All things Nix

Inflexual

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:48:00 +0000

I was feeling a bit down recently. People have referred to me in the past as being 'asexual', and, to a point, I agree with them.

"On second thoughts, let's not call it being 'asexual'. That feels a wee bit pretentious. 'Celibate' will do. I can still see the appeal of emptying one's grubby little speed bag, I'm just lost on why it's so important that you catch the residue in another person's organic waste paper basket.

But having made the decision to not pursue any of this sex business anymore I've discovered a strange new world I never knew existed.

It's like I've eaten spam a few times from a few popular brands and in a few serving suggestions, and found I'm not really keen on spam, 'cos it's salty and slimy and looks like something you might find in the alien queen's litter box. But I've found myself in a world that's completely obsessed with spam. People spend their entire lives in pursuit of spam. Every single advert on TV sells their product by placing it alongside spam. Movies have to work in at least one spam scene to reach the broadest audience. People break up and get divorced because they don't exchange enough spam. Soldiers are given time out to go have some spam. Low-risk prisoners are given spam visiting rights. People die for spam. Entire economies have been based around spam. Selling spam is the world's oldest profession. The lack of spam has been linked to mental disorders. The only thing getting teenagers through difficult puberty is the thought of one day getting to have spam of their very own.

And when I explain to people that I'm not that into spam they tell me I must be some kind of hopeless cissy girl, or that I just haven't found the right spam yet. It feels like when a theist says "I'll pray for you." Or when a parent of some hideous mewling womb dropping says "You'll understand when you have one of your own." Quite infuriating. It's just tinned meat, guys.

But on the other hand, as a white middle-class anglo-saxon male between the ages of 18 and 35, it's fun to be in a minority for once. Finally I've got my very own thing I can get offended at. This must be why gay chaps always seem to be having such a good time." -Yahtzee

Yeah. That pretty much sums things up.

------------------

And So It Begins

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:20:00 +0000

Once again I fail dismally at charming girls in a nightclub. Then again, its not as if they can hear me.

------------------

New Composition

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:13:00 +0000

I just posted a new composition at my composery blog. Go here to see.

New posts on Dorian West are also coming, its just takes a bit of time.

------------------

Houses

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:14:00 +0000

I have finally moved into my Home away from Home. Well, technically I did on Sunday, but due to internet reasons and unpacking etc. I have only just managed to post.

I like my room, even though its small its cosy. In fact, I got a flickr account, and they're all there. Here is the link.

I quite like flickr. After comparing it to the mighty Photobucket, I decided I liked flickr better, with it's considerably cleaner interface, it feels nicer to upload, edit and view photos on flickr than on Photobucket.

I think I'm slightly delerious from this awful cold I have. I shall now endeavour to sleep.

------------------

Busy

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:11:00 +0000

As the title suggests, I have been a little busy, which given my choice of degree, can only be a good thing.

I have been composing rather more than is usual of late, as readers of my composer's blog will know, as well as beginning to record some more Audiofictions. In fact, Episode 101 was recently released, and was a collaboration between Jessie (a fellow Mermuggle) and myself. I think it turned out rather well, and next time we'll probably try recording with three of us; not quite a radio drama, but more of a 'group' podcast.

I also have my practical Driving test on Wednesday, so I've been practicing for that recently, and hoping to god I don't cock up something terrible. £62 riding on that.

When did everything get so bloody expensive? Damned inflation.

------------------

27th August 2009

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:15:00 +0000

Well, my bike got stolen today. Bloody typical. The one day I come to Birmingham, this happens. I mean it was a pretty old bike, a bit scuffed up, but still.

I still have the seat. Ah well.

For a while now, I've been wanting to emigrate to Australia after I finish my studies at Birmingham. While I still want to emigrate, I'm not sure I want to go to Australia any more.

Don't get my wrong, Australia would have been a great place to live, and still would be. But the red tape. There is so much hassle in making sure you're fit to live there, that you're not going to upset the economy/ecology, making sure your job is suitable, it seems so much paperwork and hassle, coming from somewhere where that is the norm.

I am leaning towards visiting New York in the coming years, maybe for a week or two, because ideally, in my ultimate fantasy, I would live there and compose. I don't know why, but New York attracts me with a sort of allure that I don't get with other places.

And most of all, I would be living there because I wanted to.

