I've always had issues with sumatra, it seems to render some datasheets incorrectly, every now and again it'll consume 100MB+ ram, though that goes away when closing reopening pdfs, but most annoying is it'll happly stretch and print landscape documents on portrait (though you told it not too) and create several megabyte files to send to the xerox (which it really doesn't like).

Im having better look with foxit, even if it isn't as light weight.

...to building my own laptop? Ok, I can technically do this now, but parts are often motherboard specific, with ITX and smaller form factors it might be possible to buy generic laptop cases/batteries and swap parts as it ages.

Well, I can dream anyway...

I write code (Ansi C) and design hardware for Atmel/PICs/PSoC devices almost exclusively in work. I have however been wanting to write games, in my own time, because it has always interested me. However the idea for a game i have is quite complex, though not graphically intensive, and im not entirely certain where to start.

However, that would not be the first game a write. I would write tick tack toe, tetris or pong. Why? The game rules are simple and I know how they are handled. It would be a nice intro into writing games. I would then likely modify the game, just to see what I can do and if I and others like it, hell why not try to make a couple quid with it, worse that can happen is market forces say no and I have just the experience of doing it as a reward.

But maybe thats just me.

P.s. If anyone does know of a good intro to game making (Win/Linux/Mac 2D stuff), point me that way?

Sounds like the Vasari from Sins Of A Solar Empire.

Religion, whilst not game changing as many other factors (Hello pratorians!), made an interesting difference to diplomacy and a slight boost to gold. It was also useful to spread to opponents cities to allow spying/gold generation, and was one of the few reasons to consider open borders. It'll be interesting to see how the civics will be altered to reflect the lack of religion. On a side note anyone know of a decent guide to get Civ 4 (or generic guide for games) running under Ubuntu 9.10 x64 with ATI propriety drivers (HD4600)? I've got it working on a different comp using a Geforce card but not the ATI.

Upto 16 players please. Able to use each others portals.

The levels won't be balanced for it, but the fun you could all have with a few cubes...

No it didn't change anything, it was pretty much a Halo 3 expansion which cost more. It didn't really play much differently (For a non augumented human, an ODST is still strong enough to beat a brute to death with his rifle).
Halo 2 was worse than 3, but they were good games, not great. After the first time round theres not much else to it (unless you hunt easter eggs etc.). The only reason we still play Halo 3 is because its one of the few games that support 4 player spilt screen and LAN at the same time, so with a couple large TVs and 2 consoles we can quickly play 3v3/4v4, or have 2 per screen for co-op. Its odd such games (Im looking at you Call Of Duty) allow 4 player split screen, but as soon as you try a lan game your limited to 1 per console.

i own 4 Mad Catz for the original xbox, can't fault them, they really have survived the test of time. On this basis I bought a wired Mad Catz controller for the 360, lasted a month before it wore out. The only plus side was I had a 360 pad to tinker/mod (had an old amiga controller perfect for street fighter i modded with the 360 pad). I've got friends who don't rate there equipment these days either now.

...is everywhere.

Goldeneye N64.

The US is getting to the point were one should just ask "Does the Fourth Amendment apply anywhere now?".

Does anyone know of decent suppliers of 3d viewing equipment? Say glasses/monitors? I've found some sites in the US but they aren't cheap (especially with shipping to UK).

"In the dark future, there is only war" -Warhammer 40000

Ah yes, quite right, I should have added its mostly the detaining part.

The patriot act comes to mind. (Which, btw, did nothing to stop Nidal Hasan from killing people.)

Dear Citizen,

The Patriot Act was infact a great help it stopping Nidal Hasan from killing more people than he did! Infact, if we allow full wiretapping, remove all that paperwork that gets in the way of stopping police from stopping and searching you, as well as any probable cause requirements involved, this would never have happenned! It just turns out the soft liberal types, who are first to defend cartoon depictions of child pornography, obviously direct support for paedophiles I might add, which prevents us from keeping you safe from terrorists (You do remember 9/11 right?).

Our inability to stop and hold suspects without probable cause gives them time to destroy all evidence of there terrorist or paedophilic activities! This is why it is vital to detain them imediately so that such evidence can be found, and justice served! Won't you please think of the children?

Signed, Your bought Politician.

For those interested they can already do this in the UK, US I'm not so sure.