script
6-- One-Liners
10-- Acting
8-- CG & Visuals
8-- Originality

Wow. This movie rocks hardcore.

Since Heath Ledger's death earlier this year, there has been a lot of talk about how spectacular his last performance was. I gotta tell you, everyone's right- and I don't think he's getting this much attention only because of his death- the man was truly unbelievable in this film.

We all know Christian Bale was a knockout choice for Batman, and I for one am glad they recast Rachael Dawes. The acting in this movie made it spectacular, but only because the script and visuals were also a knock out of the ball park.

I would say my only real beef with the movie was in some points (after the introduction of the second villain) it seemed to drag on. However, it really kept you pinned to your seat. If you see one film this summer, and you don't mind a'lotta mayhem- go see the Dark Knight, it won't disappoint.

Space: Who Knew, #3

Space: Who Knew - Index
Last post

Venus spins backwards!?

Men are from Mars, women are from a fiery world that spins backwards...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/space/2008-02-28-venus-mystery_N.htm
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080226.html

At first glance I'd want to believe otherwise, but come on...

"Venus is made of the same stuff of Earth, but is bone-dry, hot enough to melt lead and has a chokingly thick atmosphere. It even spins backwards."

I could see how women could be from here!

Okay enough of that, I would like to keep most of my women friends, all in jest girls! But I find it extremely peculiar that this is the only planet in our solar system that spins with a retro-grade motion. I believe that means, if you view the planet along its poles, or from above- the planet rotates clockwise. An attribute only appearing on Venus, all other planets including Earth rotate counter-clockwise about its axis.

The second link above outlines a theory on why this is so. A major collision event early in Venus' development (we're talking 4 billion plus years ago here) could have produced the conditions on the planet today.

The third link is one I found on APOD, just details an Acidic haze that spread across the planet earlier this year.



Who knew???

Review: The Incredible Hulk

Film Review

The Incredible Hulk

8-- Cinematography
7-- Script
4-- One-Liners
8-- Acting
8-- CG & Visuals
6-- Originality

Saw this a couple weeks ago, my god what a film. The very beginning scenes are a bit reminiscent of the first film, but the comparisons to the Ang Lee flop stop right there. After the opening credits the film switches on in a huge way. This film was so much more realistic than its predessor. It doesn't take long, or at least it didnt for me, to really begin to feel what Bruce is going through as a character in turmoil.

The movies pace is never dull, and is filled with amazing cinematography, you'll notice a green overtone through out the entire movie that screams hulk. Edward Norton really did both characters justice, and while the other actors supported the movie, it really seemed he held the spotlight.

My one beef with the movie occurs when Hulk's nemesis appears. If the whole beginning of the movie is an upward climb in emotion and experience, I'd say the last portion of the movie is somewhat of a down-turn. I won't say more as I absolutely hate ppl who ruin endings, but I will say this, the very end is no disappointment.

Good job on reviving the Hulk's good name, and this is a must see!

News: Oil Shortage?

Wonder why oil prices are soaring?

A friend sent me this article, very interesting.

http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/hossein-zadeh150708.html

Ascension: Concept Art Preview

A sample of our concept art was shown off on GameTrailers.com recently. We were fortunate to make the first page for a couple days. So far, it looks like there has been over 5000 views, 121 votes and an average rating of 8.1 out of 10.

Check it out here...

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/235704.html

heres another video...

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/239325.html

Space: Who Knew, #2

Space: Who Knew - Index
Last post

Comet Holmes larger than our sun?

What is the largest object in our solar system? Some might say the Sun...

http://www.space.com/spacewatch/071115-comet-holmes-size.html
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080205.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17P/Holmes

It turns out that the sun was NOT the largest object in our solar system- at least for a brief time. A comet with a nucleus of only about 2 miles in diameter by the name of 17P/Holmes held that distinction. In late October of 2007 the comet exploded dust and gas and its corona expanded in size at an incredible rate- within only a few days its corona surpassed the size of the sun! The comet's highly elliptic orbit lies between Mars and Jupiter.

For more information check out the links above!

Who knew???

Space: Who Knew, #1

Space: Who Knew - Index

Hexagonal Storm on Saturn!?

So I bumped into this tidbit of info here...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap070403.html

It turns out that on Saturn's north pole, the Cassini space craft observed a hurricane like storm, that swirls not in a circular path, but in a hexagonal one. The strange six-sided storm is located near the north pole of the gas giant... Here is part of the article found on the Wikipedia page linked above:

"A persisting hexagonal wave pattern around the north polar vortex in the atmosphere at about 78°N was first noted in the Voyager images.^[25][26] Unlike the north pole, HST imaging of the south polar region indicates the presence of a jet stream, but no strong polar vortex nor any hexagonal standing wave.^[27] However, NASA reported in November 2006 that the Cassini spacecraft observed a 'hurricane-like' storm locked to the south pole that had a clearly defined eyewall.^[28] This observation is particularly notable because eyewall clouds had not previously been seen on any planet other than Earth (including a failure to observe an eyewall in the Great Red Spot of Jupiter by the Galileo spacecraft).^[29]

The straight sides of the northern polar hexagon are each about 13,800 km long. The entire structure rotates with a period of 10h 39 m 24s, the same period as that of the planet's radio emissions, which is assumed to be equal to the period of rotation of Saturn's interior. The hexagonal feature does not shift in longitude like the other clouds in the visible atmosphere.

