I finally got around to updating my Gem Blaster game from Silverlight 1.1 alpha to the 2.0 beta bits. Since there were very heavy changes to the control model and other aspects of the managed runtime, I had to rewrite a lot of the original code (this was fully expected by the way). While I was in there, I also took the opportunity to add a number of other new features such as a simple sound FX engine, a self-playing "demo mode", and a bunch of other improvements.

I intend to update CodePlex soon with the new source code, but for now you can try out the game here (embedded below). It is hosted on the Silverlight Streaming service, so feel free to pass the link around (it won't kill *my* servers). If you like, you can also directly embed the game using the following embeddable HTML snippet:

<iframe 
    src="http://silverlight.services.live.com/invoke/5683/GemBlasterV2/iframe.html"
    scrolling="no"
    frameborder="0"
    style="width:800px; height:625px">
</iframe>

Now that this project has been updated for Silverlight 2, I can move on to my next game project idea which (I am hoping) should really push the runtime to its limits :)

I have been running a Media Center PC as the hub of my home media network for a few years now - first MCE 2005 and then VMC (Vista Media Center) once it became available. In fact, I am about to install my 3rd XBOX 360 in my house (I use those as media extenders wherever I have a TV). I love my media setup - and more importantly - so does my wife.

I pretty much just let things run and don't think too often about it... but this week I ran across this completely awesome application which makes my setup even better... Lifextender.

Lifextender has a very simple premise, which is stated on the home page of it's website: "Lifextender is a dead-simple commercial-removal application". The program basically runs in the background where it monitors your system for new recordings. It then analyzes those recordings and removes any commercial pods that it finds. It is pretty good - I would say the success rate is about 95%. When it makes it mistake, it seems to always err on the side of caution and has never removed something I didn't want it to. The modified recordings are about 75% of the size of of the originals - which means it is literally giving me back 15 minutes of my life for every "hour" of commercial-infested programming that I watch.

And oh did I mention - It's also FREE (free as in beer)!

We are happy to announce that the 2008 Atlanta Code Camp is coming up soon. We have confirmed the event date of Saturday, March 29th, and it will be held at the Devry University campus in Decatur (this is the same place as last year).

We are actively seeking speaker submissions for the event. You can get the speaker form from our speakers page. We are also looking for volunteers to help on the day of the event. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here.

Attendee Registration is not open yet, but check back often because it is likely to fill up quickly once opened.

Monday night, March 3rd (tomorrow), I am lined up to present on the topic of "Surviving the Multi-core Revolution". This presentation focuses on the concepts and skills needed to bring scalability and performance to server-based processing.

This year I will be heading to MIX in Vegas along with thousands of other UX enthusiasts. I have always had a deep interest in all things related to User Experience, and for the past couple years have wished I could attend a MIX event, and finally this year I get to go!

What will I be doing at MIX? Well I will certainly be soaking up any and all information related to Silverlight and WPF. I will also stick my head into some of the designer-oriented sessions. It's a good thing to see how the other half lives. In between sessions I am hoping to meet all kinds of people who are also passionate about UX. And of course this is Vegas, so I am sure I will lose a few dollars in a casino at some point and drink more booze than is healthy.

Joining me will be a number of Wintellectuals including Steve Porter, Sergio Loscialo, Rik Robinson, Sara Faatz, and Todd Fine. I know of a number of other local Atlanta folks will be making the trip as well: Sean Gerety, Doug Turnure, and Shawn Wildermuth to name a few. Are you going too? If so, let me know and we can get together for a cup of coffee or a beer.