Set-Up Continued

I decided to start the site revamp a little early, since NextGEN Gallery offered a favorable options palette. All of my previous entry’s images have been re-hosted, except for the Pop’n Music ASC project (and all other project photos in general). Some of my featured art is now up as well; just hit the Artwork link at the top of the page. Most of the pieces are fairly old except for the first 3D mecha design and the first sketchbook page, but new ones will come soon!

Spring Cleaning @ PlasmaFire.org

No major updates since Otakon 2008. What a drag. This entire site needs a trim-down again, and I’ll have to work on it over the next few weeks as time allows even though I’m on spring break right now. I’m thinking of doing several things:

1. Change or redirect a new domain name to this site that more or less portrays an “online portfolio” nickname in addition to what I usually write every now and then.

2. Apologies for the lack of art updates at GridLine.PlasmaFire.org in the past…couple of years. They’re all happening exclusively at my deviantART for now, because I’ve planned to get rid of GPFO and the Gallery2 engine. Reason 1: I can no longer keep upgrading the core code and the WPGallery plugin without spending at least one hour tweaking details to my liking each update cycle. WordPress 2.7’s new one-click upgrades and site update system are wonderful additions that I should hope a recent version of G2/G3 has by now, but I’m currently using an outdated version that frankly doesn’t need to be upgraded anymore. Because…Reason 2: my dA needs at most 5 minutes to update with one piece; G2 sometimes takes three times that! The latter is standalone and far more powerful, of course, but I don’t need that many options anymore. Just something to post art, projects, and photos neatly.

3. So, I’ll install a new image organization system that’s lighter and integrated with WordPress’ posting options. I’m thinking about NextGEN Gallery.

4. This means the Tesla Coil Graduation Project page and a number of current site entries will need to be updated with re-uploaded images. For the TCGP, I apologize to anyone who still enjoys looking through the comprehensive image gallery at GPFO, but it may be scrapped entirely. I’ll still post images of the completed coil, specs, and its operation, but only what’s worthwhile.

5. And then…update the Projects page in its entirety.

6. Add new content to Abuse.PlasmaFire.org and record new level demos.

7. Add content to PSAOM.org and give the page a better theme. We do have a full pilot published, but we don’t have it in a net-friendly format yet…

…all while braving upcoming exams and projects. But then again, I’m still thankful to Christ for so many things, including coming home just to take a breather and spend time with my family and church friends. And of course, sleep. Lots of it.

“Don’t use Google.”

That’s what a good number of teachers said when I went to E.N. Peirce Middle School. They told us students to use HotBot, AltaVista, and hey, even Ask Jeeves. They told us that Google wasn’t comprehensive enough, and doesn’t provide in-depth search results. Well let me tell you now, times have certainly changed.

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Otakon 2008 Post-Convention Writeup

So…I ended up keeping my word in the previous entry: no updates to this blog during the convention. It turned out there were no free Internet connections at the Baltimore Marriot Waterfront hotel, and even the Wi-Fi access points weren’t strong enough to carry across the bay.

But all that aside, Otakon 2008 overall was a great way to close the summer before I head back to the dirge of classes. And as I’ll mention later, it was actually a good thing that there was no Internet available. With well over 25,000 registered attendees, this was the largest anime convention on the East coast that had become even bigger than last year. Now some may disagree, but it felt significantly less crowded than 2007’s con, likely because the Programming department shaped up and nailed most of the events down on schedule. Of course, with a gathering of this size, there’s the inevitable “There’s so much to do, but so little time!” syndrome: there were a total of six video anime viewings rooms, four panel locations, three workshops, two autograph rooms, an additional high-definition screenings room (changed from the 35mm screen of years past), a multipurpose concert/films hall, and for the first time ever, the usage of Baltimore’s 1st Mariner Arena for the most popular and crowd-drawing events (masquerade, JAM Project concert, and Sunday concerts). Almost all of the viewings and panel tracks were blocked in Friday through Sunday.

In spite of the massive event flood, there weren’t many that I considered going to. Besides, there was always video gaming, the dealers room, Artist Alley, cosplay photography, exploring Baltimore, getting food, socializing and meeting with friends, and so many other continuously-distracting events to attend. Here’s a rundown of what happened all three (four) days. Hit the “Read more” link!

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Otakon 2008!

Two posts within 24 hours of each other? This is sporadic updating at its best…

And here I go again, about to head off to the largest anime convention on the East Coast: Otakon 2008! I’ll make it clear right now, and quit lying to anyone, that picture uploads from my camera are likely not going to occur. Even more so, weblog updates. I’m referring to my sole Otakon 2007 post and the Tekkoshocon 2008 bit, both of which failed in follow-ups. Otakon’s just too involving throughout the three days, so any write-ups will have to occur in the morning or the late evening – assuming I have any energy remaining.

About mecha cosplay at the convention: it won’t happen. Like my previous entry, I thank God that I’m even able to go (considering a hotel’s required this year, since the Jiangs are unavailable to make room at their house). Although money is an issue due to the increased costs, time is a far worse enemy due to the 6-week Summer Session classes eating up any available long-term project space. Ah well…hope there will be a few good mechs there to photograph! This is Otakon’s 10th anniversary at the Baltimore Convention Center and 15th anniversary overall, so I’m expecting some seriously good costumes there.

Just to close things down on Otakon 2007, though, here’s a video (thanks, Firestorm3818) of a hilarious stage light fire that occurred when myself and a number of con-goers went to Tomokazu Seki‘s Q&A panel (he’s the seiyuu of Sousuke Sagara from Full Metal Panic!, one of my favorite light novel and anime series of all time). I’m still laughing on the inside over this, because even Seki was caught off guard when the thing started to spark and flame…

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