The pattern's origin is a matter of much speculation. Most astronomers seem to think some sort of standing-wave pattern in the atmosphere; but the hexagon might be a novel sort of aurora. More extreme speculation has Saturn's radio emissions emanating from the hexagon (something we can see and which has the right rotation period) rather than from the planet's interior (something we cannot see).^[30] Polygon shapes have been replicated in spinning buckets of fluid in a laboratory."^[31]

Did I mention that 2 earth's could fit inside this storm!?

Who knew???

Space: Who Knew, Introduction

Introduction

So I've decided to start another blog tradition, and that is whenever I find out neat and interesting things about space/astronomy I'm going to post them here.

Since November of last year I've been hard at work doing research on our solar system, its led me to some very interesting finds. As I'm absolutely no good with remembering exact details when I try to talk about this stuff- it all comes out in abstracts and in many cases with some rather mis-spoken facts.

Hopefully these compilations will help curb that!

Table of Contents

Entry 1: Hexagonal storm on Saturn
Entry 2: Larger than our sun
Entry 3: Venus spins backwards?
Entry 4: Just what does the Milky Way look like?
Entry 5: Space Elevators
Entry 6: Comets come from the Oort Cloud
Entry 7: The Closest Star
Entry 8: Dwarf Planet Ceres
Entry 9: Enceladus
Entry 10: Planet Mercury
Entry 11: Titan
Entry 12: Absolute Zero
Entry 13: Magnetic Portals
Entry 14: Just how fast is fast?
Entry 15: Supernovae
Entry 16: The Drake Equation
Entry 17: Magnetar
Entry 18: Olympus Mons & Valles Marineris
Entry 19: Spaghettification
Entry 20: So How Big is the Sun?
Entry 21: Weight in Space

Short Story: SoV, Chapter 2

The Snows of Valoreth

Introduction
Chapter 1: The Storm
Chapter 2: Secret Meetings

Chapter 2: Secret Meetings

Time seems to stand still for him. It has been six hours since he found this spot. Six hours he has waited, only to find the dark begin to overtake the forest. The light is falling now, and all too quickly. The bitter cold is starting to have its effect on him. His gloved hands tingle no longer, and his boots, soaked to their core, seem to be heavy and unwilling to follow his direction. It has been six hours too long he thinks to himself.

He stands near a tethered horse, not far into the trees beside a long and narrow trail that is the north road. The trees on the western side are dark, and on the eastern side, at least from his vantage seem devoid of any movement. His thick green dark robe offers little protection from the fierce wind, which whips through the trees as if it were a living thing, berating them for some wrong doing. The howl of the wind is all about this place, and though his senses are keener than most, a stranger might have little difficulty in taking him by surprise.

“It’s been too long…” He says quietly to himself. The man is human, and wears a longbow strapped to his back. At his side lies a quiver and a small hunters knife. A half-empty bag of oats and frozen berries lies sprawled open a few feet from him. “Alright Chiras, we will wait no longer. It was foolish to wait this long… And night is drawing too near.” His horse seemed to like the idea, lifting its head and then pushing the pack of oats nearer to him.

“Alrin, son of Adille of Valoreth.” The words sounded too close, and spoken with a different dialect. The man spins quickly, surveying the forests edge and trying desperately to find the speaker.

“Can’t see me, it is good to be this. Just listen to my words, you were called to hear them and it is why you have come here in this hour.” The speaker was definitely elven, but still cloaked to him. They sounded as if they were so close… though Chiras didn’t seem spooked. Alrin glances once more to the road, covered in thick snow. He was thankful at least that it had stopped snowing, but being out past dark meant Sirion’s retribution, and he did not want to risk it.

“I’ve waited as long as I can, and must go now, lest my life be forfeit! Reveal yourself and I might stay to hear your speech, elf-kind.” His words spoken were quiet, hoping the speaker would respond, he waited a few moments before gathering his belongings.

“Very well Alrin. I put my life in dangers way just as you have. See me now.” The words were coming from in front of him, and for a moment he noticed a silhouette. Blinking twice, he felt a rush of air and looked again to see an elf standing before him, not ten paces away.

“What news do you have for me? Why have you made me wait so long, as now I face a harsh trip back to reach Valoreth before nightfall…” Alrin steps closer to the elf, anger lighting his features. His voice louder this time, the sound arcs outward into the lonely forest.

~~~

Its sense of hearing is keen, but its sense of smell controls its nearly every action. The mangy beast turns its attention to a familiar scent on the wind. A horse is near, its blood seems to pierce its brain like thunder pierces a gathering storm. It lumbers quietly towards the sound of one mans lowered voice. Drool begins to form and drip out of its incisor laden mouth, the dire wolf can think of nothing else but the horse… the blood. And then there is nothing. Its world seems to disappear, and its voice of hunger seems to fall quiet and unnaturally docile.

~~~

The elf walks towards Alrin, and quietly says: “A woman has come to Valoreth. Her name is Dylenna, and she is a friend to us. Look after her if you can.” The elf steps closer still, standing slightly shorter than he. “Sirion has been busy. His guard still loyal to him, they took one of our kind to the keep. My sister- Elanewin’alao. He has bound her body to his will, she serves him as the Drei’ak’Vast- the undead… Do you understand what I am saying to you?”