------------------

Updates

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:12:00 +0000

Hey, there's finally an update on the Musicians Webseries Blog. Admittedly its only Episode titles, but its something, right?

Right?

------------------

Updates

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:46:00 +0000

And I've also graced you all with a brand-new layout! I felt the previous one was uninteresting, so I made it brighter and simpler, and it reminds me of the art style used in Mirror's Edge.

------------------

Updates

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:45:00 +0000

Click here to see/hear my latest composition.

------------------

Audiofictions has Twitter

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Audiofictions, the Fanfiction podcast service I'm a part of, how has a twitter account.

Go: http://twitter.com/audiofictions to follow.

------------------

Updates

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:43:00 +0000

There is a new and substatial post on my composer blog:

http://jasondeweycomposer.blogspot.com/

Its all about a new composition, and Chance Music, something I find highly interesting.

Take a look!

------------------

For Sale

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:45:00 +0000

So my laptop died. Ah well, since it was still under guarantee, I took it back to be repaired. With any luck, I should have it back by the end of the week.

In other news, I am selling my monitor/tv. Its a Samsung 2032mw, capable of both hdmi and dvi input for pc's, and is in fully functioning order. Comes with all original paperwork, cables and accessories. Please email me at the address on the vcard below, or leave a comment here!

Here is the eBay link.
------------------

You Will Lose Everything

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 11:50:00 +0000

I knew there was a reason I kept this blog. The worst has happened. My computer crashed late last night, erasing the operating system, and all hope of restoring my data. I'm waiting on a copy of Vista right now so I can install the OS onto a temp harddrive and get back on my feet, but with everything gone, its going to be hard.

Well not everything. Some things have been posted on my blog here, like the Walking in a Garden score, as well as a few mp3's. Other work, like my first year portfolio and a few other pieces, remain on paper, for me to copy down later, or simply to photocopy. Some things, like part of my iTunes library were backed up onto several discs, and other work is on a portable harddrive. But all my settings, information, drafts, works in progress, are gone.

Now remains the desicion to get rid of my laptop, and use the money from that to build a more reliable computer instead, or to carry on with my laptop, and start again?

------------------

The Box

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:27:00 +0000

I recieved a box in the post the other day. It was dated from about 1998, and apparently discovered last year sometime in the Room of Requirement. No-one was able to open it, and the amount of Dark Magic that exuded from it was phenomenal.

While other Wizards tried and failed to open it, the Elder Wand was never used. Because of the amount of Dark Magic that came from the Box, the Ministry agreed to use it under controlled conditions in order to open it.

Here is the only recording. Unfortunatley there is no footage of whats IN the box, as the amount of magic that came out confused the camcorder completely and caused static. Needless to say, the object was very Dark indeed.

Ok, seriously though, I took some photos of the box, the package in it, and the letter. I show whats in the tissue paper (Voldemort's broken wand, with the Phoenix core ripped out). Unfortunately, I won't show whats in the letter, as its sealed with wax, and I may plan to send this as a gift, so I would rather have them break the seal on it.

------------------

Brand New Layout

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:57:00 +0000

I know I seem to do this every other week, but I really liked this one, and I've put a lot of work into making it all fit around what I had already.

It takes a newspaper-esque look, with links at the top, subscription links to the side, a featured videos playlist to the right of the main blog, easy access to my other blogs, and the archive for this blog, and some other stuff right at the bottom.

I'm currently working on a few pieces of music, (more details at Jason Dewey Composer Blog) as well as Chapter 5 of Dorian West.

Hopefully there will be more updates soon!

------------------

Cardly

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:43:00 +0000

I just got a Virtual Business Card! It is available at the link below, and has now become my signature for these posts.

------------------

I hope my ass was made of Ice Cream, it doesn't mean I'm a hot fudge sundae!

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:28:00 +0000

This Saturday, I am going to see Derren Brown: Enigma, live in the Adelphi Theatre in London!

I've recently been catching up on his past work in order to prepare myself for this event. I've read many reviews of Enigma, and most of then give a positive result, so it should be an event to remember!

Closer to today, I've been obsessing over wax sealed envelopes etc after seeing this link. It is a mighty fine piece of work, capturing the tone of the books as well as the movies absolutely perfectly.

It inspired me to create my own. Still in the formation of ideas process, I plan to include a replica Marauder's Map, (using the book's description, rather than the movie's) as well as my own mystery box linked to the Dark Lord.

