Beowulf

Beowulf is a new film version of the Anglo Saxon epic poem, which as every schoolboy knows is the oldest poem in the (Old) English language.

It tells the story of the hero Beowulf in his battles against the monster Grendel, then Grendel's mother, then finally in his old age against a mighty dragon.

This is an animated version, with a lot of clever CGI trickery, though all the actors are quite recognisable. Ray Winstone plays Beowulf, a real hero though given to boasting and lying. Anthony Hopkins is old King Hrothgar, complete with Welsh accent, as indeed all the Danes seem to have funnily enough. And Beowulf speaks cockney - gor blimey! John Malkovich is also on good form as the slimy and devious councillor Unferth.

Die, not dice.

My A level mathematics course contains a module of statistics, in which probability is briefly covered.

Today, my maths teacher began to talk about the discrete nature of the result from the single throw of "a dice". My heart sank. Does the word 'die', as in the singular form of 'dice', really have to end its life in so undignified a way? It's not even a logical progression of the language; it doesn't make sense to use just one word, and it certainly doesn't sound any better.

Python Tips and Tricks

Here are a few handy tips and tricks, to use when writing in Python.

The Fatal Consequences of Taser Misuse

In issue 2623 of New Scientist, for me dated 29th September 2007, there was an article about the correct usage of Tasers, and their safety. They raised several key points about methods which are used to test the safety of Tasers, and the danger of these weapons. Since the publication of this article, a man has been killed as a direct result of several Taser shocks he received. Despite the deaths that they cause, Tasers continue to be used by law enforcement agencies around the world in situations where they are totally unnecessary, and they are even sold to ordinary citizens.

The First Month

I promised myself when we started this site that there wouldn't be any self-referencing posts like this one, so call me a hypocrite if you want. For the rest of you - here's the roundup for the first month of BlueSunCorp! This month we've had 48,469 visits from 44,677 unique users. That averages at about 1600 visits per day, and that's even counting the slow period when we first began. Things really started to pick up around mid November…

Hitman Film 'Review'

 
I was hoping to actually type a review of Hitman, but I changed my mind after watching it and instead I've decided to make a list of why the film is so crap:

This film totally fails to capture the essence of the game. If you want to see a Silent Assasin style Hitman, this is […]

Psychonauts and others for Free

As part of their Holiday Threesome offer, Gametap have provided a list of games which you can play for free until the 31st of December, including several Hitman games (to coincide with the release of the frankly dire film version), Tomb Raider Legend, as well as some classics like Metal Slug. However, the best […]

Answers in Genesis blames Evolution for shootings

"Finland School Shootings: The Sad Evolution Connection"

I'll pause to let you observe that heading for a second. This is the latest attack on evolution - AnswersInGenesis.org have asserted that Pekka-Eric Auvinen was not out of his mind, he was simply a Social Darwinist. Out of respect for the dead, I'm surprised they even tread near this topic, shamelessly using a tragedy to attempt to give evolution a bad name. Could it ever be possible for both sides of this so-called debate to stop reasoning based on the heinous acts of historical figures, or even modern day people, who have simply got it wrong? Even if the inquisition was in the name of Christianity, or if Hitler was an atheist, they're both completely irrelevant. I'm no Christian myself, but I at least recognise that those who do believe in a god mostly have the best in mind, and do have sound moral principles. Similarly, atheists don't feel empty inside, or lacking something. But this is an entirely seperate discussion; the point is, if religion or atheism should be criticised, it should be on the basis on whether it is rational - or not - to believe in an all powerful entity.

Computing Singularity

I read a great page today, detailing several ideas for how computing power - and artificial intelligence - will advance. Some of the concepts Eliezer S. Yudkowsky explores are flat out fascinating - so much so that I've written about a few of them, if you're interested in a synopsis of some of the things he has to say. "If computing speed is doubling every two years," he states, "What happens when computers are doing the research?"

Cryogenics for the Budget Conscious

To some, the prospect of eternal life is an enticing fate, and many believe that they can achieve this with cryogenics, or cryonics to be accurate. I’ve always viewed cryonics with an intense pessimism, but I’ve become a lot more open towards it after reading several studies about the success that has been achieved in preserving the brain. However, it is still reliant on ‘future medicine’ to repair or replace the damage that your body has suffered in your ‘first life’. There are even efforts within the cryogenic community to make it more accessible to the common person, with cheaper plans available if you only want to freeze your head (Neuropreservation). This is especially appealing as ‘future science’ will undoubtably be able to provide you with a perfect new body. Perhaps this is a sensible idea though, it is much cheaper, and the process of freezing can irreparably damage much of the body.