Alrin lifts himself onto his horse after tying up his bag and then says quietly, “You mean Sirion has killed her and risen her spirit?” The elf takes another step closer, and sighs heavily. “No, her spirit has been freed. It is her body that he has risen, and to do nothing more than works of evil. And there are more like her. Our eyes have seen four. Three others are humans, and one a dwarf-born.” The elf suddenly bends his back and peers towards the road. “We have spoken too long. Find Dylenna, be wary of Sirion, evil he commands and with vengeance in his heart!”

At that the elven man seems to fade from in front of him. Spooked by the elves last reaction, he peers wearily towards the road. After a moments hesitation, he turns Chiras towards Valoreth and the two quickly make their way towards town, leaving behind the tall trees. The wind still howls and the air still bites into him, a deep and bitter cold. Yet one thing still alarms him, and Alrin can’t place it. He thinks nothing more of it, not noticing the two dim eyes peering at him from a place not far away.

~~~

“Alrin’s returned sir!” A young mans voice shouts out towards the entry to the barracks. The dark clouds overhead obscure the moon, though they move quickly and at times the moon’s light can be seen in irregular patches on the frozen ground.

Another mans voice sends out the message of Alrin’s return, and then another from inside the barracks. Not long after a tall man steps outside. He is wrapped in a dark blue cloak, and hefts a battleaxe strapped to his back. His large boots crunch in the fresh snow, moving down a slight hill ever closer to the stables. The stables and barracks were quiet around this time, and not many were seen about. It was uncommon for men and women to be out this late- and none dare be spotted outside the city limits, lest they pay a terrible price.

It was this notion that drove the large man to anger. “ALRIN!!!” He tapered off the name towards the end, yelling loud enough for people to leave the area. He pushed open the large stable doors and inside found the scout, unbuckling the heavy saddle Chiras bore during the journey.

“Just what the HELL took you so damn long you fool?? You want to rouse Sirion, there are ways to do it- but this ain’t one of them!” He moves closer to Adris, and sneers a little when he doesn’t get an answer.

“So what is your report then??? You’re just going to ignore me, I can have you whipped you realize?” The old man lowers his shoulders a little and then shakes his head in annoyance. “I have nothing to report father. Sadri’s farm is as they’ve left it. Nothing remains after the fire.” Adris turns and meets his gaze with a little hesitation.

The larger man sneers and then slaps Adris in the face. “Never be out this late again- next time you’ll be whipped.” The large man waits a moment longer and then storms back towards the barracks.

“Guard- wake the chancellor… I’m thinking we’ll have visitors tonight…” He points and barks the order to the guard standing next to the barracks door. The two exchange glances as the master of arms enters the building.

Ascension: Light Map UV Sets

Creating a 2nd UV set for a Models Light Map

This tutorial assumes the reader has intermediate knowledge on how to UV polygonal models using Maya. In it I will show how I create and layout a 2nd UV set for use as the model's Light map.

Step 1: Select the model you’d like to create a new Light Map for. I've chosen this wall section for the Mars Colony Space Station.

Step 2: Create a new UV set for your model using an Automatic Map

Polygons – Create UVs – Automatic Mapping Options

Select the following options:

• Planes: 6
• Optimize for: Less Distortion
• Shell Layout: Into Square
• Scale Mode: Uniform
• Shell Stacking: Bounding Box
• Spacing Presets: Change this to the size map you’re going to use
• Create New UV Set: Yes
• UV Set Name: LightSet

Step 3: Navigate to the UV Texture Editor, and select all edges, then Cut UV Edges

UV Texture Editor - Cut UV Edges

Step 4: Select all edges, then use the Layout Options

UV Texture Editor - Layout

Select the following options:

• Layout multiple objects: Non-overlapping
• Shell Layout: Into Square
• Scale Mode: Stretch to Square
• Shell Stacking: Shape (Note that when I took the screenshot, I still had bounding box selected. Using Shape as opposed to Bounding Box appears to produce better results)
  
• Rotate: None
• Spacing Presets: Change this to the size map you’re going to use

My finished product is shown below, yours should appear similar. Unlike a color or normal map, our UV edges don't necessarily need to lay out together. This is because we will be using a Batch process to generate the lighting. To create your new light map, add lights and do a Batch Bake using Mental Ray. Hope this is helpful!

Review: Hellboy II

Film Review

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

7-- Cinematography
5-- Script
7-- One-Liners
5-- Acting
8-- CG & Visuals
7-- Originality

Saw this tonight with a couple friends, I have to say the graphics and visuals were top notch, and there were a couple awe-inspiring scenes.

I thought it was well produced, and much more colorful than the first. It was also chocked full of bizarre creatures which may have been just a touch overdone. But then I'm always a CG nut, and many of the characters were done well.

The film definitely had some scenes that were lack-luster though, where many of the lines seemed force-fed from the actors. It did take away from the immersion a bit, but the one-liners ultimately made up for it.

A love story was also mixed into this film, which I think took away from the fresh- balls to the walls feeling I'd normally expect from such a hardass character like Hellboy. Like the first, I think Ron Perlman was a perfect fit to play the character.

Short Story: SoV, Chapter 1

The Snows of Valoreth

Introduction
Chapter 1: The Storm
Chapter 2: Secret Meetings

Chapter 1: The Storm

Red orange embers crackle wearily in a dying hearth. The light wanes until near darkness overtakes the small chamber, threatening to steal away the last dancing flame yet burning. Two closed doors and a window mark swift entry for the cold wind, though the walls seem to betray the room of its little warmth just as much.

The dark room is nearly vacant, save for a table, and a few chairs. An old finely wrought rocking chair supports an even older man in the center of the room. His torso and arms are covered by a thick wool blanket, his legs are hidden under two pair of thick leather breeches, and his bare feet rest in a bucket of steaming water. Black riding boots covered in melting snow sit patiently next to him, and a broad headed axe next to them.

Steam rises from the bucket, and he slowly rocks back in the chair, then lets his muscles relax, pulling him again forward. He does this slowly for the better part of fifteen minutes, until the water turns cold. Fine strands of hair begin black and end gray upon his aged head and his dark eyes reflect the orange light of the fire, in them stirs something mysterious.

He stops rocking for a moment and looks down at his axe. He breathes in deeply, “I must go back out, Dylenna.” He gazes into the dark corner. The woman can barely be seen so far from the light of the fire. She huddles against the cold wooden walls, wrapped in another blanket. Staring blankly into the fire. Dylenna looks up to the man, “How much longer must we do this father? We can’t take much more of this- why must we stay here?”

“We cannot ride to Valoreth until the snows recede, and that will not be for another eight weeks. Until then, I must get us wood and food. I’m sorry but there is no other way…” His eyes well up for a moment, but he blinks away the tears, hoping his daughter would not notice. He then takes a moment to wipe off his feet, and begins to dress again for the deep cold.

“Be careful father, don’t go far- please. I’ll watch over mom until you return.” She adds quickly “don’t forget the lantern- if you were to get lost out there you’d die quickly.” The old man says, “I’m not taking the lantern Dylenna… I don’t want to be a beacon for any who might be near.” He shakes his head sternly as he fastens the axe. Dylenna looks up at him, now angry at his decision “Please take the lantern father, please.” A sigh can be heard from him, and all his fifty years seem to catch up with him at long last. He moves for the door, and opens it. Immediately the wind can be felt encircling the room, what little embers remain in the fire now burn out, bathing the room in an uncomfortable and foreboding darkness.

He steps out and quickly closes the door. Tears well up in Dylenna’s eyes, as she stares at the lantern left behind. Violent coughing can be heard in the other room. For many moments Dylenna fears to go in, to see her mother in her current state. Its only a matter of time, she thinks to herself.