Call me geeky, but I find this kind of thing fun.

To show my dedication, here are some photos of a letter recently found in a cave in Scotland. Possibly written in 1995, its suprisingly well preserved.

Dorian West

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:43:00 +0000

New post up on Dorian West. Not a new chapter unfortunatley, but an apology for the lack of them in recent weeks, as well as some news and updates.

Enjoy!

White Snooker

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:49:00 +0000

Good news everyone! Bill Nighy has finally been cast in Harry Potter! And as Rufus Scrimgeour as well! The perfect role once again goes to the perfect actor; as was with Jim Broadbent and Slughorn, is with Bill Nighy and Scrimgeour.

I went to my Brother's sports day today. He came last in both events he was in. I don't blame him in the slightest, he reminds me of me, when I was forced to expose myself as the unfit loser I used to be. Of course now, thats all changed.

But it leads me to question, where is Science day? And Maths day? And English day, and Music day, where students should be forced to compete in stupid ritualistic embarrassment routines in subjects they have no interest nor talent in? They do it religiously for sports day? Why discriminate against the fit and healthy? Why not discriminate against memory capacity, talent with words, talent with numbers, talent with sound?

Of course, it all boils down to 'survival of the fittest'. 'May the best man win'. Or may the fastest/strongest kid lead the social groups while people with brains are left behind unless they adapt to become loud, boisterous, cocky, and many other things that people with brains know better not to do.

Why am I even up at this time of night? Why can't I just sleep? Because I remember that I will wake up tomorrow and nothing will have changed.

Because I am to impatient to wait for time to pass so that I can start doing.

Because I don't fit in here.

Because I'm jealous. Jealous of everyone who was better looking than me, stronger, faster, more outgoing than me.

Because I have no idea what I'm going to do for the rest of my life.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince PS3 Review

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:02:00 +0000

Ahh, Harry Potter. Something which has invaded my life for many years now.

I recently bought Half-Blood Prince on PS3, almost expecting it to be ten times better than Order of the Phoenix; the game that brought Hogwarts in all its majesty to millions of Harry Potter fans around the world. I was both right and wrong.

The game brings back what many people thought was missing from Order of the Phoenix: Quidditch. Taking the same spotlight as the Potions minigame and the improved Wizard Duels, Quidditch is now restricted to flying through stars in order to accellerate to the Snitch. Not dissimilar to the Quidditch featured in the first Harry Potter game, this version is on-rails; accelleration is controlled completely by the game, and you control where you are on screen: left, right, up and down. However, it does have it's fun moments; as you progress through the game, stars will get closer together and will require more complex manouvers to get through all of them.

The next addition to the gameplay is Potion Brewing. Taking place frequently throughout the game, it feels comfortable to play, and it doesn't feel like a tacked on part of the game, rather as if it was built around it. The controls are suitably assigned; analogue sticks are used to move ingredient bottles and pour them, as well as to stir and to heat the cauldron; it feels natural, although stirring could be a little faster!

Dueling is also a central part of the game. Due to Voldemort's confirmed return, Dumbledore has reinstated the Dueling Clubs, where students can practice spells and curses on each other. Controls for duelling are easy to remember, although some spells require movement from both analogue sticks at once, something which the game doesn't always recognise, and you may find yourself running low on health after failing to do a spell too many times. However, due to the improved 'dodge' system, duels have the capacity to get harder throughout the game, and with frequent encounters with bullying Slytherins, you will find yourself becoming increasingly proficient at duels, something which is required for the battles against Death Eaters later in the game.

While all these things have strengthened what can only be an already strong game, some changes to the game do weaken it.

The most noticable change is the removal of the Marauder's Map, and the replacement being a badly impersonated Nearly Headless Nick. While he is easier to follow, the decision to remove a viewable map that shows directions to locations and people, is a woeful one to say the least.

Another strange change is the sprint function. It changed from the X button to L2, enabling the chat/interact button to move from square to a more sensible X, but instead of leaving it as it was, they decided to boost it up and remove the ability to turn. Not only this, but you can't sprint on stairs now. You can get a good speed up in a straight or gently benging corridor, but as soon as you hit stairs, you are brought back to a crawl, breaking the mood.

