Links
Computer program that learns to play classic NES games
The program is given a set of inputs from a human playing the game, and analyzes the RAM to define success in the game. It then plays the game with no knowledge of the rules, and works incredibly well.North Korea missle launch delayed by Windows 8
#OnionOrActualHeadline
The announcement from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did not indicate a new scheduled time for a missile test, saying only that it was “working with Windows 8 support to resolve the issue.”
A source close to the North Korean regime reported that Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un is furious about the Windows 8 problems and is considering a number of options, including declaring war on Microsoft.
Daft Punk Skrillex Remix - Conte
I’ve always been a fan of Jack’s solo work and his work as part of Pomplamoose. His new electronic sound is excellent as well.Skycons - Free HTML5 weather icons
Skycons is a set of ten animated weather glyphs, procedurally generated by JavaScript using the HTML5 canvas tag.
Postach.io uses Evernote as a blogging platform
I personally am worried by the dependency on Evernote, but it seems like a great way to get a web presence if you’re a heavy user already.John Frusciante - Wayne
John Frusciante releases a song in memory of his friend.Cinemagraphs
These mostly-still images with subtle animations add a great new depth to photographs.
See more at Jamie Beck’s Tumblr
Chrono Trigger Retrospective
Chrono Trigger basically began as a jam session — a couple of star designers and a manga artist getting together to brainstorm and seeing what they might produce. No pressure. No cynicism.
[ . . . ]
Ultimately, the best thing about Chrono Trigger is something that can’t quite be quantified in terms of mechanics, aesthetics, or plot. It’s impossible to play without getting the sense that that its designers really had a lot of fun in conceiving it (barring a stomach ulcer or two) and were wholly dedicated to making sure they got it right. Chrono Trigger is a labor of love effected by a group of very talented game designers, and their enthusiasm for the project permeates every aspect of the experience.
Talk about nostalgia. I still consider Chrono Trigger to be the best game of all time, and this article expresses its appeal perfectly. If you haven’t played it before, fire up the emulator. If you have played it before, reading this will make you want to play again.
Original iChat UI
It's always exciting to see original prototypes of good products. Not to mention the sample conversation going on in there is rather delightful.A Boy Named Sue, and a Theory of Names
During his 1969 concert at San Quentin prison, Johnny Cash proposed a paradigm shift in the field of developmental psychology. He used “A Boy Named Sue” to present two hypotheses:
- A child with an awful name might grow up to be a relatively normal adult.
- The parent who inflicted the name does not deserve to be executed.
What will you name your child?