~~~

The snow storm roars overhead with ferocity, the wind its weapon, the cold its killing blow. A light copse of trees surrounds this place, forming a small bowl-like depression. A gloved hand reaches up into the air, tendrils of snow and wind rush past it with great force. The hand is palm up, and it begins to move in a sphere like shape, as if sculpting some unseen force. The hand belongs to a cloaked figure wearing white. The figure kneels with one leg deep in the snow, it lowers its hand slowly and then a female voice sounds out “Eathanu em’alal ineluwei.”

A force of energy suddenly envelops her hand, awkwardly at first. Colorless, it appears to distort the view past it, writhing and snaking out in many directions. As she moves her hand closer to her chest, the energy wells up near her torso and begins to surround her. For a moment she shutters and then in a sudden movement she pushes her hands outward and stands up.

The energy violently pushes beyond her body and develops into a roughly shaped sphere fifteen feet around her. The snow that once battered against her now instead hit the sphere of energy and swirls about it, changing its course as if the sphere were a physical thing.

Satisfied with the result, she slowly takes off her right glove, finger by finger. A delicate small hand bears pale skin, nearly the color of the snow itself. She wears a single ring on her thumb, and a thin leather arm band. She rubs her thumb against her other fingers, as if still feeling the effects of the spell.

Another figure comes up from the trees behind her, and quickly steps into the sphere. He is cloaked as well, but doesn’t wear his hood. He is an elf, with skin only a touch darker than the woman’s and hair the color of the trees, a pale dusty brown. He carries a bow in his hand, and a backpack, packed full. A thin long sword rests at his side. “Tela’in an-evu inelu” he says proudly to her. She nods and lowers her hood, revealing a face beyond beauties meaning. Her pale silver hair is pulled back, a tiara rests upon her brow and fastens behind her half-elven ears. She looks back at him and says urgently “Tash’aen’li an’alal hevu-divan…”