The developers also exchanged discovery points for crests (found around Hogwarts) and mini crests which build up to crests. This however is a welcome change. For one thing you don't get Myrtle popping up and complaining you don't visit her like a mother-in-law every time you discover something. However, to earn the mini crests, you need to cast depulso on shining objects, and to earn the most, you have to do it at a certain time. These times don't reoccur, so instead of fluxuating and giving you constant opportunity, it happens only once, so if you miss it, it makes collecting them feel a bit futile. They respawn when you move to a new area though, giving you a chance, ableit a convoluted one, to try again.

The Hogwarts Grounds have changed slightly as well. Whilst some rooms from Order of the Phoenix are now innaccessible, there are whole new floors, rooms, corridors and grounds to explore, including an expanse of lawn near the Quidditch Gate, access to the 6th floor and Slughorn's office, as well as a few underground tunnels giving the feel of a much expanded Hogwarts. The graphics have also improved; colours are clearer, models are higher res, and textures are sharper, making parts of Order of the Phoenix seem blocky and dated.

You will definitely get the sense of being at Hogwarts in all respects with this game, and even with an patchy and unclear story, and some slightly annoying changes, the game feels rejuvenated, and possibly fresher than Order of the Phoenix. While some features won't appeal to hardcore gamers, or outsiders to the Harry Potter saga, this is a must have for fans of the series, allowing them free reign over Hogwarts; and with over 150 varied crest challenges, potions, duels, Quidditch and badges to earn, there is much to keep people playing well after the story has finished.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:19:00 +0000

Greatest. Music Video. Ever.

To me, this is the only version of Smooth Criminal.

(If you're reading this on Facebook, then the video won't show. Visit the actual site to see it.)

Updates

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Chapter Four is now up on http://dorianwest.blogspot.com/

and I've updated http://jasondeweycomposer.blogsot.com/ with a link to one of my recent "poppy" pieces.

New Sites

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:52:00 +0000

Ok, I have some new sites. One is dedicated to my composeryness, at here.

Also, a website dedicated to the webseries I have planned, called Musicians. Episodes are planned, some written and a pilot is planned and due to start filming later this year (provided I have the camcorder).

Banner here:

Moving

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:03:00 +0000

I've often been asked what I want to do after Uni. I hadn't given this much thought until recently. I know that I'd want to do something with music, but apart from that I had no ideas whatsoever.

I started thinking about it, considering the degree I'm hopefully going to get once I leave Birmingham. At first I considered staying and living somewhere in Birmingham. Its a nice place, with a wide music scene, and a nice area visually. However, it would probably involve living with other people.

As interesting that would be, I don't think I could live with people who weren't musicians. I would have to convince one or more people to stay on in Birmingham after they finished, which would be unlikely as most people want to do a Masters degree or be a professional musician afterwards; or be picky about who I live with, and neither of those options are viable in the long-term.

In the end, I began considering emigration. This seemed like a more interesting option. This way, I could choose a country I was comfortable with; nice weather, good living costs, good economy etc. Plus I don't much care for the systems in place in this country. I hate the way people don't talk to each other nowadays; just queing, pushing and shoving. Just the other day I was in town, looking in a shop window and a rather large middle-aged lady just shoved past me without saying anything. Its not like there wasn't enough room, she was just too lazy to move out of the way. What pisses me off more is that she didn't say anything. Didn't even look at me. I had half a mind to shout after her and remind her that manners and common courtesy still existed in today's society, but she had a considerably large husband, so for my own health I hastily decided against it.

But its just this country as a whole which I am unsatisfied with. I get along with people like me absolutely fine, but its the attitude of the 'public' that annoys me, and encourages me to move to another country.

I automatically thought of Australia. I've had relatives who visited there before, and they praised every aspect of life there. Obviously the weather is vaslty different, but their description of it made it sound so attractive, and above all, it sounded like the quality of life there was so much better.

I began searching for popular emmigration destinations and found that Brisbane not necessarily the most popular, but cultured, and with a decent living cost.

Obviously this is only the beginning of my research, but I now have my heart set on moving to Australia after my studies. I will have to work for a while, saving enough money to travel over there, and to sustain myself for enough time to find a paying job, but I think in the end it will be worth it; there is a suprisingly popular video-game culture over there, something that interests me greatly.

Of course if anyone wants to come with me they are more than welcome!

Dorian West - Chapter 3

starburst.jooster@gmail.com (Nixemus) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:18:00 +0000

Its now up.

Go look: http://dorianwest.blogspot.com/

You know you want to...