He nods to her and immediately springs forward with haste. She follows close behind him. The two leave the trees and begin the long trek across a frozen valley. By now nearly three feet of snow have fallen, and the storm has just begun.

~~~

The old man winces as wind pummels him from behind. He moves with as much haste as he can afford in the darkness, having traveled only three hundred yards from his home. His home, the only shield that can protect his family from this harsh storm. He looks back at it, wondering if it were wise to come out in the dead of night. He sees no smoke rising from the chimney and shakes his head, “I must- we won’t have a tomorrow if I can’t gather more wood…” he says trying to reassure himself.

He continues to trudge forward, pulling a canvas tarp behind him. He shakes his head in shame, wondering how he could let the bandits steal his wood stores. It had been three nights ago, and they had come in the dead of night, possibly from the southern hills. At least they hadn’t come inside- “at least they hadn’t killed those I love” he thinks aloud and stops for a moment. Maybe they had.

Finally after several minutes, he comes to a small series of pines. The largest stood ten feet high, with several smaller trees nestled around it. They would be just enough to protect him from the wind- for a time. The old man sighs once more, and un-straps his hand axe.

For several minutes he tears away at the bark of the wood, pulling off the outer crust, a shield like surface that is known on these trees as the Esk of the trunk. Underneath lies the trunk itself, healthy and dry from the elements outside. He raises his axe to the bark and begins to cut into it. The harsh dull clatter from the axe resounds out for many yards.

Several minutes pass, and the old man already seems stripped of energy. He lowers his trembling arm, nearly unable to bring it to bear against the tree. He has near enough wood to burn for an hour… Tears well up in his eyes and his heart grows heavy. Why did he bring his family out here? What was he thinking… “What was I thinking…” he says to himself.

“You were hoping to save your family from the curse that has fallen over Valoreth, ata.” A female voice says, startling the distraught old man. A sensation then overtakes him, one that he hasn’t felt for a great many years. Ata is the elven word for father. His arms tingle and tears burst from his eyes, his brow wrinkles in confusion for a moment. “Telain… is that you? Daughter of mine??”

A hint of a smile crosses her features for only a moment, then quickly fades. “Yes Trinor, its me. We need to speak.” His features harden again, and he feels his strength return, albeit slowly, as if his body were numb and just starting to regain its feeling. He picks up what little wood he has gathered, and begins to strap them into the canvas. “Trinor, its best we hurry, this is Tash’aen’li, my half brother, he’ll carry them for you.” The old man looks up at the elf who was half hidden behind a tree. His eyes grow wide at the thought of his half-elven daughter having found blood-kin with the elves of the north. He nods quickly and the three begin to make their way back to his dark and quiet home.

~~~

The three step into through the cabins threshold. The wind outside tears at the house, creating an eerie sound, as if the wind were a wailing creature throwing its weight against it. The elven man quickly places one of the logs gathered into the fire place. “That won’t be enough to make the fire, we must burn another, or the fire will go out.” The old man says with shame in his voice. Tela’in puts her hand out to him and then steps toward the fire place. She bends down and touches the log “Erin eki-an, Aleguwi!” she says the last word louder than the first, and immediately fire leaps from her bare hand onto the log. The old mans eyes widen as he thinks to himself, my girl- a wielder of magic...

Just then the other door opens, and Dylenna steps inside. Her eyes are tired, but when she sees Trinor she smiles. “Who are you?” she says mystified and a little afraid. “Dylenna, close the door. I need to tell you something.” The old man says and waits for her to do so. “This is Telain, she is my daughter, but not of your mothers blood. She is your half sister.”

Dylenna’s eyes betray anger for a moment, then she looks to the half-elf with confusion in her eyes. “Its Tela’in actually. This is my half brother Tash’aen’li. We have grave news regarding Valoreth.” Dylenna’s eyes widen and she takes a step closer to her father.

Tela’in remains next to the log for a moment, and then says “Ilin avas’il” nothing seems to happen at first, and Dylenna’s eyes narrow. “This log shall not burn dry until tomorrow at sundown, and not a minute before, now then, sit.”

Tash’aen’li sets his bag on the table and begins to withdraw several provisions. “Eat, if you have hunger.” He says. The four eventually sit down, Dylenna and Trinor still very much shocked at the sudden and chaotic change of events, no matter how good fortuned they seem. “Trinor, have you heard of Sirion’s new law?” Tela’in asks, looking at him from across the table. “No… I haven’t… been to Valoreth for many weeks, perhaps it has been… sixty days? Maybe more…” he says as he searches his memory.

“Sirion has closed his walls. He forced out Lady Nula, his own wife. The Elf Bond has been broken once more, and we have been banished from his lands as outlaws.” Tash’aen’li says calmly. The two look at him with anxiety growing in their hearts. “We have come to tell you, Trinor, because evil is brewing in Sirion’s keep. We need to know what is happening in Valoreth, and we want you to be the one keeping us informed.” Tela’in says, intent on keeping Trinor’s gaze.

After a moment Trinor relaxes his weary shoulders and says “I am old… and weakened. How can this body help your cause, while it would mean the abandonment of my family.” Dylenna looks at her father wearily, “No- you cannot ask this of my father.” She shakes her head and stands from the table. “Ask it of me, sister.” Tela’in rests gently against the back of the chair, studying Dylenna with curiosity. “Trinor, the decision is yours to make. Be it you or your daughter, my half-sister. Know that if you are caught, you will be imprisoned, probably taken to Sirion’s Keep.”

A many long moments pass, and Tash’aen’li stands, “We may yet stand against Sirion, and his curse. But to do so, we need all the help we can get.” He pauses for a moment and looks down at the tired man before them. “Dylenna, if you want you may do this task, but don’t look for my blessing, as I cannot give it. My place is here with my wife. She is ill, and not fit to travel.”

“I’ll do it.” Dylenna says with confidence. “We’ll leave tomorrow morning then. Pack any belongings you can sister, it is a long journey. Leave me for a minute to speak with your father.” Dylenna nods and kisses her fathers cheek, then leaves the room.

“Ata… My mother is dead. She was taken by Sirion’s men two weeks ago.” Her eyes look down into the fire for a moment then back up to him “She wanted me to tell you that she loved you still, despite your choices.” Trinor buries his face in his large hands. “She is dead? How do you know, perhaps she is imprison-“ the half-elf interrupts “Her soul has left her body. Yet she walks Sirion’s Keep as one of his servants. Do you understand this? She isn’t dead, but also not living, ata. She has become undead, her body is prisoner, but her soul has been freed. Her last wish was that you help us in Valoreth.”

His eyes suddenly betray his sadness, he stands and shakes his head. “If Dylenna has a chance to live in Valoreth, then so be it, she will be better off there. But if anything happens to her, I hold you responsible. Your mother left me Telain. She made the decision…” His argument fades as he speaks. He pauses for a moment and sighs with anguish “Give me your oath that you will do everything in your power to protect her.” He looks at her with concern. “I give you that oath, ata. I will do everything in my power to protect my sister.” She breathes in and stands. “She looks a little like me doesn’t she…”

The old man doesn’t respond, but instead looks out the window. He remembers so little of his past… “I can’t remember her face…” He whispers to no one. Tash and Tela’in exchange glances briefly. “Trinor- go and sleep now. We are to leave tomorrow morning.”

Short Story: SoV, Introduction

Many of my friends know me as an avid role player. In my years I've grown to love tales of fantasy and magic, of sorcerers and villains. It is so ingrained in me, that many times I will write stories about the worlds I develop for role-playing.

The realm of Valoreth was one such world I developed, and subsequently wrote a story about. The setting is a tall mountain valley in the midst of a harsh winter. The peoples of the realm live mostly in the city of Valoreth, but some few venture out to make a life for themselves in the harsh wilderness.

The lord of the land is one Lord Sirion, a once great and loving figure, now turned to madness and a bitter evil. I hope you enjoy the writings as much as I've enjoyed dreaming up the world.

...Yeah I know. I'm a dork.

The Snows of Valoreth

Introduction
Chapter 1: The Storm
Chapter 2: Secret Meetings

Reflections: One of these moments...

My day today was long and somewhat difficult. I won't go into the details as it'd be border line complaining- and I'm really not looking for pity. I know a whole lot of folks who work harder than I do, so not only would it be careless I suppose some might think it rude. Needless to say- it was quite the day. I returned home feeling exhausted, and the rest of my night I felt a little drained of energy. It wasn't until a few minutes ago that I felt replenished.

I was just tucking my little girl into bed tonight, and had one of these moments...

Our nightly routine finished, I tucked her in, said our I love you's and exchanged huggies and kisses. I turned and nearly made it to her door. As I was leaving the room, her tiny voice tugged at me, I could make out the few whispered words: "I dared".

She clutched two tiny stuffed animals, one whom we call mama bear- a white curly furred bear whom she pretends is mommy, and the other a white beluga whale. The sun was setting casting a yellow glow in through the windows, and her fan was on high, sending a constant breeze swirling about.

I turned and saw her curled up watching me leave, she repeated the statement: "Dared daddy..." Now if her intonation didn't melt what was left of my heart, her little quivering lips did the trick- sinking all manner of resistance left in me.

I walked back to her bed and asked her what she was scared of, and she didn't respond. Her bed is low to the ground, so I sat down beside her, and rested my head sideways on her toy box, bringing my head level with hers a couple inches away.

Her eyes looked up at me, and I was still trying to make out what was troubling her. So instead of focusing on her being scared, I changed the subject, and started asking her if she remembered things in our past.

"Do you remember when we saw the beluga whales hunny? And the big turtle?"
"Penguins too?" She smiled and asked back. "Ahh-haaah.."

We talked for the good part of twenty minutes, about our recent vacation, about the aquarium, and swimming, and visiting with friends. We talked about the trains, and about the moon. It was just one of those moments where the whole world seemed to disappear along with my worries and stress.

Being a father is an amazing thing, it is so rewarding to share moments like this with her. I can only hope that one day she too, can share moments like this with her children.

Umm. After she's forty.

Cancer: The Diagnosis

Wednesday, May 10th 2006

I remember the day that I was told I had testicular cancer, it was much like many other busy days in life, I think it was sunny outside...

I had an appointment with the doc mid-morning, it was a regular follow up to a pain I had felt in my left testicle a couple weeks earlier. Though the pain never receded like he thought it would, I wasn't feeling overly anxious- after all I was already thinking of lunch. I remember feeling rather irritated in myself that I had skipped breakfast that morning because my stomach was grumbling. Later in the day I had to scurry off to work, a prospect that interested me least of all. So there I sit in the waiting room, thinking about lunch, waiting to get the visit over with.

Unconsciously a week before I remember taking the dogs outside and I was awash with this gut feeling that the pain was cancer. I can't really describe the feeling other than to say it was not unlike an internal conversation I was having with myself. I seem to have them often, as that's the way my mind works. I tend to say the words in my head before I talk, a habit that makes it difficult to think on my feet in certain situations- I tend to think too hard when I want to say something important.

"Am I making them feel uncomfortable? I am aren't I. Say something. Quickly, okay um... man- whats that word again..." until finally I blurt out "it's a nice ...day today huh?". Such is the way my mind works. Oi...

Even despite having had this conversation in my head a week before, it still hit me like a train was boring down on me- tied to the tracks and feeling a bit helpless to get out of its way. I remember the doctor saying "We'll need you in for an ultrasound, and most likely surgery... today."

While I was digesting the new information about the body that I've known for the better part of 27 years, I was absolutely fixated on his last word: "today" Was it really that bad? Was it going to grow into more areas of my body- had it already? It was like my body was under siege, and that millions of little ninja's had full run of it.

Next came a flurry of activity and I soon remember walking across to another section of the hospital on one of those elevated bridges that cross the streets. I looked down at the cars and it was just Ashley, Isabella and me for a good length of time. I watched the cars going by below me, almost feeling silly- that here I am the one who's in shambles. I'm supposed to be strong for our family, I'm the one who takes care of them. The cars reminded me of my blood cells moving through my arteries. The analogy made me realize just how fragile I was.

It wasn't long before I was taken to a room, and the preparations for surgery had begun. Most of the day had come and gone by then, I remember it was sunny and I wished I hadn't skipped breakfast. Leaving Ashley and Isabella, I was wheeled into another room, where they gave me a black sharpie and instructed me to draw an "x" on my inner thigh- the side that they would eventually remove the tumor from.

I was perplexed to say the least and all I could think about was- "You mean to tell me you guys don't know!?" I nonetheless obliged and then was told to take my contacts out. Now without my contacts, I'm blind as a bat is in sunlight- wait but bats have sonar- so I was left feeling rather screwed and a little hesitant about what was going to happen next. They put an IV in and the next thing I know I'm getting some pretty decent medication.

So off they wheel me to surgery, and here I am feeling a little funny an X drawn on my inner left thigh. The nurses help make me feel at ease, and soon they're asking me questions while I squint at my surroundings passing me by. I remember telling them that I like movies and then mention King Kong. I can't be sure, but I'm fairly certain I talked at length about that big ape, probably butchering the storyline only to fall into a dreamless sleep (most likely drool accompanying me).

Great, way to make a good impression Mariucci.

The surgery went very well, and soon I awoke in a room with my loving wife. I remember little of the following hours, only that the morphine was making me feel ill, and that I desperately wanted to go home and be left in peace and quiet.

It was well beyond the point of reflection, for I had cancer and within 5 hours of its diagnosis, it was out of me. Surreal I would call the experience, as I really hadn't had the time to digest it. I was lucky, and am happy to be able to count my blessings.

The sun did shine that day, I remember...

Ascension: Sky Boxes

I wrote this blog for Ascension- originally posted Tuesday, July 1, 2008 @ 9:00 pm

Greetings and salutations! My last blog was devoted to Battle Front concept art and our core element in letting our environments act as story tellers. This entry is about Sky boxes: what are they, and how do we get them to work in our game.

So first, many of you might be asking what a Sky box is. Many games make use of these to give the illusion that the game level exists beyond what the player can interact with. Laymans terms, the Sky box is the background you see when you play the game. Technically, it is a 6 sided box that surrounds the entire game level. By placing the player at the center of this box the player perceives an extension of the 3d world.
You can also think of it in these terms: You’re standing on a mountain looking out at another mountain range… First take a picture facing (1) north, then (2) east, (3) south, and (4) west, and line up your edges so that they match between pictures. This accounts for 4 sides to your Sky box, to complete it you’ll also need to take a photo (5) above and (6) below you. You might ask how to stitch these all together properly, or how would you make it appear not so “square-like” from the inside.
This is done using our modeling and texturing programs. By creating a special distortion on our cameras, you can “bend” the seams of your environment. Take a look at this Sky box texture. Each of these six squares makes up one side of the sky box. Their seams match up perfectly, but distort the edges. This is best seen when looking at the planet. At perfect center, this planet appears spherical in game. Outside of the Sky Box, it would appear like the image below.

Hope you enjoyed this entry, till next time!

Ascension: SkyBox Concept Creation

I wrote this blog for Ascension- originally posted Tuesday, July 1, 2008 @ 9:00 pm

Hi all! I’m the Lead Environment Head working on Ascension: Triumvirate. Tonight’s first blurb will be on the Battle Front concept material I was tasked with creating for Ascension, and perhaps more so on story-telling. You’ll have to forgive me as I’m more prone towards rambling when I’m not creating art. So just slap me around a little if I tend to get side-tracked.

So! A common element to nearly every game currently on the market is a game’s story, and its story-tellers. These story-tellers needn’t always be people or non-player characters, but can be props, scenery, sounds, triggers and lighting. The best story telling is done when the player doesn’t consciously perceive it. It’s also called immersion.

For me, the background scenery required for Ascension is important, vitally so, as it accounts for much of what the player sees. It then should help to tell the player our story, and act as its own story teller; we wanted the scenery to give the player a feeling of complete immersion.

There are twenty-two locations in the Ascension: Triumvirate game world and each has its own concept piece, laying the foundation for each levels development. These concept images are only slivers of what will eventually be designed, but they’re meant to stir the imagination, and to get your mind trained to look for the story in each.

For starters, when I sit down and begin a drawing for t he environment concepts, I ask myself:

• What is happening here?
• What should the player know about each location?
• Where is the sun, and which major celestial bodies are visible?
• How near is the battle front to the celestial body that is closest, is it near a planet or moon, how vast does the planet appear?
• How dark is the level, and is the sun the only source of light?
• How much cosmic dust surrounds this place, is it thick, hard to see through?
• What is the predominant color here, and how saturated should it be?
• How far away is this location, should the players feel alone- deserted, or are they near their power base?

All these questions tend to lead toward elements of t he larger story. Once I have answered these questions, I tend to draw focal points tying them into the art, and I try to answer each question not in words, but in the art itself.

The Battle Front concept art is designed to be the springboard for the eventual realization of the Sky Box in each level (or the 3D background the player perceives). For those of you interested in learning more about Sky Boxes, I’ll post another blog shortly devoted just to them.

Well thanks for taking the time to read thru my notes, I know I tend to ramble, by the way it’d be worse if I were talking in person, as I have no delete button to go back and edit.

Feel free to check out my SkyBox Concept pieces for the upcoming game Ascension: Triumvirate here.

Ascension: Introduction

As some of you already know, my colleagues and I have been hard at work developing a new and upcoming game. I've spent countless hours on it and will probably spend countless more. The game is called "Ascension- Triumvirate" and we currently have several people working hard to see it bud into the title we have envisioned.

Now over the years, I've been involved with the core group of guys on our Ascension team, close individuals I call friends who I've come to know and respect. We've come up with several ideas for games, some based off of other works- like Rifts and Redwall Abbey, and others of our own creation, like The Maelstrom. As exciting as these projects were, none of them compare to the amount of energy and excitement I see in this game.

I'm proud when I say that we really have something here, and in less than five years time, I'd wager you see a version on shelves. We're blessed to have a team of devoted individuals who understand that at least in the short run- its all on us. From our audio-designer, modelers, concept and texture artists, to our coders and business guru's- I'm inspired by all of them.

/me holds up a pint

For those of you who would like to know more about the game, here is our web address:

www.ascensionwar.com

Reflections: Musings of an expectant dad...

I must admit that the prospect of raising not one but two little terrors somewhat scares me. For a very long time I wanted to make sure that I would be able to give my children a 'good' life. Goals that I set were fairly simple, like making sure that our finances were in order, that we had a solid roof under our head, and that we were in a place that was warm and inviting for raising children.

And now that we have most of those things all in order, I still find myself somewhat skeptical of my own long-term abilities in being a dad. Now that's not to say I'm bad at parenting, but more that I find it difficult to connect the way I want to, to be a teacher.

I try to interpret how Isabella's mind works and sometimes its really tough! Now I know you're all sitting back laughing at me because in truth, I'm a great dad (okay enough with the tooting of my own horn). But there is something to be said about raising a child and nurturing their mind, a kind of mental cultivation that has extremely high stakes.

I ask myself often, am I connecting with her on a level that she can understand... Am I doing what she wants, or what she needs? The truth of the matter is that all good parents ask these questions.

I was thrilled to find out that we didn't have to go thru fertility treatments to get pregnant this second time around. We were close too- we had already started the process, and had planned to go to the doctor the month after we found out. It truly is interesting how that works itself out.

We're lucky and I'm very proud to admit, I can't wait to meet our newest addition! Be it a girl or boy (and yes, we're going to TRY to find out the gender). Psst- little one- that means you shouldn't cross your legs like your sister mmkay?

In short, worry not dads to be! It's all cake in practise, even if your hands get dirty from time to time. ...Though I could do without the diapers...

Reflections: Family Ties

I'm very lucky to have been blessed with the kind of family I have. Our family unit is one of cohesion I've come to rarely see in other families. It is truly something to see my dad's brothers and sisters, and the families they've raised. So to, my mothers side is similar, they band together because that's what our family does. I don't mean to gloat, that isn't the intention of this post, but to rather remind me that what I have shouldn't be taken for granted.

My grandfather and grandmother are this families glue. Its sometimes overlooked, and too easily forgotten that these people are responsible for so much joy in my life, and yet a couple words like "I love you" are all that ever get conveyed.

Don't get me wrong I think this phrase is important, but it is sometimes hard to remember to say more, to convey more. To let the people in your life really know that they mean the difference between a life lived, and a life truly blessed.

I'm so happy to know that Isabella is coming to the age where she'll have memories of the wonderful people that raised my father. Her great grandparents are so very special to her, and to us, they are symbolic of the cycle of our life. Our family. I only wish that she could have known my mothers parents better, but they watch over us too, I think.

Heres to you grandpa and grandma, because all I ever remember to say to you is "I love you", I treasure the moments my family and I get to spend with you. Congratulations on the family you've come to raise and on all your achievements!

So before I forget, I want to remind you all to not forget just how special those special people in your lives are. Take the time to say- I really value spending time with you!

Introduction: Greetings and Salutations!

My name is Jonathan Mariucci and I'm new to this whole blogging adventure, but i wanted to be able to have a place to post some of my thoughts to share with my friends and family, what better way i suppose.

I am 28 years old and am blessed to have a beautiful and caring wife Ashley and our little girl Isabella, and we have another little one on the way! (We'll see you on the outside sometime in January! Keep on growing little one!) I consider myself blessed to have them in my life, in many ways, they are my center.

I find myself working for Xerox at the moment, managing a print center for OshKosh B'Gosh / Carter's companies. Though that is currently what brings home the cheese, my real talent and the career I've spent countless hours investing in, is the gaming industry, particularly in computer modeling and texturing.

I spend much of my waking hours tediously at work on a game that my collegues and I have developed from scratch. I'll post more on this later, but I will say that I'm the type of person that tends to work doggedly until I fulfill a goal, and I have a bit of a stubborn and anal streak in me that tends to always see improvements that need doing in my work.

A little about me... I think alot about the world, about personal successes and failures, about society, and the direction our country is headed, about the past I've come to witness and the future I can only imagine is coming. I tend to read the news too much which I think causes me to worry about the world more than a person my age really should.

I've been faced with tragedy enough to know it hurts, and been blessed with unsurrmountable happiness. I feel that life is a journey and its a bit like hiking, you never know when you're going to stumble, or when you're going to come upon that grand vista- only that you hope to encounter a little of both while moving...

Anyways- welcome me and welcome you!